What's the Word in Shimonoseki?

Miscellaneous

  If you were there, then you know! If you weren’t, then you’ll hear about it in this issue. Yes, I’m talking about the independent semifinals held this morning at the Mōri arena in Shimonoseki! And (perhaps more importantly) the appearance of creatures called “Elohim” from that new rift just northeast of our tournament grounds.   Both of these events are covered in other articles, but they shook everyone enough for Mōri Motonari to order a short recess between matches. It seems she’s planning to hold a business lunch later to discuss events. Rest assured that this dedicated reporter will do everything she can to get entry to that event! In the meantime, I used this opportunity to get a read on some of the people in the arena. Everyone I asked agreed to an interview! But did everyone have something valuable to say? Let’s find out:

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Interview 1: Fubuki

  Fubuki has the distinction of being the first (verified) mortal to best Invincible Warrior Honda Tadakatsu in battle! This mysterious swordswoman travels with the known associates of Matsumoto Ooawagaeri, now-deceased scion of the infamous Matsumoto Clan. Her background is just as mysterious, but she seems to be building a quick rapport with her fellow Oni in the Mōri Clan.   Fubuki seemed distracted when I spoke with her. Rather than meet my charming smile, she kept glancing at that big hole in the sky ripped open by lightning from the earth. Not that I can really blame her. Here’s how it went:   Tōno: “So you won against Honda Tadakatsu, the Invincible Warrior! Do you have any comments about the match?”   Fubuki: “She almost had me there.”   T: “I see! I see!”   Even when not distracted, Fubuki seems to be a woman of few words. That’s a part of her charm that’s earned her no small number of fans.   T: “What about this whole hole-in-the-sky thing? Any thoughts on that?”   F: “Shouldn’t we do something about that?”   Indeed! An oni of action. Just before we spoke, I spotted Fubuki throwing a big black sword straight at the hole in the heavens. What she hopes to achieve is beyond me, but I also don’t see anyone else doing anything about it!   T: “Yes, probably. Any other comments for the people of Japan?”   F: “People will need a distraction in the days to come. I’ve heard Tsukijō Hanahane has sponsored the opening of a casino. He mentioned it to me when I received a reward from him recently.”   A casino! We haven’t had a major gambling institution in the country since the Kumamine Incident. And one sponsored by notorious dandy Tsukijō Hanahane, at that. I could hardly contain my excitement and pressed Fubuki on where eager gamblers might find this new “Den of Iniquity.” Her answer, like much about her, was shrouded in mystique.   F: “Wherever people need the distraction the most.”   Perhaps spotting my expression, Fubuki continued to elaborate after a moment of hesitation.   F: “But until it opens, it sits in Ago Bay. Who knows, it could appear right now.”   T: “Got it! Ago Bay for now. And where do you think is the most in need of distraction? It’d be here in Shimonoseki, right?”   F: “It seems likely.”   With that, Fubuki simply vanished! The woman knows how to make an exit. But you heard her, readers! A casino is opening, starting in Ago Bay, or maybe even Shimonoseki! Keep your eyes open, and we’ll have a story in the Shinbun as soon as we know more.  

Interview 2: Katsusada Shishauezaemon

  Long thought assassinated, Katsusada Shishauezaemon has caused more than a little consternation by his sudden and unceremonious reappearance at the Mōri Tournament. This reporter wasn’t here in Japan to see much of what he did when alive, but I hear that many credit him with the explosive growth of the Hashinara Clan after Hashinara Katamoto's death. Princess Yoshiyuki has adopted similar strategies as a leader after Katsusada Shishauezaemon’s death, hinting that he might have had an influence upon her, or perhaps that he’s been operating from the shadows this whole time!   If so, then why show himself now? I was determined to find out!   Tōno: “Katsusada Shishauezaemon-dono! People tell me you’re dead. Do you have any comments on these rumors?”   Shishauezaemon: “Oh? I am here again, aren’t I? There are many things that could happen in this world.” What a non-answer! Undeterred, I pressed him on another topic. Or...I would have, but he answered before I could even ask!   S: “Perhaps the gods are returning to this world and have called upon mere mortals to accomplish their goals. Our fate will always be tied to theirs.”   Shishauezaemon-dono proceeded to make an expression with his whole body. It’s hard to explain, but it was very poignant, so I’ll try to reproduce it here. It was something like: v_v   T: “That’s very mysterious, well done! And I also hear there are a lot of people who want you dead again. Do you have anything to say to them?”   S: “I suppose everyone has enemies, but I believe it would be best to re-negotiate old terms and relationships, given that we all have bigger problems returning to this land.”   T: “Very magnanimous of you. And is there anything else you want to say to the people of Japan?”   To this, Shishauezaemon-dono leaned forward. I got the impression he was a breath away from simply grabbing my brush and writing out the answer himself.   S: “I merely have these words to say from the man many assumed dead.”   Then he shouted...   S: “HASHINARA KATAMOTO LIVES!”   Isn’t that the name of the former Daimyō who ruled the Hashinara Clan? What could this mean for the political climate of Japan?! I sure don’t know, I’ve been traveling abroad. But judging by the excited murmurs and shocked glances this got from all around, it seems pretty important!   Beyond that piece of information (and it was a juicy piece!), it seemed like Shishauezaemon-dono managed to answer all of my questions without actually saying much of anything. A true politician!  

