Winds of Ambition - Game Thread

"Fufu. I have been called worse. And I have also heard that phrase dozens of times, from men bigger, older, and a lot more experienced than you are." Kyouka's murderous grin returns, "And I've sent all of them to the after life!" She proclaimed proudly, giggling as she reminisced the fierce duels she's had. "Ahh. I will tell you one thing." She leans in closer to his face, "Just because your enemy is a woman, doesn't mean you should take her lightly." She whispered in a teasing tone, before moving away. "Heh. Remember that, boy. And you might just live a little longer. Since the lord of this castle, Lord Yokuboo, has a habit of employing female assassins." She said in low tone, just enough for Jian to hear.
A shuddered went down Jian's spine, as Kyouka whispered to him. He nodded, 'I see what you are saying... and I won't underestimate you, should we ever duel.' He waved his hand, 'But female assassins are a whole lot different from a duelist like you. If the assassin is any good, I wouldn't have any chance to underestimate them because they are women. Being killed in your sleep by poison or blade. Stabbed with a hair-needle during sex. You at least give your victims a chance to fight.'
 
Midori returned the bow. ""It's nice to meet you." She raised an eyebrow. "'The woman you sought?' Do you need something from me?" She asked, curious what this samurai could want from someone like her.
"No, I wouldn't say I need anything. My father and I were assigned to find a new person to take place in the Kushan, since the person originally selected died. Some old lady, I believe. Your mother persuaded him that you were the person who should take the spot, so I sought you out, but didn't know who you were when I saw you. It's irrelevant. Your mother told you, and here you are."
 
Returning the embrace, the young samurai slides a hand up Midori's slender neck, parting her pink locks as it reaches the back of her head. Their faces are close enough that they can feel each other's breath on their skin. Not quite sure why, Chituskiko softly brushes her puckered lips against her mentor's before passing them by as she tightens the hug. "My place is with the clan, auntie. And I still have much to learn if I am ever to take over your role." Now it was aunt's turn to speak as if somebody would leave. Chitsukiko certainly never would if she had a choice.

"Lord Shintaro is as he is, and accepted our newest cousin without question. Do not worry, I'll make sure he'll have his sword and pick of the armory."
Midori blushes at the soft kiss. "I-uh, it's good to hear. I'm glad that Jian will have a weapon."
 
"No, I wouldn't say I need anything. My father and I were assigned to find a new person to take place in the Kushan, since the person originally selected died. Some old lady, I believe. Your mother persuaded him that you were the person who should take the spot, so I sought you out, but didn't know who you were when I saw you. It's irrelevant. Your mother told you, and here you are."
“Ah, I see, so that's what happened.” Midori nodded, then smirked. “By the way, do you check out every girl you see on the street?”
 
"Is there anything else, auntie? Need to prepare and start packing. Ah, not sure if you've told me if you've visited the capital before, but anything you'd suggest I take with me?"
"I, no, nothing comes to mind. Just keep your wits about you, and your weapons on hand at all times. It can be a nest of vipers." Midori releases her niece. "Maybe I'll take a ship over to see you."
 
A shuddered went down Jian's spine, as Kyouka whispered to him. He nodded, 'I see what you are saying... and I won't underestimate you, should we ever duel.' He waved his hand, 'But female assassins are a whole lot different from a duelist like you. If the assassin is any good, I wouldn't have any chance to underestimate them because they are women. Being killed in your sleep by poison or blade. Stabbed with a hair-needle during sex. You at least give your victims a chance to fight.'

"Ahahah! Right you are, boy." Kyouka laughed, "I haven't had the chance of encountering an assassin yet. But, if I ever do, I reckon my instincts would kick in. After all, once you've faced enough people that's aiming to take your life. You get a certain knack, for sensing those sorts of intent." She sighed, until she remembered her older sister. The redhead's haughty, and proud attitude disappears for a moment. The shameless murderer in front of Jian visibly shuddered, her face turning pale for a second. Until she returns to her usual self, "Ugh. Another advice, Jian. If you ever meet a woman named Oichi. Run away. No... that's a good way to get stabbed in the back. Instead don't take your eyes off of her as you back away. And do not accept anything the offers you, especially food and drink." Kyouka groaned, her tone harboring a bit of fear.
 
