Breathe in. Breathe out.
Your training is complete. Sodona-sensei believed you're ready for this. When has he ever been wrong?
The teenaged boy sat kneeling on the floor in a seiza, eyes closed. He was dressed in a formal kimono of red and yellow, with the Phoenix clan and Shiba family mōn each marked upon it.
A small number of other teens sat off to his side, similarly dressed, but he ignored them so completely they might as well not have existed. Seated as he was, his eyes closed and chest rising and falling gently in an easy rhythm, he seemed deep in meditation.
He wasn't actually meditating, of course. Meditation precluded racing thoughts and strong emotions. While he might have
seemed relaxed to many on the surface, a perceptive observer would notice the subtle clenching of the fists on his thighs, or the faintest furrow of his brow.
This is nothing. A formality. You finished with this stage of your training weeks ago, if not months. You're just going through the motions for it to be recognized.
You're ready.
There was the sound of footsteps approaching, and then the sliding sound of a door opening.
"Shiba Saburo!" A voice called.
Saburo opened his eyes.
The sensei at the door stepped aside and held out his arm, indicating that he was free to enter the Dojo.
Saburo rose to his feet and approached, passing through the doorway and past the junior instructor who shut the door behind him.
Several paces before him sat a row of teachers and witnesses. Seated in the middle, with a bare cushion placed opposite him, was Shiba Tadashi, Master Sensei of the Sacred Heart Dojo. Beside him sat Shiba Yoshinori, one of the advisors of the Clan Champion, in his capacity as the representative of the family Daimyo.
Both men fixed Saburo with a steely gaze as he approached, and his nerves were so great that he almost faltered and missed a step before breathing out and moving forward more smoothly.
To each side further down the line of judges and guests, Saburo could see the various teachers of the Dojo as well as close family members of most of the students undergoing their Gempukku today. To the far right, he even briefly spied his own mother and father before returning his attention to the figures before him.
Sinking onto his knees on the cushion, Saburo proceeded to bow formally to the two men opposite him. They both inclined themselves slightly in return.
"Shiba Saburo," Tadashi-sensei began "You are called here today to demonstrate your understanding of and commitment to the teachings and principles of the Sacred Heart Dojo and the Phoenix clan of Rokugan. Are you ready to begin?"
The words were themselves were solemn, but the tone was slightly rehearsed; a brief reminder that for all the importance this moment held for him, Saburo was merely one in a line of Shiba students undergoing their Gempukku ceremonies. The Master's tone no doubt felt rehearsed because he'd already worked his way through several other students before him.
"Hai, sensei" Saburo said, much more calmly than he felt.
"As a student of the Sacred Heart, you have been taught the various skills we judge you need to serve your clan as a Bushi," Tadashi-sensei said formally "But as a warrior of the Phoenix clan, you are furthermore expected to display wisdom and good judgment equal to your skills at war."
Saburo held himself still. His first instinct was to nod his head at the master's words to show that he understood, but in such a formal situation excessive or very expressive movement would most likely be considered somewhat uncouth.
"Hai, sensei" He said clearly, when there came an appropriate lull in the conversation that he judged himself expected to fill.
"How then do you yourself intend to use those skills in the arts of war in order to serve the best interests of the Phoenix?" The master asked.
There was a brief moment of silence in which Saburo gathered his thoughts. As he considered the question, he saw Sodona Kojiro lean forward slightly from his place in the lineup, a glimmer of interest showing through his
on.
"In order to best serve the interests of the Phoenix clan, Master," Saburo said slowly "I would endeavor to make as little use of the Bugei arts as I could possibly manage".
Neither of the more senior Phoenix Samurai opposite him showed any overt reaction or surprise to that, but at the same time Saburo could swear he felt something in the air. As if suddenly the other men had started paying closer attention.
"Oh?" Tadashi-sensei prompted.
"The principles of our clan, and the Tao of Shinsei, teach us that violence is the last resort of any true Phoenix. Despite being willing to use those skills in the defence of my clan if I must, I would always first try to pursue a peaceful solution to my clan's problems." Saburo said.
"And if such a solution cannot be found?" Tadashi asked.
Saburo bowed his head deferentially "If I cannot find one master, or if the circumstances do not allow for me to attempt to do so, then I would not hesitate to protect my clan through the skills I learned in this Dojo".
Tadashi stared thoughtfully at him for a moment, and then turned to meet the eyes of Yoshinori. Something seemed to pass between them for a moment, and then they turned back to face the young Bushi.
