NationStates Jolt Archive

As the ships of the Grand Armada sailed into Tokyo Bay small bands of men on horseback could be seen on a far ridge. The way of the Samurai still ran deep in this country even as the Monarcy they had known for several years sputtered along, the Samurai still ruled the countryside. Winning the hearts and minds of these people would be tough, but the Hawdawg force had a secret weapon.

As anchor was weighed in the harbor shore landing boats where made ready as troops and certain diplomatic personnel boarded the first vessel. Among the first ship was the Commandant of the Fleet, several Junior Officers, and "The Geisha". Many a man had fell to her charms, but today she would work her magic in a good way, for the benefit of the people of Japan. So long had she done her work for the highest bidder, but today she would try and save the way of life her ancestors had protected for so many years.

As the tiny landing craft pulled along side of the dock all inside were pleasantly suprised by a greeting party. Among its members where many local officials to include the Harbor Master, Mayor and several influential family heads. Ominously missing from the delegation was the local warlord Togama Shutzi.

A peaceful transition was had the citizens of Tokyo were more than willing to accept the presence of the new ruling class the Hawdawgians. Winning over the Samurai would be a different process.


OCC: This is all I have time for today.

A chilly breeze could be felt as the snowflakes started to fall. Soon the mountain passes would be closed and all the Samurai Warlords would be sealed off from contact with Tokyo. Messages were sent by special envoy to summon all these Samurai leaders to the Emperor's Palace in Tokyo for a grand meeting to discuss transition of powers from the old to the new. This worried some, but not the Giesha. She had a plan that would make all this work. Her prize, if you could call it that, was not fame of fortune. The object she so coveted was not material but personal. She set her sights for Togama Shutzi. He would be the key to make this whole thing happen. The Shutzi line was the most influental Warlord Clan in all the islands. The five Shutzi Brothers controlled 70% of the countryside on the mainland. If these forces could be "controlled" they would help bring the rest of the rebel leaders into line with the wishes of the Tokyo leadership. Togama was the eldest of the five brothers and he recently was widowed when his wife died trying to have his only child. Being an elder and childless was a sore subject for Togama and he removed many heads of men who mocked his troubles. The Geisha would seize on this heartbreak and provide him with something all his battlefield accomplishments could not, a son.
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Later that day......


The Geisha walked into the the dark and loomey storefront. An old man bent over the counter and said, "What do you want Geisha?" She slyly answered, "Eternal peace, happiness and an audience with Hito." The old man replied, "I wish peace and happiness for you, but I don't know anyone named Hito." The Geisha reached under her sash and removed a tiny bag filled with Jade stones and gold coin. She tossed it to the old shop keeper and said, "I need to see Hito." The old man caught the bag, eyed the stones and gold and said, "Behind the Rice Warehouse at the Wharf Hito resides in the small stable behind it. Tell him Sumo sent you, he will then grant your request. Good day." Both bowed to each other as the Geisha left for the wharf.

