Oaths

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Oaths

The midday Sun seemed to beat down on Tsuko as he entered the hallowed gates of Shiro Matsu, only seeming to get worse as he approached the doors into the main chamber. With the blade of his father now resting quietly at his right hip, he could not help but feel a certain sense of calm even as he prepared for what was to come. For the second time this summer, Kitsu Tsuko found himself in the court of Kitsu Motso, Champion of the Lion clan.

Unlike the previous occurrence, however, it was Motso himself standing at the dais, not Kado, his hatamoto. The presence of his champion nearly caused Tsuko’s calm to break, but the silent roar of his blade helped keep his expression in a cool, neutral On. His steps brought him slowly towards the dais, never seeming to be in any sort of hurry, but at the same time keeping just the right pace to not make him appear nervous. By the time he had prostrated before the dais, however, he had come to the realization that he had no idea how many samurai were watching this meeting.

Naturally, there was no real time to fix this mistake. “Kitsu Tsuko,” the voice of Motso rang through the room, and Tsuko dared not look up to watch him speak, “The... ‘Crimson Lion,’ some have taken to calling you. I have been paying quite a bit of attention to you since summer began.” The Lord of Lions took a short breath before continuing. “Admittedly, I found believing some of the reports to be... difficult. To hear that one of your training has developed into such an effective and honorable samurai is quite an amazing thing to hear. As such, your actions during the court to determine the grand general of the imperial armies was still more surprising.” Murmurs spread throughout the room, many of them betraying an air of nervousness in the presence of the Lion champion. Still, Tsuko never dared to move, remaining calm despite the potential implications.

Once the whispers died down, Motso continued. “Your loyalties were made quite clear to me, Tsuko-san. Where many even among our clan considered options, you were unflinchingly dedicated to me, uncompromisingly believing that there was no one better to take charge of the Empire’s combined armies. Such dedication is incredibly impressive to me and such devotion to the Lion despite the pressures and beliefs of your peers are things that I greatly need at this time. Because of this, I have spoken to your daimyo, Kitsu Koan, and he has agreed to release your oath of fealty, that you might now give it to me.” Motso watched the young Lion carefully, obviously expecting his response.

Tsuko found that the prostrated position was fortunate for him, as it allowed him to hide the momentary look of shock on his face. Still, with only one true option, he adjusted just enough to grab the two saya carrying his blades and pull them out of his obi, placing them on the ground. His arms were held out, as if displaying them to be gifted. “By my oath, I offer my service, strength, and soul to Motso of the Kitsu, Hero of the Clan War, Veteran of the War against the Shadow, and Right Hand of the Lady Tsudao-Heika, Second of the Line of Toturi, whose reign is filled with strength and Honor.” Again, there was the collective whispering of the court, though this time it seemed far more related to the brazen way he proclaimed Tsudao’s name given the political situation.

Motso, however, seemed pleased with the response. “Rise Kitsu Tsuko, and be welcomed into my service.” As Tsuko rose, the Lion champion’s small smile hardened back into a frown. “now then, there is of course the matter of where to send you now. I have heard tell that you have begun making inquiries about the Ronin group that calls themselves ‘Tsuko’s Heart.’ If I may, why pay mind to such a group?”

Tsuko took a slow breath before he spoke. “This group, this... Tsuko’s Heart. They have been connected to several instances of note recently where the Lion has experienced difficulties, sometimes militaristic ones and other times political. In doing so, they have utilized dishonorable tactics, some of which I believe to be in the realm of criminal. With that, as well as their tying themselves with the former Lady of Lions, I felt something of a personal responsibility to uncover their motives and move to stop them should they prove to confirm my suspicions.”

After a moment, Motso nodded. “Just as I expected from you. With that in mind, I am assigning you to the First Matsu Army, with the position of Shoko Kanbu. Your responsibility is to collect as much information as you can on this otokodate that calls themselves Tsuko’s Heart and bring them to justice should it be necessary. You, Kitsu Tsuko, will show them what it means to truly be a Lion.”

Tsuko bowed low, only in part to hide the near gleeful smile on his face. “I will, Motso-sama. Not even a single one of them will escape The Lion’s wrath.”