Shaun
It was Himiko who had called all together. The attendants hastily gathered the samurai of the Lion clan into the dining area. It was filled with food that made the appetite grow within the moment the aroma had been in reach. So perhaps it was not that impossible to gather all the Lions. 

** Moments later ** 

Himiko managed to somehow get all Lion in one place. She had done this twice before and wished to do so more often. She had granted them seats and tea. Soon sake to wash away things. The young Kitsu stood in front of the table and started to speak. 

*"I know it might be strange for me to suddenly gather you here, but please get acquainted with the idea of this occurring every month."* Himiko had paused and she would bow down. 

*"It is time I become a better leader. I have kept many of you in the dark about many things and I feel like things should be clarified on my side. See this as a briefing and an opportunity to befriend your fellow Lion if you have not done so yet. After all, keep in mind we are the only one to trust. The only one that will battle alongside eachother without stabbing backs. We are the Lion."* Himiko stated before rising to her small height again. She would brush away her hair. Hopefully looking into the room. 

*"Find yourself some food and tea as next time I will teach you Cuju as a mandatory team building."* The young Kitsu had chuckled. 

*"As for the first point of today. Who are your friends. Who are your allies."* 

She would leave some room for people to start speaking. 

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Alice
Keyaki, a man with no friends and no allies in this strange and new city. 

He listened to Himiko, kneeling pensively at the table, having partaken in the minimally sociable amount of tea and sake. He set his hands down primly upon his knees, cane resting at his side. 

He inhaled slowly, intercepting the blood that threatened to rush up to his cheeks. He was no stranger to being the newest member of court, but it was an anxiety one never truly hardened to. He was intimately conscious of the inexpensive cut of his kimono, the graying of his hair, and the crookedness of his teeth. He worked his jaw, looking quietly about the room.

When Himiko departed, he inhaled again. His voice was official and impersonal, and his eyes were far from earnest.

"I am Akodo Keyaki, summoned to serve in a capacity as counselor. It is my great honor to dine among you. I am unaware, at this time, of any personal friends or allies in this city."

The imperative of his niece so executed, he nodded and returned to a neutral expression of silence.
Monica
Sat at a distant corner of the gathering as ever, Maeda was quietly pleased at Himikos proclamation until the mention of mandatory Cujo was mentioned, A point he hoped to convince her towards seeing sense on at a later date. Drowning in the sense of De ja vu as it felt so recently many of the lions where gathered in such a similar manner, he wistfully cast his mind back to Ikoma Miho's stab at him from the last dinner before announcing from his corner.

**"Though I may not be the best cuju partner I have no pause in saying that all of the lion clan are my friends and allies. As was the last time we gathered I shall say again 'The lion never fears to walk alone'. "**

As he finished his oration he gently tapped his cup against the table before taking a sip, closing his eyes to those assembled for but a moment as he drank deeply.
Rodger
"Akodo Keyaki-senpai?" Came the voice of Akodo Katsuhiro. It had been many, many years since he had heard of the man, and even more since he had seen him. Akodo had been a younger man then, still eager to prove himself, and Keyaki had still been with the legions, making a name for himself as a swordsman, "Then you do have one personal friend in the city. It has been a lifetime since I last saw you. I imagine I look much different now, I am Akodo Katsuhiro. We would often spar together in the tournaments at Castle of the Swift Sword."

Akodo felt a swift rush of embarrassment that someone might remember the younger, brasher version of himself.

"As for friends and allies, I feel I have made a good an honorable rapport with Shinjo Temujin-san, he is an honorable and plain spoken man of general good will." He knew his audience too, "To my knowledge he has not fought in any of the skirmishes. I also count among my good company Asako Sanumo-san, though he is incredibly shrewed, so be careful of what you say around him. I suspect he may be the eyes and ears of the Phoenix clan. Yasuki Umeo-san and I also seem to have hit it off, he is the Karo to Koyama-sama of the Crab. I have met Moshi Mai-sama of the Mantis, and she and I parted on good terms with a mutual respect for one another. I had met the former ambassador of the Crane, but he seems to have been recalled."
Alejandro
Hotaru had likely sat herself nearby Miho and was sipping at tea.

