Nakahama

Kazushi takes the offered bottle with a slight smile for the mascot - one that doesn't reach his eyes, and that very clearly says, "Not now..."

Boogiepop wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 11:34 am ...

Boogiepop wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 11:34 am
Koi-kun
Snip

Bayushi Kazushi wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 11:33 am Snip

"Well, I'm sure they would think you a finer mentor to a young Yasuki than an agent of evil like myself, oh ho ho!" She covered her mouth as she laughed, before noticing Koi-kun. There was a hint of wickedness as she saw the mascot and the reaction of her Scorpion companion. Taking the offered water bottle, the Spideress had a look of delight.

"Now now, Bayushi-san. We cannot insult our hosts by shooing them away so quickly." There was a pat on the head of Koi-kun, "Thank you. This will be quite refreshing." Teasingly letting her attention linger on the mascot before looking again to the Bayushi.

"I am quite enjoying the thought of Zenihime-chan's parents having to politely dissuade her from my particular business practices."

"I've always been of the opinion that evil is...subjective," Kazushi replies. "We've been cast as villains almost as much as your clan has, after all. I see instead pragmatism versus virtue, and one rarely profits from the latter."

Susumu Ami wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 1:01 pm ...

Moto Shiwahime wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 9:26 am "HA!" She laughed loudly "Even if I would find time to relax I don't know if I'd be able to find what to do it. I seldomly stat still for long! Still, thanks for the sentiment. I'd be happy to take you Up on your offer. I need to scout shorlines anyway"

She paused

"So...Ide schooling huh? That certainly explains the grain counting. The phoenix has pretty damn good schools for egg heads...why the Ide then? For diplomatic stuff?"

"Alright, that sounds great. Here's my card, you can give me a call when you're available. I think I still remember how to remove a speed governor from a rental motorcycle, so we can rent those and cruise along the beaches as well if you'd prefer that to a boat ride. Keep the wind a bit more in your hair, eh?" He pulled out one of his reactive plastic business cards and offered it to the Moto.

He grinned and then when asked about his choice of schooling, his grin shrank a bit but he recovered. "Phoenix schools are certainly excellent, but we don't have much in the way of real merchant schools. Mostly let the heimin handle that sort of thing...but in my case, my father thought that I would be best served learning the trade far, far away from him and the Unicorn were willing to take me in."

Bayushi Hinata wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 9:59 am"Hmmm... I guess I do feel thirsty. Fifteen minutes! I need him back to sweet talk customers." Declared the young girl, eyes like knives quietly threatening the samurai.

"Well be back before then!" Hinata immediately takes the opportunity to step out of sight of Sango. Hurriedly pushing Sumi towards some undisclosed direction. "Keep walking or she might recruit you too."

They walk quite a few feet, Hinata looking over his shoulder to make sure they've gone out of sight of the tiny merchant tyrant. "You know... I didn't think I needed a break until you suggested it. I think I just accepted I'd be Sango-san's slave the rest fo the market day."

He rolls his shoulders and sdjusts his clothing, making sure to button up his shirt to a proper manner of dress.

"Now... You suggested a drink. Where'd you have in mind?" The Jimen plushie is extended to the Spider with a wide smile afte he had a moment to compose himself.

Sumiko had bowed before she'd been shuffled on quickly, managing to avoid laughing as she got further away.

"I had my young protégé firmly in control and listening to my guidance" Sumiko offered with a grin "he was well advised of the best ways to sell the stock, how to corner a market and some creative marketing. I think Bayushi-sama could borrow some of that too, to steer his young charge to where they need to go with some creative thinking."

She looked at the plushie with a warm smile, accepting it and holding it close before speaking again.

"I would recommend some bubble tea. I think they set up a stall nearby, a good blend of fruits will refresh your mind and body and give you the energy to face your tyrant. Or if it's too bad they do have alcohol! For me a nice lemonade boba will do the world of good. We're too far from the shop that sells the nebula one, that is amazing."

Yasuki Umiko wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 11:27 am <snip>

Hitomi laughs, "not my hobby, but I can imagine someone holding on to a toy bought from your youthful market. But surely it wasn't long enough ago that they'd have kids to pass them to that are old enough to be here?" Was that a really complex way to say 'pshaw, you can't possibly be that old!'? Yes, yes it was. "More likely someone will try currying favor by gifting it back to you during some formal event, hoping to sway you with some nostalgia."

She does take careful note of the sideways path of a Crab media star. The Crane's influence on the Sparrow, and Rokugan proper, has obscured her view of how clans less known for their artists have trained them up. "Connections are eternally valuable, aren't they? But I appreciate the evidence that offering more options for cultural clubs and the like, pays off so well. Everyone should have the chance for a well-rounded life, even if their duty doesn't allow as much room for art."

