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	The morning sun ascended over Saffron as the commonfolk stirred and wandered into the streets. Rice farmers tended their crop, traders set up kiosks, and people roamed aimlessly, ignoring the dangers of the world beyond. Just beyond the log barricades, wild Pokémon assaulted the weak, bandits pillaged the traveler, and wars waged, but the citizens of Saffron seemed to care not. For now, at least, the great Shogun's castle that towered at the center of Saffron cast an umbrella of protection over its people; they had naught to worry for, they thought, so long as that castle stood strong.

	Guardsmen at the gates changed posts, those having taken the night watch now off to rest before performing their duties once again the following night. Patrols kept a close eye on those of the different Clans who entered, their goal to prevent the war from entering Saffron. Yet there were things that evaded even them. Small Pokémon would occasionally sneak over the walls or through the gates for a bite of food when such was difficult to find in the outside world. Produce merchants would find their inventory slightly less than their last count, or an oran may have a chunk missing from it.

	In the alleys, children who idolized the Shogun's samurai played war. Others played alongside Pokémon or helped their parents in the rice fields. At the training grounds, the Shogun's personal warriors repeated rigorous routines to keep themselves ready for battle should the need arise. Alongside these warriors were powerful Pokémon, performing similar exercises to train for war. Some sparred, others tackled exhausting obstacles. For those few who took note of these goings on, it was a grim omen of things yet to come.

	But such was easily overlooked when the crisp morning breeze carried sakura petals so gently across the scene. The early sun's orange glow accented the painted-over glaze that encompassed the world that morning. Saffron looked as though something out of a dream on such a day that seemed ripe for adventure... or maybe just relaxation. Or perhaps...