The Hand of Death

Author's note:

Hey everyone, so if you've made it this far then you should know, this is the last chapter of Book 1. I will be posting Book 2 "The Bloody Bandai" here on Literotica, eventually. Sorry. There will be a wait. Book 2 is almost complete and should make its way here in about a year.

Chapter XXV

"Spies cannot be properly managed without benevolence and

straightforwardness."

"

The Art of War

"

~by Sun Tzu~

The Koga would stay in Honshu-ko for almost a month but I would only be there for another few days. The Emperor was so interested in what was found after the battle that he was actually coming to visit Oni Toshi. Masao ordered me, as much as he could, to go home.

"You cannot stay, Hiro."

"But I have never seen the man."

"And that will change soon enough."

"I am not sure I like the sound of that but back to the point. Why can I not stay?"

"...The Iga are his personal shinobi. They have heard of you. It would make them...

uncomfortable

if they knew you were here."

I nodded. "So your concern is just that I could be a distraction."

"Yes. This is a very important visit for our friends. I do not want to ruin it for them because some snot nosed Iga could not focus."

"...But you get to stay?'

"Well, yeah!" He laughed.

I truly was not that upset but I wanted to get the most out of his joke so I mocked a look of exasperation. "How long do I have?"

He gave a small shrug. "The Emperor is due here in five days so you have three or four to work with. What are you thinking?'

It was my turn to shrug. "I assume the others have heard the news. So I do not want to tell them I am leaving just when they have heard he is coming. I will wait until the day after tomorrow and then announce something has come up."

He agreed that sounded best and we went back to the court, as there was always more to

discuss. Later that evening after eating and bathing with Shingan I took her for a stroll through

Nobu's gardens. They were nice. A little too utilitarian for my taste but very tranquil. I had heard that the monks and priests were giving lessons here and I had hoped to find them. Apparently they recognized the rarity of three Houses meeting like this under good terms and wanted to observe as much as they could.

Some of the Komuso were playing their flutes so it was much easier to locate them than I had originally thought. We eventually heard an animated conversation coming from just ahead. As we rounded the last bend we saw a large group of about 30 monks; Sohei, Komuso and Yamabushi, as well as a few priests of Shinto.

I am not sure what the previous person had said but Michi was commenting forcefully, "It - is - best, if a man is righteous so that the Kami do not despise him and work against him!" He stated.

"That is

preposterous

!" I almost yelled.

Everyone was looking at me. Even Shingan had an incredulous expression on her face when she hung her head and looked at me.

Michi had a knowing grin on his face when he replied, "Of

course

the Komuso-ko disagrees."

I smiled as Michi and I bowed to each other. The flute playing had stopped as those monks were suddenly interested in what was transpiring. I saw Brother Soryo sitting with Brother Yuri and a few other Yamabushi. So I escorted Shingan to sit with them.

Brother Yuri asked, "What did you mean by 'Komuso-ko,' Michi sama?"

"When I first met Hiro, he was a Komuso monk."

There were some surprised breaths from all of the monks at that comment.

Brother Yuri nodded. "Ah. When I first met him he was a heimin child running the streets." Michi laughed. "How was he as a monk?" Yuri asked.

"Very good actually. The people loved him and his insight on the Dao was exceptional. He was obviously well trained."

"Domo arigato." Replied Yuri.

My eyebrows shot up. "Oh ho! An enlightened man will always take credit for his

accomplishments, Brother?" I asked loudly.

He nodded to the amusement of the others. I removed my daisho and set it next to Shingan. Then removed my outer white and red robe and red obi. My simple black under robe hung loose over my white pants and sandals. Looking more like a monk I walked to the middle of the group and looked at Michi.

"If we could get back on topic. I believe we were at, "A man should conduct himself

righteously, because that in itself is

best

for him."

Michi made a face. The debate that followed was very good. It became loud enough that all three of the House Daimyo overheard us and apparently they just

had

to come listen. I had a great time as it reminded me of the preaching Michi and I would have together in Toshi Morijunin. A very happy time in my life. I only had another night of this but it was worth staying for. I made sure to make my apologies the next day to all of my friends but something had come up back home. So I would have to leave and miss the Emperor's visit. They were sad but they understood the needs of a House outweigh personal desires.

