L5R: TFW Scroll 27: Imperial Entanglements I
The 14th and 15th days of the month of the Dark Brother (mid-winter)
The 21st year in the reign of Emperor Shinji III (deceased), 1158 by the Isawa Calendar
Umako’s Promise departs Tani Senshio as the sun rises on the 14th day of the Month of the Dark Brother. [i] It’s cold but clear, and the samurai fall into their departure routines. Captain Yoritomo Katsuji mans the tiller while shugenja and navigator Moshi Ryo stands beside him. Quartermaster Yoritomo Kensai double-checks the course Ryo has plotted and approves, and then separates the supplies by day. The captain’s son Yoritomo Ryoichi functions as floater while Kaiu Fumoko mans the yahajiki at the prow and Togashi Sôsuke mans the crow’s nest. Daidoji Hidaki works with the ashigaru and boson Juzo oversees the heimin crew. Ikoma Retsudo stays out of the way and watches the ocean slip by. The only hiccup in the machine is the presence of Imperial observer Taisa Agasha Gihei; the shugenja stands right by the captain - and is in Ryo’s way. Ryo politely asks him to move; Gihei complies- by the exact minimum amount of distance required.
Kensai runs across the heimin Daiki, and offers to spell him as he delivered the daisho back at Kyuden Doji. Daiki takes Kensai’s offer of a night shift instead, and bows to the samurai. Once the supplies are divvied up by day, Kensai then becomes a floater, and spends the morning up in the rigging. As they sail into the open ocean, Captain Katsuji relaxes as the stresses of the past few weeks vanish. He is soon smiling and yelling to Retsudo, “If you have time to lean, you have time to clean.” Retsudo shrugs, knowing the captain is poking fun and also that his duties do not involve sailing. Ryo notes that the captain completely ignores Gihei’s presence, so he does the same. As the morning passes, Ryo and Kensai note that Gihei is carefully observing and assessing everyone aboard the ship - samurai or heimin - but Retsudo realizes he’s focusing the most on the yahajiki. The Imperial ships don’t have the Crab-built siege weapon, and Gihei clearly covets it.
The heimin Tsumi cooks lunch for the crew, and passes out bowls of hearty stew. She serves the captain first, and then Gihei before the rest of the samurai officers. As he eats, Retsudo wanders over to the yahajiki and quietly informs Fumoko of Gihei’s fascination with the weapon. Fumoko gives a subtle nod of acknowledgment, but resumes her duties with no change. The afternoon passes without incident, and as night falls Umako’s Promise and the four 9th Legion kobune drop anchor and start trawling for fish. Tsumi cooks dinner for the crew and then it’s Ikoma Story Time. Retsudo takes the forecastle and turns to their Legion guest. He asks Gihei, “Any requests?” Gihei speaks for the first time since boarding this morning and replies, “Do you know any Phoenix stories?” Retsudo smiles and bows.
Retsudo then tells the story of the Battle of the Broken Daisho, which occurred three hundred and thirty years ago. The Lion and the Crane were at war in the early 9th century, but an army of Shiba commanded by Phoenix Champion Shiba Toriko marched between the two forces before they could engage. Toriko was cut down by the Crane general in an iaijutsu duel without drawing her sword. The Crane general felt his ancestors turn away from him in that moment, and he immediately shaved his head. Seeing this spectacle, the Lion general ordered his troops to withdraw. Thus, no battle was fought, and peace preserved. Retsudo carefully balances the viewpoints of the Crane, Lion, and Phoenix characters although this tale is outside his normal wheelhouse. However, the tale is well-received by the heimin, as this is the first time they’ve been exposed to this piece of history.
