Editing Memories of a Stone Wall (section)

===Act XXX: Responsibilities===
:>I had to go back to my room and change of course.
:>It was a very great struggle not to constantly look behind me as I walked through the halls.
:>Of course, the Scorpion would take their time.
:>Part of their revenge was, invariably, the time their victim spent dreading it's arrival.
:>I got out of my armor, and Naomi insisted on checking me for any injury.
:>I'm fine Naomi, he didn't cut me.
:>No. I must be certain!
:>The vehemence in her voice startled me.
:>She looked me over, and there was a thin scratch.
:>Only the very top layer of skin was parted, not even deep enough to draw blood.
:>TOSHIRO!
:>TOSHIRO, COME HERE!
:>Wait, Naomi? Why are you yelling?
:>Toshiro thumpdragged his way in.
:>I just got up here Naomi-san, what-
:>The kami of earth are better at removing poison than the kami of water! 
:>You have one, don't you?
:>Uh. I do...
:>Hurry, use it!
:>Naomi pulled out a scroll of her own.
:>I will try something as well!
:>Toshiro and I looked at each other, he shrugged, fished out his scroll and said a prayer to Jurojin.
:>A little bit later Naomi finished her spell as well, and I felt quite good.
:>Okay, now will you tell us what the hell has you so worked up?
:>The blade was poisoned.
:>...
:>What?
:>You did not see. No one saw.
:>But I did!
:>There was venom of some sort on the Scorpion's blade!
:>Why did you even offer to be his champion in the first place?!
:>Because I'm pretty sure the Scorpion wanted Kakita Sakurada to be the Lion's champion...
:>Toshiro piped up. Okay, wait. Both of you.
:>Let's start over from the beginning here.
:>The Peace faction made an overture to the Lion, and were rebuffed.
:>Today a Scorpion picked a fight with the Lion.
:>They knew the head of the Lion delegation would not allow their best warrior to face the Scorpion over personal insults just in case the Scorpion had something planned.
:>Naomi picked up from there.
:>Yes, yes.
:>Sakurada saw a chance to get in the Lion's good graces, and possibly swing them to the War faction.

:>Then I took over.
:>But the Scorpion anticipated that.
:>Naomi finished.
:>And hatched a plan where they would likely injure Sakurada, only for him to die from the poison later!
:>Toshiro whistled.
:>There are plenty of poisons that look like natural deaths...
:>Everyone would KNOW, but no one would be able to prove anything!
:>Toshiro looked at me.
:>And you just had to go and ruin that, didn't you?
:>Well. I was in deeper shit than I thought.
:>We should probably report all this to Katsuie-sama.
:>Yeah.
:>On the way we bumped into Ikoma-san.
:>Hida Ishigaki-san! I have not had the opportunity to thank.... you?
:>I stopped.
:>He could see the looks on our faces.
:>Sorry, I don't have time for niceties. What's your name, anyway?
:>He blinked, surprised that I would champion someone I didn't even know.
:>It's Gohei.
:>Ikoma Gohei.
:>Gohei-san, you should go to your superior, I think ours will want to speak with him soon.
:>Okay?
:>As I hurried on I tossed over my shoulder.
:>And watch your back!
:>We entered into Katsuie-sama's rooms.
:>He was sitting there with a scowl on his face.
:>I suspect you have news for me, and it will not be good...
:>We explained to Katsuie-sama what had happened, from walking in on the insults to the end of the duel.
:>Along with Naomi seeing the poison.
:>He looked at her.
:>Of course it would be a water tensai who could see it...
:>Makoto piped up.
:>Yeah, only the Kitsuki have sharper...eyes. Oh.
:>Well, there was an uncomfortable thought.
:>Had Kitsuki-san spotted the poison? Had he been privy to the plot?
:>It was Kentaro who WAS Amano's cousin...
:>Or was that just what the Scorpion wanted us to think? To drive a wedge between us, the wild cards in this court?
:>Fuck this was making my head hurt...
:>Katsuie-sama wrote down a couple of quick letters.
:>Saji, take these to Ikoma Sen-san and Doji Akiko-san. 
:>I arched an eyebrow.
:>Not the Mantis, Katsuie-sama?

