Kenshiru’s Journey – Story 2

An Invitation to Travel North

After the events of the Topaz Championship Kenshiru, Shiniko and Jinsho could not ignore the feeling that destiny had drawn them together and that great things were in store for them. They decided that, at least for a time, they would travel together.

As the new Topaz Champion, Kenshiru had received a number of invitations to visit samurai nobles in the area. Although this was mostly a prestige seeking exercise, since these nobles were looking to enhance their own reputation by associating with the Topaz Champion, Kenshiru was grateful for the opportunity to forge new acquaintances. He needed to milk his position as Topaz Champion to enhance his own reputation as much as possible. Jinsho however, wished to return to his Phoenix clan homeland in the north of Rokugan where he would be honoured for finishing as the highest ranked Phoenix Shugenga in the history of the competition.

As a compromise the three friends decided to accept an invitation from a Crane clan noble named Daidoji Uji. His domain was in the northern Crane lands and would be on the way if they were to journey to Jinsho’s home in the Phoenix lands.

They purchased a couple of sturdy ponies for Jinsho and Kenshiru and prepared for the trip. Shiniko already rode the magnificent Unicorn clan war-horse, Tsuzano and so was not in need of a mount.

On the morning that they left Tsuma they were approached by a young Scorpion clan samurai, maybe a year or so younger than themselves. Jinsho and Kenshiru were immediately suspicious. The Scorpion was very polite and deferential to them however and seemed somewhat embarrassed. He introduced himself as Bayushi Shinryu, the younger brother of Bayushi Sugai, and apologised profusely for his brothers dishonourable actions during the contest, which he said had made him ashamed. Though the three friends respected his intentions, assuming they were sincere, the reception he got was understandably frosty. Jinsho still felt great pain over Shiko’s death and though he controlled his anger he did not speak. Instead Kenshiru took it upon himself to accept the apology by saying that although Shinryu’s words could not undo the damage his brother had done he had demonstrated his honour by coming to say them. Shinryu seemed satisfied with this response and even ventured that perhaps some day they might meet again as friends. “Perhaps” was all Kenshiru could answer coldly. Shinryu bowed deeply and left.

The trip to Kyotei castle took nearly a month, even on horseback. For most of the trip the three friends were well looked after, and the people of the Crane lands often honoured them by refusing payment for food and lodgings as a demonstration of their respect.

Kyotei Castle

When Kenshiru, Jinsho and Shiniko arrived at the castle Daidoji Uji warmly greeted them. He congratulated them on their timing for they had arrived in time to participate in the Bon Festival that would predominantly take place that evening.

The Bon Festival is an annual event where the people of Rokugan commemorate their ancestors. It is a time of mystery when the past and present merge and the veil between life and death grows thin. Ghosts and spirits are thought to roam the night. The most important aspect of the festival is the Bon dance, a complex ritual performed by highly trained dancers. The dance must be performed without flaw in order to satisfy the spirits and ensure good fortune for the coming year. Superstition is so strong in this respect that dancers who get the precise moves of the dance wrong are often executed by their daimyo in an attempt to appease the spirits through other means.

Kenshiru, Shiniko and Jinsho were shown to the guest quarters and spent the afternoon relaxing and preparing for the evening entertainment. During this time they encountered or learned of a number of other guests attending the festival.

Most notable of these was Ikoma Ujiaki, of the Lion clan. Though he had been invited as a guest there was some tension between him and the members of the Crane clan who hosted the festival. Only a few years before the Crane clan had defeated the Lion clan in battle and seized Kyotei castle and the surrounding land from their previous owners. It was not something that was easily forgotten, and the two clans barely tolerated one another.

Tsume Retsu, an aging Crane noble who had been responsible for inflicting the defeat on the Lion clan, and his son and heir Tsume Takashi, were also present. They had been staying at the castle for some time.

In addition, one of Jinsho’s uncles, Shiba Katsuda, represented the Phoenix clan there.