Ryo half-listens to the tale while he eyes the Imperial kobune bobbing off to the side of his ship. After seeing them in action today, he realizes they are just as fast - if not faster - than Umako’s Promise is, and he wonders why they are upholding the fiction that they are slower. Togashi Sôsuke takes the forecastle for Togashi Shinsei Lessons, and Ryo heads for the shrine. The others stick around, and Sôsuke announces that Retsudo just inspired him to do something a little different tonight. Tonight and for the next few nights he will focus on a single topic - Osano-Wo. He starts talking about Hida Osano-Wo’s mortal life as the son of the Kami Hida and the Thunder Dragon, and Ryo rejoins the group. Retsudo listens to the tale and finds it a bit basic, but perfectly serviceable for peasants. He also covertly watches Gihei; the Phoenix eyes the ise zumi warily at first, as he couldn’t see who was in the crow’s nest all day and assumed it was a heimin. There is no recognition beyond that, until the end of the lecture when Sôsuke uses a gesture and Gihei suddenly looks startled. [ii]
The samurai retire shortly after Sôsuke wraps up his lesson. Gihei grabs Tsuruchi Sasori’s empty hammock without complaint, and he’s asleep a minute later. One by one the other samurai also drop off, except for Kensai. He stays awake all night, watching the ceiling above and listening to the gentle snoring around him and the footsteps above him as the night crew performs their duties. Around the Hour of the Dark Brother [iii] a storm hits the area, and the ship bobs in the stronger waves. Kensai hears the rain hitting the ship, but no one else wakes up. He meditates, and then has a vision of sand, sun, and pyramids. He is then sitting in front of Tem-Sepu, the Senpet god he has sworn himself to. Tem-Sepu appears wearing an Imperial kimono and in a full-lotus position - which makes him seem even more bizarre as his head is seven writhing snakes poking out of his neck! Tem-Sepu lifts his arms and declares the kimono to be “surprisingly comfortable.”
Tem-Sepu then asks Kensai if he’s aware of the sin on his ship. Kensai blinks in surprise and replies, “You mean the captain’s son?” Tem-Sepu shakes his head and intones, “No, that was consensual and thus not a sin. I am referring to your painted lookout and the man who boarded this vessel this morning. They are father and son.” Kensai frowns and admits, “Daidoji Nobuko may have divorced Agasha Gihei but that’s not a sin.” Tem-Sepu cocks his head and asks, “Divorce?” Kensai explains that divorce is a formal end to a marriage commitment, although it’s very rare in Rokugan. Tem-Sepu counters, “There was no martial commitment. Their coupling was an act of violence.” Kensai stops dead as he realizes what the foreign god is implying. Tem-Sepu bows his head - all seven snake tails - and Kensai bows in response. Kensai then wakes up in the crew hold, and notices Sôsuke’s hammock is empty. Gihei is still snoring away, and Kensai realizes a reckoning is coming.
The morning of the 15th day of the Month of the Dark Brother is cold and wet, as rain lashes the ship pretty heavily. The samurai make their way up to the deck and Ryo eyes the storm before using his magic to calm the winds at least. Gihei eyes him curiously, but doesn’t seem surprised. Ryo frowns and calls out Captain Katsuji, “This storm was artificially aggravated; somewhere to the east I think.” Katsuji snarls and turns to Sôsuke. The ise zumi leaps right up to the crow’s nest from the deck without a word, startling Gihei. Sôsuke surveys the surrounding ocean, and then calls down, “It’s Kitao! She’s three miles east, with six kobune approaching in an attack formation!” Gihei pulls out a colored scarf and signals the other kobune with a series of hand gestures. The Imperial ships start moving to a defensive formation alongside Umako’s Promise while Hidaki bellows for the ashigaru to form up.
As the ships jockey for position, Ryo turns to Captain Katsuji and asks about rules of engagement. The captain considers the question and then declares, “Unless our Imperial friends decide otherwise, we do not open fire unless fired upon.” Ryo is disappointed, but everyone notices Fumoko giggling excitedly as she arms the yahajiki. Ryo casts Way of Deception on himself and waits. The flotilla prepares for battle, and several minutes later they see The Bitter Flower emerge from the edge of the storm, with Yoritomo Kitao at the prow. Her look of vindictive joy is transformed into utter horror the second she registers the four Imperial kobune alongside Umako’s Promise, and she makes a series of rapid hand gestures. Her fleet comes to a halt as best they can, and Kitao hurriedly calls out, “My apologies! I had heard Moshi Sezai was operating in this area!”
Kensai mutters, “Oh, how sincere,” at the prow, causing Fumoko to stifle a snort. She casually adjusts the yahajiki, and aims it just so - so that it’s pointing directly at Kitao’s center mass. Ryo whispers something to Captain Katsuji and then calls out, “Did you just declare - in full view of our Mantis vessels and our Imperial escorts - that Moshi Sezai is a pirate to be hunted down by the Mantis Clan wherever he is?” Kitao cries back, “Yes!” and Kensai mutters, “Well played.” Ryo smiles and Retsudo smirks as he starts planning. Kitao calls back, “Please allow us to join your flotilla, so we can protect you from any attacks!” Kensai snorts, “Who would dare attack a ship under Imperial protection?”
