Chapter XXI

  “…exhibit the coyness of a maiden, until the enemy gives you an opening”

  “The Art of War”

  ~by Sun Tzu~

  I felt much better for several weeks until my next payment from Toshi no Nigata came in. They had been getting larger and larger but I had always had other things to concern me. Especially when my concern seemed kind of stupid. “Wait Jira san, you are making too much money for me,” just sounded idiotic in my head. However, the payments had been over 1000 silver for the last few months. Now, without warning, it was 10 Genbo. I did feel a certain responsibility for Shinnon Jira so I made up my mind to check on him.

  I explained to my men that I would need to be gone for a week or so. Once they understood, I went to the castle and found one of Masao's flying men, as he called them. Yoshio's idea of traveling by onmyoji was popular with many of the Koga noblemen. I found one I knew, Kira, and asked her if she could provide me with transport that night. When she agreed I met her with some Bandai kimono just outside of town and we left. That night we arrived just inside the city walls of Nigata and strolled to my old contact at the blacksmith's shop. I let us in once we arrived.

  I looked at the man and said, “Who are you?”

  The man looked up at me from his reading. He was very surprised that two samurai just walked into his home. “I... I am the blacksmith of this shop, Mito sama...”

  “Where is the previous blacksmith?” I asked.

  “He now works as a merchant out of the “Bold Bandai Sake-House.”

  I nodded. “Gomen nasai. I have not been here in years. As you know my old friend used to live here.”

  He looked very relieved. “Think nothing of it, my lord. I am just happy to have helped.” He smiled.

  We let ourselves out and went to find my man, Moto Hisao. The sake-house was a rougher establishment than I remembered. I had only been in it once or twice before but I did not remember drunks lying around outside, even at night. We stepped inside and looked around. He was sitting at a back table in the corner surrounded by many samurai; some ronin, various Bandai and several from other Houses. Kira escorted me to the rear. Several of the mononofu rose to meet me before I got to the table. I was about to settle the matter when Hisao spoke up.

  “Gentlemen!” He smiled. “This boy clearly wants to talk to me.”

  When he said that I remember thinking, “How odd. I haven't felt like a boy in years.” I would soon be 19 but these thoughts I kept to myself as Hisao continued to give orders to his men.

  “Why not go see to the matters we were discussing. I'll have some privacy with the boy.” He smiled cockily.

  “May my sister and I sit with you?” I asked.

  “Of course!” he said jovially.

  Once they were gone and out of sight his smile faded. “Gomen nasai, my lord. This role has become... complicated. You are upset about your last payment I assume.”

  “No, actually. I have plenty of money. I was concerned about Jira.”

  “Then I am very sorry to say, I have killed him.”

  I was a little stunned. “It is not like a shinobi to kill a man just so he can be in charge, Hisao san.”

  “No, and it is not my way either but things had to change. It was starting to affect the usefulness of this operation...”

  “Tell me what happened.”

  He took a breath. “Not long after you left, Jira was able to become one of the larger merchants in town. That all seemed fine. He would do business and profits rose. Most of all I was getting good information about who was doing what. Soon though I found out he was supplementing his business with an opium trade. Not my favorite thing but these were not Koga lands so why not. This continued on and our share kept getting larger. Then I started hearing rumors of Jira getting involved in other criminal activity. Prostitution and gambling but a lot of theft and murder for hire as well. I am Koga so I could not turn up my nose at any of it and his new activities did give me more information to send back to my master.”

  I nodded. “Alright so far.”

  “Then the fights started. Jira was taking territory from the other criminals in Toshi no Nigata. He had more money and he did not know it but I helped from time to time. I thought him being on top would only help us.” I nodded again and motioned for him to continue. “We fought for about a year until there was no one left but Zan'nin'na. He was normally a cruel yarou but he was smart enough to take in those who were running from Jira. So while Jira was fighting and building strength, Zan was waiting, bribing and building strength. The war between them went on for a year or so and then I noticed Jira had acquired an opium addiction of his own. His orders no longer made sense. He did not care for anything but the pipe and... well you can guess the rest.

  “I think I can see where this is headed but finish anyway.”

  He nodded. “I had to kill Jira to save the operation. It required a few more deaths for everyone to understand the blacksmith was not a joke. Once that was done, I quickly eliminated Zan'nin'na and his commanders. I replaced them with my own men and now we hold control of the entire city.”

