Chapter XXV

  “Spies cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness.”

  “The Art of War”

  ~by Sun Tzu~

  The Koga would stay in Honshu-ko for almost a month but I would only be there for another few days. The Emperor was so interested in what was found after the battle that he was actually coming to visit Oni Toshi. Masao ordered me, as much as he could, to go home.

  “You cannot stay, Hiro.”

  “But I have never seen the man.”

  “And that will change soon enough.”

  “I am not sure I like the sound of that but back to the point. Why can I not stay?”

  “...The Iga are his personal shinobi. They have heard of you. It would make them...

  uncomfortable if they knew you were here.”

  I nodded. “So your concern is just that I could be a distraction.”

  “Yes. This is a very important visit for our friends. I do not want to ruin it for them because some snot nosed Iga could not focus.”

  “...But you get to stay?'

  “Well, yeah!” He laughed.

  I truly was not that upset but I wanted to get the most out of his joke so I mocked a look of exasperation. “How long do I have?”

  He gave a small shrug. “The Emperor is due here in five days so you have three or four to work with. What are you thinking?’

  It was my turn to shrug. “I assume the others have heard the news. So I do not want to tell them I am leaving just when they have heard he is coming. I will wait until the day after tomorrow and then announce something has come up.”

  He agreed that sounded best and we went back to the court, as there was always more to

  discuss. Later that evening after eating and bathing with Shingan I took her for a stroll through

  Nobu’s gardens. They were nice. A little too utilitarian for my taste but very tranquil. I had heard that the monks and priests were giving lessons here and I had hoped to find them. Apparently they recognized the rarity of three Houses meeting like this under good terms and wanted to observe as much as they could.

  Some of the Komuso were playing their flutes so it was much easier to locate them than I had originally thought. We eventually heard an animated conversation coming from just ahead. As we rounded the last bend we saw a large group of about 30 monks; Sohei, Komuso and Yamabushi, as well as a few priests of Shinto.

  I am not sure what the previous person had said but Michi was commenting forcefully, “It – is – best, if a man is righteous so that the Kami do not despise him and work against him!” He stated.

  “That is preposterous!” I almost yelled.

  Everyone was looking at me. Even Shingan had an incredulous expression on her face when she hung her head and looked at me.

  Michi had a knowing grin on his face when he replied, “Of course the Komuso-ko disagrees.”

  I smiled as Michi and I bowed to each other. The flute playing had stopped as those monks were suddenly interested in what was transpiring. I saw Brother Soryo sitting with Brother Yuri and a few other Yamabushi. So I escorted Shingan to sit with them.

  Brother Yuri asked, “What did you mean by ‘Komuso-ko,’ Michi sama?”

  “When I first met Hiro, he was a Komuso monk.”

  There were some surprised breaths from all of the monks at that comment.

  Brother Yuri nodded. “Ah. When I first met him he was a heimin child running the streets.” Michi laughed. “How was he as a monk?” Yuri asked.

  “Very good actually. The people loved him and his insight on the Dao was exceptional. He was obviously well trained.”

  “Domo arigato.” Replied Yuri.

  My eyebrows shot up. “Oh ho! An enlightened man will always take credit for his

  accomplishments, Brother?” I asked loudly.

  He nodded to the amusement of the others. I removed my daisho and set it next to Shingan. Then removed my outer white and red robe and red obi. My simple black under robe hung loose over my white pants and sandals. Looking more like a monk I walked to the middle of the group and looked at Michi.

  “If we could get back on topic. I believe we were at, “A man should conduct himself

  righteously, because that in itself is best for him.”

  Michi made a face. The debate that followed was very good. It became loud enough that all three of the House Daimyo overheard us and apparently they just had to come listen. I had a great time as it reminded me of the preaching Michi and I would have together in Toshi Morijunin. A very happy time in my life. I only had another night of this but it was worth staying for. I made sure to make my apologies the next day to all of my friends but something had come up back home. So I would have to leave and miss the Emperor’s visit. They were sad but they understood the needs of a House outweigh personal desires.

  Shingan’s father, Raijin, would be staying with the wounded at the Chasm. Apparently he had been feeling guilty about thinking less of them until he saw them in battle. I didn’t know he had feelings. So I was impressed. Shingan and Father did NOT think that was funny.

  Chudai was still with the wounded at the Chasm. She had been acting as the Hanchou for her squad when she received her wounds trying to keep her ashigaru alive and fighting. She and four others had stood out to a point that even the other Daimyo had noticed. I awarded a Daisho to her and the others who made a good account of themselves. Daiki, Yoshio and even the bitter Hiroki issued promotions to their samurai and the ashigaru from their lands who had distinguished themselves in the war.

