After many days of traveling, the Kiyoshi Clan finally found themselves in front of the gates to Hakamori, where the emperor lived. Yukorite turned to his men as they looked at him with determined and expectant faces.
"Although we will be in the presence of the emperor, do not hesitate to remember that this man wreaked havoc on our village, stole our families, and cowardly made another village take the blame. He is not your commander, he is not your owner. He is a man with a funny hat whom the people have called 'emperor'. Respect him, but do not fall for his pretty words."
The clan nodded in agreement as they started walking into Hakamori.
Satuya walked with Takuma, Jaakuna at his side, and looked around the outskirts of the imperial city. It was laid out a lot like the other villages, rice paddies and straw huts and smoke lining the countryside. It was tranquil and almost could be a perfect scene if not for what lay ahead of them.

As they neared the middle of the city, Satuya leaned over to Takuma.
"I have never seen so many rice paddies in my life." He said.
"I can say the same."
"The emperor likes his rice." Natomi said. "I have heard rumor that Emperor Okonome is quite fat."
"I've heard that too." Mayuri said. "He eats five bowls of rice at every meal. Hakamori is knowing for its production of rice and rice-based foods."
"It's also known for the best sake this side of Japan." Yukorite mentioned, throwing the men off guard. "I hope that since we are a 'special clan' that we are privileged with the emperor's finest sake."
"If I didn't know you better, Husband, I would say that you were more concerned about the wine than you are for our people." Chekome said with a lazy look to her husband.
"That is not the case and since you insisted you come with us, I suggest you leave most of the talking to me, Wife."
Chekome rolled her eyes as she walked along with her husband. Sometimes her husband made her seem so fragile and delicate...
As they made their way through the last of the rice paddies, the workers began to be more and more. They passed by one of the last paddies and a worker looked up and then watched with wide eyes as the ninjas made their way to the castle. Chekome thought that the man would do something but as she watched him, it looked as if he were enthralled and yet saddened by their arrival. He had probably seen so many clans before their doing this same march.
Satuya was watching the workers as one of them watched them. Usually a worker wouldn't be so interesting to Satuya but for some reason this one...
"You want to go work in the fields?"
Satuya looked at Takuma. "What?"
"You're looking at those paddies as if you're longing to go to them. If you want to work so bad, why don't you go over and work in one."
"It's not that... that man back there... He was watching us with an utmost intensity."
"Maybe he's new. What does he matter?"
Satuya nodded but still had an uneasy feeling.

"I hear we have a special clan of ninjas coming to the castle. Do you think there will be any young men in the clan? So far they have all be older men and I don't have anything to flirt with while father is giving them his speech."
"I have a feeling that this is a younger clan, my princess."
"I have a feeling too. How do I look?"
"Beautiful, as always." The young woman said.
After losing his wife to an illness, Shonimo, the princess, became the pride and joy of the emperor's life. She was dressed lavishly, given all she wanted, and the face of beauty for all of Hakamori to behold. She was the flower of the land...
"I find it funny, Kisola, that you always get into this servant-like attitude whenever these people come and we have to go to the court room. You're my father's ward and my friend. We're practically sisters!" she said, throwing her black hair behind her.
"That maybe true, but everyone is aware of the way I look here. Being shown to others who don't know me is a little nerve wracking."
"Nonsense!" Shonimo said, turning to her friend and grabbing her hands. "You're beautiful no matter what they say."
Kisola smiled sheepishly but she didn't believe her friend. Ever since she could remember, she had always felt different from the court life and she knew she just didn't belong there. She was odd looking, but not in a bad way. Her hair was different and her eyes were naturally red, which made her look more like a yokai than anything. Shonimo, despite her petty and spoiled manner, was actually a very good friend to Kisola; more than she could have ever hoped for. There were many a maid and servant who was fired over their secret acts against Kisola.
"Now, let's paint each other's faces so that we will be the talk of the ninjas."
Kisola smiled and let her princess begin putting the white paint on her.