  He bowed and I returned it. I was quiet for several moments before saying,

  “Did you push him to it? Any of it?”

  He sat back a little, “Hiro sama, you are known as a dangerous bastard yourself. So I would not want to make you angry. However, this is Koga business. You know I could have made the man a pedophile and you would back it.”

  “...Your example is a little extreme but... yes. Probably.”

  “So there is no reason for me to lie to you about any of this. With that in mind, I did nothing but eliminate a few key people for him that he was at war with anyway. He just thought some other enemy did it at the time. I liked having him in charge. He was fun. Made us good money and the information flowed with little effort.” I nodded. “Now I am a damned boss. And no one ever told me Bosses had to do paperwork, but I tell you they do a lot of it!.. No. I did nothing to Jira until I had to remove him.”

  “...I think you have served our House better than most would have, Hisao san. What do you think went wrong with my friend?”

  He shrugged and shook his head. “The only thing I can see is that the reality of being a crime lord was not what he envisioned. That plus being at war with a man known to chop people into little pieces must have made him crack.”

  I shook my head. “The man could have just stayed the biggest merchant in Nigata or maybe even the whole of the Bandai, but he had to get greedy and stupid... Alright. I am sorry for my friend but why send me ten silver, Hisao?”

  “I thought it would be the quickest and quietest way to get you here. I do not have many

  contacts within the nobility.”

  “And by “not many” you mean I am it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Alright, but why do you need one? It sounds like you are perfect for this job.”

  “I am hoping that was a compliment and will say, domo arigato, my lord.” I smiled and nodded to him. “However, I just ended all of this a couple of weeks ago. So I am still getting stabilized here.” I nodded. “I need men from the Koga to head up all of the different operations here in town. Can you get me the men I need?”

  I thought a moment. “...Probably but what about your master? He can be of no help?”

  Hisao shook his head. “No. He said this is a Shotoku Hiro endeavor and he would not get the OK for anything to support it no matter how lucrative it was.”

  I looked a little offended. “Who is this man?”

  Hisao gave a small almost nervous shrug. “He is... Daimyo Masao's spymaster, my Lord.”

  I could tell from his expression that he could not give me the spymaster's name so insulted or not, I would have to move on to other things. “So because it is my project he cannot get you the men you need and you are forced to come to me to get the men you need.”

  “Exactly.” He smiled.

  Kira gave a small laugh.

  I looked at her as if I couldn't believe this. “...How many men are we talking about?”

  “Thirty would be perfect but I can make do with whatever you can manage.”

  “Done. I should be able to get them to you within the month. Can you survive until then?”

  He smiled. “My survival was never in question. My ability to collect all of the information this operation has to offer, is.”

  “And that is why I will be able to get you the men.”

  I made sure we knew how to contact Hisao before we left.

  As we walked to the wall of town I asked Kira, “You up for flying me to Fujibayashi Shiro?”

  “This is going to be one long night,” she said.

  “I will take that as a “Yes, my lord. Happy to do it.”

  She made a sour face at me. We flew to meet with Hiroki. He was surprised to see me but once I had a chance to explain, he was extremely happy to help. He would be able to send two squads worth of men by the end of the month. Then it was off to the far side of the Koga to visit Yoshio.

  Kira asked, “Why are we not stopping at Shiro no Nokizaru next?”

  I took a small breath before explaining. “Their daughter died recently on my watch.”

  “Oh.”

  We went to meet Yoshio and found him on one of his favorite balconies so we landed next to him. It was early morning so he had not had his breakfast yet and still his first reaction was,

  “Hiro!?” And then he ran up to me and hugged me.

  “Where is all of that Giapanese restraint you are so known for?” I laughed.

  He let me go and said, “You are thinking of Hiroki.”

  “Ahhh. Now why are you so happy?”

  “Nihonto is pregnant. She just told me last night.”

  I congratulated him and introduced him to Kira. I explained what was going on in Nigata and what Hiroki had promised.

  “I would be a fool not to be involved. Hisao sounds very competent.”

  “Honestly I could not say. Our interaction over the years has been very limited but he saw an opportunity and took it. As I recall that is what we look for in a leader.”

