Candy
*Once more.*

There was no real necessity to go over preparations again, but Miho wouldn't have been Miho if she didn't check things until precaution became futility. Predictably so, everything was how she had predisposed it to be, and she allowed herself a moment of self-satisfaction before dismissing the ashigaru back to his men.

When her lord had entrusted her with welcoming the new Phoenix, she figured that a simple tour of the embassy would have been enough, but it was in her nature to go the extra mile, and the mile after that: the samurai she was welcoming was a captain of the Phoenix guard in the city, a fellow leader of men, and she should treat him as one. She had arranged for the two of them to assist to the daily drills of the ashigaru in the embassy, so that he may observe how the Lion still keeps their troops in fighting shape while in a peaceful setting. Granted, he probably didn't need lessons if he had been assigned to such a delicate post, but it was a way to establish a connection without having to go through with the usual dance of socially acceptable topics; and, lastly, a message for him and his clan. The Lion is a clan of warriors, on the battlefield and out. If they wanted their cooperation, they had to accept this. 

*About six minutes to the scheduled arrival.* Miho stood at the gates of their building patiently, thinking more polite to greet him outside rather than have him announced like any postulant. It would also be interesting to see how punctual he was. That revealed a lot about one's character, at least according to her.

||
Karen
Asako Yamanosuke was nervous. 

He had never had an encounter with a Lion Clan samurai before, let alone an ambassador from their clan. In all his previous life's duties as a tax collector, he didn't have much interaction with bushi from other clans, let alone dignitaries and nobility befitting of an assignment in another city. Whatever honors his lords were rewarding him for, he was silently questioning their judgement at this moment.

The day was pleasant enough. He could smell the scent of persimmons in the air as he approached the gates of the Lion Clan Embassy. Yamanosuke intended to arrive early as not to insult his host. He felt that a few moments before the intended hour was polite enough. He did not want to keep anyone waiting or giving the impression that he was not taking the invitation seriously.

The assistant tot he Ambassador, Asako Sanumo was kind enough to set this meeting for him, and he was certain that Sanumo-sama had called in some sort of favor to invoke the expertise of another clan to benefit himself and his new assignment as Taisa. But why were they putting so much stock in him? What had he done to deserve the honor? Yamanosuke was feeling the pressure of his new station and the pressure of his own pride to succeed in his duties as captain of the guard. He hated to disappoint anyone, especially now with the stakes being elevated in his new political environment.

Yamanosuke approached the embassy and the attendants at the gate. He announced himself, "I am Asako Yamanosuke, Captain of the Guard for his honorable lord, Shiba Iemon, and the Phoenix Clan here at Ryoko Owari. I have an invitation from Akodo Katsuhiro to meet with your noble advisors." 

He bowed respectfully, and awaited the acknowledgement to enter the grounds of the foreign embassy. An exhale of steady breath, studied his resolve and focus. As the late morning sun shone on the gates of the embassy, they opened to welcome him into the jaws of the Lion.
Candy
As the silhouette of the commander started to appear in the distance, Miho took note of his aspect. Pretty unremarkable, overall, but she actually preferred it that way: she was the kind of person that took solace in tradition, and Yamanosuke seemed the textbook definition of a bushi. Now, to see if his character matched. "Greetings, Asako-san; I am glad to meet you at last. My name is Ikoma Miho, *Chui* Of this Embassy, and I will have the honor to escort you in our humble embassy." She bowed as well, going lower than the Phoenix. He outranked her, after all.

"Follow me, if you please." Overall, she didn't speak much. In the delicate world of politics, every word was a calculated risk, and those who let their mouth run freely risked to offend someone every moment. "I did not have the pleasure to meet your commander yet, but I have heard great things about him from my lord. They play Shogi regularly." While maintaining the small talk necessary to not make this awkward, she led Yamanosuke deftly through the corridors of the building. The embassy was as traditional as they come, almost a stage prop for a Noh play, but the number of ashigaru patrolling its perimeter was quite over the normal standard. Wherever they passed, each of them saluted the duo, and Miho responded with a regal nod of her head. Clearly, she was accustomed to giving orders and seeing them carried out. "I was planning to show you the zen garden,"

She continued, "Which your companion Asako-san was so kind as to help embellishing with his statue: but afterwards I was thinking about something a bit different. Our troops happen to be in the middle of their drills in this very moment, would you care to inspect them with me? The martial philosophies of our clans are greatly different, and I am sure we could both benefit from a different perspective." She presented the program of the visit with the cadence of a soldier presenting a report, as was her use. She was never good at appearing friendly, so she made up with clearness.
"But first, would you like some tea? The day is hot."

||
Karen
"Tea would be most appreciated, Ikoma-san." Yamanosuke recognized that she introduced herself as Chui, and now outranking her, felt it prudent to address her as an equal. 

