The Hizashi Clan
Established
Roleplay posts: 31
Allegiances: Tawakoshi, The Hizashi Clan
Registered: Aug 8, 2017 9:12:16 GMT -8
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Post by The Hizashi Clan on Jan 4, 2018 15:22:44 GMT -8
The guard did not look particularly happy, but Yamazaki escorted Ryuzo away before any more could be said or done. It was guaranteed that once Ryuzo was out of earshot the guards would be exchanging words about him. “They are very loyal to Lord Genji, which I'm sure you'll agree is a good thing,” Yamazaki said as they entered the first courtyard. “We all are, of course, but especially those who came with him from Katashima. He returned Ryuzo's gaze, and gave a small bow but did not return the smile. He mentally added the services of a masseur to his list of items which needed to be provided for Ryuzo-dono's comfort.
Yamazaki's face twisted slightly on Ryuzo's reaction to the mention of his son. So he would be the one to break the news. He indicated a door that led to a small rest area for guests to be received on entry to the mansion, and let Ryuzo walk through it. Once insidee he continued talking. Even as unsentimental as Yamazaki was, he didn't relish the task of informing Ryuzo of what had happened and watching all those emotions parade over the lord's face. “Kojuro-dono was wounded quite seriously. His life isn't in any danger thanks to Anzen-hime's work, but he's still unconscious right now. I'm sorry, I thought that was why you had returned.”
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Ryuzo Hizashi
Established
Roleplay posts: 24 
Age: 43
Physical Description: Ryuzo Hizashi is a man of normal stature, but always carries himself with dignity. He has his hair tied into a knot on the back of his head and both that and his moustache and goatee has started becoming increasingly grey with his age.
Clothes and Equipment: For daily use he's normally conservative and tries to use his grey Yukata and red/brown Haori whenever possible. He only rarely dresses up in fancy robes and clothes.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Dec 29, 2017 10:30:39 GMT -8
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Post by Ryuzo Hizashi on Jan 5, 2018 0:05:49 GMT -8
I think there's a difference between loyalty and blind obedience. I wish Genji would recognize that better." Ryuzo said and left it at that. He would have liked to have discuss this further with Yamazaki, but he frankly wasn't in the mood right now with his back hurting and wishing to go see Kojuro.
Ryuzo was slightly perplexed hearing that his son too had problems. He followed Yamazaki through the door to the resting area but if he didn't provide any clearer answer there, he would demand to know. Ryuzo sighed deeply as heard this. It was a relief he was still alive and stable, but he was not impressed.
"I returned to discuss with him how to lead the clan when Genji was ill and now I find that he himself has become incapable of leading." Ryuzo said as his shock slowly turned to disappointment. "Could you please explain to me in words I can understand after my long trip..." he said and paused. "... How it is my son journeyed out in battle putting himself in danger, when he was the commanding lord of the clan? You must excuse me if someone attempted to assassinate him, but that would mean he had done something right for once, and that would be very unlike my son!" Ryuzo said as he felt anger rise through him. They were harsh word spoken a bit too prematurely though, but he couldn't help but vent his frustrations. "No, it's far more likely he journeyed into some reckless battle as he always did. Please be honest with me, what lord, family or daimyo was important enough to require his assistance and where he couldn't send a few of Genji's large standing army?" Ryuzo asked and sat down. He hoped that Kojuro had at least risked his life for something very important but wanted to hear exactly why Kojuro had gotten himself badly injured.
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Junichiro Yamazaki
Established
Bureaucrat
Roleplay posts: 13
Physical Description: A thin-faced man with immaculately oiled hair. His expression is usually serious. Although he is a samurai he does not appear to be particularly well-inclined to battle from his physique.
Registered: Jan 5, 2018 4:19:09 GMT -8
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Post by Junichiro Yamazaki on Jan 5, 2018 8:15:54 GMT -8
Yamazaki sat listening to Ryuzo as the former lord's anger seemed to get the better of him, his lips drawn together tightly. Had his time as a monk – his self imposed exile from the Hizashi clan - driven Ryuzo mad? “Ryuzo-dono, since you're aware of the difference between loyalty and blind obedience, I hope you won't mind me being frank. I realise you have had bad news but please put your emotion to one side and think rationally. Are you not a Monk of Reason after all?” If Ryuzo looked as though he was going to calm down, Yamazaki would continue. He disliked people displaying their emotions so strongly, and it was particularly unbefitting of someone of Ryuzo's stature.
