[D2, EE] An Offering to Ebisu

[Bayushi Jiro]

"I saw him once when I was a small child, but it was across the court chamber of Kyuden Bayushi, and we never spoke. I cannot imagine that Kaidan-san has, though perhaps his mother's family. He certainly did not speak with us in a familiar way, nor was he very free with detail."

Tomohiro turned the corners of his mouth down in a frown.

"His request was unusual, and not altogether beneficial to his former clan. You and Miya-san make good sense as agents. Perhaps Kokyou, because of his relationship to the boy. But Kaidan-san and myself? We have no reason to spare the former official's relations if we are to find something untoward has happened. It is upsetting to think that the official has altered his loyalties."

[Otomo Nobuko]

"It is very doubtful he has," she said, seeing the situation not as one of Clan loyalty, but as loyalty to the Throne and Empire. "He is a very important official and his hand extends further than his clan. It is possible that he, in his wisdom, has seen an injustice being done and wishes to correct it, but does not feel it would be best to do so directly. Wyn-san and myself make sense in that case. As do you."

Nobuko's eyes shifted to the side as she gave the matter more thought.

"However, if there is a connection that needs to be explored, it would be best done through the old man that was escorting his personal effects for him yesterday morning. On road near the river. That was where Wyn-san encountered him. Both were busy with their travels, so I was given the impression it was a but a brief passing. The ojisan has surely arrived at his intended destination."

Being that this was Doji Satsume, that destination was probably the Governor's Mansion.

[Bayushi Jiro]

Tomohiro nodded slowly.

"An interesting character. It would not be difficult, I think, to gain access to the governor's mansion. Freedom to explore it may be a different issue."

He wasn't going to mention that Kaidan was going to case the joint tonight. The other spoke of the plan, though, he could put more freely.

"I started a rumor...shameless of me, I know...that Kaidan-san and I have been visited by this official. It should be all over Tsuma tomorrow. I did it to see who would take an interest in what the former official had to say, and perhaps ascertain whether the child is aware of his connection to the official, or whether the official's family might hasten to take precipitate action. I also wished to find out whether he had appeared to others."

He smiled. "I suspect a little swarm of activity in the next couple days, but hopefully by focusing attention on me, it will give others cover to do what needs doing in this regard."

[Otomo Nobuko]

"If this flurry of activity to come draws those who were truly visited as we were - and I am certain you can determine the truth of their words, my confidence there is unquestioned - I would be interested in hearing what they know."

She was about to leave it at that, but paused as something she'd dismissed before returned to her mind.

". . .the outburst the young man had. At his arrival. He was told by the innkeeper that his name was not on her list of contestants, which were kept meticulously in a book that had been delivered from the Governor's mansion after all invitations had been finalized."

Nobuko glanced over at Tomohiro, the fan coming up and her voice lowering to ensure none could overhear or see her lips save him. Just in case. "I checked the book. The space for his name was painted over. I took it as a correction for a misspelling that had failed to be finished before the book was taken to be delivered. However, his performance today... the poor showing under the scrutiny of Doji-sensei... and our superior's concern for him... may hint at another reason. I know you enjoy spreading whispers, but as far as I am aware only I... and now you... know of this correction. Do not let it slip idly, yes?"

[Bayushi Jiro]

"Yes." Jiro tilted his head. "It is curious. The Crane do not seem to be favoring other Mantis with the same treatment."

[Otomo Nobuko]

"No. They do not. So perhaps our superior's concern is not unfounded."

[Bayushi Jiro]

"Hai, but the Crane are half of the issue. The other half lies in Hitoshi. If he is singled out, then in some sense he is singular. He may know what sets him apart from the rest of us, perhaps without being truly conscious of it."

[Otomo Nobuko]

"I will attempt to find time to speak with him. And an excuse to do so. My preference would be to be matched with him in an event, but that is out of my hands."

[Bayushi Jiro]

"I would suggest caution, Nobu-chan. The Crane are one kind of danger, here, but the other is that, should others also have been visited, their attempts to be of service could prove problematic as well. Not everyone has the wherewithal to take care."

[Otomo Nobuko]

"I would hope our superior would have the sense not to bring too many musicians into the chorus. If we have all be given different parts but don't know where the rest are supposed to come in, it will only lead to cacophony."

Which was to say, she really hoped there wouldn't be too many crossed sticks holding the puppets up.

"I will do as I can. We only need seventy five points to each pass, after all."

[Bayushi Jiro]

"Alright." Jiro tilted his head. "I will stop playing the hectoring mother, then." Then he smirked. "It doesn't really suit me, anyway."

[Otomo Nobuko]

Nobuko shut her fan and used the end of it to playfully push some against Tomohiro's shoulder, "But you make such an excellent mother. I could call you O-Kaa-san."

[Bayushi Jiro]

"I would only have to come up with an embarrassing nickname for you, then." Tomohiro sighed dramatically. "Musume, perhaps."

[Otomo Nobuko]

She gave a mock gasp, "And here I was being respectful! I added the O- and everything!"

[Bayushi Jiro]

"Well, that is only natural. If I am to be a mother, then I will be the greatest of mothers."

He placed his hands on his hips and puffed up his chest like an Ikoma.

"Whereas a daughter who teases her mother is only a daughter. There is no special term for that."

[Otomo Nobuko]

Any retort she might have had was ruined by her laugh. It was full-bodied and unrestrained save for the hand that came up to cover her mouth as she turned her body into the wall so she could at least pretend to have some decorum.

/Scene?

[Bayushi Jiro]

Jiro joined in with a quiet chuckle of his own.

/scene.