Kunou: I wish to defeat Saotome Ranma in a manner befitting a samurai!
[And the world... fades away.]
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A Samurai of Ghosts and Shadows
Ranma 1/2 Elseworlds OVA #5
By David Tai
Based on characters created by Rumiko Takahasi
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[Japan's Sengoku-Jidai Era: The Period of the Country at War.
Late April, 1559 AD]
[It began here, with the breaking of an old man's heart.]
Voice: Father? I have come.
[The screen door slides open, to show a young man, clad in an elaborate samurai
outfit. His head is bowed, weary, for he has obviously been through a violent
fight, has travelled a long way to be here, and yet, feels as if he has miles
to go, as he looks upon the frail, weakened body of his father, and wonders if
that is what he will one day become.]
Man: Father?
[The old man looks up.]
Old man: Son?
[The old man can only look upon his son. So young, so thin, so weary... so
unready for the burden he is about to take...]
Old man: You have lost weight.
Man: So have you, Father.
[And the silence hangs between them.]
Man: It has been some time since I have seen you last, Father.
Old man: Yes... my... son.
[The silence hangs between them like a heavy fog. The son can no longer bear
the silence.]
Man: Father? What would you have of me? I have already given you my obedience,
my trust, my childhood. What more must you have, old man?
[The old man can only look sadly at the scowling man and shake his head.]
Old man: My son... you need to ... get a haircut.
[The man facefaults.]
Man: DAMN IT, father! You called me away from battle, from my honor and glory,
for a reason! What is it you called me out for?
Old man: You must promise me, son... I am old, too weary to continue the
battle. You are damiyo, samurai, and you must lead this house to glory.
You must care for your sister.
Man: My sister? The schemer? She cares for herself very well.
Old man: You MUST! You must preserve our house! [weakening voice] Do you
swear, my... son?
Man: [frowning] ... But I am seventeen. I am not yet ready to assume the
burden.
Old man: [whispering, voice cracking] Oh, my son... my son... my heart breaks
to hear that you cannot rule after me...
Man: ...
Old man: For this old man's sake, do you swear? [nearly gone] Swear, damn you!
Man: [kneels and grasps one of the old man's hands] Yes. I do so swear. [stands
up] By my honor, by my name, I, Kunou Tatewaki, shall lead. For the
greater glory of the House of Kunou!
[The old man suddenly bounces up with vigor, knocking Kunou backwards.]
Old man: Free at last! HA HA HA HA HA HA!
[The old man runs out of the room, with a crazed look on his face. Kunou picks
himself up, then pauses, and stares at the ceiling.]
Kunou: Gods above, what have I done?
[And so begins the saga of Tatewaki Kunou, Daimyo.]
* * *
Voice: NO!
[A young Japanese maiden, clad in kimonos, turns swiftly, and delivers a
vicious kick to an older, mustached man, sending him flying.]
Man: That.. that was not appropriate behavior for a lady, daughter. [collapses]
[The young maiden collapses to the floor, weeping. Slowly, she lifts her head
up. A single tear falls down the face of Akane, youngest daughter of House
Tendo. As the tear rolls off her cheek and starts to fall...]
* * *
[The crashing sound of a chestplate landing on a foot. A yelp, and the
servant, who is removing Kunou's armor, hops around on one foot. Impatiently,
Kunou stares at the servant.]
Kunou: I am to be wed... to who?
Servant: [sitting on floor and rubbing foot] To Akane. Youngest daughter of
Daimyo Soun, House of Tendo.
Kunou: B-but that's ridiculous. I've never heard of her!
Servant: It was your father's decision.
Kunou: [sighs] Father. Always father. Am I doomed to spend the rest of my life
laboring under my father's shadow?
Servant: A-Are you okay, master? P-perhaps a walk would do you some good?
Kunou: Y-yes... Perhaps I need some sun... attend to me, servant.
[Kunou allows the servant to put a robe on him, then walks outside, and
inhales. The servant limps after him.]
Kunou: It has been a long time... since I've seen the sun in such a calm mood.
Servant: [showing concern] Was the war hard on you, master?
Kunou: N-no... The war was glorious. Honor... and glory. [whispering] And
darkness.
Servant: Pardon?
Kunou: Nothing, servant.
[Kunou starts walking towards the gardens, avoiding the shade of the trees, as
if determined to remain in the light. The servant follows faithfully, sweating
as he struggles to keep up with Kunou's purposeful strides. Just as he reaches
the gardens, a shadow falls over Kunou. Almost unconsciously, Kunou steps out
of the shadow. The servant staggers under the shadow... and gets smashed by a
giant mallet.]
Woman: Big Brother!
Kunou: [sighing] Yes, Kodachi?
