(Kinotu) A Meeting with Kitsune Sojin

Usagi Kinotu wrote a leader to the leader of the Mondai Ketsu, Kitsune Sojin. It was sealed in wax with his personal mon and that of his dojo.

To the Esteemed Kitsune Sojin,

Greetings. I hope this letter finds you well. I'm writing to you as a request to speak with you on matters that you may find worthwhile. Even though we have never officially met before, I wish to offer an opportunity for mutual benefit and investment between the two of us. We have some common enemies that we must strengthen ourselves against. I am sorry for your loss and wish that I had been able to take Kasuga Serizawa with me when I escaped as the Lion swooped in. I wish to give my proposal in person if you will have me. I leave you with determining the time and place for our meeting. I would be honored to host you at my dojo. It may be less cramped than the Minor Clan Embassy building.

Six armed men stood outside the dojo, hands hovering near blades, eyes alert. They looked like exactly what they were, men on guard and ready to kill.

A seventh man stopped at the entry way, head canted to the side as if listening. His left hand rested atop the pommels of his blades. The right held an open iron-ribbed fan with the symbols of the Mondai Ketsu, the Hantei, and Kitsune Sojin, their commander.

A servant moved to greet the man, but when he bowed and offered to take his chop for introductions, Kitsune Sojin simply stared him down.

“I require no introductions. And you will not speak to me again. I am no commoner, nor even a common samurai, and your words fall distasteful on my ears.” Sojin took a single step closer, fist tightening on the end of his katana.

“Tell your master I am here. I have waited long enough.”

The servant turned pale and without looking up or saying a word made a small motion for them to follow him inside. As the men continued down a small hallway, it opened up into a very large room with ceilings that stretched up thirty feet to the top of the building. There were several human-shaped targets lined along the east wall, some with tanto sticking out of the vital spots. On the west wall, there was a large and exquisitely detailed map of the Juramashi district hanging in the center while smaller less detailed maps of other districts circled around it including one or two of tunnel systems with the labels Juramashi and Inner City. A couple of benches with paper and ink at the ready stood a few feet from the maps. The north wall was plain except for a hallway that led off further into the building, presumably to the living quarters and the sensei's office. The center of the room had a ring where students could practice their juijutsu. As the men glanced about the room, their senses drew their gaze upward at the sound of combat.

Ten feet above them stretching to the ceiling was a most unusual sight. Every wall joined in the center of the room with various rafters, beams, and ropes the purpose of which was soon discovered. Amongst the obstacles and maze in the rafters were three individuals locked in aerial combat wielding tanto: one in red and white versus one in purple and gold and the last one in plain brown. The Shinjo charged the Usagi along a beam, but as he deflected a tanto that flew at his face the Usagi did a sweeping kick at his knees. The Shinjo's knees buckled and he fell backwards but caught himself on a rope a few feet down. "Always be aware of your footing regardless of distractions," the Usagi said.

The ronin dropped down from a higher rafter with a downward strike at the Usagi. Without glancing up, the Hare a half corkscrew forward and grabbed the beam he was standing on as he swung up the other side of the beam like a pendulum using his momentum. The ronins feet had barely landed on the beam when the Hare's maneuver swung the Usagi up in the air behind the ronin where he then landed a dropkick to the ronin's backside and sent him flying down in the direction of the Shinjo where they collided. The collision was too much strain for the rope as it snapped plumeting the two men into a clump on the floor ten feet below. "Don't fully commit yourself to one action otherwise you will be unable to compensate when the conditions change," the Hare shouted down the two students.

The whole incident took only a few moments after Kitsune Sojin and his men entered the room after which the servant hit a gong that was off to the right. "You guests have arrived master," the servant said and quickly departed. The two students who had fallen quickly regained their composure and bowed with their knees and heads to the ground. The Usagi flipped and vaulted down from the rafters to a spot a respectable distance away into a courteous bow. "Kitsune Sojin, leader of the Mondai Ketsu, I am honored that you have blessed my dojo with your presence. Please join me in my office where we can discuss business." Kinotu rose and shouted a quick order to his two students," Tell the doshin outside that no one is allowed to disturb me or my guests at this time. You two will continue your "artistic studies" in the lower Juramashi today. I, as always, expect precise and accurate work upon your return." The Shinjo and ronin quickly got up and shoved some paper, brushes, and ink into their packs before climbing up some ropes hanging from the ceiling. As they reached the top they opened a hidden door that lead to the roof and disappeared.

