[D9, LM] Carve the Lands | Closed

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

The meeting was set in one of the private booths. Mirrored panels concealed it's users, soundproofing foam made sure the secrets were withheld tightly, and with a final pass and checkup for bugs, Ichitaiyo relaxed and sat onto the doughy couch. A tea set for four was already present, perfectly aligned.

She was clad in an oversize black suit with a waist-high belt and black gleaming shirt. It was looser than her usual fashion, less elegant, yet still sharp, urban. One could call it some form of hacker chic- fitting given the events to come.

Thus she waited for the players patiently. Today, the fate of Nakahama might be decided.

==

OOC:

Ping

Pong

Get Hunter-killed, bozo

[Tamori Kanna]

Ichitaiyo didn't have to wait long for Kanna, who liked to be punctual and even a little early if she could make it so!

"Good morning, Ichitaiyo-san!" she greeted with a smile and bow, seeming to be past her melancholy from the previous day. Or she was excellent at masking.

Kanna wore a green ensemble with floral motifs on the kimono, and the pattern of the flowers repeated itself in the lace-shirt and her matching purse. For this meeting, Igoro was back on duty for dog-sitting, so there was no Kaida present for this very important gathering.

"Thank you for arranging all this."

[Bayushi Senshuken]

Bayushi Senshuken arrives just on time for the meeting. She's dressed in her usual style. Buggy red pants, black T shirt, loose suspenders and sneakers. Her hair is a stylish mess.

She enters and bows. "Good morning, Kitsuki san. Tamori san. Thank you for having us."

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

Ichitaiyo stood to bow and greet everyone. "Tamori-sama, Bayushi-sama, Bayushi-san."

"I'm glad everyone could make it, please, take seat." And she began to promptly serve tea. It had a peachy aroma, sweet tones, overall, pleasant.

==

OOC: Greg's gonna take a while before posting, and we gotta work with Eurotimes, so for all purposes let's assume Hinata is here and punctual

[Bayushi Senshuken]

"Bayushi Senshuken." She introduces herself to the Tamori and grins behind her mask. "I don't believe that we have met before, Tamori san."

She reaches for her cup of tea, lowers her mask and brings the cup close to her face to inhale the aroma before sampling it. "Excellent!" She exclaims before her eyes go to the Kitsuki this time. "Should I assume that this invitation is connected to the idea you had at the dojo the other day? The idea of a partnership, let's say?"

[Tamori Kanna]

"Bayushi-sama, it's good to see you again," Kanna would greet Kazushi kindly and with a bow.

As Senshuken was new to her, she proceeded with a proper introduction. "Bayushi-sama, good morning. It's a pleasure to meet you! I'm Tamori Kanna of the Dragon, brand ambassador of Usagi no Yomogi Medical Spa. I was amazed by you in the race yesterday!"

She joins in sampling the tea, approving of its excellent aroma. With a look to Ichitaiyo, she indicates that the Kitsuki is the one handling this matter now.

---

OOC: Sounds good. Timezones all over the place here!

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

"Bayushi Senshuken." She introduces herself to the Tamori and grins behind her mask. "I don't believe that we have met before, Tamori san."

She reaches for her cup of tea, lowers her mask and brings the cup close to her face to inhale the aroma before sampling it. "Excellent!" She exclaims before her eyes go to the Kitsuki this time. "Should I assume that this invitation is connected to the idea you had at the dojo the other day? The idea of a partnership, let's say?"

Ichitaiyo nodded sagely. "Very much so, Bayushi-sama."

"As it stands, the Scorpion is posed to be the main provider for Nakahama, and very little can be done in regard." The Investigator admitted, leaning back onto her couch. "While we are still seeking to obtain a bigger portion on our own, we believe that obtaining the second place regarding the bid favor will ensure in better prospects for Scorpion infrastructure projects, as you won't have to 'fight' for the contracts, as you would as if a Rival clan held that position."

