You frown, looking over at Nakajima. “The way he spoke, it seemed like the guerillas would be leaving the area soon.” Sipping more bourbon, you sigh. “It’d be a waste to send the men out looking for an enemy who probably isn’t even there.”

Nakajima sits back, frowning deeply. “I see.” She then sighs. “Well it is good that you weren’t hurt.”

You nod. “I agree.” Shaking your head, you put the cork back on the bottle of bourbon and finish your glass. “Anyway, has anything happened while I was gone?”

Nakajima leans forward. “A messenger arrived from Edo not long ago bringing mail and newspapers.” She gestures to the outbuilding you’ve been using as a post exchange. “There are a few letters for you, but not much else.”

“I see.” Standing up, you take a moment to get your balance before heading toward the door to your office.

You spend the next couple of hours reading the various letters you’ve received. There is one from your parents, who have received the news about your exploits in Japan through the newspapers back home. Additionally, there is a letter from the United States Army, which is a bill for your uniform that was destroyed during your stay at Andersonville. You suspect they only want you to pay because they know you have money, and you have absolutely no intention of paying. The next letter is one from Sarah Holman, mainly thanking you for the opportunity to accompany you on campaign. She explains that the stories written during the campaign, as well as the accompanying photographs, have become quite popular in America. She then mentions that she has been granted her own office at the Associated Press headquarters in Yokohama, and invites you to stop by anytime. The final letter, more of a package really, is from General Custer. In it, he thanks you for the chance to act as a military observer, and explains that he has been recalled to the United States. He also mentions having collected various samples of plants to take back to America with him. Enclosed are several quite beautiful poems, written on cardstock, about Japan and the Japanese people. Additionally, there are several illustrations in the package, particularly of the Japanese landscape and architecture.

After reading the letters, you decide to take a look at the paper. It is all more of the same, really. Britain is on the verge of war with France because of some colonial squabble, anarchists are stirring up trouble in Europe and Russia, and attempts to reconstruct the devastated American South are underway, but encountering problems. Sighing, you lay the paper down and go to get supper.

The rest of the day and evening goes by without incident. You spend much of it in your office, attending to the various duties expected of your rank. As evening steadily ticks over into nighttime, you grow tired. Soon, you head over to your bedroom, laying down and going to sleep.

The next morning is a stormy one. Thunder awakens you, and the sound of hard rain slashing against the walls of the building keep you awake. It would be around sunrise, you think, if it were not for the heavy clouds blanketing the sky. Yawning, you put your jacket on and go into your office to find Nakajima already waiting with coffee. “Thank you, Major.” You take a cup from her graciously.

“Of course, sir.” She sits down opposite of you, drinking from her own cup. “This weather is quite unexpected…” She frowns, looking out at the torrential downpour. “Did you have any plans for today?”

>”Nothing out of the ordinary.” (timeskip one week)
>”I think I’ll pay a visit to the Associated Press offices in Yokohama.”
>”Well, perhaps we should go speak with Matsudaira. I know you had mentioned the America assignment being a better fit for me.”
>”It’s been a while since I’ve seen Shigeru. Shall we visit your parents?”
>Write-in.

>>3642504
>>”It’s been a while since I’ve seen Shigeru. Shall we visit your parents?”

noice!

then we can timeskip

>>3642504
>”It’s been a while since I’ve seen Shigeru. Shall we visit your parents?”
We should probably tell him we know about the secret, and if we can get him alone, ask for permission to court her like it's properly done in america.

>>3642504
>”Well, perhaps we should go speak with Matsudaira. I know you had mentioned the America assignment being a better fit for me.”

>>3642504
>>”I think I’ll pay a visit to the Associated Press offices in Yokohama.”

>>3642504
> Britain is on the verge of war with France because of some colonial squabble
Interesting, that could play to our advantage if we stick with the European mission. On the other hand, going to america and playing up our fame to get public support for the Japanese in america would also work...

>>3642588
the france angle seems very interesting too

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen Shigeru,” you say. “Want to go visit your parents?”

Nakajima raises an eyebrow. “Of course, General. I will get the carriage ready.”

Several minutes later, you exit the main building with a heavy, canvas raincoat on. In your right hand is the training katana gifted to you by Shigeru, just in case he wants to practice. Quickly, you enter the carriage and sit next to Nakajima. “Thanks for having him pull up to the door.”

She nods, removing her own raincoat and setting it on the opposite bench. “I figured you would not want to cover too far a distance.” She then nods toward your raincoat as you toss it over onto hers. “Those are one-size fits-all, I would imagine yours is a bit small.”

You nod, grimacing. “That’s true. I’ll have to get one custom made in the future.” The carriage begins trundling down the muddy road as you speak.

