Stop Right There! (Day 4, Mid-Afternoon, Main Hall, Open)

[Togashi Kazuma]

"In truth it serves us none, Captain-sama. If the man is taken away, I'll sleep soundly. I am merely posing hypothetical ideas. I do think that these gaijin need lessons on appropriate behavior to humans, beyond that, I do not think it will serve our immediate needs."

I look into his eyes. I have a grasp on what is needed to be done. Still, orders are absolute. At least I managed to introduce myself without totally embarrassing my family.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"You wish to take a dog and teach it to be cat," he replies with amusement and a shake of his head. "I'm going to remind you, Togashi-san, that you are in the Imperial Legion now. The safety of the Empire is our concern. Also, staring at your betters is often construed as a challenge."

Uminushi arches a brow, "Is it your intent to challenge me?"

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

The captain had a good point. Lanka was Lanka, not Rokugan. I cringe at the exchange as it becomes tense. Watch yourself Kazuma. I stay silent and hope he becomes his usual affable self.

[Togashi Kazuma]

"Eyes are the window to the soul, Captain-sama. I would dishonor you to not see your strength. I look at you to properly see your might, not to view you in contempt." I certainly don't want to challenge my Captain, but I am standing in front of Tomoe, and I'll not have her think me a coward.

"I shall not forget my duty, Captain-sama, but perhaps the dog could find a certain wisdom in a cat's life. Sometimes enlightenment is achieved by looking at opposing views."

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

Any humor the man had flees as the Dragon fails to heed the warning. Uminushi's eyes harden, "I'm sorry, Togashi-san, I believe I misheard your apology for showing disrespect to your superior. Would you like to try again before I have you brigged for insubordination?"

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

Now he's done it. It's good to see the captain is stern but gives second chances. Still, for a man who seems usually quite calm and relaxed to harden so... pay a bit more attention brother! I stand rigid. It feels like my hair is on end. I feel bad watching the exchange. I wonder what caused the Togashi to be less polite than usual?

[Togashi Kazuma]

I grit my teeth. I'd almost rather go to the brig, than allow Tomoe to see me bend, but I won't serve properly locked up.

"My humble apologies, Yoritomo-captan. I meant no disrespect." I say lowering my eyes. Sometimes I forget how Mantis can be sometimes, I'm more used to dealing with foppish courtiers than bushi. This man takes words far to seriously. Perhaps he could find use for time with sensei. Perhaps he'd learn not to take life too seriously. Life in the legion will be different than life in the embassy. Perhaps I've grown overfond of courtier speak myself.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"Next time, Togashi-san, find out the rank of the person you're trying to stare down mm? In my experience, taisa don't particularly appreciate hohei giving them lip," there were still no smiles on the Mantis' face. "That goes doubly so when they're sworn to the Legion. Get that through your head and maybe you'll survive your next assignment."

[Togashi Kazuma]

[color=green|"Yes Captain-sama."[/color] I say as I continue to look away. I was told I'd be a nikutau, but I choose not to press the issue. I'm more prepared for court, not service in the Legion. Why was I sent here again? I hope it was not as a punishment.

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

I mentally breathe a sigh of relief as I feel the tension lower again. Thank the fortunes. I'll help the Togashi a little bit. "Is there anything else we can report on or do you for Captain?" I ask formally, standing straight and trying my best to look useful and competent.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"No," came the man's flat reply. His smile eases back in place as he makes a dismissive gesture, "Feel free to go back to whatever it was you were doing before our erstwhile guests arrive. I believe I have a few people I need to talk to."

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

"hai taisa!" I say loudly and energetically before bowing once. I give Kazuma a sideways glance and then walk back into the embassy grounds but not directly towards the main buildings. I will have some more air first.