The courtroom of Shiro Tanzei was dark. Kakita Ran sat on his dais pondering his katana. His long hair was half dyed white from a long disregard of the Crane tradition. His eyes were an erie shade of blue.
This atmosphere was shattered as Tatakai threw the large courtroom doors open. "Ran-sama! I have returned from the observation mission. I wish you had allowed me to deal with them at the time, it would be over already," Tatakai announced with a flurish of his spear.
"Was Himura there?" Ran asked, bored.
"Yes, Ran-sama. I relayed your message," Tatakai said, "I believe he will respect your wishes."
"Is that so?" an entrancing woman said walking out of the shadows, "How can you be so sure, Tatakai-dono?"
Tatakai glared at the woman, "He is honourable, he will follow his word."
"Enough, both of you," Ran interjected, "Tatakai, I need you to go to the front."
"May I ask why? She is the only other officer currently at the base and I hardly trust those Tsuruchi you hired," Tatakai said suspiciously.
"Kotai and his brother are returning here shortly. I need you to lead the charge against the Crane."
"I see. Very well then Ran-sama, it shall be done," Tatakai bowed and left.
"Where has Chozaku gone?" the woman asked.
"To seek advice before we move again."
"I may sound like Tatakai on this but, why do you trust him? He is by and far the least willing of all the Rikugan no Seifuku." the woman hid her face behind her fan.
"Unwilling does not mean disloyal. In fact, I would say in such a situation I would be more worried of him if he didn't act like this," Ran said irritated
The woman blushed, "Oh, Ran-sama. I am terribly sorry for upsetting you."