Tag: Seppun Imperial Family

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 30

Posted on September 2, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

The Return and the Rot.

It was three additional days when the four samurai and their rescued companion finally made it out of Mori Isawa. Given the girl’s amnesia and chance at a fresh start he gave her his mother’s given name of Hana. After further discussion it was decided to head on the road back to the Temple of Brilliant Rebirth (Striking this from any publications to protect the victimized woman). It would allow her the grace and anonymity to start a fresh life. The temple idea was proposed by Otaku Gunba san, or as they have stated in kawaii fashion, “I’m just that Unicorn guy.” Ladies that Unicorn has manners and is humble to boot. Just so we’re clear they’re also very easy on the eyes!

When they exited the forest by the fate of the kami they ran straight into the area of my encampment. I have had a friendly wager that the forest did not consume them despite how long they had been missing despite the curse being stopped. I informed them it was not the 16th of Doji in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Goat {OOC: August}), but in fact the 16th of Shiba in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Monkey {OOC: September})! They were stunned by a time jump as I was to see them stunned. I joined up moved into the wagon and we headed south once more.

During the travel weather appeared to be perfect so it only took a day to make it to the temple. I went inside to escort the woman known as Hana and explain why the group was leaving her in the monks’ care. An important distinction is that in their presence no ritual of Jade Strike or any fingers of jade hurt Hana or changed colors to black. Remarkably, no taint has befallen her! Donoha sama keeps saying he did not save her, because Isawa Tamaki san healed her wounds. However, his actions of removing her from the ritual area is likely what saved her from taint seeping in!

Oh, one needs to also mention that Akodo Asahi sama has been blessed by the neko sama from the hidden village in Mori Kuroi. The kawaii neko they named Kitagawa and despite every attempt to proven them wrong it understands low Rokugani! Surely the kami of cats has blessed this adorable kawaii neko! While it seems to like everyone in the group it follows Asahi sama everywhere it can.

On the 17th of Shiba in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Monkey {OOC: September}) the group departed to catch up to the Emperor’s Gft caravan which had set its sights on Kyuden Tonbo, Palace of the Dragonfly Clan! Also known as the gatekeepers of the path to the Dragon Clan. In order to try and catch up Donoha sama had an interesting plan when he asked Gunba san if they would like to visit the Shrine of the Ki-Rin! The Unicorn shugenja agreed and the Dragon courtier did some math and stated we could likely spend three days there if we left soon that morning.

I want to say the adventure was fraught with peril, but in a lovely change of pace this trek to catch up to the caravan may have been one of the nicest travels in my life. We saw a number of sight through the road through Mori Isawa on the way to Aojiroi Oku Shiro (Pale Oak Castle). Where Emperor Hantei the XVII is buried beneath the pale oak tree that is said to have bark which can be made into healing tea! It is also said to be the place where Donoha sama fell in love for the first time.

Once back in Mori Isawa, Otaku Gunba san noticed an old, weathered torii gate stands alone on a hilltop, its wood cracked and faded by time. One of the gate’s pillars had fallen, lying across the path it stood over leading away from the road. The remaining structure of the torii still stands tall. The area around the torii was barren of trees as though the clearing was the shrine, with only a few tufts of grass and scattered stones. The Unicorn crafted the following haiku:
Broken but unbowed
Immobile but a gateway
Sister, do you see?

At the western side of the forest another path, winding through the forest away from the road was spotted. Consisting of vibrant red maple trees. Within this autumnal season, the entire area was ablaze with the colors of the leaves, creating a tunnel of red, orange, and gold. The ground was carpeted with fallen leaves, and the crisp air carried the scent of earth and wood. The Phoenix crafted the following haiku:
Path of red and gold,
Whispers in the autumn breeze,
Peace found in each step.

Upon arriving at town surrounding Pale Oak castle Donoha visited briefly with Unmei san and acquired a single bokken for his cousin Asahi sama made of the same pale oak as his were. Biding Chiasa’s father a farewell they continued onward to the shrine. Upon leaving on the path that would be the final leg of the journey to the shrine he showed everyone a grove of cedar trees shown to him by Chiasa. Dense, the air within the grove was filled with the sound of rustling leaves, which he mentioned that some locals say are the whispers of ancient spirits. The trees were unusually tall and straight, with soft, moss-covered roots that seem to invite rest and reflection. A small stream ran through the grove, its clear water reflecting the sunlight in dappled patterns. The Dragon also mentioned local legend speaks of a group of shugenja who once meditated here, seeking wisdom from the kami. It was said that those who sit quietly within the grove may hear the advice of long-passed ancestors. He also crafted a haiku regarding this beautiful location:
Cedar giants stand,
Whispers of spirits in the air,
Moss invites to dream.

