Anna
Junichi's Estate rested toward the southwest end of the Noble Quarters. It was a modest home, most aptly described as tastefully sensible with keen attention to the landscaping. To the side of the house was both a storage shed and the koi pond. The pond itself was designed to look as if it was natural to the land, dotted with a few clusters of small trees upon the gentle slope of the water's edge. Nestled between two of the outcroppings of trees, toward the back of the pond, was a small concrete shrine dedicated to the Kami Benzaiten, the goddess of beauty, reason, wisdom, wealth, and the arts. Behind it was a simple wooden storage shed with only one entryway, a door barred from the inside. 

At the front of the house was a pristinely kept grassy courtyard centered by a massive cherry blossom tree. Just beyond its wide gnarled branches were the open black double doors into the main entrance of the house. A bench seat wrapped halfway around the back of the tree facing the entryway.

Once through the doors of the home, one would immediately enter into a large entertainment space fit with an abundance of comfortable seats and small tables. Three Geisha were tucked to the side of the room, each playing a different instrument. The woman on the left-hand side played the flute, while the woman sat in the middle played drums, and the woman on the right played a shamisen all while very beautifully singing in a voice both tender and sweet.

Further back was a large dining room table nicely decorated with fancy kettles, cutlery, and a giant bouquet of yellow kerria dotted with white magnolia flowers and lavender sprigs. To the right and left of the dining room were more private sitting rooms. Both were fairly similar spaces, furnished with a few chairs and paintings of exotic landscapes. The only difference being that the left wings sitting room contained a beautifully intricate kamidana, obviously crafted by an artisan of the Phoenix clan. Its most notable feature being the five great elemental dragons perched along the top of the roofline. This space was a little more somber, somehow seeming much more quiet than the rest of the house.

Aside from the main areas open to his guests, the rest of the house was divided into two separate wings. The right wing of the house contained the bath and both Junichi's bedroom and private study, with the latter of the two rooms being locked with Junichi himself keeping the only key. The left wing contained the kitchen and the servant's quarters. This was the wing that connected to the same side that the koi pond was on with a door exiting directly out to it.
Barry
Himiko had wandered into the gardens. The gold and blue eye had glanced over the koi pond and she had to hold back the intrusive thought of jumping in. She simply had shrugged it off silently as she felt the giant of her commander walk behind her. Not that she cared for the social pressure he granted. Oh no, she was much more concerned about getting crushed under his boot. Although it was clear she'd survive that anyways. 

She then turned to the commander and raised one eyebrow. *"I need you to be your best today. After all I have no intentions of stabbing nor getting stabbed. But you are very much aware of that. Not that I prefer having you stabbed instead."* Himiko spoke and rubbed the back of her head. 

*"Sorry Akodo-sama."* Himiko had bowed down before she had continued her stroll through the garden. Ending up at the main door she had knocked. Just once. A very loud thud that could've made the house collapse if she were bigger. 

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Elaine
Akodo followed Kitsu-dono through the gardens, watching her as she seemed to be dallying before the mission. What was running through her mind? He had not yet built up the rapport that they would need yet, but he was confident that they would get there eventually.

"It is my hope that no one gets stabbed today as well, Ambassador-dono. While I am uncomfortable with meeting with the Scorpion clan after they were just revealed to be starting a war between Unicorn and Lion, a war that would have cost tens of thousands of lives, I can understand the merit and logic in what you are doing. I am here to show the power that your words and position carry, and by being here insure that no one attempts to make any stupid decisions. If you should even need to defend yourself, then I have failed at something."

While he was in his stone faced, stoic mask for the meeting, he pulled it back for just a moment to offer her a warm and encouraging smile.

"Just remember who you are, the respect that you as the physical manifestation of our clan and ancestors hold, and that you can never trust what is said at court among allies, least of all Scorpions."

