John
"Ah, Kakita-san."

Koharu sat cross-legged on the wooden walkway surrounding the Crane gardens, staring out onto the pond as its freshly thawed waters rippled in a dry wind. Her hair was knotted high, in the fashion of a commander. Cranes of straw gold stood brightly against her fathomless blue haori, which seemed to be a fresh, spotless garment of the New Year.
 
On the floor beside Koharu was a flat-topped wooden case, containing several tightly wrapped parcels. One had its cloth wrapping opened, revealing a bundle of long, thin bamboo rods. Arrow shafts. Koharu raised one to her eye and turned it with her fingers. *Too warped.* She marked it with a dot of red paint and set it aside, turning to face Arai. 

"I hope you do not mind if I work as we converse. I know of everyone who resides within the Embassy, as my duties require of me. And I am sure that likewise, you have heard of me, Kakita-san. But we have not had the chance to speak in a moment of quiet yet, have we?"

She selected another shaft from the case as she spoke, checking it for flaws.

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Robert
*It was a grey morning for Ryoko Owari Toshi. It was only a day ago when Arai watched the commander enter the city from the streets in the rain. 

 He had never met the martial Doji, before that. He had heard of the Garrison Commander of the Crane since his first hours within the city but she had left before they ever spoke. 

 It was only a few minutes that the rain had stopped when Arai grew tired of the inside of the embassy. He stepped out into the gardens for a breath of fresh air addled with the smell of wet earth, a smell he much loved, when he happened upon the Iron Crane, while examining an arrow. 

 He was surprised to hear any voice as he usually woke up before everyone else. 

 "I... Do not mind at all. Good morning, Doji-dono. I am pleased to finally make your acquaintance." *He said while offering a respectful bow.

 The swordsman felt lucky he got to acquire new garments before the officer had returned to the city. He wore his new black, silken haori with the Crane Mon at the shoulders, over his clean white gi and black kimono. He carried his sheathed katana in his right hand. A simple, unadorned sword in a black saya and a deep blue tsuka.*

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John
"With the arrival of spring, we must prepare the embassy guard for the year ahead. And that requires taking careful inventory of our arsenal and our personal belongings, even the items we rarely use. A warrior can never know what will fail first in battle. Their weapon, their armour, their saddle... Their body or mind. So each of these must receive their due inspection."

Koharu sorted the last of the bamboo shafts as she spoke. Most of them had dried out straight in storage, but even with delicate care the bamboo could crack or bend, as all natural things. For her half-emptied quiver, eight fresh arrows would do. Koharu packed away the rest of the shafts and began fastening willow leaf arrowheads to her selection.

"Have you something to ask, Kakita-san? You are free to speak your mind if so. Or if you simply wish to walk the gardens a while, you should seize the chance. The next rainfall is not far off."

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Robert
*Arai regards the woman for a second. He is not sure if the woman wants to concentrate on her arrows and is politely shooing him away after a quick inspection. 

 Nevertheless, she was in the right. His sword was tried less than two months ago and he'd been wounded. His sword saved his life and had rejuvenated his respect for weapon maintenance.*

 "You set a wise example, Lady Doji. May I join you?"
*He said lifting his sword to eye level with his well-trained hands offering another respectful bow, lowering his gaze slightly.*
John
Koharu motioned for Arai to sit after bowing her head and shoulders in response. It was at once a strange and familiar feeling to see a warrior show such undeserved respect. In her youth, given her family's status as a prominent branch of the Doji tree, plenty of household warriors would show great reverence in every action. After spending years wearing the swords and the armour, Koharu now counted herself as a bodyguard's equal. But someone like Arai wouldn't think of her in the same manner.

"Your company is appreciated. Again, if there is something you wish to say, I am open to hearing it, good or ill."

Though absorbed in her work, Koharu's tone seemed earnest and open. Her fingers moved deftly, giving each arrowhead a tug as its fastening set. 

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Robert
*Arai bowed a slightly deeper after Koharu's invitation for a split second. He rose and walked towards a spot in the same walkway, about 4 feet away from the Iron Crane where he sat in seiza facing her. He lifted his yet sheathed blade to eye level again, saying:* "With your permission." *He then turned his body to face the center of the garden.

