At the gates of the city, Kiso informed the guards who was arriving and they dispatched a runner to the compound to inform Kuninaka. As they waited, the men left their mounts at the local stables and made for the first row of taverns for a drink and some food. Akio and Kiso found themselves in the largest tavern there, seated at a table in the back. Beautiful women were everywhere in this yukaku—or pleasure quarter—where saburuko serving girls wandered around with drinks and breads, while yujo swept in on the soldiers, offering their erotic services.
Kiso and Akio watched in bewilderment as soldiers took the yujo up on their offers. Finally, three came to the table where they sat. They stood for a moment, then one solicited them. Kiso politely refused, citing problems with the nether regions. One of the other girls came to Kiso and plopped in Kiso's lap, whispering something softly into Kiso's ear. Akio observed in amusement as his friend tried in vain to keep up the appearance that she was a he. The woman in Kiso's lap pulled back slightly and rubbed against Kiso's chest. She grinned and leaned back down into Kiso's ear. Suddenly, Kiso smiled from ear to ear, and the girl got off of her lap and stood up.
She offered her hand to Kiso, who took it and got to her feet. Akio's eyebrows shot up as Kiso followed the woman upstairs and into a private room. Then Akio realized that he was now left with the other two yujo. They flanked his chair, each kneeling down beside him, their hands moving over his chest and shoulders, offering sensual pleasures of all types to him. He blushed at their words and they giggled slightly.
Then one allowed her hand to trail below the table and her fingers caressed his crotch. Although he had been trying to keep from thinking dirty thoughts, her touch brought him fully to a state of excitement and the girl cooed at him. A comment was made in a whisper about the size of it, and the other girl's hand sank below the table. Akio closed his eyes for a moment as both girls stroked him under the table. Then the girls stood and offered their hands to him.
Carefully, he stood and straightened his jacket over his erection before he took their hands. As he got up, two guards did likewise, ready to follow him for protection. The trio moved up the steps and toward the end of the hallway into a private room lined with purple silks. The guards stationed themselves outside the door.
Akio stood in the middle of the room as the two girls began to strip him naked. They did so in a choreographed dance that involved both removing his clothes, singing lightly, caressing, and kissing his skin. He was amazed at their talents and how they could so fully excite him without touching him much at all yet.
When he was completely in the nude, one girl came in front of him and slowly guided him down onto a large pile of round cushions. After he was lying down, the two girls came together in the middle of the room, facing each other.
Each reached up with a hand and caressed the other's face, then their lips met. They kissed and stroked each other, continually watching Akio who still lay on the cushions. He raised himself up on his elbows to get a better view of the show. The girls began to undress each other, exploring as if they had never done this before – even though Akio knew better. When they were both naked, they approached the bed, and Akio. Each girl guided one of his hands all over their body as they kissed and caressed him. When he could almost handle no more, he grabbed one of them and pulled her on top of him. She giggled and teased him slightly before straddling him. The other girl kissed the girl on top and then Akio, her fingers exploring delicate places on both of them.
Then, the girl on top moved from Akio and the second girl lay beside him. Akio swung himself over her and entered her quickly, before he even realized what he was doing. She moaned and dug her nails into the muscles of his back. The first girl positioned herself in front of his face and guided him into pleasing her as well.
The three continued to be intertwined like this for almost an hour, repeatedly shifting positions and partners. Akio had never even considered an experience like this, and when he finally could handle it no longer, he blew his load in an orgasm that almost had him faint on the spot. He fell over on the cushions, and both girls fell over next to him, their nails running up and down his chest. He had all but lost track of who was who at this point and didn't even care.
A knock at the door brought him back to his senses. “The shogun is ready to see you now, sir,” one of the guards said.
“Excellent!” Akio said, getting up and finding his clothing. “I'll be right out!”
