The Mantis section of Toshi Ranbo shows signs of being hastily --and incompletely -- renovated to reflect their new Great Clan status.  It is an area of the Tsume that has been poorly kept until recently, though Yoritomo Akuto has raised no objections.  A servant ushers you into an understated but elegantly simple tea room to await an audience.

Aki studies the room, he has of course seen it many times but this is the first since it was given to the Mantis. The changes bring to mind the events of the last decade, and a chill runs down Aki's spine as he contemplates another decade of warfare. He then softly speaks "Satoru-sama you said you fought with the Mantis before. I have herd that they are men of action not words, do you have a plan on how we should begin these negotiations?"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:45, Sat 08 Mar 2008.

"Plans are often rigid, Doji-san. To deal with the Mantis you must roll as easily as the Ocean's wave, for that is what a Mantis is used to. Their leader, Yoritomo-sama is a man of great power and ambition. Those who serve him respect the same qualities. Think well on that and we will be able to earn their help." Satoru says, his eyes slightly distant.

 The one-armed monk seems to be contemplating something.  Something that an observer would assume is Satoru's own way of working out a way to earn the Mantis' help.

At last he says to Jiro and Akibieden, "Follow my lead, but if the urge to speak comes upon you do not feel the need to wait my permission."

They say cort is like the battle field. Well lets see if my training can be of some use then. Aki contemplates the tactics of conversation as he waits for the Mantis to arive.

After a short while the screen slides open and a middle-aged man supported by a walking stick enters the room.

"Good day, noble Crane guests, and welcome. I am Tsuruchi Hidemoto, an aide of Yoritomo Akuto."

As he sits down he continues in his gravelly voice, "How may the Mantis help you?"

Not long after two servants enter with sake and tea and approach the guests, silently offering to pour a cup for each of them.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:18, Wed 12 Mar 2008.

"Greetings Tsuruchi-san," Satoru says with a deep bow, holding it for just a fraction longer than is to be expected but not so long as too seem sarcastic or overly filled with praise.
[Private to GM: I will make an Etiquette roll or whatever is appropriate if you would like, to get just the right amount :)]

"I am Satoru, a humble advisor to the Daimyo of Toshi Ranbo from the Four Temples. With me are Doji Akibieden and Asahina Jiro." Satoru says indicating the two Crane next to him. He sits then accepting the tea given him, taking a moment to inhale the aroma.

"I hope your renovations are going well?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Thu 13 Mar 2008.

Akibieden bows to the Tsuruchi then sits and accepts the tea.

Kiro follows suit, accepting tea.

Hidemoto bows to the Crane murmuring a soft "Pleasure to meet" under his breath and, just as he is the last to bow, he also accepts a cup of tea after everyone else has.

"The renovations are going well. Most, in fact, have been completed by now. I've heard one Yoritomo mention that they are modeling their renovations after Kyuden Gotei, though I'm not entirely sure if that's a good thing from the castle's reputation for gaudiness." He smiles briefly before resuming his normal almost grim expression.

He then continues in a blunt but sincere tone, genuinely impressed, "Though if you will not mind me asking, Satoru-san, isn't it unusual for one so young to be a member of a monastic order and an adviser to the lord of the city? The Orders teach humility, I know, but I would rather like to learn what earned you this honour."

"Hai, Tsuruchi-dono. Shinsei's wisdom has allowed me to retain a somewhat youthful splendor." Satoru replies with a smile.

Deciding that bluntness will clearly be the way to earn the Tsuruchi's trust, Satoru takes another sip of tea and glances down at his cup, focusing on its simple design to give himself a slight moment before speaking. He rarely speaks of his life before the monastery but again bluntness will be best. "In a previous life, I fought as a Crane Bushi during the era of our time that I am told is being termed the 'Clan Wars.' I had the honor of fighting in the Battle of Otosan Uchi, where I lost part of my arm to the Dark God's forces." He paused letting these words sink in.

"After the Thunders struck down the ninth kami, I soon realized that my worth as a bushi was at an end. I could not wield a katana and therefore could not serve my Lord. I asked for and was granted retirement, joining the Four Temples where I found some peace, though my soul was still restless. It was at that time that my former Lords asked my new masters if I could serve as an advisor and sensei here in Toshi Ranbo." Satoru paused once more.

