[D3, EE, Expecting] Briefing Notes

[Akodo Sanae]

Lady Akodo was never anything less than punctual. It was the habit of a lifetime. And after the challenges of the afternoon, she was pleased to find herself some time with her clan, far away from presumptuous Crane and meddling Otomo.

[Akodo Kenji]

Akodo Kenji was slightly nervous but pushed that feeling away. It was awe inspiring to be in the presence of his Champion and Daimyo, and on official business. He bowed deeply.

"Akodo-dono, I am deeply honoured to be in your presence. I am also well aware of your busy schedule and do not wish to keep you longer than necessary." Don't mention the earthquake.

There was a concise, only slightly abridged, library of scrolls at his side.

[Akodo Sanae]

Akodo Sanae offered him a seat. "I appreciate that you are conscious of my schedule, but let us get down to business, hm? What brings you to my door?"

[Akodo Kenji]

"Of course Akodo-dono, i have two matters for your attention." Kenji pointed to one set of perfectly written scrolls.

"Firstly, I have been consulting the Ikoma Libraries to learn more about Lord Gorobei. It has been, unexpectedly interesting. I have prepared some notes.."

He gestured to another scroll.

"Secondly, I had a...meeting with a representative of the Dragon. We discussed trade and the state of the alliance."

[Akodo Sanae]

"Interesting. After court today, I must confess that I am seeing more angles to this than I have previously." She frowned slightly. "There is now a choice, perhaps choices, that I believe would be deleterious to our position. So believe me when I say that I am pleased to hear about your research. And treaties are always nice as well."

[Akodo Kenji]

Kenji relaxed a fraction he had been slightly concerned given previous comments about Lord Gorobei. And after seeing the Imperial Advisor's activities in court it was clear they needed options.

He picked up the first scroll. "Initially I sought to uncover the truth, or otherwise, of the stories surrounding Lord Gorobei. What I discovered amongst the tall tales was that a ronin matching his description had been present at Shiro Sano Ken Hayai during the time of his musha shugyo. This allowed me to consult the records from that place and time.

I also did some research on his family line and discovered in the heraldic records that Lord Gorobei has Agasha, Kakita, and Hiruma heritage. Notably, both the Agasha and Kakita were trained in artisanal traditions."

He paused in case the Champion had any questions at this point.

[Akodo Sanae]

"I presume the records did not mention anything of the purity of his Hiruma connection?" She hummed. "But what of his time at Shiro sano ken Hayai? It can be challenging for ronin there."

[Akodo Kenji]

"I do not recall anything about a Hiruma connection but I can certainly look into it my Lady." He offered a polite smile at the next question.

"Ah yes indeed, Lord Gorobei's time at Shiro Sano Ken Hayai is where I stood up and really took note. The following is an excerpt from the personal logs of a senior training assistant." He read from the scroll he had prepared:

"They say every Akodo is your doshin. They never said a ronin could be, too.

I doubt that he was born on the waves; it is clear he has been out in the world, but it is also clear that he has not been out in the world overly long. His calluses speak of long practice, but not long use. His speech rings of court, but it is not haughty for all of that. And he finds himself very much at home among the students, with sword in hand or bokken in hand or even helping to clean the floors of the dojo among his peers. I am told, too, that he is generous with what he has with his fellows.

"He trains diligently, he studies hard, and he accepts correction. Whoever it is that sent him out into the world taught him well, and he is a credit to his people. If I do not miss my guess, when he returns from his pilgrimage, he will do much good in the world."

Kenji finished reading and awaited his Champion's take.

[Akodo Sanae]

Akodo Sanae nodded slowly. "A promising beginning. But I have no knowledge of his accomplishments to date. I take it that he has not quite lived up to these expectations."

[Akodo Kenji]

Kenji looked thoughtful. "My understanding is that the Imperial Families gave him the role of Vice-Minister for Public Gardens to forestall any opportunities for personal heroism or glory. The records suggest he has great potential."

[Akodo Sanae]

"I wonder why they chose to do that? They are as hungry for talent as the rest of us." She frowned. "It might be worth trying to get a meeting with him, Kenji-san. Potential is a fine thing; let's see if he still has it." A pause. "But be careful; I feel that there is something that we are not seeing, here."

[Akodo Kenji]

Kenji bowed. "I will see to it Akodo-dono."

He turned to the next scroll and opened it. "The next matter was a discussion I had with a Dragon representative yesterday. The Dragon have various goods that we require, they are also keen to renew the alliance. We may be able to secure needed trade items in exchange for our art services, a marriage into the Dragon, the renewed alliance, and perhaps our Pottery technology."

[Akodo Sanae]

"That is a more welcome situation than I had hoped for. The Dragon have been a trying ally, at times, but if Lord Togashi is taking a firmer hand in matters, then perhaps it is for the better that we do not sever ties. Which resources are we exchanging? Rice, I imagine."

[Akodo Kenji]

"Oddly they did not seek rice, and we do not have the trade goods they were looking for. However, they are interested in our art, our pottery, and an alliance. In exchange they will provide us with gold, stone, iron, and some armour." All things the clan required.

"If we can marry someone into the Dragon they would be happy to make the deal. At least they seemed to be happy with this yesterday."

[Akodo Sanae]

"If it helps to satisfy our iron deficit, I am happy to accede to this deal."

[Akodo Kenji]

Kenji bowed in response. "I will see to it Akodo-dono. I thought you might also like to know there was a meeting with the Badger and Boar. Ikoma Tanji discussed trade with them. I believe the request was for us to provide 3 units of time and 20% off tariffs for the Badger and Boar, in exchange for 2 units of arms and 2 units of iron. Does this seem reasonable to you?"

[Akodo Sanae]

[[Assuming "time" above is meant to read "rice."]]

"It seems reasonable enough. These exchanges with the minor clans are small, but efficiently handled, I think. This tariff question is interesting, though. I wonder what they will have to give the Scorpion for it?"

[Akodo Kenji]

(OOC: Ugh, yeah, damned phone posting)

"I am happy to arrange this since Ikoma-san has taken ill. Is there any other business that you would like me to take care of Akodo-dono?"

[Akodo Sanae]

"If you find yourself with free time, a similar report on Doji Noriko and Seppun Tomaru might not be entirely unwelcome. Keihime I know all too well, but these others, they may have something that surprises us."

[Akodo Kenji]

Kenji bowed deeply. "I will do so Akodo-dono. I also plan to discuss trade with a friendly Phoenix samurai. I will report back if there is a deal on the table."

He sat up a little. "If there is nothing else that you wish of me I shall not take up any more of your precious time."