In the private study of Shogun Natsumi Hideyoshi, a private audience had been granted to a familiar silver-haired individual: Kohaku Hideyoshi, her elder brother. With formalities concluded, Kohaku opened with the matter at hand.
"Dear sister, I think that we've made a mistake with regards to the Kijima clan. While I understand your intentions were good, allowing this group of fanatics to have their independence has created a power which rivals even our reserves. We are on the brink of no longer being able to control them, and their antiquated ways mean that their respect for your command is waning. We are in the middle of a war, and we cannot afford to lose potential allies. At this point, it is imperative that we gain back not only their respect, but also their loyalty. Unfortunately, I do not believe that we will be able to do this while you remain in command. Our people are more important than our pride, and at this point the only hope of merging these groups to their original power is under the old patriarchal ways. I would therefore like to offer my assistance in this and once again take the place of shogun, in the hopes that we might come out of this stronger than before."
“You’re right,” Natsumi responded. A short silence passed, but there was no elaboration. After a long, measured gaze, Kohaku continued.
“Then with your authorisation, I will rally the clans.”
![[Image: TISj7ZB.png]](https://i.imgur.com/TISj7ZB.png)