Robert
It has not been so long since Daiki had last strolled into the Scoprion gardens. However, everything about this appointment was different. Unlike last time, he was not meeting a Scorpion. Unlike last time, he knew the name of the samurai he would be meeting. Unlike last time, he was very eager to be seen. The subtleties of picking the perfect spot was not his strong point. Although he was well aware of the stir such a meeting might cause, he was a Doji more in name than in practice. He had deferred to wiser minds than his own.

*Not directly in the center. Passers by will see you either way, so making too obvious would not do.*

The advice still resonated in his ears. The bureaucrats who advised him took immense pleasure in helping to pick out the perfect spot. As he rounded a corner, it came into view: a pair of cherry trees atop an overlooking hill, each picturesque and providing shade, beauty, and the appearance of a desire for privacy. It was exactly the spot to make a meeting between a crane and a lion seem suspect, though he never would have thought to choose it himself.

*I suppose this is why I forge weapons and others handle the politics.*

In his arms, he carried a blanket of sky blue and white, its decor bearing imagery of foamy, turbulent waves. He unfurled and wafted the blanket, putting air under it so it would settle cleanly down on the grass. Once in place, he arranged himself in seiza upon it to await his contact. His kimono was a brighter blue than his usual more neutral colored go-to wardrobe. A number of white, long legged birds adorned the sleeves, their pale wings spread wide. His hair was tied back, arranged a little more neatly than usual. Today was a day for first impressions, after all.

||To any wishing to post in order to observe, you are welcome to do so, though I would ask you ask permission before interacting directly with those at the meeting.
Carmen
Akodo had only been in the city for a few days and already he was able to list his shortcoming and errors at court. He seemed to only have two modes, commander at camp, or just returned to his family estate. He needed to develop many, many more masks. Still, with the affairs of court suddenly around him, he needed to look *And* Play the part. The first was much easier for him. While his armor was in relatively good repair, his katana was not. It has seen endless amounts of drilling on top of actual battle. It had killed many enemies, and seconded more than a few sepuku. It had been broken any number of times and had his clan fittings removed, cleaned, and attached the blades of the defeated. He could only care for it so much on the road. It needed a proper smith, with proper tools. He had enquired through the embassy, and this was the name that had been offered.

The scorpion garden was something he had heard of, even somewhere he had planned to visit, but to meet a Crane bladesmith here was... Well even he could see symbolism this open faced. He had imagined going to a forge, finding a soot covered artisan and discussing the repairs, but in a city like this, for a man of his station, that wouldn't do. Even back home his father never would have done that, his servants would have just handled it. But a noble sword deserved a noble craftsman, and for a man of a certain influence, in a metropolitan city, that meant a Crane bladesmith.

And so Akodo found himself in his second finest kimono, of the only two fine kimono he had, wandering through a garden he could only imagine was built for the Scorpion to praise themselves.

The nagagi he wore under his haori was a beautiful pale yellow cloth close to that of a field of dry grasslands, while the haori over top was a much more vivid almost golden color with a haori himo of fine stones rather than cord. It had been a gift from his father when he graduated the war college and had small bits of emerald and onyx. 

It did not take him long to find the Crane. He must have been the bluest crane to ever blue. Even the sky might be jealous. He also seemed younger than Akodo expected. *Why is everyone here so young?*

"Kon'nichiwa." He said as he approached, "I am Akodo Katsuhiro." Once he had approached enough, he gave a slight bow of greeting. "It is a lovely day to be in a garden like this." Akodo seemed almost surprised at his own words. He had been so preoccupied he hadn't even really admired the gardens. They *Were* Quite striking. He had to give it to the scorpion, they did ostentatious right.
Robert
It was an older samurai who approached, dressed in fine browns and golds like ripe grain waiting for the harvest. It created quite an impression. Rising to his feet, Daiki offered the proper greeting. **"Doji Daiki,"** He said with a polite smile, inclining his stark white crown of hair in a bow of respect. **"Well met, Akodo-sama."** It was formal and respectful. Enough perhaps to make most crane balk, hearing someone of the noble house of Doji address a lion as a superior. However, the man was older, and if reports were accurate, he was quite accomplished already. Daiki was skilled at his crafts, particularly for his age, but as far as those in the city were concerned, he was still a wealthy nobody who had yet to earn any true respect himself.

