The Past Few Weeks At Clan Nettobuku

 
I have been working hard with Clan Nettobuku, learning to use the sansetsukon and becoming adept at the fighting techniques of the Aka Hōseki Jōgesen school. The clan has been going through some reorganization and changes, and we are now embarking on a complete shift in our plans.

In between training and practice sessions, I have been a part of the clan's discussions on what our overall strategy will be, and what lands we wish to conquer. The Nichiren priestesses have a deep understanding of the ways of righteousness and harmony, but they also listen to the ideas of the warriors. We warriors are all quite skilled in strategy and tactics, but listen with open minds to the priestesses' wisdom. All of us are trying to determine our best course of action.

In the meantime, the wealthy merchants who are supporting our operations do not have unlimited patience. We must have a major victory by the beginning of the new year, or the merchants' funding will most likely cease. So, despite having some sense of the paths that would most align with Buddha-nature and righteousness, we must also consider the paths that can bring us short-term success.

I am studying hard to learn the Jōgesen school. It is a good ryū, one with much to recommend it, and I fear that I will have great trouble readjusting to the Pagoda Bearer school of ninja-ken. The sansetsukon is spoiling me.

Adventure In Ōtsu; Helping Friends; Fun With Jōgesen

 
In the past few days, there has been much upheaval in Ōtsu, where many warriors and merchants dwell. Since I know I will have to operate there in Clan Nettobuku's upcoming campaigns, I stopped by the city to see what was happening.

The city's previous ruler has stepped down, passing rulership on to his son. The new lord, Mitsuhiro-dono, is still consolidating his power; while most things are unchanged, there were enough changes to put me in great peril at least once or twice. I had to expend all of my shuriken to get out alive, and will need to rest before going back again.

However, once the unrest and chaos are quelled, I think the new ruler of Ōtsu will be very good for the city, and I look forward to visiting... perhaps late in summer.

In the meantime, I have recently been able to help two of my friends: my fellow-ninja Shō has need of a warrior, and it seems Araiguma is still ready and handy with his bo staff. Shō is introducing 'guma to his contact. I have my fingers crossed that this will be a beneficial partnership for all involved. It's good to be able to help friends.

And my Aka Hōseki Jōgesen studies are going well; I was able to match some of Bunmei's kata earlier this morning. He and I are building up some useful techniques, that are sure to come in handy when we start our military campaign and face enemy opposition.