D5 EM: Mercy comes in threes (trigger warning, calling back to bar fight?)

[Isawa Tanshin]

Tanshin raised his eyes, but remained in his bow.

"It was sent by the Honorable Emerald Champion Doji Satsume."

[Vutall]

"My brother in law? How did you come across it?"

[Kaito Haruki]

"Ryo-ojisan had some trouble with the wind on the way to Tsuma a few days ago. We thought we put everything back in the cart safely, but I guess we overlooked this since it didn't have a seal. For that and failing to bring this to you sooner due to our hard work, we ask for your forgiveness. "
(Ooc, no mention of a seal in the D1 thread)

D5 EM: sincerity (honesty)/awareness show Toshimoko-sama it was an honest mistake: 5d10o10k4 25

[Vutall]

"I see."

He opens the letter and reads it, his face growing a bit confused.

"Oh, Satsume...ever the cryptic."

[Isawa Tanshin]

"I believe that I saw Satsume-shiryu at the time we saw the letter. He was standing upon the water of the river. I believe that it was he that caused the wind to upset the cart, and that this letter may find its way to your hands.

It is rare for the spirits to depart from their path Toshimoku-sama. This was important to him."

[Vutall]

"I have heard a few contestants say they have saw his spirit. How curious."

Toshimoko reads over the letter again, trying to figure out its meaning.

[Isawa Tanshin]

"I tried communing with his spirit that day at the river. My first thoughts were that he sought your help in regards to his own children. I am ashamed to admit that I know very little of the heredity of the Crane families.

The images I was shown by the Water kami did not indicate that this was correct, yet the letter clearly indicates an connection to a parent and child.

I saw Satsume-shiryu a second time that evening, which it seems he appeared to many students that night.

He was most interested that the Mantis Hitoshi pass his gempukku within the tournament.

He also spoke these words to us:

"To be able to guide ones sons and daughters is all a parent desires to be, ultimately. My wish it to see that desire fulfilled for others, even if they do not know it is a desire they possess. "

[Vutall]

A look of sudden realization hits Toshimoko and he quickly turns away from the two Phoenix so they cannot see his face.

"I thank you for your delivery of this to me, though you should have done so sooner. Now, I have matters to attend to. I wish you well on your tests today"

[Isawa Tanshin]

"Thank you, Toshimoko-dono. Please forgive the delay, I wanted to be certain, despite the protests of Haruki-san.
He encouraged me to bring this to you."

Tanshin bowed low to hide his own swelling of emotion.

[Kaito Haruki]

"Thank you for your time Toshimoko-sama. We will be on our way now."

[Vutall]

Toshimoko says nothing to the two Phoenix, as if he is lost in deep thought.

[Kaito Haruki]

Turning to Tanshin-san, Haruki breathes a sigh of relief once Toshimoko is out of sight. "That went better than I thought it would."

[Isawa Tanshin]

Tanshin nodded.

"I think he understands his connection to Hitoshi." Tanshin paused.

"I could not get a specific sense as to what he might do next. Hopefully this will end well for all involved."

[Kaito Haruki]

"I think we won't be able to tell that until we know if Hitoshi passes."