Gesturing to the blanket beside him, he indicated the place where he had intended for the meeting. **"Please, join me and make yourself comfortable. I am afraid that drinks will have to wait until we meet in a more formal setting, but for now there is much to drink in with our eyes. I hope that will be enough until I can provide some true Crane hospitality."** He waited for his guest to be seated before sitting himself, returning to his seiza. **"I understand you are a new arrival, but you seem well traveled enough. What has brought you to our fair city?"** It was a song and dance. There was much to discuss, and more than likely most would be left unsaid until subsequent meetings, but to rush too hastily into business would be considered the epitome of rudeness. Given the tense relationship between Crane and Lion, that was a needle he did not care to thread carelessly.

They were an odd pair to be seen together. Loyalties aside, they were of very differing ages and life experiences even just at a glance. Still, when Shinjo Temujin had mentioned a ranking member of a major clan in need of a smith, he was more than happy to oblige, whether or not that clan happened to be the Lion.
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Carmen
Akodo eyed the blanket and the young man sitting comfortably in seiza on the ground as of it were a skirmish he was losing. Leave it to a Crane to bow properly and then know just the right way to put him back in his place. *I need to keep a stool with me* He could certainly still sit in seiza, and he did regularly for training, but it was easier for him on tatami or when he hadn't been walking the city so much to cause his leg to be tense. If he stretched it he might be fine, but he wasn't about to do that in front of a crane. So instead he sat on the blanket tatehiza, giving him a bit of a stretch but allowing him to sit more naturally.

"This is a feast for the eyes, thank you for allowing me reason to come here. I study a bit of gardening myself. Nothing on this level, and I have not had much occasion recently to practice, but I hope to get back into it here in the city."

*Crane hospitality? Was that a threat?*

Once he had settled himself into his seated position the Crane began his questions.

"Indeed, I have journeyed to every corner of lion lands for some bandit, or ronin, it border squabble, and a few times beyond. I have set foot beyond the kaiu wall, though I saw nothing of the terrors beyond the wall when I walked it. Now, I am come to the City of... Stories." He knew it's other name, but this was polite company. "Now I am here with a changing of the guard. New Ambassador, new Garrison Commander." 

He looked off into the distance and let a cool breeze blow over them.

"What about you? What brought a noble a Crane to practice their art in this city of all places?"

This boy apparently came highly recommend, but even if he weren't it would be far better than the village forges or camp followers he was used to. Perhaps there was a master here too study under he did not know of.
Robert
The choice of posture was not lost on Daiki. It was perhaps unexpected, but not outside of what was permitted in proper decorum. However, if Katsuhiro's position in the city was merited through combat, it was entirely possible that he was dealing with a war wound or related joint stiffness. Not only had Daiki not provided refreshments of any sort, but he had potentially invited a wounded war veteran to kneel on the hard ground.

*Unfortunate. Either could be pointed out as rudeness, but thus far the lion seems to be determined to keep the conversation polite. He is either not offended or else banking these unintentional sleights as later ammunition. I will assume the former for now.*

**"I am glad for the view as well,"** He said, returning a benign smile and gesturing to the gardens below with its various sculpted greenery and flowering displays. **"Truth be told, the last time I was here, I was not able to enjoy the sights. I was stuck in a game of cat and mouse with a Scorpion courtier. She sauntered in with a... Shall we say somewhat distasteful show of status and power as though she owned the place and then tried to sell me a line about simply wishing for a quiet life, no ambition whatsoever."** He had half a mind to snort at the thought, but thought better of being so casual.

**"As for my arrival in the city, it was not so long ago myself,"** He answered thoughtfully. **"I was trained by the finest smiths of Kyuden Kakita, and although they still surpass me by no small margin, my craft had grown to such a point where it was determined that I should put my skills into practice where I would be most useful to the Crane."** Glancing around the city, he took a shallow breath. **"With so much rivalry and jockeying for position here, it would not do to be short on weaponry or the ability to repair it, so here is where I was sent."**
||
Tammy
Day two of mapping out the Scorpion Gardens was thus far turning out to be a massive success. Akio had to break the original project up into several smaller trips due to some unexpected jobs that came up, but in many ways that made it easier. Spend a couple hours a day over a few days, compile it all together, then transfer it over to his *Good* Paper, and there you have it.

