Chapter 6 - 8 Summary

The next chapter continues the story of Takeo at court with his vassal lords Zenko and Hana in the port city of Hofu. Takeo is walking with his sword Jato, which he hasn't used in combat for some years, and his most trusted scribe Minoru to a meeting with Lord Kono, who is acting as a messenger from the very Emperor himself.

Takeo is inwardly confused to see the man here and wonders why the Emperor has suddenly taken an interest in the 'backwards' Three Countries, when Kono declares that a new War Master has been declared. Kono also says, because Lord Otori Takeo did not consult with the Emperor before he became the ruler of the Three Countries, it has been declared that his rule is illegitimate. Takeo is betraying the Emperor, and, unless he steps down immediately, the Emperor...