  “And it will have to do for this one. I can send him two squads as well. Have you spoken to Daiki yet?” He must have read it on my face. “You would rather talk to Masao than Daiki I take it?”

  “If that were a choice. Unfortunately I have to talk to both. But I am dreading Daiki. He at least has a reason to despise me.”

  “He does not despise you. I do not think he is even disappointed actually. Just sad.”

  I nodded. We spoke for a little bit longer and then I had to go. Kira flew me to the gates of Shiro no Nokizaru. I advised Kira to wait there for me as I asked to be announced. Soon one of Daiki's personal servants came to escort me to his suite. She led me to the far side of the dining area where Daiki sat next to the open window. He watched me approach and bow low to him as I was announced.

  He returned my bow and asked, “Have you come to beg my forgiveness, Hiro san?”

  I shook my head slowly. “No, my lord. No matter how sincere I might make it sound, any

  request for forgiveness would just serve to make me feel better. I would not come to you for selfish reasons right now.”

  “You did nothing wrong, Hiro san... Wait. Why are you here?”

  “I had hoped to give you more time before you had to see me but some business came up that I have to talk to you about.”

  We spent the next half hour discussing the facts of Hisao's request and he decided he should send two squads as well. There is no such thing as too many Koga. I of course had to fly back to Goemon Toshi and have a wonderful conversation with Masao. I explained he had to do nothing which he took as insult and when he found out my portion of the job was 1000 silver pieces per month he decided he should have that as well. Classy guy.

  “No more flying around unless I know about it, Hiro.”

  “As you wish, my Daimyo.”

  “I want you where I can keep an eye on you.” Great. “Speaking of eyes, how did yours get to look so good again?”

  I should lie to him but I thought the truth would scare him. “A Myobu healed it for me.”

  He paused. “…I was not aware you were still in contact with any of them.”

  “I was not either. Apparently she wanted to help because, as she put it, the cub still talks about me.”

  He was not terrified but he did look concerned as he waved me out of his presence. A few days later I was greeted one morning while practicing Ninjutsu by a servant of the castle.

  “Hiro sama?”

  I had seen her the moment she turned the corner but continued to practice. “How may I help you?” My men weren't even up yet. What was she doing up?

  “Daimyo Masao has requested your presence at his court today.”

  I stopped practicing and looked at her. “Why?”

  “He did not say, my lord.”

  I walked over to her and bent down and gently grasped her chin. I slowly lifted her chin to face me and kept lifting until she stood up and looked me in the eye.

  “Our nobility suffers from the same delusion as every other House. The belief that servants hear nothing but we know that is not true. Do we not?”

  “Yes, Hiro sama, ...except for Lord Masao and his brother. They have always been tight lipped around servants. I do not know why he wants you at court, my lord.”

  She wasn't scared of me but she was nervous.

  “What do you know?” She just shrugged. “Why are you awake at this hour?”

  “Castle staff always get up early to get started for the day, my lord.”

  “Now, you are lying to me. The cooks and the groomsmen for the animals are up right now. You will not be up for another half hour.” She almost looked angry for a moment but still wouldn't answer. “You would do well to be prepared for these questions in the future ninja-ko. Your life may depend upon it.”

  She looked upset at herself when she nodded her head. “Yes, Sensei,” she whispered.

  “Defend!”

  I made her practice Ninjutsu with me until my men joined me a quarter of an hour later. Once they arrived I dismissed her and continued my morning regimen with them. I could feel her spying on us from the shadow of the eaves. Just a curious young ninja. I remembered when I had been like her. I knew Masao surrounded himself with shinobi and often used them as messengers, so deducing what she was at that hour was no difficult feat.

  I informed my men of our lord's request as we trained. I finished up while they got cleaned up and I finished with my Bandai Jujutsu. Once I was about to get cleaned up I went and made the ninja join me again.

  “Do not make me come up there servant girl.” I yelled. She dropped down from the eaves next to me. “You have passed the Bei-oshi?”

  “No, Sensei.”

  We had been walking to the bath but when she said that I stopped. “Who are you?”

  “Fujibayashi Aya-aiko.” she bowed. “My mother is Fujibayashi Himiko.”

  I had heard of her mother. A Koga duelist and a very good one. She served our House in the capital. Father had talked about her.

