Sapphire Ambassadors

Yakuwari nods.

(Feels like /scene.)

"Ignorance does not prevent evil," Yakuwari says, "but knowledge can defeat it."

"Those who would see as much are corrupt already," Yakuwari avers. "Were it not one thing, it would be another."

Yakuwari's reply has something of the rote scholarly about it. "We keep the histories to the intent that noble people may see and learn the noble acts of Bushido, the genteel and virtuous deeds that some samurai used in those days, by which they came to honor, and how they that were vicious were pun...

"Failing to confront them is turning away from the work of the ancestors who faced them," Yakuwari replies. "What samurai could do such a thing?"

"Such things must be known to be recognized as the enemies they are," Yakuwari replies. "Just as one must know the mons of one's enemies to find them in the fray. And a righteous person has nothing to hide."

"Oh?"

Yakuwari's eyebrows rise.

"Such as?"

Yakuwari gives something of a smile.

"I am assigned to an Ikoma, Kitsune-san," he says. "The Ikoma are the living memory of the Clan and of the Empire."

"No," Yakuwari replies, flatly. "Not much occasion to previously."

Yakuwari scribbles furiously.

Yakuwari cannot refuse to echo the toast, so he raises his cup again with a "Kampai!" and drinks.

And he coughs again, being unused to such drink.

"The words of Akodo-no-Kami contain much wisdom, indeed," Yakuwari avers. "And he did encourage scouting."

"I have never heard the story told thus," Yakuwari says. "But then, I had not spoken with you, so that makes sense."

Notes get taken.

Having been diligent in his duties even if his GM has not, Yakuwari dresses as well as he can and has his notes ready.

Yakuwari blinks a few times.

"What tortoise?"

He produces another sheet of paper.

"She, whom?"

Yakuwari pauses in his writing.

Documentation continues at Yakuwari's hand, as it must. The final day of the contest treated Sincerity, and it is perhaps unsurprising that the Crane would emphasize that virtue by giving it the closing position. Bayushi Choudai was once again the first competitor to present--or, rather, he was the ...

"It has been edifying," Yakuwari replies. "I have appreciated seeing my Clan-mate's talents burgeon, among others. And the work of the Legionnaire has been illuminating. The ronin, the Tsi, has also been worth attention."

The record goes on. Togashi Yoshiaki presented an example of his work that certainly invited viewers to reflect on the nature of Honor, although it might be noted that a mirror shows back all that faces it, the fair and foul alike. Asahina Asano demonstrated appropriate filial piety in depicting her...

"It seems to have gone well enough," Yakuwari says. "Success, even though the success was needed, is not to be disregarded."

The charcoal scribbles furiously.