:>Their two best courtiers are no longer present, and their current head is just following Akiko's lead.
:>At this point, the Mantis are a piece for others to move, no longer players in their own right.
:>Ikoma Sen, Ikoma Gohei, Akodo Yoshi, Doji Akiko and Kakita Sakurada all joined us.
:>Katsuie-sama blinked.
:>I will have to make some more tea.
:>The three big shots all sat around a table together, while the rest of us waited in the wings, watching them.
:>Akiko took the lead.
:>What is all this about, Hida-san?
:>I believe I have learned the extent of the Scorpion plot today.
:>Oh? I thought they were up to something.
:>Sen stroked his beard.
:>So then, Hida-san, what were they up too?
:>They were trying to kill Kakita Sakurada.
:>Sen blinked.
:>I saw Sakurada shuffle from one foot to the other.
:>Akiko fluttered her fan.
:>By picking a fight with a Lion clan courtier?
:>How did you come to that conclusion?
:>Several things.
:>Ikoma Gohei-san, it was the Scorpion that first insulted you, correct?
:>Hai, Hida-sama.
:>I believe the Scorpion anticipated your prudence, Ikoma Sen-san.
:>But they also anticipated that Sakurada would use the opening to try to befriend the Lion.
:>Sen nodded along.
:>Yes, that much is plausible.
:>Sen glanced over at Akiko.
:>Though, just to be clear, the Lion truly do not wish to involve themselves in this matter.
:>Yoshi-san's poor choice of words after his bout with Hida Ishigaki-san may have given people the wrong idea.
:>He was simply asking for the best healer in the castle, nothing more...
:>Akiko-san nodded.
:>I understand Ikoma Sen-san.
:>And I apreciate your candor.
:>Still, if you had not been so cautious it would have been Yoshi-san, and not Sakurada-san who would face the Scorpion.
:>Sen nodded slowly.
:>That is, of course, assuming that the Scorpion would have still been willing to dishonor himself by killing in a first blood duel.
:>Katsuie-sama spoke again.
:>Forgive me for interrupting, but Bayushi Kentaro was never going to slay his opponent.
:>Not in the duel, anyway.

:>I could swear the temperature in the room dropped a few degrees as the implication of what Katsuie-sama just said settled in.
:>How do you know this, Hida-san?
:>Katsuie-sama turned to us.
:>Hida Naomi-san?
:>Hai. I saw the venom glistening off the Scorpion's blade.
:>There was a lot of fidgeting.
:>Akiko spoke.
:>Naomi-san, no one else saw this.
:>With all due respect, Doji-sama, no one else is a water tensai.
:>Akiko's fan fluttered.
:>She exchanged glances with Sen, who raised his eyebrows in a 'she's got a point' way.
:>Katsuie-sama continued then.
:>The schemes of the Scorpion are typically quite complex, and require certain people to react in just the right way.
:>However, victory over one of the Kenshinzen in an Iaijutsu duel is a bit much to ask for.
:>However, by donning armor for the duel Kentaro gave himself an opening to land a single blow.
:>He could even have claimed he did not realize he was injured and struck late.
:>Then the venom would do it's job.
:>Hours later, the Crane would lose their strongest duelist.
:>Sen finished for him.
:>And the threat of a Kakita blade IS one of the Crane clan's best weapons in court
:>Akiko looked at him.
:>You wound me, Ikoma Sen-san. Our duelists are not our only strength!
:>Sen chuckled. It's true that you use words more than steel in court, Doji-san.
:>It's also true that the threat of him keeps people from thinking to try steel when your words are superior.
:>Well... I must admit that is true.
:>Akiko bowed to Katsuie-sama.
:>Hida-san, I must thank you. Your subordinates swift actions have saved the life of my own.
:>Sen stroked his beard.
:>You know what?
:>I do not think I will allow this to go unanswered.
:>Katsuie-sama and Akiko both looked at him
:>If what you say is true, and I am inclined to believe it is, then had I allowed Yoshi to act, it would have been HIM that was poisoned.
:>In any event, the Scorpion used us as pawns in their scheme.
:>He turned to Akiko and bowed.
:>You now have the full support of the Lion, Doji-san.

