D2 MM - The open hand of the Law [Expecting]

[Kakita Konohamaru]

Hida Yoji bade them enter and responded, “I talked to many samurai or well they talked to me. I think I saw Yancho-sama there, oh and Daichi was there too. A Mantis vomited I think… well several folks did, can’t hold their shoju. But I don’t remember anything specific about the voice. I left soon after that came here, told the Kuni.”

“Now folks are saying I am being hunted by a witch.”

Hmm - not much in that regard. Still,

"You were right to contact the Kuni, I think. Can you think of anyone you know wants to hurt you?"

[Hida Yoji]

"No, I'm just a soldier, why would anyone want me dead?" he said kneeling down and playing with his dog.

[Kakita Konohamaru]

"No, I'm just a soldier, why would anyone want me dead?" he said kneeling down and playing with his dog.

There were divergent thoughts within Konohamaru's head.

On the one hand, it was possible that the mountain was something else, that they were truly on the wrong track, perhaps he should ask what the mountain could be.
On the other, in his head there was something wrong about this picture. It's like his head wasn't truly in it - and maybe he wasn't. Or maybe he was lying - but to so openly be confused...
No, he had to remember he was monster. He had a reputation for being the most frightening thing in the room, dammit, and that didn't come from Cranestepping around issues.
He made a note of this statement, then decided he'd try and check if he would address the possibility of lying at the end. But the lack of seriousness needed to be addressed.

Kono squatted down to the dog, laying his hand out for the dog to investigate at its will.

"In war, minor slights can become lifetime grudges. Messed with sleeping conditions, poorly timed retreats, perceived misdeeds. A soldier can find motive to kill a comrade easy enough. Especially once relieved, when the nightmares kick in. There's a lot of reasons to kill a solider."

A pause.

"Your secrets are your own - I won't take them. But for your sake, and the bride's sake, any names will be useful."

[Hida Yoji]

Yoji nodded and then said, “I wish I could help you with names, but I can't think of someone I have wronged so completely. We are all brothers and sisters out there and the voice, it wasn’t like anyone I had met. It seemed more like an outsider, it didn’t speak like a Crab.”

“Felt more fancy? You catch my meaning?”

OOC: Hida Yoji Sincerity: 2d10 6

[Kakita Konohamaru]

Yoji nodded and then said, “I wish I could help you with names, but I can;t think of someone I have wronged so completely. We are all brothers and sisters out there and the voice, it wasn’t like anyone I had met. It seemed more like an outsider, it didn’t speak like a Crab.”

“Felt more fancy? You catch my meaning?”

Okay, that's something...closer to something he could work with. He was getting a better idea of where he should go next based on this - but there was a reason Hida Yoji was reached. But what was it? Perhaps he should start with trying to gauge the voice.

"I think I do. Like a Crane or a Scorpion, I'm guessing? Or more Northern?"

After taking the answer from that, Konohamaru took a moment to take stock of what had been said. The monster smelled obfuscation of some kind... but what? He gave a look to Jinzo, to see if he had any reaction, but seemed to be planning of continuing his questioning.

Is Yoji Lying to me? (+6 from status, -1 void for +1k1) Result 46.

[Hida Yoji]

The young man seems more concerned with other things, if he is lying it does not seem about this. But he lacks the sophistication of what one would expect from the Crab or Scorpion or courtiers in general.

Jinzo just observed.

Yoji said, "Yeah like a Crane or Scorpion, exactly what I meant."

[Kakita Konohamaru]

All legitimate - the man was clean.

He gave a nod to Jinzo - far as he could tell, this would be all he got. He wouldn't call it a dead lead, but not a useful one.

For the bride's sake, however, he seemed honest enough.

He gave a bow to the mountain of a man.

"Thank you, Hida-san. If you see anything odd, scary or targeted, don't hesitate to let either of us know. Hiruma-san, do you want some time with Hida-san?"

In his head, he made a note of where he would consider going next.

[Dapper Dog]

Jinzo offered once outside, "I can drum up a few folks, get an idea of who was at the Hole last night. Focusing on the Crane and Scorpion and anyone fancy to start."

"Course... it could... be, that they want us to think... it was them."

[Kakita Konohamaru]

Jinzo offered once outside, "I can drum up a few folks, get an idea of who was at the Hole last night. Focusing on the Crane and Scorpion and anyone fancy to start."

"Course... it could... be, that they want us to think... it was them."

A nod from the evidently less than monster (at the moment) magistrate.

"If they were smart they would. If they were smart, they may think their accent is broad enough to be obfuscated with the crowd. Whoever spoke to Yoji had a reason to - a prophecy, inciting paranoia, a cry for help, a declaration of war. He has no idea, but someone definitely knows about him."

That was worrying - this enemy to the Hida would be completely unknown.

"I'll gather the Flock and speak to them together, see what they know. 'The mountain' may mean than Yoji. Can I trust you to speak with Lord Hida about potential foes and local conspiracies?"

[Dapper Dog]

“Oh of course, any threat to my Lord’s house is a threat to me. Be sure to be thorough with your flock, I will find the Scorpion and put the spikes to them. Oh and the so-called ronin witch as well,” he offered.

“Do… keep me… in the… loop.”

[Kakita Konohamaru]

"Of course. Do be kind enough to give the Scorpions hell for me... partner."

With that, unless Jinzo wished to discuss more, he bade the man good day. There was work to be done.