You don't need to see his identification.

[Sierra]

<El-Cideon> Exit Tokyo. One last check at your hotel before you go, and--oh wait, Erin has a letter waiting. That and the scroll she'd requested. The letter is succinct, as though Grace had dashed it off in a rush, but the main details are the following: she contacted Justine about sending Elgin's belongings to London. Justine was initially wholly uninclined to voluntarily part with anything magical and then abruptly reversed her position overnight for no apparent reason. Curious. (more)
<El-Cideon> At Erin's suggestions, a couple of the Lodge's acolytes were dispatched to Poland to help Paula clean up the mess left behind after Wlodarczyk. Several details quickly filtered back: lacking any body or other obvious culprit, the local police ultimately pinned the gang's leadership on Roza (seeking to lessen their own sentences, the gang members quickly attested that they'd never seen anyone give orders but her). (more)
<El-Cideon> Unfortunately, Roza has since disappeared from her cell in the local jail. Right about the time a number of Germans appeared in the area and began making inquiries. About you, and anyone associated with you. They seemed uninterested in the acolytes' work of refurbishing a local school, at least, though Paula apparently deemed this an advantageous time to move on. She is presently at the lodge, at their suggestion.
<Erin> Erin folds up the letter in satisfaction once finished perusing the contents and relaying them to her inner circle, from which the ninja is artfully excluded. "It seems that things are moving abroad, and we had better get going as well," she states, once breakfast is done.
<Nadia_Chekova> "Yes, I don't like the way that assassin's been looking at me," Nadia agrees, not caring whether she hears or not.
<Yomi> "What are you talking about? She is the nicest ninja I've ever met," Yomi insists. "In fact, how about coming with us to Manchu?" she suggests to Sayuri. "There have to be plenty of demons there!"
* Nadia_Chekova snorts. "I'm always nice to people I rob. I'm sure it works the same way for assassins. All the easier to slip a knife in when you least expect it."
<El-Cideon> "Are there? I thought there were just Manchu and Chinese. And, lately, many of us, of course," she says with a nod to Yomi.
<Erin> Erin places a hand upon her temple. "You cannot be serious, Yomi."
<El-Cideon> "Well, yes, Nadia. It's always helpful for the target to think they can trust you." She smiles at the thief.
<Yomi> "I'll be sure to be wary around you, then," Yomi tells Nadia with a smile. "Definitely," she tells Sayuri. "It makes perfect sense. Where there's conflict, it's easier for demons to prey on people."
* Nadia_Chekova smiles back in a brief moment of professional understanding before she remembers herself and scowls.
<El-Cideon> "Regardless," Sayuri continues, "I am tasked with monitoring you as long as you remain within Japan. Manchukuo is within the empire's sphere. There is a great military presence and Fukui may have friends there. I should watch you and make sure you don't attract attention. You will, of course, leave immediately once your business there is concluded. We should just have time within the three days alloted you."
<Yomi> "We're leaving now, actually," Yomi responds. "Nothing left here to do."
<Nadia_Chekova> "What? It's not Japan any more than the East Indies are the Netherlands!" Nadia argues against this technicality of their agreement.
<Yomi> "Don't ruin a perfectly good pretext," Yomi chides Nadia.
<El-Cideon> "Satisfactory," she says, ignoring Nadia. "I must alert my superiors of our movements. I will be prepared to leave after visiting the nearest post office."
<Erin> "This is utterly insane!" protests Erin, glaring at Yomi. "Whyever would you encourage her presence? I've had enough of ninjas to last a good while- oh, my gods..."
<El-Cideon> Rena shrugs. "There are four of us and one of her. Couldn't we kill her if she caused a problem?"
* Yomi can't quite mask her laughter as a cough at Rena's words.
<Nadia_Chekova> "That's not the point," Nadia tells Rena. "We might have to spend longer in Manchuria," she pointedly doesn't use the Japanese colonial term, "And she intends to hold us to the three day time limit on our business there that we only agreed on for leaving Japan itself. It's an inconvenience we don't need."