Upon learning that his uncle was attending the festival Jinsho insisted on taking his friends to be introduced. Kenshiru’s initial impression of Katsuda was that he seemed wise and perceptive. He was aging and played upon his elderly appearance, but there was a sharp mind lurking behind this facade. Kenshiru wouldn’t want to cross him. After their introduction and a polite exchange regarding their successful performance in the Topaz Championship Shiniko and Kenshiru left Jinsho and Katsuda to catch up on things and went for a walk around the castle before returning to their rooms to bathe and change.

The Bon Festival

When evening came the three friends went to attend the festival. All around the castle was decorated with coloured lanterns that swayed back and forth in the gentle breeze. They joined the large throng of guests focused around the central courtyard and Kenshiru did his best to participate in the chatter of conversation. Once again as the reigning Topaz champion he attracted more than the usual attention. At one stage entertainers put on a puppet show depicting a duel between the honourable Crab and the treacherous Scorpion. Kenshiru was intrigued however when the puppet master declared that although the performance was in honour of his achievement at the championship it was in fact a much older legend. Kenshiru determined that he would try and find out some more about this story but as things turned out he did not have the opportunity to do so.

Later that evening everyone gathered to watch the performance of the Bon dance. A hush fell over the crowd as the dancers began the complex ritual. But as the dance progressed the sound of raised voices began to mingle with the music. People in the crowd craned their necks to see what was the disturbance.

Not far away Tsume Retsu and his son Tsume Takashi were having a blazing row. The nature of the disagreement was not clear but it appeared to be focused around whether to use diplomacy or force to settle some political issue. A public display of such lack of control is considered quite unseemly in Rokugan society. At a key moment in the Bon dance Tsume Retsu roared that as long as he was the head of the family his word was final, and Takashi retorted that Retsu would not be the head for much longer, before he turned his back and stormed off. The muted crowd reaction to this exchange caused one of the dancers to falter slightly and so put a cloud over the whole proceedings.

After that the evening seemed a little sour and eventually dwindled to an end.

Murder

The next morning when Kenshiru, Shiniko and Jinsho awoke there was an air of concern around the castle. The servants that normally came to attend to them did not appear and it became apparent that something was very wrong. They readied themselves and set out to find out what was going on. However guards politely refused them entry to the main building and it was only through bumping into one of the servants that they discovered that Tsume Retsu had been found murdered in his room. After the previous evenings proceedings suspicion would inevitably fall on his son Takashi.

A brief circuit of the guest wing, which was the only area they were allowed access to, revealed that there was no one around who knew any more than they did. Even Jinsho’s uncle, Shiba Katsuda, was unavailable. As they were only guests there was little they could do but return to their rooms and wait for further developments.

A couple of hours went by before one of the Phoenix retainers came for them. He brought a message from Shiba Katsuda requesting their presence. By this time they were pleased just to have something to do.

Shiba Katsuda’s Proposal

Katsuda explained to them that with the somewhat tricky political situation at the castle Daidoji Uji needed an impartial investigation of the crime. This was particularly so because the chief suspects were Retsu’s son Takashi, who was a Crane, and the members of the neighbouring Lion clan who were present with Ikoma Ujiaki. The former because of the argument the night before and the latter because of the grudge held by the Lion clan over the Crane having taken these lands from them a year or two before. If a Crane clan investigation found the Lion clan responsible it would almost certainly cause a war between the two clans. This was something that Uji at least wished to avoid, though not all the Crane were of the same opinion. There were some that would welcome the opportunity to prove themselves against the Lion clan once more. As a result Uji had approached Katsuda because he was of the Phoenix clan and was not directly involved in the dispute. Katsuda had offered Uji a solution to his dilemma, and it was this that he proposed.

Of the samurai in the area, almost all were Crane and Lion, with some Phoenix. There was no one who would appear more impartial than a Unicorn and a Crab, in other words Shiniko and Kenshiru. Their clans had no interest in the area at all. And Jinsho although a Phoenix, was not a local and so would only have a minor interest. It seemed obvious to Katsuda that it was the three friends that would make the best choice to act as investigators. In order that they had the powers necessary to perform this function he, as a senior member of the Phoenix clan, would grant them the status of Phoenix clan magistrates.

If they accepted that was. But how could they refuse? Their host was in need of assistance, without them there could be a war and on top of that it was quite an honour to be offered a magisterial position at their young age. True samurai would never pass up such an opportunity. So they agreed.

