Kenshin was no ordinary Scorpion.

For most Scorpion Yojimbo, being ordered to kill their charge would have been odd unquestioned Duty. For him, however, being ordered to kill his charge was ... not very Honorable. It was a quandary, but in the end Duty would win out.

If it was required.

Kenshin moved silently, so as not to disturb the Shugenja's prayers. Her orders were explicit and, considering her seeming importance*, of critical importance. He took the Wakizashi -- the Palace of the Soul -- into his hands and kept his attention on his surroundings and his charge, all the while trying to make sure that no one below him knew that there was anything of import happening on the roof tops overlooking the battle. His prayer to Lady Sun was silent, and far less practiced than the pretty Shugenja's.

'Please help me carry out the Duty given me through your son.'

Crystal Palace of the Soul in hand, Kenshin stood guard.


[For the Scorpion, Ninja / Shinobi matters are reserved only for "important" people -- even if they have no formal status -- so they are typically regarded as if they were "high status" ... or, at least, higher status than they appear to "outsiders".

This is especially true for someone like Kenshin who is trusted with ... well, practically nothing.]

Tendrils of darkness seep up the sides of the building, slowly pooling along the edges of the roof.  Three, in particular, begin to take shape, rising into vaguely human shapes.

[Private to Bayushi Kenshin: The shadows are still taking shape, you can strike at them before they do so, or wait until their forms are complete.]

[Private to Daidoji Sakura: Do you really think your Dragons can protect you, Kasumi-chan, the voices laugh, they cannot even protect you against the vulgar depredations of the Shadowlands...

You really don't know, do you, Sakura-san? one voice whispers, barely audible but somehow familiar, this plan of yours could be disastrous or miraculous...make your actions swift and certain.

In the metaphysical distance, you can hear a low rumble...the voices of gods, beyond human comprehension...]

So this is what a Scorpion felt like.

This was the kind of Duty that Crane training was completely unprepared for. No Katana at hand -- none that would damage this creature at any rate, Kenshin was reduced to pure sword work. True, he had speed ... but these things had speed as well, did they not?

As dangerous as this situation was, Bayushi Kenshin felt alive.

[Kenshin will not leave Sakura's side, but if he can strike at one or more of these creatures without doing so he will. If rolls are required, they are below.

21:06, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 41 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,6,(10+6)16,1,(10+6)16,9,9. Attack shadow creature (wakizashi).
21:05, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 53 using 8d10+20, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,9,6,9,2,4,3,9. Initiative.]

As Sakura's spirit flew higher, she was distracted somewhat by the events surrounding her. Who -- or what -- was the second voice that she heard? And why did it call her Sakura?

Could it be the Empress?

No, all this was nothing a but a distraction. Even with this momentary setback, or perhaps because of it, the young Shugenja was determined. Live or die, she would continue this course of action until the end. Her school was specifically designed to bypass the Living Darkness; to ensure that they never needed to draw on that terrible pact again. That it knew of her, much less was interested in her ... that was dangerous in the extreme.

Shosuro Kasumi focused her resolve and continued upward.

[Used a void to gain a free raise; but the roll was 3 points shy of her called raises. Next! LOL!

First: failed. (Or succeeded 3 raises if the void can "bail out" and count towards called raises.)
Second: Succeeded, but barely. 4 raises.
Void points left: 2

21:19, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 32 using 8d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 6,3,5,3,7,7,7,3. Void/Commune (TN 30; void for free rs).
21:11, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 27 using 8d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 4,7,1,1,5,2,5,6. Void/Commune (TN 30; void for free rs).]

There is a flash of light, just barely too bright to be Lady Sun's rays glinting off the blade, and the faintest resistance, like cutting through a single sheet of rice paper, as Kenshin's borrowed blade cuts effortlessly through the first of the approaching shadows.  Their shape is that of a man, but their movements are like that of a doll made out of cloth--too smooth, with joints in in places that did not quite match human anatomy.  Two more make their approach into Kenshin's reach as more rise from the alleys.

[Private to Bayushi Kenshin: You may add meditation to your attack rolls and add Void keep Void to your damage rolls]

[Private to Daidoji Sakura: The free raise you took can be used to "fill in" for your missed TN, so you still have 3 Void.

And what will you do if we return your Dragons to the Nothing from which they were born? the blended voices laugh, you will bring about the end that you fear and for what?  To save your own pitiful soul?  A fine epitaph for a Scorpion!

