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Thread: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 27/07/2015]

  1. #1
    McScottish's Avatar The Scribbling Scotsman
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    Default "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 27/07/2015]






    Well, that time has come again. Time to put pen to notepad and finger to keyboard! Time to bring to life another period of history little covered, from a CA release with little enough AAR's to its name. Poor Shogun II - ever the underdog when it comes to writings - and yet, with those produced such as Yokai and the works of Robin (not to mention Merchant, Tigellinus and others), I would have expected more.

    Anyway...

    As you can probably already tell, this AAR will be focusing on the Hojo (or, more correctly, Ge-Hojo) of the Sengoku Jidai period. I shall be using the latest Darthmod version for Shogun II, as well as a diplomacy mod one which adds nothing to the games integral parts but does make the units look more historically accurate. I know how we here in the SGII sub-forum love screenshots and so, in this AAR at least, I may actually attempt to provide some - just remember that I said 'some'.

    As I write this - Saturday 21st of February - I am not yet home, writing this as I am from my tablet. Nevertheless, I shall be home by the 25th, and once home I shall get both playing and writing in equal measure.

    One land, one people, one shogun...a Hojo shogun at that.
    Last edited by McScottish; July 25, 2015 at 09:33 AM.

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    Tigellinus's Avatar Citizen
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR

    YES! I GET THE DAY OFF ON THE 25th of February.

    Though, calling it a day off is a bit far fetched, as I have to write essays for four hours. Joy.

    But, after that will be done I will be free to read (Though, I think asking you to write a chapter the second you get home is a bit too much . . . )

    Looking forward to this!

    +rep for the beginning of (what I hope ) will be a glorious AAR!

    EDIT. Deities above! I am more reserved with my rep than I am with my money. "Sigh" I will get onto giving out more rep!



    Thanks

    Tigellinus




    Proudly under the patronage of McScottish

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    McScottish's Avatar The Scribbling Scotsman
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR

    Prologue




    It is truly an odd sensation, to hold, to feel an inked quill in my hand once more - so unlike the blades that I have wielded through the greater years of my life, and there have been many of them; now, as when I was a younger and more vigorous man, I sit in quiet and solitude for the moment and contemplate not for the first time the choices and direction of my destiny.

    Was it, I sometimes wonder, a destiny of my own choosing? Or, as some monks say, was it preordained by heavenly decree and divine mandate?

    These are not questions easily answered, of course, but through careful mental recollection and attention to detail...well, perhaps I shall be able to put such sleep depriving thoughts to rest once and for all.

    Yes, this quill is excellent; the way is glides so easily in my hand, perfectly balanced and yet, in its own way, very much like the weapons of war that I have seen take heads from bodies and gut horses as if their flesh were not even there. Am I alike to these instruments of death? I often believe so, for I too was tempered in a forge, hammered and shaped by my upbringing and my naive belief in certain truths - of which many were revealed very swiftly to be nothing but lies, fables and veils to cover the mind.

    Where therefore to begin my recording of my life?

    With a birth, and a family, and a boy. Me.


    ************


    Never is a word that, during my childhood at least, I heard and used often enough myself.

    It started with never knowing my father or mother; the former was a ji-samurai, with his own land and a number of common folk to work it, going by the name of Hitegawa Rikuto or so I have been told. He died fighting somewhere that he should not have been, for someone he should never have supported. My mother, on the other hand, was the daughter of a fairly rich merchant and died while giving birth to me - I remember neither her name, nor what she looked like, but from time-to-time I remember a particular scent and I do think of her, the nameless and faceless woman that gave me life. Oh, I have seen portraits of them both, and they look a happy enough couple, but to me they remain as so many soulless and blank scratches of ink.

    They named me Hitegawa Ichirou before they passed, again, so I am told.

    Another 'never' was never to question my father's father - a man of similar station, but of infinitely more wisdom, and reasonably more wealth. For he was a direct retainer for the ruling clan, the mighty Hojo, and would accept no dissension from the only son of his own foolish boy. It was ever a bitter subject to attempt discussion about my father, a discussion would nearly always ended in psychical pain for me, pain that taught me a valuable lesson over time...

    Nevertheless, being raised by my Grandfather was an experience without which I would not have become the man I was to grow up to be. He had travelled to many lands, learnt many things, and was capable of both extremes of bodily and mental pain but also of great compassion. One evening, beside a roaring fire, he turned to me and taught me what he assured me was the greatest wisdom he would ever impart.

