Tag: Kitsuki

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 52

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Shanzi Matsu

Home, Heart, and Harmony


Mirumoto Tenryu san had been having a normal morning on guard duty for the city. All the lords within the city of the Great Falls Castle contributed samurai to its defense. Knowing that his lord’s son was returning soon. He was thumbing through a few pages of “In Defense of Honor” when a guard called to him about switching so he could have a break. Nodding he tucked the book away and headed back to his post.

When the aging samurai that had turned down so many promotions because he was happiest as a guard. Made out Kitsuki Donoha sama and his companions approaching he stepped out to greet them all. Between the two men an entire conversation of welcome home and it’s great to see you was said in the whispers of the wind when their eyes met. Donoha sama playfully embarrassed his friend by introducing him by the sama honorific when it was pretty obvious whom ranked higher.

Otaku Gunba sama began to do his normal routine, and was directed inside and to the right for the castle stables. There he spent an inordinate amount of time taking care of and putting away the horses. Tenryu san asked the young Dragon which damsel has he saved recently. Remembering the ribbing he got from Gunba sama about how he saved Tamae and nearly all the women in Tall Pine Village facing down six yeti. Even Hanzo san said his arrows were mere distraction and then their was the spell of fire and lightning he endured when other yeti were hurt and then finished off by him. Donoha again said nothing, smiled slightly, and nodded his head towards Kuni Shirai san.

The Phoenix and Crab shugenja were talking amongst themselves about Tamaki san’s fire enhancements. They seemed to have a bond building between them and it was wholesome to see grow. The old Dragon guard eventually told Donoha sama his parents were expecting them. Showing them to where Gunba sama had wandered off to they returned to their post.

Copper River Manor was the name of the estate, located at the northern most point of the castle town surrounding the Great Falls Castle. Even with winter fast approaching there was a serene calm around the home. None of the metallic decorations or accents were in gold or brass. They were all copper or iron. Efforts in “irogane” or “Red Gold” alloys could be seen as well as pieces deliberately allowed to patina to a soft, mint green in color. It was clear to see where Donoha sama’s fondness of mint green came from. Even the roof was sheathed in patinaed copper sheets blending it in with the trees.

The Dragon courtier tried a sincere attempt at casual conversation with Shirai san when he pointed out the ends of the roof. When his grandfather, Kitsuki Yushu sama before becoming Seppun Yushu sama, had the roof redone before his bride, Seppun Sora sama, came to visit. He had studied the notes of the Kaiu samurai that joined the Order of Togashi and built Great Falls Castle. They sloped in two separate directions at the same time and yet no nails were used in their design. She widened her eyes in amazement and bowed her head in acknowledgement but said nothing in return. At that moment he took the same hint he had with the five Moshi shugenja from the beach – not much of a talker.

Staff at Donoha sama’s home recognized him but the Dragon did not know how because for him most of these people were new. Gates were open as he approached and while he tried to bow in thanks everyone just bowed lower. It was amusing trying to watch him try show respect heimin and eta only to be “out bowed” by them. Shirai san and Tamaki san shared whispered conversations about the Crab shugenja’s bewilderment over his actions. The Phoenix simply reminded her when the Lion cousin of the Dragon left. It was Donoha sama that took care of the cat with the same care and attention he was giving to those in front of them. Even Hanzo san and Gunba sama got to see that everyone he had met and treated on the road was the same way he acted in his own home.

Upon entering the courtyard of the estate their eyes could feast on a kaleidoscopic array of colored plants. The Scorpion courtier could plants that were safe, medicinal, and even outright poisonous spread among them. They had been deliberately allowed to grow more than many traditional gardens might allow. It definitely wasn’t negligence but a conscious choice to do so. Without so much as a whisper a woman appeared from the main house follow by the return of sound attributed to the man behind her.

“Have you had rice?” her words felt as smooth as silk, but with with presence of steel beneath it.
“No, okaasama,” Donoha sama replied to his mother as he walked toward her and knelt with the same reverence he gave the Mirumoto daimyo. The others followed his example and then introductions were made to his parents before handing the scroll from Mirumoto Masashige sama to his father regarding Tall Pine Village and the yeti raid. Being shown inside, preparations for a meal had been made and places were set, but the thing that caught everyone were the chopsticks. Made of ivory and the colors on the handles matched the clan colors for all present! The fact that they had a set for Shirai san suggested how recent their information had to be.