As he rounded a corner, he found himself near a very interesting sight. A Lion and a Crane, talking out in the open between two cherry trees. This had to be a trap of course. No doubt whatever they were discussing was designed to be heard and seen, setting tongues wagging. Yet no one else seemed to be around to observe this strange event.

Even if the script had been set between the two samurai, there would be important information that could be gathered from it. No doubt Utaku-sama would be interested regardless, though perhaps less in the words passed between the two and more who this trap was meant to catch. He supposed he could spend a bit of time transferring his mental notes onto paper here.

Finding a nearby place to sit which was out of the way yet within earshot, he settled down with paper and charcoal in hand. While drawing out the route he had just mapped out in the garden, placing the more interesting sights along the way, he also tuned his ears out to catch the words shared between the samurai. Later he would transcribe those down, but for now he had other priorities to work on. The best cover was not a cover in the slightest, after all.

||
Carmen
Akodo did snort holding back his laughter when Doji mentioned a Scorpion saying they had no ambition and wanted a quiet life, but he quickly schooled his face to a neutral composition. A breeze came through again, this time setting free a few of the cherry blossom petals and as they fluttered and danced on the air, Katsuhiro held out a hand as a few alighted there, along with the sweet smell of the flowers in the air.

"A shame that such a beautiful garden would be named so deceptively. But I suppose that is a cat staying true to its colors."

He listened to the boy's story about coming to the city here, and nodded as he followed along.

"It is true, that you can only learn so much, even at the feet of the greatest masters. You need to put it into practice on your own. I do not know much of bladesmith other than the average samurai, but I am certain it is true in all things. You must be free to fail on your own because you can achieve true mastery. Now that you are on your own, your own personal style will blossom." It was actually one of the reasons why he did not formally train with bonsai either, in addition to the fact that it takes years for results and he was never in one place long enough.

"However, the reason you have come to the city is much the same to my need." Akodo slowly undid the saego and draw out his katana while within its saya, and laid it on the ground in front of them, delicately arranging the saego as one did in an Iaido ceremony before bowing. Once he had done sow, he gave a slight bow the blade, then picked it up and offered it to Doji.

"I know at court many samurai treat both blades with the reverence of their soul, but one can only do so much when victory is on the line."

The faded yellow saya looked like it had seen better days. The pieces had obviously been re-glued, it was scapped and battered by rocks and rubbing against armor. The fitting were secure but oviously had to be reset numerous times. The fittings were slightly mismatched, where one was obviously of lesser quality than the original in mimicked. The silk tsuka ito was worn and stained with blood and sweat, and while wrapped tightly, was not as elegantly done as it once was. Even the kashira, which thankfully was not cracked, had been flattened in some areas where it had obviously been hammered against someone or some thing.

"When I first set out as a young man, my lord gave me this sword. It was a beautiful weapon that I have kept at my side for many, many years. Unfortunately, that is not the same blade... Nor is it even the fourth blade. I have had to scavenge blades after battle to replace broken ones, and then reattach my fittings. I have struggled to find someone worth of repairing something so important."

He moved his strong, intense gaze over to the Crane.

"I hope I can rely on the *Legendary* Pride and craftsmanship of the Crane in this matter."

The words said were so much shallower than the meaning conveyed in his eyes. This sword was *Important* To Akodo, as much as a symbol as it was a weapon.

"I realize that parts of it may not be salvageable and need to be replaced completely, but that is why I require someone of great skill. A worn weapon such as this needs to be refined, perhaps reforged, to be of use in court here in the City of Stories. And if the honorable Crane is able to accomplish this great task, I know of many, many more in company who have similar katana."
Robert
While in polite conversation the handling or presentation of weapons might be taken as a veiled threat, it was well established that this was a meeting all about weaponry. He nodded, reaching out a hand to place it on the handle. **"Please excuse me, but may I?"** The asking was a formality, but a necessary one. Upon receiving assent, he drew out the blade, slipping his other hand into its sleeve to use the cloth as a covering. Resting the spine of the blade on his forearm, his keen eyes examined the length.

If the saya was battered, the blade was a shipwreck. Chips and chunks were missing all along its length. While great attention had been paid to the honing and sharpening of the edge, as well as the oiling of the metal, Daiki speculated that much of its cutting power was now due to the serrations that the edge damage left. It would not have the smooth, deadly cut of a younger blade. While his voice held no judgment, it was difficult to keep the pained expression from his eyes.