"I am most pleased to meet you. If you would please extend my sincerest thanks to the Embassador for allowing you the time for this meeting. I know that my lord Shiba Iemon-sama also appreciates the outreach between our clans." Yamanosuke delivered those words as deliberately as possible, so they could not be construed as anything but sincere.

"I am please to see your garden, as well, if you have the time to spare," He continued as they walked. "My lord will be thrilled to know that his statue has garnered so much appreciation. It would also be my honor to observe your troops for inspection. The structure and discipline of the Lion army are known to be second to none in the Empire. It would be a great honor to witness first-hand." He tried to deliver his words a bit more softly than her report-driven cadence. He was tense enough. Yamosuke didn't want Miho to feel the pressure of such a politically driven visit. It's evident in their brief conversation that a great deal of preparation and tact went into his presence here. He wanted to live up to expectation, but also wanted less of the military tension between the two of them.

"Please," Yamanosuke bowed. "After you, Ikoma-san."
Candy
There were many warriors, even those used to high society, who suffered the compressed etiquette of court , but Miho was not among them; she had never been good at casual friendless, and the rules of society provided her with foolproof canons to stick to. "Very well. Tea for two, please." The order was unnecessary: the tea had already been put to boiling the moment the Asako showed up, and it only took the time for the two of them to sit for the tray to show up. "It is not much compared to your renowned Golden Needle brew, but I hope you will appreciate it still. We are a simple people when it comes to our cousine." Also because their huge army drained an enormous part of their crops, but that was neither here or there.

She allowed silence to fill the room for a little, as she brought the tea to her nose and then drank with a small graceful sip. It was a strong blend, meant to reinvigorate soldiers after a long day's march. She could certainly have acquired something more refined, but it would have contrasted with the message she was trying to give: these were the people the Phoenix planned to ally with. If they didn't like what they saw, the deal wouldn't have lasted long anyway. "What was your post before this assignment, Asako-sama? I am certain you must have a history of glorious accomplishments, if your clans trusted you with such a delicate task." It certainly was the case of her and her lord. Besides military might, the clan had sent only those that were capable to navigate the treacherous politics of Ryoko Owari. She'd have to remember it, when speaking with Yamanosuke.

||
Karen
A bold choice in tea leaves.
Direct of flavor, invigorating to the senses.
Almost enough to wake one from slumber, Yamanosuke thought.

*Direct and to the point*
This magistrate is not messing around. While pleasant enough, the thought had crossed his mind that Miho-san is all business. She has a job to do, and she's not about to let making friends interfere with her duty to her clan.

"An interesting tea, Ikoma-san. I have not experienced a brew so invigorating." Yamanosuke wanted to acknowledge the hospitality as directly, hoping to found some common ground.

"My post prior to my assignment here at Ryoko Owari was back home in Phoenix Clan homelands. Unfortunately, it does not hold any great stories or glory. I can only think that my lord back home appreciated my work ethic enough to raise my station to this assignment. I stand ready to serve the Phoenix Embassy and lord Shiba Iemon."

"My lord Shiba Iemon and his assistant Asako Sanumo appreciate the invitation and offer such introduction for a new Taisa. I am humbled by their favor and by your invitation, Ikoma-san." He took another sip of the simple, yet bold brew from his cup. "Surely you have more important duties to attend to than hosting me this day."
Candy
She simply nodded her head at the compliment about the tea. Exactly what one should say. "One could say that is even more commendable: in war bushi have many chances to be promoted, but in a peaceful post that can only be achieved through everlasting diligence." She paused for a moment, finishing her cup. "And I disagree, Asako-sama. To welcome an honored guest of our clan is more important than all which my daily routine entails. You would have done the same for my lord." Or so she hoped. It would be embarrassing for her clan if the Phoenix retracted their hand now, just as they were extending theirs.

