Editing Memories of a Stone Wall (section)

===Act XLIII: Gamble===
:>Kitsuki-san explained the plan to me.
:>He wanted me to start a fight with Mirumoto Nagatsune, one that would result in a duel.
:>Kitsuki-san couldn't be the one dueling because he would watch not just Nagatsune, but also Kitsuki Hiromi and Tamori Otani.
:>He narrowed his eyes.
:>Especially Hiromi. If he IS a fake I'd like to know how it escaped her notice.
:>Mantis-san tilted his head.
:>It escaped yours, didn't it?
:>I almost never spoke with the man. Yet I would expect the members of a delegation to have a much closer relationship.
:>Hey, Kitsuki-san?
:>Wouldn't Monkey be a better choice for this? I'm not really much of a duelist.
:>He eyed me in response.
:>You are able to be mean and insulting in ways he cannot, Ishigaki-san.
:>... thanks... I think.
:>And while I have no doubt Mantis-san could also pick a fight, I am mildly surprised every time he manages to sheath his katana without slicing off a finger or two.
:>HEY! I'm not THAT bad with it!
:>Kitsuki-san just gave a derisive snort.
:>So that was why I walked up behind a Dragon (or maybe not) and poured my tea down the back of his kimono.
:>He whirled around in surprise and confusion.
:>After shaking the last few drops of tea from the cup I dropped it, open end down, on his head.
:>Oops.
:>Nagatsune seethed for a moment.
:>WHAT...
:>He took a breath.
:>...is your problem?!
:>Fans did not flutter. This was too blunt, too shocking.
:>Instead everyone in the room stared, mouths hanging open, completely uncertain of what would come next.
:>I felt a little bit inspired.
:>I don't like you.
:>Excuse me?
:>I looked down.
:>You've got hairy toes.
:>Everyone looked down at the same time, embarrassing Nagatsune further.
:>... and you've been staring at my daughter.
:>She's not even in a dojo yet, you pervert.
:>Nagatsune sputtered hard as his face went a deep, satisfying, shade of purple.
:>I turned and headed out into a garden.
:>Nagatsune got his rage under control long enough to bellow.
:>BRING ME MY SWORD!

:>A Daidoji came running up and handed him the blade.
:>He stormed out into the garden where I awaited him.
:>Of course everyone came to watch.
:>The Daidoji were looking nervous.
:>I had, perhaps, gone a little overboard. 
:>So maybe he was planning to kill me.
:>Such a thing was not for spur of the moment duels like this. There were procedures.
:>If he did kill me, he'd be a murderer in the eyes of the law. 
:>Then the Daidoji would have to arrest him, at least until an Emerald Magistrate could arrive to pass judgment, or our lord's worked it out between themselves.
:>Of course while their worries were understandable, they were also unnecessary.
:>I was still in my armor, and he was so angry he forgot to insist I remove it.
:>I was already dishonoring myself with my actions anyway, wearing my armor to the duel was just seasoning.
:>We took our stances.
:>I crouched down, feet a bit wider than my shoulders, and turned my saya sideways in my obi, so that I could draw and cut his right hip.
:>He went for the most basic of basic stances.
:>Right leg forward, knee bent. left leg straight out behind him.
:>He would draw up and a cut down.
:>I could see what Osako meant. Hardly what I would expect from an experienced Mirumoto.
:>As I studied his stance I received another shock.
:>My iaijutsu technique surpassed his.
:>While it was true that Niten was more focused on pragmatic combat or ritual fights like this, there was no such thing as a Mirumoto that did not devote time to training iaijutsu as well.
:>Their eternal rivalry with the Kakita-ryu guaranteed it.
:>Not only was his technique inferior, his mind was unbalanced. I could see his muscles twitching, and his face was twisted with naked rage.
:>I didn't think my insults alone did that. He clearly had a problem with his temper.
:>The world fell away, until it was only him, and me. 
:>He kiaied loudly, drawing his blade and charging.
:>I waited.
:>When he came close enough, I drew and cut, twisting to the side to follow through with my strike.

