Kokujin

From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings

Kokujin
Born:	Unknown
Died:	1169
People

Kokujin was the mad tamashii monk who created the Shameswords using the Anvil of Despair.

Contents 1 Enlightened Madness 2 Joining Hitomi 2.1 The Naga 3 Togashi's Daisho 4 City of the Lost 5 Kokujin's monks and bakemono 6 Shameswords 7 Pursued 8 Twilight Mountains 9 Kokujin's Challenge 10 Kokujin's Return 11 Rebellion 12 Apprentice 13 Death 14 CCG Presence 15 References

[edit] Enlightened Madness

In 1120, Togashi, realizing that a confrontation with his brother was inevitable, set to prepare himself for it. But the flesh bound Kami found that the thousand years in mortal form had left him vulnerable to such things as doubt and fear. Knowing that he could not show such weaknesses in the battle to come, he took the unusual step of nurturing two tamashii. Into one, he poured all his fears, doubts, anger and other negative emotions. Unfortunately, the act broke the mind of the tamashii, and despite Togashi's attempts to help him, he escaped and fled the Dragon lands. Soon this former Ise Zumi took a new name, Kokujin. ^[1][2]

"To live a lie for the truth. What a wonderful life! Tell me, Togashi-san, where does one become the other? When does the lie end and the truth begin? Is there any difference, really?" -Kokujin [2]

[edit] Joining Hitomi

Kokujin joined Hitomi's Dragon Clan in 1129, following the Second Day of Thunder. Hitomi wished for Kokujin to teach her how to rule the corruption of the Obsidian Hand in her. Hitomi Kobai spoke up against this, but was overuled by Hitomi. Kokujin accepted Hitomi's terms, and became Hitomi Kokujin. The next four years saw the killing of many members of the Togashi family at the hands of Kokujin and the other Hitomi monks.^[2]

"I carry Fu Leng's blessings as well Togashi's. I would collect the blessings of the other Kami as well, but they feared me so much they fled the mortal realm." -Kokujin [2]

[edit] The Naga

In 1130, a Naga contingent met with Hitomi to warn her of a dark future they believed lay in store for her. Hitomi listened, and allowed them to leave peacefully. As soon as they were outside Kyuden Hitomi they were attacked and massacred by Kokujin, who believed it had been obvious that Hitomi wished for him to do so. He killed all by Kazaq, whom he tattooed. Hitomi Akuai did not agree, and condemned Kokujin's attack and tattooing. The two swore to kill each other should the time come when Kokujin was no longer of use to Hitomi.^[3]

"You believe that your Lady is infallible. You believe that your unwavering loyalty is well placed. Many agree with you, and who am I to say if you are right or wrong? Sadly not everyone sees your Lady with the same clarity. That is where I come in." -Kokujin [3]

[edit] Togashi's Daisho

In 1132, during the attack of the Naga on Kyuden Hitomi, Kokujin stole the daisho of Togashi. What remained of Hitomi's order were tasked by Hitomi to hunt down Kokujin, kill him and retrieve the daisho. In 1133, after the Battle of Oblivion's Gate, Hitomi Kobai sought out the aid of Togashi Mitsu, but he would not aid in the pettty quest for vengeance.^[2]

[edit] City of the Lost

Kokujin was in the Shadowlands in 1150, witnessing Daigotsu's creation of the City of the Lost, where he and Daigotsu discussed the Dark Lord's plans for the immediate future. Kokujin also showed interest in Omoni's bakemono, wishing to learn more of the little goblin-man's new creations.^[4]

[edit] Kokujin's monks and bakemono

During his time in the shadowlands, Kokujin began tattooing men of his own, creating dark ise zumi and even shugenja, creating the Kokujin family. He did not limit his tattooing to humans however, tattooing many of Omoni's bakemono also.^[4]

[edit] Shameswords

Kokujin created ten Shameswords initially, gifting them to Daigotsu to do with as he pleased.^[4]

"I forged ten Shameswords, each born of the souls of dead would-be heroes. I gave the batch to my friend, Daigotsu. He will see that they fall into the hands of appropriate wielders." -Kokujin [4]

[edit] Pursued

The Dragon Clan continued in their pursuit of Kokujin, leading to a confrontation between the mad monk and forty sohei led by Hoshi Kaelung on the Plains Above Evil in 1154. Kokujin and his two hundred bakemono defeated the Dragon, and Kaelung was the only survivor, returning to report to Hoshi Daimyo Hoshi Wayan of the defeat of Hoshi Maseru and the other monks.^[2]

