John
Katsuhiro had written the letter to Kazuko immediately upon Himiko's recommendation, so it came that when the response was quickly returned, the lion captain requested Himiko accompany him to meet with Kazuko. While he would have enjoyed a relatively private meeting with the Unicorn ambassador, he did not trust his anger over the situation and needed someone with a cooler head to be by his side, and he and Himiko had been working on improving their trust and partnership. So it was, that the pair vertically challenged Lion found themselves at the estate of vertically gifted Unicorns.

Katsuhiro wore his Jinbaori as a bit of emotional armor, he was partial to it on the best of days, but on a day when he felt the absence of his armor and his legion, it settled over him like a warm and reassuring blanket on a cold day. His kimono this day was a deep and earthy brown, and the jinbaori was a bright red gold color reminicient of the fields of red wheat famous in the Lion lands. The vest was embroidered with the spikelet and the heron, while the kimono was embroidered with the peony, the flower of bravery and honor.

As they approached the Ide residence, he was pleased to see that the guard both recognized and expected them. It would not have gone well had Himiko received the same reception they had with the former Scorpion ambassador, though the thought of her bursting through the tent flap to grab Kazuko's ankles was enough to put a pleasant curve on the corner of his lips. The tall Unicorn and the diminutive Lion together would be such an odd site.

They were led to wherever it was that Kazuko would like them to wait, "Do you like the Unicorn milk tea, Kitsu-sama?" He asked her while they waited. The tea gave him terrible indigestion, and while the flavor was pleasant, he would not dishonor himself here in that way. He had learned the lesson long ago when he had gone to Shiro Utaku and tried it for the first time. His unit had never let him live that down.
Kerry
Himiko had followed the Akodo. She was perhaps a bit glad he had asked her to accompany him. Their reasoning had been the same in this matter. Himiko had taken the time to actually look a tad bit more dolled up than she normally had. Even though her natural wild manes had dangled around, they were taken care of, even had some braids and a top knot. And somehow it smelled nice. 

She even had some subtle make-up done. Dressed up nicely in a bright golden Kimono with earth tones intertwined in it. 

*"I do like the milk tea. It's not my favorite but for variation it's a delight. Do you?"* Himiko smiled. Glancing over at the much taller Lion besides her. She seemed awfully calm for a situation like this. 

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John
Katsuhiro bowed deeply, perhaps a slight bit more than was required given the circumstances. He would take responsibility for the safety of his guests as honor was required, but would not debase himself before an honored and respected adversary whom he may very well see on the field of battle again in the future. He moved over to the cushions and waited for Himiko to sit before he did. He was heartened by the words of the of the Unicorn Taisa. His own heart burned for a vengeance, so he was ready to hear what words Kazuko had for them.

"Thank you for sending for us so quickly, Utaku-sama. I am not sure what Shinjo-san has shared with you already, but we did discuss what we knew and what we suspected before we parted ways. I am curious if you may already have leads." On top of his desire for vengence against the Hare clan, he did *Also* Want to lead a troop of strong Samurai out to hunt down to the Onikuma as well. Though perhaps a conversation for another time.

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Kerry
Himiko had bowed down. *"Utaku-sama. Thank you for your welcome."* The youngling in this room had stated. She settled down, making sure it had been on the middle one as her gut feeling would tell her something was about to go down. And since she could only verbally restrain her akodo, no matter what would go down, she would not know what happened if anything would physically go down. She'd let the Akodo besides her speak. After all she had been here for moral and mental support or perhaps to defend him whenever needed. But this was something between the two of them until they dragged her down to the pits of hell, or well diplomacy. 

Himiko had simply behaved. Even Ilu had been at home for once. Which had pained her but she couldn't drag the beast along with her right into Kazuko's office. Although she was sure Kazuko wouldn't have been bothered, at least not that much. 

