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[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like Akahige Namban using my stuff as a starting point? btw might drop u in mid-story with random chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A warm, soft body laid itself down by Jiro's side. She slid a hand down his body and whispered, \"Are you awake?\"\n\nHe responded by reaching for her. They felt one another in silence for a while. Her tits were small and firm, their nipples erect.\n\n\"I need it so badly, Mr. Samurai—I hope you won't mind. I watch my mother from the loft, and... you know, I have to amuse myself. The young men... I like them, but of course they are from the village and one of them will marry me, so they can't... they can't...\"\n\nJiro stroked her shoulder. \"I understand.\" The peasants, he thought, were not proper people. Some expected their women not to have sex before marriage, but in another village they might demand it, and in still others they did not marry at all but mated when lust overtook them. What mean people they were.\n\nHer stroking hand reached the length of his penis, which was squeezed between them, and she gasped as she became conscious of the reality of its size. He stroked the insides of her thighs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The long beard that lay between them was moist with dew." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'moment' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could tell she had been playing with herself, from the slick state of her fingertips. He fingered the fleshy tip of her small clit for a second. She squirmed against him, her mound pushing roughly into his palm. Her efforts at his staff grew frantic and rough. She jerked at the honey pole urgently and was rewarded with a drop of moisture as his weapon cleared its throat.\n\nHe lowered his head to kiss her nipple, proudly erect in the dark, but she moaned, \"No, no,\" deep in her throat and pushed his head away. She rolled back onto the hay, spreading her legs as wide as she could. \"Please, now, now!\" she demanded feverishly.\n\nHe knelt between her legs, looking down for a moment at the picture they made in the dimness. Her pale body was spread in an inviting Y, a dark patch at the juncture of her legs. His massive balls hung down, pulling him by their weight, while his pole projected aggressively forward.\n\nShe looked at his face for a moment; then her eyes followed his." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The thick end of his pole was pointing her way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wondered perversely what it would feel like in her mouth, on her tits, then drove such unnatural thoughts from her mind. Impatiently she reached for the source of her pleasure. He lowered his body, and the tip of his pole poised at the hungry entrance to her cunt. She arched her body upwards and pulled ferociously at his buttocks. He came down heavily upon her waiting body. There was a momentary resistance and a gasp from her, and Jiro knew she had been a virgin. Then her arms and legs clamped hard around him and her teeth bit into his shoulder.\n\nHe thrust his way well up her lubricated channel, and she grunted at the feeling and the weight. He started a back-and-forth movement, and she held on to his body grimly. He dug his hands through the hay and clutched her firm buttocks. She squirmed in his grasp, but her grip did not slacken. It was obviously up to him to move for both of them, and he set to work with a will." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her channel was tight enough so that every thrust was an effort as she clung to him like a dead weight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Annoyed, Jiro started pummelling her with his cock in earnest. The full weight of his erect penis smashed into her, her hips bruised by the weight of his loins. She began a snorting, stertorous breathing, and he paused, afraid that his violence was killing her. Her hands clamped onto the muscles of his back, then shifted to his ass and dug in, urging him on.\n\nThe urgent movement was too much for Jiro. He let himself go completely, pounding into the girl's passive body. At last she began to respond, her hips matching his movements. She threw her head back, and he could see the whites of her eyes and the dark cave of her mouth. He forced his tongue into her mouth, and she barely responded at first, then began to suck at his mobile upper cock with enthusiasm. They twisted wildly in the sweet-smelling grass until Jiro felt his balls twitch in violent orgasm. Streams of sperm jetted out and flooded her hot interior. She responded with an orgasm of her own, as she imagined his cock filling every orifice she had." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She relaxed her grip and smiled at him in the dark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That was very good, Mr. Samurai. It was wonderful. It was the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me. Now I know what it is to be married. I must be married very soon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled in the dark. \"There is more to marriage then that. Perhaps I should teach you other things, too...\"\n\n\"Oh no—I am only a peasant girl. This will do very nicely.\"\n\n\"But there are many other things men and women can learn to do,\" he protested halfheartedly.\n\n\"I know, Mr. Samurai—I have seen my mother through the crack here, many times. But I had rather learn them from my husband. Otherwise he will think I was not a good girl.\"\n\nJiro shook his head in disbelief.\n\nShe left him as the sounds of the young men's goodbyes came through the wall. Jiro lay back and prepared for sleep. His cock was pleasantly flaccid on his thigh. He wondered what his friends were doing, back in Miyako. Unconsciously his hand stroked his manhood, playing with it and jerking it from side to side. In a little while, he knew, he would be wondering where Etsu had gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since she was unavailable, he thought philosophically, he had better stop playing with himself and go to sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hatch above his head opened, and a whisper came to him.\n\n\"Mr. Samurai? Are you awake?\"\n\nHe grunted assent.\n\n\"I just wanted to check that you were comfortable. Can I get you something?\" The widow slipped into the loft, unable to see him in the dark. Inadvertently she trod on his outstretched hand. In trying to avoid hurting him, she stumbled and fell onto his broad chest. \"I am sorry, terribly sorry!\"\n\nHer body was warm, soft—and completely naked. She held on to him as if to get her breath back. Jiro leisurely ran a hand down her back and between her buttocks. Her hairs were damp from a washing, and he recalled having heard the sound of sluicing water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shivered at his touch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His other hand ran down her front, lingering on each tit and its erect nipple. He held her bush with a flat palm, then hoisted her easily over his body. She squealed; then her hands searched out his erect pole.\n\n\"Ah, it's wonderfully big!\" she breathed. She tried to roll over, bringing Jiro to cover her, but he resisted. He parted her legs, then raised her in the air. The tip of his prick tickled the hairs of her pussy, and she breathed heavily. Fucking for her had been a natural thing, with no artifice. Jiro had experienced experts, and he knew the game of love as none of her previous men had. He teased her crack for a long time, the tip of his cock penetrating her gently then withdrawing. She struggled in his arms, anxious for the morsel of flesh that she knew would spell relief for her demanding cunt. He delayed some more, his mouth seeking out her nipples in turn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a moment he poised her unmoving over his cock, then suddenly brought her down the length of his shaft until their hairs mingled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She squealed with delight and grunted as her soft, warm, lubricious interior gripped him. To prolong the pleasure he raised her again until only the tip was left in her. She struggled to lower herself again, her hair and nipples brushing his massive chest. At last he surrendered to her demands, and she straddled him with her muscular thighs, his cock stuffing her belly. She rode him wildly, as if untired by the effort of eight muscular men she had been mounted by before. This time she was mounting the man, and the newness of the sensation removed all her tiredness. She experimented boldly, riding high with her back arched and head thrown back, then crouching over him at full length. At times he encouraged her to grind her hips deeply onto him, and she squealed again at the sensation.\n\nHis finger slipped behind her buttocks, and she raised her ass slightly as he slid it along her juicy lips. Then, finger moistened, he tickled the brown bud of her asshole. She rode him more wildly for that, driving his cock deeply into her until she could not contain her fury. Her cunt exploded with spasms of passion, her thighs clenched his, and she lowered her head to bite painfully at his chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jiro raised himself on his shoulders and heels and drove into her as she forced herself downwards." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her insides were flooded for the ninth time that night as he spurted a diminished load of sperm into her cunt. She lay on him for a while as he played with her ass and stroked her back. Then, still without a word, she rose from the loft and departed to her pallet.\n\nJiro fell into a deep sleep." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "im ur writing buddy. i set scene (might have existing chars), u do three sentences like Akahige Namban" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you sure he said we must wait here for him?\" Matsudaira Konnosuke asked the slight young girl before him. Obviously awed by the company, she bowed low to the ground while mumbling her replies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It will go hard for you if you are lying!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he warned, and she shivered as she looked at his severe face.\n\nHe was dressed in brocade silks. His topknot was black and straight as a sword slash." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though Midori knew him to be a stern man, administrator of life and death for the imperial city of Miyako, still she thought she saw a hint of sensuousness in the narrow lips and classical profile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He continued looking at her speculatively. Midori, experienced in the ways of men, still could not tell about this sample of the upper classes. She had simply had no experience with such high-class persons before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked around her nervously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The middle-rank guesting house was luxuriously appointed. Monks were supposed to be abstemious, as were pilgrims, but the Shogun's government demanded a minimum of comfort for its minions, at least the important ones.\n\nThe smooth, bare wooden pillars and beams of the room were clean and well made, exuding the faint fragrance of hinoki wood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The painted fusuma panels had been decorated by an artist, and the finger holes for the sliding fusuma doors were made of lacquered copper, each cover a different play on the shape of a crane." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'several' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Peculiarly, the lord before whom she sat was unaccompanied by any attendants except the two women for whom she had searched, and so far neither had said a word. She had been several days on the way, searching for traces of Lord Matsudaira, and had then spent several days more searching for his resting place. All that time, fear for Elder Sister Osatsuki had driven her on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was an altercation outside, followed by a low voice calling for Matsudaira's attention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Forgive the intrusion?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes?\" answered Matsudaira.\n\n\"A message from the ronin Miura Jiro, my lord.\" The retainer slid the fusuma door open, stepped in, knelt, and slid it closed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was a young samurai, plainly dressed in black overcoat. He bowed and handed a folded slip of paper to Matsudaira with both his hands, then turned and left.\n\nMatsudaira read the short note and smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jiro is at the nearby teahouse—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had barely finished speaking before there was a rush of movement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The slim woman Midori identified as Okiku rose quickly to her feet. She bowed (rather perfunctorily) in Matsudaira Konnosuke's direction and slipped out the door, not before flashing a brief smile at Midori. The other cowled figure stirred impatiently but did not move." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Governor Matsudaira looked at Midori." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled at her for the first time. \"It seemed you were telling the truth, girl. Mr. Miura says he has Osatsuki with him.\"\n\n\"Wonderful! Oh, wonderful!\" Tears of happiness coursed down Midori's cheeks, and she bowed gratefully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rosamund looked on curiously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The yamabushi girl was attractive in a common sort of way. Her most impressive feature was a mass of soft brown hair, unusual amongst the denizens of the Japans, whose hair was usually a coarse black. Rosamund longed to touch those soft tresses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wondered if Goemon felt the same, hiding his feelings behind the stern exterior of his official persona. It was exciting to have Jiro back, and she was getting bored sitting in the guest house. She could not move around freely, since in her guise as Matsudaira Konnosuke's concubine she was restricted to her quarters or palanquin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had wanted to visit the great monastery of Mount Koya but found the entrance forbidden to women. She wished they could all resume their former guises—Goemon as an itinerant doctor, Jiro as masterless samurai, a ronin, Okiku as pilgrim—and go travelling once again. The enforced inactivity of life in the House of Women, bound about by formal rules and the restrictions of her own uniqueness in this society, had palled long since." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Team writing exercise. I start (might include existing characters), you do 11 sentences in Akahige Namban style." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where are we going?\" asked Rosamund." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I saw you looking at some of those men,\" Okiku said irrelevantly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include this dialogue snippet naturally: \"They were rather pretty, weren't they?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes moved as if she were searching for something in the dark.\n\n\"Yes,\" said Rosamund thoughtfully. \"They were rather pretty, weren't they?\"\n\n\"Don't you think we deserve some entertainment?\"\n\n\"If you're thinking what I think you are... How would I choose one anyway? There were so many of them!\"\n\n\"Why choose?\" laughed Okiku. \"Can't you take them all on?\" She hugged her friend, who smiled and arched her back. Her big breasts jiggled suggestively, their nipples erect.\n\n\"I imagine I could service them all, and that might just satisfy me. But still...\"\n\n\"I'll help you. I'll choose the best ones for you. Ah, I hear something. This must be the place I was looking for.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They turned in to a narrow lane, at the end of which was a large, rather dilapidated old barn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sounds of laughter and music came from between the cracks in the walls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We must find a place for you,\" Okiku added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They wandered about for a few minutes before finding a tiny building that was used to store grass for thatching." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At Okiku's direction, Rosamund made herself comfortable on the soft, sweet-smelling pile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She spread her outer robe, released her sash, and lay back. Okiku could see Rosamund's teeth flash and her perfect white body glimmer in the dark, barely shadowed at her crotch by her golden bush. Okiku knelt quickly and kissed the blonde between her legs. She tasted pleasantly salty, and Okiku could not forbear a quick lick.\n\n\"They must not see you, so it will be all in the dark. I'll send them out one by one and caution them against showing a light. Have fun, my dear.\"\n\n\"What about you?\" Rosamund asked softly.\n\n\"I have something I want too. Don't worry; I'll be around. If there are any problems, call out. You have your chain and dagger at hand? Good.\" Okiku was gone like a shadow.\n\nThe festivities in the barn were at full tilt. The young men who had battled so valiantly for the village's prosperity were being repaid for their efforts in wine, food, and an evening's respite from their daily labors. In one corner a group of young men were gambling, their faces flushed with drink and excitement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The largest group was sprawled on piles of rice straw in a rough circle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A man wearing the mask of an old peasant had just finished acting a comic skit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The punch line was rather obvious from the jerking of his hips, and his audience were helpless with laughter. The young man in woman's clothes was making ready to dance. His makeup had run and he was reapplying it, and his neckline was rather more open than a respectable matron's should be. Other young men lay about the barn, telling stories, drinking, or talking quietly. Some had passed out. In one corner a drinking contest was in progress.\n\nNo one paid much attention to Okiku's entrance. One or two of the revellers called out to her, offering a drink, recognizing a visitor to their festival. She was still dressed in her page's outfit, the heavy reddish male makeup obscuring her features just as the loose sark and pantaloons obscured her figure.\n\nEncouraged by cries of \"Kichibei! Kichibei!\" the young man in woman's clothing began to dance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a man he danced a woman's role quite well, and his audience displayed its appreciation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gradually the tempo of the dance changed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It became more languid, then faster and faster as the dancer, helping himself with his fan, displayed the stages of a woman's passion." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'okiku' must be used 3 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The music changed and the dance became a burlesque, with the fan portraying a reluctant lover and Kichibei an amorous old courtesan. The audience rolled on the ground with laughter, tears streaming down their cheeks.\n\nA heavyset, well-muscled man sat near Okiku. He had been drinking rather less than most, and his eyes, full of laughter, were on the dancer. His loincloth bulged pleasingly. Okiku leaned over to him and whispered, \"Excuse, me, but you must earn some merit. The nun Sister Bara has ordered me to call you to her. She awaits in the small hut where the grass is stored. Please be punctual and, of course, discreet.\"\n\nThe young man looked at Okiku in puzzlement. She met his gaze squarely, and he lowered his eyes. She noted he had fine cheekbones, notwithstanding the coarseness of his life. He rose and left the barn. The sky was bright with the light of the moon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He oriented himself and stretched. Loosening his loincloth, he pissed against a convenient tree, then shook himself dry. He approached the small hut cautiously. There was someone in there. He sweated somewhat nervously. Ghosts were about in the night.\n\n\"Do not fear. Come here—there is a gift you can give me.\" The voice was definitely female, if oddly accented. He crawled inside. In the dark he could barely make out the outstretched thighs of a young woman. His courage rose in him. Drink was fine, but this was better." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He slid a hand up each long and tapering thigh. The legs were smooth and perfectly shaped, not the muscular, stocky thighs of the village girls into whose matting he had crept several times before. His face was near the soft bush at the juncture of her thighs, and he sniffed appreciatively.\n\nRosamund shivered in delight as the dark bulk of the man knelt between her legs. She raised her knees slightly to allow him his moment of quiet contemplation; then suddenly his weight was upon her. She sighed in satisfaction as his thick cock found the gluey entrance and drove up her channel. He was rough and uncaring, and she was grateful. His hard hands, callused from net and oar, squeezed her full breasts. He drove himself into her rapidly, while his mouth was busy about her neck and shoulders. She felt the pleasure of his hands on her full breasts and the weight of him on her frame. \"Harder!\" she whispered, and his movements became frantic and his hands tore at her full mounds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This... is... so... good!\" he gasped. \"I have never felt such full tits.\" He bit a nipple in emphasis, and she moved delightedly under him.\n\n\"Yes, yes, bite them, squeeze them! Don't stop!\" she pleaded.\n\nSensing her mood, he left all restraint behind. His cock bore into her, the bones of his pubic mashing her beneath him. He bit at her full breasts and followed each bite with a twist of the nipple. She ran her hands the length of his back and buttocks, marvelling at the frantic bulging of his muscles. One finger teased his anus, and his buttocks tightened, driving his prick yet deeper into her. She scratched hard at the soft portion of his inner thighs, and he jerked in agony. The first faint drops of emission emerged from the tip of his prick, and then his sperm burst from him in full thick sprays that soaked her interior." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'walked' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Spent, he lay on her soft belly, his body still undulating slowly as the last of his sperm dribbled from his softening cock. Suddenly she stiffened under him, her teeth bit into his salty-tasting shoulder, and she moaned. Knowing she was coming, he squeezed her breasts as hard as he could and was rewarded with the flash of a smile and a mad dancing of her pelvis. Her spasms died down, and she stroked his back.\n\n\"You must go now,\" she said softly. \"Return later if you will, but many more must earn merit this evening.\"\n\nHe climbed off her and while still between her legs, bowed deeply. The night air was cool on his sweaty skin as he walked back to the barn. The party was still going on at full blast when he walked in the door and helped himself to some sake. The young samurai servant caught his eye, nodded, then leaned over and spoke to another youth...\n\nOkiku finally decided it was her turn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Young men were leaving quietly on schedule for rendezvous in the grass shed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kichibei ended his dance to the delight of his audience and scampered off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She spoke to three young men who had just finished a long and serious talk, and watched them troop off into the dark doubtfully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They would occupy Rosamund for some time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Okiku slipped off into the night after Kichibei, who had no doubt gone off to change." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was standing by a well, about to draw water for himself, when Okiku approached." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let me do that for you,\" she said in a soft voice.\n\nHe stared at her warily. There was something about this young samurai lad that stirred his blood. He had no objection to the sort of relationship he thought was being proposed to him, but there was something decidedly odd here. Okiku ran her hands down Kichibei's chest. It was muscular but not too bulky. She leaned forward and bit a pectoral.\n\n\"I am sweaty and stink,\" he objected.\n\n\"You smell just fine to me,\" the figure before him countered coolly. \"I like sweaty bodies, my dear.\"\n\nSuddenly Kichibei felt he knew what was expected of him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned his shoulders coyly and glanced down. The samurai lad laid a hand gently on his shoulder and tilted his shy chin, then kissed him deeply on his painted mouth. They shuddered together, and the samurai youth's arms went around Kichibei's hips.\n\n\"I am ashamed,\" he whispered.\n\n\"Nothing to be ashamed of,\" countered the youth, leading Kichibei to a nearby patch of grass. They knelt together, and Okiku's firm hands slowly explored Kichibei's body. She stroked his chest and his sides then loosened his sash while he sat passively on his knees, hands fluttering on the silk sleeves.\n\n\"You look so fierce with your short sword,\" Kichibei murmured as the hard pommel dug into his hips.\n\nThe samurai youth laughed and loosened the scabbard, laying it and the sash aside. A hand descended lower and touched Kichibei's sturdy erection. \"Mine is hardly as magnificent as yours,\" Okiku laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, no!\" protested Kichibei, still enjoying his role as a woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He reached forward and the samurai youth's hand guided him between the folds of loosened breachcloth. He felt the crisp hairs at the bottom of the muscular, yet soft belly. But then his fingers slipped surprisedly into a warm, slick channel and were guided downwards between the plump female lips. He strained to push on but was restrained by Okiku. She wanted to enjoy the perverse situation to the full, and she continued to act the role of the man. Her demanding hands explored Kichibei's body while holding his hand prisoner between her legs, where she forced his blunt fingers to masturbate her to the full. At last the game reached a plateau. She seized his erect rod and drew it forth from his robe.\n\n\"Why, you're a man!\" she said in mock surprise. He strove to move forward, but she restrained him again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She turned away from him, her hand still firmly grasping his erect member." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her pantaloons fell by her knees as she knelt on all fours before him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He rose and lunged, guided by her hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His turgid cock lodged in the thicket that guarded her juicy cranny. She held him there for a moment, supporting herself on her elbows and rubbing the plum tip against her soft lips. Frantic with desire, he pulled her to him, his body humping like a dog's.\n\nAt last, satisfied that he had been raised to a fever pitch, Okiku let him have his way. With a grunt, Kichibei sank deep into her juicy interior. He was about to set to work at once, when she restrained him. She smiled at him over her shoulder, holding him in with her muscles and a restraining hand that commandingly held on to his hairy sack of balls. He felt himself expand in the tight, wet warmth. She let him go, and he began to drive into her with an increasing tempo. His hands clutched at her hips, and then when she directed them, he squeezed her small breasts and their prominent nipples. She moved back against him forcefully, her smooth, tight buttocks smacking against his hard belly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt his come rise from the depths of his balls, and he cried out in agony when she squeezed the base of his prick.\n\nWithout mercy she pulled at the base of his cock, exposing the cream-lathered length to the cold air. Spasms of pleasure racked her as he withdrew and as she slammed herself backwards onto its waiting length. She came furiously, her insides dripping the honey of her come as he watched helplessly in her grip. Her smooth, tight buttocks trembled before his eyes, and he could feel the walls of her cunt shake as she took her pleasure.\n\nAgain she exposed his cock to the night air. She smiled over her shoulder and shifted her grip to the plum tip. She raised the aim of his fleshy cannon and moistened the entrance to her ass slightly with the juicy knob. She placed it properly and inched backwards until the rod was firmly seated in the tiny bud opening of her anus. He felt the muscular ring grip him comfortingly, stronger and more demanding than the entrance he had been in before.\n\n\"Now!\" she commanded, loosening her grip and positioning her hands firmly on the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He needed no encouragement. His cock rammed home into her tight nether orifice. Her ring muscles fought him all the way, constricting his entry and milking the length of his shaft. His hairs rubbed roughly into the softness of her buttocks, and his full weight bore down on her. She let out a breath at the fury of his assault. He rested there for a short moment until a twist of her buttocks reminded him there was much to be done. He tried to withdraw, only to find that her muscles had purposely constricted around his length. The withdrawal was slow, milking the length of his cock in a way he had never experienced before. He rammed forward again furiously, and again, each time having to fight his way out, his irritated cock sending messages of exquisite pleasure to his brain. They were both panting now, his hand clutched convulsively at her sides. He pushed in again and this time found relief from the strain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From the root of his manpole he felt the rush of liquids streaming forth. He pumped masses of sperm into this woman's backside, while she twitched and jerked beneath him, eyes closed in pleasure as her own climax mingled with his. Finally they collapsed in a pile on the grass.\n\n\"Hey, Kichibei, nice performance, but he should have been on top, not you!\" A passing drunk regarded them owlishly, then ambled on into the dark.\n\n\"I've ruined your reputation.\" Okiku smiled at him, still panting.\n\n\"It was worth it. Please do not worry.\"\n\n\"It certainly was, and I won't,\" she replied coolly as she gathered her clothes. \"It was a good festival.\"\n\nRosamund was waiting for her in the booth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her robe and the grass beneath her were sodden." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 12 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They walked off into the moonlight, holding hands and laughing together.\n\n\"Did you have a good time?\" asked Rosamund anxiously.\n\n\"Of course. Did you think I wouldn't enjoy myself? He was all I could expect.\"\n\n\"He? Only one?\"\n\n\"I don't have the same appetites as you. It was nice and kinky.\"\n\n\"Mine were too,\" laughed the blonde girl. \"There was this one with enormous hairy balls and a rather small prick...\"\n\nThey waded into the sea to wash. \"Do you think...?\" they both started saying at the same time, then laughed.\n\n\"Yes,\" Okiku continued the thought for both of them. \"I'm sure Satsuki took good care of our men.\"\n\nThey walked sleepily onto the boat." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode: Collab writing\nContext: May reference existing characters/world\nAmount: 8 sentences\nVoice: Akahige Namban" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Okiku crouched on a branch, motionless. The stalking yamabushi crept closer. Midori's keening teased him on, When the man was directly below her, parting the bushes that hid the brown-haired girl, Okiku slipped from her perch silently as an owl. The yamabushi died with a snapping crack of the bone in his neck. Okiku stepped off the warm, twitching body, then immediately leaped high, tumbling in the air as she rose. A second mountain ascetic slashed down at the spot on which she had been standing. Her feet hit the ground, and she flexed her knees and leaped again. The yamabushi leaped high too, and they met in midair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hands moved swiftly and a bright length of steel whispered through the air as it was withdrawn from concealment in her pilgrim's staff. The yamabushi shrieked and fell in a heap. Midori ran to Okiku's side. Her sash was off her waist in a flash as she tried to stanch the bright stream of blood that gushed from Okiku's arm and side.\n\n\"Are you all right? Mistress Okiku, are you well?\"\n\nOkiku grunted. The cuts were superficial, but her arm and side would soon stiffen. Another yamabushi ran into view and headed for the two women. Midori hastily interposed herself between Okiku and the attacker." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hands extended into claws, she tried to block his approach, screaming incoherently." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The yamabushi batted her aside, concentrating on Okiku's blade. Midori swung her head, and her fine brown hair blinded him for a critical instant. The man hesitated. There was a double whir through the air. The yamabushi screamed. His eye sprouted a metal star, and his throat gushed scarlet." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\n9 sentences\nStyle:\nAkahige Namban" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Goemon slipped patiently from shadow to shadow, one tree to another. He wanted to entice the yamabushi chieftain into the forest. It would be better to dispose of him quietly, if at all possible. A group of the mountain men patiently tracked him, and suddenly Goemon found that all his wiles were in vain. Daisangyoja stood before him, a mocking smile on his face. Between them stood five fierce-looking yamabushi. Goemon stood quietly in the clearing, his mind cool and alert. He smiled at the five men as they surrounded him. His calm enraged them, and they made trembling attacks in his direction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took the fan out of his sash and fanned himself patiently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the yamabushi lunged, and Goemon easily avoided the attack. A second cut at his head, and he parried neatly with the fan. The steel ribs clanged on the sword metal. Goemon threw a handful of powdered pepper into the attacker's eyes, then slid beyond him and hammered the edge of the fan into another attacker's wrist. The man's weapon fell from his grasp. Goemon seized his lapel, twisted, and threw the struggling yamabushi easily onto two of his companions.\n\nGoemon kicked high and his foot connected with a yamabushi chin; then he spun, grabbed a sword hand, and twisted. The yamabushi fell to his knees with a broken wrist. Goemon attacked again, opening the fan one-handed and cutting at a rough face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sharpened steel edge of a rib sliced through a black pillbox hat and tore at a scalp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The yamabushi, blinded by his own blood, did not have time to react as his own sword was twisted from his grasp and plunged into his belly. The attackers, those still able to move, were in a panic. They turned to flee, and all but one fell victim to their cowardice. Using the borrowed sword, Goemon cut them down as they fled. He turned to deal with their leader, and threw the sword with disgust at Daisangyoja's retreating back.\n\nIn the shrine complex below, the tabard bearers advanced, their devices held high. Conchs, flutes, and drums heralded their approach, and the torches were raised to oppose them.\n\nGoemon heard a crying sound, and ran rapidly through the forest seeking the woman's voice. He charged into a clearing in time to see a wild-looking yamabushi aim a cut at Okiku, who was leaning painfully to one side." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'goemon' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Goemon's fan spun through the air just as the yamabushi raised his sword and attacked. A steel star sprouted from the mountain man's eye. The fan's jagged edge sliced through the exposed great artery in his neck. Goemon passed him at a run and retrieved the steel-ribbed fan. Okiku smiled at him through the pain and pulled the steel throwing star from the yamabushi's gory eye, and the three of them set off to find more enemies.\n\nThey all met again in a clearing in the forest. Goemon looked at his friends, then ruefully at the pile of bodies in the clearing. None of the three bodies bore any wounds, but their necks all rested at curious angles. A heavy man was sitting on a rock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had a minor cut and was being tended by two young women, twins, who were dressed as itinerant actors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Goemon's face twisted in momentary disapproval. Actors should not involve themselves in important affairs. Then his natural good humor reasserted itself, and he considered his own actions ruefully. Jiro stood near the wrestler, eyes raking the forest. Only Okiku and the wrestler were wounded. Considering that the wrestler was completely unarmed, Goemon thought his survival a miracle. The riffraff that made up a mountain beggars' band was hardly a threat to him, Jiro, or Okiku, all of whom were armed. Rosamund had found Satsuki and the two of them had hidden the best they could, coming out when Jiro's powerful bellow had announced the yamabushi's defeat. They counted seven bodies and several trails of blood." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'those' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Daisangyoja's body was not among those found.\n\n\"They'll attack again,\" Jiro said stolidly, wiping his long blade. He sheathed it in one smooth motion, his eyes never leaving the wrestler's.\n\n\"Good,\" the wrestler grunted. \"I do not care for those people.\"\n\n\"No, I am sorry.\" Midori moved her open hand in negation. Her voice was soft but firm. \"They will not return.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do you know, dear?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Satsuki's mild rejoinder seemed to give the yamabushi girl confidence.\n\n\"I know the bands. Daisangyoja has failed them too many times. They will not obey him now. His dreams have come to naught. We have nothing to fear from him. He will be replaced by one of his seconds.\"\n\n\"I saw Hachibei's body on our way here,\" Satsuki said in a low voice. \"And... I am afraid I killed Tsuneyoshi myself...\" She looked somewhat abased, her eyes held low.\n\n\"Nonetheless,\" said Goemon, \"we will be very careful. They will probably search for us at the festival. We had best reach the village before nightfall. It is small, and there will be no crowd to serve as a blind for them to stalk us. I would rather meet them in the open.\"\n\nAt the far-off shrine the lit torches met the advancing tabards and opposed their entrance to the precincts. The excited crowd watched as the tabards advanced again and again, only to be repelled by the blazing wooden barrels. The bearers' faces ran with sweat. The crowd drank and called out excitedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the darkening forest several dead men lay quiet, uncaring." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ferns caressed their faces.\n\nEvening fell as the party from Miyako tolled up the path. Across the valley they could see the last glow of the torches from the festival. Above them the stars shone through the growing night. Somewhere below them in the dark they could hear the endless sheet of the roaring waterfall. They sought the headman amidst the quiet cluster of thatch houses.\n\nThe formalities were soon concluded. Food was brought, and they were apologetically shown to the only free room the grateful headman could offer them, the main room of his house. The meal was a simple one, rice, grilled ayu whose flesh was sweet and redolent of pure mountain streams, fresh mountain vegetables, and delicate-flavored pine mushrooms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Exhausted, not even blowing out the lamps, they crawled into their bedding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not even Tatsunoyama's mountainous snores could keep anyone awake.\n\nMidori awoke to a delicate touch on her thighs. She opened her eyes and looked up into a cloud of golden hair. Rosamund smiled down at her, then leaned forward and kissed her passionately. The blonde's inquisitive tongue searched Midori's mouth expertly, and Midori surrendered to the feeling.\n\n\"I've been wanting to have you alone for some time now,\" whispered Rosamund. Midori hugged her to her breast. Her nipples, she noticed without surprise, were rock hard, almost painful with her desire. Rosamund's mouth moved downwards silently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She engulfed a nipple, then sucked the entire small breast into her mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Midori sighed a ghost of a sound. Her hands lightly touched the fall of golden hair against her chest.\n\n\"I've been wanting to do this for soooo long...\"\n\nShe tugged at the hair gently. It was softer than hers, and unlike any other she knew, it fell in ringlets that resisted straightening.\n\n\"Harder!\" said Rosamund.\n\nSurprised but obedient, the former yamabushi girl complied, forcing the blonde's mouth to dig deeply into her breast. She was rewarded with a flickering tongue that laved the painful nipple. Rosamund's mouth shifted to the other side, and her fingers sought the soft, downy hair of Midori's pussy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Midori obligingly spread her legs. Her hips rose without conscious command to meet the probing digit. Rosamund cupped the soft, downy mound with her hand. She squeezed the slimmer girl's lips between the three middle fingers, rubbing the slick clitoris fiercely. Midori grinned and showed her teeth, and her hand squeezed Rosamund's full breast harder than she intended. She was about to apologize, when Rosamund kissed her deeply, then muttered, \"Again!\" The brown-haired girl squeezed harder and was rewarded with another soul-searching kiss. The blonde's expert tongue licked out and laved the inside of her mouth, then nibbled the length of her neck, descended to her shoulders, and then sucked hungrily at her erect brown nipples. For a moment Rosamund raised her head and peered through the dark at Midori's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hard! I like it hard!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she said. There was a note of pleading in her voice. Midori obligingly squeezed the beautiful full breast before her. The erect pink nipple burned against her palm, and her strong trained fingers sank deeply into the soft flesh. She was rewarded by a muted groan and another deep kiss from the blonde. Intrigued and somewhat mystified, Midori experimented. She took one perfect soft nipple and pinched it roughly. Far from having it pulled back out of her grasp, she found Rosamund's body covering her and the blonde's mouth laving her with kisses.\n\n\"You like being hurt while fucking?\" she asked in a whisper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rosamund giggled softly. \"Goemon, Jiro, and Okiku all raped me when we first met. I've loved it ever since. Hurt me—please hurt me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment Midori was shocked to the bottom of her soul. Lovemaking was for fun and enjoyment. She had seen the result of rape, and no one she knew who had undergone the experience enjoyed violence. That was a thing for men, and not of the best sort. Then she suddenly recalled whom she was speaking to. Of course, Mistress Rosamund was a foreign devil... Their customs must be so different, and one could not expect their reactions to be completely human. No girl would enjoy that sort of thing, but among the kebozu, the hairy devils, it must be the norm.\n\nMeantime the friction of the blonde's fingers on her cunt was getting to her, and she felt obliged to return the pleasure she was receiving. She stiffened a finger and drove it into Rosamund's shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had been taught finger massage by one of her former band, and the pressure points could be used for ill as well as good.\n\nRosamund yelped and ground her hand into the chestnut-haired girl's cunt. Her body wriggled with abandon on the slimmer body below it. Her full breasts were mashed against Midori's smaller ones, and both women joined their mouths in a passionate kiss.\n\n\"You must be quiet or the others will wake up,\" Midori whispered.\n\n\"No, they're too tired. In any case, they'll just join the fun...\"\n\nSuddenly it occurred to Rosamund that she would rather have Midori to herself for a while, and she whispered half-reluctantly, \"Actually, maybe you should gag me somehow. I usually yell a lot...\"\n\nMidori, still somewhat unsure of herself, removed the silk scarf that Rosamund used to tie her sleeping robe. She gagged the blonde, not too tightly, then looked into Rosamund's eyes to be sure she was doing the right thing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The blue eyes, almost invisible in the gloom, looked at her with a hint of mischief and expectation. Midori spread the blonde beneath her and set to work with her fingers and tongue. The strong, practiced digits dug into the blonde's soft breasts, eliciting muted squeals. Midori kissed each painful point carefully, before moving on to the next, descending gradually.\n\nRosamund found herself enjoying one of the most pleasurable fucks she had had. At first Midori was gentle with her, careful not to hurt her too much. But gradually as she got into the spirit of things, the light blows turned harder, the pain from the probing fingers more lingering. Midori's mouth sucked on her skin, bringing pleasure with the pain, and Rosamund started shivering uncontrollably. Her hands, which had been guiding Midori's head to the places of her greatest pleasure exploring the slim girl's smooth body, now flailed aimlessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Midori paused a moment, and a bold idea occurred to her. She slipped off the blonde, flipped her over, and rapidly tied Rosamund's hands together behind her back. Rosamund did not object, merely waiting for what was to come.\n\nThe sight of Rosamund's magnificent ass beckoned to Midori. The smooth, pale hills rose in a perfect curve, bisected by a long, sweet line that separated the two halves like a peach. She kissed each bun separately, then dug her fingers viciously into them. There was another muted squeal, and she set to work in earnest, her teeth nipping the smooth skin, her fingers digging into the soft flesh. Rosamund's trembling increased, and she agitated her ass in circles, unsuccessfully trying to evade the painful touch.\n\nMidori separated the two halves, exposing the length of the crease, the tiny bud of the asshole, and the beginning of the blonde forest below." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She bent close and wondered whether any man had penetrated that little hole." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her fingers explored for her, and Rosamund's ass jerked up to greet her. She dug her fingers in in earnest, then shifted some of her attention to Rosamund's cunt. As soon as she touched the slick lips, she was rewarded by a flood of moisture that overran her fingertips. She forced the beautiful legs apart and her tongue licked out to collect some of the honey. Rosamund trembled violently, and her hips bucked, throwing Midori's head backwards.\n\nShe turned Rosamund roughly over and crouched over her body. She was surprised at the size of the blonde's clitoris, which stuck out like a tiny fleshy claw. She sucked at it, at the same time forcing her cunt down onto the blonde's mouth. Her tongue licked the length of Rosamund's cunt; then she settled down to sucking hungrily at the large clitoris, her fingers digging into the muscles of Rosamund's thighs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The combination of the demanding mouth and knowledgeable fingers was too much for Rosamund to bear." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Over her nose she could smell the musky perfume of Midori's cunt. She wriggled her wrists, and the sash on her wrists fell away. She ripped the gag from her mouth and reached for the slim girl's ass. Her mouth and nose were covered by the fragrant forest of Midori's soft hairs, and she began licking and sucking hungrily.\n\nBoth women were exhausted before long, their faces covered with one another's juices, their insides rippling with the number of times they had come. They stopped with mutual consent, and Midori rolled off Rosamund, touching her sleepily. Both smiled in the darkness as they composed themselves for sleep." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~9 sentences more. copy Laura Joh Rowland's style. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano went outside, summoned the troops he'd banished from the ageya, and told them they could take Lord Mitsuyoshi's remains to the castle. He would have liked to send them to his friend and adviser, Dr. Ito, at Edo Morgue, but couldn't subject the body of an important person to such a desecrating, illegal procedure as a scientific examination. When Sano went back inside the ageya, Hirata met him in the corridor.\n\n\"We've interviewed everyone in the house,\" Hirata said in a low voice that wouldn't be overheard by Police Commissioner Hoshina, who loitered nearby. \"The clients and courtesans say they were together in the bedchambers last night. There was a party here, and the servants say they and the proprietor and the kamuro were busy waiting on the guests the whole time.\n\n\"Nobody noticed anything unusual, until the commotion when the body was discovered. I'm inclined to believe they're telling the truth. They knew Lord Mitsuyoshi was in the house, but they weren't personally acquainted with him. I didn't find any reason why they would kill him.\"\n\n\"What about his retainers?\" Sano asked.\n\n\"They were at the party, according to them and the other guests. If they know anything about the murder, they're not talking.\"\n\n\"We'll interrogate them again later,\" Sano decided." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hoshina gave Sano and Hirata a faint smirk that said they needn't bother trying to hide anything from him because he could find it out on his own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he slipped away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would have taken only a moment for someone at the party to go up and stab Lord Mitsuyoshi, especially if he was unconscious.\" Sano described the murder scene. \"We'll have to investigate all the guests.\"\n\nFortunately, Yoshiwara was a small, gossipy community, and any hostilities involving Lord Mitsuyoshi shouldn't be hard to discover. But the party complicated Sano's work by increasing the number of potential witnesses and suspects.\n\n\"I sent the detectives to ask people in neighboring houses if they observed anything that might help us,\" Hirata said.\n\n\"Good.\" Sano told Hirata that Lord Mitsuyoshi had spent the evening with Lady Wisteria, who'd disappeared along with the pillow book. As Sano described the book, he realized he should tell Hirata about his past relationship with Wisteria, but now was not the time; he didn't want Hoshina or the other policemen to overhear. \"Please go out and see if you can find any leads on Wisteria or the book.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Ssakan-sama. By the way, when I interviewed the servants, they said Wisteria's yarite found the body. She'd gone back to the Great Miura—the brothel where she lives—so I brought her here because I knew you'd want to speak with her.\"\n\n\"Well done,\" Sano said, grateful to have such a capable, trustworthy retainer as Hirata. \"Where is she?\"\n\nSomewhere in the house, a female voice burst into a strident harangue. Hirata rolled his eyes toward the sound. \"Momoko made sure to tell me that she was once a great tayu, but I can't imagine that her manner ever would have pleased many men,\" he said, then took his leave.\n\nSano followed the voice to the rear of the ageya, where a door stood open to a guest room. Inside were two women. The younger was in her teens, and Sano recognized her as one of the courtesans he'd seen in the parlor. She knelt on the floor before the older woman, who wore a brown kimono with the black girdle and cap of a chaperone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The latter, Sano deduced, was Momoko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She thrust a silk quilt at the courtesan's frightened, babyish face.\n\n\"You should be careful when you drink wine in bed!\" she exclaimed, shaking the quilt, which exhibited a large purple stain. Her voice had a brassy edge, as if she often shouted. Her hair, knotted above her long, thin neck, was dyed a dull, unnatural black. \"This will never come clean. You've completely ruined an expensive quilt, you little fool!\"\n\nThe courtesan cringed and mumbled.\n\n\"Don't blame your client,\" Momoko said. Her profile was elegant, but vicious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And how dare you talk back to me?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'quilt' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smacked the courtesan hard across the face. The courtesan shrieked in pain. Momoko hurled the quilt at her. \"The price of this quilt will come out of the fee you earned last night. Forget about buying your freedom, because at this rate, you'll never leave Yoshiwara until you're so old and ugly they throw you out. Now go home!\"\n\nThe courtesan sobbed as she scurried out the door past Sano. The yarite turned and saw him; the anger in her expression gave way to surprise, then dismay. \"Oh! Are you the shogun's ssakan-sama?\" The words came in a gasp, and when Sano nodded, she quickly bowed. \"I'm honored by your presence. Your retainer said you wanted to see me. How may I serve you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano noted that she must have once been beautiful, but the passage of perhaps forty years had sharpened the bones in her cheeks and narrow figure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her coy smile showed decaying teeth and failed to hide her fear of Sano. Obviously, Momoko knew why he wanted to see her, and how precarious was her situation.\n\n\"I'm investigating the murder of Lord Mitsuyoshi,\" Sano said, \"and I must ask you some questions.\"\n\n\"Certainly. I'll do my best to help you.\" Momoko minced closer to Sano, her posture sinuously provocative, her smile rigid as a shield. \"Shall we go to the parlor? May I give you a drink?\"\n\nPerhaps her garrulity was merely an outlet for her nervousness, Sano thought, as might be her attack on the courtesan. Or was the yarite a cruel killer, chattering to hide her guilt? Reserving judgment, he accompanied Momoko to the parlor, where she seated him in the place of honor in front of the alcove." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She bustled around, fetching the sake jar, warming it on the charcoal brazier, and pouring a cup for Sano." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What a shame, the death of Lord Mitsuyoshi,\" she said. \"He was so young, so charming. And how terrible, the way it happened!\" Momoko talked faster and faster, alternately smiling and biting her lips, while darting frantic, coquettish glances at Sano.\n\n\"Let's go over what you did yesterday evening,\" he said.\n\n\"What I did?\" Momoko froze, and panic leapt in her eyes, as if Sano had accused her of the murder.\n\n\"I'm trying to determine everyone's movements and learn about the events leading up to the crime.\" Sano wondered if her reaction indicated guilt, or the fear that he would think her guilty although she wasn't.\n\n\"Oh.\" Relief slackened the yarite's face, but it immediately tensed again.\n\n\"Did you chaperone Lady Wisteria to the ageya?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano asked. When Momoko nodded, he said, \"Tell me about it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The yarite knelt before Sano, twisting her hands in her lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shortly after the evening meal, the proprietor of the Great Miura told me that Lord Mitsuyoshi wanted an appointment with Lady Wisteria.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every transaction in Yoshiwara was performed according to strict protocol. Sano knew that Mitsuyoshi would have gone to the ageya to ask for Wisteria's company, and the staff would have written a letter to the brothel, formally requesting the appointment.\n\n\"I helped Lady Wisteria dress,\" Momoko said, \"and then she made her procession to the Owariya. We got there about an hour later.\"\n\nA tayu's procession to meet a client at an ageya was an elaborate affair that involved some ten or twenty attendants. It moved very slowly, so even though the brothel and the Owariya were but a few blocks apart, the journey would have been long. Sano had a sudden vivid image of Wisteria dressed in brilliant kimono, walking past admiring spectators, kicking each foot in a semicircular, ritualistic pattern as she stepped. She must be in her mid-twenties now, but still small and slender and graceful, with unusually round eyes that gave her delicate face an exotic charm...\n\n\"What happened then?\" Sano asked.\n\n\"I took Lady Wisteria to the parlor, where Lord Mitsuyoshi was waiting,\" Momoko said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I served them their sake.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The greeting ritual between tayu and client resembled a wedding ceremony, in which the couple drank from the same cup to seal their bond. Sano pictured Wisteria seated at a diagonal from Mitsuyoshi, neither speaking to him nor showing emotion, as tradition required. She sipped her draught, while Mitsuyoshi gazed upon her with anticipation...\n\nSano refocused his attention on the yarite. Her hands maintained their grip on each other, and the nervous movement of her eyes quickened. \"It was their third meeting, so I took them upstairs,\" she said.\n\nNo tayu made love to a new client on his first visit, nor his second. Wisteria would have rejected Mitsuyoshi twice previously, as custom dictated. Sano envisioned Momoko, Lady Wisteria, and Lord Mitsuyoshi climbing the stairs to the bedchamber, where Mitsuyoshi would finally claim his prize." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He imagined their expressions: Mitsuyoshi's eager, Momoko's sly, and Wisteria's carefully blank." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had any of them known how the tryst would end?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I showed them into the room,\" Momoko said, \"and Wisteria dismissed me. Lord Mitsuyoshi closed the door.\"\n\n\"Was there anyone else present then besides Wisteria, Lord Mitsuyoshi, and you?\" Sano asked.\n\n\"No. I brought them up by myself. It's the custom.\"\n\nAnd Yoshiwara custom was inviolable.\n\n\"Then I went downstairs. I had to watch over the courtesans who were entertaining the guests at the party. What a hard time I have with those wretched girls!\"\n\nMomoko's speech accelerated into chatter again, betraying her wish to avoid discussing what had later happened. But this was what most concerned Sano. He said, \"Did you see Lady Wisteria again after you left the room?\"\n\n\"No; that was the last I ever saw of her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The yarite interlocked her fingers so tightly they turned white." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you any idea where she went?\"\n\n\"No. She certainly wouldn't have told me, because she wasn't supposed to leave.\"\n\n\"Whom might she have told?\" Sano said.\n\nMomoko pondered, biting her lips. \"Wisteria isn't close to the other courtesans. She keeps to herself.\" An aggrieved expression came over Momoko's features. \"She never even speaks to me unless she has to, because she hates me. These girls today have no respect for their elders. I work hard training them, and how do they repay me? By treating me as if I were a mean old slave driver!\" The brassy tone returned to her voice. \"Well, of course I have to punish them for disobedience. And they suffer no worse than I did in my day.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cruelty experienced by Yoshiwara courtesans at the hands of their chaperones was legendary, and the incident Sano had witnessed today was minor compared to the routine beatings and humiliation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Probably, former courtesans like Momoko enjoyed inflicting the same wrongs done to them upon the next generation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And Sano suspected that enmity lay on both sides of the relationship between courtesan and yarite—especially when one was beautiful and sought after, while the other had lost her glory." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you hate Wisteria as much as she hates you?\" he asked Momoko.\n\n\"Of course not. I love all the girls as if they were my daughters.\" But the yarite's indignation rang false. She said sharply, \"Something bad has happened to Wisteria, and you think I did it?\"\n\nSano observed how quickly Momoko had responded to the implication that Wisteria had been hurt or killed, then perceived an accusation. \"Did you?\" he asked.\n\n\"No! I don't know where she is, or what's happened to her. I swear I never saw her after I left the room!\"\n\n\"Let's talk about Lord Mitsuyoshi. How did you feel about him?\"\n\n\"Feel about him?\" The yarite's face reflected puzzlement, although whether feigned or genuine, Sano couldn't tell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why, I hardly knew the man. I only saw him at parties, and when I brought courtesans to him for appointments.\"\n\n\"Did you see him again that night?\"\n\n\"No—that is, not until I found him—\" Momoko averted her gaze from Sano and murmured, \"Dead.\"\n\n\"How did you happen to discover his body?\" Sano said.\n\n\"Well, I went upstairs, and I noticed that the door to his room was open. I glanced inside, and I saw him lying there.\"\n\n\"Why did you go upstairs?\"\n\n\"I needed to check on another courtesan who was entertaining a client. These girls behave better when they know someone is listening. And I wanted a moment alone. The party was noisy, and I had a headache, and it was quieter on the second floor.\"\n\nThat she'd offered multiple reasons when one would suffice warned Sano to doubt them all; yet Momoko was so agitated that he couldn't tell if she was lying, or just nervous. And anyone would be nervous while facing the threat of execution." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your hairpin was the murder weapon,\" Sano said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can you explain that?\"\n\n\"My hairpin? It was?\" Momoko gave a shrill titter of confusion and surprise, but Sano guessed she'd recognized the hairpin when she'd discovered Mitsuyoshi's body. \"Oh, well, I lost that hairpin ages ago—I don't remember when. I have no idea how it got there.\"\n\nA scornful male voice from the doorway halted her stammering: \"I suggest that you stabbed it through Lord Mitsuyoshi's eye.\"\n\nSano looked up to see Police Commissioner Hoshina stride into the room, followed by Yoriki Yamaga and Yoriki Hayashi. They must have been listening all along. Now Hoshina loomed over the yarite, who recoiled in terror.\n\n\"You went upstairs last night,\" he continued, \"and when you saw that Lord Mitsuyoshi was alone and asleep, you killed him. Then you ran downstairs and pretended you'd found him already dead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No! That's not what happened!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though clearly aghast, Momoko smiled and batted her eyes at Hoshina, employing flirtation in self-defense. \"I didn't kill him!\"\n\nAnger rose in Sano, because he needed information from Momoko, not frantic denials produced by intimidation. He said evenly, \"Hoshina-san, I am conducting this interview. Stop interfering, or leave.\"\n\nHoshina didn't bother to reply. \"Arrest her,\" he told Yamaga and Hayashi.\n\nThe policemen advanced on the yarite, and she scuttled backward, crying, \"No! I'm innocent.\" She simpered in a desperate attempt to ingratiate herself with them. \"I've done nothing wrong!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'hoshina' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano stood between Momoko and the men. \"The evidence against her isn't proof that she murdered Lord Mitsuyoshi,\" he said, glaring at Hoshina.\n\n\"It's enough for a conviction,\" Hoshina said.\n\nThis was an accurate statement: In the Tokugawa legal system, virtually all trials ended in guilty verdicts, sometimes based on less evidence than that against Momoko. Sano had to forestall persecution of someone who might be innocent. \"She has no apparent motive for killing Lord Mitsuyoshi. You'll not arrest her, at least until I've finished questioning her.\"\n\nA sneer twisted Hoshina's mouth. \"I'll finish questioning her at Edo Jail.\"\n\nAt Edo Jail, prisoners were tortured into talking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Forced confessions aren't always true,\" Sano said, enraged by Hoshina's attitude." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include \"If you wish to drag your feet, don't expect me to follow your bad example. Besides, if this woman is guilty, I'm doing you a favor by applying pressure to her.\" somewhere in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hoshina was well aware of the realities of Tokugawa law, but so eager to show Sano up and impress their superiors that he would risk mistakes. \"And the investigation has barely begun. There may be more to this crime than is apparent, and other suspects besides Momoko.\" He saw the yarite looking from him to Hoshina, and hope alternating with fear in her eyes. \"Lady Wisteria must be found and questioned, as must all the people who were in Yoshiwara last night. That will take time.\"\n\n\"All the more reason to speed things up,\" Hoshina retorted. \"We both know the shogun expects quick action on this case, and what will happen if he doesn't get it.\" The shogun would punish everyone associated with failing to find his cousin's killer, and exile or death were likely penalties. \"If you wish to drag your feet, don't expect me to follow your bad example. Besides, if this woman is guilty, I'm doing you a favor by applying pressure to her.\"\n\nHoshina nodded to his subordinates." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They seized the yarite by her arms, dragging her upright." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She didn't resist, but quaked in their grasp, her eyes wild with terror as she appealed to Sano: \"I told you the truth about what happened last night. You believe me, don't you? Please don't let them take me!\"\n\nSano found himself torn between prudence and his desire to conduct a fair, honest investigation. He risked incurring the shogun's wrath by showing sympathy toward anyone remotely connected with an attack on the Tokugawa, and therefore mustn't prevent the yarite's arrest, even if he wasn't convinced of her guilt. Yet Sano believed that justice would be subverted unless he curtailed Hoshina's overzealous actions. Thus, he settled on compromise.\n\n\"Arrest her, then,\" he said.\n\nMomoko let out a wail of despair. As Hayashi and Yamaga dragged her toward the door, Sano steeled himself against pity. \"But if she's hurt—or if you send her to trial without my permission—I'll publicize that you are sabotaging my investigation because you'd rather find a scapegoat than allow me to identify the real killer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hoshina stared at Sano, his eyes black with anger because Sano had not only impugned his professional honor but threatened to bring their antagonism out in the open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And the latter was a step that neither of them could take with certainty of surviving. A long moment passed; the room seemed to grow colder. Sano waited, his heart racing with fear, because he had much to lose, while Hoshina had Chamberlain Yanagisawa's protection.\n\nThen Hoshina reluctantly lifted his hand at the two yoriki. \"Take her to jail,\" he said, \"but make sure no one harms her.\"\n\nAs he walked out of the room with his subordinates and their prisoner, his malevolent glance backward said that Sano had scored only a temporary victory. Sano expelled his breath in a gust of revulsion for the strife that always complicated his duties. These seemed insurmountable because the Black Lotus case had severely reduced his stamina. The final disaster at the temple had comprised the worst violence he'd ever seen, a senseless carnage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His involvement made Sano feel sick, as though the spiritual disease of the Black Lotus had infected him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano couldn't even draw strength from a happy domestic life, for the Black Lotus had robbed him of that, too. Lately, the thought of Reiko caused him more worry than solace.\n\nNow Sano mustered his flagging energy. With Hoshina probably thinking up new ways to plague him, he must move fast to prevent the investigation from slipping entirely out of his control. He set out to obtain the names of Wisteria's clients and the guests present at last night's party, and begin looking for other suspects besides the yarite.\n\nHe stifled the fear that he'd lost control of the investigation even before he'd begun." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around eight sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and lore may appear without context - work with what's given.\n\nAuthor style: Laura Joh Rowland" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano and Hirata reached Edo just before the hour of the boar, when the gates to every neighborhood would close for the night, halting the movement of traffic through the streets until dawn. The snowfall had ceased; the indigo sky glittered with stars like ice crystals. A ride up the hill through the stone passages and guarded checkpoints of Edo Castle brought Sano and Hirata to the shogun's palace. Snow gleamed white upon the gabled roofs and transformed the garden's shrubs and boulders into ghostly shapes. Sano and Hirata trod softly in the eerie quiet, alone except for the sentries at the palace doors.\n\nBut the interior of the palace was a hive of activity. In the shogun's private chamber, a funeral altar held smoking incense burners, hundreds of lit candles, and a portrait of Lord Mitsuyoshi. Sano and Hirata entered to find Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi hunched on his bed on a raised platform." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'yanagisawa' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Swathed in quilts, his face haggard, and his head bare of the black cap of his rank, he looked less like the dictator of Japan than like an old peasant. He moaned with every breath. Edo Castle's chief physician, dressed in a dark blue coat, felt the pulses of the shogun's body; two more doctors mixed herb potions. Attendants and guards milled about. Near the platform, Chamberlain Yanagisawa sat facing four members of the Council of Elders.\n\n\"What is your diagnosis, Dr. Kitano-san?\" asked Yanagisawa. Tall and slender, with sharp, elegant features, he was a man of remarkable beauty, clad in brilliant silk robes. His intense, liquid eyes watched the shogun." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'doctor' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The death of Lord Mitsuyoshi has caused His Excellency a severe shock,\" the doctor said gravely. \"His emotions are out of equilibrium and threatening his physical health.\"\n\nAnxious murmurs arose as the elders, all dignified samurai of venerable age, conferred among themselves. Conspicuously absent was Senior Elder Makino, who Sano supposed was still journeying home from Yoshiwara.\n\nDr. Kitano palpated the shogun's chest. \"Do the pains persist here, Your Excellency?\"\n\n\"Yes, ahh, yes!\" Tokugawa Tsunayoshi groaned.\n\n\"He's taken neither food nor drink all day,\" the doctor informed the assembly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To the shogun he said, \"You must keep up your strength. Won't you please try to eat?\"\n\nServants proffered bowls of broth and tea, which the shogun waved away. \"Alas, I cannot. Ahh, how I suffer!\"\n\nSano registered alarm at how badly the murder had affected his lord's weak constitution, just as Tokugawa Tsunayoshi spied him and Hirata. \"Ah, Ssakan-sama, at last!\" the shogun said; his swollen, red-rimmed eyes brightened. \"Come here to me.\"\n\nEveryone watched Sano and Hirata approach the platform, kneel near the other officials, and bow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the officials bowed to the newcomers, Chamberlain Yanagisawa's face wore the deliberately bland expression with which he'd greeted Sano throughout their truce." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The elders looked hopeful that good news would relieve the shogun's illness, and Sano felt apprehension tighten his nerves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you caught the, ahh, evil criminal who killed my beloved cousin?\" the shogun said with eager anticipation.\n\n\"Not yet, Your Excellency,\" Sano was forced to reply.\n\nDisappointment drew the shogun's features into a frown. \"And why have you not?\"\n\n\"I apologize for the delay, Your Excellency, but there's been insufficient time.\" Sano masked fear with a calm, polite manner. The shogun had no understanding of detective work, and thus expected that every killer should be caught within the day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This case is a complex one, with many people to interview.\"\n\n\"And many leads to pursue,\" said Hirata, the only person to come to Sano's defense.\n\n\"But I've got search parties looking for Lady Wisteria, the missing courtesan who was with the Honorable Lord Mitsuyoshi last night,\" Sano said, \"and—\"\n\nAn impatient gesture from the shogun cut him short. \"At least you can tell me exactly how, ahh, Mitsuyoshi-san was killed. No one else seems to know.\"\n\nTokugawa Tsunayoshi cast an annoyed look at Yanagisawa and the elders, who turned to Sano. He understood that they did indeed know, but preferred not to deliver the news themselves.\n\n\"The Honorable Lord Mitsuyoshi died of a stab wound through the eye, inflicted with a woman's hairpin, probably while he was semiconscious,\" Sano said reluctantly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shogun drew a great inhalation of horror." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Merciful gods,\" he whispered, then began to pant, clutching his chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ahh, ahh, ahh! I'm dying!\"\n\nPhysicians hastened to his aid. Sano and Hirata exchanged stricken glances. Tokugawa Tsunayoshi often fancied himself on his deathbed, but perhaps he really was this time.\n\nDr. Kitano held a cup to the shogun's mouth and said, \"Please drink this, Your Excellency.\" The shogun gulped, then flopped back on the bed, sighing.\n\n\"My poor cousin,\" he lamented weakly. \"So beautiful and full of life one day, then dead and disfigured the next. The loss of his, ahh, companionship grieves me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tokugawa Tsunayoshi liked handsome young men, and Lord Mitsuyoshi had won the position of heir apparent by flattering, amusing, and flirting with the shogun. \"For such a cruel killer, no punishment is too harsh. Ssakan Sano, have you any idea who committed this terrible crime?\"\n\n\"So far there's one definite suspect: Lady Wisteria's yarite.\" Sano explained that the hairpin belonged to Momoko, and that she had found Lord Mitsuyoshi dead.\n\nThe shogun pushed himself upright. \"Ahh, then this woman may be the culprit?\"\n\n\"Yes. And I have arrested her,\" a masculine voice said from the doorway.\n\nPolice Commissioner Hoshina entered the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He must have ridden as fast and hard from Yoshiwara as had Sano; yet he'd changed from traveling garb to a maroon silk kimono, and looked stylish and vigorous. As he knelt beside the chamberlain, they betrayed no sign of their intimacy. Yanagisawa's relationship with the shogun had never been exclusive, and it was no secret that they'd both enjoyed many other lovers, but Sano knew Yanagisawa never flaunted his affairs, lest their lord take unexpected offense. The elders' courteous bows to Hoshina acknowledged his special status. Sano's gut tightened: Hoshina's arrival boded no good for him.\n\nThe shogun responded to Hoshina's bow with a feeble smile. \"Ahh, Hoshina-san, welcome. I was not aware that you were helping Ssakan Sano with the, ahh, investigation.\"\n\n\"I'm always ready to help when I'm needed,\" Hoshina said in a humble tone that didn't hide his arrogance from Sano." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And I believe I am needed in this investigation, because with all due respect to the ssakan-sama, he appears determined to make slow progress.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano had expected trouble from Hoshina, but this was the first time Hoshina had attacked him in front of the shogun. His heart began to race, for he understood that his adversary had decided to make their rivalry public here and now.\n\nBefore he could counter the accusation, Hoshina said, \"In spite of all the evidence against the suspect, the ssakan-sama would not arrest her. He preferred to give her the benefit of the doubt. I had no choice but to step in.\"\n\n\"You refused to arrest the person who killed my cousin?\" The shogun gaped at Sano, appalled. \"After I have elevated you, a former rnin, to a high position and trusted you to do my bidding? Can this be true?\"\n\n\"I am most grateful for your patronage, but I must say that the yarite's guilt is by no means certain,\" Sano defended himself. \"The evidence doesn't prove she's the murderer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ahh, you are correct,\" the shogun said, his opinion always easily swayed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While Sano detested squabbling for power, he had to strike back at Hoshina." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He said, \"The police commissioner would rather persecute a convenient suspect before all the facts are in than make any effort to identify the true culprit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now the shogun turned to Hoshina. \"Would you indeed?\" Angry color suffused his pale cheeks. \"I allow you to, ahh, take over the police force, and you shirk your duty?\"\n\n\"My duty is the reason I jailed the yarite,\" Hoshina said deferentially, but with a venomous glance at Sano. \"If there's any chance that she killed Lord Mitsuyoshi, she shouldn't be left free to attack other members of the Tokugawa regime.\"\n\nThe shogun looked from Hoshina to Sano in confusion. The elders sat like stones, and Sano perceived their attention focused on Chamberlain Yanagisawa, though nobody looked straight at him. Yanagisawa, the power behind the shogun, usually took charge during meetings and settled arguments, but tonight he was in an aloof, enigmatic mood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Smoking his pipe, his expression hooded, he merely said, \"Have you anything else to report concerning your investigation, Ssakan Sano?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do,\" Sano said, uncertain whether to be thankful that Yanagisawa had changed the subject, or fearful of what his former enemy had in store for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've identified another potential suspect. It's Treasury Minister Nitta Monzaemon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shogun exclaimed in surprise; the elders frowned, while Chamberlain Yanagisawa sat alert." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Sano told of Nitta's history with Lady Wisteria and Lord Mitsuyoshi, his presence in the ageya at the time of the murder, and his suspicious departure, Hoshina narrowed his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Apparently, the story was news to him, and he disliked that Sano had beat him to it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nitta-san has served me well, and I never doubted his, ahh, loyalty to my clan. That he might have, ahh, killed my cousin is unthinkable!\" The shogun's skepticism immediately turned to anger. \"If he did, he shall die for his treason.\"\n\nThe reminder that a taint of suspicion could negate years of faithful service poisoned the air. Hoshina said to Sano, \"How did you learn about the treasury minister?\"\n\n\"From a confidential informant,\" Sano said, keeping his promise to Senior Elder Makino.\n\nHoshina glanced at Yanagisawa. When Yanagisawa didn't speak, a shadow of bafflement crossed Hoshina's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Evidently, Hoshina couldn't fathom the chamberlain's mood any better than could Sano." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required text (preserve exact wording): \"I've sent troops to his estate.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Has Nitta been questioned?\" Hoshina spoke cautiously, as if now less certain of victory over Sano without his lover's backing.\n\n\"I've sent troops to his estate.\" Sano had done this before coming to the palace. \"If Nitta is there, he'll be under house arrest by now. If he's not, my men will send search parties after him. I'll interrogate him as soon as possible.\"\n\nThe shogun nodded in approbation, but Hoshina compressed his lips, clearly displeased by Sano's efficiency.\n\n\"What other plans have you, Ssakan Sano?\" Chamberlain Yanagisawa's bland manner gave no hint of what lay underneath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While Sano was loath to reveal his strategy to Hoshina, he couldn't refuse to answer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll call on the family and associates of Lord Mitsuyoshi and ask whether he had any enemies, and what he might have done to make someone want him dead.\"\n\nTokugawa Tsunayoshi lurched forward off his bed. \"Lord Mitsuyoshi was a fine, honorable young man, beloved by all. He never, ahh, wronged anyone in his life!\" The shogun sputtered in outrage; droplets of saliva flew from his mouth. \"Are you saying you would, ahh, blame him for his own death?\"\n\n\"Of course not, Your Excellency,\" Sano said, horrified that what he considered basic detective procedure had been misinterpreted. \"I just think Lord Mitsuyoshi's background could provide valuable clues that we can't afford to overlook.\"\n\n\"Well, we shall overlook them because, I, ahh, won't let you cast aspersion upon Lord Mitsuyoshi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shogun's red eyes smoldered at Sano. \"And you shall not, ahh, bother his family with questions during their time of mourning.\"\n\nThe elders looked perturbed, as did Hoshina: He realized that the shogun's pronouncement applied to him, too. Yanagisawa alone remained nonchalant. Sano's heart plummeted as he saw an entire avenue of inquiry closed to him.\n\n\"But Your Excellency, unless we gather all possible clues, we may never find the killer,\" he said.\n\nA lethal combination of fury and peevishness darkened Tokugawa Tsunayoshi's expression. \"Do you dare suggest that the, ahh, killer is to be found within my clan?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/insert_quote: \"A thousand pardons; I meant no offense.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Your Excellency,\" Sano said hastily, although experience had taught him that the murderer was often a person close to the victim. \"A thousand pardons; I meant no offense.\"\n\n\"Well, just, ahh, remember that you are forbidden to investigate Lord Mitsuyoshi or intrude upon the person or property of any other Tokugawa clan member. You will therefore confine your detection to other people and places.\"\n\n\"Yes, Your Excellency.\" Sano surrendered with regret.\n\n\"You will also stop dallying and find my cousin's killer at once, or suffer the consequences!\"\n\nSano experienced an antipathy so strong it bordered on hatred for the shogun. That all his efforts counted for nothing in the view of his lord! No matter how many cases he solved, any failure would doom him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't expect gratitude or encouragement, but the Black Lotus case had diminished his tolerance toward the shogun's constant criticism and threats." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He must get away before he said something regrettable, or anything worse happened.\n\n\"Your Excellency, may I speak?\" Hoshina said.\n\nThe shogun nodded indifferently as the doctors massaged pressure points on his limbs.\n\n\"Perhaps the ssakan-sama has a particular reason for conducting his investigation in such a questionable fashion.\" Hoshina's eyes sighted on Sano like gun barrels. \"Perhaps he would cast suspicion on the Tokugawa clan to protect himself.\"\n\n\"That's a lie,\" Sano burst out, shocked and infuriated that Hoshina had virtually accused him of the murder. The room had gone still, the faces turned to him frozen in surprise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Goaded into blunt speech, Sano said, \"Perhaps you wish to sabotage me so that I won't discover that you were involved in the crime.\"\n\nHoshina's mouth curved in a satisfied smile, though he must know how dangerous was the game he played. Turning to Yanagisawa, he said, \"Honorable Chamberlain, what do you think?\"\n\nHorror flooded Sano as he saw that Hoshina intended to break the truce between Sano and Yanagisawa by manipulating the chamberlain into taking sides in his war against Sano. A suspenseful hush quieted the room while the chamberlain pondered Sano and Hoshina, his expression unreadable.\n\nTokugawa Tsunayoshi suddenly clutched his chest and moaned, \"I think I shall die unless my cousin's death is soon avenged!\"\n\nDull-witted and self-absorbed, he'd missed the meaning of Sano and Hoshina's interchange. Spasms racked his body as the doctors laid him down on the bed." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~six sentences sentences. Style: Laura Joh Rowland. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'visit' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Yanagisawa stood alone in her chamber, waiting for the only guest she'd ever invited to visit her.\n\nShe wrung her cold, perspiring hands and breathed deeply to loosen the knot of anxiety in her stomach. She dreaded receiving a virtual stranger, and the thought of anyone breaching the sanctuary of her room. But the visit must take place here, in the privacy she needed.\n\nHer chief attendant appeared in the doorway. \"There's a girl here to see you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Yanagisawa's heart lurched as she fought the urge to run and hide." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bring her here,\" she said.\n\nDetermination fostered courage. She'd already taken a step against Reiko, but the consequences were too uncertain. If Lady Yanagisawa expected to sway the balance of fortune in her favor, she must persevere, despite her regret over her malice toward her friend.\n\nReiko's nursemaid O-hana entered the room. She wore a fashionable red kimono printed with a design of snow on black tree branches. Avid curiosity shone through her modest demeanor, belied her hesitant step." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Welcome,\" Lady Yanagisawa murmured. She clasped her trembling hands under her sleeves, intimidated by O-hana's bold, pretty face.\n\nO-hana knelt and bowed. \"It's a privilege for this insignificant person to be summoned to your presence, Honorable Lady.\" Her voice brimmed with eagerness to ingratiate herself with her hostess. \"A million thanks for inviting me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Yanagisawa had recognized O-hana as a good prospective accomplice the moment she'd laid eyes on the girl at Reiko's house; yet she needed another chance to judge O-hana's character." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'o-hana' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kneeling opposite her guest, Lady Yanagisawa forced herself to look at O-hana. The girl's eyes sparkled with a verve and cunning that repelled, yet gratified Lady Yanagisawa.\n\n\"May I offer you some refreshment?\" Lady Yanagisawa asked.\n\nWhile they waited for a servant to bring tea and food, O-hana said, \"Your chamber is nicer than Lady Reiko's.\" Her sharp gaze took in the gilded murals, the shelf of antique porcelain ware, the lacquer tables, cabinets, and chests inlaid with gold and mother-of-pearl. \"And this estate is much bigger than the ssakan-sama's.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She liked expensive things and aspired to a higher station than her job as a nursemaid, Lady Yanagisawa noted with satisfaction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whatever loyalty O-hana had to her mistress would likely matter less to her than the chance for a connection with someone who could give her things that Reiko couldn't.\n\n\"Please enjoy my home during your time here,\" Lady Yanagisawa said, her self-confidence rising.\n\n\"You're so kind. Many thanks.\" Smiling vividly, O-hana said, \"When I got your message, I couldn't imagine what you could want with me.\"\n\nIt wasn't her place to turn the conversation toward the reason for the invitation. O-hana was a little too forward for her own good, but that suited Lady Yanagisawa." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her aims would benefit from the girl's bold initiative.\n\n\"We shall discuss that soon enough,\" Lady Yanagisawa said.\n\nThe refreshments arrived. Too tense to eat, Lady Yanagisawa watched O-hana consume trout roe served in an orange rind, sashimi, shrimp stuffed with quail eggs, roasted gingko nuts, and sweet cakes. The nursemaid ate very fast, as if the food might be snatched from her before she got enough. Lady Yanagisawa liked O-hana's insecurity as well as her greed.\n\n\"That was delicious,\" O-hana said, licking her lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How I regret that I, a poor nursemaid, am not in a position to give you something in return.\"\n\nLady Yanagisawa smiled. Her shyness ebbed as she felt herself gaining mastery over the girl. \"You could tell me about yourself,\" she said.\n\nO-hana's eyebrows rose in surprise that a lady of high rank should care to know about a servant, but she gladly complied. \"My father is a clerk at the Hinokiya Drapery Store. One of the ssakan-sama's soldiers is a customer. He befriended my father and arranged for me to be a nurse to Masahiro-chan. I didn't really want to be a servant because I'd rather get married. But the work isn't too hard, and I love Edo Castle. Here I get to meet better kinds of men than I can meet at home. I'm hoping I'll find a husband who can give me a nice house and pretty clothes and I won't have to earn my own living anymore.\"\n\nAnd if she snared a Tokugawa samurai retainer, she would move far up the social scale." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'yanagisawa' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Yanagisawa was glad to find that O-hana wanted something so ordinary and easily granted. \"I can arrange that,\" Lady Yanagisawa said.\n\n\"What?\" O-hana said, startled.\n\n\"A good match for you, with a Tokugawa samurai.\" Lady Yanagisawa's money and her husband's position would be enough to entice someone to marry a pretty commoner.\n\nO-hana looked amazed by her good fortune, yet puzzled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You would do that for me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She touched her chest. Then suspicion sharpened her eyes: She wasn't a fool; she knew favors didn't come free. \"Why?\"\n\n\"Because there's something I want you to do for me,\" Lady Yanagisawa said. Her heart began to pound with her urgent need to engage O-hana's cooperation and her fear that she would fail.\n\n\"What is it?\" Though her voice was cautious, O-hana leaned forward, as if to jump at her heart's desire.\n\n\"First I want you to tell me everything Lady Reiko does. Second... I can't tell you just yet,\" Lady Yanagisawa said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You want me to do something to Lady Reiko?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "O-hana wilted; her face took on a queasy expression. \"I wouldn't want to hurt her.\" The girl was ambitious, but not evil, Lady Yanagisawa realized. \"And I don't want to get in trouble.\"\n\nShe had an instinct for self-preservation that was stronger than any affection she felt for Reiko. This discovery heartened Lady Yanagisawa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She understood that O-hana might be persuaded if she knew she would escape blame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I promise you won't have to lay a hand on Lady Reiko, and you won't get in trouble,\" Lady Yanagisawa said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let us strike a bargain. In the near future I shall give you instructions about what to do. You shall follow them. Afterward, I shall arrange your marriage to a rich, handsome Tokugawa samurai, and you shall want for nothing.\"\n\nO-hana hesitated, obviously weighing the reward against the unknown dangers. At last she shook her head in regret. \"I can't decide until I know what you want of me.\"\n\nDismay spread cold tendrils through Lady Yanagisawa, but she had planned for the possibility that O-hana would balk. She said, \"Do you see that green box on the shelf of porcelain ware?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "O-hana looked, then nodded. \"Go see what's inside.\"\n\nO-hana rose, walked to the shelf, and removed the lid from the little box. She took out a square packet of red paper. Her lips parted as she felt the heavy gold coins in the packet.\n\n\"I offer this gift as a token of my good faith,\" Lady Yanagisawa said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Agree to my proposition, and it's yours.\"\n\nO-hana stood immobile, the packet resting on her open palm. She stared at it as if trying to discern whether she held her dearest dream or a poisonous snake that would bite her. Lady Yanagisawa watched, her breath caught by anxiety. What if O-hana refused? Would she tell Reiko about the proposition?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If so, what would happen, and how could Lady Yanagisawa achieve her aim without O-hana?\n\nGuile and avarice, distrust and fear played across the girl's features like wind shifting sand. \"I... need to think,\" she said.\n\n\"Then think about how my husband is the most powerful man in Japan,\" Lady Yanagisawa said, her quiet, flat voice disguising her emotions. \"People who offend him or his kin pay dearly. Many are assassinated or executed. Some disappear and are never seen again. No one knows what becomes of them. But I could arrange for you to find out.\"\n\nThe nursemaid lifted her gaze to Lady Yanagisawa." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes glittered with terror and need. Then a sigh of capitulation deflated her. Nodding, she slowly closed her fingers over the packet of coins.\n\nLady Yanagisawa experienced such an overwhelming sense of triumph that she nearly swooned. She also quaked with sudden apprehension because she'd taken her second step in her campaign against Reiko, and victory would cost her Reiko's friendship. The loss encroached upon her mind like a cloud bringing darkness and desolation.\n\nBut she addressed her new accomplice with calm authority: \"Go now. I will send someone to hear your reports on Lady Reiko's doings. And you will receive my instructions soon.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~six sentences sentences. Style: Laura Joh Rowland. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lord Mitsuyoshi's family lived in a special enclave of Edo Castle, reserved for important Tokugawa clan members. Here, Sano and two detectives strode along flagstone lanes through landscaped forest that separated mansions surrounded by gardens and stone walls. The enclave, deserted except for sentries in gatehouses, seemed remote from the city's turbulent life. Gray clouds spread rapidly across the sky, but Sano breathed hope from the fresh, pine-scented air. Perhaps the solution to his problems awaited him inside the mansion belonging to Lord Matsudaira, father of Mitsuyoshi.\n\nAfter introducing himself to the gate sentries, he said, \"Please tell Lord Matsudaira that I must speak with him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sentries conveyed his request, and so quickly obtained permission for Sano to enter that he dared believe Lord Matsudaira hadn't yet heard what had happened to him or become prejudiced against him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An attendant escorted him and his men into an audience chamber, where they found guards stationed along the walls and Lord Matsudaira standing on the dais." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why have you come here?\" Lord Matsudaira demanded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had the shogun's aristocratic features, but set in a broader, more intelligent face; his robust physique wore black ceremonial robes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hands balled on his hips, surrounded by his troops like a general in a military encampment, he glared at Sano, who realized with dismay that his host already knew he'd been branded the murderer of Mitsuyoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bowing quickly, Sano said, \"Before I explain, please allow me to offer you my condolences for the loss of your son.\"\n\nLord Matsudaira dropped his hands and tilted his head, staring as though he couldn't believe what he'd heard. \"I'll not accept false sympathy from the man who killed him.\" His voice was harsh with indignation.\n\n\"Please understand that you've been misinformed,\" Sano said, as his men clustered defensively around him. \"I did not kill Mitsuyoshi-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So you say,\" Lord Matsudaira retorted. \"The word around the castle is that you did. Do you think I don't know you've been accused by the shogun?\" Disgust and hatred twisted his face as he took a step toward Sano. \"I also know about the book that describes your plot against my son and His Excellency. Police Commissioner Hoshina told me this morning.\"\n\nHoshina had been quick to spread the news, turn public opinion against him, and prevent him from getting Mitsuyoshi's family to aid his investigation, Sano thought. \"The book is a fraud,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The accusation was initiated by Hoshina. It's no secret that he's out for my blood.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'shogun' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lord Matsudaira waved his hand in a gesture that dismissed Sano's explanation as a poor excuse. \"The shogun, chamberlain, elders, and police commissioner all believe you're a killer and traitor. That's proof enough for me.\"\n\n\"The shogun hasn't yet decided I'm guilty, in spite of the book and Hoshina's slander,\" Sano said. \"His Excellency has allowed me to continue investigating the crime and prove my innocence.\"\n\n\"Your clever tongue has saved you from execution,\" Lord Matsudaira said disdainfully. \"But I'll use all my influence and power to ensure that you die.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moving to the edge of the dais, he raised his left fist at Sano and rested his right on the hilt of his sword. Then a sob choked him. His belligerent posture crumpled; he averted his face.\n\nSano thought of Lord Matsudaira's reputation as a kind master to the citizens on the Tokugawa lands he managed, and perceived that he genuinely mourned Mitsuyoshi, not just the loss of political advantage he'd enjoyed as father to the shogun's heir. Sano pitied this grieving, misguided man.\n\n\"It would be better to use your power and influence to discover the truth about your son's death,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've come to enlist your help in exposing the real killer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lord Matsudaira's head snapped around; fury glittered through his tears. \"You've come to stage a show of innocence and gloat over the misery you've caused this clan! I'll not help you save yourself.\" He leapt off the dais, advanced on Sano until they were a mere step apart, then thrust his face so close that Sano could see the red veins in his blazing eyes. \"The only reason I let you in was so I can tell you in person that you, who have destroyed my son and betrayed our lord, are the most disgraceful creature on this earth!\"\n\nThe insult struck Sano like blows to his spirit, and he retreated backward even as he said, \"Please hear me out. In most murder cases, the victim was killed by someone close to him. Things he did, or trouble in his relations with people, can have led to the crime, and—\"\n\n\"You would blame my son for his own murder?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<EMBED THIS>>: \"The fault belongs entirely to his killer. All I meant was that the key to solving a murder case usually lies in the victim's background.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lord Matsudaira interrupted in outrage. \"You're an even worse villain than the courtesan's pillow book portrays you. I'm ashamed that I ever thought you were an honorable samurai!\"\n\n\"I'm not blaming Lord Mitsuyoshi,\" Sano hastened to say. \"The fault belongs entirely to his killer. All I meant was that the key to solving a murder case usually lies in the victim's background.\"\n\nLord Matsudaira shook his head, scorning Sano.\n\n\"Your son must have had an enemy,\" Sano persisted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You knew him all his life, and you must know what his activities were, whom he associated with, the places he frequented.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano extended a hand and infused his voice with all the persuasiveness in him. \"Please help me identify the enemy who killed him.\"\n\n\"My son was a harmless, respectable young man, and liked by everyone around him. He had no enemies, and he didn't die because of anything that happened in his personal life.\"\n\nIt had occurred to Sano that Lord Matsudaira might not be the best source of facts about Mitsuyoshi, whose reputation for debauchery suggested he'd had plenty to hide from his father. \"Perhaps other family members were more familiar with your son's business than yourself,\" Sano said. \"Perhaps they would be more willing to talk to me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though he saw little chance that Lord Matsudaira would allow him to interview anyone else here, he had to ask." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lord Matsudaira huffed in shock at this new affront." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My wife is ill from grief. I'll not let you bother her with questions or insinuations about our son.\"\n\n\"Then may I speak with Mitsuyoshi's brothers?\" Sano said. \"Or his personal retainers?\"\n\nJust then, Sano noticed one of the guards watching him with closer attention than the others. The man, perhaps thirty-five years old, had the powerful body of a fighter and the sensitive face of a scholar. His gaze met Sano's, then veered away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano recognized the guard as one of Mitsuyoshi's men whom he'd seen in Yoshiwara after the murder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This murder was strictly political, as you well know,\" Lord Matsudaira said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My son fell victim to your quest for power. You murdered him so your son could take his place as the shogun's heir. He was an incidental casualty of your attack on the Tokugawa regime. Now you seek a scapegoat to frame for your crime, so you can escape treason charges.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm neither a murderer nor traitor,\" Sano denied vehemently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm innocent, and I'll prove it.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'justice' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lord Matsudaira jabbed his finger into Sano's chest. \"Mitsuyoshi's brothers and retainers know what you are, and if you approach them, they'll kill you to avenge his death. Consider it a favor from me that I deny you permission to speak to them. I wouldn't willingly trespass on His Excellency's right to determine your fate, but if you come here again or go near any members of my household—\" He drew his sword, brandished it at Sano, and shouted, \"I'll kill you myself and save the executioner the trouble!\"\n\nThe detectives leapt between Sano and Lord Matsudaira's sword; the guards drew their weapons, anticipating a battle. \"Even as you accuse me and threaten me, the real killer is out there somewhere,\" Sano said. \"If you won't cooperate with my investigation and you join my enemies in condemning me, you'll deny your son the justice he deserves. The murderer will walk free.\"\n\nFixing a long, hostile look on Sano, Lord Matsudaira said, \"He already has.\" Then he addressed the guards: \"Escort the ssakan-sama off the premises before I personally deliver him to justice.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~11 sentences sentences. Style: Laura Joh Rowland. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guards stationed outside Sano's mansion opened the gate for Kikuko and her maid Rumi.\n\nKikuko skipped gaily across the courtyard toward the big house. She was happy because she liked this place. The little boy and his mother lived here. The boy was so much fun, like a baby doll who could walk and talk. And his mother was so pretty. Kikuko liked them. She was so glad to come again, she hummed a happy song.\n\nA lady opened the door and came out on the veranda. It was the little boy's nursemaid. Kikuko didn't like her much. There was something mean about her face, even when she smiled, and she wasn't smiling now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked upset and sad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mama was often sad, and that made Kikuko sad, too. But after today, they would be happy all the time. Mama had promised.\n\nThe nursemaid brought Kikuko and Rumi into the big house, and they took off their shoes and outdoor clothes. She said to Rumi, \"You can wait in the parlor.\"\n\nThen she took Kikuko by the hand and led her through the house. Kikuko went willingly, but she was puzzled because the house was so quiet and empty today. Where had everybody gone? Kikuko didn't ask, because the nursemaid frightened her a little, even though Mama had said she was their friend. Kikuko was glad when they went into the boy's room.\n\nHe was sitting all alone, playing with his toy animals. Kikuko was disappointed that his pretty mother wasn't there, but happy to see him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hello, hello,\" she cried, bouncing up and down and waving." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The little boy smiled. \"Kiku,\" he said.\n\nThey laughed together, and the nursemaid stood watching them for a moment. Then she went away. Kikuko remembered the game that Mama had told her to play, and she was happy she'd remembered. She wouldn't want to disappoint Mama and make her sad. She began to run around the room, flapping the long sleeves of her pink kimono.\n\n\"I'm a butterfly,\" she said to the little boy. \"Catch me!\"\n\nHe chased her, giggling with excitement. Kikuko swooped out of his way. Then she ran to the door that led outside. She pushed open the door and ran onto the veranda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Catch me!\" she called.\n\nThe boy toddled after her. She hopped down the steps, and he crawled down them. The garden was a wonderful place to play, even though the day was cold and cloudy. Kikuko fluttered around trees, bushes, and rocks. The boy ran after her, yelping. She liked that there were no adults to tell them to be quiet. That made the game more fun.\n\nA glance around the garden showed Kikuko the pond, an irregular oval of water amid leafless cherry trees. She dashed to the pond and stood at the edge. The water was murky, and dead brown lily plants floated on top." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kikuko wrinkled her nose in disgust." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she had to obey Mama.\n\nThe little boy ran toward Kikuko, arms spread, delighted because he thought he was going to catch her. Kikuko hesitated, then waded into the water. Oh, it was cold! She shivered as the first step chilled her up to her ankles. The next step plunged her knee-deep.\n\nTurning to the little boy, Kikuko called, \"Follow me!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around 11 sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and story elements may appear without introduction - roll with them naturally. Try to mimic the style of Lucia St. Clair." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As she walked along the dark road, the espression on Kasane's plain round face was stoic, but she had no illusions about her future. She knew that her new master might be intending to take her to a deserted place and rape and kill her, but she doubted it. Kasane was a shy child and a virtuous one, but in the past few days she had come to think of herself as merchandise.\n\nShe had been kidnapped at sea by a pirate masquerading as an honest boat captain. He had sold her to the procurer, who had peddled her to innkeepers twice and then restolen her. He would have done it again if the mysterious, ferocious young stranger hadn't interfered. Now this latest master would undoubtedly go into business, too, with Kasane as his stock. One didn't waste anything that could be exchanged for money.\n\nBefore leaving for the pilgrimage to Ise several days earlier, Kasane had never been beyond the call of her village drum. Since then she had seen only the worst of men, but this one was nothing like the pirate and the procurer. For one thing, he was very young." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he was certainly extravagant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even though the moon was only beginning to wane and was almost directly overhead, he had lit the lantern.\n\nKasane carried the baggage and the lantern too along the deserted farm road. She walked in front and held the lantern's pole to the side and behind her so it lit her new master's way. She glanced back over her shoulder only once. The light and shadow had transformed Cat's glower into a hideous mask. She looked to Kasane like Lord Emma, the king of hell.\n\nThe temple grounds were beyond the fields, among the steep folds of the high hills west of Totsuka. A heavy mist swirled low to the ground there. In the darkness of a grove of trees, Cat almost missed the slender granite marker indicating the turnoff onto a badly maintained path.\n\nAs she and Kasane moved forward cautiously, the trees and bushes closed in around them. A fox barked. Something rustled in the black depths of the undergrowth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kasane stopped so abruptly, Cat almost bumped into her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A goblin,\" Kasane whispered.\n\n\"Keep walking, simpleton.\"\n\nIn the stillness of the night Cat's own voice sounded harsh to her. She thought of Musui's kindness and felt small and mean. She remembered his gentle admonition. A true warrior knows compassion. Cat decided to leave the child some money when she abandoned her.\n\nIn the moon's bright light, tears glistened on Kasane's cheeks. Her lips trembled as she felt her way along the dark, rocky path. A gust of wind blew, and both she and Cat heard a rattling, like bones.\n\nKasane gave a small cry and shrank back when something tall and thin loomed from the ground fog." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She felt rather than saw more shapes in the darkness beyond under the trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tombstones.\" Cat lowered her voice and took a firmer grip on her walking staff.\n\nHundreds of tiered stone monuments rose up from the fog and crowded the slope of the hill. A forest of tall wooden funerary laths, some new, some old and neglected, clattered against each other in another gust.\n\nCat and Kasane walked past granite columns and slabs, carved with snarling lions and the ferocious faces of Buddhism's guardian kings. In the mist the grave markers looked like a silent army turned to stone.\n\nThe lantern had been burning low. Suddenly it guttered and went out.\n\n\"He said it held enough oil for two hours' light.\" Cat was furious that the oil vendor had cheated her. She knew he had long since closed up for the night and decamped; but she wanted to march back to Totsuka, rap him on the head with her staff, and demand her money back.\n\nKasane shrank back against her and clutched her sleeve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't be a fool.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Cat herself spoke in a whisper. \"When our eyes grow accustomed to the darkness, the moon will guide us.\"\n\nKasane didn't dare point out that the massive cedars were now shutting out most of the moon's light. Still clinging to Cat's sleeve, she strained to see around her. \"Did you see that?\" she whispered.\n\n\"Yes,\" Cat murmured. Suddenly Kasane's presence was a comfort to her.\n\nA flame flared in the distance, then softened and broadened into the glow from a lantern. It lit portions of the gravestones around it and in places left angular sheets of night.\n\nThree huge shadows stooped and reared against the granite monuments. Each shadow sported a pair of pointed fox's ears.\n\n\"Where?\" The word drifted, like a fragment of a lost conversation, through the gravestones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Over here.\" The voice was nervous and subdued." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bring the light, you bucket of night soil.\"\n\n\"Two of them in one night.\" The first speaker sounded as though he had fortified himself with strong drink, home-brewed sweet-potato wine, probably. His dialect was too coarse to belong to someone who could afford sake. \"What luck.\"\n\nCat heard the rhythmic kachunk of wood striking stones and saw the curved shadows of two mattock blades rise and fall on the monument. She thought again about returning to Totsuka but dismissed the idea. The inns would be tightly shuttered. Even if she could have found shelter in a shed or chapel in town, she would have had the problem of avoiding Kira's men in the morning. The idea of sharing her night's lodging place with this sort of riffraff made her skin crawl, though. The only solution was to evict them.\n\nWith both hands gripping the staff lightly, she held it up as though it were a long-sword, parallel to her body and with the tip slanted outward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her pulse thrummed in her ears as she started forward, crossing each foot in front of the other in the buoyant scissor gait of a sword player." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was concentrating on centering her thoughts and breathing properly when she felt a hard tug at her sleeve. She whirled, dragging a heavy weight with her. She struck down and behind her with great force but stayed her hand at the last moment. When the staff landed on Kasane's side, it was painful but not damaging.\n\nKasane shut her eyes tight and held on to Cat's sleeve with both hands. She had decided she would rather die of a blow from her strange new master's staff than release her grip.\n\n\"Let go of me, you idiot!\" Cat whispered as she tried to disengage her. \"Wait here.\"\n\n\"Don't leave me, master.\" Kasane spoke in a tiny, strangled voice. \"Kill me, but don't leave me in this haunted place.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cat could see the hysteria rising in the peasant's contorted face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shook her hard by the shoulders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll be back. I'm only going to see who they are.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're demons or ghosts.\"\n\n\"I doubt it. I think they're human, and they're up to no good.\"\n\nCat pried Kasane's rigid fingers loose. She brandished her staff and started forward again, using the gravestones for cover. She lifted each foot deliberately and set it down as softly as a leaf landing. She thought they were mortal, but she wasn't certain.\n\nKasane stood in the gloom and watched the only being who might possibly be human desert her. From the corner of her eye she thought she saw something stir in the well of night behind a tombstone. The roots of her hair tingled at the nape of her neck. She tucked her robe's skirts up into her sash. Crouching, she crept after Cat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kasane wanted to scream to drown out the noise of the mattocks and the rustlings and squeakings and the liquid hooting of the owl in the darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She could only whimper far back in her throat." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'could' 3 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She remembered the old proverb, \"Ghosts and girls are best unseen,\" but it was no comfort.\n\n\"When were they buried?\" The man's voice sounded so close, it startled Kasane. It distracted her from the sharpening odor of rotting flesh.\n\n\"The other one's only a few days old. This one's been here almost a week.\"\n\nThe light of the lantern was close enough now to make the darkness around Kasane complete in contrast. But at least she could see the beings that were casting the shadows. She could see that the fox ears were formed by the stiff knotted ends of the towels tied around their heads. She also could see that these demons were wearing filthy loincloths and collections of paper rags.\n\nKasane crouched behind a marker and watched Cat approach the men. She put a hand down to steady herself, but instead of earth, she felt the cold, rubbery skin of a woman's breast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It gave strangely under her fingers." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'shrieked' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The stench of death hit her in the face.\n\nKasane shrieked. She shrieked again. She kept on shrieking." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point (which may include pre-existing characters and lore), and You'll continue with 6 sentences in the style of Lucia St. Clair." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'kasane's'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At Kasane's shriek, Cat whirled to stare into the darkness. \"Idiot!\" she muttered. \"I should have left her in the closet, too.\" But Cat's skin prickled, and her heart raced at the horror in Kasane's cries.\n\nAt the start of a battle, Musashi wrote, shout as loudly as possible. The voice is a thing of life.\n\nCat took a deep breath, gripped her staff tighter, and gathered her courage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ei-i-i-i-i!\" she screamed as she charged through the gravestones toward the lantern light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one was there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Kasane's screams descended to gurgling sobs, Cat heard the men running headlong through the underbrush. With her staff at the ready and her heart still pounding, Cat picked up the abandoned lantern and prowled the area. When she was sure they were alone, she called to Kasane.\n\n\"There's a dead person here, Your Honor.\" From the darkness Kasane's voice shook with fright.\n\n\"There are hundreds of dead people here, you bucket of dirt.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cat was so enraged that she forgot her parents' careful instruction on proper conduct and terms of address." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kasane's scream had unnerved her and completely disrupted her concentration. \"Peasants have no sense,\" she muttered to herself.\n\n\"This one isn't buried,\" Kasane said. \"Maybe it's a homeless spirit.\"\n\nCat walked among the tombstones to where Kasane crouched, her arms crossed in front of her and her hands clutching her own shoulders. Her eyes were wide in terror." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cat stooped to inspect the body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's gone in the white scarves of death.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She knew she was only affirming the obvious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But someone bothered to bury her for those dung beetles to dig up. She must have relatives to pray for her soul. In any case, we can't do anything for her.\" Cat stood. \"It's late. We have to find a place to sleep.\"\n\n\"Here?\" Kasane dared to question her new master. Her encounter with the supernatural had made him seem relatively harmless by comparison. Mad, certainly, but not homicidal. \"The demons might come back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They aren't demons.\" Cat held Kasane's wicker pack while Kasane arranged the woven straps over her shoulders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she tied the rolled mats on top of the pack and held the furoshiki on top of the mats while Kasane adjusted the knotted ties across her chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The burden towered over Kasane's head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're men so poor they steal from the dead.\" Cat handed her the lantern. \"They fear the executioner's blade in this world and the wrath of the gods in the next. They won't be back.\"\n\n\"Must I go first, master?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Cat prodded her with the staff to start her moving.\n\n\"What were they stealing?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kasane spoke in a hushed voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was fearful of disturbing the corpses and angering her master; but she was more terrified of a silence broken only by the anonymous rustlings of foxes and monkeys and owls.\n\n\"A corpse's hair and fingernails are easily pulled out. The thieves sell the hair to wig makers. They trim the nails, then sell them in the gay quarters. The women give them to their patrons as pledges of love. That way a woman can fool many men into thinking each is the only one she loves.\"\n\n\"Don't the women know where the fingernails come from?\" Kasane shivered at the thought of touching a corpse's fingernail. Being kidnapped by pirates and almost violated, being dragged into the night by a fierce stranger, finding opened graves and plundered corpses, they were all too much for her. She shook so badly that the lantern's light trembled along the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We...\" Cat caught herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The women don't think about it. Go-betweens buy the tokens from the robbers and sell them. The buyers never see the scoundrels who did the deed.\"\n\nCoffin carriers, priests, and merchants have found a way to profit even from death, Cat thought. She remembered the delicate, half-moon-shaped nails she herself had bought, and wondered, for the first time, from whose hand they had been taken.\n\nThrough the canopy of leaves Cat saw a slope of silvery moss and weathered cedar shingles glinting in the moonlight. A well-worn path led to a plainly built, open-sided chapel set back among the trees and bamboo and underbrush. She rapped Kasane's pack with the staff and pointed to it. \"We'll sleep here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Near the place of death was one of life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The small, wall-less building was festooned inside with wooden ladles with the bottoms missing. They had been blessed by the Shintō priest who also served as a Buddhist bonze. Then they had been carried home by pregnant women. After successful deliveries, the women had written their names and ages on the handles and returned them.\n\n\"Lay out the mats,\" Cat said.\n\n\"Yes, Your Honor.\" Kasane was relieved that at least he didn't seem inclined to kill her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hurriedly unrolled the mats and laid one on top of the other for double thickness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can sleep on one,\" Cat said gruffly. The chapel's floor was of packed earth and quite cold. As angry as Cat was with Kasane, she couldn't bear the thought of making her sleep directly on it.\n\n\"You're very kind, master.\" Kasane knelt and knocked her forehead repeatedly on the ground. Then she scurried around, filling Cat's small brass pipe and lighting it with the flint." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While Cat smoked and stared out at the dark forest, Kasane took her brother's paper travel cloak from her pack and laid it over her master's mat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She spread Cat's new cloak on top of that as a coverlet.\n\nShe lay down on the other bare mat. She drew up her legs and tucked the hem of her robe around her icy feet in a futile attempt to warm them. She pillowed her head on her arm, closed her eyes, shivered with the cold, and thought of home.\n\nThe thatched hovels that made up Matsu-mura, Pine village, would all be dark by now. Kasane knew that her parents and her grandmother would be asleep on their frayed straw mats in the single room of their tiny house there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They wouldn't even be worried about her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As far as they knew, she and her younger brother and seven other pilgrims were in the care of the leader of Pine village's pilgrimage club and were on their way to the great shrine at Ise." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'kasane' 3 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kasane was sure that fate wouldn't allow her to see her family again. She was also sure that was just as well. Her parents had engaged a go-between to arrange a marriage for Kasane with a young farmer, a stranger from a neighboring village. Kasane's trip to the Sun Goddess's shrine was to be the traditional pilgrimage of a bride-to-be. But the pilgrimage had gone dreadfully awry.\n\nNow Kasane felt sullied beyond redemption." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even though she had not lost her virginity, she knew that no man would have her as a bride. She knew that if she returned to Pine village, she would bring terrible shame to her family. She would live out her life single and the object of endless gossip. Tears burned her eyes and nose as she buried her face in the crook of her arm.\n\nThe procurer had snatched Kasane from the inns where he had sold her each night and had kept her on the run for days. She was so exhausted that even her grief, the cold, and the terrors of the graveyard nearby couldn't keep her awake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By the time Cat finished smoking and brooding about the journey ahead of her, Kasane was asleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kasane looked so young and innocent and helpless that Cat felt a pang of shame at treating her so badly. She draped the shabby paper cloak over her. Then she wrapped herself in her own cloak, laid her staff next to the mat, and drifted into uneasy sleep.\n\nBecause the temple had no priest, no dawn bell rang to waken Cat. The hour of the Hare was half over, and the sun had risen when she opened her eyes. Cat stared up at the clusters of dusty wooden ladles dangling from the broad beams of the chapel's ceiling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each represented a child brought into the world." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat wondered what all of them were doing this morning.\n\nShe glanced at the other mat. It was neatly rolled and tied and set next to the dirt-eater's pack and the furoshiki.\n\n\"Idiot!\" she raged at herself. If she had slept so soundly she didn't hear the peasant escape, she wouldn't have heard enemies creeping up on her, either.\n\nCat knew she had to leave immediately, before the child brought the authorities." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She tied up the furoshiki's ends and settled it on her back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She studied the abandoned pack. Surely the peasant didn't want it, or she would have taken it. Inside, there might be something she could use as a disguise. Cat put one arm through the pack's straps and hoisted it onto her left shoulder.\n\nShe was tying the cords of her hat under her chin when Kasane appeared. The hem of her white robe was tucked up, and her bare feet and legs were covered with black loam." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She carried several dirt-covered bamboo shoots in her arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were about as long as her forearm and pointed at each end.\n\n\"I brought the bamboo's children for you to eat, master.\" She put them down and washed her hands and feet in the nearby stream.\n\nCat took off the hat and the furoshiki and the pack. When she sat cross-legged and rummaged in the bundle for her pipe, Kasane lit it. Then Cat watched in astonishment as Kasane pulled a large, sharp knife from inside her robe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Where had she gotten it?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'bamboo' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat was appalled at her own carelessness.\n\nKasane was staring humbly at the ground, but she caught the look. \"It belonged to my last master,\" she said.\n\nShe deftly split a large section of bamboo that was dead and dried to a silvery brown. She carved a narrow slit in the back of one of the halves. She filled the hollow in the piece beneath it with bamboo shavings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she rubbed a strip of bamboo across the first half, sparks flew from the silica in it." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'through' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hot powdered residue fell through the slit into the tinder below. Kasane blew gently on it through a slender bamboo tube. She had a fire going in about sixty heartbeats.\n\nShe fed the tiny flames with dried cypress needles and twigs, then larger pieces of wood until the fire crackled and burned steadily. She arranged five flat stones around it. On them she balanced three sections of green bamboo with bottoms formed by the nodes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While the water in them boiled she used the knife to peel, trim, and slice the shoots." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rice, the bamboo's children, and two of the dried flying fish were cooked about the same time. Kasane used the water in the third container for tea.\n\nKasane dished the food onto bamboo sheaths and served all of it to Cat. Then she retired to the far side of the chapel. She sat back on her haunches, folded her hands in her lap, and bowed her head.\n\nThe shoots were white and crisp and sweet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Cat had eaten the two fish and half the rice and shoots, she pushed the bamboo sheath with the remainder across the dirt floor to Kasane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you so very much, kind master. You honor this miserable individual.\" Kasane bowed several times before eating the warm rice. She savored the rich, unfamiliar taste of it.\n\nThe shōgun had decreed that peasants weren't to eat rice, but Cat decided to defy the law. She wasn't happy about the necessity of tying up her captive and abandoning her. She was buying her conscience off cheaply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What village do you come from?\" Cat asked. If it turned out to be convenient, she would send word to the peasant's people.\n\n\"Matsu-mura, Pine village, in Kazusa province.\"\n\n\"I have to tie you up and leave you here.\"\n\n\"Please, master, don't leave me.\" Kasane flung herself forward in a supine bow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I beg of you, please don't leave me here. This is a haunted place.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She imagined being tied up when night fell and the robbers returned to pull out her fingernails.\n\n\"You'll tell the authorities where to find me.\" Even as Cat said it, she wondered why she was bothering to explain her actions to a peasant.\n\n\"I promise I won't tell anyone.\" Kasane was weeping so hard that she was practically unintelligible. \"No one will find me in this desolate place. Night will come. Demons will come.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She clutched at Cat's jacket." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🔍 Find a place to insert: \"Don't be a fool. In the next town I'll tell someone to notify your people. You can go home.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her tears left dark spots on the faded black cloth. \"Take me with you. I'll be your servant. I'm strong. I'll carry everything. I'll massage your feet and cook your meals.\"\n\n\"Don't be a fool. In the next town I'll tell someone to notify your people. You can go home.\"\n\n\"I can't return to Pine village, master. I've been disgraced.\"\n\n\"I have enemies,\" Cat said. \"Traveling with me would be dangerous.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If I stay here, the old master will catch me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kasane's voice trembled, but she stopped crying. This was to be her fate. She must accept it. \"He'll beat me and sell me again, but there is no help for it. A woman has no home in the three worlds.\"\n\nThe old saying had originally alluded to the three realms of Buddhist existence. Among country folk, ignorant of Buddhist philosophy, it had come to mean that women must live first in the homes of their fathers, then their husbands, then their sons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kasane opened her pack and dug into it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This will protect you on your journey, Your Honor.\" She held out a cheap wooden amulet in a tiny brocade bag. It was dedicated to the god of travelers, and the headman and president of Pine village's Ise club had presented one to each pilgrim. Then she handed Cat a packet wrapped in cloth and oiled paper. She treated it as though it were as magical as the amulet.\n\n\"My brother's travel permit.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do I know you won't inform on me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat stared at the packet. \"How do I know the authorities won't be looking for this permit?\"\n\n\"I promise, master.\"\n\n\"What good is a peasant's promise?\" Cat was ashamed of the sympathy she felt for this commoner.\n\n\"Even an inch-long worm has a half-inch soul, master,\" Kasane said softly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cat winced. Kasane's words struck her like a side blow that slipped through her armor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She remembered Musui's kind smile. This whole business was bothering her far more than it should. She was becoming weak and foolish. This peasant's trifling problems were interfering with her purpose.\n\nCat stared at the travel permit. It would be of great use, but she had good reason for not wanting to take it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To accept it would burden her with on, a debt of gratitude." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On could be a very heavy load indeed.\n\nCat took the permit and paced with it. Through the cloth and the oiled paper she felt its sharp, crisp edges. Ahead of her lay the mountains of Hakone and the most formidable government barrier of them all. The permit might get her through it.\n\n\"I'll take you as far as Fujisawa, the next town,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"From there you must make your own way.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, master. Thank you. May the gods smile down on you.\" Kasane bowed low again. Then she hastened to clean up and pack." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Lucia St. Clair. Story might have ongoing characters/plots - work with what's given" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The performance of Shichisaburo's company at Kambara's temple was open-air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The \"theater\" was defined by large straw mats hung from bamboo palings. From the wings of the temple's outdoor stage, Shichisaburo looked out over the house, or rather the yard.\n\nKabuki audiences were always boisterous, and Shichisaburo had the small bruises faded to a purplish yellow on his calves to prove it. The bruises had been inflicted by overwrought fans in the pit, the place-for-packing-them-in. They had reached up and pinched his legs when as the villainous character Lord Kudō he had strayed too near the edge of the stage.\n\nEven so, this audience made Shichisaburo uneasy. The people sitting on temporarily roofed platforms along the two sides were decorous enough. They were in the expensive seats, after all. But the ten-mon ticket holders, the farmers and servants and merchants' clerks, were crowded into the three center sections—the place-for-packing-them-in, the great beyond, and at the very rear, the deaf gallery. They sat on the ground on bundles of grass or on rented thick, rigid straw cushions that looked like half a tatami." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They seemed to be in even more of a ferment than usual.\n\nMost of the farmers had never seen a kabuki performance before. Their hamlets were too far from Edo or Kyōto or Ōsaka for them to travel to the theaters there. In any case government decrees forbade their attendance.\n\nThe government held that kabuki would waste the farmers' time and fill their heads with extravagant appetites. They would start using hair oils and tying their topknots with paper cords instead of straw. They would demand umbrellas and barbers, public baths and pawnshops, all of which would surely mean the downfall of the nation. But as with most of the admonitions posted on the government's bulletin boards, this one was being honored more and more in the breach.\n\nPeople shouted their orders to the purveyors of boxed lunches and tea and sake as they hawked their wares through the tightly packed crowd. With mouths full of vinegared rice and raw fish, the fans gossiped and discussed the performance and called out encouragement to Dragonfly on stage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shichisaburo noticed that the vendors were selling a lot of sake and shochu, a potent brew of sweet potatoes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The farmers were drinking especially heavily.\n\n\"A big crowd.\" The stage manager peered around the huge, stiffened sleeves of the outer robe Shichisaburo wore for the role of Lord Kudō. \"We'll have difficulty clearing away the corpses from the last scene.\"\n\n\"How many cockroaches?\" Shichisaburo asked.\n\n\"Only twenty or so of the abbot's relatives. Most are paying customers.\" The stage manager bowed and hurried off to chastise a writer who thought his ideas should take precedence over the leading actor's. He shook his head at the general state of moral decay that could produce such a preposterous notion.\n\nShichisaburo had other worries, however.\n\nThe Danjuros of the pit will go out on their ears today, he thought.\n\nWhen young swells of the lower classes got drunk they imitated aragoto, the \"rough stuff\" acting method of their idol, Ichikawa Danjuro." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'style' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brawls sometimes erupted, and the police had to drag the combatants away by their topknots.\n\nBecause Danjuro had fallen ill ten days ago, Shichisaburo had been obliged to take over some of his roles and adopt his acting style. Shichisaburo suspected Danjuro had feigned illness long after he was better so he could stay behind in Edo and continue his clandestine affair with a young guardsman.\n\nShichisaburo knew that ignorance was what made a man resent his fate, but he wasn't happy to be playing the villain. The \"soft stuff\" style of the romantic heroes was more to his liking. The swooping blue-and-black-and-purple lines of the \"rough stuff\" makeup Shichisaburo had painted onto a white powder base were designed to throw his pug nose and well-padded cheekbones, forehead, and chin into high relief. They had transformed his pudgy face into the hideous mask of the evil Lord Kudō. Lord Kudō's scowl mirrored Shichisaburo's mood.\n\nEven with four or five men to hold up the train of his layered robes and the enormous square, shieldlike sleeves, Shichisaburo's costume weighed him down. He gestured, and an attendant slid a tall stool under him so he could sit back on it and still appear to be standing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'where' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a device used often on stage to give the actors relief during long scenes.