“You are labouring under a few misapprehensions, which I shall clarify,” he said, making a bow. “The Hizashi clan has only grown stronger under Lord Genji's leadership. We are better equipped, larger in number, and hold more territory than ever before. The land has prospered. The facts in the ledgers speak for themselves. Genji-dono first fell ill some months ago, and this was understandably kept from the knowledge of all but a few. Kojuro-dono, while lacking something of the vision and experience of Genji-dono, has led the clan effectively since then, advised by Sayuri-dono and the other elders of the clan. There has been no drop in productivity,infiltration into our territories or notable dissent during that time. Genji-dono was in fact, back at the helm, at the time that Kojuro-dono was injured – not Kojuro-dono himself. Since then, it seems Genji-dono's condition has worsened once again. Outside of this mansion all but a few are unaware of Genji-dono's illness and it is hoped that that will stay the case.
“As to Kojuro-dono's motivations or the suitability of his actions I can hardly comment. As you know, I am concerned only with facts and figures, and in this matter facts seem hard to come by. Perhaps if you are concerned about the clan, you should talk to Sayuri-dono. If you wish to learn more about what happened to Kojuro-dono, Sou Yasuke, a former ronin,” Yamazaki looked disapproving, “wrote a report of the incident. I don't consider him particularly reliable, but the only other witness was a servant girl. According to Sou-san, he and Kojuro-dono went to rescue a woman Sou-san recognised as being a servant at the Hizashi Mansion, whom he saw being abducted from the Kita Shrine. In the course of this rescue they were set upon by a group of armed men, whom they killed between them, but not before Kojuro-dono was wounded by one of their number armed with a knife or small dagger. The girl, Nakatani, and Sou Yasuke were apparently mostly unharmed.”
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Ryuzo Hizashi
Established
Roleplay posts: 24
Age: 43
Physical Description: Ryuzo Hizashi is a man of normal stature, but always carries himself with dignity. He has his hair tied into a knot on the back of his head and both that and his moustache and goatee has started becoming increasingly grey with his age.
Clothes and Equipment: For daily use he's normally conservative and tries to use his grey Yukata and red/brown Haori whenever possible. He only rarely dresses up in fancy robes and clothes.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Dec 29, 2017 10:30:39 GMT -8
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Post by Ryuzo Hizashi on Jan 5, 2018 13:04:20 GMT -8
Ryuzo listened to Yamazaki pointing to the fact that he was indeed a monk of reason and had it been anything but his stoic voice, he might not have been swayed that easily and may even had directed his anger towards the given person. But as things were the 'matter-of-fact' way Yamazaki put things did somewhat calm Ryuzo.
"A monk of reason huh? You think I'm acting unreasonable towards my son? Well I'll let fact settle that." he said and paused when Yamazaki moved to clarify things. "Misconceptions? I have yet to meet anyone who's dedication towards facts would outdo yours. So if you can elaborate for me, I'd be very happy to hear." Ryuzo said and crossed his arms. At the same time a servant girl who had been sent for by Yamazaki entered. And once she had poured both of them a cup of tea, she sat behind Ryuzo and started slowly massaging his shoulder and neck. Judging from his facial expression you'd hardly think Ryuzo noticed she started, but small satisfied grunts along the way revealed his satisfaction.
"I cannot judge whether they have grown stronger, I've been meditating in a forest the last few years." Ryuzo said with a wry smile, cracking something akin to a joke. He did believe Yamazaki's assessment, but frankly he was fed up with anything that sounded like Genji-adoration. Partly because he had come as Ryuzo's older brother and pushed Ryuzo from the leadership of the clan with everyone hailing Genji as the grand savior. But also because Ryuzo knew Genji as his brother and was aware that he wasn't at all the perfect lord they so longed for him to be.
"Regarding Kojuro I know very well you can only rule with the assistance of advisers for so long, and it is when he needs to make his own decisions the real test comes. That's why I'm here - to make sure he doesn't lose his focus as I suspect he did in this case." Ryuzo said. He had clearly calmed a lot, and the massage served to soften him up too, but nevertheless he felt convinced Kojuro needed his presence and action at this hour.
"I'm sure Sayuri-dono is busy tending to her husband as she should, thus I'm more interested in knowing what happened in the situation with Kojuro. You have taken your time explaining this." Ryuzo said with a slight frown. "A report? I'd like to read that." he said and firmly removed the servant girl's hand from his shoulder. "That would be fine for now thanks. Please fetch me this report that Yamazaki-san is speaking about will you?" he asked sipping his tea in silence until the servant returned with this report. "Thank you, please continue." he said as she resumed her massage duty while Ryuzo looked through the report his eyes fastening themselves to certain parts of the text.
"Why would you call this samurai unreliable, Yamazaki-san? After all he seems to be the only witness to have seen exactly what happened all the way through. Is it because he wasn't hand picked by Genji?" he said dry and gave Yamazaki a brief glance. "And this other witness you said was a servant girl... It is this Nakatani girl right?" he wanted to get this fact clarified as Yamazaki somewhat seemed to separate those two as he explained it. Ryuzo squinted and started reading out loud from a particular part of the report.