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Matthew
"I was given the basics, yes. Shinjo-san is nothing if not thorough. You were ambushed by this Ujina Kioshi and his band, as well as some beast in the forest. Most curious." The Battle Maiden studied her fellow taisa's countenance as she signed. Himiko's presence was not unwelcome, and Katushiro's letter had stated she might join, but it was still unusual. Did the Lion captain feel this was a matter that went beyond a military response? If so, he was quite likely correct. "Unfortunately, while the report was swift, this 'Hare Representative' was faster. We had already negotiated a deal to supply them with additional jade before word of their plot came to be revealed."

Kazuko was handed a box of go stones from Fuyuko, placing them to the side of the parchment at a midpoint between herself and the Unicorn. The large paper was in fact a surprisingly detailed map of the surrounding countryside. "I have in fact met the Hare Clan on what I believe to be a related issue. They seemed cautious but not hostile, and I did not see it necessary to bother them further at the time. Their status as a Minor Clan will complicate matters with how we deal with them."

Just then, the young girl who escorted the two Lions in appeared at the doorway, catching Kazuko's eye. She nodded, stiffening slightly. "Ah, it seems our other guest has arrived. He has information which will help inform how we proceed. Hisa-san, show him in."

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Sallie
The Magistrate had made his way to the Ide residence, which was not far from that of the Shosuro Palace. Making the trip all the more convenient, though one thing that wouldn't be surprising is the Scorpion had never visited nor dared to really go near the place. Seeing as it was rare for the two clans to have business, but the fortunes gave him something to assist the Unicorn with their endeavors. 

Yuto wore a courtly attire with a long sleeved cherry red haori and midnight black dogi and hakama. On his back was the Mon of the Scorpion whilst he wore a band wrapped around his right sleeve with a small symbol of the Bayushi. The scorpion of course wore his signature mask, casting a veil over his entire face. It was resembling that of a vicious primate with a third eye, having fangs protrude from the mouth. Without his obvious stature the Battle Maiden might not have recognized him in such new attire. One of the main notable things about the man was he didn't carry his Daisho, merely a Wakizashi he wore on his right hand side. Tucked in his Obi was a fan and a scroll he intended to give the Ambassador. 

Upon being greeted by a servant and let in. He took in the sight of the residence, admiring the view before of course being let into the establishment itself. After being escorted to the office and let in, Yuto would have been surprised to see the Lion here as well. First he'd have bowed deeply to the Unicorn seeing as they were in their residence, then to the two Lions. 

"Greetings Utaku-sama, Kitsu-sama, Lion-sama." 

Not knowing the second lions name he hoped that greeting would suffice, awaiting their responses patiently. 

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John
Katsuhiro's eyes widened and his muscled tightened, preparing to uncoil if this turned out to be an attack once he saw the mask of a Scorpion walk through the door. His eyes quickly moved back to Kazuko and Himiko, neither were concerned. This was someone Kazuko had expected and called in as a guest, and if she wanted them dead, working with the Scorpion like this is not how she would do it. He imagined if she came for him, he would see her coming, and he would know it. However, he would not put it past the Scorpion to try and strike in a situation like this, or pretend to be someone they were not. Still, he forced himself to reflax, though visually there was alarm in his eyes and stiffening of his muscles, he had made no others moves. He breathed a single deep, controlled breath and the adrenaline left him. He hated walking around so exposed all the time.

As the man did not introduce himself, Katsuhiro only nodded when they greeted each other, and he awaited Kazuko as the host to make the introductions. Once the introductions were made, Katsuhiro opined on the last thing they had discussed.

"They mentioned needing green for whatever they were fighting. If it is Jade, then they must be dealing with a tainted or spiritual creature in the mountains. Given what the Hare clan are known for... I was not aware of anything like that being an issue this far north, though it has been more commen since... The incursion." Akodo had been there and seen what had happened. In fact, seeing what the creature had wrought reminded him *Of* That battle. Perhaps that's why his mind had gone there.

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Kerry
Himiko had remained silent. Other than greeting Yuto. Properly this time. *"Rokugo-sama."* She said with a bow just deep enough before settling down. She was concerned now. Just like Katsuhiro had been for a moment. However hers never made it to the visibility of the people in the room. Not even a squint of her eyes could've told that her state of emotional being had shifted. She got better at hiding these things. She had to. Diplomacy had been a room filled with snakes. If you weren't the one big and cold enough you'd be devoured by your own. 