**"This blade has indeed seen many battles, and harsh ones at that,"** He said, turning it so one flat and then the other rested on his arm to examine both surfaces. **"No cracks... A very slight corkscrew... No doubt caught in an enemy or obstacle and twisted forcefully... Though it's clear someone of moderate skill at least attempted to bend that back out."**

Lifting the blade from his forearm, he recovered the saya and slid it deftly back into place, but it stopped short of the typical *Clack* Of contact with the guard, leaving some of the habiki exposed.

**"I can certainly reforge this. It appears that the weapon your blade was salvaged from was made for a samurai taller than you. That will give me some extra material to work with,"** He said with a nod. His stormy blue eyes flicked over to the Akodo and he searched him for a moment. **"You wouldn't by any chance have any of the original blade left, would you?"** He said slowly. **"Perhaps as a keepsake or memento?"**
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Carmen
Akodo watched as Doji appraised the naked blade, he could see surprise in the boy's eyes, even after Akodo had warned of it. He felt a pang of regret and embarrassment at letting it get this bad. He had labored over polishing and caring for the blade as best he could, but when in the middle of the mountains at the spine of the world, there were not always the supplies you wished.

"I... Tried once. I broke the blade in the shoulder of a..." He spoke the words in a way he obviously didn't believe them "Scorpion ronin... Too long ago to remember. I pulled it out after the battle and the blade looked little better than what you hold there. A smith tried reforming it for me, but it broke when I tried to parry a..." He paused as he realized his next words might offend, "Azure bandit. Unfortunately he gave me better than I gave him." Akodo unconsciously rubbed at one of the faint scars on the back of his right hand, "In my arrogance and anger, I did not save any pieces. Thankfully my senior officer at the time saved what remains here for me, and taught me much about respect for my weapon and the realities of warfare. After that, I never tried to reforge blades, I took the best there was available and moved on."

But then there was something he had kept all these years, and it only now came back to him.

Akodo reached up to the chain holding his haori closed, and he undid it. Small gemstones linked the two sides together on a chain.

"This was given to me by my father, but it had been damaged, and my captain at the time a bit of the metal of my sword, as well as the enemy captain's sword forged into these..." 

Where most men wore a haori-himo that was cord, Akodo had one that was chain. There were a few emerald and onxy beads on the chain, but most of its length was a decorative chain.

"It celebrated my first command of my own unit."

He held it out to the bladesmith, "I know it is not much, but it is about as sentimental as I get with these things."

"I understand you may need to make a new blade. The Menuki and tsuba are original, as is the habaki and the kashira, though as you can see they are terribly formed now. I would appreciate honoring them in whatever you deem necessary to replace." He tore his eyes away from the blade in the Crane's hands and returned it to the garden around them.

"When I plan a garden, I have a vision. When I am finished, that vision is realized as perfectly as I can." He paused to gesture to the one around them, "But the Kami take that vision, and in years the trees and plants have grown in ways I never foresaw, and it is always more beautiful to me then."

He returned his gaze back to Doji, with a bit of vulnerability that wasn't there before. "I trust in the artistry."
Robert
Reaching out a hand that was easily as weathered as the lion's, Daiki took the chain and slipped it into his sleeve. The forge was his first real love, but it was not an easy mistress. Between heat and force and incessant pounding and working of hard steel, his fingers had not maintained the same pristine quality as his face had. He considered all of the pieces at play.

**"While it is not entirely necessary, I believe a piece of the original 'soul' is important,"** He said, lifting the sleeve where the chain had been stowed. **"The fact that it contains the metal of one enemy's blade and the current blade is that of another is... Perhaps appropriate. Shinsei supposedly said, 'we must be careful who we single out as our enemy, for in doing so we make ourselves a little more like them.' The awareness of how your past battles have shaped your 'soul' should help remind you of that wisdom."**

In the intervening silence, Daiki picked his following words carefully. It was not that he thought the lion delicate. However, this was a tense situation, and he must speak with both delicacy and candor. **"You know the relationship between our clans,"** He said, a serious edge behind the simple words. **"I cannot promise on behalf of all Crane everywhere that they will immediately drop all prejudice against the Lion. However,"** He said, again slowing the pace of his words to choose with delicacy. **"I believe that our two clans have much to benefit from one another in the city. If you find my work to your liking, well...""** He paused, holding out his hand and flipping it back and forth in a gesture of uncertainty. **"Perhaps we can make further arrangements for more than just this one work."**

