Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 32

Ambushed!

The word was sent out to the attendants of the Emerald Ambassadors about the poison being applied to the communal food. Next, the four samurai shared it with the healers of their respective clans knowing word would soon spread that there was no curse following them, and more lives could be saved. Word came back soon that the Dragon, Phoenix, and Unicorn ambassadors would meet with the group in the morning for a report about the news. The morning of the 28th of Shiba in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Monkey {OOC: September}) entered the sky to close out the month as attendants brought the four to the Emerald Ambassadors at dawn where they were given rice, cooked meats and a tea that would provide a small boost of energy.

Upon leaving the encounter they met back up with three members of the Ronin Otokodate known as the Iron Fans. Our group had seen their members briefly as they had docked and then left Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho on their way here to Kyuden Tonbo. This group had asked an eta among the caravan to lead them to Akodo Asahi sama as they felt a need to pledge themselves to work for a reputable samurai among the Lion clan. Among them was:

They brought additional news of a group of bandits that had broken away from the caravan and where to find their encampment. The Dragon investigator was eager to learn more about this group and their machinations. Quickly the group gather means and headed out as a band of seven samurai.

To say fate is forging the souls of Kitsuki Donoha sama and those that travel with him may be the biggest understatement of this current decade! Fourteen well trained bandits comprised of assassins, swordsmen, and archers descended upon our troop about a half an hour of the day from the camp. The group began to regret their life choices as Isawa Tamaki san let loose with a kami-gifted fireball engulfing four of them! Throughout the battle the Phoenix rained fire down upon various groups softening them up for the rest of the team, and one did fall to just his flames.

In the most awkward, spontaneous, competition the Akodo bushi and the Otaku shugenja began to see whom could kill more bandits! Where Tamaki san had large areas on fire to control the mobs. Gunba san used fire more akin to a skilled archer and sniped targets to death individually with controlled flame bursts! Clearly used to moving around in battle and making use of his fiery, ranged attacks. Not to be left out was Asahi sama’s new cat companion, Kitagawa. The cat managed to take down one of the assassins that Tamaki san had lit on fire!

The three Iron Fans took down an Assassin using nothing but their iron tessen fans! It was a gorgeous display that almost looked like dancers whittling away their target. Then they were directed to subdue another assassin but keep them alive for questioning. A task they performed with ease!

The Dragon was not left out during all the fighting. He moved through the opponents like a specter of death, removing two heads! Then injuring the one he left for the Iron Fans to capture. He almost had a third kill but an arrow from his Lion cousin claimed it with skilled precision. The final tally ended up as a tie for Asahi sama and Gunba san at four kills each, Donoha sama with two and the others with one each.

The interrogation of the last assassin brought forth statements that the group which had backed Asako Takumi was still after Donoha sama! Even more disturbing was their wish to sabotage the caravan! Claims were made they had been with the Emperor’s Gift since Otosan Uchi! The Dragon had Ginzan the ronin kill him once they were done. Upon returning to the caravan he asked the Iron Fans to write their testimony down so he could submit it along with his report to he Ambassadors. Portents of doom about a potential peasant cult trying to overthrow the whole of Rokugan was not the news he wanted to bring to light but there it was.

This was all reported to the same Dragon, Phoenix, and Unicorn ambassadors. After which the group was told to rest because they had received word the four of them – and only the four of them – had been granted permission to enter the Dragon lands and they would leave tomorrow. Upon the Festival of Lady Doji and Lord Kakita and the start of the Month of Bayushi, or Rooster in low Rokugani.

