Michael
Having received the Ambassador's final instructions and blessings, Umeo inclined his head once more. The atmosphere in the room shifted subtly, growing electric with the promise of action. "Indeed, Hida-sama," Umeo assured, his voice ringing with determination. "We will leave no stone unturned and will not rest until this puzzle is solved. You will be informed of our progress at every step. I hope that our efforts will restore the flow of crucial supplies to our homeland, thereby easing the hardships of our brethren."

Umeo gestured towards the exit with a respectful nod to Yoritomo Okiku, silently inviting her to depart the room first. The door of Koyama's office closed behind Umeo with a soft click. Taking Okiku's acceptance of his plan as tacit agreement, Umeo led the way out of the embassy and through the lively streets. 


The vibrancy of the city was at its peak in midday, with the sun's warm embrace casting elongated shadows of townsfolk hustling and bustling. Shops that lined the streets called out with their vibrant displays of goods, while the scent of roasting street food filled the air. Amidst it all, Umeo's blue kimono was a beacon of serenity, its koi fish embroidery shimmering subtly under the midday sun.

Umeo reflected on the meeting with Koyama as they walked. His mind was a whirlwind of scenarios and strategies. The silence of the Kurotsuchi was disconcerting, and their next moves had to be thought out and executed with precision. Umeo knew that one wrong move could result in the scales of diplomacy tipping unfavorably.

With a sigh, he broke the silence, "Okiku-sama, our journey has just begun. This silence... It's not a good sign. We're stepping into unknown territory, but it's necessary. We can't afford to let our clan suffer." He glanced at her, hoping she understood the gravity of the situation.

As the Noble Quarter's grand architecture gave way to simpler structures, Umeo subtly altered their route to avoid the busiest streets. He lead Okiku through quieter side streets.

The clamor of the main streets began to feel distant in these narrow back-alleys. Umeo found a strange peace in the relative silence. With a determined set to his jaw, Umeo focused his mind on the task ahead. They had a lead to follow and a mystery to unravel.

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Vanessa
Okiku stepped lightly, her shifting with quick, confident steps under her pure white kimono. Though she did not wear the emerald tint of her clan in the fabric of her kimono, she displayed her allegiance with her obi, the wide belt that held her white wakizashi within its folds.

Upon leaving the Crab embassy, she had tucked her hands into the sleeves, holding them before her as she walked next to her companion. She listened to the cautionary words in silence, and eventually gave a slightly nod of comprehension.

She took a moment to cast her dark eyes at their surroundings before pursing her lips with thought — considering her words.

Okiku gave a nod at mention of preventing the Crab from suffering do the situation. *"I have been tasked to assist the Crab with your endeavour,"* She said, her voice gentle and soft. *"As such, you can expect that I will give this matter as much gravity and effort as I would to my own."*

*"As such, in the time since first hearing of the difficulties, I have made the presumption that if this Kurotsuchi house has already been formally approached by the Crab to account for the missing — likely stolen — items, but rebuffed your clan's efforts, they would mostly certainly know the reason for our presence,"* She said.

*"As such, I would therefore presume them to likely be immediately guarded against our inquiries,"* She added. *"I would therefore consider coming at the house from the side — look for what information we can from ouside its walls first."*

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Michael
Bathed in the midday sun, Yasuki Umeo and Yoritomo Okiku navigated the city's labyrinthine streets. Umeo listened to Okiku's words attentively, his rugged features softened by sunlight. He spoke quietly to his walking companion, his rumbling voice barely audible. "I agree. Direct contact with the Kurotsuchi could put them on the defensive. Better to draw out their secrets from the shadows - their allies, their rivals, and even their help could spill precious information. If we can see what the view is from the outside, we may glean a clearer picture of the situation inside." 

As they wound through quieter streets, the pulsating thrum of city life was reduced to a muffled drone. Vendors peddling pickled vegetables and ornate fans added splashes of color to the narrower roads, their calls of commerce punctuating the serene ambiance. Engrossed in their daily routines, common folk paid scant attention to the samurai moving among them.

"We should also consider recent shifts within the Kurotsuchi's realm - alliances forged and broken," Umeo suggested under his breath, his mind simmering with strategies. "Financial trails, business entanglements, critical decisions... Anything could be a piece of the puzzle." A burst of children's laughter drew Umeo's attention as he watched a band of children chasing a stray dog. They were close to the river. The smell of the docks wound its way through the city on a sharp wind. 
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Vanessa
Okiku's steps were careful and precise, conscious of where she was putting her feet with each footfall. She listened to her companion, nodding in agreement at the suggestions.

*"Would the Crab have any additional information on this house we could make use of, or know of any agents that facilited transactions?"* She asked, though they had already left the embassy well behind them.

*"I would also presume them to have ouside associates,"* Okiku suggested. *"People in the community they employ who are not tied directly to the house itself. Cleaners, labourers, and the like. These people may have inklings of what goes on around them within the house, but don't possess any particularly strong loyalty to the house itself."*

*"Perhaps those would be more willing to speak with us... With incentive, of course,"* She said in her quiet tone. *"Casual observation from outside could glean any potential canditates to question."*

As the pair walked through the streets, Okiku didn't pay any particular attention to the hum of life around her. She was apparently aware of the activity, but none of it seemed to hold much interest to her - just a buzz of background noise.

