Editing Memories of a Stone Wall (section)

===Act XLII: Outbreak===
:>Monkey pipped up.
:>Guess I'll go ask the Scorpion if anyone else has gotten sick yet in their group.
:>He shivered.
:>That guy, Bayushi Koretoyo? He's kind of creepy. Stares into your eyes to long...
:>Kitsuki-san sighed.
:>He does that on purpose, Monkey. To destabilize you. Just ignore it.
:>... easy for you to say...
:>Hmmm?
:>Nothing, nothing!
:>Mantis-san, you should speak with your clan members, and I will speak with mine.
:>We need to know for certain who has been afflicted so far.
:>He glanced at me.
:>Right, I'll go talk to Terumune.
:>We split up.
:>I found Terumune in the first room of the Crab's area.
:>This castle was built to hold delegations, so there were several sections where one room opened up to other rooms.
:>That way, delegations could have private chambers to sleep and talk, and a room for public meetings.
:>Ren was there, along with the Karo and a Crane I didn't recognize.
:>His hair and beard were white, not with dye but age.
:>Milky eyes stared at nothing.
:>Ren brightened when he saw me.
:>Ah, Hida Ishigaki-san!
:>Let me introduce you to Doji Nakamura, my sensei.
:>Nakamura bowed to someone standing just behind my left shoulder.
:>I bowed back.
:>It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Nakamura-sensei.
:>A Sensei always deserves respect, even if he's a Crane courtier.
:>Likewise, Ishigaki-san. Ren-kun speaks very highly of you and your friends.
:>His voice had a phlegmy rattle to it.
:>There was a lot of experience locked within that blind man.
:>I expected he was one of the most revered sensei of the Doji courtier school.
:>Ren would be in good hands then.
:>I found that thought comforting.
:>Guess I really did like this little Crane.
:>I took a seat next to Terumune.
:>Ren-sama was just thanking our Clan for our efforts in combating the illness, Ishigaki-san.
:>Yes, between Naomi-san's water magic and Toshiro's earth magic I feel this illness will be well in hand!
:>I pursed my lips, trying to find the right way to bring up my fears and ask about the spread of the illness.

:>Hrm. Something troubles you, Ishigaki-san?
:>I glanced over my teacup at Nakamura-sensei, unable to keep the surprise off my face.
:>Kitsuki-san could almost read a person's mind from small shifts of the expression... but how the hell did a blind man guess what was on my mind?
:>He chuckled as though aware of my shock.
:>I have a gift, Ishigaki-san.
:>I can sense people's moods.
:>He pointed to his eyes.
:>These is not due to age. I was born this way.
:>As such, my other senses are much sharper.
:>I see...
:>Well then. I suppose I'll just come out with it.
:>Terumune-san, have any Crabs become ill aside from Kageru?
:>No, not yet.
:>Ren-sama, have any Crane become ill yet? I mean truly ill, and not just sweating because of nervousness?
:>Ren pursed his lips.
:>Not that I have been made aware off...
:>He glanced at his Karo, who shook his head.
:>Well, there you have it.
:>He stared at me.
:>Ishigaki-san, what do you suspect?
:>When an illness is contagious, it normally spreads only after symptoms appear. And from the sick person to those in contact with them.
:>That's why quarantines can stop the spread of illness most of the time.
:>So the way this illness is spreading, it seems... unnatural.
:>Ren masked his worry at that with a long sip of tea.
:>He set his cup down.
:>So... more maho?
:>I hesitated.
:>If I was being honest, we didn't have any reason to suspect Maho... save that it was the simplest explanation for what was going on.
:>But my instincts screamed at me this was not natural, and the others had agreed with me.
:>It could very well be, yes.
:>Ren studied the leaves in the bottom of his teacup for a time.
:>Then nodded firmly.
:>Very well then.
:>Hida Naomi-san and Kuni Toshiro-san, the Jade Magistrates, have my full permission to conduct a thorough investigation into the source of this illness.
:>I bowed to Ren.
:>I will convey your words to them at once, Kakita Ren-sama.
:>Thank you, Hida Ishigaki-san.
:>I headed off to the sick room.