The Kiyoshi Clan finally got to the castle and was led to the throne room by the guards. They opened the doors and Emperor Okonome stood up. Satuya covered his mouth as he laughed behind it because the rumors were true.
"Welcome, my most expected and special of clans, the Kiyoshi Clan. It's an honor to finally meet you."
Yukorite made a face at that. "What do you mean?"
"We have been trying to get your clan here for a long time but you're too good to overcome so quickly... Is that your wife?"
"Yes."
"Odd..."
"She was quite alarmed by the sudden attack on the village while we were away. She wanted to come with us for safe keeping."
"I see, I see. I do apologize for the odd invitation but it's hard to get anyone to pay attention to me anymore."
"Where are the people you took from our clan?" Natomi asked, glaring at the fat man.
"They are well and taken care of."
Satuya sniffed and looked around, trying to understand where the strange but alluring scent was coming from. Takuma elbowed him in the side and motioned for him to keep his focus on the emperor.
"As I said, I have been expecting you, or rather, I have been wanting your expertise for a very long time. I have many ninja here who have raved about your abilities and if I'm not mistaken, your clan was sent here many years ago to try an assassination against me?"
Yukorite made a face at that as the emperor smiled, false pleasantness behind his eyes.
"What is it that you want from us?"
"I want you to join my army. I know an army of ninjas sounds crazy, and it kind of is, but hear my thoughts on the matter, please."
Yukorite set his jaw. "You steal my clan's people, make us kill innocents, and then expect us to do your bidding and listen with contentment?"
"I have a job for you and your clan and as stated in the letter you were sent- which by the way, who killed my best messenger?" he said with a frown.
"Your 'best messenger' was obviously not the best if he was in a spot so easily in the path of a throwing star." Satuya growled.
The emperor looked at him and then seemed to do a double take.
"And you are?"
"Satuya Benitone."
He nodded a little and then cleared his throat. "Well then... either way, as stated in the letter that was sent to you, you will be paid handsomely for the job and if it is completely, any and all ninjas will be released back to their respective clans."
"How will our mission cause that?" Mayori asked.
"Because it involved killing the leader of the Southern army of Japan. You have a... certain weapon that was procured on a mission some time ago?"
Takuma narrowed his eyes at the emperor as well as Satuya.
Yukorite frowned. "You want Jaakuna."
"Oh, no, I don't want it... I would like to utilize its potential."
"And how do you expect to do that?"
A door opened and the emperor smiled.
"I have a feast being prepared in your honor, so we can discuss the details in full during that time. In the mean time, I have also prepared rooms for your warriors. I wasn't sure how many you had so the guards can lead you to the rooms available and you can accommodate them as you wish. As I said, you are expected and well deserved guests of my castle."
The guards moved to the sides of the group of ninja and led them through the door behind the room. Yukorite ordered his men to follow and they did so, although skeptically.

Later that night, the ninjas all went to the throne room to have dinner with the emperor. The small tables were lined up all the way to the other end of the room with lavish pillows set up to sit on. Yukorite and Chekome were invited to sit at the tables closest to the emperor, Natomi and Mayuri next to them on either side, and then Takuma and Satuya next to them on either side. The beginning courses were brought out and the atmosphere was tense but somehow pleasant as well.
A few moments before everyone was served so that they could eat, a servant came up to the emperor and he smiled, nodding.
"Gentlemen, may I introduce to you my daughter, Shonimo, and my ward, Kisola Nitobene."
At the name, Natomi and Chekome looked up and then looked over at each other. With nothing but eye movements, they both asked the same questions: Could it be? Is it her? Was Tsume here? The two women walked into the room and sat on either side of Okonome. Their faces were painted up so it was hard to distinguish between the two and hard to see any defining features.
Satuya felt a strange ripple go up his spine and he sat up straight as a board. He didn't know what the feeling was but the only person who seemed to see him was Takuma. He turned his head a little, silently asking what was wrong, but Satuya shook his head and smiled. He looked up at the two women and one of them locked eyes with him. He widened his, only the blue one showing any real shock. The woman looking at him had transparent red eyes that Satuya could tell was no trick of the light or shadow, but truly red. He looked away, blushing.

