Kenji’s Story: A Samurai’s Journey

Chapter 1: The First Lesson

My name is Kenji Yoto, I wasn’t always a Samurai. In the old days, I was known as a blacksmith in the Kakunodate District. It was a Samurai District and I was hired by the damiyo, Hide Yushi, a wise and skilful Samurai. He requested I live there among them, and provide the most exquisite steel. Of course, I accepted. This was a great honour for a blacksmith as myself. I always respected the ways of the samurai, and secretly yearned to learn their talents and skills.

Hide Yushi was the leader of this village and was master to about 200 Samurai warriors. Brave and proficient warriors each one of them was, and as loyal as they could be.

My story begins the first day I was hired by Hide Yushi, September 1st, 1750.

It was I who asked the question. Always so interested in the ways of the Samurai, and to this day, I wish I had not. I learned the hard way of what a Samurai must practice and accept when it comes to loyalty to his master.

Hide Yushi requested my presence at his town hall to witness one of his meetings. Secretly he knew of my passion for the Samurai style; he was an intelligent man. The hall was beautiful, yet plain. Bamboo was set for the floor, and walls, covered in some parts by silk and cloth. In the middle of the main room, where the Samurai would meet to discuss matters, there was a fire pit set for warmth. Unusual compared to most Japanese buildings, but unique. I entered this main room where Hide, and his captains were already seated. They formed a circle and Hide was set at the top, just under the village’s emblem. The very minute I entered, all Samurai stood up very quickly, turned and bowed; I did the same. Truly honoured I was, for blacksmiths were never considered equal. I felt as though there was an ulterior motive for my presence.

“Kenji-San.” Hide spoke in a soft, yet powerful manner.

“Welcome, please, have a seat.”

I nodded and placed myself knees first in the only open space there was, right beside Hide himself. It was like a bar, smoky, full of Sake, and loud tough men arguing about. I was under the impression that Hide was the only master at this meeting, but I was mistaken. Every single on of these captains was assigned certain Samurai for their apprentices. Hide was still the head master of this village, but believed that his captains were capable of teaching and passing on their knowledge. A very generous and unique Master Samurai he was.

“Kenji-San.” Hide addressed me amongst the commotion.

“Yes my lord?” I replied quickly.
“Surely you must have a tongue, you just spoke, don’t you have anything to say in our conversations?” Unusually asked Hide.

Without hesitation, and surprising Hide and the rest of the Samurai, I asked.

“My lord, I have only one question.” The question I now regret asking.

“Please Kenji-San, speak, you are considered equal among myself and the Samurai living here.” Replied Hide. A statement that would never be said anywhere else in Japan.

“Lord Hide-Sama, I’m interested to know what the single most value a Samurai must hold.”

Hide Yushi laughed and stated that it was a very important question, one that all Samurai had a different opinion about. I knew I had just stirred up a mess. All the Samurai in the room were staring at me, even the servant woman kneeling at the sides of the room. Each one with their own unique grin. Somehow, I thought that the entire room would break out with arguments. Not at all; professionally, they started at the first man sitting to Hide’s right.

Goro firmly said. “Courage my brothers. Without it, armies would flee, and evil would prevail.”

The Samurai nodded and some said it was an important virtue, but not the most. Next in line was Kano.

“Power! A weak Samurai is no Samurai at all.” He shouted, as he was a significantly large individual. Muscles as big as my head, for I was a slender fellow.

“Intelligence I believe” Said Asano. “What is courage and power if a man cannot think, without thought, his talents and values are useless.”

A powerful line thought the rest, and I was amazed, even as Samurai, men still posses their own opinions. Then calmly, Yugi Sanata, the youngest Samurai in the room, only 20, said.

“Loyalty, for if a man is not loyal, his values and skills serve your enemy.”

Silence stood still, all Samurai glanced toward Hide, awaiting some response.

“Yugi Sanata-San! A strong statement my friend.” Said Hide.

It seemed that everyone was interested in this answer alone. Quickly and forcefully, Kano said.

“Loyalty, Hah! What does a youngster like you know of loyalty?”

Yugi quickly stood up, and glared at Kano, not saying a word, and gripping his katana. Yugi’s dark eyes were all one could see. This young Samurai was uniquely skilful in the art of stealth attacks, and therefore wore a black outfit and mask covering his identity. Kano quickly stood up as well. Before both men could draw their katanas, Hide raised his hand in the air signalling for them to sit down. They obeyed.

“Yugi Sanata-San, your courage impresses me. Is it your wish to fight and possibly be killed by Kano?” Asked Hide.

“My lord, I will obey anything you ask.” Replied Yugi as he bowed.

Hide quickly shook his head and suggested that they settle this with a competition. Both Samurai agreed. The competition would be a test of loyalty. Kano and Yugi would call one of their apprentices into the room and give them an order. The one whose apprentice would ask any question regarding his order, or hesitate would lose.

“Yugi-San.” Said Hide. “What shall the order be?”

“My lord, I will demonstrate with one of my apprentices, Minoru, and Kano will follow after my test is done.” Replied Yugi with confidence.

“Very well. Kenji-San!” My heart suddenly jumped as Hide addressed me. “Will you summon Minoru for us?”

“Of course my lord.” I responded as I arose from my spot, and bowed to all the men in the room. As I walked to the door, I glanced over at Yugi and noticed a very serious expression on his face. It made me suddenly not want to summon Minoru, for I had a sick feeling in my stomach, knowing I was the cause of this whole situation. But I had my orders, and unexpectedly, it felt like I had a master of my own, or so I wished.

When I found Minoru, he was a magnificent sight. Sitting so calmly, sharpening his katana, he looked up at me. For a moment, I feared him, not knowing what to expect. But again, I had my orders.

“Minoru-San?” I asked just to be certain. He quickly jumped up and bowed. I took it as a yes.

“Your master requests your presence at the main hall.” I said firmly. Without notice, he re-equipped his katana, and took off running. I tried to keep up, but he was fast and swift. It was a good thing the hall was in eyesight, for I would have certainly lost him.

Entering the hall, Minoru had just kneeled in front of Yugi, with his katana lying right beside him. I noticed that the captains in the room had all moved themselves to the sides, in order to give way for the contest. Hide quickly signalled me to stand by him for the best view, since it was I who asked the question. Then Yugi slowly turned his head toward me and said.

“Kenji-San, remember this my friend, remember this.” His eyes were still, and sad, yet proud.

Remember this I thought with a puzzled look. Why? Then it began, with Yugi’s eyes still fixed on mine.

“Minoru-San!” Snapped Yugi.

“Yes Master.”

“Kill me.”

Without hesitation or question, Minoru ripped out his katana like the wind and sliced off Yugi’s head. As soon as Minoru saw his master was dead, he swiftly wiped the blood off his katana, set it aside, pulled out his wakizashi, and threw himself on the blade, ending his own life. As the two bodies filled the floor with blood, tears ran down my face, and everyone was in shock. Mouths wide open; some with their heads down, it was a horrific sight. Bodies both twitching, and the woman in the background screaming. As I regained my thought, all I could see was Yugi’s eyes looking at me so peacefully before his death. Knowing I was the cause of this outcome, I was sick and disgusted. Thinking I might be in trouble, I looked toward Hide and Kano, but they were silent with respect and honour for Yugi and his apprentice Minoru. Everyone suddenly realised that loyalty was the most important value a Samurai must hold. Anything was possible when loyalty was fulfilled.

[This message has been edited by Undefeatable (edited 01-06-2006 @ 09:23 AM).]