<Yomi> "I don't doubt that Sayuri will help us be done with our business there quicker, and you do realize we must be watched by others from a distance. So what's the harm?"
<Erin> "Being watched from afar and watched by a dog on our heels are not the same thing," replies Erin. "Rather than ask what's the harm, I'd ask what the point is," she adds.
<El-Cideon> "Your friend has a very practical outlook," Sayuri says. "However, I will not inconvenience you as long you behave as agreed. I will suggest to my superiors they allow you an extra day to conclude your business. Spending a day or two on a ship was not an expected part of the plan, after all. This is as much as I can do, however."
<Yomi> "See? Sayuri is helpful already." She frowns slightly. "I do doubt your wisdom in calling someone names when you clearly believe they can kill you in your sleep. Is there a point to it?"
<El-Cideon> "It is a fairly accurate description of my current role," Sayuri acknowledges.
<Nadia_Chekova> "She's more likely to kill us because it's her job than because of personal feelings. She's a professional, after all," Nadia points out, unsure if it's a compliment or criticism if she's honest.
<El-Cideon> Sayuri nods with a tiny smile. It seems to be a compliment to her.
<Yomi> "I suppose it's alright if Sayuri doesn't mind," Yomi allows. "So, post office and the we're off?"
<Erin> "If I absolutely must travel with this calibre of woman, I'll spare being around her any more that necessary. I'll meet you at the docks," replies Erin, turning and heading out of the hotel.
<Nadia_Chekova> "Rena, why don't you keep Erin company. I'll keep an eye on our new 'friend'," Nadia suggests to the German.
<El-Cideon> Rena nods and gets up. "Yes. None of us should go anywhere alone while there are ninjas around."
<El-Cideon> Passage to the mainland is easy to procure. Japan actively encourages colonization, after all, so there's plenty of opportunity to get on a ship. Soon enough you're on a passenger liner heading across the Sea of Japan. A two-day trip sees you approaching the mainland. (more)
<El-Cideon> It's a pleasant enough journey--summer's starting. It's warm outside, though not yet enough to be oppressive. A cool breeze blows as everyone gathers at the prow of the ship just before it docks once again. "I am forced to wonder at your enthusiasm for bringing me along," Sayuri says to Yomi. "This would not be a prelude to some manner of ambush once I'm far from my associates, would it?"
<Nadia_Chekova> Nadia's eyes brighten and she looks at Yomi with newfound respect!
<Yomi> "Well, let's consider it objectively. Do I believe I would need an ambush to defeat a single opponent?" Yomi asks back. "Before you get all disappointed, though, I did have an ulterior motive."
<El-Cideon> "Most people do." She seems undisturbed. "What's yours?"
<Yomi> "I figured you would end up helping me achieve my goals here, and in the end might even decide you like it more than killing people for money. You never know."
<El-Cideon> "I may assist you, but only as long as yours goals do not conflict with ours. And one does not simply leave Tsukino. The decision is not one I am wholly free to make. You are more entertaining than the officious mite I spend my days working for, I will allow that much. Even Nadia is."
<Nadia_Chekova> 'Even?' Nadia mouths, wondering whether to feel insulted or not.
<Yomi> "Oh, don't worry, they align very closely," Yomi assures her, before smiling. "And if they didn't, well, like you said you are very far from your associates."
<El-Cideon> "Is that meant as reassurance or a threat? I can't tell." She doesn't seem bothered either way. "You are very confident in your abilities. Perhaps soon I will be able to see if it's justified."
<Yomi> "That might be another reason I wanted you to come with us," Yomi admits.
<El-Cideon> "Oh yes?"
<Nadia_Chekova> "Yomi's skills at violence are very impressive," Nadia affirms. "Men with guns are nothing to this woman with a sword!"
<Erin> "You've dealt with.. five, you said? To Yomi, that many at the same time is little more than a workout," adds Erin.
<Yomi> "It remains a challenge to fight competently enough against armed groups without permanently damaging anyone," Yomi muses. "But I do miss the rush of a straightforward duel."
