Zhuge arrives by boat to Tosa(Motochika)

[Zhuge Liang]

Strong winds in between China and Japan, they could carry a boat in less than a day across the dangerous waters. Zhuge Liang has embarked on his next adventure. Growing weary of his time in China, and with the recent death of Sima Yi, he had no real challenge. He would travel to Japan to test their wits.

The winds would land him on the island of Tosa. As the boat reached the shore, he would climb out. Zhuge Liang was a virtuous man, he had served a man of the people, Liu Bei. He had hoped to find another man of his caliber here in Japan. Liu Bei had been a very virtuous man, serving and protecting the people with his own life. A certain quality Zhuge would come to notice in Motochika when they met.

Zhuge Liang would walk up from the beach, his hair blowing in the wind. The time had come to find a ruler worthy of his talents.




(Let's get Zhuge Liang in the service of Motochika Chosokabe)

[Simon]

Following the aftermath of the showdown at Nakamura, Motochika had spent half his time reorganising Tosa, while spending the other half with his son to make sure he had the best care aswell as not neglecting his studies, which amused them both due to the circumstance.

The physician had told him that Nobuchika should rest his foot, since walking on the foot, down steps, and mounting and dismounting the horse, did not help. Though Motochika would rather wait for his son to get better, he could not neglect his duties, and nor could he ignore his other sons, as they assisted him with the regions within Tosa. Afterall, he couldn't be everywhere, though his banner could.

He remembered what Kanesada had said to him, "If your father would of seen this...", but of course, the man did not know his father, since he was essentially continuing on his fathers' task, and now his task was complete. His father had claimed vengence on the Motoyama for taking his fathers' life, and now he took back Tosa back to Chosokabe rule, but for the Chosokabe, if something was taken, they'd get it back and more.

Tosa was a beautiful land, despite the size, but it was still home, and done well for trade, and since the battle had shown his benevolence for the people, many respected him, aswell as the fact that he spared Kanesaga's life, though that was only partly due to the fact they were islanders like him, though how he'd react to those of the mainland and Kyuushu was a different story. Luckily, neither had faced Motochika yet, and Motochika was alot more stubborn than his grandfather.

He stood tall as he walked along the streets as he looked out to sea. There was land beyond these waters, but he had heard much about how the waters can be just as dangerous as a sword, and he vowed to himself, that he would not leave his home unless assured it was well defended, and that the whole isle was his. The Kono leader was weak and relied on the Mori, while the Sono raided the Kono, and those of Sanuki had links with the Matsunaga. This land needed strength, and it was strength that Motochika possessed.

As he looked to see, he then strummed his shamisen, pulling onto the strings, which would carry on furthur to pull the heartstrings of those who had the ears to listen to his story...

[Zhuge Liang]

Hearing musical notes attracted Zhuge as he was accustomed to literature and poems. What would come next but music, he was drawn towards the city. The city however small was still a sight to see. Not much different from the buildings in China but they still had their distinctions. Zhuge was not accustomed to the notes that he heard but nonetheless it was still music.

Zhuge walked towards the music and stumbled upon a man there. This man had a musical instrument and though the notes were foreign to him, he could still understand the fact that it was music. Zhuge scanned the person very quickly and noticed a more friendly aura emitting from this person. He sensed no evil in his heart, though from Zhuge's learning any man could change.

He did however notice his sword on his hip, a warrior indeed. Though he was a lot more relaxed than thousands of warriors that Zhuge had encountered or heard of in China. So many would just rush recklessly towards their deaths. For it was not might that would win wars, but intellect.
"Greetings stranger, may I ask you a question?"

[Simon]

His grandfather was known for his leadership, his father for his boastfulness, for him was his charisma. Not only was he the Lord of Tosa, he was a mature and caring individual who sought to make sure his people were safe. Part of his duties when he was not by his son's side, was making sure that those who were not as lucky as his son, were remembered, when he faced off with the Icjiro, but in the end, the future was alot brighter than it was.

What he did enjoy however, was playing his shamisen. In battle, it helped to rally, it helped to lead, it helped to bring hope and peace among all the fighting, and though the fighting had ceased for the time being, it brought a calmness in his soul like the sea that could be heard in the distance in the waves as his eyes closed.

