Chapter 1
Blood in the Snow



Lord Sutomu is an imposing man, to say the least, clad in the finest that his station as Lord of the Sutomu Clan afforded him, and maintained a bearing that would humble many lesser men by merely being in the same room as the intimidating, and half Oni, Lord of the Sutomu. He strode through the courtyard of his home, all that he saw in this place was his, and he was met by several Samurai who were also sworn to him, who were waiting to deliver him news of the goings on in Suto. He halted before them, not saying a word, as they bowed low to him, and he returned the bow briefly before speaking, a low and solemn tone of voice, without emotion and solely business. "Lord Matsudaira has left Satu, I want you double the amount of soldiers that are in the town at any time. We need to pressure everyone." With that, he turned to leave into his home and paused, turning to the Samurai before they left, and gave one last command that would be followed, lest the Samurai who failed him, and the trespasser, would pay for their foolishness. "And have word set that I am not to be disturbed. I will be attending to my Concubines." And with that last statement, he left into the Sutomu home, and would be true to his word, spending his time with the concubines while his orders were carried out to the letter.

Lord Matsudaira Kishinrou, the Daimyo's son would be found sitting in a humble appearing room, a cup of tea carefully being indulged in by the Lord, while servants made sure that he was fully prepared with anything he might indeed need. The man was reading over a list of duties, everything required of him that evening while he occasionally looked outwards into the natural realm outside his own small tea room. In time, he eventually slowly rose, walking outside at his own pace, taking in the surroundings and open space compared to the infinitely smaller tea room. His gaze fell skyward, the distance holding the swirling dance of snowflakes, and the form of a raven taking its place upon the ground, moving to land for reasons unknown to any but its own humble mindset. What went through its head was unique to it and it alone, and what would become of such actions might be nothing, or everything, depending on how one looked at things.

No one thing happens without a dozen other events occurring at the same time, and it was true of this as well. Within the trade district of the town, a rather interesting bit of commotion was going on, interesting if one found the actions of ronin enforcers interesting. Food was being cooked, hand made wares being sold to whomever would pay the price for them, and, as previously mentioned, ronin of the Kabuki Mono were settling in causing trouble, specifically led by Akinara and Ochie. They spot a stand selling Sake, and make a beeline right for it, leaving the other ronin of the Kabuki Mono that came along with them to their own devices, which meant ruining and harassing other stands in the area while Akinara promptly put a boot into the gut of the Sake salesman, sending him tumbling while the woman spoke right at the man who she had sent tumbling so. "You haven't paid us since we last promised not to spill your drink. Now, where is the payment?" This, coupled with the fact that other Kabuki Mono were ruining other stands, was quite the intimidating sight, to be sure.

Ochie had a grin on her face as well, Naginata slung across her shoulders while Akinara worked over the Sake salesman. Of course, things would not be easy, as a pair of Samurai from the Matsudaira Clan showed up, and they clearly were not happy or prepared to tolerate what the Kabuki Mono were engaged in. They both moved forward, one supporting the other by presence, and the more senior of the two spoke first. "Ronin, be gone from this merchant district, leave these humble peddlers be, if you wish to avoid trouble!" This caused Ochie to move, placing herself squarely between the Matsudaira Samurai and Akinara, and returned their thinly veiled threat with her own, Naginata leveled to be pointed right at the two. "You two had best walk away, or you two will be finding real trouble." This was a stand off, to be sure, and one that would not easily be solved. After all, the Kabuki Mono would not back down, and neither would the Matsudaira Clan Samurai. It was a test of wills as well as potentially a test of steel, if things went sour fast.

Within the market was not just turmoil, after all, a flower of some note, figuratively speaking, Was speaking to kiosk owners so they could point her in the right direction to finding a new comb in this busy marketplace. Matsudaira Ofue stood out amongst the regular peasantry and low class citizens, even without the retainers escorting her safely about the town in search of some items. She almost radiated beauty and elegance, traits that befit royalty rather obviously, but she took it to a level few others were said to match. She held herself with grace despite this, never seeming to descend into arrogance that often times trailed such women around like a bad omen on an otherwise unblemished record, and was generally well liked and received because of this. Her looks helped, as did her grace in dealing with others, so it was rarely hard for her to find and get what she desired, without lowering herself to crude, base levels others might find themselves relying on. It was when she saw the tension filled situation as she turned a corner that she sent one of the guards off to find her brother Lord Matsudaira Kishinrou to tell him what could possibly be about to take place in his town.

