Winner: Fastest Gun In The Empire
Rain falls outside Jin's Noodle Bar, as the patrons flit in and out, their bellies full and their heads buzzed. The soft pitter patter of the water droplets gives of a faint, wet aroma, distinct during times of rain. It is calm, which is more than can be said for most of the its bloc of the City.
A woman enters, young in face, yet her eyes belong to someone who seems much older. She has seen much, suffered much. Her clothes are finely tailored, a black jacket revealing the green mantis embroidered on her shirt underneath, on her arm, a black armband, emblazoned with a golden wasp.She sits at the counter, as Jin looks at her. He sees the pistols at her side, and he opens his mouth to say something, but then he sees the Wasp. He nods, understanding, as he retrieves for her a bowl of his finest stock, and cup of sake. When he turns around, it is already empty, and she has her hand outstretched for more. He fulfills her wish.
Several drinks and a bowl later, the woman sits back, breathing a sigh, then she looks at Jin, as her demeanor changes rapidly. Her eyes stay the same, but she puts on a smile, fit to charm anyone.
"I'm looking for Rin." She says, as tips over her cup, signifying her business is done.
"With all due respect, Tsuruchi-sama," Jin answers, "I don't know why you think someone like me would deal with the Lion-Tooth-"
"Ah don't give me that crap," The woman interrupts, "I know full well there's not a single person in business on this bloc who's not in Rin's pocket somehow." She smiles again, "I have a business proposition for her."
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Tsuruchi Keiko exits the noodle bar, belly full of wheat and sake, but lacking what she came for. The old geezer wouldn't bite, so now she had to start over.
"Yare yare..." Keiko mutters to herself, scratching her head, "What a fine mess I've wandered into. Ah well, either I'll find her or she'll find me." She clicks the tip of her boots on the ground, making sure they're on tight, as she returns to the apartment she's renting for the time being, rain dripping softly on her head. To those accustomed to stories of Samurai living in lavish estates, the humble sight of her abode is shocking. Hah, if only she had that kind of money to afford a place like the movies show, but a Samurai away from home needs to make due with what she can get.
Especially if she's trying to avoid being noticed.
She turns on the tv, as she takes her pistols and begins her routine. Her guns don't need the maintenance, but like so many of her kin, the repetition became a sort of meditation for her, making sure each part was working as intended, and it helped her focus. In the distance, the news reports another conflict as the Kolat Syndicates and city Magistrates engaged in another open shoot out. As usual, the blame of agression was laid on Lion-Tooth Rin, the mysterious new, young protege who seized control of the Iron Lotus syndicate.
The news of Rin snapped Keiko out of her trance, and with that she let out an annoyed groan. She could start over again, but it wouldn't be the same, as she flopped on the couch, her thoughts wandering to what brought her here...
DECISION TIME
Fire: You are shamed before the Clan. You haven't been cast out, your name stricken, but no one in the Clan will give you meaningful employment. You were never one to take disrespect lightly, and so you've come to World of Dreams, perhaps to join the Syndicates like you've always wanted when you were a girl.
Air: A nobleman from back home was killed, and the last known whereabouts of the assassin was in the jewel of the Scorpion. Like it'd make it any easier. The victim - your grandfather - demands vengeance, and you get it no matter where you'd need to look. Even the underworld.
Water: You're ambitious, but you're also far from any chance of inheriting some great legacy. Your family, another cog in the machine, and you won't have any part of it. There's work to be done in the Scorpion City, and with it maybe your first step into a better life.
Void: Write In