A Job Well Done
Kakita Rei and Hiruma Daisuke rode up to the Inn of the Dancing Eel in Otosan Uchi. A splendid pair on unicorn steeds, the two renowned warriors left their horses in the care of a well-fed peasant stable master.
Rei and Daisuke were in Otosan Uchi to meet with three emerald magistrates, Doji Oharu, Shiba Utsuro, and Yotsu Seou. This was a performance appraisal, discussing the accomplishments and setbacks of the samurai in performing their duties as emerald yoriki. They both hoped to advance farther towards full magistrate status.
As they dismounted, Daisuke commented to Rei, “Kakita san. It may sound strange, but I am more nervous about this evaluation than I was by the summer battles.”
Rei responded, “I don’t think it’s strange at all. Battle is a dance. We enter a rhythm, a red haze of breathe and movement we are familiar with. Here, however, we are at the mercy of the opinions of others. Battle is rarely subjective. Politics always is.”
Daisuke sighed, “True enough. I’m relieved that I am not the only one with butterflies in my stomach.”
The warriors entered the inn, leaving their katanas with a large peasant covering the door. As they entered, they found it completely empty, save for the innkeeper and her employees. This was unsurprising—Doji Oharu often did such things. Daisuke recognized the peasant at the door as one who often served Emerald Magistrate Doji Oharu. He knew that the magistrate was staying at the inn, so the presence of the bodyguard wasn’t all that surprising. Nevertheless, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. On several of his recent assignments, the large Crab had been attacked while under-armed in an inn.
Rei gave him a sideways glance, and then giggled at the Daisuke, “Hiruma san. I think it’s safe to say that there are no zombies lying in wait or assassins hiding in the rafters.”
Daisuke grunted, “Hai. You are probably right.”
A pleasantly plump peasant innkeeper came up to the samurai and introduced herself, “I am Hana. Magistrate samas have informed me that they are currently meeting and will summon you when they are ready. It will be several more hours. I have set up wash basins in your rooms and will have refreshments when you return to the common room.”
Hana struck the samurai as assertive, yet polite. She was clearly a peasant who was used to dealing with demanding samurai.
Daisuke and Rei went up to their rooms to bathe and change into more suitable attire for meeting with people of high social status. They returned to the common room to find a delicate looking serving girl laying out plates of sushi, vegetables, rice, saki, and numerous other delicacies.
The two samurai partook of the feast with gusto. The serving girl, whose named turned out to be Akiko, asked if they would like more sake. Rei preempted Daisuke, “No thank you, but perhaps some tea.”
Rei turned to Daisuke, her face pleasant and nonjudgmental, “We must present ourselves in proper form and manner. Such a meeting may require one’s full attention.”
Daisuke responded, “Hai. It would not be wise to be drunk in front of the magistrates.” Daisuke knew that Rei was aware of his problem with sake. But she used her almost preternatural Crane grace to prevent any problems without causing embarrassment.
As Akiko laid out tea and orange cookies, a lovely young woman came out with a Biwa and started to play. The two samurai nibbled, drank tea, and listened to the performance for another hour before Hana came back to their table.
The innkeeper said, “Magistrate samas have asked to see Kakita sama.” Rei got up from the table, saying a polite sayonara to Daisuke, before following the innkeeper. As she walked down a hallway towards the back of the inn, she passed a red-faced Asako samurai she had only met a few times in passing. The rather corpulent Phoenix samurai hurried out of his conference with the emerald magistrates. Evidently, it did not go well. She recalled that his name was Asako Satsuman. While Rei could not help but feel sympathy for the Phoenix, she also remembered that he was sometimes difficult to work with. Straightening her shoulders with a graceful gesture that would make her Doji mother proud, she stepped into the room where the magistrates were meeting.
“Ah! Kakita Rei!” Doji Oharu’s large grin lit upon Rei for a moment before the magistrate regained a more serious expression. Rei bowed respectfully to the Doji, Shiba Utsuro, and Yotsu Seou before turning back towards her sensei. Oharu and Utsuro were seated at a small gaming table, haphazardly playing what Rei thought might be Fortunes and Winds while Seou looked on from the side.
Utsuro gave Rei a measured glance before leaning forward to speak, “We have heard much of you as of late, Kakita-san. Your Lord speaks highly of you, as do most that have met you, it seems.”
Rei bowed modestly. “Thank you Shiba-sama. I try to do all that my Lord asks, and to conduct myself as Bushido would have me.” She raised her head, and caught a brief moment of seriousness from Doji Oharu. He seemed deep in thought, and was staring at her oddly before his on slipped back into place.
Yotsu Seou sat forward, resting her chin on her hands. “There is much discussion among the Emerald Magistrates as to the placement of yourself, and a few others. You, in particular, have featured heavily in those talks. I am glad to see your dedication to your duties and as ever, thankful for the aid you and your fellow samurai have provided time and again.” She smiled in full, and then rose gracefully from her seat. “Please excuse me for a few moments, Kakita-san.” She stepped towards a rear panel, which was quickly slid open by a servant, and passed from view.
