[D2, LE] Can I have a horny toad, please? (OPEN)

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

The monkey nodded and stood. The act made the Fox chuckle. This was a familiar scene. A local approaching the Detective and the Mystery Five for assistance with a problem happened at the beginning of most episodes. The Detective would nod in acceptance and the group would begin investigating.

"It would be a pleasure to join you, Bayushi-sama, Yogo-sama." He smiled.

[Yogo Sadae]

"Kitsune-san." Sadae nodded. Fox were rare sight even on World of Dreams, most of the Fox samurai preferring the safety of their now home world. Still, the clan did business with the rest of the Empire and for that purpose held a small embassy on the planet. Still, Sadae couldn't remember when he had last seen one. "I hope that the Fortunes have been kind to you?"

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"They have." he nodded. "I've found the World of Dreams to be everything it is said to be."

[Bayushi Senshuken]

"I am not certain that I wish to know what it is said to be." The Bayushi jokes. "Sadae san, I am certain that you recognize Kitsune san and the Detective," she gestures towards the monkey. "Together they solve the most impossible cases every week for the whole Empire to see them, so I believe that they might be of a assistance on the project we were discussing. But I better explain first!"

She turns her eyes to the Fox and beams behind her mask. "Yogo Sadae san is a famous nakodo with numerous successes in his field of expertise. In the spirit of continuing to provide the most personalized services possible, we thought of a unique experiment intended especially for super stars. Matches that after having been approved genetically and on the matters of compatability by Sadae san are then given to the public, each artist's audience, to decide as part of a poll." She tilts her head to the side. "What do you think as one of the Empire's greatest stars? Would you be interested to know if your fans prefer you married to... Susumu Yakumo san? Yogo Tamiyo san? Bayushi Mariko san? Asahina Hinata san? Someone else entirely?"

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

That was clearly not what he had been expecting to hear. There did seem to be some interest in the idea, however.

"Would it just be a poll?" he asked after a quiet moment of thought. "Would there be anything leading up to that? To generate larger interest? I'm pretty sure there are already fan polls like that. Those don't lead to anything official, of course, but I feel like there should be an additional element or two to make it more of an event."

[Yogo Sadae]

"I am not certain that I wish to know what it is said to be." The Bayushi jokes. "Sadae san, I am certain that you recognize Kitsune san and the Detective," she gestures towards the monkey. "Together they solve the most impossible cases every week for the whole Empire to see them, so I believe that they might be of a assistance on the project we were discussing. But I better explain first!"

"I might remember some show like that? The offering here is rather wild." Which was to say that he had no idea what she was talking about. "And yes, explanation might be prudent." Figuring that Senshuken had a plan - or at least some idea of what she was doing, Sadae followed her, an eyebrow rising behind the mask. She posed a good question and he was curious to see where her line of thought would lead.

[Bayushi Senshuken]

Senshuken had hoped that she would forge the results of a poll and get over with it, but of course it wouldn't be that easy. Her mind flies to the conversation she had a few hours ago with the monk. She has to find her passion in being a courtier. There is no other way!

"Of course, it won't be just a poll, but we have to ease up the older generations, Kitsune san." She says jokingly and gestures towards Sadae. "Dates should take place, chaperoned and on camera, of course. Interviews. Forecasts for the final matches and the ultimate darling of the Stardom Court!" She offers a bright smile. "The name is still under discussion, but yes, I'm talking about the whole package from the first date to the actual ceremony. Everything on camera." She shrugs. "I am quite certain that both the audience and the producers will love the idea, but I am not an expert by any means so I thought of asking for feedback from someone who actually is. You!"

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"It's a good pitch." he nodded. "A formula that could be reused for several series. You'd probably need to include other types of stars, for longevity, though."

[Yogo Sadae]

"There would be a problem with that. Getting everyone's lord on board with it. Every time these people are on screen and they are not serving their lords, questions arise. Questions of loyalty. Managing to agree on how the revenue would be shared would be a nightmare." Sadae noted. "Kitsune-san surely understands how that works."

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"Of course." he nodded. "It was challenging enough having a show featuring the Minor Clans. I can't imagine doing it for the Great Clans."

[Bayushi Senshuken]

Of course it won't be easy and it will probably never happen, but who cares as long as Mariko is persuaded to pick a spouse because that's what her fans want.

