Tag: Eiji

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 11

Posted on July 9, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

Tōchaku-sai – Festival of Arrival

20th of Akoko in 1123 (Month of the Horse) – We have been at an inaugural festival for the last few days. Called the Festival of Arrival for more than one reason. The Agasha family is taking over these lands after leaving the Dragon Clan for the Phoenix . Then there’s the arrival of the Emperor’s Gift.

Hida Eiji was called home for what most suspect is his upcoming marriage as a bride was likely found. I’ll miss games of Go with the Nezumi, Gru’Vi. However, I will miss being a big sister to Miu, Eiji’s daughter, the most.

The city will be opening up tomorrow on the 21st of Akoko which will be declared a new festival called: Tōchaku-sai Festival of Arrival . Today however is the Festival of Lady Shinjo, the Unicorn Clan’s Kami. Food stalls, merchants, street performers, and contests to see whom among those of the city and the caravan can become champion of the elements.

It’s been difficult to determine how Donoha feels about the loss of some of his family to the Phoenix or why did this happen in the first place. Since this is where the Agasha are going to show up Donoha is strictly following the tone set by Mirumoto Tanetsu. It is a wait and see approach due to a lack of information on this issue bearing further investigation. Since this would seem – from an outsiders view – take most of the Dragon Clan’s shugenja away.

Alas that will have to wait readers. Today is about fun, frivolity, and fantastical flights of fancy and fear! Isawa Genji participate in the Element of Void Challenge where they had to guess the elements in large jars with lids to seal them off. For Genji this was a easy thing to do.

  • The first one he was able to determine it was Sand (Earth)
  • The first one he was able to determine it was a Burning Candle (Earth Fire)
  • The first one he was able to determine it was a cupcake sculpted into a tsunami wave by a Crane artisan (Earth, Air, Water). They told me later that this one was touched by the Kami will make the user feel better.

After winning the were gifted with the cupcake and they found Doji Hoto going between meetings he was being ordered to attend. He went right up to him and holds out the cupcake and in his stereotypical slightly condescending voice he said, “Doji Hoto San, I earned this cupcake by the intervention of the Kami. And of all the people at the whole of this festival, you are the one I feel deserves this most. Please, I would be honored for you to enjoy it.”

Kitsuki Donoha sama was happy today and often could be found staring off as though in reverie. Today he had entered the Element of Air Challenge. In which they had to avoid being hit by one of the newest inventions in Rokugan! Water filled Gomu ゴム Barūn 風船 (Rubber Balloons)!

Maybe invented in the last 20 years by the Phoenix working on new compounds to try and match the chemical compound knowledge of the Kitsuki family. They have, with information freely shared by the Kitsuki when asked, invented a substance from the trees in their lands they called gomu (rubber). It was discovered that this substance can stretch and while fragile in this state it can carry several times it’s size in liquid! It was a pair of children of one of the shugenja researchers that began throwing them and many years later it is starting to catch on!

Part of the issue for people’s reluctance to use it is the name Gomu. If written with certain characters desccribes a scoundrel or someone that acts in bad faith. Yet another set of characters and you could be saying a assassin, jackal. Alas they went with it and have slowly been working on showing how useful it can be. They have certainly created a children’s toy.

To coin a phrase, Donoha sama is a kind and gentle soul, however he’s also traveled the breath of Rokugan once already and has the scar to prove it. He has a bit of resting grumpy face. I will also point out that I have – in private – made him aware of this fact. He does indeed work on it during social occasions like this one.

All of his opponents today would be children of the city and caravan throwing the aforementioned, water filled, gomu barūn. Here is a rundown of the rules: destroy the gomu barūn without getting their watery contents on themselves. Donoha walked into the circle wearing the kimono Lord Akodo Tozawa had given him. Just to remind everyone that it shows a Lion Clan’s savannah at sunset and the embroidery only enhances the dyed silk. It’s worthy of going to an imperial banquet.

When the child of 4-5 years came forward, Donoha squatted down and cup the sides of his face so almost no one saw what he did next. The child however began to giggle and laugh out loud. Perhaps I’ll need to talk the ladies directly behind the child that brought him up. They made such adorable faces and said, “Oh, he’s good with children!” Just before covering their excited expressions with fans.

His Chikai kodzuchi 誓い小槌 (Oath-hammer) in the front of his obi, Mittsu Tamashī 三つ魂 (Three Souls) on his left, and the wakazashi Kitsuki Inoki bequeath him on his back. He pulled folded scarf from his obi and tied it around his eyes. Then he bowed to the child and took his stance. The crowd was already starting to grow! The child double hand heaved it and in a flash Mittsu Tamashī was alive and visible as Donoha caught it on his blade, fling it up overhead and when he cut it the people that got some water on them were the ones behind him!

When he came back to center up his katana had been wiped and was sliding into the sheath. He folded his blind fold back and not a drop of water on him. He waved to the child as the women led the little one away and the child waved back excited! Returning the scarf to inside their Obi he looked for his next challenge.

Three children came up between 7-9 years of age and Donoha regarded each for a moment. Then he bowed low enough to be at eye level with each of them. The crowd seem stunned and surprise because his eyes were pointed down at the ground and not to them. It was a noted act of deference to the children. Nods came from the adults because he did not know their status and chose to respect them by default! A LOT of samurai could learn manners from Donoha. He squatted to be at eye level and asked if they were ready, and did they mind being wet. All of them said it was okay as their kimonos weren’t fancy because they wanted to participate in this.

Nodding to them each, he stood and took his stance facing them. They reared back and launched their volley! He cut one so the water went back on its owner! Slashed the next so the third child got wet and returned the favor with the third water-filled gomu barūn back onto the second child! Wiping his blade it went back into his sheath and he bowed to each child as he had done before and the crowd really began to turn favorably to the scarred Dragon Samurai.

The next group was five children about 10-12 years of age and Donoha repeated his bows to each child. They were returned in kind to Donoha. Once both groups were ready they threw the balloons and Donoha lept into the air spinning as he destroyed them all. The crowd was cheering and a Crane Clan artisan stopped working on their current project and began sketching Donoha performing that feat! He bowed to the five and asked them to hold out their hands. They did so and he rested Mittsu Tamashī 三つ魂 (Three Souls) upon their hands so they could see it up close. People were talking constantly about how kind he had been with the childern and only moments before had been frightening the adults with his skill! (edited)

Then came the last challenge to see if he would go to the finals. Seven children, one from each clan dress in the predominant colors of their clans. Between 14-16 years of age just before their gempukkus would begin. The bows were exchanged and he asked them if they would like a moment to confer amongst themselves. They did and he walked to the far side of the ring. When they motioned they were ready he came back and stood calmly before them as they launched their volley!

He destroyed the Phoenix Clan balloon first! Then the Dragon’s, spinning into the Unicorn’s, slashing through the Lion, and piercing the Scorpion’s balloons! The swings came flashing by quicker than I can write! The Crab’s was cut in half and for the Crane he flourished his katana. He smack his tsuka (handle) making it spin like an auger to drill with and the water spun outward like a chrysanthemum!

The crowd went wild and the teens were astonished! After wiping and sheathing Mittsu Tamashī 三つ魂 (Three Souls), he personally thanked each of the teens for helping make the day special for him as he was sure it was for everyone else. Genji got to see the last match and overhear everyone talking about how nice he was to the participants, truly honorable. Then other talks circulating were how NO ONE wanted to cross swords with him! They all knew the name Kitsuki Donoha and Mittsu Tamashī 三つ魂 (Three Souls) before they left that day. It would seem stories about the eight man test cut had made it out here as one person claimed to be there and saw it.

I have to wrap this next part up because of a mission I have been given. Genji and Donoha perused the food stalls and no one would let Donoha pay after realizing who he was with the scar and stories about the talented samurai of the Dragon. From the Lion stall – a sweet root mash garnished with a sturdy sour leaf (used as utensil & edible). From the Unicorn stall – roasted Kabobs! Very popular with the youth it seemed and Donoha seemed to enjoy them as well.

They paused for a bit at a particular play of interest is presenting the curse of the city, a major legend prior to that of Matsu Hitomi (when the city was The City of Suffering). A spirit recounted that the city had once been a home to a powerful maho-tsukai, a villain so evil and ruthless only the combined powers of the Jade Champion and the Council of Five could lay him low. Before dying, he cast a terrible spell on the city – one that would allow him to return one day.

Donoha asked me to keep this part brief for Doji Hengo’s sake but I am so spilling Tea with Hoto sama later.
A Yasuki gem merchant and a Crane samurai argue over jade purchased by the Crane’s sister the previous day. Through Genji and Donoha’s efforts they were able to determine the Crane, one Doji Hengo, was trying to pull a fast one on the merchant. The honorable merchant, Yasuki Han san, was very grateful.

Apparently Doji Hengo and their sister have been living in Toshi no Omoidoso for about six months. Donoha felt sorry for the Crane knowing his own money woes and Doji Hengo’s sister spending their koku wastefully. He gave him his Koukai and Kozuka from his sword so he could try and help the family. He sent me after him to quietly gather more info! My first mission!!!

Oh by Fortunes I have never seen someone clearly at the whim of so many as my master. I believe he has the favor of Xing Guo (Fortune of Steel) and Sadahako (Geisha and Artists). As I’ll explain later, but I am two tables away and if what I hear is correct then Benten (Romantic Love), Natsu-togumara (Travel and Experience), Megumi (Heroic Guidance), and Ebisu (Honest Work) are testing him like you temper a sword!

I am going to describe somethings that you will think matter and then in all great tales comes the moment where you should have taken a left turn at Toshi no Omoidoso. I am mildly concerned this could be my last entry. Well here we go!

While I went off to find out information Donoha sama and Genji san went to speak with the ambassadors. Since Donoha’s actual lord is Mirumoto Tanetsu sama he felt it wise to seek his counsel. Mainly to make sure information was being shared and they were following their lord’s will. His aid was present as he was in disposed of at the time they arrived. Mirumoto Odayakara I found out is a storm under a still sea. Apparently, the word under the tea leaf is that Isawa Genji had a loud outburst about their reaching out to the void and trying to find Doji Hengo – if that’s their real name. What he found was Fu Leng staring back at him!

Odayakara sama was beyond gracious and benevolent. In forgiving this outburst since a Phoenix Shugenja of much high renown and honor than Genji had a similar outburst before falling into a sleep, unable to be woken from! Donoha put his neck on the line for Genji and nearly lost it. Which would have meant my death as well! When Genji offered seppuku alongside Donoha my master thought he had learned his lesson.

Let’s be blunt if that had happened to the Crab aid Genji would be dead and possibly Donoha as well. Genji is presenting themselves as a sheltered, man-child that does not appear to care for anyone other than themselves. They see their connection to the Void as so superior that all else is meaningless to their power.

The sad part is they actually have similar thoughts to Doji Hoto on fighting evil. Both were willing to forgo the festival to hunt down Hengo and find out what was going on here. Donoha would have gone but he had stuck his neck out for Genji and I could see they were hiding the fact they were frustrated and hurt. Genji was about run off after Donoha had gotten him the meeting to speak with the caravan leadership in the Dragon ambassador. Getting the ear of your Damiyo on the same day you ask for it – is – not – common!

Once Donoha explained this to Hoto and that he had to represent his clan in the final competition and attend the meeting he set up for Genji. Hoto nodded and they would wait and assess after the festival. Now to Genji’s credit since they still had yet to introduce themselves to the Phoenix Clan Emerald Ambassador. They won their Void competition, however, I am not documenting more of it than that because my head is on the block again for a situation I can not control!

Donoha’s final match was against none other than the women he saved for Akodo Tozawa sama! Matsu Mayumi is a beautiful samurai. I could see Donoha was honored to see she had similar sword skills. Their competition was around the curse of the city.

A major legend prior to that of Matsu Hitomi (when the city was The City of Suffering). A recounting that the city had once been a home to a powerful maho-tsukai, a villain so evil and ruthless only the combined powers of the Jade Champion and the Council of Five could lay him low. Before dying, he cast a terrible spell on the city – one that would allow him to return one day.

