Commander's Rounds Volume 1

Entry 103- Sword of the Sakura

The commander and so many others were gathered by the docks. As many ships of the Sakura Empire as could be found came out to await the special guest's arrival. The commander tugged a little bit on the collar of his uniform. Shinano's arrival was somewhat quieter (at Kii's request), but considering Musashi's high place in the Sakura Empire, it was absolutely on them to provide the most proper welcome that they could. He stood at attention, and looked down the line to see who else was there. There was the sleepy Shinano, of course, and further down was Kii, Izumo, and Albert, who was looking uncharacteristically stiff- He was a very formal person, but something didn't seem to agree with him. about this moment. He soon saw Kii drape at least one of her tails over Albert's shoulders, which seemed to calm him.

He looked around to see what the Sakura ships had done to welcome Musashi into their midst. Banners of greeting, rolling out the literal red carpet, anything to welcome someone of high status to the port. Hiei and the others had done a good job, and this was just the opener- He was certain there was a banquet planned.

Right beside him was the ever-lovely King George V. A red and white kimono had been made for her by Houshou, made comfortable for her maternal form. Even though he was expected to be on his best behavior, he still put his arm around her as best as he was able. King George appreciated the touch, placing one of her hands on his. "Worried?"

"The Sakura are big on ceremony, so I'm wondering if even this is too much."

King George V nodded. "While this is true, it will also be useful to give an accurate impression about how we might be disposed to each other. We should do her that service, should we not?"

"Of course.", He said, rubbing the side of her belly.

It wouldn't be long now...

The commander's attention was soon taken by the sound of footsteps, and all of the whispering stopped as soon as the visitor arrived.

The tall fox-woman was stunning, as they always were, but Musashi was a somewhat darker beauty than Shinano. While the younger one seemed to be merely a large, sleepy fox at first glance, Musashi was more alert, more proud in her bearing, and more dangerous on the face of it. He did wonder what character she might lend to the port, considering the ways that the more powerful Kansen could sometimes bend the world to suit themselves. However, as strong as her presence was, those tall ears of hers couldn't seem to stop themselves from wigging cutely every so often.

The commander remained at attention- he was sure Musashi would want to talk to her countrywomen first, and time bore that out. As soon as she stood at the head of the red carpet, taking in the sight of all assembled, she smiled. "Where among you is my sister, so that I may see her?" The commander looked over, and saw a pair of tall ears perk up. Shinano walked out onto the carpet, and took a bow once she stood before Musashi.

She slowly stood upright. "...This one is pleased to see you, and will be at your service..."

Musashi smiled, and remained silent for a moment. "It is not me to whom you will be rendering service. Now, where among you is Nagato?"

Shinano bowed once more and returned to her place in the audience. Soon enough, Nagato stepped out, and Mutsu was with her. She too gave a bow to Musashi. "I am merely one who has tried to render good service to the islands, and it is my wish that it has been pleasing."

"And it is my sister's opinion that you continue to do the work you have been doing as our representative here." She replied. "There is no more that can be asked of you than what you are already accomplishing."

"Thank you." And then she went back to her place.

Musashi smiled, and paused for a moment, as though recollecting something. "Now, where among you is that loyal servant beloved of my oldest sister. Where, then, is Kashino?"