Noblesse Oblige (Closed RP)

[Akodo Keisuke]

((This is a meeting between Akodo Keisuke, and Toku Hirotomo. If you would like to join please send me a PM))

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Akodo Keisuke stood in the window of governor's office looking out over the city of Toshi Ranbo. The shaky heart beat, of the city was returning to normal. It was the calm between the storms, and this respite would not last long. His thoughts turned to his brothers and sister defending the Castle of the Swift Sword. Though he felt compelled to be there, he had faith in those guarding the castle. His place was here, and with Lord Tomatsu off negotiating with the Crane at Kyuden Seppun, the responsibility over seeing Toshi Ranbo had fallen to him.

Keisuke had summoned Toku Hirotomo the Monkey Clan champion, to discuss a matter of great importance both to the Monkey and Lion Clan.

[Toku Hirotomo]

Toku Hirotomo was chewing his lip as word of the meeting came to him. He was still unable to speak with his father. Fuzake Juta, his father's aide informed him that his father was away for the time being. Where was anyone's guess. The word of attack on his homeland was deeply troubling. Varying reports of one men and a hundred were trickling down. What to believe?

Having appropriated the Minor Clan Alliance embassy for use as his personal office, Hirotomo walked the length of the city to meet with the Lion. A matter of great importance? Hopefully news that they would be marching on the Otomo next. He hated those fat scoundrels.

[Akodo Keisuke]

Keisuke stood staring at one of the many strategic map laid out across the table. The map that had his current attention showed Toku Torid-E at its center.
Ahhh Toku Hirotomo-san please enter, thank you for arriving so quickly.
He gave Hirotomo a brief look over sizing up the man who had lead some of the minor clan forces during the sige of Toshi Ranbo. Keisuke had admired the courage it took to involve themselves in this war amongst the the great clans. Now his chance to reward their service to the empire.

I have heard the the Monkey clan has openly declared for Emperor Toturi, so now you have placed yourselves on the center stage. Soon the Monkey clan will draw the attention of those who still support the Hantei. He paused as to gather his thoughts. Just as Toturi the first supported Toku, so now the Lion Clan wishes to support the Monkey. We wish to offer the Monkey clan the opportunity to enter into an alliance with the us. An alliance I think that could be beneficial to the both clans.

What are your thoughts Hirotomo-san?

[Toku Hirotomo]

Hirotomo pondered the Lion's words. What he said was indeed true. They would invite the wrath of the others soon. Many thought it was the Minor Clans role to be pawns. Openly declaring for a side, with no little regard debased them of that. Hirotomo intended that the Monkey become a staging point for that Alliance. No longer would they be used as simple fodder for the wars of the Great Clans.

"An Alliance with The Lion would surely help The Monkey. Your words ring true. It is likely that we may suffer even after the war is over for daring to raise our voice. An alliance with the Great Lion, the Empire's paramount warriors would give even the Scorpion and Crane pause before meddling in our affairs. I would love to see my people thrive after we seize victory. Tell me, what exactly is the Lion offering?"

[Akodo Keisuke]

These are the terms we the Lions would like to offer the Monkey.

• An attack on you is considered an attack on us and vise versa
  
• Monkey Samurai would be treated with the same respect as a samurai from major clan whilst in Lion territory.
  
• Help and aid would be granted to any samurai of either clan in one another's territory if it was requested.
  

Keisuke, paused pondering the his words carefully,
We want it to be very clear, the Monkey will not stand alone no matter what the outcome of this war is. I have never tolerated bullies, and anyone who takes up Toturi's standard, deserves to be treated as a fellow comrade in arms.

[Toku Hirotomo]

Hirotomo's eyes widened a little at the offer. An almost limitless pact, sealed in equality. This is exactly what he wanted when he started this course of action. He had something that could further the course of this alliance. "The Lion's terms are most flattering." Hirotomo said slowly. "Of course the Monkey agrees to this most pleasant of Alliances. May it last for all time. Tell me, is your Champion able to receive guests? I think I have something that will be most acceptable to seal this Alliance."

[Akodo Keisuke]

I must apologize Lord Hirotomo-san, Lord Tomatsu has yet to return from the negotiations with the Crane at Kyuden Seppun.

With a skeptical eye he looked Hirotomo up and,
Your word, and signature on the treaty would have been promise enough. What else is it you bring?

[Toku Hirotomo]

Hirotomo shuffled slightly. He was loathe to admit what he carried to any save the Champion of the Lion, but this Akodo was one of the paragons of his clan. His honor was without question, as was his loyalty.

"I bear a heavy burden. One that I'm glad the Lion will remove. The Hantei did not escape with all of the treasures of the Empire. One of my agents was able to secure the sword of the Lion, given only when the Lion declares war on behalf of the Empire." Hirotomo removed the sword, hidden on his person, and presented it to the Lion officer.

"As it is only Toturi-dono's right to gift this sword. I cannot say that this is a gift from the Monkey. A vital part of the Empire was secured. It is our hope that this blade paves the way for our inevitable victory."

[Akodo Keisuke]

Silence

---

A chill ran down Keisuke spine, as he reached out for the sword. He had seen Matsu Nimuro wield the sword as young Chui in Nimuro's armies, but never in had he imagined that he would one day hold the sword in his hands. Surely, the Crane and Otomo fleeing the castle would not have left Shinrai behind.

Keisuke pressed his thumb to the tsuba and drew the blade no more than a few inches from the saya. The celestial steel reflected more light than than was present in the room. The sword felt right in his hands, it was as though Shinrai was his old practice sword he had used since Keisuke was a child.

Was there any feat now that he could not accomplish?

Why not take Shinrai and ride out to defeat the Emerald Champion, and carve a path straight to the Steel throne for Toturi?

How many more of his clansmen would still be alive if he had bore this blade during the battle for Toshi Ranbo?

Would Hantei have escaped?

Keisuke closed his eyes, and closed the blade resting it on the table before him, the tsuka no more than inches from his right hand.

I am at a loss of words Hirotomo-sama, I knew the blade was here in the palace but I thought it lost when Hantei and his forces fled the city. He looked over the blade once more. We are now in your debt, tell me with the alliance sealed is there any favor you would ask of the Lion Clan?

[Toku Hirotomo]

A favor of the Lion? Hirtomo thought for a moment. He remembered the old copy of Leadership that the Lion Champion had given him. He thought long and hard about what would best suit his clan.

"The Mighty Lion have already given us more than we could have hoped for. The Monkey is honored. There is a matter of a personal nature though. My heir will need both steel and wit to survive in this world. I would ask for training in the Akodo dojo for they who will one day lead my clan."

Hirtomo was glad to be rid of the sword. It was safe in Lion hands now.

[Akodo Keisuke]

Keisuke smiled,
I shall sponsor your heir to the Akodo school personally.

Next he pulled a large bottle from a side table along with two glasses, Shall we drink then, looking at the label on the bottle of Saki. I am told this Saki came from the private collection of one Otomo Rakuro it is rumored to be some of the finest Saki to be found in Toshi Ranbo. He filled the two glasses handing one to Hirotomo.

[Toku Hirotomo]

Hirotomo took his glass and eyed the sake. Something he never drank, and might never drink again, curious. The future of the Monkey was in good hands now. If he was finally able to marry Rinko and create his heir his task would be complete.