D8EE: Mentioning Makoto (Special)

[Bayushi Choudai]

Kojiro waved away the concerns.

"Oh no worries, no worries at all. Isawa Yojiro's quite famous after all and most people are so ungrateful they can't even be bothered to remember the names of their saviors properly." he said, sailing right past his tendency to call Yoshino 'curse-chan.'

He looked intrigued at the offer of food at least.

"Ah, sure food would be great. If you could whip up some Tensai Tenko's Terrific Teppanyaki that'd be great...oh volcano style please." he said rambling off his favorite dish found back in one specific Phoenix village.

"Oh, but as far as the institute goes, well, the short version is in the name: We Do the Impossible. The longer more boring less catchy explanation is we research rare magical phenomenon, study the less understood realms, and drive ritual innovation." he further explained.

Choudai cocked his head to the side, nodding attentively as he detailed some heimin runners to secure ingredients for teppanyaki. Presumably one spicy enough to melt steel.

It wasn't going to be what the man wanted, but that was fine. He could keep the Isawa waiting while he made it and talking about himself, which might afford his friends a chance to flee.

Or maybe cause him to talk about something so awful they'd both be told to leave.

"Ritual innovation, you say? How fascinating! You wouldn't happen to be up to date on rituals to purify kitchens, perchance?"

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Ritual innovation, you say? How fascinating! You wouldn't happen to be up to date on rituals to purify kitchens, perchance?"

Choudai gets a VERY concerned glance from Nadeshiko, who is beginning to look... less than composed. Oh, poor Yoshino, having to deal with this strange Phoenix man, and now Choudai... for the moment the Crane lets her eyes wander. Find something interesting and if the little weirdo says anything offensive stab him with the --

Unfortunately Nadeshiko's inner wisdom reminds her it's very impolite to stab honored guests with skewers. Especially ones who saved Yoshino from some manner of terror.

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

Snip

Hatsuki wasn't enjoying Choudai suffering this at all... but she would be a liar if she claimed the situation wasn't amusing.

She didstep up to the side, though. "I don't suppose you have a moment to whip up something while you wait? Anything you make would be delicious. "

[Isawa Kojiro]

Choudai cocked his head to the side, nodding attentively as he detailed some heimin runners to secure ingredients for teppanyaki. Presumably one spicy enough to melt steel.

It wasn't going to be what the man wanted, but that was fine. He could keep the Isawa waiting while he made it and talking about himself, which might afford his friends a chance to flee.

Or maybe cause him to talk about something so awful they'd both be told to leave.

"Ritual innovation, you say? How fascinating! You wouldn't happen to be up to date on rituals to purify kitchens, perchance?"

"Depends on the level of offense that has to be purified. I'm really more of a 'Our cook has offended the Heavens and now the wok is trying to eat the food runner than a 'Kakita-sama's rebuke is making the rice hard.' kind of guy. Why, what did you do wrong, Bayushi-san?" he offers cheerfully.

[Bayushi Choudai]

Hatsuki wasn't enjoying Choudai suffering this at all... but she would be a liar if she claimed the situation wasn't amusing.

She didstep up to the side, though. "I don't suppose you have a moment to whip up something while you wait? Anything you make would be delicious. "

"But of course, Shosuro-san..."

More yakitori, coming right up... with a side of steamed greens for the mother to be...

"Depends on the level of offense that has to be purified. I'm really more of a 'Our cook has offended the Heavens and now the wok is trying to eat the food runner than a 'Kakita-sama's rebuke is making the rice hard.' kind of guy. Why, what did you do wrong, Bayushi-san?" he offers cheerfully.

"Say a kitchen where literally nothing untoward has happened, but someone in a panic thinks it has?"

He chuckled.

"Ancient history, but since I didn't witness the procedure, I'm curious..."

[Doji Yoshino]

Snip...

Her name wasn't Yoyo either. She barely acknowledged the Phoenix with a dip of her head. He then stole her conversation partner.

Snip

She rubbed between her eyes as the conversation descended to farce. She supposed her miso was also now gone.

Yoshino bowed to the Scorpion and others present before walking away to go look at her cousin's artwork again.

[Isawa Kojiro]

"Say a kitchen where literally nothing untoward has happened, but someone in a panic thinks it has?"

He chuckled.

"Ancient history, but since I didn't witness the procedure, I'm curious..."

This earned a small shrug from Kojiro.

"It does tend to be a case of rather being safe than sorry, Bayushi-san. There's no real harm in being overly pious." he offers.

-Snippy--

-


He shakes his head as the Crane excuses herself.

"Ah, another regrettable choice by curse-chan. She's going to miss the conversations she could have had when she's heading north with me."

[Matsu Inori]

Her name wasn't Yoyo either. She barely acknowledged the Phoenix with a dip of her head. He then stole her conversation partner.


She rubbed between her eyes as the conversation descended to farce. She supposed her miso was also now gone.

Yoshino bowed to the Scorpion and others present before walking away to go look at her cousin's artwork again.

Inori had seen that exchange from some distance away, too far to make out details or spoken words, but it looked tense. Unpleasant.

For a second she considered staying out of it, but as she saw the still painted Doji stalking away she made a choice and approached her. Might as well sate her curiosity.

"Good evening Doji-san. Congratulations for yesterday."

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Ah, another regrettable choice by curse-chan. She's going to miss the conversations she could have had when she's heading north with me."

It is at this Nadeshiko pointedly steps in. "Her name is Doji Yoshino." Her voice is off, for anyone who knows her well -- like the rattle of a snake about ready to strike. "Perhaps she would find you a more agreeable conversationalist if you used it." She smiles but it's cold.