[Kodachi Kunou stands up and releases her mallet. Dressed in purple ceremonial
kimonos, Kodachi looks like a demure Japanese maiden, and yet, the dangerous
glint in her eyes gives her a predatory look, that has caused many men to
quiver in their feet. Kunou, however, stands his ground.]
Kodachi: Brother! [gives Kunou a big hug] From a single samurai to an engaged
Daimyo in a single day! Congratulations!
Kunou: Thank you, little sister. Will I be seeing you at court later?
Kodachi: [sly grin] Count on it, big brother.
[Kodachi bounces out of the gardens, cackling and leaving a trail of black
rose petals.]
Kunou: [shaking head] That scheming conniving wench! If she were not my
sister... [looking around] Sasuke? Sasuke?
[A hand waves from under the mallet.]
Sasuke's voice: H-here, master....
* * *
[Inside the Kunou palace. Kunou, dressed in full ceremonial regalia with his
two samurai swords, one large, and one small, in their scabbards across his
back, stands before a small throne, examining it, an heavily bandaged Sasuke
standing next to him.]
Kunou: Ugly. I see my father has been... decorating.
Sasuke: [weakly] Hai.
Kunou: Yes, yes. [looking at chair] So this is my destiny.
[An advisor comes up.]
Advisor: Greetings, master. Gosunkugi Hikaru at your service. I'm your chief
advisor... urk!
[Gosunkugi gets sent flying by Kodachi, who has just bounced into the room.]
Kodachi: Greetings, brother! With me around, you'll have absolutely no problems
getting acclimated to court life!
Kunou: I see...
[Kunou sits in the chair. A slight annoyed look crosses his face, and then
flees nearly as quickly as it has come.]
Kodachi: [large smile] How does it feel to be Daimyo?
Kunou: This chair feels... uncomfortable.
Kodachi: [bouncing up in glee] Can't you feel the power?
Kunou: [whispering] Yes... and it is uncomfortable.
Sasuke: Pardon me, master? You might wish to remove the scabbards...
Kodachi: [ignoring servant] What was that, dear brother?
[She glares at Sasuke for being impertient.]
Kunou: Uh... [changing subject] Have you seen Father?
Kodachi: Father? [puts a finger to her chin and ponders the question.] The
last time I saw him, he was running away from a pack of dogs.
Kunou: [frowning] Dogs?
Kodachi: Apparently the dogs didn't like the haircuts he gave them.
[Kunou gives an exasperated sigh.]
* * *
[Kunou sits as though fascinated by the many maidens dancing in long trailing
dresses. In actuality, he is quite bored by the festival occuring around him.]
Kodachi: [bouncing up to Kunou] Congratulations, big brother!
Kunou: Thank you, sister.
Kodachi: A word of advice. Never show you don't know what you're doing. Always
behave as if you know what you are doing. You are Daimyo; your every
whim is law.
Kunou: Was my insecurity so painfully obvious?
Kodachi: [smiling] Only to me, dear bro-
[Sasuke approaches at this moment.]
Sasuke: Pardon me, master...
[Kodachi glares at Sasuke.]
Kodachi: What do you think you are doing, _servant_?
Sasuke: But the master...
Kodachi: You...
Kunou: [halting his sister] What is it, servant?
Sasuke: [bowing to Kunou] Your hamamoto* is here.
* Hamamoto- field general
[Kodachi gives Sasuke a baleful glare for not acknowledging her.]
Kunou: Eh?
Kodachi: [bending over and whispering] Nice display of confidence, brother.
Kunou: [narrowing eyes] Speak, _servant_.
Sasuke: [sweating] Ah... your father, as part as the engagement, made
Soun your hamamoto.
Kunou: [shocked look] Soun?
Sasuke: Hai...
[Kodachi starts laughing.]
Kodachi: My, my, Father must have wanted heirs as soon as possible, if he made
Soun your hamamoto.
Kunou: [glaring at Kodachi] Servant... admit Soun.
Sasuke: Hai, master. [bowing to Kunou. Kodachi curls her lips, as Sasuke leaves
court.]
Kodachi: Brother... I do not like that man.
Kunou: I wasn't aware you knew Soun...
Kodachi: [imperial sweep of the hand] Not Soun. Your servant.
Kunou: Sasuke? He has been with me through all my battles, Trustworthy, honest,
always loyal.
Kodachi: Nevertheless...
[Sasuke enters court, bringing an annoyed look to Kodachi's face. Behind him,
Soun Tendo enters, in ceremonial fashion. Although his clothes are elaborate,
Soun's motions indicate severe pain, and he appears covered in bruises. Soun
bows deeply to Kunou, trying unsuccesfully to cover his groans.]
Kunou: ...
Soun: My lord! I am proud to be your hamamoto. I will serve you with all my
heart and abilities! And my daughter will [looking around suspiciously]
happily serve you with all her heart, son-in-law!
Kunou: Um...
[An uncomfortable silence falls. Kodachi steps forward.]
