Esther
A rain had settled over the city, starting well before dawn coming down just hard enough for people to avoid going outside. Puddles built up in the ruts of the street, and those unfortunate souls who had to go outside ran from cover to cover as best they could, or else they just bore the downpour.

Akodo Katsuhiro loved not being in the rain. The tents in the field only did so well after a long period of time, and so he found himself sitting in the main building of the Lion embassy with several of the shoji panels on the non-windy side of the building thrown open. He sat, tea cup in hand, enjoying the sound of the rain on the roof as it also melted some of the work he had done on the start of his garden. 

Around him, others of the clan who were also inconvenienced by the rain were loitering, or reading, taking their breakfast, or pursuing the diversions that one did when stuck inside for the day.

"I appologize for making you repeat yourself, Akechi-san, but please start over. How do you know this... Akemi? Where exactly is this House of Still waters?"
William
Matsu Kozue sat at the table too. Since the dojo fight a few days ago she'd been spending more time in the company of her captain. Fighting makes fast friends of Lion. Much of the pretense of civility could be sat aside for a few moments and solidify one very important fact. *I'd trust you at my back on a battlefield* Was a pretty good thing to bond over.

She had stayed silent. Enjoying the sound of rain and sipping at her own cup of tea. She'd been reading through an actual pillow book she'd picked up at the bazaar, something a little saucy and over dramatic. A torrid romance between an enigmatic Dragon Samurai and his Phoenix Shugenja lover. It was trash, the writing was amateurish, resting on a gimmick of hand picking quotes from the Tao of Shinsei that sounded vaguely erotic when paired with the imaginary couple's affair. Kozue loved trashy pillow books.

She perked her head up when the House of Still Waters was mentioned. She'd never been but it was on her list of places to visit. She quite liked geisha, they were soft and sweet in a way she could never hope to be. She found it romantic to imagine what it would be like to be a charming lady. She found it even more romantic to occasionally lay with one herself. Something she needn't share with anyone, but a sly smirk did cross her lips when she let herself have a moment of memories.
Franklin
From the corner of the room a white haired man fluttered his court fan, obscuring the lower half of his face, his frozen blue eyes peering forward at the both of them. This man would easily be mistaken for a Crane if he were not wearing attire adorned with the fierce visage of the Lion Clan mon. 

He piped up. "I did not know such seasoned veterans troubled themselves with topics of delicacy. Or perhaps you are looking to share company with a geisha?" He chuckled.
Tova
It had been a rather busy day for the Lion samurai, trying to enjoy his time off at one of his favorite getaway places he was founded with a rather inconvenient set of circumstances. It also didn't help that it was pouring rain outside while on his way over here, which added to his aggravation a tad bit. 

" Well you see... She is a really close acquaintance of mine during my time in this city. Over by the teardrop island, I got reasons to suspect something fishy is going on in that venue."

Earlier this day while visiting this said 'acquaintance' he had encountered suspicious activities in this establishment. Which he confirmed once he crossed pathed with an individual that was recognizable in the underworld. After having a constructive conversation with his affiliate he was able to get some more insight, despite being quite hesitant. 

There were surprisingly a decent amount of other lions in the vicinity, one even remarked on his little getaways. Which Akechi would respond amusingly: 

" Well, who wouldn't want to spend some quality time with a beautiful lady? Even harden battle warriors need time to get away from such a rigorous lifestyle."

Returning his attention to his brethren Katsuhiro about the topic at hand:

"I got an idea on what we can do—it might not be a sound one but it's something worth giving a shot. I just need some assistance to back me up."
William
"No need to justify yourself Akodo-sama, *Appreciation of beauty is the beginning of wisdom,* As the Tao of Shinsei says," Kozue remarked while giving Akechi a gentle smirk as he mentions is *Acquaintance.* "Although if your *Quite close* Friend is in some sort of spot, it would be the way of the karmic wheel, bless you with beauty once, twice blessed with troubles for it." 

She sat her pillow book aside and scooted up to the table taking hold of the teapot rather gingerly and took the time to refill or warm up everyone else's cups of tea first, before refilling her own and settling back down. "Of course I will help, perhaps spending some time around beauty will provide me the wisdom I sorely lack," She finally added as she nursed her now piping hot cup of tea with the most ginger of sips.
Esther
Katsuhiro was reading between the lines as best he could. She was *Important to him* Meaning he had an attachment to her beyond the typical samurai-playboy geisha arragement... Or perhaps it was typical these days. Regardless, he felt a headache coming on. Still, something going on that was perhaps targetting Akechi because of his involvement with this house... Or something more going on?

Still, he let out a worldweary sigh. The days of seeing soldiers with standards held high were mostly either behind him or in the distance. They would not serve him with this problem today.