When Matsu Mayumi gave her rendition of the tale I was worried because my lord said he’d only heard the tale twice. Once three years ago and earlier today. Her voice was commanding, her posture grand, and her gravitas was beyond one of her years. It was stellar.

When she swapped places with Donoha, whom was dressed in a green and gray kimono picked out and purchased by Doji Hoto! The embroidery showed green dragons dancing in the grey sky and silver dragons bathing in rivers on the green part. Donoha bowed to her, then to the judges, and lastly to the crowd because he saw this as a duel still.

He produce several colored scarves from inside his kimono. I know he’s been testing out other colors than mint and forest green. Laying the scarves out he spoke not a single but with some snaps of his fingers the musicians present caught on before the crowd and they began to play music. He began a ONE-MAN performance of the play earlier today using the scarves as a stand in for Noh Masks! He memorized the play! For someone not an actor or even trained to be going through the motion from rote memory was astounding! The Crane were nodding in approval, even the Scorpion were comparing notes and recall seeing him watch the play earlier, but not taking any notes. The memorization of the performance was flawless!

He was declared the winner. To be honest in my reflection, they were so different and yet you could see the strength of each opponent. I did not envy the judges making this call one bit.

Then came the meeting with the Dragon Emerald Ambassador – Mirumoto Tanetsu sama. Donoha waited with utmost patience and when his lord poured a cup of saki and set it across from himself at the table Donoha knew it was an invitation. I moved quietly to a table nearby in case I was called for, but did not presume to be invited.

At one point Donoha needed to explain further some items his companions might have a better grasp of and he is a man of inclusion, not exclusion. Requesting permission to ask his companions to join, he waved his gifted Centipede copper fan to catch their attention. He almost caught the attention of two other samurai but Doji Hoto sama explained Donoha was still learning fan etiquette. Both Hoto and Genji joined and at first everything seemed to be going well.

Then the group realized their were three gates and they each monitor one. Being kind my master opted for the Eta gate so Doji Hoto or Isawa Genji would not have to and someone had to do it. There was the main gate and the Heimin or worker / merchant class gate. Genji proved in this moment to have learned nothing about working with others.

He explained – in front of the Dragon Ambassador at the banquet – which was thinning out but still public! That he had Void spiritual things to do and we could do what we wanted but he will figure this out as he sees fit. Then when Doji Hoto tried – and I do emphasize, tried – to explain the situation he compared all courtiers of the empire to be equal to geisha! What clearly infuriated my lord, whom has a high appreciation of the arts, is his reference to geisha as whores. With what he remarks courtiers do best.

For those that don’t know geisha are the highest of the Eta class – Hinin. For the hanamachi (flower towns) that provide them as entertainers the vast majority do not engage in carnal acts. To have a Danna or patron that they would engage in such acts only with this individual and sometimes would be adopted into their house. That part is a small fraction of the most affluent Danna. It would also signify a retirement.

So like I said readers this may be my last entry if Mirumoto Tanetsu asks Donoha to commit seppuku. I don’t know whom the Phoenix maiden is that befriended this shugenja. But Genji is putting Donoha’s love of her and by extension him through the Shadowlands. Makes me wonder if the Shadowlands taint here is trying to bring the Maho-Tsukai back???

When Mirumoto Tanetsu sama spoke it leveled the field, It was as though a soft rolling thunder makes sense but his presence carries more weight. He flashed his fan and asked that Genji give him some time with tea to discuss his concerns. His fan flicked and snapped shut. He walked out with Genji, but it was Hoto that surprised me.

“Donoha-san, your master wants us to wait for an hour here before we turn in. He’s taking care of this and will excuse anyone present of any loss of glory or honor they may feel.”

The spilled tea that began to circulate as we were waiting was news of a shugenja that had saw something in the void causing them to become ill and lash out. A rising temper and excuse of etiquette, which caused him to be called back home for further instruction/correction. Any ancillary parties have been absolved of any association or involvement. Whew!

It’s believed that Fu Leng’s lingering presence is somehow corrupting some samurai and upscaling their emotions. For most it is anger, some it is sadness…for the worst, the THREE greatest sins of FEAR, DESIRE, and REGRET. Genji appears is not the only victim and healing will take time. In that regard the compassion Tanetsu-sama displayed is amazing. Donoha has an excellent lord!

21st of Akoko in 1123 (Month of the Horse) – The new festival day of Tōchaku-sai – Festival of Arrival had finally come. My master and Doji Hoto had met up that morning and the Crane was able to see the Dragon was in a deep mood. He offered his ear and ask if the affair should be a private one. When told privacy would be preferred he offered to go through practie katas with him someplace quiet. Donoha smiled and grabbed the bokken he’d gotten from Pale Oak Castle in the Aoijiro Province of the Phoenix Lands. Made from branches of the tree above the burial of Emperor Hantei the XVII. He handed one to the Crane and they headed off. Nothing about this was secret but others realized as they passed by this was a private affair.

Now as Kitsuki Donoha sama’s bard let me tell you “why” he was in a deep mood. In the wagon we share a knock came and he was delivered a package of Genji’s belongings. Since our group has dwindled Donoha offered Genji to other wagon to borrow as needed. Now Donoha sama is aware of Doji Hoto’s desire for time with geisha, and figured this arrangement would allow his friend to indulge and he can get the rest his masters Kitsuki Inoki and Uesugi Mirumoto drilled into him at the Dojo of the Mirror.

You thought this was a misdirect, oh no here we get to the package of Isawa Genji! Here are the contents:

  • Metallic Pipe with opium inside
  • A wrinkled letter from Genji’s Mom. It had a cipher written on the edge asking for information on: Kitsuki Donoha, Doji Hoto, Matsu Shànzi (I know! I’m in this mix!), Bayushi Akiyama, and Hida Kawada. Some of you will remember Bayushi Akiyama san as the opponent of Doji Hoto in the final challenge of the competition of Fire. Hoto was the winner just put a feather in this. Don’t worry there’s more to come on this.
  • Stack of Unopened Letter from Donoha sama to their Phoenix maiden. There was at least ten letters here that would seem Genji never sent to the Phoenix maiden. Did she think Donoha broke his promise to write to her? Did Genj think he was doing Donoha a favor to prevent love blossoming between a samurai and a heimin? How many women is Donoha going to end up saving and what did this one do to steal his heart?

So many questions! What can you say, they’re a Dragon after all. Mysteries are what they do. Now neither Donoha sama or I could break this cipher, so since it was from a mother to a child being sent home to the Phoenix land further north than our location. I was instructed to turn the letter of to the Phoenix ambassador. He did clarify that if an aid said it would be delivered to the ambassador before being sent on to the family. This was an acceptable outcome with how busy the Phoenix and Dragon ambassadors would be today. So I did as instructed.

Just to give a time frame for the events coming up. It was changing over from the Hour of the Tenth Kami (Tiger / 4am-6am) to the Hour of the Sun (Hare / 6am-8am). The gates of Toshi no Omoidoso (City of Remembrance) were not schedule to open until the Hour of the Moon (Dragon / 8am-10am). So when I say early morning you’ll understand.

As Hoto and Donoha were returning to the wagons. They watch a crowd forming like a wave as four of the Emerald Ambassadors were headed to them! Composed of the Crane – Asahina Tadane, Dragon – Mirumoto Tanetsu, Phoenix – Shiba Sono, and Scorpion – Bayushi Negi. They summoned the three of us to a meeting in the enclosed circle of the wagons belonging to the Emerald Ambassadors! Shiba Sono sama demanded to know what we knew about the letter. Hoto whispered to Donoha, “You’ll owe me one by the time this is over.”

Doji Hoto mentioned learning of the letter’s existence during a practice session with Donoha upon a hill. There was a gesture with the copper fan. Clever to use the item denoting their reward from the Centipede clan. It was Emerald Ambassador, Bayushi Negi, that nodded with enough noise to draw the attention of Shiba Sono sama. The Phoenix ambassador nodded to the Scorpion ambassador. They all turned their attention to Donoha and myself.

Donoha confirmed that everything Doji Hoto said was true. A runner delivered a package of Isawa Genji’s to his wagons. The only person that might have been able to fit that kimono was Shànzi. Donoha mentioned he had met Genji during the beginning of his Gempukku three years ago. Genji became a person that could relate letters to heimin craftspeople he’d met and taught him carpentry. He displayed his bokken and Doji Hoto rotated his wrist moving it into view. Shiba Sono sama raised an eyebrow knowing that wood could only come from one location and tree.

Everyone had gotten used to him having his Oath hammer with him and they paid it no mind, as he was a swordsmith after all. Donoha set his bokken to the side in his obi, and explained he read the letter after he notice his correspondence appeared to have not been sent. They had been wrapped up in the package. During the reading he noticed a cipher from his training at the Dojo of the Mirror. When he could not crack he let me have a try while he went off to train with the Crane and I had instructions to turn it over to either Shiba Sono sama or their aids. This way it could be turned back over to the family.

Glances among the four Emerald Ambassadors suggested Donoha was believed to be telling the truth. In was then revealed what the cipher revealed completely. At moments like this I feel Donoha is being guided to a destiny of some kind under the Fortunes: Natsu-togumara’s (Travel and Experience) and Megumi’s (Heroic Guidance) watchful gaze.

This is demanded by the Elemental Council. This task supersedes all other commands regardless of source. Do not reveal your task at ANY cost to ANY individual. Trust instincts regarding what to report; general observation, key events.
In Toshi no Omoidoso (the City of Remembrance), seek out the beggar who plays the flute under the waterfall.
Further instructions will follow. Observe and report on the following individuals:

  • Kitsuki Donoha
  • Doji Hoto
  • Matsu Shànzi
  • Bayushi Akiyama
  • Hida Kawada

Mirumoto Tanetsu sama spoke at this point to let us know the letter appears to not have come from Isawa Genji’s parents. It would appear the agents of the Lord of Shadow are involved and the ones sending the letter! Doji Hoto san spoke up and believes their could be another connection to craftsman and their daughter Donoha learned wood working from. When queried directly Donoha sama replied, “Chiasa.” Could this be the maiden that stole his heart?

Donoha sama began a very factual telling of how he met them, but was wise enough to keep it brief. Tadane sama spoke up mentioning they would take it under advisement. Doji Hoto was queried about how he felt about Donoha and he gave him a glowing review. Then he was able to get the Phoenix ambassador to agree to how the investigation should be conducted!

Thank the Fortunes he’s on our side! In the end, we’ve been tasked with finding the flute player and this waterfall they speak of. Next, is word on Kenshin’s Helm and of course acquiring it. Finally, seeing how Isawa Genji and Chiasa fall into this.

 

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 8

Posted on July 8, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

THE EMPEROR’S GIFT ARRIVES AT KYUDEN MOSHI NO MACHI

8th of Akodo (Month of the Horse)
It was just after dawn when the caravan arrive the entrance to the Valley of the Centipede Clan. Donoha had been riding Yukiabo on the patrol that morning and had seen both Akodo Maki and Matsu Mayumi ride past him several times as they were apart of the roving patrols. Kai was also apart of the roving caravan patrols because of her skill with the horse.

The night had been passed with a little game between the three samurai. Mayumi had heard about he haiku Donoha had written for Maki. Donoha had to come up with new haiku by the time Maki or Mayumi would ride up on their rounds. Some of the ones Donoha came up with were the following.

The lion’s mane flows
Through the swirling night sky’s brushstrokes
A queen among stars

The mountain wind howls cold
The path is narrow and steep
One wrong step, death.