Shireikan Otomo Matsuko calls back, “Of course, you can take the vanguard position on our journey to Kyuden Gotei; I believe you know the way.” Ryo calls out, “They’ll slow us down!” Matsuko sighs and confirms with Kitao that her fleet will need six days to reach Kyuden Gotei; she retorts, “I’m sorry, but we have a schedule to keep. Catch up to us if you can!” The Imperial ships move to flank Umako’s Promise and then start moving forward, forcing Kitao’s flotilla to break up to avoid a collision. Umako’s Promise crosses Kitao’s fleet, and Fumoko keeps the yahajiki casually aimed at The Bitter Flower the entire time. Once clear of Kitao’s fleet, the Imperials surge forward, forcing Umako’s Promise to work to keep up. Juzo soon has the heimin hopping - or more accurately, swinging - as they angle the sails for maximum speed.
Retsudo descends into the cargo hold and approaches the stockades. He informs Moshi Hatsuyo that Kitao just named her father Sezai as a pirate to be hunted down. Hatsuyo hotly retorts, “You lie!” Retsudo feigns offense and replies, “If you like, I can send the Imperial observer down here to verify my statement. You don’t think he would lie, do you?” He hears a sob coming from Yoritomo Raiko, so he ambles over to her cell and asks, “You believe me, don’t you?” She replies softly, “Yes.” Retsudo smiles and returns to the main deck. As he comes out of the shrine, Kensai catches his attention and asks if he can spare a few moments. Retsudo nods, so Kensai heads over and asks to speak with the captain privately. Captain Katsuji hands the tiller over to Ryo and follows Kensai. Ryo is thrilled to be in command, and also because Agasha Gihei is no longer in his way; the Imperial observer has relocated to the other side of the forecastle.
Captain Katsuji enters the shrine underneath the forecastle with Retsudo and Kensai. Kensai then asks the captain if he can be excused from the interrogations; he know believes his presence will be a hindrance and not a help. Captain Katsuji nods and asks if Retsudo still wants to be involved. Retsudo nods, and is eager to interrogate Hatsuyo. The captain considers his options before deciding Kensai will take Sôsuke’s place in the crow’s nest, and Sôsuke will take point on interrogating Raiko as he’s already developed a rapport with her. The captain asks Retsudo if he wants Hidaki to be his backup or Sôsuke’s. Retsudo admits he’d like the Crane with him if possible, and the captain agrees. The captain also reveals Gihei’s interest in the yahajiki; Fumoko informed him and said she got it from Retsudo. Captain Katsuji dismisses them, but asks them to send in Juzo.
Kensai leaves the shine and scrambles up the rigging to the crow’s nest. Sôsuke leans over to see who’s joining him, and he jokes, “Fancy meeting you here.” Kensai grins, but explains the captain’s request to have him interrogate Yoritomo Raiko tomorrow. Sôsuke agrees, but stipulates that he’d like someone else to do a follow-up interrogation, as he can’t discount the possibility that Raiko is playing the timid victim. Kensai agrees and promises to relay that to the captain. Sôsuke looks behind them and informs Kensai, “Also, please let the captain know Kitao’s fleet is falling further and further behind.” Kensai nods and then asks, “How are you holding up?” Sôsuke smiles thinly and replies, “I’m managing.” Kensai nods, realizing the truth.
Retsudo tells Juzo that the captain wants to see him. Juzo enters the shrine; Captain Katsuji nods and promises to keep this brief. He says the interrogations will start tomorrow, and asks if the heimin crew are going to have an issue? Juzo answers honestly that as long as physical torture is avoided - and no one is stapled to the deck - they should be fine. They discuss the logistics to trying to separate the two women before interrogating them; Juzo will inform the crew to ignore the interrogations around them. Captain Katsuji nods and then continues, “I don’t want to get your hopes up because I can’t promise you anything - but when we get back to Toshi no Inazuma, I am going to pressure my wife to offer you fealty - but only if you want it.” Juzo immediately agrees, and says even if Governess Masori rejects the captain’s plea, he’s going to stick around. Juzo says half-jokingly, “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
[i] Game was 11/21/16. Tony was late and didn’t get a lot of play time, unfortunately.
