[Muramasa Uemon]

cherry blossoms scatter–

---

The winds had stilled.

It had been a cold winter, in all lands that experienced seasons but especially in the Land of Iron. Cold and harsh was its climate. Its people could be much the same. The samurai in particular. Armor-clad swordsmen of the highest caliber. Warriors through and through. Honorable, noble... or so they would have the world believe.

But this was not the case. Having experienced their cruelty and cutthroat actions firsthand he knew the truth.

Romantic stories were just that. Tall tales to inspire children to violence. In his case it had worked... but not how any of them expected. Muramasa Uemon had been training diligently for nearly a decade. Eight long years of honing his skills, using any means necessary to ready himself for the battles to come. Having taken his first life only weeks ago he was now firmly set. Dedicated to this warpath of his. Samurai had inspired him as a child, indeed.

Inspired him to kill those responsible for his father's death. And anyone connected to it.

Having written a letter to a newfound companion telling of a rendezvous point within the Land of Iron  he set out on the road. Donning a thin, dark hooded coat over his normal high collared jacket. Needed to move inconspicuously where these matters were concerned. His recent actions in his homeland doubtless having raised some suspicion. It was the early evening, the sun just beginning to set. Once they met up it wouldn't be too far of a walk to their secondary location. First he needed to find her. The woman who offered him aid. And so much more.

Closing his eyes for a split second he focused his mind. Travelers were sparse in the winter months but on this night the air was warmer than it had been. Beginnings of spring, most likely. Several pings entered his head, signatures of living creatures nearby. A skill he had been developing. It was nearly ready... just needed some final testing. Eyelids cracking he kept his head on a swivel. His sense would warn him of any danger, so he wasn't too worried about ambushes. But it was always smart to be alert. Silently he marched on, nearing the intersecting roads he'd mentioned in his letter. Hopefully she would be waiting for him there. It would be nice to see her again...

Though he was prepared to carry out this mission alone if need be.

---

[Ryuujin Shiina]

In the city of fools, I was careful and cool but they tore me apart like a hurricane.

TAG - Muramasa Uemon



NOTES - 

She had been surprised to receive a letter from her newfound companion, her eyes taking in his writing on the envelope before opening it to view its contents. Shiina remembered all there was to remember about their days spent together, and a sad expression crossed her face. In truth she had thought that perhaps he would never write to her again, as that was what people tend to do, and so was pleasantly surprised hearing from him. Taking the letter out of the envelope, she read its contents and gave a smile. He had taken her up on her offer of help, feeling like she was slowly cracking the code to Muramasa as a person.

Without any further interruption, she set off to the Land of Iron, to the meeting place at the crossroads. She understood the nature of this mission, although he hadn't specified exactly what they were going to be doing. Shiina had once been a shinobi, and a very good shinobi in her own right, so it wasn't hard to guess that if it required her help, it was some form of espionage or stealth operation. The young woman was incredibly good at it after all. She unclothed herself from her usual kimono, adorning a sleeveless tight black shirt and pants, her shinobi attire, as she liked to call it. Over the outfit she wore a cloth-made kimono, having to leave her silk ones behind so as not to attract too much unwanted attention. The Land of Iron was cold as well, which was more the reason not to wear one of the lightest fabrics imaginable to men.

Still, she was careful to wear some nice but not jarring accessories, choosing a pair of studded pearl earrings and a silver ring on her index finger. Anything else would be seen as too much. With another kimono wrapped neatly in her bag, she strapped her shinobi tools around her knee, hiding it from sight with her kimono. Leaving a note for whoever came by to clean her room, she would detail that there was something came up suddenly that required her immediate attention. She would leave some money for the ryokan to pay for her lodgings thus far though, asking the place to take care of her other belongings until she returned. From the relationships she had with the ryokan in the world, Shiina was almost certain that there wouldn't be a problem.

Traveling to Iron Country wasn't too difficult, seeing as Muramasa had traveled with her there once before from Kaminari no Kuni. While on the boat, she thought about his letter, wondering what was going to happen and what the mission was about. Of course she knew that he couldn't really tell her everything in the letter, as messages could be easily intercepted and read before reaching their destinations. But she was still quite interested at the vagueness. It wasn't the first time he had been vague though, remembering the last letter he had written to her that told of Taki. Heaving a sigh, the woman would take some time before finding the crossroad in question, noticing yet again the biting winds of the land.