:>His blade whistled past my head as I turned.
:>He moved past me a few steps.
:>I watched him go by calmly, as blood dripped from my blade to the ground below.
:>I would have expected better from a student still living in the dojo.
:>I looked around.
:>I wasn't the only one who saw that.
:>Bayushi Koretoyo was trying to bore a hole through Nagatsune with his gaze.
:>I glanced to Kitsuki-san.
:>He was staring at Hiromi. And frowning, deeply.
:>Then he stood up and stormed over to me and Nagatsune.
:>Who are you?
:>I know the techniques of the Mirumoto.
:>That pitiful display...
:>You are not trained in Niten!
:>Nagatsune looked at Kitsuki-san wide eyed.
:>WHO ARE YOU?
:>Nagatsune growled.
:>You calling me a liar?
:>Kitsuki-san smiled.
:>If this man could defeat you, you do not stand a chance against me.
:>Now, WHO are you?
:>Nagatsune roared back.
:>I am Mirumoto Nagatsune!
:>What style do you use?!
:>NITEN!
:>LIAR!

:>I am NOT a liar you bastard!
:>Then you should have no problem listing off your ancestors, should you?
:>Fine! Mirumoto Sakon, Mirumoto Hojima, Mirumoto Kenichi, Mirumoto Hojiyasu...
:>Ohhhh, Mirumoto Hojiyasu?
:>I know that name! 
:>He was a great hero in the last war between the Lion and Phoenix! At the battle of the White Cliffs he led a charge into the enemies main camp and took the head of the Lion General Ikoma Ryumaru!
:>Nagatsuen puffed himself up with pride as Kitsuki-san rattled off his ancestors accomplishments.
:>Of course the blood of a great hero flows in me!
:>Now you believe me?
:>Indeed I do!
:>Is it not wonderful to have such great heroes in our Clan, Hiromi?
:>Hmm, yes it is.
:>Kitsuki-san's face darkened.
:>Except, there is no such person as Mirumoto Hojiyasu.
:>Nor was there a battle called White Cliffs. Or a Lion General named Ikoma Ryumaru.
:>I just made it all up.
:>Isn't that right, Ikoma-sama?
:>Masahiro nodded grimly. 
:>Nagatsune snarled.
:>What? You rely on the memory of a drunken lecher?
:>Hiromi took a step back.
:>And now you accuse me, as well? You have gone mad, Takeshi-san!
:>It was looking bad for the fake Dragons, but it wasn't quite enough. One more push was needed.
:>Toshiro provided it.
:>Jade fire engulfed both Nagatsune and Hiromi.
:>Hiromi cried out as it burned her.
:>Eyes darted back and forth between her, Nagatsune and Toshiro.
:>Toshiro spoke.
:>Well.
:>That's that.
:>Nagatsune's blade flashed out, heading for Kitsuki-san.
:>He cut deep, and Kitsuki-san fell with a startled cry.
:>I drew my own katana and struck him, pushing him back away before he could finish Kitsuki-san off.
:>Nagatusne held his blade in both hands, dropping all pretense.
:>Mantis ran up and tackled Hiromi, pushing her back as well, as Naomi came up to heal Kitsuki-san's injury.
:>Kagatsune broke away from me, backing up.
:>And a bolt of lightning struck me.
:>Everyone around me clutched at their ears, as the thunder deafened them.
:>I looked over at the woman who claimed to be Tamori Otani.

:>She was staring at me in confusion.
:>Most of the time, even prayers to the fortunes or even the sun were answered by the simplest kami.
:>Though there was always a chance for the named fortune to take notice, and answer it directly, such a thing was very, very rare.
:>And simply being tainted did not rob you of the ability to appease the Kami, though some who become tainted become so beloved by the kansen the kami do indeed abandon them.
:>So I was not terribly surprised that she was able to invoke the fire kami to call lighting down on me.
:>But I also knew that the blood in my veins had protected me from that spell. 
:>Kami of fire could sense my bloodtie to the Fortune of Fire and Thunder, and were reluctant to injure me.
:>It was not absolute, because Osono-Wo only helps those who help themselves.
:>But it was enough, and she was clearly shaken when I appeared unharmed by her spell.
:>Too bad for you. I am a decendant of Osono-Wo.
:>I couldn't believe my luck.
:>I had always wanted to say this, just once.
:>Your Knowledge cannot save you.
:>I took a step forward.
:>Your magic cannot save you.
:>I took another step.
:>Nothing can save you.
:>I took another step and attacked her.
:>I cut her leg, then slammed my shoulder into her to knock her down.
:>Nagatsune screamed and rushed at me from behind, only for a wild Monkey to shove a blade deep into his stomach.
:>Mantis-san had Hiromi pinned beneath him, and though she still struggled it was clear she would not get away.
:>The Daidoji moved then, surrounding the fake Dragons with a ring of Yari.
:>It was over.