The small stable was dirty and dungy when the Geisha opened the door to enter. A small unimpressive man met her at the entrance. "I am Hito", he said as he bowed. The Geisha responded, "Sumo sent me to see you." "Ah, yes a great friend come into my quarters and we will discuss your situation." Hito opened a door into a large living area tucked into the corner of the Stables. The Geisha removed her shoes at the door and carefully walked to a short table and knelt down opposite Mr. Hito. He cleared his throat and said, "How may I be of service to such a lovely lady?" The Geisha was frank,"I need to become pregnant with a child, most importantly a son. Your acupuncture techinques are legendary, I realize you have been retired from this profession for awhile, but I wanted to come to the best for this procedure...." "HUSH CHILD," Hito blurted out, "What makes you think I am the best? I am an old feeble man who once was good, but not a great healer. The skills I once had are not there anymore." The Geisha said, "Don't underestimate your potential Master Hito, this is not just a matter of personal request, this is a matter of doing what is best for Japan. I am officially not allowed to discuss my mission, but I am in dire need of your services and will pay a handsome fee." She pulled out a large bag of black pearls and Jade and placed it on the table in front of Hito. "I see, for the good of Japan, I will do this. Prepare yourself in the other room. Remove your smock and lie facedown flat on my table. These sessions are going to be very painful Geisha, and we will have to do this at least five times every month until you are with child, then three times after you are with child to ensure a male. Do you accept this before we begin?" Hito paused for an answer.
The Geisha bowed and simply gave an "Aye". "Very well, go and change in the other room, while I gather my tools." The Geisha stood and stepped into the other connecting room of the house. She removed her sash which held her Kimono and let it fall to the floor. She laid face down on the table as instructed by Hito. Soon Hito opened the door and stepped in. He threw a log onto the fire to warm the room. Hito also slid a small table beside the table the Geisha was on. He began to unfold a leather pouch that had many acupuncture needles in it. As the fire roared, Hito pulled a pot off a shelf, filled it with water and placed his needles under the water. "I must cleanse the needles before we use them young Geisha", Hito said. After awhile Hito began to slowly pull needles from the scalding water. With a tiny movement he began to insert the acupuncture needles in the sacred places he knew would bring about the desired effect, pregnancy and a male son. Two hours later and one thousand needles later he was finished. "Geisha, I have all the needles in place, rest for I have to light incense and place it on some of the needles. Rest now the needles must stay in place until the moon comes." In what seemed like an eternity for the Geisha, Hito finally started to remove the needles from her body. Slowly one by one they were taken out in a sequence just as important as they were put in. When Hito finished he said, "I am done Geisha, you did well. We must perform this ritual 4 more times once every 5th day. On the last treatment you will be ripe for conception. If you do not conceive within 48 hours of the last treatment, we must perform all this again. Do you understand." The Geisha knodded in a weak response."I know you are exhausted, this is the most difficult acupuncture procedure done. Rest here as long as you need to before you leave child." Hito stated as he stepped out of the room. The Geisha stood and dressed herself and stumbled out the door into the night, hoping this would all be worth it.

OOC If you havn't realized, I've been trying to buy off Japan in EII...unless you posted there cuz I havn't checked yet >_>

tag

The last day of treatment led a bruised and weary Geisha to the Stables one last time to Master Hito for the painful but necessary procedure to ensure conception. Master Hito again cleansed the needles with scalding water and inserted each of the one thousand needles into the sacred spots. The Geisha winced as he finished with the incense and told her a simple tale. "My child, I have done all I can for you. You must return for the final treatment, but I warn you, it is more painful." Hito rose to help the Geisha from the table. "Thank you Master Hito," she said as she left the stable.

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OOC: Emperor's Festival of the Dragon tomorrow.

Emperor's Palace
Festival of the Dragon

As the Sumo entertained the honored guests in the grand room the Geisha slowly stalked her prey. Dressed in a red silk gown decorated with black pearls she had eyes for only one tonight, Togama Shutzi. As custom the local warlord was summoned by the emperor to act as honorary guard for the event. This was the opening the Geisha needed to ensnare him in her web. The Geisha knew Togama had a weakness for black pearls and this would be the "in" she would use to her advantage.

All the stones were in place. Togama sat at the small ceremonial table next to the Emperor's War Banner. The Geisha waited for the first serving of Food to come to the tables and asked a servant to approach Togama. The plan was simple, ask for permission to sit at his table. The small man-servant crept up to Togama and whispered the request. Togama cut his eyes to the left and caught a glimpse of the Geisha and simply let out an "aye". The Geisha bowed as she approached the table and knelt down beside Togama as the bowls of rice came from the kitchen.

Throughout dinner the Geisha was careful to observe protocol on serving the man first at her table. She would only speak when spoken to. She nervously played with the black pearls on her dress until Togama finally spoke. "I have been many places and seen many things, but the pearls you possess Geisha are simply the most stunning I have ever laid my eyes upon.", Togama muttered as he leaned closer for an inspection. "Thank you Master Shutzi. My Grandmother gave them to me when I was young, they are my most prized possession.", the Geisha replied. "I would venture you have many possessions worth many gold coin young Geisha.", Togama quipped. "It is true Master Shutzi, I have many things of this world, but I am missing one thing." she said. "What is that?"Togama replied. "True happiness, and someone to share it with." the Geisha whispered to Togama. As the Geisha said this she noticed a tear in the corner of his eye. She had him. "Aye, young Geisha for we both wander through this world looking for the same things." Togama said.

