Jon
After the meeting held by their new Ambassador, a time and date was set for them to meet once more. This time a more discreet encounter with just the two of them, assuming he'd be acquiring some task. Though Yuto in particular had some information to report to Shosuro Komori, a man who he hoped would restore their presence here within the city. The Magistrate had some information prepared to give to the Ambassador. 

Still in the comforts of the Shosuro Palace, their little assembly would actually take place in the Rokugos quarters. Things were arranged to make it more comfortable, it was a relatively small room with a Zataku table in the middle with two cushions on each side. Atop the wooden surface was a Pot of Tea and cups if they fancied a drink. Beside it was a scented candle, casting an aroma into the air of the room. 

As for the rest of the Magistrates quarters, it was relatively bland. Having a rack to set his Daisho and Mask aside, though for now the veil that covered the scorpion's features rested on his face. Unlike at the meeting, Yuto wore all black. His kimono, hakama, and haori. While they were made of a fine fabric it was rather basic clothing. 

At the door a female heimin servant named Chinatsu would await and tell the man when the Ambassador arrived. A notable feature is the woman only had one hand, with one arm coming up short with a stub. They'd await their Lord patiently. 

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Fred
Komori found himself walking the halls of the Shosuro palace. I had been nearly a quarter century since he'd darkened these hall prior to his arrival. He wasn't even sure the pup he was going to meet had even made his first cry but never the less he needed to take measure of him to see if he was ready for the task at hand. He needed Samurai with the conviction and loyalty to get any job asked of them done, no matter the cost. Soon he would have his answer one way or another.

"Tell your master I've arrived." Komori said the the one-armed heimin as a curiosity passed in his mind. And wrote itself onhis face in the form of a raised eyebrow.
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Jon
As the man approached, Chinatsu gave heed to her master, following the Ambassadors instructions. Yuto would of course show proper respect to his lord by greeting the man at the door, as he himself personally slid it open. Giving an appropriate bow, he'd have stepped to the side, letting Komori inside. 

"Your time is appreciated, Ambassador-sama. I'm certain you've found many responsibilities to tend towards since your arrival. It'll be brief, please sit." 

Despite his size and body language, the scorpion spoke in a gentle meek tone. While one's voice could go unnoticed, usually his large presence captured attention. Not that he tried to intimidate anyone, it was just natural. 

Once they sat, the Magistrate took hold of the teapot, pouring them each a cup of fresh Kabusecha. After offering the cup, he took a moment to breathe. Inhaling the incense of the Warosoku candles he lit, allowing him to ease the nerves and remain calm. 

"While we were without a proper Lord to take charge in our endeavors, I took a few matters into my own hands." 

The scorpion took off his mask, setting it aside so he could take a sip from his cup of tea. He'd then continue. 

"Two meetings were conducted within Palace walls, one with the Ambassador of the Lion, and another with that of the Phoenix. I'd like to discuss the details of those meetings." 

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Fred
"Of course." Komori said, graciously accepting the tea. "A shame you've had to operate without proper leadership for such a considerable stretch. I'm sure you've been working to the best of your abilities." He said looking at the larger man. He inwardly cursed Orochi and his blunder. The damage done will take such considerable effort that could best be used elsewhere and now this hulking pup is holding meetings instead of using his obvious talents to advance our agenda.

He glanced around the room having a sip and nodding in approval before returning his attention to Yuto."Well now, Let's hear those reports, shall we? What have the other ambassadors spoken with you about?" 
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Jon
Yuto had much to report on their affairs in the city. Hoping these efforts wouldn't go to waste and be put to use by Komori. The man seemed prudent, reserved, and nimble-witted. Though that was the impression he left in their first meetings, hoping he'd be better than Orochi and Junichi. 

"The absence of leadership was onerous but enlightening. It unveiled those determined to push our endeavors forward, it revealed those who were indolent with their duties, and humbled the ones who stood on a fabricated plateau. While I focused on my dedication as the clans Magistrate, I hope these extra efforts will be fortuitous and pleasing to you." 

Speaking in a soft and gentle tone, Yuto was hoping to receive the man's approval. Wanting to know his efforts weren't a waste, thus he began. 

"First the Phoenix. Their Ambassador Shiba Iemon and his Karo Asako Sanumo. They're interested in forming a pact with us and cooperating our efforts in the city. They would also like to purchase medicinal opium. I agreed of course, but another topic of interest came up." 

