~ Perfect Blossom Tea Room ~

[Malaclypse 666]

Too many secrets have I, too bad i have no one to tell them to.

The Fool listened intently to the young Lieutenant in the small screened booth they had retired to. Though seeing him through a fog of juniper and quinine, he heard the words very clearly.

"Kaneyoshi-san. You say I have presented you with a problem. I contend I have left you with a challenge.

"I know that you have been dissatisfied with some of the decisions I have contributed to in the past. I know that you feel at times that ours is merely the role of "policeman" for the people of Kusari.

"Protecting traders is not a glamorous role, I grant you. But, my friend, those traders provide food and clothing, and necessities as well as luxuries for our people. They provide part of our war needs."

The Fool reached out and touched Lt. Muto's shoulder; an unusual gesture in Kusaran culture.

"But, do not doubt, Kane-san, that we are in a war. A war for the survival of our culture! A war to preserve the Bushido.. the Kata.. of our heritage. Captain Nebotuda is well aware of that. I believe he will soon carry the fight further. The knowledge that we have indeed broken the Kusari Curse has spread throughout the Blue Lagoon, and beyond. Young warriors even now swarm to swell our ranks. They will need the experience of the more seasoned veterans of our Navy, such as yourself.

"We have proved that the SF cannot stop our Traders. We have proven our worth to our enemies to the north of us. We must now prove through our strength and prowess in combat that we are deserving of peace; which must be gained through that combat.

"You have proven your worth as a Gunboat Commander. The Shikikan has been decommissioned, and will be accompanying me back to the south, flying the [~V~] colours. The KNF will require a replacement Destroyer very soon. I will recommend to Captain Nebotuda that you be promoted to the rank of Commander, and that the Shikikan's replacement will be yours to command."

"If you are the lynx of the KNF, Kaneyoshi-san; then it is time you moved from the shadows, to hunt your prey in the open, proudly! In the ancient tongue, this dangerous feline was called "Rinkusu". A very fitting name for a dangerous ship. A name that will strike fear in the hearts of our enemies."

"I have not lost my faith in you, my friend. You must not lose faith in yourself or the KNF either. You will prevail, of that I am certain. And, on that proud day, I will be there to offer my gratitude for continuing and suceeding in what you began long ago.

"My tongue is loose from this fine Sapphire. Loosen yours with me, and then we will join our brothers in arms once again. Kampai!"

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