Despair and Wisdom: Imperial March

Masayuki notices a slowdown up ahead and looks past the chui to see what the possible delay is. Not seeing a gap between the Command unit and the kaisha, he determines that either there is a slowdown up ahead, or he imagined it.
He rededicates his attention and energy, rotating from checking on his unit, scanning for threats, and remaining prepared. He is pleased that the unit has not seen any wandering since that first day.
He says with energy to his unit, " Keep up the pace and be alert should it pick up."

Hametsu's ears pricked up and, after a wordless glance at Kumiko to alert her of his impending movement, he dropped back toward Masayuki's position.

"I wonder if you have a moment, Hida-san?"

"Naturally, Doji-sama. What can I do for you?"

"Thank you. I wanted to have a little word with you about the way your efforts are coming across in the larger legion. Now, we obviously appreciate all that you do for us in the 4th, but so often the remedy for an ailment can, when indifferently administered, lead to a greater disease. People are not talking about how well the 4th is marching, but about how you have had to yell at our troops to keep them from straggling. Do you see what I mean?"

"Yes, Doji-sama," stammered Masayuki, "your point is taken. 'Yelling' may be a bit harsh in this instance, but I understand that some see command as such. I can learn from your approach here."

"I am pleased to say that after our initial misguided marching, the entire unit has not had a single repeat of wandering and are more engaged with each other and with staying in line. Is there anything more you would have me do?"

"No. Hida-san is quite correct to be keeping an eye on the cadence and on his fellow soldiers. My only concern is that he should do so a little more circumspectly, so as to keep shame from accruing to his comrades and his kaisha as a unit. Since you have undertaken to do this, I can only thank you, Hida-san."

Hametsu bowed respectfully.

Masayuki bows in return. "Thank you Doji-sama. I will keep this in mind going forward so as not to damage the reputation of the Fourth Kaisha."

Masayuki muses that the Imperial Legion has more reason to place value on their image than his units did in his days on the Kaui Wall. Perhaps we are fortunate to be led by the Crane after all so we have examples to follow, both stoic and rigid, but discreet.

He vows to himself to be more careful of display going forward on the march and while a member of the legion. Deep down he knows that there are only two things which can affect him otherwise, including what is encountered in the Shadowlands should they tread there.

Hametsu permitted himself a small smile. "You have my thanks, Hida-san." And with a final bow, he spurred his pony and was soon back in his place in line.

/exit.

Yoshi hears the other two officers chatting and does his best to hide his amusement.

They're going about it wrong, I think. Not that they'd listen to me if I said anything.

Yoshi had been gobsmacked when he'd heard the rumor that morning as well.

"Man, Fourth Kaisha is sloooooow on the march."
"Maybe they think that because they're walking behind the command unit, command isn't watching them?"
"I sure wouldn't bet my neck on that."

Seriously? They were placed behind Command, and HO BOY did you not want to try to run over Command.

Yoshi felt the same as the Hida, irate at the slight and without a proper target to go directly at. He was running himself ragged though. In that way the uptight Doji had a point, but he was paring back Masayuki's initiative.

But of course, in true Kasuga Yoshi fashion, he had all the angles worked out. (Some terms and conditions may apply) Letting the 4th run over Command would lead to issues, while allowing the rumor to linger would hurt the morale he was trying to foster and diminish the 4ths impact.

But what if the 4th is what spurs the entire army on.

Yoshi has been tinkering with lyrics in his head for the march so far, but waits until the final push when the group begins to tire. He clears his voice and belts out a lively marching tune as he did before, only with more purpose. He keeps moving through the kaisha, and lo and behold the tune begins to spread.

Boot goes up and boot goes down:
Stamp on toward the next town
We march for the highest Wall
So that it will never fall!

Sound off! One, Two
Sound off! Three, Four

We head South and we head West
For our land is greatly blessed
With brave men who'll never cower
Even at their darkest hour

Sound off! One, Two
Sound off! Three, Four

Hold your sword, draw your string
As the Fortunes sweetly sing
For the Emperor we will win
Our Legion brothers are our kin

Sound off! One, Two
Sound off! Three, Four

D4LA - "Marching Marching Marching" - Using Coursing March Chant shuji to function as Metagame check per GM ruling - Water/Performance. Incurring 1 point of Fatigue that cannot be healed until Session 3 to reduce TN to 2 t | TN: 2 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 2


Legion gains +1 Discipline
Yoshi gains Tidbit
Kasuga Yoshi Composure 9/10
Kasuga Yoshi Endurance 1/6

Marching to the beat and per instruction of the singer Yoshiko showed off her skills. Maybe she messed up a step or two but nonetheless the tall Hida knew that 4th Kaisha was doing it is best.

Marching to the cadence, Masayuki smiles at the Kasuga's efforts. He is pleased that as the second verse starts, so many are keeping the pace. He tries to put the rumor behind him.