Kitsu Doraemon, 1197

Imperial City, 5th day of the Month of the Horse (Akodo)

Imperial College

Kitsu Doraemon arrived on the hottest day of the year. The heat of the Jade sun beat down on Samurai and peasant alike turning the streets of Toshi Ranbo into baking ovens. Parasol sales were the highest on record and, were it not for the oppressive heat, the merchants would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

At the gates of the Imperial College, the two Imperial Legionnaires lounged in the shade hoping for the day to pass so they could get into the shade. The Lion Samurai stood waiting for several minutes before he was noticed. After several apologies he was ushered in to meet with Otomo Shiribashi.

Kitsu Doraemon bowed deeply “O-Sensei-sama, it is good to see you again after all these years. You look well."

Otomo Shiribashi bowed in return “Doraemon-san, thank you for agreeing to join us at the College. You knowledge humbles us all."

The small Lion shrugged off the compliment with the ease of the well trained courtier “We have made peace with the College, now we must strive to build unity as required by her celestial majesty."

The two men walked into the cool shade of the verandah as a servant appeared with cool drinks and other refreshments.

“I could get to like it here.” mused Doraemon, half to himself and half to the Otomo.