They returned to the wagons and Donoha asked his cousin to have them watch wagons alongside Agasha Re. Ginzan would be allowed to stay in the wagon with Re san while the two men would make a tent outside. Donoha wanted to give the ronin a chance to prove they could make decent retainers for his cousin. He cited to me that merit and skill should not be overlooked when finding a good team. It also followed the orders of the Emperor that all ronin should seek service among a lord. Donoha sama saw great potential in his teammates and never doubted his cousin would be a powerful lord or general someday. Growing that powerbase now was important and setting the cornerstone to build upon had to start at some point, why not now. Next, they began to go about the steps to prepare for such a journey as the last day of Shiba wore on.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 30

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 26

ACCUSATIONS 

Sharing their findings with the other two spurred the Lion into looking at the mon in case he recognized it from any battles he had studied. Its markings did not lend themselves to any of the Shiba mons or those of a martial bent. Asako, as a family had more to do in courtier circles than the bushi. He couldn’t discount a shugenja of the Asako also being the owner, but it seemed unlikely. Finding no additional information to be gleaned from the document they made the trek back during the Hour of the Serpent (10AM – Noon).

Unicorn attendants took the loaner horse and Yukiabo back to the tents where they’re being kept. During their return they stopped to hand the document with the stylized mon over to Shiba Sono sama’s care. One of his known attendants handled the matter for Donoha sama. Before they could leave for food a very recent missive was presented to the Dragon mentioning his horse feeling uneasy. The group indulged the Dragon to have Yukiabo checked out.

Making their way to the outskirts of the caravan, they came across the large, round, tents of the Unicorn Clan called a Ger. These were the makeshift stables the horselords have maintained and operated from since their departure from Otosan Uchi. According to the note the Dragon was looking for the Unicorn samurai known as Otaku Gunba.

With a bit of guidance he was led to the correct tent. Making introductions he found out that there was nothing acutely wrong with Yukiabo. It was a general sense of unease he could still feel among them. The Unicorn had hoped time from the last appearance of Dark Kami in the sky would stop leaving a lingering malaise, but it never really lifted. He went on to vague mention he’d been tasked with getting closer to the issue. So he asked to join the group on whatever mission they had undertaken.

As it would turn out they’re a shugenja of the Unicorn, and the Dragon was excited to another member of the Otaku family. Given how well he’d gotten along with Otaku Kai, he had high hopes this new addition would become a friend in time as well. Gunba san mentioned needing to clear a few items and leave instructions for the other horse attendants. Donoha sama said to meet him at the two wagons the group calls home and he would have a midday meal waiting.

This also gave the group a chance to get out of blood splattered clothing and armor. Everyone headed off to their respective destinations within camp. Attendants mending and cleaning kimonos and armor, while others prepared the meals for the samurai. Since the group had been decreased to three, Donoha sama had asked that the armor stand boxes be moved to the second wagon. It also gave the attendants a place to work, even with a fourth member once more it could still function as a utility wagon.

Once the midday meal was had, the group began to head into the higher end residential area of nobles’ houses. Querying a ashigaru spearmen outside one of the large houses. They found the directions to Lord Asako Takumi sama’s residence. Approaching the two ashigaru spearmen at the entrance to the home’s garden before the house proper.

“Do you have an appointment with our lord?”

Donoha replied, “No I do not but I would like to schedule a meeting with your lord if possible.”

One of the ashigaru nodded and headed off to the house to enquire about an appointment. The four samurai waited patiently for a significant amount of time. When they returned they informed the group, “Our master is ready to see you now it would appear. If you would follow me I will escort you to meet him.”

The group followed the ashigaru through gardens, courtyards, and one onsen! On a mostly enclosed part of the house with orange flowers floating upon its steam accented water. Finally they approached a room with a additional guard. The one slid a door open and inside was lord Asako Takumi.

The group was graciously welcomed. Donoha noted the same mon embroidered upon haori (samurai jacket) as on the document left with Shiba Sono sama. After they were seated and weapons placed on the right of the wielder to make them harder to draw. Takumi sama made it clear to thank Donoha for their service to the Phoenix clan. Clearing out problems that had plagued them for 150 years. He mentioned he considered himself honored to be visited by the Dragon and Lion spoken of among the populace. Afterwards he wondered what had brought him to his home.

