Phil
It was here that a small meeting was arranged. The Magistrate wanted to check in on his new diplomat, Bayushi Tomura. Whom seemed confident in his abilities, Yuto had placed some responsibilities on him. Curious as to how they went, tasking the young courtier with visiting each of the Embassies to get a feel for the clans and their leaders. Did he discover anything about them? Did he imbue mistrust or place spy's among their ranks? Yuto hoped for some positive news. 

The night was young as the Rokugo stared up at the stars. Watching how they reflected into the various ponds. He himself blended in, seeing as he wore all black, letting his hair fall and disappear into the veil of his clothing. There were things the man himself had to question, reevaluating who he was and what he wanted to be. This Junshin in particular had ambitions, but they'd never be fulfilled if he remained who he was. 

On his waist were both Daisho and the man's own personal mask. Recently he had not been wearing it, as the scorpion wore a face with no expression. In recent experiences, he had to cast aside his emotion like a proper Samurai. Having received so much bad news, the vassal looked forward to hearing something good from Tomura. 

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Edward
Tomura silently walked beside Yuto, looking up to the night sky under his mask.

"I was always more a night owl," He mused, "I find it's easier to think under the stars, the air seems more agreeable." He mused, "You seem troubled, Rokugo-san, is something the matter?"
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Phil
His eyes shifted to the younger man, raising a soft smile. Perceptive as he's noticed the Bayushi to be, though often it wasn't hard to read what was on Yutos face. There was much that bothered him, but as of recent, his duty had been questioned. Had he been incompetent? The man dedicated himself to his work, but was left feeling as though it were null. 
"I'm fine, Bayushi-san, just a lot on my mind. Things will be changing soon and we must prepare for it." 

He wouldn't bother anyone else with his burdens, not after all that's happened. One needed to compose themselves properly like a samurai. Thus he brought up the subject of their meeting. 
"Tell me of your visits to the other Embassies, have you gotten a feel for the clans and their ambitions here?" 
Yuto inquired softly as he stopped near a pond. Watching the sky above reflect into it, he had not indulged much in nature always appreciated it. 

"My hope was that you'd come to understand everyone's positions here within Ryoko Owari Toshi. We've more enemies than ally's, and even they are not for certain our comrades. I was hoping to hear news of your plans to make discreet connections among the populace. Have you made any progress?" 
It was clear the man had high expectations for the Bayushi, though that is what the young man set out to do. Hoping to hear some good news he gazed at the scorpion, admiring the craftsmanship of his Mempo. A different style than what he was used to seeing, but nonetheless fine work.
Edward
Tomura gave a light nod, "I am making progress... Although some have made it clear that a foe is all they see us as, you might be hearing some rumors of a 'saddle incident' sometime, for the record, I was being clever." He chuckled, "But for those whom you stressed where to be courted have received me quite warmly." He commented on the Lion, "There was... And unforseen drama though, with our southern kin." He said, hinting to the Crab
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Phil
The report was expected, their clan was not to be trusted. Especially after last winters debacle, they had a lot to overcome. Luckily there was time and room to correct things. They were both scorpions, the two knew very well they'd forever be foes to all of the empire in efforts to preserve it. 

"I'm glad you were able to recognize where we stand with the other clans. For now, cancel your other visits. With our new Ambassador we'll wait and see what he decides the next step will be. My premonition tells me he'll have much use for you." 

Them doing anything on their own would simply be undermining and foolish, though the Junshin was fully prepared to take responsibility. Tomura had acted accordingly to his command, thus he couldn't shoulder the consequences should they arise. Yuto didn't foresee the going Bayushi being punished though. 

"What's this saddle incident and drama with the crab you speak of?" Yuto inquired curiously.
Edward
"Don't worry about the saddle." He said pleasantly, "But the Crab... Their seemed to be a... Misunderstanding, a samurai approached them, claiming to represent the Scorpion and presented them with... The paper said it was a trade deal but it was ludicrous, an insult to the children of Hida if I ever saw one... Including a marriage deal between the Clan Champion's daughter and the son of this false representative... A Rokugo... It was brought to my attention and handled, I thought you should be aware what *Your kin* Have done."
Phil
The man tilted his head at the saddle comment, did something happen with the Unicorn? Before he could tease the courtier about it, he brought up another subject, correlating to the crab. Yutos right eye twitched as he spoke of the details, but what really ticked the vassal wrong was the last comment. Clearing his face of any expression, the man proceeded. 

"Rokugo Ukagahiko has been dealt with. There will be no more tumult with him. I should have known there was more to his folly than that debacle at the Lions Embassy. You've my gratitude for dealing with it and not invoking the crab clans indignation. Despite his heritage, all our actions in the city fall under the credit of the Scorpion. It is not what my 'Kin' has done, but what our clan has." 

