A favor was asked:
Discreet travel, a journey
To Mantis waters.
Foul temper of wind and sea,
Like ill-bred children,
Irate at their whims denied.
Our ship is their toy,
Tossed on angry night waters
Prayers to sea kami
Shouted as sailors struggle
Against the harsh squall.
Mirumoto Hanzo stands
On deck, unafraid.
Stalwart like a mountain peak,
Storm does not concern
Fearless Mirumoto-san.
The captain falters,
Swept by gale wind into the
Water’s cruel embrace
Mirumoto defiant,
Dares storm to succeed.
The deep will not keep this man!
Lightning fast action,
His will and the rope, pulling
Captain to safety,
Once again on the ship’s deck.
Sea’s wrath is no match
Against Mirumoto-san.
The morning dawns mild.
The soft breeze asks forgiveness
Begging our pardon
For her behavior last night.
Sun kissed water gleams
Brighter than the finest gems.
On the horizon,
A pirate ship is sighted.
Danger approaches.
Ravaged and storm tossed, our ship
Hoists sail to outrun.
Air kami are tired from their
Temper last evening.
Our ship moves in slow motion
As sure as a blade,
The brigands approach nearer,
Foam like pure white feathers
Caresses the sea.
We will never outpace them.
I start to despair.
As things look ever bleaker,
An idea is formed.
Quietly chanting a spell,
Our brave shugenja
Gives Mirumoto-san wings.
Aloft in the air,
War cries echo on ocean.
Blessed by the kami,
His voice rings out in challenge
“Try and defeat me!”
He flies to the fight.
He is one against twenty,
Bold Mirumoto!
Strength like the mountain
Daring and brave!
His steel flashing in sunlight,
And two are cut down.
Then one more and another,
Fall dead to his blades.
At last, twenty-two brigands
Lie dead at his feet.
Victory for Mirumoto!
His fearless blades saved us all!