The Tea Ceremony

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The Tea Ceremony was a virtual representation of one of Fujibayashi Naoe's genetic memories, relived through the Animus EGO.

Description

Naoe attended Imai Sōkyū's tea ceremony.

Dialogue

Naoe returned to Imai Sōkun outside House Imai.

• Sōkun: You must changed into the kosode before I present you to father. I'll have a servant help you dress.
• Naoe: I can dress myself.
• Sōkun: You can put on clothes. There's a difference.

Later at night, Naoe was changed into her black kosode and entered the residence, performing a saikeirei from a distance as Sōkyū did his work. Sōkyū, having seen the act, addressed her.

• Sōkyū: Sanuki?
• Naoe: Yes, Master Sōkyū.
• Sōkyū: Come closer. My sight is not what it was and I'm too old to post a threat.

Naoe got up and slowly moved forward, sitting at a closer distance than before.

• Sōkyū: I'm not surprised that one so young could secure the contract you brought us. Would you believe I managed the most prosperous warehgouse in Sakai when I was not much older than you?
• Naoe: Yes.
• Sōkyū: (chuckles) Very good. Tell me, did you receive the request from Lord Nobunaga directly?
• Naoe: I haven't had the honor of meeting him. I've only dealt with his agents.
• Sōkyū: Yes, that is how he would have arranged it. What is the name of this agent?
• Naoe: He told me his name was Chuta.
• Sōkyū: I do not know him. But I will. Now, tell me. What is the purpose of the tea ceremony?
• Naoe: The tea ceremony is a way of honoring the four virtues.
• Sōkyū: You follow the teachings of Sen no Rikyū?
• Naoe: I am still learning and would welcome further instruction.
• Sōkyū: Master Rikyū puts much on philosophy, but equally important is form. By respecting the ritual, we honor the experience.
• Naoe: I understand.
• Sōkyū: Good. I am pleased to say I was able to find three other women with similar interest—

Just as Sōkyū and Naoe were conversing, a servant quickly ran in to speak to Sōkyū.

• Man: Forgive me, Master Sōkyū. Lord Mitsuhide arrived unannounced. He insists on speaking with you.

Naoe, hearing those words, got up and sat at a corner.

• Sōkyū: Send him in.

The servant got up and retreated, with Mitsuhide coming shortly afterwards. Mitsuhide sat at Sōkyū's table and greeted him with a bow.

• Mitsuhide: My apologies, Master Sokyu, but I must excuse myself from your ceremony in three days' time. I ride to Lord Nobunaga tonight.
• Sōkyū: Your absence will sadden us, Lord Mitsuhide. Though... it is odd that he who requested your seat should so abruptly take it away.
• Mitsuhide: Who can anticipate such a brilliant but unpredictable mind?
• Sōkyū: Indeed. I shall express my regrets to Lord Nobunaga in a letter.
• Mitsuhide: No need, I will convey them. And I've left gifts with your house steward.
• Sōkyū: Your acts of generosity are always appreciated.

Having informed Sōkyū of the changes, Mitsuhide got up and left after giving a short bow. Naoe then returned to her original position.

• Sōkyū: Do you recognize that man?
• Naoe: No. Should I?
• Sōkyū: That was Akechi Mitsuhide, one of Lord Nobunaga's generals.
• Naoe: Is that why you wanted me to stay? You believe he's connected to these contracts?
• Sōkyū: I believe nothing until I have evidence. Sometimes answers reveal new questions.
• Naoe: You don't trust him?
• Sōkyū: You have captured my interest, but do not presume to have earned more than that. The guests will gather in the garden ahead of the ceremony. You may join them there.

Sokyu pointed his finger to the door on his left. Naoe acknowledged with a bow and got up, heading the garden on the right. Upon entering, she spoke to the first guest on the left.

• Otama: Hello.

Naoe greeted with a bow.

• Naoe: I am Sanuki. It's nice to meet you.

Otama responded with a bow as well.

• Otama: I am Otama.

The woman took a glimpse at Naoe's kosode.

• Otama: You must be new to Sakai. You haven't caught up with your fashion.
• Naoe: I am not so interested in decoration. Unless it involves ornamented teppo.
• Otama: That much is clear.
• Naoe: You are friends with the Imai?
• Otama: Our families have known each other for years. And how did you gain entry to this coveted event?
• Naoe: Sokun and I have sealed many deals over sake.
• Otama: Really? Then... I wonder why he's never spoken of you?
• Naoe: It's not so strange. He never speaks of you either.

Otama looked on with an annoyed look.

• Otama: There's something about you that doesn't fit. Peasant with a piece of art. Or a cat with a silver coin.

Naoe took offense with Otama's words.

• Naoe: What did you say?
• Otama: You stink of the countryside. Go back to your farm before you get hurt.

Naoe walked away from Otama and approached another guest, this time an older lady.

• Lady Satoko: Hello. We have not met.

Naoe greeted with a bow.

• Naoe: I am Sanuki. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Satoko greeted as a bow as well.

• Lady Satoko: I am Lady Satoko. I was unaware they allowed children at these ceremonies.
• Naoe: We are partners in business.

Satoko took a look at Naoe's dressing.

• Lady Satoko: (laughs) Forgive me. My uncle says I had to grow up before I could learn manners. I'm here on my husband's behalf, but I'd rather be hunting.
• Naoe: Oh? What do you hunt?
• Lady Satoko: Bandits.
• Naoe: Bandits?
• Lady Satoko: They are a scourge on our land. My maidservants are trained with teppo and we deliver swift justice to those who loot and steal.
• Naoe: But what of those who steal to feed their families? Or to take back what once was theirs?
• Lady Satoko: Theft is the most base and cowardly of crimes. No one should steal unless they are prepared to pay with their life. But this is hardly a fitting subject for this event. Excuse me while I contemplate this cherry tree.