Kodachi: My brother bids you welcome. I, as your hostess, will show you to your
rooms, where you and your daughter may stay.
[Kodachi claps her hands, and servants appear.]
Kodachi: Show this man to his rooms.
Soun: [bowing] Thank you! You won't regret this! [exits]
[Kunou slumps down and buries his head in his hands. Kodachi places her hands
on Kunou's shoulders.]
Kodachi: Don't worry, brother. You will get used to this.
[As Kodachi tries to comfort Kunou, she gives a baleful glare at Sasuke,
who returns the stare.]
* * *
[Inside Soun's rooms. Akane sits there, weeping. Soun enters the room.]
Soun: [rubbing hands] Excellent! Excellent! At last, power is in my grasp, that
I may smite my enemies!
[Soun gives a menacing laugh, before he looks at Akane, and notices her tears]
Soun: [concerned] What's wrong?
[Akane turns her back on her father.]
Soun: [frowning] Are you still mad about...?
Akane: [turning angrily] I will not wed!
Soun: [turning angry] Still pining after that son of a fool?
Akane: [tears forming in her eyes] Yes!
Soun: Never! You will marry into House Kunou, and I will be hamamoto!
[Soun walks swiftly past Akane into the next room. Scan to Akane's
face, who looks crestfallen. Slowly, her face features hardens.]
Akane: Very well. It is my duty... Father.
* * *
[Kunou's chambers, midnight. Kunou is tossing and turning. He finally sits up,
slips on his sandals, and exits his room. Servants start flocking towards
him, but he turns them aside with a flick of his hand. He walks outside to the
gardens, and stands there, merely looking at the sparkles of the moonlight upon
the pond. Looking around, he examines the small waterfall that feeds the pond.
He reaches out towards the small waterfall...]
Sasuke: Master?
[Kunou turns around quickly and whips out his large sword.]
Sasuke: It's me, master.
[Kunou sighs, and sheaths his sword, then puts his foot on a rock and leans on
his leg.]
Sasuke: Master?
Kunou: [turns to look at the moon] Tell me, have you seen... this Akane?
Sasuke: Ah. Pre-wedding jitters?
Kunou: [turning to look at Sasuke] Have you?
[In Kunou's tone is both unquestioned power, and a sense of loneliness. Sasuke
plays with his fingers nervously, trying to consider ways to answer.]
Sasuke: Uh... ah, no I haven't. She has remained in her rooms since her
arrival.
[Kunou looks up towards the moon again.]
Kunou: Sasuke... what have we been fighting for? What does all the death,
destruction, blood means? Why do we fight?
Sasuke: Uh... [playing with fingers nervously] Master, if I may be bold?
Kunou: Speak.
Sasuke: Well, master... you have never seen what it is you fight for, no?
You have fought because your father has said so, but you have never
had your heart in battle. You are not a warrior, because you have
had nothing to fight for. Some men are warriors, simply because they
live to fight... but you, you are much more than that.
Kunou: [sad smile] And what would I have to fight for? My father is an
idiot. My sister is...
Sasuke: [shuddering] Forgive me, master.
[Kunou turns and looks at Sasuke. Slowly, a small smile forms on his face.]
Kunou: Tell me something, Sasuke... who are you?
Sasuke: Pardon, master?
Kunou: How did you come to be a servant of House Kunou?
Sasuke: [sad smile] My father sold me.
Kunou: ...
Sasuke: I was raised in the village outside of this palace. We used to work
hard from sunrise to sunset, cultivating food, that our village might
live. And then... [pausing]
Kunou: [prompting] And then what?
Sasuke: Well, the village fell on hard times. [fidgeting uncomfortably]
Kunou: What? What happened?
Sasuke: Well, your father... came to power. He... raised taxes, took more
food away, reduced our lands...
Kunou: [cocking head] Is it not our right?
Sasuke: Your right, perhaps, but we suffer for it. My father, unable to meet
his debts, sold me to House Kunou, where I was assigned to you.
[Kunou looks down, and ponders. Sasuke looks questioningly at Kunou.]
Kunou: Take me to the village.
Sasuke: B-but, master!
Kunou: TAKE ME TO THE VILLAGE!
Sasuke: H-hai, master... to the village. In the m-morning.
Kunou: Yes, morning. I want to see what my father has done.
* * *
[Peasants are surprised, in the early morning, when a procession, consisting of
soldiers surrounding an ox-cart, arrives at the village. Hurriedly, they clear
the way, as Sasuke stops the ox-cart.]
Sasuke: Master?
[Kunou steps out of the ox-cart, and looks disdainfully at the muddy ground,
then looks up and scans the village. All he can see are lots of shoddy huts,
failing crops, and lethargic animals.]
Kunou: What a mess.
Sasuke: This is Furinkan, my lord. This village was beautiful... once.