MADE BY MIZO

[Muramasa Uemon]

without regret...

---

And so he trudged forward.

Forward, always. There had been times along his journey where he allowed himself to slow down. But never to halt. If he wasn't furthering his abilities he was building something to aid in his mission. Seeking knowledge. Allying himself with likeminded people. Anything that could help him accomplish his goal. Forward was where his path lie.

Past fallen petals, in the dark, through mud, blood, discarded weapons... over the corpses of his enemies.

The wanderer had plenty of time to mull over his decisions on the way to the crossroads. To think of his father. After all this tragic story all began with him. A conversation he had with his companion came to mind. Pondering what the man would think of how his son turned out if he were here. Vengeance was their way. A custom as old as the Land of Iron itself. But could any parent truly abide their child turning to murder? Even in the name of honor? It was a question he'd never have the answer to now... but he supposed that it didn't truly matter. Uemon would not use his father as an excuse or a crutch. Any actions he took were his own to make. His own to live, and to die by.

An hour or so passed and he eventually arrived at the crossroads. Early from the looks of it. Part of him expected the woman to already be waiting for him... but maybe that would've been too dramatic. Still he resolved to wait. At least for a while. Leaning his bandaged gear against a nearby tree the wanderer leaned against it, allowing his eyes to drift upwards. To the darkening sky. All the while creatures moved in and out of the range of his sensory ability's scope. At least he'd have something to do while he passed the time. Closing his eyes he withdrew a pair of gloves from his jacket pocket. Ones embroidered with the tsuba, his clan's symbol. A gift. From someone special.

Doing his best to focus he concentrated on the fleeting pings in his head. He'd gotten much better at honing in and tracking signals in the darkness of his mindscape. Even managed to spar while doing the same. Though real battle was a different story. Hopefully he would not have occasion to test that on this day... but danger was everywhere.

It was a good thing then that he was prepared.

---

[Ryuujin Shiina]

In the city of fools, I was careful and cool but they tore me apart like a hurricane.

TAG - Muramasa Uemon



NOTES - 

Shiina couldn't help but give a small shiver as she descended the steps from the boat that carried her from Kaminari to Tetsu no Kuni. It was rather fascinating to her yet again how people in this country were able to survive in such conditions, noticing the temperature drop even before the ship stopped at the dock. She handed the sailor some money and thanked him for his services before descending the plank and trudging towards the meeting point in Muramasa's letter. This place, although she had only been here once before, it held some of her most precious memories, allowing her mind to wander briefly to the first time the two of them had met.

They had spent a little over a week together, which had sealed her heart and feelings for more like an eternity it seemed.

She walked slowly towards the crossroads, her mind obviously preoccupied by the flashbacks. She told herself that she was here to help the man on his quest, on the mission that he had set his entire life around and all other thoughts should be pushed back until his goal was achieved. That was the way to do it anyhow, and unwanted or unsolicited feelings would only hinder what was their objective. And yet, despite understanding all of this, she couldn't help but feel the way she felt, which she knew was only going to be amplified if she saw his face. But it was too late now to turn back, for she had promised to help him and was not one who went back on her promise lightly.

A figure stood waiting for her at the crossroads. Her face showing no sign of having longed for him for days, she approached the man, giving him a small bow and a smile as she approached. "It's been awhile, Uemon." Her voice was light, or as light as it could be given the circumstances. Although she did indeed not meet his gaze, for the moment she looked into his eyes, Shiina knew that all of her emotions and thoughts would be seen through in an instant. They had shared so much together, both emotionally and physically, that there was no question that they understood each other to a degree incomprehensible by others.

MADE BY MIZO

[Muramasa Uemon]

they fall and scatter

---

Quiet.

For as long as he could remember he found solace in it. Some people it drove mad. He was the opposite. Only when it was truly silent did he not feel on edge. Though he was never truly at peace... it still helped.

