Aishiteru Tsukiko had once stood proudly beneath the banner of the Ashina Clan, sworn blade to Master Nobunaga Ashina. Honor was his armor; loyalty, his breath.
Then came the night of blood.
Aishiteru master fell to an unknown swordsman, A shadow that struck without warning and vanished without a name. With Aishiteru master dead, the Ashina Clan fractured, and Aishiteru was left a rōnin masterless, directionless, shamed.
Aishiteru wandered the provinces thereafter, selling his steel to survive: a hired sword in border skirmishes, a silent bodyguard to merchants, a stern teacher to reckless youths who wished to learn the blade. His face remained calm, disciplined but beneath it smoldered a quiet inferno of guilt.
In the stillness of cold evenings, Aishiteru knelt alone with his thoughts and turned to Bushidō The Way of the Warrior. In its teachings he sought clarity. In its discipline he sought redemption.
Months became seasons. Seasons hardened into resolve.
Aishiteru would uncover the truth behind his lord’s assassination. He would restore the Ashina name or carve justice with his dying breath.
For a samurai without a master still has one thing left to serve:
His honor.
Written By POPSEEHESAID4950
