Fan Fiction ❯ Bushido ❯ Koichi's Tales: The Beginning ( Chapter 14 )

Chapter 14: Koichi's Tales: The Beginning

"Otousan, you need help?" The boy asked as his father's retainers aided in the fastening of his armor.

"Hai, my helmet is on the stand. Please retrieve it for me," the man ordered his son, who obediently dashed over and grabbed the iron protection. His arms sagged with its weight, and he wondered how he father was able to wear it as if it was a mere feather on his head.

"Here, Otousan," the child lifted the helmet. His father nodded and gratefully accepted it, placing it over his padded cap and tying it into place with impressive speed.

"Arigatou, musuko-chan," he grunted as he motioned for a vassal to get his horse. "You know, one day, you will be adorning this armor and preparing for your own battles." His son only nodded, his thoughts wandering to the future. He couldn't wait until he was a man, and fought glorious battles for his lord Yamana...
"It's raining," A woman observed as she walked in, her tabi-clad feet rubbing against the tatami mats, "a good advantage for us."

"Indeed," the man agreed, "Bessho is a fool to challenge us on a day such as this." He looked out through the door into the rain, where his vassal and horse waited. "Koi, you'd best be staying indoors now, the battle will start soon." The boy looked up at his father and blinked.

"Nani?" His parents laughed.
"I was speaking to your mother, Koichi, not you," said his father, chucking, ruffling his offspring's hair.
"Oh," Koichi nodded, then paused, "... Mom's a fish?"
His only reply was more laughter.

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Koichi shook his head as he erased the memory from his mind. That was long ago, when his parents were still around. When he still believed in the glory of warfare he heard from other, older samurai. But war, what little he had experienced of it, was nothing more than blood and gore, death and depression. There was the thrill of battle, yes, but it did not make up for the gruesome and morbid result of it.

"Oi, Koichi-san?" Haruko's voice snapped him out of his memories.

"Hai?"

"You gonna sit here all day again?" Koichi chuckled.

"I'm boring you again, aren't I? You don't have to come along, you know. We're not doing chores this time." Haruko shrugged, looking at the river.

"I know, but... I guess I just like your company anyway." Koichi grinned, flattered.

"Why, thank you, Haruko-san." He laughed, "You're nice to hang around with too, when I'm not spacing out." Haruko rubbed her neck, looking the other way, her cheeks a light pink.

"Uh, thanks. I'm not that interesting though."

"Well, no more so than me, ne?" Koichi laughed. Haruko smiled, shaking her head.

"Say, Koichi," she turned her head back towards him, "You know, you never told me exactly what happened when you left. I mean, I know the Oshima took over your land, but, why was their daimyo after you? It's got to be something more than just you humiliating his brother. Part of it, sure, but, the core reason, I doubt." Koichi blinked.

"What makes you think that?" He inquired.

"Well, just that alone seems... I dunno, trivial, right?" The ronin sighed.

"Yes, it does..." He sighed again, deeper, "You're right, there's more to it then that, but..." He stopped, furrowing his eyebrows. "You really want to know?" Haruko grinned.

"From the master story teller? Of course!" She caught his gaze and frowned, "Oh... I understand if you don't want to talk about it..."

"No..." Koichi shook his head, "Maybe things'd make more sense if you knew, and, besides, no more harm can come from just talking about it, I suppose. Just remember, while probably not the most tragic story of all time, it's not as happy as my other tales."

"I'll remember that." Haruko nodded. Koichi leaned back, looking at the sky.

"Let's see... it was over three years ago now, and I was preparing for the battle with Oshima's clan..."

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Koichi stared out into the cloudy skies, sighing at the dismal weather. Fits the mood of the day, I suppose....

"My Lord?" A retainer's voice broke him out of his thoughts and Koichi blinked at his servant. "My Lord, your helmet." He held out the protective headgear that was once held with pride on General Nakano Masao's head.

"Hai," Koichi muttered, taking the helmet and fastening it to his head. "Has Jiro-sama sent word of our position yet?"

"Yamana-sama has sent us word that our forces are to remain within a half mile of the castle walls, as the last line of defense against Oshima's men."

"So ka," Koichi affirmed, checking to see that all his knots were tightly fastened, "Is my horse ready?"

"Hai, my Lord. He is awaiting you outside."

