Micheal
Leaving the family residence, Itu headed towards Ide Residence. Since he would enter the city it was mandatory to speak with Ambasador of his Great Clan there. The travel was calm and safe for him as he avoided any trouble he could get in. Arriving at the residence, Itu took off his armored jacket to not insult the host, and folded it before hiding it in small pouch behind his back. Then he approached the guard and after exchanging bows with him, presented him the personal chop."Shinjo Itu to meet with Ambasador of Unicorn Clan", he said and awaited in the entryway. It wouldn't be polite to enter without invite. In the meantime, Itu prepared a gift for the ambasador. Something that should be to their liking but not practical to not insult them.
Timothy
*The two ashigaru who stopped Itu at the outer perimeter of the Ide Residence verified his travel papers, then escorted him into a waiting room of the main residence. After a few minutes, a young servant girl of eleven or twelve would approach and bow to the floor.* "Shinjo-sama, Utaku-sama will see you now. Please follow this one."

Unicorn Ambassador Utaku Kazuko's office was not designed to impress. A window to let in sunlight, a door behind to provide quick access to the room from outside—and quick exit. To one corner sat a currently unoccupied armor stand, a rack for a daisho containing only a wakizashi, and a proudly displayed Saddle Cutter. The centerpiece was a large, exotic wooden desk with intricately engraved silver patterns. Papers were neatly stacked on each of the desk's far ends, and a tea set with three cups sat off to the side.

As the servant girl introduced the Shinjo, the woman seated behind the desk gestured for the man to enter toward a cushion in front of the desk for him to sit. Kazuko wore her simple yet formal kimono she favored for clan business: lavender fading to white, lined at its ends with gold. The mons of the Unicorn and Utaku could be seen. As he approached, her severe countenance would seem to bore into and through him.

Standing behind and beside her was a small woman dressed in fine quality but simple servant's clothing. She would place the cups in front of the Ambassador, the Shinjo, and lastly herself, before pouring the dark brown liquid into them in the same order.

Once this was complete, Kazuko raised her hands and began to sign, as the woman to her right spoke. "Welcome, Shinjo-san. I hope the journey here was agreeable. I am Utaku Kazuko, Ambassador to Ryoko Owari. The woman speaking is Fuyuko-san. She serves as my translator, as I am unable to speak after attempts on my life. Any words conveyed by her are my words; please consider them with the same weight."

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Micheal
Shinjo Itu gave small bow to the servant girl, something that could be mistaken with a nod, and followed her to the office. In his left hand there was package but for now it was hidden so no one would see what it was exactly. 

Itu never meant to insult anyone in his clan. He wished for something rather calm. A life in a province, not being sent into the city where, especially with his status, life would be really hard. But Itu had to listen to his brother, as he was his senior. And so he came to the city, to meet with ambassador. 

As he entered the office he gave it a quick glance before focusing himself on the Ambassador. As she introduced herself, Shinjo Itu bowed deeply to the floor, with his gift being extended in both hands. "I am honored to have a chance to meet with you, Utaku-sama. Please, accept this gift as a sign of my good will", he said. "I apologise that someone of such high position have to meet with someone of such low birth", he added. The gift was a nice looking Bluebell, Daffodil, Pink Rose, Zinnia and White Chrysanthemum bouquet. He picked them up before his journey but fortunately they were still in good shape, almost as if they were fresh picked. And using help of his sister, who understood language of the flowers, he picked proper ones. 

If Utaku Kazuko would look closer at Itu, she would notice a mistletoe on his belt.
Timothy
After the appropriate refusals, Kazuko accepted the gift. Simple, but carefully considered and thoughtfully prepared. Not the worst gift she had received. She handed it to Fuyuko, who placed it neatly in a nearby vase. "According to the letter of introduction your brother provided it states you have not been past Bugaisha Province. This city is quite different than Shinjo lands. Tell me, what do you know of the City of Lies?"

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Micheal
Itu was glad that everything went well. Not that he was a great expert on courtesy and etiquette but embarassing himself and family was last thing he'd want.