“Do you know of Shiba Sono sama,” queried Donoha sama.

“Certainly,” replied Takumi sama.

“I have been tasked with the investigation of Asako Eiko’s murder. My assignment is to clear names off a suspect list by ascertaining where certain people were at the time of the murder.” Donoha realized to late that Lord Takumi sama was Roku-Dan or 6th rank, with quite a bit of status and glory to go with their rank. He had to keep calm, make sure he didn’t cause a scene that would force Shiba Sono sama’s hand, and prevent anyone with him from suffering social backlash. In fact this may be a bigger wave than Shiba Sono sama would like.

“Dreadful business that was, such a shame,” said the Phoenix lord with a sorrowful look draped across his face as though he was a Noh theatre performer.

“I’ll try my best to make my questions brief, I don’t want to waste your time,” Donoha sama bowed his said as he then dropped the proverbial hammer. “There was a document that had a stylized mon on it. Found in the lair of a group of thugs my team and I had finished eliminating. Perhaps you could help me to identify it?”

Takumi sama gestured for him to continue, and Donoha pulled out a small piece of washi paper with Lord Takumi sama’s mon upon it.

“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS! YOU COME INTO MY HOME AND ACCUSE ME OF MURDER!”

“Begging your pardon but until I came in here I had no idea this was a close match for your mon.”

“HOW DID YOU GET THIS THEN?”

“It was on the document directing the group of thugs to interrupt and thwart the investigation of Asako Eiko sama.”

“WHERE, where is this document now?”

“It is with Shiba Sono sama.”

Standing he began pacing back and forth, “Donoha san, it is very rude to suggest I had anything to do with this you understand.”

The Dragon nodded, “Again, as I have said this entire time. I am trying to get your name off this list and came hearing seeking your aid in doing so.” Donoha sama needed him to see a clandestine offer of help in order to get him to confess his involvement. The reason Donoha sama had a group here is to have witnesses of the events.

Pacing back and forth once more while the Dragon strained his hearing. Concerned there may be additional guards showing up due to the lord’s outbursts. The tension in the room could be cut with a tanto. Lord Takumi sama stopped and turned to the Dragon with a smile, “Donoha san, what is it that you desire most?”

He had taken the bait!

“I suppose it would be to know my family is doing well,” Donoha tried to reply with an answer that would leave crumbs for the rat to follow.

“Ah, I see, so if money could be directed to your family then. I’m sure that can be arranged,” then turning to face the Lion and golden, braided mane of black hair, “and you Akodo san, what is it that you desire?”

Asahi sama spoke succinctly, “My desires align with my cousin.” There was a brief tilt of the head toward Donoha sama.

“Uncommon bond but certainly not unheard of,” remarked Tamuki sama, “and what of you two in the back.”

Unsure if the two new commers had caught on to what Donoha had been working out on the fly. He spoke up, “They are my new retainers and I will see to their desires as their lord.” He quietly prayed they didn’t speak, and was delighted by their continued silence. He was going to have to get to know each of them better in order for them to work in harmony.

“Then you’ll take responsibility seeing to their needs?”

“Yes.”

“Then all that remains is to see how that “false” document can be dealt with.”

Donoha sama stood, leaving Mittsu Tamashi, and took the washi paper with Tamuki sama’s mon upon it. Heading over to a nearby lantern he dipped it into the flame. As it caught he held it and looked back at the thick bodied Phoenix lord, “I think I understand what you’re wishing for.”

Watching it evaporate the lord replied, “I believe you do.”

Donoha sama walked back over to his blade as the conversation came to an end. The group left and were escorted out by the ashigaru spearman that had been stationed at the door. Donoha sama half expected to have to fight his way out. Once they were at least at the next house he whispered to everyone that he’d explain everything at the caravan. He asked Tamaki san and Gunba san to make sure they are not followed.