"Moving on, we shall address your understanding of the tenets of both Bushido and Shintao, and how they relate to and interact with each other. For instance, which principles of each, if any, do you find incompatible…"
The Gempukku proceeded in a similar fashion for some time afterwards. Saburo was questioned deeply on his understanding of almost every conceivable aspect of life as a Bushi, and was at times requested to make speeches explaining and defending various points on almost every topic imaginable.
Eventually however, the Master-sensei pronounced himself satisfied, and invited Saburo to make his vow of loyalty to the senior official, representing the Clan Champion. He did so, formally shared a brief drink of sake with the man, was presented with his Daisho, requested permission to take a Wandering-year, had it granted and announced his new choice of name to the general approval of the assembled guests.
It was fortunate that when Shiba Tamotsu emerged from the hall to meet with his parents, he did so privately, as his self-control was not so great as to keep the slight smile from his face.
He bowed slightly to his mother and father, and they bowed in return as equals, because he was a man now. Then his father smiled broadly and offered his congratulations, and his mother beamed at him, because they were alone, and he was also their son.
They soon returned to the family manor, where Tamotsu mingled and drank with siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles who each took turns to offer him their congratulations and then their advice; which families to start looking for a bride from now that he was his own man, how to best approach his superiors in order to request a particular assignment, which Fortunes in particular he should thank for passing his Gempukku and which he should pray to ensure a prosperous life going forward.
Eventually, when one of his cousins started telling him where he should go and what sights he should see in his journey throughout Rokugan, Tamotsu replied that he'd already made plans of his own, and he couldn't possibly change them for anything.
The gathering ended soon enough after that, and Tamotsu retired shortly after. When he woke early the next morning, he quickly finished packing, said his farewells to friends and family, and left Shiro Shiba heading north.
*****
Kyuden Isawa was commonly known to be the Empire's greatest repository of magical lore. The seat of the Isawa family, the castle had been burned down in 1128 by the Tainted Shugenja Isawa Tsuke, before being rebuilt at great expense on the behalf of the Phoenix clan in the following decades.
It was a sign of the clan's ingenuity and dedication that by 1164, the castle and library both were restored almost to their full glory, barring the occasional unique text for which no other copy had been made or found.
Yet while the castle and library had been almost fully restored, the clan and its caretaker family were more conscious than ever of the value and security of their treasure trove of knowledge. Even before the library had been devastated, access to the magical texts had been tightly controlled. Now? It was almost beyond belief.
"I'm sorry, but it's really out of my hands" Isawa Kasumi apologized. She appeared sincere, which took some of the sting out of it, but it was still difficult to hear nonetheless.
The Shugenja leaned over, gracefully pouring tea for Tamotsu. The two were seated easily upon cushions with cups beside them; the Shiba warrior having been directed to a comfortable waiting room upon attempting to first gain access to the library. The Isawa custodian had appeared before him soon enough, graciously enough listening to his request before ultimately telling him that it simply wasn't possible.
"Generally speaking, only very prominent scholars and Shugenja of the clan are able to simply walk right into the archives," She continued, the tea poured, "The rest require the chop of someone very influential; a provincial governor or abbot of a temple would be considered the very minimum required to vouch for you".
Tamotsu nodded, crestfallen but trying not to show it. He took a sip of his tea to try to conceal his disappointment.
"I hadn't expected I'd need anything of the kind," He admitted.
"Understandable enough" Kasumi commiserated, "As a clan, we Phoenix are generally quite quick to point to our storehouses of learning, and call ourselves the keepers of knowledge, but not all members of the clan share that knowledge as freely as others".
She looked rueful for a moment, having criticized her own family as openly as socially possible.
"Of course, on the other hand, the knowledge we keep here is often of vital strategic importance to the clan," She continued, perhaps to make amends to herself for the brief lapse "I would hardly want our spellcraft widely circulating the Empire and empowering those less respectful of the power such techniques hold. Imagine the Mantis, if they managed to get their hands on any of the spells contained in our archives."
She shuddered for a moment, in what Tamotsu judged to be a completely understandable concern. Rokugan's clan wars were bloody enough. A clan such as the Mantis with the power of the Isawa? Boundless ambition, backed by immense power and a complete lack of respect for it?
Terrifying.
"I appreciate the need to keep such knowledge out of the hands of those who have not proven their trustworthiness" Tamotsu said with a nod "Still, it's a disappointment. I had been planning to come here for many years, when I finally received the opportunity."
