Hikaru enters the embassy, his brown and gold kimono on. His wakizashi hangs on his hip. He was a man on a mission this day. That mission was to find a bow. He would not stop till it is done.

Hikaru looks for somebody that might have a clue as to where he can find his quarry.

That lost look was one most of the residents knew well by now and it wasn't long before one of the servants, a plump woman of middle years, bustled over. 'Did you need something, Lion-sama?"

"I am seeking somebody that would know from whom I can acquire a bow." Hikaru says. "I require one for the rest of my service in the legion."

"Looking to buy one or get one made?" The woman gave him a small smile. "Just so I know which way to point you."

"If a rokugani bow can be purchased here, then I can see about buying one. However if that is not the case, somebody that can make one." Hikaru replies.

"Nothing like that for sale, only local things. They might work well enough, I suppose, but it's nothing on what one of ours could make." National pride rolled off the woman in ways. "You'll be wanting Tsuruchi-sama. His room's this way..."

"Thank you." Hikaru says with a nod, following the woman.

The Embassy was not so large and so it was a matter of minutes before they came to a stop outside a small room's door, different from it's neighbors only by virtue of having a few yellow daisies painted on the top right corner. "He should be in, Lion-sama, seeing as I saw him come this way with his evening meal not a candlemark past. If you need nothing more from me, I've duties I should get to."

"Thank you hiemin-san." Hikaru says.

The Ikoma scratches at the door and then waits to be summoned by the occupant.

There was rustling, and then steps, and then the door was slid open by a man who looked to be older than Hikaru by nearly a decade. He was tall and lean and, currently, not wearing anything more than his hakama. He was also holding a finger in front of his lips in a universal gesture for 'my mouth is full' even as he bowed, swallowing hastily.

"Konnichiwa...you're one of the Ninth, aren't you? What brings you to my door?"

Hikaru bows low and says and says

"This one is Ikoma Hikaru, cousin of Ikoma Haigo, Damyio of the Ikoma. I am sorry to bother you, however I was told you are a master archer and would know how this one can locate a bow for service in the legion. Unfortunately our command does not have any and I find myself in need of one."

"Aaaah." The man nodded and stepped back. "Come in, then, Ikoma-sama. This one is Tsuruchi Kachiro, guard for the season but member of the Mantis navy much of the time. As it happens I'm also an archer and a bowyer of some skill, you've come to the right place."

Hikaru bows and accepts the man invitation to enter.

"I am most honored to meet you Tsuruchi-sama. I am a novice archer at best however I wish to learn from the best, using the best . As I said before, I was told you where the person to see about both of those topics."

Kachiro's room was small but tidy, decorated with more paintings of flowers here and there as well as with several bows, unstrung, set into stands on the wall. Some of them were of very unusual material and the Mantis smiled fondly at them even as he moved too sit on a cushion he'd apparently just left, leaving one empty for Hikaru's use. "Want some of my tea, Ikoma-sama? It's local but it's not bad despite that."

"It would be an honor Tsuruchi-sama." Hikaru says as he eyes the various bows.

Tea was poured with no real ceremony but great courtesy and then the Tsuruchi, following his guest's eyes, smiled over his cup. "I've found that travel to new places gives a lot of unique opportunity to find materials I couldn't normally get. That black one there's made from some of the local timbers, it's my favorite of the foreign bows I've made. It's got neat eighty pounds of pull despite it's size."

Hikaru accepts the tea with thanks and listens as he speaks about his work. It was obvious the man took great pride in what he did. That was a good sign that the quality would be on the level that Hikaru demands, however it also could mean he would have a hard time parting with them.

"It is a beautiful peace of work Tsuruchi-sama. I do not think most people take the time to recognize the works of bowyer's and it is a shame. "

Hikaru sips his tea and then adds.

"It will become quite obvious to you over the course of our conversation Tsuruchi-sama that I am trained more for.......court then the battlefield. However it is my sincere wish to be able to protect my fellow crew members as best as I can. I believe that the art of Kyujutsu is the best way to accomplish this goal. What is your thoughts Tsuruchi-sama?"

"I've been a sailor for a decade and have seen my share of combat." Sipping delicately at his tea, the Tsuruchi met Hikaru's gaze squarely. "If you're not built like a Hida, you're right, it's best to work from afar and let those who can take the abuse take the fore. Question here is, can you muster the power to even pull something I've got on hand."

The man flexed his free arm, showing tightly corded muscle.

"It takes power to draw one of my bows and power isn't exactly common for courtiers, no offense intended of course."

Hikaru nods and replies

"There of course is no offence taken Tsuruchi-sama. You have a valid point. I am not as strong as your average bushi. However muscle and physical strength is something that can be gained, and I intend too." Hikaru sips his tea.

"It is a lovely flavor Tsuruchi-sama." Another sip then he adds. "This is not a passing fancy for me Tsuruchi-sama. I have no doubt you have seen that before. The pampered courtier sees a shiny new toy. However I can assure you that is not the case with me. I intend to use this to defend my Empress and her people. There is nothing more important to a Lion or to me."

"The Lion have a long history of service to Empire and the Legion, or so I understand." Kachiro's gaze moved slowly over the other man. "And your Family is noted for their scouts as much as their tellers of tales. I wish I could do more for my Empire in this time of strife and recovery but, stationed as I am here, there's little enough I can do."

He set down his cup.

"Here, then, is what I'm willing to do for you. I can give you a simple yumi now, show you how to string and tend it and so forth. It's nothing special but it'll serve, it was my very first bow and did well for me until I'd surpassed it. Or..." Here, one corner of his lips curved up, 'you bring me something more fun to work with and maybe I'll be willing to give you something more fun to work with in exchange."