:>As I approached I found a wall of bushi blocking my path.
:>Bushi from several Clans.
:>The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and I wanted my armor very badly.
:>Shit.
:>The air was thick with killing intent, and the bushi were eyeing one another with open hostility.
:>So they were already suspicious of one another.
:>MAKE WAY!
:>I've a message from Kakita Ren for the shugenjas!
:>I was met with sullen stares, until one of the Crane present spoke.
:>I know you, Hida Ishigaki-sama.
:>You have the young lord's favor.
:>I trust you would not abuse that, would you?
:>Of course not.
:>Then go in.
:>I shut the door behind me.
:>Toshiro was waiting for me, arms folded.
:>We're to investigate then?
:>I blinked.
:>Come on, I'm a Kuni, and fire is my second element.
:>I smiled ruefully.
:>How could I forget?
:>Naomi was wiping sweat from Yuie's forehead.
:>She was awake.
:>What... what is going on...?
:>Naomi answered her.
:>There is something unnatural about this illness, and we are going to find out what is going on.
:>Naomi eased Yuie up into a sitting position and raised a cup of water to her lips.
:>Drink, you are losing water quickly.
:>As Yuie drank Toshiro fished out his Jade Magistrate chop and showed it to Yuie.
:>Her eyes widened.
:>Then got even wider when Naomi showed hers.
:>From the corner, a derisive snort erupted.
:>Shoji, tending to another Phoenix.
:>A poor choice on the young lord's part, I think.
:>You have a history of blaming the innocent for things.
:>There were too many people spread about the room for me to start a fight here.
:>I might step on one by accident.
:>I think Shoji was making sure there were reasons I couldn't punch him before he opened his mouth around me.
:>I looked at Shoji.
:>It's a good thing such a talented tensai is present, so that the Jade Magistrates may conduct their investigation without worrying about those already ill.
:>You will, of course, be able to cover for their absence, won't you?
:>He sniffed.
:>Of course.
:>Go, look for your scapegoats.

:>Naomi and Toshiro followed me out, once pass the bushi I explained what we knew so far.
:>We met up with the rest, who shook their heads.
:>So no one else seemed to have gotten sick yet.
:>So, Phoenix, Scorpion, and Crab have been affected so far.
:>Thus far, women only.
:>And it seems to not spread to others, at least not from contact with those afflicted.
:>Monkey pulled out a jade finger.
:>So...? Jade Tests all around?
:>Toshiro frowned.
:>Too many too soon, I think.
:>I doubt the magic is being cast directly on them.
:>But it could be?
:>Well, if there were several Bloodspeakers sure...
:>I looked over.
:>You think it might be another charm, like with Ayame?
:>Mantis-san shook his head.
:>How could so many people all have gotten cursed items?
:>Naomi answered.
:>Gifts, perhaps? 
:>Kitsuki-san nodded slowly.
:>We should backtrack their actions over the last few days, in any event. Some commonality is sure to present itself... 
:>Shouts caught our attention.
:>So uh, when I went to get Toshiro and Naomi there were a bunch of bushi glaring at each other outside.
:>Kitsuki-san looked at me sharply.
:>And you didn't think the revelation that jade magistrates would be investigating an unnatural cause to this would exacerbate that?!
:>I hoped they wouldn't notice...
:>He sighed.
:>Not everyone is as thick as you are, Ishigaki-san...
:>Yeah, I see that.
:>Naomi looked at us all.
:>We should not be standing around here, let us go and address that commotion.
:>My body warmed up as we jogged down the halls to where the fight was breaking out.
:>Scorpions and Lions were in a fist fight, with Ikoma Masahiro in the middle.
:>Mantis-san and I exchanged a glance.
:>Kitsuki-san quickly began to explain to the Daidoji who were just about to get involved that we had experience breaking up brawls.
:>He left out the part where we did so by laying everyone involved out cold.
:>It wasn't much of a fight, since it was mostly courtiers involved.