He paused but continued. 

"They desire our gain in more, underhand influence within the city. Choosing their words carefully of course. Though a name was brought up, Silver. An underworld figure I assume, they seemed very displeased with his presence. Wanting to form a pact between the Scorpion, Phoenix, and Crab to root him out. Though I talked them out of such and said we'd 'look' into it. Shiba Iemon-sama wants a follow-up meeting, now that you're here I'm sure you'll find some way to advance that building relationship." 

Overall the meeting was positive and could be followed up to enhance their dealings. 

"As for the Lion, Kitsu Himiko, their Ambassador is open to us both trying for more positive relations between our clans. Even more so after I extended a kind gesture to them. Using the personal incentives I've collected and saved up, I presented them a bill. Purposed for reimbursing their damaged lands, they were very pleased. Perfect timing seeing that the Phoenix wishes to purchase from us." 

He nodded, ending both reports. Though he had one more thing to add. 

"I hope this information pleases you Ambassador-sama, though I very well understand I undermined authority and will accept any punishment you deem worthy. Standing by and slowly watching others dig their claws into our city was unacceptable, so I acted. Now that you're here, I intend to leave the politicking to you."

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Fred
Komori listened to the young man as he spoke of deals and proposals for clans. He knew the bereft of guiding and informative leadership he took things into his own hands. Drank from the cup Yuto provided and tried to keep his face as neutral as possible. Earnest was hard emotion for most Scorpion to process fully and Komori did his best to hold his tongue. Until all the details were spoken.

"Yuto-san, Let's speak plainly for a moment. I want you to understand the weight of the things you've told me and the repercussions of them. You, without proper forethought agreed to a Pact with the Phoenix To control the cartels and market *We already control* For Medicine. We've agreed to deliver them a tangible good for what exactly? To destabilize the city be getting rid of a major player in the market with no replacement of our choosing to seize the power they wielded? Where is our gain, child? **Where is it?** Is there an expectation that there will be some benefit to the Scorpion? If it's building a relationship with them, it should be because we *Allow* It. Do not be so cavalier with the charity and goodwill of our Clan. We cannot afford to have clans thinking we require their aid especially after all of the blunders up until this point. When we do reach out, we offer it because we both have something to gain from it. I shall speak to the Shiba about this "Deal" You've accepted. There may be a chance that this can be negotiated further to our benefit." Komori said leaning back. He sighed and smoothed his sleeves before continuing.

"I'm glad the Lion are amenable to a relationship with us, but again you offer them something for nothing and intended to spend anything we did stand to gain from the Phoenix agreement by reimbursing the Lion for their agreement in a scheme both previous leaders made. Where is you-" Komori stopped to take a breath . He could see an attempt was made by someone wishing to trade in fairness and charity. Disgust crept along his face for a moment. He was truly Junshin but that wasn't exactly a failing on his part. He overreached and, true to his nature, admitted to it. He sat for a moment and pondered over his next words, remember his daimyos advice: "Failure and success are never permanent we seek to turn any outcome to something for our advancement." He took another breath and on a deep sigh, continued.

"Yuto-san. The steps you've taken, while noteworthy, have not been the ones with a sense of scope you should take when making deals for the Clan. Personal feelings, and favors should be used to further our bargaining power, not as a salve to begin negotiations. You've done work and *You* Will turn it into good work. I will aid you to a point and if you're successful, I'll offer you a proper reward. However, consider this the last grace I offer you. Any misstep and misgivings beyond this point will be dealt with harshly. Do we have an understanding?"
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Jon
Yuto was stoic and neutral in his body language and expression. How the man conducted himself in his profession was profoundly different to outside of it, the Junshin fully expected the Ambassador to criticize and shame his efforts. His pupils dilated when he asked where the gain was, a slight smile crept up but he pushed it back down. In these moments of being underestimated, the Rokugo truly felt at peace. 

He of course let the man finish talking, not wanting to interrupt or misspeak to his new Ambassador of all people. Shosuro Komori was quick to be condemnatory towards the man, assuming he was without critical thinking and foresight. Once the Magistrate put his detached expression back on, he spoke. 

"I understand Ambassador-sama, your mercy and support in future travail aspirations is appreciated. But if we are still speaking plainly to each other, I would like to confabulate some things to you. Decorously of course." 