Kinotu grabbed a cloth to wipe his brow off of one of the targets and walked to the northern hallway. "This way. Your men can join us if you so wish. There is much that we need to discuss," as the Hare motioned for them to follow. They walked past the servants and student living quarters before coming to his office. The office was like much of the rest of the dojo: sparse, unadorned, and nothing fancy. His desk was neatly arranged with scrolls brushes and ink. The center had the beginnings of a map with tunnels, some of the passageways had a red x here and there. "So what do you think of my 'artwork' in the main training area? I'm interested in your opinion as it will pertain to what I have to offer you."

Kitsune Sojin remained silent for the span of three measured breaths. He stared at the Usagi with a newfound interest, eyes locked on the Usagi.

When he spoke it was in a calm and measured voice.

"Your artwork is nearly as remarkable as your training. Or," Sojin sat his heavy iron-ribbed fan down upon the table, "perhaps I should say it is the other way round."

Sojin began to walk about the room as if he owned the building. Arrogance trailed him like a cloak.

"Your allies and I have begun to come to an understanding of mutual benefit. I see now that I may have overlooked a most startling prize." Sojin turned, hands behind his back in military manner. His eyes gleamed with dangerous thought and he smiled darkly at Kinotu. "Do you have a map of every District? Every tunnel? Every home?"

As calculated, he was an admirer of his work.The Hare now had value in Sojin's eye. Kinotu smiled knowingly back at the General while absent mindedly tracing the tunnels on the map he was working on. "Yes and no. Making maps of locations in Otisan Uchi could be considered illegal by the Govenors of certain districts. Fortunately, my students and I merely practice our artisan skills and use ink and paper as our medium. The city is so beautiful that it is the perfect focus for our art. It is also very practical for our athletic training purposes to know the cities layout as one would know his own body. I have received Koshin's blessing and can see the complete layout of any district, or the tunnel system under it. I am in at the time. This information is always entirely accurate and up to date regardless of how quickly or frequently the district may change. Unfortunately, those without his blessing and special training are unable to perceive it for they have not earned the right in his eyes. It also cannot be copied. I have tried to copy it exactly before but the ink would disappear as soon as it touched the paper. Koshin may not be the most powerful of Fortunes, but he is selective about who has his insight. Through training and experience, I have almost perfected my new technique based on his insight. Once complete, anyone who knows this technique will be able to create a precise piece of 'art' of an entire district after spending two full days exploring and recording that part of the city. The 'artwork' produced is not quite as precise as my gift but it is accurate enough that one who can 'appreciate' it will be able to navigate that district or tunnel system equivalent as if they had lived there for many years even if they had never been there before. With this technique, I could achieve my dream and the goal of this dojo of creating a 'living' masterpiece of the entire city. I say living because it will need to be changed and updated as the city itself does. The undertaking could be achieved in two to three months by myself, but I have other obligations as a magistrate of the Inner City that will severely delay my work and the oldest depiction might be oblselete before the piece is even done. That is why I rely on my students to do most of the leg work with myself checking their work for accuracy and forgeries. As you can see, I have only two students right now which means the goal will take a while to complete. But..." the sly Hare's gaze turned to Sojin's men," If I could find more students that I could trust, then the endeavor would go by considerably faster. My dojo is somewhat unique in that I am not really exclusive to any one clan. If I deem them able and trustworthy, then they may learn my kata and techniques. My first two students came for the right reasons and survived the first week of training." Kinotu's gaze swung back to Sojin's," However, when I aquire more students and the ball gets rolling there will be obstacles in my way. The dojo's students will be noticed more by the different govenors. It isn't hard to imagine that some will dislike others knowimg what is going on in their district. My students efforts will be stymied by magistrates asking for traveling papers on every corner and confiscating their 'artwork', ronin 'randomly' attacking them out of nowhere, being challenged to duels by masters of iajutsu for some false insult, and a multitude of other possibiliies. The tunnels underneath the city is a different story. There are not just lawless types that guard the tunnels and cities underground, there are powerful wards that protect them," Kinotu emphasized this fact by pointing to the red X on the map he had been tracing with his finger." This one in particular, I know the source and effect of. There is a solution to most of these problems that I have going in the works, but there is need for support from 'influential' people to make it happen. I am speaking about creating a new official imperial office, the Imperial Cartographers of Otisan Uchi. While the Miya make maps of the rest of the entire empire, there is no one that does the same for the Imperial capital. It is said that the reason why is because it can't be done. The city is too vast and the districts change almost monthly. One man certainly couldn't do it, but an entire dojo with my training could. Having the title and authority of Imperial Cartographer would give my students and I a protection and freedm to move about the city very similar to that of the Mondai Ketsu. I have spoken of this to some of my very powerful allies who have an invested interest in making this a reality. I would of course work willingly with those who uphold the law in this city to the best of my ability with up to date information. Such information could be valuable to those generals who have trapsmiths or engineers under their command especially if they were to set up traps in the tunnels to capture law breakers or to cover their escape from a force the size of oh lets say a legion. Even a Lion commander might not be ready for such surprises," the hare smilled at the last statement. "I have some options open to me to gain a fair amount of status and political power to make my move in the near future, and to help those who would support me..."

