Premonition
6 October 1998
by Jason Postma

Jinjiro had almost enjoyed the last few days. Usagi castle was certainly a more pleasant place to stay when it was not under siege. No one had mentioned his failure to accompany Ozaki into the Shadowlands, and Jinjiro believed the incident was either unknown to most of the population of the castle or that they did not speak of it out of politeness. The Scorpion advisor in Oda-sama's court seemed to be behaving himself, and the walls had been rebuilt.

Many of the castle's troops had treated the five samurai as heroes for the defense of the castle (although they always had to praise the Scorpion's ability and mercy as well). If Jinjiro hadn't his own problems to think about his time here would have been perfect.

But he did have his own problems to think about.

The name that Konamura had given him would not rest in Jinjiro's mind. At first, recognizing Konamura for what he was, Jinjiro could let the name rest. Then had come the dream, and what Konamura had said gained a new meaning. He had to discover what the truth was. He would have to go to Crane lands soon and end the matter. Writing his uncle had helped Jinjiro's restlessness, but not much. He counted the days until he expected Ishi and Marako to return. He slept lightly and badly at night.

Soon. It would all end soon. One way or the other.