"Every monk must face his retirement in his own way. To teach and advise is a great honor. In thanks to the Four Temples, the Crane have been their voice in the courts, helping us with many things such as funding to maintain our Temples and speaking on our behalf to the most Righteous Son of Heaven. A Crane's kindness and gratitude can be a most bontious gift." Satoru says.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:17, Thu 13 Mar 2008.

Somewhat surprised at that amount of bluntness but again he seems quite impressed with Satoru.

We all do. He lightly touches his lame leg, "I had a similar choice, though I can be a very stubborn man. I consider it very lucky that Lord Tsuruchi decided to place me here and in that way I continue my duty. I do no think I am suited for retiredment. Karma does have an interesting way of turning out however. Perhaps someone in the Heavens thought you more suited to a scholarly pursuit in life? Never had I thought that a man might be blessed by losing an arm but I think that this is what may have happened to you.

"But please, do not call me dono. I am just a man."

He then takes a sip of tea and regards the guests.

"I should not neglect the other members of your party however. Excuse me, Asahina-san, but I am not very familiar with the concept of a man wearing two mons. Nor am I, for that matter, to an Asahina with a katana. May I ask what it means, or will I be intruding too much into a personal matter?"

Jiro laughsA fair question can do no harm; how else is one to learn, and is knowledge not the greatest gift a samurai can hope for.  As to the personal nature of the question, it is not in my nature to hide, on the battlefield, or at the table.  The story of my mon is also one of a blessing that wears the face of a curse.  Not pausing to reconsider the bluntness of his statement. In my youth I failed to achieve what was expected of any school in my clan.  I was a dropout.  It seemed that the fortunes smiled and revealed their plan when my family sent me to the Toku school to get rid of me.  It was there that I graduated, and found my spirit's home.  While my body shall always belong to my lord, He taps the Crane mon on his right shoulder and the Crane, my spirit belongs with my Sensei. He taps the Toku mon over his heart.  Through the joining of the dual services of the mind and body, thew whole of self found freedom.  You look like a man who understands such things.

We are about to be attacked and they prattle on like women! Aki's face starts to sour as he listens to the conversation.

Completely oblivious to the imminent attack...

"Perhaps I do," he says as he touches a red band around his arm with an almost sardonic smile.


"Now, I assume that you are all here on behalf of the city's governor. What is it that we may help him with?"

"It seems our brothers the lion have once again taken an interest in Toshi Ranbo. His heralds are sharpening their spears as we speak." He pauses for a moment, "Our honored Joshu felt it only polite to invite you to join in greeting them upon the Plains of battle."

Doji Akibieden rolled 44 using 6d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max. Awerness/Ettequite

Joshu – Lord of Castle, usually younger brothers of the daimyo or a honored general or commander

Satoru noted the younger man's impatience but if the Doji's out burst had affected him he did not let it play across his features. I recall this man being trained by Crane but perhaps the Matsu have been infiltrating our dojos posing as our sensei, he mused. Nonetheless, the boy had managed to get to the point while not insulting that Mantis at this moment. Satoru resolved to see this play out. If the bushi could make it work all the better. If not, well there were three of them here for a reason.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:43, Wed 19 Mar 2008.

Very impressive.

"Ah, well- what now!?"

He stares for a moment at Akibieden, drinking the last of his tea to cover the moment of shock.

After a short while he shakes his head, almost smirking. "I like you Crane."

"So the Lion are about to attack Toshi Ranbo? Again? Why? And how do you know this?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:14, Tue 18 Mar 2008.

Not so hard after all.

Aki continues in the tone of a soldier giving a report, "Several travelers have reported sighting large movments of lion bushi in the area. We have reason to belive that this is in preparation to attack. As to the how an why that is beyond the knowledge of this soldier." Aki pauses for a moment, looks as if he is going to continue but then falls silent.

No need to tell to much I suppose. I've set the conversation on track and now if he wishes Satoru-san can retake the reins.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:28, Tue 18 Mar 2008.

Hidemoto simply watches, keeping his expression impassive, waiting for Satoru or the Asahina to pick the thread up and continue.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:47, Thu 20 Mar 2008.