"... As I approached Hizashi-dono (Kojuro Hizashi) in the dojo I explained that I saw a girl - who was likely a servant of the clan Hizashi - being abducted at the Kita Shrine... Hizashi-dono immediately commanded me to fetch his horse in order for us to go after the kidnapper." Ryuzo read and glanced at Yamazaki. "What do you glean from this?" Ryuzo asked Yamazaki rhetorically but moved to answer that himself. "Kojuro went on a reckless rescue mission deep inside the forest with no backup what so ever. And that's fact." Ryuzo said and returned his gaze to the report.
"... We battled half a dozen bandits outside the shack where we had tracked the kidnapper to. Unfortunately Hizashi-dono stepped in to intercept an attack from one of the bandits and was stabbed in the stomach in the process." Ryuzo read out loud and paused to try to interpret what was written there.
"This... doesn't make sense. Did he drop his katana? It almost sounds like this samurai tried to cover the fact that Kojuro had moved to protect him by recklessly throwing himself in front of the attack." Ryuzo mused but of course couldn't conclude anything solid. "If this samurai Sou Yasuke had my interest, where could I seek him out?" he asked, having gleaned what he wanted. "And how about this servant girl, Nakatani? I'd like to speak to her too." he said. Ryuzo had already arrived at the provisional conclusion that Kojuro had some kind of close relationship with these two. "Ohh yes, and please also tell Anzen about my arrival. I suspect she's excited to see her dad after such a long time, but please let her know it will have to wait a bit." Ryuzo added lastly.
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Junichiro Yamazaki
Established
Bureaucrat
Roleplay posts: 13
Physical Description: A thin-faced man with immaculately oiled hair. His expression is usually serious. Although he is a samurai he does not appear to be particularly well-inclined to battle from his physique.
Registered: Jan 5, 2018 4:19:09 GMT -8
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Post by Junichiro Yamazaki on Jan 8, 2018 12:02:29 GMT -8
“You don’t need to judge,” said Yamazaki, either not getting the “joke” or not finding it funny, “Those are the facts. Perhaps Sayuri-dono will allow you to view the records if you wish.” There was no guarantee of that, since Ryuzo was now an outsider to the clan, officially speaking. Yamazaki often found that people didn’t want to look at ledgers anyway and preferred getting an abridged version, preferably verbally. It wasn’t something he could relate to.
When Ryuzo mentioned Kojuro’s losing focus, Yamazaki only gave him a small bow in reply without saying anything. He had no need to offer an opinion on the matter. “Ah, you do want to read the report,” Yamazaki replied, somewhat pleased that Ryuzo was going straight to the source instead of asking him for his interpretation of it. As to why he considered it unreliable, “In the first instance, witness testimonies are often inaccurate, which is why it is better to receive the testimonies of all parties before one tries to interpret the facts. As for this particular witness, a former ronin gets used to having no master, therefore somewhere in his psyche, he considers himself the only authority, not the law and not the truth. All ronin have this tendency, not just this certain Sou Yasuke, if indeed that is his name. It appears to be either written in error or omitted from the ledgers.” Yamazaki believed in the strict hierarchy of social order, perhaps even moreso than in the business of facts and figures, and when it came to the testimony of a ronin, well, it was more reliable than that of a servant, but when Kojuro himself made his report then that would carry the most weight. When it came to Genji, Yamazaki only added, “In fact, Lord Genji has been most generous when it comes to employing ronin. It is likely that Sou Yasuke is one of those he has allowed to serve the clan.”
“Yes, the servant Nakatani,” he clarified. “What do I glean?” Yamazaki narrowed his eyes. Why did Ryuzo keep trying to illicit his opinion “It is not in the remit of my position to interpret the reports, only to see that they are made. Nor is it my place to pass judgement on the actions of my lord.” He listened to Ryuzo make his assumptions and estimations, but gave no opinion, remaining silent even when Ryuzo had finished talking. “Either Nakatani or Sou Yasuke could be summoned to speak with you if you wish it. Which would you like to see first? I will make sure Anzen-hime is informed of your arrival. Is there anything else you need, Ryuzo-dono?”
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Ryuzo Hizashi
Established
Roleplay posts: 24
Age: 43
Physical Description: Ryuzo Hizashi is a man of normal stature, but always carries himself with dignity. He has his hair tied into a knot on the back of his head and both that and his moustache and goatee has started becoming increasingly grey with his age.
Clothes and Equipment: For daily use he's normally conservative and tries to use his grey Yukata and red/brown Haori whenever possible. He only rarely dresses up in fancy robes and clothes.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Dec 29, 2017 10:30:39 GMT -8
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Post by Ryuzo Hizashi on Jan 8, 2018 13:37:30 GMT -8
Ryuzo wasn't too surprised that Yamazaki didn't seem to want to make conclusions and skipped over it pretty easily.