<El-Cideon> "Four," Sayuri corrects. "I would look forward to seeing her in action if my role here were not partly to see that you avoid attracting attention."
<Erin> Erin will be avoiding attention, alright.
<El-Cideon> General Oshiro is not a difficult man to find, given his role in running the daily affairs of Manchukuo. It's common knowledge that the Kwantung Army headquarters is in the capital of the puppet state, Hsinking. It's only a brief trip across the railroad tracks that have sprung up like weeds since the empire industrialized the area. It's noon when you arrive there, the city a sprawling array of modern government buildings and housing amidst the plains of Manchuria. (OOC: so, what's your next move here?)
<Yomi> "Unless we've missed something along the way, this is where it would be," Yomi says as they find a quiet spot to strategize without being overheard. "What's next, then? Trying to draw him away and then searching his place? Or finding out more about the general from one of his aides?"
<Nadia_Chekova> "I doubt he has the sword, but if he does we could probably find out from his aides - he'd have no reason to hide any impressive new addition to his collection out here," Nadia opines.
<Erin> "It seems a lot of the officers around here carry swords. Perhaps there's some unearthly fixation on the things. I'd imagine rumours spread quickly- we may not even need to talk to one of his closer advisors."
<Yomi> "It's far enough that he might believe its rightful owners would not hear of it," Yomi comments. "He may well wear it openly. It's not like someone would notice. While sheathed, the Shishio does not look that impressive."
<Nadia_Chekova> "That's a good point," Nadia nods to Erin. "I could disguise myself to blend in and make a few enquiries easily enough."
<Erin> "I'll find a newspaper or something and find out what the man actually looks like," suggests Erin.
* Nadia_Chekova turns to Yomi. "With the sword being... you know," she gestures vaguely, "Would you be able to identify it at a distance even while sheathed? If we could spot him at a parade or inspection or something like that..."
<El-Cideon> "What should I do?" Rena wonders. "I can watch the ninja if there is nothing else. She shouldn't be left alone."
* Yomi considers Nadia's question. "It is still unique, even if it does not draw attention to itself. Blessed the way it is, anyone with the ability to see the spiritual or magical should notice it like... well, like a bonfire. I simply meant to say that you can't possibly miss it if drawn the right way."
<Erin> "The sheathe prevents it from being noticed on such a level? It must be quite a barrier in it's own right..."
* Nadia_Chekova nods to Yomi. "Anyway, I'll make myself look presentable for Japanese sensibilities then go make some friends. I'll try and find out about the general's movements as well in case that gives us an opportunity to see him out and about." With that she retires to the hotel bathroom to begin disguising herself as an oriental maiden.
<Nadia_Chekova> roll 1d20+17 disguise
* Hatbot --> "Nadia_Chekova rolls 1d20+17 disguise and gets 33."12 [1d20=16]
<El-Cideon> OOC: disguise roll go. And GI if that follows.
<Yomi> "I don't actually know how it works," Yomi admits to Erin. "I do know how to use it properly!"
<Nadia_Chekova> roll 1d20+15 GI on General Oshiro's movements and sword collection
* Hatbot --> "Nadia_Chekova rolls 1d20+15 GI on General Oshiro's movements and sword collection and gets 33."12 [1d20=18]
<Erin> Erin ventures outside whilst Nadia does her business, intent on getting herself up to date on current events!
<Nadia_Chekova> A few hours later, Natsuko makes her triumphant return to the hotel, where hopefully no one has been killed.
<El-Cideon> Finding Oshiro's likeness in a newspaper is easy--he's in plenty of them, in official pictures with the nominal leaders of Manchukuo. He's a short, indistinct looking man with a thick mustache.
<Erin> Erin commits that picture to memory; Ivo may not be the last high-ranking official she impersonates in their ongoing quest!
<El-Cideon> "I have a request," Sayuri says once you're back together. "Could you ask your German friend to stop staring at me? It's becoming disturbing."
