As Sakura settles down to meditate she can't quite shake the feeling that someone is watching her.  But a thorough search of the area comes up with nothing.  After settling down to meditate, the Daidoji shugenja notes the Asahina librarian unobtrusively delivering the scrolls without disturbing her contemplation.

Hours pass and the nagging sensation simply will not go away...

OOC:  I'm not certain how long you intended to meditate, but assume you did without interruption

***

"Of course, Bayushi-san, Bayushi-san," the Seppun replies, "it is always a good time for the children of Shiba's twin."

Sakura arose from her contemplations without answers. She was being watched, this much she knew, but by who? Was her "faithful yojimbo" paying too much attention to her? Or was there someone else around, waiting for ... something?

She was going to have to be more careful.

Revealing her magics in the bathhouse was a calculated risk -- one that backfired on her. She interfered with the Shadow Hunters and alerted the Shadow to her presence at the same time. Not to mention any others that might have been watching at the time.

Sakura moved to a different location and copied the scrolls she had been given*. After doing so, she returned them to the librarian with her thanks.

Moments later she left the library, paying attention as she went. Who -- or what -- was interested in her?

[I'm assuming this is the proper procedure -- that the scrolls were a loan.]

"Excellent!" Kenshin said with a bow. He then turned to his wife.

"Shinobu-Chan ...?"

She would have a better idea of "who's who" than he would ...

"It's so entertaining watching you work, Daidoji-san," a voice from an unlit corner of the library whispers.  Daidoji Kumi is immediately on her guard, aiguchi in her hands backing you up against the wall.

***

"We'll just be visiting with Otomo Miki, if you don't mind Seppun-san," Shinobu bows before leading the way to the Imperial courtier's meeting room.

"Ah, Shinobu-san, and this must be your husband," Otomo Miki smiles, "please be welcome Bayushi-san."

Sakura showed no surprise at the odd voice.

"So, you show yourself ... in a manner of speaking."

"Thank you" Kenshin said with an appropriately low bow. He decided that he would leave the talking to Shinobu in this case. The Imperial family would not be offended at one of their own if she slipped up ...

"Of course," the voice replies, "your pursuit was quite entertaining--and quite useful, as far as it went--but it has ceased to serve either of our purposes.  Continue to oppose us and you will fail in your other duties--an unwelcome outcome for both of our interests."

Daidoji Kumi looks confused, but she knows that the time for questions is not now.

***

As Otomo Miki and Shinobu began the dance of small talk that always proceeds serious negotiation, another man--wearing the mon of the Seppun pours Kenshin a cup of tea.

"Well, Bayushi-san," he says, cutting right to the heart of the matter, "we've all heard some troublesome rumors the last few days.  Is there any chance you could give us a clearer account?  As much as you're concerned with your wife's welfare, we must be concerned with the Otomo's."

"And just which 'us' are you referring to?" Sakura asked warily.

"I wish I could, Seppun-Sama" Kenshin said, taking a sip of his tea, "but I'm afraid I only came in on the periphery of these events."

"While escorting a humble monk, we met the Crane Magistrate, Daidoji-San. We were then assaulted by a small band of apparent Ronin that fought with the style of the Daidoji Irregulars."

"The only other thing I can tell you without merely repeating rumors is that the Scorpion have offered military aide ..."

"Can". A truthful word, as he had not been given leave to say when the Scorpion Troops were to arrive. Everything else that he said should have already been public knowledge.

"Oh, you have such colorful names for us:  Shadow Spawn, minions of the Lying Darkness, creatures of the Nothing, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.  Personally, I always liked the name Ninube Tamago," the voice replies.

***

"Well, that is more than we had been able to confirm ourselves," the Seppun replies gratefully, "and would you care to speculate on the unity of our hosts?  After all, if there is to be trouble with the Lion, the Crane must have divergent opinions on how to deal with it."

"So, they feel that I'm dangerous enough to send a Ninube" Sakura replied with a chuckle, "I'm honored."

"To be honest she continued in a more serious tone, "I had moved on to other ... 'more immediately pressing' matters. But I shall certainly give your message due consideration."

Kenshin considered his answer.

"The Daidoji always have different opinions than the more polished Crane families."

It was something of a tautology for those that spent any amount of time with the Crane, and Kenshin had been raised among them.

"The Daidoji are as not well-polished as the Doji or the Kakita, but they are loyal defenders Crane. And while I know very little of what they do, I do know that they're very good at what they do. The Crane consider their irregulars to be worth fifty 'regular' Crane Samurai. No General would just throw that advantage away."