It was almost meditative in an odd way. Uemon had never been a spiritual person. Zaemon his grandfather was, his father less-so, and that legacy seemed to stop altogether with him. A few weeks ago when visting their graves he did pray... but that was mostly out of respect than anything. Gods had never done anything for him. Nothing good, at least. For all intents and purposes he was an atheist, and so meditation never appealed to him. But sometimes in silence's embrace he did ponder its merits. To heal and deepen one's understanding of the world around them.

Sounded too good to be true. Probably was.

As he rested against the tree a pang entered his budding sense's range. A powerful signature, notable even from such a distance. And yet it somehow felt familiar. Guarded, alert, focused on the outside...but a closer inspection revealed a surprising warmth. Maybe that was just his imagination and you couldn't feel all of that from a simple blip. Either way, he knew who it was almost immediately. His eyes remained closed, wondering what he could possibly say. It hadn't been that long since they'd seen each other but when it came to her, words never seemed good enough. Seconds passed and then a voice broke through the silence. Not abrupt. Nor loud. It was light. Even.

Yet even restrained it sounded like the sweetest thing he'd ever heard.

Opening his eyelids he saw her. Art in human form. "It has..." His own voice was soft, as it usually was. She seemed to be averting her gaze as he shifted his weight to stand up straight. Uemon took a step towards her, his dark eyes falling upon her face. Always such a sight for tired eyes. "Shiina." Too long it felt like it had been. Since her real name escaped his lips. Taking another step forward he continued to stare. So badly did he want to reach out for her. To hold her like he had so many times before. Though he could not see her eyes... he had a feeling where her mind was at. And she probably had the right idea. Both of them needed to focus. To stay sharp. Today was different. Not like the time they had spent together... and still. "Thank you for coming." His eyes softened.

For too long his eyes lingered on her. But they were here for an important matter. "I finally wrote to my uncle." Ripping his gaze away he moved to collect his bandaged gear. If he kept staring they'd never get out of there. Slinging it loosely over his shoulder he gripped the loose bandage with one hand. The gloves she made for him covering his hands snugly. "We'll meet him at an abandoned estate about an hour's walk from here... should give us some privacy. Away from any prying eyes." Gesturing to the leftmost path with his head he bid her follow him. And if she did, they would set out on their way. To meet with one of his only relatives still in-country.

As they walked it was quiet for a time, Uemon searching his mind for something to say. With her silence was comfortable... but he still wanted to tell her something. Anything. "You look great." It was all he could think to say, his eyes glancing to look at her as they moved. Her health was a personal cause of concern for him. But he took her glow as a sign of good fortune. Perhaps she was feeling better? Or maybe that was just her natural beauty...

Because of course that spoke for itself.

---

[Ryuujin Shiina]

In the city of fools, I was careful and cool but they tore me apart like a hurricane.

TAG - Muramasa Uemon



NOTES - 

Had it always been that hard to look at him?

As she thought about the answer to the question, she realized that it had. Even the first moment he laid eyes on him, she had been drawn to him, though not really recognizing its true nature until well after. And it was that push that had made them who they were today, in each other's hearts and minds. Shiina continued to avoid his gaze, even though all she wanted to do was to stare into his eyes. But she knew that if they were ever to make eye contact, even for a brief moment, that whatever semblance of control she thought she had would be gone, and they would never be able to go ahead with the true intentions of their meeting today, intentions that she still wasn't very certain what they were.

But when he called her name, called her by her real name, the softness of his voice had touched her heart and soul. She allowed her eyes to travel briefly to his face at least, her hues resting firmly on his jawline while he spoke. The familiar pounding of her heart raged against her chest, which had nothing to do with the illness she still faced. In the corner of her eye she caught sight of the gloves he wore, the pair she had made him as repayment for his care for her when they had visited his home. The woman couldn't help but smile, a genuine smile of love and appreciation. Muramasa was always so good at these little details, details that were capable of warming even the coldest of hearts.

"Anything for you..." her voice trailed, in response to him thanking her for coming. It was true...had it been any other person, she would have said no, especially since traveling to the Land of Iron was quite a long trek from the Land of Lightning. But she had made a promise, a promise that she would be there for him whenever he needed. The fact that he had wrote to her and requested her assistance meant that he needed her and the least she could do was honour her promise. She nodded her head as he talked about speaking to his uncle and what was going to happen, silently acknowledging that he was going to lead the way.

