Chapter 14: The Gempukku

Rite of passage

In a dark room the daimyo Taeshimo Akamine sat beneath a tall statue watching Fuyukaze. There were others in the room, but they could not be picked out in the darkness. The only light in the room was the open window which let in a stream of moonlight that framed both uncle and nephew in the pillar of silvery luminescence. There was a low table between them. Upon it lay a piece of paper as well as a writing brush, inkstone, tray, and a small bowl of water. The paper was completely blank. The air was thick with incense, masking the stone and salt smells. Though he was aware of others in the room Fuyukaze could barely hear breathing, none dared to speak on this solemn occasion. He glanced around at the shadows before looking to his uncle once again.

The statue behind his lord was that of Katsukana Taeshimo, the clan founder and beneath its base the ancient daimyo was buried. The moonlight reflected only hints ofhis features, making him appear apparition of the clan founder, come to watch the new warrior join its ranks. Reflections of huge urns lined the chamber walls. Within were the bodies of the clan's daimyo and heroes. Some statues lay here behind the urns, some scrolls detailing the deeds of the hero interred there. All were surrounded by offerings of flowers, cakes and rice wine. The incense sticks burned softly, making little dots of faint light, like fireflies in the darkness. This was an ancient chamber, was carved from the mountainside away from the castle and had been preserved carefully. This was the most sacred site of the clan, it was believed here the ancestors would watch their descendants and many meditated here before great undertakings.

Akamine sat motionless just watching his nephew in the moonlight “Take up the brush nephew, and write the words I give you.”

Fuyukaze rose up quickly and took the brush in one hand, carefully dipping it in the water before brushing it over the tray. He took the ink-stone and ground it firmly against the tray, then dipped the ink there taking a deep breath and looking to his lord, waiting for his words.

Akamine smiled softly “You will recite the words after you write them.” He spoke slowly and carefully, pausing as his nephew carefully wrote out his vows to the clan. “I Taeshimo Fuyukaze do hereby and hereon pledge my life to the lord of the Taeshimo. I vow to do anything that is asked of me without hesitation, fight for the good of the clan, and make any sacrifices asked of me. I will seek the permission of my lord when I seek to marry. To my lord I will obey any command without question, to my clan I swear all.”

Fuyukaze carefully took his lords words, slowly drawing out each word as artfully as best he could. He recited the oath silently as he wrote wanting to make sure he got every word right. Then looking down upon the paper he recited it to his lord. “I Taeshimo Fuyukaze do hereby and hereon pledge my life to the lord of the Taeshimo. I vow to do anything that which is asked of me without hesitation, fight for the good of the clan, and make any sacrifices asked of me. I will seek the permission of my lord when I seek to marry. To my lord I will obey any command without question, to my clan I swear all.” He smiled brightly after he finished the words, feeling a flush of pride having recited the oath.

“Good” Akamine continued “Now you must sign it in blood” he said firmly.

Fuyukaze carefully wrote out his name upon the paper then carefully he drew out his katana just an inch from the sheath. He pushed his thumb down upon it and winced slightly the pain more than he expected. He pressed his bloody thumb upon the paper, then pulled away, pushing his katana into its sheath once more.

“Well done” Akamine said proudly “You are now a vassal of the Taeshimo, you are sworn to defend the clan and die in your clan's name. For your loyal service I will provide you food, drink, clothing, weapons, armor and anything else I think you may need. I may give you pay, but you would not need it for anything you wish will be provided for you. You are a samurai of the Taeshimo clan and you will find your good service well rewarded.” He took the oath and carefully rolled it up in his hands. “Now nephew, as the newest and youngest vassal to the clan you will spend the night here in meditation. You will pray to your ancestors to watch over you and guide you.” He looked back over his shoulder “And you will remember that the founder is always watching us, judging us. We must always try to live up to his shining example.” With that the daimyo turned to the statue and bowed low, Fuyukaze knelt down upon the floor and pressed his head against the cool stone. When he rose up again his daimyo had disappeared into the darkness. He sat there and took in a deep breath, looking around the room, the soft footsteps of many passed along the walls then became softer as they moved behind him until he could not hear them anymore.

There Fuyukaze knelt upon the cool stone looking up at the statue curiously.  He had seen the statue many times in his youth, always being told to look upon it with reverence.  The statue looked like a man in his thirties, standing confident looking without the temple doorway.  As if watching over whoever prayed there, watching over the castle in the distance.  The youth looked at the lovingly polished stone and sought something for the journey he was about to embark on.  Left with his thoughts and the sounds of the crackling incense and crashing seas in the distance.