The New Winds

-The Diary of Kitsu Tsuba

Kitsu-sama was very hard on me again today. I forgot the answer to one of her history questions and she made me spend the rest of the day memorizing a bunch of ancestors to different prominent figures until well after the sun went down. I know she is trying to help me, but I don't think she understands I sometimes I just can't remember things.

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I spent a lot of the day today interacting with the kami that resides in the small pond behind out house. It's such a gently and calm spirit. It showed me a lot of different images from the past, of things it has witnessed and seen. It made me feel at peace.

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My mother got into an argument with my father today about my training. He says I just need more time and she keeps saying that if he had just put me in a Matsu school they would have taught me right. Afterwards she came to talk to me while father was writing and she explained how important my duty is and that I cannot accept anything less than perfection or it would bring shame upon our family. She told me that Matsu students are given a choice, to either gempuku or accept that they are a failure and ask the Kami to help them be reborn into a life more appropriate for the next time. I think she was trying ti tell me that if I don't gempuku on time, the only resolution to absolve the family of my failure would be seppuku.

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I made another mistake today and mother struck me for it, saying that father and the sensei at the shrine are too soft on me, and that only with firm discipline will I be able to excel. I went out back and communed with the pond kami again. It showed me a girl swimming in it and laughing. It made me feel so happy, but I know I can't show that to the world. It wouldn't be proper.

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A letter came today. Father brought me inside and sat me down alone and explained that I have been selected to represent the Kitsu and the Lion at this years Topaz Championship! I don't know why I was chosen, but his eyes when he told me the news sparkled and looked so happy!

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I spend nearly every day now tending to the shrines here. It is wonderful being able to speak with the kami and learn their stories. So much history with them, having seen so many things over the years. It brings me great joy to ensure the spaces they inhabit are clean and presentable. I also bring offerings to them all regularly. The earth kami near the tree loves some of the sage one of the villagers has for trade. The air kami who resides in the soft breeze has expressed great joy at the chime I hung, and the fire kami really loves the new lanterns we got. My favorite is still the water kami at the pond though. It is happy just showing me pictures from the past when people used to swim in it, and I love feeling the emotions it shares with me.

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Mother has gone off to join up with Akodo Arasou-dono. Word is that he is beginning preparations for something big this summer. I of course have no idea what it is. She left me a note wrapped around a wakizashi. It said: "Either come home wearing this, or come home in an urn."

Somewhere a page of Yasuki Ginkarasu's short-lived diary hasn't yet become so water logged as to be entirely unreadable.

********th of Goat, *****ay

****t**** ** ****a****, ***ru** Shizuyo had to kill her son! That's what everyone says! How to***, how horrible. The Hiruma have already lost so much, I need to try even harder to make sure I do ev****ing I can!
-------
Month of **at, ********

Sen*** *** **** ******, so I need to not try and sell mochi to classmates or anyone. I guess a yo**** ***** * ***** ***** ********. Even if I'm trying to honor my ancestors. They said I broke too many **** as well, so if I want one, my family should pay for it. But if they pay for me to **ve it, then that's koku that doesn't go towards the Wall, so, I asked ********** and they agreed. I think I'd be really good at using them, but if I can't gain koku for the clan, then I can at least not cost it more. Sensei knows best, right?
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Mo**** *** ****** *****
************ ******** ******** ********* **********
******** shiny rock. ********** ********* ****
********** *******
**** ******* ********* * ************ * **********
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Month of ***** **** ***** ***** *

*****nt letters to some of my friends. I hope they make it alright! It gets really lonely. I mean, some of the other students are alright, but I seem to be so far ahead of them now! And they seem to resent that a lot. I mean, I was just the cart kid before. And now I'm ******* **** *** in class. Sensei ******** *** was so angry that I ran so many more laps then him. He said it was important that I know my place and not embarrass my superiors.

We're supposed to do our best right? To follow bushido and honor our ancestors? Wouldn't doing worse then our best just be lying? That's against honesty, entirely! How do I do both things?
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******* 29 ***** *****

Sensei Kagehiro stopped by to visit! They were really unhappy about something, but said I should keep trying my best, and that she'd see me at the Topaz Championship! That and the money we'd raised before had helped to save a squad of bushi, as they had used it to buy some bells and string, that they'd set up to trigger if anything moved at them while they had to camp in the Shadowlands. And the bush they'd tied it to turned out to be able to move!

We saved lives!
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******** ***
****** *** * *** ** ***
*********ma*be***********************day ************* * ********** *********** * ******
Hida Ichiro said it was putting the cart before the horse, thinking I was going to make it to the iaijutsu competition. Hida Ichiro, Hida Ichiro and Hida Ichiro all agreed with him. Yasuki Ichiro did too.

I think they're just upset because I beat them. But that's the thing isn't it. You beat someone and too many of them get angry at you for it. Maybe I should **** ********************* * *********** *

There is no journal in Mirai's bag. Still, if one looked deep enough, they would find a crumpled up note in the base of her saya however. It looks worn and barely readable, though it is in a simple, almost childish script.

