Despair and Wisdom: Imperial March

Kumiko waves the pipe away.

"It might be good to find something to cheer the members of the kaisha who faced...what it was they faced."

"That would be well, Kasuga-san," Kumiko says.

"That would be well, indeed."

"It would be good to have familiar faces in formation," Kumiko says. "And someone who is a tested Legionnaire might find a niche in the unit, with training to suit."

There is a slight smile.

"Though I have little doubt Kasuga-san can handle himself well already."

"There are many ways in which to serve," Kumiko replies. "But there is much of worth in serving alongside the willing and able, in fighting beside others. And it is the case that service in the Legion offers many opportunities, not only for advancement, but for enrichment. "There is always a need fo...

"Soldiers should look to their commanders for guidance," Kumiko replies. "And commanders should share what they know."

From behind him, Kumiko says "It is good to see so many survived."

She'll nod when and if he turns.

"Hope is always of value," Kumiko says. "Where the Legion marches, perhaps, it is more valuable."

"Such are the lessons taught across generations," Kumiko replies.

"Some have learned them better than others, however."

Kumiko, riding through to survey the status of her troops, finds herself beside Masayuki.

"It is a good thing, exhorting one's comrades," she says.

"Carry the Fortunes," says Kumiko.

"The Legion is at liberty until muster call tomorrow," Kumiko replies. "Many will doubtlessly still bivouac in their tents, though after baths and hot meals."

"Whoso trusts to the Fortunes cannot go astray," Kumiko says, "though the winds might blow them about before they land."

There's that grin again.

"A logistician and an adjutant, both of whom seem to be doing much, should perhaps ensure that their evening meal is ascribed to their chui."

Kumiko's gaze relaxes slightly.

"It would seem an archery contest would be better for after a long walk is done," she says. "Too much concern for where shafts would land makes for poor footing, and no judge wants to see a competitor stumble."

Kumiko shoots the Kasuga a sharp eye.

"The archer cannot be blamed for sending an arrow," she says.

Kumiko gives a single puff of what might be a laugh.

"It's a matter of knowing what questions to ask, and whom to ask them. Nothing more," she says. But she is grinning as she says it.

Kumiko smiles more openly.

"Kasuga-san is kind," she says. "The shireikan has made some recommendations for places in the village. Evidently, his travels have taken him this way before. The rikugunshokan, as well.

"The local bathhouse will receive a visit, to be certain."

Kumiko nods. "Fresh rations would be decidedly welcome," she says. "And it might be that Hida Yoshiko receives a favored meal. "As far as other kaisha, the Fourth is happy to assist comrades in arms. That said, it is expected that those comrades be similarly happy to assist the Fourth as needed. Per...

Nobody has thrown Kumiko, outside of jiujutsu practices, for a long time, but Yoshi is still able to catch her easily enough as she strides through the camp.

She gives a nod to the Tortoise, a tacit invitation to follow and speak.

"Agasha-san's skills are likely in demand from the kaisha," Kumiko says, "and Doji-fukkan's will also find use."

She gives them a nod.

"Anything else needing to be reported would do well to be said now."

"Commendable," Kumiko says. "Both of you."