[D8, MM] Phoenix Friendship is Magic

[Akodo Kenji]

Kenji looked over his notes. "The first is from five eyewitness accounts, including a Miya herald and the Lion ambassador and her husband. The second is a from a report by a pair of Matsu bushi."

He looked at additional notes. "There are various other tall tales, somewhat like those that follow Lord Gorobei, but these were the ones I could find clear supporting evidence for."

One more scroll. "I also found an official copy of the order proclaiming that the family line would remain in contention for the Throne as heirs. Dated Yugozohime 1 / Isawa 435."

[Akodo Sanae]

"That may be of interest to Lady Shiba. She is always going on about documentation. But these reports are interesting. Heavens and heavens. I wonder whether Sadahako shines as brightly in Tatsuya. My guess is not. Anyway, his presentation in court had not a hint of his mother's grace, at least as I have read it."


She nodded her head slowly. "You have read extensively on both Gorobei and Noriko, Akodo-san. What do you think?"

[Akodo Kenji]

Kenji took a few moments to consider this. "Based on my research Akodo-dono, I believe that the Heavens look favorably on Doji Noriko. I suspect that they would look favouraly on the Empire were she to become the next Hantei."

His attention flicked to the scroll about Gorobei. "As for Lord Gorobei. It seems his destiny may have been thwarted at a young age, or that he feels this way at least. Perhaps if we were discussing the young Lord Gorobei, the waveman at Shiro Sano Ken Hayai, he would prove to be an exceptional ruler. My concern is that the moment passed, and he is perhaps resentful."

He nodded slowly. "Between these two candidates Doji Noriko is the one who seems best for the stability of the Empire."

[Akodo Sanae]

"Your arguments are convincing. Lord Ikoma may find them more challenging and Lady Matsu's heart is elsewhere, but I find myself thinking more along your lines of late." She sighed. "I fear that what I warned would happen is already coming to pass. Perhaps it was the warning itself that did it. But it is too late for regret and too early for despair. To my mind, only one question remains: what do we know of Seppun Tomaru? If our findings there are less great than those on Noriko, then I think this matter will be well and truly settled."

[Akodo Kenji]

Kenji nodded. "I will report back to you soon Akodo-dono, I have yet to investigate what the libraries say of Seppun Tomaru. Once I have more information I will arrange a spot in your schedule."

[Akodo Sanae]

"Thank you, Akodo-san. You have given me solid ground among shifting sands."