Snippet #2692459

It wasn't every day that the head of the clan was contacted by somebody claiming to be the leader of a group of ninjas, and even rarer for those ninjas to be suggesting an alliance. Lord Mizutani Munetaka’s council of advisors had gathered in his audience chamber to hear this news, and many were affronted, even repulsed by the very idea of it. Assassins that skulked around in the dark, saboteurs, poisoners – why would any noble samurai even consider working with ninjas? Even those who agreed it could be useful to employ shinobi for some of the less savoury aspects of warfare thought it far too much to make an alliance with them – as though they were equals.

Then again, it wasn't every day that the quiet and relative peace of Sugahara was threatened by someone far beyond the usual skirmishes and battles between the local clans, and Ono Tadatsugu’s ambition sounded preposterous - a warlord intent on taking over the whole of Japan. When he was far away, it had been easy to scoff at such arrogance, but now, according to the shinobi leader’s message, Tadatsugu had his sights set on this very land.

The message had definitely thrown the cat among the pigeons, and Seijuro watched and listened quietly from his place around halfway down the side of the room from Lord Mizutani’s raised platform. His interest was definitely piqued. If this was a very unusual threat, perhaps it would take some unusual tactics to counter it. Lord Ono was rumoured to have demons fighting in his armies alongside his human soldiers – ninjas were reputed to have magical powers. He wasn’t sure quite how much he believed of either story, but given how fast other domains had fallen to Tadatsugu, maybe it was worth finding out what the ninja could do, if indeed they had a common goal. Once his elders had had their say, and the room had lapsed into a tense and silent impasse, he decided to speak up. “Tono-sama, may I speak?” Permission was granted by a laconic grunt from Lord Munetaka. He felt his father’s eyes from Munetaka’s side watching him. “I understand that it would be somewhat unconventional, but it couldn’t do any harm to find out what this Hanzo has to say. They must feel the threat is real enough if they are willing to contact us. If they have information that’s of use, maybe it would be best to know what it is, before any final decision is made on whether to work with them or not. Obviously we shouldn’t risk anyone important going to this meeting, it would most likely be dangerous, and quite possibily a trap. If Lord Munetaka thinks it would be appropriate, I would put myself forward to undertake this service, if that isn’t impertinent.” He bowed, hearing the small rustles as positions were shifted and looks exchanged among the others in the room. An unseen smile fought to keep itself from his face, although a light he couldn't repress shone in his eyes. He couldn’t deny that the idea of it appealed to him immensely. This was a chance to bring something entirely new into the clan’s arsenal. He knew it was unlikely anyone else present would wish to go in his place. Aside from the risk, none of the elders or generals would want to risk their reputation if it was found out they were meeting with a ninja. The only question was whether Lord Mizutani and his generals would allow something like this at all.


Eventually it was decided that the meeting would go ahead, and on this particularly evening, warm for the time of year, with a stillness in the air, Seijuro found himself in the red light district in Kinokita just as the sun was descending below the horizon. He was dressed like any other off duty samurai who might be visiting a brothel, with a basket hat that concealed most of his face – although for different reasons than most incognito brothel visitors – and a dark blue haori with no crests over a simple blue and grey outfit. The disguise felt a bit silly, but he’d been convinced it was necessary. The two men accompanying him were two samurai he knew well, they could be relied upon to spot any trouble and take care of it quickly. They passed through the streets packed with excitable menfolk and beckoning ladies of the night. The atmosphere was heady, almost festive, and it was difficult not to get caught up in it. Seijuro found himself politely declining offers from ladies of the night and brothel owners, as the three made their way towards the establishment where they were to meet the Hanzo clan contact. Before they went in he spoke quietly to his two guards. “Yahiko-san, wait out out here and keep an eye on the door. Ganzaemon-san, take the room next door – but keep alert.” Yahiko split smoothly off from the party and Seijuro and Ganzaemon slipped inside the ageya.

The madam scurried to the door as soon as she saw them, and bowed obsequiously as they entered, bidding them welcome in rather a theatrical style. Seijuro took off the hat as soon as he was indoors. “I … er… have an appointment,” he said, the coded delivery not exactly slipping off his tongue. Sneaking around was hardly his forte, but the woman apparently knew exactly what he meant, as her smile grew even wider, as she ushered him in with a wave of her long sleeve, “This way young master,” she crooned, taking Seijuro off down a long, red painted corridor with doors either side. He hoped Ganzaemon, who was left waiting in the lobby with a selection of beautiful women would have the presence of mind to notice where he was being taken and get an adjacent room. “Wait here, young master,” the madam said, leaving Seijuro in one of the private rooms alone while she scurried off, presumably to fetch his ninja contact. Holding the basket hat in his hands, he walked around, looking at the furnishings. The room had been decorated to create a feel of opulence and intimacy, with low subdued lighting, and flowers in an alcove chosen for their rich colours and undoubtedly some kind of meaning. He noticed an empty sword stand presumably for customers’ use. A subtle spicy aroma flowed through the air. This wasn’t much like the usual dry antechambers he was used to for discussing politics, and gave the prospective meeting even more of a sense of drama. He was more curious than ever about this Hanzo clan representative he was about to meet.