Kakita Hajime's office is nothing less than the commandeered war room of the Kyuden. Rather than taking the general's seat at the head of the room, however, he has opted for a low camp stool set against a wall. He waits there, his arms folded, for his guest. They had much to discuss.

A Miharu precedes the Lady Seppun into the room, and another follows behind. They take up positions beside the door. She bows to Hajime as to an equal.

"Lord Emerald," she says.

"Lady Seppun," he rises to bow as well. "I regret to report that Seppun Gohei fell last night in the pursuit of his duties. His swords are being cleaned and will be delivered to your karo within the hour."

Sadako closes her eyes, draws a deep breath, holds it for a moment, and exhales.

"I thank you for your words, Lord Emerald," she says, "though I am saddened they have had to be spoken. Is there any other information about his passing?"

Still formal, Hajime bowed his head once before continuing.

"Hai, it seems that he was patrolling atop the wall in the company of two Ikoma bushi when a team of nine ronin came over the wall just behind his position. The skirmish seems to have ended fairly quickly. One of the Ikoma slew an assailant, but all three bushi were overcome. The remaining eight ronin then entered the temple complex and tried to kill Tatsuya and his son. Their efforts were stopped by Lady Matsu and a group of delegates. One captured. I have a magistrate on the matter, supposed to report to me by evening."

"If I might be read in on that report, it would be appreciated," Sadako says. "I expect the Lord Emerald will also be read in after I receive a number of reports on a spiritual matter that may bear in on his duties.

"And I shall have to offer the Lord Ikoma my condolences. This has been a challenging season for him, as well."

Hajime looked to the side to cover his smirk.

"Spiritual disturbances, hm? Well, the blood in the temple complex isn't going to help that along, I shouldn't think." He shook his head sadly. "And if I am not mistaken, Lord Ikoma might need more than your condolences. Unless Otomo Gorobei or Lord Otomo had a sudden rash of visitors, recently, that is. Of course, I think we both know how Lord Otomo has been spending his evenings. And where."

"I have not followed the Lord Ikoma," Sadako admits. "Although, yes, the Lord Otomo's actions are less clandestine than he perhaps believes. As are the Vice-Minister's."

"I am relieved not to have to direct the investigation in that direction." He raised an eyebrow. "You've not followed our host, though. So you would not know if the word of his animus toward the ronin is true, I suppose?"

"I could not say that it is," Sadako replies. "However, Lord Emerald, I cannot say that I know it is not. So I cannot affirm or allay any suspicions in that regard."

She considers. "Whether he would act in such a way in the presence of the Lady Lion, herself, is a question, however."

"A troubling point. Lady Akodo. Accomplice? Unlikely. To my understanding, she has hardly taken notice of the Emperor's natural son. But Lord Ikoma is not above a little boldness, I think. He has played dangerous games enough already, to all our costs. What is one more, if it would mend his errors? Unless..it would make your work more difficult were he to have done it. If that were so, then I am sure that he would never think to do such a thing."

"One begins to wonder if a visit is in order, one Family head making a call of courtesy upon another," Sadako says. "One also wonders if the Lord Emerald might similarly make a call of courtesy upon his most gracious host."

Another of her deep breaths. "But courtesies are easy enough to pay. And there are others who might want to see some humbled or removed."

Hajime's smile reached his eyes.

"The accusations will fly, of that I am sure. To say nothing of the recriminations that will fester over the attack happening in the first place, especially after the Scorpion bungled their information-gathering operation earlier. It would be much smoother were this to be sewn up quickly, before tempers fray. I find confessions are wonderful things, but I am willing to accept testimony when I must, if it is sensible. Tell me, if I pay this courtesy, do you suppose that a confession will be in the offing?"

"I think that, should we be courteous together, that it would be more forthcoming, were there something to confess," Sadako says.

"Then let us go and make our visit." He bows formally, and heads for the door.

Sadako nods and falls in beside the Emerald Champion.

The Miharu fall in behind them.