Nearly an hour later, you arrive at the Nakajima Compound. The two of you exit the carriage, walking up to the house where you are greeted by Nakajima’s mother. It is only now that you realize how similar they look to one another.

“Ah, welcome!” Shigeru greets you with a smile when you enter the house. “And congratulations on your promotion, General.” He bows.

You return the gesture. “Thank you, sensei.”

“Hmph,” he chuckles. “I see you’ve brought your training sword. Perhaps you would like to practice?”

>”I merely brought it in case you wanted to spar, you needn’t practice with me if you don’t want to.” (decline)
>”Absolutely.” (agree)
>Write-in.

>>3642603
>>”Absolutely.” (agree)

>>3642603

>”Absolutely.” (agree)

Good moment to speak, and be beaten

>>3642603

>”I merely brought it in case you wanted to spar, you needn’t practice with me if you don’t want to.” (decline)

>>3642603
>>”I merely brought it in case you wanted to spar, you needn’t practice with me if you don’t want to.” (decline)

>>3642588
Going to europe could give us several allies

>>3642603

>”Absolutely.” (agree)

File: Bokken.jpg (34 KB, 1024x1024)

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“Absolutely,” you grin.

Within minutes, you are both in the dojo, wearing your kimonos. Though Shigeru uses a training katana, his normal one still sits at his side, tucked between his belt and kimono. You drop into a combat stance, just as you’ve been taught. Shigeru does the same, a ghost of a smile forming on his lips. “Good firm,” he says. “Now let’s see if you remembered all of the steps.”

He lunges forward, swiping at you quickly. It is a move you couldn’t have countered only a few months ago. Your sparring with Shigeru and Sakura Nakajima has changed that. You parry his strike, lunging in for an immediate counter attack. He blocks it swiftly, moving back and returning to a ready stance.

“You have improved.” He makes a few investigatory jabs at you, which you parry with ease. “Shiro has been less than forthcoming about his experiences on the campaign. I am curious, did you get into melee with the enemy?”

You nod. “Nearly every time we fought.”

Shigeru lunges forward again, and you parry one of his trademark moves: the false swing that changes direction at the last second. “To be expected. Samurai from the Choshu Domain were always quite quick to get into melee, it would make sense for their soldiery to be the same.”

“Speaking of samurai,” you begin. Leaning in to strike, you nearly manage a glancing blow. Shigeru deftly steps aside before your blade can touch him, however. “I defeated one in a sword fight.”

“Really?” Shigeru raises an eyebrow. He steps back, gauging your movements before going in for another strike. You have to dodge his blade instead of parrying. “That is quite impressive, for a gaijin.”

You shrug. “To be fair, he was already full of holes.” Grimacing, you parry another quick strike. “He just wouldn’t give up.”

Shigeru nods sagely. “A true samurai, then. Few remain that dedicated to the code.” He lunges forward, nearly grazing your cheek with his training katana. “Samurai should never surrender, no matter how outmatched they are. They must show their utmost excellence as a warrior, even in death.”

You frown. “I see. That seems like a difficult code to follow.”

Shigeru chuckles. “It can be. That is why so few still follow it.” He shakes his head. “Lesser men allow themselves to succumb to cowardice, they tremble at the thought of death in battle.” He lunges forward again. “Still, perhaps the old ways need to change, if only by a little bit.”

Roll a 1d20

>”So you have experience with the Choshu samurai?”
>”You know, there’s something I discovered while on campaign. About Shiro.” (reveal that you know)
>”While we were besieging Hagi, something strange happened. Matsudaira usurped the Shogun’s authority…”
>”Say, how come you keep the real sword on your belt while we spar?”
>Write-in.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>3642800
>“Still, perhaps the old ways need to change, if only by a little bit.”
Glad he said it so we don't need to.


>”Say, how come you keep the real sword on your belt while we spar?”

>”You know, there’s something I discovered while on campaign. About Shiro.” (reveal that you know)

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3642800

>”Say, how come you keep the real sword on your belt while we spar?”

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3642800

>”You know, there’s something I discovered while on campaign. About Shiro.” (reveal that you know)

>Matseidura usurped the shoguns authority
>”You know, there’s something I discovered while on campaign. About Shiro.” (reveal that you know)

Parrying another strike, you step back. “You know, sensei.” Frowning, you think of how to properly word it. “While I was on campaign, I learned something interesting. About Shiro.”

Shigeru’s expression doesn’t change as he gets in close and delivers a flurry of strikes. You nearly fail to parry them all. “Oh, and what was this revelation?”

