Applications 1197

Imperial College, Toshi Ranbo, 1st Day of Shiba

Shosuro Beniha stifled a yawn. Reading through the applications for the next wave of students was tedious to say the least and even though the heat had let up somewhat, it was still warmer than Beniha prefered.

“Are they that bad?” Terumasa stood at the doorway.

Beniha shrugged “More mediocre than anything else. I sincerely doubt any of these ones will get caught up in the net.”

Terumasa flicked open his fan “We didn’t have high hopes for these ones and they have consistently defied expectations.”

Beniha chuckled “At least it will direct attention away from the real reason for the college. Though perhaps we should take in some Crane and Lion this time.”

“Do you really think that will avert the war?”

Beniha removed an invisible spec of dust “I doubt it, but it may hold it off for a year or two. Maybe.”

Terumasa sat down with a grunt of effort “I can’t help but feel that all this conflict is hiding something, but that might just be my grandmother’s paranoia. Once a Kuni, always a Kuni.”

Beniha’s mask turned to face Terumasa “I was not aware your grandmother was a Kuni, was she a shugenja as well?”

“Indeed she was. Though I never inherited the ability to speak to the Kami, I learned to always seek the truth behind the truth.” He paused for a moment “And to be constantly vigilant. My compliments to you both, it took me more than a year to realise. Which one am I talking to this evening?”

Beniha laughed, a genuine and surprised laugh “You constantly surprise us all Terumasa. My compliments to you.” With a somewhat theatrical flourish, Beniha removed the mask. She turned to her colleague “I am the Shugenja in case that little detail escaped you.”

Terumasa shrugged “I hadn’t realised, but it’s nice to know. Your secret’s safe with me.”

“Thank you my friend.”