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Shou turned to look the source of the voice, he knew was aimed at him. The were stung, he had already felt he had done something wrong when he saw the inn guards dispatch the thugs. That they had been a better way that he hadn't thought of and this man had straightly told him what it was. That it was his fault the boy had seen death today, that he had just been wanting to fight and had used this as a excuse to do so. Shou stood there for a moment and did nothing. The man was right. He could of just picked the kid up and taken him away, maybe even dragged the father aside as well in case the men had been able to beat the inn guards without his intervention. The it dawned on him, so had this man. So had everyone else in the room.

"At least I tried something. At least I didn't sit they more interested in myself and my bloody sake like you and the rest."

Shou shouted at the room, storming over to where his drink had been, grabbing the sack of possession nearby on the floor and heading for the door, leaving the drink he had already paid for where it had been. No desire to drink while he was in such a mix of self-doubt and anger at the patron who had spoken out. "Maybe I didn't make the right choice. Maybe I was grandstanding, but at least I didn't sit there like a damn coward." Shou said over his shoulder as he stepped passed the bodies and headed through the inns door. 

Shou alongside the other men of Captain Koboyashi unit cheered, as their comrade currently in the ring physically threw the most recent challenger to the ground of the ring. It was the man’s second win, and Shou wondered just how many the man was going to beat before he lost. However as the loser almost crawled his way out of the ring, no one else stepped up among them to take on the challenge. “Yamabara get in there. I won’t have you just watching.” Captain Koboyashi ordered pushing Shou forward to the edge of the ring. “Yes sir.” Shou groaned as he climb into the ring.


“Well this is going to be an easy win.” The previous winning said laughing. Shou looked over the larger built man, and was worried for a moment, until he noticed the tired look that only touched the man’s eyes. “We’ll see.” Shou simply replied, planting his feet and getting ready. The man charged and came out swinging, a fist flying out at the side of Shou head. It was slow, however and he managed to duck under the fist, before throwing a fist of his own into the other man’s gut, and making him stagger backwards. Shou wouldn’t allow the other man to recover, and would following with sliding steps before alternating between hand and slamming another two fists into the man’s stomach.


However the larger man didn’t seem as phased by the follow up as he had the initial strike, and lifted both hands above his head and clasped them together before bringing them downward. Shou only managed to move at the last moment, and the double arm slam came down atop his shoulder hard, instead of his head, pushing him down slightly. Almost copying the idea from foe, Shou clasped his own hands together and brought them up as he raise his body, both hands catching the man solidly in the underside of the chin. Once again the man staggered back, this time to the edge of the ring raising his hands if as still to fight, before his eyes seemed to glaze over and he fell backwards out of the ring.


One down.


With a hand Shou rubbed the shoulder and collar bone that the other man had hit, even though he had been tired the blow had packed quite a punch, and using the arm immediately after may have not been the best idea. Another member of the unit was pushed into the ring by Koboyashi. Combatant number two charged at him while he was still rubbing his shoulder, and Shou side stepped the kick aimed at his chest, staggering to the side thrown off balance. The other man turned and followed throwing quick punches at his face, and Shou pulled his uninjured arm of his shoulder and desperately blocked the blows by pushing them aside with his forearm. Turning his arm on the last thrown punch, Shou grabbed the other man’s arm and twisted slightly before pushing the man away. Stepping forward he brought his other arm up and return the offensive slamming a fist into the man’s face, swearing in pain as the shock flew down his own arm and into his shoulder.


Obviously hurt by the blow, the other man still didn’t let it stop him and grabbed Shou injured arm turning round and pulling he threw Shou over his shoulder and into the ground. With another swear, Shou swung a leg out from his new position on the floor and kick into the side of the man’s knee, before pulling his leg back, and using his foot to take his knee out from behind. Falling towards, him Shou grabbed the man with his good arm and rolled his body with all he could, pushing the other guy to the floor beside him and then sat on top of him a hand pressed to his neck. “You lose, get up get out.” Shou said through gritted teeth, getting off the man and letting him retreat from the ring.


That made two down.


Another stepped up and unlike the previous two waited for Shou to make the first move. Using the opportunity to catch his breath, Shou cautiously moved forward testing the man with a few jabs, which were easily dodged, and then attempted to sweep kick the man’s leg from under him. The guy jumped over the leg, and mid-air kick Shou in the chest knocking him backwards and to the floor. Rolling back to his feet, Shou narrowly avoided a fist coming down at where he had been, and watched as the man shouted in pain from hitting the ground with all the force he had mustered. Darting forward at the pain distracted man, swung out a series of blows, two to the man’s gut, before a final strike to the man’s temple with his injured arm, knocking him to the ground defeated.


Three down.


