Ujo mutters under his breath. "Hedonists." Kyouka is escorted back inside the Mochi estate, where the lord grins like a cheshire cat. "My men saw the whole thing. Good plan, and good execution. Well done." He beckons for her to sit on the floor of his audience chamber, and slides over some papers. "The first document grants you control of a small holding company. You won't make money off of it, but from now on you can purchase properties under the name of the company, instead of your own name. This should make it harder for Oichi to know what you own."
He shakes her hand with a nod. "Likewise." Kyouka makes her way back to the castle. She sees Shintaro lying down on the futon, a stunning young woman taking away a bloody bandage from his thigh and applying a new one.
He shakes her hand with a nod. "Likewise." Kyouka makes her way back to the castle. She sees Shintaro lying down on the futon, a stunning young woman taking away a bloody bandage from his thigh and applying a new one.
Shintaro looks up. "Ah, hey Red. Meet my daughter, Amalia." He grits his teeth as Amalia ties the new bandage around the wound on his thigh, which Kyouka judges to be a gunshot wound. By way of explanation, Shintaro simply says "Your sister sent some men after me."
He shakes his head. "Nah, nothing. Amalia, why don't you go get your mother something to eat?" He passes her some coins, and she stands. "Nice to meet you." She gives Kyouka a smile on her way out. As the door closes behind her, Shintaro gives a groan. "Damn, she got me good, Red. Shoulda just let her have you that day. Oh, by the way, there was an attempt on your brothers, too. They were doing a job for the Clan, and were attacked by thugs like the ones who attacked me. They're fine, though."
"I was just kidding, Red." He smirks. "Organisation, huh? What, some kinda gang or mercenary group?"
Shintaro chuckles. "Good to see you keep busy. You know, I know a few people who could join up with you, so long as they're paid well."
"There's a chamber, down below the room with the statues, the one you cleared out. It has a particular gemstone I want. However, it's filled with animated plants, and my spiders are ill-suited to combat in those conditions. Therefore, I'd like you two to do the fighting."
"They're a group of nanban...privateers, who've been doing mercenary work since their ship went down a little while ago. They're skilled in combat, if you don't mind their stink." He sighs. "No, I've been preparing a few things. Firstly, I had a countermeasure to Oichi's mind control poison made. I also sent a spy out as bait. Oichi will recruit him, thinking she'll turn him against me, but in reality he'll be spying on her, immune to her poison."
Midori nodded along as she listened to the woman's explanation. “A land of endless desert? Not a place I would want to visit... though I might check out the bazaar later – I'm curious what items they have for sale. And yes, I'm going to stay away from the yakuza if I can help it – no need to tempt fate.” She promised as she took a sip of her tea and finished it. “Thank you for your time, Tiyaka, I appreciate it. I guess I should leave you to your work now – but I will let you know if I have any news in regards to your troubles.” She reassured the woman.
"The very same." The sorceress nods. "But I'll grant you the power to resist."
"Thank you, my dear." She leans forwards and kisses Midori's cheek. "I truly do appreciate it."