And then it was all on fire (Day 5 Late Evening)

[Yasuki Masaki]

Masaki nods in acknowledgement of the Kaiu's assessment.

"I would be willing to try to talk to Seppun Tomaru-sama, then- and Seppun-dono as well, if Kaiu-dono is willing to grant me a letter of introduction to meet her."

She falls silent for a moment, takes a small sip of her sake.

"I have not dealt with Otomo Gorobei-sama closely so far, I'm afraid. Do we have anyone closer to him at this moment?", she asks, looking at the others.

[Hiruma Daichi]

"I've not met him myself. Honestly I've not even seen him." Daichi admitted, it was almost like the Imperials were keeping him locked away.

"I could try and make contact with him though. If it would help."

[Kaiu Masahiko]

"I am happy to write letters of introduction."

He paused. "Actually, there's a little matter I might like one of your help with. I know that it is pretty unlikely that we're going to get Noriko out of her cousin's pocket, but I made a promise to Lady Seppun--long story--that we would suggest to her and to Lady Doji that she should go to stay with House Imagawa in Otosan Uchi so that Lady Seppun and Lord Miya can try to negotiate the succession."

"They would have to be complete fools to agree, but in saying that we'd do this, I think I bought us a little good will from Lady Seppun, so...a Crab's word and all that."

[Yasuki Masaki]

Daichi's words are confirmed with a nod. "I... don't think I've seen him either".

The Yasuki then nod-bows at the Kaiu, thanking him for his answer on letters of introduction. The request regarding Noriko is listened carefully, a pensive expression on her face.

"It... does sound like a difficult thing to achieve", she says, nodding in agreement with Masahiko's assessment. "If what we have to do to keep our word is *ask*, though, maybe less so. One or more of us would need to get closer to Doji Noriko-san, and the Lady Doji of course."

She looks to Daichi and Shiori. "I suppose I could try, as I and my family have some acquaintances among the Crane. But I haven't spoken to Doji Noriko-san yet."

Looking at the Kaiu. "One question, Kaiu-dono. Would we want that suggestion to be accepted? Or... at least look as if we do?"

[Kaiu Masahiko]

"If they accept, then it can only benefit the Crab. The more Winds we control, the greater the hand that we hold over the Empire's future. You can make the offer sincerely. I would be very surprised if they give you more than a polite non-answer, though. They're a cagey bunch."

[Yasuki Masaki]

She nod-bows again. "I understand, Kaiu-dono - and you're most likely right. But we shall make the offer as best we can, then." Looking at the others. "I imagine that could probably be easier if more than one of us earn the Crane's confidence... if possible, of course."

Another look at the Kaiu and a nod. "I will try to speak to Seppun Tomaru-sama and Seppun-dono as well."

[Hiruma Daichi]

"The Crane have been something of a mixed bunch." Daichi observed. "Asahina Hoshiko is likely the one I'd say I have the best opinion of over those I've met."

Others had seemed trustworthy but weren't quite, and others confrontational for no reason. "I'll attempt to meet a few others though, on the off chance it's helpful."


"Do you know where I might have luck coming across Otomo Gorobei though? As it seems I may have to go looking."

[Kaiu Masahiko]

"He still sleeps in the Imperial Apartments, I think. But he's an outdoor type. Likes gardens."

[Hiruma Daichi]

"I can have a look around the gardens then. Maybe I can find him there." He wasn't certain they'd let him in the Imperial apartments after all. At least not if he just showed up.

[Kuni Shiori]

"There was sure a bit of a kerfuffle whispered around the courts for most of yesterday. Indirectly, that might have driven some eyes of the other Clans on him," she said before turning to look at Daichi. "I would imagine he could find some common ground with you but it does seems something to leave to chance...keeping a close eye on the appartments might be a bit too intrusive, however."

[Hiruma Daichi]

"I thought as much, I'll just have to find some time for it." He took a sip of sake and smirked. "A walk around the garden is probably good for me as well, a bit of sun, time away from tea houses and meetings."

"Yeah, I think I could use more of it." The young Crab finished with a few nods to himself.