[D0, EM] Another step on the path

[Shiba Haru]

Haru laughed. "This really has you rattled doesn't it? Should we grab some sake before going any farther?"

[Shiba Jiro]

"I was speaking of the weather brother. Lady Sun does as she wishes," he said with a smirk.

[Shiba Haru]

"Ah but your words carry more meaning then you intended. Let us agree on this, both of us will be looking out for the other but we will both focus on the task at hand. We should not let distraction sully this moment."

[Shiba Jiro]

"Oh, you know that I won't let either of us become too distracted to perform at our best," he said with a smile. "We're here to show our mettle and represent the clan."

[Shiba Haru]

"And I will try to...I don't know what I can do in this situation beyond what I have already said."

Haru turned his head and then stopped suddenly.

"Look at that shrine over there brother...It's..."

Haru's mood noticeably soured at the sight of the dilapidated shrine off in the distance.

[Shiba Jiro]

Jiro noted it the shrine that was mentioned. "Yes, it's not looking so good. I wonder who's supposed to maintain it? Should probably find out. Maybe they are experiencing some sort of issues in town?"

[Shiba Haru]

"I...I don't know how the Crane could allow this." Haru's tone was nakedly hostile and Jiro could see the anger growing in his brother's eyes.

[Shiba Jiro]

"Did they allow it? Perhaps there is more going on. We should learn what is wrong with it before jumping to conclusions. They may be victims of a spiritual malady," he replied, to calm Haru.

[Shiba Haru]

"I..."

Haru paused and tried to calm himself, slowly taking a few deep breathes.

"The Asahina share the blood of Isawa, I would hope that if that were the case they would tackle the problem promptly or seek aid from the Phoenix if they couldn't."

[Shiba Jiro]

"Not every problem has an obvious solution. And sometimes outside help makes things worse. We will learn more and see if we can even help. They are allies, give them the benefit of the doubt."

[Shiba Haru]

"You are right of course but it is distressing to see none the less. I actually hope there is more to the story then just neglect."

[Shiba Jiro]

"We will find out. I have no doubt about that."

[Shiba Haru]

"Fortunately we are from the right clan to tackle this problem. As long as the Crane don't take any offense to our aid it should go well."

[Shiba Jiro]

"I am sure that if it becomes an issue it can be smoothed out. We'll see to the shrine."

[Shiba Haru]

"Indeed we will." Haru said with a sigh. "This is going to be a huge week and a half for us brother, I'm honestly not that nervous about what happens here but what happens after we leave. The real uncertainty is what happens when we return home."

[Shiba Jiro]

"It depends partially on how we do here I suspect. But how that will turn out is anyone's guess."

[Shiba Haru]

Haru sighed.

"Duty is duty and I will do mine to best of my ability but I wish I could see a way to the duty I desire, I just can't see how any performance here will make it possible."

[Shiba Jiro]

"If we are both assigned somewhere high profile, it might happen. But it is not very likely," he says with a shrug. "But it was unlikely both of us would come here together. Perhaps uncle could arrange something? Who knows?"