“That Shiro is, in fact, named Sakura.” You lunge forward, swiping at Shigeru as quickly as you can. Your training blade actually manages to catch the fabric of his Kimono. Shigeru’s eyes widen just a little bit.

“I see. So you know that my son is actually my daughter.” He frowns, stepping back and examining the spot on his kimono where you grazed him. “And did she tell you as to why this arrangement was reached?”

You nod.

Shigeru returns his hand to the grip of his sword, dropping back into a fighting stance. “And what are your thoughts on all of this?” He lunges forward.

You parry his strike, but only barely. “Well, given the situation, I can’t exactly say you did anything wrong…” You are forced to parry several more quick strikes. “And, she is an exceptional officer, so I wouldn’t think of asking her to leave the army.”

Shigeru’s eyebrow goes up again. “Is that so?” He leaps back as you swing in his direction, and then he comes back with a strike you are unable to parry. His training sword hits you square in the stomach, knocking you off of your feet. As you lay on the dojo floor, blinking away stars, Shigeru helps you to your feet. “In that case, I have a request to make…” He trails off, lowering his training blade. "Though, I would not blame you for refusing."

“What sort of request?” You raise your eyebrow, resting your own training katana on your shoulder.

“I wish for you to court her.” He says it quickly, and with a disconnected tone, almost as though he doesn’t want to say it at all.

>”Of course.” (agree/half-truth)
>”I already am, sort of.” (truth)
>”May I ask why?”
>”I’m afraid I cannot.” (refuse)
>Write-in.

>>3643021
>>”May I ask why?”

followed by

>”I already am, sort of.” (truth)

after his answer

>>3643033
+1

Asking a gaijin to court his daughter? Now I'm curious.

>>3643021
>”May I ask why?”

You can’t help but be confused. You’d imagined he might try to kill you once you mentioned the extent of Sakura and your relationship. “May I ask why?”

Shigeru’s expression is serious. “Because I am no fool, General.” He looks around, gesturing with his training katana as he speaks. “I have seen what exposure to the outside world has done to Japan. In just ten short years, everything has changed…” He grimaces. “Now my country is on the verge of tearing itself apart, old is in conflict with new, in every way imaginable.” He looks at you again, with an expression you’d never thought you’d see from the man; he looks afraid. “I know that the old ways will not be able to stand against the new order.”

You look around. “But you’re a samurai. You’ve shown more adherence than anyone I’ve met to the old ways…” Shrugging, you look at him. “Why the sudden change of heart?”

“It was not sudden, Daniel Stockton.” Shigeru’s expression hardens, and you instinctively take a step back. “Like I said, I am no fool.” He rubs his face. “I love Japan, my country. I have devoted my whole life to the ways of the Samurai. When I was young, such a life would be a guarantor of success, assuming you could survive long enough to have a family.” He grimaces, looking over at his wall of swords. “But, the age of the samurai is coming to an end, I know that much.” He takes a step toward you. “I do not want my daughter, the one good thing I have given to the world, to marry into a samurai family: a doomed family. But you are different,” he adds.

“How so?” You raise an eyebrow.

Shigeru nods once. “You are a soldier, a general.” His eyes scan you, as if inspecting you for defects. “You are a man of the future… I want my daughter to have a future.”

“Well,” you rub the back of your neck sheepishly. “Then I suppose I should explain that we are already courting, sort of.”

Shigeru’s eyes narrow, and he lunges at you. Before you can even react, he has placed a blow into your sternum; not with his sword, but with his hand. You fly onto the floor once again. Looking up, you half expect to see Shigeru’s real sword pointing at you. Instead, he has the same hand that struck you extended, waiting to pull you up. On his face is a sly grin. “I see the warnings about you Americans being absolute tomcats were right. You should be thankful that I like you.”

You take his hand, and he pulls you to your feet effortlessly. It’s still impressive to you that such a small, wiry man can throw you around with such ease. “W-well, thank you, sensei.”

Shigeru drops into a combat stance once more. “Do not thank me just yet, student.” The grin hasn’t left his face. He lunges forward. “We still have much sparring to do.”

File: ChadYankee.png (362 KB, 2518x1024)

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And that's all for tonight, thanks for playing! Our next session will be tomorrow night at the same time. Until then, I'm more than happy to answer questions or just shoot the shit here. Once again, thanks for playing!

>>3643154
I was legit afraid Shigero was gonna draw the real thing kek

good thing he knows things are changing, he could be useful into convincing some of the old dudes into changing their ways

>>3643145
Fuck I missed the entire god damn live, but I'm glad anons went this way. This gave me a good laugh.

>>3643154
So Are we currently supporting the side that 'loses' officially in this coming civil war?

>>3644586
yup

Session in two hours.