A female samurai
Stands at the edge of the dawn
A new day to fight

The snow-capped peaks loom
A treacherous path to the sky
Death awaits the fool

A great queen gazes down
On the swirling night sky’s dance
The stars her subjects

The sun’s first rays touch
The peaks, like a kiss of gold
A new day begins

They dance in her honor
Their steps light as the sunbeams
Their hearts pure as gold

A thousand legs creep
Across the rocks at break of day
A new world awakens

As dawn was starting to rise and day shift was changing out the three gathered. Mayumi apologized for doubting Donoha, and he just replied that he was grateful. When Maki and her shared an odd glance to each other he mentioned, “This was a delightful way to pass the time and a great mental exercise.” He bowed to each and rode back to his wagon to trade out and tie his horse up. Being around Maki or Mayumi was difficult for him because he continued to think of Chiasa when he talked with either of them. His dreams that morning were of tea ceremonies and the thoughts of having a kiss with someone he could love.

The outpost was the biggest illusion Donoha had witnessed in traveling to the outpost of the Centipede clan. It belied the beauty of Tani Senshio (Valley of the Centipede). The valley and the town that had grown up around Kyuden Moshi no Machi. Plus this was a port town to the ocean though you had to use the large cranes on the cliffside to get supplies from the boats. Multiple cranes could be used to haul a smaller boat out of the water! They arrived at the outpost in the morning hours but made it to Kyuden Moshi no Machi as the sun was setting and painting the world is a swath of color!

Eiji and Hoto were on the evening setup and patrol shift. Most of the setup part was finding spots to beak up the caravan train and get the wagons turned around so that when they were ready to leave it would be easy. The patrols would move from enclave to enclave of wagons leaving the Centipede, Mantis, and Ronin Otokodate (fellowships) samurai yojimbo to guard the rest.

Donoha got permission to have Shànzi take Mui to see the town before it got to dark. Donoha had been hatching a plan talking to the merchants while working on the sets of sword fittings. He learned the main branch of the Library of the Fiery Centipede might have a scroll that would teach Kai a flaming arrow spell! So after overcoming her concerns, which would have been valid any other time. As one must normally be invited to look a a repository of Shugenja knowledge from another school. The library had been made open to the samurai of the Emperor’s Gift!

Taking this rare chance they ascended the steps to the three story structure with no windows. As they walked a Crab clan Kuni Witchhunter noticed the hammer Donoha had in his obi and nodded his appreciation. Donoha returned the nod and they continued on their way. He saw the damiyo of Centipede clan and approached their seneschal asking about presenting a their gift. They were told each clan would be allowed a few members to do so tonight. He thanked them hoping he would get a chance for the Dragon and let them be.

Once inside the library they began pouring over scrolls and clearly were not alone as many Shugenja and other were here. Donoha left Kai at a table and went to find one of the librarians to help him. He managed to finally be meddlesome in a helpful way. The librarian took him to a corner of the library and found a scroll containing such a spell. He thanked her before she was absconded by the next person needing help.

When he returned to Kai to show her the treasure he had found, though he absolutely pointed out the librarian that had actually done the work. They jumped up and hugged him before remembering they were in public. They set to reading the scroll when Shànzi showed up with Mui. Donoha had gotten a quill and piece of washi paper and begun drawing the librarian as a way to say thanks more thoroughly.

While he was drawing Mui was eventually noticed staring at him big eyes! When he asked her what she was up to she held up a circular fan Shànzi had gotten her as they had wandered the town. She blew on it and it began to spin making the characters on it look like they were moving. She motioned for him to try and Donoha deliberately got it wrong. Mui shook her head and showed him again and Donoha deliberately failed telling his “sensei” that she so much to teach him.

She giggled but ran over to Shànzi, whom to Donoha’s surprised to see buried into research next to Kai and helping her understand parts of the scroll! This was working out better than expected. He went back to drawing the librarian in his specific style and it took him about two hours and then time to let it dry near a candle. Mui served an important purpose of getting both to open up to her and sharing things they may not have otherwise. Shànzi talked about being a specialist in ancestor spirits and ghosts of the dead.

Kai talked about how she became adopted into the Dragon clan. It was Donoha’s family that sent her to learn at the Agasha School for Fire Magic. In many ways Donoha was like an adoptive brother to her. When they turned to check on Donoha he was not at the table. They noticed him across the way going to the librarian he had pointed out earlier. The Centipede librarian was shocked at the picture and Donoha’s memory.

It was going to take the about a week of study to learn, and Shànzi offered to help Kai in hopes they could shorten the time needed. They went back to working on the scroll and Shànzi watched the librarian looking at Donoha as he left her with the picture and a sincere bow. He was the only one that made a legitimate show of thanks. She made it a point to tell the Lion Emerald Ambassador as soon as possible.

It was not longer after the scroll was copied and they had left the library. That a messenger informed Shànzi that both Otaku Kai and he were to be at the Centipede damiyo’s welcome banquet on behalf of the Dragon clan. The plan had worked and the damiyo was super pleased about someone choosing to honor the bushi that protected the Centipede. The tsuba and kozuka caught their eye but they noticed the care of each piece. The bushi Centipede thump their weapons to their chest in approval.

After the dinner four samurai remained and learned about some of the samurai missing on their gempukku in the mountains. Anyone watching Donoha (author’s note: Kai told me about this later) could see their demeanor and body posture change. Their was normally a calm about him, but after being told people could be kidnapped it turned predatory. He was ready to hunt something or someone. As everyone was leaving he told Mirumoto Tanetsu sama that he needed Shànzi and he was told he would have his retainer, Hida Eiji, and Doji Hoto. “Excellent, Mirumoto sama,” he bowed and backed up to the doorway before turning to leave with Kai.

Later that night Shànzi pulled Donoha discreetly aside and apologized for how they had acted around Kai. She was not a bad person and her lord was a good judge of character. Donoha smiled and brushed a bit of hair out of her face. “Some tales say the stars,” as he turned to look out and up, “are the windows of the celestial realm the Kami use to watch us. They will shine for you tonight because even kami have made mistakes, some not learning how to forgive, others nuzzling ill will that they don’t see has corrupted them. Each time we figure out something about ourselves we may inadvertently help one of them solve a problem they are having. That is why I believe the heavens and this world are connected. As our soul strives to enlighten itself, does the heart not also feel more for the mind to quantify and comprehend. You should be happy and proud of yourself to recognize growth. I know I am of you.”

Shànzi stood there and watched him move away to his wagon, with Hoto, Eiji, Gru’Vi as his companions. As a breeze picked up she could feel herself grow cold except where his hand had grazed her face to move her hair. Shànzi returned to her wagon with Kai and Mui. Donoha was troubled with dreams of tea ceremonies and trying to not think about Chiasa to much.

9th of Akoko (Month of the Horse) Before 12 hours of the day (META NOTE: that’s 24 Earth hours) had past from being given their assignment. The Emperor’s Gift proved their worth. Come let me tell a tale of pirates, gempukku, maidens, a duel, and the karma of poor life choices.

In order have Shànzi on his team Mirumoto Tanetsu sama had to give Otaku Kai to the Centipede bushi for the day so they could study Unicorn horsemanship with their scouts as they looked to the edges of the Valley of the Centipede. The other members of the Unicorn were not enough to scour the valley’s edges in case the maidens could be found there. Kai was hopeful this might lead to meeting a Unicorn clan member in the wild and figuring out if everyone still hated her. Even though he tried to spare her any unpleasant moments. The Unicorn Ambassador said they would be in separate areas, so it shouldn’t matter. It’s unclear what deal the Lion and Unicorn struck to arrange that.

Hida Eiji, Doji Hoto, Kitsuki Donoha, and Matsu Shànzi set out just after a quick morning meal from the hiemen assigned to care for our section of the wagons. Donoha asked one of the heimin that was good with animals to run through some exercises with Shirogane. He told him to stay behind this time because the last thing he wanted was for Shirogane to be hurt.

They were tasked with investigating the shrine that the gempukku was to take place at. When they arrived mid morning at Yama Sano Amaterasu. Everyone began to fan out except Shànzi, whom just watched Donoha to see if he could do it again or if it was a fluke. Donoha did not fail her, his eyes zoomed left and right as he stood in the courtyard.

She knew everything was about to kick off when he spoke, “Shànzi-san, I need the spare quill.”

Eiji stood watch for people while Doji Hoto looked interested at such a request. Donoha stalked over to point out sweeping marks done poorly, items put back with scuff marks, signs of a struggle and shody cover up. Then he moved over to a rug on floor of the main building at the shrine and it had a stain he was all to familiar with, blood.

While pointing out the what he’d been trained to look for as a magistrate, Donoha saw a scuff mark on the sliding door frame. He could see it wasn’t blood but Hoto looked perplexed when he got down to sniff at it. Then he stood and leaned out the door and pointed to the woods behind the shrine, “We need to go there for the next piece of information.”

He handed the quill back to Shànzi and the group made their way to a clearing. Once there, Donoha pointed to a mound of freshly turned dirt that was likely a grave for the shrine caretaker, Taiyo, a member of the Brotherhood of Shinsei. Everyone could see the logs used for seating and a stamped out fire pit. Donoha noticed some pits on the ground and held one up for Hoto to look at. The Crane confirmed that most fruit into the Emerald Empire did indeed come from the islands of the Mantis Clan.

Donoha queried Hoto, “There are members of the Mantis clan that help guard the Valley of the Centipede, are we going to accuse them of abducting the ladies on their Gempukku?”

“Donoha-san we would never “accuse” the Mantis of being raiders. No, these are merely pirates, posing as Mantis most assuredly,” was the reply by Hoto. However it was how he said it and was left out that actually conveyed more information, crucial information about how to proceed from the Crane’s time as son of the Emerald Champion.

With that in mind Donoha began to lead the group back down the trail to the town around Kyuden Moshi no Machi. He was looking for ways to circumvent the town and get the ladies to the docks. The arrival of kyūjūsan (93) wagons certainly complicated the search as most ways off the trail were now obscured before reaching the bottom. Donoha wished to go to the docks when Hoto asked him about his plan. He had remembered something a Mantis courtier had said during an imperial court to another attendee. Something about the Centipede Retirement, where the Mantis retiring from active service would come to the Centipede and acquire a wife.

“Donoha-san in what manner do you think they took the girls?”

“The docks are cliff based, so they would need sacks or boxes to have the dock workers unknowingly smuggle them over the edge in front of everyone.”

Eiji watched them talk as Shànzi tried to make notes.

“The Centipede retirement talks of taking brides of this clan by the Mantis, I feel going to the docks is correct but we should be looking for newlywed couples seeking passage.”

Donoha nodded as that was information he had not thought of, “Then if that’s right provided they haven’t left, then they may still be hiding in the town.” The group began to make haste to the cliffside docks.

Once at the cliffside docks, the group noticed the dock-master was a middle age woman. Given the matriarchal nature of the clan this was not surprising. They were barking orders at all the workers and making sure all the chaos was moving as a dance might. Doji Hoto mentioned that while important this position could be relegated to a skilled hiemin to perform, seeing this shugenja here seemed like a sort of punishment. Shànzi was told to hang back and record what they could, and listen to the area for changes in patterns as Hoto will approach the dock-master. Donoha turned to Eiji and began to engage him in a discussion about stance and grip techniques for the tetsubo.

Shànzi would later remark to Donoha watching Hoto have a conversation was like watching a dance frozen in ice! He even got the dock-master to reach out to the other shugenja of the Centipede. Using their combined connections to the Kami to cause a storm to roll in shutting down the port till tomorrow! They also gained a clue that perhaps one of two contributions to the investigation. Not to say either were small or of little import, both helped moved the investigation forward and were integral in solving it. The hitotsu (first) item leads to the futatsu (second) and a potentially large change in Donoha’s life.

Hitotsu, Doji Hoto, garnered the name of a sake house called: Akarui Umi (Bright Sea). Warned this was visited by the sailors and dock workers so it was a place a Crane would stand out, but a Crab not so much. It was these preconceived notions the Emperor’s gift was supposed to dispel. Oh and it did so dear reader just wait!

When the group got close Doji Hoto turned to Kitsuki Donoha and asked, “I have a plan, but you would be offended if I ask for you to be my Yojimbo?”