"My allies are my clan and my friends mostly among them. I will note, however, positive relations with Rokugo Yuto-san and Shiba Terumi-san." Hotaru's words were succinct and to the point though it was notable that as friendly as her relations with Yuto and Terumi were, she did not count either as an ally or true friend.
Jeffery
Miho and Rin sat one of in front of the other, Rin rigid from the tension, Miho because she was Miho. The Chui bowed her head deeply at the new advisor, whatever his rank one must respect their elders, and waited patiently her turn before beginning. "I have already voiced this topic in private to Kitsu-sama, but I shall repeat it here, for all to here. From the Phoenix, I am also in positive relationships with Asako Sanumo and Shiba Terumi. From the Crab, Yasuki Umeo. From the Unicorn, Shinjo Temujin, Shinjo Sumire, Ide Khulan and *Taisa* Utaku Kazuko are those that I have met and entertained a good conversation with, at varying degrees of intensity. From the Mantis, I mingled with the skilled archers of Tsuruchi dojo, and had a brief conversation with Moshi Kana at out feast." She pauses, and then adds, with calculating indifference. "By the way, I have reasons to believe she is about to marry a Unicorn. The conversation she had with Utaku Kazuko suggests that much."

A moment of silence followed her telegraphic answer, and rather embarrassingly, Rin chose this moment to speak up, making her own response seem tragically inadequate in comparison. "A-ah, I also met Khulan-sama. She's very nice."

Miho's eye twitched imperceptibly.

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Alice
Keyaki's eyes lofted to Maeda as he spoke, measuring the samurai. This one he knew from his arrival to the city. His mind flowed through several appraisals, noting Maeda's words passively with a short nod. He wondered if he could possess the same openness of spirit and comradery this Ikoma demonstrated—the stark contrast to his own brief response not lost on him. What exactly *Was* Maeda's role in the clan? Time would tell, he was certain.

Next, his brown eyes traveled slowly to the voice of Katsuhiro. 

He was unable to suppress a faint, reminiscent smile at the edges of his lips. Of course he remembered the oak-like Akodo. It was foolish of him to forget that the Taisa was assigned here. Perhaps the journey west taxed his wits.

*By the void, how many years has it been?* Time had graced its white spell upon them both—but Keyaki much more so. He sensed that somewhere, Katsuhiro still possessed that flaring obduracy of his youth. 

He bowed his head respectfully. 

"I remember our sparring well, Taisa-Akodo-sama." *Worst beating I ever took,* Keyaki recalled silently. *Earth stance, if I recall, and nearly impenetrable. An artful understanding of defense.* He was unable to fully suppress his envy for the distance their two paths had gained since those early days. How he longed to feel the pebbles under his feet and weight of the katana in his hands, as he had in that forgotten era. Once, he was a worthy match to the stout Akodo's skill. Such freedom! No matter. A faded nobori on a forgotten plain.

He listened to the next three speakers in turn, marking familiarity with the loud Matsu he encountered on his way to the noble quarter. His mind raced through the names as they were listed, absolving to commit them to memory and conduct further inquiry in the future. What was it about Matsu Rin that seemed so familiar? Uncertain. So much work to be done—and no time for bitterness. He briefly considered how he might affix himself to the affairs of inter-clan politics but resolved to investigate later. Patience was the mark of a true counselor. One must know their own castle before lifting the gates.
Rodger
Kenshin was uncertain about his report, he wanted to see it progress more, but he felt some pressure from the crowd to be included and to announce his attempted endeavors.

"I have made a good working relationship with Asako Sanumo-san, to the point where he has come to me to ask for help in an endeavor of his. Together, we have hosted a symposium on the interplay of geography and its effects on communication throughout the Empire. By design, it attracted a bureaucrat from each of the clans to attend. I am hopeful to attempt to further these professional connections. In attendance was also Ide Takuma-san, Moshi Kana-san, Asahina Tadayasu-san, Yasuki Umeo-san, and Bayushi Tomura-san. The Dragon clan was not represented."

It was a strong starting endeavor. He at least had the names of who in each clan could be contacted should the Ambassador not be the correct person to raise an issue to, or whom might be expected to attend the Ambassador. The innocent conversations would lead to advantage for the Lion clan. It would help *All* The clans, but as the leader of this group, it would set the Lion in the lead.
Kimberly
Amidst the esteemed gathering of Lion samurai in the embassy, a figure approached with a stride both proud and measured, a testament to the resilience etched into his very posture. Akodo Akechi made his entrance, adorned in a gold and white kimono that, despite its regality, bore traces of the skirmish he had recently weathered. Specks of dirt and a few smudges marred the pristine fabric, and a discerning eye could trace the faint remnants of hastily cleaned bloodstains.

His normally impeccable hair, a symbol of Lion discipline, seemed a touch disheveled, an unintended reflection of the physical altercation he had endured. Yet, the wear on his appearance did nothing to diminish the lion-hearted demeanor that emanated from him. If anything, it served as a testament to the ferocity and indomitable spirit of the Lion warrior.