:>After the meeting Naomi, Toshiro and I discussed what we should do.
:>Do we tell Mantis-san and Kitsuki-san?
:>Naomi nodded.
:>We should at least let them know, even if they do already.
:>Toshiro scowled.
:>Maybe Amano can convince them to back off before they try to do something to you?
:>I really hadn't thought of that.
:>He DID owe me though...
:>We agreed to bring it up at lunch. That would get awkward, one way or another.
:>We took our usual private lunch together.
:>Toshiro started us off.
:>So...Kitsuki-san.
:>Yeah?
:>Did you see the poison on Kentaro's blade?
:>Kitsuki-san coughed up some rice.
:>Amano remained calm.
:>Kitsuki-san looked over at Amano in shock.
:>Did YOU know?
:>Amano shook his head.
:>I was not made privy to any of the plans surrounding that duel.
:>Kitsuki-san looked hard at his friend.
:>Okay.
:>Mantis-san and Monkey looked around.
:>Someone want to fill us in already?
:>Namoi, Toshiro and I took turns filling everyone in.
:>Amano got some harsh looks.
:>Kitsuki-san spoke up.
:>They didn't tell him.
:>Because I would have found out if they had.
:>Monkey spoke up then.
:>Alright, I'll believe you. But aren't the Scorpion going to be pissed that Ishigaki-san screwed up their plan?
:>And now the Lion are in the War faction?
:>Mantis-san scowled. 
:>The Scorpion never forget, and never forgive.
:>Yoritomo Aramasu proved that to our clan.
:>Naomi looked to Amano.
:>Is there anything you can do about this?
:>Amano frowned.
:>I... I do not know.
:>I can at least try though.
:>I do owe you Ishigaki-san. 
:>But I can make no promises.
:>I nodded.
:>Alright then. Good enough, I suppose
:>I decided I was going to sleep in my armor for a long time to come, just in case.
:>Toshiro coughed.
:>Now then. We think we've got another Tsukai running around.
:>Chopsticks hit the table
:>Uh...
:>When did this happen!?
:>Just before the excitement with the Scorpion.
:>Mantis-san growled.
:>It never rains, but it pours...

:>Toshiro finally told us his plan to catch the Tsukai.
:>It's simple really. We just get the fucker to make a move.
:>It's easier to pick out something that's moving than something that's standing still.
:>So we make noise. We let everyone know, and that naturally includes him, that we're looking for another Tsukai. 
:>That makes him scared, he starts trying to cover his tracks, and we catch him trying to dispose of the evidence.
:>Kitsuki-san nodded. 
:>Yes... yes, that could work.
:>He knows that while physical evidence isn't admissible I can use it to find him. He wouldn't want that.
:>Too much scrutiny and he'd be bound to slip up sooner or later...
:>Monkey raised his hand.
:>Do we have any idea WHY they're going after her again?
:>Toshiro frowned.
:>Well, we're making assumptions but if THEY are Bloodspeakers like we suspect he could want nothing more that to tempt her to joining the cult to achieve her vengeance.
:>It wouldn't be the first time someone desperate for revenge turned to blood magic, and Bloodspeakers often pass the price of their magic off to their subordinates...
:>Monkey went wide eyed.
:>Damn.
:>You said it Monkey.
:>Okay then. 
:>We had our plan, such that is was.
:>I decided to do my part with my usual subtlety and tact.
:>OI! Keiji-san!
:>CATCH!
:>Keiji's reflexes kicked in and he grabbed the finger of jade I tossed at him out of the air.
:>The hell?!
:>Ok, good. 
:>Just looking around for a Maho-Tsukai.
:>NAILED IT.
:>Everyone! If you would all just grab this jade here for a moment, we can clear you of any suspicion and move right along.
:>I shouted over the protests
:>No, I'm not saying any of you are Tsukai!
:>Just that the Jade Magistrates have determined there may be another one about.
:>So this is the quickest way to find them!
:>More than a few glares, shouts, cries of insulted honor.
:>But then, Keiji growled at them.
:>Hey! I already took the damn test, and it's no big deal! Or do you have something to hide?
:>He whispered to me.
:>I like the way you work Ishigaki-san!