His eyes were then opened when he heard a voice behind him, "Greetings stranger, may I ask you a question?", as he turned around to see who had spoken and why he had intruded, but observing him from head to tail in a glance in an attempt to read the man, he could see he was quite a learned man, but at the same time, it felt like he knew him.

"What is it....that you ask of me?", he responded, while his fingers plucked the strings and continued the melody in a quieter tone, so all was still calm, as his curiousity at the man and the question he might ask, had grown.

[Zhuge Liang]

Zhuge would nod and speak, "Good generals select intelligent officers, thoughtful advisors, and brave subordinates. They oversee their troops like a fierce tiger with wings. Do you have what it takes to do this?" He would clear his throat.

"Master Liu Bei is no longer with us, and my destiny also draws near. Before everything is swept away by the times, I must bring an end to the chaos." Liu Bei had been his old lord. A very virtuous a loyal to the people kind of lord. One that he had hoped Motochika to become.

[Simon]

Motochika looked upon the stranger, still pondering on who he might be, as he listened to his words, and how he spoke of good generals and asked if he had what it takes. He was obviously a stranger if he had not heard of the support Motochika had been gathering, but the man spoke truth in the respect that he needed thoughtful advisors. As of now, he had many retainers from his father and his sons and brothers, but lacked an advisor, so he counselled himself.

It wasn't that bad however, as Motochika was also a learned man, and didn't rush things. He considered his movements carefully, and like at Nakamura, he did not have the wish to kill all that opposed him but give them the chance to come under his banner. The men that surrendered he had taken care of nicely, and helped the united Tosa get stronger.

"I would not be in the position I am in now, if I didn't feel I could live upto the task", he answered simply without going into much detail, "The land needs a strong leader", his fingers still strumbling agaisnt his shamisen.

His strumbing then stopped as soon as the stranger spoke of Liu Bei, before swinging the shamisen over his shoulder, and bowing, "You must be Zhuge Liang. I am indeed honored", before lifting himself up and turning towards the sea, "Though I wish it was not the case, chaos is indeed engulfing this sweet land, and like you, I too wish it to come to an end".

It was the last thing he wanted. He only wished to restore his ancestors' land of Tosa, and now to unite Shikoku from the weak and corrupt rulers, but it seemed that beyond the rivers surrounding Shikoku, there was more trouble occurring.

However, when chaos had begun, the land called for a hero, and who better to be a hero to be known in history for generations to come, than himself. Even Liu Bei was still known, despite the fact he was not from Japan

[Zhuge Liang]

Zhuge Liang would bow in respects. "It is an honor to know that my name has traveled to these lands." As he raised his head he would wonder. Would this ruler be just the man he was searching for? Could this man be as virtuous as his once Master Liu Bei.

"What would be your name kind sir?" He'd wave his strategist fan and ask another question. "What are your intentions?"

[Simon]

Motochika noted how Zhuge Liang bowed also. He was not only a honest and wise man, but also quite modest, despite the work he had done, though he was curious why he was here in Japan. Was Zhuge Liang sent from the Heavens to come in times of chaos. Like it was said in the books, that if one possessed the intellegiance of one Pang Tong or Zhuge Liang, one could rule the land. It seemed that Zhuge Liang was indeed a god-send.

However, Motochika only looked at the here and now, and only reflected on the present, since how could one make history if they dwelt in the past, for it was the future that they were to create. One could not change the past, but it would prove quite interesting now to have the likes of Zhuge Liang among them, perhaps fate itself, was telling Motochika, that he needed to seek more than the small isle of Shikoku, and that was why the great strategist Zhuge Liang had presented himself on this day, so shortly after making his mark in history.

"I am Motochika Chosokabe, Lord of Tosa, Head of the Chosokabe clan", he answered in response to his question as he asked his name, ending with a smile. Since his left hand held his shamisen across his shoulder, he held his right hand towards the city behind him, "I welcome you personally Master Zhuge, to my home of Tosa".

Zhuge Liang needed no introduction since Motochika recognised him. When he first laid eyes upon him, he felt he recognised him and saw him before, and it appeared he had, but wasn't expecting to see him in the flesh, and to be right before him.