"Mmm." The young warrior slid open the shoji and stepped outside, where, indeed, his horse stood fully armored and saddled for him. Koichi mounted the steed and turned to his retainer. "Eiji, where is Eri?"

"You sister is in your quarters, accompanied by ten bodyguards, just as you ordered, Lord," Eiji answered, bowing.

"Good. I want her to remain as far away from this battle as possible, understand?" Koichi ordered.

"Hai, Lord."

"She's only three, after all, and my parents' last. It would be a great tragedy should their only daughter to be slaughtered." The samurai added as an after note.

"The loss of Lord Masao and Lady Chieko last year was unfortunate, Lord Koichi." Eiji nodded.

"I know," Koichi sighed. "Lead the guarding of Eri-chan, Eiji. Make absolutely sure she is safe at all times. I shall see you later. Ja mata." The samurai then galloped away once his vassal acknowledged his order. She's all I have left now...

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Koichi growled as he slashed his attacker down with his gleaming katana. "Fools. This is a waste of their and our time and lives." This was his third battle, and he was already sick of war. He walked over the body of the dead ashigaru and whistled for his horse, which galloped to him.

"Ikaduchi, let's go up front, shall we?" Koichi said, mounting his steed and riding back towards his troops. "It's just up over this hill--" The samurai withdrew his blade, cutting an arrow that whizzed by too close. Dozens more flew by, a lethal rain pouring onto the ground. Koichi's well-trained steed dodged the arrows, mostly unscathed. The duo finally came to the top of the hill, the view before them shocking the rider.

"Kuso!" Koichi cursed, "When did all of these reinforcements come in?" Earlier, the blue Yamana split circle mon easily dominated the battlefield. Now, however, Koichi saw more crimson Oshima Igeta (#) banners wavering in the wind.

"General Nakano!" Koichi whipped his head in the direction of the voice.

"Hai?"

A messenger ashigaru stumbled over, "Oshima had more forces than we perceived!"

"I can see that very clearly, ashigaru," Koichi snapped slightly.

"Lord Masashi had over half his men hidden for ambushes, and now they overrun us!"

"Hidden? How? Jiro-sama has many excellent spies and secret police under him," Koichi blinked, disbelieving.

"It seems Oshima paid some of them large sums to remain silent," The messenger answered grimly, then grew frantic again, "my Lord, we must retreat, Jiro-sama--" Koichi however, was only half listening, spitting in disgust.

"Betrayed by his own servants! Jiro-sama has been a benevolent ruler to everyone here! Such treachery soiling his honor and kindness deserves... Jiro-sama should-"

"But Jiro-sama has died, my lord!"

"WHAT?!"

"It's true, Lord! General Ishikawa's men wounded his lordship before he took his blade upon himself, to avoid dishonor and capture!"

"Our... daimyo... dead?" Koichi barely dodged another arrow, in disbelief, "and he had no legitimate heirs..."

"It gets worse, Lord!" The foot soldier spoke quicker, wishing to finish this conversation soon and alert others, "Many of our front forces are gone! Oshima's men now advance on the castle! I suggest you take what you need and flee - the Yamana family has already committed sepukku. There is nothing left to defend now but our own families! You should hurry, Ishikawa's forces are coming up against Gekiryuu River!" Koichi's eyes widened, he nodded.

"Very well, I'll- Hold it!" Koichi's eyes sparked, "Gekiryuu River?"

"Hai, Nakano-sama, they are less than two miles from the river."

"Soldier, do any of my troops have cannons or artillery left?"

"I believe a few sir, why?"

"Send word to all of my cannon, archery, and artillery troops to pull out and retreat from their current locations and to head near the Gekiryuu dam. We shall not let Oshima earn a total victory." The foot solider half-nodded, not quite sure he understood.

"Yes, sir!" With that, he dashed off towards the now thin Yamana lines, searching for the first horsemen to spread the word to. Koichi tugged on Ikaduchi's reigns, kicking his heels with a brief shout. The steed thundered forward, away from the battlefield and the rain of arrows.

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Koichi frowned, catching a brief glimpse of another Oshima banner in the distance. Too close... slow down... I still need another cannon man... A heavily armored samurai on horseback rode over, bowing his head quickly.

"General, we have all the archers and artillery lined up along each side of the canyon, just as you said," He informed.

"What about the cannons, Captain?"

"One of my vassals sent word they're close, should be here soon. Minutes, at most."

"That may be too long... Captain, line up the gunmen with the others and be prepared to add in the cannons, should we have time. Report back."