He got dressed as the girls just lay there watching him. When he was finished, he left them a stack of money on their shelf and exited the room. The guards escorted him down the stairs and he returned to the table where he had been sitting. Kiso was not there. He looked around to see if maybe she was sitting somewhere else, but movement upstairs caught his eye. Kiso was just walking out the room she had been in. The yujo was standing at the door with her; they were talking low. Then the girl leaned forward and kissed Kiso on the lips and retreated into her room. Smiling, Kiso came down the stairs and approached Akio.
“It seems you had some fun,” Akio teased her.
She blushed and fired back, “And you as well.” The two let out an awkward laugh and downed a mug of ale quickly. Then they headed out with the other soldiers and walked toward the compound of the shogun.
At the entrance to the complex, they were met by Matsumae Chikakane, the right hand man of the shogun. He briefed them on how Shigenoi Kuninaka looked and not to be surprised at his appearance. The sickness he had was taking a serious toll on his body and he rarely accepted visitors. Akio told Chikakane that he was honored to be seen.
“Well, truthfully, it was because Kuninaka and your father were extremely close friends and that he knew you as a child,” Chikakane said. “If not for that, I doubt he would have seen you.”
“Ah,” Akio said. “Well, then I am glad he and father were friends.”
Chikakane cleared his throat and continued. “There is more,” he said, pausing, carefully considering his words. “The emperor will be here this evening.”
Akio's eyebrows instantly shot upward. “The emperor?” he asked, shocked. “Why would the emperor come here?”
“Because Kuninaka's health has gone so far downhill that the emperor has no choice but to come to him to assign a new shogun,” Chikakane said, straightening up his posture and smoothing his clothing. “Kuninaka should already have chosen a replacement for the emperor to review.”
Akio nodded. He considered the timing of this visit and wondered if it was the good or bad side of fate that brought him here at this particular moment in time. A few days later and he could have been dealing with a new, possibly unknown shogun. A few days earlier and he would miss the emperor's visit. It then crossed his mind that he could possibly have an audience with the emperor. His father had met with the man a few times throughout his span as daimyo and was one of the emperor's favorites. He hoped that he could make a good impression on the leader if he were granted an audience.
He followed Chikakane through the building. The hallways were lined with ornate tapestries, paintings of ancient warriors, and amazing sculpted and carved decorations. Akio was blown away at the beauty of the buildings and couldn't wait to see more. He was led to the main chambers of the shogun. Chikakane pushed the massive doors open. The solid wood gave way to a very large chamber that was dimly lit.
“Where is everyone?” Akio asked.
“They have not been granted audience today on such an important day for the shogun...” Chikakane paused. “And the city itself.” As they moved through the huge space, the man continued, “The shogun has a lot to do to prepare for the royal visit and his personal guard are charged with the task of ensuring everything here is safe and secure for the emperor.” Akio nodded as the other continued to lead him through the chamber, his words echoing off of the high walls. They moved to the raised platform where the shogun normally sat to receive visitors and then went to the right, toward a beautiful door made of oak. Chikakane knoc
ked and then slid it open after a mumbled response from within.
Inside the main sitting room, the shogun had been brought in and was sitting on a large armchair. Akio bowed deeply, as did Kiso, and then Akio approached.
Kuninaka smiled a very weak smile at Akio. “My boy!” he said in a grandfatherly manner. “I have not seen you since you were a tiny child! It seems that is no longer the case.” He laughed lightly at his own joke, which then ended in a cough. “I so enjoyed your father's company. He was a great man.”
“I am truly honored to be received, Kuninaka,” he replied. “I had no idea you and father were so close. And, yes, he was a great man.”
“Oh yes!” the other man said with delight. “He was a wonderful man. Wonderful indeed. We shared a lot of laughs... and battles.” He looked at Akio, the smile fading from his face. “I was truly saddened to hear of his passing.”
Akio bowed lightly. “Thank you, that means a lot to me.”
The shogun coughed again, harder this time, and put a rag to his mouth. Akio noticed the blood as he pulled the rag away but did not let on that he saw. Chikakane stepped forward and handed Kuninaka a new cloth as he took the old one away. “So, Akio,” Kuninaka continued, “are you wed yet?”
