Month of the Hantei, 1499 IC. Shiro Sano Kakita, Kakita Duelling Academy dojo.

Darkness began to lift as the light of a new morning spread across the beginning of the Dojo of the Kakita. Normally this place was silent at this time, however a student had been sitting meditating and practicing two hours earlier.

The serenity of the scene should have calmed anyone's nerves. However things troubled the young man's mind.

Sitting crossed legged in the dojo, Daidoji Noritoshi meditated fitfully.

Within his head he could already see his practice duels. Fluttering out in the courtyards of the Kakita, he saw himself duel well. Easily disarming his opponents and taking advantage of their weaknesses. Those that flaunted themselves or their superiority were sorely beaten, hands wrapped in bandages for months afterwards. His sensei, the legendary Kakita Saburashi, frowned often as he watched him duel, his eyes drifting with a disinterested passion as he watched the children screaming, clutching their arms, hands or legs.

Other Senseis would watch his duels with disdain and dislike as he defeated his opponents with skill but showing a need to harm his opponents.
'What do you expect of one who bears the Daidoji name?'
'Agreed, he also bears the name of one of our most famed masters, what arrogance.' 'Indeed, he will live a wretched life.'
'Yes well at least we have a Kakita learning their ways because of it. If only Koneko-sama had not insisted that we try and make our families stronger, we would have a great Kakita as opposed to a Daidoji thug.'

'Kakita have always been that arrogant.'
Noritoshi opened his eyes, the familiar voice filling his ears.
'They have always tried to stifle the brilliant. The gifted'
He shook the weariness out of his limbs as he assumed the first stance, listening as always as the voice pointed out the flaws in his techniques.
'Straighten your back leg, move more fluidly. Remember, we cannot be defeated by these pathetic excuses for samurai! Concentrate, know the path and walk it. Remember to show them the quality of mercy by allowing others to witness their deformed bodies!'
Noritoshi paused to consider his words before speaking. 'Why? Why shouldn't I just kill them, ancestor-sama? Why do I not do as you have done and slay all those that oppose me? Why should I let them live?'
The voice seemed to explode in furious laughter at the thought, 'I once thought like you. I dealt with all of my enemies with the blade and killed all those that stood before me like wheat and chattle. Only one ever opposed me and in the end he took the cowards way out and died! That is why we must let them live! They must not forget you as they forgot me!'
'I am sorry, I should not have questioned you judgement,' whispered Noritoshi, bowing his head low in a gesture of respect.
'And rightly so!' A voiced cried out from behind him.
Turning slowly around the beautiful form of Kakita Amika slowly entered the room, followed closely by her ever faithful lap-dog, Kakita Toru.
'Amika-san, it is rude to enter without announcing yourself. Surely you would not be so rude as to fail the simple rules of etiquette now, would we?'
Amika laughed followed closely by Toru, 'I would show you respect? Ha! You who speak to yourself rather than to people? Friendless and alone, you are a pathetic reminder of all those that came before you.'
She smiled maliciously as she viewed the pitiful wretch. 'I look forward to defeating you at the tournament. Not only shall I show the crowds of spectators that only the Kakita are deserving of triumphing in tournaments of Excellence but I shall beat all those who stand un purified in the gaze of our master.'
Noritoshi's grip tightened on the handle of the bokken.
'Wait. Now is not the time. Wait for the tournament before you strike. Then we will begin the rise of your name.'
'I am terribly sorry Amika-chan' Noritoshi smirked, 'I prefer talking to myself rather than listen to the inane babblings of a nobody who cannot even show enough skill to be worth of my time to defeat.'

Amika stiffened at this insult, her katana leaping from its saya. 'Then defend yourself, fool!'

Noritoshi didn't blink, hesitation banished to the recesses of his mind.
'Do this and your dreams of impressing our sensei with your victory will die with my death.'

An inch from his head, the katana stopped, Amika's rage barely being kept in check.

Slowly sheathing her katana, Amika turned her back on Noritoshi, storming out of the Dojo.

'Leave her. Resume your kata. Focus on your goal.'

Three weeks later, Test of the Topaz Championship, Tsuma.

A gong sounded upon the fields of Tsuma as Noritoshi strode onto the field. He had already defeated four other opponents to make it to this stage of battle. The crowds had not taken to him, and why would they? He was only a Daidoji, not fit enough to bear anything but the heaviest of burdens. Even so jeering was hardly resplendent of noble Samurai.

