Ann
Tomura was lucky that he had run into Yuto-san, no need to find his superior when you have afternoon tea as a meet and greet. He followed the magistrate to the Shosuro-palace, a magnificent structure that stood to remind the city who Owari's true masters are. Tomura had heard how many times governorship has changed hands, but no matter who claims her, she always returns to the Scorpion, a thought that made him smile under his mask. 

Following Yuto, Tomura felt a sense of honor at being counted among the Scorpion that called the city home, the city was considered by many in the clan to be the jewlel of the Scorpion lands, and even if the clan was not in direct control at the moment, she'll return to them, she always did. 

Once it seemed they had reached their destination, Tomura gave Yuto a respectful bow, "I am honored to be placed in the service of the clan in this most storied city, Yuto-san, I hope I can prove myself a worthy servant."
Amy
Having escorted the newly arrived to the Shosuro palace, they'd have reached the courtyard. An open space boasting a beautiful garden and of course the large palace. It housed many scorpions taking residence in the city, and had plenty of room to add in others. Having no desire to waste time, the man made his way inside. 

"I'm certain you'll prove an asset to us all Bayushi-san, and while it gladdens to hear you address me as Yuto-san, don't be shy to call me Nii-san!"

He teased of course but didn't mind. The Shosuro palace on the inside was very traditional, housing many rooms and displays of artifacts, treasures, armors, and weapons. Their clan in particular were very glorifying of their traditions. Having made his way through the palace and down the hall, the man's room wouldn't be too far from his own. Sliding the door open he'd have stepped aside, letting him be the first to enter. 

"I'm just a few doors down myself, empty for now but you're free to make yourself at home and of course decorate as you like."

||
Ann
Tomura walked in and looked around, a smile can be seen as he removed the lower portion of his mask, he turned to look over the room.

"I'll make it my own," He nodded, already picturing some book shelves, a desk for writing, some nice tapestries on walls, it's all forming in his head, "Oh... There is someone who came with me that I hope won't be a burden... What's the palace policy on pets?" He shrugged, "I couldn't just leave Baka alone, what would the poor cat do without me." He have a chuckled, "I promise he won't get into anyones hair."

||
Amy
Hearing him speak of a pet intrigued the man deeply so. Did he have a dog? A cat? A turtle? The man needed to know, thus he inquired with an excited tone, speaking slightly louder than he usually did which wasn't loud at all. 

"Ooooo, you didn't tell me you had a pet Bayushi-san! Of course they're allowed! As long as you keep it out of trouble, what kind of animal is it? Let me guess, it must be a turtle!" 

The man really just wanted another turtle lover in the city, there were hardly any! Though any other pet would have been acceptable, while many wouldn't believe it the scorpion did fancy animals. Their gardens were littered with various creatures each fascinating to the eye, some were kept in the palace under the conditions no one would be disturbed. 

"My turtle's name is Kame, Kame-sama is a rare horned turtle never seen before! He's one of the more unique animals in the city if I do say so myself." 

He said it with a smug tone. 

||
Ann
Tomura nodded as Yuto seemed to go into turtle mode.

"Baka is a cat, just a kitten really," He said, "Kame... Sama, he must be a intresting turtle indeed." Tomura was already trying to figure if this was some sort of mask Yuto wore to test him... Or if he really loved turtles that much. "I found him abandoned on the road when I was returning home after finishing my school, oh yes, I'm a courtier of the Manipulator School," He said, better to know how to use him knowing what he's trained for, "Found the poor think alone on the road in a storm, I couldn't leave him to his fight now could I?" He laughed

||
Amy
A cat huh? Well it seemed to match the young man's personality, especially if he went to the school of manipulation. One didn't think to meet another with a slick nature, perhaps it'd be useful to them. Upon entering the room he'd shut the door behind them, responding to him speaking of the kitten. 

"I'm sure no one will have issues of Baka-san if he's well mannered. After all you've done for him the little fur ball must be grateful and obedient, otherwise cats prove to be a handful." 

Taking breath he'd sit down, gesturing for the young man to join him. It was time for the Magistrate to relay some news to the courtier, seeing his expertise is what we needed... He may prove his worth. 

"I have some important information to share with you, Bayushi-san. It'll affect how you go about your dealings in the city and where you'll prove useful. As of right now things are unorthodox."

||
Ann
Tomura nodded, taking a seat across from Yuto, he took of the top part of his face mask, to convey that at this moment, all is to be clear between them, his full face was youthful and delicate, the typical Bayushi looks can be seen. His hair was short and messy, without the mask a few strands of bangs came down over his eyes. 

"Any advice you have is most welcomed, as well as what to expect in this city, I have heard of the Otomo taking temporary control, although unclear their was some whispers in the wider clan, I didn't want to give much credence untill I saw for myself, just how unorthodox is our situation?"

||
Amy
Yuto would have removed his own mask in response to the courtier's gesture, giving a brief smile before focusing on his words. While the two were aware of their clan's situation, certain details needed to be discussed. Taking a breath he proceeded. 

