Just wanted to say thanks for the small scenes we managed. The ningyo story glanced off of a bit of "unknown to Natsuko" backstory that came about due to heritage roll, so that was unexpectedly satisfying. ^^ With infinite time and energy, is there a scene you'd really have liked to run Masaru thro...

He smiled "appreciated." He ran a hand through his red hair pulling the silk band holding it together to let the shoulder length red hair fall loose. He shook it out as he scratched his scalp a bit "Well you certainly seem like you have your head on straight. You're more introspective about things l...

Masaru nodded "Well I think it comes down to what you think your duty is vs what doing your duty involves. You're right of course we all have to, or will have to, do things we don't like. But we have to remember at the end of the day why we are doing it."

Masaru looked thoughtful for a moment "Well no they aren't morbid about it with details but, while that is involved in their duty, I'm not sure I'd say that is their duty. The duty is protecting the clan, or fighting for the clan or Emperor. The violence is part of that but I don't know if I'd say t...

At that the Kitsu chuckled "Then the Mantis are far different from the Lion. Many of my Clanmates take great pride in their duty and talk about little else."

"Not the most stimulating conversation topic. But I'll take it over discussing the tenets of bushido."

Masaru smiled and nodded "true enough everyone, well most people, have something deeper going on. But some wear these things on their sleeve and it takes little digging to figure it out. Others have to keep it buried as a matter of duty."

Masaru outwardly kept a reserved air of pleasant neutrality and bowed deeply "Many thanks Asahina-sama, it is heartening to see that you think so highly of us. It sounds like an exciting and honorable opportunity should our lords agree." He shot a look over to Kasumi and gave her a small smile. This...

He observed the contents for a moment feeling the excitement and nerves mingling in his chest. He took a deep breath. "I was excited to be chosen Ikoma-sama. Tsuma was an interesting place. My lessons were very beneficial, people see what they want, see what they expect to see. Cover seems easy to m...

Biggest curveball the game threw you? Hmm not really sure on this one honestly. Biggest curveball Masaru threw you? He played pretty much as I expected though I didn't have as much time or depth spent on him. Biggest missed opportunity for you in this game? The game as a whole maybe? Didn't form to...

He did not open hos eyes immediately but heard the words and bowed, maintaining his seiza his amber eyes opened as he looked up to the Ikoma and for once they were not his usual disarmingly friendly eyes with an inviting warmth but rather cold and somewhat detached his expression neutral and then a ...

A that he gave her a bit of a grin, a sharper expression than the others "Well, that is the question isn't. I respect you Kasumi-san enough to not lie outright but I will say I am more....complicated than I seem."

"Well Honor being something that comes from within I believe the honor of this moment will hopefully be one day eclipsed by deeds in the future."

He thought for a moment "but yes anyone here will likely see benefit from their participation."

"Oh well to serve my lord and Emperor like any good samurai of course." He said with his most proper speech

Leaning back against the barrel "but honestly just want to find someone I can be myself with in the end."

When it was his time Masaru stepped down from his spot and bowed before the Ikoma accepting his daisho and gave her another bow after he secured it "This one, Kitsu Fumikage takes his name in honor of his storied Lineage and seeks to do honor to his ancestors and his Clan. I pledge myself to service...

Didn't get to be as involved due to IRL no Oni but please if you have any questions for the Harmless Kitsu please ask away

Masaru arrived dressed ready for the ceremony later so he was in his traditional Kitsu robes of Fine quality.

He enteredbthe room and bowed to those present curious if this was simply a status update or of the Asahina had more in store for them.

Fumikage sat in seiza his room lit by a single flickering candle as he meditated and waited for a visitor. He took the time to reflect in his time here and on the few people he had met and spoke to, the lessons learned and where he went from here. Though the last would likely be changed based on his...

The Kitsu's eyebrows rose a fraction "Well I suppose that depends. I was speaking more generally, what do you want to do?" He asked with an eyebrow raised in a questioning manner

Natsuko has continued to cheer Rin on from the sidelines...minus actual cheering, as that would be a distraction. She will not get between anyone's attention and the Emperor, but will offer Maseru a bow. "Congratulations on coming so far, Kitsu-san. I was pleased to see the storytellers paired off ...

Masaru nodded running hand through his long dark red hair "Comes with the whole 'my life is not my own' and 'I live to serve' thing I suppose."

"But ya know can't let the possibility something will fail stop you from trying I think."