Satoru makes a small coughing noise. "Doji-san has mentioned all that is known right now. This attack comes not at the Crane but at the city of Toshi Ranbo as a whole. Our lords wondered if you would like to help in defense of this city. An opponent such as the Lion, there are few greater glories than facing them. And by standing with us as allies & brothers like we did during the Clan Wars, we can stand with you in helping to make your new estate an envy of all the other Great Clans. For few would doubt a Mantis' worth with the Righteous Son of Heaven's blessings AND a close friendship with the Crane clan." he replies, sipping his tea once more.

He watches Satoru for a few moments before answering, "Tempting as your offer is I will know more before promising our aid."

"You don't know then what prompted this attack. It is unsurprising, but also unexpected. The Lion and the Crane have an obsession with this city. Still, it is very soon. The Clan Wars have barely ended and an Emperor has just been chosen. Starting a war now is madness, especially because the Emperor must stop them. If he does not he risks appearing weak and unable to control the clans. Have you actually informed the Emperor? He cannot possibly want to allow this.

"But tell me this as well; why can the Crane not defend Toshi Ranbo on their own? You have succeeded in holding it for some time now.

"And finally, you do realise that our intervention in saving the city could be even more terrible than the Crane losing Toshi Ranbo to the Lion. If you alone fight it may be glossed over by the other clans. If we help, the Lion may decide war with both our clans then at the same time. It could be the spark reigniting the Clan Wars, the last thing the Mantis wants to cause."


[Private to GM: What dice roller do you guys use? I would like to make an Awareness/Courtier check to see if there's anything they're keeping from us.]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:57, Thu 20 Mar 2008.

"To the lion war is life. They made their plans to retake this city before the clan wars, now  that conflict is compleat and they have returned to their previous course. Otenno-sama  was once a lion and perhaps this has emboldend the wariors of that clan."

"As far a we Crane are concerned we will fight, and hold this place, with or without allies. You may however want to concider the benifit an ally, like the crane, could be. It seems a people of the sea should wish to be freinds with  those of the coast. Also As Satoru-san stated their is no mare glorious an opponent than the lion, and it would seem an island clan has little to fear from a clan with no coast and no navy."

Satoru nods his head to the Doji, Well said, young Crane. Perhaps there is a Doji in you after all.

"I would also echo what Doji-san has just said.

As far as the Emperor is concerned though, a messenger has been sent to him but the trip to Otosan Uchi can be lengthy. Then the Righteous Son of Heaven must gather his resources to stop the errant Lion. One would never doubt that Our Lord Toturi could do such a thing, but as his vassals charged to keep this city, we would be fools to wait for him to do so, when he gave us this city to protect in the first place.

Again though, our offer to you is not one of cowardice on our part. The Crane shall defend Toshi Ranbo like they always have.  We merely wish to share the glory with you. Supervising the construction of buildings can only hold a bushi's attention for so long afterall."

He stares at Satoru for a moment, not knowing whether to take his lasts sentence as an insult or not. Whatever the case, the offer of friendship with the Crane doesn't seem to have had the desired effect.

Finally, "Very well, but I want you to understand this very clearly: If we help you it will not be to curry favour with the Crane, nor will it be in a vain pursuit of glory. Lord Yoritomo interfered in the previous wars to protect the peasants of the Empire, a duty all samurai have. If we interfere again it will be for the same reason, our duty as samurai.

"Now, please enjoy your tea. I will discuss the matter with Yoritomo Akuto-sama."

He pauses a moment, watching if anyone wants to respond. If no one does he stands up and takes his walking stick, bowing to the assembled Crane before finally leaving.

[Private to GM: So...what now?]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:25, Fri 21 Mar 2008.

After Hidemoto-san exits, “Do you think we will gain their aid. They have much to gain with our friendship.” Continuing without heed of his words, “Not the least of witch is removing us from the equation if their conflict with our long time friends the phoenix should become hostile.” Aki scratches his chin a moment before becoming aware of the loss of face he has just demonstrated. “Uh…pardon my…I” He then falls silent.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:07, Sun 23 Mar 2008.