  “How old are you?”

  “Twelve,” she said

  “How is it you are serving Daimyo Masao already?”

  She shrugged. “I distinguished myself at home and my Daimyo sent me to learn from the

  masters here.”

  I nodded. “Where do you serve now?”

  “I am a servant in Lord Masao's court.”

  “Ha! Is it fun?” I continued on to the bath.

  “Very much so, Sensei.”

  “Well for now you go back to court and continue to practice your spy craft.”

  We bowed to each other and she left. I got cleaned up. Then I located my best Koga kimono. It was white with red Koga crest embroidered all over it. I took my three sword daisho and put it on. I ate with my men and made sure everything was in order for the day, then walked to court thinking how much I wished I lived in Shiro no Shotoku with Yoshio and Nihonto.

  I was the first one to court and Masao was already sitting on his dais alone. I felt very stupid as the herald announced me to the “court.” We bowed to each other and he motioned me forward.

  “Why did you keep my ninja for so long?”

  “The girl needs training, my Daimyo.”

  He thought a moment.”Perhaps you can do better than her current sensei?”

  “You never ask a question you do not already know the answer to, my Daimyo... Why do you want me to train her?”

  “...The girl shows talent but she enters the Bei-oshi in two years. I need her ready.”

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  “She is 12. She should not have to enter for another three years.”

  He shook his head. “She starts in two years, Hiro san.”

  “Whether you rush her training or not she will still not be ready to replace me for several

  years.”

  “You flatter yourself.”

  I paused a bit. “She will be ready, my lord.”

  I looked for what was hidden in the rafters. Six ninja and the girl. She was in the corner of the rafters to my right. I waved her to me and she dropped to the floor and came over.

  “Go get changed into something more appropriate for court then return to me.”

  She bowed. “Yes, Sensei,” and she left.

  Once she was gone, I said, in a raised voice, “Shinobi!” followed by me waiving each of the six of them over from their positions. They quickly came forward within whispering distance.

  “How many of you knew she was there?”

  The two closest to where she had been, stated they did but didn't know until she was in position. I thanked them and sent them back to their duties. After a few moments of silence where Masao and I just looked at one another, I asked, “Is that why you wanted me here today, Masao sama?”

  “No. As I said the other day, I want you where I can see you. I want you in court from now on. So I can show off my ’Master Assassin.”

  I removed my katana and set it on my left side with the handle pointing forward. That is the most UN-trusting position in which a samurai can sit. Masao did the same. We sat there quietly until Aya-aiko returned. She was dressed in a fine white kimono with green star bursts on it. Above her heart was the Fujibayashi crest. I had her sit next to me. I wanted to see how she reacted to the silence between me and Masao. We sat there for half an hour before the court began to arrive.

  We kept our position and made greetings as was appropriate. It was a long day. Masao was enjoying ridiculing me when he could but mostly he was watching his nephew, Jun, having difficulty with another Koga courtier. I thought the man must be courageous to do that as Jun was supposed to be a favorite of Masao. But Masao not only allowed it, he looked to be enjoying it. I made no comment. I kept a close eye on Aya-aiko. She never uttered a word but she watched everything. We were both obviously relieved when court was over.

  “Daimyo Masao hates you,” she whispered.

  “That is no secret to anyone.”

  “…The nobleman, Nokizaru Ryota, how does he have the courage to speak to the Daimyo's nephew like that?”

  I shook my head. “I do not know. That bothered me as well.”

  “Why did he not have anything to say to you? Masao hates you and made it obvious. You

  would think the man would try.”

  “That is a valid question but I have heard that I am very terrifying.” She gave a slight nod. “I am known to handle things personally and in private so, maybe it was just self-preservation?” I shook my head a little.

  We walked to Sensei's quarters below the castle. He was gone. Many of his things were still here but none of his personal effects.

  “What is wrong?” she asked.

  “I am not sure yet.”

  I took her with me to find Eita. We located him in his house with his family. We sat and visited with them for about an hour and ate. His wife was expecting now and they were both excited. I did find out Sensei had to leave suddenly this morning but even he was not sure why. Eita agreed that Grandfather would expect me to use his equipment to train Aya-aiko.