At his compliment, she blushed a slight crimson, walking beside him quietly for a good moment before speaking. "You look good yourself...as always..." If she said any more, she knew how this would end, and while her body and her mind wished for nothing more, she understood that they were here for important matters, and that both of them had the rationale and sense to understand that such important matters always took precedent. Allowing the silence to linger a little longer before she spoke again, she thought of what to say, despite knowing that even silence was welcome between the two, if not welcoming even. "Have you been well?" A vague question demanding a vague answer, she knew that she needed to spark conversation, at least for a little while whilst they traveled.

MADE BY MIZO

[Muramasa Uemon]

cherry blossoms

---

Faintly, a smile graced his lips at her words.

'Anything'. It was a big statement... yet he knew she meant it. Of course he felt the same way in regards to helping her. Though he was not always the best with words. "I appreciate you. Truly." It was odd the two of them holding back now after all they had shared between one another. But perhaps it was necessary. While his growing sensory capabilities could warn him of danger, he also knew of those who could slip past it. Disrupt it.

No defense was foolproof... so they had to remain sharp.

Walking side-by-side brought back memories. Of their time traveling to his family's old home. And of their journey to the Land of Lightning. Company was a rarity for him, especially on the road. Hers he appreciated more than most. "Oh, uh... thank you." He said softly, his cheeks flushing a bit at her compliment. Affections of others he was no stranger to... but hers were different. Made him bashful. She was blushing too. Wore it better than he ever could. Asking how he'd been the wanderer tilted his head just slightly. "Well enough." It was the truth. Couldn't remember the last time things had been 'good'. Closest he got to that was when he was with her. "Better now."

"And yourself?" His half smile grew a fraction as he glanced at her again. "How are the treatments going?" Good, he hoped. Remembering Oniishi's words he knew they were not pleasant. But necessary. With any luck she'd soon be free from her condition. As the time passed an old, rundown villa slowly came into view on the horizon. Uemon's eyes scanned their surroundings as they walked. Alert for any signs of a presence.

Only a few more minutes now. Thoughts of his uncle came to mind... and with each step an exasperated expression crept into his face. Subtly, but it was there. Hopefully any shenanigans would be kept to a minimum...

---

[Ryuujin Shiina]

In the city of fools, I was careful and cool but they tore me apart like a hurricane.

TAG - Muramasa Uemon



NOTES - 

The appreciation was mutual, that much was well-established, her blush deepening just a fraction while she listened quietly to his words. They were always so sweet, so loving in their own right and yet not too over the top. The woman smiled yet again, merely nodding her head in response. There was not much that could be said at this point, for appreciation was something felt from within that no words could possibly dictate. Shiina allowed the silence to continue, all the while thoughts of their encounters from before flashed before her eyes. It was inappropriate, to say the least, to be thinking of such things at such times, but seeing him again and being in his presence brought on these emotions and thoughts involuntarily.

It would seem that he had been well enough, and knowing Muramasa, well enough was perhaps more than anyone could ask of him. She knew how much he struggled, how his problems and goals were always on the forefront of his mind. It was because of this that they were here now, although there was a part of her that hoped something would come of this meeting with his uncle. There was much at stake for the young man, so much that an outsider even as close to him as she was couldn't possibly understand. Shiina wondered what it would be like if she was to go and meet someone that could tell her something about her father, for instance, or about the plague that she had been accused of. One thing was certain, she knew that he must feel conflicted, between wanting to know and fearing the knowledge.

She understood the semblance.

"The treatment hasn't been all that great, to be honest. But I suppose that's to be expected..." Her voice was soft and her eyes cast down on the ground again as she spoke about the treatments. In truth, she had been having the treatments daily, and had stayed in ryokan after ryokan for that purpose. But there were times during these sessions that she felt like giving up, giving into the pain that just wouldn't go away. So many times she had called out his name, become so vulnerable in the comforts of her room to shed silent tears as she longed for his presence and his warmth to help her through. But of course she omitted these details now, for they were insignificant to what they were going to do. And yet a part of her still longed for him to know...longed for him to know just how important of a place in her heart he held.