\n\nNormally Shichisaburo would have been napping in the small dressing room curtained off for him, but he couldn't relax today. He had to see Lady Asano in her first appearance in this dance interlude between acts of The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.\n\nEven though the temperature of the air was brisk, moisture formed where the thin copper base of his huge wig and horned headdress rimmed his painted forehead. He made another subtle gesture, and a hand and towel shot forward to dab delicately at his brow.\n\nShichisaburo had good reason to perspire. He was taking a tremendous risk inviting Lady Asano to stay on. At the very least he would be reprimanded for allowing a woman to work in his company. And if he were caught harboring a fugitive, his theater would be closed permanently and he himself banished to a place where his acting talents would not be appreciated.\n\nBut Shichisaburo enjoyed the intoxication of risk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he couldn't just give Lady Asano the money she needed and turn her out as she had suggested." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Under Shichisaburo's fierce makeup was a bland, world-weary visage that in turn belied a tenderness of heart. He couldn't bear to think of Cat braving the perils of the Tōkaidō with only that foolish young peasant woman for whom she had developed such an irrational attachment. Besides, Shichisaburo was so short-handed that he was desperate for reliable help.\n\nHe needn't have feared that Cat would betray him by a misstep. Dragonfly had been right. She was a master of bewilderment and a very fast learner. She had had only a few hours' rehearsal before this performance, but with confidence and grace she now made her debut by way of the musicians' and stage hands' small \"coward's door.\"\n\nAs a kurogo, a \"black man,\" she was to assist the actors and make sure props were where they should be. She was perfectly obvious to the theatergoers, of course, but she was as invisible as a shadow. She was swathed in the kurogo's black costume from the top of her head to the toes of her tabi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her face was covered by a black veil. Because black was the color of nonexistence, Cat didn't exist.\n\nCat's heart was pounding as she ducked through the low door at the rear of the stage. She walked behind the three singers seated in a row and behind the flute and samisen players and the three drummers, all of whom were absorbed in their music. Beyond them stretched the stage. It wasn't a large stage, but to Cat it looked vast and empty and lofty. Even though Dragonfly was dancing at the other end of it, Cat felt as if, far below, every eye in that sea of heads were watching her. With heart pounding, she crouched in her assigned place near the backdrop and waited for her cue.\n\nDragonfly was acting the part of a shy waiting maid who had been ordered to rehearse the lion dance. Left alone with the lion mask on a stand, she danced hesitantly at first." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the mask began to exert its power, however, her eyes were drawn more and more often to it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally she went to the stand, knelt, and took the lion head in her hands. Tentatively she clapped the hinged jaws a few times. Then, holding it out in front of her, she began to dance with it in time to the flute and samisen and the chanting of the singers.\n\nSlowly the lion head took control of the young woman. Dragonfly's tremulous movements became stronger, more powerful. He tried desperately to rid himself of the heavy mask, but he couldn't. It began leading him around the stage.\n\nJust as the mask had bewitched the waiting maid, so Dragonfly bewitched Cat. She was so mesmerized by his lithe, strenuous performance, she almost missed her cue. When it came she picked up the long flexible rod from which dangled a butterfly of bright red silk stretched over a frame of bamboo slivers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cat took a deep breath and stood up slowly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Holding the butterfly out in front of the mask, she began her own dance in simple counterpoint to Dragonfly's elaborate one.\n\nHanshiro was in the audience, and he was as drawn into Cat's spell as she was into Dragonfly's. He stood with arms crossed at the rear of the deaf gallery, near the main entrance, the \"rat gate\" under the drum turret. He had taken his long-sword from the rolled mat and stuck it back into his sash. His umbrella and his iron fan were at hand.\n\nHe had already identified seven men who were probably Kira's retainers scattered through the crowd. An informer at the temple must have discovered Cat's presence and alerted them. Hanshiro knew there were informers. One of them had identified Cat's job on stage for him.\n\nOne of Kira's men wore a towel sling supporting his broken arm." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'butterfly' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had ended up in the bottom of the ravine behind the pilgrims' inn in Mishima after Cat had disabled him. Hanshiro assumed he had been brought along to identify Lady Asano when they captured her.\n\nIn spite of the certainty of trouble, Hanshiro concentrated on the small, lissome figure in black. As he watched Cat dance with the rod, he thought it fitting that she should be the butterfly enraging the lion. It was a part she was playing well in the interlude that was life.\n\nThe beat of the drums became louder and faster and more insistent. The samisen sounded alarmed. The mask reared and swooped in Dragonfly's hands as the lion chased the butterfly on the end of Cat's rod. The wooden blocks rattled, increasing in speed with the swelling music and the drums' tempo until the tension seemed unendurable. Then, as the clappers gave a resounding crash, Dragonfly turned his back to the audience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cat crouched unobtrusively again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two other black-clad kurogo moved up next to Dragonfly. Each one pulled a thread in the shoulder seams of his robe. The pale purple silk with its drifts of clouds and flights of magpies dropped open. One of the assistants unfastened the wide sash, which also fell away.\n\nUnderneath was a dragon's bloodred robe emblazoned with huge gold flames and silver lightning bolts. Another assistant slipped off Dragonfly's wig while two more replaced it with the lion's wild white mane, the train of which dragged on the stage floor. A kurogo held a mirror while Dragonfly, still on stage and in a matter of moments, repainted his makeup.\n\nWhen he turned back around he had become a ferocious lion spirit. The crowd went wild.\n\n\"You're as good as your father!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "they shouted. \"We've been waiting for this!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cat hardly heard them." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'dragonfly' exactly 3 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She and Dragonfly moved as though connected by a taut, invisible cord. Time and again Cat whisked the butterfly out from under the lion's nose. She teased him with it until Dragonfly was whipping his long white mane about his head in a frenzy.\n\n\"Sun!\" The crowd was delighted. \"Light of my life!\"\n\nWhen Dragonfly chased Cat into the wings the audience applauded wildly. People in the pit threw flowers onto the stage. They called out Dragonfly's clan name, family name, and art name. The elite in the box seats extemporized poems to his genius.\n\nOne by one, Kira's retainers, using the uproar as cover, closed in from the sides." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They reminded Hanshiro of a line from an old poem, \"A flock of sparrows raises quarreling voices...\" He followed casually at a distance. The men were obviously planning to catch Cat backstage.\n\nCat didn't stay backstage long, though. She was to assist for the last act of the Soga brothers' famous epic. Kasane, now dressed as a boy herself to avoid the theater's ban on women, quickly handed Cat a towel. Cat lifted her black veil and wiped her sweaty face with it. Her heat was pounding with exertion and excitement.\n\n\"Did you see your pilgrim?\" Cat whispered.\n\n\"Yes!\" Kasane's eyes sparkled. \"He's sitting near the front. He sent another poem.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She put a hand to her waist where the letter was hidden under the sash of her jacket.\n\n\"I'll help you read it when the performance is over.\" Cat ducked back through the \"coward's door\" and crouched at the rear of the stage again while the turmoil died down.\n\nNow that she had finished the most difficult part of her duties, she could look out over the crowd and see individuals instead of a noisy blur. The first individual she saw was Hanshiro.\n\n\"Burei-mono!\" she muttered. \"Impudent clod!\"\n\nOnce she discovered Hanshiro she wasn't surprised to see his cronies, Kira's retainers, flanking the stage. Their robes were tucked up, and their sleeves were tied back for action. The pairs of swords projecting from their sashes marked them as samurai. Various affectations, such as the patterns on their jackets, the knots in their sashes, and the way they wore their headbands, identified them as residents of Edo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cat also recognized the man with the broken arm, and she was sure that more of Kira's lackeys were stationed behind the theater to cut off her retreat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the middle of it all sat Kasane's pilgrim, enrapt and oblivious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Daikon! Radish!\" A roar of disapproval met Shichisaburo's entrance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During the first two acts the pit had formed a strong dislike for the villainous Lord Kudō.\n\nShichisaburo gamely declaimed his lines, although he was drowned out by cheers when the gallant Soga brothers appeared. The cheers turned to more shouts of \"Radish!\" and \"Turnip!\" when Kudō motioned imperiously for his guard to arrest the brothers.\n\n\"This play is no good!\" A hulking farmer stood up in the third row. \"Those two brave young men can't fight against so many. I, Buhei, am strong.\" He pushed up the sleeves of his coat to show the corded muscles of his arms. \"I'll help them.\"\n\n\"Yes, help them!\" the farmers shouted. Their fury at Kudō's villainy spread to the rest of the fans in the pit, many of whom were primed by sake for a diversion anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Help them!\" The cry was taken up as far back as the deaf gallery, where people weren't even sure what was going on.\n\nSomeone threw a heavy straw cushion at Shichisaburo, who ducked. The cushion landed with a smack on the wooden floor of the stage. The kurogo tried to fend off the mats that followed, but the musicians crowded through the \"coward's door.\"\n\nShichisaburo hiked up his skirts and fled for the wings in a hail of mats, wooden lunch boxes, soft persimmons, and chopsticks.\n\nWomen started screaming. The farmers stormed the stage. The pilgrim, fearing for Kasane's safety, began laying about him with his staff, and a brawl broke out in the pit.\n\nIn his haste to escape, one of the musicians knocked a round box off a stand just inside the wings. Shichisaburo's wooden head fell out of it and bounced across the stage. Buhei reached it first and held it up triumphantly by the topknot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The people in the deaf gallery cheered and surged forward.\n\nCat saw Kira's men shoving through the crowd. They would reach the wings before she could. Hanshiro was close behind them.\n\nThe last singer was at the nearby \"coward's door\" pushing the man ahead of him into the one ahead of him. Cat grabbed him by the back of the sash and whirled him away. He collided with the first of Kira's men climbing onto the stage. They tumbled over the edge and into the farmers.\n\nAs Cat ducked through the low door, she scooped up a chopstick. When the samurai who was following her cleared the low lintel and raised his head, she swung the pointed end upward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She gave it the full force of her arm, stabbing it through the back of his chin. As the chopstick drove into his palate, it impaled his tongue against the roof of his mouth. He dropped to his knees in the doorway and made squealing noises in his throat as he clawed at the short, protruding butt of the stick.\n\nCat couldn't see Hanshiro using his fan and umbrella to dispatch her enemies in the mêlée on stage. \" 'A flock of sparrows,' \" he chanted to himself as he sent another man sprawling, \" 'raises quarreling voices for a place to sleep.'\"\n\nHe was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Nameless, who attacked Hanshiro with the stout stick on which he had carried his lanterns. Hanshiro was surprised to see Nameless, but he wasn't surprised to find him a challenging adversary, even for one so young. The two of them were fencing with umbrella and stick when the police entered the rat gate and people began scattering through the matting along the sides.\n\n\"What's happening, younger brother?\" Backstage, Kasane was wide-eyed with fear.\n\n\"Ruffians!\" Dragonfly ran shrieking toward them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Save me from the uncultured beasts.\" When he clutched at Cat she felt the weight of a packet of coins drop into her sleeve. \"Follow my son,\" Dragonfly whispered.\n\nHe started screaming hysterically again, and he kept on screaming. He was screaming when he brought a stool down hard on the first of Kira's men to find his way through the dark maze of backstage corridors, piled with scenery, curtains, and props.\n\nThe boy slid open a closet door under a stairway and pulled away the pile of bedding stored there. He had washed off his makeup, but he still wore his red maid's robes, geta, and wig. Cat and Kasane crawled into the closet as Dragonfly's son's head disappeared through a trapdoor in the floor and down a ladder.\n\nKasane scrambled after him. Cat followed and closed the door over her, leaving them in darkness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She could smell the dust of centuries in the passageway. It must have been built for escape when bands of warrior-priests and monks from rival temples attacked and counterattacked in the ancient wars. Cat heard a rat's squeak and the skitter of small toenails across the plastered wall. She jumped when she felt the boy's gentle touch on her arm.\n\n\"Exchange clothes with me,\" he whispered. From overhead came shouts and the heavy tread of running feet.\n\nFeeling slow and clumsy in the dark, confined space, Cat stripped off her black head covering, the veil, her black jacket, trousers, and tabi. Going by feel, she handed them to the boy and received his robes and geta and wig in return.\n\n\"Continue along this passage.\" As he whispered he put on the kurogo's costume." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "im ur writing buddy. i set scene (might have existing chars), u do three sentences like Lucia St. Clair" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ditch planks!\" By the time Cat arrived at the edge of the river outside Okitsu, the two porters were wading the swift, shallow current as it meandered through the boulders and across the shingle of the riverbed.\n\n\"Wooden privy shoes!\" She raged at their naked, moxa-scarred backs and their buttocks, which were clad only in faded gray cotton loincloths.\n\nShe would have waded in after them had not Kasane held on firmly to her sleeve." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat jerked it from her grasp.\n\n\"I would rather be attacked with swords than made a fool of.\" Cat hitched up her own loincloth under her trousers, as though about to go after them anyway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Robbers in every country, rats in every house,\" she muttered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For a warrior of your skill to attack them would be like skinning a louse with a spear, Hachibei.\" Kasane was diplomatic, but surprisingly firm. She feared her mistress's aristocratic temper would draw attention." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'river' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The porters had demanded seventy coppers each, thirty over the usual rate, to carry Cat and Kasane across the river. The river was deep and treacherous, they said. They deserved the extra pay, they said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And the river had been deep. Kasane had been terrified as the man carrying her on his back struggled against the rushing water. The cold water had pushed past her thighs, soaking her to her waist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shrouded in grey clouds, the sun had just risen above the horizon when they reached the snore. The porters had found no return fares at such an early hour, so they had wandered upstream, around a sharp curve. Cat had grown suspicious and followed them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She'd arrived at the bank as they were wading across the real ford, which was much shallower." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The river had shifted in its bed recently, moving the sand bank away from the highway's crossing. Cat had been gulled.\n\n\"Cockroaches!\" Cat shouted one more imprecation at them while she untied the sandals hanging from her belt and put them on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She pulled the left front opening of her jacket farther across the right and tightened her sash. \"Baka!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she muttered.\n\n\"We're on our way back, Your Honor,\" a voice called from above. \"We can take you cheap as far as Mariko.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two hostlers were the ones who had sold their hats to Cat and Kasane at the base of the climb to Satta Pass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now they were sitting on a bench in front of an open-air tea stand among booths selling sugared rice cakes, ear shellfish, and gift-wrapped packages of dried bonito and papery seaweed. The tea stand and the bench were on a rise, commanding a view of both the actual and extortionary fords. The postboys' mare was tied to one of the shop's front corner posts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat knew Kira's men were questioning all the hostlers and kago bearers. Traveling back and forth as they did, they were in the best possible position to act as spies and informers. These two had big grins on their faces, which made Cat even warier." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oishi had always said a laughing person could not be estimated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your offer is kind.\" Cat bowed politely. \"But we shall ride the knee chestnut-haired horse.\"\n\n\"Well, then, walk if that suits you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The hostlers looked so much alike, they must have been brothers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had thick mustaches and goatees. A disorderly fringe of dusty hair stood out around the shaved crowns of their heads. They wore the small topknots of laborers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their patched and faded blue jackets were dirty at the collars and frayed at the sleeve hems." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Curly black hair showed at the diagonal front openings of the jackets.\n\n\"Walking is very good for the circulation.\" The second man grimaced in ecstatic concentration as he dug in his left ear with a long-handled, ladle-shaped ear pick." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat glanced at Kasane. The swelling in her ankle had gone down some, and she was maneuvering well with her crutch; but Cat still felt terrible about making her walk.\n\n\"You understand why we can't hire a horse, don't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she said in a low voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Don't worry about me.\"\n\n\"Boss Viper sends greetings,\" one of the men called out as Cat and Kasane started back toward the main road.\n\n\"The kago man?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The very one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat took a firm grip on her staff, looked around for trouble, then climbed the steep path to the tea stand. Once she got closer she could see that the two men had drawn a grid in the dirt. While they drank their morning tea, they used river pebbles as markers for a game of Six Musashi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One moved the \"parent\" stones with a long bamboo withe." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: bōshū, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The other had removed one of his sandals and was using his toes to grip and move the \"child\" pieces.\n\n\"I'm Bōshū.\" The stouter one bowed as he sat cross-legged with his feet tucked under his thighs. Cat knew that Bōshū wasn't his name, of course, but the province from which he came." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This hirsute love child of a bow-legged badger,\" Bōshū continued, \"is my brother, Hairy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat was in no mood for what passed as wit among the laboring class. \"How do you know Viper?\" she asked.\n\n\"He's Boss.\" Bōshū seemed surprised Cat didn't know that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everyone knows Boss Viper,\" Hairy added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He instructed us to look out for you,\" his brother said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Though he wears rags, Viper has a heart of brocade.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat beckoned with her staff to a tall thicket of bamboo. The Bōshū brothers abandoned their game and untied their shaggy chestnut pony. As the mare followed them her hoofs clattered on the stony path." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cat looked around to make sure no one else was close by." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did he tell you about me?\"\n\n\"It's as they say, honorable sir,\" Bōshū said. \" 'Word of an evil deed travels a thousand ri before good news leaves the gate.' Boss Viper sent word to those he trusts that you're the son of a poor but honorable warrior confined to his bed by a lingering illness. You're on a quest to recover a treasured pair of swords stolen from your father's house by his evil steward. The steward has since fled to the Western Capital. The thief's henchmen are pursuing you to keep you from recovering what's rightfully yours.\"\n\nKasane listened attentively to this latest version of her mistress's adventures." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cat wore a neutral expression, but she was impressed with Viper's creativity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whether he and the Bōshū brothers knew Cat's real identity was a mystery, however.\n\n\"How did you like the view from Satta Pass?\" Bōshū untied the straw horseshoes from the saddle and began tying them on the mare's feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wasn't an easy task." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pony stamped and fidgeted. She drew her purple lips up over her long yellow teeth, twisted her neck sideways, and nipped at him as he worked.\n\n\"So you were the ones who left the barring-stone,\" Cat said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And tied the crossed feathers of my father's crest to it, she thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We noticed the Edo sharks swimming upstream.\" Bōshū and Hairy managed to look both noncommittal and conspiratorial.\n\n\"How much would you charge to take us to Mariko?\" Cat asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because you're the first customers of the day and we're going that way anyway, we'll give you a bargain for luck. Only two hundred coppers each.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Two hundred coppers!\" Cat narrowed her eyes and shifted the staff she was leaning on, a warning not to cheat her. \"You said Father Viper told you to watch out for me.\"\n\n\"He didn't say we had to starve doing it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hairy led the mare in front of the stone wall that kept the hillside from sliding onto the road." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a merry jingling of the brass bells on her bridle, the pony turned to glare balefully at Cat through her long, disheveled forelock, white as mulberry threads." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat felt a tug on her sleeve.\n\n\"Please, Hachibei,\" Kasane said. \"You ride. I'll walk.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cat handed her bundle to Hairy and climbed onto the retaining wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We should take advantage of this opportunity to wash our clothes while the devil's away.\" She held out a hand to pull Kasane up.\n\nThe saddle was a rickety affair consisting of two oaken arches front and rear with two thick pads of cloth-covered straw between them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A pair of open wooden frames large enough to hold one passenger each hung on either side of it. The panniers' bottoms, with their bars and knobs and the ridges formed by the rope lashing them together, were padded with a pair of shabby, thin quilts, folded to fit. The horse's blanket was decorated with large black characters spelling \"good luck.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the looks of the saddle, \"good luck\" was an appropriate sentiment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a great deal of chivvying and clucking and whipping of his bamboo rod, Bōshū kept the mare in one place long enough for Cat to lower herself into the nearest box. Then he turned the horse so Kasane could clamber into the one on the other side. He tightened the straw rope that served as a cinch and compensated for the differences in the passengers' weight by dangling stones from Cat's pannier." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the entire contrivance looked as if it might come apart or slide under the horse's belly at any moment.\n\nHairy tied Cat's and Kasane's bundles across the mare's haunches, but Cat rested her staff along the rim of the box so it would be close at hand. She wedged the soles of her sandals against the corner pieces to brace herself for the jolts to come." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shifted about gingerly in a futile effort to fit her shoulder blades under the frame's crosspiece." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bōshū jerked on the nose rope, and the mare lurched forward with a tinkling of bells and a great explosion of wind. As Cat's pannier rolled and pitched to the rhythmic jingle of the pony's brass bells, she thought of the river porters again. Musashi wrote of crossing at a ford in his Fire Book." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Crossing at a ford occurs often in a lifetime, he had written." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It means setting sail even though your friends stay in harbor. It means discerning the enemy's capabilities and attacking at his weak point. If you succeed in crossing at the best place, Musashi had said, you may take your ease.\n\n\"Bōshū,\" Cat said, \"do you know of a maker of weapons between here and Mariko?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around 11 sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and story elements may appear without introduction - roll with them naturally. Try to mimic the style of Lucia St. Clair." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A line of singing children danced past Hanshiro and his new traveling companion, the pilgrim who had been following Kasane. The children were calligraphy students from a school on Tub Makers' Street in Mariko. They wore identical white robes and bamboo hats, each inscribed with an inspirational verse painted by their teacher. To keep their group together they held on to a straw rope that caused frequent entanglements on the crowded road.\n\nNow that the rain had stopped, the muddy Tōkaidō was a-swarm with youthful pilgrims again. The urge to go to Ise had reached at least as far as here. Hanshiro's companion smiled at the noisy children as though they were innocent, poppy-cheeked Buddhas. In fact, everything seemed to cause him delight.\n\n\"They say that what with this holy call to the children and the arrival of Lord Wakizaka and Hino's men, Shimada looks like an earthquake in a thread shop,\" he said.\n\nHanshiro grunted in reply.\n\nThe young man called himself Traveler." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had an angular face, a wide mouth, squared jaw, and narrow black eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His high nose belied his peasant origins." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wore brown leggings and brown cloth arm coverings with flaps that extended to the first knuckles of his callused fingers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had on a wide-brimmed pilgrim's hat with the shallow rim that shielded his face. He wore a pilgrim's robe and trousers of cheap white cotton. He carried a wicker pack on his back. His pilgrim's scroll was rolled into his straw sleeping mat to keep it dry.\n\nThe lad was a relentless optimist. As far as Hanshiro could tell, he was a model of his class. He extolled hard work and the nobler virtues. He was friendly, earnest, honest, cheerful, and candid. He was almost handsome. Hanshiro wanted nothing more than to run his sword through him and leave him squirming in the mud.\n\nFor Hanshiro, emotions of all sorts were infrequent and unwelcome guests, but he had never experienced jealously before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had gone back on his resolve to ignore Lady Asano's vulgar indiscretion, and he was furious with himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead of continuing his journey, he had waited for the recipient of her letter to retrieve it from the temple message board in Okitsu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The discovery that Lady Asano was carrying on a flirtation with a peasant had Hanshiro almost speechless with rage.\n\nNever turn loose the reins of the wild colt of the heart, he thought bitterly.\n\nTraveler was such a simple, countrified sort that Hanshiro suspected a ruse. He was too innocent to be plausible. Maybe he was putting on a cat show, feigning innocence.\n\nHanshiro preferred to think so. He wanted to believe Traveler was not a suitor, but a conspirator in the Asano cause. The love letter was only a subterfuge, a way of passing messages.\n\nTraveler wasn't behaving like a conspirator, though. He was behaving like a man addled by love. He looked like a pigeon that had swallowed a peashooter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the past five ri Hanshiro had listened carefully for mistakes in his speech, but his dialect was flawless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Either he was a superb actor, or he was what he appeared, a rice farmer from the province of Kazusa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he was receiving love poems from the most beautiful, ferocious, accomplished woman Hanshiro had ever known." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The woman who called herself the Floating Weed.\n\n\"I haven't spoken to her yet, but when I saw her with the actors in Kambara, she was dressed as a boy.\" The worst of it was that Traveler insisted on discussing his dalliance. \"She looked charming, really charming. And she's so cultured for someone of her class. She writes the most exquisite poetry.\"\n\n\"Umh.\" Hanshiro was appalled by the possibility that with very little encouragement this bumpkin would recite Lady Asano's amorous poetry.\n\nHanshiro had coaxed from the young man the information he wanted. Now he was ready to quit his maddeningly genial company. Traveler was to leave his reply to Lady Asano's last letter on the board near the east gate of the main temple in Mitsuke. He already had bargained with a messenger to run ahead with it, but he was hopeful of finally speaking face to face with his beloved there. That explained his ebullience.\n\nUnless, of course, the whole story was a fiction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bow down! Bow down!\" A liveried runner trotted along the road, scattering people in front of him.\n\nBehind him Hanshiro heard the calls of Lord Wakizaka's shouters. Above the dispersing crowd he could see the rhythmic shiver of the plumed fringes on the heralds' tall staffs. The rear of the procession wound up the slope and out of sight around the crest of a hill. Pedestrians were either disappearing into the refuge of tea houses to wait out the train's passing or they were kneeling by the side of the road and bowing until their heads touched the ground.\n\nHanshiro sighed. No wonder the Tokugawa family had held on to power for a hundred years. The mandatory annual visits to Edo drained the provincial lords' coffers. And when Wakizaka traveled he insisted on making a display of every sandal bearer and armor polisher he was allowed.\n\nHanshiro didn't much care that the expense was ruining Wakizaka and adding to the influence of the money lenders. He did care that the Tōkaidō would be clogged for days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unless he stayed ahead of Wakizaka, he wouldn't be able to find a bed or a river porter or a decent meal anywhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fortunately, staying ahead wouldn't be too difficult since daimyō trains only averaged four or five ri a day.\n\nTraveler, however, was awed by the ranks of banners, emblazoned with Wakizaka's crest and snapping in the breeze. He gaped at the guards in their matching jackets and hakama and wide-winged vests. The pike bearers and bowmen and the caparisoned horses bearing the swordsmen were followed by clerks, grooms, footmen, sandal bearers, and servants of all varieties.\n\nJust coming into view on the slope were the women's black-lacquered palanquins with their swaying gauze curtains. Walking beside them were maids and ladies-in-waiting wearing bright cloaks and veils and twirling their parasols. Still out of sight behind the hill's crest was the baggage train that extended back a ri.\n\nThey entered the town limits of Mariko in a silence that intensified the solemnity and splendor. The heralds twirled and tossed their tall, feather-decked staffs in rhythm with their stride. Behind them the footmen drew their left feet up to their lower backs in unison and extended their right arms, then reversed the order. As they advanced they appeared to be swimming through the air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hats and umbrellas and banners and feather-fringed pikes danced with the motion of the march." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The government that required travel of the daimyō tried to deny it to the peasantry. Government edicts forbade \"sight-seeing and rambling over the hillsides.\" As with most edicts, this one was often ignored, but Traveler had never in his nineteen years seen such a sight. He prostrated himself in the mud but indiscreetly tilted his chin so he could peek at the marchers as they approached.\n\nWith legs astraddle and his hands on his hips, Hanshiro looked down at him. If the fool weren't careful, some fifty-koku field warrior with rice paddy manure still between his toes would catch his eye, take offense, and lop off his head as though it were a cabbage.\n\nHanshiro didn't consider Traveler's well-being his concern, however. He took a few quiet steps backward, turned, and joined the people ducking into side streets.\n\nBy nightfall he reached Fujieda and found it crowded, too. The daimyō's retinues were augmented by youthful pilgrims who slept everywhere. He read a note pinned to a door: \"We have gone to give thanks at Ise.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The word of the holy signs found in Okitsu had surged on ahead of Hanshiro." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People were camping in courtyards and under the roofs of well sheds. Charitable merchants were offering free food and tea and towels and sandals. As the town watchman made his rounds, he called for a lost child.\n\nThe horde of pilgrims was wonderful cover for someone passing as a pilgrim herself. If Cat had started this flood, she could now lose herself in it. She would be the translucent fish, the white-bait. \"The white-bait, just like the color of water, itself moving,\" as the poem said.\n\nHanshiro knew he could find lodging and a warm welcome at the Iris inn no matter how crowded the Fujieda might be. The Iris's gentle, soft-spoken proprietor would serve him herself. She would ladle scalding water over him in the bath. She would laugh softly behind her hand as she caught him up on the gossip since his last visit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the night lantern burned low, she would slide under Hanshiro's covers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he left the next day she would demonstrate her love." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She would leave her gate and come out barefoot into the cold dew and the public's gaze. She would wave to him until he was out of sight.\n\nHanshiro had never felt worthy of such affection, bestowed like a gift, without thought of thanks or repayment. He certainly had never encouraged it, except to treat her with the grace and affection he accorded all the women he admired. Her silent, enduring devotion had always mystified him, but it had been as comfortable and warm and all-enveloping as the Iris's satin quilts.\n\nThoughts of the Iris's cooking and quilts would have to suffice for now. Hanshiro only paused to look through the gate and into the inn's small garden. He knew the Oi River was in flood and Shimada was jammed with people; but he would not stop. He would use a ruse that was risky but had worked for him before.\n\nHe had supplied himself with a lantern on which was painted \"official business.\" It was the sort carried by the men escorting government messengers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would get him across the river ahead of the processions of Hino and Wakizaka." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The moon rose late, halfway to morning; but it was worth the wait." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even in its last quarter it was so bright that it threw shadows from the rocks in the road. The silvery light gave a soft, spectral glow to the houses and trees and signposts. It gleamed from the bald heads of the Jizō statues in the stone niches along the roadside.\n\nAs he strode through the light, Hanshiro savored the elegant syllables of an old poem.\n\nDrawn on by moonlight\n\nHe passes right by the inn\n\nWhere he meant to stay;\n\nA traveler in the night\n\nIs walking tomorrow's road.\n\n\"Ssst. Your Excellency...\" The nighthawk stood in the shadow of a wooden bridge that arched over a stream. She was careful not to let the moon's beams fall on her face and expose the wrinkles there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For a trifling thirty mon I shall play your flute as it's never been played,\" she whispered hoarsely." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm grateful for your kindness, auntie,\" Hanshiro said good-naturedly. The moonlight and the solitude had restored his composure. \"But I haven't time for heavenly music tonight.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Lucia St. Clair. Story might have ongoing characters/plots - work with what's given" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hanshiro sat at the writing stand in Futagawa's shrine to Hachiman, the Shintō god of warriors. With a dagger he sliced the tip of the fourth finger of his right hand. He squeezed the finger until a puddle of blood formed in the bottom of a small bowl. He dipped a fine-haired brush into it, put it to the thick sheet of white paper, and began writing an oath of loyalty.\n\nCat watched him warily. She was seated on a pile of cushions that raised her head above his. The position symbolized that Hanshiro was below-the-eyes, a subordinate.\n\nThe abbot gestured to an acolyte, who brought forward a small brazier, set it down near Hanshiro, and fanned the coals. When the blood had dried, Hanshiro lit the paper and held it over another bowl while it burned. A second acolyte added hot water to the ashes, and Hanshiro swirled the bowl to dissolve them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he drank the mixture." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he finished, the abbot and his assistants discreetly rose, bowed, and left. Kasane started to leave, too, but Cat motioned her to stay. She remained kneeling unobtrusively in a corner, but in effect Cat was alone with the bounty hunter.\n\n\"That was an impressive performance.\" Cat's voice was chilly and remote. \"Did you drink a similar oath in the service of Kira?\"\n\n\"No, my lady.\"\n\n\"Then why have you pursued me?\"\n\n\"The mistress of the Perfumed Lotus wanted you found.\" Hanshiro knew that fact certainly wouldn't raise him in Lady Asano's esteem." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My sword would never have harmed you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Crows circle your sword guard. Are you of the New Shadow school?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Hanshiro was impressed. Lady Asano was a keen observer.\n\n\"Doesn't the New Shadow school teach that weapons are unfortunate instruments hated by Heaven's Way?\"\n\n\"Heaven's Way is to maintain life.\"\n\n\"Then why do you offer to kill my enemies?\"\n\n\"When one man's evil causes suffering for thousands of people and that man is killed, then the blade that deals death is the one that also gives life.\" Hanshiro could see that Lady Asano still distrusted him. \"Perhaps time will convince you of my sincerity.\"\n\n\"I don't have time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cat tugged at the front hem of her secondhand jacket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She pulled the overlapping flaps tight so they wouldn't bag open when she stood up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Under his steady gaze she had become acutely aware of her shabby traveling clothes. \"All I wanted from your oath was your promise not to betray me.\" She bowed curtly. \"Now my companion and I must start. We have far to go, and the sun's already high.\"\n\n\"Your Ladyship...\"\n\n\"I do not have the right to be referred to in that way,\" Cat was irritated. If you weren't an ignorant provincial, you'd know that, her silence said. She motioned to Kasane, who rose and gathered up their two bundles.\n\n\"Then what shall I call you?\" This interview wasn't going as Hanshiro had planned it.\n\n\"You have no need to call me anything.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat hardly glanced at him as she took her furoshiki from Kasane, who helped adjust it on her back. \"Our paths fork here.\"\n\nHanshiro didn't show his surprise, but he had assumed she would be grateful to have his sword and his arm as protection.\n\n\"Lady Asano...\" The command in Hanshiro's voice was subtle, but so compelling that Cat hesitated at the door. In spite of her reproof he called her by the title her father's death had stolen from her. \"I know you must be on your way, but grant me a few moments.\"\n\nCat returned to the cushions. She regarded him with a neutral, unreadable expression.\n\nHanshiro was more pleased than if she had meekly accepted his offer. She had heart. She had spirit. She had dignity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was a mistress he could be proud to serve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he would serve her, no matter what she said now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The travel permit from Lord Hino's councilor is for me and my disciple and a servant,\" Hanshiro said.\n\n\"Yes. You might as well take it back.\" Cat drew the letter from the front of her jacket and held it out. \"It won't help me, but I thank you for your trouble.\"\n\nCat knew her behavior was rude, but she was angry. He had harried her and frightened her and now thought he could make amends with a prick of the finger.\n\n\"At least allow me to present you with a small token, as an apology for the anxiety I've caused you.\" Hanshiro pushed a new wicker traveling box across the tatami. Then he bowed and left so Cat could open it.\n\nA gift. Cat drew the box to her and stared at it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gifts could be very expensive for the recipient." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What price would the Tosa rōnin try to extract for this one?\n\nWhen Cat took the lid off the box, Kasane moved close to see the contents. \"It's beautiful,\" she breathed.\n\nCat held up the garment on top of the pile of folded clothes. It was a pale chrysanthemum-colored robe of wadded silk lined with striped satin. Pine trees, each needle embroidered, bordered a rushing blue river. The river started at the left front hem, spiraled to the right and around the side. On the back a huge carp the color of cedar bark leaped upstream against the rapids. It was the design invariably worn by actors portraying the youngest Soga brother in his struggle to avenge his father.\n\nUnder the robe were a hempen hakama and formal haori jacket the color of cedar and the accessories to make up a young warrior's traveling outfit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the bottom of the box was a servant's livery of the same color with a horizontal stripe of dark rust." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll give them to the abbot.\" Cat folded them neatly and replaced them in the box. \"He can sell them to raise money for the temple.\"\n\nKasane made no argument, but Cat could see she was crestfallen.\n\n\"These clothes will make us conspicuous,\" Cat said. \"At the very least they'll attract thieves.\"\n\nKasane read her suitor's poem aloud to Cat.\n\nAlone in the night\n\nI visit you by dream paths—\n\nThere's no blame in that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's a bold, romantic rogue, Kasane.\" Cat laughed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'would' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here's my answer.\" Kasane was shy and proud. She had written this one herself. In her letter she confessed that someone else had copied the earlier poems for her.\n\nI would read your words by moonlight\n\nOr by the reflection of the snow\n\nOr by the glow of the fireflies.\n\nAnd if there were no moon or snow or fireflies\n\nI would read it by the light of my heart.\n\n\"He'll like it, I'm sure.\" Cat curbed her impatience to get started." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thick gray clouds were moving in overhead, and she could hear distant thunder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cat felt Hanshiro's letter under her jacket. \" 'Now is not the time to be thinking of yourself as one all alone.' \" Surely the lowering sky was what was making her so melancholy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kasane hung her letter to the Traveler on the big wooden message board near Inari's shrine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat whirled when someone spoke from close by.\n\n\"Forgive me, my lady.\" Nameless bowed low.\n\n\"You're the lantern painter.\" Cat raised her staff, ready to strike. She recognized the young warrior from the attack at the ferry on the Tama River, and she was ready to break his nose again.\n\nHe looked much younger than Cat remembered him, probably no more than fifteen or sixteen. The bruise across his nose and under his eyes had faded to lavender. The nose itself was misshapen from her blow.\n\n\"Forgive me, Your Ladyship, for failing you.\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Didn't Hanshiro-san tell you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was trying to guard you, but I failed. In the fight last night he took all the topknots, shu, shu, shu. He prevented me from killing your enemies.\"\n\n\"Who ordered you to follow me?\"\n\n\"No one.\" The boy looked thoroughly dejected. \"I was a page in Akō when the news of your father's shameful betrayal arrived. We all wept bitter tears. I swore with the others to defend our lord's castle to the death or wreak vengeance on his enemy.\n\n\"But the councilor betrayed us. He meekly handed over the keys to the shōgun's agents. Then he became a profligate in the brothels, probably with the money he stole from your father's estate.\"\n\n\"And are there no plans to avenge the Asano name?\"\n\n\"None that I know of, my lady. I went to Edo to try to kill Kira myself, for one cannot live under the same heaven with the slayer of one's lord. But I was unsuccessful. Kira's house is a fortress. His son, Lord Uesugi, has stationed extra bowmen there. I had decided to follow my lord in death when I heard you had escaped. I set out to find you and try my insignificant best to guard you against your enemies.\"\n\nThe lad had also hoped that if some of Lord Asano's former retainers were plotting revenge, Cat would lead him to them. He'd been disappointed all around." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What have you been doing between Kawasaki and here?\"\n\n\"I was in the scuffle at the theater in Kambara, and I joined the fray behind the pilgrims' inn in Mishima.\"\n\n\"You were there?\"\n\n\"You almost broke my nose again.\" In spite of his misery, Nameless smiled shyly. \"Forgive the impertinence of a humble boy, my lady, but you were magnificent. You were also very difficult to follow.\" He didn't mention that he had blundered into Cat at the mountain pass near Nissaka and had pretended to be a babbling dry-goods clerk.\n\n\"And the Tosa rōnin, what do you make of him?\" Cat despised herself for asking, but she couldn't help it. She wanted to hear everything she could about Hanshiro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He can drink a great deal, my lady.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boy grimaced at the memory of trying to match Hanshiro at draining sake jars. \"At first I thought he was one of Kira's hirelings, but he's on your side after all. That's a great stroke of fortune for you. He's an accomplished swordsman.\"\n\n\"Thank you for your help.\" When Cat picked up her bundle the boy tried to take it from her. Cat gently pulled it away. \"Kasane and I will continue to travel alone,\" she said.\n\n\"I can carry your things and protect you from ruffians and make arrangements at the inns. I'll bargain with the river porters and the ferrymen and heat water for your tea at night.\"\n\n\"We'll get along by ourselves.\" Cat wished she were as sure of that as she sounded. \"We prefer to travel as we have been.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was half tempted to accept his offer; but after watching Hanshiro's sure, graceful movements, after looking into his dark, gold-flecked eyes and reading his poetry, she couldn't bear the thought of spending her days in the company of this boy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She rationalized that she didn't know anything about the boy except that he was persistent. She couldn't trust him any more than she could trust the dangerous, taciturn rōnin from Tosa. Yet how to refuse without wounding his pride?\n\n\"I have an important, personal favor to ask of you,\" Cat said. \"It will require great discretion, cunning, and courage.\"\n\n\"Anything, my lady.\"\n\n\"I want you to take a message to my mother,\"\n\nThe boy's eager expression faltered. \"Back to Edo?\"\n\n\"Yes. It grieves me to think how worried she must be. But the task is a dangerous one. My enemies will try to intercept you if they find you have word of me. You understand, don't you?\"\n\nCat told the absolute truth, but her face lied artfully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her face said the letter would contain a message of far greater moment than reassurances to her mother." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She let the boy think it would be the final link in a plot to avenge her father.\n\n\"Your wish is my will, my lady.\" The boy wasn't entirely fooled." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Keep going w/ 8 sentences more. Note: Might reference existing chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Persimmon inn was as crowded as all the others in Okazaki. There was a constant scrape of wall panels being slid back and forth in their wooden tracks and glimpses of merriment in the rooms behind them. Maids and servants laden with food and sake and bedding scurried to and fro. Blind shampooers and masseurs plied their trade. Choruses of the Ise song sounded from all corners of the Persimmon as pilgrims settled in for an evening of revelry.\n\nThe room next to the one Hanshiro shared with Cat and Kasane was lit bright as day. Four drapers were throwing a party there, and a geisha was dancing to the rhythm of his own hand drum.\n\nThe drapers called themselves the Four Heavenly Kings, and they boasted that they were experts at libertinage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To prove it they had hired a covey of women who specialized in entertaining travelers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because Cat could hear every word they said, she knew more than she cared to about three of the Kings. The forth man was already slurring his words too badly for her to understand what he was saying.\n\nCat and Hanshiro had had their baths and now wore the indigo cotton robes and tie-dyed crepe sashes supplied by the Persimmon. By the light of a single lantern, Hanshiro was teaching Cat to play go. As he sat studying the board he seemed oblivious to the racket nearby. When the geisha finished her bawdy dance, a samisen player struck up \"Shallow River.\"\n\nCat had heard the song many times in the Perfumed Lotus, and she began humming along absentmindedly. When she realized what she was doing, she fell silent and stared down at the board." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was appalled that her embarrassment must be evident on her face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The song was about wading into shallow, then deeper and deeper water. Cat knew that as the women danced they lifted their robes to expose more of themselves. She could tell from the giggles and shouts that they were complying with the last verse and that the water had risen quite high.\n\nCat glanced toward the door.\n\n\"She'll be safe.\" Hanshiro didn't look up from the go board. Normally he wouldn't have spoken at all until the game was over; but he was teaching, not competing, and he was trying to put Cat at ease.\n\n\"She's a simple country woman.\" Cat had misgivings about allowing Kasane to go out by herself, especially at night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She seems able to take care of herself. I'd venture to say you've taught her a great deal in the time you've spent together.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat didn't trust herself to answer. Hanshiro made her feel as awkward as a child, until even her silence seemed foolish to her. She was flattered, though. The rōnin didn't seem the type to scatter compliments about with a winnowing fan. And what he said about Kasane was true enough. She looked dashing in the stiff new livery.\n\nCat had gathered Kasane's hair into a boy's whisk on top of her head and tied a headband jauntily above her left ear. Kasane had carried the travel box effortlessly the four ri from Akasaka to Okazaki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was strong anyway, and Hanshiro had transferred the heavier items to the furoshiki slung across his own back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kasane had sung to herself as she marched along behind Cat and Hanshiro.\n\nNow she was at the temple looking for another letter from her suitor. She carried Cat's spear disguised as a staff, but Cat was worried about her. She feared that if Kasane got into a situation where she needed the spear, she'd only hurt herself with it.\n\nCat heard a polite cough and a shuffling of feet at the door.\n\n\"Come in.\" She called out the invitation before she remembered that she wasn't supposed to be in charge here.\n\nWhen the panel slid open a cloud dweller, a member of the nobility, entered. He was thin and stooped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had the face of a crane, and he wore the outmoded fashions of the emperor's court." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His wrists and hands extended like talons from the wide, layered sleeves of his robes. He had stained his teeth black in the old-fashioned way and had powdered and rouged his face.\n\n\"Good evening, sirs. Forgive the intrusion.\" His smile was brittle. Conspiratorial. His painted face was a grotesque caricature of beauty and refinement. \"My name is Nakajo, chamberlain of the fifth rank. Retired.\" His bleary eyes restlessly searched the corners of the room, as though he expected an enemy, or at least a rat, to be lurking there. He made Cat nervous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is no intrusion.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Work this phrase into your response organically: \"Your young companion has a countenance like the moon, serene in the autumn sky.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hanshiro bowed. \"My companion is merely learning the game.\"\n\n\"I was told that two supreme examples of manly beauty were gracing this worthy establishment, men with souls as fearless as the god of war.\" The old man turned aside. He hawked and spat into an embossed paper he took from his wallet. \"But the stories fall far short of the truth.\" He folded the paper into the figure of an iris and tucked it into his sleeve. \"Your young companion has a countenance like the moon, serene in the autumn sky.\" The chamberlain nodded toward Cat, who bowed low in return." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How can we help you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hanshiro tried to hurry the old man along in his pitch. The emperor himself received an annual stipend less than that of the lowest-ranking daimyō. His courtiers had little except time; but they had plenty of that.\n\n\"It is I who desire to help you, kind sir.\" The chamberlain lowered his voice and leaned forward, although the Four Kings and their guests were making so much noise, no one could have heard him. \"It is said that 'dallying with youths is like consorting with wolves beneath scattering cherry blossoms.'\"\n\n\"'Whereas pillowing with prostitutes is like groping in the dark without a lantern beneath a new moon.' \" Hanshiro finished the quote, but he was surprised the old aristocrat knew the works of Saikaku, the commoner and townsman.\n\n\"Coupling with wolves requires energy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the depths of his many robes the chamberlain produced a small, stoppered earthenware jar and held it up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have here the elixir that will ensure that each night of love lasts as long as autumn itself. One need only mix a drop of it with water and bathe in it.\"\n\n\"What does this miraculous potion consist of?\" Hanshiro offered a pipe, which the old nobleman accepted with an alacrity that bordered on the indecorous. Cat lit it for him and tended it while he went on with his story.\n\n\"Do you remember the elephant delivered to the dog shōgun as a present from the most august emperor of China?\"\n\n\"The huge, gray, wing-eared beast that was all the talk ten years ago.\" Hanshiro remembered it well.\n\nHe had found the towns along the Tōkaidō in an uproar because of the elephant and its entourage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Local officials were recruiting farmers to clean the highway even more thoroughly than usual." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had drafted all available laborers to build earthen bridges over the rivers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shōgun banned all cattle and horses from the vicinity of the road so they wouldn't frighten the huge beast. Citizens had been ordered to keep silent so they wouldn't disturb its sleep.\n\nYes, Hanshiro remembered the elephant. It was still living on the grounds of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi's palace in Edo.\n\n\"A most uncommon animal...\" As the cloud of tobacco smoke enveloped the chamberlain, Cat thought he looked as close to contented as he ever had or ever would. In a way she could empathize with him. She had learned that deprivation raised the simplest pleasures to the extraordinary.\n\n\"The beast's urine is collected and saved.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The chamberlain shared the confidence as though it were a state secret." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Cat glanced at Hanshiro she detected a glimmer of amusement in his stoic expression. It was as surprising as a wasp's sting getting a reaction from a stone Jizō. Hanshiro too must have been imagining the unfortunate underling who had the job of holding the tub each time the elephant emptied its bladder.\n\n\"The elephant's proper-thing is as big as a fishing boat's mast,\" the chamberlain said. \"So it is no surprise that its urine has a potency unparalleled in this fleeting world.\"\n\n\"Are we to assume that you have some of that marvelous liquid?\"\n\n\"As you can imagine, it is in great demand. Those of the highest rank covet it. But because you are such a rare and refined pair of individuals, I am going to part with the very last vial in my possession.\"\n\n\"Your generosity far exceeds our slight merit.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The chamberlain made a deprecating gesture with his sleeve." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He jumped when someone fell in the next room and rattled the wall panels in their tracks. A bathtub must have been delivered there because the sound of splashing joined the gales of laughter and loud music.\n\n\"The four jovial townsmen next door would be most disappointed to miss the opportunity you so generously offer,\" Hanshiro said. \"The god of wealth has smiled on them. They would be able to express their gratitude far more suitably than a pair of humble and poverty-stricken wanderers.\"\n\n\"I'm grateful to you for the suggestion.\" The chamberlain understood that Hanshiro had just refused him, but he stayed through the hour of the Dog anyway. He realized that Hanshiro was the only truly educated person in the inn. He discussed the classics with him as though that were the sole purpose of his visit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cat didn't mind. She preferred having the chamberlain there to spending the time alone with the rōnin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She would have gone with Kasane to explore Okazaki, but that would have started speculation among those who assumed she and Hanshiro were lovers.\n\nWhen the old man finally left, Cat couldn't help looking impishly over her sleeve. She was astonished to see a smile flicker across Hanshiro's face in return. For a moment, in the shadowy room, across the dimly lit go board, Nakajo's foolishness made them comrades.\n\n\"The bag of cupidity has no bottom,\" Hanshiro murmured as he made one more move toward the inevitable downfall of Cat's go pieces, although the most satisfying conclusion to a game of go was always a draw. He snapped the stone down with a satisfying click that was amplified by the hollow sounding-box under the board.\n\n\"Tenjo bito,\" Cat whispered. The words meant \"cloud dweller,\" but they could also mean \"ceiling person,\" a euphemism for rat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kasane slid the door open, bowed, and entered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was worried about you.\" Anxiety put an edge to Cat's voice.\n\n\"I'm very sorry, young master.\" Kasane glanced toward the far wall, beyond which the Four Kings' party was reaching a crescendo of splashes and squeals. \"I went looking for paper at a night market.\"\n\nCat started to remind her that the Persimmon's management had provided writing materials. Then she realized that Kasane probably wanted paper of a higher quality. Next she would insist on fresh spring water to mix with her ink." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was developing sensibilities beyond her station." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat should have disapproved, but she couldn't manage it. She knew Kasane couldn't help herself. For lovesickness there was no cure.\n\n\"Did you find a letter from Traveler?\"\n\nKasane looked at Hanshiro and blushed a bright scarlet. \"Yes,\" she murmured. \"He's been hurrying. He's not far behind us.\"\n\n\"No wonder you're radiating joy from the tip of your nose.\" Cat nodded toward the writing stand and the box with ink stone, brush, and water pot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Use the writing things if you wish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Kasane carried the stand and a floor lantern behind the four-panel folding screen set up in the corner." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'screen' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Against the painted paper surface of the screen, Cat could see her shadow bent over the desk. Like Hanshiro, she seemed oblivious to the uproar next door. She was absorbed with the task of composing a poem in reply to her suitor's.\n\n\"'Poetry should move heaven and earth... ' \" Hanshiro glanced at the screen as he quoted from the preface to the Kokinshu. It was an anthology of thousands of ancient poems that every educated person knew by heart. He paused to let Cat continue.\n\n\"'It should soften relations between man and woman, and soothe the heart of the fierce warrior.'\"\n\nThe inn's maids arrived, hidden behind towering stacks of folded bedding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They laid out Kasane's thin pallet behind the screen. Then they sneaked flirtatious glances at Cat as they made up a pile of three thick mattresses.\n\nCat realized, to her horror, that the bed was for her and Hanshiro to share. When the maids left she could hear their whispers and muted laughter diminishing down the corridor. She knew they were discussing her and the rōnin. She felt her face grow hot again.\n\n\"I'll sleep with Kasane,\" she said.\n\n\"As you wish, my lady.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hanshiro didn't take his eyes from the go board." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But people will notice.\"\n\nPrivacy was not possible. The maids and servants might bustle in at any moment to trim lamps, deliver tea, or replenish the tobacco supply. A masseur might drop by to offer his services or a priest to request donations to his temple.\n\n\"Shiri sumo! Buttocks wrestling!\" A woman next door shouted it, and the others took up the cry.\n\nHanshiro made such a droll face that Cat laughed out loud in spite of herself.\n\nEveryone at the party had reached the stage of inebriation where nothing would do but that the Kings pair off and engage in the contest of buttocks wrestling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each pair stood back to back on two large, flat, square cushions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They bent over and grabbed their own ankles. The women threw the skirts of the inn's blue robes up over their heads, exposing their bare rear ends. Then each combatant tried to knock his opponent off his cushion using the most prominent part of his anatomy.\n\nIt wasn't hard to do. They had been drinking a long time, and they were having difficulty just remaining upright. Even before they were hit they would stumble off the small, lumpy field of battle or fall sprawling.\n\nThe women helped them up. The men got back into position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The women raised their robes over their heads and slapped their bare cheeks by way of encouragement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They supported the men as they swayed and urged them on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hanshiro was just getting ready to clear the stones off the go board when the inevitable happened. One of the Kings crashed headfirst through the flimsy wall. Cat and Hanshiro leaped clear, but the black and white go stones scattered to the four corners of the room. The tipsy partygoers crowded around the opening and stared in at them.\n\n\"It must be the New Year,\" one of the women shouted. \"They're throwing beans to cast out demons.\"\n\nEveryone laughed uproariously. Two of the women, still laughing, stepped over the shattered frame to rescue the draper, who was tangled up in his blue robe with the Persimmon's crest on it.\n\nHanshiro put up a hand, and the women stopped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He bent down, took the fallen man by the arm, and helped him gently but firmly to his feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The hour is late.\" Hanshiro's quiet voice silenced the giddy intruders. \"We must be on the road early tomorrow.\" He guided the draper through the opening and into his room. \"We are most grateful for your consideration.\"\n\nChastened, they retreated. A pair of servants brought a new wall panel. In a few moments they had installed it in the tracks and cleared away the debris. They apologized profusely before leaving Cat and Hanshiro to work out their sleeping arrangements." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The drapers and their one-night wives whispered and giggled for a while." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The lights dimmed. Eventually the only sounds were the usual rustling and murmurs of couples pillowing.\n\nKasane picked up the go stones and replaced them in their box. Then she retreated discreetly behind her screen.\n\nCat tightened the sash of her sleeping robe. She lay down facing outward on the far side of the bed and moved as close to the edge as she could. Hanshiro sat reading by the dim light of the night lamp.\n\nCat knew he was sparing her the embarrassment of having a stranger lie down beside her. She knew that he would probably slip under the quilt when he thought she was asleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was sure she could trust him not to try to make a fool of her, as Kasane would have put it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yet still her heart pounded.\n\nCat closed her eyes and concentrated on breathing deeply. She drew in long, even breaths until air seemed to fill her down to her toes. Then she exhaled until she felt completely empty. But sleep wouldn't come.\n\nShe heard Hanshiro turning the pages of his book until he closed it and put it away. She heard the grinding of an ink stone and the clink of a bamboo brush handle against the side of a porcelain water pot and knew he must be writing something.\n\nFinally, halfway through the hour of the Rat, the quilt stirred and a draft briefly chilled Cat's back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The mattress shifted as Hanshiro lay down." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat continued taking the steady breaths of someone deep in sleep, but she listened, tense and intent. Judging from Hanshiro's breathing, he seemed to fall asleep with maddening ease.\n\nBrute! she thought.\n\nThe two of them lay, back to back and wide awake, until the first crowing of the cock." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as Lucia St. Clair, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The inn in Minakuchi was full of travelers, so Hanshiro and Cat couldn't linger in the bath. Still, the hot water and the steam washed off the cares of the road along with the mud. The easy intimacy made them feel as though they had been lovers a long time. They crouched on the wooden grid across the floor and scrubbed each other with bags of rice bran. They laughed and splashed basins of water over each other, as carefree as children.\n\nWhen they finished washing they took the wooden cover off the tall, round cedar tub and climbed in. They lowered themselves through the cloud of steam and into the scalding water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tub was just big enough for the two of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The water came almost to Cat's chin.\n\nCat sat with her knees pulled up and her toes pressed against the far side. The sleek curve of her back and hips nestled against Hanshiro's chest and groin. She put her arms around his muscular thighs, which were drawn up at her sides, and draped her palms over his knees. She leaned her head against his chest.\n\nHe crossed his arms over her breasts and laid his head back until his neck rested on the rim of the tub. They both sighed, then took long, slow breaths, their chests rising and falling in unison." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They closed their eyes and sat motionless and absolutely, completely happy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally they could no longer ignore the loud coughing of the maids outside, reminding them that others were waiting to bathe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hanshiro helped Cat out of the tub. They wiped each other off with their small towels, then put on the blue-and-white-striped wadded cotton robes supplied by the inn.\n\nWhen they returned to their room, it had been prepared for them. Coals glowed in the firewell, and a small brass brazier gave off additional heat. A long-handled box of smoking utensils sat on the floor. A pair of pillow stands had been set side by side at the head of the pile of mattresses. The servants had put two low tables next to it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tea and sweet bean cakes were laid out on one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Writing materials sat on the other. Words meant only for one other pair of ears were better written than spoken in a crowded inn.\n\n\"I'll return as soon as I can.\" Cat started to rise to leave, but Hanshiro held her tight against him while their hearts beat together.\n\n\"I'll be waiting,\" he whispered.\n\nCat pulled away reluctantly. She opened the sliding panel and stepped into the passageway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She turned and knelt facing Hanshiro, who sat in the glow from the firewell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat laid one hand on top of the other, palm down on the floor, and bowed, then she closed the door, stood, and walked to the room next to hers.\n\nInside, Kasane was sitting back on her haunches next to a low, freestanding shelf littered with cosmetics. She was naked from the waist up, and her cotton robe hung down around her sash. Her rented silk robes were draped over a rack in the corner. Cat breathed in the incense that was burning there to perfume the clothes. She had picked it out and was reassured that it was just the right combination of scents for the occasion.\n\nCat supervised the shampooer's work." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because Kasane's hair had been cut to shoulder length, the woman added switches of long black hair and rats of bear fur to fill it out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she finished, the shampooer used a bag of rice powder to whiten Kasane's body as far down as the nipples. For her face she rubbed on a base of sticky camellia oil. Then she moistened white powdered lead with perfumed water and brushed it into a smooth mask.\n\nAfter the shampooer had put on the foundation, Cat dismissed her so she could do the rest herself. She used a thin brush dipped in black dye to emphasize Kasane's hairline. She outlined her eyes in red, then black. As she worked she gave some final advice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Remember, elder sister, don't crack your knuckles or adjust the floor lantern while you're standing up. Above all, don't scratch your head with the dumpling skewer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I won't.\" Kasane's whitened hands trembled so badly, she had to hide them in her sleeves. She had studied the forty-eight positions illustrated in her manual, but much as she yearned to pillow with her lover, the thought of actually doing it terrified her.\n\n\"Remember to move slowly,\" Cat said. \"Moving slowly lends dignity and grace and minimizes blunders.\" She chose another brush from the low shelf and dipped it into a clamshell of rouge. She frowned with concentration as she painted a tiny bow of a mouth over Kasane's natural lip line. \"Untie your sash to let him know you're ready to accept him, but do not practice the artifice of foolish whores who pretend their sashes came undone by accident. Do remember to stick in some cries. They'll give him confidence.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With both hands Cat extended a stiffened silk case with a packet of folded paper handkerchiefs and bowed slightly over it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For the pledging liquid.\"\n\nKasane knew that. Her manual emphasized that the success of a pillowing was marked by the number of paper napkins required afterward.\n\nStill on her knees, Cat moved around Kasane, arranging the folds of the silk robes she had rented for the occasion. She tugged at the back of the collar to expose more of the seductive line of Kasane's nape and back. She had Kasane sit at just the right angle to the door. She gently but firmly adjusted her upper body and shoulders, her neck and chin, into the most alluring curve. Then she placed the night lantern to take full advantage of the lights and shadows on Kasane's tranquil form." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she was satisfied that Kasane looked her best, she knelt in front of her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I spoke sternly to the young man.\" Cat didn't mention that Traveler had been sprawled and groaning in the dust and debris of the marketplace when she had interviewed him. Because he thought Cat was Kasane's brother, he had been gathering the nerve to speak to her. Before he approached Hanshiro, he had intended to ask Cat's permission to accompany them on their journey.\n\n\"I wanted to be sure he would be kind to you,\" Cat said. \"He answered me candidly. He began his pilgrimage with a friend, but the friend wandered into the pleasure district of the first post town they came to and refused to leave it. He seems sincere, and he has good prospects. He swears he wants to marry you.\"\n\nKasane blushed, but she was too worried about disturbing her hair and robe to even hide her face behind her sleeve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had to resist the urge to pull her collar forward to hide the indecent display of the nape of her neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your first joining might be awkward and even painful, but with time you'll learn to give each other joy.\" Cat reached out to smooth Kasane's already sleek hair. Her voice was hoarse from holding back tears of joy for Kasane's good fortune and her own. \"You have been a brave and true comrade, elder sister. Now if it's fated to be, you will have the greatest of gifts, a heart's companion on life's road.\"\n\n\"Thank you, mistress. You have been very kind to one of small merit.\"\n\nAs the white space of a painting intimated mountains and mists, oceans and infinite possibilities, so the words Kasane did not say spoke volumes. Her lips, which Cat had painted with a false line, red and round as a peony bud, trembled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cat turned in the doorway to look once more at her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'closed' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled reassurance before she knelt and slid the panel closed. She went to find a servant and slip him thanks money. She instructed him to lead Traveler discreetly in through a rear entrance after the thin, perforated wooden shades had been lowered over the night lanterns. She was sure Kasane would sit without twitching an eyelid until he arrived.\n\nCat returned to her room to find Hanshiro reading by the light of the night lantern. He put down the book and sat cross-legged with eyes closed as Cat knelt behind him and kneaded and rubbed his shoulders and back. She had moved down to his hands and was gently tugging his fingers, one by one, when she heard the creak of footsteps on the tatami in Kasane's room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A man spoke, his voice too low to be distinguished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat moved to the writing table and sat so that her sleeping robes fell into graceful folds around her. She took up the brush, dipped it into the well of the ink stone, and wrote, \"He must have a terrible headache.\" She was feeling remorse for the blow she'd given Traveler.\n\nShe passed the paper to Hanshiro, who wrote, \"If you gave him a headache, you also gave him a cure.\"\n\nHanshiro had given the lad a pinch of powdered ginseng from his stock of medicines, but he was certain Cat's medicine would be much more effective.\n\nCat and Hanshiro could hear the chime of a porcelain sake jar against a cup, the rustle of clothing, and a riffle of laughter. Cat wrote, then held the paper out on her fan for Hanshiro to read." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A pair of noisy sparrows" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bamboo thicket, moon rising.\n\nFor the first time Cat saw him smile without the enigmatic sadness that had always veiled his eyes. She saw the pale flecks in them shift and brighten as yellow silk would shimmer gold in sunlight.\n\nHe linked his verse to hers in an admission of love's effect on him.\n\nA rising lark, lost\n\nIn the mist of winter hills,\n\nAs baffled as I." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Watching him write, Cat thought her passion too great to be contained." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surely it would burst from her heart and scatter as wantonly as silk floss on the wind.\n\nCat and Hanshiro dared not provoke fate by discussing the future, but hungrily they questioned each other about the past. In a few hours they tried to recover the lifetime they had spent apart. Long into the night, while the storm of passion rose and swirled in Kasane's room, they wrote. They filled the thick, pliant sheets of lavender-tinted paper with graceful characters and with the secrets of their hearts.\n\n\"Lotus-eyed one, sweet of touch,\" Hanshiro wrote. \"Hair iridescent as a wet crow's wing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a form of communication as sensual as a whisper in the ear." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'laughter' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cat felt as though each stroke of Hanshiro's brush, lingering and supple on the paper, were inscribing his love on her skin. They discreetly ignored the muted laughter next door, but it added to the witchery.\n\n\"Oh, when you do that,\" they heard Kasane murmur. The rhythmic whisper of bedclothes grew more urgent until finally Kasane's impassioned cry sounded through the inn. She must have thrown a pillow because something crashed into a screen. The usual late-night music and laughter and talk ceased for several beats, then took up again.\n\nCat and Hanshiro knew their time of love would be brief and they must live in the moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The future was uncertain at best, and in their case they would have to devote themselves to the vengeance to which Cat was sworn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They could have written all night, but they knew they must try to sleep. The days ahead would be arduous.\n\nThey burned their love letters one at a time in the brazier. Then they untied each other's sashes, and as Cat's robe fell away Hanshiro kissed each of the bruises left by the rocks of the mountain. He held Cat to him, and when he trailed his fingers down her spine he drew out any fatigue or tension that might have remained there.\n\nThey both knew that they could not enjoy the usual lovers' courtship. They might never view the cherry blossoms at Asukayama or walk along the seaside at Shinagawa or go into the mountains to hear the first lark in the springtime." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Knowing that this might be the last time they would hold each other gave their passion a tender urgency." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Silently, languorously, they traveled the silken road. They caressed and entered into the caressing until the lantern they carried became the brilliance of the moon. Then they lay with their arms around each other and their legs entwined until the dawn bells rang.\n\n\"'Coming to an end,' \" Hanshiro whispered. \" 'And leaving the moon as a keepsake.'\"\n\n\"Tonight.\" Cat looked up at him and smiled sadly. If fate willed it, that night they would enter the Western Capital. Perhaps then they would find Oishi Kuranosuke. They would end their quest and begin their vengeance." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide ten sentences as a continuation of this story segment in the Japan, nonfiction, memoirs, 1300s genre. Characters may be pre-established." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For all that, even if it were only a princess and not a prince who was born, the child's grandfather, the Retired Emperor Go Saga, made a great fuss over her and had the Fifth Night and the Seventh Night ceremonies performed in a magnificent manner.\n\nAfter the Seventh Night celebrations, the Retired Emperor was talking with the ex-Emperor in his apartments at the Tominokoji palace when, about two o'clock in the morning, a great wind began to blow in the orangery with a sound as of waves beating wildly on a rocky shore. I was told to go out to see what it was. I did so, and this is what I saw. Jumping up and down were ten or so brightly shining objects, each about the size of a wine bowl, bluish white in colour, with heads looking rather like jelly-fish and with long slender tails. I shrieked with fright and rushed back inside.\n\n\"Why are you making such a din?\" the courtiers in the anteroom said. \"They are just death-watch fires.\"\n\nOther people reported seeing something like slimy seaweed scattered about under the great willow tree." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As a result of these omens, the ex-Emperor called in the soothsayers and had rituals for long life performed as they are at the temple of Taisan in China." }, { "from": "human", "value": "About the ninth month, the Retired Emperor Go Saga was reported to be very ill. His legs and feet were swollen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was cauterised with moxa a number of times, but to everyone's great alarm this had little effect and he grew worse every day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The year drew to a close and New Year's Day came, but no one had any heart for celebrations with the Retired Emperor so ill." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His condition was so threatening that about the seventeenth of the first month, the Retired Emperor was taken by palanquin to the palace at Saga. The ex-Emperor followed him in a carriage. I was in the same carriage. The Retired Emperor's consort, the ex-Empress Omiya, and her sister, the ex-Empress Higashi Nijo, were in another carriage, accompanied by Lady Mikushige, who was at the moment the ex-Emperor's favourite lady-in-waiting.\n\nIn the presence of the ex-Emperor, the Retired Emperor's physicians, Wake no Tanenari and Wake no Moronari, had prepared medicine for the patient to drink on the way. This had been poured into jars which were carried by the Gon Chunagon, Yoshida no Tsuneto, and a guard, Nobutomo. When they arrived at Uchino, the site of the ancient Imperial palace, they wished to give the patient some of the medicine to drink, but both the jars were found to be empty—completely dry. It was a mystery where the medicine had disappeared. This incident added to the patient's depression and possibly aggravated his illness.\n\nThe ex-Emperor stayed at the Oi mansion within the precincts of the Saga palace and was constantly sending people, men or women, high or low, to enquire how his father was at that moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One had to go along a roofed connecting passage to the palace, and I well remember how I dreaded this walk alone at dead of night with the roar of the river Oi in my ears.\n\nAt the beginning of the second month we were just waiting for the last moments of the Retired Emperor. The two High Commissioners, Hojo no Tokisuke and Hojo no Yoshimune, arrived on the ninth to express the sympathy and concern of the Military Government at Kamakura. The Dainagon Saionji no Sanekane made public announcement of the fact that they had shown grief and expressed their condolences. The reigning Emperor Kameyama arrived on the eleventh, stayed for the twelfth, and returned to the Capital on the thirteenth. Everyone was very busy. There was no sound of music in the palace. The Emperor and his brother, the ex-Emperor, met and wept together, all the bystanders being moved to weep in sympathy.\n\nAbout six o'clock on the evening of the fifteenth day, a great column of smoke was seen rising in the direction of the Capital. I asked whose house it was and was told that it was the house in Rokuhara of the High Commissioner, Hojo no Tokisuke, which had been suddenly attacked and set on fire.On the morning of the seventeenth everyone was greatly alarmed by a sudden change for the worse in the patient's condition." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The learned prelate, Keikai, of the Enryakuji temple, and the abbess of the Ojo-in temple came and exhorted him to put his trust in the invocation of Amida Buddha." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Forasmuch as in your previous existence,\" they said, \"you faithfully observed the Ten Virtues, Your Majesty has in this life enjoyed all the blessings and glories which appertain to an earthly throne and you are well assured of a life of bliss in the next world. Take, therefore, your seat now on the exalted throne of the Lotus Flower so that you may be a guide to Paradise for those who still sojourn in the prison-house of this world.\"\n\nSo they tried, sometimes with gentle persuasion and sometimes with warning exhortations, to convert him to faith in the invocation of the sacred name of Amida, but in vain, for the Retired Emperor refused to sever himself from the ties of earthly relationships and effect a last-minute change of heart.\n\nSo at last on the seventeenth day of the second month in the ninth year of the Bun-ei era, he breathed his last at six o'clock in the evening in the fifty-third year of his age. The whole sky was suddenly overcast, and the whole nation overwhelmed with grief. Gay floral dresses were discarded, and black mourning robes were donned.\n\nOn the eighteenth, the body was removed to the Yakuso-in temple in the palace. Fujiwara no Sanefuyu, Director of the Imperial Archives, arrived, bearing messages of condolence from the Imperial Court. All the sons of the Retired Emperor who had entered the religious life came from their temples, the Ninnaji, Emman-in, Bodai-in, and Shoren-in temples, to take part in the funeral ceremonies. The grief expressed at the ceremony that night was beyond the power of pen to describe. Everyone was expecting that the Gon Chunagon, Yoshida no Tsuneto, who had been such a special favourite of the deceased and had mourned his passing more deeply than anyone else, would take the opportunity to renounce the world and enter religion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "People were therefore much surprised to see him in his formal dress of soft silk crepe carrying the late Emperor's ashes in an urn to the Yakuso-in temple." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ex-Emperor's grief was very deep, his tears flowing without ceasing night and day so that all the people round him were moved to tears. During the period of national mourning, there was no music, and no loud shouting was allowed, not even by forerunners calling out to the people to clear them off the roads as a procession approached. One felt afraid that even the cherry trees when they bloomed that year would put on a mantle as sombre as any monk's habit. My father, the Dainagon, wore deep mourning and suggested that I should do so too.\n\nThe ex-Emperor disagreed. \"She is still very young,\" he said. \"She need not go into deep mourning. She can wear just the ordinary mourning.\" And I did as he wished.\n\nMy father made several applications to the ex-Emperor and his mother the Dowager Empress Omiya for permission to retire and enter the religious life, but they refused, thinking this step was not warranted by the circumstances. His grief seemed deeper than other people's and he visited the grave every day. He renewed his appeal through his cousin, the Gon Dainagon, Minamoto no Sadazane." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Since the age of nine,\" the memorial read, \"when the Retired Emperor first took notice of me and I became a page in his household, I have received nothing but marks of favour from him. After my father died and my stepmother disinherited me, I still continued to enjoy his favour. For this I was full of gratitude and devoted my whole life to his services. I received very rapid promotion both in office and in Court rank, always being well pleased on the morning of the publication of the list of honours. I have had no cause for complaint, either public or private, and have performed all my duties with the utmost zeal. I have for many years had the joy of attending all the greater festivals, all the banquets and all the performances of sacred dances at the Court and important shrines. I am used to wearing the ceremonial robes at these celebrations with, as the poet says, 'my image reflected in the waters of the river Mitarashi' at the Great Shrine of Kamo. I am now a Dainagon in the senior grade of second court rank, the highest rank that a Dainagon can attain, besides being at the same time officially recognised as the head of the Minamoto family. I was offered the post of Minister, but I declined it on the advice of my elder brother, Koga no Michitada, General of the Bodyguard of the Right, who was of the opinion that one should have seen service in the post of General of the Bodyguard before accepting promotion to the post of Minister. Now that the Retired Emperor has passed away, I have nothing to rely on, no tree in whose shade I can rest. No further rank or post is worth striving for. I am now fifty years of age and am perhaps not very long for this world. I cannot express my gratitude for all these favours received by me in a better way than by renouncing all these honours to enter the religious life to engage in prayer for the happiness of His Majesty's soul in the other world, provided I have your permission to do so.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ex-Emperor, however, refused to give his consent and was kind enough to reason with my father to persuade him to give up his resolve. So the days passed one by one and it was as if the seed of forgetfulness had been planted in men's hearts. Soon it was the forty-ninth day after the Retired Emperor's death. All the religious ceremonies of that day were duly performed and the people returned to the Capital. From this time the ex-Emperor was kept busy with government affairs such as arranging to send an envoy to the Military Government at Kamakura. So at last the fifth month came." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write seven sentences like Lady Nijō would, using user's text as beginning. Story may drop in mid-narrative" }, { "from": "human", "value": "During the twelfth month the ex-Emperor was fully occupied with the usual religious ceremonies of that season and had little leisure time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I myself was thinking of spending the year-end in pious devotions, but my lover, taking advantage of the fact that the twelfth month was not a time for visits and social gatherings, came to spend the whole night with me, and it was almost broad daylight when we were awakened by a widowed crow's foolish croaking for her mate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would have looked too absurd, he thought, to try to steal away unobserved at that time of day, and so to my alarm he decided to stay with me for the whole of the day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the course of the day a letter arrived from the ex-Emperor couched in even more affectionate terms than usual and accompanied by a poem,\n\nA dream came to me\n\nIn the darkness of the night;\n\nIn the dream I saw\n\nSomeone to me quite unknown\n\nLying, his sleeves spread on yours.\n\n\"I wonder whether the dream has any foundation of truth,\" he added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This made me feel very miserable indeed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wondered exactly what it was that he had seen in his dream." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I felt that I should have to make some reference to his dream in my reply and reassure him, and so my answering poem read,\n\nIn my bed at night\n\nDo I lie in solitude,\n\nNo companion\n\nBut the moon which alone spreads\n\nIts bright beams over my sleeves.\n\nEven as I recollect it now, this evasion of the truth appears to me wholly inexcusable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seeing us sitting there together all the day at our ease, the people of the house, especially the women, must have realised what our relationship was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In view of this, it seemed ridiculous for me to say anything to them about my visitor and so I remained silent, choked with uneasiness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That night I had a strange dream." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In my dream he presented me with a hair-oil vessel, offering it to me on a fan with gold-lacquer ribs and a pattern of pine trees. I accepted it from him and concealed it in the bosom of my robes. And just then I was awakened by the bells tolling for dawn. Strange as this dream was, it was even more marvellous to learn from the one by my side that he too had dreamt a similar dream.\n\nThe New Year came. In his Rokujo palace the ex-Emperor had twelve calligraphers engaged in making copies of the Lotus Flower sutra. This he was doing, providing all expenses from his own private sources, as a religious exercise with the object of helping to find a solution to the problem which had arisen during the last year with regard to the Imperial succession." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had begun the copying with his own hand on New Year's Day with blood taken from his own thumb, and from then till the seventeenth day of the second month, the third anniversary of the death of the Emperor Go Saga, he devoted himself to this work, observing it as a period of strict abstinence.\n\nTowards the end of the second month, I began to suspect that I was again in a delicate condition. I lost my appetite and for a while thought that I had just got a cold, but gradually I realised that the cause of it all was what had happened on the night on which I had dreamt of being given the silver vessel. How was I going to hide the fact that I was pregnant? What suffering my grave sin was likely to bring on me! The misery I felt was quite insupportable, and there was no one to whom I could go for help. As owing to the national mourning I was often back home, he often came to visit me and even before I told him of my condition, he said, \"That is what is the matter with you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After this he was even kinder and more affectionate than ever and came to see me more often." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How are we going to prevent the ex-Emperor getting to know about this?\" he said. We had no idea how we could do this; we offered up fervent prayers continually, but we could blame no one but ourselves for our plight.\n\nAt the end of the second month, I returned to my duties at the palace, and in the fifth month I hinted to the ex-Emperor that I was four months pregnant. Actually, of course, it was six months, and I was very worried about how I was going to fill this gap.\n\nOn the seventh day of the sixth month, I returned home. My lover had sent word to me pressing me to do this as soon as possible. I wondered why he was so urgent about this, but understood the reason when he presented me with a maternity belt he had had prepared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I had thought of having the ceremony performed at the regular time, in the fourth month,\" he said, \"but I postponed it till now in case people became suspicious. Hearing that His Majesty proposed to present you with a maternity belt on the twelfth, I decided that now was the proper time for me to present it.\" His love for me was so obviously sincere, but I still remained miserable at heart, wondering what fate had in store for me.\n\nFor three days, I kept myself secluded indoors, having him staying with me in secret. On the tenth day of the month I was to have gone back to the palace, but on that day I felt too ill to do so. On the evening of the twelfth my uncle Takaaki brought the maternity belt from the ex-Emperor just as he had done on the last occasion. It moved me to tears as it reminded me vividly of that time and of my father's wonder and delight when the ex-Emperor had visited him at his house.\n\nI was still puzzling over how I was going to account for the discrepancy of at least one month in my time, but still not to the extent of considering whether to drown myself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead I was content to let matters drift even though the problem continued to exercise my mind until the ninth month." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By this time I was beginning to get rather worried and on the second day of the month I went home on some pretext or other. That night he came to visit me.\n\n\"Have you got any suggestion?\" I asked him when we began to discuss the matter.\n\n\"Tell everyone that you are seriously ill,\" he said, \"and that the soothsayers have declared that it is an infectious disease.\"\n\nI did as he suggested and stayed in bed all day, allowing no one but members of the household to come near me. I told the two maids in my service to inform everyone that I was refusing to drink even plain warm water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I felt very lonely now that I had no one to cheer me up. I sent a message to the ex-Emperor asking him not to send anyone to enquire as the disease was infectious, and so it was only at long intervals that he wrote to me. All the time I was worried about what I should do if my secret was revealed. But one day after another passed, and for the present everyone seemed quite satisfied that I was really ill.\n\nMy uncle Takaaki, however, often came to see me. \"Are you sure you will be all right if you let things go on like this?\" he asked. \"What do the physicians advise?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The physicians have told me that the disease is infectious,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am doing as they suggest and am not seeing anyone.\"\n\nSo I excused myself from seeing anyone, even my uncle. And when he seemed too anxious about me to remain outside the screens, I had the room darkened and hid myself under the bedclothes and would not say a word to him. He went away quite convinced that I was really ill, but it made me very miserable to see him go away and leave me. As I had no other visitor who was so near to me as my uncle, my beloved was now able to stay with me, lying beside me in bed. He had announced that he was going into retreat at the Kasuga shrine. He had sent someone else there in his place and had told his household not to accept any letters addressed to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We were certainly in a difficult spot!\n\nSo the days passed and on the twentieth at dawn, I began to feel the pains. The people of the house could not be told the true facts of the case; only the one or two maids who were in the secret bustled about making preparations. What a scandal I should leave behind me if I died in childbirth, I thought as I watched them doing me all kinds of services.\n\nNight fell without anything happening, but about the time when the candles were lit, the time seemed to be getting near. On this occasion there would be no twanging of the bowstrings to ward off the evil spirits. I lay beneath the bedclothes, feeling very miserable as the late-night bell tolled." }, { "from": "system", "value": "At some point in your response, insert this verbatim: \"I understand that a woman has to be held from the back in someone's arms,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then as the pains grew worse, I sat up.\n\n\"I understand that a woman has to be held from the back in someone's arms,\" he said to me. \"Perhaps that is what needs to be done now. How do I have to hold you?\" With that he embraced me in the proper way. I held on to his sleeves and the baby was born safely.\n\n\"Bring the Lady some thin rice-gruel. Quickly now!\" he shouted happily. The maids were touched that he should know exactly what to do to help at such a time." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'lying' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The candles were lighted and I looked at the baby. Its eyes were opened wide and its baby hair was thick and black. A glance at its eyes drew him to it with a father's love, but he took up a white robe lying near at hand, wrapped the child in it and, taking the dagger from his sword lying beside the pillow, cut the navel string. Then, holding it gently in his arms, he hurried out of the room without saying a word, and I saw it no more. Watching him do this, how I wished I had asked him to let me have just one more look at the child. But what would have been the good of that? I did not say a word but continued to weep bitterly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he came back, seeing how bitterly I was weeping, he tried to comfort me. \"Everything is all right,\" he said. \"It's all for the best. In the course of time, if you remain alive, you'll see each other again.\"\n\nThe image of my baby's face as I saw her on that occasion would never pass from my mind. For I had seen that it was a girl. I did not know where they had taken her. I knew that it was no use my saying that I wanted to bring her up myself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I knew that this was impossible. All I could do was to stifle my sobs with my sleeves so that the people in the other part of the house could not hear.\n\nWhen day broke, I wrote to the ex-Emperor. \"This morning at dawn,\" the letter read, \"I was very ill and had a miscarriage. The child was far enough developed to tell it was a girl.\"\n\nHe replied at once. \"The doctors say that a high temperature may induce a miscarriage,\" his letter read. \"Take good care of yourself.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With the letter he sent medicines and other presents. This made me the more ashamed of my conduct.\n\nSeveral days passed and no complications developed. The one who had been staying with me returned to his own home. I began to worry about having to return to my duties at the palace a hundred days after the birth. But meanwhile I had a more pressing problem. I remained secluded in my home, and every night without fail my lover came to spend the night with me. And he and I were both confronted by the constant fear of what would happen to us if people got to know of our relationship." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with nine sentences, keeping within the Japan, nonfiction, memoirs, 1300s genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My grandfather, the Minister of War, was very helpful to me at this time in making my life at the court more comfortable, though in devious ways, when I was not provided with robes as a matter of course." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The death of my little child still depressed me a great deal as I ascribed his death to that one's crime and to my own lapse from virtue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I remembered how pleased the ex-Emperor had been to look at his own face in a mirror and see how much the child resembled him. Such sad memories filled my mind night and day and I could find no consolation anywhere.\n\nI had also been humiliated by the ex-Empress Higashi Nijo striking my name off the list of ladies who were allowed entrance to her apartments, although I had not been accused of any sin or crime. The ex-Emperor had indeed told me that it would make no difference in his regard for me whatever she did. Although this new twist in circumstances made me very miserable and caused me to be even more retiring in manner, I was determined to serve him as best I could in return for all the kindness and sympathy he had shown me.\n\nThe princess, daughter of the former Emperor Go Saga, who had served at the Ise shrine as Vestal Virgin, about the tenth day of the eleventh month, the princess was to go to Saga on a visit to her stepmother, the Empress Dowager Omiya, the ex-Emperor accepted the invitation. There had been a certain coolness on the part of the Empress Dowager while the problem of the Imperial succession was in debate as she supported the claims of the new ex-Emperor Kameyama, but now that this was settled with the appointment of Prince Hirohito as Crown Prince, her attitude had become more friendly, and he also was anxious to better their relations.\n\nThe ex-Emperor took me with him on this visit, riding alone in the rear seat of his carriage, as he knew that I was friendly with his mother, the Empress Dowager, and also with the princess. I was dressed in a set of three royal robes of yellow over light blue with a thin over-robe of scarlet over purple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Over all I wore a red cloak, as all the ladies of his court had been allowed to wear one since the appointment of Prince Hirohito as Crown Prince." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No other lady was taken on the visit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When we had been received by the Empress Dowager, the ex-Emperor in the course of conversation with her began to speak to her about me." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'mother' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Agako\"You should not give her up,\" his mother said. \"If you had no one in your household who knew how things should be done, you would find things difficult.\" Then, turning to me, she went on, \"Tell me about things quite frankly.\" Her kindness made me hopeful that she would prove to be a good friend always, though I had some doubts about its being permanent.\n\nThe ex-Emperor and his mother spent the evening in conversation and dined together. When it grew late, he retired to the room facing the football ground, accompanied by Lord Sanekane, Lord Takaaki, and other lords. I was his only female companion.\n\nNext morning ox-carriage drivers and ushers and retainers were sent to accompany the Vestal Virgin Princess to the Empress Dowager's residence. The ex-Emperor devoted special care to his dress for her audience with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wore an ex-Emperor's formal robes of yellow over pale blue with a pale purple cloak with a pattern of gentians and light purple trousers, all highly perfumed with incense.\n\nAbout nightfall the princess arrived. The room on the south front of the hall had been cleared and a dark-coloured screen with smaller screens erected. As the Empress Dowager was going out to meet the princess, she sent word to the ex-Emperor to come and help her entertain the guest. He therefore went; as usual I accompanied him, bearing his sword.\n\nThe Empress Dowager wore a dark grey silk gauze monastic habit with a grey cloak over it; she sat with small screens of the same colour behind her. The princess was dressed in a set of three red robes over dark red with a blue, unlined robe under them, a style which, I thought, did not become her at all. Her lady-in-waiting, a relative of hers, wore a set of five purple robes with no mantle or skirt.\n\nThe Vestal Virgin was a little over twenty years of age, looking so mature that it seemed natural that she should have been called back to resume duty at the Ise shrine after the end of the period of mourning for her father." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her complexion was like the petal of a cherry flower seen, unfortunately, as if through a haze, for she was shading her face with her sleeves from too ardent an inspection. I began to feel sorry for her, for I could see that some plan was even then germinating in the ex-Emperor's too susceptible mind. A general conversation went on among the three, with the princess making only rather disjointed remarks about Ise, until it was time for bed.\n\n\"It is now late and time for bed,\" the ex-Emperor said. \"Tomorrow before returning you should go to see the bare leafless trees on lonely Arashiyama.\"\n\nSo, accompanied by me, he returned to his apartments. \"What am I going to do? What am I going to do?\" he said. I was amused that I had so accurately judged the direction of his thoughts. \"You have been in my service since childhood,\" he went on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Help me to satisfy my yearning for her, and I shall know that you are really loyal to me.\"\n\nI went at once. The open message I carried read, \"I was very happy to have this opportunity of meeting you. Don't you feel it rather disagreeable sleeping in a strange bed?\" But with it was a secret message in the form of a poem written on thick white layered paper which told how her face still before him in his mind's eye was preventing him sleeping.\n\nYou know not perhaps\n\nThat the face I saw just now\n\nStill haunts my mind's eye\n\nAnd drives far away from me\n\nAll thought of going to sleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was so late that everyone in her apartments was fast asleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The princess herself was asleep, protected by a small screen. Going near, I awakened her and gave her the poem. She blushed but said nothing and made no attempt to read it.\n\n\"What answer shall I give?\" I asked her.\n\n\"What answer can I make in reply to such an unexpected message?\" she said, lying down again.\n\nThis was all most unsatisfactory. I went back and told him what had happened.\n\n\"Show me where she is sleeping,\" he said to me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I did not know what to do, but deciding that the easiest course to take was just to show him the way and do nothing more, I led the way back to her room in silence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was wearing just an ordinary robe and a pair of wide-bottomed trousers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I went in front and opened the screens." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'screens' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was lying asleep just as she had been when I had come the first time. There was no sound or movement. He squeezed himself between the screens and went in. That was all I saw. I thought it would be wrong of me to leave him there and go back to our own part of the house, and so I lay down outside the screens by the side of the lady on duty.\n\n\"Who is that?\" she whispered, waking up in some alarm.\n\n\"I am sorry there are so few people on duty and so I have come to help,\" I answered.\n\nShe appeared to be quite satisfied with this answer and tried to start a conversation with me.\n\n\"It's very late and I feel sleepy,\" I said, annoyed that her ladies had not foreseen things like this happening and that she apparently suspected nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I pretended to be asleep but listened attentively." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was lying not far from the screens, and it seemed to me from what I could hear that the princess was making little resistance even to his first tentative approaches." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She would have shown more sophistication if she had continued to put up some show of resistance all through the night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before dawn he returned to his room. \"The cherry blossom is beautiful,\" he commented, \"but the bough is easy to break and the blossom easy to pluck.\" That was just what I had suspected had been the case.\n\nHe lay in bed till the sun was high in the sky, not getting up till nearly noon, surprised to find it so late. \"What a thing to do! I've certainly overslept,\" he said. He wrote a letter to her, the answer to which simply said, I believe, that she had not yet recovered from the pleasant surprise of his unexpected visit.\n\n\"Have you prepared any entertainment for our honoured guest?\" the ex-Emperor asked his mother when he saw her.\n\n\"No, we haven't prepared anything special,\" she answered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ex-Emperor therefore asked Lord Takaaki to have a banquet prepared and when it was ready, towards evening, the Empress Dowager and the princess were invited in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As I knew them both, I served the first drinks to each of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the first three exchanges they only made a pretence of drinking with empty wine cups." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This did not meet with the approval of the ex-Emperor and, at the suggestion of his mother, the princess exchanged drinks with him. I was then told to take the cup to Lord Sanekane and my uncle Takaaki who were seated below the dais, separated from it by screens. I did so, handing the cup to Lord Sanekane.\n\n\"I am not in charge of the banquet,\" he said, indicating that I should offer the cup to Lord Takaaki.\n\n\"It's you she's chosen,\" he replied. \"I've not had a party since my husband passed away,\" said the Empress Dowager. \"Let's amuse ourselves at our ease this evening.\"\n\nHer ladies played the Japanese harp. The ex-Emperor played the lute." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sanekane played the lute too. Then Kaneyuki played the flageolet. As the night wore on, the party became very enjoyable. Sanekane and Kaneyuki both sang traditional shrine songs. Takaaki sang the song of his Seryo home.\n\nThe princess resolutely continued to refuse to drink, however much I urged her. The ex-Emperor was about to fill her cup when his mother said, \"Sing us a drinking song to go with the wine.\" He therefore sang the ballad,\n\nWhat a miserable life" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Is the lot of these" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Old charcoal-burners!" }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'passed' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thinly clad they go out\n\nTo cut wood for the winter fuel,\n\nBut sadly enough\n\nNot to warm themselves but others.\n\nIt sounded most amusing.\n\n\"Give me the cup,\" said the Empress Dowager. She had it filled three times and after drinking passed the cup to the princess who drank and passed the cup to the ex-Emperor. He then returned to his seat.\n\n\"An emperor, the Chinese histories tell us, has no father or mother,\" the Empress Dowager mused aloud." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Work this phrase into your response organically: \"Still, it is owing to me, though unworthy, that you ascended the throne. Sing me then another drinking song.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Still, it is owing to me, though unworthy, that you ascended the throne. Sing me then another drinking song.\"\n\n\"Ever since I was born,\" the ex-Emperor said to his mother, \"I have owed everything to you; my nomination as Emperor and the grant of the title of ex-Emperor were both due to you. How then could I treat your command lightly?\" At her wish he sang,\n\nFlocks of cranes fly over Kameoka;\n\nLike them our Lord will have long life,\n\nAnd all under heaven will be at peace.\n\nHe sang this through three times, filling his mother's cup three times. He then asked her for the cup, had it filled three times and drank. He then handed the cup to Lord Takaaki." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How jealous you must have been when the girl handed the cup first to Sanekane!\" he said.I had expected that the ex-Emperor would be visiting the princess again that night, but instead he said to me, \"I've drunk too much tonight. I don't feel at all well. Massage my back,\" and stayed in his room all night.\n\nNext day the Vestal Virgin left. The ex-Emperor then went to Imabashi to enquire after the health of the Titular ex-Empress of Kitayama who was suffering from a cold. He stayed there for the night and then returned to the Tominokoji palace.\n\nDuring the evening of the day of his return, Lady Chunagon came with a message from the ex-Empress Higashi Nijo. \"Because of Lady Nijo's inexplicable behaviour,\" her letter read, \"I forbade her entrance to my apartments. Your Majesty has ignored this ban. On this last visit you have made to your mother, you allowed her to ride in your carriage in the robes of a princess so that people were under the impression that you were being accompanied by an empress. This is to be deplored as it leads to my good name being defamed. For this reason, I desire to be released from your service that I may renounce the world and retire to Fushimi or some such place.\"\n\n\"I have received your message,\" the ex-Emperor replied. \"It is not necessary for you to have to tell me about Nijo. Her mother was a court lady of the highest rank, and when she was Nijo's age, I valued her constant services more highly than anyone else's and should have liked to have retained her in my service." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On her deathbed she begged me to look after her child, and I promised to do so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before he died, her father also begged me to give my protection to his daughter, and I promised to carry out these last wishes of his. It is loyalty on the part of a subject that makes a lord behave as a lord, and it is the favour granted by the lord which causes a subject to behave as a subject. Her father was able to die in peace because I had given my word to give his daughter my protection. An emperor's word is final, and I cannot go back on the promises I made then. Her parents are watching me from beneath the turf to see that I do not do so. How could I drive the innocent girl away from my palace to some unknown place?\n\n\"Wearing princely robes is not something she has just begun to do,\" he went on. \"When her father brought her to see me for the first time, he asked that she should receive the treatment to which she would have been entitled if she had been the daughter instead of the granddaughter of the Koga Chief Minister, as he himself was of lower rank. She was therefore given permission to use an ox-carriage with five blinds and to wear princely robes. Her mother also was a step-daughter of the Kitayama Chief Minister." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was because of this that the titular ex-Empress of Kitayama officiated at the ceremony of Putting on the Skirt for her. In the course of that ceremony it was officially announced that she was granted permission to wear thin silk robes and a white skirt. She has always been given the privilege of alighting from her carriage at the main entrance. Now all these things were decided long ago. Why have you waited till now to express your disagreement with them? You speak of rumours that certain low-ranking retainers have accused her of giving herself the airs of an empress. If enquiries were to show that she had done this, even then I could not drive her away from the court, but I would certainly reduce her in rank to the status of a serving maid.\n\n\"It is well known that her father objected to her being called Nijo, and I have instructed my house not to do so. Although her father's own rank as Dainagon was low, she entered the service of the court as a daughter of the Koga Chief Minister and her father was of the opinion that she should not be given the name of a street and wished her to be called Agako for the time being." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knew that all men were not fortunate enough to realise their ambition, but he hoped that if he should be promoted to the post of Minister a more fitting name might be given her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The daughter of a Chief Minister is officially permitted to wear princely robes. In addition, every family founded by a prince insists on its right to do the same, the Kazan family as being descended from Prince Tankai, and her own family, the Koga family, from Prince Tomohira, the seventh son of the Emperor Murakami and the younger brother of the Emperor Reizei and En-yu. This is a family which has been established at a much more recent date than the others, and daughters of the family are not as a general rule inclined to enter the service of the court, but her mother did so and afterwards left her daughter to my protection, and so she has been in my service since she was a child. I had thought that you knew all this, and your present words of disapproval have come as an unpleasant surprise. As for your wish to enter the religious life, the decision to do this depends on the merits acquired in a former life, and outside circumstances cannot influence this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This letter, however, did little to improve relations between the ex-Empress and myself. My only consolation was in the ex-Emperor's continued high favour.\n\nThe ex-Emperor did not visit the former Vestal Virgin again after the one short meeting at Saga. I felt sorry that my efforts on her behalf had not been more successful.\n\n\"Well, are you going to let the year-end pass without a visit to her?\" I asked him, and in response to a suggestion from me, he sent me with a letter to invite her to visit him when she could.\n\nHer foster-mother was distressed when I told her of the invitation. \"I had hoped,\" she said to me with tears, \"that she would not get involved with anyone but would devote herself solely to the service of the Ise shrine, but His Majesty's passing whim has brought her much sorrow.\"\n\nI was rather annoyed by her continual lamentation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have come just to invite her to visit him sometime when she has the leisure,\" I explained with a friendly smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We shall do nothing,\" she answered, \"to prevent her going when she has the time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I returned to tell the ex-Emperor the result of my visit. \"It heightens one's love,\" he said, \"when one has to cross mountains to visit someone. But with her I always have the feeling that there are no more mountains to cross.\"\n\nNevertheless, in the twelfth month, he sent a carriage to bring her secretly to the palace. The way was long and it was already late when the carriage drew up at an entrance on the corridor to the Oyanagi house, for the Kyogoku front had been handed over for the use of the Crown Prince. He led her into the Four-Pillar room. As usual, I remained outside the screens to serve them. Everything seemed to be happening just as one would have expected it to happen, I thought, as I listened to her complain of his having neglected her for so long since that night at Saga. So, also, were her tears predictable as she came out with him to say goodbye as the dawn bell rang out.\n\nAs the year drew to its close, my misery grew deeper." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "help with this chapter? three sentences more sentences, Lady Nijō-style, Japan, nonfiction, memoirs, 1300s genre. some context might be from earlier" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The hall of the Rokujo palace having been rebuilt, the Emperor moved there in the fourth month." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The service of dedication took place before a picture of the Mandala symbol hung on the wall with the Tendai High Priest Kogo presiding and twenty priests assisting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Later another service was held in the Jocho chapel at the palace with the priest Kenjichi officiating." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The removal had been made just before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were five carriages of ladies in the procession." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I rode in the place of honour in the first carriage, with Lady Kyogoku in the second place on the right." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'light' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wore a set of seven robes of scarlet with a purple lining and a blue cloak lined with light red, Lady Kyogoku a set of five light purple robes with a blue lining.\n\nFor three days after the removal, we remained indoors wearing white with dark scarlet mantles and skirts. A competition of garden-plot flower arrangements was organised to mark the occasion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The courtyard was divided into plots and allotted to each of the lords and ladies of the middle and upper ranks. I was assigned two small plots on the eastern side of the main building near the Jocho chapel. In my plot I placed a beautiful little arched bridge, but to everyone's amusement my uncle Takaaki stole it in the night and placed it in his own plot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the eighth month the ex-Emperor fell ill. At first it did not appear to be anything very serious, although his appetite was poor and he perspired a good deal. Still, the symptoms continued for a long time and we began to get rather worried. Doctors were called in and he was cauterised at as many as ten points." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nevertheless, his condition showed no signs of improvement. Services of intercession for long life were held for seven days from the eighth day of the month, but at the end of the period his condition remained unchanged.\n\nThe Erudite Priest who now came to visit his brother was the same priest who had come to visit him in the spring and who had declared his attachment to me with his words and his tears." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'occasion' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had reminded me of this on every occasion whenever I had been sent with a message to him by the ex-Emperor, but I had so far evaded any further intimacy on one pretext or another. On one occasion I had received an affectionate letter from him urging me to make the response to his pleas which he desired. The letter had embarrassed me so much that I had torn off a piece of hair-tying paper, had written on it the one word \"Dream\" and left it near him as if I had accidentally dropped it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On another occasion when I had gone to the temple with a message for him, he had thrown towards me a spray of star anise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had picked it up unobserved and found written on the leaves the poem,\n\nRising up betimes\n\nTo pick this spray of anise," }, { "from": "human", "value": "I find wet with dew" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These sleeves long since drenched with tears\n\nThat my dreams have not come true.\n\nI thought the poem very cleverly contrived, and after this I found myself more inclined to think tenderly of him, and rather looked forward to having the opportunity to see him whenever I was sent to the temple with a message for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When I was there, I found too that I could sit and talk to him and answer him without any feeling of embarrassment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he came to visit the ex-Emperor at this time, he was grieved to find that the ex-Emperor's health was not improving, and asked that some article of clothing that had been in contact with the ex-Emperor's body should be taken into the chapel before the service began.\n\nI was therefore told to take a robe which the ex-Emperor had been wearing\"Where shall I put His Majesty's robe?\" I asked him.\n\n\"Place it in the reading room next door,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I went into the room and found it lighted up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then to my surprise he followed me in.\n\n\"'Buddha leads us even when we go along dark paths,'\" he quoted, weeping, as he took me in his arms. I was shocked at his action, but he was not someone whom I could push away or tell to take his hands off me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Resisting the impulse to cry out, I could only whisper a reminder of the warnings of Buddha, but no plea of mine was of any avail." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Our dream of love was, however, of very short duration and the memory of it now too faint to recall, for it was interrupted almost immediately by the priests calling out that the service was about to begin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At this he fled out by the other door. \"See me again after the service at dawn,\" he said as he left.\n\nThe service proceeded uneventfully, but it was horrifying for me to think how unworthy he was to be there taking part in this solemn service." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shadowless bright light of the candles contrasted so startlingly with my thoughts of the darkness of the world to come that I was still further saddened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was not exactly burning with love for him, but after the midnight service I went to his room unobserved. The service was over and we could meet with less apprehension. I was sorry to see him weep so pathetically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the noise of people moving about at dawn disturbed us, he pressed me to exchange with him the gowns we had worn next to our bodies so that we might have something to remind us of this meeting. The sadness of parting when we got up and left did, however, seem to be somewhat one-sided. It was true that I could have wished that he had been able to stay longer with me, but it was with a look of despair on his face that he went away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I could never forget that look.\n\nWhen I went back to my room, I found a poem on a torn-off scrap of paper attached to the hem of the gown which he had given me in exchange for my own,\n\nIn sorrow gazing" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the autumn moon at night," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wonder whether\n\nIt was in reality\n\nOr in a dream that we met." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'every' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wondered when he had found the time to write it. I could no longer doubt the strength of his affection, and taking advantage of every opportunity while he was at the palace, I visited him in his room every other night.\n\nThe priest must have carried out this series of services with a lack of devotional purpose which must have been most displeasing to Buddha, but in spite of this, at the end of the twice-seven days of continual intercession, the ex-Emperor showed definite signs of improvement in health, and after the third period of seven days the prince went back to his temple." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When shall we have another opportunity of meeting?\" he had said to me the night before he left. \"I am afraid that the dust is going to collect on the floor of the chapel of the invocation of the Sacred Name of Amida and the fire on the altar will become dim. If you feel about me as I do about you, you will put on a habit of the same dark hue as mine and retire with me into the depths of the mountains where we may spend in peace our remaining years in this transient world.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This proposal showed a sad lack of worldly wisdom on the part of the prince and was really too shocking even to consider. Yet I could not help being moved by his words, wondering how long he had been turning over this scheme in his mind. It was sad indeed to watch him getting up on this last morning as the bell for dawn rang out and see him trying to hide his tears which, I was much afraid, might reveal to all our secret." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So with the last day of the prayers for the ex-Emperor's well-being, I was left alone with new worries added to a heart already overflowing with griefs and anxieties." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the ninth month the Ceremony of Offering Flowers to Buddha was held, the shining newness of the Rokujo palace adding beauty to the scene. As the new ex-Emperor had asked that a lady might be selected for his service, all the ladies were vying with each other in attracting notice, but I remained gloomy and unapproachable. After the ceremony the two ex-Emperors went to the new palace at Fushimi to plant pine tree seedlings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lord Konoe was to have accompanied them but instead he sent a poem expressing the hope that the newly-planted pine trees might flourish for thousands of years to come,\n\nMay the young pine trees\n\nPlanted now at Fushimi" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Live a thousand years" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And flourish, together with\n\nthe palace of Fushimi.\n\nThe ex-Emperor replied with a poem also praying for the prosperity of the Fushimi palace," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a thousand years\n\nMay the Fushimi palace\n\nFlourish and prosper" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Lady Nijō. Story might have ongoing characters/plots - work with what's given" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My relations with other people had become increasingly difficult for me with the same kind of vexing situation continually recurring. This all made me wish that I could abandon this kind of life to live in peace in a cottage beyond the mountains. But this yearning was in vain. It was proving very difficult for me to give up my life at court, and I could blame no one but myself for everything that had happened to me. I had an uneasy feeling too that a break with the ex-Emperor was imminent. I had been striving my utmost to avoid this, but it seemed as if all my efforts were to be in vain.\n\nIt was about the middle of the second month. The trees were beginning to come into flower, and the scent of the plum blossom was brought on the breezes. Yet all this gave me no pleasure. More than ever before, I felt depressed, dispirited, sorrowful, troubled.\n\nHearing the ex-Emperor call for me, I hurried to his apartment, wondering what he wanted. He was standing in the kettle room, alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Most of the ladies have gone on leave,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am being left alone. And you stay cooped up in your room the whole of the time. What is the attraction there?\" This was his usual attitude towards me at the time and I could make no answer.\n\nJust then the arrival of Wan Morning Moon was announced, and soon afterwards he was shown into the room. I sat there, taking no notice of him, apparently unconcerned. I did not see what else I could do.\n\nAt this time the ex-Emperor was very worried about the state of health of his daughter, the one later to become the Empress Yugimon, who was then about twelve years of age. She had been suffering from a painful disease for some time, and prayers had been offered for her recovery at the palace and for the ex-Emperor's well-being at the Narutaki temple.\n\nThe two brothers conversed together for some time in an even more unhurried fashion than usual, though I was a little disturbed, having an uneasy feeling as to what was going on in the prince's mind. Then a message came that the princess appeared to be worse. The ex-Emperor got up immediately to go to see her.\n\n\"Stay here till His Majesty returns,\" I said.\n\nThere was no one else there at the time, and the prince began to talk of all the sad times he had had to live through, beginning with his unhappy boyhood right up to the present time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tried in vain to hide his tears with his sleeve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was nothing I could say; I just listened in silence." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'prince' 3 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What I did not realise was that the ex-Emperor had come back and was listening outside the door to his brother's complaints. Unaware of this too, the prince continued to plead for my love. Unusually quick to grasp any situation, the ex-Emperor could have been in no doubt about the intimacy of our relations. When the ex-Emperor came back into the room, the prince put an innocent face on our conversation, but I was worried that his damp sleeves would reveal our secret.