The New Winds

Kaito Haruki begins preparation for the most stressful tea he's had all season. He sent an invite to one of the most stubborn people he's ever known, Doji Murashige-sensei. Hopefully she shows up; now how will he word his request?

After keeping Haruki waiting or an uncomfortable amount of time, but not too much to appear as rude, there comes a scratch on the door.

"Come in Doji-sensei, have you had your rice? I was hoping to share some observations about the last couple of days."

"Inari has indeed blessed me this day. Good work on your tests, you have reflected your sensei and the Ruby Champion well thus far."

At the disclosure of intent, the Doji goes cold and hard, the air immediately changing to one of aggression or hostility, though she says nothing.

D3 LE: Etiquette/Awareness, calm down the room before tea ceremony: 7d10o10k4 23
Haruki notices the change in atmosphere and quickly comes up with a quick joke to reduce the tension before the ceremony begins, trying not to ruin the moment. "I'm not trying to see another ghost, please let me serve tea first."

He takes a cue from the culture test and don't even bother looking for a reaction, instead using this opportunity to pour the tea and focus her attention to something other than his stumbled words.
D3 LE: Tea Ceremony (Void Recovery)/Void TN 15: 5d10o10k4 24

Once the ceremony is finished, the woman looks much calmer and relaxed.

"Excellent job, Isawa-san. This was a worthy ceremony."

"Let me go ahead and set the record straight, I've had an encounter with Doji Satsume-Shiryu on my first day in Tsuma. I also met with Ryo-ojisan on the road the morning of."

She raises her eyebrows.

"That is quite the claim, Doji-sama has passed on, Isawa-san. Meeting with his servant isn't something to announce either, as he has been traveling to return the deceased belongings to his brother in law, Kakita-sama"

D3 LE: Sincerity (Honesty)/Awareness: 5d10o10k4 28

"I helped Ryo-ojisan right his cart after the wind knocked it over. However, I don't think it was actually the wind. I also know that I'm not the only one to claim to have seen Satsume-Shiryo if the rumors are any indication."

"I see. What is it you need to tell me for? This seems like a matter better suited for a priest."

"I've been thinking about the request he made, and have been observing the competition to try to get a grasp on how to go about ensuring the request is met."

"I would assume you could mentor him and ensure he is a model student such as you and the others that we taught in Hirosaka."

"I am certain that he would pass regardless, but I will take that into consideration for sure. I am here to talk about another aspect, however. What if bringing him here was only a small part of their plan?"

"Of who's plan, Isawa-san? I do not follow what you are trying to say.."

"I don't know either honestly. There's too many factors I don't have figured out. Permission to speak more frankly?"

She waves her hand in a "go ahead" motion

"If whoever invited Hitoshi-san did so out of malice, they must have taken the time to see his abilities before coming up with their course of action. If so, they would have realized already that he would pass Gempukku. That would mean they have something in store for when he takes part in the Iaijutsu tournament, right?"

"His invitation was a late addition and annoyed Kakita-sama greatly. None of us think he belongs here, as his scores on the past few tests have shown."

"Really? Last I checked, he excelled at every physical challenge but horsemanship, and even in that, he was proficient at least. I can tell from your initial reaction that I am not the first person to bring this up. So I will just leave it at this, I don't want there to be any doubt in anyone's mind that the Topaz Champion earned their position. If that means showing that he will not win the Iaijutsu portion now before the rumors get worse, then so be it."

D3 LE: Etiquette/Awareness, make a point without causing a fight: 7d10o10k4 29

"We may be acquainted, Isawa-san, but do not forget your position compared to me. "

She stands and gives a bow.

"Thank you for the tea, and for your concerns."