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Dans-Prosemaxx-Cowriter-XL

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[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce ten sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Twelve days later, in the afternoon, the courier from Osaka arrived." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An escort of ten samurai rode in with him. Their horses were lathered and near death. The flags at their spearheads carried the cipher of the all-powerful Council of Regents. It was hot, overcast, and humid.\n\nThe courier was a lean, hard samurai of senior rank, one of Ishido's chief lieutenants. His name was Nebara Jozen and he was known for his ruthlessness. His Gray uniform kimono was tattered and mud-stained, his eyes red with fatigue. He refused food or drink and impolitely demanded an immediate audience with Yabu.\n\n\"Forgive my appearance, Yabu-san, but my business is urgent,\" he said. \"Yes, I ask your pardon. My Master says first, why do you train Toranaga's soldiers along with your own and, second, why do they drill with so many guns?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu had flushed at the rudeness but he kept his temper, knowing that Jozen would have had specific instructions and that such lack of manners bespoke an untoward position of power. And too, he was greatly unsettled that there had been another leak in his security.\n\n\"You're very welcome, Jozen-san. You may assure your master that I always have his interests at heart,\" he said with a courteousness that fooled no one present.\n\nThey were on the veranda of the fortress. Omi sat just behind Yabu. Igurashi, who had been forgiven a few days before, was nearer to Jozen and surrounding them were intimate guards. \"What else does your master say?\"\n\nJozen replied, \"My Master will be glad that your interests are his. Now, about the guns and the training: my Master would like to know why Toranaga's son, Naga, is second-in-command. Second-in-command of what? What's so important that a Toranaga son should be here, the Lord General Ishido asks with politeness. That's of interest to him. Yes. Everything his allies do interests him. Why is it, for instance, the barbarian seems to be in charge of training? Training of what? Yes, Yabu-sama, that's very interesting also.\" Jozen shifted his swords more comfortably, glad that his back was protected by his own men. \"Next: The Council of Regents meets again on the first day of the new moon. In twenty days. You are formally invited to Osaka to renew your oath of fidelity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu's stomach twisted. \"I understood Toranaga-sama had resigned?\"\n\n\"He has, Yabu-san, indeed he has. But Lord Ito Teruzumi's taking his place. My Master will be the new President of the Regents.\"\n\nYabu was panic-stricken. Toranaga had said that the four Regents could never agree on a fifth. Ito Teruzumi was a minor daimyo of Negato Province in western Honshu but his family was ancient, descended from Fujimoto lineage, so he would be acceptable as a Regent, though he was an ineffectual man, effeminate and a puppet. \"I would be honored to receive their invitation,\" Yabu said defensively, trying to buy time to think.\n\n\"My Master thought you might wish to leave at once. Then you would be in Osaka for the formal meeting. He orders me to tell you all the daimyos are getting the same invitation. Now. So all will have an opportunity to be there in good time on the twenty-first day. A Flower-Viewing Ceremony has been authorized by His Imperial Highness, Emperor Go-Nijo, to honor the occasion.\" Jozen offered an official scroll.\n\n\"This isn't under the seal of the Council of Regents.\"\n\n\"My Master has issued the invitation now, knowing that, as a loyal vassal of the late Taikō, as a loyal vassal of Yaemon, his son and heir and the rightful ruler of the Empire when he becomes of age, you will understand that the new Council will, of course, approve his action. Neh?\"\n\n\"It would certainly be a privilege to witness the formal meeting.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu struggled to control his face.\n\n\"Good,\" Jozen said. He pulled out another scroll, opened it, and held it up. \"This is a copy of Lord Ito's letter of appointment, accepted and signed and authorized by the other Regents, Lords Ishido, Kiyama, Onoshi, and the Lord Sugiyama.\" Jozen did not bother to conceal a triumphant look, knowing that this totally closed the trap on Toranaga and any of his allies, and that equally the scroll made him and his men invulnerable.\n\nYabu took the scroll. His fingers trembled. There was no doubt of its authenticity. It had been countersigned by the Lady Yodoko, the wife of the Taikō, who affirmed that the document was true and signed in her presence, one of six copies that were being sent throughout the Empire, and that this particular copy was for the Lords of Iwari, Mikawa, Totomi, Sugura, Izu, and the Kwanto. It was dated eleven days ago.\n\n\"The Lords of Iwari, Mikawa, Suruga and Totomi have already accepted. Here are their seals. You're the last but one on my list. Last is the Lord Toranaga.\"\n\n\"Please thank your master and tell him I look forward to greeting him and congratulating him,\" Yabu said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good. I'll require it in writing. Now would be satisfactory.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This evening, Jozen-san. After the evening meal.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very well. And now we can go and see the training.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is none today. All my men are on forced marches,\" Yabu said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The moment Jozen and his men had entered Izu, word had been rushed to Yabu, who had at once ordered his men to cease all firing and to continue only silent weapon training well away from Anjiro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tomorrow you can come with me—at noon, if you wish.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'commander' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jozen looked at the sky. It was late afternoon now. \"Good. I could use a little sleep. But I'll come back at dusk, with your permission. Then you and your commander, Omi-san, and the second commander, Naga-san, will tell me, for my Master's interest, about the training, the guns, and everything. And about the barbarian.\"\n\n\"He's—yes. Of course.\" Yabu motioned to Igurashi. \"Arrange quarters for our honored guest and his men.\"\n\n\"Thank you, but that's not necessary,\" Jozen said at once. \"The ground's futon enough for a samurai, my saddle's pillow enough. Just a bath, if you please... this humidity, neh? I'll camp on the crest—of course, with your permission.\"\n\n\"As you wish.\"\n\nJozen bowed stiffly and walked away, surrounded by his men. All were heavily armed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two bowmen had been left holding their horses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once they were well away, Yabu's face contorted with rage. \"Who betrayed me? Who? Where's the spy?\"\n\nEqually ashen, Igurashi waved the guards out of earshot. \"Yedo, Sire,\" he said. \"Must be. Security's perfect here.\"\n\n\"Oh ko!\" Yabu said, almost rending his clothes. \"I'm betrayed. We're isolated. Izu and the Kwanto are isolated. Ishido's won. He's won.\"\n\nOmi said quickly, \"Not for twenty days, Sire. Send a message at once to Lord Toranaga. Inform him that—\"\n\n\"Fool!\" Yabu hissed. \"Of course Toranaga already knows. Where I've one spy he has fifty. He's left me in the trap.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think so, Sire,\" Omi said, unafraid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Iwari, Mikawa, Totomi, and Sugura are all hostile to him, neh? And to anyone who's allied to him. They'd never warn him, so perhaps he doesn't know yet. Inform him and suggest—\"\n\n\"Didn't you hear?\" Yabu shouted. \"All four Regents agree to Ito's appointment, so the Council's legal again and the Council meets in twenty days!\"\n\n\"The answer to that is simple, Sire. Suggest to Toranaga that he have Ito Teruzumi or one of the other Regents assassinated at once.\"\n\nYabu's mouth dropped open. \"What?\"\n\n\"If you don't wish to do that, send me, let me try. Or Igurashi-san. With Lord Ito dead, Ishido's helpless again.\"\n\n\"I don't know whether you've gone mad, or what,\" Yabu said helplessly. \"Do you understand what you've just said?\"\n\n\"Sire, I beg you, please, to be patient with me. The Anjin-san's given you priceless knowledge, neh? More than we ever dreamed possible. Now Toranaga knows this also, through your reports, and probably from Naga-san's private reports. If we can win enough time, our five hundred guns and the other three hundred will give you absolute battle power, but only once. When the enemy, whoever he is, sees the way you use men and firepower they'll learn quickly. But they'll have lost that first battle. One battle—if it's the right battle—will give Toranaga total victory.\"\n\n\"Ishido doesn't need any battle. In twenty days he has the Emperor's mandate.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ishido's a peasant. He's the son of a peasant, a liar, and he runs away from his comrades in battle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu stared at Omi, his face mottled. \"You—do you know what you're saying?\"\n\n\"That's what he did in Korea. I was there. I saw it, my father saw it. Ishido did leave Buntaro-san and us to fight our own way out. He's just a treacherous peasant—the Taikō's dog, certainly. You can't trust peasants. But Toranaga's Minowara. You can trust him. I advise you to consider only Toranaga's interests.\"\n\nYabu shook his head in disbelief. \"Are you deaf? Didn't you hear Nebara Jozen? Ishido's won. The Council is in power in twenty days.\"\n\n\"May be in power.\"\n\n\"Even if Ito... How could you? It's not possible.\"\n\n\"Certainly I could try but I could never do it in time. None of us could, not in twenty days. But Toranaga could.\" Omi knew he had put himself into the jaws of the dragon. \"I beg you to consider it.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'plans' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu wiped his face with his hands, his body wet. \"After this summons, if the Council is convened and I'm not present, I and all my clan are dead, you included. I need two months, at least, to train the regiment. Even if we had them trained now, Toranaga and I could never win against all the others. No, you're wrong, I have to support Ishido.\"\n\nOmi said, \"You don't have to leave for Osaka for ten days—fourteen, if you go by forced march. Tell Toranaga about Nebara Jozen at once. You'll save Izu and the Kasigi house. I beg you. Ishido will betray you and eat you up. Ikawa Jikkyu is his kinsman, neh?\"\n\n\"But what about Jozen?\" Igurashi exclaimed. \"Eh? And the guns? The grand strategy? He wants to know about everything tonight.\"\n\n\"Tell him. In detail. What is he but a lackey,\" Omi said, beginning to maneuver them. He knew he was risking everything, but he had to try to protect Yabu from siding with Ishido and ruining any chance they had. \"Open your plans to him.\"\n\nIgurashi disagreed heatedly. \"The moment Jozen learns what we're doing, he'll send a message back to Lord Ishido. It's too important not to. Ishido'll steal the plans, then we're finished.\"\n\n\"We trail the messenger and kill him at our convenience.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu flushed. \"That scroll was signed by the highest authority in the land! They all travel under the Regents' protection! You must be mad to suggest such a thing! That would make me an outlaw!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required dialogue to include (maintain exact wording): \"I believe Yodoko-sama and the others have been duped, as His Imperial Highness has been duped, by the traitor Ishido. We must protect the guns, Sire. We must stop any messenger—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi shook his head, keeping confidence on his face. \"I believe Yodoko-sama and the others have been duped, as His Imperial Highness has been duped, by the traitor Ishido. We must protect the guns, Sire. We must stop any messenger—\"\n\n\"Silence! Your advice is madness!\"\n\nOmi bowed under the tongue-lash. But he looked up and said calmly, \"Then please allow me to commit seppuku, Sire. But first, please allow me to finish. I would fail in my duty if I didn't try to protect you. I beg this last favor as a faithful vassal.\"\n\n\"Finish!\"\n\n\"There's no Council of Regents now, so there is no legal protection now for that insulting, foul-mannered Jozen and his men, unless you honor an illegal document through—\" Omi was going to say \"weakness\" but he changed the word and kept his voice quietly authoritative—\"through being duped like the others, Sire. There is no Council. They cannot 'order' you to do anything, or anyone. Once it's convened, yes, they can, and then you will have to obey. But now, how many daimyos will obey before legal orders can be issued? Only Ishido's allies, neh? Aren't Iwari, Mikawa, Totomi, and Sugura all ruled by his kinsmen and allied to him openly? That document absolutely means war, yes, but I beg you to wage it on your terms and not Ishido's. Treat this threat with the contempt it deserves! Toranaga's never been beaten in battle. Ishido has. Toranaga avoided being part of the Taikō's ruinous attack on Korea. Ishido didn't. Toranaga's in favor of ships and trade. Ishido isn't. Toranaga will want the barbarian's navy—didn't you advocate it to him? Ishido won't. Ishido will close the Empire. Toranaga will keep it open. Ishido will give Ikawa Jikkyu your hereditary fief of Izu if he wins. Toranaga will give you all Jikkyu's province. You're Toranaga's chief ally. Didn't he give you his sword? Hasn't he given you control of the guns? Don't the guns guarantee one victory, with surprise? What does the peasant Ishido give in return? He sends a ronin-samurai with no manners, with deliberate orders to shame you in your own province! I say Toranaga Minowara is your only choice. You must go with him.\" He bowed and waited in silence.\n\nYabu glanced at Igurashi. \"Well?\"\n\n\"I agree with Omi-san, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Igurashi's face mirrored his worry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As to killing a messenger—that would be dangerous, no turning back then, Sire. Jozen will certainly send one or two tomorrow. Perhaps they could vanish, killed by bandits—\" He stopped in mid-sentence. \"Carrier pigeons! There were two panniers of them on Jozen's pack horses!\"\n\n\"We'll have to poison them tonight,\" Omi said.\n\n\"How? They'll be guarded.\"\n\n\"I don't know. But they've got to be removed or maimed before dawn.\"\n\nYabu said, \"Igurashi, send men to watch Jozen at once. See if he sends one of his pigeons now—today.\"\n\n\"I suggest you send all our falcons and falconers to the east, also at once,\" Omi added quickly.\n\nIgurashi said, \"He'll suspect treachery if he sees his bird downed, or his birds tampered with.\"\n\nOmi shrugged. \"It must be stopped.\"\n\nIgurashi looked at Yabu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu nodded resignedly. \"Do it.\"\n\nWhen Igurashi came back he said, \"Omi-san, one thing occurred to me. A lot of what you said was right, about Jikkyu and Lord Ishido. But if you advise making the messengers 'vanish,' why toy with Jozen at all? Why tell him anything? Why not just kill them all at once?\"\n\n\"Why not indeed? Unless it might amuse Yabu-sama. I agree your plan's better, Igurashi-san,\" Omi said.\n\nBoth men were looking at Yabu now. \"How can I keep the guns secret?\" he asked them.\n\n\"Kill Jozen and his men,\" Omi replied.\n\n\"No other way?\"\n\nOmi shook his head. Igurashi shook his head.\n\n\"Maybe I could barter with Ishido,\" Yabu said, shaken, trying to think of a way out of the trap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're correct about the time. I've ten days, fourteen at the most. How to deal with Jozen and still leave time to maneuver?\"\n\n\"It would be wise to pretend that you're going to Osaka,\" Omi said. \"But there's no harm in informing Toranaga at once, neh? One of our pigeons could get to Yedo before dusk. Perhaps. No harm in that.\"\n\nIgurashi said, \"You could tell Lord Toranaga about Jozen arriving, and about the Council meeting in twenty days, yes. But the other, about assassinating Lord Ito, that's too dangerous to put in writing even if... Much too dangerous, neh?\"\n\n\"I agree. Nothing about Ito. Toranaga should think of that himself. It's obvious, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. Unthinkable but obvious.\"\n\nOmi waited in the silence, his mind frantically seeking a solution. Yabu's eyes were on him but he was not afraid. His advice had been sound and offered only for the protection of the clan and the family and Yabu, the present leader of the clan. That Omi had decided to remove Yabu and change the leadership had not prevented him from counseling Yabu sagaciously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he was prepared to die now." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'there' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Yabu was so stupid as not to accept the obvious truth of his ideas, then there soon would be no clan to lead anyway. Karma.\n\nYabu leaned forward, still undecided. \"Is there any way to remove Jozen and his men without danger to me, and stay uncommitted for ten days?\"\n\n\"Naga. Somehow bait a trap with Naga,\" Omi said simply." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At dusk, Blackthorne and Mariko rode up to the gate of his house, outriders following." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both were tired. She rode as a man would ride, wearing loose trousers and over them a belted mantle. She had on a wide-brimmed hat and gloves to protect her from the sun. Even peasant women tried to protect their faces and their hands from the rays of the sun. From time immemorial, the darker the skin the more common the person; the whiter, the more prized.\n\nMale servants took the halters and led the horses away. Blackthorne dismissed his outriders in tolerable Japanese and greeted Fujiko, who waited proudly on the veranda as usual.\n\n\"May I serve you cha, Anjin-san,\" she said ceremoniously, as usual, and \"No,\" he said as usual. \"First I will bathe. Then saké and some food.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And, as usual, he returned her bow and went through the corridor to the back of the house, out into the garden, along the circling path to the mud-wattled bath house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A servant took his clothes and he went in and sat down naked." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'tonight' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another servant scrubbed him and soaped him and shampooed him and poured water over him to wash away the lather and the dirt. Then, completely clean, gradually—because the water was so hot—he stepped into the huge iron-sided bath and lay down.\n\n\"Christ Jesus, that's grand,\" he exulted, and let the heat seep into his muscles, his eyes closed, the sweat running down his forehead.\n\nHe heard the door open and Suwo's voice and \"Good evening, Master,\" followed by many words of Japanese which he did not understand. But tonight he was too tired to try to converse with Suwo. And the bath, as Mariko had explained many times, 'is not merely for cleaning the skin. The bath is a gift to us from God or the gods, a god-bequeathed pleasure to be enjoyed and treated as such.'\n\n\"No talk, Suwo,\" he said. \"Tonight wish think.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'troops' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Master. Your pardon, but you should say, 'Tonight I wish to think.'\"\n\n\"Tonight I wish to think.\" Blackthorne repeated the correct Japanese, trying to get the almost incomprehensible sounds into his head, glad to be corrected but very weary of it.\n\n\"Where's the dictionary-grammar book?\" he had asked Mariko first thing this morning. \"Has Yabu-sama sent another request for it?\"\n\n\"Yes. Please be patient, Anjin-san. It will arrive soon.\"\n\n\"It was promised with the galley and the troops. It didn't arrive. Troops and guns but no books. I'm lucky you're here. It'd be impossible without you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Difficult, but not impossible, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do I say, 'No, you're doing it wrong! You must all run as a team, stop as a team, aim and fire as a team'?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To whom are you talking, Anjin-san?\" she had asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then again he had felt his frustration rising. \"It's all very difficult, Mariko-san.\"\n\n\"Oh, no, Anjin-san. Japanese is very simple to speak compared with other languages. There are no articles, no 'the,' 'a,' or 'an.' No verb conjugations or infinitives. All verbs are regular, ending in masu, and you can say almost everything by using the present tense only, if you want. For a question just add ka after the verb. For a negative just change masu to masen. What could be easier? Yukimasu means I go, but equally you, he, she, it, we, they go, or will go, or even could have gone. Even plural and singular nouns are the same. Tsuma means wife, or wives. Very simple.\"\n\n\"Well, how do you tell the difference between I go, yukimasu, and they went, yukimasu?\"\n\n\"By inflection, Anjin-san, and tone. Listen: yukimasu—yukimasu.\"\n\n\"But these both sounded exactly the same.\"\n\n\"Ah, Anjin-san, that's because you're thinking in your own language. To understand Japanese you have to think Japanese. Don't forget our language is the language of the infinite. It's all so simple, Anjin-san. Just change your concept of the world. Japanese is just learning a new art, detached from the world... It's all so simple.\"\n\n\"It's all shit,\" he had muttered in English, and felt better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What? What did you say?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing. But what you say doesn't make sense.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Learn the written characters,\" Mariko had said.\n\n\"I can't. It'll take too long. They're meaningless.\"\n\n\"Look, they're really simple pictures, Anjin-san. The Chinese are very clever. We borrowed their writing a thousand years ago. Look, take this character, or symbol, for a pig.\"\n\n\"It doesn't look like a pig.\"\n\n\"Once it did, Anjin-san. Let me show you. Here. Add a 'roof' symbol over a 'pig' symbol and what do you have?\"\n\n\"A pig and a roof.\"\n\n\"But what does that mean? The new character?\"\n\n\"I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Home.' In the olden days the Chinese thought a pig under a roof was home. They're not Buddhists, they're meat eaters, so a pig to them, to peasants, represented wealth, hence a good home. Hence the character.\"\n\n\"But how do you say it?\"\n\n\"That depends if you're Chinese or Japanese.\"\n\n\"Oh ko!\"\n\n\"Oh ko, indeed,\" she had laughed. \"Here's another character. A 'roof' symbol and a 'pig' symbol and a 'woman' symbol. A 'roof' with two 'pigs' under it means 'contentment.' A 'roof' with two 'women' under it equals 'discord.' Neh?\"\n\n\"Absolutely!\"\n\n\"Of course, the Chinese are very stupid in many things and their women are not trained as women are here. There's no discord in your home, is there?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne thought about that now, on the twelfth day of his rebirth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No. There was no discord. But neither was it a home. Fujiko was only like a trustworthy housekeeper and tonight when he went to his bed to sleep, the futons would be turned back and she would be kneeling beside them patiently, expressionlessly. She would be dressed in her sleeping kimono, which was similar to a day kimono but softer and with only a loose sash instead of a stiff obi at the waist.\n\n\"Thank you, Lady,\" he would say. \"Good night.\"\n\nShe would bow and go silently to the room across the corridor, next to the one Mariko slept in. Then he would get under the fine silk mosquito net. He had never known such nets before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he would lie back happily, and in the night, hearing the few insects buzzing outside, he would dwell on the Black Ship, how important the Black Ship was to Japan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without the Portuguese, no trade with China." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And no silks for clothes or for nets. Even now, with the humidity only just beginning, he knew their value.\n\nIf he stirred in the night a maid would open the door almost instantly to ask if there was anything he wanted. Once he had not understood. He motioned the maid away and went to the garden and sat on the steps, looking at the moon. Within a few minutes Fujiko, tousled and bleary, came and sat silently behind him.\n\n\"Can I get you anything, Lord?\"\n\n\"No, thank you. Please go to bed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had said something he did not understand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again he had motioned her away so she spoke sharply to the maid, who attended her like a shadow. Soon Mariko came." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you all right, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. I don't know why you were disturbed. Christ Jesus—I'm just looking at the moon. I couldn't sleep. I just wanted some air.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko spoke to her haltingly, ill at ease, hurt by the irritation in his voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She says you told her to go back to sleep. She just wanted you to know that it's not our custom for a wife or consort to sleep while her master's awake, that's all, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Then she'll have to change her custom. I'm often up at night. By myself. It's a habit from being at sea—I sleep very lightly ashore.\"\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san.\"\n\nMariko had explained and the two women had gone away. But Blackthorne knew that Fujiko had not gone back to sleep and would not, until he slept. She was always up and waiting whatever time he came back to the house. Some nights he walked the shore alone. Even though he insisted on being alone, he knew that he was followed and watched." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not because they were afraid he was trying to escape. Only because it was their custom for important people always to be attended. In Anjiro he was important.\n\nIn time he accepted her presence. It was as Mariko had first said, 'Think of her as a rock or a shoji or a wall. It is her duty to serve you.'\n\nIt was different with Mariko.\n\nHe was glad that she had stayed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without her presence he could never have begun the training, let alone explained the intricacies of strategy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He blessed her and Father Domingo and Alban Caradoc and his other teachers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I never thought the battles would ever be put to good use, he thought again. Once when his ship was carrying a cargo of English wools to Antwerp, a Spanish army had swooped down upon the city and every man had gone to the barricades and to the dikes. The sneak attack had been beaten off and the Spanish infantry outgunned and outmaneuvered. That was the first time he had seen William, Duke of Orange, using regiments like chess pieces. Advancing, retreating in pretended panic to regroup again, charging back again, guns blazing in packed, gut-hurting, ear-pounding salvos, breaking through the Invincibles to leave them dying and screaming, the stench of blood and powder and urine and horses and dung filling you, and a wild frantic joy of killing possessing you and the strength of twenty in your arms.\n\n\"Christ Jesus, it's grand to be victorious,\" he said aloud in the tub.\n\n\"Master?\" Suwo said.\n\n\"Nothing,\" he replied in Japanese." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I talking—I was just think—just thinking aloud.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I understand, Master. Yes. Your pardon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne let himself drift away.\n\nMariko. Yes, she's been invaluable.\n\nAfter that first night of his almost suicide, nothing had ever been said again. What was there to say?\n\nI'm glad there's so much to do, he thought. No time to think except here in the bath for these few minutes. Never enough time to do everything. Ordered to concentrate on training and teaching and not on learning, but wanting to learn, trying to learn, needing to learn to fulfill the promise to Yabu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never enough hours. Always exhausted and drained by bedtime, sleeping instantly, to be up at dawn and riding fast to the plateau." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Training all morning, then a sparse meal, never satisfying and never meat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then every afternoon until nightfall—sometimes till very late at night—with Yabu and Omi and Igurashi and Naga and Zukimoto and a few of the other officers, talking about war, answering questions about war." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How to wage war." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How barbarians war and how Japanese war." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On land and at sea. Scribes always taking notes. Many, many notes.\n\nSometimes with Yabu alone.\n\nBut always Mariko there—part of him—talking for him. And for Yabu. Mariko different now toward him, he no longer a stranger.\n\nOther days the scribes reading back the notes, always checking, being meticulous, revising and checking again until now, after twelve days and a hundred hours or so of detailed exhaustive explanation, a war manual was forming. Exact. And lethal.\n\nLethal to whom? Not to us English or Hollanders, who will come here peacefully and only as traders. Lethal to Yabu's enemies and to Toranaga's enemies, and to our Portuguese and Spanish enemies when they try to conquer Japan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like they've done everywhere else." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In every newly discovered territory." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'anjin-san' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First the priests arrive. Then the conquistadores.\n\nBut not here, he thought with great contentment. Never here—now. The manual's lethal and proof against that. No conquest here, given a few years for the knowledge to spread.\n\n\"Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Hai, Mariko-san?\"\n\nShe was bowing to him. \"Yabu-ko wa kiden no goshusseki o konya wa hitsuyo to senu to oserareru, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The words formed slowly in his head: \"Lord Yabu does not require to see you tonight.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ichi-ban,\" he said blissfully. \"Domo.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gomen nasai, Anjin-san. Anatawa—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'first' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Mariko-san,\" he interrupted her, the heat of the water sapping his energy. \"I know I should have said it differently but I don't want to speak any more Japanese now. Not tonight. Now I feel like a schoolboy who's been let out of school for the Christmas holiday. Do you realize these'll be the first free hours I've had since I arrived?\"\n\n\"Yes, yes I do.\" She smiled wryly. \"And do you realize, Senhor Captain-Pilot B'rack'fon, these will be the first free hours I've had since I arrived?\"\n\nHe laughed. She was wearing a thick cotton bathing robe tied loosely, and a towel around her head to protect her hair. Every evening as soon as his massage began, she would take the bath, sometimes alone, sometimes with Fujiko.\n\n\"Here, you have it now,\" he said, beginning to get out.\n\n\"Oh, please, no, I don't wish to disturb you.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Weave this into your narrative: \"Thank you. I can hardly wait to soak the sweat and dust away.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then share it. It's wonderful.\"\n\n\"Thank you. I can hardly wait to soak the sweat and dust away.\" She took off her robe and sat on the tiny seat. A servant began to lather her, Suwo waiting patiently near the massage table.\n\n\"It is rather like a school holiday,\" she said, as happily.\n\nThe first time Blackthorne had seen her naked on the day that they swam he had been greatly affected. Now her nakedness, of itself, did not touch him physically. Living closely in Japanese style in a Japanese house where the walls were paper and the rooms multipurpose, he had seen her unclothed and partially clothed many times." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'normal' | Required occurrences: 6" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had even seen her relieving herself.\n\n\"What's more normal, Anjin-san? Bodies are normal, and differences between men and women are normal, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, but it's, er, just that we're trained differently.\"\n\n\"But now you're here and our customs are your customs and normal is normal. Neh?\"\n\nNormal was urinating or defecating in the open if there were no latrines or buckets, just lifting your kimono or parting it and squatting or standing, everyone else politely waiting and not watching, rarely screens for privacy. Why should one require privacy? And soon one of the peasants would gather the feces and mix it with water to fertilize crops. Human manure and urine were the only substantial source of fertilizer in the Empire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were few horses and bullocks, and no other animal sources at all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So every human particle was harbored and sold to the farmers throughout the land." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And after you've seen the highborn and the lowborn parting or lifting and standing or squatting, there's not much left to be embarrassed about.\n\n\"Is there, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"Good,\" she had said, very satisfied. \"Soon you will like raw fish and fresh seaweed and then you'll really be hatamoto.\"\n\nThe maid poured water over her. Then, cleansed, Mariko stepped into the bath and lay down opposite him with a long-drawn sigh of ecstasy, the little crucifix dangling between her breasts.\n\n\"How do you do that?\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\n\"Get in so quickly. It's so hot.\"\n\n\"I don't know, Anjin-san, but I asked them to put more firewood on and to heat up the water. For you, Fujiko always makes sure it's—we would call it tepid.\"\n\n\"If this is tepid, then I'm a Dutchman's uncle!\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Nothing.\"\n\nThe water's heat made them drowsy and they lolled a while, not saying a word.\n\nLater she said, \"What would you like to do this evening, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Weave this into your narrative: \"Do you have plays here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If we were up in London we'd—\" Blackthorne stopped. I won't think about them, he told himself. Or London. That's gone. That doesn't exist. Only here exists.\n\n\"If?\" She was watching him, aware of the change.\n\n\"We'd go to a theater and see a play,\" he said, dominating himself. \"Do you have plays here?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, Anjin-san. Plays are very popular with us. The Taikō liked to perform in them for the entertainment of his guests, even Lord Toranaga likes to. And of course there are many touring companies for the common people. But our plays are not quite like yours, so I believe. Here our actors and actresses wear masks. We call the plays 'Nōh.' They're part music, partially danced and mostly very sad, very tragic, historical plays. Some are comedies. Would we see a comedy, or perhaps a religious play?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, we'd go to the Globe Theater and see something by a playwright called Shakespeare. I like him better than Ben Jonson or Marlowe. Perhaps we'd see The Taming of the Shrew or A Midsummer Night's Dream or Romeo and Juliet. I took my wife to Romeo and Juliet and she liked it very much.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He explained the plots to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mostly Mariko found them incomprehensible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would be unthinkable here for a girl to disobey her father like that. But so sad, neh? Sad for a young girl and sad for the boy. She was only thirteen? Do all your ladies marry so young?\"\n\n\"No. Fifteen or sixteen's usual. My wife was seventeen when we were married. How old were you?\"\n\n\"Just fifteen, Anjin-san.\" A shadow crossed her brow which he did not notice. \"And after the play, what would we do?\"\n\n\"I would take you to eat. We'd go to Stone's Chop House in Fetter Lane, or the Cheshire Cheese in Fleet Street. They are inns where the food's special.\"\n\n\"What would you eat?\"\n\n\"I'd rather not remember,\" he said with a lazy smile, turning his mind back to the present. \"I can't remember. Here is where we are and here is where we'll eat, and I enjoy raw fish and karma is karma.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sank deeper into the tub." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A great word 'karma.' And a great idea. Your help's been enormous to me, Mariko-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's my pleasure to be of a little service to you.\" Mariko relaxed into the warmth. \"Fujiko has some special food for you tonight.\"\n\n\"Oh?\"\n\n\"She bought a—I think you call it a pheasant. It's a large bird. One of the falconers caught it for her.\"\n\n\"A pheasant? You really mean it? Honto?\"\n\n\"Honto,\" she replied. \"Fujiko asked them to hunt for you. She asked me to tell you.\"\n\n\"How is it being cooked?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"One of the soldiers had seen the Portuguese preparing them and he told Fujiko-san. She asks you to be patient if it's not cooked properly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But how is she doing it—how're the cooks doing it?\" He corrected himself, for servants alone did the cooking and cleaning.\n\n\"She was told that first someone pulls out all the feathers, then—then takes out the entrails.\" Mariko controlled her squeamishness. \"Then the bird's either cut into small pieces and fried with oil, or boiled with salt and spices.\" Her nose wrinkled. \"Sometimes they cover it with mud and put it into the coals of a fire and bake it. We have no ovens, Anjin-san. So it will be fried. I hope that's all right.\"\n\n\"I'm sure it'll be perfect,\" he said, certain it would be inedible.\n\nShe laughed. \"You're so transparent, Anjin-san, sometimes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't understand how important food is!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In spite of himself he smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're right. I shouldn't be interested in food. But I can't control hunger.\"\n\n\"You'll soon be able to do that. You'll even learn how to drink cha from an empty cup.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"This is not the place to explain that, Anjin-san, or the time. For that you must be very awake and very alert. A quiet sunset, or dawning, is necessary. I will show you how, one day, because of what you did. Oh, it is so good to lie here, isn't it? A bath is truly the gift of God.\"\n\nHe heard the servants outside the wall, stoking the fire. He bore the intensifying heat as long as he could, then emerged from the water, half helped by Suwo, and lay back gasping on the thick towel cloth. The old man's fingers probed. Blackthorne could have cried out with pleasure. \"That's so good.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've changed so much in the last few days, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Have I?\"\n\n\"Oh yes, since your rebirth—yes, very much.\"\n\nHe tried to recall the first night but could remember little. Somehow he had made it back on his own legs. Fujiko and the servants had helped him to bed. After a dreamless sleep, he woke at dawn and went for a swim. Then, drying in the sun, he had thanked God for the strength and the clue that Mariko had given him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Later, walking home, he greeted the villagers, knowing secretly that they were freed of Yabu's curse, as he was freed.\n\nThen, when Mariko had arrived, he had sent for Mura.\n\n\"Mariko-san, please tell Mura this: 'We have a problem, you and I. We will solve it together. I want to join the village school. To learn to speak with children.'\"\n\n\"They haven't a school, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"None?\"\n\n\"No. Mura says there's a monastery a few ri to the west and the monks could teach you reading and writing if you wish. But this is a village, Anjin-san. The children here need to learn the ways of fish, the sea, making nets, planting and growing rice and crops. There's little time for anything else, except reading and writing. And, too, parents and grandparents teach their own, as always.\"\n\n\"Then how can I learn when you've gone?\"\n\n\"Lord Toranaga will send the books.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll need more than books.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everything will be satisfactory, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Perhaps. But tell the headman that whenever I make a mistake, everyone—everyone, even a child—is to correct me. At once. I order it.\"\n\n\"He says thank you, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Does anyone here speak Portuguese?\"\n\n\"He says no.\"\n\n\"Anyone nearby?\"\n\n\"Iyé, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Mariko-san, I've got to have someone when you leave.\"\n\n\"I'll tell Yabu-san what you've said.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mura-san, you—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Essential phrase to include: \"Fujiko-san welcomes you home, Anjin-san. She says you have done her great honor and she begs your forgiveness for being rude on the ship. She is honored to be consort and head of your house. She asks if you will keep the swords as it would please her greatly. They belonged to her father, who is dead. She had not given them to her husband because he had swords of his own.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He says you must not use 'san' to him or to any villagers. They are beneath you. It's not correct for you to say 'san' to them or anyone beneath you.\"\n\nFujiko had also bowed to the ground that first day. \"Fujiko-san welcomes you home, Anjin-san. She says you have done her great honor and she begs your forgiveness for being rude on the ship. She is honored to be consort and head of your house. She asks if you will keep the swords as it would please her greatly. They belonged to her father, who is dead. She had not given them to her husband because he had swords of his own.\"\n\n\"Thank her and say I'm honored she's consort,\" he had said.\n\nMariko had bowed too. Formally. \"You are in a new life now, Anjin-san. We look at you with new eyes. It is our custom to be formal sometimes, with great seriousness. You have opened my eyes. Very much. Once you were just a barbarian to me. Please excuse my stupidity. What you did proves you're samurai. Now you are samurai. Please forgive my previous bad manners.\"\n\nHe had felt very tall that day. But his self-inflicted near-death had changed him more than he realized and scarred him forever, more than the sum of all his other near-deaths." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Did you rely on Omi?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked himself. That Omi would catch the blow?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Didn't you give him plenty of warning?\n\nI don't know. I only know I'm glad he was ready, Blackthorne answered himself truthfully. That's another life gone!\n\n\"That's my ninth life. The last!\" he said aloud. Suwo's fingers ceased at once.\n\n\"What?\" Mariko asked. \"What did you say, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Nothing. It was nothing,\" he replied, ill at ease." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hurt you, Master?\" Suwo said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\"\n\nSuwo said something more that he did not understand.\n\n\"Dozo?\"\n\nMariko said distantly, \"He wants to massage your back now.\"\n\nBlackthorne turned on his stomach and repeated the Japanese and forgot it at once. He could see her through the steam. She was breathing deeply, her head tilted back slightly, her skin pink.\n\nHow does she stand the heat, he asked himself." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Training, I suppose, from childhood.\n\nSuwo's fingers pleasured him, and he drowsed momentarily.\n\nWhat was I thinking about?\n\nYou were thinking about your ninth life, your last life, and you were frightened, remembering the superstition. But it is foolish here in this Land of the Gods to be superstitious. Things are different here and this is forever. Today is forever.\n\nTomorrow many things can happen.\n\nToday I'll abide by their rules.\n\nI will." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene (which might reference existing characters and worldbuilding), and you will continue the story with 1 sentence, channeling the voice and techniques of James Clavell." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The maid brought in the covered dish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She held it high above her head as was custom, so that her breath would not defile the food." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anxiously she knelt and placed it carefully on the tray table in front of Blackthorne." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On each little table were bowls and chopsticks, saké cups and napkins, and a tiny flower arrangement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko and Mariko were sitting opposite him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They wore flowers and silver combs in their hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko's kimono was a pale green pattern of fish on a white background, her obi gold." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko wore black and red with a thin silver overlay of chrysanthemums and a red and silver check obi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both wore perfume, as always." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Incense burned to keep the night bugs away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne had long since composed himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew that any displeasure from him would destroy their evening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If pheasants could be caught there would be other game, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had a horse and guns and he could hunt himself, if only he could get the time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko leaned over and took the lid off the dish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The small pieces of fried meat were browned and seemed perfect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He began to salivate at the aroma." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Slowly he took a piece of meat in his chopsticks, willing it not to fall, and chewed the flesh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was tough and dry, but he had been meatless for so long it was delicious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another piece. He sighed with pleasure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ichi-ban, ichi-ban, by God!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko blushed and poured him saké to hide her face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko fanned herself, the crimson fan a dragonfly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne quaffed the wine and ate another piece and poured more wine and ritualistically offered his brimming cup to Fujiko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She refused, as was custom, but tonight he insisted, so she drained the cup, choking slightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko also refused and was also made to drink." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he attacked the pheasant with as little gusto as he could manage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The women hardly touched their small portions of vegetables and fish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This didn't bother him because it was a female custom to eat before or afterward so that all their attention could be devoted to the master." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He ate all the pheasant and three bowls of rice and slurped his saké, which was also good manners." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt replete for the first time in months." }, { "from": "human", "value": "During the meal he had finished six flasks of the hot wine, Mariko and Fujiko two between them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now they were flushed and giggling and at the silly stage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko chuckled and put her hand in front of her mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish I could drink saké like you, Anjin-san. You drink saké better than any man I've ever known. I wager you'd be the best in Izu! I could win a lot of money on you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought samurai disapproved of gambling.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh they do, absolutely they do, they're not merchants and peasants. But not all samurai are as strong as others and many—how do you say—many'll bet like the Southern Bar—like the Portuguese bet.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do women bet?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, yes. Very much. But only with other ladies and in careful amounts and always so their husbands never find out!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She gaily translated for Fujiko, who was more flushed than she." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your consort asks do Englishmen bet? Do you like to wager?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's our national pastime.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he told them about horse racing and skittles and bull baiting and coursing and whippets and hawking and bowls and the new stock companies and letters of marque and shooting and darts and lotteries and boxing and cards and wrestling and dice and checkers and dominoes and the time at the fairs when you put farthings on numbers and bet against the wheels of chance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But how do you find time to live, to war, and to pillow, Fujiko asks?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's always time for those.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their eyes met for a moment but he could not read anything in hers, only happiness and maybe too much wine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko begged him to sing the hornpipe song for Fujiko, and he did and they congratulated him and said it was the best they had ever heard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have some more saké!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, you mustn't pour, Anjin-san, that's woman's duty. Didn't I tell you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Have some more, dozo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd better not. I think I'll fall over.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko fluttered her fan furiously and the draft stirred the threads of hair that had escaped from her immaculate coiffure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have nice ears,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So have you. We, Fujiko-san and I, we think your nose is perfect too, worthy of a daimyo.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He grinned and bowed elaborately to them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They bowed back. The folds of Mariko's kimono fell away from her neck slightly, revealing the edge of her scarlet under-kimono and the swell of her breasts, and it stirred him considerably." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Saké, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He held out the cup, his fingers steady." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She poured, watching the cup, the tip of her tongue touching her lips as she concentrated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko reluctantly accepted some too, though she said that she couldn't feel her legs anymore." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her quiet melancholia had gone tonight and she seemed young again. Blackthorne noticed that she was not as ugly as he had once thought." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 12 sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jozen's head was buzzing. Not from saké but from the incredible war strategy that Yabu, Omi, and Igurashi had described so openly. Only Naga, the second-in-command, son of the arch-enemy, had said nothing, and had remained throughout the evening cold, arrogant, stiff-backed, with the characteristic large Toranaga nose on a taut face.\n\n\"Astonishing, Yabu-sama,\" Jozen said. \"Now I can understand the reason for secrecy. My Master will understand it also. Wise, very wise. And you, Naga-san, you've been silent all evening. I'd like your opinion. How do you like this new mobility—this new strategy?\"\n\n\"My father believes that all war possibilities should be considered, Jozen-san,\" the young man replied.\n\n\"But you, what's your opinion?\"\n\n\"I was sent here only to obey, to observe, to listen, to learn, and to test. Not to give opinions.\"\n\n\"Of course. But as second-in-command—I should say, as an illustrious second-in-command—do you consider the experiment a success?\"\n\n\"Yabu-sama or Omi-san should answer that. Or my father.\"\n\n\"But Yabu-sama said that everyone tonight was to talk freely. What's there to hide? We are all friends, neh? So famous a son of so famous a father must have an opinion. Neh?\"\n\nNaga's eyes narrowed under the taunt but he did not reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everyone can speak freely, Naga-san,\" Yabu said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you think?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include \"Lord Ishido doesn't covet your father's lands. He only seeks to protect the Empire for its rightful heir.\" somewhere in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think that, with surprise, this idea would win one skirmish or possibly one battle. With surprise, yes. But then?\" Naga's voice swept on icily. \"Then all sides would use the same plan and vast numbers of men would die unnecessarily, slain without honor by an assailant who won't even know who he has killed. I doubt if my father will actually authorize its use in a real battle.\"\n\n\"He's said that?\" Yabu put the question incisively, careless of Jozen.\n\n\"No, Yabu-sama. I'm giving my own opinion. Of course.\"\n\n\"But the Musket Regiment—you don't approve of it? It disgusts you?\" Yabu asked darkly.\n\nNaga looked at him with flat, reptilian eyes. \"With great deference, since you ask my opinion, yes, I find it disgusting. Our forefathers have always known whom they killed or who defeated them. That's bushido, our way, the Way of the Warrior, the way of a true samurai. The better man victorious, neh? But now this? How do you prove your valor to your lord? How can he reward courage? To charge bullets is brave, yes, but also stupid. Where's the valor in that? Guns are against our samurai code. Barbarians fight this way, peasants fight this way. Do you realize filthy merchants and peasants, even eta, could fight this way?\" Jozen laughed and Naga continued even more menacingly. \"A few fanatic peasants could easily kill any number of samurai with enough guns! Yes, peasants could kill any one of us, even the Lord Ishido, who wants to sit in my father's place.\"\n\nJozen bridled. \"Lord Ishido doesn't covet your father's lands. He only seeks to protect the Empire for its rightful heir.\"\n\n\"My father's no threat to the Lord Yaemon, or to the Realm.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"My father doesn't tell me or anyone what he thinks, as you surely know. I don't speak for my father, no one speaks for him,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course, but you were talking about peasants. The Lord Taikō was once a peasant. My Lord Ishido was once a peasant. I was once a peasant. And a ronin!\"\n\nNaga wanted no quarrel. He knew he was no match for Jozen, whose prowess with sword and ax was renowned. \"I wasn't trying to insult your master or you or anyone, Jozen-san. I was merely saying that we samurai must all make very certain that peasants never have guns or none of us will be safe.\"\n\n\"Merchants and peasants'll never worry us,\" Jozen said.\n\n\"I agree,\" Yabu added, \"and Naga-san, I agree with part of what you say. Yes. But guns are modern. Soon all battles will be fought with guns. I agree it's distasteful. But it's the way of modern war. And then it'll be as it always was—the bravest samurai will always conquer.\"\n\n\"No, so sorry, but you're wrong, Yabu-sama! What did this cursed barbarian tell us—the essence of their war strategy? He freely admits that all their armies are conscript and mercenary. Neh? Mercenary! No sense of duty to their lords. The soldiers only fight for pay and loot, to rape and to gorge. Didn't he say their armies are peasant armies? That's what guns have brought to their world and that's what guns will bring to ours. If I had power, I'd take this barbarian's head tonight and outlaw all guns permanently.\"\n\n\"Is that what your father thinks?\" Jozen asked too quickly.\n\n\"My father doesn't tell me or anyone what he thinks, as you surely know. I don't speak for my father, no one speaks for him,\" Naga replied, angry at allowing himself to be trapped into talking at all. \"I was sent here to obey, to listen and not to talk. I apologize for talking. I would not have spoken unless you asked me. If I have offended you, or you, Yabu-sama, or you, Omi-san, I apologize.\"\n\n\"There's no need to apologize. I asked your views,\" Yabu said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why should anyone be offended? This is a discussion, neh? Among leaders. You'd outlaw guns?\"\n\n\"Yes. I think you'd be wise to keep a very close check on every gun in your domain.\"\n\n\"All peasants are forbidden weapons of any kind. My peasants and my people are very well controlled.\"\n\nJozen smirked at the slim youth, loathing him. \"Interesting ideas you have, Naga-san. But you're mistaken about the peasants. They're nothing to samurai but providers. They're no more threat than a pile of dung.\"\n\n\"At the moment!\" Naga said, his pride commanding him. \"That's why I'd outlaw guns now. You're right, Yabu-san, that a new era requires new methods. But because of what this Anjin-san, this one barbarian, has said, I'd go much further than our present laws. I would issue Edicts that anyone other than a samurai found with a gun or caught trading in guns would immediately forfeit his life and that of every member of his family of every generation. Further, I would prohibit the making or importing of guns. I'd prohibit barbarians from wearing them or from bringing them to our shores. Yes, if I had power—which I do not seek and never will—I'd keep barbarians out of our country totally, except for a few priests and one port for trade, which I'd surround with a high fence and trusted warriors. Last, I'd put this foul-minded barbarian, the Anjin-san, to death at once so that his filthy knowledge will not spread. He's a disease.\"\n\nJozen said, \"Ah, Naga-san, it must be good to be so young. You know, my Master agrees with much of what you said about the barbarians. I've heard him say many times, 'Keep them out—kick them out—kick their arses away to Nagasaki and keep them bottled there!' You'd kill the Anjin-san, eh? Interesting. My Master doesn't like the Anjin-san either. But for him—\" He stopped. \"Ah, yes, you've a good thought about guns. I can see that clearly. May I tell that to my Master? Your idea about new laws?\"\n\n\"Of course.\" Naga was mollified, and calmer now that he had spoken what had been bottled up from the first day.\n\n\"You've given this opinion to Lord Toranaga?\" Yabu asked.\n\n\"Lord Toranaga has not asked my opinion. I hope one day he will honor me by asking as you have done,\" Naga replied at once with sincerity, and wondered if any of them detected the lie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi said, \"As this is a free discussion, Sire, I say this barbarian is a treasure. I believe we must learn from the barbarian. We must know about guns and fighting ships because they know about them. We must know everything they know as soon as they know it, and even now, some of us must begin to learn to think like they do so that soon we can surpass them.\"\n\nNaga said confidently, \"What could they possibly know, Omi-san? Yes, guns and ships. But what else? How could they destroy us? There's not a samurai among them. Doesn't this Anjin admit openly that even their kings are murderers and religious fanatics? We're millions, they're a handful. We could swamp them with our hands alone.\"\n\n\"This Anjin-san opened my eyes, Naga-san. I've discovered that our land, and China, isn't the whole world, it's only a very small part. At first I thought the barbarian was just a curiosity. Now I don't. I thank the gods for him. I think he's saved us and I know we can learn from him. Already he's given us power over the Southern Barbarians—and over China.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"The Taikō failed because their numbers are too great for us, man to man, arrow to arrow, neh? With guns and barbarian skill we could take Peking.\"\n\n\"With barbarian treachery, Omi-san!\"\n\n\"With barbarian knowledge, Naga-san, we could take Peking. Whoever takes Peking eventually controls China. And whoever controls China can control the world. We must learn not to be ashamed of taking knowledge from wherever it comes.\"\n\n\"I say we need nothing from outside.\"\n\n\"Without offense, Naga-san, I say we must protect this Land of the Gods by any means. It's our prime duty to protect the unique, divine position we have on earth. Only this is the Land of the Gods, neh? Only our Emperor is divine. I agree this barbarian should be gagged. But not by death. By permanent isolation here in Anjiro, until we have learned everything he knows.\"\n\nJozen scratched thoughtfully. \"My Master will be told of your views. I agree the barbarian should be isolated. Also that training should cease at once.\"\n\nYabu took a scroll from his sleeve. \"Here is a full report on the experiment for Lord Ishido. When Lord Ishido wishes the training to cease, of course, the training will cease.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'jozen' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jozen accepted the scroll. \"And Lord Toranaga? What about him?\" His eyes went to Naga. Naga said nothing but stared at the scroll.\n\nYabu said, \"You will be able to ask his opinion directly. He has a similar report. I presume you'll be leaving for Yedo tomorrow? Or would you like to witness the training? I hardly need tell you the men are not yet proficient.\"\n\n\"I would like to see one 'attack.'\"\n\n\"Omi-san, arrange it. You lead it.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\nJozen turned to his second-in-command and gave him the scroll. \"Masumoto, take this to Lord Ishido. You will leave at once.\"\n\n\"Yes, Jozen-san.\"\n\nYabu said to Igurashi, \"Provide him with guides to the border and fresh horses.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Igurashi left with the samurai immediately.\n\nJozen stretched and yawned. \"Please excuse me,\" he said, \"but it's all the riding I've done in the last few days. I must thank you for an extraordinary evening, Yabu-sama. Your ideas are far-reaching. And yours, Omi-san. And yours, Naga-san. I'll compliment you to the Lord Toranaga and to my Master. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm very tired and Osaka is a long way off.\"\n\n\"Of course,\" Yabu said. \"How was Osaka?\"\n\n\"Very good. Remember those bandits, the ones that attacked you by land and sea?\"\n\n\"Of course.\"\n\n\"We took four hundred and fifty heads that night. Many were wearing Toranaga uniforms.\"\n\n\"Ronin have no honor. None.\"\n\n\"Some ronin have,\" Jozen said, smarting from the insult. He lived always with the shame of having once been ronin. \"Some were even wearing our Grays. Not one escaped. They all died.\"\n\n\"And Buntaro-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. He—\" Jozen stopped. The \"no\" had slipped out but now that he had said it he did not mind. \"No. We don't know for certain—no one collected his head. You've heard nothing about him?\"\n\n\"No,\" Naga said.\n\n\"Perhaps he was captured. Perhaps they just cut him into pieces and scattered him. My Master would like to know when you have news. All's very good now at Osaka. Preparations for the meeting go forward. There'll be lavish entertainments to celebrate the new era, and of course, to honor all the daimyos.\"\n\n\"And Lord Toda Hiro-matsu?\" Naga asked politely.\n\n\"Old Iron Fist's as strong and gruff as ever.\"\n\n\"He's still there?\"\n\n\"No. He left with all your father's men a few days before I did.\"\n\n\"And my father's household?\"\n\n\"I heard that the Lady Kiritsubo and the Lady Sazuko asked to stay with my Master. A doctor advised the Lady to rest for a month—her health, you know. He thought the journey would not be good for the expected child.\" To Yabu he added, \"She fell down the night you left, didn't she?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's nothing serious, I hope,\" Naga asked, very concerned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Naga-san, nothing serious,\" Jozen said, then again to Yabu, \"You've informed Lord Toranaga of my arrival?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good.\"\n\n\"The news you brought us would interest him greatly.\"\n\n\"Yes. I saw a carrier pigeon circle and fly north.\"\n\n\"I have that service now.\" Yabu did not add that Jozen's pigeon had also been observed, or that falcons had intercepted it near the mountains, or that the message had been decoded: \"At Anjiro. All true as reported. Yabu, Naga, Omi, and barbarian here.\"\n\n\"I will leave tomorrow, with your permission, after the 'attack.' You'll give me fresh horses? I must not keep Lord Toranaga waiting. I look forward to seeing him. So does my Master. At Osaka. I hope you'll accompany him, Naga-san.\"\n\n\"If I'm ordered there, I will be there.\" Naga kept his eyes lowered but he was burning with suppressed fury.\n\nJozen left and walked with his guards up the hill to his camp. He rearranged the sentries and ordered his men to sleep and got into his small brush lean-to that they had constructed against the coming rain. By candlelight, under a mosquito net, he rewrote the previous message on a thin piece of rice paper and added: \"The five hundred guns are lethal. Massed surprise gun attacks planned—full report already sent with Masumoto.\" Then he dated it and doused the candle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the darkness he slipped out of his net, removed one of the pigeons from the panniers and placed the message in the tiny container on its foot." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he stealthily made his way to one of his men and handed him the bird.\n\n\"Take it out into the brush,\" he whispered. \"Hide it somewhere where it can roost safely until dawn. As far away as you can. But be careful, there are eyes all around. If you're intercepted say I told you to patrol, but hide the pigeon first.\"\n\nThe man slid away as silently as a cockroach.\n\nPleased with himself, Jozen looked toward the village below. There were lights on in the fortress and on the opposite slope, in the house that he knew to be Omi's. There were a few also in the house just below, the one presently occupied by the barbarian.\n\nThat whelp Naga's right, Jozen thought, waving his hand at a mosquito. The barbarian's a filthy plague." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for James Clavell vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'kimono' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good night, Fujiko-san.\"\n\n\"Good night, Anjin-san.\"\n\nThe shoji closed behind her. Blackthorne took off his kimono and loincloth and put on the lighter sleeping kimono, got under the mosquito net, and lay down.\n\nHe blew out the candle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Deep darkness enveloped him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The house was quiet now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The small shutters were closed and he could hear the surf." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Clouds obscured the moon.\n\nThe wine and laughter had made him drowsy and euphoric and he listened to the surf and felt himself drifting with it, his mind fogged. Occasionally, a dog barked in the village below. I should get a dog, he thought, remembering his own bull terrier at home. Wonder if he's still alive?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Grog was his name but Tudor, his son, always called him \"Og-Og.\"\n\nAh, Tudor, laddie. It's been such a long time.\n\nWish I could see you all—even write a letter and send it home. Let's see, he thought. How would I begin?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My darlings: This is the first letter I've been able to send home since we made landfall in Japan. Things are well now that I know how to live according to their ways. The food is terrible but tonight I had pheasant and soon I'll get my ship back again. Where to start my story? Today I'm like a feudal lord in this strange country. I have a house, a horse, eight servants, a housekeeper, my own barber, and my own interpreter. I'm clean-shaven now and shave every day—the steel razors they have here must certainly be the best in the world. My salary's huge—enough to feed two hundred and fifty Japan families for one year. In England that'd be the equivalent of almost a thousand golden guineas a year! Ten times my salary from the Dutch company... \"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shoji began to open. His hand sought his pistol under the pillow and he readied, dragging himself back. Then he caught the almost imperceptible rustle of silk and a waft of perfume.\n\n\"Anjin-san?\" A thread of whisper, filled with promise.\n\n\"Hai?\" he asked as softly, peering into the darkness, unable to see clearly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Footsteps came closer. There was the sound of her kneeling and the net was pulled aside and she joined him inside the enclosing net. She took his hand and lifted it to her breast, then to her lips.\n\n\"Mariko-san?\"\n\nAt once fingers reached up in the darkness and touched his lips, cautioning silence. He nodded, understanding the awful risk they were taking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He held her tiny wrist and brushed it with his lips. In the pitch black his other hand sought and caressed her face. She kissed his fingers one by one. Her hair was loose and waist length now. His hands traveled her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The lovely feel of silk, nothing beneath.\n\nHer taste was sweet. His tongue touched her teeth, then rimmed her ears, discovering her. She loosened his robe and let hers fall aside, her breathing more languorous now. She pushed closer, nestling, and pulled the covering over their heads." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she began to love him, with hands and with lips." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With more tenderness and seeking and knowledge than he had ever known." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce ten sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne awoke at dawn. Alone. At first he was sure he had been dreaming, but her perfume still lingered and he knew that it had not been a dream.\n\nA discreet knock.\n\n\"Hai?\"\n\n\"Ohayo, Anjin-san, gomen nasai.\" A maid opened the shoji for Fujiko, then carried in the tray with cha and a bowl of rice gruel and sweet rice cakes.\n\n\"Ohayo, Fujiko-san, domo,\" he said, thanking her. She always came with his first meal personally, opened the net and waited while he ate, and the maid laid out a fresh kimono and tabi and loincloth.\n\nHe sipped the cha, wondering if Fujiko knew about last night. Her face gave nothing away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ikaga desu ka?\" How are you, Blackthorne asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Okagasama de genki desu, Anjin-san. Anata wa?\" Very well, thank you. And you?\n\nThe maid took out his fresh clothes from the concealed cupboard that melted neatly into the rest of the paper-latticed room, then left them alone.\n\n\"Anata wa yoku nemutta ka?\" Did you sleep well?\n\n\"Hai, Anjin-san, arigato gozaimashita!\" She smiled, put her hand to her head pretending pain, mimed being drunk and sleeping like a stone. \"Anata wa?\"\n\n\"Watashi wa yoku nemuru.\" I slept very well.\n\nShe corrected him, \"Watashi wa yoku nemutta.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Domo. Watashi wa yoku nemutta.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yoi! Taihenyoi!\" Good. Very good.\n\nThen from the corridor he heard Mariko call out, \"Fujiko-san?\"\n\n\"Hai, Mariko-san?\" Fujiko went to the shoji and opened it a crack. He could not see Mariko. And he did not understand what they were saying.\n\nI hope no one knows, he thought. I pray it is secret, just between us. Perhaps it would be better if it had been a dream.\n\nHe began to dress. Fujiko came back and knelt to do up the catches on the tabi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mariko-san? Nan ja?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nane mo, Anjin-san,\" she replied. It was nothing important.\n\nShe went to the tokonoma, the alcove with its hanging scroll and flower arrangement, where his swords were always put. She gave them to him. He stuck them in his belt. The swords no longer felt ridiculous to him, though he wished that he could wear them less self-consciously.\n\nShe had told him that her father had been granted the swords for bravery after a particularly bloody battle in the far north of Korea, seven years ago during the first invasion. The Japanese armies had ripped through the kingdom, victorious, slashing north. Then, when they were near the Yalu River, the Chinese hordes had abruptly poured across the border to join battle with the Japanese armies and, through the weight of their incredible numbers, had routed them. Fujiko's father had been part of the rearguard that had covered the retreat back to the mountains north of Seoul, where they had turned and fought the battle to a stalemate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This and the second campaign had been the costliest military expedition ever undertaken. When the Taikō had died last year, Toranaga, on behalf of the Council of Regents, had at once ordered the remnants of their armies home, to the great relief of the vast majority of daimyos, who detested the Korean campaign.\n\nBlackthorne walked out to the veranda. He stepped into his thongs and nodded to his servants, who had been assembled in a neat line to bow him off, as was custom.\n\nIt was a drab day. The sky was overcast and a warm wet wind came off the sea. The steppingstones that were set into the gravel of the path were wet with the rain that had fallen in the night.\n\nBeyond the gate were the horses and his ten samurai outriders. And Mariko.\n\nShe was already mounted and wore a pale yellow mantle over pale green silk trousers, a wide-brimmed hat and veil held with yellow ribbons, and gloves. A rain parasol was ready in its saddle-sheath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ohayo,\" he said formally. \"Ohayo, Mariko-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ohayo, Anjin-san. Ikaga desu ka?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Okagesama de genki desu. Anata wa?\"\n\nShe smiled. \"Yoi, arigato gozaimashita.\"\n\nShe gave not the faintest hint that anything was different between them. But he expected none, not in public, knowing how dangerous the situation was. Her perfume came over him and he would have liked to kiss her here, in front of everyone.\n\n\"Ikimasho!\" he said and swung into the saddle, motioning the samurai to ride off ahead. He walked his horse leisurely and Mariko fell into place beside him. When they were alone, he relaxed.\n\n\"Mariko.\"\n\n\"Hai?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he said in Latin, \"Thou art beautiful and I love thee.\"\n\n\"I thank thee, but so much wine last night makes my head to feel not beautiful today, not in truth, and love is a Christian word.\"\n\n\"Thou art beautiful and Christian, and wine could not touch thee.\"\n\n\"Thank thee for the lie, Anjin-san, yes, thank thee.\"\n\n\"No. I should thank thee.\"\n\n\"Oh? Why?\"\n\n\"Never 'why,' no 'why'. I thank thee sincerely.\"\n\n\"If wine and meat make thee so warm and fine and gallant,\" she said, \"Then I must tell thy consort to move the heaven and the earth to obtain them for thee every evening.\"\n\n\"Yes. I would have everything the same, always.\"\n\n\"Thou art untoward happy today,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good, very good. But why? Why truly?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because of thee. Thou knowest why.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'alone' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know nothing, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Nothing?\" he teased.\n\n\"Nothing.\"\n\nHe was taken aback. They were quite alone, and safe.\n\n\"Why doth 'nothing' take the heart out of they smile?\" she asked.\n\n\"Stupidity! Absolute stupidity! I forgot that it is most wise to be cautious. It was only that we were alone and I wanted to speak of it. And, in truth, to say more.\"\n\n\"Thou speakest in riddles. I do not understand thee.\"\n\nHe was nonplussed again. \"Thou dost not wish to talk about it? At all?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"About what, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What passed in the night then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I passed thy door in the night when my maid, Koi, was with thee.\"\n\n\"What!\"\n\n\"We, your consort and I, we thought she would be a pleasing gift for thee. She pleased thee, did she not?\"\n\nBlackthorne was trying to recover. Mariko's maid was her size but younger and never so fair and never so pretty, and yes, it was pitch dark and yes, his head was fogged with wine but no, it was not the maid.\n\n\"That's not possible,\" he said in Portuguese.\n\n\"What's not possible, senhor?\" she asked in the same language.\n\nHe reverted to Latin again, as the outriders were not far away, the wind blowing in their direction. \"Please do not joke with me. No one can hear. I know a presence and a perfume.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thou thinkest it was me? Oh, it was not, Anjin-san. I would be honored but I could never possibly... however much I might want—oh no, Anjin-san. It was not me but Koi, my maid. I would be honored, but I belong to another even though he's dead.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, but it wasn't your maid.\" He bit back his anger. \"But leave it as thou desirest.\"\n\n\"It was my maid, Anjin-san,\" she said placatingly. \"We anointed her with my perfume and instructed her: no words, only touch. We never thought for a moment thou wouldst consider her to be me! This was not to trick thee but for thine ease, knowing that discussing things of the pillow still embarrasses thee.\" She was looking at him with wide, innocent eyes. \"She pleasured thee, Anjin-san? Thou pleasured her.\"\n\n\"A joke concerning things of great importance is sometimes without humor.\"\n\n\"Things of great import will always be treated with great import. But a maid in the night with a man is without import.\"\n\n\"I do not consider thee without import.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thank thee. I say that equally. But a maid in the night with a man is private and without import. It is a gift from her to him and, sometimes, from him to her. Nothing more.\"\n\n\"Never?\"\n\n\"Sometimes. But this private pillow matter does not have this vast seriousness of thine.\"\n\n\"Never?\"\n\n\"Only when the woman and man join together against the law. In this land.\"\n\nHe reined in, finally comprehending the reason for her denial. \"I apologize,\" he said. \"Yes, thou art right and I most very wrong. I should never have spoken. I apologize.\"\n\n\"Why apologize? For what? Tell me, Anjin-san, was this girl wearing a crucifix?\"\n\n\"No.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I always wear it. Always.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "DIRECTIVE: Incorporate \"Tell me a last truth: Did you really see the girl? Really see her?\" in response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A crucifix can be taken off,\" he said automatically in Portuguese. \"That proves nothing. It could be loaned, like a perfume.\"\n\n\"Tell me a last truth: Did you really see the girl? Really see her?\"\n\n\"Of course. Please let us forget I ever—\"\n\n\"The night was very dark, the moon overcast. Please, the truth, Anjin-san. Think! Did you really see the girl?\"\n\nOf course I saw her, he thought indignantly.\n\nGod damn it, think truly. You didn't see her. Your head was fogged. She could have been the maid but you knew it was Mariko because you wanted Mariko and saw only Mariko in your head, believing that Mariko would want you equally." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You're a fool. A goddamned fool.\n\n\"In truth, no. In truth I should really apologize,\" he said. \"How do I apologize?\"\n\n\"There's no need to apologize, Anjin-san,\" she replied calmly. \"I've told you many times a man never apologizes, even when he's wrong. You were not wrong.\" Her eyes teased him now. \"My maid needs no apology.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" he said, laughing. \"You make me feel less of a fool.\"\n\n\"The years flee from you when you laugh. The so-serious Anjin-san becomes a boy again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My father told me I was born old.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Were you?\"\n\n\"He thought so.\"\n\n\"What's he like?\"\n\n\"He was a fine man. A shipowner, a captain. The Spanish killed him at a place called Antwerp when they put that city to the sword. They burned his ship. I was six, but I remember him as a big, tall, good-natured man with golden hair. My older brother, Arthur, he was just eight... We had bad times then, Mariko-san.\"\n\n\"Why? Please tell me. Please!\"\n\n\"It's all very ordinary. Every penny of money was tied into the ship and that was lost... and, well, not long after that, my sister died. She starved to death really. There was famine in '71 and plague again.\"\n\n\"We have plague sometimes. The smallpox. You were many in your family?\"\n\n\"Three of us,\" he said, glad to talk to take away the other hurt. \"Willia, my sister, she was nine when she died. Arthur, he was next—he wanted to be an artist, a sculptor, but he had to become an apprentice stonemason to help support us. He was killed in the Armada. He was twenty-five, poor fool, he just joined a ship, untrained, such a waste. I'm the last of the Blackthornes. Arthur's wife and daughter live with my wife and kids now. My mother's still alive and so's old Granny Jacoba—she's seventy-five and hard as a piece of English oak though she was Irish. At least they were alive when I left more than two years ago.\"\n\nThe ache was coming back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'll think about them when I start for home, he promised himself, but not until then." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There'll be a storm tomorrow,\" he said, watching the sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A strong one, Mariko-san. Then in three days we'll have fair weather.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is the season of squalls. Mostly it's overcast and rain-filled. When the rains stop it becomes very humid. Then begin the tai-funs.\"\n\nI wish I were at sea again, he was thinking. Was I ever at sea? Was the ship real? What's reality? Mariko or the maid?\n\n\"You don't laugh very much, do you, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"I've been seafaring too long. Seamen're always serious. We've learned to watch the sea. We're always watching and waiting for disaster. Take your eyes off the sea for a second and she'll grasp your ship and make her matchwood.\"\n\n\"I'm afraid of the sea,\" she said.\n\n\"So am I. An old fisherman told me once, 'The man who's not afraid of the sea'll soon be drownded for he'll go out on a day he shouldn't. But we be afraid of the sea so we be only drownded now and again.'\" He looked at her: \"Mariko-san... \"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'course' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes?\"\n\n\"A few minutes ago you'd convinced me that—well, let's say I was convinced. Now I'm not. What's the truth? The honto. I must know.\"\n\n\"Ears are to hear with. Of course it was the maid.\"\n\n\"This maid. Can I ask for her whenever I want?\"\n\n\"Of course. A wise man would not.\"\n\n\"Because I might be disappointed? Next time?\"\n\n\"Possibly.\"\n\n\"I find it difficult to possess a maid and lose a maid, difficult to say nothing... \"\n\n\"Pillowing is a pleasure. Of the body. Nothing has to be said.\"\n\n\"But how do I tell a maid that she is beautiful? That I love her? That she filled me with ecstasy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It isn't seemly to 'love' a maid this way. Not here, Anjin-san. That passion's not even for a wife or a consort.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her eyes crinkled suddenly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'would' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But only toward someone like Kiku-san, the courtesan, who is so beautiful and merits this.\"\n\n\"Where can I find this girl?\"\n\n\"In the village. It would be my honor to act as your go-between.\"\n\n\"By Christ, I think you mean it.\"\n\n\"Of course. A man needs passions of all kinds. This Lady is worthy of romance—if you can afford her.\"\n\n\"What does that mean?\"\n\n\"She would be very expensive.\"\n\n\"You don't buy love. That type's worth nothing. 'Love' is without price.\"\n\nShe smiled. \"Pillowing always has its price. Always. Not necessarily money, Anjin-san. But a man pays, always, for pillowing in one way, or in another. True love, we call it duty, is of soul to soul and needs no such expression—no physical expression, except perhaps the gift of death.\"\n\n\"You're wrong. I wish I could show you the world as it is.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know the world as it is, and as it will be forever. You want this contemptible maid again?\"\n\n\"Yes. You know I want... \"\n\nMariko laughed gaily. \"Then she will be sent to you. At sunset. We will escort her, Fujiko and I!\"\n\n\"Goddamn it—I think you would too!\" He laughed with her.\n\n\"Ah, Anjin-san, it is good to see you laugh. Since you came back to Anjiro you have gone through a great change. A very great change.\"\n\n\"No. Not so much. But last night I dreamed a dream. That dream was perfection.\"\n\n\"God is perfection. And sometimes so is a sunset or moonrise or the first crocus of the year.\"\n\n\"I don't understand you at all.\"\n\nShe turned back the veil on her hat and looked directly at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Once another man said to me, 'I don't understand you at all,' and my husband said, 'Your pardon, Lord, but no man can understand her. Her father doesn't understand her, neither do the gods, nor her barbarian God, not even her mother understands her.'\"\n\n\"That was Toranaga? Lord Toranaga?\"\n\n\"Oh, no, Anjin-san. That was the Taikō. Lord Toranaga understands me. He understands everything.\"\n\n\"Even me?\"\n\n\"Very much you.\"\n\n\"You're sure of that, aren't you?\"\n\n\"Yes. Oh, very yes.\"\n\n\"Will he win the war?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"I'm his favored vassal?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will he take my navy?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"When will I get my ship back?\"\n\n\"You won't.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\nHer gravity vanished. \"Because you'll have your 'maid' in Anjiro and you'll be pillowing so much you'll have no energy to leave, even on your hands and knees, when she begs you to go aboard your ship, and when Lord Toranaga asks you to go aboard and to leave us all!\"\n\n\"There you go again! One moment so serious, the next not!\"\n\n\"That's only to answer you, Anjin-san, and to put certain things in a correct place. Ah, but before you leave us you should see the Lady Kiku. She's worthy of a great passion. She's so beautiful and talented. For her you would have to be extraordinary!\"\n\n\"I'm tempted to accept that challenge.\"\n\n\"I challenge no one. But if you're prepared to be samurai and not—not foreigner—if you're prepared to treat pillowing for what it is, then I would be honored to act as go-between.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'there' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What does that mean?\"\n\n\"When you're in good humor, when you're ready for very special amusement, ask your consort to ask me.\"\n\n\"Why Fujiko-san?\"\n\n\"Because it's your consort's duty to see that you are pleasured. It is our custom to make life simple. We admire simplicity, so men and women can take pillowing for what it is: an important part of life, certainly, but between a man and a woman there are more vital things. Humility, for one. Respect. Duty. Even this 'love' of yours. Fujiko 'loves' you.\"\n\n\"No she doesn't!\"\n\n\"She will give you her life. What more is there to give?\"\n\nAt length he took his eyes off her and looked at the sea. The waves were cresting the shore as the wind freshened. He turned back to her. \"Then nothing is to be said?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked. \"Between us?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing. That is wise.\"\n\n\"And if I don't agree?\"\n\n\"You must agree. You are here. This is your home.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around three sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and lore may appear without context - work with what's given.\n\nAuthor style: James Clavell" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The attacking five hundred galloped over the lip of the hill in a haphazard pack, down onto the rock-strewn valley floor where the two thousand \"defenders\" were drawn up in a battle array. Each rider wore a musket slung on his back and a belt with pouches for bullets, flints, and a powder horn. Like most samurai, their clothes were a motley collection of kimonos and rags, but their weapons always the best that each could afford." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only Toranaga and Ishido, copying him, insisted that their troops be uniformed and punctilious in their dress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All other daimyos considered such outward extravagance a foolish squandering of money, an unnecessary innovation. Even Blackthorne had agreed. The armies of Europe were never uniformed—what king could afford that, except for a personal guard?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was standing on a rise with Yabu and his aides, Jozen and all his men, and Mariko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the first full-scale rehearsal of an attack. He waited uneasily. Yabu was uncommonly tense, and Omi and Naga both had been touchy almost to the point of belligerence. Particularly Naga.\n\n\"What's the matter with everyone?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he had asked Mariko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps they wish to do well in front of their lord and his guest.\"\n\n\"Is he a daimyo too?\"\n\n\"No. But important, one of Lord Ishido's generals. It would be good if everything were perfect today.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wish I'd been told there was to be a rehearsal.\"\n\n\"What would that have accomplished? Everything you could do, you have done.\"\n\nYes, Blackthorne thought, as he watched the five hundred." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But they're nowhere near ready yet. Surely Yabu knows that too, everyone does. So if there is a disaster, well, that's karma, he told himself with more confidence, and found consolation in that thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The attackers gathered speed and the defenders stood waiting under the banners of their captains, jeering at the \"enemy\" as they would normally do, strung out in loose formation, three or four men deep. Soon the attackers would dismount out of arrow range. Then the most valiant warriors on both sides would truculently strut to the fore to throw down the gauntlet, proclaiming their own lineage and superiority with the most obvious of insults." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Single armed conflicts would begin, gradually increasing in numbers, until one commander would order a general attack and then it was every man for himself. Usually the greater number defeated the smaller, then the reserves would be brought up and committed, and again the melee until the morale of one side broke, and the few cowards that retreated would soon be joined by the many and a rout would ensue. Treachery was not unusual." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sometimes whole regiments, following their master's orders, would switch sides, to be welcomed as allies—always welcomed but never trusted. Sometimes the defeated commanders would flee to regroup to fight again. Sometimes they would stay and fight to the death, sometimes they would commit seppuku with ceremony." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rarely were they captured. Some offered their services to the victors. Sometimes this was accepted but most times refused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Death was the lot of the vanquished, quick for the brave and shame-filled for the cowardly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And this was the historic pattern of all skirmishes in this land, even at great battles, soldiers here the same as everywhere, except that here they were more ferocious and many, many more were prepared to die for their masters than anywhere else on earth.\n\nThe thunder of the hoofs echoed in the valley.\n\n\"Where's the attack commander? Where's Omi-san?\" Jozen asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Among the men, be patient,\" Yabu replied.\n\n\"But where's his standard? And why isn't he wearing battle armor and plumes? Where's the commander's standard? They're just like a bunch of filthy no-good bandits!\"\n\n\"Be patient! All officers are ordered to remain nondescript. I told you. And please don't forget we're pretending a battle is raging, that this is part of a big battle, with reserves and arm—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jozen burst out, \"Where are their swords? None of them are wearing swords! Samurai without swords? They'd be massacred!\"\n\n\"Be patient!\"\n\nNow the attackers were dismounting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first warriors strode out from the defending ranks to show their valor. An equal number began to measure up against them. Then, suddenly, the ungainly mass of attackers rushed into five tight-disciplined phalanxes, each with four ranks of twenty-five men, three phalanxes ahead and two in reserve, forty paces back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As one, they charged the enemy. In range they shuddered to a stop on command and the front ranks fired an ear-shattering salvo in unison. Screams and men dying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jozen and his men ducked reflexively, then watched appalled as the front ranks knelt and began to reload and the second ranks fired over them, with the third and fourth ranks following the same pattern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At each salvo more defenders fell, and the valley was filled with shouts and screams and confusion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're killing your own men!\" Jozen shouted above the uproar.\n\n\"It's blank ammunition, not real. They're all acting, but imagine it's a real attack with real bullets! Watch!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now the defenders \"recovered\" from the initial shock. They regrouped and whirled back to a frontal attack. But by this time the front ranks had reloaded and, on command, fired another salvo from a kneeling position, then the second rank fired standing, immediately kneeling to reload, then the third and the fourth, as before, and though many musketeers were slow and the ranks ragged, it was easy to imagine the awful decimation trained men would cause." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The counterattack faltered, then broke apart, and the defenders retreated in pretended confusion, back up the rise to stop just below the observers. Many \"dead\" littered the ground.\n\nJozen and his men were shaken." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Those guns would break any line!\"\n\n\"Wait. The battle's not over!\"\n\nAgain the defenders re-formed and now their commanders exhorted them to victory, committed the reserves, and ordered the final general attack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai rushed down the hill, emitting their terrible battle cries, to fall on the enemy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now they'll be stamped into the ground,\" Jozen said, caught up like all of them in the realism of this mock battle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he was right." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The phalanxes did not hold their ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They broke and fled before the battle cries of the true samurai with their swords and spears, and Jozen and his men added their shouts of scorn as the regiments hurtled to the kill." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The musketeers were fleeing like the Garlic Eaters, a hundred paces, two hundred paces, three hundred, then suddenly, on command, the phalanxes regrouped, this time in a V formation. Again the shattering salvos began. The attack faltered. Then stopped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the guns continued. Then they, too, stopped. The game ceased. But all on the rise knew that under actual conditions the two thousand would have been slaughtered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now, in the silence, defenders and attackers began to sort themselves out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The \"bodies\" got up, weapons were collected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was laughter and groaning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Many men limped and a few were badly hurt.\n\n\"I congratulate you, Yabu-sama,\" Jozen said with great sincerity. \"Now I understand what all of you meant.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The firing was ragged,\" Yabu said, inwardly delighted. \"It will take months to train them.\"\n\nJozen shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wouldn't like to attack them now. Not if they had real ammunition. No army could withstand that punch—no line. The ranks could never stay closed. And then you'd pour ordinary troops and cavalry through the gap and roll up the sides like an old scroll.\" He thanked all kami that he'd had the sense to see one attack. \"It was terrible to watch. For a moment I thought the battle was real.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They were ordered to make it look real. And now you may review my musketeers, if you wish.\"\n\n\"Thank you. That would be an honor.\"\n\nThe defenders were streaming off to their camps that sat on the far hillside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The five hundred musketeers waited below, near the path that went over the rise and slid down to the village." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were forming into their companies, Omi and Naga in front of them, both wearing swords again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yabu-sama?\"\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Good, no?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Yabu-sama. I please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko corrected him automatically. \"I am pleased.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, so sorry. I am pleased.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jozen took Yabu aside. \"This is all out of the Anjin-san's head?\"\n\n\"No,\" Yabu lied. \"But it's the way barbarians fight. He's just training the men to load and to fire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why not do as Naga-san advised? You've the barbarian's knowledge now. Why risk its spreading? He is a plague. Very dangerous, Yabu-sama. Naga-san was right. It's true—peasants could fight this way. Easily. Get rid of the barbarian now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If Lord Ishido wants his head, he has only to ask.\"\n\n\"I ask it. Now.\" Again the truculence. \"I speak with his voice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll consider it, Jozen-san.\"\n\n\"And also, in his name, I ask that all guns be withdrawn from those troops at once.\"\n\nYabu frowned, then turned his attention to the companies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were approaching up the hill, their straight, disciplined ranks faintly ludicrous as always, only because such order was unusual." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fifty paces away they halted. Omi and Naga came on alone and saluted.\n\n\"It was all right for a first exercise,\" Yabu said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Sire,\" Omi replied. He was limping slightly and his face was dirty, bruised, and powder marked.\n\nJozen said, \"Your troops would have to carry swords in a real battle, Yabu-sama, neh? A samurai must carry swords—eventually they'd run out of ammunition, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Swords will be in their way, in charge and retreat. Oh, they'll wear them as usual to maintain surprise, but just before the first charge they'll get rid of them.\"\n\n\"Samurai will always need swords. In a real battle. Even so, I'm glad you'll never have to use this attack force, or—\" Jozen was going to add, \"or this filthy, treacherous method of war.\" Instead he said, \"Or we'll all have to give our swords away.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps we will, Jozen-san, when we go to war.\"\n\n\"You'd give up your Murasama blade? Or even Toranaga's gift?\"\n\n\"To win a battle, yes. Otherwise no.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then you might have to run very fast to save your fruit when your musket jammed or your powder got wet.\" Jozen laughed at his own sally. Yabu did not.\n\n\"Omi-san! Show him!\" he ordered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once Omi gave an order." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His men slipped out the short sheathed bayonet sword that hung almost unnoticed from the back of their belts and snapped it into a socket on the muzzle of their muskets.\n\n\"Charge!\"\n\nInstantly the samurai charged with their battle cry, \"Kasigiiiiiii!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The forest of naked steel stopped a pace away from them. Jozen and his men were laughing nervously from the sudden, unexpected ferocity. \"Good, very good,\" Jozen said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He reached out and touched one of the bayonets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was extremely sharp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps you're right, Yabu-sama. Let's hope it's never put to the test.\"\n\n\"Omi-san!\" Yabu called. \"Form them up. Jozen-san's going to review them. Then go back to camp. Mariko-san, Anjin-san, you follow me!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He strode down the rise through the ranks, his aides, Blackthorne, and Mariko following." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Form up at the path. Replace bayonets!\"\n\nHalf the men obeyed at once, turned about, and walked down the slope again. Naga and his two hundred and fifty samurai remained where they were, bayonets still threatening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jozen bristled. \"What's going on?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I consider your insults intolerable,\" Naga said venomously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's nonsense. I haven't insulted you, or anyone! Your bayonets insult my position! Yabu-sama!\"\n\nYabu turned back. Now he was on the other side of the Toranaga contingent. \"Naga-san,\" he called out coldly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "💬 Please integrate this quote: \"He's protected. You cannot touch him now! He's under the cipher of the Regents!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the meaning of this?\"\n\n\"I cannot forgive this man's insults to my father—or to me.\"\n\n\"He's protected. You cannot touch him now! He's under the cipher of the Regents!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your pardon, Yabu-sama, but this is between Jozen-san and myself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. You are under my orders. I order you to tell your men to return to camp.\"\n\nNot a man moved. The rain began.\n\n\"Your pardon, Yabu-san, please forgive me, but this is between him and me and whatever happens I absolve you of responsibility for my action and those of my men.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind Naga, one of Jozen's men drew his sword and lunged for Naga's unprotected back. A volley of twenty muskets blew off his head at once. These twenty men knelt and began to reload." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The second rank readied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who ordered live ammunition?\" Yabu demanded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I did. I, Yoshi Naga-noh-Toranaga!\"\n\n\"Naga-san! I order you to let Nebara Jozen and his men go free. You are ordered to your quarters until I can consult Lord Toranaga about your insubordination!\"\n\n\"Of course you will inform Lord Toranaga and karma is karma. But I regret, Lord Yabu, that first this man must die. All of them must die. Today!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jozen shrieked, \"I'm protected by the Regents! You'll gain nothing by killing me.\"\n\n\"I regain my honor, neh?\" Naga said. \"I repay your sneers at my father and your insults to me. But you would have had to die anyway. Neh? I could not have been more clear last night. Now you've seen an attack. I cannot risk Ishido learning all this\"—his hand waved at the battlefield—\"this horror!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He already knows!\" Jozen blurted out, blessing his foresight of the previous evening." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'pigeon' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He knows already! I sent a message by pigeon secretly at dawn! You gain nothing by killing me, Naga-san!\"\n\nNaga motioned to one of his men, an old samurai, who came forward and threw the strangled pigeon at Jozen's feet. Then a man's severed head was also cast upon the ground—the head of the samurai, Masumoto, sent yesterday by Jozen with the scroll." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The eyes were still open, the lips drawn back in a hate-filled grimace. The head began to roll. It tumbled through the ranks until it came to rest against a rock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A moan broke from Jozen's lips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Naga and all his men laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even Yabu smiled. Another of Jozen's samurai leaped for Naga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Twenty muskets blasted him, and the man next to him, who had not moved, also fell in agony, mortally wounded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The laughter ceased.\n\nOmi said, \"Shall I order my men to attack, Sire?\" It had been so easy to maneuver Naga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu wiped the rain off his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, that would achieve nothing. Jozen-san and his men are already dead, whatever I do. That's his karma, as Naga-san has his. Naga-san!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he called out. \"For the last time, I order you to let them all go!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Essential phrase to include: \"Yes. There should be an official witness, Yabu-sama. For Lord Toranaga and for Lord Ishido.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me but I must refuse.\"\n\n\"Very well. When it is finished, report to me.\"\n\n\"Yes. There should be an official witness, Yabu-sama. For Lord Toranaga and for Lord Ishido.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'witness' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Omi-san, you will stay. You will sign the death certification and make out the dispatch. Naga-san and I will countersign it.\"\n\nNaga pointed at Blackthorne. \"Let him stay too. Also as witness. He's responsible for their deaths. He should witness them.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'understand' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anjin-san, go up there! To Naga-san! Do you understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, Yabu-san. I understand, but why, please?\"\n\n\"To be a witness.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, don't understand.\"\n\n\"Mariko-san, explain 'witness' to him, that he's to witness what's going to happen—then you follow me.\" Hiding his vast satisfaction, Yabu turned and left.\n\nJozen shrieked, \"Yabu-sama! Please! Yabuuuuu-samaaaa!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'moment' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne watched. When it was finished he went home. There was silence in his house and a pall over the village. A bath did not make him feel clean. Saké did not take away the foulness from his mouth. Incense did not unclog the stench from his nostrils.\n\nLater Yabu sent for him. The attack was dissected, moment by moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi and Naga were there with Mariko—Naga as always cold, listening, rarely commenting, still second-in-command." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "None of them seemed touched by what had happened.\n\nThey worked till after sunset. Yabu ordered the tempo of training stepped up. A second five hundred was to be formed at once. In one week another.\n\nBlackthorne walked home alone, and ate alone, beset by his ghastly discovery: that they had no sense of sin, they were all conscienceless—even Mariko.\n\nThat night he couldn't sleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He left the house, the wind tugging at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gusts were frothing the waves. A stronger squall sent debris clattering against a village hovel. Dogs howled at the sky and foraged. The rice-thatched roofs moved like living things. Shutters were banging and men and women, silent wraiths, fought them closed and barred them. The tide came in heavily. All the fishing boats had been hauled to safety much farther up the beach than usual." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everything was battened down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked the shore then returned to his house, leaning against the press of the wind. He had met no one. Rain squalled and he was soon drenched.\n\nFujiko waited for him on the veranda, the wind ripping at her, guttering the shielded oil lamp. Everyone was awake. Servants carried valuables to the squat adobe and stone storage building in the back of the garden.\n\nThe gale was not menacing yet.\n\nA roof tile twisted loose as the wind squeezed under an eave and the whole roof shuddered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tile fell and shattered loudly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Servants hurried about, some readying buckets of water, others trying to repair the roof. The old gardener, Ueki-ya, helped by children, was lashing the tender bushes and trees to bamboo stakes.\n\nAnother gust rocked the house.\n\n\"It's going to blow down, Mariko-san.\"\n\nShe said nothing, the wind clawing at her and Fujiko, wind tears in the corners of their eyes. He looked at the village. Now debris was blowing everywhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the wind poured through a rip in the paper shoji of one dwelling and the whole wall vanished, leaving only a latticed skeleton. The opposite wall crumbled and the roof collapsed.\n\nBlackthorne turned helplessly as the shoji of his room blew out. That wall vanished and so did the opposite one. Soon all the walls were in shreds. He could see throughout the house. But the roof supports held and the tiled roof did not shift." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bedding and lanterns and mats skittered away, servants chasing them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The storm demolished the walls of all the houses in the village. And some dwellings were obliterated completely. No one was badly hurt. At dawn the wind subsided and men and women began to rebuild their homes.\n\nBy noon the walls of Blackthorne's house were remade and half the village was back to normal. The light lattice walls required little work to put up once more, only wooden pegs and lashings for joints that were always morticed and carpentered with great skill. Tiled and thatched roofs were more difficult but he saw that people helped each other, smiling and quick and very practiced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mura hurried through the village, advising, guiding, chivying, and supervising." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He came up the hill to inspect progress.\n\n\"Mura, you made... \" Blackthorne sought the words. \"You make it look easy.\"\n\n\"Ah, thank you, Anjin-san. Yes, thank you, but we were fortunate there were no fires.\"\n\n\"You fires oftens?\"\n\n\"So sorry, 'Do you have fires often?'\"\n\n\"Do you have fires often?\" Blackthorne repeated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. But I'd ordered the village prepared. Prepared, you understand?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"When these storms come—\" Mura stiffened and glanced over Blackthorne's shoulder. His bow was low.\n\nOmi was approaching in his bouncing easy stride, his friendly eyes only on Blackthorne, as though Mura did not exist. \"Morning, Anjin-san,\" he said.\n\n\"Morning, Omi-san. Your house is good?\"\n\n\"All right. Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi looked at Mura and said brusquely, \"The men should be fishing, or working the fields. The women too. Yabu-sama wants his taxes. Are you trying to shame me in front of him with laziness?\"\n\n\"No, Omi-sama. Please excuse me. I will see to it at once.\"\n\n\"It shouldn't be necessary to tell you. I won't tell you next time.\"\n\n\"I apologize for my stupidity.\" Mura hurried away.\n\n\"You're all right today,\" Omi said to Blackthorne. \"No troubles in the night?\"\n\n\"Good today, thank you. And you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi spoke at length." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne did not catch all of it, as he had not understood all of what Omi had said to Mura, only a few words here, a few there.\n\n\"So sorry. I don't understand.\"\n\n\"Enjoy? How did you like yesterday? The attack? The 'pretend' battle?\"\n\n\"Ah, I understand. Yes, I think good.\"\n\n\"And the witnessing?\"\n\n\"Please?\"\n\n\"Witnessing! The ronin Nebara Jozen and his men?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi imitated the bayonet lunge with a laugh. \"You witnessed their deaths. Deaths! You understand?\"\n\n\"Ah, yes. The truth, Omi-san, not like killings.\"\n\n\"Karma, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Karma. Today trainings?\"\n\n\"Yes. But Yabu-sama wants to talk only. Later. Understand, Anjin-san? Talk only, later,\" Omi repeatedly patiently.\n\n\"Talk only. Understand.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're beginning to speak our language very well. Yes. Very well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you. Difficult. Small time.\"\n\n\"Yes. But you're a good man and you try very hard. That's important. We'll get you time, Anjin-san, don't worry—I'll help you.\" Omi could see that most of what he was saying was lost, but he didn't mind, so long as the Anjin-san got the gist. \"I want to be your friend,\" he said, then repeated it very clearly. \"Do you understand?\"\n\n\"Friend? I understand 'friend.'\"\n\nOmi pointed at himself then at Blackthorne. \"I want to be your friend.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah! Thank you. Honored.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi smiled again and bowed, equal to equal, and walked away.\n\n\"Friends with him?\" Blackthorne muttered. \"Has he forgotten? I haven't.\"\n\n\"Ah, Anjin-san,\" Fujiko said, hurrying up to him. \"Would you like to eat? Yabu-sama is going to send for you soon.\"\n\n\"Yes, thank you. Many breakings?\" he asked, pointing at the house." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required text (preserve exact wording): \"Thank you. No one was hurt?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Excuse me, so sorry, but you should say, 'Was there much breakage?'\"\n\n\"Was there much breakage?\"\n\n\"No real damage, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Good. No hurtings?\"\n\n\"Excuse me, so sorry, you should say, 'No one was hurt?'\"\n\n\"Thank you. No one was hurt?\"\n\n\"No, Anjin-san. No one was hurt.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suddenly Blackthorne was sick of being continually corrected, so he terminated the conversation with an order. \"I'm hunger. Food!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, immediately. So sorry, but you should say, 'I'm hungry.' A person has hunger, but is hungry.\" She waited until he had said it correctly, then went away.\n\nHe sat on the veranda and watched Ueki-ya, the old gardener, tidying up the damage and the scattered leaves. He could see women and children repairing the village, and boats going to sea through the chop. Other villagers trudged off to the fields, the wind abating now. I wonder what taxes they have to pay, he asked himself. I'd hate to be a peasant here. Not only here—anywhere." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At first light he had been distressed by the apparent devastation of the village." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That storm'd hardly touch an English house,\" he had said to Mariko." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'It is very bad then.' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, it was a gale all right, but not a bad one. Why don't you build out of stone or bricks?\"\n\n\"Because of the earthquakes, Anjin-san. Any stone building would, of course, split and collapse and probably hurt or kill the inhabitants. With our style of building there's little damage. You'll see how quickly everything's put back together.\"\n\n\"Yes, but you've fire hazards. And what happens when the Great Winds come? The tai-funs?\"\n\n\"It is very bad then.\"\n\nShe had explained about the tai-funs and their seasons—from June until September, sometimes earlier, sometimes later. And about the other natural catastrophes.\n\nA few days ago there had been another tremor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was slight. A kettle had fallen off the brazier and overturned it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fortunately the coals had been smothered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One house in the village had caught fire but the fire did not spread. Blackthorne had never seen such efficient fire fighting. Apart from that, no one in the village had paid much attention. They had merely laughed and gone on with their lives.\n\n\"Why do people laugh?\"\n\n\"We consider it very shameful and impolite to show strong feelings, particularly fear, so we hide them with a laugh or a smile. Of course we're all afraid, though we must never show it.\"\n\nSome of you show it, Blackthorne thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nebara Jozen had shown it." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'knives' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had died badly, weeping with fear, begging for mercy, the killing slow and cruel. He had been allowed to run, then bayoneted carefully amidst laughter, then forced to run again, and hamstrung. Then he had been allowed to crawl away, then gutted slowly while he screamed, his blood dribbling with the phlegm, then left to die.\n\nNext Naga had turned his attention to the other samurai. At once three of Jozen's men knelt and bared their bellies and put their short knives in front of them to commit ritual seppuku. Three of their comrades stood behind them as their seconds, long swords out and raised, two-handed, all of them now unmolested by Naga and his men. As the samurai who knelt reached out for their knives, they stretched their necks and the three swords flashed down and decapitated them with the single blow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Teeth chattered in the fallen heads, then were still. Flies swarmed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then two samurai knelt, the last man standing ready as second. The first of those kneeling was decapitated in the manner of his comrades as he reached for the knife. The other said, \"No. I, Hirasaki Kenko, I know how to die—how a samurai should die.\"\n\nKenko was a lithe young man, perfumed and almost pretty, pale-skinned, his hair well oiled and very neat. He picked up his knife reverently and partially wrapped the blade with his sash to improve his grip.\n\n\"I protest Nebara Jozen-san's death and those of his men,\" he said firmly, bowing to Naga. He took a last look at the sky and gave his second a last reassuring smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sayonara, Tadeo.\" Then he slid the knife deep into the left side of his stomach." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'second' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He ripped it full across with both hands and took it out and plunged it deep again, just above his groin, and jerked it up in silence. His lacerated bowels spilled into his lap and as his hideously contorted, agonized face pitched forward, his second brought the sword down in a single slashing arc.\n\nNaga personally picked up this head by the hair knot and wiped off the dirt and closed the eyes. Then he told his men to see that the head was washed, wrapped, and sent to Ishido with full honors, with a complete report on Hirasaki Kenko's bravery.\n\nThe last samurai knelt. There was no one left to second him. He too was young." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His fingers trembled and fear consumed him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Twice he had done his duty to his comrades, twice cut cleanly, honorably, saving them the trial of pain and the shame of fear. And once he had waited for his dearest friend to die as a samurai should die, self-immolated in pride-filled silence, then again cut cleanly with perfect skill. He had never killed before.\n\nHis eyes focused on his own knife. He bared his stomach and prayed for his lover's courage. Tears were gathering but he willed his face into a frozen, smiling mask. He unwound his sash and partially wrapped the blade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, because the youth had done his duty well, Naga signaled to his lieutenant.\n\nThis samurai came forward and bowed, introducing himself formally. \"Osaragi Nampo, Captain of Lord Toranaga's Ninth Legion. I would be honored to act as your second.\"\n\n\"Ikomo Tadeo, First Officer, vassal of Lord Ishido,\" the youth replied. \"Thank you. I would be honored to accept you as my second.\"\n\nHis death was quick, painless, and honorable.\n\nThe heads were collected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Later Jozen shrieked into life again." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His frantic hands tried helplessly to remake his belly.\n\nThey left him to the dogs that had come up from the village." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\nfour sentences\nStyle:\nJames Clavell" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the Hour of the Horse, eleven o'clock in the morning, ten days after the death of Jozen and all his men, a convoy of three galleys rounded the headland at Anjiro. They were crammed with troops. Toranaga came ashore. Beside him was Buntaro.\n\n\"First I wish to see an attack exercise, Yabu-san, with the original five hundred,\" Toranaga said. \"At once.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Could it be tomorrow? That would give me time to prepare,\" Yabu said affably, but inwardly he was furious at the suddenness of Toranaga's arrival and incensed with his spies for not forewarning him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had had barely enough time to hurry to the shore with a guard of honor. \"You must be tired—\"\n\n\"I'm not tired, thank you,\" Toranaga said, intentionally brusque. \"I don't need 'defenders' or an elaborate setting or screams or pretended deaths. You forget, old friend, I've acted in enough Nōh plays and staged enough to be able to use my imagination. I'm not a ronin-peasant! Please order it mounted at once.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were on the beach beside the wharf. Toranaga was surrounded by elite guards, and more were pouring off the moored galley. Another thousand heavily armed samurai were crammed into the two galleys that waited just offshore. It was a warm day, the sky cloudless, with a light surf and heat haze on the horizon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Igurashi, see to it!\" Yabu bottled his rage. Since the first message he had sent concerning Jozen's arrival eleven days ago, there had been the merest trickle of noncommittal reports from Yedo from his own espionage network, and nothing but sporadic and infuriatingly inconclusive replies from Toranaga to his ever more urgent signals: \"Your message received and under serious study.\"\n\n\"Shocked by your news about my son. Please wait for further instructions.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, four days ago: \"Those responsible for Jozen's death will be punished. They are to remain at their posts but to continue under arrest until I can consult with Lord Ishido.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And yesterday, the bombshell: \"Today I received the new Council of Regents' formal invitation to the Osaka Flower-Viewing Ceremony. When do you plan to leave? Advise immediately.\"\n\n\"Surely that doesn't mean Toranaga's actually going?\" Yabu had asked, baffled.\n\n\"He's forcing you to commit yourself,\" Igurashi had replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Whatever you say traps you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree,\" Omi had said.\n\n\"Why aren't we getting news from Yedo? What's happened to our spies?\"\n\n\"It's almost as though Toranaga's put a blanket over the whole Kwanto,\" Omi had told him. \"Perhaps he knows who your spies are!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Today's the tenth day, Sire,\" Igurashi had reminded Yabu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everything's ready for your departure to Osaka. Do you want to leave or not?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now, here on the beach, Yabu blessed his guardian kami who had persuaded him to accept Omi's advice to stay until the last possible day, three days hence.\n\n\"About your final message, Toranaga-sama, the one that arrived yesterday,\" he said. \"You're surely not going to Osaka?\"\n\n\"Are you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I acknowledge you as leader. Of course, I've been waiting for your decision.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My decision is easy, Yabu-sama. But yours is hard. If you go, the Regents will certainly chop you for destroying Jozen and his men. And Ishido is really very angry—and rightly so. Neh?\"\n\n\"I didn't do it, Lord Toranaga. Jozen's destruction—however merited—was against my orders.\"\n\n\"It was just as well Naga-san did it, neh? Otherwise you'd certainly have had to do it yourself. I'll discuss Naga-san later, but come along, we'll talk as we walk up to the training ground. No need to waste time.\" Toranaga set off at his brisk pace, his guards following closely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, you really are in a dilemma, old friend. If you go, you lose your head, you lose Izu, and of course your whole Kasigi family goes to the execution ground. If you stay, the Council will order the same thing.\" He looked across at him. \"Perhaps you should do what you suggested I do the last time I was in Anjiro. I'll be happy to be your second. Perhaps your head will ease Ishido's ill humor when I meet him.\"\n\n\"My head's of no value to Ishido.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't agree.\"\n\nBuntaro intercepted them. \"Excuse me, Sire. Where do you want the men billeted?\"\n\n\"On the plateau. Make your permanent camp there. Two hundred guards will stay with me at the fortress. When you've made the arrangements join me. I'll want you to see the training exercise.\" Buntaro hurried off.\n\n\"Permanent camp? You're staying here?\" Yabu asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, only my men. If the attack's as good as I hear, we'll be forming nine assault battalions of five hundred samurai each.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "At some point in your response, insert this verbatim: \"But there aren't enough guns and the train—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\n\"Yes. I've brought another thousand selected samurai for you now. You'll provide the other thousand.\"\n\n\"But there aren't enough guns and the train—\"\n\n\"So sorry, you're wrong. I've brought a thousand muskets and plenty of powder and shot. The rest will arrive within a week with another thousand men.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll have nine assault battalions?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. They'll be one regiment. Buntaro will command.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'you're' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps it would be better if I did that. He'll be—\"\n\n\"Oh, but you forget the Council meets in a few days. How can you command a regiment if you're going to Osaka? Haven't you prepared to leave?\"\n\nYabu stopped. \"We're allies. We agreed you're the leader and we pissed on the bargain. I've kept it, and I'm keeping it. Now I ask, what's your plan? Do we war or don't we?\"\n\n\"No one's declared war on me. Yet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu craved to unsheathe the Yoshitomo blade and splash Toranaga's blood on the dirt, once and for all, whatever the cost. He could feel the breath of the Toranaga guards all around him but he was beyond caring now. \"Isn't the Council your death knell too? You said that yourself. Once they've met, you have to obey. Neh?\"\n\n\"Of course.\" Toranaga waved his guards back, leaning easily on his sword, his stocky legs wide and firm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then what's your decision? What do you propose?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First to see an attack.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then to go hunting.\"\n\n\"Are you going to Osaka?\"\n\n\"Of course.\"\n\n\"When?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When it pleases me.\"\n\n\"You mean, not when it pleases Ishido.\"\n\n\"I mean when it pleases me.\"\n\n\"We'll be isolated,\" Yabu said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We can't fight all Japan, even with an assault regiment, and we can't possibly train it in ten days.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Then what's the plan?\"\n\n\"What exactly happened with Jozen and Naga-san?\"\n\nYabu told it truly, omitting only the fact that Naga had been manipulated by Omi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And my barbarian? How's the Anjin-san behaving?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. Very good.\" Yabu told him about the attempted seppuku on the first night, and how he had neatly bent the Anjin-san to their mutual advantage.\n\n\"That was clever,\" Toranaga said slowly. \"I'd never have guessed he'd try seppuku. Interesting.\"\n\n\"It was fortunate I told Omi to be ready.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'toranaga' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Impatiently Yabu waited for more but Toranaga remained silent. \"This news I sent about Lord Ito becoming a Regent,\" Yabu said at last. \"Did you know about it before I sent word?\"\n\nToranaga did not answer for a moment." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd heard rumors. Lord Ito's a perfect choice for Ishido. The poor fool's always enjoyed being shafted while he has his nose up another man's anus. They'll make good bedfellows.\"\n\n\"His vote will destroy you, even so.\"\n\n\"Providing there's a Council.\"\n\n\"Ah, then you do have a plan?\"\n\n\"I always have a plan—or plans—didn't you know? But you, what's your plan, Ally? If you want to leave, leave. If you want to stay, stay. Choose!\" He walked on." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell using my stuff as a starting point? btw might drop u in mid-story with random chars" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko handed Toranaga a scroll of closely written characters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is this everything?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sire,\" she replied, not liking the stuffiness of the cabin or being aboard the galley again, even moored at the dock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A lot of what's in the War Manual will be repeated, but I made notes every night and wrote down everything as it happened—or tried to. It's almost like a diary of what was said and happened since you left.\"\n\n\"Good. Has anyone else read it?\"\n\n\"Not to my knowledge.\" She used her fan to cool herself. \"The Anjin-san's consort and servants have seen me writing it, but I've kept it locked away.\"\n\n\"What are your conclusions?\"\n\nMariko hesitated. She glanced at the cabin door and at the closed porthole.\n\nToranaga said, \"Only my men are aboard and no one's below decks. Except us.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. I just remembered the Anjin-san saying there are no secrets aboard a ship. So sorry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She thought a moment, then said confidently, \"The Musket Regiment will win one battle. Barbarians could destroy us if they landed in force with guns and cannon. You must have a barbarian navy. Thus far, the Anjin-san's knowledge has been enormously valuable to you, so much so it should be kept secret, only for your ears. In the wrong hands his knowledge would be lethal to you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who shares his knowledge now?\"\n\n\"Yabu-san knows much but Omi-san more—he's the most intuitive. Igurashi-san, Naga-san, and the troops—the troops of course understand the strategy, not the finer details and none of the Anjin-san's political and general knowledge. Me, more than any. I've written down everything he's said, asked, or commented on, Sire. As best I can. Of course he has only told us about certain things, but his range is vast and his memory near perfect. With patience he can provide you with an accurate picture of the world, its customs and dangers. If he's telling the truth.\"\n\n\"Is he?\"\n\n\"I believe so.\"\n\n\"What's your opinion of Yabu?\"\n\n\"Yabu-san's a violent man with no scruples whatsoever. He honors nothing but his own interests. Duty, loyalty, tradition, mean nothing to him. His mind has flashes of great cunning, even brilliance. He's equally dangerous as ally or enemy.\"\n\n\"All commendable virtues. What's to be said against him?\"\n\n\"A bad administrator. His peasants would revolt if they had weapons.\"\n\n\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'limit' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Extortionate taxes. Illegal taxes. He takes seventy-five parts from every hundred of all rice, fish, and produce. He's begun a head tax, land tax, boat tax—every sale, every barrel of saké, everything's taxed in Izu.\"\n\n\"Perhaps I should employ him or his quartermaster for the Kwanto. Well, what he does here's his own business, his peasants'll never get weapons so we've nothing to worry about. I could still use this as a base if need be.\"\n\n\"But Sire, sixty parts is the legal limit.\"\n\n\"It was the legal limit. The Taikō made it legal but he's dead. What else about Yabu?\"\n\n\"He eats little, his health appears good, but Suwo, the masseur, thinks he has kidney trouble. He has some curious habits.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\nShe told him about the Night of the Screams.\n\n\"Who told you about that?\"\n\n\"Suwo. Also Omi-san's wife and mother.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yabu's father used to boil his enemies too. Waste of time. But I can understand his need to do it occasionally. His nephew, Omi?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very shrewd. Very wise. Completely loyal to his uncle. A very capable, impressive vassal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Omi's family?\"\n\n\"His mother is—is suitably firm with Midori, his wife. The wife is samurai, gentle, strong, and very good. All are loyal vassals of Yabu-san. Presently Omi-san has no consorts though Kiku, the most famous courtesan in Izu, is almost like a consort. If he could buy her contract I think he'd bring her into his house.\"\n\n\"Would he help me against Yabu if I wanted him to?\"\n\nShe pondered that. Then shook her head. \"No, Sire. I don't think so. I think he's his uncle's vassal.\"\n\n\"Naga?\"\n\n\"As good a samurai as a man could be. He saw at once the danger of Jozen-san and his men to you, and locked things up until you could be consulted. As much as he detests the Musket Battalion he trains the companies hard to make them perfect.\"\n\n\"I think he was very stupid—to be Yabu's puppet.\"\n\nShe adjusted a fold in her kimono, saying nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga fanned himself. \"Now the Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had been expecting this question and now that it had come, all the clever observations she was going to make vanished from her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well?\"\n\n\"You must judge from the scroll, Sire. In certain areas he's impossible to explain. Of course, his training and heritage have nothing in common with ours. He's very complex and beyond our—beyond my understanding. He used to be very open. But since his attempted seppuku, he's changed. He's more secretive.\" She told him what Omi had said and had done on that first night. And about Yabu's promise.\n\n\"Ah, Omi stopped him—not Yabu-san?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"And Yabu followed Omi's advice?\"\n\n\"Exactly, Sire.\"\n\n\"So Omi's the adviser. Interesting. But surely the Anjin-san doesn't expect Yabu to keep the promise?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, absolutely.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga laughed. \"How childish!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christian 'conscience' is deeply set in him, so sorry. He cannot avoid his karma, one part of which is that he's totally to be governed through this hatred of a death, or deaths, of what he calls 'innocents.' Even Jozen's death affected him deeply. For many nights his sleep was disturbed and for days he hardly talked to anyone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would this 'conscience' apply to all barbarians?\"\n\n\"No, though it should to all Christian barbarians.\"\n\n\"Will he lose this 'conscience'?\"\n\n\"I don't think so. But he's as defenseless as a doll until he does.\"\n\n\"His consort?\"\n\nShe told him everything.\n\n\"Good.\" He was pleased that his choice of Fujiko and his plan had worked so well. \"Very good. She did very well over the guns. What about his habits?\"\n\n\"Mostly normal, except for an astounding embarrassment over pillow matters and a curious reluctance to discuss the most normal functions.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She also described his unusual need for solitude, and his abominable taste in food." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: Your response must contain: \"No. You were told to educate him. How's his Japanese?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In most other things he's attentive, reasonable, sharp, an adept pupil, and very curious about us and our customs. It's all in my report, but briefly, I've explained something of our way of life, a little of us and our history, about the Taikō and the problems besetting our Realm now.\"\n\n\"Ah, about the Heir?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. Was that wrong?\"\n\n\"No. You were told to educate him. How's his Japanese?\"\n\n\"Very good, considering. In time he'll speak our language quite well. He's a good pupil, Sire.\"\n\n\"Pillowing?\"\n\n\"One of the maids,\" she said at once.\n\n\"He chose her?\"\n\n\"His consort sent her to him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And?\"\n\n\"It was mutually satisfactory, I understand.\"\n\n\"Ah! Then she had no difficulty.\"\n\n\"No, Sire.\"\n\n\"But he's in proportion?\"\n\n\"The girl said, 'Oh very yes.' 'Lavish' was the word she used.\"\n\n\"Excellent. At least in that his karma's good. That's the trouble with a lot of men—Yabu for one, Kiyama for another. Small shafts. Unfortunate to be born with a small shaft. Very. Yes.\" He glanced at the scroll, then closed his fan with a snap. \"And you, Mariko-san? What about you?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'offer' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good, thank you, Sire. I'm very pleased to see you looking so well. May I offer you congratulations on the birth of your grandson.\"\n\n\"Thank you, yes. Yes, I'm pleased. The boy's well formed and appears healthy.\"\n\n\"And the Lady Genjiko?\"\n\nToranaga grunted. \"She's as strong as always. Yes.\" He pursed his lips, brooding for a moment. \"Perhaps you could recommend a foster mother for the child.\" It was custom for sons of important samurai to have foster mothers so that the natural mother could attend to her husband and to the running of his house, leaving the foster mother to concentrate on the child's upbringing, making him strong and a credit to the parents. \"I'm afraid it won't be easy to find the right person. The Lady Genjiko's not the easiest mistress to work for, neh?\"\n\n\"I'm sure you'll find the perfect person, Sire. I'll certainly give it some thought,\" Mariko replied, knowing that to offer such advice would be foolish, for no woman born could possibly satisfy both Toranaga and his daughter-in-law." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you. But you, Mariko-san, what about you?\"\n\n\"Good, Sire, thank you.\"\n\n\"And your Christian conscience?\"\n\n\"There's no conflict, Sire. None. I've done everything you would wish. Truly.\"\n\n\"Have any priests been here?\"\n\n\"No, Sire.\"\n\n\"You have need of one?\"\n\n\"It would be good to confess and take the Sacrament and be blessed. Yes, truthfully, I would like that—to confess the things permitted and to be blessed.\"\n\nToranaga studied her closely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes were guileless. \"You've done well, Mariko-san. Please continue as before.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire, thank you. One thing—the Anjin-san needs a grammar book and dictionary badly.\"\n\n\"I've sent to Tsukku-san for them.\" He noticed her frown. \"You don't think he'll send them?\"\n\n\"He would obey, of course. Perhaps not with the speed you'd like.\"\n\n\"I'll soon know that.\" Toranaga added ominously, \"He has only thirteen days left.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko was startled. \"Sire?\" she asked, not understanding.\n\n\"Thirteen? Ah,\" Toranaga said nonchalantly, covering his momentary lapse, \"when we were aboard the Portuguese ship he asked permission to visit Yedo. I agreed, providing it was within forty days. There are thirteen left. Wasn't forty days the time this bonze, this prophet, this Moses spent on the mountain collecting the commands of 'God' that were etched in stone?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"Do you believe that happened?\"\n\n\"Yes. But I don't understand how or why.\"\n\n\"A waste of time discussing 'God-things.' Neh?\"\n\n\"If you seek facts, yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"While you were waiting for this dictionary, have you tried to make one?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Toranaga-sama. I'm afraid it's not very good. Unfortunately there seems to be so little time, so many problems. Here—everywhere,\" she added pointedly.\n\nHe nodded agreement, knowing that she would dearly like to ask many things: about the new Council and Lord Ito's appointment and Naga's sentence and if war would be immediate. \"We're fortunate to have your husband back with us, neh?\"\n\nHer fan stopped. \"I never thought he'd escape alive. Never. I've said a prayer and burnt incense to his memory daily.\" Buntaro had told her this morning how another contingent of Toranaga samurai had covered his retreat from the beach and he had made the outskirts of Osaka without trouble. Then, with fifty picked men and spare horses, disguised as bandits, he hastily took to the hills and lesser paths in a headlong dash for Yedo. Twice his pursuers caught up with him but there were not enough of the enemy to contain him and he fought his way through. Once he was ambushed and lost all but four men, and escaped again and went deeper into the forest, traveling by night, sleeping during the day. Berries and spring water, a little rice snatched from lonely farmhouses, then galloping on again, hunters always at his heels." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had taken him twenty days to reach Yedo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two men had survived with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was almost a miracle,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought I was possessed by a kami when I saw him here beside you on the beach.\"\n\n\"He's clever. Very strong and very clever.\"\n\n\"May I ask what news of Lord Hiro-matsu, Sire? And Osaka? Lady Kiritsubo and the Lady Sazuko?\"\n\nNoncommittal, Toranaga informed her that Hiro-matsu had arrived back at Yedo the day before he had left, though his ladies had decided to stay at Osaka, the Lady Sazuko's health being the reason for their delay. There was no need to elaborate. Both he and Mariko knew that this was merely a face-saving formula and that General Ishido would never allow two such valuable hostages to leave now that Toranaga was out of his grasp.\n\n\"Shigata ga nai,\" he said. \"Karma, neh?\" There's nothing that can be done. That's karma, isn't it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\nHe picked up the scroll. \"Now I must read this. Thank you, Mariko-san. You've done very well. Please bring the Anjin-san to the fortress at dawn.\"\n\n\"Sire, now that my Master is here, I will have—\"\n\n\"Your husband has already agreed that while I'm here you're to remain where you are and act as interpreter, your prime duty being to the Anjin-san for the next few days.\"\n\n\"But Sire, I must set up house for my Lord. He'll need servants and a house.\"\n\n\"That will be a waste of money, time, and effort at the moment. He'll stay with the troops—or at the Anjin-san's house—whichever pleases him.\" He noticed a flash of irritation. \"Nan ja?\"\n\n\"My place should be with my Master. To serve him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your place is where I want it to be. Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, please excuse me. Of course.\"\n\n\"Of course.\"\n\nShe left.\n\nHe read the scroll carefully. And the War Manual. Then he reread parts of the scroll. He put them both away safely and posted guards on the cabin and went aloft.\n\nIt was dawn. The day promised warmth and overcast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He canceled the meeting with the Anjin-san, as he had intended, and rode to the plateau with a hundred guards." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'three' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There he collected his falconers and three hawks and hunted for twenty ri. By noon he had bagged three pheasants, two large woodcock, a hare, and a brace of quail. He sent one pheasant and the hare to the Anjin-san, the rest to the fortress. Some of his samurai were not Buddhists and he was tolerant of their eating habits. For himself he ate a little cold rice with fish paste, some pickled seaweed with slivers of ginger. Then he curled up on the ground and slept." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell using my stuff as a starting point? btw might drop u in mid-story with random chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'asked' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now it was late afternoon and Blackthorne was in the kitchen, whistling merrily. Around him were the chief cook, assistant cook, the vegetable preparer, fish preparer, and their assistants, all smiling but inwardly mortified because their master was here in their kitchen with their mistress, also because she had told them he was going to honor them by showing them how to prepare and cook in his style. And last because of the hare.\n\nHe had already hung the pheasant under the eaves of an outhouse with careful instructions that no one, no one was to touch it but him. \"Do they understand, Fujiko-san? No touching but me?\" he asked with mock gravity.\n\n\"Oh, yes, Anjin-san. They all understand. So sorry, excuse me, but you should say 'No one's to touch it except me.'\"\n\n\"Now,\" he was saying to no one in particular, \"the gentle art of cooking. Lesson One.\"\n\n\"Dozo gomen nasai?\" Fujiko asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Miru!\" Watch.\n\nFeeling young again—for one of his first chores had been to clean the game he and his brother poached at such huge risk from the estates around Chatham—he selected a long, curving knife. The sushi chef blanched. This was his favorite knife, with an especially honed edge to ensure that the slivers of raw fish were always sliced to perfection. All the staff knew this and they sucked in their breaths, smiling even more to hide their embarrassment for him, as he increased the size of his smile to hide his own shame.\n\nBlackthorne slit the hare's belly and neatly turned out the stomach sac and entrails. One of the younger maids heaved and fled silently. Fujiko resolved to fine her a month's wages, wishing at the same time that she too could be a peasant and so flee with honor.\n\nThey watched, glazed, as he cut off the paws and feet, then pushed the forelegs back into the pelt, easing the skin off the legs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did the same with the back legs and worked the pelt around to bring the naked back legs out through the belly slit, and then, with a deft jerk, he pulled the pelt over the head like a discarded winter coat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He lay the almost skinned animal on the chopping table and decapitated it, leaving the head with its staring, pathetic eyes still attached to the pelt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned the pelt right side out again, and put it aside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A sigh went through the kitchen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did not hear it as he concentrated on slicing off the legs into joints and quartering the carcass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another maid fled unnoticed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now I want a pot,\" Blackthorne said with a hearty grin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one answered him. They just stared with the same fixed smiles. He saw a large iron cauldron. It was spotless. He picked it up with bloody hands and filled it with water from a wooden container, then hung the pot over the brazier, which was set into the earthen floor in a pit surrounded by stone. He added the pieces of meat.\n\n\"Now some vegetables and spices,\" he said.\n\n\"Dozo?\" Fujiko asked throatily.\n\nHe did not know the Japanese words so he looked around. There were some carrots, and some roots that looked like turnips in a wooden basket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These he cleaned and cut up and added to the soup with salt and some of the dark soya sauce." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We should have some onions and garlic and port wine.\"\n\n\"Dozo?\" Fujiko asked again helplessly.\n\n\"Kotoba shirimasen.\" I don't know the words.\n\nShe did not correct him, just picked up a spoon and offered it. He shook his head. \"Saké,\" he ordered. The assistant cook jerked into life and gave him the small wooden barrel.\n\n\"Domo.\" Blackthorne poured in a cupful, then added another for good measure. He would have drunk some from the barrel but he knew that it would be bad manners, to drink it cold and without ceremony, and certainly not here in the kitchen.\n\n\"Christ Jesus, I'd love a beer,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dozo gozaimashita, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kotoba shirimasen—but this stew's going to be great. Ichi-ban, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pointed at the hissing pot.\n\n\"Hai,\" she said without conviction.\n\n\"Okuru tsukai arigato Toranaga-sama,\" Blackthorne said. Send a messenger to thank Lord Toranaga. No one corrected the bad Japanese.\n\n\"Hai.\" Once outside Fujiko rushed for the privy, the little hut that stood in solitary splendor near the front door in the garden. She was very sick.\n\n\"Are you all right, Mistress?\" her maid, Nigatsu, said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was middle-aged, roly-poly, and had looked after Fujiko all her life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go away! But first bring me some cha. No—you'll have to go into the kitchen... oh oh oh!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have cha here, Mistress. We thought you'd need some so we boiled the water on another brazier. Here!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, you're so clever!\" Fujiko pinched Nigatsu's round cheek affectionately as another maid came to fan her. She wiped her mouth on the paper towel and sat gratefully on cushions on the veranda. \"Oh, that's better!\" And it was better in the open air, in the shade, the good afternoon sun casting dark shadows and butterflies foraging, the sea far below, calm and iridescent.\n\n\"What's going on, Mistress? We didn't dare even to peek.\"\n\n\"Never mind. The Master's—the Master's—never mind. His customs are weird but that's our karma.\"\n\nShe glanced away as her chief cook came unctuously through the garden and her heart sank a little more. He bowed formally, a taut, thin little man with large feet and very buck teeth. Before he could utter a word Fujiko said through a flat smile, \"Order new knives from the village. A new rice-cooking pot. A new chopping board, new water containers—all utensils you think necessary. Those that the Master used are to be kept for his private purposes. You will set aside a special area, construct another kitchen if you wish, where the Master can cook if he so desires—until you are proficient.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Fujiko-sama,\" the cook said. \"Excuse me for interrupting you, but, so sorry, please excuse me, I know a fine cook in the next village. He's not a Buddhist and he's even been with the army in Korea so he'd know all about the—how to—how to cook for the Master so much better than I.\"\n\n\"When I want another cook I will tell you. When I consider you inept or malingering I will tell you. Until that time you will be chief cook here. You accepted the post for six months,\" she said.\n\n\"Yes, Mistress,\" the cook said with outward dignity, though quaking inside, for Fujiko-noh-Anjin was no mistress to trifle with. \"Please excuse me, but I was engaged to cook. I am proud to cook. But I never accepted to—to be butcher. Eta are butchers. Of course we can't have an eta here but this other cook isn't a Buddhist like me, my father, his father before him and his before him, Mistress, and they never, never... Please, this new cook will—\"\n\n\"You will cook here as you've always cooked. I find your cooking excellent, worthy of a master cook in Yedo. I even sent one of your recipes to the Lady Kiritsubo in Osaka.\"\n\n\"Oh? Thank you. You do me too much honor. Which one, Mistress?\"\n\n\"The tiny, fresh eels and jellyfish and sliced oysters, with just the right touch of soya, that you make so well. Excellent! The best I've ever tasted.\"\n\n\"Oh, thank you, Mistress,\" he groveled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course your soups leave much to be desired.\"\n\n\"Oh, so sorry!\"\n\n\"I'll discuss those with you later. Thank you, cook,\" she said, experimenting with a dismissal.\n\nThe little man stood his ground gamely. \"Please excuse me, Mistress, but oh ko, with complete humbleness, if the Master—when the Master—\"\n\n\"When the Master tells you to cook or to butcher or whatever, you will rush to do it. Instantly. As any loyal servant should. Meanwhile, it may take you a great deal of time to become proficient so perhaps you'd better make temporary arrangements with this other cook to visit you on the rare days the Master might wish to eat in his own fashion.\"\n\nHis honor satisfied, the cook smiled and bowed. \"Thank you. Please excuse my asking for enlightenment.\"\n\n\"Of course you pay for the substitute cook from your own salary.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they were alone again, Nigatsu chortled behind her hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, Mistress-chan, may I compliment you on your total victory and your wisdom? Chief cook almost broke wind when you said that he was going to have to pay too!\"\n\n\"Thank you, Nanny-san.\" Fujiko could smell the hare beginning to cook. What if he asks me to eat it with him, she was thinking, and almost wilted. Even if he doesn't I'll still have to serve it. How can I avoid being sick? You will not be sick, she ordered herself. It's your karma. You must have been completely dreadful in your previous life. Yes. But remember everything is fine now. Only five months and six days more." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'fujiko' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't think of that, just think about your Master, who is a brave, strong man, though one with ghastly eating habits...\n\nHorses clattered up to the gate. Buntaro dismounted and waved the rest of his men away. Then, accompanied only by his personal guard, he strode through the garden, dusty and sweat-soiled. He carried his huge bow and on his back was his quiver. Fujiko and her maid bowed warmly, hating him. Her uncle was famous for his wild, uncontrollable rages which made him lash out without warning or pick a quarrel with almost anyone. Most of the time only his servants suffered, or his women. \"Please come in, Uncle. How kind of you to visit us so soon,\" Fujiko said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'peasants' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, Fujiko-san. Do—What's that stench?\"\n\n\"My Master's cooking some game Lord Toranaga sent him—he's showing my miserable servants how to cook.\"\n\n\"If he wants to cook, I suppose he can, though... \" Buntaro wrinkled his nose distastefully. \"Yes, a master can do anything in his own house, within the law, unless it disturbs the neighbors.\"\n\nLegally such a smell could be cause for complaint and it could be very bad to inconvenience neighbors. Inferiors never did anything to disturb their superiors. Otherwise heads would fall. That was why, throughout the land, samurai lived cautiously and courteously near samurai of equal rank if possible, peasants next to peasants, merchants in their own streets, and eta isolated outside. Omi was their immediate neighbor." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'would' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's superior, she thought. \"I hope sincerely no one's disturbed,\" she told Buntaro uneasily, wondering what new evil he was concocting. \"You wanted to see my Master?\" She began to get up but he stopped her.\n\n\"No, please don't disturb him, I'll wait,\" he said formally and her heart sank. Buntaro was not known for his manners and politeness from him was very dangerous.\n\n\"I apologize for arriving like this without first sending a messenger to request an appointment,\" he was saying, \"but Lord Toranaga told me I might perhaps be allowed to use the bath and have quarters here. From time to time. Would you ask the Anjin-san later, if he would give his permission?\"\n\n\"Of course,\" she said, continuing the usual pattern of etiquette, loathing the idea of having Buntaro in her house. \"I'm sure he will be honored, Uncle. May I offer you cha or saké while you wait?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Saké, thank you.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: veranda, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nigatsu hurriedly set a cushion on the veranda and fled for the saké, as much as she would have liked to stay.\n\nBuntaro handed his bow and quiver to his guard, kicked off his dusty sandals, and stomped onto the veranda. He pulled his killing sword out of his sash, sat cross-legged, and laid the sword on his knees.\n\n\"Where's my wife? With the Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"No, Buntaro-sama, so sorry, she was ordered to the fortress where—\"\n\n\"Ordered? By whom? By Kasigi Yabu?\"\n\n\"Oh, no, by Lord Toranaga, Sire, when he came back from hunting this afternoon.\"\n\n\"Oh, Lord Toranaga?\" Buntaro simmered down and scowled across the bay at the fortress. Toranaga's standard flew beside Yabu's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you like me to send someone for her?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shook his head. \"There's time enough for her.\" He exhaled, looked across at his niece, daughter of his youngest sister. \"I'm fortunate to have such an accomplished wife, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. Yes you are. She's been enormously valuable to interpret the Anjin-san's knowledge.\"\n\nBuntaro stared at the fortress, then sniffed the wind as the smell of the cooking wafted up again. \"It's like being at Nagasaki, or back in Korea. They cook meat all the time there, boil it or roast it. Stink—you've never smelled anything like it. Koreans're animals, like cannibals. The garlic stench even gets into your clothes and hair.\"\n\n\"It must have been terrible.\"\n\n\"The war was good. We could have won easily. And smashed through to China. And civilized both countries.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro flushed and his voice rasped. \"But we didn't. We failed and had to come back with our shame because we were betrayed. Betrayed by filthy traitors in high places.\"\n\n\"Yes, that's so sad, but you're right. Very right, Buntaro-sama,\" she said soothingly, telling the lie easily, knowing no nation on earth could conquer China, and no one could civilize China, which had been civilized since ancient times.\n\nThe vein on Buntaro's forehead was throbbing and he was talking almost to himself. \"They'll pay. All of them. The traitors. It's only a matter of waiting beside a river long enough for the bodies of your enemies to float by, neh? I'll wait and I'll spit on their heads soon, very soon. I've promised myself that.\" He looked at her. \"I hate traitors and adulterers. And all liars!\"\n\n\"Yes, I agree. You're so right, Buntaro-sama,\" she said, chilled, knowing there was no limit to his ferocity. When Buntaro was sixteen he had executed his own mother, one of Hiro-matsu's lesser consorts, for her supposed infidelity while his father, Hiro-matsu, was at war fighting for the Dictator, Lord Goroda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, years later, he had killed his own eldest son by his first wife for supposed insults and sent her back to her family, where she died by her own hand, unable to bear the shame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had done terrible things to his consorts and to Mariko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And he had quarreled violently with Fujiko's father and had accused him of cowardice in Korea, discrediting him to the Taikō, who had at once ordered him to shave his head and become a monk, to die debauched, so soon, eaten up by his own shame.\n\nIt took all of Fujiko's will to appear tranquil. \"We were so proud to hear that you had escaped the enemy,\" she said.\n\nThe saké arrived. Buntaro began to drink heavily.\n\nWhen there had been the correct amount of waiting, Fujiko got up. \"Please excuse me for a moment.\" She went to the kitchen to warn Blackthorne, to ask his permission for Buntaro to be quartered in the house, and to tell him and the servants what had to be done.\n\n\"Why here?\" Blackthorne asked irritably. \"Why to stay here? Is necessary?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko apologized and tried to explain that, of course, Buntaro could not be refused." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne returned moodily to his cooking and she came back to Buntaro, her chest aching.\n\n\"My Master says he's honored to have you here. His house is your house.\"\n\n\"What's it like being consort to a barbarian?\"\n\n\"I would imagine horrible. But to the Anjin-san, who is hatamoto and therefore samurai? I suppose like to other men. This is the first time I've been consort. I prefer to be a wife. The Anjin-san's like other men, though yes, some of his ways are very strange.\"\n\n\"Who'd have thought one of our house would be consort to a barbarian—even a hatamoto.\"\n\n\"I had no choice. I merely obeyed Lord Toranaga, and grandfather, the leader of our clan. It's a woman's place to obey.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Buntaro finished his cup of saké and she refilled it." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~2 sentences more. copy James Clavell's style. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Obedience's important for a woman. And Mariko-san's obedient, isn't she?\"\n\n\"Yes, Lord.\" She looked into his ugly, apelike face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's brought you nothing but honor, Sire. Without the Lady, your wife, Lord Toranaga could never have got the Anjin-san's knowledge.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled crookedly. \"I hear you stuck pistols in Omi-san's face.\"\n\n\"I was only doing my duty, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where did you learn to use guns?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I had never handled a gun until then. I didn't know if the pistols were loaded. But I would have pulled the triggers.\"\n\nBuntaro laughed. \"Omi-san thought that too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She refilled his cup." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I never understood why Omi-san didn't try to take them away from me. His lord had ordered him to take them, but he didn't.\"\n\n\"I would have.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Uncle. I know. Please excuse me, I would still have pulled the triggers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But you would have missed!\"\n\n\"Yes, probably. Since then I've learned how to shoot.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He taught you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. One of Lord Naga's officers.\"\n\n\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My father would never allow his daughters to learn sword or spear. He thought, wisely I believe, we should devote our time to learning gentler things. But sometimes a woman needs to protect her master and his house. The pistol's a good weapon for a woman, very good. It requires no strength and little practice. So now I can perhaps be a little more use to my Master, for I will surely blow any man's head off to protect him, and for the honor of our house.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro drained his cup." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was proud when I heard you'd opposed Omi-san as you did. You were correct. Lord Hiro-matsu will be proud too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Uncle. But I was only doing an ordinary duty.\" She bowed formally. \"My Master asks if you would allow him the honor of talking with you now, if it pleases you.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around six 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 James Clavell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne waited in the garden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now he wore the Brown uniform kimono that Toranaga had given him with swords in his sash and a loaded pistol hidden under the sash. From Fujiko's hurried explanations and subsequently from the servants, he had gathered that he had to receive Buntaro formally, because the samurai was an important general and hatamoto, and was the first guest in the house. So he had bathed and changed quickly and had gone to the place that had been prepared.\n\nHe had seen Buntaro briefly yesterday, when he arrived. Buntaro had been busy with Toranaga and Yabu the rest of the day, together with Mariko, and Blackthorne had been left alone to organize the hurried attack demonstration with Omi and Naga. The attack was satisfactory." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'difficult' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko had returned to the house very late. She had told him briefly about Buntaro's escape, the days of being hunted by Ishido's men, eluding them, and at last breaking through the hostile provinces to reach the Kwanto. \"It was very difficult, but perhaps not too difficult, Anjin-san. My husband is very strong and very brave.\"\n\n\"What's going to happen now? Are you leaving?\"\n\n\"Lord Toranaga orders that everything's to remain as it was. Nothing's to be changed.\"\n\n\"You're changed, Mariko. A spark's gone out of you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. That's your imagination, Anjin-san. It's just my relief that he's alive when I was certain he was dead.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But it's made a difference, hasn't it?\"\n\n\"Of course. I thank God my Master wasn't captured—that he lived to obey Lord Toranaga. Will you excuse me, Anjin-san. I'm tired now. I'm sorry, I'm very very tired.\"\n\n\"Is there anything I can do?\"\n\n\"What should you do, Anjin-san? Except to be happy for me and for him. Nothing's changed, really. Nothing is finished because nothing began. Everything's as it was. My husband's alive.\"\n\nDon't you wish he were dead? Blackthorne asked himself in the garden. No." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then why the hidden pistol?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Are you filled with guilt?\n\nNo. Nothing began.\n\nDidn't it?\n\nNo.\n\nYou thought you were taking her. Isn't that the same as taking her in fact?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw Mariko walk into the garden from the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked like a porcelain miniature following half a pace behind Buntaro, his burliness seeming even greater by comparison. Fujiko was with her, and the maids.\n\nHe bowed. \"Yokoso oide kudasareta, Buntaro-san.\" Welcome to my house, Buntaro-san.\n\nThey all bowed. Buntaro and Mariko sat on the cushions opposite him. Fujiko seated herself behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nigatsu and the maid, Koi, began to serve cha and saké. Buntaro took saké." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'ikaga' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So did Blackthorne.\n\n\"Domo, Anjin-san. Ikaga desu ka?\"\n\n\"Ii. Ikaga desu ka?\"\n\n\"Ii. Kowa jozuni shabereru yoni natta na.\" Good. You're beginning to speak Japanese very well.\n\nSoon Blackthorne became lost in the conversation, for Buntaro was slurring his words, speaking carelessly and rapidly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, Mariko-san, I didn't understand that.\"\n\n\"My husband wishes to thank you for trying to save him. With the oar. You remember? When we were escaping from Osaka.\"\n\n\"Ah, so desu! Domo. Please tell him I still think we should have put back to shore. There was time enough. The maid drowned unnecessarily.\"\n\n\"He says that was karma.\"\n\n\"That was a wasted death,\" Blackthorne replied, and regretted the rudeness. He noticed that she did not translate it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My husband says that the assault strategy is very good, very good indeed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Domo. Tell him I'm glad he escaped unharmed. And that he's to command the regiment. And of course, that he's welcome to stay here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Domo, Anjin-san. Buntaro-sama says, yes, the assault plan is very good. But for himself he will always carry his bow and swords. He can kill at a much greater range, with great accuracy, and faster than a musket.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tomorrow I will shoot against him and we will see, if he likes.\"\n\n\"You will lose, Anjin-san, so sorry. May I caution you not to attempt that,\" she said.\n\nBlackthorne saw Buntaro's eyes flick from Mariko to him and back again. \"Thank you, Mariko-san. Say to him that I would like to see him shoot.\"\n\n\"He asks, can you use a bow?\"\n\n\"Yes, but not as a proper bowman. Bows are pretty much out of date with us. Except the crossbow. I was trained for the sea. There we use only cannon, musket, or cutlass. Sometimes we use fire arrows but only for enemy sails in close quarters.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'would' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He asks, how are they used, how do you make them, these fire arrows? Are they different from ours, like the ones used against the galley at Osaka?\"\n\nBlackthorne began to explain and there were the usual tiring interruptions and probing requestionings. By now he was used to their incredibly inquisitive minds about any aspect of war, but found it exhausting to talk through an interpreter. Even though Mariko was excellent, what she actually said was rarely exact. A long reply would always be shortened, some of what was spoken would, of course, be changed slightly, and misunderstandings occurred. So explanations had to be repeated unnecessarily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But without Mariko, he knew that he could never have become so valuable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's only knowledge that keeps me from the pit, he reminded himself. But that's no problem, because there's much to tell yet and a battle to win. A real battle to win. You're safe till then. You've a navy to plan. And then home. Safe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw Buntaro's swords and the guard's swords and he felt his own and the oiled warmth of his pistol and he knew, truthfully, he would never be safe in this land. Neither he nor anyone was safe, not even Toranaga.\n\n\"Anjin-san, Buntaro-sama asks if he sends you men tomorrow, could you show them how to make these arrows?\"\n\n\"Where can we get pitch?\"\n\n\"I don't know.\" Mariko cross-questioned him on where it was usually found and what it looked like or smelled like, and on possible alternatives. Then she spoke to Buntaro at length." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko had been silent all the while, her eyes and ears trained, missing nothing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"He asks please give him details about this battle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The maids, well commanded by a slight motion of Fujiko's fan to an empty cup, constantly replenished the saké flasks.\n\n\"My husband says he will discuss this with Lord Toranaga. Perhaps pitch exists somewhere in the Kwanto. We've never heard of it before. If not pitch, we have thick oils—whale oils—which might substitute. He asks do you sometimes use war rockets, like the Chinese?\"\n\n\"Yes. But they're not considered of much value except in siege. The Turks used them when they came against the Knights of St. John in Malta. Rockets are used mostly to cause fire and panic.\"\n\n\"He asks please give him details about this battle.\"\n\n\"It was forty years ago, in the greatest—\" Blackthorne stopped, his mind racing. This had been the most vital siege in Europe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sixty thousand Islamic Turks, the cream of the Ottoman Empire, had come against six hundred Christian knights supported by a few thousand Maltese auxiliaries, at bay in their vast castle complex at St. Elmo on the tiny island of Malta in the Mediterranean. The knights had successfully withstood the six-month siege and, incredibly, had forced the enemy to retreat in shame. This victory had saved the whole Mediterranean seaboard, and thus Christendom, from being ravaged at whim by the infidel hordes.\n\nBlackthorne had suddenly realized that this battle gave him one of the keys to Osaka Castle: how to invest it, how to harry it, how to break through the gates, and how to conquer it.\n\n\"You were saying, senhor?\"\n\n\"It was forty years ago, in the greatest inland sea we have in Europe, Mariko-san. The Mediterranean. It was just a siege, like any siege, not worth talking about,\" he lied." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'osaka' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such knowledge was priceless, certainly not to be given away lightly and absolutely not now. Mariko had explained many times that Osaka Castle stood inexorably between Toranaga and victory. Blackthorne was certain that the solution to Osaka might well be his passport out of the Empire, with all the riches he would need in this life.\n\nHe noticed that Mariko seemed troubled. \"Senhora?\"\n\n\"Nothing, senhor.\" She began to translate what he had said. But he knew that she knew he was hiding something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The smell of the stew distracted him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fujiko-san!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hai, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shokuji wa madaka? Kyaku wa... sazo kufuku de oro, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When's dinner? The guests may be hungry.\n\n\"Ah, gomen nasai, hi ga kurete kara ni itashimasu.\"\n\nBlackthorne saw her point at the sun and realized that she had said \"after sunset.\" He nodded and grunted, which passed in Japan for a polite \"thank you, I understand.\"\n\nMariko turned again to Blackthorne. \"My husband would like you to tell him about a battle you've been in.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're all in the War Manual, Mariko-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He says he's read it with great interest, but it contains only brief details. Over the next days he wishes to learn everything about all your battles. One now, if it pleases you.\"\n\n\"They're all in the War Manual. Perhaps tomorrow, Mariko-san.\" He wanted time to examine his blinding new thought about Osaka Castle and that battle, and he was tired of talking, tired of being cross-questioned, but most of all he wanted to eat.\n\n\"Please, Anjin-san, would you tell it again, just once, for my husband?\"\n\nHe heard the careful pleading under her voice so he relented. \"Of course. Which do you think he'd like?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The one in the Netherlands. Near 'Zeeland'—is that how you pronounce it?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" he said.\n\nSo he began to tell the story of this battle which was like almost every other battle in which men died, most of the time because of the mistakes and stupidity of the officers in command.\n\n\"My husband says it's not so here, Anjin-san. Here the commanding officers have to be very good or they die very quickly.\"\n\n\"Of course, my criticisms applied to European leaders only.\"\n\n\"Buntaro-sama says he will tell you about our wars and our leaders, particularly the Lord Taikō, over the days. A fair exchange for your information,\" she said noncommittally.\n\n\"Domo.\" Blackthorne bowed slightly, feeling Buntaro's eyes grind into him.\n\nWhat do you really want from me, you son of a bitch?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dinner was a disaster. For everyone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even before they had left the garden to go to the veranda to eat, the day had become ill-omened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Excuse me, Anjin-san, but what's that?\" Mariko pointed. \"Over there. My husband asks, what's that?\"\n\n\"Where? Oh, there! That's a pheasant,\" Blackthorne said. \"Lord Toranaga sent it to me, along with a hare. We're having that for dinner, English-style—at least I am, though there'd be enough for everyone.\"\n\n\"Thank you, but... we, my husband and I, we don't eat meat. But why is the pheasant hanging there? In this heat, shouldn't it be put away and prepared?\"\n\n\"That's the way you prepare pheasant. You hang it to mature the meat.\"\n\n\"What? Just like that? Excuse me, Anjin-san,\" she said, flustered, \"so sorry. But it'll go rotten quickly. It still has its feathers and it's not been... cleaned.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pheasant meat's dry, Mariko-san, so you hang it for a few days, perhaps a couple of weeks, depending on the weather. Then you pluck it, clean it, and cook it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You—you leave it in the air? To rot? Just like—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nan ja?\" Buntaro asked impatiently.\n\nShe spoke to him apologetically and he sucked in his breath, then got up and peered at it and prodded it. A few flies buzzed, then settled back again. Hesitantly Fujiko spoke to Buntaro and he flushed.\n\n\"Your consort said you ordered that no one was to touch it but you?\" Mariko asked.\n\n\"Yes. Don't you hang game here? Not everyone's Buddhist.\"\n\n\"No, Anjin-san. I don't think so.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Some people believe you should hang a pheasant by the tail feathers until it drops off, but that's an old wives' tale,\" Blackthorne said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By the neck's the right way, then the juices stay where they belong. Some people let it hang until it drops off the neck but personally, I don't like meat that gamy. We used to—\" He stopped for she had gone a slight shade of green.\n\n\"Nan desu ka, Mariko-san?\" Fujiko asked quickly.\n\nMariko explained. They all laughed nervously and Mariko got up, weakly patting the sheen off her forehead. \"I'm sorry, Anjin-san, would you excuse me a moment... \"\n\nYour food's just as strange, he wanted to say. What about yesterday, the raw squid—white, slimy, almost tasteless chewy meat with nothing but soya sauce to wash it down? Or the chopped octopus tentacles, again raw, with cold rice and seaweed?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How about fresh jellyfish with yellow-brown, souped tofu—fermented beancurds—that looked like a bowl of dog puke? Oh yes, served beautifully in a fragile, attractive bowl, but still looking like puke! Yes, by God, enough to make any man sick!\n\nEventually they went to the veranda room and, after the usual interminable bowings and small talk and cha and saké, the food began to arrive. Small trays of clear fish soup and rice and raw fish, as always. And then his stew.\n\nHe lifted the lid of the pot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The steam rose and golden globules of fat danced on the shimmering surface." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'their' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rich, mouth-watering gravy-soup was heavy with meat juices and tender chunks of flesh. Proudly he offered it but they all shook their heads and begged him to eat.\n\n\"Domo,\" he said.\n\nIt was good manners to drink soup directly from the small lacquered bowls and to eat anything solid in the soup with chopsticks. A ladle was on the tray. Hard put to stop his hunger, he filled the bowl and began to eat. Then he saw their eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were watching with nauseated fascination which they unsuccessfully tried to hide." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His appetite began to slip away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tried to dismiss them but could not, his stomach growling." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'fujiko' 3 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiding his irritation, he put down the bowl and replaced the lid and told them gruffly it was not to his taste. He ordered Nigatsu to take it away.\n\n\"Should it be thrown away then, Fujiko asks,\" Mariko said hopefully.\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nFujiko and Buntaro relaxed.\n\n\"Would you like more rice?\" Fujiko asked.\n\n\"No, thank you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko waved her fan, smiled encouragingly, and refilled his saké cup. But Blackthorne was not soothed and he resolved in the future to cook in the hills in private, to eat in private, and to hunt openly.\n\nTo hell with them, he thought. If Toranaga can hunt, so can I. When am I going to see him? How long do I have to wait?\n\n\"The pox on waiting and the pox on Toranaga!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he said aloud in English and felt better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What, Anjin-san?\" Mariko asked in Portuguese." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing,\" he replied. \"I was just wondering when I'd see Lord Toranaga.\"\n\n\"He didn't tell me. Very soon, I imagine.\"\n\nBuntaro was slurping his saké and soup loudly as was custom. This began to annoy Blackthorne. Mariko talked cheerfully with her husband, who grunted, hardly acknowledging her. She was not eating, and it further irked him that both she and Fujiko were almost fawning on Buntaro and also that he himself had to put up with this unwanted guest.\n\n\"Tell Buntaro-sama that in my country a host toasts the honored guest.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He lifted his cup with a grim smile." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'again' must be used 3 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Long life and happiness!\" He drank.\n\nBuntaro listened to Mariko's explanation. He nodded in agreement, lifted his cup in return, smiled through his teeth, and drained it.\n\n\"Health!\" Blackthorne toasted again.\n\nAnd again.\n\nAnd again.\n\n\"Health!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This time Buntaro did not drink." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He put down the full cup and looked at Blackthorne out of his small eyes. Then Buntaro called to someone outside. The shoji slid open at once. His guard, ever present, bowed and handed him the immense bow and quiver. Buntaro took it and spoke vehemently and rapidly to Blackthorne.\n\n\"My husband—my husband says you wanted to see him shoot, Anjin-san. He thinks tomorrow is too far away. Now is a good time. The gateway of your house, Anjin-san. He asks which post do you choose?\"\n\n\"I don't understand,\" Blackthorne said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The main gate would be forty paces away, somewhere across the garden, but now completely masked by the closed shoji wall to his right." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The left or the right post? Please choose.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her manner was urgent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Warned, he looked at Buntaro. The man seemed detached, oblivious of them, a squat ugly troll who sat gazing into the distance.\n\n\"Left,\" he said, fascinated.\n\n\"Hidari!\" she said.\n\nAt once Buntaro slid an arrow from the quiver and, still sitting, set up the bow, raised it, drew back the bowstring to eye level and released the shaft with savage, almost poetic liquidity. The arrow slashed toward Mariko's face, touched a strand of her hair in passing, and disappeared through the shoji paper wall. Another arrow was launched almost before the first had vanished, and then another, each one coming within an inch of impaling Mariko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She remained calm and motionless, kneeling as she had always been.\n\nA fourth arrow and then a last. The silence was filled with the echo of the twanging bowstring. Buntaro sighed and came back slowly. He put the bow across his knees. Mariko and Fujiko sucked in their breaths and smiled and bowed and complimented Buntaro and he nodded and bowed slightly. They looked at Blackthorne." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew that what he had witnessed was almost magical. All the arrows had gone through the same hole in the shoji.\n\nBuntaro handed the bow back to his guard and picked up his tiny cup. He stared at it a moment, then raised it to Blackthorne, drained it and spoke harshly, his brutish self again.\n\n\"He—my husband asks, politely, please go and look.\"\n\nBlackthorne thought a moment, trying to still his heart. \"There's no need. Of course he hit the target.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He says he would like you to be sure.\"\n\n\"I'm sure.\"\n\n\"Please, Anjin-san. You would honor him.\"\n\n\"I don't need to honor him.\"\n\n\"Yes. But may I please quietly add my request.\"\n\nAgain the plea was in her eyes.\n\n\"How do I say, 'That was marvelous to watch'?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She told him. He said the words and bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro bowed perfunctorily in return.\n\n\"Ask him please to come with me to see the arrows.\"\n\n\"He says that he would like you to go by yourself. He does not wish to go, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"If he has been accurate, senhor, you should see that by yourself. If not, you should see that alone too. Then neither you nor he can be embarrassed.\"\n\n\"And if he's missed?\"\n\n\"He hasn't. But by our custom accuracy under such impossible circumstances is unimportant compared to the grace that the archer shows, the nobility of movement, his strength to shoot sitting, or the detachment about the winning or losing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The arrows were within an inch of each other in the middle of the left post." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne looked back at the house and he could see, forty-odd paces away, the small neat hole in the paper wall that was a spark of light in the darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's almost impossible to be so accurate, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From where Buntaro was sitting he couldn't see the garden or the gate, and it was black night outside. Blackthorne turned back to the post and raised the lantern higher. With one hand he tried to pull out an arrow. The steel head was buried too deep. He could have snapped the wooden shaft but he did not wish to.\n\nThe guard was watching.\n\nBlackthorne hesitated. The guard came forward to help but he shook his head, \"Iyé, domo,\" and went back inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mariko-san, please tell my consort that I would like the arrows left in the post forever. All of them. To remind me of a master archer. I've never seen such shooting.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He bowed to Buntaro.\n\n\"Thank you, Anjin-san.\" She translated and Buntaro bowed and thanked him for the compliment.\n\n\"Saké!\" Blackthorne ordered.\n\nThey drank more. Much more. Buntaro quaffed his carelessly now, the wine taking him. Blackthorne watched him covertly then let his attention wander away as he wondered how the man had managed to line up and fire the arrows with such incredible accuracy. It's impossible, he thought, yet I saw him do it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wonder what Vinck and Baccus and the rest are doing right now. Toranaga had told him the crew were now settled in Yedo, near Erasmus. Christ Jesus, I'd like to see them and get back aboard.\n\nHe glanced across at Mariko, who was saying something to her husband. Buntaro listened, then to Blackthorne's surprise, he saw the samurai's face become contorted with loathing. Before he could avert his eyes Buntaro had looked at him.\n\n\"Nan desu ka?\" Buntaro's words sounded almost like an accusation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nani-mo, Buntaro-san.\" Nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne offered everyone saké, hoping to cover his lapse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again the women accepted, but just sipped their wine sparingly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'mariko' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro finished his cup at once, his mood ugly. Then he harangued Mariko lengthily.\n\nIn spite of himself, Blackthorne spoke out. \"What's the matter with him? What's he saying?\"\n\n\"Oh, I'm sorry, Anjin-san. My husband was asking about you, about your wife and consorts. And about your children. And about what happened since we left Osaka. He—\" She stopped, changing her mind, and added in a different voice, \"He's most interested in you and your views.\"\n\n\"I'm interested in him and his views, Mariko-san. How did you meet, you and he? When were you married? Did—\" Buntaro overrode him with a flurry of impatient Japanese.\n\nAt once Mariko translated what had been said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro reached over and sloshed two teacups full of saké, offered one to Blackthorne and waved at the women to take the others." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'other' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He—my husband says sometimes saké cups are too small.\" Mariko poured the other teacups full. She sipped one, Fujiko the other. There was another, more bellicose harangue and Mariko's smile froze on her face, Fujiko's also.\n\n\"Iyé, dozo gomen nasai, Buntaro-sama,\" Mariko began.\n\n\"Ima!\" Buntaro ordered.\n\nNervously Fujiko started to talk but Buntaro shut her up with one look." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gomen nasai,\" Fujiko whispered in apology. \"Dozo gomen nasai.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What did he say, Mariko-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She appeared not to hear Blackthorne." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dozo gomen nasai, Buntaro-sama, watashi—\"\n\nHer husband's face reddened. \"IMA!\"\n\n\"So sorry, Anjin-san, but my husband orders me to tell—to answer your questions—to tell you about myself. I told him that I did not think that family matters should be discussed so late at night, but he orders it. Please be patient.\" She took a large sip of the saké. Then another. The strands of hair that were loose over her ears waved in the slight current made by Fujiko's fan. She drained the cup and put it down. \"My maiden name is Akechi. I am the daughter of General Lord Akechi Jinsai, the assassin. My father treacherously assassinated his liege lord, the Dictator Lord Goroda.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"God in heaven! Why'd he do that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Whatever the reason, Anjin-san, it is insufficient. My father committed the worst crime in our world. My blood's tainted, as is the blood of my son.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then why—\" He stopped.\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"I was only going to say that I understand what that means... to kill a liege lord. I'm surprised that you were left alive.\"\n\n\"My husband honored me—\"\n\nAgain Buntaro viciously interrupted her and she apologized and explained what Blackthorne had asked. Contemptuously Buntaro waved her on.\n\n\"My husband honored me by sending me away,\" she continued in the same gentle way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I begged to be allowed to commit seppuku but he denied me that privilege. It was... I must explain, seppuku is his privilege to give, or Lord Toranaga's. I still humbly ask it once a year on the anniversary of the day of the treachery. But in his wisdom, my husband has always refused me.\" Her smile was lovely. \"My husband honors me every day, every moment, Anjin-san. If I were he I would not be able to even talk to such a... befouled person.\"\n\n\"That's why—that's why you're the last of your line?\" he asked, remembering what she had said about a catastrophe on the march from Osaka Castle.\n\nMariko translated the question for Buntaro and then turned back again. \"Hai, Anjin-san. But it wasn't a catastrophe, not for them. They were caught in the hills, my father and his family, by Nakamura, the general who became the Taikō. It was Nakamura who led the armies of vengeance and slaughtered all my father's forces, twenty thousand men, every one. My father and his family were trapped, but my father had time to help them all, my four brothers and three sisters, my—my mother and his two consorts. Then he committed seppuku. In that he was samurai and they were samurai,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They knelt bravely before him, one by one, and he slew them one by one. They died honorably. And he died honorably. My father's two brothers and one uncle had sided with him in his treachery against their liege lord. They were also trapped. And they died with equal honor. Not one Akechi was left alive to face the hate and derision of the enemy except me—no, please forgive me, Anjin-san, I'm wrong—my father and his brothers and uncle, they were the real enemy. Of the enemy, only I am left alive, a living witness to filthy treachery. I, Akechi Mariko, was left alive because I was married and so belonged to my husband's family. We lived at Kyoto then. I was at Kyoto when my father died. His treachery and rebellion lasted only thirteen days, Anjin-san. But as long as men live in these islands, the name Akechi will be foul.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How long had you been married when that happened?\"\n\n\"Two months and three days, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"And you were fifteen then?\"\n\n\"Yes. My husband honored me by not divorcing me or casting me out as he should have done. I was sent away. To a village in the north. It was cold there, Anjin-san, in Shonai Province. So cold.\"\n\n\"How long were you there?\"\n\n\"Eight years. The Lord Goroda was forty-nine when he committed seppuku to prevent capture. That was almost sixteen years ago, Anjin-san, and most of his descen—\"\n\nBuntaro interrupted again, his tongue a whip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Anjin-san,\" Mariko said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My husband correctly points out it should have been enough for me to say that I am the daughter of a traitor, that long explanations are unnecessary. Of course some explanations are necessary,\" she added carefully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse my husband's bad manners and I beg you to remember what I said about ears to hear with and the Eightfold Fence. Forgive me, Anjin-san, I am ordered away. You may not leave until he leaves, or passes out with drink. Do not interfere.\" She bowed to Fujiko. \"Dozo gomen nasai.\"\n\n\"Do itashimashité.\"\n\nMariko bowed her head to Buntaro and left. Her perfume lingered.\n\n\"Saké!\" Buntaro said and smiled evilly.\n\nFujiko filled the teacup.\n\n\"Health,\" Blackthorne said, in turmoil." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For more than an hour he toasted Buntaro until he felt his own head swimming. Then Buntaro passed out and lay in the shattered mess of the teacups. The shoji opened instantly. The guard came in with Mariko. They lifted Buntaro, helped by servants who seemed to appear out of nowhere, and carried him to the room opposite. Mariko's room. Assisted by the maid, Koi, she began to undress him. The guard slid the shoji closed and sat outside it, his hand on the haft of his loosened sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko waited, watching Blackthorne." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maids came and tidied up the disorder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wearily Blackthorne ran his hands through his long hair and retied the ribbon of his queue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he lurched up and went out onto the veranda, his consort following." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The air smelled good and cleansed him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But not enough. He sat ponderously on the stoop and drank in the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko knelt behind him and leaned forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gomen nasai, Anjin-san,\" she whispered, nodding back at the house. \"Wakarimasu ka?\" Do you understand?\n\n\"Wakarimasu, shigata ga nai.\" Then, seeing her untoward fear, he stroked her hair.\n\n\"Arigato, arigato, Anjin-sama.\"\n\n\"Anatawa suimin ima, Fujiko-san,\" he said, finding the words with difficulty. You sleep now.\n\n\"Dozo gomen nasai, Anjin-sama, suimin, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she said, motioning him toward his own room, her eyes pleading.\n\n\"Iyé. Watashi oyogu ima.\" No, I'm going for a swim.\n\n\"Hai, Anjin-sama.\" Obediently she turned and called out. Two of the servants came running. Both were young men from the village, strong and known to be good swimmers.\n\nBlackthorne did not object." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tonight he knew his objections would be meaningless." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, anyway,\" he said aloud as he lurched down the hill, the men following, his brain dulled with drink, \"anyway, I've put him to sleep. He can't hurt her now.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around six 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 James Clavell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne swam for an hour and felt better. When he came back Fujiko was waiting on the veranda with a pot of fresh cha. He accepted some, then went to bed and was instantly asleep.\n\nThe sound of Buntaro's voice, teeming with malice, awoke him. His right hand was already grasping the hilt of the loaded pistol he always kept under the futon, and his heart was thundering in his chest from the suddenness of his waking.\n\nBuntaro's voice stopped. Mariko began to talk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne could only catch a few words but he could feel the reasonableness and the pleading, not abject or whining or even near tears, just her usual firm serenity. Again Buntaro erupted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne tried not to listen.\n\n\"Don't interfere,\" she had told him and she was wise. He had no rights, but Buntaro had many. \"I beg you to be careful, Anjin-san. Remember what I told you about ears to hear with and the Eightfold Fence.\"\n\nObediently he lay back, his skin chilled with sweat, and forced himself to think about what she had said.\n\n\"You see, Anjin-san,\" she had told him that very special evening when they were finishing the last of many last flasks of saké and he had been joking about the lack of privacy everywhere—people always around and paper walls, ears and eyes always prying, \"here you have to learn to create your own privacy. We're taught from childhood to disappear within ourselves, to grow impenetrable walls behind which we live. If we couldn't, we'd all certainly go mad and kill each other and ourselves.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What walls?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'training' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, we've a limitless maze to hide in, Anjin-san. Rituals and customs, taboos of all kinds, oh yes. Even our language has nuances you don't have which allow us to avoid, politely, any question if we don't want to answer it.\"\n\n\"But how do you close your ears, Mariko-san? That's impossible.\"\n\n\"Oh, very easy, with training. Of course, training begins as soon as a child can talk, so very soon it's second nature to us—how else could we survive? First you begin by cleansing your mind of people, to put yourself on a different plane. Sunset watching is a great help or listening to the rain—Anjin-san, have you noticed the different sounds of rain?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If you really listen, then the present vanishes, neh?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Listening to blossoms falling and to rocks growing are exceptionally good exercises." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of course, you're not supposed to see the things, they're only signs, messages to your hara, your center, to remind you of the transience of life, to help you gain wa, harmony, Anjin-san, perfect harmony, which is the most sought-after quality in all Japanese life, all art, all... \" She had laughed. \"There, you see what so much saké does to me.\" The tip of her tongue touched her lips so enticingly. \"I will whisper a secret to you: Don't be fooled by our smiles and gentleness, our ceremonial and our bowing and sweetnesses and attentions. Beneath them all we can be a million ri away, safe and alone. For that's what we seek—oblivion. One of our first poems ever written—it's in the Kojiki, our first history book that was written down about a thousand years ago—perhaps that will explain what I'm saying:\n\n\"Eight cumulus arise\n\nFor the lovers to hide within." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Eightfold Fence of Izumo Province\n\nEnclose those Eightfold clouds—\n\nOh how marvelous, that Eightfold Fence!\n\nWe would certainly go mad if we didn't have an Eightfold Fence, oh very yes!\"\n\nRemember the Eightfold Fence, he told himself, as the hissing fury of Buntaro continued. I don't know anything about her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or him, really. Think about the Musket Regiment or home or Felicity or how to get the ship or about Baccus or Toranaga or Omi-san. What about Omi?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do I need revenge?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wants to be my friend and he's been good and kind since the pistols and...\n\nThe sound of the blow tore into his head. Then Mariko's voice began again, and there was a second blow and Blackthorne was on his feet in an instant, the shoji open. The guard stood facing him balefully in the corridor outside Mariko's door, sword ready.\n\nBlackthorne was preparing to launch himself at the samurai when the door at the far end of the corridor opened. Fujiko, her hair loose and flowing over the sleeping kimono, approached, the sound of ripping cloth and another clout seemingly not touching her at all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She bowed politely to the guard and stood between them, then bowed meekly to Blackthorne and took his arm, motioning him back into the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw the taut readiness of the samurai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had only one pistol and one bullet at the moment so he retreated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko followed and shut the shoji behind her. Then, very afraid, she shook her head warningly, and touched a finger to her lips and shook her head again, her eyes pleading with him.\n\n\"Gomen nasai, wakarimasu ka?\" she breathed.\n\nBut he was concentrating on the wall of the adjoining room that he could smash in so easily.\n\nShe looked at the wall also, then put herself between him and the wall, and sat, motioning him to do the same.\n\nBut he could not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stood readying himself for the charge that would destroy them all, goaded by a whimper that followed another blow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Iyé!\" Fujiko shook in terror.\n\nHe waved her out of the way.\n\n\"Iyé, iyé,\" she begged again.\n\n\"IMA!\"\n\nAt once Fujiko got up and motioned him to wait as she rushed noiselessly for the swords that lay in front of the tokonama, the little alcove of honor. She picked up the long sword, her hands shaking, drew it out of the scabbard, and prepared to follow him through the wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At that instant there was a final blow and a rising torrent of rage. The other shoji slammed open, and unseen, Buntaro stamped away, followed by the guard. There was silence in the house for a moment, then the sound of the garden gate crashing closed.\n\nBlackthorne went for his door. Fujiko darted in the way but he shoved her aside and pulled it open.\n\nMariko was still on her knees in one corner of the next room, a livid welt on her cheek, her hair disheveled, her kimono in tatters, bad bruises on her thighs and lower back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rushed over to pick her up but she cried out, \"Go away, please go away, Anjin-san!\"\n\nHe saw the trickle of blood from the corner of her mouth. \"Jesus, how bad are you—\"\n\n\"I told you not to interfere. Please go away,\" she said in the same calm voice that belied the violence in her eyes. Then she saw Fujiko, who had stayed at the doorway. She spoke to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko obediently took Blackthorne's arm to lead him away but he tore out of her grasp. \"Don't! Iyé!\"\n\nMariko said, \"Your presence here takes away my face and gives me no peace or comfort and shames me. Go away!\"\n\n\"I want to help. Don't you understand?\"\n\n\"Don't you understand? You have no rights in this. This is a private quarrel between husband and wife.\"\n\n\"That's no excuse for hitting—\"\n\n\"Why don't you listen, Anjin-san? He can beat me to death if he wishes. He has the right and I wish he would—even that! Then I wouldn't have to endure the shame. You think it's easy to live with my shame? Didn't you hear what I told you? I'm Akechi Jinsai's daughter!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'wants' 3 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's not your fault. You did nothing!\"\n\n\"It is my fault and I am my father's daughter.\" Mariko would have stopped there. But, looking up and seeing his compassion, his concern, and his love, and knowing how he so honored truth, she allowed some of her veils to fall.\n\n\"Tonight was my fault, Anjin-san,\" she said. \"If I would weep as he wants, beg forgiveness as he wants, cringe and be petrified and fawn as he wants, open my legs in pretended terror as he desires, do all these womanly things that my duty demands, then he'd be like a child in my hand. But I will not.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why?\"\n\n\"Because that's my revenge. To repay him for leaving me alive after the treachery. To repay him for sending me away for eight years and leaving me alive all that time. And to repay him for ordering me back into life and leaving me alive.\" She sat back painfully and arranged her tattered kimono closer around her. \"I'll never give myself to him again. Once I did, freely, even though I detested him from the first moment I saw him.\"\n\n\"Then why did you marry him? You've said women here have rights of refusal, that they don't have to marry against their wishes.\"\n\n\"I married him to please Lord Goroda, and to please my father. I was so young I didn't know about Goroda then, but if you want the truth, Goroda was the cruelest, most loathsome man that was ever born. He drove my father to treachery. That's the real truth! Goroda!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She spat the name. \"But for him we'd all be alive and honored. I pray God that Goroda's committed to hell for all eternity.\" She moved carefully, trying to ease the agony in her side. \"There's only hatred between my husband and me, that's our karma. It would be so easy for him to allow me to climb into the small place of death.\"\n\n\"Why doesn't he let you go? Divorce you? Even grant you what you want?\"\n\n\"Because he's a man.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A ripple of pain went through her and she grimaced. Blackthorne was on his knees beside her, cradling her. She pushed him away, fought for control. Fujiko, at the doorway, watched stoically.\n\n\"I'm all right, Anjin-san. Please leave me alone. You mustn't. You must be careful.\"\n\n\"I'm not afraid of him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wearily she pushed the hair out of her eyes and stared up searchingly. Why not let the Anjin-san go to meet his karma, Mariko asked herself. He's not of our world. Buntaro will kill him so easily. Only Toranaga's personal protection has shielded him so far. Yabu, Omi, Naga, Buntaro—any one of them could be provoked so easily into killing him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's caused nothing but trouble since he arrived, neh? So has his knowledge. Naga's right: the Anjin-san can destroy our world unless he's bottled up.\n\nWhat if Buntaro knew the truth? Or Toranaga? About the pillowing...\n\n\"Are you insane?\" Fujiko had said that first night. \"No.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory inclusion (with quotes): Then why are you going to take the maid's place?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then why are you going to take the maid's place?\"\n\n\"Because of the saké and for amusement, Fujiko-chan, and for curiosity,\" she had lied, hiding the real reason: because he excited her, she wanted him, she had never had a lover. If it was not tonight it would never be, and it had to be the Anjin-san and only the Anjin-san.\n\nSo she had gone to him and had been transported and then, yesterday, when the galley arrived, Fujiko had said privately, \"Would you have gone if you'd known your husband was alive?\"\n\n\"No. Of course not,\" she had lied.\n\n\"But now you're going to tell Buntaro-sama, neh? About pillowing with the Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why should I do that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought that might be your plan. If you tell Buntaro-sama at the right time his rage will burst over you and you'll be gratefully dead before he knows what he's done.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Fujiko-san, he'll never kill me. Unfortunately. He'll send me to the eta if he has excuse enough—if he could get Lord Toranaga's approval—but he'll never kill me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Adultery with the Anjin-san—would that be enough?\"\n\n\"Oh yes.\"\n\n\"What would happen to your son?\"\n\n\"He would inherit my disgrace, if I am disgraced, neh?\"\n\n\"Please tell me if you ever think Buntaro-sama suspects what happened. While I'm consort, it's my duty to protect the Anjin-san.\"\n\nYes, it is, Fujiko, Mariko had thought then." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And that would give you the excuse to take open vengeance on your father's accuser that you are desperate for. But your father was a coward, so sorry, poor Fujiko. Hiro-matsu was there, otherwise your father would be alive now and Buntaro dead, for Buntaro is hated far more than they ever despised your father. Even the swords you prize so much, they were never given as a battle honor, they were bought from a wounded samurai. So sorry, but I'll never be the one to tell you, even though that also is the truth.\n\n\"I'm not afraid of him,\" Blackthorne was saying again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know,\" she said, the pain taking her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But please, I beg you, be afraid of him for me.\"\n\nBlackthorne went for the door." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 11 sentences. Context: May include pre-existing characters and lore." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro was waiting for him a hundred paces away in the center of the path that led down to the village—squat, immense, and deadly. The guard stood beside him. It was an overcast dawn. Fishing boats were already working the shoals, the sea calm.\n\nBlackthorne saw the bow loose in Buntaro's hands, and the swords, and the guard's swords. Buntaro was swaying slightly and this gave him hope that the man's aim would be off, which might give him time to get close enough. There was no cover beside the path. Beyond caring, he cocked both pistols and bore down on the two men.\n\nTo hell with cover, he thought through the haze of his blood lust, knowing at the same time that what he was doing was insane, that he had no chance against the two samurai or the long-range bow, that he had no rights whatsoever to interfere. And then, while he was still out of pistol range, Buntaro bowed low, and so did the guard. Blackthorne stopped, sensing a trap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked all around but there was no one near." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As though in a dream, he saw Buntaro sink heavily onto his knees, put his bow aside, his hands flat on the ground, and bow to him as a peasant would bow to his lord. The guard did likewise.\n\nBlackthorne stared at them, dazed. When he was sure his eyes were not tricking him, he came forward slowly, pistols ready but not leveled, expecting treachery. Within easy range he stopped. Buntaro had not moved. Custom dictated that he should kneel and return the salutation because they were equals or near equals but he could not understand why there should be such unbelievable deferential ceremony in a situation like this where blood was going to flow.\n\n\"Get up, you son of a bitch!\" Blackthorne readied to pull both triggers.\n\nBuntaro said nothing, did nothing, but kept his head bowed, his hands flat. The back of his kimono was soaked with sweat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nan ja?\" Blackthorne deliberately used the most insulting way of asking \"What is it?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 3 instance(s) of the word 'could'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "wanting to bait Buntaro into getting up, into beginning, knowing that he could not shoot him like this, with his head down and almost in the dust.\n\nThen, conscious that it was rude to stand while they were kneeling and that the \"nan ja\" was an almost intolerable and certainly unnecessary insult, Blackthorne knelt and, holding on to the pistols, put both hands on the ground and bowed in return.\n\nHe sat back on his heels. \"Hai?\" he asked with forced politeness.\n\nAt once Buntaro began mumbling. Abjectly. Apologizing. For what and exactly why, Blackthorne did not know. He could only catch a word here and another there and saké many times, but clearly it was an apology and a humble plea for forgiveness. Buntaro went on and on. Then he ceased and put his head down into the dust again.\n\nBlackthorne's blinding rage had vanished by now. \"Shigata ga nai,\" he said huskily, which meant, \"it can't be helped,\" or \"there's nothing to be done,\" or \"what could you do?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "not knowing yet if the apology was merely ritual, prior to attack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shigata ga nai. Hakkiri wakaranu ga shinpai surukotowanai.\" It can't be helped. I don't understand exactly—but don't worry.\n\nBuntaro looked up and sat back. \"Arigato—arigato, Anjin-sama. Domo gomen nasai.\"\n\n\"Shigata ga nai,\" Blackthorne repeated and, now that it was clear the apology was genuine, he thanked God for giving him the miraculous opportunity to call off the duel. He knew that he had no rights, he had acted like a madman, and that the only way to resolve the crisis with Buntaro was according to rules. And that meant Toranaga.\n\nBut why the apology, he was asking himself frantically. Think! You've got to learn to think like them.\n\nThen the solution rushed into his brain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It must be because I'm hatamoto, and Buntaro, the guest, disturbed the wa, the harmony of my house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By having a violent open quarrel with his wife in my house, he insulted me, therefore he's totally in the wrong and he has to apologize whether he means it or not. An apology's obligatory from one samurai to another, from a guest to a host...\n\nWait! And don't forget that by their custom, all men are allowed to get drunk, are expected to get drunk sometimes, and when drunk they are not, within reason, responsible for their actions. Don't forget there's no loss of face if you get stinking drunk. Remember how unconcerned Mariko and Toranaga were on the ship when I was stupefied. They were amused and not disgusted, as we'd be.\n\nAnd aren't you really to blame? Didn't you start the drinking bout? Wasn't it your challenge?\n\n\"Yes,\" he said aloud.\n\n\"Nan desu ka, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro asked, his eyes bloodshot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nani mo. Watashi no kashitsu desu.\" Nothing. It was my fault.\n\nBuntaro shook his head and said that no, it was only his fault and he bowed and apologized again.\n\n\"Saké,\" Blackthorne said with finality and shrugged. \"Shigata ga nai. Saké!\"\n\nBuntaro bowed and thanked him again. Blackthorne returned it and got up. Buntaro followed, and the guard. Both bowed once more. Again it was returned.\n\nAt length Buntaro turned and reeled away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne waited until he was out of arrow range, wondering if the man was as drunk as he appeared to be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he went back to his own house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko was on the veranda, once more within her polite, smiling shell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What are you really thinking, he asked himself as he greeted her, and was welcomed back.\n\nMariko's door was closed. Her maid stood beside it.\n\n\"Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san?\"\n\nHe waited but the door stayed closed. \"Are you all right?\"\n\n\"Yes, thank you.\" He heard her clear her throat, then the weak voice continued. \"Fujiko has sent word to Yabu-san and to Lord Toranaga that I'm indisposed today and won't be able to interpret.\"\n\n\"You'd better see a doctor.\"\n\n\"Oh, thank you, but Suwo will be very good. I've sent for him. I've... I've just twisted my side. Truly I'm all right, there's no need for you to worry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look, I know a little about doctoring. You're not coughing up blood, are you?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, no. When I slipped I just knocked my cheek. Really, I'm quite all right.\"\n\nAfter a pause, he said, \"Buntaro apologized.\"\n\n\"Yes. Fujiko watched from the gate. I thank you humbly for accepting his apology. Thank you. And Anjin-san, I'm so sorry that you were disturbed... it's unforgivable that your harmony... please accept my apologies too. I should never have let my mouth run away with me. It was very impolite—please forgive me also. The quarrel was my fault. Please accept my apology.\"\n\n\"For being beaten?\"\n\n\"For failing to obey my husband, for failing to help him to sleep contentedly, for failing him, and my host. Also for what I said.\"\n\n\"You're sure there's nothing I can do?\"\n\n\"No—no, thank you, Anjin-san. It's just for today.\"\n\nBut Blackthorne did not see her for eight days." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for James Clavell vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I invited you to hunt, Naga-san, not to repeat views I've already heard,\" Toranaga said.\n\n\"I beg you, Father, for the last time: stop the training, outlaw guns, destroy the barbarian, declare the experiment a failure and have done with this obscenity.\"\n\n\"No. For the last time.\" The hooded falcon on Toranaga's gloved hand shifted uneasily at the unaccustomed menace in her master's voice and she hissed irritably. They were in the brush, beaters and guards well out of earshot, the day sweltering and dank and overcast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Naga's chin jutted. \"Very well. But it's still my duty to remind you that you're in danger here, and to demand again, with due politeness, now for the last time, that you leave Anjiro today.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. Also for the last time.\"\n\n\"Then take my head!\"\n\n\"I already have your head!\"\n\n\"Then take it today, now, or let me end my life, since you won't take good advice.\"\n\n\"Learn patience, puppy!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How can I be patient when I see you destroying yourself? It's my duty to point it out to you. You stay here hunting and wasting time while your enemies are pulling the whole world down on you. The Regents meet tomorrow. Four-fifths of all daimyos in Japan are either at Osaka already or on the way there. You're the only important one to refuse. Now you'll be impeached. Then nothing can save you. At the very least you should be home at Yedo surrounded by the legions. Here you're naked. We can't protect you. We've barely a thousand men, and hasn't Yabu-san mobilized all Izu? He's got more than eight thousand men within twenty ri, another six closing his borders. You know spies say he has a fleet waiting northward to sink you if you try to escape by galley! You're his prisoner again, don't you see that? One carrier pigeon from Ishido and Yabu can destroy you, whenever he wants. How do you know he isn't planning treachery with Ishido?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure he's considering it. I would if I were he, wouldn't you?\"\n\n\"No, I wouldn't.\"\n\n\"Then you'd soon be dead, which would be absolutely merited, but so would all your family, all your clan and all your vassals, which would be absolutely unforgivable. You're a stupid, truculent fool! You won't use your mind, you won't listen, you won't learn, you won't curb your tongue or your temper! You let yourself be manipulated in the most childish way and believe that everything can be solved with the edge of your sword. The only reason I don't take your stupid head or let you end your present worthless life is because you're young, because I used to think you had some possibilities, your mistakes are not malicious, there's no guile in you and your loyalty's unquestioned. But if you don't quickly learn patience and self-discipline, I'll take away your samurai status and order you and all your generations into the peasant class!\" Toranaga's right fist slammed his saddle and the falcon let out a piercing, nervous scream. \"Do you understand?\"\n\nNaga was in shock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his whole life Naga had never seen his father shout with rage or lose his temper, or even heard of him doing so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Many times he had felt the bite of his tongue but with justification. Naga knew he made many mistakes, but always his father had turned it so that what he'd done no longer seemed as stupid as it had at first. For instance, when Toranaga had shown him how he had fallen into Omi's—or Yabu's—trap about Jozen, he had had to be physically stopped from charging off at once to murder them both. But Toranaga had ordered his private guards to pour cold water over Naga until he was rational, and had calmly explained that he, Naga, had helped his father immeasurably by eliminating Jozen's menace. 'But it would have been better if you'd known you were being manipulated into the action." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Be patient, my son, everything comes with patience,' Toranaga had counseled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Soon you'll be able to manipulate them. What you did was very good. But you must learn to reason what's in a man's mind if you're to be of any use to yourself—or to your lord. I need leaders. I've fanatics enough.'\n\nAlways his father had been reasonable and forgiving but today... Naga leapt off his horse and knelt abjectly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please forgive me, Father. I never meant to make you angry... it's only because I'm frantic with worry over your safety. Please excuse me for disturbing the harmony—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hold your tongue!\" Toranaga bellowed, causing his horse to shy.\n\nFrantically Toranaga held on with his knees and pulled the reins tighter in his right hand, the horse skittering. Off balance, his falcon began to bate—to jump off his fist, her wings fluttering wildly, screaming her ear-shattering hek-ekek-ek-ek—infuriated by the unaccustomed and unwelcome agitation surrounding her. \"There, my beauty, there... \" Toranaga desperately tried to settle her and gain control of the horse as Naga jumped for the horse's head. He caught the bridle and just managed to stop the horse from bolting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The falcon was screaming furiously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At length, reluctantly, she settled back on Toranaga's expert glove, held firmly by her thong jesses. But her wings still pulsated nervously, the bells on her feet jangling shrilly.\n\n\"Hek-ek-ek-ek-eeeeekk!\" she shrieked a final time.\n\n\"There, there, my beauty. There, everything's all right,\" Toranaga said soothingly, his face still mottled with rage, then turned on Naga, trying to keep the animosity out of his tone for the falcon's sake. \"If you've ruined her condition today, I'll—I'll—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At that instant one of the beaters hallooed warningly. Immediately Toranaga slipped off the falcon's hood with his right hand, gave her a moment to adjust to her surroundings, then launched her.\n\nShe was long-winged, a peregrine, her name Tetsu-ko—Lady of Steel—and she whooshed up into the sky, circling to her station six hundred feet above Toranaga, waiting for her prey to be flushed, her nervousness forgotten. Then, turning on the downwind pass, she saw the dogs sent in and the covey of pheasant scattered in a wild flurry of wing beatings. She marked her prey, heeled over and stooped—closed her wings and dived relentlessly—her talons ready to hack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She came hurtling down but the old cock pheasant, twice her size, side-slipped and, in panic, tore arrow-straight for the safety of a copse of trees, two hundred paces away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tetsu-ko recovered, opened her wings, charging headlong after her quarry. She gained altitude and then, once more vertically above the cock, again stooped, hacked viciously, and again missed. Toranaga excitedly shouted encouragement, warning of the danger ahead, Naga forgotten.\n\nWith a frantic clattering of wings, the cock was streaking for the protection of the trees. The peregrine, again whirling high above, stooped and came slashing down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But she was too late." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wily pheasant vanished. Careless of her own safety, the falcon crashed through the leaves and branches, ferociously seeking her victim, then recovered and flashed into the open once more, screeching with rage, to rush high above the copse.\n\nAt that moment, a covey of partridge was flushed and whirred away, staying close to the ground seeking safety, darting this way and that, cunningly following the contours of the earth. Tetsu-ko marked one, folded her wings, and fell like a stone. This time she did not miss." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One vicious hack of her hind talons as she passed broke the partridge's neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bird crashed to the ground in a bursting cloud of feathers. But instead of following her kill to the earth or binding it to her and landing with it, she soared screaming into the sky, climbing higher and ever higher.\n\nAnxiously Toranaga took out the lure, a small dead bird tied to a thin rope, and whirred it around his head. But Tetsu-ko was not tempted back. Now she was a tiny speck in the sky and Toranaga was sure that he had lost her, that she had decided to leave him, to go back to the wilds, to kill at her whim and not at his whim, to eat when she wanted and not when he decided, and to fly where the winds bore her or fancy took her, masterless and forever free." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga watched her, not sad, but just a little lonely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was a wild creature and Toranaga, like all falconers, knew he was only a temporary earthbound master. Alone he had climbed to her eyrie in the Hakoné mountains and taken her from the nest as a fledgling, and trained her, cherished her, and given her her first kill. Now he could hardly see her circling there, riding the thermals so gloriously, and he wished, achingly, that he too could ride the empyrean, away from the iniquities of earth.\n\nThen the old cock pheasant casually broke from the trees to feed once more. And Tetsu-ko stooped, plummeting from the heavens, a tiny streamlined weapon of death, her claws ready for the coup de grace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cock pheasant died instantly, feathers bursting from him on impact, but she held on, falling with him to let go, her wings slashing the air to brake violently at the very last second." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she closed her wings and settled on her kill.\n\nShe held it in her claws and began to pluck it with her beak prior to eating. But before she could eat Toranaga rode up. She stopped, distracted. Her merciless brown eyes, ringed with yellow ceres, watched as he dismounted, her ears listening to his cooing praise of her skill and bravery, and then, because she was hungry and he the giver of food and also because he was patient and made no sudden movement but knelt gently, she allowed him to come closer.\n\nToranaga was complimenting her softly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took out his hunting knife and split the pheasant's head to allow Tetsu-ko to feed on the brains." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As she began to feast on this tidbit, at his whim, he cut off the head and she came effortlessly onto his fist, where she was accustomed to feed.\n\nAll the time Toranaga praised her and when she'd finished this morsel he stroked her gently and complimented her lavishly. She bobbed and hissed her contentment, glad to be safely back on the fist once more where she could eat, for of course, ever since she had been taken from the nest, the fist was the only place she had ever been allowed to feed, her food always given to her by Toranaga personally. She began to preen herself, ready for another death.\n\nBecause Tetsu-ko had flown so well, Toranaga decided to let her gorge and fly her no more today." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gave her a small bird that he had already plucked and opened for her. When she was halfway through her meal he slipped on her hood. She continued to feed contentedly through the hood. When she had finished and began to preen herself again, he picked up the cock pheasant, bagged it, and beckoned his falconer, who had waited with the beaters. Exhilarated, they discussed the glory of the kill and counted the bag." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a hare, a brace of quail, and the cock pheasant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga dismissed the falconer and the beaters, sending them back to camp with all the falcons." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His guards waited downwind.\n\nNow he turned his attention to Naga. \"So?\"\n\nNaga knelt beside his horse, bowed. \"You're completely correct, Sire—what you said about me. I apologize for offending you.\"\n\n\"But not for giving me bad advice?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I—I beg you to put me with someone who can teach me so that I'll never do that. I never want to give you bad advice, never.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required dialogue to include (maintain exact wording): \"I want you to know everything he knows about guns, cannon, and warfare. You'll become my expert. Yes. And I want you to be very expert.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. You'll spend part of every day talking with the Anjin-san, learning what he knows. He can be one of your teachers.\"\n\n\"Him?\"\n\n\"Yes. That may teach you some discipline. And if you can get it through that rock you have between your ears to listen, you'll certainly learn things of value to you. You might even learn something of value to me.\"\n\nNaga stared sullenly at the ground.\n\n\"I want you to know everything he knows about guns, cannon, and warfare. You'll become my expert. Yes. And I want you to be very expert.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Naga said nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And I want you to become his friend.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How can I do that, Sire?\"\n\n\"Why don't you think of a way? Why don't you use your head?\"\n\n\"I'll try. I swear I'll try.\"\n\n\"I want you to do better than that. You're ordered to succeed. Use some 'Christian charity.' You should've learned enough to do that. Neh?\"\n\nNaga scowled. \"That's impossible to learn, much as I tried. It's the truth! All Tsukku-san talked was dogma and nonsense that would make any man vomit. Christian's for peasants, not samurai. Don't kill, don't take more than one woman, and fifty other stupidities! I obeyed you then and I'll obey you now—I always obey! Why not just let me do the things I can, Sire? I'll become Christian if that's what you want but I can't believe it—it's all manure and... I apologize for speaking. I'll become the Anjin-san's friend. I will.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. And remember he's worth twenty thousand times his own weight in raw silk and he's got more knowledge than you'll have in twenty lifetimes.\"\n\nNaga held himself in check and nodded dutifully in agreement.\n\n\"Good. You'll be leading two of the battalions, Omi-san two, and one will be held in reserve under Buntaro.\"\n\n\"And the other four, Sire?\"\n\n\"We haven't guns enough for them. That was a feint to put Yabu off the scent,\" Toranaga said, throwing his son a morsel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That was just an excuse to bring another thousand men here. Don't they arrive tomorrow? With two thousand men I can hold Anjiro and escape, if need be. Neh?\"\n\n\"But Yabu-san can still—\" Naga bit back the comment, knowing that once more he was sure to make a mistaken judgment. \"Why is it I'm so stupid?\" he asked bitterly. \"Why can't I see things like you do? Or like Sudara-san? I want to help, to be of use. I don't want to provoke you all the time.\"\n\n\"Then learn patience, my son, and curb your temper. Your time will come soon enough.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga was suddenly weary of being patient. He looked up at the sky. \"I think I'll sleep for a while.\"\n\nAt once Naga took off the saddle and the horse blanket and laid them on the ground as a samurai bed. Toranaga thanked him and watched him place sentries." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he was sure that everything was correct and safe, he lay down and closed his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he did not want to sleep, only to think. He knew it was an extremely bad sign that he had lost his temper. You're fortunate it was only in front of Naga, who doesn't know any better, he told himself. If that had happened near Omi, or Yabu, they'd have realized at once that you're almost frantic with worry. And such knowledge might easily inspire them to treachery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You were fortunate this time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tetsu-ko put everything into proportion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But for her you might have let others see your rage and that would have been insanity.\n\nWhat a beautiful flight! Learn from her: Naga's got to be treated like a falcon. Doesn't he scream and bate like the best of them? Naga's only problem is that he's being flown at the wrong game." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His game is combat and sudden death, and he'll have that soon enough." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga's anxiety began to return. What's going on in Osaka? I miscalculated badly about the daimyos—who would accept and who would reject the summons. Why haven't I heard? Am I betrayed? So many dangers around me..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What about the Anjin-san?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's a falcon too. But he isn't broken to the fist yet, as Yabu and Mariko claim. What's his prey? His prey is the Black Ship and the Rodrigues-anjin and the ugly, arrogant little Captain-General who's not long for this earth, and all the Black Robe priests and all the Stinking Hairy priests, all Portuguese and all Spaniards and Turkmen, whoever they are, and Islamers, whoever they are, not forgetting Omi and Yabu and Buntaro and Ishido and me.\n\nToranaga turned over to get more comfortable and smiled to himself. But the Anjin-san's not a long-winged falcon, a hawk of the lure, that you fly free above you to stoop at a particular quarry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's more like a short-winged hawk, a hawk of the fist, that you fly direct from the fist to kill anything that moves, say a goshawk that'll take partridge or a hare three times her own weight, rats, cats, dogs, woodcock, starlings, rooks, overtaking them with fantastic short bursts of speed to kill with a single crush of her talons; the hawk that detests the hood and won't accept it, just sits on your wrist, arrogant, dangerous, self-sufficient, pitiless, yellow-eyed, a fine friend and foul-tempered if the mood's on her.\n\nYes, the Anjin-san's a short-wing. Whom do I fly him at?\n\nOmi? Not yet.\n\nYabu? Not yet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why did the Anjin-san really go after Buntaro with pistols? Because of Mariko, of course. But have they pillowed? They've had plenty of opportunity. I think yes. \"Lavish\" she said that first day. Good." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing wrong in their pillowing—Buntaro was believed dead—providing it's a perpetual secret." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the Anjin-san was stupid to risk so much over another man's woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aren't there always a thousand other, free and unattached, equally pretty, equally small or big or fine or tight or highborn or whatever, without the hazard of belonging elsewhere? He acted like a stupid, jealous barbarian. Remember the Rodrigues-anjin? Didn't he duel and kill another barbarian according to their custom, just to take a low-class merchant's daughter that he then married in Nagasaki? Didn't the Taikō let this murder go unavenged, against my advice, because it was only a barbarian death and not one of ours? Stupid to have two laws, one for us, one for them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There should be only one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There must be only one law.\n\nNo, I won't fly the Anjin-san at Buntaro, I need that fool. But whether those two pillowed or not, I hope the thought never occurs to Buntaro. Then I would have to kill Buntaro quickly, for no force on earth would stop him from killing the Anjin-san and Mariko-san and I need them more than Buntaro. Should I eliminate Buntaro now?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The moment Buntaro had sobered up, Toranaga had sent for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How dare you put your interest in front of mine! How long will Mariko-san be unable to interpret?\"\n\n\"The doctor said a few days, Sire. I apologize for all the trouble!\"\n\n\"I made it very clear I needed her services for another twenty days. Don't you remember?\"\n\n\"Yes. I'm sorry.\"\n\n\"If she'd displeased you, a few slaps on the buttocks would've been more than enough. All women need that from time to time, but more is loutish. You've selfishly jeopardized the training and acted like a bovine peasant. Without her I can't talk to the Anjin-san!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. I know, Lord, I'm sorry. It's the first time I've hit her. It's just—sometimes she drives me insane, so much that—that I can't seem to see.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why don't you divorce her then? Or send her away? Or kill her, or order her to cut her throat when I've no further use for her?\"\n\n\"I can't. I can't, Lord,\" Buntaro had said. \"She's—I've wanted her from the first moment I saw her. When we were married, the first time, she was everything a man could want. I thought I was blessed—you remember how every daimyo in the realm wanted her! Then... then I sent her away to protect her after the filthy assassination, pretending to be disgusted with her for her safety, and then, when the Taikō told me to bring her back years later, she excited me even more. The truth is I expected her to be grateful, and took her as a man will, and didn't care about the little things a woman wants, like poems and flowers. But she'd changed. She was as faithful as ever, but just ice, always asking for death, for me to kill her.\" Buntaro was frantic. \"I can't kill her or allow her to kill herself. She's tainted my son and makes me detest other women but I can't rid myself of her. I've... I've tried being kind but always the ice is there and it drives me mad. When I came back from Korea and heard she'd converted to this nonsense Christian religion I was amused, for what does any stupid religion matter? I was going to tease her about it but before I knew what was happening, I had my knife at her throat and swore I'd cut her if she didn't renounce it. Of course she wouldn't renounce it, what samurai would under such a threat, neh? She just looked up at me with those eyes of hers and told me to go on. 'Please cut me, Lord,' she said. 'Here, let me hold my head back for you. I pray God I'll bleed to death,' she said. I didn't cut her, Sire. I took her. But I did cut off the hair and ears of some of her ladies who had encouraged her to become Christian and turned them out of the castle. And I did the same to her foster mother, and cut off her nose as well, vile-tempered old hag! And then Mariko said, because... because I'd punished her ladies, the next time I came to her bed uninvited she'd commit seppuku, in any way she could, at once... in spite of her duty to you, in spite of her duty to the family, even in spite of the—the commandments of her Christian God!\" Tears of rage were running down his cheeks unheeded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't kill her, much as I want to. I can't kill Akechi Jinsai's daughter, much as she deserves it... \"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga had let Buntaro rant on until he was spent, then dismissed him, ordering him to stay totally away from Mariko until he considered what was to be done. He dispatched his own doctor to examine her. The report was favorable: bruises but no internal damage.\n\nFor his own safety, because he expected treachery and the sand of time was running out, Toranaga decided to increase the pressure on all of them. He ordered Mariko into Omi's house with instructions to rest, to stay within the confines of the house and completely out of the Anjin-san's way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Next he had summoned the Anjin-san and pretended irritation when it was clear they could hardly converse at all, dismissing him peremptorily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All training was intensified. Cadres were sent on forced marches. Naga was ordered to take the Anjin-san along and walk him into the ground. But Naga didn't walk the Anjin-san into the ground.\n\nSo he tried himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He led a battalion eleven hours over the hills." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Anjin-san kept up, not with the front rank, but still he kept up. Back again at Anjiro, the Anjin-san said in his almost incomprehensible gibberish, hardly able to stand, \"Toranaga-sama, I walk can. I guns training can. So sorry, no possibles two at same timings, neh?\"\n\nToranaga smiled now, lying under the overcast waiting for the rain, warmed by the game of breaking Blackthorne to the fist. He's a short-wing all right. Mariko's equally tough, equally intelligent, but more brilliant, and she's got a ruthlessness that he'll never have." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She's like a peregrine, like Tetsu-ko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The best. Why is it the female hawk, the falcon, is always bigger and faster and stronger than the male, always better than the male?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They're all hawks—she, Buntaro, Yabu, Omi, Fujiko, Ochiba, Naga and all my sons and my daughters and women and vassals, and all my enemies—all hawks, or prey for hawks.\n\nI must get Naga into position high over his quarry and let him stoop. Who should it be? Omi or Yabu?\n\nWhat Naga had said about Yabu was true.\n\n\"So, Yabu-san, what have you decided?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he had asked, the second day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not going to Osaka until you go, Sire. I've ordered all Izu mobilized.\"\n\n\"Ishido will impeach you.\"\n\n\"He'll impeach you first, Sire, and if the Kwanto falls, Izu falls. I made a solemn bargain with you. I'm on your side. The Kasigi honor their bargains.\"\n\n\"I'm equally honored to have you as an ally,\" he had lied, pleased that Yabu had once more done what he had planned for him to do. The next day Yabu had assembled a host and asked him to review it and then, in front of all his men, knelt formally and offered himself as vassal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You acknowledge me your feudal lord?\" Toranaga had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. And all the men of Izu. And Lord, please accept this gift as a token of filial duty.\" Still on his knees, Yabu had offered his Murasama sword. \"This is the sword that murdered your grandfather.\"\n\n\"That's not possible!\"\n\nYabu had told him the history of the sword, how it had come down to him over the years and how, only recently, he had learned of its true identity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He summoned Suwo. The old man told what he had witnessed when he himself was little more than a boy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's true, Lord,\" Suwo had said proudly. \"No man saw Obata's father break the sword or cast it into the sea. And I swear by my hope of samurai rebirth that I served your grandfather, Lord Chikitada. I served him faithfully until that day he died. I was there, I swear it.\"\n\nToranaga had accepted the sword. It seemed to quiver with malevolence in his hand. He had always scoffed at the legend that certain swords possessed a killing urge of their own, that some swords needed to leap out of the scabbard to drink blood, but now Toranaga believed it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shuddered, remembering that day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why do Murasama blades hate us? One killed my grandfather. Another almost cut off my arm when I was six, an unexplained accident, no one near but still my sword arm was slashed and I nearly bled to death. A third decapitated my first-born son.\n\n\"Sire,\" Yabu had said, \"such a befouled blade shouldn't be allowed to live, neh? Let me take it out to sea and drown it so that this sword at least can never threaten you or your descendants.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes—yes,\" he had muttered, thankful that Yabu had made the suggestion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do it now!\" And only when the sword had sunk out of sight, into the very deep, witnessed by his own men, had his heart begun to pump normally. He had thanked Yabu, ordered taxes to be stabilized at sixty parts for peasants, forty for their lords, and had given him Izu as his fief. So everything was as before, except that now all power in Izu belonged to Toranaga, if he wished to take it back.\n\nToranaga turned over to ease the ache in his sword arm and settled again more comfortably, enjoying the nearness of the earth, gaining strength from it as always.\n\nThat blade's gone, never to return." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Good, but remember what the old Chinese soothsayer foretold, he thought: that you would die by the sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But whose sword and is it to be by my own hand or another's?\n\nI'll know when I know, he told himself without fear.\n\nNow sleep. Karma is karma. Be thou of Zen. Remember, in tranquillity, that the Absolute, the Tao, is within thee, that no priest or cult or dogma or book or saying or teaching or teacher stands between Thou and It." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Know that Good and Evil are irrelevant, I and Thou irrelevant, Inside and Outside irrelevant as are Life and Death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Enter into the Sphere where there is no fear of death nor hope of afterlife, where thou art free of the impediments of life or the needs of salvation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thou art thyself the Tao. Be thou, now, a rock against which the waves of life rush in vain...\n\nThe faint shout brought Toranaga out of his meditation and he leaped to his feet. Naga was excitedly pointing westward. All eyes followed his point." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The carrier pigeon was flying in a direct line for Anjiro from the west." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She fluttered into a distant tree to rest for a moment, then took off once more as rain began to fall.\n\nFar to the west, in her wake, was Osaka." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for James Clavell vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The handler at the pigeon coop held the bird gently but firmly as Toranaga stripped off his sodden clothes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had galloped back through the downpour." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Naga and other samurai anxiously crowded the small doorway, careless of the warm rain which still fell in torrents, drumming on the tiled roof." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Carefully Toranaga dried his hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man offered the pigeon. Two tiny, beaten-silver cylinders were attached to each of her legs. One would have been usual. Toranaga had to work hard to keep the nervous tremble out of his fingers. He untied the cylinders and took them over to the light of the window opening to examine the minute seals." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He recognized Kiri's secret cipher. Naga and the others were watching tensely. His face revealed nothing.\n\nToranaga did not break the seals at once, much as he wanted to. Patiently he waited until a dry kimono was brought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A servant held a large oiled-paper umbrella for him and he walked to his own quarters in the fortress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soup and cha were waiting. He sipped them and listened to the rain. When he felt calm, he posted guards and went into an inner room. In privacy he broke the seals. The paper of the four scrolls was very thin, the characters tiny, the message long and in code." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Decoding was laborious. When it was completed, he read the message and then reread it twice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he let his mind range." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Night came. The rain stopped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, Buddha, let the harvest be good, he prayed. This was the season when the paddy fields were being flooded and, throughout the land, the pale green rice seedlings were being planted into the weedless, almost liquid fields to be harvested in four or five months, depending on the weather. And, throughout the land, the poor and the rich, eta and emperor, servant and samurai, all prayed that just the right amount of rain and sun and humidity came correctly in its season. And every man, woman, and child counted the days to harvest.\n\nWe'll need a great harvest this year, thought Toranaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Naga! Naga-san!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His son came running. \"Yes, Father?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"At the first hour after dawn fetch Yabu-san and his chief advisers to the plateau. Also Buntaro and our three senior captains. And Mariko-san. Bring them all to the plateau at dawn. Mariko-san can serve cha. Yes. And I want the Anjin-san standing by at the camp. Guards to ring us at two hundred paces.\"\n\n\"Yes, Father.\" Naga turned to obey. Unable to contain himself he blurted out, \"Is it war? Is it?\"\n\nBecause Toranaga needed a harbinger of optimism throughout the fortress, he did not berate his son for the ill-disciplined impertinence.\n\n\"Yes,\" he said. \"Yes—but on my terms.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Naga closed the shoji and rushed off." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'buddha' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga knew that, although Naga's face and manner would now be outwardly composed, nothing would disguise the excitement in his walk or the fire behind his eyes. So rumor and counterrumor would rush through Anjiro to spread quickly throughout Izu and beyond, if the fires were fed properly.\n\n\"I'm committed now,\" he said aloud to the flowers that stood serenely in the tokonama, shadows flickering in the pleasant candlelight.\n\nKiri had written: \"Sire, I pray Buddha you are well and safe. This is our last carrier pigeon so I also pray Buddha guides her to you—traitors killed all the others last night by firing the coop and this one escaped only because she's been sick and I was nursing her privately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yesterday morning Lord Sugiyama suddenly resigned, exactly as planned. But before he could make good his escape, he was trapped on the outskirts of Osaka by Ishido's ronin. Unhappily some of Sugiyama's family were also caught with him—I heard he was betrayed by one of his people. Rumor has it that Ishido offered him a compromise: that if Lord Sugiyama delayed his resignation until after the Council of Regents convened (tomorrow), so that you could be legally impeached, in return Ishido guaranteed that the Council would formally give Sugiyama the whole of the Kwanto and, as a measure of good faith, Ishido would release him and his family at once. Sugiyama refused to betray you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Immediately Ishido ordered eta to convince him. They tortured Sugiyama's children, then his consort, in front of him, but he still would not abandon you. They were all given bad deaths. His, the final one, was very bad.\n\n\"Of course, there were no witnesses to this treachery and it's all hearsay but I believe it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course Ishido disclaimed any knowledge of the murders or participation in them, vowing that he'll hunt down the 'murderers.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At first Ishido claimed that Sugiyama had never actually resigned, therefore, in his opinion, the Council could still meet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I sent copies of Sugiyama's resignation to the other Regents, Kiyama, Ito, and Onoshi, and sent another openly to Ishido and circulated four more copies among the daimyos." }, { "from": "human", "value": "(How clever of you, Tora-chan, to have known that extra copies would be necessary.)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So, from yesterday, exactly as you planned with Sugiyama, the Council is legally no more—in this you've succeeded completely.\n\n\"Good news: Lord Mogami safely turned back outside the city with all his family and samurai. Now he's openly your ally, so your far-northern flank is secure. The Lords Maeda, Kukushima, Asano, Ikeda, and Okudaira all quietly slipped out of Osaka last night to safety—also the Christian Lord Oda.\n\n\"Bad news is that the families of Maeda, Ikeda, and Oda and a dozen other important daimyos did not escape and are now hostage here, as are those of fifty or sixty lesser uncommitted lords." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bad news is that yesterday your half brother, Zataki, Lord of Shinano, publicly declared for the Heir, Yaemon, against you, accusing you of plotting with Sugiyama to overthrow the Council of Regents by creating chaos, so now your northeastern border is breached and Zataki and his fifty thousand fanatics will oppose you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bad news is that almost every daimyo accepted the Emperor's 'invitation.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bad news is that not a few of your friends and allies here are incensed that you did not give them prior knowledge of your strategy so they could prepare a line of retreat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Your old friend, the great Lord Shimazu, is one. I heard this afternoon that he's openly demanded that all lords should be ordered by the Emperor to kneel before the boy, Yaemon, now.\n\n\"Bad news is that that Lady Ochiba is brilliantly spinning her web, promising fiefs and titles and court rank to the uncommitted. Tora-chan, it's a great pity she's not on your side, she's a worthy enemy. The Lady Yodoko alone advocates prayer and calm but no one listens, and the Lady Ochiba wants to precipitate war now while she feels you're weak and isolated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So sorry, my Lord, but you're isolated and, I think, betrayed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Worst of all is that now the Christian Regents, Kiyama and Onoshi, are openly together and violently opposed to you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They issued a joint statement this morning deploring Sugiyama's 'defection,' saying that his action has put the realm into confusion, that 'we must all be strong for the sake of the Empire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Regents have supreme responsibility. We must be ready to stamp out, together, any lord or group of lords who wish to overthrow the Taikō's will, or the legal succession.' (Does this mean they plan to meet as a Council of four Regents?) One of our Christian spies in the Black Robes' headquarters here whispered that the priest Tsukku-san secretly left Osaka five days ago, but we don't know if he went to Yedo or to Nagasaki, where the Black Ship is expected. Did you know it will be very early this season?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'never'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps within twenty or thirty days?\n\n\"Sire: I've always hesitated about giving quick opinions based on hearsay, rumors, spies, or a woman's intuition (there, you see, Tora-chan, I have learned from you!) but time is short and I may not be able to speak to you again: First, too many families are trapped here. Ishido will never let them go (as he will never let us go). These hostages are an immense danger to you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Few lords have Sugiyama's sense of duty or fortitude. Very many, I think, will now go with Ishido, however reluctantly, because of these hostages. Next, I think that Maeda will betray you, also probably Asano. I tally of all two hundred and sixty-four daimyos in our land, only twenty-four who are certain to follow you, another fifty possibly. That's not nearly enough." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiyama and Onoshi will sway all or most of the Christian daimyos and I believe they will not join you now. Lord Mori, the richest and greatest of all, is against you personally, as always, and he'll pull Asano, Kobayakawa, and perhaps Oda into his net. With your half brother Lord Zataki against you, your position is terribly precarious. I counsel you to declare Crimson Sky at once and rush for Kyoto. It's your only hope." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As to the Lady Sazuko and myself, we're well and content." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The child quickens nicely and if it's the child's karma to be born, thus will it happen. We're safe in our corner of the castle, the door tightly locked, the portcullis down. Our samurai are filled with devotion to you and to your cause and if it is our karma to depart this life then we will depart serenely. Your Lady misses you greatly, very greatly. For myself, Tora-chan, I long to see you, to laugh with you, and to see your smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My only regret in death would be that I could no longer do these things, and watch over you." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If there is an afterlife and God or Buddha or kami exist, I promise I will somehow bend them all to your side... though first I may beseech them to make me slender and young and fruitful for you, yet leave me my enjoyment of food. Ah, that would indeed be heaven, to be able to eat and eat and yet be perpetually young and thin!\n\n\"I send you my laughter. May Buddha bless thee and thine.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for James Clavell vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga read them the message, except the private part about Kiri and the Lady Sazuko. When he had finished they looked at him and each other incredulously, not only because of what the message said but also because he was so openly taking them all into his confidence.\n\nThey were seated on mats set in a semicircle around him in the center of the plateau, without guards, safe from eavesdroppers. Buntaro, Yabu, Igurashi, Omi, Naga, the captains, and Mariko. Guards were posted two hundred paces away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want some advice,\" Toranaga said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My counselors are in Yedo. This matter is urgent and I want all of you to act in their place. What's going to happen and what I should do. Yabu-san?\"\n\nYabu was in turmoil. Every path seemed to lead to disaster. \"First, Sire, just exactly what is 'Crimson Sky'?\"\n\n\"It's the code name for my final battle plan, a single violent rush at Kyoto with all my legions, relying on mobility and surprise, to take possession of the capital from the evil forces that now surround it, to wrest the person of the Emperor from the filthy grasp of those who've duped him, led by Ishido. Once the Son of Heaven's safely released from their clutches, then to petition him to revoke the mandate granted the present Council, who are clearly traitorous, or dominated by traitors, and grant me his mandate to form a new Council which would put the interests of the realm and the Heir before personal ambition. I would lead eighty to one hundred thousand men, leaving my lands unprotected, my flanks unguarded, and a retreat unsecured.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga saw them staring at him flabbergasted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not mention the cadres of elite samurai who had been so furtively planted in many of the important castles and provinces over the years, and who were to explode simultaneously into revolt to create the chaos essential to the plan.\n\nYabu burst out, \"But you'd have to fight every pace of the way. Ikawa Jikkyu strangles the Tokaidō for a hundred ri. Then more Ishido strongholds straddle the rest!\"\n\n\"Yes. But I plan to rush northwest along the Koshu-kaidō, then stab down on Kyoto and stay away from the coast lands.\"\n\nAt once many shook their heads and began to speak but Yabu overrode them. \"But, Sire, the message said your kinsman Zataki-san's already gone over to the enemy! Now your road north is blocked too. His province is athwart the Koshu-kaidō. You'll have to fight through all Shinano—that's mountainous and very hard, and his men are fanatically loyal. You'll be carved to pieces in those mountains.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'chance' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's the only way, the only way I have a chance. I agree there are too many hostiles on the coastal road.\"\n\nYabu glanced at Omi, wishing he could consult with him, loathing the message and the whole Osaka mess, hating being first to speak, and utterly detesting the vassal status he had accepted at Omi's pleading.\n\n\"It's your only chance, Yabu-sama,\" Omi had urged. \"The only way you'll avoid Toranaga's trap and leave yourself room to maneuver—\"\n\nIgurashi had interrupted furiously." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'He'll never do it. He needs our Master more than ever now. Izu guards his southern door. He can't have Izu hostile! He must have our Master on his—' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Better to fall on Toranaga today while he's got few men here! Better to kill him and take his head to Ishido while there's time.\"\n\n\"Better to wait, better to be patient—\"\n\n\"What happens if Toranaga orders our Master to give up Izu?\" Igurashi had shouted. \"As liege lord to vassal, Toranaga has that right!\"\n\n\"He'll never do it. He needs our Master more than ever now. Izu guards his southern door. He can't have Izu hostile! He must have our Master on his—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What if he orders Lord Yabu out?\"\n\n\"We rebel! We kill Toranaga if he's here or fight any army he sends against us. But he'll never do that, don't you see? As his vassal, Toranaga must protect—\"\n\nYabu had let them argue and then at length he had seen Omi's wisdom. \"Very well. I agree! And offering him my Murasama sword to fix the bargain's genius, Omi-san,\" he had gloated, taken wholeheartedly by the cunning of the plan. \"Yes. Genius. His Yoshitomo blade more than takes its place. And of course, I'm more valuable to Toranaga now than ever before. Omi's right, Igurashi. I've no choice. I'm committed to Toranaga from now on. A vassal!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Until war comes,\" Omi had said deliberately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course. Of course only until war comes! Then I can change sides—or do a dozen things. You're right, Omi-san, again!\"\n\nOmi's the best counselor I've ever had, he told himself. But the most dangerous. Omi's clever enough to take Izu if I die. But what does that matter. We're all dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're blocked completely,\" he told Toranaga. \"You're isolated.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is there any alternative?\" Toranaga asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Excuse me, Sire,\" Omi said, \"but how long would it take to ready this attack?\"\n\n\"It's ready now.\"\n\n\"Izu's ready too, Sire,\" Yabu said. \"Your hundred and my sixteen thousand and the Musket Regiment—is that enough?\"\n\n\"No. Crimson Sky's a desperation plan—everything risked on one attack.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have to risk it, as soon as the rains cease and we can war,\" Yabu insisted. \"What choice have you got? Ishido will form a new Council at once, they still have the mandate. So you'll be impeached, today or tomorrow or the next day. Why wait to be eaten up? Listen, maybe the Regiment could blast a way through the mountains! Let it be Crimson Sky! All men thrown into one great attack. It's the Way of the Warrior—it's worthy of samurai, Toranaga-sama. The guns, our guns, will blow Zataki out of our way and if you succeed or fail, what does it matter? The try will live forever!\"\n\nNaga said, \"Yes. But we'll win—we will!\" A few of the captains nodded their agreement, relieved that war had come. Omi said nothing.\n\nToranaga was looking at Buntaro. \"Well?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord, I beg you to excuse me from giving an opinion. I and my men do whatever you decide. That's my only duty. My opinion is no value to you because I do what you alone decide.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Normally I'd accept that but not today!\"\n\n\"War then. What Yabu-san says is right. Let's go to Kyoto. Today, tomorrow, or when the rains stop. Crimson Sky! I'm tired of waiting.\"\n\n\"Omi-san?\" Toranaga asked.\n\n\"Yabu-sama is correct, Sire. Ishido will bend the Taikō's will to appoint a new Council very soon. The new Council will have the Emperor's mandate. Your enemies will applaud and most of your friends will hesitate and so betray you. The new Council will impeach you at once. Then—\"\n\n\"Then it's Crimson Sky?\" Yabu interrupted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If Lord Toranaga orders it, then it is. But I don't think the impeachment order has any value at all. You can forget it!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why?\" Toranaga asked, as all attention went to Omi.\n\n\"I agree with you, Sire. Ishido's evil, neh? Any daimyos who agree to serve him are equally evil. True men know Ishido for what he is, and also know that the Emperor's been duped again.\" Omi was prudently treading through the quicksands that he knew could swallow him. \"I think he made a lasting mistake murdering Lord Sugiyama. Because of those foul murders, I think now all daimyos will suspect treachery from Ishido, and very few outside of Ishido's immediate grasp will bow to the orders of his 'Council.' You're safe. For a time.\"\n\n\"For how much time?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'until' appears 4 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The rains are with us for two months, about. When the rains cease Ishido will plan to send Ikawa Jikkyu and Lord Zataki against you simultaneously, to catch you in a pincer, and Ishido's main army will support them over the Tokaidō Road. Meanwhile, until the rains stop, every daimyo who bears a grudge against any other daimyo will only pay Ishido lip service until he makes the first move, then I think they'll forget him and they'll all take revenge or grab territory at their whim. The Empire will be torn as it was before the Taikō. But you, Sire, between Yabu-sama and yourself, jointly, with luck you have enough strength to hold the passes to the Kwanto and to Izu against the first wave and beat it off. I don't think Ishido could mount another attack—not a great one. When Ishido and the others have expended their energies, together you and Lord Yabu can cautiously come from behind our mountains and gradually take the Empire into your own hands.\"\n\n\"When will that be?\"\n\n\"In the time of your children, Sire.\"\n\n\"You say fight a defensive battle?\" Yabu asked scornfully.\n\n\"I think jointly you're both safe behind the mountains. You wait, Toranaga-sama. You wait until you have more allies. You hold the passes. This can be done! General Ishido's evil, but not stupid enough to commit all his force to one battle. He'll stay skulking inside Osaka. So for the time being, we mustn't use our regiment. We must tighten security and keep them as a secret weapon, poised and ever ready, until you come from behind your mountains—but now I don't think I will ever see them used.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi was conscious of the eyes watching him. He bowed to Toranaga. \"Please excuse me for talking at length, Sire.\"\n\nToranaga studied him, then glanced at his son. He saw the youth's pent-up excitement and knew it was time to cast him at his prey. \"Naga-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What Omi-san said is true,\" Naga told him at once, exultantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Most of it. But I say use the two months to gather allies, to isolate Ishido even more, and when the rains cease, attack without warning—Crimson Sky.\"\n\nToranaga asked, \"You disagree with Omi-san's opinion about a lengthy war?\"\n\n\"No. But isn't this—\" Naga stopped.\n\n\"Go on, Naga-san. Speak openly!\"\n\nNaga held his tongue, his face white." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're ordered to continue!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, Sire, it occurred to me that—\" Again he stopped, then said in a gush, \"Isn't this your great opportunity to become Shōgun? If you succeed in taking Kyoto and get the mandate, why form a Council? Why not petition the Emperor to make you Shōgun? It would be best for you and best for the realm.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Naga tried to keep the fear out of his voice for he was speaking treason against Yaemon and most samurai here—Yabu, Omi, Igurashi, and Buntaro particularly—were open loyalists. \"I say you should be Shōgun!\" He turned defensively on the others. \"If this opportunity is let go... Omi-san, you're right about a long war, but I say Lord Toranaga must take power, to give power! A long war will ruin the Empire, split it into a thousand fragments again! Who wants that? Lord Toranaga must be Shōgun. To gift the Empire on to Yaemon, to Lord Yaemon, the realm must be secured first! There'll never be another opportunity... \" His words trailed off. He squared his back, frightened because he had said it, glad that he had said publicly what he had been thinking forever." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga sighed. \"I have never sought to become Shōgun. How many times do I have to say it? I support my nephew Yaemon and the Taikō's will.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked at them all, one by one. Lastly at Naga. The youth winced. But Toranaga said kindly, calling him back to the lure, \"Your zeal and youth alone excuse you. Unfortunately, many much older and wiser than you think that's my ambition. It isn't. There's only one way to settle that nonsense and that's put Lord Yaemon into power. And that I intend to do.\"\n\n\"Yes, Father. Thank you. Thank you,\" Naga replied in despair.\n\nToranaga shifted his eyes to Igurashi. \"What's your counsel?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The one-eyed samurai scratched." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'crimson' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Me, I'm only a soldier, not a counselor, but I wouldn't advise Crimson Sky, not if we can war on our terms like Omi-san says. I fought in Shinano years ago. That's bad country, and then Lord Zataki was with us. I wouldn't want to war in Shinano again and never if Zataki was hostile. And if Lord Maeda's suspect, well, how can you plan a battle if your biggest ally may betray you? Lord Ishido'll put two, three hundred thousand men against you and still keep a hundred holding Osaka. Even with the guns we've not enough men to attack. But behind the mountains using the guns, you could hold out forever if it happens like Omi-san says. We could hold the passes. You've enough rice—doesn't the Kwanto supply half the Empire? Well, a third at least—and we could send you all the fish you need. You'd be safe. Let Lord Ishido and devil Jikkyu come at us if it's to happen like Omi-san said, that soon the enemy'll be feeding on each other. If not, keep Crimson Sky ready. A man can die for his lord only once in this life.\"\n\n\"Has anyone anything to add?\" Toranaga asked. No one answered him.\n\n\"Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"It's not my place to speak here, Sire,\" she replied." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<EMBED THIS>>: \"Because I've too many enemies, I own the Kwanto, I've warred for more than forty years and never lost a battle. They're all afraid of me. I know that first the vultures will pack together to destroy me. Later they'll destroy themselves, but first they'll join to destroy me if they can. Know very clearly, all of you, I'm the only real threat to Yaemon, even though I'm no threat at all. That's the irony of it. They all believe I want to be Shōgun. I don't. This is another war that's not necessary at all!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure everything has been said that should have been said. But may I be allowed to ask for all your counselors here, what do you think will happen?\"\n\nToranaga chose his words deliberately. \"I believe that what Omi-san forecast will happen. With one exception: the Council won't be impotent. The Council will wield enough influence to gather an invincible allied force. When the rains cease it will be thrown against the Kwanto, bypassing Izu. The Kwanto will be gobbled up, then Izu. Only after I'm dead will the daimyos fight among themselves.\"\n\n\"But why, Sire?\" Omi ventured.\n\n\"Because I've too many enemies, I own the Kwanto, I've warred for more than forty years and never lost a battle. They're all afraid of me. I know that first the vultures will pack together to destroy me. Later they'll destroy themselves, but first they'll join to destroy me if they can. Know very clearly, all of you, I'm the only real threat to Yaemon, even though I'm no threat at all. That's the irony of it. They all believe I want to be Shōgun. I don't. This is another war that's not necessary at all!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Naga broke the silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then what are you going to do, Sire?\"\n\n\"Eh?\"\n\n\"What are you going to do?\"\n\n\"Obviously, Crimson Sky,\" Toranaga said.\n\n\"But you said they'd eat us up?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They would—if I gave them any time. But I'm not going to give them any time. We go to war at once!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But the rains—what about the rains?\"\n\n\"We will arrive in Kyoto wet. Hot and stinking and wet. Surprise, mobility, audacity, and timing win wars, neh? Yabu-san was right. The guns will blast a way through the mountains.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 12 sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For an hour they discussed plans and the feasibility of large-scale war in the rainy season—an unheard-of strategy. Then Toranaga sent them away, except Mariko, telling Naga to order the Anjin-san here. He watched them walk off. They had all been outwardly enthusiastic once the decision had been announced, Naga and Buntaro particularly. Only Omi had been reserved and thoughtful and unconvinced. Toranaga discounted Igurashi for he knew that, rightly, the soldier would do only what Yabu ordered, and he dismissed Yabu as a pawn, treacherous certainly, but still a pawn. Omi's the only one worthwhile, he thought. I wonder if he's worked out yet what I'm really going to do?\n\n\"Mariko-san. Find out, tactfully, how much the courtesan's contract would cost.\"\n\nShe blinked. \"Kiku-san, Sire?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Now, Sire? At once?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tonight would do excellently.\" He looked at her blandly. \"Her contract's not necessarily for me, perhaps for one of my officers.\"\n\n\"I would imagine the price would depend on whom, Sire.\"\n\n\"I imagine it will. But set a price. The girl of course has the right of refusal, if she wishes, when the samurai's named, but tell her mama-san owner that I don't expect the girl will have the bad manners to mistrust my choice for her. Tell the owner also that Kiku is a Lady of the First Class of Mishima and not Yedo or Osaka or Kyoto,\" Toranaga added genially, \"so I expect to pay Mishima prices and not Yedo or Osaka or Kyoto prices.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire, of course.\"\n\nToranaga moved his shoulder to ease the ache, shifting his swords.\n\n\"May I massage it for you, Sire? Or send for Suwo?\"\n\n\"No, thank you. I'll see Suwo later.\" Toranaga got up and relieved himself with great pleasure, then sat down again. He wore a short, light silk kimono, blue patterned, and the simple straw sandals. His fan was blue and decorated with his crest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sun was low, rain clouds building heavily.\n\n\"It's vast to be alive,\" he said happily. \"I can almost hear the rain waiting to be born.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she said.\n\nToranaga thought a moment. Then he said as a poem:\n\n\"The sky\n\nScorched by the sun,\n\nWeeps\n\nFecund tears.\"\n\nMariko obediently put her mind to work to play the poem game with him, so popular with most samurai, spontaneously twisting the words of the poem that he had made up, adapting them, making another from his. After a moment she replied:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But the forest" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'akechi' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wounded\n\nby the wind, Weeps\n\nDead leaves.\"\n\n\"Well said! Yes, very well said!\" Toranaga looked at her contentedly, enjoying what he saw. She was dressed in a pale green kimono with patterns of bamboo, a dark green obi and orange sunshade. There was a marvelous sheen to the blue-black hair, which was piled high under her wide-brimmed hat. He remembered nostalgically how they had all—even the Dictator Goroda himself—wanted her when she was thirteen and her father, Akechi Jinsai, had first presented this, his eldest daughter, at Goroda's court. And how Nakamura, the Taikō-to-be, had begged the Dictator to give her to him, and then how Goroda had laughed, and publicly called him his randy little monkey general, and told him to \"stick to fighting battles, peasant, don't fight to stick patrician holes!\" Akechi Jinsai had openly scorned Nakamura, his rival for Goroda's favor, the main reason why Nakamura had delighted in smashing him. And why also Nakamura had delighted in watching Buntaro squirm for years, Buntaro who had been given the girl to cement an alliance between Goroda and Toda Hiro-matsu. I wonder, Toranaga asked himself mischievously, looking at her, I wonder if Buntaro were dead, would she consent to be one of my consorts?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga had always preferred experienced women, widows or divorced wives, but never too pretty or too wise or too young or too well-born, so never too much trouble and always grateful.\n\nHe chuckled to himself. I'd never ask her because she's everything I don't want in a consort—except that her age is perfect.\n\n\"Sire?\" she asked.\n\n\"I was thinking about your poem, Mariko-san,\" he said, even more blandly. Then added:\n\n\"Why so wintery?\n\nSummer's\n\nYet to come, and the fall of\n\nGlorious autumn.\"\n\nShe said in answer:\n\n\"If I could use words\n\nLike falling leaves," }, { "from": "human", "value": "What a bonfire" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My poems would make!\"\n\nHe laughed and bowed with mock humility. \"I concede victory, Mariko-sama. What will the favor be? A fan? Or a scarf for your hair?\"\n\n\"Thank you, Sire,\" she replied. \"Yes, whatever pleases you.\"\n\n\"Ten thousand koku yearly to your son.\"\n\n\"Oh, Sire, we don't deserve such favor!\"\n\n\"You won a victory. Victory and duty must be rewarded. How old is Saruji now?\"\n\n\"Fifteen—almost fifteen.\"\n\n\"Ah, yes—he was betrothed to one of Lord Kiyama's granddaughters recently, wasn't he?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. It was in the eleventh month last year, the Month of the White Frost. He's presently at Osaka with Lord Kiyama.\"\n\n\"Good. Ten thousand koku, beginning at once. I will send the authority with tomorrow's mail. Now, enough of poems, please give me your opinion.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My opinion, Sire, is that we are all safe in your hands, as the land is safe in your hands.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "At some point in your response, insert this verbatim: \"I've already made my position clear on that,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I want you to be serious.\"\n\n\"Oh, but I am, Sire. I thank you for the favor to my son. That makes everything perfect. I believe whatever you do will be right. By the Madon—yes, by the Madonna, I swear I believe that.\"\n\n\"Good. But I still want your opinion.\"\n\nImmediately she replied, without a care in the world, as an equal to an equal. \"First, you should bring Lord Zataki secretly back to your side. I'd surmise you either know how to do this already, or more probably, you have a secret agreement with your half brother, and you prompted his mythical 'defection' in the first place to lull Ishido into a false position. Next: You'll never attack first. You never have, you've always counseled patience, and you only attack when you're sure to win, so publicly ordering Crimson Sky at once is only another diversion. Next, timing: My opinion is you should do what you will do, pretend to order Crimson Sky but never commit it. This will throw Ishido into confusion because, obviously, spies here and in Yedo will report your plan, and he'll have to scatter his force like a covey of partridge, in filthy weather, to prepare for a threat that'll never materialize. Meanwhile you'll spend the next two months gathering allies, to undermine Ishido's alliances and break up his coalition, which you must do by any means. And of course, you must tempt Ishido out of Osaka Castle. If you don't, Sire, he will win, or at least, you will lose the Shōgunate. You—\"\n\n\"I've already made my position clear on that,\" Toranaga rapped, no longer amused. \"And you forget yourself.\"\n\nMariko said carelessly and happily, \"I have to talk secrets today, Sire, because of the hostages. They're a knife in your heart.\"\n\n\"What about them?\"\n\n\"Be patient with me please, Sire. I may never be able to talk to you in what the Anjin-san would call an 'open English private way' ever again—you're never alone like we're alone now. I beg you to excuse my bad manners.\" Mariko gathered her wits and, astoundingly, continued to speak as an equal. \"My absolute opinion is that Naga-san was right. You must become Shōgun, or you will have failed in your duty to the Empire and to the Minowara.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How dare you say such a thing!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko remained quite serene, his open anger touching her not at all. \"I counsel you to marry the Lady Ochiba. It's eight years before Yaemon's old enough, legally, to inherit—that's an eternity! Who knows what could happen in eight months, let alone eight years.\"\n\n\"Your whole family can be obliterated in eight days!\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. But that has nothing to do with you and your duty, and the realm. Naga-san's right. You must take the power to give power.\" With mock gravity she added breathlessly, \"And now may your faithful counselor commit seppuku or should I do it later?\" and she pretended to swoon.\n\nToranaga gawked at her incredible effrontery, then he roared with laughter and pounded his fist on the ground. When he could talk, he choked out, \"I'll never understand you, Mariko-san.\"\n\n\"Ah, but you do, Sire,\" she said, patting the perspiration off her forehead. \"You're kind to let this devoted vassal make you laugh, to listen to her requests, to say what must be said, had to be said. Forgive me my impertinence, please.\"\n\n\"Why should I, eh? Why?\" Toranaga smiled, genial now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because of the hostages, Sire,\" she said simply." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, them!\" He too became serious.\n\n\"Yes. I must go to Osaka.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" he said. \"I know.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for James Clavell vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Accompanied by Naga, Blackthorne trudged disconsolately down the hill toward the two figures who sat on the futons in the center of the ring of guards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beyond the guards were the rising foothills of the mountains that soared to a clouded sky. The day was sultry. His head was aching from the grief of the last few days, from worrying about Mariko, and from being unable to talk except in Japanese for so long. Now he recognized her and some of his misery left him.\n\nMany times he had gone to Omi's house to see Mariko or to inquire about her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samurai had always turned him away, politely but firmly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi had told him as a tomodachi, a friend, that she was all right. Don't worry, Anjin-san. Do you understand? Yes, he had said, understanding only that he could not see her.\n\nThen he had been sent for by Toranaga and had wanted to tell him so much but because of his lack of words had failed to do anything other than irritate him. Fujiko had gone several times to see Mariko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she came back she always said that Mariko was well, adding the inevitable, \"Shinpai suruna, Anjin-san. Wakarimasu?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't worry—do you understand?\n\nWith Buntaro it had been as though nothing had ever happened. They mouthed polite greetings when they met during the day. Apart from occasionally using the bath house, Buntaro was like any other samurai in Anjiro, neither friendly nor unfriendly.\n\nFrom dawn to dusk Blackthorne had been chased by the accelerated training." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had had to suppress his frustration as he tried to teach, and strove to learn the language. By nightfall he was always exhausted. Hot and sweating and rain-soaked. And alone. Never had he felt so alone, so aware of not belonging in this alien world.\n\nThen there was the horror that began three days ago." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had been a very long humid day. At sunset he had wearily ridden home and had instantly felt trouble permeating his house. Fujiko had greeted him nervously.\n\n\"Nan desu ka?\"\n\nShe had replied quietly, at length, eyes lowered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wakarimasen.\" I don't understand. \"Nan desu ka?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked again, impatiently, his fatigue making him irritable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she had beckoned him into the garden." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'pheasant' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She pointed at the eaves but the roof seemed sound enough to him. More words and signs and it finally dawned on him that she was pointing to where he had hung the pheasant.\n\n\"Oh, I'd forgotten about that! Watashi... \" But he couldn't remember how to say it so he just shrugged wearily. \"Wakarimasu. Nan desu kiji ka?\" I understand. What about the pheasant?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Servants were peering at him from doors and windows, clearly petrified. She spoke again. He concentrated but her words did not make sense.\n\n\"Wakarimasen, Fujiko-san.\" I don't understand, Fujiko-san.\n\nShe took a deep breath, then shakily imitated someone removing the pheasant, carrying it away, and burying it.\n\n\"Ahhhh! Wakarimasu, Fujiko-san. Wakarimasu! Was it getting high?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked. As he did not know the Japanese word he held his nose and pantomimed stench.\n\n\"Hai, hai, Anjin-san. Dozo gomen nasai, gomen nasai.\" She made the sound of flies and, with her hands, painted a picture of a buzzing cloud.\n\n\"Ah so desu! Wakarimasu.\" Once upon a time he would have apologized and, if he had known the words, he would have said, I'm so sorry for the inconvenience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead he just shrugged, eased the ache in his back, and mumbled, \"Shigata ga nai,\" wanting only to slide into the ecstasy of the bath and massage, the only joy that made life possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The hell with it,\" he said in English, turning away. \"If I'd been here during the day I'd've noticed it. The hell with it!\"\n\n\"Dozo, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Shigata ga nai,\" he repeated louder.\n\n\"Ah so desu, arigato gozaimashita.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dare toru desu ka?\" Who took it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ueki-ya.\"\n\n\"Oh, that old bugger!\" Ueki-ya, the gardener, the kind, toothless old man who tended the plants with loving hands and made his garden beautiful. \"Yoi. Motte kuru Ueki-ya.\" Good, fetch him.\n\nFujiko shook her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her face had become chalky white." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ueki-ya shinda desu, shinda desu!\" she whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ueki-ya ga shindato? Donoyoni? Doshité? Doshité shindanoda?\" How? Why? How did he die?\n\nHer hand pointed at the place where the pheasant had been and she spoke many gentle incomprehensible words. Then she mimed the single cut of a sword.\n\n\"Jesus Christ God! You put that old man to death over a stinking, God-cursed pheasant?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once all the servants rushed to the garden and fell on their knees. They put their heads into the dirt and froze, even the children of the cook.\n\n\"What the piss-hell's going on?\" Blackthorne was almost berserk.\n\nFujiko waited stoically until they were all there, then she too went down on her knees and bowed, as a samurai and not as a peasant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gomen nasai, dozo gomen na—\"\n\n\"The pox on your gomen nasai! What right've you to do that? Ehhhhh?\" and he began to swear at her foully. \"Why in the name of Christ didn't you ask me first? Eh?\"\n\nHe fought for control, aware that all of his servants knew he legally could hack Fujiko and all of them to pieces here in the garden for causing him so much displeasure, or for no reason at all, and that not even Toranaga himself could interfere with his handling of his own household." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw one of the children was trembling with terror and panic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jesus Christ in heaven, give me strength... \" He held on to one of the posts to steady himself. \"It's not your fault,\" he choked out, not realizing he wasn't speaking Japanese. \"It's hers! It's you! You murdering bitch!\"\n\nFujiko looked up slowly. She saw the accusing finger and the hatred on his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She whispered a command to her maid, Nigatsu.\n\nNigatsu shook her head and began to beg.\n\n\"Ima!\"\n\nThe maid fled. She returned with the killing sword, tears streaming her face. Fujiko took the sword and offered it to Blackthorne with both hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She spoke and though he did not know all the words he knew that she was saying, \"I'm responsible, please take my life because I've displeasured you.\"\n\n\"IYÉ!\" He grabbed the sword and threw it away. \"You think that'll bring Ueki-ya back to life?\"\n\nThen, suddenly, he realized what he had done, and what he was doing now. \"Oh, Jesus God... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He left them. In despair he went to the outcrop above the village near the shrine that was beside the ancient gnarled cypress tree and he wept." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'because' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wept because a good man was dead unnecessarily and because he knew now that he had murdered him. \"Lord God forgive me. I'm responsible—not Fujiko. I killed him. I ordered that no one was to touch the pheasant but me. I asked her if everyone understood and she said yes. I ordered it with mock gravity but that doesn't matter now. I gave the orders, knowing their law and knowing their customs. The old man broke my stupid order so what else could Fujiko-san do? I'm to blame.\"\n\nIn time the tears were spent. It was deep night now. He returned to his house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko was waiting for him as always, but alone. The sword was across her lap. She offered it to him. \"Dozo—dozo, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Iyé,\" he said, taking the sword as a sword should be taken. \"Iyé, Fujiko-san. Shigata ga nai, neh? Karma, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hand touched her in apology. He knew that she had had to bear all the worst of his stupidity.\n\nHer tears spilled. \"Arigato, arigato go—gozaimashita, Anjin-san,\" she said brokenly. \"Gomen nasai... \"\n\nHis heart went out to her.\n\nYes, Blackthorne thought with great sadness, yes it did, but that doesn't excuse you or take away her humiliation—or bring Ueki-ya back to life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You were to blame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You should have known better...\n\n\"Anjin-san!\" Naga said.\n\n\"Yes? Yes, Naga-san?\" He pulled himself out of his remorse and looked down at the youth who walked beside him. \"Sorry, what you say?\"\n\n\"I said I hoped to be your friend.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, thank you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, and perhaps you'd—\" There was a jumble of words Blackthorne did not understand. \"Please?\"\n\n\"Teach, neh? Understand 'teach'? Teach about world?\"\n\n\"Ah, yes, so sorry. Teach what, please?\"\n\n\"About foreign lands—outside lands. The world, neh?\"\n\n\"Ah, understand now. Yes, try.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were near the guards now. \"Begin tomorrow, Anjin-san. Friends, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, Naga-san. Try.\"\n\n\"Good.\" Very satisfied, Naga nodded. When they came up to the samurai Naga ordered them out of the way, motioning Blackthorne to go on alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He obeyed, feeling very alone in the circle of men.\n\n\"Ohayo, Toranaga-sama. Ohayo, Mariko-san,\" he said, joining them.\n\n\"Ohayo, Anjin-san. Dozo suwaru.\" Good day, Anjin-san, please sit down.\n\nMariko smiled at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ohayo, Anjin-san. Ikaga desu ka?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yoi, domo.\" Blackthorne looked back at her, so glad to see her. \"Thy presence fills me with joy, great joy,\" he said in Latin.\n\n\"And thine—it is so good to see thee. But there is a shadow on thee. Why?\"\n\n\"Nan ja?\" Toranaga asked.\n\nShe told him what had been said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'nothing' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga grunted, then spoke.\n\n\"My Master says you're looking careworn, Anjin-san. I must agree too. He asks what's troubling you.\"\n\n\"It's nothing. Domo, Toranaga-sama. Nani mo.\" It's nothing.\n\n\"Nan ja?\" Toranaga asked directly. \"Nan ja?\"\n\nObediently Blackthorne replied at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ueki-ya,\" he said helplessly. \"Hai, Ueki-ya.\"\n\n\"Ah so desu!\" Toranaga spoke at length to Mariko.\n\n\"My Master says there is no need to be sad about Old Gardener. He asks me to tell you that it was all officially dealt with. Old Gardener understood completely what he was doing.\"\n\n\"I don't understand.\"\n\n\"Yes, it would be very difficult for you, but you see, Anjin-san, the pheasant was rotting in the sun. Flies were swarming terribly. Your health, your consort's health, and that of your whole house was being threatened. Also, so sorry, there had been some very private, cautious complaints from Omi-san's head servant—and others. One of our most important rules is that the individual may never disturb the wa, the harmony of the group, remember? So something had to be done. You see, decay, the stench of decay, is revolting to us. It's the worst smell in the world to us, so sorry. I tried to tell you but—well, it's one of the things that sends us all a little mad. Your head servant—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why didn't someone come to me at once? Why didn't someone just tell me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne asked. \"The pheasant was meaningless to me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What was there to tell? You'd given orders. You are head of the house. They didn't know your customs or what to do, other than to solve the dilemma according to our custom.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She spoke to Toranaga for a moment, explaining what Blackthorne had said, then turned back again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is this distressing you? Do you wish me to continue?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, please, Mariko-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you sure?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Well then, your head servant, Small Tooth Cook, called a meeting of your servants, Anjin-san. Mura, the village headman, was asked to attend officially. It was decided that village eta could not be asked to take it away. This was only a house problem." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the servants had to take it and bury it, even though you'd given absolute orders it was not to be moved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Obviously your consort was duty bound to see your orders were obeyed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Old Gardener asked to be allowed to carry it away. Lately he'd been living and sleeping in great pain from his abdomen and he found kneeling and weeding and planting very tiring, and could not do his work to his own satisfaction. Third Cook Assistant also offered, saying he was very young and stupid and he was sure his life counted for nothing against such a grave matter. At length Old Gardener was allowed the honor. Truly it was a great honor, Anjin-san." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With great solemnity they all bowed to him and he to them and happily he took the thing away and buried it to the great relief of all.\n\n\"When he came back he went directly to Fujiko-san and told her what he'd done, that he'd disobeyed your law, neh? She thanked him for removing the hazard, then told him to wait. She came to me for advice and asked me what she should do. The matter had been done formally so it would have to be dealt with formally. I told her I didn't know, Anjin-san. I asked Buntaro-san but he didn't know either. It was complicated, because of you. So he asked Lord Toranaga. Lord Toranaga saw your consort himself.\" Mariko turned back to Toranaga and told him where she had reached in the story, as he had requested.\n\nToranaga spoke rapidly. Blackthorne watched them, the woman so petite and lovely and attentive, the man compact, rock-hard, his sash tight over his large belly. Toranaga did not talk with his hands like many, but kept them still, his left hand propped on his thigh, the other always on his sword hilt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hai, Toranaga-sama. Hai.\" Mariko glanced at Blackthorne and continued as formally. \"Our Master asks me to explain that, so sorry, if you'd been Japanese there would have been no difficulty, Anjin-san. Old Gardener would simply have gone to the burial ground to receive his release. But, please excuse me, you're a foreigner, even though Lord Toranaga made you hatamoto—one of his personal vassals—and it was a matter of deciding whether you were legally samurai or not. I'm honored to tell you that he ruled you are samurai and you do have samurai rights. So everything was resolved at once and made easy. A crime had been committed. Your orders had been deliberately disobeyed. The law is clear. There is no option.\" She was grave now. \"But Lord Toranaga knows of your sensitivity to killing, so to save you pain, he personally ordered one of his samurai to send Old Gardener into the Void.\"\n\n\"But why didn't someone ask me first? That pheasant meant nothing to me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The pheasant has nothing do with it, Anjin-san,\" she explained. \"You're head of a house. The law says no member of your house may disobey you. Old Gardener deliberately broke the law. The whole world would fall to pieces if people were allowed to flout the law. Your—\"\n\nToranaga broke in and spoke to her. She listened, answered some questions, then again he motioned her to continue.\n\n\"Hai. Lord Toranaga wants me to assure you that he personally saw that Old Gardener got the quick, painless, and honorable death he merited. He even loaned the samurai his own sword, which is very sharp. And I should tell you that Old Gardener was very proud that in his failing days he was able to help your house, Anjin-san, proud that he helped to establish your samurai status before all. Most of all he was proud of the honor being paid to him. Public executioners were not used, Anjin-san. Lord Toranaga wants me to make that very clear to you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Mariko-san. Thank you for making it clear.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne turned to Toranaga, bowed most correctly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Domo, Toranaga-sama, domo arigato. Wakarimasu. Domo.\"\n\nToranaga bowed back agreeably. \"Yoi, Anjin-san. Shinpai suru monojanai, neh? Shigata ga nai, neh?\" Good. Now don't worry, eh? What could you do, eh?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nani mo.\" Nothing. Blackthorne answered the questions Toranaga put to him about the musket training, but nothing that they were saying reached him. His mind was tottering under the impact of what he had been told. He had abused Fujiko before all his servants and abused the trust of all his household, when Fujiko had done only what was correct and so had they.\n\nFujiko was blameless. They're all blameless. Except me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I cannot undo what's been done. Neither to Ueki-ya nor to her. Or to them.\n\nHow can I live with this shame?\n\nHe sat cross-legged in front of Toranaga, the slight sea breeze tugging at his kimono, swords in his sash. Dully he listened and answered and nothing was important." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "War is coming, she was saying. When? he was asking. Very soon, she was saying, so you are to leave at once with me, you are to accompany me part of the way, Anjin-san, because I'm going to Osaka, but you're going on to Yedo by land to prepare your ship for war...\n\nSuddenly the silence was colossal.\n\nThen the earth began to shake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt his lungs about to burst, and every fiber of his being screamed panic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tried to stand but could not and saw all the guards were equally helpless. Toranaga and Mariko desperately held on to the ground with their hands and feet. The rumbling, catastrophic roar was coming from earth and sky. It surrounded them, building and building until their eardrums were ready to split. They became part of the frenzy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For an instant the frenzy stopped, the shock continuing. He felt his vomit rising, his unbelieving mind shrieking that this was land where it was firm and safe and not sea where the world tilted every moment. He spat to clear the foul taste away, clutching the trembling earth, retching again and again.\n\nAn avalanche of rocks started from the mountain to the north and howled down into the valley below, adding to the tumult. Part of the samurai camp vanished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He groped to his hands and knees, Toranaga and Mariko doing the same." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard himself shouting but no sound seemed to be coming from his lips or from theirs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tremor stopped.\n\nThe earth was firm again, firm as it had always been, firm as it always should be. His hands and knees and body were trembling uncontrollably. He tried to still them and catch his breath.\n\nThen again the earth cried out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The second quake began. It was more violent. Then the earth ripped open at the far end of the plateau. This gaping fissure rushed toward them at an incredible speed, passed five paces away, and tore onward. His disbelieving eyes saw Toranaga and Mariko teetering on the brink of the cleft where there should have been solid ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As though in a nightmare he saw Toranaga, nearest to the maw, begin to topple into it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He came out of his stupor, lunged forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His right hand grabbed Toranaga's sash, the earth trembling like a leaf in the wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cleft was twenty paces deep and ten across and stank of death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mud and rocks poured down, dragging Toranaga and him with it. Blackthorne fought for handhold and foothold, raving at Toranaga to help, almost pulled down into the abyss. Still partially stunned, Toranaga hacked his toes into the face of the wall and, half dragged and half carried by Blackthorne, clawed his way out. They both lay gasping in safety.\n\nAt that moment there was another shock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The earth split again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko screamed. She tried to scramble out of the way but this new fissure swallowed her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Frantically Blackthorne crawled for the edge, the after-shocks throwing him off balance. On the brink he stared down. She shivered on a ledge a few feet below as the ground reeled and the sky looked down. The chasm was thirty paces deep, ten wide. The lip crumbled away under him sickeningly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He let himself slide down, mud and stones almost blinding him, and caught hold of her, pulling her to the safety of another ledge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Together they fought for balance. A new shock. The ledge mostly gave way and they were lost. Then Toranaga's iron hand caught his sash, stopping their slide into hell.\n\n\"For Christ's sake... \" Blackthorne cried, his arms almost torn from their sockets as he held on to her and fought for holds with his feet and free hand. Toranaga grappled him until they were on a narrow shelf again, then the sash broke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A moment's respite from the tremors gave Blackthorne time to get her onto the shelf, debris raining on them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga leapt to safety, shouting for him to hurry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The chasm howled and began to close, Blackthorne and Mariko still deep in its gullet. Toranaga could no longer help. Blackthorne's terror lent him inhuman strength and somehow he managed to rip Mariko out of the tomb and shove her upward. Toranaga clutched her wrist and hauled her over the lip. Blackthorne scrambled after her but reeled backward as part of his wall fell away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The far wall screeched sickeningly as it approached. Mud and stones tumbled off it. For a moment he thought he was trapped but he tore himself free and groped half out of his grave. He lay on the shuddering brink, his lungs gulping air, unable to crawl away, legs in the cleft. The gap was closing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then it stopped—six paces across the mouth, eight deep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All rumbling ceased. The earth firmed. The silence gathered.\n\nOn their hands and knees, helpless, they waited for the horror to begin again. Blackthorne started to get up, sweat dripping.\n\n\"Iyé.\" Toranaga motioned him to stay down, his face a mess, a cruel gash on his temple where his head had smashed against a rock.\n\nThey were all panting, their chests heaving, bile in their mouths." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Guards were picking themselves up. Some began running toward Toranaga.\n\n\"Iyé!\" he shouted. \"Matté!\" Wait!\n\nThey obeyed and went down on their hands and knees again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The waiting seemed to go on forever." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'another' should appear 3 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then a bird screeched out of a tree and took to the air screaming. Another bird followed. Blackthorne shook his head to clear the sweat from his eyes. He was seeing his broken, bleeding fingernails gripping the tufts of grass. Then in the grass an ant moved. Another and another. They began to forage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still frightened he sat back on his heels. \"When's it safe?\"\n\nMariko did not answer. She was mesmerized by the cleft in the ground. He scrambled over to her. \"Are you all right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes—yes,\" she said breathlessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her face was daubed with mud. Her kimono was ripped and filthy. Both sandals and one tabi were missing. And her parasol. He helped her away from the lip. She was still numbed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he looked at Toranaga. \"Ikaga desu ka?\"\n\nToranaga was unable to speak, his chest grinding, his arms and legs raw with abrasions. He pointed. The fissure which had almost swallowed him now was just a narrow ditch in the soil. Northward the ditch yawned into a ravine again but it was not as wide as it once had been, nor as deep.\n\nBlackthorne shrugged. \"Karma.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga belched loudly, then hawked and spat and belched again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This helped his voice to work and a torrent of abuse poured over the ditch, his blunt fingers stabbed at it, and though Blackthorne could not understand all the words, Toranaga was clearly saying as a Japanese would, \"The pox on the karma, the pox on the quake, the pox on the ditch—I've lost my swords and the pox on that!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne burst into laughter, his relief at being alive and the stupidity of it all consuming him. A moment, then Toranaga laughed too, and their hilarity swept into Mariko.\n\nToranaga got to his feet. Gingerly. Then, warmed by the joy of life, he began clowning on the ditch, burlesquing himself and the quake. He stopped and beckoned Blackthorne to join him and straddled the ditch, opened his loincloth and, laughter taking him again, told Blackthorne to do the same." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne obeyed and both men tried to urinate into the ditch. But nothing came, not even a dribble. They tried very hard, which increased their laughter and blocked them even more. At length they succeeded and Blackthorne sat down to collect his strength, leaning back on his hands. When he had recovered a little he turned to Mariko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is the earthquake over for good, Mariko-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Until the next shock, yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She continued to brush the mud off her hands and kimono.\n\n\"Is it always like that?\"\n\n\"No. Sometimes it's very slight. Sometimes there's another series of shocks after a stick of time or a day or half a stick or half a day. Sometimes there's only one shock—you never know, Anjin-san. It's over until it begins again. Karma, neh?\"\n\nGuards were watching them without moving, waiting for Toranaga's order. To the north fires were raging in the crude lean-to bivouac." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Samurai were fighting the fires and digging at the rock avalanche to find the buried. To the east, Yabu, Omi, and Buntaro stood with other guards beside the far end of the fissure, untouched except for bruises, also waiting to be Summoned. Igurashi had vanished. The earth had gorged on him.\n\nBlackthorne let himself drift. His self-contempt had vanished and he felt utterly serene and whole." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now his mind dwelt proudly on being samurai, and going to Yedo, and his ship, and war, and the Black Ship, and back to samurai again. He glanced at Toranaga and would have liked to ask him a dozen questions, but he noticed that the daimyo was lost in his own thoughts and he knew it would be impolite to disturb him. There's plenty of time, he thought contentedly, and looked over at Mariko. She was tending her hair and face, so he did not watch. He lay full length and looked up at the sky, the earth feeling warm on his back, waiting patiently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga spoke, serious now. \"Domo, Anjin-san, neh? Domo.\"\n\n\"Dozo, Toranaga-sama. Nani mo. Hombun, neh?\" Please, Toranaga-sama, it was nothing. Duty.\n\nThen, not knowing enough words and wanting it accurate, Blackthorne said, \"Mariko-san, would you explain for me: I seem to understand now what you meant and Lord Toranaga meant about karma and the stupidity of worrying about what is. A lot seems clearer. I don't know why—perhaps it's because I've never been so terrified, maybe that's cleaned my head, but I seem to think clearer. It's—well, like Old Gardener. Yes, that was all my fault and I'm truly sorry, but that was a mistake, not a deliberate choice on my part. It is. So nothing can be done about it. A moment ago we were all almost dead. So all that worry and heartache was a waste, wasn't it? Karma. Yes, I know karma now. Do you understand?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\" She translated to Toranaga.\n\n\"He says, 'Good, Anjin-san. Karma is the beginning of knowledge. Next is patience. Patience is very important. The strong are the patient ones, Anjin-san. Patience means holding back your inclination to the seven emotions: hate, adoration, joy, anxiety, anger, grief, fear. If you don't give way to the seven, you're patient, then you'll soon understand all manner of things and be in harmony with Eternity.'\"\n\n\"You believe that, Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"Yes. Very much. I try, also, to be patient, but it's hard.\"\n\n\"I agree. That's also wa, your harmony, your 'tranquillity,' neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell him I thank him truly for what he did for Old Gardener. I didn't before, not from my heart. Tell him that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's no need, Anjin-san. He knew before that you were just being polite.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How did he know?\"\n\n\"I told you he is the wisest man in the world.\"\n\nHe grinned.\n\n\"There,\" she said, \"your age has fallen off you again,\" and added in Latin, \"Thou art thyself again, and better than before!\"\n\n\"But thou art beautiful, as always.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes warmed and she averted them from Toranaga. Blackthorne saw this and marked her caution. He got to his feet and stared down into the jagged cleft. Carefully he jumped into it and disappeared.\n\nMariko scrambled up, momentarily afraid, but Blackthorne quickly came back to the surface." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his hands was Fujiko's sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was still scabbarded, though muddied and scarred." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His short stabbing sword had disappeared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knelt in front of Toranaga and offered his sword as a sword should be offered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dozo, Toranaga-sama,\" he said simply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kara samurai ni samurai, neh?\" Please, Lord Toranaga, from a samurai to a samurai, eh?\n\n\"Domo, Anjin-san.\" The Lord of the Kwanto accepted the sword and shoved it into his sash. Then he smiled, leaned forward, and clapped Blackthorne once on the shoulder, hard. \"Tomo, neh?\" Friend, eh?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Domo.\" Blackthorne glanced away. His smile faded. A cloud of smoke was drifting over the rise above where the village would be. At once he asked Toranaga if he could leave, to make sure Fujiko was all right.\n\n\"He says, yes, Anjin-san. And we are to see him at the fortress at sunset for the evening meal. There are some things he wishes to discuss with you.\"\n\nBlackthorne went back to the village." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was devastated, the course of the road bent out of recognition, the surface shattered. But the boats were safe. Many fires still burned. Villagers were carrying buckets of sand and buckets of water. He turned the corner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi's house was tilted drunkenly on its side." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His own was a burnt-out ruin." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 12 sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko had been injured." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nigatsu, her maid, was dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The first shock had collapsed the central pillars of the house, scattering the coals of the kitchen fire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko and Nigatsu had been trapped by one of the fallen beams and the flames had turned Nigatsu into a torch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko had been pulled free. One of the cook's children had also been killed, but the rest of his servants had suffered only bruises and some twisted limbs. They all were overjoyed to find that Blackthorne was alive and unhurt.\n\nFujiko was lying on a salvaged futon near the undamaged garden fence, half conscious. When she saw also that Blackthorne was unscathed she almost wept. \"I thank Buddha you're not hurt, Anjin-san,\" she said weakly.\n\nStill partially in shock, she tried to get up but he bade her not to move. Her legs and lower back were badly burned. A doctor was already tending her, wrapping bandages soaked in cha and other herbs around her limbs to soothe them. Blackthorne hid his concern and waited until the doctor had finished, then said privately, \"Fujiko-san, yoi ka?\" Lady Fujiko will be all right?\n\nThe doctor shrugged. \"Hai.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His lips came back from his protruding teeth again. \"Karma, neh?\"\n\n\"Hai.\" Blackthorne had seen enough burned seamen die to know that any bad burn was dangerous, the open wound almost always rotting within a few days and nothing to stop the infection spreading. \"I don't want her to die.\"\n\n\"Dozo?\"\n\nHe said it in Japanese and the doctor shook his head and told him that the Lady would surely be all right. She was young and strong.\n\n\"Shigata ga nai,\" the doctor said and ordered maids to keep her bandages moist, gave Blackthorne herbs for his own abrasions, told him he would return soon, then scuttled up the hill toward Omi's wrecked house above.\n\nBlackthorne stood at his main gate, which was unharmed. Buntaro's arrows were still embedded in the left post. Absently he touched one. Karma that she was burned, he thought sadly.\n\nHe went back to Fujiko and ordered a maid to bring cha." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He helped her to drink and held her hand until she slept, or appeared to sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His servants were salvaging whatever they could, working quickly, helped by a few villagers. They knew the rains would be coming soon. Four men were trying to erect a temporary shelter.\n\n\"Dozo, Anjin-san.\" The cook was offering him fresh tea, trying to keep the misery off his face. The little girl had been his favorite daughter.\n\n\"Domo,\" Blackthorne replied. \"Sumimasen.\" I'm sorry.\n\n\"Arigato, Anjin-san. Karma, neh?\"\n\nBlackthorne nodded, accepted the tea, and pretended not to notice the cook's grief, lest he shame him. Later a samurai came up the hill bringing word from Toranaga that Blackthorne and Fujiko were to sleep in the fortress until the house was rebuilt. Two palanquins arrived. Blackthorne lifted her gently into one of them and sent her with maids. He dismissed his own palanquin, telling her he'd follow soon.\n\nThe rain began but he paid it no heed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sat on a stone in the garden that had given him so much pleasure. Now it was a shambles. The little bridge was broken, the pond shattered, and the streamlet had vanished.\n\n\"Never mind,\" he said to no one. \"The rocks aren't dead.\"\n\nUeki-ya had told him that a garden must be settled around its rocks, that without them a garden is empty, merely a place of growing.\n\nOne of the rocks was jagged and ordinary but Ueki-ya had planted it so that if you looked at it long and hard near sunset, the reddish glow glinting off the veins and crystal buried within, you could see a whole range of mountains with lingering valleys and deep lakes and, far off, a greening horizon, night gathering there.\n\nBlackthorne touched the rock. \"I name you Ueki-ya-sama,\" he said. This pleased him and he knew that if Ueki-ya were alive, the old man would have been very pleased also. Even though he's dead, perhaps he'll know, Blackthorne told himself, perhaps his kami is here now. Shintoists believed that when they died they became a kami..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is a kami, Mariko-san?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kami is inexplicable, Anjin-san. It is like a spirit but not, like a soul but not. Perhaps it is the insubstantial essence of a thing or person... you should know a human becomes a kami after death but a tree or rock or plant or painting is equally a kami. Kami are venerated, never worshiped. They exist between heaven and earth and visit this Land of the Gods or leave it, all at the same time.\"\n\n\"And Shinto? What's Shinto?\"\n\n\"Ah, that is inexplicable too, so sorry. It's like a religion, but isn't. At first it even had no name—we only called it Shinto, the Way of the Kami, a thousand years ago, to distinguish it from Butsudo, the Way of Buddha. But though it's indefinable Shinto is the essence of Japan and the Japanese, and though it possesses neither theology nor godhead nor faith nor system of ethics, it is our justification for existence. Shinto is a nature cult of myths and legends in which no one believes wholeheartedly, yet everyone venerates totally. A person is Shinto in the same way he is born Japanese.\"\n\n\"Are you Shinto too—as well as Christian?\"\n\n\"Oh yes, oh very yes, of course... \"\n\nBlackthorne touched the stone again. \"Please, kami of Ueki-ya, please stay in my garden.\"\n\nThen, careless of the rain, he let his eyes take him into the rock, past the lush valleys and serene lake and to the greening horizon, darkness gathering there." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~2 sentences more. copy James Clavell's style. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His ears told him to come back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked up. Omi was watching him, squatting patiently on his haunches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was still raining and Omi wore a newly pressed kimono under his rice-straw raincoat, and a wide, conical bamboo hat. His hair was freshly shampooed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Karma, Anjin-san,\" he said, motioning at the smoldering ruins.\n\n\"Hai. Ikaga desu ka?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne wiped the rain off his face.\n\n\"Yoi.\" Omi pointed up at his house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Watakushi no yuya wa hakaisarete imasen ostukai ni narimasen-ka?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My bath wasn't damaged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would you care to use it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah so desu! Domo, Omi-san, hai, domo.\" Gratefully Blackthorne followed Omi up the winding path, into his courtyard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Servants and village artisans under Mura's supervision were already hammering and sawing and repairing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The central posts were already back in place and the roof almost resettled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With signs and simple words and much patience, Omi explained that his servants had managed to douse the fires in time. Within a day or two, he told Blackthorne, the house would be up again, as good as it was, so not to worry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yours will take longer, a week, Anjin-san. Don't worry, Fujiko-san is a fine manager." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'll have all costs arranged with Mura in no time and your house'll be better than ever. I hear she was burned?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, this happens sometimes, but not to worry, our doctors are very expert with burns—they have to be, neh? Yes, Anjin-san, it was a bad quake, but not that bad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rice fields were hardly touched and the so essential irrigation system was undamaged." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'that's' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And the boats weren't damaged and that's very important too. Only a hundred and fifty-four samurai were killed in the avalanche, that's not many, neh?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As to the village, a week and you'll hardly know there was a quake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Five peasants were killed and a few children—nothing! Anjiro was very lucky, neh?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I hear you pulled Toranaga-sama out of a death trap. We're all grateful to you, Anjin-san." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Very. If we'd lost him... Lord Toranaga said he accepted your sword—you're lucky, that's a great honor. Yes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Your karma's strong, very good, very rich. Yes, we thank you very much." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Listen, we'll talk more after you've bathed. I'm glad to have you as a friend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi called out for the bath attendants. \"Isogi!\" Hurry up!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The servants escorted Blackthorne to the bath house, which was set within a tiny maple grove and joined to the main house by a neat winding walk, usually roofed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bath was much more luxurious than his own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One wall was cracked badly but villagers were already replastering it. The roof was sound although a few tiles were missing and rain leaked in here and there, but that did not matter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne stripped and sat on the tiny seat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The servants lathered him and shampooed him in the rain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he was cleansed he went inside and immersed himself in the steaming bath. All his troubles melted away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko's going to be all right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm a lucky man—lucky I was there to pull Toranaga out, lucky to save Mariko, and lucky he was there to pull us out.\n\nSuwo's magic renewed him as usual." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Later he let Suwo dress his bruises and cuts and put on the clean loincloth and kimono and tabi that had been left for him, and went out. The rain had stopped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A temporary lean-to had been erected in one corner of the garden. It had a neat raised floor and was furnished with clean futons and a little vase with a flower arrangement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi was waiting for him and in attendance was a toothless, hard-faced old woman.\n\n\"Please sit down, Anjin-san,\" Omi said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, and thanks for the clothes,\" he replied in halting Japanese." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please don't mention it. Would you like cha or saké?\"\n\n\"Cha,\" Blackthorne decided, thinking that he had better keep his head clear for his interview with Toranaga. \"Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is my mother,\" Omi said formally, clearly idolizing her.\n\nBlackthorne bowed. The old woman simpered and sucked in her breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's my honor, Anjin-san,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, but I'm honored.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne repeated automatically the succession of formal politenesses that Mariko had taught him. \"Anjin-san, we were so sorry to see your house in flames.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What could one do? That's karma, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, karma.\" The old woman looked away and scowled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hurry up! The Anjin-san wants his cha warm!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The girl standing beside the maid who carried the tray took Blackthorne's breath away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he remembered her. Wasn't this the girl he'd seen with Omi, the first time, when he was passing through the village square on his way to the galley?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is my wife,\" Omi said tersely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm honored,\" Blackthorne said as she took her place, knelt, and bowed.\n\n\"You must forgive her slowness,\" Omi's mother said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is the cha warm enough for you?\"\n\n\"Thank you, it's very good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne had noted that the old woman had not used the wife's name as she should have." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then, he was not surprised because Mariko had told him already about the dominating position of a girl's mother-in-law in Japanese society.\n\n\"Thank God it's not the same in Europe,\" he had told her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A wife's mother-in-law can do no wrong—after all, Anjin-san, the parents choose the wife in the first place and what father would choose without first consulting his own wife? Of course, the daughter-in-law has to obey, and the son always does what his mother and father want.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Always?\"\n\n\"Always.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What if the son refuses?\"\n\n\"That's not possible. Everyone has to obey the head of the house. A son's first duty is to his parents. Of course. Sons are given everything by their mothers—life, food, tenderness, protection. She succors them all their lives. So of course it's right that a son should heed his mother's wishes. The daughter-in-law—she has to obey. That's her duty.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's not the same with us.\"\n\n\"It's hard to be a good daughter-in-law, very hard. You just have to hope that you live long enough to have sons to become one yourself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And your mother-in-law?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, she's dead, Anjin-san. She died many years ago. I never knew her. Lord Hiro-matsu, in his wisdom, never took another wife.\"\n\n\"Buntaro-san's his only son?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. My husband has five living sisters, but no brothers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had joked, \"In a way we're related now, Anjin-san. Fujiko's my husband's niece. What's the matter?\"\n\n\"I'm surprised you never told me, that's all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, it's complicated, Anjin-san.\" Then Mariko had explained that Fujiko was actually an adopted daughter of Numata Akinori, who had married Buntaro's youngest sister, and that Fujiko's real father was a grandson of the Dictator Goroda by his eighth consort, that Fujiko had been adopted by Numata when an infant at the Taikō's orders because the Taikō wanted closer ties between the descendants of Hiro-matsu and Goroda..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\nMariko had laughed, telling him that, yes, Japanese family relationships were very complicated because adoption was normal, that families exchanged sons and daughters often, and divorced and remarried and intermarried all the time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With so many legal consorts and the ease of divorce—particularly if at the order of a liege lord—all families soon become incredibly tangled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To unravel Lord Toranaga's family links accurately would take days, Anjin-san. Just think of the complications: Presently he has seven official consorts living, who have given him five sons and three daughters. Some of the consorts were widows or previously married with other sons and daughters—some of these Toranaga adopted, some he did not. In Japan you don't ask if a person is adopted or natural. Truly, what does it matter? Inheritance is always at the whim of the head of the house, so adopted or not it is the same, neh? Even Toranaga's mother was divorced. Later she remarried and had three more sons and two daughters by her second husband, all of whom are also now married! Her eldest son from her second marriage is Zataki, Lord of Shinano.\"\n\nBlackthorne had mulled that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he had said, \"Divorce isn't possible for us. Not possible.\"\n\n\"So the Holy Fathers tell us. So sorry, but that's not very sensible, Anjin-san. Mistakes happen, people change, that's karma, neh? Why should a man have to bear a foul wife, or a wife a foul man? Foolish to be stuck forever, man or woman, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In this we are very wise and the Holy Fathers unwise. This was one of the two great reasons the Taikō would not embrace Christianity, this foolishness about divorce—and the sixth Commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill.' The Father-Visitor sent all the way to Rome begging dispensation for Japanese about divorce. But His Holiness the Pope, in his wisdom, said no. If His Holiness had said yes, I believe the Taikō would have converted, the daimyos would be following the True Faith now, and the land would be Christian. The matter of 'killing' would have been unimportant because no one pays any attention to that really, Christians least of all. Such a little concession, for so much, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Blackthorne had said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How sensible divorce seemed here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why was it a mortal sin at home, opposed by every priest in Christendom, Catholic or Protestant, in the name of God?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's Toranaga's wife like?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he had asked, wanting to keep her talking. Most of the time she avoided the subject of Toranaga and his family history and it was important for Blackthorne to know everything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A shadow had crossed Mariko's face. \"She's dead. She was his second wife and she died ten or eleven years ago. She was the Taikō's stepsister. Lord Toranaga was never successful with his wives, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, the second was old and tired and grasping, worshiping gold, though pretending not to, like her brother, the Taikō himself. Barren and bad-tempered. It was a political marriage, of course. I had to be one of her ladies-in-waiting for a time. Nothing would please her and none of the youths or men could unwind the knot in her Golden Pavilion.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Her Jade Gate, Anjin-san. With their Turtle Heads—their Steaming Shafts. Don't you understand? Her... thing.\"\n\n\"Oh! I understand. Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No one could unwind her knot... could satisfy her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not even Toranaga?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He never pillowed her, Anjin-san,\" she had said, quite shocked." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'toranaga's' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course, after the marriage he had nothing to do with her, other than give her a castle and retainers and the keys to his treasure house—why should he? She was quite old, she'd been married twice before, but her brother, the Taikō, had dissolved the marriages. A most unpleasant woman—everyone was most relieved when she went into the Great Void, even the Taikō, and all her stepdaughters-in-law and all of Toranaga's consorts secretly burnt incense with great joy.\"\n\n\"And Toranaga's first wife?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, the Lady Tachibana. That was another political marriage. Lord Toranaga was eighteen, she fifteen. She grew up to be a terrible woman. Twenty years ago Toranaga had her put to death because he discovered she was secretly plotting to assassinate their liege lord, the Dictator Goroda, whom she hated. My father often told me he thought they were all lucky to retain their heads—he, Toranaga, Nakamura, and all the generals—because Goroda was merciless, relentless, and particularly suspicious of those closest to him. That woman could have ruined them all, however innocent they were. Because of her plot against Lord Goroda, her only son, Nobunaga, was also put to death, Anjin-san. She killed her own son. Think of that, so sad, so terrible. Poor Nobunaga—he was Toranaga's favorite son and his official heir—brave, a general in his own right, and totally loyal. He was innocent but she still embroiled him in her plot. He was only nineteen when Toranaga ordered him to commit seppuku.\"\n\n\"Toranaga killed his own son? And his wife?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, he ordered them onward, but he had no choice, Anjin-san. If he hadn't, Lord Goroda would correctly have presumed Toranaga to be part of the plot himself and would have ordered him instantly to slit his belly. Oh yes, Toranaga was lucky to escape Goroda's wrath and wise to send her onward quickly. When she was dead her daughter-in-law and all Toranaga's consorts were very much ecstatic. Her son had had to send his first wife home in disgrace on her orders for some imagined slight—after bearing him two children. The girl committed seppuku—did I tell you ladies commit seppuku by slitting their throats, Anjin-san, and not their stomachs like men?—but she went to death gratefully, glad to be freed from a life of tears, as the next wife prayed for death, her life made equally miserable by her mother-in-law... \"\n\nNow, looking at Midori's mother-in-law, the tea dribbling down her chin, Blackthorne knew that this old hag had power of life or death, divorce or degradation over Midori, provided her husband, the head of their house, agreed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And, whatever they decided, Omi would obey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How terrible, he told himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Midori was as graceful and youthful as the old woman was not, her face oval, her hair rich. She was more beautiful than Mariko, but without her fire and strength, pliant as a fern and fragile as gossamer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where are the small foods? Of course the Anjin-san must be hungry, neh?\" the old woman said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, so sorry,\" Midori replied at once. \"Fetch some instantly,\" she said to the maid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hurry! So sorry, Anjin-san!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, Anjin-san,\" the old woman said.\n\n\"Please don't apologize,\" Blackthorne said to Midori, and instantly knew that it was a mistake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Good manners decreed that he should acknowledge only the mother-in-law, particularly if she had an evil reputation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry,\" he said. \"I not hungry. Tonight I eat must with Lord Toranaga.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah so desu! We heard you saved his life. You should know how grateful we are—all his vassals!\" the old woman said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was duty. I did nothing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You did everything, Anjin-san. Omi-san and Lord Yabu appreciate your action as much as all of us.\"\n\nBlackthorne saw the old woman looking at her son." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wish I could fathom you, you old bitch, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Are you as evil as that other one, Tachibana?\n\nOmi said, \"Mother, I'm fortunate to have the Anjin-san as a friend.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're all fortunate,\" she said.\n\n\"No, I'm fortunate,\" Blackthorne replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I fortunate have friends as family of Kasigi Omi-san.\" We're all lying, Blackthorne thought, but I don't know why you are." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm lying for self-protection and because it's custom. But I've never forgotten..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wait a moment. In all honesty, wasn't that karma?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wouldn't you have done what Omi did?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was long ago—in a previous life, neh? It's meaningless now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A group of horsemen clattered up the rise, Naga at their head. He dismounted and strode into the garden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All the villagers stopped working and went onto their knees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He motioned them to continue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry to disturb you, Omi-san, but Lord Toranaga sent me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please, you're not disturbing me. Please join us,\" Omi said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Midori at once gave up her cushion, bowing very low." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would you like cha or saké, Naga-sama?\"\n\nNaga sat. \"Neither, thank you. I'm not thirsty.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi pressed him politely, going through the interminable necessary ritual, even though it was obvious that Naga was in a hurry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How is the Lord Toranaga?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very good. Anjin-san, you did us a great service. Yes. I thank you personally.\"\n\n\"It was duty, Naga-san. But I did little. Lord Toranaga pulled me from—pulled me from earth also.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But that was afterward. I thank you very much.\"\n\n\"Naga-san, is there something I can do for Lord Toranaga?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi asked, etiquette finally allowing him to come to the point." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He would like to see you after the evening meal. There is to be a full conference of all officers.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would be honored.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjin-san, you are to come with me now, if it pleases you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course. It is my honor.\"\n\nMore bows and salutations and then Blackthorne was on a horse and they were cantering down the hill." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the phalanx of samurai came to the square, Naga reined in.\n\n\"Anjin-san!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hai?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thank you with all my heart for saving Lord Toranaga. Allow me to be your friend... \" and some words Blackthorne did not catch.\n\n\"So sorry, I don't understand. 'Karite iru'?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'karite' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, so sorry. 'Karite iru'—one man karite iru another man things—like 'debt.' You understand 'debt'?\"\n\n\"Owe\" jumped into Blackthorne's head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah so desu! Wakarimasu.\"\n\n\"Good. I only said that I owed you a debt.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 11 sentences. Context: May include pre-existing characters and lore." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Toranaga-sama says all cannon powder and shot were put back on your ship, Anjin-san, here at Anjiro before it left for Yedo. He asks you how long would it take you to get ready for sea?\"\n\n\"That depends on her state, if the men've careened her and cared for her, the mast replaced and so on. Does Lord Toranaga know how she is?\"\n\n\"The ship seems in order, he says, but he's not a seaman so he couldn't be sure. He has not been on it since it was first towed into Yedo harbor when he gave instructions for it to be cared for. Presuming the ship is seaworthy, neh, he asks how long would it take you to ready for war?\"\n\nBlackthorne's heart missed a beat. \"On whom do I war, Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"He asks, on whom would you wish to war?\"\n\n\"This year's Black Ship,\" Blackthorne replied at once, making a sudden decision, desperately hoping that this was the correct moment to place before Toranaga the plan he'd secretly developed over the days. He was gambling that saving Toranaga's life this morning gave him a special privilege that would help him over the rough spots.\n\nMariko was taken by surprise. \"What?\"\n\n\"The Black Ship. Tell Lord Toranaga that all he has to do is give me his letters of marque. I'll do the rest. With my ship and just a little help... we split the cargo, all silks and bullion.\"\n\nShe laughed. Toranaga did not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My—my Master says that would be an unforgivable act of war against a friendly nation. The Portuguese are essential to Japan.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"It was only a suggestion. He asked me on whom I'd like to war. Please excuse me but sometimes it's good to plan against any eventuality. In this I believe Lord Toranaga's interests are mine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, they are—at the moment. But I believe they're his enemy as well as mine and whatever service they provide, we can do better. At less cost.\"\n\n\"He says, perhaps. But he does not believe China will trade with you. Neither the English nor the Netherlanders are in strength in Asia yet and we need the silks now and a continuing supply.\"\n\n\"He's right, of course. But in a year or two that will change and he'll have his proof then. So here's another suggestion. I'm already at war with the Portuguese. Outside the three-mile limit are international waters. Legally, with my present letters of marque, I can take her as a prize and I can sail her to any port and sell her and her cargo. With my ship and a crew it'll be easy. In a few weeks or months I could deliver the Black Ship and all she contains to Yedo. I could sell her in Yedo. Half the value'll be his—a port tax.\"\n\n\"He says what happens at sea between you and your enemies is of little concern to him. The sea belongs to all. But this land is ours, and here our laws govern and our laws may not be broken.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Blackthorne knew his course was dangerous, but his intuition told him the timing was perfect and that Toranaga would take the bait. And Mariko. \"It was only a suggestion. He asked me on whom I'd like to war. Please excuse me but sometimes it's good to plan against any eventuality. In this I believe Lord Toranaga's interests are mine.\"\n\nMariko translated this. Toranaga grunted and spoke shortly.\n\n\"Lord Toranaga values sensible suggestions, Anjin-san, like your point about a navy, but this is ludicrous. Even if both your interests were the same, which they're not, how could you and nine men attack such a huge vessel with nearly a thousand persons aboard?\"\n\n\"I wouldn't. I have to get a new crew, Mariko-san. Eighty or ninety men, trained seamen and gunners. I'll find them at Nagasaki on Portuguese ships.\" Blackthorne pretended not to notice her intake of breath or the way her fan stopped. \"There've got to be a few Frenchies, an Englishman or two if I'm lucky, some Germans or Hollanders—they'll be renegades mostly, or pressed aboard. I'd need a safe conduct to Nagasaki, some protection, and a little silver or gold. There are always seamen in enemy fleets who'll sign on for ready cash and a share of prize money.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My Master says anyone in command who'd trust such carrion in an attack would be mad.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne said, \"I agree. But I have to have a crew to put to sea.\"\n\n\"He asks if it would be possible to train samurai and our seamen to be gunners and sailors?\"\n\n\"Easily. In time. But that could take months. They'd certainly be ready by next year. There'd be no chance to go against this year's Black Ship.\"\n\n\"Lord Toranaga says, 'I don't plan to attack the Black Ship of the Portuguese, this year or next. They're not my enemies and I am not at war with them.'\"\n\n\"I know. But I am at war with them. Please excuse me. Of course, this is only a discussion, but I'll have to get some men to put to sea, to be of service to Lord Toranaga if he wishes.\"\n\nThey were sitting in Toranaga's private quarters that overlooked the garden. The fortress had hardly been touched by the quake. The night was humid and airless and the smoke from the coils of incense rose lazily to banish the mosquitoes.\n\n\"My Master wants to know,\" Mariko was saying, \"if you had your ship now, and the few crew members that arrived with you, would you sail it to Nagasaki to get these further men you require?\"\n\n\"No. That would be too dangerous. I'd be so hopelessly undermanned that the Portuguese would capture me. It would be much better to get the men first, bring them back to home waters, to Yedo, neh? Once I'm full-crewed and armed, the enemy's got nothing in these seas to touch me.\"\n\n\"He does not think you and ninety men could take the Black Ship.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can outsail her and sink her with Erasmus. Of course, Mariko-san, I know this is all conjecture, but if I was permitted to attack my enemy, the moment I was crewed I'd sail on the tide for Nagasaki. If the Black Ship was already in port, I'd show my battle flags and stand out to sea to blockade her. I'd let her finish trading and then, when the wind was ripe for her homeward voyage, I'd pretend to need supplies and let her slip out of port. I'd catch her a few leagues out because we've the speed on her and my cannon would do the rest. Once she's struck her colors I put a prize crew aboard and bring her back to Yedo. She'll have upwards of three, almost four hundred tons of gold bullion aboard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But why won't her captain scuttle his ship once you've beaten him, if you beat him, before you can go aboard?\"\n\n\"Usually... \" Blackthorne was going to say, \"Usually the crew mutiny if the captain's a fanatic, but I've never known one that mad. Most times you make a deal with the captain—spare their lives, give them a small share and safe berth to the nearest port. But this time I'll have Rodrigues to deal with and I know him and know what he'll do.\" But he thought better about that, or about revealing his whole plan. Best to leave barbarian ways to barbarians, he told himself. \"Usually the defeated ship gives up, Mariko-san,\" he said instead. \"It's a custom—one of our customs of war at sea—saving unnecessary loss of life.\"\n\n\"Lord Toranaga says, so sorry Anjin-san, that's a disgusting custom. If he had ships there would be no surrender.\" Mariko sipped some cha, then continued, \"And if the ship is not yet in port?\"\n\n\"Then I sweep the sea lanes to catch her a few leagues out in international waters. She'll be easier to take heavy laden and wallowing, but harder to bring into Yedo. When's she expected to dock?\"\n\n\"My Lord does not know. Perhaps within thirty days, he says. The ship will be early this year.\"\n\nBlackthorne knew he was so near the prize, so very near." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then it's blockade her and take her at the end of the season.\" She translated and Blackthorne thought he saw disappointment momentarily cross Toranaga's face. He paused, as though he were considering alternatives, then he said, \"If this was Europe, there'd be another way. You could sail in by night and take her by force. A surprise attack.\"\n\nToranaga's grip tightened on his sword hilt.\n\n\"He says you'd dare to war on our land against your enemies?\"\n\nBlackthorne's lips were dry. \"No. Of course this is still surmise, but if a state of war existed between him and the Portuguese, and Lord Toranaga wanted them hurt, this would be the way to do it. If I had two or three hundred well-disciplined fighters, a good crew, and Erasmus, it would be easy to go alongside the Black Ship and board her, drag her out to sea. He could choose the time of the surprise attack—if this was Europe.\"\n\nThere was a long silence.\n\n\"Lord Toranaga says, this is not Europe and no state of war exists or will ever exist between him and the Portuguese.\"\n\n\"Of course. One last point, Mariko-san: Nagasaki is not within Lord Toranaga's control, is it?\"\n\n\"No, Anjin-san. Lord Harima owns the port and the hinterland.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But don't the Jesuits in practice control the port and all trade?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne marked her reluctance to translate but kept up the pressure. \"Isn't that the honto, Mariko-san? And isn't Lord Harima Catholic? Isn't most of Kyushu Catholic? And therefore don't the Jesuits in some measure control the whole island?\"\n\n\"Christianity's a religion. The daimyos control their own lands, Anjin-san,\" Mariko said for herself.\n\n\"But I was told Nagasaki's really Portuguese soil. I'm told they act as though it is. Didn't Lord Harima's father sell the land to the Jesuits?\"\n\nMariko's voice sharpened. \"Yes. But the Taikō took the land back. No foreigner's allowed to own land here now.\"\n\n\"But didn't the Taikō allow his Edicts to lapse, so today nothing happens there without Jesuit approval? Don't Jesuits control all shipping in Nagasaki and all trade? Don't Jesuits negotiate all trade for you and act as intermediaries?\"\n\n\"You're very well informed about Nagasaki, Anjin-san,\" she said pointedly.\n\n\"Perhaps Lord Toranaga should take control of the port from the enemy. Perhaps—\"\n\n\"They're your enemy, Anjin-san, not ours,\" she said, taking the bait at last. \"The Jesuits are—\"\n\n\"Nan ja?\"\n\nShe turned apologetically to Toranaga and explained what had been said between them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she had finished he spoke severely, a clear reprimand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hai,\" she said several times and bowed, chastened.\n\nMariko said, \"Lord Toranaga reminds me my opinions are valueless and that an interpreter should interpret only, neh? Please excuse me.\"\n\nOnce Blackthorne would have apologized for trapping her. Now it did not occur to him. But since he had made his point, he laughed and said, \"Hai, kawaii Tsukkuko-sama!\" Yes, pretty Lady Interpreter!\n\nMariko smiled wryly, furious at herself for being trapped, her mind in conflict over her divided loyalties.\n\n\"Yoi, Anjin-san,\" Toranaga said, once more genial.\n\n\"Mariko-san kawaii desu yori Tsukku-san anamsu ka nori masen, neh?\" And Mariko's much prettier than old Mr. Tsukku, isn't she, and so much more fragrant?\n\nToranaga laughed. \"Hai.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko blushed and poured tea, a little mollified." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Toranaga spoke. Seriously.\n\n\"Our Master says, why were you asking so many questions—or making statements—about Lord Harima and Nagasaki?\" \"Only to show that the port of Nagasaki is in fact controlled by foreigners. By the Portuguese. And by my law, I have the legal right to attack the enemy anywhere.\"\n\n\"But this is not 'anywhere,' he says. This is the Land of the Gods and such an attack is unthinkable.\"\n\n\"I agree wholeheartedly. But if ever Lord Harima became hostile, or the Jesuits who lead the Portuguese become hostile, this is the way to hurt them.\"\n\n\"Lord Toranaga says neither he nor any daimyo would ever permit an attack by one foreign nation on another on Japanese soil, or the killing by them of any of our people. Against enemies of the Emperor, that is a different matter. As to getting fighters and crew, it would be easy for a man to get any number if he spoke Japanese. There are many wako in Kyushu.\"\n\n\"Wako, Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"Oh, so sorry. We call corsairs 'wako,' Anjin-san. They used to have many lairs around Kyushu but they were mostly stamped out by the Taikō. Survivors can still be found, unfortunately. Wako terrorized the coasts of China for centuries. It was because of them that China closed her ports to us.\" She explained to Toranaga what had been said. He spoke again, more emphatically. \"He says he will never allow or plan or permit you to make a land attack, though it would be correct for you to harry your Queen's enemy on the high seas. He repeats, this is not anywhere. This is the Land of the Gods. You should be patient as he told you before.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. I intend to try to be patient in his fashion. I only want to hit the enemy because they are the enemy. I believe with all my heart they're his enemy too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga says the Portuguese tell him you are his enemy, and Tsukku-san and the Visitor-General are absolutely sure of it.\"\n\n\"If I were able to capture the Black Ship at sea and bring her as a legal prize into Yedo, under the flag of England, would I be permitted to sell her and all she contains in Yedo, according to our custom?\"\n\n\"Lord Toranaga says that depends.\"\n\n\"If war comes may I be allowed to attack the enemy, Lord Toranaga's enemy, in the best way that I can?\"\n\n\"He says that is the duty of a hatamoto. A hatamoto is, of course, under his personal orders at all times. My Master wants me to make clear that things in Japan will never be solved by any method other than by Japanese method.\"\n\n\"Yes. I understand completely. With due humility I'd like to point out the more I know about his problems, the more I might be able to help.\"\n\n\"He says a hatamoto's duty is always to help his lord, Anjin-san. He says I am to answer any reasonable questions you have later.\"\n\n\"Thank you. May I ask him, would he like to have a navy of his own? As I suggested on the galley?\"\n\n\"He has already said he would like a navy, a modern navy, Anjin-san, manned by his own men. What daimyo wouldn't?\"\n\n\"Then say this: If I were lucky enough to take the enemy ship, I'd bring her to Yedo to refit and count the prize. Then I'd transship my half of the bullion to Erasmus and sell the Black Ship back to the Portuguese, or offer her to Toranaga-sama as a gift, or burn her, whatever he wishes. Then I'd sail home. Within a year I'd turn around and bring back four warships, as a gift from the Queen of England to Lord Toranaga.\"\n\n\"He asks where would be your profit in this?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The honto is, there would be plenty left over for me, Mariko-san, after the ships were paid for by Her Majesty. Further, I'd like to take one of his most trusted counselors with me as an Ambassador to my Queen. A treaty of friendship between our countries might be of interest to him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga says that would be much too generous of your Queen. He adds, but if such a thing miraculously happened and you came back with the new ships, who would train his sailors and samurai and captains to man them?\"\n\n\"I will, initially, if that pleases him. I'd be honored, then others could follow.\"\n\n\"He says what is 'initially'?\"\n\n\"Two years.\"\n\nToranaga smiled fleetingly.\n\n\"Our Master says two years would not be enough 'initially.' However, he adds, it's all an illusion. He's not at war with the Portuguese or Lord Harima of Nagasaki. He repeats, what you do outside Japanese waters in your own ship with your own crew is your own karma.\" Mariko seemed disturbed. \"Outside our waters you are foreigner, he says. But here you are samurai.\"\n\n\"Yes. I know the honor he has done to me. May I ask how a samurai borrows money, Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"From a moneylender, Anjin-san. Where else? From a filthy merchant moneylender.\" She translated for Toranaga. \"Why should you need money?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are there moneylenders in Yedo?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh yes. Moneylenders are everywhere, neh? Isn't it the same in your country? Ask your consort, Anjin-san, perhaps she would be able to help you. That is part of her duty.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "DIRECTIVE: Incorporate \"Lord Toranaga says he will send her by galley, when it leaves. He says what do you need to borrow money for?\" in response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You said we're leaving for Yedo tomorrow?\"\n\n\"Yes, tomorrow.\"\n\n\"Unfortunately Fujiko-san won't be able to travel then.\"\n\nMariko talked with Toranaga.\n\n\"Lord Toranaga says he will send her by galley, when it leaves. He says what do you need to borrow money for?\"\n\n\"I'll have to get a new crew, Mariko-san—to sail anywhere, to serve Lord Toranaga, however he'd wish it. Is that permitted?\"\n\n\"A crew from Nagasaki?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"He will give you an answer when you reach Yedo.\"\n\n\"Domo, Toranaga-sama. Mariko-san, when I get to Yedo where do I go? Will there be someone to guide me?\"\n\n\"Oh, you must never worry about things like that, Anjin-san. You are one of Lord Toranaga's hatamoto.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a knock on the inner door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come in.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Naga opened the shoji and bowed. \"Excuse me, Father, but you wanted to be told when all your officers were present.\"\n\n\"Thank you, I'll be there shortly.\" Toranaga thought a moment, then motioned to Blackthorne, his manner friendly. \"Anjin-san, go with Naga-san. He will show you to your place. Thank you for your views.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. Thank you for listen. Thank you for your words. Yes. I try hard be patient and perfect.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Anjin-san.\" Toranaga watched him bow and go away. When they were alone, he turned to Mariko. \"Well, what do you think?\"\n\n\"Two things, Sire. First, his hatred of Jesuits is measureless, even surpassing his loathing of Portuguese, so he is a scourge for you to use against either or both, if you want a scourge. We know he is brave, so he would boldly press home any attack from the sea. Second, money is still his goal. In his defense, from what I've learned, money is the only real means the barbarians have to lasting power. They buy lands and position—even their Queen's a merchant and 'sells' land to her lords, and buys ships and lands, probably. They're not so different from us, Lord, except in that. And also in that they do not understand power, or that war is life and life is death.\"\n\n\"Are the Jesuits my enemy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not believe so.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Portuguese?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I believe they're concerned only with profits, land, and spreading the word of God.\"\n\n\"Are Christians my enemy?\"\n\n\"No, Sire. Though some of your enemies may be Christian—Catholic or Protestant.\"\n\n\"Ah, you think the Anjin-san's my enemy?\"\n\n\"No, Sire. No, I believe he honors you and, in time, will become a real vassal.\"\n\n\"What about our Christians? Who are enemy?\"\n\n\"Lords Harima, Kiyama, Onoshi, and any other samurai who turns against you.\"\n\nToranaga laughed. \"Yes, but do the priests control them, as the Anjin-san implies?\"\n\n\"I do not think so.\"\n\n\"Will those three go against me?\"\n\n\"I don't know, Sire. In the past, they've all been both hostile and friendly to you. But if they side with Ishido it would be very bad.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree. Yes. You're a valued counselor. It's difficult for you being Catholic Christian, being friends with an enemy, listening to enemy ideas.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"He trapped you, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. But in truth he had the right. I was not doing what you had ordered. I was putting myself between his pure thoughts and you. Please accept my apologies.\"\n\n\"It will continue to be difficult. Perhaps even more so.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. But it's better to know both sides of the coin. Much of what he said has been found to be true—for instance, about the world being split by Spaniards and Portuguese, about the priests smuggling guns—however impossible it is to believe. You need never fear about my loyalty, Sire. However bad it becomes, I will always do my duty to you.\"\n\n\"Thank you. Well, it's been very interesting, what the Anjin-san said, neh? Interesting but nonsense. Yes, thank you, Mariko-san, you're a valued counselor. Shall I order you divorced from Buntaro?\"\n\n\"Sire?\"\n\n\"Well?\"\n\nOh to be free, her spirit sang. Oh, Madonna, to be free!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Remember who you are, Mariko, remember what you are." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And remember that \"love\" is a barbarian word." }, { "from": "system", "value": "DIRECTIVE: Incorporate \"But you're right that he's a balance against the others, him and his fighting ship. How curious—but how illuminating! It's as Omi said: At the moment we need the barbarians, to learn from them. And there's much yet to learn, particularly from him, neh?\" in response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga was watching her in the great silence. Outside, mosquitoes strayed into the spirals of incense smoke to dart away to safety. Yes, he brooded, she's a falcon. But what prey do I cast her against?\n\n\"No, Sire,\" Mariko said at last. \"Thank you, Sire, but no.\"\n\n\"The Anjin-san's a strange man, neh? His head is filled with dreams. Ridiculous to consider attacking our friends the Portuguese, or their Black Ship. Nonsense to believe what he says about four ships or twenty.\"\n\nMariko hesitated. \"If he says a navy is possible, Sire, then I believe it's possible.\"\n\n\"I don't agree,\" Toranaga said emphatically. \"But you're right that he's a balance against the others, him and his fighting ship. How curious—but how illuminating! It's as Omi said: At the moment we need the barbarians, to learn from them. And there's much yet to learn, particularly from him, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's time to open up the Empire, Mariko-san. Ishido will close it as tight as an oyster. If I were President of the Regents again, I'd make treaties with any nation, so long as it's friendly. I'd send men to learn from other nations, yes and I'd send ambassadors. This man's queen would be a good beginning. For a queen perhaps I should send a woman ambassador, if she were clever enough.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'dangerous' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She would have to be very strong and very clever, Sire.\"\n\n\"Yes. It would be a dangerous journey.\"\n\n\"All journeys are dangerous, Sire,\" Mariko said.\n\n\"Yes.\" Again Toranaga switched without warning. \"If the Anjin-san sailed away with his ship weighed with gold, would he come back? He himself?\"\n\nAfter a long time she said, \"I don't know.\"\n\nToranaga decided not to press her now. \"Thank you, Mariko-san,\" he said in friendly dismissal. \"I want you to be present at the meeting, to translate what I say for the Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Everything, Sire?\"\n\n\"Yes. And tonight when you go to the Tea House to buy Kiku's contract, take the Anjin-san with you. Tell his consort to make the arrangements. He needs rewarding, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hai.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she was at the shoji Toranaga said, \"Once the issue between Ishido and myself is settled, I will order you divorced.\"\n\nHer hand tightened on the screen. She nodded slightly in acknowledgment. But she did not look back. The door closed after her.\n\nToranaga watched the smoke for a moment, then got up and walked into the garden to the privy and squatted. When he had finished and had used the paper, he heard a servant slide the container away from beneath the hole to replace it with a clean one. The mosquitoes were droning and he slapped them absently. He was thinking of falcons and hawks, knowing that even the greatest falcons make mistakes, as Ishido had made a mistake, and Kiri, and Mariko, and Omi, and even the Anjin-san." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 11 sentences. Context: May include pre-existing characters and lore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hundred and fifty officers were aligned in neat rows, Yabu, Omi, and Buntaro in front. Mariko knelt near Blackthorne to the side. Toranaga marched in with his personal guards and sat on the lonely cushion, facing them. He acknowledged their bows, then informed them briefly of the essence of the dispatch and laid before them, for the first time publicly, his ultimate battle plan. Again he withheld the part that related to the secret and carefully planned insurrections, and also the fact that the attack would take the northern and not the southern coastal road. And, to general acclaim—for all his warriors were glad that at last there was an end to uncertainty—he told them that when the rains ceased he would issue the code words \"Crimson Sky\" which would launch them on their attack. \"Meanwhile I expect Ishido illegally to convene a new Council of Regents. I expect to be falsely impeached. I expect war to be declared on me, against the law.\" He leaned forward, his left fist characteristically bunched on his thigh, the other tight on his sword. \"Listen. I uphold the Taikō's testament and acknowledge my nephew Yaemon as Kwampaku and heir to the Taikō. I desire no other lands. I want no other honors. But if traitors attack me I must defend myself. If traitors dupe His Imperial Highness and attempt to assume power in the land, it is my duty to defend the Emperor and banish evil. Neh?\"\n\nA roar of approval greeted this. Battle cries of \"Kasigi\" and \"Toranaga\" poured through the room to be echoed throughout the fortress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Attack Regiment will be prepared to embark on the galleys for Yedo, Toda Buntaro-san commanding, Kasigi Omi-san second-in-command, within five days. Lord Kasigi Yabu, you will please mobilize Izu and order six thousand men to the frontier passes in case the traitor Ikawa Jikkyu swoops south to cut our lines of communication. When the rains cease, Ishido will attack the Kwanto... \"\n\nOmi, Yabu, and Buntaro all silently agreed with Toranaga's wisdom of withholding information about this afternoon's decision to launch the attack in the rainy season, at once.\n\nThat will create a sensation, Omi told himself, his bowels churning at the thought of warring in the rains through the mountains of Shinano.\n\n\"Our guns will force a way through,\" Yabu had said so enthusiastically this afternoon.\n\n\"Yes,\" Omi had agreed, having no confidence in the plan but no alternative to offer. It's madness, he told himself, though he was delighted that he had been promoted to second-in-command. I don't understand how Toranaga can conceive that there's any chance of success in the northern route.\n\nThere isn't any, he told himself again, and half closed his ears to Toranaga's stirring exhortation in order to allow himself to concentrate once more on the problem of his revenge. Certainly the attack on Shinano will give you a dozen opportunities to manipulate Yabu into the front line at no risk to yourself. War, any war, will be to your advantage, provided the war's not lost...\n\nThen he heard Toranaga say, \"Today I was almost killed. Today the Anjin-san pulled me out of the earth. That's the second time, perhaps even the third, that he's saved my life. My life is nothing against the future of my clan, and who is to say whether I would have lived or died without his help? But though it is bushido that vassals should never expect a reward for any service, it is the duty of a liege lord to grant favors from time to time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Amid general acclaim, Toranaga said, \"Anjin-san, sit here! Mariko-san, you as well.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jealously Omi watched the towering man rise and kneel at the spot to which Toranaga had motioned, beside him, and there was not a man in the room who did not wish that he himself had had the good fortune to have done what the barbarian had done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Anjin-san is given a fief near the fishing village of Yokohama to the south of Yedo worth two thousand koku yearly, the right to recruit two hundred samurai retainers, full rights as samurai and hatamoto to the house of Yoshi Toranaga-noh-Chikitada-Minowara. Further, he is to receive ten horses, twenty kimonos, together with full battle equipment for his vassals—the rank of Chief Admiral and Pilot of the Kwanto.\" Toranaga waited until Mariko had translated, then he called out, \"Naga-san!\"\n\nObediently Naga brought the silk-covered package to Toranaga. Toranaga threw off the cover. There were two matching swords, one short, the other a killing sword. \"Noticing that the earth had swallowed my swords and that I was unarmed, the Anjin-san went down into the crevasse again to find his own to give to me. Anjin-san, I give these in return. They were made by the master craftsman, Yoriya. Remember, the sword is the soul of the samurai. If he forgets it, or loses it, he will never be excused.\"\n\nTo even greater acclaim and private envy Blackthorne took the swords, bowed correctly, and put them in his sash, then bowed again.\n\n\"Thank you, Toranaga-sama. You do me too much honor. Thank you.\"\n\nHe began to move away but Toranaga bade him stay. \"No, sit down here, beside me, Anjin-san.\" Toranaga looked back at the militant, fanatic faces of his officers." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'don't' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Fools!' he wanted to shout. 'Don't you understand that war, whether now or after the rains, would only be disastrous? Any war with Ishido-Ochiba-Yaemon and their present allies must end in slaughter of all my armies, all of you, and the obliteration of me and all my line? Don't you understand I've no chance except to wait and hope that Ishido strangles himself?'\n\nInstead he incited them even more, for it was essential to throw his enemy off balance.\n\n\"Listen, samurai: Soon you'll be able to prove your valor, man to man, as our forefathers proved theirs. I will destroy Ishido and all his traitors and first will be Ikawa Jikkyu. I hereby give all his lands, both provinces of Suruga and Totomi worth three hundred thousand koku, to my faithful vassal Lord Kasigi Yabu, and, with Izu, confirm him and his line as their overlords.\"\n\nA thunderous acclamation. Yabu was flushed with elation. Omi was banging the floor, shouting just as ecstatically. Now his prize was limitless, for by custom, Yabu's heir would inherit all his lands. How to kill Yabu without waiting for war?\n\nThen his eyes fixed on the Anjin-san, who was cheering lustily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why not let the Anjin-san do it for you, he asked himself, and laughed aloud at the idiotic thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro leaned over and clapped him on the shoulder, amiably misinterpreting the laughter as happiness for Yabu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Soon you'll get the fief you merit, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro shouted over the tumult." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You deserve recognition too. Your ideas and counsel are valuable.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Buntaro-san.\"\n\n\"Don't worry—we can get through any mountains.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Buntaro was a ferocious battle general and Omi knew they were well matched: Omi the bold strategist, Buntaro the fearless attack leader.\n\nIf anyone can get us through the mountains, he can.\n\nThere was another burst of cheering as Toranaga ordered saké to be brought, ending the formal meeting.\n\nOmi drank his saké and watched Blackthorne drain another cup, his kimono neat, swords correct, Mariko still talking. You've changed very much, Anjin-san, since that first day, he thought contentedly. Many of your alien ideas are still set firm, but you're almost becoming civilized—\n\n\"What's the matter, Omi-san?\"\n\n\"Nothing—nothing, Buntaro-san... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You looked as though an eta had shoved his buttocks in your face.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing like that—not at all! Eeeee, just the opposite. I had the beginnings of an idea. Drink up! Hey, Peach-Blossom, bring more saké, my Lord Buntaro's cup is empty!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am instructed to inquire if Kiku-san would be free this evening,\" Mariko said.\n\n\"Oh, so sorry, Lady Toda, but I'm not sure,\" Gyoko, the Mama-san, said ingratiatingly. \"May I ask if the honored client would require Lady Kiku for the evening or part of it, or perhaps until tomorrow, if she's not already engaged?\"\n\nThe Mama-san was a tall, elegant woman in her early fifties with a lovely smile. But she drank too much saké, her heart was an abacus, and she possessed a nose that could smell a single piece of silver from fifty ri.\n\nThe two women were in an eight-mat room adjoining Toranaga's private quarters. It had been set aside for Mariko, and overlooked, on the other side, a small garden which was enclosed by the first of the inner wall defenses. It was raining again and the droplets sparkled in the flares." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko said genteelly, \"That would be a matter for the client to decide. Perhaps an arrangement could be made now which would cover every eventuality.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, please excuse me that I don't know her availability at once. She's so sought after, Lady Toda. I'm sure you understand.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include this dialogue snippet naturally: \"Was the Tea House damaged very much?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, yes, of course. We're really very fortunate to have such a lady of quality here in Anjiro.\" Mariko had accented the \"Anjiro.\" She had sent for Gyoko instead of visiting her, as she might possibly have done. And when the woman had arrived, just late enough to make a distinct point, but not enough to be rude, Mariko had been glad of the opportunity to lock horns with so worthy an adversary.\n\n\"Was the Tea House damaged very much?\" she asked.\n\n\"No, fortunately, apart from some valuable pottery and clothes, though it will cost a small fortune to repair the roof and resettle the garden. It's always so expensive to get things done quickly, don't you find?\"\n\n\"Yes. It's very trying. In Yedo, Mishima, or even in this village.\"\n\n\"It's so important to have tranquil surroundings, neh? Would the client perhaps honor us at the Tea House? Or would he wish Kiku-san to visit him here, if she is available?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko pursed her lips, thinking. \"The Tea House.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, so desu!\" The Mama-san's real name was Heiko-ichi—First Daughter of the Wall Maker." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her father and his before him had been specialists in making garden walls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For many years she had been a courtesan in Mishima, the capital of Izu, attaining Second Class Rank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the gods had smiled upon her and, with gifts from her patron, coupled with an astute business sense, she had made enough money to buy her own contract in good time, and so become a manager of ladies with a Tea House of her own when she was no longer sought after for the fine body and saucy wit with which the gods had endowed her. Now she called herself Gyoko-san, Lady Luck. When she was a fledgling courtesan of fourteen, she had been given the name Tsukaiko—Lady Snake Charmer. Her owner had explained to her that that special part of man could be likened to a snake, that a snake was lucky, and if she could become a snake charmer in that sense, then she would be hugely successful. Also the name would make clients laugh, and laughter was essential to this business. Gyoko had never forgotten about laughter. \"Saké, Gyoko-san?\"\n\n\"Thank you, yes, thank you, Lady Toda.\"\n\nThe maid poured. Then Mariko dismissed her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They drank silently for a moment. Mariko refilled the cups.\n\n\"Such lovely pottery. So elegant,\" Gyoko said.\n\n\"It's very poor. I'm so sorry we have to use it.\"\n\n\"If I can make her available, would five koban be acceptable?\" A koban was a gold coin that weighed eighteen grams. One koban equaled three koku of rice.\n\n\"So sorry, perhaps I didn't make myself clear. I didn't wish to buy all the Tea House in Mishima, only the lady's services for an evening.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gyoko laughed. \"Ah, Lady Toda, your reputation is well merited. But may I point out that Kiku-san is of the First Class Rank. The Guild gave her that honor last year.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"True, and I'm sure that rank is merited. But that was in Mishima. Even in Kyoto—but of course you were making a joke, so sorry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gyoko swallowed the vulgarity that was on her tongue and smiled benignly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Unfortunately I would have to reimburse clients who, I seem to remember, have already booked her. Poor child, four of her kimonos were ruined when water doused the fires. Hard times are coming to the land, Lady, I'm sure you understand. Five would not be unreasonable.\"\n\n\"Of course not. Five would be fair in Kyoto, for a week of carousing, with two ladies of First Rank. But these are not normal times and one must make allowances. Half a koban. Saké, Gyoko-san?\"\n\n\"Thank you, thank you. The saké's so good—the quality is so good, so very good. Just one more if you please, then I must be off. If Kiku-san is not free this evening I'd be delighted to arrange one of the other ladies—Akeko perhaps. Or perhaps another day would be satisfactory? The day after tomorrow perhaps?\"\n\nMariko did not answer for a moment. Five koban was outrageous—as much as you'd pay for a famous courtesan of First Class in Yedo. Half a koban would be more than reasonable for Kiku. Mariko knew prices of courtesans because Buntaro used courtesans from time to time and had even bought the contract of one, and she had had to pay the bills, which had, of course, rightly come to her. Her eyes gauged Gyoko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The woman was sipping her saké calmly, her hand steady." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"But I don't think so, neither another lady nor another night... No, if tonight cannot be arranged I'm afraid that the day after tomorrow would be too late, so sorry. And as to another of the ladies... \"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps,\" Mariko said. \"But I don't think so, neither another lady nor another night... No, if tonight cannot be arranged I'm afraid that the day after tomorrow would be too late, so sorry. And as to another of the ladies... \" Mariko smiled and shrugged.\n\nGyoko set her cup down sadly. \"I did hear that our glorious samurai would be leaving us. Such a pity! The nights are so pleasant here. In Mishima we do not get the sea breeze as you do here. I shall be sorry to leave too.\"\n\n\"Perhaps one koban. If this arrangement is satisfactory I would then like to discuss how much her contract would cost.\"\n\n\"Her contract!\"\n\n\"Yes. Saké?\"\n\n\"Thank you, yes. Contract—her contract? Well, that's another thing. Five thousand koku.\"\n\n\"That's impossible!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Gyoko agreed, \"but Kiku-san's like my own daughter. She is my own daughter, better than my own daughter. I've trained her since she was six. She's the most accomplished Lady of the Willow World in all Izu. Oh, I know, in Yedo you have greater ladies, more witty, more wordly, but that's only because Kiku-san hasn't had the good fortune to mix with the same quality of persons. But even now, none can match her singing or her samisen playing. I swear it by all the gods. Give her a year in Yedo, with the right patron and correct sources of knowledge, and she'll compete satisfactorily with any courtesan in the Empire. Five thousand koku is a small sum to pay for such a flower.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perspiration beaded the woman's forehead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You must excuse me, but I've never considered selling her contract before. She's barely eighteen, blemishless, the only Lady of First Class Rank that I've been privileged to manage. I really don't think I could ever sell her contract even at the price mentioned. No, I think I will have to reconsider, so sorry. Perhaps we could discuss this tomorrow. Lose Kiku-san? My little Kiku-chan?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes and Mariko thought, if those are real tears, then you, Gyoko, you've never spread yourself open to a Princely Pestle.\n\n\"So sorry. Shigata ga nai, neh?\" Mariko said courteously and let the woman moan and weep and refilled her cup every so often and then again. How much is the contract really worth? she was asking herself. Five hundred koku would be fantastically more than fair. It depends on the anxiety of the man, who's not anxious in this case. Certainly Lord Toranaga isn't." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Who's he buying for? Omi? Probably." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But why did Toranaga order the Anjin-san here?\n\n\"You agree, Anjin-san?\" she had asked him earlier with a nervous laugh, over the boisterousness of the drunken officers.\n\n\"You're saying that Lord Toranaga's arranged a lady for me? Part of my reward?\"\n\n\"Yes. Kiku-san. You can hardly refuse. I—I am ordered to interpret.\"\n\n\"Ordered?\"\n\n\"Oh, I'll be happy to interpret for you. But, Anjin-san, you really can't refuse. It would be terribly impolite after so many honors, neh?\" She had smiled up at him, daring him, so proud and delighted with Toranaga's incredible generosity. \"Please. I've never seen the inside of a Tea House before—I'd adore to look myself and talk with a real Lady of the Willow World.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, they're called that because the ladies are supposed to be as graceful as willows. Sometimes it's the Floating World, because they're likened to lilies floating in a lake. Go on, Anjin-san, please agree.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about Buntaro-sama?\"\n\n\"Oh, he knows I'm to arrange it for you. Lord Toranaga told him. It's all very official of course. I'm ordered. So are you! Please!\" Then she had said in Latin, so glad that no one else in Anjiro spoke the language, \"There is another reason that I will tell thee later.\"\n\n\"Ah—tell it to me now.\"\n\n\"Later. But agree, with amusement. Because I ask thee.\"\n\n\"Thou—how can I refuse thee?\"\n\n\"But with amusement. It must be with amusement. Thy promise!\"\n\n\"With laughter. I promise. I will attempt it. I promise thee nothing other than I will attempt the crest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she had left him to make the arrangements.\n\n\"Oh, I'm distraught at the very thought of selling my beauty's contract,\" Gyoko was groaning. \"Yes, thank you, just a little more saké, then I really must go.\" She drained the cup and held it out wearily for an immediate refill. \"Shall we say two koban for this evening—a measure of my desire to please a Lady of such merit?\"\n\n\"One. If this is agreed, perhaps we could talk more about the contract this evening, at the Tea House. So sorry to be precipitous, but time, you understand... \" Mariko waved a hand vaguely toward the conference room. \"Affairs of state—Lord Toranaga—the future of the realm—you understand, Gyoko-san.\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, Lady Toda, of course.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "DIRECTIVE: Incorporate \"Shall we agree to one and a half for the evening? Good, then that's set—\" in response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gyoko began to get up. \"Shall we agree to one and a half for the evening? Good, then that's set—\"\n\n\"One.\"\n\n\"Oh ko, Lady, the half is a mere token and hardly merits discussion,\" Gyoko wailed, thanking the gods for her acumen and keeping feigned anguish on her face. One and a half koban would be a triple fee. But, more than the money, this was, at long last, the first invitation from one of the real nobility of all Japan for which she had been angling, for which she would gladly have advised Kiku-san to do everything for nothing, twice. \"By all the gods, Lady Toda, I throw myself on your mercy, one and a half koban. Please, think of my other children who have to be clothed and trained and fed for years, who do not become as priceless as Kiku-san but have to be cherished as much as she.\"\n\n\"One koban, in gold, tomorrow. Neh?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell 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": "\"The barbarian?\" Kiku gasped.\n\n\"The barbarian. And he'll be here any moment unless we stop him—with her, the cruelest, most grasping harpy I've ever met, may she be reborn a back-passage whore of the Fifteenth Rank.\"\n\nIn spite of her fear, Kiku laughed outright. \"Oh, Mama-san, please don't fret so! She seemed such a lovely lady and one whole koban—you really made a marvelous arrangement! There, there, we've lots of time. First some saké will take away all your heartburn. Ako, quick as a hummingbird!\"\n\nAko vanished.\n\n\"Yes, the client's the Anjin-san.\" Gyoko almost choked again.\n\nKiku fanned her and Hana, the little apprentice, fanned her and held sweet-smelling herbs near her nose. \"I thought she was negotiating for Lord Buntaro—or Lord Toranaga himself. Of course when she said the Anjin-san I asked her at once why didn't his own consort, Lady Fujiko, negotiate as correct manners insisted, but all she said was that his Lady was badly sick with burns and she herself had been ordered to talk to me by Lord Toranaga himself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh! Oh, that I should be so fortunate to serve the great Lord!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You will, child, you will if we scheme. But the barbarian! What will all your other customers think? What will they say? Of course I left it undecided, telling Lady Toda that I didn't know if you were free, so you can still refuse if you wish, without offense.\"\n\n\"What can other customers say? Lord Toranaga ordered this. There's nothing to be done, neh?\" Kiku concealed her apprehension.\n\n\"Oh, you can easily refuse. But you must be quick, Kiku-chan. Oh ko, I should have been more clever—I should have.\"\n\n\"Don't worry, Gyoko-sama. Everything will be all right. But we must think clearly. It's a big risk, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. Very.\"\n\n\"We can never turn back if we accept.\"\n\n\"Yes. I know.\"\n\n\"Advise me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I cannot, Kiku-chan. I feel I was trapped by kami. This must be your decision.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku weighed all the horrors. Then weighed the good. \"Let us gamble. Let us accept him. After all he is samurai, and hatamoto, and Lord Toranaga's favored vassal. Don't forget what the fortune-teller said: that I would help you to become rich and famous forever. I pray I may be allowed to do that to repay all your kindnesses.\"\n\nGyoko stroked Kiku's lovely hair. \"Oh, child, you're so good, thank you, thank you. Yes, I think you're wise. I agree. Let him visit us.\" She pinched her cheek affectionately. \"You always were my favorite! But I would have demanded double for the barbarian admiral if I'd known.\"\n\n\"But we got double, Mama-san.\"\n\n\"We should have had triple!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiku patted Gyoko's hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't worry—this is the beginning of your good fortune.\"\n\n\"Yes, and it's true the Anjin-san is no ordinary barbarian but a samurai and hatamoto barbarian. Lady Toda told me he's been given a fief of two thousand koku and made Admiral of all Toranaga's ships and he bathes like a civilized person and no longer stinks... \"\n\nAko arrived breathlessly and poured the wine without spilling a drop. Four cups disappeared in quick succession. Gyoko began to feel better. \"Tonight must be perfect. Yes. If Lord Toranaga ordered it, of course it has to be. He wouldn't order it personally unless it was important to him personally, neh? And the Anjin-san's really like a daimyo. Two thousand koku yearly—by all kami, we should have so much good fortune! Kiku-san, listen!\" She leaned closer and Ako leaned closer, all eyes. \"I asked the Lady Toda, seeing that she spoke their vile language, if she knew of any strange customs or ways, stories or dances or positions or songs or instruments or potents that the Anjin-san would prefer.\"\n\n\"Ah, that would be very helpful, very,\" Kiku said, frightened that she had agreed, wishing that she had had the wisdom to refuse." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'nothing' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She told me nothing! She speaks their language but knows nothing about their pillow habits. I asked her if she'd ever asked him about that and she said yes, but with disastrous results.\" Gyoko related the occurrence in Osaka Castle. \"Can you imagine how embarrassing that must have been!\"\n\n\"At least, we know not to suggest boys to him—that's something.\"\n\n\"Apart from that, there's only the maid in his household to go by!\"\n\n\"Do we have time to send for the maid?\"\n\n\"I went there myself. Straight from the fortress. Not even a month's salary opened the girl's mouth, stupid little weevil!\"\n\n\"Was she presentable?\"\n\n\"Oh yes, for an untrained servant amateur. All she would add was that the Master was virile and not heavy, that he pillowed most abundantly in the most ordinary position. And that he was generously endowed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That doesn't help much, Mama-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know. Perhaps the best thing to do is to have everything ready, just in case, neh? Everything.\"\n\n\"Yes. I'll just have to be most cautious. It's very important that everything should be perfect. It will be very difficult—if not impossible—to entertain him correctly if I can't talk to him.\"\n\n\"Lady Toda said she'd interpret for you and for him.\"\n\n\"Ah, how kind of her. That will help greatly, though it's certainly not the same.\"\n\n\"True, true. More saké, Ako—gracefully, child, pour it gracefully. But Kiku-san, you're a courtesan of the First Rank. Improvise. The barbarian admiral saved Lord Toranaga's life today, and sits in his shadow. Our future depends on you! I know you will succeed beautifully. Ako!\"\n\n\"Yes, Mistress!\"\n\n\"Make sure that the futons are perfect, that everything's perfect. See that the flowers—no. I'll do the flowers myself! And Cook, where's Cook?\" She patted Kiku on the knee. \"Wear the golden kimono, with the green one under it. We must impress the Lady Toda tonight very much.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She rushed off to begin to get the house in order, all the Ladies and maids and apprentices and servants happily bustling, cleaning and helping, so proud of the good fortune that had come to their house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When all was settled, the schedule of the other girls rearranged, Gyoko went to her own room and lay down for a moment to gather her strength. She had not told Kiku yet about the offer of the contract.\n\nI will wait and see, she thought. If I can make the arrangement I require, then perhaps I will let my lovely Kiku go. But never before I know to whom. I'm glad I had the foresight to make that clear to Lady Toda before I left. Why are you crying, you silly old woman? Are you drunk again? Get your wits about you!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "What's the value of unhappiness to you?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hana-chan!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/insert_quote: \"Fetch me some cha, then my comb and some fragrant tea leaves to take the saké off my breath.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Mother-sama?\" The child came running to her. Just turned six, with big brown eyes and long, lovely hair, she wore a new scarlet silk kimono. Gyoko had bought her two days ago through the local child broker and Mura.\n\n\"How do you like your new name, child?\"\n\n\"Oh, very much, very much. I'm honored, Mother-sama!\"\n\nThe name meant \"Little Blossom\"—as Kiku meant \"Chrysanthemum\"—and Gyoko had given it to her on the first day. \"I'm your mother now,\" Gyoko had told her kindly but firmly when she paid the price and took possession, marveling that such a potential beauty could come out of such crude fisherfolk as the rotund Tamasaki woman. After four days of intense bargaining, she had paid a koban for the child's services until the age of twenty, enough to feed the Tamasaki family for two years. \"Fetch me some cha, then my comb and some fragrant tea leaves to take the saké off my breath.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Mother-sama.\" She rushed off blindly, breathlessly, anxious to please, and collided into Kiku's gossamer skirts at the doorway." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, oh, oh, so sorryyyy... \"\n\n\"You must be careful, Hana-chan.\"\n\n\"So sorry, so sorry, Elder Sister... \" Hana-chan was almost in tears.\n\n\"Why are you sad, Little Blossom? There, there,\" Kiku said, brushing away the tears tenderly. \"We put away sadness in this house. Remember, we of the Willow World, we never need sadness, child, for what good would that do? Sadness never pleases. Our duty is to please and to be gay. Run along, child, but gently, gently, be graceful.\" Kiku turned and showed herself to the older woman, her smile radiant. \"Does this please you, Mistress-san?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell using my stuff as a starting point? btw might drop u in mid-story with random chars" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne looked at her and muttered, \"Hallelujah!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is Kiku-san,\" Mariko said formally, elated by Blackthorne's reaction.\n\nThe girl came into the room with a swish of silk and knelt and bowed and said something Blackthorne did not catch.\n\n\"She says that you are welcome, that you honor this house.\"\n\n\"Domo,\" he said.\n\n\"Do itashimasite. Saké, Anjin-san?\" Kiku said.\n\n\"Hai, domo.\"\n\nHe watched her perfect hands find the flask unerringly, make sure the temperature was correct, then pour into the cup that he lifted toward her, as Mariko had shown him, with more grace than he thought possible.\n\n\"You promise you will behave like a Japanese, truly?\" Mariko had asked as they set out from the fortress, she riding the palanquin, he walking beside, down the track that curled to the village and to the square that fronted the sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Torchbearers strode ahead and behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ten samurai accompanied them as an honor guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll try, yes,\" Blackthorne said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do I have to do?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The first thing you must do is to forget what you have to do and merely remember that this night is only for your pleasure.\"\n\nToday has been the best day of my life, he was thinking. And tonight—what about tonight? He was excited by the challenge and determined to try to be Japanese and enjoy everything and not be embarrassed.\n\n\"What—what does the evening—well—cost?\" he had asked.\n\n\"That's very un-Japanese, Anjin-san,\" she had chided him. \"What has that to do with anything? Fujiko-san agreed that the arrangement was satisfactory.\"\n\nHe had seen Fujiko before he left. The doctor had visited her and had changed the bandages and given her herb medicines." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was proud of the honors and new fief and had rattled on nicely, showing no pain, glad that he was going to the Tea House—of course, Mariko-san had consulted her and everything had been arranged, how good Mariko-san was! How sorry she was to have the burns so that she couldn't make the arrangements for him herself. He had touched Fujiko's hand before he left, liking her. She had thanked him and apologized again, and sent him on his way hoping that he would have a wonderful evening.\n\nGyoko and maids had been waiting ceremoniously at the gate of the Tea House to greet them.\n\n\"This is Gyoko-san, she's the Mama-san here.\"\n\n\"So honored, Anjin-san, so honored.\"\n\n\"Mama-san? You mean mama? Mother? That's the same in English, Mariko-san. Mama—mommy—mother.\"\n\n\"Oh! It's almost the same, but, so sorry, 'mama-san' just means 'stepmother' or 'foster parent,' Anjin-san. Mother is 'haha-san' or 'oba-san.'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a moment Gyoko excused herself and hurried away. Blackthorne smiled at Mariko. She had been like a child, gazing at everything. \"Oh, Anjin-san, I've always wanted to see the inside of one of these places. Men are so very lucky! Isn't it beautiful? Isn't it marvelous, even in a tiny village? Gyoko-san must have had it refurbished completely by master craftsmen! Look at the quality of the woods and—oh, you're so kind to allow me to be with you. I'll never have another opportunity... look at the flowers... what an exquisite arrangement... and oh, look out into the garden... \"\n\nBlackthorne was very glad and very sorry that a maid was in the room and the shoji door open, for even here in a tea house it would be unthinkable and lethal for Mariko to be alone with him in a room.\n\n\"Thou art beautiful,\" he said in Latin.\n\n\"And thou.\" Her face was dancing. \"I am very proud of thee, Admiral of Ships. And Fujiko—oh, she was so proud she could hardly lie still!\"\n\n\"Her burns seemed bad.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have no fear. The doctors are well practiced and she is young and strong and confident. Tonight put everything from thy mind. No more questions about Ishido or Ikawa Jikkyu, or battles or codewords or fiefs or ships. Tonight no cares—tonight only magic things for thee.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thou art magic for me.\"\n\nShe fluttered her fan and poured the wine and said nothing. He watched her, then they smiled together. \"Because others are here and tongues wag, we must still be cautious. But oh, I am so happy for thee,\" she said.\n\n\"Thou. What was the other reason? You said there was another reason you wanted me to be here tonight?\"\n\n\"Ah yes, the other reason.\" The same heavy perfume drifted around him. \"It is an ancient custom we have, Anjin-san. When a lady who belongs to someone else cares for another man, and wishes to give him something of consequence that it is forbidden to give, then she will arrange for another to take her place—a gift—the most perfect courtesan that she can afford.\"\n\n\"You said 'when a lady cares for someone else.' Do you mean 'love'?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. But only for tonight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thou.\"\n\n\"Thou, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Why tonight, Mariko-san, why not before?\"\n\n\"Tonight is a magic night and kami walk with us. I desire thee.\"\n\nThen Kiku was at the doorway. \"Hallelujah!\" And he was welcomed and served saké.\n\n\"How do I say that the Lady's especially pretty?\"\n\nMariko told him and he repeated the words. The girl laughed gaily, accepted the compliment, and returned it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kiku-san asks if you would like her to sing or dance for you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is thy preference?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This Lady is here for thy pleasure, samurai, not mine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And thou? Thou art here also for my pleasure?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, in a way—in a very private way.\"\n\n\"Then please ask her to sing.\"\n\nKiku clapped her hands gently and Ako brought the samisen. It was long, shaped something like a guitar, and three-stringed. Ako set it in position on the floor and gave the ivory plectrum to Kiku.\n\nKiku said, \"Lady Toda, please tell our honored guest that first I will sing 'The Song of the Dragonfly.'\"\n\n\"Kiku-san, I would be honored if tonight, here, you would call me Mariko-san.\"\n\n\"You are too kind to me, Madam. Please excuse me. I could not possibly be so impolite.\"\n\n\"Please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will if it pleases you, though... \" Her smile was lovely. \"Thank you, Mariko-sama.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She strummed a chord. From the moment that the guests had walked through the gateway into her world, all her senses had been tuned. She had secretly watched them while they were with Gyoko-san and when they were alone, searching for any clue how to pleasure him or to impress the Lady Toda.\n\nShe had not been prepared for what soon became obvious: clearly the Anjin-san desired the Lady Toda, though he hid it as well as any civilized person could hide it. This in itself was not surprising, for the Lady Toda was most beautiful and accomplished and, most important, she alone could talk with him. What astounded her was that she was certain the Lady Toda desired him equally, if not more.\n\nThe barbarian samurai and the Lady samurai, patrician daughter of the assassin Akechi Jinsai, wife of Lord Buntaro! Eeeee! Poor man, poor woman. So sad. Surely this must end in tragedy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku felt near to tears as she thought of the sadness of life, the unfairness. Oh, how I wish I were born samurai and not a peasant so that I could become even a consort to Omi-sama, not just a temporary toy. I would gladly give my hope of rebirth in return for that.\n\nPut away sadness. Give pleasure, that is your duty.\n\nHer fingers strummed a second chord, a chord filled with melancholy. Then she noticed that though Mariko was beguiled by her music the Anjin-san was not.\n\nWhy? Kiku knew that it was not her playing, for she was sure that it was almost perfect. Such mastery as hers was given to few.\n\nA third, more beautiful chord, experimentally." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: Your response must contain: \"Tonight is for happiness. Mariko-san, how do I say, 'please excuse me' in his language?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's no doubt, she told herself hastily, it doesn't please him. She allowed the chord to die away and began to sing unaccompanied, her voice soaring with the sudden changes of tempo that took years to perfect. Again Mariko was entranced, he was not, so at once Kiku stopped. \"Tonight is not for music or singing,\" she announced. \"Tonight is for happiness. Mariko-san, how do I say, 'please excuse me' in his language?\"\n\n\"Per favor.\"\n\n\"Per favor, Anjin-san, tonight we must laugh only, neh?\"\n\n\"Domo, Kiku-san. Hai.\"\n\n\"It's difficult to entertain without words, but not impossible, neh? Ah, I know!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She jumped up and began to do comic pantomimes—daimyo, kaga-man, fisherman, hawker, pompous samurai, even an old farmer collecting a full pail—and she did them all so well and so humorously that soon Mariko and Blackthorne were laughing and clapping." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'another' 3 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she held up her hand. Mischievously she began to mimic a man peeing, holding himself or missing, grabbing, searching for the insignificant or weighed down by the incredible, through all the stages of his life, beginning first as a child just wetting the bed and howling, to a young man in a hurry, to another having to hold back, another with size, another with smallness to the point of \"where has it gone,\" and at length to a very old man groaning in ecstasy at being able to pee at all.\n\nKiku bowed to their applause and sipped cha, patting the sheen from her forehead. She noticed that he was easing his shoulders and back. \"Oh, per favor, senhor!\" and she knelt behind him and began to massage his neck.\n\nHer knowing fingers instantly found the pleasure points. \"Oh God, that's... hai... just there!\"\n\nShe did as he asked." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'maneuvered' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your neck will be better soon. Too much sitting, Anjin-san!\"\n\n\"That very good, Kiku-san. Make Suwo almost bad!\"\n\n\"Ah, thank you. Mariko-san, the Anjin-san's shoulders are so vast, would you help me? Just do his left shoulder while I do his right? So sorry, but hands are not strong enough.\"\n\nMariko allowed herself to be persuaded and did as she was asked. Kiku hid her smile as she felt him tighten under Mariko's fingers and she was very pleased with her improvisations. Now the client was being pleasured through her artistry and knowledge, and being maneuvered as he should be maneuvered.\n\n\"Is that better, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Good, very good, thank you.\"\n\n\"Oh, you're very welcome. It's my pleasure. But the Lady Toda is so much more deft than I.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiku could feel the attraction between them though they tried to conceal it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now a little food perhaps?\" It came at once. \"For you, Anjin-san,\" she said proudly. The dish contained a small pheasant, cut into tiny pieces, barbecued over charcoal with a sweet soya sauce. She helped him.\n\n\"It delicious, delicious,\" he said. And it was.\n\n\"Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"Thank you.\" Mariko took a token piece but did not eat it.\n\nKiku took a fragment in her chopsticks and chewed it with relish. \"It's good, neh?\"\n\n\"No, Kiku-san, it very good! Very good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please, Anjin-san, have some more.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"Please tell the Anjin-san that we have had sugar here since one thousand years. The Buddhist monk Ganjin brought it to us from China. All our best things have come from China, Anjin-san. Cha came to us about five hundred years ago. The Buddhist monk Eisai brought some seeds and planted them in Chikuzen Province, where I was born. He also brought us Zen Buddhism.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She took a second morsel. \"There's plenty.\"\n\n\"Thank you. Please. How did—how this?\" He pointed to the thick brown sauce.\n\nMariko interpreted for her. \"Kiku says it's sugar and soya with a little ginger. She asks do you have sugar and soya in your country?\"\n\n\"Sugar in beet, yes, soya no, Kiku-san.\"\n\n\"Oh! How can one live without soya?\" Kiku became solemn. \"Please tell the Anjin-san that we have had sugar here since one thousand years. The Buddhist monk Ganjin brought it to us from China. All our best things have come from China, Anjin-san. Cha came to us about five hundred years ago. The Buddhist monk Eisai brought some seeds and planted them in Chikuzen Province, where I was born. He also brought us Zen Buddhism.\"\n\nMariko translated with equal formality, then Kiku let out a peal of laughter." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'blackthorne' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh so sorry, Mariko-sama, but you both looked so grave. I was just pretending to be solemn about cha—as if it mattered! It was only to amuse you.\"\n\nThey watched Blackthorne finish the pheasant. \"Good,\" he said. \"Very good. Please thank Gyoko-san.\"\n\n\"She will be honored.\" Kiku poured more saké for both of them. Then, knowing it was time, she said innocently, \"May I ask what happened today at the earthquake? I hear the Anjin-san saved the life of Lord Toranaga? I would consider it an honor to know firsthand.\"\n\nShe settled back patiently, letting Blackthorne and Mariko enjoy the telling, adding an \"oh,\" or \"what happened then?\" or pouring saké, never interrupting, being the perfect listener.\n\nAnd, when they finished, Kiku marveled at their bravery and at Lord Toranaga's good fortune." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They talked for a while, then Blackthorne got up and the maid was told to show him the way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko broke a silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've never eaten meat before, Kiku-san, have you?\"\n\n\"It is my duty to do whatever I can to please him, for just a little while, neh?\"\n\n\"I never knew how perfect a lady could be. I understand now why there must always be a Floating World, a Willow World, and how lucky men are, how inadequate I am.\"\n\n\"Oh, that was never my purpose, never, Mariko-sama. And not our purpose. We are here only to please, for a fleeting moment.\"\n\n\"Yes. I just meant I admire you so much. I would like you for my sister.\"\n\nKiku bowed. \"I would not be worthy of that honor.\" There was warmth between them. Then she said, \"This is a very secret place and everyone is to be trusted, there are no prying eyes. The pleasure room in the garden is very dark if one wants it dark. And darkness keeps all secrets.\"\n\n\"The only way to keep a secret is to be alone and whisper it down an empty well at high noon, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko said lightly, needing time to decide.\n\n\"Between sisters there's no need for wells. I have dismissed my maid until the dawn. Our pleasure room is a very private place.\"\n\n\"There you must be alone with him.\"\n\n\"I can always be alone, always.\"\n\n\"You're so kind to me, Kiku-chan, so very thoughtful.\"\n\n\"It is a magic night, neh? And very special.\"\n\n\"Magic nights end too soon, Little Sister. Magic nights are for children, neh? I am not a child.\"\n\n\"Who knows what happens on a magic night? Darkness contains everything.\"\n\nMariko shook her head sadly and touched her tenderly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"But he did see me once, Mariko-san. I was with Omi-san when he passed on his way to the ship to go to Osaka the first time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But for him, if it contained you that would be everything.\"\n\nKiku let the matter rest. Then she said, \"I am a gift to the Anjin-san? He did not ask for me himself?\"\n\n\"If he had seen you, how could he not ask for you? Truthfully, it's his honor that you welcome him. I understand that now.\"\n\n\"But he did see me once, Mariko-san. I was with Omi-san when he passed on his way to the ship to go to Osaka the first time.\"\n\n\"Oh, but the Anjin-san said that he saw Midori-san with Omi-san. It was you? Beside the palanquin?\"\n\n\"Yes, in the square. Oh yes, it was me, Mariko-san, not the Lady, the wife of Omi-sama. He said 'konnichi wa' to me. But of course, he would not remember. How could he remember? That was during a previous life, neh?\"\n\n\"Oh, he remembered her—the beautiful girl with the green parasol. He said the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. He told me about her many times.\" Mariko studied her even more closely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Kiku-san, you could easily be mistaken for her on such a day, under a parasol.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku poured saké and Mariko was entranced by her unconscious elegance. \"My parasol was sea green,\" she said, very pleased that he had remembered.\n\n\"How did the Anjin-san look then? Very different? The Night of the Screams must have been terrible.\"\n\n\"Yes, yes it was. And he was older then, the skin of his face stretched...\n\nBut we become too serious, Elder Sister. Ah, you don't know how honored I am to be allowed to call you that. Tonight is a night of pleasure only. No more seriousness, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. I agree. Please forgive me.\"\n\n\"Now, to more practical matters, would you please give me some advice?\"\n\n\"Anything,\" Mariko said, as friendly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In this matter of the pillow, do people of his nation prefer any instruments or positions that you are aware of? So sorry to ask, but perhaps you might be able to guide me.\"\n\nIt took all of Mariko's training to remain unabashed. \"No, not that I know. The Anjin-san is very sensitive about anything to do with pillowing.\"\n\n\"Could he be asked in an oblique way?\"\n\n\"I don't think you can ask a foreign person like that. Certainly not the Anjin-san. And—so sorry, I don't know what the, er, instruments are—except, of course, a harigata.\"\n\n\"Ah!\" Again Kiku's intuition guided her and she asked artlessly, \"Would you care to see them? I could show them all to you, perhaps with him there, then he need not be asked. We can see from his reaction.\"\n\nMariko hesitated, her own curiosity swamping her judgment. \"If it could be done with humor... \"\n\nThey heard Blackthorne approaching." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku welcomed him back and poured wine. Mariko quaffed hers, glad that she was no longer alone, uneasily sure that Kiku could read her thoughts.\n\nThey chatted and played silly games and then, when Kiku judged that the time was correct, she asked them if they would like to see the garden and the pleasure rooms.\n\nThey walked out into the night. The garden sparkled in the torchlights where the raindrops still lingered. The path meandered beside a tiny pool and gurgling waterfall. At the end of the path was the small isolated house in the center of the bamboo grove. It was raised off manicured ground and had four steps up to the encircling veranda. Everything about the two-roomed dwelling was tasteful and expensive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The best woods, best carpentry, best tatami, best silk cushions, most elegant hangings in the tokonoma." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's so lovely, Kiku-san,\" Mariko said.\n\n\"The Tea House in Mishima is much nicer, Mariko-san. Please be comfortable, Anjin-san! Per favor, does this please you, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Yes, very much.\"\n\nKiku saw that he was still bemused with the night and the saké but totally conscious of Mariko. She was very tempted to get up and go into the inner room where the futons were turned back and step out onto the veranda again and leave. But if she did, she knew that she would be in violation of the law. More than that, she felt that such an action would be irresponsible, for she knew in her heart Mariko was ready and almost beyond caring.\n\nNo, she thought, I mustn't push her into such a tragic indiscretion, much as it might be valuable to my future. I offered but Mariko-san willed herself to refuse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wisely. Are they lovers?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I do not know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That is their karma." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She leaned forward and laughed conspiratorially. \"Listen, Elder Sister, please tell the Anjin-san that there are some pillow instruments here. Does he have them in his country?\"\n\n\"He says, no, Kiku-san. So sorry, he's never heard of any.\"\n\n\"Oh! Would it amuse him to see them? They're in the next room, I can fetch them—they're really very exciting.\"\n\n\"Would you like to see them, Anjin-san? She says they're really very funny.\" Mariko deliberately changed the word.\n\n\"Why not,\" Blackthorne said, his throat constricted, his whole being charged with an awareness of their perfume and their femininity. \"You—you use instruments to pillow with?\" he asked.\n\n\"Kiku-san says sometimes, Anjin-san. She says—and this is true—it's our custom always to try to prolong the moment of the 'Clouds and the Rain' because we believe for that brief instant we mortals are one with the gods.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko watched him. \"So it's very important to make it last as long as possible, neh? Almost a duty, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Yes. She says to be one with the gods is very essential. It's a good belief and very possible, don't you think, to believe that? The Cloudburst feeling is so unearthly and godlike. Isn't it? So any means to stay one with the gods for as long as possible is our duty, neh?\"\n\n\"Very. Oh, yes.\"\n\n\"Would you like saké, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Thank you.\"\n\nShe fanned herself. \"This about the Cloudburst and the Clouds and the Rain or the Fire and the Torrent, as we sometimes call it, is very Japanese, Anjin-san. Very important to be Japanese in pillow things, neh?\"\n\nTo her relief, he grinned and bowed to her like a courtier. \"Yes. Very. I'm Japanese, Mariko-san. Honto!\"\n\nKiku returned with the silk-lined case." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She opened it and took out a substantial life-size penis made of ivory, and another made of softer material, elastic, that Blackthorne had never seen before. Carelessly she set them aside.\n\n\"These of course, are ordinary harigata, Anjin-san,\" Mariko said unconcernedly, her eyes glued on the other objects.\n\n\"Is that a fact?\" Blackthorne said, not knowing what else to say. \"Mother of God!\"\n\n\"But it's just an ordinary harigata, Anjin-san. Surely your women have them!\"\n\n\"Certainly not! No, they don't,\" he added, trying to remember about the humor.\n\nMariko couldn't believe it. She explained to Kiku, who was equally surprised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku spoke at length, Mariko agreeing.\n\n\"Kiku-san says that's very strange. I must agree, Anjin-san. Here almost every girl uses one for ordinary relief without a second thought. How else can a girl stay healthy when she's restricted where a man is not? Are you sure, Anjin-san? You're not teasing?\"\n\n\"No—I'm, er, sure our women don't have them. That would be—Jesus, that—well, no, we—they—don't have them.\"\n\n\"Without them life must be very difficult. We have a saying that a harigata's like a man but better because it's exactly like his best part but without his worst parts. Neh? And it's also better because all men aren't—don't have a sufficiency, as harigatas do. Also they're devoted, Anjin-san, and they'll never tire of you, like a man does. And too, they can be as rough or smooth—Anjin-san, you promised, remember? With humor!\"\n\n\"You're right!\" Blackthorne grinned. \"By God, you're right. Please excuse me.\" He picked up the harigata and studied it closely, whistling tonelessly. Then he held it up. \"You were saying, Teacher-san? It can be rough?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" she said cheerfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It can be as rough or as smooth as you desire, and harigatas very particularly have far more endurance than any man and they never wear out!\"\n\n\"Oh, that's a point!\"\n\n\"Yes. Don't forget, not every woman is fortunate enough to belong to a virile man. Without one of these to help release ordinary passions and normal needs, an ordinary woman soon becomes poisoned in body, and that will certainly very soon destroy her harmony, thus hurt her and those around her. Women don't have the freedom men have—to a greater or lesser degree, and rightly, neh? The world belongs to men, and rightly, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" He smiled. \"And no.\"\n\n\"I pity your women, so sorry. They must be the same as ours. When you go home you must instruct them, Anjin-san. Ah, yes, tell your Queen, she will understand. We are very sensible in matters of the pillow.\"\n\n\"I'll mention it to Her Majesty.\" Blackthorne put the harigata aside with feigned reluctance. \"What's next?\"\n\nKiku produced a string of four large round beads of white jade that were spaced along a strong silken thread. Mariko listened intently to Kiku's explanation, her eyes getting wider than ever before, her fan fluttering, and looked down at the beads in wonder as Kiku came to an end." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah so desu! Well, Anjin-san,\" she began firmly, \"these are called konomi-shinju, Pleasure Pearls, and the senhor or senhora may use them. Saké, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Thank you.\"\n\n\"Yes. Either the lady or the man may use them and the beads are carefully placed in the back passage and then, at the moment of the Clouds and the Rain, the beads are pulled out slowly, one by one.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Mariko laid the beads on the cushion in front of him. \"The Lady Kiku says the timing's very important, and that always a... I don't know what you would call it, ah yes, always an oily salve should be used... for comfort, Anjin-san.\" She looked up at him and added, \"She says also that Pleasure Pearls can be found in many sizes and that, if used correctly, they can precipitate a very considerable result indeed.\"\n\nHe laughed uproariously and spluttered in English, \"I'll bet a barrel of doubloons against a piece of pig shit you can believe that!\"\n\n\"So sorry, I didn't understand, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he could talk, he said in Portuguese, \"I'll bet a mountain of gold to a blade of grass, Mariko-san, the result is very considerable indeed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He picked up the beads and examined them, whistling without noticing it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pleasure Pearls, eh?\" After a moment he put them down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What else is there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku was pleased that her experiment was succeeding. Next she showed them a himitsu-kawa, the Secret Skin. \"It's a pleasure ring, Anjin-san, that the man wears to keep himself erect when he's depleted. With this, Kiku-san says, the man can gratify the woman after he's passed his pinnacle, or his desire has flagged.\" Mariko watched him. \"Neh?\"\n\n\"Absolutely.\" Blackthorne beamed. \"The Good Lord protect me from either, and from not giving gratification. Please ask Kiku-san to buy me three—just in case!\"\n\nNext he was shown the hiro-gumbi, Weary Armaments, thin dried stalks of a plant that, when soaked and wrapped around the Peerless Part, swell up and make it appear strong. Then there were all kinds of potents—potents to excite or increase excitement—and all kinds of salves—salves to moisten, to swell, to strengthen.\n\n\"Never to weaken?\" he asked, to more hilarity." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'pleasure' 3 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh no, Anjin-san, that would be unearthly!\"\n\nThen Kiku laid out other rings for the man to wear, ivory or elastic or silken rings with nodules or bristles or ribbons or attachments and appendages of every kind, made of ivory or horsehair or seeds or even tiny bells. \"Kiku-san says almost any of these will turn the shyest lady wanton.\"\n\nOh God, how I would like thee wanton, he thought. \"But these're only for the man to wear, neh?\" he asked.\n\n\"The more excited the lady is, the more the man's enjoyment, neh?\" Mariko was saying. \"Of course, giving pleasure to the woman is equally the man's duty, isn't it, and with one of these, if, unhappily, he's small or weak or old or tired, he can still pleasure her with honor.\"\n\n\"You've used them, Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"No, Anjin-san, I've never seen them before. These are... wives are not for pleasure but for childbearing and for looking after the house and the home.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wives don't expect to be pleasured?\"\n\n\"No. It would not be usual. That is for the Ladies of the Willow World.\" Mariko fanned herself and explained to Kiku what had been said. \"She says, surely it's the same in your world? That the man's duty is to pleasure the lady as it is her duty to pleasure him?\"\n\n\"Please tell her, so sorry, but it's not the same, just about the opposite.\"\n\n\"She says that is very bad. Saké?\" \"Please tell her we're taught to be ashamed of our bodies and pillowing and nakedness and... and all sorts of stupidities. It's only being here that's made me realize it. Now that I'm a little civilized I know better.\"\n\nMariko translated. He drained his cup. It was refilled immediately by Kiku, who leaned over and held her long sleeve with her left hand so that it would not touch the low lacquered table as she poured with her right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Domo.\"\n\n\"Do itashimashite, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Kiku-san says we should all be honored that you say such things. I agree, Anjin-san. You make me feel very proud. I was very proud of you today. But surely it's not as bad as you say.\"\n\n\"It's worse. It's difficult to understand, let alone explain, if you've never been there or weren't brought up there. You see—in truth... \" Blackthorne saw them watching him, waiting patiently, multihued, so lovely and clean, the room so stark and uncluttered and tranquil. All at once his mind began to contrast it with the warm, friendly stench of his English home, rushes on the earth floor, smoke from the open brick fire rising to the roof hole—only three of the new fireplaces with chimneys in his whole village, and those only for the very wealthy. Two small bedrooms and then the one large untidy room of the cottage for eating, living, cooking, and talking. You walked into the cottage in your seaboots, summer or winter, mud unnoticed, dung unnoticed, and sat on a chair or bench, the oak table cluttered like the room, three or four dogs and the two children—his son and his dead brother Arthur's girl—climbing and falling and playing higgledy piggledy, Felicity cooking, her long dress trailing in the rushes and dirt, the skivvy maid sniffing and getting in the way and Mary, Arthur's widow, coughing in the next room he'd built for her, near death as always, but never dying.\n\nFelicity. Dear Felicity. A bath once a month perhaps, and then in summer, very private, in the copper tub, but washing her face and hands and feet every day, always hidden to the neck and wrists, swathed in layers of heavy woolens all year long that were unwashed for months or years, reeking like everyone, lice-infested like everyone, scratching like everyone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And all the other stupid beliefs and superstitions, that cleanliness could kill, open windows could kill, water could kill and encourage flux or bring in the plague, that lice and fleas and flies and dirt and disease were God's punishments for sins on earth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fleas, flies, and fresh rushes every spring, but every day to church and twice on Sundays to hear the Word pounded into you: Nothing matters, only God and salvation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Born in sin, living in shame, Devil's brood, condemned to Hell, praying for salvation and forgiveness, Felicity so devout and filled with fear of the Lord and terror of the Devil, desperate for Heaven. Then going home to food. A haunch of meat from the spit and if a piece fell on the floor you'd pick it up and brush the dirt off and eat it if the dogs didn't get it first, but you'd throw them the bones anyway. Castings on the floor. Leavings pushed onto the floor to be swept up perhaps and thrown into the road perhaps. Sleeping most of the time in your dayclothes and scratching like a contented dog, always scratching. Old so young and ugly so young and dying so young. Felicity. Now twenty-nine, gray, few teeth left, old, lined, and dried up.\n\n\"Before her time, poor bloody woman. My God, how unnecessary!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he cried out in rage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What a stinking bloody waste!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nan desu ka, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'truth' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "both women said in the same breath, their contentment vanishing.\n\n\"So sorry... it was just... you're all so clean and we're filthy and it's all such a waste, countless millions, me too, all my life... and only because we don't know any better! Christ Jesus, what a waste! It's the priests—they're the educated and the educators, priests own all the schools, do all the teaching, always in the name of God, filth in the name of God... It's the truth!\"\n\n\"Oh yes, of course,\" Mariko said soothingly, touched by his pain. \"Please don't concern yourself now, Anjin-san. That's for tomorrow... \"\n\nKiku wore a smile but she was furious with herself. You should have been more careful, she told herself. Stupid stupid stupid! Mariko-san warned you! Now you've allowed the evening to be ruined, and the magic's gone gone gone!\n\nIn truth, the heavy, almost tangible sexuality that had touched all of them had disappeared." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 10 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps that's just as well, she thought. At least Mariko and the Anjin-san are protected for one more night.\n\nPoor man, poor lady. So sad. She watched them talking, then sensed a change in tone between them.\n\n\"Now I must leave thee,\" Mariko was saying in Latin.\n\n\"Let us leave together.\"\n\n\"I beg thee stay. For thy honor and hers. And mine, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"I do not want this thy gift,\" he said. \"I want thee.\"\n\n\"I am thine, believe it, Anjin-san. Please stay, I beg thee, and know that tonight I am thine.\"\n\nHe did not insist that she stay." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around six 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 James Clavell." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After she had gone he lay back and put his arms under his head and stared out of the window at the night. Rain splattered the tiles, the wind gusted caressingly from the sea.\n\nKiku was kneeling motionless in front of him. Her legs were stiff. She would have liked to lie down herself but she did not wish to break his mood by the slightest movement. You are not tired." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Your legs do not ache, she told herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Listen to the rain and think of lovely things. Think of Omi-san and the Tea House in Mishima, and that you're alive and that yesterday's earthquake was just another earthquake. Think of Toranaga-sama and the incredibly extravagant price that Gyoko-san had dared to ask initially for your contract. The soothsayer was right, it is your good fortune to make her rich beyond dreams. And if that part is true, why not all the rest? That one day you will marry a samurai you honor and have a son by him, that you will live and die in old age, part of his household, wealthy and honored, and that, miracle of miracles, your son will grow to equal estate—samurai—as will his sons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiku began to glow at her incredible, wonderful future." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a time Blackthorne stretched luxuriously, a pleasing weariness upon him. He saw her and smiled.\n\n\"Nan desu ka, Anjin-san?\"\n\nHe shook his head kindly, got up and opened the shoji to the next room. There was no maid kneeling beside the netted futons. He and Kiku were alone in the exquisite little house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went into the sleeping room and began to take off his kimono. She hurried to help. He undressed completely, then put on the light silk sleeping kimono she held out for him. She opened the mosquito netting and he lay down.\n\nThen Kiku changed also. He saw her take off the obi and the outer kimono and the scarlet-edged lesser kimono of palest green, and finally the underskirt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She put on her peach-colored sleeping kimono, then removed the elaborate formal wig and loosed her hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was blue-black and fine and very long.\n\nShe knelt outside the net. \"Dozo, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Domo,\" he said.\n\n\"Domo arigato gozaimashita,\" she whispered.\n\nShe slipped under the net and lay beside him. The candles and oil lamps burned brightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was glad of the light because she was so beautiful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His desperate need had vanished, though the ache remained. I don't desire you, Kiku-chan, he thought. Even if you were Mariko it would be the same. Even though you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, more beautiful even than Midori-san, who I thought was more beautiful than any goddess. I don't desire you. Later perhaps but not now, so sorry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hand reached out and touched him. \"Dozo?\"\n\n\"Iyé,\" he said gently, shaking his head. He held her hand, then slipped an arm under her shoulders. Obediently she nestled against him, understanding at once. Her perfume mingled with the fragrance of the sheets and futons. So clean, he thought, everything's so incredibly clean." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What was it Rodrigues had said?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'ingeles' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'The Japans're heaven on earth, Ingeles, if you know where to look,' or 'This is paradise, Ingeles.' I don't remember. I only know it's not there, across the sea, where I thought it was. It's not there.\n\nHeaven on earth is here." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene (which might reference existing characters and worldbuilding), and you will continue the story with 1 sentence, channeling the voice and techniques of James Clavell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The courier galloped down the road in darkness toward the sleeping village." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sky was tinged with dawn and the night fishing boats that had been netting near the shoals were just coming in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had ridden without rest from Mishima over the mountain passes and bad roads, commandeering fresh horses wherever he could." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His horse pounded through the village streets—covert eyes watching him now—across the square and up the road to the fortress." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His standard carried Toranaga's cipher and he knew the current password." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nevertheless he was challenged and identified four times before he was allowed entrance and audience with the officer of the watch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Urgent dispatches from Mishima, Naga-san, from Lord Hiro-matsu.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Naga took the scroll and hurried inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the heavily guarded shoji he stopped. \"Father?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Naga slid back the door and waited." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga's sword slipped back into its scabbard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the guards brought an oil lamp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga sat up in his mosquito net and broke the seal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two weeks ago he had ordered Hiro-matsu with an elite regiment secretly to Mishima, the castle city on the Tokaidō Road that guarded the entrance to the pass leading across the mountains to the cities of Atami and Odawara on the east coast of Izu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Atami was the gateway to Odawara to the north." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Odawara was the key to the defense of the whole Kwanto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro-matsu wrote: \"Sire, your half brother, Zataki, Lord of Shinano, arrived here today from Osaka asking for safe conduct to see you at Anjiro. He travels formally with a hundred samurai and bearers, under the cipher of the 'new' Council of Regents. I regret to tell you the Lady Kiritsubo's news is correct. Zataki's turned traitor and is openly flaunting his allegiance to Ishido. What she did not know is that Zataki is now a Regent in place of Lord Sugiyama. He showed me his official appointment, correctly signed by Ishido, Kiyama, Onoshi, and Ito. It was all I could do to restrain my men at his arrogance and obey your orders to let any messenger from Ishido pass. I wanted to kill this dung eater myself. Traveling with him is the barbarian priest, Tsukku-san, who arrived by sea at the port of Numazu, coming from Nagasaki. He asked permission to visit you so I sent him with the same party. I've sent two hundred of my men to escort them. They'll arrive within two days at Anjiro. When do you return to Yedo? Spies say Jikkyu's mobilizing secretly and news comes from Yedo that the northern clans are ready to throw in with Ishido now that Zataki's Shinano is against you. I beg you to leave Anjiro at once—retreat by sea. Let Zataki follow you to Yedo, where we can deal with him properly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga slammed his fist against the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Naga-san. Fetch Buntaro-san, Yabu-san, and Omi-san here at once.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They arrived very quickly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga read them the message." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'd better cancel all training. Send the Musket Regiment, every man, into the mountains. We don't want any security leaks now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi said, \"Please excuse me, Sire, but you might consider intercepting the party over the mountains. Say at Yokosé. Invite Lord Zataki\"—he chose the title carefully—\"to take the waters at one of the nearby spas, but have the meeting at Yokosé. Then, after he's delivered his message, he and all his men can be turned back, escorted to the frontier, or destroyed, just as you wish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know Yokosé.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu said importantly, \"It's beautiful, almost in the center of Izu, Sire, over the mountains in a valley cleft. It's beside the river Kano. The Kano flows north, eventually through Mishima and Numazu to the sea, neh? Yokosé's at a crossroads—the roads go north-south and east-west. Yes, Yokosé'd be a good place to meet, Sire. Shuzenji Spa's nearby—very hot, very good—one of our best. You should visit it, Sire. I think Omi-san's made a good suggestion.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Could we defend it easily?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi said quickly, \"Yes, Sire. There's a bridge. The land falls steeply from the mountains. Any attackers would have to fight up a snaking road. Both passes can be held with few men. You could never be ambushed. We have more than enough men to defend you and butcher ten times their number—if need be.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We butcher them whatever happens, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro said with contempt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But better there than here. Sire, please let me make the place safe. Five hundred archers, no musketeers—all horsemen. Added to the men my father sent, we'll have more than enough.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga checked the date on the dispatch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They'll reach the crossroads when?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu looked at Omi for confirmation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tonight at the earliest?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Perhaps not until dawn tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Buntaro-san, leave at once,\" Toranaga said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Contain them at Yokosé but keep them the other side of the river. I'll leave at dawn tomorrow with another hundred men. We should be there by noon. Yabu-san, you take charge of our Musket Regiment for the moment and guard our retreat. Put it in ambush across the Heikawa Road, on the skyline, so we can fall back through you if necessary.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro started to leave but stopped as Yabu said uneasily, \"How can there be treachery, Sire? They've only a hundred men.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I expect treachery. Lord Zataki wouldn't put his head into my hands without a plan, for, of course, I'll take his head if I can,\" Toranaga said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Without him to lead his fanatics we'll have a far better chance to get through his mountains. But why's he risking everything? Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi said tentatively, \"Could he be ready to turn ally again?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They all knew the longstanding rivalry that had existed between the half brothers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A friendly rivalry up till now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, not him. I never trusted him before. Would any of you trust him now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They shook their heads." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu said, \"Surely there's nothing to disturb you, Sire. Lord Zataki's a Regent, yes, but he's only a messenger, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fool, Toranaga wanted to shout, don't you understand anything?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll soon know. Buntaro-san, go at once.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sire. I'll choose the meeting place carefully, but don't let him within ten paces. I was with him in Korea. He's too quick with his sword.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro hurried away. Yabu said, \"Perhaps Zataki can be tempted to betray Ishido—some prize perhaps? What's his bait? Even without his leadership the Shinano mountains are cruel.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The bait's obvious,\" Toranaga said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Kwanto. Isn't that what he wants, has always wanted? Isn't that what all my enemies want? Isn't that what Ishido himself wants?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They did not answer him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no need.\n\nToranaga said gravely, \"May Buddha help us. The Taikō's peace has ended. War is beginning.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene (which might reference existing characters and worldbuilding), and you will continue the story with 1 sentence, channeling the voice and techniques of James Clavell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne's sea ears had heard the urgency in the approaching hoofs and they had whispered danger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had come out of sleep instantly, ready to attack or retreat, all his senses tuned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The hoofs passed, then headed up the hill toward the fortress, to die away again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He waited. No sound of a following escort." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Probably a lone messenger, he thought. From where?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is it war already?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dawn was imminent. Now Blackthorne could see a small part of the sky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was overcast and laden with rain, the air warm with a tang of salt in it, billowing the net from time to time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A mosquito whined faintly outside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was very pleased to be within, safe for the moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Enjoy the safety and the tranquillity while it lasts, he told himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiku was sleeping next to him, curled up like a kitten." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sleep-tousled, she seemed more beautiful to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He carefully relaxed back into the softness of the quilts on the tatami floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This is so much better than a bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Better than any bunk—my God, how much better!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But soon to be back aboard, neh?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon to fall on the Black Ship and take her, neh?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I think Toranaga's agreed even though he hasn't said so openly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hasn't he just agreed in Japanese fashion?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing can ever be solved in Japan except by Japanese methods.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, I believe that's the truth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wanted to be better informed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Didn't he tell Mariko to translate everything and explain about his political problems?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wanted money to buy my new crew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Didn't he give me two thousand koku?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I asked for two or three hundred corsairs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hasn't he given me two hundred samurai with all the power and rank I need?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Will they obey me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of course. He made me samurai and hatamoto." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So they'll obey to the death and I'll bring them aboard Erasmus, they'll be my boarding party and I will lead the attack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How unbelievably lucky I am!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I've everything I want." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Except Mariko. But I even have her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have her secret spirit and her love." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And I possessed her body last night, the magic night that never existed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We loved without loving." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is that so different?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's no love between Kiku and me, just a desire that blossomed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was grand for me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I hope it was also grand for her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I tried to be Japanese wholely and do my duty, to please her as she pleased me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He remembered how he had used a pleasure ring." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had felt most awkward and shy and had turned away to put it on, petrified that his strength would vanish, but it had not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then, when it was in place, they had pillowed again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her body shuddered and twisted and the tremoring had lifted him to a more urgent plane than any he had ever known." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Afterwards, when he could breathe again, he began to laugh and she had whispered, Why do you laugh, and he had answered, I don't know except you make me happy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I've never laughed at that moment, ever before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It made everything perfect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I do not love Kiku-san—I cherish her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I love Mariko-san without reservation and I like Fujiko-san completely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Would you pillow with Fujiko?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No. At least, I don't think I could." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Isn't that your duty?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If you accept the privileges of samurai and require others to treat you totally as samurai with all that that means, you must accept the responsibilities and duties, neh?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's only fair, neh?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And honorable, neh? It's your duty to give Fujiko a son." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And Felicity. What would she say to that?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And when you sail away, what about Fujiko-san and what about Mariko-san?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Will you truly return here, leaving the knighthood and the even greater honors that you'll surely be granted, provided you come back laden with treasure?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Will you sail outward bound once more into the hostile deep, to smash through the freezing horror of Magellan's Pass, to endure storm and sea and scurvy and mutiny for another six hundred and ninety-eight days to make a second landfall here?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To take up this life again? Decide!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he remembered what Mariko had told him about compartments of the mind: 'Be Japanese, Anjin-san, you must, to survive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do what we do, surrender yourself to the rhythm of karma unashamed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Be content with the forces beyond your control." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Put all things into their own separate compartments and yield to wa, the harmony of life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yield, Anjin-san, karma is karma, neh?'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes. I'll decide when the time comes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First I have to get the crew." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Next I capture the Black Ship." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I sail halfway around the earth to England." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then I'll buy and equip the warships." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And then I'll decide. Karma is karma." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku stirred, then buried herself deeper into the quilts, nestling closer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt the warmth of her through their silk kimonos." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he was kindled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjin-chan,\" she murmured, still in sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hai'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not awaken her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was content to cradle her and rest, enraptured by the serenity that the yielding had given him. But before he went into sleep, he blessed Mariko for teaching him." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Omi-sama, certainly,\" Gyoko said. \"I'll fetch the Anjin-san at once. Please excuse me. Ako, come with me.\" Gyoko sent Ako for tea, then bustled out into the garden wondering what vital news the galloping night messenger had brought, for she too had heard the hoofs. And why is Omi so strange today? she asked herself. Why so cold, rough, and dangerous? And why did he come himself on so menial a task? Why not send any samurai?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'samurai' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah, who knows? Omi's a man. How can you understand them, particularly samurai? But something's wrong, terribly wrong. Did the messenger bring a declaration of war? I suppose so. If it's war, then it's war and war never hurt our business. Daimyos and samurai will still need entertaining, as always—more so in war—and in war, money means less than ever to them. Good good good.\n\nShe smiled to herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Remember the war days forty-odd years ago when you were seventeen and the toast of Mishima? Remember all the laughter and pillowing and proud nights that melted into days? Remember serving Old Baldy himself, Yabu's father, the nice old gentleman who boiled criminals like his son after him? Remember how hard you had to work to make him soft—unlike the son! Gyoko chuckled. We pillowed three days and three nights, then he became my patron for a whole year. Good times—a good man. Oh, how we pillowed!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "War or peace, never mind!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shigata ga nai! There's enough invested with the moneylenders and rice merchants, a little here, a little there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then there's the saké factory in Odawara, the Tea House in Mishima's thriving, and today Lord Toranaga's going to buy Kiku's contract!\n\nYes, interesting times ahead, and how fantastically interesting the previous night had been. Kiku had been brilliant, the Anjin-san's outburst mortifying. Kiku had made as deft a recovery as any courtesan in the land. And then, when the Lady Toda had left them, Kiku's artistry had made everything perfect and the night blissful.\n\nAh, men and women. So predictable. Especially men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Babies always. Vain, difficult, terrible, petulant, pliant, horrible—marvelous most rarely—but all born with that single incredible redeeming feature that we in the trade refer to as the Jade Root, Turtle Head, Yang Peak, Steaming Shaft, Male Thruster, or simply Piece of Meat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How insulting! Yet how apt!\n\nGyoko chuckled and asked herself for the ten thousandth time, by all gods living and dead and yet to be born, what in the world would we do in this world without the Piece of Meat?\n\nShe hurried on again, her footsteps just loud enough to announce her presence. She mounted the polished cedar steps. Her knock was practiced.\n\n\"Anjin-san—Anjin-san, so sorry but Lord Toranaga's sent for you. You're ordered to the fortress at once.\"\n\n\"What? What did you say?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She repeated it in simpler language." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah! Understand! All right—I there quick,\" she heard him say, with his funny accent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, please excuse me. Kiku-san?\"\n\n\"Yes, Mama-san?\" In a moment the shoji slid open. Kiku smiled at her, the kimono clinging and her hair prettily disarrayed. \"Good morning, Mama-san, did you have pleasant dreams?\"\n\n\"Yes, yes, thank you. So sorry to disturb you. Kiku-chan, do you wish for fresh cha?\"\n\n\"Oh!\" Kiku's smile disappeared. This was the code sentence that Gyoko could freely use in front of any client which told Kiku that her most special client, Omi-san, was in the Tea House." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Kiku could always finish her story or song or dance more quickly, and go to Omi-san, if she wished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku pillowed with very few, though she entertained many—if they paid the fee. Very, very few could afford all her services.\n\n\"What is it?\" Gyoko asked narrowly.\n\n\"Nothing, Mama-san. Anjin-san,\" Kiku called out gaily, \"so sorry, would you like cha?\"\n\n\"Yes, please.\"\n\n\"It will be here at once,\" Gyoko said. \"Ako! Hurry up, child.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Mistress.\" Ako brought in the tray of tea and two cups and poured, and Gyoko left, again apologizing for disturbing him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku gave Blackthorne the cup herself. He drank it thirstily, then she helped him to dress. Ako laid out a fresh kimono for her. Kiku was most attentive but she was consumed with the knowledge that soon she would have to accompany the Anjin-san outside the gateway to bow him homeward. It was good manners. More than that, it was her privilege and duty. Only courtesans of the First Rank were ever allowed to go beyond the threshold to bestow that rare honor; all others had to stay within the courtyard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was unthinkable for her not to finish the night as was expected—that would be a terrible insult to her guest and yet...\n\nFor the first time in her life, Kiku did not wish to bow one guest homeward in front of another guest.\n\nI can't, not the Anjin-san in front of Omi-san.\n\nWhy? she asked herself. Is it because the Anjin-san's barbarian and you're ashamed that all the world will know you've been possessed by a barbarian? No. All Anjiro knows already and a man is like any other, most of the time. This man is samurai, hatamoto, and Admiral of Lord Toranaga's ships!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No, nothing like that.\n\nWhat is it then?\n\nIt's because I found in the night that I was shamed by what Omi-san did to him. As we should all be shamed. Omi-san should never have done that. The Anjin-san is branded and my fingers seemed to feel the brand through the silk of his kimono. I burn with shame for him, a good man to whom that should not have been done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Am I defiled?\n\nNo, of course not, just shamed before him. And shamed before Omi-san for being ashamed.\n\nThen in the reaches of her mind she heard Mama-san saying again, 'Child, child, leave man things to men. Laughter is our balm against them, and the world and the gods and even old age.'\n\n\"Kiku-san?\"\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now I go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Let us go together,\" she said.\n\nHe took her face tenderly in his rough hands and kissed her. \"Thank you. No words enough to thank.\"\n\n\"It is I who should thank you. Please allow me to thank you, Anjin-san. Let us leave now.\"\n\nShe allowed Ako to put the finishing touches to her hair, which she left hanging loosely, tied the sash of the fresh kimono, and went with him.\n\nKiku walked beside him as was her privilege, not a few steps behind as a wife or consort or daughter or servant was obliged to. He put his hand on her shoulder momentarily and this was distasteful to her for they were not in the privacy of a room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she had a sudden, horrible premonition that he would kiss her publicly—which Mariko had mentioned was barbarian custom—at the gate. Oh, Buddha let that not happen, she thought, almost faint with fright.\n\nHis swords were in the reception room. By custom, all weapons were left under guard, outside the pleasure rooms, to avoid lethal quarrels with other clients, and also to prevent any lady from ending her life. Not all Ladies of the Willow World were happy or fortunate.\n\nBlackthorne put his swords into his sash. Kiku bowed him through to the veranda, where he stepped into his thongs, Gyoko and others assembled to bow him away, an honored guest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beyond the gateway was the village square and the sea." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'friend' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Many samurai were there milling about, Buntaro among them. Kiku could not see Omi, though she was certain he would be watching somewhere.\n\nThe Anjin-san seemed immensely tall, she so small beside him. Now they were crossing the courtyard. Both saw Omi at the same time. He was standing near the gateway.\n\nBlackthorne stopped. \"Morning, Omi-san,\" he said as a friend and bowed as a friend, not knowing that Omi and Kiku were more than friends." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How could he know? she thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one has told him—why should they tell him? And what does that matter anyway?\n\n\"Good morning, Anjin-san.\" Omi's voice was friendly too, but she saw him bow with only sufficient politeness. Then his jet eyes turned to her again and she bowed, her smile perfect. \"Good morning, Omi-san. This house is honored.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Kiku-san. Thank you.\"\n\nShe felt his searching gaze but pretended not to notice, keeping her eyes demurely lowered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gyoko and the maids and the courtesans who were free watched from the veranda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I go fortress, Omi-san,\" Blackthorne was saying. \"All's well?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Lord Toranaga's sent for you.\"\n\n\"Go now. Hope see you soon.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nKiku glanced up. Omi was still staring at her. She smiled her best smile and looked at the Anjin-san. He was watching Omi intently; then feeling her eyes, he turned to her and smiled back. It seemed to her a strained smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, Kiku-san, Omi-san, must go now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He bowed to Omi. It was returned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went through the gate. She followed, hardly breathing. Movement stopped in the square. In the silence she saw him turn back, and for a hideous moment, she knew he was going to embrace her. But to her enormous relief he did not, and just stood there waiting as a civilized person would wait.\n\nShe bowed with all the tenderness she could muster, Omi's gaze boring into her.\n\n\"Thank you, Anjin-san,\" she said and smiled at him alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A sigh went through the square. \"Thank you,\" then added the time-honored, \"Please visit us again. I will count the moments until we meet again.\"\n\nHe bowed with just the right amount of carelessness, strode off arrogantly as a samurai of quality would. Then, because he had treated her very correctly, and to repay Omi for the unnecessary coldness in his bow, instead of going back into her house at once, she stayed where she was and looked after the Anjin-san to give him greater honor. She waited until he was at the last corner. She saw him look back. He waved once. She bowed very low, now delighted with the attention in the square, pretending not to notice it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And only when he was truly gone did she walk back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With pride and with great elegance. And until the gate was closed every man watched her, feeding on such beauty, envious of the Anjin-san, who must be much man for her to wait like that.\n\n\"You're so pretty,\" Omi said.\n\n\"I wish that were true, Omi-san,\" she said with a second-best smile. \"Would you like some cha, Omi-sama? Or food?\"\n\n\"With you, yes.\"\n\nGyoko joined them unctuously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse my bad manners, Omi-sama. Do take food with us now, please. Have you had a first meal?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No—not yet, but I'm not hungry.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'omi-sama' 3 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi glanced across at Kiku. \"Have you eaten yet?\"\n\nGyoko interrupted expansively, \"Allow us to bring you something that won't be too inadequate, Omi-sama. Kiku-san, when you've changed you will join us, neh?\"\n\n\"Of course, please excuse me, Omi-sama, for appearing like this. So sorry.\" The girl ran off, pretending a happiness she did not feel, Ako in tow.\n\nOmi said shortly, \"I would like to be with her tonight, for food and entertainment.\"\n\n\"Of course, Omi-sama,\" Gyoko replied with a low bow, knowing that she would not be free. \"You honor my house and do us too much honor. Kiku-san is so fortunate that you favor her.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~2 sentences more. copy James Clavell's style. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Three thousand koku?\" Toranaga was scandalized." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire,\" Mariko said. They were on the private veranda in the fortress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rain had begun already but did not reduce the heat of the day. She felt listless and very tired and longed for autumn coolness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry, but I could not negotiate the woman down any further. I talked until just before dawn. So sorry, Sire, but you did order me to conclude an arrangement last night.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But three thousand, Mariko-san! That's usury!\" Actually, Toranaga was glad to have a new problem to take his mind away from the worry that beset him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Christian priest Tsukku-san traveling with Zataki, the upstart Regent, augured nothing but trouble." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had examined every avenue of escape, every route of retreat and attack that any man could imagine and the answer was always the same: If Ishido moves quickly, I'm lost." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I've got to find time. But how?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If I were Ishido I'd start now, before the rains stop.\n\nI'd get men into position just as the Taikō and I did to destroy the Beppu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The same plan will always win—it's so simple!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido can't be so stupid as not to see that the only real way to defend the Kwanto is to own Osaka, and all the lands between Yedo and Osaka. As long as Osaka's unfriendly, the Kwanto's in danger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Taikō knew it, why else did he give it to me? Without Kiyama, Onoshi, and the barbarian priests..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With an effort Toranaga put tomorrow into its own compartment and concentrated totally on this impossible amount of money." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Three thousand koku's out of the question!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'gyoko' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree, Sire. You're correct. It's my fault entirely. I thought even five hundred would be excessive but the Gyoko woman would come no lower. There is one concession though.\" \"What?\"\n\n\"Gyoko begged the honor of reducing the price to two thousand five hundred koku if you would honor her by agreeing to see her privately for one stick of time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A Mama-san would give up five hundred koku just to speak to me?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why?\" he asked suspiciously.\n\n\"She told me her reason, Sire, but humbly begged that she be allowed to explain to you herself. I believe her proposal would be interesting to you, Sire. And five hundred koku... it would be a saving. I'm appalled that I couldn't make a better arrangement, even though Kiku-san is of the First Rank and completely merits that status. I know I've failed you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree,\" Toranaga said sourly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even one thousand would be too much. This is Izu not Kyoto!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're quite right, Sire. I told the woman that the price was so ridiculous I could not possibly agree to it myself, even though you'd given me direct orders to complete the bargain last night. I hope you will forgive my disobedience, but I said that I would first have to consult with Lady Kasigi, Omi-san's mother, who's the most senior lady here, before the arrangement was confirmed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga brightened, his other worries forgotten." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, so it's arranged but not arranged?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. Nothing is binding until I can consult with the Lady. I said I'd give an answer at noon today. Please forgive my disobedience.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You should have concluded the arrangement as I ordered!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga was secretly delighted that Mariko had cleverly given him the opportunity to agree or disagree without any loss of face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It would have been unthinkable for him personally to quibble over a mere matter of money. But oh ko, three thousand koku... \"You say the girl's contract's worth enough rice to feed a thousand families for three years?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Worth every grain of rice, to the right man.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga eyed her shrewdly. \"Oh? Tell me about her and what happened.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She told him everything—except her feeling for the Anjin-san and the depth of his feeling toward her. Or about Kiku's offer to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good. Yes, very good. That was clever. Yes,\" Toranaga said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He must have pleased her very much for her to stand at the gateway like that the first time.\" Most of Anjiro had been waiting for that moment, to see how the two of them would act, the barbarian and the Willow Lady of the First Rank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"The three koku invested was well worth it for him. His fame will run before him now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Mariko agreed, more than a little proud of Blackthorne's success." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's an exceptional lady, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga was intrigued by Mariko's confidence in her arrangement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But five hundred koku for the contract would have been more fair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Five hundred koku was more than most Mama-sans made in a lifetime, so for one of them even to consider giving away five hundred... \"Worth every grain, you say? I can hardly believe that.\"\n\n\"To the right man, Sire. I believe that. But I could not judge who would be the right man.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a knock on the shoji." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Anjin-san's at the main gate, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bring him here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga fanned himself. He had been watching Mariko covertly and had seen the momentary light in her face. He had deliberately not warned her that he had sent for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What to do? Everything that is planned still applies. But now I need Buntaro and the Anjin-san and Omi-san more than ever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And Mariko, very much.\n\n\"Good morning, Toranaga-sama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He returned Blackthorne's bow and noted the sudden warmth when the man saw Mariko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were formal greetings and replies, then he said, \"Mariko-san, tell him that he is to leave with me at dawn. You also. You will continue on to Osaka.\"\n\nA chill went through her. \"Yes, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I go Osaka, Toranaga-sama?\" Blackthorne asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Anjin-san. Mariko-san, tell him I'm going to the Shuzenji Spa for a day or two. You both will accompany me there. You'll go on to Osaka. He will journey with you to the border, then go on to Yedo alone.\"\n\nHe watched them narrowly as Blackthorne spoke to her, rapidly and urgently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, Toranaga-sama, but the Anjin-san humbly asks if he could borrow me for a few more days. He says, please excuse me, that my presence with him would greatly speed up the matter of his ship. Then, if it pleases you, he would immediately take one of your coastal ships and ferry me to Osaka, going on to Nagasaki himself. He suggests this might save time.\"\n\n\"I haven't decided anything about his ship, yet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or about a crew. He may not need to go to Nagasaki." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Make that very clear. No, nothing is decided." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But I'll consider the request about you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You'll get my decision tomorrow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You can go now... Oh yes, lastly, Mariko-san, tell him that I want his genealogy.\n\nHe can write it down and you'll translate it, affirming its correctness.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire. Do you want it at once?\"\n\n\"No. When he arrives at Yedo will be time enough.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko explained to Blackthorne." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why does he want that?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko stared at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course all samurai have to have their births and deaths recorded, Anjin-san, as well as their fiefs and land grants. How else can a liege lord keep everything balanced? Isn't it the same in your country? Here, by law, all our citizens are in official records, even eta: births, deaths, marriages. Every hamlet or village or city street has its official scroll. How else can you be sure where and to whom you belong?\"\n\n\"We don't write it down. Not always. And not officially. Everyone's recorded? Everyone?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh yes, even eta, Anjin-san. It's important, neh? Then no one can pretend to be what he is not, wrongdoers can be caught more easily, and men and women or parents can't cheat in marriage, neh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'toranaga' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne put that aside for later consideration and played another card in the game he had joined with Toranaga that he hoped would lead to the death of the Black Ship.\n\nMariko listened attentively, questioned him a moment, then turned to Toranaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sire, the Anjin-san thanks you for your favor and your many gifts. He asks if you would honor him by choosing his two hundred vassals for him. He says your guidance in this would be worth anything.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is it worth a thousand koku?\" Toranaga asked at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw her surprise and the Anjin-san's. I'm glad you're still transparent, Anjin-san, for all your veneer of civilization, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If I were a gambling person, I'd wager that that wasn't your idea—to ask for my guidance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hai,\" he heard Blackthorne say firmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good,\" he replied crisply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Since the Anjin-san's so generous, I'll accept his offer. One thousand koku. That will help some other needy samurai. Tell him his men will be waiting for him in Yedo. I'll see you at dawn tomorrow, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Yes. Thank you, Toranaga-sama.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mariko-san, consult with the Lady Kasigi at once. Since you approved the amount I imagine she'll agree to your arrangement however hideous it seems, though I'd suppose she'll need until dawn tomorrow to give such a ridiculous sum her full consideration. Send some menial to order the Gyoko woman here at sunset. She can bring the courtesan with her. Kiku-san can sing while we talk, neh?\"\n\nHe dismissed them, delighted to have saved fifteen hundred koku. People are so extravagant, he thought benignly." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce ten sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Will that leave me enough to get a crew?\" Blackthorne asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, yes, Anjin-san. But he hasn't agreed to allow you to go to Nagasaki yet,\" Mariko said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Five hundred koku would be more than enough to live on for a year, and the other five hundred will give you about one hundred and eighty koban in gold to buy seamen. That's a very great deal of money.\"\n\nFujiko lifted herself painfully and spoke to Mariko.\n\n\"Your consort says that you shouldn't worry, Anjin-san. She can give you letters of credit to certain moneylenders who will advance you all that you'll need. She'll arrange everything.\"\n\n\"Yes, but haven't I got to pay all my retainers? How do I pay for a house, Fujiko-san, my household?\"\n\nMariko was shocked. \"Please, so sorry, but this is of course not your worry. Your consort has told you that she will take care of everything. She—\"\n\nFujiko interrupted and the two women spoke together for a moment.\n\n\"Ah so desu, Fujiko-san!\" Mariko turned back to Blackthorne. \"She says you must not waste time thinking about it. She begs you please to spend your time worrying only about Lord Toranaga's problems. She has money of her own which she can draw upon, should it be necessary.\"\n\nBlackthorne blinked. \"She'll lend me her own money?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, no, Anjin-san, of course she'll give it to you, if you need it, Anjin-san. Don't forget your problem's only this year,\" Mariko explained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Next year you're rich, Anjin-san. As to your retainers, for one year they'll get two koku each. Don't forget Toranaga-sama's giving you all their arms and horses, and two koku's enough to feed them and their horses and families. And don't forget, too, you gave Lord Toranaga half your year's income to ensure that they would be chosen by him personally. That's a tremendous honor, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You think so?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh certainly. Fujiko-san agrees wholeheartedly. You were most shrewd to think of that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Blackthorne allowed a little of his pleasure to show. You're getting your wits back again and you're beginning to think like them, he told himself happily. Yes, that was clever to co-opt Toranaga. Now you'll get the best men possible, and you could never have done it alone. What's a thousand koku against the Black Ship? So yet another of the things Mariko had said was true: that one of Toranaga's weaknesses was that he was a miser. Of course, she had not said so directly, only that Toranaga made all his incredible wealth go further than any daimyo in the kingdom. This clue, added to his own observations—that Toranaga's clothes were as simple as his food, and his style of living little different from that of an ordinary samurai—had given him another key to unlock Toranaga.\n\nThank God for Mariko and old Friar Domingo!\n\nBlackthorne's memory took him back to the jail and he thought how close he had been to death then, and how close he was to death now, even with all his honors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What Toranaga gives, he can take away. You think he's your friend, but if he'll assassinate a wife and murder a favorite son, how would you value his friendship or your life? I don't, Blackthorne told himself, renewing his pledge. That's karma. I can do nothing about karma and I've been living near death all my life, so nothing's new. I yield to karma in all its beauty. I accept karma in all its majesty. I trust karma to get me through the next six months. Then, by this time next year, I'll be scudding through Magellan's Pass, bound for London Town, out of his reach...\n\nFujiko was talking. He watched her. The bandages were still discolored." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was lying painfully on the futons, a maid fanning her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She'll arrange everything for you by dawn, Anjin-san,\" Mariko said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your consort suggests you take two horses and a baggage horse. One man servant and one maid—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A man servant'll be enough.\"\n\n\"So sorry, the maid servant must go to serve you. And of course a cook and a cook helper.\"\n\n\"Won't there be kitchens that we—I can use?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes. But you still have to have your own cooks, Anjin-san. You're a hatamoto.\"\n\nHe knew there was no point in arguing. \"I'll leave everything to you.\"\n\n\"Oh, that's so wise of you, Anjin-san, very wise. Now I must go and pack, please excuse me.\" Mariko left happily. They had not talked much, just enough in Latin for each to know that though the magic night had never come to pass and was, like the other night, never to be discussed, both would live in their imaginations forever.\n\n\"Thou.\"\n\n\"Thou.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was so proud when I heard she stood at the gate for such a long time. Thy face is immense now, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For a moment I almost forgot what thou hadst told me. Involuntarily I was within a hair's distance of kissing her in public.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh ko, Anjin-san, that would have been terrible!\"\n\n\"Oh ko, thou art right! If it had not been for thee I would be faceless—a worm wriggling in the dust.\"\n\n\"Instead, thou art vast and famous and thy prowess undoubted. Didst thou enjoy one of those curious devices?\"\n\n\"Ah, fair Lady, in my land we have an ancient custom: A man does not discuss the intimate habits of one lady with another.\"\n\n\"We have the same custom. But I asked if it was enjoyed, not used. Yes, we very much have the same custom. I am glad that the evening was to thy liking.\" Her smile was warming. \"To be Japanese in Japan is wise, neh?\"\n\n\"I cannot thank thee enough for teaching me, for guiding me, for opening my eyes,\" he said. \"For—\" He was going to say, for loving me. Instead he added, \"for being.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have done nothing. Thou art thyself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thank thee, for everything—and thy gift.\"\n\n\"I am glad thy pleasure was great.\"\n\n\"I am sad thy pleasure was nil. I am so glad that thou art also ordered to the Spa. But why to Osaka?\"\n\n\"Oh, I am not ordered to Osaka. Lord Toranaga allows me to go. We have property and family business matters that must be seen to. Also, my son is there now. Then too, I can carry private messages to Kiritsubo-san and the Lady Sazuko.\"\n\n\"Isn't that dangerous? Remember thy words—war is coming and Ishido is the enemy. Did not Lord Toranaga say the same?\"\n\n\"Yes. But there is no war yet, Anjin-san. And samurai do not war on their women, unless women war on them.\"\n\n\"But thou? What about the bridge at Osaka, across the moat? Did thou not go with me to dupe Ishido? He would have killed me. And remember thy sword at the fight on the ship.\"\n\n\"Ah, that was only to protect the life of my liege Lord, and my own life, when it was threatened. That was my duty, Anjin-san, nothing more. There is no danger for me. I have been lady-in-waiting to Lady Yodoko, the Taikō's widow, even the Lady Ochiba, mother of the Heir. I'm honored to be their friend. I'm quite safe. That's why Toranaga-sama allows me to go. But for thee in Osaka there is no safety, because of Lord Toranaga's escape, and of what was done to Lord Ishido. So thou must never land there. Nagasaki will be safe for thee.\"\n\n\"Then he has agreed that I may go?\"\n\n\"No. Not yet. But when he does it will be safe. He has power in Nagasaki.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wanted to ask, greater than the Jesuits'? Instead he said only, \"I pray Lord Toranaga orders thee by ship to Osaka.\" He saw her tremble slightly. \"What troubles thee?\"\n\n\"Nothing, except... except that the sea does not please me.\"\n\n\"Will he order it thus?\"\n\n\"I don't know. But... \" She changed back into the mischievous teaser, and into Portuguese. \"But for your health we should bring Kiku-san along with us, neh? Tonight, are you going again into her Vermilion Chamber?\"\n\nHe laughed with her. \"That'd be fine, though—\" Then he stopped, as with sudden clarity he remembered Omi's look. \"You know, Mariko-san, when I was at the gate I'm sure I saw Omi-san looking at her in a very special way, as a lover would look. A jealous lover. I didn't know they were lovers.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I understand he's one of her customers, a favored customer, yes. But why should that concern you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because it was a very private look. Very special.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He has no special claim on her, Anjin-san. She's a courtesan of the First Rank. She's free to accept or reject whom she pleases.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If we were in Europe, and I pillowed his girl—you understand, Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"I think I understand, Anjin-san, but why should that concern you? You're not in Europe, Anjin-san, he has no formal claim on her. If she wants to accept you and him, or even reject you or reject him, what has that to do with anything?\"\n\n\"I'd say he was her lover, in our sense of the word. That's got everything to do with it, neh?\"\n\n\"But what has that to do with her profession, or pillowing?\"\n\nEventually he had thanked her again and left it at that. But his head and his heart told him to beware. It's not as simple as you think, Mariko-san, even here. Omi believes Kiku-san's more than special, even if she doesn't feel the same. Wish I'd known he was her lover. I'd rather have Omi a friend than an enemy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Could Mariko be right again? That pillowing has nothing to do with loving for them?\n\nGod help me, I'm so mixed up. Part Eastern now, mostly Western. I've got to act like them and think like them to stay alive. And much of what they believe is so much better than our way that it's tempting to want to become one of them totally, and yet... home is there, across the sea, where my ancestors were birthed, where my family lives, Felicity and Tudor and Elizabeth. Neh?\n\n\"Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Yes, Fujiko-san?\"\n\n\"Please don't worry about money. I can't bear to see you worried. I'm so sorry that I cannot go to Yedo with you.\"\n\n\"Soon see in Yedo, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. The doctor says I'm healing well and Omi's mother agrees.\"\n\n\"When doctor here?\"\n\n\"Sunset. So sorry I cannot go with you tomorrow. Please excuse me.\"\n\nHe wondered again about his duty to his consort. Then he put that thought back into its compartment as a new one rushed forward. He examined this idea and found it fine. And urgent. \"I go now, come back soon. You rest—understand?\"\n\n\"Yes. Please excuse me for not getting up, and for... so sorry.\"\n\nHe left her and went to his own room. He took a pistol out of its hiding place, checked the priming, and stuck it under his kimono." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he walked alone to Omi's house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi was not there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Midori welcomed him and offered cha, which he politely refused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her two-year-old infant was in her arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She said, so sorry, but Omi would return soon. Would the Anjin-san like to wait? She seemed ill at ease, though polite and attentive. Again he refused and thanked her, saying he would come back later, then he went below to his own house.\n\nVillagers had already cleared the ground, preparing to rebuild everything. Nothing had been salvaged from the fire except cooking utensils. Fujiko would not tell him the cost of rebuilding. It was very cheap, she had said. Please don't concern yourself.\n\n\"Karma, Anjin-sama,\" one of the villagers said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What could one do? Don't worry, your house will soon be ready—better than before.\"\n\nBlackthorne saw Omi walking up the hill, taut and stern. He went to meet him. When Omi saw him, he seemed to lose some of his fury. \"Ah, Anjin-san,\" he said cordially. \"I hear you're also leaving with Toranaga-sama at dawn. Very good, we can ride together.\"\n\nDespite Omi's apparent friendliness, Blackthorne was very much on guard.\n\n\"Listen, Omi-san, now I go there.\" He pointed toward the plateau. \"Please you go with me, yes?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's no training today.\"\n\n\"Understand. Please you go with me, yes?\"\n\nOmi saw that Blackthorne's hand was on the hilt of his killing sword in the characteristic way, steadying it. Then his sharp eyes noticed the bulge under the sash and he realized at once from its partially outlined shape that it was a concealed pistol. \"A man who's allowed the two swords should be able to use them, not just wear them, neh?\" he asked thinly.\n\n\"Please? I don't understand.\"\n\nOmi said it again, more simply.\n\n\"Ah, understand. Yes. It better.\"\n\n\"Yes. Lord Yabu said—now that you're completely samurai—that you should begin to learn much that we take for granted. How to act as a second at a seppuku, for example—even to prepare for your own seppuku as we're all obliged to do. Yes, Anjin-san, you should learn to use the swords. Very necessary for a samurai to know how to use and honor his sword, neh?\"\n\nBlackthorne did not understand half the words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he knew what Omi was saying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At least, he corrected himself uneasily, I know what he's saying on the surface." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should naturally weave in this dialogue: \"Please, one day you teaches—sorry, you teach perhaps? Please? I honored.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. True. Important,\" he told him. \"Please, one day you teaches—sorry, you teach perhaps? Please? I honored.\"\n\n\"Yes—I'd like to teach you, Anjin-san.\"\n\nBlackthorne's hackles rose at the implied threat in Omi's voice. Watch it, he admonished himself. Don't start imagining things. \"Thank you. Now walk there, please? Little time. You go with? Yes?\"\n\n\"Very well, Anjin-san. But we'll ride. I'll join you shortly.\" Omi walked off up the hill, into his own courtyard.\n\nBlackthorne ordered a servant to saddle his horse and mounted awkwardly from the right side, as was custom in Japan and China." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't think there'd be much future in letting him teach me swordsmanship, he told himself, his right hand nudging the concealed pistol safer, its pleasing warmth reassuring. This confidence vanished when Omi reappeared. With him were four mounted samurai.\n\nTogether they all cantered up the broken road toward the plateau. They passed many samurai companies in full marching gear, armed, under their officers, spear pennants fluttering. When they crested the rise, they saw that the entire Musket Regiment was drawn up outside the camp in route order, each man standing beside his armed horse, a baggage train in the rear, Yabu, Naga, and their officers in the van. The rain began to fall heavily.\n\n\"All troops go?\" Blackthorne asked, perturbed, and reined in his horse.\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Go Spa with Toranaga-sama, Omi-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: No. Not see, so sorry. He go Spa too?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne's sense of survival warned him to ask no more questions. But one needed to be answered. \"And Buntaro-sama?\" he asked indifferently. \"He with us tomorrow, Omi-san?\"\n\n\"No. He's already gone. This morning he was in the square when you left the Tea House. Didn't you see him, near the Tea House?\"\n\nBlackthorne could read nothing untoward in Omi's face. \"No. Not see, so sorry. He go Spa too?\"\n\n\"I suppose so. I'm not sure.\" The rain dripped off Omi's conical hat, which was tied under his chin. His eyes were almost hidden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now, why did you want me to come here with you?\"\n\n\"Show place, like I say.\" Before Omi could say anything more, Blackthorne spurred his horse forward. With his most careful sea sense he took accurate bearings from memory and went quickly to the exact point over the crevasse. He dismounted and beckoned Omi. \"Please.\"\n\n\"What is it, eh?\" Omi's voice was edged.\n\n\"Please, here Omi-san. Alone.\"\n\nOmi waved his guards away and spurred forward until he towered over Blackthorne. \"Nan desu ka?\" he asked, his hand seemingly tightening on his sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This place Toranaga-sama... \" Blackthorne could not think of the words, so explained partially with his hands. \"Understand?\"\n\n\"Here you pulled him out of the earth, neh? So?\"\n\nBlackthorne looked at him, then deliberately down at his sword, then stared up at him again saying nothing more. He wiped the rain out of his face.\n\n\"Nan desu ka?\" Omi repeated more irritably.\n\nStill Blackthorne didn't answer. Omi stared down at the crevasse and again at Blackthorne's face. Then his eyes lit up. \"Ah, so desu! Wakarimasu!\" Omi thought a moment then called out to one of the guards, \"Get Mura here at once. With twenty men and shovels!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai galloped off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi sent the others back to the village, then dismounted and stood beside Blackthorne." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required text (preserve exact wording): \"Toranaga-sama lost his swords here. Swords very valuable. He'll be happy to get them back. Very happy, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Anjin-san,\" he said, \"that's an excellent thought. A good idea.\"\n\n\"Idea? What idea?\" Blackthorne asked innocently. \"Just show place—think you want know place, neh? So sorry—don't understand.\"\n\nOmi said, \"Toranaga-sama lost his swords here. Swords very valuable. He'll be happy to get them back. Very happy, neh?\"\n\n\"Ah so! No my idea, Omi-san,\" Blackthorne said. \"Omi-san idea.\"\n\n\"Of course. Thank you, Anjin-san. You're a good friend and your mind's fast. I should have thought of that myself. Yes, you're a good friend and we'll all need friends for the next few months. War's with us now whether we want it or not.\"\n\n\"Please? So sorry. I don't understand, speak too fast. Please excuse.\"\n\n\"Glad we're friends—you and me. Understand?\"\n\n\"Hai. You say war? War now?\"\n\n\"Soon. What can we do? Nothing. Don't worry, Toranaga-sama will conquer Ishido and his traitors. That's the truth, understand? No worry, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Understand. I go now, my house. All right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. See you at dawn. Again thank you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne nodded. But he did not leave. \"She's pretty, neh?\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Kiku-san.\" Blackthorne's legs were slightly apart and he was poised to jump back and pull out the pistol, and aim it and fire it. He remembered with total clarity the unbelievable, effortless speed that Omi had used to decapitate the first villager so long ago, and he was ready as best he could be. He reasoned his only safety was to precipitate the matter of Kiku. Omi would never do it. Omi would consider such bad manners unthinkable. And, filled with shame at his own weakness, Omi would lock his very un-Japanese jealousy away into a secret compartment. Because it was so alien and shame-filled, this jealousy would fester until, when it was least expected, Omi would explode blindly and ferociously.\n\n\"Kiku-san?\" Omi said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hai.\" Blackthorne could see that Omi was rocked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even so he was glad he had chosen the time and the place. \"She's pretty, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pretty?\"\n\n\"Hai.\"\n\nThe rain increased. The heavy drops spattered the mud. Their horses shivered uncomfortably. Both men were soaked but the rain was warm and it ran off them.\n\n\"Yes,\" Omi said. \"Kiku-san is very pretty,\" and followed it with a torrent of words Blackthorne did not fathom.\n\n\"No words enough now, Omi-san—not enough to speak clear now,\" Blackthorne said. \"Later yes. Not now. Understand?\"\n\nOmi seemed not to hear. Then he said, \"There's plenty of time, Anjin-san, plenty of time to talk about her, and about you and me and karma. But I agree, now is not the time, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Think understand. Yes. Yesterday not know Omi-san and Kiku-san good friends,\" he said, pressing the attack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's not my property.\"\n\n\"Now know you and her very friends. Now—\"\n\n\"Now leave. This matter is closed. The woman is nothing. Nothing.\"\n\nStubbornly Blackthorne stayed where he was. \"Next time I—\"\n\n\"This conversation is over! Didn't you hear? Finished!\"\n\n\"Iyé! Iyé, by God!\"\n\nOmi's hand went for his sword. Blackthorne leaped back two paces without realizing it. But Omi did not draw his sword and Blackthorne did not pull out his pistol. Both men readied, though neither wanted to begin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you want to say, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Next time, first I ask—about Kiku-san. If Omi-san say yes—yes. If no—no! Understand? Friend to friend, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi relaxed his sword hand slightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I repeat—she's not my property. Thank you for showing me this place, Anjin-san. Good-by.\"\n\n\"Friend?\"\n\n\"Of course.\" Omi walked over to Blackthorne's horse and held the bridle. Blackthorne swung into the saddle.\n\nHe looked down at Omi. If he could have got away with it he knew he would have blown the samurai's head off right now. That would be his safest course. \"Good-by, Omi-san, and thank you.\"\n\n\"Good-by, Anjin-san.\" Omi watched Blackthorne ride off and did not turn his back until he was over the rise. He marked the exact place in the crevasse with some stones and then, in turmoil, squatted on his haunches to wait, oblivious of the deluge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon Mura and the peasants arrived, bespattered with mud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Toranaga-sama fell into the crevasse exactly at this point, Mura. His swords are buried here. Bring them to me before sunset.\"\n\n\"Yes, Omi-sama.\"\n\n\"If you'd had any brains, if you were interested in me, your liege Lord, you would have done it already.\"\n\n\"Please excuse my stupidity.\"\n\nOmi rode off. They watched him briefly, then spread themselves out in a circle around the stones, and began to dig.\n\nMura dropped his voice. \"Uo, you'll go with the baggage train.\"\n\n\"Yes, Mura-san. But how?\"\n\n\"I'll offer you to the Anjin-san. He won't know any different.\"\n\n\"But his consort, oh ko, she will,\" Uo whispered back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's not going with him. I hear her burns are bad. She's to go by ship to Yedo later. You know what to do?\"\n\n\"Seek out the Holy Father privately, answer any questions.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Mura relaxed and began to talk normally. \"You can go with the Anjin-san, Uo, he'll pay well. Make yourself useful, but not too useful or he'll take you all the way to Yedo.\"\n\nUo laughed. \"Hey, I hear Yedo's so rich everyone pisses into silver pots—even eta. And the women have skins like sea foam with no pubics at all.\"\n\n\"Is that true, Mura-san?\" another villager asked. \"They've no short hair?\"\n\n\"Yedo was just a stinking little fishing village, nothing as good as Anjiro, when I was there the first time,\" Mura told them, without stopping digging. \"That was with Toranaga-sama when we were all hunting down the Beppu. We took more than three thousand heads between us. As to pubics, all the girls I've known had them, except one from Korea, but she said she'd had them plucked, one by one.\"\n\n\"What some women will do to attract us, heh?\" someone said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. But I'd like to see that,\" Ninjin said toothlessly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I'd like to see a Jade Gate without a bush.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd gamble a boatload of fish against a bucket of shit that it hurt to pull out those hairs.\" Uo whistled.\n\n\"When I'm a kami I'm going to inhabit Kiku-san's Heavenly Pavilion! They say she was born perfumed and hairless!\"\n\nAmid laughter, Uo asked, \"Did it make any difference, Mura-san, to attack the Jade Gate without the bush?\"\n\n\"It was the nearest I ever got. Eeeeh! I got closer and deeper than ever before and that's important, neh? So I know it's always better for the girl to take off the bush though some are superstitious about it and some complain of the itch. It's still closer for you and so closer for her—and getting close makes all the difference, neh?\" They laughed and put their backs into the digging. The pit grew under the rain.\n\n\"I'll wager the Anjin-san got plenty close last night for her to stand at the gateway like that! Eeee, what wouldn't I give to have been him.\" Uo wiped the sweat off his brow. Like all of them he wore only a loincloth and a bamboo, conical hat, and was barefoot.\n\n\"Eeee! I was there, Uo, in the square, and I saw it all. I saw her smile and I felt it down through my Fruit and into my toes.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: I have to admit just her smile made me stiff as an oar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" another said. \"I have to admit just her smile made me stiff as an oar.\"\n\n\"But not as big as the Anjin-san, eh, Mura-san?\" Uo chuckled. \"Go on, please tell us the story again.\"\n\nHappily Mura obliged and told about the first night and the bath house. His story had improved in the many tellings, but none of them minded.\n\n\"Oh, to be so vast!\" Uo mimed carrying a giant erection before him, and laughed so much he slipped in the mud.\n\n\"Who'd have thought the barbarian stranger'd ever get from the pit to paradise?\" Mura leaned on his shovel a moment, collecting his breath. \"I'd never have believed it—like an ancient legend. Karma, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps he was one of us—in a previous life—and he's come back with the same mind but a different skin.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ninjin nodded. \"That's possible. Must be—because from what the Holy Father said I thought he'd be burning in the Devil's Hell Furnace long since. Didn't the Father say he'd put a special curse on him? I heard him bring down the vengeance of the great Jesus kami himself on the Anjin-san and, oh ko, even I was very frightened.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'golden' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He crossed himself and the others hardly noticed. \"But the Jesus Christ Madonna God punishes His enemies very strangely if you ask me.\"\n\nUo said, \"Well, I'm not a Christian, as well you know, but, so sorry, it seems to me the Anjin-san's a good man, please excuse me, and better than the Christian Father who stank and cursed and frightened everyone. And he's been good to us, neh? He treats his people well—some say he's Lord Toranaga's friend, must be with all his honors, neh? And don't forget Kiku-san honored him with her Golden Gully.\"\n\n\"It's golden all right. I heard the night cost him five koban!\"\n\n\"Fifteen koku for one night?\" Ninjin spluttered. \"Eeeeeee, how lucky the Anjin-san is! His karma's vast for an enemy of God the Father, Son, and Madonna.\"\n\nMura said, \"He paid one koban—three koku. But if you think that's a lot... \" He stopped and looked around conspiratorially to make sure there were no eavesdroppers, though of course in this rain he knew there would be none—and even if there were, what did that matter?\n\nThey all stopped and moved closer. \"Yes, Mura-san?\"\n\n\"I just had it whispered to me she's going to be Lord Toranaga's consort. He bought her contract this morning. Three thousand koku.\"\n\nIt was a mind-boggling figure, more than their whole village earned in fish and rice in twenty years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their respect for her increased, if that were possible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And for the Anjin-san, who was therefore the last man on earth to enjoy her as a courtesan of the First Rank." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'digging' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eeee!\" Uo mumbled, hard put to talk. \"So much money—I don't know whether I want to vomit or piss or fart.\"\n\n\"Do none,\" said Mura laconically. \"Dig. Let's find the swords.\"\n\nThey obeyed, each lost in his own thoughts. Inexorably, the pit was deepening.\n\nSoon Ninjin, whipped by worry, could contain himself no longer, and he stopped digging. \"Mura-san, please excuse me, but what have you decided about the new taxes?\" he asked. The others stopped.\n\nMura kept on digging at his methodical, grinding pace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's there to decide? Yabu-sama says pay, so we pay, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But Toranaga-sama cut our taxes to four parts out of ten and he's our liege Lord now.\"\n\n\"True. But Lord Yabu was given back Izu—and Suruga and Totomi as well—and made overlord again, so who is our liege Lord?\"\n\n\"Toranaga-sama. Surely, Mura-san, Tora—\"\n\n\"Are you going to complain to him, Ninjin? Eh? Wake up, Yabu-sama's overlord as he always was. Nothing's changed. And if he puts up taxes we pay more taxes. Finish!\"\n\n\"But that'll take all our winter stocks. All of them.\" Ninjin's voice was an infuriating whine but all knew the truth of what he said. \"Even with the rice we stole—\"\n\n\"The rice we've saved,\" Uo hissed at him, correcting him.\n\n\"Even with that, there won't be enough to last through winter. We'll have to sell a boat or two—\"\n\n\"We sell no boats,\" Mura said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He jabbed his shovel into the mud and wiped the sweat out of his eyes, retied the string of his hat more firmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he began to dig again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Work, Ninjin. That will take your mind off tomorrow.\"\n\n\"How do we last the winter, Mura-san?\"\n\n\"We still have to get through the summer.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Ninjin agreed bitterly. \"We've paid more than two years' taxes in advance, and still it's not enough.\"\n\n\"Karma, Ninjin,\" Uo said.\n\n\"War's coming. Perhaps we'll get a new lord who'll be fairer, neh?\" another said.\n\n\"He can't be worse—no one can be worse.\"\n\n\"Don't wager on that,\" Mura told them all. \"You're alive—you can be very dead very quickly and then no more Golden Gullies, with or without the forest.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His shovel hit a rock and he stopped." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Give me a hand, Uo, old friend.\"\n\nTogether they fought the rock out of the mud. Uo whispered anxiously, \"Mura-san, what if the Holy Father asks about the weapons?\"\n\n\"Tell him. And tell him we're ready—that Anjiro's ready.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 11 sentences. Context: May include pre-existing characters and lore." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They came to Yokosé by noon. Buntaro had already intercepted Zataki the previous evening and, as Toranaga had ordered, had welcomed him with great formality. \"I asked him to camp outside the village, to the north, Sire, until the meeting place could be prepared,\" Buntaro said. \"The formal meeting's to take place here this afternoon, if it pleases you.\" He added humorlessly, \"I thought the Hour of the Goat would be auspicious.\"\n\n\"Good.\"\n\n\"He wanted to meet you tonight but I overruled that. I told him you'd be 'honored' to meet today or tomorrow, whichever he wished, but not after dark.\"\n\nToranaga grunted approval but did not yet dismount from his lathered horse. He wore a breastplate, helmet, and light bamboo armor, like his equally travel-stained escort. Again he looked around carefully. The clearing had been well chosen with no chance for ambush." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were no trees or houses within range that could hide archers or musketeers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just east of the village the land was flat and somewhat higher." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "North, west, and south were guarded by the village and by the wooden bridge that spanned the fast-flowing river. Here at the narrows the water was swirling and rock-infested. Eastward, behind him and his weary, sweated riders, the track climbed steeply up the pass to the misted crest, five ri away. Mountains towered all around, many volcanic, and most with their peaks sleeping in the overcast. In the center of the clearing a twelve-mat dais had been especially erected on low pilings. A tall rush canopy covered it. Haste did not show in the craftsmanship. Two brocade cushions faced each other on the tatamis.\n\n\"I've men there, there, and there,\" Buntaro continued, pointing with his bow at all the overlooking outcrops. \"You can see for many ri in all directions, Sire. Good defensive positions—the bridge and the whole village are covered. Eastward your retreat's secured by more men. Of course, the bridge is locked tight with sentries and I've left an 'honor guard' of a hundred men at his camp.\"\n\n\"Lord Zataki's there now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Sire. I selected an inn for him and his equerries on the outskirts of the village, to the north, worthy of his rank, and invited him to enjoy the baths there. That inn's isolated and secured. I implied you'd be going on to Shuzenji Spa tomorrow and he'd be your guest.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro indicated a neat, single-story inn on the edge of the clearing that faced the best view, near to a hot spring that bubbled from the rock into a natural bath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That inn's yours, Sire.\" In front of the inn was a group of men, all on their knees, their heads very low, bowing motionlessly toward them. \"They're the headman and village elders. I didn't know if you wanted to see them at once.\"\n\n\"Later.\" Toranaga's horse neighed wearily and cast its head about, the bridles jingling. He gentled him, and now completely satisfied with the security, he signed to his men and dismounted. One of Buntaro's samurai caught his reins—the samurai, like Buntaro and all of them, armored, battle-armed, and ready.\n\nToranaga stretched gratefully and limbered up to ease the cramped muscles in his back and legs. He had led the way from Anjiro in a single forced march, stopping only to change mounts. The rest of the baggage train under Omi's command—palanquins and bearers—was still far behind, strung out on the road that came down from the crest. The road from Anjiro had snaked along the coast, then branched. They had taken the west road inland and climbed steadily through luxuriant forests teeming with game, Mount Omura to their right, the peaks of the volcanic Amagi Range on their left soaring almost five thousand feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ride had exhilarated him—at last some action!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Part of the journey had been through such good hawking country that he promised himself, one day, he would hunt all Izu.\n\n\"Good. Yes, very good,\" he said over the bustle of his men dismounting and chattering and sorting themselves out. \"You've done well.\"\n\n\"If you want to honor me, Sire, I beg you to allow me to obliterate Lord Zataki and his men at once.\"\n\n\"He insulted you?\"\n\n\"No—on the contrary—his manners were worthy of a courtier, but the flag he travels under's a treason against you.\"\n\n\"Patience. How often do I have to tell you?\" Toranaga said, not unkindly.\n\n\"I'm afraid forever, Sire,\" Buntaro replied gruffly. \"Please excuse me.\"\n\n\"You used to be his friend.\"\n\n\"He used to be your ally.\"\n\n\"He saved your life at Odawara.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We were on the same side at Odawara,\" Buntaro said bleakly, then burst out, \"How can he do this to you, Sire? Your own brother! Haven't you favored him, fought on the same side—all his life?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"People change.\" Toranaga put his full attention on the dais. Delicate silk curtains had been hung from the rafters over the platform for decoration. Ornamental brocade tassels that matched the cushions made a pleasing frieze and larger ones were on the four corner posts. \"It's much too rich and gives the meeting too much importance,\" he said. \"Make it simple. Remove the curtains, all the tassels and cushions, return them to the merchants, and if they won't give the quartermaster back the money, tell him to sell them. Get four cushions, not two—simple, chaff-filled.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\nToranaga's gaze fell on the spring and he wandered over to it. The water, steaming and sulphurous, hissed as it came from a cleft in the rocks. His body ached for a bath. \"And the Christian?\" he asked.\n\n\"Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tsukku-san, the Christian priest?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh him! He's somewhere in the village, but the other side of the bridge. He's forbidden this side without your permission. Why? Is it important? He said something about how he'd be honored to see you, when convenient. Do you want him here now?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "💬 Please integrate this quote: \"I understand. You want me to send for him now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Was he alone?\"\n\nBuntaro's lip curled. \"No. He had an escort of twenty acolytes, all tonsured like him—all Kyushu men, Sire, all well-born and all samurai. All well mounted but no weapons. I had them searched. Thoroughly.\"\n\n\"And him?\"\n\n\"Of course him—him more than any. There were four carrier pigeons among his luggage. I confiscated them.\"\n\n\"Good. Destroy them... Some fool did it in error, so sorry, neh?\"\n\n\"I understand. You want me to send for him now?\"\n\n\"Later. I'll see him later.\"\n\nBuntaro frowned. \"Was it wrong to search him?\"\n\nToranaga shook his head, and absently looked back at the crest, lost in thought. Then he said, \"Send a couple of men we can trust to watch the Musket Regiment.\"\n\n\"I've already done that, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro's face lit up with grim satisfaction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And Lord Yabu's personal guards contain some of our ears and eyes. He won't be able to fart without your knowing it, if that's your wish.\"\n\n\"Good.\" The head of the baggage train, still far distant, rounded a bend in the curling track. Toranaga could see the three palanquins, Omi mounted in the lead as ordered, the Anjin-san beside him now, also riding easily.\n\nHe turned his back on them. \"I've brought your wife with me.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"She's asking my permission to go to Osaka.\"\n\nBuntaro stared at him, but said nothing. Then he squinted back at the barely discernible figures.\n\n\"I gave her my approval—providing, of course, that you also approve.\"\n\n\"Whatever you approve, Sire, I approve,\" Buntaro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can allow her to go by land from Mishima or she can accompany the Anjin-san to Yedo, and go by sea to Osaka from there. The Anjin-san's agreed to be responsible for her—if you approve.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would be safer by sea.\" Buntaro was smoldering.\n\n\"This all depends on Lord Zataki's message. If Ishido's formally declared war on me, then of course I must forbid it. If not, your wife can go on tomorrow or the day after, if you approve.\"\n\n\"Whatever you decide I agree to.\"\n\n\"This afternoon pass over your duties to Naga-san. This is a good moment to make peace between you and your wife.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Sire. I should stay with my men. I beg you to leave me with my men. Until you're safely away.\"\n\n\"Tonight you will pass over your duties to my son. You and your wife will join me at my evening meal. You will stay at the inn. You will make a peace.\"\n\nBuntaro stared at the ground. Then he said, even more stonily, \"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"You're ordered to attempt a peace,\" said Toranaga. He was in a mind to add \"an honorable peace is better than war, neh?\" But that wasn't true and might have begun a philosophic argument and he was tired and wanted no arguments, just a bath and a rest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now fetch the headman!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The headman and elders fell over themselves in their haste to bow before him, welcoming him in the most extravagant way. Toranaga told them bluntly that the bill they would present to his quartermaster when he left would of course be fair and reasonable. \"Neh?\"\n\n\"Hai,\" they chorused humbly, blessing the gods for their unexpected good fortune and the fat pickings that this visit would inevitably bring them. With many more bows and compliments, saying how proud and honored they were to be allowed to serve the greatest daimyo in the Empire, the sprightly old headman ushered him into the inn.\n\nToranaga inspected it completely through coveys of bowing, smiling maids of all ages, the pick of the village. There were ten rooms around a nondescript garden with a small cha house in the center, kitchens in the back, and to the west, nestling the rocks, a large bath house fed from the living springs. The whole inn was neatly fenced—a covered walk led to the bath—and it was easy to defend.\n\n\"I don't need the whole inn, Buntaro-san,\" he said, standing again on the veranda. \"Three rooms will be sufficient—one for myself, one for the Anjin-san, and one for the women. You take a fourth. There's no need to pay for the rest.\"\n\n\"My quartermaster tells me he made a very good arrangement for the whole inn, Sire, day by day, better than half price, and it's still out of season. I approved the cost because of your security.\"\n\n\"Very well,\" Toranaga agreed reluctantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I want to see the bill before we leave. There's no need to waste money. You'd better fill the rooms with guards, four to a room.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\" Buntaro had already decided to do that. He watched Toranaga stride off with two personal guards, surrounded by four of the prettiest maids, to go to his room in the east wing. Dully, he was wondering, what women? What women needed the room? Fujiko? Never mind, he thought tiredly, I'll know soon enough.\n\nA maid fluttered past. She smiled brightly at him and he smiled back mechanically. She was young and pretty and soft-skinned and he had pillowed with her last night. But the joining had given him no pleasure and though she was deft and enthusiastic and well-trained, his lust soon vanished—he had never felt desire for her. Eventually, for the sake of good manners, he had pretended to reach the pinnacle, as she had pretended, and then she had left him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still brooding, he walked out of the courtyard to stare up at the road." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why Osaka?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the Hour of the Goat the sentries on the bridge stood aside. The cortege began to cross. First were heralds carrying banners bedecked with the all-powerful cipher of the Regents, then the rich palanquin, and finally more guards.\n\nVillagers bowed. All were on their knees, secretly agog at such richness and pomp. The headman had cautiously asked if he should assemble all their people to honor the occasion. Toranaga had sent a message that those who were not working could watch, with their masters' permission. So the headman, with even more care, had selected a deputation that included mostly the old and the obedient young, just enough to make a show—though every adult would have liked to be present—but not enough to go against the great daimyo's orders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All who could were watching surreptitiously from vantage points in windows and doors.\n\nSaigawa Zataki, Lord of Shinano, was taller than Toranaga, and younger by five years, with the same breadth of shoulders and prominent nose. But his stomach was flat, the stubble of his beard black and heavy, his eyes mere slits in his face. Though there seemed to be an uncanny resemblance between the half brothers when they were apart, now that they were together they were quite dissimilar. Zataki's kimono was rich, his armor glittering and ceremonial, his swords well used.\n\n\"Welcome, brother.\" Toranaga stepped off the dais and bowed. He wore the simplest of kimonos and soldier's straw sandals. And swords." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me for receiving you so informally, but I came as quickly as I could.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me for disturbing you. You look well, brother. Very well.\" Zataki got out of the palanquin and bowed in return, beginning the interminable, meticulous formalities of the ceremonial that now ruled both of them.\n\n\"Please take this cushion, Lord Zataki.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, I would be honored if you would be seated first, Lord Toranaga.\"\n\n\"You're so kind. But please, honor me by sitting first.\"\n\nThey continued playing the game that they had played so many times before, with each other and with friends and enemies, climbing the ladder of power, enjoying the rules that governed each movement and each phrase, that protected their individual honor so that neither could ever make a mistake and endanger himself or his mission." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'samurai' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At length they were seated opposite each other on the cushions, two sword lengths away. Buntaro was behind and to the left of Toranaga. Zataki's chief aide, an elderly gray-haired samurai, was behind and to his left. Around the dais, twenty paces away, were seated ranks of Toranaga samurai, all deliberately still costumed in the clothing they'd journeyed in, but their weapons in perfect condition. Omi was seated on the earth at the edge of the dais, Naga at the opposite side. Zataki's men were dressed formally and richly, their vast, wing-shouldered overmantles belted with silver buckles. But they were equally well armed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They settled themselves, also twenty paces away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko served ceremonial cha and there was innocuous, formal conversation between the two brothers. At the correct time Mariko bowed and left, Buntaro achingly aware of her and vastly proud of her grace and beauty. And then, too soon, Zataki said brusquely, \"I bring orders from the Council of Regents.\"\n\nA sudden hush fell on the square. Everyone, even his own men, was aghast at Zataki's lack of manners, at the insolent way he had said \"orders\" and not \"message,\" and at his failure to wait for Toranaga to ask, \"How can I be of service?\" as ceremony demanded.\n\nNaga shot a quick glance away from Zataki's sword arm to his father. He saw the flush on Toranaga's neck that was an infallible sign of impending explosion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Toranaga's face was tranquil, and Naga was amazed as he heard the controlled reply: \"So sorry, you have orders? For whom, Brother? Surely you have a message?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zataki ripped two small scrolls out of his sleeve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro's hand almost flashed for his waiting sword at the unexpected suddenness, for ritual called for all movements to be slow and deliberate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga had not moved.\n\nZataki broke the seal of the first scroll and read in a loud, chilling voice: \"By order of the Council of Regents, in the name of Emperor Go-Nijo, the Son of Heaven: We greet our illustrious vassal Yoshi Toranaga-noh-Minowara and invite him to make obeisance before us in Osaka forthwith, and invite him to inform our illustrious ambassador, the Regent, Lord Saigawa Zataki, if our invitation is accepted or refused—forthwith.\"\n\nHe looked up and in an equally loud voice continued, \"It's signed by all Regents and sealed with the Great Seal of the Realm.\" Haughtily he placed the scroll in front of him. Toranaga signaled to Buntaro, who went forward, bowed low to Zataki, picked up the scroll, turned to Toranaga, bowed again. Toranaga accepted the scroll, and motioned Buntaro back to his place.\n\nToranaga studied the scroll interminably." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All the signatures are genuine,\" Zataki said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you accept or refuse?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a subdued voice, so that only those on the dais and Omi and Naga could hear him, Toranaga said, \"Why shouldn't I take your head for your foul manners?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because I'm my mother's son,\" Zataki replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That won't protect you if you continue this way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then she'll die before her time.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'takato' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\n\"The Lady, our mother, is in Takato.\" Takato was the landlocked, impregnable fortress and capital city of Shinano, Zataki's province. \"I regret her body will stay there forever.\"\n\n\"Bluff! You honor her as much as I do.\"\n\n\"On her immortal spirit, Brother, as much as I honor her, I detest what you're doing to the realm even more.\"\n\n\"I seek no more territory and no—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You seek to overthrow the succession.\"\n\n\"Wrong again, and I'll always protect my nephew from traitors.\"\n\n\"You seek the Heir's downfall, that is what I believe, so I've decided to stay alive and lock Shinano and the northern route against you, whatever the cost, and I'll continue to do that until the Kwanto's in friendly hands—whatever the cost.\"\n\n\"In your hands, Brother?\"\n\n\"Any safe hands—which excludes yours. Brother.\"\n\n\"You trust Ishido?\"\n\n\"I trust no one, you've taught me that. Ishido's Ishido, but his loyalty's unquestioned. Even you'll admit that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll admit that Ishido's trying to destroy me and split the realm, that he's usurped power and that he's breaking the Taikō's will.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But you did plot with Lord Sugiyama to wreck the Council of Regents. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The vein in Zataki's forehead was throbbing like a black worm." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'sugiyama' | Required occurrences: 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What can you say? One of his counselors admitted the treason: that you plotted with Sugiyama for him to accept Lord Ito in your place, then to resign the day before the first meeting and escape by night, and so throw the realm into confusion. I heard the confession—Brother.\"\n\n\"Were you one of the murderers?\"\n\nZataki flushed. \"Overzealous ronin killed Sugiyama, not I, nor any of Ishido's men!\"\n\n\"Curious that you took his place as Regent so quickly, neh?\"\n\n\"No. My lineage is as ancient as yours. But I didn't order the death, nor did Ishido—he swore it on his honor as a samurai. So do I. Ronin killed Sugiyama, but he deserved to die.\"\n\n\"By torture, dishonored in a filthy cellar, his children and consorts hacked up in front of him?\"\n\n\"That's a rumor spread by filthy malcontents—perhaps by your spies—to discredit Lord Ishido and through him the Lady Ochiba and the Heir. There's no proof of that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look at their bodies.\"\n\n\"The ronin set fire to the house. There are no bodies.\"\n\n\"So convenient, neh? How can you be so gullible? You're not a stupid peasant!\"\n\n\"I refuse to sit here and listen to this manure. Give me your answer now. And then either take my head and she dies or let me go.\" Zataki leaned forward. \"Within moments of my head leaving my shoulders, ten carrier pigeons will be racing north for Takato. I have trustworthy men north, east, and west, a day's march away, out of your reach, and if they fail there are more in safety across your borders. If you take my head or have me assassinated or if I die in Izu—whatever the reason—she dies also. Now, either take my head or let's finish the giving of the scrolls and I'll leave Izu at once. Choose!\"\n\n\"Ishido murdered Lord Sugiyama. In time I can get you proof. That's important, neh? I only need a little—\"\n\n\"You've no more time! Forthwith, the message said. Of course you refuse to obey, good, so it's done. Here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zataki put the second scroll on the tatamis. \"Here's your formal impeachment and order to commit seppuku, which you'll treat with equal contempt—may Lord Buddha forgive you! Now everything's done. I'll leave at once, and the next time we meet will be on a battlefield and by the Lord Buddha, before sunset on the same day, I've promised myself I'll see your head on a spike.\"\n\nToranaga kept his eyes on his adversary. \"Lord Sugiyama was your friend and mine. Our comrade, as honorable a samurai as ever lived. The truth about his death should be of importance to you.\"\n\n\"Yours has more importance, Brother.\"\n\n\"Ishido's sucked you in like a starving infant at its mother's tit.\"\n\nZataki turned to his counselor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"On your honor as a samurai, have I posted men and what is the message?\"\n\nThe gray-haired, dignified old samurai, chief of Zataki's confidants and well known to Toranaga as an honorable man, felt sickened and ashamed by the blatant display of hatred, as was everyone within hearing. \"So sorry, Lord,\" he said in a choked whisper, bowing to Toranaga, \"but my Master is of course telling the truth. How could this be questioned? And, please excuse me, but it is my duty, with all honor and humility, to point out to both of you that such... such astonishing and shameful lack of politeness between you is not worthy of your rank or the solemnity of this occasion. If your vassals—if they could have heard—I doubt if either of you could have held them back. You forget your duty as samurai and your duty to your men. Please excuse me\"—he bowed to both of them—\"but it had to be said.\" Then he added, \"All messages were the same, Lord Toranaga, and under the official seal of Lord Zataki: 'Put the Lady, my mother, to death at once.'\"\n\n\"How can I prove I'm not trying to overthrow the Heir?\" Toranaga asked his brother.\n\n\"Immediately abdicate all your titles and power to your son and heir, Lord Sudara, and commit seppuku today. Then I and all my men—to the last man—will support Sudara as Lord of the Kwanto.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll consider what you've said.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'toranaga' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eh?\"\n\n\"I'll consider what you've said.\" Toranaga repeated it more firmly. \"We'll meet tomorrow at this time, if it pleases you.\"\n\nZataki's face twisted. \"Is this another of your tricks? What's there to meet about?\"\n\n\"About what you said, and about this.\" Toranaga held up the scroll that was in his hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll give you my answer tomorrow.\"\n\n\"Buntaro-san!\" Zataki motioned at the second scroll. \"Please give this to your master.\"\n\n\"No!\" Toranaga's voice reverberated around the clearing. Then, with great ceremony, he added loudly, \"I am honored formally to accept the Council's message and will submit my answer to their illustrious ambassador, my brother, the Lord of Shinano, tomorrow at this time.\"\n\nZataki stared at him suspiciously. \"What possible ans—\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Lord,\" the old samurai interrupted quietly with grave dignity, again keeping the conversation private, \"so sorry, but Lord Toranaga is perfectly correct to suggest this. It is a solemn choice you have given him, a choice not contained in the scrolls. It is fair and honorable that he should be given the time he requires.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zataki picked up the second scroll and shoved it back into his sleeve." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very well. I agree. Lord Toranaga, please excuse my bad manners. Lastly, please tell me where Kasigi Yabu is? I've a scroll for him. Only one in his case.\"\n\n\"I'll send him to you.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 11 sentences. Context: May include pre-existing characters and lore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The falcon closed her wings and fell a thousand feet out of the evening sky and smashed into the fleeing pigeon with a burst of feathers, then caught it in her talons and carried it earthward, still falling like a stone, and then, a few feet off the ground, she released her now dead prey, braked frantically and landed on it perfectly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ek-ek-ek-eeekk!\" she shrieked, fluttering her neck feathers in pride, her talons ripping off the pigeon's head in her ecstasy of conquest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga, with Naga as his equerry, galloped up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The daimyo slid off his horse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He called her gently to fist. Obediently she stepped up onto his glove. At once she was rewarded with a morsel of flesh from a previous kill. He slipped on her hood, tightening the thongs with his teeth. Naga picked up the pigeon and put it into the half-full game bag that hung from his father's saddle, then turned and beckoned to the distant beaters and guards.\n\nToranaga got back into the saddle, the falcon comfortably on his glove, held by her thin leather jesses. He looked up into the sky, measuring the light still remaining.\n\nIn the late afternoon the sun had broken through, and now in the valley, the day dying fast, the sun long since bedded by the western crest, it was cool and pleasant. The clouds were northward, pushed there by the dominant wind, hovering over the mountain peaks and hiding many. At this altitude, landlocked, the air was clean and sweet.\n\n\"We should have a good day tomorrow, Naga-san. Cloudless, I'd imagine. I think I'll hunt with the dawn.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Father.\" Naga watched him, perplexed, afraid to ask questions as always, yet wanting to know everything. He could not fathom how his father could be so detached after such a hideous meeting. To bow Zataki away with the due ceremony then, at once, to summon his hawks and beaters and guards and halloo them away to the rolling hills beyond the forest, seemed to Naga to be an unearthly display of self-control. Just the thought of Zataki made Naga's flesh crawl now, and he knew that the old counselor was right: if one tenth of the conversation had been overheard, samurai would have leapt to defend their lord's honor. If it weren't for the threat that hung over his revered grandmother's head, he would have rushed at Zataki himself. I suppose that's why my father is what he is, and is where he is, he thought...\n\nHis eyes picked out horsemen breaking from the forest below and galloping up toward them over the rolling foothills. Beyond the dark green of the forest, the river was a twisted ribbon of black. The lights in the inns blinked like fireflies. \"Father!\"\n\n\"Eh? Ah yes, I see them now. Who are they?\"\n\n\"Yabu-san, Omi-san and... eight guards.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your eyes are better than mine. Ah yes, now I recognize them.\"\n\nNaga said without thinking, \"I wouldn't have let Yabu-san go alone to Lord Zataki without—\" He stopped and stuttered, \"Please excuse me.\"\n\n\"Why wouldn't you have sent Yabu-san alone?\"\n\nNaga cursed himself for opening his mouth and quailed under Toranaga's gaze. \"Please excuse me, because then I'd never know what secret arrangement they would have made. He could, Father, easily. I would have kept them apart—please excuse me. I don't trust him.\"\n\n\"If Yabu-san and Zataki-san plan treachery behind my back, they'll do it whether I send a witness or not. Sometimes it's wiser to give a quarry extra line—that's how to catch a fish, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, please excuse me.\"\n\nToranaga realized that his son didn't understand, would never understand, would always be merely a hawk to hurl at an enemy, swift, sharp, and deadly.\n\n\"I'm glad you understand, my son,\" he said to encourage him, knowing his good qualities, and valuing them. \"You're a good son,\" he added, meaning it.\n\n\"Thank you, Father,\" Naga said, filled with pride at the rare compliment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I only hope you'll forgive my stupidities and teach me to serve you better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're not stupid.\" Yabu's stupid, Toranaga almost added. The less people know the better, and it's not necessary to stretch your mind, Naga. You're so young—my youngest but for your half brother, Tadateru. How old is he? Ah, seven, yes, he'd be seven.\n\nHe watched the approaching horsemen a moment. \"How's your mother, Naga?\"\n\n\"As always, the happiest lady in the world. She'll still only let me see her once a year. Can't you persuade her to change?\"\n\n\"No,\" said Toranaga. \"She'll never change.\"\n\nToranaga always felt a glow when he thought of Chano-Tsuboné, his eighth official consort and Naga's mother. He laughed to himself as he remembered her earthy humor, her dimpled cheeks and saucy bottom, the way she wriggled and the enthusiasm of her pillowing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had been the widow of a farmer near Yedo who had attracted him twenty years ago. She had stayed with him three years, then asked to be allowed to return to the land. He had allowed her to go. Now she lived on a good farm near where she was born—fat and content, a dowager Buddhist nun honored by all and beholden to none. Once in a while he would go to see her and they would laugh together, without reason, friends.\n\n\"Ah, she's a good woman,\" Toranaga said.\n\nYabu and Omi rode up and dismounted. Ten paces away they stopped and bowed.\n\n\"He gave me a scroll,\" Yabu said, enraged, brandishing it. \"'... We invite you to leave Izu at once for Osaka, today, and present yourself at Osaka Castle for an audience, or all your lands are now forfeit and you are hereby declared outlaw.'\" He crushed the scroll in his fist and threw it on the ground. \"Today!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'humor' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then you'd better leave at once,\" Toranaga said, suddenly in a foul humor at Yabu's truculence and stupidity.\n\n\"Sire, I beg you,\" Omi began hastily, dropping abjectly to his knees, \"Lord Yabu's your devoted vassal and I beg you humbly not to taunt him. Forgive me for being so rude, but Lord Zataki... Forgive me for being so rude.\"\n\n\"Yabu-san, please excuse the remark—it was meant kindly,\" Toranaga said, cursing his lapse. \"We should all have a sense of humor about such messages, neh?\" He called up his falconer, gave him the bird from his fist, dismissed him and the beaters. Then he waved all samurai except Naga out of earshot, squatting on his haunches, and bade them do the same. \"Perhaps you'd better tell me what happened.\"\n\nYabu said, \"There's almost nothing to tell. I went to see him. He received me with the barest minimum of courtesy. First there were 'greetings' from Lord Ishido and a blunt invitation to ally myself secretly with him, to plan your immediate assassination, and to murder every Toranaga samurai in Izu. Of course I refused to listen, and at once—at once—without any courtesy whatsoever, he handed me that!\" His finger stabbed belligerently toward the scroll. \"If it hadn't been for your direct order protecting him I'd have hacked him to pieces at once! I demand you rescind that order. I cannot live with this shame. I must have revenge!\"\n\n\"Is that everything that happened?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isn't that enough?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga passed over Yabu's rudeness and scowled at Omi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're to blame, neh? Why didn't you have the intelligence to protect your Lord better? You're supposed to be an adviser. You should have been his shield. You should have drawn Lord Zataki into the open, tried to find out what Ishido had in mind, what the bribe was, what plans they had. You're supposed to be a valued counselor. You're given a perfect opportunity and you waste it like an unpracticed dullard!\"\n\nOmi bent his head. \"Please excuse me, Sire.\"\n\n\"I might, but I don't see why Lord Yabu should. Now your lord's accepted the scroll. Now he's committed. Now he has to act one way or the other.\"\n\n\"What?\" said Yabu.\n\n\"Why else do you think I did what I did? To delay—of course, to delay,\" said Toranaga.\n\n\"But one day? What's the value of one day?\" Yabu asked.\n\n\"Who knows? A day for you is one less for the enemy.\" Toranaga's eyes snapped back to Omi. \"Was the message from Ishido verbal or in writing?\"\n\nYabu answered instead. \"Verbal, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga kept his penetrating gaze on Omi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've failed in your duty to your lord and to me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What exactly did you say?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi did not reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you forgotten your manners as well? What did you say?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing, Sire. I said nothing.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\nYabu blustered, \"He said nothing to Zataki because he wasn't present. Zataki asked to speak to me alone.\"\n\n\"Oh?\" Toranaga hid his glee that Yabu had had to admit what he had already surmised and that part of the truth was now in the open. \"Please excuse me, Omi-san. I naturally presumed you were present.\"\n\n\"It was my error, Sire. I should have insisted. You're correct, I failed to protect my Lord,\" Omi said. \"I should have been more forceful. Please excuse me. Yabu-sama, please excuse me.\"\n\nBefore Yabu could answer, Toranaga said, \"Of course you're forgiven, Omi-san. If your lord overruled you, that's his privilege. You did overrule him, Yabu-sama?\"\n\n\"Yes—yes, but I didn't think it mattered. You think I... \"\n\n\"Well, the harm's done now. What do you plan to do?\"\n\n\"Of course, dismiss the message for what is it, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu was disquieted. \"You think I could have avoided taking it?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Weave this into your narrative: \"So sorry, but you're committed. Never mind, it's as you said, 'The sooner everyone chooses sides the better.'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course. You could have negotiated with him for a day. Maybe more. Weeks even,\" Toranaga added, turning the knife deeper into the wound, maliciously delighted that Yabu's own stupidity had thrust him onto the hook, and not at all concerned with the treachery Yabu had undoubtedly been bribed into, cajoled into, flattered into, or frightened into. \"So sorry, but you're committed. Never mind, it's as you said, 'The sooner everyone chooses sides the better.'\" He got up. \"There's no need to go back to the regiment tonight. Both of you join me at the evening meal. I've arranged an entertainment.\" For everyone, he added under his breath, with a great deal of satisfaction." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku's skillful fingers strummed a chord, the plectrum held firmly. Then she began to sing and the purity of her voice filled the hushed night. They sat spellbound in the large room that was open to the veranda and the garden beyond, entranced by the extraordinary effect she made under the flickering torches, the gold threads of her kimono catching the light as she leaned over the samisen.\n\nToranaga glanced around momentarily, aware of the night currents. On one side of him, Mariko sat between Blackthorne and Buntaro. On the other, Omi and Yabu, side by side. The place of honor was still empty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zataki had been invited, but of course he had regretfully declined due to ill health, though he had been seen galloping the northern hills and was presently pillowing with his legendary strength." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Naga and very carefully chosen guards were all around, Gyoko hovering somewhere in the background. Kiku-san knelt on the veranda facing them, her back to the garden—tiny, alone, and very rare.\n\nMariko was right, Toranaga thought. The courtesan's worth the money. His spirit was beguiled by her, his anxiety about Zataki lessened. Shall I send for her again tonight or shall I sleep alone? His manhood stirred as he remembered last night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So, Gyoko-san, you wished to see me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he had asked in his private quarters at the fortress.\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\nHe lit the measured length of incense. \"Please proceed.\"\n\nGyoko had bowed, but he hardly had eyes for her. This was the first time he had seen Kiku closely. Nearness improved her exquisite features, as yet unmarked by the rigors of her profession. \"Please play some music while we talk,\" he said, surprised that Gyoko was prepared to talk in front of her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiku had obeyed at once, but her music then was nothing like tonight." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'first' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Last night it was to soothe, an accompaniment to the business at hand. Tonight was to excite, to awe, and to promise.\n\n\"Sire,\" Gyoko had begun formally, \"first may I humbly thank you for the honor you do me, my poor house, and Kiku-san, the first of my Ladies of the Willow World. The price I have asked for the contract is insolent I know, impossible I am sure, not agreed to until dawn tomorrow when both the Lady Kasigi and the Lady Toda in their wisdom will decide. If it were a matter for you, you would have decided long ago, for what is contemptible money to any samurai, let alone to the greatest daimyo in the world?\"\n\nGyoko had paused for effect. He had not taken the bait, but moved his fan slightly, which could be interpreted as irritation at her expansiveness, acceptance of the compliment, or an absolute rejection of the asking price, depending on her inner mood. Both knew very clearly who really approved the amount.\n\n\"What is money? Nothing but a means of communication,\" she continued, \"like Kiku-san's music. What in fact do we of the Willow World do but communicate and entertain, to enlighten the soul of man, to lighten his burden... \" Toranaga had stifled a caustic response, reminding himself the woman had bought one stick of time for five hundred koku and five hundred koku merited an attentive audience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So he let her continue and listened with one ear, and let the other enjoy the flow of perfect music that tugged at his innermost being, gentling him into a sense of euphoria." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he was rudely yanked back into the world of reality by something Gyoko had just said. \"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was merely suggesting that you should take the Willow World under your protection and change the course of history.\"\n\n\"How?\"\n\n\"By doing what you have always done, Sire, by concerning yourself with the future of the whole Empire—before your own.\"\n\nHe let the ludicrous exaggeration pass and told himself to close his ears to the music—that he had fallen into the first trap by telling Gyoko to bring the girl, the second by letting himself feast on her beauty and perfume, and the third by allowing her to play seductively while the mistress talked.\n\n\"The Willow World? What about the Willow World?\"\n\n\"Two things, Sire. First, the Willow World is presently intermingled with the real world to the detraction of both. Second, our ladies cannot truly rise to the perfection all men have the right to expect.\"\n\n\"Oh?\" A thread of Kiku's perfume, one he had never known before, wafted across him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was perfectly chosen. Involuntarily he looked at her. A half-smile was on her lips for him alone. Languidly she dropped her eyes and her fingers stroked the strings and he felt them on him intimately.\n\nHe tried to concentrate. \"So sorry, Gyoko-san. You were saying?\"\n\n\"Please excuse me for not being clear, Sire. First: The Willow World should be separate from the real one. My Tea House in Mishima is on one street in the south, others are scattered over the whole city. It is the same in Kyoto and Nara, and the same throughout all the Empire. Even in Yedo. But I thought that Yedo could set the pattern of the world.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How?\" His heart missed a beat as a perfect chord fell into place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All other crafts wisely have streets of their own, areas of their own. We should be allowed our own place, Sire. Yedo is a new city; you might consider setting aside a special section for your Willow World. Bring all Tea Houses within the walls of this area and forbid any Tea Houses, however modest, outside.\"\n\nNow his mind concentrated totally, for here was a vast idea. It was so good that he berated himself for not thinking of it himself. All Tea Houses and all courtesans within a fence, and therefore remarkably easy to police, to watch, and to tax, and all their customers equally easy to police, to watch, and to spy upon. The simplicity staggered him. He knew also the powerful influence wielded by the Ladies of the First Rank.\n\nBut his face betrayed none of his enthusiasm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's the advantage in that, Gyoko-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We would have our own guild, Sire, with all the protection that a guild means, a real guild in one place, not spread out, so to speak, a guild that all would obey... \"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'second' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Must obey?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. Must obey, for the good of all. The guild would be responsible that prices were fair and that standards were maintained. Why, in a few years, a Lady of the Second Class in Yedo would equal one in Kyoto and so on. If the scheme was valuable in Yedo why not in every city in your domain?\"\n\n\"But those owners who are within the fence dominate everything. They're monopolists, neh? They can charge usurious entrance fees, neh, can lock the doors against many who have an equal right to work in the Willow World, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, it could be so, Sire. And it will happen in some places, and in some times. But strict laws can easily be made to ensure fairness, and it would seem the good outweighs the bad, for us and for our honored customers and clients. Second: Ladies of—\"\n\n\"Let us finish your first point, Gyoko-san,\" Toranaga said dryly. \"So that's a point against your suggestion, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. It's possible. But any daimyo could easily order it otherwise. And he has to deal with only one guild in one place. You, Sire, you would have no trouble. Each area would of course be responsible for the peace of the area. And for taxes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah yes, taxes! It would certainly be much easier to collect taxes. That's a very good point in its favor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gyoko's eyes were on the incense stick." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "More than half had vanished. \"You, in your wisdom, might decree that our Willow World should be the only world, within the whole world, that is never to be taxed, for all time. Never, never, never.\" She looked up at him clearly, her voice guileless. \"After all, Sire, isn't our world also called the 'Floating World,' isn't our only offering beauty, isn't a large part of beauty youth? Isn't something so fleeting and transient as youth a gift from the gods, and sacred? Of all men, Sire, you must know how rare and fleeting youth is, a woman is.\"\n\nThe music died. His eyes were pulled to Kiku-san. She was watching him intently, a small frown on her brow.\n\n\"Yes,\" he said honestly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know how fleeting that can be.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'second' × 4" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sipped his cha. \"I will consider what you've said. Second?\"\n\n\"Second.\" Gyoko collected her wits. \"Second and last, Sire, you could put your chop on the Willow World forever. Consider some of our Ladies: Kiku-san, for instance, has studied singing and dancing and the samisen since she was six. Every waking moment she was working very hard to perfect her art. Admittedly she's rightfully become a Lady of the First Class, as her unique artistry merits. But she's still a courtesan and some clients expect to enjoy her on the pillow as well as through her art. I believe two classes of Ladies should be created. First, courtesans, as always—amusing, happy, physical. Second, a new class, perhaps gei-sha could describe them: Art Persons—persons dedicated solely to art. Gei-shas would not be expected to go to the pillow as part of their duty. They would solely be entertainers, dancers, singers, musicians—specialists—and so give themselves exclusively to this profession. Let gei-shas entertain the minds and spirits of men with their beauty and grace and their artistry. Let courtesans satisfy the body with beauty, grace, and equal artistry.\"\n\nAgain he was struck by the simplicity and the far-reaching possibilities of her idea. \"How would you select a gei-sha?\"\n\n\"By her aptitude. At puberty her owner would decide the way of her future. And the guild could approve, or reject, the apprentice, neh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: Your response must contain: \"That would not be part of a gei-sha's duty, whatever the money offered. Gei-shas would never be obliged to pillow, Sire. If a gei-sha wished to pillow with a particular man, it would be her private concern—or perhaps it should be arranged with the permission of her mistress, the price to be only as high as that man can afford. A courtesan's duty would be to pillow with artistry—gei-shas and the apprentice gei-shas would be untouchable. Please excuse me for talking so long.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is an extraordinary idea, Gyoko-san.\"\n\nThe woman bowed and shivered. \"Please excuse my long-windedness, Sire, but this way, when beauty fades and the body thickens, still the girl can have a rare future and a real value. She won't have to go down the road that all courtesans today must travel. I plead for the artists among them, my Kiku-san for one. I petition you to grant the favored few a future and the position they merit in the land. To learn to sing and to dance and to play requires practice and practice over the years. The pillow needs youth and there is no aphrodisiac like youth. Neh?\"\n\n\"No.\" Toranaga watched her. \"Gei-shas may not pillow?\"\n\n\"That would not be part of a gei-sha's duty, whatever the money offered. Gei-shas would never be obliged to pillow, Sire. If a gei-sha wished to pillow with a particular man, it would be her private concern—or perhaps it should be arranged with the permission of her mistress, the price to be only as high as that man can afford. A courtesan's duty would be to pillow with artistry—gei-shas and the apprentice gei-shas would be untouchable. Please excuse me for talking so long.\" Gyoko bowed and Kiku bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The barest fraction of incense remained.\n\nToranaga questioned them for twice the allotted time, pleased with the opportunity to learn about their world, probing their ideas and hopes and fears. What he learned excited him. He docketed the information for future use, then he sent Kiku into the garden. \"Tonight, Gyoko-san, I would like her to stay, if she would care to, until dawn—if she's free. Would you please ask her? Of course I realize that she may be tired now. After all, she's played so superbly for such a long time and I'll quite understand. But perhaps she would consider it. I'd be grateful if you would ask her.\"\n\n\"Of course, Sire, but I know she would be honored by your invitation. It's our duty to serve in any way we can, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. But she is, as you so rightly point out, most special. I'll quite understand if she's too tired. Please ask her in a moment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He gave Gyoko a small leather bag containing ten koban, regretting the ostentation, but knowing his position demanded it, \"Perhaps this would compensate you for such an exhausting evening, and be a small token of my thanks for your ideas.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's our duty to serve, Sire,\" Gyoko said. He saw her trying to stop her fingers from counting through the soft leather, and fail. \"Thank you, Sire. Please excuse me, I will ask her.\" Then, strangely and unexpectedly, tears filled her eyes. \"Please accept the thanks of a vulgar old woman for your courtesy and for listening. It's just that for all the giving of pleasure, our only reward is a river of tears. In truth, Lord, it is difficult to explain how a woman feels... please excuse me... \"\n\n\"Listen, Gyoko-san, I understand. Don't worry. I'll consider everything you've said. Oh yes, you'll both leave with me shortly after dawn. A few days in the mountains will make a pleasant change. I would imagine the contract price will be approved, neh?\"\n\nGyoko bowed her thanks, then she brushed her tears away and said firmly, \"May I therefore ask the name of the honored person for whom her contract will be bought?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yoshi Toranaga-noh-Minowara.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now under the Yokosé night, the air sweetly cool, Kiku-san's music and voice possessing their minds and hearts, Toranaga let his mind wander. He remembered the pride-filled glow that had swamped Gyoko's face and he wondered again at the bewildering gullibility of people. How baffling it was that even the most cunning and clever people would frequently see only what they wanted to see, and would rarely look beyond the thinnest of facades. Or they would ignore reality, dismissing it as the facade. And then, when their whole world fell to pieces and they were on their knees slitting their bellies or cutting their throats, or cast out into the freezing world, they would tear their topknots or rend their clothes and bewail their karma, blaming gods or kami or luck or their lords or husbands or vassals—anything or anyone—but never themselves.\n\nSo very strange.\n\nHe looked at his guests and saw they were still watching the girl, locked in their secrets, their minds expanded by her artistry—all except the Anjin-san, who was edgy and fidgeting." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~2 sentences more. copy James Clavell's style. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Martin Alvito of the Society of Jesus was enraged. Just when he knew he should be preparing for his meeting with Toranaga, at which he would need all his wits, he was faced with this new abomination that could not wait." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What have you got to say for yourself?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he lashed out at the cowled Japanese acolyte who knelt abjectly in front of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other Brothers stood around the small room in a semicircle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please forgive me, Father. I have sinned,\" the man stammered in complete misery. \"Please forgive—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I repeat: It is for Almighty God in His wisdom to forgive, not me. You've committed a mortal sin. You've broken your Holy Oath. Well?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The reply was barely audible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry, Father.\" The man was thin and frail. His baptismal name was Joseph and he was thirty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His fellow acolytes, all Brothers of the Society, ranged from eighteen to forty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All were tonsured, all of noble samurai birth from provinces in Kyushu, all rigorously trained for the priesthood though none yet ordained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I confessed, Father,\" Brother Joseph said, keeping his head bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You think that's enough?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Impatiently Alvito turned away and walked to the window. The room was ordinary, the mats fair, the paper shoji screens poorly repaired." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The inn was seedy and third class but the best that he could find in Yokosé, the rest taken by samurai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stared out into the night, half listening to Kiku's distant voice soaring over the noise of the river." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Until the courtesan finished Alvito knew he would not be sent for by Toranaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Filthy whore,\" he said, half to himself, the wailing discordance of Japanese singing annoying him more than usual, intensifying his anger at Joseph's betrayal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Listen, Brothers,\" Alvito said to the rest, turning back to them. \"We are in judgment over Brother Joseph, who went with a whore of this town last night, breaking his Holy Oath of chastity, breaking his Holy Oath of obedience, desecrating his immortal soul, his position as a Jesuit, his place in the Church and all that that stands for. Before God I ask each of you—have you done likewise?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They all shook their heads.\n\n\"Have you ever done likewise?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Father.\"\n\n\"You, sinner! Before God, you admit your sin?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Father, I've already con—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Before God, is this the first time?\"\n\n\"No, this was not the first time,\" Joseph said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I—I went with another four nights ago—in Mishima.\"\n\n\"But... but yesterday we said Mass! What about your confession yesterday and the night before and the one before that, you didn't—Yesterday we said Mass! For the love of God, you took the Eucharist unconfessed, with full knowledge of a mortal sin?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brother Joseph was gray with shame. He had been with the Jesuits since he was eight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was the—it was the first time, Father. Only four days ago. I've been sinless all my life. Again I was tempted—and, the Blessed Madonna forgive me, this time I failed. I'm thirty. I'm a man—we're all men. Please, the Lord Jesus Father forgave sinners—why can't you forgive me? We're all men—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're all priests!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're not real priests! We're not professed—we're not even ordained! We're not real Jesuits. We can't take the fourth vow like you, Father,\" Joseph said sullenly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Other Orders ordain their brethren but not the Jesuits. Why shouldn't—\"\n\n\"Hold your tongue!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I won't!\" Joseph flared. \"Please excuse me, Father, but why shouldn't some of us be ordained?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pointed at one of the Brothers, a tall, round-faced man who watched serenely. \"Why shouldn't Brother Michael be ordained? He's studied since he was twelve. Now he's thirty-six and a perfect Christian, almost a saint. He's converted thousands but he's still not been ordained though—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In the name of God, you will—\"\n\n\"In the name of God, Father, why can't one of us be ordained? Someone has to dare to ask you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joseph was on his feet now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've been training for sixteen years, Brother Matteo for twenty-three, Juliao more, all our lives—countless years. We know the prayers and catechisms and hymns better than you, and Michael and I even speak Latin as well as Portu—\"\n\n\"Stop!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"—Portuguese, and we do most of the preaching and debating with the Buddhists and all the other idolaters and do most of the converting. We do! In the name of God and the Madonna, what's wrong with us? Why aren't we good enough for Jesuits? Is it just because we're not Portuguese or Spanish, or because we're not hairy or round-eyed? In the name of God, Father, why isn't there an ordained Japanese Jesuit?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now you will hold your tongue!\"\n\n\"We've even been to Rome, Michael, Juliao, and me,\" Joseph burst out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've never been to Rome or met the Father-General or His Holiness the Pope as we've done—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Which is another reason you should know better than to argue. You're vowed to chastity, poverty, and obedience. You were chosen among the many, favored out of the many, and now you've let your soul get so corrupted that—\"\n\n\"So sorry, Father, but I don't think we were favored to spend eight years going there and coming back if after all our learning and praying and preaching and waiting not one of us is ordained even though it's been promised. I was twelve when I left. Juliao was elev—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I forbid you to say any more! I order you to stop.\" Then in the awful silence Alvito looked at the others, who lined the walls, watching and listening closely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You will all be ordained in time. But you, Joseph, before God you will—\"\n\n\"Before God,\" Joseph erupted, \"in whose time?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In God's time,\" Alvito slammed back, stunned by the open rebellion, his zeal blazing. \"Get-down-on-your-knees!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'guilty' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brother Joseph tried to stare him down but he could not, then his fit passing, he exhaled, sank to his knees, and bowed his head.\n\n\"May God have mercy on you. You are self-confessed to hideous mortal sin, guilty of breaking your Holy vow of chastity, your Holy vow of obedience to your superiors. And guilty of unbelievable insolence. How dare you question our General's orders or the policy of the Church? You have jeopardized your immortal soul. You are a disgrace to your God, your Company, your Church, your family, and your friends. Your case is so serious it will have to be dealt with by the Visitor-General himself. Until that time you will not take communion, you will not be confessed or hear confession or any part in any service... \" Joseph's shoulders began shaking with the agony of remorse that possessed him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As initial penance you are forbidden to talk, you will have only rice and water for thirty days, you will spend every night for the next thirty nights on your knees in prayer to the Blessed Madonna for forgiveness for your hideous sins, and further you will be scourged. Thirty lashes. Take off your cassock.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shoulders stopped trembling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joseph looked up. \"I accept everything you've ordered, Father,\" he said, \"and I apologize with all my heart, with all my soul. I beg your forgiveness as I will beg His forgiveness forever. But I will not be lashed like a common criminal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You-will-be-scourged!\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Father,\" Joseph said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the name of the Blessed Madonna, it's not the pain. Pain is nothing to me, death is nothing to me. That I'm damned and will burn in hellfire for all eternity may be my karma, and I will endure it. But I'm samurai. I'm of Lord Harima's family.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your pride sickens me. It's not for the pain you're to be punished, but to remove your disgusting pride. Common criminal? Where is your humility? Our Lord Jesus Christ endured mortification. And he died with common criminals.\"\n\n\"Yes. That's our major problem here, Father.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\n\"Please excuse my bluntness, Father, but if the King of Kings had not died like a common criminal on the cross, samurai could accept—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stop!\"\n\n\"—Christianity more easily. The Society's wise to avoid preaching Christ crucified like the other Orders—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like an avenging angel, Alvito held up his cross as a shield in front of him. \"In the name of God, keep silent and obey or-you-are-excommunicated! Seize him and strip him!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The others came to life and moved forward, but Joseph sprang to his feet. A knife appeared in his hand from under his robes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He put his back to the wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone stopped in his tracks. Except Brother Michael. Brother Michael came forward slowly and calmly, his hand outstretched." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please give me the knife, Brother,\" he said gently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. Please excuse me.\"\n\n\"Then pray for me, Brother, as I pray for you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Michael quietly reached up for the weapon.\n\nJoseph darted a few paces back, then readied for a death thrust. \"Forgive me, Michael.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Michael continued to approach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Michael, stop! Leave him alone,\" Alvito commanded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Michael obeyed, inches from the hovering blade.\n\nThen Alvito said, ashen, \"God have mercy on you, Joseph. You are excommunicated. Satan has possessed your soul on earth as he will possess it after death. Get thee gone!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I renounce the Christian God! I'm Japanese—I'm Shinto. My soul's my own now. I'm not afraid,\" Joseph shouted. \"Yes, we've pride—unlike barbarians. We're Japanese, we're not barbarians. Even our peasants are not barbarians.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gravely Alvito made the sign of the cross as protection for all of them and fearlessly turned his back on the knife." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let us pray together, Brothers. Satan is in our midst.\"\n\nThe others also turned away, many sadly, some still in shock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only Michael remained where he was, looking at Joseph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joseph ripped off his rosary and cross." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was going to hurl it away but Michael held out his hand again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please, Brother, please give it to me—it is such a simple gift,\" he said.\n\nJoseph looked at him a long moment, then he gave it to him. \"Please excuse me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will pray for you,\" Michael said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Didn't you hear? I've renounced God!\"\n\n\"I will pray that God will not renounce you, Uraga-noh-Tadamasa-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Forgive me, Brother,\" Joseph said. He stuck the knife in his sash, jerked the door open, and walked blindly along the corridor out onto the veranda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People watched him curiously, among them Uo the fisherman, who was waiting patiently in the shadows. Joseph crossed the courtyard and went toward the gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A samurai stood in his way.\n\n\"Halt!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Joseph stopped.\n\n\"Where are you going, please?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry, please excuse me, I—I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I serve Lord Toranaga. So sorry, I couldn't help hearing what went on in there. The whole inn must have heard. Shocking bad manners... shocking for your leader to shout like that and disturb the peace. And you too. I'm on duty here. I think it's best you see the officer of my watch.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think—thank you, I'll go the other way. Please excuse—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'll go nowhere, so sorry. Except to see my officer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What? Oh—yes. Yes, I'm sorry, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joseph tried to make his brain work." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. Thank you.\" The samurai turned as another samurai approached from the bridge and saluted.\n\n\"I'm to fetch the Tsukku-san for Lord Toranaga.\"\n\n\"Good. You're expected.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~2 sentences more. copy James Clavell's style. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga watched the tall priest approach across the clearing, the flickering light of the torches making the lean face starker than usual above the blackness of his beard. The priest's orange Buddhist robe was elegant and a rosary and cross hung at his waist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ten paces away Father Alvito stopped, knelt, and bowed deferentially, beginning the customary formalities." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga was sitting alone on the dais, guards in a semicircle around him, well out of hearing. Only Blackthorne was nearby and he lolled against the platform as he had been ordered, his eyes boring into the priest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alvito appeared not to notice him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is good to see you, Sire,\" Father Alvito said when it was polite to do so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And to see you, Tsukku-san.\" Toranaga motioned the priest to make himself comfortable on the cushion that had been placed on a tatami on the ground in front of the platform." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a long time since I saw you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire, there's much to tell.\" Alvito was deeply conscious that the cushion was on the earth and not on the dais." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Also, he was acutely aware of the samurai swords that Blackthorne now wore so near to Toranaga and the way he slouched with such indifference." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I bring a confidential message from my superior, the Father-Visitor, who greets you with deference.\"\n\n\"Thank you. But first, tell me about you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, Sire,\" Alvito said, knowing that Toranaga was far too discerning not to have noticed the remorse that beset him, much as he had tried to throw it off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tonight I'm too aware of my own failings. Tonight I'd like to be allowed to put off my earthly duties and go into a retreat to pray, to beg for God's favor.\" He was shamed by his own lack of humility." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although Joseph's sin had been terrible, Alvito had acted with haste and anger and stupidity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was his fault that a soul had been outcast, to be lost forever. \"Our Lord once said, 'Please, Father, let this cup pass from me.' But even He had to retain the cup. We, in the world, we have to try to follow in His footsteps as best we can. Please excuse me for allowing my problem to show.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What was your 'cup,' old friend?\"\n\nAlvito told him. He knew there was no reason to hide the facts for, of course, Toranaga would hear them very soon if he did not already know them, and it was much better to hear the truth than a garbled version." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's so very sad to lose a Brother, terrible to make one an outcast, however terrible the crime. I should have been more patient. It was my fault.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where is he now?\"\n\n\"I don't know, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga called a guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Find the renegade Christian and bring him to me at noon tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The samurai hurried away.\n\n\"I beg mercy for him, Sire,\" Alvito said quickly, meaning it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he knew whatever he said would do little to dissuade Toranaga from a path already chosen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again he wished the Society had its own secular arm empowered to arrest and punish apostates, like elsewhere in the world." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had repeatedly recommended that this be created but he had always been overruled, here in Japan, and also in Rome by the General of the Order. Yet without our own secular arm, he thought tiredly, we'll never be able to exercise real discipline over our Brethren and our flock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why aren't there ordained priests within your Society, Tsukku-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because, Sire, not one of our acolytes is yet sufficiently well trained. For instance, Latin is an absolute necessity because our Order requires any Brother to travel anywhere in the world at any time, and Latin, unfortunately, is very difficult to learn. Not one is trained yet, or ready.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alvito believed this with all his heart. He was also bitterly opposed to a Japanese-ordained Jesuit clergy, in opposition to the Father-Visitor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Eminence,' he had always said, 'I beg you, don't be fooled by their modest and decorous exterior." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Underneath they're all unreliable characters, and their pride and Japaneseness will always dominate in the end. They'll never be true servants of the Society, or reliable soldiers of His Holiness, the Vicar of Christ on earth, obedient to him alone. Never.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alvito glanced momentarily at Blackthorne then back to Toranaga, who said, \"But two or three of these apprentice priests speak Latin, neh, and Portuguese? It's true what that man said, neh? Why haven't they been chosen?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, but the General of our Society doesn't consider them sufficiently prepared. Perhaps Joseph's tragic fall is an example.\"\n\n\"Bad to break a solemn oath,\" Toranaga said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He remembered the year the three boys had sailed off from Nagasaki in a Black Ship to be feted in the court of the Spanish king and the court of the High Priest of the Christians, the same year Goroda had been assassinated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nine years later they had returned but all their time away had been carefully controlled and monitored. They had left as naïve, youthful Christian zealots and returned just as narrow-minded and almost as ill-informed as when they had left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stupid waste, Toranaga thought, waste of an incredible opportunity which Goroda had refused to take advantage of, as much as he had advised it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Tora-san, we need the Christians against the Buddhists,\" Goroda had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Many Buddhist priests and monks are soldiers, neh? Most of them are. The Christians aren't, neh? Let the Giant Priest have the three youths he wants—they're only Kyushu stumble-heads, neh? I tell you to encourage Christians. Don't bother me with a ten-year plan, but burn every Buddhist monastery within reach. Buddhists are like flies on carrion, and Christians nothing but a bag of fart.\"\n\nNow they're not, Toranaga thought with growing irritation. Now they're hornets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" he said aloud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very bad to break an oath and shout and disturb the harmony of an inn.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Sire, and forgive me for mentioning my problems. Thank you for listening. As always your concern makes me feel better. May I be permitted to greet the pilot?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga assented." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I must congratulate you, Pilot,\" Alvito said in Portuguese." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your swords suit you.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Father, I'm learning to use them,\" Blackthorne replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But, sorry to say, I'm not very good with them yet. I'll stick to pistols or cutlasses or cannon when I have to fight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I pray that you may never have to fight again, Pilot, and that your eyes will be opened to God's infinite mercy.\"\n\n\"Mine are open. Yours are fogged.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For your own soul's sake, Pilot, keep your eyes open, and your mind open. Perhaps you may be mistaken. Even so, I must thank you for saving Lord Toranaga's life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who told you that?\"\n\nAlvito did not reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned back to Toranaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What was said?\" Toranaga asked, breaking a silence.\n\nAlvito told him, adding, \"Though he's the enemy of my faith and a pirate, I'm glad he saved you, Sire. God moves in mysterious ways. You've honored him greatly by making him samurai.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's hatamoto also.\" Toranaga was pleasured by the priest's fleeting amazement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you bring a dictionary?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire, with several of the maps you wanted, showing some of the Portuguese bases en route from Goa. The book's in my luggage. May I send someone for it, or may I give it to him later myself?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Give it to him later. Tonight, or tomorrow. Did you also bring the report?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About the alleged guns that were supposed to be brought from Macao? The Father-Visitor is preparing it, Sire.\"\n\n\"And the numbers of Japanese mercenaries employed at each of your new bases?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Father-Visitor has requested an up-to-date report from all of them, Sire, which he will give you as soon as they're complete.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. Now tell me, how did you know about my rescue?\"\n\n\"Hardly a thing that happens to Toranaga-noh-Minowara is not the subject of rumor and legend. Coming from Mishima we heard that you were almost swallowed up in an earthquake, Sire, but that the 'Golden Barbarian' had pulled you out. Also, that you'd done the same for him and a lady—I presume the Lady Mariko?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga nodded briefly. \"Yes. She's here in Yokosé.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He thought a moment, then said, \"Tomorrow she would like to be confessed, according to your customs. But only those things that are nonpolitical. I would imagine that excludes everything to do with me, and my various hatamoto, neh? I explained that to her also.\"\n\nAlvito bowed his understanding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"With your permission, could I say Mass for all the Christians here, Sire? It would be very discreet, of course. Tomorrow?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll consider it.\" Toranaga continued to talk about inconsequential matters for a while, then he said, \"You have a message for me? From your Chief Priest?\"\n\n\"With humility, Sire, I beg to say that it was a private message.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga pretended to think about that, even though he had determined exactly how the meeting would proceed and had already given the Anjin-san specific instructions how to act and what to say." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very well.\" He turned to Blackthorne, \"Anjin-san, you can go now and we'll talk more later.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire,\" Blackthorne replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, the Black Ship. Arrive Nagasaki?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, yes. Thank you,\" he replied, pleased that the Anjin-san's question didn't sound rehearsed. \"Well, Tsukku-san, has it docked yet?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alvito was startled by Blackthorne's Japanese and greatly perturbed by the question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire. It docked fourteen days ago.\"\n\n\"Ah, fourteen?\" said Toranaga. \"You understand, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Thank you.\"\n\n\"Good. Anything else you can ask Tsukku-san later, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sire. Please excuse me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne got up and bowed and wandered off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga watched him go. \"A most interesting man—for a pirate. Now, first tell me about the Black Ship.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It arrived safely, Sire, with the greatest cargo of silk that has ever been.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alvito tried to sound enthusiastic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The arrangement made between the Lords Harima, Kiyama, Onoshi, and yourself is in effect. Your treasury will be richer with tens of thousands of koban by this time next year. The quality of silks is the finest, Sire. I've brought a copy of the manifest for your quartermaster. The Captain-General Ferriera sends his respects, hoping to see you in person soon. That was the reason for my delay in coming to see you. The Visitor-General sent me post haste from Osaka to Nagasaki to make certain everything was perfect. Just as I was leaving Nagasaki we heard you'd left Yedo for Izu, so I came here as quickly as I could, by ship to Port Numazu with one of our fastest cutters, then by road. At Mishima I fell in with Lord Zataki and asked permission to join him.\"\n\n\"Your ship's still at Numazu?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire. It will wait for me there.\"\n\n\"Good.\" For a moment Toranaga wondered whether or not to send Mariko by that ship to Osaka, then decided to deal with that later." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please give the manifest to the quartermaster tonight.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And the arrangement about this year's cargo is sealed?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Absolutely.\"\n\n\"Good. Now the other part. The important part.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alvito's hands went dry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Neither Lord Kiyama nor Lord Onoshi will agree to forsake General Ishido. I'm sorry. They will not agree to join your banner now in spite of our strongest suggestion.\"\n\nToranaga's voice became low and cruel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I already pointed out I required more than suggestions!\"\n\n\"I'm sorry to bring bad news in this part, Sire, but neither would agree to publicly come over to—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, publicly, you say? What about privately—secretly?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Privately they were both as adamant as pub—\"\n\n\"You talked to them separately or together?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course together, and separately, most confidentially, but nothing we suggested would—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You only 'suggested' a course of action? Why didn't you order them?\"\n\n\"It's as the Father-Visitor said, Sire, we can't order any daimyo or any—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, but you can order one of your Brethren? Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you threaten to make them outcast, too?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Sire.\"\n\n\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because they've committed no mortal sin.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alvito said it firmly, as he and dell'Aqua had agreed, but his heart was fluttering and he hated to be the bearer of terrible tidings, which were even worse now because the Lord Harima, who legally owned Nagasaki, had told them privately that all his immense wealth and influence were going to Ishido." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Sire, but I don't make divine rules, any more than you made the code of bushido, the Way of the Warrior. We, we have to comply with what—\"\n\n\"You make a poor fool outcast for a natural act like pillowing, but when two of your converts behave unnaturally—yes, even treacherously—when I seek your help, urgent help—and I'm your friend—you only make 'suggestions.' You understand the seriousness of this, neh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'excuse' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry, Lord. Please excuse me but—\"\n\n\"Perhaps I won't excuse you, Tsukku-san. It's been said before: Now everyone has to choose a side,\" Toranaga said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course we are on your side, Sire. But we cannot order Lord Kiyama or Lord Onoshi to do anything—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fortunately I can order my Christian.\"\n\n\"Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can order the Anjin-san freed. With his ship. With his cannon.\"\n\n\"Beware of him, Sire. The Pilot's diabolically clever, but he's a heretic, a pirate and not to be trust—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here the Anjin-san's a samurai and hatamoto. At sea perhaps he's a pirate. If he's a pirate, I imagine he'll attract many other corsairs and wako to him—many of them. What a foreigner does on the open sea's his own business, neh? That's always been our policy. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alvito kept quiet and tried to make his brain function. No one had planned on the Ingeles' becoming so close to Toranaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Those two Christian daimyos will make no commitments, not even a secret one?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Sire. We tried ev—\"\n\n\"No concession, none?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Sire—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No barter, no arrangement, no compromise, nothing?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Sire. We tried every inducement and persuasion. Please believe me.\" Alvito knew he was in the trap and some of his desperation showed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If it were me, yes, I would threaten them with excommunication, though it would be a false threat because I'd never carry it through, not unless they had committed a mortal sin and wouldn't confess or be penitent and submit. But even a threat for temporal gain would be very wrong of me, Sire, a mortal sin. I'd risk eternal damnation.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you saying if they sinned against your creed, then you'd cast them out?\"\n\n\"Yes. But I'm not suggesting that could be used to bring them to your side, Sire. Please excuse me but they... they're totally opposed to you at the moment. I'm sorry but that's the truth. They both made it very clear, together and in private. Before God I pray they change their minds. We gave you our words to try, before God, the Father-Visitor and I. We fulfilled our promise. Before God we failed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then I shall lose,\" Toranaga said. \"You know that, don't you? If they stand allied with Ishido, all the Christian daimyos will side with him. Then I have to lose. Twenty samurai against one of mine. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's their plan? When will they attack me?\"\n\n\"I don't know, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you tell me if you did?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes—yes I would.\"\n\nI doubt it, Toranaga thought, and looked away into the night, the burden of his worry almost crushing him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Is it to be Crimson Sky after all?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked himself helplessly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The stupid, bound-to-fail lunge at Kyoto?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hated the shameful cage that he was in. Like the Taikō and Goroda before him, he had to tolerate the Christian priests because the priests were as inseparable from the Portuguese traders as flies from a horse, holding absolute temporal and spiritual power over their unruly flock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without the priests there was no trade." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'priests' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their good will as negotiators and middle men in the Black Ship operation was vital because they spoke the language and were trusted by both sides, and, if ever the priests were completely forbidden the Empire, all barbarians would obediently sail away, never to return. He remembered the one time the Taikō had tried to get rid of the priests yet still encourage trade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For two years there was no Black Ship. Spies reported how the giant chief of the priests, sitting like a poisonous black spider in Macao, had ordered no more trade in reprisal for the Taikō's Expulsion Edicts, knowing that at length the Taikō must humble himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the third year he had bowed to the inevitable and invited the priests back, turning a blind eye to his own Edicts and to the treason and rebellion the priests had advocated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's no escape from that reality, Toranaga thought. None. I don't believe what the Anjin-san says—that trade is as essential to barbarians as it is to us, that their greed will make them trade, no matter what we do to the priests." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The risk is too great to experiment and there's no time and I don't have the power." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We experimented once and failed. Who knows? Perhaps the priests could wait us out ten years; they're ruthless enough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If the priests order no trade, I believe there will be no trade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We could not wait ten years. Even five years. And if we expel all barbarians it must take twenty years for the English barbarian to fill up the gap, if the Anjin-san is telling the whole truth and if—and it is an immense if—if the Chinese would agree to trade with them against the Southern Barbarians." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't believe the Chinese will change their pattern. They never have." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Twenty years is too long." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ten years is too long.\n\nThere's no escape from that reality." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or the worst reality of all, the specter that secretly petrified Goroda and the Taikō and is now rearing its foul head again: that the fanatical, fearless Christian priests, if pushed too far, will put all their influence and their trading power and sea power behind one of the great Christian daimyos." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Further, they would engineer an invasion force of iron-clad, equally fanatic conquistadores armed with the latest muskets to support this one Christian daimyo—like they almost did the last time. By themselves, any number of invading barbarians and their priests are no threat against our overwhelming joint forces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We smashed the hordes of Kublai Khan and we can deal with any invader." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But allied to one of our own, a great Christian daimyo with armies of samurai, and given civil wars throughout the realm, this could, ultimately, give this one daimyo absolute power over all of us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiyama or Onoshi? It's obvious now, that has to be the priest's scheme. The timing's perfect. But which daimyo?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both, initially, helped by Harima of Nagasaki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But who'll carry the final banner?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiyama—because Onoshi the leper's not long for this earth and Onoshi's obvious reward for supporting his hated enemy and rival, Kiyama, would be a guaranteed, painless, everlasting life in the Christian heaven with a permanent seat at the right hand of the Christian God.\n\nThey've four hundred thousand samurai between them now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their base is Kyushu and that island's safe from my grasp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Together those two could easily subjugate the whole island, then they have limitless troops, limitless food, all the ships necessary for an invasion, all the silk, and Nagasaki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Throughout the land there are perhaps another five or six hundred thousand Christians." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of these, more than half—the Jesuit Christian converts—are samurai, all salted nicely among the forces of all daimyos, a vast pool of potential traitors, spies, or assassins—should the priests order it. And why shouldn't they?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They'd get what they want above life itself: absolute power over all our souls, thus over the soul of this Land of the Gods—to inherit our earth and all that it contains—just as the Anjin-san has explained has already happened fifty times in this New World of theirs... They convert a king, then use him against his own kind, until all the land is swallowed up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's so easy for them to conquer us, this tiny band of barbarian priests." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How many are there in all Japan? Fifty or sixty? But they've the power. And they believe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They're prepared to die gladly for their beliefs, with pride and with bravery, with the name of their God on their lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We saw that at Nagasaki when the Taikō's experiment proved a disastrous mistake. Not one of the priests recanted, tens of thousands witnessed the burnings, tens of thousands were converted, and this \"martyrdom\" gave the Christian religion immense prestige that Christian priests have fed on ever since." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For me, the priests have failed, but that won't deter them from their relentless course. That's reality, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So, it's Kiyama." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is the plan already settled, with Ishido a dupe and the Lady Ochiba and Yaemon also? Has Harima already thrown in with them secretly?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Should I launch the Anjin-san at the Black Ship and Nagasaki immediately?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "What shall I do?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nothing more than usual. Be patient, seek harmony, put aside all worries about I or Thou, Life or Death, Oblivion or Afterlife, Now or Then, and set a new plan into motion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What plan? he wanted to shout in desperation. There isn't one!\n\n\"It saddens me that those two stay with the real enemy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I swear we tried, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alvito watched him compassionately, seeing the heaviness of his spirit.\n\n\"Yes. I believe that. I believe you and the Father-Visitor kept your solemn promise, so I will keep mine. You may begin to build your temple at Yedo at once. The land has been set aside. I cannot forbid the priests, the other Hairies, entrance to the Empire, but at least I can make them unwelcome in my domain. The new barbarians will be equally unwelcome, if they ever arrive. As to the Anjin-san... \" Toranaga shrugged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But how long all this... well, that's karma, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alvito was thanking God fervently for His mercy and favor at the unexpected reprieve. \"Thank you, Sire,\" he said, hardly able to talk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know you'll not regret it. I pray that your enemies will be scattered like chaff and that you may reap the rewards of Heaven.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry for my harsh words. They were spoken in anger. There's so much... \" Toranaga got up ponderously. \"You have my permission to say your service tomorrow, old friend.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Sire,\" Alvito said, bowing low, pitying the normally majestic man. \"Thank you with all my heart. May the Divinity bless you and take you into His keeping.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga trudged into the inn, his guards following. \"Naga-san!\"\n\n\"Yes, Father,\" the youth said, hurrying up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where's the Lady Mariko?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There, Sire, with Buntaro-san.\" Naga pointed to the small, lantern-lit cha house inside its enclosure in the garden, the shadowed figures within." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shall I interrupt the cha-no-yu?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A cha-no-yu was a formal, extremely ritualized Tea Ceremony.\n\n\"No. That must never be interfered with. Where are Omi and Yabu-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're at their inn, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Naga indicated the sprawling low building on the other side of the river, near the far bank.\n\n\"Who chose that one?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I did, Sire. Please excuse me, you asked me to find them an inn on the other side of the bridge. Did I misunderstand you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"He's in his room, Sire. He's waiting in case you want him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again Toranaga shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll see him tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a pause, he said in the same faraway voice, \"I'm going to take a bath now. Then I don't wish to be disturbed till dawn except... \"\n\nNaga waited uneasily, watching his father stare sightlessly into space, greatly disconcerted by his manner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you all right, Father?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What? Oh, yes—yes, I'm all right. Why?\"\n\n\"Nothing—please excuse me. Do you still want to hunt at dawn?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hunt? Ah yes, that's a good idea. Thank you for suggesting it, yes, that would be very good. See to it. Well, good night... Oh yes, the Tsukku-san has my permission to give a private service tomorrow. All Christians may go. You go also.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sire?\"\n\n\"On the first day of the New Year you will become a Christian.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Me!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Of your own free will. Tell Tsukku-san privately.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sire?\"\n\nToranaga wheeled on him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you deaf? Don't you understand the simplest thing anymore?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me. Yes, Father. I understand.\"\n\n\"Good.\" Toranaga fell back into his distracted attitude, then wandered off, his personal bodyguard in tow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All samurai bowed stiffly, but he took no notice of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An officer came up to Naga, equally apprehensive. \"What's the matter with our Lord?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know, Yoshinaka-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Naga looked back at the clearing. Alvito was just leaving, heading toward the bridge, a single samurai escorting him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Must be something to do with him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've never seen Lord Toranaga walk so heavily. Never. They say—they say that barbarian priest's a magician, a wizard. He must be to speak our tongue so well, neh? Could he have put a spell on our Lord?\"\n\n\"No. Never. Not my father.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Barbarians make my spine shake too, Naga-san. Did you hear about the row—Tsukku-san and his band shouting and quarreling like ill-mannered eta?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Disgusting. I'm sure that man must have destroyed my father's harmony.\"\n\n\"If you ask me, an arrow in that priest's throat would save our Master a lot of trouble.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Perhaps we should tell Buntaro-san about Lord Toranaga? He's our senior officer.\"\n\n\"I agree—but later. My father said clearly I was not to interrupt the cha-no-yu. I'll wait till he's finished.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene (which might reference existing characters and worldbuilding), and you will continue the story with 1 sentence, channeling the voice and techniques of James Clavell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the peace and quiet of the little house, Buntaro fastidiously opened the small earthenware tea caddy of the T'ang Dynasty and, with equal care, took up the bamboo spoon, beginning the final part of the ceremony." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Deftly he spooned up exactly the right amount of green powder and put it into the handleless porcelain cup." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An ancient cast-iron kettle was singing over the charcoal." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'water' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With the same tranquil grace Buntaro poured the bubbling water into the cup, replaced the kettle on its tripod, then gently beat the powder and water with the bamboo whisk to blend it perfectly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He added a spoonful of cool water, bowed to Mariko, who knelt opposite him, and offered the cup." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She bowed and took it with equal refinement, admiring the green liquid, and sipped three times, rested, then sipped again, finishing it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She offered the cup back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He repeated the symmetry of the formal cha-making and again offered it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She begged him to taste the cha himself, as was expected of her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sipped, and then again, and finished it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he made a third cup and a fourth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More was politely refused." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With great care, ritually he washed and dried the cup, using the peerless cotton cloth, and laid both in their places." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He bowed to her and she to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cha-no-yu was finished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro was content that he had done his best and that now, at least for the moment, there was peace between them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This afternoon there had been none." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had met her palanquin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once, as always, he had felt coarse and uncouth in contrast to her fragile perfection—like one of the wild, despised, barbaric Hairy Ainu tribesmen that once inhabited the land but were now driven to the far north, across the straits, to the unexplored island of Hokkaido." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All of his well-thought-out words had left him and he clumsily invited her to the cha-no-yu, adding, \"It's years since we... I've never given one for you but tonight will be convenient.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he had blurted out, never meaning to say it, knowing that it was stupid, inelegant, and a vast mistake, \"Lord Toranaga said it was time for us to talk.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you do not, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In spite of his resolve he flushed and his voice rasped, \"I'd like harmony between us, yes, and more. I've never changed, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course, Sire, and why should you? If there's any fault it's not your place to change but mine. If any fault exists, it's because of me, please excuse me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll excuse you,\" he said, towering over her there beside the palanquin, deeply conscious that others were watching, the Anjin-san and Omi among them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was so lovely and tiny and unique, her hair piled high, her lowered eyes seemingly so demure, yet for him filled now with that same black ice that always sent him into a blind, impotent frenzy, making him want to kill and shout and mutilate and smash and behave the way a samurai never should behave." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've reserved the cha house for tonight,\" he told her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For tonight, after the evening meal. We're ordered to eat the evening meal with Lord Toranaga. I would be honored if you would be my guest afterwards.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's I who am honored.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She bowed and waited with the same lowered eyes and he wanted to smash her to death into the ground, then go off and plunge his knife crisscross into his belly and let the eternal pain cleanse the torment from his soul." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw her look up at him discerningly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Was there anything else, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she asked, so softly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sweat was running down his back and thighs, staining his kimono, his chest hurting like his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're—you're staying at the inn tonight.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he had left her and made careful dispositions for the whole baggage train." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as he could, he had handed his duties over to Naga and strode off with a pretended truculence down the river bank, and when he was alone, he had plunged naked into the torrent, careless of his safety, and fought the river until his head had cleared and the pounding ache had gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had lain on the bank collecting himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now that she had accepted he had to begin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was little time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He summoned his strength and walked back to the rough garden gate that was within the mother garden and stood there for a moment rethinking his plan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tonight he wanted everything to be perfect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Obviously the hut was imperfect, like its garden—an uncouth provincial attempt at a real cha house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never mind, he thought, now completely absorbed in his task, it will have to do." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Night will hide many faults and lights will have to create the form it lacks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Servants had already brought the things he had ordered earlier—tatamis, pottery oil lamps, and cleaning utensils—the very best in Yokosé, everything brand-new but modest, discreet and unpretentious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stripped off his kimono, laid down his swords, and began to clean." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First the tiny reception room and kitchen and veranda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the winding path and the flagstones that were let into the moss, and finally the rocks and skirting garden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He scrubbed and broomed and brushed until everything was spotless, letting himself swoop into the humility of manual labor that was the beginning of the cha-no-yu, where the host alone was required to make everything faultless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first perfection was absolute cleanliness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By dusk he had finished most of the preparations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he had bathed meticulously, endured the evening meal, and the singing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as he could he had changed again into more somber clothes and hurried back to the garden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He latched the gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First he put the taper to the oil lamps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, carefully, he sprinkled water on the flagstones and the trees that were now splashed here and there with flickering light, until the tiny garden was a fairyland of dewdrops dancing in the warmth of the summer's breeze." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He repositioned some of the lanterns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally satisfied, he unlatched the gate and went to the vestibule." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The carefully selected pieces of charcoal that had been placed punctiliously in a pyramid on white sand were burning correctly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The flowers seemed correct in the tokonoma." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once more he cleaned the already impeccable utensils." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The kettle began to sing and he was pleased with the sound that was enriched by the little pieces of iron he had placed so diligently in the bottom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All was ready. The first perfection of the cha-no-yu was cleanliness, the second, complete simplicity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The last and greatest, suitability to the particular guest or guests." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard her footsteps on the flagstones, the sound of her dipping her hands ritually in the cistern of fresh river water and drying them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three soft steps up to the veranda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two more to the curtained doorway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even she had to bend to come through the tiny door that was made deliberately small to humble everyone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At a cha-no-yu all were equal, host and guest, the most high daimyo and merest samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even a peasant if he was invited." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First she studied her husband's flower arrangement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had chosen the blossom of a single white wild rose and put a single pearl of water on the green leaf, and set it on red stones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Autumn is coming, he was suggesting with the flower, talking through the flower, do not weep for the time of fall, the time of dying when the earth begins to sleep; enjoy the time of beginning again and experience the glorious cool of the autumn air on this summer evening... soon the tear will vanish and the rose, only the stones will remain—soon you and I will vanish and only the stones will remain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He watched her, apart from himself, now deep in the near trance that a cha-master sometimes was fortunate enough to experience, completely in harmony with his surroundings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She bowed to the flower in homage and came and knelt opposite him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her kimono was dark brown, a thread of burnt gold at the seams enhancing the white column of her throat and face; her obi the darkest of greens that matched the underkimono; her hair simple and upswept and unadorned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are welcome,\" he said with a bow, beginning the ritual." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is my honor,\" she replied, accepting her role." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He served the tiny repast on a blemishless lacquered tray, the chopsticks placed just so, the slivers of fish on rice that he had prepared a part of the pattern, and to complete the effect, a few wild flowers that he had found near the river bank scattered in perfect disarray." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she had finished eating and he, in his turn, had finished eating, he lifted the tray, every movement formalized—to be observed and judged and recorded—and took it through the low doorway into the kitchen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then alone, at rest, Mariko watched the fire critically, the coals a glowing mountain on a sea of stark white sand below the tripod, her ears listening to the hissing sound of the fire melding with the sighing of the barely simmering kettle above, and, from the unseen kitchen, the sibilance of cloth on porcelain and water cleaning the already clean." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In time her eyes wandered to the raw twisted rafters and to the bamboos and the reeds that formed the thatch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shadows cast by the few lamps he had placed seemingly at random made the small large and the insignificant rare, and the whole a perfect harmony." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After she had seen everything and measured her soul against it, she went again into the garden, to the shallow basin that, over eons, nature had formed in the rock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once more she purified her hands and mouth with the cool, fresh water, drying them on a new towel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she had settled back into her place he said, \"Perhaps now you would take cha?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would be my honor. But please do not put yourself to so much trouble on my account.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is my honor. You are my guest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So he had served her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And now there was the ending." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the silence, Mariko did not move for a moment, but stayed in her tranquillity, not wishing yet to acknowledge the ending or disturb the peace surrounding her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But she felt the growing strength of his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cha-no-yu was ended." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now life must begin again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You did it perfectly,\" she whispered, her sadness overwhelming her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A tear slid from her eyes and the falling ripped the heart from his chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No—no. Please excuse me... you are perfect... it was ordinary,\" he said, startled by such unexpected praise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was the best I've ever seen,\" she said, moved by the stark honesty in his voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. No, please excuse me, if it was fair it was because of you, Mariko-san. It was only fair—you made it better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For me it was flawless. Everything. How sad that others, more worthy than I, couldn't have witnessed it also!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her eyes glistened in the flickering light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You witnessed it. That is everything. It was only for you. Others wouldn't have understood.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She felt the hot tears now on her cheeks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Normally she would have been ashamed of them but now they did not trouble her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, how can I thank you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He picked up a sprig of wild thyme and, his fingers trembling, leaned over and gently caught one of her tears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Silently he looked down at the tear and the branchlet dwarfed by his huge fist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My work—any work—is inadequate against the beauty of this. Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He watched the tear on the leaf." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A piece of charcoal fell down the mountain and, without thinking, he picked up the tongs and replaced it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few sparks danced into the air from the mountaintop and it became an erupting volcano." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both drifted into a sweet melancholia, joined by the simplicity of the single tear, content together in the quiet, joined in humility, knowing that what had been given had been returned in purity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Later he said, \"If our duty did not forbid it, I would ask you to join me in death. Now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would go with you. Gladly,\" she answered at once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let us go to death. Now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We can't. Our duty is to Lord Toranaga.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took out the stiletto that was in her obi and reverently placed it on the tatami." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then please allow me to prepare the way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. That would be failing in our duty.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is to be, will be. You and I cannot turn the scale.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But we may not go before our Master. Neither you nor I. He needs every trustworthy vassal for a little longer. Please excuse me, I must forbid it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would be pleased to go tonight. I'm prepared. More than that, I totally desire to go beyond. Yes. My soul is brimming with joy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A hesitant smile. \"Please excuse me for being selfish. You're perfectly right about our duty.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The razor-sharp blade glistened in the candlelight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They watched it, lost in contemplation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he broke the spell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why Osaka, Mariko-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There are things to be done there which only I can do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His frown deepened as he watched the light from a guttering wick catch the tear and become refracted into a billion colors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What things?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Things that concern the future of our house which must be done by me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In that case you must go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked at her searchingly. \"But you alone?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. I wish to make sure all family arrangements are perfect between us and Lord Kiyama for Saruji's marriage. Money and dowry and lands and so on. There's his increased fief to formalize. Lord Hiro-matsu and Lord Toranaga require it done. I am responsible for the house.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" he said slowly, \"that's your duty.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes held hers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If Lord Toranaga says you can go, then go, but it's not likely you'll be permitted there. Even so... you must return quickly. Very quickly. It would be unwise to stay in Osaka a moment longer than necessary.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By sea would be quicker than by road. But you've always hated the sea.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I still hate the sea.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you have to be there quickly?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think half a month or a month would matter. Perhaps, I don't know. I just feel I should go at once.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then we will leave the time and the matter of the going to Lord Toranaga—if he permits you to go at all. With Lord Zataki here, and the two scrolls, that can only mean war. It will be too dangerous to go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Glad that that was now finished, he looked around the little room contentedly, unconcerned now that his ugly bulk dominated the space, each of his thighs broader than her waist, his arms thicker than her neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This has been a fine room, better than I'd dared to hope. I've enjoyed being here. I'm reminded again that a body's nothing but a hut in the wilderness. Thank you for being here. I'm so glad you came to Yokosé, Mariko-san. If it hadn't been for you I would never have given a cha-no-yu here and never felt so one with eternity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She hesitated, then shyly picked up the T'ang cha caddy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a simple, covered jar without adornment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The orange-brown glaze had run just short, leaving an uneven rim of bare porcelain at the bottom, dramatizing the spontaneity of the potter and his unwillingness to disguise the simplicity of his materials." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro had bought it from Sen-Nakada, the most famous cha-master who had ever lived, for twenty thousand koku." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's so beautiful,\" she murmured, enjoying the touch of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So perfect for the ceremony.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You were truly a master tonight, Buntaro-san. You gave me so much happiness.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her voice was low and intent and she leaned forward a little." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Everything was perfect for me, the garden and how you used artistry to overcome the flaws with light and shadow. And this\"—again she touched the cha caddy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Everything perfect, even the character you'd written on the towel, ai—affection. For me tonight, affection was the perfect word.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again tears spilled down her cheeks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me,\" she said, brushing them away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He bowed, embarrassed by such praise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To hide it he began to wrap the caddy in its silken sheaths." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he had finished, he set it into its box and placed it carefully in front of her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mariko-san, if our house has money problems, take this. Sell it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never!\" It was the only possession, apart from his swords and longbow, that he prized in life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That would be the last thing I would ever sell.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, but if pay for my vassals is a problem, take it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's enough for all of them, with care. And the best weapons and the best horses. In that, our house is strong. No, Buntaro-san, the T'ang is yours.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've not much time left to us. Who should I will it to? Saruji?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked at the coals and the fire consuming the volcano, humbling it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. Not until he's a worthy cha-master, equaling his father. I counsel you to leave the T'ang to Lord Toranaga, who's worthy of it, and ask him before he dies to judge if our son will ever merit receiving it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And if Lord Toranaga loses and dies before winter, as I'm certain he'll lose?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here in this privacy I can tell you quietly that truth, without pretense. Isn't an important part of the cha-no-yu to be without pretense? Yes, he will lose, unless he gets Kiyama and Onoshi—and Zataki.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In that case, set down in your will that the T'ang should be sent with a cortege to His Imperial Highness, petition him to accept it. Certainly the T'ang merits divinity.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. That would be the perfect choice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He studied the knife then added gloomily, \"Ah, Mariko-san, there's nothing to be done for Lord Toranaga. His karma's written. He wins or he loses. And if he wins or loses there'll be a great killing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Brooding, he took his eyes off her knife and contemplated the wild thyme sprig, the tear still pure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Later he said, \"If he loses, before I die—or if I'm dead—I or one of my men will kill the Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her face was ethereal against the darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The soft breeze moved threads of her hair, making her seem even more statuelike." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, may I ask why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's too dangerous to leave alive. His knowledge, his ideas that I've heard even fifth hand... he'll infect the realm, even Lord Yaemon. Lord Toranaga's already under his spell, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga enjoys his knowledge,\" Mariko said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The moment Lord Toranaga dies, that also is the Anjin-san's death order. But I hope our Lord's eyes are opened before that time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guttering lamp spluttered and went out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced up at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you under his spell?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's a fascinating man. But his mind's so different from ours... his values... yes, so different in so many ways that it's almost impossible to understand him at times. Once I tried to explain a cha-no-yu to him, but it was beyond him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It must be terrible to be born barbarian—terrible,\" Buntaro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes dropped to the blade of her stiletto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Some people think the Anjin-san was Japanese in a previous life. He's not like other barbarians and he... he tries hard to speak and act like one of us though he fails, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish you'd seen him almost commit seppuku Buntaro-san. I... it was extraordinary. I saw death visit him, to be turned away by Omi's hand. If he was Japanese previously, I think that would explain many things. Lord Toranaga thinks he's very valuable to us now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's time you stopped training him and became Japanese again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think Lord Toranaga's under his spell. And you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, but I don't think I am.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That other night in Anjiro, the one that went bad, on that night I felt you were with him, against me. Of course it was an evil thought, but I felt it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her gaze left the blade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked at him steadily and did not reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another lamp spluttered briefly and went out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now only one light remained in the room." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'killing' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I hated him that night,\" Buntaro continued in the same calm voice, \"and wanted him dead—and you and Fujiko-san. My bow whispered to me, like it does sometimes, asking for a killing. And when, the next dawn, I saw him coming down the hill with those cowardly little pistols in his hands, my arrows begged to drink his blood. But I put his killing off and humbled myself, hating my bad manners more than him, shamed by my bad manners and the saké.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His tiredness showed now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So many shames to bear, you and I. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't want me to kill him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You must do what you know to be your duty,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As I will always do mine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We stay at the inn tonight,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And then, because she had been a perfect guest and the cha-no-yu the best he had ever achieved, he changed his mind and gave her back time and peace in equal measure that he had received from her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go to the inn. Sleep,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hand picked up the stiletto and offered it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When the maples are bare of leaves—or when you return from Osaka—we will begin again. As husband and wife.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you agree freely, Mariko-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Before your God?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Before God.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko bowed and accepted the knife, replaced it in its hiding place, bowed again and left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her footsteps died away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro looked down at the branchlet still in his fist, the tear still trapped in a tiny leaf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His fingers trembled as they gently laid the sprig on the last of the coals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The pure green leaves began to twist and char." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tear vanished with a hiss.\n\nThen, in silence, he began to weep with rage, suddenly sure in his innermost being that she had betrayed him with the Anjin-san." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene (which might reference existing characters and worldbuilding), and you will continue the story with 1 sentence, channeling the voice and techniques of James Clavell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne saw her come out of the garden and walk across the well-lit courtyard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He caught his breath at the whiteness of her beauty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dawn was creeping into the eastern sky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello, Mariko-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh—hello, Anjin-san! You—so sorry, you startled me—I didn't see you there. You're up late.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. Gomen nasai, I'm on time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He smiled and motioned to the morning that was not far off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a habit I picked up at sea, to wake just before dawn, in good time to go aloft to get ready to shoot the sun.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His smile deepened. \"It's you who're up late!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't realize that it was... that night was gone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Samurai were posted at the gates and all doorways, watching curiously, Naga among them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her voice became almost imperceptible as she switched to Latin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Guard thine eyes, I beg thee. Even the darkness of night contains harbingers of doom.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I beg forgiveness.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They glanced away as horses clattered up to the main gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Falconers and the hunting party and guards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dispiritedly Toranaga came from within." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everything's ready, Sire,\" Naga said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I come with you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, no, thank you. You get some rest. Mariko-san, how was the cha-no-yu?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Most beautiful, Sire. Most very beautiful.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Buntaro-san's a master. You're fortunate.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjin-san! Would you like to go hunting? I'd like to learn how you fly a falcon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko translated at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, thank you,\" Blackthorne said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good.\" Toranaga waved him to a horse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You come with me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko watched them leave." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they had trotted up the path, she went to her room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her maid helped her undress, remove her makeup, and take down her hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she told the maid to stay in the room, that she was not to be disturbed until noon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, mistress.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko lay down and closed her eyes and allowed her body to fall into the exquisite softness of the down quilts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was exhausted and elated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cha-no-yu had pushed her to a strange height of peacefulness, cleansing her, and from there, the sublime, joy-filled decision to go into death had sent her to a further pinnacle never attained before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Returning from the summit into life once more had left her with an eerie, unbelievable awareness of the beauty of being alive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had seemed to be outside herself as she answered Buntaro patiently, sure her answers and her performance had been equally perfect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She curled up in the bed, so glad that peace existed now... until the leaves fell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, Madonna, she prayed fervently, I thank thee for thy mercy in granting me my glorious reprieve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I thank thee and worship thee with all my heart and with all my soul and for all eternity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She repeated an Ave Maria in humility and then, asking forgiveness, in accordance to her custom and in obedience to her liege lord, for another day she put her God into a compartment of her mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What would I have done, she mused just before sleep took her, if Buntaro had asked to share my bed?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I would have refused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And then, if he had insisted, as is his right?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I would have kept my promise to him. Oh, yes. Nothing's changed." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell 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": "At the Hour of the Goat the cortege crossed the bridge again. Everything was as before, except that now Zataki and his men were lightly dressed for traveling—or skirmishing. They were all heavily armed and, though very well disciplined, all were spoiling for the death fight, if it came. They seated themselves neatly opposite Toranaga's forces, which heavily outnumbered them. Father Alvito was to one side among the onlookers. And Blackthorne.\n\nToranaga welcomed Zataki with the same calm formality, prolonging the ceremonious seating. Today the two daimyos were alone on the dais, the cushions farther apart under a lower sky. Yabu, Omi, Naga, and Buntaro were on the earth surrounding Toranaga and four of Zataki's fighting counselors spaced themselves behind him.\n\nAt the correct time, Zataki took out the second scroll." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've come for your formal answer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree to go to Osaka and to submit to the will of the Council,\" replied Toranaga evenly, and bowed.\n\n\"You're going to submit?\" Zataki began, his face twisting with disbelief. \"You, Toranaga-noh-Minowara, you're going—\"\n\n\"Listen,\" Toranaga interrupted in his resonant commanding voice that ricocheted around the clearing without seeming to be loud. \"The Council of Regents should be obeyed! Even though it's illegal, it is constituted and no single daimyo has the right to tear the realm apart, however much truth is on his side. The realm takes precedence. If one daimyo revolts, it is the duty of all to stamp him out. I swore to the Taikō I'd never be the first to break the peace, and I won't, even though evil is in the land. I accept the invitation. I will leave today.\"\n\nAghast, each samurai was trying to foretell what this unbelievable about-face would mean. All were achingly certain that most, if not all, would be forced to become ronin, with all that that implied—loss of honor, of revenue, of family, of future.\n\nBuntaro knew that he would accompany Toranaga on his last journey and share his fate—death with all his family, of all generations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ishido was too much his own personal enemy to forgive, and anyway, who would want to stay alive when his own lord gave up the true fight in such cowardly fashion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Karma, Buntaro thought bitterly. Buddha give me strength! Now I'm committed to take Mariko's life and our son's life before I take my own. When? When my duty's done and our lord is safely and honorably gone into the Void. He will need a faithful second, neh? All gone, like autumn leaves, all the future and the present, Crimson Sky and destiny. It's just as well, neh? Now Lord Yaemon will surely inherit. Lord Toranaga must be secretly tempted in his most private heart to take power, however much he denies it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps the Taikō will live again through his son and, in time, we'll war on China again and win this time, to stand at the summit of the world as is our divine duty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, the Lady Ochiba and Yaemon won't sell us out next time as Ishido and his cowardly supporters did the last..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Naga was bewildered. No Crimson Sky? No honorable war? No fighting to the death in the Shinano mountains or on the Kyoto plains? No honorable death in battle heroically defending the standard of his father, no mounds of enemy dead to straddle in a last glorious stand, or in a divine victory? No charge even with the filthy guns? None of that—just a seppuku, probably hurried, without pomp or ceremony or honor and his head stuck on a spike for common people to jeer at. Just a death and the end of the Yoshi line. For of course every one of them would die, his father, all his brothers and sisters and cousins, nephews and nieces and aunts and uncles. His eyes focused on Zataki. Blood lust began to flood his brain..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi was watching Toranaga with half-seeing eyes, hatred devouring him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'toranaga' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Our Master's gone mad, he thought. How can he be so stupid? We've a hundred thousand men and the Musket Regiment and fifty thousand more around Osaka! Crimson Sky's a million times better than a lonely stinking grave!\n\nHis hand was heavy on his sword hilt and, for an ecstatic moment, he imagined himself leaping forward to decapitate Toranaga, to hand the head to the Regent Zataki and so end the contemptuous charade. Then to die by his own hand with honor, here, before everyone. For what was the point of living now? Now Kiku was beyond his reach, her contract bought and owned by Toranaga who had betrayed them all. Last night his body had been on fire during her singing and he knew her song had been secretly for him, and him alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unrequited fire—him and her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wait—why not a suicide together? To die beautifully together, to be together for all eternity. Oh, how wonderful that would be! To mix our souls in death as a never-ending witness to our adoration of life. But first the traitor Toranaga, neh?\n\nWith an effort Omi dragged himself back from the brink.\n\nEverything's gone wrong, he thought. No peace in my house, always anger and quarreling, and Midori always in tears. No nearer my revenge on Yabu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No private, secret arrangement with Zataki, with or without Yabu, negotiated over the hours last night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No deal of any kind. Nothing right anymore. Even when Mura found the swords, both were so mutilated by the earth's force that I know Toranaga hated me for showing them to him. And now finally this—this cowardly, traitorous surrender!\n\nIt's almost as though I'm bedeviled—in an evil spell. Cast by the Anjin-san? Perhaps. But everything's still lost. No swords and no revenge and no secret escape route and no Kiku and no future. Wait. There's a future with her. Death's a future and past and present and it'll be so clean and simple..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're giving up? We're not going to war?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu bellowed, aware that his death and the death of his line were now guaranteed.\n\n\"I accept the Council's invitation,\" Toranaga replied. \"As you will accept the Council's invitation!\"\n\n\"I won't do—\"\n\nOmi came out of his reverie with enough presence of mind to know that he had to interrupt Yabu and protect him from the instant death that any confrontation with Toranaga would bring. But he deliberately froze his lips, shouting to himself with glee at this heaven-sent gift, and waited for Yabu's disaster to overtake him.\n\n\"You won't do what?\" Toranaga asked.\n\nYabu's soul shrieked danger. He managed to croak, \"I—I—of course your vassals will obey. Yes—if you decide—whatever you decide I—I will do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi cursed and allowed the glazed expression to return, his mind still withered by Toranaga's totally unexpected capitulation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angrily Toranaga let Yabu stutter on, increasing the strength of the apology." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'zataki' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then contemptuously he cut him short. \"Good.\" He turned back to Zataki but he did not relax his vigil. \"So, Brother, you can put away the second scroll. There's nothing more—\" From the corner of his eye he saw Naga's face change and he wheeled on him. \"Naga!\"\n\nThe youth almost leapt out of his skin, but his hand left his sword. \"Yes, Father?\" he stammered.\n\n\"Go and fetch my writing materials! Now!\" When Naga was well out of sword range Toranaga exhaled, relieved that he had prevented the attack on Zataki before it had begun. His eyes studied Buntaro carefully. Then Omi. And last Yabu." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 11 sentences. Context: May include pre-existing characters and lore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gloom hung over the valley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was pouring now, the base of the clouds barely three hundred feet from the ground, obscuring completely the way back up the pass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The clearing and the inn's forecourt were filled with shoving, ill-tempered samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Horses stamped their feet irritably. Officers were shouting orders with unnecessary harshness. Frightened porters were rushing about readying the departing column. Barely an hour remained to darkness.\n\nToranaga had written the flowery message and signed it, sending it by messenger to Zataki, over the entreaties of Buntaro, Omi, and Yabu, in private conference. He had listened to their arguments silently.\n\nWhen they had finished, he said, \"I want no more talk. I've decided my path. Obey!\"\n\nHe had told them he was returning to Anjiro immediately to collect the rest of his men. Tomorrow he would head up the east coast road toward Atami and Odawara, thence over the mountain passes to Yedo. Buntaro would command his escort. Tomorrow the Musket Regiment was to embark on the galleys at Anjiro and put to sea to await him at Yedo, Yabu in command." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The following day Omi was ordered to the frontier via the central road with all available Izu warriors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was to assist Hiro-matsu, who was in overall command, and was to make sure that the enemy, Ikawa Jikkyu, did nothing to interfere with normal traffic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi was to base himself in Mishima for the time being, to guard that section of the Tokaidō Road, and to prepare palanquins and horses in sufficient quantity for Toranaga and the considerable entourage that was necessary to a formal state visit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Alert all stations along the road and prepare them equally. You understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"Make sure that everything's perfect!\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. You may rely on me.\" Even Omi had winced under the baleful glare.