His finger moved down to his tea cup, trailing the rim of it. Awaiting the man's approval as he collected his thoughts, ruminating over past experiences. Yuto has had a lot of time to gather impressions and see the city's situation. 

"After the last Winter Court, we lost our Governor, the city, two of our ally's, an Ambassador, overall Influence and.. The Validity of our words. Granted, with our reputation many believed we had no validity in our words, but our scheme had taken away any we possessed. I've spent time with Samurai of the other great clans, I've spent time with the people of Ryoko Owari Toshi. Our great clan has taken a fierce blow in this city, injured prey waiting for one of the predators after it to deal the killing when they have the chance." 

He spoke holding back his emotion, yet some would leak through. He did his best to speak respectfully but address their current situation in the city. 

"I understand your concern toward looking weak and requiring the aid of the other clans. The Phoenix **Need** Us, and I intend to **Use** Them. They need our medicine and attachment to the hand we have in this city. We can use their influence and gain multi-clan validity in our efforts alongside their resources. I assure you I acted with prudence, I've made no such litigation towards Silver. I know not to feed a dog before it does what it's told. With your help I can deter their eyes from him." 

It was then he took another sip from his cup of tea, going on to refill his and Komori' cup if he wished. He wanted to show that he was no fool, and had a proper view of things. 

"Our gain with the Lion is not as immediate, but our positive relations have risen and continue to rise. We struck their lands and they are not ones to forget, I showed a gesture to prove our genuineness in improving relations and forming a pact. They are wounded, and a bleeding lion cannot tell the difference between a sword and a stitch. Especially when it's dealt by the same hand. With my gesture they will think twice about moving against us and sabotaging their chances with the most influential people in this city." 

He laid his palms flat on the table, with his fingers spread out digging into the wood. The Junshin leaned forward, he knew this was ambitious, but he wanted to prove his worth. 

"I know there is a risk to what I've done Ambassador-sama, but I assure you. Use me and see this through, and soon you will be Governor, and all the clans will be at your feet with open hands. **Begging**." 

He awaited the Ambassadors response. 

||
Fred
Komori watched Yuto's demonstrative display. A smile slowly grew underneath his silk mask. It was a strange thing to see someone so open in their manipuilations and so willing to seek improvement and opportunities for it. Yuto could become a Scorpion spoken about for ages or he could be dead before the new moon and scoured to the winds. The thought was far too savory to hide with muted features.

"I hope, for you sake, you're as successful in your gambits as you expect to be." Komori said, graciously accepting the tea being poured. "I will be watching your endeavors with interest. While you're working on those things. There is a task I need you to complete: Collecting the old leadership of the Thunder guard and bolstering them back to their once great ranks. I've been informed that since the arrival of the Imperial Overseer, the Thunder Guard's leadership has been replaced by Imperials as is their purview. But I cannot have people with such skill and know-how of the city's operations be allowed to festers and slough or worse, become detrimental to our goal. Let us make sure to have our own house in order. We have Important business to attend to and it won't do us any good to find ourselves caught ill-prepared." Komori said finishing the tea and standing up.

"I'll be expecting updates of these ventures regularly and expect to hear of a successful revival of the Guard before summers end. "

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Jon
Had his words resonated with the man? One couldn't tell as he received a different reaction from the Ambassador. Taking a light breath, a small smile crept up forming an expression. It seemed they could move forward acting together, that's what he hoped for. "Thank you, Ambassador-Sama." 

As the next topic came up, the Rokugo was quite surprised. Why? Before he had inquired to do something about the state of the Thunder Guard, only for him to be turned down by Soshi Junichi. What changed? "This is quite unprecedented. I had been informed due to the Imperials reign we had no authority to intervene with them. I suppose the situation has changed." 

He needed to know more, would he be installing the old leaders back into their positions? If so that would require much, or did he want the Magistrate to overtake the guard entirely. "I assure you I'll have these task done, though I'm curious on how one of my status will accomplish this task. Is there a vacancy in their ranks? Or am I getting my hands dirty?"
Fred
Komori smiled at Yuto. "You will simply need to talk to them about restoring them to their former positions. Tell them to come by the embassy and speak to Ashi-san. They may test you to reveal your true intent but I have no doubt you will succeed any trial they place before you. I expect my first report soon, Bayushi-san. Do not Disappoint." He says, walking out the door and deeper into the palace.
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-END SCENE