Catherine
It was late afternoon, and the deepening sky was overcast. The clouds above shifted threateningly but released no rain. The season was growing warmer by the day.

Koharu was feeling tense, there was no denying that. She slowly circled the periphery of the Embassy courtyard, dressed in her usual black outer garb and rust red inner wear. She was not concerned about her guest this evening - what was there to fear? What bothered Koharu was how her peers in the Crane Clan might feel about this meeting. It was going to be a delicate attempt at diplomacy between two clans that had a history of stiff relationships, and Koharu was prepared to parry her own clan's attempts to undermine it, if it came to that.

The name of Bayushi no Rokugo Yuto had reached Koharu's ears by way of diplomatic rumour. His reputation seemed to portray him as a just and diligent magistrate. His treatment of local criminals certainly separated him from the every-growing pile of corrupt Scorpion officials running the city, and that was all Koharu needed for now.

Her hair was tidily pinned with a single red crane ornament. The hilt of her wakizashi was newly polished to a shine, and held her fan in a relaxed hand. Due to Koharu's love of the austere black kimono and silver obi, her mother would jokingly call her 'Lady Doji's dark reflection'. Well, she was displaying it in full today.

As her guest neared the Embassy entryway, Koharu nodded to the sentries, who cleared the way to allow him in.

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Anthony
Being filled with nervousness and tension, surprise is what overcame and allowed the man to even come. Accepting the invitation given to him by the Crane, Yuto made his way to their embassy. A place he wasn't expecting to be for... Well, ever.. The Rokugo was honored, but not exactly sure on what to expect, perhaps something good could come of this. 

Typically on jobs the Junshin would wear all black, it served a subtlety not drawing attention to one's self, that and you could get blood on it. Today he wore something a little more snazzy, hoping to make a good impression. Wearing a Red Kimono with black accents, with a purple Haori draped over it. He had the scorpion mon on his back, with his clan mask tied to his shoulder like a guard. That and of course having his Katana and Wakizashi on his hip. Upon spotting the Crane the first thing they'd notice is the Junshin didn't wear a mask. 

Moving at a steady pace, he waited for the sentries to clear the way before progressing. Upon spotting Doji Koharu he smiled, taking a deep breath as he approached one braced themselves. Yuto was new to this. Bowing as he got closer, the samurai would speak. 

"It is an honor to be invited here Doji-Sama. I hope my services can be of use to whatever you need." 

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Catherine
"And I hope I may equally assist you, Rokugo-sama. Since we have not met before, I am Doji Koharu, current captain of the Embassy Guard. If you would follow me inside - I fear the garden is not the kindest place for tea and conversation at this hour."

She let the somber weather speak for itself. As always, Koharu punctuated her formal greeting with a strict, practiced bow. After introductions she sought to walk with her guest slowly, down the long covered walkway with the garden view on the left. Warm lanternlight bled through windows and screens all around, and a tumbling wind brought a muted spring fragrance to the nose. It was intentionally disarming - something Koharu had learned to use to her advantage.

"It has been too long since our clans last spoke privately and in earnest. Much has changed in recent months, and for Scorpion Clan more than most. Indeed, we here were not wholly on good terms with the old governor and his councillors. It was their management of... Local *Crime*, you see, that kept us at odds. 
"Recently I have come to notice that you *Are* Interested in prioritizing matters of justice and virtue, over... Say, the matter of developing city infrastructure, is that not so?"

She intentionally kept the purpose of their meeting vague, first to gauge Yuto's reaction. 

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Anthony
"Please, just Yuto is fine. Someone of your status shouldn't address me so highly, I am merely a vassal trying to give service to the city." 

When Doji Koharu gave a bow the Rokugo raised a hand, speaking in a soft tone as he corrected them. It felt weird for a higher noble to address him as Sama, something about it was wrong. Of course he had to remember his place in correcting a higher lord.

"Forgive me, I would of course be honored to share Tea and discuss details. It's no secret our last governor burned bridges in his pursuit of ambition that was clouded with madness. There are many things he did that the rest of us had not agreed with, we're looking to change them.." 