The event went well into the night. Fireworks, dancing, and entertainment, nothing was spared at this gala. As the night wore on, the Geisha and Togama became more and more acquainted. She could see he was smitten with her and that was just fine, he would be her ticket to eternal riches and glory for the good of Japan. As the evening ended Togama took the Geisha to his home outside of Tokyo to study the Bonsai trees..........................

As dawn broke in Tokyo, the Geisha hurried to Master Hito's Stable. As she arrived two men emerged from the front doors and tried to engage in conversation with the Geisha. She ignored them until one of the rogue men grabbed her arm. "Let go of me", she screamed. From out of thin air it seemed Master Hito appeared in the doorway with a staff. He quickly assaulted the man with three quick lightning strikes to the top of the head. As the man fell to the ground his accomplish ran away. "Quickly my child, it is not safe to perform the last session here. We will travel to my old friends home. Come quickly" he said as he took the Geisha by the arm and led her away from the stables.
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3 Miles down the road....

Master Hito led the Geisha to his trusted friends house Suki Hoshita. As they approached the house Master Hito had the Geisha set on a bench beside the large stone entrance. "Wait her my child, I must summon Suki to the gate to gain passage to his home." Master Hito walked up the curved path and rang a gong stationed outside the fence. "Who is there?" a voice from behind the fence said. "It is I Master Hito seeking advice and solace from an old wise friend." Hito proclaimed towards the large wooden door. The locks could be heard turning on the inside and when the door was pulled open a small feebile man stood on the inside. "Suki!" Hito exclaimed, "So good to see you again!" "What trouble are you into know Hito?", Suki asked. "We had a incident at the stables two Ronin taking advantage of a helpless Geisha. I stepped in and saved her, but I am afraid I may have killed the attacker." Master Hito stated with a sad voice. "Bring the Geisha inside with you. You will be protected inside my compound. No one has access to this property." Suki made a welcoming jesture to his two guests.

The Geisha stood and took the arm of Master Hito as they entered the courtyard of Suki Hoshita's home. Elegant carvings and a small pool full of Goldfish adorned this lovely place. "Do you like my fish?", Suki asked the Geisha. "Yes, I do. I have always admired creatures of the sea. They are so free yet have such a simple life.", the Geisha responded. "Indeed", Suki replied. Master Hito interrupted these two with, "Suki, we have to perform a closing ritual for conception, may we use your temple?" he inquired. "Yes, Hito you may, just remember to pay respects to the elders, they make the circle of life go round.", with that Suki pointed the two guests towards his temple.

Inside the small wooden structure various symbols and carvings dedicated to the ancestors could be seen. Master Hito took out his needles and spread them across the altar. He then gave his instructions to the Geisha. "I told you this would be the most painful part of this procedure Geisha, and it will. First we must scrub you with opium oil to cleanse your system. This will ease the pain of the procedure. I will be placing 2,000 needles in your body and at several points incense will be attached to some of these needles to guarantee the son you have asked for. We will be using the hand needles, which are much thicker than the previous needles used. This is why we will do the opium scrub. I will also attach strings to 200 needles and perform a yoga technique to further increase your conception rate. All of this will take most of the day. Are you ready?" Master Hito asked as a teary-eyed Geisha looked on. "Yes Master Hito, I am lets get this over with.", she said as she began the opium scrub.

A little past an hour into the procedure the Geisha passed out from the pain. Master Hito was right, this was an extremely painful procedure. As the Geisha slept in her state, Hito finished the ritual and dressed the Geisha for slumber. Hito summoned his old friend Suki and together with his chamber-maid they lay the Geisha on a comfortable mat to sleep. With the procedure over Hito and Suki sat down for Green Tea.

"This must be an important individual you are doing this for Hito.", Suki said. "You haven't performed this procedure since Emperor Yabari needed an heir." "Yes this is important Suki, I would say the fate of Japan lies in the womb of the Geisha." Hito stated as he drank his tea. "Thank you old friend, we will leave you in the morning." "You don't have to thank me Hito, the gods smile on us for helping one another.", Suki said as he rose to go to bed.

