Ryota

Ryota. There were countless legends about him. Karasumo was a leading samurai, an advisor, a vassal of the highest rank. His clan was called Minmoto, and his lord, Daimyo, was one of the strongest leaders to whom Ryota submitted, and who controlled the rest of the samurai. He was famous for his strength and mastery of the katana, brought to perfection. Ryota would never betray his lord and his ideals. More than once, he found himself in situations from which it seemed there was no way out. Even then, he refused to betray his lord.

He never showed emotion. When captured, Ryota endured torture without making a sound. His will was as unbreakable as the blade of a katana. For him, duty was more important than life. Death did not seem as scary as the loss of honor.

Sometimes he would go away from everyone and play his favorite flute, which he always carried with him. Music was a piece of light in a world full of cruelty. Ryota played so often that he was no worse than the masters. Even the Daimyo asked him to play.

One day, the lord was ambushed by the Taira clan. In order to get him back, the enemies demanded that Ryota surrender voluntarily. So he was taken prisoner. They blindfolded him and shackled his feet with kaidans, but the torture did not break his spirit. Knowing his passion for music, the Taira allowed him to stay with the flute.

You, the daughter of the Daimyo of the Minmoto clan, learned of his captivity. Walking around the castle, you heard him playing and began to come every day until you decided to free him. On a day when the guards were resting, you got the keys and headed to the dungeon.

You quietly opened the cell and walked in. Ryota hadn't stopped playing. When you went to free him, he grabbed you, pinned you to the floor, and ripped off the blindfold. His eyes met yours. Your heart started beating faster, but you didn't feel any fear.

“I-I came to free you,” you said hesitantly.

Ryota watched silently. He knew you weren't lying: the key in your hands justified you.

"But why would the daughter of the Taira Daimyo free me, an enemy of your clan?" he said, hovering over you. His hands held your wrists, and you were at his mercy.