Gunba san asked Donoha sama to take a circuitous route back through the city to the caravan. The group veered to take the long way back. Unicorn magics are strange even to other Rokugani. It seemed like a spell was cast but no one could tell. About midway back the group stopped at a shrine to the Fortune of Rice and Good harvest, Inari. Tamaki san succeeded in casting a difficult spell to spy on a room he’d only just been in. His eyes rolled up as his gaze was tossed back to the Phoenix Lord’s house. He saw him preparing letters warning his compatriots and crafting a defense for himself if he needed such an out.

Back at the caravan Donoha sama sent an attendant to seek an audience with Shiba Sono sama. The reply that came back was he would be available at the crack of dawn. In one of the wagons Donoha explained that he acted nefariously in order get Tamuki sama to admit his involvement and incriminate himself in front of witnesses.

When the attendants mentioned being done with the blood cleaning. The group had been talking about nemurani they had come across, and how much they missed Gombei sama’s tokkuri of endless sake. Donoha mentioned his smithing hammer, Chikai no kodzuchi 誓いの小槌 (Oath-hammer), his ancestor received from the Crab’s Kaiu family. Gunba san asked Donoha sama if he could see his armor. The Dragon was more than happy to oblige the Unicorn. While he did not understand what the Unicorn shugenja did, magic happened nonetheless. When it was done his armor was pristine clean and every repair that could have been made was finished!

As the 7th of Doji in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Goat {OOC: August}) wound to a close the group began to change into sleeping attire. Akodo Asahi sama found a gift left upon his armor stand. A small, unremarkable, but well made tokkuri. No missive accompanied the gift, but the Lion knew it could only come from one person. Hiruma Gombei sama had left his prize possession with the Lion samurai! When he brought it over for everyone to see, the shugenja were fascinated with it! Upon checking it out with magic it was determined to be nearly as old as the Emerald Empire! What tales could it tell if it could speak about its travels, but night descends. The four decided sleeping together in one of the wagons was best. Attendants were told to rouse them an hour before dawn and have rice ready at that time.

8th of Doji in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Goat {OOC: August}) – Sunrise came in its allotted time during the Hour of the Tiger (Tenth Kami / 4am to 6am). While Gunba san and Tamaki san felt fine, both Donoha sama and Asahi sama felt off physically. There has been a light partaking of Gombei sama’s gift, but nothing that would cause the food they ate to taste like ashes of a fire. Test by the two shugenja cleared them of taint, but a warning was given to carry jade upon themselves. Donoha broke out the last of their jade fingers, giving three to his cousin and keeping the other three on his person.

They made haste to the area of the caravan that was the encircled wagons of the Emerald ambassadors. Informing an attendant, they were escorted to the Phoenix wagon. Internally Donoha sama felt an eagerness to get Shiba Sono sama’s take on things and how to proceed. When they entered, Lord Asako Takumi was sitting next to the Phoenix Emerald ambassador. The Dragon felt the churn in his stomach of anxiety while he kept his face calm. Donoha sama needed a plan IMMEDIATELY!

When the two made eye contact Takumi sama was nothing but smiles. This was a man that felt he had all of his pieces in order. Donoha sama knew he had one avenue left before his companions paid for his learning how to deal with opponents that out rank you. Full attack stance was what went through his head because the worse they could do to him was demand his death. As long as he could shield his friends then that would be fine for him.

The group was asked to be seated, and they were offered tea. Shiba Sono sama offered tea to everyone new to the gathering. Then it was couched as a question that Donoha was to make an accusation toward Takumi sama? The Dragon nodded in the affirmative and then asked permission to make his case. The Phoenix Emerald ambassador nodded and Donoha began.