"It IS my place to pass judgement on my son however unpleasant it might be." Ryuzo said in his defense. "Well it doesn't matter in the end, Yamazaki-san." Ryuzo concluded having made up his mind now. "The servant isn't of very much concern right now. However I think this samurai may be able to clear up a few questions I have regarding his choice to involve Kojuro in this incident." Ryuzo said. "Please send for him, Yamazaki-san." Ryuzo said as he once again took the report and started going through it again, readying the questions in his mind.
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Junichiro Yamazaki
Established
Bureaucrat
Roleplay posts: 13
Physical Description: A thin-faced man with immaculately oiled hair. His expression is usually serious. Although he is a samurai he does not appear to be particularly well-inclined to battle from his physique.
Registered: Jan 5, 2018 4:19:09 GMT -8
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Post by Junichiro Yamazaki on Jan 8, 2018 13:44:45 GMT -8
Yamazaki merely bowed formally. "Yes, Ryuzo-dono. Excuse me," he turned to the door and went to speak to one of the men waiting outside. "Sou Yasuke, have you seen him?" One of the guards replied, "He came back from town a short while ago." "Probably in the barracks," said another. "Then bring him here, immediately," Yamazaki ordered, waiting outside of the room while one of the men went at speed to fetch Yasuke.
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Yasuke Shisou
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 213
Age: 27
Physical Description: Sou Yasuke is about average in height and carries himself with a straight back and has his black hair tied up into a pony tail for practical purposes. Otherwise not bulky built you notice that he is indeed very muscular though his muscles are more of the shape of tree trunks and body wears the scars of both battle and hard work.
His eyes are brown and focused.
Clothes and Equipment: Sou Yasuke wears a traditional samurai rope and a hakama that fits a lower ranking officer of House Hizashi. He uses a standard katana and a wakizashi which he holds no special affection for.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Player's online availability : Sometimes at day but mostly evenings GMT +1
Registered: Sept 2, 2017 11:28:00 GMT -8
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Post by Yasuke Shisou on Jan 8, 2018 14:10:04 GMT -8
Damn it was great to have the rest of the day off. The sake they served at Xiong's definitely wasn't for kids.
"No wonder they get people blabbering secrets that quickly..." Yasuke said and sat down feeling the effects of being slightly inebriated. But the rest didn't go on for long before a samurai announced his presence at the door.
"Sou-san! You are requested at the gate house!" he said and merely left again as he grunted something about minding her own business. But as he gathered his mind it struck him as odd that Yamazaki wanted to have him come there and he had a bad feeling about it. The choice was between sleeping through it and hoping that it was just a small thing... or going to investigate to be sure he wasn't stepping on any important guy's toes now that he had just succeeded with the abduction and the following cover up.
However attractive the first option seemed, he had to get himself together and go to the gate. He quickly adjusted his hair and clothes and as he got there he politely entered after announcing himself and did a reluctant bow towards Yamazaki the snake and... some other old guy. Hell, he could be Kojuro's dad as far as he was concerned, looking like some snooty noble, though his clothes were more akin to those of a monk.
"Pleased to meet you, Yamazaki-san!" he lied with a smile and turned to the old guy. "I am Sou Yasuke, you asked to see me?" he said and tried to guess what this ordeal was all about. Yasuke would move to sit down along with them when he was done with the formalities.
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Ryuzo Hizashi
Established
Roleplay posts: 24
Age: 43
Physical Description: Ryuzo Hizashi is a man of normal stature, but always carries himself with dignity. He has his hair tied into a knot on the back of his head and both that and his moustache and goatee has started becoming increasingly grey with his age.
Clothes and Equipment: For daily use he's normally conservative and tries to use his grey Yukata and red/brown Haori whenever possible. He only rarely dresses up in fancy robes and clothes.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Dec 29, 2017 10:30:39 GMT -8
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Post by Ryuzo Hizashi on Jan 8, 2018 14:41:14 GMT -8
Ryuzo narrowed his eyes and offered the samurai a slight but reluctant nod.
"Just keep standing, Sou-san." Ryuzo said and looked through the report once again. "I've been looking through this report you gave about the incident with Kojuro..." He said and realized he hadn't introduced himself properly, but felt like the many questions were piling up in a way that it wasn't a priority now. "Kojuro... my son." he simply said and cast a quick glance at Yasuke before preparing the first question.
"Sou Yasuke. This report is deeply concerning. I have so many questions I need to get answered." he said and sighed. "For instance... You claim to see a servant girl being kidnapped by a masked man and realize that this might be a servant of house Hizashi. Now please tell me... in words I understand... who you are going to contact in case of this? Other samurai? The lord of the house? What would be the proper choice?" Ryuzo asked and allowed Yasuke a bit of time to answer before standing up and continuing regardless of Yasuke being in the middle of an explanation.