    "Ichirou," he snorted at me, his thin lips - like a slit across his face - twisting into a smile, "tell me, what is best in life?"

    I was a mere ten years old, far too young to really know or understand what my Grandfather had just asked, but I tried to answer as best I knew how.

    "Wealth, wisdom and honour."

    "Hah!" He shouted, thumping one hand down on his broad thigh, "no, listen close, for this is what is best in life; a woman to marry and make your wife, a boy to take and warm your bed, and the heads of your enemies taken by your own hand."

    My head touched my chest in a gesture of respect, my mind trying to think on what he had just told me as I gazed at the floor, not knowing just how much his words would come back to me in later days.
    Last edited by McScottish; March 04, 2015 at 02:37 AM.

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    Blopwerth III's Avatar Civis
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 21/02/2015]

    I gleefully welcome friendly competition in the Shogun II AAR subforum. I think my writing could be getting soft. Is this one going to have anything to do with FotS, or is it going to be a purely Sengoku AAR?

    By the way, on the subject of competition, this one blows my writing away by a mile.

    And on the subject of my writing...

    Read A Missionary's Perspective by Blopwerth III! It's way better than this one!
    Free advertising rules!
    Last edited by Blopwerth III; February 21, 2015 at 07:09 PM.
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 21/02/2015]

    And he has returned, the King of AARs has come in our time of need, Nouva Zealand tamed by his quill. And now he delivers us fresh, new AARs and we devour them like the hungry beasts we are.

    This looks really promising, can't wait until it turns into the masterpiece it surely will.

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    McScottish's Avatar The Scribbling Scotsman
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 21/02/2015]

    Quote Originally Posted by Blopwerth III View Post
    I gleefully welcome friendly competition in the Shogun II AAR subforum. I think my writing could be getting soft. Is this one going to have anything to do with FotS, or is it going to be a purely Sengoku AAR?

    By the way, on the subject of competition, this one blows my writing away by a mile.

    And on the subject of my writing...

    Read A Missionary's Perspective by Blopwerth III! It's way better than this one!
    Free advertising rules!

    Thank you both for your kind, and for your not-so-kind, words.

    This AAR will be set during the Sengoku Period. Will I then write one using FotS? Very probably!

    I too welcome the competition, although I prefer to see it more as friendly Shogun II co-operation.


    Quote Originally Posted by Merchant of Venice View Post
    And he has returned, the King of AARs has come in our time of need, Nouva Zealand tamed by his quill. And now he delivers us fresh, new AARs and we devour them like the hungry beasts we are.

    This looks really promising, can't wait until it turns into the masterpiece it surely will.

    Not quite, Merchant, nor am I really the King of AARs - yet I cannot thank you enough for your comments, and I shall hopefully be worthy of them.


    Quote Originally Posted by Tigellinus View Post
    YES! I GET THE DAY OFF ON THE 25th of February.

    Though, calling it a day off is a bit far fetched, as I have to write essays for four hours. Joy.

    But, after that will be done I will be free to read (Though, I think asking you to write a chapter the second you get home is a bit too much . . . )

    Looking forward to this!

    +rep for the beginning of (what I hope ) will be a glorious AAR!

    EDIT. Deities above! I am more reserved with my rep than I am with my money. "Sigh" I will get onto giving out more rep!



    Thanks

    Tigellinus

    My hopes are your hopes, Tig. Yup, hopefully this'll turn into the monster AAR I intend it to!

    With supporters such as yourselves along for the ride, how can I fail?!

  7. #7
    Caillagh de Bodemloze's Avatar to rede I me delyte
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 21/02/2015]

    I probably shouldn't be reading this (yet) - I still haven't finished all the stuff in your Crannog, McScottish. (I'm working on it. Honest.)

    But since - in clear dereliction of my duty - I am here, I'm going to admit I'm looking forward to this, too.






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    Blopwerth III's Avatar Civis
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 21/02/2015]

    Cooperation it is, my fellow strategy game nerd-gone-amateur historical fiction author.