Shonimo leaned forward a little to look at her friend and Kisola caught her eye. Shonimo lifted her eyebrows and Kisola turned away, ignoring her friend. She had no concern over the men of the ninja clans that were summoned to the castle. In fact, she felt sorry for them.
"Sake?" she heard beside her.
She looked up and smiled at the man beside her. He was an older man with what seemed like a constant five o'clock shadow and kind eyes. He was quite svelte for his age and he treated Kisola with utmost kindness, helping her many times with her insecurity.
"A little, yes... Do you know who that young man is over there? The one with the eyepatch?"
The man looked over and then turned back to her.
"You don't want to get involved with him."
"Oh? Why is that?"
"Believe me, he's not someone you want to be with."
"Does he have a bad reputation?"
"Not that I'm aware of but... trust me, princess."
"I'm not a princess. You keep forgetting that, Isshin-san."
"You're a princess to me, Kisola-hime." He said with a kind smile.
Kisola always felt happy when he smiled at her. She wasn't in love with Isshin as a romantic relationship but she didn't know what in the world she would do if she didn't have him.
"I beg your pardon?" they heard and both turned as Yukorite blinked from the floor.
"Yes, I would like to give either my daughter or my ward –or both- to your Kaibutsu Twins... if that's satisfactory for you?"
A crash was heard and everyone looked up. Kisola looked over as Isshin seemed to gather himself and bent down to get the shards of the pitcher he was holding.
The emperor made a face at him. "Isshin, what's wrong with you? That was not only an expensive pitcher but also very fine sake. How will you repay that?"
"I don't know..." he grumbled, trying to focus on the shattered pieces.
"What? Do you not approve of my decision?"
Isshin looked up, the ninja looking at him. Natomi seemed especially interested in him as well as Chekome. Isshin closed his eyes and stood up.
"My lord, what do my thoughts as a humble servant of yours have to do with your decisions?"
"As flattering as you are, Isshin, your voice in the matter seems to be disrupting my negotiating. Making a display like that..."
"My apologies, my lord." He grumbled.
Okonome move his mouth and then looked out.
"I have made a decision then. Would your Kaibutsu Twins please stand?"
Satuya and Takuma stood up, although very confused.
"Shonimo, which one seems to suit you best?"
Shonimo smiled and looked straight at Takuma.
"This one with all the scars... You look like someone who can make me very happy."
Takuma gave a small bow.
"Then you will be betrothed to Kisola. Is that fine with you, Akarui Kaibutsu?"
"Y-yes-"
"No!"
Everyone turned to Isshin. Kisola looked at him in confusion.
"You dare go against me as your emperor?!" Okonome yelled.
"I do not wish to go over your word as lord, my emperor, but they cannot be together."
"And why not?"
"Yeah, what do you have against us, servant?" Satuya said as he narrowed his eyes.
"Because..." he faltered, looking at the ninja and then at Satuya. He breathed in. "Because Kisola and Satuya are siblings and it would be in great controversy with your laws against marriage to one's immediate family."
Satuya and Kisola looked at each other in confusion as Shonimo blinked.
Okonome's face turned red and he pointed at Isshin.
"You have made a mockery of my laws and of me. How dare you make an accusation like that based on your own volition! You will be punished for saying such blasphemous and untrue things about a respected clan and my ward!" He turned to Yukorite. "I apologize for this insolent man's cheap shot at ruining our agreement. You are in for a treat. Guards!"
The guards came up and grabbed Isshin.
"You will be whipped in front of the offended party after we have dinner." He looked at Yukorite. "I apologize again for this. It is custom that those who offend a guest must be punished in front of that guest so that they know we have done so."
"I understand."
The guards grabbed Isshin as Kisola watched in horror. He fought them off for a moment but couldn't get from their grip.
"You can't marry him! Listen to me! I'm telling the truth! He's your brother! HE'S YOUR BROTHER!" he yelled as he was taken away.
Once he was gone, Okonome turned back.
"I apologize once more... Let us put this on the backburner and continue with our meal. Once it's over, I will have him brought out for entertainment. The sushi is excellent tonight..."
Takuma and Satuya and Natomi leaned over to Satuya.
"Don't worry, I'll get to the bottom of this."
He nodded and finished eating.