And with that, he followed her up to the house and stood a pace behind her as she knocked on the door. *He is inviting an Ambassador to his house? And he made her knock on the door? Are we not expected?*
Anna
Junichi was lounging in the entertainment room reading through the collection of stories he had purchased the night prior. There was quite an array of provocations, and they were not sectioned in any particular order. Some stories were familiar, others foreign, all modestly interesting to flip through. As he was reading a story of how a-
```"-dog appeared to the man in a dream, telling him that if he would take the ashes of burnt mortar and sprinkle it on withered trees, the trees would revive, and suddenly put out flowe-"```
A loud ***'THUD!'*** Would reverberate off of the door through the main room of the house, jarring Junichi from his louse. 

*'It must be the Ambassador.'*

Junichi thought to himself while looking down the room to the pristinely set table which he had already inspected on three separate occasions. He still thought it was missing something... But there was no time for that now. Getting up Junichi would pat smooth his white and red trimmed Kimono. Taking his left hand he would comb through his wavy black hair to brush his locks from slate gray eyes. Standing upright, standing at 6'0", he would take a deep breath before making his way toward the entrance. Opening the large black double doors into his estate Junichi would smile to the... Ambassador? 

When Junichi looked out he saw a man older than himself, very obviously a Lion, but it was to his understanding the Ambassador was a woman?

His gaze would then shift to the courtly dressed, yet battle-scarred, Cub by his side.

*"Ah, they must be travelers on their way to visit the Embassy."*

Junichi thought to himself while giving an acknowledging bow to both of them. 

"Noble Lion, it is always a favorable sign to have those so valiant arrive at my doors. Do not fret, my home regularly receives those of your kin throughout the year. I believe you and the young Samurai are looking for your Clan Embassy? Their buildings are just across the road making up the four estates on the right. If the Fortunes happen to fall in your favor, you may even catch Ambassador Kitsu Himiko on her way over here for tea."

He would bow once more to them both, finally stating. 

"May the Kami's light shine favorably along your path."

Junichi would then begin to retreat into his house. Closing the doors he would make his way back to the lounge of his home and resume his stories until the Ambassador arrived.

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Feel free to interrupt me at any point! ;)||
Elaine
Akodo looked fit. To. Be. Tied. His normally calm and composed demeanor suddenly became flushed with rage. The only thing holding him back was a lifetime a disciple. He had been ready to kick the door down and begin an act of incredible violence, but the small hand of Himiko and his trust in her kept his Matsu blood in check. When, finally, she quipped that the invitation had been voided and they would leave, Akodo felt some sense of vindication. He promptly turned on his heels and followed his Ambassador away, his looming form obscuring her from the sight of the door.
Barry
*"Tsk."* Himiko clicked when the door closed in her face. Something about Kazuko saying she should not hold back rung in the back of her head. Instead of Akodo losing his temper it was the ambassador that had displayed an act of violence. Alas it was violence with the intention of harm but more with the meaning of intimidation. At first it was like the ambassador was going for another polite knock that she had displayed before. But as a matter of fact it had been not that case. Her fist went crashing down through the paper thin door. Then her hand had reached out for the ankle of the Scorpion ambassador. Stopping him in his way. As she may have prevented herself from janking him towards her with the sheer force. She had created a hole big enough to show her face through. As she started speaking she had slowly let go of his ankle. 

*"We came here for a cup of tea. Unless you wish to retract your invite Ambassador Soshi-sama."* Himiko spoke. It was polite. Behind her back was a hand to stop the Akodo behind her from charging in or getting offended by the act of the Scorpion. After all she had not introduced them properly. Yet it was rather bland of the Scorpion to assume how grand a person would look. Perfect. Being easily underestimated gave room for negotiations on her side. 

*"As for that we shall take that the invitation has been voided."* Himiko had turned around and took her leave. Dusting off her hands.

*"May the ancestors grant you wisdom and the Kami radiate on your path."* Himiko chanted. *"As for your door. I'll send my greatest craftsmen when I return home."* 

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Anna
Junichi had not even managed to turn around before a pair of hands exploded through his door, grabbing him firmly by the ankles. Out of panic, Junichi would try to step back and escape, but with nowhere to step he only managed to throw himself off balance. He would vainly try to catch himself by lurching forwards, though was unable to completely pull himself upright while continuing to fall to the wooden floor below.

***"HELP!"***

He *Screamed* Out just before crashing headfirst onto the floor. 

***'THUD!'***

The back of his head hit and suddenly his world went *Black.* A panicked scurry of footsteps could immediately be heard from around the house. Just out of sight from the holes the Lion Ambassador had created she would hear a woman scream out.

*"Junichi-Sama?!"*

