[x] ...Yakamo's...blessing...hurts....
You could remain silent. Asako Akio wouldn't even need to say anything, could just brush off the question with the implication he'd done something. It wouldn't be an outright lie, though it would come close. All it would take is you leaving others to draw their own conclusions about what happened.
Only, you don't wish to do that. It wanders too close to asking Asako Akio to besmirch his honor on your behalf, and that isn't something you can allow to happen. Even more, it might cause complications for the Elemental Master later.
Now if only you had a proper explanation for what just happened, then everything would be wonderful. Yes, you knew about the fire from the time before... But you're still not entirely certain where those flames came from. Your memories during the time you channeled that raging inferno are muddled, and the pain certainly doesn't help matters.
However, you think you remember mention of Hida Yakamo. From where you heard the name, though, escapes you at the moment. Maybe it was from Nisshoku? You could have sworn you heard him when the terrible darkness spread across the battlefield, though you never saw him. Then again, who knew what a creature like him was capable of?
Regardless, it's at least somewhere to start. You will meditate upon your memories some other time and hopefully discover the full truth, but for now you grasp at the connection you might have with Hida Yakamo. He was the former Lord Sun, resplendent and radiant as he made his fiery journey across the sky decades ago before his death. Could he truly have a hand in the strange abilities you've manifested?
It seems as good an explanation as any right now.
"Yakamo's... blessing... hurts..." you groan as you sit up, your burns and blisters fading away as Himawari completes her spell. You are not fully healed, but the terrible pain you suffered has faded to a dull but persistent ache. "My thanks, Kitsu-san. I feel much better."
The Lion Shugenja lets out a sight of relief. "I would hope so. But… Hiruma-san, what was that you said about Yakamo?"
"I think that might be something for another time," Asako Akio says softly, glancing at the monks and the Mirumoto as they begin to gather themselves. "Such things are better discussed among more private settings."
"I wish you the best with that, my friend," Shinichiro says, his face set in a grim expression. "I don't believe I will be here to see what answers you find."
"Shinichiro?" Akio asks, blinking in confusion as he turns to the larger man. "I'm not certain what you mean, my friend. Is something going to happen?"
"Rather soon, likely," Shinichiro says with a grimace. "Right now I'm fairly sure I'm going to die."
"Moto Shinichiro!" Shinjo Wanli calls out.
The Ronin turns to meet her, and grunts as her spear punches into his armor and into the thick muscles of his gut. Blood leaks from the wound, but despite Wanli's charge the weapon doesn't bite deep. Even injured from battle, it appears the famed resilience of Moto Shinichiro holds true.
"Everything that happened is your fault!" Wanli cries, tears forming at the edges of her eyes. "My mother… My father… They're both dead because of you! Because of what you did!"
"Them and so many others, young one," Shinichiro replies as he gently pulling the spear out from his stomach with one hand. "I deserve your anger. What the original Moto Shinichiro did… What I did as part of that army… It is beyond forgiveness. " He closes his eyes before taking a deep breath, and then he lets go of Wanli's spear as he exhales. "If you desire my life, I will gladly give it to you."
"What? No!" Akio cries out, his eyes going wide as he turns to his friend. "Shinichiro, you can't do this."
"It's not a terrible idea," Togashi Kimi says as she approaches, her muscled arms crossed. The remaining monks, along with the Shugenja and the Mirumoto Bushi, cluster behind her. They stand with weapons ready, glaring at the Ronin Shinichiro. "But if any are going to pass judgement on this… thing then it will be our lord Kitsuki Ryojiro-dono."
"If that is your wish, I will not oppose it," Moto Shinichiro replies, taking his scimitar and placing it upon the ground before him. "I will abide by whatever decision your Daimyo reaches on my fate."
[] Speak on Shinichiro's behalf.
[] Remain silent.
[] Write in.
Sosuke has regained 36 Wounds from Himawari's spell. He is in the Grazed Bracket, and has 51 Wounds remaining. He will suffer a +5 TN penalty on all rolls until he has fully recovered.
