Coming out of his office Shimazu Takahisa felt the icy wind striking at him like a Sword blow. The sky was clouded, winter was coming. He had just finished giving writing the orders which were now to be sent to their adressees.
He came down the stairs and was welcomed by the local generals and military counselours.
"Great Lord Shimazu Takahisa, what deeds are we allowed to fulfill in order to overthrow this worthless Chûgoku scum?"
"Be patient Hisaaki. You will have your chance. My orders have been sent, let us wait and see whose heads will roll..."
Hisaaki nodded.
"May I humbly ask, my Lord, what you decided to answer to the Amako?"
"I decided not to draw advantage of their foolishness. Thinking that Shimazu Samurai enter battle out of no reasonable motivation deserves pity rather than abuse."
A general laughter arose, but died out with Takahisa raising his hand.
"Do not laugh too loud, Shimazu warriors. The Amako may be fools, hardly able to handle their weapons, but together with their allies they are numerous. Even the toughest tiger can be killed by a horde of rats."
A mutter of approval.
"Ensure every man to know that a Shimazu Samurai is not fighting out of bloodlust or expansion plans. We are not tolerating a man claiming to be the Shogun of Nippon. Every Daimyô of this isle is to subordinate only to our Divine Emperor and the Blades of Kyûshû will ensure this to be."
Without requiring a certain command, the warmen saluted simultaneously and backed away, leaving Lord Takahisa alone in the yard.
"May the Blades of the Winter Wind do in our favour...", he whispered.
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