The next morning the Geisha awoke to considerable pain. As she moved into the great room of the house she found Hito and Suki setting for the morning meal. "Is it done Master Hito?", she asked. "Yes my child, you are finished. We will know the results in a few days. You must rest until then.", Hito said. "Young Geisha, you are too weak to travel, my family would be honored for you to stay with us. Hito I want you to stay too, we have much to discuss." "Very well", the Geisha responded, "I accept your hospitality Master Suki, and will stay." as she joined them at the table for the meal. "Very well, let us eat and give thanks.". Suki said as the chambermaid brought in the food for all to eat.

Seven days past when a messenger came to the large wooden gate of Suki Hoshita's compound. "I have a letter from the Imperial Guard requesting the presence of all elder diplomat's at the Emperor's Palace tomorrow for an important meeting with the Hawdawg Attachee'.", he said as he nailed it to the door. Suki opened the door and checked for the authentic seal of the living god and found the summons to be true. "Hito, I must travel into town for this meeting. You are welcome to stay as long as you need to my friend", Suki told Hito. "Thank you Suki, but I think the fruits of our labors will come about this afternoon. If the Geisha is with child we will be able to tell this very day. And not a moment too soon I might add. Come Geisha we will examine the signs", Master Hito said as he led her to the small temple on the grounds.

Carefully he rubbed on her stomach to examine for any signs. Then Hito took up a cup of Green Tea and dumped it on the table to examine the contents of the cup. "Good news my child, you are in fact bearing an heir to the throne. This will be a guarded secret between you and I. Disclose this to no one until the time is right", Hito said as he motioned towards the Giant Buda in the corner of the room. "May the Gods guide you to what you seek." As he bowed. The Geisha responded with, "Thank you kind sir, you assistance in this matter will not be forgotten. I must go and see a man today." As the Geisha left the compound she thanked her host of allowing her a place to stay and left for the inner portion of Tokyo on foot. She had to get all her plans together before she requested an audience with Togama Shutzi.

The Geisha waited quietly in the garden of Master Togama Shutzi's home. She didn't know what or how she was going to tell him what he needed to know, she just hoped the message would be clear and understanding.

As Togama emerged from the house the Geisha stood and bowed in his presence. "Come child, no need for formalities here. You are my welcomed guest", Togama said as he joined her on the bench. "Master Togama, I have some news which I must convey", the Geisha said as she took his hand. "I am with child. A son, the signs are right I am sure. You will have an heir to your legacy. A child that will gain power and popularity compariable to the Emperor himself", she said. "Blasphemy child!", Togama shouted, "No man will ever reach the stature of a living god!" "True Master Togama, but you know as well as I do all gods can be influenced. Think of the things you already can do in the name of the Crown. The political influence and economic power you currently hold can only grow with a legitimate heir from the Shutzi line", the Geisha explained. "Have you told anyone of this child?", Togama asked. "No one knows Master, you are the first I have made this known too", she responded.

"I lost my first wife to childbirth and I don't think I can bear the thought of lossing such a beautiful orchid as you Geisha", Togama said as a tear developed in the corner of his eye. "Togama, I am young and strong in spirit and body. I have no doubt I can bear you a child with honor", the Geisha replied. "Honor?", Togama said, "No honor is had when a child is born without a father. I will not have an illegitimate son who scorns me for not taking in his mother and himself in a time of need. We will marry in three days. As long as no one has been told of your state, we can pull this off. You will stay as my honored guest in the house until the ceremony. I have a local silk trader that will visit tomorrow and provide the material for a wonderful dress. I will announce the marriage tomorrow at the meeting of the Council. Until then rest my Geisha, for you have a long journey ahead." Togama stood and led the Geisha into the house for the chambermaids to take care of her every whim. Shortly thereafter Togama left for the Merchant sector of town to summon the silk-trader. The Geisha had spun her web and caught her prey. Now the real work would begin.

