The Reluctant Servant

Yuzuru held the gift from Lord Date in his arm tightly. It was unlikely someone would steal it, but it was something precious, and it needed to make its way into the hands of a master blacksmith.

He had heard rumors of a smith that made blades of legendary quality, but none of the rumors gave any detail as to where he was located. All he knew was that this elusive smith was somewhere in Nagasaki. He had already checked the nicer districts, and a few of the more modest ones. He found himself in the slums rather quickly.

Feeling more than a little put out, he went to the nearest tea shop. It, like everything else in the district, had seen better days. But, at the very least, there was a sturdy table. He took a seat and waited for a server to notice a new face among the three that were already there. Though it was a tea shop, the other three patrons were drunk off of their poison of choice. It was more than a little shady.

Thiago had followed his apprentice to the shop, certain that he was looking for the legendary smith, Muramasa. This would not have been much of a problem, but Yuzuru left without asking anyone for any information. The old master slipped into the shop and sat across the table from his student, "You have been a very busy man lately."

Yuzuru rolled his eyes. "I blame you, Thiago. Because of you, I keep getting involved in things that I should be avoiding." Loosing a sigh, he said, "What are you doing here?"

The old man couldn't resist a laugh, "His name is Muramasa. I do not know where he is. For all we know, he could be anywhere from Nagasaki to Owari to even Hokkaido. However you go about it, tracking him will a challenge you carry alone. Do believe yourself up to the challenge?"

"I am up for this particular challenge." Yuzuru rose to his feet and turned towards the door. "Are you a superstitious man, Thiago?"

"Não, not any more, at least. Are you?"

"Not as much as the rest of Japan, however, there is a dark rumor surrounding Muramasa's swords. Once they are drawn, they must draw blood. It is said a curse surrounds those swords."

"He is also the finest sword smith on the islands. He once held the Mirror, but the mirror drove him mad. It is said that each sword he makes contains his essence. You would want to exercise caution with such a blade, unless you are not superstitious."

"I never draw my sword unless I intend to kill someone. I doubt I'll have much of a problem dealing with a false curse. I have searched all over. Where is Muramasa?"

"If I had the answer to that, he would be a very wealthy man instead of a babbling hermit. I could help you find him, but my work confines me here. You still need someone with tracking skills. Perhaps one of os Mongois {the Mongolians}."

"Who can you spare?"

"Ask any of them, but I believe you already have someone in mind," he glanced up at the waitress, who had been standing over them all along, "I'll have the tea and onigiri."

"Is it wise for me to take the one who leads them?"

"For the last time, I can not go with you," Thiago laughed.

"Well then. I guess I will ask Mei if she will accompany me."

"I believe I saw her out shopping earlier."

"With your leave, I'll be going."

"We have a boat leaving for Echigo tomorrow. You would do well to board it. Here's a Ryo (4k mon). Pack up tonight. I'll give you another before you leave."

Taking the money, Yuzuru left the tea shop to search for his potential traveling companion.