"As for what we can offer.." Ichitaiyo glanced over to Kanna, the one that held control over the mayor pitch of Usagi, and offered more.

[Tamori Kanna]

"As it stands, the Scorpion is posed to be the main provider for Nakahama, and very little can be done in regard." The Investigator admitted, leaning back onto her couch. "While we are still seeking to obtain a bigger portion on our own, we believe that obtaining the second place regarding the bid favor will ensure in better prospects for Scorpion infrastructure projects, as you won't have to 'fight' for the contracts, as you would as if a Rival clan held that position."

"As for what we can offer.." Ichitaiyo glanced over to Kanna, the one that held control over the mayor pitch of Usagi, and offered more.

Kanna added in when attention shifted to her, "and we are happy for our allies the Scorpion to secure their position so efficiently! It is surely a good sign for the alliance of the Crab, Scorpion, and Dragon that you will be working so closely together." She followed this up with a few certain nods.

Another sip of tea.

"We hope that we can use the last days of this gathering to further strengthen the bonds between our clans. Apart from working together and making sure that all the clans will benefit from their new holdings on Green Carp, we would like to offer some things in return for any help in securing the secondary position."

"Cooperation between our new holdings here. services from our specialists among the Kitsuki, Tamori or Tonbo. Sharing of research or technology. Maybe marriages to strengthen the ties between the clans. This is some of what we would like to offer in return for your help."

[Bayushi Senshuken]

Senshu listens carefully before speaking. "Sooo! You want a portion of our influence in Nakahama. I understand that. But! Marriages are the way to seal a deal, not an offer. Sharing of research and technology on a provincial level is... Nothing. Are you suggesting that you have clearance to offer it on the grand level? On a clan wide level? And does sharing go both ways? Because such a deal isn't an offer either. For the Kitsuki, Tamori and Tonbo services..." She shrugs." Who these people will be here at Nakahama? How many? And why shouldn't we use our own shugenja and investigators if we need them?"

She takes another sip of her tea." I'm not saying no. I honor our alliance and I would very much prefer to see the Dragon merchantile interests prosper rather than those of the Mantis, but here we are, holding discussions only a few days before the end of court and your offer is too general and honestly, it's just not a good deal for us. We have influence in the province because we did the legwork and we traded actual companies, shares and holdings for a good word here and there, favors and gifts. For influence."

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

Senshu listens carefully before speaking. "Sooo! You want a portion of our influence in Nakahama. I understand that. But! Marriages are the way to seal a deal, not an offer. Sharing of research and technology on a provincial level is... Nothing. Are you suggesting that you have clearance to offer it on the grand level? On a clan wide level? And does sharing go both ways? Because such a deal isn't an offer either. For the Kitsuki, Tamori and Tonbo services..." She shrugs." Who these people will be here at Nakahama? How many? And why shouldn't we use our own shugenja and investigators if we need them?"

She takes another sip of her tea." I'm not saying no. I honor our alliance and I would very much prefer to see the Dragon merchantile interests prosper rather than those of the Mantis, but here we are, holding discussions only a few days before the end of court and your offer is too general and honestly, it's just not a good deal for us. We have influence in the province because we did the legwork and we traded actual companies, shares and holdings for a good word here and there, favors and gifts. For influence."

Ichitaiyo knew Senshuken, she knew what kind of deal could truly pull her in. Words like 'cooperation', 'union', 'sharing', 'research', 'urban planning', didn't compete on the woman like the word 'koku'. Maybe 'pussy' too, but that was not here nor there. The Investigator knew the price very well, but it was unbecoming to go ahead and present it without her fellow Dragon understanding what did they face, dishonorable to strike without being on the same note.

So, maybe in a moment of harsh love, she let Kanna flounder against those arguments, see how she would reply before intervening.

[Tamori Kanna]

tag

tag

Kanna is... frankly taken a bit aback by the Bayushi's rather harsh words, and doesn't quite manage to bring her teacup all the way up to her mouth for a few seconds.

