The New Winds

Yotsuo finished his bath and meal quickly, hoping to be able to call upon the Akodo instructor. It was the young man's hope to be able to learn of battle from the seasoned gunso. He went looking for the man after finishing his tasks for the hour.

Haruki was on a mission today, he needed to learn how to handle a battlefield somehow. Hopefully he can find the sensei that specializes in just that.

Aiichiro was pretty down. He did poorly on both bushi tests, and Akodo-sensei said that he would be looking over him. Perhaps it was time to offer his apologies.

The old Akodo greets the students curtly.

"What lesson is it you wish to learn today?"

"I wish to learn about the basics of battle. It is how a great many shiryo found their way to Yomi, so it is an area that I wish to be able to discuss with them should I visit there again. It would be a shame to not be able to learn from them for a lack of basic understanding." He bows respectfully with the explanation.

"I too wish to learn the basics of battle, but I do so because I know I will soon be on the frontlines and should not embarrass my comrades."

He asked what they wanted to learn, and now he was with two other students he wouldn't make a fool out of himself.
"I seek not to learn the basics, sensei, but the details that differentiate theory from practice." He bows.

"Hm. And what do you all know of the subject? Explain to me what you think the role of a battlefield leader is."

"A leader on the battlefield needs to be able to coordinate his troops into effective units, ensuring that their forces are used to their best ability given the current situation. They are the inspiration through which even the most fearsome of foe can be faced, they set the objectives their troops need to meet, and if the leader fails, more men will die than is necessary. "

Eiko nods and looks to the next student

"A leader on the battlefield should not only uphold the order of their superiors if there are, but do the best they are able to do with them. They should be able not only to copy the tactics of the past but to mix or subvert them to create new ones in a clever way. They are also responsible for moving their lessers to better serve their commands, and teach them their strategies so they can recognize which part they plan on it, being able to be coordinated."

"They're like the mind of the army they lead. They take in all the information about the battle, interpret it, and then have the army act as they would command their body. They keep everything organized and working together."

All students having answer, the Akodo nods.

"How many of you have studied Leadership?"

"I have read it and books analyzing it many times."

"I haven't at all. But I've heard stories of battles from family and my master. That's as far as my knowledge goes really."

"I have read it, but usually when I do, it is to study the conduct of a samurai. When I had to teach my kohai, I would frequently need to direct their manners. Many of the students at my old dojo were little children who the clan haven't figured out if they were destined to be bushi or courtiers."

"Then that is where we shall begin today, with a reading of the book, and I will ask questions about what Akodo-no-Kami meant, and how it applies."

He nodded. Out of the many things he had seen... None considered what Akodo meant. They evalued if the principles were as valid or they could be used, but to second-guess a kami?

Haruki pulls out his copy of the work; he knew this was going to be how a Lion clan sensei would teach. Always start with all the wisdom your kami has, then expand upon it.

"Of course," Yotsuo replied with a nod.