  I took her back to my home in the warehouse district and had her sleep in the same room with Menuki and Hoko. Once that was settled we went over what she knew so far. The list was thankfully long. She had many sensei over the years and had covered most of what I had learned by her age. So all I really had to do was prepare her for the Bei-oshi. I gave her my speech on teamwork that I had given to the ten ninja I used on that Hokkaido job and then gave her a task.

  “There is a Komono in town called Goemon Chi.” She nodded. “Go steal both of his jitte.” She nodded and left.

  And that is how we started. We set up the sleeping schedule I had when I was training with Grandfather and then scheduled everything throughout the week for her. We had to go to court but the rest of the day was ours. I made sure she trained with each of my ronin and we went to Sensei's quarters many times for training. I of course gave Chi his jitte back but he did not think it was funny.

  Weeks passed and I found myself reading one day when Yumi told me I had company.

  "Who is it?"

  "Goemon Jun, my lord."

  "The Daimyo's nephew?” He nodded. “Admit him."

  I straightened my kimono while I waited. Jun was admitted to my room. I bowed to him and he returned it quickly.

  "Jun sama."

  "Hiro san, it is a pleasure."

  He was a young man about my age and build. He wore an ornate Koga kimono with many colors.

  "Have you eaten rice today?" I asked.

  "I have, but arigato gozaimasu anyway."

  I nodded and waited for him to state his purpose. He became a little nervous after a few

  moments of silence.

  "Hiro san, I thought it might be good for us to become friends."

  My eyebrows went up. "Why this sudden feeling of friendship towards me?"

  He looked surprised. "We are of the same age and I hear you know everyone in this town."

  I paused a moment for effect, out of habit. "…Why do you want to have a friend who consorts with peasants?” I asked with a tone of suspicion.

  The honesty was throwing him off his game. He wasn’t used to that in court.

  "My dealings in our Daimyo’s court sometimes cause me to have enemies whether I want them or not. These people make plans, plans can be overheard. Usually, it is a peasant who overhears these plans thereby holding the information I need.”

  “And why should I help you?” He thought on that.

  “That is why I am nervous. I cannot think of single reason. It would put you in my good favor but I hold no real power. I am one of my uncle’s favorite nephews, but as you know, he hates you. So even I could not help you there.” I nodded. It reminded me of a time a Yamabushi once asked me why he should help me. “Because you can.”

  “Very well. I will help you. If I can.”

  “Truly?!” I nodded slowly. “But, why?”

  “Absolutely no reason what so ever.”

  “Domo arigato, Hiro san.”

  “I have not done anything yet.”

  “But you will. From what I have heard. You do not know how to fail.” He apparently hadn’t been paying attention to my last bit of work. “If you can think of some way in which I may repay you, please do not hesitate to ask.”

  “Oh, I will... Now, I know you must have some pressing issue or you would not be here making friends so what is the current problem?”

  “It is a personal matter.”

  “I can only aid you for as much as you allow me.”

  “You have seen how Ryota treats me in court?” I nodded. “What do you know about him?”

  “Yes, he is approximately thirty-seven years of age. He has two children, both boys. His wife died three years ago. And he is one of Masao’s most reliable servants.” His eyebrows rose.

  “You do know him then.”

  “I know of him.”

  “He has found out that I had a child with a servant of mine.”

  “I can see how you would want to keep that quiet. What is he going to do?”

  “He is threatening to let the information out if I do not aid him in court.”

  “Threatening?”

  “Yes.”

  I sighed and rubbed my chin “Being a successful courtier he cannot be completely clean himself. Let me see what I can find out about him.”

  “Domo arigato, Hiro san.” He bowed to me and I returned it.

  “It should not be very difficult. Give me a few days. Until then, play along with our Ryota-ko.”

  Jun left soon after that.

  I decided it was time to check in with my criminal friends, starting with Shotoku Junghai. I had heard he possessed a string of spies that blanketed our city. The stroll to his office was lovely and I soon found myself standing before the same ronin as before.

  “Do you always get door duty?”

  The ronin smiled. “No, my lord. I just seem to be your personal door man. You are here for my master?”

  “Yes. I had some questions I was hoping he could help me with. Nothing that should cause him any trouble.”

  He nodded. “I will let him know. Please wait here, my lord.”

  And with that he entered the building. Soon he was back and motioning me in.