 He moved the sword with liquid movements, holding the tsuba with his left hand at the height of his stomach, holding the blade in a diagonal, upwards angle. With his right, he pulled the saya upwards, slowly and ritualistically until the blade was fully revealed and placed the saya on his left. He then touched the blade carefully with his fingers and laid it on the floor in front of him. He then produced a small, black round container from his pocket-sleeve marked with the painting of a somewhat faded cherry tree and a small brush. He opened the container revealing a white powder for polishing and laid it on the floor and picked up the sword, again with his left hand in the same angle as before making sure it was outside the imaginary confines of the walk way and with his right he begun gently striking the blade along the length with the brush after having dipped it in the fine powder.*

 "I have only been in Ryoko Owari Toshi for a few months, Doji-dono and it showed a great many things during this time. I need to report some of them to someone of higher status than mine in the Clan, so that it will be made clearer for me to understand what is important to report in service to the Clan. The one time I met with Kazuhiko-dono after certain events, it was in the middle of the entirety of members of our Clan."

 *He stopped the polishing of the sword to turn his head to face Koharu with a shy smile.*

 "It felt particularly awkward. I didn't know half of them and to start talking about bloodshed in front of esteemed guests... Well..."

 *He realized it was a good time to hold his tongue. When did he become so talky?*
John
"I know what you mean by that. At times we must avoid discussing matters of death, for the benefit of those around us."

Koharu breathed in, drawing in the scents of wet wood and bamboo that were left adrift in the garden air. Indeed, there were those within the Crane Clan that clung to etiquette at the most inconvenient of times. Particularly during the season of life, it seemed to Koharu that nothing could ever be plainly said. 

"But we need to stay informed about happenings in this city. You and the others may report matters of security or of military concern to me, if Kazuhiko is preoccupied with matters of administration. He and I will both hear of them eventually, I'm sure.

"We are warriors, Kakita-san. That heritage cannot be forgotten; the other clans will certainly not forget it. We each have our duties in court - and each have an art to practice, beauty to create. The blessings of the Crane. But when the time truly comes, even those who are not skilled in battle must someday don the armour. Better that we are all prepared for it than not." 

Koharu herself was not the type to speak elaborately, but the thoughtful conversation gave her ample time to set the arrowheads and and bind each one with precision. 

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Robert
"Agreed." *He said in a rather solemn manner while closely examining his sword for scratches or chips. And indeed, his previously virgin blade was now marred with a fresh scratch. It was probably the work of either the sai wielder or... When he beheaded that guard. 

 It was awfully cruel wasn't it? To end a man's life, mid-sentence. Daring to express anything but obedience to the samurai's ultimatum of cooperation or death.

 Koharu's words rang true. Spirits do break, some more easily than others. Arai chose not to be one of those which break easy.*

 "Will you hear my report then? Even in this unofficial setting?"
John
"Of course, you may report if you wish. It may come to matter to the Clan in the future, regardless of how great or small its current importance may seem."

Koharu would have to be cautious in the future, though. If she was truly to captain the growing garrison of Crane soldiers in Ryoko Owari, she would have to exercise more and more discipline. For now though, in the quiet garden with only herself and Arai present, an informal report wouldn't bother anyone. Koharu turned slightly, putting another arrow aside, listening.

"It was my intent to learn more about the current state of the city, regardless. Much has transpired in my absence, I'm certain."

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Robert
*Arai takes his eyes of his blade, reliving that chaotic night. He gathers his resolve and brings all the images back with all the detail he can recall as he begins his report.*

 "Less than two weeks after my arrival, I received an invitation to an inn bearing the Name 'Eiji's House of Delights..."

 *He says the whole story. From the events in Eiji's and the private conversations among certain participants to the information he'd gathered from surveiling the place and the difficult battle that followed... Up until his departure with Bayushi Kaori. That... It wasn't that it was private. He just didn't know what to make of it, yet.*

 "I am certain there is another location. I have sent out letters to the participating members of the last operation and some have agreed to meet. All, but Masanori in fact."
John
Koharu listened closely. Her face did not betray any emotion, but it was indeed a concerning tale. A better commander would've perhaps known how to assemble a stronger response, but all Koharu could do from her position was to avoid straying from her path.