\n\nWhen the candles were lighted that evening, the prince left the palace. No one was with us, and the ex-Emperor seemed even more friendly than usual as I massaged his legs.\n\n\"I heard something this afternoon that I was not expecting to hear,\" he said to me, friendlily enough. \"How did all this happen? How did you two get into this situation? He and I have been very close to one another ever since we were boys together. I did not think he was the sort of man to get involved in any kind of scandalous behaviour.\"\n\nAs it was obviously no use my telling him that there were no grounds for his suspicions, I made a clean breast of everything that had happened from the first night of our meeting to the night when we had quarrelled and parted. I did not hide a single detail.\n\n\"What a marvellous bond of love has tied you together,\" said the ex-Emperor. \"And he was so infatuated with you that he enlisted Takaaki's aid in forwarding his suit. And then you refused him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He must be very bitter against you for the heartless way in which you have treated him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He will make you suffer for it. There have been many instances of this all through the ages. Love is blind. That is true not only of laymen but also of priests. Shinsai, the High Priest of the Kakinomoto temple, who fell in love with the Empress Somedono, was because of this turned into a fiend, and in spite of all her devotion to the saints, she fell a victim to his lusts. On the other hand, when the Chief Priest of the Shiga temple declared his love for the Empress Kyogoku, she calmed his passions by the poem she composed,\n\nGuide me to Paradise,\n\nFor there pure lovers will meet\n\nOn one lotus leaf,\n\nAnd then to you I shall feel\n\nAn eternal gratitude.\n\n\"My brother seems to be utterly deranged. Deal warily with him. So long as I keep silent, no one will learn anything about this matter. When he has to come here to hold a service of intercession, try to make him forget his resentment against you. You may think it is wicked to use such an occasion for this purpose, but I have a deeper plan in mind. Do not then worry yourself about what I shall think of what you are doing.\" His voice took on an even more affectionate tone as he went on, \"You have kept nothing secret from me. And I am glad that, in your bewilderment as to what you should do, you have asked for my help. That has cleared away completely from my mind any suspicions that I might have had.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is no wonder that his sympathy made me feel all the more wretched." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I fell in love with you first,\" he went on. \"Many years have passed since that day, but never, whatever happened, have I treated you with anything but the highest respect, even though something always happened to prevent my realising fully my plans for you. Oh, how I wish I could make you understand the depths of my feelings for you. It was your mother who first initiated me into the pleasures of love in bed when she was in my service.Next day the service of intercession was to begin. People crowded round the artificial mound that had been erected for the ceremony. I felt wretched whenever anyone looked at me, wondering whether my secret anxieties showed in my face. The prince's arrival was announced. I sat by the side of the ex-Emperor, apparently unconcerned but wretched at heart at the thought of what the prince was thinking.\n\nAs usual, I was sent with a message to the prince. I always had a guilty conscience on these occasions, but this time I felt guiltier than ever, yet there was nothing else that I could do but to go. It was still early in the evening. The message was an enquiry on some doubtful point of doctrine of Shingon Buddhism. There was no one else in the room with the prince, a rather unusual thing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the dim light of the hazy spring moonlight, leaning on an armrest, he was reciting from one of the sutras." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'about' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He interrupted his devotions to talk to me. \"I vowed to Buddha,\" he said, \"to put out of my mind forever every remembrance of the sorrowful events of that moonlight night when you rejected my proffered love. But I have not been able to keep my vow. Is there no way in which I can give up my love for you except by sacrificing my life? I have prayed to the gods to transplant me to a land where you are not, but they give no heed to my prayers. What am I to do?\" He went on to beg me to stay with him for a little while, and though I feared that this might lead to the spread of malicious rumours about us, I could not but share with him a momentary dream of love, which was cut short by calls outside that the service was about to begin. I escaped by the back door, but not before he had pleaded with me again and again not to leave but to stay in the room and wait for him until after the midnight service. He spoke as urgently as if he feared some barrier might rise up to prevent our meeting ever again if I went away then. I was afraid, however, that I might get involved in trouble if I stayed any longer, and so I returned to my own apartments.\n\nI felt more in love with him that night than I had done on that evening when we had first met and he had given me the poem beginning\n\nIn sorrow gazing\n\nAt the autumn moon at night.\n\nIt seemed to me that I could not hope to escape from that affinity which drew us together, those pledges of love we had made to one another in a former life. I lay down to sleep, but no dream came to me. The day dawned, and having nothing else to do, I went to serve the ex-Emperor's breakfast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one else happened to be there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He didn't know that I had sent you to him with a message so that he could talk to you, did he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "the ex-Emperor said. \"Don't let him find out that I know all about his secret passion. I should be sorry if he had to conceal his feelings because he learnt that I knew all about this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I felt too ashamed to say a word in reply. I felt also a deep compassion for the prince who was having to officiate at these solemn services while feeling himself impure in mind and body.\n\nOn the sixth day of the services, on the eighteenth day of the second month, the ex-Emperor was sitting up late, admiring the crimson plum blossoms in front of the great hall of the palace which were especially beautiful that year both in colour and fragrance.\n\n\"Tonight is the last night of the special intercessions,\" the ex-Emperor said to me when we heard the late night service ending. \"It is already very late. Go to him at the first opportunity.\"\n\nI was surprised at this suggestion, but when the midnight bell tolled the Lady of the East Wing was invited to join the ex-Emperor in the anteroom off the Mandarin Orangery. When the ex-Emperor left to go there, I went to the prince's room, not because it was what the ex-Emperor had suggested that I should do, but rather because I felt something of a longing for him on this last night of his at the palace. He was obviously waiting for me, expecting that I should come. I knew well what remorse might follow if I did not resolve to give up meeting him, and yet I had to come. The voice of the ex-Emperor still remained in my ears, and the perfume of his incense-scented robes still permeated my sleeves. How could I allow another to cover those sleeves with his own? Yet I had come, and if anything went wrong, I had only myself to blame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The prince wept as if this night was to be our last, and our parting at the end of it a parting forever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My mind was in a whirl. How much better it would be, I thought, if we had parted then forever than that we should meet again and have to part with our love for each other unsatisfied. But for the moment such thoughts had no relevance. The short night passed quickly, and I was left in the morning to wonder whether the evening would ever come. I waited all the day for his coming after parting from him at dawn with still unsatisfied longings. Alas, that day had little chance of coming, I thought, as I composed this poem to express my thoughts,\n\nYour face, quite unchanged\n\nSince the night when we parted\n\nIn bitter discord,\n\nIs reflected in the tears\n\nI shed when we met tonight.\n\nNext morning the little princess seemed rather better, and the prince went away from the palace after the early evening service, leaving me feeling rather lost without him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A strange thing had occurred that morning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was lying down in my room after having come from the prince's room just before dawn, when the ex-Emperor sent Lord Kiyonaga to call me to him at once. I knew that the Lady of the East Wing had spent the night with him and wondered why he had sent for me so early. Somewhat uneasy, I hurried to his room.\n\n\"It was very late when I let you go to his room as I thought he would be waiting anxiously for you,\" he said to me. \"If it hadn't been something out of the ordinary, I would not have sent for you so early in the morning, when your face still shows the emotions he has aroused. Forgive me for doing so. It is all due to my being so anxious about your well-being. Last night I had a very strange dream about you. In my dream the prince gave you a five-pointed mace which you put in the bosom of your robes to hide from me. I caught hold of you by the sleeve and asked why you had hidden it from me when I knew everything about you. Weeping, you showed me the mace. I saw that it was a silver one that had belonged to my father. I said that I would take it, and just as I took hold of it, I awoke to find it was a dream." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I am sure that the mace is a symbol of something you have received tonight." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'called' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If that is so, it seems to me to indicate that I shall have to take charge of Iwane no MatsuAt the beginning of the third month, one evening when there were few people about and I had noticed that the ex-Emperor had eaten hardly anything for his supper, he called me into his own little private room. I wondered why he was doing this, and was overjoyed to hear him pledge his unchanging affection for me.\n\n\"I have not called you to me since I had that strange dream,\" he said. \"I was waiting for one month to pass. I have been very sad and lonely waiting for the time to go.\" I was surprised to hear that this was the reason why he had not sent for me. There was now no doubt at all about my being pregnant again; that short dream of love had brought a new source of trouble on me.\n\nThat one whom I had always regarded as my first real lover,\n\nWith longing for you,\n\nMissing you always so much\n\nSince I saw you last,\n\nTill now unceasingly still\n\nI weep in bitter sorrow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The letter accompanying the poem was very touching and ended, \"If no barrier has been erected to bar my approach, I should like to visit you at your home, if only to stand and look.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I replied with a poem expressing my sorrow that circumstances had prevented our meeting,\n\nAgainst my own will,\n\nChanges have befallen me,\n\nTo my great sorrow;\n\nSo that through all these changes\n\nI weep unceasingly still.\n\nTo this I added, \"I am sure that our love for one another will endure for ever.\"\n\nI was afraid that our former intimate relations would never be resumed, but he did come late that night. We began to talk over the unhappy incidents that had happened, but before very long, there was a noise of shouting and we heard that fire had broken out on the corner of Sanjo and Kyogoku streets at Tominokoji. He thought he ought to go to the palace in haste.\n\nThe nights are short at that season of the year. It was soon daylight and then it was too late for him to come back to me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As soon as it was broad daylight, I received a letter from him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Last night's unexpected incident,\" he wrote, \"appears like a warning that our attachment for each other is likely to grow weaker and weaker. I fear that the future course of our love will be like that of a boat pushing its slow way through the reeds that impede its progress.\" With the letter was the poem,\n\nHas this long absence\n\nCaused the current of our love\n\nNot to end in one,\n\nLike two converging streams, but\n\nDisappear into the sand?\n\nIt was indeed unfortunate that, when after a long interval I had seen him again the night before, we had been prevented from spending a happy night together. In answer to his letter, I sent a letter,\n\nAlthough it may seem\n\nThat our love for each other\n\nHas come to an end," }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'anything' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still will my eyes be always\n\nFilled with sad tears of longing.\n\nIf I had been allowed to stay at home a little longer, we might have found another opportunity of meeting, but that evening the ex-Emperor sent a carriage with a message that he wanted me back at the palace at once, and so I returned.\n\nAt the beginning of autumn, I was getting over my morning sickness. \"You are getting to the stage now,\" the ex-Emperor said to me jocularly one day about this time, \"when you should have a sacred rope hung round you to warn people that you are taboo. Have you told the prince anything about it yet?\"\n\n\"No, I haven't. When have I had an opportunity of telling him?\" I answered.\n\n\"You do not need to hesitate about doing anything because of what I might say. He may try to conceal from me his relationship with you, but I shall tell him that it is useless for him to try to hide things from me and that he cannot escape from what is so obviously his destiny.\"\n\nThere was nothing I could say in answer to that, but I could imagine what the prince's feelings would be if the ex-Emperor spoke to him in such a way. If I had suggested to him, however, that he should not do this, it might have led him to accuse me of taking the prince's side against him. I could therefore only say, \"You must do as you think best,\" and say no more.\n\nSoon afterwards a course of instruction on the doctrines of Shingon Buddhism was organised at the palace, the ex-Emperor drawing up a list of questions to be answered. The prince attended and stayed four or five days." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the course of lectures was over, a drinking party was held. I waited on the prince and the ex-Emperor.\n\n\"I have made enquiries far and wide,\" the ex-Emperor said to the prince, \"and I am deeply convinced that sexual relations are not sinful in themselves. Force is powerless against the love one man is predestined to feel for a certain woman. History provides many notable examples of this. The ascetic Jozo, convinced that he was fated to enter into a love relationship with a woman from the northern province of Michinoku, tried to kill her. He failed, and eventually he became her lover. The Empress Somedono tried to persuade the High Priest of the Shiga temple to give up his love for her. She failed, and he became a deep blue demon. A woman whose husband had died was changed by her love for him into a rock which was later called Bofuseki, Yearning-for-Husband Rock. People may even be forced, as a result of the deeds of a former life, to fall in love with an animal, wild or domestic. These things are impossible for us fully to comprehend.\"\n\nI had a feeling that he was referring to me and the prince in all this. Tears were in my eyes, and I was in a cold sweat with fear. People were going out quietly, and Wan Morning Moon was about to leave also, when the ex-Emperor prevented him going.\n\n\"Stay a little longer,\" he said. \"Let us talk further about religion in these quiet midnight hours.\" I do not know what was said, for, thinking their conversation would involve me, I left and went back to my room.\n\nIt was well after midnight when the ex-Emperor summoned me to his room. \"I took the opportunity,\" he said, \"to tell him everything I had been thinking about you. Parents are blinded by their love for their children, and no parent could dote on his child as I do on you.\" I could not say a word in answer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I could only weep. He was speaking even more affectionately than usual. \"You heard what I said to everyone about how impossible it is for anyone to avoid the person he is fated to love. After you had left, I told my brother that I had by accident overheard what he had said to you. I quite understood, I told him, how afraid he might be of what I might say to him, but that he should even at the cost of his life continue to pledge his love for you. He and I should have no secrets from one another. I pointed out to him that it would be most unfortunate if people discovered his secret. No doubt it was due to his actions in a former life that he could not repress his love. I told him that I did not blame him in the slightest for the way in which he had acted. I informed him that you had been in a delicate condition since the spring. At that time I had had a dream in which you had tried to hide from me a silver mace. This dream appeared to me to have a meaning and I had patiently refrained from approaching you until I was absolutely certain that I had understood the meaning of the dream correctly. I told him that I had done this so that I could assure myself of the sincerity of his feelings for you and of his concern for your future. I warned him not to hide anything from me, or he would lose the divine assistance of the protectors of the country, the gods who are worshipped at the Ise, Iwashimizu, Kamo, and Kasuga shrines. If he did this, then my attitude towards him would never change. He remained silent for a time, and then brushing away his tears, he told me that after what I had said he wished to hide nothing from me. It was sad, he told me, that his deeds in a former life had led to his present unhappy situation. He would never cease to be grateful to me for my advice and help not only for the rest of his life but also in the world to come. His remorse for having formed such a strong attachment to you had been utterly unendurable, and he had for three years struggled to free himself. He had prayed to the gods and Buddha for no other thing than this, and he had written out for you a solemn oath. Even then he had not been able to free himself, and now at the end found himself just where he had been at the beginning, like a wheel that had turned full circle. Now that the lady was pregnant, he would retire from his post at the temple in favour of my son who has already taken his vows and go into the mountains to live as a black-clad hermit. He thanked me for my kindness all through the years, but especially for the great consideration I had shown on this occasion. He would be indebted to me through many worlds to come. Then still weeping bitterly, he left me. I felt very sorry for him, for I realised how deeply he loves you.\"\n\nFor myself, my feelings as I listened to the ex-Emperor's story were mixed; my tears were tears of gratitude as well as of resentment. I realised again the feelings so well expressed in the poem in The Tale of Genji,\n\nBoth my sleeves were drenched\n\nEqually with bitter tears,\n\nBut the one with tears\n\nOf bitterest resentment,\n\nThe other tears of longing.\n\nAs I felt I would like to hear from the prince himself what his feelings were, since he was leaving the palace the next day, I went to his apartment late that night under the pretext that I was taking a message to him from the ex-Emperor. There was no one there with him except a young page who was sleeping in the same room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took me into the room where we usually met." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had hoped,\" he said, \"that the bitterness of our parting that dreadful morning would have led to a happier and more pious life for me. That it has not proved to be so must be because I still long for your love. I am sorry for myself at finding myself still in this quandary.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reminded by this of the look on his face on the morning we parted with so much bitterness, I felt impelled to run away from him at once. Realising at the same time, however, that we should be parting when he left the palace at the conclusion of the study sessions, as is usual at such times, I came to feel more and more drawn to him and finally spent the night with him. His tears fell on my sleeves the whole night through, and I had no thought to spare for what would become of me afterwards. I listened to his story and heard all over again what the ex-Emperor had told him.\n\n\"It shows how much I love you,\" he said, \"that now that His Majesty knows all about our relationship with one another, my only worry is whether we shall have an opportunity of meeting each other in the future. Now that you are bearing my child, it does not seem as improbable as it did formerly for me to hope that we can marry and I can bring up the child as my son and not have to leave him to the care of others.\" On hearing this, my joy and my love were unbounded. \"The coming baby,\" he went on, \"is already the cause of a great deal of concern to me.\" So we talked, weeping and laughing in turn, till dawn broke. Choked with tears, he asked when we could meet again and I expressed my hope for such a meeting in the poem,\n\nWould that the image\n\nNow of the wan morning moon\n\nMirrored on my sleeves" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Could show a face as loving" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<EMBED THIS>>: \"I lay awake waiting for you all the night.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tomorrow as it does now.\n\nHis tender love for me had roused in me a love for him as tender as his.\n\nI was still lying down in my room, continuing to ponder over the manner in which I had been caught fast in the foreordained chains of love, when the ex-Emperor summoned me. He was still in his bedroom.\n\n\"I was expecting you last night,\" he said abruptly. \"I lay awake waiting for you all the night.\" I made no answer. \"You must be missing him and bewailing the fact that the night has passed so soon,\" he went on. I still had no answer to make. I wondered why I should have to be so torn between two men when so many women in the world could devote themselves solely to one man. I could not help bursting into tears. What kind of tears did he think them to be, I wondered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Were you lying in bed living over at your leisure the events of last night's happy meeting?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he enquired. How wrong he was! Listening to him thus cruelly criticising me, saying things which hurt me more than anything he had ever said before, I realised that things were turning out just as I feared they would. The future seemed very black. I tried in vain to hold back my tears. He took them for tears of yearning perhaps. \"You are still missing the one from whom you have only just now parted. You are offended because I sent for you.\" He broke off what he was saying, looking very angry, and I left him to go back to my room.\n\nFeeling very wretched and miserable, I kept away from him all the day, but fearing that he might be even more angry with me if I continued to do so, I went to him in the evening, wishing with all my heart that I could get away from life at court which had brought so much sadness to me and hasten to the peaceful life on the other side of the mountains. The old poem says,\n\nI wish I could find,\n\nBeyond Yoshino mountains\n\nClad now with blossom," }, { "from": "human", "value": "A lodging and a refuge" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From the world's annoyances.\n\nAfter the study session had finished, the prince had stayed on and was still there with his brother. They were chatting more pleasantly together than usual, but I did not feel comfortable sitting there talking with them, and I soon left. Coming out through the kettle-room, I met him.\n\n\"I have come to the palace today as I am on duty from tomorrow,\" he said to me. \"I'm sorry I've not had a chance lately even to hear the sound of your voice.\" I was listening to him with the feeling that there seemed to be no place where I could feel at ease, when the ex-Emperor called me back.\n\nI went in, wondering what I was wanted for this time, and found that he was going to have a drinking party in the quiet, matted room. There were one or two ladies-in-waiting there, but he obviously thought this was not enough. Hearing the voices of Lord Morochika and Lord Sanekane in the main hall outside, he called them in too. There was a great deal of noisy merrymaking, but it was all over before I was ready for it to end, and when the prince left for the early evening prayers in the room of the little princess, I missed him very much. This evening I had put on the maternity belt which had been given to me without any ceremony by the ex-Emperor, but I could not help feeling forlorn as I wondered what attitude he was going to take about me and the child." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was on duty that night and he talked to me all through the night in a most affectionate manner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That made me feel all the more wretched.\n\nThe ex-Emperor had requested that the annual ceremony of offering flowers to Buddha should be carried out in an even more solemn manner than usual. Everyone was busy with the preparations, but I asked for leave of absence as I felt in my condition it would be better for me not to be there. The ex-Emperor, however, refused his permission; among the crowd present no one would notice, he said. I was attending on him in a pale purple robe, a green over-robe, a scarlet mantle and an under-robe of reddish-brown lined with yellow, when I heard that Wan Morning Moon had arrived. My heart fluttered agitatedly when at the end of the ceremony he came into the hall to make the offering, but I do not think he knew I was there.\n\nAt this moment a court lady came to me. \"His Majesty has noticed a fan left behind in the hall. He wishes you to take it to him.\" I felt that there was something rather suspicious about this request. Nevertheless, I opened the middle door and looked into the hall. There was no fan to be seen. I closed the door and turned to the lady." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with nine sentences, keeping within the Japan, nonfiction, memoirs, 1300s genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The year drew to a close, and to my sorrow I had still not yet had an opportunity of visiting the Zenkoji temple in Shinano province. Lady Komachi...\n\nThis deeply mortified me as the days passed by.\n\nThe lord of Iinuma, Taira no Sukemune, the son of the Governor-general, often sent Wakabayashi no Jirozaemon to me inviting me to be present at verse-capping and other entertainments, having heard possibly that I had some reputation as a poet and a person of cultivated tastes, and at last I accepted one of his invitations. Surprisingly enough, I found him to be a man of culture and wide sympathies, and from this time I often went to his house for contests in poetical composition.\n\nIn the last month of the year, I moved to Kawaguchi in the province of Musashi, where the widow of a man named Kawagoe was living in religious retirement. Her message inviting me to visit her had delighted me, as it had held out the hope that early in the new year we might make the pilgrimage to Zenkoji together. Snow was falling as I went there, and it was difficult to find the way over the moors deep in snow, but I eventually got to the house after two days of travel from Kamakura. It was a remote spot on the bank of the river Iruma, with the post station of Iwabuchi and the usual prostitute quarter on the other side of the river.\n\nThere are no mountains to be seen in the province of Musashi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The plain is a wilderness overgrown with miscanthus grass, a sad wintry sight at this time with stems and leaves bent down with the weight of hoar frost. Through this wilderness I had pushed my way, my sadness at the passing of yet another year, so natural to all of us, heightened by the fact that I was ever removing myself to secluded spots more and more remote from the brilliant life of the Capital.\n\nWhenever I look back over my past life, it is always of my mother that I think first. I was parted from her at the age of two, so early that I do not know what she looked like. I had grown a little and was in my fourth year when on the twentieth day of the ninth month I was taken into his service by the ex-Emperor. From that time on, I enjoyed his special favour. I learnt to hold my own among people and after some years I came to hold a position of considerable influence at the court. I had hopes of attaining the highest position of all there and of becoming the pride and glory of my family, but I realised at last that it was my destiny to renounce this gracious way of life to enter religion, heeding the warnings of Buddha that no one can take with one the treasures in this life, one's spouse, one's wealth, one's rank. In spite of this, however, I could not but feel regret sometimes that I had left the life at court to which I was so accustomed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 10 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thoughts of the ex-Emperor's love and affection often came to me, and I had nothing to allay my grief but the tears that dampened my sleeves.\n\nSnow fell heavily from the dark wintry sky and deeply covered the moors and roads. I felt that I should never be able to find my way back, and, when my hostess asked me how I felt on being snowbound, I replied with the poem,\n\nTake pity on one\n\nWhose griefs piling up on her\n\nLike high drifts of snow\n\nPrevent any of her friends\n\nFrom making a call on her.\n\nWords of sympathy unlock the floodgates of tears, but I controlled my feelings lest people should think my outbursts of sorrow very strange. Thus came another year." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Lady Nijō in the Japan, nonfiction, memoirs, 1300s genre and use whatever I write as a jumping off point? This is from a longer work so some stuff might reference earlier chapters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Our ship stopped near Shiramine at Matsuyama in Sanuki province, the burial place of the Emperor Sutoku and a place I had for this reason longed to visit." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'their' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Besides, I had friends in the province. I went to the Hokkeji temple in Matsuyama where the devout manner of their services encouraged me to believe that by their prayers they had freed the Emperor from the punishment he deserved for his evil deeds and would finally bring him to salvation. I recalled Saigyo's poem which he composed here,\n\nAlthough formerly\n\nIn exalted splendour you dwelt,\n\nNow that you have died,\n\nYou must resign yourself that\n\nThe end of your power has come." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I remembered too the poem of the Emperor Tsuchimikado who was also in exile here,\n\nIt is destiny\n\nWhich has forced me to lead here\n\nSuch an unhappy life;\n\nUnreasonable is it then\n\nTo shed tears of repining.\n\nFor my own part, I mused,\n\nIf you remember" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those sorrowful nights and days" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You spent in weeping," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Your compassion let me have" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even from the under-world." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I decided to stay here to copy some of the five Mahayana sutras which to my sorrow still remained to be completed. I went to a small hermitage near Matsuyama where, finding it a very suitable spot for my devotions, I set to work on my task and to occupy myself with regular acts of penance.\n\nIt was the end of the ninth month and the songs of insects had grown feeble, depriving me of even this small comfort in my solitude. Reciting the Lotus Flower sutra morning, noon, and evening with the prayer for absolution from sins committed through the six senses, I yet could not banish from my mind the ex-Emperor's words of love. Though I had vowed never again to play the lute, I still kept on the stand before the image of Buddha his bone plectrum which he had given me as a present when he was teaching me as a child to play the lute. With the thought in my mind I wrote,\n\nTreasuring this yet\n\nAs my one keepsake of his," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still are my eyes filled\n\nWith bitter tears as I think\n\nThat we are young no longer.\n\nOn this occasion I wrote out twenty of the forty volumes of the sutras which I had not yet copied, and presented them to the temple at Matsuyama, being dependent during this time on the help given me by friends who lived in the province. One of the three tight-sleeved gowns which the ex-Emperor had given me the year before at the Iwashimizu shrine I had presented to the Atsuta shrine as a reward for the help given me while I was copying the sutras there. Now I presented one of the others to the temple here in thanksgiving for the dedication service which I had asked them to hold when the completed sutras were presented. With this in mind I wrote,\n\nWhen we parted there," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why did he not ask me then" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To keep these three gowns\n\nUntil, at that bright dawn, we\n\nMeet again in Paradise?\n\nDoubtless it was a sinful attachment to his love that caused me now to resolve never to part with that one remaining keepsake, the one tight-sleeved gown that I still had which he had worn next to his own body." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Lady Nijō. Story might have ongoing characters/plots - work with what's given" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before I realised it, it was the end of the eleventh month." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then I was overjoyed to hear that a ship would be leaving soon for the Capital." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I travelled by this ship but unfortunately it ran into a severe snow storm with high wind and waves, and the ship had to put into a port in Bingo province. I landed there and discovered that fortunately it was near the house of the lady I had met on the ship on the outward voyage. With the help of the note she had given me, I was soon able to find the house and had a very happy stay with her for a few days.\n\nI saw, however, that the master of the house had four or five men and women brought to the house every day and had them beaten unmercifully as a punishment for various offences. I was shocked and horrified by his cruelty, for there seemed to be no excuse at all for it. He was also a great hawker and hunter, killing off large numbers of birds and animals. He was a thoroughly wicked man.\n\nA near relative of this man, the Nyudo Hirosawa no Yoso, a man of some influence in the service of the Military Government, was expected on a visit on his way from Kamakura to the Kumano shrine, and not only the household itself but the people of the village and the whole district were in something of a panic preparing for his visit. At the house they had silk-covered sliding doors made, and these had to have pictures painted on them.\n\n\"I'll paint them if you like,\" I said unthinkingly, \"if you'll get the paints for me. You'll be able to get them at Tomo.\" They sent off for them at once, and it was then too late for me to repent of my impulse to help.\n\nThe colours arrived, and I decorated the doors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The people of the house were highly delighted with them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please stay with us as long as you can,\" they said to me, to my amusement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before long the Nyudo arrived and was very hospitably entertained. \"These pictures haven't been painted by any country artist,\" he said when he had looked at the sliding doors, and admired them. \"Where did you get them done?\"\n\n\"The artist is staying here with us,\" they said.\n\n\"Artists usually have good taste in poetry. I presume he has too. I should like to meet him.\"\n\nI was puzzled as to what I should do, but knowing that he was on his way to the Kumano shrine, I decided to make this my excuse. \"I think it would be better,\" I said, \"if we arrange a meeting when he comes here on his way back.\" This was agreed to, and the Nyudo left for Kumano. Two or three ladies-in-waiting had come with him from Kamakura.\n\nOne of them was a daughter of the elder brother of the master of the house at which I was staying, who lived at a place called Eda nearby. She invited me to go to stay there for a time, as the scenery was quite interesting. I was in fact finding my life at the Wachi house not very pleasant owing to the behaviour of the master of the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So, as the snow prevented my going back to the Capital for the moment, I went to Eda, not giving the matter very much consideration, but expecting that I should be able to continue my journey back to the Capital from there later on in the year." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The master of the house was, however, very angry when he learned that I had gone to Eda." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'claim' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was a development I had not anticipated, nor had I expected him to take the line he did. \"It was a very lucky thing for me,\" he said to people when speaking about my departure, \"that I was able to find her again at Itsukushima. I had had her in my service for a long time before she ran away that time. And now I have had her stolen away from me by my brother. I'll kill her when I get my hands on her.\"\n\nI could not understand how he could have the audacity to claim that I was a servant of his. \"Take no notice of what he says,\" his brother said soothingly. \"That's the sort of senseless thing he's always saying.\" I was really quite happy at the house at Eda. There were many young girls in the house and the atmosphere was extremely friendly and cheerful. Comfortable as I was, however, I was not sufficiently attracted to the place to want to stay there for good.\n\nWhen the Nyudo arrived at Wachi on his way back from Kumano, the brother there complained to him that his elder brother had enticed his servant away from him. \"What is the matter with you two?\" he said to the brother at Wachi, as I learned later. \"Your complaint about losing your maidservant is really absurd. You claim she is your servant. She doesn't seem to me to be of the servant class. Her skill in painting shows that. It is quite a usual thing for persons of high social position to go on pilgrimages. I wonder what family in the Capital she belongs to. It is really disgraceful that you should speak about her as you do. I'll see your brother at Eda about it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The news that he was intending to do this naturally put everyone there in a panic of preparation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We two brothers are at enmity with each other,\" the elder brother said to his uncle on his arrival at the Eda house, \"and all because of some stranger from the Capital on a pilgrimage.\"\n\n\"It is really an absurd quarrel,\" said the uncle. \"Send her away to Bitchu province with someone to be company for her.\"\n\nI was very grateful to him for the decision which he had made, and when I saw him, I told him my story.\n\n\"Talent often makes enemies for one,\" he commented. \"You are so talented an artist that he couldn't bear to part with you!\"\n\nThe Nyudo was extremely interested in poetical composition, and we began to amuse ourselves together, versifying and verse-capping. As we did so, I watched him closely and realised that he had been one of those present at Kamakura when I had attended such poetry meetings with the lord of Iinuma. We went on to speak of those meetings and of his sad fate and that of his father, Taira no Yoritsuna. After a few days the Nyudo left for Ida. There had been a heavy fall of snow, and the scenery with its snow-laden bamboo fences looked strange to me, but all the more beautiful because,\n\nWhen winter snow falls," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Against the drifts the fences" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Are our protection,\n\nJust as against earthly sins\n\nOur defences are our vows." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Lady Nijō. Story might have ongoing characters/plots - work with what's given" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Twenty volumes of the Great Collection of Sutras still remained to be copied. I had wished to finish writing these out before the hundredth day after the ex-Emperor's death, but now I had only the clothes I wore and so had none to sell to cover the cost of the copying. I could only afford to buy just enough food to live on and certainly could not save anything in that direction. These things upset and vexed me. Yet I still had two keepsakes given me by my parents. On her death bed my mother had asked that I should be given a flat, gold-lacquered toilet case with a circular design of a couple of mandarin ducks, all the toilet articles inside it, including the mirror, having the same pattern on them. The other keepsake from my father was a writing case, with a lid of embossed gold lacquer with a diamond pattern of cranes and an inscription on the back in gold in my father's own handwriting, \"A day of good fortune and never ending happiness.\" I had intended never to part with them until the end of my life when I hoped they would be cremated with my body. When I had gone on pilgrimage, I had put them into someone's safe keeping with as much care as if they had been my children, and when I returned, it had been my first care to go and see them again as if they had been my parents themselves. I had had the writing case for thirty-three years and the toilet case for forty-six years. I had never thought that I should be able to bear parting with them. Still, nothing is as valuable to a person as his own life, and this priceless gift I had offered to the gods in return for the ex-Emperor's life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In any case, I had no childrenThen I happened to hear of a girl who was going to the eastern provinces to get married and who was looking for a toilet case like mine and did not mind paying much more than I was thinking of asking. I was sad to part with it but I was glad to have my prayer answered, perhaps through the mercy of Buddha, his faith, and its guardians,\n\nHow sad it is now\n\nI must part with these cases,\n\nMy parents' keepsakes,\n\nWhich I have cherished so long\n\nThrough fortune and misfortune!\n\nOn the fifteenth day of the ninth month, I began to recite the Lotus Flower sutra at the Sorinji temple at Higashiyama as an act of contrition for my sins. When I had been engaged in copying out the first twenty volumes of the Great Collection, my mind had been preoccupied with thoughts of my old happy relations with the ex-Emperor and of my sad separation from him at that moment. No such thoughts distracted my mind now as I concentrated with all my heart and soul, night and day, on my recitation with the prayer, \"May all departed souls attain the supreme goal of eternal light.\" I was grateful that it had been my destiny to come to this life of piety in this place, with the belling of the friendly deer on the hills behind the Seisuiji temple, the sad chirping of the insects in the hedgerows moving me to tears, and the moon, rising in the east or declining in the west, as I sat up late at night after attending the midnight service. Then, when the midnight services in all the nearby temples appeared to have finished, still the solitary voice of the Virtuous Priest of the Sorinji temple on the summit of the hill could be clearly heard invoking the sacred name of Amida." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My feelings then I expressed thus," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "May I so traverse\n\nThe steep mountain path which leads\n\nTo the world to come\n\nThat on my way I may seek\n\nAnd find some lost soul straying.\n\nI had the Virtuous Priest go with me to the Yokawa chapels on Mount Hiei to obtain paper and ink for my copying work. We went as far as Higashi Sakamoto, and I visited the Hie shrine, much frequented by my grandmother in gratitude for many favours received from the god enshrined there... (The next section has been cut away with a sword. Nothing is known of the contents. )...\n\n\"For whose intention are you offering this service?\" the priest asked. The question moved me deeply. As it would seem strange, I was afraid, if I offered the sutras I had copied before the tomb of the ex-Emperor, I was presenting them at the Kasuga shrine for which he had so deep a veneration during his life. At the time I wrote the poem," }, { "from": "human", "value": "The deer in the hills" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All around me are belling,\n\nAnd the insects chirp\n\nShowing their deep sympathy\n\nAnd weeping with me as friends." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding one sentence in the Japan, nonfiction, memoirs, 1300s genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now this year was the thirty-third anniversary of my father's death, and I had a memorial service held, conducted as usual by the Virtuous Priest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To the written address I had asked him to deliver, I added the poem," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inexorably" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Time moves onward, on until" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ten years of parting" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Are repeated a third time" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And three more years are added." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I went to the crematory at Kaguragaoka, the site of my father's funeral pyre, where I was grieved to find that ancient lichens wet with dew and a blanket of dead leaves half buried the stone tablet which marked the resting place of his ashes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As I stood there, I thought with deep sorrow that none of my father's poems had been included in the recently published anthology of poems collected by command of the Emperor Go Uda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Series, a thousand pities" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That now our family fame" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Should thus end with me" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whose boat drifts so helplessly" }, { "from": "human", "value": "On this sea of poesy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Having voiced my complaint in this way, I returned home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a dream that night I saw my father looking just as he used to look while I felt just as I used to feel in those far-off days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I spoke to him of my anxieties." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your grandfather, Koga no Michimitsu,\" he said to me, \"had a poem included in the Shin Kokinshu anthology," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Patience has its limits;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mount Shinobu" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The dew may hide them," }, { "from": "human", "value": "But at last the autumn hues" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of fallen leaves are revealed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I myself,\" he went on, \"had a poem included in the next anthology," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why, O you wild geese," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do you fly back to the north" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When spring hazes come?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do you not know that even" }, { "from": "human", "value": "To the north the spring will come?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The poem which your mother's father, the War Minister Shijo no Takachika, wrote in honour of the visit of the ex-Emperor Go Saga to his house at Washino-o was also included in this anthology," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My humble villa" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Has many times been so honoured" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By such a visit," }, { "from": "human", "value": "But never have the blossoms" }, { "from": "human", "value": "So glorified the welcome." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So,\" he continued, \"whichever of the two families you take after, you are well qualified to carry on the poetical tradition which has never weakened all through the family's long history since its foundation by Prince Tomohira.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gazing at me steadfastly as he was leaving, he recited the poem," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Be of good courage;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Guard well the poems you write," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the day will come" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When once again good poems" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By low or high are treasured." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I woke up startled as he disappeared, but his image remained only as it was mirrored in my tears, and his voice lingered only on the pillow of my dreams." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From this time I devoted myself more and more to poetical composition and went into retreat at the tomb of the great poet of ancient times, Kakinomoto no Hitomaro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "During my vigil on the seventh day of my retreat, I composed this poem," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of a family" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So renowned in poetry," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sad is it to find" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I leave to posterity" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No poem worth remembering." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As I voiced in this way my disappointment at the poor results of all my efforts, the figure of an old man stood before me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In accordance with his directions I decided to hold a memorial to him in front of the sketch I had made of him, honouring him as the greatest of poets." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By this I hoped that I should be able to further my ambition of creating poems worthy of the poetical tradition of the Koga family.\n\nActually, however, the sketch I made of the poet and the outline of the memorial service I planned to make remained unheeded for months at the bottom of my letter case until, in the third month of the next year, I did at last make the memorial in front of his picture." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant for a segment of a larger mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s story. Your partner will send something and you will write the next two sentences. Characters may already be established." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro opened his eyes in darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Night enveloped the room like a shroud, broken only by the beam of moonlight streaming through the open veranda door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The still air and the moonbeam's angle told Hiro that dawn was still an hour away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In most Kyoto houses an open shoji represented a dangerous oversight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For Hiro, a shinobi assassin turned bodyguard, the door was an early warning system that had just paid off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He strained his ears, listening for the sound that woke him. He heard only silence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A weight shifted atop Hiro's feet as his kitten, Gato, twitched in her sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shinobi found that reassuring. Gato's ears were sharper than his own, and the cat never slept through sounds she didn't recognize." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro yawned and closed his eyes to weigh the merits of early-morning exercise against two more hours of sleep.\n\nA board creaked outside the veranda door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro's eyes flashed open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The kitten raised her head, ears pricked toward the sound.\n\nThe loose board sat between Hiro's door and the one to the adjacent room, where Father Mateo slept." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Jesuit had wanted to fix the squeaky timber, but Hiro insisted the board stay loose to help the shinobi protect his Portuguese charge.\n\nHiro slipped out from beneath his quilt and pulled on a pair of baggy trousers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he tied the ankle straps to keep his cuffs from tangling in a fight, he listened for the second creak that would tell him when the intruder stepped off the board.\n\nHe heard nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A surge of adrenaline loosened Hiro's muscles. Only another shinobi could move with sufficient stealth to prevent the board from creaking a second time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wasted no time wondering why an assassin had come. Hiro's clan, the Iga ryu, had ordered him to defend the Jesuit's life at any cost, and Hiro would not allow himself to fail." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He grabbed a dagger from his desk and scurried up the built-in shelves on the southern wall of the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was glad he had reinforced them to hold his weight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wall ended at rafter height, leaving plenty of space for a man to crouch beneath the peaked thatch roof. Hiro crawled onto the nearest rafter and glanced over the wall into Father Mateo's room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Jesuit slept soundly.\n\nA shadow blotted out the moonlight as a human form appeared in Hiro's doorway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The intruder paused only a moment, then stepped inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gato arched her back and hissed before vanishing into the shadows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The assassin wore a cowl that hid his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He moved across the floor with an inward twist of the toes that Hiro recognized as a hallmark of the Iga ryu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This killer had not come for the Portuguese priest.\n\nHiro gripped his dagger and readied himself to jump." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he drew a final, preparatory breath he caught the faint but unmistakable scent of expensive wintergreen hair oil.\n\nBetrayal seared through Hiro's mind like flame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only one Iga shinobi used that scent, and until this moment Hiro had considered the man a brother." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Plunging a knife into Kazu's heart would hurt Hiro almost as much as suicide.\n\nAlmost, but not quite." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro leaped from the beam as, below him, Kazu whispered, \"Hiro? I need your help.\"\n\nIt was too late to arrest the fall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro flung his arm to the side to stop the knife from striking a fatal blow.\n\nKazu jumped away, stumbled, and pitched forward onto the futon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro landed in a silent crouch, knife ready. He would give Kazu a chance to explain, but didn't let down his guard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kazu raised his empty hands. \"Hiro, wait! It's me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I almost killed you,\" Hiro hissed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What were you thinking, coming here unannounced and at this hour?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kazu pushed his cowl back onto his shoulders. His worried eyes reflected the moonlight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's been a murder at the shogunate.\"\n\n\"The shogun?\" Hiro's expression softened as he realized why Kazu had taken the risk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shogun Ashikaga supported the Jesuits' presence in Kyoto, despite his opponents' demands that he expel the Portuguese missionaries or execute them as spies. The shogun's death would threaten both Father Mateo's life and Hiro's assignment to protect the priest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not the shogun,\" Kazu whispered, \"his cousin, Saburo.\"\n\n\"Your supervisor?\" Hiro's gratitude splintered into anger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He barely managed to keep his voice a whisper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you lost your senses? You risk exposing us both by coming here.\"\n\n\"Please.\" The catch in Kazu's voice reminded Hiro that Kazu had only twenty years to Hiro's twenty-five, and although the younger shinobi had come to Kyoto first, Hiro had been an assassin for years before Kazu even received his first official orders—an assignment to spy within the Ashikaga shogunate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Someone murdered Saburo with my dagger,\" Kazu continued." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The shogun will think I killed him.\"\n\n\"That doesn't excuse your acting like a fool.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro inhaled slowly to calm his fury. It didn't work. \"Have you forgotten your training completely? If something compromises your cover, you leave Kyoto. Even a novice knows not to put others at risk.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry.\" Remorse flooded Kazu's voice. \"I panicked.\"\n\n\"Why come here?\" Hiro asked. \"Why not run?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I couldn't leave the city. No one passes the outer barricades at night without a travel pass and a good excuse.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kazu raised his hands, palms up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't have either.\"\n\nKazu's fear didn't soothe Hiro's anger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still, the damage was done, and further scolding would not undo it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shinobi code required Hiro to help a clansman in need unless doing so would compromise his mission." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since Kazu's arrest might expose both men as shinobi, the choice seemed clear.\n\n\"Are you sure no one followed you?\" Hiro asked." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! 9 sentences more in Susan Spann's voice. mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre. this is from a bigger story btw" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro froze, stunned by Izumo's words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hiro!\" Father Mateo called." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shinobi grabbed his swords from the weapon stand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although trained as assassins, Hiro's family descended from samurai, which gave Hiro the legal right to wear two swords—an exclusive privilege that also provided quite an effective disguise. He thrust the shorter wakizashi down the left side of his obi and pushed the katana's longer scabbard upward through the same side of the sash. Only then did he answer Father Mateo's call.\n\nHiro returned to the common room and bowed to Izumo, who seemed undisturbed by Father Mateo's voluble breach of manners. Either the other Jesuits also yelled like overexcited children or the Japanese convert had learned to ignore their rudeness. Hiro guessed the latter.\n\n\"There has been a murder,\" Father Mateo said.\n\nHiro feigned ignorance. \"One of the foreign priests?\" He caught a whiff of incense from the visitor's faded robe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\" Izumo shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A senior clerk at the shogunate—a man named Ashikaga Saburo. He was also a second cousin to the shogun.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Most unfortunate,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"The shogun requested Father Mateo's assistance in solving the crime,\" Izumo added.\n\n\"I don't understand,\" Father Mateo said. \"I've met the shogun only once, and that was years ago. I didn't think he even knew my name.\"\n\n\"When the body was discovered, the shogun summoned Father Vilela to pray for the dead man's soul,\" Izumo said.\n\n\"When did the shogun become a Christian?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"He isn't,\" Izumo said. \"After the prayers, Shogun Ashikaga mentioned hearing that you had captured Akechi Hideyoshi's killer a year ago. Father Vilela was summoned so that the shogun could politely ask for you.\"\n\nThe acolyte's tone suggested that he—and, by implication, Father Vilela—was not entirely pleased with this turn of events." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro wasn't either. \"I am very sorry, but Father Mateo must decline.\"\n\n\"Hiro!\" Father Mateo turned to Izumo. \"We would be honored to assist the shogun.\"\n\n\"I apologize,\" Hiro said, \"but I must insist. Father Mateo is a priest. I am a translator. We are not qualified to investigate murders.\"\n\nIzumo smiled, but his shifting feet betrayed discomfort.\n\n\"My translator speaks out of turn,\" Father Mateo said in perfect Japanese. \"Please tell Father Vilela that Hiro and I will obey the shogun's command.\"\n\nIzumo smiled stiffly. \"While I appreciate your willingness, the shogun requested you... and you alone.\"\n\n\"But I did not solve the Akechi murder alone,\" Father Mateo said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I require Hiro's assistance.\"\n\nIzumo looked from Father Mateo to Hiro as if wishing the shinobi would renew his objection. Hiro said nothing.\n\n\"If there is no alternative,\" Izumo said at last, \"but please explain to the shogun that the Jesuit mission delivered his request without alteration.\" He bowed. \"When you reach the shogunate, ask for Matsunaga Hisahide. He will supervise your investigation.\n\n\"Now, if you will excuse me, I must return to Father Vilela.\"\n\nFather Mateo and Hiro escorted the visitor back to the door. Izumo stepped outside, slipped on his sandals, and hurried away.\n\nThe Jesuit closed the door and spun around quickly. Hiro jumped back to avoid a collision." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why did you refuse him?\" Father Mateo demanded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Jesuit's rare but genuine frustration startled Hiro, and it took the shinobi a moment to recover." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We are not in the business of solving murders,\" Hiro said at last." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Akechi incident almost got us killed, and that was only a teahouse. The shogunate is infinitely more dangerous.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 10 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The shogun requested our aid,\" Father Mateo said, \"and Father Vilela seconded his request. Refusal is not an option.\"\n\n\"Father Vilela seconded it unwillingly,\" Hiro countered. \"Not even you could have missed Izumo's discomfort—and neither Vilela nor Izumo understands the danger fully. I will not allow you to risk your life in this manner.\"\n\n\"Fortunately, your consent is not required.\" Father Mateo paused. \"What makes you think my life is at risk?\"\n\n\"Have you forgotten the details of the Akechi murder? The dead man's family tried to hold you responsible.\"\n\n\"That was different. My converts aren't involved this time.\" Father Mateo stepped backward warily. \"Hiro, what haven't you told me?\"\n\nBefore the shinobi could answer, a woman's scream echoed through the house." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll start writing, then you take over for five sentences, matching any established character familiarity in the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro admired Hisahide's resistance to distraction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not know where Ito Kazu is this morning,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was technically true." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hadn't seen Kazu since dawn.\n\n\"Forgive my ignorance,\" Father Mateo said, \"but if you know who committed the murder, why did you ask for our help?\"\n\nHiro suspected the ignorance was feigned. Father Mateo knew enough about samurai justice to recognize the danger.\n\n\"The shogun requested you, not me,\" Hisahide said, \"and I believe he wanted you more for your connection to Kazu than anything else. But since you are here, I see no reason not to utilize your skills.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hisahide glanced toward the outer office. \"Many people—Akira included—agree that the evidence leaves no room for doubt, but I am not completely convinced of Ito-san's guilt. He is known for competence, yet no competent man would leave his weapon behind. This troubles me, even though I cannot question the shogun's interpretation of the evidence without proof to the contrary.\"\n\n\"I understand,\" Hiro said. A seed of doubt about Kazu's innocence sprouted in his mind. A shinobi assassin might leave his weapon as a distraction, precisely because no samurai would do so." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro might have chosen to do the same in Kazu's place—assuming Kazu was the killer, which suddenly seemed more likely than Hiro wanted to admit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The shogun wants me to question Ito-san,\" Hisahide said, \"and I will do so when he arrives for work this morning. In the meantime, you will make no assumptions about his guilt or innocence. Can you do this, despite your familiarity?\"\n\n\"We can and we will,\" Father Mateo said.\n\nHisahide's gaze fell on Hiro.\n\n\"We will uncover the truth, however unpleasant,\" Hiro said, though he wouldn't promise what he would do with the information once he had it.\n\n\"You have three days to identify the killer,\" Hisahide said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'akechi' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Three days?\" Hiro repeated.\n\n\"It was sufficient to find Akechi Hideyoshi's killer,\" Hisahide said, \"or so I am told.\"\n\nThat crime had taken place a year before. The investigation hadn't been public, but the Akechi clan had ties to the shogun and information traveled well in Kyoto.\n\n\"Three days is a very short time to catch a murderer,\" Father Mateo said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then you will work quickly,\" Hisahide replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Daimyo Oda has sent an embassy to Kyoto. His men will arrive by the eighteenth day of the month—four days from now—and Saburo's killer must be caught and punished before they arrive. The shogunate cannot seem vulnerable to attack.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What if we cannot solve the crime so quickly?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"A murderer will die before Lord Oda's men arrive,\" Hisahide said. \"One way or another.\"\n\nHiro understood the threat. Innocence wouldn't save Kazu if the guilty party escaped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unfortunately, with Kazu gone, Hiro and Father Mateo were next in line and equally viable candidates for punishment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The law would hold Hiro liable because he was Kazu's friend." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the chain of responsibility extended upward too, and Father Mateo was Hiro's official employer. If anyone suspected Hiro of helping Kazu escape, or decided to punish him in Kazu's absence, the Jesuit would share the shinobi's penalty.\n\nFather Mateo frowned. \"We will not help you kill an innocent man.\"\n\nHiro glanced at the priest in surprise. He hadn't expected Father Mateo to catch Hisahide's meaning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The samurai looked equally startled, though the surprise left his face as quickly as it appeared.\n\n\"Foreigners do not set conditions for obedience,\" Hisahide said. \"I will forgive your ignorance once, but you will not repeat this mistake.\"\n\nHiro hoped the priest would apologize, or at least retract his objection, but he doubted Father Mateo would do either. The Jesuit had a dangerous dedication to moral truth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shinobi had almost decided to make an apology on Father Mateo's behalf when the priest bowed deeply and said, \"I apologize for my lack of discretion.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro's momentary relief disappeared as the Jesuit continued, \"I mistakenly believed the Bushido code required a samurai to seek justice rather than executing an innocent man merely to ensure that a crime is punished.\"\n\nFather Mateo held Hisahide's gaze without faltering.\n\nHisahide smiled but his eyes were cold. \"If I wanted empty justice, Ito Kazu would already be dead. That said, I will keep the shogunate out of Lord Oda's hands at any price. One innocent life means nothing when compared with the cost of war.\"\n\nHiro spoke up to keep the Jesuit silent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We will find the real killer in three days' time, provided you place no restrictions on our movement.\"\n\n\"Impossible,\" Hisahide said. \"The shogun cannot be disturbed, and this murder must not be made a public spectacle.\"\n\n\"We will use discretion,\" Hiro said, \"but we must have sufficient freedom to investigate.\"\n\nHe hoped Hisahide would deny his demands and relieve them of the duty to solve the crime.\n\nInstead, the samurai nodded. \"I understand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You may investigate the bakufu mansion and grounds, but the shogun's personal quarters remain off limits. You may speak with servants and guards without restriction. I will schedule interviews with officials upon request.\n\n\"Will that suffice?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Father Mateo said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'hisahide' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We will abide by those constraints.\"\n\nHiro still wished Hisahide had sent them away.\n\nAkira appeared in the doorway and bowed. \"A messenger has gone to fetch the girl.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Akira,\" Hisahide said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You will assist Father Mateo and Matsui-san with their investigation.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And report to Hisahide on our progress, Hiro thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Akira struggled to hide his dismay. Hiro didn't blame him. A daimyo's cousin was not a servant, but the order effectively made him one, at least for the next three days.\n\n\"If you will excuse me,\" Hisahide said, \"I have business to attend to.\" He departed without awaiting a response." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Akira forced a smile. \"Where would you like to begin?\"\n\n\"Could we speak with the carpenters while we wait for the maid?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"The carpenters?\" Akira sounded surprised. \"Not Ito Kazu?\"\n\n\"Matsunaga-san intends to conduct that interview himself,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He did not ask us to join him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What could a carpenter know?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Akira shook his head, suggesting typical samurai disdain for the lower classes.\n\n\"There is sawdust on the floor,\" Hiro said. \"A samurai might have tracked it here but the carpenters may have seen or heard something useful.\"\n\nAkira's mouth opened slightly in surprise. It apparently hadn't occurred to him that workers might listen to samurai conversations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He led Hiro and Father Mateo back through the outer office and into the audience room beyond." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A carpenter stood beside the sawhorses, plane in hand, surveying the cedar beam. He wore baggy trousers instead of the usual loincloth, doubtless a concession to shogunate formality.\n\nWhen Akira entered the room the workman knelt and pressed his forehead to the floor.\n\nOn the opposite side of the room a second carpenter stood high on a ladder, measuring the transom space above the southern entrance. He had his back to Akira and didn't notice the samurai right away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like the other workman, he wore trousers and a long-sleeved tunic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had his voluminous sleeves pulled high on his arms and tied out of the way with a strip of cloth." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Akira had barely started across the room when the second carpenter lowered his measuring stick and descended the ladder. When he reached the ground he turned and bowed. He did not kneel or lay his head on the floor.\n\nAs he straightened, his face became an expectant mask, though Hiro noted unusual intelligence in his eyes. The shinobi had little doubt this man noticed everything that went on around him.\n\nThe only question was whether he would reveal it." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: four sentences sentences continuing this chapter, Susan Spann style, mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro and Father Mateo waited at the shogunate gates while the guards sent a runner for Akira.\n\nOne of the samurai guards regarded Father Mateo with interest, though social convention prevented him from addressing a higher-ranked man without invitation.\n\nThe Jesuit noticed and bowed.\n\nHiro stifled a disapproving sigh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only foreigners and children ignored etiquette so bluntly. The shinobi cared little for social norms himself but recognized the importance of disappearing into a crowd. Then again, Father Mateo could hardly avoid attracting attention.\n\n\"Good morning,\" the Jesuit said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guard gave an awkward smile and bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good morning, Father-san,\" he said as he straightened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please forgive my forwardness, but I am also a follower of the Jesus God, and yet I have never seen you in church. Are you new to Kyoto?\"\n\n\"I have lived here almost three years,\" Father Mateo said, \"but my work rarely brings me to Father Vilela's mission. I spread the Word among the merchants.\"\n\nAt least he didn't mention the entertainers and prostitutes, Hiro thought.\n\nThe guard looked curious rather than offended." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Does God hear commoners' prayers?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Our Lord was born a commoner,\" Father Mateo said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guard squinted as if trying to understand. \"I never thought of that.\"\n\n\"Indeed,\" Father Mateo said. \"God loves all men equally, regardless of status or birth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro turned and bowed as Akira arrived.\n\nThe young samurai ignored the shinobi's greeting. He narrowed his eyes at the guard. \"The shogun does not pay you to gossip about your foreign religion.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I apologize, Miyoshi-san.\" The guard returned to his post with a guilty expression." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please do not blame him,\" Father Mateo said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The fault is mine.\"\n\n\"You are here to investigate a murder.\" Akira paused and brought his temper under control, as if remembering that the priest was the shogun's guest. He turned to Hiro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I notice you have not found Ito Kazu.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not yet,\" Father Mateo said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We returned to gather more evidence.\"\n\nHiro stole a glance at the priest. He hadn't expected the Jesuit to lie.\n\n\"We would like to speak with the carpenter Ozuru,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why do you care about carpenters?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akira's eyebrows gathered like angry clouds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ito Kazu is to blame.\"\n\n\"I am not so sure,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"The evidence points to his guilt.\"\n\n\"I will explain on the way to Saburo's office,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We also wish to review the scene of the crime.\"\n\nAkira frowned but led them toward the mansion. At the entrance he stopped and asked again, \"What makes you think Kazu is innocent?\"\n\n\"A murderer wouldn't leave his own dagger behind,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Especially such a distinctive one,\" Father Mateo added.\n\n\"The murderer could not hide the cause of death.\" Akira led them into the mansion and through the maze of wood-paneled rooms. \"Only a dagger could have caused Saburo's injuries.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"True,\" Hiro said, \"but knowing the type of weapon is very different from identifying its owner. The killer may have left the dagger behind because he intended us to draw a false conclusion.\"\n\n\"Or else he was frightened,\" Akira said. \"Or maybe Kazu left it behind as a distraction, expecting us to believe he would not do so.\"\n\nHiro hadn't ruled that out, despite his hope that Kazu would prove truthful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That suggestion seems brought back from a distance,\" Father Mateo said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'akira' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Akira stopped walking. \"Pardon me?\"\n\n\"He means that it seems unlikely,\" Hiro said. \"The Portuguese idiom doesn't translate well. It's closer to 'fetched from afar.'\"\n\nAkira shook his head and resumed his pace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's a miracle we can understand him at all.\"\n\n\"Despite his awkwardness, he makes a point,\" Hiro said. \"A dagger is simple to conceal. Only a fool would leave it behind.\"\n\n\"Then how did someone else get Kazu's dagger?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akira led them into the room where the carpenters worked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A trio of workmen bent over the unfinished beam." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their planes rasped in a rhythmic chorus." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The scent of cedar shavings filled the air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The carpenters had made significant progress since the morning, and it looked as though they might finish the beam that day.\n\nBut Ozuru wasn't there.\n\nAkira continued across the room, still talking, oblivious to the master carpenter's absence. \"Maybe Saburo caught Kazu stealing, and Kazu killed him to keep the matter quiet.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What would Kazu have stolen?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo asked. \"Did Saburo keep gold or valuables in his office?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had reached the opposite side of the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro decided not to mention the missing carpenter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ozuru might simply have gone to the latrine.\n\nAkira slid open the door to the room where Saburo died. \"He had access to secret documents. Maybe Kazu is a spy.\"\n\nThat touched too close to the truth for Hiro's comfort, but it would only increase suspicion to deny it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How long has Kazu worked for the shogun?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"He was here when I arrived a year ago,\" Akira said, \"and he didn't seem new.\"\n\n\"Then your suggestion stretches imagination,\" Father Mateo said. \"The shogun's guards would have caught a spy long ago.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"More importantly,\" Hiro said, \"there is a simpler explanation.\"\n\nAkira stepped into the office and moved aside to let the other men enter behind him. \"Which is?\"\n\n\"Ozuru admitted to arguing with Saburo yesterday evening. Did the guards remember what time the carpenter left the compound?\"\n\nAkira shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I spoke with them after you left this morning. No one remembers seeing the carpenter leave.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So he just disappeared?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro paused. \"If Saburo was killed by a spy—and I'm far from convinced he was—Ozuru's guilt seems far more likely than Kazu's.\"\n\nAkira hung his head. \"I was sure Kazu did it, but now...\" His head jerked upward. His hand flew to his sword." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We must seize Ozuru!\"\n\n\"Wait,\" Hiro said. \"A guilty man may escape if arrested too quickly. We can't explain how the killer acquired Kazu's dagger or why he chose Saburo as the victim. If you arrest Ozuru without sufficient evidence, you will give him time to construct a persuasive lie.\"\n\nAkira hesitated, torn between slow justice and immediate vengeance. Slowly, he lowered his hand. \"Very well, but be quick about it. Someone must pay for this crime, and the shogun is not a patient man.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! 9 sentences more in Susan Spann's voice. mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre. this is from a bigger story btw" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is that your hair pin?\" Hiro asked.\n\nThe woman startled. She jumped to her feet and whirled to face the door.\n\n\"Jun, isn't it?\" Hiro asked, though he already knew the answer.\n\nShe bowed, \"Yes, sir.\"\n\n\"Was it your kanzashi?\"\n\nHer gaze shifted from Hiro to Father Mateo and then to the floor.\n\nThe shinobi expected her to lie, but she nodded and said, \"Yes. It must have fallen out when I found Ashikaga-san. I noticed it when I came to retrieve the dinner tray.\"\n\nShe started to point to the inner office but returned her hand to her side.\n\n\"Do you remember anything else about last night?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro asked. \"Anything you forgot to tell us earlier?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\" She forced a smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am very sorry. If you will excuse me... the cook wants me to return the tray immediately.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course,\" Hiro said. \"You may go.\"\n\nJun bowed and walked to Saburo's office with mincing steps that avoided the bloody stains on the floor. She knelt in the doorway, retrieved the tray, and hurried out without another word.\n\nWhen Hiro was sure she had gone he said, \"I wonder why she lied.\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"Had the hairpin fallen out when she discovered Saburo's body, it would have landed on the corpse or possibly beside it. Either way, the pin would have been on top of the blood. But Jun's kanzashi was thoroughly coated—that pin was on the floor when Saburo died.\"\n\n\"Perhaps it rolled through the blood when the body was moved,\" Father Mateo said.\n\nHiro shook his head. \"The pin lay in the center of the pool, where the blood was thick and largely undisturbed.\n\n\"Also—did you notice how many hair pins Jun is wearing?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo thought for a moment. \"Two.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Include the following text] → \"Too distraught to work, but aware enough to replace a missing hair pin?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The normal number for the way her hair is styled,\" Hiro said. \"Had she lost one this morning and only now discovered it missing, she wouldn't have two clean ones in her hair.\"\n\n\"She did go home,\" Father Mateo said. \"She might have replaced it then.\"\n\n\"Too distraught to work, but aware enough to replace a missing hair pin?\" Hiro shook his head. \"I don't believe it.\"\n\n\"Perhaps her parents noticed?\"\n\n\"Possible...\" Hiro heard footsteps approaching." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned to face the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hisahide stepped into the room with Akira behind him.\n\n\"Ito Kazu did not come to work this morning,\" Hisahide said, \"a fact which does little to persuade me of his innocence.\"\n\n\"The carpenter, Ozuru, is also missing,\" Akira said.\n\n\"Is this true?\" Hisahide asked.\n\n\"The workmen said he went to replace a chisel,\" Father Mateo said.\n\n\"Nonetheless,\" Akira continued, \"he hasn't returned, and, as Hiro pointed out, a guilty man would not leave his own weapon behind.\"\n\nHiro found the young samurai's shifting opinion entertaining. It seemed Akira was willing to blame whoever seemed most likely at the moment—a common trait among men whose rank exceeded their intelligence.\n\n\"You no longer believe Kazu left the dagger by accident?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A samurai does not forget his blades,\" Akira said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should naturally weave in this dialogue: \"Unmarried men do not always sleep at home.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then why has Kazu not come to work today?\" Hisahide asked.\n\nAkira looked to Hiro for support, or perhaps an explanation.\n\n\"Daggers can be stolen,\" Hiro said, \"and we can inquire about Kazu's tardiness when we find him.\"\n\n\"We checked his home,\" Hisahide said. \"He wasn't there.\"\n\nHiro raised an eyebrow. \"Unmarried men do not always sleep at home.\"\n\nAkira's lip curled with distaste. \"A samurai should not consort with prostitutes. I thought Kazu was an honorable man.\"\n\n\"Even saints can sin,\" Father Mateo said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\" Akira asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He means that all men commit errors in judgment,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"He could have said so directly.\"\n\n\"Irrelevant.\" Hisahide waved a hand to dismiss Akira's comment. \"Find Ito Kazu—and also Ozuru, if he has disappeared... though I hope the artisan didn't commit this crime.\"\n\n\"Why?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\nHisahide's lips twitched. \"The shogun is fond of Ozuru,\" he said. \"It would be inconvenient and embarrassing to execute the carpenter for this crime.\"\n\n\"Embarrassing?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"To admit that a commoner killed a samurai inside the shogun's compound,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hisahide nodded. \"Lord Oda's spies must not learn that such a thing is possible. It makes the shogun's security seem dangerously weak.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But Ozuru was already here,\" Father Mateo said. \"He didn't breach the walls.\"\n\n\"Any successful murder demonstrates a security weakness,\" Hisahide said. \"If a workman can kill the shogun's cousin, assassins may believe they too can infiltrate the shogunate, and belief is the first step toward success.\n\n\"Your suspicions about the carpenter must not become widely known.\"\n\n\"We will not speak of this to anyone,\" Father Mateo said.\n\n\"No, you won't,\" Hisahide replied, \"particularly if the evidence proves you correct.\"\n\nHiro heard the unspoken threat. Hisahide would rather kill them both than risk their revealing the shogunate's vulnerability. That fact concerned him even more than finding the killer in time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shinobi changed the subject. \"Did Akira tell you about the missing ledger?\"\n\n\"It isn't missing,\" Hisahide said. \"The shogun asked me to bring him the ledger, and also Saburo's seal. Is anything else missing from this office?\"\n\n\"Not that we've discovered,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"Then I suggest you turn your attention to finding Kazu—and also our missing artisan.\"\n\n\"Precisely my intention,\" Hiro said. \"Kazu spends his evenings at Ginjiro's, drinking sake. The brewer may know where Kazu spent last night.\"\n\n\"And the carpenter?\" Akira asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's possible that he really did just go to replace a chisel,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very well,\" Hisahide said, \"you may start with Kazu. Akira, go with them and report to me as soon as you return.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's work on this story segment. I'll provide a part, and you'll continue with six sentences in the style of Susan Spann. This is mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre and characters might appear without introduction." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Add this exact quote somewhere appropriate: \"I would like to complete my investigation before I draw any final conclusions,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It looks like suicide,\" Hiro said, \"but I'm not convinced. The boy had no reason to kill himself.\"\n\n\"He confessed in writing,\" Akira said. \"He knew we would catch him.\"\n\n\"I would like to complete my investigation before I draw any final conclusions,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"Ordinarily I would agree,\" Hisahide replied, \"but we have no time for protracted investigations. Lord Oda's men will arrive any day and the shogun insists we resolve this matter before they reach Kyoto.\"\n\n\"I have new evidence,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It suggests that the killer might not have acted alone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He watched Hisahide's reaction carefully.\n\n\"Another conspirator?\" Hisahide frowned. \"Do you have a name?\"\n\n\"Saburo's mistress, Jun,\" Hiro said.\n\nThe altered ledger suggested that either Kazu or Hisahide was also involved, but Hiro knew better than to accuse a murderer when at a tactical disadvantage.\n\n\"The maid?\" Akira laughed. \"Are you serious?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The accusation is serious, though as yet I have no proof.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'saburo's' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where did you hear this?\" Hisahide tapped his wooden sword against his hand.\n\n\"Lady Netsuko, Saburo's wife,\" Hiro said. \"I believe she knows more, but I need to investigate the maid to earn her trust.\"\n\n\"Jun was really Saburo's mistress?\" Akira grimaced. \"The girl has a face like a dog and manners to match.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's prettier than Lady Netsuko,\" Hisahide said, then paused as though expecting the others to laugh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They didn't." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You saw Saburo's body,\" Hisahide said. \"No woman could have inflicted such wounds. Besides, no woman is foolish enough to engage a samurai in hand-to-hand combat.\"\n\nHiro knew otherwise, but he also knew that arguing wouldn't change Hisahide's opinion.\n\n\"Masao did claim the boy was in love with Jun,\" Akira said. \"Do you think he was jealous enough to kill Saburo?\"\n\n\"I think I need more time to investigate,\" Hiro said. \"The facts conflict." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If Den killed Saburo because of Jun, why leave a suicide message claiming otherwise?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Did Saburo's mistress know about the plot? And what else might Lady Ashikaga know?\n\n\"Until we know more, the shogun remains in danger.\"\n\n\"Cutting off the head of a snake will kill the body every time,\" Hisahide said. \"Without Saburo, Lord Oda's men have no way to enter the shogunate. The plot will fail. The shogun is not in danger.\"\n\n\"Would you stake his life on your opinion?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shogun's death would throw Kyoto into chaos." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rival daimyo would fight to claim the shogunate. Lord Oda would attack the city and no one in the capital would be safe. Until Father Mateo had healed enough to flee, Hiro's oath required him to preserve the shogun's life as well as the Jesuit's.\n\n\"I have Portuguese firearms,\" Hisahide said. \"Lord Oda's men have none. I have tripled the guards on the compound gates and put sentries on the walls. The shogun is safe.\"\n\nUnless you're the murderer, Hiro thought, in which case no one stands between you and the shogun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before he could argue Hisahide continued, \"The boy confessed that he murdered Saburo to save the shogun's life. The matter is resolved.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No samurai conspiracy would depend on a stable boy,\" Hiro said, \"even assuming Den actually wrote that confession. But what if he didn't write it, or what if someone forced him to write the words?\"\n\nHiro suddenly realized why he doubted the authenticity of the message. Unfortunately, he needed Kazu's help to confirm his suspicions that the suicide was really a second murder.\n\nAkira made a derisive sound. \"What if Masao and Den are shinobi, with orders to kill the shogun and blame Saburo for the crime? That's no less ridiculous than your speculations.\"\n\n\"Akira is right,\" Hisahide said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Masao has served the shogun for years. He has no motive to lie. His words and the evidence point to Den as the murderer. As far as I am concerned the killer is found. This investigation is over.\"\n\nIn the silence that followed, Hiro realized that the empty practice yard ensured no witnesses to the conversation. He remembered Kazu's warning about the Miyoshi ambassador, and Hisahide's determination to find the killer in time at any cost. Contradicting Hisahide would not end well for Hiro, regardless of the samurai's guilt or innocence.\n\n\"You are correct,\" Hiro said. \"The confession was clear and Masao identified the writing as Den's.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then we agree—the investigation is over.\" Hisahide looked relieved. \"You are released from your obligations. The shogun appreciates your service, as do I.\"\n\nHiro bowed, but without the rush of relief he expected to feel upon dismissal. Because the investigation wasn't over.\n\nThe shogun would now believe the murder solved. Kazu would not be punished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo and Hiro were also safe, at least for the moment. But Hiro intended to risk it all by continuing the investigation in secret. He couldn't care less who claimed the title of shogun, but he would not allow a war in Kyoto until the priest had recovered enough to escape.\n\n\"Will you escort yourself to the gate?\" Hisahide asked. \"Akira and I have an errand outside the shogunate.\"\n\n\"If you please,\" Hiro said, \"I would like to tell Ito Kazu that the murderer has been found. I am sure he would like to hear he's no longer a suspect.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Acceptable,\" Hisahide said. \"Can you find your way, or shall I call a guard to escort you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you,\" Hiro said, \"I know the way.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked as far as the stable with Hisahide and Akira and then continued alone up the path that led to the bakufu mansion. He cut through a garden, intending to bypass the waiting room and enter the mansion through the door that led out to the kitchen.\n\nAs he approached the back of the mansion he saw a familiar kimono-clad form emerge from the kitchen. Fortune had smiled, and Hiro did too.\n\nHe moved quickly to intercept Jun in the courtyard.\n\n\"Good morning.\" He bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you feeling better today?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jun startled but recovered quickly. She bowed, hands crossed in front of her. \"I am. Thank you for asking.\"\n\nShe straightened and looked down at her hands demurely.\n\n\"I hoped to see you,\" Hiro said. \"I wonder, was it very upsetting—finding Ashikaga-san facedown in a pool of blood?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jun leaned away slightly, as if confused by Hiro's graphic comment." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"I'm afraid you do. You lied to me about your affair with Ashikaga-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her smile wavered. \"It was terrible. I had never seen a dead man before.\"\n\n\"Terrible, indeed,\" Hiro said, \"especially considering your relationship.\"\n\n\"I am sorry.\" Jun's smile grew fixed. \"I'm afraid I don't understand.\"\n\n\"I'm afraid you do. You lied to me about your affair with Ashikaga-san.\"\n\nJun raised a hand to her mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She lowered it slowly and shook her head. \"No...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro lowered his voice to increase the threat in his tone. \"Tell me the truth, right now, or I will tell Matsunaga-san that you killed Saburo in a lover's quarrel.\"\n\nHer eyes flew wide. \"No. That's wrong. I didn't...\"\n\n\"Maybe you didn't. Maybe you did. Which one of us do you think Hisahide trusts?\"\n\nJun looked around as if hoping someone would save her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The yard was deserted." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was Saburo's mistress,\" she said, \"but I did not kill him. His wife, Netsuko, did.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with 7 sentences, keeping within the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"An interesting accusation,\" Hiro said, \"considering your previous claims of ignorance.\"\n\nAnd even more so, given Den's confession.\n\n\"Why should I have told you?\" Jun asked. \"Saburo's wife will deny it, and no one believes a servant's word against a samurai's. More importantly, it would cost me all chance at a husband.\" She looked at the ground. \"No one wants to wear a stained kimono.\"\n\n\"Then why tell me now?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know about the affair,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lying won't keep it secret anymore.\"\n\n\"What makes you believe Netsuko murdered her husband?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"No one else had a reason to want him dead.\"\n\n\"Most women prefer their husbands living,\" Hiro said. \"Why would Lady Netsuko feel otherwise?\"\n\n\"She was jealous because Saburo loved me. She ordered him to cast me away, and he let her think he would do it, but he secretly planned to divorce her and marry me.\" Jun's lower lip trembled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He must have told her the truth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How do you know Saburo planned to marry you?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"He told me so, the night he died.\"\n\n\"Perhaps it was you he lied to,\" Hiro said. \"Perhaps he loved Netsuko all along.\"\n\n\"No one could love such a wretched woman.\" Jun's eyes filled with tears. \"She wasn't a real wife to him. She made him sleep in a separate room and claimed all the credit for his success. Saburo said I was the only woman who ever made him happy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is that why you ran from him the night he died?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro asked. \"And why you asked Den to hide you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jun dropped her gaze. \"It was a game Saburo liked to play. He would chase me, and catch me, and...\" She paused demurely, but Hiro noted the absence of a blush.\n\n\"He didn't catch you that night,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"I thought Masao had taken Den with him and left the stable empty,\" Jun said. \"I intended to lead Saburo there... I thought he would find the change exciting.\" She raised her hands to her mouth as if ashamed of her forwardness, but once again her cheeks didn't darken or flush.\n\nHiro felt a spark of anger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jun's innocent act had fooled him at first, but he would not tolerate further manipulation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Quit pretending embarrassment,\" he snapped, grateful that his samurai status allowed him to channel his anger into words when speaking with servants. \"If you know enough to play such games, you can look at me when you speak of them.\"\n\nJun's humility disappeared like a stone cast into a river. She raised her face. Her hands fell to her sides.\n\n\"That's better.\" Hiro's anger retreated slightly. \"Why did you let Den hide you instead of telling him the truth?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't like deceiving him,\" she said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"You don't understand. Den was my friend. By the time I realized he felt something more... He was sweet. I didn't want to hurt him. But I decided long ago I would never be a commoner's wife.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You did it often enough, if Masao's impression is accurate.\"\n\nJun shook her head. \"You don't understand. Den was my friend. By the time I realized he felt something more... He was sweet. I didn't want to hurt him. But I decided long ago I would never be a commoner's wife.\"\n\n\"No, you opted for samurai whore.\" Hiro hoped the insult would provoke the girl into telling the truth. Angry people found it difficult to produce a consistent lie.\n\n\"I am not a whore.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jun's cheeks turned a mottled red." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Saburo intended to marry me.\"\n\n\"As you intended to marry Den?\" Hiro paused to let the words sink in. \"What happened after Den and Saburo argued?\"\n\n\"Saburo left. A few minutes later Den walked me back to the kitchen. I hoped Saburo would find me there, but he didn't. I fell asleep in the servants' room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the morning I remembered the dinner tray and went to retrieve it.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'that's' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bit her lower lip. \"That's when I found him.\"\n\n\"And also noticed your hair pin in his blood,\" Hiro said, \"though you couldn't retrieve it until you thought no one would notice.\"\n\n\"That's not true.\" Jun met his eyes and shook her head. \"I didn't see the pin at first. He must have pulled it out while he was chasing me the night before.\"\n\n\"What evidence do you have against Lady Netsuko?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"Who else could have done it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The question sounded honest." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Add this exact quote somewhere appropriate: \"What are you talking about?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Den loved you,\" Hiro said. \"You made him think Saburo intended to hurt you.\"\n\n\"Den wouldn't kill a spider.\"\n\n\"His confession says otherwise.\"\n\n\"Confession?\" Her forehead wrinkled with confusion. \"What are you talking about?\"\n\nHiro found her ignorance curious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Den committed suicide and left a message confessing to the murder.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jun stepped backward, shaking her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's not possible. When? He was fine last night. I saw him...\"\n\n\"You saw Den last night?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"After he returned from Ōtsu. It was late. Miyoshi-san came to the kitchen for a meal and told me to take a tray to the stable for Den. Nothing fancy, just rice and tea, though Den seemed glad to have it.\"\n\n\"A final meal,\" Hiro said. \"He hanged himself in the night.\"\n\nShe shook her head. \"He wouldn't do that. It doesn't make sense.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Neither does your accusation of Lady Ashikaga.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Maybe Den did it after all,\" Jun said.\n\nHiro found it interesting that she changed her story so quickly after hearing that the only two people who could confirm her actions on the night of the murder were dead.\n\n\"I've told you the truth,\" Jun said. \"You have to believe me.\"\n\nShe glanced at the bakufu mansion behind him. \"Are you going to tell Hisahide?\"\n\n\"Do you mean, will I tell him you lied? Or are you concerned that I will expose your affair?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've lost the only man I ever loved,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you don't mind, I would rather not lose my job and my life as well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you've told the truth, you have no reason to worry,\" Hiro said.\n\nShe bowed.\n\nHiro turned away, slipped out of his sandals, and entered the mansion.\n\nWhen he reached Saburo's outer office—now Kazu's office, at least for the moment—he slid open the door and stepped inside, catching a whiff of familiar wintergreen hair oil.\n\nKazu looked up from his desk with a welcoming smile that faded when Hiro entered. \"I didn't expect to see you this morning.\"\n\n\"You invited me here to see evidence.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro slid the door closed behind him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I have another matter to ask about. The stable boy, Den, committed suicide last night.\"\n\nKazu nodded but didn't smile. \"I heard the news when I arrived. The guards say he confessed to Saburo's murder.\"\n\n\"Hisahide just called off the investigation,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"You don't agree with his decision.\" Kazu's face reddened. \"You still think I did it. If I killed Saburo, which I didn't, do you really think I would then kill an innocent boy to cover my crime? Canceling the investigation makes Hisahide look more suspicious than anything I've done.\"\n\nHiro agreed. Unfortunately, he wasn't convinced of Kazu's innocence either." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: four sentences sentences continuing this chapter, Susan Spann style, mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro and Father Mateo left the magistrate's compound and turned south on a street that led to the commercial ward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aren't we going to see Ginjiro?\" Father Mateo asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We need to speak with Chikao's family,\" Hiro said. \"Preferably without Ren present.\"\n\n\"Without Ren?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\nHiro nodded. \"Chikao's business partner has the physical strength to commit the crime, and though he seemed upset by the news, emotions can be faked.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He cried real tears,\" Father Mateo said, \"and physical build means nothing. Any person of reasonable size could have beaten Chikao to death.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Hiro said, \"but Ren will gain from Chikao's murder in ways another man will not.\"\n\n\"Won't Chikao's son inherit his father's share of the business?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"Normally, yes,\" Hiro said, \"but until we know for certain, we must consider everyone a suspect.\"\n\nThe Jesuit nodded. \"Do you know how to find the Lucky Monkey brewery?\"\n\n\"No,\" Hiro said, \"I'm hoping Tomiko does.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: four sentences sentences continuing this chapter, Susan Spann style, mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tears filled Tomiko's eyes when Hiro and Father Mateo explained that Chikao's family agreed to petition the magistrate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Four days is so much time,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know that you will find the real killer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro knew the time would pass more quickly than she thought but saw no reason to destroy her slender hope.\n\n\"If we don't, the magistrate could still conduct his own investigation,\" Father Mateo said.\n\nHiro's stomach sank. So much for hope.\n\n\"Please—no,\" Tomiko's eyes widened with sudden fear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My father won't survive interrogation.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Interrogation?\" Father Mateo asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you mean?\"\n\nHiro avoided looking at Tomiko as he answered. \"The law allows the magistrate to obtain a confession by any effective means.\"\n\n\"You mean he can torture Ginjiro until the brewer says what the yoriki wants to hear.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo raised his hand but stopped just short of running it through his hair.\n\n\"My father will not lie, and won't confess to a crime he did not commit,\" Tomiko said. \"They'll torture him until he dies because he will not break.\"\n\nHer hands began to tremble. \"Please, Matsui-san, I beg you. You must find the killer. It's the only way to save my father's life.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point (which may include pre-existing characters and lore), and You'll continue with 11 sentences in the style of Susan Spann." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ginjiro turned pleading eyes on Father Mateo. \"You must believe me, I didn't intend the words as a threat to Chikao. I meant that I would report this to the magistrate.\"\n\nHiro found it curious that the brewer appealed to the priest.\n\n\"Did Chikao respond to the threat?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"No,\" Ginjiro said. \"What could he say? I didn't expect to see him again for a while. Not until he raised the money to pay off Kaoru's debt.\"\n\n\"But he returned to speak with you again when the shops were closed,\" Hiro said.\n\nGinjiro shook his head. \"He didn't. Well, he must have, but I didn't know he had until this morning.\"\n\nFive or six cages down the row, a gnarled hand extended through the bars and started waving.\n\n\"Hiro-san! Hiro-san! It's me!\" Suke the monk gripped the bars and pressed his nose through the opening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Make the police release Ginjiro. He didn't kill Chikao.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Add this exact quote somewhere appropriate: \"Then why does he claim he's guilty?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Make them release me too,\" said a ragged man in a nearby cage.\n\nSuke turned to the speaker. \"Shut up. You're guilty. You told me so.\"\n\nThe ragged man shrugged. \"It was worth a try.\"\n\nHiro asked Ginjiro, \"Did Suke kill Chikao?\"\n\n\"I doubt it,\" the brewer said.\n\n\"Then why does he claim he's guilty?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"Who knows why Suke does anything?\" Frustration crept into Ginjiro's voice. \"He's a drunk, with a drunk's imagination.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you know he's a drunk, why do you serve him sake?\" the Jesuit asked." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"He wouldn't go away if I refused,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He wouldn't go away if I refused,\" Ginjiro said. \"Besides, he doesn't drink that much and doesn't cause a scene.\"\n\nHiro redirected the conversation. \"Where did Suke go last night when your brewery closed?\"\n\n\"Into the alley, as always,\" Ginjiro said. \"He did take one of my flasks. I saw him slip it into his sleeve. He's done it before and always returns them. That's why I let him think I didn't notice.\"\n\n\"Do you let other customers take your flasks away from the shop?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"No. They bring a private flask when they want to take sake home,\" Ginjiro said.\n\n\"So the broken flask in the alley was the one that Suke took?\" the Jesuit asked.\n\n\"Has to be,\" Ginjiro said. \"I'm not missing another.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think I'll talk with Suke.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro looked at Father Mateo. \"You stay here. He'll talk more freely if I go alone.\"\n\nAs Hiro approached, Suke's mouth gaped open in a nearly toothless smile. Hiro wondered how the monk remained so happy with his feet sunk ankle-deep in stinking filth.\n\nHe bent down to look Suke in the eyes. \"Why do you proclaim Ginjiro's innocence so firmly?\"\n\nA drop of drool glistened on Suke's lower lip.\n\n\"Because I am guilty.\" The monk raised a hand to his head. \"Can you get me some sake? I have a terrible headache.\"\n\n\"You have a headache because of sake,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Exactly,\" Suke said, \"because there isn't any here!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro couldn't help but smile. \"Why did you kill Chikao?\"\n\nSuke straightened as much as the cage allowed. \"Self-defense—he tried to steal my sake flask.\"\n\n\"You killed a man over half a flask of sake?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"The flask was empty.\" Suke's smile disappeared. \"I am a dangerous man.\"\n\n\"Apparently so,\" Hiro said. \"Tell me, how did you kill him?\"\n\n\"I hit him with the flask, of course.\" Suke pantomimed the action." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't ask how many blows it took. I did it in my sleep. When I woke up, the flask was gone and the man was already dead.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That doesn't prove you killed him,\" Hiro said. \"In fact, it implies you didn't.\"\n\n\"It was me,\" Suke insisted. \"I am a monk but trained as a warrior. I can kill by instinct, even when sleeping.\"\n\n\"That's some instinct,\" Hiro said.\n\nSuke nodded solemnly. \"As I told you, I'm a dangerous man.\"\n\nHiro raised an eyebrow. \"Dangerous enough to kill a man for stealing an empty flask? I thought monks took vows to cherish life.\"\n\n\"I never claimed I was a good monk,\" Suke said. \"Between us—and this goes no further—I might drink more sake than I should.\"\n\nHiro struggled to find a nonsardonic response and failed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fortunately, Suke didn't seem to expect an answer.\n\n\"You're right that I wouldn't kill a thief on purpose,\" the monk continued, \"but since I killed him in my sleep, I couldn't stop myself. It was me, and also not-me. Understand?\"\n\n\"Do you really believe you killed a man while sleeping?\" Hiro asked. \"I think the killer stole the flask without your waking.\"\n\n\"Not possible,\" Suke said. \"I sleep like a cat.\"\n\nHiro wondered how much experience Suke had with sleeping cats. \"If that's true, why don't you remember someone trying to steal your flask?\"\n\nRippling furrows appeared on Suke's brow. \"I killed Chikao. I know I did. Ginjiro had already locked the shop, and he never leaves the brewery after closing.\"\n\n\"Never?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're sure of that?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suke tipped his head to the side. \"I sleep in the alley. If he ever left the brewery, I would know.\"\n\nThe way you know you killed a man in your sleep. Hiro's patience, like his time, was running out." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nContext: May include established characters/lore without introduction\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with 10 sentences, emulating the writing style of Susan Spann." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The murderer stole your flask without your waking,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"Impossible.\" Suke shook his head. \"I'm a dangerous man. No one steals my flask without me knowing. I must have killed him after all. I have to make the dōshin understand.\"\n\nHiro realized, with the dismay that accompanies nasty truths, that the only way to stop Suke from interfering with the case was to let the monk believe he was helping solve it.\n\n\"How about this?\" the shinobi asked. \"If the evidence proves you killed Chikao, I'll make the dōshin listen to your story. However, until we know for certain, you keep quiet and help my investigation.\"\n\nSuke's mouth split into a startled grin. \"You'd let me help?\"\n\n\"Yes, but secretly,\" Hiro said. \"We can't let anyone know. The killer thinks he's safe because you confessed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course! Of course!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suke nodded vigorously, sending waves of noxious odors rolling off his robe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will help you, Hiro-san! Together, we'll find the killer.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"I need you to watch Ginjiro's brewery. Listen to the patrons. Someone might say something about the murder.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His smile faded. \"Even if the killer turns out to be me.\"\n\n\"Listen carefully,\" Hiro said. \"I need you to watch Ginjiro's brewery. Listen to the patrons. Someone might say something about the murder.\"\n\n\"I understand. The killer might get drunk and confess the crime.\" Suke paused. \"I don't suppose you'd give me money to buy a flask of sake—purely to preserve the illusion, of course.\"\n\nHiro removed a couple of silver coins from his purse. \"Remember,\" he said as he dropped them into Suke's waiting palm, \"your job is to listen without revealing you've joined the investigation. Do not call attention to yourself.\"\n\nSuke nodded and scurried out of the alley.\n\nHiro followed, reflecting on his decision. He doubted Suke would prove any help but hoped the assignment would keep the monk out of trouble and out of the way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo met Hiro in the street. As they started south the Jesuit gestured over his shoulder and asked, \"What did you tell him? He seems much happier.\"\n\nHiro glanced over his shoulder at Suke. The monk had settled in the street to wait for the brewery to open. \"I gave him a job, to keep him out of trouble.\"\n\nFather Mateo smiled. \"Let me know how that works out.\"\n\n\"If it doesn't, we'll both know.\" Hiro saw the Jesuit wince and slowed his pace. \"Does your injury bother you?\"\n\nFather Mateo looked down at his hands, which were covered in angry scars from an attack two months before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A little. Is it obvious?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Only to me,\" Hiro lied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why did you want to see Basho?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To learn how far Yoshiko's violent tendencies might go,\" the Jesuit said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It doesn't take much skill to suspect a connection between Ginjiro and Yoshiko. After all, she knew about the crime. Do you think she might be the guard Ginjiro hired?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We don't know, for certain, that he hired one,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Until we do, we must explore all options.\"\n\n\"It's hard for me to believe Yoshiko would kill Chikao,\" Father Mateo said. \"Not with her own father murdered a year ago.\"\n\n\"Yoshiko's father was samurai. Chikao is a merchant. Their deaths are not the same.\" Hiro doubted the priest would understand.\n\n\"They are to me, and they are to God.\" Father Mateo paused. \"Could a woman beat a man to death?\"\n\n\"You've seen Yoshiko,\" Hiro said. \"If a man could do it, she could.\"\n\nFather Mateo sighed. \"This investigation seems more difficult than the others. Chikao didn't have any enemies. We don't even have good suspects.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'mateo'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro noticed a noodle vendor and headed toward the cart. As he did, he switched to Portuguese. \"On the contrary, we have three: Kaoru, Ren, and Ginjiro.\"\n\nHe switched back to Japanese and ordered two bowls of udon.\n\n\"The second two I understand,\" Father Mateo said in Portuguese, \"but why the son? He doesn't want to work. Also, won't he share his inheritance with his mother?\"\n\nHiro smiled at the Jesuit's use of general terms instead of names. \"A wife inherits only when the husband leaves a will that names her heir.\"\n\nFather Mateo watched Hiro pay the vendor. \"I can't believe you're hungry.\"\n\nHiro accepted some copper change." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't believe you're not.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The vendor handed each man a bowl of steaming noodles in pungent sauce.\n\nHiro inhaled deeply. His stomach grumbled. As he hoped, the chewy noodles had just the right combination of onions, fish, and savory broth.\n\nFather Mateo ate, but slowly, and fumbled with his chopsticks. His injured hands had not regained their full dexterity.\n\nAll too soon, Hiro's chopsticks clattered against the empty bowl. He returned them to the vendor. Father Mateo returned his, too, though he hadn't finished his noodles.\n\nThe vendor gave the Jesuit's half-filled bowl a worried look. \"I'm sorry you didn't like the flavor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I enjoyed it.\" Father Mateo gave the vendor an apologetic smile." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am not very hungry this afternoon.\"\n\nHiro glanced at the Jesuit's hands. He saw no sign of infection but reminded himself to keep an eye on the priest.\n\nFather Mateo switched to Portuguese. \"It's not my hands. I suppose I should tell you—I really don't like udon.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point (which may include pre-existing characters and lore), and You'll continue with 11 sentences in the style of Susan Spann." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yujiro bared his teeth and took a threatening step toward Father Mateo.\n\nHiro laid a hand on the hilt of his katana and stepped between them. \"We want no trouble.\"\n\nYujiro looked at Father Mateo. \"Your friend's behavior indicates otherwise.\"\n\nHiro agreed. He wondered why the priest insulted the samurai so openly. Father Mateo had never done that before.\n\nThe shinobi felt the moment slip toward violence. His limbs relaxed, prepared and almost longing for a fight. Just before he decided to release his martial instincts, training and better judgment took control.\n\nHiro bowed his head to feign regret." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please forgive the foreign priest. In his country, a noble man must always return an insult or face permanent dishonor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In Japan, he faces death.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yujiro's sword slipped from its sheath with a whispering ring.\n\nIn an instant, Hiro drew both of his swords. He crossed them in front of him, blocking the strike. Stepping backward, he lowered the wakizashi. He held the katana level, expecting Yujiro to back away.\n\nInstead, the samurai leaped forward, raising his sword for another aggressive blow.\n\nHiro blocked with his katana. Deflecting his opponent's sword, he counterattacked with the wakizashi.\n\nYujiro parried and stepped away.\n\nHiro struck with his katana. Yujiro backed away again and parried a second time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro advanced, alternating overhand katana strikes with slashing blows from the wakizashi. Yujiro deflected every one.\n\nTo Hiro's surprise, the arrogant samurai was a talented swordsman.\n\nAfter several flurries of attacks and counterattacks, Hiro sensed his opponent tiring.\n\nYujiro launched a counterattack with the desperation of a man who knew he must win or die. Hiro was forced to back away, parrying and deflecting. He focused on his opponent's eyes, watching for the chance to kill the samurai and end the fight.\n\nJust as he started to wonder whether Yujiro had only faked exhaustion, the samurai stumbled over an uneven spot in the road.\n\nHiro leaped sideways, slipping his wakizashi under the samurai's chin. By the time Yujiro regained his balance, Hiro's blade was at his throat.\n\nThe samurai bowed his head and lowered his sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro raised his katana high to strike the fatal blow, but Father Mateo's expression stayed his hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Miraculously, the priest didn't seem to want this man to die.\n\n\"What are you waiting for?\" Yujiro demanded, without looking up.\n\nFather Mateo shook his head.\n\nHiro looked at the Jesuit. Killing this man is the right thing to do.\n\nFather Mateo met Hiro's gaze without faltering.\n\nWith a sigh of frustration, Hiro lowered his sword. \"My master chooses to let you live.\"\n\n\"The foreigner insulted me.\" Yujiro straightened and scowled." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"—and the priest has given it back to you,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His life is forfeit.\"\n\n\"You are mistaken,\" Hiro said. \"It is you who lost the fight. By rights, your life belongs to the priest—\"\n\n\"—and the priest has given it back to you,\" Father Mateo finished.\n\nYujiro looked confused and angry. By law, and by the samurai code, Hiro should have killed him. Survival would leave a permanent stain on Yujiro's personal honor.\n\nUnfortunately, that also increased the chance of a second fight. At this moment, Yujiro had nothing to lose.\n\nYujiro's partner found his voice. \"This is over. Let them pass. The fight was fair.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The foreigner should fight for himself,\" Yujiro said, though he sounded more like a petulant child than a samurai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why do you think he hired a ronin?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 12 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the other samurai asked. \"Everyone knows a foreigner poses no more threat than a woman. Not unless he's carrying a firearm, anyway.\"\n\nHiro decided not to mention that, in his experience, women were far more deadly than Portuguese firearms. He had scars on his shoulder and inner thigh—and more on his heart—that proved it. Other injuries faded to memory once the wounds had healed, but the pain of a woman's betrayal—that betrayal—had eased far less than Hiro liked to admit.\n\nYujiro scowled. \"Get out of my sight.\"\n\nHiro bowed to the second guard. \"We seek a merchant named Basho. Perhaps you know his shop?\"\n\nYujiro scowled, but the other samurai nodded. \"I do. I buy his rice myself.\"\n\nThe samurai turned and pointed west along the market street. \"Head that way. It's three blocks down. The noren says 'Basho.' You cannot miss it.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Literary Collaboration:\n- Sentences: 12 sentences\n- Match character context\n- Genre: mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they entered the stinking alley off Shijō Road, shouting echoed from the Lucky Monkey's entrance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kaoru stood in the brewery doorway, facing someone farther inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's my money,\" he yelled, \"the least you can do is leave something for me to inherit!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He yanked the door closed with a thump and stomped down the alley away from Hiro and Father Mateo.\n\nThe Jesuit paused. \"We should leave and come back later.\"\n\nThe Lucky Monkey's noren parted. Mina appeared in the entrance. She stood in the doorway and watched her son disappear into the space beyond the buildings.\n\nMina turned and noticed Hiro and the priest. \"Good afternoon.\" She bowed to cover her embarrassment. \"Once again, I must apologize for my son's behavior.\"\n\n\"May we speak with you inside?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"Of course.\" Mina stepped aside. \"That is, if you do not object to entering a house of mourning. May I offer you tea?\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We would like some tea.\"\n\nCrossing the threshold, Hiro heard the sound of rhythmic chanting somewhere farther inside the building. Male voices rose and fell in the cadence of funeral prayers. The monks had arrived, and formal mourning for Chikao had started.\n\nThe chanting grew more noticeable as Hiro and Father Mateo followed Mina into the brewery's drinking room.\n\nShe paused and gestured. \"Sit wherever you like. I will make the tea.\"\n\nWhen she left the room, Father Mateo said, \"I can't believe you asked for tea while she's in mourning.\"\n\n\"She offered.\" Hiro settled himself on the floor. \"Preparing tea gives her something to do, and normalcy offers distraction in difficult times. Also, I thought it would please you, since the tea gives us a different way to start the conversation. We may not need your god's help after all.\"\n\nFather Mateo gave the shinobi a disapproving look as Mina returned.\n\nShe carried a tray with a steaming teapot, three ceramic cups, and a plate of sweetened rice balls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She set the tray on the floor and knelt beside it, but instead of pouring the tea she asked the Jesuit, \"Would you like to pray?\"\n\nMina smiled at Father Mateo's startled look. \"I have a friend who worships your Jesus god. She prays before accepting food and drink. If you wish, you may offer your prayer aloud. Honest gratitude insults no one, whether or not we pray to different gods.\"\n\nShe laid her hands in her lap and bowed her head.\n\nFather Mateo offered a prayer, asking God to bless the house, and Mina, and the food. Hiro appreciated the Jesuit's keeping the prayer short. Tea tasted better hot, and questions, too, retained more palatability without a liberal helping of foreign faith.\n\nMina poured tea for Hiro and Father Mateo. She had brought a cup for herself but didn't fill it.\n\n\"May I pour you tea?\" Father Mateo offered.\n\nMina leaned back in surprise. Guests never poured the tea for female hosts, especially male guests of samurai rank." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Unless, perhaps, you are fasting,\" Hiro offered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mina's face relaxed with sudden relief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am, to atone for my husband's sins. Thank you for understanding.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'father' 3 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How long will you fast?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"For Chikao, until his funeral,\" Mina said. \"After that, I will fast on my own account.\"\n\nFather Mateo leaned forward slightly. \"Why do you need to fast?\"\n\nMina shifted the plate of rice balls toward her guests. \"I intend to become a nun, after I finish mourning for my husband.\"\n\n\"A nun?\" Father Mateo looked surprised. His features softened with understanding. \"Oh, a Buddhist nun. I apologize—my religion also allows for female nuns.\"\n\n\"Really?\" Mina asked. \"And do the widows of your faith elect this path?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When God calls them,\" Father Mateo said, \"and, sometimes, when they have no other method of support.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro caught the not-so-subtle hint but didn't mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sometimes Japanese widows also make this choice for economic reasons,\" Mina said, \"though I do not.\"\n\n\"Forgive me,\" the Jesuit said, \"but you mentioned that the moneylenders wouldn't give you loans...\" He trailed off.\n\nHiro had hoped the priest would remember Mina's comment about loans. A samurai could never ask, but Father Mateo's status as a foreigner, and a priest, created an excuse for intrusive questions.\n\n\"Chikao and I attempted to obtain a loan to pay off Kaoru's debts,\" the woman said. \"But the moneylender knows my son and wouldn't take the risk. Not without a licensed brewery to secure the loan.\"\n\nFather Mateo looked concerned. \"Then how...\"\n\nMina smiled. \"I don't need money. Chikao's death has freed me to pursue the path I chose many years ago.\"\n\nShe paused. After allowing sufficient time for Hiro and Father Mateo to change the subject if they wished to, she continued, \"I grew up near Tofuku-ji, and my father often took me for walks on the temple grounds. Even as a child, I wanted to become a nun and spend my days in meditation, seeking peace.\"\n\nHer eyes took on a distant look.\n\nThe monks' voices rose and fell in the background, chanting prayers.\n\n\"And yet, you chose to marry,\" Father Mateo said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mina's eyes refocused on the priest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As duty required. Obedient children place their parents' hopes before their own.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro wondered what Mina thought of Kaoru's selfish choices." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now,\" she continued, \"my husband's death releases me to pursue my heart's desire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What will become of the brewery?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 13 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mina sighed. \"I do not know. I hoped my son would choose to learn his father's trade, but he refuses. Kaoru says he wants to sell our share of the brewery to Ren. My son will squander the money, but what can I do? He is adult, and male. I can't control him.\"\n\n\"Does Ren want to purchase the interest?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"I am ashamed to ask him,\" Mina said. \"It seems unfair to shackle Ren with debts, especially now. If my son would only accept his duty...\"\n\nShe trailed off into silence.\n\nHiro sipped his tea and waited.\n\nEventually Father Mateo asked, \"Did your husband know about your wish to lead a religious life?\"\n\nHiro wished the priest hadn't spoken. People shared more information when the burden of silence reached a certain weight.\n\n\"Chikao felt guilty for keeping me tied to the world,\" Mina said, \"but, as I often told him, I never regretted my choice to marry. I loved Chikao and enjoyed our life together.\"\n\n\"Does Kaoru know about your plans to become a nun?\" the Jesuit asked.\n\nMina gave the priest a searching look. \"My son did not kill his father.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nContext: May include established characters/lore without introduction\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with 10 sentences, emulating the writing style of Susan Spann." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro and Father Mateo returned to the Jesuit's home on Marutamachi Road. The priest went into his private room, but Hiro changed into trousers and a practice tunic and headed into the yard.\n\nThe grassy lawn south of Father Mateo's beloved koi pond offered a pleasant exercise ground, and the wooden wall surrounding the yard prevented prying eyes. Hiro knelt and meditated, quieting his thoughts and listening to every tiny sound. A bird sang in a nearby tree. Leaves ruffled in the breeze. One of the Jesuit's koi sucked at the surface of the water.\n\nThe door that led to the priest's room rustled open.\n\nHiro opened his eyes. Father Mateo stood on the veranda, wearing hakama and a surcoat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shinobi stood up, surprised. He often offered to teach the Jesuit self-defense, but the priest had never shown any real interest.\n\n\"Have you decided to learn to fight?\" Hiro asked.\n\nFather Mateo smiled. \"A man who lives by the sword will die by the sword.\"\n\n\"Perhaps,\" Hiro said, \"but not as quickly as a man who cannot use one.\"\n\nFather Mateo raised his scar-covered hands. The injuries had not yet healed completely.\n\nHiro considered it lucky they healed at all.\n\n\"I couldn't fight if I wanted to,\" Father Mateo said. \"Even writing hurts more than I'd like to admit. But physical exercise helps recovery, and I've healed enough to try, if you're willing to teach me defense instead of fighting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro decided not to mention that, often, they were the same." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He walked the priest through some basic katas—exercises so familiar that Hiro no longer remembered when he learned them." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 11 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With time and practice, the forms became ingrained in the muscles. The body performed them essentially without thought.\n\nAfter a while, Father Mateo straightened and wiped his forehead. \"I thought I was in good condition, but you haven't broken a sweat.\"\n\n\"I did not suffer a serious injury several weeks ago,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"You know I can tell when you're humoring me.\" Father Mateo smiled.\n\nHiro smirked. \"Only when I let you.\"\n\nAfter they finished with katas, Hiro went to the bathhouse while the Jesuit prepared for his evening prayers. Despite his interest in Japanese culture, Father Mateo did not bathe as often as native Japanese.\n\nThe samurai guarding the bridge gave Hiro a searching look but didn't demand identification. Either the towel in Hiro's hand made his business obvious, or some of Hisahide's guards could exercise discretion after all." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's work on this story segment. I'll provide a part, and you'll continue with six sentences in the style of Susan Spann. This is mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre and characters might appear without introduction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro walked west on Marutamachi Road until he reached the Kamo River." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There, he nodded to the samurai on guard. Once again, the guard made no attempt to arrest the shinobi's progress. Either he recognized Hiro's face or the guards had received new orders to stop harassing samurai without cause.\n\nHiro suspected the former. Matsunaga Hisahide didn't care who he offended.\n\nThe shinobi turned south on the road that followed the eastern bank of the river." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At Sanjō Road he took a left and headed into a residential ward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Well-groomed gardens surrounded the houses, which sat on larger lots than those on the western side of the river." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A short distance down the road, on the left-hand side of the street, stone dogs guarded a two-story building." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The house had a raised foundation and steep peaked roof." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Long eaves overhung the wide veranda, and gravel paths led to wooden gates on either side of the building. Fences shielded the yards beyond from public view.\n\nAn expensive, hand-painted sign on the veranda read SAKURA TEAHOUSE.\n\nThe Sakura looked no different than it had a year before, when Hiro and Father Mateo solved the murder of Akechi Hideyoshi, a samurai who died in one of the private rooms. As he approached the door, Hiro wondered whether Mayuri, the teahouse owner, would respond to his questions about Yoshiko.\n\nKnowing Mayuri, she might not even let him in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro knocked and waited to speak with the house's servant, but when the wooden door swung open, it was Mayuri who stood in the entrance.\n\nThe retired entertainer's flawless hair and makeup complemented her green kimono embroidered with lotus flowers. On another woman, the colors and patterns might suggest a struggle to retain her fading youth. On Mayuri, the years fell away of their own accord.\n\nHiro disliked entertainers, but understood why men once found Mayuri's company worth their silver. Despite her age, she remained a compelling woman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mayuri's painted face adopted a frozen smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good evening, Matsui-san. I don't remember your name on this evening's list of guests.