The New Winds

Haruki finds a way to get a room and leaves a request to let him know before letting anyone in. He wants to have quiet for a little while. He takes this time to smooth over his thoughts.

D2 EE: Meditation (void Recovery)/Void TN 20: 7d10ro1o10k4 39
+2 Void Points

Having received two invitations to the House of the Red Lotus, one for an early drinks, and one for a Late diner, Hitoshi makes his way to the sake and tea house, politely asking the server to point him in the direction of the person who invited him.

He scratches at the closed door, waiting for permission to enter.

"Come on in, thank you for accepting my invitation."

The tall, athletic and lean built Mantis with pale skin compared to his clan-mates enters and gives a bow.

"Thank you for the invitation, Isawa-san"

(Investigation check to see if, like me, there are traits that are distinctly Crane in nature)
D2 EE: Investigation/Perception noticing physical things about Hitoshi-san: 7d10o10k4 24

"I'm sure you've done your best in today's events. Would you like to join me in a tea ceremony while we wait for our food?"

If not for the Mantis colors and accent, as well as his general nature, Hitoshi could easily be mistaken as a Crane at first glance.

"My best wasn't good enough for some it seems. Despite answering correctly, the judge in Heraldry still failed me.

Frustration shows on Hitoshi and he clenches his fist for a moment before exhaling deeply and nodding.

"It would be an honor to join you."

Haruki ignores the comment against the teachers for now, focusing instead on doing the tea ceremony as only a Phoenix will. He treats it far more as a spiritual manner than the traditional crane ceremony, allowing no noise whatsoever once he begins.

D2 EE: Tea Ceremony (Void Recovery)/Void TN 15: 5d10o10k4 21
+1 VP

Once completed Haruki considers how to word his thoughts, then begins. "Have you ever wondered why my hair is white; it's all natural." He says as he then moves to show the roots of his hair to verify the truth of his words.
D2 EE: Etiquette/Awareness Better safe than sorry: 7d10o10k4 36

He goes through the ceremony quietly with Haruki and once finished, contemplates the question.

"I assume it has something to do with your heritage, or a curse from the gods?"

"My grandfather married into the Kaito family as part of a rather large deal between the Phoenix and Crane. Do you have a similar lineage? You have a similar body type as me, despite hailing from the Mantis Islands and I know for a fact that I am a spitting image of my grandfather."

"I do not know my father. My mother has been part of the Mantis her entire life, and her ancestors before her as well."

He looks a bit unsettled at the thought.

Kaito Haruki wrote:

Thu Aug 06, 2020 10:01 am

Attempting to politely change subject, pretending like it was just a mere curiosity rather than probing.
D2 EE: Etiquette/Awareness Changing the subject: 7d10o10k4 21

"I have prior experience with Murashige-sensei. I'll try talking to her tomorrow, but I can't guarantee I can talk to her before the tests tomorrow. Hida-sensei didn't give you any trouble did he?"

"No, he seemed quite thrilled with how the match went. The Imperial I was against was a good opponent, but they did not give me much trouble. As far as speaking with Doji-sama, if you believe there is something you can do, I would appreciate it, though I doubt she will change her decision on today's event."

He pulls a napkin and uses it to hide his face while he makes a jest. "I know she won't change anything about today's events, that would require her to openly admit she was wrong." He then puts it down next to him opened, then continues. "She will listen to reason, it's just that even the best of us need to hear it voiced out every now and then."

"You have my thanks. What's in this for you? I'm not used to being doing things for me without a price.."

"The elimination of any doubt as to the validity of the Topaz Championship. It is only right to treat any one of us as if they were both the Topaz Champion and not until the end of the week."

"I see. You have a strong sense of what you believe in, Isawa-san."

"Most people see the Topaz Champion as a way to show off their oldest and brightest children. I see it also as the way to see who is responsible enough to be called the youngest Emerald Magistrate. Tell me this, besides the former Topaz Champions, how old are Emerald Magistrates?"

“The age varies I think. Some can be sent to train right after their gempuku, but that is rare. Most are in their 20s I would think”

"Few are though, and for good reason. Rokugan's law system works only if the Emerald Magistrates are unquestionably seen as an extension of the Imperial law authority. Just as the average child cannot be given a sword, neither can the average samurai be given the position of Emerald Magistrate. Even those children who are groomed from a young age to become one spend a considerable amount of time as a yoriki before getting their badge. That is why I promise you that I will speak with Murashige-sensei tomorrow."

Hitoshi looks puzzled for a moment at Haruki, but then nods.

"Well, you have my thanks again, Isawa-san"