"I mean... you didn't report this to be a 'daimyo', Genji-sama's wife or anyone of any real importance. She was a damn servant girl, and you thought 'this has to go straight to the lord'?!?" Ryuzo asserted as he started circling Yasuke and patting him on the shoulder with the report while inquiring deeper into the circumstances. "But maybe you know something I don't? Would Kojuro have any... say... relation to this girl? Are you trying to cover up his mistakes out of misunderstood duty towards the clan?" he asked his voice still composed but his lip starting to twitch ever so slightly. Oh there were a lot more questions to be asked, but for now he was going to warm up with this.
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Junichiro Yamazaki
Established
Bureaucrat
Roleplay posts: 13
Physical Description: A thin-faced man with immaculately oiled hair. His expression is usually serious. Although he is a samurai he does not appear to be particularly well-inclined to battle from his physique.
Registered: Jan 5, 2018 4:19:09 GMT -8
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Post by Junichiro Yamazaki on Jan 9, 2018 14:25:37 GMT -8
Yamazaki regarded the former ronin coolly as he allowed Sou Yasuke into the room before him, and followed behind, standing close to the door, as though he might be tempted to make a run for it. He folded his arms and merely watched as Ryuzo-dono began his interrogation. He began to understand some of Ryuzo's concerns about the situation, although really none of it was any of his business, so he merely represented back up for Ryuzo, his presence in the doorway a little extra pressure for Yasuke to tell the truth.
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Yasuke Shisou
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 213
Age: 27
Physical Description: Sou Yasuke is about average in height and carries himself with a straight back and has his black hair tied up into a pony tail for practical purposes. Otherwise not bulky built you notice that he is indeed very muscular though his muscles are more of the shape of tree trunks and body wears the scars of both battle and hard work.
His eyes are brown and focused.
Clothes and Equipment: Sou Yasuke wears a traditional samurai rope and a hakama that fits a lower ranking officer of House Hizashi. He uses a standard katana and a wakizashi which he holds no special affection for.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Player's online availability : Sometimes at day but mostly evenings GMT +1
Registered: Sept 2, 2017 11:28:00 GMT -8
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Post by Yasuke Shisou on Jan 10, 2018 0:07:32 GMT -8
Yasuke found that his odd feeling didn't lessen in the slightest as he entered the room and Yamazaki moved to cut off the exit. 'That bastard, what was he planning?' Yasuke thought, but found that it was the middle aged guy leading the word, and suddenly he was ordered to keep standing. At least Yamazaki given his status as a higher ranked samurai had some kind of authority over Yasuke, and this old guy... did he know him from anywhere? He did seem kind of familiar.
The report? What was this about? Small pearls of sweat started rapidly gliding down his forehead. 'His son..?' was this really Kojuro's father? Yasuke thought - although he visually had some resemblance to Kojuro - personality wise he was even of even worse character. The way he spoke was deeply humiliating in front of Yamazaki and he felt his outlaw urges rise again as he was spoken to as such. But did he have any choice than to try and answer as politely as possible? After all this was the former lord of the house.
"I... Just know that Kojuro cares so much about everyone that..." Yasuke tried to explain when he was interrupted by Kojuro's dad. This was bad, he wanted to grill Yasuke and he knew that he had made a small mistake by contacting Kojuro directly - there were no two ways about it now that Kojuro had been injured. He was fighting to control his temper as Ryuzo constantly padded him on the shoulder with report but fought to stay strong. He wasn't going to let Yamazaki see him buckle and give into more violent urges.
"I am very sorry..." Yasuke said strained, though Kojuro's dad didn't seem to want to listen.
"Any... relation?" Yasuke asked dumbfounded. He was trying to set the scene for that question with all his former intimidation. Had it not been for a quick flash in his mind of him promising Kojuro to keep the secret between him and Nakatani tight, he would have sold him out there and then to place the blame on Kojuro and - if he was lucky - get out of this mess quickly. Well alright... Xiong knew, but that wouldn't be traced back to Yasuke. This certainly would, and he reminded himself who was the current lord of house Hizashi and that this might be deeply unpleasant, though everything that he had worked so hard for would be ruined, if Kojuro felt like he couldn't trust him. Also this guy surely wouldn't even pay him with gratitude, if he told. This was a good motto, and something to grab onto, Yasuke thought: No pay, no secrets.
"I have no knowledge of any relation. As I wrote in the report, I saw it was servant girl and reported it as so. I believed Kojuro would assess the situation and order me to gather a few men to go after the kidnapper. But I could not refuse an order when he told me to join him." Yasuke said and tried to suppress a slight smug smile.
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Ryuzo Hizashi
Established
Roleplay posts: 24
Age: 43
Physical Description: Ryuzo Hizashi is a man of normal stature, but always carries himself with dignity. He has his hair tied into a knot on the back of his head and both that and his moustache and goatee has started becoming increasingly grey with his age.
