D6 EA - So what's next? (Expecting)

[Kakita Konohamaru]

The Empress is dead.

Having missed the announcement, it was only after confirming with several passers by that the statement was true, and not in fact some form of joke.

The implications of this changed everything more than even the time loops could.

He thought of the Oturi within their midst - perhaps with this news, Yusuke would renege on his plans? Perhaps the people behind Yusuke, should they exist, would as well?

But in times of great darkness, there was always something in the shadows. It was a phrase taken from one of the Steel Magistrate's journals from well before his time, but it was true. Opportunists were always abound.

As he climbed the stairs to Jinzo's office, he prepared his papers.

Still, he had an appointment with Jinzo-san to see what their next move would be - what loomed over their horizons after the passing of Hitomi - and the Empress.

[Dapper Dog]

Jinzo stood and said, "Kakita-sama, it's so good to see you again, good news we found our witch, or a solution, never mind. What brings you here?"

[Kakita Konohamaru]

Jinzo stood and said, "Kakita-sama, it's so good to see you again, good news we found our witch, or a solution, never mind. What brings you here?"

Huh - much less resistance than before. To be told it was good to be seen was... surprising, after all. Nevertheless, he still bowed as appropriate for a deputy magistrate to his superior.

"To see what's next, Hiruma-sama. Anything suspicious or worth inquiring into to your knowledge?"

[Dapper Dog]

"Well I would look into these missing days that Kuni Junza has been cackling about but I think I like my sanity. Plus now I have to make sure the Imperial heir is kept safe and apparently there might be a sea creature hunting the docks? So never a dull moment," he replied.

[Kakita Konohamaru]

"Well I would look into these missing days that Kuni Junza has been cackling about but I think I like my sanity. Plus now I have to make sure the Imperial heir is kept safe and apparently there might be a sea creature hunting the docks? So never a dull moment," he replied.

A nod - one of those was written in his files.

"I was with the Kuni last night, but I will inquire further. It will sound fantastical, but I have my report on events here."

He placed the report on the desk, explaining Hitomi, the curse, the time loops and people he knew for a fact remembered. He didn't mention everything that occurred during the loops, or people's secrets, but gave a few personal examples which could be used to corroborate his story with the individuals in question.

"In addition, as I'm sure you've read, I've given preliminary advice to the peasantry at the docks on nighttime safety while we inquire further into the sea creature. With your permission, I could look into it further so you may focus on the Imperial Heir."

He sighed.

"As for the Imperial heir, It's... still hard to believe, honestly. Within the missing days Kuni-san discussed, I remember sharing a drink with her and the first sword, back when he called himself a ronin still."

[Dapper Dog]

"Not sure if you are lucky or cursed," he replied looking over the notes.

"Yes, handle the docks, just make sure we don't have to worry about sea monsters."

[Kakita Konohamaru]

Lucky or cursed, he had no answer. At best, he simply was.

With a nod and a bow, Konohamaru confirmed his assignment.

"I will see it done. Should you have further inquiries, you know how to contact me. I will be in touch with updates as required."

[Dapper Dog]

“I will pass this report on to Hida-dono, I am sure she will be thankful for our role in this. On a more personal note, there is a Kakita artisan in your delegation is she spoken for?” he added in a casual manner.

[Kakita Konohamaru]

“I will pass this report on to Hida-dono, I am sure she will be thankful for our role in this. On a more personal note, there is a Kakita artisan in your delegation is she spoken for?” he added in a casual manner.

"Several artisans. But if you have a suitor in mind, I may put a name forward for her consideration - I can promise nothing, though."

[Dapper Dog]

"Nothing like that, if they are at the play then I might have a chance to make myself known," he replied.

[Kakita Konohamaru]

"Nothing like that, if they are at the play then I might have a chance to make myself known," he replied.

Oh.

There is a moroseness in the magistrate's next address.

"As one servant of the Empire to another. No status, no clan politics, just the Tengoku-gifted worth and meaning our words hold as samurai. May I speak frankly?"

[Dapper Dog]

"Sure... why not?" he responded putting down the report.

[Kakita Konohamaru]

"Sure... why not?" he responded putting down the report.

The sympathy in his voice is noticeable.

"I feel there'd be no joy in that direction. The life I have seen her seek is... not something men like us can provide, so to speak."

If he felt he could afford to, he would have likely gone for such a union himself - or at least, a night of pleasure.

"I suspect she'd politely converse if tea was arranged, but you're better off seeking a like-minded companion or yoriki for joy - someone who knows what we go through and appreciates it. The happiest I've seen have been yoriki unions - once, I attended an eta yoriki marriage and their earnest happiness is something I use as steel to this day."

"I don't know your past, so I may be wrong, but I offer my thoughts in earnest and to assist."

[Dapper Dog]

"Well, consider me warned, Kakita-sama," he responded.

[Kakita Konohamaru]

"Well, consider me warned, Kakita-sama," he responded.

He bowed, preparing to do his work.

"My role here is to protect the Crane here from others, but also others from the Crane here. Have a good day, Hiruma-sama."

And with that, he left.