At that, Kasumi looked at the Shiba Bushi with an inscrutable expression "Oh? Why was it exactly, that you came here, if you don't mind my asking?"
"It was because of my great-grandfather, Shiba Kiyoshi," Tamotsu replied "He was a powerful Fire Shugenja, who-"
"Who disappeared and took all of his research with him. Yes, I remember." Kasumi interrupted. She looked apologetic "I think I understand now. You're seeking to solve an old family mystery?"
"Yes. I'm surprised you were so quick to remember it." Tamotsu said, answering honestly.
Kasumi chuckled.
"Kiyoshi had a brilliant mind," She said with a smile "One of the best we've produced in generations. He'd have become the Master of Fire, if he hadn't vanished so young. I'm surprised you thought I
wouldn't know of him."
"Well, his legacy continues to affect my family, one way or another," Tamotsu said "Given that we don't know what became of him, we worry over what it means. Is Kiyoshi's soul trapped somewhere, needing to be freed before continuing on to Meido? Did Kiyoshi make himself immortal, and if so, where has he gone and why? And is whatever happened to him likely to happen to others like…"
Tamotsu trailed off mid-sentence.
Kasumi watched him shrewdly.
"Others, like you?" She asked, watching his face carefully.
Tamotsu frowned, uneasily.
"I'm not a Shugenja," He said at last, in what was a technically honest statement. He'd never been trained as one.
"No," Kasumi agreed "But you could have been".
Tamotsu opened his mouth, and then closed it.
"We keep careful records of everyone in the clan who shows the talent" Kasumi explained at his obvious confusion "We knew you had the potential to become a Shugenja, one who leaned strongly towards the same element as your ancestor, within hours of your birth."
She shrugged, as to say it was no secret.
"Yours was a memorable case, because although the clan almost invariably gives up every child with the talent to the Temples to study the magical arts, you were deemed a possible risk, due to the mystery of Kiyoshi's fate".
"I hadn't known that so many people knew" Tamotsu said at last.
"Most don't," the Isawa replied "But I have a very good memory".
"Well, regardless, it seems that I'm out of luck" Tamotsu said "I had intended to gain entry and research what I could of Kiyoshi's studies in hope of solving the riddle he left us, but I don't have the credentials I'd need".
Kasumi nodded "I know you might be dispirited, but it's for the best. Kiyoshi was a brilliant man, exploring advanced fields of magic that few of his peers could hope to keep up with. Finding out what happened to him would be a difficult enough task for a Shugenja, but for a Bushi…"
She trailed off, the implication clear. While the Phoenix cultivated intellectualism in their warriors, there was still a large gulf between the depth of knowledge that a Bushi and a scholar would be expected to hold. And when the field of knowledge in question was spellcraft that only made the task more difficult.
"I'm sorry to take up so much of your time" Tamotsu apologized, rising to his feet.
"It's no trouble," Kasumi assured him courteously "For my part, I'm sorry we couldn't help you".
The two bowed to each other, and the young Shiba warrior turned to open the door.
"One last word of advice, if I might, Tamotsu-san?" The librarian called from behind him.
He turned to face her.
"Kiyoshi's disappearance might seem quite troubling, but I'd urge you to put it out of your mind" She said seriously "Dwelling on the past for too long can make you miss what's happening in the present. Too many bright young samurai are led astray by such distractions. Promise me you won't become one of them."
Tamotsu bowed again, but he didn't speak. He wouldn't have been able to do so without lying, and he never lied.
He left the room disappointed, but no less determined than he'd entered it.
He still had a year to find answers, and the Isawa Library wasn't the only source of knowledge in the Empire.
Kyuden Asako was itself only several days journey south. It would make a fine start.
*****
Shiba Tamotsu sat on the floor, scrolls laid out all around him, and tried to make sense of what he was seeing.
There was the sound of footsteps approaching the door, and a deep voice called his name questioningly through the Shoji.
"Come in" Tamotsu called back.
The door opened. An older samurai, wearing a gold and brown kimono stamped with the mōn of the most militant clan in the Empire, and that of their family of Historians, stepped into the room followed by a servant bearing a tray.
Tamotsu looked up curiously.
"Good morning, Shiba-san" the Ikoma said courteously "I had hoped you would be agreeable to sharing tea with me, if you can afford to take a short break".
There was only one possible response to that. He was in an Ikoma castle, as an Ikoma guest, at Ikoma sufferance. A refusal would be churlish in the extreme, unless he had good cause.
