It is a cold night, fittingly so for the events about to pass. In the woods, surrounding the Imperial capitol, black-clad samurai stalk silently toward the palace and prepare their weapons, while ninja begin to climb the ancient walls. The hour approaches, treachury is on the wind.

Not so very far away, Akodo Toturi, leader of the Lion clan's armies and sworn defender of the Emerald Throne, kicks off his sandals and enters a small house in a nondescript alley. It is not a wealthy house, nor is it reputable, but it is warm, and it houses the geisha he loves. He comes here to escape the weight of Imperial matters. He shivers. Toturi seats himself and asks for some tea. The rain drips from his hair and kimono, so he does not notice the drip of a single tear landing in the cup she offers him. her masters have ordered her to poison Toturi, and she has no choice but to obey.

Meanwhile, in the Throne Room itself, Bayushi Shoju speaks with Emporer Hantei. "I have found an ancient prophecy," he says gravely. "It says the greatest among us will cause the Empire to fall and release an ancient evil into the world. I need your blessing to take every action necessary to avoidthis fate."

"You have it," says the Emperor, "but who, my trusted friend, is more powerful than you?"

Shoju bows. "Only you, Emperor," he says as he draws his katana.

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