"I think that we can make an arrangement for you to join them in a week or so, but approaching Lady Shiba immediately may be unwise. The force of her disapproval of this court may bring about a result that you may not wish. Passion is like a thunderstorm, and we have no umbrella but time. But there ...

"We can speak right now, Agasha-san. There is no reason why we cannot."

Lord Togashi, perhaps alone among the sea of shocked faces, seemed completely at peace.

"Agasha-san," he said quietly in acknowledgment.

"Nothing that wise, I am afraid. Your conclusions match mine. In fact, I have found that when I have spoken, the listener heard what they wished to in any case."

He smiled sadly. "We will end this court without an Empress. Of that much I am certain."

"Matters of small import, hm?" Togashi Mizohachi smiled wryly. "As though tomorrow's debate can do anything but creep from the back of our minds to the forefront of our conversation. Have you not come to ask my opinion? And have you not heard opinions enough already from Lady Matsu, Lady Doji, Shiba...

"I do not. I cannot see the end of the road, but I do know that it will not end tomorrow. There will be many chances for signs in the time to come."

"I think it refers to the story that builds the stair up Seppun Hill. What that is, I cannot say."

"On the contrary, it may be beneficial to eventual passage of the standard to get the Imperials used to taking coin, rather than just issuing in exchange for rice. It may not pass, as you say, but it is usually helpful to introduce an idea."

"That doesn't solve the issue, I am afraid. It may be wise to suggest that people can pay their taxes with metals as well as rice. It may complicate food acquisition for the capital, but otherwise I think it a beneficial policy. But our real concern is how the currency is pegged, and your proposal w...

Eiji is shown into Togashi Mizohachi's office. The old man has a cup of sake pre-poured for the courtier, as though he knew Eiji was going to arrive.

"Please, come in," he says, "have a drink."

"There are many choices of vessel possible. Binding comes with its own risks, but fighting the creature may also be unwise. Gaki are best defeated when known utterly, and while we may know something of this one, we do not know all."

Lord Togashi arrives and plops down next to Sanjuro. He doesn't say much. Just waiting.

Mizohachi listened quietly. "I am happy to help to the extent that I am able. Thank you for your analysis of the reign of Hantei Ningi. It seems that it was a troubled time. But we should be wary, I think, of overcorrection. For example, the trouble with declaring that Ningen-do belongs to Tengoku i...

Which one was Matsu Hitomi, again? Togashi Mizohachi's mind wandered over the faces of hundreds of samurai who died because of Akodo's silly ideas, and realized that he had no particular memory of these events. Still, if it was important to them...

"Very well. See it done."

"Am I correct in thinking the Sixth Wind is Hantei Ningi? A hungry spirit thinking itself Hantei's heir? That is the spiritual matter I hoped to discuss this morning. I have several updates, and I think there are opportunities for you and Agasha-san to help." "But, in these complicated times, there...

"Far from it, Agasha-san. The throne remains empty, and the path before us in murky. The Sixth Wind has made itself known."

Summoned by the mystic breakfast treats, Togashi Mizohachi appeared.

"Good. Was there anything else?"

"The Tortoise may. They may have access to precious metals from the gaijin, which will be helpful to them in the new model, if a little distorting, perhaps, over time. I know that the Mantis certainly do trade in gold, and I cannot imagine they extract it from the isles."

"That is not a bad idea. Yes, I think that will be very helpful. At least we will know what the Tortoise think more accurately if they think they are manipulating us." He smiled. "Kasuga Izumi is predictable if you understand her nature."