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only a person trained to read faces would notice the concern that flickered through Mayuri's eyes before she spoke. Unfortunately for Mayuri, Hiro was that kind of person.\n\nHe said nothing, hoping discomfort would make her talk.\n\n\"To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?\" Mayuri asked.\n\n\"I hoped to speak with you privately,\" Hiro said.\n\nMayuri's smile faded. \"Does this relate to last year's business?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It relates to an Akechi,\" Hiro said, \"though not the one who brought me here last summer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I understand.\" Mayuri nodded. \"Follow me.\"\n\nShe led him through the entry and into the room where entertainers waited for their guests. The teahouse smelled of lotuses and other strange perfumes, as if haunted by the ghosts of forgotten blooms. Shoji along the walls led into private rooms on either side. Murmuring voices and the wavering notes of a shamisen told Hiro some of the evening guests had arrived already.\n\nAn entertainer entered the room from a sliding door to the north." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wore a blue kimono painted with a scene of crashing waves, a patterned obi, and a hairstyle featuring several jeweled pins. Despite the costume's weight, she moved with ease and confidence. Her face looked barely twenty, though Hiro knew her real age was almost twice that number.\n\nThe entertainer crossed her hands and bowed in greeting. \"Good evening Matsui-san. It is nice to see you.\"\n\n\"Good evening, Riko,\" Hiro said. \"You look well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The woman covered her surprise. Entertainers memorized the names of everyone they met but didn't expect a man to return the favor—especially not a samurai who never patronized the woman's house.\n\n\"Matsui-san has come on a business matter,\" Mayuri said. \"Please ask Okiya to answer the door until we finish our conversation.\"\n\nRiko bowed. \"I will, Mayuri.\"\n\n\"Do not open the door yourself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mayuri raised a hand like a mother admonishing a willful child." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Riko blushed. \"He wouldn't mind.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I mind.\" Mayuri's tone allowed no argument." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'didn't' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I understand.\" Riko bowed in acceptance and stepped aside as Mayuri led Hiro through the door in the northern wall.\n\nBeyond the waiting room lay a private oe and a narrow passage that led to Mayuri's office. Hiro remembered the way, and also the office. The white tatami and hardwood writing desk looked just as he remembered.\n\nMayuri slid the shoji closed behind them, crossed the room, and knelt on the opposite side of the wooden desk.\n\nHiro didn't like to turn his back on the only entrance, but etiquette didn't give him another option." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knelt facing Mayuri but angled his body just enough to see the doorway from the corner of his eye." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To his surprise, Mayuri didn't wait for him to speak.\n\n\"Forgive my presumption,\" she said, \"but I have a busy evening, and we are well enough acquainted to dispense with needless formalities. Whatever you have to say about Yoshiko, please speak plainly.\"\n\n\"I understand that Akechi-san has acquired an interest in this house and serves as its debt collector,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"That is neither a question nor a complaint,\" Mayuri said.\n\n\"Very well,\" Hiro said. \"A question: Do you know where Yoshiko was last night?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You speak as though her whereabouts are my concern,\" Mayuri said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She is a business partner, not a servant.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Hiro said, \"but the law holds you responsible for crimes she commits in the course of collecting your debts.\"\n\n\"Have you left your job as a translator and joined the Kyoto police?\" Mayuri's eyes widened in a show of false surprise. \"If not, I believe you realize I have no obligation to endure this conversation any longer.\"\n\nHiro recognized the bluff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mayuri would not have allowed him in if she didn't intend to talk—at least until she discovered what he knew." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My authority arises from a private investigation,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But if you would rather answer to the yoriki, I can arrange that also.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mayuri's face looked carved from stone, like the dogs that guarded her walkway.\n\nHiro gave her a moment to consider the threat and then continued, \"Given your involvement in General Akechi's murder, the yoriki might prefer to take a detailed look at your establishment.\"\n\nMayuri said nothing.\n\nMost samurai would have repeated the threat, or followed up with a stronger one, but Hiro simply waited. Eventually, his silence and Mayuri's fears—or guilt—would prompt an answer.\n\n\"I cannot tell you what Yoshiko may have done,\" the teahouse owner said at last, \"but I do not condone violence. Not even in debt collection.\"\n\n\"Interesting,\" Hiro said. \"I didn't mention violence.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll start writing, then you take over for five sentences, matching any established character familiarity in the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You do not understand.\" Hiro glared at the merchant. \"Matsunaga-san will consider you a traitor for selling firearms to his enemies.\"\n\n\"Lord Matsunaga doesn't even know me,\" Luis said. \"I'm Portuguese. I'm not his subject. I've permission to do business in Kyoto, and that means I'll sell my weapons to whatever lord I please.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's work on this story segment. I'll provide a part, and you'll continue with six sentences in the style of Susan Spann. This is mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre and characters might appear without introduction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What time did Kaoru leave two nights ago?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"At closing,\" Eba said, \"about three hours after midnight.\"\n\n\"Did he stay in the teahouse all evening?\" Father Mateo asked. \"Did he leave alone?\"\n\nEba considered the questions. \"He might have come and gone—I wasn't watching. Sometimes he does, sometimes he stays all night. As far as leaving, I think Basho and a couple of others stayed that late. Half a dozen of them left at closing time.\"\n\n\"Did they leave together?\" Father Mateo asked." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'don't' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not that I noticed, but then, I don't pay attention unless there's a fight.\"\n\nHiro nodded to end the conversation. \"Thank you. We appreciate your help.\"\n\n\"If I helped.\" Eba looked from Hiro to Father Mateo. \"You never did say who it was that Kaoru killed.\"\n\n\"I did not,\" Hiro confirmed, \"and I don't intend to.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fair enough,\" Eba said. \"Killer or no, Kaoru isn't welcome in my teahouse anymore. Not after this. I'd appreciate your telling him so, when and if you see him. Again, no offense intended.\"\n\n\"None taken,\" Father Mateo replied.\n\nAfter Eba closed the door, the Jesuit turned to Hiro and said, \"I guess the apprentice told the truth about where Basho went.\"\n\n\"About the teahouse,\" Hiro said. \"I'm still not sure he took the Tōkaidō.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had more to say, but the words died out on his lips when he saw Akechi Yoshiko step out of a building across the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She noticed Hiro a moment later.\n\nYoshiko squared her shoulders and stalked toward Hiro, wearing the glare of a furious tiger. Her left hand gripped the hilt of her katana.\n\n\"Matsui Hiro!\" she declared. \"You stop right there!\"\n\nHiro sensed no immediate danger, though Yoshiko's disposition indicated the conversation would not be pleasant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What does she want?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'mateo' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo whispered in Portuguese.\n\n\"No idea,\" Hiro replied in kind. \"She does look angry.\"\n\n\"What did you do?\" Father Mateo asked, but Yoshiko reached them before the shinobi could answer.\n\nShe didn't bow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How dare you?\" she demanded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good morning, Akechi-san.\" Hiro kept his expression neutral." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am sorry, I don't understand your question.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You lied, and you betrayed me!\"\n\nHiro suspected the samurai woman had talked with Mayuri but feigned ignorance until he knew for sure. \"In what way do you believe I have betrayed you?\"\n\n\"I can't afford to lose this job.\" Yoshiko gripped her katana far too tightly for someone intending to draw it. \"My father's pension ended upon his death, and my share of the Sakura's profits does not cover my family's bills.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her nose turned red as she added, \"I considered you a friend.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro hoped she wouldn't cry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hated it when women cried, especially in public.\n\nFortunately, she controlled herself before any tears could fall.\n\n\"Matsui-san,\" Yoshiko said, \"you accused me of attacking innocent men—and committing murder. Do not deny it. Mayuri told me everything.\"\n\nI doubt that, Hiro thought. Aloud, he said, \"I did not accuse you of murder.\"\n\n\"I only strike the men who refuse to pay,\" Yoshiko said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Recalcitrant debtors are not innocent men.\"\n\nHer glance flickered over Hiro's shoulder toward the Golden Buddha. \"What are you doing in Pontocho?\" She paused. \"You do believe I killed Chikao. You lied to me last night.\"\n\nFather Mateo gave Hiro a startled look, but to his credit the Jesuit didn't speak.\n\nHiro chose his next words carefully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I did not tell Mayuri that I thought you killed Chikao.\"\n\n\"How could you, of all people, believe me guilty of murder?\" Yoshiko's lower lip trembled. Hiro caught the injury in her voice.\n\nSilence stretched between them. As it grew awkward Hiro said, \"You do not know what I believe. You make an assumption.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshiko straightened and raised her chin. \"A reasonable one, I think. You made me trust you, and then you lied to me and betrayed my trust.\"\n\n\"That can't be true.\" Father Mateo stepped forward. \"Hiro would never betray a woman's trust.\"\n\n\"This is not about trust,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And it's not about you, Akechi-san. We are merely using logic to solve a crime. Exactly the way we did with your father's murder.\"\n\n\"Then seek logical answers, which don't involve me.\" Yoshiko removed her hand from her sword. \"I have nothing to gain from Chikao's murder. In fact, it disadvantages me severely.\"\n\n\"Disadvantages you?\" Hiro repeated.\n\n\"Kaoru will never pay his debt. He's never paid a debt in his life.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshiko made a frustrated gesture." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You didn't have to go to Mayuri. I would have told you the truth if you asked. Yes, I saw Chikao the night he died. And yes, we spoke of Kaoru's debt.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"His blackened eye suggests he refused to pay.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro spoke with candor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He doubted Yoshiko would ever speak with him again anyway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the positive side, he had finally rid himself of her affections." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I struck him,\" Yoshiko said, \"but he had no serious injuries when I left him.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'strike' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why did you strike him?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"He said he didn't have the money, too many other debts to pay. I didn't believe him, but when he didn't change his story after I hit him... I decided it must have been the truth.\"\n\n\"What changed your mind?\" Hiro asked.\n\nYoshiko shrugged. \"Most men pay up to avoid a second strike.\"\n\n\"How did you learn about Chikao's death?\" Hiro watched her carefully, expecting her to lie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshiko smiled, though her eyes revealed regret." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I saw you in the prison yard. The dōshin told me who you'd come to see and why. I feigned surprise because I didn't want to admit to asking about your business.\"\n\nTo Hiro's chagrin, he couldn't tell if Yoshiko spoke the truth.\n\n\"I would not have killed Chikao,\" she continued. \"Losing a father is not a thing I would wish on any man. Not even such a worthless one as Kaoru. Chikao would have paid the debt, in time, but even if he refused to pay I would not kill him—or any other man—over money.\"\n\nShe met Hiro's gaze without faltering.\n\n\"What brings you into Pontocho this morning?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo asked, a bit too brightly.\n\nYoshiko turned to the priest. Her eyes went cold. \"I'm afraid that's not your business. Please excuse me. I have matters to attend to.\"\n\nHiro and Father Mateo bowed as Yoshiko turned away and started off toward Sanjō Road. After half a dozen paces she turned back. \"My mother and I will not be able to host you at our home. Regrettably, it appears our plans have changed.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant for a segment of a larger mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s story. Your partner will send something and you will write the next two sentences. Characters may already be established." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After Yoshiko disappeared, Father Mateo said, \"Well, that went poorly.\"\n\n\"It could have been worse,\" Hiro said, \"and might have actually helped us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He examined the building Yoshiko had emerged from just before their confrontation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two-story structure stood almost directly across from the Golden Buddha. No sign hung from its narrow entrance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without the indigo noren that displayed the shopkeeper's name during business hours, the barren storefront offered no clue to the business's name or purpose.\n\nHiro stepped to the door and knocked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro hammered his fist against the door. The knocking loosened a shower of detritus from the rafters, dusting Father Mateo's hair with thatch and one extremely indignant spider." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Jesuit brushed the debris away and flicked the arachnid to the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're closed,\" said a female voice from behind the door. \"Go away until evening.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Hiro said. \"You opened this door for Akechi Yoshiko. You will open it now for me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo gave the shinobi a startled look, no doubt caused by Hiro's breach of etiquette.\n\n\"Are you a friend of Yoshiko's?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "the woman asked, though the door stayed closed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro weighed the cost of a second lie and decided it couldn't hurt—as long as the woman hadn't been watching the argument in the street.\n\n\"I am,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The door swung open, revealing a woman about Yoshiko's age, but far more lovely than any Hiro had seen in Pontocho." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'teeth' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wore no makeup, and when she smiled, her teeth showed no sign of the blackening favored by women who mimicked the courtesans' style. Many men liked blackened teeth, but Hiro thought they looked as if their owners lost a fight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you want?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The woman's tone counteracted any advantage her beauty offered.\n\n\"What manner of business do you run?\" the shinobi asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you do not know, you don't belong here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She started to close the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro stuck a foot in the opening. The woman pressed on the door to force it closed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro's temper snapped. He laid both hands on the door and pushed with far more force than necessary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The woman stumbled backward with a startled cry and the door flew open.\n\nHiro stepped on the threshold but didn't cross it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When a samurai asks a question, commoners answer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The woman recovered her composure. \"Perhaps I do not know the answer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro raised an eyebrow and studied the woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She seemed too bold for a servant, but no entertainer answered the door without makeup. Her obi tied in the back, which meant she wasn't a prostitute, yet her smooth hands lacked a merchant's calluses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He glanced at the front of the building." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The narrow frontage and lack of identifying features indicated a business whose clientele did not rely on signage. People came to this door with knowledge and a purpose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro examined the woman again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The elaborate embroidery on her obi and kimono cost a fortune. Jeweled kanzashi pinned her hair in place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You do not know what business your house conducts?\" Father Mateo asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My business is not of consequence to samurai or priests.\" The woman looked from one man to the other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Samurai visit the Shijō Market. Priests... I do not know.\"\n\nThe market gave Hiro the final clue he needed. \"You're a moneylender.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, for the women of Pontocho.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The moneylender clasped her hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not lend to samurai or to men. If you need loans, you go to the rice-sellers' street.\"\n\n\"You misunderstand,\" the shinobi said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We haven't come about a loan.\"\n\n\"Then what do you want—and how, exactly, do you know Yoshiko?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The woman glanced at the door as if wondering whether she could slam it shut before the shinobi stopped her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We saw her leaving and wondered what she was doing here at this hour.\" Hiro raised his hands, palms up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As you mentioned, you're not in the business of loaning money to samurai.\"\n\n\"If you know her, then you also know I won't discuss her business, any more than I would tell you of my own.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The woman reached for the edge of the door, but didn't try to shut it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One last question,\" Hiro said. \"If we did need a loan, who do you suggest we get it from?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is a merchant named Basho who lends to men of every social class.\" Her gaze shifted to Father Mateo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not know if he would lend to foreigners as well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you,\" Hiro said as she closed the door.\n\nAs they turned away from the house, Father Mateo asked, \"Now what?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Home.\" Hiro started north." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did you say to Mayuri last night?\" Father Mateo asked. \"I've never seen a woman as angry as Yoshiko was this morning.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode: Collab writing\nContext: May reference existing characters/world\nAmount: 1 sentence\nVoice: Susan Spann" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro doubled back from the south and reached the rice sellers' street as the temple bells began to ring hour." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Hiro expected, a samurai stood guard at the intersection of Sanjō Road and Karasuma Street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro paused and observed the guard from the safety of the shadows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unlike the samurai on the bridge, this one didn't pace or seek distractions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He watched the road, bored but alert." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro pulled a stoppered bamboo segment from his tunic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he weighed the explosive in his hand, he considered its effect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bombs had served their purpose at the bridge, but after dark, in a silent ward, another explosion would lead to trouble Hiro didn't need." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He returned the bamboo tube to his tunic and bent to untie the thongs that held his trousers against his ankles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once released, they fell into a standard hakama shape." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro hoped they would pass for normal trousers in the dimly lighted street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stepped from the alley and headed toward the guard, affecting the purposeful gait of a man on an errand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The samurai turned as Hiro's footsteps reached his ears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Light from a nearby lantern shimmered on his graying hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The slenderness of his lower arms revealed advancing age." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro hoped the guard was new and didn't know the neighborhood too well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the shinobi drew within speaking distance, the samurai said, \"Come no farther, sir. Please state your name and business on this street.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro stopped and bowed, encouraged by the samurai's politeness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good evening,\" he said, \"I am a physician on an urgent call.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai looked suspicious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't see anyone go to call a physician.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took a closer look at Hiro and frowned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is that blood on your clothes?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro looked down at his clothes as if just noticing the spray of bloody droplets down the front." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The dark fabric muted the color, but, as he expected, an experienced samurai recognized it even so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was called to a fight in a teahouse. A cook and a brewer, fighting over a girl. I didn't even have time to put on proper clothes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hoped his tone was sufficiently nonchalant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't want to kill another samurai that night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who won?\" the samurai asked, suspicion giving way to curiosity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro shrugged. \"The cook had a knife, but I think both men will live.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who called you here?\" the samurai asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They sent a boy—he found me at the teahouse,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't remember the patient's name. The shop lies two doors past the one of a merchant named Basho.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guard shrugged. \"No idea who that is, but before you go—my wife has a problem with a recurring toothache. The physician we consulted couldn't cure it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Toothache?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you tried mint tea? Any apothecary should have mint leaves. Buy the fresh ones—they work better than the dried. Your wife should chop a handful of leaves, boil them in water for ten full minutes, strain the liquid, and let it cool. She can drink two cups at a time, three hours apart, until the ache subsides. If that doesn't work, the tooth will have to come out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you!\" The samurai reached for his purse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I pay you? I don't want to take advantage.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro shook his head and bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not many men would treat a physician with courtesy and respect. I consider your generosity more than sufficient compensation.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish you great success with your other patient.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai stepped aside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro continued down the street, pleased that the samurai's personal needs played into his ruse so well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the same time, his heart thudded in his chest and his stomach swirled with anxious tension." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he approached Basho's warehouse, he slowed and moved to the side of the street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lights flickered in the upper floors of half the merchants' houses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wealthy men could afford the oil to stay up after dark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unfortunately, wakeful neighbors made the errand far more dangerous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro would have to wait for them to sleep before he entered Basho's shop." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wooden shutters covered the front of Basho's warehouse, blocking the light from within." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The upper story had no windows on the front and angled slats across the windows on the sides." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro wouldn't know for certain when the merchant's family went to sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Narrow alleys separated Basho's building from the ones on either side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro stepped into the alley on the east side of the warehouse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Squinting up, he thought he saw a light between the slats of the upstairs window." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unfortunately, he couldn't tell for certain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro returned to the edge of the alley and looked out into the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw no one in the road and heard no sounds except cicadas and, more distantly, the hoot of an evening owl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Halfway along the alley, a pair of barrels sat outside a door that probably led to a private storage room behind the shop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro lifted the lid of the closest barrel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The grassy scent of rice hulls wafted out, along with a hint of dust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro reached inside and found the barrel empty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It seemed solid and smelled clean, but merchants rarely left undamaged barrels out unguarded overnight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faulty or no, this one would serve his purpose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro climbed into the barrel and returned the lid to its place above his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The space was dark and cramped but smelled far better than many places Hiro had spent the night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he crouched in the barrel, Hiro considered Chikao's murder, and why Ginjiro felt the need to hide the truth about his interactions with the brewer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omissions seemed suspicious from a man who claimed he had nothing to hide." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yet Ginjiro wasn't the only suspect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kaoru's temper, combined with his love of money, gave Chikao's son a motive, too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "However, in Hiro's experience, laziness trumped avarice when a murder required work." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshiko claimed innocence, but Hiro didn't know how to interpret the samurai woman's denials." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He needed more information about her whereabouts at the time of Chikao's death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The lack of a clear investigative path made Hiro peevish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In both of the previous murders he solved—the one at the teahouse and the more recent one at the shogunate—specific facts had pointed the way to the killer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This time, the evidence didn't point in any clear direction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro hoped he could find Basho and that the merchant's information would prove useful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If not he had killed a man, and spent a night in a barrel, for no good reason." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Temple bells rang. An hour had passed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro stretched his muscles as well as he could to keep from cramping in the tiny space." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His foot and ankle went to sleep, sending painful tingling up his leg." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro wiggled his toes until the unpleasant sensation went away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No sooner had he managed this when the other one started prickling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The temple bells marked the passage of another hour." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro lifted the lid of the barrel and listened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard no human sounds in the alley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the houses he could see were dark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A cricket chirped near the base of the barrel, but only once. Then silence fell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro left the barrel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he replaced the lid, he heard footsteps in the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He crouched behind the barrel and pressed himself against the warehouse wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A shadowed figure passed the alley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro saw a scabbard sticking up behind the shadow's back and caught the faintest gleam of moonlight off the oiled chonmage on a samurai's head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro pulled a strip of cloth from beneath his obi and secured it over his nose and mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The thump of geta echoed on the porch of Basho's shop, followed by the hollow bang of a fist on wooden shutters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Basho!\" yelled a female voice." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get up and open this door at once!\"\n\nThe voice belonged to Akechi Yoshiko." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "im ur writing buddy. i set scene (might have existing chars), u do four sentences like Katherine M. Lawrence" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'man's' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All eyes were on Taro as he painstakingly tied down the good fingers of the man's right hand.\n\nYamabuki took this moment to surreptitiously remove the scrolls from her sleeve and casually slip them into an open box of half-finished kozane, covering them with the stitched platelets.\n\nTaro now tethered the soles of the man's feet in place against a log.\n\nThe samurai murmured to her, \"You may use my blade.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. I know my own the best.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He closed his eyes and lay back, toes clearly exposed, healthy fingers of his right hand tied back.\n\nYamabuki pulled a tasuki from her sleeve and held one end of the strand with her teeth, freeing both hands. With well-practiced motions, she wrapped the free end of the cord under her right arm, pulling the right sleeve back, then passed it behind her neck and pulled the left sleeve back. Forearms bare, she tied the two cord ends into a bowknot near her right shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Any worthy warrior could finish this action in under five heartbeats." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Face grim, Yamabuki gave Taro a hard look." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are ready?\" Taro asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki unsheathed Tiger Cub and nodded.\n\n\"We need to purify the blade,\" said Taro. \"Warm water will have to do.\"\n\n\"Is there something better?\" she asked quietly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Omiki,\" said Taro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sacred saké?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taro nodded. \"But we have none.\"\n\n\"Maybe not sacredly blessed, but I have saké,\" Yamabuki said. \"Mari?\"\n\nThe girl stepped forward. \"Hai?\"\n\n\"Bring the bottle the Gentian samurai left.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mari nodded and dashed off, returning almost straightaway with Yoshinaka's flask." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki presented the naked sword, point down. While incanting prayers, Taro poured the wine over the blade. The rivulets washed the steel and trickled to the floor.\n\n\"Maybe it's time for him to take a swig too,\" Taro said, inclining his head toward the man. Yamabuki nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The warrior took the bottle in his left and drank thirstily, quaffing almost all of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eyes round, Taro's children looked to see what would happen next." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taro waved them away. \"Go. There's nothing to see here.\"\n\nMari stepped to the forge and started heating an iron pike.\n\nYamabuki moved into place, focusing her targets: two feet and a hand; ten toes and two fingers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The morning light, amplified by sheets of snow, filled the armory so brightly she saw the afflicted appendages very clearly. They were white like the whitest rock, but there was also blackness in the nail beds. The stark contrast of the alabaster digits against healthy flesh indicated exactly where she was to strike.\n\nShe would do it in three rapid sweeps: One right-to-left cut to take the five toes of the left foot in one strike." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reverse in almost the same motion and take the five right toes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then pivot very slightly to bring the sword down toward his right hand.\n\nThe wine obviously dazed the warrior. Maybe that was good. Less pain. He asked somewhat drunkenly, \"May I know the name of the samurai who is going to cut me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked into his haggard face and answered simply, samurai to samurai, \"I am known as Taka Yamabuki. And since I am about to do this, may I ask your name?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Misaki Tada.\"\n\nYamabuki stiffened. She looked past the beard and mattered hair. Indeed. It was none other than Blue Rice's killer. And the dead kashira?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The same leader who had not lifted a finger to save Blue Rice and merely shrugged off the murder?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And the five guards she had encountered the previous night at the Saké House—part of the same contingent? Was the law of karma unfolding before her?\n\nDid Misaki recognize her? Likely not. She had been in full armor when she arrived in Nagato Prefecture." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Misaki had been too busy tormenting Blue Rice to pay her any mind.\n\nNow he lay at her feet, neck as exposed as his toes—in fact more so. One quick cut. One simple strike. She eyed his toes and fingers—more difficult targets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His head, so easy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked inside herself. She could do it. He would hold perfectly still, not expecting an executioner's cut. Not a word of protest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would be quick." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would not even know that he was being punished. He would die without further suffering. Painless. He would not suffer like Blue Rice had suffered.\n\nShe recalled Lord Nakagawa's discourse on the dichotomy of the sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had once said, \"In one moment, an instrument of destruction. In the next, one of humanity.\" Until this morning, she had only understood this abstractly: like the manifold faces of the numberless Gods, more of a riddle than anything else.\n\nFour slow bells struck the Hour of the Snake. She centered herself and raised her sword into the prepare position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Silence fell over the armory." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone held their breath. Even the wind ceased to stir." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll start writing, then you take over for 1 sentence, matching any established character familiarity in the Japan, historical fiction, samurai genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki guided her mount down the incline, leaning backward, shifting her weight as much as she could over Mochizuki's haunches." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were no fresh tracks to be seen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If intruders were about, they had not yet been here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nor had her father." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She pushed Mochizuki to a canter to stay ahead of the daimyō as she had planned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The air grew heavy with the scent of the sea, though the high, grassy dunes obstructed the view of the ocean." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She slowed to a stop at the bottom, where the trail opened into an elongated clearing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Trap. Any approaching enemy would be forced to converge here, pressed together on low ground, vulnerable to defensive attack from the hills on either side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was also where the Taka routinely practiced archery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Along the left side, under tall pines, five chest-high posts stood at various distances from the path—one from ten paces back, another thirty paces back, three others in between." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The arrangement was designed to make the shots tricky." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'distance' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unlike the targets in the marshaling yard that were all the same distance from the rider, these were staggered, like a real enemy, and multiple shots at full gallop required constant adjustment for distance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Someone had kindly left targets atop each post." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She decided to warm up her bow arm just a bit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Take out the five targets and she would be the one laughing with warrior spirit when her father rode up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She circled around to the entry of the range, noting how the pines rustled, tops swaying; wind gusts would cause the arrows to fly unpredictably." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She delivered a small kick to Mochizuki's ribs, and he broke into a gallop." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With one hand, she grabbed her yumi and pulled three arrows with the other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her heart beating hard, she came up in her stirrups, turned her body, eying the first target, and drew the bowstring fully back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Allowing for her horse's movement, she released the arrow slightly early." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And without waiting to see if it hit, she focused on the next target." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An arrow whistled by her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her mouth went dry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another arrow flew, whizzing just behind her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then a third, landing a good five strides away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They came from the distant tree line." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her heart beat even faster." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her anger rose. How foolish she was with intruders about!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now it was she who was vulnerable in the Trap!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a brief moment she wished she had her arrow cape, but there was no use in wishing for what she did not have." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What she did have were two arrows in hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She detected movement within the pines." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her first shot fell short." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She retrained the remaining arrow in a slightly higher arc." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It sailed beautifully until it ran afoul the branches, crackling through." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She sensed the arrow struck something—a tree trunk? An intruder?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That sound mingled with approaching hooves—her father riding rapidly toward her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With all her lungs she shouted, \"Go back! It's an ambush!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another arrow hissed close by." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She pulled hard on Mochizuki's reins." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He reared up. She got him to prance, hoping to draw the fire away from her father." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She grabbed more arrows from her ebira, notching and releasing, notching and releasing, notching and releasing \"At me! Shoot at me!\" she yelled. \"Cowards!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "To her horror, Moroto still thundered toward her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No! No!\" she cried. \"Run! Save yourself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But her father charged forward until he reined Kage beside her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The arrow volleys stopped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And Moroto burst out laughing—a deep and joyful laugh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki, her teeth gritted in anger, swung her bow in the direction of the intruders, waiting for a target." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her father might have lost his senses, but she was ready." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His war fan in his mailed fist pushed her bow down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Careful, before you kill someone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're as hot-tempered as Mochizuki!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He chuckled. \"Put the bow down.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Yamabuki skeptically complied as commanded, Moroto called out to the tree line, \"You can come out now!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moments later Etsu and Jun emerged from the underbrush and made their way down with grins on their faces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What—?\" Yamabuki began. \"How—?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"While you were busy with the stable boy and Mochizuki, they rode out ahead. As I said, wooden targets don't shoot back.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They could have killed me!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not with those arrows.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moroto gestured. \"Show her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They lifted the arrows they carried." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jun pushed his finger against the tip of one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blunted. A hit would have hurt, but likely not seriously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They were very hard to aim,\" Jun said, obviously suppressing a smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you did not do bad, either,\" Etsu said, rubbing his shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your aim was good. Luckily your arrows are the same.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shocked, Yamabuki pulled an arrow from her ebira and touched the point. Flat. And soft." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not forged from the tamahagane used for arrowheads and sword blades. \"Clay?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she wondered?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And namari, for the weight,\" Moroto said, sounding pleased with himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was all I could do to keep you from checking the arrows. I had to rear up Kage to distract you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki held her tongue, feeling played the fool." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moroto said in a lower voice, \"Next time, we won't be around, and the arrowheads won't be made of lead.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He watched her as she absorbed these words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was preparing her in a way the target range could not." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She took in a deep breath and nodded.\n\n\"Let's talk,\" he said." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "hey can u write 3 sentences more sentences? like Katherine M. Lawrence but Japan, historical fiction, samurai style. btw this is from middle of a story" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jun and Etsu remained behind as Yamabuki followed her father deeper into the gully's enchanting stillness, accompanied only by the hoof falls and snorting breaths of their mounts, the creaks of their saddles, and the jangling of the tack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Too sandy for trees here, only grasses and reeds thrived." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The scent of salt spray filled the air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No longer warlord and princess, but more father and daughter, the two riders emerged at the shoreline. The panorama immediately revealed shimmering waters filling the entire east, from northern to southern horizons, beneath a sky that stretched into the infinite cloudless blue.\n\n\"This way,\" he said, turning Kage southward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two rode for a long while without conversation, riding until the shoreline veered south-southwest. A series of loam hills rose on their right, holding them against the ever-present sea to the east and southeast. The briny breeze touched their faces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her father drew in a deep breath. \"Smell that, Kouma?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gathering herself, Yamabuki huffed, \"Why does Nakagawa call me that?\"\n\n\"Call you what?\"\n\n\"Kouma.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He laughed. \"Don't blame him. Blame me. Actually blame yourself.\"\n\nYamabuki knit her brows. \"Myself? How?\"\n\n\"It was the Second Year of Hōgen. You were just two springs and had never been to Great Bay Prefecture. I had not seen you in a year. Everyone begged to see the young princess and indeed it was time to bring you to your true home. When I left Heian-kyō the spring before, you could walk and talk.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moroto paused. \"You could talk a great deal.\" He grinned. \"But by the following spring you could gallop. You galloped, swinging a wooden sword and crying out to everyone that you were a pony. You insisted everyone call you Kouma from then on, and so we did. Your first royal edict.\"\n\nYamabuki tried to remember." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had been so innocent, and now here she was, wearing armor, about to depart on musha shugyō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Would her father and Nakagawa call her Kouma upon her return?\n\nThe shore turned from wet sand to a series of rocky ribbons that resembled petrified ripples of water that paralleled the beach. \"Follow my lead,\" her father said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This stretch does not favor horses.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He led her up a steep, narrow path marked by uneven rocks both smooth and jagged. By how he rode, it was clear he took this trail often. At several points, the trail resembled more cliff than slope; Kage leapt up from ledge to ledge, sending tiny rocks skittering down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki squeezed Mochizuki's flanks and without hesitation he followed, his legs shoving off powerfully, launching her up to float over the saddle until his hooves gained purchase again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the path flattened, the horses, snorting from the exertion, settled back into walking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They rounded a small stand of trees and emerged atop a secluded cliff overlooking the expanse of the eastern ocean—a commanding view of the Windward Sea. A steady wind, stronger than down below, rippled their riding skirts.\n\nHer father gazed out at the water." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'ocean' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki suspected her father sometimes came here to marvel at the mystery of the ocean, the sky, and vastness into which it all disappeared. She looked too, trying to savor the tranquility, but the sheer immensity of the ocean and sky, all they contained, so much that remained hidden, left her unsettled. Why had her father brought her here?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was he feeling sentimental on the eve of her departure? She waited, trying to exude patience that she did not feel.\n\nAt last, Moroto spoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My father, Jirimu, ruled for many years. Following my genpuku, I took up residence in the northwestern estate house, just as you. It was my father's idea to call me Shōgun, though at my twelfth summer I had yet to establish myself.\" He laughed darkly. \"I was a head shorter than you are now. I lived with six bodyguards, and while everyone called me Shōgun, it always sounded perfunctory—and why not? What had I ever done?\" He nodded, staring off in memory." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Living in the northwest shinden-zukuri can be lonely. Maybe you know a bit of that yourself.\"\n\n\"I have Tomoko and Hana-ye,\" she said, realizing as the words came out that her handmaids had been permitted for this very reason—to keep her company. \"But you had your brothers.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moroto let out a long breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tachibana was nine summers. Nobuyori, four. How would it look if the shōgun kept the company of mere children, brothers or not? No, I was lonely and profoundly bored.\"\n\nHe laughed softly.\n\n\"So one day, I stole aboard a ship sailing to Pearl Shell Island.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pointed out into the ocean. \"It is part of the Taka lands, yet it is out of our view. It's a clear day today, but even this high up I can't make it out.\"\n\nIndeed, she could see only the empty blue expanse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her father continued, \"It was not easy to get away, but I was strong and limber and made it past the guards undetected and managed to get on the seagoing fune making its monthly journey. The trick was to be aboard and undetected until we had set sail.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As shōgun, why would you have to hide?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I might not have needed to, but I could not be sure word wouldn't get out, and then my guards would have insisted on accompanying me, and the whole point was to have an adventure on my own, no?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki grunted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It took two days to sail over those waters. I did bring something to eat. I had heard persimmons help with seasickness. But two rough days and one night on the sea and I knew that I was not meant to be a sailor. I thought the worst part was going to be staying cramped between some of the cargo, but the worst part was holding it in. I had to relieve myself. How would it look if the shōgun soiled the cargo? In the darkness, I did what I saw the others do to relieve themselves. I had to turn my backside to the sea and hope I did not fall in.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She tried not to imagine what he described." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I almost came out of hiding more than a few times, but what kind of shōgun would I be if I could not stay still? I was heartened when on the late afternoon of the second day, the mountains of the isle appeared ahead. I gathered myself, put my long sword through my sash, and crawled out of my hiding place. At first the sailors were angered, but when they saw the crossed feather emblem on my haori, there was no room for doubt who I was, and they bowed low. When we landed, I announced myself to the people, and you would have thought the Emperor Himself had come to visit. They didn't know what to make of my visit, but no one questioned who I was.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled, obviously remembering something. \"Normally the boat would have sailed once it was loaded again with cargo, but they waited for me, for my orders. It's actually quite a lovely island, but after a few days I grew tired of it.\"\n\n\"And you came home to face your father?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He raised his hand. \"Usually on a fune, we have a few soldiers aboard because of pirates. If it had been known I was on board, my personal guard would have been along with us. In fact, the captain tried to add guards while we were still at Pearl Shell Island, but I would not hear of it. I did not want to be coddled. We had the usual four Taka fighters to repel pirates, and I said that would be enough. And so we set sail.\"\n\nHe glanced at Yamabuki, eyes twinkling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But as luck would have it, on the way back we were intercepted by a mifune. They weren't after our cargo, which was mostly dried fish and a few turtles. They wanted our boat itself, which was hale enough to safely cross the Leeward Sea. Our fighters were outnumbered two to one when they boarded us. And you know raiders have no use for prisoners, not even a young shōgun.\"\n\nHe darkened and shook his head, remembering.\n\n\"They did not wear clan colors, but to this day I suspect they were Ōuchi looking for an easy mark. It was the first time I ever used my sword to draw blood. I was far too young to be afraid.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He paused again. Remembering more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When the fighting was over, their mifune got away, but not one of the men who'd boarded us was left standing. For the rest of the trip, everyone called me Shōgun like they meant it. Moroto Shōgun. I swore the crew and soldiers to secrecy. Of course they had to agree. A day after we landed, Jirimu Daimyō called me to his audience chamber and asked me how my 'expedition' had gone. I suspected someone in the crew or among the soldiers had been unable to keep his vow of secrecy about the battle. I said as much to my father.\" Moroto chuckled. \"In fact, he had heard nothing of the kind. All I did was to blunder and blurt out the secret. As it turned out, he did know I had left, but that was all he knew. I asked why he had not stopped me. And he answered that I was a general, and it was in my purview to make the journey as I saw fit. He was surprised but not shocked to hear of that battle and was not at all surprised at the outcome. He said I had been a credit to the Taka.\"\n\nMoroto shifted in his saddle and looked her in the eye." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When you lead warriors into battle, you must be seen as strong, confident, capable, and in command. They who follow you must respect you. Staid protocol does not help in crisis. I do not need men bowing to me when telling me someone is about to cut my throat. I need that warrior to take action and not stand on formality. And so in the field, it is good to be a daimyō, but it is even better to be a leader of samurai—a shōgun.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki said, \"That's why our warriors refer to you as Moroto Shōgun, not daimyō.\"\n\n\"Warriors do not follow a daimyō merely because of his title, or because he carries a sword or war fan. A daimyō must prove himself in his own right. Warriors—armies—follow daimyō who are generals, who have shown courage and wisdom. They follow you because they trust you.\"\n\nYamabuki smiled inwardly, for it was true." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Taka warriors trusted Moroto as much as she did." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Trusted him and loved him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moroto said, \"But that sort of respect comes only by doing what they do and not asking for any special favors or dispensation because you are Taka, or because you are a woman.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki scowled. Was he accusing her of relying on her privilege? \"I have asked for no such thing!\"\n\n\"Ha!\" He snorted." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: don't, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't think that others wouldn't ask for it on your behalf, even with honorable intentions. But what would that make you? A princess who relies on her escort to protect her.\"\n\n\"But we all have bodyguards. You have three jun protecting you.\"\n\n\"That's true, but to earn the loyalty of thirty guards, or even three, you first have to prove that you don't actually need them for protection.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I understand,\" she said, and she did understand. Was this not one of the purposes of her musha shugyō?\n\nHer father gazed at her, watching her, and his face hardened into the visage of Taka Daimyō. \"Yet I cannot allow you to be sacrificed.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write in the Japan, historical fiction, samurai genre and use whatever I write as a jumping off point? Follow my lead on how characters are introduced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once inside the guesthouse, Yamabuki felt a burden lift from her shoulders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The irori fire warmed her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She and Yoshinaka placed their fur boots next to the mystery pair made of woven straw, which still awaited an unseen owner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they stepped up from the genkan, Yoshinaka said, \"Nice lodging.\"\n\nShe bade him to sit next to the lively small fire. He placed his two swords on the floor. Yamabuki put Tiger Cub next to her.\n\nThey sat for a moment in silence taking in the warmth. Then Yoshinaka held out the stoppered flask. \"The same Shinano saké as last night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki cast a look around the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mari must have already cleaned. I have no bowl to pour it in.\"\n\nHe said, \"No need\"—and he reached again into his sleeve—\"for I brought two flasks.\"\n\nThe saké warmed her, and it also went straight to her head. Of course it did. I lost the morning meal. She gazed at him, studying his face, and then she decided. Yes. This is going to happen I will let it happen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She let herself smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are we going to go into battle?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes grew serious. \"Battle?\"\n\nShe brushed her hand down her armor. \"I'm the only one who's wearing full yoroi.\"\n\n\"I hope this is not a signal of something ominous.\"\n\n\"Where did you leave yours?\"\n\n\"Not very far. Still on Kōno's trellis. Do I need to don armor?\" Yoshinaka sounded dismayed.\n\n\"No,\" she said flatly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you aren't wearing yours, then please help me doff mine.\" She rose and stretched out her arms.\n\nHe hesitated. \"You know this means I will have to touch you like an armorer or handmaid.\"\n\n\"Hai,\" she said. \"I am not concerned by this. Are you frightened of me?\"\n\nWithout another word, he stood up, coming around behind her. \"The sode go on last and come off first.\" He moved ever closer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He smelled of saké... just barely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She felt the sode shift slightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So he has touched my shoulder. She smiled to herself. She felt the armor piece lift away. He put it down on the floor near her bedding. He rose, and again his hands touched her. She liked this. Different than when a handmaid or armorer undressed her. His fingers lingered, though she could hardly feel them as he slipped loose the leather fastening and stacked the second forest-green piece atop the first." }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"Taka Shōgun, is it? You are so formal with me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Taka Shōgun, would be so kind to get down on one knee? I need to untie your dō.\"\n\n\"Taka Shōgun, is it? You are so formal with me.\"\n\n\"Ha! I have never had the pleasure of helping a future daimyō out of her armor, and so beautiful at that.\"\n\nWas he saying her armor was beautiful or was it she? Did he know where she wanted to take this next? She thought about it as she dropped to her left knee.\n\nHe came around to undo the fastenings which were on the right side of the chest protector." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Tomoko and Hana-ye untied the corselet she was only vaguely aware of their presence, always too busy in conversation with them to pay much notice to the mechanics of unfastening ties." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now in silence, with only the crackling fire and the occasional gust of wind, she heard herself breathing heavily. She listened to the soft sound of his kimono. His movements were not those of a server, more of a courtly dance—like the one she had performed for everyone at the Inn of Young Bamboo. Each movement measured. Each turn of the hand studied. Gentle. Subtle.\n\nHe lifted the chest protector away and placed it next to the sode.\n\nWordlessly she stood, and he carefully removed the kote from her arms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Neither of them said anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For Yamabuki, the silence only added to the growing sense of excitement—the intensity which she felt building between them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To anyone coming upon the scene, it would have simply appeared to them like what it was, one person helping another take off armor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the quiet, intimate process caused her pulse to race—anything but mundane.\n\nHe unfastened her kusazuri and laid the heavy armor skirt aside. Finally came the suneate off her shins, and the last pieces were stacked.\n\nWith the armor removed, Yamabuki stood in her kosode under-kimono. Her hakama riding skirt bloomed. The dance, their proxy for passion, had come to an end. But Yoshinaka did not say more, nor did he sit back down, but stood silently, gazing at her with the intensity of a warrior, but she felt no fear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If the dance was over, she knew she had to sit down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If not, she had to take it to the next step." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled. \"My handmaids could not have done better.\"\n\nYoshinaka's eyes flashed with something akin to relief. \"Oh to have such a position.\" He affected the voice and expressions of a maid. \"Though I would not know what to do in the presence of a lovely woman.\"\n\n\"It's not very difficult. Next, my handmaids would help me out of my hakama.\"\n\n\"I am not sure I know how I could do that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshinaka put his hand over his mouth, but his eyes were anything but innocent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki sensed he was waiting for her to encourage him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had decided, but he was being exceedingly polite. Then again, she had made it clear the prior evening that there would be no touching. It was now up to her to modify that rule.\n\n\"Like this,\" she said, stepping closer. She thrust her hands toward his own hakama's belt and pulled. She reached behind him, letting her hands touch his body for the first time, and pulled the back knot loose and the split riding skirt fell away. \"Now you,\" she said, her voice growing husky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshinaka, no longer feigning affectation, pulled the front and back ties on her hakama, which likewise floated to the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not waiting, she untied his obi and pulled his kimono off his shoulders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Almost as quickly, he then did the same with her kosode.\n\nBoth now stood only in their shitagi.\n\nNo longer smiling, Yoshinaka's eyes grew intense. He placed his hands on her shoulders. She gazed back into his eyes and nodded hard just once. With that, he slipped his hands under her shitagi and slid it over her shoulders, pulling the undergarment halfway down.\n\nHe paused, gazing at her breasts. Awestruck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She waited. It was up to him to take this further.\n\nHis fingers grazed her there. Her breath caught as her nipples grew hard, and it thrilled her down her body to her center. He released her shitagi and it slid down to her feet.\n\nHe looked at the cloth around her hips, and his eyes widened. \"A fundoshi?\"\n\n\"You think it inappropriate? It's for all warriors, ne?\"\n\n\"I did not know women, even women warriors, wore them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She pulled the cloth down a bit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then you do not know Taka warriors.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She did not add that during her time of month, she absorbed her flow with the little saddle, and that the fundoshi was very useful for such circumstances.\n\nHe put his hands on her loincloth and gently pulled it down, leaving her in her nakedness. His own fundoshi was still in place, and it had developed a sizable bulge.\n\nYamabuki fell onto the bedding. Yoshinaka moved onto his knees and lowered himself over her. She pulled his fundoshi off with a flourish, touching his hardness, letting her fingers move down its length.\n\n\"Be gentle when gripping the tsuka,\" he said melodiously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am gentle with everything I put in my saya.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Putting a sword in its scabbard happens at the end of a battle.\" He breathed hard. \"This battle is just beginning.\"\n\nShe exhaled, smiled, and moved her legs apart." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on the story, maintaining character relationships, in the Japan, historical fiction, samurai genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the sun rose, Shima and Saburo prepared to head back to the home province. Smiling, yet serious, they went about saddling Raiden and Gaki.\n\nShima paused to look toward Soft Breeze Shrine, which stood as peacefully and undisturbed as ever. \"Did those men have money?\"\n\nSaburo nodded. \"They had loot, but I came only to kill them. If I now took their money, it'd make me no better than them. Killing for money.\"\n\nShima scoffed and went about checking and tightening Gaki's tack.\n\nSaburo continued, \"Whoever finds the bodies is welcome to the blood money. Leave it for the shrine priest, I say. He'll have to restore and cleanse a desecrated shrine. Maybe the money will help him do that.\"\n\n\"I'm sure. After all, that's exactly what I would do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shima laughed darkly and shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And with that the two men rode into the rising sun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But if the shrine priest ever found the loot, Saburo never heard about it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After all, wasn't that the way of booty? Bragging only invited consequences. Booty, like omeko, was something secret and best hidden, lest it became profane. And in keeping with discretion, no one ever spoke of any blood-drenched money found at any shrine.\n\nWhat was widely repeated, however, was that eleven \"holy men\" had been murdered. Their decomposing bodies were discovered some time after the Dark Moon.\n\nHoly men indeed!\n\nThe first stories, mainly speculation, painted a picture of superior numbers rushing into the shrine and massacring the unsuspecting monks while they were deep in prayer and meditation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "However, a certain former priest who gave up the holy life and ended up in Heian-kyō after he mysteriously came into a sizable sum of money, his tongue loosened with sufficient saké, told the story of the night he \"saw something.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He \"just happened to be traveling\" the night of the killings. He said that one man and only one man \"entered the shrine and then left after a great commotion.\" It was hard to see through the brush, even though the night had been brightly moonlit. The former priest told of the massacre in a general way—after all what could he see behind closed doors?—but then proceeded to repeat with unconcealed relish how afterward the lone man met another man and together celebrated the battle by sharing \"out under moonlight, no less,\" each other's body. Likely the former priest had observed this better than what had happened within the closed walls of the shrine. Thus, a second rumor began to spread that a certain man, young, talented, and most powerful, had traveled to Nagato to kill the Zodiac.\n\nOver time, as more facts leaked out, the Ōuchi conducted a quiet investigation within their ranks. Many of the retainers were called out and asked who of their number were away during the autumnal equinox and what clothing and weapons had gone missing right before the killing of the Zodiac." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everything pointed to Saburo.\n\nThis put the Ōuchi in a predicament not to their liking, nor of their choosing, and it came as a surprise only to Saburo that he was summarily ordered to leave the Ōuchi compound. Moreover, the Ōuchi disavowed all affiliation with him. He was never any kind of Ōuchi retainer, merely a runaway priest, a lapsed priest, a straggler of dubious character. The clan did not want to run afoul of the powerful sōhei. Even though the Zodiac were regarded as renegades even by their brethren—and more than a few branches of warrior-monks were glad to see the last of them—the Ōuchi did not want it said that any contingent of their retainers had engaged in battle with anyone at all connected to the sōhei.\n\nSaburo, not an Ōuchi retainer, had acted alone.\n\nShima's part in the episode was never spoken about, nor was the sword master ever punished, for it would have been an admission of a conspiracy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Besides, there was never even a hint of Shima having lifted his sword against the Zodiac." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And thus, Shima, caught in the middle, was told to separate himself from his one-time protégé.\n\nThe Ōuchi said they would not personally escort him out of their prefecture, but if he did not leave of his own volition, he would suffer punishment—a euphemism for execution. Saburo was stripped of all insignia, though he was permitted to keep his swords. As for his mount, Raiden, the Ōuchi kept the stallion.\n\nAnd so, Saburo was unceremoniously expelled from the Ōuchi compound on foot and told to leave Buzen Prefecture at once." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I've got writer's block. I'll send something, then continue six sentences at a time, matching character context, in Japan, historical fiction, samurai genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Waist deep in the spring pool, Yamabuki felt the heat seep into her legs. It felt wonderful, even as it continued to burn her skin. Steam rose all around.\n\nAcross from her, Yoshinaka, who was in the water up to his neck, grinned. \"Better now, yes?\"\n\n\"I'm not sure I can do this,\" she said. She crouched, and the hot water rose to just below her breasts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her nipples grew firm, as much from anticipation as from the chill air." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'herself' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't worry. The toes have the most difficult adjustment.\"\n\n\"My toes are not the parts I'm thinking about.\"\n\nHe laughed. She lowered herself all the way in, water up to her neck. She gasped as the warmth embraced her. Yoshinaka's eyes twinkled. How unlike Ryuma he was! She found herself comparing them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She could not help herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both men were similar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both men were different." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both men were tall, though she remembered that Ryuma seemed wider at the shoulder and wider at the hara—the belly, the seat of resolve.\n\nBut did Ryuma have resolve? The morning after their night together, as he led Mochizuki to the front of the Wakatake Inn, she and Ryuma exchanged a long moment, staring into each other's eyes. Who else knew what had happened? Maybe the entire inn. After all, it wasn't a Taka fortress." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still, propriety demanded formality." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She knew many years might pass before the two saw each other again. Was it not already so? Six years had passed since their prior encounter. Maybe it would be six years again—maybe more. Most of the Good People died by their thirtieth year. By that reckoning, half of her own fleeting life was already gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe they would never meet again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she considered yesterday's duels, she realized how terribly close she had come to that being true.\n\nAnd suppose after years yet to be recorded, she rode her steed into Kita, returning to the Inn of Young Bamboo? Might Ryuma have taken a wife? Perhaps one of the pretty servant-dancers. Maybe Ishi-tsuki, or perhaps Chi-ye. Both were lovely. Maybe he took both as his wives." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They would have his babies. Yet she herself could not afford to let her attraction lead her in that direction—could not let herself feel what she in fact felt. She had to put Ryuma out of mind—the faithless Ryuma who would marry two women who would bear his babies.\n\nYoshinaka sat in the water, back against rock wall at the end of the pool. He looked at her intently. \"Are you troubled?\"\n\n\"No.\" She lied, of course." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She would not say she was thinking about another man. Staying beneath the warm water she sloshed over to where he sat, his legs stretched out in front of him. She rose up and straddled him. As she lowered herself downward, her breasts moved passed his delighted face. He immediately became aroused.\n\n\"Lift your knees,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I'm lifting everything,\" he whispered back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Cradle me. Let me sit.\"\n\nHe adjusted himself so she could come down against him. She settled her weight on his thighs and rocked her hips gently, and the sun peeked over the south-facing cliff above and washed down upon them, illuminating the entire area in warmth.\n\nYoshinaka said, \"Amaterasu is especially bright shining upon snow.\" He squinted up into the blindingly blue sky. \"It is beautiful.\" He smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Such a beautiful smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When I saw you come to the armory with the sun rising, I decided I would call you Asahi. All that she shines on is made beautiful by her rays.\"\n\n\"Asahi is it?\"\n\n\"You are Asahi Shōgun.\"\n\nHe grinned, eyes wrinkling with pleasure. \"Then I shall call you Yamabuki Shōgun. I have plans already drawn up to build a great fortress castle in the mountains. I shall name it Yamabuki-jō.\"\n\nShe raised an eyebrow, even as she continued rolling her hips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yamabuki Chéng? Am I that formidable?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are that beautiful. It's the perfect name. Mountain Rose Castle. In the fortress mountains of Shinano.\"\n\nShe imagined herself in the mountains with the two of them looking across the domain. She had never been to Shinano, but that did not matter. She imagined a magnificent green land with brooks, lakes, and rivers. She imagined every day might be like this. He would lead her into their canopied sleeping area." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Put your arms around me,\" she said, thinking back on the drawings in the picture book.\n\nAs he slid his arms around her back, she wrapped hers around his neck. Now he began to lift while she began to slide. Her saya moved toward him, but his tsuka was not where she wanted it. She reached down and held it steady, lowering her body until she could just feel him touch, and then she let go and allowed her weight to move her down, which pushed him inside her. Exquisite! Maybe because they had coupled earlier or because they were in the water, it went more smoothly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She lowered herself further and Yoshinaka slipped ever deeper into her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her hara went numb and completely sensitive at the same time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And now she fully sat, and he was fully within her.\n\n\"Shall we have another battle?\" She grinned wickedly and began to move up and down, and he did too in rhythm with her. She moaned with delight, and they continued with abandon. And her body experienced every sensation, every touch, every shiver that ran up her back.\n\nLove." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki moaned as another pulse of pleasure coursed through her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The embrace of the hot water trapped the heat building up within her. She felt Yoshinaka within, moving slowly but steadily. Her arms around his neck, she gasped, wanting him deeper. His strong hands, fists clenched at the small of her back, supported her. She directed the pace, rocking her hips. He moved in time in yet another dance they shared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stones skittered off the cliffs to her left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Melting snow, no doubt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She cast a sideways glance. Tiger Cub remained in easy reach. She let her mind slip back to the pleasure of Yoshinaka. A whistling breeze carried cold air across the water, sweeping aside the steam. She inhaled the coolness as the heat between her legs intensified. The guesthouse had been merely a preliminary compared to what she experienced now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He thrust deeper. It ached yet it didn't." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wanted to ache. To hurt. But not in the way of injury. In the way of throbbing. Of entering ever further. The tightness of him inside thrilled her. Delighted her. And then Yoshinaka pressed his hips up, and his tsuka pulsed as his seed exploded inside her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her entire body dissolved from the top of her head, through her neck, down her back, through her hips and legs to her curled toes. She moaned and almost screamed.\n\nShe touched his shoulder. He had to stop. She let him hold her as her body pulsed and throbbed, and the intensity began to die away.\n\nHis seed was in her yet again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She liked it. She liked the feeling." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The seed had charm and power. Power over her—part of the bargain of surrender.\n\nIn the wind, a woman's voice sang out, \"Somehow I knew this was what you were up to, Yoshi-chan.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Eiji Yoshikawa. Story might have ongoing characters/plots - work with what's given" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, one day, he heard the swallows returning to the donjon eaves. Once again, spring had flown from across the seas." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not long after its arrival, a voice, now sounding strange, almost painful to the ears, inquired, \"Takezō, are you well?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The familiar head of Takuan appeared at the top of the stairs. Startled and much too deeply moved to utter a sound, Takezō grabbed hold of the monk's kimono sleeve and pulled him into the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The servants who brought his food had never once spoken a word." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was overjoyed to hear another human voice, especially this one.\n\n\"I've just returned from a journey,\" said Takuan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're in your third year here now, and I've decided that after gestating this long, you must be pretty well formed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am grateful for your goodness, Takuan. I understand now what you've done. How can I ever thank you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank me?\" Takuan said incredulously. Then he laughed. \"Even though you've had no one to converse with but yourself, you've actually learned to speak like a human being! Good! Today you will leave this place. And as you do so, hug your hard-earned enlightenment to your bosom. You're going to need it when you go forth into the world to join your fellow men.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Takuan took Takezō just as he was to see Lord Ikeda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although he had been relegated to the garden in the previous audience, a place was now made for him on the veranda. After the salutations and some perfunctory small talk, Terumasa lost no time in asking Takezō to serve as his vassal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Takezō declined. He was greatly honored, he explained, but he did not feel the time was yet right to go into a daimyō's service." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And if I did so in this castle,\" he said, \"ghosts would probably start appearing in the closed room every night, just as everyone says they do.\"\n\n\"Why do you say that? Did they come to keep you company?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you take a lamp and inspect the room closely, you'll see black spots spattering the doors and beams. It looks like lacquer, but it's not. It's human blood, most likely blood spilled by the Akamatsus, my forebears, when they went down to defeat in this castle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hmm. You may very well be right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Seeing those stains infuriated me. My blood boiled to think that my ancestors, who once ruled over this whole region, ended up being annihilated, their souls just blown about in the autumn winds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They died violently, but it was a powerful clan and they can be roused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That same blood flows in my veins,\" he went on, an intense look in his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Unworthy though I am, I am a member of the same clan, and if I stay in this castle, the ghosts may rouse themselves and try to reach me. In a sense, they already have, by making it clear to me in that room just who I am. But they could cause chaos, perhaps rebel and even set off another bloodbath. We are not in an era of peace. I owe it to the people of this whole region not to tempt the vengeance of my ancestors.\"\n\nTerumasa nodded. \"I see what you mean. It's better if you leave this castle, but where will you go? Do you plan to return to Miyamoto? Live out your life there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Takezō smiled silently. \"I want to wander about on my own for a while.\"\n\n\"I see,\" the lord replied, turning to Takuan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"See that he receives money and suitable clothing,\" he commanded.\n\nTakuan bowed. \"Let me thank you for your kindness to the boy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Takuan!\" Ikeda laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is the first time you've ever thanked me twice for anything!\"\n\n\"I suppose that's true.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Takuan grinned. \"It won't happen again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's all right for him to roam about while he's still young,\" said Terumasa. \"But now that he's going out on his own—reborn, as you put it—he should have a new name. Let it be Miyamoto, so that he never forgets his birthplace. From now on, Takezō, call yourself Miyamoto.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Takezō's hands went automatically to the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Palms down, he bowed deep and long. \"Yes, sir, I will do that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You should change your first name too,\" Takuan interjected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why not read the Chinese characters of your name as 'Musashi' instead of 'Takezō'? You can keep writing your name the same as before. It's only fitting that everything should begin anew on this day of your rebirth.\"\n\nTerumasa, who was by this time in a very good mood, nodded his approval enthusiastically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Miyamoto Musashi! It's a good name, a very good name. We should drink to it.\"\n\nThey moved into another room, sake was served, and Takezō and Takuan kept his lordship company far into the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were joined by several of Terumasa's retainers, and eventually Takuan got to his feet and performed an ancient dance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was expert, his vivid movements creating an imaginary world of delight. Takezō, now Musashi, watched with admiration, respect and enjoyment as the drinking went on and on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The following day they both left the castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi was taking his first steps into a new life, a life of discipline and training in the martial arts. During his three-year incarceration, he had resolved to master the Art of War." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Takuan had his own plans." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had decided to travel about the countryside, and the time had come, he said, to part again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they reached the town outside the castle walls, Musashi made as if to take his leave, but the monk grabbed his sleeve and said, \"Isn't there someone you'd like to see?\"\n\n\"Who?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ogin?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is she still alive?\" he asked in bewilderment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even in his sleep, he'd never forgotten the gentle sister who'd been a mother to him so long." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Takuan told him that when he'd attacked the stockade at Hinagura three years earlier, Ogin had indeed already been taken away. Although no charges were pressed against her, she had been reluctant to return home and so went instead to stay with a relative in a village in the Sayo district." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was now living comfortably there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wouldn't you like to see her?\" asked Takuan. \"She's very eager to see you. I told her three years ago that she should consider you dead, since in one sense, you were. I also told her, however, that after three years I'd bring her a new brother, different from the old Takezō.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi pressed his palms together and raised them in front of his head, as he would have done in prayer before a statue of the Buddha." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not only have you taken care of me,\" he said with deep emotion, \"but you've seen to Ogin's well-being too. Takuan, you are truly a compassionate man. I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you for what you've done.\"\n\n\"One way to thank me would be to let me take you to your sister.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No... No, I don't think I should go. Hearing about her from you has been as good as meeting her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Surely you want to see her yourself, if only for a few minutes.\"\n\n\"No, I don't think so. I did die, Takuan, and I do feel reborn. I don't think that now is the time to return to the past. What I have to do is take a resolute step forward, into the future. I've barely found the way along which I'll have to travel. When I've made some progress toward the knowledge and self-perfection I'm seeking, perhaps I'll take the time to relax and look back. Not now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I see.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I find it hard to put into words, but I hope you'll understand anyway.\"\n\n\"I do. I'm glad to see you're as serious about your goal as you are. Keep following your own judgment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll say good-bye now, but someday, if I don't get myself killed along the way, we'll meet again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, yes. If we have a chance to meet, let's by all means do so.\" Takuan turned, took a step, and then halted. \"Oh, yes. I suppose I should warn you that Osugi and Uncle Gon left Miyamoto in search of you and Otsū three years ago." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They resolved never to return until they've taken their revenge, and old as they are, they're still trying to track you down. They may cause you some inconvenience, but I don't think they can make any real trouble." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Don't take them too seriously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, yes, and then there's Aoki Tanzaemon. I don't suppose you ever knew his name, but he was in charge of the search for you. Perhaps it had nothing to do with anything you or I said or did, but that splendid samurai managed to disgrace himself, with the result that he's been dismissed permanently from Lord Ikeda's service. He's no doubt wandering about too.\" Takuan grew grave. \"Musashi, your path won't be an easy one. Be careful as you make your way along it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll do my best.\" Musashi smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I guess that's everything. I'll be on my way.\" Takuan turned and walked westward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't look back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Keep well,\" Musashi called after him. He stood at the crossroads watching the monk's form recede until it was out of sight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, once again alone, he started to walk toward the east.\n\n\"Now there's only this sword,\" he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The only thing in the world I have to rely on.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rested his hand on the weapon's handle and vowed to himself, \"I will live by its rule. I will regard it as my soul, and by learning to master it, strive to improve myself, to become a better and wiser human being. Takuan follows the Way of Zen, I will follow the Way of the Sword. I must make of myself an even better man than he is.\"\n\nAfter all, he reflected, he was still young." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was not too late." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His footsteps were steady and strong, his eyes full of youth and hope." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From time to time he raised the brim of his basket hat, and stared down the long road into the future, the unknown path all humans must tread.\n\nHe hadn't gone far—in fact, he was just on the outskirts of Himeji—when a woman came running toward him from the other side of Hanada Bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He squinted into the sunlight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's you!\" Otsū cried, clutching his sleeve." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi gasped in surprise.\n\nOtsū's tone was reproachful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Takezō, surely you haven't forgotten? Don't you remember the name of this bridge? Did it slip your mind that I promised to wait here for you, no matter how long it took?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've been waiting here for the last three years?\" He was astounded.\n\n\"Yes. Osugi and Uncle Gon caught up with me right after I left you. I was sick and had to take a rest. And I almost got myself killed. But I got away. I've been waiting here since about twenty days after we said good-bye at Nakayama Pass.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pointing to a basket-weaving shop at the end of the bridge, a typical little highroad stall selling souvenirs to travelers, she continued: \"I told the people there my story, and they were kind enough to take me on as a sort of helper. So I could stay and wait for you. Today is the nine hundred and seventieth day, and I've kept my promise faithfully.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She peered into his face, trying to fathom his thoughts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You will take me with you, won't you?\"\n\nThe truth, of course, was that Musashi had no intention of taking her or anyone else with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At this very moment, he was hurrying away to avoid thinking about his sister, whom he wanted to see so badly and felt so strongly drawn toward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The questions raced through his agitated mind: \"What can I do? How can I embark on my quest for truth and knowledge with a woman, with anyone, interfering all the time? And this particular girl is, after all, still betrothed to Matahachi.\" Musashi couldn't keep his thoughts from showing on his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Take you with me? Take you where?\" he demanded bluntly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wherever you go.\"\n\n\"I'm setting out on a long, hard journey, not a sightseeing trip!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I won't get in your way. And I'm prepared to endure some hardships.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Some? Only some?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As many as I have to.\"\n\n\"That's not the point. Otsū, how can a man master the Way of the Samurai with a woman tagging along? Wouldn't that be funny. People'd say, 'Look at Musashi, he needs a wet nurse to take care of him.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She pulled harder at his kimono, clinging like a child." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let go of my sleeve,\" he ordered.\n\n\"No, I won't! You lied to me, didn't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When did I lie to you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At the pass. You promised to take me with you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That was ages ago. I wasn't really thinking then either, and I didn't have time to explain. What's more, it wasn't my idea, it was yours. I was in a hurry to get moving, and you wouldn't let me go until I promised. I went along with what you said because I had no choice.\"\n\n\"No, no, no! You can't mean what you're saying, you can't,\" she cried, pinning him against the bridge railing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let go of me! People are watching.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let them! When you were tied up in the tree, I asked you if you wanted my help. You were so happy you told me twice to cut the rope. You don't deny that, do you?\"\n\nShe was trying to be logical in her argument, but her tears betrayed her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First abandoned as an infant, then jilted by her betrothed and now this." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi, knowing how alone she was in the world and caring for her deeply, was tongue-tied, though outwardly more composed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let go!\" he said with finality. \"It's broad daylight and people are staring at us. Do you want us to be a sideshow for these busybodies?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She released his sleeve and fell sobbing against the railing, her shiny hair falling over her face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry,\" she mumbled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I shouldn't have said all that. Please forget it. You don't owe me anything.\"\n\nLeaning over and pushing her hair from her face with both hands, he looked into her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Otsū,\" he said tenderly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"During all that time you were waiting, until this very day, I've been shut up in the castle donjon. For three years I haven't even seen the sun.\"\n\n\"Yes, I heard.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You knew?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Takuan told me.\"\n\n\"Takuan? He told you everything?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I guess so. I fainted at the bottom of a ravine near the Mikazuki Teahouse. I was running away from Osugi and Uncle Gon. Takuan rescued me. He also helped me make arrangements to work here, at the souvenir shop. That was three years ago. And he's stopped in several times. Only yesterday, he came and had some tea. I wasn't sure what he meant, but he said, 'It's got to do with a man and a woman, so who can say how it'll turn out?'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi dropped his hands and looked down the road leading west. He wondered if he'd ever again meet the man who'd saved his life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And again he was struck by Takuan's concern for his fellow man, which seemed all-encompassing and completely devoid of selfishness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi realized how narrow-minded he himself had been, how petty, to suppose that the monk felt a special compassion for him alone; his generosity encompassed Ogin, Otsū, anyone in need whom he thought he could help.\n\n\"It has to do with a man and a woman... \" Takuan's words to Otsū sat heavily on Musashi's mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a burden for which he was ill prepared, since in all the mountains of books he'd pored over those three years, there wasn't one word about the situation he was in now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even Takuan had shrunk from becoming involved in this matter between him and Otsū. Had Takuan meant that relationships between men and women had to be worked out alone by the people involved?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Did he mean that no rules applied, as they did in the Art of War?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'musashi' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That there was no foolproof strategy, no way to win? Or was this meant as a test for Musashi, a problem only Musashi would be able to solve for himself?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lost in thought, he stared down at the water flowing under the bridge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Otsū gazed up into his face, now distant and calm. \"I can come, can't I?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she pleaded. \"The shopkeeper's promised to let me quit whenever I wish. I'll just go and explain everything and then pack my things. I'll be back in a minute.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi covered her small white hand, which was resting on the railing, with his own. \"Listen,\" he said plaintively." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I beg of you, just stop and think.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's there to think about?\"\n\n\"I told you. I've just become a new man. I stayed in that musty hole for three years. I read books. I thought. I screamed and cried. Then suddenly the light dawned. I understood what it means to be human. I have a new name, Miyamoto Musashi. I want to dedicate myself to training and discipline. I want to spend every moment of every day working to improve myself. I know now how far I have to go. If you chose to bind your life to mine, you'd never be happy. There will be nothing but hardship, and it won't get easier as it goes along. It'll get more and more difficult.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When you talk like that, I feel closer to you than ever. Now I'm convinced I was right. I've found the best man I could ever find, even if I searched for the rest of my life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw he was just making things worse. \"I'm sorry, I can't take you with me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, then, I'll just follow along. As long as I don't interfere with your training, what harm would it do? You won't even know I'm around.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi could find no answer.\n\n\"I won't bother you. I promise.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He remained silent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's all right then, isn't it? Just wait here; I'll be back in a second. And I'll be furious if you try to sneak away.\" Otsū ran off toward the basket-weaving shop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi thought of ignoring everything and running too, in the opposite direction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though the will was there, his feet wouldn't move.\n\nOtsū looked back and called, \"Remember, don't try to sneak off!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She smiled, showing her dimples, and Musashi inadvertently nodded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Satisfied by this gesture, she disappeared into the shop.\n\nIf he was going to escape, this was the time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His heart told him so, but his body was still shackled by Otsū's pretty dimples and pleading eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How sweet she was! It was certain no one in the world save his sister loved him so much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And it wasn't as though he disliked her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked at the sky, he looked into the water, desperately gripped the railing, troubled and confused. Soon tiny bits of wood began floating from the bridge into the flowing stream." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Otsū reappeared on the bridge in new straw sandals, light yellow leggings and a large traveling hat tied under the chin with a crimson ribbon. She'd never looked more beautiful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Musashi was nowhere to be seen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a cry of shock, she burst into tears. Then her eyes fell upon the spot on the railing from which the chips of wood had fallen." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nContext: May include established characters/lore without introduction\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with three sentences, emulating the writing style of Eiji Yoshikawa." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi left the field thinking, \"I won.\" He told himself: \"I defeated Yoshioka Seijūrō, brought down the citadel of the Kyoto Style!\"\n\nBut he knew his heart was not in it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes were downcast, and his feet seemed to sink into the dead leaves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A small bird on the wing, rising, exposing its underside, reminded him of a fish.\n\nLooking back, he could see the slender pines on the mound where he had fought Seijūrō. \"I only struck once,\" he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe it didn't kill him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He examined his wooden sword to assure himself there was no blood on it.\n\nThis morning, on his way to the appointed place, he had been expecting to find Seijūrō accompanied by a host of students, who might very well resort to some underhanded maneuver. He had squarely faced the possibility that he himself might be killed, and to avoid looking unkempt at the end had carefully brushed his teeth with salt and washed his hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seijūrō fell far short of Musashi's preconception. He had asked himself if this could really be the son of Yoshioka Kempō. He could not perceive in the urbane and obviously well-bred Seijūrō the leading master of the Kyoto Style." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was too slender, too subdued, too gentlemanly, to be a great swordsman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the greetings were exchanged, Musashi thought uncomfortably: \"I should never have gotten into this fight.\"\n\nHis regrets were sincere, because his aim was always to take on opponents who were better than he. One good look was sufficient; there had been no need to train for a year just to have this bout." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seijūrō's eyes betrayed a lack of self-confidence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The necessary fire was absent, not only from his face but from his whole body.\n\n\"Why did he come here this morning,\" wondered Musashi, \"if he has no more faith in himself than this?\" But Musashi was aware of his opponent's predicament and sympathized." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seijūrō was in no position to call the fight off, even if he wanted to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The disciples he'd inherited from his father looked up to him as their mentor and guide; he had no choice but to go through the motions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the two men stood poised for battle, Musashi cast about for an excuse to call the whole thing off, but the opportunity did not present itself.\n\nNow that it was all over, Musashi thought: \"It's too bad! I wish I hadn't had to do it.\" And in his heart he prayed, for Seijūrō's sake, that the wound would heal quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the day's work was done, and it was not the mark of a mature warrior to stand around moping over the past." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he quickened his pace, the startled face of an elderly woman appeared above a patch of grass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'd been scratching about on the ground, apparently looking for something, and the sound of his footsteps brought a gasp to her lips. Dressed in a light, plain kimono, she would have been almost indistinguishable from the grass, except for the purple cord holding her cloak in place. Though her clothing was that of a layman, the kerchief hiding her round head was that of a nun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was small of build and genteel in appearance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi was as astonished as the woman. Another three or four steps and he might have trampled on her.\n\n\"What are you looking for?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked genially. He glimpsed a string of coral prayer beads on her arm, just inside her sleeve, and a basket of tender wild plants in one hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her fingers and the beads trembled slightly.\n\nTo put her at her ease, Musashi said easily, \"I'm surprised to see the greens up so early. I guess it's really getting to be spring. Hmm, I see you have some nice parsley there, and some rape and cottonweed. Did you pick them all yourself?\"\n\nThe old nun dropped the basket and ran, shouting, \"Kōetsu! Kōetsu!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi watched bemused as the little form retreated toward a slight rise in the otherwise flat field." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From behind it rose a wisp of smoke.\n\nThinking it would be a shame for her to lose her vegetables after going to all the trouble of finding them, he picked them up and, basket in hand, started off after her. After a minute or so, two men came into view." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had spread a rug on the sunny southern side of a gentle slope." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were also various implements used by devotees of the tea cult, including an iron kettle hanging over a fire and a pitcher of water to one side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taking the natural surroundings for their garden, they had made themselves an open-air tea room. It all looked rather stylish and elegant.\n\nOne of the men seemed to be a servant, while the other's white skin, smooth complexion and well-composed features brought to mind a large china doll representing a Kyoto aristocrat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had a contented paunch; self-assurance was reflected in his cheeks and in his posture." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kōetsu.\" The name rang a bell, for there was at this time a very famous Hon'ami Kōetsu living in Kyoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was rumored, with considerable envy, that he had been granted an annual stipend of one thousand bushels by the very wealthy Lord Maeda Toshiie of Kaga. As an ordinary townsman, he could have lived magnificently on this alone, but in addition he enjoyed the special favor of Tokugawa Ieyasu and was frequently received in the homes of high noblemen. The greatest warriors of the land, it was said, felt constrained to dismount and walk by his shop on foot, so as not to give the impression that they were looking down on him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The family name came from their having taken up residence on Hon'ami Lane, and Kōetsu's business was the cleaning, polishing and appraising of swords." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His family had gained a reputation as early as the fourteenth century and had flourished during the Ashikaga period. They had later been patronized by such leading daimyō as Imagawa Yoshimoto, Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.\n\nKōetsu was known as a man of many talents." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He painted, excelled as a ceramist and lacquer-maker and was regarded as a connoisseur of art. He himself considered calligraphy to be his forte; in this field he was generally ranked with acknowledged experts like Shōkadō Shōjō, Karasumaru Mitsuhiro and Konoe Nobutada, the creator of the famous Sammyakuin Style, which was so popular these days.\n\nDespite his fame, Kōetsu felt that he was not fully appreciated, or so it would seem from a story that was going around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "According to this tale, he often visited the mansion of his friend Konoe Nobutada, who was not only a nobleman but currently Minister of the Left in the Emperor's government." }, { "from": "human", "value": "During one of these visits, the story went, the talk turned naturally to calligraphy and Nobutada asked, \"Kōetsu, who would you select as the three greatest calligraphers in the country?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without the slightest hesitation, Kōetsu answered, \"The second is yourself, and then I suppose Shōkadō Shōjō.\"\n\nA little puzzled, Nobutada asked, \"You start with the second best, but who is the best?\"\n\nKōetsu, without so much as a smile, looked directly into his eyes and replied, \"I am, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lost in thought, Musashi stopped a short distance from the group." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kōetsu was holding a brush in his hand, and on his knees were several sheets of paper. He was studiously sketching the flow of water in a stream close by. This drawing, as well as earlier efforts lying scattered about on the ground, consisted solely of watery lines of a sort that, to Musashi's eye, any novice might be able to draw." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Looking up, Kōetsu said quietly, \"Is something wrong?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, with steady eyes, he took in the scene: Musashi on one side and on the other his mother trembling behind the servant.\n\nMusashi felt calmer in the presence of this man. He was clearly not the sort of person he came into contact with every day, but somehow he found him appealing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes held a profound light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a moment they began to smile at Musashi, as if he were an old acquaintance." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'she's' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Welcome, young man. Has my mother done something wrong? I'm forty-eight myself, so you can imagine how old she is. She's very healthy, but there are times when she complains about her eyesight. If she's done anything she shouldn't, I hope you'll accept my apologies.\" Placing his brush and pad on the small rug he was sitting on, he started to put his hands on the ground and make a deep bow.\n\nHurriedly dropping to his knees, Musashi stopped Kōetsu from bowing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then you're her son?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked in confusion.\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"It is I who must apologize. I don't really know what made your mother afraid, but as soon as she saw me, she dropped her basket and ran off. Seeing she'd spilled her greens made me feel guilty. I've brought the things she dropped. That's all. There's no need for you to bow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Laughing pleasantly, Kōetsu turned to the nun and said, \"Did you hear that, Mother? You had the wrong impression entirely.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Immensely relieved, she ventured out from her place of refuge behind the servant. \"Do you mean the rōnin didn't intend to harm me?\"\n\n\"Harm? No, not at all. See, he's even brought back your basket. Wasn't that considerate of him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I'm sorry,\" said the nun, bowing deeply, her forehead touching the prayer beads on her wrist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quite cheerful now, she laughed as she turned to her son. \"I'm ashamed to admit it,\" she said, \"but when I first saw the young man, I thought I detected the smell of blood. Oh, it was frightening! I broke out in goose pimples. Now I see how foolish I was.\"\n\nThe old woman's insight amazed Musashi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had seen right through him and without really knowing, had put it very candidly. To this woman's delicate senses, he must indeed have seemed a terrifying, gory apparition.\n\nKōetsu, too, must have taken in his intense, penetrating look, his menacing mane of hair, that prickly, dangerous element that said he was ready to strike at the slightest provocation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still, Kōetsu seemed inclined to search out the good in him.\n\n\"If you're in no hurry,\" he said, \"stay and rest awhile. It's so quiet and peaceful here. Just sitting silently in these surroundings, I feel clean and fresh.\"\n\n\"If I pick a few more greens, I can make some nice gruel for you,\" said the nun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And some tea. Or don't you like tea?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the company of mother and son, Musashi felt at peace with the world. He sheathed his bellicose spirit, like a cat retracting its claws. In this pleasant atmosphere, it was hard to believe he was among perfect strangers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before he realized it, he had removed his straw sandals and taken a seat on the rug." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taking the liberty of asking some questions, he learned that the mother, whose religious name was Myōshū, had been a good and faithful wife before becoming a nun, and that her son was indeed the celebrated aesthete and craftsman. Among swordsmen, there was not one worth his salt who did not know the name Hon'ami—such was the family's reputation for sound judgment with regard to swords.\n\nMusashi found it difficult to associate Kōetsu and his mother with the picture he had of how such famous people should look." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To him they were simply ordinary people he had met by accident in a deserted field." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the way he wanted it to be, for otherwise he himself might grow tense and spoil their picnic.\n\nBringing the kettle for the tea, Myōshū asked her son, \"How old do you suppose this lad is?\"\n\nWith a glance at Musashi, he replied, \"Twenty-five or -six, I imagine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi shook his head. \"No, I'm only twenty-three.\"\n\n\"Only twenty-three,\" exclaimed Myōshū." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She then proceeded to ask the usual questions: where his home was, whether his parents were still alive, who had taught him swordsmanship, and so on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She addressed him gently, as though he were her grandson, and this brought out the boy in Musashi. His manner of speech slipped into the youthful and informal. Accustomed as he was to discipline and rigorous training, to spending all his time forging himself into a fine steel blade, he knew nothing of the more civilized side of life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the old nun talked, warmth spread through his weather-beaten body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Myōshū, Kōetsu, the things on the rug, even the tea bowl, subtly fused into the atmosphere and became part of nature." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'still' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Musashi was impatient, his body too restless, to sit still for long. It was pleasant enough while they were chatting, but when Myōshū began staring silently at the teakettle and Kōetsu turned his back to continue his sketching, Musashi became bored. \"What,\" he asked himself, \"do they find so entertaining about coming out here like this? Spring's only barely begun. It's still cold.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If they wanted to pick wild greens, why not wait until it was warmer and more people were around? There would be lots of flowers and fresh green plants then. And if they wanted to enjoy a tea ceremony, why go to the trouble of lugging the kettle and tea bowls all the way out here?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A well-known, prosperous family like theirs would surely have an elegant tea room in their house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was it to sketch?\n\nStaring at Kōetsu's back, he found that by twisting a little to the side he could see the moving brush. Drawing nothing but the lines of flowing water, the artist kept his eyes on the narrow brook wending its way through the dry grass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He concentrated solely on the movement of the water, again and again trying to capture the flowing motion, but the exact feel seemed to elude him. Undeterred, he went on drawing the lines over and over.\n\n\"Um,\" thought Musashi, \"drawing's not as easy as it looks, I guess.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His ennui receding for the moment, he watched Kōetsu's brush strokes with fascination. Kōetsu, he thought, must feel very much as he himself did when he faced an enemy swordpoint to swordpoint. At some stage he would rise above himself and sense that he had become one with nature—no, not \"sense,\" because all sensation would be obliterated at that moment when his sword cut through his opponent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That magic instant of transcendence was all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kōetsu's still looking at the water as an enemy,\" he mused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's why he can't draw it. He has to become one with it before he'll succeed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With nothing to do, he was sliding from boredom into lethargy and this worried him. He must not let himself go slack, even for a moment. He had to get away from here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry I disturbed you,\" he said brusquely, and started retying his sandals." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, are you leaving so soon?\" asked Myōshū.\n\nKōetsu turned around quietly and said, \"Can't you stay a little longer? Mother is going to make the tea now. I gather you're the one who had a bout with the master of the House of Yoshioka this morning. A little tea after a fight does you good, or at least that's what Lord Maeda says. Ieyasu, too. Tea is good for the spirit. I doubt whether there's anything better. In my opinion, action is born of quiet. Stay and talk. I'll join you.\"\n\nSo Kōetsu knew about the fight!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But maybe that was not so strange; the Rendaiji wasn't far away, only the next field over. A more interesting question was why he had said nothing about it so far. Was it simply that he regarded such matters as belonging to a world different from his own?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi took a second look at mother and son, then sat down again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you insist,\" he said.\n\n\"We haven't much to offer, but we enjoy having you with us,\" said Kōetsu. He put the cover on his ink box and placed it on his sketches to keep them from blowing away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his hands, the lid glittered like fireflies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seemed to be sheathed in thick gold, with silver and mother-of-pearl inlay.\n\nMusashi leaned forward to inspect it. Now that it was resting on the carpet, it no longer gleamed so brightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could see that there was nothing at all gaudy about it; its beauty was that of the gold-leaf and color paintings in Momoyama castles, reduced many times in size." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was also a hint of something very ancient about it, a dull patina suggestive of faded glories. Musashi stared intently. There was something comforting about the box.\n\n\"I made that myself,\" said Kōetsu modestly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you like it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, can you make lacquerware too?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kōetsu merely smiled. As he looked at this youth, who seemed to admire the artifice of man more than the beauty of nature, he was thinking with amusement: \"After all, he is from the country.\"\n\nMusashi, unaware of Kōetsu's lofty attitude, said with great sincerity, \"It's really beautiful.\" He couldn't take his eyes off the ink box." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I said I made it myself, but actually the poem on it is the work of Konoe Nobutada, so I should say we made it together.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"Is that the Konoe family the imperial regents come from?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is that the Konoe family the imperial regents come from?\"\n\n\"Yes. Nobutada's the son of the former regent.\"\n\n\"My aunt's husband has served the Konoe family for many years.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's his name?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Matsuo Kaname.\"\n\n\"Oh, I know Kaname well. I see him whenever I go to the Konoe house, and he sometimes comes to visit us.\"\n\n\"Is that so?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mother, it's a small world, isn't it? His aunt is the wife of Matsuo Kaname.\"\n\n\"You don't say!\" exclaimed Myōshū.\n\nShe moved away from the fire and placed the vessels for tea before them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There could be no doubt that she was perfectly at home with the tea ceremony." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her movements were elegant yet natural, her delicate hands graceful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even at seventy, she seemed to be the epitome of feminine grace and beauty.\n\nMusashi, uncomfortably out of his depth, sat politely on his haunches, in what he hoped was the same fashion as Kōetsu. The tea cake was a plain bun known as Yodo manjū, but it rested prettily on a green leaf of a variety not found in the surrounding field." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi knew there were set rules of etiquette for serving the tea, just as there were for using the sword, and as he watched Myōshū, he admired her mastery of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Judging her in terms of swordsmanship, he thought to himself, \"She's perfect! She doesn't leave herself open anywhere.\" As she whisked the tea, he sensed in her the same unearthly proficiency that one might observe in a master swordsman poised to strike. \"It's the Way,\" he thought, \"the essence of art. One has to have it to be perfect at anything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned his attention to the tea bowl in front of him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the first time he had been served in this fashion, and he had not the slightest notion of what to do next. The tea bowl surprised him, for it resembled something that might have been made by a child playing in the mud. Yet seen against the color of this bowl, the deep green of the foam on the tea was more serene and ethereal than the sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked helplessly at Kōetsu, who had already eaten his tea cake and was holding his tea bowl lovingly in both hands, as one might fondle a warm object on a cold night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He drank down the tea in two or three sips.\n\n\"Sir,\" began Musashi hesitantly, \"I'm just an ignorant country boy, and I don't know the first thing about the tea ceremony. I'm not even certain how to drink the tea.\"\n\nMyōshū chided him gently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hush, my dear, it doesn't make any difference. There shouldn't be anything sophisticated or esoteric about drinking tea. If you're a country boy, then drink it the way you would in the country.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that When you put it that way, yes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is really all right?\"\n\n\"Of course. Manners are not a matter of rules. They come from the heart. It's the same with swordsmanship, isn't it?\"\n\n\"When you put it that way, yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you become self-conscious about the proper way to drink, you won't enjoy the tea. When you use a sword, you can't let your body become too tense. That would break the harmony between the sword and your spirit. Isn't that right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, ma'am.\" Musashi unconsciously bowed his head and waited for the old nun to continue the lesson.\n\nShe laughed, a little tinkling laugh. \"Listen to me! Talking about swordsmanship, when I know nothing at all about it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll drink my tea now,\" said Musashi with renewed confidence. His legs were tired from sitting in formal style, so he crossed them in front of him in a more comfortable position. Swiftly, he emptied the tea bowl and set it down again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tea was very bitter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not even for the sake of politeness could he force himself to say it was good.\n\n\"Will you have another cup?\"\n\n\"No, thank you, that's quite enough.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "What did these people find good about this bitter liquid?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why did they talk on so seriously about the \"simply purity\" of its flavor and all that sort of thing?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though understanding eluded him, he found it impossible to regard his host with anything but admiration. After all, he reflected, there must be more to tea than he himself had detected; otherwise it could not have become the focal point for a whole philosophy of aesthetics and life. Nor would great men like Hideyoshi and Ieyasu have displayed such interest in it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yagyū Sekishūsai, he recalled, was devoting his old age to the Way of Tea, and Takuan also had spoken of its virtues. Looking down at the tea bowl and the cloth beneath it, he suddenly envisioned the white peony from Sekishūsai's garden and felt again the thrill it had given him. Now, inexplicably, the tea bowl struck him in the same forceful way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wondered for a moment if he had gasped out loud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He reached out, picked up the bowl lovingly and placed it on his knee. His eyes shone as he examined it; he felt an excitement he had never experienced before. As he studied the bottom of the vessel and the traces of the potter's spatula, he realized that the lines had the same keenness as Sekishūsai's slicing of the peony stem." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This unpretentious bowl, too, had been made by a genius. It revealed the touch of the spirit, the mysterious insight.\n\nHe could hardly breathe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why, he knew not, but he sensed the strength of the master craftsman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It came to him silently but unmistakably, for he was far more sensitive to the latent force that resided here than most people would have been. He rubbed the bowl, unwilling to lose physical contact with it.\n\n\"Kōetsu,\" he said, \"I don't know any more about the utensils than I know about tea, but I would guess that this vessel was made by a very skillful potter.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why do you say that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The artist's words were as gentle as his face, with its sympathetic eyes and well-formed mouth. The corners of his eyes turned down a bit, giving him an air of gravity, but there were teasing wrinkles around the edges.\n\n\"I don't know how to explain it, but I feel it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Exactly what do you feel? Tell me.\"\n\nMusashi thought for a moment and said, \"Well, I can't express it very clearly, but there's something superhuman about this sharp cut in the clay... \"\n\n\"Hmm.\" Kōetsu had the attitude of the true artist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did not suppose for a moment that other people knew much about his own art, and was reasonably certain Musashi was no exception. His lips tightened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about the cut, Musashi?\"\n\n\"It's extremely clean.\"\n\n\"Is that all?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, no... it's more complicated than that. There's something big and daring about the man who made this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anything else?\"\n\n\"The potter himself was as sharp as a sword from Sagami. Yet he enveloped the whole thing in beauty. This tea bowl looks very simple, but there's a certain haughtiness about it, something regal and arrogant, as though he didn't regard other people as being quite human.\"\n\n\"Mm.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As a person, the man who made this would be difficult to fathom, I think. But whoever he is, I'd bet he's famous. Won't you tell me who it was?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kōetsu's heavy lips broke into a laugh. \"His name is Kōetsu. But this is just something I made for fun.\"\n\nMusashi, not knowing he had been undergoing a test, was genuinely surprised and impressed to hear that Kōetsu was able to make his own ceramics." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What affected him more than the man's artistic versatility, however, was the human profundity concealed within this ostensibly plain tea bowl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It disturbed him a little to recognize the depth of Kōetsu's spiritual resources. Accustomed to measuring men in terms of their swordsmanship, he suddenly decided that his yardstick was too short. The thought humbled him; here was yet another man before whom he must admit defeat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For all his splendid victory of the morning, he was now no more than a bashful youth.\n\n\"You like ceramics too, don't you?\" Kōetsu said. \"You seem to have a good eye for pottery.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I doubt whether that's true,\" Musashi replied modestly. \"I was only saying what came into my head. Please forgive me if I said something foolish.\"\n\n\"Well, of course, you couldn't be expected to know a great deal about the subject, because to make a single good tea bowl involves a lifetime of experience. But you do have a feeling for aesthetics, a rather firm instinctive grasp. I suppose studying swordsmanship has developed your eye to a slight extent.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There seemed to be something close to admiration in Kōetsu's remark, but as an older man, he could not bring himself to praise the boy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not only would it not be dignified, it might also go to his head.\n\nPresently, the servant returned with more wild greens, and Myōshū prepared the gruel. As she took it up on small plates, which also appeared to have been made by Kōetsu, a jar of fragrant sake was heated, and the picnic feast began." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tea ceremony food was too light and delicate for Musashi's taste." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His constitution craved more body and stronger flavor. Yet he made a dutiful attempt to savor the thin aroma of the leafy mixture, for he acknowledged that there was much he could learn from Kōetsu and his charming mother.\n\nAs the time passed, he began to look nervously about the field." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eventually, he turned to his host and said, \"It's been very pleasant, but I should go now. I'd like to stay, but I'm afraid my opponent's men might come and cause trouble. I don't want to involve you in anything like that. I hope I'll have the opportunity to see you again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Myōshū, rising to see him off, said, \"If you're ever in the vicinity of Hon'ami Lane, don't fail to stop in to see us.\"\n\n\"Yes, please come and visit us. We can have a nice long talk,\" Kōetsu added.\n\nDespite Musashi's fears, there was no sign of the Yoshioka students." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Having taken his leave, he paused to look back at his two new friends on their rug. Yes, theirs was a world apart from his. His own long, narrow road would never lead him to Kōetsu's sphere of peaceful pleasures. He walked silently toward the edge of the field, his head bowed in thought." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "12 sentences sentences in Eiji Yoshikawa style, continuing user's bit. Note: May include established elements" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include this dialogue snippet naturally: \"To judge from his calmness and from what he said, I don't think he did. At first it seemed that way, but on second thought I decided he was just trying to get rid of me. He's probably devised some strategy he wanted to conceal from me. Better keep your guard up!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wind soughed in the bamboo. Though it was still too dark to take flight, birds were awake and chirping.\n\n\"Don't attack! It's me—Kojirō!\" Having run like a demon for more than a mile, he was breathing heavily when he reached the spreading pine.\n\nThe faces of the men who emerged from their hiding places to encircle him were numb from waiting.\n\n\"Didn't you find him?\" Genzaemon asked impatiently.\n\n\"I found him, all right,\" replied Kojirō with an inflection that turned every eye upon him. Looking around coolly, he said, \"I found him and we walked together up the Takano River for a way, but then he—\"\n\n\"He ran away!\" exclaimed Miike Jūrōzaemon.\n\n\"No!\" Kojirō said emphatically. \"To judge from his calmness and from what he said, I don't think he did. At first it seemed that way, but on second thought I decided he was just trying to get rid of me. He's probably devised some strategy he wanted to conceal from me. Better keep your guard up!\"\n\n\"Strategy? What kind of strategy?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They jostled closer to avoid missing a word.