“You talk much, Usagi-san.” Sojin’s eyes did not leave the maps on the wall, on the table. He didn’t so much as turn to look at the Hare while speaking.

“Probably an after-effect of your time associating with the Crane. I can see why certain elements of the city, the governors in particular, might not want you to complete such an ambitious project.”

Sojin picked up his heavy iron-ribbed fan and tapped it on the wall.

“It strikes me that an enemy hostile to Otosan Uchi could use such maps for invasion.” Sojin smirked at that, eyes narrowed. Finally, he turned to Kinotu. “But what enemy of the Empire would dare lay siege to the Imperial City? No…I think I approve of your endeavor, Kinotu-san. What’s more, I think the Sentaku Syndicate would absolutely NOT approve.”

The Mondai Ketsu commander took three quick strides to stand before the Hare, eyes locked, daring the other man to look away. The intensity in Sojin’s demeanor was intimidating in the extreme.

“Who opposes you most severely? What obstacles do you face? Are you loyal to the Hantei?”



OOC:
- Intimidation (Control) / Awareness Roll Vs your Etiquette (Courtesy) / Willpower:


Sojin Intimidation (Control) 50

The tremendous prescense of the Mondai Ketsu leader shook Kinotu to the core. In all of the horrible things he has faced and done, this was one the moments where he felt true fear. He tried to resist the fear by thinking of all that he accomplished and that the fate of his dojo may hang in the balance, but none of it was enough to keep his gaze locked onto the general's. As he was about to look away in defeat, Jama Suru decided he had to intervene. "Fool, look him straight in the eye. This is a test to see how much of a coward you are. Must I do everything for you?" Kinotu felt the ice cold will of Suru flow through him. The Hare's gaze turned to that of his master, placid and calculating. His head tilted to one side as he started taking off his gloves and the wrappings around his mutilated hands.

"I suppose the Crane's love for talking has rubbed off on me somewhat. Unfortunately, there aren't as many straight forward samurai such as yourself to talk to in this city. To answer your questions, The Sentaku and certain govenors will be the ones to most oppose me in the course of having this dojo reach its full potential. The obstacles I will face is having the support and authority to create the Imperial Cartographers."

Kinotu finished unwrapping his hands and clenched them into fists. His tone grew dark,"You question my loyalty to the Hantei? I nearly had my hands blown off by Agasha magic as I saved the life of the Emerald Champion. I hunted down and killed the maho-tsukai that started the riots in the Juramashi half a year ago. Even now, I am investigating the cause of the endless summer which has swept the Son of Heaven's most precious city. All I have is my conviction. Glory, status, resources, and even honor fall short of my conviction to protect the Hantei and the Father's Home." The Hare crossed his scarred arms in defiance of the Kitsune's insult.

OOC: Kinotu spent a void point and three ranks of luck to finally pass his Etiquette roll.

Kinotu Etiquette (Courtesy) / Willpower http://orokos.com/roll/333626

Eyes like twin suns bore down on Usagi Kinotu. The man before him leaned forward in the posture of a samurai about to strike down a violent opponent. The Commander of the Mondai Ketsu practically hummed with barely contained energy.

Kinotu saw the fingers on the Kitsune's right hand twitch. A single jerk in the muscle of his jaw preceded a minor tilt to his head.

And then he laughed. And laughed. And laughed.

Great bellowing laughter from deep in the belly, a soulful roar of laughter filled with all the essence of the man's chi.

He is utterly insane. The voice of Jama Suru seemed to approve.

Without warning, the laughter ceased and Kitsune Sojin once again stepped close to the Hare until they were eye-to-eye, mere inches apart.

"You need a member of the Sentaku Tribunal to approve your endeavor. Yasuki Maro in the Karada. Or Daidoji Jikkyo in the same district - though he is certainly going to stand on whatever side Kakita Foruku falls. The others are not worth your time. Associating with the Mondai Ketsu will have spoiled you for them."

The Mondai Ketsu lord tilted his head as if he heard some distant voice. The violent smile returned to his face.

"There is another who could help you, if you are feeling lucky. The Dragon have no Sentaku representative, but they could. You'd just have to get him to come down off of Seppun Hill." Sojin turned and looked back at the maps. "Be careful with that one. He's insane."