Kunou: I fail to see how this village was ever beautiful.
Sasuke: You fail to understand, master. This place..
Kunou: [eyes narrowing] Watch your words, servant.
Sasuke: Master! This village is crumbling because of neglect! We have been
taxed so much that we can only starve! Money that could have been
spent on livestock and land, instead, goes to pay for your sister's
flower gardens!
Kunou: You impertinent... [draws his long sword]
Sasuke: Look! [points at an hut] I grew up there! It was full of laughter
once... and now it sits, empty. My father died there of a broken
heart, being forced to sell his land! To a farmer, his land
is his life! Take his land, and you take away his soul! To keep his
land, he had to sell his children... and even then, still lost!
[Sasuke falls to the ground weeping. Kunou looks at him, frowning... he looks
up at the village, then at the hut... and turns his back on the village.
Stabbing his long sword into the ground, Kunou kneels beside Sasuke.]
Kunou: Servant... Sasuke... thank you. [looking at Sasuke's hut]
[thinking] {The land... lost for my father's vanity...)
[Sasuke continues to weep.]
Kunou: Servant... I think you have given me something to fight for.
Sasuke: M-master?
Kunou: If my father has done this to the village, then by my honor, I will
fight for the village.
Sasuke: F-fight? Fight what?
Kunou: Some battles are not fought on the battlefield. [smiling] Now, let us
see the rest of the village...
* * *
Kodachi: Brother, have you gone mad?
Kunou: No, sister. It was my decision to make... and I say, lower the taxes
upon the peasants.
[Brother and sister face each other, Kunou sitting on his throne, as Kodachi
yells at him.]
Kodachi: But brother, your wedding is tomorrow! You should not concern yourself
with these matters. Let me handle...
Kunou: I am Damiyo. It is my decision to make, sister, not yours!
Kodachi: [bowing head] Very well...
[Kodachi bows to Kunou, and departs. Kunou sighs. Sasuke approaches.]
Sasuke: M-master... I apologize for my behavior. [prostrating himself before
Kunou.]
Kunou: Forgiven. Tell me, Sasuke... what else does the village need?
[Sasuke looks up, dawning hope in his eyes...]
[Outside the throne room, Kodachi seethes with rage.]
Kodachi: Kodachi will not forget this insult, servant... and you shall pay for
it. So I swear!
* * *
[Kunou's rooms, the day of the wedding. Kunou's room is awash in sunlight, as
Sasuke maneuvers to put ceremonial kimonos on Kunou.]
Sasuke: Hold still, master. [trying to put a kimono on.]
Kunou: [fidgeting] Hurry up!
Sasuke: [making final adjustments to kimono] There, all done. Let's go.
Kunou: Hai! [frowns]
Sasuke: What's wrong, master?
[Sasuke looks down, sees something wrong with Kunou's scandals and kneels to
make some adjustments.]
Kunou: I was just wondering... would she like me?
[As he speaks, Sasuke looks up. Squinting, Sasuke can only see Kunou as a
black figure awash in sunlight.]
Sasuke: [nodding head enthusatically] She will... she will. [stands up]
Let us go.
Kunou: Yes...
* * *
[A very shaken Kunou mechanically goes through the elaborate marriage ceremony,
glancing at the veiled stranger kneeling next to him the entire time. Finally,
as they approach the end of the ceremony, Kunou is allowed to lift the veil.
His eyes widen and he swallows visibly as he beholds the loveliness that faces
him. The full lips, the large soulful eyes...]
Kunou: [tears coming to eyes, thinking] She is beautiful!
[So enraptured is Kunou that he fails to notice that Akane's eyes are wet,
not with joy, but with sorrow.]
* * *
[Kunou and Akane enter Kunou's chambers. Akane has her veil back in place, and
Kunou glances sideways at her. Akane pointedly ignores him. Sighing, Kunou
begins to remove his wedding kimono.]
Akane: [muffled] Stop.
[Kunou glances upwards from untying his sash.]
Kunou: Nani?*
* Nani- What?
Akane: [points to a corner of the room] You will go there.
Kunou: Wha-...?
Akane: Go there!
Kunou: [eyebrows meeting] ... What is this foolishness?
Akane: [narrowing eyes] I may have to give you my hand in marriage, but that
does not mean you may have my body.
Kunou: But fair Akane, your very beauty has won my heart...
[Kunou starts to approach her... then jumps back in pain, holding his left arm,
as blood splatters across the bedsheets.]
Akane: [holding up dagger] Come near me, and I will kill myself. [holds dagger
over her throat]
Kunou: [holding arm] What is this?
Akane: You may not touch me.
Kunou: Wife...
Akane: My heart belongs to another. You will never have me.
Kunou: [growing angry] Wife... I would love you...
Akane: [smiling] You have already done so.
Kunou: [bewildered look] Nani?