On the outskirts of the town, on a road leading in, were the corpses of a band of Imagawa Samurai, who had been escorting a supply train into the town of Suto. To outside, casual observers, a band of monks had assaulted the samurai and laid them low in a way that might have seemed dishonorable, having ambushed them without warning and giving no chance to retaliate. Even more dishonorable, to onlookers who were knowledgeable, would have been the fact that these monks were merely Sutomu samurai wearing the garbs of monks, and utilized this to evade blame to the Clan. They were executing any survivors they had found, loading the supplies that once belonged to the Imagawa into kagos quickly, before they were discovered or set upon by bandits who wanted to try and take opportunity of the apparent Monks cleaning up after another unfortunate raid by bandit scum of another sort.

Toshiro never understood the appeal of riding horses. They smell. They bite. They never do what you tell them. What was so wrong with walking? thought the young man as he walked on the snowy avenues of Suto. Only an arrogant samurai would need four legs to get him around. Maybe they can't carry their massive ego's otherwise? he mused. The town seemed to be in an uproar, which suited Toshiro just fine. It was easier for a guy like him to blend in that way. Dressed as he was, he could easily have been mistaken for a poor farmer. No one would suspect that he was a ninja, and a deadly one at that. In Toshiro's personal experience, people tended to see what they wanted to see. Most foolish samurai never knew the "helpless peasant" was a trained killer until he passed a thin blade between their ribs. Still, he made a mental note to look into the disturbance in town after his meeting, and maybe dinner, time permitting. He strolled up to the main gates of the palace. The guards on duty stopped him, but relented when he claimed he was on official business with the Daimyo's son, Kishinrou. One of them turned and headed inside, to inform the young lord that a peasant man was here to see him, claiming he had news from the west.

Emi listened as the commotion in town seemed to escalate and rushed after Ofue Sama as she investigated and sent a young samurai to tell Lord Kishinrou what was going on. Emi looked at the rest of the Samurai, then he looked at Ofue. “Should we try to prevent further destruction , Ofue Sama?” He asked, itching to stop the people terrorizing the merchants. Also the two Samurai definitely looked like they were in some trouble at the moment. Emi tightened his grip on his Tsukubo, thinking of the odds they could chase the terrorizers off. It was possible, with some quick decision making and maybe a little luck they would suffer no casualties.

Kenji's peaceful stroll across the marketplace was halted by a ruckus. Upon closer investigation he discovered that some Kabuki dogs were the cause of this, yet upon his arrival there were pair of samurai already at the scene. For his own amusement, Kenji listened for the two factions threaten each other for a while, before moving to the other side of the pair of Kabuki, cutting off one of the ways they could turn and run to. His hand lands on the hilt of his katana and his only seeing eye locks at the two ronin, darting between them to observe both at all times."Leave and walk away you say. I am afraid that, will not do." He then speaks and draws his blade slowly."I am afraid that will not do at all. Because you see, this is lawful town, it's people are loyal to the Lord of these lands. You, on the other hand, have no place in this town, nor these lands." He assumes a stance unlike any samurai yet, with his right hand gripping the hilt of his sword tightly, and left one resting at the blade which is pointed to the ground for now."So, here is what we shall do. You will lay down your arms. You will then proceed to follow me and I, will lock you both up. You will dust away in a cell for a day or two, until our Lord decides whether you are worth to be pardoned from your crimes, which so far include blackmailing, threatening and terrorizing the townsfolk and that, is for this day alone, let's us not go into deeper detail here, for I do not have the whole day to waste for you two. If our Lord will not see fit sparing your miserable lives, He will have you executed like rabid dogs you are. Or then, you can resist. But if you do that, I will cut you both down right here, right now and then, there will be no one to remember you, no one to cry after your corpses that will be carried away and buried under the ground, where you will rot until the end of the world itself.." He finishes his speech, not once does his eye leave either one of the two out of it's vision, and his tone won't change at all, it stays calm and strong, and let's out an impression that this man knows more than the two thugs can imagine. And just to add some pressure on the two, the tip of his sword lifts up for few inches and he frowns."What shall it be, Mori Akinara!" He shouts and locks his eye at the man now.

Eyes tinted with red watched the scene from a balcony, from the daughter of the Daimyo Matsudaira, to the Kabuki-Mono Ronin harrasing the peddlers, a small smirk on his face "Chaos indeed... Master Kotaro would be most pleased, the Ronin are making themselves known, a little too soon, but that is of no matter" he mused silently as he watched the two Samurai approach, a jovial smirk on his lips, almost expecting combat to ensue, but hoping that it did not, no, that would not do.

A new voice caught the Fuma Ninja's attention, a voice from directly below, the voice brought a small chuckle from the almost juvenile Ninja "Ooooh, another of the Matsudaira dogs wishes to challenge the Ronin, perhaps, I should send word to Yusura, or possibly Shin... No, no, they won't be necessary" he mused silently to himself, scratching his chin as he watched from his vantage point, humming softly. "No, I shall just watch, ensure nothing that belies the will of Chaos occurs, only then, shall the Fuma emerge from shadow.