The Kitsuki family of the Dragon Clan are unique in their approach to learning and the acquisition of knowledge. Raised from an Agasha shugenja in the late 700’s Agasha Kitsuki wanted facts to explain elemental phenomena. He began to experiment in short term kami bindings to potions so the recipient would be the person drinking the potion. Thus allowing magical effects to anyone! Once that was done they moved on to binding full prayers or spells in a form of alchemy.

The keen eye developed doing such experimentation led him to many new understandings about life and the things around him. Things most samurai would not bother to learn. Pushing past the comfort zone of an entire class of people is not an easy nor often advisable thing to do. The family founder had to do such when framed with murder. After proving his innocence, he saved the child of the Mirumoto Daimyo and was granted the right to form the new family. While the Kitsuki method is certainly unique, their ability to acquire information should scare even the Scorpion or the Crane clans.

Everyone’s favorite dish was present, even for Hanzo san (hot, udon soup, shrimp tempura, and desert from the City of Lies) and Shirai san (a shoronpo or soup filled dumpling)! The bond between the Phoenix and the Crab was indeed deepening as they had similar dishes with different seasonings. Neither were displeased with their choices when they tried sharing. They just prefered there own the way we all have a comfort food. Otaku Gunba sama’s favorite food was a plain rice, cooked with chicken broth, chili crisps lightly added to finish it. The Unicorn shugenja sat and stared at his dish a moment, then offered an additional small prayer to someone or something before joining the group in stating Itadakimasu before eating. The one person completely unsurprised by their meal was the young Dragon. Miso-glazed river salmon in a potsticker style dumpling with shavings of fermented daikon and local greens and mushrooms.

After the meal, the grouping split up, as Kitsuki Orochi sama led his son and Hanzo san on a walk through the city. While Kitsuki Hana sama, Shirai san, Tamaki san, and Gunba sama talked about their ancestor spirits given her training as a shugenja came from her upbringing among the Lion. The trio walking through the northern part of the castle town discussed how Donoha sama was willing to adopt Hanzo san as a brother should the Scorpion Clan decide to reject him. Orochi sama nodded knowing this was an ask of him and his son choosing to vouch for someone. Donoha sama mentioned that his father never asked why their clan might reject one of their own. The young Dragon took that to mean his was as informed as he suspected given the ivory chopsticks at the meal.

Then the conversation turned to Serpent’s Tail Mine and the problems surrounding Mountain’s Anvil Castle. Both the Dragon and the Scorpion informed Donoha sama’s father about their experiences at the mine and the betrayal at the castle. When emphasized the importance of the issue by showing his father the fingers of jade and “untainted” obsidian! Kitsuki Orochi sama nodded and left the two in order to prepare a party to leave on the morrow and head there.

The Scorpion and the Dragon took their time returning to Copper River Manor. The conversation had turned to the member of the family not present – Kitsuki Hoshikiba – Donoha sama’s sister. They discussed the bet that had gone wrong in the exchange of a Mirumoto and a Kakita to study the style of each family. Hoshikiba san had volunteered to replace the Mirumoto when the call for volunteers went out from the Mirumoto family daimyo. The young Dragon suspected she was in Kyuden Kakita in the southern Crane lands.

Arriving back at the house in the latter part of the day initially found them discussing the plants in the garden and Hanzo san was able to explain the medicinal properties of the plants his sister was so fond of caring for. Donoha sama was able to display a knowledge of the their physical properties: color, scent, texture, and so forth. They were able to teach each other what the other missed and displayed a modicum of lore on botany.

Before to long everyone’s attention, servants, Donoha sama’s mother, Shirai san, Hanzo san, and the young Dragon was drawn to the synchronistic display being performed as part meditation and part display of the kami’s power! The two shugenja were moving earth in the form of rocks, water from the courtyard pond, through the air in a cylindrical dance with the koi fish! It was a mesmerizing display of the beauty and wonder of nature!

After such a magnificent display Donoha sama could his mother hiding a smile. His friends had made his mother smile and he knew satisfaction at being their friend. His mother mentioned the evening meal would be ready soon, and the Unicorn and Phoenix shugenjas asked if they could send missives from here. The Kitsuki matron nodded and told them she would see them sent off wherever they needed to go.

