Sato has shown a willingness to learn and work within the Dark Brotherhood. He has been in contact with the clan summit and he passed the Leadership applications course (and has more SA tests waiting to be graded as of the writing of this recommendation). I believe his activity in the short time he's been a member warrents his promotion to Novice so that he may continue to move forward.

Savant Sato Tarentae, 2005-04-21 22:00:00 UTC