Can you finaally accept that the Mantis are our enemy for this Court and that they stole the Crab out from under us? Or do you need more proof?
I say we bury them both. Step on a Scorpion, get stung. We need to enforce this idea directly. Especially since we are in Matsu lands.
[x]Respond in the finest Matsu fashion, directly:"I am honorable enough, Yoritomo-san. I stood in the dueling fields of the Display of Steel, and both won and lost with Honor. I stood between Otomo-sama and his assassin. I stood upon the field of the Wager and competed with my own skill, openly and proudly. That you were ignorant of my skill is your own failing Yoritomo-san. I had no need to cheat to beat you, the Wasp beat himself. Blaming your own abysmal failure in the wager on another cheating? Only cowards seek to escape their responsibility. But it was not you, was it? Another stood in the field for you. Was it the same during the Display of Steel? Do you even carry a daisho, Yoritomo-san? Where is your warriors Honor,
merchant?
[x]Pivot towards a diefferent subject leaving him unable to respond:"As for the idea of using the kami to cheat? Do any here think the Phoenix would condone abusing the Kami so when it is their duty to guide and watch over all magical pursuits within the Empire? It is easier to belive Crabs working with Jigoku."
At least that actually happened.
***
I might want to refine it a bit, but this works for a first draft. In Shiro Matsu you do not deflect, you face them directly and go for the throat.
Of course if Yoritomo is a bushi this might backfire, but as long as he is not this should work nicely.
@Maugan Ra: Does Yoritomo bare the Mon of a Bushi school?
EDIT: Reworded some stuff.