A special place that couldn't be taken by anyone else.

MADE BY MIZO

[Muramasa Uemon]

fall, fall...

---

Despite the circumstances, their walk was pleasant.

Something about being in her presence could make even the most dull of moments contented. The closer they got to the estate on the horizon, the more lush their surroundings became. All sorts of flora, blooming even in the winter winds. Snowdrops, bushes of bright red winterberries, even a few bulbs of aconite which Shiina would recognize from their impromptu poison lesson not long ago. Overtop of the manor's walls the very tip of a tree dotted with small pink petals could be spotted. Though abandoned, the large home had clearly received some kind of maintenance. Odd... but Uemon put the thought from his mind. It did belong to the Sanjō clan after all.

'Duty Over All', their words.

Hearing the woman speak he frowned a bit. "I'm sorry to hear that... have they helped, at least?" Remembering their effects firsthand, he knew the experience wasn't painless. But if it was in service of healing her... then maybe it would be worth it. He hoped so. Truly. Nearing the entrance he spotted the gates. Open. Someone had beaten them there. While it was likely the man they came to see, Uemon still narrowed his eyes. Staying sharp for any hint of something off. Cautiously he led them through the entry way, hand on his kunai holster. Waiting for them in the center of the courtyard stood a figure. Garbed in a maroon yukata and white hakama. An ornate sheathed katana hung from its white obi. Around its shoulders a light cyan half-cloak was draped. Notably, the mask of a fierce oni obscured its features. One hand rested on its weapon's hilt. Another moved to grip the mask. "My little nephew..."

"Ue-chan.~" Removing the mask unveiled a youthful face. A single beauty mark just beneath his bottom lip, on the right side. Long brown hair framed his mug, a single braid resting over his left shoulder. He winked. Uemon, half-mortified, stared blankly at the man. Comically so. "...please don't call me that." The older man gave a heartfelt laugh, his face lighting up as he briskly approached the wanderer. Two strong hands gripped his shoulders, steadying him a bit as he looked him over. Beaming. "You've gotten so big... a little lean, but you look strong. You're right, Ue-chan is no more." The man stood a whole head taller than Uemon, easily standing six feet tall. Blue eyes examined him closely. The wanderer was clearly a bit uncomfortable. His eyebrow even started to twitch. What was he, some prized dog? "Have you still been practicing your Rōtetsusen-ryū? And who-" Uemon watched as his uncle laid eyes on Shiina. The man's jaw just about dropped. "...is your absolutely heavenly friend?" More eyebrow twitching as the man bowed, attempting to take the woman's hand in his own. Suavely he moved to plant a kiss on it, voice quieting. "Sanjō Yanosuke. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lad-!!!"

Instantly he let go of her hand as Uemon stomped on his foot. The wanderer's neutral facial expression seemingly stretched as thin as it could go. "Don't even think about it." Some things never changed. Shiina would note a few similarities among their features. Being his mother's brother, they did not share the same skin tone. But they were most certainly related. In spite of his uncle's unseriousness, his glare eventually softened. A faint smirk emerging.

Fool that he was... it was still good to see him after so long.

---

[Ryuujin Shiina]

In the city of fools, I was careful and cool but they tore me apart like a hurricane.

TAG - Muramasa Uemon



NOTES - 

There was so much she could say to him, that she wanted to say, but she chose to bite her tongue, only nodding her head at his response. Muramasa had seen her struggle, had seen how much cleansing poisons could take a toll on her body, so there was no need to get into the details there. She simply allowed the silence to settle in yet again, her thoughts wandering back to the last time they met as they walked. The things she wanted to say but couldn't roamed freely in her thoughts, and it was that solace that perhaps gave her a little bit of the sanity she needed, especially since she had found it increasingly hard to look at the man beside her.

They would arrive at the gates of the estate that they were supposed to have this meeting not long after, the entrance being open upon arrival indicated to the both of them that someone was already inside. Shiina turned her attention fully to her surroundings, not only because she had never been here before, but her shinobi instincts told her that there was always danger lurking around every corner, and that it was entirely up to them to be fully prepared for whatever was thrown their way. One hand slipped into her weapon pouch as they ventured, another clutching the sleeve of her kimono, her golden hues stayed alert throughout.