It was exhaustive as Donoha described the battle becoming know as the Slaughter on the hill. The isolation of suspects, the interrogation of the one Donoha sama kept from dying. Then came the trek to the cove and finding the scroll bearing the custom mon of Asako Takumi sama. Unlike nearly every other member of his clan, Donoha sama is detailed, clear, and very courteous while slamming the facts they had learned. Then came the attempted bribery and Donoha sama had mentioned his witnesses. After everything was laid out the stoutly framed Phoenix was still smiling. It was at this point Mirumoto Tanetsu sama made his presence known.

They politely suggested that everything should be discussed now and everyone should leave and wait outside. The Dragon, Lion, Phoenix, and the Unicorn left first and were shown to a bench where they could wait. Asako Takumi sama left afterward and were shown to a different seating area a bit closer to the wagons. The time then was well into the waning portion of the Hour of the Hare (Sun / 6am to 8am). It was not until the waning portion of the Hour of the Dragon (Moon / 8am to 10 am) that the two Emerald ambassadors came out and discussed something with Takumi sama first and then Mirumoto Tanetsu peeled away from the group and began approaching Donoha sama.

“You seem to have seen the storm coming Donoha san and have stepped in it.” Tanetsu sama continued with the statement Takumi sama believes the Dragon courtier set this up to provoke a duel. Donoha sama admitted he tried to angle for it when he saw him at the meeting and panicked regarding options to move forward. It was decided a duel would be had tomorrow evening at sunset. Tanetsu sama asked if the young Dragon would represent himself. Given that he bore a katana which he made himself, Mittsu Tamashi.

Donoha sama affirmed he would represent himself, and the group was informed a distant cousin of Asako Tamaki would be representing him from the Crane clan. With that the parties were dismissed to see to their affairs. By the time the group of four made it back to Donoha sama’s two wagons it was the Hour of the Serpent (Hantei / 10am to Noon) . The Dragon made a request of the others to go into the city as a group and find out what they could about their opponent. Asahi sama and Gunba san agreed to go and look. Tamaki san decided they wished to pursue the mysterious ailment afflicting both the Lion and the Dragon. When they asked Donoha what he was going to do he mentioned calligraphy and iajutsu practice. As the wrist motion of the brush nearly mimics those of the sword.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 12

MURDER IN THE CITY THAT REMEMBERS

After leaving, Doji Hoto was able to gather some Crane Ashigaru to have them watch the three gates with the name Donoha sama gave them – Hengo, and his description. I was to follow along at a distance as we entered the city and see what I can witness from a different vantage point. After wandering through Toshi no Omoidoso for awhile they learned a few things about sites in the city. Mostly the locations of the Temple of Rememberance, Temple of the Seven Dragons, and the Shrine of Matsu Hitomi. Hitomi’s shrine is said to bestow misfortune if not visited once a week while one is in the Toshi no Omoidoso.

Nothing about Kenshin’s helm had come up yet. Their were two Tea Houses of note: The Red and The Yellow. As they were walking past the Yellow Tea House. It appeared slightly lower quality than the Red House but it made up for it in atmosphere. A dark color wood bonsai had been allowed to grow to enormous size! It stretched up the inner archway to a courtyard. Over and down the other side to blossom its branches at the bar. Donoha had not been here on his last trip through the city. He’d stopped at the Red House on that occasion.

What had caught my master’s eye was the entrance to the Yellow Tea House. There were artful gutters to collect rain water and it made split waterfall around the frame of the door. When he pointed it out to Hoto, the Crane nodded and we went inside. The madame of the tea house greeted us and Doji Hoto then smiled and started talking. As I became a wall flower, decor even. I could describe this or just skip to the information we learned. Yes, I believe to summarize would be best.

We learned of a flute player Nakano, and wandering drunkard that the proprietress would give a cup of tea to each day in exchange for staying in the alley. This allowed them to play and provide ambiance in exchange they got some tea and any food that someone did not finish. The madame was worried when we asked about him because he’d been harmless up till now. Hoto and Donoha mentioned it was just a chat and they ordered food to go with their tea while they waited.