    Oh, and by the way, if your username is McScottish, why is your profile pic a Saxon helmet?
    Last edited by Blopwerth III; February 22, 2015 at 11:28 AM.
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    McScottish's Avatar The Scribbling Scotsman
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 21/02/2015]

    Quote Originally Posted by Caillagh View Post
    I probably shouldn't be reading this (yet) - I still haven't finished all the stuff in your Crannog, McScottish. (I'm working on it. Honest.)

    But since - in clear dereliction of my duty - I am here, I'm going to admit I'm looking forward to this, too.

    I'll let you off...this time. In all seriousness, I do hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy reading your own works of written art.


    Quote Originally Posted by Blopwerth III View Post
    Cooperation it is, my fellow strategy game nerd-gone-amateur historical fiction author.

    Oh, and by the way, if your username is McScottish, why is your profile pic a Saxon helmet?

    Firstly, I wouldn't call myself a nerd. I'm simply someone who likes strategy games, and an avid Total War fan since Shogun.

    Secondly, I have a degree in Ancient and Medieval History, so I'd like to think I'm just a little above amateur - even if it does make me sound slightly arrogant, as in this instance.

    As for the where's and whyfor's of my username and avatar, not being the first one to ask, I hope this link will help answer your queries.

    Lastly, allow me to ask you; if you're a Norwegian, then why is your avatar a samurai daimyo?

    Oh, and please don't advertise on other people's threads, there is an actual advertisement thread in the WS for that.

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    Hitai de Bodemloze's Avatar 避世絕俗
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 21/02/2015]

    Quote Originally Posted by McScottish View Post
    I know how we here in the SGII sub-forum love screenshots and so, in this AAR at least, I may actually attempt to provide some - just remember that I said 'some'. .
    *Fanboy squeal*

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    McScottish's Avatar The Scribbling Scotsman
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 21/02/2015]

    Chapter I, Part I ~ Nigatsu, Tenbun 15 (February, 1546), Odawara-jō









    My earliest memories of war were gifted to me by the defeat of a rival and ambitious adversary; their downfall causing my youthful mind to drift away from its focus on the more intellectual arts toward that of bloodshed and a warriors profession.

    It must be said that my Grandfather, although a renowned bushi in his own lifetime, disapproved highly of bujutsu and all that it entailed, at least when I was involved – the destruction of ones enemies, making hard and strong the body and mind, the forging of a young man (or woman) into a killer. Barely was I able to stop him telling me tales of his own exploits, but should I question him on my own future he would reply that I was to go to the castle, and there I would calculate the taxes of our daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu.

    When the Ogigayatsu did fall, defeated within sight of their fortress-town of Edo by ever-loyal Kasahara Ujitane, I was absent from my writing lessons; I spent that day sitting upon the walls of Odawara-jō and watched as man-by-man, rank-by-rank, file-by-file, the victorious samurai of our illustrious clan came home bearing the heads of defeated foes and the captured banners. The townspeople flocked to the gates, barely kept back from swarming these brave individuals, no doubt many of them soon to be thankful for new lands in conquered Musashi province to the east.

    “They are fine, are they not?”

    I started at the words, unaware of the approach of others to my quiet section of the fortress wall; two pairs of eyes gazing at me and a large smile on the face of the younger. In a moment I took them both in – the first a lithe and seemingly serene figure, a topknot on his head and simple robes not of our land covering his body, indeed he had the overall appearance of a Chūgokujin from across the sea to the west. The second was much younger, perhaps even a few years younger than myself – I being twelve years when I sat on the wall for the first time – and walked confidently over to sit himself beside me, followed by the foreigner who seemed like his shadow.

    “Well, are they not?”

    “Er,” my eyes looked to the still marching army and then back to his pale and slender features, his eyes standing out particularly, “they are fine, very fine.” I agreed with shared gusto, inside wondering who this was that would simply approach a stranger without formality.

    As if reading my thoughts, he gave another shining smile and gave a brief incline of his head, “I am Hojo Ujimasa,” he said casually, “this is Liu Jian, he is my teacher and escort.”

    Before I had realised what I was doing, I leapt from the wall and back onto the path running behind it, getting onto my knees and planting my face into the dirt.

    “Ujimasa-sama, please forgive me. I did not know it was you.”

    “I like you,” he said, speaking easily to one clearly his inferior, “what is your name?”

    I dared not move, but raised my head enough to look at those deep brown eyes, “I am Hitegawa Ichirou, tono.” My heart was thumping in my chest, the eldest son of the daimyo speaking to me as if we had known one another for years.

