As Yotsu Zensa walks toward the house of
his daimyo, he takes care to double check his Ashigaru armor and adjusts his
katana. Zensa has served his clan
well these past few months, and has returned home to receive his new duties. He is worried because war has
erupted in the Empire and hard decisions must be made. Zensa slowly walks up the stone path
to the entrance of the Yotsu ancestral home. As this loyal bushi passes through
the moon gate, he simultaneously steps into the Tiger Clan’s past and future. As Zensa enters the courtyard he
spots his daimyo in meditation and finds a suitable place to meditate at a
respectful distance from his superior.
In the shadows of his ancestors, the fate of the Tiger Clan is about to
be decided.
The leader of the Tiger Clan, Yotsu Araki, sits meditating in front of a
shrine dedicated to his ancestors; ancestors who bravely fought and gave their
lives while defending Otosan Uchi, the old Imperial capital. For generations the Yotsu have
been guardians of the Empire, ensuring security by obediently following the
tenants of Bushido. Although the
Tiger Clan is not a Great Clan their conviction to duty and stewardship to the
Empire has gained them an honorable reputation throughout the mainland. Araki senses Zensa’s presence, he
then slowly rises, while gathering up his swords and faithful bows towards the
stone markers representing his honored ancestors.
Araki straightens, turns, and then exits the courtyard without disturbing
Zensa’s meditation.
When Zensa finishes his meditation and prayers he heads toward the Tiger
council chamber to speak with his daimyo.
A daimyo who will guide the Tiger in their duty for the Empire, but by
completing their duty there might not be a tomorrow for the Tiger Clan. Zensa enters the chamber and kneels
in front of his daimyo, bows and waits to be recognized.
The Tiger leader smiles and says, “Nikutai Zensa, I trust you are well. Have all preparations been completed
for your diplomatic mission to Kyuden Agasha?”
“Hai, my lord Araki-sama,” Zensa bows quickly and straightens while
answering; “My team has prepped the
Diligent and have secured our supplies and gifts for Agasha Hiroshi, but I
must humbly make a request before I leave for the Phoenix lands.”
Zensa’s daimyo responds, “Continue Nikutai-san.”
“Honorable Araki-sama you provide me with everything I need to complete
my duty. It is wise to ask for more
only when absolutely necessary. I
have served the Tiger Clan from the dangers of the Shadowlands to the seas of
Rokugan; combat has occurred quite frequently during these missions. I respectfully request a higher grade
of Ashigaru armor to have better protection against the enemies of the Tiger,”
Zensa finishes and slowly bows and straightens.
Araki stares toward Zensa, “I will take your request under consideration. I know you and those who serve with
you will represent the Tiger Clan with honor.”
“Hai, hai,” responds Zensa.
“Thank you Araki-sama it is our honor to serve the Tiger without hesitation to
help ensure the future of our clan and the security of the Empire.”
Araki’s jaw tightens, “You are alluding to the war between the Crab and
the Hare and Scorpion.”
“Hai,” calmly answers Zensa, waiting for permission to speak further.
“Zensa you have begun to understand the complexities between the clans
and realize how easily this order may turn to chaos.” Araki looks into Zensa’s face, “I
will soon decide whether to fight in defense of the Hare or beside the Crab.”
Zensa says nothing; seconds pass by as he sits patiently to be given the
honor to respond. His daimyo speaks
again, “You show wisdom and respect by not simply spurting out your thoughts on
this war. You have passed the test
of patience; you may now share with me your thoughts. Be warned if you speak without
substance it shall not be a good conversation.”
Zensa slowly breathes outward, centers himself then begins, “Thank you my
lord, Yotsu Araki-sama. We shall
have to fight and it may not be in defense of the Hare. As you are quite aware my lord, the
Hare Clan was founded in 750 due to the heroic efforts of Reichin against the
armies of Juchiban. Reichin was
granted the family name Usagi and Minor Clan status. This behavior begins the cyclic
behavior of what it means to be Hare.
The beginning of the cycle represents the purity of the Bushido code of
honor and self-sacrifice.”
“Instead of remaining on the true path of Bushido the Hare descend into
dishonor. In 1128, after the Soshi
Yukio attacks and is killed by Usagi Ozaki, a Scorpion army arrives at Shiro
Usagi. The castle is destroyed and
the daimyo, Usagi Oda, is killed.
Somehow, the Hare Champion, Usagi Ozaki flees to fight another day while the
Hare daimyo lays slain and Shiro Usagi is laid waste.”
Yotsu Zensa pauses and prevents emotion to overwhelm him, “It is the duty
of a bushi to die for his clan, his daimyo and for the Empire, but one must ask
how many Hare had to perish to ensure Ozaki’s escape.”
Yotsu Araki simply nods and Zensa continues; “Now the Hare apparently
began to ascend once more. In 1125
Usagi Ozaki somehow displays apparent heroism, enough to provide the rebirth of
the Hare Clan.”
Zensa looks Araki in the eyes, “Recently the Hare have begun to descend
yet again. The Hare had petitioned
help from the Crab to start a shugenja school.
Instead of showing respect for the Crab, the Hare grew impatient and
turned to others such as the Phoenix and the Scorpion. The Phoenix gracefully withdrew to
avoid further conflict; the Scorpion Clan did not withdraw. Now the Hare have blatantly insulted
the Crab and let themselves become pawns of the Scorpion.”
Zensa continues, “The Hare have not been honest with the Crab; they have
not shown courtesy or sincerity to the Crab by seeking help from other clans. During my recent service in Unicorn
lands I have experienced this behavior firsthand.
I witnessed a Hare Emerald magistrate, Usagi Hayai, who abused his power
and sought only to inflict pain instead of pursue justice. It is once again the duty of the
Tiger to fulfill our purpose, as guardians of the Empire, to return order and
security. We may have to show true
compassion for the Hare by stopping this vicious cycle of dishonor they have
been consumed by.”
“I am simply one voice from a
single Tiger bushi, but there are others in our clan who agree with my
analysis,” Zensa finishes his assessment and awaits his daimyo’s response.
“It is I who defines the duty of the Tiger, but I have enjoyed our
conversation,” Yotsu Araki continues.
“May the Fortunes be with you on your journey into the lands of the
Phoenix.”