//------------------------------//
// Chapter 5: The Shogun Speaks 
// Story: The Great War 
// by PioneeringAuthor 
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Farther inland, near the base of a mountain, laid the city Hokuto, which was the high city of the Rikuman shogunate. It was late summer, and the wind carried a cooling breeze over the warm landscape. The architecture here was more heavy-set, and many buildings were stained with old blasts of magic from soldiers and youngsters training their powers. In the heart of the city was the main barracks where the samurai trained day and night in their physical and magical prowess. In the heart of this barracks was a wide, round room where all the daimyo met to discuss their matters.
In the light of the evening sun, they gathered once again.

Shogun Kage of the Katsumi clan, had summoned them all there.

“Everyone, I think it is time we had a more formal discussion on the emperor’s decision. I know some of us do not agree with him. Tell me… what do you all believe of these foreigners?”

Whispers filled the vaulted room, and after a time, one elderly Kirin stood up.

“I never have trusted outsiders, and I cannot believe that the emperor would allow them into the palace of his ancestors! No. I do not agree with this at all.”

As he sat down, several others nodded their heads firmly.

Another Kirin stallion stood up--this one taller, and leaner.

“The emperor always has the citizens and the nation in the forefront of his mind. I say we trust him. It is strange seeing the borders open freely, but I believe in the emperor’s wisdom.”

As he sat down, others shrugged and seemed to agree.
For several hours, they debated, and in the end, they all voiced their opinions, except for Shogun Kage.
The room silenced, and everybeast held his breath, waiting to hear what he thought.
Silence dominated the room.
His eyes were closed in deep thought, and his lion-like tail twitched time and again in frustration and contemplation. Though they all noticed, none wished to speak a word about it. If he was in this much turmoil, none dared to disturb him further.

At length, the shogun stood to his hooves and opened his yellow eyes.

“I do not believe that it is best for the nation to so freely open itself up like this. The emperor has grown soft, and could easily be swayed by foreign tongues who want to exploit us.
If you stand with me, I will see that you are kept safe in whatever happens next… and if you support the emperor, I will allow you to be neutral, and will not threaten you.”

The daimyo looked at each other with serious, alarmed faces.