The Investigation Begins

After Katsuda had given each of them a scroll with his authorisation for them to act as Phoenix magistrates they were left to commence their investigation.

Kenshiru suggested that they should start by seeing Daidoji Uji. As it was his castle Kenshiru felt it would be polite to first seek his approval before using their new magisterial powers.

Uji greeted them relatively warmly. He seemed torn between concern, regarding the situation, and relief, that the three young samurai had accepted Katsuda’s proposal and elected to investigate the murder. He re-emphasised the delicate situation that existed between the Crane and the Lion and the importance that the matter was resolved quickly. With each side blaming the other the longer the murder remained unsolved the more likely it was that an incident would occur between the two clans which would be the catalyst for a war.

The situation was further complicated by the fact that Tsume Retsu had been at the castle preparing to take over lordship of the area from Uji and now Uji had been recalled by the Crane daimyo. As Retsu was dead his duties fell to his son Takashi, so to all intents and purposes from now on the chief suspect would be lord of the castle. Daidoji Uji would be leaving in the next couple of days but offered any assistance that he could give before he left.

In addition, the second major suspect the Lion, Ikoma Ujiaki, would be departing with his retinue around about the same time. He had his own lands to think of and even magisterial powers did not allow his detention without some evidence implicating him in the crime. After that time, further questioning would have to be done by travelling around which would greatly increase the duration of the investigation. This only served to reduce the time that was available to identify the murderer.

Kenshiru asked Uji if there was anyone else who he felt would hold a grudge against Retsu. But although he said there were many that had no liking for Retsu there were none that he could imagine would go as far as murdering him. So without further ado the friends headed for the scene of the crime.

The Scene of the Crime

Retsu’s room was in the main building not in the guest wing so access had been limited to samurai, some servants, and the guards. Also Retsu had been particularly security conscious, he had been the only occupant on his floor and had eight guards stationed in the room between his room and the corridor outside. Whoever had killed him would have had to gain entry to the castle and the main building, get to his floor, bypass the guards without being detected and kill Retsu before making their escape. This was no minor feat! It had only been discovered that Retsu had been murdered when one of the serving women had come to attend him that morning.

Unfortunately samurai culture was already working against the investigation. For one the taboo against touching dead flesh meant that Retsu’s body had already been removed, so the friends were unable to see its position after death and the nature of the wounds. Also the guards, who may have been able to provide them with information, had had to commit seppuku for failing in their duty to protect their master. Instead the young samurai had to settle for questioning the serving woman who had found the body. She was not a particularly good witness, concentrating more on how terrible it had all been than the facts, but Kenshiru came away with the impression that Retsu had been awake when he died and may have even known his attacker. Retsu’s swords remained on their stand however, so he had not had an opportunity to defend himself.

After the serving woman had gone they searched the room thoroughly. Jinsho discovered a place where one of the ceiling tiles had been moved. This could possibly have been the murderer’s method of entry as there was enough space to crawl above it. In addition Shiniko found an obi-bead in Crane clan colours that had rolled into a corner. It may have been broken off as someone entered from above or just as easily have been there for days. Even if it had been left by the murderer was it by accident or had someone placed it there to implicate Takashi and so throw anyone investigating off the scent? They were no closer to finding the killer.

Jinsho elected to try to use his magic to talk to the wind spirits in the hopes that they would provide him with some information. Shugenga magic is closely tied to the elements, earth, air, fire, water, and of these Jinsho felt that the spirits of the air would be most likely to offer useful assistance. So Shiniko and Kenshiru left him to meditate and do his magic. They went to have a look in the surrounding rooms.

During a closer inspection of the guards’ room Kenshiru noticed something they had missed earlier. There was a fine sprinkling of tiny crystals, like salt granules, in patches on the floor. Kenshiru picked some up in his fingers and was surprised by the sense of tiredness that washed over him. He quickly rubbed them from his fingers before the urge to sleep overpowered him. This explained why the guards had not heard the murder. They had been drugged. From the crystals distribution Kenshiru thought that it was likely that they had been sprinkled from above, which added weight to the theory that the assassin had used the crawlspace overhead. Other than the fact that the killer would need to be relatively nimble and not overly large to carry this off they were still not really any wiser. They returned to Jinsho to see if he had had better luck.