It would seem that Muramasa had the same thought, his own hand falling to his weapon while they moved, until they came into a clearing which looked like a courtyard. At the center of it stood a figure, dressed in a red kimono with a white sword, wearing a mask. He looked like some person out out a book, a mythical tale, in such attire, although the woman wouldn't comment. As the man moved to remove the mask, she would find that he had a rather youthful face, one that looked distinctly similar to Muramasa. It wasn't hard to guess that the two were related, although the other man had more prominent features. With pleasantries exchanged between uncle and nephew, the man would move to take her hand and kiss it.

"Ran, my name is Ran..." she would say softly, her real name kept hidden. She didn't trust people easily, and as much resemblance as this man seemed to have to Muramasa, she thought it best to keep her identity hidden until he showed her that he was trustworthy. The woman stayed quiet after the introduction though, observing the two men and their little interactions without much comment. Shiina was good at this, at simply observing, for she knew that quiet observations revealed more about a person than active engagement.

MADE BY MIZO

[Muramasa Uemon]

enough to coat the ground

---

A nod from Shiina brought him a little bit of relief.

It was good that the treatments were helping. Even a little. "I think you bruised my toe..." His uncle said, pouting facetiously. "Good." The man had been a skirt chaser for as long as he could remember. Popular with smallfolk and samurai alike. Young and influential, he'd likely left countless broken hearts in his wake.

Not this one, he thought. Knowing the Ryuujin woman, she was unlikely to go for it anyway. Hopefully he hadn't come off as too defensive.

Faint smirk still on his face the wanderer watched as his uncle righted himself. "Delighted to meet you, Ran-san." Another bow. Graceful... though a little hammy. Uemon squinted at the man, eyes flicking up and down. "Uncle... didn't I say to dress discreetly?" The older raised an eyebrow. As if somehow humorously offended. He held up the porcelain mask. "That is why I brought this!" The wanderer's face went blank again. "That's not exactly what I meant..." Yanosuke chuckled lightly and patted him on the head. His eyebrow twitched again. "All is well, little nephew. We are perfectly safe here I promise." Uemon nodded towards his cape. Exasperation plain on his face. "You're wearing the Minamoto's colors." Another laugh. The heir to the Sanjō clan aiding a traitor without worry. Any liege lord would have a fit.

If it were anyone else Uemon would be suspicious... but truthfully, this type of carefree attitude was absolutely in-character for his uncle. Never fretful. Even in the face of danger.

A hand was thrown around his shoulder. "Come, let us walk." Beckoning both of them forth he would begin to move. Though abandoned, the inside of the estate was rather beautiful. Sakura trees lined either side of a path leading to a grove. Old, but well looked after. Manicured, even. The grounds were large. One could walk the perimeter and bask in the peace the gardens brought.. At the center of the grove was a massive sakura tree. Trunk as wide as two of any others. Likely the oldest among them. "Tell me Uemon... how is my dear sister? And the girls? Iori must be... what, twelve now?" Shiina would note that he had a rather archaic manner of speaking. Typical of samurai in the Land of Iron. Uemon had mostly rid himself of that years ago... though a hint remained. Some aspects of the past were easier lost than others. "Thirteen. They're fine, all things considered... but it's been a while since I've seen them." The wanderer could feel his expression growing sullen as he thought of his family. Could also feel his uncle's concerned gaze upon him. "I see..." It had been eight years since they last spoke.

A lot could change... too much had.

Petals were in bloom. Ready to fall any moment. Uemon felt his uncle pull him in, the man's voice a barely audible whisper. "This woman... I assume you trust her?" The wanderer nodded, his eyes glancing at the man as they walked. "With my life." Yanosuke's face grew serious. Looking for any hint of doubt. Eventually he nodded. A strong hand plopped down atop his head. "So, Ran-san... how did you cross paths with my young nephew here?" Uemon frowned. "You're not even that much older than me..." Some ruffling of his hair and a laugh from his uncle drowned out any objections. Just as Shiina was observing, so too was Yanosuke. Not as unbothered as he seemed.

