The Watanabe Kazoku Manor

[podgie_bear]

Tanaka Ken steps reverently up to the gate and pauses as the gate slowly opens before him. Entering the courtyard he bows deeply to the two Kazoku guards who approach him. As they offer to carry his belongings, he politely replies that his sword is his only belonging and that he must retain it so that he is able to defend his master should he be called upon to do so. Bowing deeply to the guards once more, he then proceeds into the garden and stops before the Blood Dragon banner which is unfurled upon the pillar. Sinking to his knees, he bows his head to the neatly trimmed grass and prays about the gratitude he feels at having been given the chance to redeem his life in service to the Watanabe Kozoku and rejoices in the fact that he is no longer a masterless ronin.

Then becoming aware that he is being watched by Masaru Watanabe himself, he quickly rises to his feet and strides to the main doors of the house where he begins to apologise for making him wait, but is stopped with a smile and an invitation to enter as an honoured guest. Almost overcome with emotion, he barely able to exclaim "Hai". Then bowing deeply he manages to recover himself and says, "Arigatou gozaimasu".

Upon entering the main hall, he positions himself unobtrusively against the wall and assumes a kneeling posture, seemingly relaxed, but ready to rise Katana in hand if necessary to counter any perceived threat. Graciously he declines the offer of some saki from a traditionally dressed Geisha and politely requests some Green Tea if it would not be too much trouble. Then, still in his kneeling posture, he slowly sips the refreshing tea which he holds in his left hand while his right hand never strays from the hilt of his Katana and he waits patiently for whatever may occour.

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