"Currently we have no acting Ambassador assigned to oversee our operations and presence in the city. Due to the lack of authority I've taken the liberty of assuming it until further notice. Meaning if you require anything, and of course acquiring tasks, you'll be coming to me for those dealings.." 

The man spoke meek but blunt. Their clan wasn't in the best of positions, and the gravity of that needed to be known. 

"We've lost face, trust, and most importantly the city. Proving ourselves by achieving stability and positive relations with the other clans is a must. Every action we make is political and detrimental to our chances of getting our city back. So before any slick or risky actions are taken, I suggest thinking twice. Our clan can't afford to make mistakes from here moving forward."

||
Ann
Tomura nodded as the information was given, things were worse then he thought, he frowned despite himself. 

"Ryokō Owari Toshi is the crown jewel of our lands, no matter who gains it for a time it always comes back to us, like a loyal geisha... However, time apart hurts the Clans when it happens, that's not something we can allow to be." He considered, "Whatever task need of me, I'll do it, Yuto-san..." He tapped his finger on the desk, "I already have an idea brewing, and it's unlikely to insult the other Clans, and if it does it should be easy to paint them villains of any dispute of it... What do the Heimin of the city need?" He asked, "Perhaps some attention to... Benevolent public works can win the people, while many would scoff at the idea, the commonfolk's love can be a usefull tool... Especially in regards to governorship."

||
Amy
Tomura was right, the city would surely be hard to take from their clan. Though history foretold this city would always come back to the scorpion, their enemies knew that as well.. It was likely whatever was next to come could result in a long term, and perhaps permanent hold of the city. Their greatest threat was the Unicorn, but there were others scheming as well. 

"Despite the well known history, we cannot presume the other clans will let go of our city with ease. I'm certain many are making preparations for if they do take the claim." 

The magistrate was never one to underestimate the cunning of others. His biggest worry other than the unicorn were the lions, hoping he could establish positive relations. 

"Whatever project you intend to work on, think it through thoroughly and bring it to me. I intend to use you for political meetings and other tasks that suit your skills, nothing specific so far. For now I'd work on building an information network within the city that our clan can use, discreetly." 

||
Ann
Tomura frowned at the idea of a permanent hold on the city, his face was a mask but his hand gripped at the idea of another Clan holding the most important city *Within* Scorpion lands... Enraged him. 

"I understand... We cannot afford to lose this city, tourism, medical supplies," Read opium, "It's too important to allow even a year in another hands, let alone a century." He gave Yuto a bow, "I am at your disposal, use me as you see fit and I'll see to the network, I am already developing a stratagem in that regard, but I would need some resources... And names of those who would be willing to... Debase themselves in the eyes of the Celestial Order." He said, trying to think of the best way to put it.

||
Amy
His eyes relaxed, not staring too harshly at the young man when he spoke. The city was indeed important, whoever had power over it was extraordinarily advantaged, having much influence with its distribution. Though what the young scorpion spoke of intrigued him. Chuckling softly he looked back up and spoke. 

"You're in the confines of the Shosuro Palace, Bayushi-san. If there's anywhere a Scorpion can speak plainly, it's within these walls." 

Whatever this plan was the boy had in mind he hoped it was good. The magistrate was putting pressure on every step, assuring there was no room to tumble and fall. 

"I'd like to hear this play of yours, if you don't mind."

||
Ann
Tomura smiled, "As much as there are those who think it not true, the love the Heimin is important, loose lips and extra eyes can be formed just from loyalty alone... Patronizing merchants, helping make houses of aid for the children, rebuilding homes destroyed by fire... Feeding the starving children of even Hinin... Those who are shown no love or respect would come to be loyal to a hand that feeds, would they not?"

||
Amy
The young man's words brought a smile to his face, not many shared his love for Heimin, feeling a genuine warmth from hearing another express it. If these were his intentions it seemed the man didn't have to peek over the boy's shoulder so much. Unlike other clan members... 

"Your plan sounds wonderful, I hope to see its fortuitous future. Perception is reality, and if the people favor our clan over the others, it will add to our cause in getting the city back. I suggest treading carefully in the more unsafe districts." 

It was best to give warning, especially after hearing of the man's poor constitution. Of course he'd likely have a Yojimbo, he definitely needed one. He could assign a skilled Yoriki to him, which seemed to be most favorable. Maybe Kaori would do it? Wasn't like she had any other assignments to fulfill for now.. 

"Besides your diplomacy skills, what other assets do you possess? I surely hope you have a last resort if your Yojimbo fails."

||
Ann
Tomura gave a tired sigh.