\n\nWhen everything was ready for his departure, Toranaga came out from his rooms onto the veranda. Everyone bowed. Sourly he motioned them to continue and sent for the innkeeper. The man fawned as he presented the bill on his knees. Toranaga checked it item by item. The bill was very fair. He nodded and threw it at his paymaster for payment, then summoned Mariko and the Anjin-san." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko was given permission to go to Osaka." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But first you'll go directly from here to Mishima. Give this private dispatch to Hiro-matsu-san, then continue on to Yedo with the Anjin-san. You're responsible for him until you arrive. You'll probably go by sea to Osaka—I'll decide that later. Anjin-san! Did you get the dictionary from the priest-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please? So sorry, I don't understand.\"\n\nMariko translated.\n\n\"Sorry. Yes, I book got.\"\n\n\"When we meet in Yedo, you'll speak better Japanese than you do now. Wakarimasu ka?\"\n\n\"Hai. Gomen nasai.\"\n\nDespondently Toranaga stomped out of the courtyard, a samurai holding a large umbrella for him against the rain. As one, all samurai, porters, and villagers again bowed. Toranaga paid no attention to them, just got into his roofed palanquin at the head of the column and closed the curtains.\n\nAt once, the six seminaked bearers raised the litter and started off at a loping trot, their horny bare feet splashing the puddles. Mounted escorting samurai rode ahead, and another mounted guard surrounded the palanquin. Spare porters and the baggage train followed, all hurrying, all tense and filled with dread." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi led the van." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro was to command the rearguard. Yabu and Naga had already left for the Musket Regiment that was still athwart the road in ambush to await Toranaga at the crest; it would fall in behind to form a rearguard. \"Rearguard against whom?\" Yabu had snarled at Omi in the few moments of privacy they had had before he galloped off.\n\nBuntaro strode back to the high, curved gateway of the inn, careless of the downpour. \"Mariko-san!\"\n\nObediently she hurried to him, her orange oiled-paper umbrella beaten by the heavy drops. \"Yes, Sire?\"\n\nHis eyes raced over her under the brim of his bamboo hat, then went to Blackthorne, who watched from the veranda. \"Tell him... \" He stopped.\n\n\"Sire?\"\n\nHe stared down at her. \"Tell him I hold him responsible for you.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But, please excuse me, I am responsible for me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro turned and measured the distance to the head of the column." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he glanced back his face showed a trace of his torment. \"Now there'll be no falling leaves for our eyes, neh?\"\n\n\"That is in the hands of God, Sire.\"\n\n\"No, that's in Lord Toranaga's hands,\" he said with disdain.\n\nShe looked up at him without wavering under his stare. The rain beat down. Droplets fell from the rim of her umbrella like a curtain of tears. Mud splattered the hem of her kimono. Then he said, \"Sayonara—until I see you at Osaka.\"\n\nShe was startled. \"Oh, so sorry, won't I see you at Yedo? Surely you'll be there with Lord Toranaga, you'll arrive about the same time, neh? I'll see you then.\"\n\n\"Yes. But at Osaka, when we meet there or when you return from there, then we begin again. That's when I'll truly see you, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, I understand. So sorry.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sayonara, Mariko-san,\" he said.\n\n\"Sayonara, my Lord.\" Mariko bowed. He returned her obeisance peremptorily and strode through the quagmire to his horse. He swung into the saddle and galloped away without looking back.\n\n\"Go with God,\" she said, staring after him." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\nfour sentences\nStyle:\nJames Clavell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne saw her eyes following Buntaro. He waited in the lee of the roof, the rain lessening. Soon the head of the column vanished into the clouds, then Toranaga's palanquin, and he breathed easier, still shattered by Toranaga and the whole ill-omened day.\n\nThis morning the hawking had begun so well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had chosen a tiny, long-wing falcon, like a merlin, and flew her very successfully at a lark, the stoop and soaring chase blown southward beyond a belt of trees by the freshening wind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Leading the charge as was his privilege, he careered through the forest along a well-beaten path, itinerant peddlers and farmers scattering. But a weather-beaten oil seller with an equally threadbare horse blocked the way and cantankerously wouldn't budge. In the excitement of the chase Blackthorne had shouted at the man to move, but the peddler would not, so he cursed him roundly. The oil seller replied rudely and shouted back and then Toranaga was there and Toranaga pointed at his own bodyguard and said, \"Anjin-san, give him your sword a moment,\" and some other words he did not understand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne obeyed at once. Before he realized what was happening, the samurai lunged at the peddler. His blow was so savage and so perfect that the oil seller had walked on a pace before falling, divided in two at the waist.\n\nToranaga had pounded his pommel with momentary delight, then fell back into his melancholy as the other samurai had cheered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bodyguard cleansed the blade carefully, using his silken sash to protect the steel. He sheathed the sword with satisfaction and returned it, saying something that Mariko explained later. \"He just said, Anjin-san, that he was proud to be allowed to test such a blade. Lord Toranaga is suggesting you should nickname the sword 'Oil Seller,' because such a blow and such sharpness should be remembered with honor. Your sword has now become legend, neh?\"\n\nBlackthorne recalled how he had nodded, hiding his anguish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was wearing \"Oil Seller\" now—Oil Seller it would be forevermore—the same sword that Toranaga had presented to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wish he'd never given it to me, he thought. But it wasn't all their fault, it was mine too. I shouted at the man, he was rude in return, and samurai may not be treated rudely. What other course was there?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne knew there was none." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even so, the killing had taken the joy out of the hunt for him, though he had to hide that carefully because Toranaga had been moody and difficult all day.\n\nJust before noon, they had returned to Yokosé, then there was Toranaga's meeting with Zataki and then after a steaming bath and massage, suddenly Father Alvito was standing in his way like a vengeful wraith, two hostile acolytes in attendance. \"Christ Jesus, get away from me!\"\n\n\"There's no need to be afraid, or to blaspheme,\" Alvito had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"God curse you and all priests!\" Blackthorne said, trying to get hold of himself, knowing that he was deep in enemy territory. Earlier he'd seen half a hundred Catholic samurai trickling over the bridge to the Mass that Mariko had told him was being held in the forecourt of Alvito's inn. His hand sought the hilt of his sword, but he was not wearing it with his bathrobe, or carrying it as was customary, and he cursed his stupidity, hating to be unarmed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May God forgive you your blasphemy, Pilot. Yes. May He forgive you and open your eyes. I bear you no malice. I came to bring you a gift. Here, here's a gift from God, Pilot.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne took the package suspiciously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he opened it and saw the Portuguese-Latin-Japanese dictionary/grammar, a thrill rushed through him. He leafed through a few pages. The printing was certainly the best he had ever seen, the quality and detail of the information staggering. \"Yes, this is a gift from God all right, but Lord Toranaga ordered you to give it to me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We obey only God's orders.\"\n\n\"Toranaga asked you to give it to me?\"\n\n\"Yes. It was his request.\"\n\n\"And a Toranaga 'request' isn't an order?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That depends, Captain-Pilot, on who you are, what you are, and how great your faith.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alvito motioned at the book. \"Three of our Brethren spent twenty-seven years preparing that.\"\n\n\"Why are you giving it to me?\"\n\n\"We were asked to.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why didn't you avoid Lord Toranaga's request? You're more than cunning enough to do that.\"\n\nAlvito shrugged. Quickly Blackthorne flicked through all the pages, checking. Excellent paper, the printing very clear. The numbers of the pages were in sequence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's complete,\" Alvito said, amused." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'worth' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We don't deal with half books.\"\n\n\"This is much too valuable to give away. What do you want in return?\"\n\n\"He asked us to give it to you. The Father-Visitor agreed. So you are given it. It was only printed this year, at long last. It's beautiful, isn't it? We only ask you to cherish it, to treat the book well. It's worth treating well.\"\n\n\"It's worth guarding with a life. This is priceless knowledge, like one of your rutters. But this is better. What do you want for it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We ask nothing in return.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't believe you.\" Blackthorne weighed it in his hand, even more suspiciously. \"You must know this makes me equal to you. It gives me all your knowledge and saves us ten, maybe twenty years. With this I'll soon be speaking as well as you. Once I can do that, I can teach others. This is the key to Japan, neh? Language is the key to anywhere foreign, neh? In six months I'll be able to talk direct to Toranaga-sama.\"\n\n\"Yes, perhaps you will. If you have six months.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What does that mean?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'toranaga' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing more than what you already know. Lord Toranaga will be dead long before six months is up.\"\n\n\"Why? What news did you bring him? Ever since he talked with you he's been like a bull with half its throat ripped out. What did you say, eh?\"\n\n\"My message was private, from his Eminence to Lord Toranaga. I'm sorry—I'm merely a messenger. But General Ishido controls Osaka, as you surely know, and when Toranaga-sama goes to Osaka everything is finished for him. And for you.\"\n\nBlackthorne felt ice in his marrow. \"Why me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You can't escape your fate, Pilot. You helped Toranaga against Ishido. Have you forgotten? You put your hands violently on Ishido. You led the dash out of Osaka harbor. I'm sorry, but being able to speak Japanese, or your swords and samurai status, won't help you at all. Perhaps it's worse now that you're samurai. Now you'll be ordered to commit seppuku and if you refuse... \" Alvito had added in the same gentle voice, \"I told you before, they are a simple people.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We English are simple people, too,\" he said, with no little bravado. \"When we're dead we're dead, but before that we put our trust in God and keep our powder dry. I've a few tricks left, never fear.\"\n\n\"Oh, I don't fear, Pilot. I fear nothing, not you nor your heresy, nor your guns. They're all spiked—as you're spiked.\"\n\n\"That's karma—in the hands of God—call it what you will,\" Blackthorne told him, rattled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But by the Lord God, I'll get my ship back and then, in a couple of years, I'll lead a squadron of English ships out here and blow you all to hell out of Asia.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alvito spoke again with his vast unnerving calm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's in the hands of God, Pilot. But here the die is cast and nothing of what you say will happen. Nothing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alvito had looked at him as though he were already dead. \"May God have mercy on you, for as God is my judge, Pilot, I believe you'll never leave these islands.\"\n\nBlackthorne shivered, remembering the total conviction with which Alvito had said that.\n\n\"You're cold, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko was standing beside him on the veranda now, shaking out her umbrella in the dusk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, sorry, no, I'm not cold—I was just wandering.\" He glanced up at the pass. The whole column had vanished into the cloud bank. The rain had abated a little and had become mild and soft." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some villagers and servants splashed through the puddles, homeward bound. The forecourt was empty, the garden water-logged. Oil lanterns were coming on throughout the village. No longer were there sentries on the gateway, or at both sides of the bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A great emptiness seemed to dominate the twilight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's much prettier at night, isn't it?\" she said.\n\n\"Yes,\" he replied, totally aware that they were alone together, and safe, if they were careful and if she wanted as he wanted.\n\nA maid came and took her umbrella, bringing dry tabi socks. She knelt and began to towel Mariko's feet dry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tomorrow at dawn we'll begin our journey, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How long will it take us?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A number of days, Anjin-san. Lord Toranaga said—\" Mariko glanced off as Gyoko padded obsequiously from inside the inn. \"Lord Toranaga told me there was plenty of time.\"\n\nGyoko bowed low. \"Good evening, Lady Toda, please excuse me for interrupting you.\"\n\n\"How are you, Gyoko-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fine, thank you, though I wish this rain would stop. I don't like this mugginess. But then, when the rains stop, we have the heat and that's so much worse, neh? But the autumn's not far away... Ah, we're so lucky to have autumn to look forward to, and heavenly spring, neh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: mariko, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko did not answer. The maid fastened the tabi for her and got up. \"Thank you,\" Mariko said, dismissing her. \"So, Gyoko-san? There's something I can do for you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kiku-san asked if you would like her to serve you at dinner, or to dance or sing for you tonight. Lord Toranaga left instructions for her to entertain you, if you wished.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, he told me, Gyoko-san. That would be very nice, but perhaps not tonight. We have to leave at dawn and I'm very tired. There'll be other nights, neh? Please give her my apologies, and, oh yes, please tell her I'm delighted to have the company of you both on the road.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga had ordered Mariko to take the two women with her, and she had thanked him, pleased to have them as a formal chaperone.\n\n\"You're too kind,\" Gyoko said with honey on her tongue. \"But it's our honor. We're still to go to Yedo?\"\n\n\"Yes. Of course. Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing, Lady Toda. But, in that case, perhaps we could stop in Mishima for a day or two? Kiku-san would like to gather up some clothes—she doesn't feel adequately gowned for Lord Toranaga, and I hear the Yedo summer's very sultry and mosquitoed. We should collect her wardrobe, bad as it is.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Of course. You'll both have more than enough time.\"\n\nGyoko did not look at Blackthorne, though both were very conscious of him. \"It's—it's tragic about our Master, neh?\"\n\n\"Karma,\" Mariko replied evenly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she added with a woman's sweet viciousness, \"But nothing's changed, Gyoko-san. You'll be paid the day you arrive, in silver, as the contract says.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, so sorry,\" the older woman told her, pretending to be shocked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, Lady Toda, but money? That was farthest from my mind. Never! I was only concerned with our Master's future.\"\n\n\"He's master of his own future,\" Mariko said easily, believing it no more. \"But your future's good, isn't it—whatever happens. You're rich now. All your worldly troubles are over. Soon you'll be a power in Yedo with your new guild of courtesans, whoever rules the Kwanto. Soon you'll be the greatest of all Mama-sans, and whatever happens, well, Kiku-san's still your protégée and her youth's not touched, neither is her karma. Neh?\"\n\n\"My only concern is for Lord Toranaga,\" Gyoko answered with practiced gravity, her anus twitching at the thought of two thousand five hundred koku so nearly in her strong room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If there is any way I could help him I would—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How generous of you, Gyoko-san! I'll tell him of your offer. Yes, a thousand koku off the price would help very much. I accept on his behalf.\"\n\nGyoko fluttered her fan, put a gracious smile on her face, and just managed not to wail aloud at her imbecility for jumping into a trap like a saké-besotted novice. \"Oh no, Lady Toda, how could money help so generous a patron? No, clearly money's no help to him,\" she babbled, trying to recover. \"No, money's no help. Better information or a service or—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, what information?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"None, none at the moment. I was just using that as a figure of speech, so sorry. But money—\"\n\n\"Ah, so sorry, yes. Well, I'll tell him of your offer. And of your generosity. On his behalf, thank you.\"\n\nGyoko bowed at the dismissal and scuttled back into the inn. Mariko's little laugh trickled out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are you laughing at, Mariko-san?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'toranaga'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She told him what had been said. \"Mama-sans must be the same the world over. She's just worried about her money.\"\n\n\"Will Lord Toranaga pay even though... \" Blackthorne stopped. Mariko waited guilelessly. Then, under her gaze, he continued, \"Father Alvito said when Lord Toranaga goes to Osaka, he's finished.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, yes. Yes, Anjin-san, that's most very true,\" Mariko said with a brightness she did not feel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she put Toranaga and Osaka into their compartments and was tranquil again. \"But Osaka's many leagues away and countless sticks of time in the future, and until that time when what is to be is, Ishido doesn't know, the good Father doesn't truly know, we don't know, no one knows what will truly happen. Neh? Except the Lord God. But He won't tell us, will He? Until perhaps it has already come to pass. Neh?\" \"Hai!\" He laughed with her. \"Ah, you're so wise.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you. I have a suggestion, Anjin-san. During the journey time, let us forget all outside problems. All of them.\"\n\n\"Thou,\" he said in Latin. \"It is good to see thee.\"\n\n\"And thee. Extraordinary care in front of both women during our journey is very necessary, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Depend on it, Lady.\"\n\n\"I do. In truth I do very much.\"\n\n\"Now we are almost alone, neh? Thou and I.\"\n\n\"Yes. But what was is not and never happened.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"True. Yes. Thou art correct again. And beautiful.\"\n\nA samurai strode through the gateway and saluted her. He was middle-aged with graying hair, his face pitted, and he walked with a slight limp. \"Please excuse me, Lady Toda, but we'll leave at dawn, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Yoshinaka-san. But it doesn't matter if we're delayed till noon, if you wish. We've plenty of time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. As you prefer, let us leave at noon. Good evening, Anjin-san. Please allow me to introduce myself. I'm Akira Yoshinaka, captain of your escort.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good evening, Captain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshinaka turned back to Mariko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm responsible for you and him, Lady, so please tell him I've ordered two men to sleep in his room by night as his personal guards. Then there'll be ten sentries on duty nightly. They'll be all around you. I've a hundred men in all.\"\n\n\"Very well, Captain. But, so sorry, it would be better not to station any men in the Anjin-san's room. It's a very serious custom of theirs to sleep alone, or alone with one lady. My maid will probably be with him, so he'll be protected. Please keep the guards around but not too close, then he won't be unsettled.\"\n\nYoshinaka scratched his head and frowned. \"Very well, Lady. Yes, I'll agree to that, though my way's more sensible. Then, so sorry, then please ask him not to go on any of these night walks of his. Until we get to Yedo I'm responsible and when I'm responsible for very important persons I get very nervous.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He bowed stiffly and went away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Captain asks you not to walk off by yourself during our journey. If you get up at night, always take a samurai with you, Anjin-san. He says this would help him.\"\n\n\"All right. Yes, I'll do that.\" Blackthorne was watching him leave. \"What else did he say? I caught something about sleeping? I couldn't understand him very—\" He stopped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiku came from within." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wore a bathrobe with a towel decorously swathed around her hair. Barefoot, she sauntered toward the hot-spring bath house, half bowed to them, and waved gaily. They returned her salutation.\n\nBlackthorne took in her long legs and the sinuousness of her walk until she disappeared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt Mariko's eyes watching him closely and looked back at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" he said blandly and shook his head.\n\nShe laughed. \"I thought it might be difficult—might be uncomfortable for you, to have her just as a traveling companion after such a special pillowing.\"\n\n\"Uncomfortable, no. On the contrary, very pleasant. I've very pleasant memories. I'm glad she belongs to Lord Toranaga now. That makes everything easy, for her and for him. And everyone.\" He was going to add, everyone except Omi, but thought better of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"After all, to me she was only a very special, glorious gift. Nothing more. Neh?\"\n\n\"She was a gift, yes.\"\n\nHe wanted to touch Mariko. But he did not." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead he turned and stared up at the pass, not sure what he read behind her eyes. Night obscured the pass now. And the clouds. Water dripped nicely from the roof. \"What else did the Captain say?\"\n\n\"Nothing of importance, Anjin-san.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 12 sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their journey to Mishima took nine days, and every night, for part of the night, they were together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Secretly. Unwittingly Yoshinaka assisted them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At each inn he would naturally choose adjacent rooms for all of them. \"I hope you do not object, Lady, but this will make security much easier,\" he would always say, and Mariko would agree and take the center room, Kiku and Gyoko to one side, Blackthorne to the other. Then, in the dark of the night she would leave her maid, Chimmoko, and go to him. With adjoining rooms, coupled with the usual chatter and night sounds and singing and carousing of other travelers with their swarms of ever-present, anxious-to-please maids, the alert outward-guarding sentries were none the wiser. Only Chimmoko was privy to the secret.\n\nMariko was aware that eventually Gyoko, Kiku, and all the women in their party would know. But this did not worry her. She was samurai and they were not. Her word would carry against theirs, unless she was caught blatantly, and no samurai, not even Yoshinaka, would normally dare to open her door by night, uninvited. As far as everyone was concerned Blackthorne shared his bed with Chimmoko, or one of the maids in the inn. It was no one's business but his. So only a woman could betray her, and if she was betrayed, her betrayer and all the women of the party would die an even more vulgar and more lingering death than hers for so disgusting a betrayal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then too, if she wished, before they reached Mishima or Yedo, all knew she could have them put to death at her whim for the slightest indiscretion, real or alleged. Mariko was sure Toranaga would not object to a killing. Certainly he would applaud Gyoko's and, in her private heart, Mariko was sure he would not object even to Kiku's. Two and a half thousand koku could buy many a courtesan of the First Rank.\n\nSo she felt safe from the women. But not from Blackthorne, much as she loved him now. He was not Japanese. He had not been trained from birth to build the inner, impenetrable fences behind which to hide. His face or manner or pride would betray them. She was not afraid for herself. Only for him.\n\n\"At long last I know what love means,\" she murmured the first night. And because she no longer fought against love's onslaught but yielded to its irresistibility, her terror for his safety consumed her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I love thee, so I'm afraid for thee,\" she whispered, holding on to him, using Latin, the language of lovers.\n\n\"I love thee. Oh, how I love thee.\"\n\n\"I've destroyed thee, my love, by beginning. We're doomed now. I've destroyed thee—that is the truth.\"\n\n\"No, Mariko, somehow something will happen to make everything right.\"\n\n\"I should never have begun. The fault is mine.\"\n\n\"Do not worry, I beg thee. Karma is karma.\"\n\nAt length she pretended to be persuaded and melted into his arms. But she was sure he would be his own nemesis. For herself she was not afraid.\n\nThe nights were joyous. Tender and each one better than before. The days were easy for her, difficult for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was constantly on guard, determined for her sake not to make a mistake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There will be no mistake,\" she said while they were riding together, safely apart from the rest, now keeping up a pretense of absolute confidence after her lapse of the first night." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'their' 5 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thou art strong. Thou art samurai and there will be no mistake.\"\n\n\"And when we get to Yedo?\"\n\n\"Let Yedo take care of Yedo. I love thee.\"\n\n\"Yes. I love thee too.\"\n\n\"Then why so sad?\"\n\n\"Not sad, Lady. Just that silence is painful. I wish to shout my love from the mountaintops.\"\n\nThey delighted in their privacy and their certainty they were still safe from prying eyes.\n\n\"What will happen to them, Gyoko-san?\" Kiku asked softly in their palanquin on the first day of the journey.\n\n\"Disaster, Kiku-san. There's no hope for their future. He hides it well, but she... ! Her adoration shouts from her face. Look at her! Like a young girl! Oh, how foolish she is!\"\n\n\"But oh, how beautiful, neh? How lucky to be so fulfilled, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, but even so I wouldn't wish their deaths on anyone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What will Yoshinaka do when he discovers them?\" Kiku asked.\n\n\"Perhaps he won't. I pray he won't. Men are such fools and so stupid. They can't see the simplest things about women, thanks be to Buddha, bless his name. Let's pray they're not discovered until we've gone about our business in Yedo. Let's pray we're not held responsible. Oh very yes! And this afternoon when we stop, let's find the nearest shrine and I'll light ten incense sticks as a god-favor. By all gods I'll even endow a temple to all gods with three koku yearly for ten years if we escape and if I get my money.\"\n\n\"But they're so beautiful together, neh? I've never seen a woman blossom so.\"\n\n\"Yes, but she'll wither like a broken camellia when she's accused before Buntaro-san. Their karma is their karma and there's nothing we can do about them. Or about Lord Toranaga—or even Omi-san. Don't cry, child.\"\n\n\"Poor Omi-san.\"\n\nOmi had overtaken them on the third day. He had stayed at their inn, and after the evening meal he had spoken privately to Kiku, asking her formally to join him for all eternity.\n\n\"Willingly, Omi-san, willingly,\" she had answered at once, allowing herself to cry, for she liked him very much. \"But my duty to Lord Toranaga who favored me, and to Gyoko-san who formed me, forbids it.\"\n\n\"But Lord Toranaga's forfeited his rights to you. He's surrendered. He's finished.\"\n\n\"But his contract isn't, Omi-san, much as I wish it. His contract's legal and binding. Please excuse me, I must refuse—\"\n\n\"Don't answer now, Kiku-san. Think about it. Please, I beg you. Tomorrow give me your answer,\" he said and left her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'there' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But her tearful answer had been the same. \"I can't be so selfish, Omi-san. Please forgive me. My duty to Lord Toranaga and to Gyoko-san—I can't, much as I'd wish it. Please forgive me.\"\n\nHe had argued. More private tears flowed. They had sworn perpetual adoration and then she had sent him away with a promise: \"If the contract's broken, or Lord Toranaga dies and I'm freed, then I'll do whatever you want, I'll obey whatever you order.\" And so he had left the inn and rode on ahead to Mishima filled with foreboding, and she had dried her tears and repaired her makeup. Gyoko complimented her. \"You're so wise, child. Oh, how I wish the Lady Toda had half your wisdom.\"\n\nYoshinaka led leisurely from inn to inn along the course of the river Kano as it meandered northward to the sea, falling in with the delays that always seemed to happen, not caring about time. Toranaga had told him privately there was no need to hurry, providing he delivered his charges safely to Yedo by the new moon. \"I'd prefer them there later than sooner, Yoshinaka-san. You understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire,\" he had replied. Now he blessed his guarding kami for giving him the respite. At Mishima with Lord Hiro-matsu—or at Yedo with Lord Toranaga—he would have to make his obligatory report, verbally and in writing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he would have to decide whether he should tell what he thought, not what he had been so careful not to see." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eeeeee, he told himself, appalled, surely I'm mistaken. The Lady Toda? Her and any man, let alone the barbarian!\n\nIsn't it your duty to see? he asked himself. To obtain proof. To catch them behind closed doors, bedded together. You'll be condemned yourself for collusion if you don't, neh? It'd be so easy, even though they're very careful.\n\nYes, but only a fool would bring such tidings, he thought. Isn't it better to play the dullard and pray no one betrays them and so betrays you? Her life's ended, we're all doomed, so what does it matter? Turn your eyes away. Leave them to their karma." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What does it matter?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With all his soul, the samurai knew it mattered very much." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene (which might reference existing characters and worldbuilding), and you will continue the story with 1 sentence, channeling the voice and techniques of James Clavell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, good morning, Mariko-san. How beautiful the day is,\" Father Alvito said, walking up to them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were outside the inn, ready to start the day's journey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He made the sign of the cross over her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May God bless you and keep you in His hands forever.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Father.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good morning, Pilot. How are you today?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good, thank you. And you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their party and the Jesuits had leapfrogged each other on the march." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sometimes they had stayed at the same inn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sometimes they journeyed together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would you like me to ride with you this morning, Pilot? I'd be happy to continue the Japanese lessons, if you've a mind.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you. Yes, I'd like that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the first day, Alvito had offered to try to teach Blackthorne the language." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In return for what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne had asked warily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing. It would help me pass the time, and to tell you the truth, at the moment I'm saddened by life and feel old. Also perhaps to apologize for my harsh words.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I expect no apology from you. You've your way, I've mine. We can never meet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps—but on our journey we could share things, neh? We're travelers on the same road. I'd like to help you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Knowledge belongs to God. Not to man. I'd like to help you as a gift—nothing in return.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks, but I don't trust you.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: you've, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then, if you insist, in return tell me about your world, what you've seen and where you've been. Anything you like, but only what you like. The real truth. Truly, it would fascinate me and it would be a fair exchange. I came to Japan when I was thirteen or fourteen, and I've seen nothing of the world. We could even agree to a truce for the journey, if you wish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But no religion or politics and no Papist doctrines?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am what I am, Pilot, but I will try.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So they began to exchange knowledge cautiously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For Blackthorne it seemed an unfair trade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alvito's erudition was enormous, he was a masterly teacher, whereas Blackthorne thought he related only things that any pilot would know." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But that's not true,\" Alvito had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're a unique pilot, you've done incredible things. One of half a dozen on earth, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gradually a truce did happen between them and this pleased Mariko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is friendship, Anjin-san, or the beginning of it,\" Mariko said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. Not friendship. I distrust him as much as ever, as he does me. We're perpetual enemies. I've forgotten nothing, nor has he. This is a respite, temporary, probably for a special purpose he'd never tell if I were to ask. I understand him and there's no harm, so long as I don't drop my guard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While he spent time with Alvito, she would ride lazily with Kiku and Gyoko and talk about pillowing and about ways to please men and about the Willow World." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In return she told them about her world, sharing what she had witnessed or been part of or learned, about the Dictator Goroda, the Taikō, and even Lord Toranaga, judicious stories about the majestic ones that no commoner would ever know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few leagues south of Mishima the river curled away to the west, to fall placidly to the coast and the large port of Numazu, and they left the ravinelike country and pushed across the flat rice paddy plains along the wide busy road that headed northward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were many streams and tributaries to ford." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some were shallow. Some were deep and very wide and they had to be poled across in flat barges." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Very few were spanned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Usually they were all carried across on the shoulders of porters from the plenty that were always stationed nearby for this special purpose, chattering and bidding for that privilege." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the seventh day from Yokosé." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The road forked and here Father Alvito said he had to leave them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would take the west path, to return to his ship for a day or so, but he would catch them up and join them again on the road from Mishima to Yedo, if that was permitted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course, you're both welcome to come with me if you wish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you but, so sorry, there are things I must do in Mishima,\" Mariko said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjin-san? If Lady Mariko's going to be busy, you'd be welcome by yourself. Our cook's very good, the wine's fair. As God is my judge, you'd be safe, and free to come and go as you wish. Rodrigues is aboard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko saw that Blackthorne wanted to leave her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How can he? she asked herself with a great sadness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How can he want to leave me when time is so short?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please go, Anjin-san,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would be nice for you—and good to see the Rodrigues, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Blackthorne did not go, much as he wanted to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't trust the priest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not even for Rodrigues would he put his head in that trap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He thanked Alvito and they watched him ride away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's stop now, Anjin-san,\" Mariko said, even though it was barely noon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's no hurry, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Excellent. Yes, I'd like that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Father's a good man but I'm glad he's gone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So am I. But he's not a good man. He's a priest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was taken aback by his vehemence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, so sorry, Anjin-san, please excuse me for say—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's not important, Mariko-chan. I told you—nothing's forgotten. He'll always be after my hide.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne went to find Captain Yoshinaka." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Troubled, she looked down the western fork." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The horses of Father Alvito's party moved through the other travelers unhurriedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some passersby bowed to the small cortege, some knelt in humility, many were curious, many hard-faced." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But all moved politely out of the way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Except even the lowest samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Father Alvito met a samurai he moved to the left or to the right and his acolytes followed him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was glad to be leaving Mariko and Blackthorne, glad of the break." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had urgent dispatches to send to the Father-Visitor that he had been unable to send because his carrier pigeons had been destroyed in Yokosé." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were so many problems to solve: Toranaga, Uo the fisherman, Mariko, and the pirate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And Joseph, who continued to dog his footsteps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's he doing there, Captain Yoshinaka?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he had blurted out the first day, when he noticed Joseph among the guards, wearing a military kimono and, awkwardly, swords." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga ordered me to take him to Mishima, Tsukku-san. There I'm to turn him over to Lord Hiro-matsu. Oh, so sorry, does the sight of him offend you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No—no,\" he had said unconvincingly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, you're looking at his swords? There's no need to worry. They're only hilts, they've no blades. It's Lord Toranaga's orders. Seems as the man was ordered into your Order so young it's not clear if he should have real swords or not, much as he's entitled to wear them, much as he wants them. Seems he joined your Order as a child, Tsukku-san. Even so, of course we can't have a samurai without swords, neh? Uraga-noh-Tadamasa's certainly samurai though he's been a barbarian priest for twenty years. Our Master's wisely made this compromise.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's going to happen to him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm to hand him over to Lord Hiro-matsu. Maybe he'll be sent back to his uncle for judgment, maybe he'll stay with us. I only obey orders, Tsukku-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Alvito went to speak with Joseph but Yoshinaka had stopped him politely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, but my Master also ordered him kept to himself. Away from everyone. Particularly Christians. Until Lord Harima gives a judgment, my Master said. Uraga-san's Lord Harima's vassal, neh? Lord Harima's Christian too. Neh? Lord Toranaga says a Christian daimyo should deal with the Christian renegade. After all, Lord Harima's his uncle and leader of the house and it was he who ordered him into your keeping in the first place.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though it was forbidden, Alvito had tried again that night to talk to Joseph privately, to beg him to withdraw his sacrilege and kneel in penance to the Father-Visitor, but the youth had coldly walked away, without listening, and after that, Joseph was always sent far ahead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Somehow, Holy Madonna, we've got to bring him back to the mercy of God, Alvito thought in anguish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What can I do?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps the Father-Visitor will know how to handle Joseph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, and he'll know what to do about Toranaga's incredible decision to submit, which in their secret conferences they had discarded as an impossibility." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No—that's totally against Toranaga's character,\" dell'Aqua had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He'll go to war. When the rains cease, perhaps before, if he can get Zataki to recant and betray Ishido. My forecast is he'll wait as long as he can and try to force Ishido to make the first move—his usual waiting game. Whatever happens, so long as Kiyama and Onoshi support Ishido and Osaka, the Kwanto will be overrun and Toranaga destroyed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And Kiyama and Onoshi? They'll keep their enmity buried, for the common good?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. They're totally convinced a Toranaga victory would be the Holy Church's death knell. Now that Harima will side with Ishido, I'm afraid Toranaga's a broken dream.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Civil war again, Alvito thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brother against brother, father against son, village against village." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anjiro ready to revolt, armed with stolen muskets, so Uo the fisherman had whispered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And the other frightening news: a secret Musket Regiment almost ready!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A modern, European-style cavalry unit of more than two thousand muskets, adapted to Japanese warfare." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, Madonna, protect the faithful and curse that heretic..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such a pity Blackthorne is twisted and mind-deformed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could be such a valuable ally." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I never would have thought that but it's true." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He's incredibly wise in the ways of the sea and the world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Brave and cunning, honest within his heresy, straight and guileless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never needs to be told something twice, his memory astonishing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's taught me so much about the world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And about himself. Is that wrong?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alvito wondered sadly as he turned to wave at Mariko a last time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Is it wrong to learn about your enemy, and in return, to teach? No." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is it wrong to turn a blind eye to mortal sin?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three days out from Yokosé, Brother Michael's observation had shattered him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You believe they're lovers?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is God but love? Isn't that the Lord Jesus' word?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Michael had replied. \"I only mentioned I saw their eyes touching each other and that it was so beautiful to see. About their bodies I don't know, Father, and in truth I don't care. Their souls touch and I seem to be more aware of God because of it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You must be mistaken about them. She'd never do that! It's against her whole heritage, against her law and the law of God. She's a devout Christian. She knows adultery's a hideous sin.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, that is what we teach. But her marriage was Shinto, not consecrated before the Lord our God, so is it adultery?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you also question the Word? Are you infected by Joseph's heresy?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Father, please excuse me, never the Word. Only what man has made of it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From then on he had watched more closely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Clearly the man and woman liked each other greatly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why shouldn't they? Nothing wrong in that!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Constantly thrown together, each learning from the other, the woman ordered to put away her religion, the man having none, or only a patina of the Lutheran heresy as dell'Aqua had said was true of all Englishmen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both strong, vital people, however ill-matched." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At confession she said nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not press her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes told him nothing and everything, but never was there anything real to judge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could hear himself explaining to dell'Aqua, 'Michael must have been mistaken, Eminence.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'But did she commit adultery?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was there any proof?'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Thankfully, no proof.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alvito reined in and turned back momentarily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw her standing on the slight rise, the Pilot talking to Yoshinaka, the old madam and her painted whore lying in their palanquin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was tormented by the fanatic zeal welling up inside him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the first time he dared to ask, Have you whored with the Pilot, Mariko-san?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Has the heretic damned your soul for all eternity?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You, who were chosen in life to be a nun and probably our first native abbess?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Are you living in foul sin, unconfessed, desecrated, hiding your sacrilege from your confessor, and thus are you too befouled before God?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw her wave. This time he did not acknowledge it but turned his back, jabbed his spurs into his horse's flanks, and hurried away." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 12 sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That night their sleep was disturbed.\n\n\"What is it, my love?\"\n\n\"Nothing, Mariko-chan. Go back to sleep.\"\n\nBut she did not. Nor did he. Long before she had to, she slipped back into her own room, and he got up and sat in the courtyard studying the dictionary under candlelight until dawn. When the sun came and the day warmed, their night cares vanished and they continued their journey peacefully. Soon they reached the great trunk road, the Tokaidō, just east of Mishima, and travelers became more numerous. The vast majority were, as always, on foot, their belongings on their backs. There were a few pack horses on the road and no carriages at all.\n\n\"Oh, carriage—that's something with wheels, neh? They're of no use in Japan, Anjin-san. Our roads are too steep and always crisscrossed with rivers and streams. Wheels would also ruin the surface of the roads, so they are forbidden to everyone except the Emperor, and he travels a few ceremonial ri in Kyoto on a special road. We don't need wheels. How can you carry vehicles over a river or stream—and there are too many, far too many to bridge. There are perhaps sixty streams to cross between here and Yedo, Anjin-san. How many have we already had to cross? Dozens, neh? No, we all walk or ride horseback. Of course horses and palanquins particularly are allowed only for important persons, daimyos and samurai, and not even all samurai.\"\n\n\"What? Even if you can afford one you can't hire one?\"\n\n\"Not unless you've the correct rank, Anjin-san. That's very wise, don't you think? Doctors and the very old can travel by horse or palanquin, or the very sick, if they get permission in writing from their liege lord. Palanquins or horses wouldn't be right for peasants and commoners, Anjin-san. That could teach them lazy habits, neh? It's much more healthy for them to walk.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Also it keeps them in their place. Neh?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes. But that all makes for peace and orderliness and wa. Only merchants have money to waste, and what are they but parasites who create nothing, grow nothing, make nothing but feed off another's labor? Definitely they should all walk, neh? In this we are very wise.\"\n\n\"I've never seen so many people on the move,\" Blackthorne said.\n\n\"Oh, this is nothing. Wait till we get nearer Yedo. We adore to travel, Anjin-san, but rarely alone. We like to travel in groups.\"\n\nBut the crowds did not inhibit their progress. The Toranaga cipher that their standards carried, Toda Mariko's personal rank, and the brusque efficiency of Akira Yoshinaka and the runners he sent ahead to proclaim who followed ensured the best private rooms every night at the best inn, and an uninterrupted passage. All other travelers and samurai quickly stood aside and bowed very low, waiting until they had passed.\n\n\"Do they all have to stop and kneel like that to everyone?\"\n\n\"Oh, no, Anjin-san. Only to daimyos and important persons. And to most samurai—yes, that would be a very wise practice for any commoner. It's polite to do so, Anjin-san, and necessary, neh? Unless the common people respect the samurai and themselves, how can the law be upheld and the realm be governed? Then too, it's the same for everyone. We stopped and bowed and allowed the Imperial messenger to pass, didn't we? Everyone must be polite, neh? Lesser daimyos have to dismount and bow to more important ones. Ritual governs our lives, but the realm is obedient.\"\n\n\"Say two daimyos are equal and they meet?\"\n\n\"Then both would dismount and bow equally and go their separate ways.\"\n\n\"Say Lord Toranaga and General Ishido met?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko turned smoothly to Latin." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 10 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who are they, Anjin-san? Those names I know not, not today, not between thee and me.\"\n\n\"Thou art correct. Please excuse me.\"\n\n\"Listen, my love, let us make a promise that if the Madonna smiles on us and we escape from Mishima, only at Yedo, at First Bridge, only when it is completely forced upon us let us leave our private world. Please?\"\n\n\"What special danger's in Mishima?\"\n\n\"There our Captain must submit a report to the Lord Hiro-matsu. There I must see him also. He is a wise man, very vigilant. It would be easy for us to be betrayed.\"\n\n\"We have been cautious. Let us petition God that thy fears are without merit.\"\n\n\"For myself I am not concerned—only for thee.\"\n\n\"And I for thee.\"\n\n\"Then do we promise, one to another, to stay within our private world?\"\n\n\"Yes. Let us pretend it is the real world—our only world.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's Mishima, Anjin-san.\" Mariko pointed across the last stream." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sprawling castle city which housed nearly sixty thousand people was mostly obscured by morning's low-lying mist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only a few house tops and the stone castle were discernible. Beyond were mountains that ran down to the western sea. Far to the northwest was the glory of Mount Fuji. North and east the mountain range encroached on the sky. \"What now?\"\n\n\"Now Yoshinaka's been asked to find the liveliest inn within ten ri. We'll stay there two days. It will take me at least that to complete my business. Gyoko and Kiku-san will be leaving us for that time.\"\n\n\"Then?\"\n\n\"Then we go on. What does your weather sense tell you about Mishima?\"\n\n\"That it's friendly and safe,\" he replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"After Mishima, what then?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She pointed northeast, unconvinced. \"Then we'll go that way. There's a pass that curls up through the mountains toward Hakoné. It's the most grueling part of the whole Tokaidō Road. After that the road falls away to the city of Odawara, which is much bigger than Mishima, Anjin-san. It's on the coast. From there to Yedo is only a matter of time.\"\n\n\"How much time?\"\n\n\"Not enough.\"\n\n\"You're wrong, my love, so sorry,\" he said. \"There's all the time in the world.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce ten sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chapter Forty-Six" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: Your response must contain: \"Now tell me what you think happened.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "General Toda Hiro-matsu accepted the private dispatch that Mariko offered. He broke Toranaga's seals. The scroll told briefly what had happened at Yokosé, confirmed Toranaga's decision to submit, ordered Hiro-matsu to hold the frontier and the passes to the Kwanto against any intruder until he arrived (but to expedite any messenger from Ishido or from the east) and gave instructions about the renegade Christian and about the Anjin-san.\n\nWearily the old soldier read the message a second time. \"Now tell me everything you saw at Yokosé, or heard, affecting Lord Toranaga.\"\n\nMariko obeyed.\n\n\"Now tell me what you think happened.\"\n\nAgain she obeyed.\n\n\"What occurred at the cha-no-yu between you and my son?\"\n\nShe told him everything, exactly as it happened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My son said our Master would lose? Before the second meeting with Lord Zataki?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"You're sure?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, Sire.\"\n\nThere was a long silence in the room high up in the castle donjon that dominated the city. Hiro-matsu got to his feet and went to the arrow embrasure in the thick stone wall, his back and joints aching, his sword loose in his hands. \"I don't understand.\"\n\n\"Sire?\"\n\n\"Neither my son, nor our Master. We can smash through any armies Ishido puts into the field. And as to the decision to submit... \"\n\nShe toyed with her fan, watching the evening sky, star-filled and pleasing.\n\nHiro-matsu studied her. \"You're looking very well, Mariko-san, younger than ever. What's your secret?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I haven't one, Sire,\" she replied, her throat suddenly dry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She waited for her world to shatter but the moment passed and the old man turned his shrewd eyes back to the city below.\n\n\"Now tell me what happened since you left Osaka. Everything you saw or heard or were part of,\" he said.\n\nIt was far into the night by the time she had finished. She related everything clearly, except the extent of her intimacy with the Anjin-san. Even here she was careful not to hide her liking for him, her respect for his intelligence and bravery. Or Toranaga's admiration for his value.\n\nFor a while Hiro-matsu continued to wander up and down, the movement easing his pain. Everything dovetailed with Yoshinaka's report and Omi's report—and even Zataki's tirade before that daimyo had stormed off to Shinano. Now he understood many things that had been unclear and had enough information to make a calculated decision. Some of what she related disgusted him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some made him hate his son even more; he could understand his son's motives, but that made no difference." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rest of what she said forced him to resent the barbarian and sometimes to admire him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You saw him pull our Lord to safety?\"\n\n\"Yes. Lord Toranaga would be dead now, Sire, but for him. I'm quite certain. Three times he has saved our Master: escaping from Osaka Castle, aboard the galley in Osaka harbor, and absolutely at the earthquake. I saw the swords Omi-san had dug up. They were twisted like noodle dough and just as useless.\"\n\n\"You think the Anjin-san really meant to commit seppuku?\"\n\n\"Yes. By the Lord God of the Christians, I believe he made that commitment. Only Omi-san prevented it. And, Sire, I believe totally he's worthy to be samurai, worthy to be hatamoto.\"\n\n\"I didn't ask for that opinion.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Sire, truly you didn't. But that question was still in the front of your mind.\"\n\n\"You've become a thought reader as well as barbarian trainer?\"\n\n\"Oh, no, please excuse me, Sire, of course not,\" she said in her nicest voice. \"I merely answer the leader of my clan to the best of my very poor ability. Our Master's interests are first in my mind. Your interests are second only to his.\"\n\n\"Are they?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, but that shouldn't be necessary to ask. Command me, Sire. I'll do your bidding.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why so proud, Mariko-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked testily. \"And so right? Eh?\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Sire. I was rude. I don't deserve such—\"\n\n\"I know! No woman does!\" Hiro-matsu laughed. \"But even so, there are times when we need a woman's cold, cruel, vicious, cunning, practical wisdom. They're so much cleverer than we are, neh?\"\n\n\"Oh, no, Sire,\" she said, wondering what was really in his mind.\n\n\"It's just as well we're alone. If that was repeated in public they'd say old Iron Fist's overripe, that it's time for him to put down his sword, shave his head, and begin to say prayers to Buddha for the souls of the men he's sent into the Void. And they'd be right.\"\n\n\"No, Sire. It's as the Lord, your son, said. Until our Master's fate is set, you may not retreat. Neither you, nor the Lord my husband. Nor I.\"\n\n\"Yes. Even so, I'd be very pleased to lay down my sword and seek the peace of Buddha for myself and those I have killed.\"\n\nHe stared at the night for a time, feeling his age, then looked at her. She was pleasing to see, more than any woman he had ever known." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sire?\"\n\n\"Nothing, Mariko-san. I was remembering the first time I saw you.\"\n\nThat was when Hiro-matsu had secretly mortgaged his soul to Goroda to obtain this slip of a girl for his own son, the same son who had slaughtered his own mother, the one woman Hiro-matsu had ever really adored. Why did I get Mariko for him? Because I wanted to spite the Taikō, who desired her also. To spite a rival, nothing more.\n\nWas my consort truly unfaithful? the old man asked himself, reopening the perpetual sore. Oh gods, when I look you in the face I'll demand an answer to that question. I want a yes or no!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I demand the truth!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I think it's a lie, but Buntaro said she was alone with that man in the room, disheveled, her kimono loose, and it was months before I returned. It could be a lie, neh? Or the truth, neh? It must be the truth—surely no son would behead his own mother without being sure?\n\nMariko was observing the lines of Hiro-matsu's face, his skin stretched and scaled with age, and the ancient muscular strength of his arms and shoulders. What are you thinking? she wondered, liking him. Have you seen through me yet? Do you know about me and the Anjin-san now? Do you know I quiver with love for him?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That when I have to choose between him and thee and Toranaga, I will choose him?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro-matsu stood near the embrasure looking down at the city below, his fingers kneading the scabbard and the haft of his sword, oblivious of her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'yours' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was brooding about Toranaga and what Zataki had said a few days ago in bitter disgust, disgust that he had shared.\n\n\"Yes, of course I want to conquer the Kwanto and plant my standard on the walls of Yedo Castle now and make it my own. I never did before but now I do,\" Zataki had told him. \"But this way? There's no honor in it! No honor for my brother or you or me! Or anyone! Except Ishido, and that peasant doesn't know any better.\"\n\n\"Then support Lord Toranaga! With your help Tora—\"\n\n\"For what? So my brother can become Shōgun and stamp out the Heir?\"\n\n\"He's said a hundred times he supports the Heir. I believe he does. And we'd have a Minowara to lead us, not an upstart peasant and the hellcat Ochiba, neh? Those incompetents will have eight years of rule before Yaemon's of age if Lord Toranaga dies. Why not give Lord Toranaga the eight years—he's Minowara! He's said a thousand times he'll hand over power to Yaemon. Is your brain in your arse? Toranaga's not Yaemon's enemy or yours!\"\n\n\"No Minowara would kneel to that peasant! He's pissed on his honor and all of ours. Yours and mine!\"\n\nThey had argued, and cursed each other, and, in privacy, had almost come to blows. \"Go on,\" he had taunted Zataki, \"draw your sword, traitor! You're traitor to your brother who's head of your clan!\"\n\n\"I'm head of my own clan. We share the same mother, but not father. Toranaga's father sent my mother away in disgrace. I'll not help Toranaga—but if he abdicates and slits his belly I'll support Sudara... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There's no need to do that, Hiro-matsu told the night, still enraged." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's no need to do that while I'm alive, or meekly to submit. I'm General-in-Chief. It's my duty to protect my Master's honor and house, even from himself. So now I decide:\n\nListen, Sire, please excuse me, but this time I disobey. With pride. This time I betray you. Now I'm going to co-opt your son and heir, the Lord Sudara, and his wife, the Lady Genjiko, and together we'll order Crimson Sky when the rains cease, and then war begins. And until the last man in the Kwanto dies, facing the enemy, I'll hold you safe in Yedo Castle, whatever you say, whatever the cost." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around three sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and lore may appear without context - work with what's given.\n\nAuthor style: James Clavell" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gyoko was delighted to be home again in Mishima among her girls and ledgers and bills of lading, her debts receivable, mortgage deeds, and promissory notes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've done quite well,\" she told her chief accountant.\n\nThe wizened little man bobbed a thank you and hobbled away. Balefully she turned to her chief cook." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thirteen silver chogin, two hundred copper monme for one week's food?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, please excuse me, Mistress, but rumors of war have sent prices soaring to the sky,\" the fat man said truculently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Everything. Fish and rice and vegetables—even soya sauce has doubled since last month and saké's worse. Work work work in that hot, airless kitchen that must certainly be improved. Expensive! Ha! In one week I've served one hundred and seventy-two guests, fed ten courtesans, eleven hungry apprentice courtesans, four cooks, sixteen maids, and fourteen men servants! Please excuse me, Mistress, so sorry, but my grandmother's very sick so I must ask for ten days' leave to... \"\n\nGyoko rent her hair just enough to make her point but not enough to mar her appearance and sent him away saying she was ruined, ruined, that she'd have to close the most famous Tea House in Mishima without such a perfect head cook and that it would all be his fault—his fault that she'd have to cast all her devoted girls and faithful but unfortunate retainers into the snow. \"Don't forget winter's coming,\" she wailed as a parting shot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then contentedly alone, she added up the profits against the losses and the profits were twice what she expected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her saké tasted better than ever and if food prices were up, so was the cost of saké." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'their' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once she wrote to her son in Odawara, the site of their saké factory, telling him to double their output. Then she sorted out the inevitable quarrels of the maids, sacked three, hired four more, sent for her courtesan broker, and bid heavily for the contracts of seven more courtesans she admired.\n\n\"And when would you like the honored ladies to arrive, Gyoko-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "the old woman simpered, her own commission considerable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At once. At once. Go on, run along.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Next she summoned her carpenter and settled plans for the extension of this tea house, for the extra rooms for the extra ladies.\n\n\"At long last the site on Sixth Street's up for sale, Mistress. Do you want me to close on that now?\"\n\nFor months she had been waiting for that particular corner location." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But now she shook her head and sent him away with instructions to option four hectares of wasteland on the hill, north of the city." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'don't' 3 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But don't do it all yourself. Use intermediaries. Don't be greedy. And I don't want it aired that you're buying for me.\"\n\n\"But four hectares? That's—\"\n\n\"At least four, perhaps five, over the next five months. But options only—understand? They're all to be put in these names.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She handed him the list of safe appointees and hurried him off, in her mind's eye seeing the walled city within a city already thriving." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She chortled with glee.\n\nNext every courtesan was sent for and complimented or chided or howled at or wept with. Some were promoted, some degraded, pillow prices increased or decreased." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, in the midst of everything, Omi was announced.\n\n\"So sorry, but Kiku-san's not well,\" she told him. \"Nothing serious! It's just the change of weather, poor child.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I insist on seeing her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, Omi-san, but surely you don't insist? Kiku-san belongs to your liege Lord, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know whom she belongs to,\" Omi shouted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I want to see her, that's all.\"\n\n\"Oh, so sorry, of course, you have every right to shout and curse, so sorry, please excuse me. But, so sorry, she's not well. This evening—or perhaps later—or tomorrow—what can I do, Omi-san? If she becomes well enough perhaps I could send word if you'll tell me where you're staying... \"\n\nHe told her, knowing that there was nothing he could do, and stormed off wanting to hack all Mishima to pieces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gyoko thought about Omi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she sent for Kiku and told her the program she'd arranged for her two nights in Mishima." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps we can persuade our Lady Toda to delay four or five nights, child. I know half a dozen here who'll pay a father's ransom to have you entertain them at private parties. Ha! Now that the great daimyo's bought you, none can touch you, not ever again, so you can sing and dance and mime and be our first gei-sha!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "At some point in your response, insert this verbatim: \"Please excuse me, wouldn't Choko be a better choice? She's prettier and younger and sweeter. I'm sure he would enjoy her more.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And poor Omi-san, Mistress? I've never heard him so cross before, so sorry he shouted at you.\"\n\n\"Ha! What's a shout or two when we consort with daimyos and the richest of the rich rice and silk brokers at long last. Tonight I'll tell Omi-san where you'll be the last time you sing, but much too soon so he'll have to wait. I'll arrange a nearby room. Meanwhile he'll have lots of saké... and Akiko to serve him. It won't hurt to sing a sad song or two to him afterwards—we're still not sure about Toranaga-sama, neh? We still haven't had a down payment, let alone the balance.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, wouldn't Choko be a better choice? She's prettier and younger and sweeter. I'm sure he would enjoy her more.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, child. But Akiko's strong and very experienced. When this sort of madness is on men they're inclined to be rough. Rougher than you'd imagine. Even Omi-san. I don't want Choko damaged. Akiko likes danger and needs some violence to perform well. She'll take the sting out of his Beauteous Barb. Run along now, your prettiest kimono and best perfumes... \"\n\nGyoko shooed Kiku away to get ready and once more hurled herself into finishing the management of her house. Then, everything completed—even the formal cha invitation tomorrow to the eight most influential Mama-sans in Mishima to discuss a matter of great import—she sank gratefully into a perfect bath, \"Ahhhhhhhhh!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the perfect time, a perfect massage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perfume and powder and makeup and coiffure. New loose kimono of rare frothy silk. Then, at the perfect moment, her favorite arrived." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was eighteen, a student, son of an impoverished samurai, his name Inari.\n\n\"Oh, how lovely you are—I rushed here the moment your poem arrived,\" he said breathlessly. \"Did you have a pleasant journey? I'm so happy to welcome you back! Thank you, thank you for the presents—the sword is perfect and the kimono! Oh, how good you are to me!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, I am, she told herself, though she stoutly denied it to his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon she was lying beside him, sweaty and languorous. Ah, Inari, she thought bemused, your Pellucid Pestle's not built like the Anjin-san's but what you lack in size you surely make up with cataclysmic vigor!\n\n\"Why do you laugh?\" he asked sleepily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because you make me happy,\" she sighed, delighted that she'd had the great good fortune to be educated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She chatted easily, complimented him extravagantly, and petted him to sleep, her hands and voice out of long habit smoothly achieving all that was necessary of their own volition. Her mind was far away. She was wondering about Mariko and her paramour, rethinking the alternatives." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How far dare she press Mariko? Or whom should she give them away to, or threaten her with, subtly of course—Toranaga, Buntaro, or whom? The Christian priest? Would there be any profit in that?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or Lord Kiyama—certainly any scandal connecting the great Lady Toda with the barbarian would ruin her son's chance of marrying Kiyama's granddaughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Would that threat bend her to my will? Or should I do nothing—is there more profit in that somehow?\n\nPity about Mariko. Such a lovely lady!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My, but she'd make a sensational courtesan!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pity about the Anjin-san. My, but he's a clever one—I could make a fortune out of him too.\n\nHow can I best use this secret, most profitably, before it's no longer a secret and those two are destroyed?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Be careful, Gyoko, she admonished herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's not much time left to decide about this, or about the other new secrets: about the guns and arms hidden by the peasants in Anjiro for instance, or about the new Musket Regiment—its numbers, officers, organization, and number of guns. Or about Toranaga, who, the last night in Yokosé, pillowed Kiku pleasantly, using a classic \"six shallow and five deep\" rhythm for the hundred thrusts with the strength of a thirty-year-old and slept till dawn like a babe. That's not the pattern of a man distraught with worry, neh?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "What about the agony of the tonsured virgin priest who, naked and on his knees, prayed first to his bigot Christian God, begging forgiveness for the sin he was about to commit with the girl, and the other sin, a real one, that he had done in Osaka—strange secret things of the \"confessional\" that were whispered to him by a leper, then treacherously passed on by him to Lord Harima." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What would Toranaga make of that? Endlessly pouring out what was whispered and passed onward, and then the praying with tight-closed eyes—before the poor demented fool spread the girl wide with no finesse and, later, slunk off like a foul night creature. So much hatred and agony and twisted shame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What about Omi's second cook, who whispered to a maid who whispered to her paramour who whispered to Akiko that he'd overheard Omi and his mother plotting the death of Kasigi Yabu, their liege lord?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ha! That knowledge made public would set a cat among all the Kasigi pigeons!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "So would Omi's and Yabu's secret offer to Zataki if whispered into Toranaga's ear—or the words Zataki muttered in his sleep that his pillow partner memorized and sold to me the next day for a whole silver chojin, words that implied General Ishido and Lady Ochiba ate together, slept together, and that Zataki himself had heard them grunting and groaning and crying out as Yang pierced Yin even up to the Far Field!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gyoko smiled to herself smugly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shocking, neh, people in such high places!\n\nWhat about the other strange fact that at the moment of the Clouds and the Rain, and a few times before, the Lord Zataki had unconsciously called his pillow partner \"Ochiba.\" Curious, neh?\n\nWould the oh-so-necessary-to-both-sides Zataki change his song if Toranaga offered him Ochiba as bait?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gyoko chuckled, warmed by all the lovely secrets, all so valuable in the right ears, that men had spilled out with their Joyful Juice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He'd change,\" she murmured confidently. \"Oh, very yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\n\"Nothing, nothing Inari-chan. Did you sleep well?\"\n\n\"What?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She smiled and let him slide back into sleep." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, when he was ready, she put her hands and lips on him for his pleasure. And for hers." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell 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": "\"Where's the Ingeles now, Father?\"\n\n\"I don't know exactly, Rodrigues. Yet. It would be one of the inns south of Mishima. I left a servant to find out which.\" Alvito gathered up the last of the gravy with a crust of new bread.\n\n\"When will you know?\"\n\n\"Tomorrow, without fail.\"\n\n\"Que va, I'd like to see him again. Is he fit?\" Rodrigues asked levelly.\n\n\"Yes.\" The ship's bell sounded six times. Three o'clock in the afternoon.\n\n\"Did he tell you what happened to him since he left Osaka?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know parts of it. From him and others. It's a long story and there's much to tell. First I'll deal with my dispatches, then we'll talk.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rodrigues leaned back in his chair in the small stern cabin. \"Good. That'd be very good.\" He saw the sharp features of the Jesuit, the sharp brown eyes flecked with yellow. Cat's eyes. \"Listen, Father,\" he said, \"the Ingeles saved my ship and my life. Sure he's enemy, sure he's heretic, but he's a pilot, one of the best that's ever been. It's not wrong to respect an enemy, even to like one.\"\n\n\"The Lord Jesus forgave his enemies but they still crucified Him.\" Calmly Alvito returned the pilot's gaze. \"But I like him too. At least, I understand him better. Let's leave him for the moment.\"\n\nRodrigues nodded agreeably. He noticed the priest's plate was empty so he reached across the table and moved the platter closer. \"Here, Father, have some more capon. Bread?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you. Yes, I will. I didn't realize how hungry I was.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The priest gratefully tore off another leg and took more sage and onion and bread stuffing, then poured the last of the rich gravy over it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wine?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, thank you.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should naturally weave in this dialogue: \"I left them at an inn near the wharf.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where are the rest of your people, Father?\"\n\n\"I left them at an inn near the wharf.\"\n\nRodrigues glanced out of the stern bay windows that overlooked Numazu, the wharfs and the port and, just to starboard, the mouth of the Kano, where the water was darker than the rest of the sea. Many fishing boats were plying back and forth. \"This servant you left, Father—you can trust him? You're sure he'll find us?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes. They'll certainly not move for two days at least.\" Alvito had already decided not to mention what he or, more truthfully he reminded himself, what Brother Michael suspected, so he just added, \"Don't forget they're traveling in state. With Toda Mariko's rank, and Toranaga's banners, they're very much in state. Everyone within four leagues would know about them and where they're staying.\"\n\nRodrigues laughed. \"The Ingeles in state? Who'd have believed that? Like a poxy daimyo!\"\n\n\"That's not the half of it, Pilot. Toranaga's made him samurai and hatamoto.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now Pilot-Major Blackthorne wears the two swords. With his pistols. And now he's Toranaga's confidant, to a certain extent, and protégé.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Ingeles?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Alvito let the silence hang in the cabin and went back to eating.\n\n\"Do you know the why of it?\" Rodrigues asked.\n\n\"Yes, in part. All in good time, Pilot.\"\n\n\"Just tell me the why. Briefly. Details later, please.\"\n\n\"The Anjin-san saved Toranaga's life for the third time. Twice during the escape from Osaka, the last in Izu during an earthquake.\" Alvito chomped lustily on the thigh meat. A thread of juice ran into his black beard.\n\nRodrigues waited but the priest said no more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thoughtfully his eyes dropped to the goblet cradled in his hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The surface of the deep red wine caught the light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a long pause, he said, \"It wouldn't be good for us, that piss-cutting Ingeles close to Toranaga. Not at all. Not him. Eh?\"\n\n\"I agree.\"\n\n\"Even so, I'd like to see him.\" The priest said nothing. Rodrigues let him clean his plate in silence, then offered more, the joy gone out of him. The last of the carcass and the final wing were accepted, and another goblet of wine. Then, to finish, some fine French cognac that Father Alvito got from a cupboard.\n\n\"Rodrigues? Would you care for a glass?\"\n\n\"Thank you.\" The seaman watched Alvito pour the nut-brown liquor into the crystal glass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All the wine and cognac had come from the Father-Visitor's private stock as a parting gift to his Jesuit friend." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'darling' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course, Rodrigues, you're welcome to share it with the Father,\" dell'Aqua had said. \"Go with God, may He watch over you and bring you safely to port and home again.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Eminence.\"\n\nYes, thank you, Eminence, but no God-cursed thanks, Rodrigues told himself bitterly, no thanks for getting my Captain-General to order me aboard this pigboat under this Jesuit's command and out of my Gracia's arms, poor darling. Madonna, life's so short, too short and too treacherous to waste being chaperone to gut-stinking priests, even Alvito who's more of a man than any and, because of that, more dangerous. Madonna, give me some help!\n\n\"Oh! You reave, Rod-san? Reave so soon? Oh, so sorry... \"\n\n\"Soon come back, my darling.\"\n\n\"Oh, so sorry... we miss, ritt'e one and I.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'sorry' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment he had considered taking her aboard the Santa Filipa, but instantly dismissed the thought, knowing it to be perilous for her and for him and for the ship. \"So sorry, back soon.\"\n\n\"We wait, Rod-san. Please excuse my sad, so sorry.\"\n\nAlways the hesitant, heavily accented Portuguese she tried so hard to speak, insisting that she be called by her baptismal name Gracia and not by the lovely-sounding Nyan-nyan, which meant Kitten and suited her so well and pleased him better.\n\nHe had sailed away from Nagasaki, hating to leave, cursing all priests and captain-generals, wanting an end to summer and autumn so he could up-anchor the Black Ship, her holds weighed now with bullion, to head for home at long last, rich and independent. But then what? The perpetual question swamped him. What about her—and the child? Madonna, help me to answer that with peace.\n\n\"An excellent meal, Rodrigues,\" Alvito said, toying with a crumb on the table. \"Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good.\" Rodrigues was serious now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's your plan, Father? We should—\" He stopped in mid-sentence and glanced out of the windows. Then, dissatisfied, he got up from the table and limped painfully over to a land side porthole and peered out.\n\n\"What is it, Rodrigues?\"\n\n\"Thought I felt the tide change. Just want to check our sea room.\" He opened the cover further and leaned out, but still couldn't see the bow anchor. \"Excuse me a moment, Father.\"\n\nHe went on deck. Water lapped the anchor chain that angled into the muddy water. No movement. Then a thread of wake appeared and the ship began to ease off safely, to take up her new station with the ebb." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He checked her lie, then the lookouts. Everything was perfect. No other boats were near. The afternoon was fine, the mist long since gone. They were a cable or so offshore, far enough out to preclude a sudden boarding, and well away from the sea lanes that fed the wharves.\n\nHis ship was a lorcha, a Japanese hull adapted to modern Portuguese sails and rigging: swift, two-masted, and sloop-rigged. It had four cannon amidships, two small bow chasers and two stern chasers. Her name was the Santa Filipa and she carried a crew of thirty.\n\nHis eyes went to the city, and to the hills beyond. \"Pesaro!\"\n\n\"Yes, senhor?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get the longboat ready. I'm going ashore before dusk.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. She'll be ready. When're you back?\"\n\n\"Dawn.\"\n\n\"Even better! I'll lead the shore party—ten men.\"\n\n\"No shore leave, Pesaro. It's kinjiru! Madonna, is your brain addled?\" Rodrigues straddled the quarterdeck and leaned against the gunwale.\n\n\"Not right that all should suffer,\" said the bosun, Pesaro, his great calloused hands flexing. \"I'll lead the party and promise there'll be no trouble. We've been cooped up for two weeks now.\"\n\n\"The port authorities here said kinjiru, so sorry, but still goddamned kinjiru! Remember? This isn't Nagasaki!\"\n\n\"Yes, by the blood of Christ Jesus, and more's the pity!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The heavy-set man scowled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was only one Jappo that got chopped.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One chopped dead, two knifed badly, a lot of wounded, and a girl hurt before the samurai stopped the riot. I warned you all before you went ashore: 'Numazu's not Nagasaki—so behave yourselves!' Madonna! We were lucky to get away with just one of our seamen dead. They'd have been within the law to chop all five of you.\"\n\n\"Their law, Pilot, not ours. God-cursed monkeys! It was only a whorehouse brawl.\"\n\n\"Yes, but your men started it, the authorities have quarantined my ship, and you're all benched. You included!\" Rodrigues moved his leg to ease the pain. \"Be patient, Pesaro. Now that the Father's back we'll be off.\"\n\n\"On the tide? At dawn? Is that an order?\"\n\n\"No, not yet. Just get the longboat ready. Gomez will come with me.\"\n\n\"Let me come as well, eh? Per favor, Pilot. I'm sick to death of being stuck in this pox-cursed bucket.\"\n\n\"No. And you'd better not go ashore tonight. You or any.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And if you're not back by dawn?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You rot here at anchor till I do. Clear?\"\n\nThe bosun's scowl deepened. He hesitated, then backed down. \"Yes, yes, that's clear, by God.\"\n\n\"Good.\" Rodrigues went below.\n\nAlvito was asleep but he awoke the moment the pilot opened the cabin door. \"Ah, all's well?\" he asked, replete now in mind and body.\n\n\"Yes. It was just the turn.\" Rodrigues gulped some wine to take the foul taste out of his mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was always like that after a near-mutiny." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Pesaro had not yielded instantly, once again Rodrigues would have had to blow a hole in a man's face or put him in irons or order fifty lashes or keelhaul the man or perform any one of a hundred obscenities essential by sea law to maintain discipline. Without discipline any ship was lost. \"What's the plan now, Father? We sail at dawn?\"\n\n\"How are the carrier pigeons?\"\n\n\"In good health. We've still six—four Nagasakis, two Osakas.\" The priest checked the angle of the sun. Four or five hours to sunset. Plenty of time to launch the birds with the first coded message long since planned: \"Toranaga surrenders to Regents' order. I'm going first to Yedo, then Osaka. I will accompany Toranaga to Osaka. He says we can still build the cathedral at Yedo. Detailed dispatch with Rodrigues.\"\n\n\"Would you please ask the handler to prepare two Nagasakis and one Osaka immediately,\" Alvito said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then we'll talk. I won't be sailing back with you. I'm going on to Yedo by road. It'll take me most of the night and tomorrow to write a detailed dispatch which you'll carry to the Father-Visitor, for his hands only. Will you sail as soon as I've finished?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right. If it's too near dusk I'll wait till dawn. There are shoals and shifting sands for ten leagues.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alvito assented. The twelve extra hours would make no difference. He knew it would have been far better if he'd been able to send off the news from Yokosé, God curse the heathen devil who destroyed my birds there! Be patient, he told himself. What's the hurry? Isn't that a vital rule of our Order? Patience. All comes to him who waits—and works. What does twelve hours matter, or even eight days? Those won't change the course of history. The die was cast in Yokosé.\n\n\"You'll travel with the Ingeles?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues was asking. \"Like before?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"I'll fetch the pigeons myself. Write your message, then we'll talk. About the Ingeles.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. From Yedo I'll make my own way back to Osaka. I'll accompany Toranaga. I'd like you to stop at Osaka with a copy of my dispatch, in case the Father-Visitor's there, or has left Nagasaki before you arrive and is on the way there. You can give it to Father Soldi, his secretary—only him.\"\n\n\"All right. I'll be glad to leave. We're hated here.\"\n\n\"With God's mercy we can change all that, Rodrigues. With God's good grace we'll convert all the heathens here.\"\n\n\"Amen to that. Yes.\" The tall man eased his leg with the throb lessened momentarily. He stared out of the windows. Then he got up impatiently. \"I'll fetch the pigeons myself. Write your message, then we'll talk. About the Ingeles.\" He went to the deck and selected the birds from the panniers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he returned the priest had already used the special needle-sharp quill and ink to inscribe the same coded message on the tiny slivers of paper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alvito armed the tiny cylinders, sealed them, and launched the birds. The three circled once, then headed westward in convoy into the afternoon sun.\n\n\"Shall we talk here or below?\"\n\n\"Here. It's cooler.\" Rodrigues motioned the quarterdeck watch amidships out of earshot.\n\nAlvito sat on the seachair. \"First about Toranaga.\"\n\nHe told the Pilot briefly what had happened in Yokosé, omitting the incident with Brother Joseph and his suspicions about Mariko and Blackthorne. Rodrigues was as stunned by the surrender as he had been. \"No war? It's a miracle! Now we're truly safe, our Black Ship's safe, the Church is rich, we're rich... thanks be to God, the saints, and the Madonna! That's the best news you could've brought, Father. We're safe!\"\n\n\"If God wills it. One thing Toranaga said disturbed me. He put it this way: 'I can order my Christian freed—the Anjin-san. With his ship, and with his cannon.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues' vast good humor left him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'still' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Erasmus is still in Yedo? She's still in Toranaga's control?\"\n\n\"Yes. Would it be serious if the Ingeles were loosed?\"\n\n\"Serious? That ship would blast hell out of us if she caught our Black Ship twixt here and Macao with him aboard, armed, with a half-decent crew. We've only the small frigate to run interference and she's no match for Erasmus! Nor are we. She could dance around us and we'd have to strike our colors.\"\n\n\"Are you certain?\"\n\n\"Yes. Before God—she'd be a killer.\" Angrily Rodrigues bunched a fist. \"But wait a moment—the Ingeles said he'd arrived here with no more than twelve men, and not all seamen, many of them merchants and most sick. That few couldn't handle her. The only place he could get a crew would be at Nagasaki—or Macao. He might get enough at Nagasaki! There're those who'd... he'd better be kept away from there, and Macao!\"\n\n\"Say he had a native crew?\"\n\n\"You mean some of Toranaga's cutthroats? Or wako? You mean if Toranaga's surrendered, all his men become ronin, neh? If the Ingeles had enough time he could train 'em. Easy. Christ Jesus... please excuse me, Father, but if the Ingeles got samurai or wako... Can't risk that—he's too good. We all saw that in Osaka! Him loose in that piss-cutter in Asia with a samurai crew... \"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell 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": "Blackthorne and Mariko were sleeping in the nocturnal peace of their little house, one of a cluster that made up the Inn of the Camellias, which was on 9th Street South. There were three rooms in each. Mariko had taken one room for herself and Chimmoko, Blackthorne another, and the third that let on to the front door and veranda had been left empty for living and eating and talking.\n\n\"You think this is safe?\" Blackthorne had asked anxiously. \"Not to have Yoshinaka, or more maids or guards sleeping there?\"\n\n\"No, Anjin-san. Nothing's truly safe. But it will be pleasant to be alone. This inn's thought to be the prettiest and most famous in Izu. It is pretty, neh?\"\n\nAnd it was. Each tiny house was set on elegant pilings with circling verandas and four steps up, made from the finest woods, everything polished and gleaming. Each was separate, fifty paces from its neighbors and surrounded by manicured gardens within the greater garden within the high bamboo wall." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🔍 Find a place to insert: \"But you're always encouraging me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were streamlets, and lily ponds and waterfalls and blossom trees in abundance with day perfumes and night perfumes, sweet smelling and luxurious. Clean stone footpaths, delicately roofed, led to the central baths, cold and hot and very hot, fed by natural springs. Multicolored lanterns and happy servants and maids and never a cross word to disturb the tree bells and bubbling water and singing birds in their aviaries.\n\n\"Of course I did ask for two houses, Anjin-san, one for you and one for me. Unfortunately, only one was available, so sorry. But Yoshinaka-san isn't displeased. On the contrary, he was relieved as he wouldn't have to split his men. He has posted sentries on every path so we are quite safe and can't be disturbed as in other places. Why should we be disturbed? What could possibly be wrong with a room here and a room there and Chimmoko to share my bed?\"\n\n\"Nothing. I've never seen such a beautiful place. How clever you are, and how beautiful.\"\n\n\"Ah, how kind you are to me, Anjin-san. First bathe, then the evening food and lots of saké.\"\n\n\"Good. Very good.\"\n\n\"Put down your dictionary, Anjin-san, please.\"\n\n\"But you're always encouraging me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you put your book down I—I'll tell you a secret.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\n\"I've invited Yoshinaka-san to eat with us. And some ladies. To entertain us.\"\n\n\"Ah!\"\n\n\"Yes. After I leave you, you will select one, neh?\"\n\n\"But that might disturb your sleep, so sorry.\"\n\n\"I promise I will sleep very heavily, my love. Seriously, a change might be good for thee.\"\n\n\"Yes, but next year, not now.\"\n\n\"Be serious.\"\n\n\"I am.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, then in that case, if by chance you politely changed your mind and sent her away soon—after Yoshinaka-san has left with his partner—ah, who knows what the night kami might find for thee then?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Include the following text] → \"No, not if you don't, but stop laughing or you'll ruin everything. Put out the candles.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I went shopping today.\"\n\n\"Oh? And what did you buy?\"\n\n\"Ah!\"\n\nShe had bought an assortment of the pillow devices that Kiku had shown them, and much later, when Yoshinaka had left and Chimmoko was guarding on the veranda, she offered them to him with a deep bow. Half in jest, he accepted with equal formality, and together they selected a pleasure ring.\n\n\"That looks very prickly, Anjin-san, neh? Are you sure you don't mind?\"\n\n\"No, not if you don't, but stop laughing or you'll ruin everything. Put out the candles.\"\n\n\"Oh no, please, I want to watch.\"\n\n\"For the love of God, stop laughing, Mariko!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But you're laughing too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never mind, put the light out or... There, now look what you've done.\"\n\n\"Oh!\"\n\n\"Stop laughing! It's no good putting your head in the futons... \"\n\nThen later, trouble.\n\n\"Mariko... \"\n\n\"Yes, my love?\"\n\n\"I can't find it.\"\n\n\"Oh! Let me help you.\"\n\n\"Ah, it's all right. I've got it. I was lying on it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh. You're—you're sure you don't mind?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, but it's a bit, well, not exactly uplifting, all this talking about it and having to wait. Is it?\"\n\n\"Oh, I don't mind. It was my fault for laughing. Oh, Anjin-san, I love you so, please excuse me.\"\n\n\"You're excused.\"\n\n\"I love to touch thee.\"\n\n\"I've never known anything like your touch.\"\n\n\"What are you doing, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"I'm putting it on.\"\n\n\"Is it difficult?\"\n\n\"Yes. Stop laughing!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I'm so sorry, perhaps you—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stop laughing!\"\n\n\"Please forgive me... \"\n\nAfterwards she went to sleep instantly, totally spent. He did not. For him it had been fine, but not perfect. He'd been too worried about her. He'd decided this time was for her pleasure, and not his.\n\nYes, that was for her, he thought, loving her. But one thing was perfect: I know I've truly satisfied her. For once I'm absolutely sure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He slept. Later the sound of voices and quarreling, and, mixed with it, Portuguese, began to filter through his slumber." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment he thought he was dreaming, then he recognized the voice. \"Rodrigues!\"\n\nMariko murmured, still locked in sleep.\n\nAt the sound of footsteps on the path he lurched to his knees in controlled panic. He lifted her as if she were a doll, went for the shoji, and stopped just as it was opened from the outside. It was Chimmoko. The maid's head was lowered and her eyes discreetly closed. He rushed past her with Mariko in his arms and laid her gently in her own quilts, still half asleep, and ran silently for his own room again, the sweat chill on him though the night was warm. He groped into a kimono and hurried out again to the veranda. Yoshinaka had reached the second step.\n\n\"Nan desu ka, Yoshinaka-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gomen nasai, Anjin-san,\" Yoshinaka said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pointed to the flares at the far gate of the inn, adding many words that Blackthorne did not understand. But the gist of it was that that man there, the barbarian, he wants to see you and I told him to wait and he said he wouldn't wait, acting like a daimyo, which he isn't, and tried to push past, which I stopped. He said he was your friend. Is he?\n\n\"Heya, Ingeles! It's me, Vasco Rodrigues!\"\n\n\"Hey, Rodrigues!\" Blackthorne shouted back happily. \"Be right with you. Hai, Yoshinaka-san. Kare wa watashi no ichi yujin desu.\" He's my friend.\n\n\"Ah so desu!\"\n\n\"Hai. Domo.\"\n\nBlackthorne ran down the steps to go to the gateway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind him he heard Mariko's voice, \"Nan ja, Chimmoko?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "and a whisper back and then she called out with authority, \"Yoshinaka-san!\"\n\n\"Hai, Toda-sama!\"\n\nBlackthorne glanced around. The samurai walked up the steps and crossed toward Mariko's room. Her door was closed. Chimmoko stood outside it. Now her own crumpled bedding was near the door where she would always sleep, correctly, should her mistress not wish her to be in the room with her. Yoshinaka bowed to the door and began to report. Blackthorne walked along the path with growing elation, barefoot, his eyes on the Portuguese, the width of the welcoming smile, the light from the flares dancing off his earrings and the buckle of his jaunty hat.\n\n\"Hey, Rodrigues! It's great to see you. How's your leg? How'd you find me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Madonna, you've grown, Ingeles, filled out! Yes, fit and healthy and acting like a piss-cutting daimyo!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rodrigues gave him a bear hug and he returned it.\n\n\"How's your leg?\"\n\n\"Hurts like shit but it works and I found you by asking where the great Anjin-san was—the big barbarian bandit bastard with the blue eyes!\"\n\nThey laughed together, swapping obscenities, careless of the samurai and servants that surrounded them. In a moment Blackthorne sent a servant for saké and led the way back. Both strolled with their sailor's gait, Rodrigues' right hand, by habit, on his rapier's hilt, the other thumb hooked into his wide belt near his pistol. Blackthorne was a few inches taller but the Portuguese had even wider shoulders and a barrel-chested power to him.\n\nYoshinaka was waiting on the veranda.\n\n\"Domo arigato, Yoshinaka-san,\" Blackthorne said, thanking the samurai again, and motioned Rodrigues to one of the cushions. \"Let's talk here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues put a foot on the steps but stopped as Yoshinaka moved in front of him, pointed at the rapier and the pistol, then held out his left hand, palm upwards. \"Dozo!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Portuguese frowned up at him. \"Iyé samurai-sama, domo ari—\"\n\n\"Dozo!\"\n\n\"Iyé samurai-sama, iyé!\" Rodrigues repeated more sharply. \"Watashi yujin Anjin-san, neh?\"\n\nBlackthorne moved forward a step, still amazed at the suddenness of the confrontation. \"Yoshinaka-san, shigata ga nai, neh?\" he said with a smile. \"Rodrigues yujin, wata—\"\n\n\"Gomen nasai, Anjin-san. Kinjiru!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshinaka rapped an order." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instantly samurai leapt forward, surrounding Rodrigues threateningly, and again he held out his hand. \"Dozo!\"\n\n\"These shit-filled whores're touchy, Ingeles,\" Rodrigues said through a toothy smile. \"Call 'em off, eh? I've never had to give up my arms before.\"\n\n\"Don't, Rodrigues!\" he said quickly, sensing his friend's imminent decision, then to Yoshinaka, \"Domo, gomen nasai, Rodrigues yujin, watash—\"\n\n\"Gomen nasai, Anjin-san. Kinjiru.\" Then roughly to the Portuguese, \"Ima!\" Rodrigues snarled back, \"Iyé! Wakarimasu ka?\"\n\nBlackthorne hastily stepped between them. \"Hey, Rodrigues, what does it matter, neh? Let Yoshinaka-san have them. It's nothing to do with you or me. It's because of the lady, Toda Mariko-sama. She's in there. You know how touchy they are about weapons near daimyos or their wives. We'll argue all night, you know how they are, eh? What's the difference?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Portuguese forced a smile back on his face. \"Sure. Why not? Hai. Shigata ga nai, samurai-sama. So desu!\"\n\nHe bowed like a courtier without sincerity, slid his rapier and scabbard from its clasp and took out his pistol, and offered them. Yoshinaka motioned to a samurai, who took the weapons and ran off to the gateway, where he put them down and stood guard over them. Rodrigues started to mount the steps, but again Yoshinaka politely and firmly asked him to stop. Other samurai came forward to search him. Furious, Rodrigues leaped back. \"IYÉ! Kinjiru, by God! What the—\"\n\nThe samurai fell on him, pinned his arms tight, and searched him thoroughly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They found two knives in the tops of his boots, another strapped to his left forearm, two small pistols—one concealed in the lining of his coat, one under his shirt—and a small pewter hip flask." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne examined the pistols." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both were primed. \"Was the other primed too?\"\n\n\"Yes. Of course. This land's hostile, haven't you noticed, Ingeles? Tell them to let go of me!\"\n\n\"This isn't the usual way to visit a friend by night. Neh?\"\n\n\"I tell you this land's hostile. I'm always armed like this. Aren't you normally? Madonna, tell these bastards to let me go.\"\n\n\"Is that the lot? Everything?\"\n\n\"Of course—tell 'em to let me go, Ingeles!\"\n\nBlackthorne gave the pistols to a samurai and stepped forward. His fingers felt carefully around the inside of Rodrigues' wide leather belt. A stiletto slid from its secret sheath, very thin, very springy, made of the best Damascus steel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshinaka swore at the samurai who had made the search." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They apologized but Blackthorne only watched Rodrigues.\n\n\"Any more?\" he asked, the stiletto loose in his hand.\n\nRodrigues stared back at him stonily.\n\n\"I'll tell 'em where to look—and how to look, Rodrigues. How a Spaniard would—some of them. Eh?\"\n\n\"Me cago en la leche, che cabron!\"\n\n\"Que va, leche! Hurry up!\" Still no answer. Blackthorne went forward with the knife. \"Dozo, Yoshinaka-san. Watash—\"\n\nRodrigues said hoarsely, \"In my hat band,\" and Blackthorne stopped.\n\n\"Good,\" he said and reached for the wide-brimmed hat." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'feather' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You would, wouldn't you—teach them?\"\n\n\"Wouldn't you?\"\n\n\"Be careful of the feather, Ingeles, I cherish that.\"\n\nThe band was wide and stiff, the feather jaunty like the hat. Inside the band was a thin stiletto, smaller, specially designed, the fine steel easily molding the curve. Yoshinaka barked out another vicious reprimand to the samurai.\n\n\"Before God, that's all, Rodrigues?\"\n\n\"Madonna—I told you.\"\n\n\"Swear it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues complied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yoshinaka-san, ima ichi-ban. Domo,\" Blackthorne said. He's all right now. Thank you.\n\nYoshinaka gave the order. His men released the Portuguese. Rodrigues rubbed his limbs to ease the pain. \"Is it all right to sit down, Ingeles?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nRodrigues wiped off the sweat with a red kerchief, then picked up the pewter flask and sat cross-legged on one of the cushions. Yoshinaka remained nearby on the veranda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All but four samurai went back to their posts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why are they so touchy? Why are you so touchy, Ingeles? I've never had to give up my weapons before. Am I an assassin?\"\n\n\"I asked you if that was all your weapons and you lied.\"\n\n\"I wasn't listening. Madonna! Would you—held like a common criminal?\" Rodrigues added sourly, \"Eh, what's it matter, Ingeles, what's anything matter? The night's spoiled... Hey, but wait, Ingeles! Why should anything be allowed to spoil a great evening? I forgive them. And I forgive you, Ingeles. You were right and I was wrong. I apologize. It's good to see you.\" He unscrewed the stopper and offered the flask. \"Here—here's some fine brandy.\"\n\n\"You first.\"\n\nRodrigues' face became ashen. \"Madonna—do you think I bring poison?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. You drink first.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rodrigues drank.\n\n\"Again!\"\n\nThe Portuguese obeyed, then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Blackthorne accepted the flask. \"Salud!\" He tipped it back and pretended to swallow, secretly keeping his tongue over the opening to prevent the liquor from going into his mouth, much as he wanted the drink. \"Ah!\" he said. \"That was good. Here!\"\n\n\"Keep it, Ingeles. It's a present.\"\n\n\"From the good Father? Or from you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"From me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Before God?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"God and the Virgin, thou and thy 'before God'!\" Rodrigues said. \"It was a gift from me and the Father! He owns all the liquor aboard the Santa Filipa but the Eminence said I could share it and the flask's one of a dozen aboard. It's a gift. Where are your manners?\"\n\nBlackthorne pretended to drink again and offered it back. \"Here, have another.\"\n\nRodrigues felt the liquor all the way to his toes and was glad that, after accepting the full flask from Alvito, he had privately emptied it and washed it out carefully and refilled it with brandy from his own bottle. Madonna, forgive me, he prayed, forgive me for doubting the Holy Father. Oh, Madonna, God, and Lord Jesus, for the love of God, come to earth again and change this world where sometimes we dare not even trust priests.\n\n\"What's the matter?\"\n\n\"Nothing, Ingeles. I was just thinking that this world's a foul piss-cutter when you can't trust anyone nowadays. I came in friendship and now there's a hole in the world.\"\n\n\"Did you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Armed like that?\"\n\n\"I'm always armed like that. That's why I'm alive. Salud!\" The big man raised the flask gloomily and sipped again. \"Piss on the world, piss on everything.\"\n\n\"Are you saying, piss on me?\"\n\n\"Ingeles, this is me, Vasco Rodrigues, Pilot of the Portuguese Navy, not a flyblown samurai. I've exchanged many insults with you, all in friendship. Tonight I came to see my friend and now I have no friend. So sad.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"I shouldn't be sad but I am. Being friends with thee complicated my life extraordinarily.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues got up and eased his back, then sat down again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hate sitting on these God-cursed cushions! Chairs are for me. Aboard. Well, salud, Ingeles.\"\n\n\"When you swerved into wind and I was amidships, that was to put me overboard. Wasn't it?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Rodrigues answered at once. He got to his feet. \"Yes, I'm glad you asked me for that is on my conscience terribly. I'm glad to apologize to you in life for I could not bring myself to confess it to you. Yes, Ingeles. I don't ask forgiveness or understanding or anything. But I am glad to confess that shame to your face.\"\n\n\"You think I'd do that to you?\"\n\n\"No. But then if the time came... You never know till your own time of trial.\"\n\n\"You came here to kill me?\"\n\n\"No. I don't think so. I don't think that was first in my mind, though for my people and my country we both know it would be better for you to be dead. So sad, but so true. How foolish is life, eh, Ingeles?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't want you dead, Pilot. Just your Black Ship.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Listen, Ingeles,\" said Rodrigues without anger. \"If we meet at sea, you in your ship, armed, me in mine, look to your life. That's all I came to promise you—only that. I thought it would be possible to tell you that as a friend and still remain your friend. Except for a sea meeting, I am forever in your debt. Salud!\"\n\n\"I hope to catch your Black Ship at sea. Salud, Pilot.\"\n\nRodrigues stalked off. Yoshinaka and the samurai followed him. At the gateway the Portuguese collected his arms. Soon he was swallowed by the night.\n\nYoshinaka waited until the sentries sorted themselves out. When he was satisfied that all was secure he limped off to his own quarters. Blackthorne sat back on one of the cushions and in a moment the maid that he had sent for saké happily padded up with the tray." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'everything' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She poured one cup and would have stayed to serve him but he dismissed her. Now he was alone. The night sounds surrounded him again, the rustling and the waterfall and the movements of the night birds.\n\nEverything was as before, but everything had changed.\n\nSadly he reached out to refill his cup but there was a sibilance of silk and Mariko's hand held the flask. She poured for him, the other cup for herself.\n\n\"Domo, Mariko-san.\"\n\n\"Do itashimashité, Anjin-san.\" She settled herself on the other cushion. They sipped the hot wine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He was going to kill you, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know, not for sure.\"\n\n\"What did it mean—to search like a Spaniard?\"\n\n\"Some of them strip their prisoners then probe in private places. And not gently. They call it to search con significa, with significance. Sometimes they use knives.\"\n\n\"Oh.\" She sipped and listened to the water among the stones. \"It's the same here, Anjin-san. Sometimes. That's why it's never wise to be captured. If you're captured you've dishonored yourself so completely that anything the captor does... It's best not to be captured. Neh?\"\n\nHe stared at the lanterns moving in the cool sweet breeze. \"Yoshinaka was right—I was wrong. The search was necessary. It was your idea, neh? You told Yoshinaka to search him?\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Anjin-san, I hope that didn't create an embarrassment for you. It was just that I was afraid for you.\"\n\n\"I thank thee,\" he said, using Latin again, though he was sorry there had been a search." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without the search he would still have a friend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps, he cautioned himself." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 10 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'about' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thou art welcome,\" she said. \"But it was only my duty.\"\n\nMariko was wearing a night kimono and overkimono of blue, her hair braided loosely, falling to her waist. She looked back at the far gateway which could be seen through the trees. \"You were very clever about the liquor, Anjin-san. I almost pinched myself with anger at forgetting to warn Yoshinaka about that. You were most shrewd to make him drink twice. Do you use poison a lot in your countries?\"\n\n\"Sometimes. Some people do. It's a filthy way.\"\n\n\"Yes, but very effective. It happens here too.\"\n\n\"Terrible, isn't it, not being able to trust anyone.\"\n\n\"Oh, no, Anjin-san, so sorry,\" she answered. \"That's just one of life's most important rules—no more, no less.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell 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": "Erasmus glittered in the high noon sun beside the Yedo wharf, resplendent.\n\n\"Jesus God in Heaven, Mariko, look at her! Have you ever seen anything like her? Look at her lines!\"\n\nHis ship was beyond the closed, encircling barriers a hundred paces away, moored to the dock with new ropes. The whole area was heavily guarded, more samurai were on deck, and signs everywhere said this was a forbidden area except with Lord Toranaga's personal permission.\n\nErasmus had been freshly painted and tarred, her decks were spotless, her hull caulked and her rigging repaired. Even the foremast that had been carried away in the storm had been replaced with the last of the spares she carried in her hold, and stepped to a perfect angle. All rope ends were neatly coiled, all cannon gleaming under a protective sheen of oil behind their gun ports. And the ragged Lion of England fluttered proudly over all.\n\n\"Ahoy!\" he shouted joyfully from outside the barriers, but there was no answering call." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the sentries told him there were no barbarians aboard today." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shigata ga nai,\" Blackthorne said. \"Domo.\" He curbed his soaring impatience to go aboard at once and beamed at Mariko. \"It's as if she's just come out of a refit at Portsmouth dockyard, Mariko-san. Look at her cannon—the lads must've worked like dogs. She's beautiful, neh? Can't wait to see Baccus and Vinck and the others. Never thought I'd find her like that. Christ Jesus, she looks so pretty, neh?\"\n\nMariko was watching him and not the ship. She knew she was forgotten now. And replaced.\n\nNever mind, she told herself. Our journey's over.\n\nThis morning they had arrived at the last of the turnpikes on the outskirts of Yedo. Once more their travel papers were checked. Once more they were passed through with politeness, but this time a new honor guard was waiting for them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're to take us to the castle, Anjin-san. You'll stay there, and this evening we're to meet Lord Toranaga.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good, then there's plenty of time. Look, Mariko-san, the docks aren't more than a mile off, neh? My ship's there somewhere. Would you ask Captain Yoshinaka if we can go there, please?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He says, so sorry, but he has no instructions to do that, Anjin-san. He is to take us to the castle.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'blackthorne' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please tell him... perhaps I'd better try. Taicho-san! Okashira, sukoshi no aida watakushi wa ikitai no desu. Watakushi no fune ga asoko ni arimasu.\" Captain, I want to go there now for a little while. My ship's there.\n\n\"Iyé, Anjin-san, gomen nasai. Ima... \"\n\nMariko had listened approvingly and with amusement as Blackthorne had argued courteously and insisted firmly, and then, reluctantly, Yoshinaka had allowed them to detour, but just for a moment, neh? and only because the Anjin-san claimed hatamoto status, which gave certain inalienable rights, and had pointed out that a quick examination was important to Lord Toranaga, that it would certainly save their lord's immensely valuable time and was vital to his meeting tonight. Yes, the Anjin-san may look for a moment, but so sorry, it is of course forbidden to go on the ship without papers signed personally by Lord Toranaga, and it must only be for a moment because we are expected, so sorry.\n\n\"Domo, Taicho-san,\" Blackthorne had said expansively, more than a little pleased with his increased understanding of the correct ways to persuade and his growing command of the language.\n\nLast night and most of yesterday they had spent at an inn barely two ri southward down the road, Yoshinaka allowing them to dawdle as before.\n\nOh, that was such a lovely night, she thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There had been so many lovely days and nights." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All perfect except the first day after leaving Mishima, when Father Tsukku-san caught up with them again and the precarious truce between the two men was ripped asunder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their quarrel had been sudden, vicious, fueled by the Rodrigues incident and too much brandy. Threat and counterthreat and curses and then Father Alvito had spurred on ahead for Yedo, leaving disaster in his wake, the joy of the journey ruined.\n\n\"We must not let this happen, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"But that man had no right—\"\n\n\"Oh yes, I agree. And of course you're correct. But please, if you let this incident destroy your harmony, you will be lost and so will I. Please, I implore you to be Japanese. Put this incident away—that's all it is, one incident in ten thousand. You must not allow it to wreck your harmony. Put it away into a compartment.\"\n\n\"How? How can I do that? Look at my hands! I'm so God-cursed angry I can't stop them shaking!\"\n\n\"Look at this rock, Anjin-san. Listen to it growing.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Listen to the rock grow, Anjin-san. Put your mind on that, on the harmony of the rock. Listen to the kami of the rock. Listen, my love, for thy life's sake. And for mine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "So he had tried and had succeeded just a little and the next day, friends again, lovers again, at peace again, she continued to teach, trying to mold him—without his knowing he was being molded—to the Eightfold Fence, building inner walls and defenses that were his only path to harmony. And to survival." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm so glad the priest has gone and won't come back, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"It would have been better if there had been no quarrel. I'm afraid for you.\"\n\n\"Nothing's different—he always was my enemy, always will be. Karma is karma. But don't forget nothing exists outside us. Not yet. Not him or anyone. Not until Yedo. Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. You are so wise. And right again. I'm so happy to be with thee... \"\n\nTheir road from Mishima left the flat lands quickly and wound up the mountain to Hakoné Pass. They rested there two days atop the mountain, joyous and content, Mount Fuji glorious at sunrise and sunset, her peak obscured by a wreath of clouds.\n\n\"Is the mountain always like that?\"\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san, most always shrouded. But that makes the sight of Fuji-san, clear and clean, so much more exquisite, neh? You can climb all the way to the top if you wish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's do that now!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'anjin-san' 3 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not now, Anjin-san. One day we will. We must leave something to the future, neh? We'll climb Fuji-san in autumn... \"\n\nAlways there were pretty, private inns down to the Kwanto plains. And always rivers and streams and rivulets to cross, the sea on the right now. Their party had meandered northward along the busy, bustling Tokaidō, across the greatest rice bowl in the Empire. The flat alluvial plains were rich with water, every inch cultivated. The air was hot and humid now, heavy with the stench of human manure that the farmers moistened with water and ladled onto the plants with loving care.\n\n\"Rice gives us food to eat, Anjin-san, tatamis to sleep on, sandals to walk with, clothes to shut out the rain and the cold, thatch to keep our houses warm, paper for writing. Without rice we cannot exist.\"\n\n\"But the stink, Mariko-san!\"\n\n\"That's a small price to pay for so much bounty, neh? Just do as we do, open your eyes and ears and mind. Hear the wind and the rain, the insects and the birds, listen to the plants growing, and in your mind, see your generations following unto the end of time. If you do that, Anjin-san, soon you smell only the loveliness of life. It requires practice... but you become very Japanese, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, thank you, m'lady! But I do confess I'm beginning to like rice. Yes. I certainly prefer it to potatoes, and you know another thing—I don't miss meat as much as I did. Isn't that strange? And I'm not as hungry as I was.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am more hungry than I've ever been.\"\n\n\"Ah, I was talking about food.\"\n\n\"Ah, so was I... \"\n\nThree days away from Hakoné Pass her monthly time began and she had asked him to take one of the maids of the inn. \"It would be wise, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"I'd prefer not to, so sorry.\"\n\n\"Please, I ask thee. It is a safeguard. A discretion.\"\n\n\"Because you ask, then yes. But tomorrow, not tonight. Tonight let us sleep in peace.\"\n\nYes, Mariko thought, that night we slept peacefully and the next dawn was so lovely that I left his warmth and sat on the veranda with Chimmoko and watched the birth of another day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, good morning, Lady Toda.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gyoko had been standing at the garden entrance, bowing to her. \"A gorgeous dawn, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, beautiful.\"\n\n\"Please may I interrupt you? Could I speak to you privately—alone? About a business matter.\"\n\n\"Of course.\" Mariko had left the veranda, not wishing to disturb the Anjin-san's sleep. She sent Chimmoko for cha and ordered blankets to be put on the grass, near the little waterfall.\n\nWhen it was correct to begin and they were alone, Gyoko said, \"I was considering how I could be of the most help to Toranaga-sama.\"\n\n\"The thousand koku would be more than generous.\"\n\n\"Three secrets might be more generous.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"One might be, Gyoko-san, if it was the right one.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'toranaga' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Anjin-san is a good man, neh? His future must be helped too, neh?\"\n\n\"The Anjin-san has his own karma,\" she replied, knowing that the time of bargaining had come, wondering what she must concede, if she dared to concede anything. \"We were talking about Lord Toranaga, neh? Or is one of the secrets about the Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Oh no, Lady. It's as you say. The Anjin-san has his own karma, as I'm sure he has his own secrets. It's just occurred to me that the Anjin-san is one of Lord Toranaga's favored vassals, so any protection our Lord has in a way helps his vassals, neh?\"\n\n\"I agree. Of course, it's the duty of vassals to pass on any information that could help their lord.\"\n\n\"True, Lady, very true. Ah, it's such an honor for me to serve you. Honto. May I tell you how honored I am to have been allowed to travel with you, to talk with you, and eat and laugh with you, and occasionally to act as a modest counselor, however ill-equipped I am, for which I apologize. And finally to say that your wisdom is as great as your beauty, and your bravery as vast as your rank.\"\n\n\"Ah, Gyoko-san, please excuse me, you're too kind, too thoughtful. I am just a wife of one of my Lord's generals. You were saying? Four secrets?\"\n\n\"Three, Lady. I was wondering if you'd intercede with Lord Toranaga for me. It would be unthinkable for me to whisper directly to him what I know to be true. That would be very bad manners because I wouldn't know the right words to choose, or how to put the information before him, and in any event, in a matter of any importance, our custom to use a go-between is so much better, neh?\"\n\n\"Surely Kiku-san would be a better choice? I've no way of knowing when I'll be sent for or how long it would be before I'll have an audience with him, or even if he'd be interested in listening to anything I might have to tell him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Lady, but you would be extraordinarily better. You could judge the value of the information, she couldn't. You possess his ear, she other things.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not a counselor, Gyoko-san. Nor a valuer.\"\n\n\"I'd say they're worth a thousand koku.\"\n\n\"So desu ka?\"\n\nGyoko made perfectly sure no one was listening, then told Mariko what the renegade Christian priest had muttered aloud that the Lord Onoshi had whispered to him in the confessional that he had related to his uncle, Lord Harima; then what Omi's second cook had overheard of Omi's and his mother's plot against Yabu; and lastly, all she knew about Zataki, his apparent lust for the Lady Ochiba, and about Ishido and Lady Ochiba.\n\nMariko had listened intently without comment—although breaking the secrecy of the confessional shocked her greatly—her mind hopping at the swarm of possibilities this information unlocked. Then she cross-questioned Gyoko carefully, to make sure she understood clearly what she was being told and to etch it completely in her own memory.\n\nWhen she was satisfied that she knew everything that Gyoko was prepared to divulge at the moment—for, obviously, so shrewd a bargainer would always hold much in reserve—she sent for fresh cha.\n\nShe poured Gyoko's cup herself, and they sipped demurely. Both wary, both confident." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've no way of knowing how valuable this information is, Gyoko-san.\"\n\n\"Of course, Mariko-sama.\"\n\n\"I imagine this information—and the thousand koku—would please Lord Toranaga greatly.\"\n\nGyoko bit back the obscenity that flared behind her lips. She had expected a substantial reduction in the beginning bid. \"So sorry, but money has no significance to such a daimyo, though it is a heritage to a peasant like myself—a thousand koku makes me an ancestress, neh? One must always know what one is, Lady Toda. Neh?\" Her tone was barbed.\n\n\"Yes. It's good to know what you are, and who you are, Gyoko-san. That is one of the rare gifts a woman has over a man. A woman always knows. Fortunately I know what I am. Oh very yes. Please come to the point.\"\n\nGyoko did not flinch under the threat but slammed back into attack with corresponding impolite brevity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The point is we both know life and understand death—and both believe treatment in hell and everywhere else depends on money.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do we?\"\n\n\"Yes. So sorry, I believe a thousand koku is too much.\"\n\n\"Death is preferable?\"\n\n\"I've already written my death poem, Lady:\n\n\"When I die,\n\ndon't burn me,\n\ndon't bury me,\n\njust throw my body on a field to\n\nfatten some empty-bellied dog.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That could be arranged. Easily.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But I've long ears and a safe tongue, which could be more important.\"\n\nMariko poured more cha. For herself. \"So sorry, have you?\"\n\n\"Oh yes, oh very yes. Please excuse me but it's no boast that I was trained well, Lady, in that and many other things. I'm not afraid to die. I've written my will, and detailed instructions to my kin in case of a sudden death. I've made my peace with the gods long since and forty days after I'm dead I know I'll be reborn. And if I'm not\"—the woman shrugged—\"then I'm a kami.\" Her fan was stationary. \"So I can afford to reach for the moon, neh? Please excuse me for mentioning it but I'm like you: I fear nothing. But unlike you in this life—I've nothing to lose.\"\n\n\"So much talk of evil things, Gyoko-san, on such a pleasant morning. It is pleasant, neh?\" Mariko readied to bury her fangs. \"I'd much prefer to see you alive, living into honored old age, one of the pillars of your new guild. Ah, that was a very tender idea. A good one, Gyoko-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Lady. Equally I'd like you safe and happy and prospering in the way that you'd wish. With all the toys and honors you'd require.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Toys?\" Mariko repeated, dangerous now.\n\nGyoko was like a trained dog on the scent near the kill. \"I'm only a peasant, Lady, so I wouldn't know what honors you wish, what toys would please you. Or your son.\"\n\nUnnoticed by either of them the slim wooden haft of Mariko's fan snapped between her fingers. The breeze had died. Now the hot wet air hung in the garden that looked out on a waveless sea. Flies swarmed and settled and swarmed again.\n\n\"What—what honors or toys would you wish? For yourself?\" Mariko stared with malevolent fascination at the older woman, clearly aware now that she must destroy this woman or her son would perish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing for myself. Lord Toranaga's given me honors and riches beyond my dreams. But for my son? Ah yes, he could be given a helping hand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What help?\"\n\n\"Two swords.\"\n\n\"Impossible.\"\n\n\"I know, Lady. So sorry. So easy to grant, yet so impossible. War's coming. Many will be needed to fight.\"\n\n\"There'll be no war now. Lord Toranaga's going to Osaka.\"\n\n\"Two swords. That's not much to ask.\"\n\n\"That's impossible. So sorry, that's not mine to give.\"\n\n\"So sorry, but I haven't asked you for anything. But that's the only thing that would please me. Yes. Nothing else.\" A dribble of sweat fell from Gyoko's face onto her lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd like to offer Lord Toranaga five hundred koku from the contract price, as a token of my esteem in these hard times. The other five hundred will go to my son. A samurai needs a heritage, neh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'that's' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You sentence your son to death. All Toranaga samurai will die or become ronin very soon.\"\n\n\"Karma. My son already has sons, Lady. They will tell their sons that once we were samurai. That's all that matters, neh?\"\n\n\"It's not mine to give.\"\n\n\"True. So sorry. But that's all that would satisfy me.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\nfour sentences\nStyle:\nJames Clavell" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Irritably, Toranaga shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Her information's interesting—perhaps—but not worth making her son samurai.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko replied, \"She seems to be a loyal vassal, Sire. She said she'd be honored if you'd deduct a further five hundred koku from the contract fee for some needy samurai.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's not generosity. No, not at all. That's merely guilt over the original usurious asking price.\"\n\n\"Perhaps it's worth considering, Sire. Her idea about the guild, about gei-sha and the new classes of courtesans, will have far-reaching effects, neh? It would do no harm, perhaps.\"\n\n\"I don't agree. No. Why should she be rewarded? There's no reason for granting her that honor. Ridiculous! She surely didn't ask you for it, did she?\"\n\n\"It would have been more than a little impertinent for her to do that, Sire. I have made the suggestion because I believe she could be very valuable to you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She'd better be more valuable. Her secrets are probably lies too. These days I get nothing but lies.\" Toranaga rang a small bell and an equerry appeared instantly at the far door.\n\n\"Sire?\"\n\n\"Where's the courtesan Kiku?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In your quarters, Sire.\"\n\n\"Is the Gyoko woman with her?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"Send them both out of the castle. At once! Send them back to... No, lodge them at an inn—a third-class inn—and tell them to wait there until I send for them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga said testily, as the man vanished, \"Disgusting! Pimps wanting to be samurai? Filthy peasants don't know their place anymore!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko watched him sitting on his cushion, his fan waving desultorily. She was jarred by the change in him. Gloom, irritation, and petulance, where before there had always been only buoyant confidence. He had listened to the secrets with interest, but not with the excitement she had expected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Poor man, she thought with pity, he's given up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What's the good of any information to him? Perhaps he's wise to cast things of the world aside and prepare for the unknown. Better you should do that yourself too, she thought, dying inside a bit more. Yes, but you can't, not yet, somehow you've got to protect your son." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were on the sixth floor of the tall fortified donjon and the windows overlooked the whole city on three quarters of the compass. Sunset was dark tonight, the thread of moon low on the horizon, the dank air stifling, though here, almost a hundred feet above the floor of the castle battlements, the room gathered every breath of wind. The room was low and fortified and took up half the whole floor, other rooms beyond.\n\nToranaga picked up the dispatch that Hiro-matsu had sent with Mariko and read it again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She noticed his hand tremble." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's he want to come to Yedo for?\" Impatiently Toranaga tossed the scroll aside.\n\n\"I don't know, Sire, so sorry. He just asked me to give you this dispatch.\"\n\n\"Did you talk to the Christian renegade?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Sire. Yoshinaka-san said you'd given orders against anyone doing that.\"\n\n\"How was Yoshinaka on the journey?\"\n\n\"Very capable, Sire,\" she said, patiently answering the question for a second time. \"Very efficient. He guarded us very well and delivered us on time exactly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why didn't the priest Tsukku-san come back with you all the way?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"On the road from Mishima, Sire, he and the Anjin-san quarreled,\" Mariko told him, not knowing what Father Alvito might have already told Toranaga, if in fact Toranaga had sent for him yet." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory inclusion (with quotes): What was the quarrel about?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Father decided to travel on alone.\"\n\n\"What was the quarrel about?\"\n\n\"Partially over me, my soul, Sire. Mostly because of their religious enmity and because of the war between their rulers.\"\n\n\"Who started it?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Work this phrase into your response organically: \"They were equally to blame. It began over a flask of liquor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They were equally to blame. It began over a flask of liquor.\" Mariko told him what had passed with Rodrigues, then continued, \"The Tsukku-san had brought a second flask as a gift, wanting, so he said, to intercede for Rodrigues-san, but the Anjin-san said, shockingly bluntly, that he didn't want any 'Papist liquor,' preferred saké, and he didn't trust priests. The—the Holy Father flared up, was equally shockingly blunt, saying he had never dealt in poison, never would, and could never condone such a thing.\"\n\n\"Ah, poison? Do they use poison as a weapon?\"\n\n\"The Anjin-san told me some of them do, Sire. This led to more violent words and then they were hacking at each other over religion, my soul, about Catholics and Protestants... I left to fetch Yoshinaka-san as soon as I could and he stopped the quarrel.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Barbarians cause nothing but trouble. Christians cause nothing but trouble. Neh?\"\n\nShe did not answer him. His petulance unsettled her. It was so unlike him and there seemed to be no reason for such a breakdown in his legendary self-control." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps the shock of being beaten is too much for him, she thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without him we're all finished, my son's finished, and the Kwanto will soon be in other hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His gloom was infecting her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had noticed in the streets and in the castle the pall that seemed to hang over the whole city—a city that was famous for its gaiety, brash good humor, and delight with life.\n\n\"I was born the year the first Christians arrived and they've bedeviled the land ever since,\" Toranaga said. \"For fifty-eight years nothing but trouble. Neh?\"\n\n\"I'm sorry they offend you, Sire. Was there anything else? With your permi—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sit down. I haven't finished yet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga rang the bell again. The door opened. \"Send Buntaro-san in.\"\n\nBuntaro walked in. Grim-faced, he knelt and bowed. She bowed to him, numb, but he did not acknowledge her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A while ago Buntaro had met their cortege at the castle gate. After a brief greeting, he had told her she was to go at once to Lord Toranaga. The Anjin-san would be sent for later.\n\n\"Buntaro-san, you asked to see me in your wife's presence as soon as possible?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"What is it you want?\"\n\n\"I humbly beg permission to take the Anjin-san's head,\" Buntaro said.\n\n\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me but I... I don't like the way he looks at my wife. I wanted... I wanted to say it in front of her, the first time, before you. Also, he insulted me at Anjiro and I can no longer live with this shame.\"\n\nToranaga glanced at Mariko, who seemed to be frozen in time. \"You accuse her of encouraging him?\"\n\n\"I... I ask permission to take his head.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You accuse her of encouraging him? Answer the question!\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Sire, but if I thought that I'd be duty bound to take her head the same instant,\" Buntaro replied stonily, his eyes on the tatamis. \"The barbarian's a constant irritation to my harmony. I believe he's a harassment to you. Let me remove his head, I beg you.\" He looked up, his heavy jowls unshaven, eyes deeply shadowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Or let me take my wife now and tonight we'll go before you—to prepare the way.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you say to that, Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"He is my husband. Whatever he decides, that will I do—unless you overrule him, Sire. This is my duty.\"\n\nToranaga looked from man to woman. Then his voice hardened, and for a moment he was like the Toranaga of old." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mariko-san, you will leave in three days for Osaka. You will prepare that way for me, and wait for me there. Buntaro-san, you will accompany me as commander of my escort when I leave. After you have acted as my second, you or one of your men may do the same with the Anjin-san—with or without his approval.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro cleared his throat. \"Sire, please order Crim—\"\n\n\"Hold your tongue! You forget yourself! I've told you no three times! The next time you have the impertinence to offer unwanted advice you will slit your belly in a Yedo cesspool!\"\n\nBuntaro's head was on the tatamis." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'excuse' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I apologize, Sire. I apologize for my impertinence.\"\n\nMariko was equally appalled by Toranaga's ill-mannered, shameful outburst, and she bowed low also, to hide her own embarrassment. In a moment Toranaga said, \"Please excuse my temper. Your plea is granted, Buntaro-san, but only after you've acted as my second.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Sire. Please excuse me for offending you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I ordered you both to make peace with one another. Have you done so?\"\n\nBuntaro nodded shortly. Mariko too.\n\n\"Good. Mariko-san, you will come back with the Anjin-san tonight, in the Hour of the Dog. You may go now.\"\n\nShe bowed and left them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga stared at Buntaro. \"Well? Do you accuse her?\"\n\n\"It... it is unthinkable she'd betray me, Sire,\" Buntaro answered sullenly.\n\n\"I agree.\" Toranaga waved a fly away with his fan, seeming very tired." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, you may have the Anjin-san's head soon. I need it on his shoulders a little longer.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Sire. Again please excuse me for irritating you.\"\n\n\"These are irritating times. Foul times.\" Toranaga leaned forward. \"Listen, I want you to go to Mishima at once to relieve your father for a few days. He asks permission to come here to consult with me. I don't know what... Anyway, I must have someone in Mishima I can trust. Would you please leave at dawn—but by way of Takato.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sire?\" Buntaro saw that Toranaga was keeping calm only with an enormous effort, and in spite of his will, his voice was trembling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've a private message for my mother in Takato. You're to tell no one you're going there. But once you're clear of the city, cut north.\"\n\n\"I understand.\"\n\n\"Lord Zataki may prevent you from delivering it—may try to. You are to give it only into her hands. You understand? To her alone. Take twenty men and gallop there. I'll send a carrier pigeon to ask safe conduct from him.\"\n\n\"Your message will be verbal or in writing, Lord?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In writing.\"\n\n\"And if I can't deliver it?\"\n\n\"You must deliver it, of course you must. That's why I picked you! But... if you're betrayed like I've... if you're betrayed, destroy it before you commit suicide. The moment I hear such evil news, the Anjin-san's head is off his shoulders. And if... what about Mariko-san? What about your wife, if something goes wrong?\"\n\n\"Please dispatch her, Sire, before you die. I would be honored if... She merits a worthy second.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She won't die dishonorably, you have my promise. I'll see to it. Personally. Now please come back at dawn for the dispatch. Don't fail me. Only into my mother's hands.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro thanked him again and left, ashamed of Toranaga's outward show of fear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now alone, Toranaga took out a kerchief and wiped the sweat off his face. His fingers were trembling. He tried to control them but couldn't. It had taken all his strength to continue acting the stupid dullard, to hide his unbounding excitement over the secrets, which, fantastically, promised the long-hoped-for reprieve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A possible reprieve, only possible—if they're true,\" he said aloud, hardly able to think, the astoundingly welcome information that Mariko had brought from the Gyoko woman still shrieking in his brain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ochiba, he was gloating,... so that harpy's the lure to bring my brother tumbling out of his mountain eyrie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My brother wants Ochiba." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But now it's equally obvious he wants more than her, and more than just the Kwanto." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wants the realm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He detests Ishido, loathes Christians, and is now sick with jealousy over Ishido's well-known lust for Ochiba." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So he'll fall out with Ishido, Kiyama, and Onoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because what my treacherous brother really wants is to be Shōgun. He's Minowara, with all the lineage necessary, all the ambition, but not the mandate. Or the Kwanto. First he must get the Kwanto to get the rest.\n\nToranaga rubbed his hands with glee at all the wonderful new possible ploys this newfound knowledge gave him against his brother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And Onoshi the leper!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A drop of honey in Kiyama's ear at the right time, he thought, and the guts of the renegade's treason twisted a little, improved modestly, and Kiyama might gather his legions and go after Onoshi with fire and sword at once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Gyoko's quite sure, Sire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The acolyte Brother Joseph said Lord Onoshi had whispered in the confessional that he had made a secret treaty with Ishido against a fellow Christian daimyo and wanted absolution." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The treaty solemnly agreed that in return for support now, Ishido promised the day you are dead that this fellow Christian would be impeached for treason and invited into the Void, the same day, forcibly if necessary, and Onoshi's son and heir would inherit all lands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Christian was not named, Sire.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiyama or Harima of Nagasaki? Toranaga asked himself. It doesn't matter. For me it must be Kiyama.\n\nHe got up shakily, in spite of his jubilation, and groped to one of the windows, leaned heavily on the wooden sill." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He peered at the moon, and the sky beyond. The stars were dull. Rain clouds were building.\n\n\"Buddha, all gods, any gods, let my brother take the bait—and let that woman's whisperings be true!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No shooting star appeared to show the message was acknowledged by the gods." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No wind sprang up, no sudden cloud blanketed the crescent moon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even if there had been a heavenly sign he would have dismissed it as a coincidence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Be patient. Consider facts only. Sit down and think, he told himself.\n\nHe knew the strain was beginning to tell on him but it was vital that none of his intimates or vassals—thus none of the legion of loose-mouthed fools or spies of Yedo—suspect for an instant that he was only feigning capitulation and play-acting the role of a beaten man. At Yokosé he had realized at once that to accept the second scroll from his brother was his death knell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had decided his only tiny chance of survival was to convince everyone, even himself, that he had absolutely accepted defeat, though in reality it was only a cover to gain time, continuing his lifelong pattern of negotiation, delay, and seeming retreat, always waiting patiently until a chink in the armor appeared over a jugular, then stabbing home viciously, without hesitation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since Yokosé he had waited out the lonely watches of the nights and the days, each one harder to bear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No hunting or laughing, no plotting or planning or swimming or banter or dancing and singing in Nōh plays that had delighted him all his life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only the same lonely role, the most difficult in his life: gloom, surrender, indecision, apparent helplessness, with self-imposed semistarvation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To help pass the time he had continued to refine the Legacy. This was a series of private secret instructions to his successors that he had formulated over the years on how best to rule after him. Sudara had already sworn to abide by the Legacy, as every heir to the mantle would be required to do. In this way the future of the clan would be assured—may be assured, Toranaga reminded himself as he changed a word or added a sentence or eliminated a paragraph, providing I escape this present trap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Legacy began: \"The duty of a lord of a province is to give peace and security to the people and does not consist of shedding luster on his ancestors or working for the prosperity of his descendants... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the maxims was: \"Remember that fortune and misfortune should be left to heaven and natural law. They are not to be bought by prayer or any cunning device to be thought of by any man or self-styled saint.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga eliminated \"... or self-styled saint,\" and changed the sentence to end \"... by any man whatsoever.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Normally he would enjoy stretching his mind to write clearly and succinctly, but during the long days and nights it had taken all of his self-discipline to continue playing such an alien role.\n\nThat he had succeeded so well pleased him yet dismayed him. How could people be so gullible?\n\nThank the gods they are, he answered himself for the millionth time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By accepting \"defeat\" you have twice avoided war. You're still trapped, but now, at long last, your patience has brought its reward and you have a new chance.\n\nPerhaps you've got a chance, he corrected himself. Unless the secrets are false and given by an enemy to enmesh you further." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His chest began to ache, he became weak and dizzy, so he sat down and breathed deeply as the Zen teachers had taught him years ago." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Ten deep, ten slow, ten deep, ten slow, send your mind into the Void." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There is no past or future, hot or cold, pain or joy—from nothing, into nothing... '" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon he started to think clearly again. Then he went to his desk and began to write. He asked his mother to act as intermediary between himself and his half-brother and to present an offer for the future of their clan. First, he petitioned his brother to consider a marriage with the Lady Ochiba: \"... of course it would be unthinkable for me to do this, brother. Too many daimyos would be enraged at my 'vaulting ambition.' But such a liaison with you would cement the peace of the realm, and confirm the succession of Yaemon—no one doubting your loyalty, though some in error doubt mine. You could certainly get a more eligible wife, but she could hardly get a better husband." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once the traitors to His Imperial Highness are removed, and I resume my rightful place as President of the Council of Regents, I will invite the Son of Heaven to request the marriage if you will agree to take on such a burden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I sincerely feel this sacrifice is the only way we can both secure the succession and do our sworn duty to the Taikō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Second, you're offered all the domains of the Christian traitors Kiyama and Onoshi, who are presently plotting, with the barbarian priests, a treasonous war against all non-Christian daimyos, supported by a musket-armed invasion of barbarians as they did before against our liege lord, the Taikō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Further, you're offered all the lands of any other Kyushu Christians who side with the traitor Ishido against me in the final battle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "(Did you know that upstart peasant has had the impertinence to let it be known that once I am dead and he rules the Regents, he plans to dissolve the Council and marry the mother of the Heir himself?)" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And in return for the above, just this, brother: a secret treaty of alliance now, guaranteed safe passage for my armies through the Shinano mountains, a joint attack under my generalship against Ishido at a time and manner of my choosing. Last, as a measure of my trust I will at once send my son Sudara, his wife the Lady Genjiko, and their children, including my only grandson, to you in Takato... \"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This isn't the work of a defeated man, Toranaga told himself as he sealed the scroll. Zataki will know that instantly. Yes, but now the trap's baited. Shinano's athwart my only road, and Zataki's the initial key to the Osaka plains." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is it true that Zataki wants Ochiba? I risk so much over the supposed whispers of a straddled maid and grunting man. Could Gyoko be lying for her own advantage, that impertinent bloodsucker! Samurai? So that's the real key to unlock all her secrets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She must have proof about Mariko and the Anjin-san." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why else would Mariko put such a request to me?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toda Mariko and the barbarian!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The barbarian and Buntaro! Eeeee, life is strange.\n\nAnother twinge over his heart wracked him. After a moment he wrote the message for a carrier pigeon and plodded up the stairs to the loft above." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Carefully he selected a Takato pigeon from one of the many panniers and slid the tiny cylinder home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he put the pigeon on the perch in the open box that would allow her to fly off at first light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The message asked his mother to request safe passage for Buntaro, who had an important dispatch for her and his brother. And he had signed it like the offer, Yoshi Toranaga-noh-Minowara, claiming that mantle for the first time in his life.\n\n\"Fly safe and true, little bird,\" he said, caressing her with a fallen feather. \"You carry a heritage of ten thousand years.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once more his eyes went to the city below. The smallest bar of light appeared on the west horizon. Down by the docks he could see the pinpricks of flares that surrounded the barbarian ship.\n\nThere's another key, he thought, and he began to rethink the three secrets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knew he had missed something." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wish Kiri were here,\" he said to the night." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 12 sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko was kneeling in front of her polished metal mirror. She looked away from her face. In her hands was the dagger, catching the flickering oil light.\n\n\"I should use thee,\" she said, filled with grief. Her eyes sought the Madonna and Child in the niche beside the lovely spray of flowers, and filled with tears. \"I know suicide's a mortal sin, but what can I do? How can I live with this shame? It's better for me to do it before I'm betrayed.\"\n\nThe room was quiet like the house. This was their family house, built within the innermost ring of defenses and the wide moat around the castle, where only the most favored and trusted hatamoto were allowed to live. Circling the house was a bamboo-walled garden and a tiny stream ran through it, tapped from the abundance of waters surrounding the castle.\n\nShe heard footsteps. The front gate creaked open and there was the sound of servants rushing to greet the master. Quickly she put the knife away in her obi and dried her tears. Soon there were footsteps and she opened her door, bowing politely." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/insert_quote: \"Yes, so sorry. I wish there was something I could do to help. Would you like saké or cha?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In ill humor, Buntaro told her Toranaga had changed his mind again, that now he was ordered to Mishima temporarily. \"I'll leave at dawn. I wanted to wish you a safe journey—\" He stopped and peered at her. \"Why are you crying?\"\n\n\"Please excuse me. Sire. It's just because I'm a woman and life seems so difficult for me. And because of Toranaga-sama.\"\n\n\"He's a broken reed. I'm ashamed to say it. Terrible, but that's what he's become. We should go to war. Far better to go to war than to know the only future I've got is to see Ishido's filthy face laughing at my karma!\"\n\n\"Yes, so sorry. I wish there was something I could do to help. Would you like saké or cha?\"\n\nBuntaro turned and bellowed at a servant who was waiting in the passageway. \"Get saké! Hurry up!\"\n\nBuntaro walked into her room. Mariko closed the door. Now he stood at the window looking up at the castle walls and the donjon beyond.\n\n\"Please don't worry, Sire,\" she said placatingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The bath's ready and I've sent for your favorite.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He kept his eyes on the donjon, seething. Then he said, \"He should resign in Lord Sudara's favor if he's not got the stomach for leadership anymore. Lord Sudara's his son and legal heir, neh? Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"Yes. Or even better, he should do as Zataki suggested. Commit seppuku. Then we'd have Zataki and his armies fighting with us. With them and the muskets we could smash through to Kyoto, I know we could. Even if we failed, better that than give up like filthy, cowardly Garlic Eaters! Our Master's forfeited all rights. Neh? NEH?\" He whirled on her.\n\n\"Please excuse me—it's not for me to say. He's our liege lord.\"\n\nBuntaro turned back again, brooding, to stare at the donjon. Lights flickered on all levels. Particularly the sixth. \"My advice to his Council is to invite him to depart, and if he won't—to help him. There's precedent enough! There are many who share my opinion, but not Lord Sudara, not yet. Maybe he does secretly, who knows about him, what he's really thinking? When you meet his wife, when you meet Lady Genjiko, talk to her, persuade her. Then she'll persuade him—she leads him by the nose, neh? You're friends, she'll listen to you. Persuade her.\"\n\n\"I think that would be very bad to do, Sire. That's treason.\"\n\n\"I order you to talk to her!\"\n\n\"I will obey you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, you'll obey an order, won't you?\" he snarled. \"Obey? Why are you always so cold and bitter? Eh?\" He picked up her mirror and shoved it up to her face. \"Look at yourself!\"\n\n\"Please excuse me if I displease you, Sire.\" Her voice was level and she stared past the mirror to his face. \"I don't wish to anger you.\"\n\nHe watched her for a moment then sullenly tossed the mirror back onto the lacquered table. \"I didn't accuse you. If I thought that I'd... I wouldn't hesitate.\"\n\nMariko heard herself spit back, unforgivably, \"Wouldn't hesitate to do what? Kill me, Sire? Or leave me alive to shame me more?\"\n\n\"I didn't accuse you, only him!\" Buntaro bellowed.\n\n\"But I accuse you!\" she shrieked in return." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you did accuse me!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hold your tongue!\"\n\n\"You shamed me in front of our lord! You accused me and you won't do your duty! You're afraid! You're a coward! A filthy, garlic-eating coward!\"\n\nHis sword came out of its scabbard, and she gloried in the fact that at least she had dared to push him over the brink.\n\nBut the sword remained poised in the air. \"I... have your... I have your promise before your... your God, in Osaka. Before we... we go into death... I have your promise and I... I hold you to that!\"\n\nHer baiting laugh was shrill and vicious. \"Oh yes, mighty Lord. I'll be your cushion just once more, but your welcome will be dry, bitter, and rancid!\"\n\nHe hacked blindly with all his two-handed strength at a corner post and the blade sliced almost totally through the foot-thick seasoned beam. He tugged but the sword held fast. Almost berserk, he twisted it and fought it and then the blade snapped. With a final curse he hurled the broken haft through the flimsy wall and staggered drunkenly for the door. The quavering servant stood there with the tray and saké." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro smashed it out of his hands." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instantly the servant knelt, put his head on the floor, and froze.\n\nBuntaro leaned on the shattered door frame. \"Wait... wait till Osaka.\"\n\nHe groped out of the house.\n\nFor a time, Mariko remained immobile, seemingly in a trance. Then the color began to return to her cheeks. Her eyes focused. Silently she returned to her mirror. She studied her reflection for a moment. Then, quite calmly, she finished applying her makeup." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for James Clavell vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne ran up the stairs two at a time, his guard with him. They were on the main staircase within the donjon and he was glad to be unencumbered by his swords. He had formally surrendered them in the courtyard to the first guards, who had also searched him politely but thoroughly. Torches lit the staircase and the landings. On the fourth landing he stopped, almost bursting with pent-up excitement, and called back, \"Mariko-san, are you all right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes—yes. I'm fine, thank you, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He began to climb again, feeling light and very strong, until he reached the final landing on the sixth floor. This level was heavily guarded like all the others. His escorting samurai went over to those clustering at the final iron-fortified door and bowed. They bowed back and motioned Blackthorne to wait.\n\nThe ironwork and woodwork in the entire castle were excellent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Here in the donjon all the windows, though delicate and soaring, doubled as stations for bowmen, and there were heavy, iron-covered shutters ready to swing into place for further protection." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko rounded the last angle of the easily defensible staircase and reached him.\n\n\"You all right?\" he asked.\n\n\"Oh yes, thank you,\" she answered, slightly out of breath. But she still possessed the same curious serenity and detachment that he had at once noticed when he had met her in the courtyard but had never seen before.\n\nNever mind, he thought confidently, it's just the castle and Toranaga and Buntaro and being here in Yedo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I know what to do now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ever since he had seen Erasmus he had been filled with an immense joy. He had truly never expected to find his ship so perfect, so clean and cared for, and ready. There's hardly reason to stay in Yedo now, he had thought. I'll just take a quick look below to test the bilges, an easy dive over the side to check the keel, then guns, powder room, ammunition and shot and sails. During the journey to Yedo he'd planned how to use heavy silk or cotton cloth for sails; Mariko had told him that canvas did not exist in Japan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just get the sails commissioned, he chortled, and any other spares we need, then off to Nagasaki like a lightning bolt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anjin-san!\" The samurai was back.\n\n\"Hai?\"\n\n\"Dozo.\"\n\nThe fortified door swung open silently. Toranaga was seated at the far end of the square room on a section of raised tatamis. Alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne knelt and bowed low, his hands flat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Konbanwa, Toranaga-sama. Ikaga desu ka?\"\n\n\"Okagesama de genki desu. Anata wa?\"\n\nToranaga seemed older and lackluster, and much thinner than before. Shigata ga nai, Blackthorne told himself. Toranaga's karma won't touch Erasmus—she's going to be his savior, by God." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He answered Toranaga's standard inquiries in simple but well-accented Japanese, using a simplified technique he had developed with Alvito's help." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga complimented him on the improvement and began to speak faster." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne used one of the stock phrases he had worked out with Alvito and Mariko: \"Please excuse me, Lord, as my Japanese is not good, would you please speak slower and use simple words, as I have to use simple words—please excuse me for putting you to so much trouble.\"\n\n\"All right. Yes, certainly. Tell me, how did you like Yokosé?\"\n\nBlackthorne replied, keeping up with Toranaga, his answers halting, his vocabulary still very limited, until Toranaga asked a question, the key words of which he missed entirely. \"Dozo? Gomen nasai, Toranaga-sama,\" he said apologetically. \"Wakarimasen.\" I don't understand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga repeated what he had said, in simpler language." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne glanced at Mariko. \"So sorry, Mariko-san, what's 'sonkei su beki umi'?\"\n\n\"'Seaworthy,' Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Ah! Domo.\" Blackthorne turned back. The daimyo had asked if he could quickly make sure whether his ship was completely seaworthy, and how long that would take." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He replied, \"Yes, easy. Half day, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga thought a moment, then told him to do that tomorrow and report back in the afternoon, during the Hour of the Goat. \"Wakarimasu?\"\n\n\"Hai.\"\n\n\"Then you can see your men,\" Toranaga added.\n\n\"Sire?\"\n\n\"Your vassals. I sent for you to tell you tomorrow you'll have your vassals.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, so sorry. I understand. Samurai vassals. Two hundred men.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Good night, Anjin-san. I'll see you tomorrow.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Lord, may I respectfully ask three things?\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"First: Possible see my crew now please? Save time, neh? Please.\"\n\nToranaga agreed and gave a curt order to one of the samurai to guide Blackthorne." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Take a ten-man guard with you. Take the Anjin-san there and bring him back to the castle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\"\n\n\"Next, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Please possible talk alone? Little time. Please excuse my rudeness.\" Blackthorne tried not to show his anxiety as Toranaga asked Mariko what this was all about. She replied truthfully that she only knew the Anjin-san had something private to say but she had not asked him what it was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're certain it'll be all right for me to ask him, Mariko-san?\" Blackthorne had said as they began to climb the stairs.\n\n\"Oh yes. Providing you wait till he's finished. But be sure you know exactly what you're going to say, Anjin-san. He's... he's not as patient as he is normally.\" She had not asked him what he had wanted to ask, and he had not volunteered anything.\n\n\"Very well, Anjin-san,\" Toranaga was saying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please wait outside, Mariko-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bowed and left. \"Yes?\"\n\n\"So sorry, hear Lord Harima of Nagasaki now enemy.\"\n\nToranaga was startled for he had heard about Harima's public commitment to Ishido's standard only when he himself had reached Yedo. \"Where did you get that information?\"\n\n\"Please?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga repeated the question slower." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'money' 3 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah! Understand. Hear about Lord Harima at Hakoné. Gyoko-san tell us. Gyoko-san hear in Mishima.\"\n\n\"That woman's well informed. Perhaps too well informed.\"\n\n\"Sire?\"\n\n\"Nothing. Go on. What about Lord Harima?\"\n\n\"Sire, may I respectfully say: my ship, big weapon over Black Ship, neh? If I take Black Ship very quick—priests very anger because no money Christian work here—no money also Portuguese other lands. Last year no Black Ship here, so no money, neh? If now take Black Ship quick, very quick, and also next year, all priest has great fear. That's the truth, Sire. Think priests must bend if threatens. Priests like this for Toranaga-sama!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne snapped his hand shut to make his point." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga had listened intently, watching his lips as he was doing the same. \"I follow you, but to what end, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Sire?\"\n\nToranaga fell into the same pattern of using few words. \"To obtain what? To catch what? To get what?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Onoshi, Lord Kiyama, and Lord Harima.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So you want to interfere in our politics like the priests? You think you know how to rule us as well, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'enemy' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, please excuse me, I don't understand.\"\n\n\"It doesn't matter.\" Toranaga thought for a long time, then said, \"Priests say they've no power to order Christian daimyos.\"\n\n\"No true, Sire, please excuse me. Money big power over priests. It's the truth, Sire. If no Black Ship this year, and also next year no Black Ship, ruin. Very, very bad for priests. It's the truth, Sire. Money is power. Please consider: If Crimson Sky at same time or before, I attack Nagasaki. Nagasaki enemy now, neh? I take Black Ship and attack sea roads between Kyushu and Honshu. Maybe threat enough to make enemy into friend?\"\n\n\"No. The priests will stop trade. I am not at war with the priests or Nagasaki. Or anyone. I am going to Osaka. There will be no Crimson Sky. Wakarimasu?\"\n\n\"Hai.\" Blackthorne was not perturbed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knew that now Toranaga clearly understood that this possible tactic would certainly draw off a large proportion of Kiyama-Onoshi-Harima forces, all of whom were Kyushu-based." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And Erasmus could certainly wreck any large-scale seaborne transfer of troops from that island to the main one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Be patient, he cautioned himself. Let Toranaga consider it. Maybe it'll be as Mariko says: There is a long time between now and Osaka, and who knows what might happen? Prepare for the best but do not fear the worst.\n\n\"Anjin-san, why not say this in front of Mariko-san? She will tell priests? You think that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Sire. Only want to try talk direct. Not woman's business to war. One last ask, Toranaga-sama.\" Blackthorne launched himself on a chosen course. \"Custom hatamoto ask favor, sometimes. Please excuse me, Sire, may I respectfully say now possible ask?\"\n\nToranaga's fan stopped waving. \"What favor?\"\n\n\"Know divorce easy if lord say. Ask Toda Mariko-sama wife.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga was dumbstruck and Blackthorne was afraid he'd gone too far." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me for my rudeness,\" he added.\n\nToranaga recovered quickly. \"Mariko-san agrees?\"\n\n\"No, Toranaga-sama. Secret my. Never say to her, anyone. Secret my only. Not say to Toda Mariko-san. Never. Kinjiru, neh? But know angers between husband wife. Divorce easy in Japan. This my secret only. Ask Lord Toranaga only. Very secret. Never Mariko-san. Please excuse me if I've offended you.\"\n\n\"That's a presumptuous request for a stranger. Unheard of! Because you're hatamoto I'm duty bound to consider it, though you're forbidden to mention it to her under any circumstances, either to her or to her husband. Is that clear?\"\n\n\"Please?\" Blackthorne asked, not understanding at all, hardly able to think." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very bad ask and thought, Anjin-san. Understand?\"\n\n\"Yes Sire, so sor—\"\n\n\"Because Anjin-san hatamoto I'm not angry. Will consider. Understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, I think so. Thank you. Please excuse my bad Japanese, so sorry.\"\n\n\"No talk to her, Anjin-san, about divorce. Mariko-san or Buntaro-san. Kinjiru, wakarimasu?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Lord. Understand. Only secret you, I. Secret. Thank you. Please excuse my rudeness and thank you for your patience.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne bowed perfectly and, almost in a dream, he walked out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The door closed behind him. On the landing everyone was watching him quizzically.\n\nHe wanted to share his victory with Mariko. But he was inhibited by her distracted serenity and the presence of the guards. \"I'm sorry to keep you waiting\" was all he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was my pleasure,\" she answered, as noncommittal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They started down the staircase again. Then, after a flight of stairs, she said, \"Your simple way of talking is strange though quite understandable, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"I was lost too many times. Knowing you were there helped me tremendously.\"\n\n\"I did nothing.\"\n\nIn the silence they walked on, Mariko behind him slightly as was correct custom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At each level they passed through a samurai cordon, then, rounding a bend in the stairs, the trailing hem of her kimono caught in the railings and she stumbled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He caught her, steadying her, and the sudden close touch pleased both of them. \"Thank you,\" she said, flustered, as he put her down again.\n\nThey continued on, much closer than they had been tonight.\n\nOutside in the torchlit forecourt, samurai were everywhere. Once more their passes were checked and now they were escorted with their flare-carrying porters through the donjon main gate, along a passage that meandered, mazelike, between high, battlemented stone walls to the next gate that led to the moat and the innermost wooden bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In all, there were seven rings of moats within the castle complex." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some were man-made, some adapted from the streams and rivers that abounded. While they headed for the main gate, the south gate, Mariko told him that, when the fortress was completed the year after next, it would house a hundred thousand samurai and twenty thousand horses, with all necessary provisions for one year.\n\n\"Then it will be the biggest in the world,\" Blackthorne said.\n\n\"That was Lord Toranaga's plan.\" Her voice was grave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shigata ga nai, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At last they came to the final bridge. \"There, Anjin-san, you can see the castle's the hub of Yedo, neh? The center of a web of streets that angle out to become the city. Ten years ago there was only a little fishing village here. Now, who knows? Three hundred thousand? Two? Four? Lord Toranaga hasn't counted his people yet. But they're all here for one purpose only: to serve the castle that protects the port and the plains that feed the armies.\"\n\n\"Nothing else?\" he asked.\n\n\"No.\"\n\nThere's no need to be worried, Mariko, and look so solemn, he thought happily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I've solved all that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga will grant all my requests." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the far side of the flare-lit Ichi-bashi—First Bridge—that led to the city proper, she stopped. \"I must leave you now, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"When can I see you?\"\n\n\"Tomorrow. At the Hour of the Goat. I'll wait in the forecourt for you.\"\n\n\"I can't see you tonight? If I'm back early?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'going' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, so sorry, please excuse me. Not tonight.\" Then she bowed formally. \"Konbanwa, Anjin-san.\"\n\nHe bowed. As a samurai. He watched her going back across the bridge, some of the flare-carriers going with her, insects milling the stationary flares that were stuck in holders on stanchions. Soon she was swallowed up by the crowds and the night.\n\nThen, his excitement increasing, he put his back to the castle and set off after the guide." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around six 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 James Clavell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The barbarians live there, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai motioned ahead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ill at ease, Blackthorne squinted into the darkness, the air breathless and sultry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where? That house? There?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. That's right, so sorry. You see it?\"\n\nAnother nest of hovels and alleys was a hundred paces ahead, beyond this bare patch of marshy ground, and dominating them was a large house etched vaguely against the jet sky.\n\nBlackthorne looked around for a moment to get his approximate bearings, using his fan against the encroaching bugs. Very soon, once they had left First Bridge, he had become lost in the maze.\n\nTheir way had led through innumerable streets and alleys, initially toward the shore, skirting it eastward for a time, over bridges and lesser bridges, then northward again along the bank of another stream which meandered through the outskirts, the land low-lying and moist. The farther from the castle, the meaner were the roads, the poorer the dwellings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The people were more obsequious, and fewer glimmers of light came from the shojis. Yedo was a sprawling mass which seemed to him to be made up of hamlets separated merely by roads or streams.\n\nHere on the southeastern edge of the city it was quite marshy and the road oozed putridly. For some time the stench had been thickening perceptibly, a miasma of seaweed and feces and mud flats, and overlying these an acrid sweet smell he could not place, but that seemed familiar.\n\n\"Stinks like Billingsgate at low tide,\" he muttered, killing another night pest that had landed on his cheek. His whole body was clammy with sweat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he heard the faintest snatch of a rollicking sea shanty in Dutch and all discomfort was forgotten. \"Is that Vinck?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elated, he hurried toward the sound, porters lighting his way carefully, samurai following.\n\nNow, nearer, he saw that the single-story building was part Japanese, part European. It was raised on pilings and surrounded by a high rickety bamboo fence in a plot of its own, and much newer than the hovels that clustered near. There was no gate in the fence, just a hole. The roof was thatch, the front door stout, the walls rough-boarded, and the windows covered with Dutch-style shutters. Here and there were flecks of light from the cracks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The singing and banter increased but he could not recognize any voices yet. Flagstones led straight to the steps of the veranda through an unkempt garden. A short flagpole was roped to the gateway. He stopped and stared up at it. A limp, makeshift Dutch flag hung there listlessly and his pulse quickened at the sight of it.\n\nThe front door was thrown open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A shaft of light spilled onto the veranda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Baccus van Nekk stumbled drunkenly to the edge, eyes half shut, pulled his codpiece aside, and urinated in a high, curving jet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ahhhhh,\" he murmured with a groaning ecstasy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing like a piss.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isn't there?\" Blackthorne called out in Dutch from the gateway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why don't you use a bucket?\"\n\n\"Eh?\" Van Nekk blinked myopically into the darkness at Blackthorne, who stood with the samurai under the flares. \"JesusGodinheavensamurai!\" He gathered himself with a grunt and bowed awkwardly from the waist. \"Gomen nasai, samurai-sama. Ichiban gomen nasai to all monkey-samas.\" He straightened, forced a painful smile, and muttered half to himself, \"I'm drunker'n I thought. Thought the bastard sonofawhore spoke Dutch! Gomen nasai, neh?\" he called out again, reeling off toward the back of the house, scratching and groping at the codpiece." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, Baccus, don't you know better than to foul your own nest?\"\n\n\"What?\" Van Nekk jerked around and stared blindly toward the flares, desperately trying to see clearly. \"Pilot?\" he choked out. \"Is that you, Pilot? God damn my eyes, I can't see. Pilot, for the love of God, is that you?\"\n\nBlackthorne laughed. His old friend looked so naked there, so foolish, his penis hanging out. \"Yes, it's me!\" Then to the samurai who watched with thinly covered contempt, \"Matte kudasai.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wait for me, please.\n\n\"Hai, Anjin-san.\"\n\nBlackthorne came forward and now in the shaft of light he could see the litter of garbage everywhere in the garden. Distastefully he stepped out of the clogs and ran up the steps. \"Hello, Baccus, you're fatter than when we left Rotterdam, neh?\" He clapped him warmly on the shoulders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Jesus Christ, is that truly you?\"\n\n\"Yes, of course it's me.\"\n\n\"We'd given you up for dead, long ago.\" Van Nekk reached out and touched Blackthorne to make sure he was not dreaming. \"Lord Jesus, my prayers are answered. Pilot, what happened to you, where've you come from? It's a miracle! Is it truly you?\"\n\n\"Yes. Now please put your cod in place and let's go inside,\" Blackthorne told him, conscious of his samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What? Oh! Oh sorry, I... \" Van Nekk hastily complied and tears began to run down his cheeks. \"Oh Jesus, Pilot... I thought the gin devils were playing me tricks again. Come on, but let me announce you, hey?\"\n\nHe led the way back, weaving a little, much of his drunkenness evaporated with his joy. Blackthorne followed. Van Nekk held the door open for him, then shouted over the raucous singing, \"Lads! Look what Father Christmas's brought us!\" He slammed the door shut after Blackthorne for added effect.\n\nSilence was instantaneous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It took a moment for Blackthorne's eyes to adjust to the light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fetid air was almost choking him. He saw them all gaping at him as though he were a devil-wraith. Then the spell broke and there were shouts of welcome and joy and everyone was squeezing and punching him on the back, all talking at the same time. \"Pilot, where've you come from—Have a drink—Christ, is it possible—Piss in my hat, it's great to see you—We'd given you up for dead—No, we're all right at least mostly all right—Get out of the chair, you whore, the Pilot-sama's to sit in the best sodding chair—Hey, grog, neh, quickGodcursed quick! Goddamn my eyes get out of the way I want to shake his hand... \"\n\nFinally Vinck hollered, \"One at a time, lads! Give him a chance! Give the Pilot the chair and a drink, for God's sake! Yes, I thought he was samurai too... \"\n\nSomeone shoved a wooden goblet into Blackthorne's hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sat in the rickety chair and they all raised their cups and the flood of questions began again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne looked around. The room was furnished with benches and a few crude chairs and tables and illuminated by candles and oil lamps." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'other' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A huge saké keg stood on the filthy floor. One of the tables was covered with dirty plates and a haunch of half-roasted meat, crusted with flies.\n\nSix bedraggled women cowered on their knees, bowing to him, backed against a wall.\n\nHis men, all beaming, waited for him to start: Sonk the cook, Johann Vinck the bosun's mate and chief gunner, Salamon the mute, Croocq the boy, Ginsel the sailmaker, Baccus van Nekk the chief merchant and treasurer, and last Jan Roper, the other merchant, who sat apart as always, with the same sour smile on his thin, taut face.\n\n\"Where's the Captain-General?\" Blackthorne asked.\n\n\"Dead, Pilot, he's dead... \" Six voices answered and overrode each other, jumbling the tale until Blackthorne held up his hand. \"Baccus?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'It was terrible, yes. But it was God's punishment.' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's dead, Pilot. He never came out of the pit. Remember he was sick, eh? After they took you away, well, that night we heard him choking in the darkness. Isn't that right, lads?\"\n\nA chorus of yesses, and van Nekk added, \"I was sitting beside him, Pilot. He was trying to get the water but there wasn't any and he was choking and moaning. I'm not too clear about the time—we were all frightened to death—but eventually he choked and then, well, the death rattle. It was bad, Pilot.\"\n\nJan Roper added, \"It was terrible, yes. But it was God's punishment.\" Blackthorne looked from face to face. \"Anybody hit him? To quieten him?\"\n\n\"No—no, oh no,\" van Nekk answered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He just croaked. He was left in the pit with the other one—the Japper, you remember him, the one who tried to drown himself in the bucket of piss? Then the Lord Omi had them bring Spillbergen's body out and they burned it. But that other poor bugger got left below. Lord Omi just gave him a knife and he slit his own Godcursed belly and they filled in the pit. You remember him, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. What about Maetsukker?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Best you tell that, Vinck.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Little Rat Face rotted, Pilot,\" Vinck began, and the others started shouting details and telling the tale until Vinck bellowed, \"Baccus asked me, for Chrissake! You'll all get your turn!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The voices died down and Sonk said helpfully, \"You tell it, Johann.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"What happened to his body?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pilot, it was his arm started rotting. He got nicked in the fight—you remember the fight when you got knocked out? Christ Jesus, that seems so long ago! Anyway, his arm festered. I bled him the next day and the next, then it started going black. I told him I'd better lance it or the whole arm'd have to come off—told him a dozen times, we all did, but he wouldn't. On the fifth day the wound was stinking. We held him down and I sliced off most of the rot but it weren't no good. I knew it wasn't no good but some of us thought it worth a try. The yellow bastard doctor came a few times but he couldn't do nothing either. Rat Face lasted a day or two, but the rot was too deep and he raved a lot. We had to tie him up toward the end.\"\n\n\"That's right, Pilot,\" Sonk said, scratching comfortably. \"We had to tie him up.\"\n\n\"What happened to his body?\" Blackthorne asked.\n\n\"They took it up the hill and burned it, too. We wanted to give him and the Captain-General a proper Christian burial but they wouldn't let us. They just burned them.\"\n\nA silence gathered. \"You haven't touched your drink, Pilot!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne raised it to his lips and tasted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cup was filthy and he almost retched. The raw spirit seared his throat. The stench of unbathed bodies and rancid, unwashed clothing almost overpowered him.\n\n\"How's the grog, Pilot?\" van Nekk asked.\n\n\"Fine, fine.\"\n\n\"Tell him about it, Baccus, go on!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey! I made a still, Pilot.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Van Nekk was very proud and the others were beaming too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We make it by the barrel now. Rice and fruit and water and let it ferment, wait a week or so and then, with the help of a little magic... \" The rotund man laughed and scratched happily. \"'Course it'd be better to keep it a year or so to mellow, but we drink it faster than... \" His words trailed off. \"You don't like it?\"\n\n\"Oh, sorry, it's fine—fine.\" Blackthorne saw lice in van Nekk's sparse hair.\n\nJan Roper said challengingly, \"And you, Pilot? You're fine, aren't you? What about you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another flood of questions which died as Vinck shouted, \"Give him a chance!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the leathery-faced man burst out happily, \"Christ, when I saw you standing at the door I thought you was one of the monkeys, honest—honest!\"\n\nAnother chorus of agreement and van Nekk broke in, \"That's right. Damned silly kimonos—you look like a woman, Pilot—or one of those half-men! Godcursed fags, eh! Lot of Jappers are fags, by God! One was after Croocq... \" There was much shouting and obscene banter, then van Nekk continued, \"You'll want your proper clothes, Pilot. Listen, we've got yours here. We came to Yedo with Erasmus. They towed her here and we were allowed to bring our clothes ashore with us, nothing else. We brought yours—they allowed us to do that, to keep for you. We brought a kit bag—all your sea clothes. Sonk, fetch 'em, hey?\"\n\n\"Sure I'll fetch them, but later, eh, Baccus? I don't want to miss nothing.\"\n\n\"All right.\"\n\nJan Roper's thin smile was taunting. \"Swords and kimonos—like a real heathen! Perhaps you prefer heathen ways now, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The clothes are cool, better than ours,\" Blackthorne replied uneasily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd forgotten I was dressed differently. So much has happened. These were all I had so I got used to wearing them. I never thought much about it. They're certainly more comfortable.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are those real swords?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, of course, why?\"\n\n\"We're not allowed weapons. Any weapons!\" Jan Roper scowled. \"Why do they allow you to have 'em? Just like any heathen samurai?\"\n\nBlackthorne laughed shortly. \"You haven't changed, Jan Roper, have you? Still holier than thou? Well, all in good time about my swords, but first the best news of all. Listen, in a month or so we'll be on the high seas again.\"\n\n\"Jesus God, you mean it, Pilot?\" Vinck said.\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a great roaring cheer and another welter of questions and answers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I told you we'd get away—I told you God was on our side! Let him talk—let the Pilot talk... \" Finally Blackthorne held up his hand." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'pilot' 6 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He motioned at the women, who still knelt motionless, more abject now under his attention. \"Who're they?\"\n\nSonk laughed. \"Them's our doxies, Pilot. Our whores, and cheap, Christ Jesus, they hardly cost a button a week. We got a whole house of 'em next door—and there's plenty more in the village—\"\n\n\"They rattle like stoats,\" Croocq butted in, and Sonk said, \"That's right, Pilot. 'Course they're squat and bandy but they've lots of vigor and no pox. You want one, Pilot? We've our own bunks, we're not like the monkeys, we've all our own bunks and rooms—\"\n\n\"You try Big-Arse Mary, Pilot, she's the one for you,\" Croocq said.\n\nJan Roper's voice overrode them. \"The Pilot doesn't want one of our harlots. He's got his own. Eh, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their faces glowed. \"Is that true, Pilot? You got women? Hey, tell us, eh? These monkeys're the best that's ever been, eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell us about your doxies, Pilot!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sonk scratched at his lice again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's a lot to tell,\" Blackthorne said. \"But it should be private. Less ears the better, neh? Send the women away, then we can talk privately.\"\n\nVinck jerked a thumb at them. \"Piss off, hai?\"\n\nThe women bowed and mumbled thanks and apologies and fled, closing the door quietly.\n\n\"First about the ship. It's unbelievable. I want to thank you and congratulate you—all the work. When we get home I'm going to insist you get triple shares of all the prize money for all that work and there's going to be a prize beyond... \" He saw the men look at each other, embarrassed. \"What's the matter?\"\n\nVan Nekk said uncomfortably, \"It wasn't us, Pilot. It was King Toranaga's men. They did it. Vinck showed 'em how, but we didn't do anything.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\n\"We weren't allowed back aboard after the first time. None of us has been aboard except Vinck, and he goes once every ten days or so. We did nothing.\"\n\n\"He's the only one,\" Sonk said. \"Johann showed 'em.\"\n\n\"But how'd you talk to them, Johann?\"\n\n\"There's one of the samurai who talks Portuguese and we talk in that—enough to understand each other. This samurai, his name's Sato-sama, he was put in charge when we came here. He asked who were officers or seamen among us. We said that'd be Ginsel, but he's a gunner mostly, me and Sonk who—\"\n\n\"Who's the worst pissing cook that—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shut your Godcursed mouth, Croocq!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shit, you can't cook ashore let alone afloat, by God!\"\n\n\"Please be quiet, you two!\" Blackthorne said. \"Go on, Johann.\"\n\nVinck continued. \"Sato-sama asked me what was wrong with the ship and I told him she had to be careened and scraped and repaired all over. Well, I told him all I knew and they got on with it. They careened her good and cleaned the bilges, scrubbed them like a prince's shit house—at least, samurai were bosses and other monkeys worked like demons, hundreds of the buggers. Shit, Pilot, you've never seen workers like 'em!\"\n\n\"That's true,\" Sonk said. \"Like demons!\"\n\n\"I did everything the best I could against the day... Jesus, Pilot, you really think we can get away?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, if we're patient and if we—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If God wills it, Pilot. Only then.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Perhaps you're right,\" Blackthorne replied, thinking, what's it matter that Roper's a fanatic?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I need him—all of them. And the help of God. \"Yes. We need the help of God,\" he said and turned back to Vinck. \"How's her keel?\"\n\n\"Clean and sound, Pilot. They've done her better'n I'd've thought possible. Those bastards are as clever as any carpenters, shipwrights, and rope-makers in all Holland. Rigging's perfect—everything.\"\n\n\"Sails?\"\n\n\"They made a set out of silk—tough as canvas. With a spare set. They took ours down and copied 'em exact, Pilot. Cannon are perfect as possible—all back aboard and there's powder and shot a-plenty. She's ready to sail on the tide, tonight if need be. 'Course she hasn't been to sea so we won't know about the sails till we're in a gale, but I'll bet my life her seams're as tight as when she was first slipped into the Zuider Zee—better 'cause the timbers're seasoned now, thanks be to God!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vinck paused for breath. \"When are we off?\"\n\n\"A month. About.\"\n\nThey nudged each other, brimming with elation, and loudly toasted the Pilot and the ship.\n\n\"How about enemy shipping? There any hereabouts? What about prizes, Pilot?\" Ginsel asked.\n\n\"Plenty—beyond your dreams. We're all rich.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'pilot' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another shout of glee. \"It's about time.\"\n\n\"Rich, eh? I'll buy me a castle.\"\n\n\"Lord God Almighty, when I get home... \"\n\n\"Rich! Hurrah for the Pilot!\"\n\n\"Plenty of Papists to kill? Good,\" Jan Roper said softly. \"Very good.\"\n\n\"What's the plan, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include this dialogue snippet naturally: \"Tell him about the bridge, Johann!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "van Nekk asked, and they all stopped talking.\n\n\"I'll come to that in a minute. Do you have guards? Can you move around freely, when you want? How often—\"\n\nVinck said quickly, \"We can move anywheres in the village area, perhaps as much as half a league around here. But we're not allowed in Yedo and not—\"\n\n\"Not across the bridge,\" Sonk broke in happily. \"Tell him about the bridge, Johann!\"\n\n\"Oh, for the love of God, I was coming to the bridge, Sonk. For God's sake, don't keep interrupting. Pilot, there's a bridge about half a mile southwest. There're a lot of signs on it. That's as far as we're allowed. We're not to go over that. 'Kinjiru,' by God, the samurai say. You understand kinjiru, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne nodded and said nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Apart from that we can go where we like. But only up to the barriers. There's barriers all around about half a league away. Lord God... can you believe it, home soon!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell him about the doc, eh, and about the—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The samurai send a doctor once in a while, Pilot, and we have to take our clothes off and he looks at us... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Enough to make a man shit to have a bastard heathen monkey look at you naked like that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Apart from that, Pilot, they don't bother us except—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey, don't forget the doc gives us some God-rotting filthy powdered 'char' herbs we're supposed to steep in hot water but we toss 'em out. When we're sick, good old Johann bleeds us and we're fit.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'first' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Sonk said. \"We throw the char out.\"\n\n\"Apart from that, except for—\"\n\n\"We're lucky here, Pilot, not like at first.\"\n\n\"That's right. At first—\"\n\n\"Tell him about the inspection, Baccus!\"\n\n\"I was coming to that—for God's sake, be patient—give a fellow a chance. How can I tell him anything with you all gabbing. Pour me a drink!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "van Nekk said thirstily and continued. \"Every ten days a few samurai come here and we line up outside and he counts us. Then they give us sacks of rice and cash, copper cash. It's plenty for everything, Pilot. We swap rice for meat and stuff—fruit or whatever. There's plenty of everything and the women do whatever we want. At first we—\"\n\n\"But it wasn't like that at first. Tell him about that, Baccus!\"\n\nVan Nekk sat on the floor. \"God give me strength!\"\n\n\"You feeling sick, poor old lad?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sonk asked solicitously. \"Best not drink any more or you'll get the devils back, hey? He gets the devils, Pilot, once a week. We all do.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you going to keep quiet while I tell the Pilot?\"\n\n\"Who, me? I haven't said a thing. I'm not stopping you. Here, here's your drink!\"\n\n\"Thanks, Sonk. Well, Pilot, first they put us in a house to the west of the city—\"\n\n\"Down near the fields it was.\"\n\n\"Damnit, then you tell the story, Johann!\"\n\n\"All right. Christ, Pilot, it was terrible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No grub or liquor and those Godcursed paper houses're like living in a field—a man can't take a piss or pick his nose, nothing without someone watching, eh? Yes, and the slightest noise'd bring the neighbors down on us, and samurai'd be at the stoop and who wants those bastards around, eh? They'd be shaking their Godcursed swords at us, shouting and hollering, telling us to keep quiet. Well, one night someone knocked over a candle and the monkeys were all pissed off to hell with us! Jesus God, you should've heard them! They came swarming out of the woodwork with buckets of water, Godcursed mad, hissing and bowing and cursing..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was only one poxy wall that got burned down..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hundreds of 'em swarmed over the house like cockroaches. Bastards! You've—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get on with it!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You want to tell it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go on, Johann, don't pay any attention to him. He's only a shit-filled cook.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What!\"\n\n\"Oh, shut up! For God's sake!\" Van Nekk hurriedly took up the tale once more. \"The next day, Pilot, they marched us out of there and put us into another house in the wharf area. That was just as bad. Then some weeks later, Johann stumbled onto this place. He was the only one of us allowed out, because of the ship, at that time. They'd collect him daily and bring him back at sunset. He was out fishing—we're only a few hundred yards upstream from the sea... Best you tell it, Johann.\"\n\nBlackthorne felt an itch on his bare leg and he rubbed it without thinking. The irritation got worse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he saw the mottled lump of a flea bite as Vinck continued proudly, \"It's like Baccus said, Pilot. I asked Sato-sama if we could move and he said, yes, why not. They'd usually let me fish from one of their little skiffs to pass the time. It was my nose that led me here, Pilot. The old nose led me: blood!\"\n\nBlackthorne said, \"A slaughterhouse! A slaughterhouse and tanning! That's... \" He stopped and blanched.\n\n\"What's up? What is it?\"\n\n\"This is an eta village? Jesus Christ, these people're eta?\"\n\n\"What's wrong with eters?\" van Nekk asked. \"Of course they're eters.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne waved at the mosquitoes that infested the air, his skin crawling." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Work this phrase into your response organically: \"Yes. A few streets up, why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Damn bugs. They're—they're rotten, aren't they? There's a tannery here, isn't there?\"\n\n\"Yes. A few streets up, why?\"\n\n\"Nothing. I didn't recognize the smell, that's all.\"\n\n\"What about eters?\"\n\n\"I... I didn't realize, stupid of me. If I'd seen one of the men I'd've known from their short hairstyle. With the women you'd never know. Sorry. Go on with the story, Vinck.\"\n\n\"Well, then they said—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jan Roper interrupted, \"Wait a minute, Vinck! What's wrong, Pilot? What about eters?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's just that Japanese think of them as different. They're the executioners, and work the hides and handle corpses.\" He felt their eyes, Jan Roper's particularly. \"Eta work hides,\" he said, trying to keep his voice careless, \"and kill all the old horses and oxen and handle dead bodies.\"\n\n\"But what's wrong with that, Pilot? You've buried a dozen yourself, put 'em in shrouds, washed 'em—we all have, eh? We butcher our own meat, always have. Ginsel here's been hangman... What's wrong with all that?\"\n\n\"Nothing,\" Blackthorne said, knowing it to be true yet feeling befouled even so.\n\nVinck snorted. \"Eters're the best heathen we've seen here. More like us than the other bastards. We're Godcursed lucky to be here, Pilot, fresh meat's no problem, or tallow—they give us no trouble.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's right. If you've lived with eters, Pilot... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jesus Christ, the Pilot's had to live with the other bastards all the time! He doesn't know any better. How about fetching Big-Arse Mary, Sonk?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Or Twicklebum?\"\n\n\"Shit, not her, not that old whore. The Pilot'll want a special. Let's ask mama-san... \"\n\n\"I bet he's starving for real grub! Hey, Sonk, cut him a slice of meat.\"\n\n\"Have some more grog... \"\n\n\"Three cheers for the Pilot... \"\n\nIn the happy uproar van Nekk clapped Blackthorne on the shoulders. \"You're home, old friend. Now you're back, our prayers 're answered and all's well in the world. You're home, old friend. Listen, take my bunk. I insist... \"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~2 sentences more. copy James Clavell's style. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cheerily Blackthorne waved a last time. There was an answering shout from the darkness the far side of the little bridge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he turned away, his forced heartiness evaporated, and he walked around the corner, the samurai guard of ten men surrounding him.\n\nOn the way back to the castle his mind was locked in confusion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing was wrong with eta and everything was wrong with eta, those are my crew there, my own people, and these are heathen and foreign and enemy..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Streets and alleys and bridges passed in a blur." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he noticed that his own hand was inside his kimono and he was scratching and he stopped in his tracks.\n\n\"Those goddamned filthy... \" He undid his sash and ripped off his sopping kimono and, as though it were defiled, hurled it in a ditch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dozo, nan desu ka, Anjin-san?\" one of the samurai asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nani mo!\" Nothing, by God!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne walked on, carrying his swords.\n\n\"Ah! Eta! Wakarimasu! Gomen nasai!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai chatted among themselves but he paid them no attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's better, he was thinking with utter relief, not noticing that he was almost naked, only that his skin had stopped crawling now that the flea-infested kimono was off.\n\nJesus God, I'd love a bath right now!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had told the crew about his adventures, but not that he was samurai and hatamoto, or that he was one of Toranaga's protégés, or about Fujiko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or Mariko. And he had not told them that they were going to land in force at Nagasaki and take the Black Ship by storm, or that he would be at the head of the samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That can come later, he thought wearily. And all the rest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Could I ever tell them about Mariko-san?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His wooden clogs clattered on the wooden slats of First Bridge. Samurai sentries, also half-naked, lolled until they saw him, then they bowed politely as he passed, watching him intently, because this was the incredible barbarian who was astonishingly favored by Lord Toranaga, to whom Toranaga had, unbelievably, granted the never-given-before-to-a-barbarian honor of hatamoto and samurai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the main south gate of the castle another guide waited for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was escorted to his quarters within the inner ring. He had been allocated a room in one of the fortified though attractive guest houses, but he politely refused to go back there at once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First bath please,\" he told the samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, I understand. That's very considerate of you. The bath house is this way, Anjin-san. Yes, it's a hot night, neh? And I hear you've been down to the Filthy Ones. The other guests in the house will appreciate your thoughtfulness. I thank you on their behalf.\"\n\nBlackthorne did not understand all the words but he gathered the meaning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Filthy Ones.' That describes my people and me—us, not them, poor people." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good evening, Anjin-san,\" the chief bath attendant said. He was a vast, middle-aged man with immense belly and biceps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A maid had just awakened him to announce another late customer was arriving." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He clapped his hands. Bath maids arrived. Blackthorne followed them into the scrubbing room and they cleansed him and shampooed him and he made them do it a second time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he walked through to the sunken bath, stepped into the piping-hot water and fought the heat, then gave himself to its mind-consuming embrace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In time strong hands helped him out and molded fragrant oil into his skin and untwisted his muscles and his neck, then led him to a resting room, and gave him a laundered, sun-fresh cotton kimono." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a long-drawn-out sigh of pleasure, he lay down.\n\n\"Dozo gomen nasai—cha, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hai. Domo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cha arrived. He told the maid he would stay here tonight and not trouble to go to his own quarters. Then, alone and at peace, he sipped the cha, feeling it purify him; '... filthy-looking char herbs... ' he thought disgustedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Be patient, don't let it disturb your harmony,\" he said aloud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're just poor ignorant fools who don't know any better. You were the same once. Never mind, now you can show them, neh?\"\n\nHe put them out of his mind and reached for his dictionary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But tonight, for the first night since he had possessed the book, he laid it carefully aside and blew out the candle. I'm too tired, he told himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But not too tired to answer a simple question, his mind said: Are they really ignorant fools, or is it you who are fooling yourself?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'll answer that later, when it's time." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now the answer's unimportant. Now I only know I don't want them near me.\n\nHe turned over and put that problem into a compartment and went to sleep." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 11 sentences. Context: May include pre-existing characters and lore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He awoke refreshed. A clean kimono and loincloth and tabi were laid out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The scabbards of his swords had been polished. He dressed quickly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Outside the house samurai were waiting. They got off their haunches and bowed.\n\n\"We're your guard today, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Thank you. Go ship now?\"\n\n\"Yes. Here's your pass.\"\n\n\"Good. Thank you. May I ask your name please?\"\n\n\"Musashi Mitsutoki.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Musashi-san. Go now?\"\n\nThey went down to the wharves. Erasmus was moored tightly in three fathoms over a sanding bottom. The bilges were sweet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He dived over the side and swam under the keel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seaweed was minimal and there were only a few barnacles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rudder was sound." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the magazine, which was dry and spotless, he found a flint and struck a spark to a tiny test mound of gunpowder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It burned instantly, in perfect condition.\n\nAloft at the foremast peak he looked for telltale cracks. None there or on the climb up, or around any of the spars that he could see. Many of the ropes and halyards and shrouds were joined incorrectly, but that would only take half a watch to change.\n\nOnce more on the quarterdeck he allowed himself a great smile. \"You're sound as a... as a what?\" He could not think of a sufficiently great 'what' so he just laughed and went below again. In his cabin he felt alien. And very alone. His swords were on the bunk. He touched them, then slid Oil Seller out of its scabbard. The workmanship was marvelous and the edge perfect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Looking at the sword gave him pleasure, for it was truly a work of art." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But a deadly one, he thought as always, twisting it in the light.\n\nHow many deaths have you caused in your life of two hundred years? How many more before you die yourself? Do some swords have a life of their own as Mariko says? Mariko. What about her...\n\nThen he caught sight of his sea chest reflected in the steel and this took him out of his sudden melancholy.\n\nHe sheathed Oil Seller, careful to avoid fingering the blade, for custom said that even a single touch might mar such perfection.\n\nAs he leaned against the bunk, his eyes went to his empty sea chest.\n\n\"What about rutters? And navigation instruments?\" he asked his image in the copper sea lamp that had been scrupulously polished like everything else. He saw himself answer, \"You buy them at Nagasaki, along with your crew. And you snatch Rodrigues. Yes. You snatch him before the attack. Neh?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around six 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 James Clavell." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd forgotten about you,\" he said in English. \"I was afraid you were dead.\"\n\n\"Dozo gozaimashita, Anjin-san, nan desu ka?\"\n\n\"Nani mo, Fujiko-san,\" he told her, ashamed of himself. \"Gomen nasai. Hai. Gomen nasai. Ma-suware odoroita honto ni mata aete ureshi.\" Please excuse me... a surprise, neh?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Good to see you. Please sit down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Domo arigato gozaimashita,\" she said, and told him in her thin, high voice how pleased she was to see him, how much his Japanese had improved, how well he looked, and how most very glad she was to be here.\n\nHe watched her kneel awkwardly on the cushion opposite. \"Legs... \" He sought the word \"burns\" but couldn't remember it, so he said instead, \"Legs fire hurt. Bad?\"\n\n\"No. So sorry. But it still hurts a little to sit,\" Fujiko said, concentrating, watching his lips. \"Legs hurt, so sorry.\"\n\n\"Please show me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, please, Anjin-san, I don't wish to trouble you. You have other problems. I'm—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't understand. Too fast, sorry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, sorry. Legs all right. No trouble,\" she pleaded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Trouble. You are consort, neh? No shame. Show now!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Obediently she got up. Clearly she was uncomfortable, but once she was upright, she began to untie the strings of her obi.\n\n\"Please call maid,\" he ordered.\n\nShe obeyed. At once the shoji slid open and a woman he did not recognize rushed to assist her.\n\nFirst the stiff obi was unwound. The maid put Fujiko's sheathed dagger and obi to one side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's your name?\" he asked the maid brusquely, as a samurai should." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, please excuse me, Sire, so very sorry. My name is Hana-ichi.\"\n\nHe grunted an acknowledgment. Miss First Blossom, now there's a fine name! All maids, by custom, were called Miss Brush or Crane or Fish or Second Broom or Fourth Moon or Star or Tree or Branch, and so on.\n\nHana-ichi was middle-aged and very concerned. I'll bet she's a family retainer, he told himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps a vassal of Fujiko's late husband." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Husband! I'd forgotten about him as well, and the child who was murdered—as the husband was murdered by fiend Toranaga who's not a fiend but a daimyo and a good, perhaps great leader. Yes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Probably the husband deserved his fate if the real truth were known, neh?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But not the child, he thought. There's no excuse for that.\n\nFujiko allowed her green patterned outer kimono to fall aside loosely. Her fingers trembled as she untied the thin silken sash of the yellow under-kimono and let that fall aside also. Her skin was light and the part of her breasts he could see within the folds of silk showed that they were flat and small. Hana-ichi knelt and untied the strings of the underskirt that reached from her waist to the floor to enable her mistress to step out of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Iyé,\" he ordered. He walked over and lifted the hem. The burns began at the backs of her calves. \"Gomen nasai,\" he said.\n\nShe stood motionless. A tear of sweat trickled down her cheek, spoiling her makeup. He pulled the skirt higher. The skin was burned all up the backs of her legs but it seemed to be healing perfectly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Scar tissue had formed already and there was no infection, and no suppurations, only a little clean blood where the new scar tissue had broken at the backs of her knees as she had knelt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He moved her kimonos aside and loosed the underskirt waist band. The burns stopped at the top of her legs, bypassed her rump where the beam had pinned her down and protected her, then began again in the small of her back. A swathe of burn, half a hand span, girdled her waist. Scar tissue was already settling into permanent crinkles. Unsightly, but healing perfectly.\n\n\"Doctor very good. Best I ever see!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He let her kimonos fall back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Best, Fujiko-san! The scars, what does it matter, neh? Nothing. I see many fire hurts, understand? Want see, then sure good or not good. Doctor very good. Buddha watch Fujiko-san.\" He put his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes.\n\n\"No worry now. Shigata ga nai, neh? You understand?\"\n\nHer tears spilled. \"Please excuse me, Anjin-san. I'm so embarrassed. Please excuse my stupidity for being there, caught there like a half-witted eta. I should have been with you, guarding you—not stuck with servants in the house. There's nothing for me in the house, nothing, no reason to be in a house... \"\n\nHe let her talk on though he understood almost nothing of what she said, holding her compassionately. I've got to find out what the doctor used, he thought excitedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's the quickest and the best healing I've ever seen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every master of every one of Her Majesty's ships should know that secret—yes, and truly, every captain of every ship in Europe." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'never' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wait a moment, wouldn't every master pay golden guineas for that secret? You could make a fortune! Yes. But not that way, he told himself, never that. Never out of a sailor's agony.\n\nShe's lucky though that it was only the backs of her legs and her back and not her face. He looked down at her face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was still as square and flat as ever, her teeth just as sharp and ferretlike, but the warmth that flowed from her eyes compensated for the ugliness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gave her another hug. \"Now. No weep. Order!\"\n\nHe sent the maid for fresh cha and saké and many cushions and helped her recline on them, as much as at first it embarrassed her to obey. \"How can I ever thank you?\" she said.\n\n\"No thanks. Give back—\" Blackthorne thought a moment but he couldn't remember the Japanese words for \"favor\" or \"remember,\" so he pulled out the dictionary and looked them up. \"Favor: o-negai\"... \"remember: omoi dasu.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hai, mondoso o-negai! Omoi dasu ka?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Give back favor. Remember?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He held up his fists mimicking pistols and pointing them. \"Omi-san, remember?\"\n\n\"Oh, of course,\" she cried out. Then, in wonder, she asked to look at the book. She had never seen Roman writing before, and the column of Japanese words into Latin and into Portuguese and vice versa were meaningless to her, but she quickly grasped its purpose. \"It's a book of all our... so sorry. Word book, neh?\"\n\n\"Hai.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'Hombun'?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He showed her how to find the word in Latin and in Portuguese. \"Hombun: duty.\" Then added in Japanese, \"I understand duty. Samurai duty, neh?\"\n\n\"Hai.\" She clapped her hands as if she had been shown a magic toy. But it is magic, isn't it, he told himself, a gift from God. This unlocks her mind and Toranaga's mind and soon I'll speak perfectly.\n\nShe gave him other words and he told her English or Latin or Portuguese, always understanding the words she chose and always finding them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The dictionary never failed.\n\nHe looked up a word. \"Majutsu desu, neh?\" It's magic, isn't it?\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san. The book's magic.\" She sipped her cha. \"Now I can talk to you. Really talk to you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Little. Only slow, understand?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Please be patient with me. Please excuse me.\"\n\nThe huge donjon bell sounded the Hour of the Goat and the temples in Yedo echoed the time change.\n\n\"I go now. Go Lord Toranaga.\" He put the book into his sleeve.\n\n\"I'll wait here please, if I may.\"\n\n\"Where stay?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She pointed. \"Oh, there, my room's next door. Please excuse my abruptness—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Slowly. Talk slowly. Talk simply!\"\n\nShe repeated it slowly, with more apologies. \"Good,\" he said. \"Good. I'll see you later.\"\n\nShe began to get up but he shook his head and went into the courtyard. The day was overcast now, the air suffocating. Guards awaited him. Soon he was in the donjon forecourt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko was there, more slender than ever, more ethereal, her face alabaster under her rust-gold parasol." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wore somber brown, edged with green.\n\n\"Ohayo, Anjin-san. Ikaga desu ka?\" she asked, bowing formally.\n\nHe told her that he was fine, happily keeping up their custom of talking in Japanese for as long as he could, turning to Portuguese only when he was tired or when they wished to be more secretive.\n\n\"Thou... \" he said cautiously as they walked up the stairs of the donjon.\n\n\"Thou,\" Mariko echoed, and went immediately into Portuguese with the same gravity as last night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, please, no Latin today, Anjin-san, today Latin cannot sit well—Latin cannot serve the purpose it was made for, neh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include this dialogue snippet naturally: \"Please excuse me, what could be wrong? Nothing's wrong.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When can I talk to you?\"\n\n\"That's very difficult, so sorry. I have duties... \"\n\n\"There's nothing wrong, is there?\"\n\n\"Oh no,\" she replied. \"Please excuse me, what could be wrong? Nothing's wrong.\"\n\nThey climbed another flight in silence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the next level their passes were checked as always, guards leading and following them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rain began heavily and this eased the humidity.\n\n\"It'll rain for hours,\" he said.\n\n\"Yes. But without the rains there's no rice. Soon the rains will stop altogether, in two or three weeks, then it will be hot and humid until the autumn.\" She looked out of the windows at the enveloping cloudburst. \"You'll enjoy the autumn, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" He was watching Erasmus, far distant, down beside the wharf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the rains obscured his ship and he climbed a little way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"After we've talked with Lord Toranaga we'll have to wait till this has passed. Perhaps there'd be somewhere here we could talk?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That might be difficult,\" she said vaguely, and he found this odd." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was usually decisive and implemented his polite \"suggestions\" as the orders they would normally be considered. \"Please excuse me, Anjin-san, but things are difficult for me at the moment, and there are many things I have to do.\" She stopped momentarily and shifted her parasol to her other hand, holding the hem of her skirt. \"How was your evening? How were your friends, your crew?\"\n\n\"Fine. Everything was fine,\" he said.\n\n\"But not 'fine'?\" she asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fine—but very strange.\" He looked back at her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include this dialogue snippet naturally: \"You're sure you're all right? There's no problem with Buntaro-san, is there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You notice everything, don't you?\"\n\n\"No, Anjin-san. But you didn't mention them and you've been thinking about them greatly this last week or so. I'm no magician. So sorry.\"\n\nAfter a pause, he said, \"You're sure you're all right? There's no problem with Buntaro-san, is there?\"\n\nHe had never discussed Buntaro with her or mentioned his name since Yokosé. By agreement that specter was never conjured up by either of them since the first moment. \"This is my only request, Anjin-san,\" she had whispered the first night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Whatever happens during our journey to Mishima or, Madonna willing, to Yedo, this has nothing to do with anyone but us, neh? Nothing is to be mentioned between us about what really is. Neh? Nothing. Please?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree. I swear it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And I do likewise. Finally, our journey ends at Yedo's First Bridge.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There must be an ending, my darling. At First Bridge our journey ends. Please, or I will die with agony over fear for you and the danger I have put you in... \"\n\nYesterday morning he had stood at the threshold of First Bridge, a sudden weight on his spirit, in spite of his elation over Erasmus.\n\n\"We should cross the bridge now, Anjin-san,\" she had said.\n\n\"Yes. But it is only a bridge. One of many. Come along, Mariko-san. Walk beside me across this bridge. Beside me, please. Let us walk together,\" then added in Latin, \"and believe that thou art carried and that we go hand in hand into a new beginning.\"\n\nShe stepped out of her palanquin and walked beside him until they reached the other side. There she got back into the curtained litter and they went up the slight rise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro was waiting at the castle gate." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne remembered how he had prayed for a lightning bolt to come out of the sky.\n\n\"There's no problem with him, is there?\" he asked again as they came to the final landing.\n\nShe shook her head." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for James Clavell vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Weave this into your narrative: \"No mistake, Sire. Ship perfect.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga said, \"Ship very ready, Anjin-san? No mistake?\"\n\n\"No mistake, Sire. Ship perfect.\"\n\n\"How many extra men—how many more want for ship... \" Toranaga glanced at Mariko. \"Please ask him how many extra crew he'll need to sail the ship properly. I want to be quite sure he understands what I want to know.\"\n\n\"The Anjin-san says, to sail her a minimum of thirty seamen and twenty gunners. His original crew was one hundred and seven, including cooks and merchants. To sail and fight in these waters, the complement of two hundred samurai would be enough.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And he believes the other men he needs could be hired in Nagasaki?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\nToranaga said distastefully, \"I certainly wouldn't trust mercenaries.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, do you wish me to translate that, Sire?\"\n\n\"What? Oh no, never mind that.\"\n\nToranaga got up, still pretending peevishness, and looked out of the windows at the rain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The whole city was obscured by the downpour." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let it rain for months, he thought. All gods, make the rain last until New Year. When will Buntaro see my brother? \"Tell the Anjin-san I'll give him his vassals tomorrow. Today's terrible. This rain will go on all day. There's no point in getting soaked.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire,\" he heard her say and smiled ironically to himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never in his whole life had weather prevented him from doing anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That should certainly convince her, or any other doubters, that I've changed permanently for the worse, he thought, knowing he could not yet diverge from his chosen course." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should naturally weave in this dialogue: \"Yes, Lord Toranaga, I understand,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tomorrow or the next day, what does it matter? Tell him when I'm ready I'll send for him. Until then he's to wait in the castle.\"\n\nHe heard her pass on the orders to the Anjin-san.\n\n\"Yes, Lord Toranaga, I understand,\" Blackthorne replied for himself. \"But may I respectfully ask: Possible go Nagasaki quick? Think important. So sorry.\"\n\n\"I'll decide that later,\" Toranaga said brusquely, not making it easy for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He motioned him to leave." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good-by, Anjin-san. I'll decide your future soon.\" He saw that the man wanted to press the point but politely didn't. Good, he thought, at least he's learning some manners! \"Tell the Anjin-san there's no need for him to wait for you, Mariko-san. Good-by, Anjin-san.\"\n\nMariko did as she was ordered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga turned back to contemplate the city and the cloudburst. He listened to the sound of the rain. The door closed behind the Anjin-san. \"What was the quarrel about?\" Toranaga asked, not looking at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His ears, carefully tuned, had caught the slightest tremble in her voice. \"Of course between Buntaro and yourself, or have you had another quarrel that concerns me?\" he added with biting sarcasm, needing to precipitate the matter quickly. \"With the Anjin-san perhaps, or my Christian enemies, or the Tsukku-san?\"\n\n\"No, Sire. Please excuse me. It began as always, like most quarrels, Sire, between husband and wife. Really over nothing. Then suddenly, as always, all the past gets spewed up and it infects the man and the woman if the mood's on them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And the mood was on you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Please excuse me. I provoked my husband unmercifully. It was my fault entirely. I regret, Sire, in those times, so sorry, people say wild things.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on, hurry up, what wild things?\" She was like a doe at bay. Her face was chalky. She knew that spies must have already whispered to him what was shouted in the quiet of their house.\n\nShe told him everything that had been said as best she could remember it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she added, \"I believe my husband's words were spoken in wild rage which I provoked. He's loyal—I know he's loyal. If anyone is to be punished it's me, Sire. I did provoke the madness.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga sat again on the cushion, his back ramrod, his face granite. \"What did the Lady Genjiko say?\"\n\n\"I haven't spoken to her, Sire.\"\n\n\"But you intend to, or intended to, neh?\"\n\n\"No, Sire. With your permission I intend to leave at once for Osaka.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You will leave when I say and not before and treason is a foul beast wherever it's to be found!\"\n\nShe bowed under the whiplash of his tongue. \"Yes, Sire. Please forgive me. The fault is mine.\"\n\nHe rang a small hand bell. The door opened. Naga stood there. \"Yes, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Order the Lord Sudara here with the Lady Genjiko at once.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sire.\" Naga turned to go." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait! Then summon my Council, Yabu and all—and all senior generals. They're to be here at midnight. And clear this floor. All guards! You come back with Sudara!\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\" Whitefaced, Naga closed the door after him.\n\nToranaga heard men clattering down the stairs. He went to the door and opened it. The landing was clear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He slammed the door and bolted it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He picked up another bell and rang it. An inner door at the far end of the room opened. This door was hardly noticeable, so cleverly had it been melded with the woodwork. A middle-aged heavy-set woman stood there. She wore a cowled Buddhist nun's habit. \"Yes, Great Lord?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Cha please, Chano-chan,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The door closed. Toranaga's eyes went back to Mariko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So you think he's loyal?\"\n\n\"I know it, Sire. Please forgive me, it was my fault, not his,\" she said, desperate to please. \"I provoked him.\"\n\n\"Yes, you did that. Disgusting. Terrible. Unforgivable!\" Toranaga took out a paper kerchief and wiped his brow. \"But fortunate,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you hadn't provoked him, perhaps I might never have learned of any treason. And if he'd said all that without provocation, there'd be only one course of action. As it is,\" he continued, \"you give me an alternative.\"\n\n\"Sire?\"\n\nHe did not answer. He was thinking, I wish Hiro-matsu were here, then there'd be at least one man I could trust completely. \"What about you? What about your loyalty?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please, Sire, you must know you have that.\"\n\nHe did not reply. His eyes were unrelenting.\n\nThe inner door opened and Chano, the nun, came confidently into the room without knocking, a tray in her hands. \"Here you are, Great Lord, it was ready for you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She knelt as a peasant, her hands were rough like a peasant's, but her self-assurance was enormous and her inner contentment obvious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May Buddha bless you with his peace.\" Then she turned to Mariko, bowed as a peasant would bow, and settled back comfortably. \"Perhaps you'd honor me by pouring, Lady. You'll do it prettily without spilling it, neh?\" Her eyes gleamed with private amusement.\n\n\"With pleasure, Oku-san,\" Mariko said, giving her the religious Mother title, hiding her surprise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had never seen Naga's mother before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She knew most of Toranaga's other official ladies, having seen them at official ceremonies, but she was on good terms only with Kiritsubo and Lady Sazuko.\n\nToranaga said, \"Chano-chan, this is the Lady Toda Mariko-noh-Buntaro.\"\n\n\"Ah, so desu, so sorry, I thought you were one of my Great Lord's honored ladies. Please excuse me, Lady Toda, may the blessings of Buddha be upon thee.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" Mariko said. She offered the cup to Toranaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He accepted it and sipped.\n\n\"Pour for Chano-san and yourself,\" he said.\n\n\"So sorry, not for me, Great Lord, with your permission, but my back teeth're floating from so much cha and the bucket's a long way away for these old bones.\"\n\n\"The exercise would do you good,\" Toranaga said, glad that he had sent for her when he returned to Yedo.\n\n\"Yes, Great Lord. You're right—as you always were.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chano turned her genial attention again to Mariko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So you're Lord Akechi Jinsai's daughter.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'excuse' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko's cup hesitated in the air. \"Yes. Please excuse me... \"\n\n\"Oh, that's nothing to wish to be excused about, child.\" Chano laughed kindly, and her stomach heaved up and down. \"I didn't place you without your name, please excuse me, but the last time I saw you was at your wedding.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, yes, I saw you at your wedding, but you didn't see me. I spied you from behind a screen. Yes, you and all the great ones, the Dictator, and Nakamura, the Taikō-to-be, and all the nobles. Oh, I was much too shy to mix in that company. But that was such a good time for me. The best of my life. That was the second year my Great Lord favored me and I was heavy with child—though still the peasant I've always been.\" Her eyes crinkled and she added, \"You're very little different from those days, still one of Buddha's chosen.\"\n\n\"Ah, I wish that were true, Oku-san.\"\n\n\"It's true. Did you know you were one of Buddha's chosen?\"\n\n\"I'm not, Oku-san, much as I would like to be.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga said, \"She's Christian.\"\n\n\"Ah, Christian—what does that matter to a woman, Christian or Buddha, Great Lord? Not a lot sometimes, though some god's necessary to a woman.\" Chano chuckled gleefully. \"We women need a god, Great Lord, to help us deal with men, neh?\"\n\n\"And we men need patience, godlike patience, to deal with women, neh?\"\n\nThe woman laughed, and it warmed the room and, for an instant, lessened some of Mariko's foreboding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Great Lord,\" Chano continued, \"and all because of a Heavenly Pavilion that has no future, little warmth, and a sufficiency of hell.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga grunted. \"What do you say to that, Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"The Lady Chano is wise beyond her youth,\" Mariko said.\n\n\"Ah, Lady, you say pretty things to an old fool,\" the nun told her. \"I remember you so well. Your kimono was blue with the loveliest pattern of cranes on it I've ever seen. In silver.\" Her eyes went back to Toranaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, Great Lord, I just wanted to sit for a moment. Please excuse me now.\"\n\n\"There's time yet. Stay where you are.\"\n\n\"Yes, Great Lord,\" Chano said, ponderously getting to her feet, \"I would obey as always but nature calls. So please be kind to an old peasant, I'd hate to disgrace you. It's time to go. Everything's ready, there's food and saké when you wish it, Great Lord.\"\n\n\"Thank you.\"\n\nThe door closed noiselessly behind her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko waited until Toranaga's cup was empty, then she filled it again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you thinking?\"\n\n\"I was waiting, Sire.\"\n\n\"For what, Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"Lord, I'm hatamoto. I've never asked a favor before. I wish to ask a favor as a hata—\"\n\n\"I don't wish you to ask any favor as a hatamoto,\" Toranaga said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then a lifetime wish.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that I'm not a husband to grant that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not a husband to grant that.\"\n\n\"Sometimes a vassal may ask a liege—\"\n\n\"Yes, sometimes, but not now! Now you will hold your tongue about any lifetime wish or favor or request or whatever.\" A lifetime wish was a favor that, by ancient custom, a wife might ask of her husband, or a son of a father—and occasionally a husband of a wife—without loss of face, on the condition that if the wish was granted, the person agreed never again to ask another favor in this life. By custom, no questions about the favor might be asked, nor was it ever to be mentioned again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a polite knock at the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Unbolt it,\" Toranaga said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She obeyed. Sudara entered, followed by his wife, the Lady Genjiko, and Naga.\n\n\"Naga-san. Go down to the second landing below and prevent anyone from coming up without my orders.\"\n\nNaga stalked off.\n\n\"Mariko-san, shut the door and sit down there.\" Toranaga pointed at a spot slightly in front of him facing the others." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've ordered you both here because there are private, urgent family matters to discuss.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sudara's eyes involuntarily went to Mariko, then back to his father. The Lady Genjiko's did not waver.\n\nToranaga said roughly, \"She's here, my son, for two reasons: the first is because I want her here and the second because I want her here!\"\n\n\"Yes, Father,\" Sudara replied, ashamed of his father's discourtesy to all of them. \"May I please ask why I have offended you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is there any reason why I should be offended?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Sire, unless my zeal for your safety and my reluctance to allow you to depart this earth is cause for offense.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'never' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about treason? I hear you're daring to assume my place as leader of our clan!\"\n\nSudara's face blanched. So did the Lady Genjiko's. \"I have never done that in thought or word or deed. Neither has any member of my family or anyone in my presence.\"\n\n\"That is true, Sire,\" Lady Genjiko said with equal strength.\n\nSudara was a proud, lean man with cold, narrow eyes and thin lips that never smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was twenty-four years old, a fine general and the second of Toranaga's five living sons." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He adored his children, had no consorts, and was devoted to his wife.\n\nGenjiko was short, three years older than her husband, and dumpy from the four children she had already borne him. But she had a straight back and all of her sister Ochiba's proud, ruthless protectiveness over her own brood, together with the same latent ferocity inherited from their grandfather, Goroda.\n\n\"Whoever accused my husband is a liar,\" she said.\n\n\"Mariko-san,\" Toranaga said, \"ask the Lady Genjiko what your husband ordered you to say!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My Lord Buntaro asked me, ordered me, to persuade you that the time had come for Lord Sudara to assume power, that others in the Council shared my husband's opinion, that if our Lord Toranaga did not wish to give over power, it—it should be taken from him forcibly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never has either of us entertained that thought, Father,\" Sudara said. \"We're loyal and I would never con—\"\n\n\"If I gave you power what would you do?\" Toranaga asked.\n\nGenjiko replied at once, \"How can Lord Sudara know when he has never considered such an unholy possibility? So sorry, Sire, but it's not possible for him to answer because that's never been in his mind. How could it be in his mind? And as to Buntaro-san, obviously the kami have taken possession of him.\"\n\n\"Buntaro claimed that others share his opinion.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who?\" Sudara asked venomously." }, { "from": "system", "value": "💬 Please integrate this quote: \"Tell me who and they'll die within moments.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell me who and they'll die within moments.\"\n\n\"You tell me who!\"\n\n\"I don't know any, Sire, or I'd have reported it to you.\"\n\n\"You wouldn't have killed them first?\"\n\n\"Your first law is to be patient, your second is to be patient. I've always followed your orders. I would have waited and reported it. If I've offended you, order me to commit seppuku. I do not merit your anger, Lord, I've committed no treason. I cannot bear your anger washing over me.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'whatever' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Lady Genjiko concurred. \"Yes, Sire. Please excuse me but I humbly agree with my husband. He is blameless and so are all our people. We're faithful—whatever we have is yours, whatever we are you've made, whatever you order we'll do.\"\n\n\"So! You're loyal vassals, are you? Obedient? You always obey orders?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"Good. Then go and put your children to death. Now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sudara took his eyes off his father and looked at his wife." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her head moved slightly and she nodded her agreement.\n\nSudara bowed to Toranaga. His hand tightened on his sword hilt and he got up. He closed the door quietly behind him. There was a great silence in his wake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Genjiko looked once at Mariko, then stared at the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bells tolled the middle of the Hour of the Goat. The air in the room seemed to thicken. Rain stopped briefly then began again, heavier than before.\n\nJust after the bells tolled the next hour there was a knock. \"Yes?\"\n\nThe door opened. Naga said, \"Please excuse me, Sire, my brother... Lord Sudara wants to come up again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let him—then return to your post.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sudara came in and knelt and bowed. He was soaking, his hair matted from the rain. His shoulders shook slightly. \"My—my children are... You've already taken my children, Sire.\"\n\nGenjiko wavered and almost pitched forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But she dominated her weakness and stared at her husband." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You—you didn't kill them?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sudara shook his head and Toranaga said grimly, \"Your children are in my quarters, on the floor below. I ordered Chano-san to fetch them after you'd been ordered here. I needed to be sure of you both. Foul times require foul tests.\" He rang the hand bell.\n\n\"You—you withdraw your or—your order, Sire?\" Genjiko asked, desperately trying to maintain a cold dignity.\n\n\"Yes. My order's withdrawn. This time. It was necessary to know you. And my heir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, thank you, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sudara lowered his head abjectly.\n\nThe inner door opened. \"Chano-san, bring my grandchildren here for a moment,\" Toranaga said.\n\nSoon three somberly clad foster mothers and the wet nurse brought the children. The girls were four, three, and two, and the infant son, a few weeks old, was asleep in the arms of his wet nurse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All the girls wore scarlet kimonos with scarlet ribbons in their hair." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The foster mothers knelt and bowed to Toranaga and their wards copied them importantly and put their heads to the tatamis—except the youngest girl, whose head needed assistance from a gentle though firm hand.\n\nToranaga bowed back gravely. Then, their duty done, the children rushed into his embrace—except the littlest one, who toddled into her mother's arms." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around three sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and lore may appear without context - work with what's given.\n\nAuthor style: James Clavell" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At midnight Yabu strutted arrogantly across the flare-lit donjon forecourt. Toranaga's elite corps of personal guards were everywhere. The moon was vague and misted and the stars barely visible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, Naga-san, what's the reason for all this?\"\n\n\"I don't know, Lord, but everyone's ordered to the conference chamber. Please excuse me, but you must leave your swords with me.\"\n\nYabu flushed at this unheard-of breach of etiquette." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you—\" He changed his mind, sensing the youth's chilling tenseness and the restless nervousness of the nearby guards. \"On whose orders please, Naga-san?\"\n\n\"My father's, Lord. So sorry, you can please yourself if you don't wish to go to the conference, but I have to advise you that you are ordered there without swords and, so sorry, that is the way you will appear. Please excuse me, but I have no choice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu saw the pile of swords already in the lee of the guardhouse beside the huge main gate. He weighed the dangers of a refusal and found them formidable. Reluctantly he relinquished his arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Naga bowed politely, equally embarrassed, as he accepted them. Yabu went inside. The huge room was embrasured, stone floored, and wooden beamed.\n\nSoon the fifty senior generals were gathered, twenty-three counselors, and seven friendly daimyos from minor northern provinces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All were keyed up and fidgeted uncomfortably." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'about' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's all this about?\" Yabu asked as he sourly took his place.\n\nA general shrugged. \"It's probably about the trek to Osaka.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another looked around hopefully. \"Perhaps it's a change of plan, neh? He's going to order Crimson—\"\n\n\"So sorry, but your head's in the clouds. He's decided. Our Lord's decided—it's Osaka and nothing else! Hey, Yabu-sama, when did you get here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yesterday. I've been stuck at a filthy little fishing village called Yokohama for more than two weeks, south of here, with my troops. The port's fine but the bugs! Stinking mosquitoes and bugs—they were never so bad in Izu.\"\n\n\"You're up to date with all the news?\"\n\n\"You mean all the bad news? The move's still in six days, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, terrible. Shameful!\"\n\n\"True, but tonight's worse,\" another general said grimly. \"I've never been without swords before. Never.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's an insult,\" Yabu said deliberately. All those nearby looked at him.\n\n\"I agree,\" General Kiyoshio replied, breaking the silence." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'orders' 3 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Serata Kiyoshio was the grizzled, tough Commander of the Seventh Army. \"I've never been without swords in public before. Makes me feel like a stinking merchant! I think... eeeeee, orders are orders but some orders should not be given.\"\n\n\"That's quite right,\" someone said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What would old Iron Fist have done if he'd been here?\"\n\n\"He'd have slit his belly before he gave up his swords! He'd have done it tonight in the forecourt!\" a young man said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was Serata Tomo, the general's eldest son, second-in-command of the Fourth Army. \"I wish Iron Fist were here! He could get sense... he'd have slit his belly first.\"\n\n\"I considered it.\" General Kiyoshio cleared his throat harshly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Someone has to be responsible—and do his duty! Someone has to make the point that liege lord means responsibility and duty!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, but you'd better watch your tongue,\" Yabu advised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's the use of a tongue in a samurai's mouth if he's forbidden to be samurai?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"None,\" Isamu, an old counselor, replied. \"I agree. Better to be dead.\"\n\n\"So sorry, Isamu-san, but that's our immediate future anyway,\" the young Serata Tomo said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're staked pigeons to a certain dishonored hawk!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please hold your tongues!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu said, hiding his own satisfaction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he added carefully, \"He's our liege lord and until Lord Sudara or the Council takes open responsibility he stays liege lord and he is to be obeyed. Neh?\"\n\nGeneral Kiyoshio studied him, his hand unconsciously feeling for his sword hilt. \"What have you heard, Yabu-sama?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Buntaro-san said that—\" the counselor began." }, { "from": "human", "value": "General Kiyoshio interrupted thinly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Isamu-san, but what General Buntaro said or what he didn't say is unimportant. What Yabu-sama says is true. A liege lord is a liege lord. Even so, a samurai has rights, a vassal has rights. Even daimyos. Neh?\"\n\nYabu looked back at him, gauging the depth of that invitation. \"Izu is Lord Toranaga's province. I'm no longer daimyo of Izu—only overlord for him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced around the huge room. \"Everyone's here, neh?\"\n\n\"Except Lord Noboru,\" a general said, mentioning Toranaga's eldest son, who was universally loathed.\n\n\"Yes. Just as well. Never mind, General, the Chinese sickness'll finish him soon and we'll be done with his foul humor forever,\" someone said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And stench.\"\n\n\"When's he coming back?\"\n\n\"Who knows? We don't even know why Toranaga-sama sent him north. Better he stays there, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you had that sickness, you'd be as foul-humored as he is, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Yabu-san. Yes, I would. Pity he's poxed, he's a good general—better than the Cold Fish,\" General Kiyoshio added, using Sudara's private nickname.\n\n\"Eeeee,\" the counselor whistled. \"There're devils in the air tonight to make you so careless with your tongue. Or is it saké?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps it's the Chinese sickness,\" General Kiyoshio replied with a bitter laugh.\n\n\"Buddha protect me from that!\" Yabu said. \"If only Lord Toranaga would change his mind about Osaka!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd slit my belly now if that'd convince him,\" the young man said.\n\n\"No offense, my son, but your head's in the clouds. He'll never change.\"\n\n\"Yes, Father. But I just don't understand him... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're all to go with him? In the same contingent?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu asked after a moment.\n\nIsamu, the old counselor, said, \"Yes. We're to go as an escort. With two thousand men with full ceremonial equipment and trappings. It'll take us thirty days to get there. We've six days left.\"\n\nGeneral Kiyoshio said, \"That's not much time. Is it, Yabu-sama?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu did not reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no need." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The general did not require an answer. They settled into their own thoughts.\n\nA side door opened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga came in. Sudara followed. Everyone bowed stiffly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga bowed back and sat facing them, Sudara as heir presumptive slightly in front of him, also facing the others." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Naga came in from the main door and closed it." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'treason' 3 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only Toranaga wore swords.\n\n\"It's been reported that some of you speak treason, think treason, and plan treason,\" he said coldly. No one answered or moved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Slowly, relentlessly, Toranaga looked from face to face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still no movement. Then General Kiyoshio spoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I respectfully ask, Sire, what do you mean by 'treason'?\"\n\n\"Any questioning of an order, or a decision, or a position of any liege lord, at any time, is treason,\" Toranaga slammed back at him.\n\nThe general's back stiffened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then I'm guilty of treason.\"\n\n\"Then go out and commit seppuku at once.\"\n\n\"I will, Sire,\" the soldier said proudly, \"but first I claim the right of free speech before your loyal vassals, officers, and coun—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've forfeited all rights!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very well. Then I claim it as a dying wish—as hatamoto—and in return for twenty-eight years of faithful service!\"\n\n\"Make it very short.\"\n\n\"I will, Sire,\" General Kiyoshio replied icily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I beg to say, first: Going to Osaka and bowing to the peasant Ishido is treason against your honor, the honor of your clan, the honor of your faithful vassals, your special heritage, and totally against bushido. Second: I indict you for this treason and say you've therefore forfeited your right to be our liege lord. Third: I petition that you immediately abdicate in Lord Sudara's favor and honorably depart this life—or shave your head and retire to a monastery, whichever you prefer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The general bowed stiffly, then sat back on his haunches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone waited, hardly breathing now that the unbelievable had become a reality.\n\nAbruptly Toranaga hissed, \"What are you waiting for?\"\n\nGeneral Kiyoshio stared back at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing, Sire. Please excuse me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His son began to get up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. You're ordered to stay here!\" he said.\n\nThe general bowed a last time to Toranaga, got up, and walked out with immense dignity. Some stirred nervously and a swell moved through the room but Toranaga's harshness dominated again: \"Is there anyone else who admits treason? Anyone else who dares to break bushido, anyone who dares to accuse his liege lord of treason?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'osaka' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Sire,\" Isamu, the old counselor, said calmly. \"But I regret to say that if you go to Osaka it is treason against your heritage.\"\n\n\"The day I go to Osaka you will depart this earth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The gray-haired man bowed politely. \"Yes, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga looked them over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pitilessly. Someone shifted uneasily and eyes snapped onto him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The samurai, a warrior who years ago had lost his wish to fight and had shaved his head to become a Buddhist monk and was now a member of Toranaga's civil administration, said nothing, almost wilting with an untoward fear he tried desperately to hide.\n\n\"What're you afraid of, Numata-san?\"\n\n\"Nothing, Sire,\" the man said, his eyes downcast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good. Then go and commit seppuku because you're a liar and your fear's an infectious stench.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man whimpered and stumbled out. Dread stalked them all now. Toranaga watched. And waited." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The air became oppressive, the slight crackling of the torch flames seemed strangely loud." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, knowing it was his duty and responsibility, Sudara turned and bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please, Sire, may I respectfully make a statement?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What statement?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "At some point in your response, insert this verbatim: \"Please excuse me, Sire, you know I will obey you. We will all obey you. We seek only the best for your—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sire, I believe there is no... no more treason here, and that there will be no more trea—\"\n\n\"I don't share your opinion.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Sire, you know I will obey you. We will all obey you. We seek only the best for your—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The best is my decision. What I decide is best.\"\n\nHelplessly Sudara bowed his acquiescence and became silent. Toranaga did not look away from him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His gaze was remorseless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are no longer my heir.\"\n\nSudara paled. Then Toranaga shattered the tension in the room: \"I am liege lord here.\"\n\nHe waited a moment, then, in utter silence, he got up and arrogantly marched out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The door closed behind him. A great sigh went through the room. Hands sought sword hilts impotently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But no one left his place.\n\n\"This... this morning I... I heard from our commander-in-chief,\" Sudara began at last. \"Lord Hiro-matsu will be here in a few days. I will... talk to him. Be silent, be patient, be loyal to our liege Lord. Let us go and pay our respects to General Serata Kiyoshio... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga was climbing the stairs, a great loneliness upon him, his footsteps reverberating in the emptiness of the tower." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Near the top he stopped and leaned momentarily against the wall, his breathing heavy. The ache was gripping his chest again and he tried to rub it away. \"It's just lack of exercise,\" he muttered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's all, just lack of exercise.\"\n\nHe went on. He knew he was in great jeopardy. Treason and fear were contagious and both had to be cauterized without pity the moment they appeared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even then you could never be sure they were eradicated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The struggle he was locked into was not a child's game. The weak had to be food for the strong, the strong pawns for the very strong. If Sudara publicly claimed his mantle he was powerless to prevent it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Until Zataki answered, he had to wait." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga shut and bolted his door and walked to a window. Below, he could see his generals and counselors silently streaming away to their homes outside the donjon walls. Beyond the castle walls, the city lay in almost total darkness." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~2 sentences more. copy James Clavell's style. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne was sitting alone in the morning sun in a corner of the garden outside his guest house daydreaming, his dictionary in his hand. It was a fine cloudless day—the first for many weeks—and the fifth day since he had last seen Toranaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All that time he had been confined to the castle, unable to see Mariko or visit his ship or crew, or explore the city, or go hunting or riding. Once a day he went swimming in one of the moats with other samurai, and to pass the time he taught some to swim and some to dive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But this did not make the waiting easier.\n\n\"So sorry, Anjin-san, but it's the same for everyone,\" Mariko had said yesterday when he met her by chance in his section of the castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even Lord Hiro-matsu's been kept waiting. It's two days since he arrived and he still hasn't seen Lord Toranaga. No one has.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But this is important, Mariko-chan. I thought he understood every day's vital. Isn't there some way I can get a message to him?\"\n\n\"Oh yes, Anjin-san. That's simple. You just write. If you tell me what you want to say I'll write it for you. Everyone has to write for an interview, those are his present orders. Please be patient, that's all we can do.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then please ask for an interview. I'd appreciate it... \"\n\n\"That's no trouble, it's my pleasure.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where have you been? It's four days since I saw you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me but I've had to do so many things. It's—it's a little difficult for me, so many preparations... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's going on? This whole castle's been like a hive about to swarm for almost a week now.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'usual' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, so sorry. Everything's fine, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Is it? So sorry, a general and a senior administrator commit seppuku in the donjon forecourt. That's usual? Lord Toranaga locks himself away in the ivory tower, keeping people waiting without apparent reason—that's also usual? What about Lord Hiro-matsu?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga is our lord. Whatever he does is right.\"\n\n\"And you, Mariko-san? Why haven't I seen you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, so sorry, but Lord Toranaga ordered me to leave you to your studies. I'm visiting your consort now, Anjin-san. I'm not supposed to visit you.\"\n\n\"Why should he object to that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Merely, I suppose, so that you are obliged to speak our tongue. It's only been a few days, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When are you leaving for Osaka?\"\n\n\"I don't know. I expected to go three days ago but Lord Toranaga hasn't signed my pass yet. I've arranged everything—porters and horses—and daily I submit my travel papers to his secretary for signing, but they're always sent back. 'Submit them tomorrow.'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought I was going to take you to Osaka by sea. Didn't he say I was to take you by sea?\"\n\n\"Yes. Yes, he did, but—well, Anjin-san, you never know with our liege Lord. He changes plans.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Has he always been like that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes and no. Since Yokosé he's been filled with—how do you say it—melancholy, neh?—yes, melancholy, and very different. He—yes, he's different now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Since First Bridge you've been filled with melancholy and very different. Yes, you're different now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"First Bridge was an end and a beginning, Anjin-san, and our promise. Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. Please excuse me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had bowed sadly and left, and then, once safely away, not turning back, she had whispered, \"Thou... \" The word lingered in the corridor with her perfume.\n\nAt the evening meal he had tried to question Fujiko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But she also knew nothing of importance or would not, or could not, explain what was amiss at the castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dozo gomen nasai, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He went to bed seething." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seething with frustration over the delays, and the nights without Mariko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was always bad knowing she was so near, that Buntaro was gone from the city, and now, because of the \"Thou... \" that her desire was still as intense as his." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few days ago he had gone to her house on the pretext that he needed help with Japanese. The samurai guard had told him, so sorry, she was not at home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had thanked them, then wandered listlessly to the main south gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could see the ocean. Because the land was so flat, he could see nothing of the wharves or docks though he thought he could distinguish the tall masts of his ship in the distance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ocean beckoned him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the horizon more than the deep, the need for a fair wind washing him, eyes squinting against its strength, tongue tasting its salt, the deck heeled over, and aloft the spars and rigging and halyards creaking and groaning under the press of sails that, from time to time, would cackle with glee as the stalwart breeze shifted a point or two.\n\nAnd it was freedom more than the horizon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Freedom to go to any quarter in any weather at any whim. To stand on his quarterdeck and to be arbiter, as here Toranaga alone was arbiter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne looked up at the topmost part of the donjon. Sun glinted off its shapely tiled curves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had never seen movement there, though he knew that every window below the topmost floor was guarded.\n\nGongs sounded the hour change." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the first time his mind told him this was the middle of the Hour of the Horse, and not eight bells of this watch—high noon.\n\nHe put his dictionary into his sleeve, glad that it was time for the first real meal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Today it was rice and quick-broiled prawns and fish soup and pickled vegetables.\n\n\"Would you like some more, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Fujiko. Yes. Rice, please. And some fish. Good—very... \" He looked up the word for \"delicious\" and said it several times to memorize it. \"Yes, delicious, neh?\"\n\nFujiko was pleased. \"Thank you. This fish from north. Water colder north, understand? Its name is 'kuruma-ebi.'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He repeated the name and put it into his memory. When he had finished and their trays were taken away, she poured more cha and took a package out of her sleeve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here money, Anjin-san.\" She showed him the gold coins." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fifty koban. Worth one hundred fifty koku. You want it, neh? For sailors. Please excuse me, do you understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, thank you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're welcome. Enough?\"\n\n\"Yes. Think so. Where get?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Toranaga-sama's chief... \" Fujiko sought a simple way to say it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I go important Toranaga man. Headman. Like Mura, neh? Not samurai—only moneyman. Sign my name for you.\"\n\n\"Ah, understand. Thank you. My money? My koku?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, yes.\"\n\n\"This house. Food. Servants. Who pay?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I pay. From your—from koku one year.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is that enough, please? Enough koku?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes. Yes, I believe so,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why worry? Worry in face?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, please excuse me, Anjin-san. I'm not worried. No worry... \"\n\n\"Pain? Burn pain?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No pain. See.\" Fujiko carefully got off the thick cushions he insisted she use. She knelt directly onto the tatamis with no sign of discomfort, then sat back on her heels and settled herself. \"There, all better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eeeee, very good,\" he said, pleased for her. \"Show, eh?\"\n\nShe got up carefully and lifted the hem of her skirts and allowed him to look at the backs of her legs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The scar tissue had not split and there were no suppurations. \"Very good,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, soon like baby skin, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, yes. Soft. Thank you, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He noticed the slight change in her voice but did not comment. That night he did not dismiss her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pillowing was satisfactory. No more. For him there was no afterglow, no joyous lassitude." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was just a mating. So wrong, he thought, yet not wrong, neh?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before she left him she knelt and bowed again to him and put her hands on his forehead. \"I thank you with all my heart. Please sleep now, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Fujiko-san. I sleep later.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please sleep now. It is my duty and would give me great pleasure.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The touch of her hand was warm and dry and not pleasing. Nonetheless he pretended to sleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She caressed him ineptly though with great patience." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, quietly, she went back to her own room. Now alone again, glad to be alone, Blackthorne propped his head on his arms and looked up into the darkness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had decided about Fujiko during the journey from Yokosé to Yedo. \"It is your duty,\" Mariko had told him, lying in his arms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think that'd be a mistake, neh? If she gets with child, well, it'll take me four years to sail home and come back again and, in that time, God knows what could happen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He remembered how Mariko had trembled then.\n\n\"Oh, Anjin-san, that is very much time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Three then. But you'll be aboard with me. I'll take you back with—\"\n\n\"Thy promise, my darling! Nothing that is, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thou art right. Yes. But with Fujiko, so many bad things could happen. I don't think she would want my child.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You do not know that. I do not understand you, Anjin-san. It is your duty. She could always prevent a child, neh? Don't forget, she is your consort. In truth, you take away her face if you don't invite her to the pillow. After all, Toranaga himself ordered her into your house.\"\n\n\"Why did he do that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know. It doesn't matter. He ordered it, therefore it is the best for you and best for her. It has been good, neh? She's done her duty as best she can, neh? Please excuse me, but don't you think you should do yours?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Enough of your lectures! Love me and do not talk anymore.\"\n\n\"How should I love thee? Ah, like Kiku-san told me today?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How is that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Like this.\"\n\n\"That is very good—so very good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I forgot, please light the lamp, Anjin-san. I have something to show thee.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Later, now I—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, please excuse me, it should be now. I bought it for you. It's a pillow book. The pictures are very funny.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't want to look at a pillow book now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But, so sorry, Anjin-san, perhaps one of the pictures would excite you. How can you learn about pillowing without a pillow book?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm excited already.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But Kiku-san said it's a very first best way of choosing positions. There are forty-seven. Some of them look astonishing and very difficult, but she said it was important to try all... Why do you laugh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're laughing—why shouldn't I laugh too?\"\n\n\"But I was laughing because you were chuckling and I felt your stomach shaking and you won't let me up. Please let me up. Anjin-san!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'cross' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, but you can't be cross, Mariko my darling. There's no woman in the world who can be really even a little cross like this... \"\n\n\"But Anjin-san, please, you must let me up. I want to show you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right. If that—\"\n\n\"Oh, no, Anjin-san, I didn't want—you mustn't—can't you just reach out—please not yet—oh, please don't leave me—oh, how I love thee like this... \" Blackthorne remembered that loving." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko excited him more than Kiku had, and Fujiko was nothing compared to either. And Felicity?\n\nAh, Felicity, he thought, focusing on his great problem." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I must be mad to love Mariko, and Kiku." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And yet... the truth about Felicity is that now she can't compare even with Fujiko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko was clean. Poor Felicity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'll never be able to tell her, but the memory of her and me rutting like a pair of stoats in the hay or under rancid covers makes my skin crawl now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now I know better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now I could teach her but would she wish to learn?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And how could we ever get clean and stay clean and live clean?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Home is filth piled on filth, but that's where my wife is and where my children are and where I belong.\n\n\"Don't think about that home, Anjin-san,\" Mariko had once said when the dark mists were on him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Real home is here—the other's ten million times ten million sticks away. Here is reality. You'll send yourself mad if you try to get wa out of such impossibilities. Listen, if you want peace you must learn to drink cha from an empty cup.\"\n\nShe had shown him how." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You think reality into the cup, you think the cha there—the warm, pale-green drink of the gods. If you concentrate hard... Oh, a Zen teacher could show you, Anjin-san. It is most difficult but so easy. How I wish I was clever enough to show it to you, for then all things in the world can be yours for the asking... even the most unobtainable gift—perfect tranquillity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had tried many times, but he could never sip the drink when it wasn't there.\n\n\"Never mind, Anjin-san. It takes such a long time to learn but you will, sometime.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Rarely. Only in moments of great sadness or loneliness. But the taste of the unreal cha seems to give a meaning to life. It is hard to explain. I've done it once or twice. Sometimes you gain wa just by trying.\"\n\nNow, lying in the dark of the castle, sleep so far away, he lit the candle with the flint and concentrated on the little porcelain cup that Mariko had given him which now he always kept beside his bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For an hour he tried. But he could not purify his mind." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'afraid' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inevitably the same thoughts kept chasing each other: I want to leave, I want to stay. I'm afraid of going back, I'm afraid to remain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I hate both and want both." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then there are the \"eters.\"\n\nIf it was up to me alone I wouldn't leave, not yet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But others are involved and they're not eters and I signed on as Pilot: 'By the Lord God I promise to take the fleet out and through the Grace of God bring her home again.' I want Mariko. I want to see the land Toranaga's given me and I need to stay here, to enjoy the fruit of my great luck for just a little longer. Yes." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But also duty's involved and that transcends everything, neh?\n\nWith the dawn Blackthorne knew that though he pretended he had put off the decision again, in reality, he had decided. Irrevocably.\n\nGod help me, first and last I'm Pilot." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce ten sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga uncurled the tiny slip of paper that arrived two hours after dawn. The message from his mother said simply: \"Your brother agrees, my son. His letter of confirmation will leave today by hand. The state visit of Lord Sudara and his family must begin within ten days.\"\n\nToranaga sat down weakly. The pigeons fluttered in their roosts then settled back once more. Morning sun filtered into the loft pleasingly though rain clouds were building. Gathering his strength, he hurried down the steps into his quarters below to begin.\n\n\"Naga-san!\"\n\n\"Yes, Father?\"\n\n\"Send Hiro-matsu-san here. After him, my secretary.\"\n\n\"Yes, Father.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The old general came quickly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should naturally weave in this dialogue: \"Have you ever known me not to, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His joints were creaking from the climb and he bowed low, his sword loose in his hands as ever, his face fiercer than ever, older than ever, and even more resolute.\n\n\"You're welcome, old friend.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Lord.\" Hiro-matsu looked up. \"I'm saddened to see the cares of the world are in your face.\"\n\n\"And I'm saddened to see and hear so much treason.\"\n\n\"Yes. Treason is a terrible thing.\"\n\nToranaga saw the firm old eyes measuring him. \"You can speak freely.\"\n\n\"Have you ever known me not to, Sire?\" The old man was grave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me for keeping you waiting.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me for troubling you. What is your pleasure, Sire? Please give me your decision about the future of your house. Is it finally Osaka—bending to that manure pile?\"\n\n\"Have you ever known me to make a final decision about anything?\"\n\nHiro-matsu frowned, then thoughtfully straightened his back to ease the ache in his shoulders. \"I've always known you to be patient and decisive and you've always won. That's why I can't understand you now. It's not like you to give up.\"\n\n\"Isn't the realm more important than my future?\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"Ishido and the other Regents are still legal rulers according to the Taikō's will.\"\n\n\"I am the vassal of Yoshi Toranaga-noh-Minowara and I acknowledge no one else.\"\n\n\"Good. The day after tomorrow is my chosen day to leave for Osaka.\"\n\n\"Yes. I've heard that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'll be in command of the escort, Buntaro second-in-command.\"\n\nThe old general sighed. \"I know that too, Sire. But since I've been back, Sire, I've talked to your senior advisers and gener—\"\n\n\"Yes. I know. And what is their opinion?\"\n\n\"That you should not leave Yedo. That your orders should be temporarily overruled.\"\n\n\"By whom?\"\n\n\"By me. By my orders.\"\n\n\"That's what they wish? Or that is what you've decided?\"\n\nHiro-matsu put his sword on the floor nearer to Toranaga and, now defenseless, looked directly at him. \"Please excuse me, Sire, I wish to ask you what I should do. My duty seems to tell me I should take command and prevent your leaving. This will at once force Ishido to come against us. Yes, of course we will lose, but that seems to be the only honorable way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But stupid, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The general's iron-gray brows knotted. \"No. We die in battle, with honor. We regain wa. The Kwanto is a spoil of war, but we'll not see the new master in this life. Shigata ga nai.\"\n\n\"I've never enjoyed expending men uselessly. I've never lost a battle and see no reason why I should begin now.\"\n\n\"Losing one battle is no dishonor, Sire. Is surrender honorable?\"\n\n\"You are all agreed in this treason?\"\n\n\"Sire, please excuse me, I asked individuals for a military opinion only. There's no treason or plot.\"\n\n\"You still listened to treason.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, but if I agree, as your commander-in-chief, then it no longer becomes treason but legal state policy.\"\n\n\"Taking decisions away from your liege lord is treason.\"\n\n\"Sire, there are too many precedents for deposing a lord. You've done it, Goroda did it, the Taikō—we've all done that and worse. A victor never commits treason.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've decided to depose me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I ask for your help in the decision.\"\n\n\"You're the one person I thought I could trust!\"\n\n\"By all gods I only wish to be your most devoted vassal. I'm only a soldier. I wish to do my duty to you. I think only of you. I merit your trust. If it will help, take my head. If it will convince you to fight, I gladly give you my life, my clan's life blood, today—in public or private or whatever way you wish—isn't that what our friend General Kiyoshio did? I'm sorry but I do not understand why I should permit you to throw away a lifetime of effort.\"\n\n\"Then you refuse to obey my orders to head the escort that will leave for Osaka the day after tomorrow?\"\n\nA cloud passed over the sun and both men looked out of the windows. \"It'll rain again soon,\" Toranaga said.\n\n\"Yes. There's been too much rain this year, neh? The rains must stop soon or the harvest'll be ruined.\"\n\nThey looked at each other.\n\n\"Well?\"\n\nIron Fist said simply, \"I formally ask you, Sire, do you order me to escort you from Yedo, the day after tomorrow, to begin the trek to Osaka?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As there seems to be advice from all my counselors to the contrary, I'll accept their opinion, and yours, and delay my departure.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"You never intended to go?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro-matsu was totally unprepared for this. \"Eh? You won't be leaving?\"\n\nToranaga laughed, the mask fell off, and he was the old Toranaga again. \"I never intended to go to Osaka. Why should I be so stupid?\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"My agreement at Yokosé was nothing more than a trick to gain time,\" Toranaga said affably. \"Ishido took the bait. The fool expects me in Osaka within a few weeks. Zataki also took that bait. And you and all my valiant, untrusting vassals also took the bait. With no real concession whatsoever I've gained a month, put Ishido and his filthy allies in turmoil. I hear they're already scrambling for the Kwanto. Kiyama's been promised it as well as Zataki.\"\n\n\"You never intended to go?\" Hiro-matsu shook his head, then as the clarity of the idea suddenly hit him, his face broke into a delighted grin. \"It's all a ruse?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course. Listen, everyone had to be taken in, neh? Zataki, everyone, even you! Or spies would have told Ishido and he would have moved against us at once and no good fortune on earth or gods in heaven could have prevented disaster to me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's true... ah, Lord, forgive me. I'm so stupid. I deserve to lose my head! So it was all nonsense, always nonsense. But... but what about General Kiyoshio?\"\n\n\"He said he was guilty of treason. I don't need treasonous generals, only obedient vassals.\"\n\n\"But why attack Lord Sudara? Why withdraw your favor from him?\"\n\n\"Because it pleases me to do so,\" Toranaga said harshly.\n\n\"Yes. Please excuse me. That's your sole privilege. I beg you to forgive me for doubting you.\"\n\n\"Why should I forgive you for being you, old friend? I needed you to do what you did and say what you said. Now I need you more than ever. I must have someone I can trust. That's why I'm taking you into my confidence. This has got to be secret between us.\"\n\n\"Oh Sire. You make me so happy... \"\n\n\"Yes,\" Toranaga said. \"That's the only thing I'm afraid of.\"\n\n\"Sire?\"\n\n\"You're commander-in-chief. You alone can neutralize this stupid, brooding mutiny while I'm waiting. I trust you and must trust you. My son can't hold my generals in check, though he'd never show outward joy at the secret—if he knew it—but your face is the gateway to your soul, old friend.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🔍 Find a place to insert: \"Forgive me for my stupidity. I won't fail. Explain to me what I must do.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then let me take my life after I've settled the generals.\"\n\n\"That's no help. You must hold them together pending my pretended departure, neh? You'll just have to guard your face and your sleep like never before. You're the only one in all the world who knows—you're the only one I must trust, neh?\"\n\n\"Forgive me for my stupidity. I won't fail. Explain to me what I must do.\"\n\n\"Say to my generals what's true—that you persuaded me to take your advice, which is also theirs, neh? I formally order my departure postponed for seven days. Later I'll postpone it again. Sickness, this time. You're the only one to know.\"\n\n\"Then? Then it will be Crimson Sky?\"\n\n\"Not as originally planned. Crimson Sky was always a last plan, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. What about the Musket Regiment? Could it blast a path through the mountains?\"\n\n\"Part of the way. But not all the way to Kyoto.\"\n\n\"Have Zataki assassinated.\"\n\n\"That might be possible. But Ishido and his allies are still invincible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga told him the arguments of Omi, Yabu, Igurashi, and Buntaro the day of the earthquake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"At that time I ordered Crimson Sky as another feint to throw Ishido into confusion... and also had the right parts of the discussion whispered into the wrong ears. But the fact is, Ishido's force is still invincible.\"\n\n\"How can we split them up? What about Kiyama and Onoshi?\"\n\n\"No, those two are implacably against me. All the Christians will be against me—except my Christian, and I will soon put him and his ship to very good use. Time is what I need most. I've allies and secret friends throughout the Empire and if I have time... Every day I gain weakens Ishido further. That's my battle plan. Every day of delay is important. Listen, after the rains, Ishido will come against the Kwanto, a simultaneous pincer, Ikawa Jikkyu spearheading the south, Zataki in the north. We contain Jikkyu at Mishima, then fall back to the Hakoné Pass and Odawara, where we make our final stand. In the north we'll hold Zataki fast in the mountains along the Hosho-kaidō Road somewhere near Mikawa. It's true what Omi and Igurashi said: We can hold off the first attack and there shouldn't be another great invasion. We fight and we wait behind our mountains. We fight and delay and wait and then when the fruit is ripe for plucking—Crimson Sky.\"\n\n\"Eeeeee, let that day be soon!\"\n\n\"Listen, old friend, only you can hold my generals in check. With time and the Kwanto secure, completely secure, we can weather the first attack and then Ishido's alliances will begin to break up. Once that happens Yaemon's future is assured and the Taikō's testament inviolate.\"\n\n\"You will not take sole power, Sire?\"\n\n\"For the last time: 'The law may upset reason but reason may never upset the law, or our whole society will shred like an old tatami. The law may be used to confound reason, reason must certainly not be used to overthrow the law.' The Taikō's will is law.\"\n\nHiro-matsu bowed an acceptance. \"Very well, Sire. I will never mention it again. Please excuse me. Now—\" He let his smile show. \"Now, what must I do?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pretend that you've persuaded me to delay. Just keep them all in your iron fist.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How long must I keep up the pretense?\"\n\n\"I don't know.\"\n\n\"I don't trust myself, Sire. I may make a mistake, not meaning to. I think I can keep the joy off my face for a few days. With your permission my 'aches' should become so bad that I'll be confined to bed—no visitors, neh?\"\n\n\"Good. Do that in four days. Let some of the pain show from today on. That won't be difficult, neh?\"\n\n\"No, Sire. So sorry. I'm glad the battle begins this year. Next... I may not be able to help.\"\n\n\"Nonsense. But it will be this year whether I say yes or no. In sixteen days I will leave Yedo for Osaka. By that time you will have given your 'reluctant approval' and you will lead the march. Only you and I know there will be further delays and that long before I reach my borders I'll turn back to Yedo.\"\n\n\"Please forgive me for doubting you. If it wasn't that I must remain alive to help your plans I could not live with my shame.\"\n\n\"No need for shame, old friend. If you hadn't been convinced, Ishido and Zataki would have seen through the trick. Oh, by the way, how was Buntaro-san when you saw him?\"\n\n\"Seething, Sire. It will be good to have a battle for him to fight.\"\n\n\"He suggested removing me as liege lord?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene (which might reference existing characters and worldbuilding), and you will continue the story with 1 sentence, channeling the voice and techniques of James Clavell." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At noon, Mariko walked across the donjon forecourt, through the silent ranks of brooding guards, and went inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga's secretary was waiting for her in one of the anterooms on the ground floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry to send for you, Lady Toda,\" he said listlessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's my pleasure, Kawanabi-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kawanabi was a sharp-featured, elderly samurai with a shaven head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once he had been a Buddhist priest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For years now he had handled all of Toranaga's correspondence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Normally he was bright and enthusiastic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Today, like most people in the castle, he was greatly unsettled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He handed her a small scroll." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here are your travel documents for Osaka, duly signed. You are to leave tomorrow and get there as soon as possible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Her voice sounded tiny to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga says he may have some private dispatches for you to take to Lady Kiritsubo and Lady Koto. Also for General Lord Ishido and Lady Ochiba. They'll be delivered to you tomorrow at dawn if... so sorry, if they're ready, I'll see they're delivered to you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From a number of scrolls that were stacked with pedantic neatness on his low desk, Kawanabi selected an official document." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm directed to give you this. It is the increase in your son's fief as promised by Lord Toranaga. Ten thousand koku yearly. It's dated from the last day of last month and... well, here it is.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She accepted it, read it, and checked the official chops." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everything was perfect. But it gave her no happiness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both believed it was an empty paper now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If her son's life was spared he would become ronin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you. Please thank Lord Toranaga for the honor he does us. May I be allowed to see him before I go?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, yes. When you leave here now you're asked to go to the barbarian ship. You're requested to wait for him there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm—I'm to interpret?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He didn't say. I would presume so, Lady Toda.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The secretary squinted at a list in his hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Captain Yoshinaka's been ordered to lead your escort to Osaka, if it pleases you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would be honored to be in his charge again. Thank you. May I ask how Lord Toranaga is?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He seems well enough, but for an active man like him to coop himself up for days on end... What can I say?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He spread his hands helplessly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry. At least today he saw Lord Hiro-matsu and agreed to a delay. He's also agreed to deal with a few other things... rice prices must be stabilized now in case of a bad harvest... But there's so much to do and... it's just not like him, Lady Toda. These are terrible times, neh? And terrible omens: The soothsayers say the harvest will be ruined this year.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will not believe them—until harvest time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wise, very wise. But not many of us will see harvest time. I'm to go with him to Osaka.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kawanabi shivered and leaned forward nervously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I heard a rumor that the plague's begun again between Kyoto and Osaka—smallpox. Is that another heavenly sign that the gods are turning their faces from us?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's not like you to believe rumors or heavenly signs, Kawanabi-san, or to pass on rumors. You know what Lord Toranaga thinks of that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know. So sorry. But, well... no one seems to be normal these days, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps the rumor's not true—I pray it's not true.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She shook off her foreboding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Has the new date for the departure been set?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I understood Lord Hiro-matsu to say that it was postponed for seven days. I'm so glad our commander-in-chief returned and so glad he persuaded... I wish the whole departure was put off forever. Better fight here than be dishonored there, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" she agreed, knowing there was no point any longer in pretending that this was not foremost in everyone's mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now that Lord Hiro-matsu's back, perhaps our Lord will see that surrender's not the best course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lady, for your ears alone. Lord Hiro-matsu—\" He stopped, looked up, and put a smile on his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu strode into the room, swords jingling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, Lord Kasigi Yabu, how nice to see you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He bowed and Mariko bowed and there were pleasantries and then he said, \"Lord Toranaga's expecting you, Sire. Please go up at once.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. What does he want to see me about?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, Sire, he didn't tell me—only that he wished to see you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How is he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kawanabi hesitated. \"No change, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His departure—has a new date been fixed?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I understand it'll be in seven days.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps Lord Hiro-matsu'll put it off even more, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That would be up to our Lord, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course.\" Yabu walked out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You were saying about Lord Hiro-matsu?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Only for your ears, Lady—as Buntaro-san's not here,\" the secretary whispered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When old Iron Fist came from seeing Lord Toranaga, he had to rest for the best part of an hour. He was in very great pain, Lady.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh! It would be terrible if something happened to him now!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Without him there'd be a revolt, neh? This delay solves nothing, does it? It's only a truce. The real problem—I'm—I'm afraid since Lord Sudara acted as formal second to General Kiyoshio, every time Lord Sudara's name has been mentioned our Lord gets very angry... It's only Lord Hiro-matsu who's persuaded him to delay and that's the only thing that... \" Tears started running down the secretary's cheeks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's happening, Lady? He's lost control, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" she said firmly, without conviction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure everything will be all right. Thank you for telling me. I'll try to see Lord Hiro-matsu before I leave.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go with God, Lady.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was startled. \"I didn't know you were Christian, Kawanabi-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not, Lady. But I know it is your custom.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She walked out into the sun, greatly concerned over Hiro-matsu, at the same time blessing God that her waiting was over and tomorrow she would escape." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She went toward the palanquin and escort waiting for her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, Lady Toda,\" Gyoko said, stepping out of the shadows, intercepting her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, good morning, Gyoko-san, how nice to see you. I hope you're well?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she said pleasantly, a sudden chill rushing through her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not well at all, I'm afraid, so sorry. So very sad. It seems we're not in our Lord's favor, Kiku-san and I. Ever since we got here we've been confined to a filthy third-class hotel I wouldn't put an eighth-class male courtesan in.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, so sorry. I'm sure there must be some mistake.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah yes, a mistake. I certainly hope so, Lady. At long last today I've been given permission to come to the castle, at long last there's an answer to my petition to see the Great Lord, at long last I'm permitted to bow before the Great Lord again—later today.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gyoko smiled at her crookedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I heard you were also coming to see the lord-secretary, so I thought I'd wait to greet you. I hope you don't mind.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's a pleasure to see you, Gyoko-san. I would have visited you and Kiku-san, or asked you both to visit me, but unfortunately that hasn't been possible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes—so sad. These are sad times. Difficult for nobles. Difficult for peasants. Poor Kiku-san's quite sick with worry to be out of our Lord's favor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure she's not, Gyoko-san. He—Lord Toranaga has many pressing problems, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"True—true. Perhaps we could take some cha now, Lady Toda. I would be honored to be allowed to talk to you for a moment.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, so sorry, but I'm ordered to go on official business. Otherwise I would have been honored.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah yes, you've to go to the Anjin-san's ship now. Ah, I forgot, so sorry. How is the Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I believe he is well,\" Mariko said, furious that Gyoko knew her private business." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've seen him only once—and then just for a few moments—since we arrived.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"An interesting man. Yes, very. Sad not to see one's friends, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both women wore smiles, their voices polite and carefree, both conscious of the impatient samurai watching and listening to them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I heard the Anjin-san visited his friends—his crew. How did he find them?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He never told me, Gyoko-san. As I said, I only saw him for a moment. So sorry, but I must go... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sad not to see one's friends. Perhaps I could tell you about them. For instance, that they live in an eta village.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. It seems his friends asked permission to live there, preferring it to civilized areas. Curious, neh? Not like the Anjin-san, who's different. The rumor is they say it's more like home to them—the eta village. Curious, neh... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko was remembering how strange the Anjin-san had been on the stairs that day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That explains it, she thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eta! Madonna, poor man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How ashamed he must have been." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry, Gyoko-san, what did you say?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just that it's curious the Anjin-san's so different from the others.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What're they like? Have you seen them? The others?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Lady. I wouldn't go there. What should I have to do with them? Or with eta? I must think of my clients and my Kiku-san. And my son.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah yes, your son.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gyoko's face saddened under her parasol but her eyes remained flinty brown like her kimono." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, but I suppose you've no idea why we should be out of favor with Lord Toranaga?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. I'm sure you're mistaken. The contract was settled, neh? According to the agreement?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh yes, thank you. I've a letter of credit on the Mishima rice merchants, payable on demand. Less the amount we agreed. But money was furthest from my mind. What's money when you've lost the favor of your patron—whoever he or she is. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure you retain his favor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, favors! I was worried about your favor, too, Lady Toda.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You always have my goodwill. And friendship, Gyoko-san. Perhaps we could talk another time, I really must go now, so sorry... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah yes, how kind you are. I'd enjoy that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gyoko added in her most honeyed voice as Mariko began to turn away, \"But will you have time? You go tomorrow, neh? To Osaka?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko felt a sudden ice barb in her chest as the trap closed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is there anything wrong, Lady?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No... no, Gyoko-san. Will... during the Hour of the Dog tonight... would that be convenient?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're too kind, Lady. Oh, yes, as you're going to see our Master now, before me, would you intercede for us? We need such a little favor. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would be glad to.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko thought a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Some favors can be asked but, even so, are not granted.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'asked' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gyoko stiffened slightly. \"Ah! You've already asked him the... asked him to favor us?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course—why shouldn't I?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko said carefully. \"Isn't Kiku-san a favorite? And aren't you a devoted vassal? Haven't you been granted favors in the past?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My requests are always so little. Everything I said before still applies, Lady. Perhaps more so.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"About empty-bellied dogs?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About long ears and safe tongues.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah yes. And secrets.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would be so easy to satisfy me. My Lord's favor—and my Lady's—is not much to ask, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. If an opportunity occurs... I can promise nothing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Until this evening, Lady.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They bowed to each other and no samurai was any the wiser." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko got into the palanquin to more bows, hiding the trembles that beset her, and the cortege left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gyoko stared after her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You, woman,\" a young samurai said roughly as he passed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What're you waiting for? Go about your business.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ha!\" Gyoko said disdainfully to the amusement of others." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Woman, is it, puppy? If I went about your business I might have a very hard time finding it, hey, even though you're not yet man enough to have thatch!\"\n\nThe others laughed. With a toss of her head she walked on fearlessly." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 12 sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello,\" Blackthorne said.\n\n\"Good afternoon, Anjin-san. You look happy!\"\n\n\"Thank you. It's the sight of such a lovely lady, neh?\"\n\n\"Ah, thank you,\" Mariko replied. \"How is your ship?\"\n\n\"First class. Would you like to come aboard? I'd like to show you around.\"\n\n\"Is that permitted? I was ordered here to meet Lord Toranaga.\"\n\n\"Yes. We're all waiting for him now.\" Blackthorne turned and spoke to the senior samurai on the wharf. \"Captain, I take Lady Toda there. Show ship. When Lord Toranaga arrive—you call, neh?\"\n\n\"As you wish, Anjin-san.\"\n\nBlackthorne led the way off the jetty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samurai were manning the barriers and security was tighter than ever, ashore and on deck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First he went to the quarterdeck." }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"This is the main cabin.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is mine, all mine,\" he said with pride.\n\n\"Are any of your crew here?\"\n\n\"No—none. Not today, Mariko-san.\" He pointed out everything as quickly as he could, then guided her below. \"This is the main cabin.\" The aft bay windows overlooked the foreshore. He closed the door. Now they were totally alone.\n\n\"This is your cabin?\" she asked.\n\nHe shook his head, watching her. She went into his arms. He held her tight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, how I have missed thee.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'afraid' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I have missed thee... \"\n\n\"There's so much to tell thee. And to ask thee,\" he said.\n\n\"I've nothing to tell thee. Except that I love thee with all my heart.\" She shivered in his arms, trying to throw off her terror that Gyoko or someone would denounce them. \"I'm so afraid for thee.\"\n\n\"Don't be afraid, Mariko my darling. Everything's going to be all right.\"\n\n\"That's what I tell myself. But today it's impossible to accept karma and the will of God.\"\n\n\"You were so distant the last time.\"\n\n\"This is Yedo, my love. And beyond First Bridge.\"\n\n\"It was because of Buntaro-san. Wasn't it?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she said simply. \"That and Toranaga's decision to surrender. It's such a dishonorable uselessness... I never thought I'd ever say that out loud but I have to say it. So sorry.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "💬 Please integrate this quote: \"I know I can force the priests to bring Kiyama or Onoshi to his side, if he'll allow me to take this Black Ship,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She nestled closer into the protection of his shoulder.\n\n\"When he goes to Osaka, you're finished, too?\"\n\n\"Yes. The Toda clan are too powerful and important. In any event I would not be left alive.\"\n\n\"Then you must come with me. We'll escape. We'll—\"\n\n\"So sorry, but there's no escape.\"\n\n\"Unless Toranaga allows it, neh?\"\n\n\"Why should he allow it?\"\n\nQuickly Blackthorne told her what he had said to Toranaga, but not that he had also asked for her. \"I know I can force the priests to bring Kiyama or Onoshi to his side, if he'll allow me to take this Black Ship,\" he finished excitedly, \"and I know I can do that!\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she said, glad for the sake of the Church that he was hobbled by Toranaga's decision. Again she examined the logic of his plan and found it flawless. \"It should work, Anjin-san. Now that Harima's hostile, there would be no reason why Toranaga-sama shouldn't order an attack if he were going to war, and not surrendering.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'persuade' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If Lord Kiyama or Lord Onoshi, or both of them, joined him, would that tip the scale toward him?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she said. \"With Zataki and time.\" She had already explained the strategic importance of Zataki's control of the northern route. \"But Zataki's opposed to Toranaga-sama.\"\n\n\"Listen, I can strangle the priests. So sorry, but they are my enemy though they are your priests. I can dominate them on his behalf—on mine too. Will you help me to help him?\"\n\nShe stared up at him. \"How?\"\n\n\"Help me to persuade him to give me the chance, and persuade him to delay going to Osaka.\"\n\nThere was the sound of horses and voices raised on the jetty. Distracted, they went to the windows. Samurai were pulling aside one of the barriers. Father Alvito spurred forward into the clearing.\n\n\"What does he want?\" Blackthorne muttered sourly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They watched the priest as he dismounted and pulled out a scroll from his sleeve and gave it to the senior samurai. The man read it. Alvito looked up at the ship.\n\n\"Whatever it is, is official,\" she said in a small voice.\n\n\"Listen, Mariko-san, I'm not against the Church. The Church isn't evil, it's the priests. And they're not all bad. Alvito isn't, though he's fanatic. I swear to God I believe the Jesuits will bow to Lord Toranaga if I get their Black Ship and threaten next year's, because they've got to have money—Portugal and Spain have got to have money. Toranaga's more important. Will you help me?\"\n\n\"Yes. Yes, I'll help you, Anjin-san. But, please excuse me, I cannot betray the Church.\"\n\n\"All I ask is that you talk to Toranaga, or help me to talk to him if you think that's better.\"\n\nA distant bugle sounded. They looked out of the windows again. Everyone was staring west. The head of a procession of samurai around a curtained litter approached from the direction of the castle.\n\nThe cabin door opened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjin-san, you will come now, please,\" the samurai said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne led the way on deck and down to the jetty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His nod to Alvito was coldly polite. The priest was equally glacial.\n\nTo Mariko, Alvito was kind. \"Hello, Mariko-san. How nice to see you.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Father,\" she said, bowing low.\n\n\"May the blessings of God be upon you.\" He made the sign of the cross over her. \"In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Father.\"\n\nAlvito glanced at Blackthorne. \"So, Pilot? How is your ship?\"\n\n\"I'm sure you already know.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should naturally weave in this dialogue: \"Is that why you came here? To spread more venom?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I know.\" Alvito looked Erasmus over, his face taut. \"May God curse her and all who sail in her if she's used against Faith and Portugal.\"\n\n\"Is that why you came here? To spread more venom?\"\n\n\"No, Pilot,\" Alvito said. \"I was asked here to meet Lord Toranaga. I find your presence as distasteful as you find mine.\"\n\n\"Your presence isn't distasteful, Father. It's just the evil you represent.\"\n\nAlvito flushed and Mariko said quickly, \"Please. It is bad to quarrel this way in public. I beg you both to be more circumspect.\"\n\n\"Yes, please excuse me. I apologize, Mariko-san.\" Father Alvito turned away and looked at the curtained litter coming through the barrier, Toranaga's pennant fluttering, and uniformed samurai before and after, hemming in a straggling, motley group of samurai.\n\nThe palanquin stopped. The curtains parted. Yabu stepped out. Everyone was startled. Nonetheless they bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu returned the salutation arrogantly.\n\n\"Ah, Anjin-san,\" Yabu said. \"How are you?\"\n\n\"Good, thank you, Sire. And you?\"\n\n\"Good, thank you. Lord Toranaga's sick. He asked me to come in his place. You understand?\"\n\n\"Yes. Understand,\" Blackthorne replied, trying to cover his disappointment at Toranaga's nonarrival. \"So sorry Lord Toranaga sick.\"\n\nYabu shrugged, acknowledged Mariko deferentially, pretended not to notice Alvito, and studied the ship for a moment. His smile was twisted as he turned back to Blackthorne. \"So desu, Anjin-san. Your ship's different from the last time I saw it, neh? Yes, the ship's different, you're different, everything's different—even our world's different! Neh?\"\n\n\"So sorry, I don't understand, Sire. Please excuse me but your words very fast. As my—\" Blackthorne began the stock phrase but Yabu interrupted gutturally, \"Mariko-san, please translate for me.\"\n\nShe did so.\n\nBlackthorne nodded and said slowly, \"Yes. Different, Yabu-sama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, very different—you're no longer barbarian but samurai, and so is your ship, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne saw the smile on the thick lips, the pugnacious stance, and suddenly he was back at Anjiro, back on the beach on his knees, Croocq in the cauldron, Pieterzoon's screams ringing in his ears, the stench of the pit in his nostrils, and his mind was shouting, 'So unnecessary all that—all the suffering and terror and Pieterzoon and Spillbergen and Maetsukker and the jail and eta and trapped and all your fault!'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you all right, Anjin-san?\" Mariko asked, apprehensive at the look in his eyes.\n\n\"What? Oh—oh, yes. Yes, I'm all right.\"\n\n\"What's the matter with him?\" Yabu said.\n\nBlackthorne shook his head, trying to clear it and wash the hatred off his face. \"So sorry. Please excuse me. I'm—I—it's nothing. Head bad—no sleep. So sorry.\" He stared back into Yabu's eyes, hoping he had covered his dangerous lapse. \"Sorry Toranaga-sama sick—hope no trouble Yabu-sama.\"\n\n\"No, no trouble.\" Yabu was thinking, yes trouble, you're nothing but trouble and I've had nothing but trouble ever since you and your filthy ship arrived on my shores. Izu gone, my guns gone, all honor gone, and now my head forfeit because of a coward. \"No trouble, Anjin-san,\" he said so nicely. \"Toranaga-sama asked me to hand over your vassals to you as he promised.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes fell on Alvito. \"So, Tsukku-san! Why are you enemy to Toranaga-sama?\"\n\n\"I'm not, Kasigi Yabu-sama.\"\n\n\"Your Christian daimyos are, neh?\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Sire, but we are priests only, we're not responsible for the political views of those who worship the True Faith, nor do we exercise control over those daimyos who—\"\n\n\"The True Faith of this Land of the Gods is Shinto, together with the Tao, the Way of Buddha!\"\n\nAlvito did not answer. Yabu turned contemptuously away and snapped an order. The ragged group of samurai began to line up in front of the ship. Not one was armed. Some had their hands bound.\n\nAlvito stepped forward and bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps you will excuse me, Sire. I was to see Lord Toranaga. As he isn't coming—\"\n\n\"Lord Toranaga wanted you here to interpret for him with the Anjin-san,\" Yabu interrupted with deliberate bad manners, as Toranaga had told him to do. \"Yes, to interpret as you alone can do so cleverly, speaking directly and at once, neh? Of course you have no objection to doing for me what Lord Toranaga required, before you go?\"\n\n\"No, of course not, Sire.\"\n\n\"Good. Mariko-san! Lord Toranaga asks that you see the Anjin-san's responses are equally correctly translated.\" Alvito reddened but held on to his temper.\n\n\"Yes, Sire,\" Mariko said, hating Yabu.\n\nYabu snapped another order. Two samurai went to the litter and returned with the ship's strongbox, heavy between them. \"Tsukku-san, now you will begin: Listen, Anjin-san, firstly, Lord Toranaga's asked me to return this. It's your property, neh? Open it,\" he ordered the samurai. The box was brimful with silver coins. \"This is as it was taken off the ship.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Blackthorne was hardly able to believe his eyes, for this gave him power to buy the very best crew, without promises.\n\n\"It is to be put in the ship's strong room.\"\n\n\"Yes, of course.\"\n\nYabu waved those samurai aboard. Then, to Alvito's growing fury as he continued with the almost simultaneous translating, Yabu said, \"Next: Lord Toranaga says you are free to go, or to stay. When you are in our land you are samurai, hatamoto, and governed by samurai law. At sea, beyond our shores, you are as you were before you came here and governed by barbarian laws. You are granted the right for your lifetime to dock at any port in Lord Toranaga's control without search by port authorities. Last, these two hundred men are your vassals. He asked me to formally hand them over, with arms, as he promised.\"\n\n\"I can leave when and how I want?\" Blackthorne asked with disbelief.\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san, you can leave as Lord Toranaga has agreed.\"\n\nBlackthorne stared at Mariko but she avoided his eyes, so he looked again at Yabu. \"Could I leave tomorrow?\"\n\n\"Yes, if you want to.\" Yabu added, \"About these men. They're all ronin. All from the northern provinces. They've all agreed to swear eternal allegiance to you and your seed. All are good warriors. None has committed a crime that could be proved. All became ronin because their liege lords were killed, died, or were deposed. Many fought on ships against wako.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu smiled in his vicious way. \"Some may have been wako—you understand 'wako'?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"Those who are bound are probably bandits or wako. They came forward as a band and volunteered to serve you fearlessly in return for a pardon for any past crimes. They've sworn to Lord Noboru—who handpicked all these men for you on Lord Toranaga's orders—that they've never committed any crime against Lord Toranaga or any of his samurai. You can accept them individually, or as a group, or refuse them. You understand?\"\n\n\"I can refuse any of them?\"\n\n\"Why should you do that?\" Yabu asked. \"Lord Noboru picked them carefully.\"\n\n\"Of course, so sorry,\" Blackthorne told Yabu wearily, conscious of the daimyo's growing ill humor. \"I quite understand. But those who are bound—what happens if I refuse them?\"\n\n\"Their heads will be hacked off. Of course. What's that got to do with anything?\"\n\n\"Nothing. So sorry.\"\n\n\"Follow me.\" Yabu stalked over to the litter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne glanced at Mariko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can leave. You heard it!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"That means... It's almost like a dream. He said—\"\n\n\"Anjin-san!\"\n\nObediently Blackthorne hurried over to Yabu. Now the litter served as a dais. A clerk had set up a low table on which were scrolls. A little farther off, samurai guarded a pile of short swords and long swords, spears, shields, axes, bows and arrows, that porters were unloading from pack horses. Yabu motioned Blackthorne to sit beside him, Alvito just in front and Mariko on his other side. The clerk called out names. Each man came forward, bowed with great formality, gave his name and lineage, swore allegiance, signed his scroll, and sealed it with a drop of blood that the clerk ritually pricked from his finger. Each knelt to Blackthorne a final time, then got up and hurried to the armorer. First he was handed a killing sword, then the short one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each accepted both blades with reverence and examined them meticulously, expressing pride at their quality, and shoved them into his sash with savage glee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he was issued other weapons and a war shield." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the men took up their new places, fully armed now, samurai again and no longer ronin, they were stronger and straighter and looked even more fierce." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Last were the thirty bound ronin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne insisted on personally cutting the bonds of each. One by one they swore allegiance as had all the others: \"On my honor as a samurai, I swear your enemies are my enemies, and total obedience.\"\n\nAfter each man had sworn, he collected his weapons.\n\nYabu called out, \"Uraga-noh-Tadamasa!\"\n\nThe man stepped forward. Alvito was heartsick. Uraga—Brother Joseph—had been standing unnoticed among the samurai grouped nearby. He was unarmed and wore a simple kimono and bamboo hat. Yabu smirked at Alvito's discomposure and turned to Blackthorne.\n\n\"Anjin-san. This is Uraga-noh-Tadamasa. Samurai, now ronin. You recognize him? Understand 'recognize'?\"\n\n\"Yes. Understand. Yes, recognize.\"\n\n\"Good. Once Christian priest, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now not. Understand? Now ronin.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Understand, Yabu-sama.\"\n\nYabu watched Alvito. Alvito was staring fixedly at the apostate, who stared back with hatred. \"Ah, Tsukku-san, you recognize him too?\"\n\n\"Yes. I recognize him, Sire.\"\n\n\"Are you ready to translate again—or haven't you any stomach for it anymore?\"\n\n\"Please continue, Sire.\"\n\n\"Good.\" Yabu waved a hand at Uraga. \"Listen, Anjin-san, Lord Toranaga gives this man to you, if you want him. Once he was a Christian priest—a novice priest. Now he's not. Now he's denounced the false foreign god and has reverted to the True Faith of Shinto and—\" He stopped as the Father stopped. \"Did you say it exactly, Tsukku-san? True Faith of Shinto?\"\n\nThe priest did not answer. He exhaled, then said it exactly, adding, \"That's what he said, Anjin-san, may God forgive him.\" Mariko let that pass without comment, hating Yabu even more, promising herself vengeance on him one day soon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu watched them, then he continued, \"So Uraga-san's a Christian that was. Now he's prepared to serve you. He can speak barbarian and the private tongue of the priests and he was one of the four samurai youths sent to your lands. He even met the chief Christian of all the Christians, so they say—but now he hates them all, just like you, neh?\" Yabu was watching Alvito, baiting him, his eyes flicking back and forth to Mariko, who was listening as intently. \"You hate Christians, Anjin-san, neh?\"\n\n\"Most Catholics are my enemy, yes,\" he answered, completely aware of Mariko, who was staring stonily into the distance. \"Spain and Portugal are enemies of my country, yes.\"\n\n\"Christians are our enemies too. Eh, Tsukku-san?\"\n\n\"No, Sire. And Christianity gives you the key to immortal life.\"\n\n\"Does it, Uraga-san?\" Yabu said.\n\nUraga shook his head. His voice was raw. \"I no longer think so, Sire. No.\"\n\n\"Tell the Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Senhor Anjin-san,\" Uraga said, his accent thick but his Portuguese words correct and easily understandable, \"I do not think this Catholicism is the lock—so sorry, is the key to immortality.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Blackthorne said. \"I agree.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good,\" Yabu continued. \"So Lord Toranaga offers this ronin to you, Anjin-san. He's renegade but from good samurai family. Uraga swears, if you'll accept him, he'll be your secretary, translator, and do anything you want. You'll have to give him swords. What else, Uraga? Tell him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Senhor, please excuse me. First... \" Uraga took off his hat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His hair was a stubble now, his pate shaven in samurai style, but he had no queue yet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First, I'm shamed my hair is not correct and I have no queue as a samurai should have. But my hair will grow and I am not less samurai for that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He put his hat back on his head. He told Yabu what he had said, and those ronin who were near and could hear also listened attentively as he continued, \"Second, please excuse me greatly but I cannot use swords—or any weapons. I've—I've never been trained in them. But I will learn, believe me I will learn. Please excuse my shame. I swear absolute allegiance to you and beg you to accept me... \" Sweat trickled down his face and back.\n\nBlackthorne said compassionately, \"Shigata ga nai, neh? Ukeru anatawa desu, Uraga-san.\" What does that matter? I accept you, Uraga-san.\n\nUraga bowed, then explained to Yabu what he had said. No one laughed. Except Yabu. But his laughter was cut short by the beginning of an altercation between the last two ronin over the selection of the remaining swords. \"You two, shut up,\" he shouted.\n\nBoth men spun around and one snarled, \"You're not my master! Where are your manners? Say please, or shut up yourself!\"\n\nInstantly Yabu leaped to his feet and rushed the offending ronin, his sword on high. Men scattered, and the ronin fled, Near the side of the wharf the man jerked out his sword and abruptly turned to the attack with a fiendish battle cry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once all his friends darted to his rescue, swords ready, and Yabu was trapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man charged. Yabu avoided a violent sword thrust, hacked back, and missed as the pack surged forward for the kill. Too late Toranaga samurai rushed forward, knowing Yabu was a dead man.\n\n\"Stop!\" Blackthorne shouted in Japanese. Everyone froze at the power of his voice. \"Go there!\" He pointed to where the men had been lined up before. \"Now! Order!\"\n\nFor a moment all the men on the wharf remained motionless. Then they started to move. The spell broke. Yabu darted at the man who had insulted him. The ronin jumped back, sidestepped, his sword held violently above his head, two-handed, waiting fearlessly for the next attack. His friends hesitated.\n\n\"Go there! Now! Order!\"\n\nReluctantly but obediently, the rest of the men backed out of the way, sheathed their swords. Yabu and the man circled each other slowly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You!\" Blackthorne shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stop! Sword down! I order!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man kept his furious eyes on Yabu but he heard the order and wet his lips. He feinted left, then right. Yabu retreated and the man slipped out of his grasp and rushed nearer to Blackthorne and put his sword down in front of him. \"I obey, Anjin-san. I didn't attack him.\" As Yabu charged, he leaped out of the way and retreated fearlessly, more fleet than Yabu, younger than Yabu, taunting him.\n\n\"Yabu-san,\" Blackthorne called out. \"So sorry—think mistake, neh? Perhaps—\"\n\nBut Yabu spouted a flood of Japanese and rushed the man, who fled again without fear.\n\nAlvito was now coldly amused. \"Yabu-san said there's no mistake, Anjin-san. This cabron has to die, he says. No samurai could accept such an insult!\"\n\nBlackthorne felt all their eyes on him as he desperately tried to decide what to do. He watched Yabu stalk the man." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'shouted' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just to the left a Toranaga samurai aimed his bow. The only noise was that of the two men panting and running and shouting at one another. The ronin backed, then turned and ran away, around the clearing, sidestepping, weaving, all the time keeping up a guttural hissing flood of invective.\n\nAlvito said, \"He's baiting Yabu, Anjin-san. He says: 'I'm samurai—I don't kill unarmed men like you—you're not a samurai, you're a manure-stinking peasant—ah, so that's it, you're not samurai, you're eta, neh? Your mother was eta, your father was eta, and—'\" The Jesuit stopped as Yabu let out a bellow of rage and pointed at one of the men and shouted something. \"Yabu says: 'You! Give him his sword.'\"\n\nThe ronin hesitated and looked at Blackthorne for the order.\n\nYabu turned to Blackthorne and shouted, \"Give him his sword!\"\n\nBlackthorne picked up the sword. \"Yabu-san, ask not fight,\" he said, wishing him dead. \"Please ask not fight—\"\n\n\"Give him the sword!\"\n\nAn angry murmur went through Blackthorne's men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He held up his hand." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'swords' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Silence!\" He looked at his ronin vassal. \"Come here. Please!\" The man watched Yabu, feinted left then right, and each time Yabu hacked at him in wild rage but the man managed to slip away and race to Blackthorne. This time Yabu did not follow. He just waited and watched like a mad bull readying his charge. The man bowed to Blackthorne and took the sword. Then he turned on Yabu and, with a howling battle cry, flung himself to the attack. Swords clashed and clashed again. Now the two men circled in the silence. There was another frantic exchange, the swords singing. Then Yabu stumbled and the ronin charged in for the easy kill. But Yabu neatly sidestepped and struck. The man's hands, still gripping the sword, were sliced off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment the ronin stood there howling, staring at his stumps, then Yabu hacked off his head.\n\nThere was silence. Then a roar of applause surrounded Yabu. Yabu slashed once more at the twitching corpse. Then, honor vindicated, he picked up the head by the topknot, spat carefully in the face, and tossed it aside. Quietly he walked back to Blackthorne and bowed.\n\n\"Please excuse my bad manners, Anjin-san. Thank you for giving him his sword,\" he said, his voice polite, Alvito translating. \"I apologize for shouting. Thank you for allowing me to blood my sword honorably.\" His eyes dropped to the heirloom Toranaga had given him. Carefully he examined its edge. It was still perfect. He undid his silk sash to cleanse the blood away. \"Never touch a blade with your fingers, Anjin-san, that will ruin it. A blade must feel only silk or the body of an enemy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stopped and looked up." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I politely suggest you allow your vassals to test their blades? It will be a good omen for them.\"\n\nBlackthorne turned to Uraga. \"Tell them.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell 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": "When Yabu returned to his house it was late in the day. Servants took his sweat-soiled clothes and gave him a fresh lounging kimono and put his feet into clean tabi. Yuriko, his wife, was waiting for him in the cool of the veranda with cha and saké, piping hot, the way he liked to drink it.\n\n\"Saké, Yabu-san?\" Yuriko was a tall thin woman with gray-streaked hair. Her dark kimono of poor quality set off her fair skin nicely.\n\n\"Thank you, Yuriko-san.\" Yabu drank the wine gratefully, enjoying the sweet, harsh rasp as it slid down his parched throat.\n\n\"It went well, I hear.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"How impertinent of that ronin!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He served me well. Lady, very well. I feel fine now. I've blooded Toranaga's sword and made it really mine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu finished the cup and she refilled it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hand fondled his sword hilt. \"But you wouldn't have enjoyed the fight. He was a child—he fell into the first trap.\"\n\nShe touched him tenderly. \"I'm glad he did, husband.\"\n\n\"Thank you, but I hardly got up a sweat.\" Yabu laughed. \"You should have seen the priest though! It would have made you warm to see that barbarian sweating—I've never seen him so angry. He was so angry it almost choked him to hold it in. Cannibal! They're all cannibals. Pity there's no way to stamp them out before we depart this earth.\"\n\n\"Do you think the Anjin-san could?\"\n\n\"He's going to try. With ten of those ships and ten of him, I could control the seas from here to Kyushu. With only him I could hurt Kiyama, Onoshi, and Harima and smash Jikkyu and keep Izu! We only need a little time and every daimyo'll be fighting his own special enemy. Izu would be safe and mine again! I don't understand why Toranaga's going to let the Anjin-san go. That's another stupid waste!\" He bunched his fist and slammed it on the tatamis." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The maid flinched but said nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yuriko did not make the slightest move. A smile flickered across her face.\n\n\"How did the Anjin-san take his freedom, and his vassals?\" she asked.\n\n\"He was so happy he was like an old man dreaming he had a four-pronged Yang. He—oh yes... \" Yabu frowned, remembering. \"But there was one thing I still don't understand. When those wako first surrounded me I was a dead man. No doubt about it. But the Anjin-san stopped them and gave me back my life. No reason for him to do that, neh? Just before, I'd seen the hate written all over him. So naïve to pretend otherwise—as if I'd trust him.\"\n\n\"He gave you your life?\"\n\n\"Oh yes. Strange, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. Many strange things are going on, husband.\" She dismissed the maid, then asked quietly, \"What did Toranaga really want?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu bent forward and whispered, \"I think he wants me to become commander-in-chief.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why should he do that? Is Iron Fist dying?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"That's always ready. But he hasn't got the Fruit for it. That will need leadership and skill. Once he had it, not now. Now he's a shadow of the Minowara he was. I was shocked at how he looked. So sorry, I made a mistake. I should have gone with Ishido.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yuriko asked. \"What about Lord Sudara? Or Buntaro? Or Lord Noboru?\"\n\n\"Who knows, Lady? They're all out of favor, neh? Toranaga changes his mind so often no one can predict what he'll do now. First he asked me to go in his place to the wharf and told how he wanted everything said, then he talked about Hiro-matsu, how old he was getting, and asked what I really thought about the Musket Regiment.\"\n\n\"Could he be readying Crimson Sky again?\"\n\n\"That's always ready. But he hasn't got the Fruit for it. That will need leadership and skill. Once he had it, not now. Now he's a shadow of the Minowara he was. I was shocked at how he looked. So sorry, I made a mistake. I should have gone with Ishido.\"\n\n\"I think you chose correctly.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"First have your bath, then I think I have a present for you.\"\n\n\"What present?\"\n\n\"Your brother Mizuno is coming after the evening meal.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's a present?\" Yabu bristled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What would I want with that fool?\"\n\n\"Special information or wisdom, even from a fool, can be just as valuable as from a counselor, neh? Sometimes more so.\"\n\n\"What information?\"\n\n\"First your bath. And food. You'll need a cool head tonight, Yabu-chan.\"\n\nYabu would have pressed her but the bath tempted him, and in truth, he was filled with a pleasing lassitude he had not felt in many a day. Part of it was due to Toranaga's deference this morning, part to the generals' deference over the last few days. But most of it was due to the killing, the ripple of joy that had rushed from sword to arm to head. Ah, to kill so cleanly, man to man—in front of men—that's a joy given to so few, so rarely. Rare enough to be appreciated and savored." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So he left his wife and relaxed further into his joy. He allowed hands to tend his body and then, refreshed and renewed, he went to a veranda room. The last rays of sunset bedecked the sky. The moon was low, crescent, and thin. One of his personal maids served his evening meal delicately. He ate sparingly and in silence. A little soup and fish and pickled vegetables.\n\nThe girl smiled invitingly. \"Shall I turn down the futons now, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Later. First tell my wife I wish to see her.\"\n\nYuriko arrived, wearing a neat but old kimono.\n\n\"So desu ka?\"\n\n\"Your brother's waiting. We should see him alone. See him first, Sire, then we'll talk, you and I—also alone. Please be patient, neh?\"\n\nKasigi Mizuno, Yabu's younger brother and Omi's father, was a small man with bulbous eyes, high forehead, and thin hair. His swords did not seem to suit him and he could barely handle them. Even with bow and arrow he was not much better.\n\nMizuno bowed and complimented Yabu on his skill this afternoon, for the news of the exploit had quickly spread around the castle, further enhancing Yabu's reputation as a fighter. Then, anxious to please, he came to the point." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I received a coded letter today from my son, Sire. The Lady Yuriko thought I'd better give it to you personally.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He handed the scroll to Yabu, with the decoding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The message from Omi read: \"Father, please tell Lord Yabu quickly and privately: first Lord Buntaro came to Mishima, secretly via Takato. One of his men let this slip during a drunken evening that I'd arranged in their honor. Second: During this secret visit at Takato, which lasted three days, Buntaro saw Lord Zataki twice and the Lady, Zataki's mother, three times. Third: Before Lord Hiro-matsu left Mishima he told his new consort, the Lady Oko, not to worry because 'while I'm alive Lord Toranaga will never leave the Kwanto.' Fourth: that... \"\n\nYabu looked up. \"How can Omi-san possibly know what Iron Fist said privately to his consort? We don't have spies in his house.\"\n\n\"We have now, Sire. Please read on.\"\n\n\"Fourth: that Hiro-matsu is resolved to commit treason, if necessary, and will confine Toranaga in Yedo, if necessary, and will order Crimson Sky over Toranaga's refusal with or without Lord Sudara's assent, if necessary. Fifth: that these are truths that can be believed. Lady Oko's personal maid is the daughter of my wife's foster mother and was introduced into the Lady Oko's service here at Mishima when, regrettably, her own maid curiously acquired a wasting malaise. Sixth: Buntaro-san is like a madman, brooding and angry—today he challenged and slaughtered a samurai purposelessly, cursing the name of the Anjin-san. Last: Spies report that Ikawa Jikkyu has massed ten thousand men in Suruga, ready to sweep across our borders. Please give Lord Yabu my greetings... \" The rest of the message was inconsequential.\n\n\"Jikkyu, eh! Must I go to my death with that devil unrevenged!\"\n\n\"Please be patient, Sire,\" Yuriko said. \"Tell him, Mizuno-san.\"\n\n\"Sire,\" the little man began. \"For months we've tried to put your plan into effect, the one you suggested when the barbarian first arrived. You remember, with all those silver coins, you mentioned that a hundred or even five hundred in the hands of the right cook would eliminate Ikawa Jikkyu once and for all.\" Mizuno's eyes seemed to grow even more froglike." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It seems that Mura, headman of Anjiro, has a cousin who has a cousin whose brother now is the best cook in Suruga. I heard today he's been accepted into Jikkyu's household. He's been given two hundred on account and the whole price is five hun—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We haven't got that money! Impossible! How can I raise five hundred—I'm so in debt now I can't even raise one hundred!\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Sire. So sorry, but the money's already set aside. Not all the barbarian coins remained in the strongbox. A thousand coins strayed before it was officially counted. So sorry.\"\n\nYabu gawked at him. \"How?\"\n\n\"It seems Omi-san was ordered to do that in your name. The money was brought here secretly to the Lady Yuriko, from whom permission was asked and granted before risking your displeasure.\"\n\nYabu thought about that a long time. \"Who ordered it?\"\n\n\"I did. After seeking permission.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Mizuno-san. And thank you, Yuriko-san.\" Yabu bowed to both. \"So! Jikkyu, eh? At long last!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He clapped his brother warmly on the shoulder and the smaller man was almost pathetic in his fawning pleasure." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: First and last, it means that Omi-san, your son, is loyal and an excellent vassal. If I had control of the future I'd promote him—yes, he deserves promotion, neh?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You did very well, brother. I'll send you some bolts of silk from the treasury. How is the lady, your wife?\"\n\n\"Well, Sire, very well. She asked you to accept her best wishes.\"\n\n\"We must have food together. Good—good. Now about the rest of the report—what are your views?\"\n\n\"Nothing, Sire. I would be most interested in what you think it means.\"\n\n\"First—\" Yabu stopped as he caught his wife's look, cautioning him, and changed what he was going to say. \"First and last, it means that Omi-san, your son, is loyal and an excellent vassal. If I had control of the future I'd promote him—yes, he deserves promotion, neh?\"\n\nMizuno was unctuously delighted. Yabu was patient with him, chatting with him, again complimenting him and, as soon as was polite, he dismissed him.\n\nYuriko sent for cha." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they were quite alone again he said, \"What does the rest mean?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her face mirrored her excitement now, \"Please excuse me, Sire, but I want to give you a new idea: Toranaga is playing us all for fools and has no intention, and never had any intention, of going to Osaka to surrender.\"\n\n\"Nonsense!\"\n\n\"Let me give you facts... Oh, Sire, you don't know how fortunate you are in your vassal Omi and that stupid brother who stole a thousand coins. Proof of my theory could be as follows: Buntaro-san, a trusted intimate, is sent to Zataki secretly. Why? Obviously to carry a new offer. What would tempt Zataki? The Kwanto—only that. So the offer is the Kwanto—in return for allegiance, once Toranaga is again President of the Council of Regents—a new one with the new mandate. He can afford to give it then, neh?\" She waited, then went on painstakingly. \"If he persuades Zataki to betray Ishido, he's a quarter of the way to the capital, Kyoto. How can the pact with his brother be cemented? Hostages! I heard this afternoon Lord Sudara, the Lady Genjiko, and their daughters and their son are going to visit their revered grandmother at Takato within ten days.\"\n\n\"All of them?\"\n\n\"Yes. Next Toranaga gives the Anjin-san back his ship, as good as new, with all the cannon and powder, two hundred fanatics and all that money, surely enough to buy more barbarian mercenaries, wako scum out of Nagasaki. Why? To allow him to attack and take the Black Ship of the barbarians. No Black Ship, no money, and immense trouble for the Christian priests who control Kiyama, Onoshi, and all traitorous Christian daimyos.\"\n\n\"Toranaga'd never dare to do that! The Taikō tried and failed and he was all powerful. The barbarians will sail away in fury. We'll never trade again.\"\n\n\"Yes. If we did it. But this time it's barbarian against barbarian, neh? It's nothing to do with us. And say the Anjin-san attacks Nagasaki and puts it to the torch—isn't Harima now hostile, and Kiyama and Onoshi, and, because of them, most Kyushu daimyos? Say the Anjin-san burns a few of their other ports, harries their shipping, and at the same time—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And at the same time Toranaga launches Crimson Sky!\" Yabu exploded.\n\n\"Yes. Oh yes,\" Yuriko agreed happily. \"Doesn't this explain Toranaga? Doesn't this intrigue fit him like a skin? Isn't he doing what he's always done, just waiting like always, playing for time like always, a day here a day there and soon a month has passed and again he has an overwhelming force to sweep all opposition aside? He's gained almost a month since Zataki brought the summons to Yokosé.\"\n\nYabu could feel his pulse roaring in his ears. \"Then we're safe?\"\n\n\"No, but we're not lost. I believe it's no surrender.\" She hesitated. \"But everyone was deceived. Oh, he's so clever, neh? Everyone fooled like us. Until tonight. Omi gave me the clues. We all forgot Toranaga is a great Nōh actor who can wear his own face as a mask if need be. Neh?\"\n\nYabu tried to marshal his thoughts but could not. \"But Ishido still has all Japan against us!\"\n\n\"Yes. Less Zataki. And there must be other secret alliances. Toranaga and you can hold the passes until the time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ishido has Osaka Castle and the Heir and the Taikō's wealth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But he'll stay skulking inside. Someone will betray him.\"\n\n\"What should I do?\"\n\n\"The opposite to Toranaga. Let him do the waiting, you must force the pace.\"\n\n\"How?\"\n\n\"The first thing, Sire, is this: Toranaga's forgotten the one thing you noticed this afternoon. The Tsukku-san's total fury. Why? Because the Anjin-san threatens the Christian future, neh? So you've got to put the Anjin-san under your protection at once, because those priests or their puppets will murder him within hours. Next: The Anjin-san needs you to protect and guide him, to help him get his new crew at Nagasaki. Without you and your men he has to fail. Without him and his ship and his cannon and more barbarians, Nagasaki won't burn, and that must happen or Kiyama, Onoshi, and Harima and the filthy priests won't be distracted enough to temporarily withdraw their support from Ishido. Meanwhile, Toranaga, now miraculously supported by Zataki and his fanatics, with you leading the Musket Regiment, sweeps through the Shinano passes down to the Kyoto plains.\"\n\n\"Yes. Yes, you are right, Yuriko-chan! It has to be that way. Oh, you are so clever, so wise!\"\n\n\"Wisdom and Luck are no good without the means to put a plan into effect, Sire. You alone can do that—you're the leader, the fighter, the battle-general that Toranaga must have. You must see him tonight.\"\n\n\"I can't go to Toranaga and tell him I've seen through his ruse, neh?\"\n\n\"No, but you'll beg him to allow you to go with the Anjin-san, that you must leave at once. We can think of a plausible reason.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: Your response must contain: \"Once he has power he'll order me to commit seppuku.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But if the Anjin-san attacks Nagasaki and the Black Ship, won't they stop trading and sail away?\"\n\n\"Yes. Possibly. But that's next year. By next year Toranaga will be a Regent, President of the Regents. And you his commander-in-chief.\"\n\nYabu came down from the clouds. \"No,\" he said firmly. \"Once he has power he'll order me to commit seppuku.\"\n\n\"Long before that you will have the Kwanto.\"\n\nHis eyes blinked. \"How?\"\n\n\"Toranaga will never actually give his half brother the Kwanto. Zataki's a perpetual threat. Zataki's a wild man, pride-filled, neh? It will be so easy for Toranaga to maneuver Zataki into begging for the foremost place in the battle. If Zataki doesn't get killed... perhaps a stray bullet or arrow? Probably a bullet. You must lead the Musket Regiment in the battle, Sire.\"\n\n\"Why shouldn't I receive a stray bullet equally?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You may, Sire. But you're not Toranaga's kinsman and therefore no threat to his power. You will become his most devoted vassal. He needs fighting generals. You'll earn the Kwanto, and that should be your only goal. He'll give it to you when Ishido's betrayed because he'll take Osaka for himself.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'odawara' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Vassal? But you said to wait and soon I'd nev—\"\n\n\"Now I counsel you to support him with all your strength. Not to follow his orders blindly like old Iron Fist, but cleverly. Don't forget, Yabu-chan, during battle, as in any battle, soldiers make mistakes, stray bullets do happen. So long as you lead the Regiment, you can choose, too—any time, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" he said, awed by her.\n\n\"Remember, Toranaga's worth following. He's Minowara, Ishido's a peasant. Ishido's the fool. I can see that now. Ishido should be hammering at the gates of Odawara right now, rain or no rains. Didn't Omi-san say that months ago too? Isn't Odawara undermanned? Isn't Toranaga isolated?\"\n\nYabu pounded his fist on the floor with delight. \"Then it's war after all! How clever you are to have seen through him! Ah, so he's been playing the fox all the time, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she said, greatly satisfied." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 12 sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko had come to the same astonishing conclusion, though not from all the same facts. Toranaga must be pretending, playing a secret game, she reasoned. That's the only possible explanation for his incredible conduct—giving the Anjin-san the ship, the money, all the cannon, and freedom in front of Tsukku-san. Now the Anjin-san will absolutely go against the Black Ship. He will take it, and threaten the one next year, and therefore he'll maul the Holy Church terribly and force the Holy Fathers to compel Kiyama and Onoshi to betray Ishido...\n\nBut why? If that's true, she thought, perplexed, and Toranaga's considering such a long-range plan, then of course he can't go to Osaka and bow before Ishido, neh? He must... Ah! What about today's delay that Hiro-matsu persuaded Toranaga to make? Oh, Madonna on high, Toranaga never intended to surrender! It's all a trick.\n\nWhy? To gain time.\n\nTo accomplish what? To wait and weave a thousand more tricks, and it doesn't matter what, only that Toranaga's once more what he always was, the almighty puppeteer.\n\nHow long before Ishido's impatience shatters and he raises the battle standard and moves against us?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "One month—at the most two." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No more. So by the ninth month of this Fifth Year of Keich?, the battle for the Kwanto begins!\n\nBut what's Toranaga gained in two months? I don't know—I only know that now my son has a chance to inherit his ten thousand koku, and to live and breed, and that now perhaps my father's line will not perish from the earth.\n\nShe relished her newfound knowledge, toying with it, examining it, finding her logic flawless. But what to do between now and then? she asked herself. Nothing more than you've already done—and decided to do. Neh?\n\n\"Mistress?\"\n\n\"Yes, Chimmoko?\"\n\n\"Gyoko-san is here. She has an appointment, she says.\"\n\n\"Ah yes. I forget to tell you. First heat saké, then bring it, and her, here.\"\n\nMariko reflected on the afternoon. She remembered his arms around her, so safe and warm and strong." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Can I see you tonight?'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he had asked very cautiously, after Yabu and Tsukku-san had left.\n\n'Yes,' she had said impulsively. 'Yes, my darling. Oh, how happy I am for thee. Tell Fujiko-san... ask her to send for me after the Hour of the Boar.'\n\nIn the quiet of her house her throat tightened. So much foolishness and danger.\n\nShe checked her makeup and coiffure in her mirror and tried to compose herself. Footsteps approached. The shoji slid open. \"Ah, Lady,\" Gyoko said, bowing deeply. \"How kind of you to see me.\"\n\n\"You're welcome, Gyoko-san.\"\n\nThey drank saké, Chimmoko pouring for them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Such lovely pottery, Lady. So beautiful.\"\n\nThey made polite conversation, then Chimmoko was sent away.\n\n\"So sorry, Gyoko-san, but our Master did not arrive this afternoon. I haven't seen him, though I hope to before I leave.\"\n\n\"Yes, I heard Yabu-san went to the jetty in his place.\"\n\n\"When I see Toranaga-sama I will ask him once more. But I expect his answer will be the same.\" Mariko poured saké for both of them.\n\n\"So sorry, he will not grant my request.\"\n\n\"Yes, I believe you. Not unless there is great pressure.\"\n\n\"There's no pressure that I can use. So sorry.\"\n\n\"So sorry too, Lady.\"\n\nMariko put down her cup. \"Then you've decided that some tongues are not safe.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"Yes, Lady, and so have I!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gyoko said harshly, \"If I were going to whisper secrets about you, would I tell you to your face? Do you think I'd be so naïve?\"\n\n\"Perhaps you'd better go, so sorry, but I have so much to do.\"\n\n\"Yes, Lady, and so have I!\" Gyoko replied, her voice rough. \"Lord Toranaga asked me, to my face, what I knew about you and the Anjin-san. This afternoon. I told him there was nothing between you. I said, 'Oh yes, Sire, I've heard the foul rumors too, but there's no truth in them. I swear it on the head of my son, Sire, and his sons. If anyone would know, surely it would be me. You may believe it's all a malicious lie—gossip, jealous gossip, Sire... ' Oh yes, Lady, you may believe I was suitably shocked, my acting perfect, and he was convinced.\" Gyoko quaffed the saké, and added bitterly, \"Now we are all ruined if he gets proof—which wouldn't be difficult to get. Neh?\"\n\n\"How?\"\n\n\"Put the Anjin-san to the test—Chinese methods. Chimmoko—Chinese methods. Me—Kiku-san—Yoshinaka... so sorry, even you, Lady—Chinese methods.\"\n\nMariko took a deep breath. \"May—may I ask you—why you took such a risk?\"\n\n\"Because in certain situations women must protect each other against men. Because I actually saw nothing. Because you've done me no harm. Because I like you and the Anjin-san and believe you both have your own karmas. And because I'd rather have you alive and a friend than dead, and it's exciting to watch you three moths circling the flame of life.\"\n\n\"I don't believe you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gyoko laughed softly. \"Thank you, Lady.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Controlled now, she said with complete sincerity, \"Very well, I'll tell you the real reason. I need your help. Yes, Toranaga-sama won't grant my request but perhaps you can think of a way. You're the only chance I've ever had, that I'll ever have in this lifetime, and I can't release it lightly. There, now you know. Please, I humbly beg you to help me with my request.\" She put both hands on the futons and bowed low. \"Please excuse my impertinence, Lady Toda, but all that I have will be put at your side if you will help me.\" Then she settled back on her heels, adjusted the folds of her kimono, and finished the saké.\n\nMariko tried to think straight. Her intuition told her to trust the woman but her mind was still partially befogged with her newfound insight into Toranaga and her relief that Gyoko had not denounced her as she had expected, so she decided to put that decision aside for later consideration. \"Yes, I will try. You must give me time, please.\"\n\n\"I can give you better than that. Here's a fact: You know Amida Tong? The assassins?\"\n\n\"What about them?\"\n\n\"Remember the one in Osaka Castle, Lady? He went against the Anjin-san—not Toranaga-sama. Lord Kiyama's chief steward gave two thousand koku for that attempt.\"\n\n\"Kiyama? But why?\"\n\n\"He's Christian, neh? The Anjin-san was the enemy even then, neh? If then, what about now? Now that the Anjin-san's samurai, and free, with his ship.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Another Amida? Here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gyoko shrugged. \"Who knows? But I wouldn't give an eta's loincloth for the Anjin-san's life if he's careless outside the castle.\"\n\n\"Where is he now?\"\n\n\"In his quarters, Lady. You're going to visit him soon, neh? Perhaps it'd be as well to warn him.\"\n\n\"You seem to know everything that's going on, Gyoko-san!\"\n\n\"I keep my ears open, Lady, and my eyes.\"\n\nMariko curbed her anxiety over Blackthorne. \"Did you tell Toranaga-sama?\"\n\n\"Oh yes, I told him that.\" The corners of Gyoko's eyes crinkled and she sipped her saké. \"As a matter of fact, I don't think he was surprised. That's interesting, don't you think?\"\n\n\"Perhaps you were mistaken.\"\n\n\"Perhaps. In Mishima I heard a rumor that there was a poison plot against Lord Kiyama. Terrible, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What plot?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gyoko told her the details.\n\n\"Impossible! One Christian daimyo would never do that to another!\"\n\nMariko filled the cups.\n\n\"May I ask what else was said, by you and by him?\"\n\n\"Part of it, Lady, was my plea to get back into his favor and out of that flea-sack inn, and to that he agreed. Now we're to have proper quarters within the castle, near the Anjin-san, in one of the guest houses and I may come and go as I wish. He asked Kiku-san to entertain him tonight and that's another improvement, though nothing will get him out of his melancholia. Neh?\" Gyoko was watching Mariko speculatively. Mariko kept her face guileless, and merely nodded. The other woman sighed and continued, \"Yes, he's very sad. Pity. Part of the time was spent on the three secrets. He asked me to repeat what I knew, what I'd told you.\"\n\nAh, Mariko thought, as another clue fell neatly into its slot. Ochiba? So that was Zataki's bait. And Toranaga's also got a cudgel over Omi's head if needed, and a weapon to use against Onoshi with Harima, or even Kiyama.\n\n\"You smile, Lady?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh yes, Mariko wanted to say, wanting to share her elation with Gyoko." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include this dialogue snippet naturally: \"Another piece of information before I go, to interest you, Lady, to cement our friendship. It's very possible the Anjin-san is very fertile.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How valuable your information must have been to our Master, she wanted to tell Gyoko. How he should reward you! You should be made a daimyo yourself! And how fantastic Toranaga-sama is to have listened, apparently so unconcernedly. How marvelous he is!\n\nBut Toda Mariko-noh-Buntaro only shook her head and said calmly, \"I'm sorry your information didn't cheer him up.\"\n\n\"Nothing I said improved his humor, which was dull and defeated. Sad, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, so sorry.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Gyoko sniffed. \"Another piece of information before I go, to interest you, Lady, to cement our friendship. It's very possible the Anjin-san is very fertile.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Kiku-san's with child.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Or Lord Toranaga. Possibly Omi-san. All were within the correct time span. Of course she took precautions after Omi-san as usual, but as you know, no method is perfect, nothing is ever guaranteed, mistakes happen, neh? She believes she forgot after the Anjin-san but she's not sure. That was the day the courier arrived at Anjiro, and in the excitement of leaving for Yokosé and of Lord Toranaga's buying her contract—it's understandable, neh?\" Gyoko lifted her hands, greatly perturbed. \"After Lord Toranaga, at my suggestion, she did the reverse. Also we both lit incense sticks and prayed for a boy.\"\n\nMariko studied the pattern on her fan. \"Who? Who do you think?\"\n\n\"That's the trouble, Lady. I don't know. I'd be grateful for your advice.\"\n\n\"This beginning must be stopped. Of course. There's no risk to her.\"\n\n\"I agree. Unfortunately, Kiku-san does not agree.\"\n\n\"What? I'm astonished, Gyoko-san! Of course she must. Or Lord Toranaga must be told. After all, it happened before he—\"\n\n\"Perhaps it happened before him, Lady.\"\n\n\"Lord Toranaga will have to be told. Why is Kiku-san so disobedient and foolish?\"\n\n\"Karma, Lady. She wants a child.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Whose child?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She won't say. All she said was that any one of the three had advantages.\"\n\n\"She'd be wise to let this one go and be sure next time.\"\n\n\"I agree. I thought you should know in case... There are many, many days before anything shows or before a miscarriage would be a danger to her. Perhaps she will change her mind. In this I cannot force her. She's no longer my property, though for the time being I'm trying to look after her. It would be splendid if the child was Lord Toranaga's. But say it had blue eyes... A last piece of advice, Lady: Tell the Anjin-san to trust this Uraga-noh-Tadamasa only so far, and never in Nagasaki. Never there. That man's final allegiance will always be to his uncle, Lord Harima.\"\n\n\"How do you find out these things, Gyoko-san?\"\n\n\"Men need to whisper secrets, Lady. That's what makes them different from us—they need to share secrets, but we women only reveal them to gain an advantage. With a little silver and a ready ear—and I have both—it's all so easy. Yes. Men need to share secrets. That's why we're superior to them and they'll always be in our power.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the darkness just before dawn, the portcullis of a side gate lifted noiselessly and ten men hurried out across the narrow drawbridge of the innermost moat. The iron grille closed after them. At the far side of the bridge the alert sentries deliberately turned their backs and allowed the men to pass unchallenged. All wore dark kimonos and conical hats and held their swords tightly: Naga, Yabu, Blackthorne, Uraga-noh-Tadamasa, and six samurai. Naga led, Yabu beside him, and he took them unerringly through a maze of side turnings, up and down staircases and along little-used passages. Whenever they met patrols or sentries—ever alert—Naga held up a silver cipher and the party was allowed to pass unhindered and unquestioned.\n\nBy devious byways he brought them to the main south gate, which was the sole way across the castle's first great moat. Here a company of samurai awaited them." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'turned' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Silently these men surrounded Naga's party, screening them, and they all hurried across the bridge. Still they were not challenged. They continued on, down the slight rise toward First Bridge, keeping as close as they could to the shadows of the flares that abounded near the castle. Once across First Bridge they turned south and vanished into the labyrinth of alleys, heading for the sea.\n\nJust outside the cordon surrounding the Erasmus wharf the accompanying samurai stopped and motioned the ten forward, then saluted and turned about and melted into the darkness again.\n\nNaga led the way through the barriers. They were admitted onto the jetty without comment. There were more flares and guards here than before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everything's ready?\" Yabu asked, taking charge now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire,\" the senior samurai replied.\n\n\"Good. Anjin-san, did you understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, thank you, Yabu-san.\"\n\n\"Good. You'd better hurry.\"\n\nBlackthorne saw his own samurai drawn up in a loose square to one side, and he waved Uraga across to them as had been prearranged. His eyes raced over his ship, checking and rechecking as he hurried aboard and jubilantly stood on his quarterdeck. The sky was still dark with no sign of dawn yet. All signs indicated a fair day with calm seas." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked back at the wharf. Yabu and Naga were deep in conversation. Uraga was explaining to his vassals what was going on. Then the barriers were opening again and Baccus van Nekk and the rest of the crew, all obviously apprehensive, stumbled into the clearing, surrounded by caustic guards.\n\nBlackthorne went to the gunwale and called out, \"Hey! Come aboard!\"\n\nWhen his men saw him they seemed less fearful, and began to hurry, but their guards cursed them and they stopped in their tracks.\n\n\"Uraga-san!\" Blackthorne shouted. \"Tell them to let my men aboard. At once.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uraga obeyed with alacrity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The samurai listened and bowed toward the ship and released the crew.\n\nVinck was first aboard, Baccus groping his way last. The men were still frightened, but none came up onto the quarterdeck which was Blackthorne's domain alone.\n\n\"Great Jesus, Pilot,\" Baccus panted, above the hubbub of questions. \"What's going on?\"\n\n\"What's amiss, Pilot?\" Vinck echoed with the others. \"Christ, one moment we was asleep, then all hell broke loose, the door burst open an' the monkeys were marching us here... \"\n\nBlackthorne held up his hand. \"Listen!\" When there was silence he began quietly, \"We're taking Erasmus to a safe harbor across the—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've not men enough, Pilot,\" Vinck broke in anxiously. \"We'll nev—\"\n\n\"Listen, Johann! We're going to be towed. The other ship'll be here any moment. Ginsel, go for'ard—you'll swing the lead. Vinck, take the helm, Jan Roper and Baccus stand by the forewinch, Salamon and Croocq aft. Sonk—go below and check our stores. Break out some grog if you can find any. Lay to!\"\n\n\"Wait a minute, Pilot!\" Jan Roper said. \"What's all the hurry? Where're we going and why?\"\n\nBlackthorne felt a surge of indignation at being questioned, but he reminded himself that they were entitled to know, they were not vassals and not eta but his crew, his shipmates, and, in some respects, almost partners. \"This is the beginning of the storm season. Tai-funs they call them—Great Storms. This berth isn't safe. Across the harbor, a few leagues south, is their best and safest anchorage. It's near a village called Yokohama. Erasmus will be safe there and can ride out any storm. Now lay to!\"\n\nNo one moved.\n\nVan Nekk said, \"Only a few leagues, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What then? And, well, what's the hurry?\"\n\n\"Lord Toranaga agreed to let me do it now,\" Blackthorne answered, telling half the truth. \"The sooner the better, I thought. He might change his mind again, neh? At Yokohama... \" He looked away as Yabu came stomping aboard with his six guards. The men fled out of his way.\n\n\"Jesus,\" Vinck choked out. \"It's him! It's the bastard who gave Pieterzoon his!\"\n\nYabu came up near to the quarterdeck, smiling broadly, oblivious of the terror that infected the crew as they recognized him. He pointed out to sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjin-san, look! There! Everything's perfect, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A galley like some monstrous sea caterpillar was sweeping silently toward them from the western darkness.\n\n\"Good, Yabu-sama! You want stand here?\"\n\n\"Later, Anjin-san.\" Yabu walked off to the head of the gangway.\n\nBlackthorne turned back to his men. \"Lay for'ard. On the double—and watch your tongues. Speak only gutter Dutch—there's one aboard who understands Portuguese! I'll talk to you when we're under way! Move!\"\n\nThe men scattered, glad to get away from Yabu's presence. Uraga and twenty of Blackthorne's samurai loped aboard. The others were forming up on the jetty to board the galley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uraga said, \"These your personal guards, if it pleases you, senhor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My name's Anjin-san, not senhor,\" Blackthorne said.\n\n\"Please excuse me, Anjin-san.\" Uraga began to come up the steps.\n\n\"Stop! Stay below! No one ever comes onto the quarterdeck without my permission! Tell them.\"\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san. Please excuse me.\"\n\nBlackthorne went to the side to watch the galley docking, just to the west of them. \"Ginsel! Go ashore and watch 'em take our hawsers! See they're secured properly. Look lively now!\"\n\nThen, his ship in control, Blackthorne scrutinized the twenty men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why are they all chosen from the bound group, Uraga-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're a clan, sen—Anjin-san. Like brothers, Sire. They beg for the honors of defending you.\"\n\n\"Anatawa—anatawa—anatawa—\" Blackthorne pointed out ten men at random and ordered them ashore, to be replaced from his other vassals, also to be selected by Uraga at random. And he told Uraga to make it clear all his vassals were to be like brothers or they could commit seppuku now.\n\n\"Wakarimasu?\"\n\n\"Hai, Anjin-san. Gomen nasai.\"\n\nSoon the bow hawsers were secured aboard the other craft. Blackthorne inspected everything, checked the wind again using all his sea sense, knowing that even within the benign waters of the vast Yedo harbor, their journey could be dangerous if a sudden squall began.\n\n\"Cast off!\" he shouted. \"Ima, Captain-san!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other captain waved and let his galley ease away from the jetty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Naga was aboard the craft, which was packed with samurai and the rest of Blackthorne's vassals. Yabu stood beside Blackthorne on the quarterdeck of Erasmus. She heeled slightly and a tremor went through her as she was taken by the weight of a current. Blackthorne and all the crew were filled with jubilation, their excitement at being once more at sea overriding their anxieties. Ginsel was leaning over the side of the tiny, roped starboard platform, swinging the lead, calling out the fathoms. The jetty began to fall away.\n\n\"Ahoy ahead, Yukkuri sei!\" Slow down!\n\n\"Hai, Anjin-san,\" came the answering shout." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Together the two ships felt their way out into the harbor stream, riding lights at their mastheads." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good, Anjin-san,\" Yabu said. \"Very good!\"\n\nYabu waited until they were well out to sea, then he took Blackthorne aside. \"Anjin-san,\" he said warily. \"You saved my life yesterday. Understand? Calling off those ronin. Remember?\"\n\n\"Yes. Only my duty.\"\n\n\"No, not duty. At Anjiro, you remember that other man, the seaman... remember?\"\n\n\"Yes, I remember.\"\n\n\"Shigata ga nai, neh? Karma, neh? That was before samurai or hatamoto... \" Yabu's eyes were glittering in the light of the sea lantern and he touched Blackthorne's sword and spoke softly and clearly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"... Before Oil Seller, neh? As samurai to samurai ask forget all before. Start new. Tonight. Please? Understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, understand.\"\n\n\"You need me, Anjin-san. Without me, no barbarian wako. You can't get them alone. Not from Nagasaki. Never. I can get them—help you get them. Now we fight same side. Toranaga's side. Same side. Without me, no wako, understand?\"\n\nBlackthorne watched the galley ahead for a moment and checked the deck and his seamen. Then he looked down on Yabu. \"Yes. Understand.\"\n\n\"You understand 'hate'—the word 'hate'?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Hate comes from fear. I do not fear you. You need not fear me. Never again. I want what you want: your new ships here, you here, captain of new ships. I can help you very much. First the Black Ship... ah yes, Anjin-san,\" he said, seeing the joy flood across Blackthorne's face, \"I will persuade Lord Toranaga. You know I'm a fighter, neh? I'll lead the charge. I'll take the Black Ship for you on land. Together you and I are stronger than one. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'perfect' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Possible get more men? More than two hundred my?\"\n\n\"If you need two thousand men... five thousand! Don't worry, you lead ship—I'll lead the fight. Agree?\"\n\n\"Yes. Fair trade. Thank you. I agree.\"\n\n\"Good, very good, Anjin-san,\" Yabu said contentedly. He knew this mutual partnership would benefit them both however much the barbarian hated him. Again Yuriko's logic had been flawless.\n\nEarlier that evening he had seen Toranaga and asked permission to go at once to Osaka to prepare the way for him. \"Please excuse me but I thought the matter urgent enough. After all, Sire,\" Yabu had said deferentially as he and his wife had planned, \"you should have someone of rank there to make sure that all your arrangements are perfect. Ishido's a peasant and doesn't understand ceremony, neh? The arrangement must be perfect or you should not go, neh? It could take weeks, neh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "DIRECTIVE: Incorporate \"Then there's also the barbarian ship, Sire. Better to put it at Yokohama at once in case of tai-fun. I'll supervise that myself, with your permission, before I go. The Musket Regiment can be its guards, give them something to do. Then I'll go on directly to Osaka with the galley. By sea'd be better and quicker, neh?\" in response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had been delighted with the ease with which Toranaga had been persuaded. \"Then there's also the barbarian ship, Sire. Better to put it at Yokohama at once in case of tai-fun. I'll supervise that myself, with your permission, before I go. The Musket Regiment can be its guards, give them something to do. Then I'll go on directly to Osaka with the galley. By sea'd be better and quicker, neh?\"\n\n\"Very well, yes, if you think that wise, Yabu-san, do it. But take Naga-san with you. Leave him in charge at Yokohama.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\" Then Yabu had told Toranaga about Tsukku-san's anger; how, if Lord Toranaga wanted the Anjin-san to live long enough to obtain men at Nagasaki in case Toranaga wanted the ship to put to sea, then perhaps this should be done at once without hesitation. \"The priest was very angry—I think angry enough to set his converts against the Anjin-san!\"\n\n\"You're sure?\"\n\n\"Oh yes, Sire. Perhaps I should put the Anjin-san under my protection for the moment.\" Then, as though it were a sudden thought, Yabu added, \"The simplest thing would be to take the Anjin-san with me. I can start arrangements at Osaka—continue to Nagasaki, get the new barbarians, then complete the arrangements on my return.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'different' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do whatever you think fit,\" Toranaga had said. \"I'll leave it to you to decide, my friend. What does it matter, neh? What does anything matter?\" Yabu was happy that, at long last, he could act. Only Naga's presence had not been planned, but that did not matter, and truly, it would be wise to have him at Yokohama.\n\nYabu was watching the Anjin-san—the tall, arrogant stance, feet slightly apart, swaying so easily with the pitch and toss of the waves, seemingly part of the ship, so huge and strong and different. So different from when ashore. Consciously Yabu began to take up a similar stance, aping him carefully.\n\n'I want more than the Kwanto, Yuriko-san,' he had whispered to his wife just before he had left their house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Just one more thing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I want command of the sea. I want to be Lord High Admiral. We'll put the whole revenue of the Kwanto behind Omi's plan to escort the barbarian to his home, to buy more ships and bring them back again. Omi will go with him, neh?'\n\n'Yes,' she had said, as happily. 'We can trust him.'" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around three sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and lore may appear without context - work with what's given.\n\nAuthor style: James Clavell" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wharf at Yedo was deserted now. The last of the samurai guards were disappearing into the byways heading back toward the castle. Father Alvito came out of the shadows, Brother Michael beside him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alvito looked seaward. \"May God curse her and all who sail in her.\"\n\n\"Except one, Father. One of our people sails with the ship. And Naga-san. Naga-san's sworn to become Christian in the first month of next year.\"\n\n\"If there even is a next year for him,\" Alvito said, filled with gloom." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know about Naga, perhaps he means it, perhaps not. That ship's going to destroy us and there's nothing we can do.\"\n\n\"God will help us.\"\n\n\"Yes, but meanwhile we're Soldiers of God and we have to help Him. The Father-Visitor must be warned at once, and the Captain-General. Have you found a carrier pigeon for Osaka yet?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Father, not for any amount of money. Nor even one for Nagasaki. Months ago Toranaga-sama ordered them all into his keeping.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alvito's gloom deepened. \"There must be someone with one! Pay anything that's necessary. The heretic will wound us terribly, Michael.\"\n\n\"Perhaps not, Father.\"\n\n\"Why are they moving the ship? Of course for safety, but more to put it out of our reach. Why has Toranaga given the heretic two hundred wako and his bullion back? Of course to use as a strike force, and the specie's to buy more pirates—gunners and seamen. Why give Blackthorne freedom? To harry us through the Black Ship. God help us, Toranaga's forsaken us too!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We've forsaken him, Father.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's nothing we can do to help him! We've tried everything with the daimyos. We're helpless.\"\n\n\"Perhaps if we prayed harder, perhaps God would show us a way.\"\n\n\"I pray and pray, but... perhaps God has forsaken us, Michael, rightly. Perhaps we're not worthy of His mercy. I know I'm not.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps the Anjin-san won't find gunners or seamen. Perhaps he'll never arrive at Nagasaki.\"\n\n\"His silver will buy him all the men he needs. Even Catholics—even Portuguese. Men foolishly think more about this world than the next. They won't open their eyes. They sell their souls all too easily. Yes. I pray Blackthorne never arrives there. Or his emissaries. Don't forget, there's no need at all for him to go there. The men could be bought and brought to him. Come along, let's go home now.\" Dispiritedly, Alvito led the way toward the Jesuit Mission which was a mile or so westward, near the docks, behind one of the large warehouses that normally housed the season's silks and rice and formed part of the market complex the Jesuits governed on behalf of buyer and seller." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They walked awhile along the shore, then Alvito stopped and looked seaward again. Dawn was breaking. He could see nothing of the ships. \"What chance of our message being delivered?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yesterday, Michael had discovered that one of Blackthorne's new vassals was a Christian. When the news had flared through the underground network of Yedo last night that something was going to happen with the Anjin-san and his ship, Alvito had hastily scrawled a ciphered message for dell'Aqua, giving all the latest news, and had begged the man to deliver it secretly if ever he reached Osaka.\n\n\"The message will arrive.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brother Michael added quietly, \"Our man knows he sails with the enemy.\"\n\n\"May God watch him and give him strength and curse Uraga.\" Alvito looked across at the younger man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why? Why did he become apostate?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He told you, Father,\" Brother Michael said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'found' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He wanted to be a priest—ordained in our Society. That wasn't much to ask, for a proud servant of God.\"\n\n\"He was too proud, Brother. God in His wisdom tempted him and found him wanting.\"\n\n\"Yes. I pray I am not found wanting when my turn comes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alvito wandered past their Mission toward the large plot of land that had been set aside by Toranaga for the cathedral that should soon rise from the earth to the glory of God." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Jesuit could already see it in his mind, tall, majestic yet delicate, dominating the city, peerless bells cast in Macao or Goa or even Portugal ringing the changes, the vast bronze doors ever wide to the faithful nobility. He could smell the incense and hear the sound of the Latin chants.\n\nBut war will destroy that dream, he told himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "War will come again to plague this land and it will be as it ever was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Father!\" Brother Michael whispered, cautioning him.\n\nA woman was ahead of them, looking at the beginning foundations that already were marked out and partially dug. Beside her were two maids." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alvito waited motionlessly, peering in the half-light. The woman was veiled and richly dressed. Then Brother Michael moved slightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His foot touched a stone and sent it clattering against an iron shovel, unseen in the gloaming." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The woman turned, startled. Alvito recognized her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mariko-san? It's me—Father Alvito.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Father? Oh, I was—I was just coming to see you. I'm leaving shortly but I wanted to talk to you before I left.\"\n\nAlvito came up to her. \"I'm so glad to see you, Mariko-san. Yes. I heard you were leaving. I tried to see you several times but, at the moment, I'm still forbidden the castle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wordlessly, Mariko looked back at the beginnings of the cathedral." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alvito glanced at Brother Michael, who was also bewildered that a lady of such importance would be so scantily attended, wandering here so early and unannounced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're here just to see me, Mariko-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. And to see the ship leave.\"\n\n\"What can I do for you?\"\n\n\"I wish to be confessed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then let it be here,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let yours be the first in this place though the ground is barely hallowed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, but could you say Mass here, Father?\"\n\n\"There's no church or altar or vestments or the Eucharist. I could do that in our chapel if you'll foll—\"\n\n\"Could we drink cha from an empty cup, Father? Please,\" she asked in a tiny voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry to ask. There's so little time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" he agreed, at once understanding her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So he walked to where the altar perhaps would be one day within the magnificent nave, under a vaulting roof." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Today, the lightening sky was the roof, and birds and the sound of the surf the majestic choir." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He began to chant the solemn beauty of the Mass and Brother Michael helped, and together they brought the Infinite to earth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But before the giving of the make-believe Sacrament he stopped and said, \"Now I must hear thy confession, Maria.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He motioned Brother Michael away and sat on a rock within an imaginary confessional and closed his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She knelt. \"Before God, do—\"\n\n\"Before I begin, Father, I beg a favor.\"\n\n\"From me or from God, Maria?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I beg a favor, before God.\"\n\n\"What is thy favor?\"\n\n\"The Anjin-san's life in return for knowledge.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"His life is not mine to give or to withhold.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. So sorry, but an order could be spread among all Christians that his life is not to be taken as a sacrifice to God.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Anjin-san is the enemy. A terrible enemy of our Faith.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Even so I beg for his life. In return—in return perhaps I can be of great help.\"\n\n\"How?\"\n\n\"Is my favor granted, Father? Before God?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I cannot grant such a favor. It's not mine to give or to withhold. You cannot barter with God.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko hesitated, kneeling on the hard earth before him. Then she bowed and began to get up. \"Very well. Then please excuse—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alvito said, \"I will put the request before the Father-Visitor.\"\n\n\"That's not enough, Father, please excuse me.\"\n\n\"I will put it before him and beg him in God's name to consider your petition.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If what I tell you is very valuable, will you, before God, swear that you will do everything in your power, everything to succor him and guard him, providing it is not directly against the Church?\"\n\n\"Yes. If it is not against the Church.\"\n\n\"And, so sorry, you agree to put my request before the Father-Visitor?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Before God, yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Father. Listen then... \" She told him her reasoning about Toranaga and the hoax.\n\nSuddenly everything was falling into place for Alvito. \"You're right, you must be right! God forgive me, how could I have been so stupid?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please listen again, Father, here are more facts.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She whispered the secrets about Zataki and Onoshi.\n\n\"It's not possible!\"\n\n\"There's also a rumor that Lord Onoshi plans to poison Lord Kiyama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Impossible!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, very possible. They're ancient enemies.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who told you all this, Maria?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The rumor is that Onoshi will poison Lord Kiyama during the Feast of the Blessed Saint Bernard this year,\" Mariko said tiredly, deliberately not answering the question." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Onoshi's son will be the new lord of all Kiyama's lands. General Ishido has agreed to this, providing my Master has already gone into the Great Void.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Proof, Mariko-san? Where's the proof?\"\n\n\"So sorry, I have none. But Lord Harima's party to the knowledge.\"\n\n\"How do you know this? How does Harima know? You say he's part of the plot?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Father. Just party to the secret.\"\n\n\"Impossible! Onoshi's too close-mouthed and much too clever. If he'd planned that, no one would ever know. You must be mistaken. Who gave you this information?\"\n\n\"I cannot tell you, so sorry, please excuse me. But I believe it to be true.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alvito let his mind rush over the possibilities." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And then: \"Uraga! Uraga was Onoshi's confessor! Oh, Mother of God, Uraga broke the sanctity of the confessional and told his liege lord... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps this secret's not true, Father. But I believe it to be true. Only God knows the real truth, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko had not put her veils aside and Alvito could see nothing of her face. Above, dawn was spreading over the sky. He looked seaward. Now he could see the two ships on the horizon heading southwest, the galley's oars dipping in unison, the wind fair and the sea calm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His chest hurt and his head echoed with the enormity of what he had been told." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He prayed for help and tried to sort fact from fancy. In his heart he knew the secrets were true and her reasoning flawless.\n\n\"You're saying that Lord Toranaga will outmaneuver Ishido—that he'll win?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Father. No one will win, but without your help Lord Toranaga will lose. Lord Zataki's not to be trusted. Zataki must always be a major threat to my Lord. Zataki will know this and that all Toranaga's promises are empty because Toranaga must try to eliminate him eventually. If I were Zataki I'd destroy Sudara and the Lady Genjiko and all their children the moment they gave themselves into my hands, and at once I'd move against Toranaga's northern defenses. I'd hurl my legions against the north, which would pull Ishido, Ikawa Jikkyu, and all the others out of their stupid lethargy. Toranaga can be eaten up too easily, Father.\"\n\nAlvito waited a moment, then he said, \"Lift your veils, Maria.\"\n\nHe saw that her face was stark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why have you told me all this?\"\n\n\"To save the Anjin-san's life.\"\n\n\"You commit treason for him, Maria? You, Toda Mariko-noh-Buntaro, daughter of the General Lord Akechi Jinsai, you commit treason because of a foreigner? You ask me to believe that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, so sorry, also—also to protect the Church. First to protect the Church, Father... I don't know what to do. I thought you might... Lord Toranaga is the Church's only hope. Perhaps you can somehow help him... to protect the Church. Lord Toranaga must have help now, he's a good and wise man and the Church will prosper with him. I know Ishido's the real enemy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Most Christian daimyos believe Toranaga will obliterate the Church and the Heir if ever he conquers Ishido and gets power.\"\n\n\"He may, but I doubt it. He will treat the Church fairly. He always has. Ishido is violently anti-Christian. So is the Lady Ochiba.\"\n\n\"All the great Christians are against Toranaga.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ishido's a peasant. Toranaga-sama is fair and wise and wants trade.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There has to be trade, whoever rules.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga has always been your friend, and if you're honest with him, he always will be with you.\" She pointed to the foundations. \"Isn't this a measure of his fairness? He gave this land freely—even when you failed him and he'd lost everything—even your friendship.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps.\"\n\n\"Last, Father, only Toranaga-sama can prevent perpetual war, you must know that. As a woman I ask that there be no everlasting war.\"\n\n\"Yes, Maria. He's the only one who could do that, perhaps.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes drifted away from her. Brother Michael was kneeling, lost in prayer, the two servants nearer the shore, waiting patiently. The Jesuit felt overwhelmed yet uplifted, exhausted yet filled with strength." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm glad that you have come here and told me this. I thank thee. For the Church and for me, a servant of the Church. I will do everything that I have agreed.\"\n\nShe bowed her head and said nothing.\n\n\"Will you carry a dispatch, Mariko-san? To the Father-Visitor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. If he is at Osaka.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A private dispatch?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"The dispatch is verbal. You will tell him everything you said to me and what I said to you. Everything.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very well.\"\n\n\"I have your promise? Before God?\"\n\n\"You have no need to say that to me, Father. I have agreed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked into her eyes, firm and strong and committed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Maria. Now let me hear thy confession.\"\n\nShe dropped her veils again. \"Please excuse me, Father, I'm not worthy even to confess.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Everyone is worthy in the sight of God.\"\n\n\"Except me. I'm not worthy, Father.\"\n\n\"You must confess, Maria. I cannot go on with your Mass—you must come before Him cleansed.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She knelt. \"Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned but I can only confess that I am not worthy to confess,\" she whispered, her voice breaking.\n\nCompassionately Father Alvito put his hand lightly on her head. \"Daughter of God, let me beg God's forgiveness for thy sins. Let me in His name absolve thee and make thee whole in His sight.\" He blessed her, and then he continued her Mass in this imaginary cathedral, under the breaking sky... the service more real and more beautiful than it had ever been, for him and for her." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 11 sentences. Context: May include pre-existing characters and lore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Erasmus was anchored in the best storm harbor Blackthorne had ever seen, far enough from shore to give her plenty of sea room, yet close enough for safety." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Six fathoms of clear water over a strong seabed were below, and except for the narrow neck of the entrance, high land all around that would keep any fleet snug from the ocean's wrath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The day's journey from Yedo had been uneventful though tiring." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Half a ri northward the galley was moored to a pier near Yokohama fishing village, and now they were alone aboard, Blackthorne and all his men, both Dutch and Japanese. Yabu and Naga were ashore inspecting the Musket Regiment and he had been told to join them shortly. Westward the sun was low on the horizon and the red sky promised another fine day tomorrow.\n\n\"Why now, Uraga-san?\" Blackthorne was asking from the quarterdeck, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep. He had just ordered the crew and everyone to stand down, and Uraga had asked him to delay for a moment to find out if there were any Christians among the vassals. \"Can't it wait until tomorrow?\"\n\n\"No, Sire, so sorry.\" Uraga was looking up at him in front of the assembled samurai vassals, the Dutch crew gathering into a nervous knot near the quarterdeck railing. \"Please excuse me, but it is most important you find out at once. You are their most enemy. Therefore you must know, for your protection. I only wish to protect you. Not take long, neh?\"\n\n\"Are they all on deck?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne went closer to the railing and called out in Japanese, \"Is anyone Christian?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no answer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I order any Christian come forward.\" No one moved. So he turned back to Uraga. \"Set ten deck guards, then dismiss them.\"\n\n\"With your permission, Anjin-san.\" From under his kimono Uraga brought out a small painted icon that he had brought from Yedo and threw it face upward on the deck. Then, deliberately, he stamped on it. Blackthorne and the crew were greatly disquieted by the desecration. Except Jan Roper. \"Please. Make every vassal do same,\" Uraga said.\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"I know Christians.\" Uraga's eyes were half hidden by the brim of his hat. \"Please, Sire. Important every man do same. Now, tonight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right,\" Blackthorne agreed reluctantly.\n\nUraga turned to the assembled vassals. \"At my suggestion our Master requires each of us to do this.\"\n\nThe samurai were grumbling among themselves and one interrupted, \"We've already said that we're not Christians, neh? What does stamping on a barbarian god picture prove? Nothing!\"\n\n\"Christians are our Master's enemy. Christians are treacherous—but Christians are Christian. Please excuse me, I know Christians—to my shame I forsook our real gods. So sorry, but I believe this is necessary for our Master's safety.\"\n\nAt once a samurai in front declared, \"In that case, there's nothing more to be said.\" He came forward and stamped on the picture. \"I worship no barbarian religion! Come on, the rest of you, do what's asked!\"\n\nThey came forward one by one. Blackthorne watched, despising the ceremony.\n\nVan Nekk said worriedly, \"Doesn't seem right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vinck looked up at the quarterdeck. \"Sodding bastards. They'll all cut our throats with never a thought. You sure you can trust 'em, Pilot?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nGinsel said, \"No Catholic'd ever do that, eh, Johann? That Uraga-sama's clever.\"\n\n\"What's it matter if those buggers're Papist or not, they're all shit-filled samurai.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Croocq said.\n\n\"Even so, it's not right to do that,\" van Nekk repeated.\n\nThe samurai continued to stamp the icon into the deck one by one, and moved into loose groups. It was a tedious affair and Blackthorne was sorry he had agreed to it, for there were more important things to do before dusk. His eyes went to the village and the headlands. Hundreds of the thatch lean-tos of the Musket Regiment camp spotted the foothills." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'jumped' 3 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So much to do, he thought, anxious to go ashore, wanting to see the land, glorying in the fief Toranaga had given him which contained Yokohama. Lord God on high, he told himself, I'm lord of one of the greatest harbors in the world.\n\nAbruptly a man bypassed the icon, tore out his sword, and leaped at Blackthorne. A dozen startled samurai jumped courageously in his way, screening the quarterdeck as Blackthorne spun around, a pistol cocked and aimed. Others scattered, shoving, stumbling, milling in the uproar. The samurai skidded to a halt, howling with rage, then changed direction and hacked at Uraga, who somehow managed to avoid the thrust. The man whirled as other samurai lunged at him, fought them off ferociously for a moment, then rushed for the side and threw himself overboard.\n\nFour who could swim dropped their killing swords, put their short stabbing knives in their mouths, and jumped after him, the rest and the Dutchmen crowding the side.\n\nBlackthorne jumped for the gunwale. He could see nothing below; then he caught sight of swirling shadows in the water. A man came up for air and went down again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon four heads surfaced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Between them was the corpse, a knife in his throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, Anjin-san, it was his own knife,\" one called up over the roars of the others.\n\n\"Uraga-san, tell them to search him, then leave him to the fish.\"\n\nThe search revealed nothing. When all were back on deck, Blackthorne pointed at the icon with his cocked pistol. \"All samurai—once more!\" He was obeyed instantly and he made sure that every man passed the test. Then, because of Uraga, and to praise him, he ordered his crew to do the same. There was the beginning of a protest.\n\n\"Come on,\" Blackthorne snarled. \"Hurry up, or I'll put my foot on your backs!\"\n\n\"No need to say that, Pilot,\" van Nekk said. \"We're not stinky pagan wogs!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're not stinky pagan wogs! They're samurai, by God!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They stared up at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anger, whipped by fear, rippled through them. Van Nekk began to say something but Ginsel butted in.\n\n\"Samurai're heathen bastards and they—or men like 'em—murdered Pieterzoon, our Captain-General, and Maetsukker!\"\n\n\"Yes, but without these samurai we'll never get home—understand?\"\n\nNow all the samurai were watching. Ominously they moved nearer Blackthorne protectively. Van Nekk said, \"Let it rest, eh? We're all a bit touchy and overtired. It was a long night. We're not our own masters here, none of us. Nor's the Pilot. The Pilot knows what he's doing—he's the leader, he's Captain-General now.\"\n\n\"Yes, he is. But it's not right for him to take their side over us, and by the Lord God, he's not a king—we're equal to him,\" Jan Roper hissed. \"Just because he's armed like them and dressed like them and can talk to the sods doesn't make him king over us. We've rights and that's our law and his law, by the Lord God, even though he's English. He swore Holy Oaths to abide by the rules—didn't you, Pilot!\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Blackthorne said. \"It's our law in our seas—where we're masters and in the majority. Now we're not. So do what I tell you to do and do it fast.\"\n\nMuttering, they obeyed. \"Sonk! Did you find any grog?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nosirnotagodcurseddribble!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll get saké sent aboard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, in Portuguese, Blackthorne added, \"Uraga-san, you'll come ashore with me and bring someone to scull. You four,\" he said in Japanese, pointing at the men who had dived over the side, \"you four now captains. Understand? Take fifty men each.\"\n\n\"Hai, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"What's your name?\" he asked one of them, a tall, quiet man with a scarred cheek.\n\n\"Nawa Chisato, Lord.\"\n\n\"You're captain today. All ship. Until I return.\"\n\n\"Yes, Lord.\"\n\nBlackthorne went to the gangway. A skiff was tied below.\n\n\"Where're you going, Pilot?\" van Nekk said anxiously.\n\n\"Ashore. I'll be back later.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good, we'll all go!\"\n\n\"By God I'll come with—\"\n\n\"And me. I'm go—\"\n\n\"Christ Jesus, don't leave me be—\"\n\n\"No! I'm going alone!\"\n\n\"But for God's sake what about us?\" van Nekk cried out. \"What are we going to do? Don't leave us, Pilot. What are—\"\n\n\"You just wait!\" Blackthorne told them. \"I'll see food and drink's sent aboard.\"\n\nGinsel squared up to Blackthorne." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought we were going back tonight. Why aren't we going back tonight?\"\n\n\"How long we going to stay here, Pilot, and how long—\"\n\n\"Pilot, what about Yedo?\" Ginsel asked louder. \"How long we going to stay here, with these Godcursed monkeys?\"\n\n\"Yes, monkeys, by God,\" Sonk said happily. \"What about our gear and our own folk?\"\n\n\"Yes, what about our eters, Pilot? Our people and our doxies?\"\n\n\"They'll be there tomorrow.\" Blackthorne pushed down his loathing. \"Be patient, I'll be back as soon as I can. Baccus, you're in charge.\" He turned to go." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm going with you,\" Jan Roper said truculently, following him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're in harbor so we take precedence and I want some arms.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne turned on him and a dozen swords left their scabbards, ready to kill Jan Roper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"One more word out of you and you're a dead man.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tall, lean merchant flushed and came to a halt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You curb your tongue near these samurai because any one of them'll take your head before I can stop them just because of your goddamned bad manners—let alone anything else! They're touchy, and near you I'm getting touchy, and you'll get arms when you need them. Understand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jan Roper nodded sullenly and backed off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai were still menacing but Blackthorne quieted them, and ordered them, on pain of death, to leave his crew alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll be back soon.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'blackthorne' | Required occurrences: 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked down the gangway and got into the skiff, Uraga and another samurai following. Chisato, the captain, went up to Jan Roper, who quailed under the menace, bowed, and backed away.\n\nWhen they were well away from the ship Blackthorne thanked Uraga for catching the traitor.\n\n\"Please, no thanks. It was only duty.\"\n\nBlackthorne said in Japanese so that the other man could understand, \"Yes, duty. But your koku change now. Now not twenty, now one hundred a year.\"\n\n\"Oh, Sire, thank you. I don't deserve it. I was only doing my duty and I must—\"\n\n\"Speak slowly. Don't understand.\"\n\nUraga apologized and said it slower.\n\nBlackthorne praised him again, then settled more comfortably in the stern of the boat, his exhaustion overcoming him. He forced his eyes open and glanced back at his ship to reassure himself she was well placed. Van Nekk and the others were at the gunwale and he was sorry that he had brought them aboard though he knew he had had no option." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without them the journey would not have been safe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mutinous scum, he thought. What the hell do I do about them? All my vassals know about the eta village and they're all as disgusted as... Christ Jesus, what a mess! Karma, neh?\n\nHe slept. As the skiff nosed into the shore near the pier he awoke. At first he could not remember where he was. He had been dreaming he was back in the castle in Mariko's arms, just like last night.\n\nLast night they had been lying in half-sleep after loving, Fujiko a party to the loving, Chimmoko on guard, when Yabu and his samurai had pounded on the door post. The evening had begun so pleasingly. Fujiko had also discreetly invited Kiku, and never had he seen her more beautiful and exuberant. As bells ended the Hour of the Boar, Mariko had punctually arrived. There had been merriment and saké but soon Mariko had shattered the spell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, but you're in great danger, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that Perhaps you should watch Yabu-sama too, Anjin-san." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She explained, and when she had added what Gyoko had said about not trusting Uraga, both Kiku and Fujiko were equally perturbed.\n\n\"Please don't worry. I'll watch him, never fear,\" he had reassured them.\n\nMariko had continued, \"Perhaps you should watch Yabu-sama too, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"This afternoon I saw the hatred in your face. So did he.\"\n\n\"Never mind,\" he had said. \"Shigata ga nai, neh?\"\n\n\"No. So sorry, it was a mistake. Why did you call your men off when they had Yabu-sama surrounded at first? Surely that was a bad mistake too. They would have killed him quickly and your enemy would have been dead without risk to you.\"\n\n\"That wouldn't have been right, Mariko-san. So many men against one. Not fair.\"\n\nMariko had explained to Fujiko and Kiku what he had said. \"Please excuse me, Anjin-san, but we all believe that is a very dangerous way of thinking and beg you to forsake it. It's quite wrong and very naïve. Please excuse me for being so blunt. Yabu-san will destroy you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. Not yet. I'm still too important to him. And to Omi-san.\"\n\n\"Kiku-san says, please tell the Anjin-san to beware of Yabu—and this Uraga. The Anjin-san may find it difficult to judge 'importance' here, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, I agree with Kiku-san,\" Fujiko had said.\n\nLater Kiku had left to go and entertain Toranaga. Then Mariko broke the peace in the room again. \"Tonight I must say sayonara, Anjin-san. I am leaving at dawn.\"\n\n\"No, there's no need now,\" he had said. \"That can all be changed now. I'll see Toranaga tomorrow. Now that I've permission to leave, I'll take you to Osaka. I'll get a galley, or coastal boat. At Nagasa—\"\n\n\"No, Anjin-san. So sorry, I must leave as ordered.\" No amount of persuasion would touch her.\n\nHe had felt Fujiko watching him in the silence, his heart aching with the thought of Mariko leaving." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'anjin-san' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had looked across at Fujiko. She asked them to excuse her for a moment. She closed the shoji behind her and they were alone and they knew that Fujiko would not return, that they were safe for a little time. Their loving was urgent and violent. Then there were voices and footsteps and barely enough time to become composed before Fujiko joined them through the inner door and Yabu strode in, bringing Toranaga's orders for an immediate, secret departure. \"... Yokohama, then Osaka for a brief stop, Anjin-san, on again to Nagasaki, back to Osaka, and home here again! I've sent for your crew to report to the ship.\"\n\nExcitement had rushed through him at this heaven-sent victory. \"Yes, Yabu-san. But Mariko-san—Mariko-san go Osaka also, neh? Better with us—quicker, safer, neh?\"\n\n\"Not possible, so sorry. Must hurry. Come along! Tide—understand 'tide,' Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Hai, Yabu-san. But Mariko-san go Osaka—\"\n\n\"So sorry, she has orders like we have orders. Mariko-san! Explain to him. Tell him to hurry!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu had been inflexible, and so late at night it was impossible to go to Toranaga to ask him to rescind the order. There had been no time or privacy to talk any more with Mariko or Fujiko, other than to say formal good-bys. But they would meet soon in Osaka. \"Very soon, Anjin-san,\" Mariko had said...\n\n\"Lord God, don't let me lose her,\" Blackthorne said, the sea gulls cawing above the beach, their cries intensifying his loneliness.\n\n\"Lose who, Sire?\"\n\nBlackthorne came back into reality. He pointed at the distant ship. \"We call ships her—we think of ships as female, not male. Wakarimasu ka?\"\n\n\"Hai.\"\n\nBlackthorne could still see the tiny figures of his crew and his insoluble dilemma confronted him once more." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"I said most Catholics are my enemies.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You've got to have them aboard, he said to himself, and more like them. And the new men'll not take kindly to samurai either, and they'll be Catholic as well, most of them. God in heaven, how to control them all? Mariko was right. Near Catholics I'm a dead man.\n\n\"Even me, Anjin-san,\" she had said last night.\n\n\"No, Mariko-chan. Not you.\"\n\n\"You said we're your enemy, this afternoon.\"\n\n\"I said most Catholics are my enemies.\"\n\n\"They will kill you if they can.\"\n\n\"Yes. But thou... will we truly meet in Osaka?\"\n\n\"Yes. I love thee. Anjin-san, remember, beware of Yabu-san... \"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene (which might reference existing characters and worldbuilding), and you will continue the story with 1 sentence, channeling the voice and techniques of James Clavell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once more in the crowded Osaka sea roads after the long journey by galley, Blackthorne again felt the same crushing weight of the city as when he had first seen it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Great swathes had been laid waste by the tai-fun and some areas were still fire-blackened, but its immensity was almost untouched and still dominated by the castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even from this distance, more than a league, he could see the colossal girth of the first great wall, the towering battlements, all dwarfed by the brooding malevolence of the donjon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Christ,\" Vinck said nervously, standing beside him on the prow, \"doesn't seem possible to be so big. Amsterdam'd be a flyspeck alongside it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. The storm's hurt the city but not that badly. Nothing could touch the castle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tai-fun had slammed out of the southwest two weeks ago." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had had plenty of warning, with lowering skies and squalls and rain, and had rushed the galley into a safe harbor to wait out the tempest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had waited five days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beyond the harbor the ocean had been whipped to froth and the winds were more violent and stronger than anything Blackthorne had ever experienced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christ,\" Vinck said again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wish we were home. We should've been home a year ago.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne had brought Vinck with him from Yokohama and sent the others back to Yedo, leaving Erasmus safely harbored and guarded under Naga's command." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His crew had been happy to go—as he had been happy to see the last of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There had been more quarreling that night and a violent argument over the ship's bullion." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'money' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The money was company money, not his." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Van Nekk was treasurer of the expedition and chief merchant and, jointly with the Captain-General, had legal jurisdiction over it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After it had been counted and recounted and found correct, less a thousand coins, van Nekk supported by Jan Roper had argued about the amount that he could take with him to get new men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You want far too much, Pilot! You'll have to offer them less!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Christ Jesus! Whatever it takes we have to pay. I must have seamen and gunners.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had slammed his fist on the table of the great cabin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How else are we going to get home?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eventually he had persuaded them to let him take enough, and was disgusted that they had made him lose his temper with their pettifogging." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The next day he had shipped them back to Yedo, a tenth of the treasure split up among them as back pay, the rest under guard on the ship." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do we know it'll be safe here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jan Roper asked, scowling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stay and guard it yourself then!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But none of them had wanted to stay aboard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vinck had agreed to come with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why him, Pilot?\" van Nekk had asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because he's a seaman and I'll need help.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne had been glad to see the last of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once at sea he began to change Vinck to Japanese ways." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vinck was stoic about it, trusting Blackthorne, having sailed too many years with him not to know his measure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pilot, for you I'll bathe and wash every day but I'll be God-cursed afore I wear a poxy nighty!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Within ten days Vinck was happily swinging the lead half-naked, his wide leather belt over his paunch, a dagger stuck in a sheath at his back and one of Blackthorne's pistols safely within his clean though ragged shirt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We don't have to go to the castle, do we, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Christ Jesus—I'd rather stay away from there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The day was fine, a high sun shimmering off the calm sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rowers were still strong and disciplined." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Vinck—that's where the ambush was!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christ Jesus, look at those shoals!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne had told Vinck about the narrowness of his escape, the signal fires on those battlements, the piles of dead ashore, the enemy frigate bearing down on him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, Anjin-san.\" Yabu came to join them. \"Good, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He motioned at the devastation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bad, Yabu-sama.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's enemy, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"People are not enemy. Only Ishido and samurai enemy, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The castle is enemy,\" Yabu replied, reflecting his disquiet, and that of all those aboard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here everything is enemy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne watched Yabu move to the bow, the wind whipping his kimono away from his hard torso." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vinck dropped his voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want to kill that bastard, Pilot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. I've not forgotten about old Pieterzoon either, don't worry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nor me, God be my judge! Beats me how you talk their talk. What'd he say?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He was just being polite.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the plan?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We dock and wait. He goes off for a day or two and we keep our heads down and wait. Toranaga said he'd send messages for the safe conducts we'd need but even so, we're going to keep our heads down and stay aboard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne scanned the shipping and the waters for dangers but found none." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still, he said to Vinck, \"Better call the fathoms now, just in case!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aye!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu watched Vinck swinging the lead for a moment, then strolled back to Blackthorne." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anjin-san, perhaps you'd better take the galley and go on to Nagasaki. Don't wait, eh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right,\" Blackthorne said agreeably, not rising to the bait." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu laughed. \"I like you, Anjin-san! But so sorry, alone you'll soon die. Nagasaki's very bad for you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Osaka bad—everywhere bad!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Karma.\" Yabu smiled again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne pretended to share the joke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had had variations of the same conversation many times during the voyage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne had learned much about Yabu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hated him even more, distrusted him even more, respected him more, and knew their karmas were interlocked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yabu-san's right, Anjin-san,\" Uraga had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He can protect you at Nagasaki, I cannot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because of your uncle, Lord Harima?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Perhaps I'm already declared outlaw, neh? My uncle's Christian—though I think a rice Christian.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nagasaki is his fief. Nagasaki has great harbor on the coast of Kyushu but not the best. So he quickly sees the light, neh? He becomes Christian, and orders all his vassals Christian. He ordered me Christian and into the Jesuit School, and then had me sent as one of the Christian envoys to the Pope. He gave land to the Jesuits and—how would you say it—fawns on them. But his heart is only Japanese.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do the Jesuits know what you think?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do they believe that about rice Christians?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They don't tell us, their converts, what they truly believe, Anjin-san. Or even themselves most times. They are trained to have secrets, to use secrets, to welcome them, but never to reveal them. In that they're very Japanese.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'd better stay here in Osaka, Uraga-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Sire, I am your vassal. If you go to Nagasaki, I go.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne knew that Uraga was becoming an invaluable aid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man was revealing so many Jesuit secrets: the how and why and when of their trade negotiations, their internal workings and incredible international machinations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he was equally informative about Harima and Kiyama and how the Christian daimyos thought, and why, probably, they would stay sided with Ishido." }, { "from": "human", "value": "God, I know so much now that'd be priceless in London, he thought, and so much still to learn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How can I pass on the knowledge?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For instance that China's trade, just in silk to Japan, is worth ten million in gold a year, and that, even now, the Jesuits have one of their professed priests at the Court of the Emperor of China in Peking, honored with courtly rank, a confidant of the rulers, speaking Chinese perfectly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If only I could send a letter—if only I had an envoy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In return for all the knowledge Blackthorne began to teach Uraga about navigation, about the great religious schism, and about Parliament." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Also he taught him and Yabu how to fire a gun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both were apt pupils." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uraga's a good man, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No problem. Except he's ashamed of his lack of a samurai queue. That'll soon grow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a warning shout from the forepoop lookout." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjin-san!\" The Japanese captain was pointing ahead at an elegant cutter, oared by twenty men, that approached from the starboard quarter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the masthead was Ishido's cipher." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alongside it was the cipher of the Council of Regents, the same that Nebara Jozen and his men had traveled under to Anjiro, to their deaths." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who is it?\" Blackthorne asked, feeling a tension throughout the ship, all eyes straining into the distance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't see yet, so sorry,\" the captain said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yabu-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu shrugged. \"An official.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the cutter came closer, Blackthorne saw an elderly man sitting under the aft canopy, wearing ornate ceremonial dress with the winged overmantle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wore no swords." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Surrounding him were Ishido's Grays." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The drum master ceased the beat to allow the cutter to come alongside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Men rushed to help the official aboard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A Japanese pilot jumped after him and after numerous bows took formal charge of the galley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu and the elderly man were also formal and painstaking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At length they were seated on cushions of unequal rank, the official taking the most favored position on the poop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samurai, Yabu's and Grays, sat cross-legged or knelt on the main deck surrounding them in even lesser places." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Council welcomes you, Kasigi Yabu, in the name of His Imperial Highness,\" the man said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was small and stocky, somewhat effete, a senior adviser to the Regents on protocol who also had Imperial Court rank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His name was Ogaki Takamoto, he was a Prince of the Seventh Rank, and his function was to act as one of the intermediaries between the Court of His Imperial Highness, the Son of Heaven, and the Regents." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His teeth were dyed black in the manner that all courtiers of the Imperial Court had, by custom, affected for centuries." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Prince Ogaki. It's a privilege to be here on Lord Toranaga's behalf,\" Yabu said, vastly impressed with the honor being done to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I'm sure it is. Of course, you're here on your own behalf also, neh?\" Ogaki said dryly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course,\" Yabu replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When does Lord Toranaga arrive? So sorry, but the tai-fun. delayed me for five days and I've had no news since I left.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, yes, the tai-fun. Yes, the Council were so happy to hear that the storm did not touch you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogaki coughed. \"As to your master, I regret to tell you that he hasn't even reached Odawara yet. There have been interminable delays, and some sickness. Regrettable, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh yes, very—nothing serious, I trust?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu asked quickly, immensely glad to be party to Toranaga's secret." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, fortunately nothing serious.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again the dry cough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Ishido understands that your master reaches Odawara tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu was suitably surprised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When I left, twenty-one days ago, everything was ready for his immediate departure, then Lord Hiro-matsu became sick. I know Lord Toranaga was gravely concerned but anxious to begin his journey—as I'm anxious to begin preparations for his arrival.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everything's prepared,\" the small man said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course the Council will have no objections if I check the arrangements, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu was expansive. \"It's essential the ceremony be worthy of the Council and occasion, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Worthy of His Imperial Majesty, the Son of Heaven. It's his summons now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course but... \" Yabu's sense of well-being died." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You mean... you mean His Imperial Highness will be there?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Exalted has agreed to the Regents' humble request to accept personally the obeisance of the new Council, all major daimyos, including Lord Toranaga, his family, and vassals. The senior advisers of His Imperial Highness were asked to choose an auspicious day for such a—such a ritual. The twenty-second day of this month, in this, the fifth year of the era Keich.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu was stupefied. \"In—in nineteen days?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At noon.\" Fastidiously Ogaki took out a paper kerchief from his sleeve and delicately blew his nose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me. Yes, at noon. The omens were perfect. Lord Toranaga was informed by Imperial messenger fourteen days ago. His immediate humble acceptance reached the Regents three days ago.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ogaki took out a small scroll." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here is your invitation, Lord Kasigi Yabu, to the ceremony.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu quailed as he saw the Imperial seal of the sixteen-petal chrysanthemum and knew that no one, not even Toranaga, could possibly refuse such a summons." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A refusal would be an unthinkable insult to the Divinity, an open rebellion, and as all land belonged to the reigning Emperor, would result in immediate forfeiture of all land, coupled with an Imperial invitation to commit seppuku at once, issued on his behalf by the Regents, also sealed with the Great Seal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Such an invitation would be absolute and would have to be obeyed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu frantically tried to recover his composure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, are you unwell?\" Ogaki asked solicitously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry,\" Yabu stuttered, \"but never in my wildest dreams... No one could have imagined the Exalted would—would so honor us, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree, oh yes. Extraordinary!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Astonishing... that His Imperial Highness would—would consider leaving Kyoto and—and come to Osaka.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree. Even so, on the twenty-second day, the Exalted and the Imperial Regalia will be here.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'emperor' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Imperial Regalia, without which no succession was valid, were the Three Sacred Treasures, considered divine, that all believed had been brought to earth by the god Ninigi-noh-Mikoto and passed on by him personally to his grandson, Jimmu Tenno, the first human Emperor, and by him personally to his successor down to the present holder, the Emperor Go-Nijo: the Sword, the Jewel, and the Mirror." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Sacred Sword and the Jewel always traveled in state with the Emperor whenever he had to stay overnight away from the palace; the Mirror was kept within the inner sanctuary at the great Shinto shrine of Ise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Sword, the Mirror, and the Jewel belonged to the Son of Heaven." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were divine symbols of legitimate authority, of his divinity, that when he was on the move, the divine throne moved with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And thus that with him went all power." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu croaked, \"It's almost impossible to believe that preparations for his arrival could be made in time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, the Lord General Ishido, on behalf of the Regents, petitioned the Exalted the moment he first heard from Lord Zataki at Yokosé that Lord Toranaga had agreed, equally astonishingly, to come to Osaka and bow to the inevitable. Only the great honor that your master does the Regents prompted them to petition the Son of Heaven to grace the occasion with the Presence.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again the dry cough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, you would perhaps give me your formal acceptance in writing as soon as is convenient?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I do it at once?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu asked, feeling very weak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure the Regents would appreciate that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Feebly Yabu sent for writing materials." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nineteen kept pounding in his brain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nineteen days! Toranaga can delay only nineteen days and then he must be here too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Time enough for me to get to Nagasaki and safely back to Osaka, but not time enough to launch the seaborne attack on the Black Ship and take it, so not time enough to pressure Harima, Kiyama, or Onoshi, or the Christian priests, therefore not time enough to launch Crimson Sky, therefore Toranaga's whole scheme is just another illusion... oh oh oh!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga's failed. I should have known that he would." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The answer to my dilemma is clear: Either I blindly trust Toranaga to squeeze out of this net and I help the Anjin-san as planned to get the men to take the Black Ship even more rapidly, or I've got to go to Ishido and tell him everything I know and try to barter for my life and for Izu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Which?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Paper and brush and ink arrived." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu put his anguish aside for a moment and concentrated on writing as perfectly and beautifully as he could." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was unthinkable to reply to the Presence with a cluttered mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he had finished his acceptance, he had made the critical decision: He would follow Yuriko's advice completely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once the weight tumbled off his wa and he felt greatly cleansed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He signed his name with an arrogant flourish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How to be Toranaga's best vassal?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So simple: Remove Ishido from this earth." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How to do that, yet leave enough time to escape?\n\nThen he heard Ogaki say, \"Tomorrow you are invited to a formal reception given by the General Lord Ishido to honor the birthday of the Lady Ochiba.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\nfour sentences\nStyle:\nJames Clavell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still travel-worn, Mariko embraced Kiri first, then hugged the Lady Sazuko, admired the baby, and hugged Kiri again. Personal maids fussed and bustled around them, bringing cha and saké and taking away the trays again, hurrying in and out with cushions and sweet-smelling herbs, opening and closing the shojis overlooking the inner garden in their section of Osaka Castle, waving fans, chattering, and weeping also.\n\nAt length Kiri clapped her hands, dismissed the maids, and groped heavily for her special cushion, overcome with excitement and happiness. She was very flushed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hastily Mariko and the Lady Sazuko fanned her and ministered to her, and only after three large cups of saké was she able to catch her breath again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, that's better,\" she said. \"Yes, thank you child, yes, I'll have some more! Oh, Mariko-chan, you're really here?\"\n\n\"Yes, yes. Really here, Kiri-san.\"\n\nSazuko, looking much younger than her seventeen years, said, \"Oh, we've been so worried with only rumors and—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, nothing but rumors, Mariko-chan,\" Kiri interrupted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, there's so much I want to know, I feel faint.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Poor Kiri-san, here, have some saké,\" Sazuko said solicitously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps you should loosen your obi and—\"\n\n\"I'm perfectly all right now! Please don't fuss, child.\" Kiri exhaled and folded her hands over her ample stomach. \"Oh Mariko-san, it's so good to see a friendly face again from outside Osaka Castle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Sazuko echoed, nestling closer to Mariko, and said in a torrent, \"whenever we go out of our gate Grays swarm around us like we were queen bees. We're not allowed to leave the castle, except with the Council's permission—none of the ladies are, even Lord Kiyama's—and the Council almost never meets and they hem and haw so there's never any permission and the doctor still says I'm not to travel yet but I'm fine and the baby's fine and... But first tell us—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiri interrupted, \"First tell us how our Master is.\"\n\nThe girl laughed, her vivacity undiminished. \"I was going to ask that, Kiri-san!\"\n\nMariko replied as Toranaga had ordered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's committed to his course—he's confident and content with his decision.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had rehearsed herself many times during her journey. Even so the strength of the gloom she created almost made her want to blurt out the truth. \"So sorry,\" she said.\n\n\"Oh!\" Sazuko tried not to sound frightened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri heaved herself to a more comfortable position." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Karma is karma, neh?\"\n\n\"Then—then there's no change—no hope?\" the girl asked.\n\nKiri patted her hand. \"Believe that karma is karma, child, and Lord Toranaga is the greatest, wisest man alive. That is enough, the rest is illusion. Mariko-chan, do you have messages for us?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, so sorry. Yes, here.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'wants' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko took the three scrolls from her sleeve. \"Two for you, Kiri-chan—one from our Master, one from Lord Hiro-matsu. This is for you, Sazuko, from your Lord, but he told me to tell you he misses you and wants to see his newest son. He made me remember to tell you three times. He misses you very much and oh so wants to see his youngest son. He misses you very... \"\n\nTears were spilling down the girl's cheeks. She mumbled an apology and ran out of the room clutching the scroll." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Poor child. It's so very hard for her here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiri did not break the seals of her scrolls. \"You know about His Imperial Majesty being present?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Mariko was equally grave. \"A courier from Lord Toranaga caught up with me a week ago. The message gave no details other than that, and named the day he will arrive here. Have you heard from him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not directly—nothing private—not for a month now. How is he? Really?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Confident.\" She sipped some saké. \"Oh, may I pour for you?\"\n\n\"Thank you.\"\n\n\"Nineteen days isn't much time, is it, Kiri-chan?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's time enough to go to Yedo and back again if you hurry, time enough to live a lifetime if you want, more than enough time to fight a battle or lose an Empire—time for a million things, but not enough time to eat all the rare dishes or drink all the saké... \" Kiri smiled faintly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm certainly not going to diet for the next twenty days. I'm—\" She stopped. \"Oh, please excuse me—listen to me prattling on and you haven't even changed or bathed. There'll be plenty of time to talk later.\"\n\n\"Oh, please don't concern yourself. I'm not tired.\"\n\n\"But you must be. You'll stay at your house?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. That's where the General Lord Ishido's pass permits me to go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko smiled wryly. \"His welcome was flowery!\"\n\nKiri scowled. \"I doubt if he'd be welcome even in hell.\"\n\n\"Oh? So sorry, what now?\"\n\n\"Nothing more than before. I know he ordered the Lord Sugiyama murders and tortures though I've no proof. Last week one of Lord Oda's consorts tried to sneak out with her children, disguised as a street cleaner. Sentries shot them 'by mistake.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How terrible!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course, great 'apologies'! Ishido claims security is all important. There was a trumped-up assassination attempt on the Heir—that's his excuse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why don't the ladies leave openly?\"\n\n\"The Council has ordered wives and families to wait for their husbands, who must return for the Ceremony. The great Lord General feels 'the responsibility of their safety too gravely to allow them to wander.' The castle's locked tighter than an old oyster.\"\n\n\"So is the outside, Kiri-san. There are many more barriers than before on the Tokaidō, and Ishido's security's very strong within fifty ri. Patrols everywhere.\"\n\n\"Everyone's frightened of him, except us and our few samurai, and we're no more trouble to him than a pimple on a dragon's rump.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Include the following text] → \"Yes, you can see that for yourself. And so am I.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even our doctors?\"\n\n\"Them too. Yes, they still advise us not to travel, even if it were permitted, which it will never be.\"\n\n\"Is the Lady Sazuko fit—is the baby fit, Kiri-san?\"\n\n\"Yes, you can see that for yourself. And so am I.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri sighed, the strain showing now, and Mariko noticed there was much more gray in her hair than before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing's changed since I wrote to Lord Toranaga at Anjiro. We're hostages and we'll stay hostages with all the rest until The Day. Then there'll be a resolution.\"\n\n\"Now that His Imperial Highness is arriving... that makes everything final, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. It would seem so. Go and rest, Mariko-chan, but eat with us tonight. Then we can talk, neh? Oh, by the way, one piece of news for you. Your famous barbarian hatamoto—bless him for saving our Master, we heard about that—he docked safely this morning, with Kasigi Yabu-san.\"\n\n\"Oh! I was so worried about them. They left the day before I did by sea. We were also caught in part of the tai-fun, near Nagoya, but it wasn't that bad for us. I was afraid at sea... Oh, that's a relief.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It wasn't too bad here except for the fires. Many thousands of homes burned but barely two thousand dead. We heard today that the main force of the storm hit Kyushu, on the east coast, and part of Shikoku. Tens of thousands died. No one yet knows the full extent of the damage.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But the harvest?\" Mariko asked quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Much of it's flattened here—fields upon fields. The farmers hope that it will recover but who knows? If there's no damage to the Kwanto during the season, their rice may have to support the whole Empire this year and next.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would be far better if Lord Toranaga controlled such a harvest than Ishido. Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. But, so sorry, nineteen days is not time enough to take in a harvest, with all the prayers in the world.\"\n\nMariko finished her saké. \"Yes.\"\n\nKiri said, \"If their ship left the day before you, you must have hurried.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory inclusion (with quotes): Yes. He's in charge of Mishima and all the border at the moment. I saw him briefly coming here. Do you know where Kasigi Yabu-sama's staying? I have a message for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought it best not to dawdle, Kiri-chan. It's no pleasure for me to travel.\"\n\n\"And Buntaro-san? He's well?\"\n\n\"Yes. He's in charge of Mishima and all the border at the moment. I saw him briefly coming here. Do you know where Kasigi Yabu-sama's staying? I have a message for him.\"\n\n\"In one of the guest houses. I'll find out which and send you word at once.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri accepted more wine." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that I heard that. I want to hear everything about him and the earthquake and all your news. Oh yes, there's a formal reception tomorrow evening for Lady Ochiba's birthday, given by Lord Ishido. Of course you'll be invited. I heard that the Anjin-san's going to be invited too. The Lady Ochiba wanted to see what he looks like. You remember the Heir met him once. Wasn't that the first time you saw him too?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Mariko-chan. I heard the Anjin-san's still on the galley.\"\n\n\"He's a very interesting man, Kiri-san. He's become more than a little useful to our Master.\"\n\n\"I heard that. I want to hear everything about him and the earthquake and all your news. Oh yes, there's a formal reception tomorrow evening for Lady Ochiba's birthday, given by Lord Ishido. Of course you'll be invited. I heard that the Anjin-san's going to be invited too. The Lady Ochiba wanted to see what he looks like. You remember the Heir met him once. Wasn't that the first time you saw him too?\"\n\n\"Yes. Poor man, so he's to be shown off, like a captive whale?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Kiri added placidly, \"With all of us. We're all captives, Mariko-chan, whether we like it or not.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~2 sentences more. copy James Clavell's style. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Uraga hurried furtively down the alley toward the shore, the night dark, the sky clear and starlit, the air pleasant. He was dressed in the flowing orange robe of a Buddhist priest, his inevitable hat, and cheap straw sandals." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind him were warehouses and the tall, almost European bulk of the Jesuit Mission. He turned a corner and redoubled his pace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Few people were about. A company of Grays carrying flares patrolled the shore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He slowed as he passed them courteously, though with a priest's arrogance. The samurai hardly noticed him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He went unerringly along the foreshore, past beached fishing boats, the smells of the sea and shore heavy on the slight breeze." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was low tide." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Scattered over the bay and sandy shelves were night fishermen, like so many fireflies, hunting with spears under their flares. Ahead two hundred paces were the wharves and jetties, barnacle encrusted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moored to one of them was a Jesuit lorcha, the flags of Portugal and the Company of Jesus fluttering, flares and more Grays near the gangway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He changed direction to skirt the ship, heading back into the city a few blocks, then cut down Nineteenth Street, turned into twisting alleys, and came out onto the road that followed the wharves once more.\n\n\"You! Halt!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The order came out of the darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uraga stopped in sudden panic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Grays came forward into the light and surrounded him. \"Where're you going, priest?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To the east of the city,\" Uraga said haltingly, his mouth dry. \"To our Nichiren shrine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, you're Nichiren, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another samurai said roughly, \"I'm not one of those. I'm Zen Buddhist like the Lord General.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Zen—ah yes, Zen's the best,\" another said. \"Wish I could understand that. It's too hard for my old head.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's sweating a lot for a priest, isn't he? Why are you sweating?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You mean priests don't sweat?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few laughed and someone held a flare closer.\n\n\"Why should they sweat?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the rough man said. \"All they do is sleep all day and pillow all night—nuns, boys, dogs, themselves, anything they can get—and all the time stuff themselves with food they've never labored for. Priests are parasites, like fleas.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eh, leave him alone, he's just—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Take off your hat, priest.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uraga stiffened. \"Why? And why taunt a man who serves Buddha? Buddha's doing you no—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The samurai stepped forward pugnaciously. \"I said take off your hat!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uraga obeyed. His head was newly shaven as a priest's should be and he blessed whatever kami or spirit or gift from Buddha had prompted him to take that added precaution in case he was caught breaking curfew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the Anjin-san's samurai had been ordered confined to the vessel by the port authorities, pending instructions from higher up. \"There's no cause to have foul manners,\" he flared with a Jesuit's unconscious authority." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'honorable' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Serving Buddha's an honorable life, and becoming a priest is honorable and should be the final part of every samurai's old age. Or do you know nothing of bushido? Where are your manners?\"\n\n\"What? You're samurai?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course I'm samurai. How else would I dare to talk to samurai about bad manners?\" Uraga put on his hat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It would be better for you to be patrolling than accosting and insulting innocent priests!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He walked off haughtily, his knees weak." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The samurai watched him for a time, then one spat. \"Priests!\"\n\n\"He was right,\" the senior samurai said sourly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where are your manners?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry. Please excuse me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Uraga walked along the road, very proud of himself. Nearer the galley he became wary again and waited a moment in the lee of a building." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, gathering himself together, he walked into the flare-lit area." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good evening,\" he said politely to the Grays who lolled beside the gangplank, then added the religious blessing, \"Namu Amida Butsu,\" In the Name of the Buddha Amida." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you. Namu Amida Butsu.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Grays let him pass without hindrance. Their orders were that the barbarian and all samurai were forbidden ashore except for Yabu and his honor guard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one had said anything about the Buddhist priest who traveled with the ship.\n\nGreatly tired now, Uraga came onto the main deck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Uraga-san,\" Blackthorne called out softly from the quarterdeck. \"Over here.\"\n\nUraga squinted to adjust his eyes to the darkness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw Blackthorne and he smelt the stale, brassy body aroma and knew that the second shadow there had to be the other barbarian with the unpronounceable name who could also speak Portuguese. He had almost forgotten what it was like to be away from the barbarian odor that was part of his life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Anjin-san was the only one he had met who did not reek, which was one reason why he could serve him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, Anjin-san,\" he whispered and picked his way over to him, briefly greeting the ten guards who were scattered around the deck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He waited at the foot of the gangway until Blackthorne motioned him up onto the quarterdeck. \"It went very—\"\n\n\"Wait,\" Blackthorne cautioned him as softly and pointed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look ashore. Over there, near the warehouse. See him? No, north a little—there, you see him now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A shadow moved briefly, then merged into the darkness again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who was it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've been watching you ever since you came into the road. He's been dogging you. You never saw him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Sire,\" Uraga replied, his foreboding returning to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I saw no one, felt no one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He didn't have swords, so he wasn't samurai. A Jesuit?\"\n\n\"I don't know. I don't think so—I was most careful there. Please excuse me that I didn't see him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Never mind.\" Blackthorne glanced at Vinck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go below now, Johann. I'll finish this watch and wake you at dawn. Thanks for waiting.\"\n\nVinck touched his forelock and went below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The dank smell left with him. \"I was getting worried about you,\" Blackthorne said. \"What happened?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yabu-sama's messenger was slow, Anjin-san. Here is my report: I went with Yabu-sama and waited outside the castle from noon till just after dark when—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What were you doing all that time? Exactly?\"\n\n\"Exactly, Sire? I chose a quiet place near the marketplace in sight of First Bridge, and I put my mind into meditation—the Jesuit practice, Anjin-san, but not about God, only about you and Yabu-sama and your future, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Uraga smiled. \"Many passersby put coins into my begging bowl. I let my body rest and my mind roam, though I watched the First Bridge all the time. Yabu-sama's messenger came after dark and pretended to pray with me until we were quite alone. The messenger whispered this: 'Yabu-sama says that he will be staying in the castle tonight and that he will return tomorrow morning. There is to be an official function in the castle tomorrow night that you will be invited to, given by General Lord Ishido. Finally, you should consider seventy.'\" Uraga peered at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The samurai repeated that twice, so I presume it's private code, Sire.\"\n\nBlackthorne nodded but did not volunteer that this was one of many prearranged signals between Yabu and himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Seventy\" meant that he should ensure the ship was prepared for an instant retreat to sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But with all his samurai, seamen, and rowers confined aboard, the ship was ready." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And as everyone was very aware they were in enemy waters and all were greatly troubled, Blackthorne knew it would require no effort to get the ship headed out to sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go on, Uraga-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That was all except I was to tell you Toda Mariko-san arrived today.\"\n\n\"Ah! Did she... Isn't that a very fast time to make the land journey here from Yedo?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire. Actually, while I was waiting, I saw her company go across the bridge. It was in the afternoon, the middle of the Hour of the Goat. The horses were lathered and muddy and the bearers very tired. Yoshinaka-san led them.\"\n\n\"Did any of them see you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Sire. No, I don't think so.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How many were there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About two hundred samurai, with porters and baggage horses. Twice that number of Grays escorting them. One of the baggage horses had panniers of carrier pigeons.\"\n\n\"Good. Next?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As soon as I was able, I left. There's a noodle shop near the Mission that many merchants, rice and silk brokers, Mission people use. I—I went there and ate and listened. The Father-Visitor is again in residence here. Many more converts in Osaka area. Permission has been granted for a huge Mass in twenty days, in honor of Lords Kiyama and Onoshi.\"\n\n\"Is that important?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, and astonishing for such a service to be permitted openly. It is to celebrate the Feast of Saint Bernard. Twenty days is the day after the Obeisance Ceremony before the Exalted.\"\n\nYabu had told Blackthorne about the Emperor through Uraga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The news had swept through the whole ship, increasing everyone's premonition of disaster.\n\n\"What else?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the marketplace many rumors. Most ill-omened. Yodoko-sama, the Taikō's widow, is very sick. That's bad, Anjin-san, because her counsel is always listened to and always reasonable. Some say Lord Toranaga is already near Nagoya, others say he's not yet reached Odawara, so no one knows what to believe. All agree the harvest will be terrible this year, here in Osaka, which means the Kwanto becomes even more greatly important. Most people think civil war will begin as soon as Lord Toranaga's dead, at which time the great daimyos will begin to fight among themselves. The price of gold is very high and interest rates up to seventy percent which—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's impossibly high, you must be mistaken.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne got up and eased his back, then leaned wearily against the gunwale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Politely Uraga and all samurai got up too. It would have been bad manners for them to sit while their master stood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Anjin-san,\" Uraga was saying, \"it's never less than fifty percent, and usually sixty-five to seventy, even eighty. Almost twenty years ago the Father-Visitor petitioned the Holy Fa—petitioned the Pope, to allow us—to allow the Society to lend at ten percentage. He was right that his suggestion—it was approved, Anjin-san—would bring lusters to Christianity and many converts for, of course, only Christians could get loans, which were always modest. You don't pay such highs in your country?\"\n\n\"Rarely. That's usury! You understand 'usury'?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I understand the word, yes. But usury would not begin for us under one hundred percentage. I was going to tell you also now rice is very expensive and that's a bad omen—it's double what it was when I was here a few weeks ago. Land is cheap. Now would be a good time to buy land here. Or a house. In the tai-fun and fires perhaps ten thousand homes die, and two, three thousand people. That's all, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"That's very good. You've done very well. You've missed your real vocation!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing,\" Blackthorne said, not yet knowing how far he could tease Uraga. \"You've done very well.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne thought a moment, then asked him about the function tomorrow and Uraga advised him as best he could. Finally Uraga told him about his escape from the patrol." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would your hair have given you away?\" Blackthorne asked.\n\n\"Oh yes. Enough for them to take me to their officer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uraga wiped the sweat off his forehead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, it's hot, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very,\" Blackthorne agreed politely, and let his mind sift the information. He glanced seaward, unconsciously checking the sky and sea and wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everything was fine and orderly, the fishing boats complacently drifting with the tide, near and far, a spearman in the prow of each under a lantern stabbing down from time to time, and most always bringing up a fine bream or mullet or red snapper that curled and twisted on the spike." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One last thing, Sire. I went to the Mission—all around the Mission. The guards were very alert and I could never get in there—at least, I don't think so, not unless I went past one of them. I watched for a while, but before I left I saw Chimmoko, Lady Toda's maid, go in.\"\n\n\"You're sure?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Another maid was with her. I think—\"\n\n\"Lady Mariko? Disguised?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Sire. I'm sure it was not—this second maid was too tall.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne looked seaward again and murmured, half to himself, \"What's the significance of that?\"\n\n\"Lady Mariko is Chris—she's Catholic, neh? She knows the Father-Visitor very well. It was he who converted her. Lady Mariko is the most very important Lady, the most famous in the realm, after the three highest nobility: the Lady Ochiba, the Lady Genjiko, and Yodoko-sama, the wife of the Taikō.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mariko-san might want Confession? Or a Mass? Or a conference? She sent Chimmoko to arrange them?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Any or all, Anjin-san. All ladies of the daimyos, both of friends to the Lord General and of those who might oppose him, are confined very much to the castle, neh? Once in, they stay in, like fish in a golden bowl, waiting to be speared.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Leave it! Enough of your doom talk.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry. Even so, Anjin-san, I think now the Lady Toda will come out no more. Until the nineteenth day.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I told you to leave it! I understand about hostages and a last day.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was quiet on deck, all their voices muted. The guard was resting easily, waiting out their watch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Small water lapped the hull and the ropes creaked pleasantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a moment, Uraga said, \"Perhaps Chimmoko brought a summons—a request for the Father-Visitor to go to her. She was surely under guard when she crossed First Bridge. Surely Toda Mariko-noh-Buntaro-noh-Jinsai was under guard from the first moments she crossed from Lord Toranaga's borders. Neh?\"\n\n\"Can we know if the Father-Visitor goes to the castle?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. That is easy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How to know what's said—or what's done?\"\n\n\"That is very hard. Very sorry, but they would speak Portuguese or Latin, neh? And who speaks both but you and me? I would be recognized by both.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Uraga motioned at the castle and at the city. \"There are many Christians there. Any would gain great favor by removing you, or me—neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne did not answer. No answer was needed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was seeing the donjon etched against the stars and he remembered Uraga telling him about the legendary, limitless treasure it protected, the Taikō's plunder-levy of the Empire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But now his mind was on what Toranaga might be doing and thinking and planning, and exactly where Mariko was and what was the use of going on to Nagasaki. 'Then you're saying the nineteenth day is the last day, a death day, Yabu-san?'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he had repeated, almost nauseated by the knowledge that the trap was sprung on Toranaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And therefore on him and Erasmus." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Shigata ga nai! We go quickly Nagasaki and back again. Quick, understand? Only four days to get men. Then come back.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'But why? When Toranaga here, all die, neh?' he had said. But Yabu had gone ashore, telling him that the day after tomorrow they would leave." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'erasmus' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a ferment he had watched him go, wishing that he had brought Erasmus and not the galley. If he had had Erasmus he knew that he would have somehow bypassed Osaka and headed straight for Nagasaki, or even more probably, he would have limped off over the horizon to find some snug harbor and taken time out from eternity to train his vassals to work the ship." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You're a fool, he flayed himself. With the few crew you've got now you couldn't have docked her here, let alone found that harbor to wait out the devil storm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You'd be dead already." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No worry, Sire. Karma,\" Uraga was saying.\n\n\"Aye. Karma.\" Then Blackthorne heard danger seaward and his body moved before his mind ordered it and he was twisting as the arrow swooshed past, missed him fractionally to shudder into the bulkhead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He lunged at Uraga to pull him down to safety as another arrow of the same volley hissed into Uraga's throat, impaling him, and then they were both cowering in safety on the deck, Uraga shrieking and samurai shouting and peering over the gunwale out to sea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Grays from the shore guard poured aboard. Another volley came out of the night from the sea and everyone scattered for cover." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne crawled to the gunwale and peeped through a scupper and saw a nearby fishing boat dousing its flare to vanish into the darkness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the boats were doing the same, and for a split second he saw scullers pulling away frantically, light glinting off swords and bows.\n\nUraga's shrieking subsided into a burbling, gut-shattering agony as Grays rushed onto the quarterdeck, bows ready, the whole ship now in an uproar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vinck came on deck fast, pistol ready, ducked over as he ran. \"Christ, what's going on—you all right, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Watch out—they're in the fishing boats!\" Blackthorne slithered back to Uraga, who was clawing at the shaft, blood seeping from his nose and mouth and ears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jesus,\" Vinck gasped.\n\nBlackthorne took hold of the arrow's barb with one hand and put his other on the warm, pulsing flesh and pulled with all his strength." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The arrow came out cleanly but in its wake blood gushed in a pumping stream. Uraga began to choke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now Grays and Blackthorne's own samurai surrounded them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some had brought shields and they covered Blackthorne, heedless of their own safety." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Others quaked in safety though the danger was over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Others were raging at the night, firing at the night, ordering the vanished fishing boats back." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne held Uraga in his arms helplessly, knowing there was something he should do but not knowing what, knowing nothing could be done, the frantic sick-sweet-death smell clogging his nostrils, his brain shrieking as always, 'Christ Jesus, thank God it's not my blood, not mine, thank God.'\n\nHe saw Uraga's eyes begging, the mouth working with no sound but choking, the chest heaving, then he saw his own fingers move of themselves and they made the sign of the cross before the eyes and he felt Uraga's body shuddering, fluttering, the mouth howling soundlessly, reminding him of any one of the impaled fish.\n\nIt took Uraga a hideous time to die." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 11 sentences. Context: May include pre-existing characters and lore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now Blackthorne was walking in the castle with his honor guard of twenty vassals surrounded by ten times that number of escorting Grays." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Proudly he wore a new uniform, Brown kimono with the five Toranaga ciphers and, for the first time, a formal, huge-winged over-mantle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His golden wavy hair was tied in a neat queue. The swords that Toranaga had given him jutted from his sash correctly. His feet were encased in new tabi and thonged sandals.\n\nGrays in abundance were at every intersection, covering every battlement, in a vast show of Ishido strength, for every daimyo and general and every samurai officer of importance in Osaka had been invited tonight to the Great Hall that the Taikō had built within the inner ring of fortifications. The sun was down and night arriving quickly.\n\nIt's terrible luck to lose Uraga, Blackthorne was thinking, still not knowing if the attack had been against Uraga or himself. I've lost the best source of knowledge I could ever have.\n\n\"At noon you go castle, Anjin-san,\" Yabu had said this morning, when he had returned to the galley. \"Grays come for you. You understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, Yabu-sama.\"\n\n\"Quite safe now. Sorry about attack. Shigata ga nai! Grays take you safe place. Tonight you stay in castle. Toranaga part of castle. Also next day we go Nagasaki.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have permission?\" he had asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu shook his head with exasperation. \"Pretend go Mishima to collect Lord Hiro-matsu. Also Lord Sudara and family. Understand?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Good. Sleep now, Anjin-san. Don't worry about attack. Now all boats ordered stay away from here. It's kinjiru here now.\"\n\n\"I understand. Please excuse me, what happens tonight? Why me to castle?\"\n\nYabu had smiled his twisted smile and told him he was on show, that Ishido was curious to see him again. \"As a guest you'll be safe,\" and he had left the galley once more.\n\nBlackthorne had gone below, leaving Vinck on watch, but the moment he was deeply asleep Vinck was tugging him awake and he rushed on deck again.\n\nA small Portuguese twenty-cannon frigate was barreling into harbor, the bit between her teeth, heeled over under a full press of canvas.\n\n\"Bastard's in a hurry,\" Vinck said, quaking.\n\n\"Got to be Rodrigues. No one else'd come in with all that sail.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If I was you, Pilot, I'd get us the hell away from here on the tide, or without the tide. Christ Jesus, we're like moths in a grog bottle. Let's get out—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We stay! Can't you get it through your head? We stay until we're allowed to leave. We stay until Ishido says we can go even if the Pope and the King of Spain come ashore together with the whole God-cursed Armada!\"\n\nAgain he had gone below but sleep had avoided him. At noon, Grays arrived. Heavily escorted, he went with them to the castle. They wound through the city passing the execution ground, the five crosses still there, figures still being tied up and taken down, each cross with its two spears-men, the crowd watching. He had relived that agony and the terror of the ambush, and the feel of his hand on the hilt of his sword, the kimono about him, his own vassals with him, did not lessen his dread.\n\nThe Grays had guided him to Toranaga's part of the castle that he had visited the first time, where Kiritsubo and the Lady Sazuko and her child were still ensconced, along with the remainder of Toranaga's samurai. There he had had a bath and found the new clothes that had been laid out for him.\n\n\"Is Lady Mariko here?\"\n\n\"No, Sire, so sorry,\" the servant had told him.\n\n\"Then where can I find her, please? I have urgent message.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, Anjin-san, I don't know. Please excuse me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "None of the servants would help him. All said, \"So sorry, I don't know.\"\n\nHe had dressed, then referred to his dictionary, remembering key words that he would need and prepared as best he could. Then he went into the garden to watch the rocks growing. But they never grew.\n\nNow he was walking across the innermost moat. Flares were everywhere.\n\nHe shook off his anxiety and stepped out onto the wooden bridge. Other guests with Grays were all around heading the same way. He could feel them watching him covertly.\n\nHis feet took him under the final portcullis and his Grays led through the maze again up to the huge door. Here they left him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So did his own men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They went to one side with other samurai to await him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He went forward into the flare-lit maw." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was an immense, high-raftered room with a golden ornamented ceiling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gold-paneled columns supported the rafters, which were made of rare and polished woods and cherished like the hangings on the walls. Five hundred samurai and their ladies were there, wearing all the colors of the rainbow, their fragrances mingling with incense perfume from the precious woods that smoked on tiny wall braziers. Blackthorne's eyes raced over the crowd to find Mariko, or Yabu, or any friendly face. But he found none. To one side was a line of guests who waited to bow before the raised platform at the far end. The courtier, Prince Ogaki Takamoto, was standing there. Blackthorne recognized Ishido—tall, lean, and autocratic—also beside the platform, and he remembered vividly the blinding power of the man's blow on his face, and then his own fingers knotting around the man's throat.\n\nOn the platform, alone, was the Lady Ochiba. She sat comfortably on a cushion. Even from this distance he could see the exquisite richness of her kimono, gold threads on the rarest blue-black silk. \"The Most High,\" Uraga had called her in awe, telling him much about her and her history during their journey." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was slight, almost girlish in build, with a luminous glow to her fair skin. Her sloe eyes were large under painted, arched brows, her hair set like a winged helmet.\n\nThe procession of guests crept forward. Blackthorne was standing to one side in a pool of light, a head taller than those nearby. Politely he stepped aside to get out of the way of some passing guests and saw Ochiba's eyes turn to him. Now Ishido was looking at him too. They said something to each other and her fan moved. Their eyes returned to him. Uneasily he went toward a wall to become less conspicuous but a Gray barred his way. \"Dozo,\" this samurai said politely, motioning at the line. \"Hai, domo,\" Blackthorne said and joined it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those in front bowed and others that came after him bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He returned their bows. Soon all conversation died. Everyone was looking at him.\n\nEmbarrassed, the men and women ahead in the line moved out of his way. Now no one was between him and the platform. He stood rigid momentarily. Then, in the utter silence, he walked forward.\n\nIn front of the platform he knelt and bowed formally, once to her and once to Ishido as he had seen others do. He got up again, petrified that his swords would fall or that he would slip and be disgraced, but everything went satisfactorily and he began to back away.\n\n\"Please wait, Anjin-san,\" she said.\n\nHe waited. Her luminosity seemed to have increased, and her femininity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt the extraordinary sensuality that surrounded her, without conscious effort on her part.\n\n\"It is said that you speak our language?\" Her voice was unaccountably personal.\n\n\"Please excuse me, Highness,\" Blackthorne began, using his time-tried stock phrase, stumbling slightly in his nervousness. \"So sorry, but I have to use short words and respectfully ask you to use very simple words to me so that I may have the honor of understanding you.\" He knew that without doubt his life could easily depend on his answers. All attention in the room was on them now. Then he noticed Yabu moving carefully through the throng, coming closer. \"May I respectfully congratulate you on your birthday and pray that you live to enjoy a thousand more.\"\n\n\"These are hardly simple words, Anjin-san,\" Lady Ochiba said, very impressed.\n\n\"Please excuse me, Highness. I learn that last night. The right way to say, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who taught you that?\"\n\n\"Uraga-noh-Tadamasa, my vassal.\"\n\nShe frowned, then glanced at Ishido, who bent forward and spoke, too rapidly for Blackthorne to catch anything other than the word \"arrows.\"\n\n\"Ah, the renegade Christian priest who was killed last night on your ship?\"\n\n\"Highness?\"\n\n\"The man—samurai who was killed, neh? Last night on ship. You understand?\"\n\n\"Ah, so sorry. Yes, him.\" Blackthorne glanced at Ishido, then back at her. \"Please excuse me, Highness, your permission greet the Lord General?\"\n\n\"Yes, you have that permission.\"\n\n\"Good evening, Lord General,\" Blackthorne said with studied politeness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Last time meet, I very terrible mad. So sorry.\"\n\nIshido returned the bow perfunctorily. \"Yes, you were. And very impolite. I hope you won't get mad tonight or any other night.\"\n\n\"Very mad that night, please excuse me.\"\n\n\"That madness is usual among barbarians, neh?\"\n\nSuch public rudeness to a guest was very bad. Blackthorne's eyes flashed to Lady Ochiba for an instant and he discerned surprise in her too. So he gambled. \"Ah, Lord General, you are most very right. Barbarian always same madness. But, so sorry, now I am samurai—hatamoto—this great, so very great honor to me. I am no longer barbarian.\" He used his quarterdeck voice which carried without shouting and filled all the corners of the room. \"Now I understand samurai manners—and little bushido. And wa. I am no longer barbarian, please excuse. Neh?\" He spoke the last word as a challenge, unafraid." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/insert_quote: \"No trouble. You important, neh? You samurai. You have special samurai place with Lord Toranaga. I don't forget—never fear.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew that Japanese understood masculinity and pride, and honored them.\n\nIshido laughed. \"So, samurai Anjin-san,\" he said, jovial now. \"Yes, I accept your apology. Rumors about your courage are true. Good, very good. I should apologize also. Terrible that filthy ronin could do such a thing, you understand? Attack in night?\"\n\n\"Yes, I understand, Sire. Very bad. Four men dead. One of my, three Grays.\"\n\n\"Listen, bad, very bad. Don't worry, Anjin-san. No more.\" Thoughtfully Ishido glanced at the room. Everyone understood him very clearly. \"Now I order guards. Understand? Very careful guards. No more assassin attacks. None. You very carefully guarded now. Quite safe in castle.\"\n\n\"Thank you. So sorry for trouble.\"\n\n\"No trouble. You important, neh? You samurai. You have special samurai place with Lord Toranaga. I don't forget—never fear.\"\n\nBlackthorne thanked Ishido again and turned to the Lady Ochiba." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Highness, in my land we has Queen—have Queen. Please excuse my bad Japanese... Yes, my land rule by Queen. In my land we have custom always must give lady birthday gift. Even Queen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the pocket in his sleeve he took out the pink camellia blossom that he had cut off a tree in the garden." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'perhaps' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He laid it in front of her, fearful he was overreaching himself. \"Please excuse me if not good manners to give.\"\n\nShe looked at the flower. Five hundred people waited breathlessly to see how she would respond to the daring and the gallantry of the barbarian—and the trap he had, perhaps, unwittingly placed her in.\n\n\"I am not a Queen, Anjin-san,\" she said slowly. \"Only the mother of the Heir and widow of the Lord Taikō. I cannot accept your gift as a Queen for I am not a Queen, could never be a Queen, do not pretend to be a Queen, and do not wish to be a Queen.\" Then she smiled at the room and said to everyone, \"But as a lady on her birthday, perhaps I may have your permission to accept the Anjin-san's gift?\"\n\nThe room burst into applause. Blackthorne bowed and thanked her, having understood only that the gift was accepted. When the crowd was silent again, Lady Ochiba called out, \"Mariko-san, your pupil does you credit, neh?\"\n\nMariko was coming through the guests, a youth beside her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Near them he recognized Kiritsubo and the Lady Sazuko. He saw the youth smile at a young girl then, self-consciously, catch up with Mariko. \"Good evening, Lady Toda,\" Blackthorne said, then added dangerously in Latin, intoxicated by his success, \"The evening is more beautiful because of thy presence.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Anjin-san,\" she replied in Japanese, her cheeks coloring. She walked up to the platform, but the youth stayed within the circle of onlookers. Mariko bowed to Ochiba. \"I have done little, Ochiba-sama. It's all the Anjin-san's work and the word book that the Christian Fathers gave him.\"\n\n\"Ah yes, the word book!\" Ochiba made Blackthorne show it to her and, with Mariko's help, explain it elaborately. She was fascinated. So was Ishido. \"We must get copies, Lord General. Please order them to give us a hundred of the books. With these, our young men could soon learn barbarian, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. It's a good idea, Lady. The sooner we have our own interpreters, the better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido laughed. \"Let Christians break their own monopoly, neh?\"\n\nAn iron-gray samurai in his sixties who stood in the front of the guests said, \"Christians own no monopoly, Lord General. We ask the Christian Fathers—in fact we insist that they be interpreters and negotiators because they're the only ones who can talk to both sides and are trusted by both sides. Lord Goroda began the custom, neh? And then the Taikō continued it.\"\n\n\"Of course, Lord Kiyama, I meant no disrespect to daimyos or samurai who have become Christian. I referred only to the monopoly of the Christian priests,\" Ishido said. \"It would be better for us if our people and not foreign priests—any priests for that matter—controlled our trade with China.\"\n\nKiyama said, \"There's never been a case of fraud, Lord General. Prices are fair, the trade is easy and efficient, and the Fathers control their own people. Without the Southern Barbarians there's no silk, no China trade. Without the Fathers we could have much trouble. Very much trouble, so sorry. Please excuse me for mentioning it.\"\n\n\"Ah, Lord Kiyama,\" the Lady Ochiba said, \"I'm sure Lord Ishido is honored that you correct him, isn't that so, Lord General? What would the Council be without Lord Kiyama's advice?\"\n\n\"Of course,\" Ishido said.\n\nKiyama bowed stiffly, not unpleased. Ochiba glanced at the youth and fluttered her fan. \"How about you, Saruji-san? Perhaps you would like to learn barbarian?\"\n\nThe boy blushed under their scrutiny." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was slim and handsome and tried hard to be more manly than his almost fifteen years. \"Oh, I hope I wouldn't have to do that, Ochiba-sama, oh no—but if it is ordered I will try. Yes, I'd try very hard.\"\n\nThey laughed at his ingenuousness. Mariko said proudly in Japanese, \"Anjin-san, this is my son, Saruji.\" Blackthorne had been concentrating on their conversation, most of which was too fast and too vernacular for him to comprehend. But he had heard \"Kiyama,\" and an alarm went off. He bowed to Saruji and the bow was formally returned. \"He's a very fine man, neh? Lucky have such a fine son, Mariko-sama.\" His veiled eyes were looking at the youth's right hand. It was permanently twisted. Then he remembered that once Mariko had told him her son's birth had been prolonged and difficult." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'please' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Poor lad, he thought. How can he use a sword? He took his eyes away. No one had noticed the direction of his glance except Saruji. He saw embarrassment and pain in the youth's face.