A Decision Made, A Deal Struck

[23:33] Claude vey Pelleaux says, "I hope my arrival is not poorly timed."
[23:33] Nodding his head, Kirai watched carefully as Alyssa seemed to phase into the shadows before stepping out a bit later. He recognized it, at least, on premise. It was a technique that was used by some true masters of Kageken and other Assassins around the world, one that allowed you to meld with the shadows and avoid your opponents every attack with ease for a brief time.

Some fools thought it was meant to escape, to flee from a battle...

He'd seen it used properly though, by those that would close the distance and assassinate their target mercilessly.

"You have managed something... rather impressive, really. Truly, you nobles are something else, at times." He'd say, shaking his head. He'd have to discuss the technique and it's application more later, when he had a chance to personally evaluate her fighting capabilities.

Looking over to the shiroto that came to his Dojo, Kirai would frown. "Does it matter wh she is boy?"
(Kirai Kurokaiyo)
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[23:33] Kirai Kurokaiyo asks, "Ah, Claude. You came without the retainers today, hm?"
[23:34] Alyssa cos D'Arnette says, "Hello Lord Pelleaux, a pleasure to see you. "
[23:34] Claude vey Pelleaux says, "I have, often I find it enjoyable to venture into the night alone. Ah, cos D'Arnette. A pleasure returned. "
[23:35] Kirai Kurokaiyo asks, "And to what do I owe the pleasure, little lord?"
[23:36] Claude vey Pelleaux asks, "I was curious if you had came to a decision. Regarding what we spoke of last?"
[23:37] Bored out of his mind Juri invades the dojo with a gift. The gift of tea.

A tray rest on the palm of his left hand while the right opened the dour. Eight tea cups surrounding a kettle with tea that still had steam blowing outward.

Green tea.

And close by the kettle were two jars: one with honey and the other with sugar cubes. "For entertaining me with that tournament- please do enjoy some tea." He says to those present.
(Juri)
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[23:37] Rasmus says, "I'm sorry, I did not mean to be rude. May I enter and take a seat? "
[23:37] Kirai Kurokaiyo says, "Yes... Yes I believe I have."
[23:38] Kirai Kurokaiyo says, "Aki, can you manage our guests? Make sure Id is settling in, if you can."
[23:38] Kirai Kurokaiyo says, "Alyssa, you'll have to excuse me. Business calls."
[23:38] Kirai Kurokaiyo asks, "How about we discuss this over Tea, little lord?"
[23:39] Aki Kurokaiyo says, "Alright.."
[23:39] Claude let out a sigh, then with a motion he stood. Taking a step, pointedly beside Kirai. Following the master for a cup of tea and a chat.
(Claude vey Pelleaux)
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[23:39] Claude vey Pelleaux says, "Of course, my throat is parched."
[23:39] Alyssa cos D'Arnette says, "Of course."
[23:41] Approaching Juri, Kirai would nod his appreciation for the gift. Though, of course, Kirai didn't trust anything offered to him by an outsider. "A most gracious offering, shiroto. I can't say I caught your name, but I appreciate it all the same. Perhaps Alyssa and the others will partake with you? I have private matters to discuss over a finer leaf."

And with that, Kirai would lead Claude into the tea room.
(Kirai Kurokaiyo)
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[23:41] Claude wondered if it was so dark because of them all being NINJA.
(Claude vey Pelleaux)
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[23:41] Kirai Kurokaiyo says, "Of course it is Claude. It helps us Uchiha refine our Kurakaigan."
[23:42] Claude vey Pelleaux says, "Fucking called it."
[23:45] Being lead wasn't something that ever truly happened to the Lord. Indeed, being spoken down to wasn't something that happened either. Except within the halls of the Kurokaiyo Dojo. Much to his personal annoyance, leave it to a bunch of foreign assassins to be the only group to agitate him so.

Yet, he was no barbarian and showed the respect owed a host. Even if it was respect given through somewhat clenched teeth at times. Settling into the room, the same one they'd have their previous conversation within. The Noble looked toward the tea. His head tilting as he inspected it.

Though, this time rather than start drinking the man would look to Kirai. "I heard of your display in Sudbury. Are the rumors true or did they not capture the brutality as it deserved?" It seemed the Lord was engaging in small talk before business. Odder and odder.
(Claude vey Pelleaux)
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[23:53] Kirai listened to Claude's words, his smile at the faint sound of annoyance in the noble's voice was nothing short of pleased. It was rare enough that Kirai could taunt a noble so thoroughly without major repurcussions. But Claude knew better than anyone what Kirai was capable of, given their history.

"Ah, well... The truth is no one died, and no one was ever going to. Not if I had anything to say about it... My foolish children provoked a small riot with the slumdwellers trying to test their might, and in the process someone got carried away and left my son Akira without a leg..." Trailing off, Kirai remembered the incident and the feeling of guilt it left him with. He'd encouraged the fights to go on, right up until Akira was so grievously wounded.

"...At that point I had to step in. I beat down the guilty party, and then was about to deliver my justice when a knight, two blue cloaks and an alchemist all stood in my path. This forced meto beat them down, and by the time I was done my anger had only grown worse. So... I caused the fool who had taken my son's legs to self-immolate in his own magic, ruining his legs as well."

So saying, Kirai shrugs. "So far two Exarchs, Sparda and Soliel, have asked me about it and pardoned me, and now a third seems intent to punish me for my crimes. The Radiant, as I'm told."
(Kirai Kurokaiyo)
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[23:59] The lord took up the cup at that point, taking an even drink as he listened. His features calming evenly throughout the tale. However, he'd give a raised brow towards the mention of bluecloaks.