>>3644586
That's correct, the Shogunate lost irl and the Emperor took control of the government. Interestingly enough, he soon became the very thing that the samurai lords who supported him had originally feared from the Shogunate, and the Japanese army had to put down several samurai rebellions in the 1870s.

Does anyone else have the sing Shiroyama playing in their head when in this quest?

>>3645499
*song
Fucking hell.

>>3645505
post the link to intensify head song

>>3645511
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKW6gLLmxDQ&app=desktop
Here you go anon

>>3645386
What was it the thing they feared? I've said it before that I'm pretty shitty when it comes to Japanese lore.

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>>3645808
Basically the Emperor, who they thought would preserve their old rights and traditions, started changing up everything and westernizing the country even faster. Also began dissolving the old feudal system. Precisely what they feared when the Shogunate opened the country in the 1850s.

File: Japanese clock.jpg (3.06 MB, 3547x5080)

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You train some more with Shigeru, until you are nearly exhausted. After that, you have tea with the family. It is during tea that Shigeru reveals what you’ve told him to Sakura and her mother. Major Nakajima’s mother reacts with surprise, but seems quite pleased at the whole situation. Major Nakajima herself is embarrassed, but manages to hide it pretty well.

Shigeru decides to change the subject, talking for a while about his travels up in the north of Japan. The way he describes it makes the region sound like quite the wilderness, but he explains that much of the wilds have been tamed now, save for the island of Ezo.

Nakajima’s parents then show you something they’ve just recently acquired, which they are understandably proud of. In another room of the home is a large clock of an unfamiliar design. Shigeru explains that clockmakers have been plying their trade in Japan for decades, but few homes actually have or need a clock. The workmanship is exquisite, and you imagine that the timepiece was not cheap, to say the least. The design is unlike anything you’ve seen in the West, and almost looks reminiscent to a pagoda.

After that, you drink more tea and have some lunch, which is rice and fish. You tell some of the more palatable and interesting stories from your time on campaign. In particular, Shigeru seems intrigued at the mention of the Confederates aiding the rebellious daimyos, as neither he nor you can think of a reason for the Choshu Domain to even want help from a ragged band of expats.

The conversations returns to normal topics though, things like the price of food at the local markets, which has gone up recently, as well as some of the new laws being enforced by the Shinsengumi around Edo. Soon, the clock in the other room chimes, having reached the top of the next hour. You and Nakajima figure you should bid your farewells, and decide to gather your rain jackets.

You both leave not long after, having spent perhaps three hours at the Nakajima household. It is still raining when you get in the carriage, though not quite as incessantly as before. As you lean back in the carriage’s bench seat, you sigh. The rain has made the roads muddy, but thankfully it isn’t bad enough to slow the carriage down.

“Is there anywhere else we need to go, while we’re in this area?” Nakajima looks over at you.

>”Let’s stop by Edo Castle.” (speak with Matsudaira)
>”I suppose we could head over to Yokohama. I’ve been meaning to visit the AP office there.” (visit Sarah)
>”Sato’s posting is nearby, right?” (visit Sato)
>”Not particularly. Let’s head back to the base.”
>Write-in.

>>3645840

>”Let’s stop by Edo Castle.” (speak with Matsudaira)

>>3645840
>”Let’s stop by Edo Castle.” (speak with Matsudaira)

>>3645840
>>”I suppose we could head over to Yokohama. I’ve been meaning to visit the AP office there.” (visit Sarah)
Lets see how famous we really are.

>>3645840
>”Not particularly. Let’s head back to the base.”

>>3645840
>”I suppose we could head over to Yokohama. I’ve been meaning to visit the AP office there.” (visit Sarah)

>>3645840
>>”Let’s stop by Edo Castle.” (speak with Matsudaira)

You rub your chin thoughtfully. “Let’s head over to Edo Castle.” Crossing your arms, you look out at the passing landscape. “I should speak with Matsudaira.”

“Yes sir.” Nakajima nods.

Perhaps ten minutes later, you arrive. The castle is still under heavy guard due to the presence of Matsudaira, and the guards let you in without indecent. You both head up to the main keep, entering the building quickly to get out of the rain. As you walk into the main hall, you happen upon someone you hadn’t expected to see.

“Ah, Colonel-Sama.” Princess Hikari steps back, having nearly run into you. She bows, which you return immediately. “Though, I suppose I should call you General now. Congratulations on your promotion.”

“Thank you, Princess.” You nod. “Have you been well?”

She crosses her arms. “As much as I can be, I suppose.” Raising an eyebrow, she looks over at Nakajima. “I understand you were promoted as well. Congratulations, Major.”

“Thank you,” she replies.

