Kyuden Shika

Nesshin again reports to Shika Kan, as instructed.

Perhaps he will meet someone else?

And, just to be sure, he does still have the whisk broom. It's a broom, and it fits more comfortably into the classroom...

Another class went by. The children were getting used to the giant in their midst, but at askilled as Shika Kan was, he could only teach so much given Nesshin's own innate inability to grasp spiritual matters.

Nesshin was ready to fly home on his broomstick when he spotted the normal brisk walk of Katsuteru in the hallways. He was not a man given to dawdling.

Nesshin, broom in hand and having been dismissed from class, approaches the castellan and bows deeply.

"Shika-jodai," he says, "is there something with which I may assist? Some way, perhaps, that I can help the Deer remain clear of both Hands as they clap in the coming days?"

~~~~~
To make sure it's done...

Agenda roll https://sakkaku.org/rolls/1823
Passes at 412
1to cancel 1
+3 Agenda

Katsuteru motions for the man to walk with him.

"I think Nesshi-san understands well what would would happen were the Deer to be drawn into the conflict between the Crane and the Lion. While Shika-sama does feel very close to the Crane, it really is best for the Deer to limit their involvement in the Crane's affairs." he says.

Nesshin falls in, a step behind and to Katsuteru's left.

He nods.

"I know our precarity, Shika-jodai. And I have been arguing to that end as I can--although I am not as courtly as might be hoped for that."

He flexes his hands.

"The past few days have been a useful reminder. Thank you, Shika-jodai."

Katsuteru considered Nesshin. He had heard, of course, about Nesshin's carrying around the broom, but had not been sure if Nesshin was doing that to mock him or to show devotion to duty.

"And your lessons under Kan-sensei?" he asked, evaluating whether lessons had been learned

"Have been a useful reminder," Nesshin replies, "although I am aware there are things I am missing."

He pauses and manages to avoid sighing.

"It relates to why I, the son of two shugenja, was unable to follow them in that work. And I believe it has been useful for the others in Kan-sensei's class to see that one must practice the basics diligently."

He flexes his hands again. The healing broken blisters strain and stretch.

"But I will avoid leaping to conclusions, I think, at least before doing more scouting--and reporting to the officer of the watch that I am doing so."

Katsuteru nodded.

"It sounds like your have studied well. Resume your standard duties tomorrow." he said.

There was a quick glance at the broom.

"With your standard equipment."

Nesshin cannot help but smile.

"Yes, Shika-jodai," he says, bowing.

Katsuteru bowed.

"You are dismissed then, unless you had further need of my attention?"