Tensions were noticeably on the rise today. There was already a fight brewing - something that really did not concern the small group of men. They stood out like a sore thumb - if not for their clothing, then at the least for the crest of the Shimazu clan adorning their clothing. The small group of Shimazu samurai numbered nine in total and not one of them was wearing a helmet - their leader actually wasn't wearing any sort of armor at all. The small group was in the middle of jesting about taking a morning stroll through the town in full armor being a bad omen of sorts.

Yamato Shimazu - the man not wearing an armor - laughed along with his men, but underneath the smile and hearty laugh came the thoughts of this situation. It was not open warfare yet, but a single spark could ignite the whole town and even the surrounding provinces. "If those ruffians flee do not interfere, just let them pass..." He whispered to his men as the small group watched from the sidelines at an obvious apprehension attempt. Yamato examined the Metsuke who was making the apprehension attempt - there was something unnerving about the man, though they were nearly of the same height the Metsuke was just... in a noticeably better physical condition. "Keep your guard up around that man..." The Shimazu muttered to his men and instinctively lowered his left hand on the hilt of his katana while excitedly wondering would the next heartbeat or blink of an eye turn the morning in to a bloodbath..

This morning, as every morning, Sayuri had been visiting her parents. The house they lived in belonged to the Hisakawa family for eight generations. It is safe to say that the Hisakawa family was one of the most respected families among the Retainers of the Matsudaira. Her father, his father before him, and their fathers had always served the Matsudaira faithfully and with honor. It was a modest but respectable home adorned with mementos of different battles and campaigns along with several racks of fine clothing that her mother made. It was settled in the northern end of the city center on a slight hill right next to a Shinto shrine. It was also one of the few houses with it's own wall. Inside the walls of the Hisakawa household was a garden maintained by the two servants afforded to their family. One was an elderly woman by the name of Setsuko, the other was a young girl about 16 years old named Rio. Setsuko had served their family since her early twenties and had cared for Sayuri when she was a child. Rio had only recently come to work as a servant due to the loss of her family to bandit raids.

In the common room of the house sat two figures drinking tea and looking out to the gardens. One an elderly man of about 50. Looking at him now one might never have guessed that he was once called the Sword of Justice. There was a time when men feared the very sight of him but time had taken it's toll. Even now he was very intimidating despite his physical condition but a chronic and incurable stomach illness has left him weak and unable to wield a sword. Next to the old man was a young and beautiful woman, Sayuri. Her silk black hair and fair complexion were gifts that she carried with grace. Were it not for the Daisho on her Obi one would not think of her as a warrior. She had been training her entire life to use them with skill. A Naginata lay next to her on the floor. Both of them were Samurai and followed Bushido, although in their own home the formalities often stayed behind at the door. They looked upon the gardens as they spoke.

Sayuri: "It's quite cold today, Father. Wouldn't you rather be inside?"
Ichitosen: Why? So your Mother can fawn over me like I'm a sick dog? Ever since I resigned she has been this way. I understand that I am weak and the Doctor says I should rest more I cannot help but feel restless."
Sayuri: "I worry for you, Father."
Ichitosen: "I know. I suppose I have become a burden now that I am old and weak. It makes me think of your future."
Sayuri: "My future?"
Ichitosen: "Yes, I often wonder who would be a suitable husband for you. The Hisakawa family ends with you now. Were I gifted a son by the heavens it would be a different matter. I have given it much thought this past year, he should be a man worthy of you and wealthy enough that I do not have to worry."
Sayuri: "Am I to marry a rich and fat Merchant then?"
Ichitosen: "HAHA! I would not be so cruel as to give you away to a slob, no. I have someone else in mind. We have served the Matsudaira clan for six, no seven generations now. I think it is appropriate that you should be affiliated with their family."
Sayuri: "Even so, Daimyo Matsudaira would do much better to marry Young Lord Kishinro to someone else."
Ichitosen: "Not him, though if I could that would be a great blessing. No, I speak of the other boy."
Sayuri: "Kaito-kun..."
Ichitosen: "I know you are fond of him already. You used to play together as children. So many years ago."
Sayuri: "It would be a great honor. Have you spoken to Lord Matsudaira?"
Ichitosen: "I have already sent a letter to be delivered asking permission, though I've yet to inform the boy. I Know it's a bit unorthodox but I thought you might like to tell him yourself."
Sayuri: "I see..."
Ichitosen: "When this goes through I can die in peace knowing you will carry our honor, although you will not carry our name. This is enough for me."
Sayuri: "Father..."

