Isamu is relaxing in the upper branches of the tree, munching on a rice ball. He takes a sip from his cup, and places it back on his knee. "Ah the blossoms are beautiful this time of year." Isamu says to himself.
Yamashita emerges from the bushes, covered in brambles. "I forgot how nasty those plants were..." he mumbles as he picks some of the flora off his outfit.
Quite surprised by his sudden guest, Isamu nearly falls off his perch. "Hello, Yamashiba!" Isamu shouts, but then under his breath, "Or was it Yamakiba?" A look of confusion spreads over Isamu's face.
Several flashes cross the hedge to the east moments before the hedge falls apart, revealing Ichiro. Yamashita glances over at Isamu, saying, "Yamashita, but you can call me Yama if it would be easier, Isamu."
Ichiro raises an eyebrow at Isamu, "Isamu, you've met Yama-kun before. Don't be forgetful." "Ah, that was it! Yama, then." Isamu says as he drops down from the tree to properly greet his guests. "Isn't the tree beautiful?" Isamu asks, waving his hand at the brilliant display behind him.
Ichiro nods, "Truly it is...although I think it is perhaps best appreciated from without, rather than within. We must respect the beauty of the tree and give it care." Yamashita greets Ichiro, "I take it you sent for Isamu as well, Ichiro. What did you want to see us about?"
Ichiro turns to Yamashita, "I believe I've finished preparations. It is time that we move forward with our plans, and I believe I have settled on a location." Isamu walks over to the base of the tree, and grabs his gear. "So where are we looking at?" Isamu asks. Yamashita leans against a nearby tree, "So it's back here, huh? I thought you might pick this place. It's fairly secluded, and there's plenty of space."
Ichiro reaches into a pouch and fishes a piece of paper out of a notebook. Unfolding the paper, Ichiro says, "There's a spot around the eastern side of the island, down the cliffs, that is easily defensible and potentially very spacious and strong." "On a cliff-side? Nice views of the river...I like it." Isamu says with a smile. He finishes his rice ball and brushes his hands off on his pants.
Yamashita pulls a kunai from his pouch and starts twirling it on his finger, "So we have a place in mind, what's next?" Ichiro glances around for a moment, "Next we need to get a few more...dedicated...individuals, and we need to begin construction so that we can discuss things in a more private setting."
Yamashita thinks a bit and says, "Well, I'm sure we could convince Taishita to join us; he's fairly dependable. Plus, once we have the hall built, people will flock to us." Ichiro nods, "Taishita is definitely in. He's currently on business at the moment though."
Yamashita murmurs, "So that's why I haven't seen him around much lately. Though I've been busy with missions in Yamayuki recently as well." Ichiro nods, "The Riyoku are becoming braver, and I fear they may be planning something big in the near future. I want us to be ready if something happens."
"I wish I could get up there, I keep getting lost in the blizzard." Isamu says after he finishes what is in his cup. Yamashita pats Isamu on his back, affirming, "I'm sure you'll make it through there one of these days. You're just learning the area. Give it a few days and the blizzard might let up."
Ichiro's eyes flash for a moment, "You just have to focus a little less on where you're going, and a little more on maintaining a steady course." Isamu nods as he listens to the advice of his senpai.
Ichiro considers for a second, "...Or you could just run faster than the blizzard....actually, that will be your next training assignment. I want you to dodge between snowflakes." Yamashita chuckles. "In a blizzard?!? I'll see what I can do..." Isamu says with a sigh. Ichiro smiles, "That's the spirit! You can do it, I'm sure of it."
Ichiro returns to a serious tone, "Isamu, do you know of any likely candidates?" "I can't really think of many people, Gennosuke might be alright, and possibly Inyi, but I don't know either of them too well..." Isamu replies. He scratches his head, as if the friction will ignite a spark in his brain.
Ichiro chuckles, "Isamu, you should be more respectful of those you don't know." Isamu shrugs helplessly. Ichiro chuckles again, "Oh well, no harm done. They're not here to take offense or not. Isamu, I'd like you to see about obtaining some building materials. I know you've done some construction work before."
Ichiro continues, "Yama-kun and I will begin working on the area where we shall build." "That I can help with!" Isamu says, with a glint in his eye. Yamashita grins, "Sounds like fun, Ichiro. We'll have to work around missions, but we should be able to get this done in short order with Isamu and Taishita's help." Isamu nods solemnly.
Ichiro nods, "Lets go then." he says before vanishing is a swirl of dust. Isamu puts his cup into a pack, and says to Yama, "See you later!" Isamu melts away into the shadows, and disappears. Yamashita runs off into the shrubbery after Ichiro, unable to show off his remarkable disappearing technique.