:>I have no idea where he got it from, but Masahiro smacked a Go board over my head.
:>I let Mantis-san subdue Koretoyo and the rest of the Scorpion.
:>Masahiro was the last to go down, and only stopped after I tripped him and sat on his chest.
:>The man fought like a corned animal.
:>His wild, undisciplined fury was surprisingly effective, and I was panting a bit after it was all over.
:>Ren came in at last, with Daidoji Hideo.
:>He blinked at the sight of me sitting on the Lion delegate.
:>Then shook his head.
:>Will someone please explain this scene before my eyes?
:>From underneath me a voice came forth.
:>It's the damn Scorpion! They're poisoning everyone!
:>But, Ikoma-san... it was a Scorpion who first fell ill. Even now, Soshi Mariko struggles to overcome the sickness.
:>A deception! Deception I say!
:>Oi. It's not poison though.
:>Toshiro over there can tell the difference between poison and illness, since the treatments are different and Oni can cause both.
:>Whoa, really?
:>Yeah, there are Oni that spread plague, and Oni with venom so potent it can scour armor.
:>Huh. 
:>So... it's NOT poison?
:>It's not poison.
:>Oh. Well then get the hell off me!
:>Shouldn't you apologize first?
:>To a Scorpion?! 
:>...
:>I'm very sorry for my rude actions Bayushi-san.
:>Koretoyo, who was having his black eye treated by Naomi, waved his hand.
:>Yes, yes, I know. Too much sake.
:>Though his words seemed nonchalant, he put great stress on that last part.
:>Everyone knew he was calling Masahiro a drunkard, but if Masahiro complained, Koretoyo would just wonder why Masahiro did not want Koretoyo to accept his apology.
:>I got up off of the Lion, while he sputtered a bit before storming off.
:>I muttered to Ren.
:>I don't think the Lion are taking these talks very seriously, if they send someone like him.
:>Ren nodded to me.
:>Then his head kept going down.
:>Along with the rest of his body.
:>I caught him before he hit the floor.
:>I could feel the heat from his fever even through his kimono.

:>Naomi was there before I could even yell her name.
:>Scroll in hand, she began chanting.
:>Her eyes flashed with blue light, that slowly surrounder her whole body, and her hair lifted up off her shoulders.
:>She was using quite a potent spell.
:>When she finished the light moved from her to Ren, and seemed to slip inside his body.
:>His eyes fluttered open.
:>Naomi-san?
:>This is my most powerful healing magic, Ren-sama.
:>I see, I do feel better already, thank you.
:>Naomi looked to Hideo.
:>This SHOULD have cured him completely, but I cannot be certain, given the unusual nature of this illness. Keep a close eye on him.
:>Hideo nodded.
:>Naomi's eyes fluttered a bit, and she gave a cough.
:>Damn. 
:>I caught her, Toshiro coming over with his tea.
:>Kitsuki-san explained that Naomi had always been in poor health, and this was not related to the illness.
:>I will be fine everyone, do not fuss over me so.
:>I shook my head.
:>You get like this whenever you work too much magic. You've been pushing yourself too hard again.
:>So have you, Ishigaki-kun.
:>You're sweating.
:>It's hot in here, that's all.
:>There's a fire right there after all.
:>I nodded to where Toshiro was brewing up her tea
:>And caught his eye.
:>He was staring at me, in horror.
:>Ishigaki... since when has the temperature bothered you?
:>...oh.
:>Oh shit...
:>My vision started to swim.
:>Then went dark.

:>Dark.
:>Hot.
:>Blood.
:>Fire.
:>Stone.
:>Steel.
:>Shadows and screams and the red moon and the stench and the pain and the rage and everyone died.
:>I sat bolt upright, screaming.
:>My head swam and my vision tunneled at the movement.
:>I felt my stomach churn, and I braced myself to keep from vomiting.
:>Slowly I became more aware of myself.
:>My legs were tangled up in a blanket.
:>I was in a kimono top, nothing else, and the obi had come loose so that my top hung open.
:>I was drenched in sweat.
:>My tongue felt like it was three sizes too large and a slimy film coated the inside of my mouth.
:>The back of my throat burned with a dry feeling.
:>I was so thoroughly miserable I concluded that I had not died just yet.
:>I felt hands steady my shoulders.
:>A cup was pressed to my lips.
:>Swallowing was painful, so I only took a few small sips at first.
:>The slime in my mouth made the water taste horrid.
:>I drank it all, and then looked to see who was with me.
:>Red robes.
:>Isawa... Kiyoyasu?
:>Hai. Your memory is intact I see.
:>What are you doing here? 
:>Helping.
:>My Fire magic may not be good for healing, but I am still a priest of the kami. 
:>And I've been in plenty of sick tents before.
:>His hands had calluses on them, the kind you grow from long hours of sword training.
:>You're in the Phoenix army?
:>Hai. I do not think I will ever come back to court after this either.
:>I looked around the room.
:>I was in the sickroom, as I expected.
:>There were fewer people here then when I saw last.
:>Yuie died.
:>The rest recovered, though.
:>I looked at him.
:>His mouth was a thin line, jaw clenched tightly.
:>You have my condolences.
:>Thank you.
:>I set about untangling my legs.
:>You should not be trying to get up so soon!
:>The investigation... they need me...
:>He grabbed my shoulders and pushed me down.
:>I didn't have the strength to resist him.
:>It's the middle of the night. It can wait.
:>Rest now.
:>My eyes flickered as soon as my head hit the pillow.
:>My arms and legs still felt heavy.
:>I slept.

