Opting for Effectiveness Over Elegance

 
I should complete the tale of Kīsutoro-sama, the new lord of the Okane-gumi. I was recently sent to show him the error of his ways. I had high hopes that I could slay him elegantly, using the onkīdo attack with the manrikigusari.

But when I arrived at his house, I saw that he is a very paranoid man. Looking down from the wall surrounding the courtyard around his house, I saw that much of the courtyard has been covered in small bells. In other places, there are caltrops. And he has a variety of rōnin and mercenaries guarding him.

I am glad that my training has taught me to look before leaping, but I could see no fast way through the security around Kīsutoro-tono. And I could not afford to spend all night — or possibly multiple nights — perched on the wall, staking out his house and looking for weaknesses.

So when I observed him moving within sight of an open window, I simply threw a poisoned shuriken into his face. Then I left, before one of the rōnin could line up on me with a bow and arrow.

Not elegant, but effective. I only hope it's enough. I didn't have time to make it clear that Clan Nettobuku was behind the killing, so Kīsutoro's successor might annoy us again.