:>Toshiro presented his Jade Magistrate Chop and called for some eta so they could begin the interrogation.
:>Kitsuki-san sat up with a few coughs, and shook his head to try and clear the ringing in his ears.
:>Naomi turned to me at once.
:>I'm fine, really.
:>But you were...
:>I'm fine, Naomi. She picked exactly the wrong magic to use on me.
:>She chewed on her lip as she looked me up and down, just to make sure I really was fine.
:>Once she was satisfied she turned to check on the others.
:>I gave Kitsuki-san a pat on the back.
:>Good job with that little trap of yours.
:>He looked up at me.
:>I regret it never crossed my mind that all three were imposters, though.
:>As the Daidoji tied up the fakes and relived them of their weapons, one came over and handed Kitsuki-san three chops.
:>He looked down at them, sadly.
:>It seems these Bloodspeakers must have slain the real delegates, and taken their place before they got here.
:>His fist clenched around the chops.
:>I... must go. I have letters to write, and Toshiro-sama will need my help with the confessions.
:>I said nothing, because there was nothing to say.
:>Ren woke up the next day.
:>We told the young lord of our success in solving the case, and we all shared stories with him while he recovered in bed.
:>No one said a word to him about the executions that followed the day after, and it was handled well away from the castle grounds.
:>No need to burden him with an ugly thing like that.
:>I cannot thank you all enough. This is twice now you have dealt with maho-tsukai that have been plaguing my home.
:>Naomi demurred to his gratitude.
:>It is our duty to do so, Ren-sama. We need no thanks.
:>She held up a hand before he could insist.
:>But if you must thank us, then do so by getting well and ruling wisely.
:>He smiled at that, and nodded.
:>HAI!
:>As we left Ren to rest, my mind turned to my other problem.
:>What to do about Shoji?

:>I sat with Naomi and Toshiro, mulling the issue over while she whipped us up some tea.
:>Her idea.
:>A tea ceremony to calm our turbulent emotions.
:>Well, Shoji is going to go to my superiors with a very tempting offer.
:>I looked up, as a thought struck me.
:>But you two are my superiors.
:>Naomi smilled.
:>Not your superiors in the Clan though silly. Your superiors as Jade Magistrates.
:>Oh yeah. So then... Hida-sama?
:>Toshiro nodded.
:>Your family Daimyo would have to be it.
:>I frowned. The Hida family Daimyo and the Crab Clan Champion were inextricably linked.
:>Our clan wasn't quite as bound by tradition as the Lion, but certain things were the way they would always be.
:>I had met Hida-sama before. At the time of my greatest disgrace. I was not certain he had a favorable impression of me.
:>Toshiro spun the cup Naomi placed before him.
:>Hida-sama is a very busy man though. Not even Shoji would be able to demand an audience with him easily.
:>He sipped his tea.
:>So he would first have to go through someone authorized to speak on Hida-sama's behalf.
:>I blinked.
:>I picked up the bowl Naomi set down for me, put it back down, spun it too far, picked it back and gulped it down.
:>I failed to keep the grimace off my face.
:>Seriously, WHY is it so bitter?
:>Naomi covered her mouth with her sleeve as she giggled.
:>I'm glad the torture of my tongue amuses you.
:>It is just that in all these years, though you still put forth honest effort, you still cannot do it properly.
:>It amazes me how you have not let yearned.
:>Toshiro sipped his tea
:>You should know by now that Ishigaki must have things literally beaten into him; it's the only way he CAN learn.
:>I set my bowl down and shot them both a moderate level of stink eye.
:>I succeeded only in amusing them further.
:>Naomi turned serious as she continued the conversation.
:>So then, he must be planning to speak to Terumune-sama, if he hasn't already.
:>Toshiro nodded.
:>Then we will just have to speak with him.

