Letter to Togashi Udon, Ise Zumi of the Dragon Clan and Unicorn Tanto Bearer

 

 

 

Togashi Udon-san,

 

            I am most appreciative of your trust in me.  Indeed, fate and the Hantei have dealt us a strange hand.  Who would think that a Scorpion Demon Hunter, a Dragon Ise Zumi, and a Ronin would be working with a Tainted Samurai and a shinobi in order to save the empire?   Indeed, I trust you and consider you my friend.  My only regret is that we did not meet one another under happier circumstances and lighter times. 

 

            As for the situation considering our friend with the taint, I fear that his condition may be a result of my actions.  During our first night at the palace, Kuno and I visited the graveyard searching for clues as to the identity of our Phoenix attacker.  He was wounded before I could banish the Oni power that animated body.  I have skills that I am forbidden to use on those who are not somehow under the influence of the Shadowlands.  I could not act before I knew for certain that the taint had affected him.  Now you tell me it has.  I may be able to duel him unarmed and win but his skills are forbidding.  My currently poisoned condition also makes this difficult.  There is also the Hantei's decree.  My only cure for the taint usually does not leave the tainted one alive. 

 

Please tell me Udon, does the cure cause him any other harm?  Or is the cure too intrusive?   My greatest fear is that confronting Kuno will cause a rift in our band.  Our first duty must be to save the Empire.  Everything else, unfortunately, must be second.  I hope Kuno can see by our example that the taint will only bring sorrow and damnation to him.  Only then would he truly be cured.  We must also consider that he may try to actively regain the taint, since power is intoxicating.  If we forced a cure on him, through an honorable duel or duplicity, we may not be able to stop him from regaining it later. 

 

            Please do not think that I do not believe the taint must be removed.  I had considered advising you to cure him in his sleep.  I truly believe we must convince him to let us remove the taint of his own free will.  Perhaps if I challenge him formally, in my weakened state, he will see the gravity of the situation and realize what is happening.   Please let me know what you think and destroy this letter when you have given it some thought.

 

May Karma favor us and our path,

 

Shosuro Keshijo, Mystic Demon Hunter of the Scorpion Clan