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Matthew
A brief admonishing glance at Himiko's greeting was the only luxury Kazuko afforded to her otherwise cold demeanor at the entry of the Scorpion. The girl had to stop putting herself below everyone she met. A Magistrate was not her equal, let alone her better. After he seated himself, she turned her attention to him. When they crossed paths at the Otomo's meeting she had already introduced her need for a translator before them all, so she opted to brush past that. "Bayushi-san, you are here as a courtesy due to your assistance in the matter outside the city's walls. Do not wear out what welcome you have been given today.

"Magistrate Bayushi-san and I removed a bandit camp from the outlying territory not long ago. Their base had been beset by a creature of some sort. My attempts to trace its path led me to this forest," She pointed on the map to where the unfortunate incident befell the Lion captain, "Where I encountered the Hare, and chose to let them about their business until I had more information. Bayushi-san has that information, pried from the tongue of the only surviving bandit. Tell us your findings."

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Sallie
The atmosphere in the room was enough to make anyone uncomfortable, but the scorpion remained stoic and unwavering. Better to ignore the bitter welcome than potentially make things worse, of course Yuto was aware of his business here in the first place. While he did feel a bit awkward being addressed as sama by Himiko, he simply nodded and focused. 

"Of course Utaku-sama, I'm glad I can be of assistance to you all in this endeavor. Aid from my end will be provided in any way I can." 

While he didn't feel like this was particularly a welcome, he knew to be brief. Thus he continued on. 

"Chinatsu, the bandit we took into custody revealed some muddling information. Late at night they were attacked by an abnormally large creature coming from the forest. Due to the chaos they were unable to get a good look at it, but could ascertain a man's voice. She said it was unfamiliar, not recognizing it to be any of her friends, even saying some of them heard it too. While they were unable to make out exactly what was said, it felt as though the creature was guided by the strange voice. Almost as if it heeded commands. Though some of the bandits denied that possibility, Chinatsu believed it to be true." 

He slowly reached for his Obi, the left side where his scroll and fan were as he pulled out the parchment. Offering it to the Unicorn before speaking once more. 

"I asked her to make out any more notable details from that night, you'll find them alongside my report in the contents of this scroll. I hope this has brought some clarity to the situation." 

After he sat humbly, waiting to see if he'd be dismissed or further looped into what was going on. Mention of the Hare left him curious, but the scorpion wouldn't pry or escalate without an extended welcome. 

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John
Katsuhiro rose slightly on his heels to watch the area pointed to on the map, and nodded subtly to Himiko to confirm that it was in-fact the same location that they had been in. The lion inside of his was barely contained, and only the years of discipline kept him from bursting forth to charge the hill with every bushi the clans could muster. He considered for a moment if Kazuko would dismiss the magistrate once he had given his report, but the man settled onto the cushion that he remembered had been prepared for him.

"To summarize then, we believe there is some sort of Yomi-like creature in the mountains that may or may not be commanded by someone. This person may have commander, or perhaps may I suggest baited, this creature into the Bandit camp. The Hare may either be hunting it, or using it. Regardless if we go hunting for rabbit, we may wish to be armed for bear." Akodo was unaware of the subconscious reference. Instead, he was merely suggesting that they could possibly need to be prepared for two types of battles.

"Would that we had any Kuni Purifiers. Or perhaps Toritaka. I hear rabbit is favored food of falcons." *And soon to be Lion.* "Regardless, Usagi spoke of using 'green', which I believe confirms that Jade would be important to any excursion. And between our resources, we may need to be prepared for both situations to happen at the same time."

He turned to look at Himiko. She would be able to speak better on what Miu's strengths as a Shugenja would be in this situation. Regardless, Miu would be an inestimable boon to the hunting party, and there was no way in jigoku that Katsuhiro would let Himiko go on this expedition if he had to truss her up and stash her in the shrine until they came back. *She* Was too important, even if her powers as a Priestess were impressive.

