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.'
"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."
"Thank You Mother....but I must ask You something and it has to stay between Us...I'm deeply conflicted and need Your Advise"
“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."
She laughs. "Only the beautiful ones. I apologise, did I make you uncomfortable? Please accept my apologies." The young noblewoman bows.
"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?'
"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?"
"Father not only wants Me to swear Loyalty to Clan Yokuboo....He wants me to Wipe out Clan Yakatori without anyone finding out that it was Us. They have their Seat in The Capitol. I know they betrayed Us but this goes against everything Our Clan stands 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.'
“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.
@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.
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?"
