Shiba Yojimbo

From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings

Because of Shiba's promise to protect Isawa's family, the Shiba have one of the oldest and finest yojimbo schools in Rokugan. Each Isawa Shugenja generally has a yojimbo personally sworn to protect him or her for the remainder of the pair's lives. Because of this, great interest is taken in this school by both families.

[edit] Origins

After Shiba's pledge to Isawa, the Kami insisted that one of his own family accompany the Seven Thunders south in their journey through the empire. He commanded this Shiba to learn as much as possible along the way about martial arts and the skills necessary for a yojimbo. The companion learned as much as he could on his journey, and Shiba's children took his instructions to heart, swearing themselves to protect the Isawa, personally and as a family. (Phoenix p. 35)

[edit] The Shiba and the Isawa

The Shiba are fully dedicated to protecting their Isawa charges, but that does not mean that they respect them as leaders or authority figures. Most Shiba look upon those in their care as gifted children, capable of many things, but still in great need of protection from dangers without and dangers they bring upon themselves. Isawa shugenja have, on no shortage of occassions, become annoyed at their yojimbo's constant presence and interference. One once remarked "I have no need for a shadow as long as a Shiba is here to do his job."

Nonetheless, while the shugenja and courtiers under their care discuss philosophy or politics, the Shiba's only job is to constantly scan their surroundings for any sign of a threat or danger. At night, the yojimbo ensures that his charge's room is secure, and he never sleeps far away, always within sight. If a threat does arise, the yojimbo is trained to shield his charge with his own body, protecting him at all costs, even that of the yojimbo's own life.

Although the Shiba and Isawa rarely agree on much, the Shiba are incredibly dedicated yojimbo. The reason for this is simple: they do not protect the Isawa for the Isawa's sake, they protect the Isawa to honor Shiba and to fulfil the vow he gave. From the Shiba's point of view, the Isawa have no say in whether they have protection or not; it is simply not up to them. (Phoenix p. 37-38)