Shingan's father, Raijin, would be staying with the wounded at the Chasm. Apparently he had been feeling guilty about thinking less of them until he saw them in battle. I didn't know he

had

feelings. So I was impressed. Shingan and Father did NOT think that was funny.

Chudai was still with the wounded at the Chasm. She had been acting as the Hanchou for her squad when she received her wounds trying to keep her ashigaru alive and fighting. She and four others had stood out to a point that even the other Daimyo had noticed. I awarded a Daisho to her and the others who made a good account of themselves. Daiki, Yoshio and even the bitter Hiroki issued promotions to their samurai and the ashigaru from their lands who had distinguished themselves in the war.

With all of that settled along with our goodbye's, we took the slow way home with our family and friends. Sanuro had returned home almost immediately as his child was due at any moment. Daiki had sent him with one of his flying men to get him there that much faster.

The trip home was pretty uneventful. Which is to be expected when you are a group of 1800 battle worn Koga. The rest, like Chudai, had to stay at Honshu-ko and heal.

When we did get home everyone was excited to see us. I cut the ashigaru loose and they ran the last quarter of a mile to their families. The samurai were next and they took off like the ashigaru had. Like children. The rest of us brought up the rear. I listened to Kubikiri about any news. Not much had happened while we were away but everyone was glad to have us back. I did notice I couldn't find my parents until much later that evening.

A week later Chudai and the other 200 of my wounded arrived home led by Shingan's father. Eventually I had Sanuro move his family to Shiro no Kuninoko. I had the feeling we would be working together regularly. His wife seemed very nice and he seemed to be treating her very well. I'm not sure what issues they had before but the birth of their daughter seemed to have settled it.

I did stay in close contact with Nobu to make sure he had everything he needed. Daimyo Yamamaya had doubled the amount of samurai around the Chasm. The Koga left 30 shinobi to patrol the woods a full 12 hours a day as our contribution to his security. While the Shikoku had done the same with 30 Sohei. We all figured anything that got through those two groups, AND the Honshu, deserved to have the damn place.

The Imperial visit went well and Masao checked back in with us on his return trip. It sounded like Nobu and Yamamaya were very flattered and the Emperor could not get enough of the war stories from all that were involved. Although the ashigaru were glossed over as "mononofu." Once he had caught us up on all of the details of the visit, he discussed a new topic with us.

"Sanuro, Shingan, Hiro, gomen nasai but I must pull you all away from your home for a while. My wife, Kumiko, has requested a person of Hiro's abilities and I need to send him to her."

"There is a lot to question in that statement. We will certainly go but why send three when she wants one. And why me? You have many competent Shinobi. Why not just send her Sanuro? No one likes him anyway."

"Hey!" Sanuro put on his best fake mad face.

Masao smiled and nodded. "There are many reasons that even she herself does not realize... Apparently we are at war with the Iga."

"Masao, my friend, that sounds like something you should have shared sooner."

"I would have if I had known but I just found out myself."

"How long have we been at war?" I asked

"About ten years." He said.

Shingan commented, "I need sake." And then she got up and walked towards the liquor chest.

"Get the big glasses!" Yelled Sanuro.

Once she returned and we all had a drink. I asked, "Alright. Now if you could please tell us what is going on?"

Masao nodded. "Do you remember when you three killed the two Nukenin when you were in the Bei-oshi?" We nodded. "Those were not Nukenin. They were Iga. Do you recall they had the same marks as your sensei at the time?" We nodded. "The marks were actually of the Iga House Shinobi. This led us to the mission where your class helped to cause a large distraction in the capital. Our spies were able to slip into the Iga Palace and get copies of their documents. The documents wielded information about jobs they were performing. For years we simply thought they were hiring out their Shinobi for yojimbo work. Practical. Simple. Easy to accept."

We all nodded dreading what he was about to say next.

"So when we worked our way through several of the documents seized from Kodoku's library in Oni Toshi. I was very surprised to find out he had knowledge of a war between our Houses."

"How?" Asked Sanuro.