[Akane points at the blood-covered bedsheets.]
Akane: These sheets are evidence you have consummated the marriage. Now, leave
me alone. I am not yours to command, or to love.
Kunou: [growing angry] That does not matter. Honor thy vows. You are my ...
[*WHOMP*! Kunou is sent flying by a large vase to his face. He lands against
the wall, and slumps down.]
Akane: [sniffs] Hmph.
[Akane turns her back on the unconscious Kunou.]
* * *
[Late May, 1559. Under Kunou, the Furinkan village has prospered. What was once
mere dirt is now covered with the green leaves of crops, and the village is
once more alive and active. All this has not gone unnoticed...]
Messenger: Pardon, master. Here is the report on the Furinkan province.
[As the warlord listens to the report, his face changes from bemusement to
surprise to anger.]
Warlord: Blasphemer! How dare Kunou bow to the wishes of those who are unworthy
to understand the needs of the noble houses? I, Shutaro, head of House
Mendo, shall impart Heaven's wrath against this pretender!
[Thunder crashes outdoors, illuminating the arrogant face of Shutaro Mendou.]
* * *
[Kunou's throne chamber. Kunou is sitting on his throne, passing judgement upon
two women.]
Kunou: ... and I hereby declare that this child shall be split in two, and
half shall go to this woman, and the other half to this woman...
[A messenger comes running up.]
Messenger: Master, master! An army of 25,000 men is descending upon us!
Kunou: What?! Who commands these forces?
Messenger: They are led by Shutaro, the daimyo of Tomobiki.
Kunou: Mobilize our forces at once!
[Soun arrives at Kunou's side.]
Soun: But my lord! We have only 3,000 men!
Kunou: Hmm... messenger, where is the army?
Messenger: They are 20 miles away, heading to the narrow defile north of here.
Kunou: [narrowing eyes] ...
Soun: That small valley?
Kunou: Of course! If we attack them at the defile...
Soun: They cannot escape, and our army of 3,000 can surround them and close in!
Kunou: Make it so! Servant, ready my horse!
Sasuke: Hai!
[Kunou gets up and walks out. The soldiers all flock out of the throne chamber
in a hurry, leaving...]
Women: [as one] But what about my baby???
[They blink, and turns to the grinning guard who is holding the baby...]
* * *
Kodachi: Aaah, at last, power!
[Kodachi plops down on the throne, her legs dangling over the armseat. Akane
frowns at Kodachi.]
Akane: Pardon, but I thought Gosunkugi was the regent...?
Kodachi: [cackling] That weak-minded feeble fool? A mere puppet!
Akane: And Tatewaki...?
Kodachi: [looking at Akane slyly] My dear brother is naive. He has been gone
to battle all these years... and I, being a mere woman, have remained
here and learned...
Akane: ... [narrowing eyes]
Kodachi: You see it, don't you? I know how this court runs... better than
my dear brother does. And I will run it. [narrowing eyes]
And if you interfere, dear sister-in-law... well, perhaps an accident
will occur.
[Akane glares at Kodachi, turns her back to her, and departs, leaving Kodachi's
laughter trailing after her.]
* * *
[Kunou's army of 3,000 descends rapidly upon Mendou's troops, trapping them in
the ravine, and causing much bloodshed. However, Mendou's troops rally, and
slowly but surely, begin to break through. Seeing this, Kunou leads a small
group of soldiers towards the breakout... only to be confronted by Mendou.]
Mendou: My name is Mendou Shutaro. You have offended me. Prepare to die!
[Kunou only grunts, and locks swords with Mendou. A dazzling clash of samurai
swords follow, as Mendou and Shutaro thrust, parry, and slash, guiding their
horses, circling, trying to find a vulnerable point. They clench, swords near
each other's face.]
Mendou: I am impressed. Nobody has ever surprised my troops like this.
But why...?
Kunou: For honor.
Mendou: But what is so significant about the village...?
Kunou: You would never understand. I... owe the village. For the sake of my
honor, I must repay the debt.
Mendou: [small smile] I like you, Kunou. Surrender, and I'll let you live.
Kunou: Never. I am a samurai.
Mendou: [bowing head] So be it... samurai.
[They unclench, and back up their horses. Mendou looks at Kunou... and salutes
him. Startled, Kunou returns the salute. Then a hardened look comes across
Mendou's face, and he urges his horse to charge toward Kunou. Kunou whips the
reins and charges his horse forward...]
[From a distance, soldiers from both sides watch as the two samurais charge
forward at each other. They watch as the samurais slash at each other...
and one falls.
Holding their breath, they watch as the remaining samurai salutes... and then
marches his horse toward them...
And some soldiers start chanting, while others flee.]
Soldiers: Kunou! Kunou! KUNOU! KUNOU!
[Admist the cheering, no one sees the tears streaming down Kunou's face.]