You have been a ninja for so long that you have forgotten what it is to be a shugenja, Sakura-san, the other voice, now much more distinct and growing more familiar, replies, you have forgotten that spells are prayers and that the kami have a will of their own.. In her mind's eye, a form takes shape...the shape of Kasumi before her masquerade as Sakura.

What is this? a voice rings like silence, who comes before the celestial counsel?]

Kenshin struck out with the borrowed Wakizashi, looking to strike down both of the approaching shadows with one blow.

[Private to Kaze no Kage: Without TNs and, more importantly, comparing Initiative I had to take a wild guess. Assuming TNs are 10 (which is pretty much the only way he would have called the raises needed to strike at both) or the initiative difference is sufficient to give him some free raises, ... etc. he hit both -- the first just barely (the +1 from Mediation puts him over the line). Damage is 38 (first) and 26 (second).

20:31, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 26 using 7d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5,1,3,2,7,9.
20:31, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 38 using 7d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+4)14,3,4,6,5,9,1. Wakizashi Damage (7k5).
20:30, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 33 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,8,3,(10+2)12,8,1,(10+3)13.
20:30, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 29 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1,3,7,3,(10+4)14,8. Attack (four raises for two strikes).]

Shosuro Kasumi was somewhat surprised to be granted an audience so quickly. No, she was entirely surprised to have been granted such an audience. She was aware the spells were prayers, but she never really expected something so ... dramatic.

Mostly she just expected to be ignored.

[Private to Kaze no Kage: In her mind, the place that the Kami would see, she bowed deeply.

"This unworthy Servant of the Kami is Shosuro Kasumi" she responded, softly singing the answer in her mind, "Wearing the Mask of Daidoji Sakura."

She then awaited permission to speak further.]

Two more of the formless shadows shatter like so mich broken glass, but more begin to rise to take their place--four more within Kenshin's reach without leaving his charge.

OOC:  whoops, sorry about that.
TNtbH:  10
Initiative:10
Every round that you don't hit a shadow, the TN goes up by 5, but the shadow can't attack until it's fully formed, so even if you miss or don't have enough attacks to hit it, it's not the end-- but failure will make subsequent rounds tougher.

[Private to Daidoji Sakura:  you serve the Scorpion, not these trumped up imitations, the shadowy voices hiss, what would your mistress say if she knew you were offering your loyalty to another--even on so exalted as the Dragons?  No one may serve two masters...

I am the mask worn by Daidoji Sakura, the shape of Kasumi declares, I am the truth of Shosuro Kasumi.  I am the child of Dragons given shape and form and voice.

It seems that you are of two minds little Shugenja, the voice booms, which one are you?  Daidoji Sakura or Shosuro Kasumi.  Choose wisely little Shugenja, and know what you sacrifice.

OOC: make another commune roll</orange>
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 23:53, Mon 19 Mar 2012.

Shosuro Kasumi was completely unaware of Kenshin's struggles as she continued her prayers. Sweat was beginning to bead on her forehead, her body trying to sustain her spirit for just a little bit longer.

Just a little while longer.

[Private to Kaze no Kage:

With this, Sakura finally believed she understood the choice she was being asked to make. She was both a Shugenja, with all of the duties that entailed, and an undercover operative -- a Ninja.

Both Truth and Lie.

For this Duty, the one she petitioned the Dragons for, one of those roles would have to go. And, given the nature of her duties, there was really only one choice that could be made.

There was only one choice.

"This unworthy one is Shugenja, called by the name Kasumi, child of Shosuro" she finally replied, "she who was tricked by the Lying Darkness. It is true that Our Lady requested I maintain the duties of Ninja for the time being, but the Duty of my School and of my Clan is more important."

"Our Clan knows that the Lying Darkness will one day betray us. My School seeks the Truth of this knowledge. I and those like me know the sad fate of our founder, how she was twisted into Soshi ... how much we truly have sacrificed."

"I am, first and foremost Shugenja -- servant of the Kami, as ordained by the Heavens. If I can become a Crystal Sword, like the ones we have hidden deep in the Earth, Our Lady would be most pleased. Should I find Wisdom that I can teach others, she would be far more pleased."

In her prayers, Kasumi took a deep breath.

"If I must choose which way to Serve my Emperor and my Clan -- if I cannot do both -- then I must choose Shugenja, even if it means abandoning my cover ... and my training. I must choose Truth -- the Truth of Shosuro Kasumi -- who she is and what the Fortunes meant for her."

"No matter what that means."

Shosuro Kasumi would sacrifice anything -- her name, her honor ... even membership in her Clan -- so long as it would serve her True Duty. It was what her Lady wanted.

She was sure of it.