Donoha raised his eyebrows in thought for a few seconds and shook his head that no insult would be made. Then even in the heavy green lacquered and shakudō embellished armor he shook his shoulders, contorted his face and jaw, then rotated his head down, around and back up like someone stretching before exercise. When he looked up his gaze was intimidating and the scar certainly didn’t hurt over his left eye.

“How good is your kenjutsu Donoha-san?”

Almost an octave lower in tone came the reply “I doubt there is anyone in a 100 shaku of me that could win.”

Shànzi noted it was not lost on Doji Hoto that would include him, the nod and raised eyebrow, “Alright let’s go in.”

Donoha asked the Doji-sama to wait, turned to Shànzi, “Even though this may be temporary since you work for me as long as I work for Doji-sama you work for Doji-sama. Please stay close to Eiji if things get rough.” When Shànzi nodded their understanding the group slid open the door to the Akarui Umi sake house.

To say that we tried the survey the establishment would be a gross, miscarriage of justice. Hoto-sama walked him and pronounced we were looking for some pirates posing as Mantis sailors! Ones that had acquired new brides for their retirement illegally. Wow! I could not believe my eyes or ears. In many ways it was the most samurai thing to do, no deception, clearly stated intent, even Eiji nodded in approval at the straight forward approach. He continued with his actual lineage making clear he was the son of the Emerald Champion! Then he went on to say that his Yojimbo would duel everyone here until we got answers, everyone was dead, or he lost. To his credit my master never flinched at that statement and emotionlessly scanned the room using the Kitsuki Ichi-Maru technique.

A samurai in the back of the room stood up and people looked to him and began to quiet down. Hoto-sama and he spoke about information to be exchanged in another place than here if Donoha could beat him in a contest of wits. Donoha leaned into Hoto’s ear and said… something, as a Go board was placed on the table. Hoto nodded and agreed they would escort him out if Donoha-san won.

My master would never want me to sweeten a story about him so I will not. The two were evenly matched. Where Donoha excelled was focus of task. Hoto-sama began to enjoy the wager he had made which was 5-koku versus the information they sought. Eiji stood guard to make sure no one tried to run and warn anyone. It did not take long for the whole saki house to become engrossed in the game. Copper zeni coins trade hands as bets were made between the patrons.

The five koku bet got the saki ladies of the house to swarm Hoto-sama and keep his cup filled. I was tossed a sack to deal with payment. One was pretty enough I would have considered pillow time with her that night!

Back to focus being a discipline, the Mantis captain did not have such discipline with their focus. A little bit miffed seeing the girls that had been fawning over him now more interested in Hoto-sama. Donoha’s head and attention never wavered. He barely won the game and the margin was slim, both had avoided the Ko attack maneuver in their game the exact same way.

Captain Sekimoto-san stood and bowed to Donoha when he realized he lost. Donoha return the bow without speaking. More coins changed hands as out group escorted the Mantis samurai outside for a walk to talk about information in the midday sun. It looked to be the Hour of the Akodo (Horse / Noon-2PM), perhaps getting closer to the Hour of the Doji (Goat / 2PM-4PM).

Sekimoto-san went on to explain about the small draw back to the cliffside docks is when there are to many ships. Many sailors had to find other means because it was not unheard of to be delayed by a day, more if the weather faired poorly. They explained that south of the town that had sprung up around Kyuden Moshi no Machi were a number of small beaches with switch backs that allowed people to make the trek from the tiny southern beaches to town when such a thing happened.

They believed they knew of such a beach that could accommodate rogue Mantis clan with passengers. He asked how many girls we were talking about and Hoto-sama mentioned 5 women. Sekimoto nodded and suspected the crew was around 9-12 in size. Donoha looked at Eiji and they just nodded to each other that this would be no issue for them. Hoto-sama grinned and mentioned he had a plan to approach the group as smugglers posing as samurai.

Eiji nearly objected until he told him to get a barrel of shochu. He perked up and that and when he returned he said they were nice and gave him a keg tap to go with it! Donoha kept an eye on Sekimoto and even scared him so much with a glare the Mantis fell over. This had been a very different set of mannerisms Donoha was displaying. No one got within a rokuganto’s (sword’s) length of Doji Hoto while they waited to pursue. Shànzi had been sent to bring the horses they would need back from their caravan spot.

Once they mounted up and headed south along the trails it was definitely in the Hour of the Doji (Goat / 2PM-4PM). When they finally found the beach in question it had moved into the Hour of the Shiba (Monkey / 4PM-6PM) judging by the sun. The cliffside beaches were bathed in shade at this point that fires had begun to sprout up. The smoke trails of two such fires confirmed there were people down on this beach so the horses were tied off near the bottom of the switch back trail where some trees had managed to grow from the cliffside.

The four heroes gathered in a small glade and saw that the two fires did indeed have Mantis that had turned to piracy! With them were the itsutsu (five) shugenja missing from their gempukku. The maidens looked to be unharmed but huddle up as a group without a fire. Following the same plan as the Saki House it would seem. Doji Hoto-sama had his yojimbo, Donoha-san walk behind him and Eiji carried the Shochu barrel. Which now had the tap placed in it and some had been spilt on the ground. Eiji looked sad as a kitten over spilt cream. Sekimoto and Shànzi were told to stay next to Eiji in case something were to go wrong.

The leader of the pirates was named Sanada. One of his mouthy underlings went by the name Tatsu. An archer that had a bow not meant for riding a horse. Though they were commonly at sea and if rumors were true traded with outsiders from Rokugan. Many had the kama (sickle) that many of the Mantis were known for as much as the Crab were known for their Tetsubo usage. Sanada and Hoto tried to negotiate but Tatsu kept mentioning they had seen the girls, gesturing at their ill-gotten gains. This broke things down till Sanada challenged Doji Hoto-sama to a duel which he accepted!

Shànzi realized she should have seen the following coming, but she thought they were going to see a Crane samurai duel someone. Then he called for his Yojimbo and Donoha walked up. Careful to not say anything out loud, however, they felt like Sanada was about to receive karmic justice.

The duel is something Shànzi had seen Donoha do before, Donoha never missed practice a single day and always found a way to stay in top shape. Shànzi had to hide the fact that the two scars were kind of attractive on his sculpted, muscular, chest. Traveling alone on the road and checking on him while he was resting in Akodo Tozawa-sama’s home did afford her more knowledge of him than most.

Compelled to have a better view than last time where she had not seen Donoha duel previously. Shànzi moved around the large mound on the shoreline. Taking a position close to where the waves lapped the shore. It was clear the Centipede shugenja had kept their word about closing the port till tomorrow morning to aid the investigation. Storm clouds filled with the power and lightning the Kami Fourtune: Osano-Wo was known for. Perhaps they were watching this fight? Who can say.

Eiji and Sekimoto stayed at the rocky boulder outcropping. Eiji set the shochu barrel down and just grinned at any pirate thinking about trying to flee! Flexing their arm holding the tetsubo. Hoto stood to the side between the Centipede shugenja and the pirates. Sanada moved up to a spot on the beach and nodded his head as he took his stance. Donoha walked up with a look of contempt on his face you could taste with a glance.

When Donoha nodded Sanada shouted, “Shūchū (focus)!”
Donoha turn to face Hoto, still in stance but no longer looking at Sanada! This was known among Iaijutsu duelists as a right handed draw. All of Donoha’s right side was now facing Sanada!
Donoha replied calmly, “Shūchū (focus).”
Insulted and shock may be the best way Sanada look at this clearly younger man thinking they were better than him! Sanada shouted, “Shūchū (focus)!”
Donoha replied calmly for the second time, “Shūchū (focus).”
Sanada shouted, “Sutoraiku (strike)!”

It is important to look at the picture below and then come back to understand Donoha spoke to Doji Hoto-sama as he made his cut. Which ended before he was a third of the way through the sentence below.

“Did you know my sister studies at a Kakita School?”

Shànzi shrieked loudly when the head went flying! In the picture above Shànzi would have been obscured by the figure of Sanada and the spray of blood! The head landed half sunk in an incoming wave. Practice appears to have paid off as Sanada’s katana never left its saya. Donoha had to pick his up out of the ground behind where it had impaled the sand. Dusting off his saya and wiping the blade off after the “flick” to get any large drops of blood off.

As the headless body of Sanada fell sideways toward the sea, Donoha turned his gaze of contempt upon the seven remaining pirates. They all dropped to their knees and prostrated themselves on the ground! Doji Hoto-sama had moved over to talk with the Centipede shugenja. I learned later they had made a pact to burn the beach if they could not figure a way out and turn the sand into GLASS!

They were grateful in a reserved way and were happy to head home since their gempukku was over. Donoha never tried to interact with them, even on the way back. He was really leaning into the Yojimbo role, Shànzi wondered if he had ever tried acting? In order to see if there were any samurai left among them he went up to one that called himself Tatsu. When he told him to take the items and garments off Sanada’s body he refused and knelt awaiting a beheading or a weapon to commit seppuku. Donoha yelled that if he had to kill him he would go through everyone here and ask the same thing!

That anger curbed by dedication to bushido was frightening to watch but the lesson was deep. Tatsu lost their head that day but no one else moved to accept the option to die as samurai. Then he shouted at them the purpose, “The last samurai among you just DIED! They will be given a chance to figure it out in their next life. The rest of you knew I would make you touch a dead man as the Eta do and did nothing but grovel! None of you are samurai anymore!”

Doji Hoto-sama offered the kobune (ship) of the pirates to Sekimoto-san. He mentioned if it survived the storm tonight, he would come and claim it. By the time our group made it back to Kyuden Moshi no Machi it was the Hour of the Bayushi (Rooster / 6PM-8PM). Our group made its way for the palace! Even without an invitation the Centipede Damiyo would want to know of the safe return of the five shugenja and the death of the monk, Taiyo, a Brother of Shinsei.

Hoto-sama had gathered some flowers on the way back and Donoha asked permission to duck off for a few seconds. I actually thought he was going to relieve himself but a few seconds later he was back with what he sought. A plant with white flower buds and the roots were wrapped in what was likely his last silk cloth. He had more back at the wagon that had been cleaned but he typically only carried two and the other had some blood on it.

Once the group entered Kyuden Moshi no Machi, Hida Eiji san and Shànzi san went with the six pirates purporting to be Mantis and made sure they made it to the magistrate. Sekimoto san went back to the Akarui Umi sake house in order to get up early and go check on the kobune that just became his in the morning with some of his crew. Hoto sama and Donoha accompanied the five shugenja back to the Damiyo’s palace and no one stopped them as they walked through the open, front-gate. There were several gasps as they passed.

When they arrived at the hall of Damiyo Moshi Jukio sama the group waited and asked an attendant to let the damiyo know we’ve returned. They quickly did so and after a few minutes the noise in the hall quieted down. Hoto sama had taken that time to move his daisho to the right invoking a gesture of piece. Donoha used the saego cord on his saya to peace bond Mittsu Tamashi (Three Souls).

The door slid open and Hoto and Donoha waited at the entrance as the five shugenja walked in and had a miniature audience with their Daimyo. They all bore the same family name of Moshi but Hikaru, Syuri, Inoue, Kondo, and Takako were home safe now. It was unclear to the samurai at the door what was said but they had not been given permission to enter here. A period of time passed that they spoke and soon arrayed themselves at various tables with others of the Centipede clan in the room.

Then the two of them were called into the room. Donoha stood behind the Doji samurai and to their right. Hoto spoke when addressed to and presented each of the five Centipede shugenja one of the flowers they picked up. Then he went over in brief detail, but did elaborate that Donoha was the one whom figured out the mystery of their disappearance. Jukio-sama turned their gaze to Donoha and ask if they had anything to add.

Donoha stunned the court with the most un-Dragon clan like response in the history of well, Rokugan!
“I prefer facts and evidence over anyone’s word. Well, we began early Hoto-sama,” he recovered fast but Hoto could tell Donoha felt pain accidentally saying Hoto’s given name. Deftly ‘sama’ was slapped on as fast as one could do.