She let some more time pass in relaxation, exchanging some more verbal pleasantries, and then, just as the tea started to grow stale, a servant appeared to whisper in her ear. She glanced at them for a moment, and then nodded her head, turning back to her guest. "Our soldiers are lining up for the drill, Asako-sama. If you agree, we would now go to attend."

||
Karen
"Hai, Ikoma-san." Yamanosuke bowed and let his gaze wander to the floor. He picked up some of the subtle details of Ikoma-san's garments. The suble flow of colors, the 'purpose' of the garment was evident: Nothing fancy, utilitarian, yet elegant in function. This is truly the way of the Lion.

"I am at your leave," Yamanosuke continued. He observed the servant deliver the news and leave the room. Even the heimin had direct intention. Perhaps there is much more he can learn from Ikoma-san and the Way of the Lion.

She seemed pleasant enough, he thought to himself for a moment as he collected himself from the floor. Could this relationship be more of intention and duty? She could become an ally to the Ambassador even more than she already is.

"I am no politician, Ikoma-san, but I do wish to express my humble gratitude with your invitation and hospitality. I have not encountered much from your clan and kin in my personal history, and I must admit, I have a very favorable impression, presently." Yamanosuke studied her a moment, to gauge her response. Perhaps he revealed too much of his hand too quickly, but he wished to attempt to put her more at ease.

If the Lion can be put to ease.
Candy
Miho stopped mid-pace, turning to look at the Asako once more. She had been trying to get a read of the samurai in front of her since he had gotten here, and finally she thought she had it: an Honest Man.
Now, with this personal definition she did not just mean someone who told the truth (that was the minimum for any decent samurai) but one whose thoughts and words were the same. They would say what they mean, and do what they say. This was of course a noble behaviour and one that made dealings with them easier, but it also meant that they could be a terrible enemy if roused to anger, for they would find a compromise with one whom they despised a lie. Overall? Someone who would be a good Ally.

"As I have of you, Asako-san; in this City of Lies, a sincere man is a breath of fresh air." Her face remained as pleasant as a bush of thorns, but she meant what she said. With all the smokes and mirrors she had to employ every day, she was starting to feel like a Crane.


-Outside, the embassy started to reveal itself for what it really was, the Lion's den. Indoors and in the inner garden, it was just like any noble estate, but here? Here a small training Field had come to life. Ashigaru in full armor hurried back and forth on a square of beaten earth, surrounded by the outer walls. Even in the chaos that followed a role call, there was some sort of order to it, a deeper sense of unity; from the lowest levy to the veteran bushi, every Lion soldier was taught that their individuality meant nothing compared to their fellowship. They would not fight as individuals, but as a true unit.

Upon their arrival, the soldiers immediately slammed their spears on the ground and did the warrior's salute, until Miho put them at ease. She observed them for a long moment, checking for imperfections in their kits to be punished, but she was satisfied now to go on. "Soldiers. Today is not the average training: with us stands our honored guest, Taisa Asako Yamanosuke-sama. He will join me in overseeing your drill, and I expect you to obey him as you would to your superior. Thank him for the time he is giving you." Again, the ashigaru performed the warrior's salute, shouting "THANK YOU, SAMURAI-SAMA!" Even Miho had to admit they were behaving well today. Perhaps she'd even reward them later. Perhaps.

||
Karen
Yamanosuke was honored to be introduced so - it was the first time he had been done so. His chest swelled with pride- pride in himself, pride of his newfound station, and pride in his lord, Shiba Iemon and his Phoenix Clan. An honest man- he had never been called such before. Yamanosuke digested it as a compliment. He intended to be so. 
He bowed to Miho-san, and to the Samurai saluting his such. He raised his hand, as he did not have in his possession a tessen befit of the Taisa, and addressed the Samurai.

"Noble warriors," Yamanosuke began. "It is you who honor me in showing me the meaning of duty. Showing me what it truly means to train as Lion. I can only aspire to learn from you all today that which I may take your sense of pride, your sense of spirit, back to my dojo."

He looked to Miho-san at his next remark, "It is I who bow to you this morning for the invitation and the knowledge I aspire to take with me." 

He took a second to pause, intentionally. He stood straight, took in a breath, and lead in a cheer, in hopes to inspire the men in front of him. "FOR HONOR!" Yamanosuke shouted, awaiting the response of the men. He raised a fist overhead in an effort to promote their response.

