(D3MA) Bearer of Mad News

[Daidoji Ryu]

Ryu had had a busy morning. And a busy afternoon. Between the investigation into the nighttime intrusion, preparing for court, and this unpleasant rumor, he'd had a lot to do. Now it was time to report.

A letter had been passed and returned, and now he was meeting with Doji Minehime once more. Dressed in his court clothing, fine but modest, Ryu gently tapped the wooden frame of the door with his knuckles, announcing his presence. Once permission was given, he would slide the door open, stepping inside with a crisp bow, before sliding the door shut behind him.

[Doji Minehime]

Lady Doji was standing, arms crossed behind her back, at the window, looking out over the grounds. On hearing his entrance, she turned and offered a nod of greeting. She was wearing her swords.

"Miyahara-san," she began. "How pleasant to be able to speak with you. What do you have for me?"

[Daidoji Ryu]

"And you as well, Doji-sama." Ryu said as he crisply bowed.

He straightened. "Two significant items. Only initial investigations for last night's intrusion. If you haven't been fully informed of those details, I am prepared to provide them." He'd wait for her assent on that, though.

He remained straight as he spoke. "For the other, there was an unfortunate rumor regarding you, suggesting some minor disloyalty. I've managed to trace it." He took a breath, his face serious. "I expect you won't be surprised to hear that it originated with Otomo Tooru."

[Doji Minehime]

She grinned. "I am not surprised at all at that news. I suppose the delegation is ready to go in mob-handed and hand him his head?'

[Daidoji Ryu]

"I didn't think you would be." Ryu said, allowing a smile to touch his lips.

Then his expression turned serious again. "In fact, I have not yet made it generally known, for exactly that reason. If you wish us to go hand him his head, we would be honor-bound to do it, of course." He inclined his head to her. "But I expect you would favor a much more restrained approach. And, if I was advising my cousin, that is what I would suggest for her."

[Doji Minehime]

Minehime's grin burst into a true smile. "Wise, Miyahara-san. Very wise indeed. It does not do to get angry. In fact, I would have been quite disappointed had Lord Otomo not tried something like this. No, the best thing to do now is to show Tooru-chan that we have strength of our own. Return fire with the weapon he has chosen, and then let us see how quickly he comes down here to settle the matter. You have my permission to enlist the delegation in that project."

"Your first matter is far more interesting to me. Shall we turn to that?"

[Daidoji Ryu]

Ryu bowed. "It shall be done, Doji-sama."

He straightened. "As for the other matter... two intruders were found last night. One was either attempting to enter Crane House, or on lookout for the one that was actually found inside. Doji Arai and I were awakened by some sound, and attempted to confront the intruder, but they ran before we could muster properly."

He went on. "The intruder had found their way to Doji Noriko's room. This may suggest that she was the target of whatever they intended, although that would depend on them knowing which room was hers."

A pause for a breath, and for Minehime to digest this info. "In my examination of the scene, I found two items. The first, a torn scrap of black cloth. Alas, I have little hope for that, as I expect we will not find the clothing it was torn from without an impossible search. The other item was a piece of paper with '-guya' visible on it." His lips pressed together. "That suggests Bayushi Kaguya, of course. Although I might add that I credit Scorpion agents with more finesse than to carry signed written orders, and Scorpion handlers with more finesse than to give them."

[Doji Minehime]

"Indeed. That would hardly match their fearsome reputation, would it?" She sighed. "I suppose the question is who has it in them to frame poor Kaguya?" A beat. "And whether my cousin was a target, or just an intensifier. Did they make any threatening gestures toward her? Throw anything, for example?"

[Daidoji Ryu]

"Who indeed?" Ryu said dryly.

"Throw anything?" Ryu tilted his head curiously. "I didn't find anything from the intruders except for those two items." He waited a few moments, inviting comment on that.

Then he went on. "But no. Nothing to definitively mark your cousin as a target. Only that the one was in her room. Target, or coincidence?" His lips quirked, substitute for a shrug.

[Doji Minehime]

"I cannot imagine it was a coincidence. These people aren't fools, usually, meaning that it had to be her to get the full attention of the Seppun and the cloth and note are plants, as you have hinted."

She turns back to the window. "I could possibly see this as Tsuruyo's work. It fits her agenda. But we don't have enough to go on, there, and she is not the only person with an interest in harming the Scorpion."

[Daidoji Ryu]

"Or to see a conflict between us and the Scopion." Ryu suggested. "The shorter list would be those who would benefit from harming both clans."

[Doji Minehime]

"Not all that much shorter, unfortunately. There are many who would harm us if they could." She smiled tightly. "In any case, it is probably best to inform Kaguya of this. I shall have Kakita-san give you a letter. Just...go gently. She is not a patient person."

[Daidoji Ryu]

There was a pause, and then Ryu inclined his head. "Very good, Doji-sama. I shall see her at her earliest convenience."

[Doji Minehime]

"And," she continued, "if you should see something of interest there, I know that you will make a full report to me."

[Daidoji Ryu]

Ryu bowed. "Of course. I shall keep both eyes and ears open."