Letter to the Bearers

Greetings Honored Brothers,

 

The past few weeks I have not felt, true. I awake each morning like a beam of light, full of faith and knowledge that we are doing the right thing. Light casts the shadow. I sense that shadow growing and I do not understand.

 

I once made to each of you a vow as the Kami’s chosen Tanto Bearers:

 

For as long as I draw breath or for as long as I bear a Tanto of the Kami’s, I will always honor, support and be loyal to each of you and to the Tanto Bearers as a whole. I will not lie, deceive, or manipulate any of you. I will not intentionally harm any of you. What happens to one of us happens to all of us. If by blood or blade, I will give my life to save any or all of you. I will always strive to fulfill the tenets of the Tanto Bears: support the Tanto Bearers, support the Empire and its Emperor, strive for peace, and destroy He-who-should-not-be-named.

 

I missed the point. And I still allowed us to divert our path from Habikki and from the trail of the missing tanto.

 

            This past week has made that clear to me. I know why they are the Thunders now. They breathe, not for themselves, not for honor, nor glory, or revenge. Even if they do not understand yet, the truth is there for all to see.  Thankfully, in their own way, the Thunders are always teaching those who listen with their hearts. 

 

            I still believe our place is to support the Empire. An Empire is nothing without its people. We once stood looking out over a sea of armies that were like ants spread out before us. We have yet to adjust that perspective.

 

I understand why Yohei was blessed with the Tanto of the Hantei. He is the best of us. He is our cause. He is why we breathe. He is the People. We strive for the Empire and we overlook the people that make it so great. 

 

I understand why I have received the Ki-Rin Tanto. Like the Unicorn, I am called to wander. It is my time to seek answers, Brothers. It is my time to see into the shadow that is looming before us. It is my time to seek out the other bearers and bring their pieces into the puzzle. It is Habikki’s time to be free.

 

 

 

I leave you all with this thought:

 

What is the greatest gift a person can receive during their lifetime?

 

To me, the greatest gift is a chance, a chance to right a wrong, or a chance to make a difference or even just a chance to be. We are blessed to be given so many chances in this life, and we should return those chances in kind. For now the Mistress of the Void is looking for us and I would advise you to give her as many chances as she wants. I am off to give Habikki her chance.

 

 

 

I am Togashi Udon, Bearer of the Ki-Rin Tanto and Ise Zumi of the Dragon Clan. I wish to be no other place then by your side. When the time is right, we will be reunited. Then it will be time for the Bearers to shine.

 

Your friend,

 

Togashi Udon