"Hai, Zinzer-sama, I live only to serve." I said, immediately.
"Go unto the capitol and speak with this regent, confirm our agreements with him in the absence of their Emperor, Toturi." Zinzer turned and looked upon me, "We must curb the power of the Mantis, they are jealous of our favored trading status, thinking us but a merchant rival; little do they understand of our true nature."
"As you command my lord, what am I authorized to offer to them? You realize that they are stricken with famine, their pride has once more driven them towards war and the Naga once again war upon what they call the Pale-eye as they did when our home was still above the waves."
"Promise them help in a way you find appropriate, I shall leave Abunai and my personal guard at your disposal."
"It will be done my lord."
Ototsan-uchi, center of the Rokugani world, is a hotbed of political intrigue. Oh how little these barbarians understand of the true nature of the world, they are but a small corner of its boundless expanse. The Crane have brought to the Imperial Court a samurai spirit and fight political battles with the vigor and determination of the staunchest Crab atop the Kaiu wall. Today the court is in chaos, all of the clans are starving because the Crane have always fed them and the Crane fight amongst themselves, over matters they themselves do not understand.
"Takuan-sama, I bring you the ambassador from the Dolphin Clan, Iruka Tsuru!" The Crane's elegant voice lent an air of refinement to the introduction even as his sneer showed the contempt these Rokugani fools hold for all those foreign to them.
The regent looked to me; I could discern a General's eye as he assessed me, perhaps looking for a threat. This one has merit, more so than that inbred weakling of a Hantei that held the throne just a few years ago.
"Takuan-sama" I said as I inclined my head, we of the Nation Fleet do not grovel, another custom that infuriates the Crane, "I bring you the greetings of my lord and master, the Sea King, Iruka Zinzer. Also, we of the Nation Fleet are concerned with the plight of your people and wish to see what steps we can take to assist you in this time of troubles."
With that I was swept aside in the chaos of panic. Each diplomat bemoaning the fate of his people and blaming another for their troubles caused by this prideful little war. Until the Dragon arrived, covered in the strange paints and ritual scarring of their quaint little order of savages. He promised rice to each of the clans, but provided them with a price, they would have to collect it themselves, effectively forcing the rest of the Empire into war with the Naga. They fight for the Dragon or they starve; such a simple, effective trap these Dragon have laid. This has the potential to provide the opening I would need need.
"Yoshi-sama, may a simple ambassador have some of the valuable time of the Imperial Advisor?" I asked.
Yoshi, manicured like a geisha waiting for her mentor, hair dyed white in tribute for a warrior that he holds no simularity to, said, "But of course, Tsuru-sama, please, what is it that I can assist you with?" I knew he wouldn't refuse me, the Crane are a coastal clan after all.
"No, my friend it is how we of the Nation Fleet may assist you and all of our Rokugani friends." Knowing my offer will be irrefusable I press on, "We have a small group of our soldiers here with us aboard the Kaga. The Imperial Guard would be too slow to reach Kyuden Hitomi; the Naga may take it first. I propose to send them ahead to delay the Naga's advance."
Kakita Yoshi stopped and looked to me, "And what would your expect in return?"
"Your good will and prosperity is our reward, Yoshi-sama."
"Abunai, brother, our plan proceeds well, go forth to the mountains of the Dragon Clan and delay the Naga's advance. It is important that then obsidian witch is given time to perform her task."
"Do you think it is wise to involve ourselves in these petty matters of the land-dwellers, Tsuru-chan?" Abunai looked somewhat pensive, concerned as always for his soldiers, as a good general should.
"Zinser-sama has commanded it, so it shall be done."
"Hai! Brother, his will shall be obeyed."