Mushashugyo

[Toku Shouri]

A young man, bright eyed and of cheerful bearing presented himself at the port on the Three Sides River. His armour was old, but well cared for, and his clothing functional, and in good repair. He pulled his straw cloak tight around him to keep the snow at bay.
Quickly he moved to the checkpoint, seeking a warden to address.

"Honoured Samurai of the Lion, I am a retainer of the house of Toku, on a warriors pilgrimage to perfect my technique and better understand the Empire which my blade serves. I humbly request lawful permission to travel through your lands in search of opportunities to hone my swordsmanship and gain wisdom in the ways of the warrior."

[Akodo Sosa]

Akodo Sosa rode at the head of his force, talking to his Matsu aide, a fierce and capable looking young woman. His orders were to head north to the Castle of the Swift Sword, to aid in the battle there, and he expected to make good time, despite the weather.
As he approached the checkpoint, Sosa spotted a young samurai in older, but still well kept armour, engaged in conversation. He raised his war-fan to signal the troops to halt. If there was to be a queue to pass through the checkpoint, then it would merely be courtesy to wait his turn.
He smiled to himself as his aide let out a low, disapproving growl. She did so hate to be kept waiting.

[Toku Shouri]

Slowly the youth became aware that he was no longer alone at the check point. Making a quick glance over his shoulder, and noting the colours of the clan who's land he wished to gain entry in, he quickly excused himself from the checkpoint, offering a low bow as he got out of the way.

"Apologies Lion-sama, the snow had muffled my ears to your approach. I would not think to hold you from your duties."

[Akodo Sosa]

Sosa laughed with good humour and smiled at the young man. "No need to apologise, Samurai-san. I should hope you feel no pressure to hurry simply because there is a large group of armed Lion troops behind you in the queue. You were here first."

He looked over to the check-point guard. "I trust this noble warrior's travel papers are in order and there is no need to delay him further." The guard bowed and stepped back.

Sosa turned back to the youth. "I assume that since you are stood at this checkpoint you are headed further into our lands. Perhaps you would care to accompany us? It is unpleasant weather to be travelling alone. We have a spare horse if you have none."

He gestured to a nearby soldier to bring up a horse, then returned his attention to the youth. "I am remiss in my manners, forgive me. I am Akodo Sosa, this is my most valued assistant Matsu Mina-san," he nodded to the woman on the horse beside him, who merely kept her appraising gaze on the youth, "and these are the troops under my command. We would all be honoured by your journeying with us."

[Toku Shouri]

"Gratitude Akodo-sama, Matsu-sama."
The youth bowed to both Lion samurai deeply.

"I am called Shouri, my family are retainers to the Toku of the Monkey clan. I am currently on a warriors pilgrimage and felt that the best place to begin the journey of master of the warriors arts would be in the lands of the illustrious Lion. I am honoured that you would deign to have me in your entourage, thank you Akodo-sama."

The youth then looked up at the horse, then smiled a bit.

"It would seem the first lesson I must master is how to mount a horse. I must admit this is the first time I have had opportunity to ride. Much gratitude for this new experience Akodo-sama."

He punctuated his statement with another bow, and began looking quizzically at the different parts of barding and tack upon the mounts.

[Akodo Sosa]

Sosa nodded his head respectfully. "Ah, a warrior's pilgrimage. Very noble, and I thank you on behalf of my Clan for your kind words. You will find no better experience or example of what it means to be samurai than amongst the Lion. That said, I have had the honour of training with the Monkey, and they are as fine and admirable warriors as any I have seen. Brave too, and that will count for a lot when we stand on the field of battle together."

He watched the young warrior puzzling over the horse and smiled. "Of course, it is true that the Monkey are not exactly famed for their cavalry. It is not as daunting as it looks, Shouri-san, I assure you."

He glanced at Matsu Mina, who continued to watch the youth with a stern expression. He laughed as he addressed Shouri again. "Don't let Matsu Mina-san put you off, either. Monkey bushi are well-known for facing the most daunting of tasks, are they not?" He laughed. "Of course, an impatient Matsu samurai-ko is something not even I would dare take on."

Sosa waited patiently for the young warrior to mount up, smiling at him in a friendly and encouraging way.

[Toku Shouri]

"Hai!"
"Apologies for the delay Matsu-sama."
With a final bow and a barely whispered prayer that fortune favours the mortal man, Shouri leapt to take the offered horse, displaying all the grace of a child reaching for cookies well out of grasp. Despite the rough mounting, and some initial confusion between horse and rider, an accord is reached, thanks in no small part to a quickly produced apple from somewhere under the youth's cloak.

"There we go, now I might converse without further delaying you."
"My clan is small, and my family honours our ancestors by emulating their general lack of wealth, I am grateful for this first opportunity to experience the warrior's art of horsemanship. It is true, we Monkey are tenacious, a trait that was nurtured by our founder's master, Toturi-dono."
"It is exactly that clan tradition, and our great debt to the Right-Hand of the Empire, that sent me to your lands first. All know of the Lion's prowess, yet to the Monkey, you gave us purpose thrice. First when Toku-dono's home was attacked and he was left with only a copy of Akodo's Leadership to guide him. Then when the Lion Thunder taught him to read it. Finally when the Emperor recognized and legitimized our founder and clan."
"I was always told that we honour our ancestors by living lives that echo their great deeds and learn from their example. So it seemed natural that a Monkey should first seek tutelage in the warrior's arts from the Lion."
Amazingly enough, although the whole of the explanation seemed to come out in a single breath, and with some alacrity towards the end, the Monkey did not seem out of breath, but his eyes shined with conviction and enthusiasm. His smile was not irreverent, but rather self-assured, and an expression of cheerful contentment with his path and situation.