"Our Lady has many servants, many are much better suited to the job of Ninja than I."

OOC:

Not sure what you have in mind, but this is very interesting. :D I have some ideas (naturally!), but I want to hear what you have in mind. :D


Spending void on this roll, down to 2. Barely made it, and only by spending the void.

19:12, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 28 using 8d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5,8,2,2,1,4,4. Void/Commune(call 3; void for +1 raise).]

[Tides of Battle: +7 to init. New init: 60. That gives him 5 free raises on his attack. Given his skill level, he can't make too many raises -- only four actually. No point in taking too many raises ... they won't do too much for him. Actually, one extra strike is the max IIRC, so there's really no point in that. Call one raise (damage).

Good call: both hit,but one barely. First got one free raise for the roll. Second got just barely over need. Damage; 27 (1st) and 38 (2nd).


19:51, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 38 using 8d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3,1,6,1,(10+4)14,6,4. Wakizashi damage (2nd; 8k5).
19:50, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 27 using 8d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2,4,5,5,3,2,3. Wakizashi damage (1st; 8k6).

19:48, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 19 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,2,5,2,5,1,4. Wakizashi (one raise).
19:48, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 34 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+6)16,9,2,9,5,2,4. Wakizashi (one raise).
]

Two more of the oily shadows are vanquished by Kenshin's elegant technique, but two more take enough shape to strike out at the Scorpion samurai with shadowy blades.  They are unable to penetrate Kenshin's formidable defenses, but he feels the chill of oblivion as the impossibly sharp shards of shadow pass by his flesh.

And even as he forces the shadows back, six more make their approach.

OOC:
Forming shadows TNtbH: 15
Initiative:  15

Unformed Shadows TNtbH:  10
Initiative:  10

[Private to Daidoji Sakura:  One day you will be ours, little Scorpion, the Goju will wield your body like a sword and the Ninube will shape your soul like so much clay.  And when Darkness falls over the Empire, you will know that you were the instrument of its destruction.

And with that the shadowy whispers depart.

You are a true servant of the Empire, little Shugenja.  Go and be well with the blessings of Tengoku.

As you return to ningen-do, you realize that you are not alone...

"Well, that was unexpected," Shosuro Kasumi replies.
<orange>
OOC:  so here's what happened, the singular voice that was speaking was the voice of the kami that you've been using to interact with the Nothing.  The Void Dragon and the Thunder Dragon gave it mortality, so it's now a separate entity--identical in appearance and skills (but of the Shosuro Shinobi school)
Your favored element is now Void, but you no longer have any access to Nothing spells unless Shosuro Kasumi is present--and then I'm going to have to figure out how that works ^_^
You're also in the middle of Kenshin's fight with the shadow things, but your spells now affect them as Crystal until sunset]

PM[Private to Kaze no Kage: Cool!

Now, for the mandatory questions -- Shosuro Kasumi (the now-mortal Kami) is a completely separate entity now, correct? I can't cast a Self spell (e.g. yari of air) and have it affect her any more than, say, Kenshin?

Their skill lists start out identical, but may diverge? Or will they stay the same, except for School? (e.g. the "tightly shared soul" thing?)]

Still focused, Kenshin continued his assault, going for the two that were closest to being formed. They were, after all, the most dangerous of the six. Still, none had hit him -- yet -- and he was in great shape.

So far.

Two more Shadows went down.

[81 Damage on the second! Hit both, "killed" both it looks like.

18:52, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 81 using 8d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+7)17,5,9,(10+9)19,8,(10+9)19,4,9. Wakizashi Damage (2; w/ free raise).
18:52, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 34 using 7d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4,5,3,7,(10+2)12,6. Wakizashi Damage (1).
18:51, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 26 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,9,4,6,9,6,4.
18:50, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 20 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,7,4,2,7,5,6. Attack formed (1; free raises for dual).
18:49, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 9 using 1d10, rerolling max with rolls of 9. Tides of Battle.]

PM[Private to Daidoji Sakura: Yes, totally separate, except that you can cast self spells on her as if she were you (so the yari could be in Sakura's hands or Kasumi's hands but not both a once--unless you cast twice, and something that manifests as a physical object, like the yari can be passed from one to the other). Skills and Traits can diverge, but Rings must stay the same.

Kasumi can also enter into a Shugenja school, but her favored element will be Void, no matter the school emphasis (she is a kami after after all--even if she is mortal) but explaining why she's unnaturally good at spell casting is going to be interesting.  Actually, explaining why there are two of you is also going to be interesting ^_^

Oh, and I've opened up another character for you ^_^]

Daidoji Sakura snapped out of her meditations. There was work to do here, and a boon to use. Sakura was not overly worried about stealth at this point -- if anyone could see them, they undoubtedly have done so by now. She was not going to be flashy -- such was never her style -- but, nonetheless she would not go out of her way to cast subtly either.