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Matthew
The bandit's testimony was received, Kazuko reading through the scroll before passing it to the Lion Ambassador to also review. It all matched with the Scorpion Magistrate's words. Not that Kazuko expected differently. Only a fool would walk into the Unicorn's Embassy and speak lies, especially with the two clans' current state of affairs. "Thank you, Bayushi-san. That corresponds with our findings."

Katsuhiro laid out the summary as the Battle Maiden laid out a handful of go stones on the map within the forest. Jade would be needed, but regrettably they had just traded over a not-insignificant amount of their supply to the Hare. Shugenja would prove useful, and perhaps they could leverage some additional support. "Entering the forest to face both enemies will prove disastrous. Our enemy has the advantage in preparation, familiarity, and defensible terrain. In addition, they are a Minor Clan until proven otherwise. Should we make a move on them and they *Are* Performing their Imperial mandated duty the repercussions will be severe.

"You call their actions bold, and I agree. However, there is a perverse logic to it. Would that the Lion and Unicorn follow the expected, both parties would be loathe to admit they were outwitted, least of all in the presence of the other." A younger Kazuko's pride would have been stung by such a maneuver, and she had little doubt the Lion taisa felt the same. Thankfully the two captains had years and experience on their side, even if it had come at the cost of their clans' blood. "Instead of planning, instead of communicating, they would no doubt launch a swift and unapproved assault on the Hare, who could hold in the forest long enough for them to spin a tale to the Otomo about an 'unprovoked attack'.

"But we are not fresh nikutai, eager to prove ourselves." She favored Katsuhiro with an approving nod. Selecting another handful of stones, she placed them on the map near the city. "We need to eliminate their reason for being here, even if that means we act as if we do not know of their actions against us. Then, once the reason for their presence outside of their territory is gone, well . . . "

The Battle Maiden's features darkened. "They become trespassers in Scorpion and Imperial lands."

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Sallie
Having come in relatively late to the conversation, there were a lot of details Yuto didn't know and had questions for. While the simple bandit camp was attacked by a creature, it seemed there was another element at play here. Someone commanding the creature? Whether it was the Hare or another unknown party doing so the scorpion wasn't aware of, but regardless they were within their lands. It wasn't right to leave such a burden to the Unicorn and Lion alone, despite his status the Samurai had to put his foot in. 

"It seems the mountain on your shoulders in regards to this situation is heavy. Might I offer my aid to assist in such an endeavor? This threat faces us all, and I see no reason we should not thwart it together." 

As always the scorpion spoke in his gentle and meek voice, certainly not matching that of his appearance and stature. In truth he could use more information in regards to this matter, but that wouldn't come if they didn't first let the man in on the operation. While he had no credit with either clan, this was an opportunity to build greater relations. 

"Forgive my prying, but From what I've heard, It's suspected the Hare clan or at least those posing as them, are the ones behind the creatures attack. Are there any other details noteworthy?"

Yuto was good at putting things together, but in this case he was starting from scratch. Hopefully they'd let him in to assist. 

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John
Katsuhiro nodded and followed along with Kazuko's words, mulling them over. She was not wrong in anything she said, but he felt like she was giving too much deference to the minor clan, yes they were under the protection of the Emperor, but only while they were serving the Emperor's will. Border disputes had been started with less provocation than the hare had given him, but then, the Unicorn had never wiped out a minor clan at the orders of the Emperor. It wasn't like he was assaulting Shiro Usagi. Still, if they wished to play that card, he could still formally challenge them to a duel for their affront to his honor. The rage inside of him did not still well in his ki, however, and he would need to work his way through it if they were going to be successful.

"What of the head of this beast? The supposed Usagi who ran this band of brigands said he came into town regularly to pick up or check on his son, who studied at the dojo in town." He turned to look at Yuto, "In the mean time, that could be useful information to have, though we would want to avoid spooking him. But if we could catch him in town rather than in the field, that would be a big advantage."

