Shori

The Lion Clan ancestoral sword, Shori, is an ancient weapon once used by Akodo himself. When Akodo swore neverending fealty to the Imperial line, he declared that he would never raise his sword unless it was for the Emperor - and it id for this reason that the Hantei have long been the keepers of the sword.

The Emperor has occasionally called upon the Akodo oath, and declared war on other powers in the Empire. At these times, the current Lion Champion was summoned into court, and Shori returned to him. This oath symbolizes the heart of the Lion - "Duty to the Emperor, Duty to the Empire"

The blade is unremarkable, shining dully in the light. It's hilt is carved of jade, wrapped with brass and gold wire, and it's tsuba bears the simple carving of a fine palace.

The Other Sword
Nearly 1000 years ago, a sword was comissioned by the Emperor. The sword was made of gold and fine jewels, and gifted to Akodo. The sword is said to be the keenest ever created, and it possesed legendary beauty. Akodo weilded the sword against the hordes of Fu Leng when they first attacked Otosan Uchi, and he carried it throughout the ensuing war.

Akodo took every opportuniry to engage his fallen brother during the war, but the oni were quick to sweep him away. Fu Leng knew that if he faced his brother in combat, he would be slain, and he commanded his minons to keep them apart. On one occasion, however, his followers were not fast enough, and Akodo delt his brother a terrible wound.

After the First Day of Thunder, Akodo was called upon to hand down his sword to his heir. However, he refused, saying "This sword has drawn my brothers blood. A sword which has drawn family blood cannot be revered". With these words, he broke the blade beneth his heel, and took up the simple katana he had used before.

This simple sword became Shori, the Ancestoral Sword of the Lion.

The Loss of the Sword
Until 1132, The Akodo sword was kept on a simply ebony stand next to that of the Hantei. However, Amaterasu ordered that the Ancestral Swords be scattered among the heavens as retribution for the death of Onnotangu. Shori still lies there.