For a shugenga, to speak with the elemental spirits is an unusual experience. Those of earth are slow and ponderous, they measure time in years and centuries, those of fire are quick and darting, flitting from one moment to the next. The air spirits have a certain serenity, they glide and whisper, they hear things. To Jinsho they carried the sounds of the evening before as if from a great distance. It was hard for him to make them out, but he was certain that there had been an angry exchange and that the killer had spoken of revenge.

When Jinsho told Shiniko and Kenshiru of this Kenshiru’s growing conviction that it had been neither of the obvious suspects was strengthened. He did not feel that the events that had been depicted were characteristic of the motives attributed to either Takashi or Ikoma Ujiaki. The killer had been someone who had felt deeply and personally wronged by Retsu, someone who had carefully planned and executed his or her revenge.

But the question of ‘Who?’ still remained.

In light of recent discoveries the three friends decided it was about time that they spoke to Takashi. They were less inclined to consider him a suspect now and thought that he might have some useful information regarding who might have had a grudge against his father. However the new lord of the castle was unavailable.

Unanswered Questions

It wasn’t until the next day that they caught up with him and their investigation had made little progress in that time. They were further hindered by the fact that Takashi was going out hunting and politely suggested that they accompany him while they asked their questions. Normally this would have been a pleasant diversion but with the time constraints they were working under it was a costly loss of a morning. They could not be so rude as to refuse their host however and so they accepted the invitation.

The countryside around the castle was quite beautiful and rich with wildlife. It was ideal for hunting. Shiniko was once again able to demonstrate her skill with the bow, and Kenshiru was fairly successful. Jinsho less so. Takashi was a well-mannered and cordial host, although he seemed slightly pre-occupied. Kenshiru couldn’t help feeling that though his demeanour was quite understandable, in light of the recent murder, there was more to it than that. Unfortunately there was no indication of what this might be and Takashi seemed to have little useful information regarding his fathers enemies. It was hard to tell if he was holding anything back.

When Kenshiru, Shiniko and Jinsho returned to the castle some hours later they were no further forward than when they had left.

After a brief meal they carried out some additional inquiries. Like Kenshiru Jinsho had felt that Takashi was withholding information in their discussion that morning. In the evening he decided to go and speak with Takashi again. When he returned he told Shiniko and Kenshiru that Takashi had a geisha mistress from the tea house in the nearby town and that she had been present in the castle the evening of the murder. Takashi had been trying to conceal this relationship so as not to damage his reputation. This explained Takashi’s reluctance to talk and provided another potential suspect though no motive.

The three friends discussed a number of courses of action open to them and then retired to their rooms in order to start afresh the next day.

Daidoji Uji Departs

The next morning they discovered that Daidoji Uji had departed early. Kenshiru had hoped that Uji would have remained one more day, as he wanted to ask him again about Retsu’s enemies. However since Uji had not been gone long and as his entourage would have to follow the winding road down the hill and along the valley the three could catch him on foot across country. Happy to have something positive to do that day they set off in pursuit.

Although recently the three friends had taken to riding ponies they were used to walking long distances and although it took most of the morning they had little difficulty catching Uji and his guards and retainers. They apologised for detaining him, but Uji seemed unconcerned. In fact he was delighted to have the opportunity to wish them farewell as he had missed them when he left the castle.

Uji left his men by the road and walked with Kenshiru, Jinsho and Shiniko in the fields so that they could talk privately. Kenshiru decided that he had probably wanted this last opportunity to speak with Uji because he had seemed the most helpful and candid of the people that they had talked with. Kenshiru asked Uji again if he could think of anyone who would have held a grudge against Retsu. Kenshiru explained that they now had reason to believe that the motive was revenge not political and that it was unlikely that either of the main suspects were involved.

Uji thought for a moment and then looked slightly uncomfortable.

“No, I can think of no one”, he finally responded.

“Forgive me for being so presumptuous” Kenshiru pressed “but you seemed ill at ease with that answer?”

After a pause Uji added.

“There is something but it is not possible. They all died”

“Please. Anything you might tell us could be helpful.”