"Ahahah! Right you are, boy." Kyouka laughed, "I haven't had the chance of encountering an assassin yet. But, if I ever do, I reckon my instincts would kick in. After all, once you've faced enough people that's aiming to take your life. You get a certain knack, for sensing those sorts of intent." She sighed, until she remembered her older sister. The redhead's haughty, and proud attitude disappears for a moment. The shameless murderer in front of Jian visibly shuddered, her face turning pale for a second. Until she returns to her usual self, "Ugh. Another advice, Jian. If you ever meet a woman named Oichi. Run away. No... that's a good way to get stabbed in the back. Instead don't take your eyes off of her as you back away. And do not accept anything the offers you, especially food and drink." Kyouka groaned, her tone harboring a bit of fear.
'I hope you never have to find out if your instinct will reveal a would-be assassin to you,' Jian smiled but then was confused, seeing Kyouka expression shift as if she had seen a ghost, 'Oichi? What manner of demon is she for someone like you to fear her?'
 
"I, no, nothing comes to mind. Just keep your wits about you, and your weapons on hand at all times. It can be a nest of vipers." Midori releases her niece. "Maybe I'll take a ship over to see you."
"Will need both if I am to protect Lord Yakuboo. No matter the splendors of the capital, I know my heart will long for home. And, you know, auntie, father suggested he'd do the same. Maybe you'll meet on the road, don't be too harsh with him if you do. For me." Smiling brightly. "Now, I really need to get started."

"A final request, auntie. Could you take the teapot and cup, and return them to the kitchen?"
 
'I hope you never have to find out if your instinct will reveal a would-be assassin to you,' Jian smiled but then was confused, seeing Kyouka expression shift as if she had seen a ghost, 'Oichi? What manner of demon is she for someone like you to fear her?'

"She's a demon alright... but worse than that. She's also my older sister." Kyouka said with a defeated sigh. "Ghh. If you ever meet her, don't reveal too much of yourself. But, also try not to seem like you're trying to hide something. Once she knows you're a lord's bastard, who knows what she'll plan on using you for."
 
"She's a demon alright... but worse than that. She's also my older sister." Kyouka said with a defeated sigh. "Ghh. If you ever meet her, don't reveal too much of yourself. But, also try not to seem like you're trying to hide something. Once she knows you're a lord's bastard, who knows what she'll plan on using you for."
'Your older sister?' Jian raised an eyebrow, 'You can't choose family, can you? I better avoid meeting her altogether then.'
 
She laughs. "Only the beautiful ones. I apologise, did I make you uncomfortable? Please accept my apologies." The young noblewoman bows.
“Oh, no, you did not make me uncomfortable at all, don't worry.” Midori reassured her new acquaintance. “I was just surprised to see a pretty woman check me out instead of the usual random, and often drunk, guys. I'm happy to hear you think I'm beautiful.” She gave her a warm smile.
 
"Indeed you can't. And that is a wise decision. One that might just let you live a day longer." Kyouka replied, before taking a deep breath. "Anyway, I wonder just how long we have to wait before departing."
'I would be the last person to ask,' Jian chuckled, 'I will go back to training my moves, you can join me if you like, that way the time might fly by more quickly. But... I did interrupt you cleaning your musket, I'll let you get on with that. I enjoyed our chat, Kyouka.' He bowed to her and returned to the platform overlooking the city.
Taking another starting stance, he started to pratice his Tai Chi movements once more.
 
'I would be the last person to ask,' Jian chuckled, 'I will go back to training my moves, you can join me if you like, that way the time might fly by more quickly. But... I did interrupt you cleaning your musket, I'll let you get on with that. I enjoyed our chat, Kyouka.' He bowed to her and returned to the platform overlooking the city.
Taking another starting stance, he started to pratice his Tai Chi movements once more.
@Tjf
"Mm. Indeed. I also look forward to the day we'll be able to fight." Kyouka replied with a smile, before grabbing her musket and cleaning it again. Unless something else happened, she'll make sure her rifle was spotless, and in top shape for their journey.
 
"Three bodyguards, and about a dozen servants. She travels in another carriage." The shogun seems to sense his thoughts. "Believe me, I want to be rid of her as much as you want to see her punished, and I still want your help in the capital. I have no intention of betraying you, Lord. I leave the circumstances and timing of her arrest up to you, as the more skilled tactician."

Silently, Jurobei admitted to himself, that the woman was more skilled than he gave her credit for.

He nodded.

"When we will reach the city, I will lead both of you to your quarters - my vassals will take her of her retinue, at that time. And when we are alone, we will explain to her the change made by Shogun's politics." He paused. "Do you need anyone of her retinue, alive?"
 
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