:>I looked at them both.
:>So, we're right back where we were before. We still agree we have to talk to Kaiu-sama, but we don't really know what to say?
:>Toshiro shrugged.
:>I think maybe you're overthinking it.
:>He's a Crab, after all.
:>Let's just be honest.
:>It was certainly possible Toshiro was right.
:>But my son's future was at stake.
:>I wasn't very comfortable with "probably".
:>I sighed inwardly.
:>As much as I didn't like it, I knew what doing nothing would result in.
:>Time to gamble, then.
:>We headed for the rooms of the Crab delegation.
:>Kageru, rested and recovered from her illness was in the front room.
:>Oh? You all look serious...
:>What is it?
:>Toshiro answered her.
:>We need to talk to Terumune-sama, please.
:>She looked back and forth between us for a moment, trying to guess why we were here.
:>Alright, I'll go get him.
:>After a moment he came out.
:>He frowned as he looked at us.
:>I think I can guess what this is about, though I must say I'm a bit surprised if I'm right...
:>He sat down at the table and motioned for us all to be seated as well.
:>Is it the proposal of Isawa Shoji?
:>Damn. Bastard already moved.
:>Naomi answered this time.
:>What, exactly, did my father have to say?
:>Only that he was prepared to offer gifts if he were allowed to train his grandson as an earth tensai, so far.
:>He claimed that you all held a personal grudge against him, and that this is the only way he can see his grandchild.
:>My fist clenched so hard my nails dug into my palms.
:>My hands became slick with blood.
:>Naomi noticed it right away.
:>Ishigaki-kun!
:>She grabbed my hand and began chanting, as Terumune blinked in confusion.
:>Toshiro explained, since Naomi was busy and I could not trust myself to speak.
:>Shoji is not telling you the whole truth, Terumune-sama.
:>Oh?
:>The boy in question, Tsuyosa. He has the same illness his mother has.
:>However, it will not burden him nearly as much as it burdens her.
:>Because we began treating it properly early.
:>Shoji did not seek adequate aid for his daughter.

:>Terumune frowned, glancing at Naomi.
:>She nodded, confirming Toshiro's words.
:>She finished her spell, and the cuts on my hand healed.
:>My father is a very cruel, unyielding man.
:>If he would bend my son to his own will, and make him more Phoenix than Crab.
:>I spoke up then.
:>And if Tsuyosa tried to remain loyal to his Clan and not Shoji, then Shoji would do everything he could to break the boy.
:>I stared Terumune in the eyes, and let the emotions that image conjured up show clearly on my face.
:>I will not let that happen.
:>Terumune stroked his chin. Our objections were firm, our stance on the matter clear.
:>He would have to report our objection when he reported Shoji's offer.
:>The only question was how much weight would he give our objection?
:>If he thought we were being petty, it would a simple statement of fact.
:>If he believed us he would argue on our behalf when he made his report.
:>Dammit. So much was up to other people.
:>So much was out of my own hands.
:>I hated politics. What I wouldn't give for a simple issue I could come to grips with and smash with my tetsubo.
:>Sometimes the Fortunes give you what you ask for, as a reminder to never ask for too much.

:>Of course, it doesn't always happen immediately.
:>The rest of the winter court passed without much fuss.
:>Save for the times Masahiro would get drunk and flirt.
:>Shoji shot me smug smiles every few days, firmly convinced he had already won.
:>During one such incident, Kitsuki-san put a hand on my shoulder to remind me where I was.
:>He whispered.
:>I am putting a plan together to undermine him.
:>Political things. It will take time, but I have confidence it will work.
:>I looked back at Kitsuki-san.
:>I hope you're right.
:>I didn't say that was because I wasn't sure just how far I would be willing to go to keep my son safe.
:>I only knew it would be farther than I should.
:>The closing days saw one last bit of excitement.
:>Ayame got her duel.
:>I asked Ayame how she had gotten Shoji to agree to a lethal duel while she was preparing herself.
:>She smiled at me, then went back over the paper she was writing her death poem on.
:>Samurai often did that when going into duels or battles where there was chance they would not survive.
:>I reminded him of Hotaru's failures, and how Hotaru felt guilt over following Shoji's orders.
:>I grunted at that.
:>Well, whatever guilt Hotaru may have felt seems to have vanished now that his life is on the line.
:>She studied her last brushstroke for a moment, then made one more before setting her inkbrush down.
:>Good. If he were to throw his life away on purpose I would feel cheated.
:>I arched an eyebrow.
:>The Ayame I had come to know was still there on the surface, but inside she had grown a core of high grade steel.
:>She saw my look.
:>Naomi-sama was right about the price I would pay walking this path.
:>However, I do not regret my choice.
:>As Ayame left to face her destiny I said one last thing.
:>Hey, she'll cry if you die.
:>...and you will find me to kick my ass if I make your wife cry, yes?
:>Then I must do my best not to die.