<Nadia_Chekova> Looking every bit a prim and proper Japanese woman, Nadia smoothes out her kimono and kneels at the funny quilted low-lying table before everyone else as they get settled back at the hotel. Ignoring Sayuri, she delivers her report.
<Nadia_Chekova> "It seems General Oshiro did receive a new sword, but only two days ago. The timing doesn't fit, unless perhaps it was a gift from Fukui. Unfortunately no one could tell me who the benefactor was, only that he travelled with three women who waited outside the building while he met with the general."
<Erin> "Rena, if you sit across from the dresser's mirror, you'll be able to see her without needing to look directly at her face," suggests Erin, glancing over the table.
<El-Cideon> "Yes," Rena says with a nod before moving just so.
<Erin> "It's not impossible that it's what we're after. After all, if the sword was traded once, it could be traded twice."
<Yomi> "Does he keep it as part of his collection, or has he started wearing the sword?" Yomi asks, likewise ignoring the Rena-related antics. She winces at the thought of the Shishio once again being traded away. "That's just wrong."
<Nadia_Chekova> "It sounds like he keeps his collection at his office - no one mentioned him wearing a new blade or anything like that, but apparently he's quite eager to show off his collection to fellow enthusiasts, so that provides an angle for openly approaching," Nadia suggests. "A certain teutonic Doctor might provide good cover for such a visit."
<Erin> Erin's lips crease in distaste. "I did think that particular angle may have run it's welcome by this point."
<Yomi> "You think so? Really? Why?"
<El-Cideon> "I am always tempted to punch Erin when she takes on Ivo's face," Rena says. "But I will restrain myself if this is a necessary part of your plan."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Well, if not him then someone else appropriate," Nadia shrugs, lips twitching into a slight smile at Rena's words. "So long as one of us can masquerade as a trustworthy collector of archaic weapons, it shouldn't be too hard to get a visit."
<Erin> "For various reasons, his by-now long absence amongst them. Besides, I cannot really pretend any familiarity when it comes to swords," notes Erin, her eyes glazing over slightly at Rena's comment. "But other identities would be possible, Japanese ones amongst them."
<Yomi> "There is someone here who wouldn't need to pretend a familiarity with swords," Yomi voices.
<Erin> "True enough. Shall we set about the arrangements at once? A sufficiently distinguished persona should provide an ample way into creating a meeting..."
<El-Cideon> "I presume you are volunteering yourself," Sayuri says.
<Yomi> "We actually have two people who wouldn't need to pretend," Yomi corrects herself.
<Nadia_Chekova> "Yes, you have taught Rena a lot about swords, haven't you?" Nadia smiles winsomely, ignoring the ninja.
* Yomi laughs. "So I have. But I don't think Rena would enjoy all the lying that would inevitably take place."
<El-Cideon> "I am knowledgeable in how to hit people with the one I have," Rena (sort of) confirms.
<Erin> "I suppose we have more practical skill than academic knowledge here," mumbles Erin. "Well, we will be able to disguise ourselves appropriately. Shall we leave a letter requesting an audience?"
<Nadia_Chekova> "It might take a while for a letter to be replied to," Nadia replies with a significant look at their watchdog. "A bold approach might be preferable. If we appear interesting enough and can get past his lackeys I'm sure he'd be happy to take a break from his work to talk swords and show off."
<Yomi> "Do you already have something in mind, then?"
<Erin> "Perhaps a recent.. colonist from a rich family?"
<Nadia_Chekova> "That could work," Nadia nods to Erin, before saying to Yomi, "Remember the party I got us into in Africa? We can approach it like that."
<Yomi> "Why not?" Yomi agrees.
<El-Cideon> "There will not be ghosts at this event, though?" Rena says. "The last one I tried to hit did not fall down when I struck it. It was inconvenient."
<Erin> "Well, if there are, then there may be at least two swords present that can do the job."
<Yomi> "If that happens, use my sword. I'll figure something else out," Yomi suggests. "It will always hit!"
