Over the next few months, Nakatomi Kohei and two other members of his wu gather up Reiko, Shinji, Yuukou and Ryuji. They found the chih-mei using taps on official emergency lines, arriving at the various scenes of carnage with uncanny speed through along the dragon lines. When simple force seemed unproductive, Nakatomi used his mastery of the Chi art discipline of Equilibrium to paralyze their target. All the tied-up chih-mei became the focus of a ritual that peeled back their demon natures and allowed the new Kuei-jin to come to their senses.

A period of years follow--nights flashing by like so many speeding cars--in which Nakatomi and his two fellows, the massive Aozora Hoshiko and corpse-looking Zhao Shun, instructed the young vampires in the ways of the Courts of the Kuei-jin. Each member of the wu taught different skills and disciplines. Aozora worked with the Jade Discipline and the ways of combat; Zhao Shun had a mastery of stealth and more unusual and grotesque disciplines.

Perhaps the most important teachings came from Nakatomi, af the Thousand Whispers  Dharma. His age was uncertain, though his years seemed to number in the hundreds. “The Demon Arts cannot be ignored, for all that they can cause the weaker to lose control. For one, you can grow fangs with them. This can be quite useful for feeding on blood, unless you plan to carry a knife. And use of the Black Wind gives an edge against recalcitrant mortals and other creatures you might come across some night.”

The four young vampires begin to know each other over the five year training and, at the very least, to respect one another. At long last, Nakamura gathers them and tells them that it is time to visit one of the more ancient Kuei-jin in Tokyo and present them as full fledged intiates of their own destinies. “Try to be polite, and don’t speak until spoken to,” Nakamura advises.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:10, Fri 28 Feb 2020.

During the process of rebuilding/reinforcing their Hun... Reiko remained a timid beast, content to eat and play alone.  Nakatomi and his two fellows had to get a little 'creative' to shift her along.  Eventually Reiko was returned to a sufficiently sane state, enough for the establishing of a Dharmic code.  She scoffed at all of the Dharmas, finding them restrictive and ill suited to her (rebellious) ways... but the Song of Shadow seemed the lesser of evils.  The years allowed her to reconcile her place, but she still remained an unusual Boneflower... far too modern and social from the heavily traditional and reclusive stereotypes of her Dharmic peers.

Inwardly, Reiko remained troubled by her trip to Kakuri.  There were things she was unable to tell anyone, as per her bargain with the mysterious Jizo-Bosatsu.  It had cost her a memory of which its missing presence would always be felt.  But the forbidden knowledge Reiko had gained in trade was valuable, even if she wasn't able to use it right away.  It hung in the back of her mind, like a far off destiny awaiting its fulfillment.

At first it was hard to connect to those of her future Wu members.  Reiko could certainly fake niceness but these people seemed so different from those she would prefer to socialize with.  But Nakatomi reminded her that these others were her only protection from a trip back to Hell.  Reiko made more efforts from that point onward, seeking to contribute and build a working rapport.  That meant learning about their past lives and future aspirations... and sharing some of her own.  Reiko talked about her past as an Instagram model to her Wu and how her vanity had led to death and damnation.  She also showed them her phone, which had 'somehow' bonded itself to her as a Yin based artifact.  With it she was creating new 'art' for social media... creepy and haunting images of places and people.  Already she had a few selfies with actual ghosts, souls that she had tried to help.  Exactly how Reiko could help the Wu would depend upon its purpose...

Watanabe Yuugou was by far the hardest one to break in; Not because his P'o was particularly vicious but because his Hun was equally so. Even after he was fully 'cleansed' of the chih-mei state, he tried to escape and continuously undermined his teachers; It got so bad at one point, that the "zombie-freak" (as Yuugou had called her) Zhao Shun ripped him up so brutally, his soul came out.
However, with some time and patience, it was beat into Yuugou's head that he was a mortal being no longer and that he had to show complete respect and obedience to his masters.
In the end, Yuugou turned out to be a (at times) diligent pupil and an only occasional annoyance.

As he showed  a propensity for self-control and a righteous attitude, Yuugou was inducted in the Way of The Resplendent Crane. He took well to his dharmic path and it's teaching; Though, when it came to putting his teachings in practice; Yuugou, of course, always deviated at least a little bit, be it in his interpretation of the Fivefold Way or in the importance of the Eight Lotus Path.
Throughout the five year instruction, if you didn't find him prattling about the latest bit of ancient wisdom he read last night; Then you'd certainly find him sparring and practicing the Jade Shintai with Aozora.