Masao shrugged. "He had captured a few of their men unintentionally and interrogated them. Once he knew something was there he began casting scrying spells for more information."

"Interesting that he did not 'scry' his demise." commented Shingan.

"Well he was more interested in the Iga. They seemed to be his focus so he had no idea what we were up to. Anyway, his information lends more credence to what the Iga have been doing. Their plan is to take financial control of the Houses before declaring open war on us. This was the plan your ninja class stumbled upon when you killed that merchant several years ago. They already hold the Bandai, the Okayama, the Kyushu, the Awaji and they are very close to controlling the Imperial family."

"So you are sending us to Kyoto to kill all of them?" I asked.

He smiled a lot. "No. You are a distraction. Nothing more." I involuntarily rolled my head back and forth to ease the tension in my neck. "I am just teasing. They will not believe you are not there for a very serious reason. They know you. They know Sanuro and Shingan were the other two ninja that killed their men. If you three are together in the capital then something serious is about to happen."

Sanuro asked, "How do we know they know us?"

"Aya-aiko has uncovered proof of it. She managed to slip her way in as a guard of their castle and has overheard many conversations between their Daimyo and his lords."

"So while we are distracting them, what will the Koga do?" I asked.

He nodded. "Yes, Hiroki was able to recover many Oni Masuku from the war. We will issue these to key men and replace their agents in these houses with our own. Once that is in place we will destroy the Iga and replace them in the capital."

"...Masao, that is a lot of power for one House Daimyo." I said.

"I know. I know I walk a fine line here but I will not fail you in this, Hiro sama... The Iga

started this years ago and if we are to survive then we must eliminate them."

I asked, "Do we know why?"

"I wish I did. Maybe we could come to some sort of compromise but whatever their reasons, they never talk about them. You will have full access to Aya once you are there. She is the one with the best chance of finding out. ...I recommend keeping her as part of your team. The capital is a big toshi."

I refilled my glass as well as the others who wanted more. "So for now we go and do whatever Kumiko wants?"

"Yes. Some

Miyamoto

duelist is being a nuisance. She wants him dead. I am sure she has other tasks as well. Remember, she knows nothing about any of this."

Problems with a Miyamoto surprised me. "A Shikoku? Now?"

He gave a big shrug. "Apparently he is working for an ambassador of the Shikoku who has become a problem in the last few weeks."

"What does Aya know about any of this?" Asked Shingan.

He shook his head. "Only what

she

has discovered."

I mentioned, "Your wife is known for being difficult at times. I may have to call on you if it gets out of hand."

"Absolutely! But keep in mind, I married her for a reason. She is very good at getting us what we want."

I held up my hands, "I promise I will not kill her."

He looked at me like I was stupid. "That is

not

what I meant. Do not make a big deal out of her ego and pride. Try to act like a...

normal

Shinobi."

The others laughed. The next day we made arrangements for our departure. Raijin, my mother, uncle and aunt were all back in Goemon Toshi while Father had returned to the capital.

"I think I shall play a simpering twit." I said.

"How would this be different from your normal behavior?" Shingan commented. I looked at her sternly. "Well if you are just going to throw those out there you have to expe..."

I held up my hand to interrupt her and said, "Silence, wife."

Sanuro commented, in an overly serious tone. "You - are - perfect for the role, Hiro sama."

Shingan smiled. "And why do you want to be a twit?"

"Because I just realized my father is there and it will drive him crazy."

"No wonder my father never liked you." She commented.

"What?!"

"Nothing dear." She smiled.

I would be taking my men with me, especially Koruko. A spy master is always handy. I was leaving Kubikiri as my Shugodai to run things while I was away. Kira would be coming with us as well since I would still need to check on Hisao once a month. It only took a few days before we were leaving. We stayed in Goemon Toshi just long enough for me to get word to Lord Masao that I was on my way. He had my traveling papers sent to me. So we would be able to travel the Emperor's road to the capital.

