<div class="floatright">(https://i.imgur.com/l8miajV.jpg)</div><strong>Kiyoshi Tanekawa (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=274532.msg13506682#msg13506682t)</strong><br/><strong>Location</strong>: Hachisu Clan Castle<br/><strong>Tagged</strong>: Tsukiko Sato (Indirectly)<br/><hr/><br/>Kiyoshi frowned, prowling around his study with a quick pace. There was no one around for the moment, better for all those concerned as that meant there were no servants he could lash out at. His heart burned, his mind swirled with a myriad of emotions, and the map of the kingdom was not helping. The last he needed was a report of what they knew of the other clans and their resources, which only highlighted just how lopsided things were at the moment.<br/><br/>Everywhere he looked things seemed to be falling apart. Clans cozying up to Gunba, Oshiro falling back and unable to make any headway, to say nothing of the disaster that had so recently occurred. It seemed like it was only a matter of time until the armies of Aka Ka and Gunba were at his borders.<br/><br/>Then what would happen? He did not have the might of Oshiro, nor the men? Diplomatically it seemed clear that the two allied clans had divided the empire up amongst themselves, and it was unlikely they would betray that deal until they had dispensed of all their potential enemies. Considering neither had approached him, he could only assume he was on that list. That did not comfort him, not with the rumors and dishonor that Gunba's leader had accrued and the reputation of Aka Ka for not taking prisoners amongst their other ways. He doubted that he could expect any mercy.<br/><br/>But it was more than that, and a tear shimmered in his eye as he ran his hand along the small shelf that held some of scrolls he liked to read in his spare time. All this culture, this historical tradition. If it cam into the hands of Gunba or Aka Ka who knew how much of it would be lost? They clearly only cared about the sword and about personal power over anything else.<br/><br/>That, that was something he could not abide.<br/><br/>Yet as he moved he felt something shifting inside of him, an acceptance of the inevitable. Very well then. If it was the sword they respected then the sword it would be. Defiance crystallized as anger grew inside him. Perhaps the odds were great, and most likely they would fail. But if they did, they would make sure that their enemies remembered their names.<br/><br/>He spun, making his way over to his desk and grabbing a quill to write with. General Tsukiko was away on maneuvers, so he would need to forgo a personal meeting and merely send her a message. She would find his script a bit shakier, and his words...well, they were far from how he usually acted in her presence.<br/><br/>"<strong>To: General Sato<br/><br/>Doubtlessly you have heard the recent news from our neighbors. Gunba and Aka Ka continue to grow in strength while Oshiro may have suffered a mortal blow. It has become clear to me that our present course of action cannot be sustained.<br/> Those currently seeking to subjugate the Empire only respect strength and force of arms, a strength we do not have at this present time.<br/><br/>I fear for my clan, but this will not shake my resolve. We cannot fight Oshiro, for they are our only protection still against those who would crush us under their boot. Perhaps we could strengthen ourselves enough to be a legitimate threat, but I have my doubts as to that course of action and I expect that you would not support it. <br/><br/>That is why my order for you, Genral Sato, is to prosecute a campaign against the Kra Folk as soon as is feasible. There was previously an understanding amongst the clans of the North, an understanding that they have violated by brazenly siding with Clan Gunba. Even now I am told some take Gunba up on their hospitality, in exchange for the rituals they have provided them. That is why I ordered you to probe their defenses before, and they have been found wanting. Now it is time to push.<br/><br/>We may fall, but we shall show them what happens to those who curry in lies and deceit and false promises. So I command you to fight. Drive them off the mainland, pursue them back to their island, and do not stop until they have been reminded on their place in this Empire. You have my approval to do whatever it takes to achieve victory, no matter how harsh and how cruel. Even if it not our fate to rule, we will show those of the Empire that Hachisu fought to the end.<br/><br/>-Kiyoshi Tanekawa</strong>