NEVER FORGET, NEVER FORGIVE

Aiichiro carried a lot of papers. They were a mixture between lashed and forgotten papers with engineering formulas repeated over and over, engineering exercises repeated over and over, metal dilatation calculus repeated over and over and more fun Kaiu stuff. It also had some testing stamps of his seal and somewhere between all this a lot of name variations with "Katsu".

Katsuji. (people will think I'm a second son) Jiktasu. Aikatsu. Katsuai. (sounds weird) Ichikatsu. (no) Katsuichi. Katsuya. (I liked the pronounce of this one although not the meaning) Yakatsu. (also not) Ginkatsu. (why do I still find this one funny)

One of the parchments is writen and not waiting to burn in a pyre, though.

I don't know which day it is
I'm so tired. Today I met Hida-sama for the first time, kind of accidentally. When he called my attention upon seeing my personal, nikutai mon, I had to answer. I sat next to him as I was just going to train that new kata and noticed that although he wore armor, he did not wear one arm neither one hand. Obviously, I thought he was not a soldier until he started talking — because when that happened, he showed me his chui badge.
He said that he too got early into leadership and, upon his accident, tried to become a sensei — which was denied to him due to being unable to write. The Kaiu instead connected his lefting cutoff to a wooden dome with a war fan so he could still signalize to the troops his orders. This soldier could not bear a weapon, neither apply jade powder to his fan without using his feet (he confirmed me this when I asked). Still, he had use at his function.
I found his history... I know I should find it inspirational, but I somehow cannot. It feels cruel. Still, I'm typing it down as it opened my insight on the parts the soldier training did not cover on how my future life would be. Getting saturated until you become senseless to the danger is one thing, having it reminded in such a particular tone is another. I should meditate over this man's history when I have the time.
I asked him to train me on his experience, and he gave me at least three verbal lessions and the permission to go atop the Wall. I know I shouldn't be foccusing on this subject anymore, but I still find it refreshingly interesting.

It was rather a dismal journey home. After one leaves Crane lands, the mountains loom over flat, empty plains. It is no wonder that members of the Matsu are often so dull, when there is absolutely nothing to draw the mind outside of one's self, except distant mountains and the lands of the Crane that one cannot seem to hold, when they manage to take them. I attempted some poetry about the situation. Shosuro-sensei found it amusing, but suggested I not show it to anyone. Incendiary, I think was the term. Ah, well.

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I am home, though I had just time to see my mother before being whisked off to my debriefing. Father was there, as I expected, along with a member of the castle staff tasked with recording secrets. Father seemed pleased with the material I was able to secure, though he had rather sharp words for me after he learned that I did not keep the Governor in play, but threw a win to Asako Sumiko. He was likewise harsh about my early endeavors to educate my fellow students in the dangers of language. I am urged to hook, tag, and release. I am to endeavor to do this even when my heart sings for vengeance or for mercy. My heart, I am told, has little to do with anything, and I am to banish such considerations as quickly as possible. The entreaty to abandon desire is the only thing of value that Shinsei ever imparted, Father said. I did not ask about the revelation of the Seven Thunders. It did not seem an appropriate time.

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I was stopped in the hall today by a servant with a note from my Father asking me to report to Lord Bayushi's private chambers. I have lived in his shadow all my life, but Lord Shoju does not become less intimidating with familiarity. I was asked to repeat my observations from Agasha Sumiko's experimental dojo, which I did to the best of my ability. And do you know, I was praised by Lord Shoju for my efforts against Agasha Sumiko. He said that this, as well as my notes on the other students that, if they were to show half as much skill (not talent! Skill!) as I had done, would certainly rise to great heights, would be of great value to the clan. He said that he was looking forward to observing my progress in the remainder of my time under my father's tutelage. I did my best to conceal my excitement and my pride. I am not entirely certain that I was successful.

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First interview with Otomo Etsuko today. Mother says that honesty is best with the nakodo, as matches are for life, and a match built on lies is like a house built on marshland. I wonder which truths are the ones that I am supposed to be honest about? There are so many, and of course I have little idea what the nakodo may ask. Ichiro remains at his dojo, and informs me by letter that Father has forbidden him from divulging what was asked in his interview. That would suggest that Father is rather taking Mother's view of the situation--had I knowledge of the questions, I might formulate the persona required to secure an ideal match for the clan, rather than for myself. I do not understand their insistence on this point. Surely loyalty demands that I secure an asset for the Scorpion? After all, Father told me to banish desire and replace it with loyalty. How is one meant to judge whether a particular action is motivated by desire or by loyalty? Am I to trust Father's judgement? He is not my lord; what if he is incorrect?