[ii] The “Oh, fuck!” moment.
[iii] 2 o’clock in the morning.
The 21st year in the reign of Emperor Shinji III (deceased), 1158 by the Isawa Calendar
Umako’s Promise departs Tani Senshio as the sun rises on the 14th day of the Month of the Dark Brother. [i] It’s cold but clear, and the samurai fall into their departure routines. Captain Yoritomo Katsuji mans the tiller while shugenja and navigator Moshi Ryo stands beside him. Quartermaster Yoritomo Kensai double-checks the course Ryo has plotted and approves, and then separates the supplies by day. The captain’s son Yoritomo Ryoichi functions as floater while Kaiu Fumoko mans the yahajiki at the prow and Togashi Sôsuke mans the crow’s nest. Daidoji Hidaki works with the ashigaru and boson Juzo oversees the heimin crew. Ikoma Retsudo stays out of the way and watches the ocean slip by. The only hiccup in the machine is the presence of Imperial observer Taisa Agasha Gihei; the shugenja stands right by the captain - and is in Ryo’s way. Ryo politely asks him to move; Gihei complies- by the exact minimum amount of distance required.
Kensai runs across the heimin Daiki, and offers to spell him as he delivered the daisho back at Kyuden Doji. Daiki takes Kensai’s offer of a night shift instead, and bows to the samurai. Once the supplies are divvied up by day, Kensai then becomes a floater, and spends the morning up in the rigging. As they sail into the open ocean, Captain Katsuji relaxes as the stresses of the past few weeks vanish. He is soon smiling and yelling to Retsudo, “If you have time to lean, you have time to clean.” Retsudo shrugs, knowing the captain is poking fun and also that his duties do not involve sailing. Ryo notes that the captain completely ignores Gihei’s presence, so he does the same. As the morning passes, Ryo and Kensai note that Gihei is carefully observing and assessing everyone aboard the ship - samurai or heimin - but Retsudo realizes he’s focusing the most on the yahajiki. The Imperial ships don’t have the Crab-built siege weapon, and Gihei clearly covets it.
The heimin Tsumi cooks lunch for the crew, and passes out bowls of hearty stew. She serves the captain first, and then Gihei before the rest of the samurai officers. As he eats, Retsudo wanders over to the yahajiki and quietly informs Fumoko of Gihei’s fascination with the weapon. Fumoko gives a subtle nod of acknowledgment, but resumes her duties with no change. The afternoon passes without incident, and as night falls Umako’s Promise and the four 9th Legion kobune drop anchor and start trawling for fish. Tsumi cooks dinner for the crew and then it’s Ikoma Story Time. Retsudo takes the forecastle and turns to their Legion guest. He asks Gihei, “Any requests?” Gihei speaks for the first time since boarding this morning and replies, “Do you know any Phoenix stories?” Retsudo smiles and bows.
Retsudo then tells the story of the Battle of the Broken Daisho, which occurred three hundred and thirty years ago. The Lion and the Crane were at war in the early 9th century, but an army of Shiba commanded by Phoenix Champion Shiba Toriko marched between the two forces before they could engage. Toriko was cut down by the Crane general in an iaijutsu duel without drawing her sword. The Crane general felt his ancestors turn away from him in that moment, and he immediately shaved his head. Seeing this spectacle, the Lion general ordered his troops to withdraw. Thus, no battle was fought, and peace preserved. Retsudo carefully balances the viewpoints of the Crane, Lion, and Phoenix characters although this tale is outside his normal wheelhouse. However, the tale is well-received by the heimin, as this is the first time they’ve been exposed to this piece of history.