Before Tsuruchi Hidemoto makes it to the door, Jiro gets up and asks if he may have a word.  [Private to GM: if he accepts Jiro, speaks quietly to him.  My compatriots are far to proud to see what is this day, and while there is no shame in recognizing a superior opponent, I myself would shy from speaking of it were it not for my duty to the people here.  The Crane here will fight valiantly, and without help will assuredly die as valiantly.  There is no shame in this for the Samurai, but what of the hei-mim.  New occupation never bodes well for the peasantry, and I was taught that all life has value.  Toku himself was born a peasant.  The crane do not need your help; for there is no greater honor than a glorious death in battle, the people of Toshi-Ranbo need your help" and he spontaneously recites/creates a poem about the samurai's duty to the people
"The dead born servants
/Lie eternally watchful
/of their living charge”
23:20, Today: Asahina Jiro rolled 47 using 9d10+13, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max. moving poem (2 raises+2 free raises) 1vp (total of 4 raises)]

Satoru watches Hidemoto go with a pleasant look upon his face. He does not stop Jiro hoping perhaps the Shugenja can turn what ended up being a sour experience into something better.

He whispers quietly to Akibieden, "It appears we have a very idealistic Mantis on our hands.I had hoped our illustrating of the benefits to helping us were evident but one never knows.

As for pardons, Doji-san. It is my estimation that your words were on mark with what this Mantis wanted to hear more so than my own. Your path worked this time, as even weapons such as a Tetsubo or a peasant's kama can find their mark even though the Katana is unparralleled in its grace. Each weapon or path has its use; learn to use as many as you can."

Hidemoto nods once to Jiro's request and escorts him to a private room.

Hai, sencei-sama. Akis head is bowed. Oh well, I've never been called a liar.

Satoru smiles at the young Crane, but says nothing intent to wait for the Tsuruchi's return.

As the minutes tic past Aki slips into the ready state of mind of the long time gaurd. His thoughts at once on his surroundings and allowed to wander. Memories of past battles and old freinds fill the gaps in his attention and soon his face assumes the blank stare of the long time soldier. "Satoru-sencei I have been told that in battle the true man is revield and in those moments a samurai's true honor is shown." Aki begins half to the air, "I have known battle, and have seen its effects on men. I have watched brave men loose there bowles before the lines meet, and seen cowards stand in the face of certine death. We train to fight mam on man yet in battle the men pair off and take the enemy two on one." He continues in a distant voice as if speaking to himself at this point, "In my opinion the battle field is a window to the jelous relms not the honored path to glory. How can I feel this, what dont I understand?" His last words bringing him forth from his reverie.

The Doji's words hit close to home whether he knew it or not.

"Battle reveals much, my student. It's effects have been studied by all wise minds at one time or another. Some like our brothers the Asahina and our cousins the Phoenix seek to eschew it altogether.

The truth as I have come to see it is this. Violence on it's own is not honorable. However the samurai in battle, may acquit himself as an honorable man. In many ways violence is inevitable, the Day of Thunder showed us this. However distasteful violence is, and it should always be a last resort, A samurai's purpose is to fight and protect both his Lord who shelters and feeds him and those beneath him for they are unable to.

So battle does not always reveal the honor of a Samurai, sometimes it reveals his worst sides. No one knows how they will acquit themselves. They may only prepare as best they can." Satoru says.

"Do you fear how you will acquit yourself?"

"I have seen battle, and I have played both the dragon and the tiger.* I am not yet an old man but I find myself dreading the day I must endure this test again. I have seen horors and glory, my body is covered with scares, and I have served my clan well. At the end of the day though I retire to the castle barracks, I have no home, no land or family. What good can come of a glorious death if I have no sons to remember? Whose prayers will guide my soul to yomi? I have tread on the borders of Toshigoku for almost a decade now and I fear my soul is destined to reside their forever."


*referance to yin and yang

Satoru frowns, "Poet's Masterpiece, Shall it never be complete until he is dead.

A worthy vassal is soon betrothed. Great honor has already been bestowed upon you, think of whose audience you had before we came to the Mantis. To be in the company of such people, and you doubt your fortunes, Doji-san?"

"Certinely you are correct Satoro sencei." Aki lets out a clensing breath. "All this preparation for war has iluminated the dark corners of my mind. I am blessed in serivce and have no wife because you cant find one in camp, now that I have gained a regular post things should progress as they are intended."  Then with a grin, "I could always hire a match maker!"