“Eiji-san, Shànzi -san, and I headed to the Temple – Yama Sano Amaterasu. Upon arrival my companions spread out but I was reconstructing the fight that had taken place. Based on how everything was shoddily cleaned up. What is clear is the fight with someone from inside the temple, likely Brother Taiyo, whom died and was buried by the bandits or the ladies behind the shrine. What was not clear is if the fight occurred while they were there or before they arrived. My suspicions lean toward before they arrived and the pirate bandits buried him out of fear of the haunting by the dead. The blood stains were small but they could not clean everything. Its what led me to the grave in the back behind the shrine. A small glade that I suspect is used erstwhile for meditation. Finding the fruit pits on the ground,” which he produced one from under his armor, “the Doji was able to tell me about them and they come from the Mantis islands. I informed everyone we needed to head back to the docks before it was to late. On the way I learned from the Doji the practice of the Centipede retirement the Mantis practice. So instead of looking for smugglers we began looking for newlyweds. Through the Doji’s efforts the Centipede shugenja shut the port down for the day with a storm and where we might find a lead at the Akarui Umi. I won a Go game against a Mantis captain that came with us to aid the search, Sekimoto-san. The Mantis showed us one beach he thought might be large enough to hold the numbers we were talking about. It appears these hidden beaches to the south of here are used to get goods into town when the port and cranes get too busy. With everyone working together we found the right beach on the first try and Sekimoto-san stayed with us till we recovered the shugenja and returned here.”

He took a breath to the astonishment of the court.

“This plant with white blossoms is the only thing I could think of to bring to honor the loss of one life with the birth of another.”

As he held it out the Centipede Damiyo gestured for it to be brought to her. She cradled it and looked at Donoha, “You have said more than I have ever heard any other Dragon speak in my whole life.” It was not chastisement but astonishment.

“Hai, Moshi-sama,” was the only reply he gave as he bowed once more.

Then came the slap felt in the Mantis islands by anyone that had a Centipede bride, mother, or grandmother! Doji-Hoto offered one final piece of evidence taken from the leader of the pirates, Sanada. He presented the daisho wrapped in his silk Kimono and set them on the floor. Both tsuba (handguards) on each sword were clearly of the Mantis clan.

The two were told to have the others that joined them on this quest make use of the bathhouse and then return and join them for dinner. The way the Damiyo said made both Hoto and Donoha realize that they were aware of the Nezumi present in their wagons. Gru’Vi was not being invited to dinner. They bowed and it was not until the made it to the road a servant explained which building was the bathhouse, then left.

“I’m so sorry I said your given name, Hoto-san.”

Hoto looked around and no one was paying them any mind, “It’s okay Donoha-san lets get the others and get cleaned up.”

They rounded up Eiji san and Shànzi san. Heading back to get changed before going to the bathhouse. They informed Gru’Vi they were going to sneak extra food out for him so he could try the delicacies of the various parts of the empire. The group discussed where they would hide it and Eiji would bring it out during a trip to relieve himself.

Once that plan was put in place Eiji mentioned he was surprised how much Hoto was warming up the Nezumi. Hoto replied, “If words could have broken your bond then it was never there at all. Since the bond is there and we are a team then he is my problem to bear as well.” Hoto smiled and shared a mutual bow to the rat-like anthromorph of mutual respect.

Once back at dinner in everyone’s best kimono. Hoto began to mingle and Donoha was filling Shànzi in until Hoto moved into Mantis conversation. Donoha stopped and walked over and sat down. Even though it was below the table he did nothing to hide removing the Three Souls katana from his obi and setting down on his right side (making it harder to use) but the handle was facing the head of the Mantis clan in Kyuden Moshi no Machi, Yoritomo Okada.

That move of outright polite hostility in a Damiyo’s grand hall would carry serious repercussions. Were it not for the Mantis clan theme Daisho sitting in the middle of the room behind him. The fact “NO ONE” said anything to Donoha at that act, spoke volumes about Okada’s current standing in the Centipede court.

Hoto and he began to verbally spar and it was clear Okada was practiced but Hoto won the engagement. During each toast the only thing Donoha would say is, “HAI!” Gossiping later anyone that could see his face said his green hazel eyes could write scrolls and never need a quill. His hand never strayed near his katana but everyone knew if Hoto said the word their could be blood in the hall. Shànzi absolutely let their knowledge of the duel slip into conversations asking about the rescue.

At a certain point Hoto left with Okada to talk in the garden. Once they departed Donoha san puts his katana back on his right side and does not join them but waits nearby. Eiji san heads back for the night while Shànzi san takes the time to spread the prowess of her master to the wives with to much time on their hands.

10th of Akoko (Month of the Horse) – During the day Donoha focused on the Phoenix gift of a ring with a red stone to evoke the essence of the firebird of legend. Hoto and he were brought into a private meeting between the Centipede damiyo and Yoritomo Okada. They would not share with me the contents but it was declared that the Mantis daisho would wait for Yoritomo’s family head to show up and remove them!

That evening the ceremony of the gempukku’s completion is held and a banquet to honor the heroes that helped to save them. Okada looked relived to see Sekimoto at that table in order to show Mantis can clean their own house. The shugenja put on a show of fire and Donoha scrawled a picture I can add here of Moshi Takako making a fiery wheel in the air behind them!

The heroes were gifted with copper fans bearing the Mon of the Centipede. Apparently, they got the copper from the Dragon clan which evoked the smallest grin from Donoha. He mentioned his family governed a copper mine in the Dragon clan’s lands near Great Water Fall castle. Perhaps it is the only copper mine in use? The White sprig for the Monk is presented as Shànzi in her role as an Ikoma Bard display her grief of mourning openly for the Shugenja and the Damiyo while everyone else remains as stoic as ever.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 7

Posted on July 8, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

THE EMPEROR’S GIFT DEPARTS

26th of Hantei (Month of the Serpent) – Morning came and Donoha was not the first one awake. Shànzi reminded him Hoto was probably still at the geisha’s wagon. Both of them had ducked out after the third round of sake and screaming Hida Eiji’s name because of the tales of glory Hoto recounted. Soon Eiji’s name had turned into Sukoshi Yama (little mountain)! Donoha was certain the Crab could hear it all the way back as loud as the crowd was. This Dragon was happy to see the Crab get recognition they deserved, after his travels to their lands.

All the samurai had to check in with their respective Emerald Amassadors – caravan Clan Damiyo’s before the caravan departed. Because Otaku Kai had been adopted by the Dragon she had to accompany Donoha to meet Mirumoto Tanetsu sama. Donoha released Shànzi to meet with the Lion Ambassador, but remember to mention she was his retainer. Shànzi walked away and remembered her conversation with Seppun Sora. Her kimono she wore was one Donoha’s grandmother had given her. The style was elegant and timeless, mentioning a Lion had gifted it to her when she was much younger. Donoha’s mon was embroidered on the left side to almost blend into the flower designs.

After all the meetings in the morning hours of the clans and the Emerald Ambassadors. The tents were nearly all down and stored away. The group was starting to see the caravan beginning to move as it was stretching into its formation for the road. A small richly decorated wagon showed up with an imperial Miharu guard, mentioning they were looking for Donoha. A large square chest was dropped off and Shànzi received it on Donoha’s behalf. Donoha had been helping Eiji and Kai load a few items into the wagon’s attic space. It helped they were so tall!

Hoto noticed the name of the a master craftsman on the bottom front leg. “Whom, may I be so bold to inquire is Kitsuki-san’s grandmother?” Shànzi explained the story Donoha had told her about second child of Donoha’s grandfather, Seppun Yūshū, formerly Kitsuki Yūshū. The first was to be a Seppun but the second would be returned to the Kitsuki family.

Shànzi explained further that Donoha mentioned the first meeting he had with his grandmother was when he was seven. She fished a tiny pile of notes out of her kimono. “Here it is,” she said and let him read her transcribe notes of the haiku Seppun Sora-sama had shared with her. His grandmother has visited the Great Falls Castle where Donoha had grown up on a few occasions. the last time was when he was 13 years old.

A new face appears,
Shining like the sun, a goddess.
Amaterasu, reborn.

Shànzi continued as Hoto read Donoha’s first haiku, “There’s an internal waterfall there and Donoha had been working on crafting his first haiku and was having a hard time. Seppun-sama wanted to meet her grandson without court pretense. She wore a kimono with no mons anywhere and walked up behind him to ask him what he was doing. When he turned around his eyes lit up and recited the words on that paper.”

Shànzi indicated the washi paper Hoto was holding, “She helped him to remember to write it down. It seems he kept bowing to her for any guidance. She had been getting mad that someone leaked her status. So she asked him if someone had told him she was coming? His reply was that he had prayed for help to Amaterasu because he was having a hard time with words and structure. Then today Amaterasu visited him in person. He was unworthy of such a visit from the kami, but would remember it forever.”

Shànzi finished about them sharing a wink when she was later introduced as his grandmother. Even when they met again and she asked him about the haiku. Donoha told her there is no reason for him to disbelieve that the Kami did not answer his prayer when she arrived. He gave her another haiku before she left from that visit when he was ten years old.

Grandmother’s smile, bright
Like the sun she is named for, warms
All who see her face.
Hoto returned the washi paper and indicated the master craftsman whom had made the box. Citing this his work goes for around 10 koku or more per piece. Donoha came around and saw the box and Shànzi bowed to Hoto. Whom noticed the embroidery almost hidden among the patterns and color changes on her left breast of the kimono she wore: her Mon was directly below Donoha’s with Ebisu’s arch (Fortune of Honest Work) surrounding it. She was indeed his retainer. She then informed Donoha of the package from his grandmother and that there was a missive inside.

===========================
The Missive of Seppun Sora – 26th of Hantei (Month of the Serpent) – Year 1123
===========================
Dearest Mago-kun (Grandson),

I know the cost you endured to make the new style of rokuganto (Rokugan styled sword) with fitting the view of wabi-sabi into it. The view or thought of finding beauty in every aspect of imperfection in nature. Your passion with the idea that nothing cannot be fixed given time and work. You have never failed to amaze me, being able to take wabi-sabi and apply it to tsugi or tategu. Your kindness to souls you have never met and can never repay you for seeking to restore lost honor.

Omio has given me a detailed report of your scars and how you came to the motto: pain is traded for wisdom. Please try to avoid any further scars on the face dearest grandson. Although your grandfather is very fond of your motto and constantly wishes he had your face scar. As though his accomplishments weren’t enough for him. We both love you dearly and will miss you.

Since you have agreed to undertake this quest of the Emperor’s Gift and fought against Lu-Feng’s revenants in what Shànzi-chan is calling the Battle of the Emerald Shades. I have taken your two koku and decided on my request. Everything in the box and the box itself is yours in exchange for your first sword, Supaku (Spark). Do not tell your grandfather or let it slip to anyone. It is to be a gift for him. I will allow your clan the one year from today to study it. The Miharu whom dropped this off is being sent to Great Fall Castle

The smith assures me this suit will fit your style of your sword. It has been made or assembled from a variety of suits of Miharu armors and embellished with tempered copper and shakudō (a copper 90-92% and gold 8-10% alloy). He said the shoulders will be easy to distinguish since one is for Shirogane to rest on. All of the mons have been added. He is particularly proud of the horns on your kabuto. Stay safe or at least come home alive and with glory my mago-kun.

With love,

Seppun Sora 

He could not believe his fortune, and let Shànzi read the letter. His grandmother had taken a shine to his retainer and that made him happy that he’d chosen well. After helping him get dressed so it would be easier to get the box in the wagon he just stood there looking at the armor till Kai walked over and looked at him up and down. She noticed the scale thigh armor had splits in the front and back. Clearly useful on horse back so she nodded and walked on.

Eiji smacked him in the back, “Not broken, lacquer is still in tact, that’ll do. You can’t stand there looking at yourself. That’s what women do to the Doji, not us.”