<El-Cideon> Afternoon shades into evening as plans are made, prepared, and set into motion. The group makes its way across town, to the army headquarters. The army HQ is an imposing, utilitarian block squatting amidst a collection of other administrative buildings. You can enter freely, but once inside you find armed guards standing at every door. (more)
<El-Cideon> There are doors to the left and right, and stairs angling up. The imperial rising sun blazes prominently on the high wall of the foyer. A secretary sits at a desk in the center of the room, a young man wearing spectacles.
<Nadia_Chekova> Still in her Natsuko guise, Nadia glides easily up to the desk, her steps elegant in her darkly patterned kimono. "Good afternoon, sir," she greets the secretary, favouring him with a warm smile. "My name is Natsuko Akagi, and these are my parents Miyato and Kaguya," she provides introductions. "We're just new to Manchuko, and wished to pay our respects to the General if it's no inconvenience."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Father understands they have a shared appreciation for noble samurai weapons, and we would consider it a rare honour to discuss such matters with a such a noble servant of the Empire!"
<El-Cideon> OOC: roll bluff?
<Erin> "Natsuko. Your manners," states Miyato. Erin isn't actually sure if Nadia had a lapse, but with the arcane semantics used by Japanese in polite speaking, surely she got *something* wrong.
<Nadia_Chekova> roll 1d20+19
* Hatbot --> "Nadia_Chekova rolls 1d20+19 and gets 30."12 [1d20=11]
<El-Cideon> OOC: yeah, not rolling. He can't beat that.
<Nadia_Chekova> "Oh, I'm sorry father," Nadia blushes demurely. "It must be the mainland air, making me so excitable."
* Yomi smiles, covering her mouth with the sleeve of her kimono.
<Erin> "My daughter did get to the gist of it, in her own way," adds Miyato. "We would be honored for a chance to speak with General Oshiro, if he is presently available."
<El-Cideon> The man nods, scans a book before him as if looking for something. "The general does have an interest in antiquated weapons. I don't see you listed as having an appointment, and the general does not receive unexpected guests." he says. "Or that's what I would say had he not done so two days ago. I suppose I should at least do you the honor of announcing your presence." He stands up. "One moment, please. I will return shortly." He heads up the stairs, leaving you momentarily alone.
<El-Cideon>  "One moment, please. I will return shortly." He heads up the stairs, leaving you momentarily alone.
<Nadia_Chekova> Works every time, Nadia thinks with a self-satisfied smile.
<Erin> Miyato stands just in front of Kaguya, as if protectively. If anyone wants to get to the swordswoman, they'll have to go through the mage!
<El-Cideon> After a minute or two, he returns. The guards don't take notice of you in any way, short of watching professionally (well, Natsuko does get more looks than the others). "Follow me, please," the secretary says. "The general is working on a report. He will meet with you when finished."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Oh, we're so lucky!" Natsuko grins widely, clasping her hands together as she follows the military gofer.
<Erin> A stern glare from the Natsuko's father ought to set straight any guard who's gaze happens to linger! "Thank you." Miyato responds with a grave nod, and steps after the secretary.
* Yomi follows demurely.
<El-Cideon> Upstairs you go, and down a hallway lined with flags and patriotic posters. You wind up in a small antechamber, a waiting room, lined with chairs. The secretary disappears through the door opposite you, then returns after another minute. "The general's work is presently concluded. He will see you now. Are all of you truly interested in discussing swords?" he asks, his gaze lingering on the women as though suggesting the subject is an unsuitable one for them.
<El-Cideon>  as though suggesting the subject is an unsuitable one for them.
* Yomi glances up at her husband, visibly delegating the answer to him.
* Nadia_Chekova follows her 'mother's' lead and defers to daddy Erin to field this one.
<Erin> Miyato emits a long-suffering sigh, and gives a meaningful glance to Natsuko. "Indeed we are- that is, if General Oshiro does not mind," he says, allowing the secretary to pick up on Natsuko's hyperactive demeanour all by himself.