Six years. That was how long Shin had been gone for, and it was to no surprise that many of his clansmen didn't know who he was when he arrived several days ago. His family was in the dark about his return, he wanted no contact with them, especially when he had to focus on his missions. The commotion from outside was starting to disrupt Shin's inner peace, making him almost spill the sake he had just been brought. Had this happened when he was younger, perhaps he would've lost all sense of reason and confronted the individuals causing the disturbance, and likely gotten himself killed in the process. Carefully lifting the mask that hid his face, he brought the dish to his lips and drank it before setting it down on the counter, lowering his mask back into place. He slowly stood from his seat, making his way toward the door several feet away, "Sir, your sake?" the owner asked. Shin stopped for a moment, "Give it to someone else, I won't be returning." he replied before walking out. The first thing he saw were a group of ronin hassling a nearby sake stall to his right; he knew who these scum were, the Kabuki Mono. He heard more of them, it seemed there were also Matsudaira Samurai now getting involved. Shin cursed his luck, it was one thing if it were just the samurai, they were easily dealt with. But the fact the Kabuki Mono were here as well, things were certainly going to get dangerous, and from the looks of the naginata one was wielding, there were going to be casualties. It was here that he spotted the woman behind the samurai, she was giving orders to one of them, and it dawned on him who she must be.

This confrontation meant more than a simple skirmish, if the Kabuki Mono managed to get their hands on the woman, there would be no end to the conflict between the Matsudaira and the Kabuki Mono. It would engulf everything. However, despite this knowledge, Shin had no intention of assisting the clearly outmatched samurai. They were his enemies, and as such, he would leave their fates to the ronin. He turned to look in the other direction, finding his escape route, the crowd of people who were busy going back and forth between shops. With the samurai and ronin distracted, Shin made his way into the crowd, taking care not to bring attention to himself, stopping at one of the untouched stalls. He pretended to be interested in what was for sale, though keeping his eyes on the inevitable conflict that was brewing, he knew Lord Sutomu would want to hear what happened, even if neither the Sutomu or Fuma were involved. Shin knew it was entirely possible that several of his clansmen were already here and watching, after all, it wasn't like he was the only shinobi the Fuma had. He discreetly lifted his hand and slid it into his outfit, his fingers finding a pair of the poison-tipped darts he carried with him. Should his clansmen enter the conflict, he would be ready to assist them.

Yurusa sat upon a large building over looking the market place. This was his favorite place of all, he felt like a king, over looking his kingdom. The market place was a treasure trove of entertainment. Watching the merchants sell there items to consumers, yelling and screaming at one another over trivial matters of what stall goes were. It was all entertainment for Yurusa, all fun and games, that were all like ants to him, trying to scramble up that figurative later of life. That was when Yurusa saw the dispute between some samurai and Ronin on the east side of the market. Yurusa was invigorated, another show of bloodshed was going to happen. His favorite part of the day, watching the unless Ronin, trying to fight the professional Matsudaira samurai. Yurusa smiled, this was a show he was going to enjoy.

Sutomu Yagiri stood, still in his disguise, as he supervised the transfer of the supplies of the dead samurai before him onto the transport they had secured. He didn't mind the actual tactics used to make the assault on the unsuspecting rivals, after all, his own personal style of swordsmanship revolved around sudden, precise attacks in one fell motion. And this kind of ambush was the best plan for evading attention to his clan, as well as securing the supplies that these men and been escorting. He was moving between corpses, checking to make sure they were indeed dead, and a quick drawing slash ensuring that they were indeed dead, and would remain so. Making sure his blade remained clean, and hidden from sight otherwise, he hastened the warriors he was assigned for this task, the longer they were out here working, the more likely someone would stumble upon the situation. He didn't feel like making more problems with additional corpses, or potential witnesses. Both of these things would be unwise and would not work in the long or short run of things, so he could not waste time with pleasantries or respect for the dead, as it were. It wouldn't take much longer to get the supplies underway, firmly under the control of the disguised Sutomu warriors, led by a rather surprising figure, if one would discover his identity.

---

Hideaki Shouta had followed the other Kabuki-Mono to the market district, with the plan to extort and intimidate the various merchants there, and while his compatriots were busy doing just that, he figured that his own Yumi would be more useful from a vantage point. He let himself into a building that overlooked the market, heading for the top of the building and finding himself a nice, reliable vantage point over the whole market, and as he watched the confrontation unfold, readied his Yumi, resting an arrow against the string of the weapon, ready to be drawn back and released without a moments hesitation, his aim already steadied on the one yelling and demanding the others surrender. Loud, noble, honorable, and a brazen target, Shouta suspected he could make a target like that in a gale, let alone a calm day such as this. But he did not let loose yet, scanning between the opposing samurai and the boisterous one, if things came to violence, one of them would find an arrow in a rather inconvenient, and most likely lethal, location.