As he entered the gathering, Akechi's eyes scanned the assembly, noting familiar faces and observing the dynamics at play. His keen gaze eventually fell upon a new face in the crowd, the Lion named Akodo Keyaki. A respectful bow preceded his words as he approached.

"My apologies for the tardiness," Akechi began, his voice carrying the weight of the events preceding his arrival. "I am Akodo Akechi, and I see we have a new face among us today. Welcome! May the bonds of our pride strengthen with your presence."

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Rodger
"Thank you everyone for your reports." Katsuhiro's voice called out over the mummering that filled the small silences.

"As many of you have seen, we have a few new faces since last time. I would like to formally welcome Matsu Rin-chan, a cousin of our own Ikoma Miho-san. We also are joined by an old senpai of mine, Akodo Keyaki-senpai. Please, make extra effort in the coming days to make them feel welcome and show them around the city."

Katsuhiro gave a deeper than normal bow to both of them to show them his deep respect and welcome for their journeys to the Embassy. This was not a popular outpost for Lions, and typically they let only the most disciplined of Lion come here due to the reputation of the city. Still, their numbers were filling out, which would be necessary to make a play for control of the city.

"Ikoma-san" Katsuhiro said, looking towards 

||
Jeffery
The young Matsu froze on the spot,but only from the shift on attention on her: in fact, her eyes had been drawn to the late arrival, and hadn't left him since then. *Good Heavens, who is _that?_ * So far, the males in Rin's life had only included her father, her siblings the heimin of her village, and her fellow students, so she was absolutely unprepared to see someone like Akechi. Tall, handsome, disheleved, he looked like he just came straight out of a Kabuki play! She felt her face becoming the same colour of her hair, and desperately struggled to find something smart to say. Something witty. Something that would make her look charming and interesting. "I, uh, eh... Thank you, Akodo-sama." Something unlike this.


Luckily, her cousin had a much quicker reaction, rolling her eyes at Akechi's arrival and bowing her head to her Taisa. "Thank you, Akodo-sama." Her face revealed nothing, but internally, she was quite pleased. Another small success for her, and in front of the whole embassy. Not bad... But nearly not enough. This was only to be the appetiser to her future accomplishments.

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Shaun
Miu had straightened herself and cleared her throat as if she wishes the attention. She would brush back her bright red hair before she spoke. *"I have beliefs that something has occured between the Unicorn and Phoenix. Iemon-..."* She corrected herself swiftly. *"Ambassador Shiba Iemon had a wound on his arm which likely could mean something? Although I am not familiar in ways of the sword. But I reckon it's not his own doing."* She stated. 

*"Not to mention when I ventured out to pray for some people I noticed a bunch of burnt building in the market district. When asked about it the Heimin mentioned something about Samurai and consequences."* 


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Kimberly
Akechi observed the gathering with a quiet intensity, his keen eyes scanning the room as Katsuhiro addressed the assembly. His gaze shifted to Matsu Rin, noting her unease. Concern etched across his features, he approached her with a subtle grace, narrowing the distance with a few measured steps.

Akechi's expression softened as he reached out, placing a hand on Matsu Rin's forehead, gauging her temperature. "You seem unwell," He remarked, a note of worry underlying his words. "Perhaps you should consider resting. Your health is of utmost importance."

As he withdrew, standing with a respectful posture, he turned his attention to the ongoing discussions. Akechi shared the information he had gathered, his voice steady and measured. "Well there has been some unsettling activities afoot, and I am in the process of gathering more concrete information. But I have also heard that the Scorpions appear to be in disarray from within, warranting a vigilant eye. But as for your inquiries Miu-San, if needed, I can delve into my sources to inquire about the burnt buildings in the market, seeking any relevant information."

His gaze swept across the assembly, a lion's pride evident in his bearing. "In these uncertain times, unity is our strength. We must stand together and face the challenges that lie ahead."

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Jeffery
*Eh? Is he coming to me?! Maybe he's just looking for a seat? No, he's coming to me, he's coming to me, he's coming to me-* Rin swallowed a scream as Akechi approached, resisting the impulse to fix her hair. Okay, look natural, mature yet approachable... She can do this. But then he touched her forehead.

