Early in the day, a small group rides into camp. They wear jade-colored mantles, marked with imperial mons.

"By order of the Jade Magistrates, the Jade Champion, and in the name of the Emperor, we will see your leaders now!" the leader of their party says.

The bushi among them are on edge, ready to fight ; the shugenja looks wary and willing to unleash their spells.

...and Himoto has gone to Mura Sabishii Toshi to arrange for some supplies.

Saotome sighs and goes to meet them.

"Please halt and state your purpose here. This is the camp of the Legion of the Jade Hand." He keeps his yari in his hands but pointed straight up, he is not threatening the riders in anyway, only asking them to obey form.

"Our second in command will see you directly as Kakita Himoto-sama is currently away on Legion business."

"We have stated our purpose ; we will see your leaders," the leader reply, his voice making it clear he is on edge and does not want his patience tried.

"They are one their way, Magistrate-sama, please be at ease. We of the Legion serve the Empire," replies the ronin. "May we bring you and your mounts water?"

Seeing the commotion Kakita Shimazu approach the group of Magistrates bowing to their leader.

"I'm Kakita Shimazu, a Crane samurai and member of the Legion. Our commander Kakita Himoto-sama is away at this moment. His second in command and sensei of our dojo, Hida Yagimaki-sama will see you soon. Who is he that seeks an audience with our commander?"

Saotome moves to stand beside the Kakita, glad that someone with some status had stepped forward to speak with the magistrates.

"I am Asahina Matsudaira, of the Jade Magistrates, acting in the name of lord Sekawa, Jade Champion and keeper of five!" their leader proclaim.

A messenger comes onto the Amoro's Pride, "Yagimaki-sama" bowing and scraping, "There are magistrates at the entrance of the Village." Yagimaki turns to the messenger and asks, Did you see their badges of office or their papers? "Hai, they are Jade Magistrates!" Yagimaki grabs his best haori and puts his diasho in his obi and makes all due haste for the entrance. As he comes off the gangplank, 2 large Crab sailors have fallen in behind him.

As Yagimaki approaches the gathering of magistrates he sees Shimazu-san, he slows his pace and starts to gather his thoughts.

Shimazu-san will be polite and ensure all protocols have been followed . So this will be easy, I will send Shimazu into the encampment to prepare a meeting area and a lite snack with the camp cooks while I check papers, then start a slow stroll to the encampment discussing the needs of the Magistrates while everything is prepared.

As Yagimaki walks up to the group, leans over to Shimazu and whispers, Dozo, Shimazu-san, please go back to the encampment and prepare a meeting area with a light snack for our guests. Yagimaki the turns and bows deeply to the Jade Magistrates, How may we help the representatives of the Jade champion today? Would you care to dismount and your horses can be cared for?

"As you command Yagimaki-sama" replied bowing.

The head magistrate node.

"Greetings, Hida-san," he says sternly, offering the slightest of bows.

Saotome moves to stand behind the Crab, commanders always look more impressive with some troops to back them up.

Yagimaki grins and says So why do the Jade magistrates honor us with a visit? Are you here to help train the volunteers? Asahina-san?

A single, harsh glare from the magistrate answers that question.