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

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

“Hmmm... Some, many rather are divided on this issue. Personally, I see an opportunity to play kingmaker. The Otomo are suppose to insure and protect the power of the throne. It is easier to control a more domesticated animal than it is to control a wild, ravenous beast.”

Ryuji completed setting out the cups.

“I’ll follow your lead. Tea ceremonies are little lost on me a bit.”

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

The redhead went through each step meticulously, seemingly unhampered by a missing finger on her left hand, something impossible to avoid showing through the process.

Fluff Tea Ceremony (no void gained): 5d10o10k3 26

Once each cup was set and they had taken their first sips in the proper manner, she finally continued. "I am curious who you would consider which one."

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

"Are we playing this game now, Yogo-sama?" Ryuji asked playfully. "You don't think that the Empress would be better...managed, or shall I say, advised by the Otomo as opposed to the Steel Chrysanthemum?"

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

She sighed. "It would only be a game if there weren't plenty of people who see my brother or the Steel Chrysanthemum as the more manageable candidates. A questionable stance at best in my opinion, but more common than one might think."

"I think the Empress is much more likely to be... receptive the broader perspective of her advisors. I doubt she will be interested in bending her ear to the current Advisor, either. A perfect opening."

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

"Of course she wouldn't! As I have told others, this is a golden opportunity, a gift." Ryuji spoke. He took a moment to look upon Sukima and he had a genuine smile.

"I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to speak to a like minded individual who not only understands but is...well the Scorpion certainly got one of the best and if I may be so bold, one of the most appealing."

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

She nodded firmly in agreement. "Indeed. I believe Hantei Tokiyo-sama is the best positioned to adapt to the changes our Empire has gone through recently, as well. Even outside the opportunities, she's a good choice, even if not the ideal one." She shook her head. "We will have to make sure any potential... excesses are reigned in."

At the flattery, she smiled a little. "Thank you, Otomo-san. My ancestors did has the pick of the Empire. I suppose it does come out in some of us."

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

"It does indeed. I am at your service in this endeavor Yogo-sama. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

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

She raised her eyebrows and smiled. "I would like to know more about you, Otomo-san, if you don't mind."

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

"Well, as you wish Yogo-sama. Ask me anything. What would you like to know?"

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

She wove her fingers together lightly, leaning forward a little with a smile. "I'm curious how you ended up coming to Nikesake. Were you at Morikage Toshi for Winter Court?"

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

"I was. Well I was enroute to Winter Court then everything started happening so I ended up here. It was good that I didn't make it."

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

"Fortunate indeed. I was there," she replied, closing her eyes and shaking her head. "Though Nikesake has seen its fair share of excitement anyway."

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

"That it has. I'm glad to have ended up here and you as well. It is very, very rare to meet such wondrous people." he replied with slight smile.

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

"It is... I'm so pleased to meet like-minded people," she replied with a smile. "Have you run into much resistance regarding the Empress?"

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

"Not at all. I think many here are supportive of the Empress. I am seeing a rise in this support of Seppun Kato-sama."

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

"... Yes. My brother is quite brilliant in certain ways."

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

"A grass roots strategy is brilliant but it can also present further division."

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

"Kato-oniisama is very good at sewing division," she said with a shrug. "He is Otomo-trained, after all."

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

"Peachy...So we need a counteroffensive and quickly." Ryuji sipped tea.

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

"Indeed... Unfortunately, my own Clan may be pulled into his sphere soon, with Bayushi Rumiko-san's betrothal," she said with a sigh. "Kato with Scorpion resources is not a pleasant thought."

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

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