Clothes and Equipment: For daily use he's normally conservative and tries to use his grey Yukata and red/brown Haori whenever possible. He only rarely dresses up in fancy robes and clothes.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Dec 29, 2017 10:30:39 GMT -8
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Post by Ryuzo Hizashi on Jan 10, 2018 0:29:52 GMT -8
Ryuzo stopped to observe this samurai after he answered the question. Something felt 'menacing' about him, but even so he had no intention of seizing with the questions.
"Remember that you are speaking to the former lord of House Hizashi, Ryuzo Hizashi, and you will address me accordingly." he started pointing out. "Also..." he said and pointed the report at Yasuke's chest. "... Your poor decision making caused my son, the Lord of The House Hizashi, to become gravely wounded and you should stop taking this so lightly." he said as you would hear his voice rise again. Ryuzo had no intention of abandoning the servant issue yet, but wanted to proceed with another question first to see if they would shed light over what exactly happened.
"So how did Kojuro become wounded? You are equally vague in your description there. Of course you are aware that your life as a bushi has no real meaning, if you cannot protect the most important member of the house - are you not?" Ryuzo asked intending to have Yasuke think of what happens to samurai who deeply disgrace themselves. He was putting real pressure on Yasuke now. "No matter what happened, he would hardly have taken that risk in a mission where he didn't have a real incentive to do so. So again I'm asking you... what do you know about Kojuro and this servant girl?" Ryuzo inquired as he unconsciously tightened his grip around the report.
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Junichiro Yamazaki
Established
Bureaucrat
Roleplay posts: 13
Physical Description: A thin-faced man with immaculately oiled hair. His expression is usually serious. Although he is a samurai he does not appear to be particularly well-inclined to battle from his physique.
Registered: Jan 5, 2018 4:19:09 GMT -8
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Post by Junichiro Yamazaki on Jan 10, 2018 14:30:24 GMT -8
The best thing Yamazaki could do was to continue looking intimidating. Aside from a nice line in sarcasm and an appreciation of etiquette, he had very little in the way of social skills and the way that Ryuzo was manipulating answers out of Sou and changing subjects to confuse and disorient him seemed like watching an elaborate fencing match. There was something impressive about it. That wasn't to say that Yasuke wasn't holding up his end with a certain recalcitrant stubbornness. If Yasuke was protect Kojuro-dono there was something impressive in that too. "You had best answer Ryuzo-dono's questions accurately," Yamazaki put in from behind Yasuke. "He is not a man to be taken in by any obfuscation."
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Yasuke Shisou
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 213
Age: 27
Physical Description: Sou Yasuke is about average in height and carries himself with a straight back and has his black hair tied up into a pony tail for practical purposes. Otherwise not bulky built you notice that he is indeed very muscular though his muscles are more of the shape of tree trunks and body wears the scars of both battle and hard work.
His eyes are brown and focused.
Clothes and Equipment: Sou Yasuke wears a traditional samurai rope and a hakama that fits a lower ranking officer of House Hizashi. He uses a standard katana and a wakizashi which he holds no special affection for.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Player's online availability : Sometimes at day but mostly evenings GMT +1
Registered: Sept 2, 2017 11:28:00 GMT -8
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Post by Yasuke Shisou on Jan 11, 2018 14:32:16 GMT -8
Yasuke bit his lip trying to suppress his anger and what he really felt like saying. Also Yamazaki was clearly trying to add pressure from behind him though Yasuke tried to ignore him.
"Yes... Hizashi...dono." Yasuke said with an expression full of menace though he contained to his best efforts. "He..." Yasuke said as he couldn't so quickly conjure any feasible lie that would fit. "He got wounded when he moved to protect my back..." Yasuke said and felt the shame surge through him. Also... what did he mean by 'his life wasn't worth anything if he couldn't protect the lord's son'? Was he going to ask him to... do seppuku? 'Then all was for nothing', Yasuke thought briefly.
This Ryuzo-guy was once again asking him about Nakatani and Kojuro, and once again he reminded himself who was the actual lord of the house.
"I don't know. You should ask him, Hizashi...-dono." Yasuke and lifted his chin in slight defiance.
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Ryuzo Hizashi
Established
Roleplay posts: 24
Age: 43
Physical Description: Ryuzo Hizashi is a man of normal stature, but always carries himself with dignity. He has his hair tied into a knot on the back of his head and both that and his moustache and goatee has started becoming increasingly grey with his age.
Clothes and Equipment: For daily use he's normally conservative and tries to use his grey Yukata and red/brown Haori whenever possible. He only rarely dresses up in fancy robes and clothes.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Dec 29, 2017 10:30:39 GMT -8
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Post by Ryuzo Hizashi on Jan 11, 2018 14:41:48 GMT -8
Ryuzo was surprised to hear those words from this samurai. So this was what he tried to cover up for? His shame of being protected by Kojuro and the fact that he got wounded? Well this was likely nothing to blame him for too much though.
