Crane Clan Letter - #16
I look upon my fellow Crane with disgust.
Have you learned nothing?
The Yasuki name was given to us by Emperor Toturi himself. What purpose does this name serve if the lands that share it are not ours as well? Had Toturi lived long enough to arbitrate the matter, he would have seen it so. Now our only recourse is war.
Yet each day I look into the eyes of my fellow Crane and I see indecision. I see doubt. I see dissension. You feel that I have erred in judgment, that we should open our hand to the Crab in peace rather than attack them.
You have learned nothing.
Over thirty years ago, a Scorpion named Bayushi Shoju dared stand against the Emperor. The Great Clans allied against Shoju, and even still the Scorpion stood tall, holding the Imperial Capitol of Otosan Uchi through sheer force of will. Had Hida Kisada stood at Shoju's side, none could have withstood their might and perhaps we would kneel to a Bayushi Emperor today.
And yet, in the end, it was the Crab who turned the battle against the Scorpion, because Shoju showed the Crab weakness.
The Crab will endure disrespect. The Crab will endure derision. The Crab will even endure betrayal, but they will never endure weakness.
I know that the duty of the Crab is important, and would do nothing to distract them from their vigil against the darkness. But I tell you know, if we show the Crab that we are willing to accept anything less than complete domain over the lands that are rightfully ours, we shall never win this war. The Crab know their duty; if we show them that we are as strong as they are, they will renounce their claim and return to their vigil.
I am your Champion.
The next Crane who defies me shall have the choice, to leave this clan or to prove his sincerity by performing the three cuts.
I shall not explain myself again.
- Doji Kurohito