Toru nodded, “He must prepare himself for a life of little sleep. We all must make sacrifices to serve and rule. And I expect nothing less of him. Come, boy. Onto the boat.” He said as he guided the sleepy little one onto a seat next to him. Michiko was sitting next to Kaito, still clutching onto Sumire. The boat was a large sort of canoe, with two decks. A top one and a bottom one, the coxswain sat at the back, and there were servants below with oars. Benjiro was sitting on a small rug, where servants had piled nesting material for him. Several Imperial Guards, wearing heavy armour, wielding spears and banners, as well as a few in just robes with a helmet stood around the top deck. The guards all wore black armour, with blue and gold robes underneath. As the craft got underway, sailing away from the capital city, Benjiro folded his hands into his sleeves in a dignified way. “It has come to my attention, by my Shinobi informants, that a traitor was identified. A vile Omukade. A Bushi, by the name of Honshino Junichi was reported to be acting suspicious by both my shinobi and the... degenerate monks who inhabit his region. We sail for the coasts of Hiiki. Where you two will seek out this Lord Junichi. Confront him, and learn the truth on if he truly is a demon. And if you can, report to me about the monks who dwell on his land. I wish to know why Junichi has disobeyed my orders to purge the monks. Your children will remain with me, for both have something to learn.” Benjiro was acting oddly serious for once.
-
Kondoru simply bowed his head to his uncle, and continued riding. Allowing the servants to string up the cart and move it onto the road, Kondoru leading the retinue down the path back towards the city. “An excellent job done then, I believe. I could not have asked for a better outcome. Not too many lives were lost. We secured our cargo. And the men are happy.”