"So you were always expected to take on the supporting role?" As a younger child, Hitomi's well aware of the settled expectations. There was no plan for her to work toward one of the directorships held by her family, but she *was* expected to find a path to contribute.

Bayushi Kazushi wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 11:33 am -

Susumu Ami wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 1:01 pm -

Koi-kun

At the glance from the Bayushi, Koi-kun would silently look back at the Scorpion as he took one step back.

However, at the Spider's inviting words, it seemed that he wasn't shooed away so easily? At the pat on his head, he would hover closer once more toward Ami, wiggling to show enthusiasm! Maybe he was appreciated! He would move toward the Spider and nod, as it to say an enthusiastic 'you're welcome'. It wasn't so much of a nod but more of the mascot rocking back and forth with the bulky fish-headpiece to indicate a semblance of a nod.

At the talk of villains and evil, Koi-kun would slowly put his hands up to his mouth, as if to indicate 'oh no!' or 'gasp!'.

Asako Hikari wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 1:46 pm "Alright, that sounds great. Here's my card, you can give me a call when you're available. I think I still remember how to remove a speed governor from a rental motorcycle, so we can rent those and cruise along the beaches as well if you'd prefer that to a boat ride. Keep the wind a bit more in your hair, eh?" He pulled out one of his reactive plastic business cards and offered it to the Moto.

He grinned and then when asked about his choice of schooling, his grin shrank a bit but he recovered. "Phoenix schools are certainly excellent, but we don't have much in the way of real merchant schools. Mostly let the heimin handle that sort of thing...but in my case, my father thought that I would be best served learning the trade far, far away from him and the Unicorn were willing to take me in."

''Okay, here's mine'' she still had some cards from yesterday so it made sense to make the exchange. When in Yasuki lands and all...

''I already rented a bike but I guess I could rent a boat for a while. Do you know much about sailing?

Suzume Hitomi wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 4:34 pm Hitomi laughs, "not my hobby, but I can imagine someone holding on to a toy bought from your youthful market. But surely it wasn't long enough ago that they'd have kids to pass them to that are old enough to be here?" Was that a really complex way to say 'pshaw, you can't possibly be that old!'? Yes, yes it was. "More likely someone will try currying favor by gifting it back to you during some formal event, hoping to sway you with some nostalgia."

She does take careful note of the sideways path of a Crab media star. The Crane's influence on the Sparrow, and Rokugan proper, has obscured her view of how clans less known for their artists have trained them up. "Connections are eternally valuable, aren't they? But I appreciate the evidence that offering more options for cultural clubs and the like, pays off so well. Everyone should have the chance for a well-rounded life, even if their duty doesn't allow as much room for art."

"So you were always expected to take on the supporting role?" As a younger child, Hitomi's well aware of the settled expectations. There was no plan for her to work toward one of the directorships held by her family, but she *was* expected to find a path to contribute.

Umiko smiled modestly at that bit of implied encouragement. She didn't really do the age math on that one, but when something was lost, it did feel it was far away at the very least. "Perhaps there's a good chance I'll see it one day or somewhere down the line. I should remember that it would be easier for it to find its way to me rather than me trying to find it. However, that doesn't mean I don't have other avenues to try."

Her gaze went to the top that Hitomi was wearing to make light of those other avenues she meant. It had lingered at the used-clothing store long enough to be familiar to Umiko in her window shopping trips.

"Mmm. I think the Empire has become a large enough place that everyone born nowadays may be expected to come from a certain mould, but become wholly different over the years when they branch out and develop themselves. Youth years are very important for that, and I've been lucky to be given the chance to have my talents bridged with an entertainment career," she nodded on that note.

There was an elongated pause from Umiko before she looked away and busied herself with looking for her sister in attendance. "No, not always. I'm sure plans might have been drawn and redrawn over the years, Suzume-san."

"I suppose the dramatics are part of the job," Kazushi notes, slightly annoyed that he's having to pay attention to the mascot, "but I don't know what was expected. A conversation between a Scorpion and a Spider is bound to turn to the necessary but underappreciated art of transgression."

Boogiepop wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 4:41 pm ...

Kitsuki Ichitaiyo wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 10:10 am Ichitaiyo laughed at the little dark humor present. "I would prefer the latter, but given this is a tropical biome, you'd be hot and drenched in nice clean rain, not cool." She pointed out, arriving to the stall.

"Hello there again Kitsuki-sama!"

She had been betrayed by the vendor.

"True enough... Maybe I just need to get one of those thermo regulator things..." She muttered as they approached, a brow raising at the familiarity shown by the vendor. "A regular already?" Kotori laughed.