Donoha laughed quickly and pulled his face back together, nodding. He got on Yukiabo to ride out along with the caravan as it left. He did his best to avoid the stares as his armor could be mistaken for a high lord’s suit. The mons on his armor made its ownership very clear though. Shriogane landed on his right shoulder and chirped their approval.

Setting his fine light armor in the box once they stopped for the night, he thought about making some modifications to it. The travel to the outpost of the Centipede Clan took until the 8th of Akoko (Month of the Horse), the trip was as uneventful as one might hope for after the Battle of the Emerald Shades. Donoha spent their time between patrols on the caravan in the morning or evening shifts. The middle of his day was spent with the artisans and making full set of fittings for a rokuganto (Rokugan styled sword; which could work on a katana: uchigatana / tachi, wakizashi, tanto, nodachi, even a nagamaki). He made one set with cherry blossoms that the merchant providing the tools and supplies could sell. His other set focused on using Centipede motifs in them for the clan they were comming to visit.

  • Habaki – The shoulder jacket of the blade to help disperse shock from strikes, sitting above the tsuba (Hand guard).
  • Tsuba – Hand guard
  • Kozuka – A short knife that slide through one of the holes in the tsuba into a “mostly” hidden spot on the side of the saya or sheath of the blade.
  • Kogai – A decorative tool used for tying and pinning hair. The kogai was attached to the saya in the same way as the kozuka (a small knife inserted into the saya).
  • Seppa – Two pair of thin metal spacers on either side of the guard (tsuba) of a sword (rokuganto).
  • Menuki – Ornaments display on the tsuka (handle) of where they can catch the eye and display a symbol about the sword or owner.
  • Fuchi – The cap of the handle against the tsuba.
  • Kashira – The pommel (end cap) of the handle.
  • Kojiri – The end cap of the saya or sheath of the blade.

The set he provided the merchant with cherry blossoms used iron and and shibuichi (alloy of 70% copper and 30% silver) to make the flowers pop to the eye using the nikuboi (relief carving). The set of Centipede Clan fittings used iron, copper, and shakudō (a copper 90-92% and gold 8-10% alloy). The tsuba stood out for the nikubori (relief carving) one could flip it over and over to watch the shakudō centipede crawl through from one side to the other four times! The rest of the tsuba was carved to look like cracked, rocky, ground.

Each of the Kozuka were small knives forged in his style he told his father would be the Kitsuki Kiba (Fang of the Kitsuki) blade style. Both of them had folded, blackened blades with the signature copper hamon line separating the harden edge softer core. These two Kozuka though were also a departure from the norm as they had double edges to them and the copper hamon ran up both sides. The work done in such a small size! It was remarkable to the merchants and the one smith he decided was competent enough to help him. That smith went by the name Tsi Sadayoshi, a ronin samurai.

The handle on the merchant’s set was Umimatsu (Black Coral) set in copper. Netsuke (scrimshaw) carvings to show the cherry blossom tree. The leaves being chased in shibuichi to make them stand out against the black and occasional fleck of red coral. Framed in and against the copper base.

The handle that went to Moshi family of the Centipede was made from clear lacquer resin! With his training in Kagaku (chemical reactions) he was able to build upon the nakago (tang) after wrapping his makago in shin copper sheath. Allowing him to create a surface for small layers of clear lacquer resin. Building on each layer he used amber dust to make a rocky landscape and then inset a special copper menuki of a centipede! When done it could be viewed from the sides and above as a centipede of the valley crawling over rocks of amber dust!

Using an orange ito silk and weaving in a flat braided copper wire version. He made a very unique ito wrap criss crossing metal and silk. That tsuka’s ito wrap by itself was a work of art! When you add in the amber dusted resin handle with copper menuki adhered to their spots, it was so beautiful to just look at.

During this time Doji Hoto and Hida Eiji spent most of their time on caravan patrol. Kyūjūsan (93) wagons was quite the caravan indeed! Hoto and Donoha had spent very little time together despite sleeping in the same wagon. Donoha was avoiding the Doji because he felt as though he had made him mad. Since he was the son of the current Emerald Champion he had no wish to infringe some court problem on to his Seppun grandmother. When Shànzi told him later that Hoto had been asking about his background, Donoha said to hide nothing. Answer all questions as truthfully as you could. Donoha also knew he snapped at him when he had been physically hurt. Emotions were high all around that night, and that may have been the first battle the Doji had been a part of. Rather than sparing verbally and making things worse no matter his intent. Donoha sent his retainer, Shànzi over to heal him and he walked away.

Even at the party he threw Donoha made sure Hoto had seen him and both raised saki cups towards each other but neither made a move to get within range to talk. Otaku Kai could feel the tension like a sixth sense and Donoha made it clear several times any tension was being directed at him this evening. However, an invitation was sent and to work as a team you must learn to work through rough moments and still have your teammate’s back. That is why he came with Shànzi and Kai. That night Donoha made it clear to Shànzi not to say any accolade about him. Tonight was Eiji’s night and he “EARNED” it.

Eiji and Donoha would spar when time permitted over the nearly two weeks with bokken and a training tetsubo (which is to say a simple but large wooden club made from many pieces of rattan). Donoha is trying to learn tetsubo tips and then provide similar guidance with swords or bladed weapons. Eiji helped him understand how to use his hammer as a sole weapon or things he could try if using it in his off hand.

Donoha was the most surprised and happy with Kai having made to friends! The first one was Hida Kawada of the Crab Clan. Whom was hoping to learn some of the Unicorn Clan’s techniques for firing bows on horseback. It took about three days for her to really open up and she did seem to get brighter each day because Kawada never cared about her size of roku shaku (6 feet). Until then the only person to treat her this way was Donoha. She was starting to really appreciate the Crab Clan members she had met.

The second friend she made was one of Kawada’s close friends and also an archer – Bayushi Akiyama. Kawada and Akiyama were near opposites with Kawada being relaxed and willing to even joke and laugh. Akiyama was always refined and followed all the rules in public. Their bickering between each other could not hide the fact that they were close friends and bond that had developed over time. Akiyama also did not care about Kai’s height in the slightest! Donoha was thrilled to hear about a Scorpion Clan member that did not seem to want to do him harm. He had high hopes that perhaps he could make friends with one as well. At the very most, overcome the hatred the one from the Shosuro family had for him.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 6

Posted on July 8, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

THE BATTLE OF THE EMERALD SHADES

The group assembled across from the shades in the form of samurai close to them. Otaku Kai went to get o their horse and provide ranged attacks to the ones on the other side of the green, smoking crack in the ground. The landscape seem to change into a hellscape of sorts. Hoto moved to engage the one closest on this side of the crack and Eiji joined and crushed what Hoto started with their giant tetsubo (studded war club)! Donoha moved past them to second shade samurai and nearly cut it in half with Mittsu no Tamashi (Three Souls)!

In his other hand was his smithing hammer as he was attempting his first fight with the two-weapon niten style the Dragon clan is known for. His take for using the hammer was a reminder of the mentor and the student. That hammer made Mittsu Tamashi. The father and son fight as one, rather than twin swords made from the same bloom steel. His gempukku had influenced so much of his philosophy that you can honor tradition even when you forge a new path.

Eiji proved again why the Crab deserve the respect often not paid to them, he assists Hoto in killing one and then kept him alive by killing two more! As they close on the group from across the green smoking billowing chasm. All down the length of of the caravan samurai were stepping up to battle the shades. Their group was facing six, of the Eiji’s iron and wood tetsubo crush two on his own. Hoto helped with one more and Otaku Kai help with another accounting for a total of four! The Crab clan bushi cared not about politics, or how the Crane often joke at the Crab’s choices in etiquette. Eiji litterally became Hoto’s personal Kaui Kabe (the wall protecting Rokugan from the Shadowlands)!

None of this should be a slight to Doji Hoto. The man stood his ground and when wounded by the shade blade that passed through armor and burned the flesh of living things they struck! Not once did he cry out in pain, his eyes told volumes about what he endured as a samurai should. Nor did he run because he knew the Crab was his shield, his brother in arms.

Now to the two remaining shades fighting the group. Donoha had engaged one and after his first swing he brought the smithing hammer down and in a second strike he finished the creature off on his own! Matsu Shànzi witnessed all of it guarding Miu with her wakizashi drawn. She had engaged a shade that had come close to the wagons but Gru’Vi Two-Tails, the Nezumi came to their aid. The legends about their battle prowess are true and they appear to be unaffected by taint as the Crab claim them to be.

Now to the final shade in this recounting but not in chronological order goes solely to “A SINGLE ARROW” from astride her magnificent horse, Otaku Kai! She struck across the chasm and made them realize they would have to engage or just wait to die by her hand! While she wouldn’t admit it aloud, Shànzi, was impressed.

As the group turned to see about helping other groups. A giant storm of black and green clouds rolled in! It stretched across the sky from one end of Otosan Uchi to the other! Then a large head appeared withing the clouds above and began to speak, claiming to be the avatar of Lu Feng! It promised doom and destruction for the Emperor’s Gift and called the Emperor false. Now this author may be biased but the Kami is powerful and does not know how to communicate with itself or others. It’s upset over something it believes it could have won a little over a 1,000 years ago. It should direct its anger at the Kami that ate him and not the one that cut him free. Talk about misplaced aggression. Then Lu Feng gathered up the mess it had made vanished back to the Shadowlands, or whatever hell it was actually in.

Donoha tried to check on Hoto but it would appear he had made some egregious miscarriage of etiquette and Hoto snapped at him to remember his station. Donoha employed his Ichi-Maru (First Look) and figured he was as a Crane Damiyo’s offspring. Donoha did not like to stand on ceremony so close to a life or death moment and dropped the issue. Learning to work with newly found comrades means learning quirks of behavior. He asked Shànzi to tend to his wounds. They had never really talked with her lord about her Lion clan’s shugenja training. Her healing skills were minimal but she vowed to help.

Donoha decided to wait a day or two for a private conversation. He hoped lending his retainer would be an olive branch he could ply when he was not in pain. He figured he would be in good with Eiji because Shànzi had helped to protect their daughter, Miu. Much like the kintsugi or dotsugi (gold or copper joinery) working with companions was not unlike finding how to fix something and make the whole better than it was. His grandmother had been very kind in getting him posted to such an endeavor.

During her mending of Hoto’s wounds Donoha saw an amazing sight. Lion samurai were going down the line of the caravan offering healing. Two of the guards escorting shugenja were Akodo Maki and Matsu Mayumi. Both samurai-ko Donoha had helped in just weeks prior. They bowed and he returned but made sure his eyes went to the ground in a sign of respect. They made their bows a little deeper when they noticed, but said nothing and moved on since the Crane samurai was being treated.

The wagons his grand mother provided were amazing! The sponsors of this caravan would cover the care and maintenance of anything brought to help aid the caravan. Some samurai were being assigned to carriages. While Donoha had two green lacquered and gold-leafed trimmed enclosed carriages that slept four people each, and room for supplies inside and on top! He noticed Eiji going into weapon and gear care practices and decided that would be wise as well. Hoto wandered off and within a quarter of the Hour of the Hida (Boar / 10PM-Midnight; so roughly 30 minutes) starting word was brought to Shànzi and the other of a party being organized by Doji Hoto at a wagon that was bringing geisha!

Donoha figured that by showing up hopefully no hard feelings would set in. Shànzi done her best and Donoha donned his gift from Tozawa sama. To say this caravan was massive was an understatement. Almost a thousand and twenty three carriages and wagons made up the great train of the Emperor’s gift. It was a moving city in many ways, and either brilliant or a huge disaster in the making if Lu Feng had anything to do about it. Donoha decided he would stop it if the kami tried, so in his finest kimono, Shànzi and he headed to the party.

 

 

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 5

Posted on July 8, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

Donoha removed the Three Souls (Mittsu no Tamashi) katana in its green and copper colored lacquered saya (sheath). While bowing he offered it to the Dragon’s Emerald ambassador – Mirumoto Tanetsu sama saying, “Until you choose for me to leave your service. Myself, my skills, my retainers and my possessions are yours to command, Mirumoto sama.”