Without fail the flautist showed up and Donoha had to help escort him back in when he tried to hobble away. What they failed to get out of him was whom was to come and pick up the info Genji was suppose to gather. The old, Nakano, kept repeating “Always in the dark. I can never see.” when queried about the contact. After that he got abusive and ill tempered toward Doji Hoto, Kitsuki Donoha, the madame, and all of the Celestial Order. Quite the foul mouth adorned the man. All while Nakano was getting up to leave both samurai were trying to deescalate the situation.

When Donoha tried to get him to play his flute in order to use music to pacify the drunk he broke his flute. Which my lord collected as evidence. Hoto said he’d wait while Donoha went to deal with angry and still very drunk Nakano. He found him fallen down and asleep in the alley. He squatted and waited for him to wake up.

Donoha sama tried to reason but the man hated his life. While Donoha did not seeing an animal suffer he could not let the dishonor to his lord or the Celestial Order go unaddressed. He drew the Three Souls (Mittsu no Tamashi) katana he crafted and sent the man on to his next life. Cleaning his katana before returning it to its saya. He returned and informed the madame to call the Eta as their is a incident that needs cleaning in the alley. The madame complied as Nakano had made her very worried once angry.

Hoto and he discussed things civilly but Hoto did point out that while the honor of their lords had been taken care of the investigation had ground to a halt having no further lead. Donoha nodded and went to stand in the alley in the rain in hopes of running into the contact. Hours passed by and nothing, night had fallen by the time a fully dejected Donoha came around the corner, knocking on the entrance arch mentioning he had turned up nothing. Hoto asked him to call it and he acknowledge it was time to call it a night.

Doji Hoto is a proud man and has reason to be. A sign of friendship was quietly reminding Donoha that in public honorifics should be used. Then said nothing more about it as he and my lord walked home. On the way out of the city they stopped at the shrine to Matsu Hitomi and something caught Donoha’s eye. It was a kimono that was clearly made by the same person that made the one Akodo Tozawa sama had given to him. What he saw next was that it adorned a leg sticking out of a bush!

He called over two passing Eta and had one move the body so he could examine it. The other was sent to get supplies for Donoha. My lord took notes on the cuts and animal-like claw marks on the now dead and purportedly a Lion shugenja. Doji Hoto stood guard while the investigation went on so he did not have to get near the dead body. One Donoha made a picture of the face the Eta took the body away. He turned a copy of the picture with notes to an aid of his damiyo, Mirumoto Tanetsu and they headed to rest.

It was the end of the Hour of the Hida (Boar / 10pm-Midnight) when Donoha was summoned to the caravan wagon of the Dragon Emerald Ambassador, Mirumoto Tanetsu. First on the docket was the picture of the dead woman with the Lion Mon. Tanetsu sama had never seen a picture drawn this way before. Donoha mentioned he had developed this style of art to capture more accurate representations of the dead or place in an investigation. He asked for another example and Donoha said he would draw the flute player.

Tanetsu sama kept the picture he made and could not believe the lack of a single missed step in using brush and ink. Then using water to dilute and create shading. While painting he gave a complete report about the prior day’s events. He apologized for not having the for thought to knock out Nakano and not kill him for his impertinence. Tanetsu sama gave him a scroll to read on Hojojutsu – the art of restraining your opponent. It was not widely practiced as many samurai were fond of their swords. Donoha promised to study and put it to use for the future.

Then Donoha told him about his love for Chiasa and everything from three years ago. He apologized for waiting but just didn’t want to make it look like his lord was uninformed about his retainer. Tanetsu sama accepted this and thanked him for trusting him with this information. By the time they finished talking the sun was cresting the horizon. Donoha was ordered to take the day off as this information would need to be discussed. Especially with such life like images to go forward on.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 11