Sakura called upon the Kami for a simple, but special favor.

[Yari of air, manifesting in Kasumi's hands. Will act as Chrystal; 4k3 damage rating. Called one raise, but the roll gives her an additional 3. Will use those to make it more difficult to dispel.

19:51, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 50 using 7d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+7)17,5,2,(10+9)19,8,6,2. Yari of Air, one raise (TN 20).]

There was a new figure on the roof. One that looked exactly -- down to the finest detail -- like Daidoji Sakura. And as Sakura cast her spell, a Yari appeared in Kasumi's hands. This yari appeared to be made of the Air Kami itself, woven with fine wispy crystal.

It took only moments for the new Samurai to realize what had happened. Then, as if the Kami were her ancient friends, she wielded the Yari striking at the still forming Shadows.

[Hit with the Yari. 42 damage.

20:05, Today: Shosuro Kasumi rolled 42 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(10+7)17,6,(10+9)19,4,3. Damage (4k3 + str).
20:04, Today: Shosuro Kasumi rolled 16 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4,3,9,3,3. Attack Shadow (TN 10).]

Kenshin's crystal blade shatters the two shadows with the most shape, but six more rise to take their places.  One reaches out to strike at the bushi's over extended arm... Only to be destroyed by the tip of a yari that had. It been there moments before.  Kenshin looks to see that his charge has joined the fray...and that there are two of her.  But there is no tme to ponder this new development as the five remaining shadows have now taken on enough shape to be a genuine threat.

The unnatural minions of the Lying Darkness attack, but fail to pierce the defenses of the two samurai.

OOC:  TNtbH 15
Initiative 15
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:23, Thu 05 Apr 2012.

Kenshin didn't know which of these two ladies was his charge -- and he didn't care. As far as he was concerned, they were both to be protected from these atrocities. But that was something easier said than done.

There were too many, and they were too close.

Kenshin's blade sliced through two more of the foul creatures.


[New Init: 78. That's six free raises. Four will be used for the extra strike; two for damage. Hit both; damage 47 & 61.

22:30, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 47 using 8d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,6,5,5,8,9,6,9. Damage (attack 2).
22:30, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 61 using 8d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+8)18,7,9,9,3,2,9,9. Damage (attack 1).
22:26, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 25 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 6,8,9,7,2,8,7. Attack (Wakizashi; 2).
22:26, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 22 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,8,2,3,2,6,6. Attack (Wakizashi; 1).
22:21, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 9 using 1d10, rerolling max with rolls of 9. Tides of Battle.]

Kasumi felt something that was unique for her, a sensation that was ... human. She felt as if the universe were giving her a subtle assist, as the Air Kami -- her friends -- helped her become just a touch more nimble than she would normally be.

Deftly staying her distance, Kasumi stabbed one of the shadow creatures.

[TNtbH: 31. Her natural TNtbH is 26 (20 from Reflexes; +6 from her Rank 2 technique). Spend a void with Blessing of Air to gain +5 for 1 minute. Strike at one shadow. Hit (barely); 43 damage.

22:46, Today: Shosuro Kasumi rolled 43 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(10+9)19,3,(10+1)11,(10+3)13,2. Damage (4k3 +str).
22:45, Today: Shosuro Kasumi rolled 19 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5,5,1,5,7.]

Unlike her twin, Sakura was not a natural at combat. Well, her twin was probably no more natural than she was, however as a Shugenja Sakura knew that she had to be cautious. Kasumi could take care of herself; but for Sakura to engage in battle directly would be foolish and dangerous to say the least.

But that didn't mean that there was "nothing" that she could do.

Drawing a small scroll from her pouch, Sakura called upon the Kami of Fire and brought a small ball of Lava to hover in front, and slightly to the side, of her namesake. Sakura would provide cover -- a small crystalline lava ball that would impose itself between Shosuro Kasumi and the remaining Shadows to keep the shadows at bay for a moment or two.

A precious moment that could make all the difference.

[Casting Summon a ball of Lava (Fire spell, I hope ...); crystal because of the temporary bonus. Succeeded, but barely. Use the free raise to make it a bit more agile (preferred) or hardy. (Actually, I'd prefer bigger, but I don't think that's an option.)