Ryo half-listens to the tale while he eyes the Imperial kobune bobbing off to the side of his ship. After seeing them in action today, he realizes they are just as fast - if not faster - than Umako’s Promise is, and he wonders why they are upholding the fiction that they are slower. Togashi Sôsuke takes the forecastle for Togashi Shinsei Lessons, and Ryo heads for the shrine. The others stick around, and Sôsuke announces that Retsudo just inspired him to do something a little different tonight. Tonight and for the next few nights he will focus on a single topic - Osano-Wo. He starts talking about Hida Osano-Wo’s mortal life as the son of the Kami Hida and the Thunder Dragon, and Ryo rejoins the group. Retsudo listens to the tale and finds it a bit basic, but perfectly serviceable for peasants. He also covertly watches Gihei; the Phoenix eyes the ise zumi warily at first, as he couldn’t see who was in the crow’s nest all day and assumed it was a heimin. There is no recognition beyond that, until the end of the lecture when Sôsuke uses a gesture and Gihei suddenly looks startled. [ii]
The samurai retire shortly after Sôsuke wraps up his lesson. Gihei grabs Tsuruchi Sasori’s empty hammock without complaint, and he’s asleep a minute later. One by one the other samurai also drop off, except for Kensai. He stays awake all night, watching the ceiling above and listening to the gentle snoring around him and the footsteps above him as the night crew performs their duties. Around the Hour of the Dark Brother [iii] a storm hits the area, and the ship bobs in the stronger waves. Kensai hears the rain hitting the ship, but no one else wakes up. He meditates, and then has a vision of sand, sun, and pyramids. He is then sitting in front of Tem-Sepu, the Senpet god he has sworn himself to. Tem-Sepu appears wearing an Imperial kimono and in a full-lotus position - which makes him seem even more bizarre as his head is seven writhing snakes poking out of his neck! Tem-Sepu lifts his arms and declares the kimono to be “surprisingly comfortable.”
Tem-Sepu then asks Kensai if he’s aware of the sin on his ship. Kensai blinks in surprise and replies, “You mean the captain’s son?” Tem-Sepu shakes his head and intones, “No, that was consensual and thus not a sin. I am referring to your painted lookout and the man who boarded this vessel this morning. They are father and son.” Kensai frowns and admits, “Daidoji Nobuko may have divorced Agasha Gihei but that’s not a sin.” Tem-Sepu cocks his head and asks, “Divorce?” Kensai explains that divorce is a formal end to a marriage commitment, although it’s very rare in Rokugan. Tem-Sepu counters, “There was no martial commitment. Their coupling was an act of violence.” Kensai stops dead as he realizes what the foreign god is implying. Tem-Sepu bows his head - all seven snake tails - and Kensai bows in response. Kensai then wakes up in the crew hold, and notices Sôsuke’s hammock is empty. Gihei is still snoring away, and Kensai realizes a reckoning is coming.
The morning of the 15th day of the Month of the Dark Brother is cold and wet, as rain lashes the ship pretty heavily. The samurai make their way up to the deck and Ryo eyes the storm before using his magic to calm the winds at least. Gihei eyes him curiously, but doesn’t seem surprised. Ryo frowns and calls out Captain Katsuji, “This storm was artificially aggravated; somewhere to the east I think.” Katsuji snarls and turns to Sôsuke. The ise zumi leaps right up to the crow’s nest from the deck without a word, startling Gihei. Sôsuke surveys the surrounding ocean, and then calls down, “It’s Kitao! She’s three miles east, with six kobune approaching in an attack formation!” Gihei pulls out a colored scarf and signals the other kobune with a series of hand gestures. The Imperial ships start moving to a defensive formation alongside Umako’s Promise while Hidaki bellows for the ashigaru to form up.
As the ships jockey for position, Ryo turns to Captain Katsuji and asks about rules of engagement. The captain considers the question and then declares, “Unless our Imperial friends decide otherwise, we do not open fire unless fired upon.” Ryo is disappointed, but everyone notices Fumoko giggling excitedly as she arms the yahajiki. Ryo casts Way of Deception on himself and waits. The flotilla prepares for battle, and several minutes later they see The Bitter Flower emerge from the edge of the storm, with Yoritomo Kitao at the prow. Her look of vindictive joy is transformed into utter horror the second she registers the four Imperial kobune alongside Umako’s Promise, and she makes a series of rapid hand gestures. Her fleet comes to a halt as best they can, and Kitao hurriedly calls out, “My apologies! I had heard Moshi Sezai was operating in this area!”
Kensai mutters, “Oh, how sincere,” at the prow, causing Fumoko to stifle a snort. She casually adjusts the yahajiki, and aims it just so - so that it’s pointing directly at Kitao’s center mass. Ryo whispers something to Captain Katsuji and then calls out, “Did you just declare - in full view of our Mantis vessels and our Imperial escorts - that Moshi Sezai is a pirate to be hunted down by the Mantis Clan wherever he is?” Kitao cries back, “Yes!” and Kensai mutters, “Well played.” Ryo smiles and Retsudo smirks as he starts planning. Kitao calls back, “Please allow us to join your flotilla, so we can protect you from any attacks!” Kensai snorts, “Who would dare attack a ship under Imperial protection?”