These were dicey waters for Daiki. He knew his craft, but he was not a negotiator. If the lion tried to haggle with him here and now, he could claim offense at bringing up the impolite subject of money, but that might risk damaging the idea of an arrangement.
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Carmen
"When I was a boy, I would ask my father to tell me stories about the Day of Thunder, as I am certain we all did. It took all the clans coming together, giving their best, to win and save them Empire." Akodo took one of the cherry blossom petals in his hand and played with it before letting it flit away, "I take my role as defender of the Empire, and right hand of the throne very seriously. Politics and alliances come and go, but we are at our best when we work together. Kintsugi is beautiful for a reason, and the empire is nothing if not an example of the most profound and precious Kintsugi. We are taught that that in combat one truly gets see the color and character of another. It is also the crucible that forges us into the best version of ourselves. I would not be the man I am today had the man who wielded that blade not chosen the life he did, nor cut me with it. As a warrior, I am not at my best without a sword made by a man like yourself, yet your craft also relies on samurai to wield the blades. The Yin and the Yang."

Akodo shifted slightly in his seated pose, feeling the tension of being in one position for a long period of time.

"A blade forged by a once enemy become friend, to wield against another enemy in service of the Empire? This is a mighty sword indeed."

He let the edges of a smile play on his face, "As I mentioned, show me the quality of your artistry, and I have many, many more blades with similar stories."
Robert
It was an open-ended response, but it had been an open-ended proposition, so that was little discouragement to Daiki. Still, he felt a little unsatisfied leaving the matter there. Katsuhiro had so far been amicable and did not seem to harbor any hatred for him or his clan. A little more prodding might not hurt.

**"And what of samurai in need of entirely new items?"** It was not the kind of promise the Aokodo could make not having seen any results thus far, but Daiki wanted to put the bug into his ear nonetheless. Some of it was a desire to further the growth of the Crane's influence. Some of it was a desire to grow his body of work. He was not entirely sure which motivated him more now, but regardless, he felt that either one or the other or both could be helped immensely with such an arrangement.

Daiki broke eye contact, not wishing to pressure the older samurai for an immediate answer. Instead, a polite redirection away from what the Crane might provide and a nudge towards the other end of that balancing scale. **"You mentioned not only positions in the garrison, but also an ambassadorship?"** Normally such a subject would be entirely innocent. In the moment, however, given its juxtaposition, it was a not-so-subtle inquiry about more than just what Akodo did. Rather it became a question about what he *Could* Do in the future.

*I am more than happy to scratch your back... But money is not the only means of reciprocation to be had in a deal. How might you scratch mine? Do not push him... Let him come up with his own answer. Whatever it is, I will bring it back to the embassy to consider.*
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Carmen
Akodo kept his patience has his attempt at subtly did not seem to land with the bladesmith. *Neither of us are Ambassadors or courtiers at court.* After a moment of pregnant silence, Doji seemed to continue on, this time with a question. Was that what he was after? Well, as he was not someone who could speak for his clan, let alone his clan here, it was understandable he would need to know the shape of things.

"I am a Taisa of Akodo and the Lion clan." None of this was secret, it would only be a matter of time for anyone to find out the information, "Though it would be rude of me to bring my legion here. As we have no wars at hand I brought only my personal guard with me after hearing about the... Issues... With the Unicorn clan which, thank the Kami, seem to have smoothed over."

In fact, one of the things he was going to have to do is secure additional accommodations for the all the senshi he brought with him.

"I will be here with Ambassador-dono while the lay of the land is established, and make sure that none of the Lion interests are... Disturbed, again."

He raised a slight eyebrow to see if perhaps this was the answer that Doji Daiki had been looking for.
Robert
*So a military figure, not a political one. However, for the Lion clan, those two things are not as far removed from one another as in some others.*

Daiki nodded thoughtfully along with Katsuhiro's words. It was not quite the question he had hoped would get through. The lion might be playing coy, but it did not seem his way to do so. Most likely, the hidden question had not been caught, or else he did not see fit to answer it just yet.