[Isawa Kojiro]

"Ah, another regrettable choice by curse-chan. She's going to miss the conversations she could have had when she's heading north with me."

It is at this Nadeshiko pointedly steps in. "Her name is Doji Yoshino." Her voice is off, for anyone who knows her well -- like the rattle of a snake about ready to strike. "Perhaps she would find you a more agreeable conversationalist if you used it." She smiles but it's cold.

Kojiro tilted his head at the brave Crane.

"Hmmmmm? I suppose she would, Doji-san. But that's not really my concern, nor is it yours. I say what I say because I'm Honest. She says nothing because she's Courteous. That's the sort of relationship we have." he says dismissively.

[Doji Yoshino]

Snip

"Matsu-san." Yoshino looked a bit tense as she turned to the Lion. It took her a moment to visibly force herself to calm down. Her shoulders lowered to a comfortable level. "Good evening. Thank you." She bowed to in greeting. "I was... surprised." Yoshino admits. Mentally she could only explain it by her being a Doji and the judges wanting to preserve the Crane's artistic reputation. Not that she could state that theory openly. However, she wasn't entirely convinced in it as she had been about her having no reason to be here. Some cracks were beginning to form on her self-deprecation.

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Hmmmmm? I suppose she would, Doji-san. But that's not really my concern, nor is it yours. I say what I say because I'm Honest. She says nothing because she's Courteous. That's the sort of relationship we have."

"It is my concern." Something begins to stir, eyes flashing in the dark as it circles the Phoenix. "She is deserving of your respect. Regardless of whatever you've done for her -- which I thank you for, Phoenix-sama -- she is a person, not a toy to be played with."

[Matsu Inori]

-snip-

"I was the same when they picked my work" she replied. "The Bonsai and the presentation were excellent though, well-deserved. And while Bayushi Choudai's presentation was not - a candidate for a winner, today, I think it had its own perks."

She admitted she had liked the idea - but it also left Choudai busy. Still, it had looked like the Doji had waited around and still wanted to talk before. Inori wouldn't pry, but...

[Isawa Kojiro]

"Hmmmmm? I suppose she would, Doji-san. But that's not really my concern, nor is it yours. I say what I say because I'm Honest. She says nothing because she's Courteous. That's the sort of relationship we have."

"It is my concern." Something begins to stir, eyes flashing in the dark as it circles the Phoenix. "She is deserving of your respect. Regardless of whatever you've done for her -- which I thank you for, Phoenix-sama -- she is a person, not a toy to be played with."

Kojiro simply grinned at the Crane's rebuke.

"Really? You look quite young to be her mother....or perhaps her lord? Her sensei? Or perhaps it is simply a problem with your vision. That seems more likely." he deduces.

He shakes his head.

"But regardless, you're wrong, Doji-san. Full stop. She's more than just a person, or even a toy. She's an active danger to those around her. But you, Doji-san, you're the type who wouldn't interrupt a tea ceremony to report a murder to the magistrate, aren't ya? All courtesy, all smiles while the world burns around them. How many lives could have been saved with a little more Honesty in the history of the Empire?"

[Doji Yoshino]

"For some, yes." She agreed. She hadn't stuck around for her soup. However, the conversation heating up behind her was making her ears warm. Her cheeks were turning red in embarrassment and growing indignation.

She looked down to her kimono and smoothed down the front of it firmly. A ritual habit of calm. Her eyes remained downcast as her hands returned to her sides. "You may not wish to associate with me Matsu-san. I seem to be causing problems again."

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"But regardless, you're wrong, Doji-san. Full stop. She's more than just a person, or even a toy. She's an active danger to those around her. But you, Doji-san, you're the type who wouldn't interrupt a tea ceremony to report a murder to the magistrate, aren't ya? All courtesy, all smiles while the world burns around them. How many lives could have been saved with a little more Honesty in the history of the Empire?"

Her eyes open to stare at him. "Don't condescend to me. You only speak of such things to try justifying your own behavior. If you want to act like a child for your own amusement, at least be honest about it, Phoenix-sama."

[Matsu Inori]

-snip-

She could barely understand the Crane, but the snatches she got of the other conversation were...concerning. Inori was probably not the only one who could practically feel the steel being drawn.

"I am not sure that is the actual problem, Doji-san. Besides, I will not dignify or supporting speculation by acting as if it was"

What IS this Isawa's deal?

[Bayushi Choudai]

tag

Choudai said, "would you excuse me please," to the Isawa, and then, without waiting for an answer, carried the soup over to Yoshino.

"Doji-san, I believe this is yours?"

Player time overlaps permitting, he wouldn't fail to prepare a dish for the insufferable Phoenix, but nor was he going to leave an actual friend feeling cut off from his efforts.

[Isawa Kojiro]

Kojiro didn't seem to be paying too much attention to the Crane's wrath, instead giving Choudai an approving nod as he took the miso over to Yoshino.

Eventually the Crane stopped bellowing at him and he looked back to her with a grin.

He laughed.

"Ah, you're funny Doji-san. Truly, the Crane know how to entertain their guests." he said continuing to condescend to her instead.

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Ah, you're funny Doji-san. Truly, the Crane know how to entertain their guests."

She sighs; well, that's enough talking to a wall. "It's my pleasure to amuse you. Again, please call her by her name in the future, Phoenix-sama." He gets as respectful a bow as Nadeshiko can muster. "And do be more thoughtful with your behavior. A man of such standing has much expected of him, after all." With that, she starts to eat again, as if nothing had been said at all.