Demonology of a Desperate Shogun

Gathering / Conference

1559
16/11 11:00

Part 1

With the other Cardinal Generals scattered across Japan and beyond, Ryūzaki Sanosuke was among the few remaining at the arena in Shimonoseki. This was no object. Shigeaki Fujino's mental network made it quite possible to accomplish all of his duties remotely, from within a cluster of his beautiful allies. It was to the Silver General's surprise, then, when a man's voice called out to him from beyond the gorgeous wall. It was Matsunaga Hisahide, whose arrival rarely heralded anything good. This time, the eccentric Daimyō claimed to have some information which would be of great interest to Sanosuke. If they'd retire to somewhere more private, such as an underground chamber the Mōri Clan had provided for Hisahide's use, they could discuss it in more detail. As was his wont, Sanosuke first departed with a crowded entourage of his allies. Hisahide chided him for it. Their meeting was going to cover some very sensitive matters. A single bodyguard, whom Sanosuke trusted implicitly, would be enough. After all, Hisahide himself would be bringing at least the same by his side.

So it was that Ryūzaki Sanosuke and Fujibayashi Nagato ended up in a small, spartan meeting room beneath the Shimonoseki arena. A single table, a brazier, a couple of cushions, and an unnervingly-staring Hannya mask were the only furniture provided. It was, at least, private. Following his responsibility as the man who'd called this meeting, Matsunaga Hisahide spoke first. He began by implying that Sanosuke might have some interest in a certain assassination which may have occurred several years ago. Perhaps something to do with an aging Hashinara Daimyō and his daughter. Sanosuke was no stranger to veiled words himself. He stated only that there were many matters which the Silver General investigated on behalf of the clan. This assassination may well be one of them, if Hisahide had information to provide. He did. It seemed that Hisahide's silence on the matter had been most profitable until recently. Now, the Ashikaga Shogunate was preparing to make some moves he did not quite agree with. Moves which would make it quite difficult for him to continue his business throughout the country. It was not any secret, after all, that the Ashikaga Family was at its lowest in terms of political power. Most major clans did as they wished, paying no heed nor homage to the Shogun who should be above them. In such a situation, it was no surprise that Ashikaga Yoshiaki, a weaker leader than any of her brothers, had grown desperate. She was now taking steps to assert power and dominate, rather than to aid those under her command. As for any further specifics, well, Matsunaga Hisahide was a businessman. He traded not in coin, but in favors. If Sanosuke was willing to perform one of those favors for him, then he'd happily pay up front with the rest of this little story. Nagato sent a mental warning to Sanosuke, but it wasn't necessary. The Silver General was already on his guard. Hisahide might not be nearly as physically powerful as Sanosuke, but his political influence ran deep enough to make him an equal to any crimelord or spymaster in Japan. He would not be a wise enemy to make. Still, this information was of great value to Sanosuke. With a Daimyō who seemed more absent than not, aloof or literally in another world, it often fell to the Silver General to manage the clan's affairs within the earthly realm. He would, at least, hear the favor that Hisahide demanded. The other's request was simple: obtain a full pardon for a certain Toyotomi Hideyoshi. With the Shogunate's power waning, such a pardon would have to come from someone both powerful and close to the deeds which Hideyoshi had committed. Someone like Aotsuki Tsukamoto. There was certainly a lot of bad blood there, but such a task should be simple for one such as the Silver General. Sanosuke was of a similar mind. He felt himself capable of accomplishing that favor one way or another, and so agreed. Whatever mysterious benefactor had asked for the pardon in the first place would no doubt be pleased. With a sly smile, Hisahide followed through on his end of the deal. He would provide the information now in return for services rendered later. And, if Sanosuke failed to accomplish the task, he would simply owe Hisahide a favor. As Nagato mentally suggested, that would not be an enviable situation to be in. After a moment of consideration, Hisahide continued his explanation. As he'd mentioned before, Ashikaga Yoshiaki was a weak and ineffective leader. Such individuals often attracted those who are more intelligent than they, drawn to the power which might be claimed by association and manipulation. Sanosuke had surely noticed a new face in the Shogunate's box. A pale woman, with long black hair. He had, although hadn't thought much of it at the time. New faces were common at the tournament, with many individuals attending for some matches and not others. Following Hisahide's implication, however, Sanosuke gathered that this pale woman must be the one pulling the Shogun's strings. Indeed, Hisahide agreed that it would not be incorrect to say that. At the same time, such a claim did not quite paint the full picture. The woman's name was Chitosemaru. An alias, obviously. Even Matsunaga Hisahide had not been able to determine her original name. He had his doubts, even, that this fair countenance was even her original appearance. Such tactics were often employed by masters of magic who wished, for whatever reason, to remain incognito. Sanosuke knew that better than most, as his own lord's metamorphosis came to mind.

Part 2

What's more, there was that name. Chitosemaru. Sanosuke recognized "Chitose" as a not uncommon name of his culture. With the -maru part added on, it honestly sounded a bit awkward to his ears. She'd probably used the character c血, blood, for "Chi." How original. It was almost certainly an alias. If this person behind the Shogun was using an alias, she must have a reason. Perhaps Sanosuke could find a way to use that reason against her. The answers to that, and perhaps more, even some knowledge on demonology, could be found in the Imperial Archive. He would need to act quickly if he were to preempt whatever "display of power" the Ashikaga Shogunate was planning. Fortunately, Sanosuke happened to know someone with exactly the ties he needed. Aoki Michiko agreed, after a short mental chat, to take him there sometime in the near future. She owed Sanosuke for picking up her tab at the bar the other night, after all. With these new pieces of knowledge and a clear path forward, Sanosuke readied to excuse himself from Matsunaga Hisahide's presence. As the Silver General stood, however, the other daimyō had one last piece of information to provide. It had indeed been Chitosemaru who'd sent a message to Owari Castle on the night of their fateful demon attack. Sanosuke had already suspected as much, given what Hashinara Yoshitakatomo had gleaned of the situation. It was still good to have confirmation. As the Silver General took his leave, Fujibayashi Nagato reminded him that the Iga Ninja were now at his service. If he gave the word, they could "take care" of this Chitosemaru. Sanosuke wasn't ready to take that step, however. This shadowy adviser presented a threat he couldn't yet quantify, and with demonology in the mix nothing could be taken for granted. He ordered Nagato to stay her hand for now. At the moment, he had a somewhat distasteful task ahead of him. To fulfill his part of the agreement with Hisahide, Sanosuke had to persuade Aotsuki Tsukamoto to grant a pardon for all of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's misdeeds. The two were bitter enemies and for good reason. As Sanosuke hailed Aotsuki in the mental network, however, he instead received news that the other and Maxim were engaged in battle with some new manner of monster. That in itself wasn't worrying. When Aotsuki mentioned that Shigeaki Fujino was incapacitated, however, Sanosuke knew he'd have to take action.