Marvin
Hiruma Takashi sat In reception area of the Crab Embassy. His long hair, down from it's normal chonmage into a loose tie that landed between his shoulder blades. His attire, what he had considered formal, was casual here: deep-gray hakama with a Jade Green kimono over top. He felt over dressed but knew as he walked through the city that he would fit right in.

"Are you alright, Hiruma-sama?"

Takashi reflexively reached for his tanto but stayed his own hand as he recognized Hosiko-san's voice.

"Yes, Oba-san. I've a whole route and selected places of interest for them to visit and get a feel for the city." He nodded, proud of the work he'd put in for this.

Hoshiko smiled and bowed

"Good Luck, Hiruma-sama." The old woman toned as she walked away.

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John
Aida walked back into the embassy seeming much more at peace than his initial entrance. Looking at hiruma he made a note to himself to perhaps seek more formal attire when he found a good tailor. Aida had changed from traveling clothes but his muted black and gray attire was clearly meant to ensure he would not stand out too much. I guess he was glad for that goal to be accomplished. "I presume you are Hiruma-sama I am Kaiu Aida" Aida says with a bow. 
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David
*Ariko would have spent the last thirty minutes preparing her outfit and hair for this field trip. She had spent a fair amount of time exploring the city on her own, however, she knew this would be extremely informative and important for her to remember what she would be shown. Dressed in indigo blue robes, her long sleeves were plain in this outfit and a number of Crab were embroidered on the legs of her robes. As ever, the Crab mon would be over her heart on her robes. The small courtier would have done her hair up nearly, not a strand out of place and she would approach Hiruma Takashi and Kaiu Aida, both individuals she had yet to meet.*

"Hiruma-sama. Kaiu-sama." *Ariko would bow to the two samurai after she approached.* "An honour to meet the both of you. I am Yasuki Ariko."
Marvin
"Glad to meet you, Aida-san, Ariko-san." Takashi said and nodded to the both of them. He relaxed visibly seeing the youngsters dressed in similar fashion. Koyama informed him of this a few days prior and Takashi had stressed about it. *Where do you take people on tours?They didn't look like they'd be comfortable at a gambling den or a geisha house so Teardop is out of the question.* 

After asking few people, He came up with a list of places for him and his wards to visit. They were all set and ready to go. Wait...

"We're missing someone..."
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David
"Do you perhaps mean Kuni Kobe-sama, Hiruma-sama?" *Ariko would ask as she looked around.* "Or is there another who will be joining us on this tour?" *She was eager to see what Takashi would be showing them around the city. No doubt there were many places she had missed in her own exploration or recommendations from the Unicorn clan and she felt confident that her fellow Crab would have excellent taste in locations for her to try out in the future or to take others to.*
Marvin
"Yes." Takashi said flatly. "The one with the Hauntingly loud bird. That kept me up for two nights before I found lodgings elsewhere. That Very one." He sighed and looked for signs of the Young Kuni. Not that it would take much. He and the Bird were number 1 and 2 on the "Loudest things in the embassy and that with a smithy in the on the premises. He knew the kid was good-natured and excitable but there were limits to even a sniper's patience. 

"Let head out. I'll tell Hoshiko where we're going so he knows where to look at least. "
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||I'm going to post here tomorrow if anyone wants to post before then
John
Aida added earplugs to the mental list of things to acquire
Shirley
A slapping noise could be heard, faintly and first and increasing with volume. Kuni Kobe, having just finished tending to some delicate concoctions in his alchemical workshop, realized only too late that he had let time escape him again. When had he last slept? No matter. Who needed sleep when you had excitement?!

His light grey robes, accented with trims of gunmetal blue and whimsical patterns of crabs playing in the surf, whipped behind him as he ran full-tilt through the outside courtyard... Past guards with a chipper little wave... And down the hallway towards the three other Crab. His loosely tied hair was a tempestuous grey cascade, bouncing with every step. He wore his family's distinctive face paint, a pattern meant to ward off fel magics and confuse evil spirits. His clomping geta announced his arrival, the sandals beating out a hurried rhythm that ended with a slight drum roll as the boy skidded to a stop before his clanmates. 

"Ah, Hiruma-sama, Kaiu-sama, Yasuki-sama!" Kobe was only slightly winded as he greeted them with a wide, infectious smile. "Sorry I'm late, thanks for waiting. I'm looking forward to seeing the hidden wonders of Ryoko Owari! This city's like a lost scroll, filled with new secrets just waiting to be discovered!" Kobe's hands animatedly gestured as he spoke, barely contained. "Each place has its own unique charm and story. I can't wait to see them with all of you." His amber eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. 

