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Katai felt betrayed. For a long time now Katai trusted Ridachi, and believed Ridachi to stand above his fellow clan mates as a peculiar, but trustful Scorpion. The truth of the matter, however, was revealed in an unexpected way. Katai had already moved past Tetsujin's withholding of vital information to his friends. It was not Katai's place to judge him for what he had done, but if it were him who knew such knowledge then he surely would have shared it with those who were in need of knowing it. Katai would look upon this situation of Takako's death as a waste of one of the best samurai in the empire. Katai was not very close to Nikana or Takako, and he sometimes even shared strong words with them, but for the most part there was mutual respect between each other. The one thing that Katai did however owe the two was his undying gratitude, as this now weighed heavily on Katai's heart.
First of all, to Tetsujin, Katai would keep his distance, so as not to be trapped in his fate. Tetsujin's brother, Mirumoto Katai, was right that his little brother was trouble, and that he was marked with some dark future. Alas, though Tetsujin was one of Katai's traveling companions and he so far has been a worthy brother-in-arms, but one should be wary to get any closer to someone with such an ominous mark as his, and Katai did not just mean the blue obi bead.
Ridachi was another issue that pressed on both Katai's heart and mind, and while contemplating about such, Katai could not stop thinking about his own past. Didn't Katai start out from a more humble beginning than he does now appear. Circumstances in Katai's life had nearly left him as nothing better than a ji-samurai, or worse a ronin. If it wasn't for the intercession of his grandfather, Kakita Katsume, Katai would have lived a less illustrious life and career as he does now. Katai now boasts that he serves unarguably one of the most powerful men in the empire, Doji Kurohito. Katai is one of the Crane and he is very proud of that fact. Very few ever get such privileges as training in the famous Kakita Dueling Academy, or having a residence in Kyuden Doji. Yet, Katsume made sure that Katai would learn his lessons well, and that was humility and compassion, as compassion was also a tenet of Bushido.
As a law giver, a magistrate, and a champion among Rokuganis, Katsume was known for his compassion. He was known for his swift justice, in not allowing even the accused to suffer much, and especially for helping those of a lesser station like he did for the Hare Clan. He was a man that both lived a life of honor, and he restored honor to those who deserved it.
If Ridachi was given a place in the celestial hierarchy by none other than Toturi III, then Katai should know his own place and bow down and respect Ridachi-san. For Ridachi was the only one who took Katai in when he first contracted the taint. Of course this must have mortified his wife and household, but he did not let Katai sleep on the streets like a ronin or a poor beggar. Likewise, Ridachi has chosen a most remarkable path for his son Korekeda, and with Katai's discerning eye maybe it is possible that there is some Crane in Korekeda. Could it be possible that Ridachi may have some Crane blood in him after all. If there is anything that Katai can do about it, he will make sure that at least Ridachi's future posterity through his son will be of Crane blood. Katai has connections among the Kakita where he can get Korekeda hooked up really good.
Ah! As I have found new life so can Ridachi, he is still a friend of mine.
Of course there is Yuhl. Besides his boorish ways and barbaric behavior, Yuhl is also a good friend. He is honest and trustworthy, although he is not one to keep a secret, at least not for very long. Interesting how Katai had to coach him to finally accept the proposal from Soshi Chihiro. He will be a much better man for this, for sure.
And finally, back to Nikana. He has just been promoted to the station of an Emerald Magistrate. This was the position that Katai's grandfather held, not Nikana's. What cruel twist of fate is this. Katai should be the magistrate, as he is the one that is following in his grandfather's footsteps. And to only add insult to injury, Katai is his yoriki!?! Wait, Katai promised that he would forever give his gratitude to Takako and Nikana, and it is as if the Fortunes themselves heard this and are conspiring against Katai from doing so. Surely Katai should have been selected for this position and not Nikana. But it was the emperor's decree, which is now recorded in the celestial heavens. This must be a test of honor for Katai, that will prove him to the depths of his heart and soul. Thus, Katai promised that he would serve Nikana, as it is now his place to do so. Surely, Katsume would have Katai do no other thing than this.
That day the Fortunes weren't done with the gut wrenching of Katai. As Nikana was selecting his yoriki, one young Lioness who Katai happened to know quite well stepped forward. Matsu Setsuko, Katai's nemesis, who asked to have a position as one of Nikana's yoriki. Of course Nikana could not refuse. Was this a calculated move by Setsuko so she could get close enough to Katai in order to exact her revenge upon him? or did she have some other motive? Of course she is a Lion, and a Matsu to be exact, and she would never hide her intentions behind a facade such as this. If and when she comes to put an end to their feud it will be done in the open, most likely at the tip of a sword.
This actually troubles Katai considerably, for he too has wanted to end this feud, but not at the point of his katana. Never will Katai let his entire self be put to the task of ending Setsuko's life. They shared a childhood together, and as of recently it is a childhood that he will forever cherish – even the memory of his father and mother. Katai had a secret agenda of his own while at Winter's Court, and that was to bring this feud to a close. There he felt that he was beginning to make some headway, Setsuko even came to apologize for her arrogance for not believing his warning to her concerning the blue beads. She had scorned him and made fun of him to her fellow lions when he had warned her of possible danger, for this she apologized and at that moment no apology could ever seem more sweeter.
However, these matters were cut short, and now he has come face to face with her on the battlefield. This time though they are fighting on the same side.