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Post by Shizukiri Naia on Aug 27, 2006 23:37:35 GMT -5
He hadn't expected that reaction, and the chill that ran down his neck at Akiyama's predatory smile was accompanied by the nagging feeling that he really should have seen it coming. He'd never forget the rumors, especially now that every sign so far pointed to their undeniable truth. It's been a while since I dealt with anybody like this, he thought, watching the shogun carefully, like a cat. My guard must be slipping.
Naia did not respond to the jab directed at his veiled curiosity; he simply bowed his head briefly. "Thank you. My family will appreciate your generosity." He'd established a boundary, how far he could press this man, and it didn't take more than this to know he didn't want to cross it. He watched Akiyama's brows furrow as the man wrote, and Naia expected more inquiry - but none came, just another mirthless smile. Naia managed a bead of sweat that ran from his temple and down his cheek to disappear under his jawline. He was slowly growing certain of one thing: this was not a man he wanted responsible for his family's well-being. There was a lust for power in his eyes.
"Communication will be easier if I have a contact in China who I can address letters to and who will forward them to you," he replied after a short moment, his eyes going back to the floor. "A Chinese soldier writing letters to Japan will not go over well. I would be most grateful if you could prepare such an arrangement."
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Post by Akiyama Kisho on Aug 31, 2006 7:59:52 GMT -5
Oh I am very sure your family will appreciate it, Akiyama mused, in fact I will personally make sure they know that if it was not for me they would become completely destitute. A wicked grin spread across his features and he merely inclined his head toward the other one while he thought. Akiyama wondered if there were any pretty young males or females in Naia's family, they, meaning his family, would be very thankful to him for his help.
"Yes, communication would be a great deal easier if there were someone on the other side." His voice was full of sarcasm yet his face now showed boredom. "That is why I am making you go over there, your creative you could figure something out."
He walked back around and stood uncomfortably close to Naia, leaning against him almost. "If I were you, I would hurry up and get the necessary supplies. It will not cost you a thing, they are already expecting you." Then he bent some and whispered conspiratorially in Naia's ear. "I would also hurry up, patience was never one of my virtues."
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Post by Shizukiri Naia on Aug 31, 2006 17:10:50 GMT -5
Naia was beginning to realize that he would likely spend the rest of his very short life cursing this man. It probably wouldn't have been a far-off guess to assume he was purposefully making Naia's job difficult for his own amusement. With any luck (unfortunately, something that he seemed to be very short on), Naia's father would have a trustworthy business partner on the mainland who could forward letters. Not long ago, I'd have asked why I'm the right guy for this job, but now I just want to know what I did to deserve it... not that I'd ask anything more at this point.
"Of course," he replied, bowing his head and concentrating on standing his ground even as Akiyama moved far too close. Your virtues are few and far between, aren't they. He glanced back to the door, more than ready to begin preparations - might as well get this over with and hope you live through it, he thought to himself - if for no other reason than to leave Akiyama's presence, where he felt very threatened. "In that case, I request that I take my leave."
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Post by Akiyama Kisho on Sept 10, 2006 14:10:51 GMT -5
"Fine you may take your leave. But, do not forget anything that I have told you during this meeting. It is imperative that you follow everything I have said to a T...but I am sure you already know that." Quick predatory grin before he walked to the door and opened it for Naia.
"Make haste young man, it is necessary. And for your own sake, do not get caught." With that he all but pushed him out of the door and shut it behind him. A low dark laugh escaping his mouth when it clicked shut, a sound of finality behind it.
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Post by Shizukiri Naia on Sept 10, 2006 17:33:13 GMT -5
"Of course," Naia said again, bowing his head and avoiding that feral grin. He approached the door, somewhat surprised that Akiyama held it open for him but not at all to feel himself pushed through it and hear it shut behind him. Outside the room, he paused, more than long enough to hear the all-too-ominous laugh. Still, now that he had left Akiyama's immediate presence, he felt some degree of relief; at least he wasn't going to die then and there.
He spent another brief moment leaning against the wall (the hallway was empty, so he did not concern himself with appearances), staring up at the ceiling. You had better survive this, Naia. And when you get back, start looking for a good anti-shogunate faction, why don't you? It might be less suicidal and more productive. Odds were, he wouldn't follow up on his own whimsical suggestion - he had little mind for politics, and as long as he and his family were fed and clothed there wasn't much that could rouse him to uprising - but the thought was amusing, at least.
Once his breath came steadily, he began to make his way out.
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