"Indeed, and the Doji themselves excel at that art. You are young my friend, far worse men have found a woman to give them children." Satoru said with a smile.

"WELL NOW!" booms a large samurai dressed in the colors of the Mantis and wearing the mon of the Yoritomo over his right breast, "I hear that the Crane have invited the Mantis to come and play with their Lion visitors!  I am Yoritomo Akuto, and I would hear more about this!"

Hideomoto follows Akuto into the room.

Satoru took stock of the Mantis man, this shall be a man that Akibieden, shall get thru to best he decided.

"Greetings Yoritomo-sama. May I present to you, Doji Akibieden, Crane Bushi, and myself, Satoru, an advisor to this city's Daimyo. We will be happy to give you whatever we know about our visitors. What in particular did you wish to know?"

"Details!  Doji-san, Asahina-san, and Satoru-san!" Yoritomo Akuto barks, "the Oni is in the details!  What are their numbers?  What are yours? Where will we meet them?  And what are you offering for our role in this fracas?"

"Indeed, details, Doji-san will brief you on the military aspects. But in addition to the glory of fighting against a foe like the Lion and allying with a clan like the Crane. The Crane would be very much inclined to help you in procuring the materials to make your embassy here truly magnificent." Satoru says.

 [Private to Asahina Jiro; Doji Akibieden; Kaze no Kage; Tsuruchi Hidemoto: OOC: Did Jiro come back in? And kaze do you want any sort of roll for this?]

This wont work on a man like this. he wants spear counts and how long can we hold out in a siege. "If I may use the tea set Yoritomo-sama," Aki pauses only long enuff to seem polite then starts arrangeing the tea set about the table, "The pot is Toshi ranbo, this is nikatoshi and the left is Oiku. The lion are assumed to have 2 daibutai that will strike from the south and west." Aki places the tea cups in the areas Kenji-san and kedo-san indicated earlyer. "The garrison as you are no doubt aware consists of 3 Kaisha. If time allows we will train the peasants as ashigaru levies but their numbers are not really great enuff to be of much concequence." Aki looks to the Soldier lord across the table. "When the lion come everyone here will treated as an enemy, this is why we felt it nessacary to inform you of these events." the gears in akis mind spin wildly, "Your honorable clan has no qualm with the lion, and the glory of your rise to great clan status is still fresh. If you can see no benifit in standing with us, or simply do not wish to insult the lion, the road leading to the palace of the emerald champion is clear." Akis hand demonstrates the path leading direcly oppisit of the oncoming enemy. "We will not trick you into involvment. The choice is yours yoritomo-sama, stand with us or your clan can remain uninvolved."   Let see if this works, I'd put my koku on the fact that the only battle this man has put his back to are the ones he's won.

"The Mantis are not mercenaries to be bought with an offer of koku, no matter how prettily you word it, Satoru-san," Yoritomo Akuto snaps sharply, "we are samurai, as you are, and have loftier goals than mere riches.  If the Mantis are to come to your aid, your offer will need to match our requirements.

Alone, the Mantis are capable of bringing two kaisha to bear in time, but the Mantis have allies that the Crane may not."

[Private to Satoru: no need to roll, I've got your stats and will roll them at need, but if you want to roll instead, feel free;  I'm letting it be a bit freeform because social situations are like that ^_^]

Buy the fortunes that was not expected! Aki's face goes blank for a second before he regains his composure.

"Yoritomo-sama", Akis head bows, "Satoru-san ment no disrespect I'm shure he only wished to demonstrae the gratitude our dimyo would show If you decided to stand along side the warriors of the crane." Looking up, "You are men of action and feirce warriors to be shure. We do not belive you would enter battle for riches or vanity but If shuch aid was given we would certinely feel obligated to return the gesture in our custom. These gifts are not payment but the rightfull due of an honoarable ally. The Lion have allready offered all the reason for battle. It would be a fine demonstration of your clans military skill, you would be facing the finest land army in Rokugan on the open field. This would do much to end any grumbelings the preaty courtiers may have about your clans 'rightfull' place as a great clan."

Doji Akibieden rolled 29 using 6d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,6,8,8,7,4. Awer/etti .

Satoru sips his tea while Akibieden speaks. As the younger man finishes, Satoru glances down to admire the new layout of the tea set. Only amongst the Mantis would such an "arrangement" be possible.