The Bayushi offers yet another broad smile. "I believe that the very first step if we are to make it work is to gather the stars. Only their presence and willingness to participate can persuade clans and producers alike." She comments and sips her drink. "What say you, Kitsune san? Can we add your name in the list?"

[Yogo Sadae]

"Of course." he nodded. "It was challenging enough having a show featuring the Minor Clans. I can't imagine doing it for the Great Clans."

"I mean, if Kitsune-san can get his lord behind it, but well." Sadae grimaced. "There's a hurdle right there." Even if Kiyoshi wasn't such a bright star, getting Yakumo on anything would be night impossible.

Of course it won't be easy and it will probably never happen, but who cares as long as Mariko is persuaded to pick a spouse because that's what her fans want.

The Bayushi offers yet another broad smile. "I believe that the very first step if we are to make it work is to gather the stars. Only their presence and willingness to participate can persuade clans and producers alike." She comments and sips her drink. "What say you, Kitsune san? Can we add your name in the list?"

"Mhmhm. So Senshuken-sama would have someone approach her fans online?" Sadae was possible catching up to the plan. "And Kitsune-san might need to check that with his lord." he added with a chuckle. "I am sure they have some plans for him."

[Bayushi Senshuken]

"My fans?" She chuckles. "This is for stars, I'm definitely not one. But yes, the intention is to approach their fans online. What the fans want, the fans get. Isn't that how it usually goes?"

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"Not really, no." Kiyoshi shook his head. "More often than not, fan movements are manipulated, much like what you are suggesting. The outcome of such movements are, of course, approved in advance by the parties involved and their lords, as Yogo-sama said. That's why most shippings don't lead anywhere beyond rumors."

[Yogo Sadae]

"My fans?" She chuckles. "This is for stars, I'm definitely not one. But yes, the intention is to approach their fans online. What the fans want, the fans get. Isn't that how it usually goes?"

"Oh, no, I meant Bayushi-san's fans." Sadae looked at Senshuken, seemingly confused. "Well. Depends. Many a career have ended despite the best wishes of fans no? And well. I mean, she has her fans, but there aren't that many of them and some of them, well. Watch her movies to laugh at her." he grimaced.

"Not really, no." Kiyoshi shook his head. "More often than not, fan movements are manipulated, much like what you are suggesting. The outcome of such movements are, of course, approved in advance by the parties involved and their lords, as Yogo-sama said. That's why most shippings don't lead anywhere beyond rumors."

"That too. It's no unheard of to have some news to leak to public to cause a reaction of sorts among the fandom. As Kitsune-san said, fans have their ships, but they rarely sail far. No, I believe it would be better to find someone she would want to marry, despite being pressured to do so."

[Bayushi Senshuken]

She looks at the Yogo surprised. Why would he even bring up Mariko, thankfully not by name, at this point of the conversation with the Kitsune.

"I understand your concerns, but the idea is out there. Perhaps a different approach would be wiser, indeed." She turns to look at the Kitsune and smiles broadly. "Do tell me, Kitsune san, please help me understand how stars think, what do you seek in a spouse?"

[Yogo Sadae]

Sadae was content to let the rather impulsive Bayushi do the talking, not entirely sure where she was going. He sorta wished she'd have explained her plan before approaching the Fox, but well, if wishes were bikes, every ronin would ride a new Hayabusa.

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"Honestly, I haven't given it much thought." he shrugged. "I never really had time to socialize much, so I can't really draw preferences from experience. Beyond a match that would benefit my clan, I suppose I'd most want someone who I could work with, wherein we could support one another in our pursuits. Someone who likes animals too, and who could understand some of the crazy things that happen to me."

[Bayushi Senshuken]

"Well," the absolutely impulsive Bayushi who honestly has no plan at all, only that she doesn't even know it herself yet, grins. "This is the world of Dreams and dreams you shall have. I'll make it my personal quest for the next few days to help you socialize so that you can draw preferences from experience from now on. Deal?"

She casts a reassuring look towards the Yogo. Things are going smoothly!

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

He studied her for a moment. Then another moment. Then he nodded.

"Sure, Bayushi-sama. I think I'd like that."

The Detective clapped. The case had apparently been solved.