Still, it would take more than that to topple KANNA OPTIMISM!

The smile stay in place and the teacup is returned to the table. The motion is practiced and calm. For a Kitsuki like Ichitaiyo, it seemed like a muscle-memory more than anything as Kanna relies on her Tonbo diplomatic training.

"That may be so, Bayushi-sama, though please don't say we have not done the legwork either. I just think we've been approaching the matter from different angles, and at the end of the day, the Scorpion have outnumbered us with twice the number of delegates," Kanna spoke with kind words, though a touch defensive. Not for herself, but of the work Ichitaiyo had put in.

"But may I ask, how much has it cost the Scorpion in potential holdings to gain this support?" she asked with genuine concern and curiosity.

[Bayushi Senshuken]

She nods. "Opening our cards at an ally's request is very noble."

"Three holdings so far for Yasuki Taraka san's full support and partial support from the Unicorn clan." Senshu replies and doesn't comment on anything else. If the Dragon clan believes that two delegates are enough and if those delegates have a different approach, well... It's not her problem and she definitely isn't here to antagonize them. As long as they understand that she's a seasoned courtier and she will never be persuaded by big words that mean nothing.

She takes a sip of tea and with her mask still lowered she grins. "How about you? What agreements do you have in effect?"

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

Kanna is... frankly taken a bit aback by the Bayushi's rather harsh words, and doesn't quite manage to bring her teacup all the way up to her mouth for a few seconds.

Still, it would take more than that to topple KANNA OPTIMISM!

The smile stay in place and the teacup is returned to the table. The motion is practiced and calm. For a Kitsuki like Ichitaiyo, it seemed like a muscle-memory more than anything as Kanna relies on her Tonbo diplomatic training.

"That may be so, Bayushi-sama, though please don't say we have not done the legwork either. I just think we've been approaching the matter from different angles, and at the end of the day, the Scorpion have outnumbered us with twice the number of delegates," Kanna spoke with kind words, though a touch defensive. Not for herself, but of the work Ichitaiyo had put in.

"But may I ask, how much has it cost the Scorpion in potential holdings to gain this support?" she asked with genuine concern and curiosity.

Ichitaiyo gave an approving nod to Kanna's new direction. Costs. Exchange. Materials. Now they could approach things like partners.

"Not as many, and not enough. But mainly from members of the Crab. I congratulate your work in folding the Unicorn into you." Ichitaiyo obfuscated their truth, almost lazily and casual, folding a leg over the other. The Bayushi might be schooled and talented, but she was too confident, letting out a precise bit of information away so freely.

"We have decided that to attempt to seek alliances for the sake of competing with you will inevitably end cannibalizing our mutual efforts, hence we are reaching out to you."

She took a glance to Kanna, then forwards. "Unlike the other 'alliances', I believe we are be share the spoils we seek, rather than the means. Soften the cost you have had to pay to reach your position."

[Tamori Kanna]

Kanna wasn't sure if that was a barb or a sincere comment, but she assumed it was the latter and continued smiling happily! Surely the Scorpion were noble too, right? She nodded approvingly of Ichitaiyo's words.

"I see." Goodness, the Scorpion sure have given up much! "We have been in talks with members of the Crab for their support. In addition to offering the Crab the same we offer the Scorpion, Ichitaiyo-san gave them very thorough research and data on the impact of our respective organizations." Now she picked up her teacup again, and held it between both her hands.

"Also, we have shown them that we are interested in improving the community for those who live here. As a Tonbo-trained diviner, I've used my skills to find the most auspicious locations for any expansion here on the island." Kanna maintained her usual happy smile as she took a sip of tea. "Any investment here is not only in shares and holdings, but an investment in the continued growth and happiness of the community."

[Bayushi Senshuken]

She taps her fingers on the table and grins. "Apparently we don't share the same view on what opening our cards really is. Are we sure that we share the same views on what our costs truly are? The Crab were offered the same as my clan plus research and data... Enviromental and societal impact, I assume. Diagrams and projections of economic growth in the future. And divinations on the most suitable locations."