When it came to the other initiates; Yuugou initially saw them just as he first did saw his masters, freakish, bestial creatures. It was just as hard to dispel this belief but as he began to accept his new place as Resplendent Crane, so did he come to terms with this place being beside them.
In the later years, he began to treat them amicably, always eager to debate their lessons and to work with them. He would often offer explanations and teachings of his own, speaking with an undue tone of seniority, as he saw himself ahead of the pack.  While he certainly didn't shy away from topics unrelated to the Kuei-jin state, when discussion reached his past life, Yuugou was uncharacteristically reserved and defensive.
While it was rather obvious what his past life was and how it could have ended, Yuugou , nevertheless, denied the obvious. He was just a "regular salaryman who died of natural causes".

Violent and destructive, Ryuji's P'o was difficult to manage and a bestial cunning lurked behind his eyes as he did everything in his power to make life difficult for those around him.  By contrast, once his Hun had regained control he was quite compliant.  While it would be inaccurate to say he immediately accepted the truth of his new situation, he was content to go with the flow until he could figure things out for himself.  It took time and he spent a great many hours in meditation but he eventually made sense of things.  His expression has always seemed mildly troubled since and his sleep was filled with nightmares.

The instincts of his old life were still fully present and from day one he gave his teachers his full attention and respect.  While he may not have understood what was going on at the beginning he could tell they were doing what they thought was in his best interest.  In all his interactions with others he was soft-spoken and seemed more comfortable with silence.  It was plain to see that Ryuji was afflicted with a powerful shyness and while he wouldn't specifically avoid people he tended to frequent places where he could be found if he was needed but were places people tended to not go.  When introduced to whose who would be in his Wu he was very careful in his treatment of them.  He showed respect even if he received none and would allow himself to be spoken over with the patience of one who has spent his whole life being surrounded by louder personalities.  He was helpful and if asked would do everything in his power to provide assistance.  No matter what he did he would never claim more than a passing competence with it; even when speaking of his greatest talents.

Although he was drawn to the teachings of The Way of the Resplendent Crane he felt obligated to properly look into the other paths as well.  After all, this stage of his life promised to be quite long and the last thing he wanted was to start things off with an uninformed decision.  Ryuji was not a perfect Resplendent Crane for although he understood the need for laws to provide structure and guidance he found the correction of lawbreakers to be distasteful.  Authority not tempered by mercy was tyranny.  One cannot force people into righteousness any more than one can force a flower to bloom on command.  Both must be nurtured over time.

As time passed it became clear that Ryuji was a creature of habit.  He liked structure and routine and so followed a strict schedule when it came to his studies and practice.  Variations would occur periodically because that is the nature of life, but it was never difficult for someone to find Yamada Ryuji is he was needed as he would always be in approximately the same places at approximately the same time.

Shinji was still an unassuming personage. Pale, slim, and with shaggy black hair, he would never turn many heads.
Shinji had a hard time managing his Po, not because it was strong, but because it seemed to tempt Shinji with the life he wanted. Debauchery and lack of self control were what he felt he was missing, and he could feel a longing in his bones.
This longing of course made the thrashing dragons a somewhat easy fit for him. They're devotion to partaking in the life they felt they failed to live was him to a T.
A life devoted to study allowed him to throw himself into Nakatomi's instruction. His cohorts instruction reminded him of the power fantasies which were the only escapism allowed to him in his youth, so he approached them with enthusiasm.
It was not easy to approach the members of his  Wu with the same enthusiasm. The first time in his life that he came out of his shell he was killed by the people he believed to be his friends. However, it's hard to be the life of the party when you're a party of one, so despite his misgivings he is determined both to enjoy the Wu's company, and be an appreciated member.

After staying in an endless series of rundown hotel rooms in Sunsekino in Sasaporo--Aozora always seemed to have cash on hand--one night (and day) spent in upper floor rooms  at the Asakusa View Hotel brought a relief of luxury. Everyone got adjoining rooms with a straight view of the cluttered high rises of the Shiba-Koen district. Brooding and majestic over them was Tokyo Tower.

“We leave late tomorrow night to meet Arima-sama in the Hokkaido Shrine down there,” Nakatami said, pointing at a steep angle.” Nakatomi paused. “I shouldn’t have to tell you not to eat anyone and to wear your best outfits. But I will anyway.”

“Also, tomorrow night before you go, animate yourself with Yang chi. Arima-sama has his preferences. He smiled, “You will even get to see Shun looking as pretty as she you used to be.”

