Battle of the Broken Daisho

Storms Brewing
In the seventh year of Hantei XXIII, the armies of Kakita Gosano and Matsu Tusun stood ready for war. Gosano's family had previously been killed in a Matsu assault, and the general stood poised to take his revenge and the life of the Matsu daimyo. Tusun reacted violently to Gosano's provaocation and was more than eager to end the life of the Kakita as well. The two armies met finally in a valley near the Road of Fierceness.

As the two stood poised to annihilate each other, a bolt of lightning cracked through the clear summer sky and a terrible storm began in the valley. The opposing generals watched as a Phoenix Clan army 20,000 samurai strong led by Shiba Toriiko and Isawa Anoso emerged from the rains. The Phoenix positioned themselves directly between the Lion and Crane. both sides were taken aback, as for over fifty years, the Phoenix had not lifted a sword against their neighbors.

The Battle is Joined
Believing the Phoenix army to be a surprise addition to the Crane armies, Matsu Tusun decided to act immediately and counteract the deception of his enemies. Matsu arrows rained upon the Phoenix and their wariors clashed with the Phoenix lines. Scores of able samurai died without making a sound. The most battle-hardened Matsu fell back upon seing their opponents fall wihtout even attempting to draw their swords. Tusun began to get reports from his front lines of his commanders comitting seppuku, caught between the orders from their commander and an enemy who would die but not yield.

The Phoenix Explained
On the other side of the field, Kakita Gosano rode forth to meet Shiba Toriiko. The Crane asked the young Phoenix Champion to yield and allow him to attack the Lion so that he could end their violence forever. Toriiko refused. The Phoenix Champion listened to Gosano's arguments, then replied only, "I will not gaze upon a world devoured by pride, Kakita," as she rested her hand on her sword

They were her last words. Gosano, believing she was preparing for a duel, struck her down. Toriiko died without ever attempting to draw her sword. It was then that Gosano realized Toriiko was not speaking to him, but past him to the spirit of Kakita that had been watching over him. Gosano realized this with despair as he felt his ancestor's spirit turn away in shame.

The Broken Daisho
At noon that day, Matsu Tusun received the broken swords of Kakita Gosano and a note from the former general:

''I will retire to the Asahina Temples and try to build the world Shiba Toriiko will never see. With words, not blood.''

Knowing his enemy was samurai no more, Tusun withdrew, knowing that Gosano had somehow been subjected to a much worse vengance than he could have enacted.

Major References

 * Way of the Phoenix Pages 41-42