The New Winds

Shiso sought Bayushi Moriko. They liked sly. Sly could be fun.

"Hello, cousin. How have you found your day so far?"

"Nobody's telling good jokes here, Bayushi-sama." Shiso said after bowing. "How about yours?"

"Bland and boring, but hopefully about to get better. What can I do for you"

"Probably teach my something, it's what we're allegedly here for. But I am up for a surprise, so it's up to you, Bayushi-sama!"

"Indeed, it is why you are here, but I hope you are also making good for our clan. A lot of opportunities to spend so much time with so many clans."

"I haven't been told I should! Are there those I should pay attention to?"

“Soshi-San, you are a Scorpion, you should pay attention to everyone”

"Even the dull ones?" Shiso scratched the ear of their mask.

"Even the dull ones. We are the eyes and ears for our clan. Everything we see and hear can be used as weapons."

"Sounds like a lot of work. Or even a task." Shiso shrugged. "Sure, I can do that. Any priority list?"

"No priority list. Your lords will rarely give such direct assignments."

"So, it's do your own thing kind of approach?" Shiso got curious. "You know, Bayushi-sama, I spent many years in Kyuden Miya, some things don't get across the same way when it's an Imperial tutor who passes them."

The Bayushi would have put his face in his palm were it not for the mask he wore.

"Oh, that certainly explains some things. You will have a lot to learn about being a Scorpion once you are finished at the Imperial dojo's, Soshi-san."

"I am fine with it. I kind of get the gist of it, being from my family after all. Still, wouldn't you be good to offer a primer for whatever you're having on your mind right now, Bayushi-sama?" Shiso was relaxed about possible mental facepalms. They were cool with themselves, the opposite of a self-conscious teenager. In their mind, everything could be winged and there was nothing to be excessively worried about.

"Well, look for any information that could be used in the courts as leverage. Secrets, engagements that we could try to disrupt, weaknesses, that sort of thing."

"Oh-kay." Shiso rolled their shoulders. "Any lesson that could help me with that?"

"There are many. Manipulation with the way you speak, observation of others from a distance, or staying out of sight to overhear others..."

"It's a hard choice, Bayushi-sama. All that seems rather neat." Shiso scratched the mask's ear. "Wonder what can come handy most in a place like this one."

"All have their uses. We have time now for a lesson, so pick what you think you would like to know, and I am happy to teach."