In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 27):


Takeshi comes down for breakfast first. However, he has never met Jizai or the samurai and takes little notice of them. He ends up sitting at another table while he awaits his cohorts.

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 27):

Totsu will come down and will go over to them if he is waived over.

When his wave is ignored, Jizai sends his samurai over to Takeshi to summon him over before anyone else comes down the stairs.

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 30):

Arashi comes down around the same time as Takeshi and goes over to Jizai to converse.

Takeshi will give a deep bow to both men and introduce himself. He then sits next to Arashi, though set back a bit as due his lack of station.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 32):

Hiro will come down and see everyone over by a strange samurai. he will walk over and stand behind Takeshi unless directed to sit.

Jizai, not standing much on ceremony, quickly introduces himself as the group comes downstairs and provides them a place to sit as his table.

He calls the waitress over and has food and drink brought to the table for people to break their fasts.  He, himself, does likewise.

After pleasantries, he looks at Takeshi and Hiro-matsu for a moment, and then turns to Arashi and says, Yesterday was a rather busy day Arashi-san.  I apologize for not being able to see you.

I see you're companions have returned from Singon Monastery.  That is good.  I've heard troubling things these last 24 hours.  One was about an attack there.  I am glad to see your companions have weathered that battle.

Is it that you wished to see me yesterday to report about this attack?  If so, that was very good of you.  I would like to hear, first-hand, about what happened and the aftermath from those whom were there.

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 34):

"Jisai-san allow me to introduce my brother Takeshi Oshiro and our travailing companion Hiro-matsu. They can share what they discovered during their visit with the Signon Monastery."

Takeshi thinks for a moment... He and Hiro left not long after the attack and the mountain was "shut down" from anybody getting in or out. This leaves Takeshi wondering if Jisai may have had a spy there or that he was involved in the plot. If only Takeshi were of higher rank he would be able to be a bit more blunt in his social tactics. As it is he cannot think of a way to directly ask Jisai how he found the information already.

Knowing that less is more, Takeshi tries to limit the information that he gives to what Jisai could find out from others rather easily.

News travels quickly Jisai-sama, you have a good network.
Yes, we were present during the attack. It seems that Kami hired Waku to help them with a focused attack to take out Sensei Kukai. They were successful and Signon monastery is at a great loss. A council has taken over, the leader of which is Dakoto-san. The mountain is now shut down until they figure out what has happened.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 36):

Totsu shows definite signs of interest when the battle is brought up.

Note to myself to find out all the details of the battle and who were these notable people they killed.

Waku.  A bold move, to ally themselves Waku.  That can only mean they wish the status quo on this island.  As the waku do.

You say they were after Brother Kukai and were successful.  That is unfortunate.  He was our hope in many ways.

Shaking his head to clear the thought, he looks back and does not interrogate you about the battle itself.

Closing up the monastery is a mistake, so sorry.  Whomever did this has now also stolen their mobility and given them more than just martial ways to combat them if they choose.  The leave themselves open to political and economic warfare as well this way.  Foolish.

He looks to ask a question or two, but closes his mouth.  He is well aware that Takeshi is a trained mage and as such, must be competent at remembering details of the battle.  If he chooses not to share them, Jizai will find out why, before pressing the issue.  He does, however, need verification of some information.

He turns to Hiro-matsu, oddly.

Tell me, Hiro-matsu, I had heard they captured Brother Kukai, not that he had died.  Do you know which is correct?

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 38):

"I do not, but I will take the enemy at their word. They have imprisoned Kukai. It is possible that he will be rescued, but I would have to make many assumptions to say with any certainty that he would or even could be. Even if he could be rescued there may be issues of recovery before he would be allowed to resume leadership."

Hiro says the recovery as if it were not going to be optional.

Finally Hiro shrugs, "There are a lot of pieces in play and I really do not know any of the players well enough to guess."

"While I sympathize with Takeshi, I do not believe the Singon he was trained at exists any longer. We shall have to see what this new Singon is."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:05, Tue 03 Sept 2019.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 37):

Hiro will tell Totsu in a side conversation that Takeshi killed Oso Imachi, Slayer of mages and Hiro subdued and captured, Yosho! King of the Seven Waves and Emperor of all the Oceans of the World. He will not give details on Takeshi's fight only saying that if Takeshi wishes you to know it he will tell you.

As far as the Yosho fight, Hiro makes it sound as if he just took out the garbage. No big deal. Couple of throws and a choke out, the Waku had no real chance against him.

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 40):

What class was Yosho?  Mage?
I try to get the details of the fight.
I let Hiro know that I’m trying to learn what to expect in combat from different classes and get a good gage of what to expect from our own group members so we can make our best plan of attack when our group gets in a fight.

I will also mention that I will definitely be looking to improve my Jujutsu as soon as we get a break to do some training. It came into play in my barroom fight and it would have been nice if it was better.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:11, Tue 03 Sept 2019.

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 40):

I pull Takeshi aside and let him know I’d like to go over the details of his fight with Oso Imachi.
Same reasons I gave Hiro.  I’d like to learn from their battles what to expect from opponents they have faced as well as learn what to expect from our fellow group members on what to expect from them so we can come up with battle plans in the future.
If he wishes to keep the details secret from others outside our group I will do so but I think it would be best if we are aware of what the others in our group are capable of and what to expect if we get into a battle.