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Michael
Umeo nodded in agreement with Okiku's suggestions while simultaneously observing their surroundings. The more crowded the streets grew, the more useful information seemed to lurk within the faces and voices of the passing commoners. "We have the records delivered to me by the Ambassador's servant earlier. They're not much yet, but I'll begin looking into them further when we part ways. If we're lucky, I should be able to find exactly that kind of information in them," Umeo responded, adjusting the fall of his blue kimono as the wind from the docks grew stronger.

"As for the community associated with the Kurotsuchi, you're right. We might find useful information amongst the laborers and servants... The background people who witness the daily comings and goings. We should approach with caution and tact, of course. " Umeo's words trailed off, his gaze shifting to a group of laborers pulling a wagon loaded with cargo from a nearby boat. He turned to Okiku, his expression thoughtful. Umeo took a step in the direction of the dock. "The docks are often a hub for information. Let's take a closer look. Perhaps the river's whispers may shed some light on the Kurotsuchi's secrets."

Umeo guided her through the burgeoning crowds, leading them toward the scent of salt, fish, and damp wood. The pair's imposing stature allowed them to navigate the docks unhindered. Umeo's gaze was vigilant, scrutinizing each face, taking note of their interactions, seeking the hidden truths beneath the veil of ordinary routines. The sunlight was less harsh here, the shadows longer and the whispers quieter, but every detail was another brushstroke in the grand picture they were trying to paint. The real work had just begun.
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Vanessa
Okiku stepped after her companion. She didn't reply to his words immediately, her painted lips remaining pressed closed. She watchfully observing their surroundings as they navigated the crowds. She didn't particularly expect any open threats, but kept her dark gaze wary of anyone that may be taking too much interest in the pair's presence.

The docks were a popular hive of scum and villainy; and one that Okiku herself had been attempting to expand her own influence into. The high likelihood of the criminal element was what kept her wary, such those that may not appreciate samurai walking amongst them and putting their noses in places they didn't belong.

Unlike the majority of her clan, Okiku didn't particularly enjoy the sea. She possessed only the most rudimentary understanding of seagoing travel - just enough knowledge to not embarass herself when aboard a ship. She was more interested in the termination points of her clan's shipping endeavours, where the land beneath her feet did not shift to the whims and wiles of the sea and wind.

Though wary and cautious, very little emotion extended far enough to touch her cool face. *"Do you know the docks well?"* She finally would query in her quiet, soft tone that was barely loud enough to rise over the wind and the bustling drone of activity around them.

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Michael
Umeo's lips curled slightly at Okiku's question. "I am not as familiar with these docks as I would like to be," He confessed, surveying the bustling dockside activities. Despite his claim of unfamiliarity, he navigated the docks like a seasoned veteran might navigate a battlefield. His gaze swept over the faces of sailors, laborers, and merchants, eyes sharp and alert for any sign of the Kurotsuchi house or its associates. "I have spent more time on the open seas than many Crab, but rarely did my duties bring me this far upriver." 

Despite his admission, the seasoned Yasuki didn't seem perturbed. On the contrary, his eyes shone with resolve. "A lack of familiarity should not be a barrier for me," He said, his voice steady and determined. "Observation and quick thinking have served so far, and I have faith they will continue to guide now. Sometimes, unfamiliarity can be an advantage. It allows us to see things with fresh eyes and without preconceived notions." As he spoke, Umeo subtly guided Okiku away from the most crowded areas of the docks, heading towards a nearby warehouse. 

As they walked passed, the workers were loading and unloading their crates with diligent efficiency. Umeo, without breaking his stride, nodded politely to the day's foreman. Today, it was a portly man with a weathered face and burly arms. The sounds of the docks surrounded them - the creaking of ropes, the shouts of sailors, and the rhythmic lapping of the water against the docks. Umeo looked at the Mantis and nodded toward the edge of the Merchant District, "That is the center of our investigation. We should spend some time observing the Kurotsuchi Counting House from a distance, and I'll need to review these documents given to me by Hida-sama's assistant. If we wind up entering the Counting House in the future, you should be aware that they will be keeping records there that we might find particularly useful. We must not allow any records to be destroyed or removed." 
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Vanessa
*"I did not question your familiarity or lack there of, Yasuki-san,"* She said quiety. *"Mere curiosity as you project confidence and assurity in an otherwise unfamiliar environment."*

Okiku stepped after, moving with familiarity as she had spent many hours lurking on the docks of her home islands — particularly when attempting to avoid the frustrations of her studies that simply did not agree with her.

As a young, slim woman, she was well aware she was perceived as somewhat of an outsider in the environment of sailors and labourers — at least by outward appearance.