* * *
[Kunou and Sasuke, surrounded by a flank of soldiers, march through a
village, riding horses.]
Sasuke: This is Tomobiki, my lord. You control it now.
Kunou: [guiding horse over to a nearby field] The village looks worse than
Furinkan ever did.
Sasuke: Most villages are not fortunate to have you as a lord, master.
Kunou: Yes... they are not.
[Kunou stops his horse, and climbs down from his horse. Sasuke dismounts, also,
and watches as Kunou surveys the countryside. Kunou does not ponder long, as a
young, well-clothed maiden comes running toward him, from the direction of
Mendou's palace. Several men giving chase to the panting maiden. Just 100
yards shy of Kunou, the maiden stumbles. The maiden cries out as the men come
close... and then gasps as Kunou Tatewaki is by her side almost at once.]
Kunou: [pointing his long sword at men] Vermin, remove yourselves from my sight
at once! Is this any way to treat a lady?
[The men look at each other, then look at Kunou's men, who are converging on
the scene, and decide to retreat.]
Soun: [arriving on horseback] Should we pursue?
Kunou: [sheathing his sword] Hai. They must be punished for intending harm to
this beautious flower.
[Soun nods, motions to some soldiers, and takes off at a fast gallop after the
men. Kunou walks over to the trembling maiden... who looks up at Kunou with
tear-filled eyes.]
Kunou: [kneeling] You are safe now. The vermin have been dealt with.
Weep not, for I, Kunou Tatewaki, am here.
[The maiden looks up at Kunou... then breaks out in tears and clings to Kunou
tightly. Kunou's soldiers start forward, fearing an attack, only to be held
back by a wave of his hand. Kunou kneels there, allowing the girl to cry, as
his soldiers look on.]
* * *
[A while later, Sasuke and a soldier ride up to Kunou, who is sitting on a
horse and contemplating the sunset.]
Sasuke: M-master?
Kunou: [not turning his head] Hai, servant?
Sasuke: We took the girl to Mendou's palace. My lord... she is the Lady Mariko.
Kunou: [turning head] What? The Emperor's daughter?
Sasuke: Hai. She was making a journey to Edo, and was a guest of Mendou's. When
Mendou fell, many poor villagers saw their chance to loot the palace...
Kunou: ... and Mariko was forced to flee. Such is the winds of war... sweeping
through all, nothing remaining the same.
Sasuke: H-hai. Shall I have her sent with an escort back to your palace?
Kunou: Hai. Make it so.
[Sasuke motions to the soldier, who bows to Kunou and departs.]
[For a time, both of them contemplate the setting sun.]
Kunou: [slowly turning his head to Sasuke] If I were Shogun, servant...
would all the villages in Japan benefit?
Sasuke: [blinking] How, master?
Kunou: [slowly, as if trying to piece things together] Perhaps... like
Furinkan, all of Japan can be served... by granting the peasants more
share in the prosperity... that comes from [making a sweeping gesture to
take in the whole countryside] all of this.
[Sasuke looks down in thought, then slowly looks up, a smile blossoming on his
face.]
Sasuke: H-hai... HAI!
Kunou: [thinking] And perhaps, if the Shogunate were won, not only would my
people love me... but perhaps, also, fair Akane's heart might yet be
won.
[Matching Sasuke's smile, Kunou watches as the sun sets on the horizon.]
* * *
Samurai: Damn it!
[Pushing his bandana back from his eyes, Ryouga Hibiki ducks under a swing,
and runs his blade through the attacker. Around him, a fierce battle is being
waged, between a large group of ninjas and samurais.]
Ryouga: Damn it, we're outnumbered. No chance to...
[He is interrupted by the hoofbeats of a large cavalry of samurai coming.
The new arrivals scatter the ninja forces before Ryouga's unbelieving eyes.]
Kunou: [riding up to Ryouga] Greetings, samurai.
Ryouga: ... [shell-shocked look]
Kunou: Kunou Tatewaki, daimyo of Furinkan, at your service.
Ryouga: H-hibiki Ryouga... [voice trails off, then whispers] ronin.
Kunou: Ronin?
Ryouga: [lifts his head proudly] I serve no man. I wander the lands, offering
aid to the poor and weak.
Kunou: What were you fighting those ninjas for?
Ryouga: They are under the service of the monks at Osaka.
Kunou: Osaka...? [looking at Soun, who has just rode up]
Soun: The Fortress at Osaka. Well-fortified, although it is in the hands of
monks. I would suggest we appropriate the fortress, as its location is
ideal for your quest for the Shogunate... geographically, it is the ideal
starting place for a military conquest of Japan.
Kunou: I see. And what of these monks?
Soun: Oh... the monks were admitted as holy men by the previous daimyo. Once
inside, these monks slowly turned the people against their daimyo, and
caused a coup. Then they installed one of their own as an administrator
at Osaka. His name is... um, Sakurambo, I believe.