There was an awkward pause after his cry, but the men followed suit. Three cheers Yamanosuke raised to the men in the training yard. At the end of their third reponse, Yamanosuke gave an intentional nod of the head and looked to the seargants. 

"Proceed, warriors," He bade them. He looked to Miho-san once again to gauge her intent and response to his presence here. He was hoping to stay and speak with those in the training yard, talk about preparedness and drills to run to keep the men sharp and at the ready. If there was any improvements to be made to keep every motion intentional, every effort to be productive. Secretly hoping to take away any techniques or strategies that he may employ to metter the members of his own guard. He's still learning, afterall.
Candy
Now, if this had been a gathering of bushi, things could have been more difficult. Alliances shifted quickly in this city, after all, and for all the reciprocal goodwill it would have been unwise to showcase the official techniques of their clan to outsiders. But these were only ashigaru, and there wasn't much they could do that wasn't common knowledge to any commander.

"We shall begin with basic drills, both for spearmen and archers. Then you divide in two teams and have a mock battle in honor of our guest. Your _bugyo_ will be the captains." The two bugyo, something alike low ranked drill sergeants, bowed in acceptance. It wasn't by chance that Miho had chosen two men known for their rivalry with each other; if against each other they would surely give all they had to win. A little competition couldn't hurt, after all.

Without further ado, the ashigaru began their exercises. The ashigaru assembled in a tight column and began running back and forth their square while holding their weapons. Those that wouldn't keep the pace were curtly reprimanded, but for those that accidentally hit or tripped their companions with their spears the punishment was even worse. Still, such happenings were not common: continous rehearsal had made it so that every man knew their place and were coordinated with the ones in front of and behind them. The two _bugyo_ remained at a respectable distance from the two samurai, barking orders every once and then, but Miho, curiously, remained silent. This warm up required no input from her, and besides, this wasn't her moment: it was time for Yamanosuke to show his quality, and the Way of the Phoenix. "This is just the start, Asako-sama." One of the bungyo addressed him, with the strange mix of familiarity and respect of veteran ashigaru. "They begin like this every time. From there, we usually go to basic weapon drills... But we'd be glad to follow your insights."

||
Karen
Yamanosuke realized he was in over his head a bit. He had no experience training men like this. He was a tax collector! 

He was quickly brought back to his days at the dojo: the Drills, the regimen, the strict rules and learning the disciplines of Bushido.

"I see, bungyo-san." He passed over any misaligned intentions in his being addressed so directly. "I do admire the Lion's tenacity in all aspects of exercise. I should only hope that my own contingent show such dedication to their disciplines." He bowed his head slightly, acknowledging his request for input.

"Perhaps we see the katas next? Do they know the bokken? My men would benefit greatly from such exercises. One cannot be too prepared, after all." Yamanosuke shifted in his seat slightly. He definitely felt uneasy about being in a position to make a mistake - to make a fool of himself or worse yet, a fool of the Phoenix at the invitation of the Lion.

"I'm sure that Ikoma-san has designs for what would be acceptable to showcase to a foreign captain." He bowed to give Miho-san a moment to process and acknowledge the situation for a moment. Surely, she would not want to cause the new captain any embarrassment...
Candy
The bugyo shifted awkwardly on their feet: probably, they weren't used to seeing their bare-bones, point-and-stab drills being equated to the kata of real bushi, and sweated at the thought of being expected to perform something beyond their competence. Thankfully, however, Miho stepped in to help both of them. "There is nothing we need hiding from a trusted ally, but many of our unique stratagems are too complicated to go over for a routine drill. Still, we'd be glad to show you their kenjutsu fundamentals." She nodded at the bugyo, who was relieved of seeing the Ikoma ask something they knew, and they quickly translated the commanders' wishes into action.

"I am aware that this scene might seem unsightly to oursiders." She commented dryly, as the ashigaru distributed bokken to each other. "Peasant soldiers training with swords, I mean. But we Lions believe that it would be foolhardy to deny them training with such a versatile and effective weapon, and also to never experience the purity of purpose that comes from having three feet of tempered steel in your hand. But it seems such explanation is unnecessary, given you proposed the idea." She wondered if the Asako's gesture had been truly spontaneous or if he had previously researched this fact about the Lion, but her previous impression led her to believe the former.

