Sweeping Out the Storm

[Yogo Otoko]

"...That makes both of us Utaku-san," Otoko noted. "It is always a surprise indeed when a Yogo is chosen to represent the Scorpion, so it is a bit more broad in my case."."

[Utaku Ichiro]

"I suppose it could be as simple as different parties seeing different things when they look at this project. To the Dragon I am sure it is an honor but others might view it as a distraction or amusement at best."

[Yogo Otoko]

"However we all view our inclusion here, we can all just do our best, hai?" Otoko gave a soft laugh, cut off by another rumble of thunder.

[Utaku Ichiro]

A solemn nod, "Such is the duty of samurai. How has your training gone so far?"

[Yogo Otoko]

"For the most part, miserably. Yours?"

[Utaku Ichiro]

Ichiro paused for a beat as he considered that response. He couldn't tell if the Yogo was joking or truly believed that. Eventually he settled for neither laughing nor offering condolences, "I guess 'what is to be expected' is about right. I have not found any new and unexpected aptitudes but I have done well on what a warrior should do well one."

[Yogo Otoko]

Otoko nodded softly. "What more could be expected of us? It would perhaps be nice to find new talents, but we have only been here a few days after all. It would be hard to just show talent immediately."

[Utaku Ichiro]

A slight nod, "That is how I intend to approach it. If I do well on the history or courtly stuff, well and good, but I am only going to stress over what I need for my duties."

[Yogo Otoko]

Otoko nodded before her tone took on a more serious tone, low and thoughtful. "...I am actually uncertain as to what is expected of us here by the Ruby Champion. I know it is a chance to show off our talents, and that it is a sort of experiment is learning, but there have been many different results here. Some show broad knowledge, some narrow but intense."

[Utaku Ichiro]

"I think it was a chance for students to experience lessons and skills they otherwise would not. To see if any aptitudes are found that might otherwise be missed or if one can apply something from different lessons to a greater end."

[Yogo Otoko]

"...It is not as if a student can not study things in their own time at their own dojo. Sensei tend to teach a certain set of skills because it will be the skills most tied to the duty they train for. It is perhaps an... interesting idea, but I hardly see the practicality of it." She paused. "It is not as is, for instance, I would find much of a use for learning to apply battle tactics."

[Utaku Ichiro]

He rubs his arm absently in thought, "Perhaps. Or perhaps the art of commanding men will offer some insight to commanding the kami or vice versa. I suppose we won't really know the success of the experiment until it is over... if even then. I am not much of one for politics but I imagine any grand successes we have will be claimed by the dojo while any grand failures will be overlooked."

[Yogo Otoko]

She nodded softly, glancing to the storm again. "...My family is a lot more used to the later than the former, though I certainly think the former is preferred. I know of at least a few here that seek to impress and show themselves off. I merely wish to try my best, succeed or fail."

[Utaku Ichiro]

"Glory has its place, and I hope to earn mine some day, but duty is the true calling of samurai and you do right with your intent."

[Yogo Otoko]

"...Agreed. The Scorpion always say it is better to be an unknown hero for the service to your lord than to be famous for Glory's sake." There was a touch of warmth in her voice at that, for just a moment, before it was gone.

[Utaku Ichiro]

"A very honorable outlook indeed." Ichiro was not skilled enough to hide some surprise at that.

[Yogo Otoko]

That brought a low chuckle from the tall Scorpion. "Is that so? Don't tell the rest of Rokugan, we have a reputation to maintain..."

[Utaku Ichiro]

Ichiro can't help but laugh a little in return, "Your secret is safe with me. I mean who would believe me anyway?"

[Yogo Otoko]

"If anyone did... they would not for long." There was that deadpan tone again.

[Utaku Ichiro]

"Well I'll be sure to sleep with one eye open." The young Unicorn chuckles, blissfully unaware of the foreshadowing.