  With all of that settled along with our goodbye’s, we took the slow way home with our family and friends. Sanuro had returned home almost immediately as his child was due at any moment. Daiki had sent him with one of his flying men to get him there that much faster.

  The trip home was pretty uneventful. Which is to be expected when you are a group of 1800 battle worn Koga. The rest, like Chudai, had to stay at Honshu-ko and heal.

  When we did get home everyone was excited to see us. I cut the ashigaru loose and they ran the last quarter of a mile to their families. The samurai were next and they took off like the ashigaru had. Like children. The rest of us brought up the rear. I listened to Kubikiri about any news. Not much had happened while we were away but everyone was glad to have us back. I did notice I couldn't find my parents until much later that evening.

  A week later Chudai and the other 200 of my wounded arrived home led by Shingan’s father. Eventually I had Sanuro move his family to Shiro no Kuninoko. I had the feeling we would be working together regularly. His wife seemed very nice and he seemed to be treating her very well. I'm not sure what issues they had before but the birth of their daughter seemed to have settled it.

  I did stay in close contact with Nobu to make sure he had everything he needed. Daimyo Yamamaya had doubled the amount of samurai around the Chasm. The Koga left 30 shinobi to patrol the woods a full 12 hours a day as our contribution to his security. While the Shikoku had done the same with 30 Sohei. We all figured anything that got through those two groups, AND the Honshu, deserved to have the damn place.

  The Imperial visit went well and Masao checked back in with us on his return trip. It sounded like Nobu and Yamamaya were very flattered and the Emperor could not get enough of the war stories from all that were involved. Although the ashigaru were glossed over as “mononofu.” Once he had caught us up on all of the details of the visit, he discussed a new topic with us.

  “Sanuro, Shingan, Hiro, gomen nasai but I must pull you all away from your home for a while. My wife, Kumiko, has requested a person of Hiro's abilities and I need to send him to her.”

  “There is a lot to question in that statement. We will certainly go but why send three when she wants one. And why me? You have many competent Shinobi. Why not just send her Sanuro? No one likes him anyway.”

  “Hey!” Sanuro put on his best fake mad face.

  Masao smiled and nodded. “There are many reasons that even she herself does not realize... Apparently we are at war with the Iga.”

  “Masao, my friend, that sounds like something you should have shared sooner.”

  “I would have if I had known but I just found out myself.”

  “How long have we been at war?” I asked

  “About ten years.” He said.

  Shingan commented, “I need sake.” And then she got up and walked towards the liquor chest.

  “Get the big glasses!” Yelled Sanuro.

  Once she returned and we all had a drink. I asked, “Alright. Now if you could please tell us what is going on?”

  Masao nodded. “Do you remember when you three killed the two Nukenin when you were in the Bei-oshi?” We nodded. “Those were not Nukenin. They were Iga. Do you recall they had the same marks as your sensei at the time?” We nodded. “The marks were actually of the Iga House Shinobi. This led us to the mission where your class helped to cause a large distraction in the capital. Our spies were able to slip into the Iga Palace and get copies of their documents. The documents wielded information about jobs they were performing. For years we simply thought they were hiring out their Shinobi for yojimbo work. Practical. Simple. Easy to accept.”

  We all nodded dreading what he was about to say next.

  “So when we worked our way through several of the documents seized from Kodoku's library in Oni Toshi. I was very surprised to find out he had knowledge of a war between our Houses.”

  “How?” Asked Sanuro.

  Masao shrugged. “He had captured a few of their men unintentionally and interrogated them. Once he knew something was there he began casting scrying spells for more information.”

  “Interesting that he did not ‘scry’ his demise.” commented Shingan.

  “Well he was more interested in the Iga. They seemed to be his focus so he had no idea what we were up to. Anyway, his information lends more credence to what the Iga have been doing. Their plan is to take financial control of the Houses before declaring open war on us. This was the plan your ninja class stumbled upon when you killed that merchant several years ago. They already hold the Bandai, the Okayama, the Kyushu, the Awaji and they are very close to controlling the Imperial family.”

  “So you are sending us to Kyoto to kill all of them?” I asked.

  He smiled a lot. “No. You are a distraction. Nothing more.” I involuntarily rolled my head back and forth to ease the tension in my neck. “I am just teasing. They will not believe you are not there for a very serious reason. They know you. They know Sanuro and Shingan were the other two ninja that killed their men. If you three are together in the capital then something serious is about to happen.”