In the meantime, the common soldiers quickly forgot of their prestigious audience in the heat of the exercise: as Miho had mentioned, it was truly nothing special, just the basic patterns every bushi learnt the moment they stepped foot in the dojo, but they would kill regardless. And who knew, if one of them got really good at it... Perhaps they would even earn the right to carry a katana. "This is what they can do for now, though I'd like to extend their skillset. If you would know how to do so, please ask." Anothrr little encouragement, and little push, at taking charge.

||
Karen
"Of course, Ikoma-san." Yamanosuke commented on Miho's invitation as to how to better train the Ashigaru. 'This is why I am here...' thought Yamanosuke. 'How did I let her turn the tables on me so quickly?' he thought to himself.

"Clearly these men are seasoned in way which our Phoenix Ashigaru are not. I am impressed at their skill with the bokken." Yamanosuke bowed to Miho-san. He took note of their feet, their stance, their balance. He could easily recognize how well their fundamentals play at their skills. None of the men in the drills seem to stumble or hesitate over movement. Like the water cascading over rocks in a stream, the Ashigaru's feet found secure footing again and again.

Nearly mezmorized at their movements, Yamanosuke asked of Miho-san, "My apologies for my blunt questioning, Ikoma-san," Yamanosuke turned to lock eyes with Miho and realign his focus to the conversation. "Are the fundamentals of such movement something you have writings on? I can clearly see these men are prepared for anything and everything. If there are readings I can learn from, I feel that my men could be half as valuable as yours." 

He let his gaze drift past Miho back to the exercises in the field, and found himself drifting. He looked to the attendants nearby, and asked for some water. "Could I trouble your attendants for some water. Watching these men toil has parched my throat as if I were training with them." 

If Miho had something tangible he could digest and read from, or perhaps even honor him by borrowing such text, surely his masters back at the Phoenix Embassy would see the direct value in such a meeting between their clans. It would also solidify his position as Taisa, with the Shiba Ambassador.
Candy
Before answering, she made a gesture to someone waiting in a corner, and almost magically a servant appeared immediately with a jug of water and a camp stool to place it on. No, the heimin wasn't that fast. Simply, he took it from the water supplies prepared for the ashigaru's break, as he had been instructed to.

.

"As a matter of fact, I do." She said eventually, after letting Yamanosuke drink (and doing so herself; just because she hid it well, it didn't mean she was immune to heat.) "I happen to have a little record of mine on our drills." This was not normal. Most lion officers mostly owned a few famous works like Leadership and the Book of Sun Tao, and didn't bother wasting precious parchment on menial informations they knew by heart: such writings were mostly owned by sensei and parents, to teach still green Lions. However, Miho was more bookish than she seemed, and one of the few luxuries she conceded herself was a small personal library of military history and tactics, both introductory texts and advanced tactical debates. It had cost an arm and a leg to have them copied by Ikoma scribes, but this way, if she was ever injured or missing in action , her subordinates would be able to do fine without her guidance. Was that overpreparing? Yes. Did it come useful once in a blue moon? Absolutely.

.

I'll have them brought to you right now..." This time, the attendant took quite a bit to come back, for they had to choose which scrolls were safe to be read by another clan member. Eventually, they brought back a simple parchment in a plain scroll satchel, with the dull name of *Introduction to peasant training.* Mostly, they were things Yamanosuke would already know, but every once and then one could find the unique touch of a Lion author: for example, they didn't seem to ever consider the ashigaru as a single individual. They were a unit, a squadron, a division, and as such they had to learn how to lose their sense of identity in the heat of combat. The ashigaru had to be always placed in the same rank, surrounded by the same companions, under the same official; that way, they would a relationship with the rest of their unit, and draw courage from the spirit of the pack. And perhaps most surprising, despite the dispassionate tone with which they described calculated losses and wearing the enemy down in a wave of bodies, the book ended with a consideration of the importance of peasant soldiers. The humble ashigaru cast away the possibility of a peaceful life to join the army, and elevate themselves in the noble art of war. Bushi were stronger, faster, better equipped, and yet the ashigaru stood up to them nonetheless, with nothing but a bamboo spear and minimal armor; And even if alone they would always lose, together a thousand mice could very well kill a wolf. The commander that didn't learn to respect their ashigaru and their usefulness, would quickly find themselves in Meido, and not for a favourable judgement. "Please, go ahead and take it for yourself, Asako-san. A gift from a commander to another."
||
Karen
With as much respect as Yamanosuke could offer, he bowed, and refused the gift several times. Miho, thankfully was insistent on the acceptance of the scroll.