No doubt wishing to get straight to the point, Zhuge Liang then waved his fan and then asked what his intentions were, in which he responded with a smile, seeing that he had more to think about on that topic, "As far as my intentions go, to be totally honest with you, I have only started down by path and reclaimed the lands of my fathers which were ruled by unworthy aristocrats, but beyond my borders, and beyond these waters, lies great evil and corruption where people suffer. To me, the people are my rock, and I am their shield protecting them from danger, and I will make sure that those that have fallen are not forgotten".

As he spoke the words, he remembered those that had died at Nakamura though due to Lord Icjiro's incompetance, many saw him as the greater leader, as he turned to Zhuge Liang once more, "It is like what I said before, the land needs a strong leader, and I am he", speaking with confidence, "I have brave subordinates", thinking about his son, "and I also possess wisdom from much study when I was young, but what I lack is thoughtful advisors to assist me....", trailing on to see if he could get his curiosity answered, "Zhuge Liang, might I ask what brings you to these troubled lands?".

[Zhuge Liang]

As he listened to the words of Motochika a warm feeling grew from within. He did after all, remind him of his late master Liu Bei. To hear the words come from his own mouth was even more heartily. "I have witnessed evil on these islands first hand. A man adorned with black armor and 'hawk feathers' surrounding his neck attacked a province named Mikawa." Zhuge remembered the events in his mind quite clearly. "He had a child as a bodyguard as well. Though the real point of this attack was to harm the people there, I stopped him."

Zhuge waved his fan in content. "An enlightened ruler does not worry about people not knowing him; he worries about not knowing people." Zhuge, as always, had a plan. "If you not only vow to save the island of Shikoku and Kyushu, but as well as the mainland. Then you shall have my services Lord Motochika." Zhuge would move his body so that the two were standing side by side. He would put his hand on Motochika's shoulder. While his other hand pointed to the stars.

"The stars are in great disorder, making it extremely difficult to predict the future... However, that bright, shining star up there is a light of hope. Before it was a faint light, but now it has gained strength from the surrounding stars and is shining brightly. This is my lord's star."

[Simon]

Motochika awaited to hear why he had come to these troubled isles, but instead, he responded by informing him of the evil he already witnessed with the description of the man being none other than Nobunaga Oda, the Lord of Owari, and how he intended to harm the people, and how he had helped prevent him from doing so.

One of his closest friends, Mitsuhide Akechi, had told him about the Oda, and Nobunaga himself, and how he was led to follow him, but the news of him attacking the people was indeed disturbing. He had heard great things about the man known as Nobunaga, though not officially meeting, and considered forming an alliance in the near future, but what prevented that from occurring now, was the news that Zhuge Liang had brought, which no doubt would of come to him later on by the ears of Mitsuhide himself. Mitsuhide prized himself on his intellect but also his abilities as a warrior, and slaughtering the innocent was not an act he could keep on seeing for too long.

"The man you speak of is Nobunaga Oda, also known as the Fool of Owari, the star rising in the East, led solely by his ambition to rule, letting nothing get in his way. It is indeed troubling that the people were his target", it seemed the hawk and bat were going to be rivals for the sky if the hawk was going to pounce on those that are unable to defend themselves. If one did not treat the people well, then the people would rise in rebellion or assist the invading army, which would work in Motochika's favour when the time came.

"An enlightened ruler does not worry about people not knowing him; he worries about not knowing people", he spoke with such elegance and an aura of wisdom surrounding him. Zhuge Liang was indeed a wise man. Perhaps he was sent from the heavens to deal with times of chaos, in which case, with the added wisdom of Zhuge Liang, Motochika could indeed achieve great things.

While in thought of such things, Zhuge Liang then spoke up, offering his services if he expanded his ambitions to not only saving the people of his beloved Shikoku, but also that of Kyushu and the mainland. Perhaps it was fated for him to do so, if the great strategist, the one whose abilities were said to bring the one they served to rule the land, was offering his services to him...perhaps it was fated for him to go beyond than any Chosokabe had gone before, for the bat to leave its nest, and to seek the entire land.