“You look… Different.” Hikari leans in and looks close at Nakajima. “Hmm…”

You clear your throat, drawing Hikari’s attention. “So what have you been up to since you returned?”

Hikari frowns, her expression growing distant. “Sorting through Brother’s things, or at least the things that weren’t taken by Matsudaira’s men.” She then looks down the hall. “I assume you are here to see Matsudaira?”

You nod. “I am.”

Hikari points you down the hall to a side room. You walk over to the door, which is open. Entering, you see Matsudaira standing over a desk, looking at various papers. He looks up, removing a pair of spectacles from his face as he stands to full height. “Ah, General. To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit?”

>”Major Nakajima mentioned that the American mission might be a better fit for me. What are your thoughts?”
>”Princess Hikari mentioned that your men seized some of the late Shogun’s personal effects. May I ask what they were?”
>”You seem busy. Is there anything I can help with?”
>Write-in.

>>3645998

>”Major Nakajima mentioned that the American mission might be a better fit for me. What are your thoughts?”
>Anything I can help with?

>>3645998
>”Major Nakajima mentioned that the American mission might be a better fit for me. What are your thoughts?”

>>3645998
>”Major Nakajima mentioned that the American mission might be a better fit for me. What are your thoughts?”
>”Princess Hikari mentioned that your men seized some of the late Shogun’s personal effects. May I ask what they were?”

>>3645998

>”Major Nakajima mentioned that the American mission might be a better fit for me. What are your thoughts?”

>>3645998
>”Major Nakajima mentioned that the American mission might be a better fit for me. What are your thoughts?”
>Anything I can help with?

>>3645998
>>”Princess Hikari mentioned that your men seized some of the late Shogun’s personal effects. May I ask what they were?”
>>”You seem busy. Is there anything I can help with?”

“Major Nakajima mentioned that I might be better suited to going on the American outreach mission.” You cross your arms. “I was curious what you would think of it?”

Matsudaira raises an eyebrow, then nods slowly. “Quite the perceptive lad, I would say.” He sets down some papers and walks up to the two of you. “I had originally considered ordering you to go on the American mission, but I had wanted to grant you a choice of assignment.”

“Would you prefer I went on the American mission then?”

Matsudaira shrugs. “Well, you are the most trusted American in our employ, and surely will be able to curry favor with the right people in your homeland.” He frowns slightly. “But, if you believe there are greater opportunities for you in Europe or elsewhere, I would trust your judgment.” He pockets his spectacles, looking over at the table currently piled high with paperwork. “I may be a bit swamped, but changing out personnel rosters is of little issue.”

“So I’m not locked into the European mission yet?” You raise an eyebrow.

Matsudaira shakes his head. “It is still quite early in the planning phase. I can shuffle around whoever I need to in order to place you on a mission.” He grimaces. “Though, as we get closer to sending the missions out, restructuring will become more difficult.” He then produces a pipe, stuffing it with tobacco and lighting it. After puffing on the pipe for a few seconds, he continues. “Seeing as sending people overseas is quite the undertaking, I would like to get the lineups sorted out as quickly as possible, however.”

“That’s understandable,” you reply. “Any ocean crossing is tough, but managing a bunch of them at the same time must be even worse.”

Matsudaira nods curtly. “It certainly can be.” Looking over at you, he pauses. “So, do you have an idea of whether you want to take the American mission or not?”

>”I’d like a bit more time to think about it, actually.”
>”Sure, I’ll go to America.”
>”I think I’ll stick with the European mission.”
>”Actually, could I go on one of the other missions?” (which one?)
>Write-in.

>>3646226
>”I think I’ll stick with the European mission. However I'm sure I can make some statements to the news papers before leaving that can travel back. Warm up the crowds for your officals.”

>>3646226
>”Sure, I’ll go to America.”

>>3646226
>”Sure, I’ll go to America.”

A M E R I C A

>>3646283
>>3646281
Guys we already have pretty fucking good ties with America, We can gain support elsewhere and even cause more issues directly near england if we go to europa.

>>3646236
+1

this is actually pretty good

We've got a tie. I'll wait ten more minutes for another vote before rolling a d2.

>>3646226
>>3646236
Voting for this.

We have name power in the papers and im sure some will have read of our exploits in Europe.

>>3646226
>”Sure, I’ll go to America.”
We may be close but it's not a formal alliance just yet. Won't be upset if we go to Europe though.

Ok, we've got another tie. I'm going to get dinner, and if no other votes have come in, I'll roll a d2.

>>3646522
God fucking damn it. We're only gonna end up with 3 fucking posts tonight are't we?

>>3646522
Just do the d2. Let fate decide.

Still fucking confused as to where this suddenly need to visit America when we have there support.