Some of you took the liberty of that night’s indulgence among the living at the bar; perhaps another enjoyed the hotel’s pool. Back in your rooms, it was impossible not to glance down at the distinctive roof of the temple and not wonder what fate awaited you there.

True to his word, Nakatomi knocked on your doors at midnight the following night, a black, bespoke-suited Aozora an attractive woman in a long, green dress. She had enough look of life to her as to manage a blush. Even Nakatomi has made the concession of buttoning up his purple shirt all the way, and it very well may have been starched.

Few words passed between any of you as you filed into the open-glass elevator and down to the lobby. Outside was windy and brisk with January’s teeth. A modicum of people still lined the street, crossing to bars and other late-night businesses. The cross-beamed facade drew within view and Nakatomi escorted under the toril and then along a side path, where a plain wooden door stood closed before Nakatomi placed his hand on the rough surface and simply spoke “Nakatomi Kohei of the Broken Jade wu.”

A lithe woman in an oversized black leather jacket and mini-skirt opened the door. Her hair hung free down to her waist, and she could not hide a mischievous smile. After everyone filed into the well-lit hallway, she closed and locked the door, only to announce, “My father is in, entertaining three others, but I expect he’ll kick them out soon enough"

The hallway let out onto the open central space of the shrine. A corpulent man set at one end, eating an out-of season apple. His arms were muscular as an ape’s, and his hair worn in a topknot. He seemed to be ending a speech in a quiet, gravelly voice, which the three kneeling people took as an opportunity to bow deeply to him. One, a the blue and white kimono, filed out past your entering party, executing a small bow and the flash of a smile at Nakatomi as he did so. The second, dressed like a salaryman, held a somber face and did not even acknowledge your group. The third, a woman dressed a lot like an entertainer at a saki bar, passed warm brown eyes over each of you before exiting.

Nakatomi bowed on entering and took a seat in front of the elder’s right hand side, with his fellow members spreading out. Not blind to decorum, the rest of you followed their lead. The woman who had let you in went to stand off to one side behind Arima. She folded her arms, revealing a Browing 9mm in a shoulder holster.

“Thank you for the audience, Arima-sama,” said Akatami. “I bring those who have been trained well and are ready to join the court.”

Arima set aside his apple and laughed. It came out deep and guttery. “A new wu to form then.” He paused to point at each of you one by one. “Only four: the number of death. Which might be just the number I need.” He coughed. “Well, let’s get to it, and let them speak for themselves. What is your dharma and direction? What use can you offer me? Why should I trust you to a mission I deem important…” He trailed off. “And for which I have no other volunteers. How badly do you want to redeem your wretched souls?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:20, Mon 02 Mar 2020.

Reiko balked a bit about the Yang requirement, but did her best to comply with all of the conditions.  Even so, the best she could muster was a pale complexion and a less ethereal look.  Boneflowers did not deal well with being 'alive'.  Reiko was a little unsure about how formal or social she should dress... and in the end, she chose the former.  A pale white business jacket and skirt with a lucky blue undershirt.  Reiko accessorized with pink lipstick, clear nail polish, and a small white flower tucked into her ponytail-Esq hairstyle.

"Yuugou, Ryuji, Shinji... would you permit a group photo?  This is a big occasion and I'd like to have a reminder."

It wasn't unusual for Reiko to want to photograph things, but she had always respected the privacy of her Wu brethren first.  She took two group selfies  with whoever acceded to her request, a solemn photo first... followed by a carefree one with her hair down.  And then she was just part of the group, blending into party of seven and keeping quiet.  During the elevator ride Reiko placed herself firmly in the middle and dared not look down.  By now her dislike of heights was a known thing.

In the shrine, Reiko sat where she was directed and participated in any greeting formalities that were expected of her.  She purposely allowed some of her other Wu to speak first, if any among them wished to be the designated 'leader'.  Plus Arima  probably would prefer any other Dharma than hers to start off the introductions.  Eventually, Reiko voiced her answers.

"Arima-sama, we all seek redemption... in our own ways.  If you entrust us this task, you well get the determination of youth... without the baggage of a more senior Wu.  It would be inauspicious to promise anything further without some disclosure of this task.  If you find agreement with my words then my Dharma should not matter, but since you have asked... I hear the Song of Shadow from its Western approach.  Kimura Reiko is my name."

Her manner was respectful and Reiko avoided smiling or the appearance of innuendo.  It was unlikely that Arima would warm to her instantly, but perhaps she could at least achieve a neutral first footing.