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The interview was as embarrassing as I feared. The questions were direct, and Otomo Etsuko was rather abrupt at times. She had no use for prevarications and I was put on rather a poor footing. For much of the interview, I was unable to formulate a strategy that could be seen through to its end, so she learned things that played into the fears discussed in my last entry. So I am a homosexual, registered as such in the Imperial Bureaucracy. No surprise to my parents, of course. Not that they would admit that it was had it been in fact. I continue to question whether it might not have been better to suggest a lack of interest in my spouse's sex in order to broaden my usefulness to the clan, though Father has warned me that I am dangerously close to the line between careful analysis of my service to the clan and disobedience to my family. That wouldn't do. I suppose.

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Lord Shoju gave me my daisho today. Father seemed pleased, as did Mother. But then they would, wouldn't they? Ichiro did not return from his dojo for the presentation. Given that I am to attend the Topaz Championship, I suppose that I will not be permitted to see his. Such is life. I am informed that I am to accompany Lord Shoju as a member of his entourage. It is an honor, in the sense that he must understand me to be capable, of sound judgment, loyal. Bayushi Kachiko complimented me on my choice of mask, which I thought rather generous. It certainly was not equal to hers. Dairu was not there, more's the pity. Which reminds me: No word yet from Otomo Etsuko. Father tells me that these things take time, that there is no rush. He says that I probably won't be considered until after the Championship, when the rest of the Empire understands that I have debuted. I suppose. Although, that is not what happened with Nobuko-chan. The way Father and Lord Shoju talk, I ought to be quite the catch, but perhaps not quite the catch that she is. It is like Kokyou's little contest! There must be a reason for this. Perhaps all the young men are nervous about my reputation? There is a downside to becoming a favorite of the most feared man in the Empire. Well, perhaps other than Lord Hida. It depends how you look at it, I would think. But then, so does most things.

Travel back to the Falcon lands was as expected. Road conditions were agreeable, and routine checks of travel papers occasioned no trouble; having the chop of the Ruby Champion upon them appeared to have expedited processing at borders, which is something to remember. I did find myself missing Hirosaka, though--the company more than the town itself, with which I did not have much experience save in coming and going.

The Clan was pleased to hear that I acquitted myself adequately in the experimental training, many remarking that the focused instruction had done me good--although it still left me with a scattering of ability more than a focused interest in anything other than the law. And the tea ceremony, as matters had it; my parents were pleased to have me serve them, and I did better than I had usually done in other company while in Hirosaka. Doji-sensei would likely be pleased at the results.

From what I was able to glean of discussions, nobody had thought that a Minor Clanner would win out. That I did adequately was seen as good enough, and I suppose that is true in some ways. I am not content with it, although I know I could not have taken the top spot. Being bettered by Saburo-san was no shame--the less so in the news from the nakodo, carrying the initial offer.

If my pouring tea had pleased my parents, the marriage offer did so more. Gifts from more distant relations came in, leaving me a fair bit of a bride-piece to take with me into my new life--my next new life, I suppose, since gempukku still awaits. I do not know how long I will be a woman of the Falcon before I become one of the Phoenix--and I know I will be entering the Asako. If all goes as it ought and as I expect it to.

But I have to consider what will happen if it does not. If I do not perform adequately at Topaz, what will happen? We are not what the stories say of the Matsu, but the shame is not something I am comfortable contemplating. It shows me a bit of why some might turn against the law, and that is a dangerous sympathy for me to have...

I got to the castle and explained the true identity of the Ruby champion Dojo. It seemed that my travels to Hirosaka made me forget some of the features of the castle. I feel lost.... I am happy to see Koidan doing well.
****
My sensei tells me that I have to improve the identification of certain herbs. I understand that they are used to heal pain but placing too much salve may kill the person. I find that interesting. Koidan seems to want to know more about my Hirosaka training and seem to want to meet Jiro san. He found it amusing that I found someone that seems parallel to us.
****
I have a feeling that the clan wants me to infiltrate the Crane at some point but I doubt I would be able to do such thing with my poor performance at Hirosaka. I should have had paid more attention to my fellow cousins of the Crane clan.
***
Today, I packed my things to go to the lands of my ancestors. I seem to have no feelings in leaving this place perhaps it is for the better. Might miss Mother and Father. Koidan is coming along to meet his future lord.

***
Life is a pain here. Don't seem to find anything and the night makes my hairs stand on edge. I can feel the eyes looking at me. The spirits here seem in unrest and I have no idea on how to deal with them. Obahan says that she has placed a ward to protect me of the stupid spirits that want to kill me.

***
Ojihan has spoken with a friend and has told me that I start my iai training soon. Great... now I have to follow the honorable traditions of the Crane... woo. I just have to remind myself that it is for the good of the Clan. I need to vent... Going to find Koidan and get in some fun.

****
Damn You KOIDAN! You are my brother why did you go hunting and brought me a "gift". I am going to stop writing and I should burn this thing.

-The Diary of Hitoshi of the Mantis

I got to see Yoritomo-dono and The Bitter Wind today. I didn't get to speak with him, as it was just in passing, as he was sailing into port just as we were leaving. He looked just like I imagined, big and strong, weathered from the years at sea. It was an inspiration to see how he was working with his crew and manning the rigging along with them. He is a great leader for our clan.

