D8 LM - A Confrontation

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sat Apr 18, 2020 10:59 pm

Mogami looks troubled from the news

"They were only supposed to keep those who could be identified as crane from entering or leaving the embassy, to answer the Crane locking us out of the gathering yesterday."

"Did the guard convey that message to the ambassador? If so, she still tried to get past?"

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Sat Apr 18, 2020 11:19 pm

"I'm afraid I don't know those details, as I didn't see everything..." she clarified, dismayed at not having been able to prevent it all from happening.

"I'm sorry to say, Matsu-sama, but I feel that is going too far in response to the Crane's actions. To kill their ambassador? Is that not a declaration of war?"

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sat Apr 18, 2020 11:29 pm

"I have no say in the matter, but for pure discussion... "

She gives Tsukimi a look, hoping she understands

"From a perspective of Duty, the guards were told to not allow anyone wearing colors of the crane to leave or enter the embassy. That left a loop hole, where should they just disrobe and not wear their colors or mons, they could come and go as they pleased. If the ambassador did not take that option and tried to pass through the guards no matter what, then there isn't much left to do and still be able to fulfill your duty. A reasoned hand would try to restrain, but if the person breaking the law kept resisting, the guard has to choose."

"Slay the lawbreaker, or admit he failed his lord. Bushido commands us to follow our lord, not our hearts."

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Sat Apr 18, 2020 11:34 pm

"Would a Lion shed their mane for such a loophole, Matsu-sama?" She knew that for many, the colors of their clan were as much important as the mon they carried over their hearts.

"It is... dismaying that such orders would have to be given to begin with. The Crane did wrong in excluding your clan, but this is a great escalation."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sat Apr 18, 2020 11:43 pm

"Some may, if they understood what the intent of the action was."

Mogami breaths deep, still getting used to the feeling of her guts being magically rearranged.

"If I was to give such an order, it would be to prove a point. Divided, we are left in the dark. The enemy we are soon to face requires us all to be united. Now is not the time for division. I would give the order to prove that point, and then I would seek to discuss the next day to show that we want their help, but need them to want ours as well. It is somewhat paradoxical, but I have heard many a sensei say the best teacher is experience. The Crane did not understand how badly they hurt everything until they experienced itself."

"At least, that would be my intention. Now things have gotten quite a bit more complicated. Sakkaku must be here today, for what a trick to turn a well intentiond affair into something murderous. "

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 12:02 am

Tsukimi shook her head. "That is not Sincerity nor Courtesy, Matsu-sama, something we should always be mindful of even to our rivals. If someone draws a line in the sand, then you erase the line to remove division, you don't dig it deeper."

"I disagree with the actions your clan took this morning. Strongly. It will probably affect my mind for a long time after what I saw. But that doesn't mean I won't stand together with you in these times, because I understand that some things will have to wait until a greater problem is fixed."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 12:06 am

"We can debate the tenants all day, Togashi-san. I agree that Sincerity and Courtesy could be said, though Honor demands the Lion answer the insult they faced, but I understand your position.And under Lion teachings, Honor stands above all"

"From what you have told me, this has been a most tragic day. I am sorrowful for those lost, and I pray that the heavens see kindly their souls. I know there is nothing I can do to change your view of what has happened, but I thank you for continuing to stand with us."

"We need everyone to do the same, or the Steel Chrysanthemum will have beaten us before he reaches the gates."

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

Like a miniature storm front all her own, Suzume Chihaya came to the dojo.

She was still fuming after the incident that morning, and needed to clear her head.

Striding into the dojo, she paused, surprised by both the mess and those gathered inside.

What in Jigoku was going on today?!

"Is everything all right, minna-sans?"

Her hands were not on her blades, but any warrior would see her stance widen as she took in the body on the floor.

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 3:38 am

Fuwa, Mogami's second budoka sees the Sparrow approaching and bows low.

"Samurai-sama. There has been a terrible fight here. Matsu-sama was attacked by Matsu-sama, who had returned from the dead. The dojo is unclean, it will need to be ritually cleaned."

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

Chihaya came to a stop, and then fixed the man with a long stare.

"Is that so? I wished to practice - this morning has left me with an imbalance in my spirit which I would excise through training."

Glancing at the dojo, she added, "I see there are plenty of dummies and mats which are not stained - or do you require the entire building be cleansed?"

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 3:52 am

The budoka shrugs.

"I have no idea, samurai-sama. I just know blood everywhere means something needs to be cleansed. I'm not a priest, and Matsu-sama has only just started teaching us about a lot of the samurai customs."

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"Then know that the stained mats will have to be discarded, and a priest will need to pray over the site."

A soft sigh.

"But as a warrior, I am not bothered by any potential misfortune of being present while such matters are attended to."

Stepping forward, she relied upon the simple reality that peasants *moved* when a samurai was going somewhere, and began walking toward the Matsu and Togashi pair.

Isawa Hachi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 2:42 am **Posts:** 401

Hachi had sighed at the news. It was sad, but somehow he wasn't surprised.

"Matsu-san, could you have one of your budoka call for servants to roll up the stained tatami? Once they are gone I can start the process of cleansing the room."

He had just been reminded of how touchy some Lion were, so elected to follow protocol as exactly as he could think to.

"Tosgashi-san, Matsu-san. Suzume-san. This one is Hachi, tensai of the Isawa." He gave a slight bow.

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 1:57 pm

Mogami stood and bowed.

"Matsu Mogami"

She motioned to Fuwa, the budoka outside, who nodded and began to head off to find what Hachi asked for.

"What about the body, Isawa-san?"

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 6:06 pm

She wondered if the Sparrow stalked her, for a brief moment, as it was the second time they came after them.

Dismissing such a silly thought, Tsukimi focused on the moment. "The eta will need to be called, to move the body to a better locale where it can recieve the last rites before its cremation. We aren't barbarians, after all."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 6:16 pm

Mogami nods.

"I guess I was asking more if Isawa-san would perform the rights, or rather leave it for the Lion. "

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

Chihaya bowed to those present, and then stated, simply. "This one is Suzume Chihaya."

An introduction to the Lion, and reminder to the others.

"I presume all is resolved?"

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 7:04 pm

"Yes, other than the aftermath."

Mogami rolls her shoulders, working out some of the tension from the fight.

"Did you all know they glow? A faint aura around them."

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"Yes. I saw it on the battlefield outside Toshi-no-Omoidasu."

Chihaya gazed thoughtfully at the corpse.

"The enemy there were all Matsu as well."

A strange observation.

Isawa Hachi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 2:42 am **Posts:** 401

"If you wish, I will hold the rites, or you can call upon one of your kin among the Kitsu. She was your kin; you have the choice."

D8 LM - A Confrontation

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