After dinner Donoha and Tamaki toured the Great Falls Castle so he could see the riverways running through it and out the cliffsides! What surprised the Phoenix was the number of benches present at spots accentuating the flow of spiritual energy. Where a single person or small group could sit and loose themselves in the motion of the river, the ambience of peace. The ground was stones with four circular holes cut into each one. Filled with small, smooth, colored stones tied to the elements. Black granite insets connected them in a larger circle. Tamaki learned that the holes and the stones allow for overflow water to drain back into the ground preventing issues with standing water.

Donoha sama mentioned needing to get supplies from his workshop and left Tamaki san to enjoy his meditations. The Phoenix shugenja eventually sought out Mirumoto Tenryu san. They spent a fair amount of time discussing Donoha as a child and what he was like. The elder samurai said a comment among the tales that the Kitsuki samurai were some of the most “cerebral” people he’d ever met. The epitaph hung in Tamaki san’s ears like an ofuda charm from his hat.

When Donoha sama made it back to his room he unpacked his heavy and light armors. Servants were able to acquire boxes he could pack them on top of and they bore his family’s mon. He’d been practicing more and more of what Mirumoto Uesugi sama had taught him. He could feel himself beginning a new journey down the path of the Taoist Swordsman. From there he headed out to his workshop to resupply the kits he carried with him.

He failed to notice he’d been watched leaving as Hanzo san went into Donoha’s room to see a veritable library of scrolls and books. Sketches, paintings, and notes about he’d developed his own artistic style. Apparently he’d paint his sister to study how to capture emotions on paper. The Scorpion realized he was looking at an exploded view of his mind. His notes about how he made is steel billets for making weapons were among some those notes. Feeling he understood the man further he went to seek out Tenryu san as Tamaki san had done.

Elsewhere in home Gunba sama further explored the conversation about ancestor spirits with Kitsuki Hana sama. As we know our Unicorn shugenja hates the focus of attention to be upon him. From what I can glean he asked for help with communing with his ancestors and the Kitsuki matron mentioned they would see what they could find that might help.

As Tamaki san was wrapping up with Tenryu san and leaving in the night air. They appeared to be unaware their departure was observed from shadows nearby buildings. As Hanzo san approached the senior samurai to test how prepared he was. The Mirumoto guard never turned to face him but said out loud, “Shosuro san you have an incredibly light step, how can I help you this evening?” Hanzo san was taken aback by how nonchalantly he’d been addressed. The senior samurai gave him a look that said volumes. About how this had been his post as long as Donoha sama had been alive. Nothing moved around him he did not sense.

Hanzo san spent a fair amount of time talking with the senior samurai about Donoha sama’s sister. Is an infatuation growing my readers? Has the child of the clan that hoards secrets fallen for a child of the clan reputed to hold the most among them? Only time will tell.

On the following morning of the 16th of Shinjo (Month of the Dog {OOC: November}) the sun rose upon a beautiful day. Up before dawn quietly practiced in the garden. While he did not see him leave to knew his father had left for his trip. The signs were there to his awareness and perception. His mother and two servants had made bentos and packed the ivory chopsticks in with the packages. His mother had taken hand in the direct preparation of the food and arrangement. Each would be unique and she then asked the kami to keep the food fresh until opened. Yukiabo – the young dragon’s snow pony mount was packed with all the additional items and supplies for projects he wanted to make. The last item and gift from his mother was for Otaku Gunba sama. A scroll with notes about how to find some information he was looking for as a shugenja.

There was a heartfelt goodbye between Tenryu san and Donoha sama. He promised to tell Inoki sama and Uesugi sama how much the child they knew had grown into man when he saw them for winter court. With that the group headed out from Great Falls Castle. Passage straight through Shiro Kitsuki had been prepared. The Scorpion tried to have conversations with the Crab shugenja only to learn one thing, the plethora of ways she can scowl.

It was the 21st of Shinjo (Month of the Dog {OOC: November}) when they saw the caravan once again. Though for some it was with fresh eyes or their first time. Then a loud shriek from above and Donoha sama tapped the leather should piece he had put on his right side that morning. Clearly modified from archery styled armor. He tapped his shoulder three times and then stuck his hand into a small pouch on his obi. Shirogane landed on their master’s shoulder and began to nuzzle him with its head.