[Ryouga, meanwhile, has been looking back and forth between Soun and Kunou. His
face hardens.]
Ryouga: I know not what you speak of, but if you are marching against Sakurambo
and the monks, I would join you. Not only do I owe them, but the monks
have appropriated all the peasants' food. Those... PIGS... have eaten
much of the Osaka peasants' crops, leaving them with little hope...
Kunou: I see. So... you will join me?
Ryouga: Yes... daimyo.
* * *
[The combined forces of Ryouga and Kunou's men arrive at the fortress at
Osaka.]
Kunou: [looking up at fortress] Impressive.
Soun: Quite. It will be very difficult to take the fortress, even if the
defenders are monks... they have religious zealots willing to fight.
Ryouga: Perhaps so, but the monks are gluttons. They've consumed so much food,
that seed grain is now being used to feed them.
Soun: Hai... perhaps laying siege to the fortress would be effective.
Ryouga: Hai... we didn't have enough men before, but with your assistance...
Kunou: Very well. Pass the word, Hamamoto..
Soun: Hai!
* * *
[The combined forces of Ryouga and Kunou's men lay siege to the fortress at
Osaka, forcing the monks to surrender. A short monk wearing a straw hat comes
out to formally surrender to the two seated samurais, Kunou and Ryouga.]
Monk: [kneeling] This unworthy fool...
Ryouga: [interrupting] Sakurambo!
Sakurambo: [narrowing eyes] Hibiki...
Kunou: Enough.
Sakurambo: Sorry. I am here to surrender unconditionally on behalf of the Osaka
monastery.
Kunou: I accept. Prepare your people... we will move in.
Sakurambo: I see. This is destiny...
[With a grunt of sudden viciousness, Ryouga swings his long sword, loping
Sakurambo's head off with one blow. Feeling Kunou's shocked eyes on him as he
wipes off the blade, Ryouga replies.]
Ryouga: What? You know this was necessary... if we had allowed him to remain, he
and his fellow monks would have turned the people against us, the way
they did to the previous daimyo.
Soun: That is true. To prevent the fate of the previous Daimyo, perhaps we
should relocate court to here... we can then fortify it with our loyal
men.
Kunou: Hai. But we must also ensure that we cannot be laid siege to...
[Kunou and Soun ride off, leaving Ryouga standing by himself.]
Ryouga: [muttering peevishly] "This is destiny." "That is fate." [snarling]
Good riddance, Cherry!
* * *
(Kunou moves court to there.
Ryouga becomes smitten with Akane.)
(Kunou receives visitors from China: Shampoo, Mousse and Cologne.
Shampoo ends up engaged to Kunou, and married. Akane slowly distances herself
from Kunou, despite Kunou's attempts... Shampoo gets attached to Kunou.)
(Kodachi nearly executes Sasuke for being too impertient once. Kunou manages to
commute sentence to banishment.)
* * *
(Cologne plots something with Shampoo while at court...
Shampoo, Akane, Kodachi, Mariko involved. Cologne leaves to head back to
China, leaving Shampoo to implement "secret plan", but not without telling
Kunou this:
Cologne: [giving Kunou a cunning look] You realize, of course, that if you
were to become Shogun, you would likely lose everything you love?
You would be able to change all of Japan, but you would lose all.
Leave Japan as it is, and your life would remain as it is.
Kunou: [thinking] If I were to leave Japan as it is... Akane's feelings toward
me would never change. [speaking] I choose to become Shogun.
Cologne: Then beware, Kunou! For you to become Shogun... you must suffer the
Trials!
Kunou: Trials?
Cologne: For anyone to seek the Shogunate, he must first be proven worthy.
For you, Kunou Tatewaki... there are five trials... and you must
pass them all!
Kunou: What... are those five?
Cologne: These are the five: The trial of ice, the trial of fire, the trial
of earth, the trial of air...
And the last trial is... [hissing] The trial of blood..
[Kunou's face freezes.]
Cologne: Fare thee well, son-in-law. You'll need it.
[And Kunou's heart sinks.]
* * *
Akane receives visitors: Kasumi and Tofu, House Ono.
Kasumi finds minutes to talk about Nabiki (geisha, banished from family)...
(Cover background on feud between Saotomes and Tendos (over strategic
differences)
(In other words, Soun catches Genma cheating on Go)
Kasumi then tells her something just as scene fades out... (relates to Ranma)
(Likely, Ranma has risen to raise his own army)
* * *
(Kunou walks garden... brooding about prophecy.
comes across a crying Akane. Akane turns her back on him, and
refuses to tell him anything, leaving him to try to console her over something
he knows nothing about. Kunou decides to take her to walk through the village,
and explain his plans and why he aims to become Shogunate. Unfortunately, this
news leaves Akane crying and runs off. (Kunou's attempts to sound noble, but
his motives have changed from desire to improve peasants' lives to desire for
Akane)
* * *
(Kunou and Ryouga vs. Mikado Sanzenin (forces of Houses Sanzenin and Shiratori)
(fight in ice terrain)
(Trial of Ice)
* * *
(Shampoo's plans become clear, and Kodachi must team up with Akane to stop
Shampoo. Mariko returns home to father.)