Yasuki Umiko wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 5:16 pm Umiko smiled modestly at that bit of implied encouragement. She didn't really do the age math on that one, but when something was lost, it did feel it was far away at the very least. "Perhaps there's a good chance I'll see it one day or somewhere down the line. I should remember that it would be easier for it to find its way to me rather than me trying to find it. However, that doesn't mean I don't have other avenues to try."

Her gaze went to the top that Hitomi was wearing to make light of those other avenues she meant. It had lingered at the used-clothing store long enough to be familiar to Umiko in her window shopping trips.

"Mmm. I think the Empire has become a large enough place that everyone born nowadays may be expected to come from a certain mould, but become wholly different over the years when they branch out and develop themselves. Youth years are very important for that, and I've been lucky to be given the chance to have my talents bridged with an entertainment career," she nodded on that note.

There was an elongated pause from Umiko before she looked away and busied herself with looking for her sister in attendance. "No, not always. I'm sure plans might have been drawn and redrawn over the years, Suzume-san."

She nods, catches Mariko's eye as the girl looks around for her and gives her a surreptitious thumbs up before an elderly Kaiu approaches her stall to poke at the mosaic offerings. She nods toward him as she says to Mariko, "Wonder if he's more interested in the matrix, or exemplifying the well-roundedness of early art exposure and commenting on the artistic use of seaglass? It really is quite different from the history I grew up immersed in. When we were one small land, on one world, and people were much more strongly yoked to their family's work and expectations."

"My own path wasn't settled until it was well along, the perils of being a younger child of many. But now my little sister, Mei, finds herself tied to my work as I lean on her to coordinate the custom orders back on Rokugan." When had she stopped saying 'back home?'

Whenever it was, she needed to focus on work here. "Hmm, I imagine so. Your fame probably changed plans as it grew, no? I keep thinking that it's surprising that fame hasn't been used more to highlight the province, draw traffic as it were." She's careful to avoid criticizing the existing plans and initiatives, more musing about something that's perhaps been overlooked.

Soshi Kotori wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 6:07 pm "True enough... Maybe I just need to get one of those thermo regulator things..." She muttered as they approached, a brow raising at the familiarity shown by the vendor. "A regular already?" Kotori laughed.

"I-" The ghost flustered, a gentle.dusting of pink on her cheeks, before crossing her arms. "Chibori-kun, my charge during the event, led me to this stand as a manner of rest. I indulged him."

Which didn't explain a second go.

Moto Shiwahime wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 4:47 pm ''Okay, here's mine'' she still had some cards from yesterday so it made sense to make the exchange. When in Yasuki lands and all...

''I already rented a bike but I guess I could rent a boat for a while. Do you know much about sailing?

"Can't say I do. I can recreationally sail something in calm waters, but if you're looking to jump whirlpools in a speedboat, I'm not your man."

He took the card from the Moto and nodded, adding it to his case after scribbling a small note on it.

"Worse comes to worst, we can crash the boat and swim back to land."

Asako Hikari wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 7:26 pm "Can't say I do. I can recreationally sail something in calm waters, but if you're looking to jump whirlpools in a speedboat, I'm not your man."

He took the card from the Moto and nodded, adding it to his case after scribbling a small note on it.

"Worse comes to worst, we can crash the boat and swim back to land."

''Pshh...where is you sense of adventure?'' the Moto shook her head in mocked disbelief ''I'll rent a yatch I'm sure it can't be that different then driving a car. Hell why not make it a road trip? Boat trip? With a larger one we could circle the island and enjoy the coast from the other side with other people.''

Boogiepop wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 4:41 pm
Koi-kun

Bayushi Kazushi wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 5:29 pm "I suppose the dramatics are part of the job," Kazushi notes, slightly annoyed that he's having to pay attention to the mascot, "but I don't know what was expected. A conversation between a Scorpion and a Spider is bound to turn to the necessary but underappreciated art of transgression."

Ami was highly delighted by the theatrics of Koi-kun, applauding excitedly at his gasps and emotive gestures. "I absolutely will have to find Koi-kun souvenirs, and not only to find him a rival at Obsidian Pearl. What a delight. They would look absolutely charming around my home and office." She grinned, bowing politely to the Koi for his antics, then looking again to Kazushi.

"Oh, believe me. The transgressions will be appreciated by the whispers in the wind and those who dare share such things Bayushi-san." A slightly more serious look upon her features, though the wickedness of her smile was quite apparent. "I think you are right. But even with pragmatism, there's a difference between the suspiciousness of a Scorpion... and the outright yet well earned disdain of the Spider. But they can't be rid of either of us, for different reasons. Reasons that they likely won't admit to themselves except in the dark."

Her eyes darkened, and she allowed a hand to rest upon Koi-kun's. "But maybe they can see we aren't so bad. Isn't that right Koi-kun." Making a kissy face to the mascot, but her gaze remained upon the Bayushi.

