Laying the foundations (Recruitment)

[Orion Clegane]

Orion had succeeded in freeing a small town in Kazusa and they rewarded him with 4,000 fresh recruits. His total troop numbers were now at 5,000. He know had a small reasonably strong force and this made him happy. It was a new day, he and his army had made camp just on the outskirts of the town. As he arose he stretched his arms and sat up on the bed. He rubbed his face and messed his medium length blonde hair and walked outside, he was fully naked but that did not matter. The sun was not as bright as it was the day before nor was it as hot, then again he wasn't wearing any clothes. As he rubbed his eyes he was met by a sea of white tents and many men arising to break their fast, something he himself needed to do. He turned back inside, on the table was some fruit and a flagon of wine, a serving girl must have left it whilst he slept. He ate the fruit but left the wine, he believe that a man should not drink before 5pm, unless of course it was a special occasion. However, today wasn't and work had to be done...

Once the men had eaten, the packed their camp and headed on the long road ahead to a new town that had no allegiances, the townsfolk of the previous told had told him of this town, and they had a plentiful population and should be able to supply men for his army. However they needed a leader, not a warrior. Orion's headstrong approach would not work hear so he needed to persuade them into joining his cause, and persuade them he would.

Upon arriving he was met by a small host of men, not larger than 12 men rode forth to greet him and allow him into their town. They told him of the chaos in the land and how they needed a new ruler to unite Japan under one banner. Thus the stage was set for Orion.
"I may be a foreigner" He began, accepting that it would be hard for the Japanese to fight and die for a foreign invader. "But I have the heart and soul of a samurai. I may not dress like one, nor am I as skilled with a katana as them but my determination and inner strength is just as great as theirs." He paused for a moment to reflect and what he was saying. "I'm not asking you to throw away your beliefs, traditions and customs but I am asking you to take up arms in my name. Japan has long been divided, but what has long been divided shall unite! Japan needs to be united once more, and who's to say a foreign man cannot unite Japan?! I will be that man! Not any of the other pretenders who are using the turmoil for their own gain and not for you the people. Troubled times are upon us, lend me your aid and these troubles shall be vanquished by the swords that we carry! What say you?" Orion felt a droplet of sweat trickle down his back and another droplet catch in his brow. He was asking for the death of their fellow country men and the command of an invading force, would they bend the knee?

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1,300 Characters/Letters for 4,000 Ashigaru