Shiba Utsuro also rose to his feet, stretching his arms briefly before speaking again, “I have heard much of interest regarding you, Kakita-san. I hope to hear more good news in the future. Please excuse me as well.” The Shiba then followed Seou’s exit from the room, and the panel slid back into place.
Rei nodded to both, bowing her head briefly to conceal the slight confusion on her face. Wasn’t this supposed to be an evaluation of her performance? Why were they leaving? She took a deep breath to steady herself, and then straightened to meet the weighty gaze of Doji Oharu. Gone was the laughter from his eyes, and the evaluating gaze he’d given her before was renewed, but doubled in intensity. He leaned forward, speaking in carefully modulated tones.
“Rei-san. Before we begin, I would like you to know that this room has been carefully spelled that none may over hear our conversation.” He spoke slowly, watching as this information was processed. Rei subtly shifted her weight onto one foot, but was otherwise silent. Her stomach clenched in nervousness, but she kept her face pleasant and neutral.
“I have spent a good deal of time observing and working with you. I have spoken quite thoroughly with your lord, as well as with your father. I would like you to know that your circumstances are understood. There were days when such occurrences were not so rare, and many, including myself, who find them to be honorable blessings upon the clan.” He paused, watching for Rei’s reaction. A ripple of surprise and fear danced across her face, but as understanding dawned, her stance relaxed.
Rei nodded, “Thank you Doji-sama.”
“You have done well for yourself, for your family, and for our clan. I expect no less in the future. The Empire is in much turmoil, and I fear that it, that I, may ask much of you in the coming times.” He leaned back, ringing a small bell that Rei had not seen in his hand. “And now, back to the matter at hand.”
The panel in the wall slipped open again, as Utsuro and Seou stepped back into the room. They returned to their places, and nodded to Oharu. Seou turned back toward the Kakita, and spoke with a gentle tone.
“You have worked with many other samurai, Kakita-san. Tell us of your Hiruma friend.”
Rei smiled. “Daisuke-san is a fearsome and skilled warrior, as can only be expected from the Crab Clan. He is careful, and thoughtful. He learns quickly, and very perceptive. I enjoy working with him, and I feel he is very suited to his goal to be a full magistrate.”
Utsuro leaned forward. “What of Asako Satsuman?”
Rei paused, thoughtful for a moment. “Asako-san is a very skillful writer. It was with his aid, combined with the other samurai with us, that we were able to craft a beautiful gift for an Akodo family. He uses his skill with great effect.” Rei paused, trying to decide on what more to offer. After some deliberation, she left her comments to that end.
The magistrates exchanged a knowing look for a brief moment, and then turned back to Rei. Her courtesy was well known, and she often sought the best in those around her. Doji Oharu spoke up, “… and your experiences with other Emerald Yoriki?”
Rei smiled. “I have had many wonderful experiences with the others, and greatly enjoy learning new skills from observing each approaching solutions I had not thought of. I have no complaints.”
Oharu nodded. “Thank you, Kakita-san. You may go. We have much to deliberate over. Please send in the Hiruma as you leave.”
Rei bowed deeply, and stepped through the sliding panel behind her.
Daisuke saw Kakita Rei exit the meeting room where the magistrates were in counsel. She seemed pleased and relieved. She walked back to the table they had shared earlier.
Rei said, “Hiruma San. The magistrates would like to see you.”
Daisuke stared at her, expecting more. “How did it go?” he said.
She paused for a moment, then responded, “Fine, I think, though Asako San seemed a bit frustrated and disappointed as I passed him in the hallway. I fear his evaluation may not have been to his liking”
He replied, “That matches my assessment. Any final words of advice? ”
The Kakita answered, “Just be honest. They aren’t here to trick you and they’ve more or less already made up their minds. Be straightforward and sincere. You may even learn something. I know I did.” Her voice seemed to catch a little with that statement, and a far off look entered her eyes. Rei lowered her face, briefly running a hand across her eyes before meeting the Hiruma’s curious gaze with a smile. “Excuse me, Daisuke-san. I find myself more tired than I thought. Perhaps I was more nervous then I realized. I think I shall retire to my room to rest for a bit. I wish you good fortune.”
“Thanks,” said Daisuke. “If you’re around later, I’ll be sure to say hello. I’ve got a few ideas for a metalworking project that might interest you.”
Kakita Rei nodded and smiled. She stood slowly, as though a great weight was pressing upon her. She bowed her head and departed, leaving Daisuke to walk down the short hallway to the magistrates’ meeting room. He paused for a moment, slightly confused. Rei’s light hazel eyes were a rare color, but they had seemed to darken deeply for a moment. He shook his head, attributing it quickly to the flickering light of the inn and his nerves.
As he approached the room, Hana appeared again and tapped twice on the door. After a moment, she appeared satisfied and opened the sliding shoji screen leading into the room.
The peasant innkeeper inclined her head, speaking very softly to the three magistrates in the small sitting room. She said, “Magistrate Samas. Hiruma Sama is here to speak with you.”