>>3646236
i will vote for this option.

>>3646226
>>”I think I’ll stick with the European mission.”

>>3646236
Support

Alright, vote is for the Europe mission. Writing now.
Also I want to mention, you guys basically just voted to go to Edo Castle for no reason.

>>3646586
I just want something on paper and in public instead of relying on a glownigger for communication between the countries. That's my reason anyway.

>>3646692
>glownigger

I've never heard this term used for japs before.

>>3646689
I wanted to visit the fucking telegraph place

>>3646714
If I had to guess, it's a radiation joke

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“I think I’ll stay with the European mission,” you say. “Though, I’d be willing to make some statements to the papers, maybe try to warm up the crowds for your officials.”

Matsudaira raises an eyebrow. “I… Suppose that would be helpful.” He bows lightly, which you return. “Regardless, I shall leave the roster unchanged. Good luck in Europe.”

“Thank you, sir.” You bow again. “I assume you have everything else sorted out, regarding the mission?”

He nods. “For the most part. I have arranged for a ship to carry you and the others. We needed something large, since it will also be carrying the personnel for the British, French, and Russian missions.”

You raise an eyebrow. “I see. You’re sending quite a few people on the same boat.”

Matsudaira chuckles. “Well, it would be foolish to send four different ones to the same continent.”

“That is true,” you chuckle.

“Well, if there is nothing else you need…” He gestures to the table. “Unfortunately, I cannot trust the Shogun to handle the finer aspects of statecraft, so I must take care of all of this.” He frowns. “I have been swamped in paperwork for the last month.”

You bow again. “Of course, Lord Matsudaira.” With that, you and Nakajima exit the room and head down the hallway.

Major Nakajima looks over at you. “Are you sure that you shouldn’t go on the American mission?”

You nod. “Europe has better prospects. More potential alliances to build.”

“This is true,” Nakajima nods. “I actually know very little about Europe.”

“Me either,” you grimace. “I’m going to have to do some research in the next few weeks.” You look over at her. “Thankfully, we’ve got some Europeans around that I can consult with.”

You are about to say more when two Shogunal guards rush past you. They storm into Matsudaira’s office, and after a series of rapid-fire conversations, the three men exit and begin walking down the hall. Lord Matsudaira looks pale, and his face is twisted into a serious expression you recall only seeing on the battlefield.

As Matsudaira passes, you take up stride next to him. “What’s the matter, sir?”

“It’s the Princess,” he grimaces. “She’s left the castle.”

>>3646714
>>3646731
I'm talking about the U.S. spook.

>>3646741
What the fuck name for a spook is glownigger. That makes no fucking sense.

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And that's all for tonight! I wish I could've gotten the session moving a little faster, but some unpredictable delays occurred on my end. Until our next session goes live, likely on Saturday or Sunday, I'm more than happy to answer questions here or just chat with you guys. Thanks for playing!

>>3646749
Fucking salt, Thanks for the run. Whelp I guess the princess is our enemy now.

>>3646749
Arigato!

>>3646737
What the fuck is wrong with this goddamn proncess? She's always running around, well, good luck for them, we kept her safe through the transition.

>>3646783
If I had to hazard a guess, she might be a little too starry eyed about democracy.

>>3646832
She wants to be President

>>3647348
You'd have to create a democracy or a republic for that anon. We just got through one war in this land, she can fuck right off if she tries that shit.

Session tomorrow at 6PM Eastern.

Something has come up. Postponing the session until Tuesday. Sorry guys.

>>3658481
Fuck, Be safe chief.

Okay so the issue that made me postpone our thread on Sunday is still going on. I now have to crawl under my house to repair some pipes. We’ll have to do the session later this week.

>>3665276
oof, Good luck boss

>>3665276
Thanks for telling us.

Alright, everything is sorted out now, for real this time. We’ll have a session tomorrow at our usual time.

“Dammit,” you grimace. As you walk past the main gate to Edo Castle, your lieutenants follow you. “Why’d she have to go and run off, especially at a time like this?” Having learned that Princess Hikari left the castle unannounced and un-escorted, you were quickly volunteered to go and try to find her.

“Do we have any ideas where she could be?” Sato walks beside you, his arms crossed.

“None whatsoever,” you reply. “It’s been about twenty minutes since anyone saw her last, so she could be anywhere in Edo by now…”

“I see,” Nakajima speaks next. “How should we proceed, sir?”

You stop, standing on the cobblestone road outside of the castle. As you light a cigarillo, you slow down and think for a moment. “Well, we should treat this like we would a regular search operation.” Pointing at the city, you continue. “It’s most likely that she went into the city as opposed to the countryside, so we’ll need to focus our search there.”