---

[Ryuujin Shiina]

In the city of fools, I was careful and cool but they tore me apart like a hurricane.

TAG - Muramasa Uemon



NOTES - 

Despite the obvious banter between uncle and nephew, Shiina found it rather comical that the two of them would interact like this. It made her recall the little memories she had of her own family. Of course, there was no such interactions, for all was a lot more serious in nature between her parents and her, as well as her and her clan elders, but she was rather relieved to hear the two of them somewhat bickering playfully. There was no way for her to gage the relationship they shared beyond what could be heard and seen though, but judging purely on what was laid out in front of her, the woman was almost certain that if they didn't like each other, they were certainly amicable and close in their own right.

As Yanosuke motioned for the three of them to take a walk, she would nod her head yet again, taking the time to appreciate the cherry blossom flowers in full bloom. It was a rare sight, and perhaps more rare in a country where the climate was cold and unforgiving as the Land of Iron. In fact, she was rather surprised that sakura bloomed at all, but perhaps there was something she didn't know about this particular breed of the flower that allowed for it to blossom under harsh weather conditions. All the same, Shiina admired the flowers, the small petals gently falling from the many branches, creating a scenic view that allowed her to forget momentarily the cold.

She did not fail to take notice the uncle and nephew speaking to each other in whispers though, unable to catch the words they exchanged. When Yanosuke turned to her and asked how she and Muramasa met, the young woman thought for a good moment before answering. There was a level of tact that needed to be present in her answer, one that was vague enough that it didn't disclose too much about their encounter specifically but also specific enough that it didn't raise unnecessary concern from the man.

"We met at a ryokan by chance." It was perhaps really straightforward and short but that was perhaps the most blatant thing.

MADE BY MIZO

[Muramasa Uemon]

cherry trees in bloom–

---

Dark eyes watched the older man as he considered her response... then nodded.

Acceptable. For now, it seemed. "A ryokan, hm..." Yanosuke's stares could be felt as they continued to walk. At one point the man adopted a sly expression and shifted his gaze between them. "What could you two have been up to ther-" An elbow nudged the man in his side. "It wasn't like that." Not that time, at least. His uncle clutched his side, still grinning like a fox despite the sudden jab to his ribs "You know... Iemitsu was quite the popular man as well." Uemon shook his head. Shooting him a sideways glare as the trio approached the central sakura tree. "Shut up, I'm not." Not in his eyes, anyway. In the charisma department he was pretty much bankrupt. Too asocial for that sort of thing. Yanosuke simply continued to gawk. Mischievously. "And you're one to talk..." Feigning offense the man reeled back, and cupped his own chin. Shaking his head slowly.

As if he was actually thinking very long and hard on something... him, of all people. "I resent the implication, little nephew."

Glancing at the scenery, Yanosuke spoke. "The sakura trees are magnificent this time of year... it appears an early spring has graced us with their beauty." The wanderer merely stared at the man. Face as straight as ever. "...Uncle." Moments later the man caught himself and cleared his throat. "Apologies. To business." Of course this wasn't just a playful stroll down memory lane. Uemon watched the man as he retrieved as scroll from a container tied to his obi. "I believe you requested information on the whereabouts of someone?" The wanderer nodded. But that wasn't the only thing he wanted. Far from it in fact. "Location, troop strength, allies... anything you have." The older man eyed him apprehensively, glancing to Shiina as well. Uemon's letter had been vague for security purposes. "And this person you want to know of is...?" For a moment there was a pause. Perhaps too long. Most of the time the wanderer's emotions were hidden... but not now. "Kira Yoshitada." Silence followed his words. A fierce scowl taking hold.

The man who destroyed his life... and his family's. He was the reason they had ventured here in the first place. And the reason for all of the secrecy. Though he did not say, it was obvious why he wanted this information.