All three magistrates were dressed in their clan colors, adorned with the green sash that marked their station. Doji Oharu looked resplendent, yet leisurely in Crane attire. Shiba Utsuro looked dour, but dignified in the colors of the Phoenix. Yotsu Seou looked competent and well-prepared in the mon of the newly formed Tiger minor clan.
Oharu and Utsuro appeared to be playing a casual game of Fortunes and Winds at the table. Seou appeared serene, sitting on a cushion slightly off to the side of the game table.
Oharu spoke first, “Hiruma San. It is good to see you again. You have been busy as usual.”
Daisuke replied, “I go as my Lord requires.”
Utsuro spoke up, “And who is your Lord, Hiruma San?”
Daisuke felt his cheeks slightly redden, but he kept his composure, “That is currently under discussion. I will inform you as soon as I know more.”
Yotsu Seou spoke up, “Indeed. A nasty business that was over the summer. But I have no doubt that a samurai of your abilities will quickly found new service. I must say that I appreciated your assistance in the minor matter we spoke about over the summer at court. It is good to know that our Yoriki are always ready to pitch in, even when it isn’t required of them. Service above and beyond is worth reward.”
Utsuro chimed in, “I too must express my appreciation for your assistance in matters in the north. That was a sticky business with the monks and your help was most timely.”
Oharu spoke, “Daisuke has assisted me on a number of occasions, and all turned out well. He’s proven himself as a tactical commander during the uprising in the summer and a diplomat with a deft hand for dealing with other clans in court. And his investigative skills would do any Hiruma proud. So there is really only one question of import that we must ask you. Why do you want to be an emerald magistrate?”
Daisuke let out a breath, relieved that it was actually his turn to speak. He replied, making sure to look at each of the magistrates throughout his speech, “That is an excellent question Doji Sama. I wish to be a magistrate for several reasons. The first is that I believe in the system of justice and honor that has been passed down for centuries among our clans and find little more fulfilling than ensuring that this system continues as our ancestors intended it. I wish to do honor to my ancestors, my clan, my empress, and my empire. Everyone deserves the right to carry out their existence in the way their station allows. It is the role of the emerald magistrate to solve problems and deal with those that stand in the way of justice.
Second, I think my skill set make me an idea candidate. I have had success on the battlefield, in court, and in numerous investigations. An emerald magistrate must be at home in any environment, be it the wilds of the Shinomen, the dangers of Imperial Court, or the hazards of battle. While I am a warrior and scout by training, I have worked quite hard on both my investigative and courtly skills.
Finally, I enjoy investigative work. While someone can be successful in a position without being passionate about it, I believe that enjoying your work makes you more successful. I am intrigued by the problem solving, puzzling, and interaction that is required of magistrates to keep the empire running.”
Yotsu Seou replied, “All good reasons. Doji Sama spoke of only one question, but there is one minor matter in wish I hope you’ll indulge me.”
“Of course, Yotsu Sama,” replied Daisuke.
She continued, “What is your assessment of Asako Satsuman and Kakita Rei?”
Daisuke replied, “As for Kakita San, I only have positive things to say. She is dedicated, possessed of boundless courtesy, and is an excellent warrior. Her skills in dueling are legend. She is possessed of a quick wit and a keen mind, at ease as much on the battlefield as in court or in the wild. I believe she exemplifies all that Bushido calls upon in a warrior.”
Doji Oharu responded, “That is quite a glowing recommendation. She had similarly positive things to say about you. What of Asako San. What do you think of him?”
Daisuke answered, “To be honest, I don’t know him all that well.”
Shiba Utsuro interjected, “We understand your reluctance to speak ill of colleagues. But your general impressions would be welcome.”
Daisuke replied, “Speak ill? No. He’s very……well…I think Asako San is quite…learned. He is well-versed in numerous fields of study, from history to theology to law. Yes, I’m sure he has a strong grasp of legal principles.”
Yotsu Seou spoke, “Yes. Knowledge of the law is, of course, necessary to be a magistrate.” She looked at Daisuke, beckoning him to continue.
Daisuke to a deep breath, and then went on, “Yes, very knowledgeable. That would be the best way to describe him.”
Seou responded, “How courteous of you. You really are an unusual Crab, Hiruma San. If only you could rub off some of that courtesy on Asako San.”
Daisuke sensed that she was asking him to loosen up, “If you insist, Yotsu Sama. A few weeks on the wall might show him the meaning of courtesy”
The three magistrates burst out laughing. Yotsu Seou spoke, “No Hiruma San. I would not inflict him on the Crab, or on you for that matter. But it is good see that you have a sense of humor.”
“Thank you, Sama,” said Daisuke, blushing.
The magistrates all turned to each other and nodded in agreement. Doji Oharu spoke, “Thank you for your time Daisuke. We are all quite pleased with your work during recent assignments.”
Daisuke walked out of the meeting relieved. He was fairly certain the magistrates were pleased with his performance and that he had answered their questions well. He felt bad for Asako Satsuman, but a samurai’s actions are in his own hands, so he put it out of his mind. He went out looking for Kakita Rei, and of course, for some sake as well.
