The Paper Chase

[Bayushi Jiro]

Bayushi Jiro presented himself at the private training area for his appointed meeting with Kitsuki Tai Yu, for the purpose of learning the law. Admittedly, his expertise was likely to be used for nefarious ends, but the Emperor's villains had to start somewhere.

[Vutall]

"Hello, Bayushi-san. You requested me to learn about Law?"

[Bayushi Jiro]

After formal bows and respectful posturing, Bayushi Jiro responded with "Hai, Kitsuki-sensei. I did."

[Vutall]

"Are there more students coming, or should we begin?"

[Bayushi Jiro]

"I do not believe so, Kitsuki-sensei. The others are, I think, seeking the knowledge you have already imparted to Otomo-san and I about the way to see properly."

[Vutall]

"I would not necessarily call it properly, Bayushi-san. Just another method. Many do not even take the Kitsuki way into account, as it challenges some of the Empires long held beliefs."

[Bayushi Jiro]

Bayushi Jiro tilted his head. "But it is a part of things now, and to ignore it is to invite someone to see through one's maneuvers. I find I would be a poor tool for Lord Bayushi if I were careless enough to ignore any clan's methods, no matter how some may turn up their noses. After all, it is the ones with their noses in the air that trip and fall."

[Vutall]

"Well spoken. Very well then, I will teach you how to look at the totality of circumstances when investigating. The method of the Kitsuki, which uses clues from surrounding areas, skill at determining the truth of the matter between different accounts of an event, and the insight that samurai do in fact, lie."

[Bayushi Jiro]

Jiro nodded once. "Hai, Kitsuki-sensei. My mind is ready."

[Vutall]

The sensei goes over the many intricacies of forensic investigation, linking evidence to crimes, the art of deciphering lies from the truth, matching up witnesses accounts to find holes in the stories, and other detailed investigation methods.

"However, with our current law system, much of that work is inadmissable to an Emerald Magistrate, as the only thing that truly matters in their eyes is what someone speaks. If I were to say you for example stole from me, because I am higher in station, your account of things to prove your innocents would be ignored. Unless you had someone higher in station than me testify they saw you somewhere that it would be impossible for you to steal. This is why duels exist, so those of lower station have a chance to prove their innocents, should the Heavens be on their side"

[Bayushi Jiro]

"If someone of sufficiently high status were to make such an accusation, doesn't one need to have backing from another person of high status for a duel to be considered?"

Mental note: get a high position quickly. Duels do not sound fun.

[Bayushi Kaidan]

Kaidan made his way around looking for Kitsuki sensei finding that she was at this room. He waited at the door politely waiting to be let in. He didn't want to interrupt the lesson. Law was something that Kaidan was interested and also meditation so he might kill a bird with one kunai.

[Vutall]

The door is open, so Kaiden can enter at any time.

"There is a limit to how much one of lower station can challenge one of higher station, yes.In that case, yes, the lower station would need someone higher to back them. Some are even considered so close to the Heavens in their station that their word cannot be challenged at all."

[Bayushi Kaidan]

Kaidan entered the room quietly to listen to the lesson. He took a seat beside his cousin hoping not to interrupt.

[Bayushi Jiro]

"I was curious about that, because part of the Emerald Champion's duties is to serve as the Emperor's champion in a duel, should one occur. Surely the Emperor could never be challenged in such a way, so I am curious why that is still included in the Emerald Champion's remit."

[Vutall]

"There can be small circumstances when the Child of Heaven has need for the Champion, though history has not shown it, from my understanding."

[Bayushi Jiro]

"I see." Jiro inclined his head. "A precaution, then."

[Bayushi Kaidan]

"Can any of the advisors to the Emperor challenge the Emerald champion? Let's say the voice of the emperor has noted that the Emerald Champion is not following the what the emperor means." Maybe a stupid question but one with some weight.

[Vutall]

"The Emerald Champion does not hold the same status as the Emperor, Bayushi-san. Any who finds flaws in their actions is able to challenge them, though the usual precedent of those who are too low in station still applies."

[Bayushi Jiro]

Bayushi Jiro nodded slowly. "Hai, that makes sense, Kitsuki-sensei. The number of persons able to do so is limited, but perhaps that is reasonable, given the great seriousness of such an act."