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We raided a Crane cargo ship today hoping to find something valuable. Unfortunately, it was just some boring art and nothing truly valuable. I got a lot of stares from them, and many of the Crane sailors hurled insults, telling us we would never be more than nameless pirates, not even worthy to live in the Empire proper. Ill make them eat their words. Someday the world will know the greatness that is the Storm Fleet.

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We have been on coastal patrols around the Isle for a month and the routine is driving me crazy. It's so boring! At least I could work on my archery skulls, as there are many seabirds this time of year to try to bring down. They don't taste too bad either. I even managed to bring one down that had a herring in its talons, a two for one! The ship cook was happy about that!

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We got tasked to provide transport for some Great Clan bigwig from Crab Lands up to Slow Tide Harbor. Once again, I find myself angry for how the other clans think of us. Whenever they think we arn't listening they constantly talk down about us. What will it take for them to treat us with respect and as equals. I had an interesting thing happen though. One of the guests mistook me for a Crane samurai. I don't know why, but it hasn't been the first time in my life this has happened.

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I finally have my chance! A Miya came to the Isles today and delivered notice that I, as well as a few other Mantis have been invited to participate in the Topaz Championship! If we can all do well enough, that should show everyone we arn't inferior! None of us know that much about dueling though, so we will have to practice a lot...

Captain's Log: Emperor's Right Year 1123, 1st of Hantei

I return victorious back to the islands. Not only I managed to incentivize our beautiful Mai-chan in excelling herself and come out with the majority of the Dojo points, I've also inspired Asako Saburo find his true self while we medidated, making him abdicate of his claim and becoming a greater person. A genius move that I should never publicly announce, since it would be unfit for a humble samurai. On top of that, I would never steal someone else's thunder like that. I was only a tool to forge greatness.

--

Captain's Log: Emperor's Right Year 1123, 15th of Hantei

Gossips of my own accomplishments are widely talked about in the sake houses nearby hub villages in Otosan Uchi. I am sure the Empire will soon require my aid to be, once more, a hero. I've heard they're planning an expedition in order to deal with the dangers of the Zokujin city deep within Hirosaka. That would be good, specially now, that I have the powers of a shugenja with this [redacted].

--

Captain's Log: Emperor's Right Year 1123, 22nd of Akodo

Negotiations my mother had with the Imperials Families at Otosan Uchi delayed my travel back to the islands. I'll have to wait a bit more to train with the fleets. Now, we are at this interesting harbor city the Crane left for the us. Mother introduced me to the former Crane Governor and her Family. Three daughters. One Doji maiden prettier than the other. I have to be fair and put my best effort to meet all of them. Hopefully father's gets delayed and I have more time before training begins.

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Captain's Log: Emperor's Right Year 1123, 26th of Akodo

Nearly a week of getting to know the Governor's daughters and mother requires me to leave the city immediately. All three of the former Governor's daughters were deeply interested in knowing more about my training, and deeds. I was bound to show all three the same appreciation in equal measure. It seems my mother's plans to marry me with one of them is not at the table anymore, now that former Governor seems to be aware I had been dating, well, all of them. Better this way. I knew mother wanted to make amendments for me to marry a Crane. That won't do. The sea calls me!

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Captain's Log: Emperor's Right Year 1123, 15th of Doji

I am glad I have been assigned to train with the patrols away from father. Convincing Captain Kandaina to lend me her boat to sail with the Dojo Students was definitely easier than with him. He just doesn't see it, but I know that the only way the Empire will look at us in a different perspective is making them aware of our greatness. Having my classmates here will definitely be a good opportunity to show the might and beauty of the Mantis, and propagate that view positively into other courts. We are students of the Ruby Champion, after all.

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Captain's Log: Emperor's Right Year 1123, 2nd of Shiba

The summer trip was impeccable. Mai-chan, Otomo-sama and even that scurvy Kakita are looking even more lovelier than before. They grew quite a bit. Lesson learned, since I thought Mai-chan would become flat as my ship's walking plank. Anyhow, they all had an amazing time aboard the Kyouka with me as their Captain. Reminder: talk with Captain Kandaina about the hull damages.


--

Captain's Log: Emperor's Right Year 1123, 10th of Bayushi

Father ground--[blurred writing due to water damage to the log]

--

Captain's [blurred]: Emperor's Right Year [blurred], 2nd of [blurred]

[blurred]

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Captain's Log: Emperor's Right Year 1123, 10th of Hida

Finally I can write my notes back. I've managed to dry most of it. Those scurvy scallywags threw me off the cliff to the sea in shackles. Little did they know I have the powers of a mighty shugenja. The look on their faces when I raised an island from the sand just for myself was priceless. I wonder how long it will take for father to hear of this.