Yuto spoke as he slowly walked with Koharu to wherever they were going, getting a feel of the scenery. The gardens were beautiful, but he made sure to keep straight as they walked, catching a scent that was rather pleasing. Upon Koharu asking her questions, he nodded. 

"I wouldn't say the two are at odds for me, though my visions for improving city security and putting a stop to crime may be asking too much. It was of my interest to have an office where crime could be reported and documented, allowing us to distribute the few men we have properly. Though the city is large and one facility may not be enough, therefore I've been thinking of other efficient ways to handle things." 

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Catherine
*Yuto... * It was unusual for magistrate to prefer to use their personal name, but Koharu said nothing of it. Indeed Yuto did seem to fit the descriptions she had received, so boldly showing scorn towards the previous governor of his own Clan. She didn't yet know what to make of it - if it was a Scorpion act it certainly was flawless. 

 Honest or not, it didn't matter to Koharu. Their Clans were both part of the city's new administrative force. Better to come to a point of agreement early than to spend months in a deadlock.
 "That is an ambitious vision, I must admit. Difficult to achieve when mired in the ancient ways of governance. But in fact that is why I invited you specifically, since we seem to agree on this matter. I believe that we, together, might push Ryoko Owari toward positive reform. 

 "Not long ago my clan nearly lost a well-loved magistrate to lawless criminals in the streets. For this, we have sought justice for some time. And so I am willing to offer a my assistance - and a great deal of surplus supply - if we may work together to cleanse this city. Not to crush the destitute, but to punish those who truly deserve it, and rehabilitate those we can."

 Rain was beginning to fall in the courtyard as Koharu turned to step into a well-lit tea room. An attendant had just furnished it with a hot kettle and cup tray, and bowed as she left the chamber.

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Anthony
His face brightened when she spoke of giving positive reform to the city, it was a lifelong dream of his growing up. The vassal didn't have the power and authority he wished, so to hear a higher noble share such a vision was reassuring. 

"It gladdens me to hear you say that Doji-Sama, as a mere vassal I can only do so much. It would gladden me to form a bond between our clans over this endeavor." 

He spoke quite cheerfully, but his expression soon changed when further listening to the Crane. Everyone had dealt with loss, some clans took it differently. To the Rokugo every loss was personal, thus he was able to sympathize with Koharu. 

"I am sorry for your loss, I too have suffered a great deal of the crime in this city. Friends, even family. Your desire to cleanse the city moves me, together the Scorpion and Crane can bring better times to this city, I just know it." 

As the rain came down he followed Koharu into the room, a well lit one as it gave a serene feeling. Yuto couldn't put his finger on it, but he had spent more time discussing matters over tea than using his sword in the field. It was a sudden change and he couldn't tell if it was more pleasing or irritable. Though not being swung at by a dozen bandits in the wild or thugs in the street was refreshing. 

"Your Garden was beautiful, as are you Doji-Sama. I'm grateful to be graced by your company today."

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Catherine
"That is very kind, but unnecessary."

Either Yuto was the most direct Scorpion Koharu had ever met, or Koharu was the greatest fool in the Empire. She accepted the praise with nonchalance, and concealed her puzzlement well. *This was surprisingly easy.*

As they sipped their tea to the sound of falling rain, Koharu reviewed her position with care. Yuto seemed eager to cooperate, but possessed very little political clout, it seemed. Well neither did Koharu. She had spent most of her adult life patrolling the southern fringe - that gave her some provincial fame but did nothing to elevate her status within the city. She commanded no more than thirty-two warriors in all.

But one other thing seemed clear. Koharu was not currently being opposed by anyone. She had some autonomy within the clan, and was well educated. These, she could use to forge the instruments of change.

"I have fought outlaws in the provinces for many years. My hands have dealt justice with the spear and blade. But the same will not work in a city like this, not with crime so deeply entrenched. It will take some time to formulate a capable police force, and it will be very costly for our already thin military.