The samurai nods.  No confirmation either way.  Things could be worse.

So.  Gentlemen.

I must ask, as this point:

Do you have allegiance to another entity right now?  The the stakes involved, I am not comfortable proceeding without a contract between us.  Arashi has, with no gain, provided me with a great deal to think about.  I am thankful for that.  Thankful enough to employ you.

But those who work for me, work for me exclusively.

If you can, we will discuss terms.  If not, I would thank you heartily for your information and give you some small token of appreciation as you go to your other business.

To Totsu: "not now Totsu. It is considered rude to have side discussions."

To Jizai: "Jizai-san, my allegience is to my brother, to the gathering of information, and to peace. Ignorance currently impedes my ability to take a more specific course at this crossing of time. If it is peace that you also seek than we have the same goal and have an allegience. Information can be shared and we can further that end."

Takeshi leaves an opening for Jizai, awaiting a response

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 44):

Bowing to Jizai, Not to speak out of turn but we are all in allegiance with Arashi-san here.

Looking at Arashi, If you know your heart here, feel free to speak it and know we are at your call. If you wish to consult first we would all be glad to give you our opinions so you can make the decision that best suits your will.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:18, Wed 04 Sept 2019.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 44):

OOC. I didn’t mean now in the middle of this meeting.   I will do it after the meeting. Same with Hiro’s discussion
This message was last edited by the player at 03:05, Thu 05 Sept 2019.

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 43):

Jizai-san, just to be clear are you proposing a lifetime permanent exclusive contract or are you proposing an exclusive contract for this specific investigation?

In reply to Totsu (msg # 47):


Arashi respectfully speaks to Jizai-san.

"Jizai-san, I have agreed to work for the Michizane by continuing the investigation to determine whom is behind this conspiracy.  I follow the code of Bushido and Nipponese religious traditions of Shintoism and Buddhism. I would honorable follow a lord that embodied the character of these traditions.  I believe the Daimyo of the Michizane to be of this quality.  My companions and I are of one mind; that we need to find the instigators of this conflict that has resulted in the Signon Monastery being attacked.  Toward that end we will work for the Michizane to find the truth and in doing so, prove our worth to the Michizane, and verify our high esteem of the Michizane.  For I would be a fully committed servant to a Lord that is of such an honorable character.
Toward that end, Has the Daimyo been informed of all that we know?  And, does anyone here have any fresh leads in this investigation?"

Jizai curtly nods affirmative, accepting Arashi's words as truth.

This island, more than the mainland even, has a large portion of the ronin fallen on tough times ease away from Bushido.  It is unfortunate.  With most of this island run by yakuza or waku, it is understandable but still unfortunate.  It does my heart good to meet men like you five.  That Bushido can be the path for all castes and make a good life for all men.

He looks at a couple of the servants in the room and dismisses them.

To answer you question, yes, my father has been appraised of the situation.  He did not seem surprised, although, to be honest, he never does.  I have known him all my life and still don't know how much of that is just a stone face.

I will say, although you did not ask, that it is unlikely to find employment with my father.  He is, ah, traditional.  He sees the world as black and white and a Ronin is not a Samurai.  He accepts samurai into his service.

However.  I like to think that some of the best men come from hard times.  I am looking forward to working with you.  And if the number of head I am allowed to sustain increases, perhaps we will respect each other, after this, to wish a more powerful connection.

He sits back and takes a breath.  He was clearly not used to speaking in such a way.  The impression left to the perceptive (Hiro/Takeshi) is that he has just started walking out from under his fathers shadow and while confident, is also inexperienced at such tasks.

On to our investigation.

Clearly, we do not have enough information.  Some Michizane seem implicated, some Chokosabe, some Buddhists, some Shinto, but not all.

Like me going to my father, I do not believe Yojoba going to his father will yield much information.  It is more likely to simply tip off what we know to them.  I have decided not to allow him to go discuss matters with him.

Instead, I wish you, with Yojoba, to go to the witch Cawti.  I have a guide who can bring you there.  She does, for a price, divinations.  Now, I know Shinto and Buddhists can do divinations.  But their information comes from spirits.  If spirits have a stake in these goings on, I am not inclined to utilize them.

He pulls a small scroll from his sleeve and hands it to Arashi.

Arashi-san.  Could you and your team secretly go to Cawti, give her this scroll, pay her price (I will give you gold), and return with her response?  The mountains are dangerous, but from I have heard of your team, nothing you cannot handle.

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 49):

"Hai, Jizai-san, we will do as you ask."

Takeshi hears Jizai-sans words and becomes hopeful. This man could be the Lord we want to serve.

A small smile briefly flashes across Takeshi's face. He is ready to meet this witch but has concerns as to what kind of person she is... If she doesn't deal in spirits she must be shugenja????  His interest is peaked, where do her divinations come from?

Takeshi waits for his brother to conclude business and start our next path.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 51):

Totsu thinks to himself
This Jizai seems to be straightforward, honest honorable man. I was expecting more of a politician. This is a pleasant surprise. I hope he is just not a great actor fooling me. I will check with the others later to see if they detected anything that was not as it appeared to me.