Kinotu heard the bellowing laughter of Jama Suru from some dark corner of his mind.

Kinotu gave a small chuckle when Sojin was laughing but immediatiely stopped when he did. Kinotu wondered if Sojin had his own demons talking to him as much as Kinotu did, but he immediately dismissed it as it was more than likely a shugenja talking to him via some link.

"I have heard of the Togashi before. I do not wish to have dealings with him if I don't have to. You did not mention Kitsune Miru. I know that the Minor Clan representative is more of a full member of the Tribunal in the absense of a Dragon Clan representative. Does he feel the same as the others pertaining to my association to the Mondai Ketsu?"

Kinotu could tell that the general had more interest in his maps more than anything he had to say. "Is there any district in particular that you are wanting me to commision a piece of artwork for you once my technique had been perfected? Is there any of your men that you would like to learn this technique as well or is well suited for my type of training?"

Kinotu raised an eyebrow as he remembered something,"I have heard that there are some members of the Sentaku Syndicate that are wanting to force your resignation as leader of the Mondai Ketsu. From what I have been told, this can be accomplished if a majority of the Tribunal agree to it. I have heard that the Crab are against it as well as Kitsune Miru of course. It would seem that the way for this to be stymied is for Furoku to be swayed to be against it as both the Crane representatives usually vote the same way. This would lead me to think that the other members of the Tribunal are part of the Syndicate. Is there anything I can do to help you in that regard?"

"Everyone within the Ekohikei is a part of the Syndicate, Usagi-san, didn't you know?" Sojin finally stopped his examination of the maps and turned his full attention to the Hare.

"At least, according to the Syndicate leaders, that is. Though, I take your question to wonder at the true leaders behind the Sentaku Syndicate, yes?" Sojin nodded and tapped his iron-ribbed fan against his cheek. "Well, yes, the others each certainly have their fingers in many plots."

Sojin held up a fist and began extending fingers as he spoke.

"Kitsune Miru, my erstwhile cousin, can be overruled by any of the others with just cause. You will find little useful help there unless something significant is done to improve his position."

"Otomo Nishige and a number of other members of the Imperial Bureaucracy stand behind the scenes to manipulate others on the Sentaku Tribunal, to oppose the expansion of the Mondai Ketsu, and to rival your Lord Kurotema." Another finger went up.

"My removal as Commander of the Mondai Ketsu can only be forced by the Emperor himself. No matter what power plays these Sentaku fools believe they can muster, they will not sway my devotion in the eyes of the Glorious Emperor." Sojin looked at his fingers for a moment and chuckled. "No, it's far more likely they'll simply try to kill me."

"As for your maps, yes, I would dearly love a copy of each and every District within the Inner City itself, but I expect there you will find the greatest of resistance. As for my men training with you to learn your unusual methods, I accept wholeheartedly. Though, it may take quite some time for them to catch up to your speed. For now, I will assign four of our newest recruits to stand with you and learn what they can."

Fingers went up, but Sojin shook his fist and pointed at the Hare with his fan.

"You want to impress me? Convince me that you should have official sanction by the Emperor himself? I say you find one of these Sentaku Syndicate leaders in the act of manipulation and you expose him or her. Or you simply find a way to remove them from the board. Make the Sentaku fear you instead of pandering to them. Scare them into obedience to the Emperor and your method shall be adopted."

Sojin grinned wide. "Besides, if your associate Ejio wins the Turquoise Championship he will have a considerable say in whether or not your particular "art" should flourish."

Sojin glanced at the door, then back at Kinotu.

"I have much to do. Are we nearly through?"

Kinotu smiled back at Kitsune Sojin,"I thank you for the chance to train more students. I will not take it easy on them just because they are your men. In fact, I will be much tougher on them as I expect much more from members of the Mondai Ketsu. It would be hard pressed to find anyone as fast as me Kitsune-sama. Once I have perfected my technique, I will teach it to them, so that you might still benefit from my teachings should anything ever happen to me. As for the 'artwork' you requested, it may take until the beginning of spring to fully produce what you want but it shall be done."

The Hare sensei smiled a wicked smile,"You may find your stay in the Chisei District more palatable come spring. As the seasons change, so I believe the Tribunal will with it somewhat but only time will tell. You are a busy man, so I do not wish to delay you further. May the fortunes bless you in your endeavors," Kinotu said with a respectful bow. He then opened the door and rapped on it hard three times. The same servant as before came over. His face turned pale again as he escorted the men out. He dared not say a single word for fear of death by the volatile Mondai Ketsu leader.

As the men left, the Usagi breathed a sigh of relief. "That went better than expected."

END SCENE ON PC'S PART