    “Please get up, I cannot stand those that grovel.”

    Carefully I rose to my feet once more, towering over the eight-year Ujimasa by many inches, brushing my kimono absent-mindedly with one hand.

    “Now, Ichirou, you admire these bushi?”

    Following his outstretched finger with my gaze, seeing that he pointed at the now disappearing rear ranks of the Hojo samurai, I could only nod my head; his own head began to nod too, a slender, feminine, finger rising to his pointed chin and brushing across the skin there.

    “Meet me-” there was a cough from just over his right shoulder, “apologies...meet us at the Hishi gate, tomorrow at noon.”



    ************



    “Hojo Ujimasa?!”

    My Grandfather was incredulous and repeated the name for the seventh time, his shock of what hair even more unkempt after I had told him of my encounter, yet I knew he would not forbid me to go – he, a retainer who had changed his name from Hitegawa to Hojo to display his loyalty (and I suspect to distance himself from his useless son), would have slit open his belly before denying the son of Ujiyasu.

    While he was blustering I had already gathered my clothing and my wits, more than prepared to make the trek from my Grandfather's home some miles away from the castle itself to the Hishi gate. I had not been informed of what to take with me, if anything, and so I simply decided to go empty-handed.

    “What are you standing here for? Get yourself there!” He scolded, waving a large hand in the general direction of the castle, “do not dishonour us, Ichirou; your father already did enough.”

    Without another word I left, walking with as much pace as I could so that I would arrive out of breath but not reeking of sweat; a task easier said than done in the head of the noon-time sun!

    In the distance I could just make out Ujimasa and his soft-spoken bodyguard, giving him a low bow as I got closer and then another when I was a mere few feet away.

    “You are late, Ichirou,” stated Ujimasa simply, “this will not happen again.”

    Motioning for me to follow, he led me through the interior of Odawara Castle with the assurance of one who had spent his life so far inside those walls; it was strange to listen, for there was almost no-one visible except for the guards on the many gates, and they made no sound as we passed through each gate in turn and eventually came to a building on one of the lower levels.

    The building was larger than many of the peasant homes around my Grandfather's own, able to contain at least four families within its walls, but was not used for housing but for training in the art of war.

    “My family's dōjō ,” Ujimasa said proudly, “if you wish to become a warrior then we shall test you here.”

    Sweat finally began to layer my skin, for I had never held a weapon before in my life, and certainly would not be able to match even this eight-year son of a lord. Ujimasa had been raised to the sword and the spear, I had been directed toward kanji and numbers for as long as I could remember; now he wished to see just what I was made of?

    “Of course,” I said alternatively, “as you wish, tono.”

    “Do not call me that, Ichirou!” He snapped, my steps faltering slightly at the verbal attack, “call me Ujimasa-sama, but do not title me as my father should be.”

    “Yes...Ujimasa-sama.”

    “Now, I would like you to meet my friends.”

    Inside the dōjō, after hurriedly removing my sandals, my breath was taken away; along each wall were racks which held wooden representations of every weapon used by the samurai class, beautiful wooden panels and expertly carved writing proclaiming that this was indeed the personal training hall of the Hojo, and a smooth floor of wood in which I could see my own reflection as I tried to keep my balance.

    “It is easier without tabi,” advised my guide and host, having taken off his own before we entered, my eyes watching as his bare feet made softer steps across the floor and held his balance.

    At the further end of the dōjō were already two distinct figures, one waving a bokutō through the air with style and grace, the other sat on the floor watching. Although I knew one to be male and one female, my eyes could discern little difference in their appearances as we neared them except for their hair and clothing.

    “Allow me to present Inomata Sora-san and his twin sister Harumi-san,” announced my gracious patron, “they are the children of Inomata Shuichi, an honourable vassal of my father and family.” his hand then turned to me, “this is Hitegawa Ichirou-kun...a new student and my friend.”

    Friend? He barely knew me! How could I possibly be his friend?

    “Ah, uh hai, I am honoured to meet you both.”

    I must have bowed low enough that my long hair, tied as it was behind my head, shifted forward as I bent; there was laughter from the observing trio as I straightened my body and hair. How sheepish I must have looked, and yet they did not scorn me or even look down at me as some may have done.

    “Welcome Ichirou-san!” They intoned in unison, something about their warm expressions making something inside me flutter and my mouth become dry, something which at the time I could not quite describe...not until some years later.