She reaches for her cup again. "Well, I believe that when the right time for these aspects comes, all clans have their own specialists to do such work. We will not need that either, so until now there is no sharing of costs really offered. We can keep dancing around this, though. Be noble or not. Be blunt or not. It's up to you really. I enjoy the tea and the company either way." She smirks in her usual stupidly sexy way patented by Bayushi no kami himself since the Fall of the kami and sips her tea slowly.

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

She taps her fingers on the table and grins. "Apparently we don't share the same view on what opening our cards really is. Are we sure that we share the same views on what our costs truly are? The Crab were offered the same as my clan plus research and data... Enviromental and societal impact, I assume. Diagrams and projections of economic growth in the future. And divinations on the most suitable locations."

She reaches for her cup again. "Well, I believe that when the right time for these aspects comes, all clans have their own specialists to do such work. We will not need that either, so until now there is no sharing of costs really offered. We can keep dancing around this, though. Be noble or not. Be blunt or not. It's up to you really. I enjoy the tea and the company either way." She smirks in her usual stupidly sexy way patented by Bayushi no kami himself since the Fall of the kami and sips her tea slowly.

Well, it was time to play then. Ichitaiyo went in to negotiate.

"One medium gentry." She decided, her slate gaze sharp and her voice without hesitation, not much unlike the swift slash on an iajutsu duel. "I am compensating the cost of your deals by thirty-three percent. Easy as."

[Tamori Kanna]

The Bayushi's words and smirky attitude only confused Kanna, who remained silent as Ichitaiyo delivered their response.

Isn't she like... just a teenager? Is she trying to act cool or tough? Kanna wondered, drinking her tea as she tried to understand Senshuken's play, clearly still a little befuddled. Sexy smirking only worked as a Confusion-effect on the short Dragon.

[Bayushi Senshuken]

"In exchange for our support in order for you to come second and not by any means threaten our own win. Which means that we strike against the Mantis together for the remaining of the court season and progressively as our victory gets assured, we render more and more of our own influence to your cause. Is this what you suggest?"

[For clearing it out OOC: Both clans go against the Mantis. The Dragon give us a medium holding if they come second. The Scorpion give you 6 bid points now (session 9) and if they are still winning by the end of the game, they give you 6 bid points plus the bid points of 4 rolls for session 4.]

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

"In exchange for our support in order for you to come second and not by any means threaten our own win. Which means that we strike against the Mantis together for the remaining of the court season and progressively as our victory gets assured, we render more and more of our own influence to your cause. Is this what you suggest?"

[For clearing it out OOC: Both clans go against the Mantis. The Dragon give us a medium holding if they come second. The Scorpion give you 6 bid points now (session 9) and if they are still winning by the end of the game, they give you 6 bid points plus the bid points of 4 rolls for session 4.]

Ichitaiyo reached for the cup of tea right away and took a gentle sip. "And.. when available, we combine our forces and aid each other as well. For example, in the coming Bid Event regarding cybersecurity, we could use some fortification of our own to ensure that both of us reach first and second place at the same time we pummel the Mantis, and I know for a fact you have a beautiful cybersecurity expert on your fold."

Another sip went in. "You understand that our interest lie within securing our own position as fast as possible as well."

==

OOC: Ichitaiyo is adding a 'if you can help us catch up and ensure second during a bid event, you have help us some, not all effort, but let's win together' clause.

[Bayushi Senshuken]

"I'll run it by my clan and text you a response within the next hours." The Bayushi agrees with a nod. "What I will tell you as a gift from me, personally, to your delegation is that you should seek Susumu Sumiko san out. She's another tech expert and I haven't seen the Spider taking any sides till now."

(that's what I meant by going against the Mantis. As much as it is possible, of course, because there are other clans, as well.)