From Goemon Toshi we headed south-west towards Teikoku Toshi no Kyoto. It was an easy two day journey. I used the time for my men and me to get accustomed to our roles. We spoke as if Jerukukami wasn't an Onmyoji, which was easy since he carried a daisho unlike most mages. Menuki was not a samurai-ko. Just a simple servant like Sanuro. Masakari, Hoko, and Yumi were our yojimbo. Shingan was just a house-wife and Koruko was an aid. Kira got to stay an Onmyoji and of course, I was a spineless twit.

The second day we could see Kyoto ahead of us. It was huge. I had never seen it in the daytime. White stone walls jutting up from the earth several stories high, and in the center of the immense metropolis was the Emperor's golden city. Home to the imperial family for over 4000 years. It lay in the middle of Teikoku Toshi no Kyoto. Glimmering and shining as if it had been polished. I didn't notice the rooftops at first. They blended into the whole picture so well. Just little points of light adding to the overall beauty. After several moments Menuki got our attention by clearing her throat.

Then she said, "My lord, should I start making camp since we are obviously staying here for the night?"

"Are you not in awe of the most powerful city in the world, Menuki san?" I said.

"It may be the most powerful but I am not impressed by dilapidated hovels and crumbling walls, my lord."

I took a closer look at the city and realized I had let my sentimentality get the better of me. The outer districts were cramped, and the outer wall was all but useless. It had gaps in it big enough to march an army through. I had forgotten about that from the last time we were here as young ninja. True the heart of the city was gorgeous, but its outer districts looked the same as any other town with more people than money. I shook my head and prodded my pony forward.

We passed a few empty buildings and several farms where the heimin were tending the rice, as we worked our way towards the southern entrance of the capitol. We could have gone through any number of the gaps easily enough but that wouldn't have been proper. I could see a large eta village outside the western wall with many huts, and many more people. We had to pass through a smaller peasant village, where children were playing, to get to the south gate where the Yoriki would check our papers. There were several Yoriki and their men patrolling this small hamlet as we rode through. Masakari led the way to the gatehouse.

"What is your business here, Koga san?"

"To escort my lord, Shotoku Hiro, to Lady Kumiko, Yoriki sama."

The man looked over the papers for several moments before stamping them with a wax seal and handing them back. "All is in order. Welcome to 'The Golden City,' Shotoku san."

They bowed to each other as we rode on. I could see a large warehouse immediately to our left next to the immense temple of Amaterasu. The temple was grand and it seemed to glow as we passed it. I had a difficult time pulling my vision away from it. On my right were merchants' and artists' stores and schools. I could hear music coming from a few of the establishments. There were a few more mundane shops and buildings to my right with a large garden in the distance behind them but again, to my left was another temple. I could see the kanji for the fortune of longevity, Jurojin, on the arched entrance. There were many people here, so many that I almost didn't notice the robber take a man's purse in the distance. There was no way to get to him through this crowd, and there were no Yoriki in sight. I saw the victim shrug his shoulders to himself and walk off.

People and peddlers filled the streets as we turned right past several weapons merchants' shops. We rode to the south gate of the middle city. There were several fruit vendors hawking their goods on our left; they seemed to be without inhibition when it came to selling.

"Would you care for some pomegranates to refresh you, my lord?" I shook my head. "How about for your men?" I considered that for a moment.

"Would any of you care for some fruit?"

Masakari shook his head. "Domo arigato, my lord. But I am fine."

Jerukukami just nodded no as he looked at all the traffic around us.

Menuki however, "Yes, domo arigato, Hiro sama."

We dismounted together. "What would you like, Menuki san?"

"A pear would be very pleasant."

I nodded and turned to the merchant. "One pear, Bandai san."

He nodded and picked a juicy one from the pile. "That will be twenty-five Wado, Shotoku sama."

I stopped reaching for my money. "Menuki san, I am afraid I must let you down. You will have no pear today." I lisped.

Her mouth was open. She looked as if she still hadn't understood the man. Even Masakari and Jerukukami had whipped their heads around at the price.

The man looked hurt. "My lord, it is a fair price."

"I believe a fair price would be five Wado in any other city, Bandai san?"

"These are the finest pears in all of Giapan, my lord."

"That may be but I shall never know." I put away my purse and turned to get back on my

pony. Menuki followed suit. The man came from behind his counter.

"Are you implying that I have deliberately raised my price to you?!"