Toturi III is dead. The Empire is left without an Emperor. Toturi's wife, Toturi Kurako, rules as the Empress until her husband's written wishes can be found and acted upon.
With the Emperor dead, others seek to gain power. One such man is the Khan of the Unicorn Clan, Moto Chagatai, who currently lays siege to the Imperial City, Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho.
The past few months, not to mention years, have been one of strife. Toturi III's wife, Toturi Kurako has taken the mantle of Empress for the moment. Even in winter war is being waged as the Khan has begun his invasion and has his sight set on Toshi Ranbo, the Imperial Capital. In the past week the last line of defense, Kyuden Ikoma, for the Imperial Capital has fallen to the Unicorn. With the Lion's defeat at Kyuden Ikoma, the Lion Clan Champion, Matsu Yoshino, has fled to Toshi Ranbo to help bolster its forces in preparation for war. The condition of the Lion army defeated at Kyuden Ikoma is unknown.
Today Seppun Koshiro has found time to visit one of his favorite places in the city. The Akodo dojo of Akodo Yodo, a find sensei and bushi of the Lion Clan. Koshiro is often found there, when duty does not interfere, attempting to bring his mind and body in tuned with his Lion heritage. The Lion have been routed out of Kyuden Ikoma, and now nothing stands between the gaijin Unicorn and a decisive battle that is sure to come.
Koshiro clears his mind as he turns, swinging his katana, keeping his timing perfect with the other Akodo students practicing their daily katas.
This solo is for akarmicanomaly. Only akarmicanomaly should post to this thread
A dozen polished blades arch upwards all as one, a single step forward echoes as a dozen sandals strike earth in a perfect chorus.
Some samurai meditated when they were troubled, or sought the wisdom of the heavens. To Seppun Koshiro he found peace came easiest when standing in line with his brothers, sword in hand. With the damnable Khan's jaws closing on our Imperial walls there is much to be troubled about.
He pivots and swings outwards, in perfect time with the Lion next to him, seeking that moment of clarity and certainty. At times like this, it was only by virtue of his emerald and jade kimono that reminded him he was not born into the clan. It was the mon of the Seppun that adorned his back. His duty was always to the Empress and the Steel Throne.
But over his heart was the mon of the Akodo, his father's family.
The students take an assembled step backwards, leaving a snaking trail of their footwork in the courtyards dust. A dozen katana are thrust forwards and held still, accompanied by a simple cry.
'œHonour, Duty, Leadership!' The motto of the Akodo. Koshiro exhales and relaxes, his trail is exactly as the others, in that moment he has found peace.
Walking between the students is their sensei, Akodo Yodo. At times, it appears their katanas will find his flesh, but he knows their routines too well, moving along with their kata like an intricate dance ritual. When their form has ended, the old man, hair a stark white, shakes his head. "That is not good enough," he announces. "To many others, this would seem like perfection, but there is never perfection to a teacher."
The shorter man moves in front of Koshiro, "Your mind is wandering, Koshiro-san," he says, "Think of nothing. Let your mind be free. Feel and be. Do not think how or why."
He takes a step back, "Again!" he says, and everyone starts the kata once more.
"Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies."
'œHai, fortunes willing if I let my mind wander far enough it may leave this dojo and this kata may be completed to your satisfaction, sensei-sama.'
Koshiro bows with a slight smile, a Lion Sensei was never at a loss for critique. It was said the highest praise one could receive was silence. With that Koshiro settles back into the first stance of the kata, letting all resistance fade from his limbs. The courtyard goes silent and Koshiro reaches out for that clarity and peace he experienced moments ago.
3 barely perceptible heartbeats pass and he turns without thought, swinging his blade in a wide arc to his left and sidestepping quickly to his right, scarce inches away from the next students swiping blade.
Koshiro begins again, stepping, swinging, parrying, and repeating. The kata is not the most difficult, but is extremely viable on the battlefield. "Armed Brilliance" is the kata's name, one that Yodo-sama has taught him well. During the kata, Koshiro feels something as a cold wind blows into the room from outside. Someone has arrived it appears. There is no hesitation during the kata, and his mind, as the samurai attempts to clear everything around him and let himself go. In a few moments, the kata has ended, and Koshiro returns to his ready stance.
"Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies."
A dozen katana's are thrust forwards and the Akodo motto is cried out again. Koshiro relaxes and lowers his blade but remains ready in a relaxed stance, waiting for Akodo Yodo to dismiss him or to ask the kata to be performed again.
The bitter cold assaults his limbs as his movements end and he pushes the urge to shiver from his thoughts. Despite the numbness building in his thighs he is motionless, awaiting the word of the sensei.
Koshiro stands there, waiting, listening intently. The Seppun recognizes the voice as Akodo Nobatudo, a young student here. There are introductions, of a Matsu Akira, a name the Seppun has not heard before. His legs burn as he stands there, waiting, but not being able to relax.
FYI - Getting ready to move you into the main thread
Here we rejoin our hero, Koshiro, after defeating Matsu Akira in a practice session and leaving the Akodo Dojo
Seppun Koshiro replaces his sandals on his feet and begins walking through the streets of the Lion District. There are a great deal more Lion here over the last few days as some of those defeated in the south have made their way north to bolster the defenses of the Imperial City against an attack that everyone knows is coming.
Winter has not stopped the Unicorn army, and it does not appear that it will in the future. The snow has broken in the south, so they say, though scouts have not returned with any word of the Unicorn force since the defeat of the Lion at Kyuden Ikoma.
Koshiro turns a corner, heading to the Legion barracks where he has been staying for several weeks now. Exiting the Lion District, Koshiro begins passing through the merchants quarter, and spots an armored man standing over a young boy. The boy, laying on the ground and curled into a ball, received another kick from the man. He wears no mon that Koshiro can see, and his armor is dilapidated, but on his side is a daisho. Instantly, Koshiro considers this man must be a ronin.
Koshiro politely nods or greets many of the Lion, most of whom he is slowly growing familiar with from his time in the dojo. The air is brisk and steals the warmth from his bones, forcing his breath into fog. Not for first last time is he reminded of the Khan's madness to mount a war in winter.
Despite the beauty of Toshi Ranbo Koshiro rounds the corner into the merchant district, seeking a shortcut to the... well less cold hospitality of the barracks.
It is then his eyes witness the scene unfurling, narrowing at what it appears like. His body straightens, his senses sharpen and his heart beat begins to thump in anticipation.
He strides over, keeping some distance between him and this ronin. His hands twitch, longing for the feel of his daisho. The wolf, the wave-man, be wary for it may not be as it appears Koshiro. Even the great Son of Heaven Toturi-dono was once ronin. Still, an armoured samurai beating a young boy sits uncomfortably with the Seppun.
'œIf you would politely excuse my interruption, but is there a problem?'
The ronin turns with a snarl, taking a short step back away from the boy as most of the other hemin about look on in horror. This district is strictly for merchants and their lot, and it is not likely that samurai are typically found here for longer than it takes to pass through.
The ronin nods his head, "Yes, there is a problem, Seppun-sama." He grunts, but seems respectful at least. "I found this boy snooping around my house. Thought I might beat him until he told me why. I have nothing worth stealing, save my honor." He touches his daisho on his side, indicating his 'honor' is in fact his daisho.
"Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies."