"Why was that so hard to say? You should have written it the report, then I might not have dragged you in here..." Ryuzo said. Also the samurai seemed to have exhausted his value right now, as he was clearly becoming increasingly agitated by Ryuzo's questioning. Whether he knew anything further than this, Ryuzo had no way of knowing.
"Fine. I'll go see my son as you suggested. It's about time I guess." he said and nodded at Yamazaki. "I know where his room is, and our business is strictly between father and son." Ryuzo said, expecting Yamazaki to understand that he was not to join. Whatever the samurai he just interrogated did now concerned him very little now that he was going to see Kojuro again.
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Ryuzo Hizashi
Established
Roleplay posts: 24
Age: 43
Physical Description: Ryuzo Hizashi is a man of normal stature, but always carries himself with dignity. He has his hair tied into a knot on the back of his head and both that and his moustache and goatee has started becoming increasingly grey with his age.
Clothes and Equipment: For daily use he's normally conservative and tries to use his grey Yukata and red/brown Haori whenever possible. He only rarely dresses up in fancy robes and clothes.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Dec 29, 2017 10:30:39 GMT -8
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Post by Ryuzo Hizashi on Jan 20, 2018 4:17:19 GMT -8
[Enter from Kojuro's Private Room]
"Damnit... that Kojuro is as stubborn as ever, but at least I was right in my assumption that the servant girl he was setting out to rescue was a close acquaintance of his. Very close." he said and narrowed his eyes as he looked at Yasuke with a steely gaze. Ryuzo didn't know what part Yasuke had to play but didn't want to reveal his intentions to the samurai. "You are excused now, please leave." he said to Yasuke and waited until he had left the room.
"Please fetch me a quill and paper and leave this room too." he told the servant there as he turned to Ryuzo. "We are going to do this in the quickest and least painful way. I know my son probably has feelings for that servant, but I can't allow for it to be an opiate that dulls his senses." Ryuzo said and took the paper and quill. "I will write a letter of presentation to my cousin Homura in Jeoncho. There she will be welcomed by a good family she can work for." Ryuzo said and scribbled down the words before handing them to Yamazaki. "Please treat this is our little secret. I'm sure you know how excessive patos can hurt someone's reasoning." Ryuzo said hoping he could count on Yamazaki's aid on this. "We'll need to execute this quickly and I'll arrange someone to pick her up - today if possible. I know there are still a few in here who are more loyal to me than to Genji." Ryuzo said.
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Yasuke Shisou
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 213
Age: 27
Physical Description: Sou Yasuke is about average in height and carries himself with a straight back and has his black hair tied up into a pony tail for practical purposes. Otherwise not bulky built you notice that he is indeed very muscular though his muscles are more of the shape of tree trunks and body wears the scars of both battle and hard work.
His eyes are brown and focused.
Clothes and Equipment: Sou Yasuke wears a traditional samurai rope and a hakama that fits a lower ranking officer of House Hizashi. He uses a standard katana and a wakizashi which he holds no special affection for.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Player's online availability : Sometimes at day but mostly evenings GMT +1
Registered: Sept 2, 2017 11:28:00 GMT -8
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Post by Yasuke Shisou on Jan 20, 2018 4:34:46 GMT -8
Yasuke had been standing there for quite a while now, and Yamazaki's company - whether silent or not - was not his cup of tea. Would Kojuro's dad return? His question was answered when Ryuzo stepped into the room. Hearing his words Yasuke guessed that either Kojuro had told Ryuzo or he had caught them together and put 2 and 2 together. It wasn't important for Yasuke though and felt relieved when he was finally dismissed. The slightest of bows followed as he hurried out. Finally he could get back to nursing his hangover.
However he had only taken a few steps after closing the door before curiosity hit him. What was that guy and Yamazaki planning to do? It seemed like he was off the hook now, but you'd never know so he quickly walked back and put his ear to the thing shogi doors and listened carefully.
"They are... what?" was Yasuke's muffled reaction to hearing Ryuzo explaining his plan to Yamazaki. He couldn't believe his luck! He had a bad feeling about Nakatani and thought she might have had something of a hunch regarding his involvement in this whole kidnapping thing. Her being sent to Jeoncho was a stroke of good fortune for Yasuke and he would likely never have to worry about that incident again.
But still something was nagging Yasuke - a feeling that was uncommon to him. His reasoning was sound, but still it bugged him that by doing nothing he would be helping this bastard gain influence in the mansion. Yasuke loathed his inquisitive way of speaking to him and thought that Kojuro at least would never do such a thing. In the end he was a pretty okay person for a noble he had to admit that - and also this might strengthen his position with him even further. Maybe the answer wasn't as straight forward as it initially sounded? He put his ear to the door again curious to what bastard number two was going to say. Surely he would have nothing to do with it?
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Junichiro Yamazaki
Established
Bureaucrat
Roleplay posts: 13
Physical Description: A thin-faced man with immaculately oiled hair. His expression is usually serious. Although he is a samurai he does not appear to be particularly well-inclined to battle from his physique.
