Kitsu gempukku

The Kitsu family do not allow outsiders to veiw their gempukku ceremnoies - any that has not undergone the Kitsu gempukku is turned away from the palace with no explanation.

Before a Kitsu can be given his daisho, he must first recite the names of each of his ancestors, in order, back to the founding of the family. In addition, the Kitsu must cite and praise his ancestors deeds and bravery - Clever Kitsu will find ways to include their own studies in this recitation, including a henceforth unknown fact about an ancestors life, or providing an unexpressed insight. The heritage must be recited without error, and each ancestor evoked correctly. By doing this, the Kitsu displays a reverance towards his ancestors, and the ceremony ends with the thanking of past Kitsu for their sacrifices, and the initiate promising to adhere to their principles.

It is said, but cannot be confirmed, for no Kitsu will speak of it, that the families ancestors gather to pass judgement on the initiate. If the Kitsu cannot convince his ancestors that his is worthy, then he is stripped of the gifts of a shugenja and turned out of the family in disgrace. On the other hand, a Kitsu that passes is embraced by the spirits, and begins a period of great understanding between himself and the ancient ancestors.