"Fortunately, the political avenue remains open to us. My own clan has already spent time creating a list of reforms we support. A concession of a few privileges, a revision of the accepted forms of punishment, and a re-evaluation of taxation laws for the poor. We hope to present it to the Otomo, once it is ready. It is built upon the ethics of the Crane Clan - to encourage moral rule and mutual loyalty between the city and its government. 

"I believe that if we were to combine and balance the teachings of the Scorpion and Crane, we could build a new code, one which alloys justice with benevolence. This could both satisfy my clan and present the Scorpion Clan a chance to restore its reputation."

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Anthony
"Ah, forgive me Doji-Sama, to be honest I'm not used to these meetings. Typically these meetings are assigned to those above me. I guess you could say I was raised to use my sword, not my tongue." 

Chuckling to himself a bit, even though it was a minor joke it was indeed the reality. Yutos upbringing was with the sword and nothing else, only recently being pulled into this politician world. Nevertheless he listened as she went on about regular crime busting not working in this city, Koharu was right. They could stop criminals individually all day, but something bigger would be greater for their needs. 

"I would very much like to see the forms and documents of your plans, perhaps they could be a benefit to the both of us collaborating in them. I've come up with a few ideas on how to build this police force in efficient non-costly ways, but I'm not certain.." 

He took a sip of Tea, indeed feeling parched. Rokugo Yuto wasn't a man of many words, but he couldn't say that anymore. Recently he had been picking up tea cups more than his sword, not sure how to feel about that thought.. 

"I agree, our two clans together can create a new system that paves the way into a fresh era for Ryoko Owari Toshi." 

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Catherine
So he was in a position quite like her own. Taken away from battle to feel their way through the city's stubborn bureaucracy. 

"I understand, Yuto-san," Koharu replied. "We do not possess the wealth of experience or strength of privilege of great politicians. But we can be persuasive, using our firsthand knowledge. This won't turn into some great court session just yet - it is only a proposal we wish for the governor to hear. A declaration of ideals and intents, clearing a path for future legislature. In this, the Scorpion Clan ought to have a fair voice."

And it was true. Koharu knew that the Scorpion Clan's current standing was poor, having been recently ejected from governorship by the Otomo themselves. The Crane Clan could easily force the Scorpion administrators into a bad deal - but that level of opportunism left Koharu feeling somewhat uneasy. Better to allow the clan to regain a bit of footing in the new administration, while chipping away at the power base of the truly corrupt officials at the top.

"What do you think of the Thunder Guard?" Koharu asked after a pause. "Do you believe that their shining reputation bears truth?"

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Anthony
Relieved to hear some understanding, it was a noble gesture of the Crane to allow the Scorpion a chance to try and reclaim a voice. It was Yutos hope of getting the crane on their side, their influence could pave a way to reclaiming their city. But first they needed to come to some agreements, judging how things were going, that wouldn't be hard. Hearing Koharu ask about the thunder guard wasn't surprising, they were the closest thing to a police force this city had. A splendid job they were doing.. 

"The Thunder Guard, might I speak plainly?" 

He asked, not having a way to really sugarcoat this. Rokugo Yuto was an honest man but there were nicer, more polite ways to say things, of course that shouldn't have offended the Crane. 

"They are managed and distributed throughout the city poorly, lack true leadership, and are seen as corrupt by many of the populace. I do not doubt many among their ranks are cowardly men who turn a blind eye to the things in this city, they are the first thing I would change." 

Rokugo Yuto would one day hope to become captain of the guard, taking his Magistrate duties seriously he could improve the city's security. Of course he needed a plan to truly convince the others he could step into such a role. 

"Forgive me if I speak harshly upon them, I am passionate about my home. Perhaps together we could petition to take control of the Thunder Guard, such would help our endeavors greatly."

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Catherine
She gave a small smile. So they were in agreement on that as well.

"There is no need to apologize, Yuto-san. Though your opinion may bring offence to some, I largely agree with your assessment. I have not seen the Thunder Guard in action, but I have inspected them in passing a few times. Perhaps it is telling - proof of their inaction and lack of discipline. 

