Bayushi Kenshin makes his way to the Imperial enclave where he is met by Miya Shiko.

"Ah, Bayushi Kenshin," Miya Shiko bows, "what brings you to me today?"

Kenshin bowed properly, though he did not raise himself -- not yet.

"I am here to report on our mission" Kenshin replied properly.

"Please rise, Bayushi Kenshin-san," Miya Shiko replies, somewhat embarrassed, "I am merely a shisha, not the Voice of the Emperor Himself."

Kenshin rose. The point, after all, was to show due respect -- not to insult.

"Our mission was successful" Kenshin began, "no Samurai from that area will be coming here. We also discovered that the other general believes the Lion to have the Emperor's blessing. It is quite doubtful that he could be dissuaded, no matter how honorable or accurate the argument."

"The Emperor's thoughts are his own," Miya Shiko replies thoughtfully, "though it is doubtful that the Lion would go to such effort without some reason to believe in its veracity.  It is something to ponder..."

"Of course. Is there anything else I can do to serve? I must report to our Ambassador quickly, but after that I can be at your disposal."

"No, Kenshin-san," Miya Shiko smiles, "I believe my duty here is complete.  Feel free to join your allies with no concern outside of survival."