A month of uneasy quiet has passed. At Lord Matsudaira’s gate, rain beads on the wood and the courtyard lanterns burn low as a lone traveler waits under a straw hat, his naginata wrapped in worn cloth.
Arimari Tiarasan is brought to the entry path as the guards keep their distance. The stranger lifts his head, measuring him with a hard, sleepless stare.
Kaito
Arimari Tiarasan. I have come for you. I am Kaito, and I have studied the texts that speak of Tukeyo and the Kurogane binding.
Kaito
Your lord’s house is shaken, the seal weakens, and the oni’s leash strains with it. If you want your clan standing when the next blade falls, hear me out.
He draws the cloth from his weapon just enough to show the blade, old and scarred, its edge cared for with reverence rather than show. The guards stiffen, but Kaito does not look at them.
Kaito
Grant me audience, or watch the dark learn your threshold again.
✓ Quest Accepted
Grant Kaito an audience
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn what Kaito knows about Tukeyo and the Kurogane binding
“Summon Kaito to the audience chamber immediately.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +0)
Arimari gives the summons, and the gatehouse stirs at once. Rain ticks on the eaves while a guard hurries out with sandals slapping the stones.
Gate Guards
Kaito? At this hour, to the audience chamber? ...Very well. Stand fast, and do not wander.
The outer gate swings wider. Kaito steps through the lantern wash, soaked cloak clinging to him, eyes fixed on Arimari as if measuring the cost of every word.
Kaito
You came quickly. Then the matter is urgent enough to trust, at least a little.
Kaito
If the Kurogane binding is still alive, this lord's house is one of the few places where proof might matter.
The guard leads Kaito under the lintel toward the inner courts, where low light glows on wet wood and the path ahead disappears into the estate.
Kaito
I will speak in the chamber. If you want the truth about Tukeyo and the binding, you will hear it there.
Quest Complete
Grant Kaito an audience