  Sanuro asked, “How do we know they know us?”

  “Aya-aiko has uncovered proof of it. She managed to slip her way in as a guard of their castle and has overheard many conversations between their Daimyo and his lords.”

  “So while we are distracting them, what will the Koga do?” I asked.

  He nodded. “Yes, Hiroki was able to recover many Oni Masuku from the war. We will issue these to key men and replace their agents in these houses with our own. Once that is in place we will destroy the Iga and replace them in the capital.”

  “…Masao, that is a lot of power for one House Daimyo.” I said.

  “I know. I know I walk a fine line here but I will not fail you in this, Hiro sama... The Iga

  started this years ago and if we are to survive then we must eliminate them.”

  I asked, “Do we know why?”

  “I wish I did. Maybe we could come to some sort of compromise but whatever their reasons, they never talk about them. You will have full access to Aya once you are there. She is the one with the best chance of finding out. …I recommend keeping her as part of your team. The capital is a big toshi.”

  I refilled my glass as well as the others who wanted more. “So for now we go and do whatever Kumiko wants?”

  “Yes. Some Miyamoto duelist is being a nuisance. She wants him dead. I am sure she has other tasks as well. Remember, she knows nothing about any of this.”

  Problems with a Miyamoto surprised me. “A Shikoku? Now?”

  He gave a big shrug. “Apparently he is working for an ambassador of the Shikoku who has become a problem in the last few weeks.”

  “What does Aya know about any of this?” Asked Shingan.

  He shook his head. “Only what she has discovered.”

  I mentioned, “Your wife is known for being difficult at times. I may have to call on you if it gets out of hand.”

  “Absolutely! But keep in mind, I married her for a reason. She is very good at getting us what we want.”

  I held up my hands, “I promise I will not kill her.”

  He looked at me like I was stupid. “That is not what I meant. Do not make a big deal out of her ego and pride. Try to act like a… normal Shinobi.”

  The others laughed. The next day we made arrangements for our departure. Raijin, my mother, uncle and aunt were all back in Goemon Toshi while Father had returned to the capital.

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  “I think I shall play a simpering twit.” I said.

  “How would this be different from your normal behavior?” Shingan commented. I looked at her sternly. “Well if you are just going to throw those out there you have to expe...”

  I held up my hand to interrupt her and said, “Silence, wife.”

  Sanuro commented, in an overly serious tone. “You – are - perfect for the role, Hiro sama.”

  Shingan smiled. “And why do you want to be a twit?”

  “Because I just realized my father is there and it will drive him crazy.”

  “No wonder my father never liked you.” She commented.

  “What?!”

  “Nothing dear.” She smiled.

  I would be taking my men with me, especially Koruko. A spy master is always handy. I was leaving Kubikiri as my Shugodai to run things while I was away. Kira would be coming with us as well since I would still need to check on Hisao once a month. It only took a few days before we were leaving. We stayed in Goemon Toshi just long enough for me to get word to Lord Masao that I was on my way. He had my traveling papers sent to me. So we would be able to travel the Emperor’s road to the capital.

  From Goemon Toshi we headed south-west towards Teikoku Toshi no Kyoto. It was an easy two day journey. I used the time for my men and me to get accustomed to our roles. We spoke as if Jerukukami wasn’t an Onmyoji, which was easy since he carried a daisho unlike most mages. Menuki was not a samurai-ko. Just a simple servant like Sanuro. Masakari, Hoko, and Yumi were our yojimbo. Shingan was just a house-wife and Koruko was an aid. Kira got to stay an Onmyoji and of course, I was a spineless twit.

  The second day we could see Kyoto ahead of us. It was huge. I had never seen it in the daytime. White stone walls jutting up from the earth several stories high, and in the center of the immense metropolis was the Emperor’s golden city. Home to the imperial family for over 4000 years. It lay in the middle of Teikoku Toshi no Kyoto. Glimmering and shining as if it had been polished. I didn’t notice the rooftops at first. They blended into the whole picture so well. Just little points of light adding to the overall beauty. After several moments Menuki got our attention by clearing her throat.

  Then she said, “My lord, should I start making camp since we are obviously staying here for the night?”

  “Are you not in awe of the most powerful city in the world, Menuki san?” I said.

  “It may be the most powerful but I am not impressed by dilapidated hovels and crumbling walls, my lord.”