"I am grateful to have such wisdom from you and your ancestors." He accepted the scroll and took another sip of water. The sun was getting higher and warming the turf on the training grounds.

"I would very much like to know about archery techniques, Ikoma-san. Surely your Ashigaru are skilled with a bow as they have training with all the weapons at their disposal."

Selfishly, Yamanosuke fancied Kyujutsu himself, and had hoped to have a few moments on the pitch with some of the men to 'hone' his skills further. While he had no desire to train with the Ashigaru himself, he never relinquished the chance to noch an arrow and feel the rush of air past his chin as he loosed an arrow from bowstring to target. 

While the training session wore on, Asako Yamanosuke had expressed his thanks and admiration toward Ikoma Miho-san. "While I'm certain you have more important duties to attend to, I want you to know that your invitation is appreciated not only by myself, but my lord, Shiba Iemon, ambassador to Ryoko Owari."

"While I am new to my post here in the city, I have been briefed. I am hoping to only occupy a bit more of your day without insult or inconvenience. I am curious as to what you know of the Thunder Guard. Have you had interaction with them directly and are they to be trusted?"

He paused a moment, allowing a new breath to fill his chest a moment. He exhaled slowly, giving pause to examine her reaction as well as gauge her response.
Candy
The Ikoma had relaxed a bit since Yamanosuke had introduced archery in the conversation; well, "Relaxed" In the same way a glacier in a sunny day is "Warm." The men in the formation that were under her personal care were significantly better than the rest in Kyujutsu, the footprint of their commander, and maintenance training took almost as much time as shooting practice. For a moment, she was almost tempted to tie her kimono to her waist and join them as she sometimes liked to do, but it was not her place as a host.

-besides, she soon had more important things to think about. Miho gave herself the time of exactly three breaths to consider the question. They were controlled by the Imperials now, so no harsh criticism, but they had also established a conversation on honest terms so far... Alright.
"They have a difficult task." She begins carefully, like a swimmer testing the sea's depth with a foot. "Being asked to uphold the law in Ryoko Owari Toshi is like being sent to hold off an entire army with a dozen me. However, that does not excuse their failings. While the Scorpion owned the city, they watched the Cartels flourish around them and did nothing, or worse, accepted money to do nothing. No doubt, they were ordered by their lords to do so, but it is still unacceptable to fashion yourself an officer of the law while standing over a pile of the excrements you were supposed to clean." A pause. "Thankfully, now Governor Otomo-sama has taken them over. I am sure she will be able to whip them back into shape, with the fairness her family is known for." Given the more than shady reputation of the Otomo, this last phrase was quite ambiguous, and probably on purpose.

.

"I have not had the chance to speak with one of their number yet, but my kinsmen did; and from what they said, I would suggest caution. Surely those appointed by Otomo-sama must be only concerned about the Empire's good, but if you were to meet one who served under the Scorpion... I would advise you to consider watching your words."

It seemed like she was done, but then she looked abruptly away and added in a curt tone. The return to the socially approved opinion. "Still, they are the city's law enforcement, and we must trust them to solve those problems we don't have the authority to act upon. At most,we can simply offer them our help."

||
Karen
Admittedly, Yamanosuke was grateful for the perspective. His own bretheren had not known much of the Thunder Guard, nor had they any reliable contacts to offer.

"I appreciate your candor, Ikoma-san." Yamanosuke replied. "As being new to my post, I feel that I am still gathering my bearings and perspectives here in Ryoko Owari. It is much removed from my homelands, and I have to learn how to become a student once again." 

He bowed to Miho-san once more and began to unleash his shoulder from his kimono sleeve. "I would like to have the opportunity to feed some arrows to the wind, Ikoma-san. I feel I've learned much from you and your men today. For that I am grateful."

"If you would grant me the honor of training ever so briefly in your kyujutsu grounds, I would welcome the opportunity. The music of the han-kyu is a song that helps to calm my mind. I would be honored for your time and if you would so join me..." His voice trailed off in an effort to illicit a response from Miho-san. 

