[Day 5, Early Evening] A Corrupting Influence (Expecting)

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Think so. But all th'same... still a child a bit yet, so I'm gonna let myself have th'last indulgence of agonizin' over it."

[Akodo Michi]

"Struggle is admirable, regardless", she said with a little bit of mirth, probably the sake talking.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"An' what d'you struggle with, Akodo-san?"

[Akodo Michi]

"Command is what I look forward to", she said, the scent of sake on her breath for certain after another sip. "A task I have ahead of me after this as well...but I do not cherish it, and every fiber of my being wishes I did not have to go on with it."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Huh. Well. Gonna be a bit of a burden y'carry."

She nodded toward the Akodo's mon.

"Since that's what your school's all about, right?"

[Akodo Michi]

"It was not my burden to carry", she said, looking down at her cup. "But fate has it's way with us, fortune favors the mortal, but when mortals face one another...fate is fickle."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

Kasumi cocked her head to the side.

"Somebody die untimely-like?"

[Akodo Michi]

"Far too many, the Damasu daimyo, his wife, his children, his vassals...all people who served my father in the Akodo's name, wiped from this world by Tsume Retsu-dono."

She was surprisingly stoic when she said it, even using a proper honorific for her enemy who executed most of the Damasu family, rather than allowing them seppuku. Still, she did not mention that which harmed her personally the most.

"And so in summer, I will reclaim their home from the Crane."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

Or die trying.

"Quite a lot t'look forward to, then."

She motioned to the Lion's cup.

"More?"

[Akodo Michi]

"One last, yes", she said with a soft smile. "In thanks for this conversation and good company."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Anyone oughtta be grateful, s'me, Akodo-san. Your Clan's known for Honor and skill at arms. 'Magine my pleasant surprise t'see you're also good listeners an' understanding friends."