"Whatever they are doing, they will protect this city and their clan. And whatever happens, the Crane will be unified when it's all over."

PM[Private to Daidoji Sakura: so my efforts to bring the Lying Darkness part of the plot to a close fail...again ^_^]

PM
[Private to Kaze no Kage: Oh, I wouldn't tackle this one by myself anyway. hopefully]

"Your continued interest would be useless in any case," the Ninube replies, "we accomplished what we set out to do.  Any further interference on our part would be...counter productive--especially since you seem so dead set against us.  But it seemed discourtious to leave without saying farewell and good luck.  Should you survive, we will be watching your future career with great interest."

***

"Ah, so it is the Daidoji who have been expressing their...discontent," the Seppun nods thoughtfully, "perhaps there might be something that would encourage their...cooperation?"

Sakura's eyes narrowed in contemplation. She knew it had been a mistake to use her brand of Shadow Magic.

"I see. Is there any ..."

She was suddenly 'distracted' by Kumi's Aiguchi.

"Oh! Kumi-Kun, put that away!"

Sakura waited a beat, part of her dramatic flair, before continuing.

"This" she said pulling out her Crystal Wakizashi and handing it to Kumi, "is much more effective on the Ninube."

"Sorry" she said, turning back to the Ninube, "where was I ... oh yes, is there anything else you wished to talk to me about?"

Kenshin thought for a moment.

"I'm afraid I don't know" he finally said, "but I might be able to make a discrete inquiry."

"And you have a sense of humor," the Ninube laughs, "you'd be surprised how few manage to keep that.  No, there was nothing else, I just wanted to say farewell." And then the dark presence is gone.

"I don't suppose you'd care telling me what all this is about?" Daidoji Kumi asks, putting the crystal blade away.

***

"That would be most helpful," the Seppun smiles, "if there is anything you need..."  As you discuss, a young woman enters.

"Ah, Miya Momoko, welcome," the Seppun says, "this is Bayushi Kenshin, also a guest of the Crane and a student of the Kakita school.  Perhaps you two know each other?"

Momoko started, and bowed - she was sure she recognised the samuarai faintly - but she did not know him well.

"Seppun-sama, Bayushi-san, it is a pleasure to see you both."  She is tiny, a head and a half smaller than the average height of a woman, and so slight, her swords seem to dominate her form - they look too big for her to use properly.

She bows politley.

"That" Sakura replied softly, "is what had managed to infiltrate our Harriers."

Sakura seemed focused, very focused. There was something wrong ...

"That their job is done is disturbing, to say the least. I think it's time to go check something ..."

And with that she headed out to the Daidoji area. It was the first of many places she would need to check.

Kenshin bowed to the newcomer, the mask "Honor" shining brightly on his face. It was a pun that few besides the Scorpion could get away with.

"I've seen her about" Kenshin replied politely, "but we've never formally met."

"Please allow me to introduce my wife" he continued, indicating an elegantly attractive Shugenja, "Shinobu." Elegant indeed. There seemed to be nothing "seductive" or "sneaky" about Bayushi Shinobu.

If anything, she might be considered a touch naive.

"Very please to meet you Shinobu-san.  I do hope you are well.  Are you enjoying your time here?"

The young lady smiled, unfazed at talking to people behind masks it seemed.

"Did you ever meet a young man by the name of Bayushi Nokowara?"  Her tone is polite, casual... almost.  A strange inflection when she says the man's name hides some sort of emotion, but of what sort, it isn't clear.

Kenshin thought for a moment.

"That name does not sound familiar, but I was raised among the Crane. In fact, I have yet to 'go home' as it were. Shinobu-Chan was a Seppun before she married me, so it's not likely she would know him either."

He seemed a little embarrassed by the last statement, as if bragging was not his style.

"Shinobu-Chan? Does that name sound familiar to you?"

"It is of no consequence - please do not trouble yourself over it." She smiled but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Seppun-san, thankyou for introducing me to such wonderful guests." Momoko smiled again, this time her eyes wrinkled at the corners. Idly, her hand flattens her obi.

"It has been a pleasure meeting you Bayushi-san, and you too Shinobu-san. If I can be of any assiatance, please do summon me.  Even if you wish a gentle practice with the sword, Bayushi-san."

"I'm always up for sparring" Kenshin replied, "Sensei tells me that I need to work on my Spirit."