  “You are very polite today. What is that about?”

  “Last time you were here you made Junghai quite a bit of money.”

  I nodded. “I can see how that might make people look forward to seeing you.”

  Junghai was greeting me himself at the door to his office. He was very happy. He had tea

  brought to us as we sat.

  “Junghai san, it wasn't that much money. Why are you so pleased to see me?”

  “It's not about the money.” He smiled. “I'm getting married!”

  I couldn't believe it. “No.”

  “Yes.” He beamed with joy. “Because of you.”

  “Hold on. All I did was pay you and tell you she was owed money.”

  “You inspired me, my lord.”

  “I think the sake inspired you.”

  “That too.”

  He was off in dreamland again. For a large brutal crime lord he could be quite cute sometimes. I still wouldn't want to owe him money, but he was cute.

  “You know you will have to keep her happy, Junghai san.”

  “Always a tricky thing with women.”

  “Yes, except when this one gets mad she's been known to cut things off of people.”

  “That fault is more common than you might think, Hiro sama.”

  We talked for a while after we stopped laughing. He knew of Ryota. He had made it his

  business to know all of the members of the court whether they knew it or not. Junghai knew that Ryota had poisoned his wife. More importantly, he knew that the Koga Machi-bugyo had been bribed not to interfere. Junghai had said nothing at the time because the woman was a nuisance. She was meddling, bribing, and stealing. Basically, she was making it very hard for the man to do his job which hurt our House. That does not mean that the information couldn’t be used against him now though. This was much easier than I had thought it would be. Junghai and I spoke for a little over an hour. I was definitely invited to the wedding.

  When we had finished, I walked back to my house and wrote the information down. Who knew what, who suspected, and what it would take to get the information out of the servants and the Machi-bugyo. I had all of this ready for Jun when he arrived two days later.

  “This is wonderful, Hiro san.”

  “I am glad it is helpful, Jun sama.”

  “How long did it take you to get it?”

  “I had it a few hours after I spoke to you the other day. I did not bring it to you immediately because I did not want to attract attention. I felt it could wait a few days.” He bowed slightly to me.

  “Domo arigato. You are a wonder, my friend.”

  “I am just happy I could help you.”

  He sat and talked for a while until it was time for Aya-aiko's next training phase and I had to leave. The next day at court Ryota was very well behaved, to the point that Masao seemed

  disappointed. Jun sat with us from that moment on whenever court was held. Jun started coming by every few days. His favorite topic was complaining about Masao. Apparently he really didn't have any friends. This became pretty normal for us. I never chased him off mostly because the poor guy just seemed like he needed someone to vent to.

  Jun asked, “Why is it I am always the one griping?'

  “It is what you love?” I answered.

  “Very funny. Surely you have complaints of some kind.”

  “My complaints are well known where Masao is concerned. I hate him because he hates me. And he hates me for some... unknown reason.”

  He paused a moment. “I thought it was known. He hates you because you are one of his

  brother's favorites.”

  I shook my head. “I have heard that as well but I do not think so. He and Eita have always been close. Something happened that I am unaware of. I just do not know what it is.”

  He nodded. “I should probably fix my own issues before trying to tell you what to do.”

  “That would be the mature response.” I smiled.

  “Ha. Ha.” He said flatly.

  I smiled before saying, “Have you tried getting drunk with him so he cannot be angered by what you say and then vent on him?”

  He thought a moment. “That sounds dangerous, Hiro san.” I nodded. “Have you tried it?” he asked.

  “I want to carve Daimyo Masao's eyes out and feed them to him. If I were to get drunk around him I might forget about venting and instead go with my first inclination.”

  “...That is incredibly graphic, Hiro san.”

  I smiled. “The truth is, Masao hates me and there is nothing I can do about that.”

  He looked at me for a few moments and said, “What if there was?”

  I raised an eyebrow. “Such as?”

  He sighed. “Would you be upset if something happened to Masao?”

  “Upset? No, I do not like the man.”

  “So if you were to find out about a plan to unseat him. You would…”

  “I would ignore it! As long as the man taking his place was a Koga.”

  “He is.”

  I paused. “…You should be more careful about who you tell this to.”

  “I doubt that you are a spy for that selfish yarou.”