Belatedly, he remembered to bow to each of them.
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Marvin
"Good Morning, Kobe-san. I'm glad to formally meet you. I am Hiruma Takashi, your guide for today. I hope the morning has treated you well, so far. " The Sniper said to the young Kuni. Even in the traditional makeup of his family, the Chui could see signs of exhaustion, He wasn't sure the boy could ever sleep with that damnably loud bird of his. But it was obvious that the young man was running purely on his youth. *To be young*

"Well let's be off. I'll be sure that we visit all of the districts and enjoy a few stops along the way. First up, The Merchant's District. The heartbeat of the city Most of the commerce happens there and everyone up to the governor spends some time there. If you're looking for a place to relax and take a moment to yourself Hida-sama's Dojo The Blessed Mountain, can be a place of respite. Though in the mornings the place tend to be lound with the Youth going through their daily drills and kata." Takashi mention as he walked through the gates of the embassy and onto the road connecting them to their destination.

||I'll be stopping post for you guys to interact/emote/askquestion/etc as we move.
John
Aida makes occasional comments about the architecture and city planning of the passing scenery. "It feels strange, the entire city feels like it was built to be dangerous" Aida paused and cocked his head as if trying to piece together exactly what he meant by that "I mean I feel as though the city could easily be leveled before most Hida commanders would be able to get any kind of force to the outer edge of the city. Nor would I really want the task of protecting structures like these from Osano-Wo's coastal storms." Aida hadn't noticed in time that his gestures looked a bit too much like he was speaking about a specific structure and he paused in a bit of embarrassment as he noticed a tavern keeper looking very concerned about the imminent threat of a storm collapsing his establishment. "Well anyway it's interesting to see a city built with other plans in mind" Aida made a mental note to visit the tavern later that day... And to keep similar thoughts to himself going forward. 
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David
*Ariko would follow Takashi like a duckling following their mother, being small enough to probably give that impression were it not for the larger shugenja and Kaiu venturing alongside her. She was somewhat familiar with the merchant district by now but had not realized that Koyama had a dojo here. She would have to look into it more and see if she could visit sometime for her own practice unless there was something more private in the embassy.*

"Considering who used to control the city, I don't think you are wrong about that it was built to be dangerous, Kaiu-sama." *The young courtier would say soft enough for only her fellow Crab to hear as they traveled through the city. Most of the paths here they were going she had seen but there were a few paths she had yet to take that she was taking the chance to commit to memory on what was there.*

"The more surprising thing for me is how crowded and noisy it is in a city like this. Are all cities outside Crab lands like this?"
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Marvin
Takashi waved off the young architect's words and nodded to the tavern keeper. As he ushered the group along and out of earshot of the worried keeper he continued:

"The City was renamed to its current name after a Crab Champion's campaign ended here. That's why the name is named as such. Most aren't aware because it happened a few centuries back. But that might have something to do with its... Dangerous looking construction. But I'd be far more worried about the people than any building." He said with an exaggerated look in each direction. Before leading them down the Main Road To a Giant Unshaped building with slate-blue tiles at the top. At it's entrance stood a Shrine to Bishamon, the Fortune of Strength.

"Ah! Here we are. Blessed Mountain Dojo, Hida-sama's Juijutsu Stable. In here are dozen of children training in their leisure time or in totality if they're orphaned. Studying to be competent warriors and upstanding citizens." He said, in a recited tone with his best Koyama impression.

"You're welcome here at anytime if you wish to get some hand-to hand training, need time to be get off your feet, or just a hot, hearty meal."
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David
*Ariko followed Takashi carefully, looking around and taking in the history lesson that she would never have learnt on her own. Perhaps she would need to study more in the history of the city and getting more familiar with it in that sense. She would observe the dojo and internally her hopes to practice there would drop. Jiujutsu was not something she had any hope of being skilled in or practicing effectively.*

"I am impressed Hida-sama has such a dojo here in the city, Himurai-sama. Is this the only dojo associated with the Crab or are there others in the city of the embassy?" *She wondered if she had any other options to practice her swordsmanship in the future or if she would have to find her own solution to it.*
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Shirley
The light tapping of the boy's sandals followed the group as they walked. For the militaristic Crab, it would not be hard to be reminded of a regiment's drummer as they marked the pace of the day's march. "Perhaps they were built with invading armies in mind? Alleyways twisting like blind box canyons, potential placements precariously perched on the jutting eaves above us, and much of it seems like it was made to be easily sacrificed and rebuilt." Kobe joined the conversation as they walked, enjoying the camaraderie.