  I took a closer look at the city and realized I had let my sentimentality get the better of me. The outer districts were cramped, and the outer wall was all but useless. It had gaps in it big enough to march an army through. I had forgotten about that from the last time we were here as young ninja. True the heart of the city was gorgeous, but its outer districts looked the same as any other town with more people than money. I shook my head and prodded my pony forward.

  We passed a few empty buildings and several farms where the heimin were tending the rice, as we worked our way towards the southern entrance of the capitol. We could have gone through any number of the gaps easily enough but that wouldn’t have been proper. I could see a large eta village outside the western wall with many huts, and many more people. We had to pass through a smaller peasant village, where children were playing, to get to the south gate where the Yoriki would check our papers. There were several Yoriki and their men patrolling this small hamlet as we rode through. Masakari led the way to the gatehouse.

  “What is your business here, Koga san?”

  “To escort my lord, Shotoku Hiro, to Lady Kumiko, Yoriki sama.”

  The man looked over the papers for several moments before stamping them with a wax seal and handing them back. “All is in order. Welcome to 'The Golden City,' Shotoku san.”

  They bowed to each other as we rode on. I could see a large warehouse immediately to our left next to the immense temple of Amaterasu. The temple was grand and it seemed to glow as we passed it. I had a difficult time pulling my vision away from it. On my right were merchants' and artists' stores and schools. I could hear music coming from a few of the establishments. There were a few more mundane shops and buildings to my right with a large garden in the distance behind them but again, to my left was another temple. I could see the kanji for the fortune of longevity, Jurojin, on the arched entrance. There were many people here, so many that I almost didn’t notice the robber take a man’s purse in the distance. There was no way to get to him through this crowd, and there were no Yoriki in sight. I saw the victim shrug his shoulders to himself and walk off.

  People and peddlers filled the streets as we turned right past several weapons merchants' shops. We rode to the south gate of the middle city. There were several fruit vendors hawking their goods on our left; they seemed to be without inhibition when it came to selling.

  “Would you care for some pomegranates to refresh you, my lord?” I shook my head. “How about for your men?” I considered that for a moment.

  “Would any of you care for some fruit?”

  Masakari shook his head. “Domo arigato, my lord. But I am fine.”

  Jerukukami just nodded no as he looked at all the traffic around us.

  Menuki however, “Yes, domo arigato, Hiro sama.”

  We dismounted together. “What would you like, Menuki san?”

  “A pear would be very pleasant.”

  I nodded and turned to the merchant. “One pear, Bandai san.”

  He nodded and picked a juicy one from the pile. “That will be twenty-five Wado, Shotoku sama.”

  I stopped reaching for my money. “Menuki san, I am afraid I must let you down. You will have no pear today.” I lisped.

  Her mouth was open. She looked as if she still hadn’t understood the man. Even Masakari and Jerukukami had whipped their heads around at the price.

  The man looked hurt. “My lord, it is a fair price.”

  “I believe a fair price would be five Wado in any other city, Bandai san?”

  “These are the finest pears in all of Giapan, my lord.”

  “That may be but I shall never know.” I put away my purse and turned to get back on my

  pony. Menuki followed suit. The man came from behind his counter.

  “Are you implying that I have deliberately raised my price to you?!”

  This was a most arrogant heimin. I turned towards him. “I am implying that I shall not pay your price.”

  “You dare slander me, my lord?!”

  I was about to answer him when I saw a Yoriki and two of his Doshin walk up. He was a Mito, as were his men. I was starting to see a pattern with nothing but Bandai around me.

  “What is this disturbance about, Hotomishi san?”

  “This Shotoku has slandered me! Knowing that I am a poor merchant and can do nothing about it!” I couldn’t believe he said that.

  “Is this true, Shotoku san?”

  “No, it is not, Mito san.” That’s when the merchant began screaming again.

  I had noticed that the south gate was only a short distance away. Now this district we had

  wandered into was obviously controlled by the Bandai, but the south gate? That was all Honshu from what I could see. The Yoriki was just beginning to tell me that my friends and I had better come with him till this was all straightened out. I ignored him as I yelled to the guard at the south gate. “Gunso san? I should stay alert right now if I were you! This would be the perfect distraction to sneak someone past your gate!”

  I saw him straighten his back and order two more Honshu to follow him. When I turned around the Yoriki looked concerned. It didn’t take but a moment for the Honshu to arrive.

  “What is going on, Ichiro?”

  The Bandai reddened at the insult of no suffix added to his name. “Nothing that concerns you, Tsuge.”

  “I think I will decide that.” He turned to me. “You were coming through the south gate,

  Shotoku sama?”