In deep thought, his mind was then eased, as Zhuge Liang shown him the stars and how his star was one of hope, and now gaining strength, which was exactly what was happening with the taking of Tosa. It seemed the heavens above agreed with Zhuge Liang, and the last thing he wished to do was go against heaven. If not about the heavens, he also had to think about how the land would be under Nobunaga's rampaging if he took no action. The Hawk and Bat, rivals for the sky....who would be trumphant in this realm of darkness.

A smile curled upon the corners of his lips, the bat, of course. "You have opened my eyes Zhuge Liang, and I would be honored to have you by my side, as I go down this road that is laid before me". It was still quite a lot to take in, as he couldn't imagine himself ruling the whole land, but maybe in time, but who was to argue to heaven, and if he succeeded, History would not forget his name for generations to come, and he'd make sure the fallen are remembered also.

With the aid of Zhuge Liang, anything was possible, "Come, walk with me Zhuge Liang", as he began to walk away from the sea front and towards the castle so he could accomodate his new retainer after his long journey. As they walked, he then turned to him with a smile, "Do you know much about the Chosokabe?", in which he expected him to say no, though not knowing who he met since or at Mikawa, one can never know, "And do you agree, that the foundation must be laid first in uniting Shikoku, before setting forth on the mainland or Kyushu?", trailing his thought to wonder what his response would be.

[Zhuge Liang]

In Zhuge's eyes, Motochika seemed just as his late lord Liu Bei. It would seem that Motochika would guide Zhuge towards the inland. His intentions were to chat some more and show him around. As Zhuge was new to this land as a whole, and it intrigued him so.

As Motochika began asking, Zhuge would be sure to answer. "Not at all, besides of your name Motochika." Indeed intrigued by his new lord, he was anxious to hear of his clan and its rise. The next question would peak Zhuge's ears.

"Without a strong center, you and I could never hope of having any stake in the mainland."

[Simon]

The responses he had expected had indeed come into fruition. He knew not of the Chosokabe origin, and he also agreed that a strong center was needed first, so both were thinking alike. Uniting Shikoku was his aim anyway, but now he saw that the Chosokabe would be taking more than ever, to wrestle Kyuushu off the hands of the Shimazu, and then compete for the mainland with Nobunaga, unless another competitor shown up.

The fact that Zhuge Liang was not aware of the Chosokabe, or the name of Nobunaga, meant he had not been long in Japan, and therefore needed tutoring, in order to understand the political situation. He'd be sure to lend Zhuge Liang books from his library back in his home at Oka castle, which he'd be returning too once he'd spent some time with the people of West Tosa to show that Tosa was united, and to give his son's ankle time to heal.

"Shikoku it is then, to the north is a large province, much like Tosa, called Iyo which is ruled by the weak Kono clan and rely on foreign support. To the east lies Sanuki ruled by the Miyoshi which have close ties with the Matsunaga clan in the capital who are taking advantage of the weak Shogunate, where there was a war in the capital about who would be Shogun a few years back which started all this fighting off", Motochika explained to his new advisor. If one had to plan for the future, they had to know what occurred in the past.

"As for my clan, since the 13th Century, my ancestors were given control over Tosa, but back then, we were called Shu. Sound familiar?", he said with a wink, "Our name then changed when another clan shared the same name in another province, so we were the Chosokabe and they were the Kosokabe. In the Nanboku-cho period, our clan leader, Nobuyoshi Chosokabe, was serving the Ashikaga and was ordered to fight against the court in Tosa, which was the Chosokabe, as they wished for the Hosokawa to take over, in which our clan almost faced extinction, with my grandfather perishing at the hands of the Motoyama, but fortunately, he sent my father to the Ichijo so the line could continue, so when the Hosokawa Governor was assassinated...I have no idea who done it...Tosa was divided between the Motoyama, the Aki, and the Ichijo".

Tamematsu Castle was now coming into view as Motochika continued the story, "The Icjiro said that if Kunichika, my father, jumped off side of the castle, they'd attack the Motoyama and give them back Oko. This my father did in an act of fearlessness, so the Icjiro had to go with their agreement and take Oko and gave to my father, but had to remain subordinate to them. My father soon died of illness after retaking Oko and arranging alliances with former retainers, and so, left the preparations to me which I completed as we could not tolerate Icjiro's work anymore...so we raised arms and the people joined in and helped secure East Tosa, before facing off with Kanesada Icjiro here and uniting Tosa once again".