    “Jian, would you fetch Ueda-sensei? I will make sure that Ichirou-kun does not murder us.”

    With a sceptical look, or as far as I could tell from his almost stone expression, the bodyguard padded silently toward the door but returned within a matter of minutes followed by another.

    “Ueda-sensei will see if you are worthy to remain in this dōjō,” declared my newest companion calmly, “if he finds you to be unworthy...” there was a small pause where there was no need for words.

    I would pass whatever test he gave me, for the peculiar friendship I now held with Ujimasa-sama I would pass.
    Last edited by McScottish; March 05, 2015 at 02:29 AM.

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    Hitai de Bodemloze's Avatar 避世絕俗
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 04/03/2015]

    I approve of the Chugokujin An interesting touch no doubt. The child angle is neat, I'm intrigued to see how it pans out; definitely a lot of room to manoeuvre in terms of character development and story arcs.

    Great to see you finally trying your hand at screenshots too! I'm glad all my nagging paid off You might want to invest in a new border though, as the current one doesn't add to the authenticity too much, what with it being a faux film/photograph one.

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    McScottish's Avatar The Scribbling Scotsman
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 04/03/2015]

    Quote Originally Posted by Hitai de Bodemloze View Post
    I approve of the Chugokujin An interesting touch no doubt. The child angle is neat, I'm intrigued to see how it pans out; definitely a lot of room to manoeuvre in terms of character development and story arcs.

    Great to see you finally trying your hand at screenshots too! I'm glad all my nagging paid off You might want to invest in a new border though, as the current one doesn't add to the authenticity too much, what with it being a faux film/photograph one.

    Indeed, well, I'm not exactly looking for authenticity with my photos - and Photobucket only offers so many.

    As for the rest of it, thank you for your kind words.

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    Caillagh de Bodemloze's Avatar to rede I me delyte
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 21/02/2015]

    Quote Originally Posted by McScottish View Post
    I'll let you off...this time. In all seriousness, I do hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy reading your own works of written art.
    That's amazingly generous of you. Thank you. I'll try to live up to your hopes for my writing.

    Your writing, on the other hand, is, as usual, excellent. There's just one part of one chapter, and already I'm interested in your characters and their surroundings. Impressive stuff.

    (Just one problem: now I want to know what happens next. )






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    McScottish's Avatar The Scribbling Scotsman
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 21/02/2015]

    Quote Originally Posted by Caillagh View Post
    That's amazingly generous of you. Thank you. I'll try to live up to your hopes for my writing.

    Your writing, on the other hand, is, as usual, excellent. There's just one part of one chapter, and already I'm interested in your characters and their surroundings. Impressive stuff.

    (Just one problem: now I want to know what happens next. )

    Thank you so much for your kind comments! We shall see what happens next soon enough...or when I get slapped with some inspiration.

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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 04/03/2015]

    Another new Shogun 2 AAR! As usual (it just seems to be something you Shogun guys are all really good at) your screenshots...Awesome!!! Great writing as always. I hope you get slapped with some inspiration soon because I want more!!!!!

    Hope youre back home safe and sound and that you enjoyed time in NZ.
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 04/03/2015]

    I already like this Hojo Ujimasa, he just has a certain air of, of well, I don't know, he's just cool.

    Just a word of advice, I advise you download a mod for 12 turns per year, it really helps make sure wars don't last 5 years or gaps between chapters are like 10 years.

    As my fellow writers said, can't wait for the next update.

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    McScottish's Avatar The Scribbling Scotsman
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 04/03/2015]

    Chapter I, Part I (Interlude) ~ Nigatsu, Tenbun 15 (February, 1546), Odawara-jō








    By the time the shadow of Ueda-sensei fell across my young form I was already shivering with anticipation, hardly daring to raise my eyes after bending at the waist and receiving a nod of the head in return, my body quivering and my breath coming in short, quick, bursts.

    "Ueda-sensei-"

    "Ssh...take a weapon from the wall."

    At first I hesitated, realising that even that small movement was being measured by the calm teacher, and with soft steps I padded over to the wall and studied the weapons upon it; wooden representations of swords, spears and more were staring back at me, each carved with as much love and care by the carpenter as a blacksmith would put into the newly forged blade of his most recent creation.

