Blessings upon you and your house. I am Watanabe Hirotada, Head of the Watanabe Kazoku, formerly Shogun during the interim period of 821 A.S. I write to you with a heart full of regret, as It has occurred to me that I have neglected to proclaim my allegiance, and the allegiance of my House to the Shogun. My failure to unify and reform the Blood Dragon clans, and the accompanying profound shame, has led me to develop a secluded life-style in my ancestral compound, wherein I've become severed from the world at large. Years have passed, powers have come and gone, victories and defeats have amassed. Yet I remained unchanged and stagnant. I have come to the conclusion that this must end.
Duty, both that to the Dragons at large, and a filial devotion to the works of my forefathers, demands that I come to the service once more. Perhaps through this renewed action, the shame of my past failures might become cleansed. Or at least substituted by some new glory. I will, therefore, acknowledge the authority of the Shogun, and support his unifying rule over the clans. I will uphold the tenets of the Dragons, both the vision of a free Kusari, and the vengeance that was sworn even since five centuries ago. Our ships and resources are yours, should you accept.
Long Live the Blood Dragons, and Ten Thousand Years to the Shogun.
This is most unexpected, The Watanabe have kept to themselves and remained as peaceful watchers for some time now. It also isn't often that a past Shogun would openly accept the rule of another. Under any other circumstances, I would doubt your intent and question if you had any thirst for power yourself, however, with two of the three sacred values of the Watanabe being Honour and Loyalty I do not believe that you would choke on your ambitions. Many things have changed since Watanabe Dragon last stirred from its slumber.
Firstly, Planet Tomioka. Nagano, so close to our home holds a planet we have been fighting over, during your reign occupation of this planet seemed impossible now it's more likely than ever. I understand that finding solid ground and dealing with Kyoto's food supply issues were a major concern for your clan and this planet may provide you with a second attempt at reaching that goal.
Secondly, your clan no long holds residence on Sendai, that complex is currently under control of the Augus Clan, Should the Shogun accept you as his Daimyo this is something you could remedy.
Finally, the Watanabe drones have been retired and out of service for some time, these rest on Kyoto should you want to start using them again. I assume that many are still in good working order but a few may require repair to be brought back into service.
This should bring you up to date for now. I'm sure as time goes on and you find your feet you will have many more questions, do not hesitate to ask them. It is by Shogunate decree that you are requested to meet with Kohaku Hideyoshi to swear fealty and provide tribute, should he accept you as a Daimyo you will be appointed as such and provided with a new region for your clans home. Available regions are as such, Nagano, Tohoku, Kyushu, and Honshu Or less desirable systems such as Rishiri, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, and Tottori.
I look forward to meeting you and am already promoting your favour.
Arigato,
Heung Hideyoshi,
Shogunate Treasurer and Representative of Shogun Hideyoshi.
Your suspicions are only natural. The clan divisions, and the dissent directly caused by them paints an uncertain picture. Muddy waters where crystalline streams should be. In my time, I strove to eradicate such divisions. In time, however, it became clear that such plans were both unrealistic, and far from beneficial. The differences, however inconvenient in the short term, can also be a strength in the long term. Balance between opposites, for a more wholesome Dragon Order.
But as the future stands on uncertain legs, we have to stand side by side by comparison. Let it be known - I fight for power, but not my own. I fight for the power of the Dragons, and for the dreams and ideals of those dishonored, that gave rise to us all. Dreams and ideals that the Hideyoshi name embodies. So I have said, and by my word and honor, so it shall be.
Let us not speak of fiefs and holdings just yet. I will make the trip to the palace, if my Lord so desires, and offer to him a family relic as a symbol of my devotion. I will wait on your word.
The Hideyoshi Shogunate Standing before the entrance to the hall, Hirotada appeared motionless, clad in his combat armor, the only movement coming from his visor which pulsated a red color. He took a deep breath, calming himself completely. He entered through the door, with a confident, steady step. An object wrapped in white cloth in his right hand. He stopped a few steps in, waiting for an invitation before approaching.
Kohaku Hideyoshi
The Shogun did not immediately appear to take notice of his entrance; instead, his attention remained on the documentation in front of him while he remained seated at the head of the long table in the hall. When at last he seemed content, he raised his eyes to the new arrival, and after a pause stood from his place to more formally greet his guest. "Watanabe Hirotada. I was just reviewing what my representative has gathered summarizing your .. interesting history."
Hirotada Watanabe
"Hideyoshi-dono." Hirotada's voice resonated behind his helmet as he moved towards the Shogun and stopped before quite reaching what could be considered personal space. He prostrated himself with a 'saikeirei', a bow of deep reverence. He held the position for some seconds, before placing himself back into an upright position. The locks of his helmet hissed pressurized air, and it's mechanism creaked slightly, before opening and sliding back behind his head, into a collar-like position. "Ours is only a tiny part of the Dragons' history, but it is a distinct privilege to be a part, no matter how small." He smiled and bowed his head as he extended the object wrapped in cloth towards the Shogun. "Please."