The Kenin around his home would gather one by one to tend to Junichi. There were three in total: a stoutly older woman with long gray hair and tired brown eyes who tended to the cooking, a fit middle-aged man that handled the landscaping that was brandishing a large cooking knife, and the young woman who had screamed with long black hair and forest green eyes, she was Junichi's personal assistant. She would be the first to kneel at his side, checking to see that he was in fact still breathing.
Barry
Yet Himiko had continued walking as if nothing had happened. She had set the tone to not underestimate her and the consequences were clear. The child had felt bad in the back of her mind but this was perhaps the hard way she was talking about. Wishing that the kami could grant her a break from stupidity every now and then. However it was only a matter of time before she had returned with a much bigger lion. Even bigger than the Akodo. Miu. 

Himiko had kept her hands off and gently opened the door. Staying outside as she let her fellow Kitsu do whatever she did best, heal. 

——— 

Miu had gently walked in and bowed down to the servants around Junichi. *"I am Kitsu Miu, a shugenja. Please let me heal the Scorpion ambassador."* The Kitsu demanded. She stepped forward into the house and Himiko was right behind her for when the servants would throw a fit over her presence. Then Miu crouched next to the scorpion ambassador. Starting to summon a spell. During the casting of the spell the Kitsu had lifted the man carefully, making sure she put her hand under his head to not hurt his neck. She remained with her hand under his head to support him. That and perhaps much more efficient healing. The Kitsu's hands started to glow and her water ring (5) and spellcraft (5) should've amplified the healing spell. It had taken a few moments. If there was any form of damage on his head it would heal. And instead of casting only a normal water healing spell. A secondary spell had found him. Casting Typhoons surge, another water spell. It would renew the chi inside Junichi to perhaps wake him up. His energy should be spiking right now. Miu was ready to get smacked into the face. This had happened many times when she did this in school. 

*"There there, you will be alright Ambassador-dono."* Miu spoke whilst still continuing to heal him with the typhoons surge. 

Himiko had stood beside Miu, occasionally looking back at Akodo. 

||
Anna
Permeating through the sterile cold of the darkness was a sensation of warmth Junichi had not felt in a *Long* Time. It was reminiscent of floating in calm ocean waves under the dusky summer sky. A time when all you could do was watch the shimmer of the setting sun set the ocean on fire. It was out there in that ethereal golden glow where you could feel the energy of the world synchronize... A feeling akin to the one Junichi had swirling inside of him right now.

The tender lull of a woman's voice would cause his eyes to flutter open, revealing a watery *Blue* Gaze. Junichjs vision would come back into focus able to rest upon the beautifully statuesque face of a woman, readily getting lost in her bright golden eyes that carefully watched over him. He would capture every detail of her in that moment from the patternlike scarring on her face, to how curly locks came down in spiraling threads of red like the burning tails of fireworks. The found that the brilliant eruption of lush red curls wonderfully accentuated her dark complexion, somewhat reminding him of a-

"... Poppy."

The guttural drone in his voice sounded like pebbles getting rolled around in crashing tides. As Junichi's regained his composure his eyes would slowly peel from the Shugenja tending to him and lazily roll about until he saw the young woman he had met with at his door earlier, as well as the man she was traveling with standing behind her. Junichi's thoughts were all hazy, though physically he had never felt so refreshed. All he could do was wonder why three Lion samurai were surrounding him? Though, just before he could even try to start piecing the puzzle back together, he heard Sakurasou's voice from behind him gasp.

*"Junichi-Sama!"*

Now all eyes were on him. Junichi would then inhale deeply and slowly begin to rise into a sitting position.

As his head broke connection with the Shugenja's touch the blue color in his eyes would gradually start to wash back out to their natural stone gray hue. Carefully Junichi would look around the room at everyone until he eventually managed to address them in a groggy tone. 

*"What... Happened?"*

He would wait for anyone to answer him, using this time to piece back the progression of events for himself.
Elaine
*What happened indeed.* Akodo wondered himself. The moments were a whirlwind, and he wasn't sure he even wanted to try and piece the puzzle together. What was Himiko doing? They had had the high ground, but now they had assaulted an arguably rude host. While challenging him to a duel over the insult hadn't been off the table, somehow doing what they did was worse.

So the looming samurai, small next to Kitsu Miu, stood just off to the side now that the Scorpion Ambassador was awake. He would not bow until Himiko did. He would not speak until Himiko had spoken. Too much was in flux her, and as the Ambassador, it was her actions to take responsibility for. If he spoke first, it would undermind her further. So he stood, ready only to act if someone attempted violence.

*What are we going to do now?*
Barry
Miu had looked at Junichi and smiled. *"There there. Calm down please, your body has been healed by the kami but I also gave you a bit more energy than necessary. Please refrain from tripping once more."* The grand Kitsu spoke as the smaller Kitsu now entered the scene. 

And lord she did not have any remorse at all. She did not smile but a more concerned look on her face. *"I busted through your door because I did not expect it to be this thin."* No lie there. Himiko did knock with the intention to knock. 