Hanzo san had a stunned look at Shriogane’s wing span being almost as long as five shaku! Their beak to where their tail feathers start was two shaku when in flight! Shirogane was a BIG bird! He tried to reach out a hand to pet the bird while Donoha fed it scraps of dried. Only to hear a stifled laugh from the Crab shugenja when the great bird’s head swiveled to glare at him. Donoha sama mentioned, “I’d recommend letting Shirogane getting to know you first.” Then he continued, “Hanzo san, this is Shirogane. Shirogane, this is Hanzo san a friend of mine.” The bird reacted to the word “friend” and spread its wings wide as though it might strike. However, it stunned those present by bowing to the Scorpion! The young Dragon tossed up another scrap of meat with positive affirmations. The Scorpion bowed back and they continued forward.

During this nobody noticed Gunba sama slipping away to return to the stables and horses he loved so much. A path was made leading them to the inner circle of wagons that belonged to the Emerald Ambassadors. When the Unicorn’s absence was noticed, a runner was sent to fetch them. Once the group had been reassembled a meeting was had about the honor and recognition ceremony to come. It’s sure to be a blast for certain.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 48

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Shanzi Matsu

The Will To Find Your Way

The prayers to the Kami began, Isawa Tamaki san knew tales of many kami. He chose to invoke one he was familiar with, Kagutsuchi, was a name for an ancient Kami of fire before Osano-wo took on that mantle. Perhaps by appealing to the former father of fire he could have him find the missing spirit.

Crimson breath of forge,
Kagutsuchi, ancient heart,
Stone awaits your spark.

Silent, cooled ember,
Once your dwelling, now a form,
Grant it living heat.

Flickering spirit,
Dance within this hardened shell,
Awaken the flame.

Mountain’s molten core,
Whisper through the granite veins,
Warmth, a sacred gift.

Stillness holds the fire,
Until the moment’s true need,
Kami, lend your strength.

Crimson, roaring god,
Dragon’s steel, a hungry gift,
Feed, and grant your grace.

Sharp edge, spirit bound,
Wakizashi, offered now,
Flames accept the soul.

Stone, a silent form,
Where your ancient heat once slept,
Awaken, blaze anew.

Dragon’s fading breath,
Kami’s fire, a rising surge,
Stone, receive the might.

Steel’s last, keenest cry,
Nourishment for burning heart,
Stone, ignite and live.

Forge’s ancient breath,
Through the metal, to the stone,
Kagutsuchi’s will.

The wakizashi Donoha sama sacrificed as a means of apology if he had hurt the kami was accepted and it flared up as though it simply caught fire sitting atop the boulder! The metal parts melted and seemed to me absorbed in the stone, while the rest burned to ash and fluttered away in the cold breeze. The frozen water became liquid quickly but not hot or boiling by any means. Having put things back the way the Mirumoto family daimyo wanted. Most of the group returned to make their report that it was completed. Otaku Gunba sama stayed behind to pray and meditate on the events that had transpired.

Reporting to Mirumoto Masashige sama at the Pine Needle Retreat. The three samurai found themselves in a discussion of fate. Of the various threads that led them to be part of the Emperor’s Gift caravan. To be brought together, to be in this village at such an auspicious occasion. The way Donoha sama explained it to me. He feels Hanzo san has like they’ve been given a second chance being brought into the group. Tamaki san appears to feel a strong connection to Donoha sama and fate.

Mirumoto Masashige sama thanked them for their answers and mentioned he was leaving to visit the stone. Food had been prepared for everyone and they should partake of it. With that the daimyo left with his six guard retinue in tow. After finishing the food brought for him, the Phoenix shugenja left to go and give Taro san a brake at the hole, and bring a few rice balls and a small wooden container of weak tea to throw down at the disgraced Crane within.

When Gunba sama returns to the others he mentions having a similar conversation about the threads of fate. Before being dismissed in the most polite and gentle manner one could do. About an Hour of the Day later Masashige sama returned and partook of the samurai’s company once more. He and the Scorpion courtier played a game of Go, but Hanzo san was using some of the insight the Dragon family daimyo had shared with him. Donoha sama could see his game had improved from when he played him last, but Masashige sama was the victor.

After complimenting the noted use of his advice to Hanzo san, Mirumoto Masashige sama asked us to deliver the news of this event to the Dragon Clan Champion. They were to head out in the morning and if we needed anything Sanjiro san would have it provided. The group were informed by Tetsuo san that this part of the journey would be done by foot, and our mounts would be stabled here and await our return. The samurai asked the village headman if they could have a cart they could strap the chest of missives to that their prisoner could push. They were told it would be waiting for them in the morning outside of their home used here in the village.

