Upon disembarking from the steamboat, the enigmatic Leopold Lafleche gracefully set foot on the unfamiliar shores. Dressed in the distinctive garb of an Assassin, the first part of him that made contact with the land was the sole of his robust boots. The long, dark hood he wore concealed most of his face, casting a shadow that hid his features, making them almost indistinguishable. Pausing for a brief moment, he tilted his head upwards, letting his eyes settle on the vast expanse of the cloudless azure sky.
The environment was bustling with energy and activity. The crowd, a mixture of forigeners and the local denizens, was constantly in motion, each individual engrossed in their own affairs, moving in a myriad of directions. Yet, amidst the cacophony, Leopold's observant and discerning eyes roved, searching for anything or anyone of interest. His elegant metal cane echoed a rhythmic clack against the cobblestone with every step he took, announcing his presence to all nearby.
Suddenly, a voice pierced through the ambient noise: "Assassin?"
Reacting swiftly, Leopold Lafleche paused and turned his head to the right. There, he was met with the imposing sight of an individual, fully clad in traditional samurai armor. Tension filled the air for a split second as Leopold prepared to defend himself, anticipating a confrontation. However, before he could make a move to draw his weapon, the samurai extended a hand in a gesture of camaraderie, unveiling the Brotherhood insignia prominently embroidered on his pristine white sash.
"Pardon me for my intrusion, are you the one the council abroad sent in?"
Leopold nodded, surprised of how easily he can speak English, especially given the intricate nuances of the language. The samurai's accent had only a hint of his native tongue, indicating that he was not only proficient but perhaps well-educated in English.
"Yes," Leopold replied, trying to hide his astonishment. "I am the one the Pariasian Brotherhood dispatched. I wasn't expecting to meet someone so fluent in English here. You speak it impeccably."
The samurai gave a modest smile beneath his helmet, the corners of his eyes crinkling in amusement. "Thank you. I was raised amongst the Dutch enclaves, and Western studies had been a significant part of my education. I am Ougino Hidemaru, the Mentor presiding over the Assassin's Brotherhood here where the sun rises.
Leopold raised an eyebrow, impressed by Ougino Hidemaru's introduction and the weight of the title he bore. Being a Mentor meant he was the highest-ranking member of the Brotherhood in this region, a position of great responsibility and respect.
"An honor to meet you, Mentor Hidemaru," Leopold said with a slight bow, recognizing the importance of the man before him.
Hidemaru nodded, the gesture filled with wisdom and understanding. "The convergence of East and West has always been a source of both conflict and enlightenment. Our Brotherhood has faced challenges here, some quite different from those in the West."
"While I might dabble on pleasantries, I'm here on official business. Tell me of the Templar presence here."
Straight to the point, Ougino Hidemaru studied Leopold for a moment, noting his directness. The sun cast its golden hues upon the land, but shadows of intrigue and conflict were ever-present. He exhaled deeply, preparing to share information that was of grave importance.
"The Templar influence has been insidious," Hidemaru began, the weight of centuries evident in his voice. "For over two hundred years since the warring states, the Assassins here had helped to establish and maintain the Tokugawa Shogunate. The country was isolated, ensuring peace and stability. But three years ago, the black ships appeared on our shores, forcing Japan to open its doors."
Hidemaru continued, "With the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa and subsequent agreements, Japan's ports were thrown open to foreign trade. And while many saw this as an opportunity, the Templars saw it as an opening. Disguised as traders, diplomats, and advisers, they infiltrated our society. Their primary goal wasn't commerce but control."
Leopold interjected, "And the Shogunate's response?"
Hidemaru's expression was grave. "The Shogunate was caught off guard. Their power was waning, and they struggled to maintain control in the face of rapid modernization and the influence of foreign powers. Many within Japan, especially the daimyos, were divided on how to respond to these external pressures. Some were resistant, holding onto the old ways, while others, seduced by the promise of Western technology and the Templar's manipulation, began to advocate for a more open and modern Japan."
"The Templars saw an opportunity in Japan's transformation. While the nation grappled with modernization and political upheavals, they moved swiftly, embedding themselves in various sectors—banking, commerce, and even in the Imperial Court. The daimyos, once allies of our Brotherhood and supporters of the Shogunate, became divided. Some remained loyal, but others were swayed by the Templar's allure of power and Western technology."
"Emperor Komei," Hidemaru continued, "Is apprehensive about the foreign presence and their intentions, and rightly so. But with the political strife and the growing influence of domains like Chōshū and Satsuma pushing for a restoration of imperial power, the court too is a battleground of ideologies. Some of his advisers, I fear, have been swayed by the Templars' promises."