Uji considered for a moment.

“You must treat what I tell you in the utmost confidence” he stressed.

Uji went on to explain how, many years before, two Crane clan families, the Tsume family and the Damasu family had fought against one another. Eventually the Tsume family, led by a much younger Tsume Retsu, had emerged victorious. At the end Retsu had ordered the deaths of the daimyo of the Damasu family, his wife and his children. All had been executed. It had been somewhat of a scandal amongst the local Crane. Although it was not possible, if one of the Damasu had survived they would have reason to hate Retsu in the way that had been described. He had taken everything from them, their lands, their family, and their name.

Kenshiru thanked Uji for his assistance and assured him that the information would not be divulged unless absolutely necessary. Then they wished Uji farewell and good fortune in the future and he departed.

Preparing to Die?

With the walk out and back it was late afternoon before Kenshiru, Shiniko and Jinsho were once again at Kyotei castle. As they entered through the main gates there was a commotion in the main courtyard.

Going to investigate they discovered a distraught serving woman and a number of guards. The guard captain explained that Lord Takashi had been seen leaving the castle and riding towards the town in great haste. He had been dressed all in white, as though he was preparing to die. They could only assume that Takashi believed that wherever he was riding he was riding to his death.

With haste Kenshiru, Jinsho and Shiniko rushed to their mounts and set off in pursuit. Shiniko took Tsuzano and spurred ahead, while Jinsho and Kenshiru followed on their ponies.

Fortunately it was not far to the town but even so Shiniko and Tsuzano easily outpaced Kenshiru and Jinsho. By the time they arrived Shiniko had already been to the tea house and determined that Takashi had left there. He had been in a distressed state, brandishing his katana and threatening the mistress of the house. He had demanded to see Reika, the geisha whom he had been visiting. When she appeared he had dragged her out of the building and off towards the town square. A crowd of peasants was already gathering there. Leaving their mounts Kenshiru, Jinsho and Shiniko hurried towards them, hoping they were not too late.

The crowd of peasants parted to let them through and allowed them to witness the tail end of a small drama unfolding. There were three participants.

The Murderer Revealed

A woman, presumably Reika, stood across the square. She was watching two samurai who stood facing each other in stances that indicated they were preparing for an iaijutsu duel. One was Takashi dressed in white, the other a man they had not seen before. He appeared to be Ronin. At any moment one of them would start to draw and in an instant the contest would be over. It was already too late to stop them. Kenshiru watched in silence as the seconds dragged by. As he had done in the past he sized up the two opponents using his own experience. The Ronin looked to be an expert duellist but Takashi seemed calm and focused in a way that few are able to achieve at the moment of truth.

Suddenly, to Kenshiru’s surprise, Takashi made a move. The Ronin responded in a blur of motion. His blade cut down and across Takashi’s chest. Takashi’s sword had never left its sheath. He hadn’t actually attempted to draw his blade. His hands were still by his sides. Kenshiru understood his calmness now. He had wanted to die. Takashi stood for a moment, blood from the wound turning his white robes red, and then he fell forward onto the ground dead. The Ronin sheathed his own blade and turned to Reika. She nodded to him and the two made as if to leave.

“Damasu Reika” Jinsho called, stepping forward from the edge of the crowd.

That got her attention.

She turned and glared at him.

“And who are you to use my true name”, she challenged walking slowly forward. The Ronin remained at her side.

“I am Shiba Jinsho”, Jinsho responded “My colleagues and I are Phoenix magistrates investigating the murder of Tsume Retsu.”

“He got what he deserved.”

“Then it was you that killed him?”

Reika hesitated for a moment and then shrugged.

“And what of it?” she said.

“We know what happened between the Tsume and the Damasu. If you come with us peacefully, we offer you a chance to speak to the high council.”

Kenshiru knew Jinsho’s intentions were honourable but he sincerely doubted that the high council would do anything other than execute Reika. She had after all openly confessed to murdering a samurai.

He adjusted his position and stance so that he could better move to counter the Ronin if required. To him the Ronin was the biggest threat here and he still did not understand what part the man played.

Reika obviously agreed with Kenshiru’s assessment of Jinsho’s offer.