* * *
(Ryouga and Nabiki, Nabiki's geisha house. Ryouga's desire for Akane conflicts
with his honor and loyalty to Kunou.)
* * *
(Kunou defeats Happosai.
(Trial of Fire)
Hears about an rival for the Shogunate... Saotome
Genma. Meets Hayashibara Ranko in village, who is happy to see him.
Ranko accompany Kunou back to palace. Ranko = servant)
* * *
(Shampoo discovers Ryouga's love for Akane, and convinces him to turn against
Kunou to gain Akane. Mousse joins Ryouga's forces.)
* * *
(Kunou vs. Ryouga at Fortress of Marune. (needed to take Kyoto)
Shampoo is discovered by Akane to have been trying to keep
Japan divided so that China can take over. Shampoo is
killed by Akane, but not until after Shampoo poisons Kodachi. Ryouga chooses
seppuku.)
(Trial of Earth)
* * *
(Kunou mourns Kodachi a fair bit, and Akane finally kisses him on the cheek,
but in a very sad way. In gardens. Small talk about marriage and feelings.
Shadow observes)
* * *
(Kunou challenges Saotome Genma, for Kyoto.
Akane explodes and leaves, leaving Kunou highly puzzled. Soun himself acts very
furious with Genma, and urges Kunou to trash him.
Genma goes to war w/ Kunou (Soun = Hamamoto... and these two have grudge
against each other...)
(Shadow revealed as Ranko.)
(Ranko = spy?)
(Valley of Wind?)
(Trial of air)
(END part 5?)
* * *
(Kunou defeats Genma. (Soun vs. Genma = death for both))
(If Ranko is spy, Kunou could force her to kill herself, OR she could run
away.)
(Nodoka informs her son... servant overhears.)
(Next day, Ranma prepares to head to Emperor's court. Nodoka notices a servant
missing.)
* * *
(Akane mourns father, when Kunou brings in the news to the gardens.)
(Shadow observes.)
(Kunou moves to Kyoto.)
* * *
[Kunou's new fortress at Kyoto. Ranma pays visit under peace flag.]
Samurai: I am Saotome Ranma. You killed my father. Prepare to die.
Kunou: ...
* * *
(Akane meets Ranma that night in private.)
(Insert for Akane's flashback later on)
[The maiden runs outside, jumps on an horse, and rides swiftly, crying all the
while. Soon, she arrives at a small estate, which is very run-down and poor.
She jumps off the horse and runs into a building from which smoke is emerging.]
Maiden: Ran-chan! Ran-chan!
[She runs crying into a young man's arms.]
Man: Akane? What's wrong?
Akane: Ranma... my father has turned down your petition...
Ranma: ...
Akane: [sobbing into her sleeves] B-but... my father has engaged me to House
Kunou!
Ranma: What, that old fool?
Akane: [looking up at Ranma] No... to his son. I am to be the wife of Kunou
Tatewaki.
Ranma: A-akane...
[They both grasp at each other tightly. End of flashback.]
* * *
(Ranma vs. Kunou. Ranma has the better of Kunou. Ranma slowly explains that not
only is he taking revenge for Genma, but also Akane.)
(trial of blood)
(taunts and gibes)
(flashback related to how Ranma falls in love with Akane. Sword-making, as
Ranma makes his own sword (as punishment for not appreciating what it
means to be a samurai)
Ranma shows that sword to Kunou.
deadly battle, Kunou barely survives, Ranma falls.
(Ukyou reveals herself as
woman who disguised as man because she loves Ranma.)
Soldier (Ukyou)
attacks a vulnerable Kunou, only to be stopped by Sasuke, who takes a death
blow. (Sasuke hid in the army same way Ukyou did) Ukyou killed by Kunou..
* * *
(recuperation by Kunou, possibly engaged to Mariko as possible power maneuver,
ascend to Shogunate?)
----------
Concerns and notes:
1) Clarify relationship between Kunou/Sasuke (GOOD friends, even if Kunou
refuses to acknowledge it)
2) Keep Kunou interesting without going overboard on angst
Emphasize honor.
3) Akane (see # 2)
4) Find information on Japanese weddings.
5) Try to lighten dark tones in some places. (Possible places: court scenes,
battle vs. Happosai, battle of Soun and Genma (at least early on))
6) Make Ranma a cold sarcastic bitter bastard except when talking about Akane.