\n\n\"I suspect he's enlisted several seconds. He was probably on his way to meet them so they could attack all at once.\"\n\n\"Uh,\" groaned Genzaemon. \"That seems likely. It also means it won't be long before they arrive.\"\n\nJūrōzaemon separated himself from the group and ordered the men back to their stations. \"If Musashi attacks while we're scattered like this,\" he warned, \"we may lose the first skirmish. We don't know how many men he'll have with him, but it can't be very many. We'll stick to our original plan.\"\n\n\"He's right. Mustn't be caught off guard.\"\n\n\"It's easy to make a mistake when you're tired of waiting. Be careful!\"\n\n\"Get to your posts!\"\n\nGradually they dispersed. The musketeer resettled himself in the upper branches of the pine tree.\n\nKojirō, noticing Genjirō standing stiffly with his back to the trunk, asked, \"Sleepy?\"\n\n\"No!\" the boy replied pluckily.\n\nKojirō patted him on the head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your lips have turned blue! You must be cold. Since you're the representative of the House of Yoshioka, you have to be brave and strong. Be patient a little longer and you'll see some interesting things happen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Walking away, he added, \"Now I have to find a good place for myself.\"\n\nThe moon had traveled with Musashi from the hollow between Shiga Hill and Uryū Hill, where he'd left Otsū. Now it sank behind the mountain, as a gradual upward movement of the clouds resting on the thirty-six peaks served notice that the world would soon be beginning its daily chores.\n\nHe quickened his pace. Directly below him, a temple roof came into view. \"It's not far now,\" he thought. He looked up and reflected that in only a short time—a few breaths—his spirit would join the clouds in their skyward flight. To the universe, the death of one man could hardly have any more significance than that of a butterfly, but in the realm of mankind, a single death could affect everything, for better or worse. Musashi's only concern now was how to die a noble death.\n\nThe welcome sound of water struck his ears. Stopping and kneeling at the foot of a tall rock, he scooped some water from the brook and drank quickly. His tongue smarted from its freshness, an indication, he hoped, that his spirit was calm and collected and his courage had not deserted him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Taking a moment to rest, he seemed to hear voices calling him. Otsū? Jōtarō?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew it couldn't be Otsū; she was not the kind to lose control of herself and chase after him at a time like this. She knew him too well for that. Still, he couldn't rid himself of the notion that he was being beckoned. He looked back several times, hoping to see someone. The thought that he might be having delusions was unnerving.\n\nBut he couldn't afford to waste any more time. Being late would not only mean breaking his promise but put him at a considerable disadvantage. For a lone warrior attempting to take on an army of opponents, the ideal time, he surmised, was the brief interval after the moon had set but before the sky was completely light.\n\nHe recalled the old saying \"It is easy to crush an enemy outside oneself but impossible to defeat an enemy within.\" He had vowed to expel Otsū from his thoughts, had even bluntly told her this as she had clung to his sleeve. Yet he seemed unable to shake her voice from his mind.\n\nHe cursed softly. \"I'm acting like a woman. A man on a man's mission has no business thinking about frivolities like love!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He spurred himself on, running as fast as he could." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then all at once he caught sight, below him, of a white ribbon rising from the foot of the mountain through the bamboo and trees and fields, one of the roads to Ichijōji. He was only about four hundred yards from the point where it met with the other two roads. Through the milky mist he could make out the branches of the great spreading pine.\n\nHe dropped to his knees, his body tense. Even the trees around him seemed transformed into potential enemies. As nimbly as a lizard, he left the path and made his way to a point directly above the pine tree. A gust of cold wind swept down from the mountaintop, pushing the mist in a great rolling wave over the pine trees and bamboo. The branches of the spreading pine quivered, as though to warn the world of impending disaster.\n\nStraining his eyes, he could just discern the figures of ten men standing perfectly still around the pine tree, their lances poised. The presence of others elsewhere on the mountain he could feel, even though he couldn't see them. Musashi knew he had now entered the province of death. A feeling of awe brought goose pimples even to the backs of his hands, but his breathing was deep and steady." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Down to the tips of his toes, he was keyed for action." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he crept slowly forward, his toes gripped the ground with the strength and sureness of fingers.\n\nA stone embankment that might once have been part of a fortress was nearby. On an impulse, he made his way among the rocks to the eminence on which it had stood. There he found a stone torii looking straight down on the spreading pine. Behind it was the sacred precinct, protected by rows of tall evergreens, among which he could see a shrine building.\n\nThough he had no idea which deity was honored here, he ran through the grove to the shrine gate and knelt before it. With death so near, he could not keep his heart from trembling at the thought of the sacred presence. The shrine was dark inside, save for a holy lamp, swaying in the wind, threatening to expire, then miraculously recapturing its full brightness. The plaque above the door read \"Hachidai Shrine.\"\n\nMusashi took comfort from the thought that he had a powerful ally, that if he charged down the mountain, the god of war would be behind him. The gods, he knew, always supported the side that was right. He recalled how the great Nobunaga, on his way to the Battle of Okehazama, had paused to pay his respects at the Atsuta Shrine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The discovery of this holy place seemed felicitous indeed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just inside the gate was a stone basin, where supplicants could cleanse themselves before praying." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rinsed out his mouth, then took a second mouthful and sprayed water on the hilt of his sword and the cords of his sandals. Thus purified, he hitched up his sleeves with a leather thong and tied on a cotton headband. Flexing his leg muscles as he walked, he went to the steps of the shrine and put his hand on the rope hanging from the gong above the entrance. In time-honored fashion, he was about to give the gong a rap and say a prayer to the deity.\n\nCatching himself, he quickly withdrew his hand. \"What am I doing?\" he thought in horror. The rope, plaited with red and white cotton cord, seemed to be inviting him to take hold of it, sound the gong and make his supplication. He stared at it. \"What was I going to request?\" he asked himself. \"What need have I of the help of the gods? Am I not already one with the universe? Haven't I always said I must be prepared to face death at any time? Haven't I trained myself to face death calmly and confidently?\"\n\nHe was appalled. Without thinking, without remembering his years of training and self-discipline, he had been on the brink of begging for supernatural assistance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Something was wrong, for deep down he knew that the samurai's true ally was not the gods but death itself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Last night and earlier this morning, he had felt confident that he had come to terms with his fate. And yet, there he was within a hairbreadth of forgetting all he had ever learned, beseeching aid from the deity. Head drooped in shame, he stood there like a rock.\n\n\"What a fool I am! I thought I'd achieved purity and enlightenment, but there is still, within me, something that longs to go on living. Some delusion stirring up thoughts of Otsū or my sister. Some false hope leading me to clutch at any straw. A diabolical yearning, causing me to forget myself, tempting me to pray to the gods for help.\"\n\nHe was disgusted, exasperated, with his body, with his soul, with his failure to master the Way. The tears he had held back in Otsū's presence poured from his eyes.\n\n\"It was all unconscious. I had no intention of praying, hadn't even thought of what I was going to pray for. But if I'm doing things unconsciously, that makes it all the worse.\"\n\nRacked by doubt, he felt foolish and inadequate. Had he ever had the ability to become a warrior in the first place? If he had achieved the state of calm he had aspired to, there should have been no need, not even a subconscious need, for prayers or supplications. In one shattering moment, only minutes before the battle, he had discovered in his heart the true seeds of defeat. It was impossible now to regard his approaching death as the culmination of a samurai's life!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the next breath a surge of gratitude swept over him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The presence and magnanimity of the deity enveloped him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The battle had not yet begun; the real test still lay before him. He had been warned in time. By recognizing his failure, he had overcome it. Doubt vanished; the deity had guided him to this place to teach him this.\n\nWhile believing sincerely in the gods, he did not consider it the Way of the Samurai to seek their aid. The Way was an ultimate truth transcending gods and Buddhas. Stepping back a pace, he folded his hands and, rather than ask for protection, thanked the gods for their timely help.\n\nAfter a quick bow, he hurried out of the shrine compound and down the narrow, steep path, the sort of path which a heavy downpour would quickly convert into a rushing stream. Pebbles and brittle clumps of dirt tumbled down at his heels, breaking the silence. When the spreading pine came into view again, he leaped off the path and crouched in the bushes. Not a drop of dew had yet fallen from the leaves, and his knees and chest were soon drenched. The pine tree was no more than forty or fifty paces below him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could see the man with the musket in its branches.\n\nHis anger flashed. \"Cowards!\" he said, almost out loud. \"All this against one man.\"\n\nIn a way he felt a little sorry for an enemy who had to go to such extremes. Still, he had expected something like this and was, insofar as possible, prepared for it. Since they would naturally assume that he was not alone, prudence would dictate that they have at least one flying weapon, and probably more. If they were also using short bows, the archers were probably hidden behind rocks or on lower ground.\n\nMusashi had one great advantage: both the man in the tree and the men underneath it had their backs to him. Stooping so low that the hilt of his sword rose above his head, he crept, almost crawled, forward. Then he covered about twenty paces at a dead run.\n\nThe musketeer twisted his head around, spotted him and shouted, \"There he is!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi ran on another ten paces, knowing that the man would have to reverse his position to aim and fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where?\" cried the men nearest the tree.\n\n\"Behind you!\" came the throat-splitting reply.\n\nThe musketeer had his weapon trained on Musashi's head. While sparks from the fuse showered down, Musashi's right elbow described an arc in the air. The rock he hurled hit the fuse squarely with terrific force. The musketeer's scream mingled with the sound of cracking branches as he plunged to the ground.\n\nIn an instant Musashi's name was on every man's lips. Not one of them had taken the trouble to think the situation through, to imagine that he might devise a means of attacking the central corps first. Their confusion was all but total. In their rush to reorient themselves, the ten men bumped into each other, got their weapons tangled, tripped each other with their lances and otherwise displayed a perfect picture of disorder, all the while screaming at each other not to let Musashi escape.\n\nJust as they sorted themselves out and began to form a semicircle, they were challenged: \"I am Miyamoto Musashi, the son of Shimmen Munisai of Mimasaka Province. I have come in accordance with our agreement made the day before yesterday at Yanagimachi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Genjirō, are you there? I beg you not to be careless like Seijūrō and Denshichirō before you. I understand that, because of your youth, you have several score men to support you. I, Musashi, have come alone. Your men may attack individually or in a group, as they wish.\n\n\"Now, fight!\"\n\nAnother total surprise: no one expected Musashi to deliver a formal challenge. Even those who would desperately have liked to reply in kind lacked the necessary composure.\n\n\"Musashi, you're late!\" cried a hoarse voice.\n\nMany took encouragement from Musashi's declaration that he was alone, but Genzaemon and Jūrōzaemon, believing it was a trick, started looking around for phantom seconds.\n\nA loud twang off to one side was followed a split second later by the glint of Musashi's sword flashing through the air. The arrow aimed at his face broke, half falling behind his shoulder, the other half near the tip of his lowered sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or rather where his sword had just been, for Musashi was already on the move." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'genzaemon' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hair bristling like a lion's mane, he was bounding toward the shadowy form behind the spreading pine.\n\nGenjirō hugged the trunk, screaming, \"Help! I'm scared!\"\n\nGenzaemon jumped forward, howling as though the blow had struck him, but he was too late. Musashi's sword sliced a two-foot strip of bark off the trunk. It fell to the ground by Genjirō's blood-covered head.\n\nIt was the act of a ferocious demon. Musashi, ignoring the others, had made straight for the boy. And it seemed he had had this in mind from the beginning.\n\nThe assault was of a savagery beyond conception. Genjirō's death did not reduce the Yoshiokas' fighting capacity in the slightest. What had been nervous excitement rose to the level of murderous frenzy.\n\n\"Beast!\" screamed Genzaemon, face livid with grief and rage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He rushed headlong at Musashi, wielding a sword somewhat too heavy for a man of his age." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi shifted his right heel back a foot or so, leaned aside and struck upward, grazing Genzaemon's elbow and face with the tip of his sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was impossible to tell who wailed, for at that moment a man attacking Musashi from the rear with a lance stumbled forward and fell on top of the old man. The next instant, a third swordsman coming from the front was sliced from shoulder to navel. His head sagged and his arms went limp as his legs carried his lifeless body forward a few more steps.\n\nThe other men near the tree screamed their lungs out, but the calls for help were lost in the wind and trees. Their comrades were too far away to hear and couldn't have seen what happened even if they'd been looking toward the pine tree instead of watching the roads.\n\nThe spreading pine had been standing for hundreds of years. It had witnessed the retreat of the defeated Taira troops from Kyoto to Ōmi in the wars of the twelfth century. Innumerable were the times it had seen the warrior-priests of Mount Hiei descend on the capital to put pressure on the Imperial Court. Whether out of gratitude for the fresh blood seeping through to its roots or out of anguish over the carnage, its branches stirred in the misty wind and scattered drops of cold dew on the men beneath. The wind gave rise to a medley of sounds, from the branches, from the swaying bamboo, from the mist, from the tall grass.\n\nMusashi took a stance with his back against the tree trunk, whose girth could hardly be spanned by two men with outstretched arms. The tree made an ideal shield for his rear, but he seemed to consider it hazardous to stay there long." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As his eye traveled down the top edge of his sword and fastened on his opponents, his brain reviewed the terrain, searched for a better position." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go to the spreading pine! The pine tree! The fighting's there!\" The shout came from the top of the rise from which Sasaki Kojirō had chosen to view the spectacle.\n\nThen came a deafening report from the musket, and at last the samurai of the House of Yoshioka grasped what was going on. Swarming like bees, they left their hiding places and hurtled toward the crossroads.\n\nMusashi slipped deftly sideways. The bullet lodged in the tree trunk, inches from his head. On guard, the seven men facing him edged around a couple of feet to compensate for his change in position.\n\nWithout warning, Musashi darted toward the man at the extreme left, his sword held at eye level. The man—Kobashi Kurando, one of the Yoshioka Ten—was taken completely by surprise. With a low cry of dismay, he whirled on one foot, but he was not quick enough to escape the blow to his side. Musashi, sword still extended, continued running straight ahead.\n\n\"Don't let him get away!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other six rushed after him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the attack had again thrown them into perilous disarray, all coordination lost." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a flash, Musashi spun around, striking laterally at the nearest man, Miike Jūrōzaemon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Experienced swordsman that he was, Jūrōzaemon had anticipated this and left some play in his legs, so that he was able to quickly move backward." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'techniques' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tip of Musashi's sword barely grazed his chest.\n\nMusashi's use of his weapon differed from that of the ordinary swordsman of his time. By normal techniques, if the first blow did not connect, the force of the sword was spent in the air. It was necessary to bring the blade back before striking again. This was too slow for Musashi. Whenever he struck laterally, there was a return blow. A slice to the right was followed in essentially the same motion by a return strike to the left. His blade created two streaks of light, the pattern very much like two pine needles joined at one end.\n\nThe unexpected return stroke slashed upward through Jūrōzaemon's face, turning his head into a large red tomato.\n\nNot having studied under a teacher, Musashi found himself occasionally at a disadvantage, but there were also times when he had profited from this. One of his strengths was that he had never been pressed into the mold of any particular school. From the orthodox point of view, his style had no discernible form, no rules, no secret techniques." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Created by his own imagination and his own needs, it was hard to define or categorize." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To an extent, he could be challenged effectively using conventional styles, if his opponent was highly skilled. Jūrōzaemon had not anticipated Musashi's tactic. Anyone adept at the Yoshioka Style, or for that matter at any of the other Kyoto styles, would probably have been taken unawares in similar fashion.\n\nIf, following through on his fatal blow to Jūrōzaemon, Musashi had charged the motley group that remained around the tree, he would certainly have slain several more of them in short order. Instead he ran toward the crossroads. But then, just as they thought he was about to flee, he suddenly turned and attacked again. By the time they had regrouped to defend themselves, he was gone again.\n\n\"Musashi!\"\n\n\"Coward!\"\n\n\"Fight like a man!\"\n\n\"We're not through with you yet!\"\n\nThe usual imprecations filled the air, as furious eyes threatened to pop out of their sockets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The men were drunk on the sight and smell of blood, as drunk as if they had swallowed a storehouseful of sake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sight of blood, which makes a brave man cooler, has the opposite effect on cowards. These men were like goblins surfacing from a lake of gore.\n\nLeaving the shouts behind him, Musashi reached the crossroads and plunged immediately into the narrowest of the three paths of exit, the one leading toward the Shugakuin. Coming helter-skelter from the opposite direction were the men who had been stationed along the path. Before he had gone forty paces, Musashi saw the first man in this contingent. By the ordinary laws of physics, he would soon be trapped between these men and those pursuing him. In fact, when the two forces collided, he was no longer there.\n\n\"Musashi! Where are you?\"\n\n\"He came this way. I saw him!\"\n\n\"He must have!\"\n\n\"He's not here!\"\n\nMusashi's voice broke through the confused babble. \"Here I am!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He jumped from the shadow of a rock to the middle of the road behind the returning samurai, so that he had them all to one side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dumbfounded by this lightning change of position, the Yoshioka men moved on him as rapidly as they could, but in the narrow path they could not concentrate their strength. Considering the space needed to swing a sword, it would have been dangerous for even two of them to try to move forward abreast.\n\nThe man nearest Musashi stumbled backward, pushing the man behind him back into the oncoming group. For a time, they all floundered about helplessly, legs clumsily entwined. But mobs do not give up easily. Though frightened by Musashi's speed and ferocity, the men soon gained confidence in their collective strength. With a stirring roar, they moved forward, again convinced that no single swordsman was a match for all of them.\n\nMusashi fought like a swimmer battling giant waves. Striking once, then retreating a step or two, he had to give more attention to his defense than to his attack. He even refrained from cutting down men who stumbled into range and were easy prey, both because their loss would only result in meager gains and because, if he missed, he would have been exposed to the thrusts of the enemy's lances. It was possible to judge the range of a sword accurately, but not that of a lance.\n\nAs he continued his slow retreat, his attackers pressed on relentlessly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His face was bluish-white; it seemed inconceivable that he was breathing adequately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Yoshioka men hoped that he would eventually stumble on a tree root or trip on a rock. At the same time, none of them was eager to get too close to a man fighting desperately for his life. The nearest of the swords and lances pressing in on him were always two or three inches short of their target.\n\nThe tumult was punctuated by the whinnying of a packhorse; people were up and about in the nearby hamlet. This was the hour when early-rising priests passed by on their way to and from the top of Mount Hiei, clopping along on raised wooden sandals, their shoulders proudly squared. As the battle progressed, woodcutters and farmers joined the priests on the road to witness the spectacle, and then excited cries set up an answering response from every chicken and horse in the village. A crowd of bystanders collected around the shrine where Musashi had prepared for battle. The wind had dropped and the mist descended again like a thick white veil. Then all of a sudden it lifted, giving the spectators a clear view.\n\nDuring the few minutes of fighting, Musashi's appearance had changed completely. His hair was matted and gory; blood mixed with sweat had dyed his headband pink. He looked like the devil incarnate, charging up from hell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was breathing with his whole body, his shieldlike chest heaving like a volcano." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'their' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A rip in his hakama exposed a wound on his left knee; the white ligaments visible at the bottom of the gash were like seeds in a split pomegranate. There was also a cut on his forearm, which, though not serious, had spattered blood from his chest to the small sword in his obi. His whole kimono appeared to have been tie-dyed with a crimson design. Onlookers who had a clear view of him covered their eyes in horror.\n\nMore ghastly still was the sight of the dead and wounded left in his wake. As he continued his tactical retreat up the path, he reached a patch of open land where his pursuers surged forward in a mass attack. In a matter of seconds, four or five men had been cut down. They lay scattered over a wide area, moribund testimony to the speed with which Musashi struck and moved on. He seemed to be everywhere at once.\n\nBut for all his agile shifts and dodges, Musashi clung to one basic strategy. He never attacked a group from the front or the side—always obliquely at an exposed corner. Whenever a battery of samurai approached him head on, he somehow contrived to shift like lightning to a corner of their formation, from which he could confront only one or two of them at a time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In this way, he managed to keep them in essentially the same position." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'right' × 4" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But eventually, Musashi was bound to be worn down. Eventually, too, his opponents seemed bound to find a way to thwart his method of attack. To do this, they would need to form themselves into two large forces, before and behind him. Then he would be in even greater danger. It took all Musashi's resourcefulness to stop that from happening.\n\nAt some point, Musashi drew his smaller sword and started to fight with both hands. While the large sword in his right hand was smeared with blood, up to the hilt and the fist that held it, the small sword in his left hand was clean. And though it picked up a bit of flesh the first time it was used, it continued to sparkle, greedy for blood. Musashi himself was not yet fully aware that he had drawn it, even though he was wielding it with the same deftness as the larger sword.\n\nWhen not actually striking, he held the left sword so that it was pointed directly at his opponent's eyes. The right sword extended out to the side, forming a broad horizontal arc with his elbow and shoulder, and was largely outside the enemy's line of vision. If the opponent moved to Musashi's right, he could bring the right sword into play." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'highly'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If the attacker moved the other way, Musashi could shift the small sword in to his left and trap him between the two swords. By thrusting forward, he could pin the man in one place with the smaller sword and, before there was time to dodge, attack with the large sword. In later years, this method came to be formally named the Two-Sword Technique Against a Large Force, but at this moment he was fighting by pure instinct.\n\nBy all accepted standards, Musashi was not a great sword technician. Schools, styles, theories, traditions—none of these meant anything to him. His mode of fighting was completely pragmatic. What he knew was only what he had learned from experience. He wasn't putting theory into practice; he fought first and theorized later.\n\nThe Yoshioka men, from the Ten Swordsmen on down, had all had the theories of the Kyōhachi Style pounded thoroughly into their skulls. Some of them had even gone on to create stylistic variations of their own. Despite being highly trained and highly disciplined fighters, they had no way of gauging a swordsman like Musashi, who had spent his time as an ascetic in the mountains, exposing himself to the dangers presented by nature as often as to those presented by man. To the Yoshioka men, it was incomprehensible that Musashi, with his breathing so erratic, face ashen, eyes bleary with sweat and body covered with gore, was still able to wield two swords and threaten to make short work of anyone who came within range." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he fought on like a god of fire and fury." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They themselves were dead tired, and their attempts to pin down this bloody specter were becoming hysterical.\n\nAll at once, the tumult increased.\n\n\"Run!\" cried a thousand voices.\n\n\"You, fighting by yourself, run!\"\n\n\"Run while you can!\"\n\nThe shouts came from the mountains, the trees, the white clouds above. Spectators on all sides saw the Yoshioka forces actually closing in on Musashi. The impending peril moved them all to try to save him, if only with their voices.\n\nBut their warnings made no impression. Musashi would not have noticed if the earth had split asunder or the heavens cast down crackling bolts of lightning. The uproar reached a crescendo, shaking the thirty-six peaks like an earthquake. It issued simultaneously from the spectators and the jostling throng of Yoshioka samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi had finally taken off across the mountainside with the speed of a wild boar. In no time, five or six men were on his heels, trying desperately to get in a solid blow.\n\nMusashi, with a vicious howl, suddenly wheeled, crouched and swung his sword sideways at shin level, stopping them in their tracks. One man brought his lance down from above, only to see it knocked into the air by a powerful counterblow. They shrank back. Musashi swung fiercely with the left sword, then the right, then the left again. Moving like a combination of fire and water, he had his enemies reeling and cowering, tottering and stumbling in his wake.\n\nThen he was gone again. He had leapt from the open land across which the battle had been raging into a green field of barley below.\n\n\"Stop!\"\n\n\"Come back and fight!\"\n\nTwo men in hot pursuit jumped blindly after Musashi. A second later, there were two death screams, two lances flying through the air and coming to rest upright in the middle of the field." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi was slithering like a great ball of mud through the far end of the field." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Already a hundred yards away, he was rapidly widening the gap.\n\n\"He's going toward the village.\"\n\n\"He's heading for the main road.\"\n\nBut in fact he had crawled rapidly and invisibly up the far edge of the field and was now hidden in the woods above. He watched his pursuers dividing up to continue their chase in several directions.\n\nIt was daylight, a sunny morning, much like any other.\n\nAn Offering for the Dead\n\nWhen Oda Nobunaga finally lost patience with the priests' political machinations, he attacked the ancient Buddhist establishment on Mount Hiei, and in one horrendous night, all but a few of its three thousand temples and shrines had gone up in flames. Though four decades had passed and the main hall and a number of secondary temples had been rebuilt, the memory of that night hung like a shroud over the mountain. The establishment was now stripped of its temporal powers, and the priests devoted their time once again to religious duties.\n\nSituated on the southernmost peak, commanding a view of the other temples and of Kyoto itself, was a small, secluded temple known as the Mudōji. It was rare for the stillness to be broken by any sound less peaceful than the rippling of a brook or the chirping of small birds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the inner recesses of the temple came a masculine voice reciting the words of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, as revealed in the Lotus Sutra." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The monotone would rise gradually for a time, then, as if the chanter had suddenly remembered himself, sink abruptly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Along the jet black floor of the corridor walked a white-robed acolyte, carrying at eye level a tray on which had been placed the meager, meatless meal customarily served in religious establishments." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Entering the room from which the voice was coming, he placed the tray in one corner, knelt politely and said, \"Good day, sir.\"\n\nLeaning slightly forward, absorbed in his work, the guest did not hear the boy's greeting.\n\n\"Sir,\" said the acolyte, raising his voice slightly, \"I've brought your lunch. I'll leave it here in the corner, if you wish.\"\n\n\"Oh, thank you,\" replied Musashi, straightening up. \"That's very kind of you.\" He turned and bowed.\n\n\"Would you like to eat now?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Then I'll serve you your rice.\"\n\nMusashi accepted the bowl of rice and began eating. The acolyte stared first at the block of wood by Musashi's side, then at the small knife behind him. Chips and slivers of fragrant white sandalwood lay scattered about." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are you carving?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's to be a sacred image.\"\n\n\"The Buddha Amida?\"\n\n\"No. Kannon. Unfortunately, I don't know anything about sculpture. I seem to be cutting my hands more than the wood.\" He held out a couple of well-nicked fingers as evidence, but the boy seemed more interested in the white bandage around his forearm.\n\n\"How are your wounds?\" he asked.\n\n\"Thanks to the good treatment I've received here, they're about healed now. Please tell the head priest I am very grateful.\"\n\n\"If you're carving an image of Kannon, you should visit the main hall. There's a statue of Kannon by a very famous sculptor. If you'd like, I'll take you there. It's not far—only half a mile or so.\"\n\nDelighted by the offer, Musashi finished his meal, and the two of them started for the main hall. Musashi had not been outdoors in the ten days since he'd arrived, covered with blood and using his sword as a cane. He'd barely begun to walk when he discovered his wounds were not so thoroughly healed as he had thought. His left knee ached, and the breeze, though light and cool, seemed to cut into the gash on his arm. But it was pleasant outside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blossoms falling from the gently swaying cherry trees danced in the air like snowflakes." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'Instead of carving, wouldn't it be better to spend your time practicing swordsmanship?' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sky showed signs of the azure hue of early summer. Musashi's muscles swelled as if they were buds about to burst open.\n\n\"Sir, you're studying the martial arts, aren't you?\"\n\n\"That's right.\"\n\n\"Then why are you carving an image of Kannon?\"\n\nMusashi did not answer immediately.\n\n\"Instead of carving, wouldn't it be better to spend your time practicing swordsmanship?\"\n\nThe question pained Musashi more than his wounds. The acolyte was about the same age as Genjirō, and about the same size.\n\nHow many men had been killed or wounded on that fateful day? He could only guess. He had no clear memory even of how he had extricated himself from the fighting and found a place to hide." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only two things that stuck quite clearly in his mind, haunting him in his sleep, were Genjirō's terrified scream and the sight of his mutilated body." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He thought again, as he had several times in the past few days, of the resolution in his notebook: he would do nothing that he would later regret. If he took the view that what he had done was inherent in the Way of the Sword, a bramble lying on his chosen path, then he would have to assume that his future would be bleak and inhuman.\n\nIn the peaceful atmosphere of the temple, his mind had cleared. And once the memory of spilled blood and gore began to fade, he was overcome by grief for the boy he had slaughtered.\n\nHis mind coming back to the acolyte's question, he said, \"Isn't it true that great priests, like Kōbō Daishi and Genshin, made lots of images of the Buddha and bodhisattvas? I understand quite a few statues here on Mount Hiei were carved by priests. What do you think of that?\"\n\nCocking his head, the boy said uncertainly, \"I'm not sure, but priests do make religious paintings and statues.\"\n\n\"Let me tell you why. It's because by painting a picture or carving an image of the Buddha, they draw closer to him. A swordsman can purify his spirit in the same way. We human beings all look up at the same moon, but there are many roads we may travel to reach the top of the peak nearest it. Sometimes, when we lose our way, we decide to try someone else's, but the ultimate aim is to find fulfillment in life.\"\n\nMusashi paused, as though he might have more to say, but the acolyte ran ahead and pointed to a rock almost hidden in the grass. \"Look,\" he said. \"This inscription is by Jichin. He was a priest—a famous one.\"\n\nMusashi read the words carved on the moss-covered stone:\n\nThe water of the Law\n\nWill presently run shallow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the very end\n\nA cold, bleak wind will blow on\n\nThe barren peaks of Hiei.\n\nHe was impressed by the writer's powers of prophecy. The wind on Mount Hiei had indeed been cold and bleak since Nobunaga's merciless raid. There were rumors that some of the clergy longed for the old days, for a powerful army, political influence and special privileges, and it was a fact that they never selected a new abbot without a lot of intrigue and ugly internal conflict. While the holy mountain was dedicated to the salvation of the sinful, it actually depended on the alms and donations of the sinful for its survival. Altogether not a very happy state of affairs, mused Musashi.\n\n\"Let's go,\" said the boy impatiently.\n\nAs they started to walk on, one of the priests from the Mudōji came running after them. \"Seinen!\" he called to the boy. \"Where are you going?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To the main hall. He wants to see a statue of Kannon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Couldn't you take him some other time?\"\n\n\"Forgive me for bringing the boy with me when he probably has work to do,\" said Musashi. \"By all means take him back with you. I can go to the main hall anytime.\"\n\n\"I didn't come for him. I'd like you to come back with me, if you don't mind.\"\n\n\"Me?\"\n\n\"Yes, I'm sorry to bother you, but... \"\n\n\"Has somebody come looking for me?\" asked Musashi, not at all surprised.\n\n\"Well, yes. I told them you weren't in, but they said they'd just seen you with Seinen. They insisted I come and get you.\"\n\nOn the way back to the Mudōji, Musashi asked the priest who his visitors were and learned that they were from the Sannōin, another of the subsidiary temples.\n\nThere were about ten of them, dressed in black robes and wearing brown headbands. Their angry faces might well have belonged to the dreaded warrior-priests of old, a haughty race of bullies in clerical robes who had had their wings clipped but apparently had rebuilt their nest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those who had failed to profit from Nobunaga's lesson swaggered about with great swords at their sides, lording it over others, calling themselves scholars of the Buddhist Law but being in fact intellectual ruffians." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There he is,\" said one.\n\n\"Him?\" asked another contemptuously.\n\nThey stared with undisguised hostility.\n\nA burly priest, motioning to Musashi's guides with his lance, said, \"Thanks. You're not needed. Go inside the temple!\" Then, very gruffly, \"Are you Miyamoto Musashi?\"\n\nThere was no courtesy in the words. Musashi replied curtly, without bowing.\n\nAnother priest, appearing from behind the first, declaimed, as though reading from a text, \"I shall convey to you the decision handed down by the tribunal of the Enryakuji. It is this: 'Mount Hiei is a pure and sacred precinct, which must not be used as a haven by those who harbor enmities and grudges. Nor can it be offered as a refuge to base men who have engaged in dishonorable conflicts. The Mudōji has been instructed to send you away from the mountain immediately. If you disobey, you shall be strictly punished in accordance with the laws of the monastery.'\"\n\n\"I shall do as the monastery directs,\" Musashi replied in a mild tone. \"But since it is well past midday and I've made no preparations, I should like to ask that you permit me to stay until tomorrow morning. Also, I'd like to inquire whether this decision came from the civil authorities or from the clergy itself. The Mudōji reported my arrival. I was told there was no objection to my staying. I don't understand why this has changed so suddenly.\"\n\n\"If you really want to know,\" the first priest replied, \"I'll tell you. At first we were glad to extend our hospitality because you fought alone against a large number of men. Later, however, we received bad reports concerning you, which forced us to reconsider. We decided we could no longer afford to provide refuge for you.\"\n\n\"Bad reports?\" Musashi thought resentfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He might have expected that. It required no stretch of the imagination to guess that the Yoshioka School would be vilifying him all over Kyoto. But he saw no point in trying to defend himself. \"Very well,\" he said coldly. \"I shall leave tomorrow morning, without fail.\"\n\nAs he entered the temple gate, the priests started to malign him.\n\n\"Look at him, the evil wretch!\"\n\n\"He's a monster!\"\n\n\"Monster? Simple-minded is what he is!\"\n\nTurning and glaring at the men, Musashi asked sharply, \"What did you say?\"\n\n\"Oh, you heard, did you?\" asked a priest defiantly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. And there's one thing I would like you to know. I'll comply with the wishes of the priesthood, but I'm not going to put up with abuse from the likes of you. Are you looking for a fight?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'voice' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As servants of the Buddha, we do not pick fights,\" came the sanctimonious reply. \"I opened my mouth, and the words came out naturally.\"\n\n\"It must be the voice of heaven,\" said another priest.\n\nThe next instant they were all around Musashi, cursing, taunting, even spitting at him. He wasn't sure how long he'd be able to restrain himself. Despite the power the warrior-priests had lost, these latter-day embodiments had lost none of their arrogance.\n\n\"Look at him!\" sneered one of the priests. \"From what the villagers said, I thought he was a self-respecting samurai. Now I see he's only a brainless oaf! He doesn't get angry; he doesn't even know how to speak on his own behalf.\"\n\nThe longer Musashi remained silent, the more viciously the tongues wagged. Finally, his face reddening slightly, he said, \"Didn't you say something about the voice of heaven speaking through a man?\"\n\n\"Yes; what of it?\"\n\n\"Are you suggesting heaven has spoken out against me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've heard our decision. Don't you understand yet?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Weave this into your narrative: \"You have the gall to say that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\"\n\n\"I guess you wouldn't. Having no more sense than you do, you deserve to be pitied. But I daresay in the next life you'll come to your senses!\"\n\nWhen Musashi said nothing, the priest continued, \"You'd better be careful after you leave the mountain. Your reputation is nothing to be proud of.\"\n\n\"What does it matter what people say?\"\n\n\"Listen to him! He still thinks he's right.\"\n\n\"What I did was right! I did nothing base or cowardly in my fight with the Yoshiokas.\"\n\n\"You're talking nonsense!\"\n\n\"Did I do anything to be ashamed of? Name one thing!\"\n\n\"You have the gall to say that?\"\n\n\"I'm warning you. I'll overlook other things, but I won't permit anyone to belittle my sword!\"\n\n\"Very well, see if you can answer one question. We know you put up a brave fight against overwhelming odds. We admire your brute strength. We praise your courage in holding out against so many men. But why did you murder a boy only thirteen years old? How could you be so inhuman as to slaughter a mere child?\"\n\nMusashi's face turned pale; his body suddenly felt weak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The priest went on. \"After he lost his arm, Seijūrō became a priest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Denshichirō you killed outright. Genjirō was the only person left to succeed them. By murdering him, you put an end to the House of Yoshioka. Even if it was done in the name of the Way of the Samurai, it was cruel, dastardly. You're not good enough to be described as a monster or a demon. Do you consider yourself human? Do you imagine you should be ranked as a samurai? Do you even belong in this great land of the cherry blossoms?\n\n\"No! And this is why the priesthood is expelling you. Whatever the circumstances, slaying the child is unforgivable. A real samurai would commit no crime like that. The stronger a samurai is, the gentler and more considerate he is to the weak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A samurai understands and practices compassion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now go away from here, Miyamoto Musashi! As fast as you can! Mount Hiei rejects you!\"\n\nTheir anger spent, the priests marched off in a body.\n\nThough he'd borne this last torrent of abuse silently, it wasn't because he had no answer to their charges. \"Whatever they say, I was right,\" he thought. \"I did the only thing I could to protect my convictions, which are not mistaken.\"\n\nHe honestly believed in the validity of his principles and in the necessity of upholding them. Once the Yoshiokas had set Genjirō up as their standard-bearer, there had been no alternative to killing him. He was their general. So long as he lived, the Yoshioka School would remain undefeated. Musashi could have killed ten, twenty or thirty men, but unless Genjirō died, the survivors would always claim victory. Killing the boy first made Musashi the victor, even if he'd later been killed in the fighting.\n\nBy the laws of swordsmanship, there was no flaw in this logic." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'himself' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And to Musashi those laws were absolute.\n\nNevertheless, the memory of Genjirō disturbed him profoundly, giving rise to doubt, grief and pain. The cruelty of his act was repellent, even to himself.\n\n\"Should I throw away my sword and live like an ordinary man?\" he asked himself, not for the first time. In the clear, early evening sky, the white petals of the cherry blossoms fell randomly, like flakes of snow, leaving the trees looking as vulnerable as he now felt, vulnerable to doubts about whether he should not change his way of life. \"If I give up the sword, I could live with Otsū,\" he thought. But then he remembered the easygoing lives of the Kyoto townspeople and the world inhabited by Kōetsu and Shōyū.\n\n\"That's not for me,\" he said decisively.\n\nHe went through the gate and entered his room. Seated by the lamp, he took up his half-finished work and began carving rapidly. It was vitally important to finish the statue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whether the craftsmanship was expert or not, he wanted desperately to leave something here to comfort the spirit of the departed Genjirō.\n\nThe lamp dimmed; he trimmed the wick. In the dead stillness of evening, the sound of tiny chips falling on the tatami was audible. His concentration was total, his whole being focused with perfect intensity on the point of contact with the wood. Once he had set himself a task, it was his nature to lose himself in it until it was completed, unmindful of boredom or fatigue.\n\nThe tones of the sutra rose and fell.\n\nAfter each trimming of the wick, he resumed his work with an air of devotion and reverence, like the ancient sculptors who were said to have bowed three times to the Buddha before picking up their chisels to carve an image. His own statue of Kannon would be like a prayer for Genjirō's happiness in the next life and, in a sense, a humble apology to his own soul.\n\nFinally, he mumbled, \"I guess this will do.\" As he straightened up and examined the statue, the bell in the eastern pagoda sounded the second watch of the night, which began at ten o'clock. \"It's getting late,\" he thought, and left immediately to pay his respects to the head priest and ask him to take custody of the statue. The image was roughly carved, but he had put his soul into it, weeping tears of repentance as he prayed for the dead boy's spirit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No sooner was he out of the room than Seinen came in to sweep the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the room was again tidy, he laid out Musashi's pallet and, broom over shoulder, sauntered back to the kitchen. Unknown to Musashi, while he was still carving, a catlike figure had crept into the Mudōji, through doors that were never locked, and onto the veranda. After Seinen was out of sight, the shoji onto the veranda slid silently open and just as silently shut.\n\nMusashi returned with his going-away presents, a basket hat and a pair of straw sandals. Placing them beside his pillow, he extinguished the lamp and crawled into bed. The outer doors were open and a breeze blew softly through the corridors. There was just enough moonlight to give the white paper of the shoji a dull gray hue. Tree shadows swayed gently, like waves on a calm, open sea.\n\nHe snored softly, breathing more slowly as he sank deeper into sleep. Silently, the edge of a small screen in the corner shifted forward, and a dark figure crawled stealthily out on hands and knees. The snoring halted, and the black form quickly spread itself flat on the floor. Then, as the breathing steadied, the intruder advanced inch by inch, patiently, cautiously, coordinating his movements with the rhythmical breathing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All at once, the shadow rose like a cloud of black floss and descended on Musashi, crying, \"Now I'll teach you!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A short sword swept toward Musashi's neck. But the weapon clattered to one side as the black form flew back through the air and landed with a crash against the shoji. The invader emitted one loud wail before tumbling, along with the shoji, into the darkness outside.\n\nAt the instant Musashi made his throw, it crossed his mind that the person in his hands was as light as a kitten. Though the face had been swathed in cloth, he thought he had caught a glimpse of white hair. Without pausing to analyze these impressions, he grabbed his sword and ran out onto the veranda.\n\n\"Stop!\" he shouted. \"Since you've gone to the trouble of coming here, give me a chance to greet you properly!\" Leaping to the ground, he ran swiftly toward the sound of retreating footsteps. But his heart was not in it. After a few seconds, he stopped and watched laughingly as some priests disappeared into the darkness.\n\nOsugi, after her bone-jarring landing, lay on the ground groaning with pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why, Granny, it's you!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'about' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he exclaimed, surprised that his attacker was neither a Yoshioka man nor one of the irate priests. He put his arm around her to help her up.\n\n\"Now I begin to understand,\" he said. \"You're the one who told the priests a lot of bad things about me, aren't you? And since the story came from a courageous, upright old lady, they believed every word of it, I suppose.\"\n\n\"Oh, my back hurts!\" Osugi neither confirmed nor denied his accusation. She squirmed a bit but lacked the strength to put up much resistance. Feebly she said, \"Musashi, since it's come to this, it's no use worrying about right and wrong. The House of Hon'iden has been unlucky in war, so just cut off my head now.\"\n\nIt seemed unlikely to Musashi that she was merely being dramatic. Hers sounded like the honest words of a woman who had gone as far as she could and wanted to put an end to it.\n\n\"Are you in pain?\" he asked, refusing to take her seriously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where does it hurt? You can stay here tonight, so there's nothing to worry about.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He lifted her in his arms, carried her inside and laid her on his pallet. Sitting by her side, he nursed her through the night.\n\nWhen the sky lightened, Seinen brought the lunch box Musashi had requested, along with a message from the head priest, who, while apologizing for being rude, urged Musashi to be on his way as quickly as possible.\n\nMusashi sent word explaining that he now had an ailing old woman on his hands. The priest, not wanting Osugi at the temple, offered a suggestion. It seemed that a merchant from the town of Ōtsu had come to the temple with a cow and left the animal in the head priest's care while he went off on a side trip. The priest offered Musashi the use of the animal, saying that Musashi could let the woman ride it down the mountain. In Ōtsu, the cow could be left at the wharf or at one of the wholesale houses in the vicinity.\n\nMusashi accepted the offer gratefully." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\n6 sentences\nStyle:\nEiji Yoshikawa" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mother,\" said Gonnosuke, \"you're going too far. Can't you see I'm upset too?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was weeping, and the words came in spurts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shh! You'll wake him.\" His mother's voice was soft but stern. She might have been scolding a three-year-old. \"If you feel so bad, the only thing to do is get a firm grip on yourself and follow the Way with all your heart. Crying won't do any good. Besides, it's unbecoming. Wipe your face.\"\n\n\"First promise you'll forgive me for that shameful performance yesterday.\"\n\n\"Well, I couldn't help scolding you, but I suppose after all it's a matter of skill. They say the longer a man goes without facing a challenge, the weaker he becomes. It's only natural you lost.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hearing that from you makes it all the worse. After all your encouragement, I still lost. I see now I don't have the talent or spirit to be a real warrior. I'll have to give up the martial arts and be content with being a farmer. I can do more for you with my hoe than I can with my staff.\"\n\nMusashi was already awake. He sat straight up, amazed that the young man and his mother had taken the skirmish so seriously. He himself had already brushed it off as a mistake on his part as well as Gonnosuke's. \"What a sense of honor,\" he mumbled as he crept quietly into the next room. He went to the far side and put his eye to the crack between the shoji panels." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Faintly lit by the rising sun, Gonnosuke's mother was seated with her back to the Buddhist altar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gonnosuke was kneeling meekly before her, his eyes downcast and his face streaked with tears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Grabbing the back of his collar, she said with vehemence, \"What did you say? What's this about spending your life as a farmer?\" Pulling him closer, until his head rested on her knees, she continued in an outraged tone. \"Only one thing's kept me going all these years—the hope that I could make a samurai of you and restore our family's good name. So I had you read all those books and learn the martial arts. And that's why I've managed to live all these years on so little. And now... now you say you're going throw it all away!\"\n\nShe, too, began to weep. \"Since you let him get the best of you, you have to think of vindicating yourself. He's still here. When he wakes up, challenge him to another bout. That's the only way you can regain your self-confidence.\"\n\nGonnosuke, lifting his head, said sadly, \"If I could do that, Mother, I wouldn't feel the way I do now.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'staff' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the matter with you? You're not acting like yourself. Where's your spirit?\"\n\n\"Last night, when I went with him to the pond, I kept my eye open for a chance to attack him, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I kept telling myself he was only a nameless rōnin. Still, when I took a good look at him, my arm refused to move.\"\n\n\"That's because you're thinking like a coward.\"\n\n\"What of it? Look, I know I've got the blood of a Kiso samurai in me. I haven't forgotten how I prayed before the god of Ontake for twenty-one days.\"\n\n\"Didn't you swear before the god of Ontake that you'd use your staff to create your own school?\"\n\n\"Yes, but I guess I've been too complacent. I haven't considered that other men know how to fight too. If I'm as immature as I showed myself to be yesterday, how could I ever establish a school of my own? Rather than live in poverty and see you hungry, it'd be better to break my staff in half and forget about it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've never lost before, and you've had a number of matches. Maybe the god of Ontake intended yesterday's defeat as a lesson to you. Maybe you're being punished for being overconfident. Giving up the staff to take better care of me isn't the way to make me happy. When that rōnin wakes up, challenge him. If you lose again, then's the time to break your staff and forget your ambitions.\"\n\nMusashi went back to his room to give the matter some thought. If Gonnosuke challenged him, he'd have to fight. And if he fought, he knew he'd win. Gonnosuke would be crushed, his mother heartbroken.\n\n\"There's nothing to do but avoid it,\" he concluded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Noiselessly sliding open the door to the veranda, he went out. The morning sun spilled a whitish light through the trees. In the corner of the yard near a storehouse stood the cow, grateful for another day and for the grass growing at her feet. Bidding the animal a silent farewell, Musashi went through the windbreak and strode off on a path winding through the fields.\n\nMount Koma today was visible from top to bottom. The clouds were countless, small and cottony, each of a different shape, all playing freely in the breeze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jōtarō's young, Otsū frail,\" he told himself. \"But there're people who have the goodness of heart to take care of the young and the frail. Some power in the universe will decide whether I find them or not.\" His spirit, in turmoil since that day at the waterfall, had seemed in danger of losing its way. Now it returned to the path it was meant to follow. On a morning like this, thinking solely of Otsū and Jōtarō seemed shortsighted, no matter how important they were to him. He must keep his mind on the Way he had sworn to follow throughout this life and into the next." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Narai, which he reached a little after noon, was a thriving community." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One shop displayed a variety of pelts outside. Another specialized in Kiso combs.\n\nWith the intention of asking his way, Musashi stuck his head into a shop that sold medicine made from bear's gall. There was a sign reading \"The Big Bear,\" and by the entrance a large bear in a cage.\n\nThe proprietor, his back turned, finished pouring himself a cup of tea and said, \"Can I help you?\"\n\n\"Could you tell me how to find the store belonging to a man named Daizō?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Daizō? He's down at the next crossroads.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man came out, holding his cup of tea, and pointed down the road. Catching sight of his apprentice returning from an errand, he called, \"Here. This gentleman wants to go to Daizō's place. He might not recognize it, so you'd better take him there.\"\n\nThe apprentice, whose head was shaved so as to leave one shock of hair in front and another in back but none on top, marched off with Musashi in tow. The latter, grateful for the kindness, reflected that Daizō must enjoy the respect of his fellow townsmen.\n\n\"Over there,\" said the boy. He pointed at the establishment on the left and immediately took his leave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi, having expected a shop like the ones catering to travelers, was surprised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The grilled display window was eighteen feet long, and behind the shop there were two storehouses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The house, which was large and appeared to extend quite a way back from the high wall enclosing the rest of the compound, had an imposing entranceway, now closed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a certain hesitancy, Musashi opened the door and called, \"Good day!\" The large, dim interior reminded him of the inside of a sake brewery. Because of the dirt floor, the air was pleasantly cool.\n\nA man stood in front of a bookkeeper's cabinet in the office, a room with a raised floor covered with tatami.\n\nShutting the door behind him, Musashi explained what he wanted. Before he finished, the clerk nodded and said, \"Well, well, so you've come for the boy.\" He bowed and offered Musashi a cushion. \"I'm sorry to say, you've just missed him. He showed up around midnight, while we were preparing for the master's trip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seems the woman he was traveling with was kidnapped, and he wanted the master to help find her. The master told him he'd be glad to try, but he couldn't guarantee anything. If she'd been taken by a freebooter or bandit from around here, there'd be no problem. Apparently, though, it was another traveler, and he'd be sure to stay off the main roads.\n\n\"This morning, the master sent people out to look, but they didn't find any clues. The boy broke down when he heard that, so the master suggested he come along with him. Then they could look for her on the way, or they might even run into you. The boy seemed eager to go, and they left shortly after that. I guess it's been about four hours now. What a shame you missed them!\"\n\nMusashi was disappointed, though he wouldn't have been in time even if he had started earlier and traveled faster." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He consoled himself with the thought that there was always tomorrow.\n\n\"Where's Daizō going?\" he asked.\n\n\"It's hard to say. We don't run a shop in the ordinary sense. The herbs are prepared in the mountains and brought here. Twice a year, spring and fall, the salesmen stock up here and go out on the road. Since the master doesn't have much to keep him busy, he often takes trips, sometimes to temples or shrines, sometimes to hot-spring resorts, other times to places famous for their scenery. This time I suspect he'll go to the Zenkōji, travel around Echigo awhile and then go on to Edo. That's only a hunch, though. He never mentioned where he was going... Wouldn't you like some tea?\"\n\nMusashi waited impatiently, ill at ease in such surroundings, while fresh tea was fetched from the kitchen. When the tea arrived, he asked what Daizō looked like.\n\n\"Oh, if you see him, you'll recognize him right off. He's fifty-two years old, quite robust—looks strong too—squarish, ruddy face with a few pockmarks. There's a balding spot on his right temple.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How tall is he?\"\n\n\"About average, I'd say.\"\n\n\"How does he dress?\"\n\n\"Now that you ask, I imagine that's the easiest way to recognize him. He's wearing a striped Chinese cotton kimono he ordered from Sakai especially for this trip. It's a very unusual fabric. I doubt anybody else is wearing it yet.\"\n\nMusashi formed an impression of the man's character, as well as his appearance. Out of politeness, he lingered long enough to finish the tea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could not catch up with them before sundown, but he reckoned that if he traveled during the night, he'd be at Shiojiri Pass by dawn and could wait for them there.\n\nBy the time he came to the foot of the pass, the sun had disappeared, and an evening mist was descending softly over the highroad. It was late spring; lights in the houses along the road emphasized the loneliness of the mountains. It was still five miles to the top of the pass. Musashi climbed on, not stopping to relax until he reached Inojigahara, a high, level place hard by the pass. There he lay down among the stars and allowed his mind to wander." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was not long before he was sleeping soundly.\n\nThe diminutive Sengen Shrine marked the pinnacle of the rocky eminence that stood out like a carbuncle on the plateau. This was the highest point in the Shiojiri area.\n\nMusashi's sleep was interrupted by the sound of voices. \"Come up here,\" shouted one man. \"You can see Mount Fuji.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi sat up and looked around without seeing anyone.\n\nThe morning light was dazzling. And there, floating on a sea of clouds, was the red cone of Mount Fuji, still wearing its winter mantle of snow. The sight brought a childish cry of delight to his lips. He had seen paintings of the famous mountain and had a mental image of it, but this was the first time he had actually seen it. It was nearly a hundred miles away but seemed to be on the same level as he was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Magnificent,\" he sighed, making no effort to wipe the tears from his unblinking eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt awed by his own tininess, saddened by the thought of his insignificance in the vastness of the universe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since his victory at the spreading pine, he had secretly dared to think there were few, if any, men as well qualified as he was to be called great swordsmen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His own life on earth was short, limited; the beauty and splendor of Mount Fuji eternal. Annoyed and a little depressed, he asked himself how he could possibly attach any importance to his accomplishments with the sword.\n\nThere was an inevitability in the way nature rose majestically and sternly above him; it was in the order of things that he was doomed to remain beneath it. He fell on his knees before the mountain, hoping his presumptuousness would be forgiven, and clasped his hands in prayer—for his mother's eternal rest and for the safety of Otsū and Jōtarō. He expressed his thanks to his country and begged to be allowed to become great, even if he could not share nature's greatness.\n\nBut even as he knelt, different thoughts came rushing into his mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What had made him think man was small? Wasn't nature itself big only when it was reflected in human eyes? Didn't the gods themselves come into existence only when they communicated with the hearts of mortals? Men—living spirits, not dead rock—performed the greatest actions of all.\n\n\"As a man,\" he told himself, \"I am not so distant from the gods and the universe. I can touch them with the three-foot sword I carry. But not so long as I feel there is a distinction between nature and humankind. Not so long as I remain distant from the realm of the true expert, the fully developed man.\"\n\nHis contemplation was interrupted by the chattering of some merchants who had climbed up near where he was and were gazing at the peak." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They were right. You can see it.\"\n\n\"But it's not often you can bow before the sacred mountain from here.\"\n\nTravelers moved in antlike streams in both directions, laden with a kaleidoscopic array of luggage. Sooner or later Daizō and Jōtarō would come up the hill. If by chance he failed to pick them out from among the other travelers, surely they would see the sign he had left at the foot of the cliff: \"To Daizō of Narai. I wish to see you when you pass through. I shall wait at the shrine up above. Musashi, Jōtarō's teacher.\"\n\nThe sun was well above the horizon now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi had been watching the road like a hawk, but there was no sign of Daizō. On the other side of the pass, the road divided into three. One went through Kōshū straight to Edo. Another, the main route, crossed Usui Pass and entered Edo from the north. The third veered off to the northern provinces. Whether Daizō was going north to the Zenkōji or east to Edo, he would have to use this pass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still, as Musashi realized, people did not always move as one might expect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The wholesaler could have gone somewhere well off the beaten path, or he could be spending an extra night at the foot of the mountain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi decided it might not be a bad idea to go back there and ask about Daizō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he started down the path cut into the cliffside, he heard a familiar raucous voice say, \"There he is, up there!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It brought to mind instantly the staff that had grazed his body two nights before.\n\n\"Come down from there!\" Gonnosuke shouted. Staff in hand, he glared at Musashi. \"You ran away! You figured I'd challenge you and ducked out. Come down, fight me one more time!\"\n\nMusashi stopped between two rocks, leaned against one of them and stared silently at Gonnosuke.\n\nTaking this to mean that he was not coming, Gonnosuke said to his mother, \"Wait here. I'll go up there and throw him down. Just watch.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stop!\" scolded his mother, who was astride the cow. \"That's what's wrong with you. You're impatient. You have to learn to read your enemy's thoughts before you go flying into battle. Supposing he were to throw a big rock down on you, then what?\"\n\nMusashi could hear their voices, but the words were not clear. As far as he was concerned, he'd already won; he already understood how Gonnosuke used his staff. What he found upsetting was their bitterness and their desire for revenge. If Gonnosuke lost again, they would be that much more resentful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From his experience with the House of Yoshioka, he knew the folly of fighting bouts that led to even greater hostility." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And then there was the man's mother, in whom Musashi saw a second Osugi, a woman who loved her son blindly and would bear an eternal grudge against anyone who harmed him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned around and began climbing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'bowed' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait!\"\n\nHeld back by the strength of the old woman's voice, Musashi stopped and turned around.\n\nShe dismounted and walked to the foot of the cliff. When she was sure she had his attention, she knelt, put both hands on the ground and bowed deeply.\n\nMusashi had done nothing to cause her to humble herself before him, but he bowed back as best he could from the rocky path. His hand went out as though to help her up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good samurai!\" she cried." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am ashamed to appear before you like this. I'm sure you have nothing but scorn for my stubbornness. But I'm not acting out of hate or spite or ill will. I ask you to take pity on my son. For ten years he's practiced all by himself—no teachers, no friends, no truly worthy opponents. I beg you to give him another lesson in the art of fighting.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi listened silently.\n\n\"I would hate to see you part from us like this,\" she continued emotionally. \"My son's performance two days ago was shoddy. If he doesn't do something to prove his ability, neither he nor I will be able to face our ancestors. Right now he's nothing more than a farmer who lost a fight. Since he's had the good fortune to meet a warrior of your stature, it would be a shame for him not to profit from the experience. That's why I've brought him here. I implore you to heed my pleas and accept his challenge.\"\n\nHer speech ended, she bowed again, almost as though she were worshiping at Musashi's feet.\n\nComing down the hill, he took her hand and helped her back up onto the cow. \"Gonnosuke,\" he said, \"take the rope. Let's talk this over while we walk. I'll consider whether I want to fight you or not.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi walked slightly ahead of them, and though he had suggested discussing the question, said not a word. Gonnosuke kept his eyes suspiciously on Musashi's back, now and again absently flicking a switch at the cow's legs. His mother looked anxious and worried.\n\nWhen they had gone perhaps a mile, Musashi grunted and turned on his heel. \"I'll fight you,\" he said.\n\nDropping the rope, Gonnosuke said, \"Are you ready now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked around to check his position, as if ready to have it out right then and there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ignoring him, Musashi addressed his mother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you prepared for the worst? There's not a whit's difference between a bout like this and a fight to the death, even if the weapons are not the same.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the first time, the old woman laughed. \"No need to tell me that. If he loses to a younger man like you, then he may as well give up the martial arts, and if he does that, there'd be no further point in living. If it turns out that way, I'll bear you no grudge.\"\n\n\"If that's the way you feel, all right.\" He picked up the rope Gonnosuke had thrown down. \"If we stay on the road, there'll be people in the way. Let's tie the cow up, then I'll fight as long as you wish.\"\n\nThere was a huge larch tree in the very middle of the flat area on which they stood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pointing at it, Musashi led them there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Make your preparations, Gonnosuke,\" he said calmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gonnosuke needed no urging." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a moment he was standing before Musashi with his staff pointed toward the ground.\n\nMusashi stood empty-handed, arms and shoulders relaxed.\n\n\"Aren't you going to make any preparations?\" asked Gonnosuke.\n\n\"What for?\"\n\nGonnosuke's anger flared. \"Get something to fight with. Anything you want.\"\n\n\"I'm ready.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'sword' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No weapon?\"\n\n\"I have my weapon here,\" Musashi replied, bringing his left hand up to his sword hilt.\n\n\"You're fighting with a sword?\"\n\nMusashi's only reply was a crooked little smile at the corner of his mouth. They were already at the stage where he couldn't afford to waste breath talking.\n\nUnderneath the larch tree sat Gonnosuke's mother, looking like a stone Buddha." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't fight yet. Wait!\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Staring at each other, not making the slightest move, neither man seemed to hear." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'gonnosuke's' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gonnosuke's staff was waiting under his arm for the opportunity to strike, as if it had breathed in all the air on the plateau and was about to exhale it in one great screeching blow. His hand glued to the underside of his sword hilt, Musashi's eyes seemed to pierce Gonnosuke's body. Inwardly, the battle had already begun, for the eye can damage a man more seriously than sword or staff. After the opening slice is made with the eye, the sword or staff slips in effortlessly.\n\n\"Wait!\" called the mother again.\n\n\"What is it?\" asked Musashi, jumping back four or five feet to a safe position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're fighting with a real sword?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The way I fight, it doesn't make any difference whether I use a wooden sword or a real one.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Work this phrase into your response organically: \"Gonnosuke, give your name first.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not trying to stop you.\"\n\n\"I want to be sure you understand. The sword, wood or steel, is absolute. In a real bout, there are no halfway measures. The only way to avoid risk is to run away.\"\n\n\"You're perfectly right, but it occurred to me that in a match this important, you should announce yourself formally. Each of you is meeting an opponent the likes of whom he will encounter only rarely. After the fight's over, it'll be too late.\"\n\n\"True.\"\n\n\"Gonnosuke, give your name first.\"\n\nGonnosuke bowed formally to Musashi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Our distant ancestor is said to have been Kakumyō, who fought under the banner of the great warrior of Kiso, Minamoto no Yoshinaka. After Yoshinaka's death, Kakumyō became a follower of the saint Hōnen, and it is possible that we are from the same family as he. Over the centuries, our ancestors have lived in this area, but in my father's generation we suffered dishonor, which I shall not name. In my distress, I went with my mother to Ontake Shrine and vowed in writing that I would restore our good name by following the Way of the Samurai. Before the god of Ontake Shrine, I acquired my technique for using the staff. I call it the Musō Style, that is, the Style of the Vision, for I received it in a revelation at the shrine. People call me Musō Gonnosuke.\"\n\nMusashi returned his bow. \"My family is descended from Hirata Shōgen, whose house was a branch of the Akamatsus of Harima. I am the only son of Shimmen Munisai, who lived in the village of Miyamoto in Mimasaka. I have been given the name Miyamoto Musashi. I have no close relatives, and I have dedicated my life to the Way of the Sword. If I should fall before your staff, there is no need to trouble yourself about my remains.\"\n\nRetaking his stance, he cried, \"On guard!\"\n\n\"On guard!\"\n\nThe old woman seemed scarcely to breathe." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'would' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Far from having danger thrust on herself and her son, she had gone out of her way to seek it out, deliberately placing her son in front of Musashi's gleaming sword. Such a course would have been unthinkable for an ordinary mother, but she was fully confident she had done the right thing. She sat now in formal style, her shoulders leaning slightly forward and her hands placed primly, one on top of the other, on her knees. Her body gave the impression of being small and shrunken; it would have been hard to believe that she had borne several children, buried all but one of them, and persevered through innumerable hardships to make a warrior out of the lone survivor.\n\nHer eyes emitted a flash of light, as though all the gods and bodhisattvas of the cosmos had gathered in her person to witness the battle.\n\nIn the instant when Musashi unsheathed, Gonnosuke felt a chill go through his body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sensed instinctively that his fate, exposed to Musashi's sword, had already been decided, for at this moment he saw before him a man he had not seen before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two days earlier, he had observed Musashi in a fluid, flexible mood, one that might be likened to smooth, flowing lines of calligraphy in the cursive style." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was unprepared for the man who faced him now, a study in austerity, like a square, immaculately written character with every line and dot in place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Realizing that he had misjudged his adversary, he found himself unable to swing into a violent attack, as he had done before. His staff remained poised but powerless above his head.\n\nWhile the two men confronted each other silently, the last of the morning mist cleared away. A bird flew indolently between them and the hazy mountains in the distance. Then all at once a shriek split the air, as though the bird had plummeted to earth. It was impossible to tell whether the sound came from the sword or the staff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was unreal—the clapping of one hand that followers of Zen talk about." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Simultaneously, the two fighters' bodies, moving in perfect coordination with their weapons, shifted positions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The change took less time than it takes for an image to be transmitted from the eye to the brain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gonnosuke's strike had missed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi had defensively reversed his forearm and swept upward, from near Gonnosuke's side to a point above his head, narrowly missing his right shoulder and temple." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi then employed his masterful return strike, the one that had previously brought all opponents to grief, but Gonnosuke, seizing his staff near the ends with both hands, blocked the sword above his own head.\n\nHad the sword not met the wood obliquely, Gonnosuke's weapon would doubtless have been split in two. In shifting, he had thrust his left elbow forward and lifted his right elbow, with the intent of striking Musashi in the solar plexus, but at what should have been the moment of impact, the end of the staff was still a fraction of an inch from Musashi's body.\n\nWith sword and staff crossed above Gonnosuke's head, neither could advance or retreat. Both knew that a false move meant sudden death. Though the position was analogous to a sword-guard-to-sword-guard impasse, Musashi was aware of the important differences between sword and staff." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A staff ostensibly had no guard, no blade, no hilt, no point. But in the hands of an expert like Gonnosuke, any part of the four-foot weapon could be blade, point or hilt. Thus the staff was far more versatile than the sword and could even be used as a short lance.\n\nUnable to predict Gonnosuke's reaction, Musashi could not withdraw his weapon. Gonnosuke, on the other hand, was in an even more perilous position: his weapon was playing the passive role of blocking Musashi's blade. If he allowed his spirit to waver for so much as an instant, the sword would split open his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gonnosuke's face paled, he bit his lower lip, and oily sweat glistened around the upturned corners of his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the crossed weapons began to waver, his breathing became heavier.\n\n\"Gonnosuke!\" cried his mother, her face more pallid than her son's. She raised her torso and slapped her hip. \"Your hip's too high!\" she shouted, then fell forward. Her senses seemed to have left her; her voice had sounded as though she were spitting blood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had appeared that sword and staff would remain locked until the fighters turned to stone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the sound of the old woman's cry, they came apart with a force more frightening than that of their coming together.\n\nMusashi, slamming his heels into the ground, leaped backward a full seven feet. The interval was spanned in a flash by Gonnosuke and the length of his staff. Musashi barely managed to jump aside.\n\nThwarted in this do-or-die attack, Gonnosuke stumbled forward off balance, exposing his back. Musashi moved with the speed of a peregrine falcon, and a thin flash of light connected with the dorsal muscles of his adversary, who, with the bleat of a terrified calf, stumbled, and fell face down on the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi sat down with a thud on the grass, holding his hand to his stomach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I give up!\" he shouted.\n\nNo sound came from Gonnosuke. His mother, too stunned to speak, stared blankly at his prostrate form.\n\n\"I used the ridge of the sword,\" said Musashi, turning to her. Since she did not seem to comprehend, he said, \"Get him some water. He's not badly hurt.\"\n\n\"What?\" she cried in disbelief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seeing there was no blood on her son's body, she staggered to his side and threw her arms around him. She called his name, brought him water, then shook him until he came to his senses.\n\nGonnosuke gazed vacantly at Musashi for a few minutes, then walked over to him and bowed his forehead to the ground. \"I'm sorry,\" he said simply. \"You're too good for me.\"\n\nMusashi, seemingly awakening from a trance, grasped his hand and said, \"Why do you say that? You didn't lose; I did.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He opened the front of his kimono. \"Look at this.\" He pointed to a red spot where the staff had struck him. \"Only a little more and I'd have been killed.\" There was a tremor of shock in his voice, for the truth was he had not yet figured out when or how he had suffered the wound.\n\nGonnosuke and his mother stared at the red mark but said nothing.\n\nPulling his kimono together, Musashi asked the old woman why she had cautioned her son about his hips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had she observed something faulty or dangerous in his stance?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I'm no expert in these matters, but as I watched him using all his strength to hold your sword off, it seemed to me he was missing an opportunity. He couldn't advance, couldn't retreat, and he was too excited. But I saw that if he simply dropped his hips, holding his hands the way they were, the end of the staff would naturally strike your chest. It all happened in an instant. At the time, I wasn't really conscious of what I said.\"\n\nMusashi nodded, regarding himself fortunate to have received a useful lesson without having had to pay with his life. Gonnosuke, too, listened reverently; no doubt he had also gained a new insight. What he had just experienced was no ephemeral revelation but a journey to the boundary between life and death. His mother, perceiving him to be on the brink of disaster, had taught him a lesson in survival.\n\nYears later, after Gonnosuke had established his own style and become known far and wide, he recorded the technique his mother had discovered on this occasion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though he wrote at some length of his mother's devotion and of his match with Musashi, he refrained from saying that he had won." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the contrary, for the rest of his life he told people that he had lost, and that the defeat had been an invaluable lesson to him.\n\nMusashi, having wished mother and son well, proceeded on from Inojigahara to Kamisuwa, unaware that he was being followed by a samurai who inquired of all the grooms at the horse stations, as well as of other travelers, whether they had seen Musashi on the road." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant, your partner will send something and you will write the next five sentences. The story may reference existing characters and events - incorporate them as presented." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seated in a back room of the small house Kakubei had lent him, Kojirō was examining the Drying Pole. After the incident with Hōjō Shinzō, he had requested Kakubei to press the craftsman for the return of the weapon. It had come back this morning.\n\n\"It won't be polished, of course,\" Kojirō had predicted, but in fact the sword had been worked on with an attention and care that were beyond his wildest hopes. From the blue-black metal, rippling like the current of a deep-running stream, there now sprang a brilliant white glow, the light of centuries past." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rust spots, which had seemed like leprous blemishes, were gone; the wavy tempering pattern between the blade's edge and the ridge line, hitherto smudged with bloodstains, was now as serenely beautiful as a misty moon floating in the sky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's like seeing it for the first time,\" marveled Kojirō. Unable to take his eyes from the sword, he didn't hear the visitor calling from the front of the house: \"Are you here?... Kojirō?\"\n\nThis part of the hill had been given the name Tsukinomisaki because of the magnificent view it afforded of the rising moon. From his sitting room, Kojirō could see the stretch of bay from Shiba to Shinagawa. Across the bay, frothy clouds appeared to be on a level with his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At this moment, the white of the distant hills and the greenish blue of the water seemed fused with the blade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kojirō! Isn't anybody here?\" This time the voice came from the grass-woven side gate.\n\nComing out of his reverie, he shouted, \"Who is it?\" and returned the sword to its scabbard. \"I'm in the back. If you want to see me, come around to the veranda.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, here you are,\" said Osugi, walking around to where she could see into the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, this is a surprise,\" said Kojirō cordially. \"What brings you out on a hot day like this?\"\n\n\"Just a minute. Let me wash my feet. Then we can talk.\"\n\n\"The well's over there. Be careful. It's quite deep. You, boy—go with her and see she doesn't fall in.\" The man addressed as \"boy\" was a low-ranking member of Hangawara's gang who had been sent along to guide Osugi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After washing her sweaty face and rinsing her feet, Osugi entered the house and exchanged a few words of greeting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Noticing the pleasant breeze coming off the bay, she squinted and said, \"The house is nice and cool. Aren't you afraid you'll get lazy, staying in a comfortable place like this?\"\n\nKojirō laughed. \"I'm not like Matahachi.\"\n\nThe old woman blinked her eyes sadly but ignored the barb. \"Sorry I didn't bring you a real gift,\" she said. \"In place of one I'll give you a sutra I copied.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As she handed him the Sutra on the Great Love of Parents, she added, \"Please read it when you have time.\"\n\nAfter a perfunctory glance at her handiwork, Kojirō turned to her guide and said, \"That reminds me. Did you put up the signs I wrote for you?\"\n\n\"The ones telling Musashi to come out of hiding?\"\n\n\"Yes, those.\"\n\n\"It took us two whole days, but we put one up at almost every important intersection.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Osugi said, \"We passed some on the way here. Everywhere they're posted, people are standing around gossiping. It made me feel good to hear the things they're saying about Musashi.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include \"Not on your life. Being laughed at isn't going to get through to him. He's shameless. And it won't satisfy me either. I want to see him punished once and for all.\" somewhere in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If he doesn't answer the challenge, he's finished as a samurai. The whole country'll be laughing at him. That should be ample revenge for you, Granny.\"\n\n\"Not on your life. Being laughed at isn't going to get through to him. He's shameless. And it won't satisfy me either. I want to see him punished once and for all.\"\n\n\"Ha, ha,\" laughed Kojirō, amused by her tenacity. \"You get older, but you never give up, do you? By the way, did you come about anything in particular?\"\n\nThe old lady rearranged herself and explained that after more than two years with Hangawara she felt she should be moving on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was not right for her to live on Yajibei's hospitality indefinitely; besides, she was tired of mothering a houseful of roughnecks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had seen a nice little place for rent in the vicinity of Yoroi Ferry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you think?\" Her face was serious, questioning. \"It doesn't look like I'll find Musashi soon. And I have a feeling Matahachi's somewhere in Edo. I think I should have some money sent from home and stay on for a while. But by myself, as I said.\"\n\nThere being no reason for Kojirō to object, he quickly agreed with her. His own connection with the Hangawara ménage, entertaining and useful at the beginning, was now a little embarrassing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was certainly no asset to a rōnin looking for a master." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had already decided to discontinue the practice sessions.\n\nKojirō summoned one of Kakubei's subordinates and had him bring a watermelon from the patch behind the house. They chatted while it was being cut and served, but before long he showed his guest out, his manner rather suggesting he preferred to have her out of the way before sundown.\n\nWhen they had left, he himself swept his rooms and sprinkled the garden with well water. The morning glory and yam vines growing on the fence had reached the top and returned to the ground again, threatening to ensnare the foot of the stone water basin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their white flowers waved in the evening breeze." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'would' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In his room again, he lay down and wondered idly if his host would be on duty that night at the Hosokawa house. The lamp, which would probably have been blown out by the wind anyway, was unlit. The light of the moon, rising beyond the bay, was already on his face.\n\nAt the bottom of the hill, a young samurai was breaking through the cemetery fence.\n\nKakubei stabled the horse he rode to and from the Hosokawa mansion at a florist's shop at the foot of Isarago Hill." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'florist' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This evening, curiously enough, there was no sign of the florist, who always came out promptly to take charge of the animal. Not seeing him inside the shop, Kakubei went around to the back and started to tether his horse to a tree. As he did so, the florist came running out from behind the temple.\n\nTaking the reins from Kakubei's hands, he panted, \"Sorry, sir. There was a strange man in the cemetery, on his way up the hill. I shouted, told him there was no pathway there. He turned and stared at me—angry he was—then disappeared.\" He paused for a moment, peered up into the dark trees and added worriedly, \"Do you think he could be a burglar? They say a lot of daimyō houses have been broken into recently.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kakubei had heard the rumors, but he replied with a short laugh, \"That's all talk, nothing more. If the man you saw was a burglar, I daresay he was a petty thief or one of the rōnin who waylay people on the streets.\"\n\n\"Well, we're right here at the entrance to the Tōkaidō, and lots of travelers have been attacked by men fleeing to other provinces. It makes me nervous when I see suspicious-looking men around at night.\"\n\n\"If anything happens, run up the hill and knock at my gate. The man staying with me is chafing at the bit, always complaining there's never any action around here.\"\n\n\"You mean Sasaki Kojirō? He's got quite a reputation as a swordsman here in the neighborhood.\"\n\nHearing this did Kakubei's self-esteem no harm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Apart from liking young people, he knew quite well that it was regarded as both admirable and wise for established samurai like himself to take on promising younger men as protégés." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'would'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Should an emergency arise, there could be no more persuasive proof of his loyalty than to be able to furnish his lord with good fighters. And if one of them turned out to be outstanding, due credit would be given to the retainer who had recommended him. One of Kakubei's beliefs was that self-interest was an undesirable trait in a vassal; nevertheless, he was realistic. In a large fief, there were few retainers willing to disregard their own interests entirely.\n\nDespite the fact that he held his position through heredity, Kakubei was as loyal to Lord Tadatoshi as the other retainers, without being the sort who would strive to outdo others in demonstrating his fealty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For purposes of routine administration, men of his type were on the whole much more satisfactory than the firebrands who sought to perform spectacular feats." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm back,\" he called on entering the gate to his house. The hill was quite steep, and he was always a little winded when he reached this point. Since he had left his wife in the country and the house was populated mostly by men, with only a few woman servants, feminine touches tended to be lacking. Yet on evenings when he had no night duty, he invariably found the stone path from the red gate to the entrance inviting, for it had been freshly watered down in anticipation of his return. And no matter how late the hour, someone always came to the front door to greet him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is Kojirō here?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's been in all day,\" replied the servant. \"He's lying down in his room, enjoying the breeze.\"\n\n\"Good. Get some sake ready and ask him to come in to see me.\"\n\nWhile preparations were being made, Kakubei took off his sweaty clothes and relaxed in the bath. Then, donning a light kimono, he entered his sitting room, where Kojirō sat waving a fan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sake was brought in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kakubei poured, saying, \"I called you because something encouraging happened today that I wanted to tell you about.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good news?\"\n\n\"Since I mentioned your name to Lord Tadatoshi, he seems to have heard of you from other sources as well. Today he told me to bring you to see him sometime soon. As you know, it's not easy to arrange these matters. There are dozens of retainers with someone they want to suggest.\" His expectation that Kojirō would be immensely pleased showed clearly in his tone and manner.\n\nKojirō put his cup to his lips and drank. When he did speak, his expression was unchanged and he said only, \"Let me pour you one now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kakubei, far from being put out, admired the young man for being able to conceal his emotions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This means I've been successful in carrying out what you requested of me. I think that calls for a celebration. Have another.\"\n\nKojirō bowed his head slightly and mumbled, \"I'm grateful for your kindness.\"\n\n\"I was only doing my duty, of course,\" Kakubei replied modestly. \"When a man is as capable and talented as you, I owe it to my lord to see that you're given consideration.\"\n\n\"Please don't overestimate me. And let me reemphasize one point. It's not the stipend I'm interested in. I simply think the House of Hosokawa is a very good one for a samurai to serve. It's had three outstanding men in a row.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "💬 Please integrate this quote: \"I was told that I could bring you anytime. When would you like to go?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The three men were Tadatoshi and his father and grandfather, Sansai and Yūsai.\n\n\"You needn't think I've talked you up to the high heavens. I didn't have to. The name Sasaki Kojirō is known throughout the capital.\"\n\n\"How could I be famous when all I do is loaf around here all day long? I don't see that I'm outstanding in any way. It's just that there are so many fakes around.\"\n\n\"I was told that I could bring you anytime. When would you like to go?\"\n\n\"Any time suits me too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How about tomorrow?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's all right with me.\" His face revealed no eagerness, no anxiety, only calm self-confidence.\n\nKakubei, even more impressed at his sangfroid, chose this time to say matter-of-factly, \"You understand, of course, his lordship won't be able to make a final decision until he's seen you. You needn't let that worry you. It's only a matter of form. I have no doubt but what the position will be offered.\"\n\nKojirō set his cup down on the table and stared straight into Kakubei's face. Then, very coldly and defiantly, he said, \"I've changed my mind. Sorry to have put you to so much trouble.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blood seemed about to burst from his ear-lobes, already bright red from the drink." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wh-what?\" stammered Kakubei. \"You mean you're giving up the chance for a position with the House of Hosokawa?\"\n\n\"I don't like the idea,\" answered his guest curtly, offering no further explanation. His pride told him there was no reason for him to submit to an inspection; dozens of other daimyō would snap him up sight unseen for fifteen hundred, even twenty-five hundred, bushels.\n\nKakubei's puzzled disappointment seemed to make no impression on him whatsoever, nor did it matter that he would be regarded as a willful ingrate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without the least suggestion of doubt or repentance, he finished off his food in silence and returned to his own quarters.\n\nThe moonlight fell softly on the tatami. Stretching out drunkenly on the floor, arms under his head, he began to laugh quietly to himself. \"Honest man, that Kakubei. Good, old, honest Kakubei.\" He knew his host would be at a loss to explain this sudden shift to Tadatoshi, but he knew also that Kakubei would not be angry at him for very long, no matter how outrageously he behaved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While he had piously denied interest in the stipend, he was in fact consumed with ambition." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wanted a stipend and much more—every ounce of fame and success he could possibly achieve. Otherwise, what would be the purpose of persevering through years of arduous training?\n\nKojirō's ambition was different from that of other men only by dint of its magnitude. He wanted to be known throughout the country as a great and successful man, to bring glory to his home in Iwakuni, to enjoy every one of the benefits that can possibly derive from being born human. The quickest road to fame and riches was to excel in the martial arts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was fortunate in having a natural talent for the sword; he knew this and derived no small measure of self-satisfaction from it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had planned his course intelligently and with remarkable foresight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every action of his was calculated to put him closer to his goal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To his way of thinking, Kakubei, though his senior, was naive and a little sentimental." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He fell asleep dreaming of his brilliant future.\n\nLater, when the moonlight had edged a foot across the tatami, a voice no louder than the breeze whispering through the bamboo said, \"Now.\" A shadowy form, crouching among the mosquitoes, crept forward like a frog to the eaves of the unlighted house.\n\nThe mysterious man seen earlier at the foot of the hill advanced slowly, silently, until he reached the veranda, where he stopped and peered into the room. Stooping in the shadows, out of the moonlight, he might have remained undiscovered indefinitely had he himself made no sound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kojirō snored on. The soft hum of insects, briefly interrupted as the man moved into position, came again across the dew-covered grass.\n\nMinutes passed. Then the silence was broken by the clatter the man made as he whipped out his sword and jumped up onto the veranda.\n\nHe leapt toward Kojirō and cried, \"Arrgh!\" an instant before he clenched his teeth and struck.\n\nThere was a sharp hissing as a long black object descended heavily on his wrist, but the original force of his strike had been powerful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead of falling from his hand, his sword sank into the tatami, where Kojirō's body had been.\n\nLike a fish darting away from a pole striking water, the intended victim had streaked to the wall. He now stood facing the intruder, the Drying Pole in one hand, its scabbard in the other.\n\n\"Who are you?\" Kojirō's breathing was calm. Alert as always to the sounds of nature's creatures, to the falling of a dewdrop, he was unperturbed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I-it-it's me!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'Me' doesn't tell me anything. I know you're a coward, attacking a man in his sleep. What's your name?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'gossip' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am Yogorō, the only son of Obata Kagenori. You took advantage of my father when he was sick. And you spread gossip about him all over the city.\"\n\n\"I wasn't the one who spread the gossip. It was the gossipers—the people of Edo.\"\n\n\"Who was it who lured his students into a fight and killed them?\"\n\n\"I did that, no doubt about it. I, Sasaki Kojirō. How can I help it if I'm better than they? Stronger. Braver. More knowledgeable in the Art of War.\"\n\n\"How can you have the gall to say that when you called on Hangawara's vermin to help you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a snarl of disgust, Kojirō took a step forward." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you want to hate me, go ahead! But any man who carries a personal grudge into a test of strength in the Art of War isn't even a coward. He's worse than that, more pitiable, more laughable. So once again I have to take the life of an Obata man. Are you resigned to that?\"\n\nNo answer.\n\n\"I said, are you resigned to your fate?\" He moved another step forward. As he did so, the light of the moon reflecting off the newly polished blade of his sword blinded Yogorō.\n\nKojirō stared at his prey as a starving man stares at a feast." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Chapter Segment Request:\n- Sentences: eight sentences\n- Style: Katherine M. Lawrence\n- Genre: historical fiction, Japan, adventure\n- Note: Part of ongoing narrative" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: 1 sentence sentences continuing this chapter, Katherine M. Lawrence style, historical fiction, Japan, adventure genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Plots can sprout suddenly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like all truly great opportunities, they come to life without warning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This one came two days earlier, when the Taka traitor's spies reported that Yamabuki was about to ride out, unaccompanied, heading for Heian-kyō, carrying two mysterious communiqués." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The traitor, who went by an alias, Yo‑aki, which means \"Strange Mystic,\" was one of the few who knew about the dispatches, but he did not know the specifics of the messages." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In fact he had absolutely no idea of what they contained, and this bothered him greatly, for until that morning he had not been informed even of their existence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had he fallen out of favor?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The messages were in the form of sealed scrolls and they were handed directly from the mother and the father, respectively, to their daughter, and as far as Yo‑aki could tell, from then on they were never out of Yamabuki's reach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yo‑aki's master plan came to him in a flash." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not only would he get access to the scrolls by intercepting them, but he would also eliminate Yamabuki in a fell swoop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The scrolls were perhaps ultimately worthless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In any case, his curiosity would be satisfied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More important, Yamabuki would be eliminated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yo‑aki never used intermediaries when he hired assassins." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mindful of the threat from counterspies, he met assassins personally, even though it exposed him to some danger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ninja, not the most honorable people, might for various reasons make their own attempts on Yo‑aki, but master swordsman that he was, he was likely better at killing than any of them were." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In fact, Yo‑aki could have dispensed with assassins altogether and simply killed Yamabuki straightaway and practically at any time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could have easily strangled her in her infancy, smothering her and then made it look like she had simply died in her sleep, just as her older brothers had." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was good at killing in a way that left no marks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "However, Yamabuki had never been the slightest threat to his plans, that is, until recently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though it was clear that she had to die, she could not be allowed to fall under anyone's sword within the compound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nothing that could in any way be linked back to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She also could not even suddenly somehow fall sick, likely along with her food taster, and die unexpectedly of some mysterious ailment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That would not at all have suited Yo‑aki's purposes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The deed had to be done by others and it had to happen far away from the Taka compound." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki, along with the scrolls, had to basically vanish and her body never found." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Confusion as to her whereabouts, and swirling questions as to whether she was alive or dead, would suit Yo‑aki's machinations.\n\nAnd thus began Yo‑aki's race by fast kago to the headwaters of the River of Forty Thousand Sands, to find a man known simply as Saburo, reputedly one of the most accomplished assassins in the Empire." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 9 sentences sentences, Katherine M. Lawrence style, historical fiction, Japan, adventure genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'himself' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Six days later, Saburo stood on Foot Trail above the cove at the Barrier Strait. He had been waiting for Yamabuki since first light. He had disguised himself with authentic crabber's attire right down to the sandals from an actual crab fisher who was delighted to part with the clothes off his back, along with a tightly woven wicker basket brimming with fresh-trapped crabs, for thirty pieces of silver. All Saburo had to do was put on an old eye patch that was made to look ragged and his disguise was complete—that and the black ink with which he dyed his hair.\n\nSaburo situated himself halfway down the wooded bluff, lying in wait with a steel pike. It was a lonely spot. Thus it was perfect. It had a good vantage in both directions along the trail and also had a clear view of the Strait and the cove far below.\n\nThe morning was warm and slightly hazy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The full-moon tide was now rushing through the passage between the Isle of Unknown Fires and Honshu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo placed the weapon just inside the crab basket, a place where few would willingly thrust an exposed hand. When the Taka girl walked by, all Saburo had to do was grab the pike, leap at her, and plunge it into her ribs. Armor or not, the sharp-pointed steel would gore her. Because the pike would penetrate into her lung cavity, it would almost instantly be fatal, for she would be unable to breathe or make so much as a sound. He would tear the tantō from out of his sleeve and slit her throat in one merciful stroke, then quickly drag the body into the brush, leaving it for the wild dogs.\n\nAt the moment, however, there was no one on the trail except him. The morning remained unusually quiet, as if most everyone had forgotten to wake up. Haul boats neither left nor arrived at the cove. On most days by now, the shore would have been filled with travelers at the foot of the bluffs." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'would' appears 3 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Today only the oystermen with their buckets walked along the beaches.\n\nThe nearby town of Kita, too, was especially still. The day was unusually balmy for the season, a mere half month since the vernal equinox.\n\nWere he not about to assassinate the Taka girl, he would have enjoyed the morning by taking a stroll along the top of the bluffs. But with two thousand pieces of gold still to earn, he had to remain vigilant. There would be plenty of time for enjoyment after he disposed of her—short work to kill an inexperienced girl who was but seventeen springs, almost two full years younger than he had been when he killed his first man. With luck, Saburo would head back to the Isle of Two Kingdoms before the sun reached mid-heaven.\n\nSaburo was infrequently called upon to kill women, and even fewer times had he killed girls. However, he did not allow himself to feel sorry for any of his targets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That sort of indulgence was something a professional could never afford. If he wanted to be sentimental about anything, he would be sentimental about the morning. Sitting on the shadowy trail, he watched the gulls wheel overhead and listened to the soothing sound of the ocean, contemplating the beauty of the world, much as he had when he had manned the main gate at the monastery years before.\n\nHe again peered over the side of the bluff. Far below at the shore, he saw the white-and-orange robes of the two ninja disguised as monks. Saburo immediately grew annoyed. They were supposed to wait at the top of Carriage Road should Yamabuki take it down to the shore instead of Foot Trail. Already they had mishandled their mission. Saburo did not know the actual names of the two ninja, nor did he want to know, nor did he care." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They boasted that together they had killed over twenty men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But they were young. Inexperienced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His musings were interrupted by shouts and singing echoing off the cove's sheer walls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At water's edge, a kobune packed with Ōuchi samurai glided toward shore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once they landed, chances were the warriors would come up Foot Trail, and a trail teeming with samurai would make it almost impossible to carry out a discreet assassination.\n\nSaburo only hoped the Ōuchi would clear out by the time that Yamabuki appeared; otherwise it would be up to Kuma's two ninja to intercept her. He had to make sure it did not come to that.\n\nSoon the kobune would head back across the Strait. If the Taka girl had been waiting at the trailhead, probably she was now on her way down.\n\nHis patron had described her: quite tall, she would be wearing full armor composed of dark-pine-green-lacquered kozane knotted together with cobalt-blue silk cords—a combination of weave and color typical of all Taka warriors. And she would travel without her personal bodyguards.\n\nThe first business for Saburo, however, was to deal with the disembarking Ōuchi, who had already come well up the trail. A lingering crabber who \"just happened\" to be standing around would be out of place and character." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo pulled open the wicker door to the crab basket, shook the carrier hard, and about fifteen or so of the clawed creatures fell out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They immediately started to lumber along the dirt in the way of their kind. In a moment, he was on his knees with them.\n\n\"Shoo! Shoo!\" he whispered, shoving the crabs along to get them moving. His head surreptitiously swiveling, Saburo waited, looking down the trail for the Ōuchi, and up the trail for his victim.\n\nThe Ōuchi appeared first. Saburo lifted his hands helplessly as they started to stream past him.\n\n\"Oh no,\" he moaned. \"My catch! My catch! Oh please, Great Buddha, take pity on me.\"\n\nThe warriors, for their part, had enough room on the road to pass, for Saburo had staged his tragedy at the widest spot along the otherwise narrow trail." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Ōuchi continued on, some smirking at the crabber, others contemptuous in their feigned disinterest and nonchalance.\n\nEvery once in a while Saburo would pick up a crab, giving him a reason to slip his hand into the basket.\n\nAs the last of the forty or so Ōuchi headed on up the trail, out of the corner of his eye Saburo spied Yamabuki. The patron had described her perfectly, yet upon seeing her, there were a few critical details that had not been mentioned. For one, she led a massive battle horse. To fulfill the requirement of discreetly killing her, Saburo would have to deal with the mount after she was dead, and battle horses were temperamental and difficult to control. And this one would be conspicuous. Even more conspicuous would be a lowly crabber leading a mount of this kind. For the moment, he put it out of his mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would deal with the stallion when the time came. He had to kill Yamabuki first. He moved his hand toward the pike.\n\nHe expected someone thinner and shorter, but she was as tall as the tallest warriors. The armor blurred her sex. In full yoroi, and wearing a kabuto-style battle helmet that almost completely hid her face and hair, she easily could have been taken for a youth.\n\nBut the eyes. Oh, the eyes! Not the eager-to-please look, nor the haughtiness of some young, pampered aristocratic woman concerned more with looking appealing and seductive than paying attention to her surroundings, looking away, taunting men to pursue and by doing so, maybe winning favor.\n\nThis one's eyes met his directly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If Saburo looked too closely, he would give himself away, for no crabber would dare hold the eyes of a warrior." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eye patch helped him in this as he rolled his uncovered eye skyward, then flung himself to the ground in supplication, kowtowing as she approached.\n\nYamabuki came closer, holding the bridle with her right hand. Her tachi scabbard hung from her right hip.\n\nLeft-handed samurai.\n\nShe would draw from the side opposite from the one that he had expected. Saburo, groveling and chasing crabs, adjusted his position for a left-handed swordswoman, and slipped his hand into the basket. His fingers curled around the cold steel. With a soft, gentle pull, he loosened the weapon so it would move freely and easily when it was time to attack.\n\nYamabuki paused, yet she was not close enough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She watched him. His hand had lingered in the basket perhaps too long." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He removed his empty hand from the carrier, palms down. Feigning fear, not looking up but only at her waist, he eyed the spot in her corselet where his pike would break through with the least resistance.\n\nHe looked up to see where she was looking as he flashed a smile, expecting her to turn up her nose and look away like the Ōuchi had. But instead of moving on past him, she stood still.\n\n\"Eating crabs must bring you health,\" she said softly, touching her own mouth, apparently referring to his teeth, which were perfect. Too perfect for a crabber.\n\nShe began to lead the horse by its bridle around him. In two steps she would come so close he could touch her without moving. The basket was between them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He leaned toward it, continuing to eye the spot where he would bury the steel." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'before' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was about to reach in when suddenly an enormous leg shot between Saburo and the basket. There was a crashing sound as the foot connected, sending the crab carrier flying at least ten lengths through the air, turning top over bottom before bouncing another few times far down the trail before rolling to a stop at a switchback.\n\nWho dares!" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: 12 sentences sentences continuing this chapter, Katherine M. Lawrence style, historical fiction, Japan, adventure genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The crossing started off smoothly enough, but no sooner had the boat moved into the Strait's more open waters than the seas grew rough as intermittent gusts buffeted the craft." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Almost at once, high clouds roiled over the far hills." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was only then that the boatmen fathomed what the priests saw from their hilltop temples." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rapidly the blue western sky disappeared behind a thick cloak so dark that the west was almost night itself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cold rain started to fall. As the wind picked up, it drove salty drizzle and spray ahead of it. If Tetsu harbored any doubts, he hid them down deep with the gold buried in his sleeve. In an almost brazen show of defiance, the captain now commanded his men to run up both of the shout's sails.\n\n\"Let's make speed. We have to be across before the storm hits,\" the senchou yelled to his men.\n\nHis crew, seemingly bolstered by their captain's confidence, pretended to be indifferent to the undulating sea as the shout picked up speed. It was the obvious thing to do: Outrun the incoming troughs. After all, far away, the Windward Sea in the east shone silvery and bright, almost placid. There was fair weather in the area if one only knew how to reach it.\n\nDarkness quickly closed in overhead. The waters turned gray—all except the whitecaps that rose under a hard westerly wind.\n\n\"The sails are working against us!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "the sail man cried out as he wrestled with the mast and cloth." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're getting nowhere!\" the rope man strove to be heard over the sound of the waves.\n\n\"If we use kyōfū to blow us down the channel instead of fighting the crosswind, we'll have all the speed we can take!\" the sail man shouted.\n\nThe senchou shoved the tiller over, hard, turning the boat toward the east." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 9 sentences sentences, Katherine M. Lawrence style, historical fiction, Japan, adventure genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo's stomach churned. He lay against the hull, gripping the rail as the boat rode on into the narrow slot of ocean known as Dragon's Throat. Icy salt spray drenched him, though he shivered more from nausea than from the cold. Water came over the side as the boat began to broach.\n\nFrom the sternpost tiller, Tetsu battled the waves, turning the boat sharply to prevent it from being swamped altogether. As it yawed, it listed heavily, teetering, now to starboard, now to port, as wave after wave rocked the kobune.\n\nTetsu cried orders to his crew. They sprang into action, and the haul-boat slowly but steadily started to come about until it headed in the same direction as the rollers that scuttled down through the Barrier Strait.\n\nEach swell gently lifted the kobune's hull high and then slammed it down hard against the bottom of each trough, only to lift it up yet again, over and over, until Saburo's head spun and his gorge rose. Gagging on his own spew, he got to his feet and staggered further forward, where he bent his head over the side and unceremoniously retched into the waves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The spindrift spit into his face, stung his one exposed eye, and filled his half-open mouth with saltwater." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'their' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo spat back and cursed. There was little doubt in his mind that Yamabuki was already on the opposite shore.\n\nTetsu barked, \"Everyone! Tie in!\"\n\nHis words were still hanging in the air as the crew nimbly strung and secured a heavy rope-line stem to stern, and then proceeded to tie cinch-ropes around their own waists, after which they hitched the free ends via slipknots to the trunk line. The crew exchanged looks when their sole passenger, who was dressed like a fisherman and was therefore assumed to know the ways of the sea, failed to likewise tie in.\n\nThe captain grew wroth, shook his finger at Saburo, and bellowed, \"Him too!\"\n\nThe deck man immediately made his way forward. Taken by surprise, Saburo struggled. He wanted no part of any rope." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The line reminded him of his own vow: he would never be captured; he would never be taken alive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Resist as Saburo might, the deck man handily pulled the cinch-rope around him just before the crabber's footing gave way when a particularly heavy wave hit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo tumbled, but now cinched, the security rope smartly snapped taut; he only fell against the hull instead of toppling over the side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Getting to his knees and again hugging the rail, Saburo choked, \"You're not sailing where I told you to.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The deck man growled, \"Thank the Gods that the boat's still riding. Thank them you aren't with some second-rate shout-men.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The deck man turned his back, leaving the crabber to his hopeless gagging." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was best to look away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seasickness was an infection spread as much by sight and idea as by any roll or pitch of waves.\n\nSaburo went back to heaving his gorge over the side, but by now there was none left in him. He gasped as his gut muscles cramped themselves into knots.\n\nThe view over the side only made his seasickness worse. One moment, the waters swelled into towering mounds overhead; the next, they fell away so that he found himself peering into an ocean gulley. The only thing that did not undulate was the kobune's wooden hull. Everything else constantly shifted shape, for such is the way of water: it's a changeling, whether a man looks out with two good eyes or wears an eye patch over one to disguise it.\n\nHe closed his uncovered eye to blank out the movement, yet he felt each rhythmic lurch. Still at one with the boat, in his mind he visualized how it bobbed and yawed with every roller." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My eye is closed, but I still \"see.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew he needed to think of something other than the waves, otherwise the nausea would not stop. A master assassin, Saburo succeeded in his shadowy enterprises because he was almost always at one with his surroundings. However, now was not the time to reach outside with his senses. It was time to mute them. He gritted his teeth.\n\nI am here by choice.\n\nHe could not let his anger with the sea and the state of his stomach determine what was in his head.\n\n\"Ahh!\" the sail man screamed and pointed downwind. Further east in the channel, another boat heaved and yawed, waves foaming about its hull." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was one of the largest of the haul-boat types, a fune, loaded down with carts, goods, and at least eighty people.\n\nThe fune rocked side to side as roller after roller hit it broadside. Bolts of lightning flashed, striking the ocean near the larger craft, momentarily leaving big circles of white light under the dark blue waters.\n\n\"Raijin is beating the heavenly drums!\" cried the rope man.\n\n\"The Storm God's urging us to sail faster!\" Tetsu bellowed.\n\nA great peal of thunder rolled down the channel. Everything flashed white as a bolt of lightning struck the fune with a sound that broke the sky open, shattering the fune's bare mast. Fire and smoke leapt skyward as the mast toppled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just then a large oncoming roller hit the fune, causing it to list even more heavily. Though the boat righted, it was obvious the vessel had taken on water and was now beginning to founder.\n\nFrantic figures could be seen cutting carts loose, pushing them and any cargo overboard. The swell must have also swept some of the passengers overboard, for heads bobbed among waves. The crew of the fune extended long poles to pull the swimmers back aboard the stricken boat. The merchant carts floated free of the hull and swirled in the current. The swimmers who could not grab onto the poles clung to the debris, which itself began to sink. The fune took on more and more water until every wave washed over its sides.\n\nThe hull disappeared, and then the masts slipped beneath the waters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The current and winds quickly took the shout past the remainder of the wreck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The people clinging to whatever floated cried out. The current continued to pull them away.\n\n\"Put out the poles! Haul them aboard!\" the sail man shouted over the crash of the seas. \"We must help them!\"\n\n\"Yes! We must help,\" and \"They'd do it for us,\" cried the others.\n\nSaburo ominously lifted his head, staring at each of the shout's crew in turn. One would think that a common crabber with vomit across his face and with only one good eye would not inspire much in the way of command, but he set his jaw.\n\nPointing down the channel, the crabber growled, \"No room. No time. Raijin has spoken. Would you challenge the God of Lightning Storms? Hide your belly buttons lest He come and tear your insides out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The one-eyed man had spoken to the shout's crew as if they were mere children, invoking the childhood story of the Thunder God, who would take out a child's insides and eat them during a storm. Parents warned their children to cover their little bellies with their hands, lest Raijin feast on them.\n\nBut it was not Raijin that the sailors feared. Something passed between the one-eyed man and the four boatmen. Gone was the guise of the somewhat bumbling old crab fisherman, the hapless passenger green to the gills who hung over the side of the boat. That one eye shone with malevolence. That one eye bored into them in a way that took away whatever light was around them, like he was death itself. He wielded no sword. He raised no weapon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But at that moment they knew he was ready and capable of killing them all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And they realized that it did not matter to him, having killed them, that he would be left to fight the waves on his own." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 10 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'never' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And though this was not Saburo's boat—he had merely hired it—they gave up any thought of trying to help the fune.\n\nLater they would tell themselves that there was no hope. And they would be right. They also would console themselves that they likely would have lost their own boat and their own lives, and surely the handsome bonus the one-eyed man had promised them. There was nothing that they could have done. And they would have been right in that, too. At that moment, never questioning and never looking over their shoulders, the shout's crew turned east, setting off for Akamagaseki, the wind at their backs.\n\nThe wind drowned the faraway cries of the doomed. The last of the debris disappeared into the froth. There was nothing to see but angry water." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo hit me with five sentences more. same character energy. historical fiction, Japan, adventure genre k?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Riding toward the armorer's, Yamabuki noticed two young women." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They stood near the front of a building that flew a rustic, dark-green banner with a calligraphy, which even the illiterate could read: saké." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both women held three-stringed musical instruments, some sort of local versions of the samisen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They hummed as they plucked out an unfamiliar tune." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's no one nearby. Who are they playing for?\n\nThe women appeared quite pretty, wearing the tunics of the Ancient Religion, the Jingi Faith, whose female practitioners were fast fading away. The two women had taken the time to brush their hair and tie their tresses with colorful ribbons which peeked from bright, hood-like scarves that were draped over their shoulders. They wore leggings and half cloaks made of bear fur, like the people of the Barbarian Isle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two women looked up from their music and beamed.\n\nThey are wearing make-up. Entertainers in a town as small as this? How can they make a living just by singing?\n\nAs Yamabuki rode closer, she realized exactly how the two women made their living." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were yahochi. Though carefully costumed, the cut of their upper bodices revealed more womanliness than any holy woman would allow herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shamanesses fallen on hard times, they would smile and sing to help men pass the night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What better place to ply their trade than where lonely men flocked to grow drunk, happy, and brave?\n\nShe saw from their surprise that only now did the two women grasp that the samurai was female. One of the two entertainers, with flagging interest, looked away. It was unlikely that a female warrior would want to share a bed with either of the young women. Nevertheless, the other of the two continued smiling, holding Yamabuki's eyes for just a bit longer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps for her it did not matter whether a patron was a woman, so long as there was money to be made. She might even have had that leaning. But when the second girl finally noticed Yamabuki's bleeding cheek, torn armor, and blood-spattered riding-skirt, she instantly lowered her gaze and turned her head toward the strings of the samisen, mimicking that she had returned to rehearsing. However, though she plucked the strings, she no longer hummed.\n\n\"Ledge Road?\" Yamabuki asked." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'looked' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The second woman suddenly looked back up and stammered, \"A cursed road. You're in danger.\" She looked back down. \"You'll meet the undead.\"\n\nWithout another word, the two women hurried into the saké establishment.\n\nYamabuki rode on, releasing her own thoughts of carnal love to purge the darkness the shamaness had untethered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki's thoughts wandered back to the Inn of Young Bamboo the previous evening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She pictured herself in the bedchamber, Ryuma's body over hers, his arms enfolding her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The throes of passion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She could almost smell the room, and definitely she recalled Ryuma's scent for it still lingered on her, but so then, too, did the smell of blood from this morning's combat.\n\nHad the yahochi been able to smell it too? Perhaps.\n\nShe ran two naked fingers across her cheek. The gash still smarted, but at least it had finally stopped bleeding. It only oozed now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wiped her fingertips clean by running them over her riding-skirt, leaving blots of whatever that pale liquid was that trickled from healing cuts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dirty weather had started to wander into the higher mountains, pushing dark clouds whose color usually portended snow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If it snowed, she could find herself more or less marooned for days in some shack waiting for the weather to clear—an easy mark for assassins." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She of course could skirt the pass and take the coastal road, but that route added six days. Even more opportunity for the assassins.\n\nThere were those who might have advised Yamabuki to lay out charms and burn special herbs while chanting prayers for good weather.\n\nYamabuki took in a deep breath. No! The snows would come whether she chanted or not." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "AI writing task: segment from larger work -> ten sentences sentences. style: Katherine M. Lawrence. genre: historical fiction, Japan, adventure. note: established characters likely." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the privacy of their bedchamber, the daimyō shared his innermost thoughts with his only wife, Yamabuki's birth mother, Lady Taka. In the truest sense, she was his most trusted, loyal, and honest advisor. Throughout their twenty years of marriage, they had always spoken frankly to one another. And now she would be the first to hear of his plans for their daughter.\n\nHe began, \"I've been thinking about the succession of the Taka lineage.\"\n\nLady Taka smiled politely.\n\nMoroto paced around the chamber as though he was rallying his troops. \"The counselors have again been reminding me that we've no male heir and no male successor.\" His mouth drawn, he said, \"The Council is pressing me to take a second wife.\"\n\nFor a moment, Lady Taka looked shocked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That never works!\" She sounded stunned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It becomes a contest of lineages and will rip the clan apart. It'll unknot the alliance between the Taka and the Itō. You yourself have said why it would not work even in the best of circumstances.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Taka's voice grew stronger, with an edge of annoyance that she rarely let herself reveal in front of the daimyō, even in private. \"I've given you male children. It was the Gods who took them.\"\n\n\"I do not wish an additional wife,\" the daimyō said firmly. \"And even if I were to take such a one, and if she were fertile, and if the child was male, and if the child was perfect born, and if the child survived, it would be years before such a child could rule in his own right.\"\n\n\"I don't suppose you pointed that out to the Council.\"\n\nThe daimyō frowned. \"They've argued that a regent could rule. But I've no use for such fictions—a mere pretense that a kugutsu rules when actually someone else moves the puppet's arms, eyes, and mouth. On the other hand, some have suggested that if something happened to me, you could step into the role of warlord.\"\n\n\"A dowager warlord, like up in the north of Honshu?\" Lady Taka folded her hands. \"That sounds to me like Nakagawa talking. I think he's the only one who would think that way.\"\n\n\"Empress Jingū led an army across the Great Sea—and she personally led troops in battle while carrying Hachiman, the War God, in her womb.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That was a millennium ago. Jingū was half my age when she went into battle. I hope you'll outlive me, husband, but if not, I only hope I do not live long afterward. Besides, I only have Itō blood and you know that that would be immediately denounced. Whoever rules after you must be someone with Taka blood.