*Another reminder that I may know a little about political maneuvering, but I am not the best practitioner of it. For our next meeting, I believe it would be wise to bring in a more experienced negotiator.*

In the end, Daiki knew his place as one who does and one who makes, not as one who makes moves. Still, he would own his part in the grand maneuvering. One who could do or one who could make who worked in a valuable practice could be a decisive stone placed on the go board.

*I'm much better with dueling analogies than go analogies...*

For a moment, he considered whether he would need to take measurements for the new blade. After all, the old blade may be the wrong size, but the saya was original. Still, these pieces were made when the seasoned warrior had been in his youth. His body could have grown or shrunk a little since then, and it's very possible that a Lion smith might have produced the original quickly in the course of furnishing a large number of troops.

Rising smoothly to his feet, Daiki turned to his companion. **"Please excuse me, Akodo-sama, but I must ask you to stand so that I may take proper measurements. It would not do for your sword to not be in perfect proportion to your arm. It must, after all, be an extension of your arm, and I cannot properly make it so without taking proper account."**

Reaching into his sleeve, he pulled out a tightly wound, narrow roll of silk with hash marks and numbers along one edge. Then he paused to see if the lion needed a hand in rising.
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Carmen
Akodo smiled as the smith asked him to rise and take his measurements, to which the soldier was more than happy to do. He stood and held out his sword hand in a way that showed he was familiar with the process. 

"I prefer my katana slightly longer than is custom, just shy of two and half a half shaku, and same with the tsuka at about eight and a half sun. The extra length gives me a little more maneuverability and reach in a duel."

Akodo had fought with many katana of varying lengths over the years, and often not even with his own in the chaos of the fight. But he also would not tell the man how to do his job. He was relying on this Crane to know his trade and a good general had the wisdom to find the right people and the intelligence to get out of there way.

"It has been a long time since I've been properly measured, however."
Robert
As the younger samurai moved around his subject, moving his arm this way and that, taking the lengths of his arm and the width of his hand, he let out a small tut. **"No wonder you prefer longer blades. Your arm has grown considerably since this saya was made for you."** He wondered whether the man had been measured at all since his gempuku. **"Those numbers are still slightly on the long side, but within the standard range of acceptable length. Still..."**

Finishing his measurements, Daiki paused for a moment. He reached behind his body, down to his obi and pulled loose his katana. **"I wonder if you would maintain your opinion when handling a light, clean-edged blade. The length of a sword does make a target easier to reach, but it also makes your draw slower. More friction, and further distance to draw in order to bare the entire sword."** He turned the sword around and offered the entire thing, sheath and all, to Katsuhiro.

**"Try for yourself. Prepare your mind for the draw, and then see if a shorter blade like mine feels any better when the edge is fresher."** He had come close to saying 'less damaged,' but to make further unnecessary comments about the damage that the lion's sword had taken seemed unnecessary, and could perhaps be interpreted as a sleight on him for carrying such a weapon.

Daiki stepped back, standing behind Katsuhiro and folding his hands into the sleeves of his kimono. It was not a move he had planned on. Still, the lion had entrusted his blade to a relative stranger. What kind of man would Daiki be if he could not return the favor? Besides, this was indeed a vital consideration. If the lion had only known Lion-made mass produced instruments of battle and not true dueling weapons, and if since then all of his blades had been scavenged, he was not making a fully informed decision.

*We shall see what he thinks.*
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Carmen
The Lion raised an eyebrow in surprise when Doji offered him his katana to try out. It was not a move he was used to, and found it slightly refreshing. Akodo was not often surprised by something new. A foe on the battlefield, or his own misstep at court? Yes. But something novel? No. 

He took the sword with a slight bow and both hands, feeling the weight of it. *It's lighter than I expected, even given the sight length difference*He unsheathed the Katana slightly, feeling the gentle tug as the blade come free, and then smooth and silent. If silence could be music to his ears it would be. The feeling was almost beautiful and that it had become so foreign saddened him.

He felt the weight in his hand, and rather than balance it on his wrist as Doji had done, Akodo took a step back and turned, slicing through the air and listening to the quality of the sound as it cut. *Was there almost a tone to it? Can they do that?*

He slipped the saya into his obi and then held the blade in a few of his stances, taking a handful of test cuts, before sheathing the blade. He then, slowly to not concern anyone, drew the blade in one of the first nukiuchi that was ever taught. The blade felt firm in the saya but cut nicely.