*"Would there be a tea house nearby, that would certainly serve as a convenient means of observation,"* She suggested. *"Likewise I can inquire about shops nearby should we need a closer look without tipping our hand. I would not expect the counting house is as of yet aware of the Mantis assisting the Crab in this matter."*

*"I do, likewise, have concern that once the Crab play their hand to investigate the house, any incriminating evidence that may exist will be discarded or destroyed,"* She added. *"As we observe, let us deduce a means for someone to head off any attempts to conceal, destroy, or remove any such evidence."*

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Michael
"Indeed, a tea house might be an ideal location for observation," Umeo replied thoughtfully to Okiku's suggestion, casting his glance over the bustling crowd of dock workers, merchants, and sailors. "And I think there is one not far from here that receives their tea from some people that I know. Not as likely to turn us away or work against us."

There was an unassuming public square nestled between the city's districts around a block over. The square was a crossroad of sorts, frequented by all manner of people going about their daily routines. A venerable old cherry tree provided a canopy of shade on one side, its blossoms a splash of soft pink against the azure sky. The signage of a busy tea house was visible poking over the roof of a building two streets down. "This should do. Let's rest a while under the cherry tree," Umeo suggested, steering Okiku towards the tree's welcoming shade. From here, they had a clear view of the comings and goings in the square while remaining somewhat removed from the thrum of activity. It wasn't the quiet of a tea house, but it offered a similar sense of calm amid the city's heartbeat.

As they settled in the dappled shade of the tree, Umeo appreciated Okiku's direct and efficient manner. Her approach to their mission mirrored his own, and he was silently thankful for her presence. "I appreciate your caution, Okiku-sama," Umeo said quietly as they watched the square's activity. 

"This investigation is a delicate operation. As you rightly pointed out, direct intervention might lead to everything being destroyed or hidden away. I hope that a clever and subtle approach will be possible." He paused, casting a thoughtful glance her way. Umeo's gaze then shifted back to the cityscape before them, taking in the varying scenes unfolding. A group of laborers unloading crates at a nearby shop, a gathering of elderly locals sharing a meal, a couple of children chasing after a wayward ball.

He gestured to the bit of sign barely visible from where they stood, "Over there is the tea house I was referring to. A magistrate might not be able to have a direct eye on the counting house from three, but they should be able to see most of those going back and forth. With patience, perhaps we will glean some insight into our quarry's behavior." 

His tone was calm, his manner composed, but his dark eyes held a spark of anticipation. "I have studying to do. Hopefully, I may find some information hidden in merchant's ledgers. Financial gains reported without products to substantiate it... Benefactors with no obvious ties to the operations or investments required to operate their shipping concern... Or even regular diversions from standard trade routes that might indicate an encampment." 

Umeo sat in silence for a moment, the city's distant noise a muted hum in his ears. There was a sense of peace here under the cherry tree. A tranquility that belied the crucial mission they had undertaken seeped from the petals. "We should be prepared to reconvene soon with any others also working on this project. I expect Koyama or one of the other ambassadors will summon us when the time is right," The Auditor said. 

The game of shadows and whispers had begun, and they were its players. They would watch and wait for now. They would act when the time was right, they had their stage for now. Their next moves would be decided by the rhythm of the city and the whispers it chose to share. 

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Vanessa
Okiku sat, a slim demure form under the fluttering shadows of the cherry tree. She pursed her lips a moment in thought, her dark eyes not particularly watching the people, yet taking them all in as she remained as innocuous as she could.

Her floating attention remained less on the random people, and more searching out anybody that might be giving their presence just a bit too much interest. Regardless, she endeavoured to remain as innocent in appearance as to her purpose there. She was a merchant first, so endeavoured to project the image of a young entrepreneur in search of new markets.

She gave a small bow of her head when Umeo spoke. *"I will not pretend that I am personable as expected of a court's diplomat, nor a stalwart warrior,"* She said in her soft tone. *"But as such, caution and careful planning is something I can strive to embrace to make up for what I may lack in other areas."*

*"I should expect your seniors are very eager to see the opening moves of this investigation begin,"* She added. *"Perhaps a runner should be sent to inform them that we are in position to observe the site and ready to act on their word?"*

She paused a moment. *"Would they deem it worthwhile, I would be content to pose as an interested party looking to acquire the house's services for my clan as a means to gain entry prior to their arrival — if only to prevent the destruction or absconsion with pertinent evidences of chicanery."*

*"Regardless,"* Okiku said, offering the barest hint of a smile — so slight it could have been a figment of imagination. *"I am eager and ready to see this investigation completed with notable success — as I am very certain you are as well."*

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Michael
Yasuki Umeo listened to the Mantis attentively before bowing slightly, "Yes, I believe that you are correct. In the absence of runners, I shall deliver the news personally... Albeit at a slower pace." He watched as a small group of people walked by, but the two samurai sitting together under the cherry tree remained unremarked upon. Umeo moved to follow them, his first step causing him to wince to himself as his battered joints protested. 

Before leaving, the Crab accountant turned and returned Okiku's nearly non-existent smile with a brief nod. "I am eager to end this as well. The longer we delay, the more complications await us. I will inform Hida-sama that you are remaining to continue observation and have a plan to move behind their defenses."

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