“Your service to me begins on the 26th of Hantei (Month of the Serpent) Kitsuki san. Until then, please give my regards to your Grandmother and Grandfather. Please clean for at least the remainder of the Hour of Bayushi and I will make sure your katana is waiting for you. I accept your pledge.” The Dragon’s Emerald Ambassador accepted the present katana.

The golden clothed with emerald accented garb of the Miharu imperial samurai of the Forbidden City with the Emperor’s mon and their imperial hiemin staff escorted Donoha and Shànzi past everything on the Way of Elements road to the clan bathing houses. While he did not display it at all, Donoha internally smirked every time they passed by someone that whispered they had been arrested. He remembered two of the samurai from when his Seppun relatives had met him in Ryo Bannin Toshi a few years back.

He was very happy about the fine kimono Tozawa sama had provided him. He had almost decided to wear the yellow one with the green shashiko patterned trim, but decided he should try and look his best when showing up. The leather shoulder pad was a fortune sent idea for keeping Shirogane from shredding it by just circumstance. When Donoha began walking the great bird took its place and Donoha asked it if it understood “bow?” Shirogane performed it again on his shoulder and was duly rewarded with a treat by its master.

Donoha remember that meeting in Ryo Bannin Toshi a few years ago and thought how amazing being a Seppun must be. Seeing it on the scale of Otosan Uchi left him at a loss for words. This made keeping a stoic face easier to do. Crowds parted like waves on the ocean! Shànzi was getting a “potentially” once in a lifetime view of the city from the position as a guest for one of the imperial families!

She was given a Seppun guard and heimin to guard and attend her in the Lion bath house, as the rest went with Donoha. After cleaning and settling into the bath the staff could hear her laugh once and say, “Ano rōnin-tachi wa bakadatta (Those ronin were idiots)!” Meanwhile Donoha was trying to maintain the manners his father and mother had drilled into him when it came to anything with his Seppun relatives. So even though everything felt great he was treating this as a meditation practice to retain his composure.

It was a quarter into the Hour of Shinjo (Dog / 8PM to 10PM; so about 8:30PM) when both of them had finish bathing, taking the customary milk tea and eating before being given a new set of clothes being told theirs would be delivered after laundering to the Seppun Palace. For Shànzi it was the first time she’d heard the word “palace” in association with the Seppun!

Before her was metallic crimson silk kimono with gold and copper colored shashiko stitching showing a lion stretched out in a crescent curve, attacking from the bottom to the trim at her neck! If someone walked around the kimono it would look like the lion on the front was fighting the one on the back, a grand battle! The Matsu mon on the trim of the sleaves, and Donoha’s mon over her left breast. Around Donoha’s mon is the arch you would find at a shrine to Ebisu, the Fortune of Honest Work. It also meant if someone else wore this besides Shànzi, they would likely be killed! If she wore it after leaving Donoha’s service the same fate could befall her. This was a gift and a warning.

Donoha’s was a metallic green silk and was covered in various shades of yellow shashiko stitching. It’s patterns appeared to trap the eye if stared at for to long. You could meditate looking at nothing but the kimono! One the Miharu samurai had the Three Souls katana and a message from Tanetsu that he has not personally wielded a finer sword. Donoha bowed and return it to the spot in his obi. His hammer front and center with the Wakizashi in the rear. Shirogane landed on his shoulder when it saw him, blessing to that shoulder pad!

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Thanks to the L5R game team for this image from the Atlas of Rokugan.
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As night had fallen upon the city it came alive in a wholly different way. It glowed in so many different shades of light! They boarded on one of three river boats and were carried over the waterway back to the River of the Sun. From there they traveled between the Toshisoto (Outer City) districts of Hojize and northern Juramashi. They crossed the river gates leading into the Ekohikei (Inner City). Initially between the districts of Karada and Hito, their sights were soon eclipsed and held hostage by the ten stories of the Imperial Palace of Hantei the XXXVIII!

It may have been dark but it was as though light and shadow danced across their view in ways that stunned their senses! While not showing emotion in public was the way of Rokugan, both Donoha and Shànzi had gasps on their faces. Donoha had such a great time because he could share this with someone and that realization dimmed his expression. Chiasa was not here to share it with. His chest tightened in pain, and he tried hiding it by taking in breath to cover up tears. He quickly rubbed his face and stared some more.

He hoped Akodo Maki had really found peace in the haiku he wrote her:
A lone lioness cries
Her mate is gone, her heart is torn
She will never forget.
His heart ached for Chiasa, a heimin maiden of the most talented wood-worker he’d ever met in the Phoenix Clan’s Aoijiro Province. He had a hard time looking about places of beauty and not wanting to share them with her. Now that she had gone to the Temple of the Elemental Masters he felt a kinship to Akodo Maki. Could he love again? As the myriad of lights played acrossed his face he was grateful for every shadow to hide a bit of his pain within.

Grateful when they docked at the border between the Karada and Hito districts. Donoha followed Miharu on the road around and entered the Forbidden City by the “Necessary Gate” located between the Hito and Kanjo districts. The Kanjo district still very animated with lights, sounds, smells, and night life! When the “Necessary Gate” shut the world felt quiet in a way you can’t quite put a finger on. Light was softer but not darker, it was as though the world pass the wall “almost” didn’t exist.

The 22nd of Hantei (Month of the Serpent) ended with the arrival at the Seppun Palace. To say this was opulent did not do it justice. Having been to Kyuden Doji in the Crane clan lands, Donoha, had a frame of reference to compare it to. To say it was more aesthetically pleasing than Kyuden Doji was bar he did not think he would see in his lifetime, but here they were. At the Seppun place the Sanbō-chō (majordomo / chamberlin / chief of staff) explained that Seppun Sora had retired for the evening and Seppun Yūshū was away on matter of the court. The lady would meet with them at breakfast.

Shriogane was provided a roost to rest, as there were other birds in the Emperor’s menagerie. He was cared for like a visiting prince. Donoha knew Yukiabo would also be well looked after while he was here. As they were shown where to stay on the second floor of the palace. In each of their rooms was a geisha performer. They waited for each of them to lay down and began to play lullaby songs until they had fallen asleep before removing themselves. The songs were all ones Donoha had grown up with from the Dragon lands. Incense had been lit that reminded them of scent of the trees in Dragon lands during autumn.

In the Forbidden City the Imperial palace shares its space with a grand neighbor inside the inner most walls protecting it and the Otomo Palace. Home of the oldest or simply the first of the Imperial Families. Snaking along the east to north side of the Imperial Palace, home of the Hantei family. They act as the “Voice of the Emperor” and often lead the Sentaku. The Sentaku decide whom can enter the forbidden city. Woe be upon the fool that attempts this without permission.

The Miya are the youngest of the Imperial families created on or near the 47th year of the Emerald Empire by the son of the original emperor Hantei Genji. They have been granted three buildings inside the Forbidden City. Two in the Northern corner, but on the opposite side from the Otomo Palace. The third is the building near the Necessary Gate. They are the “Heralds and Cartographers of the Emperor” often needing speedy departure for important missives.

Being the closet followers of the emperor created some issues within a few generations. The number of Princes and Princesses born to the Hantei family were so many, that rather than challenge the claim of the Emperor’s eldest child, at adulthood these other heirs joined the families of Hantei-no-Kami’s original followers, Miya and Otomo and Seppun.

Now the Seppun was the second family to be made at the same time as the Otomo. They are the “Protectors of the Emperor” which means the Miharu are the bushi Imperial Guards. They also act as magistrates, and most of the artisans and shugenja among them are the Astrologers of the Imperial court. Though it may seem like the Seppun have most physical presence in the Forbidden City that is due to there role as body guards not just to the Hantei, Otomo, other Seppun, and the Miya. They have studied every clan’s techniques so they can integrate them into the defense of the Forbidden City! They work with mostly Lion and Phoenix bushi samurai at the gates. You can find every clan represented upon the wall protecting the heart of the Emerald Empire. They also act as guards for every single guest welcomed to the Forbidden City.

Donoha woke to sunlight streaming through an open wall panel. When he noticed the servant they averted their gaze and froze like a deer afraid to move. Donoha greeted the servant with thanks for taking care of him and hoped he would not be a burden for the few days he would be staying. When the ask for their name they gave Oimo. Donoha thanked Oimo-san and made it very clear if the door to his room was shut he would be happy if Oimo-san would relax around him.

He stood and walked over to shut the door and asked him for help picking what to wear to the morning meal. Oimo bowed and showed him that his complete set of gear – everything – was laid out! His Three Souls katana and the Wakazashi that got him through Kenson Gakka were on a stand and his smithing hammer right in front. Just as he had it at his home. Oimo-san explained his Grandmother had been given a report of his attire and she had the Light Armor, Traveling Pack, Small Iron Box replaced with items that would not shame the family (upgraded from Poor to Fine).

Since breakfast was to be a private affair his yellow, cotton, kimono with the green shashiko pattern on the trim would be fine. He helped Donoha get ready. While doing so he mentioned another servant of his Grandmother was preparing Shànzi san as she was interested in the woman he had been traveling with. What Donoha did not know was Shànzi san already being at breakfast for half of the Hour of the Sun (Hare / 6am – 8am)!

Seppun Sora had made sure the young lady of the Lion clan was dressed in a red and yellow cotton kimono with similar designs from her silk kimono the day before imprinted and “some” shashiko pattern stitching on the trim. Her Mon was on the left breast this time directly below Donoha’s with Ebisu’s arch (Fortune of Honest Work) surrounding it. She let her know any anything she had that may have been poor quality has been replaced. When Shànzi woke that morning she had seen that someone had been in the room and laid out “ALL” of her things. Though some had been replaced with finer versions! Nothing of her possessions was missing and the greatest level of care had been given to arrangement.

It was about 30 minutes into their meal that Shànzi realized whom had ordered her stuff gone though. Her conversation was the most polite and engaging she’s had in a long while but this woman more fierce than a starving lion in the wild. If a vase could hold a hurricane was the impression she had from the glances she got the longer she talked with her. Seppun Sora clearly adored her grandson and was not unlike a mother protecting their cub. After seeing the care with which Shànzi was chronicling the tale of her mago-san (Grandson). The fire burned down and out of the older woman.

By the time Donoha joined them it had turned to making sure she had access to any supplies to help her continue the tale. It was also clear Donoha’s possessions had been gone through and upgraded when he kept thanking her for the gifts trying to say he was unworthy. He accept on the third time she told him he was worthy and then asked why he did not have heavier armor?

He went over the costs of learning how to make Mittsu Tamashi and it had taken a little over 500 koku over the three years. He talked about Supaku (Spark) having a straight blade and actually being the first sword. But because the temper did not use the clay techniques Kaiu and Kakita did, the curve did not happen naturally! Shànzi was stunned to learn he had made another sword and that first one had a seven man cut! Seppun Sora asked if he needed anything else and he mentioned because of Shirogane’s claws he’d love to get some heavier shoulder armor to save on kimono replacements. She smiled and said she would arrange something for a small favor and two Koku. Shànzi knew that’s all Donoha had since they’d been talking. So it was really for the favor.

She provided them both with jade pendants in the shape of the Seppun mon. She explained they were enchanted and would alert the guard you and anyone in direct skin to skin contact are allowed past the gates of the Forbidden City. They were never to take them off or show them outside even in the Ekohikei (Inner City). Be very careful of whom you come into direct contact with was the warning. With that breakfast came to and end.

When they went to leave three of the Miharu and one heimin clothed in the mostly gold and green accents (Seppun colors) followed them out. The heimin was Oimo and he had a chest strapped around his waist and another support strap going up over his shoulders and around his neck. Donoha understood that “ANYTHING” that required payment would be covered by his Grandmother. That was a responsibility and a gift.

Traveling had awakened in Donoha the notion that the heimin (commoners) did a lot of work and were often not treated well. The system should be in place to work together. A lot of samurai he felt did not deserve the respect they demanded. Naturally he’s never written this or shared it with anyone. If he ever was made a member of the Justicars he could see him happily spending his days destroying pompous samurai that did not deserve there “tax” of the Emperor’s rice.