  “But others are. Now, we both know you went through all of this over the last few days just to see if I would aid you, so how can I help?”

  He smiled. “There is nothing to do right now but I will be in touch if that changes.”

  “Very well.”

  We spoke for a time about horses and tactics, two subjects he enjoyed. After a half an hour he left, and I pulled out a scroll. I wrote down every word we had said about Masao, as close to the conversation as I could get. You wonder why? Because, whether or not you like your Daimyo is not important. Doing what is best for the Koga is all that matters. This is my job, hurt those I like and aid those I hate. All so that my people survive and prosper.

  I was visited by Jun several times over the next six months. Sometimes he would need a favor, sometimes he just came to visit. I liked him. I still added to the scroll when he spoke of the plans against Masao, but I did like him... A sure sign I would have to kill him.

  Aya-aiko was coming along. She really was promising. That part of my life was good. But not having a full picture of Jun's plan was frustrating. I insisted on a more active role with Jun in the hopes of getting the information. My point was that if they did not use me now what was the point of my being involved at all? He agreed to take me to the others. He said they were very hopeful at the prospect of my helping them.

  I walked with Jun to a small shack near the docks on the river. We stepped inside the dimly lit room where eight others waited. I saw many men and women I knew. All were courtiers and generals in Goemon Toshi. They smiled as I entered. But what shocked me was when Eita walked up to me and said, “It is good to have you with us, Hiro san.”

  I nodded. “It is good to be here.”

  “Sensei will be joining us soon.”

  “I thought he was gone.”

  “Yes. Masao ordered him away so he is sneaking in for this meeting and will have to leave once it is done.“

  I nodded. There was normal conversation for a while until Grandfather arrived. Once he

  entered, we bowed to each other and sat down to the table and discussed what was to be done. Masao was planning a trip to the capital. Once there I would have to sneak into the city and with Eita’s help incite disagreement between the Emperor and Masao. The others would concentrate on planting information to cause Masao a loss of face. If we pulled it off the outcome should finish with Masao’s seppuku. Admittedly, it was a loose plan. But if they had gone with a tighter plan with no flexibility there would be less chance for success. Once the work at the capital was done I was to rush back here and use what contacts I had to kill any popular support he had with the commoners. The others were well suited to do the same with the nobility. We all separated after the meeting and walked back to our homes on our own.

  They were doing this because Masao was a corrupt evil man who was dragging our House down with his sick aims. That all sounded great. The problem was, I knew for a fact that our money was worth more now under him than any other Daimyo in the last hundred years. This was due to his loosening the holds his father put in place on the merchants. With a little more freedom they were able to make better business arrangements, thereby increasing the value of our coin.

  At the same time he was assisting our artists and artisans with funding and support to improve their work so that Koga art and goods had become very popular. Not exactly the behavior of a sick and twisted mind. As much as I wanted the man dead…

  When I got home I pulled out the scroll and wrote everything down. I didn’t stop to think about who was involved, I just wrote. I couldn’t go along with it. I wanted to, but I couldn’t. Eita, I knew he had always had a rivalry with his brother, but this… I never expected this. And Grandfather? Why? I was confused. I kept writing. When I had finished I dressed in black and wrapped my long black sash around my head. I tucked my three piece daisho into my obi and grabbed the scroll.

  I had to talk to my men first. They were working with Aya-aiko.

  “I have to step out for a little bit. Aya. Do you think you can handle your training on your own after the others go to sleep?”

  “Of course Sensei.”

  “Is there anything we can do, my lord?” asked Masakari.

  I shook my head. “No, it is a small errand. Nothing more. I should be back later but if I am not then I will see you tomorrow.”

  We bowed to each other and I left. I had slipped past the guards of Shiro Goemon so much as a child that it seemed second nature to me. I concentrated on it anyway, just to keep my mind off of what I was doing. Once inside the castle, I found one of the secret entrances to the labyrinth and slipped inside. Traveling the halls of the labyrinth was quicker than I would have liked and before I knew it I was inside the castle itself.

  I knew that Masao liked to sleep in his old room. Many of the rooms in our castle had magic traps tied to them. His old room was one where you had to have a light step to keep from turning on the twelve lanterns throughout the room. I exited the secret passages and walked down the hall to his door. It was very late and I knew he should be in there.

