For five years we have held the border firm. For five years we have taught the Dark Lord to know his place and threaten the Empire no more. Our clan is as strong as it has ever been. With the Crane by our side, we have the influence and power to do as we please. Already the Kaiu have begun negotiations with the Unicorn to extend the Carpenter Wall further south. Soon, the might wall begun by our ancestors shall protect our Empire not only from the Shadowlands, but from all who might threaten it. The Crab shall not guard it alone, but each clan shall accept the duties of protecting that which we have created where it falls within our borders. By our handiwork, the Empire shall be strengthened and unified.
And yet I hear many whispers of discontent among my brothers and sisters. Even after all these years, some still feel that we cannot trust the Crane. I have even heard it said that I am weak, to offer an alliance to Doji Kurohito, the man who slew my mother.
To you I say this - you are cowards and fools, not warriors. My mother died in combat, as is the duty of a samurai. Kurohito faced her as an enemy, as such was his duty. The circumstances that led to our war with the Crane were unavoidable, but I am satisfied that both sides faced one another with honor.
I will never call Kurohito friend. He is an arrogant and overbearing man, but he is a true servant of the Empire. He has been a forthright and honest ally of the Crab since the offer of peace was broached, and until the Crane have proven themselves unworthy of our trust I will endure no ill speak of them.
If this alliance sets ill with you, then I offer you this challenge, and if I know my brothers among the Crab I know that they will not back down from a difficult challenge:
Let the Empire never say that we betrayed the Crane first.
Hida Kuon
Crab Clan Champion