“Well done. Messenger boy, I’m impressed.” Koboyashi congratulated pulling himself into the ring. “Let us make this interesting.” Koboyashi said with a grin, worrying Shou. He knew the captain was the best fighter in the unit, he had once been a mercenary of some level of renown. With a level of speed Shou hadn’t suspected of the captain, dashed forwards a leg snapping up and kicking him squarely in the shoulder pushing him back. Hopping forwards the leg came round again from the other side and Shou only just managed to bring an arm up to block it, and tried to grab the leg, only for the captain to pull it away to quickly for him and kick it back out forwards into Shou’s chest. Grunting Shou pushed forwards both arms coming under the leg and pushing upwards to throw Koboyashi backwards, and was shocked when the captain turned the momentum into a back flip and landed on his feet.


Through ragged breathes from both pain and the winded feeling the last kick had caused, Shou pushed himself forward charging forwards hoping to catch the captain as he landed with an elbow to the face, only for Koboyashi to catch his arm, turn and throw him clear out of the ring. “Don’t let pain cause you to make obvious moves; you were doing so well Yamabara.” Koboyashi told him, quickly before pointing at another member of the unit to come face him. Laying on the ground out side the ring, Shou refused to move, from the pain, but was silently impressed with himself at how long he lasted. He was not use to an unarmed fight, and lasting as long as he did was a good thing in his mind.

Watching as everyone else start vacating the ring at Yukimura command, Shou could almost feel what was going to be said in reply to his answer as Yukimura got in to the ring with him. A expression of dread momentarily flashed across Shou's face. He didn't really think he was in a state to be wrestling with the other man, but that fact he had mention that he would be allowed to rest if he managed to do so made him motivated to do so as quickly as he could. Though how exactly he was to do that he had no idea. Shou was use to fighting only if his life depended on it, and at least with some form of weapon to assist him. But that was completely against the idea of today's training. 

"Yes sir." Shou would say with a bow, before slowly moving towards Yukimura as if cautious of the other man, before hopefully surprising him when he burst forwards. Shou would be crouched low, trying to spear a shoulder into Yukimura gut, his head on one side of the man's while his arms would lock around him. Trying with all his strength Shou would attempt to lift Yukimura off the ground, or a least unbalance him slightly. The idea was to try and end things as quickly as he could. Tackle the man, lift him slightly before running forwards pushing the man to the edge of the ring before dropping him out.  

Shou formed up with the other men at Lord Shingen’s command, as they all finally finished the warm up run. Shou listened as the Lord explained the different tasks ahead and that the men would be split between them. Wondering which he would prefer, Shou knew he didn’t have a choice when Lord Shingen listed off Koboyashi’s unit as one that would be training in the rings with the man he had seen before. ‘So that’s Sanada Masayuki’s son.’ Shou thought to himself, having not seen the man up close before, even though he had heard about him in the camp quite often.


Exhausted, Shou propped himself up on one of the men as they moved over to the ring, before alongside the men, pulled himself up inside. Shou noticed how man after man started pairing up as they had been instructed when, something jumped to the front of his mind. He was only a temporary member of Koboyashi’s unit, and he was the odd man out. Turning his head, knowing he would get in trouble if he just stood there doing nothing he spoke. “Sanada-san Sir, we appear to have incorrect numbers.” He said with a salute. Praying deep down that it would mean he got out of the exercise at least for today.


He knew he wasn't going to though, either he was going to be made to wait and take turns with another pair. Or someone else would be added to there group, in order that he would have a partner for the training. Shou was just glad that, the small amount of time he gained for them to sort it out, would be enough to rest his legs a little before they were made to start. 

Hello and welcome to the board.

Shou regretfully unlike most of the camp had already been awake. Correction, it was more precise to say still awake having just arrived back to camp. Surprised to see Lord Shingen and a collection of other important figures of the Takeda together in front of the tents. Shouting Lord Shigen woke the camp in a booming voice, and Shou watched as soldiers rushed outside in varying states of attire, some embarrassing so. He cursed under his breathe as he moved from his current walk to a jog towards the line of men forming up. Glancing around he saw Captain Koboyashi, almost dragging his men to the line as Lord Shingen reproached the performance of the troops. 

When Lord Shingen finished explaining what was ahead, Shou managed to hold his tongue, before cursing aloud again now that he was within ear shot of the leader of the Takeda. Shou did not like what the intimidate future held, why couldn't he have arrived back to camp a few hour latter, to avoid this or at least a few hour before so he could rest before hand. He was tired. "Yes Lord Takeda!" He chorused with the rest of the men, as they turned and proceeded to run the distance as instructed. He managed to track down some of the men of Koboyashi's unit during the run. 