:>The two duelists took their stances.
:>Ayame rested the palm of her left hand on the hilt of her blade, as though she were simply keeping her saya from bouncing about as she walked.
:>Monkey and Kitsuki-san both looked on intently.
:>I wanted to ask them what she was doing, but the silence was to strong. I couldn't be the one to break it.
:>Hotaru took a simple stance, but I now knew just how precise the Shiba-ryu footwork was.
:>His aim was clear to me, while he aimed for a simple draw up and cut down, he had no intention of standing where Ayame was cutting when they passed.
:>It all came down to how Ayame was planning to counter his superior footwork.
:>She moved first, hunching over and running towards him.
:>He watched her take three steps, then backed up and drew.
:>At her speed, she would throw herself in his blade.
:>Hotaru had judged it perfectly, he was taller, his reach longer. He would cut with the tip of his blade; she could not reach his body.
:>As Ayame closed her hand, she slid all the way down to the hilt and she drew.
:>Pulling the blade straight out, with a reverse hand draw.
:>Her right hand came up, taking the end of her grip and guiding her blade up.
:>Not into Hotaru's body. Into the wrists that held the sword coming down towards her.
:>Hotaru stared dumbly at the bleeding stumps where his hands used to be.
:>Then looked up into Ayame's eyes.
:>Before she spun around and took his head off.
:>His sword, still gripped in his severed hands, hit the ground.

:>When it was over, I asked Ayame what she was going to do.
:>Hah... I wonder?
:>Naomi tilted her head.
:>You were only on a warrior pilgrimage, were you not?
:>Ayame looked down at her hands.
:>That may be true, but...
:>I think now, I am one of the Disciples of Sun Tao. My heart tells me I am no longer Phoenix.
:>Naomi laid a hand on Ayame's knee in understanding.
:>I scratched at my beard.
:>Your band, how organized is it?
:>Hrm? Well, we do often share what we have with one another, but we are not as tightly bound as say, the Sword of Yotsu... why?
:>So you take work as you can find it as individuals then?
:>... yes...
:>I dug around in my coin purse and got out three koku.
:>Then I took Ayame's hand and placed them in it.
:>What is this?
:>Your stipend. You work for me now. Don't worry about it, You'll get fed well and have a roof over your head for when you sleep.
:>What, me? But... why?
:>You're a damn fine duelist. I'm not. If Naomi needs a champion I want it to be you.
:>And you're an experienced samurai now, a veteran. Three koku a year is pretty cheap for someone with your skills.
:>I looked her in the eye.
:>Your friend, Osako? Is he as good as you?
:>Better, in many ways.
:>Fine. go get him. I've got three koku left out of my allowance.
:>I glanced over at Naomi. Such decisions should really be made by her.
:>She smiled though.
:>A fine decision, Ishigaki-kun.
:>Ayame, still wondering at this turn her life had taken, wandered off to fetch Osako.
:>When I handed him his stipend he stared at it for a moment.
:>He looked at me.
:>Thanks for the offer, really...
:>But I can't accept.
:>I tilted my head.
:>Why not?
:>I hoped I didn't accidentally sound insulted.
:>...I'm still trying to find my way, you see.
:>He passed his hand in the empty space where his left arm would be.
:>I still wish to devote myself fully to the way of the sword, but my old path is closed so...
:>I know what your new path is though.
:>Oh, what is it?
:>Teaching.
:>He blinked.
:>What, me?

:>Yes, you.
:>Look, when a Crab warrior gets an injury like yours or in the rare case the get too old to serve on the frontline, they become diplomats or sensei.
:>You've got a LOT of knowledge about swordplay in that head of yours, right?
:>But, I can't make use of it all.
:>That's fine, you can still teach it to others. Not the secret teachings of your old Clan, or the Disciples obviously, but the rest?
:>Is there even a place I could teach just that?
:>Yeah, there is. The Unbreakable Blade Dojo.
:>There are quite a few sensei there who learned Iaijutsu from other clans, You'd fit right in.
:>But first, you need someone to vouch for you, and some time serving the Crab and earning some trust.
:>So take the damn stipend, and keep my home safe when I can't be there.
:>Osako closed his hand around the money.
:>Alright. I'll serve you for now Ishigaki-sama.
:>My eye twitched a bit at that.
:>Nonono. Just Ishigaki is fine.
:>He grinned lopsidedly at me.
:>Alright then Ishigaki. Though I'm going to -sama the hell out of you if anyone is looking.
:>I sighed.
:>I'll take what I can get, I guess.
:>With our two new companions in tow we headed back for Ishigaki Mura as the spring thaws arrived.
:>Naomi rode in a palanquin, holding tightly to Tsuyosa the whole way home.
:>I was worried about him as well, but we had done all we could for now.
:>Knowing you just had to patient and see how things turned out didn't make it any easier.
:>Ayame and Naomi chatted a bit, the two former Phoenix finding common ground right away.
:>Osako had two great passions in his life.
:>Swordplay and Shochu.
:>Well, so long as he kept the latter from interfering with his work, I didn't mind.
:>And they both got to meet Daiko and Tetsute.
:>Their first real test.
:>Whenever we would break for a meal or to get some sleep, the kids would burst from the palanquin and run around, shouting and roughhousing.
:>Anyone who didn't get out of their way got caught up in their play.