Akio was surprised at the random question. “Well, sir, I... ah...” he stammered for a moment, “I am to be wed in two months.”
“So no, then.” The other man laughed. “It doesn't matter if you are or not anyway,” he said. “I am sure that you have heard of my failing health.”
“I had heard you were ill, yes,” Akio said.
“I am not sure if you know, but I have no male heirs, Akio. Once I pass, there will be no one to take over for me.” Another coughing fit, and another rag filled with blood, and another clean rag from Chikakane. After a moment or two, Kuninaka continued, “I have only daughters. Damn daughters.”
“I am not sure what you are asking, sir,” Akio said, although he already knew where this was going. He felt an odd sensation in his gut and he looked to Kiso who gave him a confused look.
“I truly respected your father,” Kuninaka said. “He was an honorable man. And…” He stopped for a moment to sip some water. “I have heard that you are a good leader in your own right so far. A fair man. A man who takes after your father and grandfather.”
“Thank you, sir,” Akio said, bowing. “I hope that I can live up to their examples.”
“Well, I am positive you will, Akio,” the older man said. “I assume that you are to be married so you can produce an heir, am I correct?”
Akio nodded. “Yes. My mother is insistent on me having an heir as soon as possible.”
“She is a smart mother, then,” Kuninaka said, nodding. “I have six wives, Akio. Did you know that? Six.” He shook his head in disgust. “I don't like a single one of them.” He snorted a little laugh. “And, with six of them, do you want to hear the real kick in the balls?”
Akio wasn't sure he wanted to know, but knew that he was about to find out.
“Not a single one of those damn women produced me a son. Not a single son! I have fifteen daughters. Fifteen! Fifteen more women on top of the six I am already stuck with, Akio.” He laughed a sad and angry laugh. “Do you know what that many women in one home can do to a man's sanity?”
He shook his head. “I only know what my mother does to mine, so I cannot imagine.”
Kuninaka roared with laughter. “I like you Akio, I truly do,” he said. “Therefore, I want you to marry one of my daughters. Whichever you like – I don't care. However, I want you to marry one of them and allow them to be your seishitsu. No daughter of mine will be just a concubine.”
Akio's eyebrows scrunched. He wasn't ready for one wife, much less two. “Well, I will do whatever you ask, Kuninaka,” he found himself saying.
“Good,” Kuninaka said. “Because once you are married, I will recommend you to become shogun. I want you to take over for me.” From the side of the room, Chikakane gasped loudly. “I assume you have been told the emperor will be arriving this very evening?”
“Kuninaka,” Chikakane spoke up. “Are you sure this is wise? I mean, there are other daimyos who are more prepared than...” He looked over at Akio and saw the frown on the young man's face.
Kuninaka waved him off. “Yes, yes. I am sure this is the wisest course of action, Chikakane. And you are never to question me again,” he roared at his underling. “You're lucky you're my brother in law or I'd have your head for that.”
Akio was shocked. “Sir...” he stammered, “I... are you sure?”
Kuninaka motioned for Akio to come closer. When Akio was in front of him, Kuninaka leaned forward and carefully touched the hilt of the fire soul. “Son,” he said, “the man who wields this sword is always the right choice. I know that you are the correct man to take over as shogun when I am gone. I have seen it in visions that you will lead this area into greatness and defeat the scourge of gangs that are ravaging this country. I have seen that you will unify all of the other daimyos and will cleanse the land of the pestilence that these gangs are creating before they can unify into one large resistance army.”
