The gateway to the Sun Mall was very reminiscent of the four large gates that surrounded the Heavenly Tower. Waves of magical energy created a divide between realms. On its left, neighbouring it with a decent chunk of space between, was the Sun Palace. A walled compound with greenery up front and a single path forward. The palace itself was a complex structure with white plaster walls that went on and on and capped by a green gabled hipped roof, known as the irimoya style. Across from the palace were several shrines and administrative buildings.
The outside of the palace was guarded by armed samurai, and required special permission to enter. Kazi rightfully identified the samurai as part of the Minamoto Clan, which served the Imperial Family. They were an off-shoot of the mainline family, consisting of those that were excluded from the line of succession.
‘According to the letter of Anna’s friend, for a successor to gain power, it’s vital that they maintain friendship with members of the Minamoto Clan. However, the issue is Emperor Toru himself. Since the dawn of the Heavenly Games, he’s been the one and only Emperor; thus, his power is absolute within those grounds.’
Negotiations on his turf would be difficult and because Kazi was not in the position to be dragging him out, this was his only choice:
To walk up to the front entrance and ask for an audience.
“An audience with the Tennō Heika?” The two Samurai at the front must have been members of the Minamoto Clan. Their plated armour was lacquered black and shiny. Too clean. They exchanged glances and nodded. “We will ask.”
The Emperor was a whimsical man. He decidedly disliked tradition. Then there were the samurai guarding the entrance. If they were anything like they were in history, then they were exceptionally trained lords that pledged their loyalty to their clan or the Emperor. They weren’t grunts either. They were the cream of the crop, trained in martial combat and military tactics. The symbol of their class was signified by the daisha: a long katana and a shorter blade called the wakizashi. In history and in the White Abyss, samurai carried weapons on their person.
‘I was given this power to make people smile. That's all. That's what I exist for. That is my one and only purpose.’
Waiting, Kazi was reminded of his time in Japan and his visit to the Tokyo Imperial Palace. The front entrance of this palace was eerily similar to Sakuradamon Gate. If the Tokyo palace did indeed match the Sun Palace, then there should be another larger gate behind this smaller one. What stood in front of Kazi currently was Korai-mon Gate. In shrines and temples, it was rare for this gate type to have doors, though obviously the Emperor and his family's personal abode was an exception. The gate was held by four distinct red pillar with the roof tiled in shades of terracotta and charcoal gray, front and back.
The black doors opened up and the second samurai returned. “His Majesty has agreed to the audience.”
As expected, behind the smaller gate was a larger one. Strips of grass lay parallel to the sides of this brief pathway. It smelled like springtime, like bamboo and katsuobushi. One last samurai awaited beside the yaguramon gate. Nods were given and the red samurai unveiled his katana and muttered an incantation in old Japanese. Kazi faintly was able to understand it.
The samurai in red pointed the katana’s edge at the white doorway and declared, “Open!” Kazi sensed a flicker of magic in the air and noticed intricate magic circles momentarily glow. The large white doors seemingly obeyed and clicked open. The sky seemed to flicker and darken as he came through.
“Wow, you're good-looking! Just like they said!”
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Waiting for him on the other side was Emperor Toru himself. His orange robes were thick and heavy and enveloped him in a luxurious swath of fine silk. Atop his head rested the kanmuri, a cap-shaped black lacquered silk hat with a pennon, signifying his royal status and connection to the heavens. It should have been a struggle to walk but he glided in the dense clothing like it was nothing, coming close to Kazi’s face and examining him with a big smile.
“Wow…wow!” Emperor Toru reeled back, his smile bright and pearly and mind-bogglingly radiant. His features were strikingly handsome, with high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and piercing yellow-orange eyes like the sun. His complexion was smooth and white like milk, unstained by the world and instead grabbing hold of it.
“His Imperial Majesty the Emperor,” Kazi acknowledged. His tone was low and formal, respectful yet not submitting. “It is an honour. Thank you for—”
“No need for that.” Emperor Toru turned around and began walking. His sumptuous orange robes cascaded around him like liquid flame. “Come, come.”
Kazi followed, not knowing what else to do. The courtyard was a breathtaking display of imperial grandeur and the path they followed led them through meticulously tended gardens, where vibrant blooms burst forth in riotous colour against the backdrop of lush bushes. Emperor Toru's presence seemed to imbue the surroundings with an added brilliance, his radiant smile infusing the air with an undeniable magic. As they walked, the servants bowed and greeted the Emperor. Everyone couldn't help but be struck by the Emperor's extraordinary presence. His features, illuminated by the golden sunlight filtering through the leaves overhead, seemed to glow with an otherworldly radiance. His eyes, the colour of molten gold, matched the sudden new shift in the sky. It was like he was in a whole other world.
The Emperor took a turn and they arrived at a gazebo. Two mats awaited and they sat facing each other, seiza-style. A gentle breeze whispered through the surrounding trees, carrying with it the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves. The Emperor smiled and snapped his finger. A table and shogi board manifested.
“Grant this Emperor a favour. Let us play.”
Kazi didn’t let the confusion show but…
‘This is different from what I remember.’
“It’s called Heian Shogi. Real shogi,” Emperor Toru explained. “Modern shogi is a little different and, no offense, absolutely boring. This is better. Do you want me to explain the rules? There’s no rook or bishop and obviously the board is smaller.”
“Real shogi?” Kazi smiled. “If that was the case, shouldn’t we be playing Heian dai shogi?”
“It sucks. That is why we play simple Heian shogi.” With that, the game began. Emperor Toru moved his first piece. “So, what is it you need? I don’t think you came to dilly-dally, yes?”
Emperor Toru, the kind of man that played and did as he wanted in every capacity. Negotiations were done on his terms. Games were on his terms. Conversations were on his terms. The Japanese Emperor was like the sun whose rays covered everything it could. The darkness, the places his rays couldn’t reach, were his enemies. And like the sun, he was always there, having existed since the beginning of the Heavenly Games. The one and only. Where the Kangxi Emperor of China had predecessors, Emperor Toru of Japan did not.
“A friend.” Kazi conducted his first turn.
“A friend? I have many of those.”
Click. Second move.
“Friends? Or family?”
“Ho-ho.” Click. “Such bravery. You dare speak to an Emperor in his own territory with such words?” His words, while thick and heavy, were overloaded with amusement.
“Were my words false?”
“No, no, quite right.” Click. He wasn't offended. To the contrary, he was happy. “I have always wanted to broaden my horizons. Alas, maintaining a firm grip on nobles families is tough enough.” His sunny eyes darted from the board to Kazi. “Would you like to become Emperor in my stead?”
This guy was definitely overbearing. Kazi liked that. “Would you allow it?”
“Me? Heh, well, you've got the looks. Trust me, there aren't many that can live up to me.” After Kazi's move, Emperor Toru started to think. He stared at the board, eyes furrowed. “Hmmm…and clearly, there's more to you than just looks. You're like a demigod.” He leaned back, cupping his head. “I didn't think demigods could be born in the modern era.”
So he knew he was from the modern era? Hm. “How did you know?”
“That you're a demigod or from the modern era?”
“I am not a demigod.” Click. Emperor Toru's brow deepened as Kazi said, “But I am from the modern era.”
“Much of my life is spent watching samurai train. I can tell naturals from players. You are neither. I think.” His face lit up as he found an opening. Instantly, Kazi countered and the Emperor's expression fell. “Are you a yokai that has come to torment my skills?”
Kazi chuckled. “Yes.”