"Indeed, Yoritomo-sama, I must apologize for how I phrased my arguments. The Crane clan has had a long history of exchanges with our allies. With our friends in the North Mountains, the Dragon we often exchange rice, for wisdom and insight that a Kitsuki or a Togashi may have. We exchange our students so that we may witness the brilliance of Mirumoto's odd yet beautiful technique. In dealings with the Crab, to the south, we exchange jade for training our troops in Hida's art of War or a Kaiu's expertise in fortifications.

So to you, we offered our help in building your embassy. It is our city and we know it well. The pathes one must cross to get a building done and done well can be arduous.  If that help is not wanted or needed that is quite fine by the Crane." Satoru says, "But rest assured, the Crane's reputation for generosity with its allies is not to be dismissed as a purchasing of mercenaries."

"I apologize for my hasty assumptions, Satoru-san," Yoritomo Akuto bows, "too many see the Mantis as little better than honorless ronin to be bought by the highest bidder.  As it so happens, however, what the Crane may offer to the Mantis is not material in nature, but a duty that the Crane have little use for.  The Minor Clans of the Empire are a much neglected group whom the Crane have been generous enough to support in the Courts.  However, they trust the Great Clans but little, having been at their mercy for so many centuries, and hesitate to bring their issues to the Crane.  The Mantis, however, are of their own and hold a unique position of being able to support them in the courts and see things from their point of view.  If the Crane were willing to offer to the Mantis their duty of supporting the Minor Clans in Court, it would be beneficial for everyone involved...except for the Lion, of course."

pvt[Private to Kaze no Kage: am I in the room or not.... 'cause IDK if I am]

So it is like battle after all. He attacks our front with a seemingly overwhelming force, but all the while it is a bluff to hide a flanking maneuver. Perhaps if the teachers had explained it this way I would have paid more attention. Aki regards the state of the conversation and comes to the conclusion that he has played his part. The mantis now know the status of the battle and has reveled the level of aid they can offer. It's up to Satoru-san and Jiro-san to work out the courtly particulars.

"The Crane have always respected their cousins in the Sparrow. We have always supported the Dragonfly, despite Lion desires. Any help that has not been offered to a Minor Clan, was only set that way to not offer insult by assuming a Clan could not take care of its own problems.

If the Mantis wish it, the Crane would be delighted to speak on behalf of any Minor clan that wishes it. Let the Doji's voice speak for any in Rokugan who wish it. And let the Lion understand that having a prowess in battle is not cause to do whatever one pleases. To your honorable House, Yoritomo-sama." Satoru says raising his cup.

Hidemoto himself while present has been sitting and watching quietly all the time. When Satoru finished speaking he paused and stared at Satoru for a split second, wondering if he had simply misunderstood what Satoru had said or if Satoru had misunderstood Akuto intentions regarding the minor clans.

"What is done is done, Satoru-san," Yoritomo Akuto replies coldly, "there is no recovering the errors of the past.  The Three Man Alliance and the Fall of the Hare proved that the Minor Clans must watch out for their own or be trampled under the heels of the Great Clans--even the Sparrow/Fox conflict, which led to the appointment of the Crane as representatives of the Minor Clans, has fallen by the wayside.  The Minor Clans look out for themselves, it only remains for the Crane to acknowledge that fact."

"And in that they shall." Satoru said simply.

"The Mantis have made their requirements clear," Yoritomo Akuto shrugs, "if the Crane wish to accept them, feel free to contact us through Hidemoto-san.  Otherwise, we wish you good fortune in your endeavors against the Lion."

"Yoritomo-sama, perhaps my time in retirement has made me a bit of a fool when it comes to speaking. I believe I understand your intentions. And the Crane do stand ready to support the Minor clans in the court, we have always seen it as our 'duty' to support any who work in service to the Son of Heavens. It is not dishonorable to admit, that the Crane have misstepped in our duty over the centuries, as any mortal is prone to do.

But I fail to see how our goals do not align with your own at this moment." Satoru asks.

"Then you will have no trouble acceding to our request, Satoru-san," Yoritomo Akuto shrugs, "if you feel the need to consult with your superiors, feel free to do so.  If you will excuse me, I have another appointment that I must prepare for," he bows and exits.