He had to pause for a moment to cough uncontrollably once more. When the fit was finished and a fresh rag brought to him, Kuninaka continued, “The emperor has already sent word that he will be appointing a new shogun while he is here – or at least taking my choice into serious consideration.” He looked at Akio and leaned ever closer. “The emperor is not a very smart military man. He's brilliant in other ways, kid, don't get me wrong. But when it comes to military issues, he is completely dumbfounded. Plus, he is too young to truly know the other daimyos and generals who would be a good choice for the position. I know them all. I have followed them all for decades. I have little birdies all over the country – and beyond – who tell me of these things. I know whose heart is pure and able to take on this job...” He shot a glance over at Chikakane. “And whose heart is wicked and not ready for a position such as this. Your heart…” He poked Akio in the chest. “Is ready and pure.”
Surprised, Akio looked into the older man's eyes. He knew instinctively that he was correct. Deep inside him, Ugai told him that this was his destiny and the first step in completing the quest that would help the Eza live once more. “Then I accept,” Akio said to Kuninaka. Akio was sure the shogun knew that he had never been in a large battle or planned an operation. So, he was still a bit confused at how he would be better suited versus other, more experienced daimyos. However, he simply went along with the shogun's plan as he didn't want to cross a friend of the family.
Kuninaka sat back and clapped his hands with delight. “Excellent!” Then he turned to Chikakane. “You will go and summon the head scribe and my daughters. Now!”
Chikakane gave another deep look to Akio and then headed out of the room. Kuninaka turned back to Akio. “Do not worry about him. He is a good man,” he said. “I think he expected to become shogun when I was gone, for some reason. But he has never seen even training with a sword a day in his life. He's spent his days in the comfort of the compound and has never even left the city. Can you believe that?”
Akio shook his head. “No, sir, I cannot.” He scratched his nose and then asked, “How did you know that I would come here, to see you?”
Kuninaka tapped his temple. “I just knew. I was shown that you would be the next shogun, and I knew that since I could not come to you, somehow you would come to me.” Then he turned and motioned to one of the servants. “Bring us food and ale. Lots of both!” The servant scampered from the room. “Come, Akio, sit with me. Let us talk until the others arrive.”
Akio came and sat with Kuninaka and learned more about his house and the position of shogun. Kuninaka also told him about the emperor, Ii Moriyasu, who would arrive in the afternoon. He went through the procedure with Akio that the emperor normally went through to choose a shogun. “But,” the older man interjected in between his tales of bureaucracy and
formality, “the emperor basically does what I say. It has been this way for a long time.”
Looking around the room, Akio noticed that the wealth here was overwhelming. He wondered if the emperor himself had a throne room – or even a private room such as this one – that was this decadent. The other man noticed his gaze. “Ah, you appreciate this place, Akio?”
“It is very beautiful.”
“I am glad you feel that way,” Kuninaka said. “Because it will be yours shortly.”
“But I have a beautiful, large compound already,” Akio said, looking back to Kuninaka. “No offense meant.”
“None taken. You are free to live wherever you wish. However, I would recommend moving your administration here. It is already fortified and ready for what a shogun needs in terms of protection.”
“Why would this much protection be needed?” Akio asked, but instantly knew the answer. Other daimyos, military leaders, and even simply those who wished to usurp the shogun's power would all be after anyone in this seat. He wasn't sure he was ready for that responsibility yet.
Kuninaka watched the young man's face carefully. “You are pondering the answer to your own question,” he said. “And, inside yourself, you already know the answer.” He looked around the room and then back to Akio. “I cannot tell you the number of attempts made on my life as shogun,” he said. “It used to scare me, but now, well, I welcome the challenge. They have tried much. Some have gotten extremely creative and it made me smile with the lengths that they went through for their plans.” He laughed slightly. “But, you must learn to always trust your gut. If something feels wrong to you, it is wrong.”
“I am sure that I will do my best to live up to your example.”
Kuninaka roared with laughter that quickly turned to coughing. Akio was confused. “Oh, Akio...” he said as he finally was able to catch his breath. “No, no, no. You live up to your own example, not mine, nor anyone else's. Every shogun has to forge their own path, create their own utopia. This is your charge; you must do what is right and do it for the right reasons. Save the people and they will save you. Always.”
Samurai 2.0 - Destiny: A Harem Fantasy Adventure Page 12