During the 23rd of Hantei (Month of the Serpent) Donoha was thrilled to run into a friend at the markets from his early teen years, Otaku Kai. During two winter courts they got to hang out and bond as friends. Her detractors among the Agasha clan called her the Agasha Gaijin, which was due to their fear of her height, a smidgen above SIX SHAKU (6ft.)!

She came from the Otaku family of the Unicorn. Her father was Gaijin and the reason she was so tall, and when her dark hair was against the sun it reflected deep crimson-red tones. Donoha san and her spent two winter courts having adventures in the northern lands and through social and physical confrontations, Donoha san never left her side. He fell in love with horses having been given rides upon her great steed.

To say Matsu Shànzi shared his excitement would be a gross miscarriage of justice. While she kept her opinion to herself the Unicorn Clan burned her town and is the reason she has no immediate family. Donoha tried to explain that she accidentally killed a boy of a noble making inappropriate advances on her. She was exiled and more Dragon than Unicorn since her Shugenja training was a Dragon Fire school. This did little to help Shànzi accept her and she just nodded and said, “As you wish, Donoha-sama.”

Donoha let it go for now. Both of them were awkward around him for differing reasons. Kai hated crowds, and Shànzi was not the least bit fond of Kai-san.

During the 24th of Hantei (Month of the Serpent) Donoha made a new acquaintance that would be traveling in the caravan with everyone else going, Dojii Hoto of the Crane Clan. Hoto had noticed him the prior day being followed by Seppun Miharu. That meant he had imperial relatives close enough to warrant a guard. This Dragon had a Lion retainer that did not like his friendship with another Unicorn. This seemed like a pleasant distraction from the “oh so close” thumb of Hoto’s father. Not only was Donoha sama thrilled to make his acquaintance. Hoto sama mentioned he knew all the stops Donoha sama was trying to find the day before when he ran into his Unicorn friend.

When Doji Hoto had taken them to an armorer that in his words – “Make even the roughest Crab shine like polished emeralds.” Oimo looked up at his guard and received a nod. When a Miharu chooses to move it is best to stay still so they may perform their task. The Miharu leaned into Hoto’s ear and whispered (PM to player & GM). Hoto winked and leaned into the other three (Shànzi on the opposite side of Donoha from Kai), “So our friend there (nodding to the Miharu that went inside the armorer shop), has a lady friend and a small portion of that box was so a gift could be acquired as a reward for something he did for your Grandmother. She’s going to make sure its delivered discreetly as a present. Oh and look, a candle maker! Let’s check that out until they’re done.”

Hoto kept them so busy that only Shànzi noticed one of the Miharu act as a go between from Oimo and the guardsman at the armorer and their group at the candle maker’s shop. When their group’s Miharu noticed Shànzi, the Lion shugenja nodded quietly and drew two fingers across her mouth suggesting her lips were sealed. The Miharu returned the nod and went back to looking for threats.

After a fashion the group at the candle shop was alerted the side transaction had been completed and could join. Hoto had watched Donoha and noticed he had a passion for questions and observations. He also seemed be trained to do nothing to upset Seppun Sora. Likely because was trained hard to be nice to her, and perhaps enjoyed her company. When queried about being to Otosan Uchi before he mentioned the closest he’d been was Ryo Bannin Toshi where his aunt and grand parents met him. If Seppun Sora left Kyuden Seppun for a day trip to see her grandson stopping by for three days and then leaving again! She really liked her grandson, in fact doting Grandmother might be a better moniker.

When the group entered the shop Donoha mentioned his issue with Shirogane and showed the smith the leather shoulder pad. Then the smith noticed the hammer in Donoha’s obi where the wakazashi would normally be and everyone present got the story about an ancestor beating a crab and returning the Kaiu blade to the family. In exchange they presented this smithing hammer. It was eventually given to Donoha and he made his katana with it!

The smith lit up in their expression at a craftsman in their shop and a samurai! He asked if he could examine the part he made (gesturing to a table and stools). Since very few smiths make anything other than the blade. For Hoto this was a goldmine of info about Donoha as he explained that he made every single bit of the Three Souls katana. Even Shànzi got a few extra details as he named every craftsman that taught him enough of a craft to make this entire sword!

Donoha and the smith discussed things and Shànzi realized the smith was trying to see if Donoha was lying about any of it. The way the conversation got deeper and deeper into a craftsman language, it was clear Donoha had passed some hidden test. Dutifully she record the details she did not have written down before. After two whole hours of the day (4 hours for us) they got back to the bird and Donoha’s issue.
[6:38 PM]
Donoha and the smith discussed things and Shànzi realized the smith was trying to see if Donoha was lying about any of it. Donoha was likely aware, they thought to themselves, but he appeared to be paying it no mind because he could answer all the questions. The way the conversation got deeper and deeper into a craftsperson’s language, it was clear Donoha had passed some hidden test. Dutifully she record the details she did not have written down before. After two whole hours of the day (4 hours for us) they got back to the bird and Donoha’s issue.

They quickly got into measuring Donoha at various stages of dress and he assured him that despite only needing some robust shoulder armor to stand up to large bird talons. The smith, Teppeki, assured him he would be back for a full harness, and Hoto had told him he could make a Crab into a diamond. It was as much a compliment to Teppeki as it was a dig at the Crab Clan. They made plans to meet up the following day for the celebration tomorrow.

The day of the Doll/Kite Festival: 25th of Hantei (Month of the Serpent) – this festival was originally only for girls but the custom now includes male children. They receive expensive gifts from their families, intended for use when they become adults, and the girls gather doll sets in tiered plaforms and the boys fly brilliant kites. The dolls represent the Imperial court, and it’s traditional for girls to go around and appreciate each other’s doll sets.

When Donoha woke up there was an absolutely gorgeous set of of aigote kote (chain mail and plate connected armored sleeves) which stopped the chainmail just below the elbow plate’s disc! It could be worn under a kimono for court! Each side also came with attached waki-baki yoroi (chain mail and plate armpit protectors). All of the plates were a mix of green-lacquered tempered steel and tempered copper.

As though that had not been enough both shoulders had tate-eri (shoulder protection consisting of a steel and copper trimmed shoulder band over silk with hidden reinforced little six-sided hexagon plates of steel. That have thick lace cords of woven silk going trough four holes in them – not unlike a button – for even more shock absorption.) added on as extra support. They were removeable as well with toggles. Green silk, golden dragons slithering among the clouds on the emerald sky. Donoha never had a nicer Doll/Kite gift in his life!

Two reasons this was amazing is that: 1) normally wearing armor to court is a no go. Unless something about your role demands it, if its wartime, situations like that. To have armor that can be worn beneath was amazing for keeping one safe in all kinds of situation not the least of which could be court. 2) The “Do” (Chestplate) normally supports the armor for the shoulders and arms. Putting this on a garment underneath the Do removes the cords and ties on the shoulder from being cut and removing most of the armor.

Donoha wrote at least five haiku’s just thanking his Grandmother, Seppun Sora! He tried to refuse each piece three times as one does with gifts citing how unworthy he was. Shànzi watched all of it quietly taking notes. It was a longer breakfast than normal several pieces of his armor might cost around 25 koku each. A requisite amount of groveling was a steal for what he got in their opinion.

During the day Donoha and Shànzi visited the merchants of the caravans setting ways for him to have access to supplies and tools. Being able to display Mittsu Tamashi as an example of his skill was super useful in setting up deals as long as he made an extra item they could sell. Donoha was hoping to make friends / contacts and having a tanto to present using his design would be a good gift in help cement his clan’s blade among the two giants in the realm.

The reason Donoha had to meet so many craftspeople of the heimin class was the same reason the armor maker quizzed him for so long. You typically need “SEVEN” different craftspeople to make a katana, naginata, wakazashi, nagamaki, tachi, tanto, odachi, etc. The Katanakaji (Swordsmith/Bladesmith), the Togishi (Sharpener/Polisher), the Shiroganeshi (Habaki Crafter), the Sayashi (Sheath Manufacturer), the Tsukamakishi (Handle Wrapper), the Nurishi (Laquer Painter), and finally Kinkoshi and Tsubakoshi (Metal Fittings & Tsuba Manufacturer). Donoha was an artist with an attention to detail he plied for the Empire as a Kitsuki Magistrate. Matsu Shànzi and Lord Akodo Tozawa have seen first hand how that focus can be directed to solving crimes.

After that he met up with Otaku Kai and then Doji Hoto. Hoto-san was kind enough to treat everyone to the town they called home! He introduce Kai to his merchant friend from the Crab clan, Yasuki Minoru. Donoha was quick to shut up and just sit nearby as Hoto helped Kai work out a deal for supplies to gift out to places they visit. It was an impressive discourse and Kai hates social encounters because she can’t see the enemy’s weapon.

During this time we met another Crab bushi coming along on the caravan, Hida Eiji. What Donoha found even more impressive was that Eiji was just a bit taller than Kai, possibly six and a half shaku tall! Not just tall but stout! I think sumo entertainer may think twice before wrestling Eiji!. His voice had a softness to it though, as though they had spoken to children or small pets a great deal, the Dragon found him interesting.

Under Hoto’s guidance: Kai, Eiji, and Donoha followed him to eat at a variety of restaurants that evening. Matsu Shànzi was sent back with Donoha’s jade pendant wrapped in a mint green handkerchief before being removed and given to her to return to the Seppun House in the Forbidden city. She was to arrange for their belongings to be moved to the Dragon portion of the Emperor’s Gift caravan and secure a wagon or wagons that can sleep up to 8 people and supplies. She nodded, thrilled to put distance between her and Kai.

Dragging into the evening Kai opened up more and more. Donoha was having a grand time watching Hoto and Eiji help pry her social walls open. He took a moment to jot down a haiku about the Crane’s efforts:
Graceful crane, you soar
Through the sky on silent wings,
A symbol of peace.

Donoha slid that to him on a slip of paper and Hoto read it and slid it into his kimono without anyone else noticing. The smallest smile was made as he did so. He said nothing else about it. In his travels among Kyuden Doji he over heard one resident say to another, “It’s okay she did not respond. When you write something on paper it is because you do not wish to discuss it aloud.” Donoha understood this statement much clearer than before.

They made their way back to the caravan staging area outside the Hojize district and its north gate of Otosan Uchi. Once Eiji saw the wagon(s) Donoha had arranged via Shànzi’s efforts with the Seppun’s assistance. They brought over their traveling companions. His daughter Miu and the first Nezumi that Donoha had seen!

He’d heard about them while in the Crab lands and the legend they were immune to taint of the Shadowlands! However, he’d not seen one but was very curious to learn more. Then he paid attention to Hida Miu and the way this giant doted on the little girl. All of Eiji’s soft spoken tone made sense now. Hoto and Eiji went outside to speak for a bit but had come to some accord. Meanwhile if Matsu Shànzi could meld into shadow she would when she found out she was traveling with Kai because she was considered part of the Dragon clan. Also Donoha saw this as practice for learning to see what other clans are like. Walk ten thousand shaku in someone else’s tabi and you’ll understand them in ways you never could before.

Donoha tried to get Gru’ Vi to play “Go” with him while the Crab and the Crane were outside but trust and games would seem to take time to build up to. Shànzi began to play with Miu to distract herself from the giant in the wagon. Kai found a bunk and once it took her weight she kind of recoiled into her shell like a turtle. This was not how you’re supposed to ride. Donoha remembered she’d been particularly unfond of wagons unless they were open atop.

As everyone began to prepare to sleep since the caravan would be leaving on the morrow. A horrendous sound split the nighttime low sounds of packing and drums to drown out the commotion of the packing. The drumming stopped and the ground across the road from the caravan began to split open with an eerie green light and smoke belching forth with sounds no mortal would make! Shapes began to appear! Ghost, Oni, some other supernatural menace? The heroes prepare as Donoha howls for Shànzi to protect Miu!