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Captain's Log: Emperor's Right Year 1123, 3rd of Togashi

The Bitter Wind. Not cool to be scrubbing its deck every single kami dammed morning and carrying crates all day long. Dojo Raiden was a much better place. The crew here looks hideously awful and smell like rat's piss. No wonder why the other Clans say we are shady and untrustworthy. This is good to face-off gaijin and other bandits, not to win the hearts of the Rokugani. I definitely have to be the example this Clan needs to show the Empire our greatness.

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Captain's Log: Emperor's Right Year 1123, 3rd of Fu Leng

I am beginning to have nightmares from looking at their ugly faces all day long. Hopefully this is the last day navigating Tempest Island. Then, back to Dojo Raiden for more useful lessons. Note: stretch more often like Kitsuki-sensei taught. Muscles are sore everywhere.

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Captain's Log: Emperor's Right Year 1123, 21st of Tenth Kami

Time to sail again, this time taking the Crab Diplomat back to her home town. She's quite interested in the stories of the Ruby Champion and Hirosaka Dojo. Good thing she has a really nice tea set she mentioned she would like to show me.

Meilin’s ashes came back from Winter Court today. Father took the news calmly, but Mother…. Though she was outwardly polite, I could see the rage in her eyes as she formally accepted the return of Meilin’s swords. Meilin had been her favorite. It had seemed an honor, at the time, for Meilin to be appointed yojimbo to an Ikoma in such an important court. But after the duel, the Crane courtiers had told everyone it was all Meilin’s fault. I didn’t believe it for a minute. Meilin had been perfect, her etiquette irreproachable. But the Ikoma courtier had committed seppuku, and the Kakita duelist had received no punishment at all for killing my big sister.

Later, Father came to me while I was practicing in the dojo. “We must talk about your trip to Tsuma,” he said calmly.

“I’ll refuse to go,” I said immediately. “It’s just Crane nonsense anyway. A Lion gempukku is just as good. Better, even!”

“No,” Father said mildly. “You must go, and you must do well. Beat them at their own game, if you can.”

I was silent for a few moments as Father’s words sank in. “It will be as you say, Father,” I said finally, bowing low.

-Journal of Kakita Riku

Kakita-sama and I spent a lot of time in direct training. I know Kazuko and Kotomi are just as skilled as I, but for whatever reason he seems to favor me of the three. It's going to be a breeze to win the Championship, though I do think the other members of the Academy will prove to be somewhat of a challenge.

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Father sent me the most beautiful letter the other day as well as a perfume from Otosan Uchi. I need to think of a good poem to thank him.

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Ugh, I swear Kotomi is just copying me! Not long after I put the black braid in my hair, she also put black in hers!

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Hmm,
1: Kenji
2: Tetsuko
3: Masahiko
4: Nobu
5: Koushi

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I can't believe they sent Kenji and Kazuko instead of me to Hirosaka. Well, jokes on them. While they are away with the Ruby Champion, I;m going to get even more one on one instruction from Kakita-sama

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I broke a bokken today....

Excerpts from a private journal tucked away and forgotten in a pile of luggage:

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We returned from Hirosaka today, the four of us who have trained in Tsuma. Each of our journeys to adulthood are nearing their ends. We did not really know each other well before our venture north the last two weeks, but now we are all very aware. Or perhaps it is merely I that am? My eyes feeling wider open than they have been and my heart empty at the loss of those I had quickly come to be so close to. Those not of Tsuma.

I think I shall write Jiro. There is nothing more I can do in regard to Ichiro-kun at the moment, anyway.

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My time at Tsuma is nearing it's end and I have spent weeks biting my lip in private over worries that foolish Meiriko put into my head last year! That the reason it has taken so long for a nakodo to find a match was because I might not be allowed to bear my spouse an heir as her own sister and cousin were required not to when they married out of the family. That it was a matter of my bloodline needing to be pruned to ensure the purity of it did not become too diluted with outside influence!

Meiriko is a barking dog who's tongue wags whether the heat calls for it or not! I feel like pulling her hair and pouring paint made of blackberries into her blush so she can look as foolish as she has made me feel!

My father has simply been very selective with my future spouse and the only reason things are going so slowly with Ichrio-kun is because he fears what moving to Khanbulak will do for my reputation! He is not against the marriage. It would be very beneficial to our family and theirs. But he doesn't want me to be stifled by ending my career so soon with the stigma being stationed there - in this case, Ichiro-kun being stationed there - would mean.

I am to leave soon to join him in the Capital. He has written that I will be allowed to shadow him for a time in the courts and spend my free hours with the other artisans and more minor members when his duties take him to deal with sensitive matters. I will do my best to convince him that living with my spouse in the seat of his ancestral home will not be in anyway dishonorable. I know reputation is important, but this is poor reason to deny such a good match! And-

Oh, I am letting my emotions rule me. I cannot approach father like this.

I will write Jiro-kun and let him know my worries were unfounded.