The Dragon also asked for provisions to be made for the trek and was told they would also be made ready. While the others made ready the Unicorn shugenja went to speak with the Earth Kami. Earlier that day he had asked them to change the switchback trail leading up to the tree the village had been named for. Now a straight path cut through the entire center of the switchback trail. After communing with the Earth Kami it was decided to keep both trails. However, where the straight path intersected with each level of the switchback trail a flattened landing would be made to allow travelers to stop and appreciate the valley from different elevations. Thus did the Unicorn shugenja sculpt the side of a mountain to bring man and spirit closer together.

On the 7th of Shinjo (Month of the Dog {OOC: November}) we found the group in the early morning with the Dragon sitting next to the Unicorn shugenja as they tossed and turned in their sleep. No jade had changed colors as he watched over his friend. Donoha sama felt Gunba sama was having a vision and he would not disturb him. Using one of his many mint colored cloths he dabbed his forehead to address any sweat. Even with the Scorpion prodding him to intervene the Dragon let his friend have the vision the kami chose to share with him.

Once they woke up Donoha sama had a change of Gunba sama’s clothes ready and had Taro san get this set washed immediately. This was to prevent Gunba sama from catching a cold. The group had rice with their morning meal and made ready to leave to the High House of Light. With Tetsuo san as their guide the reached the Bridge of Resourcefulness late in the day. It stood above them with no clear way onto it. This was their first challenge.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 10

Posted on July 9, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

ARRIVAL AT TOSHI NO OMOIDOSO 

18th of Akoko in 1123 (Month of the Horse) – I have spent this week working out deals with various merchants to distribute the first volume of the Book: In Defense Of Honor. I asked Donoha to try that drawing style of his out as a picture for me. Next, I had another painter copy it and make it into a cover. I can’t wait to see how this does! All my time is spent quietly making copies and keeping up on the gossip about Donoha. I trade a story about him from our travels in exchange for informants watching my lord and reporting back. They’ve all been made aware about the book to be released in the Phoenix lands.

He laughed about this picture because he said this body would be a hard goal to obtain. Let me tell you ladies and gentleman! He’s to self critical as he is well on his way to being as structured as this picture. I have traveled with him on the road, seen him change kimonos, and cared for him in Shiro Akodo. He is in shape, everywhere it might matter, trust me. I don’t know how into pillowing he might be but we’ll save that for volume two.

Keeping track of Donoha this week was a simple task.

  • They met with the Ambassador Damiyo of the Dragon per the ambassador’s request to get a full run down of the encounter.
  • I know he was going to ask more about Kai leaving with the Agasha. Since the Kitsuki family was founded by Agasha Kitsuki, his ancestor. What “if any” does that bode for Donoha since he has distant family (at this point maybe 3rd, 4th, 5th cousins) among them.
  • Talk with the Dragon ambassador further about Doji Hoto’s offer to have Donoha work as their Yojimbo. Unlike a lot of Samurai on loan to the Emperor’s Gift. Mirumoto Tanestu is “actually” the first Lord that Donoha is in service to.
  • Finishing the ring for the Phoenix took up the lion’s share of this week.
  • Disassembling the lantern to use its components to craft Netsuke (toggle), Ojime (fastener), and Inro (suspended pouch, containers, or object from an Obi sash/belt) containers with elements of the brass and glass of the lantern. He called it a reincarnation of sorts for the lantern. This would become his gift to the Dragon
  • Giving his friend Isawa Genji the time and peace to settle in and speak with their clan’s ambassador.

I have had a wonderful time taking with Genji about mystical matters and the spirits. Their focus is not upon the temporal as much as it is on the spiritual. They are powerful in the void and it has marked them. When we reached Toshi no Omoidoso (City of Remembrance), the gates were bared and we have made camp outside in the rough shape of a horse’s iron shoe. It would be easy to surmise the issue is the change in power from the Shiba family to the incoming Agasha family. It’s possible it could indeed be something else.

Donoha has been practicing their fighting techniques on a boulder nearby the camp at night. He’s begun training with a wooden tessen he made from scrap wood, when I asked him why he said, “Come back at dinner, and I’ll show you.” When I returned he had made a very simple and delicate tessen from paper and bamboo. Then he has hold up a piece of washi paper. “Toss it in the air when you’re ready and step back.”

