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By Brian Yoon
Edited by Fred Wan
“So the northern border will be better prepared within weeks for any future excursions. Next problem,” Moto Jin-sahn said.
Danjuro nodded and pulled a scroll out of his bag. “Yes, Shogun. This lists the casualties the Imperial Legions have taken over the last year.”
Jin-Sahn took the scroll from his hatamoto and scanned its contents quickly. Nothing leapt out at him as a shock, as he had been well briefed of the situation before. “How long will it take for our numbers to reach pre-war numbers?”
“Normal recruitment can handle most of the deficiencies without issue, Jin-sahn-sama, but we have several large problems on our hands.”
Jin-sahn pointed at a rather large block of the scroll. “The Fourth Legion was at the forefront of fighting against the Army of Dark Fire.”
“The late commander Hida Tonoji preferred to be at the front lines. His efforts contained the initial threat, and I am sure we would have suffered greatly if he had not been there.”
“Can we divert some of our men from the other legions to create a foundation for the Fourth Legion?” Jin-sahn asked.
“It is possible,” Danjuro admitted, “yet I am not sure it would serve as a permanent fix. Tonoji’s unit was composed of ferocious bushi who might not have fit in the other legions.”
“What do you mean?” Jin-sahn asked.
“Many of Tonoji’s men were reprimanded for dishonorable conduct before their transfer to Tonoji’s command. They were talented, yet undisciplined. Tonoji’s success at honing the Fourth Legion into a fighting force is a testament to his leadership.”
“If the Fourth are to uphold the spirit of the old Legion,” Jin-sahn mused, “the commander must have an unwavering spirit.”
“Yes, Jin-sahn-sama,” Danjuro answered. “The Sixth Legion also lacks a commander.”
“The Sixth Legion’s scouts are unparalleled within the organization,” Jin-sahn noted. “The new leader must be able to utilize that resource to the fullest.”
The two leaders discussed all of the candidates’ qualifications deep into the night.
* * *
Shiba Danjuro had almost reached the stables when the sound of a cough interrupted him mid stride. He turned to face the noise and saw Shosuro Jimen, the Emerald Champion, steadily making his way in Danjuro’s direction.
“A moment please, Danjuro-san,” Jimen said.
Danjuro bowed deeply. “How may I help you, Jimen-sama?” he asked, his voice guarded.
“I will not keep you long, Danjuro-san. I am sure you have many responsibilities placed on your shoulders, since the Imperial Legions must be needed in this great time of strife.”
Jimen looked expectantly at Danjuro but the Phoenix did not answer. Jimen raised his hand and offered a scroll, marked and sealed with Jimen’s personal seal, to the Phoenix.
“The Imperial Legions are in need of competent commanders to assume the duties of the fallen. I know the Shogun was worried about finding the perfect samurai. I believe this warrior will perform admirably.”
Danjuro did not betray the shock he felt. Jin-sahn and Danjuro had been alone in the room the entire night while they discussed the possibilities. They had shared their intentions with no one else. How had Jimen learned of the conversation?
“I believe the Shogun has decided on his own choices, my lord,” Danjuro said cautiously.
Jimen tilted his head to the side. “I am sure Jin-sahn would not mind taking the advice of a fellow warrior in search of a united Empire.”
“I cannot take this change without discussing it with my superiors, Jimen-sama,” Danjuro continued. “Perhaps you should continue the conversation with Jin-sahn-sama at another date.”
“I admire your loyalty to the Shogun, Danjuro,” Jimen said, “but your suspicion is misplaced. I want what is best for the Empire. I am not the enemy here.”
Or so you say, Danjuro thought to himself.
* * *
Moto Jin-sahn slid the door aside and stepped into the room without warning. Shosuro Jimen looked up and dismissed his assistant. The young man closed the scroll, bowed, and left the chambers without comment.
“Is something wrong?” Jimen asked.
“You had no right to interfere in my appointments,” Jin-sahn snarled. “I am the general of the Imperial Legions and promotions are entirely within my jurisdiction!”
“I am the Emerald Champion,” Jimen replied calmly. “If the Imperial Legions cannot adequately protect the Empress, I cannot perform my duty. My choice fits better in that position. And regardless, the issue of who has direct authority over the Imperial Legions, Shogun or Emerald Champion, is something of a grey area in most interpretations of Imperial law. Is this a matter you truly wish to be laid bare before the Empire?”
“This is not a game,” Moto Jin-sahn growled. “The Empire must be protected, and the Imperial Legions must stand ready to defend it from dangers all around. Politics have no place here.”
Jimen turned to face the Shogun. His mask covered all but his eyes, but they were enough to perfectly express his mirth. “You must be unfamiliar with the Legions’ illustrious history. Hundreds of warriors obtain their posting here because of their connections to those in higher places. I am simply continuing the tradition. Do not fret, Shogun-san. I reviewed only those who are competent to fill the position.”
“I must be able to trust everyone who leads a unit,” Jin-sahn said.
Jimen raised an eyebrow. “Nothing I have done should jeopardize that, my friend.”
“What hidden loyalties will your man have? If I give him an order, I must trust him to fulfill them to the letter. Your interference has changed that.”
“Tsuruchi Etsui is dedicated to the safety of the Empire. Do not repeat your doubts in public, my friend, lest you begin a blood feud.” Jimen watched his opponent closely for a moment then continued. “Jin-sahn, this is such a minor matter. Let this through and I promise you it will lead us to a fruitful future.”
Jin-Sahn bit back his next words and frowned at the Emerald Champion. “If I let your appointment through, is this Etsui ready to handle the responsibilities?”
“Jimen’s eyes twinkled. “Trust me.”
The Shogun regarded him evenly for a moment. “I would dearly love to do so,” he finally admitted. “That you and I should be at odds is not in the Empire’s best interests, but neither can I allow myself to be so nave as to trust you without hesitation. You must understand this.”
“Of course,” Jimen said cheerily. “It is perfectly natural.”
“Etsui will command the Sixth Legion, then,” Jin-sahn said. “But with regard to the Fourth Legion, I have selected a warrior named Akodo Areru, and on this I will not brook debate. If you wish to press the point, then yes, we can allow the Empress to determine which of us has the authority to oversee this matter once and for all.”
“You feel this strongly about it?” Jimen inquired. “So much so that you risk the potential loss of control over the legions as a whole?”
“I do.”
“Excellent,” the Emerald Champion said, rubbing his hands together. “Areru it is, then!”
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