"It's a shame to admit, but not much, Utaku-sama", he said. "Only that nothing is the way it looks. And that Great Houses of Rokugan fight for dominance over parts of this city", Itu spoke. "I apologise for suggestion but I would of little to no use in politics, unless you'd plan to marry me for political advantage. I would not oppose in that case, for I am only a humble servant of the Clan. My suggestion is that I'd serve my purpose best as Yojimbo for someone. My father made sure I would be able to fight, training me in ways of Kenjutsu and Iaijutsu. Please, take this into consideration, Utaku-sama", Itu added and bowed again in respect.
Timothy
The Ambassador blinked in surprise at the boy's straightforward words. Her face grew hard and countenance yet icier. "Interesting. Perhaps one day your Ambassador, your *Superior*, will be blessed with the knowledge you possess of where to use those who **Serve her.**"

Though the words were conveyed by her servant, the cold anger behind them was clear. It was *Never* The place of those below her to instruct *Her* On where they would be useful. To do so—at least when the two hardly knew each other—insulted her own abilities as a leader. As if the Battle Maiden was unable to make her own decisions from the information provided her. Telling her of his skills was one thing, inserting opinions on where that skill was to be best used?

"This city is a dangerous place. While the Scorpion no longer hold direct control, their grasp remains insidious. It is as dangerous as it is valuable, and it must be ours by Winter." It sounded so simple when she put it like this. If only it were truly that easy, she thought briefly. A brief pause for a sip of tea, before she began to sign again. "I do not suffer those who are both fools *And* Failures. Thankfully the latter is within my control. It is important that you understand the climate between the Great Clans here in the city. While they are similar to the outside Empire, Ryoko Owari Toshi is a shifting landscape and challenges have changed some local matters."

She paused, waiting to see if he had any specific questions before launching into a description of clan relationships.

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Micheal
Itu froze hearing outburst of anger from the Ambassador. As he was sitting at the moment, he bowed deeply. "Please, forgive me my audacity. I did not mean to tell you what to do with me, Utaku-sama", he spoke. Only when she began speaking again, Itu straightened up. 

"I'd be grateful for any insight on situation you would decide to bestow upon me, Utaku-sama. I am but a simple Bushi and I doubt I shall take part in larger politics, considering my birth but this is still to be seen, as those above me, such as you, may have different plans than I would think of.", he spoke. At this moment he remembers what lessons were given to him about etiquette and remembered that he did not touch the tea so he took his sip of tea to not insult the host. It was exceptionally good. "To make things simpler for me and to not take too much of your precious time, I'd ask to intruct me who should I avoid, who can I call friend and who is neutral to me", Itu spoke.
Timothy
"Your apology is noted, Shinjo-san. Think nothing further of the matter. Errors in judgment only lead to mistakes if one refuses to correct them." Kazuko waved a hand dismissively at the apology. Provided he kept words of this nature here before her in private instead of to those outside it could be handled. Plus, his request to simplify matters was one that she appreciated.

"To start, we can speak of our allies." The Battle Maiden collected a small map of the Noble Quarters, with the various Clan Embassies listed out on it. "The Crane Clan remain our most stalwart of friends as they always have. Treat them as you would a younger sibling. They may be opinionated at times, rigid and inflexible, but only because they do not know any better.

"The Mantis seek to be our allies as well, and matters are progressive positively. I foresee that by the turn of the season we will find ourselves working in alliance with them. They can be crass, and often have an angle to push, but they understand our struggles for acceptance in the Empire and forward-thinking."

Next, she pointed to the Shosuro Palace. Her gaze hardened as she continued to sign. "Our enemies are the Scorpion. Would that we could declare war upon them after their attempts to dishonor our clan. Do not trust any of their number, though we must interact with them on a regular basis.

"The Crab and Dragon we remain neutral with. Both have great concerns that lie beyond the Empire, and I believe as long as we do not interfere with those we can remain on friendly if neutral terms with them."

She sighed, knowing the final two clans were the most challenging to discuss. Saving the hardest for last like always. "Then come the clans we have a *Complicated* Relationship with. First, the Phoenix. While I believe their Ambassador to be a good and honorable man, their clan has proven they do not share the values we seek. They are not enemies, but unless by my order they are not to work alongside our goals.

"Second, the Lion. War between our clans has been a constant feature for decades, but the recent attempts to incite further animosity between us by the Scorpion have given us unity of purpose. At least for now, our goals are aligned. I do not expect this to last until Winter."

The final clan mentioned, she took another sip of the tea. The political landscape was messy, and she herself often had difficultly navigating it, much less a fresh-faced bushi. "Do you have any questions or clarification you require?"

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Micheal
Itu listened carefully while Utaku-sama was speaking. After she was done, he took a while to carefully sort all the information he received. Crane is ally, avoid Scorpion, Crab and Dragon are neutral, Mantis are possible allies. Phoenix is neutral as well and Lion has similar goals as Unicorn but they are not yet allies and alliance would not last till winter. 