*"My temper got the hold of me here. You see I fell over whilst knocking on your door."* A lie, yet not visible as she somehow held the same tone and expression like she had done before. 

Miu had no awareness of what had actually happened. So the big Kitsu made sure she just kept an eye on Junichi. 

*"As I fell forward I accidentally grasped your ankle to brace myself from falling. That is how you startled and tumbled to the ground."* Not a lie. The last part alas. She did grab his ankle and she had not cared for the consequences. But perhaps the context would matter. 

*"My deepest apologies Scorpion-sama."* Himiko had bowed down just deep enough. Now they were on equal grounds again. 

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Anna
Junichi would both listen and watch the young Kitsu closely as she spoke. He had a keen sense for truth, a skill that Junichi has honed and sharpened throughout both his life and career. As the Kitsu woman spoke Junichi's eyes would subtly shift to the door behind her. He'd take a moment to examine the holes through his door. There were two clean punctures through the shoji paper. If it was true that the woman fell then the door would have either fallen, or there would be breakage consistent with a downward dragging motion. Neither of which appeared to be the case. 

Though, if they wanted to cause Junichi any real harm, why would they have gone through the hassle of having him so efficiently healed by a Shugenja? Another piece of the puzzle that had him concerned... He would make sure to visit a shrine after this in hopes of figuring out *Everything* That may have been cast on him while he was unconscious. 

He was still weary of what actually happened, all that Junichi could remember was the door closed and then it felt like his ankles were grabbed. Afterwards, he woke up in the Shugenja's lap. The most flustering part that Junichi still could not piece together was why this *Child* Had any business with-

*'. . . Oh-'*

That's when it all started clicking into place. To confirm, Junichi briefly turned to look over at the large man, realizing that he had yet to speak a single word. Getting a better view of him Junichi would see the mons he wore, realizing the man to be an Akodo who looked to be older than himself... Junichi's gaze would trail back over to Himiko as she wrapped up her explanation, with his eyes slowly misting over in disbelief. 

*'This child is the Lion Ambassador... I just slammed the door in the face... Of the Lion Ambassador...'*

Junichi's face would slowly drain of every sparse ounce of color it had, making his slate gray eyes look dark and sunken.

Externally Junichi did not flinch so much as an inch, internally however his mind went completely *Blank.* He was in utter shock over his actions, mortified over the spectacularly disrespectful display he just put on for his guests. But-

*He was not alone in this endeavor.*

Junichi would close his eyes and let out a controlled deep breath. The mist would clear from Junichi's vision as his eyes opened again. First, he'd look toward Himiko, then at the Kitsu Shugenja, and lastly the Akodo. Junichi, having regained himself, finally decided on how he would approach the matter.

"You may think it strange, but I often find a sense of reassurance after a bout of misfortune. Because now we can only look forward to things getting better from here. Would you not agree, *Ambassador* Kitsu Himiko-San?"

Junichi would slightly grin and chuckle to himself as he got back up onto his feet, thinking it best to just try and move on from this kerfuffle as fast as possible. Reaching into his kimono Junichi would withdraw the gift he acquired in lieu of the Ambassador's visit. Slowly and gracefully he would present it to her.

"A gift in commemoration of your visit here today, Ambassador Kitsu-San. You see, my family has always had good ties with the Lion Clan, as we have neighbored here within Ryoko Owari Toshi for generations. I have high hopes that just like all of the other relationships which have flowered in the past, ours too will one day blossom just as spectacularly."

What he held out was a magnificently engraved *Kazanshi*, with an ivory handle and pale green jade tines.

The handle was carved to resemble a field of flowers, making the jade almost look as if it were their stems. There was a small gold bead centered in what appeared to be large chrysanthemums on either end of the handle. Junichi would slide his thumb over one and apply just a small amount of pressure until he heard it *'click'*. Under inspection, one could now see that the flower was now separated out. With his other hand Junichi would gently pull on it, and sure enough out came the end tine of the *Kazanshi* Revealing a small hair-stick. Junichi would then *'click'* It back into place before hopefully handing it off to the Ambassador. After trading their formalities over the gift Junichi would continue.

"Now, -"

Junichi said addressing the group as a whole.

"-our meal awaits."

He'd gesture toward the nice and tidy table at the opposite end of the space before starting to make his way over. The servants that were still hanging about were much more relaxed now, and as Junichi walked toward the table he would silently smile and nod to them, letting them know he was okay. They would all bow deeply in unison, holding their bows for a while before breaking off to tend to their duties managing the estate. Junichi would move to take his spot at the head of the table, allowing everyone else to settle themselves wherever they pleased before their food and drink were brought to them.
Barry