“Edo is a big city, sir.” Kojima frowns deeply. “We could be searching all day.”

You nod. “We’ll need to split up and search each district, that way we can cover as much ground as possible.”

“Good idea,” Subaru says. “With a wider search area, we are sure to find her.”

“Still, we must decide who will go where,” Sato says. “After all, each district is quite different.” He looks over at you. “Your thoughts, General?”

You frown, rubbing your chin thoughtfully. “Well, you all know Edo a bit better than me, so I’ll let you choose which districts you search.” You look at the city again. “Myself and Nakajima will go as well.”

“Which district should we search?” She raises an eyebrow.

>”The trade district. Perhaps she’s attempting to board a ship and leave the country?”
>”The residential district. There are plenty of places to hide over there.”
>”The pleasure district. Hopefully she hasn’t ended up there, but if she has then we need to get her away from it immediately.”
>”The new American Quarter. She might be planning on going to the Marine Garrison, or the Consulate.”
>”I know it’s not likely she’d go there… But we should check Yokohama, just in case.”
>Write-in.

>>3681337
>”The new American Quarter. She might be planning on going to the Marine Garrison, or the Consulate.”

>>3681337
American quarter

>>3681337
>”The new American Quarter. She might be planning on going to the Marine Garrison, or the Consulate.”

>>3681337
>”The new American Quarter. She might be planning on going to the Marine Garrison, or the Consulate.”

“The American Quarter,” you say abruptly. “She may be planning to go to the Marine Garrison or US Consulate for some reason.” Frowning, you look over at Nakajima. “It’s a start, at least.”

“Yes sir,” she replies. With that, your other officers disperse toward different districts, and you begin making your way to the American Quarter.

Soon, you arrive at the borders of what has slowly become a slice of American society on Japanese soil. You see the occasional US Marine walking around in uniform, as well as plenty of your countrymen out in the streets. There are plenty of Japanese as well, mostly merchants and laborers. As you enter onto the main road running through the district, you sigh. It is crowded, with hundreds of people milling about in close proximity. “Well, let’s get to work.” You and Nakajima split up to cover more ground.
Roll a 1d20.

>Keep a low profile and look around. The best way to find someone is to make them think they aren’t being looked for.
>Ask around at some of the market stalls. Don’t mention that she’s a princess, but give them a physical description.
>Visit the Marine Garrison. If they haven’t seen her, you can at least enlist their help in the search.
>Stop by the American Consulate. You’ve got a sneaking suspicion she might have gone there.
>Write-in.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3681528
>Stop by the American Consulate. You’ve got a sneaking suspicion she might have gone there.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>Stop by the American Consulate. You’ve got a sneaking suspicion she might have gone there.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3681528

>Stop by the American Consulate

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>3681528
>Stop by the American Consulate. You’ve got a sneaking suspicion she might have gone there.

Did she find another american to elope with?

You head over to the American Consulate, which has been repurposed from an old magistrate building. There is a bustle of activity here, mostly diplomats and soldiers, as well as the sorts of hangers-on you’d expect from such a place.

You approach the front door and a Marine in a dress uniform stops you. “Good afternoon, sir.” He sets his jaw as he speaks. The man is young, maybe twenty. “Please state your business here.”

You frown. “I’m looking for someone.” You set your hand out at approximately Hikari’s height. “A local Japanese woman, about this tall. Young, wearing really fancy clothes.” You raise an eyebrow. “Have you seen anyone like that?”

The man nods slowly. “I think so, sir.” He gestures to a Parisian-style café across the street from the consulate. It looks trendy, like the sort of place diplomats and socialites would frequent. “A young lady matching that description went over there maybe ten minutes ago.”

You nod. “Very good. Thank you, Private.” With that, you turn and jog over to the café. As you enter, you immediately spot Hikari sitting alone at a table in the corner, struggling to eat with a fork.

Walking over, you sit in front of her at the table. “G-general!?” Her eyes go wide when she sees you.

“Hikari,” you say her name to avoid any unnecessary attention. “You’ve caused quite the scare back home. May I ask what you’re doing here?”

Her expression turns to one of embarrassment as she continues to struggle with her fork. She’s eating French toast, or rather trying to. “I would appreciate it if you forgot you saw me, General…”

You shake your head. “I can’t do that, ma’am.” Leaning forward, you sigh. “Can you tell me what’s going on?”

