The New Winds

He now needed to finish his craft. Much was done last day, but not all. Going to the town square to do so, he again finds the public forge in use, although not crowded.
He picks a table next to peasants, used to work around a lot of people in the great forge of the Kaiu.
(Edit: no need to tell people to get out)

Asahi had not had time to explore much of Tsuma after arriving. His goal was to do so today, before testing began. He was naturally interested in the availability of a forge and was soon given directions. He carried a hammer with him, one worn and well used, but reverently cared for.

"Good morning, Kaiu-sama." he offered a bow upon seeing the Crab.

He bows shallowly back. "Good morning, Kitsuki-san." He looks back to his work as it was needed. "Our Crane hosts have been so considerative with their tenet of compassion, giving the peasants the same forges intended to be used by their samurai, don't you think?"

"I agree." he nodded. "The forge cares little about the station of those who make use of it, after all."

He looks to the Kitsuki, blinks a few times and continues to work. "What are you working on today?"

"I haven't decided." he admitted. "I wanted to see the forge and what resources might be available. Something small, perhaps a tanto for now. Are you continuing the work you mentioned yesterday?""

"Resources you will have to buy for yourself, you are not in the land of your lord here. Although the market is just right by. And I am indeed. A tessen, the ones that look like fans instead of the flat metal discs like the one I have with me right now."

"That is why I am thinking of something small." he nodded. "I confess, I've not crafted a tessen before. it seems like it would be an interesting challenge."

"It's not hard or timetaking. I literally started this yesterday and I'm almost finishing it now. I'm trying to make it pretty and tidy, however."

"Of course." he nodded again. "Do you pursue other crafts, Kaiu-sama?"

"Yes. I'm first and foremost a battlemaster. So I should also be a competent warrior as well."

"As should a magistrate." Again, he nodded. "But, it has been suggested that I should consider more artistic pursuits. I enjoy working in the forge, but I've always considered it a practical interest, not an art."

"I learnt one or two thinks about calligraphy in the imperial dojo, but I rarely practice it. My thoughts on the matter are the same as yours. But ignore anyone who says blades aren't art or something like that. The Kakita Artisans make swords."

"I'd like to observe their craft." he smiled. "Each clan has different approaches to how they forge their blades. The flexibility of the Kakita. The durability of the Kaiu. The precision of the Akodo. The ingenuity of the Agasha."

"Our family and the Agasha have been somewhat allies for long," he says. "Is it true the Agasha call you Kitsuki their little brothers because your family is a branch of theirs?"

"Agasha Kitsuki may not have been a shugenja, but his philosophy was consistent with the family. Stories of Agasha portray her as an observer of the world who enjoyed studying it and delving into its riddles and mysteries. Her family has always followed that example, experimenting with new materials and techniques, including my father." His hand patted his hammer at the mention of his father. "The Kitsuki, in turn, reflect that in the way we look for details and learn from what we find. We are siblings in many ways."

"I see. We don't have any direct lookalikes in the Crab. Maybe the Hiruma find themselves in the Hida, but that's unlikely. Everyone is divided into very different functions for the same purpose. The Hiruma scout, the Hida fight, the Kaiu build, the Kuni discover and the Yasuki commerce." He replies, right on his way to finish the Tessen...
(Day 2, EM) Fan of War - Weaponsmithing/Strength TN 15 with one raise (Quality): 6d10o10k3 23

"Well, the Togashi and the Mirumoto are different." he shrugged. "A reclusive and enigmatic order and a pragmatic military. But, we all fit together and complement each other in some way."

"Guess it is the same for us." The tessen finished, he walked outside the forge and held it towards the sky, gesticulating — and attracting the confused attention of some ashigaru. The light of the sun jumped from above to his war fan, and from it to white blotches where he aimed at.
It was done, complete and functional. He took a deep breath with the sight of his success.

"Very fine work, Kaiu-sama." Asahi smiled. "I will need to make one myself someday."