:>When I woke next, soft white hands were moping my forehead with a wet cloth.
:>I'd know those hands anywhere.
:>I breathed in deeply, filling my nose with Naomi's sweet scent.
:>Ishigaki-kun?
:>I gave her a weak smile.
:>She pulled me up into a sitting position effortlessly, and brought a cup to my lips.
:>I winced as the water mixed with the slime.
:>Gross.
:>It is like when you find you have been breathing through your mouth while you slept, is it not?
:>I nodded.
:>I hate that as well, Ishigaki-kun.
:>She leaned in, placing her forehead to mine.
:>Good, you are not nearly as hot as you have been.
:>I looked at her.
:>Fuckit.
:>Just this once. 
:>Just for a little bit.
:>I let my head fall against her chest.
:>I didn't even bother trying to hold myself up.
:>She gave a small gasp as she held me.
:>I was tired. All my old scars seemed to ache all over again.
:>That dream...
:>The past? The future?
:>Weren't they the same for me?
:>Nothing but monsters and death, no matter where I turned.
:>Was that just a fever-dream? A side effect of the Maho?
:>Or... was it a prophecy?
:>My shoulders ached. A deep ache, in the very joints.
:>I nuzzled into my Hana-chan's chest.
:>And... for just a few moments. I let myself be the weak one.
:>When I had enough of my indulgence I pulled back and looked up.
:>She was smiling serenly.
:>Thank you, Ishigaki-kun.
:>I could only blink.
:>Most samurai will only show that side to a geisha.
:>I know that is not proper for a husband to show weakness to his wife.
:>But... I am glad. Glad to know that I can support you as much as you have supported me.
:>She wiped at her tears, and hugged me tightly.
:>And whispered.
:>I am so glad you are alive, my love.
:>I whispered back.
:>I'm not so dumb that I would tempt fate by saying nothing can kill me, Hana-can.
:>But at least, it will take more than a maho induced fever to do so.
:>Hai. My rock. My castle. Rest. We will have your cracks repaired in no time.
:>Uh, the investigation...?
:>The tea.
:>Huh?
:>More specifically, the Tea SET.

:>Then, Kaiu-san?
:>Over there.
:>She nodded off to a corner.
:>I looked over, and saw him tossing about in his sleep.
:>An Asahina mopped his sweat, tending him.
:>Naomi sighed.
:>I think he will live as well.
:>Asako Yuie was the only one to succumb to the illness so far, though not everyone has recovered yet.
:>And Ren-sama?
:>She frowned.
:>My magic did not remove the disease as it should have. 
:>It became dormant for a time, then attacked him again.
:>Will he make it?
:>I believe so, yes.
:>He is under constant care.
:>But he has yet to wake.
:>I see. Um, how long have I...?
:>You have slept for two days.
:>Damn...
:>The tea set was one of the gifts brought for Ren-sam by the courtiers, but we do not yet know who brought it.
:>We are trying to find that out, but so is everyone else, and they hamper our work with their accusations.
:>There has already been a duel, between Kiyoyasu and one of the Mantis.
:>She shook her head.
:>I think that was the point. The fever is dangerous, but it can be treated.
:>Duels over accusations of Maho though, cannot.
:>I see. You do need me then, to break that shit up.
:>Hai. But we need you at your best, Ishigaki-kun.
:>So, rest. 
:>...
:>Okay.
:>I did as I was told.