<El-Cideon> A raised eyebrow is as far as he's willing to push the matter, apparently. "Very well. Be on your best behavior. Speak with respect." He seems to look at Natsuko when he says this, as though the excitable young girl needs reminding, then he opens the door and ushers you inside. (more)
<El-Cideon> The office is a wide, richly furnished, with a broad window overlooking parade grounds outside. Katana and other ancient weapons line the wall, on display opposite the door. The general sits behind a desk--you can recognize him from the pictures you found earlier--though he stands and bows respectfully on seeing you. "Ah, Mr. Akagi," he says, addressing Erin. "Welcome."
<Erin> Miyato is sure to bow much lower than Oshino! "General Oshino. I'm so pleased that you were willing to indulge this unworthy one," he states, quite formally. "As a fellow collector of Japan's glories, however, I simply had to request an audience- and I am not disappointed," he adds, straightening up to glance around the room.
* Nadia_Chekova bows very deeply and respectfully after entering, holding her tongue until addresssed. She got them here, the rest is on Yomi and Erin.
* Yomi reproduces her husband's respectful bow, staying a step behind him. She doesn't dare make eye contact with the general, keeping her gaze lower, which just so happens to cover the swords being up on display.
<El-Cideon> "Ah, yes. I have always thought one must have a proper understanding of the history of warfare to master it. I have endeavored to obtain a comprehensive collection. But sit, please. There will be tea, shortly." He sits at his won chair, and gestures to some across from him.
<Nadia_Chekova> "You are most generous, sir general," Nadia offers, hoping that pleasantries won't be overstepping her bounds.
* Nadia_Chekova then of course takes a seat as indicated.
<El-Cideon> Yomi sees a great many fine weapons. The blades are all very finely crafted and well cared for. If you wanted to outfit a fighting force with the best that money could buy, this would be the place to start. Well, if they were for sale.
<El-Cideon> "Not at all," the general says. "It is merely common courtesy. Tell me, Mr. Akagi: what business brings you to Manchukuo? Investing in the future of the empire, I hope?"
<Erin> Erin takes the seat directly across from Oshiro, intending to continue the conversation. "Just so, General- this is where history is being made. I have no sons, and, well, I am too old to make a start in the military-" He shakes his head, sadly. "But I feel there's a better contribution to the empire to be made on the frontier. I wanted my family to see it for themselves- to see (more)
<Erin> "-how things are done."
<El-Cideon> "Ah, well, by coming here you have surely seen much already. The railroads that now cover this land. The factories and steel mills. The resources of this region lay sadly unexploited for ages. Now look what we have done in only a handful of years! Truly we are leading the Manchu towards a brighter future, don't you think?"
<Erin> "Japan's progress shines upon all under her banner," agrees Erin. "I'm glad to see someone with the proper respect for tradition at the heart of this endeavour, however. I have often thought, in our rush to modernize, in our rush to copy the West, we may be forgetting our roots."
* Nadia_Chekova almost says that the people here are so lucky to have their benevolent overlords, but she's worried that even with her skills it would sound sarcastic. Taking another approach, she instead volunteers, "It's nice to see so many other Japanese around - it's like travelling without really leaving home," which sounds nicely inane for a proper young lady to be saying.
<El-Cideon> "Ah, yes. I work hard to ensure that we do not forget our roots. We must know who we were to know who we are. This is another reason for my collection." He gestures expansively at the wall of weapons, then nods to Natsuko. "Ah, yes. We also hope to lead with the example of a superior culture to draw inspiration from."
<Erin> "I've heard that you've recently made a new acquisition," remarks Miyato.
<El-Cideon> "Indeed. It is the crown of my collection. I was very honored to receive it. So unexpected, too." He looks distracted for the briefest moment before shaking his head. The secretary brings in tea and pours for everyone. When he's departed, the general stands. "Let me show you."
<Erin> "Oh? It was a gift?" wonders Miyato, rising to follow suit.
* Nadia_Chekova smiles at the secretary as her tea is poured, taking a sip as the general stands before she belatedly stands up after her 'father'.