They are not noble, Samurai. They are like sheep. Very few men have truly earned the right to be called Samurai and bear that name with pride and conviction.
The voice grew solemn.
'In my life time, only four other men were worthy of such a title and such respect. And to think two of those went to Tengoku and the others to Gaki-do. Such is the fate of those that prove worthy; they live in wonder or suffer eternally. Which is our fate I wonder?

Nodding in agreement, Noritoshi thought back on the tournament so far.

He could not win the championship now. Even through this duel, he could not have anticipated that a Moto could be so dominating in the realms of oratory and combat. This Moto spent his entire night drinking sake with the Crab, a contradiction. Uncouth as all of his kind were and yet skilled enough to defeat even himself in the courtiering aspects. Nethertheless, Noritoshi didn't mind. This was why he was here, the final of the Iaijutsu tournament.

He almost chuckled to think how much he had enjoyed himself at this event. He even made a friend, Tsuruchi Shin. Interesting man, with much skill with the bow as many of his kind are. He thought it odd that he could stand to be anywhere near a minor clansman like the Tsuruchi, but when they had faced off against each other in the Go portion of the competition, a cord of agreement was struck without a word being said.
Under the glaring eye of O-Doji Koneko, both of them played with honour and dignity, each player showing the other the respect worthy of their station. Of course all of this did not make up for the fact that neither one of them had ever played Go in their lives. Even though the Tsuruchi technically won, Koneko-sama's face turned a bright shade of red as she yelled at them to remove themselves from her sight, that she had never witnessed a pair of more incompetent Go players in her life! Noritoshi smiled thinking that maybe there was a man worthy of his respect.

'Focus,' the voice spoke, 'She comes. Our legend begins.'

Kakita Amika had also done well. She had failed in a few of the events but ultimately she had the opportunity to become the Topaz Champion. Only this fool stood in her way.

Each of the bowed and faced each other. Amika raised her saya and spoke allowed addressing her master, Kakita Saburashi.

'Sensei-sama! I dedicate this win to you! Let my victory usher in a new era!'

Arrogant Kakita! The only thing she will feel is the sting of your blade! Remember do not kill her! Show her mercy!

Noritoshi gave a brief nod before assuming his stance.

Facing off against each other, mutual hatred staring at each other, the wind slowly picked up. For minutes, they stood facing each other, neither one giving an inch, unwilling to make the first mistake.

Suddenly Amika charged, her sword leaping from her saya as she raced to strike Noritoshi down.

She moves to strike left. Beginners always strike left. Take your prize.

Diving to his right, Noritoshi drew with lightning speed, his blade moving to strike her. The blade cut deep into her face, scarring her from her eye to her cheek, crimson red now marring her beautiful Kimono and ruining her perfect beauty. Her scream pierced the skies born not from the pain of the body but instead the agony of defeat.

Gasps arose from the crowds, as they witnessed Amika fall, her beauty ruined by such a precise blow.

Wiping his blade and sheathing it, Noritoshi turned to her, regarding her with the contempt she had earned.

He raised his voice, loud enough for the crowd to hear him 'Know this. I have spared your life so that you might think upon the shame you have brought to our master with your arrogant words! I have left my mark upon you so that you will remember your place and learn from the experience. May all here bear witness of my mercy. Let them remember my name by witnessing your disgrace!'

Hushed whispers echoed around the arena as shugenja made there way onto the field in an attempt to help Amika, yet she glared at Noritoshi before speaking but one phrase before running into the castle, shrugging all attempts to mend her scarred face.

'If you and I ever meet again, I will claim your head as my trophy, Noritoshi!'

Smiling to himself Noritoshi walked off the field, triumphant, the voice comenting on him as he left before the ceremony crowning the Topaz champion was complete.

A good beginning descendant. I am proud of you. You are worthy enough to bear my legacy. And perhaps in time I will even teach you my techniques. But for now we must earn your name so that all who hear your name fear it as they once feared mine.
Pride boomed in the voice's words. Let this be the start of great things to come.

Agreeing with the voice, Noritoshi walked off to see if that Tsuruchi was still around for another game of Go.

 

Month of the Bayushi, 1500 IC. Ryoko Owari.

It was as if the world had stopped in a heartbeat.