Registered: Jan 5, 2018 4:19:09 GMT -8
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Post by Junichiro Yamazaki on Jan 20, 2018 10:34:54 GMT -8
Soon, the former lord returned, and Yamazaki greeted him with a bow. "Yes, go on," he reiterated to Yasuke. "Ah, so Kojuro-dono is awake? That is good news," he said. "Did you find out everything you need to know, Ryuzo-dono?" he wondered what Ryuzo intended as Marutaro came in with a brush and ink set and some rolls of paper. The boy scribe prepared the ink for Ryuzo and set it before him. "Do you mean Nakatani? You do realise that she is Lord Genji's servant." He pursed his lips, with disapproval, although he didn't voice it overtly. "If Lord Genji has not given his permission for this, then surely you need Sayuri-dono's permission." When asked for his secrecy, Yamazaki inclined his head silently. When he talked of those more loyal to him than Genji, "I'm sure there are," Yamazaki replied.
"Ryuzo-dono, I have a suggestion, if I may?" he asked Ryuzo. He had been asked for his secrecy, and out of respect for Ryuzo he would like to give it, but the idea of carrying out the task in an improper way rankled with his sense of duty and equally importantly his sense of order "Write to Homura-dono asking him a personal favour to ask Lord Genji if he can take this girl in. Then wait for his response. It may take longer that way but everything will be above board, and there will be no need for anyone to feel that this has been done ... covertly. Of course, your personal correspondence will remain entirely confidential from my end." He bowed, confident that this was a solution that inconvenienced nobody, except perhaps a certain servant girl.
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Ryuzo Hizashi
Established
Roleplay posts: 24
Age: 43
Physical Description: Ryuzo Hizashi is a man of normal stature, but always carries himself with dignity. He has his hair tied into a knot on the back of his head and both that and his moustache and goatee has started becoming increasingly grey with his age.
Clothes and Equipment: For daily use he's normally conservative and tries to use his grey Yukata and red/brown Haori whenever possible. He only rarely dresses up in fancy robes and clothes.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Dec 29, 2017 10:30:39 GMT -8
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Post by Ryuzo Hizashi on Jan 21, 2018 5:59:43 GMT -8
Ryuzo waited and considered Yamazaki's words. This might indeed be more trouble than what is was worth if he did it too forcefully.
"You're right Yamazaki-san, this is a fools way to go around it." he said and sat down again with the quill and paper. "I will write to Homura-dono and have him ask my brother Genji to help him pick a new leading servant for his house. To Homura I will tell only that we have a very suitable one. I will then speak to Sayuri and explain that I heard about the kidnapping of the servant girl and propose that since she is Genji's personal servant, that we have a responsibility to keep her safe and that we can best do that be finding her another place to work. Because the culprit hasn't appeared to be caught yet, I believe she will find that this is a good idea." he said with a slight smirk. "And when she receives the letter from Homura, she will know what to do or advise him to do." Homura said and scribbled another letter to to replace the first one. Ryuzo nodded at Yamazaki-san acknowledging his contribution.
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Yasuke Shisou
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 213
Age: 27
Physical Description: Sou Yasuke is about average in height and carries himself with a straight back and has his black hair tied up into a pony tail for practical purposes. Otherwise not bulky built you notice that he is indeed very muscular though his muscles are more of the shape of tree trunks and body wears the scars of both battle and hard work.
His eyes are brown and focused.
Clothes and Equipment: Sou Yasuke wears a traditional samurai rope and a hakama that fits a lower ranking officer of House Hizashi. He uses a standard katana and a wakizashi which he holds no special affection for.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Player's online availability : Sometimes at day but mostly evenings GMT +1
Registered: Sept 2, 2017 11:28:00 GMT -8
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Post by Yasuke Shisou on Jan 21, 2018 6:34:02 GMT -8
Yasuke pressed his ear closer to the door though he was careful not to make the paper rip and thus reveal his spying face.
"Damn..!" Yasuke's muffled outburst being both in awe of the intricate planning that far outdid his own kidnapping scheme, but also because he didn't know that these nobles could be this mean and conniving against each other. At least Yasuke had ensured that Nakatani would return to the mansion after abducting her.
It wasn't hard for him to figure out what had to be done now if he was to ensure this wouldn't happen - and to Yasuke it was partly personal now. If Genji or his wife was convinced that Nakatani wasn't safe here, they could even overrule or sway Kojuro in this, so the only option was for Yasuke to find a scapegoat who no one would question was the culprit. Only then would there no longer be any reason to move her. And he would be cleared of any suspicion too. It was perfect, and Kojuro would thank him immensely.
"Alright then... I need to go and speak with him now." Yasuke thought and hoped to convince Kojuro to make him head of the task force that was to find this guy, if he could convince Kojuro that this was the necessary step to take.
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