He wondered what Zhuge Liang was thinking as he spoke, but one thing was for sure. If History would remember him, then the memories of his family, and those that have fallen, would not be forgotten either. It would of saved alot of time however, if the Ashikaga would of left Tosa in the safe hands of the Chosokabe, his grandfather would probably still be alive now.

[Zhuge Liang]

They would walk together towards the castle. Motochika would fill in all the gaps and space in between information. For it was true, besides in Mikawa province, Zhuge had never once been to this land. His information would be most useful.

As Motochika informed Zhuge of his past deeds and his family it only served to strengthen his bond with him. Zhuge would grow to respect this Motochika Chosokabe.

"Thank you for taking this time explaining everything to me, Motochika." He would look up at the castle as it came in more view. "So, this is where it is to begin..."

[Simon]

"Thank you for taking this time explaining everything to me, Motochika", Zhuge Liang responded, in which he responded back with a smile and a nod. Afterall it was important to know what had occurred in the past, in order to prevent what happened in the past to occur again, aswell as making sure the future is improved than before.
If Zhuge Liang was to be his strategist, then he'd need to know as much as he could in order for his strategies to be put into place. Motochika's plan to utilise the Icjiro's actions to benefit his ruling, would not of work if he had not known how unpopular Kanesada was. Many would of liked to see him out the way, but instead, he let him go free...if not, to keep face with those that did like him, but like what he said to Kanesada, it was not wise to let a man get what they wanted. Afterall, it was upto the victor who decides what was to happen. Same goes for ruling the land.

"So, this is where it is to begin...", Zhuge Liang stated as the castle was right before them. Motochika smiled and turned to him, "Tamematsu is only the start. My home is Tosa, and so I know what Tosa needs, which is why I conducted myself in the way I have, and suffered few losses, but the real work will begin as soon as we leave for either the Kono in Iyo, or the Miyoshi in Sanuki. The Kono would be easier to deal with due to the leaders' weakness, but the Miyoshi have long settled in Sanuki with their trade, whether legal or not, so I believe that Iyo should be our first target towards unification".

Being with Zhuge Liang gave him confidence. Before, he was debating whether to take out Miyoshi before they got any more business, but now he seemed it best to leave them till last with the whole isle's support in order to put down the Miyoshi's operations, with the odd raid here and there. What he done in Tosa could probably not be repeated in the lands of the Miyoshi, unless their trade was cut off. That would seal the day, but to do that, they needed Awa which was north of them, to get access to their trade ports.

"Our capital is in Oka Castle in central Tosa, where I was raised. Oka is much more formidable, and would be there now, if it was not for my son whose resting by the physicians' orders. Though thinking about it, I would not of had the delight to meet you if I was in Oka, but don't worry, my son is alright, he's a fighter", he added with a smile, before the doors of the castle opened and they walked through, heading for the main chamber so they could have some food and drink, which would come soon after the maid took a glance of Motochika and bowed, before taking her leave.

[Zhuge Liang]

As Motochika informed him of the events that inspired in order to take Tosa zhuge would grow more weary. "It may have been fate that your son must have been injured in order for me to arrive here." Zhuge would lower his head "But that is no excuse for his injuries..." Motochika would be able to tell the seriousness in Zhuge's heart, he didn't want those kin of his new lord to be hurt, all just to get him there.

Motochika would inform Zhuge of his next plans of action, Zhuge would most agree. "Instead of pushing our forces in one territory to only take one..." Zhuge would wave his fan like he always did when he had something up his sleeve. "Divide our forces to take both territories." Though Zhuge obviously meant for this to take action only if they had enough forces or could gather enough forces to do this.

Zhuge would wonder to himself, would his stratagems work here in Japan? Chinese had fought differently, different weapons and different thought processes. It should not matter all that much, a strategy is a strategy. It is up to the advisory if it will work or not. No amount of troops in China could stand against his intellect, so many had tried. He had seen thousands of soldiers fall in combat due to inept rulers. Motochika did not seem inept at all, though only time would tell. With Zhuge's aid, Motochika could very well possibly become the next super power in Japan.