Ryoichi looked a bit bleary after the banquet and the late night skirmish, but he squared his shoulders and approached Masahiko's office to present the latest proposals.

"Kaiu-dono?" he asked. "Would you have a moment to review some proposed arrangements with the Phoenix and Tortoise clans?"

"Sure, lay it on the table, Yasuki-san. Let's have a look."

Ryoichi presented a writeup of a proposed agreement with the Phoenix, and another agreement with the Tortoise.

"I'm quite happy with the Phoenix deal, which should give us a northern port, a blessing guaranteeing a good harvest, and an experienced gunso," Ryoichi said. "Shiba Ryusei and the Phoenix have been good partners for us so far."

"The Tortoise arrangement is a bit speculative in that we are investing in their future," he continued. "But I think it could be worth it to build stronger ties with them."

"I hope Kaiu-dono will approve. But let me know if there is anything you would have us change."