* Yomi is caught drinking her tea when the gift is mentioned, and forces herself to finish her drink. She places the empty cup back, and only then gracefully follows everyone, standing up.
<Erin> Along the way, Erin discreetly invokes her famous trick of magic-detection!
<El-Cideon> "It was," he says. He walks over to the wall, to one particular sword directly across from the door. It gleams brilliantly in the lamplight, the steel flawless, tiny sparks like stars or crystals seeming embedded deep in the metal. "A Masamune. Some of the best work produced by human hands."
* Nadia_Chekova can't help but oooh a little, even if the weapons she cheerfully handed over to scary monsters in those caves might well have been just as good. The little crystal bits look very pretty to her magpie-like eyes.
<Erin> Erin gazes reverently at the sword for a moment. She's certainly aware the blade if powerful, but be damned if she can say a single thing about the name or make. "I have heard the things a Masamune can cut are next to none," she opines. "Truly a magnificent weapon."
* Yomi finds herself nodding in agreement.
<El-Cideon> "Yes. Though I have not sullied it by using it for base purposes just to find out, of course. I am still surprised the owner was willing to part with it." Again, it seems like something's nagging at him briefly, then he moves on. "They are very difficult to acquire. Not that I could turn down the honor, of course."
<Erin> "It is more fitting, I think, that such a weapon is a gift to an honorable soldier than traded for money, as many men have done as of late," notes Erin, sniffing in faint disdain. "Might I ask who gave you such a boon?"
<Nadia_Chekova> "The owner must have been a great admirer of your work here, sir general," Nadia offers.
<El-Cideon> "So he said, yes. He said he was a businessman. He gave his name as Watanabe Katashi. I had not heard of it before and was inclined to refuse the meeting until my secretary informed me of his generous gift. He came asking about our progress here, much as you yourself do, and...hrm." Again he looks distracted.
<Nadia_Chekova> "Is something troubling you, sir general?" Nadia asks delicately, wondering if this benefactor did something sinister.
<El-Cideon> "He asked about other things. Intelligence, troop movements. Safest route to Beijing." He seems to be wandering off into his own little world as he talks. "Why did I tell him these things?"
* Nadia_Chekova furrows her brow a little. It sounds like the general was manipulated somehow... but she doesn't really see that calling attention to it would benefit them. He clearly doesn't have Yomi's sword, anyway.
* Yomi gives the general a look of concern.
<Erin> "I've not heard that name myself," replies Miyato, frowning. "Something seems greatly amiss, general." Erin isn't about to volunteer her expertise to the man, that is for certain.
<El-Cideon> He wears a frown of his own by this point. "Why would he ask these things? He should know better than to go to China before it's pacified, surely. The communists foment riots against us! Him they would only kill if they found him. But traveling with a train of women to such a place? Irresponsible!"
<Erin> "It was only two days ago, general. Perhaps he has not left Manchuria yet, and could be properly warned of the danger." She certainly has to say something in response to that.
<El-Cideon> "I...have not heard of him remaining within the city, or meeting with anyone else. His entourage sounded difficult to ignore, although I did not see them personally. Hrm."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Perhaps he was asking for information so he could dispatch members of his staff rather than travel personally?" Nadia posits.
<El-Cideon> "I suppose this is possible. It does not explain why I gave him such information in the first place!" he continues, getting agitated. "These are imperial army concerns."
<Nadia_Chekova> There's really nothing Nadia can say to that... "He did give you an incredible gift, though," she offers.
<Erin> "Perhaps we should leave you to deal with this," suggests Erin, worriedly. "There may be quite an issue on your hands, General. You can rest assured that we will not speak of it, however."
<El-Cideon> "Yes...Yes, go. I am sorry. If you have any further questions, please ask my staff. I must...determine whether my lapse of reason has compromised security in any way. Please go."
* Nadia_Chekova bows once more and excuses herself before leaving.
<Erin> Tempting as it is to launch into a long and detailed apology, Erin confines herself to a brief farewell before departing from within.