"It feels good. I would almost hate to use something like this in battle."

He slowly slid it back out and handed the blade respectfully back to Doji.

"I shall trust your judgement, Doji-san. It does feel good, but the tsuka I would like to keep on the long size. Perhaps it's just what my hands have gotten used to." He did not want to imply the bladesmith had small hands. He imagined that might be considered insulting to someone in his profession.
Robert
*Hate to use something like this in battle... That is one place we differ.*

Perhaps it was a matter of his upbringing, of his wealth and privilege, or perhaps it was never having been conscripted for battle. They had, after all, lived very different lives, and Daiki's experience was much shorter. And yet...

*If I would not trust my life to a blade, I would not wish to use that blade in a fight.*

He accepted the sword back with both hands, bowing as he received it and tucking it back into his belt. **"I do not wish to simply impose my will upon yours,"** He said, shaking his head slightly. **"Nor do I wish my test to prove a point against your preferences. You are a seasoned warrior. You know your style and the overall use of your weapons in a way that I cannot. I was concerned and wished you to make an informed decision. Nothing more."**

Again, he inclined his head, both as a show of respect to the warrior as well as a proffered apology had his words been seen as insolent supposition. **"The sword must fit the warrior. Not the other way around. Tell me in earnest, does a shorter blade or a longer one fit your use better now that you have felt the draw on a shorter weapon?"**
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Carmen
Akodo actually offered Doji a friendly smile at the man's words.

"I appreciate the deference, Doji-san, but I have had to grow accustomed to whatever I have in my hands. The longer blade suits the field of battle where every extra shaku helps, but you are right that it is less suited perhaps for draw. I am not on the field of battle any longer and much more likely to deal with a duel or an assassin."

He considered their words, then gave a nod solidifying his decision.

"Akodo-Kami-sama once said that a good general finds the right person and then trusts them to know what's best. Let us go with your suggestion, and if I need a longer one for war, maybe you can make that one as well." Akodo was growing excited to see what the smith could do.
Robert
As soon as the word 'assassin' came out of Katsuhiro's mouth, Daiki's mind was made up. If the lion were in a high enough position to warrant an assassination, then speed on the draw could save his life.

*A slightly shorter blade... Not so much that it is uncomfortable to adjust, but enough to close that hair's breadth margin on intercepting an assassin's blade or... Not.*

With that, he gave a firm nod. **"Yosh!"** He faced Katsuhiro properly, bending fully at the waist. **"I am honored by your patronage, Akodo-sama. Your blade should take one week to reforge. I shall send word as the day approaches of where we shall meet-"**

Before he straightened up, he clenched his eyes shut and rapped his fingers against his forehead. Straightening up, he sighed. **"I did not even think to ask. Should I also see to your wakizashi? Not that I am eager to deprive you of any protection, but it is a poor craftsman who hands over a work that does not visually complement its surrounding elements. And furthermore, is there a tanto or other side arm that aught to be maintained with its brothers?"**

It was above and beyond what was needed perhaps, but the Kakita were nothing if not thorough. Besides, the more he knew about the lion's weapons, the better he could service them and fit his needs as a warrior.

*If he were to die with one of my blade's in his hands after surviving this long, it would do more than call my craftsmanship into question.*
||
Carmen
Akodo turned a warm expression when he saw the excitement and dedication that Doji was displaying. Yes, he was very excited to see what this young man would come up with.

"Unfortunately, a Lion cannot ever be without weapons. I will have one of my men bring my wakazashi and tanto to you tomorrow, once I have picked a space daisho I can use in the mean time. For now, you can begin with that." Akodo had originally been unsure of delivering the whole set to the Crane, but he was pleased that he was invested enough that having the set match was important to him. "I give you my word the other two are in a state of repair you would find acceptable." At that he could not help but hold back a jovial, well meaning chuckle. Perhaps unsightly, but they were discussing deeply personal matters already.

"You have me excited to see your craftsmanship. I can already tell this week shall feel an eternity."

He gave Doji Daiki a deeper bow than strictly necessary, though not quite as low as Doji had.

"Should you need anything else, such as any information for engravings or questions of patterns, feel free to send a runner to the embassy, I will let them know they might be expecting a messenger from the Crane. Otherwise, I look forward our next meeting, Doji Daiki-San." And with that, the elder samurai left.