The Meeting of the Council

Every week the Emperor summoned the Council together to discuss important business of the state. All matters involving the state where discussed to include trading, foreign relations, fishing regulations, etc. It was mostly a mundane event. The Emperor would listen to all sides from the elder councilmen then would turn to Togama for advice. This advice on the peaceful handover of power to the Hawdawg government was a touchy subject and often came up at the weekly meeting. Even after the Naval Forces had been soundly defeated in the South China Sea, Togama and the local Samurai had a hard time letting go. They resisted all aspects of foreign nationals leading Japan. They had a leader in the Emperor. Although he was weak, it was expected, at least among the Samurai, that his rule was absolute and just. This led the Samurai to resist all favors and offers of money fame and fortune from the Hawdawgians. They would not bow to foreigners, they would only answer to the Emperor. The local merchants and businessmen had a different stance, they chased greed and fortune and loathed the Samurai for stopping progress. At the end of the meeting Togama stood to adress the council.

Togama: Gentlemen I have news of importance I must share. I will wed the Geisha in two days. We have decided upon this date to concide with the Sign of the Lotus. All members of the Council are invited and of course you my Emperor.

Emperor: I would be honored to be your guest Togama. Please have the ceremony here in the Great Hall of the Palace. It would be my honor to host such an event.

Togama: As you wish my lord, it will be done.

Togama returned home to share the good news with the Geisha. She stood on a small table while the Silk-Trader hung a lavish garment on her frame to check its beauty against the Geisha. She made any garment look ravishing and this silk was no exception. Togama came in to see this fitting and stood in awe of the beauty the Geisha displayed. How could he be so lucky.

The wedding held for Togama Shutzi and the Geisha was lavish to say the least. The Emperor spared no expense and brought in entertainment from the four corners of the Islands to cottle the guests. All the famous and important people in Tokyo attended, they dare not offend the Emperor and they dare not cross Togama. With the event over, Togama and the Geisha settled into his lush compound for the nine month journey she was about to partake. Slowly and methodically Togama was pried away from daily meetings on important business to tend to his ever demanding wife. The requests and wants she placed on Togama where overbearing, but Togama would manage because he wanted an Heir. The Geisha slowly introduced Togama to her line of thinking on what a "modern" Japan should look like. Togama was a proud man no doubt, but the charms and the everyday grind of the Giesha's ideas finally had the desired effect.
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8 1/2 Months after the Marriage
High Council Meeting

Togama entered the building and assumed his position next to the Emperor. As the Hawdawg deligates entered Togama rose to approach the group.

Togama: Come join us, we have much to discuss.

Hawdawg Delegate: Thank you.

Togama: It has been with great thought and compromise that I have held council with the emperor and will allow the friendly transition of power to take place in coordination with the new year celebration. Your government will be welcomed and the Samurai will not stand in the way of this action.

Emperor: This is most excellent news. I have chosen Togama as the official representative of the Emperor. He will make all decisions on my behalf in regards to the peaceful transition of power between the governments.

Hawdawg Delegate: Thank you, Emperor and thank you Master Togama. We look forward to working with you and we will honor the traditions of Japan and her people by bettering the economic and social well-being of the state. This will be a fruitful transition for both groups.

The council all symbolically knodded in approval as the two groups exchanged pleasantries as they departed...............

And so it came to pass, Togama had his legacy develop into legend. The Geisha delivered what she promised, a healthy vibrant son. At the childs birth Tokyo celebrated. In honor of the Emperor Togama selected the regal name of Kenji. As Kenji grew so did the power of his father. Togama handled all the day to day operations in Tokyo. As the Hawdawgians prospered so did he. The Emperor slowly became less important in society and with the rise of "Modernism", the Samurai too faded into lore. One thing did stand, the influence of the Shutzi family. Togama lived to the age of 65 and died of a heart attack, but not before he amassed a large fortune worthy of a king. He was laid to rest next to his first wife, in a quiet corner of his personal temple grounds. The Geisha went on to wield the power her husband had come to use by starting a trading house and eventually Kenji grew up as a wealthy enlightened man. After Kenjis stint in high school he was sent abroad and studied at Yale University were he majored in Political Science and Business. He returned to Tokyo upon graduation to make his mark in the family trading company, where he still resides today. One thing is for certain the Shutzi line is known for honor, dignity, and faith, all these charactristics which exemplified the life of the warrior, the samurai.