<Yomi> Her bows conceals the frustrated expression Yomi can no longer quite hide, and then she forces herself to follow Erin smoothly.
<El-Cideon> The general barely notices your exit, as distracted as he is now.
<Nadia_Chekova> Once they're safely outside, Nadia turns to her friends. "So, Shishio is not in that man's possession, then?"
<Yomi> "Not from what I can see, and I think we ran out of leads," Yomi admits dejectedly.
<Nadia_Chekova> "I'm sorry," Nadia pats Yomi's back. "I don't think it would be possible to find your old sword without facing your cousin."
<Erin> "The sword was indeed a magical blade, but..." replies Erin, frowning to herself.
<Yomi> "But she can't possibly have it!" Yomi insists. "Who steals a sword from herself?"
<Erin> "It was yours in the first place, wasn't it?" replies Erin, blinking.
<Nadia_Chekova> "Perhaps it found its way back to her already, but she conceals this in order to prevent you from returning?" Nadia suggests. "I can't presume to know how her mind works, but all our leads have indeed come up empty."
<Yomi> "It's... complicated. It was entrusted to me, but then it was taken from me back to the family, where it was stolen. If that never happened, I wouldn't have tried to reclaim it. And what is the point of it all? If concealing it is enough, why try to have me killed?"
* Nadia_Chekova shrugs. "Even if not her, we'd have to go back to Japan to find any other leads, which still involves facing your cousin and her ninja death squads."
<Erin> "It is something we could only get out of her directly," admits Erin. "That is.. herself, or her closest aides. You know her, Yomi; would impersonating her be out of the question?"
<Yomi> "I obviously don't know her as well as I thought, but enough to pass a casual inspection. That implies that I wanted to return, though. I gave my word that I would leave."
* Nadia_Chekova wants to do something nice for Yomi when she's clearly so down. "We'll find you a better sword!" she tries to cheer the demonhunter up. "For example..." she lowers her voice, "Would you like to own that Masamune?"
<Erin> "I suppose I cannot be completely sure, but I would guess you gave your word to recover Shishi-o, as well. That may well be invalidated by Mei's actions, though- just as I would say that the ninja have already shown, by their mere complicity, that words between them cannot be trusted."
<Yomi> "Thank you, but the sword I have right now is serviceable enough against the demons and spectres," Yomi responds, shaking her head. "The Shishio was my partner, so I wanted it back. Just any sword, however powerful, cannot hope to replace it." To Erin, she says, "That may be so, but my return to Japan would result in much death. I can't shoulder that."
<Erin> "We can work around that with relative ease- you know that. It is... I feel you've been dealt a great wrong, Yomi. At the very least, you deserve to know why, and it is even better if you gain some restitution from it, in the form of that blade you deserve."
<Yomi> "Can we really work around this? Return, find out everything and leave without anyone knowing I'm alive?"
<Erin> "We can certainly get in and out of the country without much trouble and avoid notice there. With the proper discretion, I believe it's possible to investigate, as well."
<Yomi> "It's not easy to agree when you'll all be in danger as well. The ninja would need to get lucky only once, and Fukui might send others." She glances at Nadia in indecision. "Are you alright with that risk? And can we really discover more than we already had, while staying in Japan?"
<Nadia_Chekova> "You've taken many risks on my behalf, Yomi," Nadia replies simply. "But do remember you'll probably have to kill your good friend Sayuri if we get discovered."
<Erin> "Only through investigating Mei herself, or perhaps speaking to Fukui directly- as Mei, maybe?" replies Erin, shrugging. "That doesn't seem necessary. We'll leave as promised to her, and return by another means. And don't you worry about us, for heaven's sakes." Erin sniffs. "The Lodge is protected by an ancient spirit, and we're quite able to defend ourselves whilst travelling."
<Yomi> "I would not kill Sayuri, but yes, I believe we'll avoid a serious fight with her altogether if we were to leave, and then return by other means."
<El-Cideon> ~