Daidoji Noritoshi was about to lose his first duel.

He did not know it the moment he had rejected the sounds of his Ancestor attempting to reason with him.

He did not know it when he had attempted to goad the Emerald Magistrate into duelling him.

He did not even know it when he assumed his stance.

But he knew, the moment that he looked into the Kakita's eyes that he had already lost.

His reputation had been meaningless, he had beaten countless skilled duellists before, but this man was different, it was a look that he had seen many times before; in front of a mirror.

Ignoring everything he waited, tenser than he had ever been, waiting for the final moment of this Crane's perfect cut.

Four months earlier. East Hub Village.

The rain poured heavily down in the streets of the East Hub Village. It was a very desolate place, the winds swept down throughout the town as he stood there in front of the ronin bands hideout.

These fools want to feel our mercy? Noritoshi thought as he waited for them to emerge. Then I shall grant them a modest answer.

Careful. Even a skilled duellist can be overwhelmed by superior numbers.

'Ha! These are only ronin!' Noritoshi yelled, watching as they emerged out of the house, 'Even superior numbers will not stop me! I am the great Daidoji Noritoshi, the Merciful! I will crush this impure band of ronin scum and teach these impudent dogs the meaning of Bushido!'

You sound as arrogant as a Kakita! Are you becoming so blinded by your abilities that you have lost all common sense! The voice rebuked. While I have no doubt that you can defeat all of them think of the price that might have to be paid for your victories! There are always hidden costs.

The Broken wings, led by Kabo, emerged from the sturdy house. Armed with peasant weapons, they advanced toward Noritoshi.

'What are you going to do to stop us, Daidoji? Duel us all?' yelled Kabo, brandishing his warn katana, 'No one here will accept that!'

His tirade was cut short by cruel laughter emanating from Noritoshi's lips.

'To think that this dogs bark is so onerous that it keeps these mongrels in line? Pathetic! I need not use the refined methods of Samurai on you but merely the sword I bear and skills I possess are more than enough to deal with the likes of you!'

The ronin leader snarled and yelled back but one work 'Attack!'

Twenty ronin began to charge across the field, their weapons drawn and raised swinging in for the kill.

Calmly, patiently, Noritoshi leaped over them, perfectly executing his Wind in Darkened Skies technique, taking out the bodyguard, Beiku.
Finding himself with a clear path toward the leader, Noritoshi advanced clear with purpose, poised for the strike. His blade struck Kabo eyes, blood spilling out as the ronin leader's scream pierced the blackened sky. Falling into the muddy earth, Kabo grabbed and clawe at this eyes while Noritoshi stood over him, feeling pride at the ronin leaders fall.

Pay attention!

Noritoshi ducked as an arrow whistled past his head. He silently cursed his miss fortune as he had hoped that they would flee at their master's demise.

However in front of him, the ronin that were left had drawn yumi and daggers preparing to throw them.

And now your arrogance costs us our lives, Crane.

Silently wiping his blade, Noritoshi re-sheathed it, readying his stance as if in a duel, preparing for his final combat.

That was when something strange happened. Starting from the left and moving to the right, each of the ronin began to fall, the others, realising their danger quickly tried to flee but to know avail, suddenly they fell as quickly as their brethren.

Noritoshi slowly walked over to one of these ronin, and inspected a shaft of an arrow sticking from the neck of the ronin. As he looked at the rest of them, he realised that barring only one or two, they were all struck in exactly the same place.

He laughed, overwhelmed at his good fortune, 'Shin-san! You have definitely come at a most auspicious moment! My thanks for the timely use of your arrows.'

Descending from the rooftops, Tsuruchi Shin was a wonderment to behold. Ravishing black hair and deep eyes combined with a muscular temperament made many women shiver with delight whenever he looked at them with his lust filled eyes. Even today, as the rain soaked his clothing and wet his hair, his stunningly handsome features were a sight to behold.

'I thought twenty to one was just one too many, even for you Noritoshi-San! Besides they are working for the magistrate of whom I have found testimony of corruption from several of the inhabitants of this village.' Tsuruchi Shin sighed wistfully, 'It is a shame that they are only ronin and peasants, no one of any real substance but I have found that their testimonies do indeed match.'

Noritoshi waved his friend's apology away. 'After seeing that display I can't say as I am ungrateful. Now, how about a game of go? I have improved somewhat.'

