Fourth Day of the Sixth Month, Year One Thousand of the Reign of the Ichiya Dynasty

Kosuke

It had been a long day, as most days were. Five years had passed since the last time any had tried any sort of violence towards the Emperor. And for Sato Kosuke, the Captain of the Emperor’s Chosen, this meant that there had come to be very little to do.

He preferred it that way, in truth. To wish that someone live in interesting times was a curse. And he had almost died to that curse. It was only quick thinking back then that had saved him. He hoped that he had sufficiently scared any other would be rebels from that path.

As he slid open the door to his estate, his wife Kimika and young daughter Himari waited for him. He stared at them both for a long moment, a smile on his features.

“Father,” the young daughter interjects cheerfully. Today was her twelfth birthday, and he could not help but smile inwardly at how much she had grown. “I know that you just returned home, but I was hoping I could discuss schooling with you soon. My friends are all set to travel for Dojo when Winter thaws, but-”

Kosuke raised his hand to cut his daughter off. “Let us talk about this tonight. I am famished, and I seem to recall that tonight we are having someone’s favorite meal.”

Himari sighed. He knew that she hated being condescended like this, but it was good to gently remind her that she was very much still a child. “Yes, Father. Of course.”

Dinner that night started off as awkwardly as he expected. His daughter did love her mother’s preparation of Tonkotsu, but this evening she was just picking at it.

Fortunately, Kosuke knew just what to do.

“Have I ever told you the story of Sato?”

Her eyes perked up in interest. “You have hinted, father, but never told the full story, no.” He was impressed. She was clearly interested, but trying desperately to temper that interest in decorum. Such efforts were to be rewarded.

“Well, continue eating and I shall speak of it in the meantime.” The promise of this got her eating, and he took the opportunity to enjoy a cup of sake.

“It is said,” he began, “That the Kami came down to Nishibi for the first time one thousand years ago. The continent of Nishibi was ruled by a terrible despot; the Immortal Emperor. Of course, very little is known about the Immortal Emperor. This is by design. They were a despot of horrific proportions, you understand.

“The six Kami came down in resplendent glory, it is said, and assaulted the Despot’s capital. For six days and six nights the Kami fought, slowly pushing against their enemy’s defenses. Until sun down of the sixth day, when it is said that the youngest of the Kami, Saito, found a path under the City. He and Ichiya, his eldest brother, traveled the path for several hours, only to discover that it led directly into the Emperor’s throne room. They took the Emperor by surprise, and after an intense battle, the Emperor was slain.”

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At this point, his daughter ate with rapt attention. After a big swallow, she set her chopsticks down and tilted her head. “What happened then?”

“It is as you might expect,” he chuckled. “The two of them, in their wisdom, knew that they needed to ensure that the people were taken care of. So the two played a game of Shogi.”

“The Kami decided the fate of the Empire over a game of Shogi?” Rightfully, his Himari was doubtful. He chuckled, holding up a hand.

“Shogi is a game of strategy. They thought that someone with a tactical mind would be the best to rule in the early days, as they expected that there would be dissenters in the young Empire. The game was short. In only five moves, Sato bowed to Ichiya.

“There are many thoughts as to why this occurred. Some say that Sato had no interest in rule. Others say that Ichiya was so masterful in his craft that he had shown himself to be fully superior in so few moves. Whatever the case, on that day Sato made a solemn vow: that so long as their lines both lived, Sato’s blood would defend Ichiya’s.”

Himari’s eyes lit up. “And that’s what you did when I was little, right?!”

“You are still little, Himari-chan. Don’t be in such a hurry to grow up,” he warned teasingly. “But yes. Like our ancestors before, I protected the Emperor from a plot that would have seen him come to ruin. And in the time since, we have been blessed with peace against those who would see our Lord come to ruin.”

His daughter looked awestruck for a long moment, but finally spoke. “I’m going to learn how to protect the Emperor when I grow up, right?”

“You will. Actually, I have a present for you.” On cue, a servant entered the room carrying a long box.

Himari took the box from the servant, staring at it for several long moments. Finally, she lifted the lid off the box and stared at the contents inside.

Inside the box was a katana. It was deceptively simple in design. A simple black saya met at the end with a black and bronze colored tsuba. The wrappings of the tsuka were a simple black woven with blue. The daughter opened the blade only half way, and saw a brilliantly blue glowing blade with a slight curve.

Himari’s eyes widened. “My first sword? But… It looks like it is magical!”

“That is because it is,” he says with a chuckle. “This is Ame no Shugotenshi no Tsurugi. Shugojin is the blade of our family, and it is your birthright. Carry this blade always with the good of Seifu at heart.”

Her eyes opened wide in wonder. “But… I still don’t know enough. Am I worthy of such a thing?”

“You will be, by the time we are done,” he promised with a smile.

The daughter almost jumped out of her seat. “You mean..!”

“I will be taking over your training from here. It will not be easy. But if you listen to me, you will be the best of the Emperor’s Chosen.”

She only half listened. He could see in her head the imagining of epic battles, brilliant magic, and high romance.

And quietly, he prayed to Sato that she would never see that life.