Yoshitsune Ayako wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 3:27 pm
"Yes, but that was different," Ayako began, then paused and made a face as she heard her own words.
"Umm.... maybe you could tell us how a regular person can
become a hero, Jiyo-sama," she said instead.
"Bad judgment and lack of alternatives," he said with a wry smile. "I volunteered for the journey south for a number of reasons- wanting to be a hero was nowhere on the list. Reiko-sensei had taught me to read and opened a wider world to me. That formed a bond, and when she called for help to rescue Lord Hisomu, I had no real choice. The Boss wanted to go help rescue his brother, but we all knew that he would be running too high a risk, so I volunteered to go. He had trusted me with his children, after all, he trusted me to help save his brother. Then there was the matter of the creatures that had started to emerge from the Nezumi lands. I wanted to assess the threat."
He shrugged.
"So I was
there, along with many, many others. And I can tell you, Yoshitsune-san, that it was nothing I
did, no one deed that led to my selection as one of the four to accompany Lord Hantei. On that journey, everyone did their best. No one held back or refused to do what was necessary. There was a mountain of a man named Taochusu, a powerful Nezumi warrior named Ch'jakk'matt, Lord Nanzi, Hantei Kinsen, and many other great warriors. Togashi Nadere, Kyosei of the Isawa Tribe, and other skilled shugenja went with us. For scholarly types of a less mystical bent, we had Anjing Xia with us, and I'm sure I don't need to tell a Crab samurai who she is. My friedn Jiyo Ayumu was there, a warrior-scholar like Xia. My old friend Shinjo Koyama was there, and I saw him in the form of a mighty dragon by journey's end. So. The four of us chosen were not the most potent or the most powerful. But Shinsei saw in us things that made us the right choices. Seppun Dawei selflessly gave of himself- up to and including a woodcarving that had mystical qualities, given to the Nezumi without thought of reward or recompense. White Moonrise, despite his history with humanity, came to forgive and even trust some of us despite the well of anger in his heart. Old Man Yamadono's complete devotion to the protection of his family led to his selection. And me?"
He shook his head.
"It damned sure wasn't my good looks or skill with a blade. Shinsei said it was my devotion to seeking the truth. Four souls, in the right place, at the right time, and we helped on Kami rescue another."
Status: 4.0 (possibly Togashi's Heir) 