"Blue cloaks? Not of House Pelleaux I take it. No, not even my foolish cousin would step in the way of a incensed assassin." Though he said the words it was clear he doubted them. Sofia had proven to be nothing if not... Headstrong. "Though, how is your son. I take it his leg's been treated?"

There was a curiosity in the words, one more of a physician than a business partner. Though, he would continue speaking afterwards. "Well, I've little doubt you will lose in an honor duel over the issue. Though, worse comes to worse perhaps my sway will be of assistance."
(Claude vey Pelleaux)
[00:07] "No, Soma, Soren and Flint were the ones that got in my way. Ah, and the Alchemist, Donny..." Trailing off, he'd sigh.

Shaking his head, Kirai sighs. Claude's words brought to mind the fact his son's leg was still in such a state as it had been months ago. The Kurokaiyo's were wealthy enough, but they were not nobles and they did not have access to expensive minerals, even if their craftsman Gendo could have created a ninja prosthetic with them if he had them.

"Akira is still without a prosthetic I'm afraid. I haven't the funds or the means to attain the minerals needed to supply Gendo with parts. If you have any assistance to offer, it would be most welcome." Kirai's tone was no longer the superior, smug and playful tone he often spoke to Claude with. No. He'd humbled himself, and that fake smile was gone.

If nothing, Kirai DID truly care about his children.

"As for the matter with the Radiant, I expect that the ruling of two other Exarchs and the fact Soma himself supports my actions is enough to sway him. If not, I won't hesitate to mention your name... Afterall, we're going back into business together, aren't we?" With that said, he'd look at Claude meaningfully.

Kirai had made his choice it seems. He'd work as a 'bodyguard' for the Pelleaux, and train his children with such purpose in mind, knowing that this would likely lead to a life of death and blood for all of them again.

But deep down, wasn't that what he wanted?
(Kirai Kurokaiyo)
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[00:14] The man seemed to contemplate what he could do for the Kurokaiyo. He'd no mithril to spare but if he could find it he could fashion the prosthetic and apply it. Yet, that required a great deal of effort. A hand came to rest upon his chin as he let Kuokaiyo continue speaking. Perhaps he could send his servants to gather some?

Though his thoughts where shaken up when he heard the ending statements of the Kirai. Perhaps he'd retreated into his thoughts for the moment to give the Kirai a few seconds to compose himself. Though there was no one the Noble was so close to anymore, he understood the weakness well.

"We are, in fact I may have work for you sooner than you imagined. My associates have opted, against my advice mind you. To hire an amateurish mercenary guild to deal with a troublemaking commoner. If I move to deal with them, I expect to have you by my side."

It seemed the Noble had expected the answer. In truth he'd wagered the man only needed a push to return to old habits. For a few moments longer the man said nothing. Enshrouding the room in brief silence, it was the sound of a tea-cup being sat down upon it's plate that broke that silence.
(Claude vey Pelleaux)
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[00:21] Kirai's face turned to one of absolute disgust at the mention of mercenaries. Though they were not so unlike Assassins or Bodyguards in basic premise, they were far from refined and almost always acted as a warhammer when a scalpel was needed.

"That certainly will not do... You and your associates deserve only the best, not some sell swords that seek nothing more than glory and coin. I'll be only too glad to... see to the matter myself." He'd answer, shaking his head.
(Kirai Kurokaiyo)
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[00:26] "If that is how you truly feel, perhaps I will be able to convince my associates to rely more upon my contacts in the future. Regardless, I've no doubt there will be trouble from this choice and once that trouble starts you'll have a hefty reward for the delivery of this individuals head."

Evenly spoken as they regarded the ordeal. Naturally, they'd not spoken of their associates identities nor of the troublemaking commoners. It was easy to tell that information would continue to be withheld until it was needed. After a few more moments the conversation would take a different turn.

"The tea has been drunk and I feel we've those outside who crave your attention. Shall we call our business settled for now and return to them?"
(Claude vey Pelleaux)
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[00:35] Kirai listened carefully, nodding to himself as he thought it over. Indeed, Mercenaries were nothing BUT trouble. "Yes, I'm sure there will be. But honestly, I don't see any reason to wait. It would be much simpler to have me remove their heads before they become a problem. Then, your associates will have no choice but to work with me and mine."

It was a cold, detached kind of solution, one that could only have come from a man experienced in the taking of a life. Many, many lives.

"Yes, of course you're right. They'll start spreading entirely different rumors if we remain here alone too much longer."
(Kirai Kurokaiyo)
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[00:44] The Lord sighed softly, he didn't quite like the plan his associates had taken. Yet, was it wise to deal with the commoner himself behind their back? No, mostly though as it turned out, out of respect for the Assassin. After-all the punishment the council rendered was not death but humiliation.

Of course that position wasn't expressed except in a few muted facial expressions. All of which gave way to an amused laugh, his hand coming to cover his mouth evenly. It wasn't long before his reply crossed the space between them. "I'm sure tales of our sordid meetings already pass between hushed lips. I'll have to keep a straight face as the whisper 'seme' at my passing."

After he'd spoken the Lord settled his hands upon his thighs. No doubt awaiting the Assassin's move to guide them out. As he awaited motion though he'd start to think for a few minutes more upon the previous topic.
(Claude vey Pelleaux)
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[00:48] Nodding, Kirai would say no more on the matter, simply standing to lead Claude outside.
(Kirai Kurokaiyo)