"No, Utaku-sama. Everything is clear to me. I have though one question... Or rather a favor to ask from you, if that would not be too much.", he spoke. "I may be young, but many other of my age have already married out. As ambassador of the Clan you hold authority to organise such events. My favor is: I would be honored to have you find a suitable partner for me. I will not oppose your choice, whoever you would choose for me", Itu said and bowed his head again in respect. Possibility was he did that too much but he preffered to be too kind and respectful than not be respecteful once.

He remained in such position, awaiting response from the ambassador.
Timothy
The Ambassador sat and allowed an uncomfortable silence to drag on. Another request from a boy who had no business asking for these things. Focusing her thoughts within, she carefully brought her initial response back from forming. A deep breath in, and she leaned forward toward him.

"Allow me to make matters clear for you, Shinjo-san. While you are under my care, there is but one concern you should carry with you: whether you have proven yourself useful to myself and the clan." She brought the full weight of her years commanding raw recruits at the front lines of the Lion borders to bear, an aura of intimidating control radiating from her. "I care not who you are, where you came from, or your status. I care not how others may view you, or even how you view yourself. Child of a daimyo or dirtborn peasant, all receive the same treatment at my hand until they prove themselves to me.

"Your life and future are *Already* In my hands, to direct as Clan and Champion will it. Serve well, and I recognize excellence, at which point you will have earned the right to request favors." A parchment was handed to her from Fuyuko. Kazuko swiftly added the finishing touches to it, then pulled out the seal of the Ambassador and affixed it to the missive. Spinning it around, she showed it to Itu. "Effective immediately you will serve as yojimbo to one of our valued shugenja, Ide Khulan. I recommend you become acquainted with her at your earliest convenience. I trust our own priests far more than the fool of an Isawa who ruined our hopes of a positive future with their clan, but she represents a precious resource we must protect within the city."

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Micheal
Itu bowed his head again in apology. As the ambassador have prepared a document, he raised his head to look at it. Shock struck him at first. He just arrived in the city and someone like him, a low-born samurai, was given task of protecting a valued clan member? It was one of highest honor he could receive. A task that would normally be given to someone of high reputation with good family and confirmed skills. 

"I will not fail, Utaku-sama", he said. "You may not believe it, but for me it is great honor to be given such task. I'll do everything in my power to protect Ide-sama from any harm and I will lay down my life if needed.", Itu spoke, again bowing his head, now to thank Utaku-sama for giving him this chance to prove his abilities. "As soon as the meeting ends I shall seek out Ide-sama and begin my duties"
Timothy
"Good." The boy was eager to take up his duties, at least there was that for him. Kazuko did not require her samurai to be perfect, they could learn with time. She did need them to be dedicated. It seemed Itu would be the latter.

The Ambassador took another sip of her tea, considering if there was any other matter to discuss. "Before you depart, I have one more matter to speak on. While I do not find myself caring about circumstances of birth, I am not blind to see what it may represent to the image of our clan. There is no need to speak of it beyond our ranks, and rest assured your . . . Brother, is it? He will not escape the consequences he has set into motion in this failed attempt to insult me—and thus the clan."

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Micheal
Hearing her words, Itu bowed deeply to her. "I would only ask that my sister would remain untouched. She did not take part in whatever my brother wanted to happen. I beg you, Utaku-sama. Do not punish Shinjo Tsumigi", he spoke while bowing. By that, she could easily read that despite being alienated from family he cared for them or at least for one of them. 

And this was the truth. While Kenzo was always doing everything to just make Itu's life more painful, Tsumigi was always trying to help him. Even despite having little power in residence, she always made sure Itu was not treated like a peasant but like a family member. And in return, Itu was always helping her whenever she wanted to visit closest city to buy something or visit friends. 

Itu remained in his position, not daring to move. It was principal to him that his sister would not get harmed. He would not forgive himself for that.
Timothy
"So long as she is not head of the family, then she needs not worry." The blame ultimately fell upon whoever made the decisions. From what Kazuko knew, that was not the boy's sister. Of course, there was no telling if there would be a house left after she was done with it.

"If you have no other questions, you are dismissed, Shinjo-san. My office is always open should you need to meet with me again. Until then: with your charge, become familiar with this city, and conduct yourself well." Kazuko nodded in dismissal, unless he had additional words, and would allow him to depart. "May the Five Winds be ever at your back."

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Micheal
Hearing her final words, Itu stood up, grabbing his katana but still holding it in a way to not insult Kazuko or to not show disrespect. "Thank you once again for you time, Utaku-sama", he spoke, deeply bowing to her. Then, as he was allowed, Itu left the office, taking steps back to not turn back to her. Only when out of office, he allowed himself to turn around and normally leave the residence. From there he went out into city. He had some time before meeting with his new charge and decided to check City. Knowledge is power. And he needed a lot of this kind of power here.