Yasuki Taraka wrote: Fri Nov 07, 2025 2:18 pm "Tori Tea," she revealed. "If you'd like to swing buy after First Market, I'd be honored to have tea with you. Selling is thirsty work after all.

"It is!" Kisha agrees, "And I hadn't really realized it until just now! So I'll be happy to meet you there, Yasuki-san!"

Her enthusiasm is sincere and unforced. She really is just that effervescent.

(With apologies; I didn't see this until just now.)

Suzume Hitomi wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 6:48 pm She nods, catches Mariko's eye as the girl looks around for her and gives her a surreptitious thumbs up before an elderly Kaiu approaches her stall to poke at the mosaic offerings. She nods toward him as she says to Mariko, "Wonder if he's more interested in the matrix, or exemplifying the well-roundedness of early art exposure and commenting on the artistic use of seaglass? It really is quite different from the history I grew up immersed in. When we were one small land, on one world, and people were much more strongly yoked to their family's work and expectations."

"My own path wasn't settled until it was well along, the perils of being a younger child of many. But now my little sister, Mei, finds herself tied to my work as I lean on her to coordinate the custom orders back on Rokugan." When had she stopped saying 'back home?'

Whenever it was, she needed to focus on work here. "Hmm, I imagine so. Your fame probably changed plans as it grew, no? I keep thinking that it's surprising that fame hasn't been used more to highlight the province, draw traffic as it were." She's careful to avoid criticizing the existing plans and initiatives, more musing about something that's perhaps been overlooked.

Umiko curiously followed Hitomi's gaze to Mariko for a moment. It seemed the girl had a bit of potential, coming from a similar circumstance, despite an entirely different creative realm than Umiko had come from. "The Empire was still quite young when it was only on one land, it was likely they were weaving those generational expectations together to build a sure foundation in the future. I don't think that they expected an expansion to the stars, of course. The fruits of a tree ultimately look much different than their roots. We are ultimately part of the same tree, much like yourself and your sister."

"My sister does have some fame of her own, too, of course. Although her fame is perhaps more of the traditional sort that you would expect of samurai in the Rokugan of old," she nodded slowly at that as she gave up the search with a tinge of annoyance that she fought down soon after. "That isn't to say that none of my own clout doesn't have any play here already. I've managed to use my fame and my family connections to get some support from Silver Fin Productions, have them reciprocate some aid for my contribution and service there. It will be evident tomorrow when they begin their campaign to produce some Tango Province-specific content as well as help host some events."

Moto Shiwahime wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 7:56 pm ''Pshh...where is you sense of adventure?'' the Moto shook her head in mocked disbelief ''I'll rent a yatch I'm sure it can't be that different then driving a car. Hell why not make it a road trip? Boat trip? With a larger one we could circle the island and enjoy the coast from the other side with other people.''

"You know what? That isn't a half bad idea...and I'm the one who invited you on the trip, Moto-san, let me rent the yacht. I've briefly seen a few of the other Unicorn around, would any of them be interested in coming along? I'd like to meet some cousins in spirit and share stories."

Susumu Ami wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 7:57 pm Ami was highly delighted by the theatrics of Koi-kun, applauding excitedly at his gasps and emotive gestures. "I absolutely will have to find Koi-kun souvenirs, and not only to find him a rival at Obsidian Pearl. What a delight. They would look absolutely charming around my home and office." She grinned, bowing politely to the Koi for his antics, then looking again to Kazushi.

"Oh, believe me. The transgressions will be appreciated by the whispers in the wind and those who dare share such things Bayushi-san." A slightly more serious look upon her features, though the wickedness of her smile was quite apparent. "I think you are right. But even with pragmatism, there's a difference between the suspiciousness of a Scorpion... and the outright yet well earned disdain of the Spider. But they can't be rid of either of us, for different reasons. Reasons that they likely won't admit to themselves except in the dark."

Her eyes darkened, and she allowed a hand to rest upon Koi-kun's. "But maybe they can see we aren't so bad. Isn't that right Koi-kun." Making a kissy gave to the mascot, but her gaze remained upon the Bayushi.

Koi-kun

There was an elongated pause from Koi-Kun at the contact the Spider made on him! At first, there was a slow turn to look at the market to see if anyone else saw this. Even with the unmovable face, there was an air of shock! How should he react?! The pretty Spider lady was touching him! Then, there was a small wiggle of the body that would indicate some sort of overwhelming smitten reaction! This was too much for Koi-Kun to handle!

However, his On would return and he would quickly recompose himself! He must! No! Spider lady bad!

Although, despite his best of intentions, it seemed he might have fallen thrall to the Spider woman regardless. He was all too quick to give an enthusiastic horizontal wiggle of his head to show agreement to her words. Yes, Spider lady.