She was feverish, alright, but not because of her health. Basically half of her blood rushed to her head, and mumbled something unintelligible. Mercifully, then, he moved away, and she remembered how to breath. *Could it be...? No, don't be stupid Rin, he doesn't even know you! But he was concerned _for me_....*

Luckily, Rin could rely on her cousin to get her back to earth, as Miho leaned to whisper her behind the fan: "*Don't even think about leaving before the meeting is over. Faint with your eyes open, if you must."*

The Ikoma linked her fingers together, nodding at the Kensai's words. "A wise reminder for us all, Akechi-san: once more, the other clans show they do not know how to stand as one like we do, and that shall be their undoing." She collected her thoughts for a moment. "I would personally like you to do so, Akechi-san, but I would also advise caution. If we did not hear word about this so far, it must be because someone silenced the rumors. We do not want to alert the enemies. I will try to accrue more intel from our acquaintances within the Phoenix, but I think the heimin who witnessed the event would be the most reliable source: we should find them, before the rumor grows past the truth and becomes a work of fiction. Only problem, is the Unicorn: I have noticed that one of their kin, Shinjo Temujin, is always at the bazaar. To guide people, of course, but probably also to watch over their interests."

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Charles
The motion itself was quiet, when a servant opened the door for Ikoma Kazuyo. As were her steps. And yet, there was no small chance that her arrival would draw eyes, as the Bard stepped inside. Lions rarely, basically never, dressed with such splendor. A fine Kimono, decorated, expensive fan and golden hair pins let Kazuyo positively shine in the light of the room. And given the confident, half closed eyes and smirk, she was very much aware of this. She had returned to the city only a day ago, but was already in the process of reinserting herself as, what she believed to be, the head courtier of the Embassy. Kazuyo was quite young for a samurai, but she had the, perhaps misplaced, confidence of someone who had been navigating the courts for decades.

"Kitsu-sama. Forgive my delayed arrival. I was all too late informed about our meeting. The hustle and bustle of reconnecting to the city has kept me from assuming my position fully." Her song-like voice cheerfully announced her, as she took a slow, graceful bow, moving to take her seat, once Himiko would allow her to.
Rodger
A new face had entered the room, and out of habbit, Katsuhiro turned his eyes towards Kenshin, as if the poor man would know who she was. When the boy gave the fainted nod that he didn't know who she was, Katsuhiro realized he should have turned to Himiko instead. So he leaned over to ask her if she know who this woman was. Upon hearing the name, he knew immediately. He had read about her in the notes of the embassy. The Lion's Tongue, Zenmai had named her, and he recalled she had been a part of the procession which returned the former Ambassador to Lion lands. He hoped that perhaps she brought news from home. Perhaps something that could not be shared by letter which could be intercepted.

"We welcome you back, Ikoma Kazuyo-san." He gave her a respectful nod of his head, before returning his attention to the matters at hand and *Ignoring* The scene that Akechi was making in the middle of the meeting.

"AS WE WERE SAYING" He spoke loudly to take command of the room once more, "That is excellent information Kitsu Miu-san, and you as well, Akodo-san. I did hear the rumors about the explosion in that part of the city. It will be good to know what really happened there."

It seemed everyone had given the intel that they had.

"Now that we have shared information, I wish to review the basic goals we have for the city. As Kitsu-sama and I have mentioned to many of you, it is our intent to show that the presence of the Lion clan here in the city, as the *Right Hand of the Emperor* That we are a stabilizing presence within the city. While we cannot turn the city into a Lion clan holding and govern the way we typically would, it is up to us to show to the Governor and the city itself that there is a reason we are the example. Every good army wins and loses based on the same things regardless of the terrain. Remember: Kami, Intelligence, Supplies, and Strategy."

"We cannot control what the Kami will do, or how they will weave our fate, we can only live by the code and hope that they recognize our honor. 

"Intelligence on the battlefield is knowledge of the terrain and the enemy, it is not much different here in the city. We need connections among the other clans, but also among the leaders of the city. The headmen of the neighborhoods, the leadership of the city bureaucracy, the leadership of the Thunder Guard, and those well connected so that we can stop being behind and chasing rumors. We need to foster these connections.

"Supplies... We are far away from home, and reinforcements are unlikely. We have to make due with with the people we have, but in the game of politics, allies and information are our supplies. This embassy is our safe harbor, anything else we need is likely to have to come through other means. We should have a stockpile of goods that we need, but also be prepared for whatever comes."

"Strategy. That is where Kitsu Himiko-sama comes in. She is the leader of all Lion in the city, and when she speaks, she speaks with the Authority of the Champion himself. She is the one who answers to the Otomo when any of us steps out of line." He leveled his stone hard gaze across the room, driving that point home to everyone there. "There are things in motion that cannot be shared with everyone, for merely talking about them may alert the ears of the walls, but there are big things in motion. Remember your purpose, and remember that while we are undisputedly the masters of the battlefield, we must adjust to the terrain. In this case, the terrain is the City of Lies. We must arm ourselves with the weapons of this battle, even if it is not the katana."

