Fan Fiction ❯ Bushido ❯ Prologue ( Prologue )

Newest notes: I know, I know. I went and changed things again on you. @_@; Gomen, gomen, but this fits best and I think works a lot better than before. Unfortunately, that also means you have to reread some chapters for certain changed things. Some are the same, for the most part, but others changed enough that you should read them to understand...

Parts of the Original Notes:

This is actually a side-story to one of my fics that I'm still working on. The story that comes after this has a MUCH different setting than this; this one takes place in Japan in the 1500s, during the Sengoku Jidai, or Warring States period. The next story takes place in the future (8954 to be exact. ^^)

I have tried my best to make the samurai stuff in here as accurate to real life as possible; I spent hours studying samurai traits, customs, and lifestyles, and if you know for a fact that something here is wrong (Other than the characters and certain events---they are my own :p) please let me know and kindly correct the mistake I may have made. And if anything confuses you, I will have a list of terms at the end of each chapter as they are introduced, along with brief explanations of certain samurai/Japanese customs if needed. Well, read and enjoy! ^_^

Prologue

The young samurai blinked at his master in surprise.

"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!" His master had already started back down the road. "Wait! My lord, you are a general, what of your armor, heritage?" The man 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 kimono. "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. The ex-general had ordered him to stay, and who was he to ignore his master's wishes?

Lord Buddha protect you, Nakano-sama...