"Yes, sir!" The lower ranking bushi rode off to follow orders while his commander kept a wary eye on the distance.

Fortunately, the kami seemed to pity the Yamana servants, and the cannons arrived minutes before Koichi could see General Ishikawa heading his troops. The young lord's captain rode up to him soon after.

"General, we have three cannons, all in place, sir."

"Good. Tell the others to get out of the way. At my signal, I want this dam blasted to bits, understood?"

"Hai!"

General Ishikawa, strongest and favorite of Lord Oshima, trotted smugly down the path atop his horse, a bloody sack tied to his saddle. He patted it, smirking.

"Lord Masashi will be most pleased with this prize," He chuckled, "The fact he died from seppuku is not important enough to mention, right?" The warrior shot a meaningful glance at some of the others nearby, who nodded quickly in understanding. The general turned eyes back to the road, laughing at what he saw before him. "What's this? Some of Yamana's loyalists attempting to make some last heroic efforts? Men, cut them down!" He waved his gunpei, signaling his troops forward.

Koichi clenched his teeth, eying the oncoming horde. Just a little closer... The samurai deftly withdrew Dragon's Claw, his katana, high into the air, bellowing a loud war cry before galloping down the hillside, towards his retreating troops.

With a roar that shook the very earth around them, Nakano's troops simultaneously shot their cannons, arrows, bullets, and whatnot at the wooden dam. The structure gave a loud groan, shattered. As it burst, gallons and gallons of ice cold river water flew down at the Oshima troops below. Ishikawa felt his smugness instantly vanish.

"Oh shi-" The current ripped into his troops, carrying them away along the road and the rock walls.

"Yosh'!" Koichi's troops cheered while they fled back to their castle. Their leader turned his head back to them as they rode, shouting over the roar of the water.

"Return to your homes, if they're even left, take what you can and flee! If you wish to follow our honorable lord in death, however, then do so! Either way, I dismiss you!" his officers repeated his messages back to the lower troops, and each man soon went on his own way.

The castle better still be there... Koichi thought, urging Ikaduchi along.

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Once again, luck smiled down on the teenaged general- Oshima's men were still only at miles down the road, nearing the frontal defense walls. Koichi rode up to the bridge, which had been left virtually unguarded. After riding inside, the samurai dismounted his steed. Most of the area was already abandoned. News of Jiro's death must have spread quickly.

Koichi made his way through the castle grounds, the scrape of his zori filling the near silence. His path was automatic, having known these streets and hallways since he was a small child.

He soon found the entrance to his home. He pushed open the shoji and rushed inside, searching for his men. Not long did time pass when one of his elite warriors, Soji, ran up to him.

"Lord Nakano!" He bowed, "You must hurry! Oshima's men will be here soon! There's nothing left for us here!"

"Where's Eri?" Koichi asked.

"She's still in your quarters with the rest of us, but-"

"Soji, bring her to me, then you and the other guards meet me, on horseback, near the front gates."

"My Lord, I-"

"Now."

"H-hai." The vassal scampered off, returning briefly with Eri. Koichi picked up the young girl, nodded at his servant, and ran outside.

"Niisan?" Eri blinked. "What's wrong? Where're we going?"

"We're making a trip, Eri," Koichi answered quickly, calling to Ikaduchi, "Hold on." His sister clung to his armor as he hoisted himself onto his horse. "No more questions for now, okay? Just hang on tight to the saddle, okay?"

"Kay." Koichi put his arms on each side of his sister, securing her, before pulling the reins and riding off. As ordered, his personal ten-man bodyguard met him at the gate.

"Men, you are to accompany me to Tamba."

"Lord Hantano's lands? Why?"

"Questions later. We need to leave before Oshima's forces get here. Do you know if everyone else has already left?" A short man bowed and answered.

"Hai, milord. We were the last ones - we stayed only because you ordered us to stay with Lady Eri."

"Good." Koichi reached up, grabbed a torch off the wall, motioning for them to copy, "It would be a dishonor to Jiro-sama's memory if we let his castle fall into the hands of Lord Oshima." He tossed the torch behind them, hitting a roof, which quickly caught fire. Understanding, his men copied, the paper and wooden structures quickly setting ablaze. The eleven men quickly rode outside the gates, their former home now engulfed in a sea of orange-red flames.