“Ha”, she scoffed, “and they would listen to a geisha would they?”

“But you are Damasu”

“To them I am already dead.”

Kenshiru could sense that this wasn’t going to end well.

“Do not make us use force my lady”, he threatened. As much to see the Ronin’s reaction as anything. The two of them shifted position slightly and their eyes locked. They faced one another.

The Ronin was older than Kenshiru by some years, larger, stronger, more experienced. Yet if swords were drawn Kenshiru knew his duty would be to fight him. Kenshiru had proved his ability with the sword at the Topaz Championship. He could not shirk this responsibility. Of he and his friends he was the one most likely to survive an exchange with the Ronin.

“You will not take me” Reika spat, stepping forward. Suddenly there was a knife in her hand. For a moment Kenshiru debated interceding but he could see that if he drew his sword the Ronin would react so he remained motionless. Their eyes locked. If he moved, the Ronin would respond, if he remained still he might yet keep the Ronin out of the conflict. He would have to trust Jinsho and Shiniko to handle Reika.

Kenshiru tried not to let the exchange distract him, as the Ronin could decide to attack at any moment. He was not aware of the events that unfolded behind him.

Jinsho’s sword leapt into his hand with impressive speed. Confidently he stepped forward, too confidently. He had not observed that Reika was drawing a second knife. She parried his blade to one side with the first blade and slashed downward with the second. It sliced deep into his thigh and he went down as his leg buckled.

Shiniko did not make the same mistake, Reika’s blades were no match for her katana. A side step followed by a swift and graceful strike caught Reika across her midriff and sent her sprawling. She tried to rise but could not. Her blood slowly spread across the ground beneath her. It was over quickly.

Kenshiru knew from the Ronin’s face that Reika was down. He almost staggered as she fell, and then he went to her and held her as the life drained from her fragile form. It was only then that Kenshiru saw that Jinsho was injured, he clutched his leg as Shiniko attended to him. But Kenshiru could not yet put down his guard for he knew that he might still have to deal with the Ronin. How would he react?

After a few moments the Ronin lay Reika gently back to the ground. He drew a deep breath and then opened his robe and drew his wakizashi. He is going to perform seppuku, Kenshiru thought.

The Ronin saw Kenshiru watching him and said solemnly “I was her Yojimbo”. Then he made three deep deliberate strokes across his belly and fell forward over Reika’s body. It was over.

The Conclusion

It appeared that Reika, who was the only surviving member of the Damasu family, who had been executed by Retsu, had come to the village hoping to take revenge upon Retsu. Getting a job as a geisha she had seduced Tsume Takashi and had used him to gain access to the castle and murder his father. After the murder, perhaps as a result of the investigation, Takashi had come to suspect this. Stricken with guilt at his unwitting duplicity in his father’s murder, and perhaps dishonoured by the ease at which he had been deceived, he sought redemption through an honourable death. If it was his intention to kill Reika and then commit seppuku he failed because her Yojimbo, the Ronin, intervened. Perhaps Takashi still had feelings for Reika that prevented him from killing her, and was content to meet his death at the Ronin’s hands.

After the confrontation in the square Shiniko and Kenshiru arranged for Jinsho to be cared for by the villagers until his leg had healed. Then as the only samurai remaining in the area they returned to Kyotei castle. The next day Shiniko rode after Daidoji Uji to notify the Crane that Tsume Takashi was dead and that a replacement was required to take charge of the castle and surrounding lands. Meanwhile Kenshiru remained to command the garrison until she returned.

It took over a week for Jinsho’s injuries to heal sufficiently for him to travel and longer for the Crane clan to dispatch a new commander. Consequently the three friends remained at Kyotei castle for another month before continuing their journey northwards into the Phoenix lands. In the end it was Daidoji Uji who returned to take over lordship of the castle until another samurai arrived to take on the position permanently. After congratulating the friends on the successful resolution of Retsu’s murder, Uji asked them for a favour. His nephew, Daidoji Takashima, who was of a similar age to them, had accompanied him on his return to the castle because Uji believed that it would be to his benefit to travel with them. He asked them to accept Takashima as a companion and allow him to go with them. In gratitude for Uji’s assistance the friends agreed.