:>As I had hoped, once the OTHER scary giant had gone through with it, he wasn't about to let anyone weasel out.
:>So the two of us were able to quickly clear the room.
:>I bowed from the waist, and apologized for wasting everyone's time.
:>After all, that's just good manners, and I was nothing if not well mannered.
:>Once I reported to Toshiro that I had done my bit we scattered through the castle, watching and waiting.
:>C'mon you bastard... show yourself.
:>Monkey, Mantis-san, and Amano were actively hunting, and being sneaky fucks about it.
:>There had been a bit of protest from Kitsuki-san when I demanded we jade test Amano before making him a part of the investigation.
:>Amano himself surprised me by grabbing the jade without hesitation.
:>I found his eagerness to dispel any suspicion deeply suspicious.
:>But since I was counting on him to redirect the Scorpion Clan's wrath I kept my trap shut.
:>Toshiro and Naomi alternated staying with Ayame, so that she was never without spiritual protection.
:>Katsuie-sama insisted on speaking with me, once word spread about what we were doing.
:>Ishigaki-san, what exactly...
:>He cut off as I held out my finger of jade.
:>Among Crabs, it wasn't an insult to demand a test of jade. 
:>Even if it's someone testing their own superior.
:>Hell, among the Kuni, blasting each other with a Jade Strike is perfectly acceptable way to say hello.
:>He grabbed it and finished speaking.
:>... are you all doing?
:>I jerked my head to the entourage.
:>Everyone sighed and rolled their eyes as they grabbed the jade.
:>Save Saji, who pulled out his own finger.
:>He shrugged. 
:>I like to always be prepared...
:>You remember Shiba Ayame, right Katsuie-sama?
:>He nodded.
:>Toshiro thinks she's under another Maho assault.
:>What, why?
:>She's been having very bad dreams, but neither he, nor Naomi have been able to find any cause, despite it looking like a magical curse.
:>Katsuie-sama nodded. He was an old veteran who understood how shugenja had to spot the work of Kansen.

:>We're operating under the assumption that his plan was to weaken her mind with nightmares and sleep deprivation, then tempt her with maho.
:>I wasn't sure how many people here knew the truth of what happened, so I decided I would just say it.
:>Secrets are for Scorpion and Oni after all, not Crab.
:>What happened to her at the Kenjutsu tournament was no accident
:>And Naomi COULD have saved Ayame's eye, if they had let her.
:>A few surprised looks, others only had suspicions confirmed.
:>Katsuie-sama showed the sharp insight of a veteran of the courts though.
:>So, you think this is not just another Tsukai, but a Bloodspeaker?
:>That got some attention.
:>He explained over his shoulder to his entourage.
:>Bloodspeakers know full well the price of using Maho, and to keep themselves from falling into Jigoku's control they make their subordinates pay that price.
:>Wide eyes.
:>Katsuie-sama scratched at his missing arm.
:>I once battled a Bloodspeaker cell, long ago...
:>He shook off the old memory.
:>A story for another time.
:>I know you don't need my permission to proceed Ishigaki-san, but know that you have my blessings.
:>A pained look crossed his face.
:>Just... please try to be a bit more polite in the future?
:>I'll certainly try, Katsuie-sama.
:>He did not seem reassured.

:>Our hunt lasted several days.
:>The Bloodspeaker we pursued was no fool.
:>Had he been, he would have been caught long ago after all.
:>We were gambling the constant pressure would cause him to make a mistake sooner or later.
:>The steady glares of those who resented the implications of our investigation told us we had a time limit of our own.
:>Sooner or later someone would raise a stink, someone whose complaints it would be unwise to ignore. 
:>Even if we were well within our rights to do so.
:>In the meantime, events at court were reaching a fever pitch. 
:>Large gatherings were becoming a rarity, as small groups of courtiers huddled together whispering, and letters practically flew back and forth.
:>Indeed, one could hardly walk through the halls without tripping over a servant bearing a letter.
:>Between our investigation and the rising tensions of the court, tempers began to flare more and more often.
:>Several duels were fought, some part of the politicking, others just angry samurai going at it.
:>I'd had enough of that crap though, and kept well away from it.
:>There were also rumors of the next contest. Everything was very hush-hush, and no one could tell where the gossip started, but everyone knew it required much preparation.
:>After four days we found our target. And in a way we never saw coming.