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 9

DEPARTING THE CENTIPEDE

11th of Akoko (Month of the Horse) – Once dawn crested upon Kyuden Moshi no Machi the Emperor’s Gift caravan is ready to leave to the lands belonging to the Phoenix Clan. As the set of oxen and horse began to pull forward a small drizzle of rain began to fall. Donaha and Hoto were on patrol this morning and Donoha had a small smile on his face.
Two of the Mantis Bushi that had guarded Yoritomo Okada came to say goodbye, but were unable to catch Donoha offguard. Apparently, when they met our Crab friend’s Nezumi companion they were so stunned that Donoha just walked up behind so close he could have killed them with a kozuka (small utility knife many samurai have in a special spot on their saya or sheath)! They were even more taken back when they turned around and came face to face with the samurai that made it clear in another Damiyo’s court. That they were prepared to kill one of their guests! Donoha had simply nodded and rested a hand upon his Oath-hanmmer that never left his side.

Trio of Ashigaru approached Doji Hoto and Kitsuki Donoha about a Road Block. Man made road block with an what appears to be an Oni dragging another Ashigaru by leg. Both men nodded at each other and rode out to grouping of fallen trees. Once their Donoha lept into action scaling the wall of fallen trees, while Hoto change their kimono into one for more rugged activity. Donoha helped Hoto get over by showing him a path from his higher vantage. When caravan had gotten closer and more Ashigaru began to arrive they were instructed to form a perimeter and take Yukiabo and Hoto’s horse back.

Hoto got his bow ready as Donoha launched into the excellent investigator they are. It helped the creature was leaving a initially clear trail as they and their quarry had left drag marks into the forested rocky hills on the western side of the Kiken no Roka (Treacherous Pass). His ichi-maru (first look) and nazodo brand of Kitsuki investigation help them track the creature until they ran into someone they did not expect to see.

At one point very far into the woods the trail did stop and Donoha was having a hard time picking it up again when he noticed a squirrel. Not any squirrel, this was dark grey – almost – black with white markings. There was no way this squirrel was here and their master not far behind. Donoha started looking around and finally called out, “Genji-San! Genji-San! Are you there?”

Within a few minutes the gaunt figure of one of the few people considers a friend walks into the light under the shade of the trees wincing a little bit. His purple eyes made him all the more striking. Isawa Genji, was nothing short of a Void prodigy among the Phoenix Clan shugenja. He even told me how he met Donoha, but dear readers I have to obscure one name because it seems Donoha has been in love once before….
….hot!

The Meeting of Isawa Genji and Kitsuki Donoha

28th of Moon in 1120 (Month of the Dragon) The night at Pale Oak Castle was always beautiful, stargazing was a favorite pastime of a phoenix maiden and one Donoha had come to appreciate as well. Donoha was going to meet this maiden’s closest friend to date. They were a Shugenja that would keep their secret and help Donoha deliver letters and send them replies.

The Phoenix maiden had to tell them about Isawa Genji’s childhood illness that they survived. Which left them scared but they developed a connection to the spirits unlike many other shugenja. A number of people looked down on him because he was not considered pretty he has a kind soul. Donoha nodded and thought of kintsugi pottery where gold is used in putting things back together and how Genji must be a living example.

When Donoha met Genji he surprised the Isawa by asking to touch him. Genji looked to his Phoenix maiden friend and she nodded but look surprised to. Donoha touched his face and it startled Genji for a second, but Donoha’s hands were gentle the way you hold a delicate vase. He got very close, and from maiden’s perspective it might look like he was going to kiss him. When he stepped backed he had caressed every scar on his face and neck never showing any emotion. Then he spoke, “Isawa Genji-sama, you may be the most beautiful man I have ever seen.”

Since Genji was done with their gempukku and a official Shugenja of the Phoenix clan he absolutely showed him deference. Donoha continued, “Over my time studying for my gempukku I have worked on putting together things people thought broken. Kintsugi and Dotsugi are my favorite forms of art and yet people only see the finished beauty and not the trail it took to get there. The pain endured to become beautiful by their trials and reforging. Itami wa chie to hikikae ni sa reru (Pain is traded for wisdom) is my personal motto, but you may be its embodiment. I am honored to meet you and hope to be worthy of all of us being tomodachi (friends) to each other.”