Himiko had observed Junichi's every move as he offered a gift. Her gold and blue eye sparked as she observed the beauty of this item. A clear awe on her face as she went through the traditional three refusals. A genuine smile grew upon her face as she bowed down even deeper than before.

 *"Thank you Soshi-sama. I do not have the words to express my gratitude. It is absolutely beautiful."* She took the gift with both hands as she suddenly revealed a small gift that had been put on the doorway for a moment. 

One that Miu had handed to the Ambassador. Then the giant Kitsu left with a deep bow to everyone. She simply vanished. Admiring how silent such a big Shugenja could be. 

Then the Kitsu ambassador held out a small bonsai tree. Beautiful planted and taken care of. It was a Japanese maple bonsai. 

*"Akodo-sama and I tried our best to keep it in it's most beautiful form for you."* 

It clearly was well taken care off. One you could not buy at any store. One that had been brewing for many months. Years even. 

Himiko had went through the refusals once more before handing it over and joining the scorpion ambassador for a meal. It was clear that she did not fear poisoning as she had not awaited for somebody else to drink. That or death feared Himiko. Also a possibility as she had proven herself not to mess with. 

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Elaine
Akodo drifted as though in a daze through this... Bizarre exchange of courtly gamesmanship. He was *Truly* Impressed, not just at Junichi's ability to recover, but to say all of that with a straight face given what had happened. Truly, Ambassadors were made of different stuff than the old Akodo Lion. He entered the residence with Himiko, though he did not join the ambassadors at the table, but rather took what repast was offered to him as he served in the role of her yojimbo tonight off to the side where others of his role would be expected to be, so that they could maintain rediness and vigil, rather than be distracted by finery. His role was to defend Himiko's honor and life, but otherwise to listen and observe. So observe he did. He did smile a bit in pride when Himiko offered the bansai. It was not a skill he had, but he was proud of the gift as it had come out wonderfully.
Anna
A warm smile would grow on Junichi's face as the Lion Ambassador presented the well-manicured Japanese Maple bonsai. He would of course go through the customary, although rather tedious, tradition of refusing the gift three times before finally accepting it with both hands and a bow.

"It is very lovely, Kitsu-San. I can see a lot of care went into this, I will do my best to maintain the pristine visage you have curated."

Junichi would then guide them over to the table, finally realizing what it was that was missing from it. He would place the bonsai in the middle of the table and take a few steps back to look at the new centerpiece. It was *Perfect,* Exactly what the table had been lacking. With a grin of satisfaction, Junichi would make his way to the head of the table to sit. He'd see that the Akodo wouldn't be joining them, Junichi couldn't say he was surprised as it was the nature of the job for a Yojimbo. 

It was not long after they sat that the Kenin who had appeared earlier would begin serving the table. The dish presented to both the Ambassadors was *Tonkatsu ramen*; complete with chicken, bamboo shoots, a soft-boiled egg cut in two, and chives. Accompanying the dish were a series of different sauces to put into the chicken stock, as well as mint tea and a glass of white rice wine. One of the Kenin would break from the table holding a cup of tea on a small saucer with a slice of flatbread.

She would make her way over to the standing Akodo and bow to him before presenting the mint tea and bread, a small offering to the one who chose to abstain from the lunch inspired by Lion Clan delicacies.

Once everything was served Junichi would pour in a hefty amount of curry sauce into his ramen, stirring it in thoroughly before digging in. The meal, like all others prepared here, was of course delicious. After some food, tea, and a little bit of wine, Junichi would address the Ambassador.

"I'd like to thank you again Ambassador for taking time out of your busy day to join me for lunch. I hope everything is to your liking?"
Elaine
Akodo would bow slightly to the kenin who brought him his food and drink, eating the flatbread and enjoying the mint tea, though he would wait until the Ambassadors had started their food before eating. He would look longingly at the delicious looking tonkatsu ramen, and the delicious looking soft boiled eggs, but only once and then pointedly never again. His role here was one of solemn, sacred responsibility and he would not cast wanting looks at the table. Still, he would be going to find someone to make ramen for dinner tonight.

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Barry
Himiko had started the feast the moment Junichi had done so. She clearly seemed to enjoy it as the stern side of her cleared up to the more expected childlike side. *"Thank you for this meal."* Himiko had chanted. Perhaps a bit too loud but loud enough for everyone to at least hear it. Then the politics had started when the younger girl continued her feast, still keeping manners of course. 

*"I would like to thank you for your invite Soshi-sama. Your home is one that is beyond beauty within this city."* Enough ass kissing, Himiko had thought to herself. She was still a bit angered about being underestimated once more. But shake it off and be an adult. 

*"Tell me, as direct as a lion can be, what were the things you wished to discuss."* She glanced over to Katsuhiro and bowed down her head for a second to wish him a good meal as well. A polite smile grew upon her face as she had put a halt to eating. 

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