From the second his name was uttered Yanosuke's face became severe. "Are... you referring to the court official Kira Yoshitada?" Uemon nodded. "Aid to the Daimyō?" Initially his scowl came about while thinking of his enemy, but not he directed it towards his uncle. "I don't care who he is." Clearly there was something being lost in translation here. "You should, Uemon... he is not a man to be taken lightly." Furrowing his brow further he went to take a step toward the man when a sharp pang shot through his head. Stopping him in his tracks. Quickly he turned around, scanning the walls of the estate. "Nephew, what is it?" Something he dreaded. "Company." The Ryuujin woman being a Sensor Type would be able to feel their approach as well. Most likely faster than he did.

Unfortunately, it was not a sole presence. "About eight of them." Turning his attention towards the still open gates he strode forward. Whoever it was did not feel weak. As he reached the center of the courtyard with Yanosuke in tow the pinging got stronger. Until a squad of nine men entered the estate grounds. Armored. Katana at their side.

A patrol from their look. Uemon glanced to Shiina, in an attempt to gauge her thinking. "Welcome, friends." His uncle greeted them, a hint of nervousness in his voice. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this surprise visit?"

---

[Muramasa Uemon]

spring blooms

---

An interruption like this could not wait, so he refocused his gaze on the new arrivals. Slowly positioning himself between Shiina and them as his uncle spoke.

The burliest of the group, clutching a naginata took a step forward. Intense eyes barely visible beneath his helmet. "To whom do I speak?" His tone was harsh, suspicious. Metal clanked as he took another step. Gaze scanning over each one of them in turn. "This estate once belonged to clan Uda. Why do three strangers stand upon its grounds?" Uemon's eyes watched the squad of samurai closely. Some moving their hands to the hilts of their weapons. Others remaining deathly still, ready to act at a moment's notice. This was not good.

Not at all. "I assure you friend, I am no stranger." His uncle replied, doing his best to calm his nerves as he addressed them. "My name is Sanjō Yanosuke." A curt but apt introduction. Somehow, a slight air of authority had entered his voice. His best 'serious' persona. "Clan Uda is retainer to mine own."

For what felt like forever, there was silence. Tension palpable in the air as the two groups stared each other down. Then finally, when it seemed it would boil over...

A bow. Followed by eight others. "Apologies, Sanjō-dono. I did not recognize you." An easy enough mistake. It was a big world. And people didn't exactly walk around with pictures of notable figures in their pockets. "No need for that." One wave of a hand later and the men raised their heads. Everyone seeming to relax.

Crisis averted for now. Uemon, for his part, remained vigilant. Where samurai were involved his guard was never down. Even more so than usual. Hand tightening on the bandage strip over his shoulder a realization came to him...

...the sigil embroidered on the front was clearly visible.

---

[Muramasa Uemon]

all the warriors are

---

Carefully as he could, he removed the mittens bearing the Muramasa's kamon and placed them in one of his pockets. Had he done it fast enough? He couldn't say for sure. But either way, he stayed alert.

Looking to his uncle, Uemon remained in the background. Choosing to let the only one here with any kind of status do the talking. "What business brings you all the way out here?" His uncle asked. Smart to discern their purpose... he just hoped the man didn't belabor the conversation too long. "Merely a routine patrol, my lord."

It was plausible enough. Danger lurked everywhere... and someone had to keep watch. "Reports of highwaymen and roving packs of bandits have spread throughout the land." The large man's harsh gaze fell to the hooded Uemon. Who certainly could pass for a robber himself. "Your companions... are they retainers as well?" Of course they weren't. Neither of them dressed like any samurai they'd ever seen. The wanderer's hand moved to grip the bandage strip again. Prepared just in case anything jumped off. Uemon's eyes narrowed. Then...

A laugh. "I certainly hope not." His uncle was no mental slouch, but he hoped he had more than that to talk their way out of this. "No, these two are bodyguards-for-hire I am hoping to employ." Bodyguards? Better than servants, he supposed... but just how keen were these men? One of the samurai glanced at Uemon and whispered into the leader's ear. "Very well. Sorry to disturb you again, Sanjō-dono." He turned to leave... but stopped.

Before thinking something over and facing Yanosuke once more. "If that's true... then why did that one—" A finger rose to point at Uemon. "Bear the crest of those traitorous Muramasa?"  His heartrate spiked.

Sounds of metal scraping metal rang as swords were drawn. Gazes hardening all around. A single pink petal fell. 

---