  I misted over the wall through the rafters and down to the floor. Then just a little bit of shadow bending around me as I misted across the floor to a few feet from his bed. No noise yet. And I could hear breathing from someone on the futon. I squatted down and watched him for many moments. Eventually, I realized my mind had already been made up. I sat back on my heels. The small lamps along the wall all glowed to life. He immediately drew a katana from somewhere and pointed it at my face. To his credit, he was not afraid.

  “Who are you?” he asked calmly.

  “Your servant, Shotoku Hiro, my Daimyo.” I saw him relax and re-sheath the sword.

  He watched me for several moments. Then leaned over to the girl next to him. He was very nice to her as he gently shook her awake.

  “Time to go girl. Gomen nasai but I have business to attend to.”

  She quickly rose and put on a light kimono as she left the room. I recognized her from court. One of the many servants of the castle. Her name was… Misaki, I think.

  “Hand me my clothes.” I did. “What brings you here at this time of night?”

  “I must report a plot to cause you a loss of face and your life, my Daimyo.” He nodded. I

  handed him the scroll.

  “Light the big lantern.” I lit the lantern near the bed with an ember from a lantern in the hall. He read the scroll when I had finished. “Very thorough.” I nodded. He looked up when he had gotten to the end of it. “Why did you not go along with it?”

  “I wanted to... Your shinobi will tell you I sat here a very long time trying to decide. Should I do what is best for the Koga or should I revel in how good it would feel to strangle the life out of you.” I pulled the sash from my head and stuffed it into my belt.

  “I assume since I am still alive that you have made up your mind?”

  “It was never really in question. The Koga have prospered since you inherited the throne.”

  “And if the Koga were not prosperous?”

  “Then you would be a dead man, my Daimyo. And there is nothing the four shinobi in this room could have done to stop me.”

  “...Not exactly the answer I was hoping for, Hiro san.”

  “I am afraid that is as good as it gets. My job is to “do what must be done.” If that means you die and I commit seppuku, then that is what will happen.”

  He nodded. “…And if I am good for the Koga?”

  “…You have my report. What are your orders, Masao sama?”

  He looked at me for several moments. “…Hiro san, the night before my father became a monk he had a long talk, first with my new wife, then alone with my brother Eita, and finally with me. I never found out what he said to them, and I never asked, but what he said to me was, “The Bandai are strong diplomats. Win their friendship and you win the Emperor’s respect.” I thought this was an odd thing to be telling me after he had read that scroll. “The Honshu are strong allies but are easily manipulated. Last, he said Shotoku Hiro will be the most dangerous man under your command. If he is disloyal, even once, kill him.” I sat there confused.

  “…I do not understand.”

  He nodded again. “…There is no plot, Hiro.”

  Realization took a moment to wash over me. “You wished to test me.”

  There was a long silence. Even the four other shinobi were fidgeting a little. “Gomen nasai for Ketsumempo's death and the way I twisted it to hurt you. I have always known it was not your fault... I needed you to… The House needed you to hate me, so that we could be sure about your loyalty.”

  “I understand, my Daimyo.”

  “I hope that you can forgive me, Hiro san.”

  I could feel the tears welling up. “There is nothing to forgive, my lord.”

  “You have always served our House faithfully, domo arigato for not letting me down, Hiro san.”

  “It was my duty, no praise is needed, my Daimyo.”

  He nodded. “…We will speak again in the morning.

  “Arigato gozaimasu, Masao sama.”

  I touched my forehead to the floor, partially to hide my face. I turned my head from him quickly when I rose, because I did not wish for him to see me crying. I wiped the tears from my eyes after I had entered the hallway, and closed the door, but more came. I quickly made my way to the labyrinth and cried. I am not sure how long I cried sitting against the stone wall but I was still crying when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up. Shingan was squatting next to me. I hadn't seen her since the Bei-oshi. I did not know it at the time but Masao had sent her after me when I left to make sure I was alright. I grabbed her and kissed her. We pulled each other close and rolled to the floor removing clothing as we rolled. It was awkward and certainly uncomfortable and I needed it. Also unbeknownst to us, our Daimyo had dispatched two more of his three other shinobi after Shingan left. I would find out later they were to give us privacy. One of them whispered past us as we dreamed on the floor. I never knew they were there.