:>Ayame was the first to fall, with a rather adorable BAAWK?! as Tetsute, running while looking behind him, slammed into the backs of her legs.
:>He crawled out from under her legs, grinned at her, then cried out in frustration as Daiko smacked him on the back and took off.
:>He got up and chased after her, determined to return her smack.
:>Ayame just blinked in confusion.
:>Are they like that often?
:>I grinned with pride.
:>Yeah, great, aren't they?
:>Haaaah?
:>I helped her too her feet, as Kitsuki-san deftly spun and avoided them. He didn't even spill his tea.
:>Ishigaki-san allows his children to run wild like this. You'll get used to it soon enough.
:>I chuckled.
:>They're training already, you see.
:>Is that so...?
:>I nodded.
:>They're both going to grow up to quite strong. I'm glad.
:>Means I won't have to worry about leaving the future to them.
:>Monkey had joined in their little game, and was trying to get a rather annoyed Mantis-san to join in as well.
:>Naomi sat down next to me, handing me a bowl of rice.
:>I hope you are not planning to leave the future to them anytime soon, Ishigaki-kun.
:>I laughed.
:>Of course not, Hana-chan! They've still got a ways to go before they're ready to take over for me.
:>Good.
:>She leaned her head against my shoulder as I ate.
:>I arched an eyebrow at her, though I didn't say anything.
:>I have not been using up much energy, riding in that palanquin all day so I am not very hungry.
:>I didn't press; we just watched out children play together.
:>When we finally arrived home I introduced Ayame and Osako to Shino.
:>He nodded smartly. I'll see to rooms for them at once, Ishigaki-sama.
:>We spent a few weeks getting settled back in, with Kitsuki-san writing a flurry of letters.
:>Following up on his plans to hamper Shoji, and coordinating the hunt for Bloodspeakers.
:>Toshiro and Naomi wrote letters as well, to fellow Jade Magistrates, appraising them of the situation.
:>Letters came in, allowing the three of them to gain a clearer picture of what had nearly become an all out war across the Empire.
:>I didn't concern myself much with that aspect of things.
:>I liked to keep it simple. See oni, smash oni. See Bloodspeaker, smash Bloodspeaker.
:>So I helped Osako and Ayame settle into life in Ishigaki Mura, showing them around, introducing them to Nana One-Eye, and appraising them of the various protocols for dealing with this or that tainted bugaboo.
:>I knew they already knew how to deal with bandits.
:>Osako whistled a bit when I showed them where we kept the Yari.
:>And it's like this everywhere in Crab lands?
:>Yeah. If the creatures get fresh meat, they can stay for some time.
:>Ayame blanched a bit at the implication
:>Osako made a grimace.
:>Oh. And here.
:>I presented them both with fingers of jade.
:>Wear those at all times.
:>I explained the protocol for dealing with shapeshifters and skinstealers.
:>Groups of three, if anyone leaves your line of sight for any time or any reason you check them when they get back.
:>Better safe than sorry.
:>Then nodded in understanding.
:>Still, you shouldn't have to worry about that too much. Mostly a few goblins might sneak into the area. The ones that are good at hiding tend to get as far away from Crab lands as quickly as they can, since we're always on the lookout for them and know most of their tricks.
:>Well, that's comforting at least.
:>Ayame nodded at Osako's words.
:>Then she pointed.
:>What's that boulder with all the ropes and sutras?
:>Hoo boy. That's a long story.
:>I explained the seal, and why it was there.
:>Osako took a drink from his jug.