Looking back at Lord Shingen and his retinue. He saw one of them break off and entered what looked like a figting arena of some kind, hoping that they weren't expect to fight him as part of today's exercises. HE was tired already, and after 5 miles he would be more so, take into account that he had been the first to enter the arena it was likely  he was a skilled, strong person. Well if they were made to do so, maybe he would knock Shou out. At least he would get to sleep that way. 

A day or two in the coastal town didn't sound like a bad idea, but it would be better if he leaned more towards a shorter stay. Out so far he wouldn't know if he was needed back home in order to set out on yet another message delivery. Though there were other men like him, it wasn't like had to deal with every message or package. Maybe he would take a day in the town, and use it for a mix of relaxing and some training. Swimming was indeed a good form of exercises.

It was then that Saito's voice and word seemed to change in tone. He was stumbling over his words more then Shou had heard the man do so up to now. Listening to what was being said he didn't know how to answer, scratching his chin while he tried to think of how to answer. There were those he respected. Those he was loyal to, men like Matsudaira Kazuko who he owed his current lifestyle to, and in return worked as hard s he could in gratitude to the man. He would always would wish he was safe and happy.  However that wasn't what Saito was asking, and he knew it. 

"No...No I haven't." Shou eventually replied, his voice quiet, it's tone a ambivalent mix of loneliness and relief. "The idea actually scares me, that i couldn't keep someone I felt that way for happy or safe. But that's not the sort of thing you wanna be hearing I'm sure." Shou explained before making the excuse up to stop himself from voicing more of his fears. "Though if you have met a girl that makes you feel that way, in your travels. I'm happy for you, though it does make me wonder why your out here by yourself. If you want them to be safe, keep them that way. You are a pretty good shot with that bow after all." Shou stated his thoughts, wishing Saito the best in the endeavour in his thoughts. 

The pair worked together to get the man on the back of the horse. Shou being careful of the man's injuries state even he didn't want to. But the man was as defenceless as the women had been before. To cause harm to the man knowingly would make him no better then they were. IT was a sort of moral high ground, that he regretfully stood atop. 

Saito pointed out the way they needed to go, and Shou gently took the reigns of his horse and started to lead the way. Expecting Saito to be able to keep up with the walking pace he set, as it wasn't too fast. Still a couple of miles at walking speed, was a half a hour trek if they walked fast. He doubt it was a good idea to go too fast, with them man on the horse though. "Treat the guy gently boy. I wan't to see this man face official justice." Shou told the horse, patting the side of the animals neck gently as he did so. 

The horse was wary to have someone other then Shou on top of him, but walked calmly at Shou's urging. "Surprised to see you don't have a horse Saito-san. The lands are vast, surely you don't walk everywhere you go?" Shou asked curious, maybe he was from the area and this place wasn't that far for him. Or maybe he had no choice but too walk, horses cost a lot. Especially a good one, if it hadn't been for his work with the Takeda Shou never would have had one.

Shou was sleeping, when a foot pushed him over and out of his futon on to the hard mats of the ground of his room. “Up and at it, Yamabara.” Captain Koboyashi called at him, shaking him on the ground with a foot. Shou stirred slowly and turned over. “What is it? Message time?” Shou groaned sitting up. “Not to today Yamabara. Get up get dress and up with the rest of the unit outside.” Koboyashi ordered, before leaving quickly.

Shou got up and dressed as quickly as he could, he was used to getting up quickly when he was needed. But it was odd for Koboyashi to be waking him, if the captain was it could mean only one of two things. One, training or two a mission for the unit he had been instructed to assist with. Neither thought pleased him. It was going to be a long day; he had the feeling in his gut.

Heading outside he saw the captain and the rest of the unit, along with a selection of horses. His own horse among them. “Odd to see horses here, you’re unit is infantry, footmen.” Shou said confused at the scene in front of him. “His Lord Shingen wants all units to train for use with horses, to keep all of us to the standard of Takeda army, Yamabara.” Koboyashi explained. “Okay makes sense I guess. Also why no message boy stuff today captain?” Shou asked curiously. “Why? Well maybe it’s because I expect you to show these guys how it’s done, you ride, and they don’t. “ The captain said gesturing to the men.

“Showing some men how to ride a horse doesn’t sound too hard.” Shou said confidently. “Look around before getting cocky.” The captain ordered pointing to pass the horses. Shou looked where told. “Why are there walls and fences in the middle of nowhere?” Shou inquired scratching his head. “For jumping over obviously, now mount up.” The captain ordered. “What part of using a horse to deliver messages, do you think makes me know how to make a horse jump a wall that high.” Shou complained. “Well unlucky for you, mount up.” The captain ordered again, and Shou shoulders sagged.