Yamanosuke did his best to stifle any smile that may have begun to form at the corners of his mouth. He had to remind himself he wasn't here to make friends. He did enjoy the feelings of being at a proper barracks around men training and focused on the arts of the warrior. It had been some time since he was able to train properly, after all.
Candy
She almost felt a tinge of compassion for the poor man; if she got this right, this was his first job as a Taisa, and they had sent him to Ryoko Owari. That was like being pitted against a kenshinzen on your first duel. _Either someone in the high spheres trusts him greatly, or he has rivals that seek to bring him down with false generosity._ Either way, she'd do what she could to make sure he grew into the role well. All a phalanx needed to break was one weak link, after all.

She was just beginning to think about how she was supposed to wrap this visit, when Yamanosuke advanced his offer. It took a little effort to not say yes immediately: she was not one to be led by her passions. First she had to consider if this was safe for the Lion's cause. *Training together is the way we do diplomacy at Shiro Akodo... And there is nothing that suggests this offer comes with ill intent.* After this split second of consideration, her answer comes out smoothly, as if she hadn't thought about it at all. "Why, certainly, Asako-san. It'd be an honor to train with you. Allow me to prepare a suitable space for us."

At a few curt orders, the ashigaru scattered and cleared the view, leaving to their betters two straw dummies that were still unmarred by arrows, while another went gathering weapons and arrows for the pair; the speed of the whole thing, as well as the glances they exchange when their commander was not looking, suggested that there must have been a bet going over this occurrence. In the meantime, Miho tied down the upper vest of her Kimono with a practiced gesture, revealing a pair of muscular and sunbaked arms. Just by looking at her, it was clear she had dedicated her life to mastering the bow. 
"Are han-kyu suitable to you, Asako-san? We could provide bigger bows, if they are more of your liking." Truth to be told, her favoured version was the dai-kyu, the heaviest variant, but she knew that was not very suitable for anywhere but a real battlefield.

||
Karen
Eager to put this visit behind him, Yamanosuke was glad to be on the field and now more at ease with the acceptance of his offer. He let fall his sleeve from his draw arm and said, "Hai, Ikoma-san. Han-kyu is more than acceptable to my tastes."

He thought she must have known by now his lack of experience in such a role as Captain of the Guard. As much as he was being tested by his Ambassador, he was grateful for the advance in station as well as trust in his abilities to do well.

His trust in his host also blossomed, now that they were able and willing to grant his request. He found a sense of peace while noching and releasing arrows to the winds. The brush of fletching from his chin to the snap of the bow-string, it all helped to center his mind and forget much of the pressures of this visit.

"I must admit, Ikoma-san," Yamanosuke remarked between arrows jumping from his bowstring, "I am impressed with your clan, your hospitality, and I respect your knowledge of Ashigaru tactics." He knew he had taken much of the Lion Samurai's time and resources, and didn't want to overstay his welcome.

"While I do not wish to cut my visit nor our meeting short, I do need to attend to my station." He stopped pulling arrows from the quiver supplied to him. He turned to Miho-san, so formally thank her. 

"I am in your debt. Please extend my gratitude to your men, your dojo, and your superiors. I am most grateful of our meeting and the knowledge of your ways, Ikoma-san. If I could ask your attendants to bring my things, I will begin my trek back to my duties."

He wished he didn't have to stop. Miho-san's kyujutsu skills were remarkable, and he had enjoyed their paring across from the training dummies now beset with arrows. 

Grounded, now, and his sense of duty and his new responsibilites, Yamanosuke needed to also prove to his own clan his value and the value of this meeting between clans. Perhaps their wariness of the Thunder Guard would prove valuable to both houses.
Candy
For the time they shot their bows together, Miho didn't speak more than it was absolutely necessary. This was one of the few things that was truly sacred to her, no less than her ancestors, and even when in the middle of a delicate diplomatic meeting she had to make an effort to not be carried away by the music of the bowstring. It was good, then, that Yamanosuke called a stop.

"There is no debt, Asako-san. We merely show the same respect you have shown to us. The Lion gives people back exactly what they have earned, good or bad." She couldn't tell him that, but in her mind she referred to their incoming attack to the Scorpion cartels. Perhaps, Yamanosuke would remember them when he saw the reckoning.

"Your baggage will be delivered to you soon. Thank you for your visit, Asako-san; I hope this won't be the last time we met." She bowed to the Phoenix Taisa, closing her eyes. This alliance wouldn't last more than their stay at Ryoko Owari, and perhaps not even that far. But for that time, she thought they could work together.

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