:>I didn't have much to do, really, so I went to dinner a little early.
:>No one else had arrived yet.
:>There was a letter on the table addressed to Kitsuki-san.
:>I looked around.
:>Well, everyone reads these things anyway, right?
:>I unfolded it.
:>And I read it.
:>And I dropped it.
:>And I ran to the rooms where the Scorpion were staying.
:>Without preamble or announcement I threw open door after door, until I got the right one.
:>Bayushi Amano looked up at me, sans mask.
:>His eyes tight with pain.
:>Blood on the tatami.
:>Wakizashi in his hands.
:>This...hurts a bit...
:>He coughed, trying to hold it in.
:>I was amazed he wasn't screaming.
:>I can't... quite... get the next... one...
:>C-c-could you...?
:>You fucking MORON!
:>I picked him up, and he did scream then.
:>NAOMI!
:>I ran out, holding the bleeding Scorpion, wakizashi still in his guts.
:>NAOMI! 
:>Needless to say, quite a crowd formed up behind me, more than a few wondering if they should try and stop me.
:>NAOMI!
:>It's a good thing I can bellow as loud as I can.
:>It's a good thing Naomi, being a water tensai, could move as fast as she could.
:>It's a good thing Amano was fading in and out of consciousness, so I didn't have to listen to him explain why I shouldn't try to stop him.
:>When we ran into one another, Naomi took one look and yanked out a scroll.
:>I pulled the blade from Amano, who coughed up more blood.
:>Naomi shouted her prayer, and in a flash of blue-white Amano's wound closed.
:>He sat up, looking between the two of us.
:>It's rude to read other people's letters!
:>Everyone reads those things!
:>The ones being carried by a servant! 
:>It doesn't matter anyway! We NEED your testimony!
:>Are you stupid, insane, or BOTH?
:>I CAN'T DO THAT!
:>WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ALL THIS?!
:>Shoji. Right on time.
:>Amano-san! What is going on?
:>Kitsuki-san ran up to his friend.
:>What were you doing?
:>There were a lot of people staring, waiting to hear the explanation.
:>Fuck, where to start?

:>I ignored all the shouted questions.
:>Instead I scanned the crowd.
:>And leapt upon the Soshi the second I saw her.
:>She went down under my weight with a surprised cry.
:>That cut off after I slammed my fist into her face. Twice.
:>Then I was tackled, pulled off of her.
:>I could hear steel drawn, in the confusion someone stabbed me.
:>HER ARMS YOU FOOLS! LOOK AT HER ARMS!
:>I couldn't see well, buried under bodies as I was, but I heard several gasps.
:>Alright, ENOUGH! 
:>Get off him! MOVE!
:>I recognized Mantis-san and Matsu Keiji's voices.
:>Yeah, those two could certainly clear a path.
:>SILENCE! I SAID SILENCE!
:>Ah Shoji again.
:>I felt hands haul me to my feet.
:>I winced as I felt hot blood spurt from the wound in my side.
:>I looked around.
:>Shoji had brought order at the point of a sword.
:>Well, a naginata. 
:>Well, lots of naginata.
:>NOBODY MOVE, NOBODY SPEAK.
:>Shoji waited for any one to defy him.
:>NOW. 
:>What the hell is happening?
:>I pointed to the unconscious Soshi woman. The one from dot battle. The one who had egged on the Ikoma.
:>Maho-Tsukai.
:>Was all I said.
:>Shoji glared at me. 
:>You make those accusations a lot, where is your proof?
:>I looked over.
:>Amano!
:>...I saw her drinking jade petal tea.
:>I can show you where she keeps it.
:>Kitsuki-san looked up from where he knelt.
:>He was holding up her arm, with the sleeve of her Kimono pulled back.
:>Scars ran up and down the length of her arm.
:>Then Kitsuki-san looked at Amano.
:>Why? Why seppuku?
:>She is the head of our delegation... my superior.
:>Amano buried his face in his hands and wept.
:>She's a Maho-Tsukai! 
:>I had no choice!
:>I had to report her...
:>But...
:>...I've betrayed the Clan.
:>That wasn't all.
:>With the head of the Scorpion delegation a Maho-Tsukai, the peace faction was broken.
:>There was no hope now. There would be war.
:>And Amano felt responsible for making it happen.
:>Damn...

