The Tests

The first test was simple. Attend Jujukoro's training and show your potential. The scond test came long after. Chirikun's family was attacked by Zunshu who had appeared at her home in Chuoushuu. She called in a favor from Rin and the Grass Dragon, speeding towards her home in her family's defense. Finding most of them safe, she fought Zunshu until the others arrived and interrupted her duel. The group defeated Zunshu and watched as the Black Hand left the scene.

Tachine Natsuyumi returned from a mission to slay the old imperial High Monk, who was corrupted so deeply that he was taining monasteries simply by visitig them. He came back and attacked Chirikun, but why? The High Monk had told him that Chirikun was unwittingly following the will of his master, the one who leaves flaming nightmares in his wake.

The third test was to defeat Natsuyumi, the Blade of Heaven. After a brief duel between Natsuyumi and Jinji, Natsuyumi attacked Chirikun. Chirikun defeated him using skills learned in her intense training.

In a fit of rage, glowing with undirected hatred, Jinji's sins finally broke his will and he went insane. He attacked Chirikun and she managed to dodge his first sword swing with warning from Takaeda. After a few moments of fierce combat, Chirikun went from defensive to offensive, stepping through the Spirit World to flank Jinji, and brought the Blade of Hell low.

Jujukoro made his presence known, telling Chirikun of her success in the Tests. She had completed the first four tests, the Dojo, the Family, the Blade of Heaven, and the Blade of Hell. There was only one test left. The Defense of the Empire. Jujukoro gave Chirikun an electrum crown forged by a Dwarflord, the father of the dwarf travelling with them. The Empire lived again.

Several days later, they returned to the Imperial City to find the Akako Army dispersed and crushed by the might of the Kanshuu School of Midnight Shadows. Jinji and Natsuyumi's swords were the keys to the Grand Gates. Inside, Chirikun found the Royal Guard, in all its legions waiting for her. From down the long walk to the Main Hall came two familar faces, Jinji and Natsuyumi reincarnated. While exploring the massive City, Jinji professed his love for Chirikun, saying he should have told her long before. He revealed that the Blade of Heaven and the Blade of Hell are tools of the true Empress, that he was here to serve.

Dark clouds filled the horizon and the sky shuddered with the rumble of a thousand evils. The Daiyungbe were back. The Second War was about to begin, as was the fifth and final Test.

All eyes looked to the city, and the people inside.