Interview 3: Honda Tadakatsu

  Following the arrival of those “Elohim” in the arena, Honda Tadakatsu-dono stormed off, all but forfeiting her match against Fubuki. I found her just in time for a quick interview before the next match started. She wasn’t in any mood to answer questions, but that won’t stop a reporter as dogged as me?   Tōno: “So, your first loss! Some people are saying it’s because you held back. What do you have to say about that?”   Tadakatsu: “Do you want to get hurt?”   Tō: “On to a different subject, then! What are your thoughts on these mysterious Tengu-like creatures who appeared in the arena?”   At this question, Honda Tadakatsu-dono practically snarled at me. I almost ran away right then and there!   Ta: “I’ll destroy them next time I see them. Slay them with these two hands, for what they did to me. For what they did to all of us.”   Tō: “Sounds like you have a history, then!”   Ta: “Why does everyone seem to think they have a right to involve themselves? First Sanosuke with that self-righteous speech and Maxim hovering in the background. It’d be a lot easier if I just started killing you humans again.”   Tō: “Whoops! Looks like we’re out of time. Thanks for talking, Honda-dono!”   This reporter might have overstepped this time! I'll try to get a more comprehensive interview with the (Formerly) Invincible Warrior soon!   Interview 4: Chitosemaru   Drawn to the Ashikaga Shogunate after the office suffered several embarrassing failures, Chitosemaru states her goal as to restore power to its rightful place within the country. Some call her the true power behind the Shogun! Others say she’s all talk. One thing’s for sure: she looks sinister as anything.   I was surprised that she agreed to speak to me at all, but Chitosemaru-dono seemed eager, as though she had a message she wanted to pass on. Throughout the whole interview, she kept stroking that human skull she carries around. Creepy, but iconic! Here’s how it went...   Tōno: “Thanks for speaking with me, Chitosemaru-dono. First off, what do you think about the match that just took place?”   Chitosemaru: “Between Fubuki and Eligor? Disappointing. I believe the demoness has spent far too much time around humans since involving herself with the failed Tokugawa state. She has gone soft.”   I stopped for a second just to confirm that this “Eligor” was the same as Honda Tadakatsu, which Chitosemaru-dono said is correct. Then, I soldiered bravely on.   T: “And what about this new rift in the sky and the ‘Elohim’ who came from it? Fubuki-san says we should probably do something about it. Do you agree?”   I swear I saw Chitosemaru-dono’s expression go dark for just a second, but then her grim smile returned.   C: “Indeed. This is a matter of national security. It is the duty of the Daimyō of Japan to rally together under the Shogun and close this rift as a top priority. Any petty squabbles between landowners can wait.”   T: “Everyone seems to be in agreement about that! And I’ve got just one last question: Did you hear Katsusada Shishauezaemon-dono just now, about Hashinara Katamoto? Did you have any comment on that?”   C: “Of course. Since he no longer wishes to keep it a secret, allow me to elaborate on that blatant admission his associate made just now. Hashinara Katamoto survived the attack on his house. Or, it may be more accurate to say that he continued to act even from beyond the grave. There were others in his family who were not so fortunate.”   T: “You mean like his wife and son? Because we know Yoshiyuki-hime survived.”   C: “Yes, of course. ...We all know do know that, don’t we? Of course. Yes, Katamoto’s wife and son were among those killed. It is natural that he should seek revenge. But know this, Katamoto. Everyone will get exactly what they deserve in the end. You, Yoshiyuki...and I most of all.”   Well, that got weirdly intense near the end. Was she talking directly to Hashinara Katamoto-dono there? And how did she know so much about what sounds like a pretty big secret? Well, if you’re reading this, Katamoto-san, we’d love to have you in for an interview! Just tell your nearest Hashinara Clan member and they’ll make sure the message gets to me. Until then, this is star reporter Shigeaki Tōno signing off!