:>Amano showed us where the Soshi kept her jade petal tea.
:>That alone was damning, but Shoji was adamant that we wait for the tea to run it's course and test her before we got around to the business of getting a confession and passing judgment.
:>Since we had no proof that the tea was actually her's save the testimony of a single inferior, we had little choice but to acquiesce.
:>Like the other one, she seemed to have no scrolls, instead memorizing her maho.
:>Unless she knew the best damn hiding place in this whole castle but had not put her jade petal tea there with her scrolls...
:>We left Soshitsukai under the eye of several Shiba and a pair of Isawa.
:>I don't like it, what if she gets free somehow?
:>Toshiro shrugged.
:>Then you kill her, Mantis-san. 
:>Or I set her on fire. 
:>Or something.
:>Regardless, the consequences should that happen are on Shoji's head, not ours.
:>I almost hoped she did get loose once Toshiro said that.
:>Then his superiors might finally notice Shoji's failures.
:>Almost.
:>I had a pregnant wife and two children in this castle, so I really didn't want a Bloodspeaker running around causing havoc while trying to escape. 
:>Nor did I want to risk another double mindfuck hangover.
:>We let Ayame know the good news, and I got to growl at the monk again when he suggested she needn't sleep in the shrine anymore.
:>Toshiro clarified for me.
:>She's had Kansen directed at her by maho for some time now. So one more night just to scatter them. Otherwise they might stick around of their own volition.
:>After that, it was back to our rooms.
:>Where Amano was trying to convince Kitsuki-san to be his second.
:>Kitsuki-san looked up as we came in.
:>Help me! I can't make him see reason!
:>She was a tsukai, a Bloodspeaker! And I was her subordinate!

:>Amano, at least, was already referring to Soshitsukai in the past tense. 
:>Even though it would be several hours before we could confirm it absolutely.
:>And then, of course, get as much information out of her about THEM as possible.
:>I got myself a cup of tea.
:>Katsuie-sama's habits were contagious.
:>You DO realize your superiors dishonor isn't necessarily yours as well, right Amano-san?
:>It's not JUST that, Ishigaki-san!
:>The Scorpion do not tolerate fools who dabble with maho, and that goes double for actual Bloodspeakers!
:>But we're SUPPOSED to handle it quietly, internally!
:>I dragged it all out into the light of day!
:>And I destroyed any hope for peace!
:>Even Mantis-san thought he was being to hard on himself.
:>That's not on you Amano-san. It's on my clan, and the Crane, and the Crab.
:>Monkey held out a cup of tea for the Scorpion.
:>Amano-san... if you kill yourself now, who's going to try and get Ishigaki-san off the hook with your clan?
:>Amano looked like virgin that had just had his ass grabbed when they least expected it.
:>Uh...
:>Kitsuki-san went for the finisher.
:>Amano, my friend... please. I am not ready to part with you, and I certainly do not wish to carry such a burden as you ask of me...
:>Amano looked down, and whispered.
:>You do not know. You cannot know what happens to those who betray the clan...
:>Everyone had heard rumors of Traitor's Grove, of course.
:>But no one outside the Scorpion Clan knew where it was, or what really happened there.
:>Only that, as Amano was showing us right now, it was the single most terrifying thing in existence to any Scorpion.
:>Naomi tried next.
:>But you did not betray your Clan! 
:>No, I don't know if I did or not.
:>I wasn't supposed to handle it that way, even though she would have been dealt with...
:>Don't you see? The simple fact that I don't know means someone might think I did!

:>Toshiro spoke next.
:>So, killing yourself, on the off chance someone MIGHT decide what you did was wrong, is preferable to what happens if they do?
:>Toshiro spoke with incredulity, but Amano looked him dead in the eyes and answered.
:>Yes.
:>Kitsuki-san bowed his head.
:>Who is the next highest ranking member of you group, Amano? 
:>I insist this not come as a surprise to them.
:>That would be very hard to do indeed, Takeshi-san. 
:>Since that person is me.
:>Huh. We'd been eating with the second highest ranked Scorpion in this castle, and none of us knew it.
:>And that is also the last reason I must do this.
:>For the sake of all the others.
:>I shall take all responsibility for these events, and see to it they are safe.
:>Please, Takeshi. Grant me this.
:>One would seek a very close friend to be their second. There was no insult, no shame discarding honorifics when asking for something so personal.
:>Kitsuki-san bowed his head.
:>Naomi could not attend.
:>Amano felt no insult over that.
:>Kitsuki-san's letters had explained Naomi's compassion very well to him.
:>The rest of the Scorpion attended.
:>Though he was skipping a few steps, they all knew Amano was doing it for their sakes, at least in part.
:>Since it was my fault he was having to start over, I felt obligated to see him off.
:>As well as to support my friend, who had the greatest burden in all this.
:>I was surprised, when Amano asked me to be the one to cleanse the blade.
:>I didn't dare disrupt things any further by asking why.
:>With Kitsuki Takeshi's help, Bayushi Amano shouldered all the blame for the events of this winter court, cleansed his honor, and went before his ancestors.