"The Brotherhood has been vigilant," Hidemaru finally said, "but the challenges are mounting. Our networks are in place, and we've been trying to counter the Templars at every turn."
Hidemaru paused, choosing his words carefully. "Currently, we have opposition to westernization from certain sections of society. They view it as a dilution of our culture and traditions. Their sentiments are strong, and in many ways, they echo the concerns of the Brotherhood regarding foreign influence and control."
Leopold, ever the listener, raised an eyebrow in anticipation of what was to come next.
Taking a deep breath, Hidemaru continued, "...and you're not going to like this part. Some of these anti-western factions, in their desperation to resist the tidal wave of change, have resorted to acts of violence. Targeted attacks on foreigners, on establishments seen as symbols of Western influence. These acts, while stemming from genuine concern for our culture, are extreme, and they risk turning public opinion against our cause."
Leopold frowned, processing the information. "So, we're caught in a dilemma. On one hand, we share their concerns about unchecked Western influence, especially from the Templars. On the other, their methods could jeopardize the Brotherhood's reputation and objectives."
Hidemaru nodded gravely. "Exactly. We need to navigate this carefully. While we can harness the sentiments of these factions to bolster our efforts against the Templars, we also must ensure that their actions do not overshadow the larger goal and do more harm than good."
Hidemaru's gaze bore into Leopold's with a seriousness that was almost palpable. "I suggest you watch over your back in case you happen to run into them," he warned. "Your foreign appearance will undoubtedly draw their attention, and even with the Assassin's mark, they may see you as a representation of what they despise."
"..."
"It's a tightrope we walk. While the Brotherhood's primary concern is to combat the Templars and protect our land from their insidious influence, we cannot ignore the internal factions. Their actions, albeit well-intentioned, can destabilize our efforts. And your presence, Leopold, while invaluable in our fight against the Templars, could also be a lightning rod for their discontent."
"Touching..." Leopold remarked with a hint of dry humor, appreciating the depth of their conversation.
However, before any further words could be exchanged, their surroundings took a sudden ominous turn. As they rounded a corner, they were met by a group of armed men blocking their path. The warriors, clad in traditional garb with their faces obscured by masks, radiated hostility.
Hidemaru's posture stiffened, signaling his readiness for potential conflict. "These are members of the Ishin Shishi," he whispered to Leopold. "They are radical samurai who oppose the Shogunate and any foreign influence. I did not expect to encounter them here."
Leopold's hand subtly moved to the hilt of his hidden blade, prepared for any sudden movement from the group. "What do they want with us?"
One of the samurai, taking a step forward, pointed at Leopold and sneered, "外人、この地は我々のものだ。お前の友人はなぜここにいる?" (Gaijin, this land is ours. Why is your friend here?)
Hidemaru quickly stepped in to interject, hoping to defuse the situation. "私たちは平和のためにここにいます。外国の侵入に関するあなたたちの懸念を共有しています。彼は私の味方であり、敵ではありません。" (We are here for peace. We share your concerns about foreign intrusion. He is an ally, not an enemy.)
The samurai's eyes narrowed, suspiciously looking over Leopold, "だが、彼は外国人だ。どうして我々が信じればいいのだ?" (Yet, he is a foreigner. Why should we believe you?)
Hidemaru, sensing the gravity of the situation, took a deep breath before responding, "彼の存在は、我々の共通の敵に対する助けとしてのみです。彼がここにいる理由は、日本のため、そして我々の兄弟団のためです。" (His presence is solely to assist against our common foe. He is here for Japan and for our Brotherhood.)
The tension was palpable, the air thick with anticipation. After a few tense moments, the lead samurai issued a warning, "今は通してやる。しかし、外国人よ、我々がお前を見ていることを忘れるな。" (For now, we will let you pass. But, foreigner, do not forget that we are watching you.)
Gratefully, Hidemaru nodded, leading Leopold away from the confrontation, acutely aware of the precarious situation they found themselves in.
"That went well, " Leopold remarked, his tone dripping with irony, as they distanced themselves from the confrontation. "I had no idea what was being said, but their body language told me enough."
Hidemaru gave a weary chuckle, adjusting the grip on his blade's hilt. "You have a knack for understatement, my friend. They are a passionate group, fiercely protective of their homeland. Your presence is... provocative, to say the least."
Leopold quirked an eyebrow, amused. "Provocative? I've been called many things, but that's a new one."
Hidemaru smirked. "Well, considering the state of Japan now, everything foreign is provocative. You, especially in your Assassin attire, are like a flame to moths for factions such as the Ishin Shishi."
"But you handled it," Leopold said, gratitude evident in his voice. "You've got a way with words, even ones I don't understand."
