[D7, EM Jiro's Room] A Warning

[Shiba Haru]

Haru sighed and slumped his shoulders in defeat.

"If someone wronged you? In an instant. but I don't want you to do it because of me I want you to do it because there is no future in it, you will feel pain now or later."

he sighed again but straightened.

"But this is not why I came here, I don't want to get into another fight with you about this, I will make my unhappiness known to Kasumi personally when time allows. What I came here for is this. You say I should find enjoyment when and where I can. So, with that in mind, what do I do about this Togashi Shinko situation?

I don't know what her exact reasons for showing interest in me are but it seems pretty clear that she's looking for more than just a friend. And to be honest with you I'm tempted to give IT to her, I could use a distraction from Mitsuko and...well...she's really attractive. Not often someone that attractive comes looking for some action, as in it has never happened before and probably never will again.

She's a good fighter too, fast and she's trained to be a yojimbo and duelist just like me. But she left before I could ask her anything about herself. Once she knew we were going on a date she had what she wanted. I'm honestly a little concerned for myself right now."

He said with a mixture of embarrassment and joy.

[Shiba Jiro]

"Do not go that far. Not here and not now. A reputation can handle a few scratches from some teenage rumors. But there are far more potential repercussions by going too far. Go on the date, share a meal, brush her hand, bump feet. And most importantly, get to know her. It's not worth spending time with someone if you are displeased with their personality."

[Shiba Haru]

"How far is too far though? I mean, THAT, yes is too far but...well...how far have you gone with someone; anyone?"

[Shiba Jiro]

"I have gone as far as I have gone. Trust that I am not going to respond to a request for that information. You'd have to get me drunk first," he replied with a smirk

[Shiba Haru]

"Right, so no where at all." he said with a grin.

"I won't speak of things I have done but that is for fear of my life. Needless to say there are different degrees of going too far and I am considering testing those limits and I'm looking to you for reasons not to. Right now all I can come up with is the fact that she may be as indiscreet as Kasumi has been."

[Shiba Jiro]

"She shared information Kasumi shared with her, probably expected to be in confidence. Indiscretion confirmed. Don't let that stop you."

He shrugs. "None of it bothers me. It is the way of young people and rumors."

[Shiba Haru]

"I don't think anything bothers you."

Other than me the other day.

"So, how do I be charming? Clearly I don't know shit about it myself."

[Shiba Jiro]

"Just be you, like you are with me and mom and dad. Try to ignore the anxious feeling, say what is on your mind, and if what is on your mind is inappropriate, find a more appropriate way to say it. She's trying to get to know you, so you probably don't have to worry too much about being too forward, but that doesn't mean it's the only thing you talk about. Get to know her."

That was pretty much all he did with Kasumi, so it must be the answer.

[Shiba Haru]

"I mean, this is all assuming that she shows up and this isn't just a prank being played on me by Kasumi and her friends. Otherwise I'm just going to be a guy sitting in a garden at night."

[Shiba Jiro]

"I've done it before. Gardens are a nice place to think. And while I expect they are not above some pranking, that seems like it would be more mean spirited than they are."

He looks at the blank canvas. "All four seasons in one image. That is what we should do."

[Shiba Haru]

"Ok."

He stands up and approaches the canvas next to Jiro.

"But... how? Divide the canvas into four parts, is that traditional?"

[Shiba Jiro]

"I imagine you looked at it and imagined four corners. What other ways can we split it in four though? So that it is something unexpected."

[Shiba Haru]

Haru considered the black space for a moment. Then he drew imaginary lines down it with his finger.

"Ahh I see, one setting that transitions through the seasons yes? Like a lake surrounded by trees or something like that?"

[Shiba Jiro]

"That could definitely work," he replied with a nod and a smile. "Here is what we'll do. We will have you paint different aspects of the scene, and then I will detail them. The image in your mind the base, my interpretation the details. Good with you? And yes, I'll help guide you through the technical stuff."

[Shiba Haru]

"You better, my clumsy effort is going to reflect on you too." He said with a grin. "So where should I start? I have a lot of different images in my mind. Our village, the Kakita Academy, the plains of Otosan Uchi. What do you think is best?"

[Shiba Jiro]

"Think of a place you would call beautiful. Picture it during all seasons. If it is beautiful for all of them, then it's a good choice." He smiles at Haru.

[Shiba Haru]

"Hmm, well the Otomo pains that the watchtower overlooks are pretty during spring and winter but very dull. I think our village is but I'm biased and that may be too complicated for me."

He took a step back, as if changing his perspective on the blank canvas would help him think.

"Is picking a subject always difficult? I mean, it should have some meaning to him right? So I guess that would be the dojo. I would say his home with his younger brothers passing outside it but I don't know what any of that looks like. Probably best to do the Kakita dojo, I may not be able to paint but I've memorized every curve and corner of the place and the Crane have certainly made sure its surroundings are lovely."

[Shiba Jiro]

"Then we'll do the Kakita dojo," Jiro replies, prepping the paints.

"Whenever you are ready brother."

[Shiba Haru]

"Ready, what do you mean? Where should I start, the top the bottom? I thought you were going to teach me."

He picked up a brush and twirled it between his fingers as he stared at the at the blank space and tried to picture the dojo upon it.

"I mean, doesn't the first stroke set the tone for the whole piece or something?"

[Shiba Jiro]

"It completely does not. The first stroke is usually buried by the time its finished," we get started by taking the color you want to use as the base of the building and making the shape of the building from the angle and perspective you want. Just a basic shape."