The Phoenix maiden looked liked she might cry from happiness and Genji was on the verge of tears as well. Then the ground shook and various animals began running through the area as though something was chasing them. Both men told the maiden to run home as they turned to face whatever was coming. Donoha pulled his wakizashi he’d been given by Kitsuki Inoki, his magistrate instructor. Genji told his familiar Shinji to guide the maiden home and not to be caught by anyone for being out late with a man. They had to act like nothing happened. Shinji nodded and lept into the Phoenix maiden’s arms as they began to flee.

Since it was dark it was nearly impossible to tell what creature attack the two, but Genji quickly spoke to a bird to help them lead the beast back into the mountains and off a cliff. It squawked back to follow it. Genji told Donoha he used the kami but Donoha has to follow “that” bird and draw the beast away from the Phoenix maiden. Donoha slashed and a howl of pain was heard before he headed off the follow the bird with the beast on Genji and his heels. It was not very long before Genji’s ability to sense the earth and following the bird led them to a cliff. He told Donoha, “GRAB THE BRANCH WHEN YOU GO OVER THE SIDE!

Not having time to wonder he followed the Shugenja’s advice and plunged over the edge. His face smacking into a tree growing out the side of the cliff! Grappling it for all his worth he could hear but not see the creature go over the side! Howling as it fell to whatever fate awaited it. Some heat and light appeared as Genji leaned over the edge and a small orb of fire was circling in his hand before going out. Genji pulled him up just before the tree broke away. Twice that night he’d save Donoha’s life and once for the Phoenix maiden with his guide. When Donoha left two days later he’d made another friend and Genji had as well.

Back to the present 

11th of Akoko in 1123 (Month of the Horse) – Genji took a bit of time to not ruffle the Crane’s feather in the group despite Donoha calling him a friend. Genji cared more for the mystical arts than whatever rumor had circulated in court. Hoto begrudgingly accepted him into their group. As it stood Genji had been hunting the Orge from the time it nearly killed them three years ago. When Donoha heard he was astounded that finally the creature that nearly hurt – the Phoenix maiden – could be put down.

Donoha picked up the trail soon after and they journeyed to the cave the ogre had its lair within. Upon going inside they did find an Ogre and Donoha ran forward loudly drawing his attention while Genji used void magic to boost Doji Hoto’s skill with a bow. Allowing the Crane samurai to make the that Ogre a dead pin cushion! Hoto’s attitude towards Genji markedly increased.

Then they heard another coming from an adjacent cavern, Donoha moved closer while Hoto readied his bow. Donoha made sure when it could engage him it would be in line of sight for Hoto to fire. One arrow and one sword stroke took the second creature down. Donoha found plants growing and a slightly damage lantern, these creatures did not have any “Taint” according to Genji. Perhaps he would need to keep a more open mind in the future. Nevertheless it ate one of the Ashigaru! That could not be forgiven or allowed to continue. He left with the group holding the lantern he found. The questions he had now would have to wait till he could research more.

When the group returned they met with Dragon Ambassador – Mirumoto Tanetsu. Whom informed Donoha of Otaku Kai’s departure because of a developement. The Agasha house have left the Dragon to join the Phoenix and the lands the caravan will be crossing through will now be under Agasha control. Hoto retorted, “Hmmph, so they pulled a Yasuki on the Dragon.”

As stunned as he was Donoha rallied his composure to introduce Genji and work out option for them to join the caravan. They would have to speak to the Phoenix Ambassador and their current Damiyo. This discourse could likely be started once they reach Toshi no Omoidoso (City of Remembrance). Which should be in about a week with this delay of dragging the trees out of the way. In the mean time Genji was welcomed to the open spot available in Donoha’s two wagons.

 

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 8

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.