Umeko
Ronin/Other
Posts: 295 Likes: 0 
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Post by Umeko on Jan 16, 2018 16:35:36 GMT -5
Umeko took the offered hand without a hint of hesitation, clasping it. She nodded. "Yes that would probably be for the best. I do have a morning class tomorrow after all."
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Post by Utaku Genji on Jan 16, 2018 16:49:49 GMT -5
"I thought I did, but looks like it was rescheduled at the last minute. Thankfully, I was able to get a message out to my students. Only thing worse than being late is showing up for a class that isn't happening, you know?"
When she took his hand he gave it a firm grip but his eyes seemed to become more reflective. Releasing Umeko's hand, the Utaku moved beside his friend and began walking back with her.
"So, any hopes or plans for this year?"
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Umeko
Ronin/Other
Posts: 295 Likes: 0
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Post by Umeko on Jan 16, 2018 16:56:04 GMT -5
The woman ran a hand through her hair, looking a bit thoughtful. "I might be able to make interesting progress on a personal project of mine." She said, wearing a small frown.
She sighed softly. "I hope I'm not going in over my head, but it might be worth the risk..."
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Post by Utaku Genji on Jan 16, 2018 17:22:18 GMT -5
"What project is that?" He looked genuinely curious but also knew not to press the matter if she didn't want to talk about it. Yet he also had seen the Shibatsu and Asahina sensei flirting with her earlier in the day. At first he'd been glad for her but...
She'd notice him moving just a little closer, right hand fidgeting a touch for some unknown reason.
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Umeko
Ronin/Other
Posts: 295 Likes: 0
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Post by Umeko on Jan 16, 2018 17:57:01 GMT -5
Umeko bit down on her lip, glancing sideways at him. She let silence stretch for a few seconds, before taking her decision. "I am trying to revive the Yoritomo clan." The gardener admited softly, watching for his reaction.
By decree of the emperor, such an admision would be considered borderline heretical.
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Post by Utaku Genji on Jan 16, 2018 18:47:43 GMT -5
Genji's eyes widen a bit at the revelation, quick to cover the woman's mouth in case anyone heard her! Clearly he was trying to protect Umeko, and yet she could see the surprise in his face. He leads the ronin woman off of the main path just a bit, then offers with a hushed voice.
"Umeko-san, the only way that can happen is if you can convince the Emperor yourself and by being a descendant of the Mantis Cl..."
His eyes widen again. "Oh, my Kami. Wh-why haven't you told me? You know I wouldn't have judged you..."
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Umeko
Ronin/Other
Posts: 295 Likes: 0
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Post by Umeko on Jan 16, 2018 18:54:31 GMT -5
She chuckled, clearly amused by his reaction. Her smile turned slightly sheepish at his question, and the botanist shrugged slightly. "It has never really come up before. I didn't try to hide it, but it wouldn't be a very wise thing to proclaim in the middle of the day." Her expression softened and she sighed, glancing up at the stars. "I'm aware it isn't the... easiest goal to seek to accomplish, but it is the reason I have chosen to settle down here for now. I needed to find contacts, allies..."
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Post by Utaku Genji on Jan 16, 2018 19:25:13 GMT -5
Genji nods, and in that moment he saw something only he could really see. A crossroads. It would explain why she suddenly took interest in both Shibatsu Eito and Asahina Kangei. Both were men with resources he could never have access to. Men that would provide her different ways to accomplish her goals and dreams. Whereas he...
... was just a simple stable master in a matriarchy-dominated family. Surely he could support her morally, but in terms of influence? Especially given what family he hailed from?
"If we're being honest, Umeko-san, there's a couple of things I need to tell you that I haven't."
He starts walking again, trying to find the most secluded route the two of them can take so they can talk freely yet still make it back to their apartments at a reasonable hour. "And I promise to tell you everything, but I want to hear more about this first. That is, if you have anything more to say or want to share?"
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Umeko
Ronin/Other
Posts: 295 Likes: 0
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Post by Umeko on Jan 16, 2018 19:57:16 GMT -5
The looked at him with a bit of confusion, before following along. His question gave her a pause. "Well honestly I'm not sure... I don't have any solid plans yet, thought the Otomo twins have contacted me with a few plans of their own. They father was adopted by my family when he was younger, and they seem a lot closer to that side of their ancestry then the imperial side." She trailed for a moment, thinking back.
"Shibatsu-sama also reached out to me with a potential alliance." The brought a light frown to her face. "I have agreed for now, but I'm not certain our goals will align forever."
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Post by Utaku Genji on Jan 16, 2018 20:04:35 GMT -5
Genji nods, reaching out to take Umeko's hand into his. He'd done it a time or two before as if to console his friend or only when she actually needed his hand for something - such as to help her off the ground or to climb something - and yet this time it was a little different. He squeezed it lightly, especially as the frown came concerning Shibatsu Eito.
"Well, I promise you I won't say a word. And while I don't know how I can help, I know you and how important this must be to you."
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