:>Gluey eyelids parted slowly.
:>I rubbed the gack out of my eyes, so I could get them open properly.
:>It was quiet.
:>I looked around.
:>Everyone in the room was sleeping soundly, Just one Asahina softly walking from one bed to the other.
:>As I tossed my blanket off, my joints popped.
:>Yep, been laying here way too long.
:>I straightened up my Kimono.
:>The Asahina came over, looking down at me.
:>You look much better, Crab-san.
:>I feel filthy though.
:>He handed me a small bucket, cloth, soap and a fresh Kimono.
:>I thought you might.
:>Thanks.
:>I stood and legs that hadn't borne my weight in days felt like they were being pricked by thousands of tiny needles.
:>The Asahina steadied me as I stumbled.
:>Too quick?
:>A bit... but I'll be fine once my blood gets moving properly again.
:>He nodded.
:>I took a nice long bath, scrubbing the days old sweat from my body and letting the warm water soothe my body.
:>I felt reborn.
:>I dried off, got changed and headed back to my room.
:>As soon as I entered a pair of heavy weights attached themselves to my legs.
:>DADDY! PAPA!
:>I looked down into the tear stained faces of my children.
:>Tetsute had a snot bubble coming out of his nose.
:>Hey now, you two.
:>Were you worried about me?
:>YES!
:>I bent over to rub their heads.
:>Well I'm fine now, I promise.
:>I made to head deeper into the room.
:>But they didn't let go.
:>I looked down.
:>They were still sobbing, though with relief.
:>Children had not yet learned to bottle up their feelings until the right time to let them out.
:>I found their honesty beautiful.
:>So I just walked with my new training weights for a bit.
:>Sobs turned to giggles quickly, enjoying this new game.
:>The door to the room opened, and Monkey looked in.
:>Saw me heading to the wardrobe.
:>Saw the kids on my legs.
:>Uhhhh. 
:>Should you be training so soon after being sick?
:>Of course I should, Monkey. My body has been getting lazy.
:>I opened the wardrobe to get out a full kimono.
:>Then I lifted my left leg and shook it a few times.
:>I need to get dressed!

:>Daiko held on tightly, giggling loudly.
:>I tried the other leg, with similar results.
:>Monkey, get my wife for me.
:>Uh, yeah
:>He left, laughing to himself.
:>I paced back and forth, hoping they would get tired eventually.
:>But baby Crabs don't tire easily.
:>Everyone came in, and laughter ensued at my plight.
:>Yeah, yeah. Hilarious.
:>I lifted my Daikoleg.
:>Naomi? Help?
:>Holding her hand over her mouth to hide her smile, Naomi came over and knelt down.
:>Okay you two. Let go of your father now. He'll play with you again, later.
:>I recognized her firm tone, the one that was somehow gentle yet absolute.
:>Daiko and Tetsute pouted, just a bit, but only after they let go.
:>I hugged them both.
:>They hugged back.
:>Then I got dressed, putting on my armor.
:>Kitsuki-san looked on.
:>Do you know where things stand?
:>Tea Set. Trying to find who brought it.
:>He nodded.
:>We've investigated the Crab, Scorpion and Mantis so far. But no one has done or said anything even remotely suspicious.
:>I heard about the duel between the Phoenix and the Mantis, any others?
:>Not yet, but it's only a matter of time.
:>So, how are we proceeding?
:>Interviews for now. Trying to shake the bush and see what gets startled.
:>Like I said, it's not yielded anything... yet.
:>I nodded.
:>I ran a hand along my chin.
:>Scraggly again.
:>I pulled the whiskers taut and sliced them off with my tanto.
:>My usual look.
:>I hefted up my tetsubo.
:>Well then... Shall we get started for the day?

:>Kitsuki-san, Mantis-san, and Monkey continued with their interrogations.
:>Toshiro would head out to pick a person to be interviewed.
:>Naomi and I patrolled the rest of the castle, carefully watching the arguments raging between the various courtiers, assisting the overworked Daidoji in keeping the fragile peace.
:>The fist fight I had to break up was between Kiyoyasu and Masahiro.
:>It had nothing at all to do with accusations.
:>Kiyoyasu was just screaming at Masahiro for being drunk... again.
:>While it was true that someone should have reprimanded Masahiro for his drunkenness, Kiyoyasu was NOT that person.
:>Rules. There are always rules about who is allowed to way what and when.
:>So Kiyoyasu was only staining his own honor by ignoring those rules
:>I walked up to them both.
:>At this point, Kiyoyasu's hand was groping for the sword that was not there.
:>I set my tetsubo on his foot.
:>And leaned on it.
:>Kiyoyasu...
:>You should know that my patience is about as long as the hairs on my chin.
:>He looked up at me, face twisted into a grimace.
:>I imagine his foot hurt quite a bit.
:>Still, he managed to be indignant.
:>What are you even doing?
:>Helping the Daidoji keep this court from becoming a bloodbath.
:>I looked pointedly at his hand.
:>He glanced down as well.
:>And grunted in surprise.
:>His hand dropped to his side.
:>I took my tetsubo off his foot.
:>Then Masahiro had to go and open his damn fool mouth.
:>Yeah! That Phoenix is as temperamental as you'd expect from a fire shugenja!
:>Go on, get out of here, before I'm forced to hurt you!
:>I grabbed Kiyoyasu's arm before he could pull his wakizashi.
:>Then I turned to glare at Masahiro.
:>He wasn't paying me any mind.
:>Rather he was looking at Naomi.
:>You see? This is how a shugenja should be! Quiet, demure!
:>Then, right in front of me, he stroked my wife's ass.
:>I became aware of weight on my arm.
:>I blinked.
:>Kiyoyasu was holding my arm, leaning back with all his weight.
:>My knuckles hurt.
:>Well...
:>Shit.