Shin smiled but his smile stopped as he heard the sounds of armoured men running towards them. Shin notched an arrow and turned to face the approaching warriors, Noritoshi merely re-sheathed his swords. However weapons were put aside when they saw the men approach them.

Gold and green armour, finely polished and bold in tones, the resplendent armour of the Seppun guardsmen beaded with water from the rain as they trudged through the mud surrounding the pair of samurai.

The magistrate of North Hub Village, Kasuga Chokaru, approached them.

'What is the meaning of this! All of these ronin, slaughtered! You will pay dearly for this, Crane.'

Noritoshi looked up at him, staring into this pathetic excuse for a samurai's eyes and saw what would happen. The Kasuga had given him leave to insult him. From this the Kasuga would of course challenge him to a duel of first blood. He would accept, revealing his name and allow the Tortoise to choose a Seppun as his champion. He would blind the Seppun and thus blind the Kasuga. Noritoshi would be vindicated and his legend would grow.

Are you sure that this is something you want to do?

Yes it is.

Even though it will make you a powerful enemy?

Yes. It is who I am. Who you have made me. Why would you question me?

Your arrogance is growing stronger and you think that you are invincible. You are indeed good and you are more than a match for these Seppun. But you are not so powerful that you can rival the Kenshinzen yet. You have much to learn, but your arrogance has made you blind to others abilities. You rush headlong into duels that you cannot predict the outcome of.

I cannot be beaten! I have learned their ways and now I am truly great! I don't need your help, nor anyone else's! I will fight and I will win and no one will stop me!

So be it. When you are ready to learn and not be so eager to fight, then I will be here to help you. Until then my techniques, my guidance is closed to you. I will be watching, descendant. Live up to your name.

Noritoshi smiled and laughed as he began to insult the Tortoise magistrate.

Present Day.

Noritoshi sprang forward with a leap, executing his Wind in Darkened Skies technique flawlessly, leaping high into the air preparing to strike his land bound opponent. However the Emerald magistrate countered with the World Resting Upon its Edge technique, slicing the young Crane's eye and overbalancing Noritoshi, forcing him to plummet to the ground.

Weary, pain clutching at his eye, he looked up at his opponent standing over him as he had stood over so many.

He looked at the ground, spitting out his words, 'Finish me. I have been bested and I deserve a clean death.'

Laughter rained down from above, a mockery that cut deep into Noritoshi's soul like a sword through water. 'Kill you? No, I would not do that! I would leave you like your namesake, just like our revered Ancestor, Kakita Noritoshi. Perhaps this lesson, like so many you will have to be made to endure, Daidoji-san, will make you see you position more clearly. That no matter how much you try, you will always be a second rate duelist, always be inferior to those that share the Kakita name. I pity your frail existence, Daidoji, for you will forever be a failure. This is but the start of your true path.'

Noritoshi's anger and shame bit deep as he began to draw his wakizashi, preparing himself for the release of death.

Wait. You would seek sepukku to escape the pain of defeat? Do not take the coward's way out, Noritoshi! Do not give in to regret! It is better that we rise from this, grow from the humiliation, learn from this defeat! We must be better than this Crane, better than everyone! Or is it that you are afraid to live? Afraid to become stronger and better for the loss.

How? How was I beaten? I was invincible! I was… Noritoshi's thoughts trailed off remembering the lecture he gave to his Ancestor only a few months ago. It had all seemed to be so easy, defeating those who crossed him. He had never stopped to consider that he could be beaten or even what he should do if he lost.

I was here at this moment. Kakita Toshimoko refused to give me the road and I challenged him to a duel. He took my eye and all of my spirit burned with anger and shame at my actions! I was broken. I wanted to die. I took my wakizashi out and took my position for the three cuts. That was when I heard them mocking me, the Crane. Not Toshimoko, he was honourable, but all his kind, I could hear them in their courts and gardens, laughing at the wave-man. Their arrogance bit deep into me. It was more important to show my abilities with deeds not words! I grew stronger, created my own techniques and learned how to defeat all those who stood against me. Now you face the same decision, will you concede defeat or stand tall?

Noritoshi rose to his feet, bowed in the direction of the shocked Emerald magistrate.

'I thank you for the lesson, Kakita-san. I only hope that next time we meet I am able to show you what you have learned.'