  “I was, Tsuge san. I am to report to Lady Goemon Kumiko.”

  The Bandai and the merchant paled a little. The Honshu nodded.

  “Are your papers in order, Shotoku sama?” Masakari handed them to him with a slight bow. He returned the bow and took the papers. “Follow me.”

  We left the Bandai fuming behind us. Across the road I could see a large inn where people were entering and exiting at an alarming rate. It wasn’t the people that interested me though. There was a man staring at us. At me anyway. He was wearing a long dull black cloak with a deep hood. I couldn’t make out his face, but there was something about him. I was still hearing the vendors when we arrived at our second gate.

  It was beautiful, a large red torii arch. It was taller than three men and wider than eight. Gunso Tsuge stopped us there as his Taisa approached us. He had been watching the excitement from the gate house.

  “What is your business here, Shotoku sama?” Tsuge handed him our papers.

  “To report to lady Kumiko, Maebashi san.” I could see that crest over his left and right breasts.

  The man nodded. “My lord, would you and your party please dismount and wait for me under the arch?”

  I replied in a light voice. “Of course, Maebashi san.”

  I bowed to the man and had the others dismount with me. When I looked back to the inn the dark man was gone. We walked under the arch and waited for the Maebashi Taisa. Tsuge and his two men followed us. They seemed to be interested in the Tori arch we stood under.

  “What is it, Tsuge san?”

  “It is no secret, Shotoku sama. The arch will change color if anyone intending harm to the

  Emperor stands under it.”

  I nodded. “By the way, I am Shotoku Hiro, Tsuge san.”

  We bowed to each other again. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Hiro sama.”

  “Domo arigato. I do not suppose you could tell me what all of that was about back there?”

  “Ah, yes. Ruaro district’s governor is Fukushima Ruaro. He is a simple man. He likes Bandai, he hates all others. Though you wouldn’t know it if you met him.”

  I nodded. “And consequently his people all feel the same?”

  “Yes. He is an imbecile and I am grateful I do not have to work with the man.”

  “But you probably feel that way about every Bandai, do you not?”

  He shook his head. “No.” He pulled his katana from his obi and showed it to me. He could not let me hold it while he was on duty. “You notice it is blue and white?” I nodded to him. “It bears the colors of the Bandai because it is a Nigata blade. I worked with a duelist of their House to kill a band of ronin who were terrorizing a fishing village of the Okayama. My friend died for me and gave me his blade. When I tried to return it to his lord, Towada Akae found out that he had wanted me to have it, and then insisted I keep it to honor him.”

  I nodded again. “A very honorable decision.”

  He placed the weapon back through his obi. “With that all said, Ruaro is still an idiot and I do not respect the man.”

  “Well then, I am in your debt for coming to my rescue, Tsuge san.”

  “It was just my job, Hiro sama.”

  I smiled. “No. It was not. And I always repay my debts, Tsuge san. Domo arigato.”

  I had been watching his commander as we talked. I could see him inside looking over our

  papers with another man speaking into his ear. The other man would look out at us every so often. It took several moments but eventually the Taisa of the guard returned.

  “You have been traveling long, my lord?”

  I continued in my soft voice. “Two days. We are coming from Goemon Toshi, Maebashi san.”

  “Yes. How was the trip?”

  “Oh it was very pleasant.” I nodded quickly.

  “All seems to be in order, my lord. You may continue on your way.”

  He stamped the papers with his seal and bowed. I returned the bow and handed them to

  Masakari. “Arigato gozaimasu, Maebashi san.” I could see the other man was a Kofu as I remounted. “If you ever need anything, Tsuge san, simply ask.”

  He nodded with a smile. I could see the Kofu and the Taisa were speaking with Tsuge as we rode off. We traveled straight ahead towards the Eternal City. I could see its walls in the distance. To my left was the Bandai House embassy, to my right the Honshu. Being mounted we could see there were several private estates along with a large stables for someone’s horses. Artists filled the buildings to my left, along with a tea-house. These private homes seemed to take up all the space within the first wall. Well, the first functional wall. The previous two were just ruble so I'm not counting those. I looked at all of the private homes as we rode by on our way to the south gate of the Eternal City. Too quickly we came upon the second gate. A seventy foot high monster of a Tori arch.

  The Asuka are one of the families of the Emperor’s House. Their guardsmen stopped us to check our papers again. They were resplendent in their silver and gold armor. Masakari handed the Taisa our papers, who read them quickly.

  “Lady Kumiko is expecting you, Hiro sama?”