-----

I am leaving Otasan Uchi to travel before winter sets in and I must return to Tsuma. Father is more amenable to the idea of my living near to Khanbulak if Ichiro-kun's family are amiable hosts to me and he does well in the Topaz Championship. Hearing that he, too, had been invited, seemed to help calm his worries. I do not know if providing a good showing will be enough to soothe the fears of political death he sees in my future. But after I visit with Kokyou-san, I will travel to the edge of Unicorn lands to meet with someone from Ichiro-kun's family to discuss the marriage arrangements and preferences for ceremony location and time of year should everything be finalized. Father was pleased to allow me to have a direct hand in those plans as he is far too busy in the courts. And I think acting as if it is done with and it is merely a matter of ceremony to sign the contracts until after the Championship will make the match more likely to be finalized.

Another round of dancing to the music of the courts and bowing to the bureaucratic niceties. I used to find them so fascinating. Now I grow tired of them.

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I had such fun with Kokyou-san's tour of the Mantis Isles! Kenji-san and Kazuko-san, and Mai-san, and Dao-san, and oh I forget his name! That other Scorpion from Hirosaka. I wonder if I should ask Jiro-kun about him? No. That might seem insulting. Better to pretend I know it until someone else brings it up again. No need to lose face over a name that might be changed in a few months time.

Oh, and Ichiro-kun was there! He has grown so much! He must have put on another half-foot in the time since I last saw him. I barely recognized him save for the kindness in his eyes and the manner in which he wears his hair. Though it is far longer. And he has a beard now, too. It is nearly as long as the locks on his head! He braids it! Oh how I longed to greet him in the manner of the Unicorn! To wrap my arms around him and embrace him in a long hug that I might feel enveloped by his arms as by a blanket in the chill of winter.

But he was wearing those horrid leathers! And it was very public besides! And then when he took the leathers off! I almost fainted from the sight of him bare-armed and sun-darkened with the spray of the ocean dribbling lines of water along every crease of his muscles.

I will need to buy more gloves that I might rest my hand on his arm without touching the dead skins he wears directly. It should suffice to keep me from becoming unclean, yes?

I should ask a priest.

-----

I returned from Gathering Winds Castle not long ago and was greeted with quite the surprise! Ichiro-kun's family is really trying to sell the marriage to my father so that it doesn't matter the outcome of the Topaz Championship. I think they may have even swayed him a bit! Three riding horses! Three! All geldings, of course, but three of the best riding horses from the stables they own and one of which I will receive as a betrothal gift!

I think I shall name him Seifuu, the West Wind. I asked if they had names and they said that only those intended to ride them gave them names. Until then they were nameless.

Perhaps I can even ride him back to Tsuma! Oh, Ichiro-kun will be so excited to see me atop a Unicorn steed! And I am excited to show him how much I've learned about riding since our time together!

-----

I'm going to ask that after the Championship, I be allowed a year to travel before the marriage. I must assume at this time that taking part in the Championship and finishing it is merely a perfunctory action and we will be married. However... I...

I am not unhappy with the marriage. Or with devoting myself to Ichiro-kun and his family. Or with moving to Khanbulak or someplace close if my father truly insists on making sure the city is not my place of residence in the records.

But I had such fun traveling this summer and early autumn. I saw more of the world than I have in all my life before. As much as I have traveled the Crane coast for visits to family over the years, it is only a small slice of Rokugan. I want to see more of it, if I can. And it is not so unheard of to ask for a year after one's gempukku.

Oh! I could visit the shrines! All the shrines! From the bottom of the map in Crab lands all the way to the top in Phoenix! I could visit Ginkarasu-san, perhaps. I know he does not travel far from his homelands. And maybe I could convince father and Ichiro-kun's family to have him come with me! We could visit the shrines together and ask for their blessings on our marriage.

And we could make our last stop the Shrine of the Ki-Rin! That would show my devotion to joining his family! Oh! What if we had the wedding right after visiting the shrine! I will have to write his family after I ask father for the year of travel and to pull in some favors to secure the proper papers and-

I should wait for the travel papers until after the Championship.

One should not plan the feast before seeing the harvest.

The Brave Adventures of Ikoma Eichiro Volume III

----

I traveled again to our home village while Nijiro remained with Sensei at the Dojo. Some last minute training no doubt before our gempukku. He has been spending more time there than I have, I hope things are going well for him.

Sensei says that I am in the running to represent our family and clan at the Topaz Championship. The fortunes favor me yet again. Perhaps I shall win it all like Ikoma-dono when he faced Akodo-no-Kami. So long as I continue paying the appropriate homage to our ancestors I am sure that they will continue their blessings.

I wonder if I'll have the same luck as Ikoma with the samurai-ko. Hmm, I'll need to try that mustache again while I am at home. Something distinguished will surely catch their attention.

----

Blast, it just doesn't fill in all the way. They say that shaving it causes it to grow in thicker, but I just don't see that happening yet. Father says that he is sure that it will be fine, but that I need to just wait until I'm older.

Mother says I look good without it. I'm not so sure. Perhaps more spicy food will help, more fire kami in the face to help hurry along the hair.