"*The Ambassador runs his own Dojo!?* I mean, when I met him, I said to myself, '*Kobe, this man can absolutely pick you up and throw you across a room.*' But, I didn't realize he actually *Was* A warrior sensei *As well as* The most important Crab Diplomat in the entire city!" He gushed. Thankfully, the stoic ambassador was nowhere near to be embarrassed by the overwhelming praise. "Does the Ambassador's Dojo specialize in a combat form? Is he a Kobo master? Are there Sagasu-do instructors?" Kobe could go on. He probably will if someone doesn't interject.
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John
Aida feigned interest in the dojos routines but well... This style of combat was completely foreign to him. After all most castle gates take more than a simple fist to break. Aida admired the place in silence only as much as he thought proper to maintain courtesy. Not to mention that in ensuring he was prepared to meet Koyama-sama Aida had read more about this place than he would ever determine by being here a few moments. Although Aida's reading did seem accurate which is good. It means no one felt the need to lie about the truth of the place. Aida appreciated the straightforwardness of it. 
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James
Takashi listened with a flat expression as his young charges rattled off their inquiries. The Hiruma was indeed unflappable, if dour, his expression gruff and serious. In other words, a Hiruma through and through.

"Hida-sama is a master of Sumai, which is shared by the Blessed Mountain. There is another Sumai dojo, the Stoic Boulder, but it is not solely our Clan's.

"To any visitors, this dojo offers lessons in physical fitness and simple self-defence. However, all Crab techniques are strictly for those within our Clan."

Something which normally went without saying, but the stern Hiruma said so anyway like a sensei drilling fresh initiates. And in Kobe's case, he had a sinking feeling that it was necessary.

But youth was one thing; 'softness' didn't make him underestimate his Clanmates. Above all else, the Crab valued strength... And knew well the worth of different kinds.

"If you've any questions about the Blessed Mountain," Takashi said, "I will answer them. Otherwise, I am prepared to show you through the rest of the city."

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David
"Hiruma-sama, does this dojo focus only on sumai or are other martial arts like kenjutsu allowed within? I had been wondering about an appropriate place to practice but I was unsure where might be appropriate." *Ariko would ask, observing the Hiruma's reaction as he responded. She would briefly give Aida and Kobe a look as well, curious how well trained those two might be in combat. A Crab should always be prepared to fight in the worst case scenario, but Ariko knew she had some work to put in there. Her weak constitution might have allowed it back home but here she would likely have to push herself more.*

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James
He wasn't at all bothered by the notion of a courtier asking about martial training. They were Crab, after all.

"The weapon arts are not taught at this dojo. However, it does teach basic jiujutsu techniques for anyone willing to learn self-defence." Takashi answered with rehearsed precision. "If you wish to practice your skills with a weapon, there is always our Clan's dojo, and we do not lack for teachers or equipment. However..."

A pause came upon him as he considered their question and his knowledge. But after the moment passed, the Hiruma scout continued. For the most part, still with the same Duty-focused demeanour, flat and focused, but there was a small hint of reservation.

"The city also has Jotomon's Dojo. To my understanding, its founding sensei is formidable, and it stands out by allowing anyone to train there regardless of Clan or standing. So long as they prove themselves worthy and do not disgrace themselves, that is."

As a Hiruma, he understood the value of a swift, sharp blade, and the skill to use it. But also as a Hiruma, he stayed pragmatic when it came to technique and battle. Kitsuki Jotomon was worthy of respect, but he also knew that those ideals didn't necessarily protect you up at the Wall.

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David
"It sounds like our Clan dojo might suit my needs more then." *She would reply, nodding to herself. She already struggled enough in some ways with physical skills and challenges. Attempting to learn to fight physically might be too much for her. She was a Crab though and improving her kenjutsu was something she would have to do now that she was in a city like this.*

"Are there ever any contests or challenges between the dojo's within the city or do most of them keep to themselves?" *She wondered if she would have the chance to see some of the Crab techniques matched up against others within the city.*
James
Takashi nodded stoically in response to the Yasuki's remark. Most Clans might balk at their courtiers learning to take up arms. To the Crab, though, it was a common precaution.

The Hiruma scout considered her question.

"Contests... I don't think so. The last time we had contests was the recent Spring Festival, if I recall. Though if the dojos are doing their own challenges against each other, I'm unaware of them." 

Dojo challenges. Not an uncommon thing, whether in friendly bouts of challenges driven by pride. But they always seemed quite alien to Takashi, save for the pride of his Clan's schools. To defend your reputation was one thing, but that energy was better spent on one's duties.

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David
*Ariko would nod, a little surprised that there have not been more attempts for dojo's to prove their value over others but that was a bushi's concern at the end of the day. Perhaps she just assumed the clans would be more eager to have that claim than they did in reality.*