[Day 8, Mid-Morning] Fashionably Early (Expecting)

[Bayushi Kazushi]

The call from Yasuki Taraka had woken him up - Kazushi was not a morning person by nature, but the need seemed great so he was ready to go. The twins were with him, as always, but this time it was Kazushi on the computer, working on some preliminary designs and checking company catalogs for something that might suit his new potential client.

[Yasuki Taraka]

Great need was perhaps a bit of a stretch. But people of a certain level of importance (or perceived importance) sometimes needed a little kick to get on their schedule. As a Yasuki, Taraka was well versed in when to put the pressure on to gain an audience.

Once she was admitted to his presence, she offered a polite bow.

"Good morning, Bayushi-san. Does the morning find you filled with joy and inspiration?" she asked.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

Kazushi yawns. "Not before my coffee, it doesn't," he says, "but here it is..."

Indeed, Katsumi arrives with a tray, handing out cups to everyone, including Taraka.

"So, what kind of ideas did you want us to start with?"

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka accepted the coffee gratefully. These had been busy days after all.

"Hmmm, well let's start with something that's fashionable but also right for business on Scorpion and Crab worlds. Something that grabs attention and says, 'This person is sharp and knows her way around the negotiating table' not, 'Coffee, two creams."

She offers an apologetic bob to Katsumi.

"Not that we can get by without those who assist us in every way, I just want it clear that the way I'm assisting you is through my keen insight into finance."

[Bayushi Kazushi]

Katsumi smiles slightly - no offense taken.

"Hmm...from what we already offer, I'd suggest something from our Shirei line," he says, pulling up an image and turning the laptop to let Taraka see it.



"It's got the serious, professional energy you want to take to the table for important meetings. It's not flamboyant, so definitely not my design, but it you want people to take notice, it's a good place to start. My wife's a fan of the more streamlined Hinkaku line..."



"Also very neutral, but perhaps a bit more formal than the Shirei. If you want one of my designs, though..."



"...I present the Kadan. A mix of the traditional and the new, in my usual striking style."

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka nodded along when the Shirei and the Hinkaku were presented. They were pretty similar to what she could get at Koi, though she didn't think he'd appreciate the comparison. But then there was the Kadan.

She studied the picture for a bit.

"Hmm, the Kadan you say. Would you mind telling me more about it?" she requested.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"Like I said, that's one of mine," Kazushi says. "I tried to incorporate the look of a classical courtly kimono with the sensibilities of modern business-wear - that's an ongoing theme in my designs. A celebration of heritage that doesn't get in the way of a more active lifestyle. The version in the picture is obviously designed with a Scorpion in mind - in fact, that's my wife modeling it - but the colors can be adapted to fit any clan's scheme, or none of them if you want to make a more personal statement. The fabric is an Orchid Department-exclusive silk, much more lightweight than it looks, so you can have the appearance of all of the traditional layers without fear of collapsing due to heat exhaustion."

[Yasuki Taraka]

"Like I said, that's one of mine," Kazushi says. "I tried to incorporate the look of a classical courtly kimono with the sensibilities of modern business-wear - that's an ongoing theme in my designs. A celebration of heritage that doesn't get in the way of a more active lifestyle. The version in the picture is obviously designed with a Scorpion in mind - in fact, that's my wife modeling it - but the colors can be adapted to fit any clan's scheme, or none of them if you want to make a more personal statement. The fabric is an Orchid Department-exclusive silk, much more lightweight than it looks, so you can have the appearance of all of the traditional layers without fear of collapsing due to heat exhaustion."

Taraka smiled a bit.

"To be fair, I was wondering about the color. Don't get me wrong, your use of red and black, beyond just being your clan's traditional colors look incredible. However, the idea is to do business with the Scorpion, not necessarily marry in to them." she offered.

"Still, I really like the look of this. Well worth considering. Could you show me something more appropriate for, say throwing a dinner party?" she asked.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"Now that," Kazushi replies, "depends entirely on the atmosphere that you're looking to establish for the party. We have two possibilities from the Yuyami line, one more conservative..."



"...and the other just a touch more daring - good if you want to keep your guests focused on you, and perhaps less so on the details of anything you might be presenting. That kind of distraction has long proved a successful Scorpion tactic."

[Yasuki Taraka]

She looked over the dresses with interest, before turning back to the designer.

"Hmmm, I see. Which one do you think would fit my purposes better, Bayushi-san?" she asked, curious to see what he'd advise.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"The first, I think," Kazushi says after a pause. "It sounds like you're wanting to lead with a display of professionalism, and the more provocative alternative might obscure that message. We want you looking your best, without giving the idea that your business plan involves...shall we say non-financial arrangements?"

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka smiled a bit.

"Ah good. I definitely agree with you on this, though it might be good to have both. Trying to sell 'pretty to the Scorpion' works about as well as trying to sell it to the Crane, just with less fabric. Still, not every waking moment needs to be about business."

She took a sip of coffee.

"Speaking of which, what do you recommend from your collection for a fun day on the town? Something that is casual, but stylish, rather than running around in a fan-con t-shirt and shorts." she asked.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"Well, you could go with something similar to Senshuken's usual attire - decidedly casual, and something I'd call 'stylishly unrefined'," Kazushi suggests. "We have some other options, though..."

[Yasuki Taraka]

Well Taraka was sold.

"Well, now I know what to build next seasons wardrobe with. I appreciate the private consultation, Bayushi-san. Have things been going well for you these past few days?" she asked.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"I've largely been using my time to relax and look at real estate," says Kazuki. "Senshuken-san and Hinata-san are better suited to some of the governor's most recent events, so I've had a lot of free time."

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka nods.

"I'll be with Senshuken-san this afternoon. She asked me to to serve as her mechanic for the rally, so I'll have a front row seat to seeing what she's really capable of as a driver." she revealed.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"I know her reputation, of course, but I've never actually seen her race," admits Kazushi. "I'm interested in seeing how well she lives up to the hype."

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka chuckles.

"Well, all I can really say is she does not lack for ambition. I fully expect her to have her foot down the entire time. Still, I'm willing to put my life in her hands for that. It should be quite thrilling. Though if something goes wrong, feel free to visit me in the hospital." she jokes.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"I'd rather not have to do that," Kazushi replies, "for either of you. Safety first."

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka chuckles.

"I'm pretty sure with her it's Speed first, then Style. Safety is probably going to come in third." she joked.