Whatever, Nijiro will be arriving soon and Sensei is coming with him this time. I hope he has completed the remedial training he needed. He spends too much time with his practice swords and not enough time with the books. I'll ask Sensei if there is anything I can help Nijiro with to make sure we graduate together. I would hate for him to miss gempukku if I could have helped.

Maybe Nijiro knows how I can get this mustache to grow in.

----

Sensei says Nijiro is graduating with me, but that there is one final test. We're to go to the Topaz Championship and show everyone what the Lion can do. I'm not worried, the fortunes have favored me with this opportunity and I'm not going to waste it. Soon all will know my name, and Nijiro's too.

Nijiro said it's because of the spicy food that my mustache isn't growing. He says the fire is burning up the hair before it can grow. That can't be right, but what if it is? I like things with taste to it, but sugar would be strange in rice and soy sauce is bleh. I am brave Eichiro though, I'll try the soy sauce instead. Maybe I'll like it this time.

-----

Soy sauce is the worst!

-Journal of Bayushi Mei Lin

Mother and Father were in a very good mood today. When I asked them about it, they said that Bayushi Kachiko-sama had been appointed as the Imperial Advisor. I didn't quite understand why that was such a big deal until they explained what that would mean for our Clan. I am very excited now as well and think there will be a great deal of changes in the Scorpion now because of it!

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I keep being beaten by the other students at the Dojo. It seems like no matter what I do I can't get ahead. I need to come up with a plan so I can impress sensei.

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Father told me about a certain plant that can cause sever sluggishness in a person. I wonder...

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I did it! I was the best student today during sparring matches. I think I know now what to do.

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I've learned a new kenjutsu style today that seems to work quite well with my abilities. You bait your opponent into an attack and then counter it by letting go of the katana, ducking, and drawing the wakizashi into your opponents stomach.

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Since I have been the top ranked student at the dojo for some time now, I have been given an invitation to the Topaz Championship this year! There are a few others from the clan going as well, but I am not worried about them. They can't keep up with me and my special technique!

----------

It seems the runner up from last year will also be going to the Championship. He tld me some very interesting things on our travels to Tsuma....

-The Diary of kitsune Zashi

I should be too old to be this nervous. The idea that I would need to convince a girl’s parents to make an honest woman of her was not something I had in mind when I set out from Kitsune Mori. Not that we’ve done anything to make her dishonest but parents tend to be persnictity about these sort of things.

But I’m doing it. I really didn’t expect to

Why? Well, it’s the gem I suppose: the first bright shiny things she worked with caught my eye, but after being in the forge all those times.
*there is a series of words blotted out with ink*

Few humans shine like she does, and she does so unawares. I’ve told her, but I still think that she can’t see it in herself yet. She’s still rough, but there is something beautiful there that I want to see come through, and I want to be there through every moment.

So yeah, I want to spend what time I can with her. And I’m willing to face the trials ahead to do it.

___________________

The meeting with the parents went...ok? I suppose? They certainly weren’t shoving me out the door, but I think the idea that someone wanted to marry their daughter caught them unawares. And, well, I think the idea of trying to make a splash at the end of the Dojo made it possible to have some reputation. Not as much as I would have liked...but they didn’t shut the door.

The question is, what to do now? I have a long time to wait, and I didn’t exactly have a teacher in Crane lined up. Nothing in Fox either...but that’s a story for another day.

Off to get some inarizushi for now. I’ll think better on a full stomach. Full moon coming, and I need to be ready.

____________________

Had an idea. I’ll see if it works tomorrow

__________

Ha! It worked! It turns out that teachers in the Kakita Academy don’t seem to mind a fox napping outside the window. I knew that nemurai would come in handy, I just didn’t expect it would get this level of use.

Now, I just need to, you know, not fall asleep during lessons. How do people not doze off all the time.
*scratch of writing*

I guess that’s why they won and I didn’t
___________

Well, it seems that the story of a wandering Fox in Crane lands searching for anyone who would teach him before his gempuku has made it some distance. I had included one name as a big fish to reel in: Doji Kuzunobu, the husband of the current Doji champion and former Fox.

Well, it was too much to hope for to be taken under his wing, but he invited me for lunch! That’s big, right?

___________

Ok, I think I finally got my first taste of Crane politics, and hooo boy am I out of my depth.

The lunch went well. It seemed that Doji-sama was rather curious about what brought me here, and why I was bothering. I think...I think I amused him.

The rumor of the lunch spread faster than I could run. Suddenly, Sakura-chan’s parent have zero problems with me courting their daughter and are hoping to make it official.

I think I got played...but in a way that was beneficial to me? Is this what happens when you get welcomed into Crane?

__________

I need more practice than just listening in to lessons. It’s a bit of a risk, but I have to make Tomoe-sensei’s lessons go to use. I’ve been watching the servants at the academy for a while now. I think I have the most bland combination of features in mind.

____________

WOW. Crane do NOT pay attention to heimin servants. Like, at all.

