By Charlie Kirby
����� He has fallen. Our great leader has fallen. It was many years ago, but it still feels as if it were yesterday. The clan has fallen into disarray and begun to fall into dishonest ways. Many of those who had good hearts have left, disgusted at what we have become. I, Hishomitsu, the final Manji scribe, feel that I must retell the story of our leader. The Oni Killer, the one called Yoshimitsu.
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�������He was not always called Yoshimitsu. Before the Manji recruited him, he was simply known as Heho Shun-shek. All our leaders have donned the armor and name of Yoshimitsu ever since the first one who founded our clan. When they reached an age that they could no longer carry out their duties, they would secretly passon their armor and name to another. This makes tracing our leaders nearly impossible.
������When he joined, the Manji were all thieves and con artist stealing from thewealthiest in Japan. Heho served long, until one night when he had a vision. In this vision, his father appeared before him and showed him the errors of his way. He showed what the Manji Clan was supposed to be. He showed him what truehonor was.
������Our leader at this time was an evil corrupt man. He stole from both the poor and the rich. He was merciless with no consideration for human life. This wouldbe Yoshimitsu's first true enemy.
������The Day of the Turning is what we call that day when Yoshimitsu confronted theleader. Here are the records of that day:
������ While the current leader was discussing their plans of action with some of thehigher clansmen in secret, Heho charged into the room and stabbed his sword into the middle of the table.
������ "It is time I give up this sword and take the blade Yoshimitsu."
�������The leader rose. "Heho, you cannot defeat me. While I carry the blade of Yoshimitsu, it will not fail me."
�������"You are wrong. It will not betray, but get revenge on it's master for the years of misuse."
�������"You know the history of this blade. It's soul seeks to do my bidding."
�������"I grow weary of you're babble. Draw my sword!"
�������The leader did as told and jumped on the table and charged Heho. The thenYoshimitsu leaped into the air holding himself up with the rotation of his swordthen brought down his blade into the hard floor where Heho had been. Frustration appeared on the leader's face from under the mask. The other men who had been inthe room now cleared out in fear for their lives. The leader jumped in the airspinning with his foot extended. Heho ducked and grabbed his free foot and holding it in place while he still spun. A crack was heard as cries of pain escaped the room. The blade called Yoshimitsu fell to the floor next to its former master.
�������Heho walked up and took the sword to his hand. "It seems you have come to your rightful master."
������� "Please, please," begged the fallen leader, "give me honor"
������� "Heho took up the sword Yoshimitsu, running his finger down the edge of theblade. He kicked the leaders helmet off. "You have no honor!" Then came down. Splinters off woods hit the leaders cheek. "Rise, take off that which you havedisgraced. Then leave."
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There was a gathering of the righteous. A vanquishing of the evil. We call thisthe Day of Purification.