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Taking the back roads, the group of warriors avoided Oshima's men- save for a few, easily dispatched, stragglers. As they traveled, they heard word of the results. True, Oshima had crushed and eliminated the Yamana line, but, at a terrible price. Koichi's plan worked better than he'd thought. General Ishikawa led a large portion of the army - Not only did Oshima Masashi lose his best general, but a huge percentage of his overall military as well. The Gekiryuu wasn't a key river, but it was large enough to wipe out thousands of troops.

This news brought little comfort to Koichi, who now just realized the fact he was a ronin - a masterless samurai. In a way, he supposed this wasn't all bad; he'd never been outside of Tango before, and would be eager to see the rest of Japan. Still, the loss of Lord Jiro was a terrible one - not many daimyo came as considerate and wise as he did. Oshima himself had a reputation for cruelty and ruthlessness. Koichi warned many peasants of the change in leadership, giving fair warning to either move out or prepare for drastic changes in lifestyle.

The new ronin himself prepared for the worst. Once Masashi discovered who'd caused the death of Ishikawa and his troops, there would be hell to pay.

My future will be a bloody one, regardless of what path I choose. He thought grimly over dinner that night. He glanced over at Eri, already asleep. A child should never see blood. She can't come with me. Koichi sighed heavily, tired from everything. Hopefully the kami and Lord Buddha would have pity on his sister, at the very least.

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Days later Koichi's troupe reached the lands of Lord Hantano, an old Yamana ally. They could find shelter and friendliness here. Tired, muddy, bloody, and wet, the samurai attracted attention in the towns quickly. The Nakano sakura flower mon did not identify them as Yamana men, but they soon made it clear their intent wasn't hostile.

"My apologies for my appearance," Koichi approached a samurai official, bowing, "but if you have not yet heard, I am one of the former Yamana servants."

"As, yes," the other bushi nodded, "My sympathies on your loss. What do you want of me?"

"I seek your daimyo, Kentaro. I understand he was an old friend of my late lord. I just wish to ask him a small favor for me." The official raised an eyebrow, then slowly nodded.

"His summer home is only a few miles from here. I can escort you and your men, but I can only bring you inside with me."

"Very well, lead us on then." Koichi kept Ikaduchi at a slow trot, following the samurai down the road until they eventually came upon a large and elegant house. Koichi dismounted, following the man indoors.

"Wait here," the elder bushi ordered, stepping inside a large room. Koichi seated himself, waited patiently for his audience with the local lord. Moments later, the official returned, nodding to let him pass. Koichi entered Kentaro's room, bowing deeply on the floor.

"Lord Kentaro, I am but a humble servant of the late Yamana Jiro." The old man before him nodded.

"I see. It is a pity that Jiro should pass on in such a matter. May his next life be more fulfilling."

"Indeed."

"Now, my servant tells me you have a favor to ask...?"

"Ah... yes, my lord. Are you familiar with the name Nakano Masao?" The daimyo raised his silver eyebrows.

"General Nakano? Why, of course. He was always at Jiro's side. Good man, excellent warrior. You are... yes you are his son, Koichi. Of course. You have his eyebrows and strong jaw. Ask your favor, it is the least I can do to honor Masao and Jiro's memories."

"As you may or may not know, my father had one other child, a daughter." Koichi sighed. Now that he was actually here, the words became hard to form.

"Continue, Nakano-san."

"Hai. Well, mighty lord, though I am now a ronin, I don't wish to work for another clan anytime soon. I wish to travel the roads of Japan, see more of this sacred land. However, my sister, Eri, is only three. The path I seek is not suitable for one such as her. I... I don't want to risk her being harmed."

"You want me to adopt her and raise her, then?" Kentaro asked, understanding.

"My Lord, I- if you refuse, I understand-"

"Of course. A member of the Nakano line is always welcome in my home. You may leave your sister here; I shall see to it that she is properly cared for."

I... arigatou, noble lord." Koichi bowed deeply once more, "But I must humbly request one last thing..."

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"So, you spoke with Lord Hantano?" Soji had dismounted, walked over to Koichi.

"Yes. He's going to take Eri in. A ronin's life is too dangerous for her."

"So ka..." Koichi walked over to his other servants, who now held Eri. He picked her up, walked slowly over to the house. The little girl pushed her braids aside, stared curiously at her brother.

"Koi-nii," she squeaked, "Whatcha doin'?" So sweet, so innocent of the horrors and pain that filled the world around her. Koichi chocked on his words.