A second or maybe two after I let go he cut it in half with the paper edge of the fan! “With preparation even soft things can find a hard edge,” he replied and then lunged at me and locked my wrist with the fan. Twisting me into him so he could stop my fall! He then held the open fan, above us. I could see the tiny diamonds he had cut into the fan, so that when folded shut gave it teeth! Putting me upright he gave me the fan and went off to find dinner. I was left alone so suddenly, by Benten’s bountful blessing what a heart slayer.

Yet, this was an insight into how the investigation techniques of his worked. Everyone is capable of darkness or light given the right motivation. This fan with paper teeth and the wrist were examples of one way. His catching and showing me the night sky was the other.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 3

Posted on July 8, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

THE EIGHT MAN CUT

After three weeks of resting and healing his shoulder. Then getting his broken tooth repaired from where the blade sliced his face. Availing himself of blank scrolls he presented a copy of his journey’s journal to date to the Damiyo with his sketches and commentary about what he had seen on the land and sea. In exchange he asked the damiyo for two blades that had failed and broke under use. He then explained how he wished to make a sword from those people or objects that had lost honor so he might perform deeds to help their souls enter the next life with less of a stain upon them. It was an act of charity because those souls can’t thank him but maybe he can help some ghosts find peace to move on.

The Damiyo asked him to come back when he called him. It was two days later when he was brought into court of the Ikoma Damiyo. There were two pristinely cleaned anvils before him and upon each were a katana and a wakizashi. The leader of the Damiyo’s samurai said he had failed to protect his lord’s daughter but Donoha had helped him correct that blunder allowing him to save face and honor. His punishment was to surrender the katana that he had failed to save her with and after cleansing in a shrine he would seek another for his purified soul. He wrapped his hand in silk and gripped the blade and brought a smithing down on it breaking the blade! He then brought them over and set them in front of Donoha.

The Damiyo then mentioned he must act for the will of the Mandate of Heaven that means his life and will must serve a higher cause. Since samurai is derived from the word saburau, meaning “to serve.” Samurai are servants to a cause or person always higher than themselves. All families of samurai are honored for helping to create more samurai. However, all honor comes with costs and dues. Consider it a celestial example of karmic exchange.

To show how much he respects that Donoha helped and never asked for a reward, even offering knowledge of the world at large (holding up the scroll/book Donoha made him). One of Donoha’s teeth had been fixed by a Ikoma Shugenja using silver/copper amalgam cap. The Damiyo then said if the lad would accept, he would give him his name early for he had absolute faith he would succeed in his gempukku! When Donoha bowed his head and hands in supplication the court would record Donoha or “Copper Tooth“! When he can reclaim the fallen blade’s honor and send all the familyies’ word of the deeds he accomplishes with this new soul saving sword. Then he may add “kiba” to his name or “Fang“, as a fitting epitaph for a full Dragon! Donoha san just realized he had been tasked with a second gempukku. He also realized all of this was likely cleared with his family.

The Ikoma Damiyo continued on about Donoha san had wanted these blades as a chance to help repair the honor of others. His ranking samurai moved to the wakizashi and the assembled court realized that had been their lord’s personal wakizashi. He had the sheath wrapped up and a courier left with it and a box to present to Donoha’s father to help cover some of the costs of the gempukku he was on. Then ranking samurai broke the wakizashi and presented it to Donoha!

Word of that action spread like wildfire, and when Donoha arrived home in late summer, early fall. It was to stares and hushed whispers when people realized whom was walking through. To show his gratitude (thanks to the Lion’s gift) Donoha’s father hired a Mirumoto duelist from the Dojo of the Mirror to personally train his son alongside Kitsuki Inoki. He would likely need it when his glory hit locations before him. Then a full year went into the process and if he wasn’t forging the katana he would meditate on it through training from both Inoki sensei and Mirumoto Uesugi his weapons instructor.

When he completed his prototype at 18 years of age. He, more than anyone, was surprised that it was straight. Since he had not used clay in the temper the blade did not curve due to the differential temper. The style of the blade was ancient. A style still used by Yobanjin people that had refused to submit to the Kami! The rarity of a straight sword in the Emerald Empire was high and typically only seen in sword cane used as one got older.