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The daimyō smiled sadly and sweetly. \"I married you because I knew you would not be an ornament.\"\n\nLady Taka hummed softly. \"Well.\" She looked at him directly with an equally small smile, but one that was coy. \"It was... an arranged marriage, was it not?\"\n\n\"Before we met, I already knew you were an accomplished warrior in your own right. The Itō sent me a drawing of your likeness.\"\n\nLady Taka nodded slowly as if remembering.\n\n\"And when I saw you,\" he said, \"I instantly realized that the drawing didn't do you the slightest justice. Our daughter carries your beauty. It's why she's sure to find a husband. But,\" he said, \"I have to say something to the Council, even if I refuse. Otherwise, the Council will simmer and maybe even plan in secret about what to do when I am no more.\"\n\n\"You suspect they plan a coup?\"\n\n\"No.\" The daimyō pulled in a deep breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At least not at the moment. However, Atsumichi's name's been brought up.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The boy's a fool!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fool or not, he's my brother's son.\"\n\n\"If Atsumichi were to become the next in line, it would make Tachibana the father of the next daimyō. My stomach turns at the thought.\"\n\n\"Some say it's the logical choice. Some believe, the only choice.\"\n\n\"We could try again.\" Lady Taka looked into her husband's eyes. \"Maybe we could have another boy. This time the Gods may help him survive.\"\n\nThe daimyō stopped pacing. \"We can't wait, hoping for luck. We must act now. I have a strategy.\"\n\nLady Taka brightened.\n\n\"I want to raise Yamabuki to majority at the vernal equinox.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'months' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The daimyō's words were more of a pronouncement than the expression of a wish.\n\n\"In two months? She's barely twelve.\"\n\n\"Boys can be elevated to adulthood at twelve.\"\n\n\"But girls have to wait until they are at least fourteen before they're recognized as grown. Mature enough to be able to have children—\" She nodded, finishing her sentence without saying the obvious.\n\n\"That is not our purpose here, is it?\" General Moroto offered. \"Atsumichi's slightly younger than Yamabuki, yes?\"\n\nLady Taka nodded. \"Yes, though not by much. He was born in the late summer after Yamabuki.\"\n\n\"Nine months, to be exact. And yet, this coming year, Atsumichi will be twelve and by any reckoning can rightfully be raised to adulthood. What we have to do is establish our own daughter as an adult before that happens.\"\n\n\"How?\"\n\n\"At the equinox she will have seen her thirteenth spring. And adding the pre-birth year makes her fourteen. You just said girls can be raised to majority at fourteen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Taka pursed her lips." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'something' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Boys can come of age at twelve years old because they can shoulder a spear,\" she said. \"But a girl? It's all about having the rhythm with the moon.\"\n\n\"A girl can begin her flow as early as twelve,\" the daimyō whispered.\n\nLady Taka stopped to look carefully at her husband. \"Is there something you know that I do not? Has she begun to—\" Lady Taka broke off, her hand slowly moving to her mouth.\n\nThe daimyō set his jaw, a sign everyone knew meant the warlord wanted something and that he would not be turned aside, irrespective of any facts. \"In the absence of a male heir, a female heir could succeed me... us.\"\n\nLady Taka looked worried. \"Mark my words, if you make our daughter the heir, once we're gone someone will put a knife into her the moment she turns her back. Maybe sooner.\"\n\n\"Then we must make sure she learns how not to leave her back exposed. Besides, if someone thinks she's in the way of their aims, they'll kill her, no matter. She'll stand a better chance in her battle gear than in kimono.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No woman, no matter how much battle gear she wears, will be perceived as a ruler. They'll sneer. They'll say she wears the armor for show. A costume. A charade. Nothing more.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'follow' 3 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Taka continued darkly, \"The household guard might follow her in defending the castle while the army is away. Or she might lead a detachment in a larger battle commanded by her husband. But men rarely, and never readily, follow women. That does not come to a woman simply by putting on yoroi.\"\n\n\"You do not need to tell me that,\" said Lord Taka, irritation in his voice. \"It goes the same for men. You think my troops follow me because I put on armor?\"\n\nThe daimyō drew in a breath to calm himself. He was not cross with his wife. Indeed, she was not saying anything he had not already considered. It was that she gave voice to the words he had not even dared whisper to himself.\n\nHe continued, \"If we let Yamabuki grow, become independent, then, as a ruler in her own right, we'll find her a husband. A good match, not some adventurer who'll throw her aside the moment he's finished adding the Taka lands by bedding her.\"\n\nLady Taka looked deeply into the daimyō's eyes. \"Will she listen?\" She pondered, taking a long breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If we start grooming her to be more than a bride, we may well get more than we bargained for. You may well get a female warlord out of it. She's already headstrong. Too headstrong. She may well decide to go her own way. Though you may get what you ask for, you may not get what you think.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Girls always do the right thing. They always listen to their parents,\" said General Moroto with a smile of reassurance.\n\nLady Taka's eyebrows shot up, unreassured. \"They do, do they?\"\n\n\"In the end, yes.\"\n\n\"You're so certain of our daughter.\"\n\n\"It's now you who sounds quite certain.\"\n\n\"I ought to. I was once just like her. Young. I didn't know anything.\" Lady Taka let out a deep sigh and shook her head slowly and thoughtfully. \"Well. I suppose she'll be better off training than preening. You're my husband and I'll do as asked.\"\n\nMoroto brightened. He had his way as always, and yet he could not help but see the apprehension in her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The daimyō assembled the Council, bringing the high-ranking warriors and the important Court nobles together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a commanding voice, he informed them that their attendance would be required for a momentous ceremony to be held on the first day of the fourth solar stem. In the Great Audience Hall, before all those assembled, the warlord's last surviving child would be lifted to majority. She would undertake mogi, one of the most colorful rites of passage.\n\nNot long after, Yamabuki was told that, by tradition, at mogi a Taka Princess sings the epic poem, The Tale of the Taka. At once, Tomoko pledged to help Yamabuki memorize the poem that took almost a half hour to recite in full.\n\nThough coming of age was supposed to be a day of great import and joy, in reality Yamabuki felt anxious about going through a rite reserved for girls who were considerably older than she.\n\nIt seemed that everyone had an opinion about the sudden onrush of events. These musings were mostly repeated in private. Having a cheerful handmaid who knew when to listen and when to speak, who could funnel information, gave Yamabuki insight that she otherwise might never have had.\n\nTomoko repeated all the whispers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your uncle is not saying much, but his wives have a lot to say, and little of it good, especially Yoma, who calls you the 'girl whose breasts have not budded,' and that you are too young to have mogi because you can't have babies yet.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki let out a huge sigh and looked heavenward. \"She's Tachibana's first wife and never has anything kind to say about anyone except Atsumichi.\" Yamabuki frowned. \"If my uncle had been first-born, instead of my father, wouldn't Yoma be happy now!\"\n\n\"Of course, because then she'd be the great Lady Taka instead of it being your mother.\"\n\nThe girls laughed and tried to forget the churlish whispers as best they could. The mogi was going to happen, regardless. The daimyō had spoken." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "This is from the middle of a story, so characters will be referenced as if known. Write four sentences sentences like Eiji Yoshikawa. Genres: historical fiction. Themes: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "human", "value": "While Yoshimoto was deriding his enemy in his headquarters, Nobunaga was charging up the pathless slopes of Taishigadake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was already nearing Yoshimoto's headquarters.\n\nTaishigadake was neither particularly high nor steep, but its slopes were covered with oaks, zelkovas, maples, and sumacs. It was ordinarily frequented only by woodcutters, so to get a number of horses and men through quickly now, they had to cut down trees, trample down the undergrowth, leap over precipices, and splash through streams.\n\nNobunaga shouted to his men, \"If you fall off your horse, leave it! If your banners get caught in the branches, let them go! Just hurry! The essential thing is to get to Yoshimoto's headquarters and to take his head. It's best to travel light. Carry no baggage at all! Just get into the enemy ranks and run them through. Don't take the time to cut every head you've taken. Cut them down and go on to the next, while there is life in your body. You don't have to perform heroic deeds. Showy exploits have no value at all. Fight self-lessly before me today, and you will be a true Oda warrior!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The soldiers listened to these words as though they were listening to the thunder before the storm. The afternoon sky had been completely transformed, and now looked like dark swirls of ink. The wind rose up from the layers of clouds, from the valley, from the marsh, from the roots of trees, and blew into the darkness.\n\n\"We're almost there! Dengakuhazama is on the far side of that mountain and through a marsh. Are you ready to die? If you fall behind, you'll leave only shame to your descendants until the end of time!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The main body of Nobunaga's forces did not advance in formation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some soldiers were late in arriving, while others advanced in loose ranks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their hearts, however, were drawn on by his voice.\n\nNobunaga had yelled himself hoarse, and it was difficult for the men to catch what he was saying. But that was no longer necessary. It was enough for them to know that he was leading them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Meanwhile, a driving rain had begun to fall like shining spearheads." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The raindrops were big enough to hurt when they hit the men's cheeks and noses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was accompanied by a gale that tore away the leaves, so that they hardly knew what was striking their faces.\n\nSuddenly a thunderbolt nearly rent the mountain in half. For an instant, heaven and earth were one color—smoky white in the downpour. When the rain let up, muddy streams and waterfalls flowed all over the marshes and slopes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There it is!\" Tokichiro yelled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned and pointed past his foot soldiers, who were blinking raindrops off their eyelashes, to the Imagawa camp. The enemy's curtained enclosures seemed innumerable, all of them soaked by the rain. Before them was the marsh. Beyond that, the slope of Dengakuhazama." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they looked again, Tokichiro's men could see the helmeted and armored figures of their allies already rushing in. They brandished swords, spears, and halberds. Nobunaga had said that the advantage was in traveling light, and many of the men had discarded their helmets, and thrown away their banners.\n\nThreading their way through the trees, slipping over the grassy ridges, they immediately set upon the enemy's enclosures." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "im ur writing buddy. i set scene (might have existing chars), u do seven sentences like Eiji Yoshikawa" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Had they won or lost, Tokichiro asked himself, breathing hard.\n\n\"Hey! Where are we?\" he yelled to anybody who might be within earshot, but nobody knew exactly where they were. Only about half of his men were still alive, and they were all in a daze.\n\nThe rain had let up and the wind had abated. The intense rays of the sun spilled through the scattering clouds. When the storm had spent itself, the hell of Dengakuhazama faded away with the retreating lightning, and now nothing remained but the cries of the cicadas." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Line up!\" Tokichiro ordered.\n\nThe soldiers lined up as best they could. Counting his men, Tokichiro found that his command had been reduced from thirty to seventeen, four of whom he did not recognize at all.\n\n\"Whose unit are you from?\" he asked one of the men.\n\n\"Toyama Jintaro's, sir. But when we were fighting at the western edge of the hill, I slipped over the bluff and lost my unit. Then I found your men chasing the enemy, so I fell in with them.\"\n\n\"All right. What about you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's the same with me, sir. I thought I was fighting alongside my own comrades, but when I looked around, I was here in Your Honor's group.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'others' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tokichiro did not bother to question the others. It was probable that some of his men had been killed in battle, while others had got mixed up with other units. But it wasn't just the individual soldiers who had lost their bearings in the middle of the battle. Tokichiro's unit had become separated from the main body of the army and Mataemon's regiment, and he had no idea where he was.\n\n\"It looks like the battle is over,\" Tokichiro muttered as he led his men back the way they had come.\n\nThe muddy water running from the surrounding mountains into the marsh had increased since the sky had cleared. When he saw how many corpses were lying in the streams and piled up on the slopes, Tokichiro was filled with a sense of wonder that he was still alive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We must have won. Look! All the dead around here are Imagawa samurai.\" Tokichiro pointed here and there. From the way the enemy corpses were sprawled along the road, he could see the route the defeated army had taken.\n\nHis men, however, just grunted in their stupefied state, and were too tired even to sing a victory song.\n\nThey were only a few and they were lost. The battlefield was suddenly very quiet, and this could mean that Nobunaga's army had been completely wiped out. The fear that they might be surrounded by the enemy and massacred at any moment was very real." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then they heard it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From Dengakuhazama rose three victory cheers that were loud enough to shake heaven and earth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shouts in their own Owari dialect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We won! We won! Let's go!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tokichiro ran ahead. The soldiers, who up until now had been barely conscious, somehow recovered completely. Not wanting to be left behind, they stumbled and tripped after Tokichiro toward the cheering.\n\nMagomeyama was a low, circular hill a little beyond Dengakuhazama. A black mass of soldiers stained with blood, mud, and rain now covered the area from the hill to the village. The battle was over and the men had regrouped. The rain had stopped, the sun had come out, and now a hazy white steam rose from the closely packed assembly.\n\n\"Where's Master Asano's regiment?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Threading his way through the mass of warriors, Tokichiro rejoined his original regiment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wherever he turned, he bumped and scraped someone's bloody armor. Although he had fully intended to fight bravely, he now felt ashamed. Certainly he had done nothing to make people notice him.\n\nWhen he found his regiment and stood among the press of soldiers, he finally realized that they had won. Looking out from the hill, it struck him as odd that the vanquished enemy was nowhere to be seen.\n\nStill spattered with mud and blood, Nobunaga stood on the hillock. Just a few steps from his camp stool, a number of soldiers were digging a large hole." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'buried' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Each of the enemy heads was inspected and then tossed into the hole. Nobunaga looked on, his palms pressed together, while the warriors around him stood by in silence.\n\nNo one said a prayer. But this was the highest etiquette followed when warriors buried fellow warriors. The heads buried in the hole would serve as a lesson to those who were alive and would fight again. Even the head of the most insignificant enemy was treated with the utmost solemnity.\n\nWith the mysterious boundary between life and death at his very feet, a samurai could not help thinking about what it meant to live as a warrior." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everyone stood reverently, hands joined in prayer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the hole had been filled in and a mound built over it, they looked up to a beautiful rainbow that arched across a clear sky.\n\nAs the men stood looking at this scene, a party of scouts who had been reconnoitering the area around Odaka pulled into camp.\n\nTokugawa Ieyasu commanded Yoshimoto's vanguard in Odaka. Considering the skill with which Ieyasu had demolished the fortresses of Washizu and Marune, Nobunaga could not afford to underestimate him.\n\n\"When the Tokugawa heard that Yoshimoto had been killed, the camp at Odaka seemed to have panicked. They sent out scouts a number of times, however, and as they learned the facts, they quickly calmed down. At this point they are preparing to retreat to Mikawa by nightfall, and they don't seem to be inclined to fight.\"\n\nNobunaga listened to the reports and, in his own way, announced their triumphal return. \"Well, then,\" he said, \"let's go home.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sun had still not set, and now the rainbow, which had begun to fade, stood out clearly once again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A single head was fastened to the side of Nobunaga's saddle, as a memento. It was, of course, the head of the great Imagawa Yoshimoto.\n\nWhen they reached the gate of Atsuta Shrine, Nobunaga swung off his horse and went into the sanctum, while his officers and men pressed in as far as the central gate and prostrated themselves. A hand bell was ringing somewhere in the distance, and bonfires filled the forest of the shrine with a red glow.\n\nNobunaga presented a sacred horse to the shrine stable. This done, he was once again ready to hurry on his way. His armor had become increasingly heavy, and he was exhausted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Leaving the moonlit path to his horse, however, his spirits seemed as light as if he were wearing a thin summer kimono." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Compared with Atsuta, Kiyosu was in an uproar. Every door was festooned with lanterns, bonfires burned at the crossroads, and old folks, children, and even young girls stood excitedly in the streets, looking at the triumphant soldiers and shouting their congratulations.\n\nDense crowds pushed together at the roadside. Women watched to see if their husbands were among the men marching solemnly toward the castle gate. Old people called out their sons' names, and girls searched for the faces of their sweethearts. But all of them raised a cheer when they caught sight of the mounted Nobunaga, silhouetted against the night sky.\n\n\"Lord Nobunaga!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga meant more to them than their own children, husbands, and lovers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Take a look at the head of the great lord of the Imagawa!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that Inuchiyo is granted permission to return." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga announced to the crowd from horseback. \"This is the souvenir I have brought back for you. From tomorrow on, the troubles at the border will be over. Be diligent and work hard. Work hard and enjoy yourselves!\"\n\nOnce inside the castle, Nobunaga called for his lady-in-waiting, \"Sai! Sai! Before anything else, a bath! And some rice gruel.\"\n\nAs he emerged from his bath, he proclaimed the rewards for more than one hundred twenty men who had fought in the battle that day. Even the deeds of the lowest-ranking soldiers had not escaped Nobunaga's eyes. Last of all he said, \"Inuchiyo is granted permission to return.\" This news was transmitted to Inuchiyo that very night, for when the entire army had entered the castle gates, he alone had stopped outside, waiting for word from Nobunaga." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Literary Collaboration:\n- Sentences: five sentences\n- Match character context\n- Genre: historical fiction" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, Monkey! Are you going today too?\" asked a country samurai standing at Seijuro's gate.\n\n\"Inuchiyo!\" Tokichiro looked at his friend with surprise. It was not just that he was surprised that Inuchiyo was coming, but that his appearance had been transformed; from the way he tied his hair right down to his leggings, Inuchiyo was dressed like a samurai right out of the backwoods.\n\n\"What is it all about?\" Tokichiro asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everybody's already here. Hurry on in.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about you?\"\n\n\"Me? I've been appointed gatekeeper for a while. I'll join you later.\"\n\nTokichiro lingered in the garden just inside the gate. For a moment he didn't know which path to take. Doke Seijuro's dwelling was an unusual old house, even to Tokichiro's eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He couldn't tell exactly how old it was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seemed to be left over from an earlier age, when whole families had lived together in one large enclosure. A long, multiroomed house, smaller outhouses, gates within gates, and countless paths covered the entire grounds.\n\n\"Monkey! Over here!\" Another country samurai was beckoning to him from a gate near the garden. He recognized the man as Ikeda Shonyu. Entering the garden, he found twenty or so retainers dressed up as country samurai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tokichiro had also been informed of this plan, and he looked the most countrified of all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A group of seventeen or eighteen mountain ascetics were resting around the edges of the courtyard. They, too, were disguised Oda samurai. Nobunaga seemed to be in a small room on the far side of the courtyard. Naturally, he too was in disguise.\n\nTokichiro and the others were relaxed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one asked any questions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one knew. But they speculated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His Lordship is disguised as the son of a country samurai traveling with a few retainers. He's waiting for all of his attendants to arrive. He's probably going to a distant province, but I wonder if anyone knows where we're really going?\"\n\n\"I haven't heard much, but when I was called to Hayashi Sado's residence, I overheard someone say something about the capital.\"\n\n\"The capital?\" and everyone gulped.\n\nNothing could be more dangerous, and Nobunaga must have some secret plan in mind if he was going there. Unobserved by the others, Tokichiro nodded in agreement and went out into the vegetable garden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few days later, the group of country samurai that would accompany Nobunaga and the company of mountain ascetics, who would guard him at a distance, set out for the capital." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The first group posed as country samurai from the eastern provinces, who were going on a sightseeing trip to Kyoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The men looked relaxed as they walked. They hid the fierce light that had shone in their eyes at Okehazama, and took on the rough looks and slow speech of those they pretended to be.\n\nTheir lodgings had been arranged by Doke in a house on the outskirts of the capital. When he walked around Kyoto, Nobunaga always had the brim of his hat pulled down over his eyes, and he was dressed like a simple provincial. His attendants numbered four or five men at the most." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If assassins had known who he was, he would have made an easy target.\n\nThere were days when he would let himself go completely and walk all day among the crowds and dust of Kyoto. And there were evenings when he would suddenly leave at some inopportune hour to call upon the mansions of courtiers and hold secret talks.\n\nThe young samurai understood neither the motives of these actions nor why he dared to take on this venture in the dangerous tumult of a country at war with itself. Tokichiro, of course, had no reason to understand such circumstances either." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he himself used the time for observation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The capital has changed, he thought. During the time he had wandered the country selling needles, he had often come here to buy supplies. Counting on his fingers, he figured it had only been about six or seven years before, but the conditions around the Imperial Palace had changed remarkably.\n\nThe shogunate still existed, but Ashikaga Yoshiteru, the thirteenth shogun, held the office in name only. Like the water in a deep pool, the culture and morale of the people stagnated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everything had the feel of the end of an era. The real authority rested in the hands of his vice-governor-general, Miyoshi Nagayoshi, but he in turn had abdicated control in almost all areas to one of his retainers, Matsunaga Hisahide. This resulted in unsightly dissension and in an inefficient and tyrannical administration. The gossip of the common people was that Mastunaga's rule would soon collapse of its own accord.\n\nWhat was the trend of the times?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobody knew. The lights burned brightly every night, but the people were lost in the darkness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tomorrow is tomorrow, they thought, and a directionless, helpless current flowed through their lives like a muddy stream.\n\nIf the administration of Miyoshi and Matsunaga was considered unreliable, what about those provincial governors who had been appointed by the shogun? Men like Akamatsu, Toki, Kyogoku, Hosokawa, Uesugi, and Shiba all faced similar problems in their own provinces.\n\nIt was just at this point that Nobunaga made his secret trip to the capital. This was something that no other provincial warlord had dreamed of doing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Imagawa Yoshimoto had marched on Kyoto at the head of a great army." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His ambition—to be granted an imperial mandate, and thereby control the shogun and rule the country—was cut off halfway, but he was only the first to try. Every other great lord in the country considered Imagawa's plans to be the best. But only Nobunaga was bold enough to travel to Kyoto alone and prepare for the future.\n\nAfter several meetings with Miyoshi Nagayoshi, Nobunaga finally secured an interview with Shogun Yoshiteru. Naturally he went to the Miyoshi mansion in his usual disguise, changed into formal dress, and went to the shogun's palace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shogunal dwelling was a luxurious palace gone to ruin. The luxury and wealth that had been created and then exhausted by thirteen successive shoguns was now nothing more than a half-remembered dream. All that remained was a self-serving and self-important administration.\n\n\"So you are Nobuhide's son, Nobunaga?\" Yoshiteru said. There was no strength in his voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His manners were perfect, but there was no life in them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga quickly perceived that there was no longer any vigor left in the office of shogun. Prostrating himself, he asked for the favor of Yoshiteru's acquaintance. But in the voice of the bowing man, there was a strength that overwhelmed his superior.\n\n\"I came to Kyoto incognito this time. I doubt if any of these local products from Owari will please the eye of a person from the capital.\" Presenting Yoshiteru with a list of gifts, he started to back away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps you would favor me by staying for dinner,\" Yoshiteru said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sake was served. From the banquet room they could view an elegant garden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the evening darkness, the color of hydrangeas and the dew on the damp moss glittered in the lamplight.\n\nNobunaga's character was not one of strict formality, regardless of the company and the situation. He behaved without reserve when the sake flasks were reverently brought in and when the meal was served in a fastidiously traditional manner.\n\nYoshiteru gazed at his guest as though his appetite were a wonderful thing. Although weary of luxury and formality, he saw it as a point of pride that every dish that was served at his table was a delicacy from the capital." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nobunaga, how do you find Kyoto cooking?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's excellent... \"\n\n\"How's the flavor?\"\n\n\"Well, the flavor of the cooking of the capital is pretty subtle. Food this insipid is rare for me.\"\n\n\"Is that so? Do you follow the Way of Tea?\"\n\n\"I've drunk tea in the same way I've drunk water ever since I was a boy, but I'm unacquainted with the way experts practice the tea ceremony.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you view the garden?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I saw it.\"\n\n\"What did you think?\"\n\n\"I thought it was rather small.\"\n\n\"Small?\"\n\n\"It's very pretty, but when I compare it with the view of the hills of Kiyosu... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't seem to understand anything at all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shogun laughed again. \"But it's better to be ignorant than have only a smattering of knowledge. Well, then, what do you have a taste for?\"\n\n\"Archery. Beyond that, I have no special talents. But if you would hear something extraordinary, I was able to rush here to your very gates in three days, passing through enemy territory on the Mino-Omi road from Owari. Now that the entire country is in chaos, there's always the possibility that an incident may occur in or near the palace. I would be very thankful if you would keep me in mind,\" he said with a smile.\n\nOriginally it had been Nobunaga who had taken advantage of the national chaos and overthrown the Shiba governor of Owari who had been appointed by the shogun.\n\nAnd, even though the matter was reviewed in the High Court of the shogun as a show of the administration's outrage and authority, this was really only a matter of form." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But recently the provincial governors rarely came to visit Kyoto, and the shogun felt isolated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His boredom was relieved by Nobunaga's call, and he seemed to be anxious to talk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshiteru might have expected hints of a desire for official promotion or court rank during this talk, but none came, and finally Nobunaga cheerfully took his leave." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's go home,\" Nobunaga said, announcing their return after a thirty-day stay in the capital. \"Tomorrow,\" he quickly added. As the attendants in disguise as country samurai and ascetics, who had lodged separately, now busily prepared to start off on the journey home, a messenger delivered a warning from Owari.\n\nRumors have been spread since your departure from Kiyosu. When you go back, use extreme prudence, and please be prepared against some mishap on the road." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Whichever way they went, they were going to have to go through one enemy province after another." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What road could they take safely? Perhaps they should return by ship.\n\nNobunaga's attendants gathered that night in the house where he had been staying and discussed the matter, but were not able to come to an agreement. Suddenly, Ikeda Shonyu came out unceremoniously from the direction of Nobunaga's room and stared at them. \"You gentlemen still haven't gone to bed?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the men looked at him with an irritated expression. \"We're discussing something important.\"\n\n\"I didn't know you were in the middle of a conference. What in the world are you talking about?\"\n\n\"You're pretty carefree for one of His Lordship's attendants. Don't you know about the message that came by courier this evening?\"\n\n\"I heard.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's most important that nothing happen on the way home. We're just now banging our heads together trying to figure out which road we should take.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your worry is all for nothing. His Lordship has already decided.\"\n\n\"What? He's decided?\"\n\n\"When we came to the capital, there were too many people, so he felt as though we stood out. His plan for going home is that four or five people will be enough. The retainers can go home separately, taking any road they like.\"\n\nNobunaga left the capital before sunrise. And just as Shonyu had said, twenty or thirty of the men disguised as mountain ascetics, and most of the country samurai, were left behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only four men accompanied him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shonyu was among them, of course, but the one who felt most honored about being chosen for this small group was Tokichiro.\n\n\"He's rather unprotected.\"\n\n\"Do you suppose he's all right?\"\n\nThe group of retainers that had been left behind was uneasy, and followed Nobunaga as far as Otsu, but at that point Nobunaga and his men hired horses and went east over the bridge at Seta. There were a number of checkpoints, but he passed through without difficulty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga had asked for a letter of safe conduct from Miyoshi Nagayoshi that stated he was traveling under the protection of the governor-general." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At every barrier they came to, he would show the letter and pass on." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "WRITING ASSISTANT ENGAGED\nMATCH: Character/world familiarity\nOUTPUT: 11 sentences SENTENCES\nGENRES: historical fiction\nINCORPORATE: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The castle town of Kiyosu was now deserted. There were few shops and samurai residences. Nevertheless, through that very desolation there shone the satisfaction of shedding a skin. It is a principle of all living things: once the womb has carried out its function, it must be content to decay and fall away. And very much in this way, it was a joy to everyone that Nobunaga was not going to be trapped forever in his hometown, even if it meant the town's decline.\n\nAnd here, such a woman who had given birth was growing old. This was Hideyoshi's mother. She would be fifty this year. For the moment she was peacefully tending to her old age, living with her daughter-in-law, Nene, at their house in the samurai district of Kiyosu. But until two or three years before she had been a farmer, and the joints of her earth-chapped hands were still calloused. Having given birth to four children, she was missing many of her teeth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her hair, however, was still not all white." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One letter that Hideyoshi wrote to her from the field was typical of many:\n\nHow is your hip? Are you still using moxa? When we lived on the farm you always said, \"Don't waste food on me,\" no matter what it was. So even here I worry that you're not eating properly. You must live a long life. I'm worried that I won't have time to take care of you as I'd like, because I'm such a dunce. Happily, I have not been sick here. My fate as a warrior seems to be blessed, and His Lordship holds me in high regard.\n\nAfter the invasion of Mino, it would be difficult to count the letters he sent.\n\n\"Nene, read this. He always writes like a child.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi's mother said to Nene.\n\nEvery time, his mother would show the letters to her daughter-in-law, and Nene would show the old lady the letters that came to her.\n\n\"The letters he sends to me aren't nearly as tender. It's always things like 'Be careful of fire,' or 'Be a dutiful wife when your husband is away,' or 'Look after my mother.'\"\n\n\"That boy is clever. He sends a letter to you and one to me; one strict, the other tender. So I guess he divides his letter writing just right when you consider that he covers both sides.\"\n\n\"That must be it,\" Nene said, laughing. She looked after her husband's mother with devotion. She did her best to serve her as though she, like Otsumi, were her natural daughter. Above all other things, however, the old lady's pleasure came from Hideyoshi's letters. Just at the point when they were worrying because they hadn't received one for a long time, a letter arrived from Sunomata. For some reason, however, this letter was just for his wife, with nothing addressed to his mother.\n\nSometimes letters from Hideyoshi came just to his mother, with nothing for his wife." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His messages to her were ordinarily just postscripts to the letters to his mother. He had never sent one strictly to his wife until today. Nene suddenly thought that something must be wrong, or that there was something he did not want to worry his mother about. Going into her own room and cutting open the envelope, she found an unusually long letter:\n\nFor a long time it has been my hope that I could have you and my mother living here with me. Now that I have finally become the lord of a castle and have been awarded a general's standard by His Lordship, the situation is tolerable enough to invite my mother to Sunomata. I wonder, however, if it wouldn't discomfort her. She was concerned before that her presence would be a burden to me in my service to His Lordship. She has also always said that she is just an old farm woman, and that this life would be far beyond her status. For this reason, she is certain to refuse with some excuse, even if I ask her.\n\nWhat should I say?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nene had no idea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She thought that her husband's implied request was grave, indeed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<EMBED THIS>>: \"the gifts of the earth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just then the old lady's voice called to her from the rear of the house. \"Nene! Nene! Come here for a moment and look!\"\n\n\"Coming!\" Again today she was hoeing the earth around the roots of the autumn eggplants. It was afternoon and still rather hot. Even the clods of earth in the garden were hot. Sweat shone on her hands.\n\n\"My goodness! In this heat?\" Nene said.\n\nBut the old lady always replied that that was what farm people liked to do, and not to worry. No matter how many times Nene heard this, however, since she did not have a farmer's upbringing and did not know the real flavor of farming, to her it had always looked like nothing more than backbreaking work. Still, she had recently felt that she was beginning to understand, at least a little, why her husband's mother was unable to stop working.\n\nThe old lady often referred to crops as \"the gifts of the earth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fact that she had been able to raise four children in great poverty and that she herself had not starved to death was one of those gifts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the morning she clapped her hands toward the sun in prayer and said that this, too, was a habit from her time in Nakamura. She would not forget her former life.\n\nOccasionally she said that if she suddenly became used to gorgeous clothes and sumptuous meals and forgot the blessings of the sun and earth, she would certainly be punished and become sick.\n\n\"Oh, Nene, look at this!\" As soon as she saw her daughter-in-law, Hideyoshi's mother put the mattock down and pointed happily at her work. \"Look at how many of the eggplants are ripe. We'll pickle them so we can eat them this winter. Bring the baskets over, and let's pick a few now.\"\n\nWhen Nene returned, she gave one of the two baskets to her mother-in-law. As she began picking eggplants and putting them into the baskets, she said, \"With all your hard work we're going to have enough vegetables for all the soup and pickles the house will need.\"\n\n\"I imagine the shops we patronize are going to be annoyed.\"\n\n\"Well, the servants say you enjoy it, and that it's good for your health. And it's certainly economical, so it must be a good thing.\"\n\n\"It won't be good for Hideyoshi's reputation if people think we're doing it just to be stingy. We'll just have to try to buy something else from the merchants so they won't think that way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, let's do that. Well, Mother, I feel badly speaking about this, but a letter arrived from Sunomata just a little while ago.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh? From my son?\"\n\n\"Yes... but this time it wasn't addressed to you; it came just for me.\"\n\n\"Either way is just fine. Well, is everything as usual? Is he all right? We haven't received any news for a while, and I thought this must be due to His Lordship moving to Gifu.\"\n\n\"That's right. In the letter he asked me to tell you that His Lordship has made him the governor of a castle, so he thinks the time is right for us to join him. He asked me to persuade you to come, and said that you should definitely move to Sunomata Castle in a few days' time.\"\n\n\"Oh... that's wonderful news. That he should become the lord of a castle is like a dream, but he shouldn't go too far and overstep himself.\"\n\nAs she listened to happy news about her son, her mother's heart worried lest his good fortune should prove to be short-lived. The old lady and her daughter-in-law worked together in the garden, picking eggplants. Soon the baskets were full of the bright purple vegetables.\n\n\"Mother, doesn't your back hurt?\"\n\n\"What? Why, to the contrary. If I work bit by bit like this all day, my body stays fit.\"\n\n\"I'm learning from you, too. Since you've let me help you in the garden off and on, I've learned to enjoy picking the greens for the soup in the mornings, and working with the cucumbers and eggplants. Even after we move to Sunomata Castle, there's bound to be a place somewhere on the grounds to plant a vegetable patch. We'll be able to work all we want.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The old lady covered her mouth with her earth-stained hand and chuckled." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'people' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're just as clever as Hideyoshi. You decided to move to Sunomata even before I knew what was happening.\"\n\n\"Mother.\" Nene prostrated herself, pressing her fingertips to the earth. \"Please grant my husband's wish!\" The old lady hastily took Nene's hands and tried to put them to her forehead.\n\n\"Don't do that! I'm just a selfish old woman.\"\n\n\"No, you're not. I understand your thoughtfulness very well.\"\n\n\"Please don't get mad at an old lady's willfulness. It's for that boy's sake that I don't want to go to Sunomata. And so he won't be lacking in his service to His Lordship.\"\n\n\"My husband understands that well.\"\n\n\"Even if that's true, Hideyoshi will be among people jealous of his early success, and they'll call him things like 'the monkey from Nakamura,' or 'the son of a farmer,' if a shabby farm woman is working a vegetable plot in the middle of the castle grounds. Even his own retainers will laugh at him.\"\n\n\"No, Mother. You're worrying about the future needlessly. That might be for someone whose character it is to dress up appearances and to worry about what people say, but my husband's heart is not controlled by public censure. And as for his retainers... \"\n\n\"I wonder. The mother of a castle lord who looks like me—wouldn't it harm his reputation?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My husband's character is not that small.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nene's words were so frank that the old lady was surprised, and finally her eyes filled with tears of joy.\n\n\"I've said unpardonable things. Nene, please forgive me.\"\n\n\"Well, Mother, the sun's going down. Wash your hands and feet.\" Nene walked ahead, carrying the two heavy baskets.\n\nTogether with the servants, Nene took a broom and swept. She was especially diligent in the old lady's room, which she cleaned herself. The lamps were lit, and the dishes for the evening meal prepared. In addition to places for the two of them, a place was set both morning and evening for Hideyoshi.\n\n\"Shall I massage your hip?\" Nene asked.\n\nThe old lady had a chronic condition that troubled her from time to time. When the evening winds blew in the early fall, she often complained of the pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Nene massaged her legs for her, the old lady seemed to slip gently into sleep, but during that time she must have been thinking something over." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally she sat up and spoke to Nene.\n\n\"Listen, my dear. You want to be reunited with your husband. I'm sorry to have been so selfish. Tell my son that his mother would like to move to Sunomata.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "make story longer like Eiji Yoshikawa would. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Summer turned to fall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One day Hikoemon came with a message for Hanbei, requesting that Oyu become a lady-in-waiting for Hideyoshi's mother." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Oyu heard the request, she shrank in fear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She burst into tears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was her answer to Hideyoshi's request." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A tea bowl that has no imperfections is said to be lacking in beauty, and Hideyoshi's character, too, was not without blemish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though the elegance of a tea bowl, or even human frailty itself, may be interesting to contemplate, from a woman's point of view this flaw cannot be \"interesting\" at all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When his sister broke into tears just at the mention of the matter, Hanbei thought her refusal was reasonable, and conveyed it to Hikoemon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Autumn, too, passed without incident." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Gifu, the principle of \"being a friendly neighbor and planning for the future\" was put into practice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the Oda clan, the Takeda of Kai had always been a threat at the rear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Arrangements were soon made for Nobunaga's daughter to be married to Takeda Shingen's son, Katsuyori." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bride was a young girl of thirteen and an incomparable beauty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had been adopted, however, and was not one of Nobunaga's natural daughters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nevertheless, after the marriage ceremony, it seemed that Shingen was extraordinarily pleased with her, and the union was soon blessed with a son, Taro." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the time being at least, the Oda clan's northern border would have seemed to be secure, but the young bride died giving birth to Taro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga then had his eldest son, Nobutada, betrothed to Shingen's sixth daughter, to prevent the weakening of the alliance between the two provinces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He also sent a proposal of marriage ties to Tokugawa Ieyasu of Mikawa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thus, the military alliance that already existed between the two was strengthened by family bonds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the time of their engagement, Ieyasu's eldest son, Takechiyo, and Nobunaga's daughter were both eight years old." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This policy was also used with the Sasaki clan in Omi. And so the castle at Gifu was busy with celebrations for the next two years." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Literary Collaboration:\n- Sentences: five sentences\n- Match character context\n- Genre: historical fiction" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Night attack!\" When this warning was given in the middle of the second night, all the preparations made beforehand were deployed without the least confusion. Keya's army rushed out against the enemy moving in the dark and completely routed Hideyoshi's small force, which fled quickly back into the castle.\n\n\"The enemy is resigned to die, and is shouting its own death cry! Take this opportunity, and we'll capture the castle by dawn!\" Keya ordered. They rushed to the edge of the moat, assembled rafts, and crossed the water. In no time at all, thousands of soldiers took possession of the stone walls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, just as Shichizaemon had vowed, Kanegasaki fell with the coming of the dawn. But what did his forces find? Not one of Hideyoshi's men was in the castle. Their banners were standing. Smoke already curled toward the sky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Horses were neighing. Hideyoshi, however, was not there. The attack the night before had not been an attack at all.\n\nLed by Hideyoshi, his small army had only pretended to flee back into the castle, while in fact it searched like the wind for a way of escape from certain death. By dawn, Hideyoshi's men were already at the base of the mountains that wound their way along the provincial border, making good their escape.\n\nKeya Shichizaemon and his troops did not, of course, watch them go in mute amazement." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'don't' | Required occurrences: 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Make ready for pursuit!\" he ordered. \"After them!\"\n\nHideyoshi's troops took the path of retreat deep into the mountains, continuing their flight throughout the night without pausing to eat or drink.\n\n\"We're not out of the tiger's den yet!\" Hideyoshi warned them. \"Don't slacken up. Don't rest. Don't think about thirst. Just keep your will to live!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "On they marched to Hideyoshi's admonishments." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As expected, Keya began to catch up with them. When he heard the enemy's battle cries behind them, Hideyoshi first ordered a short rest and then spoke to his soldiers.\n\n\"Don't be alarmed. Our enemies are fools. They're raising their war cries as they climb up the valley while we're on high ground. We're all tired, but the enemy is chasing after us in anger, and many of them are going to be exhausted. When they're in range, shower them with rocks and stones, and thrust your spears at them.\"\n\nHis men were tired, but they regained their confidence at his reason and clarity.\n\n\"Come and get us!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "they yelled as they stood ready for the attack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Keya's chastisement of Hideyoshi's troops was returned to him in a miserable defeat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Innumerable corpses piled up beneath the rocks and spears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Retreat!\" The voices that screamed the order finally grew hoarse in the valleys into which the Asakura retreated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now's our chance! Pull back! Retreat!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi seemed almost to mimic the enemy, and his men turned and fled toward the southern lowlands. Leading his surviving soldiers, Keya once again went in pursuit. Keya's men were truly implacable, and though the remaining strength of the punitive force had already weakened considerably, the warrior-monks of the Honganji joined the attack, blocking the road as Hideyoshi's men tried to pass through the mountains leading down into Omi. When the men tried to turn from the road, arrows and stones flew from the swamps and forests to the right and left, accompanied by screams of \"Don't let them pass!\" Even Hideyoshi started to think that his time had come." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But now was the moment to summon the will to live and to resist the temptation to succumb." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let heaven decide whether our luck is good or bad and whether we live or die! Run down through the marsh to the west. Escape along the mountain streams. Their waters flow into Lake Biwa. Run as fast as the water itself. Your escape from death is speed!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did not tell them to fight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the Hideyoshi who knew so well how to employ men, but even he did not think of ordering his starving troops, who had gone two days and two nights without sleep or rest, to repel an ambush by unknown numbers of warrior-monks. All he wanted was to help every last soldier in his pitiful force to return to the capital. And there was nothing stronger than the will to live.\n\nUnder Hideyoshi's orders, the tired and hungry troops struck their way into the marsh in a downhill rush of almost uncanny force. It was a reckless move that could have been called neither strategy nor even self-abandonment, for the warrior-monks hidden in the depths of the forest were like mosquitoes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still, on they ran, right through the enemy. And this, in fact, opened up a fissure in the enemy ranks, and they were able to rend the carefully laid ambush into pieces. As they ran, order turned to chaos, and all the men scrambled to the south, following the mountain streams.\n\n\"Lake Biwa!\"\n\n\"We're saved!\" They shouted for joy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The following day they entered Kyoto." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Nobunaga saw them, he exclaimed, \"Thank heaven you've come back alive. You're like gods. You are truly like gods.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Continue with three sentences sentences\nStyle: Eiji Yoshikawa\nNote: Maintain narrative threads and character relationships as presented" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a lie! It must be a lie!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga could not believe it at first. When the news of Murashige's revolt reached Nobunaga in Azuchi, his first reaction was denial. But the gravity of the situation was quickly confirmed when two of Murashige's senior retainers, Takayama Ukon of Takatsuki and Nakagawa Sebei of Ibaragi, cited moral obligations and followed Murashige in unfurling the banner of revolt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The look of dismay deepened on Nobunaga's brow. The strange thing was that he showed neither anger nor his usual hot temper at this unexpected turn of events. It would be a mistake to judge Nobunaga's character as one of fire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But it would also be an error, in observing his coolness, to classify him as water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When you thought of him as fire, he was water; when you thought of him as water, he was fire. Both the heat of flames and the chill of water coexisted in his body.\n\n\"Call Hideyoshi,\" Nobunaga suddenly ordered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Hideyoshi left for Harima early this morning,\" Takigawa replied nervously.\n\n\"He's already left?\"\n\n\"He probably hasn't gotten very far. With your permission, I'll take a horse and go fetch him back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was rare for someone to seize the moment and rescue Nobunaga from his own impatience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the retainers who were present turned to see who this someone might be, they discovered that it was Ranmaru, Nobunaga's page." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga granted his request and urged him to hurry.\n\nNoon came, and Ranmaru had not yet returned. In the meantime, reports from the scouts in the areas of Itami and Takatsuki Castle were arriving frequently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The one report among them that made Nobunaga's blood run cold announced yet another new fact." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'castle' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just this morning at dawn, a large Mori fleet approached the Hyogo coast. Soldiers disembarked and entered Murashige's castle at Hanakuma.\"\n\nThe coastal highway through Hyogo that ran beneath Hanakuma Castle was the only route from Azuchi to Harima.\n\n\"Hideyoshi is not going to be able to get through.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the moment Nobunaga realized this, he also understood the danger of communications being cut between the expeditionary army and Azuchi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could almost feel the hands of the enemy at his throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is Ranmaru back yet?\" Nobunaga asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, my lord.\"\n\nNobunaga was once again sunk in thought. The Hatano, the Bessho, and Araki Murashige had now suddenly revealed their links with the enemy—the Mori and the Honganji—and Nobunaga felt that he was being surrounded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moreover, when he looked to the east, he saw that the Hojo and Takeda had recently come to terms.\n\nRanmaru whipped his horse through Otsu, and finally caught up with Hideyoshi near the Mii Temple. Hideyoshi was resting there, or rather, having come that far, he had heard about Araki Murashige's rebellion and sent Horio Mosuke and two or three others to verify the reports and find out the details." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ranmaru pulled up and said, \"His Lordship ordered me to come after you. He desires to talk with you again. Would you return to Azuchi as quickly as possible?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Leaving his men at the Mii Temple, he turned back toward Azuchi, accompanied only by Ranmaru. On the way back, Hideyoshi thought through what was likely to occur. Nobunaga would be furious at Murashige's rebellion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first time Murashige had served Nobunaga was during the attack on Nijo Palace, when they had driven out the former shogun. Nobunaga was the kind of man who would show favor toward anyone who pleased him a little, and he showed recognition of Murashige's valor especially. Nobunaga had loved Murashige more than he had loved most men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And Murashige had betrayed Nobunaga's trust." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi could imagine what Nobunaga's feelings must be.\n\nAs Hideyoshi hurried back to Azuchi, he blamed himself as well as Murashige. The man had been his second-in-command, and their personal relationship had been a close one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And yet he had not known that Murashige was up to this kind of foolishness.\n\n\"Ranmaru, have you heard anything?\" Hideyoshi asked.\n\n\"You mean about Lord Murashige's treachery?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What sort of dissatisfaction might have motivated him to rebel against Lord Nobunaga?\" They were a long way from Azuchi, and if they had sped all the way back, their horses would have become exhausted. As Hideyoshi trotted along, he looked back at Ranmaru, whose horse was coming a few paces behind at the same pace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There were rumors about this sort of thing before,\" Ranmaru said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The story goes that one of Lord Murashige's retainers was selling army rice to the warrior-monks of the Honganji. There's a shortage of rice in Osaka. The land road has been cut for the most part, and the sea routes have been blockaded by our fleet, so there is not even the prospect of transporting provisions with the Mori's warships. The price of rice has gone way up, and if a man sells rice there, he can make an immense profit. That's just what Lord Murashige's retainer did, and when the affair was exposed, Lord Murashige took the initiative and unfurled the flag of rebellion, fearing that he would be questioned about this crime by Lord Nobunaga anyway.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That sounds like a seditious rumor spread by the enemy. Surely it's a baseless lie.\"\n\n\"I think it's a lie, too. From what I've seen, people are jealous of Lord Murashige's meritorious deeds. I think this disaster has been brought on by a certain person's slander.\"\n\n\"A certain person?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Mitsuhide. Once this rumor about Lord Murashige came out, Lord Mitsuhide had nothing good to say about him to His Lordship. I'm always at His Lordship's side, listening secretly, and sure enough, I'm one of the people who feels miserable about this incident.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ranmaru suddenly fell quiet. He seemed to realize that he had spoken a little too much, and regretted it. Ranmaru concealed his feelings about Mitsuhide as a young maiden might." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At such times, Hideyoshi never seemed to pay attention to the conversation at all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In fact, he appeared to be completely indifferent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can already see Azuchi. Let's hurry!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As soon as he pointed into the distance, Hideyoshi whipped his horse, completely disregarding his companion's concerns." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The main entrance of the castle was bustling with the attendants of retainers who had heard about Murashige's rebellion and were coming to the castle, and with messengers pouring in from the nearby provinces. Hideyoshi and Ranmaru shoved their way through the throng and into the inner citadel, only to be told that Lord Nobunaga was in the middle of a conference. Ranmaru went in and spoke to Nobunaga and then quickly returned, telling Hideyoshi, \"He requested that you wait in the Bamboo Room.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He guided Hideyoshi to a three-story tower in the inner citadel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Bamboo Room was part of Nobunaga's living quarters. Hideyoshi sat down alone and gazed out at the lake. Soon Nobunaga appeared, shouted happily when he saw Hideyoshi, and sat down without formality." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi bowed politely and remained silent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The silence continued for some time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Neither man wasted his words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What have been your thoughts about this, Hideyoshi?\" These were Nobunaga's first words, and they indicated that a resolution had not emerged out of the various confused views given at the conference.\n\n\"Araki Murashige is an extremely honest man. He is, if I may say it, a fool who excels in martial valor. I just didn't think he was that much of a fool,\" Hideyoshi replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\" Nobunaga shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think it was foolishness at all. He's nothing but scum. He had misgivings about my prospects and initiated contacts with the Mori, blinded by the thought of profit. This is the act of a moderately talented man. Murashige got lost in his own superficiality.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's really nothing but a fool. He received excessive favors and had nothing to be dissatisfied about,\" Hideyoshi said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A man who is going to rebel will do so, no matter how favorably he's treated.\" Nobunaga was being frank with his emotions. This was the first time Hideyoshi had ever heard him use the word \"scum\" to describe someone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As a rule, he would not have spoken that way from malice or anger; it was because he had not openly expressed his anger or hatred that nothing had been decided during the council. Had Hideyoshi been asked, however, even he would have been at a loss. Should they strike at Itami Castle?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Should they try to mollify Murashige and get him to abandon the idea of rebellion?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The problem was how to choose between these two alternatives." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It would not be very difficult to capture the one castle of Itami. But the invasion of the west had just started. If they took a false step in this minor affair, they would in all likelihood have to revise their plans." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why don't I go as an envoy and talk with Murashige?\" Hideyoshi suggested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So you think it would be better not to use force here, either?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not if we don't have to,\" Hideyoshi replied.\n\n\"Mitsuhide and two or three others have advocated not using force. You're of the same opinion, but I think it would be better if someone else went as the envoy.\"\n\n\"No, I bear part of the responsibility for this. Murashige was my second-in-command and so was my own subordinate. If he were to do something foolish... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No!\" Nobunaga shook his head emphatically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There would be nothing imposing about sending an envoy with whom he's too familiar. I'll send Matsui, Mitsuhide, and Mami. Rather than appease him, they'll simply verify the rumor.\"\n\n\"That should be fine,\" Hideyoshi agreed. He spoke these few words for the sake of both Murashige and Nobunaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's a common saying that the lie of a Buddhist priest is called expedient, and a revolt within a samurai clan is called strategy. You must not be pulled into fighting, for it would play into the Mori's hands.\"\n\n\"I know.\"\n\n\"I'd like to wait for the results of the envoys' meeting, but I feel uneasy about the problems in Harima. I should probably take my leave soon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Really?\" Nobunaga sounded a little reluctant to let him go. \"What about the road back? You probably won't be able to pass through Hyogo.\"\n\n\"Don't worry, there's also the sea route.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, whatever the outcome, I'll keep you informed. Don't be negligent about sending me news.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi finally took his leave." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'temple' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although he was exhausted, from Azuchi he crossed Lake Biwa to Otsu, spent that night in the Mii Temple, and the following day turned toward Kyoto. He sent two pages ahead with instructions to have a ship waiting at Sakai, while he and his retainers took the road to the Nanzen Temple. There he announced that they would stop for a short rest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was someone in the temple whom he very much wanted to see. That person, of course, was Takenaka Hanbei, who was convalescing in a hermitage on the temple grounds.\n\nThe monks were flustered by the sudden arrival of so exalted a guest, but Hideyoshi took one of them aside and requested that they omit the treatment they would ordinarily offer to a guest of his rank." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My retainers have all brought provisions, so don't be concerned about anything other than hot water for tea. And since I've only stopped to visit Takenaka Hanbei, you won't need to entertain me with either sake or tea. After I have my talk with Hanbei, I'd be grateful if you'd make a light meal.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally he asked, \"Has the patient improved since he arrived?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It seems he has made little progress, my lord,\" the priest answered dolefully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He takes his medicine regularly?\"\n\n\"Both morning and night.\"\n\n\"And a doctor visits him regularly?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, a doctor comes from the capital, and Lord Nobunaga's personal physician visits him regularly.\"\n\n\"Is he up?\"\n\n\"No, he hasn't been up for the past three days.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where is he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In a hermitage away from the bustle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Hideyoshi went out into the garden, an attendant who served Hanbei ran out to meet him. \"He's just changing so that he can see you, my lord,\" the boy said.\n\n\"He's not to get up,\" Hideyoshi scolded, and walked quickly toward the hermitage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Hanbei had heard that Hideyoshi was on his way, he had had his sickbed put away and ordered a servant to sweep the room clean, while he himself changed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, putting on some wooden clogs, he had stooped over the little stream that wound its way through the chrysanthemums at the bamboo gate, and washed his mouth and hands. He turned as someone tapped him on the shoulder.\n\n\"Oh, I didn't know you were here.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'hideyoshi' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hanbei quickly knelt on the ground. \"Over there, my lord,\" he said, inviting Hideyoshi into his room. Hideyoshi sat down happily on the mat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was nothing in the room but a Zen master's ink painting hanging on the wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi's clothing had been completely neutralized by the colors of Azuchi, but here in this simple hermitage, both his coat and his armor looked brilliant and imposing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bowing as he walked, Hanbei went around and up to the veranda, where he inserted a single white chrysanthemum into a flower container cut from a section of bamboo. He sat down meekly next to Hideyoshi and put the bamboo container in the alcove.\n\nHideyoshi understood: even though the sickbed had been put away, Hanbei was afraid that the smell of the medicine and the mustiness of the room would still be lingering, and instead of incense, had tried to freshen the air with the fragrance of this flower." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not bothered at all. Don't even think of it,\" Hideyoshi said considerately, and looked at his friend with concern. \"Hanbei, isn't it difficult for you to get up like this?\"\n\nHanbei withdrew to a short distance and once again bowed low." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even through his formality, however, his happiness at Hideyoshi's visit could be seen on his face. \"Please don't worry,\" he began. \"For the last few days it's been cold, so I've been careful to keep indoors, under quilts. But today it started to warm up, and I had just been thinking that I should get out of bed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It'll be winter in Kyoto soon enough, and they say it's particularly cold in the morning and at night. How about moving to a warmer place during the winter?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, no. I'm beginning to get better and better every day. I'll be well before winter comes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you're really getting better, that's all the more reason why you shouldn't move out of the sickroom this winter. This time you should convalesce until you're completely cured. Your body is not just your own, you know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You think more of me than I deserve.\" Hanbei's shoulders slumped, and he sat with downcast eyes. His hands slipped from his knees and—along with his tears—touched the floor as he bowed in obeisance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment he was silent.\n\nAh, he has grown so thin, Hideyoshi thought, and sighed. The wrists of those hands that bowed at the mat were so emaciated, the flesh around his cheekbones so gaunt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Was this wasting disease really incurable?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With these thoughts, Hideyoshi felt a pain in his chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Who was it, after all, who had pulled this sick man out into the chaotic world against his will?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In how many battlefields had he been soaked by the rain and chilled by the wind? And who was it who, even in times of peace, had put him through the hardships of both domestic affairs and diplomatic relations without even thinking of a day of rest? Hanbei was a man whom he should have looked up to as a teacher, but he had treated him the same as any retainer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi felt that he was to blame for the seriousness of Hanbei's condition and finally, as he looked off to the side, his own tears fell heavily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In front of him, the white chrysanthemum in the bamboo container turned whiter and more fragrant as it soaked up water.\n\nHanbei silently blamed himself for Hideyoshi's tears. It was an inexcusable act of disloyalty as a retainer and lack of resolve as a warrior to have caused his lord to lose heart when the latter's military responsibilities were so heavy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought you would be exhausted by this long campaign, so I picked this chrysanthemum from the garden,\" Hanbei said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi was silent, but his eyes were drawn to the flower. He seemed relieved that the subject of their conversation had changed.\n\n\"What a wonderful smell. I suppose that the chrysanthemums were blooming on Mount Hirai, but I didn't notice their smell or color. We probably trampled them with our bloodied sandals,\" he laughed, trying to cheer up the ailing Hanbei." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The compassion with which Hanbei attempted to sympathize with his lord was equaled by Hideyoshi's efforts to cheer his retainer.\n\n\"As I sit here now, I can really feel the difficulty of maintaining my life with body and mind acting clearly as one being,\" Hideyoshi said. \"The battlefield keeps me busy and makes me rough. Here I feel calm and happy. Somehow it seems that that contrast has become clear, and that I have become wonderfully resolved.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, people obviously value free time and a peaceful frame of mind, but there's no real benefit in becoming a so-called man of leisure; it's an empty life. You, my lord, do not have an instant of peace between one worry and the next. So I suspect that it's quite a marvelous medicine to have this sudden little moment of peace. As for me—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hanbei was probably going to blame himself and apologize once again, so Hideyoshi suddenly interrupted him. \"By the way, have you heard the news about Araki Murashige's insurrection?\"\n\n\"Yes, last night someone came here with a detailed report.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hanbei spoke without raising an eyebrow, as though it were of little importance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I'd like to talk about it a little,\" Hideyoshi said, and moved forward a little on his knees. \"In Lord Nobunaga's council meeting at Azuchi, it was more or less decided to listen to Murashige's grievances and then do everything possible to calm him down and come to terms with him. But I wonder if that is really a good idea. And what should we do if Murashige rebels in earnest? I would like to hear your frank opinion. That's really another reason why I came here.\" Hideyoshi was asking for a strategy in order to cope with the situation, but Hanbei answered him briefly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think that's fine. It's a very clever measure.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, if an envoy is sent from Azuchi with a soothing message, is Itami Castle going to be pacified without incident?\"\n\n\"No, of course not.\" Hanbei shook his head." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"If that's true, then isn't it just wasted effort to send an envoy?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It will not. I think that now that Itami Castle has unfurled the banner of rebellion, it is definitely not going to roll it up again and submit to Azuchi.\"\n\n\"If that's true, then isn't it just wasted effort to send an envoy?\"\n\n\"It may seem so, but it will serve some purpose. You could say that to act first with humanity and show a retainer his mistake would let the world know of Lord Nobunaga's virtue. During that time, Lord Murashige will most likely be anguished and confused, and thus the arrow that is pulled back unjustifiably and without real conviction is going to weaken as the days go by.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you think our strategy should be in our attack on him, and what is your forecast for the western provinces?\"\n\n\"I think that neither the Mori nor the Honganji are likely to move precipitously. Murashige has already revolted, so they're more likely to let him get into a bloody fight of resistance. Then, if they see that our men in Harima and His Lordship's headquarters in Azuchi are weakening, they'll leap into the vacuum and attack from all sides.\"\n\n\"That's right, they'll take advantage of Murashige's stupidity. I don't know what kind of grievances he may have had, or what kind of bait they waved in front of him, but essentially he's being used as a shield for the Mori and the Honganji. Once that role as a shield is finished, there'll be nothing left for him but self-destruction. In terms of martial valor, he's far above others; but he's dull-witted. If there's any way of keeping him alive, I'd like to do it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The very best strategy would be to keep him from getting killed. It would be good if we could keep a man like that alive and also keep him as an ally.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But if you think that an envoy from Azuchi would be useless, who could go that Murashige might submit to?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"First try sending Kanbei. If Kanbei speaks to him, he should be able to enlighten Murashige on the matter, or at least wake him up from his bad dream.\"\n\n\"What if he refuses to see Kanbei?\"\n\n\"Then the Oda can send their last envoy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Their last envoy?\"\n\n\"You, my lord.\"\n\n\"Me?\" Hideyoshi was momentarily lost in thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, if it comes to that, it will be too late.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Teach him duty and enlighten him with friendship. If he doesn't accept what you say, you can do nothing more than strike at him firmly, citing the crime of revolt. If it does come to that, it would be foolish to attack Itami with a single stroke. Lord Murashige has not been emboldened by the strength of Itami Castle but rather by the cooperation of the two men he relies on like his right and left hands.\"\n\n\"You mean Nakagawa Sebei and Takayama Ukon?\"\n\n\"If you can get those two men away from him, he'll be like a body with no arms. And if you win either Ukon or Sebei over, getting them away from Murashige should not be that much of a problem.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hanbei seemed to forget about his illness at some point and talked about this subject and that, until his sickly pallor almost disappeared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do I win over Ukon?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi asked him eagerly, and Hanbei did not disappoint him.\n\n\"Takayama Ukon is an enthusiastic follower of Christianity. If you give him conditions permitting the propagation of his faith, he'll leave Murashige without a doubt.\"\n\n\"Yes, that's clear,\" Hideyoshi said in admiration." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If he could get Ukon to convince Sebei, it would kill two birds with one stone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped his questions. Hanbei appeared to be tired, too. Hideyoshi got up to leave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wait just a moment,\" Hanbei requested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He got up and went from the room, possibly toward the kitchen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi remembered that he was hungry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His attendants must have finished eating their lunches by this time. But before he even thought about returning to the temple's guest quarters and having some rice, a boy, who seemed to be Hanbei's attendant, brought in two trays, one bearing a sake container.\n\n\"What happened to Hanbei? Did he get tired after our long conversation?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, my lord. He went to the kitchen a little while ago and prepared the vegetables for your meal himself. He's cooking the rice right now, so he'll be in as soon as he's done.\"\n\n\"What? Hanbei's cooking for me?\"\n\n\"Yes, my lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi took a bite of taro—it was still hot—and the tears once again came to his eyes. The taste of the vegetable seemed to be not only on his tongue but filling his entire body. He felt that the taste was almost too good for someone like him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although Hanbei was a retainer, he had taught Hideyoshi all of the secret principles of ancient Chinese military lore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The things that Hideyoshi had learned while sitting with him every day were not ordinary things: the governing of the people during times of peace and the necessity of self-discipline." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He shouldn't be doing that.\" Suddenly, Hideyoshi put down his cup and, leaving the page who had been serving him, went to the kitchen, where Hanbei was cooking rice.\n\nHideyoshi took him by the hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hanbei, this is too much. Won't you come sit and talk with me for a while instead?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He led Hanbei back to the room and made him take a cup of sake but because of his illness, Hanbei could do no more than touch it to his lips." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two of them then ate together. It had been a long time since lord and retainer had enjoyed the pleasure of a meal in each other's company.\n\n\"It's time to go. But I've been invigorated. Now I can go fight. Hanbei, please take good care of yourself.\"\n\nWhen Hideyoshi left the Nanzen Temple, the day had already begun to end, and the sky over the capital was turning crimson." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Literary Collaboration:\n- Sentences: five sentences\n- Match character context\n- Genre: historical fiction" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'guest' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A flock of swallows was chirping under the eaves of the block of storehouses. Even though the sun was setting, the adults still appeared to be bringing food to the little ones in the nest.\n\n\"It could be the subject of a painting, don't you think?\" In a room of a building situated some distance from the large garden, Saito Toshimitsu, a senior Akechi retainer, was entertaining a guest. The guest was the painter Yusho, who was not a native of Suwa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He must have been about fifty years old, and his robust physique gave no hint that he might be a painter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He spoke very little. Twilight settled on the white walls of the line of beanpaste warehouses.\n\n\"You must forgive me for suddenly calling on you in wartime like this, and talking on about nothing but the tedious affairs of a man no longer involved with the world. I'm sure you have many campaign responsibilities.\" Yusho seemed to be announcing his leave and began to rise from the cushion.\n\n\"No, please.\" Saito Toshimitsu was a very composed man, and without even moving, he detained his guest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Since you've come all the way here, it would not be polite to let you leave before you had talked to Lord Mitsuhide. If, after you leave, I tell my lord that Yusho had visited during his absence, he'll scold me and ask me why I didn't keep you here.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'yusho' × 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And he intentionally started off on a new subject, doing his best to keep the unexpected caller entertained. At that time, Yusho was keeping a house in Kyoto, but he was originally from Omi in Mitsuhide's province. Not only that, but at one time, Yusho had received a warrior's stipend from the Saito clan in Mino. At that same time Toshimitsu—long before he had become a retainer of the Akechi clan—was serving the Saito clan.\n\nAfter living as a ronin, Yusho had become an artist, citing the fall of Gifu as the reason for his course of action." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toshimitsu, however, had abandoned his former allegiance to the Saito." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The discord that grew between Toshimitsu and his former masters was displayed even in front of Nobunaga, and disputes had been carried on almost as if they were asking for judgment. But now everyone had forgotten the stories that had excited society so much at that time, and those who looked upon his pure white sidelocks considered him to be a retainer the Akechi clan could not do without. Everyone respected his character and his position as an elder.\n\nThe allotment of lodgings had not been sufficient within Nobunaga's main camp at the Hoyo Temple, so some of the generals were quartered in various houses in Suwa.\n\nThe Akechi were bivouacked in the ancient buildings of a beanpaste wholesaler, and both the soldiers and their officers were relaxing after many days of hard fighting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A youth who appeared to be the son of the master of the house came up and spoke to Toshimitsu.\n\n\"Won't you come and take a bath, Your Honor? All the samurai and even the foot soldiers have finished their evening meal.\"\n\n\"No, I'll wait until His Lordship comes back.\"\n\n\"His Lordship is rather late tonight, isn't he?\"\n\n\"There's been a victory banquet today at the main camp. My lord very rarely touches sake, but perhaps he drank a little and is getting a bit tipsy with all the toasts.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I serve you your evening meal?\"\n\n\"No, no, I'll wait for my meal as well, until I see that he's come back. I do feel sorry for the guest I've detained, though. Why don't you show him to the bath?\"\n\n\"Would that be the traveling artist who's been here all afternoon?\"\n\n\"That's right. The man who's crouched over there by himself looking at the tree peonies in the garden. He looks a little bored. Why don't you call him over?\"\n\nThe youth withdrew, and then looked around at the back of the building." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In front of the dark, luxuriantly blooming tree peonies, Yusho was sitting holding his knees, staring vacantly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A little while later, when Toshimitsu came through the gate, both the youth and Yusho were already gone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toshimitsu was apprehensive. He thought that Mitsuhide was far too late in returning. Even though he was well aware that a victory banquet would last well into the night.\n\nLeading out through the ancient thatch-roofed gate, the path quickly joined the lakeside road. The last heat of the day still glimmered in the western sky over Lake Suwa. Toshimitsu looked down the road for some time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sure enough, he finally saw his lord coming toward him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'attendants' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Horses, spearmen, and attendants all followed in one group. But the concern on Toshimitsu's brow did not diminish as they came closer. Something was not as it should be. Nothing in Mitsuhide's appearance suggested that he was returning from a victory banquet. His lord should have been riding home in brilliant array, swaying gallantly on horseback, drunk along with his attendants on today's gift of sake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Mitsuhide was walking along, looking crestfallen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A retainer was leading his horse, which loped along cheerlessly, while the attendants walked silently behind in exactly the same manner.\n\n\"I came out here to meet you. You must be tired.\" When Toshimitsu bowed before him, Mitsuhide looked as though he had been taken by surprise.\n\n\"Toshimitsu? I've been inconsiderate. You were good enough to worry about my coming home late. Forgive me. I drank a little too much today, so I intentionally walked home by the lake trying to sober up. Don't be worried by my color. I feel a lot better now.\"\n\nToshimitsu could see that his master had met with some unhappy experience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had been Mitsuhide's close attendant for many years, so such a thing was unlikely to escape his notice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not, however, presume to ask about the matter. The old retainer was quick to look after his master's needs, hoping to cheer him up.\n\n\"How about a bowl of tea, and then a bath?\"\n\nToshimitsu's reputation was enough to strike fear in the enemy on the battlefield, but as he helped Mitsuhide out of his clothes, Mitsuhide could only think of him as a solicitous old relative.\n\n\"A bath? Yes. A bath might be very refreshing at a time like this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he followed Toshimitsu to the bathhouse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a while Toshimitsu listened to the sound of Mitsuhide splashing in the hot water in the bath." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'toshimitsu' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shall I scrub your back, my lord?\" Toshimitsu called in.\n\n\"Send in the page,\" Mitsuhide replied. \"I don't feel right about having you put your old body to work.\"\n\n\"Not at all.\"\n\nToshimitsu entered the bathroom, scooped up some hot water in a small wooden bucket, and went around behind his master." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Certainly he had never done this before, but at that moment he only wanted to raise his master's unusually low spirits." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is it proper to have a general scrub the dirt from one's back?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide asked. He was modest to the very end. He always exhibited reserve even with his retainers, and it was questionable whether this was one of his good or bad points. Toshimitsu's own opinion was that it was not particularly good.\n\n\"Now, now. When this old warrior fights under your honored banner, he's Saito Toshimitsu of the Akechi clan. But Toshimitsu himself is not an Akechi. That being so, it will be a good memory for me, while I'm alive and serving you, to have washed the dirt off your skin just once.\"\n\nToshimitsu had bound up his sleeves and began to wash his master's back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As his back was being scrubbed, Mitsuhide bowed his head contentedly in silence. He reflected deeply on Toshimitsu's concern for him, and then on the relationship between himself and Nobunaga.\n\nAh, I've been wrong, he thought. Deep in his own heart, Mitsuhide blamed himself. What was it that was displeasing Mitsuhide and making him so unhappy?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Certainly Nobunaga was a good master, but was his own loyalty equal to that of the old retainer who was now scrubbing his back?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How shameful. It was just as though Toshimitsu were washing his heart with the hot water he poured down his back.\n\nWhen he left the bath, Mitsuhide had changed both in appearance and in the tone of his voice. His mind had become completely refreshed, and Toshimitsu felt the same way.\n\n\"It was good to take a bath, just as you said. I guess it was fatigue as well as the sake.\"\n\n\"Do you feel better?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Essential phrase to include: \"I was worried because of the extraordinary unease on your face. That was the worst of all. Well, let me tell you that while you were gone we had a guest, and he's been waiting for your return.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm all right now, Toshimitsu. Don't worry.\"\n\n\"I was worried because of the extraordinary unease on your face. That was the worst of all. Well, let me tell you that while you were gone we had a guest, and he's been waiting for your return.\"\n\n\"A guest? At these battlefield quarters?\"\n\n\"Yusho was just traveling through Kai, and he said that before going elsewhere he wanted to stop and see you, and ask how you are.\"\n\n\"Where is he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had him stay in my room.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Really? Well, let's go over there.\"\n\n\"He'll probably feel shamed if the lord actually walks over to see the guest. I'll bring him to you in a little while.\"\n\n\"No, no. Our guest is a man of taste. It won't be necessary to be overly formal.\"\n\nAn elegant dinner had been prepared for Mitsuhide in the hall of the main house, but he sat in Toshimitsu's room and ate a simple meal with his guest.\n\nHis face became even brighter after talking with Yusho for a while." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He asked about the painting styles of the Southern and Northern Sung dynasties in China, discussed the artistic tastes of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa and the merits of the Tosa school of painting, and talked about everything from the Kano style to the influence of Dutch painting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Throughout the conversation, it was clear that Mitsuhide's education had not been shallow.\n\n\"I've thought that when I grow old, I might return to more tranquil pursuits and my youthful studies, and even try to paint. Perhaps, before then, you could draw me an illustrated copybook.\"\n\n\"Of course, my lord.\"\n\nYusho had emulated the style of the ancient Chinese artist, Liang K'ai. He had recently developed his own school independent of the Kano or Tosa traditions and finally had become established in the art world." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Nobunaga had asked him to illustrate the sliding partitions at Azuchi, he had pretended to be sick and had refused. He had, after all, been a retainer of the Saito clan, which had been destroyed by Nobunaga. One could understand how Yusho might have felt too proud to decorate Nobunaga's living quarters with his own brush.\n\nThe phrase \"soft on the outside, strong on the inside\" might very well have applied to Yusho's character. Yusho was unable to trust the logic that Mitsuhide lived by." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Mitsuhide were to slip, even once, he would burst the dam holding his emotions in check and slide toward a fatal course.\n\nMitsuhide slept happily that night. Perhaps it was due to the bath. Or to the unexpected and pleasing guest.\n\nThe soldiers had gotten up before the sun, fed the horses, put on their armor, prepared their provisions, and were now waiting for their lord's appearance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That morning they were to assemble at the Hoyo Temple, depart from Suwa, and head out for Kofu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They would then pass down the coast road and make a triumphal return to Azuchi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You should prepare yourself quickly, my lord,\" Toshimitsu said to Mitsuhide.\n\n\"Toshimitsu, I slept well last night!\"\n\n\"I'm glad to hear that.\"\n\n\"When Yusho leaves, you should give him my very best wishes and some money for the road.\"\n\n\"But you know, when I got up this morning and looked in on him, I discovered he had already gone. He got up and went out with the soldiers before the sun came up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His is an enviable life, Mitsuhide said to himself as he looked at the morning sky.\n\nSaito Toshimitsu unfolded a scroll. \"He left this behind. I thought it might be something he had forgotten, but when I looked at it closely, I saw that the ink hadn't yet dried, and then I remembered that you had requested him to make an illustrated copybook. I think he stayed up until dawn working on it.\"\n\n\"What? He didn't sleep?\"\n\nMitsuhide cast his eye over the scroll." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The paper was all the more white in the morning sun, and on it a single branch of tree peonies had been freshly painted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An inscription in a corner of the painting read: Tranquillity, this is nobility.\n\nTranquillity, this is nobility, Mitsuhide recited silently as he rolled out the scroll, now coming upon the illustration of a large turnip. Next to the turnip was written, Having a visitor is a taste.\n\nThe turnip had been drawn in India ink without even a trace of effort; and if you looked at it closely, you could smell the fragrance of the earth. This turnip served as the root for a single leaf, and it seemed to be bursting with life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Its wild nature appeared to be laughing at Mitsuhide's rationalism with a marvelous artlessness and lack of concern." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He continued unfolding the scroll, but there was nothing else. The greater part of it was nothing but blank paper.\n\n\"It looks like it took him all night to do these two illustrations.\"\n\nToshimitsu was also impressed by the scroll, and bent over it in appreciation with Mitsuhide.\n\nMitsuhide was hesitant to look at it any longer, and asked Toshimitsu to roll it up." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At that point, the sound of the conch shell was heard in the distant sky. It was a call from the headquarters at the Hoyo Temple, signaling the troops throughout the town to get ready. Heard in the arena of the bloody war, the conch shell was a thing of indescribable dread, booming out sorrowful reverberations. But heard on a morning like this its sound was mild and almost quietly comforting.\n\nMitsuhide was soon on horseback himself. His brow this morning, much like the mountains of Kai, was completely unclouded and without even a hint of shade." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "WRITING TASK:\n- Continue from user input\n- Match character/world knowledge level from input\n- Sentences: 6 sentences\n- Genres: historical fiction\n- Include tags: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once the decision had been taken to proceed with the water attack, the main camp on Mount Ryuo was found to be inconvenient." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the seventh day of the Fifth Month, Hideyoshi moved to Mount Ishii, which had been chosen because it overlooked Takamatsu Castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the following day Hideyoshi said, \"Let's start to measure the distances.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi, accompanied by half-a-dozen generals, rode to the west of Takamatsu Castle, to Monzen, on the banks of the Ashimori River." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All the while he kept an eye on the castle to his right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wiping the sweat from his face, Hideyoshi summoned Kyuemon. \"What's the distance from the ridge of Mount Ishii to Monzen?\" he asked.\n\n\"Under a league, my lord,\" Kyuemon answered.\n\n\"Lend me your map.\"\n\nTaking the map from Kyuemon, Hideyoshi compared the construction of the proposed dike to the lay of the land. There were mountains on three sides, creating a natural baylike formation, extending in the west from Kibi to the mountainous area of the upper reaches of the Ashimori River; in the north from Mount Ryuo to the mountains along the border of Okayama; in the east to the edge of Mount Ishii and Kawazugahana." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Takamatsu Castle was situated right in the middle of this open plain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Hideyoshi's eyes the fields, rice paddies, riding grounds, and villages on this flat plain were already submerged. The way he saw it, the mountainous banks on three sides could be viewed as a winding line of capes and beaches and Takamatsu Castle itself as a solitary man-made island.\n\nHideyoshi gave the map back to Kyuemon, reassured about the feasibility of the project, and once again mounted his horse. \"Let's go!\" he called out to his attendants, then said to Rokuro and Kyuemon, \"I'm going to ride from here to Mount Ishii. Take the measurements for the dike by following the hoofmarks of my horse.\"\n\nHideyoshi turned his horse due east and galloped off, riding straight from Monzen to Harakozai, and then describing an arc from there to Mount Ishii. Kyuemon and Rokuro chased behind him, leaving a trail of powdered rice meal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After them followed laborers who drove in stakes to mark the line of the dike." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the line that had been drawn became an embankment and the waters of the seven rivers were diverted to flow inside it, the entire area would become a huge lake shaped like a half-open lotus leaf. When the men looked carefully at the lay of the land that formed the border between Bizen and Bitchu, they realized that it must have been part of the sea in the distant past. The battle had commenced. It was not to be a battle of blood, but a war waged against the earth.\n\nThe length of the dike was to be one league; its width was to be thirty feet at the top and sixty feet at the base. The problem was its height, which had to be proportional to the height of the walls of Takamatsu Castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In fact, the primary factor assuring the success of the water attack was the fact that the castle's outer stone walls were only twelve feet high. Thus the height of the dike of twenty-four feet was figured from a base of twelve feet. It was calculated that if the water level rose to that height, it would not only submerge the castle's outer stone walls but also flood the castle itself under six feet of water.\n\nIt is only rarely, however, that a project is completed ahead of schedule. And the problem that so troubled Kanbei was one of human resources. For the most part, he would have to rely on the local farmers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The population of the neighboring villages, however, was rather sparse, because Muneharu had taken more than five hundred farming families into the castle before the siege, and many others had fled to the mountains." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The farmers who had taken refuge in the castle were ready to live or die with their lord." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were good, simple folk who had served Muneharu for years." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Many of those who remained in the villages were people of bad character, or opportunists who were willing to work on a battlefield.\n\nHideyoshi could count on the cooperation of Ukita Naoie, and Kanbei was able to muster several thousand men from Okayama. But what troubled him was not getting this number of men together; his problem was how to use those human resources with the greatest efficiency.\n\nOn a tour of inspection, he called over Rokuro and asked for a progress report.\n\n\"I'm sorry to say that we may not meet His Lordship's schedule,\" Rokuro replied sadly.\n\nEven the mathematical brain of this man could not figure out how to extract hard work from the mixed group of laborers and ruffians." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For this reason a series of guardhouses had been set up every ninety yards along the dike, and soldiers were stationed at each of these surveillance points to encourage the laborers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because the soldiers were simply there as passive observers, however, the thousands of men who swung their mattocks and shouldered dirt like ants were hardly spurred on at all.\n\nMoreover, the timetable that Hideyoshi had imposed was extremely tight. Urgent messages reached him night and day. The forty thousand troops of the Mori had split into three armies under Kikkawa, Kobayakawa, and Terumoto, and they were getting closer to the provincial border by the hour.\n\nKanbei watched the laborers. Exhausted by working all hours of the day and night, some hardly moved at all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had only two weeks to complete the project.\n\nTwo days. Three days. Five days passed.\n\nKanbei thought, Progress is so slow that we won't be able to complete the dike in fifty or even in a hundred days, much less in two weeks.\n\nRokuro and Kyuemon were going without sleep, supervising the workers. But no matter what they did, the men were disgruntled and insolent. To make matters worse, some laborers intentionally sabotaged the schedule by persuading even the comparatively submissive workers to hinder the project with deliberate slowness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kanbei was unable to watch passively. He finally began to visit the construction site himself, staff in hand. Standing on a hill of fresh earth at a section of the dike that had finally been completed, he looked down, with eyes aflame, at the thousands of workers. When he discovered someone showing the least bit of sloth, he would dash up to the laborer with a speed hardly befitting a cripple, and beat him with his staff.\n\n\"Get to work! Why are you being lazy?\"\n\nThe laborers would tremble and work frantically, but only while Kanbei was watching them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The crippled demon warrior is looking!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kanbei finally made a report to Hideyoshi: \"It's going to be impossible to finish on time. Just to make sure we are prepared, I'd like to request that you decide on some strategy beforehand in case the Mori reinforcements arrive while the construction is only half done. By the gods, it's more difficult getting these laborers to work than it is getting troops to maneuver.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unc­harac­teris­tically nervous, Hideyoshi counted silently on his fingers. He was being informed hourly of the approach of a large Mori army, and he received the dispatches just as he might watch the clouds of an evening squall approach the mountains.\n\n\"Don't be discouraged, Kanbei. We still have another seven days.\"\n\n\"The construction is less than a third finished. How are we going to complete the dike in the few days we have left?\"\n\n\"We can do it.\" This was the first time Hideyoshi had contradicted Kanbei so strongly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We can finish it. But it won't be done if we only get the strength of three thousand men from our three thousand workers. Now if one man works like three or even five men, our three thousand workers will have the strength of ten thousand. If the samurai supervising them act in the same way, one man will be able to muster the spirit of ten men, and we should be able to accomplish anything we want. Kanbei, I'm coming to the construction site myself.\"\n\nThe following morning, a yellow-robed messenger ran around the construction site, ordering the laborers to stop their work and gather around a banner set up on the dike.\n\nThe workers from the night shift who were on their way home, and the men just now coming on, all followed their bosses. When the three thousand workers were assembled, it was difficult to differentiate the color of the earth from the color of the men themselves.\n\nPrompted partly by uneasiness, the wave of blackened men moved forward. They had not lost their false show of courage, however, and continued to joke and banter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suddenly the crowd became hushed as Hideyoshi moved toward the stool set up next to the banner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His pages and retainers were to his right and left, and stood back solemnly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The demon warrior, Kuroda Kanbei, who was the target of their daily malice, stood off to the side, resting on his staff." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He addressed them from the top of the dike.\n\n\"Today it is Lord Hideyoshi's wish that you tell him your thoughts. As you all know, the time allotted for building the dike is more than halfway through, but the construction is going slowly. Lord Hideyoshi says that one of the reasons for this is that you have not been making a real effort. He has commanded you to gather here so that you can frankly explain why you are dissatisfied or unhappy, and what it is that you want.\"\n\nKanbei stopped for a moment and looked at the laborers. Here and there, men were whispering.\n\n\"The bosses of the various groups must understand the feelings of their men well. Don't miss this opportunity to tell His Lordship exactly what you want. Five or six men should come up here as representatives and speak out about your dissatisfactions and desires. If they are legitimate, they will be addressed.\"\n\nWith that, a tall man, stripped to the waist and with an insubordinate expression, came forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Looking as if he were trying to gain favor with the herd of men, he climbed aggressively to the top of the dike." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they saw this, three or four more laborers swaggered up after him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are these the only representatives?\" Kanbei asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they approached Hideyoshi's camp stool, each of them knelt down on the earth.\n\n\"It's not necessary to kneel,\" Kanbei told them. \"Today His Lordship has cordially asked you to explain your discontent. You've come up here before him representing all of the laborers, so speak your minds freely. Whether or not we finish this construction on time depends on you. We want you to tell us the reasons for the resentment and dissatisfaction you have hidden inside yourselves until now. Let's start with the man who came up here first, on the right. Speak up now.\" Kanbei's tone was conciliatory.\n\nWhen Kanbei urged them to speak a second time, one of the five men representing the laborers spoke up.\n\n\"Well then, I'll take you at your word and speak, but don't get mad, all right? For one thing... well, all right... please listen to this... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Speak.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, you're paying us one sho of rice and a hundred mon for every sandbag we haul, and the fact is that all of us—a couple of thousand poor folks—are real happy to be employed. But, well, we all think—and me, too—you might go back on your word because we're all just laborers, anyway.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well now,\" Kanbei said, \"why should a man with Lord Hideyoshi's reputation go back on his word? Every time you carry a sandbag, you receive a branded strip of bamboo that you can exchange for pay in the evening, don't you?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'Isn't one sho of rice and a hundred mon a living far better than what you usually earn?' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Your Honor, we get the bamboo strips, but we only get paid one sho of brown rice and a hundred mon even if we've carried ten or twenty sacks in one day. The rest is military stubs and rice tickets to cash in later.\"\n\n\"That's right.\"\n\n\"So it troubles us, Your Honor. What we've earned would be fine in either rice or money, but without the real thing, a poor day-laborer like me can't feed his wife and children.\"\n\n\"Isn't one sho of rice and a hundred mon a living far better than what you usually earn?\"\n\n\"You shouldn't joke, Your Honor. We're not horses or cows, and if we worked like this all year, we'd be done for. But, well, we've agreed to it, following His Lordship's orders, and we've been working day and night. Now, we can do unreasonable work if we get our wants filled along the way, and thinking that afterward we can drink sake, pay back our debts, and buy some new clothes for the wife. But if we get paid in promises, we just can't continue putting our hearts into the work.\"\n\n\"Well, you're pretty hard to understand. Lord Hideyoshi's army has made it a principle to rule benevolently and has done nothing despotic at all so far. What, really, do you have to complain about?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The five laborers laughed coldly. One of them said, \"Your Honor, we're not complaining. Just pay us what we've earned. We can't fill our stomachs with waste paper and rice tickets. And, more important than that, who is going to give us real money for that waste paper on the day Lord Hideyoshi loses?\"\n\n\"If that's what it is, you have nothing to worry about!\"\n\n\"Ah, but wait. You say that you're going to win, and you and all these generals have staked your lives on this gamble, but I wouldn't put a half share on a bet like that. Hey, everybody! Isn't that right?\"\n\nAs he waved his arms from the top of the dike, asking for the thousands of workers' agreement, a shout arose instantaneously in response, and a wave of human heads undulated back and forth as far as the eye could see.\n\n\"Is that your only complaint?\" Kanbei asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah. That's what we'd like to settle first,\" the man replied, looking to the crowd for support but not showing the least bit of fear.\n\n\"Absolutely not!\" Kanbei spoke in his true voice for the first time. That instant, he threw down his staff, unsheathed his sword, and sliced the man in two. Turning quickly to another who had started to run away, he cut him down too. At the same time, Rokuro and Kyuemon—who were standing behind Kanbei—wielded their swords and finished off the other three men in a shower of gushing blood.\n\nIn this way Kanbei, Kyuemon, and Rokuro divided up their work and cut down five men in the instant it takes lightning to strike." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Struck by the speed and unexpectedness of the action, the laborers were as hushed as grass in a graveyard. The dissatisfied voices had been hushed in an instant. The faces that had been so impudent up until then—the defiant looks—were gone. Nothing was left but countless faces the color of earth, cowering in fear.\n\nStanding over the five corpses, the three samurai glared ominously at the laborers, their blood-soaked swords still in their hands.\n\nKanbei finally shouted with all his ferocity, \"These five men who represented you—we called them up here, listened to what they had to say, and gave them a very clear answer. Someone else may have something to say, too, however.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He paused, waiting for someone to speak up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Surely there's someone down there who wants to come up. Who's next? If there's anyone who thinks he wants to say something for everyone, now's the time to speak up!\"\n\nKanbei was quiet for a moment, giving the men time to reflect on the matter. Among those numberless heads, there were very clearly men whose expressions were changing from fear to regret. Kanbei wiped the blood off his sword and returned it to its scabbard. Softening his expression, he lectured the laborers in a dignified manner.\n\n\"I see that no one is going to come up after these five men, so I imagine that means your intentions are different from theirs. If I'm right, then I'm going to have my say. Are there any objections?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The several thousand laborers answered in the voices of men who had been saved from death. Not one of them had an objection. Nobody had any intention of complaining. The men who had spoken were clearly the ringleaders who had instigated the slowdowns. The rest were going to follow orders and work. Would Hideyoshi forgive them?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The three thousand men were speaking noisily back and forth, some in whispers, some yelling, so that one could hardly understand who was saying what." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The feeling of the entire crowd, however, was united.\n\n\"Quiet now!\" Kanbei waved his hand to control them. \"All right. This is the way I think it should be. I'm not going to say anything complicated, but essentially it would be best if you all worked happily and quickly with your wives and children under His Lordship's administration. If you're indolent or greedy, you will only delay the arrival of the day you are looking forward to. The expeditionary army sent by Lord Nobunaga will not be defeated by the Mori. No matter how large a province the Mori control, it is a province that is doomed to fall. This is not because the Mori are weak, but because of the great movement of the times. Do you understand?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" the laborers replied.\n\n\"Well then, are you going to work?\"\n\n\"We're going to work. We're really going to work!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right!\" Kanbei nodded strongly and turned toward Hideyoshi. \"My lord, you can hear how the workers have spoken, so won't you be generous with them this time?\" He almost seemed to be pleading for the crowd.\n\nHideyoshi stood up. He gave a command to Kanbei and the two officials who were kneeling before him. Almost immediately, foot soldiers walked over, shouldering what appeared to be heavy money bags—a mountain of straw money bags.\n\nFacing the laborers, who were caught up in their fears and regrets, Kanbei said, \"You're really not to blame. All of you are in a pitiful situation. You've been led astray by two or three bad elements. That is what Lord Hideyoshi has declared; and so that you'll work with no other thoughts in mind, he has commanded that we give you a bonus to urge you on a little. Receive, express your thanks, and get quickly back to work.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the command was given to the foot soldiers, every straw bag there was broken open and the mountain of coins poured out, almost covering the top of the dike." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Grab however much you can and go. But only one fistful for each man.\"\n\nHe said this quite clearly, but the laborers still hesitated to make a move forward. They whispered among themselves and looked back and forth at each other, but the mountain of coins stayed right where it was.\n\n\"The fastest man will be the winner! Don't complain after it's all gone. Each man should take a fistful, so the men born with big hands can account themselves lucky, and the men with little hands shouldn't let anything slip between their fingers. Don't get excited and fail. Then go back to work.\"\n\nThe laborers no longer had any doubts. They could see that Kanbei meant what he said with his smiling face and jocular words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The laborers in the front of the crowd rushed up to the mountain of coins." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They wavered a little, as though frightened by the sight of so much money, but as soon as the first man had grabbed a fistful and retreated, a chorus of happy voices suddenly arose." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'their' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It sounded almost like a victory song.\n\nAlmost immediately such confusion took over that coins, men, and clods of earth were hardly distinguishable. No man, however, tried to cheat—somewhere along the line they had all thrown off their craftiness and dissatisfaction. Holding on to their handfuls of coins, they seemed to have been transformed, and each man ran off to his own work station.\n\nThe echoes of hoes and spades being used with real force filled the air. With spirited yells, men dumped earth, inserted poles through the straw carrying-baskets, and shouldered sandbags away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Real spirit was being mustered for the first time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sweat the men were now wringing out of themselves increasingly gladdened and refreshed them, and they began to shout with enthusiasm among themselves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who says we can't finish this dike in five days? Hey, everybody—remember the big flood?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's right. This is nothing like trying to keep the flood waters out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's do it! Let's give it all we've got!\"\n\n\"I'm not going to give up!\"\n\nIn just half a day, more work was accomplished than in the previous five.\n\nThe overseers' whips and Kanbei's staff were no longer needed. Bonfires were lit at night, the dust from the earth darkened the day, and finally the work was almost finished.\n\nAs the landlocked dike neared completion, the related work of diverting the seven rivers around Takamatsu Castle also advanced." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nearly twenty thousand men had been put to work on that project. Damming up and drawing off the waters of the Ashimori and Naruya rivers were the construction projects considered to be the most difficult.\n\nThe official in charge of damming the Ashimori often complained to Hideyoshi, \"The level of water is rising every day with the heavy rains in the mountains. There just doesn't seem to be any way of damming it.\"\n\nKanbei had gone to inspect the site with Rokuro the day before, and he understood the extreme difficulty of the situation.\n\n\"The current is so strong that even when we pushed in boulders that took twenty or thirty men to move, they were washed away immediately.\"\n\nWhen even Kanbei could only bring back excuses, Hideyoshi went to the river himself to see the actual situation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But when he stood there and looked at the power of the rushing current, his own human knowledge was overwhelmed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rokuro came up and offered a suggestion: \"If we cut down trees at the upper reaches of the river and push them in with the foliage still attached, it may slow the current a little.\"\n\nThis plan was put into operation, and for half a day, more than a thousand workers felled trees and tossed them whole into the river. But this, too, failed to slow the current.\n\nRokuro's next suggestion was to sink thirty large boats loaded with huge boulders at the site of the proposed dam.\n\nPulling the huge boats up against the current, however, proved to be impossible, so wooden planks were set out on the land, oil was poured over them, and, with great effort, the boats were pulled overland and sunk with their loads of boulders at the mouth of the river.\n\nIn the meantime the great dike, stretching an entire league, had been completed, and the rushing current of the Ashimori was transformed into foam and spray and diverted toward the plain around Takamatsu Castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At about the same time, the waters of the other six rivers were channeled into the area." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only the channeling of the Naruya River had proved too difficult for the workers to complete on time." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'twenty-first' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fourteen days had passed since the seventh day of the Fifth Month, the day the work began. It had been completed in two weeks.\n\nOn the twenty-first day of the Fifth Month, the forty thousand Mori troops under Kikkawa and Kobayakawa arrived at the border—one day after the surroundings of Takamatsu Castle had been transformed into a muddy lake.\n\nOn the morning of the twenty-first, Hideyoshi stood with his generals at the headquarters on Mount Ishii and looked over his handiwork.\n\nWhether one thought of it a grand spectacle or a wretched one, the swollen waters—aided by the rain during the night—had left Takamatsu Castle standing completely isolated in the middle of a lake. The outer stone walls, the forest, the drawbridge, the roofs of the houses, the villages, the fields, the rice paddies, and the roads were all submerged, and the level was rising hourly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where's the Ashimori?\"\n\nIn response to Hideyoshi's question, Kanbei pointed to a stand of pines that could dimly be seen in the west.\n\n\"As you can see, there's an opening in the dike of about four hundred fifty yards in that area, and we're running the dammed-up waters of the Ashimori through that break.\"\n\nHideyoshi followed the line of the faraway mountains from west to south. Beneath the sky directly to the south, he could see Mount Hizashi on the border. With the dawn, the countless banners of the Mori's vanguard had appeared on the mountain." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'yards' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're the enemy, but you can't help but sympathize with what Kikkawa and Kobayakawa must have felt this morning when they arrived and saw the lake. They must have stamped on the ground in vexation,\" Kanbei said.\n\nJust at that moment, the son of the official in charge of the work at the Naruya River site prostrated himself in front of Hideyoshi. He was crying.\n\n\"What's the matter?\" Hideyoshi asked.\n\n\"This morning,\" the young man replied, \"my father declared that he was guilty of inexcusable negligence. He wrote you this letter of apology and committed seppuku\"\n\nThe official had been in charge of the difficult project of cutting five hundred yards through a mountain. Ninety yards remained that morning, thus he had not met his deadline." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Taking responsibility for the failure, the man had taken his own life." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'began' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi gazed down at the man's son, whose hands, feet, and hair were still covered with mud. He gently beckoned him to his side.\n\n\"You are not to commit seppuku yourself. Pray for your father's soul by your action on the battlefield. All right?\" And he lightly patted the youth's back.\n\nThe young man cried openly. The rain began to fall. Stripes of white rain began to pour into the muddy lake from the thick clouds that were quietly descending." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Match character/world familiarity\nLength:\neight sentences\nGenres:\nhistorical fiction\nTags:\nsamurai, Japan" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That day the Akechi retainer Shinshi Sakuzaemon belatedly left Azuchi for Sakamoto Castle, accompanied by a small party of men. His lord, Mitsuhide, had left in such haste that Shinshi had stayed behind to take care of unfinished business.\n\nAs soon as he had taken off his travel clothes, several men crowded around him in his room and questioned him.\n\n\"What was the situation like afterward?\"\n\n\"What kind of rumors spread around Azuchi after His Lordship left?\"\n\nShinshi spoke, gritting his teeth. \"It's only been eight days since His Lordship left Azuchi, but for the men who receive their stipends from the Akechi clan, it's been like sitting on a bed of nails for three years. Every servant and commoner in Azuchi has walked by the empty banquet hall and yelled insults. 'Is this Lord Mitsuhide's empty mansion? No wonder it smells like rotten fish. With this kind of bad luck and disgrace, the light shining on that Kumquat Head is going to fade right away.'\"\n\n\"No one criticized Lord Nobunaga's actions as unreasonable or unfair?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'there' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There must be some retainers who understand. What are they saying?\"\n\n\"During the days after His Lordship's departure, the banquet was being held for Lord Ieyasu, so Azuchi Castle was involved in that and nothing else. Perhaps Lord Ieyasu thought it strange that the official in charge of the banquet had suddenly been changed, and I've heard that he asked Lord Nobunaga why Lord Mitsuhide had suddenly disappeared. Lord Nobunaga only replied nonchalantly that he had had him return to his home province.\"\n\nEveryone who heard this report bit his lip. Shinshi went on to tell them that most of the senior Oda retainers seemed to think that Mitsuhide's adversity was their good luck. Furthermore, it was possible that Nobunaga was considering moving the Akechi clan to some out-of-the-way place. That was nothing more than a rumor, but there is rarely smoke without fire. Ranmaru, Nobunaga's favorite page, was the son of Mori Yoshinari, the Oda retainer who had died in battle years before at Sakamoto. For this reason Ranmaru secretly coveted Sakamoto Castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was even a rumor that he had already received a tacit promise from Nobunaga." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'mitsuhide' (3x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And there was more. Many were of the view that the order for Mitsuhide to advance toward the Sanin Road had more than likely been calculated so that when he occupied the area, he would be made its governor on the spot. Sakamoto Castle, so close to Azuchi, would then be presented to Mori Ranmaru.\n\nAs proof, Shinshi cited the military command given to Mitsuhide by Nobunaga on the nineteenth day of the month, and then he turned away in a fury. He need not have explained. The order had angered Mitsuhide and every one of his retainers. It read as follows:\n\nIn order for you to act as rear guard in Bitchu, you should set out from your own province in the next few days and thereby precede me to the battlefield." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There you should wait for Hideyoshi's instructions." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'akechi' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This letter, circulated to all the generals and retainers of the Oda clan, was clearly written under Nobunaga's direction, so when it was brought to the warriors of the Akechi clan, their anger moved them to tears of rage. It had been customary to consider the Akechi clan superior to the Ikeda and the Hori, and as on the same level as Hideyoshi's Hashiba and the Shibata. Nevertheless, their lord's name had been recorded beneath those commanders' names in addition to his being put under Hideyoshi's command.\n\nA lack of respect for one's rank was the greatest insult to a samurai. The shame of the banquet incident had been compounded in a military order. The men were outraged once again. By that time it was twilight, and the setting sun played over the walls. No one spoke, but tears stained the men's cheeks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just then, the footsteps of several samurai could be heard in the corridor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Guessing that their lord was now returning, the men all scrambled out to meet him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only Shinshi, still in his travel clothes, held back waiting to be summoned. Mitsuhide, who had just returned from Mount Hiei, did not call Shinshi until after he had taken a bath and eaten.\n\nNo one was with him at that time but Mitsuharu, and Shinshi delivered a report that he had not given to the other retainers, which was that Nobunaga had made his decision and was preparing to set out from Azuchi on the twenty-ninth of the month. He would spend one night in Kyoto and then immediately go west.\n\nMitsuhide listened attentively. His eyes reflected his clear and observant intellect. He nodded at Shinshi's every word.\n\n\"How many will be accompanying him?\" he asked.\n\n\"He will be accompanied by a few retainers and thirty or forty pages.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What! He'll be going to Kyoto with so small an entourage?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuharu had remained quietly in the background, but now that Mitsuhide, too, had sunk into silence, he dismissed Shinshi.\n\nAfter Shinshi left, Mitsuharu and Mitsuhide were alone. Mitsuhide looked as though he wanted to open his heart to his cousin, but in the end, Mitsuharu did not give him the chance. Instead, Mitsuharu spoke of loyalty to Nobunaga and urged Mitsuhide to hasten to the western provinces so as not to offend his lord.\n\nThe upright character his cousin displayed was characterized by a strong and loving quality upon which Mitsuhide had relied for the last forty years, and he had faith in him now as the most dependable man in his clan. Therefore, even though Mitsuharu's attitude was not in tune with Mitsuhide's own innermost feelings, he was unable to be angry with him or try to pressure him.\n\nAfter some moments of utter silence Mitsuhide suddenly said, \"Let's send an advance party tonight to my retainers at Kameyama and have them prepare for the campaign as quickly as possible. Would you arrange that, Mitsuharu?\"\n\nMitsuharu stood up happily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That night, a small party of men hurried toward Kameyama Castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At about the fourth watch, Mitsuhide suddenly sat up. Had he been dreaming? Or had he been considering something and had decided against it? A little while later he pulled the coverlet over himself again, buried his face in the pillow, and tried to get back to sleep.\n\nWas it mist or rain? The sound of the waves in the lake, or the wind blowing down Mount Hiei? The wind from the mountain did not stop playing through the eaves of the mansion all night. Although it did not find its way inside, the candle at Mitsuhide's pillow flickered as though it were being shaken by an evil spirit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide turned over. Although it was the season of short nights, to him it seemed that the morning was long in coming." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, just as his breathing had become deep and even, once again he suddenly pushed away his covers and sat up with a start.\n\n\"Is anyone there?\" he called toward the pages' quarters.\n\nSliding doors were opened far away. The page on night watch silently entered and prostrated himself.\n\n\"Tell Matabei to come right away,\" Mitsuhide ordered.\n\nEveryone in the samurai quarters was asleep, but as several of Mitsuhide's retainers had left for Kameyama the previous evening, those who had stayed behind were tense, not knowing when their lord, Mitsuhide, might himself depart. Each man had gone to bed that evening with his traveling clothes next to his pillow.\n\n\"Did you summon me, my lord?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yomoda Matabei had quickly appeared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was a robust young man who had caught Mitsuhide's eye. Mitsuhide motioned him closer and whispered an order to him.\n\nUpon receiving secret orders from Mitsuhide, the young man's face registered strong emotion.\n\n\"I'll go at once!\" he answered, responding to his lord's trust with his entire being.\n\n\"You'll be recognized as an Akechi samurai, so go quickly—before dawn breaks. Have your wits about you, and don't blunder.\"\n\nAfter Matabei had withdrawn, there was still some time before it would begin to grow light and it was only now that Mitsuhide was able to sleep soundly. Contrary to his usual practice, he did not leave his room until broad daylight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Many of his retainers had guessed that the departure for Kameyama would take place that day and had expected an early announcement to that effect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were quite surprised when they discovered that their lord was sleeping so uncommonly late.\n\nAt about noon, Mitsuhide's relaxed voice could be heard in the hall.\n\n\"I spent the entire day walking around the mountain yesterday and slept better last night than I have for a long time. Maybe that's why I feel so good today. I seem to have completely recovered from my cold.\"\n\nA look of congratulations that might as well have reflected on their own improved health circulated among his retainers. Soon after that Mitsuhide issued a command to his attendants.\n\n\"This evening in the second half of the Hour of the Rooster, we will depart Sakamoto, cross the Shirakawa River, pass through northern Kyoto, and return to Kameyama. Make sure that all of the preparations are complete.\"\n\nMore than three thousand warriors were to accompany him to Kameyama. Evening was approaching, Mitsuhide dressed in his traveling clothes and then went to find Mitsuharu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Since I will be going to the western provinces, I have no idea when I will be back. This evening I'd like to sit down and eat dinner with you and your family.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And so they were once again altogether as a family circle until Mitsuhide departed.\n\nThe eldest person at the banquet was Mitsuhide's eccentric uncle, Chokansai, a man who had taken holy orders. Sixty-six years old that year and free from any illness, he was given to telling jokes. He sat next to Mitsuharu's seven-year-old son, teasing him good-naturedly.\n\nBut the sociable old man was the only one who smiled from beginning to end. Ignorant of the hidden reefs now threatening the Akechi clan, he simply entrusted his remaining years to the ship that passed over the spring sea, and looked as peaceful as ever.\n\n\"It's so lively here, I feel as though I've returned home again. Old man, give this cup to Mitsutada.\"\n\nMitsuhide had already drunk two or three cups and now passed the cup on to Chokansai, who in turn handed it to Mitsutada." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsutada was the commander of Hachijo Castle and so had just arrived today." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was the youngest of the three cousins.\n\nMitsutada drank the sake and, moving over in front of Mitsuhide, returned the cup to him. Mitsuharu's wife held the sake bottle and poured, and just at that moment Mitsuhide's hand began to tremble in alarm. Ordinarily he was not the kind of man to be surprised by a sound, but now, as a warrior started to beat a drum in front of the castle, the color seemed to recede slightly from his face.