Satoko moved on, leaving Naoe to approach the final guest outside the final guess nearby.

• Wakasa: Good evening.

Naoe and the lady exchange bow greetings.

• Naoe: I am Sanuki.
• Wakasa: What a beautiful kosode! I love the trim. You wouldn't mind if I steal it from you? (chuckles) I mean no disrespect. I am Wakasa. You may have heard of me?
• Naoe: I've only recently arrived, but I would love to learn more about one so famous.
• Wakasa: You have good instincts. Trust them. I am something of a legend in the making. I have my sights on Sakai. I wasn't born here and some find my manner bold. Are they polite or plain spoke in... Where did you say you were from?
• Naoe: I never told you. Sakai is the only place I wish to call home.
• Wakasa: A good answer. Enjoy the ceremony. If you plan to stay in Sakai, come by Osaka Castle. I'm overseeing some work there.

The two bid each other goodbye with a bow. At this time, Imai Sokyu made an announcement.

• Sōkyū: The tea ceremony will begin soon. I would ask our newest arrival to Sakai to come forward.

The three guests and Naoe gathered in front of Sōkyū outside the tea ceremony house. Sokyu first welcomed them with a bow.

• Sōkyū: On behalf of House Imai, allow me to welcome you... Sanuki.

Naoe responded with a bow.

• Sōkyū: As my honored guest, you will sit at my side that you might better appreciate the preparing of the tea.
• Naoe: You do me too much honor.

Naoe and the guests entered the house, with Naoe sitting on Sōkyū's right. They watched as Sōkyū showcased the steps of making tea. After making a cup, he first passed it to Wakasa, who took a sip.

• Wakasa: Hmm... I know this tea. Many years ago, I had it with the shogun. When there was a shogun.

After drinking, she passed the bowl to Lady Satoko who then took a sip.

• Lady Sotoko: This tea is truly sublime, Master Sōkyū.
• Imai: I did not create the leaf, merely realized its potential.

Otama, who was next to take a sip, picked up the bowl.

• Otama: The aesthetics of this bowl are exquisite.

She then took a sip of the tea.

• Imai Sokyu: It belonged to my master, Takeno Joo.

Otama passed the bowl to Naoe, who was the last to take a sip.

• Naoe: The blend of flavor puts mind and soul in balance.

She then returned the bowl to Sōkyū. After the end of the ceremony, the guests presented gifts to Sōkyū. Wakasa was the first to do so, offering him a dagger.

• Wakasa: Master Sōkyū, for your hospitality, please accept this dagger owned by the late shogun, Yoshimitsu.
• Imai Sokyu: It is remarkably well preserved.
• Wakasa: It endures. Like the Ashikaga.

Lady Satoko was the next to present her gift, a scroll painting.

• Lady Satoko: Master Sōkyū, I hope you will have the time to reflect upon this painting of wild geese.
• Sōkyū: Thank you, Satoko. It is beautifully rendered.

The third was Otama, who presented a Noh mask.

• Otama: I would like to offer you this noh mask, Master Sōkyū. Crafted by the artisan, Zekan.
• Sōkyū: From Ono City? A discerning choice. I thank you.

As the final to present her gift, Naoe presented the bamboo hishaku she obtained from Sen no Rikyū.

• Naoe: Master Sōkyū, please accept this humble gift.
• Sōkyū: I recognize that ladle. It's a Shutoku, from Lord Nobunaga's personal collection.
• Naoe: I got it through Master Rikyū. I'm sorry to have caused offense.
• Sōkyū: I see. That explains much. You gave no offense. I shall repay Master Rikyū for this act of generosity.

With the gifts presented, Sōkyū addressed Naoe and the rest of the guests.

• Sōkyū: You have honored me with your presence and gifts. I will cherish this meeting. You may see yourselves out.

The guests bowed to Sōkyū and then took their leave. Outside, as the guests conversed with one another, Naoe observed them from afar to identify her father's masked killer.

• Naoe: How can I be certain any one of these is Father's killer? But I can't risk missing my chance at revenge.

She first observed Lady Satoko.

• Naoe: This one possesses a noble grace I didn't sense in the killer that night. She's grown hard out of necessity, not cruelty.

She then observed Otama next.

• Naoe: I can see Otama commiting murder on a moonlit night. Does she know who I am, or is she just bad?

Finally, she observed Wakasa.

• Naoe: Wakasa and I are more alike than these others. She fought for her place here, but that path couldn't have been easy, or clean. I can't let this opportunity walk away.

Just then, Wakasa approached her.

• Wakasa: You've been watching me with more than idle curiosity.
• Naoe: I meant no offense. I've never met a woman quite like you.
• Wakasa: And I suspect there's more to you under the mask.
• Naoe: Mask?
• Wakasa: We hide our true selves in public. What do you say we talk somewhere we can let those masks drop?

Naoe, now confident in Wakasa's identity as one of the masked ones, agreed.

• Naoe: I would like that.
• Wakasa: Then come to my house. It's not far.

Outcome

Naoe met Wakasa during Sōkyū's gathering, deducing her as the one of the group who killed her father and the wielder of the golden teppo. Wakasa, still oblivious to Naoe's identity, invited her to her home to talk.

Behind the scenes

The quest's outcome depends on the target the player chooses. If players chooses Otama, the non-canon memory "Defensive Position" will become available next.