Day 11 [Late Morning] Snakes and Pincers (Ryuji's Room)

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

Otomo Ryuji was upset about what he heard about the heroes. He began brewing tea and lit some jasmine incense to help settle himself.

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

A scratching came at his door frame soon. "Otomo-sama, it's Yogo Sukima."

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

Ryuji went to the door.

"Welcome Yogo-sama. Please come in."

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

She gave him a subtle but sincere smile as she stepped inside. "Otomo-san, it's wonderful to see you again. How have you been since we met?"

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

He slid the door closed.

"I admit I am greatly troubled that we lost many during the latest siege."

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

She nodded as she found a places in the room. "Yes... Several heroes of the Empire returned to the wheel yesterday. They earned that title to the very end... I can only hope their souls are at rest now," she said. She was wearing white in obvious mourning herself, but had been in court and before the bath yesterday.

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

"You realize that once this all is over, there is going to be a lot of rebuilding not so much just buildings and cities, but the people. Our very traditions will be shaken."

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

She frowned softly, nodding. "Of course. It's an unusual situation. There's always a balance between peace and conflict the Otomo need to achieve, but after all is said and done, that balance will have shifted," she replied. "It doesn't help that none of the potential claimants are exactly traditional."

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

"While true, is it not the responsibility of the Imperial Families to help maintain order? Is it also not the responsibility of the Scorpion to protect the throne from threats it does not see? I am merely saying, we have our work cut out for us."

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

She held up her hands with a smile, a peacemaking gesture. "I was making roughly the same point. We both have the best interests of the Empire in mind, but it will be complicated. We're in agreement on that. My apologies if I was unclear."

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

"You're fine Yogo-sama... I have some silver needle steeping, I hope you will enjoy." he gestured to the table.

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

"One of my favorites," she replied with a smile. Then she tilted her head to the side, becoming more serious. "I am concerned about the follow up to the conflict over the throne. It's once thing to settle the matter itself, but it's another to secure the seat afterward. People will see potential weakness in anyone due to the unusual circumstances."

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

"So how do you suppose we address that matter?" Ryuji said as he took a seat across from her.

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

"I honestly suspect the usual methods will work just fine. A combination of show of strength, propaganda, and the Clans all being distracted by being upset at one another," she said, making a gesture to the side with one hand. "It's what I would expect the Otomo to do, but things are tense and everyone seems to be jumping straight to extreme measures lately."

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

"Perhaps it may even help to see what the bandits gangs are up to. After all, war does present them with opportunities which in turn presents more opportunities for the clans...keeping the Emperor's Peace and all."

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

"Indeed. I wish sometimes they'd remember properly that they serve the Emperor..." She sighed, closing her eyes. "The Crane certainly seem to have forgotten in recent years."

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

Ryuji finally smiled.

"You are a true delight, Yogo-sama. I was beginning to think that I was the only one who thought that... So, shall we just have tea or go through the whole ceremony?"

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

"The ceremony would be *delightful*," she replied with a small smile. "And not at all. I am keenly aware of the... *forgetfulness*... of the Clans, at least. Reminds us the reason your family does what they do. A resurgence of the Gozoku and then this..."

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

"It is strange how often so many have to continue learning the lesson over and over before they can move on. Some never learn."

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

"The job of the Otomo wouldn't be so important if they didn't have that persistent issue," she replied, shaking her head. "I am curious where my former family stands on the issue at hand."

Day 11 [Late Morning] Snakes and Pincers (Ryuji's Room)

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