[Akodo Sosa]

Sosa nodded in agreement at Shouri-san's words as he gave the signal for the troop to resume their march, and even Mina's face softened with approval as she listened to the youth.

"It is true that Toku-sama was a great and noble figure. I have paid my respects at his grave many times," said Sosa, "You, Shouri-san, do yourself and your Clan much honour. You obviously have great conviction, and I see in you all that has made your Clan so worthy of respect. I would not be at all surprised if a Great Destiny awaits you. I also thank you again for your kind words for my own Clan. In these times it is such close friends that will see us through to Victory and secure Emperor Toturi his Throne. As a mark of the closeness of our Clans, and in the spriit of a new forged personal friendship, I would be honoured if there is any help I can give you during your pilgrimage."
"A warrior needs many skills, both on and off the battlefield. The Akodo War College gave me an excellent schooling, and I would be more than happy to share any knowledge with you, young samurai-san. Of course, if it is how to become a raging storm in the face of the enemy that you wish to become, then Mina-san is the one you should talk to." He smiled broadly. "Be careful if she invites you to spar, though. I still have the bruises from months ago." Matsu Mina's eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement at this.
"But tell me, please. You are very obviously capable in many respects, is there anything in particular you seek in your tutelage? Anything you wish to focus upon and hone first? A samurai trains and learns for their entire life, but a journey must have specific points upon the road to its final destination."

[Toku Shouri]

"My thanks Akodo-sama. I will strive to live up to your esteem." The youth settled into the saddle a bit, and took a moment to inhale the crisp winter air, and appreciate the energy present while in the company of a full military unit.

"My desire is to learn all tasks and skills that will facilitate my service to Clan and Empire. Yet in such chaotic times, I must admit, I lack the wisdom to discern which lesson must come first. My one thought was that I am a Samurai, and for the very wellspring of Bushido, one need look only north across the river from my home. I embrace all adversity. Each new perspective increases my body of knowledge, and may even provide fertile ground for wisdom in time. Every injury I survive is another lesson I have learned. I could never face my ancestors if I shied from a lesson for fear of pain. I will learn what, and in what manner, my esteemed hosts and the fortunes see fit."

For a brief moment he seems to consider something distant.

"Akodo-sama, Matsu-sama, what does it mean to be a Samurai?"

[Akodo Sosa]

Sosa looked at Shouri for a moment, then laughed loudly.

"Are you sure you are a Monkey and not a Dragon? Some would say that being a Samurai means not asking too many questions." He turned to his Matsu Beserker companion, "Mina-san. What are your thoughts on this subject?"

Mina bowed her head slightly, then addressed the youth in a voice level and full of conviction, "To be a Samurai, one must be without fear or doubt. Above all, one must be without fear or doubt of living, and dying, by Bushido. It is everything, and without it a Samurai is less than nothing." She then prompted turned her head forwards again.

"Well," smiled Sosa, having not taken his eyes from Shouri, "there you have Mina-san's most considered and succinct answer. Swift, decisive, and commited, just as a Samurai should be. She is correct, of course. No doubt, you would expect a Lion to answer in such a way, but there is a reason my Clan epitomises what it is to live with Bushido as the sole guide. But if we are going to play at being from other Clans for a moment, allow me to give you my 'Dragon' answer. What would it mean to not be a Samurai, hmm?"

[Toku Kosta]

Toku Kosta was visiting the Lion clan lands in a way to coordinate with them and help in their siege. He had met already one more member of the Toku minor clan here. He was in his way in no hurry when he saw a great could of dust approaching him fast. Riders were closing to him. Soldiers of the Lion clan he thought.

[Akodo Sosa]

As Sosa awaited young Shouri's answer with interested, he noticed a lone figure up ahead. As the troop approached he raised his hand to call a halt. Sosa bowed his head respectfully at the figure.

"Greetings, Samurai-san. You travel the road alone?"

[Toku Kosta]

He calms his horse and then bows.

"Greetings samurai-san. Yes i am traveling alone. Allow me to introduce my self.

I am Toku Kosta, captain of the magistrates of the Monkey clan.
My champion sent me to the Lion lands to support you in any way possible. I am heading to the castle of the swift sword. There I hope to join a small part of the army of the Monkey clan."

[Akodo Sosa]

Sosa smiled broadly, as his Matsu companion bowed her head respectfully.
"It is an honour to meet you, Toku Kosta-san. I am Akodo Sosa, Chui in the Lion army. This," he gestured to the Matsu woman next to him, "is Matsu Mina-san; and this, "he indicated the young samurai on his other side, "is Shouri-san, a retainer of your very Clan. I am leading these troops to the same destination you yourself are headed. We would be honoured if you would journey with us, if it pleases you to do so. I have worked with Monkey Clan magistrates previously, and enjoy the company of such esteemed officers. To travel alongside their Captain would be a great priviledge."

[Toku Kosta]

A smile on his face. He knew that Lion clan had proud warriors, especially the Matsu family, to see a member of this family bowing her head means that the Lion clan had accepted with a good heart the support of the Monkey clan.

"Honored to meet you noble Akodo-san. I will be most happy to join your forces until we reach the siege. There we can meet Toku Nakata. He leads the Monkey forces.

Then he turns and look at the retainer.

"Greetings again Shouri-san. How your pilgrimage goes? Did you found the answers that troubled your mind and soul?"