realpolitik | Ishida Mitsunari | Saika Magoichi

[ Protip: appearing magically in the middle of a fairly reclusive camp of mercenaries was not the best of plans.

Especially when they were the Saika, so instead of swords aimed Mitsunari's way, there were many guns.

All too soon, the cold metal of the muzzles were prodding him forward as he was escorted by a group of very displeased mercenaries. They lead him deeper into the came, only telling him that he got to talk to their 'Boss.' ]

[excellent protip, will remember this next time.

This time, he just walks carefully, dress kimono slightly dusty, as he obeys quietly.

Still, he is less meek than serene, waiting to see what awaits him at the hands of these men's 'boss'.]

[ They lead him to an open area with a large wooden platform set in the ground. The image of the Yatagarasu is around them, gleaming gold from green fabric.

One of the men begins to stride toward a recessed door in the hill, but it swings open before he gets there, letting a woman in a man's hakama step out, her eyes sweeping over the gathered group. ]

Just what are you all atwitter about?

[ At first her voice is powerful, yet there is no particular harshness in it. Her expression hardens, however, when she spots the unfamiliar man they have brought to her.

She listens quietly as one leans over and murmurs the story in her ear, eyes studying him from head to toe. ]

[Mitsunari meets her gaze levelly--but not challengingly. If there's anything he's well-versed in, it's that careful dance of politics he is steeped in up to his neck.

This is this woman's territory; he will pay her the proper respect, and wait for her to speak first.]

[ He gets points for that, at least.

His clothes are much too proper for a spy. Either this man is very lost, very stupid, or he is some sort of messenger from someone who does not know how to dress their traveling men.

Magoichi raises her hand and shoos the men back; they give Mitsunari space now. She approaches him herself, bracing her hands on her hips as she lifts her chin to meet his eyes. ]

Just who might you be?

[He is in a strange land, likely in danger--

But he still cannot lie.]

I am Ishida Mitsunari of the Toyotomi.

[ She outright snorts in disbelief. ]

Did you knock your head against something on the way here?

[...He blinks, startled by that reaction.]

Excuse me?

I have been employed by the Toyotomi more than once; I know what Ishida looks like.

[ Though she does note the genuine nature of that surprise. Either he is very good at faking it, or he really did smash his head somewhere. ]

Employed by the Toyotomi...

[He pauses, brow furrowing.]

I should remember your face if that were so.

And I yours. So we've got ourselves a bit of a problem here.

[...hmm.]

I recognize your crest. The legendary Saika faction--

However, the lay of the land is strange, and I cannot recall how I came to be here.

[ Well he gets some brownie points for the recognition; she never claimed not to be prideful. ]

Where were you before you found yourself here?

...Kitano Tenmangu. An audience of Tokugawa Ieyasu's choosing.

[His words are very carefully soft-spoken, but there's no missing the sharpened one on Ieyasu's name for the observant.]

Of Tokugawa's?

[ Magoichi frowns, studying him intently again. ]

If you are Ishida Mitsunari, as you claim, why would you have audience with that man?

[....he doesn't like that question.

In a way, it implies that she knows of his distaste for Ieyasu, and that was not supposed to be public, common knowledge just yet--]

...It is a matter of courtesy to attend a requested audience.

[He is now watching her equally warily; he knows how this dance goes.]

The Ishida I know has little care for courtesy, especially when it concerns his Lord's killer.

[ Magoichi has no love for politics or games, so she speaks it plainly. After all, to her, it is common knowledge, nothing worth keeping secret. ]

Hideyoshi-sama's--

[His brow furrows and he stares.

...is this woman deluded?]

As little love as I bear for cowardly Tanukis, my Lord was not killed by any man. He was stricken down by illness.

[ Magoichi was wondering much the same about him. ]

Only if by 'sickness' you mean 'punched in the skull.'

[He tenses, frowning.]

None were strong enough to take my lord's life. I was present at his death.

[...this is hard to talk about, can they move on.]

[ The woman leans forward, amber eyes unflinching as she observes those minute reactions.

Then she lets out a soft 'hmph,' stepping back and waving a hand at him. ]

Have a seat. This seems it might take a while.

[ Then she promptly sits herself on the wood of the platform without bothering to wait for him. Magoichi has perfect confidence in her authority; she does not feel a petty need to assert herself by making sure he kneels first.

Her men relax a bit themselves, going from their straight-backed attention to lounging around the perimeter, though their gazes make it obvious their guard has not truly lowered. ]

[He just nods quietly and joins this intimidating, powerful woman, sitting neatly before her, hands tidily in his lap.

He is used to this; this does not surprise him, even if Magoichi, in a way, does.]

...It would appear so. I'm afraid I must admit I have no idea what is going on.

[ This man is so... quaint. It is almost cute.

One had to beware the quiet ones, however. ]

Let us say that there is a possibility you are who you say. Do you have any evidence of this aside from your words?

I...do not.

[A bow of his head, hair falling to frame his face.]

I have nothing but my words, I'm afraid, and the invitation from Tokugawa Ieyasu on me.

I want to see this invitation.

[ Magoichi holds out her hand, expectant. ]

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