"I'm... bringing you to your new home, Eri-chan."

"Oh. Cuz the old one broke?"

"...Yes, Eri-chan."

"Wai! New home-! ...Niissan, why you have water in your eye?" Koichi quickly wiped away the forming tear.

"Nothing, Eri-chan... look," He somewhat reluctantly handed her over to a Hantano maidservant, "Here's one of the nice people that's gonna watch you. You be a good girl, okay?" He turned to go.

"Koi-nii, where you goin'?" Koichi stiffened. He could face an oncoming charge of brutal warriors, but he couldn't face this little girl, his only blood relative. He turned his head slightly.

"I'm... going on a trip."

"Oh. You gonna be back?"

"I'll try."

"Soon?"

"... Hopefully." Eri, not old enough to understand, nodded and smiled.

"Kay-kay! Nissan tell fun stories when he back!" She giggled, "Like he always do!" Koichi inhaled deeply, nodded, and walked away.

"Yes, we'll see..." He quickly wiped his eyes again, afraid his men would ask unwanted questions. Soji raised his eyebrows sadly.

"I'm sorry, my lord. She's in good hands though. Do you want to get going now?" Koichi sighed again, shaking his head.

"Soji, you and the others are staying with her."

"NANI? But, my lord-"

"Don't protest. I already spoke with Lord Hantano. I trust you guys with Eri's life more than anyone else. I know you'll do a good job. I don't need a group of bodyguards with me while I travel. In fact, I'll attract a lot less attention. Stay here, Lord Hantano is your leader now. Make sure they keep good care of Ikaduchi as well, all right?"

"But-"

"Soji, this is my final order to you as my vassal. Don't disobey me."

"Hai, milord, but... Hey!" Koichi had already started back down the road. "Wait! My lord, you are a general, what of your armor, heritage?" Koichi stopped, turned, and removed his helmet.

"My heritage? Eri is my only blood left, Lord Jiro is dead... I never wanted this general's life in the first place, to be honest." He removed the remains of his armor, tossed it aside, clad only in his hakama and gi. "I throw it away with my past, Soji. They are nothing. I follow my own path now. This recent current of events has knocked my spirit out of balance. I'll go to find answers to my questions, and I'll do it in my own time. Hopefully, I'll find peace. I pray the same for you, my friend.

"Watch over her, all right? Even if she's not with me, Eri will always be close to my heart. Sayornara." Without another word, the ronin turned on his heel, heading back down the path.

Soji opened his mouth, then closed it. Koichi had ordered him to stay, and who was he to ignore his master's wishes?

Lord Buddha protect you, Nakano-sama...

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Haruko's jaw dropped once her friend finished the story.

"You're... you're him!" She sputtered.

"Eh?" Koichi asked, bemused.

"You're the general that took out Oshima's best men! Hojo's men spoke of you, but never your name! Do you know how many people are grateful for what you've done? Oshima's a powerful and terrible warlord."

"Don't forget those who want me dead for it," Koichi shook his head, sighing. "Why do you think I'm posing as a peasant while I stay here?"

"A general... at your age... And your sister, Eri... you've talked about her before... Oh, Koichi, I'm so sorry..."

"Don't be," Koichi held up his hand, "such is karma. We must accept this. I already have. If I see her again, all the better. If not... perhaps my next life will be happier. However, this current one isn't a complete tragedy, either. I met many wonderful people and creatures in these past years. Traveling was nice, and I don't know how soon I'll stay. Right now, I'm content as I am." Haruko smiled at him.

"Well, you're welcome to stay as long as you wish, and you know it."

"Your father and yourself really don't mind that I'm on the lam, huh?"

"You're a good man, and, Oshima has very little power here. Of course not."

"Thanks Haruko. No matter how much I like to travel, it's nice having something to call home of sorts." His companion stood up, dusting herself off.

"You're welcome. Now, c'mon, let's head home. Tousan said he wanted us back before sunset."

"Hai, hai..." Koichi rose to his feet, following his friend back home, the summer sun descending overhead.

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Well, that's it. This is the first "new" chapter to come out since I rewrote the first few chapters yet again, so, if you see mistakes (i.e. Plot holes, etc), please let me know in your review or in an e-mail ( pikaholly@email.com ). You should have already read my author's notes "chapter", if not, and you're not a new reader, please look at them to clear up some confusion. Thanks.