Having received the confirmation from Shiba-san Kenji felt confident about approaching Akodo Sanae once again. He had written out the details in his fine script and sent a message requesting his Champion's approval for another matter of trade.

Steam rose from a tea cup and he thought about the Mantis meeting from that morning. Where might he find some more rice?

Lady Akodo was present, though looking just a little put-out: residual negative emotions from the night before, no doubt.

Kenji bowed deeply to his Champion.

"Akodo-dono, thank you for sharing your time with me once again. It is an honour to serve. I bring you news about my discussions with the Phoenix.

He brought out a scroll and set it between them.

Lion: trade 7 copper and art service

Phoenix trade: 5 lumber and 4 paper

Marriage to seal it, Asako Kenichi marries into the Lion.

"This would fulfill our paper requirements and go some way towards our lumber needs."

"Unfortunate that the Phoenix could not come up with a better match than the child of an honorless house, but needs must, and paper is hard to come by elsewhere. This has my approval."

Kenji bowed deeply. "I will see to it today Akodo-dono." He collected the scroll and produced another.

"I also spoke with the Mantis Clan this morning. Gusai-sama is in need of rice, although I believe the last of our surplus is committed to the Crab."

"Unfortunate, but such is the way of things. The agreement with the Crane was too good. I suppose that Rioshida will have to go begging to them. I imagine the experience will make him all the more eager for our pottery."

Kenji nodded. "He certainly seemed interested when I mentioned it. The Mantis have gold. They also have an alcoholic beverage he called 'Kami-water', which has the effect if not the taste of sake."

It wasn't bad, but it seemed like it would be an acquired taste.

"You had some?" Sanae asks, her eyebrow rising slowly, and a small smile beginning to play on her lips.

Kenji nodded and frowned very slightly in concentration. "Yes, it seemed rude not to. The drink is quite earthy, and leaves a slight burning sensation in one's throat. I felt warmed by it. It was not an unpleasant experience Akodo-dono."

She broke into a broad smile. "What does it feel like to be part of a criminal conspiracy, Kenji-san? I have never had the opportunity, myself, but I hear that it is exhilarating"

"..." Kenji blinked a few times. "I...am not sure I follow Akodo-dono. Is this a jest about the Mantis Clan?" He was quite comically non-plussed.

"The kami-water is almost certainly from Thrane. My grandfather mentions it in one of his journals. That Gusai Rioshida is a sly one, isn't he?"

Kenji allowed a scowl to cross his usually cheerful face. "Ugh! I thought it was some Mantis concoction. I suppose I will need to seek out a priest and be spiritually cleansed."

A shame, this Kami-water didn't taste too bad.

"In which case Akodo-dono I am less inclined to find him the rice he so clearly needs. Our surplus is gone now, and besides, rice is far more valuable than gold."

"Come now, Kenji-san, he didn't poison you! You had an experience that no one on the mainland has had in a generation, which to many would be a gift. I am sorry for ruining it."

Kenji bowed. "Well, if Akodo-dono considers this a gift then clearly I must alter my attitude." He still seemed a little concerned but his Champion's words were something of a salve.

"Since we're are now discussing matters of a...delicate...nature. I noticed that we have some, how shall I say, unusual items in our care. Weapons and such ftom our clashes with the tribes to the west and north." He paused, looking for the words.

"Since the Matis seem unconcerned with provenance. Might we offer them these things we will never use? And if so, how might an honourable samurai bring this up in conversation with Gusai-sama?"

"With Gusai Rioshida? A fig leaf is all you need. He has already shown you the way; merely claim the things are Lion inventions. He won't ask too many questions, where a Crab or a Scorpion might."

"Ah! I see." He nodded thoughtfully. "I like it. I will arrange to speak with Gusai-sama again. I thank you for the insight." Kenji bowed again.

"Lastly, I found some information about Doji Noriko in the library. I thought you might be interested. It will not be long before a decision must be made about the future."

"Oh? And what did you find, Kenji-san?"

Kenji paused, looking for the right words.

"Well. There are multiple reports of, unusual occurrences in her vicinity. For example, official records from the time of her birth indicate that Amaterasu herself paused in the sky to witness the event." He tapped the scroll that he had made, a copy of that record.

"There are also reports of samurai finding her difficult to look at, due to bright light emanating from her person. It seems at least plausible that she may be touched by the Heavens."

"Hmm...it calls to mind the Shining Prince. But then, perhaps it is supposed to. From where do these reports come?"