  “She is expecting someone, Asuka san.”

  He nodded. “I see you have come directly here.”

  “Yes. It is not my place to keep my lady waiting.”

  He nodded again and handed Masakari the papers after he stamped them. I sat atop my pony and took in all that I could. I felt like a child again, slipping away from my mother for another adventure with the heimin. We traveled the short distance to the Koga guest houses where two young heimin came out to aid us.

  “May we take your horses, Shotoku sama?” Masakari nodded.

  As I dismounted I was greeted by another older servant.

  She introduced herself as Fujibayashi Hazuko. “My lord, I would be honored to aid your

  servants in putting away your things.”

  “Domo arigato, Hazuko san. My servants' names are Menuki and Sanuro.”

  The woman bowed to me and walked over to the cart. Finally, an older Koga courtier approached us.

  “Shotoku Hiro?”

  “Yes, Goemon san?” He wore the Goemon crest.

  “I am Goemon Kirei. Lady Kumiko has asked me to help you get settled upon your arrival.”

  “Domo arigato, Kirei san.”

  He escorted the rest of us to the Emperor's water garden. The scale was in keeping with the rest of the palace, large. He spoke about the city and the palace as we walked, what was illegal, and what was not. This was pretty standard all over Giapan, nothing really useful. But he also covered protocol, which was not standard. This I found most useful. It would not help to make a fool of myself in front of the elderly Emperor or his children.

  I spent my time simpering and twittering on about mindless garbage. Mostly what I thought a twit would find interesting. From time to time a Koga servant would arrive and whisper to him. He would reply and she would leave. I assumed they were discussing some private business.

  He walked with us throughout the entire palace. We even had a glimpse of the Emperor before he slipped back inside. He showed us the main hall, the suites of the many Houses and said we would be housed in the Koga Guest house, outside the palace.

  I sent Shingan and my men back to the house when I realized my friend was taking me to see Kumiko. It would not be proper to bring two armed guards with me, or so he implied. The entire palace had a crisp feel to it, like everything was brand new.

  I was suddenly brought back to reality when we arrived at Kumiko’s suite. Kirei sat me down to wait and then left. I looked around the hall admiring all of the decorations and displays. Suits of armor, weapons, paintings and flower arrangements. It was all lovely but after an hour of sitting I had it all memorized. She must have been very busy, I decided. An assassin has to be patient. Another of the 12 hours of our days went by.

  She couldn’t have forgotten about me, the servants would have reminded her. Another hour. I was firmly within the void of the underworld. Fighting ugly abominations to save the lives of my friends and family. I was just about to impale a powerful oni when I heard a voice.

  “Hiro sama? Lady Kumiko will see you now.” I looked up at a young girl's face, a handmaid. The moon had risen while I had been waiting. I bowed to the girl in gratitude and rose from the floor. My legs were a little stiff but I entered, bowed and knelt before my lady, all of this done as effeminately as I could manage. She eyed me for a long time. I didn't make eye contact but she seemed angry.

  "Shotoku Hiro?" She sounded puzzled, and not in a good way.

  "Yes, my lady." I answered as timidly as possible.

  "Why are you here?"

  "I was told you were in need of my services, Lady Kumiko sama."

  "Lord Masao sent you then?"

  "Yes, my lady." I glanced at her and saw a malicious smile on her face.

  "My dear husband is being funny.” I didn’t have anything to say “You know a less dignified woman would be inclined to take this slight out on you."

  "What slight, my lady?" We had only met in passing at Jute's wedding. And she obviously did not remember what I looked like. I don't know what it was. The wait, her tone, I'm not sure. But she had made me very angry. Masao’s request for me to “behave” vanished from my mind. Some friend I am.

  "The slight that I ask for a killer and instead I get you!" She was very angry now, good. She stood and walked away from me. While she was silent I looked around and saw that we were alone in the room.

  Over her shoulder she said, "Have you ever killed anyone, Hiro?"

  After a few moments, when there was no answer, she turned around but I was gone. With the sun down, and only dim candlelight in the room, this was easy. The shadows were so plentiful I didn't even go to mist. I watched her and waited just a bit from the wall.

  "Hiro san? …Hiro?"

  She was a beautiful woman. I could easily see why so many men had given in to her over the years. I slipped up behind her until I was but a breath from her neck and whispered, in my normal baritone voice.

  "I have killed... many."

  She froze. After a small moment I saw her regain her composure before she turned to face me. She looked into my eyes for several moments before she said with a smile,

  "Perfect."