[center][color=orange][h1]Botan Ichihara[/h1][/color][/center]
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Even before the rays of light had peaked over the horizon, Botan had awoken early to begin seeking the manor with the crescent moon. The smell of salt and brine filled the morning air of the small coastal town of Odikawa. It seemed like an odd location to be summoned for Botan, he was more accustomed to the interior of the Lotus Clan's territory, the fields and forests where he was born, but Botan felt honor bound to answer it. Walking the near empty roads, the few people he asked for directions gave him little help in finding the manor. All he could do was wander around and hope to stumble upon the manor. He gripped a small pendant he carried with him, as a means of good luck. He felt like he would need as much luck as he needed for why he had been summoned.

In truth, the summon had not been for him originally but for his master, Sosa Yatoza. Unfortunately news had yet to seemingly travel far of the old samurai's recent passing. It came down to Botan to answer the summon in his place instead as well as deliver the news of his master's passing. Sosa Yatoza had been a renowned samurai of the minor Tongai Clan. Early on in the war the clan had wished to avoid the battles and only protect their own way of life but had been soon dragged into it. Facing the near destruction of the clan itself, it had been Sosa to come up with the deal to join the Lotus Clan. They would serve the Lotus Clan while keeping the Tongai Clan alive. Botan had been honored to be one of his pupils, even more so when gifted with one of his master's ancient gifts, a unique ring that was said to make the user seemingly quick in continuous combat. The summons was his chance to define his own path but also a means of keeping the memory of Sosa Yatoza alive.

Eventually his wandering payed off, finding the manor close to the docks, the silver crescent moon adorning the entryway. Soon he could get answers on what the summon was about and decide if the task that would be given to him would be something to take upon with whomever else had been summoned. Walking up to the door, Botan gave a bow to the guard and pulled out the worn summon message as proof of being summoned by the owner of the manor before entering.