The Shogun and the Traveller

Chapter 7: Memento

In preparation for the following mission, it would be wise to carry the necessary equipment. Tenshukaku's armoury was stocked with surplus uniforms and weapons which would do well. Although I would always have the Musou Ishin housed within, it was meant as a ceremonial weapon from its creation. Weapons with greater range such as polearms and projectile weapons outclassed swords. One of the many pattern yari would suffice, a traditional spear as opposed to the slashing spear of  the naginata. I selected a uniform in the standard lilac drab. For practicality, I tied my long purple hair into a large bun at the back of my head. Though with it's sheer volume it would be considered a second head. For protection, All standard issued infantry body armour: minimalistic and pragmatic. I elected to wear two sode on both shoulders as the samurai of old have.

Tying the kote together behind my head was particularly challenging when done alone. As for the dō, it was an annoyance to tie the straps. Unfortunately, even the largest sizes were constricting. Even so, I was adequately armed for the coming mission.

I made my way out of Tenshikaku and north to the Grand Narukami Shrine on the summit of Mount Yougou. The grass and foliage of Byakko swayed gently in the breeze; The trees bobbled in the wind. The sky was clear as a lake at dawn, the sun shined down as it had always. The silence of the outdoors was different to the silence of the indoors. It was vast with a whisper of life breathing ever presently as opposed to finite walls that isolated which was within from which was without. Perhaps leaving the confines of the castle would be useful as grounding to maintain an accurate perspective.

I passed under the tori which demarcated the pathway up the base of the mountain. The walkways were of a light shade of wood; They were newly renovated. Continuing upwards, faint hammer swings could be heard. Rounding a corner, a familiar girl and her servant were seen carrying planks up the walkways.

I passed by the two in order to speak. Ayaka and Thoma held the stack of planks, one on each end. Ayaka wore wrappings akin to a headband as dressings for her contusion.

"What is the reason for this menial labour?" I questioned.

 "All the walkways leading up to the shrine are being repaired. We thought since we're headed up there anyways, we'd lend a hand," Thoma answered

"Would you like to help us carry these planks?" Ayaka added.

I took the stack of planks in my right hand and mounted them upon my shoulder, clutching the yari in the other.

"Oh, erm... would you like our help?" Asked Ayaka

"No." I replied.

"You sure?" Thoma affirmed,

"Yes." I replied.

"Well I can at least carry your spear for you." Thoma offered.

"No." I replied.

Continuing the ascent, the noise of hammering grew prominent as we drew nearer to its source. The blonde outlander kept busy hammering nails into the planks as Paimon ferried a bag of nails nearly equal to her own body mass. The basket-pack of Thoma sat nearby with the necessary supplies for the mission

The path further onward were in disrepair: the wood was rotted and the planks were fallen apart. Many more were working in the refurbishing effort. Even from the lowest sections, the sounds of hammers and feet upon wood fell from the restorations above. The blonde outlander kept busy hammering nails into boards whilst Paimon ferried about a bag of nails nearly equal to her own body mass.

"Lumber delivery!" Thoma called out. I gently set the stack of wood down beside the outlander.

"Hi, lady!" Paimon said waving.