Speaking respectfully. He gently corrected the Bayushi, not wanting to elicit a spat between them. It's not that he was trifled with him, but those words had stirred a negative reaction within the Magistrate. He'd never acknowledge that fool as one of his kin, but they'd have to take accountability seeing as the man acted for the scorpion. 

"Regardless, you've done well to avert a dissension, I'll make sure you're rewarded. Now tell me of this saddle incident, did all go well at the Ide Residence? Keeping secrets in such matters are no good. The unicorn aren't to be paltered with. Their passion makes them remember, you didn't do what I think you did... Right?"
Edward
"I gave them a saddle," He nodded, "Completely ornamental, non-practical, what better symbol to show one may always find their fortune under the open sky." He smiled, "They took exception to that, but like you said, they are our primary rivals." He shrugged, "But yes, the Unicorn see's us as only foe... But there is something more worrying I muse inform you, about the Crane." He seemed to show the slightest of hesitations, leaning in to whisper, "They... Would want us to make an accident for one of their own... Daidoji-Adohiro." He leaned back, "I don't see how it would serve the Scorpion however, personally I think they are just trying to entrap us, make something they can use against us... They know we're courting the Phoenix as well." He said in a hushed tone
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Phil
Yutos cheeks puffed up as he tried desperately to contain the laughter, finding the obvious fact revealed to be hilarious. He slowly blew out the air as he held back a chuckle, nevertheless he had a smile. "You gave them a Saddle!? You're certainly bold doing that alone, if you wish to hand gifts like that out to the other clans you'd ought to bring a Yojimbo for backup!." He said so amusingly, it wasn't spoken to be scolding. The smile would slowly fade as the young man continued. 

They want us to get rid of one of their own, Daidoji Adohiro.. One could only wonder why. Yuto has met the young man several times, and whilst his maturity could be questioned—he knew nothing of the boys actions. Perhaps he's done something grievous. For now the Rokugo would brush over that topic, and approach the one of real concern. 

"They know of us and the Phoenix..." He said to himself softly under his breath. It was impossible for them to be compromised in the Shosuro Palace, in regard to internal matters no spy would dare set foot in their domain. The scorpion were too sharp to be challenged in their field. Could they have let it slip outside? In their own embassy? Or perhaps whom the phoenix truly align themselves with is to be questioned.. 

"Good job bringing this information to me, they wanted to setup a follow-up meeting. Now I know we'll need to approach it with caution. Is there anything else of interest or importance you need to discuss?"
Edward
"Like I said, it represents the fortune that could be found where ever one may roam," He shrugged with a smile, "I've sent an invitation to a Yasuki Umeo, in hopes I can persuade him to lend his voice to our... Land dispute," The whole bath house situation that is, "I already owe him for pointing out the... Ronin, that tried to pass himself as a Rokugo, if it aids the Clan as a whole, I would be willing to deepen my debt to him."
Phil
The young man seemed to be taking strides and initiative, that was good. Though the upcoming situations would be uncertain, perhaps they'd be able to use the crab somehow. Umeo and Yuto had met previously, perhaps they'll be capable of getting off on some good footing. 

"We won't be indebting ourselves to anyone, it must be on the contrary. Yasuki Umeo, a familiar and friendly face I'm acquainted with. I'd like to sit in on this meeting of yours, I've come with a plan to present for the bathhouse." 

Working together is would be best going forward. He'd have to fill the young man in on their negotiations with the Phoenix, if he wasn't already informed of the details. 

"For our follow up meeting with the Phoenix, Shiba Iemon and Asako Sanumo, I'd like you to sit in with me. You establishing relations with their Karo will be important going forward."
Edward
Tomura gave a bow to that, "Of course, I will be happu to be of service." He smiled, "And if you wish to meet with Umeo, I'm sure we can bump into each other, should he choose to accept my invitation." He rose from his bow.

At this point it should be clear the kind of operator Tomura was, he was a man who would remain in the background until needed and engage with other's with nothing but smiles, flattery, and honeyed words, as well as smoothing over things behind the scenes.

"Is there any more I may do for you, Rokugo-san."
Phil
The young man was certainly praiseworthy, but he'd save it for another day. Yuto didn't have anything else for him yet, they had quite the amount of task ahead of them. It was better to focus on those than keep adding, knocking down their goals one at a time.. The bathhouse situation would be crucial, getting the phoenix and crab to cooperate with them.. Well it was certainly worth a shot. 

"I've nothing else for you. You've done good work Bayushi-san. I'll be watching your career within the city move forward with great interests. I will call upon you when I require your aid." 

He'd bow And with that there meeting would be concluded, as the man separated to walk in the opposite direction. Unless the young Bayushi himself had another topic of interest come up, he'd have departed with a smile. He had a few appointments lined up requiring his attention.. 

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Edward
And with not a word, Tomura smiled and slunk back to the shadows