"Under different circumstances, I would offer you some assistance with clearing these problems away. But we are already under close observation by the Scorpion Clan, and my return to this city is not about to ease their worry. I suspect that Utaku Masanori has arrived at a similar conclusion. The commanders of both our clans must act more tactfully in the future, or else incite problematic accusations.

"I will be meeting with the Unicorn leadership in the coming days, once our security forces have been properly organized. I'm transferring a few of my duties over to Daidoji Saneyori-sama, who will be present with the guard if you must report again while I am in the field. Utaku Masanori and I will have other matters to oversee. I'm entrusting you with closing out this operation of yours, Kakita-san."

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Robert
*Arai wished for more than a 'thank you for telling me, there's nothing I can do'. He had only learned to navigate the more common streets of the city, much less its criminal underbelly.

 Nevertheless he bowed in acceptance. He had come to be of service to his Clan. He'd be disappointed if it was easy.*

 "I shall do my duty, Doji-sama." 

 *He slowly rose. He didn't know when he'd see the Commander again so he might as well try to learn as much as he can. She was just a few years older than him, it was natural for burdens to weigh down on her. Too young for the comatose magistrates, bickering ambassadors and kidnapping rings.*

 "How is out magistrate fairing? Do we have any suspects?"
John
"The missive we received at Daidoji Castle told us that the magistrate had grown strong enough for the journey home," Koharu said. "When I checked on him, Daidoji-sama was awake and seemingly well. But he admitted to me that he could not sit up for more than a couple hours a day, and he cannot do much in the way of exercise. I heard that it is not uncommon for one's cognitive abilities to suffer after a long coma - Daidoji-sama seems less affected on that front, but a few events seem difficult for him to recall.

"The daimyo's physician's orders were to escort the magistrate home. He won't be able to accomplish much in Ryoko Owari in his state, for another three to six months. No good leads on the criminals, although I suspect that in this city it matters little. With the laxness of city security, there seems to be no end to the list of places to search. Indeed the Scorpion guard has slackened so much that Lion bushi are now volunteering to pick up their duties. I've seen it myself."

It was also why the Crane garrison was being expanded, or part of the reason at least. Koharu had hoped to use the new soldiers to unearth more about the magistrate's case. She was silently glad that Daidoji Aihara's wellbeing would be put in more competent hands than hers. His work, however... It was going to weigh more than one life.
Robert
*Arai tried to read Koharu. With no magistrate to assume a Magistrate's duties, Koharu was stuck doing his job without the appropriate support. Kazuhiko was awfully busy with matters of court, he doubted she'd get any more support from him than Arai did.

 Koharu earned some additional respect from Arai. She was here for the work, easy or not. Good.*

 "I can't be sure of who to trust in this strange company... But I could try to persuade Kaori Bayushi to take a more active stance. She seems to have a personal interest in the punishment of villains. She could be invaluable in a search although... After so long whatever trails must have gone cold."
John
"As long as we are making allies I am sure the Ambassador will be quite pleased." 

She doubted that Scorpion involvement in the investigation was going to be without a secondary intent. Yes, certainly some of them would be self-motivated to hunt down criminals in the city. But Koharu couldn't know if the Scorpion was intentionally or unintentionally monitoring the group.

Koharu packed up her completed arrows and the scattered materials, indicating that her work was finished. When it was done, she turned to add one more thing.

"I believe that you are all capable warriors. However, based on what you have reported, I also understand the risks of sending only four, now three fighters against a prepared enemy. If you are in dire need, we can utilize our garrison for a quick rescue - but do not ever lightly involve the Crane military if such action can be avoided." 

She fixed her gaze on him, wondering how well Arai would fare in command.

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Robert
*Arai was humbled by the responsibility. To be trusted with the lives of warriors was a great honor and an even greater duty.*

 "It will be with the utmost care and deepest duty that will guide my judgement." *He said with a deep bow, his eyes lowered a bit as one must to a superior. When he rose he continued.*

 "May I also ask that I train with these men?"
John
A pleasant suggestion, though Koharu would keep herself from celebrating right away. Certainly, it would be a good test of aptitude for the young duelist. And it would take a duty off of her list, should Arai prove capable enough. 
"Of course - I permit you to do so at your convenience. And I look forward to seeing your improvements. Maybe a fresh mind will conceive of something we have missed," She said, as the two exchanged a parting bow. 
In the empty courtyard, the rain began to fall once more.

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