You enter the business of your 'Uncle's friend'--Junzaburo's Herbalism shop--with little fuss and fewer customers--none at all.  "Ah, Samurai-sama," a small elderly man smiles from behind the counter, "how may I help you?"

"I am seeking herbs to replace those I used from my medicine kit, merchant-san," he says, vocally.  His hands however, say something completely different.
"I am Bayushi Kenji, seeking orders.  Important news to deliver."
While Kenji was suer that the network would know of the Lion already, he was still required to inform his superiors.  The also would probably like to know about Shiko-san, and her messages.

"I am certain that have just what you're looking for Samurai-sama," the man smiles, "my assistant in the back will be able to help you with the particulars."

In the back the older man's 'assistant', one Shosuro Shizue says, "Bayushi Kenji-san, I had heard that you might be headed in this direction.  What news?"

"The Lion are massing outside the city," Kenji says, bowing.  He tells the Shosuro of the troop movements he witnessed, albeit by tracks.  "Also, my group encountered one of the Emperor's Voices on our journey, one Miya Shiko.  She carried important messages, though she would obviously not speak of them.  I was unable to find out what was contained within the messages; she kept them on her person at all times."  He paused, waiting for the Shosuro's response.  Then, as if remembering suddenly, "Daidoji Sakura also accompaned me into the city."
He truly wished he'd been able to find out what was in those letters the Voice had carried.  There had to have been a way, he just missed it.

"That is grave news indeed," Shosuro Shizue says thoughtfully, "particularly for the Crane.  There may be a way to turn this to our advantage, in any case.  You may be able to enlist Daidoji Sakura's aid in aquiring those correspondences, now that the Miya has delivered them into other hands--though it would be prudent not to force her to break cover.  As you have the closest connection to the Crane at this time, the Scorpion shall follow your lead in the political arena--feel free to act as you see fit and we shall support you as best we are able."

OOC:  Shizue has just offered you carte blanche in negotiating for the Scorpion with the Crane--with the expectation of success, of course.

"Understood.  I will broach the subject with Sakura-sama this evening.  If you could find where Shiko-sama is, and whether her missives are still with her, I would be in your debt," Kenji replies, bowing again.  "For now, I shall return to my quarters, and prepare myself for the night.  It has been a long journey."

"There is no debt to be incurred nor any need to move against the Shisha, Bayushi-san," Shosuro Shizue shrugs, "Shiko is quite diligent in her duties, Bayushi Tenma--the head of the Scorpion's political arm here in Toshi Ranbo--has already recieved our missive and will share its contents with us tonight.  Likely, the others are already in the hands of their intended.  Information is information," Shizue smiles, "and no less valuable after others have seen it if they intend for it to be hidden."

"Very well, when you have the information I requested, you know where to find me," Kenji bows in farewell.  He returns to the front of the shop, and bows to Junzaburo, and says, "Your man was most useful.  Thank you for your business."
He steps out of the store, and makes his way back to where his room is located.

Your return back to the central complex is uneventful; though you get some hard looks from the Crane guards, your status as a hostage is well known and they leave you unmolested.

OOC:  you can post in the main Toshi Ranbo thread if you'd like or, if you've got more secret stuff to do, you can post it here.