So much the better for me

-Journal of Mirumoto Hinata

This winter was very hard. Our own rations were so little I had to spend many days in meditation instead of eating. The peasants have it worse. There have been many funeral pyres from starvation. I hope that our ambassadors to the Emperor's Winter Court are able to succeed in gaining assistance for us.

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Despite losing some muscle mass from fasting, I am still poised as being one of the stronger candidates from our Dojo this year. I worry for some of the others who are not as centered as I, the lack of food can be incredibly distracting.

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The Courts are over. Word is we were able to get some relief, but it isn't enough. Also, I got word that an alliance was made with the Unicorn, and my likely posting after I gempuku will be in their lands to serve as a yojimbo.

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Mirumoto-dono has given word that our Champion requires all of the Dragon armies muster and prepare for marching out of Dragon lands. To where, no one seems to know yet. I wish I was going with them, it would be exciting to leave the mountains and see Rokugan.

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My desire has been answered by the universe! I was told by my sensei I am to be one of the Dragon representatives at the upcoming Topaz Championship. I will show the Empire the worth of the Dragon and the beauty of our Niten!

-The Journal of Shiba Tōya

I have never kept a journal before. The time it takes to write is better time spent studying. Sensei said that I should document my experience going to the Topaz Championship to provide more insight for the school. I wasn't sure how to start, but seeing as we have been on the road long enough for me to have already exhausted all the texts I brought to study, I thought now would be a good time. I am excited about the new possibilities for learning, though the idea of trying to win a competition seems moot. It's better to focus on what one can gain in knowledge than trying to excel in a tournament hosted by biased judges. It seems a folly to me, the title does not offer anything in the way of learning and instead reinforces the idea that one is the best of a generation and therefore needs not be taught like their peers. No, I think instead of bothering with competing, I would rather just observe and learn. I do not know how much more I will even write in this, as it seems just a pointless self-satisfaction with little benefit.

-The Journal of Moto Batbayar

The journal has many pages of text, written in a strange, flowing script. Those of the Unicorn may recognize it, but even to many of them it is undecipherable. It shares many characteristics with writings brought in from al-Zawira through traders on the Silk Road. Occasionally, there is a few Rokugani characters, but they are poorly written and many times incorrect.

-The Journal of Hazrat

I wish you were here, Grandfather. I wish I could show you what a great samurai I will become, how I will earn my destiny and my place.

I also wish I could have had your guidance. There are so many things I have yet to learn, and so very many things I must be wary of here.

If you can, Grandfather, please watch over me from the Kingdom of Ghosts, both as a protector and a proud ancestor.

○○○○○●●●●●

I must remember to ask what filling is inside rice balls before biting into them. The last batch had some kind of sour pink vegetable in them. If that happens again I will need to have a full waterbag on hand to survive!

○○○○○●●●●●

I learned a new story today. A performer was using puppets to tell the tale of a river monster that was part turtle, part monkey, and had the strength of five horses. I will attempt to record the story here as best I can remember.

The monster would wait until travelers came nearby. If they were on foot, it would grab them and drag them beneath the water. If they were on horseback, it would drag both horse and rider into the water and drown them.

But then three brothers came to cross the river.

The first brother was wise. He bowed to the monster formally, and the monster replied by bowing back. This made the monster become weak, so the first brother could cross the river safely.

The second brother was smart. He offered the monster cucumbers in exchange for safe passage. The monster enjoyed cucumbers, so he agreed and the second brother could cross the river safely.

The third brother was clever. He waited until the monster was right behind him. Then he passed wind with such force that the monster was knocked down, and the third brother could cross the river safely.

The entire audience clapped and laughed when the puppet show was over, but the performer warned children not to play near rivers and to watch out for river monsters. I wonder if I shall have to find some cucumbers, because I am not sure I could use the other two methods to defeat one of those creatures.

-The journal of Yasuki Jun

How foolish. I am to go off to Crane lands and compete for a lousy title I know I will never win, while my brothers and sisters at the Wall have to continue to face enemies the Empire thinks are bedtime stories to scare children into obedience. The mockery of it all.

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Sake Log 1: We have yet to leave Crab lands and the sake at the first stop on our Journey to Tsuma was much like the rest I have had in Crab lands. Well polished, full bodied, and slightly acidic. Always a pleasure either warm or cold.

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Sake Log 2: We have arrived in Crane lands and the sake house here has a a sake with a fruity aroma. More polished than the sake from Crab lands, and less of an effect on the mind, but it is light and pleasant. I wouldn't recommend it warm however. Very easy to drink.

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Sake Log 3: We crossed into Scorpion lands and the sake here was...exquisite. It was extremely light and aromatic, with the flavors blending well on the palate. Well worth the high price.

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Sake Log 4: Lion lands sake was disappointing. I've had better sake from amateur brewers just starting out. The rice used in it was barely polished at all, and the flavor was not inspiring.

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Finally, we have arrived at Tsuma. It will be good to rest and explore the brews offered here. I have high hopes since the first sake I had from Crane lands was quite good, but I doubt it will compare to that of the Scorpion. We shall see.