To Kill a Master

March 7th, 1535

Aramaki Temple, home of Chairman Wada, drew closer as the samurai entourage marched toward it. In the distance, at least a dozen other families approached the temple. The temple itself was more along the lines of a fortified stronghold, with little attention paid to its appearance. It was utilitarian in nature, but still had a certain charm.

Inside the temple, the families gathered on either side of the temple with their respective Oyabun, leaving a path down the middle for the chairman. Twenty minutes passed as the last few stragglers arrived. There was no conversation among the families. To talk would be dishonourable.

A gong broke the silence, its crash echoing through the temple. The attendees stared straight ahead as Chairman Wada, with a bodyguard on either side of him, proceeded down the aisle toward the stage. He was a frail old man, with long white hair and deep wrinkles creasing his face. His cane tapped against the marble floor as he limped toward the inner sanctum, where the meeting would be held. As he passed by each family, they bowed deeply.

As Wada drew closer to the inner sanctum, the leader of each family stepped into place behind him. They disappeared into the meeting room, the bodyguards holding position on either side of the double doors.

A dull murmur broke out amongst the families, slowly growing in volume. Ryo turned to Edibash Paws, another member of the Takahashi Family, and his friend of many years.

"Who do you think he'll appoint the new chairman?" asked Ryo.

"Probably Keita Oyabun. His family is the largest and most powerful."

Edibash did not look at Ryo as he spoke, his large yellow eyes darting back and forth, taking in the faces of everyone in attendance. Edibash was a Hanyō - half human, half demon. He was seven and a half feet tall, and very muscular. Strapped to his back were two katana. His hand rested upon the tantō strapped to his waist. His silver hair stood straight up in tall spikes, adding almost two feet to his already impressive height.

The meeting lasted an hour or so. At its conclusion, the representatives left the inner sanctum, meeting with their families. Daichi nodded to his men, and placed his hand on Ryo's shoulder. They walked away from the rest of the group.

Daichi and Ryo entered a private meeting room, sitting on either side of a small wooden table. Daichi spoke.

"I believe we all expected Akira Keita to be chosen as the next chairman. He was indeed the first choice, but it was felt that he was too young for the position. They chose me, instead."

"Congratulations, Oyabun."

"I'm getting old, Ryo. Should I die before our family loses control of the chairman position, I want you to take my place."

"Do you mean that, Oyabun?"

"Yes, yes… you may be a bit headstrong, but you have what it takes to lead the families. I have confidence in you. Here, take this…"

Daichi placed a scroll wrapped in twine on the table, passing it to Ryo.

"Consider this my will. If I die, this guarantees my position to you."

Ryo reached out, placing his hands on Daichi's shoulders. He smiled, then sharply pulled forward, slamming Daichi's head against the table and holding him against it. Daichi struggled to push himself up. Ryo removed his tantō and stabbed him many times in the back, stopping when the blood on his hands prevented him from gripping the sword.