There are a total of three waterfalls that feed the waterway funneling into the lake south of the Shrine to the Ki-Rin. The shrine was located on a remote mountaintop in westernmost Phoenix lands, roughly a half-day’s travel from Shiro Gisu in the mountainous Asako provinces, with the Dragon Heart Plains unfurling due west. It boasted a massive torii arch, clearly visible above the surrounding lands. While there was no main road, the path was subtly marked at regular intervals by stone lanterns. Beyond the second peak was a plateau, where several housing living quarters and the shrine’s priest had a single room administrative office. The shrine consisted of a single statue, a marble Ki-Rin entwined with sculpted flames facing the Great Wall of the North Mountains. Its eyes are set with jade, and a thick shimenawa rope encircled its neck. Across the stone pedestal it was carved: “Look to the horizon, for the visions there are footsteps of the future.”

While it only took a day to reach it from Pale Oak Castle, along the path they took in the distance a solitary stone watchtower stands on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside. Though the tower was empty, and upon investigation by the group. Found the stairs within have crumbled, the view from its base is still magnificent. The surrounding area was a peaceful meadow dotted with wildflowers and tall grasses swaying in the wind. The Lion crafted the following haiku:
Ancient stone sentinel,
Silent in the wildflower breeze,
Time’s whispers linger.

Once they arrived Donoha sama sought out a Monk tending to the shrine and was given an introduction to a senior member. The senior monk confirm that in three days a would be arriving with a few supplies on its return from Shiro Gisu up north. This river barge is how he crossed from Nanashi Mura to Ukabu Mura during his gempukku. Since it was on its returning trip then they would be able to use it to load the wagon and traverse all the way back to Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho on the northern edge of Lion Clan territory!

While the city is hotly debated between the Lion and the Crane it is currently a Crane held location since Rokugan’s year 1120. In the days leading up to the barge’s return Otaku Gunba san began to seek martial training and even he was surprised at the courtier being the one he knew the most about hand to hand combat. The Dragon nodded when he was asked to be his sensei and began to instruct him with a focus on improvised weaponry. During the river trip he practiced a technique called slow form, where both the teacher and the student never went above a quarter speed. It allowed for instruction to be given during motion.

When he wasn’t training Gunba san in the evening he was building a new saya for the jade katana in Asahi’s possession. Using wood collected in Mori Isawa he constructed it in three segments. Leaving the small rings of bark to separate three sections. He carved the haiku Asahi sama had created into the publc facing side of the saya to commemorate the event: Ancient stone sentinel, Silent in the wildflower breeze, Time’s whispers linger. On the side that faces Asahi’s leg he carved: Jade fangs, claws of green, A king of beasts, a creature rare, Power in his eyes.

Our arrival in Toshi Ranbo was brief, we hit the docks on the eastern side of the city and I paid for the extra help getting the oxen and wagon back onto dry land. While I can’t be one hundred percent sure I believe some of the helpers were from the ronin group known as the Iron Fans. Well, basing that on the iron tessen stuck in their obi and a complete lack of swords. All of us were forced to leave any, and all blades inside the wagon once we had docked. We were told we could retrieve them once we left the city and having the wagon bearing the Seppun mon on a small plaque above the door. Along with papers proving we were a part of the Emperor’s Gift, allowed us to avoid a bureaucratic nightmare. Peace in that city felt like a gilded cage.

The group arrives at Kyuden Tonbo on the 26th of Shiba in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Monkey {OOC: September}). Donoha sama appeared very excited to be back in lands he was familiar with. We first visited with an attendant of the Emerald Ambassadors. We were instructed to get baths, eat, rest and we would have dinner in the evening. Both Otaku Gunba san and Donoha sama visited the stables. The Unicorn checked in on animals left behind by owners that had succumbed to the plague. The Dragon reconnected with his great potoo bird, Shirogane and his horse, Yukiabo.

When the baths were set up it was in a line at our wagons with small dividers. The food was good but everything seemed a bit demure and less than the onset of the caravan’s opulence. Afterwards Donoha sama wrote a thank you letter to his Grandmother, Seppun Sora, asking about his eldest aunt and Grandfather. Then another letter to let his parents know of his arrival at Kyuden Tonbo. Asahi sama spent the time either training or shadowing his cousin when he trained Gunba san. Tamaki san wrote to the master that had trained him as a shugenja.

When evening fell they were brought to a dinner with Mirumoto Tanetsu sama and Shinjo Akiba sama. The Dragon and Unicorn Emerald Ambassadors. Shiba Sono sama had sent word to Tamaki san to meet with him tomorrow morning at dawn. Kitsu Tsuguri sama had left Asahi sama a note to report if anything felt worthy to pass on, otherwise they were to stay the course they had chosen. The Dragon and Unicorn Ambassadors explained how morale had dropped with the group’s disappearance. They also explained the plague had ravaged the caravan’s supplies and everything was being managed and allocated in a more strict manner. They talked about the time distortion effect of the woods in Mori Isawa. Once that was done the current problems had been shared regarding, supplies, morale, and awaiting word from the Dragonfly clan to allow them passage to Shiro Kitsuki.

The group made plans after leaving the dinner with Donoha sama letting the craft trades people know he was back and ready to help. They kept him for a few rounds of sake before allowing him to find sleep. The others were excited about seeing a teahouse Donoha has visited a few times and enjoyed for either a midday or evening meal. The Dragon was also awaiting a reply from his parents asking him to come home so he could easily bypass Kyuden Tonbo and show his friends the Dragon lands.

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 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.