[edit] Twilight Mountains

In 1155 Kokujin made his way to the Twilight Mountains, bringing the Anvil of Despair and some blades with him. In the mountains he encountered the hermit Haru, and was surprisingly forthcoming about his fascination with Fu Leng's true name and intention to go to Shiro Heichi. Kokujin left shortly after, and Haru quickly decided to leave the mountains as soon as possible.^[4]

"Of all the lessons Fu Leng has taught us, remember this. Death is not eternal." -Kokujin [4]

[edit] Kokujin's Challenge

In 1159 Kokujin sent a challenge to his former clan, demanding seven members of the clan be sent to attempt to defeat him. The seven who went were Togashi Satsu, Togashi Matsuo, Hitomi Akuai, Hitomi Hogai, Mirumoto Rosanjin, Tamori Chieko and Hoshi Wayan. The seven travelled to the Twilight Mountains where they were met by dozens of tattooed bakemono led by Kokujin Kobai.^[2]

The ensuing battle resulted in the capture of Satsu, Chieko, Hogai and Akuai. The four were brought to the ruins of Shiro Heichi, where Kokujin chained Akuai to the Anvil of Despair. Kokujin began work on another Shamesword using Akuai's blood and soul.^[5]

"Accept my tattoos and join my order, or refuse, and bleed for the anvil. Never mind. I take it back. I never liked you anyway." -Kokujin [5]

Akuai lasted far shorter than Kokujin had anticipated, and he was only able to finish creating a wakizashi. It was Kokujin's intent to create a daisho, to mirror that of Togashi's Daisho, so he told the captive Togashi Satsu to choose between two of the other captives; Hitomi Hogai or Tamori Chieko. Satsu initially refused, but eventually realised he had no choice but to select one of them.^[3]

"Pick the anvil's next victim. The pretty little shugenja or the ox. Pick the one you want to watch die next and which one you want to bring back home." -Kokujin [3]

Satsu eventually decided upon Hogai, but Kokujin laughed and chained Chieko to the Anvil instead. He revealed that the question had always been to select the person that would have to live with surviving, and so Kokujin began working on the katana.^[6]

"You think that my objective here was to force you to condemn a friend and watch him die. No. My goal was for you to condemn a friend and watch him live." -Kokujin [6]

Chieko lasted considerably longer than Kokujin anticipated, and she began suggesting that Kokujin was not as masterless as he claimed. He served pain and darkness because he feared the light. Kokujin did not appreciate the analysis, and when one of this dark ise zumi informed him that the Shakoki Dogu were launching attacks on the ruins of Shiro Heichi he began to increase the speed at which he was working on the final blade.^[7]

"My apologies, little one. Believe me or not, I was trying my best to cause you little pain. Now, unfortunately, I shall have to work more quickly. . ." -Kokujin [7]

After completing the katana Kokujin began preparing to sacrifice and kill Chieko, remarkably still alive, for a different purpose. He was interrupted by the arrival of Togashi Mitsu, Togashi Matsuo and Kaelung. Mitsu and Kaelung fought Kokujin and his dark ise zumi led by a returned Kokujin Kobai, while Matsuo freed Satsu and Hogai. In the confusion of the battle Matsuo fled with Chieko, and lacking any other sacrifice Kokujin killed Kobai on the Anvil. This revealed his true intentions all along; to release the First Oni in exchange for the true name of Fu Leng.^[4]

"In a moment I shall have to flee from these fools and your opportunity shall be lost! There is still time! Tell me the name and our bargain will be complete!" -Kokujin [4]

[edit] Kokujin's Return

Kokujin survived, eventually making his way back to the City of the Lost and joining Daigotsu's forces.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Rebellion

In 1168, Kokujin began inciting rebellion in the peasant caste of Rokugan.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Apprentice

In 1168, Bayushi Shinzo willfully became a student of Kokujin. Although he joined Kokujin in hopes of discovering the way to defeat him, his betrayal of Shosuro Yudoka proved he was completely under the mad ise zumi's influence.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Death

Kokujin was killed by Shinzo in 1169. The joint Rokugani forces led in part by Osami finally caught up with Kokujin and his zealots, peasant forces and the ronin bandit lord Akihiro. Kokujin was attacked by Togashi Matsuo, whose disregard for his own life brought shame to Shinzo's previous actions, and Shinzo killed Kokujin.^[8]

[edit] CCG Presence

• Kokujin Anvil of Despair
• Hitomi Kokujin Hidden Emperor 3
• Kokujin (Exp 2) The Fall of Otosan Uchi
• Kokujin (Exp 3) Path of Hope

Preceded by: None

Kokujin Daimyo ? - 1169

Succeeded by: Unknown

References

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