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~In the Beginning~

Characters:
-Kirin Akumachi
-Heishiro Kamiya

Overlooking the small, scattered town was a large, royal temple where the Emperor lived. It was a grand structure with much jade and gold trimming and exotic plant life decorating the entrance. Just next to this temple were the barracks for the Emperor's elite warriors, the Samurai. They were the main enforcement of the whole town and were renowned as legendary combatants.

The training ground for these brave men surrounded the barracks and dozens upon dozens of them could be seen sparring with training dummies or each other. The sounds of clashing metal and yelling filled the morning sky as the brave Samurai sparred vigorously to become the best they could be.. but there was one Samurai who was not partaking in the effort.

Sitting out of the way, facing the rising sun coming over the horizon, was the general commander of the Samurai.. Heishiro Kamiya. He was the Emperor's most trusted and capable Samurai, as well as the strongest of the lot.
He sat Indian style on the ground and puffed away at his pipe, his long, messy black hair flowing with the morning breeze. He wore a set of black, red and gold traditional Samurai armor and had three swords on his back, as well as a slightly larger one resting one his hip. As he sat there, a young Samurai walked over to him and spoke.
"Heishiro Sensei.. Why is it that you look at the sun rise every morning yet you do not have the ability to see?"
Heishiro responded to the Samurai without turning his head.
"Sometimes, in order to appreciate beauty, it must be felt rather than seen.. Do you understand, Sprout?"
The young Samurai instantly stood up straight and with respect.
"Yes Sir, Sensei Dono!"
He then turned and went back to his training, thinking about his Sensei as he ran back.
"So that was the mighty general Heishiro.. I now see why so many others hold him in such great praise. He is what defines a leader.. only strengthened by the fact that he is a Zatoichi."
Heishiro remained at his spot, smoking his pipe peacefully, the dried blood trails from where his eyes used to be illuminating brightly against the sun..

Once Heishiro finally got back on his feet, he turned to speak to all of his men.
"Oi! Listen up, Sprouts. You know of the events that are happening later tonight.. The Emperor is holding a royal banquet and is going to the main plaza to select one lucky family to join the festivities in the Temple. We all have to be sharp when he decides to make his way down. At all costs, we must protect the Emperor from anything! Assassins, thieves, whatever would bring him harm.. this isn't exactly a small town.. I'm going to the Emperor now to inform him, be ready by then!"

Heishiro turned and began leaving the barracks after a loud "RAHH!" came from his men, letting him know that they understood. As he made his way to the gate, he heard the faint sound of two feet pattering by the entrance. His lack of sight for so long made his sense of hearing quite acute. He turned and addressed whoever was there.
"These are not the markets, Citizen. Best be on your way."

Heishiro listened as the woman spoke, her voice sounded frail and gentle.. almost as if anything above a whisper would put too much strain on it. As she talked, he paid attention to how she was speaking a tad quickly, almost as if she was in a rush to leave. His first thought was that he scared her.. he knew there was a time and place for looking intimidating but the last thing he wanted was for the villagers to think that he is some demon who cares only for the battlefield..
Heishiro realized that he could have handled that a little bit nicer and tried to call out to her to apologize.. only to have his voice drowned out by the hustle and bustle of the market, the woman too far away to hear his words.
Heishiro thought to himself.
"Hmm.. Poor little thing.. I probably made her jump out of her skin. Hopefully she will forgive me for being a tad rude.."

Heishiro thought on the matter for a bit and then started heading toward the temple again. After much walking, Heishiro made his way to the inner chambers of the temple, walking down the main hallway and into the Emperor's bedroom. The room was gigantic and was considered the finest living quarters in the entire temple. The walls were nothing but rich, fine burgundy velvet and the floor was tiled with a rare marble pattern. Heishiro came to a stop at the bottom of an enormous hot tub where the Emperor sat bathing with over fourteen nude women, the sound of cute little giggles filling the quiet room.
Heishiro bowed to him and then addressed the matter.
"My Lord, The time for your trip to the village to give your announcement is soon at hand.. Are you sure you still wish to do this in person?"
The Emperor set aside his goblet and Opium pipe and leaned back, putting his hands behind his head. He was a short, round fellow with parted, white facial hair as well as a long, well groomed white pony tail hairstyle.
"Ah.. Heishiro.. Glad to see you're still as punctual as ever. Yes, I do plan on making the trip down to the village later.. This is a rather big event, you know!"
The Emperor got out of the water as he spoke, the girls all cooing at his feet, not wanting him to leave. He picked up his gold, satin robe and put it on, walking closer to Heishiro.
"As soon as I get changed, I'm ready to leave whenever you and your men are."
The Emperor looked at the expression of worry upon Heishiro's face, resting his chubby hand on Heishiro's shoulder.
"I will not take long, Old Friend.. No need to keep thinking of the worse possible outcome when I have you and your strong, capable men doing the job!
Heishiro thought on it for a second and then nodded his head in agreement, him then leaving the Emperor to get changed while Heishiro went back to gather his men.