"As they are, they drain the city's resources without returning equal service. A prestigious guard force is expensive to equip and feed, I'm sure you understand. So it is in our best interests to inspect the ranks for corruption, to root it out and dismiss the worst of the veterans. Refill the empty ranks with a loyal officer corps."

Koharu set down her teacup for a moment and crossed her fingers. She was considering the implications of Yuto's last point the hardest. With the magistrate's lack of political sway, would Crane intervention be enough? Koharu would need to ask further favours of the already overburdened Crane administrative force, but that was a problem for another day. This one was nearing its close, and the rain was abating.

"It would need to be you, and not me, who drives this plan. There is already deep mistrust between our clans, so I doubt that the Scorpion would allow an outsider to oversee the reconstruction of their guard force. The Crane Clan could perhaps pass on some of its influence to you, as assistance. We do possess a large network of persuasive talkers."

She finished with that thought, waiting to see if Yuto would boldly take up the challenge, or withdraw.

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Anthony
Relieving to know he did not offend her, it was brightening to hear she agreed with his viewpoints. In return he also agreed with hers, for a renown guard they took up many resources and in return didn't offer much service. The trade was far too biased in their favor, this needed to change in order for them to move forward. 

"It gladdens me to see you're attentive to these things. I believe reconstructing the Thunder Guard is the first step to improving our city, though with my clan's current reputation and mistrust I fear I cannot do this. Not without the voice of the Crane." 

When she spoke of the mistrust between their clans specifically, he waved his head. In a way this interaction did much for him, knowing the two had good intentions. 

"I trust you Doji-Sama, I fully intend to share what we've discussed today with our Ambassador if that is okay with you. Right now we could use another voice to help us regain the city so we can undo the horrible acts of our former governor. I believe an alliance between our two clans will bring good changes to the city. Any help in this endeavor I'll gladly accept and appreciate."

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Catherine
Ah. So that was where Yuto was heading? Well, Koharu had been prepared to cooperate with the Scorpion, but to discuss any lasting alliance would mean pushing the limit. Koharu knew that anything was possible politically, but such a move would be a cold shock for many. The question of war had not been fully laid to rest, so reaching any agreement *Of consequence* With the Scorpion would dangerously wound the Crane Clan's legitimacy. 

Koharu decided that this was a slip caused by Yuto's loose lips, and not a sign of the Scorpion Clan's desperation. But a straight refusal would not do, either way. Not with two rival clans finally beginning to reason with one another.

"Such an agreement will perhaps be reached in time, Yuto-san."

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Anthony
Nothing had slipped the scorpions lips, it was clear their clan desired to retake their city. Who wouldn't? The scorpions needed to reform and start anew, showing the residents of Ryoko Owari Toshi they were a different clan now. 

"Of course, but before we can move forward. I'll need a proposal letter for our alliance written to my ambassador, Soshi Junichi. It will have to of course be sent by yours, I trust you'll pass on this conversation to them as I will to mine. Sadly we cannot make such decisions and act on our own, but once that is done we'll surely be in order!" 

Sounding cheerful, he was happy to cooperate with the crane. Though it was clear Koharu believed he had jumped the gun, what did they expect? Yuto had every intention to form a lasting alliance with the crane, despite their histories new beginnings could resolve all. 

"I hope to see you again soon, after what we've discussed today gets approved we'll be able to get to work." 

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Catherine
"Of course," Koharu said, maintaining a pleasant smile despite her inner concern. Well, Yuto was certainly an enthusiastic one, and a decent enough guest. Even if he did complicate things eightfold. *As long as he's a worse headache for the Scorpion Clan than for mine, I suppose I ought to be thankful.*

With the rain having cleared, Koharu led her guest out with all due graciousness, and once he was fully out of sight she swept into her office. After a brief bout of hasty writing, she produced a set of dispatches, addressed to numerous Crane courtiers within the city administration. The plan to promote Yuto was in motion. 
Koharu just needed to work around the issue of the alliance. And that was going to be someone else's task.