\n\nChokansai turned to Mitsuhide and said, \"It will soon be the Hour of the Rooster, so that must be the drum summoning your troops to the assembly ground.\"\n\nMitsuhide's mood seemed to sink even more. \"I know,\" he said in what sounded like a bitter tone of voice, and he drained the last cup.\n\nHe was mounted within the hour." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beneath a sky of pale stars, three thousand men carrying torches left the lakeside castle in a meandering line and disappeared into the foothills of Shimeigatake. It was the evening of the twenty-sixth.\n\nFrom the top of the castle Mitsuharu watched them go. He would form a regiment made up only of retainers from Sakamoto, and go on to join the main army at Kameyama later.\n\nThe army under Mitsuhide walked on without stopping. It was exactly midnight when the men looked from just south of Shimeigatake and saw the sleeping city of Kyoto.\n\nTo cross the Shirakawa River, they would descend the ridge of Mount Uriyu and come out on the road south of the Ichijo Temple. They had been climbing steadily, but from that point on the path would be all downhill." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Take a rest!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsutada passed Mitsuhide's command on to the troops.\n\nMitsuhide dismounted as well and rested for a short while. If it had been daytime, he would have been able to look out over the various streets of the capital. But now the contours of the city were sunk in darkness, and only the distinctive features of the temple roofs and pagodas and the large river could be distinguished.\n\n\"Hasn't Yomoda Matabei overtaken us?\"\n\n\"I haven't seen him since last night. Did you send him off on some mission, my lord?\"\n\n\"That's right.\"\n\n\"Where did he go?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'll know soon enough. If he comes back, send him to me. Even if we're en route.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, my lord.\"\n\nIn the second he fell silent, Mitsuhide's eyes were again looking eagerly out over the black roofs of the capital. Perhaps because the night mist would keep thickening and then thinning out, or because his eyes were becoming used to the night, he was gradually able to distinguish the buildings in the capital. The white walls of the Nijo Palace were brighter than anything else.\n\nNaturally, Mitsuhide's gaze was captured by this one white point. It was there that Nobunaga's son, Nobutada, was staying. There also was Tokugawa Ieyasu, who had left Azuchi some days before and gone to the capital.\n\nLord Ieyasu has probably left the capital already, Mitsuhide thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally he quickly stood up, making all his generals jump." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's go. My horse.\"\n\nThe dismay of his subordinates was like a wave that rippled out from the fitful actions of his isolated mind. For the last few days he had periodically secluded himself from his retainers, and he had behaved more like an orphan than like the leader of a samurai clan.\n\nAlthough the soldiers who followed Mitsuhide had difficulty finding their way in the dark—surrounding him and yelling warnings back and forth—they gradually descended and approached the outskirts of the capital.\n\nWhen the line of three thousand men and horses arrived at the Kamo River and paused momentarily, the soldiers all turned and looked to the rear, and Mitsuhide did the same: having observed the red waves on the river, they knew that the morning sun was rising over the ridges behind them.\n\nThe officer in charge of the army's provisions came up to Mitsutada and asked him about breakfast. \"Shall we make the morning's preparations here or go on to Nishijin?\"\n\nMitsutada was going to ask Mitsuhide what his intentions were, but at that moment Yomoda Masataka had pulled his horse alongside of Mitsuhide's, and the two men seemed to be gazing steadily at the Shirakawa, which they had crossed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsutada held back for a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Masataka, is that Matabei?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I believe it is.\"\n\nMitsuhide and Masataka were watching a horseman hurriedly approaching through the morning mist.\n\n\"Matabei.\" While Mitsuhide waited right where he was for the man he had been expecting, he turned and spoke to the commanders around him. \"Go ahead and cross the river. I'll follow you momentarily.\"\n\nThe advance guard had already waded across the shallows of the Kamo to the far bank. As the other commanders left Mitsuhide's side, their horses kicked up a white foam in the middle of the clear water. One by one they crossed the stream.\n\nMitsutada took this opportunity to ask, \"Where shall we have our meal? Would it be convenient to have it at Nishijin?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everyone's stomach must be empty, but we shouldn't stop in the city limits. Let's go as far as Kitano,\" Mitsuhide replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At a distance of about twenty yards, the approaching Yomoda Matabei dismounted and wound his horse's reins around a piling in the riverbed.\n\n\"Mitsutada and Masataka, the two of you cross the river as well, and wait for me on the other side. I'll follow soon.\"\n\nAfter these last two men had gone some distance, Mitsuhide turned in the direction of Matabei for the first time and beckoned him over with a look.\n\n\"Yes, my lord!\"\n\n\"What's going on in Azuchi?\"\n\n\"The report you heard previously from Amano Genemon seems to be without error.\"\n\n\"The reason I sent you a second time was to get positive information on Lord Nobunaga's departure for the capital on the twenty-ninth, and on what kind of force he was taking with him. To give me some vague response about there being no mistakes in a former report is worthless. Make a clear report: was it reliable information or not?\"\n\n\"It is certain that he will leave Azuchi on the twenty-ninth. I couldn't get the names of the main generals who will accompany him, and it was announced that forty or fifty pages and close attendants will be with him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about his lodgings in the capital?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He'll be at the Honno Temple.\"\n\n\"What! The Honno Temple?\n\n\"Yes, my lord.\"\n\n\"Not Nijo Palace?\"\n\n\"All of the reports said that he would be staying at the Honno Temple,\" Matabei answered quite clearly, careful to avoid being scolded again." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Literary Collaboration:\n- Sentences: five sentences\n- Match character context\n- Genre: historical fiction" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At about midnight Mitsuharu was awakened by the sound of whispering coming from the guardroom two doors down the hallway. Footsteps approached, and the door of his room slid open noiselessly.\n\n\"What is it?\" Mitsuharu asked.\n\nThe guard, who must have thought Mitsuharu would be asleep, hesitated for a moment. Then he hurriedly prostrated himself and said, \"Lord Mitsuhide is waiting for you in the main citadel.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuharu got up and began to dress; he asked what time it was." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'toshimitsu' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The first half of the Hour of the Rat,\" the guard replied.\n\nMitsuharu went out into the ink-black corridor. When he saw that Saito Toshimitsu was kneeling by the doorway, waiting for him, Mitsuharu wondered what the reason was for this unexpected summons in the middle of the night.\n\nToshimitsu walked ahead, holding a candle. They met no one during their long walk down the winding corridor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Almost everyone was peacefully asleep in the main citadel, but an unusual atmosphere permeated this one part of the building, and it seemed that men were up and about in two or three rooms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where is His Lordship?\"\n\n\"In his sleeping quarters.\"\n\nToshimitsu put out the candle at the entrance to the corridor leading to Mitsuhide's bedroom. With a look, he invited Mitsuharu to enter, and opened the heavy door. As soon as Mitsuharu had gone in, Toshimitsu shut the door behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was only from the farthest room in the corridor—Mitsuhide's bedroom—that the faint light of a lamp leaked out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Mitsuharu looked into the room, he could see neither attendants nor pages." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide was alone, dressed in a summer kimono of white gauze, his long sword beside him, his hand on an armrest at his side.\n\nThe light of the lamp was particularly pale because it was filtered through the green gossamer mosquito netting that hung around Mitsuhide. When he slept, the netting surrounded him on all four sides, but now the front was held up by a strip of bamboo.\n\n\"Come in, Mitsuharu,\" Mitsuhide said.\n\n\"What is this all about?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "his cousin asked, after kneeling in front of Mitsuhide." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'though' | Required occurrences: 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mitsuharu, would you risk your life for me?\"\n\nMitsuharu knelt in silence, looking as though he had forgotten how to speak. Mitsuhide's eyes were ablaze with a strange light. His question had been simple and direct—the very words Mitsuharu had been afraid of hearing since Sakamoto. Now Mitsuhide had finally spoken, and though Mitsuharu was not surprised, the blood in his veins felt as though it had turned into ice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you against me, Mitsuharu?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'mitsuhide' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still he did not answer. Mitsuhide, too, fell silent. His face displayed a certain paleness that was not due to the green netting or the guttering of the lamp, but to the reflection of some emotion in his heart.\n\nMitsuharu knew, almost by intuition, that Mitsuhide had prepared a contingency plan to use if he opposed him. Built into the wall beyond the mosquito netting, in the corner of a large alcove, was a secret chamber that could conceal an armed man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The flecks of gold on the surface of the hidden door shone ominously, as if glinting with the bloodthirsty intent of the hidden assassin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To Mitsuharu's right was a large sliding door. He could hear nothing from behind it, but he could sense the presence of Saito Toshimitsu and several other men who had their weapons drawn, just waiting for Mitsuhide's word. Mitsuharu could not resent Mitsuhide's heartless and underhanded behavior; pity came before that. Had the intelligent man he had known since his youth disappeared? He felt as though he were looking at nothing but the wreck of that man now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mitsuharu, what is your answer?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide asked, edging closer.\n\nMitsuharu felt his cousin's hot breath burning like the fever of a sick man. \"Why do you want me to risk my life?\" he finally asked in reply. He knew very well what Mitsuhide was planning to do, so he was now deliberately feigning ignorance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He held on to the hope that somehow he could pull his cousin back from the brink.\n\nAt Mitsuharu's words, the veins on Mitsuhide's temples stood out even more. His voice became unusually husky as he said, \"Mitsuharu, don't you know that something has been gnawing at me since I left Azuchi?\"\n\n\"It's obvious.\"\n\n\"If that's so, then why are all these words necessary? A yes or a no will suffice.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My lord, why are you the one who is refusing to speak? It is not only the fate of the Akechi clan that depends on what you say now but the future of the nation.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you saying, Mitsuharu?\"\n\n\"To think that you, of all people, should consider committing this outrage.\" Tears falling down his cheeks, Mitsuharu drew closer to Mitsuhide and dropped both hands to the floor in supplication. \"I have never understood human character less than I have tonight. When we were both young and studied together in my father's house, what was it that we read? Was there a single word in the books of the ancient sages that approved of killing one's own lord?\"\n\n\"Speak more quietly, Mitsuharu.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who's going to hear me? All you have here is assassins behind secret doors, waiting for your command. My lord... I have never once doubted your wisdom. But you seem to have changed so much from the man I used to know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's too late, Mitsuharu.\"\n\n\"I must speak.\"\n\n\"It's useless.\"\n\n\"I must, even if it's useless.\" Bitter tears fell on Mitsuharu's hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just then something moved behind the hidden door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps the assassin had sensed that the situation had become tense and was eager to act. But there was still no signal from Mitsuhide. He turned away from his cousin's weeping figure.\n\n\"You have studied so much more than others, your intellectual powers are much greater than most people's, and you have reached the age of mature judgment. Is there anything you don't understand?\" Mitsuharu pleaded. \"I am so ignorant that I lack the words. But even someone like me can read the word 'loyalty' and meditate on it until it has become a part of me. Although you've read ten thousand books, it will all come to naught if you lose sight of that word now. My lord, are you listening? Our blood has been drawn from a line of ancient warriors. Would you stain the honor of our ancestors? And what of your own children and their descendants? Think of the shame you'll heap on endless generations.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You could enumerate those kinds of things without end,\" Mitsuhide replied. \"What I intend to do transcends them all. Forget about changing my mind. I've considered the good sense you've just spoken about night after night, turning them over again and again in my brain. When I look back over the road I've traveled for the past fifty-five years, I know I would not be this distraught if I had not been born a samurai. Nor would I be intent on such a thing.\"\n\n\"And it's precisely because you were born a samurai that you should not act against your lord, no matter how much you've had to bear.\"\n\n\"Nobunaga rose against the shogun. And everyone knows how much bad karma he accumulated from burning down Mount Hiei. Look what befell his senior retainers—Hayashi, Sakuma, Araki. I cannot think of their tragic fates as other people's affairs.\"\n\n\"My lord, you've received a province. The clan lacks for nothing. Think of the favors he has bestowed upon us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At this point Mitsuhide lost control, and his words burst forth like a river in flood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is the favor of an insignificant province like this? I would probably have this, even if I weren't talented. Once he has everything he needs from me, I'll be nothing more than a lapdog to be fed at Azuchi. Or maybe he'll consider me a useless luxury. He's even put me under Hideyoshi's command and ordered me to the Sanin. If that isn't a pronouncement of the Akechi clan's fate, I don't know what is. I was raised a samurai; I have inherited the blood of generations of warriors. Do you think I'm going to finish my days kowtowing while he orders me around? Can't you see through Nobunaga's black heart, Mitsuharu?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuharu sat in stunned silence for a while, then asked, \"To whom have you disclosed your intentions?\"\n\n\"Besides you, a dozen of my most trusted retainers.\" Mitsuhide took a deep breath and listed the men's names.\n\nMitsuharu looked up to the ceiling and let out a long sigh. \"What can I say now that you've told them?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide suddenly moved forward and grabbed his cousin's collar with his left hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is it no?\" he asked. His right hand gripped the haft of his dagger, while his left shook Mitsuharu with terrifying strength. \"Or is it yes?\"\n\nEvery time Mitsuhide shook Mitsuharu, his head moved back and forth as though his neck contained no bones. Tears were streaming down his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At this point it's no longer a matter of yes or no. But I don't know what it would have been if you had told me before you informed the others, my lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then you agree? You'll act with me?\"\n\n\"You and I, my lord, are two men, but we are the same as one. If you were to die, I wouldn't want to live. Technically, we are lord and retainer, but we have the same roots and the same birth. We have lived our lives together until now, and I am naturally resolved to share whatever fate lies ahead.\"\n\n\"Don't worry, Mitsuharu. It's going to be all or nothing, but I feel our victory is certain. If we are successful, you won't be in charge of a minor castle like Sakamoto. I promise you that. At the very least, you'll have the title next to mine and will be the lord of a great number of provinces!\"\n\n\"What! That is not the issue.\" Casting off the hand that held his collar, Mitsuharu pushed Mitsuhide back." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "WRITING ASSISTANT ENGAGED\nMATCH: Character/world familiarity\nOUTPUT: 11 sentences SENTENCES\nGENRES: historical fiction\nINCORPORATE: samurai, Japan" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: This is part of a larger narrative. The user will write a segment, then you need to write around 12 sentences continuing directly from it. Characters and events may be pre-established from earlier chapters.\n\nAuthor style: Eiji Yoshikawa\nGenre: historical fiction" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga woke up with a start, but not for any particular reason. After a good night's sleep, he naturally woke up in the morning on his own. Since his youth he had always risen at dawn, no matter how late he had gone to bed. He awoke, or rather—while he was not yet fully conscious and his head was still on the pillow—he experienced a particular phenomenon. It was a transition from dreaming to wakefulness that lasted only a fraction of a second, but in that infinitesimal space, a number of thoughts would pass through his head with the speed of a flash of lightning.\n\nThey were memories of experiences that had occurred between the time of his youth and the present, or reflections on his present life, or goals for the future. Whatever they were, these thoughts would pass through his brain in that moment between dream and reality.\n\nThis experience was, perhaps, less a habit than an innate ability. As a child, he had already been an extraordinary dreamer. The brambles and thorns of reality, however—especially given his birth and breeding—would not permit him to live only in a world of dreams. The real world had added difficulties on top of difficulties and had taught him the pleasure of cutting his way through them.\n\nDuring this period of growth, when he was tested and returned victorious, and was tested again, he ultimately learned that he was not satisfied with the difficulties given to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The highest pleasure of life, he found, lay in seeking out difficulties, plunging right into them, and then turning back to see them behind him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His convictions had been strengthened by the self-confidence he had gained from such experiences and had put him into a frame of mind far beyond the common sense one of ordinary men. After Azuchi, the idea of the impossible did not exist within his boundaries or in the world of his conceptions. That was because the works he had accomplished up to that point had not been done by following the path of ordinary men's common sense; rather, he had taken the path of making possible the impossible.\n\nAnd that morning, on the border between the world of dreams and his mortal body, where the intoxication of the night before was perhaps still running fragrantly through his veins, pictures were being drawn in his brain: convoys of huge ships going to the southern islands, to the coast of Korea, and even to the great country of the Ming. He himself stood in the tower of a ship along with Sotan and Soshitsu. One more person would have to accompany him, he thought—Hideyoshi. He felt that the day he could make this into a reality was not far off.\n\nIn his mind, a small accomplishment like the domination of the western provinces and Kyushu was not enough to fill an entire lifetime.\n\nIt's dawn, he muttered to himself, and he rose and left his bedroom.\n\nThe heavy cedar door that opened to the corridor had been exquisitely fashioned so that when it was pulled open or closed, the sill naturally made a noise almost as if it were calling out. When the pages heard this sound in their faraway room, they jumped up with a start. The flickering light of the paper lantern was reflected by the thick pillars and planks of the veranda, which gleamed as if they had been polished with oil." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aware that their lord had awakened, the pages quickened their steps toward the bathroom next to the kitchen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On their way, they heard a noise in the direction of the north corridor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It sounded like a window shutter being opened quickly.\n\nThinking that it might be Nobunaga, they stopped and peered back toward the blind corridor. The only person visible, however, was a woman wearing a cool, large-patterned kimono and a long outer coat patterned with pines and cherry blossoms. Her long black hair trailed behind her.\n\nAs the shutters were open, a morning sky the color of bellflowers appeared through the window, looking almost like a paper cutout. The breeze that wafted in rustled the woman's black hair and sent the fragrance of aloeswood all the way to the place where the pages were lingering.\n\n\"Ah, over there.\" The pages heard the sound of running water and ran off in the direction of the kitchen. The priests of the temple had not yet left their living quarters, so the windows and the huge main gate had not yet been opened. In the wide earthen-floored kitchen and on the elevated wooden platform, the humming of mosquitoes and the darkness of the night remained, but the steaminess of the summer morning could already be felt.\n\nNobunaga felt a unique dislike for that particular time of day. By the time the pages realized that he had left his sleeping quarters and had come running up, he had already finished rinsing his mouth and washing his hands. Walking over to the huge jar into which water flowed from a bamboo water pipe, he took a small pail and dipped it into a lacquered tub." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Splattering water everywhere, just like a wagtail, he hastily washed his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, you're getting your sleeve wet, my lord.\"\n\n\"Let me change the water.\"\n\nThe pages were in dread. One of them fearfully lifted up Nobunaga's white sleeve from behind, while another dipped out fresh water. Still another held up a towel while kneeling at his feet. At the same time, the men in the samurai quarters left the night guardroom and began to open up the paneled doors in the court. Just at that moment, however, they became aware of an extraordinary noise coming from the direction of the outer main temple, and then of the reverberation of furious footsteps running toward the inner court.\n\nNobunaga turned around, his hair still dripping wet, and said impatiently, \"Go see what it is, Bomaru.\" After giving the order, he continued vigorously rubbing his face with a cloth.\n\nOne of the pages said, \"Maybe the guards at the outer temple have gotten into a fight or something.\"\n\nNobunaga did not acknowledge the remark. For a moment his eyes resembled the waters of an abyss, and sparkled as though he were searching for something, not in the outer world but within himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But only for a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was not just outside the main temple." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here at the guest mansion, and from ridgepole to ridgepole of the ten or so monastery buildings, something as strong as an earthquake shaking the entire crust of the earth was being conveyed by an indefinable noise and a terrifying current of energy.\n\nAny man, no matter how strong, is likely to feel confusion at such a moment. The blood retreated even from Nobunaga's face, and the pages attending him all turned pale. But they probably stood still for no more than a couple of breaths. Almost immediately, someone came running down the nearby corridor at great speed.\n\nA man yelled, \"My lord! My lord!\"\n\nThe pages chorused, \"Master Ranmaru! Master Ranmaru! Over here!\" Nobunaga himself came out and called the man.\n\n\"Ranmaru! Where are you going?\"\n\n\"Ah, you're here, my lord,\" Ranmaru said, almost falling down as he knelt. At a glance, Nobunaga could feel on the very surface of his flesh that what was happening was not just a simple matter of some samurai getting into a fight, or a row between the men at the stables.\n\n\"What's happened, Ranmaru? What's all the commotion?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked quickly, and Ranmaru was just as quick with his answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Akechi have committed an outrage. There are warriors outside, rioting and waving banners that are unmistakably emblazoned with the Akechi crest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What! The Akechi?\" The words left his mouth in astonishment. His surprise demonstrated thoroughly that he had never expected—never even dreamed—that this would happen. But the singular physical shock and the emotional excitement he felt were halted at his lips. Speaking with nearly the same calm he always possessed, his next words sounded almost like a growl.\n\n\"The Akechi... it was inevitable.\"\n\nTurning quickly aside, Nobunaga dashed back into his room. Ranmaru started to follow him, but after five or six steps he turned back and scolded the trembling pages. \"Each one of you get to work quickly. I've just ordered Bomaru to tell everyone to shut all of the gates and doors. Block all of the doorways, and don't let the enemy even get close to His Lordship.\" Before he was able to finish his words, bullets and arrows began to strike the kitchen door and the nearby windows like a downpour of rain. Countless arrows pierced deeply through the wooden doors, and the bright steel of their sharp points clearly proclaimed the battle to the people inside.\n\nFrom south of Rokkaku, north of Nishikikoji, west of Toin, and east of Aburakoji, the four sides of the Honno Temple were engulfed in the armor of the Akechi forces and their battle cries. The tile-roofed walls could be easily seen, but, protected by the deep moat, they could not be so easily scaled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The forest of spears, banners, guns, and halberds did nothing more than sway back and forth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some of the men leaped rashly to the base of the roofed wall; others could not jump so far. Many of those who tried fell to the bottom of the moat. And because of their heavy armor, those who fell in were buried up to their waists in the foul-smelling, muddy swamp water, the color of black ink. Even if they had been able to get up and call, their companions above never looked down.\n\nThe Akechi troops at Nishikikoji demolished the tenements of the neighborhood, while women with infants, old people, and children fled from underneath the wreckage, like hermit crabs scuttling away from empty shells. In this way the soldiers filled the moat with doors and roof planking.\n\nImmediately, everyone scrambled to swarm over the wall. The gunners lined up their firearms and, aiming from the top of the wall down into the compound, fired off the first volley.\n\nBy then the buildings inside the temple compound were uncannily still. All of the doors in the front main temple were closed, and it was difficult to tell whether or not there was an enemy inside to shoot at. Flames and smoke began to rise from Sewer Street. The heat of the fire beneath the ruined houses immediately began to smolder and easily ignited one structure after the next." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon all the poor people on the block stampeded out as though they would trample each other to death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Crying and screaming, they spilled onto the dry riverbed of the Kamo River and into the center of town, carrying nothing with them at all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Viewed from the area of the main gate on the opposite side of the temple, it must have seemed as though the men who had already broken through the rear gate had begun to set fire to the kitchen. The main force that thronged at the front gate was in no mood to be bested by their comrades. In a rage, the rank and file yelled out to a wavering group of officers who seemed to be doing nothing more than wasting time in the area of the drawbridge.\n\n\"Smash on in!\"\n\n\"Push on through! What are you doing?\"\n\nOne of the officers faced the guard inside the gate.\n\n\"We are the Akechi forces on our way to the western provinces. We have come here in full array in order to respectfully salute Lord Oda Nobunaga.\"\n\nIt was a poor attempt to trick the defenders into opening the main gate, and it only delayed matters even more. The guard was naturally suspicious, and he had no reason to open the gate on his own, without asking for Nobunaga's orders.\n\nHe told them to wait. The ensuing silence inside the gate meant that the emergency was being reported to the main temple and that there would be an instantaneous rush to man defenses.\n\nThe warriors jostling behind were becoming impatient at having to use a stratagem to cross this little bit of moat and they began to push the lines in front of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Attack! Attack! What are we waiting for?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Take the walls!\"\n\nRecklessly competing to take the entrance first, they pushed those who were wavering to the side and even knocked them down.\n\nA number of men in the front were pushed into the moat, and battle cries were raised both by those on top and by those who had fallen in. Then, apparently on purpose, groups even farther behind began to push. More men fell into the moat. In an instant, one section of the moat was filled with mud-covered warriors.\n\nOne young warrior stepped over the mass of human beings and leaped for the base of the roofed wall. Another man followed his example.\n\n\"We're going over!\"\n\nScreaming and thrusting with their spears, the men crossed over and quickly clung to the top of the roofed wall. The jumble of warriors in the moat jostled and shoved like mudfish trying to jump out of a pond. The warriors above them trampled the backs, shoulders, and heads of their own comrades." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One man after another was sacrificed wretchedly to the horrific, muddy rush." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because of their unseen distinguished service, however, voices soon yelled with pride from the top of the walls of the Honno Temple.\n\n\"I'm the first!\"\n\nSo quickly did the others reach the wall that it was difficult to distinguish who was first and who second.\n\nInside the walls, the Oda samurai who were already running from the guard station inside the gate and the area around the stables seized any weapon they could and tried to stem the flood of this rushing river. It was, however, the same as trying to support a broken dam with nothing more than one's hands. Ignoring the swords and spears of the defenders, the Akechi vanguard quickly bounded through, stepping over the corpses of men who had engaged in the battle and were dyed in the flowing blood of their enemies.\n\nAs if to say that all they wanted was to visit the residence of Lord Nobunaga, they ran straight toward the main temple and the guest house. They were met, however by a hum of arrows like a roaring wind from the wide veranda of the main temple and from the balustrade of the guest house. The distance was advantageous for bowshot, but many of the arrows did not hit the advancing warriors, and instead dug harmlessly into the earth. Many others skipped along the ground or rebounded from the faraway walls.\n\nAmong the defenders, a number of brave men dressed only in sleeping attire, half-naked or even unarmed, grappled with the armored enemy. The guards who had received time off from duty had slept comfortably through the heat of the summer night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now, perhaps ashamed to enter the fight late, they ran out to restrain the Akechi warriors—if only a little—with nothing more than the fierceness of their bodies and their own desperate efforts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the billowing waves of armor were not to be stopped and were already surging under the eaves of the temple. Darting back inside his room, Nobunaga had put on breeches over a garment of white silk and was fastening the cords as he gnashed his teeth.\n\n\"A bow! Bring me a bow!\" he shouted.\n\nAfter he'd yelled this order two or three times, someone finally knelt down and held a bow in front of him. Snatching it away, he bounded outside through the paneled doors, shouting back, \"Let the women escape. Nothing is wrong with their getting away. Just don't let them become an encumbrance.\"\n\nThe noise of doors and screens being kicked in could be heard everywhere, and the screams of the women intensified the unnerving atmosphere under the shaking roof tiles. The women fled in confusion from room to room, running down the corridors and jumping over the handrails. Their ruffled trains and sleeves cut through the gloom like flying flames of white, red, and purple. But the bullets and arrows flew everywhere—into the shutters, the pillars, and the handrails. Nobunaga had already stepped out onto a corner of the veranda and was firing his arrows at the enemy. Around him were stuck the arrows that had been concentrated on his own figure.\n\nWatching the fearful way he fought, even the women, who had lost all control of themselves, were unable to leave his side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All they could do was scream." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fifty years a human being under heaven.\" That line was from the play Nobunaga had loved so much, and it had characterized his view of life during his youth. He did not think of what was happening as a world-shaking event. He was certainly not dispirited by the thought that it might be the end.\n\nRather, he fought with a fierce, burning spirit that would not simply give up and die. The ideal that he held in his breast as the great work of his life had not yet been even half-finished. It would be too mortifying to be defeated in the middle of the journey. There was just too much to be regretted if he died this morning. So he took another arrow and notched it to the string. He listened to the string hum again and again, seeming to loose his anger with each arrow. Finally the string became frayed and the bow was ready to break.\n\n\"Arrows! I don't have any arrows! Bring me more!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Continuing to call out behind him, he even picked up and shot the enemy's arrows that had missed him and fallen to the corridor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just then, a woman wearing a red silk headband and gallantly trussing up one sleeve of her kimono carried in an armful of arrows and raised one to his hand. Nobunaga looked down at the woman.\n\n\"Ano? What you've done here is enough. Now try to escape.\"\n\nHe motioned her off emphatically with his chin, but the court lady, Ano, kept passing arrow after arrow to Nobunaga's right hand and would not leave, no matter how he upbraided her.\n\nHe shot with nobility and grace more than with skill, more with spirit than with great strength. The magnificent hum of his arrows seemed to say that the arrows themselves were too good for these menials, that the arrowheads were gifts from the man who would rule the nation. The arrows that Ano brought, however, were quickly spent.\n\nHere and there in the temple garden the enemy lay, felled by his arrows. But, braving his fire, a number of the armored soldiers yelled out and pressed desperately in under the balustrade, and finally began to climb onto the bridged corridor.\n\n\"We can see you, Lord Nobunaga! You can't escape now! Give up your head like a man!\"\n\nThe enemy were as thick as the crows on the honey locust tree in the morning and evening. Personal attendants and pages positioned themselves around Nobunaga in the rear and side corridors in a protective stance, their swords shining with a fire born of desperation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were not going to let the enemy get close." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Mori brothers were among them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A number of these men who had refused to leave their lord at the very end and had fought to protect him now lay on top of their enemies exactly as they had grappled with them, both seeming to have died by the other's hands.\n\nThe guard corps at the outer temple had made the main temple their battleground and now fought a fierce and bloody fight to keep the enemy from approaching the court. But because the enemy forces seemed about to take the entrance to the bridged corridor that led to the court, the entire corps, which consisted of less than twenty men, formed a single unit and dashed together toward the interior.\n\nThus the Akechi warriors who had scrambled up to the bridged corridor were caught on both sides. Stabbed and cut, their corpses fell on top of one another. When the men from the outer temple saw that Nobunaga was still safe, they cried out in elation, \"Now there's time! Now! Retreat as quickly as possible!\"\n\n\"Idiots!\" Nobunaga spat, tossing his bow away. It had broken and he was out of arrows. \"This is no time to retreat! Lend me your spear!\"\n\nUpbraiding them, he grabbed a retainer's weapon and ran down the corridor like a lion. Finding an enemy warrior with his hand on the balustrade and about to climb over, he drove his spear straight down into the man.\n\nJust then, an Akechi warrior drew back his small bow from the shade of a Chinese black pine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The arrow struck Nobunaga's elbow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Staggering back, Nobunaga leaned heavily against the shutter behind him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At that very moment, some minor action was occurring outside the western wall. A force of retainers and foot soldiers under the command of Murai Nagato and his son had sallied out from the governor's mansion, which was located in the neighborhood of the Honno Temple. Striking at the encircling Akechi forces from behind, they attempted to enter the compound from the main gate.\n\nThe night before, Nagato and his son had stayed up late into the night talking with Nobunaga and Nobutada, returning to their mansion to sleep at about the time of the third watch. That, one could say, was the reason Nagato had been sleeping so soundly and had been caught off guard. As part of his duties, he should have known—at the very least—about the situation the moment the Akechi forces stepped inside the capital precincts. And then he should have immediately sent a warning to the nearby Honno Temple, even if it had been just moments before the arrival of the hostile troops.\n\nHis negligence had been total and absolute. But the fault lay not with Nagato alone. Certainly, negligence could be attributed to all of those who were staying in the capital or who had mansions there.\n\n\"It seems there's some trouble outside,\" Nagato was told when he was first awakened. He had no idea of the magnitude of the trouble." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe it's a brawl or something. Go take a look,\" he told a retainer." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'spears' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, while he leisurely got out of bed, he heard one of his attendants calling out from the roof of the mud-walled gate.\n\n\"Smoke's coming up from Nishikikoji!\"\n\nNagato clicked his tongue and muttered, \"Probably some fire on Sewer Street again.\"\n\nHe was that mistaken about how much at peace the world was, and had completely forgotten that this was truly just one more day in the civil war.\n\n\"What! Akechi forces?\" His astonishment lasted no more than a moment. \"Damn!\" and he leaped out of the mansion with almost nothing more than the clothes on his back. As soon as he saw the dense crowds of armored, mounted men, bristling with swords and spears in the dark morning mist, he hurried back inside the mansion, put on his armor, and grabbed his sword.\n\nWith a force of only thirty or forty men, he hastened off to fight at Nobunaga's side. The various Akechi corps had blocked off all the streets leading to the Honno Temple. The encounter with Nagato's force started at a corner of the compound's western wall and developed into fierce hand-to-hand fighting. Breaking through one small patrol, Nagato's little party pressed fairly close to the main gate; but once a detachment of the Akechi forces turned and witnessed this impertinent action, they readied their spears and charged. Nagato's tiny force was hardly a match for them, and both he and his son were wounded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With their numbers reduced by half, they were forced to retreat.\n\n\"Try to get to the Myokaku Temple! We will join Lord Nobutada!\"\n\nAbove the huge roof of the Honno Temple, jet black smoke could be seen billowing up like thunderclouds. Was it the attacking Akechi forces, Nobunaga's retainers, or Nobunaga himself who had set fire inside the temple? The situation was so chaotic that no one could tell.\n\nThe smoke began to billow out from the outer temple, from a room in the court, and from the kitchen almost all at the same time.\n\nA page and two other men were fighting in the kitchen like demons. It seemed that the monks from the temple kitchen had risen early—though not one of them was to be seen—because beneath the huge cauldrons the firewood had been kindled.\n\nThe page stood in the door of the kitchen and stabbed at least two of the Akechi men who had broken in. His spear finally taken from him and facing too many of the enemy, he jumped up to the wooden floor and kept the men at bay by throwing kitchen implements and anything else he could lay his hands on.\n\nA tea master and another man who were also there brandished their swords and fought bravely alongside the page. And though the enemy felt scorn for these three lightly armed opponents, a group of samurai was unable to step up onto the wooden floor because of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's taking so long?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A warrior who seemed to be the commander looked in, grabbed a firebrand from an oven, and threw it into the faces of the three men. He then threw a firebrand into the store room and one up toward the ceiling.\n\n\"Inside!\"\n\n\"He must be inside!\"\n\nTheir objective was Nobunaga.\n\nIn that instant they pushed their way inside, kicking the burning firewood around with their warriors' straw sandals as they split up inside the building. Flames quickly crawled up the sliding doors and pillars like red-leafed ivy. The figures of the page and the tea master were motionless as the flames enveloped them, too.\n\nThe stables were in a complete uproar. Ten or more horses had panicked and were kicking the walls of their stalls, knocking out the boards. Two of them finally broke the crossbars and bucked violently outside. Running wild, they galloped into the center of the Akechi forces while the other horses whinnied more and more violently as they saw the flames." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai at the stables left their post and went to defend the steps of the court where Nobunaga had last been seen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Making this their last stand, they were all struck down and fell together." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'warriors' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even the stableboys, who could have escaped, stayed behind and fought until they were all killed. These men were ordinarily completely inconspicuous, but on this day they silently demonstrated with the sacrifice of their lives that they were not inferior to men who had large stipends or a high rank.\n\nCarrying his blood-soaked spear, an Akechi warrior running from room to room stopped when he saw a comrade through the smoke.\n\n\"Minoura?\"\n\n\"Hey!\"\n\n\"Have you accomplished anything yet?\"\n\n\"No, not yet.\"\n\nTogether they searched for Nobunaga—or, more accurately, they competed in finding him. Soon they separated, making their way through the smoke.\n\nThe fire seemed to have spread beneath the roof, and the inside of the temple was crackling. Even the leather and metal fittings on the warriors' armor felt hot to the touch. In an instant, the only human forms to be seen were either corpses or the warriors of the Akechi, and even a number of the Akechi ran outside as the fire crept along the roofs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of the men inside who still stood their ground, some were choking from the smoke, while others were covered with ashes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The doors and sliding panels had been kicked out in the hall, and now the flaming gold brocade and pieces of ignited wood swirled thick and fast, burning as brightly as a field on fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But inside the small rooms and recesses it was dark, and forms were indistinct. Thick with smoke, the various corridors could not even be distinguished.\n\nRanmaru leaned heavily against the cedar door leading to the room he was guarding, and then quietly stood up. With a bloodied spear in hand, he looked to the right and then to the left. Hearing footsteps, he readied his spear.\n\nFocusing his entire being on his sense of hearing, he listened for some sign from the room. The white figure that had rushed inside just now had been that of the General of the Right, Oda Nobunaga. He had fought until the very end, when he saw that flames were engulfing the temple and that all of the men around him had been struck down and killed. He had fought hand-to-hand with the common soldiers as if he had been one himself. Yet he had made the decision to commit seppuku not simply because he had considered his reputation and found it regrettable to leave his head to a nonentity. A man's death was predetermined, so he did not even regret the loss of his life. What he did regret losing was the great work of his life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Myokaku Temple was nearby." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The mansion of the governor was also in the neighborhood. And there were samurai who were lodged inside the city. If by some chance contact was made with the outside, escape might be possible, Nobunaga thought. On the other hand, this inspiration, or rather this conspiracy, had been planned by that kumquat head, Mitsuhide. Mitsuhide's character was such that if he decided to take an action like this, he would carry it out with such care that not even water might leak through. Well then, it was time to be resolved.\n\nThose two thoughts struggled with each other in Nobunaga's mind.\n\nLooking on the corpses of the attendants who had died together in battle, he knew that his final moments were at hand. Quitting the battle, he withdrew into a room and placed Ranmaru outside to guard the door, saying, \"If you hear my voice inside, you can take it that I am committing suicide. Put my body under some sliding panels and set them on fire. Until then, do not let the enemy make their way in.\" As Nobunaga gave these instructions, he looked steadily into Ranmaru's eyes.\n\nThe wooden door was secure. Nobunaga gazed for a moment at the yet unmarred gilded paintings on the walls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A thin wisp of smoke began to flow through from somewhere, but it seemed that it would be a little while before the flames would spread inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is a matter of departure. I don't have to hurry.\n\nHe felt as though someone were speaking to him. As soon as he had entered the room, he had felt—even more than the heat that surrounded him on four sides—a burning thirst. He almost collapsed as he sat down in the center of the room, but quickly reconsidered and moved to the slightly elevated alcove. The area beneath him was ordinarily reserved for his retainers, after all. He imagined a cupful of water running down his throat, and for a moment he made an effort to settle his spirit securely just below his navel. To this purpose, he knelt formally with his legs tucked underneath him, straightened his posture and his clothes, and tried to behave as though his retainers were sitting before him just as they did in ordinary times.\n\nIt was a moment before his heavy breathing became peaceful.\n\nIs this what it is to die?\n\nHe felt so peaceful that he doubted it himself. He was even aware of a desire to laugh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So I slipped up too.\n\nEven when he imagined Mitsuhide's shiny bald head, he felt no resentment at all. He was human, too, and had done this out of anger, Nobunaga supposed. His own negligence was the blunder of a lifetime, and he felt sorry that Mitsuhide's anger had been transformed into nothing more than foolish violence. Ah, Mitsuhide, will you not be following me in a few days? he asked.\n\nHis left hand held the scabbard of his short sword. His right hand extricated the blade.\n\nThere is no need to hurry.\n\nThus Nobunaga instructed himself. The flames had started to spread to this room. He closed his eyes. As he did so, everything he could recall from his earliest youth right up to the present day flashed through his mind as though he were riding a galloping horse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he opened his eyes, the gold dust and illustrations on the four walls radiated a bright red." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The paintings of the peonies on the coffered ceiling proliferated in flames. It truly took no longer than a single breath for him to die. At the moment of death, some extraordinary function inside his body seemed to be saying farewell to the ordinary reminiscences of the life he had led.\n\n\"No regrets!\" Nobunaga said out loud.\n\nRanmaru heard Nobunaga's shout, and ran in. His master, wearing a white silk kimono, already lay facedown on the floor, embracing a flow of fresh blood. Ranmaru pulled the doors from the low closet and placed them over Nobunaga's corpse as though he were making a coffin. Closing the door peacefully once again, he stood back from the alcove. He grasped the short sword with which he, too, might commit seppuku, but his shining eyes settled on Nobunaga's corpse until the room was consumed in flames." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Continue with three sentences sentences\nStyle: Eiji Yoshikawa\nNote: Maintain narrative threads and character relationships as presented" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ekei first reported Muneharu's agreement to Hideyoshi, then rode at full gallop to the Mori camp at Mount Iwasaki." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'kobayakawa' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both Kikkawa and Kobayakawa were worried about the reason for his sudden return.\n\n\"Have they broken off talks?\" Kobayakawa asked.\n\n\"No,\" Ekei replied. \"There are prospects of success.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well then, Hideyoshi has yielded?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kobayakawa asked, looking a little surprised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ekei, however, shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The person who has prayed more than anyone for a peaceful reconciliation has offered to sacrifice himself for the sake of peace.\"\n\n\"Who are you talking about?\"\n\n\"General Muneharu. He said that he would repay with his life Lord Terumoto's protection for all these years.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ekei, did you talk to him at Hideyoshi's request?\"\n\n\"You know I could not have gone out to the castle without his permission.\"\n\n\"Then you explained the situation to Muneharu, and he offered to commit seppuku of his own free will?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. He will kill himself at the Hour of the Horse, on board a boat in full view of both armies. At that moment the peace treaty will be concluded, the lives of the defenders will be saved, and the safety of the Mori clan will be assured forever.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Full of emotion, Kobayakawa asked, \"What are Hideyoshi's intentions?\"\n\n\"When he heard General Muneharu's offer, Lord Hideyoshi was deeply moved. He said that it would be heartless not to reward such matchless loyalty. Therefore, while your promise had been to cede five provinces, he would take only three and leave the remaining two, out of regard for Muneharu's sacrifice. If there is no disagreement, he will send a written pledge immediately after witnessing Muneharu's seppuku?\"\n\nSoon after Ekei had left, Muneharu announced his decision." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One after another, the samurai of Takamatsu Castle came before their lord to beg him to allow them to follow him in death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Muneharu argued, cajoled, and scolded, but they would not be mollified. He was at a loss what to do. But in the end he did not grant anyone's request." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He ordered an attendant to prepare a boat. Bitter wailing filled the castle. When the requests of all his retainers had been withdrawn, and Muneharu seemed to have a little breathing space, Gessho, his elder brother, came to speak with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I heard everything you said,\" Gessho said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But there's no need for you to die. Let me take your place.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Brother, you are a monk, while I am a general. I appreciate your offer, but I cannot let anyone take my place.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was the eldest son, and I should have carried on the family name. Instead I chose to enter holy orders, putting you in the position that I should have taken. So today, when you have to commit seppuku, there is no reason why I should prolong what's left of my own life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No matter what you say,\" Muneharu replied, \"I will not let you or anyone else commit seppuku in my place.\"\n\nMuneharu refused Gessho's offer but allowed him to accompany him in the boat. Muneharu felt at peace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Calling his pages, he ordered them to put out a light blue ceremonial kimono for him to die in.\n\n\"And bring me a brush and ink,\" he ordered, remembering to write a letter to his wife and son.\n\nThe Hour of the Horse was fast approaching." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every single drop of drinking water had been regarded as essential to the lives of the people in the castle, but that day he ordered a bucketfull of water to be brought in, to clean off the dirt that had accumulated on his body during the forty days of the siege." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How peaceful was this lull in the fighting. The sun seemed to climb innocently to the middle of the sky. There was no wind at all, and the color of the muddy water on all sides of the castle was as murky as ever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The small waves that lapped gently at the castle walls glinted in the sun, and from time to time the cry of the snowy egret could be heard in the silence.\n\nA small red banner was raised at the Nose of the Frog on the opposite shore, indicating that the time had come. Muneharu stood up abruptly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An involuntary sob came from the midst of his attendants. Muneharu walked quickly in the direction of the castle walls, as though he had suddenly become deaf.\n\nThe oar made a loose pattern in the water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The boat carried five men: Muneharu, Gessho, and three retainers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every single man, woman, and child in the castle was perched on the walls and rooftops." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They did not cry out when they watched Muneharu go but either folded their hands in prayer or wiped the tears from their eyes.\n\nThe boat sculled peacefully over the surface of the lake. When he turned around, Gessho could see that Takamatsu Castle was a good way behind them, and that the boat was halfway between the castle and the Nose of the Frog." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This will do,\" Muneharu instructed the oarsman.\n\nThe man pulled up the oar without a word. They did not have to wait for long." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the boat had set out from the castle, another had left the Nose of the Frog. That one carried Hideyoshi's witness, Horio Mosuke. A small red banner had been fixed to the prow and a red carpet spread over the wooden floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The little boat bearing Muneharu in his death robe floated gently as it waited for Mosuke's boat with its fluttering red banner to pull alongside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The water was at peace. The surrounding mountains were at peace. The only sound to be heard was the oar of the approaching boat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Muneharu faced the Mori camp on Mount Iwasaki and bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his heart he gave thanks for the many years of patronage he had received." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gazing at his lord's banners, his eyes filled with tears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is this boat carrying the defending general of Takamatsu Castle, Shimizu Muneharu?\" Mosuke asked.\n\n\"You are correct,\" Muneharu answered politely. \"I am Shimizu Muneharu. I have come to commit seppuku as a condition of the peace treaty.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have something else to say, so please wait a moment,\" Mosuke said. \"Bring your boat a little closer,\" he instructed the retainer at the oar of Muneharu's boat.\n\nThe gunwales of the two boats lightly brushed each other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mosuke then said in a dignified manner, \"I have a message from Lord Hideyoshi. Peace would have been impossible without your consent in this matter. The long siege must have been trying for you, and he would like you to accept this offering as a small token of his feelings. You should not be concerned if the sun climbs too high. Please finish your leave-taking at your leisure.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A cask of the best sake and a number of delicacies were transferred from one boat to the other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Muneharu's face was filled with joy. \"This is unexpected. And, if it is Lord Hideyoshi's wish, I will gladly sample them.\" Muneharu helped himself, and ladled cups for his companions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Maybe it's because I haven't had such fine sake for a long time, but I'm feeling a little drunk. Please excuse my clumsiness, General Horio, but I would like to perform a final dance.\" Then turning to his companions, he asked, \"We don't have a drum, but would you clap and beat the rhythm and sing?\"\n\nMuneharu stood up in the small boat and flicked open a white fan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he moved to the rhythm of the clapping, the boat swayed slightly, making small waves. Mosuke could nor bear to look at him and hung his head.\n\nAs soon as the chanting stopped, Muneharu spoke distinctly once again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"General Mosuke, please witness this carefully.\"\n\nMosuke looked up and saw that Muneharu had knelt down and cut straight across his stomach with his sword. As he spoke, his blood turned the inside of the boat red." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Brother, I'm coming too!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gessho cried out, slashing his own belly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After Muneharu's retainers had handed the box containing Muneharu's severed head to Mosuke and returned to the castle, they followed their master in death.\n\nWhen Mosuke arrived at the Jihoin Temple, he reported Muneharu's seppuku and displayed his head in front of Hideyoshi's camp stool.\n\n\"Such a pity,\" Hideyoshi lamented." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Muneharu was an excellent samurai.\" He had never appeared more moved. But soon thereafter, he summoned Ekei." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the monk arrived, Hideyoshi immediately showed him a document." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The only thing that remains now is to exchange pledges. Look at what I've written, and then I'll send a messenger for the Mori's pledge.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ekei looked over the pledge and then respectfully returned it to Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi asked for a brush and signed. He then cut his little finger and affixed a seal of blood next to his signature. The peace treaty was signed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few hours later, shock and a sense of loss swept over the Mori camp like a whirlwind with the report of Nobunaga's death. In Terumoto's field headquarters, the faction that had opposed peace all along now spoke up loudly, clamoring for an immediate attack on Hideyoshi.\n\n\"We were fooled!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That bastard completely took us in!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The peace treaty should be torn up!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have not been deceived,\" Kobayakawa said firmly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The talks were initiated by us, not by Hideyoshi. And there was no way he could have foreseen the disaster in Kyoto.\"\n\nHis brother Kikkawa, who spoke for those who favored the resumption of hostilities, urged Terumoto, \"Nobunaga's death means the disintegration of the Oda forces; they will be no match for us now. Hideyoshi is the first one you'd name as a successor to Nobunaga, and it should be an easy matter to attack him here and now, especially considering the weakness at his rear. If we were to do that, we would become the rulers of the Empire.\"\n\n\"No, no. I disagree,\" Kobayakawa said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hideyoshi is the only man who can restore peace and order. And it's an old samurai saying that one does not strike an enemy in mourning. Even if we were to tear up the treaty and attack, if he survived, he would come back to take his revenge.\"\n\n\"We cannot let this opportunity slip by,\" Kikkawa insisted.\n\nAs a last resort, Kobayakawa brought up their former lord's dying instructions: \"The clan must defend its own borders. No matter how strong or wealthy we become, we must never expand beyond the western provinces.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was time for the lord of the Mori to give his decision." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree with my uncle Kobayakawa. We will not break the treaty and make Hideyoshi into an enemy for a second time.\"\n\nBy the time the secret conference ended, it was the evening of the fourth. As the two generals walked back to their camp, they met a party of their own scouts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The officer in charge pointed excitedly into the darkness and said, \"The Ukita have started to withdraw their troops.\"\n\nListening to the report, Kikkawa clicked his tongue. The opportunity had already passed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kobayakawa read his older brother's thoughts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you still feeling some regrets?\" he asked.\n\n\"Of course I am.\"\n\n\"Well, suppose we did take over the country,\" Kobayakawa continued, \"do you think you'd be the man to rule?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a pause. \"Judging from your silence, I suspect you don't think so. When someone without the proper ability rules the country, it leads to certain chaos. It would not stop at the fall of the Mori clan.\"\n\n\"You don't have to say any more, I understand,\" Kikkawa said, turning away. Looking up sadly at the night sky over the western provinces, he fought to hold back the tears that were rolling down his cheeks." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "make story longer like Eiji Yoshikawa would. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shibata Katsuie was fifty-two years old that year." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As a military commander, he was the veteran of many battles; as a man, he had experienced many vicissitudes on the road of life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was of a good lineage and had a distinguished career; he commanded a powerful army, and he was blessed with a robust physique." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one doubted that he had been chosen by the times." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He himself assumed that this was unquestionably the case." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the fourth day of the Sixth Month, he was encamped at Uozaki in Etchu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The moment he heard the news of the Honno Temple incident, he told himself, What I do now is of the utmost importance, and I must do it well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For this reason, his actions were delayed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was that circumspect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His mind, however, hurried to Kyoto like a squall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was the most senior Oda retainer and the military governor of the northern provinces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now, equipped with a lifetime of wisdom and strength, he was gambling his entire career on one move." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abandoning the battlefield in the north, he hastened toward the capital." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though one might say he hastened, in fact it took him several days to leave Etchu, and he spent several days more in his home castle at Kitanosho in Echizen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He himself did not consider his progress to be slow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once a man like Katsuie moved on such an important mission, everything had to be done according to the rules, and that necessitated a proper prudence and correct timing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The speed with which he moved his troops seemed remarkable to Katsuie, but by the time his main force reached the border of Echizen and Omi, it was already the fifteenth of the month." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was not until noon on the following day that the rear guard from Kitanosho caught up with him, and the entire army rested their horses at the mountain pass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Looking down onto the plain, they could see that the summer clouds were already high in the sky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had been twelve days since Katsuie had heard of Nobunaga's death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is true that Hideyoshi—who was fighting the Mori in the western provinces—had heard the report from Kyoto one day ahead of Katsuie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But on the fourth of the month Hideyoshi had made peace with the Mori, on the fifth he had departed, on the seventh he had arrived at Himeji, on the ninth he had turned toward Amagasaki, on the thirteenth he had struck down Mitsuhide in the battle at Yamazaki, and by the time Katsuie had reached the borders of Omi, he had already swept the capital clear of the remaining enemy troops." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'leading'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly the road leading to the capital from Echizen was longer and more difficult than the one leading from Takamatsu, but the difficulties that faced Hideyoshi and those that Katsuie confronted were not of the same order." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuie had the clear advantage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In managing his troop movements and in disengaging himself from the battlefield, his circumstances were far easier than Hideyoshi's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why, then, was he so late?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was simply that Katsuie put prudence and abiding by the rules ahead of speed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The experience that he had gained by participating in so many battles, and the self-confidence that had come about as a result, had created a shell around his thinking and power of discrimination." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those qualities were actually a hindrance to swift action when national affairs were at a turning point, and they contributed to Katsuie's inability to go beyond conventional tactics and strategies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The mountain village of Yanagase was full of horses and men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "West of it was the direction of the capital." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Going east, the army would pass Lake Yogo and enter the road to Nagahama Castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuie had set up his temporary headquarters in the compound of a small mountain shrine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsuie was extremely sensitive to the temperature, and appeared to be suffering from the intense heat and the climb on that day in particular." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he had had his camp stool set up in the shade of the trees, he had a curtain stretched from tree to tree, and he took off his armor behind it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He then turned his back to his foster son, Katsutoshi, and said, \"Wipe off my back, Katsutoshi.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two pages held large fans and cooled Katsuie's sides." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the sweat dried, his body began to itch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Katsutoshi, rub harder. Much harder,\" he fretted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The boy was still only fifteen years old." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was rather touching to see him acting with such filial piety in the middle of a march." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Something like a rash covered Katsuie's skin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And Katsuie was not the only one to suffer that summer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Many of the soldiers who were wearing leather and metal armor developed a skin condition that might be called an armor rash, but Katsuie's case was particularly severe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He told himself that his weakness during the summers was the result of having spent the greater part of the past three years at his post in the northern provinces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the undeniable truth was that the older he got, the weaker he seemed to become." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsutoshi rubbed harder, as he had been told, until he drew fatty red blood from Katsuie's skin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two messengers arrived. One was Hideyoshi's retainer, the other a retainer of Nobutaka." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Each carried a letter from his lord, and together they presented their letters to Katsuie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi and Nobutaka, both whom were encamped at the Mii Temple in Otsu, had written their letters personally." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both were dated from the fourteenth of the month. Hideyoshi's letter said:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have today inspected the head of the rebel general, Akechi Mitsuhide." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With this, the requiem for our late lord has ended with appropriate results." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We wished to announce this quickly to all the Oda retainers residing in the northern provinces and to send a summary immediately." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Needless to say, while His Lordship's passing was the cause of unbearable grief for all of us, the rebel general's head has been exposed and the rebel troops exterminated to the last man, all within eleven days of his death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We do not take pride in this, but believe that it will placate our lord's soul in the underworld, if only a little." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi had concluded in his letter that the outcome of the tragedy should be a matter for great rejoicing, but Katsuie did not rejoice in the least." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the contrary, the very opposite emotion appeared on his face even before he had finished reading." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his answer, however, he naturally wrote that nothing could have made him happier than Hideyoshi's news." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He also emphasized the fact that his own army had gotten as far as Yanagase." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Contemplating what he knew now from both the reports of the messengers and the contents of the letters, Katsuie felt unsure about what to do next." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the messengers left, he selected a number of young men with stout legs and sent them from Otsu to Kyoto to investigate the real conditions of the area." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He seemed to be resolved to stay camped where he was until he knew the full story." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is there any reason to think this might be a false report?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuie asked. He was even more surprised than he had been when he received the tragic report about Nobunaga some days before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If someone were to have faced Mitsuhide's army in a \"requiem battle\" ahead of Katsuie himself, it should surely have been Nobutaka or Niwa Nagahide, or even one of the Oda retainers in the capital who might have joined forces with Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was, after all, in Sakai at the time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And, in that case, the victory would not have been won in one day and one night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one in the Oda clan was of a higher rank than Katsuie, and he knew quite well that if he had been there, everyone would have had to look up to him as commander-in-chief in the battle against the Akechi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That would have been a matter of course." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuie never considered Hideyoshi to be as insignificant as he appeared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the contrary, he knew Hideyoshi quite well and had never made light of his abilities." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nevertheless, it was a mystery to Katsuie how Hideyoshi had been able to leave the western provinces so quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsuie's camp was fortified the following day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Roadblocks were set up, and travelers from the capital were stopped by sentries and questioned thoroughly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Any information was immediately relayed from the various officers to headquarters in the main camp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the talk that was gathered from the streets, one could no longer doubt both the complete destruction of the Akechi and the fall of Sakamoto Castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moreover, according to some travelers, flames and black smoke had been rising in the area of Azuchi that day and the day before, and someone reported that Lord Hideyoshi had led a section of his army toward Nagahama." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The next day Katsuie's mind was no more at peace than before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was still having trouble deciding what he should do next." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was distraught by shame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had brought his army from the north this far, and he could not bear to stand aside while Hideyoshi leaped into action." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What was to be done?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The natural responsibility of the senior retainer of the Oda clan would have been to attack the Akechi, but that work had been finished by Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Under the present conditions, then, what would be his greatest and most urgent business?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And what strategy would he use in the face of Hideyoshi's present upper hand?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuie was obsessed by Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moreover, his thoughts were strongly dominated by a dislike that bordered on outright hatred." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Summoning his senior advisers, he deliberated on the subject until the late hours of the night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the following day, couriers and secret messengers hurried out in all directions from the staff headquarters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the same time Katsuie himself addressed a particularly friendly letter directly to Takigawa Kazumasu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although he had already sent the messenger from Nobutaka back to his master carrying a special response, he now wrote and sent yet another letter to Nobunaga's son." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He selected a senior retainer as the envoy and sent two more clever retainers along with him, indicating the importance of their mission." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As for contacting the other close retainers, two scribes took down Katsuie's words and then spent half a day writing out more than twenty letters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The gist of the letters was that on the first day of the Seventh Month they were to meet in Kiyosu to discuss such important problems as who would be the successor to Nobunaga, and how the former domain of the Akechi was to be divided." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the initiator of the conference, Katsuie would recover some of his dignity as senior retainer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly it was fully acknowledged that without him such important problems could not be resolved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With this leverage as his \"key,\" Katsuie changed direction and turned toward Kiyosu Castle in Owari." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the way, from what he heard and from the reports of his scouts, he discovered that many of the surviving Oda retainers had been heading toward Kiyosu before his letters had even been delivered." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Samboshi, the son of Nobunaga's heir, Nobutada, was already there, and naturally the common view was that the center of the Oda clan would be moved there too. Katsuie, however, suspected that Hideyoshi had taken a presumptuous lead and had orchestrated this as well." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "make story longer like Eiji Yoshikawa would. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the end of the Seventh Month." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fulfilling the promise he had made, Hideyoshi surrendered the castle and lands of Nagahama to Katsuie, who gave it to his foster son, Katsutoyo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuie still did not know why Hideyoshi had insisted at the conference of Kiyosu that the castle be given to Katsutoyo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And neither the men at the conference nor the public at large were suspicious about the condition or even stopped to consider what Hideyoshi had in mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuie had another foster son, Katsutoshi, a boy who would be fifteen years old that year." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those members of the Shibata clan who had any feelings about it at all lamented that if the relationship between Katsuie and Katsutoyo was that cold, they could only fear for the future of the clan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Katsutoyo is so irresolute,\" Katsuie complained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He never does anything with real clarity and decision. He doesn't even have the proper disposition to be my son. Katsutoshi, on the other hand, has no trace of malice in him at all. He's really taken to me as his father.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But if Katsuie preferred Katsutoshi to Katsutoyo, he favored his nephew, Genba, even more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His love for Genba went beyond that felt naturally for a nephew or son, and he had an inclination to indulge the emotion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thus Katsuie kept a watchful eye on Genba's younger brothers, Yasumasa and Katsumasa, installing each of them in strategic castles while they were still only in their twenties." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the midst of all that deep affection between family members and retainers, only Katsutoyo felt dissatisfied with his foster father and the Sakuma brothers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once, during the New Year's celebrations, for example, when Katsuie's family and retainers had come to congratulate him on the New Year, the first toast was offered by Katsuie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsutoyo had naturally assumed that it would be offered to him, and had advanced respectfully on his knees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's not for you, Katsutoyo, it's for Genba,\" Katsuie said, holding the cup back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It became known in other quarters that this slight was a matter of discontent for Katsutoyo, and the story was doubtless heard by spies from other provinces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly such information reached Hideyoshi's ears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before surrendering Nagahama to Katsutoyo, it was necessary for Hideyoshi to move his own family to a new home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll be moving to Himeji in just a little while. It's mild in winter, and there's fish from the Inland Sea.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With these orders, Hideyoshi's mother, wife, and the entire household moved to his castle in Harima." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Hideyoshi himself did not go." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no time to waste." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had the castle at Takaradera near Kyoto completely renovated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had been Mitsuhide's stronghold at the time of the battle of Yamazaki, and there was a reason Hideyoshi did not send his mother and wife to live there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He went from Takaradera Castle to the capital on alternate days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he returned, he supervised construction; when he was absent, he was seeing to the government of the nation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was now taking the responsibility upon himself for safeguarding the Imperial Palace, for the administration of the city, and for overseeing the various provinces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "According to the original decision of the Kiyosu conference, all phases of the government of Kyoto were to be managed equally by the four regents—Katsuie, Niwa, Shonyu, and Hideyoshi—and were never supposed to be Hideyoshi's responsibility alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Katsuie was far away in Echizen, carrying on some secret maneuvers with Nobutaka and others in Gifu and Ise; Niwa, though close by in Sakamoto, seemed already to have given over his responsibility entirely to Hideyoshi; and Shonyu had quite gallantly declared that, although he had been given a title, the problems of dealing with the administration and the nobility were beyond his abilities, and he would have nothing more to do with either." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was in just these areas that Hideyoshi had true ability." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His talents were far more administrative than anything else." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi knew that battle was not his main talent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he understood clearly that if a man held high ideals but was defeated on the battlefield, great administrative works would not go forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thus he risked everything on a battle, and once he had started a campaign, he fought to the bitter end." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In rewarding his martial accomplishments, the Imperial Court informed Hideyoshi that he would be given the rank of Lieutenant-General of the Imperial Guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi declined, protesting that his merits did not deserve such an honor, but the Court graciously insisted, and he finally accepted a lesser title." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How many there are who are quick to find fault when they witness those who do good in the world!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How many of the mean-spirited ones talk against those who work with upright hearts!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This is always true, and whenever great changes occur, the flood of gossip is liable to be especially violent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hideyoshi is exposing his arrogance quickly. Even his subordinates are grasping authority.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're ignoring Lord Katsuie. It's as though there were no one else to serve.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When you look at the influence he's gained recently, it's as though they're proclaiming that Lord Hideyoshi is Lord Nobunaga's successor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The criticism aimed at him was noisy indeed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But, as always in such cases, the identities of the accusers remained unknown." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Whether or not he heard the rumors, Hideyoshi was unconcerned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had no leisure to listen to gossip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the Sixth Month, Nobunaga had died; in the middle of that month, the battle had been fought at Yamazaki; in the Seventh Month, the conference at Kiyosu had been held; at the end of that month, Hideyoshi had withdrawn from Nagahama, moving his family to Himeji; and in the Eighth Month, he had begun construction on Takaradera Castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he continued to go back and forth between Kyoto and Yamazaki." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he was in Kyoto, in the morning he would be bowing at the Imperial Palace; in the afternoon he would be inspecting the city, in the evening he would look over governmental matters, send out replies to letters, and greet guests; at midnight he would review letters from distant provinces; and at dawn he would make decisions concerning the petitions of his subordinates." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every day he would whip his horse off somewhere while still chewing the food from his last meal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He frequently had a number of destinations—the mansion of a court noble, meetings, inspections—and recently he had been heading off repeatedly toward the northern part of Kyoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was there that he had ordered an enormous construction project to be started." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within the grounds of the Daitoku Temple, he had begun to build yet another temple, the Sokenin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It must be completed by the seventh day of the Tenth Month. Finish clearing the area by the eighth day, and complete preparations for all the ceremonies by the ninth day. There should be nothing left to be done by the tenth day.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This he said very firmly to Hikoemon and to his brother-in-law, Hidenaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No matter what construction project Hideyoshi undertook, he would not change the time limit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The memorial service was held within a lamplit shrine that was one hundred eightyfour yards wide." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The brightly colored canopy sparkled, the thousands of lanterns looked like stars, and the smoke from the incense drifted among the fluttering banners, creating purple clouds above the heads of the crowds of mourners." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Among the priests alone, venerable scholars from the five major Zen temples and priests from the eight Buddhist sects attended." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People of the time who observed the service described it as though the five hundred arhats and the three thousand disciples of the Buddha were all before their very eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After the ceremonies of reading from the sutras and scattering flowers before the Buddha had taken place, the Zen abbots paid their respects." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally, Abbot Soken recited the parting gatha and, with all of his strength, yelled \"Kwafz!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For an instant all was hushed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, as the solemn music was played once again, the lotus flowers fell, and one by one the participants offered incense at the altar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Among the mourners, however, about half of the Oda relatives who undoubtedly should have attended were absent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samboshi had not appeared, neither had Nobutaka, Katsuie, or Takigawa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But perhaps most unfathomable of all were the intentions of Tokugawa Ieyasu." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After the Honno Temple incident, he was in a unique position. What his thoughts were, or how his cold eyes regarded present events, no one was able to judge." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "im ur writing buddy. i set scene (might have existing chars), u do seven sentences like Eiji Yoshikawa" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two or three mounted men galloped into Fuchu Castle. Their news was soon common knowledge throughout the stronghold. \"The enemy is camped at Wakimoto. Lord Hideyoshi has set up camp at Imajo, so there is little prospect of an attack tonight.\"\n\nHideyoshi slept happily through the night—really more like half the night—at Imajo, and on the following day he left camp early and rode to Wakimoto.\n\nKyutaro came out to greet him. He erected the commander's standard, indicating the presence of the commander-in-chief.\n\n\"What went on in Fuchu Castle last night?\" Hideyoshi asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There appeared to be a great deal of activity.\"\n\n\"Are they fortifying the place? Maybe the Maeda want to fight.\" Answering his own question, he looked toward Fuchu. Suddenly he turned to Kyutaro and ordered him to prepare his troops.\n\n\"Are you going into battle in person?\" Kyutaro asked.\n\n\"Of course.\" Hideyoshi nodded as though he were looking out over a large level road. Kyutaro quickly communicated Hideyoshi's words to the various generals and blew the conch shell to assemble the vanguard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Very soon the men had fallen into ranks, ready to march.\n\nIt was less than two hours to Fuchu. Kyutaro rode in front while Hideyoshi himself rode in the middle of the vanguard. They were soon in sight of the castle walls. Inside the castle, the men were naturally feeling extremely tense. Viewed from the top of the keep, the columns of men and Hideyoshi's standard of the golden gourds looked close enough to touch.\n\nThe order to halt had not yet been given." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And, as Hideyoshi was in their midst, the soldiers of the vanguard were sure that he would surround the castle immediately.\n\nMoving toward the main gate of Fuchu Castle, Hideyoshi's men—now like a rushing river—displayed the \"crane wing\" formation. For a moment, only the commander's standard did not move.\n\nJust then, the entire structure of the castle spat out gunpowder smoke.\n\n\"Move back a little, Kyutaro. Move back!\" Hideyoshi ordered. \"Don't have the soldiers spread out or take up battle array. Order them to regroup and stand out of formation.\"\n\nThe soldiers in the vanguard retreated, and the muskets within the castle were silenced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fighting spirits of both sides, however, could have exploded in an instant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Somebody take the commander's standard and advance twenty yards ahead of me,\" Hideyoshi ordered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I won't need anyone to lead my horse; I'll be going into the castle by myself.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'hideyoshi' precisely 3 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had not informed anyone of his intentions beforehand, and spoke quite suddenly from the saddle. Ignoring the shocked expressions of his generals, he immediately went forward with his horse at a canter toward the main gate of the castle.\n\n\"Just a moment! Wait just a moment so I can go ahead of you!\"\n\nA samurai went stumbling quickly after him, but when he had gotten barely ten yards in front of Hideyoshi, bearing the commander's standard as he had been ordered, several shots rang out, their fire directed toward the golden gourds.\n\n\"Hold your fire! Hold your fire!\"\n\nYelling in a loud voice, Hideyoshi galloped in the direction of the musket fire like an arrow shot from a bow.\n\n\"It's me! Hideyoshi! Don't you recognize me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he approached the castle, he took the golden baton of command from his waist and waved it at the soldiers in the castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's me! Hideyoshi! Hold your fire!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Astonished, two men leaped from the armory next to the main gate and pushed the gate open.\n\n\"Lord Hideyoshi?\"\n\nThis turn of events seemed to be totally unexpected, and they greeted him with some embarrassment. Hideyoshi recognized both of the men. He had already dismounted and was walking toward them.\n\n\"Has Lord Inuchiyo returned?\" he asked, then added, \"Are both he and his son all right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, my lord\" one of the men replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They both returned without mishap.\"\n\n\"Good, good. I'm relieved to hear that. Take my horse, will you?\"\n\nHanding his horse's bridle over to the two men, Hideyoshi went in through the castle gate exactly as if he were walking into his own house, accompanied by his own attendants.\n\nThe warriors filling the castle like a forest were overawed as—almost in a daze—they observed the behavior of the man. At that moment Inuchiyo and his son ran out in Hideyoshi's direction. As they approached each other, the two men spoke out at once, like the old friends they were.\n\n\"Well, well now!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Inuchiyo! What are you up to?\" Hideyoshi asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing at all,\" Inuchiyo replied with a laugh. \"Come in and sit down.\"\n\nAccompanied by his son, Inuchiyo led the way in to the main citadel. Expressly avoiding the formal entrance, they opened up the gate to the gardened area and led their guest directly toward the inner apartments, stopping to look at the purple irises and the white azaleas in the garden along the way.\n\nIt was the same treatment one would give a close family friend, and Inuchiyo was acting the way he had acted when he and Hideyoshi had lived in houses separated by a hedge.\n\nFinally, Inuchiyo invited Hideyoshi inside.\n\nHideyoshi, however, stood looking around without even moving to untie his straw sandals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That building over there—is that the kitchen?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'hideyoshi' must be used 3 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked. When Inuchiyo answered affirmatively, Hideyoshi started walking toward it. \"I want to see your wife. Is she here?\"\n\nInuchiyo was completely taken aback. He was about to tell Hideyoshi that if he wanted to meet his wife, he would call her right away, but there was not enough time for that. Instead, he hurriedly told Toshinaga to take their guest to the kitchen.\n\nHaving sent his son to chase after Hideyoshi, he himself hurried down the corridor to warn his wife.\n\nThe most surprised of all were the cooks and the maidservants." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Here was a short samurai—clearly a general—in a persimmon-colored armor coat, walking nonchalantly into the kitchen and calling out as if he were a member of the lord's family." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey! Is Lady Maeda here? Where is she?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one knew who he was. Everyone looked puzzled, but upon seeing his golden baton of command and formal sword, they all quickly knelt and bowed. He had to be a general of high rank, but no one had seen him among the Maeda before.\n\n\"Hey, Lady Maeda, where are you? It's me, Hideyoshi. Come on, show your face!\"\n\nInuchiyo's wife was preparing food with some of the servants when she heard all the commotion. She came out wearing an apron and with her sleeves tied back. For a moment she simply stood and stared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I must be dreaming,\" she murmured.\n\n\"It's been a long time, my lady. I'm glad to see you're well as always.\"\n\nWhen Hideyoshi started to step forward, she roused herself and, quickly loosening the cord at her sleeves, prostrated herself on the wooden floor.\n\nHideyoshi artlessly sat down. \"The first thing I want to tell you, my lady, is that your daughter and the ladies in Himeji have become good friends. Please set your mind at ease about that. Also, although your husband saw some trying moments in this last campaign, he showed no confusion about whether to advance or retreat, and you could say that the Maeda camp came away from the battle undefeated.\"\n\nInuchiyo's wife placed the palms of her hands together beneath her bowed forehead.\n\nAt that point Inuchiyo came in looking for his wife and saw Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is no place to receive you properly. Before anything else, at least please remove your sandals and come up off the dirt floor.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'husband' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Husband and wife did everything they could to persuade him to step up onto the wooden floor, but Hideyoshi declined, speaking to them as informally as before. \"I'm in a hurry to get to Kitanosho and really can't spare the time right now. But may I take advantage of your kindness and ask for a bowl of rice?\"\n\n\"That's an easy request to fill. But won't you come in just for a moment?\"\n\nHideyoshi made no move to untie his straw sandals and relax. \"We'll do that on another day. Today I have to move fast.\"\n\nBoth husband and wife knew the good and bad points of Hideyoshi's character. Theirs had never been a friendship that placed great value on obligations or pretense." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inuchiyo's wife retied the cord holding up her sleeves, and she herself stood in front of the cutting board in the kitchen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the kitchen for the entire castle, and a great number of maidservants, cooks, and even officials were working there. But Lady Maeda was not a woman who did not know how to prepare a savory meal on short notice.\n\nBoth on that day and the day before, she herself had looked after the wounded and helped with the preparation of their food. But even on uneventful days, she would come to the kitchen to prepare something for her husband. Now the Maeda clan governed a large province. But in the poverty of their days in Kiyosu, when their neighbor Tokichiro was no better off than they, the two families would often go to each other to borrow a measure of rice, a handful of salt, or even an evening's worth of oil for the lamp. In those days they could see how well off the neighbors were by the light shining in their windows at night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This woman is no less a good wife than my own Nene, Hideyoshi thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In that short interlude of reflection, however, Inuchiyo's wife had finished preparing two or three dishes. She led the way from the kitchen, carrying the tray herself.\n\nIn the hilly area that stretched toward the western citadel, a small pavilion stood in a copse of pines. The attendants spread a rug out over the grass next to it and set down two trays of food and flasks of sake.\n\n\"Can't I at least serve you something better, even if you're in a hurry?\" Inuchiyo's wife asked.\n\n\"No, no. Won't your husband and son join me?\"\n\nInuchiyo sat down facing Hideyoshi, and Toshinaga held up the sake flask." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a building here, but the guest and his hosts did not use it. A wind blew through the pines, but they hardly heard it.\n\nHideyoshi did not drink more than one cup of sake but hurriedly ate up the two bowls of rice that Inuchiyo's wife had prepared for him.\n\n\"Ah, I'm full. I'm sorry to impose, but might I ask for a bowl of tea?\"\n\nPreparations had already been made in the pavilion. Inuchiyo's wife quickly went inside and served Hideyoshi a bowl of tea.\n\n\"Well, my lady,\" Hideyoshi said as he drank, looking at her as though he were about to ask her advice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've given you a lot of trouble, but now, on top of that, I'd like to borrow your husband for a little while.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inuchiyo's wife laughed cheerfully. \"'To borrow my husband?' It's been a long time since you've used that phrase.\"\n\nHideyoshi and Inuchiyo both laughed, and Hideyoshi said, \"Listen to that, Inuchiyo. It appears that women don't easily forget old grudges. She's still talking today about how I used to 'borrow' you to go drinking.\" Returning the tea bowl, he laughed again. \"But today it's just a little different from the past, and if my lady doesn't disagree, I'm sure your husband won't either. I would definitely like him to go with me to Kitanosho. It would be fine if your son stays here to take care of you.\"\n\nSeeing that the question had already been settled between the talking and the laughing, Hideyoshi quickly made the decision on his own. \"What I would like, then, is for your son to stay here and your husband to ride with me. Inuchiyo has no equal as a man skilled in battle. Then, on the happy day when we return from the campaign, I'd like to stop here again and impose on you for a few days. We'll depart tomorrow morning. I'll take my leave for today.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The entire family saw him as far as the entrance to the kitchen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the way Inuchiyo's wife said, \"Lord Hideyoshi, you said that Toshinaga should stay here to take care of his mother, but I don't think I'm that old or that lonely yet. There will be enough warriors left guarding the castle, and no one will need to feel anxious about its defense.\"\n\nInuchiyo was of the same mind. As they walked hurriedly toward the entrance, Hideyoshi and the Maeda family finalized the hour of departure for the following day and settled other details.\n\n\"I'll be waiting for the next time you drop by,\" Inuchiyo's wife said as she bade him farewell at the entrance to the kitchen; her husband and son took him as far as the front gate of the castle.\n\nThe very night Hideyoshi took leave of the Maeda family and returned to his own camp, two very important men from the Shibata side were brought in as prisoners. One of them was Sakuma Genba. The other was Katsuie's foster son, Katsutoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both had been captured during their flight through the mountains to Kitanosho." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Genba had been wounded. With the heat of the summer, the wound had become infected and quickly began to fester. The emergency treatment often used by warriors was moxibustion, and Genba had stopped at a farmhouse in the mountains, asked for moxa, and applied it around the opening of the wound.\n\nWhile Genba was busy applying the moxa, the farmers held a secret conclave in which they decided that they would probably receive a handsome reward for turning Katsutoshi and Genba over to Hideyoshi. That night they surrounded the hut where the two were sleeping, trussed them up like pigs, and carried them to Hideyoshi's camp.\n\nWhen Hideyoshi heard about that, he did not look very happy. Contrary to the farmers' expectations, he punished them severely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The following day Hideyoshi, accompanied by Inuchiyo and his son, spurred his horse toward Katsuie's castle at Kitanosho. By afternoon, Echizen's capital was filled with Hideyoshi's troops.\n\nAlong the way, the Tokuyama and Fuwa clans had already seen what was in the wind, and many men surrendered at the gate of Hideyoshi's camp.\n\nHideyoshi camped on Mount Ashiba and had the castle at Kitanosho surrounded so tightly that a drop of water could not have trickled through. As soon as that was done, Kyutaro's corps was given the work of breaking through a section of the palisade. Then Genba and Katsutoshi were led up close to the castle walls.\n\nBeating the attack drum, the soldiers assailed the ears of Katsuie, who was inside the castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you have any last words for your foster son and Genba, you'd better come out and say them now!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'thinking' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That message was given two or three times, but the castle remained silent. Katsuie did not appear, perhaps thinking that to see the two men would be unbearable. And of course it was clear that Hideyoshi's strategy was to destroy the morale of the men in the castle.\n\nStragglers from Katsuie's army had arrived during the night, and now the castle was sheltering about three thousand souls, including noncombatants.\n\nIn addition, Genba and Katsutoshi had been taken alive by the enemy, and even Katsuie could not help thinking that his end had come. The attack drums of the enemy were unceasing. By nightfall, the surrounding palisades had all been broken through, and the entire area was filled with Hideyoshi's forces to within thirty or forty yards of the castle walls themselves." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'generals' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nevertheless, inside the castle the situation remained peaceful. After a while the enemy's drums ceased; night was approaching, and generals who seemed to be envoys were going back and forth from the castle to the outside. Maybe there was a move afoot to spare Katsuie's life, or perhaps the generals were envoys for capitulation. Such rumors spread, but the atmosphere inside the castle did not seem to corroborate those theories.\n\nAs the evening passed, the main citadel—which had been as black as ink—was cheerfully lit with lanterns. The northern enclosure and the western citadel were also lit up. Bright lamps shone at intervals even in the keep, where desperate soldiers were on watch, waiting to do battle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The attacking troops wondered what was going on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the mystery was soon solved. They could hear the beating of drums now along with the flowing sound of flutes. Folk songs heavy with the accent of the northern provinces drifted to within earshot.\n\n\"The people in the castle know this is their last night and are probably enjoying a farewell banquet. How sad.\"\n\nThe attacking troops outside the castle felt sympathy for its inhabitants. Both the men inside the castle and those outside had been soldiers under the command of the Oda, and there was not a person there who did not know Katsuie's past. For that reason alone, the situation was a deeply emotional one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A final banquet was held in the castle of Kitanosho." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was attended by more than eighty people—the entire clan and the senior retainers. Katsuie's wife and her daughters sat under the bright lamps in the middle of the group while the enemy army waited outside, only a short distance away.\n\n\"We didn't even get together like this to celebrate the first day of the new year!\" someone said, and the entire family laughed. \"With the dawn, the first day of our life in the next world will begin. Tonight will be our New Year's Eve in this world.\"\n\nWith the numerous lamps and the many laughing voices, the gathering seemed no different from an ordinary banquet. Only the presence of armed warriors caused a bleak cloud to float through the hall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The makeup and dress of Oichi and her three daughters lent an unbelievably fresh and even elegant air to the event." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The youngest of the three sisters was only ten years old, and when they saw the child making merry among the trays of food and the noisy people, gulping her food and playing pranks on her older sisters, even the old warriors who thought nothing of their imminent deaths had to look off in another direction.\n\nKatsuie had drunk too much. Any number of times, as he offered a cup to someone, he would let his loneliness slip, saying, \"If only Genba were here.\" When he heard someone expressing chagrin at Genba's failure, he would protest: \"Stop blaming Genba. This disaster is fully on account of my own mistakes. When I hear you blaming Genba, I feel worse than if I were being attacked.\"\n\nHe took care that everyone around him was drinking and distributed the best sake in the storehouse to the warriors in the towers. With the sake came his message:\n\n\"Express your farewells to your hearts' content. Reciting poems wouldn't be at all amiss.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Songs were heard coming from the towers, and laughing voices filled the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even in front of Katsuie drums were sounded, and the silver fans of the dancers drew elegant lines in the air.\n\n\"Long ago, Lord Nobunaga would get up and dance at the slightest provocation and try to force me to do the same, but I was always ashamed of my inability.\" Katsuie reminisced. \"How regrettable! I should have learned at least one dance just for tonight.\"\n\nIn his heart he must have truly missed his former lord. And there was something else. Even though he had been driven to his present predicament—which was truly nothing less than hopeless—by a single monkey-faced soldier, it is certain that he secretly hoped at least to die a glorious death.\n\nHe was only fifty-three years old." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As a general, his future should have been ahead of him, but now his only hope was for a noble death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sake made the rounds. Cup after cup was consumed, and the many barrels dried up with the night. There was singing accompanied by drums, dances with silver fans, and cheerful shouts and laughing voices, but nothing that they did could completely sweep away the atmosphere of sorrow.\n\nFrom time to time, an icy silence and the black smoke coughed into the night by the flickering of the lamps exposed on the eighty drunken faces a pale color that had nothing to do with drinking sake. The lamps showed it was midnight, but still the banquet went on. Oichi's daughters leaned against her lap and began to sleep. To them, this banquet had become too boring to bear, it seemed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'daughter' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At some point the youngest daughter had taken over her mother's lap as a pillow and was now sleeping silently. As Oichi touched her daughter's hair, she struggled to hold back her tears. The middle daughter also eventually began to doze. Only the eldest, Chacha, seemed to understand what her mother was thinking. She knew what the evening's banquet was about and yet, she still managed to look serene.\n\nThe girls were beautiful, and all three resembled their mother, but Chacha was especially endowed with the aristocratic bearing that ran through the blood of the Oda. The combination of her youth and natural beauty could not help but make the beholder sad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's so innocent,\" Katsuie said suddenly, looking at the sleeping face of the youngest child." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He then spoke with Lady Oichi about the fate of the girls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your own status is that of Lord Nobunaga's sister, and it has not yet been even a year since you became my wife. It would be better if you took the children and left the castle before dawn. I'll have Tominaga accompany you to Hideyoshi's camp.\"\n\nOichi answered with tears in her eyes. \"No!\" she said through her tears. \"When a woman marries into a warrior family, she is resolved to accept her own karma. To tell me to leave the castle now is truly cold-hearted, and it's unthinkable that I should go begging at Hideyoshi's camp gate, asking him to spare my life.\"\n\nShe looked at Katsuie, shaking her head behind her sleeve. But Katsuie tried once again. \"No, no. It gives me pleasure to think that you would be so faithful to me when our relationship is still so shallow, but your three daughters are the children of Lord Asai. More than that, Hideyoshi would certainly not be heartless to the sister of Lord Nobunaga or to her children. So you should go ahead and leave, and leave quickly. Go prepare yourself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Calling over one of his retainers, Katsuie gave the man instructions and told them to get started." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Oichi only shook her head and refused to move." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'children' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But even though you are so determined, may these innocent children at least leave the castle as my lord wishes?\"\n\nShe gave the appearance of agreeing with him. Then she shook awake the youngest child, who was sleeping on her lap, and told the children they were to be sent outside the castle.\n\nChacha clung to her mother. \"I don't want to go. I don't want to go. I want to be with you, Mother!\"\n\nKatsuie spoke to her and her mother tried to persuade her, but they were unable to stop her desperate tears. Finally she was led away and forced out of the castle against her will." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sobs of the three girls could be heard as they moved far into the distance. It was already close to the fourth watch of the night, and the joyless party was over. The warriors quickly retied the leather straps of their armor, picked up their weapons, and began to disperse to their final posts, the posts that would be the places of their deaths.\n\nKatsuie, his wife, and the several members of the clan moved together into the interior of the main citadel.\n\nOichi had a small desk brought to her and began to grind the ink for her death poem. Katsuie also left a poem.\n\nWhile the night was the same everywhere, it was not the same for everyone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The dawn was quite different for the vanquished and the victor.\n\n\"Make sure we have taken the surrounding walls by the time the sky turns white,\" Hideyoshi ordered, and then waited peacefully for the dawn.\n\nThe town was also relatively calm. Fires broke out in two or three places. They had not been set by Hideyoshi's soldiers but more likely had been started accidentally by the confused townspeople. Because they could serve as bonfires that would illuminate surprise attacks from the soldiers in the castle, they were allowed to burn all night.\n\nVarious generals had gone in and out of Hideyoshi's quarters from evening until midnight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because of that, there was talk that either a movement was afoot to spare Katsuie's life or that the castle would soon capitulate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nevertheless, even after midnight, no change was made in the original battle strategy.\n\nThe quick activity in every camp meant that dawn was close. Soon the conch shell was sounded. The beating of the drum began splitting the mist. It reverberated with a boom throughout the entire camp.\n\nThe assault began precisely at the Hour of the Tiger as had been planned. The attack commenced as the troops facing the castle wall opened a barrage of gunfire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The popping of the guns reverberated uncannily through the mist, but then suddenly both the gunfire and the war cries of the vanguard stopped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just then a lone rider broke through the mist, whipping his horse from Kyutaro's position to Hideyoshi's camp stool." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind him ran a single enemy samurai and three young girls.\n\n\"Hold your fire! Stop the attack!\" the rider shouted.\n\nThe fugitives were, of course, Nobunaga's nieces. Ignorant of the wearers, the soldiers watched as six elegant sleeves went by, soaked in the mist. The eldest sister held her middle sister's hand, while she in turn took care of the youngest. They tiptoed over the stony road. It was considered the proper etiquette for fugitives to go with very little to protect their feet, and the little princesses were no exception, walking on the earth in nothing but heavy silk socks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The youngest stopped walking and said she wanted to return to the castle. The samurai who had accompanied them from the castle calmed her down by putting her on his back.\n\n\"Where are we going?\" the little girl asked with a shudder.\n\n\"We're going to a nice man's place,\" Shinroku answered.\n\n\"No! I don't want to go!\" the girl cried.\n\nThe older girls did their best to calm her down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mother should be coming later on. Right, Shinroku?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Of course she is.\"\n\nPattering on like that, they finally approached the stand of pines where Hideyoshi had made his camp.\n\nHideyoshi came out from behind the curtain and stood beneath a pine tree, watching them approach. He walked up to meet the girls.\n\n\"They all have the family resemblance,\" he said when he saw them up close.\n\nWas it the figure of Nobunaga or that of Oichi that was conjured up within his breast? Whichever it was, he was completely charmed and could only mutter that they were good children." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A tassel hung elegantly from Chacha's plum-colored sleeve. Against the middle sister's sleeve, which was embroidered with a bold pattern, was a red sash. The youngest girl was dressed no less elegantly than her sisters. Each had a tiny satchel scented with aloeswood and a tiny golden bell.\n\n\"How old are you?\" Hideyoshi asked. But none of the three would answer. On the contrary, their lips turned so white they gave the impression that if you touched them they would burst into tears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi laughed lightly and displayed a smile." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'little' 3 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is nothing to fear, my little princesses. From now on you can play with me.\" And he pointed to his own nose.\n\nThe middle sister laughed a little, perhaps because she was the only one who was reminded of a monkey.\n\nBut suddenly the gunfire and war cries shook the area even more strongly than before, sweeping over the entire area of the castle. Overhead, the morning sky began to appear.\n\nThe little princesses saw the smoke rising from the castle walls and started to scream and cry in confusion.\n\nHideyoshi put the girls in the care of a retainer, then called vehemently for a horse and rode off in the direction of the castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two moats along the outer walls that drew in the waters of the Kuzuryu River did not allow the attacking troops an easy approach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When at last, however, they were able to cross the outer moat, the soldiers in the castle had set fire to the bridge at the front gate. The flames leaped to the tower over the gate and spread to the area of the barracks. The resistance of the defenders was furious beyond the attackers' anticipation.\n\nAt noon the outer castle fell. The attackers flowed into the main citadel from every one of the gates.\n\nKatsuie and his senior retainers had gone to the keep to make their final stand. The mighty keep was a nine-story building with iron doors and stone pillars." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After two hours of fighting in the keep, the attacking soldiers had sustained many more casualties than they had suffered during the whole morning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The courtyard and the tower were a sea of flames. Hideyoshi ordered a temporary retreat. Perhaps because he saw that they were making little headway, he pulled back every corps.\n\nDuring that time he selected several hundred stalwart warriors. No one was to carry firearms; only spears and swords.\n\n\"Now I'm going to see it done! Cut your way into the tower!\" he ordered.\n\nThe specially picked spear corps immediately enveloped the tower like a swarm of wasps and soon penetrated into the interior." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jet black smoke poured from the third floor, from the fourth, then from the fifth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good!\" Hideyoshi yelled when a huge umbrella of flames shot out from the tower's multifaceted eaves.\n\nThat was the flash that signaled Katsuie's end. Katsuie and the eighty members of his household held the attackers back on the third and fourth floors of the keep and fought hard until the very end, slipping in the spilled blood. But now three members of his family called to him.\n\n\"Prepare yourself quickly, my lord!\"\n\nRunning up to the fifth floor, he joined Lady Oichi. After witnessing her death, Shibata Katsuie ended his life by cutting open his stomach." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the Hour of the Monkey. The keep burned all night. The magnificent buildings that had stood on the banks of the Kuzuryu River since the time of Nobunaga burned like a funeral pyre for innumerable past dreams and a thousand souls. Nothing, however, could be found in the ashes that in any way resembled Katsuie.\n\nIt was said that he had packed dry grass into the tower with meticulous care so that he would be burned up completely. And for that reason, Katsuie's head could never be offered as sure proof of his death. For a while some said that Katsuie had escaped, but Hideyoshi reacted with almost complete indifference to those rumors. By the following day he had already turned toward Kaga." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Match character/world familiarity\nLength:\neight sentences\nGenres:\nhistorical fiction\nTags:\nsamurai, Japan" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the time everyone thought Hideyoshi was in Osaka Castle, but he had been in Sakamoto Castle since the thirteenth day of the Third Month, the day Ieyasu was talking with Nobuo in Kiyosu. That kind of tardiness was not typical of him.\n\nIeyasu had already roused himself to action, completing his plans and making steady progress in his anticipated push from Hamamatsu to Okazaki and then Kiyosu; but Hideyoshi, who had often shocked the world with his lightning speed, was slow to start this time. Or so it seemed.\n\n\"Somebody come here! Aren't my pages here?\"\n\nIt was the master's voice. And, as usual, it was loud.\n\nThe young pages, who had intentionally withdrawn to the faraway pages' room, hurriedly put away the game of suguroku they had been surreptitiously playing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From among them, the thirteen-year-old Nabemaru went running off as fast as he could to the room where his lord was repeatedly clapping his hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By now Hideyoshi had gone out onto the veranda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Through the front castle gate he could see the tiny figure of Sakichi hastening up the slope from the castle town, and, without looking around toward the footsteps behind him, he shouted out an order to admit him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sakichi entered and knelt in front of Hideyoshi.\n\nAfter he listened to Sakichi's report of the situation at Osaka Castle, Hideyoshi asked, \"And Chacha? Are Chacha and her sisters well, too?\"\n\nFor a moment Sakichi displayed an expression that seemed to indicate that he couldn't remember. To answer as though he had been waiting for that question would only make Hideyoshi suspicious (That damned Sakichi has found out), and would undoubtedly make him feel uncomfortable later on. The proof was that in the instant he had asked awkwardly about Chacha, Hideyoshi's lordly expression had crumbled and a blush filled what seemed to be his prevaricating face. He looked extremely self-conscious.\n\nSakichi alertly saw through his discomfort and could not help feeling amused.\n\nAfter the fall of Kitanosho, Hideyoshi had cared for Oichi's three daughters as though they were his own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he had built Osaka Castle, he had had a small, bright enclosure constructed just for them." }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"What rumors did you hear around the Yodo River and Kyoto while you were on the road?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From time to time he would visit and play with them as though he were taking care of some rare birds in a golden cage.\n\n\"What are you laughing about, Sakichi?\" Hideyoshi challenged him. But he himself felt slightly amused. Obviously, Sakichi had already understood.\n\n\"No, it's nothing at all. I was distracted by my other responsibilities and returned without visiting the three princesses' quarters.\"\n\n\"Is that so? Well, fine.\" With that, Hideyoshi quickly changed the subject to other gossip. \"What rumors did you hear around the Yodo River and Kyoto while you were on the road?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi inevitably asked a question like that whenever he sent a messenger to a far-off place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wherever I went, war was the only topic of conversation.\"\n\nWhen he questioned Sakichi further about conditions in Kyoto and Osaka, he found out that everyone thought that the battle provoked by Nobuo would not actually be fought between Hideyoshi and the Oda heir, but that it would be between Hideyoshi and Ieyasu. After Nobunaga's death, it was thought that peace would finally be established by Hideyoshi, but once again the nation had been divided in half, and the people's hearts were steeped in anxiety at the specter of a great conflict that would probably extend into every province.\n\nSakichi withdrew, and as he left, two of Niwa Nagahide's generals, Kanamori Kingo and Hachiya Yoritaka, appeared. Hideyoshi had been going to great lengths to make Niwa his ally because he knew that he would be at a serious disadvantage if he drove him into the enemy camp. Apart from the loss of military strength, Niwa's defection would convince the world that Nobuo and Ieyasu had right on their side. Niwa had been second only to Katsuie among Nobunaga's retainers, and he was held in great respect as a man of rare gentility and sincerity.\n\nIt was certain that Ieyasu and Nobuo were also offering Niwa every enticement to join them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps finally moved by Hideyoshi's enthusiasm, however, Niwa had sent Kanamori and Hachiya as the first reinforcements from the north." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi was pleased but was nevertheless not completely reassured.\n\nBefore nightfall messengers arrived three times with reports on the situation in Ise. Hideyoshi read the dispatches and questioned the messengers in person, entrusted them with verbal replies, and had letters of response written as he ate his evening meal.\n\nA large folding screen stood in the corner of the room. A map of Japan on its two panels had been painted in gold leaf. Hideyoshi looked at the map and asked, \"Haven't we heard from Echizen? What about the messenger I sent to the Uesugi?\"\n\nWhile his retainers made some excuse about the distances involved, Hideyoshi counted on his fingers. He had sent messages to the Kiso and to the Satake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The net of his diplomacy had been carefully thrown over the length and breadth of the country shown on the screen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By his very nature, Hideyoshi considered war to be the last resort. It was an article of faith with him that diplomacy itself was a battle. But it was not diplomacy for its own sake. Nor did it have its source in military weakness. His diplomacy was always backed up by military strength and was employed after his military authority and troops had been completely provided for. But diplomacy had not worked with Ieyasu. He had said nothing about it to anyone, but long before the situation had reached this pass, Hideyoshi had sent a man to Hamamatsu with the following message:\n\nIf you will take into consideration my petition to the Emperor last year for your promotion, you will understand my warm feelings toward you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Is there any reason we should fight?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is generally accepted throughout the nation that Lord Nobuo is weak-minded. No matter how much you wave the flag of moral duty and embrace the remnants of the Oda clan, the world is not going to admire your efforts as those of a man of virtue commanding a righteous army. In the end, there is no value in the two of us fighting. You are an intelligent man, and if you come to terms with me, I will add the provinces of Owari and Mino to your domain.\n\nThe outcome of such proposals depends on the other party, however, and the answer that was returned to Hideyoshi had been clearly negative. But even after he had cut off relations with Nobuo, Hideyoshi still sent messengers with even better conditions than before, trying to persuade Ieyasu. The envoys only incurred Ieyasu's indignation, however, and returned utterly discomfited.\n\n\"Lord Ieyasu replies that it is Lord Hideyoshi who does not understand him,\" the envoy reported." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi forced a smile and retorted, \"Ieyasu doesn't understand my genuine feelings, either.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No matter what else he did, however, the time he spent in Sakamoto was consumed entirely by work. Sakamoto was both his military headquarters for Ise and southern Owari and the center of a diplomatic and intelligence network that stretched from the north to the western provinces. As the center for secret operations, Sakamoto was much more convenient than Osaka. Also, messengers could come and go to and from Sakamoto without attracting undue attention.\n\nOn the surface, the two spheres of influence seemed to be distinctly drawn: Ieyasu from the east to the northeast, and Hideyoshi from the capital to the west. But even in Hideyoshi's stronghold of Osaka, there were innumerable people in collusion with the Tokugawa. Nor could it be said that there was no one at court who supported Ieyasu and waited for Hideyoshi to stumble.\n\nEven among the samurai clans, there were fathers and mothers in the service of provincial lords in Osaka and Kyoto whose children served generals of the eastern army." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Brothers fought on separate sides." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'people' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thus the tragic stage was set for bloody conflicts to erupt within families.\n\nHideyoshi knew the bitter hardships that war brought. The world had been at war from the time he was growing up in his mother's dilapidated house in Nakamura. It had been the same throughout the many years of his wanderings. With Nobunaga's appearance on the stage, society's suffering had become even more severe for a while, but it had been accompanied by a brightness and joy in the lives of the common people. People believed that Nobunaga was going to usher in an era of lasting peace. But he had been cut down halfway through his work.\n\nHideyoshi had vowed to overcome the setback of Nobunaga's death, and the effort he had made—almost without sleep or rest—had brought him within one step of his goal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now that final step he needed to take to achieve his ambition was near." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'leagues' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It could be said that he had traveled nine hundred leagues of a thousand-league journey. But those last hundred leagues were the hardest. He had presumed that at some point, as a matter of course, he would have to confront the last obstacle—Ieyasu—and either remove it from his path or destroy it. But when he approached, he discovered it was going to be more unyielding than he had imagined.\n\nDuring the ten days Hideyoshi spent in Sakamoto, Ieyasu moved his army as far as Kiyosu. It was clear that Ieyasu planned to stir up war like a hornet's nest in Iga, Ise, and Kishu and advance westward, entering Kyoto and pressing in on Osaka in one blow, like the path of a typhoon.\n\nBut Ieyasu did not think the road was going to be an easy one. He was anticipating one huge engagement on his advance toward Osaka, and Hideyoshi was expecting that as well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But where would it be?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The only place of sufficient size to be the site of this all-or-nothing battle between east and west was the broad Nobi Plain that bordered the Kiso River.\n\nA man of initiative would gain the advantage by constructing fortifications and holding the high ground. While Ieyasu had already attended to that and was fully prepared, Hideyoshi could be said to have made a belated start. Even on the evening of the thirteenth day of the month, he still had not moved from Sakamoto.\n\nDespite appearances, however, his seeming tardiness was not the result of negligence. Hideyoshi knew Ieyasu could not be compared with either Mitsuhide or Katsuie. He had to delay in order to complete his own preparations. He waited to win over Niwa Nagahide; he waited to make sure the Mori could do nothing in the western provinces; he waited to destroy the dangerous remnants of the warrior-monks in Shikoku and Kishu; finally, he waited to split the opposition of the generals in nearby Mino and Owari." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The stream of messengers was unending, and Hideyoshi received them even while he ate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had just finished his meal and put down his chopsticks when a dispatch arrived. He reached out to take the letter box.\n\nIt was something he had been waiting for: the answer from Bito Jinemon, whom he had sent as the second messenger to Ikeda Shonyu's castle at Ogaki. Would it be good or bad news? There had been no news at all from the envoys he had sent to win over other castles. Hideyoshi opened the letter, feeling as though he was cutting open the envelope of an oracle, and read it.\n\n\"Fine,\" was all he said.\n\nLate that night after he had gone to sleep, he suddenly got up as though he had just thought of something and called for the samurai on night watch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is Bito's messenger returning tomorrow morning?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" the guard replied, \"he was pressed for time, and after a short rest he returned to Mino, taking to the road at night.\" Sitting on top of his bedding, Hideyoshi took up his brush and wrote a letter to Bito.\n\nThanks to your great efforts, Shonyu and his son have pledged their solidarity with me, and nothing could give me greater joy. But there is something I must say right away: If Nobuo and Ieyasu know that Shonyu is going to support me, they will surely become threatening in every manner conceivable. Do not react. Do nothing rash. Ikeda Shonyu and Mori Nagayoshi have always been brave and proud men with great contempt for the enemy.\n\nAs soon as he put down his pen, he sent the note to Ogaki.\n\nTwo days later, however, on the evening of the fifteenth, another message was delivered from Ogaki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inuyama Castle had fallen." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the same time Shonyu and his son had made their decision, they had captured the most strategic stronghold on the Kiso River and presented it as a gift of their support for Hideyoshi. It was good news.\n\nHideyoshi was pleased. But he was troubled as well.\n\nOn the following day Hideyoshi was in Osaka Castle. During the next few days omens of failure multiplied. After the happy victory at Inuyama, Hideyoshi learned that Shonyu's son-in-law, Nagayoshi, wanting to achieve a great military exploit of his own, had planned to make a surprise attack on the Tokugawa fortifications at Mount Komaki. His army had been intercepted by the enemy near Haguro, and it was rumored that he had perished with many of his troops.\n\n\"We lost this man because of his fighting spirit. Such foolishness is unpardonable!\" Hideyoshi's bitter lament was aimed at himself." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "im ur writing buddy. i set scene (might have existing chars), u do seven sentences like Eiji Yoshikawa" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Having no other recourse, Hideyoshi turned his army around and withdrew to the fortified camp at Gakuden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could not deny that the defeat at Nagakute had been a serious blow, even though it had been caused by the overzealousness of Shonyu. But it was also a fact that, on this particular occasion, Hideyoshi had been slow in starting.\n\nIt was not because Hideyoshi was measuring himself against Ieyasu on the battlefield for the first time. He had know Ieyasu long before engaging him in battle. Rather, because it was a standoff of master against master—a match between two champions—Hideyoshi was being especially circumspect.\n\n\"Don't pay any attention to small castles on the way. Don't waste time,\" Hideyoshi had warned, but Shonyu had been challenged by the garrison of Iwasaki and had stopped to crush it.\n\nThe abilities of Ieyasu and Hideyoshi would determine the outcome of the battle." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'after' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Hideyoshi heard of the defeat at Nagakute, he was convinced that his opportunity had come. The deaths of Shonyu and Nagayoshi would surely be the bait for taking Ieyasu alive.\n\nBut the enemy had appeared like fire and disappeared like the wind, and after he had gone, it was as silent as the woods. When Ieyasu withdrew to Mount Komaki, Hideyoshi felt he had just missed bagging a scared rabbit, but told himself that he had suffered only a little wound to the finger. Certainly there had been no great damage to his military strength. Psychologically, however, he had given Ieyasu's side a victory.\n\nAt any rate, after the violent half-day battle at Nagakute, both men were extremely prudent and watched the other's movements closely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And while each waited to seize a favorable opportunity, neither man would have even considered making a careless attack." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'mount' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Provocations, however, were made repeatedly.\n\nFor example, when Hideyoshi sent his entire sixty-two-thousand-man army out to Mount Komatsuji on the eleventh day of the Fourth Month, the reaction at Mount Komaki was nothing more than a peaceful, wry smile.\n\nAfter that, on the twenty-second day of the same month, a provocation was set up by Ieyasu's side. A combined force of eighteen thousand men was divided into sixteen units and emerged heading toward the east.\n\nBeating drums and raising war cries, a vanguard led by Sakai Tadatsugu and Ii Hyobu made repeated challenges, almost as if to say, \"Come out, Hideyoshi!\"\n\nThe moated palisades were defended by Hori Kyutaro and Gamo Ujisato. Gazing out at the raucous enemy forces, Kyutaro ground his teeth." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'tokugawa' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After Nagakute, the enemy had been spreading rumors that Hideyoshi's soldiers were frightened of the Tokugawa warriors. But Hideyoshi had made it clear that the soldiers were to make no sorties without his express order, so they could do nothing more than send runners flying off to the main camp.\n\nWhen the messenger arrived, Hideyoshi was playing go.\n\n\"A large Tokugawa force is approaching our men at the double moats,\" the man announced.\n\nHideyoshi raised his eyes from the go board for a moment and asked the messenger, \"Has Ieyasu himself appeared?\"\n\n\"Lord Ieyasu has not come out himself,\" the man replied.\n\nHideyoshi picked up a black stone, placed it on the board and said, without looking up, \"Tell me if Ieyasu makes an appearance. Unless he comes out at the head of his army, Kyutaro and Ujisato can fight or not, as they please.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At about the same time, Ii Hyobu and Sakai Tadatsugu at the front lines sent messengers twice with pleas to Ieyasu at Mount Komaki.\n\n\"Now is the time for you to make a personal appearance. If you do it immediately, we will undoubtedly be able to strike a fatal blow to the main body of Hideyoshi's troops.\"\n\nTo that Ieyasu responded, \"Has Hideyoshi himself made a move? If he's still at Mount Komatsuji, there's no need for me to go out, either.\"\n\nIn the end, Ieyasu did not leave Mount Komaki.\n\nDuring that time, Hideyoshi clearly meted out the praise and blame for the battle at Nagakute. He was particularly careful about the presentation of increases in stipends and rewards, but did not say a word to his nephew Hidetsugu. And, after having fled from Nagakute, Hidetsugu seemed to feel awkward in front of his uncle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On his return to camp he simply reported that he had come back and later tried to explain the reason for his defeat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Hideyoshi only talked to the other generals seated around him and did not look Hidetsugu in the face.\n\n\"It was my own blunder that sent Shonyu to his death,\" Hideyoshi said. \"From the time of his youth, we shared our poverty, our nighttime amusements, and our whoring around. I'll never be able to forget him.\"\n\nEvery time he talked with others about his old friend, his eyes filled with tears.\n\nThen one day, without letting anyone know what he was thinking, Hideyoshi suddenly ordered the construction of fortifications at Oura. Two days later, on the last day of the Fourth Month, he gave out more instructions: \"I plan on taking a chance tomorrow on the battle of a lifetime. We're going to see who falls, Ieyasu or Hideyoshi. Sleep well, prepare yourselves, and don't be caught off guard.\"\n\nThe following day was the first of the Fifth Month." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Expecting that it would be the day on which the great decisive battle would be fought, the entire army had been preparing itself since the night before. Now, finally seeing Hideyoshi in front of them, the soldiers listened to his words in blank amazement.\n\n\"We're going back to Osaka! All of the troops should withdraw.\" Then came his next orders. \"The corps under Kuroda Kanbei and Akashi Yoshiro should coordinate with the troops at the double moats. The position of rear guard is to be taken by Hosokawa Tadaoki and Gamo Ujisato.\"\n\nSixty thousand troops moved out. Heading west, they began their retreat just as the morning sun appeared over the horizon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hori Kyutaro was left at Gakuden and Kato Mitsuyasu at Inuyama Castle. Except for them, all the troops crossed the Kiso River and entered Oura.\n\nThis sudden withdrawal caused Hideyoshi's generals to wonder about his true intentions. Hideyoshi gave orders in a carefree way, but withdrawing such a large army was even more difficult than leading it to attack. The responsibility of taking up the rear guard was considered to be the most difficult of all, and it was claimed that only the bravest warriors were suitable for the work.\n\nWhen the men at Ieyasu's headquarters saw Hideyoshi's army suddenly withdraw to the west that morning, they were all seized with doubt and reported the event to Ieyasu.\n\nThe generals there were in complete agreement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's no doubt about it. We've crushed the enemy's will to fight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If we give chase and attack, the western forces will be totally routed and a great victory will surely be ours!\"\n\nEach of them spoke enthusiastically for an attack and asked for the command, but Ieyasu did not look the least bit happy. He strictly refused permission for a pursuit.\n\nHe knew that a man like Hideyoshi would not withdraw a large army without reason. He also knew that while he had sufficient strength for defense, he did not have the forces to fight with Hideyoshi in an unobstructed battle on an open plain.\n\n\"Warfare is not a gamble. Are we going to stake our lives on an event when we have no idea of the outcome? Put out your hand to grasp something only when destiny has come to bless you.\"\n\nIeyasu hated taking risks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He also knew himself very well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In that regard, the absolute opposite of Ieyasu was Nobuo. Nobuo was constantly under the illusion that he himself had the same great popularity and genius as Nobunaga. He could not keep quiet at this time, even though the other generals were sitting in silence after Ieyasu had told them that there would be no pursuit.\n\n\"It is said that a soldier respects the opportunity given him. How can we sit here and let this heaven-sent opportunity pass us by? Please leave the pursuit to me.\" Nobuo argued with increasing vehemence.\n\nIeyasu admonished him with two or three words, but Nobuo was parading his courage more than he ever had before. Arguing with Ieyasu, he acted like a spoiled child who would listen to nobody." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well then, there's nothing to be done. Do as you please.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu gave his permission, knowing full well that disaster would follow. Nobuo immediately led out his own army and chased after Hideyoshi.\n\nAfter Nobuo left, Ieyasu put Honda in charge of a group of soldiers and sent him along behind. Just as Ieyasu had thought he would do, Nobuo fought Hideyoshi's rear guard as it withdrew and, while he looked superior for a moment, was quickly defeated. In this way he caused the death in battle of a great number of his retainers.\n\nIf Honda's reinforcements had not come from the rear, Nobuo himself might have become one of the greatest prizes of Hideyoshi's rear guard. Retreating to Mount Komaki, Nobuo did not appear before Ieyasu right away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Ieyasu heard the details of the situation from Honda." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With no change of expression, he nodded and said, \"It was only to be expected.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start (might include ongoing story elements), then u do six sentences in James Clavell's voice ok?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you ever assisted at an operation before?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Doctor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Babcott smiled, his face and manner genial, his hands moving swiftly, undressing the half-conscious Malcolm Struan as easily as if he were a child." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, soon you will have—good experience for you. I need help and I'm the only one here today. You'll be back in Yokohama by suppertime.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll... I'll try.\"\n\n\"You'll probably be sick—it's the smell mostly, but not to worry. If you are, do it in the basin and not over the patient.\" Again Babcott glanced at him, gauging him, asking himself how reliable this young man might be, reading his bottled terror, then went back to work. \"We'll give him ether next and then off we go. You said you were in Peking?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir, for four months—I came here by way of Shanghai and arrived a few days ago.\" Tyrer was glad to be able to talk to help keep his mind off the horrors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Foreign Office thought a short stay in Peking learning Chinese characters would help us with Japanish.\"\n\n\"Waste of time. If you want to speak it—by the way, most of us out here call it Japanese, like Chinese—if you want to read and write it properly, Chinese characters won't help, hardly at all.\" He shifted the inert man to a more comfortable position. \"How much Japanese do you know?\"\n\nTyrer's unhappiness increased. \"Practically none, sir. Just a few words. We were told there would be Japanish—I mean Japanese—grammars and books in Peking, but there weren't any.\"\n\nIn spite of his enormous concern over this whole incident, Babcott stopped for a moment and laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Grammars are as rare as a dragon's dingle and there're no Japanese dictionaries that I know of, except Father Alvito's of 1601 and that's in Portuguese—which I've never even seen and only heard about—and the one Reverend Priny's been working on for years.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He eased off Struan's white silk shirt, wet with blood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you speak Dutch?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Again just a few words. All student interpreters for Japan are supposed to have a six-month course, but the F.O. sent us off on the first available steamer. Why is Dutch the official foreign language used by the Japanese bureaucracy?\"\n\n\"It isn't. The F.O. are wrong, and wrong about a lot of things. But it is the only European language presently spoken by a few Bakufu—I'm going to lift him slightly, you pull off his boots then his trousers, but do it gently.\"\n\nAwkwardly Tyrer obeyed, using his good left hand.\n\nNow Struan was quite naked on the surgical table. Beyond were the surgical instruments and salves and bottles. Babcott turned away and put on a heavy, waterproofed apron." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instantly Tyrer saw only a butcher. His stomach heaved and he just made the basin in time.\n\nBabcott sighed. How many hundreds of times have I vomited my heart out and then some more? But I need help, so this child has to grow up. \"Come here, we have to work quickly.\"\n\n\"I can't, I just can't...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once the doctor roughened his voice. \"You come over here right smartly and help or Struan will die and, before that I'll thump the hell out of you!\"\n\nTyrer stumbled over to his side.\n\n\"Not here, for God's sake, opposite me! Hold his hands!\"\n\nStruan opened his eyes briefly at Tyrer's touch and went back again into his nightmare, mouthing incoherently.\n\n\"It's me,\" Tyrer muttered, not knowing what else to say." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the other side of the table Babcott had uncorked the small, unlabeled bottle and now he poured some of the yellowish oily liquid onto a thick linen pad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hold him firmly,\" he said, and pressed the pad over Struan's nose and mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once Struan felt himself being suffocated and grabbed at the pad, almost tearing it away with surprising strength." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'babcott' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For Christ sake, get hold of him,\" Babcott snarled. Again Tyrer grabbed Struan's wrists, forgetting his bad arm, and cried out but managed to hold on, the ether fumes revolting him. Still Struan struggled, twisting his head to escape, feeling himself dragged down into this never-ending cesspool. Gradually his strength waned, and vanished.\n\n\"Excellent,\" Babcott said. \"Astonishing how strong patients are sometimes.\" He turned Struan onto his stomach, making his head comfortable, revealing the true extent of the wound that began in his back and came around just under the rib cage to end near his navel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Keep a close watch on him and tell me if he stirs—when I tell you, give him more ether...\" But Tyrer was again at the basin. \"Hurry up!\"\n\nBabcott did not wait, letting his hands flow, used to operating in far worse circumstances. Crimea with tens of thousands of soldiers dying-cholera, dysentery, smallpox mostly—and then all the wounded, the howls in the night and in the day, and then in the night the Lady of the Lamp who brought order out of chaos in military hospitals. Nurse Nightingale who ordered, cajoled, threatened, demanded, begged but somehow instituted her new ideas and cleansed that which was filthy, cast out hopelessness and useless death, yet still had time to visit the sick and the needy all hours of the night, her oil or candle lamp held high, lighting her passage from bed to bed.\n\n\"Don't know how she did it,\" he muttered.\n\n\"Sir?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Momentarily he looked up and saw Tyrer, white-faced, staring at him. He had quite forgotten him. \"I was just thinking about the Lady of the Lamp,\" he said, allowing his mouth to talk, to calm himself—without letting this disturb his concentration on the sliced muscles and damaged veins. \"Florence Nightingale. She went out to the Crimea with just thirty-eight nurses and in four months cut the death rate from forty in every hundred to about two in every hundred.\"\n\nTyrer knew the statistic as every Englishman knew proudly that she had really founded the modern profession of nursing. \"What was she like-personally?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Terrible, if you didn't keep everything clean and as she wanted it. Other wise she was Godlike—in its most Christian way. She was born in Florence, in Italy, hence her name—though she was English through and through.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Tyrer felt the doctor's warmth. \"Wonderful. So wonderful. Did you know her well?\"\n\nBabcott's eyes did not waver from the wound, or from his wise fingers as they probed and found, as he had feared, the severed part of the intestine. He swore without noticing it. Delicately he began seeking the other end." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The stench increased. \"You were talking about Dutch. You know why some of the Japanners speak Dutch?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a violent effort, Tyrer tore his gaze away from the fingers and tried to close his nostrils. He felt his stomach twist. \"No, sir.\"\n\nStruan stirred. At once Babcott said, \"Give him more of the ether... that's right, don't press too firmly... good. Well done. How do you feel?\"\n\n\"Dreadful.\"\n\n\"Never mind.\" The fingers began again, almost outside the doctor's will, then stopped. Gently they exposed the other part of the severed intestine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wash your hands then give me the needle that's already threaded-there, on the table.\"\n\nTyrer obeyed.\n\n\"Good. Thanks.\" Babcott began the repair. Very accurately. \"His liver's not hurt, bruised a little but not cut. His kidney's all right too. Ichiban—that's Japanese for 'very good.' I have a few Japanner patients. In return for my work I make them give me words and phrases. I'll help you learn if you like.\"\n\n\"I'd... that would be wonderful—ichiban. Sorry I'm so useless.\"\n\n\"You're not. I hate doing this alone. I... well, I get frightened. Funny, but I do.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment his fingers filled the room.\n\nTyrer looked at Struan's face, no color now where an hour ago it was ruddy, and strong where now it was stretched and ominous, eyelids flickering from time to time. Strange, he thought, strange how unbelievably naked Struan seems now. Two days ago I'd never even heard his name, now we're bonded like brothers, now life is different, will be different for both of us, like it or not. And I know he's brave and I'm not.\n\n\"Ah, you asked about Dutch,\" Babcott said, scarcely listening to himself, all his attention on the repairs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Since about 1640 the only contact Japanners have had with the outside, apart from China, has been with Dutchmen. All others were forbidden to land in Japan, particularly Spaniards and Portuguese. Japanners don't like Catholics because they meddled in their politics back in the 1600s. At one time, so legend says, Japan almost went Catholic. Do you know any of this?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So the Dutch were tolerated because they'd never brought missionaries here, just wanted to trade.\" For a moment he stopped talking but his fingers continued the fine neat stitches. Then he rambled on again. \"So a few Hollanders—men, never women—were allowed to stay, but only with the most severe restrictions and confined on a man-made island of three acres in Nagasaki harbor called Deshima. The Dutch obeyed any law the Japanners made, and kowtowed—growing rich meanwhile. They brought in books, when they were allowed, traded, when they were allowed, and carried the China trade that's essential to Japan—Chinese silks and silver for gold, paper, lacquer, chopsticks—you know what those are?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir. I was in Peking for three months.\"\n\n\"Oh yes, sorry, I forgot. Never mind. According to Dutch journals of the 1600s the first of the Toranaga Shōguns, their equivalent of emperors, decided foreign influence was against Japan's interests, so he closed the country and decreed that Japanners could not build any oceangoing ships, or leave the country—anyone who did could not come back, or if they returned, they were to be killed instantly. That's still the law.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His fingers stopped for an instant as the delicate thread parted and he cursed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Give me the other needle. Can't get decent gut, though this silk's fine. Try to thread one of the others but wash your hands first and wash it when you're done. Thanks.\"\n\nTyrer was glad to have something to do and turned away, but his fingers were helpless. His nausea was growing again, his head throbbing. \"You were saying, about the Dutch?\"\n\n\"Ah, yes. So, warily, Dutch and Japanners began learning from the other though the Dutch were officially forbidden to learn Japanese. Ten-odd years ago the Bakufu started a Dutch language school...\" Both men heard the running feet.\n\nHasty knock. The sweating Grenadier Sergeant stood there, trained never to enter while an operation was in progress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry to interrupt, sir, but there's four of the rotten little buggers coming down the road. Looks like a deputation. They's all samurai.\"\n\nThe doctor did not stop sewing. \"Is Lim with them?\"\n\n\"Yessir.\"\n\n\"Escort them into the reception room and tell Lim to look after them. I'll be there as soon as I can.\"\n\n\"Yessir.\" The Sergeant took one last glazed look at the table, then fled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The doctor completed another stitch, knotted it, cut the thread, swabbed the oozing wound, and began anew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lim's one of our Chinese assistants. Our Chinese do most of our leg work, not that they're Japanese speakers or—or very trustworthy.\"\n\n\"We... it was the same... we found it was the same in Peking, sir. Dreadful liars.\"\n\n\"The Japanners are worse—but in a way that's not true either. It's not that they're liars, it's just that truth is mobile and depends on the whim of the speaker. Very important for you to learn to speak Japanese very quickly. We don't have even one interpreter, not of our own people.\"\n\nTyrer gaped at him. \"None?\"\n\n\"None. The British padre speaks a little but we can't use him; Japanners detest missionaries and priests. We've only three Dutch speakers in the Settlement, one Hollander, one Swiss who's our interpreter, and a Cape Colony trader, none British. In the Settlement we speak a bastard sort of lingua franca called 'pidgin,' like in Hong Kong and Singapore and the other China Treaty ports and use compradores, business intercessors.\"\n\n\"It was the same in Peking.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Babcott heard the irritation but more the underlying danger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced up, instantly saw into Tyrer that he was near to breaking, ready to vomit again any second. \"You're doing fine,\" he said encouragingly, then straightened to ease his back, sweat running off him. Again he bent down. Very carefully he resettled the repaired intestine into the cavity, quickly began to stitch another laceration, working outwards. \"How'd you like Peking?\" he asked, not caring but wanting Tyrer to talk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Better that than an outburst, he thought. Can't deal with him till this poor bugger's closed up. \"I've never been there. Did you like it?\"\n\n\"I, well... yes, yes, very much.\" Tyrer tried to collect his wits through a blinding headache that racked him. \"The Manchus are quite subdued at the moment, so we could go anywhere we wanted quite safely.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'without' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Manchus, a nomadic tribe from Manchuria, had conquered China in 1644 and now ruled as the Ch'ing Dynasty. \"We could ride around without... without any problems... the Chinese were... not too friendly but...\" The closeness of the room and the smell crested. A spasm took him and he was sick again. Still nauseated, he came back. \"Sorry.\"\n\n\"You were saying—about Manchus?\"\n\nSuddenly Tyrer wanted to scream that he cared nothing about Manchus or Peking or anything, wanting to run from the stench and his helplessness. \"The devil with—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Talk to me! Talk!\"\n\n\"We... we were told that... that normally they're an arrogant, nasty lot and it's obvious the Chinese hate Manchus mortally.\" Tyrer's voice was phlegmy but the more he concentrated the less he felt the urge to flee. He continued, hesitating, \"It... it seems they're all petrified the Tai'ping Rebellion will spread up from Nanking and engulf Peking, and that will be the end of...\" He stopped, listening intently. His mouth had a dreadful taste and his head pounded even more.\n\n\"What is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I... I thought I heard someone shouting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Babcott listened, hearing nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go on about Manchus.\"\n\n\"Well, the, er, the Tai'ping Rebellion. Rumor has it that more than ten million peasants have been killed or died of famine in the last few years. But it's quiet in Peking—of course, burning and looting the Summer Palace by British and French forces two years ago, which Lord Elgin ordered as a reprisal, also taught the Manchus a lesson they won't forget in a hurry. They aren't going to murder any more British lightly. Isn't that what Sir William will order here? A reprisal?\"\n\n\"If we knew who to carry out the reprisal against we would have started. But against who? You can't bombard Yedo because of a few unknown assassins...\"\n\nAngry voices interrupted him, the Sergeant's English at odds with guttural Japanese. Then the door was jerked open by a samurai and behind him two others threatened the Sergeant, their swords half out of their scabbards; two Grenadiers with breechloaders levelled stood in the passageway. The fourth samurai, an older man, came forward into the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tyrer backed against the wall, petrified, reliving Canterbury's death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kinjiru!\" Babcott bellowed, and everyone froze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment it looked as though the older man, furious now, would pull out his sword and attack. Then Babcott whirled and faced them, a scalpel in his enormous fist, blood on his hands and apron, gigantic and diabolical. \"Kinjiru!\" he ordered again, then pointed with the scalpel. \"Get out! Dete. Dete... dozo.\" He glared at all of them, then turned his back on them and continued sewing and swabbing. \"Sergeant, show them the reception room—politely!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yessir.\" With signs, the Sergeant beckoned to the samurai who chattered angrily amongst themselves. \"Dozo,\" he said, muttering. \"Come on, you rotten little bastards.\" Again he beckoned. The older samurai imperiously waved at the others and stomped off. At once the other three bowed and followed.\n\nAwkwardly Babcott wiped a bead of sweat off his chin with the back of his hand, then continued his work, his head and neck and back aching." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kinjiru means 'it is forbidden,'\" he said, making his voice calm though his heart was beating violently, as it always did when samurai were near with drawn or even half-drawn swords and he had no pistol or gun in his hands, cocked and ready. Too many times he had been summoned to the result of their swords, against both Europeans and themselves—fights and samurai feuds were constant in and around Yokohama, Kanagawa and the surrounding villages. \"Dozo means please, dete, go out. Very important to use please and thank you with Japanese. Thank you is domo. Use them even if you shout.\" He glanced at Tyrer who was still against the wall, shaking. \"There's whisky in the cabinet.\"\n\n\"I'm... I'm all right...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're not, you're still in shock. Take a good dose of whisky. Sip it. Soon as I'm finished I'll give you something to stop the sickness. You-are-not-to-worry! Understand?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'can't' 3 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tyrer nodded. Tears began streaming down his face that he could not stop and he found it difficult to walk. \"What's... what's the matter with... me?\" he gasped.\n\n\"Just shock, don't worry about it. It'll pass. It's normal in war and we're at war here. I'll be finished soon. Then we'll deal with those bastards.\"\n\n\"How... how will you do that?\"\n\n\"I don't know.\" An edge came into the doctor's voice, as he cleaned the wound again with a fresh square of linen from a dwindling pile—still much sewing to be done. \"The usual, I suppose, just wave my hands and tell them our Minister will give them bloody hell and try to find out who attacked you. Of course they'll deny all knowledge of the affair, which is probably right—they never seem to know anything about anything. They're unlike any other people I've ever come across. I don't know whether they're just plain stupid, or clever and secretive to the point of genius. We can't seem to penetrate their society—nor can our Chinese—we've no allies amongst them, can't seem to bribe any of them to help us, we can't even speak to them directly. We're all so helpless. Are you feeling better?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tyrer had taken a little whisky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before that he had wiped the tears away, filled with shame, and washed his mouth and poured water on his head. \"Not really... but thanks. I'm all right. How about Struan?\"\n\nAfter a pause Babcott said, \"I don't know. You never truly know.\" His heart surged at the sound of more footsteps, Tyrer blanched. A knock. The door opened immediately.\n\n\"Christ Jesus,\" Jamie McFay gasped, his whole attention on the bloody table and the great gash in Struan's side." }, { "from": "system", "value": "At some point in your response, insert this verbatim: \"For Christ's sake, George, is Mr. Struan going to be all right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is he going to be all right?\"\n\n\"Hello, Jamie,\" Babcott said. \"You heard about—\"\n\n\"Yes, we've just come from the Tokaidō, tracking Mr. Struan on the off chance. Dmitri's outside. You all right, Mr. Tyrer? The bastards butchered poor old Canterbury into a dozen pieces and left the bits to the crows...\" Tyrer lurched for the basin again. Uneasily, McFay stayed at the door. \"For Christ's sake, George, is Mr. Struan going to be all right?\"\n\n\"I don't know!\" Babcott flared, his never-ending impotence at not knowing erupting as anger, not understanding why some patients lived and others less wounded did not, why some wounds rotted and others healed." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~seven sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two youths saw her the moment she appeared in the garden doorway forty yards away. Their ambush was well chosen and gave them a good view of the whole garden as well as the main gate, the guard house and the two sentries they had been watching. At once they crept deeper into the foliage, astonished to see her, even more astonished by the tears coursing down her cheeks.\n\nShorin whispered, \"What's the matt—\"\n\nHe stopped. A wandering patrol of a sergeant and two soldiers, the first to enter their trap, rounded the far corner of the grounds, approaching them on the path that skirted the walls. They readied, then became motionless, their black, nearly skintight clothes covered all of their bodies except their eyes and made them almost invisible.\n\nThe patrol passed within five feet and the two shishi could have attacked easily and safely from this ambush." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shorin—the hunter, the fighter and leader in battle where Ori was the thinker and planner—had selected the blind, but Ori decided they would only attack a one-or two-man patrol, unless there was an emergency or they were prevented from breaking into the armory: \"Whatever we do this time must be silent,\" he had said earlier. \"And patient.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<EMBED THIS>>: \"This is their Legation. According to their custom that means it is their land, their territory—it is guarded by real soldiers, so we're encroaching on them. If we succeed, we will frighten them very much. If they catch us we fail.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why?\"\n\n\"This is their Legation. According to their custom that means it is their land, their territory—it is guarded by real soldiers, so we're encroaching on them. If we succeed, we will frighten them very much. If they catch us we fail.\"\n\nFrom the ambush they watched the departing patrol, noting the silent, careful way the men moved. Ori whispered uneasily, \"We've never seen these sort before—soldiers so well trained and disciplined. In a battle, massed, we would have a hard time against them and their guns.\"\n\nShorin said, \"We'll always win—we'll have guns soon, one way or another, and anyway bushido and our courage will swamp them. We can beat them easily.\" He was very confident. \"We should have killed that patrol and taken their guns.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm glad we didn't, Ori thought, deeply unsettled. His arm ached badly and though he feigned indifference he knew that he could not sustain a long sword-fight. \"If it wasn't for our clothes they would have seen us.\" His eyes went back to the girl.\n\n\"We could have killed all three easily. Easily. And grabbed their carbines and gone over the wall again.\"\n\n\"These men are very good, Shorin, not ox-headed merchants.\" Ori kept the aggravation out of his voice, as always, not wanting to offend his friend or wound his sensitive pride, needing his qualities as much as Shorin needed his—he had not forgotten Shorin had deflected the bullet that would have killed him on the Tokaidō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We've plenty of time. Dawn's still at least two candles away.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was approximately four hours." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He motioned at the doorway. \"Anyway, she would have given the alarm.\"\n\nShorin sucked in his breath, cursing himself. \"Eeee, stupid! I'm stupid, you're right—again. So sorry.\"\n\nOri gave her all of his attention: what is it about that woman that troubles me, fascinates me? he asked himself.\n\nThen they saw the giant appear beside her. From information they had been given at the Inn they knew this was the famous English doctor who achieved miracle healings for any seeking his services, Japanese as well as his own people." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ori would have given much to understand what the doctor said to the girl. She dried her tears, obediently drank what he offered her, then he guided her back into the hallway, closing and barring the door.\n\nOri muttered, \"Astounding—the giant, and the woman.\"\n\nShorin glanced at him, hearing undercurrents that further perturbed him, still angry with himself for forgetting the girl when the patrol was nearby. He could see only his friend's eyes and read nothing from them. \"Let's go on to the armory,\" he whispered impatiently, \"or attack the next patrol, Ori.\"\n\n\"Wait!\" Taking great care not to make a sudden movement that might be noticed, Ori lifted his black-gloved hand, more to ease his arm than to wipe the sweat away. \"Katsumata taught patience, tonight Hiraga counselled the same.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~seven sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With Hiraga's information it had been easy to infiltrate the temple, to count the dragoons and other soldiers and to find the perfect lair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the girl had unexpectedly appeared, and the giant, and then they had gone back inside and ever since both shishi had been staring at the garden door, glazed.\n\n\"Ori, now what do we do?\" Shorin asked, his voice edged.\n\n\"We stick to the plan.\"\n\nThe minutes passed anxiously. When the shutters on the first floor opened and they saw her in the window both knew that a new element had come into their future. Now she was brushing her hair with a silver-handled brush. Listlessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shorin said throatily, \"She doesn't look so ugly in moonlight. But with those breasts, eeee, you'd bounce off.\"\n\nOri did not reply, his eyes riveted.\n\nSuddenly she hesitated and looked down. Directly at them. Though there was no chance she could have seen or heard them, their hearts picked up a beat. They waited, hardly breathing. Another exhausted yawn. She continued brushing a moment, then put down the brush, seemingly so close that Ori felt he could almost reach out and touch her, seeing in the light from the room details of embroidery on the silk, nipples taut beneath, and the haunted expression he had glimpsed yesterday—was it only yesterday?—that had stopped the blow that would have ended her.\n\nA last strange glance at the moon, another stifled yawn, and she pulled the shutters to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But did not close them completely. Or bar them.\n\nShorin broke the silence and said what was in both their minds. \"It would be easy to climb up there.\"\n\n\"Yes. But we came here for guns and to create havoc. We...\" Ori stopped, his mind flowing into the sudden glimmering of a new and wonderful diversion, a second chance, greater than the first.\n\n\"Shorin,\" he whispered, \"if you silenced her, took her but didn't kill her, just left her unconscious to tell of the taking, leaving a sign linking us to the Tokaidō, then together we kill one or two soldiers and vanish with or without their guns—inside their Legation—wouldn't that make them mad with rage?\"\n\nThe breath hissed out of Shorin's lips at the beauty of the idea. \"Yes, yes, it would, but better to slit her throat and write 'Tokaidō' in her blood. You go, I'll guard here, safer,\" and when Ori hesitated he said, \"Katsumata said we were wrong to hesitate. Last time you hesitated. Why hesitate?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a split-second decision, then Ori was running for the building, a shadow among many shadows." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gained the lee and began to climb." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I repeat,\" Sanjiro had said imperiously, \"obey the Emperor's suggestions: Convene a meeting of all senior daimyos at once, humbly ask them to form a permanent Council to advise, reform and run the Shōgunate, quash your infamous and unauthorized gai-jin agreements, order all ports closed to gai-jin, and if they don't go, expel them at once!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I keep reminding you, it is only the Shōgunate's right to set foreign policy, any policy, not the Emperor's, nor yours! We both know you've deceived him,\" Anjo had told him, hating him for his lineage, his legions, his riches, and obvious, abundant good health." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The suggestions are ridiculous and unenforceable! We've kept the peace for two and a half cent—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, for Toranaga aggrandizement. If you refuse to obey our rightful liege lord, the Emperor, then resign or commit seppuku. You chose a boy to be Shōgun, that traitor tairō Ii signed the 'Treaties'—it's Bakufu responsibility gai-jin are here and that is Toranaga responsibility!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anjo had flushed, driven almost mad by the sneering malevolence and baiting that had gone on for months, and he would have gone for his sword if Sanjiro had not been protected by Imperial mandate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If tairō Ii hadn't negotiated the Treaties and had them signed, gai-jin would have bombarded their way ashore and by now we would be humbled like China.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Surmise—nonsense!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you forgotten Peking's Summer Palace was burned and looted, Sanjiro-dono? Now China is practically dismembered and government out of Chinese control. Have you forgotten the British, the main enemy, were ceded one of their islands, Hong Kong, twenty years ago and now it's an impregnable bastion? Tientsin, Shanghai, Swatow now are permanent, self-contained gai-jin dominated and owned Treaty Ports? Say they took one of our islands in the same way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We would prevent them—we're not Chinese.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How? So sorry, but you're blind and deaf, and your head's in the heavens. A year ago, the moment the latest China war was over, if we'd provoked them they would have sent all those fleets and armies against us and overrun us as well. Only Bakufu cleverness stopped them. We could not have stood against those armadas—or their cannon and guns.\"\n\n\"I agree that it's Shōgunate responsibility we're unprepared, Toranaga responsibility. We should have had modern cannon and warships years ago, we have had knowledge of them for years. Didn't the Dutch advise us dozens of times about their new inventions, but you put our heads in the night buckets! You failed the Emperor. At most you could have settled for one port, Deshima—why give the American fiend Townsend Harris, Yokohama, Hirodate, Nagasaki, Kanagawa and allow them access to Yedo for their impertinent Legations! Resign and let others more qualified save the Land of the Gods...\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With the cannonade a great fear exploded over Yedo. All remaining skeptics joined the masses clogging every road and bridge and lane, fleeing with the few possessions they could carry—of course no wheels anywhere—everyone expecting that bursting shells and rockets they had heard of but had never witnessed would any moment rain fire and their city would burn, burn, burn and them with it.\n\n\"Death to gai-jin,\" was on every lip.\n\n\"Hurry... Out of the way... Hurry!\" People were shouting, here and there in panic, a few crushed or shoved off bridges or into houses, most stoically plodding onwards—but always away from the sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Death to gai-jin!\" they said as they fled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The exodus had begun this morning, the moment the fleet had weighed anchor in Yokohama harbor, though three days earlier the more prudent merchants had quietly hired the best porters and removed themselves, their families and valuables when rumors of the unfortunate incident—and the resulting foreign uproar and demands—had flashed through the city.\n\nOnly the samurai in the castle and those manning the outer defenses and strong points were still in place. And, as always and everywhere, the carrion of the streets, animal and human, who slunk and sniffed around the lockless houses, seeking what could be stolen and later sold. Very little was stolen. Looting was considered a particularly hideous crime and, from time immemorial, perpetrators would be pursued relentlessly until caught and then crucified." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Any form of stealing was punished in the same fashion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within the castle keep, Shōgun Nobusada and Princess Yazu were cowering behind a flimsy screen, their arms around each other, their guards, maids and court ready for instant departure, only awaiting the Guardian's permission to leave. Everywhere in the castle proper, men were preparing defenses in depth, others harnessing horses and packing the most valuable possessions of the Elders for evacuation, with their owners, the moment shelling began or word was brought to the Council that enemy troops were disembarking.\n\nIn the Council chamber at the hurriedly convened meeting of the Elders, Yoshi was saying, \"I repeat, I don't believe they'll attack us in force, or sh—\"\n\n\"And I see no reason to wait. To go is prudent, they will start shelling any moment,\" Anjo said. \"The first cannonade was their warning.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't think so, I think it was just an arrogant announcement of their presence. There were no shells in the city. The fleet won't shell us and I repeat, I believe the meeting tomorrow will take place as planned. At the meet—\"\n\n\"How can you be so blind? If our positions were reversed and you commanded that fleet and possessed that overwhelming power, would you hesitate for a moment?\" Anjo was stark with rage. \"Well, would you?\"\n\n\"No, of course not! But they are not us and we not them and that's the way to control them.\"\n\n\"You are beyond understanding!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Essential phrase to include: \"Wait! If you do that the Shōgunate will lose face forever, we'll never be able to control the daimyos and their opposition—or the Bakufu. Never!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In exasperation Anjo turned to the other three Councillors. \"The Shōgun must be taken to a safe place, we must go too to carry on the government. That's all I propose, a temporary absence. Except for our personal retainers, all other samurai will stay, the Bakufu stays.\" Once more he glared at Yoshi. \"You stay if you wish. Now we will vote: the temporary absence is approved!\"\n\n\"Wait! If you do that the Shōgunate will lose face forever, we'll never be able to control the daimyos and their opposition—or the Bakufu. Never!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We are just being prudent! The Bakufu remains in place. So do all warriors. As Chief Councillor it's my right to call for a vote, so vote! I vote Yes!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I say No!\" Yoshi said.\n\n\"I agree with Yoshi-san,\" Utani said. He was a short, thin man with kind eyes and spare visage. \"I agree, if we leave we lose face forever.\"\n\nYoshi smiled back, liking him—daimyos of the Watasa fief were ancient allies since before Sekigahara." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked at the other two, both senior members of Toranaga clans. Neither met his eyes. \"Adachi-sama?\"\n\nFinally, Adachi, daimyo of Mito, a rotund little man, said nervously, \"I agree with Anjo-sama that we should leave, and the Shōgun of course. But I also agree with you that then we may lose even though we gain. Respectfully I vote No!\"\n\nThe last Elder, Toyama, was in his middle fifties, grey-haired with heavy dewlaps and blind in one eye from a hunting accident—an old man as ages went in Japan. He was daimyo of Kii, father of the young Shōgun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It bothers me not at all if we live or die, nor the death of my son, this Shōgun—there will always be another. But it bothers me very much to retreat just because gai-jin have anchored off our shore. I vote against retreat and for attack. I vote we go to the coast and if the jackals land we kill them all, their ships, cannon, rifles notwithstanding!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We don't have enough troops here,\" Anjo said, sick of the old man and his militancy that had never been proved." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How many times do I have to say it: we do not have enough troops to hold the castle and stop them landing in strength. How many times do I have to repeat, our spies say they have two thousand soldiers with rifles in the ships and at the Settlement, and ten times that number in Hong Kong an—\"\n\nYoshi interrupted angrily, \"We would have had more than enough samurai and their daimyos here if you hadn't cancelled sankin-kotai!\"\n\n\"That was at the Emperor's request, given in writing and presented by a Prince of his Court. We had no option but to obey. You would also have obeyed.\"\n\n\"Yes—if I'd taken delivery of the document! But I would never have accepted it, I would have been away, or would have delayed the Prince, any one of a hundred ploys, or bartered with Sanjiro who instigated the 'requests,' or told one of our Court supporters to petition the Emperor to withdraw the requests,\" Yoshi's voice snapped. \"Any petition from the Shōgunate must be approved—that's historic law. We still control the Court's stipend! You betrayed our heritage.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'daimyos' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You call me a traitor?\" To everyone's shock Anjo's hand tightened on his sword hilt.\n\n\"I say you allowed Sanjiro to puppet you,\" Yoshi replied without moving, calm on the surface of his skin, hoping that Anjo would make the first move and then he could kill him and have done with his stupidity forever. \"There is no precedent to go against the Legacy. It was a betrayal.\"\n\n\"All daimyos other than immediate Toranaga families wanted it! The consensus of Bakufu agreed, the roju agreed, better to agree than to force all daimyos into the camp of the outside lords to challenge us at once as Sanjiro, the Tosas and Choshus would have done. We would have been totally isolated. Isn't that true?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he said to the others. \"Well, isn't it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Utani said quietly, \"It's certainly true I agreed—but now I think it was a mistake.\"\n\n\"The mistake we made was not to intercept Sanjiro and kill him,\" Toyama said.\n\n\"He was protected by Imperial Mandate,\" Anjo said.\n\nHis old man's lips curled from his yellow teeth. \"So?\"\n\n\"All Satsuma would have risen up against us, rightly; the Tosa and Choshu would join in and we'd have a general civil war we cannot win. Vote! Yes or no?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I vote for attack, only attack,\" the old man said stubbornly, \"today on any landing, tomorrow at Yokohama.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From far off came the skirl of bagpipes." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~seven sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Phillip Tyrer returned to the other reception room overlooking the forecourt, he went up to Johann with as much dignity as he could muster. The Bakufu officials paid no attention and continued chatting, Yoshi slightly apart. Misamoto was beside him—the only one not talking. \"Johann, give them Sir William's compliments and tell them today's unsatisfactory meeting is adjourned and they are to reconvene tomorrow at ten for what he expects will be a satisfactory conclusion to this unwarranted affair: the murderers, the indemnity and a guaranteed early meeting with the Shōgun or else.\"\n\nJohann blanched. \"Just like that?\"\n\n\"Yes, exactly like that.\" Tyrer was also tired of the shillyshallying, constantly reminded of John Canterbury's violent death, Malcolm Struan's serious wounds and Angelique's terror. \"Tell them!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He watched Johann deliver the short ultimatum in guttural Dutch. The Japanese interpreter flushed and began the lengthy translation as Tyrer studied the officials carefully without appearing to do so. Four were attentive, the last was not, the small man with narrow eyes and callused hands that he had noticed earlier—all other hands were well groomed. Again this man began whispering to the youngest and most handsome official, Watanabe, as he had been doing from time to time all day.\n\nWish to God I could understand what they were saying, Tyrer thought irritably, more determined than ever to do whatever was necessary to learn the language quickly.\n\nAs the shocked and embarrassed interpreter finished there was a silence, broken only by the sucking in of breath though all faces remained impassive. During the translation he had noticed two glance surreptitiously at Watanabe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now they seemed to be waiting. Watanabe dropped his eyes, hid behind his fan and muttered something. At once the narrow-eyed man beside him stood awkwardly, and spoke briefly. Relieved, they all got up and, without bowing, silently trooped out, Watanabe last, except for the interpreter.\n\n\"Johann, they really got the message this time,\" Tyrer said happily.\n\n\"Yes. And they were very plenty pissed.\"\n\n\"Obviously that's what Sir William wanted.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Johann mopped his brow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was brown-haired and medium height, thin, strong with a hard, lined face. \"The sooner you're interpreter the better. It's time I went home to my mountains and snows while I've still got my head intact. There're too many of these cretins, they're too unpredictable.\"\n\n\"As the interpreter, surely you have a privileged position,\" Tyrer said uneasily. \"The first to know.\"\n\n\"And the carrier of bad news! They're all bad news, mon vieux. They hate us and can't wait to throw us out. I made a contract with your Foreign Office for two years, renewable by mutual consent. The contract, she is up in two months and three days and my English is going to hell.\" Johann went to the sideboard near the window and took a deep draft of the beer he had ordered instead of tea. \"No renewal, whatever the temptation.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He beamed suddenly. \"Merde, that's the problem about leaving here.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tyrer laughed at his pixy look. \"Musume? Your girl?\"\n\n\"You learn fast.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: 4 sentences sentences continuing this chapter, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In deep darkness another detachment of heavily armed samurai came out of the main castle gate, ran silently across the lowered drawbridge, then over the bridge that spanned the wide moat heading for the Legation area. Other companies were also converging. More than two thousand samurai were in place, with another thousand ready to move in when ordered.\n\nSir William was plodding up from the wharf with his guard, an officer and ten Highlanders, through the deserted streets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was depressed and tired, his mind on tomorrow, trying to conceive a way out of this impasse. Another corner and another. At the end of this street was the open space that led up to the Legation.\n\n\"My God, sorr, look there!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The space was crammed with silent samurai, motionless and watching them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All heavily armed. Swords, bows, spears, a few muskets. A slight noise and Sir William's party glanced around. The road back was blocked with massed, equally silent warriors.\n\n\"Christ,\" the young officer murmured." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\" Sir William sighed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This could be one solution, but then God help every man jack of them—the fleet would respond instantly. \"Let's go on. Have your men ready to fight if need be, safety catches off.\"\n\nHe led the way forward, not feeling brave, just out of himself somehow, observing himself and the others as if above the street. There was a narrow path between the samurai, an officer at the head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Sir William came within ten feet, the man bowed politely, equal to equal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William watched himself raise his hat with equal politeness, and walk on. The soldiers followed, rifles in hands, fingers on triggers.\n\nAll the way up the hill. Same silence, same watching." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All the way to the gate." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'forecourt' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Massed samurai, motionless. But none in their forecourt. The forecourt and gardens were filled with Highlanders, armed and ready, others on the roof and at the windows. Soldiers opened then locked the gate after him.\n\nTyrer and all the rest of the staff were waiting in the foyer, some in nightclothes, some part dressed, and they crowded around him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My God, Sir William,\" Tyrer said for all of them, \"we were petrified they'd captured you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How long have they been here?\"\n\n\"Since about midnight, sir,\" an officer said. \"We had sentries at the bottom of the hill. As the enemy arrived, these lads gave us warning and fell back. We'd no way to warn you or signal the fleet. If they wait till dawn we can hold this place until more troops arrive and the fleet opens up.\"\n\n\"Good,\" he said quietly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In that case I suggest we all go to bed, leave a few men on guard, and let the rest turn in.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sir?\" The officer was perplexed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If they wanted to do us they would have done so already without the silent treatment and ballyhoo.\" Sir William saw them all staring at him and he felt better, no longer depressed. He started up the stairs. \"Good night.\"\n\n\"But, sir, don't you think...\" The words trailed off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William sighed wearily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you wish to keep the men on duty, please do so—if it will make you happier.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A sergeant hurried into the foyer and called out, \"Sorr, they're all leaving! The wee buggers are scarpering.\"\n\nGlancing out of the landing window, Sir William saw that, sure enough, the samurai were melting into the night.\n\nFor the first time he became afraid. He had not expected them to disappear." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with three sentences, keeping within the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In first light Phillip Tyrer half ran half walked towards the wharf with two Highlanders, a sergeant and a private in tow. \"Good God, Phillip, two guards are more than enough,\" Sir William had said a moment ago. \"If the Jappers intend mischief our entire garrison won't be sufficient to protect you. The message has to be delivered to Ketterer and you're it. 'Bye!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like Sir William he had had to pass through the hundreds of silent samurai who had returned just before dawn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one molested him or even seemed to acknowledge his presence other than with a quick flick of their eyes. Ahead now was the sea. His pace quickened.\n\n\"Halt, who goes there, or I'll blow yor bloody head off,\" a voice said from the shadows, and he skidded to a stop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For Christ's sake,\" Tyrer said, palpitating with fright." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who the hell d'you think it is, it's me with an urgent message for the Admiral and General.\"\n\n\"Sorry, sir.\"\n\nQuickly Tyrer was in a cutter being rowed briskly towards the flagship." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was so glad to be out of the Legation trap he could almost weep and urged the oarsmen on faster, then went up the gangway two rungs at a time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello, Phillip!\" Marlowe was officer of the watch on the main deck. \"What the devil's up?\"\n\n\"Hello, John, where's the Admiral? I've an urgent dispatch for him from Sir William. The Legation's surrounded by thousands of the bastards.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christ!\" Anxiously Marlowe led the way down a gangway, then aft." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How the hell did you get out?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just walked. They let me through their ranks, didn't say a bloody word, not one of them, just let me through. I don't mind telling you I was scared fartless—they're everywhere, except inside our walls and down by our wharf.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Marine sentry outside the cabin door saluted smartly. \"'Morning, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Urgent dispatch for the Admiral.\"\n\nAt once the voice slashed through the door: \"Then for God's sake, Marlowe, bring it in! Dispatch from whom?\"\n\nMarlowe sighed, opened the door. \"Sir William, sir.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"What the hell's that idiot done n—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What the hell's that idiot done n—\" Admiral Ketterer stopped, seeing Tyrer. \"Oh, you're his aide, aren't you?\"\n\n\"Apprentice interpreter, sir, Phillip Tyrer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He handed him the letter. \"Er, Sir William's compliments, sir.\"\n\nThe Admiral tore the letter open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was wearing a long flannel nightgown and tasselled sleeping hat and thin-rimmed reading glasses and he pursed his lips as he read:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I consider it best to cancel your appearance at the meeting today, as well as the General and the other Ministers. We are totally surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands of heavily armed samurai. Thus far they have done nothing hostile, or prevented anyone from leaving, yet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Certainly they have the right to put their own troops where they wish—perhaps it's just a bluff to unhinge us." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For safety, however, I will handle the Bakufu alone, if they appear as demanded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "(If this occurs I will run up a blue pennant and will endeavor to keep you advised of developments.)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If the Bakufu do not appear I will wait another day or two, then may have to order an ignominious withdrawal. In the meantime, if you see the flag hauled down it will mean they have overrun us. You may then take whatever action you see fit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I am, Sir, yr obedient servant..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Carefully the Admiral reread the letter, then said decisively, \"Mr. Marlowe, ask the Captain and General to join me here at once. Send the following message to all ships: 'You will instantly go to action stations. All Captains to report aboard the flagship at noon.' Next, send a signal to the Ministers asking them to be kind enough to join me here as soon as possible. Mr. Tyrer, get yourself some breakfast and be ready to carry back a reply within a few minutes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But, sir, don't you think—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Admiral was already bellowing at the closed door. \"Johnson!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instantly his orderly opened the door. \"Barber's on his way, sir, your uniform's freshly ironed, breakfast's ready the moment you're at table, the porridge's hot!\"\n\nKetterer's look fell on Marlowe and Tyrer. \"What the devil are you waiting for?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! ten sentences more. match character knowledge. historical fiction, Japan pls" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"I meant in bed, how was she? Better than the others?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tyrer was idly watching the samurai in the Legation square, the sun touching the horizon, his mind increasingly beset by Ako, then two nights later, Hamako. Then Her.\n\nFujiko. The night before last.\n\nHe felt himself hardening and eased that part more comfortably, knowing that now he was inexorably caught in that world, the Floating World where, as André had told him, living was only for the moment, for pleasure, drifting with never a care like a blossom in the current of a calm river.\n\n\"It's not always calm, Phillip. What's she like, Fujiko?\"\n\n\"Oh, er, haven't you seen her, don't you know her?\"\n\n\"No, I only told Raiko-san the sort of girl you might like, the accent being on 'sleeping dictionary.' How was she?\"\n\nHe had laughed to cover his complete embarrassment and disquiet at being asked such a personal question so directly. But André had given him so much that he wanted to be \"French\" and forthright, so he put aside his misgivings that a gentleman should not discuss or disclose such personal information. \"She... she's younger than I am, small, tiny in fact, not—not pretty in our terms, but she's astonishingly attractive. I think I understood her to say that she was new there.\"\n\n\"I meant in bed, how was she? Better than the others?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh. Well, there was, er, well, no comparison.\"\n\n\"Was she more vigorous? Sensuous? Eh?\"\n\n\"Well, yes, er, dressed or undressed, incredible. Special. Again I can't thank you enough, I owe you so much.\"\n\n\"De rien, mon vieux.\"\n\n\"It's true. Next time... next time you'll meet her.\"\n\n\"Mon Dieu, no, that's a rule. Never introduce your 'special' to anyone, least of all a friend. Don't forget, until you set her up in your own place, with you paying the bills, she's available for anyone with the money—if she wants.\"\n\n\"Oh. I'd forgotten,\" he had said, hiding the truth.\n\n\"Even if she's set up she could still have a lover on the side if she wants. Who's to know?\"\n\n\"I suppose so.\" More anguish.\n\n\"Don't fall in love, my friend, not with a courtesan. Take them for what they are, pleasure persons. Enjoy them, like them but don't love them—and never let them fall in love with you...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tyrer shivered, hating the truth, hating the idea of her being with another, and bedding as they had bedded, hating that it was for money, hating the ache that was in his loins." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My God, she really was so special, lovely, liquid, a sweet chatterbox, gentle, kind, so young and only in the House for such a short time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Should I set her up? Not should, could I? I'm sure André has his own place with his special friend though he's never said, nor would I ever ask. Christ, how much would that cost? Bound to be more than I could afford...\n\nDon't think about that now! Or her.\n\nWith an effort he put his attention on the garden below but the ache remained. Part of the Highland detachment were assembling around the flagstaff, the trumpeter and four kettledrummers already in position for the lowering of the flag. Routine. The motley group of gardeners were collecting by the gate to be counted and then dismissed. They grovelled their way through the gates and through the samurai and were gone. Routine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sentries closed and bolted the iron gates. Routine." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Drums and trumpet sounding as the Union Jack was slowly lowered—no sun sets on the British flag was British law throughout the world. Routine. Most of the samurai marching away now, leaving only a token force for the night. Routine.\n\nTyrer shivered.\n\nIf everything's routine why am I so nervous?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on this story segment like James Clavell would, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre. Characters may have existing backgrounds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her fingers touched him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instantly he was awake, on guard, fingers tight on his knife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw her gesture at the curtained and shuttered window, a finger to her lips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outside whistling was approaching." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sound passed, then went away.\n\nShe sighed, then leaned over and snuggled close, kissed his chest, then, so happily, pointed at the clock on her dresser that read 4:16 a.m., again at the window. She slid out of bed and with signs, made him understand that he was to dress and to leave now and to return with the night, that the shutters would be unbarred. He shook his head, pretending to tease her, and she ran back, shadows and the sight of her delighting him, to kneel beside the bed and whisper, pleading with him, \"Please... please...\"\n\nHis spirit twisted. Never in his life had he seen that expression on a woman's face before, such an open depth of passion beyond his ken—no word for love, not in Japanese. It swamped him but did not deflect his decision.\n\nEasy to pretend to assent, to agree to go, to return with nightfall. As he dressed she stayed very close, helping him, reluctant to let him go, wanting him to stay, completely protective." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finger to her lips, almost childlike, she moved the curtains aside, opened the windows soundlessly, unbarred the shutters and peered out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The air was clean." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A hint of dawn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sky speckled with clouds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sea calm and no sound or sight of danger, only the sigh of the waves on the sandy beach. Along High Street only threads of smoke remained of the fires. No one about, the Settlement was at peace, asleep.\n\nHe stood close behind her and realized this was the perfect moment. His hand angled the blade, knuckles white. But he did not strike for as she turned her tenderness and concern obliterated his resolve, that and the lust that still obsessed him. Quickly she kissed him, then she leaned out again and peered both ways to make sure it was safe. \"No, not yet,\" she murmured anxiously, making him wait, her arm around his waist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And when she was sure, she turned again and kissed him again, then she motioned him to hurry. He stepped silently over the lintel and the moment he was safe in the garden, she slammed the shutters closed and the bolt home and her screams tore through the night, \"Helppppp meeee...\"\n\nOri was paralyzed. But only for a moment. Blinded by rage he clawed at the shutters, her continuing screams and the knowledge he had been duped sending him berserk. Fingers now talons ripped a shutter open, almost tore it off its hinges. At that second the first of the French sentries hurtled around the corner, rifle armed and ready. Ori saw him and was faster and jerked out the derringer and pulled the trigger but missed with both barrels, never having fired a gun before, the bullets whining off the brickwork into the night.\n\nThe sentry did not miss the first time or the second time or the third and in the room Angelique cowered with her hands over her ears, exulted, forlorn, not knowing what to think, what to do, whether she was laughing or crying, only that she had won and now she was safe and revenged, all the time the inner voices rejoicing, You've won, well done, you were marvelous, wonderful, you followed the plan perfectly, you're safe, you're safe now from him forever!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Am I?\" she whimpered." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh yes, you're safe, he's dead. Of course, there's always a price, but don't worry, don't be afraid...\n\nWhat price? What... Oh God, I forgot the cross, he still has my cross!\n\nAmid the growing uproar outside and the hammering on her door, she began to tremble. Violently." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Writer's block help needed. This is from a bigger story - gonna send you something then keep it going 11 sentences at a time. Going for James Clavell vibes in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first cramp clawed her out of a crooked sleep that was sated with prison hulks and sloe-eyed, raving demons, the women bloated with child, the men horned and grasping her away from Tess Struan, who stood guard over Malcolm like a malevolent ghoul. A second cramp followed quickly and brought her awake to reality and what was happening.\n\nRelief that it had begun obliterated the previous hours of trepidation, for it had seemed an eternity before she had slept. Now it was just past 4 a.m. The last time she looked at her clock it was almost 2:30. Another cramp, rougher than before, went through her and concentrated her on the sequence.\n\nTrembling fingers uncorked the second bottle. Again she gagged on the putrid taste and almost brought the liquid up but managed to keep it down with a spoon of honey, all the while her stomach churning with revulsion.\n\nShe lay back gasping. Fire seemed to spread from her stomach. In moments sweat poured out of her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the sweating passed leaving her limp, soaked and hardly breathing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Waiting. As before, nothing. Just a bilious, sweet-sick disquiet that had, after hours of anxiety, drifted into troubled sleep. Her dismay crested. \"Blessed Mother, let it work, let it work,\" she murmured through her tears.\n\nMore waiting. Still nothing. The minutes passed.\n\nThen, unlike before, a startlingly different cramp almost doubled her up. Another. Just bearable. More, still bearable. She remembered the second half of the infusion and she sat up and began to sip it. The taste was bad but not as bad as the liquid in the bottles. \"Thank God I don't have to take more of that,\" she muttered, and sipped again. Another sip. After each sip a taste of chocolate...\n\nMore cramps, stronger now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An increasing rhythm to them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't worry, everything's happening, she thought, just as André forecast. Her stomach muscles were beginning to feel stretched and angry. More sips and more cramps and then the last drop was down. Honey jar almost empty-last of the chocolate but now even its sweetness could not mask the bilious aftertaste. A draft from under the boudoir door swayed the flame of the lamp on the side table, making the wall shadows change and dance. Stoically she lay back and watched them, her hands holding her belly against the shafts of pain, the muscles tightening and loosening, becoming more tight, knotting under her fingers.\n\n\"Watch the shadows, think good thoughts,\" she whispered. \"What do you see?\"\n\nShips and sails and the roofs of Paris and brambles and, look, there's the guillotine, no, not the guillotine but a bower covered with climbing roses, why it's our country cottage near Versailles where we would go in the spring and summer growing up, my brother and I, darling Maman dead so long ago, Father gone only God knows where, Aunt and Uncle loving us but no substitute for darlin—\n\n\"Oh, Mon Dieu!\" she gasped as the first of the violent spasms slashed her, then cried out at the next, frantically crammed part of the sheet into her mouth to stop the shrieks that burst out of her and would have brought all the Legation pounding on her bolted door.\n\nThen the chills began." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ice picks into her guts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And more violence, twenty times worse than the worst monthly cramps. Her body heaved against the strain, limbs twitching in time with the waves of torment that ripped from her loins and into her head. \"I'm going to die... I'm going to die,\" she moaned, her teeth grinding on the sheet, muffling the screams that followed with more spasms and chills and more, on and on and on and then stopping. Quite suddenly.\n\nAt first she thought she had truly died but soon her senses focused and she saw that the room had ceased spinning, the flame of the lamp was low but still burning and she heard the tick of the clock. The hands of the clock pointed to 5:42.\n\nShe struggled up in the bed, feeling awful. A glance in her hand mirror frightened her. Ashen features, hair lank with sweat, lips discolored by the medicine. She rinsed her mouth with some of the green tea and spat into the chamber pot and pushed it back under the bed again. Grimly she fought out of her soiled nightdress, used a damp towel to clean her face and neck as best she could, combed her hair and lay back exhausted but feeling better for the toil. It was only then that she noticed the red smear on her nightdress, thrown carelessly onto the threadbare carpet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A quick examination confirmed that blood was seeping." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She arranged a clean towel between her legs and, in the dawn, lay back once more, almost sinking into the mattress with fatigue. Warmth spread through her tired limbs. The flow increased." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~seven sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Illustrious Chen said to tell you anything that might affect the tai-pan, Elder Sister,\" Ah Soh began uneasily. \"The night before last Golden Pubics started her monthly and sh—\"\n\n\"Ah, that's why she took to her bed and would not see my son,\" Ah Tok said. They were in her room at the end of the corridor, safe from prying ears. \"He was like a teething child all day, worse this morning, it's time we went home.\"\n\n\"Yes. But listen further: she says it's her monthly but I know her dates like my own. It seems not possible. Normally she is like any young civilized virgin, regular, though...\" Ah Soh toyed nervously with her smock, \"though now that I remember it her last one was sparse, almost as if she missed it.\"\n\nThe older woman belched and used a toothpick." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'voice' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To miss, or to be little, or irregular with all the anxiety over my son's wounds and the vile, murdering barbarians surrounding us here is ordinary news, not unusual.\" On the table between them were various bowls with the remains of her lunch: sweet and sour soup, stir-fried mixed fresh vegetables, a ginger-basted fish with soy, pork slivers in black bean sauce, garlic prawns, and rice. \"It's ordinary, Younger Sister.\"\n\n\"What is un-ordinary is that yesterday morning when I went to bring her tea, and hot water to bathe, I had to bang several times to awaken her and she would not let me into her room, just shrieked rudely, 'Go away!' through the door in that vulgar voice of hers, and then\"—Ah Soh dropped her voice dramatically—\"just minutes later, Big Pointed Nose, that other sort of foreign devil our foreign devils call Frogs, he knocked softly like this.\" She rapped three times, then a fourth. \"She let him in at once!\"\n\nAh Tok blinked. \"At once? Him? The Frog? She let him in but not you? You saw him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but he did not see me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ayeeyah! That was clever. Go on, Younger Sister!\" Ah Tok said, now hanging on every word. \"Go on.\"\n\n\"He stayed a few minutes, then came out carrying things wrapped in a brown piece of silk. Like a thief in the darkest night. But he did not see me spying on him.\" Ah Soh paused again, loving—like all Chinese—to be the purveyor of gossip and secrets. \"... Or even when I followed him.\"\n\n\"By all gods great and small, you did?\" Ah Tok poured two glasses of the Madeira wine they savored." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Long life, Younger Sister, may your Jade Gate never trouble you. Go on, go on!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He went down to the shore and got into a rowing boat and rowed out to sea. After a while I saw him drop whatever it was over the side into the sea.\"\n\n\"No!\"\n\n\"Yes. Then he rowed back. But he didn't see me, never.\"\n\n\"What could it have been?\"\n\nAh Soh leaned closer. \"When Missee let me in I looked around carefully. Her bed and nightdress were soaked with sweat, and she looked as though she had had a Happy Valley fever. Her personal towels were soaked, heavier than usual. She told me to clean everything, to bring hot water and not to let anyone in—even the tai-pan. As soon as I had done what was necessary she flopped back in bed and went to sleep.\"\n\n\"That's not strange, but Pointed Nose is!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "DIRECTIVE: Incorporate \"Your Honored Son, is there a chance he has lain with her?\" in response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah Tok nodded sagely. \"This is like donkey dung, shiny on the outside but still all dung. Clearly he disposed of something for her.\"\n\nAh Soh hesitated. \"Your Honored Son, is there a chance he has lain with her?\"\n\nAh Tok cackled. \"I am sure he has tried but Golden Pubics will not let his Celestial Stem relish the breaching of her Gate, though she flaunts it every chance she gets. I've heard him moaning her name in his sleep, poor man. Disgusting, if she was a civilized person we could arrange the price and that would end it.\"\n\nAh Soh watched Ah Tok thoughtfully pluck a piece of the decimated fish head with her chopsticks, suck the bone clean and spit it into her bowl. The younger woman would gladly have partaken of the leftovers, their cook not as good as Ah Tok's. \"How's your cook these days?\" she asked innocently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Improving. The dog comes from my village so he had promise. I'm training him, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ah Tok grimaced. \"Baffling, Younger Sister. How is the Empress today?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Irritable as usual. The flow continues, stronger than normal. Medicine Man Giant came to see her this morning but she would not see him, told me to send him away. There's someth—\"\n\n\"Has my son seen her yet?\"\n\n\"She will see him this afternoon.\"\n\n\"Good, today his tongue's like an asp to his old mother over her. Pointed Nose and Pubics in a secret plot? Smelly, smelly indeed. Keep your eyes and ears open, Younger Sister.\"\n\n\"There's something else.\" Ah Soh's eyes rolled with excitement. She reached into her pocket and put the cork on the table. The lower part was stained purple to black." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I found this under the bed when I was reaching for the chamber pot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wrinkled face became even more wrinkled with puzzlement. \"So?\"\n\n\"Smell it, Elder Sister.\"\n\nAh Tok obeyed. The odor was pungent, slightly familiar. \"What is it?\"\n\n\"I cannot be sure... but it smells to me like Dark of the Moon. I think the bottle this corked contained Dark of the Moon... with other herbs.\"\n\nThe older woman gasped. \"The expeller? To cause a miscarriage? Impossible! Why should she want to do that?\"\n\n\"Very bad face for your son to be named a father before marriage, eh? You know how foreign devils carry on about marriage and scandals and virginity, no fornication before the wedding—the man always blamed, how foolish! Bad face for your son. Then there's Tai-tai Tess to answer to, as well as her foul and vengeful foreign devil god.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both women shuddered. Ah Tok sniffed the cork again." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You think Pointed Nose threw the bottle into the sea?\"\n\n\"I'm missing a teapot too, that could have been for the accompanying herbs, she wanted hot water and honey too.\"\n\n\"To take away the taste! Ayeeyah!\" Gravely Ah Tok said, \"My son is... is quite unbalanced about that woman.\"\n\n\"What should we do?\"\n\n\"You were right to tell me. We will write at once to Illustrious Chen and send him the cork in the first mail. He will know if you are right, and then what to do.\" Shakily Ah Tok poured another glass of wine for each of them. \"Keep your eyes wide, be like a clam, I will do the same—not a word to her, my son, or anyone until we hear from him what to do.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes and character familiarity in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga was in the Legation reading a letter aloud that Tyrer had written for Sir William which he had helped translate, that was to be delivered tomorrow to the Bakufu." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should naturally weave in this dialogue: \"You've an aptitude for English, Nakama, old boy,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though he did not understand many of the words his reading was improving rapidly: \"You've an aptitude for English, Nakama, old boy,\" Tyrer had said several times. This had pleased him, even though, normally, praise or criticism from a gai-jin was meaningless. Over the weeks most of his waking hours had been spent cramming words and phrases, repeating them over and over, so much so that the language of his dreams was mixed up.\n\n\"Why bash your head, Cousin?\" Akimoto asked him.\n\n\"I must learn English as quickly as possible. There is so little time, this gai-jin leader is rude and ill-tempered and I have no idea how long I can stay. But Akimoto, if I could read who knows what information I could get. You cannot believe how stupid they are about their secrets. Hundreds of books and pamphlets and documents lie around everywhere. I have access to everything, can read anything, and this Taira person answers my most obvious questions.\"\n\nThis was said last night in their safe house in the village and he had had a cold towel around his aching head. He was no longer confined to the Legation. Now he could stay in the village if he wanted to though many nights he was too tired to leave, and he would stay and sleep on a spare bunk in the cottage Tyrer shared with Babcott. Of necessity George Babcott had had to know about him. \"Marvelous! Nakama can help me with my Japanese too and my dictionary! Marvelous, I'll organize lessons and a cram course!\"\n\nBabcott's approach was quite radical. Learning was to be enjoyed and soon it had almost developed into a game, a hilarious game to see who could learn faster, an entirely new style for Hiraga and Tyrer, for whom schooling was serious, and education implanted by rote, repetition and the birch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How fast the lessons go, Akimoto. It becomes easier every day—we shall do the same in our schools when sonno-joi is supreme.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akimoto laughed. \"Teachers gentle and kind? No bashing or stick? Never! More important, what about the frigate?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had told Akimoto that Tyrer had promised he would ask a captain friend for permission to take the two of them aboard, explaining Akimoto as the son of a wealthy Choshu shipbuilding family, come to visit him for a few days, and a valuable friend in the future." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the open window Hiraga heard cheering from the football match." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sighed, then reverently picked up Babcott's handwritten dictionary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the first dictionary he had ever seen, and the first English-Japanese, Japanese-English ever. Babcott had built on lists of words and phrases gathered by himself, traders and priests, both Catholic and Protestant, with others translated from Dutch-Japanese equivalents. At the moment the book was short. But daily it grew and it fascinated him.\n\nFolklore had it that, two centuries or so ago, a Jesuit priest called Tsukku-san had written out a form of Portuguese-Japanese dictionary. Before that no dictionary of any sort had ever existed. In time, a few Dutch-Japanese ones appeared, to be zealously guarded. \"No need to lock this up, Nakama,\" Babcott had said yesterday to his astonishment. \"That's not the British way. Spread the word, let everyone learn, the more educated everyone is the better the country.\" He had smiled. \"Of course, not everyone agrees with me. In any event, next week with the help of our printing presses, I'll—\"\n\n\"Printing press, so sorry?\"\n\nBabcott had explained. \"Soon we'll start printing and if you promise to write a history of Choshu I will promise to give you a copy of my dictionary for yourself alone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A week or so ago, in wonder, Hiraga had shown Akimoto a copy of the Yokohama Guardian." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is the news of the day, from all over the world, and they prepare a new version every day, as many copies as they like—thousands if necessary...\"\n\n\"Impossible!\" Akimoto said. \"Our best block printers can't poss—\"\n\n\"I've seen them do it! Machines do it, Akimoto. They showed me their machines! They set all the words in what they call type in lines, they read left to right, the opposite to us, right to left and down our columns of characters, column by column. Unbelievable. I saw the machine man make words out of individual symbols, called 'roman rett'rs'—they say that all words in any language can be written with only twenty-six of these symbols an—\"\n\n\"Impossible.\"\n\n\"Listen! Each rett'r or symbol always has the same sound so another person can read individual letters, or words made out of them. To make this 'newspaper,' the printer uses combinations of little pieces of iron with the symbol cut into the end of it—sorry, not iron but a kind of iron called 'stee'r,' some name like that. This man put the rett'rs in a box that somehow was inked, paper run over it and here was a new printed page that contained something I had written a moment ago. Taira read it out exactly! A miracle.\"\n\n\"Eeee, but how can we do that with our language, each word is a special character with as many as five or seven different ways of saying it and our writing's different an—\"\n\n\"The Doctor Giant listens when I say a Japanese word, he writes it down in their roman rett'rs then Taira says the word just by reading them!\"\n\nIt had taken Hiraga much more explanation to convince Akimoto. \"Eeee,\" he said, exhausted, \"so many new things, new ideas, so difficult for me to understand myself, let alone explain. Ori was such a fool not to want to learn.\"\n\n\"Good for us he's dead, buried and forgotten by the gai-jin. For days I thought we were lost.\"\n\n\"So did I.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga found the English word he sought, \"reparations.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Japanese translation was: \"money to be paid for an agreed crime.\" This puzzled him. The Bakufu had committed no crime. Two Satsumas, Ori and Shorin, had merely killed a gai-jin, both were now dead, two for the death of one gai-jin was certainly fair. Why should they demand \"re-par-at-eeons,\" he said aloud, the nearest his tongue could get to the word.\n\nHe got up from the desk to ease his knees, difficult to sit like a gai-jin all day long, and went to the window. He was wearing Western clothes but soft tabi on his feet, English boots still very uncomfortable for him. The day was still good, the ships at anchor, fishing boats and other vessels moving back and forth. The frigate beckoned. His excitement grew. Soon they would see into its bowels, see the great steam machines Taira had told him about. He caught sight of a reproduced photograph cut out of a magazine and stuck on the wall, of the Great Ship, an enormous iron ship being built in the British capital city, London, the biggest that had ever been, twenty times bigger than the frigate in the bay. Too enormous to conceive—even \"fo-to-gr-aff\" for him impossible to understand, eerie, almost a form of evil magic. He shuddered, then noticed the door to the corridor was ajar and across from it Sir William's door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As far as he knew there was no one in the Legation, everyone at the football match and not expected until later this afternoon.\n\nSoundlessly he opened Sir William's door. The elaborate desk had many papers on it, half a hundred books on untidy shelves, a portrait of their Queen and other paintings on the walls. Something new on a sideboard. A photograph in a silver frame. He saw only ugliness, a curiously dressed gai-jin woman with three children, and realized it must be Sir William's family. Tyrer had mentioned they were expected soon.\n\nHow lucky I am to be Japanese, and civilized, with a handsome father and mother and brothers and sisters and Sumomo to marry if it is my karma to marry. Thinking about her safe at home warmed him, but then, standing there in front of the desk, the good feeling quickly turned sour. He remembered all the sickening, uneasy times he had stood there before the seated gai-jin leader, answering questions about the Choshu, Satsuma, Bakufu, Toranagas, the questions inquiring into every aspect of his life and Nippon's life, now almost a daily occurrence, the fish eyes scouring the truth out of him, much as he would have preferred to lie and confuse.\n\nHe was careful not to touch anything, presuming a trap had been laid for him as he would certainly have done if he had left a gai-jin alone in such an important place. His ears caught an angry voice outside and he scurried back to peer out of Tyrer's window." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding nine sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Morning, Mr. Gornt. May I introduce Mr. McFay, chief of Struan's, Japan. Please make yourself comfortable—Jamie, you too. Coffee, tea, sherry, champagne?\"\n\n\"Nothing, thank you, Mr. Struan.\"\n\n\"Mr. McFay's one of my seconds. Details are supposed to be arranged by seconds, I believe. Yes?\"\n\n\"Yes, suh. I've met Mr. Syborodin but didn't discuss anything with him, according to Mr. Greyforth's wishes.\"\n\nThe two young men studied each other. From the first instant both had experienced the same strange sensation: an intense attraction to the other. Each was thinking, How odd you could instantly like some people, for no apparent reason, while disliking others, loathing some, dismissing many. Even so, both were sure that however fierce their initial affinity, it would make no difference. Soon—today, tomorrow, even in the next few minutes—something would as quickly revert them to normality, to the comfortable historic enmity that bound their firms together and would reach down the ages, dismissing the first affinity as a peculiar aberration." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Malcolm said, \"What can I—we—do for you?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'jamie' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gornt's smile was genuine, his teeth white, like Malcolm's. He was of similar height but built lighter, his clothes less elegant, dark hair against the reddish-brown of Struan, brown eyes against the blue. \"Mr. Greyforth wanted to confirm dates, weapons, etc.\"\n\nJamie said, \"You know this is all against the law, Mr. Gornt, and the duel formally forbidden by Sir William?\"\n\n\"Yes, Mr. McFay.\"\n\nJamie shifted uncomfortably, detesting his involvement more than ever, and further unsettled by the curious mood in the room. He could not read it. Where there should have been ice and enmity, it seemed more a waiting moment, weirdly pleasant and preordained. \"That being said, what did Norbert have in mind?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Today's Tuesday. Would a week from today be okay?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd prefer Wednesday, the 10th,\" Malcolm said at once. He had made a plan in the early hours. Sleep had eluded him. He had fought the dragon that was in the little bottle and had won, though the fight had taken its toll and this morning's measure had been a pathetic relief.\n\nPrancing Cloud would arrive Sunday and was due to leave Wednesday evening. He would arrange secretly with her captain to sail the moment he could get aboard after the duel. Either he would have already smuggled Angelique aboard or would organize Jamie to escort her home in the next ship, to be decided at the last minute, the latest by Tuesday. It might be best to bring Jamie with Angelique, thus negating part of his mother's fury against Jamie by being obedient to one of her wishes and, hopefully, make her withdraw the termination order—he owed it to Jamie to try in every way to extricate him. If Angelique was aboard, perhaps he could find a way to persuade Captain Strongbow to forget his mother's orders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's a long shot, he thought, a very long shot but a faint heart never won a fair lady and it's the best I can do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joss. \"I'd prefer Wednesday.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I imagine that will be all right, suh. As to the place, we suggest first light at No Man's Land twixt the village and Drunk Town, not the racecourse as that's too public with early morning riders and so on.\"\n\nMalcolm laughed, not knowing why. \"A good choice,\" he said before Jamie could answer. Much better for me, more secluded, closer to the sea, much easier to slip out to the clipper from the Drunk Town wharf than ours. \"It's apparent you know a lot about Yokohama and you're here only a day.\"\n\n\"It was Mr. Greyforth's suggestion, but I did check out both early this morning. No Man's Land is better, safer.\"\n\n\"That's agreed. It will be difficult for me to walk my ten paces. I suggest we take our positions and on someone's order, yours if you wish, aim and fire.\"\n\n\"I will consult Mr. Greyforth.\"\n\n\"What else?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gornt hesitated, then glanced at Jamie." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'norbert' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We can arrange details later, how our principals arrive, by what routes, which doctor we can trust who should be present, etc. Lastly, th—\"\n\n\"You seem to be very well informed about duels, Mr. Gornt,\" Jamie said thinly. \"You've been involved in one?\"\n\n\"Several, Mr. McFay. As a principal once, and twice as a second, while I was at the Richmond University.\" Again the smile, warm, kind and sincere. \"We take matters of honor very seriously in the South, suh.\"\n\nThe pleasant unreality of the back and forth, and Jamie's belief that the tai-pan had been set up by Greyforth—notwithstanding Malcolm's stubbornness—broke his control. \"Then you should know Norbert was in the wrong,\" he said angrily. \"Norbert went out of his way to provoke the tai-pan, has done several times and there's no doubt he should apologize and then we could all stop this stupidity.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jamie!\" Malcolm said sharply, and would have told him to leave but for yesterday." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yesterday's debt was vast and forever, so he just said, knowing the real friend that Jamie was, \"This isn't your problem, and I know how you feel.\" He looked back at Gornt. \"He is right, you know—Norbert has been personally very difficult.\" Gornt did not reply. Malcolm shrugged and smiled. \"Joss. It's not your problem either, Mr. Gornt. So, you were once a principal and twice a second. Clearly you won. The other man?\"\n\n\"I didn't kill him, suh, wasn't trying to kill him. I just wounded him.\"\n\nBoth men watched each other, weighing the other.\n\nJamie said nervously, \"Then everything's settled.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, except weapons. Mr. Greyforth chooses swords.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Malcolm gasped and Jamie blanched.\n\n\"Duelling pistols were agreed,\" Jamie said. \"Agreed.\"\n\n\"So sorry, suh, it wasn't agreed. Mr. Greyforth as the challenged party has the right to choose weapons.\"\n\n\"But it was ag—\"\n\n\"Jamie, let me deal with this,\" Malcolm said, astonished with his own detachment, expecting trickery from Norbert. \"It was always presumed we were gentlemen and would use pistols.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry but those aren't my instructions, suh. As to gentlemen, my principal considers himself one, and chooses to defend his honor with a sword, which is quite customary.\"\n\n\"Obviously that's not possible.\"\n\n\"Mr. Greyforth also said—I must tell you I do not approve of this and told him so—he also said if you wanted, he would agree to knives, swords or fighting irons.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie began to get up but Malcolm stopped him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required text (preserve exact wording): \"I'll be there, Jamie, though there won't be much discussion, just a lot of shrieking and foul temper.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In my present state, that's impossible,\" Malcolm said, then gathered himself and said firmly, \"If this is a ploy for Norbert to gain face, to humiliate me and call off the duel, then I spit in his eye and will continue to do so.\"\n\nJamie flushed at the bravado, admired it and hated it, then suddenly realized this could be a perfect face-saver for both men. \"Tai-pan, don't you think—\"\n\n\"No. Mr. Gornt, obviously I can't, now, even use a sword. Please ask Norbert to accept pistols.\"\n\n\"Well, suh, I will certainly ask, certainly the first duty of a second is to try to bring about a reconciliation and it seems to me there's room enough for both you gentlemen in Asia. I'll ask.\"\n\nJamie said, \"Mr. Gornt, I'll be here. Anything I can do to help stop this insanity, just say the word.\"\n\nGornt nodded, began to rise, but stopped as Malcolm said, \"Perhaps I could have a private word, Mr. Gornt? You don't mind, do you, Jamie?\"\n\n\"Not at all.\" Jamie shook hands with Gornt, then said to Malcolm, \"There's a meeting of all traders to discuss Sir William's bombshell at noon in the Club.\"\n\n\"I'll be there, Jamie, though there won't be much discussion, just a lot of shrieking and foul temper.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree. See you later, Tai-pan.\" Jamie left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the fine office once more the two men watched each other. \"You're aware of our Parliament's stupidity?\"\n\n\"Yes, suh, I am. All governments are stupid.\"\n\n\"Would you join me in a glass of champagne?\"\n\n\"A celebration?\"\n\n\"Yes. I don't know why but I'm pleased to meet you.\"\n\n\"Ah, then you felt the same? Not right, is it?\"\n\nMalcolm shook his head and rang the bell. Chen appeared and when the champagne was opened and poured he went away, his little eyes darting from silent man to silent man. \"Health!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'needn't' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Health,\" Gornt replied, savoring the chilled wine.\n\n\"I got the impression you wanted to speak privately.\"\n\nGornt laughed. \"I did indeed. Dangerous for an enemy to be able to read your mind, eh?\"\n\n\"Very, but we needn't be enemies. Rothwell's is a good client, the hatred and blood feud between the Struans and the Brocks needn't touch you, whatever Tyler or Morgan say.\"\n\nGornt put his eyes on the cut-glass crystal and the bubbles, asking them if he was correct in thinking that the time was now or if he should wait. The tawny eyes considered Struan. He decided to dismiss the danger. \"You are reputed to like secrets, to be trustworthy.\"\n\n\"Are you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In matters of honor, yes. Your reputation... do you like stories, legends?\"\n\nMalcolm concentrated, the unreality of the meeting and this man disorienting him. \"Some better than others.\"\n\n\"I'm here under false pretenses.\" Gornt's sudden smile lit up the room. \"Christ Jesus, I don't believe I'm truly here with the future tai-pan of the Noble House. I've waited and planned so long for this meeting and now it's arrived—before I came here I had no intention of saying anything now, other than what Mr. Greyforth asked me to say. But now?\" He raised his glass. \"To revenge.\"\n\nMalcolm thought about that, unafraid and spellbound, then drank and poured again. \"It's a good toast in Asia.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anywhere. First: I need your word of honor, the honor of the tai-pan of the Noble House, before God, that what I tell you will remain secret between us, until I release you.\"\n\nMalcolm hesitated. \"So long as it's a story.\" Then he swore the oath.\n\n\"Thank you. A story then. Are we safe here? Can anyone overhear us?\"\n\n\"In Asia, usually. We're aware doors have ears as well as walls, but I can fix that. Chen!\" he called out. The door opened at once. In Cantonese he said, \"Stay away from the door, keep everyone else away, even Ah Tok!\"\n\n\"Yes, Tai-pan.\" The door closed.\n\n\"Now you're safe, Mr. Gornt. I've known Chen all my life and he doesn't speak English, I think. You speak Shanghainese?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A little, the same with Ning poh dialect.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You were saying?\"\n\n\"This is the first time I have ever told this story,\" Gornt said, and Malcolm believed him. \"Once upon a time,\" he began, no lightness now, \"a family went to England from Montgomery, Alabama—their home for generations—father, mother, and two children, a boy and girl. She was fifteen, her name Alexandra, and her father was the youngest of five brothers. Wilf Tillman was the oldest.\"\n\n\"The co-founder of Cooper-Tillman?\" Struan said, jarred.\n\n\"The same. Alexandra's father was a minor tea and cotton broker, an investor with brother Wilf in Cooper-Tillman, and he went to London to work with Rothwell's on a three-year contract to advise on cotton—Cooper-Tillman was their major supplier. They stayed just under a year. Unfortunately both parents had gotten very ill, no wonder, eh, with the fogs and that weather, I nearly died myself while I was there—I spent two years in London training with Brock's, one with Rothwell's. Anyway, the Tillmans decided to go home. Halfway across the Atlantic Alexandra discovered she was pregnant.\"\n\n\"Ayeeyah,\" Malcolm muttered.\n\n\"Yes. The shock, on top of her adored father's illness, killed him. He was thirty-seven. They buried him at sea. The Captain's death certificate just said 'brainstorm' but both she and her mother knew the real cause was the bad news. Alexandra was just sixteen, as pretty as a picture. That was in '35, twenty-seven years ago. Alexandra had a son, me. For an unmarried girl to have a child out of wedlock, to be a fallen woman... well, Mr. Struan, no need to tell you what a stigma and disaster that is, and Alabama's Bible country, our part, and the Tillmans were gentry. Earlier we talked about honor, it's true what I said, that we take honor seriously, and dishonor. May I?\" Gornt motioned to the champagne.\n\n\"Please.\" Malcolm did not know what else to say." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The voice was lilting, pleasant, uninvolved, just a storyteller relating a history." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the moment, he thought grimly.\n\nGornt poured for Struan, then for himself. \"My mother and her mother were ostracized by society, and the Tillman family—even her brother—turned against her. When I was three my mother met a Virginian, a transplanted Englishman—Robert Gornt, gentleman, tobacco and cotton exporter, card-playing enthusiast from Richmond—who fell in love with Mother and she with him. They left Montgomery and were married in Richmond. The story they fabricated was that she was a widow, married at sixteen to a Yankee cavalry officer who had been killed in the Sioux Indian wars. She was nineteen then.\n\n\"Everything was more or less all right for several years. Until '42—the year after Dirk Struan practically single-handedly founded Hong Kong, the year before you were born. '42 was a bad year for Hong Kong with its Happy Valley fever plague, malaria, the Opium War with China, the great typhoon that obliterated the city there, and unholy bad for the Noble House because the same typhoon killed the great Dirk Struan.\" A sip of champagne. \"He was responsible for Wilf Tillman's death and for ruining the Tillman family.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know nothing about that. Are you sure?\"\n\nGornt smiled his smile, no animosity behind it. \"Yes. Wilf Tillman was sick with the Happy Valley fever. Dirk Struan had cinchona bark that could have cured him, but wouldn't give or sell it to him, wanting him dead, like Jeff Cooper.\" His voice picked up an edge. \"The Boston Yankee wanted him dead.\"\n\n\"Why? And why should the tai-pan want Tillman dead?\"\n\n\"He hated him—he had different views than Wilf. Among other reasons, Wilf had slaves, not illegal at that time, or now, in Alabama. And to assist Cooper to take over the firm. After Wilf died, Jeff Cooper bought his shares for a pittance, and cut off my family's remaining money. Dirk was responsible.\"\n\nMalcolm said, \"We certainly have a joint venture with Cooper-Tillman in cinchona bark, Mr. Gornt, and are old friends. As to the rest, I know nothing about it, or believe it. I'll check the story the moment I get back to Hong Kong.\"\n\nGornt shrugged. \"Years later Cooper admitted he had never approved of Wilf Tillman. His exact words were, 'Listen, young man, Wilf deserved everything he got, he was a slaver and useless, never did a day's work in his life, your Southern gentleman was vile. Dirk was right to give the little cinchona he had to others who he judged deserved it. It's been my work, mine, that made the company that's paid for your mother, stepfather and you all these years... '\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gornt's face twisted, then he was calm again." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'money' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Outwardly. \"He said a few other things, suh, that... that's unimportant now. But cutting off funds, our rightful money, was very important. It was then the rows between Stepfather and Mother began and we moved, downwards. It wasn't till many years later I found out he had married her for her money, his cotton and tobacco businesses were shams, he was just a gambler and card player, not a successful one, and she had continually covered for him. When Mother was dying she told me all this. But he wasn't bad to me, evil to me, just dismissed me. I've been dismissed all my life. Now it's time for revenge.\"\n\n\"I don't see why you should blame me.\"\n\n\"I don't.\"\n\nMalcolm stared at him. \"I thought 'fighting irons, or swords' was the beginning.\"\n\n\"That wasn't my idea, I told you. I told Mr. Greyforth it won't work. He'll be laughed at if he tries to insist.\"\n\nAfter a pause Malcolm said, \"It sounds as though you don't like him.\"\n\n\"I don't like or dislike him. I'm here to learn from him for a month and then take over when he retires next year. That's the plan—if I decide to join Brock's.\"\n\n\"You may have to take over sooner than you think.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Malcolm's voice hardened. \"Next Wednesday—hopefully.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're set on having this duel?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"May I ask the real reason?\"\n\n\"He's gone out of his way to provoke me, surely at Brock's direction. It will be better for Struan's if he's removed.\"\n\n\"Will you try to remove me when I go against Struan's?\"\n\n\"I will oppose you, compete with you, stop you if I can—I wouldn't want to fight you.\" Malcolm smiled a good smile. \"This is a mad conversation, Mr. Gornt. It's mad to be so truthful and so open but we are and that's that. You said 'revenge.' You're determined to have at us, because of what my grandfather supposedly did to Wilf Tillman?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Gornt said with a smile. \"In due time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about Jeff Cooper?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required dialogue to include (maintain exact wording): \"Him too. In due time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The smile vanished. \"Him too. In due time.\" Then, for a moment, Gornt's voice became thick with venom. \"But that's not most of the revenge I seek. I want to destroy Morgan Brock, to do that I need your help...\" He burst out laughing. \"My God, Mr. Struan, suh, sorry, but if you could only see yourself.\"\n\n\"Morgan?\" Malcolm spluttered.\n\n\"Yes.\" Gornt beamed. \"I can't do it alone. I've got to have your help—that's ironic, isn't it?\"\n\nMalcolm groped to his feet and shook himself like a dog and stretched and sat down again, his heart in overdrive. He poured another glass and spilled some on his desk and quaffed it and all the time Gornt watched and waited, pleased with the effect his words had had." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It took Malcolm a little time to respond. \"Morgan? For God's sake, why?\"\n\n\"Because he seduced my mother when she was fifteen and ruined her life and abandoned her. In the Bible it says killing your father, patricide, is an unholy deed—my mama made me swear I'd not do it when she told me the truth of my parentage on her deathbed. So I'm not going to kill him, just ruin him.\" The words were said flatly, without emotion. \"To do that I need Struan's.\"\n\nMalcolm took a deep breath and shook his head again. None of this made sense to him though he believed it all—even Dirk Struan's behavior. Ayeeyah, so much to learn, he thought, and listened intently as Gornt continued, saying that Morgan was twenty at the time, apprenticed to Rothwell's and living in their countinghouse-residence, so it was easy for him to sneak into her bedroom: \"At fifteen what would such a girl know, the classic Southern belle, nurtured like a rare plant? When Rothwell found out, he fired him, of course, but Old Man Tyler Brock laughed and quietly and secretly bought a controlling interest in the firm an—\"\n\nMalcolm was shocked. \"Brock controls Rothwell's?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He did, for a time, just enough to fire Rothwell and all their directors and appoint new ones. When Jeff Cooper found out, he had enough clout to force Old Man Brock to make it a hands-off deal, fifty-fifty. In return Jeff would run the company and keep it secret, particularly from Struan's. The deal's still in effect.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Does Dmitri know?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. Nor Mr. Greyforth. I stumbled on the details when I was in London.\"\n\nMalcolm's mind was working hard. Struan's had been involved with Rothwell's over the years but no one had ever said they had been poorly treated, or cheated. Then something Gornt had said ran to the front of his mind. \"Does Morgan know you know about him?\"\n\n\"I wrote to him in London when Mama died. He replied it was all news to him and denied it, but telling me if ever I was in London to come to see him. I did. Again he denied it. Nothing to do with him, he told me, he'd been blamed for the mischief of some other apprentice, nothing to do with him. I was destitute at that time so he found me a job of sorts, then helped me get into Rothwell's.\" Gornt sighed. \"Mama told me when Morgan had been confronted by Rothwell he had said that he would 'marry the slut if her dowry be ten thousand nicker a year.'\" A shudder took him though his face did not change, nor the flatness of his voice. \"I could forgive Morgan everything, maybe, but never that, never 'the slut.' That's in writing from Rothwell, he's dead now but his letter isn't. Thanks for listening.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He got up and stretched and started for the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wait,\" Malcolm said, startled, \"you can't finish there!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't intend to, Mr. Struan, but this sort of talk, confession is perhaps a better word, is good for the soul but exhausting. Also I can't spend too much time here or Mr. Greyforth might be suspicious. I'll arrange about the pistols, and about shooting from twenty paces, then come back.\"\n\n\"Wait a minute, for God's sake! What help do you need? Why should I help you anyway? What do you want from me?\"\n\n\"Not much actually—you can kill Norbert Greyforth, but that's not essential,\" Gornt said with a laugh, then again became serious. \"More important is what I can do for you. Before the end of January, the Brocks will crush Struan's, but that you already know, or should. I can stop them, for a price. As God is my witness, I can give you information that can turn their genius against themselves, to destroy Brock's forever.\"\n\nMalcolm felt his heart turn over. If he could get Struan's off that barb his mother would concede whatever he wanted. He knew her too well. She'll give me anything I want, anything, he shouted silently, if I want her to become Catholic she'd even do that!\n\nWhatever the cost, he knew he would pay it, and pay gladly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The price—apart from revenge?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When I come back.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on this story segment like James Clavell would, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre. Characters may have existing backgrounds." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, Otami-sama,\" the shoya said, \"good evening, please sit down, tea, saké? So sorry to disturb you again but I have just received a message from my overlords. Tea?\"\n\nHiraga took the opposite cushion in the pleasant room, a hold on his impatience, thanked him and accepted the obligatory cup. \"How are you?\" he asked politely, his heart beating faster than he cared.\n\n\"Worried, Otami-sama. It seems the gai-jin are very determined this time, too many troop movements, too many ships cleaning weapons, many rumors of more ships coming here. Perhaps you have heard from your Taira gai-jin?\"\n\nHiraga thought about that. Tyrer and the whole Legation staff had been in an uproar ever since the ultimatum from Tairō Anjo had arrived, Sir William bellowing more than usual, Johann the interpreter closeted for hours with Tyrer, rewriting letters to the Bakufu and only sometimes asking him to refine a phrase. \"Easier if see 'retter, Taira-sama,\" he would always say, wanting to know what was being sent.\n\n\"Yes, well, but this phrase for the moment...\" the Taira would always say, clearly uneasy, every day the same and this had increased his disquiet." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'enforcer' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Obviously they did not trust him as before, and this after working night and day to learn their language and giving them all manner of information. Despicable gai-jin dogs, he had thought, afraid that any day Sir William might order him out—his poster was still prominent in the samurai guard house, the Enforcer patrols malevolently checking all Japanese entering and leaving the Settlement.\n\nEnforcer patrols should not be permitted. Gai-jin are so idiotic—with their sea power I would not allow \"enemy guards\" within a league! Idiotic for Anjo to anger them with such vile manners and arrogance while their fleet is here. The Council of Elders is mad!\n\n\"The gai-jin officials tell me many things, shoya,\" he said, as though loath to be overheard. \"Fortunately I am party to their inner secrets. It may well be I can warn you in time if any danger threatens you. Meanwhile I counselled them to beware of upsetting you and the village.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shoya bowed to the tatami, thanking him and thanking him, then said, \"These are terrible times, war is terrible and taxes are going to be put up again.\"\n\nGood, Hiraga thought, his head aching, you can afford it, but it won't make you or any in the Gyokoyama eat less or drink less, or your wives and women dress less expensively, only your customers. Parasites! You're already breaking ancient laws of extravagance, allowing your women to wear forbidden dress colors, like red, as under-kimonos or in your homes that, stupidly, the Bakufu, do not enforce. When we are in power there will be a reckoning.\n\nCome on, you old fool, get to the point. I cannot waste all evening and I am not going to lose face by asking. I have more studies tonight and another book to try to read. \"I can perhaps guard your interests,\" he said pointedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again the shoya thanked him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The message I received concerned the girl you asked about. Four days ago Lord Yoshi left Kyōto secretly, just before dawn, with a small escort of soldiers and disguised as one of them. She went too. Also in the party... are you all right, Otami-sama?\"\n\n\"Yes, please go on,\" Hiraga said, \"go on, shoya.\"\n\n\"Certainly. Also in the party, mounted, was the courtesan Koiko, and the girl who is her new maiko an—\"\n\n\"Her what?\" Hiraga gasped, \"Koiko,\" with everything that her name implied, pealing in all the corners of his mind.\n\n\"Please, may I give you some tea, or saké?\" the shoya asked, seeing the impact the news was making. \"Or a hot towel or may I order some—\"\n\n\"No, go on,\" Hiraga said, his voice throaty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is not much more. As you know, the Lady Koiko is the most famous of Yedo's courtesans and now Lord Yoshi's companion. The girl was sent to her ten days ago.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'forced' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By whom?\"\n\n\"We do not yet know, Otami-sama,\" the shoya said, retaining that information for another time. \"It seems the Lady Koiko accepted the girl as maiko after the girl was personally interviewed and approved by Lord Yoshi. She is the only other woman in the party. Her name is Sumomo Fujahito.\"\n\nNo mistake, Hiraga wanted to shout, that's the code name Katsumata gave her—so he sent her into that hornet's nest, but why? \"Which way did he go? Lord Yoshi?\"\n\n\"There are forty samurai accompanying him, all mounted but carrying no banners, and Lord Yoshi himself, as I said, was disguised. They slipped out of Kyōto just before dawn, three days ago, heading along the Tokaidō, a forced march, my masters presume for Yedo.\" The shoya hid his astonishment at the vehemence in the young man's face.\n\n\"Forced march, you say? They could reach Kanagawa when?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The last way station before Yedo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In ten or twelve more days?\"\n\n\"Ah, yes, you are probably right though with two women travelling... my message said both were riding—oh, I already mentioned that—and, oh yes, I forgot, Lord Yoshi was disguised as a common ashigaru, yes, I suppose it is possible to reach Kanagawa then.\"\n\nDazed, Hiraga swallowed more saké, hardly tasting it, accepted another cup, thanked him for the information, saying they would meet tomorrow and left to go to the village hovel he shared with Akimoto.\n\nOutside the village streets were quiet. Shops closed at nightfall. Lights behind shoji screens made the huts and hovels inviting. Wearily, and in turmoil over the news, he took off his top hat and ruffled his hair, scratching his scalp, still not completely accustomed to wearing his hair European style, though lately hardly noticed the discomfort of trousers and waistcoat, glad for them against the season's cold. Even scratching vigorously did not help the confusion and ache in his head so he sat on a nearby bench—squatting difficult in tight trousers—and stared at the sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Koiko! He remembered the two times he had been with her, once for an evening and once for the night." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'yoshi' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eeee, both had been expensive, so expensive, but worth it. Katsumata had told him that never again would he perceive such texture of skin or silky hair or such fragrance, or such kind, gentle laughter in a woman's eyes, or experience the ultimate, exploding warmth that made you want to die, you had so much joy.\n\n\"Ah, Hiraga, to die then,\" Katsumata had said, \"at such a high point, to carry that with you beyond—if there is a beyond—would be perfection. Or if there is no beyond, to be certain at the leap into nothingness you have experienced the best, to die at the zenith would surely be a totality of life.\"\n\n\"True, but such waste. Why train her for Yoshi?\"\n\n\"Because he is a major key to sonno-joi, for or against, because she is the only one I have ever known who might possibly enthrall him and so move him to our side, or be positioned to send him onwards. He may be the key to sonno-joi, for or against—that's our secret, yours and mine—of course, he dies at a time of our choosing anyway.\"\n\nThen has Katsumata sent Sumomo to be the dagger of the deed? Or is it to keep Koiko safe from betrayers, or even to guard Yoshi from a traitor within?\n\nSo many questions, so much unanswered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He got up and walked off again, his head aching worse than ever. Tomorrow Akimoto was going with Taira aboard a warship. Hiraga had asked to go but had been refused: \"So sorry,\" Tyrer had told him. \"Sir William said this friend of yours, Mr. Saito, may go, but only him. Of course no weapons. I understand his family is the biggest shipbuilder in Shimonoseki, eh?\"\n\n\"Yes, Taira-sama. His father fami'ry.\"\n\n\"But samurai are not allowed to be in business.\"\n\n\"That is correct, Taira-sama,\" he had said quickly, the man too apt a pupil, making the lie sound truthful. \"But many samurai fami'ries make arrangement with money'renders and boat makers to do work, neh? This man important sea fami'ry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A week ago he had introduced the subject of Akimoto, with that fiction, during one of his endless meetings with Sir William where he stood and answered questions, learning little in exchange." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: hiraga's, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His name is Saito, Sir W'ram, fami'ry rich, he visit here want to see great British Navy ships, hear great stories about great British Navy. Perhaps you and he can make together, great ship-making factory.\"\n\nIt was not altogether a lie. For generations Akimoto's forebears had lived in a fishing village, one of the three ashigaru families there who acted as a kind of policeman for Hiraga's father, head of the nearby hirazamurai-ranked family, also for generations. Akimoto, personally, had always been interested in the sea and warships. Hiraga's father had arranged for Akimoto to join the Choshu samurai school, ordering him to learn all he could from the Dutch seaman who was the sensei, because, soon, daimyo Ogama would need officers to captain Choshu ships, and to lead their navy.\n\n\"Eeee, Cousin,\" Akimoto had said the day before yesterday, \"I cannot believe you persuaded them to let me learn their war secrets.\"\n\nHiraga sighed. He had noticed that anything to do with \"business\" got immediate gai-jin attention. Poetry, not at all, calligraphy nothing, sword-forging a little, politics, yes, but only as it affected trade, but an opportunity to make something to sell for profit—anything, a ship or cannon or cup or knife or length of silk—brought instant results." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They're worse than rice dealers!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their food is money.\n\nLast night Akimoto had been in his cups, rare for him, and started to ramble about money and gai-jin and being near them, \"You are right, Hiraga, that's one of their secrets: money worship. Money! How clever you are to smell that out so soon! Look at that dog of a shoya! Look how he is all ears when you start to tell him what Taira or that other gai-jin dog gleefully say about their dirty business methods, and how they extort money from others any way they can, calling it profit, as though profit is a clean word, feeding off each other like lice. When you talk about money does not that old fish head shoya bring out his best saké to encourage you to tell more and more? Of course he does. He is just like them, worshipping money, gathering it from us samurai, putting us deeper into debt every year when he creates nothing, nothing! We should kill him and do what Ori said, burn this stinking cesspool—\"\n\n\"Calm yourself! What's wrong?\"\n\n\"I do not want to calm down, I want action, a fight, attack! I am tired of sitting and waiting.\" Akimoto was flushed, breathing heavily, eyes bloodshot and not just from the liquor. His huge fist pounded the tatami. \"And I am tired of you studying all night, your head in a book—if you're not careful you will ruin your eyes and ruin your sword arm and then you will be dead. Attack, that is what we are here for—I want sonno-joi now, not later!\"\n\n\"Without knowledge and patience... how many times do I have to tell you? You become like Ori, or that fool Shorin, why be so anxious to put your head in the Enforcer's garrote?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not and... Eeee, Hiraga, you're right, please excuse me, but...\" The words had trailed off and he saw him swallow more saké." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is really troubling you? The truth.\"\n\nAkimoto hesitated. \"I heard from my father.\" He began haltingly but soon the words were pouring out. \"A letter came through the mama-san at Kanagawa... there's famine in the village, in the whole area, your family is hurting too, so sorry to tell you. Two of my little cousins have died. Three of my uncles gave up samurai class and their swords—they sold them as part payment for debts to the moneylender, swords that were used in Sekigahara—to become fishermen, at least they are working the nets for boat owners, dawn to dusk, to get a little cash! Tomiko, she's an aunt's widowed daughter who was living with us, she had to sell her little girl to a child broker. She was given enough to feed the rest of her family for half a year—her two sons and her invalid father. A week later she left the money in a teapot for my mother to find and threw herself off the cliff. Her notesaid her heart was broken having to sell her own child, but the money could help the family and not be wasted on another useless mouth...\"\n\nThe tears were pouring down his cheeks but no sound of weeping was in his voice, only anger. \"Such a nice girl, such a good wife to my friend, Murai—remember him, one of our Choshu ronin who died in the attack on Tairō Ii? I tell you, Cousin, it is awful to be samurai when you have no face, no stipend, nowhere to go and to be ronin is worse. Even so, me... you're right again... I think we will have to imitate stinking gai-jin if we want warships, even I know they do not grow in a rice paddy, and must find ways to make stinking money and be like stinking rice-dealing moneylenders. Stinking money, stinking gai-jin, st—\"\n\n\"Stop it,\" Hiraga had said sharply, and handed him another flask. \"You are alive, you are working for sonno-joi, tomorrow you go on a warship to learn, that is enough, Cousin.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Numb, Akimoto shook his head, wiping the tears away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Was there any other news? Of my father, my family?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well... read for yourself.\"\n\nHe read: If Hiraga is with you tell him his family are in sad straits, his mother is sick, they have no money and no more credit. If he has any means to send any, or arrange any credit, it will save lives—of course his father will never ask. Tell him also his wife-to-be has not yet arrived and his father fears for her safety.\n\nNothing I can do for them, Hiraga thought, nearing their village hideaway, again in misery. The night wind picked up, rustling the thatched roofs, and colder than before. Nothing I can do. Stinking money! Akimoto is right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We should put Ori's plan into effect. A night like this would be ideal. Two or three huts torched and the wind would jump the flames from house to house and whip it into a conflagration. Why not tonight? Then the stinking gai-jin would have to go back aboard their ships and sail away. Would they? Or am I deluding myself and it is our karma to be eaten up by them.\n\nWhat to do?\n\nKatsumata always said, When in doubt act!\n\nSumomo? On the way to Yedo?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His pulse quickened but even the thought of her did not remove the remorse for his family." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We should marry now, marry here, while there is time, impossible to go home, the journey would take months and it is vital to be here. Father will understand.\n\nWill he? Is it vital, or am I just deluding myself? And why did Katsumata put Sumomo with Yoshi? He would not risk her for nothing.\n\nNothing! I am nothing. From nothing into nothing, famine again and no money and no credit and no way to help. Without sonno-joi there's nothing we can do—\n\nAll at once it was as if a skin covering part of his mind had shed and he remembered Jamie explaining some aspects of gai-jin business that had shocked him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In moments he was again tapping on the shoya's door and sitting opposite him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shoya, I thought I should mention, so you can prepare, I believe I have persuaded the gai-jin business expert to meet you in his great mansion, the day after tomorrow in the morning, to answer questions. I will interpret for you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shoya thanked him and had bowed to cover his sudden beam.\n\nHiraga continued blandly, \"Jami Mukfey told me it was gai-jin custom that there would be a fee, for this and all the other information he has already given you. The equivalent of ten koku.\" He uttered the staggering sum as though it were a pittance and saw the shoya blanch but not explode as he had expected, telling such a lie.\n\n\"Impossible,\" the shoya said, his voice strangled.\n\n\"I told him so but he said as a businessman and banker you would understand how valuable his information was, and that he would even consider...\" Again Hiraga controlled himself. \"Would even help the shoya to begin a business, first of its kind, in the gai-jin fashion to deal with other countries.\"\n\nAgain this was not altogether a lie. McFay had told him that he would be interested in meeting and talking to a Japanese banker—Hiraga had inflated the shoya's importance and position in the Gyokoyama—that more or less any day at a day's notice would suit him, and that there were all kinds of opportunities for cooperation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He watched the shoya, exhilarated at his transparency, clearly besieged by potential opportunities to use Mukfey's knowledge for profit, and being the first to do such a business: \"Very important to be first,\" Mukfey had explained, \"your Japanese friend will understand that, if he's any sort of businessman. Easy for me to supply our business skills, easy for your Japanese friend to do the same with Japanese skills and knowledge.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"Asking ten, I doubt if Mukfey would reduce below three.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had taken Hiraga a blinding effort to understand what the man had been talking about.\n\nHe allowed the shoya to dream and to worry. \"Though I do not understand business matters, shoya, I might be able to reduce that price.\"\n\n\"Oh, if you could do that, Otami-sama, you would please a poor old man, just a modest servant to the Gyokoyama, for I would have to beg their permission to pay anything.\"\n\n\"Perhaps I could bring it down to three koku.\"\n\n\"Half a koku would perhaps be possible.\"\n\nHiraga cursed himself. He had forgotten the Mukfey Golden Rule One, as he called it: \"When negotiating be patient. You can always come down but never go back up, and never be afraid to laugh or cry or scream or pretend to leave.\"\n\n\"Asking ten, I doubt if Mukfey would reduce below three.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A half is already very high.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he had had a sword he would have gripped the hilt and snarled, \"Three or I will have your dirty head.\" Instead he nodded sadly. \"Yes, you are right.\" He began to get up.\n\n\"Perhaps my masters would agree to one.\"\n\nNow he was almost at the door. \"So sorry, shoya, I would lose face to try to bargain so cheaply an—\"\n\n\"Three.\" The shoya was flushed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga sat down again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It took him a little while to adjust to the new world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He said, \"I will try to make it three. These are hard times. I have just heard there is famine in my village in Choshu. Terrible, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw the shoya's eyes narrow. \"Yes, Otami-sama. Soon there will be famine everywhere, even here.\"\n\nHiraga nodded. \"Yes,\" he said, and waited, allowing the silence to thicken. Mukfey had explained the value of silence in negotiating, that a closed mouth at the right time unnerves your opponent—for negotiation is a fight like any other—and snares concessions you would never dream of asking.\n\nThe shoya knew he was trapped but had not decided on the extent of the trap, nor the price he would pay. Thus far the information he had been given was worth ten times that amount. But be cautious... this man is dangerous, this Hiraga Otami-sama learns too fast, he may or may not be telling the truth, may or may not be a liar. Even so, better to have a cunning samurai with you than against you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In bad times, friends should help friends. It might be that the Gyokoyama could arrange a little credit to help. As I mentioned before, Otami-sama, your father and family are respected and valued clients.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga bit back the angry words he would normally have spat out at being so openly patronized." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That would be too much to expect,\" he said, feeling his way in this new world of profit and loss—one person's profit is another's loss, Mukfey had explained many times. \"Anything the great Gyokoyama could do would be appreciated. But speed is very important, could I be assured they would understand? Yes?\"\n\n\"It would be at once. I will arrange it.\"\n\n\"Thank you, and perhaps they would consider along with a substantial credit, perhaps also an outright grant, a fee, of say one koku...\" He saw the eyes flash with anger, which was quickly hidden, and wondered if he had gone too far. \"For services rendered by the family.\"\n\nAnother silence. Then the shoya said, \"In the past... and in the future.\"\n\nHiraga's eyes became as cold as the shoya's, though, like him, his mouth smiled. And, still in the new world, he did not take out the small revolver he always carried now and blow a hole in him for his rudeness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course.\" Then he added sweetly, \"Until the day after tomorrow, neh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shoya nodded and bowed. \"Until then, Otami-sama.\"\n\nOnce more outside and hidden by the night, Hiraga allowed his triumph to soar with his soul. One whole koku and credits and now how to exchange the three koku that the Mukfey gai-jin had not asked for, nor needed, into real rice, or real money, that he also could send to his father?\n\nSo much for so little, he thought, elated, and at the same time feeling soiled, in need of a bath." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start (might include ongoing story elements), then u do six sentences in James Clavell's voice ok?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Almost no one in the Settlement was sleeping as contentedly as Angelique—Struan's bombshell tonight, coupled with anxiety over the coming war here and in Europe and the resultant hazards for business, kept most awake: \"As if there's not enough to worry about with our own civil war,\" Dmitri muttered to his pillow in the deep darkness of his room in the Cooper-Tillman Building." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "News from home was getting worse and worse, whichever side you supported, and he had family on both sides.\n\nDreadful numbers of casualties on both sides, looting and burning and atrocities and mutinies and brutalities and corruptions and monstrous tragedies, again on both sides. An uncle had written from Maryland that whole towns were being burned and pillaged by Quantrill's Raiders for the South and the Jayhawkers for the North, and that, by now, most important men in the North had legally bought themselves and their sons out of the army draft: The war's being fought by the poor, the undernourished, the ill-equipped and the half starving. This is the end of our country, Dmitri...\n\nHis father wrote from Richmond the same: There'll be nothing left if this goes on another year. Nothing. Terrible to tell you, my darling son, your brother Janny was killed at the second battle at Bull Run, poor lad, our cavalry was decimated, carnage...\n\nDmitri twisted and turned in his bed, striving to put the pain for his nation away from him but could not." } ]