With that, gave Himiko a seated bow to allow her to continue if she wished. ||
Shaun
Himiko would stand up. *"I am glad you arrived back here Ikoma-san. We might need it."* The young Kitsu would give a death glare to both Akechi and Rin. Hoping that it would speak more than her words would. Then she would bow down at the newly arrival, gesturing her to sit down. The young Kitsu would brush back her blonde hairs and traced one scar on her hand before speaking. Breaking the silence. 

*"We are silently making our security in our embassy grow. This will be discussed with no other clan and this will be done in the shadows. Nobody needs to know why. Nobody but us. You see. We are currently at peace with every clan. Strange you may say. I am sad to admit this will only be temporary. We need eyes. We lack information and before we know it we will be the donkey that will hit itself on the stone twice."* Himiko stated. Making sure by now she had grasped everyones attention. 

*"I have sent Matsu Hotaru-san out to seek out our status with the Unicorn clan, combine this with a little ground work of their weakest link and we might gather some leverage. This must be done for other clans as well. We are currently negotiating with the Crab clan. They will be our main supply we need them if the Unicorn gather the city by Summer."* She would glance towards Katsuhiro. She was not ready to share what was about to happen between them, the unicorn and the scorpion. *"Keep in mind, I wish not to break the temporary truce. I wish not to start wars in a city we don't have troops or room to even shift. So you better not start one. Because my head is the one rolling by the hand of the Otomo if one of you decide to do so."* She kept a temporary silence. She would take a sip of tea. Then simply continued speaking. 

It had been truly mesmerizing how much breath and voice the small Lion held. *"I wish for us to investigate the other clans, seek out alliances, find our enemies. Find their weakest link so when they attempt to undermine us, we strike back twice as hard. Therefore these meetings will be kept every month. To update."* She would glance over to all of them. *"Please tell me if you have interest or previous connection with one of the clan members and therefore better access to one of the clans to investigate."* 

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Charles
Kazuyo took a grateful bow, before moving to her seat and sitting down, snapping open her fan and gently waving it about, like a playful cat would whip about its tail with lazy grace.
*"While my absence means that most of my prior contacts have either left or been made to leave, it should not be too long for myself to regain those connections."* She hummed, thoughtfully. *"But perhaps, we need not be passive and defensive in this. Rather than figuring out how they feel about us, I offer a simple alternative: how do you want them to feel about us? And I shall move to see it done, while looking to find out how they feel about us. Frankly, more than anything, I would very much like to see how the Emerald Magistrate about all this, now that she is essentially running the city."*
Kazuyo had been back for barely a day and already she was bragging via implication and going on the offensive, the fan's motions becoming a bit more like slashes, shifting from lazy grace to a predator getting ready to pounce.
Kimberly
Akechi's attention divided between the unfolding discussions and the intriguing dynamics within the room, nodded solemnly as Katsuhiro acknowledged the information shared. A sense of duty and concern for the Lion's reputation drove him to respond to the call for further investigation.

"Katsuhiro-sama, Miho-San," Akechi spoke with a measured tone, addressing both his Taisa and his Ikoma brethren. "I will reach out to my sources to uncover more details about the incident. We must strive for clarity amidst the shadows that obscure our understanding."

As he contemplated his next move, a familiar face entered the room, capturing Akechi's attention. The graceful presence of Ikoma Kazuyo, the Lion's Tongue, drew a fleeting smile from him. It had been a while since their paths crossed, and her return brought a welcomed sense of familiarity.

"Kazuyo-san," Akechi acknowledged her arrival with a respectful nod, appreciating her knack for courtly intrigue. The unexpected reunion added another layer of complexity to the meeting.

With the stage set, Akechi listened intently to Katsuhiro and Himiko's perspectives, a silent pledge of allegiance in his demeanor. When prompted to share his connections, he responded with a composed assurance.

"I have established connections with Bayushi Kaori from the Scorpion, I have recently too been getting closely acquainted with Kitsune Tsuta from the Mantis Clan, and maintaining a steady communication with Yasuki Rei from the Crab, oh yeah— I have recently have had amicable relationship with Asako Sanumo from the Phoenix," Akechi stated, offering a glimpse into his network of affiliations.

As the meeting continued, he absorbed the strategic goals outlined by Katsuhiro and Himiko, recognizing the importance of unity and subtlety in navigating the intricate web of alliances and potential conflicts within the City of Lies. The Lion Kensai stood poised, ready to fulfill his role in this delicate dance of politics and power.

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