This begins as a roleplay thread, in which you will encounter Tatsuya and his son, Ryunosuke. Feel free to approach and handle them as you see fit. The mechanical portion of this event will reveal itself in the course of the roleplay.

This thread may, depending on your choices in this and previous events, contain a combat element. The likelihood of death and/or serious discombobulation in that instance is high.

The warehouse is a little run-down and the holes in the roof probably aren’t doing the owner or occupants any favors. The wooden exterior features a huge set of doors, wide enough for two wagons abreast, facing the street and a matching pair opening onto a wharf. There is a single man-sized entrance just around the corner from the street. There are no windows.

Honoka had heard about the location and made her way to it as the others did. She gave them a smile and a quick bow.

"Those I spoke to pointed to here first. I feel like a reserved approach is best, I can't imagine a Ronin with a child would want to be cornered by a group of clan samurai after what I heard of his last job."

She looked to the warehouse, then back to the group to gauge their opinions first.

It seems this was where fate had brought them. Sayomi removed the poor disguise from her head and shook her braided hair a bit. "... So, we knock on the door, then? Maybe surround the building in case there are other exits. Even if I can't see any... or maybe just one knock and the rest keep their distance, as Ikoma-san mentioned we might want to avoid causing a scene."

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OOC: Sayomi is wearing light armor.

"For my part, I hope the gentleman will be happy to see us," Ryoichi replied in a low tone. "I'd be glad to test that theory by being the one who goes to the door."

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OOC: Since it was mentioned that we could wear armor here, I guess as a Crab bushi Ryoichi has a moral obligation to do so.

Sae, known scene causer, arrived a few moments later wearing heavy armour bearing the Emerald Magistrate's symbol. It turns out any house could be a change room with the right chop and a sword.

Her hair was pulled back and her expression firm.

"I must congratulate you all, I have known few investigations in this city to be so quick, or so smooth."
For now, at least.

"The presence of his child complicates matters indeed, I consider Ryunosuke's safety as much a priority as his father's. A light touch at first then, perhaps someone with soft words and a kind way? But not too soft I think, this is the City of Lies and he may not believe you if you dissemble too far."

Honoka looked over the others, then shook her head.

"It may be better if I approach. Armoured samurai from another clan approaching a Ronin in a warehouse will immediately arouse suspicions from the man. Plus I'm good at being a friendly face" there was a smile at that "the rest of you should scout around to ensure the perimeter is secured and we've had no tails after what Kitsu-sama said earlier."

A nod. "I think that could be a wise approach. I don't think anyone followed, but doesn't hurt to be sure."

"Agreed, you may be of close age to his child. It could work in your favour."

There was a small chuckle hidden behind her hand, before she nodded.

"Make sure to be out of sight then while you scout. Once you've all moved I'll go to the door and knock."

Cearnach wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 25, 2024 3:04 pm

tag

OOC: Seems like the plan is for Honoka to approach to make a friendly first-encounter with the ronin and his kid, while the rest of us keep a bit away (near enough to hear any call for help) as we try to keep an eye on any that might've followed us/any trouble.

[Gotcha!]


The knock is unanswered.

There was a small frown, which she quickly pushed away. Everyone had pointed to here, there was no way he wasn't in.

"Tatsuya-san? " she said politely through the door "I'm Ikoma Honoka, I've come to see you. May I please have a moment of your time?"

There is a moment's pause, but the voice of a teenage girl is very different from the voice of a bunch of middle-aged fighting men. The door opens to reveal a youthful face with large, dark eyes. A little older than Honoka, but still much younger than the person they were sent to find.

The figure nods and tilts his head inside. "Father! It's true, she's a Lion!"

A man emerges from behind some crates. His expression is a little puzzled.

"I am Tatsuya. I...well, you've come at an odd time. Are you by yourself?"

There was a friendly smile as the child opened the door, then a polite bow to both of them as the man appeared.

"Good evening Tatsuya-san, and you must be Ryunosuke-san? Forgive me for disturbing your night. I am not alone, I've travelled with another Lion a Crab and a Crane but they have remained back so that we can talk. We have been looking for you, but I assure you it's for a very good reason. May I come in?"

Ryunosuke leaned out of the doorway to look both left and right down the street, then turned and nodded to his father.

"Come in." Tatsuya led both deeper into the warehouse, while Ryunosuke shut and secured the door. "That's a...different crew. What is going on?"

Honoka followed in, waiting for the door to be secured before she spoke.

"Thank you. I understand what I will be saying may sound impossible however I assure you I speak the truth and can prove it. First I must ask, Tatsuya-san how much are you aware of who your parents were?"

His eyes darkened a bit. "Not as much as I'd like."

Ryunosuke rounds the crates to join their tete-a-tete, leaning in slightly to hear this new information.