In the fashion industry, Benten and Daikoku were king, but Fukurokujin was a close third. A smart business was a good business after all.

This, Fusako came to offer her prayers and a small donation. Then she people watched.

Not far from Fusako the slim figure of Nishida could be seen. He too finished his prayer to Fukurokujin in the hope to find the wisest and smartest way through this miai.

Accompanied by Akechi he steped a bit outside the shrine and lighted a cigarette and smoked it, before he noticed a very fashinoable figure in the distance. He finished the cig and put it away in his portable ashtray.

There were many heimin present, and a few Phoenix samurai as well. There was only one Crab however, and consideration of his age...

Making her way over slowly, Fusako offered a languid bow. "Seeking wisdom for the miai Yasuki-sama... or am I mistaken?"

"No you're not. I'm Yasuki Nishida, procurment specialist for YamdaCorp. With whom do i have the honor, Asahina-sama?" he said with a sly smile, offering her a proper bow.

"Asahina Fusako of Isora Fashion. I'm the head of upcoming and experimental design." She paused, thoughtful a moment. "My father's core business model was more targeted toward small corp uniforms with a hint of the bold for a unique look. If I recall correctly, Yamda is likely a bit too big to have been in the target demographic, even if you didn't likely try to keep in clan for uniform procurement."

"That is absolutely right. I procure all kinds of resources for YamadaCorp. After all, the Bushi of our clan need their tools. But I am sure you have a very successful business if all your products are as stunning as the ones you wear." he complimented her.

"The business has had its ups and downs, but I have good reason to say it is on an upward trajectory now, in part because of my contribution." A pause. "So is Yamada a military supply corporation then?"

"We proud us for our weapons, yes, but we also trade with more than that" Nishida said smiling.

"Ah, I see," she said, nodding. "My mother used to work in weapons, but I never learned so much about what she did before she joined my father's company. Wouldn't have been stuff you would have dealt with, but it's a little connection I suppose."

"I see, we share a background. YamadaCorp is in my bloodlines hand for the 6th Generation, so you're mother probably heard from us"

"Perhaps. Asahina Arms deals much more with weapon development and research than manufacture and distribution, but I imagine she kept up on trends and developments in other clans," she noted easily. "She's been out of the industry since before I was born though. Now she does the business side of things for Isora while father sticks to his designing."

"Hmmm, what's your mothers name, if i may inquire? Maybe i've heard from her. As for me, YamadaCorp is managed by my bloodline for the 6th. Generation. This Miai shall ensure that there will be a 8.th to come"

"Asahina Shirami. She was quite young still when she left AA, so I doubt her name would have made it that far, though she was quite talented. Besides, the Asahina don't tend to make it a point to discuss their members that choose to deal with weapons manufacturing."

She paused. "Isora Fashion is fifth generation, though my family line's always been in the arts in one way of another. A long line of Kakita artisan."

"That's quite the name, the Kakita are always beating us on design."

Not on functionality though, he thought.

"Sadly i can't recall hearing her name before." he shook his head a bit.

"How do you find your stay here? I haven't seen much but the Heimin Marketplace and the Residential Area of the local Samurai, but as far as i can tell this place is quite lovely" lovely as in, this place needs some work

"It is quite... different than Isora's Rest, but has a charm all its own," which was her own way of diplomatically saying it could use some work.

He chukled a bit at that, "Depending on the outcome of the Miai, many things might change around here, what do you think?"

That elicited a small shrug. "I'm certain it will, but I only care about this place as long as I'm here. All things come and go and change after all, especially politics, but there will always be fashion regardless."

"But whatabout establishing a foothold, Asahina-san? Depending on the future of this Planet, the market here could grow. Wouldn't you want for your familiy, your bloodline and you business to be one of the top leaders on the market here? Should it evolve?"

"I could hardly say no to more people with access to my designs, but there are certainly more places than this somewhat plain planet that I could expand the business to. I am, after all, courting other clans as well. An opening into, say, Crab markets, would hardly be any less lucrative."

He laid his head a bit to the side like a curious dog. "Is that an offer, Asahina-san?" he asked sheepishly