He turned and glanced to Himiko, then back to the others. "For whatever this Yokai is that we are fighting, we will need lots of men with spears. The hare like bandits camoflaged in the trees and mostly used bows from what I recall. Obviously luring both of these out of the forest would be the most prudent course of action, but we have to plan for the worst case scenario as well. If I were to pray to the Kami that things worked out perfectly, I would ask that we find Usagi-shi in the city and take him into custody, and then either scatter or draft his archers to finish off the Yokai. The worst case scanario is that we spook him, and he goes to his men to prepare for us, and we fight them and the Yokai in the forest at the same time."

"I do agree with your assessment, Utaku-sama. Had I the pride of my youth I would not have said anything, but my honor demanded I speak to you about what happened while Shinjo-san was under our hospitality. If we were to march out in force, then it would be impossible to disguise our numbers. However, if this mastermind is a betting man, he would assume that the Lion's pride once injured would come after them in force. Perhaps they do not have the numbers and want to use us as the anvil for their hammer. Regardless, my wounded pride should be the bait of whatever trap we lay. Perhaps I should be obvious in trying to find him within the city, and our dear Scorpion would be the unexpected and invisible threat they do not see."

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Kerry
Himiko had remained silent. Listening to them talking about tactics. Something she hadn't understood that well but did a feeble attempt. Therefore it had been hard for her to join the conversation. She was just there. Occasionally wiggling her feet and adjusting herself. Not necessarily looking bored but if one knew her they'd clearly see. 

That was until the language of battle sounded. They needed a shugenja and even though Miu was much better than she was at stuff like this, she wished to do so anyways. She had not spoken about this however. It was just clear what her intention was being here. Curing her boredom and hanging out with them. 

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Matthew
Her eyebrow quirked at the news that the Hare frequented the city. How very useful. Focusing attention on the leader of this group could end this before it came to excessive blood. It would have the added benefit of directing Katsuhiro's justifiable anger. Her plan began to condense m in the Battle Maiden's mind, building off his two-pronged assault. "This is sound, Akodo-san. From what I see our tactics are twofold. Bayushi-san, you have proof unrelated to ours of a dangerous creature. Would it be possible to spread word across the city to recruit bushi across the clans for a dangerous hunt? I find it unlikely our two-legged prey would attack such a group of samurai. Either they go to ground or are forced to assist.

"Meanwhile, the faces the Hare would expect to see—yourself and Shinjo Temujin-san—in turn scour this city and track down their head. If necessary, cut it off." Slowly, the woman before them shifted into someone no longer the same Ambassador. To the untrained, it may have seemed that Kazuko barking orders as normal. Yet the change in posture—no longer perfect but predatory—her tight and crisp signs—mouth even sounding out words she could not speak—and conviction—a burning drive and fire with genuine excitement buried behind it—all told a different story.

Here and now the realities of her situation, the helplessness of the political arena, the powerlessness and failure she struggled with day after day were but distant memories. In the moment Kazuko was back in the war tent the eve before battle, bouncing battle strategies between her fellow unit leaders before staring down death at dawn. For a moment before them was not Ambassador Utaku-sama, the butcher of Phoenix alliances who could barely write a courtly letter. Instead sat the Voice of the Great Horde, Hero of the Battle of Koubaku who could make two dozen troops fight as two hundred. She passed the discussion onto her conspirators in battle, waiting on their input to refine the idea she presented.
Sallie
He was rather surprised to be looped in so easily, with the conversation picking up the pace now. It brought a smile under his mask to see he could be of some aid, besides the situation itself was interesting. Words that drew him were the Lion speaking towards him, the one running the band frequented the city to see their son? Which dojo? Judging from the look the lion gave, it seemed he wanted the scorpion himself to find out. Nodding in return of the man's words.

"I'll have the information brought to you as early as I can get it." 

He said to assure the man it was a done deal. Though how they proceeded in taking on this mystery creature without raising suspicion was a challenge, they needed capable men who knew how to use spears and hunt. While Yuto himself was not the most proficient, he could be of some use in finding others who were. Though he followed the lion's lead in being their unexpected weapon. 

"I'll see what I can do about spreading the word for recruiting. Perhaps I can defer their attention away from your own plans while assisting your endeavors." 

Responding to the ambassador in confidence. There was a chance Yuto could act as a ploy to turn the Hares' attention away from the Lion and unicorn. But for now he'd go along with their plan. 