Kohaku Hideyoshi
Kohaku gave a small respectful bow in response, something reserved for advisors, daimyos, and a handful of others. The shogun appeared unphased as he waited for the helmet to fall back and reveal the face of Hirotada, calculating but by no means surprised. "Nevertheless, it is important to have a full understanding of how our clan has come to be, and more specifically how we have come to stand here now." At the outstretched hand he stared briefly, then reached to take the object and the cloth it was wrapped in. His eyes raised back to Hirotada with a silent question, then returned to the object as he slowly unwrapped it.
Hirotada Watanabe
The object would be revealed as a ceremonial blade, fashioned from a material unlike any other. Greenish in color, and comprised of plates fused seamlessly. "Quite correct. History has many lessons to teach us. Tales of brotherhood, family, honor and sacrifice. The important things in our fleeting lives." He paused as he shifted his weight, trying to gauge the Shogun's reaction at the object. "But many lessons, with their histories, are lost to us." He eyed the object with a somewhat remorseful look. "Much like this."
He paused again and cleared his throat before continuing. "Found deep in the mists so many years ago. It's makers disappeared long before our time. What was salvaged of the wreck was used to create the very first AIs that powered our Drones."
"The rest, to fashion items such as this. Prized possessions of my family. This one, I gift to you, Hideyoshi-dono. Like I gift my loyalty."
Kohaku Hideyoshi
The shogun's attention remained on the blade as the cloth was removed from the top of it, hanging below his hand as he used the cloth itself to hold onto the gift. The explanation of its history garnered as much silence in response, but there was a glimmer of intrigue in his expression as he looked upon the piece of history in his hand.
"Your token is appreciated," Kohaku began as he tore his eyes from the blade back to the one who had given it to him. Absently he folded the cloth back over it, but there was a delicacy in the way he held it that continued to express his admiration of it. "As is your loyalty."
The covered blade was then placed onto the table at his side, a signal as well as any as he shifted the conversation. "I have read on your work previously, and I must say that I was impressed. The Drones that you have created, while in disrepair at present, were something to be seen in their day. With some work, I believe that they could be a great force once again. Which leads me to my question to you: what is it that you hope to accomplish by re-entering clan life?"
Hirotada Watanabe
Hirotada followed the Shogun's movements, mannerisms, and expressions with utmost attention. He weighed every word, both the Shogun's and his own. There was a pause before he spoke back, and so with a calm and even tone. "By studying our history, you undoubtedly noticed that in our eyes, the progress of the Dragons was its own reward. Though through miscalculation we bit off more than we could chew, our ideal was always pure."
He looked downwards, and his eyes darted left and right. "And so it remains today, but hopefully, with more wisdom to temper it." He looked back up and at the Shogun. "It is my belief that the Dragons must prosper themselves, before restoring our ways to Kusari itself. There should be proof of our ideals, both to us, and to the people, we seek to win over."
"I want to assist in this, once again, in an active role. Reach out to new people, develop new connections and technologies. All for Hideyoshi's, your illustrious ancestor's memory."
"I want to one day be considered an irreplaceable servant, ally, and at the risk of being too bold - a friend." He lowered his gaze again.
Kohaku Hideyoshi
"From what you say, I would believe that our ideals are well aligned." He glanced again at the covered blade, weighing his options carefully. The shogun stood calmly, hands folding behind his back. As if a decision had been made in his mind, he raised his head and squared his shoulders.
"I think you will understand, of couse, if I am cautious of the return of a previous Shogun to our ranks. Not only do you have a respectable history, but I believe that you have the ambition to draw others to your cause. However, it is for these very reasons, and my own respect for you and the many things you've proven yourself capable of over the years, that I believe that we need someone of your calibur among our ranks, to help to lead our clan into greatness."
"In exchange for your loyalty, I have decided to offer you a place within my council, as one of the clan daimyos. As it stands, we have an opening in the Honshu system which I believe would serve your purposes well."
"I do have two requests for you included in this offer, however. One, is that you take over a project of ours, called Project Yamato. I will have my representative explain this further upon accepting the position. Two, there is a young dragon that I would like you to bestow your knowledge upon and guide. Her name is Ayasato Mei, and I believe that you will find her to be a useful asset."
"Provided these two demands are agreeable to you, I forsee this being the beginning of a very beneficial alliance. Do not mistake me, though; I will be keeping a very close eye on the workings of your clan."
Having finished his offer, he finally allowed the other a chance to speak on the matter, ensuring that he had laid out all parts for the other before giving him the opportunity to respond.
Hirotada Watanabe
"A leader, though focused on benevolence, should have his mind tempered with a healthy dose of suspicion." He nodded several times. "Snakes do live in our midst. But I shall not insult you by attempting to persuade you of my loyalty. I will let my future deeds speak for themselves."
He grew silent as he weighed the prospects in Honshu. Hikone, though a small outpost, was an important stepping point to and from the Sigma cluster. And the system itself was supercharged with tension. Something that could well be exploited along the way.
"I accept." He conceded at last. "I will assemble my small council and have them sent to Hikone. And this child, she will accompany us. I will examine the details of this project in my office at the Kinryu Compound."
He crossed his arms over his chest and bowed with the traditional Dragon salute. "I will not fail you, on my life, I will not."