Tsumei and Boa rescue Kaizoku from the forest bandits after his mishap on the river. The ronin find Setsuo's son Ichiro and a new deal is struck. Tsumei confronts his blackmailer.
Tsume and Boa infiltrated the camp by pretending to be bandits. After speaking to a group of the thugs, they discovered that Setsuo’s son, Ichiro, had not been kidnapped at all, but had willingly joined the bandits and is now their leader. They decided to speak with Ichiro-- but not before waking up Kaizoku and bringing him along.
Ichiro was a charismatic and passionate young man who believed wholeheartedly in the teachings of Shinsei and the Perfect Land Sect. He took great pleasure in teaching Tsume, Boa, and Kaizoku about his beliefs. The Perfect Land Sect was a branch of Shinseism which taught that an individual could reach heaven through a strict interpretation of Shinsei’s writings. This school of thought taught that there was no karma, no wheel of judgment, and no reincarnation. The people who subscribe to this philosophy do not recognize the authority of samurai or the emperor, as their divine rule over the lower classes is traditionally viewed as a result of their superior karma. The Perfect Land Sect is a heretical interpretation of Shinsei’s teachings, and is outlawed in most of Rokugan.
Ichiro explained that he and his “order” were plotting to attack Closed Shell Castle, and overthrow the oppressors ruling from there. With Reju Jikai and his warriors defeated, he plans to build a new society based on equality without the oppressive rule of samurai, and he wants to inspire neighboring regions to do the same.
When the ronin pointed out the hypocrisy of stealing from the very people he was claiming to liberate, Ichiro justified his actions by stating that he was answering to higher calling, and that the people of the villages will join him once they see the light.
While Ichiro was talking, Kaizoku noticed his father’s fishing net and his lost Liquid Void sitting beside the bandit leader-- they must have washed up here when his ship crashed. Kaizoku pointed out that the items belonged to him, so Ichiro suggested a trade. He’d happily give Kaizoku his possessions back if the three ronin could retrieve a young boy who recently went missing from their ranks.
The young boy was named Kai, a runaway from Nestled Village. He was a stubborn boy of 12 with a need for adventure, who claimed he would grow up one day to be a samurai. Ichiro wanted him back because he has reason to believe that he is the bastard child of Otomo Nobu, the steward of Closed Shell Castle. He wants to blackmail Reju Jikai, and force him to bend to his demands. Tsume, Boa, and Kaizoku agreed to retrieve the child, though they were apprehensive of Ichiro’s plans and motives. They decided it was best to be in the bandit leader’s favor for now. Before turning in for the night, Ichiro promised the ronin that he would pay a visit to his father to settle his concerns.
The next day, the ronin returned to Twin Blessings Village. Kaizoku informed Setsuo that his son was alive and that he’ll be paying a visit soon. Setsuo deduced that he was living with the bandits and was deeply ashamed. Upholding his side of the deal, Setsuo promised that members of his village would help repair Kaizoku’s ship.
Tsume traveled to the way station on the edge of town to bury the bodies as a favor to Shinichi. Appearing from the trees lining the way station was Naoki. “I remember you,” he said. He demanded Tsume pay him the money he was owed, 50 koku. He then threatened Tsume by reminding him that he still has some very powerful contacts in the area. Tsume refused. He remembered his family at home and thought about how 50 koku would change their lives forever. He remembered where his debts lie-- and they weren’t with this bottom-feeding trinket salesman.
“I challenge you to a duel,” Tsume declared.