    "Any weapon, Hitegawa."

    The tone of the voice was reassuring but, within its depths, was a forceful push for me to hurry myself - maybe even a hint of impatience.

    Like the flash of lightening from a thunder cloud I found myself staring, my eyes unmoving from polished and smoothed surface of a wooden naginata resting at eye level; it was at least two foot taller than I, the end curving up into what would have been a formidable blade - forged with the same techniques as that of a katana - had it been a true naginata and not a training tool. Nevertheless, I gripped it without hesitation. Feeling the cool wood in my hand slowed my breath immediately and stilled my quaking frame, my eyes tracing the outline of the weapon even as I turned and moved back to stand before my judge.

    "The naginata," he chimed, an eyebrow rising on his formerly handsome face - time having made it as craggy as the mountain face, his black hair greying, but his eyes as deep and unerring as pools of night - his forehead becoming a set of deep ravines, "a fine weapon and a good choice, now, can you use it?"

    I still do not know what forced my hand then, something deep in my gut where the soul resides, some small voice in my mind perhaps? Whatever it was, I grasped the haft the weapon and wielded it with all the skill of a deaf and dumb peasant, my current state not being far off; my first movement was a lunge, quick but not the least bit effective, Ueda-sensei simply turning his body to the side and avoiding it. To counter this, or so I thought, I swung the lowered weapon at his midriff that now seemed so close - something that he had been counting on.

    Before I knew what was happening I felt myself lifted from the ground, picked up as if by some strong wind, and then came back to earth with a searing pain in my back.

    "Again!" Demanded that voice, "get up, boy."

    Tossed just as I rose from the floor, my back burning with a searing feeling, I barely caught the naginata and shakily arranged myself for combat once more; this time I waited for the attack, he and I circling once another like to wield beasts, neither of our gazes leaving that of the other.

    "YAH!"

    When he lunged at me with his bellowed yell seeming to fill the room and my senses, I knew I had no chance. My hands moved as I lashed out wildly, trying to at least hit my assailant before he could deliver a strike of his own, the sudden pain in the side of my neck a signal that he had just done so; my weapon was forgotten as I landed once more on the floor, the force of the outer hand applied to my neck destroying my inner will to fight as surely as it crumpled my body into a heap on the floor.

    "Not bad," acknowledged the sensei, standing before me and leaning against my naginata once more, those eyes seemingly piercing into me with some hidden foreknowledge, "you are coarse and unrefined, but I can change that if time will allow it; apply some of this balm to your back, and bathe yourself in hot water. Come again, Hitegawa-kun."

    After handing me a small pot of a rather potent smelling balm, almost deep purple in colour, Ueda-sensei once more left the training hall and I found myself feeling somewhat elated; it must have shown, Ujimasa-sama smiling from ear-to-ear and the Inomata twins both looking at me with a little more respect.

    "Well done Ichirou," chuckled the eldest son of Hojo-tono, sniffing the balm and making an exaggerated look of disgust, "and may the kami save you from this stench."

    Remembering that I had the naginata in my other hand, I went to return it to its rightful place on the wall, as I would have done had I not felt my arm gripped by Ujimasa-sama and his strangely strong hand; in spite of his rather effeminate appearance, he did not lack either bodily strength or the ability to use it.

    "Keep it!" He announced, giving the weapon an appraising look, "keep it and use it, train yourself whenever time allows but do not neglect your writing. It is all one, Ichirou-kun - from the running of brush over paper, to the severing of a life by the swift flick of a blade. Remember this." Straightening himself to his full height, and guiding me toward the door of the hall with a soft hand on my back, he smiled once we had returned to the dimming light of day, "return to the gate each day and I shall be waiting, for I shall see to it that this is not the last time we meet."

    Could the gods have provided more fortune to one who was only a boy? Provided for him a more generous friend?

    At that time I would have been a fool to believe so.
    Last edited by McScottish; March 23, 2015 at 05:41 AM.

  19. #19
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    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 10/03/2015]

    Well this friendship with Ujimasa has Ichirou going places. I doubt they'll all be good but definitely interesting. Good update.
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  20. #20

    Default Re: "What Is Best In Life?" - A Shogun II Hojo AAR [Updated: 10/03/2015]

    Hope we see more of the sensei, I feel he is going to be important in making our protagonist a man. But what are Ujimasa's reasons for all of this?

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