One of Saika’s many skills was that of disguise. Her ability to blend into any populace, find out what she needed to know, and be on her way before anyone realised something was amiss. Before her stood Hirozaka Castle, one of the most southern Yashiro strongholds. Not the most impressive castle she had ever seen, but there was a bustling village at its feet, full of people going about their daily business. Perfect.

Looking around, she picked up some dirt and rubbed it into her clothes, her face, even her hair. Not too much, just enough to be effective. She approached a nearby farmer working in his rice field.

“Excuse me,” she affected the best northern accent she could. The old man looked up at the sound.

“Hello, I’m sorry to disturb you. My name is Naoko, and I seem to have lost my way. I’m from the Takamiwa shrine up in Muon province, but there was a storm and I was separated from the company I was travelling with. We were heading towards our sister shrine but I’ve never been this far south before, I don’t suppose you could help me find my way?”

The Takamiwa shrine chain was one of the largest in Yashima. The miko, shrine maidens, often traveled the country visiting other shrines associated with their own. Not even the hardiest of men would risk attacking a miko and bringing the wrath of the gods down upon them. It was the perfect cover.

“Oh dear, are you okay? Come, come inside, you must be hungry, come, let’s get you cleaned up.”

The old man lead her back to his tiny hut, just as she had expected he would. It was sparse, a single blanket and straw pillow lying in the corner of the room. A lonely old man, even better.

“You live alone?” She asked casually, as though just making conversation.

“Yes, sadly. My wife died a few years ago. Some soldiers stormed through here and, well, she wasn’t one of the lucky ones.”

“I’m terribly sorry to hear that.” Saika bowed her head deeply. The man did the same.

“Thank you. But sit, sit. I’ll get you something to eat. I don’t have much, but is rice okay?”

“Of course. Rice would be lovely.”

He sat a bowl of rice down in front of her, most likely the leftovers of his own breakfast.

“I saw soldiers outside,” Saika began as she ate a mouthful of rice. To her pleasant surprise it actually wasn’t bad. The Yashiro did like to boast of their superior tasting rice. Now she could see why. “Are you at war?”

The old man sat across from her and gave a small laugh. “We’re always at war, my dear. Before the soldiers came I wanted to take my wife and move somewhere quieter, but where would we go? The entire land is at war.”

“Yes, I suppose it is.” The rice really was fragrant. How did it manage to taste so good?

“I’m too old to fight myself anymore, but I’ve heard the soldiers mention going north soon. I guess there’s something going on up there.”

“Up north?”

“Yes. The troops started gathering a few days ago, we’ve all been busy trying to supply as much rice as we can before they leave.”

North. The Wada were north. Interesting.

“And when is that?”

“A few more days, I’d say. Not that it makes much difference to me, but things will get a little quieter, I guess.” He smiled. It was a warm smile despite his weathered appearance.

“Anyway, we don’t have a Takamiwa shrine here, but I’m sure if you asked one of the lords at the castle they would be happy to escort you on your way, a young lady such as yourself shouldn’t be travelling alone, especially now.”

Saika ate another mouthful of the rice, feeling a slight tinge of sadness that it was now finished, bowed her head and gave her thanks.

“Thank you so much for your kindness, I will not forget your hospitality.”

The old man stood up and bowed. “No, no, it was my pleasure. I don’t get to meet many new people these days, let alone beautiful young mikos. Shall I take you to the castle?”

“No no.” Saika stood up. “You’ve already done more than enough for me.”

“Well at least let me get something to clean you up.”

Saika smiled and nodded, and was gone before he had returned.

***

The castle was even less impressive up close, all utility and no style, however it sat on valuable high ground overlooking the path below, which was heavily trafficked. Soldiers, peasants, ox-drawn carts, the odd mounted samurai. Saika was unfamiliar with most of the Yashiro lands, at least these days, but Hirozaka Castle and its surrounding village were a popular trade spot. That’s why she had chosen it.

Finding a quiet spot behind the castle, she discarded her dirty miko garbs and scaled the wall. The castle grounds were oddly quiet, and she faced no opposition on her way into the lord’s manor. For a clan about to go to war they had some awful home security. She accosted a serving girl carrying a tray of tea and within moments found herself in the main room of the manor, several young men seated before a makeshift war table.

“How many men are we waiting on?”

“The men from Oogawa are due tomorrow and the men from Harata should be another day or two. Everyone else has either already arrived or is on their way to Oohara.”

“If the men from Harata aren’t here tomorrow they can just catch up, we can’t wait any longer.”

Saika sat the tea down in front of the men and retreated to the corner. The samurai were so engrossed in their conversation they didn’t even notice her.

“Do we have anything about the Wada army yet?”

“Not yet, but they’re not to be underestimated. They destroyed the Saito after all.”

“Too long coming, if you ask me.”

“But Lord Sou is leading us this time, there’s no way we can lose!”

Sou was leading the charge? Interesting.

“Even more reason why we must not underestimate the enemy. We should have more numbers, and with Lord Sou at our lead, more cunning, but it only takes a change of the wind for it all to come crashing down. If we crush the Wada, we’ll be better situated to finally deal with the Kuroda. If we lose, well… We must win this. Do you understand?”

The men at the table bowed their head. A kabuto emblazoned with an ume flower sat before the young samurai at the head of the table; he was clearly the leader here. An older, more stately looking man entered the room and the young samurai dismissed his party.

“Father.”

“Son.”

“The preparations are going well. We should be leaving come morning.”

“Excellent. Try not to kill all my men, hey.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“And bring back some of those Wada heads.”

“Yes sir.”

So the old man was sending his son into battle in his stead, which meant he would remain to watch the castle. She quickly memorised his features. Old, weathered, white hair and neatly trimmed beard. Average height. Walked with a limp. He could have been any old man ever, but there was a lengthy scar that ran from his eye to his chin. Perfect.

“I’m trusting you, son. This is all we have. The other generals, they don’t believe in Sou too much, they think he’s too young, too hot-headed. They’re just waiting for him to mess up so they can swoop in and take over. We don’t work like that. Your honour is everything. You’ve pledged yourself to him, and that word means more than your life, just as I have pledged myself to Lord Ryobe and would gladly die for him, even now.”

“Yes father.”

“A samurai without his honour is nothing. All of these men just waiting for the opportunity to betray their masters, it’s disgusting. They’re no better than filthy animals.”

The man was old school. Saika admired that. It would be a pity to have to kill him. Men with ideals like him were a dying breed. Now it was all about who could stab the most backs on their rise to power.

The old man sat down and poured himself some tea. He turned, noticing Saika sitting in the corner of the room.

“Hmm? What is this?”

Saika feigned surprise. “I’m sorry my lord, I don’t know what you-”

“The tea. It’s cold. Fetch me a new pot, would you?”

“Oh, ah, yes, my lord, my deepest apologies.”

Saika grabbed the tray with the cups and left the room as quickly as she had entered. She had heard what she needed anyway. It was time to give Lord Bitou a visit.