The young foreign man, and the samurai woman, both look like they could be possible contenders for a fight. The lord smiles at her. "I suppose, once my brother, Lord Jurobei gets back. I'm Lord Shintaro." He points to the musket over her shoulder, and gestures to his own beautiful matchlock. "You use that thing, or is it just meant for decoration?"
“Good morning, mother, sleep well?” Midori greeted the older woman. “The smell is so wonderful it got me out of bed and straight to here. That looks as good as it smells.” She commented as she examined the breakfast that had been prepared for her. “Need any help?” She added after a moment. (That is going to be all from me for now – too tired to continue.)
Kyouka grins as she realized she'l be travelling with two, delicious looking opponents. But when the lord introduced himself, she bows politely. "A pleasure, my lord." She said as her smile widens, "Ah, it's also a pleasure to see someone recognize the effectiveness of firearms as they're called. And yes, I have used it, more than once." She added, though her tone let her inner murderer be known for a moment.
"Oh, Terada-kun. Is this part of the job or were your looking for me specifically?" Welcoming his presence, she still pondered on the new arrivals that began to flood in. The one had a look to her that the fox wasn't crazy about. It reminded her too much like dogs. Something to be sicced on your enemies and cut down. It would be useful to be on her good side, at least. Koyumi wasn't a fighter and if there was trouble, she was going to have to stick by other people to do the heavy lifting. The word "dead weight" came to mind. At least without the full extent of what she could do. She wasn't a strong fighter, but she didn't need to be when she could just distort the battlefield for those who could fight on her behalf. Trying to join the conversation, somewhat that drew to pistols, she gave an eye on it, just as well, she saw an opportunity. "Feel like you have enough gunpowder? Seeing as we'll be travelling together, I can cut you a deal."
Shintaro chuckles. "Likewise." "Well, perhaps both. I'm taking a ride back to the capital with the lord, thought I might as well come and say hello." As Koryumi approaches the conversation, Lord Shintaro turns to face her. "One can never have enough powder, in my experience." He turns to Kyouka. "Fancy a shooting match? As I was saying before, I'd like to do some shooting before my hangover sets in."
Kyouka looks at the white-haired woman, "Hmm? That would be great, however I've rarely had the chance to use my rifle these days." She replied, before grinning at the lord's offer. "Fufu. But it looks like that will be changing soon. Very well, I'll accept. However, I don't want to be interrupted like yesterday. I was already hungover, and my duel with a certain Lady Midori was cut short my an uncouth man. I hope that won't be a problem?" She said with a grin. @Mazoku Depending on how close she was to Kyouka, she might be able to hear the redhead complain about the duel from yesterday. And the fact that she was hungover while she fought.
@Tjf "I see. Well, if you need something later, I'm sure I'll have something." With those two about to head off for their duel, she turned her attention back to Kiyoda. "Do you have long to stay or will you be heading out soon?"
Inazuma hold back yawn, fight with tiredness. Mission are harsh for kunoichi. She whispered to her Lord ear. " I will go check shogun mother, to look what you could excepted." She said to him and leave room quiet like falling dust, heading to Shogun's rooms and staying in the shadows.
"Yes. And we've met before, she came to challenge auntie. She's a skilled swordsman and I have no doubt we'll see a similar display with her rifle." @unisol_gr44 "Should I call you brother, Jian, or do you prefer cousin?" A peal of light laughter in her voice. Lord Shintaro could've gone either way, but he seemed prepared to accept him. Was difficult to see the family resemblance on a personality level, but they'd have years to talk and sort that out. "Once things have calmed down we can resume our discussion of Yakuboo women."
Shintaro chuckles. "That'd be Yamana, castle steward. He tired of trying to tell me what to do years ago. You fought Midori? Was there a provocation?" He primes and loads his firearm, pointing to some targets along the castle wall. "We'll use those, how about five shots, and the shooter with the most headshots wins?" @unisol_gr44 Shintaro looks over to his newly discovered son. "You ever use one of these, kid?"
"Oh, I'll be heading out with you, along with my brothers, who were out informing those chosen for the Kushan." He smiles.
"Yeah, that's him." Kyouka grumbled as she remembered the man, and when he asked what started the duel. The redhead grins, "Well, she's heard of my reputation. And wanted to see if I held up to it in person." Was all she said as she looks at the targets, "Hmm. Seems easy enough, very well." She agreed, taking her rifle loading it.
Inazuma is unable to see a path to the shogun's quarters without engaging one of the many samurai standing guard around her. She is, however, able to position herself outside the shogun's mother's room, where she hears light moans sounding through the wall.
"You have a reputation, huh? And what would that reputation be?" He lifts his matchlock to his shoulder and fires, the bullet burning a hole between the eyes of the man shaped target.
Inazuma sigh to hersellf. It seems Shogun's mother enjoy company in bed. It could be valube information with who she sleeping, so kunoichi risk and peak inside room, still covering hersellf in shadows.
"Great, that gives us a lot more time to get to know each other." She would enjoy getting to properly spend time with him, as she glanced over at the rest of the people in the courtyard, gathering her thoughts on them. She wasn't sure what going to court would mean, but after getting a look at them...she was underwhelmed. These people didn't seem any more special than herself up close. In fact, she was probably more unique than they were. From the way people talked about the capital, she had kind of expected streets paved with gold....not that it was lacking in sights...she had just been expecting more. Especially since, last time she was here when they were still doing construction on the place, the project seemed a lot more grand at the time. Regardless, she just stayed where she was, wondering if she'd be needed for anything. "Seems like they keep you busy here. Are they always running off in different directions like this?"
"Ho? Interesting, a man that doesn't know who I am. You are either married, a eunuch, or maybe you prefer the same sex?" Kyouka teased as she aims, and fires at another target. Aiming for its forehead. The redhead then grins, "Very well, I shall tell you. I don't know the various nickname they have given me. But when I was younger, I seeked some challengers. But due to being a woman, none would take me seriously. Until I added a reward. If they happen to beat me, they're allowed to use my body however they wish for a day. If they lose, I simply kill them." She said in a proud tone, while using her gloved hand to slide over her curvy body to accentuate the reward.
Cracking the door open just an inch, Inazuma sees that the woman lies, looking almost bored, as a grey haired old man is atop her. She doesn't recognise the man, but next to the pair is sprawled a man's kimono, expensive looking, with gold leaf trimmings, indicating that whoever he is, he's very wealthy. Before Inazuma can determine anything more, she hears the heavy thuds of an armoured guard's footsteps, about to round the corner to where she's crouched.
"Well, members of an Imperial vassal clan are always selected to go inform people they've been selected for the Kushan. It's an honor, and this is the first time I've ever been able to go out and see other parts of the country like this." He smiles, walking with her. "So, I'm not usually so busy, but this time Clan Terada was selected to go, and I heeded the call."