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John
"Jotomon's Dojo, is what the man said." Katsuhiro couldn't help but get a conspiratory glint in his eyes when he saw the posture of Kazuko change into one who was laying plans for a fight. This is the woman he was more familiar with. The shrewd tactician. Katsuhiro reached over to look over the map and the Go stones, and began moving them about into groups.

"I feel we should give them exactly what they expect. No one is ever more unprepared then when things are going according to plan." The statement seemed contradictory, but it had been the Unicorn who had taught him that. When you present the enemy with what they expect to see, they never stop to think about where the trap might be. 

"I will make a large show of my unbridled anger and insult to my honor. Pacing the walls of my cage as it were. It may be useful if Bayushi-san were to go to said dojo and covertly see if this son is still training at the dojo or if he has left. Meanwhile, Utaku-sama can make quiet preparations while the Scorpion prepare for this *Unrelated* Hunt. I shall make big, flashy show of preparing our troops to distract attention, and announce when I will go to the dojo in a drunken stupor. This should prevent them from being able to know when to expect us."

He tapped his chin in thought, "Though this still leaves the question of how we get jade to use ourselves in the upcoming fight. Perhaps Yasuke Umeo-san would be able to provide some *Just in case* And we can return to him what we do not use so that it may be returned to the wall."

Katsuhiro had a strong relationship with the crab, though not necessarily of the city. He had gone beyond the Carpenter wall in his youth, as well as having fought the forces of the Shadowlands. And while all the clans had a complex relationship with the Crab clan, he had seen first hand how important Jade was.

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Kerry
Himiko tried to follow what was happening but failed. At the mention of jotomons dojo she finally spoke up. *"Miu-san has trained there multiple times."* She remembered the grand lion telling vivid stories about training there and the amazing people she had met. Himiko had admired Miu for being so strong and easy going. Empty of judgement somehow. Unless you told her Bishamon was the weakest fortune. Then you'd have to prepare to get struck down upon his wrath in the form of her fist. 

Yet that one sentence was all she could add as she watched the masters scheme. It had bothered her. Perhaps it was time to climb back into the library and vanish for a moment. Just so she could understand. She was too young for war. At least to understand it other than a bystander or victim. She set herself back down on the cushion. Making sure she could still feel her feet. 

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Matthew
"Then it is decided. A battle plan is drawn, and we are prepared to put it into action. Keep the Hare believing we play into their ploy, investigate the business of Ujina Kioshi within the city, and bring together a hunting party from across the clans." Katsuhiro provided a sound reinforcement of the initial two-pronged approach. Of course there were unknowns and variables none of them were accounting for yet, but the Hare had gotten this far by charging ahead without concern. The only way to stop them and solve this problem would be to match them in decisiveness. "I do not believe killing this monster in the forest will be as simple as stabbing it repeatedly, even with jade. The first goal of the hunters should be to determine what precisely we are facing, allowing us to research methods of defeating it before throwing lives away."

This concluded the meeting of strategy. It felt *Good.* Kazuko felt she was in a space where she belonged, finally, within the city. Yet now it had to come to and end. Nodding curtly, but with slightly more respect than before, she addressed Yuto. "Thank you for coming, Bayushi-san. Your insight and offers for aid are appreciated. When you have gathered samurai for this hunt, do not hesitate to inform me. Until then, unless you have any other matters for me to hear, you are dismissed."

Inclining her head toward the Lion, she continued. "Kitsu-san, Akodo-san, if you would stay a moment longer."

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Sallie
Jotomons dojo, familiar but the scorpion didn't frequent the place often. Having been given his assignment the man nodded his head, standing from where he was seated. A newfound determination to assist in this task was found, it seemed crucial to them so the Magistrate would treat it as such. Bowing to each of the others, he spoke again. 

"Understood, I'll bring the information of the Hare relating to the dojo soon after I acquire it. I will do the same in regards to the hunting party. Farewell." 

And with that the scorpion took his leave from the meeting, it went much better than expected. On top of the joy of seeing a familiar face, the man was hopeful towards their next meeting. 

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