"Of course, Daisuke-san" Tamotsu said politely, accepting the offered tea from the servant. He could afford to take a break. He wouldn't necessarily
wish to do so, but he'd never be so uncouth as to say so to one of his hosts.
They sat opposite a small table, Tamotsu clearing it of scrolls.
"How goes your research, my friend?" Ikoma Daisuke asked, sipping his tea contemplatively.
"Well, thank you" Tamotsu said.
There was a momentary lull as they each considered what to say. Or at least, Tamotsu considered what to say; Daisuke was likely simply enjoying the tea and company.
Ikoma Daisuke was an unusual friend, Tamotsu had to admit. He'd never thought particularly well of the Lion clan for various reasons; they seemed so opposed to all of the principles the Phoenix held dear.
Daisuke seemed decent enough, however. The Lion bard seemed to relish the companionship of a fellow warrior-scholar, even (or perhaps especially) one outside his own clan and family.
That, at least, Tamotsu could understand. If he lived among a horde of warriors as aggressive as the Lion, he'd be glad of outside influence too.
"I have to say, you're a puzzle I haven't encountered often" Daisuke mused.
Tamotsu tilted his head "Oh?"
Daisuke nodded "A young, promising warrior, who sought and received permission from his superiors immediately upon graduating his Gempukku to undergo a Musha Shugyo, who then journeys to the greatest centres of learning in Rokugan to study fields most warriors would find utterly boring. If you were any more eccentric, I'd think you a Dragon, regardless of whose mōn you wore."
Tamotsu didn't bother correcting him that he wasn't on a Musha Shugyo, precisely. The two practices were similar enough that it was an easy mistake, but a Musha Shugyo was distinctly martial in nature, and Shugyosha were often swordsmen who were merely trying to find opponents and make a name for themselves.
Not to say that he thought that training one's swordplay was an unworthy ambition, but Tamotsu had a higher purpose with a more tangible goal. Improving himself would be a welcome side-effect, but it wasn't the achievement he was seeking.
"What makes you think I was such a promising warrior?" He said lightly "Perhaps my instructors were glad to be rid of me?"
Daisuke's lips quirked in an easy smile "That's a possibility, of course, but it makes for a poorer story. Young, intelligent samurai who set off on adventures across the Empire are obliged to be skillful heroes, or else why would anyone want to hear about it?"
Tamotsu shook his head slightly in exasperation, but felt a tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"In all seriousness," Daisuke said contemplatively "You told me when you first came here that you've been looking for something, but you've been quite vague on what that is".
Tamotsu shifted uncomfortably. The Lion's question, unasked but hardly subtle, was slightly more personal than he was accustomed to sharing with someone outside of his clan.
"I'm trying to make sense of something that happened decades ago," Tamotsu said reluctantly "Something important to my family. I'm trying see if I can find any clues or similar incidents buried in the lore in your family's library."
Daisuke nodded slowly "Well, I can't blame you for seeking your answers from the Emperor's chosen historians if the mystery you seek to solve is a historical one. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"No, thank you" Tamotsu said, shaking his head slightly "You've already done so much just by letting me stay here and investigate your library. My problems are not yours; I couldn't allow myself to impose any further."
Daisuke shrugged "We're the Empire's historians. Letting you peruse our writings is no generosity, merely fulfillment of our duty."
Tamotsu nodded "Still, I'm grateful. Too grateful, truthfully, to allow you to help me any more than you already have. My honour couldn't bear it."
"Ahh, well, if it is a matter of honour, then I'll say no more on the subject," Daisuke said with impeccable courtesy "But I'd be obliged to you if you'd be willing to play a game of Gō with me before returning to your research. I've been mad for the game ever since I first learned how to play, but most of my kin are more interested in Shogi."
"I'd be delighted," Tamotsu assured him "Would you prefer to play black or white?"
Daisuke made a face "Is that an honest question, Tamotsu-san? Who would ever choose black over white except out of courtesy for a lesser player? White, please. I need
some advantage over a man who spends every waking moment expanding his education."
The afternoon passed in a pleasant haze. Tamotsu won two games and lost a third. He felt content enough that it was almost as if he was back at home playing against his father or brothers.
But when Daisuke took his leave, Tamotsu wasted no time turning back to his research. The diversion had been pleasant, but only for a brief time. He still had a great deal of work to do.
*****
The man known simply as Junichi, once Katai Junichi of the Lion vassal clan, now a mere ronin, barely stirred as his compatriots dropped into the seat beside him. At least until he heard the sound of bowls hitting the wooden surface of the table.