:>Masahiro was sitting on the floor, blood flowing freely from his broken nose.
:>WHAT the hell was that for? 
:>THAT'S MY WIFE YOU BASTARD!
:>Uhh... oops?
:>Masahiro looked back and forth between me and Naomi, who was glaring tantos at him.
:>I was impressed with her ability to express her fury while her face was bright red from embarrassment.
:>Masahiro wiped at his blood.
:>Guess I deserved that then... sorry.
:>He lurched drunkenly to his feet, then staggered out of the room, holding his head back.
:>I could only sputter as he bumped into the door frame, twice, before successfully exiting the room.
:>Naomi...?
:>Hai?
:>I don't think he's the culprit
:>He's just too...
:>Naomi nodded.
:>I know what you mean, and I am forced to agree with you, Ishigaki-kun.
:>After that little outburst, Naomi and I switched jobs with Mantis-san and Toshiro.
:>I took up my position at the edge of the room, preparing to loom on command once more.
:>Only for all of us to be surprised when Naomi came in with Osako.
:>He said he has something he wishes to tell us.
:>Kitsuki-san shrugged and motioned.
:>Well, go on then.
:>Osako scratched at his chest.
:>Could I have a drink first?
:>Monkey glanced at Kitsuki-san, who nodded.
:>As Monkey got up, Osako spoke again.
:>Shochu, please. Sake is to light for me...
:>I was rapidly having my fill of drunkards.
:>Though Osako seemed better in control of his habits.
:>Perhaps because being a ronin, a drunken outburst could be much more costly.
:>Monkey came back with Osako's shochu.
:>He drank deeply.
:>Then sighed.
:>He looked at Kitsuki-san.
:>You're a Justicar, right? You've studied swordplay?
:>Yes... but what...?
:>Osako stood up, and took a stance.
:>It looked awkward, with only one arm.
:>Then Osako stepped.
:>But he didn't step. 
:>He walked.
:>Wait...
:>Kitsuki-san's eyes widened.
:>You... you are a Mirumoto?
:>...was.
:>I was...once...
:>Osako took another drink.

:>Look, I don't like remembering that.
:>But I needed you to know, so that you'll listen to what I have to say.
:>That Dragon... Mirumoto Nagatsune?
:>I may not have gotten far at all in my schooling, but I know how my sensei and my senpai moved, how they carried themselves.
:>He's... he's wrong.
:>I don't believe for one second that man attended the Mirumoto-ryu.
:>Kitsuki-san leaned back, tapping his chin with his fan.
:>His eyes unfocused, and I knew he was remembering every interaction with the Nagatsune.
:>Kitsuki-san's eyes snapped back into focus, and he stared at Osako.
:>Why are you telling us this?
:>Because Ayame trusts you...
:>...and because it's only a matter of time before people start accusing the easy targets.
:>The ones without Clans to support them.
:>Kitsuki-san nodded.
:>He nibbled on the end of his fan and muttered to himself.
:>It's not enough... not yet...
:>Monkey leaned over.
:>I love watching him work.
:>Then Monkey glanced at Osako.
:>Good thing you came clean with your motivations... he would have known if you were hiding something from him.
:>Osako nodded.
:>I know full well what the student's of Kitsuki's method can do.
:>Kitsuki-san made everyone jump a little when he slapped his fan into his palm.
:>Ishigaki-san, how do you feel about picking a fight?
:>I blinked.
:>Huh?