"I'm sorry, but with the preparations for the war, I can not allow you to look through our library at this time. After this is over I'll see what I can do for you, young Acolyte of the void.

"I understand, Yama-sama. But could I acquire some of your famed mizugusuri, in that case? My comrades would appreciate them, but they are unable to obtain them on their own..."

"Yes we will provide you with what potions we have. They don't last forever. We also have a full harvest of Yon Tane-o Maku from the forrests. So our provissions will not run out.

Taken bowed slightly to Raiden and excused himself, going to stock up on arrows for the battle they all knew was coming.

He sighed softly and made his way through the temples of the agasha until he found an empty room, secluded from the noises of all the preperation, and moved into the center, kneeling. He pulled both his wakizashi and katana from his belt, along with their sheathes, and set them down infront of him, before resting his hands on his knees. The world slowly slipped away as he entered a quiet meditative state, hoping to steel himself for the coming death, although he knew it was futile. The death would still affect him. The blood spilt would still weigh heavily upon his conscience, but, he could hope that this would help to clear it all away.

"I want the rocket teams on the north wall. I don't want a misfired rocket destroying the foundries."

A gunso ran to relay the orders.

"Send 50 fire blossoms into the labyrinth to lay traps. The rest I want on the south wall"

"Lord Raiden we do not have enough archers to hold the east and western walls." A chui said.

"Then conscript Heimen and Hinin. Ashigaru archers and spear men should bolster our number enough to hold the walls for 5 days by my estimation."

Raiden was drawing circles on a large parchment each circle represented a lion samurai. He had sharp eyed scouts reporting every movement to him. 4856 circles filled the scroll.

There was so much information in this place, Katsu couldn't even fathom what kind of knowledge could be found here, but one thing was for sure, he was ready for another skill, another way to help out the Dragon clan. He was ready for another tattoo, and he already had his heart set on one.

He saw the man who he knew could help. "Excuse me... Togashi Ayoko-dono?"

The man in question looked up from what he was doing, "Hello good sir, can I help you?"

The Monk bowed, showing off the Arrowroot alreay on his head. "Please good sir, I request your help. I am Togashi Katsu of the dragon clan, and the proud wearer of the arrowroot tattoo, but I ask if you can give me another tattoo to wear."

The Tattoo artist arose, "Which tattoo is it you want, young Ise Zumi?"

"Noble artist, I wish to have the picture and power of the crab on my back." Katsu kept his head down in respect.

Ayoko grinned and turned his back, "Follow young Katsu-sama, and I shall grant you your request." With the straightening of his back and a breath, he followed the artist.