Kenta slid a bowl of Udon over to him, and he began eating reluctantly.
The innkeeper stood behind the counter, wringing his hands but obviously unable to do anything to get them to leave. When Kenta and Isamu had gone up to the counter and demanded food, as well as beds for the night, upon entering the inn, the man had had no other recourse but to agree.
A heimin was required to show absolute obedience to any samurai if they wished to avoid being immediately cut down, and the innkeeper was likely more afraid of them than he would be of any clan samurai.
Their appearance was filthy, and they wore no clan or family mōn upon their clothing. They'd long since parted with their former lords. It was obvious that they were ronin to anyone who laid eyes on them.
And everyone knew ronin were one bad day away from being bandits or mercenaries.
There was the sound of a door opening, and a well-dressed figure, or at least well-dressed compared to them, entered the mostly empty common room. All of the other guests had left shortly after they'd arrived.
It was a young man, dressed in red, bearing the two swords of a Bushi. Junichi, Kenta and Isamu no longer carried the Wakizashi themselves; a second sword was a luxury that they couldn't afford in the face of the always-looming threat of destitution.
Isamu saw the man enter, jerked his head over in his direction with a grin, and stood and walked over to him. Kenta rose and followed obediently, and Junichi sighed and did the same reluctantly.
"Ho! A pleasure to meet you, samurai-san" Isamu said with faux-friendliness "Too few of our kind on the road these days. Where do you come from?"
The young man's eyes passed over their figures, quietly judging, and Junichi felt his embarrassment more acutely than ever. Isamu saw him do the same, and his face twisted for a split-second into an expression much more ugly than the one plastered across his face before reverting to the fake smile.
The Phoenix – Junichi could see now he wore the Phoenix mōn on his clothing – appeared to give the question much more consideration than it merited.
"Kyuden Ikoma, most recently" The Phoenix Bushi said softly "Before that, Nikesake".
Isamu whistled "Pretty cities, those ones. Much too expensive to live in for the three of us."
The Phoenix shrugged, as if disclaiming knowledge of such concerns.
Isamu's face twitched at that.
"Mmm, I'm sure that
you don't need to worry about those sorts of things, as well-dressed as you look. But not all of us are so lucky."
Isamu paused, as if something suddenly occurred to him "Y'know, considering that you're so much more well-off than we are, maybe you could spare some money for a few unlucky samurai. It would show some compassion on your part; you'd be doing well by Bushido."
"I need all my money to make it to the Temple of Heavenly Wisdom, and then home," the Phoenix said "So I'm sorry, but no".
"And what if I were to ask again, all humble like" Isamu asked, showing dirty teeth.
"My answer wouldn't change because you happened to ask again," The traveller said.
"And if I were to take it without asking?" Isamu said, the smile gone from his face now.
"I'd kill you," The Phoenix Bushi said softly.
There was silence throughout the inn.
Then Isamu leapt out of his seat, the Tanto he'd drawn underneath the table arcing towards the young man's face.
The Phoenix's sword flashed out impossibly fast, and Isamu's weapon arm and head were removed in the same motion.
Kenta jumped back to gain room, pulling his Katana free of its sheath. The blade was in poor condition, but Junichi knew that Kenta's skills hadn't grown any dull since his time in the army.
"That was my friend, you pampered bastard," Kenta said, spitting to the side angrily.
"I'm sorry," The Phoenix said solemnly "But he chose this fight, not me". Junichi could almost swear he was telling the truth about being sorry. He stood by uncertainly, not sure whether he wanted any part in what was to follow.
"I'm going to kill you, and leave you for the dogs," Kenta ranted, ignoring him "Pretty little Iaijutsu, for pretty little weakling duelists. But this isn't a court duel."
The Phoenix's face went blank, and his blade came up to rest easily before him.
"You should have just given us your money, fool" Kenta said angrily.
Junichi saw the words wash over the Phoenix as if he couldn't even hear them. The man was almost as still as a statue now.
"If you had, you might have escaped with your life!" Kenta finished, lunging forward with his Katana in a blindingly fast thrust.
The Phoenix swordsman stepped to the side and parried, cutting downwards in a return-stroke so fast that it wasn't until it emerged through the opposite side of Kenta's body that Junichi even saw it move.
Kenta's body fell to the ground, torn open. The blood from both of the corpses spilled across the floor, soaking through Junichi's sandals.
The Phoenix samurai met his gaze.
Junichi slowly raised his empty hands "I don't want to fight".
The Phoenix nodded "Neither do I".