"Besides the two bushi you saw accompy me into the city, I'm afraid I don't have a dedicated Yojimbo." He shrugged, "Besides diplomacy, I've been trained in using my people skills in network building, give me some time and I'll spin a web, I'm also something of an amateur writer in case we need to let some gossip or rumor spill under a pen name, I should mention one why I got loose lips to speak in the School... Well, people will say anything once their weak in the knees." He chuckled, "Some people find me charming I've been told."

||
Amy
In reality the scorpion didn't have much sympathy, requiring a Yojimbo meant more than protection. You had to be someone so important and vital that others might try to kill you, at least that's how Yuto himself saw it. A simple courtier was certainly an easy mugging opportunity, but he was a Scorpion noble. It was rare to run into someone with the actual tenacity to try something without being punished soon after. Though with things changing he figured one would be recommended for the young man. 

"Your skills will be suitable, as long as I'm around you'll be safe. Same goes for when you're in the presence of Bayushi Kaori, she is another capable swordsman. You'll meet her sometime soon." 

Hearing of his skills the man laughed at the mention of writing. 

"Hah! I'll keep that in mind, though I'm quite hesitant. Our clan has had a reputation of forging shitty letters." 

He didn't necessarily understand the weak knees or charming part. You were charming for hitting someone in their knees? What school taught him that crap. 

"I'll be looking forward to your career here in the city, to tell you the truth. Due to our lack of leadership and anyone willing, I've stepped up and undermined a great deal. Despite our working together, keep your distance from me, for your safety of course. The next Ambassador could be installed with orders for my head, I wouldn't want yours lined up with me." 

||
Ann
Tomura nodded to Yuto's words, and even he knew he was far less vital for a full fledge protector, and that's how he liked to be seen, a man of little to no consequence.

"I see," He said in regard to Yuto being on the 'blame for failure' list, "If it comes to it, I promise I will throw you to the wolves in order to survive, you legacy shall go on." He said with an innocent smile

||
Amy
He laughed hearing how innocently the young scorpion spoke such words. It was funny, but of course Yuto fully expected him to do so. On that note the man looked forward to how he'd bring favor to their clan. The scorpion didn't have another meeting lined up yet, that was mostly what he needed the young man for. Both Lion and Phoenix had begun fostering better relations with them, things were looking good but needed to be maintained. Perhaps he'd send him to one of their embassies bearing gifts, that could be a good idea.. 

"Bayushi-san, outside of your own arrangements, how would you like to bear gifts to the other embassies? Get to know the other clansmen and give them an estimate of yourself? You're my diplomat now, I see no reason for you to expand and merely... Introduce yourself, to the Lords and Heimin." 

He hoped the young man would catch on. There was nothing ill being planned, but of course such details were left out. 

"I will of course present you with chops letting them know I sent you, but what gifts would be appropriate hmm?"

||
Ann
Tomura smiled.

"I would be honored to be the face of the clan for the small niceties," He bowed, "I won't go making us enemies, so you won't have to worry about that." He chuckled, "Hmmm..." He considered, "Gifts for the other clans... The Crab perhaps something practical would be best, they prefer deeds or something that could be used in their... Defense of the realm," It's poor form to mention the Shadow to the south, "Perhaps a shipment of arms, armor, or even food would be a worthy gesture, the Unicorn... They do not lack for Horses, mayhaps though finely crafted saddle..." And why would a grand city of Rokugan be lead by the least Rokugan Clan, "The Lion, I don't know what our relationship with them is, I would say hand them a copy of Lies but that would only serve to anger them I'm sure." He chuckled

||
Amy
Hearing him go over and choose which gift would suit a clan was amusing, at least he put thought into his actions. Something that was surprisingly rare among the scorpion these days, but he wouldn't speak on such. Though he would give him the clans most recommended for these niceties. 

"Our relationship with the Lion has had positive improvement, I reimbursed their lands for the damage done to it. Saving them some koku. While that doesn't mean they're solidified ally's or our friends, we're past the stage of judgemental grunts. Your gifts don't have to be extraordinary, just make sure their meaning isn't insulting or left to be interpreted." 

Keeping a soft smile on his face, he'd continue speaking of the other clans. If Tomura wanted to build a network worth something to us, this would be the best way. 

"The Phoenix, Lion, and crab have the highest priority on the list. Whether you're comfortable visiting the Unicorn is up to you, they hate us more than the other clans combined and are aware we know it." 

Those were the three clans Yuto himself had the most interest in, others like the mantis, crane and dragon came second. With the Scorpion and Mantis no longer being Ally's but harboring no ill will, there was no desperation to build something new. 

"The dragons don't have a notable presence in the city, so it's up to you if you'll pay them a visit as well, maybe make sure they aren't dead in their embassy. Moshi Mai, the ambassador for the mantis, is quite tired of the Scorpions, especially after ending our alliance. So be careful in your approach, as for the Crane? Eh well they're in your blood not mine, you'll figure it out."

He stood up, making his way out to give the man time to settle into his room and think of the assignment. Turning back to give an approving nod before leaving. 

"Welcome to Ryoko Owari Toshi, the City of Lies." 

||