"As far as I am concerned, everything to do with that Scorpion infested island is dangerous, but not every problem can be handled with a sword." He thought for a moment of several investigations that were on-going and what could be done abou this. He *Was* Looking for information on the Scorpions relationship with the cartels and the underground world, and this could be a thread to pull at that... *And* Akodo was trying to build up connection with the Samurai who had been here a while.

"Very well, Akechi-san, though remember that the Lion clan has no authority to dispense justice in the city *Least of all on tear drop island* So, to the best of all ability, do not start or end a fight while you are there. Or else we may make enemies with this Thunder Guard, or whatever they call themselves." He thought for a moment, trying to play through moves in his mind like a shogi game. Matsu's surprisingly sympathic view on the situation caused a moment of curiosity, but ultimately sealed his chocie.

"Matsu Kozue-san, Akodo Sozen-san, would you please help Akodo Akechi-san out with his... Acquiaintence?" Katsuhiro turned his gaze mostly to Sozen, who was the courtier in this situation as well as Deputy Ambassador under Himiko-dono. He didn't *Really* Have the authority to direct Sozen on how to spend his efforts, but he doubted that Himiko would see things in such a straight line of authority.

"Our first goal in this is to avoid causing an issue with the management of Teardrop Island, is that understood? There have been sloppy actions made by the other clans of late, and I do not with to appear on the Otomo's list for anything other than laudable reasons. Our second goal will be to help out Akodo-san's friend if we are able, while investigating what may or may not be goign on at the Hosue of Still Waters."

He looked at each of them in turn, "I am more interested in information than heads. That said, learning who the *Real* Players are in the city is a long term goal, and if this is a sign of a new player, or a power shift, we need to be aware of it."

*This could go very bad* Akodo rubbed at his temple slightly *But it could also be our first real foot in the door*

"Questions?"
William
The Lioness nodded and gave a look over at Sozen that seemed to say *Whelp, I guess we're doing this.* She really just wanted an excuse to go sight seeing, and was less enthused with violence off the table. She sipped her tea again gingerly before saying, "I'll look around but it's up to Akodo-san," She looked at Sozen again, "To do the talking. Hopefully my mere presence is enough to keep you in one piece Sozen-san," She gave a wry grin, "The Taisa has instructed me not to start or end fights. I hope you have been blessed by the kami of water, we may need to be fleet of foot."

She did want to help out of course but her skill set was admittedly narrow. She knew tactics and swordplay. Where most other Samurai would round out their bag of tricks with social graces or an artistic hobby, Kozue had instead learned to cultivate the art of being just enough of a scamp to mouth off politely and crack jokes no one else could get away with. It was a useless talent outside of the Embassy, especially while sober.
Tova
The samurai nodded at his brethren's request, rightfully he should be concerned about dealing with such an intricate ordeal. Especially with the fact that Akechi himself wasn't completely sure who he was dealing with, it was all a hunch from his prior dealings from his past. But if said hunch was correct, he couldn't let such atrocious actions continue while he could do something about it:

" Don't worry, I don't plan on using my sword throughout this escapade, my goal is to gain as much intel as I can to ensure we're heading towards the right path. I think my charms will more than suffice."

He said so with a confident smirk on his face, honestly, he was itching for some excuse to go out into action ever since the incident with the Yokai from a while back. 

" I am ready to leave at everyone's convenience, I'll explain everything in more detail while on the way so we can all be on the same page."
Franklin
Sozen listened attentively to the conversation unfolding before him, understanding the gravity of the situation at hand. This would required finesse and diplomacy, and he knew that resorting to violence would not be the best approach. As Katsuhiro turned his gaze toward Sozen, he nodded in acknowledgement, accepting the responsibility bestowed upon him.

With a calm demeanor, Sozen met Matsu Kozue's gaze and offered her a smirk. He appreciated her humor, for his his was not too different. Nodding in agreement, he replied, "Rest assured, Matsu-san, I will handle the negotiations and keep **Us** Out of trouble. I'm sure your presence will be invaluable in ensuring our safety, and I trust in your abilities to adapt and react swiftly if the need arises," *He quipped, replicating her wry grin.*

Sozen contemplated the words of the Taisa, recognizing the importance of their mission and the potential repercussions of missteps. "Akodo Katsuhiro-san, worry not, we will handle this with utmost discretion. Our primary goal shall be to maintain a low profile and avoid causing any disruptions to the management of Teardrop Island. Simultaneously, we will extend our aid to Akechi-san's friend and gather any information we can regarding the House of Still Waters. It is my hope this investigation unveils the truth behind the situation and perhaps even illuminates what powers are at play here."

Sozen's mind buzzed with anticipation and cautious calculation. He was well aware that this endeavor could be perilous, but he also saw it as a rare opportunity to gain crucial knowledge and establish a foothold in this complex world of secrets and alliances. With the combined skills and determination of their small group, Sozen remained hopeful that they could successfully navigate the intricate challenges that lay ahead.

He gestured a hand towards the exit. "I think Akechi-san has said all that need be addressed, shall we?"