Shireikan Otomo Matsuko calls back, “Of course, you can take the vanguard position on our journey to Kyuden Gotei; I believe you know the way.” Ryo calls out, “They’ll slow us down!” Matsuko sighs and confirms with Kitao that her fleet will need six days to reach Kyuden Gotei; she retorts, “I’m sorry, but we have a schedule to keep. Catch up to us if you can!” The Imperial ships move to flank Umako’s Promise and then start moving forward, forcing Kitao’s flotilla to break up to avoid a collision. Umako’s Promise crosses Kitao’s fleet, and Fumoko keeps the yahajiki casually aimed at The Bitter Flower the entire time. Once clear of Kitao’s fleet, the Imperials surge forward, forcing Umako’s Promise to work to keep up. Juzo soon has the heimin hopping - or more accurately, swinging - as they angle the sails for maximum speed.
Retsudo descends into the cargo hold and approaches the stockades. He informs Moshi Hatsuyo that Kitao just named her father Sezai as a pirate to be hunted down. Hatsuyo hotly retorts, “You lie!” Retsudo feigns offense and replies, “If you like, I can send the Imperial observer down here to verify my statement. You don’t think he would lie, do you?” He hears a sob coming from Yoritomo Raiko, so he ambles over to her cell and asks, “You believe me, don’t you?” She replies softly, “Yes.” Retsudo smiles and returns to the main deck. As he comes out of the shrine, Kensai catches his attention and asks if he can spare a few moments. Retsudo nods, so Kensai heads over and asks to speak with the captain privately. Captain Katsuji hands the tiller over to Ryo and follows Kensai. Ryo is thrilled to be in command, and also because Agasha Gihei is no longer in his way; the Imperial observer has relocated to the other side of the forecastle.
Captain Katsuji enters the shrine underneath the forecastle with Retsudo and Kensai. Kensai then asks the captain if he can be excused from the interrogations; he know believes his presence will be a hindrance and not a help. Captain Katsuji nods and asks if Retsudo still wants to be involved. Retsudo nods, and is eager to interrogate Hatsuyo. The captain considers his options before deciding Kensai will take Sôsuke’s place in the crow’s nest, and Sôsuke will take point on interrogating Raiko as he’s already developed a rapport with her. The captain asks Retsudo if he wants Hidaki to be his backup or Sôsuke’s. Retsudo admits he’d like the Crane with him if possible, and the captain agrees. The captain also reveals Gihei’s interest in the yahajiki; Fumoko informed him and said she got it from Retsudo. Captain Katsuji dismisses them, but asks them to send in Juzo.
Kensai leaves the shine and scrambles up the rigging to the crow’s nest. Sôsuke leans over to see who’s joining him, and he jokes, “Fancy meeting you here.” Kensai grins, but explains the captain’s request to have him interrogate Yoritomo Raiko tomorrow. Sôsuke agrees, but stipulates that he’d like someone else to do a follow-up interrogation, as he can’t discount the possibility that Raiko is playing the timid victim. Kensai agrees and promises to relay that to the captain. Sôsuke looks behind them and informs Kensai, “Also, please let the captain know Kitao’s fleet is falling further and further behind.” Kensai nods and then asks, “How are you holding up?” Sôsuke smiles thinly and replies, “I’m managing.” Kensai nods, realizing the truth.
Retsudo tells Juzo that the captain wants to see him. Juzo enters the shrine; Captain Katsuji nods and promises to keep this brief. He says the interrogations will start tomorrow, and asks if the heimin crew are going to have an issue? Juzo answers honestly that as long as physical torture is avoided - and no one is stapled to the deck - they should be fine. They discuss the logistics to trying to separate the two women before interrogating them; Juzo will inform the crew to ignore the interrogations around them. Captain Katsuji nods and then continues, “I don’t want to get your hopes up because I can’t promise you anything - but when we get back to Toshi no Inazuma, I am going to pressure my wife to offer you fealty - but only if you want it.” Juzo immediately agrees, and says even if Governess Masori rejects the captain’s plea, he’s going to stick around. Juzo says half-jokingly, “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
[i] Game was 11/21/16. Tony was late and didn’t get a lot of play time, unfortunately.
[ii] The “Oh, fuck!” moment.
[iii] 2 o’clock in the morning.