Going over to his horse, he climb into the saddle and slowly trotted the animal to where the start of the course was, examine the lay out that had been set up as he did. It was a criss-crossed routed going back over itself. Small jumps made up by temporary fences while, the larger one were made of piled up logs. “We can do this.” He reassured himself patting the horses next, extremely glad that the first few jumps were of the smaller kind. “Let’s go.” He shouted, flicking the reigns and digging his heels in to push the animal to go forward. He went fast; he knew speed was need to jump, but not too fast as to lose control of the horse. As the horse reached the first fence, he flick the reigns again, and the much to his surprise the animal jumped easily over the fence.
The next couple of jumps were also small, and Shou repeat the same action and hope the horse would jump, and it did as if they were nothing. Rearing the animal up after the third jump and turning it quickly to the right over 90 degree’s he lined the animal up with the next path. However the next line looked trickery. Five fences alternating from medium size to small, closer together then the first 3 jumps were. Pushing the horse on forward regardless, he knew it would be better to fail in his mind the risk trying. Flicking the reigns harder for the first of the medium jump, and alternating the size of the gesture between small and medium for the last four. He trusted the animal to see him through. Going over the medium jumps was harder; he swore that his horse had almost clipped the last one of them.

Once more he reared the animal to turn, until he was facing the same way as when he had started. Three smaller jumps lay ahead and he went for them, growing more confident that he would be able to clear them. Which the animal did with happy rear of its head, as if enjoying the exercise that he never got. Another turn to the left sharper than the others, and Shou gulped. Small, Medium and then one of the large log walls. The first two jumps passed and the large came up ahead, with a much larger flick, almost a pull the animal leap into the air. Shou let a shout of shock, as the beast shook, a leg clipping the top of the logs and landing slightly unsteadily, he wrapped his legs and arms around the animal to stay on top of the animal, slamming down onto the animal, in an explosion of pain, and sudden fear, upon seeing a smaller fence that he hadn’t seen hidden behind the large wall. “Jump!” Shou exclaimed flicking the reigns and the horse did, but it had been a close run. The hidden wall, seeming as tall as the large one had been in the moment.

Turning sharply right another set up like the previous was ahead, crossing over the course once more, and Shou drove the animal faster over the first two jumps so that it would have speed to take the larger one, and not clip it, to be prepared for the one hidden after it that he was now expecting. This time the horse managed to clear the wall, but Shou could feel it in his stomach that it had been close. Another well of pain, between his legs as he came down to the ground sharply, didn’t distract him from forcing the animal to jump almost as immediately as they hit the ground, to clear the small fence, better than the last hidden one. With one more turn to the left, the last run of fences were small like the first and he took them ease glad for it to be over.

“Two more laps Yamabara.” Captain Koboyashi shouted at him from the distance. “What?” Shou shouted back in surprise. “Get to it messenger boy.” The captain shouted once more. Gritting his teeth and secretly wanting to punch the captain for not telling him beforehand he turned the animal ready to go again. The second time round the course was easier, he knew what was coming, he knew how to get his horse to react better now, the larger jumps followed by smaller fences still lead to pain between his thighs, he wouldn’t forget any time soon, but were not as close cut for the horse. That was more important than the pain, because if the horse when down, there was no way he could stay atop it.

By the third time round, his thighs hurt less but were feeling numb. His fingers going white from gripping the reigns in his hands harder then was probably correct. The horse was getting tired, he could tell. He didn’t think the horse was glad to be running so much and doing the jumps after having clipped a hoof as well. But it must have been less serious than he was worried about otherwise the horse would have stopped. “Come on boy, we can do it only one more lap.” He told the horse, and from somewhere the horse seemed to pick up energy, from his urging. By the second large jump of the last lap, he could have sworn the horse easily cleared the large jump. As if the horse trusted him to tell it when to jumps as much as he was trusting in it to do so. Seeming to have used all its power up on the last of the big jumps. The following smaller jumps seemed tougher again, but the horse pushed on till they were finally at the start once more. “Done.” He shouted out over to the captain, before bending down to the animal and stroking it. “Good boy, well done.” He praised, pulling himself out of the saddle to stand on the ground and falling back as the numbness in his legs cause them to give out. “Your turn everyone.” He called over as he pulled himself up and used the horse to steady himself, as he led it away for the next person.

So yet another unattainable dream, of the man's mind. Well Shou wished him well in the endeavour if he was serious. Though he wondered if such power should rest on just one man. Because who would take over after a leader like that died would they be just also. And what about his subordinate would they act justly in there leaders name or bleed the nation for what they could get away with.

"I guess that you have a greater perspective on the subject then I. I've always lived in the lands of the Takeda and have served in my post for years now." 

Maybe it was blind loyalty on his part, maybe there already another Daimyo out there who's ideal matched his own. But the Takade had come to his home aid when it was needed at his request. It had been too late, but they came to protect the people, he would bet that their were other Daimyo out there who would have not.