Uesugi and his mother, Hana, arranged the cutting test. Knowing what was coming for Donoha the test was made using the bodies of ronin that had convicted as criminals. Mirumoto Uesugi san, Kitsuki Inoki san, and Kitsuki Hana okasan were present. When Donoha swung he had made it through seven bodies grazing the spine on number eight! They showed his father and vouched on their honor they witnessed Donoha do this.

Not understanding the significance Donoha san asked his father, Kitsuki Orochi, why was everyone surprised. His father explained the record cut in the empire was known as the Eight Man Cut (八人の男を半分に減らす = Hachi Ri no o-toko o-Hanbun ni Herasu). To show Donoha he took his own katana and made it through six but not quite seven. The fact Donoha san’s blade had made it through seven and into number eight means he nearly match the record cut. No one else had come this close!

He asked Donoha if he had the ability and materials to make another. Donoha confirmed he could make just one more. His father tasked him with making the second curved and the cutting test and completion of the gempukku would be held at Kyuden Ikoma to honor the boy’s name-giver. In fact it would be held at Winter Court as the Emperor would be staying there!

The prototype katana was named Supaku or Spark, since it had been the flame in the darkness that a new tradition may be born from. Stored in shirasaya style the wooden handle or tsubaka and the saya or sheath were lacquered dark green and deliberately disturbed in the drying process to make a variety of triangles to represent the three clans that had contributed to the blade. Coppered lacquer was applied on the lines between the triangles. It could be confused for an ornate and beautiful walking stick. The katana bears his Mon, signature, and the broken flower with seven petals for the cutting count upon the tang. The handle has an ornate kashira that resembled a dragon coming out one side of the tsuka and resting its head on the endcap of the handle.

It was nearly six months later that he completed the sword: Mittsu Tamashi 三つ魂 or Three Souls. Balancing his sword training and lessons as a magistrate. His birthday celebration and gempukku ceremony completion had been put on hold since it was getting into winter. Arrangements had been made to make the cutting test before samurai of the Crab, Phoenix, and Lion that were representing their clans at court. Other clans were invited as well promising a sword not seen before!

The Kitsuki family sent magistrates with Donoha among them. Having spent everything available to him his simple mint green kimono with a darker green hakama. A simple pastel yellow obi/sash. A thin handle bar mustache. His light armor is lacquered dark green with yellow stitching and/or lacing as needed. The rest of his attire is so plain it could make him appear poor. In fact, the only thing ostentatious about him was his weapons. The thing that stood out on him was the gloriously wrapped sword in a green silk cover with golden dragons, red fiery birds, dark blue crabs, and copper colored lions upon it showing each clan he visited in order of journey.

Donoha was a little nervous late on the first night in a grand courtyard. About 12 feet in front of the mat he knelt on were 8 corpses of convicted criminals. Stacked rather neatly one atop of the other over a wooden slab. Special torches had been lit to ward off insects. Still bound by the silk covering Mittsu no Tamashi laid in front of his knees.

Behind the torches set around the courtyard were mats for those wishing to watch the cutting demonstration. The Damiyo of the Ikoma family was present along with high-ranking samurai of the Phoenix and the Crab. Lion and Crane historians were present to record the result. Smiths from these clans and from the imperial capital were present. Lastly his grandfather and grandmother from House Seppun took the last spot next to his son, Kitsuki Orochi san.

When the Ikoma Damiyo raised his fan, Donoha removed the silk cover and set Mittsu no Tamashi (Three Souls) in front so people could see it. The green lacquered saya with veins of copper showing off the eclectic triangles on its surface. The diamond shape gold and copper dragon tsuba making the blade always rest at an angle. The braided silk tsuka (handle) wrap in shades of green, the fittings in copper gleaming against the green in torchlight.

Several attendees noted the blade length would put it right on the edge between and horseman’s tachi katana and the footman’s uchigatana katana. The latter being far more common. The saya was done up in the only fitting style for such an ambigous length blade. Handachi combines the fittings of a tachi length katana on the saya for riding a horse. But instead placing them on a saya designed for an uchigatana length weapon carried on foot.

While there were murmurs amid the crowd about the choices there were gasps when the blade was revealed as he stood and walked around his own saya (sheath) to ready his dual handed overhead strike. The hasaki (hard edge) towards the sky was as black as night! The came the hamon line’s replacement as a wall of coppery fire distinctly keeping the earth from touching the night sky. Next, the mune, shinogi-ji, and ji (the back damascus part(s) of the blade) shown like black and white ripples of waves or hills seeking the sky and the fire wall forever keeping them apart!