She leans forward now, her expression serious. She speaks quietly enough to avoid anyone overhearing your conversation. “I do not trust Uncle Matsudaira.” She trails off, as if unsure whether to continue. “I… I think he may have poisoned my brother, or at least done something to make his illness worse. He was fine before he left Edo. And now Matsudaira has taken control from the new Shogun…” She looks you in your eyes. “I am planning on meeting with people I can trust. They can help me find the truth.” She pauses, her hand trembling as she finally gets a piece of French toast on her fork. “So please, let me go…”

>”I can’t do that, Your Highness.” (take her back to the castle)
>”Who are these people you can trust? How do you know they aren’t deceiving you?”
>”You say you think Matsudaira poisoned your brother… What can I do to help you find the truth?”
>”Very well. I never saw you.” (leave her)
>Write-in.

>>3681689

>”Who are these people you can trust? How do you know they aren’t deceiving you?”

>>3681689
>”Who are these people you can trust? How do you know they aren’t deceiving you?”

>>3681689
>>”Who are these people you can trust? How do you know they aren’t deceiving you?”


reminder that her brother aas not fina AT ALL and she wasn't able to see him, it jut told her that he was not well.

the guy was at death's door hen we last saw him

>>3681689

>”Who are these people you can trust? How do you know they aren’t deceiving you?”

Her theory doesn't make a lick of sense, the old shogun believed the same thing as matsudaira, so much so that his death was a major blow to the campaing and almost made us lose it all, if he wanted the place he could have tried to be shogun himself, and he just made his power play after the current shogun shit the bed and wanted to put all the effort and the last wish of the old shogun to waste.

He is certanly shrewd but he saved our skin at that bad situation, and if he was to remove the shogun he would do in a more appropriate time then when he needed the shogun the most, while I think he would be capable, I don't believe he would do it.

There mist be someone poisoning her mind, because we know he was very sick and not fine at all before we went into campaing.

And what is she doing here? Is that fucker North behind this?

File: Hijikata Toshizo.jpg (78 KB, 600x600)

78 KB JPG

You frown. “Who are these people you can trust? How do you know they aren’t deceiving you?”

“At first, I thought they were just trying to make me believe a lie,” she replies. “But, then I began to notice some things…” Hikari begins listing off some interesting details. “Brother’s condition seemed to develop rather quickly, shortly after the campaign began. Brother was well-liked as a Shogun, and respected by many daimyos.” Her expression darkens. “As soon as he passed, Matsudaira took control of the campaign, and then when Keiki was named as the new Shogun, he quickly seized power from him.” She sighs, looking down. “And then, when I returned to the castle, I discovered that almost all of my brother’s belongings had been seized and taken away by Matsudaira. He has completely taken over the castle, and the country.”

“I think you’re seeing connections where there are none,” you reply.

“I am not as naïve as you think I am,” Hikari immediately counters. “Soldiers have to trst their instincts in battle right?”

You frown. “I suppose that’s true, but-“

“Ever since Matsudaira took control, something has felt wrong.” She continues without hesitation. “General, I do not expect you to go against the will of your master, but I beg of you, let me find the truth for myself.”

You lean back in the chair, feeling admittedly conflicted. “You still haven’t told me who your mystery ally is.”

“Do you promise you will keep his identity a secret?” Her expression is grim. “If anyone discovers his involvement, it could cost a good man his life.”

Sighing, you nod. “As far as anyone knows, I never heard this mystery man’s name.”

The Princess leans close, whispering in your ear. “The person who has told me all of this, who also says he has definitive evidence of Matsudaira’s treachery…” She trails off. “He is the vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, Hijikata Toshizo.”

You are at a loss for words. At first, you had thought it might be someone lying to manipulate her, but someone who has been so trustworthy… You honestly don’t know whether there might be some truth to Hikari’s accusations.

The Princess takes a bite of her French toast. “Now, General. Please let me go.”

>”I never saw you.” (leave)
>”I can’t just let you disappear.” (take her back to the castle)
>Write-in.

I'm going to pause the session here for tonight. We'll likely continue either in a new thread on Tuesday afternoon. My apologies for the slow session tonight, I encountered a delay when I went to get dinner. Thanks for playing!

>>3682150

>”I never saw you.” (leave)

Fuck it, Whatever,

>>3682150
>>”I never saw you.” (leave)

>>3682150
>>Write-in.
will you return to the castle after you meeting?
if yes I'll pretend I didn't see you

we should discuss this with our Lt.s to see what they think and what preparations we should make if things get hairy again

>>3682150
>>”I never saw you.” (leave
>>Write-in.
"Try not to disappear too long, dont arouse too much suspicion... And if you need help you know where to find my camp."

>>3682150
>”I can’t just let you disappear.” (take her back to the castle)
If she's afraid we can protect her, but we can't leave her here.

>>3682150
>”I never saw you.” (leave)

>>3682150
>>”I can’t just let you disappear.” (take her back to the castle)