After thanking the kami for their assistance, Asako Koyoja opened his eyes, saddened by what was transpiring around them. Somebody within this fortress had framed Isawa Mutsuye... of the most blasphemous crime imaginable, being a maho-tsukai. Why they had done so, he did not know. Politics was a game others played, not him. It was but another distraction along the grand path laid before him.

"I for one, Lady Isawa, believe your innocence in this matter. I shall pray to the Fortunes that we can unravel this horrid plot." With a bow, he stands up, and walks towards a window. As he walks by Seppun Zatoichi, a question leaves his lips.

"What shall we do now? I can find of no... true evidence supporting what the kami have spoken to me of."

"I will search the room, for any other evidence, planted or otherwise." His attention then turned to Noboru, just for a moment, as he spoke, "Were you with the lady Isawa all day?" before beginning to search the room.

(OOC: Investigation checks until I get it right. Also conversing with Noboru and Mutsuye.)

"No I particpaated in the archery contest"

You find no more evidence.

Mutsuye is crying in the corner.

__________

The halls of kyuden hida began to quiet again as many went back to getting ready for dinner.

Koyoja patiently waits as Zatoichi continues his search of the room, though he is doubtful the Imperial will find anything else. They found what they were meant to. At the sound of the sobbing in the corner, the monk turns his head towards the young woman, and frowns.

"Tell me, Lady Isawa, how did your prayers go?"

she sobbed harder.

"I... I had a vision... I saw the phoenix."

Kneels down, so he can be on eye level with her, and nods slowly. A vision of the great Phoenix was a potent thing... it was odd that she should seem to bemoan such a thing.

"Why does such a thing bring you sorrow, my lady?"

Mutsuye turned bright red and began to cry loudly. She buried her hands in her hands.

"You're upsetting Lady Mutsuye." Noboru scowled. "I will not stand idly by and let you insult Lady Mutsuye with your acusations." His hand reached for his wakizashi.

The monk shakes his head at Noboru, and bows towards the yojimbo.

"I apologize, noble yojimbo. I did not mean to upset your Lady. Nor am I accusing her of anything. It is obvious there is a foul maho-tsukai attempting to frame your honorable ward. I believe that by taking note of all unusual occurances, including Lady Isawa's vision, we both can bring justice to the true blasphemer, and remove the stain of doubt that has been brought to this room. Please, I implore you. Let us find this traitor, together."

"Right, let's find that Scorpion chick and see if we can't find that Shigeru's location from her."

ooc: Time is up.

Hiruma Ryoichi walked up to Sagaki and Nadare.

"Hida-sama orders you to report immediately, where are the others?"