"We have parted ways" Shosuro Kasumi replied, "for now at least. Daidoji Kumi has been named my Yojimbo ...."

"It seems that Daidoji Ryu is behind the murders, and an attempt on my life this afternoon. Unfortunately I cannot simply have him arrested ... it would do too much to the morale of the Crane. Having him killed would have a similar effect."

"I am strongly considering having a chat with him. Perhaps he can still be reasoned with ... and if his Face can be saved, then Crane morale can also be."

She was completely unaware of Kedo's mission -- and it's results.

"More importantly, however, one of his lieutenants has been tainted and needs to be dealt with, quickly and discretely."

"Then, perhaps I can finish my bath and head the the library ... which is what I started out to do this morning."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Wed 01 July 2009.

"Which lieutenant?" Shosuro Rei asks, death in her voice.

"Daidoji Takagero" she replied. "I haven't tested him person, but the person who killed our detained Shadow Hunter was tainted -- and according to the witnesses, the only person to see him was Tokagero."

One complex hand signal and the whisper of opening and closing shoji later, Shosuro Rei returns to her pleasant, smiling self.  "Was there anything else, Kasumi-san?  Or should I release you to your studies?"

"I'll need to talk to the Junshin briefly" she replied pleasantly, "so that my Yojimbo doesn't get suspicious. Other than that, no."

"Very well, I believe that he is on his way to visit his spouse," Rei replies.

***

"That is wonderful, dear" Bayushi Shinobu replies upon hearing Kenshin's news, "have they mentioned where we will serve?  or will we be allowed to choose our court?  Oh, this is so exciting, I will have to write my cousins to see where I may do the most good!"

Kenshin smiled at his wife's reply. She was still so innocent, but she was Scorpion now. She could stay innocent, but not naieve.

"Hold on, Shinobu-Chan" he said gently. He waited for his wife's attention before continuing.

"You're Bayushi now, the only ones in the Empire that will treat you like a Seppun are your cousins."

He approached her and gently touched her cheek.

"My mistress gave me the choice" he continued. "Neither of us are used to the courts in our current role. I no longer have the protection of the Crane to fall back on, and you no longer have the protection of your father's name."

"So we will go see the Imperial Family here in Toshi Ranbo first and then make our rounds. The object is to get used to the courts in our currently ordained roles -- in a time and place where we will be allowed to practice."

"There will be no time to practice later ..."

"Thank you, Rei-Chan" Sakura said with a polite bow. Then she was off, looking for Kenshin and his wife.

[She'll polite knock when she finds them ...]

"Oh...oh, of course that's right," Shinobu blushes, "I hadn't thought of that...but I believe that I will write to them anyway, for harmless court gossip, nothing more--it would be discourtious to simply cut them off just because we are married," she continues stubbornly, when a soft knocking interrupts their conversation.

"Whoever could that be?" she wonders, "please come in!"

"Of course" Kenshin replied, agreeing with his wife, "and they are still family."

He then awaited the newcomer.

Sakura slid the door politely and bowed to the couple.

"I didn't mean to interrupt. Bayushi Kenshin-San, I just wanted to thank you properly for your help earlier. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know ..."

"Don't mention it" Kenshin said returning the bow.

"Allow me to introduce you to my wife. This is Daidoji Sakura-Sama, the Crane Magistrate investigating the recent murders. Daidoji Sakura-Sama, this is my wife, Shinobu."

"Sakura-san," Shinobu gushes, "I have heard so much about you!  Your daring adventures are all anyone in the City can talk about these days!  But where is your dark and mysterious yojimbo?  Surely he is still in your service?"

"I have asked him to take another role" Sakura replied polite, "so I have another Yojimbo for now."

Ironically enough, it was a true statement. She had asked -- demanded really -- a role from Kedo. He was to be her Yoriki, though Kedo's response had been "less than enthusiastic". Still, he had yet to give her a firm response.

Still, that would be enough to keep the rumor mills going.

"Forgive me" she continued with a bow, "but I must leave. It was a pleasure meeting you."

"And you, Sakura-san," Shinobu bows, "I'm pleased to see that so few of the pleasant rumors about you are false.  Perhaps we will see each other again."

"I'm sure we will" Sakura replied politely. "Until we meet again ..."

Then she was off. She would need to collect her new Yojimbo before she headed to the library.

Kenshin said his goodbyes and then looked down at his newly tattered kimono.

"I'd better change before we go out" he mused. "And could I get you to look at this as well? I don't know if there's anything you can do ..."

Minami-San had healed him somewhat, but he was still a bit wounded.

Kumi joins Sakura without a word and the two head off to the library.  There, one of the Asakura librarians asks:  "What are you looking for, Daidoji-san?"

[Private to Bayushi Kenshin: is Shinobu a shugenja?  or does she have some medical training?  it's fine if she is/does, I just want to know ^_^]

Sakura bowed to the librarian.

"My repertoire seems to be somewhat insufficient for the task I've been assigned" she replied courteously. "I asked the Governor if I could avail myself of your services, and he said I could get whatever help you deem wise."

"Of course, Daidoji-san," the librarian replies, spreading her arms wide, "but our collection is large.  It would help to know what sort of scrolls you are looking for."

***

"Of course, husband mine," Shinobu smiles, pulling down one of her many scrolls from her shelf.

OOC:  heal 15 wounds

"Yes, that is true" Sakura replied with a smile. "I have two tasks to consider: the upcoming battle and more ... delicate work."

"Is this a pacifistic library? Do you have scrolls such as 'Yari of Air'? Or just things like 'Silent Waters'? Perhaps more important at the moment, do you have someplace I could meditate for a few minutes? My morning has been rather ... hectic."

"Thank you, Shinobu-Chan" he replied softly. "Now let me remove the stains of this morning's battle and we can go to the Imperial compound for a visit. That seems the best place to start, ne?"

He kissed her gently and then went to change.

[Once the necessities are done, and assuming Shinobu doesn't have a better idea, we can head to see the Imperials.]

"Our library is fairly complete, Daidoji-san," the librarian replies, "while the Asahina rarely engage in violence, it behooves us to know all the ways in which the kami communicate.  I will go find them for you," the shugenja gestures down a hall, "There are plenty of alcoves expressly for the purpose of meditation down there Daidoji-san, I will find you when I have your selections."

***

The Imperial wing of the palace is quiet and well guarded by the Seppun.

"Bayushi Shinobu-san, Bayushi Kenshin-san" one bows as you approach, "it has been too long since you have graced these halls.  How can we be of assistance?"

"Thank you" Sakura replied courteously. She then headed to a convenient alcove for some deep contemplation. After all, she had a serious problem to deal with.

Or so she thought.

"We have decided to call on the Clans and pay them courtesy" Kenshin replied with a bow, "but before we did that we wanted to visit the Emperor's Cousins."

"Is this a good time?"

They would have to wait, of course. Even if Shinobu was Seppun by blood, she was no longer so by Mon -- and that was a critical detail.