23:01, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 17 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4,7,6,4,4. Summon (Crystal Lava; 1 raise, scroll).]

Three of the shadows fall, banished by the sharp crystal blade wielded by the honorable Kenshin and the whirlwind bound in the form a spear held by Kasumi.  A fourth attempts to lunge through the sharp edged ball of fire imposed between Kasumi and the shadows, but is incinerated, dissolved like darkness by the sun.

Only two of the unnatural minions of Darkness remain.  While their forms become more distinct, they shrink back, now aware of their own mortality.  Quickly, they scramble back towards the edge of the roof, attempting to escape.

OOC:  TNtbH 20
Initiative 20

re-roll initiative, if you get better than 20, you can get them before they escape.  Otherwise, they get away.

As the odd creatures turned to run, Kenshin's training merged with his heritage. These ... creatures needed to be destroyed. He would do what needed to be done. There was no thought as he sliced through the two abominations there was only action, melded with the will of the universe.

Kenshin struck the fleeing shadows.

[ Init: 52. That's only 3 free raises, so he spent a void for the fourth free raise.

Hit both, but barely. The second only hit because of the +1 for his meditation skill. (First time that actually made a difference! Damn, I wish that was a Crystal Katana!) Damage: 48 first, 35 second.

19:18, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 35 using 8d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,3,5,5,2,9,5,2.
19:18, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 48 using 8d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+2)12,1,9,9,3,4,(10+1)11,3.
19:16, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 19 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,2,3,2,5,5,5. attack 2 (Wakizashi).
19:16, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 21 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,1,5,8,3,2,3. Attack 1  (Wakizashi).
19:13, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 52 using 8d10+20, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,4,6,8,1,9,3,4. Init (Kenshin).]

Kasumi deftly maneuvered around the crystalline lava, and stabbed one of the departing shadows. This was the first thing she did in her new, mortal life and it was very dangerous. And exhilarating. The Junshin could have gone down at any time, and then it would have just been the two of them. It was a testament to his skill that none the Shadows managed to penetrate his defenses, but Kasumi knew how much of this was also pure luck.

So this was what mortals went through.

There was one more thrilling danger to deal with, however.

"So" she asked Sakura, "How exactly do you plan on explaining me?"

[Init: 35. Attack (just in case) hit; 21 damage.

19:29, Today: Shosuro Kasumi rolled 21 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1,5,7,8,6. Damage.
19:28, Today: Shosuro Kasumi rolled 27 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,1,4,(10+4)14,4,5. Attack.
19:27, Today: Shosuro Kasumi rolled 35 using 7d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(10+3)13,9,3,5,6,7. Init.]

[I don't think there are any Shadows left after Kenshin, much less after Sakura. But, if there are -- 'I kill them!' LOL]

"Well, we'll have to ... procure you a basket hat. Then ..." A smile came over her face as an idea came to her. Sometimes the best place to hide is in plain sight.

"Kenshin-San" Sakura said softly, shifting her attention, "This is ... was one of the Kami that I spoke to. She has been given to us as a gift from the Void and Thunder Dragons to assist our Clan."

"This must not be written down in any form. Make sure Our Lady knows that there are now two of me. This will be our cover story ..."

"Oh, pardon me: Shosuro Kasumi, meet Bayushi Kenshin."




[Init 23. Appropriate.

So, the basic idea is to find Kasumi a basket hat, or similar obscuring device, and go spy on the battle. Naturally, we would like to "accidentally" bump into Kedo. LOLOL!

19:39, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 23 using 7d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2,2,4,9,5,4. Init.]

[Private to Kaze no Kage: The plan is simple -- we pretend that she always existed. The cover story is that everyone in her family that knew of her existence is now dead (they died during the Clan War) -- even the Clan Champion doesn't know about her (to maintain plausible deniability).

Since she looks exactly like Sakura, she'll have the Daidoji Tattoo as well. Her "name" will be Daidoji Kasumi.

Sakura is reasonably sure that the Scorpion have found out and will attempt to reveal it at Winter Court. Naturally, the Doji should be able to preempt that embarrassment ...

*evil laugh*]

It doesn't take long to find and "requisition" a basket hat--they're fairly common and the streets are fairly deserted.  Finding the trail of the ronin that was once a yojimbo is only slightly more difficult, as he has left a trail of corpses like bread crumbs in his wake.

The scene that Kenshin, Sakura, and Kasumi come upon is as surprising as it is puzzling.  Kedo and Doji Toyozo surrounded by the dead while a Lion asks their permission to withdraw.

Just another day in Toshi Ranbo.

OOC go to link to a message in this game