The Ikoma Damiyo said he wished to know what was etched on the blade. A few more heads tilted and realized a phrase was cut into both sides of the softer portion of the blade. Without moving Donoha replied, “On the Damiyo’s side is the blade’s name, Mittsu Tamashi (Three Souls). On the Seppun’s side (they were each given the best seats to view the event) is my motto: Itami wa chie to hikikae ni sa reru (pain is traded for wisdom). Tonight, my blade cuts for you, Ikoma-sama, I am unworthy to stand here but I shall strike when you say to.”

The Ikoma Damiyo nodded and dropped his fan and Donoha took one step forward and as the forward foot hit the ground so did the black blade that flashed coppery fire swinging through the air! It was the Crane smith directly looking at the stack of dead criminals that made the surprised yelp! Everyone heard the THUNK sound of the blade hitting the wooden base the bodies were stacked upon. This Crane smith saw the stack split in half and tilt about half a shaku (6 inches) to the left and right of Donoha!

He began exclaiming until a samurai of the Crane clan led him gently, but firmly away. The onlookers saw and gasps filled the courtyard. It was then Donoha had looked up as he was so focused on the cut. The eight bodies had been cut clean through! Only one other person had done this in the Empire’s history! Donoha’s eyebrows raised and then he remembered the training from Mirumoto Uesugi. He removed a mint green cloth from his kimono and wiped the blood clean from the blade and then dabbed the etched phrases on each side. He quietly walked back around the other side of his saya (wooden sheath) and put the blade on the mat, front edge angled down. He then folded bloodied cloth so the smallest amount would touch the tatami mat he returned to kneeling upon.

Donoha stayed motionless while conversations began and the Ikoma damiyo stood to escort his paternal grandmother over to him. The grandmother asked Donoha to present the katana to the Ikoma Damiyo so she might have a better look. Her grandson complied stating her full honorific title and both katana and saya were handed over.

Then she asked loud enough to quiet the conversations, “Kore wa kanzen ni anata ga tsukutta nodesu, mago-san (You made this completely, grandson)?”

That made a number of heads turned when she addressed him that way in public. “Hai, rippana o bāchandesu (yes, honorable grandmother).”

No one moved for a second because saying “chan” as an honorific from a non-imperial family member to one of the three imperial families had better be certain it’s okay.

“Watashi wa anata no mago o hokori ni omoimasu. San-Nichi-go ni ocha o nomi ni kite kudasai. (I am proud of you grandson. Come have tea with me in three days.).” She bowed to the Damiyo and whom returned the katana and saya to Donoha and escorted her and the other Seppun family from the courtyard. Donoha knelt his head to the mat until they left. When he sat up and looked at his father the smile and nod let him know he had passed his gempukku.

His father presented him with a companion as a present. His sister was given a hound and he was given a great bird known as a Potoo. He named his bird Shirogane because of how brilliant the white and golden feathers looked. It was a welcome respite to travels by himself.

The next two days he was nearly assaulted by every smith asking questions. His father addressed this holding up the collected scrolls he kept and said his son has provided the Clan his complete knowledge on the Ryūu no Kazoku 竜の家族 (Dragon Family) Blade. The Dragon clan smiths will study and produce only 10 next year. All the way until spring Donoha kept having fend off sly smiths and courtiers trying worm a promise to make a blade for them. He did recite the tale of why he made the blade and the clans that helped him (tapping the menuki on the tsubaka as he got to those points). It was the only time a blade was permitted in the dining area.

Before his father (Kitsuki Orochi), dueling sensei (Mirumoto Uesugi) and magistrate sensei (Kitsuki Inoki) all headed home after the first month past in the turning of the year. Kitsuki Inoki presented his pupil with a parting gift. A white dosanko breed horse he’d named Yukiabo (roughly means “Snow Buddy” and great for mountain crossings) for its color and friendly demeanor. Donoha spent a few weeks getting acquainted with his other new animal companion and his new bird, Shirogane.

It was during this period he also received the last letter from his true love that she had been summoned to the Elemental Council of the Phoenix Clan. It was during this period he was given further magistrate training and made a member of the Emperor’s Gift and would be traveling with them as they left at spring! He was now 19 years old.