\n\n\"Lucky have fine son,\" he said to Mariko. \"But surely impossible, Mariko-sama, you have such big son—not enough years, neh?\"\n\nOchiba said, \"Are you always so gallant, Anjin-san? Do you always say such clever things?\"\n\n\"Please?\"\n\n\"Ah, always so clever? Compliments? Do you understand?\"\n\n\"No, so sorry, please excuse me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne's head was aching from concentration." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even so, when Mariko told him what had been said he replied with mock gravity, \"Ah, so sorry, Mariko-sama. If Saruji-san is truly your son, please tell the Lady Ochiba I did not know that ladies here were married at ten.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She translated. Then added something that made them laugh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did you say?\"\n\n\"Ah!\" Mariko noticed Kiyama's baleful eyes on Blackthorne. \"Please excuse me, Lord Kiyama, may I introduce the Anjin-san to you?\"\n\nKiyama acknowledged Blackthorne's very correct bow politely. \"They say you claim to be a Christian?\"\n\n\"Please?\"\n\nKiyama did not deign to repeat it so Mariko translated.\n\n\"Ah, so sorry, Lord Kiyama,\" Blackthorne said in Japanese. \"Yes. I'm Christian—but different sect.\"\n\n\"Your sect is not welcome in my lands. Nor in Nagasaki—or Kyushu, I'd imagine—or in any lands of any Christian daimyos.\"\n\nMariko kept her smile in place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was wondering if Kiyama had personally ordered the Amida assassin, and also the attack last night. She translated, taking the edge off Kiyama's discourtesy, everyone in the room listening intently.\n\n\"I'm not a priest, Lord,\" Blackthorne said, direct to Kiyama. \"If I in your land—only trade. No priest talk or teach. Respectfully ask trade only.\"\n\n\"I do not want your trade. I do not want you in my lands. You are forbidden my lands on pain of death. Do you understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, I understand,\" Blackthorne said. \"So sorry.\"\n\n\"Good.\" Kiyama haughtily turned to Ishido. \"We should exclude this sect and these barbarians completely from the Empire. I will propose this at the Council's next meeting. I must say openly that I think Lord Toranaga was ill-advised to make any foreigner, particularly this man, samurai. It's a very dangerous precedent.\"\n\n\"Surely that's unimportant! All the mistakes of the present Lord of the Kwanto will be corrected very soon. Neh?\"\n\n\"Everyone makes mistakes, Lord General,\" Kiyama said pointedly. \"Only God is all-seeing and perfect. The only real mistake Lord Toranaga has ever made is to put his own interests before those of the Heir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Ishido said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me,\" Mariko said. \"But that's not true. I'm sorry, but you're both mistaken about my Master.\"\n\nKiyama turned on her. Politely. \"It's perfectly correct for you to take that position, Mariko-san. But, please let's not discuss that tonight. So, Lord General, where is Lord Toranaga now? What's your latest news?\"\n\n\"By yesterday's carrier pigeon, I heard he was at Mishima. Now I'm getting daily reports on his progress.\"\n\n\"Good. Then in two days he'll leave his own borders?\" Kiyama asked.\n\n\"Yes. Lord Ikawa Jikkyu is ready to welcome him as his position merits.\"\n\n\"Good.\" Kiyama smiled at Ochiba. He was very fond of her. \"On that day, Lady, in honor of the occasion, perhaps you would ask the Heir if he would allow the Regents to bow before him?\"\n\n\"The Heir would be honored, Sire,\" she replied, to applause." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And afterwards perhaps, you and everyone here would be his guests at a poetry competition. Perhaps the Regents would be the judges?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was more applause.\n\n\"Thank you, but please, perhaps you and Prince Ogaki and some of the ladies would be the judges.\"\n\n\"Very well, if you wish.\"\n\n\"Now, Lady, what's the theme to be? And the first line of the poem?\" Kiyama asked, very pleased, for he was renowned for his poetry as well as his swordsmanship and ferocity in war.\n\n\"Please, Mariko-san, would you answer Lord Kiyama?\" Ochiba said, and again many there admired her adroitness—she was an indifferent poetess where Mariko was renowned.\n\nMariko was glad the time had come to begin. She thought a moment. Then she said, \"It should be about today, Lady Ochiba, and the first line: 'On a leafless branch... '\"\n\nOchiba and all of them complimented her on her choice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiyama was genial now, and said, \"Excellent, but we'll have to be very good to compete with you, Mariko-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hope you will excuse me, Sire, but I won't be competing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course you'll compete!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiyama laughed. \"You're one of the best in the realm! It wouldn't be the same if you didn't.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, Sire, please excuse me, but I will not be here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't understand.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'since' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ochiba said, \"What do you mean, Mariko-chan?\"\n\n\"Oh, please excuse me, Lady,\" Mariko said, \"but I'm leaving Osaka tomorrow—with the Lady Kiritsubo and the Lady Sazuko.\" Ishido's smile vanished. \"Leaving for where?\"\n\n\"To meet our liege Lord, Sire.\"\n\n\"He—Lord Toranaga will be here in a few days, neh?\"\n\n\"It's months since the Lady Sazuko has seen her husband, and my Lord Toranaga hasn't yet had the pleasure of seeing his newest son. Naturally the Lady Kiritsubo will accompany us. It's been equally long since he's seen the Mistress of his Ladies, neh?\"\n\n\"Lord Toranaga will be here so soon that to go to meet him isn't necessary.\"\n\n\"But I think it is necessary, Lord General.\"\n\nIshido said crisply, \"You've only just arrived and we've been looking forward to your company, Mariko-san. The Lady Ochiba particularly. I agree again with Lord Kiyama, of course you must compete.\"\n\n\"So sorry, but I will not be here.\"\n\n\"Obviously you're tired, Lady. You've just arrived. Certainly this is hardly the time to discuss such a private matter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido turned to Ochiba. \"Perhaps, Lady Ochiba, you should greet the remainder of the guests?\"\n\n\"Yes—yes, of course,\" Ochiba said, flustered. At once the line began to form up obediently and nervous conversation began, but the silence fell again as Mariko said, \"Thank you, Lord General. I agree, but this isn't a private matter and there's nothing to discuss. I am leaving tomorrow to pay my respects to my liege Lord, with his ladies.\"\n\nIshido said coldly, \"You are here, Lady, at the personal invitation of the Son of Heaven, together with the welcome of the Regents. Please be patient. Your lord will be here very soon now.\"\n\n\"I agree, Sire. But His Imperial Majesty's invitation is for the twenty-second day. It does not order me—or anyone—confined to Osaka until that time. Or does it?\"\n\n\"You forget your manners, Lady Toda.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, that was the last thing I intended. So sorry, I apologize.\" Mariko turned to Ogaki, the courtier. \"Lord, does the Exalted's invitation require me to stay here until He arrives?\"\n\nOgaki's smile was set." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The invitation is for the twenty-second day of this month, Lady. It requires your presence then.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Sire.\" Mariko bowed and faced the platform again. \"It requires my presence then, Lord General. Not before. So I shall leave tomorrow.\"\n\n\"Please be patient, Lady. The Regents have welcomed you and there are many preparations on which they'll need your assistance, against the Exalted's arrival. Now, Lady Ochi—\"\n\n\"So sorry, Sire, but the orders of my liege Lord take precedence. I must leave tomorrow.\"\n\n\"You will not leave tomorrow and you are asked, no, begged, Mariko-san, to take part in the Lady Ochiba's competition. Now, Lady—\"\n\n\"Then I am confined here—against my will?\"\n\nOchiba said, \"Mariko-san, let's leave the matter now, please?\"\n\n\"So sorry, Ochiba-sama, but I am a simple person. I've said openly I have orders from my liege Lord. If I cannot obey them I must know why. Lord General, am I confined here until the twenty-second day? If so, by whose orders?\"\n\n\"You are an honored guest,\" Ishido told her carefully, willing her to submit. \"I repeat, Lady, your lord will be here soon enough.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'confined' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko felt his power and she fought to resist it. \"Yes, but so sorry, again I respectfully ask: Am I confined to Osaka for the next eighteen days and if so, on whose orders?\"\n\nIshido kept his eyes riveted on her. \"No, you are not confined.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Sire. Please excuse me for speaking so directly,\" Mariko said. Many of the ladies in the room turned to their neighbors, and some whispered openly what all those held against their will in Osaka were thinking: 'If she can go, so can I, neh? So can you, neh? I'm going tomorrow—oh, how wonderful!'\n\nIshido's voice cut through the undercurrent of whispering. \"But, Lady Toda, since you've chosen to speak in this presumptuous fashion, I feel it is my duty to ask the Regents for a formal rejection—in case others might share your misunderstanding.\" He smiled mirthlessly in the frozen hush." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Until that time you will hold yourself in readiness to answer their questions and receive the ruling.\"\n\nMariko said, \"I would be honored, Sire, but my duty is to my liege Lord.\"\n\n\"Of course. But this will only be for a few days.\"\n\n\"So sorry, Sire, but my duty is to my liege Lord for the next few days.\"\n\n\"You will possess yourself with patience, Lady. It will take but a little time. This matter is ended. Now, Lord Ki—\"\n\n\"So sorry, but I cannot delay my departure for a little time.\"\n\nIshido bellowed, \"You refuse to obey the Council of Regents?\"\n\n\"No, Sire,\" Mariko said proudly. \"Not unless they trespass on my duty to my liege Lord, which is a samurai's paramount duty!\"\n\n\"You-will-hold-yourself-ready-to-meet-the-Regents-with-filial-patience!\"\n\n\"So sorry, I am ordered by my liege Lord to escort his ladies to meet him. At once.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took a scroll out of her sleeve and handed it to Ishido formally." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tore it open and scanned it. Then he looked up and said, \"Even so, you will wait for a ruling from the Regents.\"\n\nMariko looked hopefully to Ochiba but there was only bleak disapproval there. She turned to Kiyama. Kiyama was equally silent, equally unmoved.\n\n\"Please excuse me, Lord General, but there's no war,\" she began. \"My Master's obeying the Regents, so for the next eighteen—\"\n\n\"This matter is closed!\"\n\n\"This matter is closed, Lord General, when you have the manners to let me finish! I'm no peasant to be trodden on. I'm Toda Mariko-noh-Buntaro-noh-Hiro-matsu, daughter of the Lord Akechi Jinsai, my line's Takashima and we've been samurai for a thousand years and I say I will never be captive or hostage or confined. For the next eighteen days and until the day, by fiat of the Exalted, I am free to go as I please—as is anyone.\"\n\n\"Our—our Master, the Taikō, was once a peasant. Many—many samurai are peasants, were peasants. Every daimyo was, once, in the past, peasant. Even the first Takashima. Everyone was peasant once. Listen carefully: You-will-await the-pleasure-of-the-Regents.\"\n\n\"No. So sorry, my first duty is obedience to my liege Lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Enraged, Ishido began to walk toward her.\n\nAlthough Blackthorne had understood almost nothing of what had been said, his right hand slid unnoticed into his left sleeve to prepare the concealed throwing knife.\n\nIshido stood over her. \"You-will—\"\n\nAt that moment there was a movement at the doorway. A tearstained maid weaved through the throng and ran up to Ochiba. \"Please excuse me, Mistress,\" she whimpered, \"but it's Yodoko-sama—she's asking for you, she's... You must hurry, the Heir's already there... \"\n\nWorriedly Ochiba looked back at Mariko and at Ishido, then at the faces staring up at her. She half bowed to her guests and hurried away. Ishido hesitated. \"I'll deal with you later, Mariko-san,\" he said, then followed Ochiba, his footsteps heavy on the tatamis.\n\nIn his wake the whispering began to ebb and flow again. Bells tolled the hour change." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne walked over to Mariko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mariko-san,\" he asked, \"what's happening?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'mariko-san' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She continued to stare sightlessly at the platform. Kiyama took his cramped hand off his sword hilt and flexed it. \"Mariko-san!\"\n\n\"Yes? Yes, Sire?\"\n\n\"May I suggest you go back to your house. Perhaps I may be permitted to talk to you later—say, at the Hour of the Boar?\"\n\n\"Yes, yes, of course. Please—please excuse me but I had to... \" Her words trailed away.\n\n\"This is an ill-omened day, Mariko-san. May God take you into His keeping.\" Kiyama turned his back on her and spoke to the room with authority. \"I suggest we return to our homes to wait... to wait and to pray that the Infinite may take the Lady Yodoko quickly and easily and with honor into His peace, if her time has come.\" He glanced at Saruji, who was still transfixed. \"You come with me.\" He walked out. Saruji began to follow, not wanting to leave his mother, but impelled by the order and intimidated by the attention on him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko made a half bow to the room and started to leave." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiri licked her dry lips. Lady Sazuko was beside her, tremulously apprehensive. Kiri took the Lady Sazuko's hand and together the two women followed Mariko. Yabu stepped forward with Blackthorne and they strode out behind them, very conscious that they were the only samurai present wearing Toranaga's uniform.\n\nOutside, Grays awaited them." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\nfour sentences\nStyle:\nJames Clavell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But what in the name of all gods possessed you to take such a stand? Stupid, neh?\" Yabu stormed at her.\n\n\"So sorry,\" Mariko said, hiding the true reason, wishing Yabu would leave her in peace, furious at his foul manners. \"It just happened, Sire. One moment it was a birthday celebration and then... I don't know. Please excuse me, Yabu-sama. Please excuse me, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again Blackthorne began to say something but once more Yabu overrode him and he leaned back against the window post, completely aggravated, his head throbbing from the effort of trying to understand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, Yabu-sama,\" Mariko said, and thought, how tiresome men are, they need everything explained in such detail. They can't even see the hairs on their own eyelids.\n\n\"You've started a storm that'll swallow us all! Stupid, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, but it's not right we should be locked up and Lord Toranaga did give me orders that—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Those orders are mad! Devils must have taken possession of his head! You'll have to apologize and back down. Now security's going to be tighter than a gnat's arsehole. Ishido will certainly cancel our permits to leave and you've ruined everything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked across at Blackthorne." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now what do we do?\"\n\n\"Please?\"\n\nThe three of them had just arrived in the main reception room of Mariko's house that was within the outermost ring of fortifications. Grays had escorted them there and many more than usual were now stationed outside her gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri and the Lady Sazuko had gone to their own quarters with another \"honor\" guard of Grays, and Mariko had promised to join them after her meeting with Kiyama." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But the guards won't let you, Mariko-san,\" Sazuko had said, distraught.\n\n\"Don't worry,\" she had said. \"Nothing's changed. Inside the castle we can move freely, though with escorts.\"\n\n\"They'll stop you! Oh, why did you—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mariko-san's right, child,\" Kiri had said, unafraid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing's changed. We'll see you soon, Mariko-chan.\" Then Kiri had led the way inside their castle wing and Browns had closed the fortified gate and Mariko had breathed again and come to her own house with Yabu and Blackthorne.\n\nNow she was remembering how, when she was standing there alone, carrying the banner alone, she had seen Blackthorne's right hand readying the throwing knife and she had become stronger because of it. Yes, Anjin-san, she thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You're the only one I knew I could count on. You were there when I needed you.\n\nHer eyes went to Yabu, who sat cross-legged opposite her, grinding his teeth. That Yabu had taken a public stand in her support by following her out had surprised her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include \"Please excuse my stupidity, Yabu-sama,\" somewhere in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because of his support, and because losing her own temper with him would achieve nothing, she dismissed his truculent insolence and began to play him. \"Please excuse my stupidity, Yabu-sama,\" she said, her voice now penitent and overlaid with tears. \"Of course you're right. So sorry, I'm just a stupid woman.\"\n\n\"I agree! Stupid to oppose Ishido in his own nest, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, so sorry, please excuse me. May I offer you saké or cha?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko clapped her hands. At once the inner door opened and Chimmoko appeared, her hair disheveled, her face frightened and puffed from weeping. \"Bring cha and saké for my guests. And food. And make yourself presentable! How dare you appear like that! What do you think this is, a peasant cottage? You shame me before Lord Kasigi!\"\n\nChimmoko fled in tears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, Sire. Please excuse her insolence.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'peasant' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eh, that's unimportant, neh? What about Ishido? Eeeee Lady... your shaft about 'peasant,' that hit the mark, that hurt the mighty Lord General. You've made such an enemy there now! Eeeeee, that took his Fruit and squeezed them before everyone!\"\n\n\"Oh, do you think so? Oh, please excuse me, I didn't mean to insult him.\"\n\n\"Eh, he is a peasant, always has been, always will be, and he's always hated those of us who are real samurai.\"\n\n\"Oh, how clever of you, Lord, to know that. Oh, thank you for telling me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko bowed and appeared to brush away a tear and added, \"May I please say that I feel so protected now—your strength... If it hadn't been for you, Lord Kasigi, I think I would have fainted.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stupid to attack Ishido in front of everyone,\" Yabu said, slightly mollified.\n\n\"Yes. You're right. It's such a pity all our leaders aren't as strong and as clever as you, Sire, then Lord Toranaga wouldn't be in such trouble.\"\n\n\"I agree. But you've still put us into a latrine up to our noses.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me. Yes, it's all my fault.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko pretended to hold back tears bravely. She looked down and whispered, \"Thank you, Sire, for accepting my apologies. You're so generous.\"\n\nYabu nodded, believing the praise merited, her servility necessary, and himself peerless. She apologized again, and soothed and cajoled him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon he was pliant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I please explain my stupidity to the Anjin-san? Perhaps he can suggest a way out of... \" She let her words fade away penitently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Very well.\"\n\nMariko bowed her grateful thanks, turned to Blackthorne, and spoke in Portuguese. \"Please listen, Anjin-san, listen and don't ask questions for the moment. So sorry, but first I had to calm this ill-tempered bastard—is that how you say it?\" Quickly she told him what had been said, and why Ochiba had hurried off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's bad,\" he said, his gaze searching her. \"Neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Lord Yabu asks for your counsel. What should be done to overcome the mess my stupidity's put you both into?\"\n\n\"What stupidity?\" Blackthorne was watching her and her disquiet increased. She looked down at the mats. He spoke directly to Yabu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't know yet, Sire. Now understand—now think.\"\n\nYabu replied sourly, \"What's there to think about? We're locked in.\"\n\nMariko translated without looking up.\n\n\"That's true, isn't it, Mariko-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne said. \"That's always been true.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, so sorry.\"\n\nHe turned away to stare into the night. Flares were placed in brackets on the stone walls that surrounded the front garden. Light flickered off the leaves and plants that had been watered for just that purpose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Westward was the iron-banded gate, guarded by a few Browns.\n\n\"Thou,\" she heard him say, without turning back. \"I must speak with thee in private.\"\n\n\"Thou. Yes and I to thee,\" she replied, keeping her face from Yabu, also not trusting herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tonight I will find thee.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked up at Yabu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Anjin-san agrees with you, Sire, about my stupidity, so sorry.\"\n\n\"But what's the good of that now?\"\n\n\"Anjin-san,\" she said, her voice matter-of-fact, \"later tonight I'm going to Kiritsubo-san. I know where your quarters are. I'll find you.\"\n\n\"Yes. Thank you.\" He still kept his back to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yabu-sama,\" she said humbly, \"tonight I'm going to Kiritsubo-san. She's wise—perhaps she'll have a solution.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's only one solution,\" Yabu said with a finality that unnerved her, his eyes coals. \"Tomorrow you will apologize. And you will stay.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\nfour sentences\nStyle:\nJames Clavell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiyama arrived punctually. Saruji was with him and her heart sank.\n\nWhen the formal greetings were completed, Kiyama said gravely, \"Now, please explain why, Mariko-chan.\"\n\n\"There's no war, Sire. We shouldn't be confined—nor treated as hostages—so I can go as I please.\"\n\n\"You don't have to be at war to have hostages. You know that. The Lady Ochiba was hostage in Yedo against your master's safety here and no one was at war. Lord Sudara and his family are hostage with his brother today, and they're not at war. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She kept her eyes lowered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There are many here who are hostages against the dutiful obedience of their lords to the Council of Regents, the legal rulers of the realm. That's wise. It's an ordinary custom. Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"Good. Now please tell me the real reason.\"\n\n\"Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiyama said testily. \"Don't play games with me! I'm no peasant either! I want to know why you did what you did tonight.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'master' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko raised her eyes. \"So sorry, but the Lord General simply annoyed me with his arrogance, Sire. I do have orders. There's no harm in taking Kiri and Lady Sazuko away for a few days to meet our Master.\"\n\n\"You know very well that's impossible. Lord Toranaga must know that as well.\"\n\n\"So sorry, but my Master gave me orders. A samurai doesn't question his lord's orders.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. But I question them because they're nonsense. Your master doesn't deal in nonsense, or make mistakes. And I insist I have the right to question you as well.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Essential phrase to include: \"Now you can do only one of two things, Mariko-chan. You apologize and stay, or you try to leave. If you try to leave you will be stopped.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Sire, there's nothing to discuss.\"\n\n\"But there is. There's Saruji to discuss. Also the fact that I've known you all your life, have honored you all your life. Hiro-matsu-sama is my oldest living friend and your father was a cherished friend and an honored ally of mine, until the last fourteen days of his life.\"\n\n\"A samurai doesn't question the orders of a liege lord.\"\n\n\"Now you can do only one of two things, Mariko-chan. You apologize and stay, or you try to leave. If you try to leave you will be stopped.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. I understand.\"\n\n\"You will apologize tomorrow. I will call a meeting of the Regents and they will give a ruling about this whole matter. Then you will be allowed to go with Kiritsubo and the Lady Sazuko.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, how long will that take?\"\n\n\"I don't know. A few days.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, I don't have a few days, I am ordered to leave at once.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"Don't you understand what I'm telling you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look at me!\" She obeyed. \"I, Kiyama Ukon-noh-Odanaga, Lord of Higo, Satsuma, and Osumi, a Regent of Japan, from the line Fujimoto, chief Christian daimyo of Japan, I ask you to stay.\"\n\n\"So sorry. My liege Lord forbids me to stay.\"\n\n\"Don't you understand what I'm telling you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sire. But I have no choice, please excuse me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He motioned toward her son. \"The betrothal between my granddaughter and Saruji... I can hardly allow this to go forward if you're disgraced.\"\n\n\"Yes, yes, Sire,\" Mariko replied, misery in her eyes. \"I understand that.\" She saw the desperation in the boy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, my son. But I must do my duty.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saruji started to say something but changed his mind and then, after a moment, he said, \"Please excuse me, Mother, but isn't... isn't your duty to the Heir more important than your duty to Lord Toranaga? The Heir's our real liege lord, neh?\"\n\nShe thought about that. \"Yes, my son. And no. Lord Toranaga has jurisdiction over me, the Heir does not.\"\n\n\"Then doesn't that mean Lord Toranaga has jurisdiction over the Heir, too?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, so sorry.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Mother, I don't understand, but it seems to me if the Heir gives an order, he must overrule our Lord Toranaga.\"\n\nShe did not reply.\n\n\"Answer him,\" Kiyama barked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Was that your thought, my son? Or did someone put it into your head?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'remember' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saruji frowned, trying to remember. \"We—Lord Kiyama and—and his Lady—we discussed it. And the Father-Visitor. I don't remember. I think I thought of it myself. The Father-Visitor said I was correct, didn't he, Sire?\"\n\n\"He said the Heir is more important than Lord Toranaga in the realm. Legally. Please answer him directly, Mariko-san.\"\n\nMariko said, \"If the Heir was a man, of age, Kwampaku, legal ruler of this realm like the Taikō, his father, was, then I would obey him over Lord Toranaga in this. But Yaemon's a child, actually and legally, and therefore not capable. Legally. Does that answer you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But—but he's still the Heir, neh? The Regents listen to him—Lord Toranaga honors him. What's... what's a year, a few years, mean, Mother? If you don't apol—Please excuse me, but I'm afraid for you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The youth's mouth was trembling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko wanted to reach out and embrace him and protect him. But she did not. \"I'm not afraid, my son. I fear nothing on this earth. I fear only God's judgment,\" she said, turning to Kiyama.\n\n\"Yes,\" Kiyama said. \"I know that. May the Madonna bless you for it.\" He paused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mariko-san, will you apologize publicly to the Lord General?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, gladly, providing he publicly withdraws all troops from my path and gives me, the Lady Kiritsubo, and the Lady Sazuko written permission to leave tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Will you obey an order from the Regents?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"Will you honor a request from them?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Sire, in this matter, no.\"\n\n\"Will you honor a request from them?\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, in this matter, no.\"\n\n\"Will you agree to a request from the Heir and the Lady Ochiba?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, what request?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To visit them, to stay with them for a few days, while we resolve this affair.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Sire, but what is there to resolve?\"\n\nKiyama's restraint broke and he shouted, \"The future and good order of the realm for one thing, the future of the Mother Church for another, and you for another! It's clear your close contact with the barbarian has infected you and addled your brain as I knew it would!\"\n\nMariko said nothing, just stared back at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With an effort Kiyama brought himself back into control.\n\n\"Please excuse my... my temper. And my bad manners,\" he said stiffly. \"My only excuse is that I'm gravely concerned.\" He bowed with dignity. \"I apologize.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was my fault, Sire. Please excuse me for destroying your harmony and causing you trouble. But I have no alternative.\"\n\n\"Your son's given you one, I've given you several.\"\n\nShe did not answer him.\n\nThe air in the room had become stifling for all of them although the night was cool and a breeze fanned the flares." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're resolved then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have no choice, Sire.\"\n\n\"Very well, Mariko-san. There's nothing more to be said. Other than to say again I order you not to force the issue—and I ask it.\"\n\nShe bowed her head.\n\n\"Saruji-san, please wait for me outside,\" Kiyama ordered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The youth was distraught, barely able to speak." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire.\" He bowed to Mariko. \"Please excuse me, Mother.\"\n\n\"May God keep you in His hands for all eternity.\"\n\n\"And thou.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Amen to that,\" Kiyama said.\n\n\"Good night, my son.\"\n\n\"Good night, Mother.\"\n\nWhen they were alone Kiyama said, \"The Father-Visitor's very worried.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"About me, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. And about the Holy Church—and the barbarian. And about the barbarian ship. First tell me about him.\"\n\n\"He's a unique man, very strong and very intelligent. At sea he's... he belongs there. He seems to become part of a ship and the sea, and, out to sea, there's no man who can approach him in bravery and cunning.\"\n\n\"Even the Rodrigues-san?\"\n\n\"The Anjin-san overcame him twice. Once here and once on our way to Yedo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She told him about Rodrigues arriving in the night during their stay near Mishima and about the concealed weapons and all that she had overheard. \"If their ships were equal, the Anjin-san would win. Even if they were not, I think he'd win.\"\n\n\"Tell me about his ship.\"\n\nShe obeyed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell me about his vassals.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She told him as it had happened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why would Lord Toranaga give him his ship, money, vassals, and freedom?\"\n\n\"My Master never told me, Sire.\"\n\n\"Please give me your opinion.\"\n\n\"So that he can loose the Anjin-san against his enemies,\" Mariko said at once, then added without apology, \"Since you ask me, in this case the Anjin-san's particular enemies are the same as my Lord's: the Portuguese, the Holy Fathers prompting the Portuguese, and the Lords Harima, Onoshi, and yourself, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why should the Anjin-san consider us his special enemies?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nagasaki, trade, and your coastal control of Kyushu, Sire. And because you are the chief Catholic daimyos.\"\n\n\"The Church isn't Lord Toranaga's enemy. Nor the Holy Fathers.\"\n\n\"So sorry, but I think Lord Toranaga believes the Holy Fathers support the Lord General Ishido, as you do.\"\n\n\"I support the Heir. I'm against your Master because he does not and he will ruin our Church.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry, but that's not true. Sire, my Master's so superior to the Lord General. You've fought twenty more times as his ally than against him, you know he can be trusted. Why side with his avowed enemy? Lord Toranaga's always wanted trade, and he's simply not anti-Christian like the Lord General and the Lady Ochiba.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Mariko-san, but before God, I believe Lord Toranaga secretly detests our Christian Faith, secretly loathes our Church, and secretly is committed to destroying the succession and obliterating the Heir and the Lady Ochiba. His lodestone is the Shōgunate—only that! He secretly wants to be Shōgun, is planning to become Shōgun, and everything is pointed to that sole end.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🔍 Find a place to insert: \"I know—but that doesn't make you right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Before God, Sire, I do not believe it.\"\n\n\"I know—but that doesn't make you right.\" He watched her a moment, then said, \"By your own admission this Anjin-san and his ship are very dangerous to the Church, neh? The Rodrigues agrees with you that if the Anjin-san caught the Black Ship at sea it would be very bad.\"\n\n\"Yes, I believe that too, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That would hurt our Mother Church very much, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"But you still won't help the Church against this man?\"\n\n\"He is not against the Church, Sire, not really against the Fathers, though he distrusts them. He's only against the enemies of his Queen. And the Black Ship is his goal—for profit.\"\n\n\"But he opposes the True Faith and is therefore a heretic. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. But I don't believe everything we've been told by the Fathers is true. And much has never been told to us. Tsukku-san admitted many things. My liege Lord ordered me to become the Anjin-san's confidant and friend, to teach him our language and customs, to learn from him what could be of value to us. And I've found—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You mean valuable to Toranaga. Neh?\"\n\n\"Sire, obedience to a liege lord is the pinnacle of a samurai's life. Isn't obedience what you require from all your vassals?\"\n\n\"Yes. But heresy is terrible and it seems you are allied with the barbarian against your Church and infected by him. I pray God will open your eyes, Mariko-san, before you lose your own salvation. Now, last, the Father-Visitor said you have some private information for me.\"\n\n\"Sire?\" This was completely unexpected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He said there was a message from the Tsukku-san a few days ago. A special messenger from Yedo. You have some information about—about my allies.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'tomorrow' 3 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I asked to see the Father-Visitor tomorrow morning.\"\n\n\"Yes. He told me. Well?\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, after I've seen him tomorrow, I—\"\n\n\"Not tomorrow, now! The Father-Visitor said it had to do with Lord Onoshi and concerned the Church and you were to tell me at once. Before God that's what he said. Have things come to such a filthy pass that you won't even trust me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry. I made an agreement with the Tsukku-san. He asked me to speak openly to the Father-Visitor, that's all, Sire.\"\n\n\"The Father-Visitor said you were to tell me now.\"\n\nMariko realized she had no alternative. The die was cast." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She told him about the plot against his life. All that she knew. He, too, scoffed at the rumor until she told him exactly where the information had come from. \"His confessor? Him?\"\n\n\"Yes. So sorry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I regret Uraga's dead,\" Kiyama said, even more mortified that the night attack on the Anjin-san had been such a fiasco—as the other ambush had been—and now had killed the one man who could prove his enemy Onoshi was a traitor. \"Uraga will burn in hellfire forever for that sacrilege. Terrible what he did. He deserves excommunication and hellfire, but even so, he did me a service by telling it—if it's true.\" Kiyama looked at her, an old man suddenly. \"I can't believe Onoshi would do that. Or that Lord Harima would be a party to it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Could you—could you ask Lord Harima if it's true?\"\n\n\"Yes, but he'd never reveal something like that. I wouldn't, would you? So sad, neh? So terrible are the ways of man.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"I will not believe it, Mariko-san. Uraga's dead so we can never get proof. I will take precautions but... but I cannot believe it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. One thought, Sire. Isn't it very strange, the Lord General putting a guard on the Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Why strange?\"\n\n\"Why protect him? When he detests him? Very strange, neh? Could it be that now the Lord General also sees the Anjin-san as a possible weapon against the Catholic daimyos?\"\n\n\"I don't follow you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If, God forbid, you died, Sire, Lord Onoshi becomes supreme in Kyushu, neh? What could the Lord General do to curb Onoshi? Nothing—except, perhaps, use the Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's possible,\" Kiyama said slowly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's only one reason to protect the Anjin-san—to use him. Where? Only against the Portuguese—and thus the Kyushu Christian daimyos. Neh?\"\n\n\"It's possible.\"\n\n\"I believe the Anjin-san's as valuable to you as to Onoshi or Ishido or my Master. Alive. His knowledge is enormous. Only knowledge can protect us from barbarians, even Portuguese.\"\n\nKiyama said scornfully, \"We can crush them, expel them any time we like. They're gnats on a horse, nothing more.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If the Holy Mother Church conquers and all the land becomes Christian as we pray it will, what then? Will our laws survive? Will bushido survive? Against the Commandments? I suggest it won't—like elsewhere in the Catholic world—not when the Holy Fathers are supreme, not unless we are prepared.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'think' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not answer her.\n\nThen she said, \"Sire, I beg you, ask the Anjin-san what has happened elsewhere in the world.\"\n\n\"I will not. I think he's bewitched you, Mariko-san. I believe the Holy Fathers. I think your Anjin-san is taught by Satan, and I beg you to realize his heresy has already infected you. Three times you used 'Catholic' when you meant Christian. Doesn't that imply you agree with him there are two Faiths, two equally true versions of the True Faith? Isn't your threat tonight a knife in the belly of the Heir? And against the interests of the Church?\" He got up. \"Thank you for your information. Go with God.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko took a small, thin, sealed scroll of paper from her sleeve. \"Lord Toranaga asked me to give you this.\"\n\nKiyama looked at the unbroken seal. \"Do you know what's in it, Mariko-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. I was ordered to destroy it and pass on the message verbally if I was intercepted.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiyama broke the seal. The message reiterated Toranaga's wish for peace between them, his complete support of the Heir and the succession, and briefly gave the information about Onoshi. It ended, \"I don't have proof about Lord Onoshi but Uraga-noh-Tadamasa will have that and, deliberately, he has been made available to you in Osaka for questioning if you wish. However I do have proof that Ishido has also betrayed the secret agreement between you and him giving the Kwanto to your descendants, once I am dead. The Kwanto has been secretly promised to my brother, Zataki, in return for betraying me, as he has already done. Please excuse me, old comrade, but you have been betrayed too. Once I am dead, you and your line will be isolated and destroyed, as will the whole Christian Church. I beg you to reconsider. Soon you will have proof of my sincerity.\"\n\nKiyama reread the message and she watched him as she had been ordered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Watch him so carefully, Mariko-san,' Toranaga had told her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'I'm not sure of his agreement with Ishido about the Kwanto. Spies have reported it but I'm not sure. You'll know from what he does—or doesn't do—if you give him the message at the right time.'\n\nShe had seen Kiyama react." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~2 sentences more. copy James Clavell's style. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll leave at noon.\"\n\n\"No, Mariko-san.\" Lady Sazuko was almost in tears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Kiri said. \"Yes, we'll leave as you say.\"\n\n\"But they'll stop us,\" the young girl burst out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's all so useless.\"\n\n\"No,\" Mariko told her, \"you're wrong, Sazuko-chan, it's very necessary.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri said, \"Mariko-san's right. We have orders.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She suggested details of their leaving. \"We could easily be ready by dawn if you want.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Noon is when we should leave. That's what he said, Kiri-chan,\" Mariko replied.\n\n\"We'll need very few things, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sazuko said, \"Very few! So sorry, but it's all so silly, they'll stop us!\"\n\n\"Perhaps they won't, child,\" Kiri said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mariko says they'll let us go. Lord Toranaga thinks they'll let us go. So presume that they will. Go and rest. Go on. I must talk to Mariko-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The girl went away, greatly troubled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiri folded her hands. \"Yes, Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"I'm sending a cipher by carrier pigeon telling Lord Toranaga what happened tonight. It will go at first light. Ishido's men will certainly try to destroy the rest of my carrier birds tomorrow if there's trouble and I can't bring them here. Is there any message you want to send at once?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. I'll write it now. What do you think's going to happen?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga's sure they'll let us go, if I'm strong.\"\n\n\"I don't agree. And, please excuse me, I don't think you put much faith in the attempt either.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're wrong. Oh, of course they may stop us tomorrow and if they do there'll be the most terrible quarrel and threats but they'll all mean nothing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko laughed. \"Oh, such threats, Kiri-san, and they'll go on all day and all night. But at noon the next day we'll be allowed to go.\"\n\nKiri shook her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If we're allowed to escape, every other hostage in Osaka will leave too. Ishido will be weakened badly and he'll lose face. He can't afford that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\" Mariko was very satisfied. \"Even so, he's trapped.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri watched her. \"In eighteen days our Master'll be here, neh? He must be here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"So sorry, then why is it so important for us to leave at once?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'enough' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He thinks it important enough, Kiri-san. Enough to order it.\"\n\n\"Ah, then he has a plan?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Doesn't he always have many plans?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Once the Exalted One agreed to be present, then our Master was trapped, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri glanced at the shoji door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was closed. She leaned forward and said softly, \"Then why did he ask me secretly to put that thought into the Lady Ochiba's head?\"\n\nMariko's confidence began to fade." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He told you to do that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. From Yokosé, after he'd seen Lord Zataki for the first time. Why did he spring the trap himself?\"\n\n\"I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri bit her lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wish I knew. We'll soon know, but I don't think you're telling me everything you know, Mariko-chan.\"\n\nMariko began to bridle but Kiri touched her, again cautioning her to silence, and whispered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"His dispatch to me told me to trust you completely so let's say no more than that. I do trust you, Mariko-chan, but that doesn't stop my mind from working. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me.\"\n\n\"I'm so proud of you,\" Kiri said in a normal voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, standing up like that to Ishido and all of them. I wish I had your courage.\"\n\n\"It is easy for me. Our Master said we were to leave.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's very dangerous, what we do, I think. Even so, how can I help?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Give me your support.\"\n\n\"You have that. You've always had that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll stay here with you till dawn, Kiri. But first I have to talk to the Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. I'd better go with you.\"\n\nThe two women left Kiri's apartments, an escort of Browns with them, passing other Browns who bowed, clearly enormously proud of Mariko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri led down corridors, across the expanse of the great audience room, and into the corridor beyond." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Browns were on guard here, and Grays. When they saw Mariko, all bowed, Browns and Grays equally honoring her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both Kiri and Mariko were taken aback to find Grays in their domain. They hid their discomfiture and said nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri motioned at a door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anjin-san?\" Mariko called out.\n\n\"Hai?\" The door opened. Blackthorne stood there." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'grays' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind him in the room were two more Grays. \"Hello, Mariko-san.\"\n\n\"Hello.\" Mariko glanced at the Grays." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have to talk to the Anjin-san privately.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please talk to him, Lady,\" their captain said with great deference. \"Unfortunately we are ordered by Lord Ishido personally on pain of immediate death not to leave him alone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshinaka, tonight's officer-of-the-watch, strode up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Excuse me, Lady Toda, I had to agree to these twenty guards for the Anjin-san. It was Lord Ishido's personal request. So sorry.\"\n\n\"As Lord Ishido is only concerned with the Anjin-san's safety, they're welcome,\" she said, not at all pleased inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshinaka said to the captain of the Grays, \"I will be responsible for him while the Lady Toda's with him. You can wait outside.\"\n\n\"So sorry,\" this samurai said firmly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I and my men have no alternative but to watch with our own eyes.\"\n\nKiri said, \"I will be glad to stay. Of course someone's necessary.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, Kiritsubo-san, we must be present. Please excuse me, Lady Toda,\" the captain continued uncomfortably, \"but none of us speaks the barbarian.\"\n\n\"No one suggests you would be so impolite as to listen,\" said Mariko, near anger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But barbarian customs are different from ours.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshinaka said, \"Obviously the Grays must obey their lord. You were totally correct tonight that a samurai's first duty is to his liege lord, Lady Toda, and totally correct to point it out in public.\"\n\n\"Perfectly correct, Lady,\" the captain of the Grays agreed with the same measure of pride." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's no other reason for a samurai's life, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you,\" she said, warmed by their respect.\n\n\"We should also honor the Anjin-san's customs if we can, Captain,\" Yoshinaka said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps I have a solution. Please follow me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He led the way back to the audience room. \"Please, Lady, would you take the Anjin-san and sit there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pointed to the far dais." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Anjin-san's guards can stay by the doors and do their duty to their liege lord, we can do ours, and you may talk as you wish, according to the Anjin-san's customs. Neh?\"\n\nMariko explained to Blackthorne what Yoshinaka had said, then continued prudently in Latin, \"They will never leave thee tonight. We have no alternative—except I can order them killed at once if that is thy wish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My wish is to talk to thee privately,\" Blackthorne replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But not at the cost of lives. I thank thee for asking me.\"\n\nMariko turned to Yoshinaka." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very well, thank you, Yoshinaka-san. Would you please send someone for incense braziers to keep away the mosquitoes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course. Please excuse me, Lady, is there any further news of the Lady Yodoko?\"\n\n\"No, Yoshinaka-san. We heard she's still resting easily, without pain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko smiled at Blackthorne." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shall we go and sit there, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He followed her. Kiri went back to her own quarters and the Grays stood at the doors of the audience room. The captain of the Grays was near Yoshinaka, a few paces away from the others." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't like this,\" he whispered roughly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is the Lady Toda going to pull out his sword and kill him? No offense, but where are your wits?\"\n\nYoshinaka limped away to check the other posts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The captain looked at the dais." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko and the Anjin-san were seated opposite each other, well lit by flares." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could not hear what they were saying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He focused on their lips but was still no wiser, though his eyes were very good and he could speak Portuguese." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I suppose they're talking the Holy Fathers' language again, he told himself. Hideous language, impossible to learn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still, what does it matter?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why shouldn't she talk to the heretic in private if that's her pleasure? Neither are long for this earth. So very sad. Oh, Blessed Madonna, take her forever into thy keeping for her bravery." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell 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": "\"Latin is safer, Anjin-san.\" Her fan sent a droning mosquito skittering.\n\n\"They can hear us from here?\"\n\n\"No, I do not believe so, not if we keep our voices softened and talk as thou hast taught me with so little movement of the mouth.\"\n\n\"Good. What occurred with Kiyama?\"\n\n\"I love thee.\"\n\n\"Thou... \"\n\n\"I have missed thee.\"\n\n\"And I thee. How can we meet alone?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tonight it is not possible. Tomorrow night will be possible, my love. I have a plan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tomorrow? But what about thy departure?\"\n\n\"Tomorrow they may stop me, Anjin-san—please do not worry. The next day we will all be free to leave as we wish. Tomorrow night, if I am stopped, I will be with thee.\"\n\n\"How?\"\n\n\"Kiri will help me. Do not ask me how or what or why. It will be easy—\" She stopped as maids brought the little braziers. Soon the curling threads of smoke repelled the night creatures. When they were safe again they talked about their journey, content just being together, loving without touching, always skirting Toranaga and the importance of tomorrow. Then he said, \"Ishido's my enemy. Why are there so many guards around me?\"\n\n\"To protect thee. But also to hold thee tight. I think Ishido might also want to use thee against the Black Ship, and Nagasaki and the Lord Kiyama and Lord Onoshi.\"\n\n\"Ah, yes, I had thought that too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She saw his eyes searching her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is it, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Contrary to what Yabu believes, I believe thou art not stupid, that everything tonight was said deliberately, planned deliberately—on Toranaga's orders.\"\n\nShe smoothed a crease in her brocade kimono. \"He gave me orders. Yes.\"\n\nBlackthorne turned to Portuguese, \"He's betrayed you. You're a decoy. Do you know that? You're just bait for one of his traps.\"\n\n\"Why do you say that?\"\n\n\"You're the bait. So am I. It's obvious, isn't it? Yabu's bait. Toranaga sent us all here as a sacrifice.\"\n\n\"No, you're wrong, Anjin-san. So sorry, but you're wrong.\"\n\nIn Latin he said, \"I tell thee that thou art beautiful and I love thee, but thou art a liar.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No one has ever said that to me before.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thou hast also said no one ever said 'I love thee' before.\"\n\nShe looked down at her fan. \"Let us talk of other things.\"\n\n\"What does Toranaga gain by sacrificing us?\"\n\nShe did not answer.\n\n\"Mariko-san, I have the right to ask thee. I'm not afraid. I just want to know what he gains.\"\n\n\"I don't know.\"\n\n\"Thou! Swear by thy love and thy God.\"\n\n\"Even thee?\" she replied bitterly in Latin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thou also with thy 'Swear before God' and questions and questions and questions?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is thy life and my life and I cherish both. Again, what does he gain?\"\n\nHer voice became louder. \"Listen thou, yes, I chose the time and yes, I am not a stupid woman and—\"\n\n\"Be cautious, Mariko-chan, please keep thy voice down or that would be very stupid.\"\n\n\"So sorry. Yes, it was done deliberately and in public as Toranaga wished.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"Because Ishido's a peasant and he must let us go. The challenge had to be before his peers. The Lady Ochiba approves our going to meet Lord Toranaga. I talked to her and she is not opposed. There's nothing to trouble thyself about.\"\n\n\"I do not like to see fire in thee. Or venom. Or crossness. Where is thy tranquillity? And where are thy manners? Perhaps thou should learn to watch the rocks growing. Neh?\"\n\nMariko's anger vanished and she laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, thee! Thou art right. Please forgive me.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'would'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She felt refreshed, herself again. \"Oh, how I love thee, and honor thee, and I was so proud of thee tonight I almost kissed thee, there in front of them as is thy custom.\"\n\n\"Madonna, that would have set fire in their tinderboxes, neh?\"\n\n\"If I were alone with thee I would kiss thee until thy cries for mercy filled the universe.\"\n\n\"I thank thee, Lady, but thou art there and I am here and the world's between us.\"\n\n\"Ah, but there's no world between us. My life is full because of thee.\"\n\nIn a moment he said, \"And Yabu's orders to you—to apologize and stay?\"\n\n\"They may not be obeyed, so sorry.\"\n\n\"Because of Toranaga's orders?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. But not his orders truly—it is also my wish. All this was my suggestion to him. It is I who begged to be allowed to come here, my darling. Before God that is the truth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What will happen tomorrow?\"\n\nShe told him what she had told Kiri, adding, \"Everything is going to be better than planned. Isn't Ishido already thy patron? I swear I do not know how Lord Toranaga can be so clever. Before I left he told me that would happen, might happen. He knew that Yabu has no power in Kyushu. Only Ishido or Kiyama could protect thee there. We are not decoys. We are in his protection. We're quite safe.\"\n\n\"What about the nineteen days—eighteen now? Toranaga must be here, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Then isn't this as Ishido says, a waste of time?\"\n\n\"Truly I don't know. I only know that nineteen, eighteen, or even three days can be an eternity.\"\n\n\"Or tomorrow?\"\n\n\"Tomorrow also. Or the next day.\"\n\n\"And if Ishido will not let thee go tomorrow?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is the only chance we have. All of us. Ishido must be humbled.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thou art certain?\"\n\n\"Yes, before God, Anjin-san.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 12 sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne clawed out of a nightmare again but the moment he was truly awake the dream vanished. Grays were staring at him through the mosquito net in the light of early dawn.\n\n\"Good morning,\" he said to them, hating to have been watched while he slept.\n\nHe came from under the net and went out into the corridor, down staircases, until he came to the garden toilet. Guards, both Browns and Grays, accompanied him. He hardly noticed them.\n\nThe dawn was smoky. The sky to the east was already burnt clean of the haze. The air smelled salt and wet from the sea. Flies already swarmed. It'll be hot today, he thought.\n\nFootsteps approached. Through the door opening he saw Chimmoko. She waited patiently, chatting with the guards, and when he came out she bowed and greeted him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where Mariko-san?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"With Kiritsubo-san, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Thank you. When leave?\"\n\n\"Soon, Sire.\"\n\n\"Say to Mariko-san like say good morning before leave.\" He said it again although Mariko had already promised to find him before she went back to her home to collect her belongings.\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san.\"\n\nHe nodded as a samurai should and left her and went to wash and bathe. It was not custom to have a hot bath in the morning. But every morning he would always go there and pour cold water all over himself. \"Eeeee, Anjin-san,\" his guards or watchers would always say, \"that surely is most very good for your health.\"\n\nHe dressed and went to the battlements that overlooked the forecourt of this castle wing. He wore a Brown kimono and swords, his pistol concealed under his sash." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Browns on sentry duty welcomed him as one of them, though very disquieted by his Grays." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"Is that Oil Seller, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Other Grays teemed on the battlements opposite, overlooking them, and outside their gate.\n\n\"Many Grays, many more than usual. Understand, Anjin-san?\" Yoshinaka said, coming out onto the balcony.\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nThe captain of the Grays moved up to them. \"Please don't go too near the edge, Anjin-san. So sorry.\"\n\nThe sun was on the horizon. Its warmth felt good on Blackthorne's skin. There were no clouds in the sky and the breeze was dying.\n\nThe captain of the Grays pointed at Blackthorne's sword. \"Is that Oil Seller, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Yes, Captain.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I be allowed to see the blade?\"\n\nBlackthorne drew the sword part way from its scabbard. Custom decreed a sword should not be totally drawn unless it was to be used.\n\n\"Eeee, beautiful, neh?\" the captain said. The others, Browns and Grays, crowded round, equally impressed.\n\nBlackthorne shoved the sword back, not displeased. \"Honor to wear Oil Seller.\"\n\n\"Can you use a sword, Anjin-san?\" the captain asked.\n\n\"No, Captain. Not as samurai. But I learn.\"\n\n\"Ah, yes. That's very good.\"\n\nIn the forecourt two stories below, Browns were exercising, still in shadow. Blackthorne watched them. \"How many samurai here, Yoshinaka-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Four hundred and three, Anjin-san, including two hundred that came with me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And out there?\"\n\n\"Grays?\" Yoshinaka laughed. \"Lots—very many.\"\n\nThe Grays' captain showed his teeth with his grin. \"Almost one hundred thousand. You understand, Anjin-san, 'one hundred thousand'?\"\n\n\"Yes. Thank you.\"\n\nThey all looked away as a phalanx of porters and pack horses and three palanquins rounded the far corner and approached under guard from the end of the access to this cul-de-sac. The avenue was still deeply shadowed and dark between the tall guarded walls. Flares still burned in wall sockets. Even from this distance they could see the nervousness of the porters. Grays across from them seemed more hushed and attentive, and so did the Browns on guard.\n\nThe tall gates opened to admit the party, their escorting Grays staying outside with their comrades, then closed again. The great iron bar clanged back into the large brackets that were set deep into the granite walls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No portcullis guarded this gateway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshinaka said, \"Anjin-san, please excuse me. I must see all is well. All ready, neh?\"\n\n\"I wait here.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Yoshinaka left.\n\nThe Grays' captain went to the parapet and watched below. Christ Jesus, Blackthorne was thinking, I hope she's right and Toranaga's right. Not long now, eh? He measured the sun and muttered vaguely to himself in Portuguese, \"Not long to go.\"\n\nUnconsciously the captain grunted his agreement and Blackthorne realized the man understood him clearly in Portuguese, was therefore Catholic and another possible assassin. His mind rushed back to last night, and he remembered that everything he had said to Mariko had been in Latin. Was it all in Latin? Mother of God, what about her saying \"... I can order them killed?\" Was that in Latin?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Does he speak Latin, too, like that other captain, the one who was killed during the first escape from Osaka?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sun was gathering strength now and Blackthorne took his eyes off the captain of Grays. If you didn't murder me in the night maybe you'll never do it, he thought, putting this Catholic into a compartment.\n\nHe saw Kiri come out into the forecourt below. She was supervising maids bearing panniers and chests for the pack horses. She looked tiny, standing on the main steps where Sazuko had pretended to slip, initiating Toranaga's escape. Just to the north was the lovely garden and tiny rustic house where he'd first seen Mariko and Yaemon, the Heir. His mind journeyed with the noon cortege out of the castle, curling through the maze, then safely out, through the woods, and down to the sea. He prayed that she would be safe and everyone safe. Once they were away, Yabu and he would leave and go to the galley and out to sea.\n\nFrom here on the battlements the sea seemed so near. The sea beckoned. And the horizon.\n\n\"Konbanwa, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mariko-san!\" She was as radiant as ever.\n\n\"Konbanwa,\" he said, then in Latin, nonchalantly, \"Beware of this Gray man—he understands,\" continuing instantly in Portuguese to give her time to cover, \"yes, I don't understand how you can be so beautiful after so little sleep.\" He took her arm and put her back to the captain, guiding her nearer the parapet. \"Look, there's Kiritsubo-san!\"\n\n\"Thank you. Yes—yes, I'm... thank you.\"\n\n\"Why don't you wave to Kiritsubo-san?\"\n\nShe did as she was asked and called out her name. Kiri saw them and waved back.\n\nAfter a moment, relaxed again and in control, Mariko said, \"Thank you, Anjin-san. You're very clever and very wise.\" She greeted the captain casually and wandered to a ledge and sat down, first making sure that the seat was clean. \"It's going to be a fine day, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. How did you sleep?\"\n\n\"I didn't, Anjin-san. Kiri and I chatted the last of the night away and I saw the dawn come. I love dawns. You?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My rest was disturbed but—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, so sorry.\"\n\n\"I'm fine now—really. You're leaving now?\"\n\n\"Yes, but I'll be back at noon to collect Kiri-san and the Lady Sazuko.\" She turned her face away from the captain and said in Latin, \"Thou. Remember the Inn of the Blossoms?\"\n\n\"Assuredly. How could I forget?\"\n\n\"If there is a delay... tonight will be thus—as perfect and as peace-filled.\"\n\n\"Ah, that that could be possible. But I would prefer thee safely on thy way.\"\n\nMariko continued in Portuguese. \"Now I must go, Anjin-san. You will please excuse me?\"\n\n\"I'll take you to the gate.\"\n\n\"No, please. Watch me from here. You and the captain can watch from here, neh?\"\n\n\"Of course,\" Blackthorne said at once, understanding. \"Go with God.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And thee.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stayed on the parapet. While he waited sunlight fell into the forecourt, thrusting the shadows away. Mariko appeared below. He saw her greet Kiri and Yoshinaka and they chatted together, no enemy Grays near them. Then they bowed. She looked up at him, shading her eyes, and waved gaily. He waved back. The gates were pushed aside and, with Chimmoko a few discreet paces behind her, she walked out, accompanied by her escort of ten Browns. The gates swung closed once more. For a moment she was lost from view. When she reappeared, fifty Grays from the swarm outside their walls had surrounded them as a further honor guard. The cortege marched away down the sunless avenue. He watched her until she had turned the far corner. She never looked back.\n\n\"Go eat now, Captain,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, of course, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne went to his own quarters and ate rice, pickled vegetables, and broiled chunks of fish, followed by early fruit from Kyushu—crisp small apples, apricots, and hard-fleshed plums. He savored the tart fruit and the cha.\n\n\"More, Anjin-san?\" the servant asked.\n\n\"No, thank you.\" He offered fruits to his guards and they were accepted gratefully, and when they had finished, he went back to the sunny battlements again. He would have liked to examine the priming of his concealed pistol but he thought it better not to draw attention to it. He had checked it once in the night as best he could under the sheet, under the mosquito net. But without actually seeing, he could not be sure of the tamping or the flint.\n\nThere's nothing more you can do, he thought. You're a puppet. Be patient, Anjin-san, your watch ends at noon.\n\nHe gauged the height of the sun. It will be the beginning of the two-hour period of the Snake. After the Snake comes the Horse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the middle of the Horse is high noon." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"Please excuse me for disturbing you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Temple bells throughout the castle and the city tolled the beginning of the Snake and he was pleased with his accuracy. He noticed a small stone on the battlement floor. He went forward and picked up the stone and placed it carefully on a ledge of an embrasure in the sun, then leaned back once more, propping his feet comfortably, and stared at it.\n\nGrays were watching his every movement. The captain frowned. After a while he said, \"Anjin-san, what's the significance of the stone?\"\n\n\"Please?\"\n\n\"The stone. Why stone, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Ah! I watch stone grow.\"\n\n\"Oh so sorry, I understand,\" the captain replied apologetically. \"Please excuse me for disturbing you.\"\n\nBlackthorne laughed to himself, and turned his gaze back to the stone. \"Grow, you bastard,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But as much as he cursed it, ordered it, or cajoled it, it would not grow." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do you really expect to see a rock growing? he asked himself. No, of course not, but it passes the time and promotes tranquillity. You can't have enough wa. Neh?\n\nEeeeee, where's the next attack coming from? There's no defense against an assassin if the assassin is prepared to die. Is there?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for James Clavell vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rodrigues checked the priming of a musket he had taken at random from the rack beside the stern cannon. He found the flint was worn and pitted and therefore dangerous. Without a word he hurled the musket at the gunner. The man just managed to catch it before the stock smashed into his face.\n\n\"Madonna, Senhor Pilot,\" the man cried out, \"there's no need—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen, you motherless turd, the next time I find anything wrong with a musket or cannon during your watch, you'll get fifty lashes and lose three months' pay. Bosun!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Pilot?\" Pesaro, the bosun, heaved his bulk nearer and scowled at the young gunner.\n\n\"Turn out both watches! Check every musket and cannon, everything. Only God knows when we'll need 'em.\"\n\n\"I'll see to it, Pilot.\" The bosun shoved his face at the gunner.\n\n\"I'll piss in your grog tonight, Gomez, for all the extra work an' you'd better lap it up with a smile. Get to work!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were eight small cannon amidships on the main deck, four port and four starboard and a bowchaser." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Enough to beat off any uncannoned pirates but not enough to press home an attack. The small frigate was two-masted, called the Santa Luz.\n\nRodrigues waited until the crews were at their tasks, then turned away and leaned on the gunwale. The castle glinted dully in the sun, the color of old pewter, except for the donjon with its blue and white walls and golden roofs. He spat into the water and watched the spittle to see if it would reach the jetty pilings as he hoped or go into the sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It went into the sea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Piss,\" he muttered to no one, wishing he had his own frigate, the Santa Maria, under him right now. God-cursed bad luck that she's in Macao just when we need her.\n\n\"What's amiss, Captain-General?\" he had asked a few days ago at Nagasaki when he'd been routed out of his warm bed in his house that overlooked the city and the harbor.\n\n\"I've got to get to Osaka at once,\" Ferriera had said, plumed and arrogant as any bantam cock, even at this early hour. \"An urgent signal's arrived from dell'Aqua.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's the matter now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He didn't say—just that it was vital to the future of the Black Ship.\"\n\n\"Madonna, what mischief're they up to now? What's vital? Our ship's as sound as any ship afloat, her bottom's clean and rigging perfect. Trade's better than we ever imagined and on time, the monkeys're behaving themselves, pigarse Harima's confident, and—\" He stopped as the thought exploded in his brain. \"The Ingeles! He's put to sea?\"\n\n\"I don't know. But if he has... \"\n\nRodrigues had stared out of the great harbor mouth, half expecting to see Erasmus already blockading there, showing the hated flag of England, waiting there like a rabid dog against the day they'd have to put to sea for Macao and home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jesu, Mother of God and all saints, let that not happen!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's our fastest way? Lorcha?\"\n\n\"The Santa Luz, Captain-General. We can sail within the hour. Listen, the Ingeles can do nothing without men. Don't forget—\"\n\n\"Madonna, you listen, he can speak their jibberish now, eh? Why can't he use monkeys, eh? There are enough Jappo pirates to crew him twenty times over.\"\n\n\"Yes, but not gunners and not sailors as he'd need 'em—he's not got time to train Jappos. By next year maybe, but not against us.\"\n\n\"Why in the name of the Madonna and the saints the priests gave him one of their dictionaries I'll never know. Meddling bastards! They must've been possessed by the Devil! It's almost as though the Ingeles is protected by the Devil!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I tell you he's just clever!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There are many who've been here for twenty years and can't speak a word of Jappo gibberish, but the Ingeles can, eh? I tell you he's given his soul to Satan, and in return for the black arts he's protected. How else do you explain it? How many years've you been trying to talk their tongue and you even live with one? Leche, he could easily use Jappo pirates.\"\n\n\"No, Captain-General, he's got to get men from here and we're waiting for him and you've already put anyone suspect in irons.\"\n\n\"With twenty thousand cruzados in silver and a promise about the Black Ship, he can buy all the men he needs, including the jailers and the God-cursed jail around them. Cabron! Perhaps he can buy you, too.\"\n\n\"Watch your tongue!\"\n\n\"You're the motherless, milkless Spaniard, Rodrigues! It's your fault he's alive, you're responsible. Twice you let him escape!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Captain-General had squared up to him in rage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You should have killed him when he was in your power.\"\n\n\"Perhaps, but that's froth on my life's wake,\" Rodrigues had said bitterly. \"I went to kill him when I could.\"\n\n\"Did you?\"\n\n\"I've told you twenty times. Have you no ears! Or is Spanish dung as usual in your ears as well as in your mouth!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His hand had reached for his pistol and the Captain-General had drawn his sword, then the frightened Japanese girl was between them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Prees, Rod-san, no angers—no quarre', prees! Christian, prees!\"\n\nThe blinding rage had fallen off both of them, and Ferriera had said, \"I tell you before God, the Ingeles must be Devil-spawned—I almost killed you, and you me, Rodrigues. I see it clearly now. He's put a spell on all of us—particularly you!\"\n\nNow in the sunshine at Osaka, Rodrigues reached for the crucifix he wore around his neck and he prayed a desperate prayer that he be protected from all warlocks and his immortal soul kept safe from Satan.\n\nIsn't the Captain-General right, isn't that the only answer? he reasoned again, filled with foreboding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Ingeles' life is charmed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now he's an intimate of the archfiend Toranaga, now he's got his ship back and the money back and wako, in spite of everything, and he does speak like one of them and that's impossible so quickly even with the dictionary, but he did get the dictionary and priceless help. Jesus God and Madonna, take the Evil Eye off me!\n\n\"Why'd you give the Ingeles the dictionary, Father?\" he had asked Alvito at Mishima. \"Surely you should have delayed that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Rodrigues,\" Father Alvito had told him confidently, \"and I needn't have gone out of my way to help him. But I'm convinced there's a chance of converting him. I'm so sure. Toranaga's finished now... It's just one man and a soul. I have to try to save him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Priests, Rodrigues thought. Leche on all priests. But not on dell'Aqua and Alvito. Oh, Madonna, I apologize for all my evil thoughts about him and the Father Alvito. Forgive me and bury the Ingeles somehow before I have him in my sights. I do not wish to kill him because of my Holy Oath, even though, before Thee, I know he must die quickly..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The duty helmsman turned the hourglass and rang eight bells." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was high noon." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 12 sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko was walking up the crowded sunlit avenue toward the gates in the cul-de-sac." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind her was a body guard of ten Browns. She wore a pale green kimono and white gloves and a wide-brimmed dark green traveling hat tied with a golden net scarf under her chin, and she shaded herself with an iridescent sunshade. The gates swung open and stayed open.\n\nIt was very quiet in the avenue. Grays lined both sides and all the battlements. She could see the Anjin-san on their own battlements, Yabu beside him, and in the courtyard the waiting column with Kiri there, and the Lady Sazuko. All the Browns were in full ceremonials in the forecourt under Yoshinaka, except twenty who stood on the battlements with Blackthorne and two to each window overlooking the forecourt.\n\nUnlike the Grays, none of the Browns had armor or carried bows. Swords were their only weapons.\n\nMany women, samurai women, were also watching, some from the windows of other fortified houses that lined the avenue, and some from battlements. Others stood in the avenue among the Grays, a few gaily dressed children with them. All of the women carried sunshades though some wore samurai swords, as was their right if they wished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiyama was near the gate with half a hundred of his own men, not Grays.\n\n\"Good day, Sire,\" Mariko said to him, and bowed. He bowed back and she passed through the archway.\n\n\"Hello, Kiri-chan, Sazuko-chan. How pretty you both look! Is everything ready?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" they replied with false cheeriness.\n\n\"Good.\" Mariko got into her open palanquin and sat, stiff-backed. \"Yoshinaka-san! Please begin.\"\n\nAt once the captain limped forward and shouted the orders. Twenty Browns formed up as a vanguard and moved off. Porters picked up Mariko's curtainless palanquin and followed the Browns through the gate, Kiri's and Lady Sazuko's close behind, the young girl holding her infant in her arms.\n\nWhen Mariko's palanquin came into the sunlight outside their walls, a captain of Grays stepped forward between the vanguard and the palanquin, and stood directly in her way. The vanguard stopped abruptly. So did the porters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me,\" he said to Yoshinaka, \"but may I see your papers?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, Captain, but we require none,\" Yoshinaka replied in the great silence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, but the Lord General Ishido, Governor of the Castle, Captain of the Heir's Bodyguard, with the approval of the Regents, has instituted orders throughout the castle which have to be complied with.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'man's' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko said formally, \"I am Toda Mariko-noh-Buntaro and I have been ordered by my liege Lord, Lord Toranaga, to escort his ladies to meet him. Kindly let us pass.\"\n\n\"I would be glad to, Lady,\" the samurai said proudly, planting his feet, \"but without papers our liege Lord says no one may leave Osaka Castle. Please excuse me.\"\n\nMariko said, \"Captain, what is your name please?\"\n\n\"Sumiyori Danzenji, Lady, Captain of the Fourth Legion, and my line is as ancient as your own.\"\n\n\"So sorry, Captain Sumiyori, but if you do not move out of the way I will order you killed.\"\n\n\"You will not pass without papers!\"\n\n\"Please kill him, Yoshinaka-san.\"\n\nYoshinaka leaped forward without hesitation, his sword a whirling arc, and he struck at the off-balanced Gray. His blade bit deep into the man's side and was jerked out instantly, and the second more vicious blow took off the man's head, which rolled in the dust a little way before stopping.\n\nYoshinaka wiped his blade clean and sheathed it. \"Lead on!\" he ordered the vanguard. \"Hurry up!\" The vanguard formed up again and, their footsteps echoing, they marched off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, out of nowhere, an arrow thwanged into Yoshinaka's chest. The cortege lurched to a stop. Yoshinaka tore at the shaft silently for a moment, then his eyes glazed and he toppled.\n\nA small moan broke from Kiri's lips. A puff of air tugged at the ends of Mariko's gossamer scarf. Somewhere in the avenue a child's cries were hushed. Everyone waited breathlessly.\n\n\"Miyai Kazuko-san,\" Mariko called out. \"Please take charge.\"\n\nKazuko was young and tall and very proud, clean-shaven, with deep-set cheeks, and he came from the grouped Browns near Kiyama who stood beside the gateway. He strode past Kiri's and Sazuko's litters to stand beside Mariko's and bowed formally. \"Yes, Lady. Thank you.\"\n\n\"You!\" He shouted to the men ahead. \"Move off!\" Taut, some fearful, all frantic, they obeyed and once again the procession began, Kazuko walking beside Mariko's litter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, a hundred paces in front of them, twenty Grays moved out of the massed ranks of samurai and stood silently across the roadway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The twenty Browns closed the gap. Then someone faltered and the vanguard trickled to a stop.\n\n\"Clear them out of the way!\" Kazuko shouted.\n\nImmediately one Brown leaped forward, and the others followed and the killing became swift and cruel. Each time a Gray fell, another would calmly walk out of the waiting pack to join his comrades in the killing. It was always fair, always evenly matched, man to man, now fifteen against fifteen, now eight against eight, a few wounded Grays thrashing in the dirt, now three Browns against two Grays and another Gray strode out, and soon it was one to one, the last Brown, blood-stained and wounded, already victor of four duels. The last Gray dispatched him easily and stood alone among the bodies and looked at Miyai Kazuko.\n\nAll the Browns were dead. Four Grays lay wounded, eighteen dead.\n\nKazuko went forward, unsheathing his sword in the enormous hush.\n\n\"Wait,\" Mariko said. \"Please wait, Kazuko-san.\"\n\nHe stopped but kept his eyes on the Gray, spoiling for the fight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko stepped out of the palanquin and went back to Kiyama. \"Lord Kiyama, I formally ask you please to order those men out of the way.\"\n\n\"So sorry, Toda-sama, the castle orders must be obeyed. The orders are legal. But if you wish, I will call a meeting of the Regents and ask for a ruling.\"\n\n\"I am samurai. My orders are clear, in keeping with bushido and sanctified by our code. They must be obeyed and overrule legally any man-made ordinance. The law may upset reason, but reason may not overthrow the law. If I am not permitted to obey, I will not be able to live with that shame.\"\n\n\"I will call an immediate meeting.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Sire, what you do is your own business. I am concerned only with my Lord's orders and my own shame.\" She turned and went quietly back to the head of the column. \"Kazuko-san! I order you please to lead us out of the castle!\"\n\nHe walked forward. \"I am Miyai Kazuko, Captain, from the line Serata, of Lord Toranaga's Third Army. Please get out of the way.\"\n\n\"I am Biwa Jiro, Captain, of Lord General Ishido's garrison. My life is worthless, even so you will not pass,\" the Gray said.\n\nWith the sudden roaring battle cry of \"Toranagaaaaaa!\" Kazuko rushed to the fray." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their swords shrieked as the blows and counterblows were parried. The two men circled. The Gray was good, very good, and so was Kazuko. Their swords rang out in the clash. No one else moved.\n\nKazuko conquered but he was very badly wounded and he stood over his enemy, swaying on his feet, and with his good arm he shook his sword at the sky, bellowing his war cry, gloating in his victory, \"Toranagaaaaa!\" There was no cheering at his conquest. All knew it would be unseemly in the ritual that enveloped them now.\n\nKazuko forced one foot forward, then another, and, stumbling, he ordered, \"Follow me!\" his voice crumbling.\n\nNo one saw where the arrows came from but they slaughtered him. And the mood of the Browns changed from fatalism to ferocity at this insult to Kazuko's manhood. He was already dying fast, and would have fallen soon, alone, still doing his duty, still leading them out of the castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another officer of the Browns ran forward with twenty men to form a new vanguard and the rest swarmed around Mariko, Kiri, and Lady Sazuko.\n\n\"Forward!\" the officer snarled.\n\nHe stepped off and the twenty silent samurai came after him. Like somnambulists, the porters picked up their burdens and stumbled around the bodies. Then ahead, a hundred paces, twenty more Grays with an officer moved silently from the hundreds that waited. The porters stopped. The vanguard quickened their pace.\n\n\"Halt!\" The officers bowed curtly to each other and said their lineage.\n\n\"Please get out of the way.\"\n\n\"Please show me your papers.\"\n\nThis time the Browns hurtled forward at once with cries of \"Toranagaaaaaa!\" to be answered by \"Yaemooooonn!\" and the carnage began." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And each time a Gray fell, another would walk out coolly until all the Browns were dead.\n\nThe last Gray wiped his blade clean and sheathed it and stood alone barring the path. Another officer came forward with twenty Browns from the company behind the litters.\n\n\"Wait,\" Mariko ordered. Ashen, she stepped out of her palanquin and put her sunshade aside and picked up Yoshinaka's sword, unsheathed it, and walked forward alone.\n\n\"You know who I am. Please get out of my way.\"\n\n\"I am Kojima Harutomo, Sixth Legion, Captain. Please excuse me, you may not pass, Lady,\" the Gray said with pride.\n\nShe darted forward but her blow was contained. The Gray backed and stayed on the defensive though he could have killed her without effort. He retreated slowly down the avenue, she following, but he made her work for every foot. Hesitantly the column started after her. Again she tried to bring the Gray to battle, cutting, thrusting, always attacking fiercely, but the samurai slid away, avoiding her blows, holding her off, not attacking, allowing her to exhaust herself. But he did this gravely, with dignity, giving her every courtesy, giving her the honor that was her due." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She attacked again but he parried the onslaught that would have overcome a lesser swordsman, and backed another pace. The perspiration streamed from her. A Brown started forward to help but his officer quietly ordered him to stop, knowing that no one could interfere. Samurai on both sides waited for the signal, craving the release to kill.\n\nIn the crowd, a child was hiding his eyes in his mother's skirts. Gently she pried him away and knelt. \"Please watch, my son,\" she murmured. \"You are samurai.\"\n\nMariko knew she could not last much longer. She was panting now from her exertions and could feel the brooding malevolence surrounding her. Then ahead and all around, Grays began to ease away from the walls and the noose around the column quickly tightened. A few Grays walked out to try to surround her and she stopped advancing, knowing that she could, too easily, be trapped and disarmed and captured, which would destroy everything at once. Now Browns moved up to assist her and the rest took positions around the litters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The mood in the avenue was ominous now, every man committed, the sweet smell of blood in their nostrils. The column was strung out from the gateway and Mariko saw how easy it would be for the Grays to cut them all off if they wished and leave them stranded in the roadway.\n\n\"Wait!\" she called out. Everyone stopped. She half-bowed to her assailant, then, head high, turned her back on him and walked back to Kiri. \"So... so sorry, but it is not possible to fight through these men, at the moment,\" she said, her chest heaving. \"We... we must go back for a moment.\" Sweat was streaking her face as she went down the line of men. When she came to Kiyama, she stopped and bowed. \"Those men have prevented me from doing my duty, from obeying my liege Lord. I cannot live with shame, Sire. I will commit seppuku at sunset. I formally beg you to be my second.\"\n\n\"No. You will not do this.\"\n\nHer eyes flashed and her voice rang out fearlessly. \"Unless we are allowed to obey our liege Lord, as is our right, I will commit seppuku at sunset!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She bowed and walked toward the gateway." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiyama bowed to her and his men did likewise. Then all in the avenue and on the battlements and at the windows, all bowed to her in homage. She went through the archway, across the forecourt into the garden. Her footsteps took her to the secluded, rustic little cha house. She went inside and, once alone, she wept silently for all the men who had died." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\nfour sentences\nStyle:\nJames Clavell" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Beautiful, neh?\" Yabu pointed below at the dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please?\" Blackthorne asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was a poem. You understand 'poem'?\"\n\n\"I understand word, yes.\"\n\n\"It was a poem, Anjin-san. Don't you see that?\"\n\nIf Blackthorne had had the words he would have said, No, Yabu-san." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But I did see clearly for the first time what was really in her mind, the moment she gave the first order and Yoshinaka killed the first man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Poem? It was a hideous, courageous, senseless, extraordinary ritual, where death's as formalized and inevitable as at a Spanish Inquisition, and all the deaths merely a prelude to Mariko's. Everyone's committed now, Yabu-san—you, me, the castle, Kiri, Ochiba, Ishido, everyone—all because she decided to do what she decided was necessary. And when did she decide? Long ago, neh? Or, more correctly, Toranaga made the decision for her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, Yabu-san, not words enough,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu hardly heard him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was quiet on the battlements and in the avenue, everyone as motionless as statues. Then the avenue began to come alive, voices hushed, movements subdued, the sun beating down, as each came out of his trance.\n\nYabu sighed, filled with melancholia. \"It was a poem, Anjin-san,\" he said again, and left the battlements." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Mariko had picked up the sword and gone forward alone, Blackthorne had wanted to leap down into the arena and rush at her assailant to protect her, to blow the Gray's head off before she was slain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But, with everyone, he had done nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not because he was afraid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was no longer afraid to die. Her courage had shown him the uselessness of that fear and he had come to terms with himself long ago, on that night in the village with the knife.\n\nI meant to drive the knife into my heart that night.\n\nSince then my fear of death's been obliterated, just as she said it would be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Only by living at the edge of death can you understand the indescribable joy of life.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't remember Omi stopping the thrust, only feeling reborn when I awoke the next dawn.\n\nHis eyes watched the dead, there in the avenue. I could have killed that Gray for her, he thought, and perhaps another and perhaps several, but there would always have been another and my death would not have tipped the scale a fraction. I'm not afraid to die, he told himself." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'grays' × 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm only appalled there's nothing I can do to protect her.\n\nGrays were picking up bodies now, Browns and Grays treated with equal dignity. Other Grays were streaming away, Kiyama and his men among them, women and children and maids all leaving, dust in the avenue rising under their feet. He smelled the acrid, slightly fetid death-smell mixed with the salt breeze, his mind eclipsed by her, the courage of her, the indefinable warmth that her fearless courage had given him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked up at the sun and measured it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Six hours to sunset." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He headed for the steps that led below." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjin-san? Where go, please?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned back, his own Grays forgotten. The captain was staring at him. \"Ah, so sorry. Go there!\" He pointed to the forecourt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The captain of Grays thought a moment, then reluctantly agreed. \"All right. Please you follow me.\"\n\nIn the forecourt Blackthorne felt the Browns' hostility towards his Grays. Yabu was standing beside the gates watching the men come back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiri and the Lady Sazuko were fanning themselves, a wet nurse feeding the infant. They were sitting on hastily laid out coverlets and cushions that had been placed in the shade on a veranda. Porters were huddled to one side, squatting in a tight, frightened group around the baggage and pack horses. He headed for the garden but the guards shook their heads." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, this is out of bounds for the moment, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Yes, of course,\" he said, turning away. The avenue was clearing now, though five-hundred-odd Grays still stayed, settling themselves, squatting or sitting cross-legged in a wide semicircle, facing the gates. The last of the Browns stalked back under the arch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu called out, \"Close the gates and bar them.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Yabu-san,\" the officer said, \"but the Lady Toda said they were to be left open. We are to guard them against all men but the gates are to be left open.\"\n\n\"You're sure?\"\n\nThe officer bridled. He was a neat, bent-faced man in his thirties with a jutting chin, mustached and bearded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me—of course I am sure.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you. I meant no offense, neh? Are you the senior officer here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Lady Toda honored me with her confidence, yes. Of course, you are senior to me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am in command but you are in charge.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Yabu-san, but the Lady Toda commands here. You are senior officer. I would be honored to be second to you. If you will permit it.\"\n\nYabu said balefully, \"It's permitted, Captain. I know very well who commands us here. Your name, please?\"\n\n\"Sumiyori Tabito.\"\n\n\"Wasn't the first Gray 'Sumiyori' also?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: Yes, Yabu-san. He was my cousin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Yabu-san. He was my cousin.\"\n\n\"When you are ready, Captain Sumiyori, please call a meeting of all officers.\"\n\n\"Certainly, Sire. With her permission.\"\n\nBoth men looked away as a lady hobbled into the forecourt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was elderly and samurai and leaned painfully on a cane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hair was white but her back was straight and she went over to Kiritsubo, her maid holding a sunshade over her.\n\n\"Ah, Kiritsubo-san,\" she said formally. \"I am Maeda Etsu, Lord Maeda's mother, and I share the Lady Toda's views. With her permission I would like to have the honor of waiting with her.\"\n\n\"Please sit down, you're welcome,\" Kiri said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A maid brought another cushion and both maids helped the old lady to sit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, that's better—so much better,\" Lady Etsu said, biting back a groan of pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's my joints, they get worse every day. Ah, that's a relief. Thank you.\"\n\n\"Would you like cha?\"\n\n\"First cha, then saké, Kiritsubo-san. Lots of saké. Such excitement's thirsty work, neh?\"\n\nOther samurai women were detaching themselves from the crowds that were leaving and they came back through the ranks of the Grays into the pleasing shade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few hesitated and three changed their minds, but soon there were fourteen ladies on the veranda and two had brought children with them.\n\n\"Please excuse me, but I am Achiko, Kiyama Nagamasa's wife, and I want to go home too,\" a young girl was saying timidly, holding her little son's hand. \"I want to go home to my husband. May I beg permission to wait too, please?\"\n\n\"But Lord Kiyama will be furious with you, Lady, if you stay here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, so sorry, Kiritsubo-san, but Grandfather hardly knows me. I'm only wife to a very minor grandson. I'm sure he won't care and I haven't seen my husband for months and I don't care either what they say. Our Lady's right, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Quite right, Achiko-san,\" old Lady Etsu said, firmly taking charge." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'laughed' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course you're welcome, child. Come and sit by me. What's your son's name? What a fine boy you've got.\"\n\nThe ladies chorused their agreement and another boy who was four piped up plaintively, \"Please, I'm a fine boy too, neh?\" Someone laughed and all the ladies joined in.\n\n\"You are indeed,\" Lady Etsu said and laughed again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiri wiped away a tear. \"There, that's better, I was getting far too serious, neh?\" She chuckled. \"Ah, Ladies, I'm so honored to be allowed to greet you in her name. You must all be starving, and you're so right, Lady Etsu, this is all thirsty work!\" She sent maids for food and drink and introduced those ladies who needed introducing, admiring a fine kimono here or a special parasol there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon they were all chattering and happy and fluttering like so many parakeets.\n\n\"How can a man understand women?\" Sumiyori said blankly.\n\n\"Impossible!\" Yabu agreed.\n\n\"One moment they're frightened and in tears and the next... When I saw the Lady Mariko pick up Yoshinaka's sword, I thought I'd die with pride.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Pity that last Gray was so good. I'd like to have seen her kill. She'd have killed a lesser man.\"\n\nSumiyori rubbed his beard where the drying sweat irritated him. \"What would you have done if you'd been him?\"\n\n\"I would have killed her then charged the Browns. Too much blood there. It was all I could do not to slaughter all the Grays near me on the battlement.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's good to kill sometimes. Very good. Sometimes it's very special and then it's better than a lusting woman.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a burst of laughter from the ladies as the two little boys started strutting up and down importantly, their scarlet kimonos dancing. \"It's good to have children here again. I thank all gods mine are at Yedo.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Yabu was looking at the women speculatively.\n\n\"I was wondering the same,\" Sumiyori said quietly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's your answer?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's only one now. If Ishido lets us go, fine. If Lady Mariko's seppuku is wasted, then... then we'll help those ladies into the Void and begin the killing. They won't want to live.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'we'll' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu said, \"Some may want to.\"\n\n\"You can decide that later, Yabu-san. It would benefit our Master if they all commit seppuku here. And the children.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Afterward we'll man the walls and then open the gates at dawn. We'll fight till noon. That'll be enough. Then those who are left will come back inside and set fire to this part of the castle. If I'm alive then I'd be honored if you'd be my second.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sumiyori grinned. \"This's going to blow the realm apart, neh? All this killing and her seppuku. It'll spread like fire—it'll eat up Osaka, neh? You think that'll delay the Exalted? Would that be our Master's plan?\"\n\n\"I don't know. Listen, Sumiyori-san, I'm going back to my house for a moment. Fetch me as soon as the Lady comes back.\" He walked over to Blackthorne, who sat musing on the main steps. \"Listen, Anjin-san,\" Yabu said furtively, \"perhaps I have a plan. Secret, neh? 'Secret,' you understand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Understand.\" Bells tolled the hour change." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The time rang in all their heads, the beginning of the Hour of the Monkey, six bells of the afternoon watch, three of the clock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Many turned to the sun and, without thinking, measured it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What plan?\" Blackthorne asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Talk later. Stay close by. Say nothing, understand?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\nYabu stalked out of the gateway with ten Browns. Twenty Grays attached themselves and together they went down the avenue. His guest house was not far around the first corner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Grays stayed outside his gate." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu motioned the Browns to wait in the garden and he went inside alone." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce ten sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's impossible. Lord General,\" Ochiba said. \"You can't let a lady of her rank commit seppuku. So sorry, but you've been trapped.\"\n\n\"I agree,\" Lord Kiyama said forcefully.\n\n\"With due humility, Lady,\" Ishido said, \"whatever I said or didn't say, doesn't matter an eta's turd to her. She'd already decided, at least Toranaga had.\"\n\n\"Of course he's behind it,\" Kiyama said as Ochiba recoiled at Ishido's uncouthness. \"So sorry, but he's outsmarted you again. Even so you can't let her commit seppuku!\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"Please, so sorry, Lord General, we must keep our voices down,\" Ochiba said. They were waiting in the spacious antechamber of Lady Yodoko's sick room in the inner quarters of the donjon, on the second floor. \"I'm sure it wasn't your fault and there must be a solution.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiyama said quietly, \"You cannot let her continue her plan, Lord General, because that will inflame every lady in the castle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido glared at him. \"You seem to forget a couple were shot by mistake and that didn't create a ripple among them—except to stop any more escape attempts.\"\n\n\"That was a terrible mistake, Lord General,\" Ochiba said.\n\n\"I agree. But we are at war, Toranaga's not yet in our hands, and until he's dead you and the Heir are in total danger.\"\n\n\"So sorry—I'm not worried for myself—only for my son,\" Ochiba said. \"They've all got to be back here in eighteen days. I advise you to let them all go.\"\n\n\"That's an unnecessary risk. So sorry. We're not certain she means it.\"\n\n\"She does,\" Kiyama told him contemptuously, despising Ishido's truculent presence in the opulent, overrich quarters that reminded him so clearly of the Taikō, his friend and revered patron. \"She's samurai.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Ochiba said. \"So sorry, but I agree with Lord Kiyama. Mariko-san will do what she says. Then there's that hag Etsu! Those Maedas are a proud lot, neh?\"\n\nIshido walked over to the window and looked out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They can all burn as far as I'm concerned. The Toda woman's Christian, neh? Isn't suicide against her religion? A special sin?\"\n\n\"Yes, but she'll have a second—so it won't be suicide.\"\n\n\"And if she doesn't?\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Say she's disarmed and has no second?\"\n\n\"How could you do that?\"\n\n\"Capture her. Confine her with carefully chosen maids until Toranaga's across our borders.\" Ishido smiled. \"Then she can do what she wants. I'd be even delighted to help her.\"\n\n\"How could you capture her?\" Kiyama asked. \"She'd always have time to commit seppuku, or to use her knife.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps. But say she could be captured and disarmed and held for a few days. Isn't the 'few days' vital? Isn't that why she's insisting on going today, before Toranaga crosses over our borders and castrates himself?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Could it be done?\" Lady Ochiba asked.\n\n\"Possibly,\" Ishido said.\n\nKiyama pondered this. \"In eighteen days Toranaga must be here. He could delay at the border for at the most another four days. She would have to be held for a week at the most.\"\n\n\"Or forever,\" Ochiba said. \"Toranaga's delayed so much, I sometimes think he'll never come.\"\n\n\"He has to by the twenty-second day,\" Ishido said. \"Ah, Lady, that was a brilliant, brilliant idea.\"\n\n\"Surely that was your idea, Lord General?\" Ochiba's voice was soothing though she was very tired from a sleepless night. \"What about Lord Sudara and my sister? Are they with Toranaga now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Lady. Not yet. They will be brought here by sea.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She is not to be touched,\" Ochiba said. \"Or her child.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'kiyama' appears 3 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Her child is direct heir of Toranaga, who's heir to the Minowaras. My duty to the Heir, Lady, makes me point this out again.\"\n\n\"My sister is not to be touched. Nor is her son.\"\n\n\"As you wish.\"\n\nShe said to Kiyama, \"Sire, how good a Christian is Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"Pure,\" Kiyama replied at once. \"You mean about suicide being a sin? I—I think she would honor that or her eternal soul is forfeit, Lady. But I don't know if... \"\n\n\"Then there's a simpler solution,\" Ishido said without thinking. \"Command the High Priest of the Christians to order her to stop harassing the legal rulers of the Empire!\"\n\n\"He doesn't have the power,\" Kiyama said. Then he added, his voice even more barbed, \"That's political interference—something you've always been bitterly against, and rightly.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 11 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It seems Christians interfere only when it suits them,\" Ishido said. \"It was only a suggestion.\"\n\nThe inner door opened and a doctor stood there. His face was grave and exhaustion aged him. \"So sorry, Lady, she's asking for you.\"\n\n\"Is she dying?\" Ishido asked.\n\n\"She's near death, Lord General, yes, but when, I don't know.\"\n\nOchiba hurried across the large room and through the inner door, her blue kimono clinging, the skirts swaying gracefully. Both men watched her. The door closed. For a moment the two men avoided each other's eyes, then Kiyama said, \"You really think Lady Toda could be captured?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Ishido told him, watching the door." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for James Clavell vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ochiba crossed this even more opulent room and knelt beside the futons. Maids and doctors surrounded them. Sunlight seeped through the bamboo shutters and skittered off the gold and red inlaid carvings of the beams and posts and doors. Yodoko's bed was surrounded by decorative inlaid screens. She seemed to be sleeping, her bloodless face settled within the hood of her Buddhist robe, her wrists thin, the veins knotted, and Ochiba thought how sad it was to become old." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Age was so unfair to women." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not to men, only to women. Gods protect me from old age, she prayed. Buddha protect my son and put him safely into power and protect me only as long as I'm capable of protecting him and helping him.\n\nShe took Yodoko's hand, honoring her. \"Lady?\"\n\n\"O-chan?\" Yodoko whispered, using her nickname." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required dialogue to include (maintain exact wording): \"Are you in pain, Lady? Can I get you something?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Lady?\"\n\n\"Ah, how pretty you are, so pretty, you always were.\" The hand went up and caressed the beautiful hair and Ochiba was not offended by the touch but pleased as always, liking her greatly. \"So young and beautiful and sweet-smelling. How lucky the Taikō was.\"\n\n\"Are you in pain, Lady? Can I get you something?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing—nothing, I just wanted to talk.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old eyes were sunken but had lost none of their shrewdness. \"Send the others away.\"\n\nOchiba motioned them to leave and when they were alone she said, \"Yes, Lady?\"\n\n\"Listen, my darling, make the Lord General let her go.\"\n\n\"He can't, Lady, or all the other hostages will leave and we'll lose strength. The Regents all agree,\" Ochiba said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Regents!\" Yodoko said with a thread of scorn. \"Do you agree?\"\n\n\"Yes, Lady, and last night you said she was not to go.\"\n\n\"Now you must let her go or others will follow her seppuku and you and our son will be befouled because of Ishido's mistake.\"\n\n\"The Lord General's loyal, Lady. Toranaga isn't, so sorry.\"\n\n\"You can trust Lord Toranaga—not him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ochiba shook her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, but I'm convinced Toranaga's committed to become Shōgun and will destroy our son.\"\n\n\"You're wrong. He's said it a thousand times. Other daimyos are trying to use him for their own ambitions. They always have. Toranaga was the Taikō's favorite. Toranaga has always honored the Heir. Toranaga's Minowara. Don't be swayed by Ishido, or the Regents. They've their own karmas, their own secrets, O-chan. Why not let her go? It's all so simple. Forbid her the sea, then she can always be delayed somewhere inside our borders. She's still in your General's net, and Kiri and all the others, neh? She'll be surrounded by Grays. Think like the Taikō would or like Toranaga would. You and our son are being pulled into... \" The words trailed off and her eyelids began to flutter. The old lady gathered her remaining strength and continued, \"Mariko-san could never object to guards. I know she means what she says. Let her go.\"\n\n\"Of course that was considered, Lady,\" Ochiba said, her voice gentle and patient, \"but outside the castle Toranaga has secret bands of samurai, hidden in and around Osaka, we don't know how many, and he has allies—we're not sure who. She might escape. Once she goes, all the others would follow her at once and we'd lose a great security. You agreed, Yodoko-chan, don't you remember? So sorry, but I asked you last night, don't you remember?\"\n\n\"Yes, I remember, child,\" Yodoko said, her mind wandering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, how I wish the Lord Taikō were here again to guide you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old lady's breathing was becoming labored.\n\n\"Can I give you some cha or saké?\"\n\n\"Cha, yes please, some cha.\"\n\nShe helped the old one to drink. \"Thank you, child.\" The voice was feebler now, the strain of conversation speeding the dying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen, child, you must trust Toranaga. Marry him, barter with him for the succession.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that And you? What about your pride, child?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No—no,\" Ochiba said, shocked.\n\n\"Yaemon could rule after him, then the fruit of your new marriage after our son. The sons of our son will honorably swear eternal fidelity to this new Toranaga line.\"\n\n\"Toranaga's always hated the Taikō. You know that, Lady. Toranaga is the source of all the trouble. For years, neh? Him!\"\n\n\"And you? What about your pride, child?\"\n\n\"He's the enemy, our enemy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've two enemies, child. Your pride and the need to have a man to compare to our husband. Please be patient with me, you're young and beautiful and fruitful and deserve a husband. Toranaga's worthy of you, you of him. Toranaga is the only chance Yaemon has.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, he's the enemy.\"\n\n\"He was our husband's greatest friend and most loyal vassal. Without... without Toranaga... don't you see... it was Toranaga's help... don't you see? You could manage... manage him... \"\n\n\"So sorry, but I hate him—he disgusts me, Yodoko-chan.\"\n\n\"Many women... What was I saying? Oh yes, many women marry men who disgust them. Praise be to Buddha I never had to suffer that... \" The old woman smiled briefly. Then she sighed. It was a long, serious sigh and went on for too long and Ochiba thought the end had come." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the eyes opened a little and a tiny smile appeared again. \"Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Will you. Please?\"\n\n\"I will think about it.\"\n\nThe old fingers tried to tighten." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I beg you, promise me you'll marry Toranaga and I will go to Buddha knowing that the Taikō's line will live forever, like his name... his name will live for... \"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tears ran freely down Ochiba's face as she cradled the listless hand.\n\nLater the eyes trembled and the old woman whispered, \"You must let Akechi Mariko go. Don't... don't let her reap vengeance on us for what the Taikō did... did to... to her... to her father... \"\n\nOchiba was caught unaware. \"What?\"\n\nThere was no answer. Later Yodoko began mumbling, \"... Dear Yaemon, hello, my darling son, how... you're such a fine boy, but you've so many enemies, so foolish so... Aren't you just an illusion too, isn't... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A spasm racked her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ochiba held on to the hand and caressed it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Namu Amida Butsu,\" she whispered in homage.\n\nThere was another spasm, then the old woman said clearly, \"Forgive me, O-chan.\"\n\n\"There is nothing to forgive, Lady.\"\n\n\"So much to forgive... \" The voice became fainter, and the light began to fade from her face. \"Listen... prom—promise about... about Toranaga, Ochiba-sama... important... please... you can trust him... \" The old eyes were beseeching her, willing her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ochiba did not want to obey yet knew that she should obey." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her mind was unsettled by what had been said about Akechi Mariko, and still resounded with the Taikō's words, repeated ten thousand times, \"You can trust Yodoko-sama, O-chan. She's the Wise One—never forget it. She's right most times and you can always trust her with your life, and my son's life and mine... \"\n\nOchiba conceded. \"I prom—\" She stopped abruptly.\n\nThe light of Yodoko-sama flickered a final time and went out.\n\n\"Namu Amida Butsu.\" Ochiba touched the hand to her lips, and she bowed and laid the hand back on the coverlet and closed the eyes, thinking about the Taikō's death, the only other death she had witnessed so closely. That time Lady Yodoko had closed the eyes as was a wife's privilege and it had been in this same room, Toranaga waiting outside, as Ishido and Kiyama were now outside, continuing a vigil that had begun the day before." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Weave this into your narrative: \"I'll rest when I'm dead, O-chan,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But why send for Toranaga, Lord?\" she had asked. \"You should rest.\"\n\n\"I'll rest when I'm dead, O-chan,\" the Taikō had said. \"I must settle the succession. Finally. While I've the strength.\"\n\nSo Toranaga had arrived, strong, vital, exuding power." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The four of them were alone then, Ochiba, Yodoko, Toranaga and Nakamura, the Taikō, the Lord of Japan lying on his deathbed, all of them waiting for the orders that would be obeyed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So, Tora-san,\" the Taikō had said, welcoming him with the nickname Goroda had given Toranaga long ago, the deep-set eyes peering up out of the tiny, withered simian face that was set on an equally tiny body—a body that had had the strength of steel until a few months ago when the wasting began. \"I'm dying. From nothing, into nothing, but you'll be alive and my son's helpless.\"\n\n\"Not helpless, Sire. All the daimyos will honor your son as they honor you.\"\n\nThe Taikō laughed. \"Yes, they will. Today. While I'm alive—ah yes! But how do I make sure Yaemon will rule after me?\"\n\n\"Appoint a Council of Regents, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Regents!\" the Taikō said scornfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps I should make you my heir and let you judge if Yaemon's worthy to follow you.\"\n\n\"I would not be worthy to do that. Your son should follow you.\"\n\n\"Yes, and Goroda's sons should have followed him.\"\n\n\"No. They broke the peace.\"\n\n\"And you stamped them out on my orders.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You held the Emperor's mandate. They rebelled against your lawful mandate, Sire. Give me your orders now, and I will obey them.\"\n\n\"That's why I called you here.\"\n\nThen the Taikō said, \"It's a rare thing to have a son at fifty-seven and a foul thing to die at sixty-three—if he's an only son and you've got no kin and you're Lord of Japan. Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Toranaga said.\n\n\"Perhaps it would've been better if I'd never had a son, then I could pass the realm on to you as we agreed. You've more sons than a Portugee's got lice.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Karma.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Taikō had laughed and a string of spittle, flecked with blood, seeped out of his mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With great care Yodoko wiped the spittle away and he smiled up at his wife." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'thank' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Yo-chan, thank you.\" Then the eyes turned onto Ochiba herself and Ochiba had smiled back but his eyes weren't smiling now, just probing, wondering, pondering the never-dared-to-be-asked question that she was sure was forever in his mind: Is Yaemon really my son?\n\n\"Karma, O-chan. Neh?\" It was gently said but Ochiba's fear that he would ask her directly racked her and tears glistened in her eyes.\n\n\"No need for tears, O-chan. Life's only a dream within a dream,\" the old man said. He lay for a moment musing, then he peered at Toranaga again, and with a sudden, unexpected warmth for which he was famous, said, \"Eeeeee, old friend, what a life we've had, neh? All the battles? Fighting side by side—together unbeatable. We did the impossible, neh? Together we humbled the mighty and spat on their upturned arses while they groveled for more. Us—we did it, a peasant and a Minowara!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The old man chuckled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Listen, a few more years and I'd have smashed the Garlic Eaters properly. Then with Korean legions and our own Japanese legions, a sharp thrust up to Peking and me on the Dragon Throne of China. Then I'd have given you Japan, which you want, and I'd have what I want.\" The voice was strong, belying the inner fragility. \"A peasant can straddle the Dragon Throne with face and honor—not like here. Neh?\"\n\n\"China and Japan are different, yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"Yes. They're wise in China. There the first of a dynasty's always a peasant or the son of a peasant, and the throne's always taken by force with bloody hands. No hereditary caste there—isn't that China's strength?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again the laugh. \"Force and bloody hands and peasant—that's me. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Add this exact quote somewhere appropriate: \"I always liked you, Tora-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But you're also samurai. You changed the rules here. You're first of a dynasty.\"\n\n\"I always liked you, Tora-san.\" The old man sipped cha contentedly. \"Yes—think of it, me on the Dragon Throne—think of that! Emperor of China, Yodoko Empress, and after her Ochiba the Fair, and after me Yaemon, and China and Japan forever joined together as they should be. Ah, it would have been so easy! Then with our legions and Chinese hordes I'd stab northwest and south and, like tenth-class whores, the empires of all the earth would lie panting in the dirt, their legs spread wide for us to take what we want. We're unbeatable—you and I were unbeatable—Japanese're unbeatable, of course we are—we know the whole point of life. Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" The eyes glittered strangely. \"What is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Duty, discipline, and death,\" Toranaga replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again a chuckle, the old man seemingly tinier than ever, more wizened than ever, and then, with an equal suddenness for which he was also famous, all the warmth left him. \"The Regents?\" he asked, his voice venomous and firm. \"Whom would you pick?\"\n\n\"Lords Kiyama, Ishido, Onoshi, Toda Hiro-matsu, and Sugiyama.\"\n\nThe Taikō's face twisted with a malicious grin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are the cleverest man in the Empire—after me! Explain to my ladies why you'd pick those five.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because they all hate each other, but combined, they can rule effectively and stamp out any opposition.\"\n\n\"Even you?\"\n\n\"No, not me, Sire.\" Then Toranaga looked at Ochiba and spoke directly to her. \"For Yaemon to inherit power you have to weather another nine years. To do that, above all else, you must maintain the Taikō's peace. I pick Kiyama because he's the chief Christian daimyo, a great general, and a most loyal vassal. Next, Sugiyama because he's the richest daimyo in the land, his family ancient, he heartily detests Christians, and has the most to gain if Yaemon gets power. Onoshi because he detests Kiyama, offsets his power, is also Christian, but a leper who grasps at life, will live for twenty years and hates all the others with a monstrous violence, particularly Ishido. Ishido because he'll be sniffing out plots—because he's a peasant, detests hereditary samurai, and is violently opposed to Christians. Toda Hiro-matsu because he's honest, obedient, and faithful, as constant as the sun and like the sudden best sword of a master swordsmith. He should be president of the Council.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you?\"\n\n\"I will commit seppuku with my eldest son, Noboru. My son Sudara's married to the Lady Ochiba's sister, so he's no threat, could never be a threat. He could inherit the Kwanto, if it pleases you, providing he swears perpetual allegiance to your house.\"\n\nNo one was surprised that Toranaga had offered to do what was obviously in the Taikō's mind, for Toranaga alone among the daimyos was the real threat. Then she had heard her husband say, \"O-chan, what is your counsel?\"\n\n\"Everything that the Lord Toranaga has said, Sire,\" she had answered at once, \"except that you should order my sister divorced from Sudara who should commit seppuku. The Lord Noboru should be Lord Toranaga's heir and should inherit the two provinces of Musashi and Shimosa, and the rest of the Kwanto should go to your heir, Yaemon. I counsel this to be ordered today.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yodoko-sama?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Weave this into your narrative: \"No—this must not be done,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To her astonishment, Yodoko had said, \"Ah, Tokichi, you know I adore you with all my heart and the O-chan, and Yaemon as my own son. I say make Toranaga sole Regent.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"If you order him to die, I think you kill our son. Only Lord Toranaga has skill enough, prestige enough, cunning enough to inherit now. Put Yaemon into his keeping until he's of age. Order Lord Toranaga to adopt our son formally. Let Yaemon be coached by Lord Toranaga and inherit after Toranaga.\"\n\n\"No—this must not be done,\" Ochiba had protested.\n\n\"What do you say to that, Tora-san?\" the Taikō asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"With humility I must refuse, Sire. I cannot accept that and beg to be allowed to commit seppuku and go before you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You will be sole Regent.\"\n\n\"I've never refused to obey you since we made our bargain. But this order I refuse.\"\n\nOchiba remembered how she had tried to will the Taikō to let Toranaga obliterate himself as she knew the Taikō had already decided. But the Taikō had changed his mind and, at length, had accepted part of what Yodoko had advised, and made the compromise that Toranaga would be a Regent and President of the Regents. Toranaga had sworn eternal faith to Yaemon but now he was still spinning the web that embroiled them all, like this crisis Mariko had precipitated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know it was on his orders,\" Ochiba muttered, and now Lady Yodoko had wanted her to submit to him totally.\n\nMarry Toranaga? Buddha protect me from that shame, from having to welcome him and feel his weight and his spurting life.\n\nShame?\n\nOchiba, what is the truth? she asked herself. The truth is that you wanted him once—before the Taikō, neh? Even during, neh?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Many times in your secret heart. Neh? The Wise One was right again about pride being your enemy and about needing a man, a husband. Why not accept Ishido? He honors you and wants you and he's going to win. He would be easy to manage. Neh?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No, not that uncouth bog trotter!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, I know the filthy rumors spread by enemies—filthy impertinence!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I swear I'd rather lie with my maids and put my faith in a harigata for another thousand lifetimes than abuse my Lord's memory with Ishido. Be honest, Ochiba. Consider Toranaga. Don't you really hate him just because he might have seen you on that dream day?\n\nIt had been more than six years ago in Kyushu when she and her ladies had been out hawking with the Taikō and Toranaga. Their party was spread over a wide area and she had been galloping after one of her falcons, separated from the others." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was in the hills in a wood and she'd suddenly come upon this peasant gathering berries beside the lonely path." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her first weakling son had been dead almost two years and there were no more stirrings in her womb, though she had tried every position or trick or regimen, every superstition or potion or prayer, desperate to satisfy her lord's obsession for an heir.\n\nThe meeting with the peasant had been so sudden. He gawked up at her as though she were a kami and she at him because he was the image of the Taikō, small and monkeylike, but he had youth.\n\nHer mind had shouted that here was the gift from the gods she had prayed for, and she had dismounted and taken his hand and together they went a few paces into the wood and she became like a bitch in heat.\n\nEverything had had a dreamlike quality to it, the frenzy and lust and coarseness, lying on the earth, and even today she could still feel his gushing liquid fire, his sweet breath, his hands clutching her marvelously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she had felt his full dead weight and abruptly his breath became putrid and everything about him vile except the wetness, so she had pushed him off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had wanted more but she had hit him and cursed him and told him to thank the gods she did not turn him into a tree for his insolence, and the poor superstitious fool had cowered on his knees begging her forgiveness—of course she was a kami, why else would such beauty squirm in the dirt for such as him?\n\nWeakly she had climbed into the saddle and walked the horse away, dazed, the man and the clearing soon lost, half wondering if all had been a dream and the peasant a real kami, praying that he was a kami, his essence god-given, that it would make another son for the glory of her Lord and give him the peace that he deserved. Then, just the other side of the wood, Toranaga had been waiting for her. Had he seen her? she wondered in panic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was worried about you, Lady,\" he had said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm—I'm perfectly all right, thank you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But your kimono's all torn—there's bracken down your back and in your hair... \"\n\n\"My horse threw me—it's nothing.\" Then she had challenged him to a race home to prove that nothing was wrong, and had set off like the wild wind, her back still smarting from the brambles that sweet oils soon soothed and, the same night, she had pillowed with her Lord and Master and, nine months later, she had birthed Yaemon to his eternal joy. And hers.\n\n\"Of course our husband is Yaemon's father,\" Ochiba said with complete certainty to the husk of Yodoko. \"He fathered both my children—the other was a dream.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why delude yourself? It was not a dream, she thought. It happened. That man was not a kami. You rutted with a peasant in the dirt to sire a son you needed as desperately as the Taikō to bind him to you. He would have taken another consort, neh?\n\nWhat about your first-born?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Karma,\" Ochiba said, dismissing that latent agony as well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Drink this, child,\" Yodoko had said to her when she was sixteen, a year after she had become the Taikō's formal consort. And she had drunk the strange, warming herb cha and felt so sleepy and the next evening when she awoke again she remembered only strange erotic dreams and bizarre colors and an eerie timelessness. Yodoko had been there when she awakened, as when she had gone to sleep, so considerate, and as worried over the harmony of their lord as she had been. Nine months later she had birthed, the first of all the Taikō's women to do so. But the child was sickly and that child died in infancy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Karma, she thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nothing had ever been said between herself and Yodoko. About what had happened, or what might have happened, during that vast deep sleep. Nothing, except \"Forgive me... \" a few moments ago, and, \"There is nothing to forgive.\"\n\nYou're blameless, Yodoko-sama, and nothing occurred, no secret act or anything. And if there did, rest in peace, Old One, now that secret lies buried with you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her eyes were on the empty face, so frail and pathetic now, just as the Taikō had been so frail and pathetic at his ending, his question also never asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Karma that he died, she thought dispassionately. If he'd lived another ten years I'd be Empress of China, but now... now I'm alone.\n\n\"Strange that you died before I could promise, Lady,\" she said, the smell of incense and the musk of death surrounding her. \"I would have promised but you died before I promised. Is that my karma too? Do I obey a request and an unspoken promise? What should I do?\"\n\nMy son, my son, I feel so helpless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she remembered something the Wise One had said: \"Think like the Taikō would—or Toranaga would.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ochiba felt new strength pour through her. She sat back in the stillness and, coldly, began to obey." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a sudden hush, Chimmoko came out of the small gates to the garden and walked over to Blackthorne and bowed. \"Anjin-san, please excuse me, my Mistress wishes to see you. If you will wait a moment I will escort you.\"\n\n\"All right. Thank you.\" Blackthorne got up, still deep in his reverie and his overpowering sense of doom. The shadows were long now. Already part of the forecourt was sunless. The Grays prepared to move with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chimmoko went over to Sumiyori." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Captain, but my Lady asks you to please prepare everything.\"\n\n\"Where does she want it done?\"\n\nThe maid pointed at the space in front of the arch. \"There, Sire.\"\n\nSumiyori was startled. \"It's to be public? Not in private with just a few witnesses? She's doing it for all to see?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"But, well... if it's to be here... Her—her... what about her second?\"\n\n\"She believes the Lord Kiyama will honor her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And if he doesn't?\"\n\n\"I don't know, Captain. She—she hasn't told me.\" Chimmoko bowed and walked across to the veranda to bow again. \"Kiritsubo-san, my Mistress says, so sorry, she'll return shortly.\"\n\n\"Is she all right?\"\n\n\"Oh yes,\" Chimmoko said proudly.\n\nKiri and the others were composed now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they had heard what had been said to the captain they had been equally perturbed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Does she know other ladies are waiting to greet her?\"\n\n\"Oh yes, Kiritsubo-san. I—I was watching, and I told her. She said that she's so honored by their presence and she will thank them in person soon. Please excuse me.\"\n\nThey all watched her go back to the gates and beckon Blackthorne. The Grays began to follow but Chimmoko shook her head and said her mistress had not bidden them. The captain allowed Blackthorne to leave.\n\nIt was like a different world beyond the garden gates, verdant and serene, the sun on the treetops, birds chattering and insects foraging, the brook falling sweetly into the lily pond. But he could not shake off his gloom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chimmoko stopped and pointed at the little cha-no-yu house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went forward alone. He slipped his feet out of his thongs and walked up the three steps. He had to stoop, almost to his knees, to go through the tiny screened doorway. Then he was inside.\n\n\"Thou,\" she said.\n\n\"Thou,\" he said.\n\nShe was kneeling, facing the doorway, freshly made up, lips crimson, immaculately coiffured, wearing a fresh kimono of somber blue edged with green, with a lighter green obi and a thin green ribbon for her hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thou art beautiful.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And thou.\" A tentative smile. \"So sorry it was necessary for thee to watch.\"\n\n\"It was my duty.\"\n\n\"Not duty,\" she said. \"I did not expect—or plan for—so much killing.\"\n\n\"Karma.\" Blackthorne pulled himself out of his trance and stopped talking Latin. \"You've been planning all this for a long time—your suicide. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My life's never been my own, Anjin-san. It's always belonged to my liege Lord, and, after him, to my Master. That's our law.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a bad law.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "At some point in your response, insert this verbatim: \"There's no escape now. For anyone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. And no.\" She looked up from the mats. \"Are we going to quarrel about things that may not be changed?\"\n\n\"No. Please excuse me.\"\n\n\"I love thee,\" she said in Latin.\n\n\"Yes. I know that now. And I love thee. But death is thy aim, Mariko-san.\"\n\n\"Thou art wrong, my darling. The life of my Master is my aim. And thy life. And truly, Madonna forgive me, or bless me for it, there are times when thy life is more important.\"\n\n\"There's no escape now. For anyone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Be patient. The sun has not yet set.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have no confidence in this sun, Mariko-san.\" He reached out and touched her face. \"Gomen nasai.\"\n\n\"I promised thee tonight would be like the Inn of the Blossoms. Be patient. I know Ishido and Ochiba and the others.\"\n\n\"Que va on the others,\" he said in Portuguese, his mood changing. \"You mean that you're gambling that Toranaga knows what he's doing. Neh?\"\n\n\"Que va on thy ill humor,\" she replied gently. \"This day's too short.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry—you're right again. Today's no time for ill humor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He watched her. Her face was streaked with shadow bars cast by the sun through the bamboo slats." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shadows climbed and vanished as the sun sank behind a battlement.\n\n\"What can I do to help thee?\" he asked.\n\n\"Believe there is a tomorrow.\"\n\nFor a moment he caught a glimpse of her terror. His arms went out to her and he held her and the waiting was no longer terrible.\n\nFootsteps approached.\n\n\"Yes, Chimmoko?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's time, Mistress.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is everything ready?\"\n\n\"Yes, Mistress.\"\n\n\"Wait for me beside the lily pond.\" The footsteps went away. Mariko turned back to Blackthorne and kissed him gently.\n\n\"I love thee,\" she said.\n\n\"I love thee,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She bowed to him and went through the doorway. He followed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko stopped by the lily pond and undid her obi and let it fall. Chimmoko helped her out of her blue kimono. Beneath it Mariko wore the most brilliant white kimono and obi Blackthorne had ever seen. It was a formal death kimono. She untied the green ribbon from her hair and cast it aside, then, completely in white, she walked on and did not look at Blackthorne.\n\nBeyond the garden, all the Browns were drawn up in a formal three-sided square around eight tatamis that had been laid out in the center of the main gateway. Yabu and Kiri and the rest of the ladies were seated in a line in the place of honor, facing south." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the avenue the Grays were also drawn up ceremoniously, and mingling with them were other samurai and samurai women." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At a sign from Sumiyori everyone bowed. She bowed to them. Four samurai came forward and spread a crimson coverlet over the tatamis.\n\nMariko walked to Kiritsubo and greeted her and Sazuko and all the ladies. They returned her bow and spoke the most formal of greetings. Blackthorne waited at the gates. He watched her leave the ladies and go to the crimson square and kneel in the center, in front of the tiny white cushion." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce ten sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked so tiny sitting there motionless, a splash of white on the square of crimson.\n\nAlready the avenue was dark and servants were lighting flares. When they finished, they fled as quickly and as silently as they had arrived.\n\nShe reached forward and touched the knife and straightened it. Then she gazed once more through the gateway to the far end of the avenue but it was as still and as empty as it had ever been. She looked back at the knife.\n\n\"Kasigi Yabu-sama!\"\n\n\"Yes, Toda-sama?\"\n\n\"It seems Lord Kiyama has declined to assist me. Please, I would be honored if you would be my second.\"\n\n\"It is my honor,\" Yabu said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He bowed and got to his feet and stood behind her, to her left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His sword sang as it slid from its scabbard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He set his feet firmly and with two hands raised the sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am ready, Lady,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please wait until I have made the second cut.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes were on the knife. With her right hand she made the sign of the cross over her breast, then leaned forward and took up the knife without trembling and touched it to her lips as though to taste the polished steel. Then she changed her grip and held the knife firmly with her right hand under the left side of her throat. At that moment flares rounded the far end of the avenue. A retinue approached. Ishido was at their head.\n\nShe did not move the knife.\n\nYabu was still a coiled spring, concentrated on the mark. \"Lady,\" he said, \"do you wait or are you continuing? I wish to be perfect for you.\"\n\nMariko forced herself back from the brink. \"I—we wait... we... I... \" Her hand lowered the knife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was shaking now." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'hands' × 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As slowly, Yabu released himself. His sword hissed back into the scabbard and he wiped his hands on his sides.\n\nIshido stood at the gateway. \"It's not sunset yet, Lady. The sun's still on the horizon. Are you so keen to die?\"\n\n\"No, Lord General. Just to obey my Lord... \" She held her hands together to stop their shaking.\n\nA rumble of anger went through the Browns at Ishido's arrogant rudeness and Yabu readied to leap at him, but stopped as Ishido said loudly, \"The Lady Ochiba begged the Regents on behalf of the Heir to make an exception in your case. We agreed to her request. Here are permits for you to leave at dawn tomorrow.\" He shoved them into the hands of Sumiyori, who was nearby.\n\n\"Sire?\" Mariko said, without understanding, her voice threadbare.\n\n\"You are free to leave. At dawn.\"\n\n\"And—and Kiritsubo-san and the Lady Sazuko?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Isn't that also part of your 'duty'? Their permits are there also.\"\n\nMariko tried to concentrate. \"And... and her son?\"\n\n\"Him too, Lady,\" Ishido's scornful laugh echoed. \"And all your men.\"\n\nYabu stammered, \"Everyone has safe conducts?\"\n\n\"Yes, Kasigi Yabu-san,\" Ishido said. \"You're senior officer, neh? Please go at once to my secretary. He is completing all your passes, though why honored guests would wish to leave I don't know. It's hardly worth it for seventeen days. Neh?\"\n\n\"And me, Lord General?\" old Lady Etsu asked weakly, daring to test the totality of Mariko's victory, her heart racing and painful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May—may I please leave also?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course, Lady Maeda. Why should we keep anyone against her will? Are we jailers? Of course not! If the Heir's welcome is so offensive that you wish to leave, then leave, though how you intend to travel four hundred ri home and another four hundred ri here in seventeen days I don't understand.\"\n\n\"Please ex—excuse me, the—the Heir's welcome isn't offen—\"\n\nIshido interrupted icily. \"If you wish to leave, apply for a permit in the normal way. It'll take a day or so but we'll see you safely on your way.\" He addressed the others: \"Any ladies may apply, any samurai. I've said before, it's stupid to leave for seventeen days, it's insulting to flout the Heir's welcome, the Lady Ochiba's welcome, and the Regents' welcome... \"—his ruthless gaze went back to Mariko—\"or to pressure them with threats of seppuku, which for a lady should be done in private and not as an arrogant public spectacle. Neh? I don't seek the death of women, only enemies of the Heir, but if women are openly his enemy, then I'll soon spit on their corpses too.\"\n\nIshido turned on his heel, shouted an order at the Grays, and walked off. At once captains echoed the order and all the Grays began to form up and move off from the gateway, except for a token few who stayed in honor of the Browns.\n\n\"Lady,\" Yabu said huskily, wiping his damp hands again, a bitter vomit taste in his mouth from the lack of fulfillment, \"Lady, it's over now. You've... you've won. You've won.\"\n\n\"Yes—yes,\" she said. Her strengthless hands sought the knots of the white cord. Chimmoko went forward and undid the knots and took away the white blanket, then stepped away from the crimson square. Everyone watched Mariko, waiting to see if she could walk away." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 11 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko was trying to grope to her feet. She failed. She tried a second time. Again she failed. Impulsively Kiri moved to help her but Yabu shook his head and said, \"No, it's her privilege,\" so Kiri sat back, hardly breathing.\n\nBlackthorne, beside the gates, was still turmoiled by his boundless joy at her reprieve and he remembered how his own will had been stretched that night of his near-seppuku, when he had had to get up as a man and walk home as a man unsupported, and became samurai. And he watched her, despising the need for this courage, yet understanding it, even honoring it.\n\nHe saw her hands go to the crimson again, and again she pushed and this time Mariko forced herself upright. She wavered and almost fell, then her feet moved and slowly she tottered across the crimson and reeled helplessly toward the main door. Blackthorne decided that she had done enough, had endured enough, had proved enough, so he came forward and caught her in his arms and lifted her up just as her mind left her.\n\nFor a moment he stood there in the arena alone, proud that he was alone and that he had decided. She lay like a broken doll in his arms. Then he carried her inside and no one moved or barred his path." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\nfour sentences\nStyle:\nJames Clavell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'black' × 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The attack on the Browns' stronghold began in the darkest reaches of the night, two or three hours before dawn. The first wave of ten ninja—the infamous Stealthy Ones—came over the roofs of the battlements opposite, now unguarded by Grays. They threw cloth-covered grappling hooks on ropes over to the other roof and swung across the chasm like so many spiders. They wore tight-fitting clothes of black and black tabi and black masks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their hands and faces were also blackened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These men were lightly armed with chain knives and shuriken—small, star-shaped, needle-sharp, poison-tipped throwing barbs and discs that were the size of a man's palm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On their backs were slung haversacks and short thin poles.\n\nNinja were mercenaries. They were artists in stealth, specialists in the disreputable—in espionage, infiltration, and sudden death.\n\nThe ten men landed noiselessly. They re-coiled the grapples, and four of them hooked the grapples again onto a projection and immediately swung downward to a veranda twenty feet below." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once they had reached it, as noiselessly, their comrades unhooked the grapples, dropped them down, and moved across the tiles to infiltrate another area." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A tile cracked under one man's foot and they all froze. In the forecourt, three stories and sixty feet below, Sumiyori stopped on his rounds and looked up. His eyes squinted into the darkness. He waited without moving, his mouth open a fraction to improve his hearing, his eyes sweeping slowly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The roof with the ninja was in shadow, the moon faint, the stars heavy in the thick humid air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The men stayed absolutely still, even their breathing controlled and imperceptible, seemingly as inanimate as the tiles upon which they stood.\n\nSumiyori made another circuit with his eyes and with his ears, and then another, and, still not sure, he walked out into the forecourt to see more clearly. Now the four ninja on the veranda were also within his field of vision but they were as motionless as the others and he did not notice them either.\n\n\"Hey,\" he called to the guards on the gateway, the doors tight barred now, \"you see anything—hear anything?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Captain,\" the alert sentries said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The roof tiles are always chattering, shifting a bit—it's the damp or the heat, perhaps.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'sumiyori' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sumiyori said to one of them, \"Go up there and have a look. Better still, tell the top-floor guards to make a search just in case.\"\n\nThe soldier hurried off. Sumiyori stared up again, then half shrugged and, reassured, continued his patrol. The other samurai went back to their posts, watching outward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the rooftop and on the veranda the ninja waited in their frozen positions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not even their eyes moved. They were schooled to remain immobile for hours if need be—just one part of their perpetual training. Then the leader motioned to them and at once they again moved to the attack. Their grapples and ropes took them quietly to another veranda where they could slide through the narrow windows in the granite walls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Below this top floor, all other windows—defense positions for bowmen—were so narrow that they could not be entered from outside. At another signal the two groups entered simultaneously.\n\nBoth rooms were in darkness, with ten Browns sleeping in neat lines. They were put to death quickly and almost noiselessly, a single knife thrust in the throat for most, the raiders' trained senses taking them unerringly to their targets, and in moments the last of the Browns was thrashing desperately, his warning shout garroted just as it had begun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, the rooms secured, the doors secured, the leader took out a flint and tinder and lit a candle and carried it, cupped carefully, to the window and signaled three times into the night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind him his men were making doubly sure that every Brown was quite dead. The leader repeated the signal, then came away from the window and motioned with his hand, speaking to them in sign language with his fingers.\n\nAt once the raiders undid their haversacks and readied their attack weapons—short, sickle-shaped, double-edged knives with a chain attached to the haft, weighted at the end of the chain, and shuriken and throwing knives. At another order, selected men unsheathed the short poles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These were telescoped spears and blow pipes that sprang into full length with startling speed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And as each man completed his preparations he knelt, settled himself facing the door, and, seemingly without conscious effort, became totally motionless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now the last man was ready. The leader blew out the candle.\n\nWhen the city bells toned the middle of the Hour of the Tiger—four of the clock, an hour before dawn—the second wave of ninja infiltrated. Twenty slid silently out of a large, disused culvert that once had serviced the rivulets of the garden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All these men wore swords. Like so many shadows, they swarmed into position among the shrubs and bushes, became motionless and almost invisible. At the same time another group of twenty came up from the ground by ropes and grapples to attack the battlement that overlooked the forecourt and garden.\n\nTwo Browns were on the battlements, carefully watching the empty roofs across the avenue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then one of the Browns glanced around and saw the grapples behind them and he began to point in alarm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His comrade opened his mouth to shout a warning when the first ninja made the embrasure and, with a whipping snap of his wrist, sent a barbed shuriken whirling into this samurai's face and mouth, hideously strangling the shout, and hurled himself forward at the other samurai, his outstretched hand now a lethal weapon, the thumb and forefinger extended, and he stabbed for the jugular." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The impact paralyzed the samurai, another vicious blow broke his neck with a dry crack, and the ninja jumped at the first agonized samurai, who was clawing at the barbs embedded deeply in his mouth and face, the poison already working.\n\nWith a final supreme effort, the dying samurai ripped out his short stabbing sword and struck. His blow sliced deep and the ninja gasped but this did not stop the rush and his hand slammed into the Brown's throat, snapping the man's head back and dislocating his spine. The samurai was dead on his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ninja was bleeding badly but he made no sound and still held on to the dead Brown, lowering him carefully to the stone flags, sinking to his knees beside him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the ninja had climbed up the ropes now and stood on the battlement. They bypassed their wounded comrade until the battlement was secured. The wounded man was still on his knees beside the dead Browns, holding his side. The leader examined the wound." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blood was spurting in a steady stream." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shook his head and spoke with his fingers and the man nodded and dragged himself painfully to a corner, the blood leaving a wide trail. He made himself comfortable, leaning against the stone, and took out a shuriken. He scratched the back of one hand several times with the poison barbs, then found his stiletto, put the point at the base of his throat and, two-handed, with all his strength, he thrust upward.\n\nThe leader made sure this man was dead then went back to the fortified door that led inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He opened it cautiously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At that moment they heard footsteps approaching and at once melted back into ambush position." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the corridor of this, the west wing, Sumiyori was approaching with ten Browns. He dropped two off near the battlement door and, not stopping, walked on. These two reliefs went out onto the battlement as Sumiyori turned the far corner and went down a flight of circular steps. At the bottom was another checkpoint and the two tired samurai bowed and were replaced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pick up the others and go back to your quarters. You'll be wakened at dawn,\" Sumiyori said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Captain.\"\n\nThe two samurai walked back up the steps, glad to be off duty. Sumiyori continued on down the next corridor, replacing sentries. At length he stopped outside a door and knocked, the last two guards with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yabu-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes?\" The voice was sleepy.\n\n\"So sorry, it's the change of the guard.\"\n\n\"Ah, thank you. Please come in.\"\n\nSumiyori opened the door but warily stayed on the threshold." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu was touseled, propped in the coverlets on one elbow, his other hand on his sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he was sure it was Sumiyori he relaxed and yawned. \"Anything new, Captain?\"\n\nSumiyori relaxed also and shook his head, came in and closed the door. The room was large and neat and another bed of futons was laid and turned back invitingly. Arrow slit windows overlooked the avenue and city, a sheer drop of thirty feet below." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everything's quiet. She's sleeping now... At least her maid, Chimmoko, said she was.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: kiritsubo-san, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went to the low bureau where an oil lamp spluttered and poured himself cold cha from a pot. Beside it was their pass, formally stamped, that Yabu had brought back from Ishido's office. Yabu yawned again and stretched luxuriously. \"The Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"He was awake the last time I checked. That was at midnight. He asked me not to check again until just before dawn—something about his customs. I didn't understand clearly everything he said, but there's no harm, there's very tight security everywhere, neh? Kiritsubo-san and the other ladies are quiet, though she's been up, Kiritsubo-san, most of the night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu got out of bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wore only a loincloth. \"Doing what?\"\n\n\"Just sitting at a window, staring out. Nothing to see out there. I suggested she'd better get some sleep. She thanked me politely and agreed and stayed where she was. Women, neh?\"\n\nYabu flexed his shoulders and elbows and scratched vigorously to get his blood flowing. He began to dress." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She should rest. She's got a long way to go today.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'think' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sumiyori set the cup down. \"I think it's all a trick.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"I don't think Ishido means it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We have signed permits. There they are. Every man's listed. You checked the names. How can he go back on a public commitment to us or to Lady Toda? Impossible, neh?\"\n\n\"I don't know. Your pardon, Yabu-san, but I still think it's a trick.\"\n\nYabu knotted his sash slowly. \"What kind of trick?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll be ambushed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Outside the castle?\"\n\nSumiyori nodded. \"Yes, that's what I think.\"\n\n\"He wouldn't dare.\"\n\n\"He'll dare. He'll ambush us or delay us. I can't see him letting her go, or Lady Kiritsubo, or Lady Sazuko or the babe. Even old Lady Etsu and the others.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, you're wrong.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sumiyori shook his head sadly. \"I think it would've been better if she'd cut deep and you'd struck. This way nothing's resolved.\"\n\nYabu picked up his swords and stuck them in his belt. Yes, he was thinking, I agree with you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nothing's resolved and she failed in her duty. You know it, I know it, and so does Ishido. Disgraceful! If she'd cut, then we would have all lived forever. As it is now... she came back from the brink and dishonored us and dishonored herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shigata ga nai, neh? Stupid woman!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But to Sumiyori he said, \"I think you're wrong. She conquered Ishido. Lady Toda won. Ishido won't dare to ambush us. Go to sleep, I'll wake you at dawn.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again Sumiyori shook his head. \"No, thank you, Yabu-san, I think I'll go the rounds again.\" He went to a window and peered out. \"Something's not right.\"\n\n\"Everything's fine. Get some—wait a moment! What was that? Did you hear something?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu came up to Sumiyori and pretended to search the darkness, listening intently, and then, without warning, he whipped out his short sword and with the same flashing, spontaneous movement, buried the blade into Sumiyori's back, clapping his other hand over the man's mouth to stop the shriek." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The captain died instantly. Yabu held him carefully at arm's length with immense strength so that none of the blood stained him, and carried the body over to the futons, arranging it in a sleeping position. Then he pulled out his sword and began to clean it, furious that Sumiyori's intuition had forced the unplanned killing. Even so, Yabu thought, I can't have him prowling around now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Earlier, when Yabu was returning from Ishido's office with their safe conduct pass, he had been waylaid privately by a samurai he had never seen before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your co-operation's invited, Yabu-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To what and by whom?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By someone you made an offer to yesterday.\"\n\n\"What offer?\"\n\n\"In return for safe conducts for you and the Anjin-san, you'd see she was disarmed during the ambush on your journey... Please don't touch your sword, Yabu-san, there are four archers waiting for an invitation!\"\n\n\"How dare you challenge me? What ambush?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he had bluffed, feeling weak at the knees, for there was no doubt now that the man was Ishido's intermediary. Yesterday afternoon he had made the secret offer through his own intermediaries, in a desperate attempt to salvage something from the wreckage Mariko had caused to his plans for the Black Ship and the future. At the time he had known that it was a wild idea. It would have been difficult, if not impossible, to disarm her and stay alive, therefore fraught with danger to both sides, and when Ishido, through intermediaries, had turned it down he was not surprised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know nothing of any ambush,\" he had blustered, wishing that Yuriko were there to help him out of the morass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even so, you're invited to one, though not the way you planned it.\"\n\n\"Who are you?\"\n\n\"In return you get Izu, the barbarian and his ship—the moment the chief enemy's head is in the dust. Providing, of course, she's captured alive and you stay in Osaka until the day and swear allegiance.\"\n\n\"Whose head?\" Yabu had said, trying to get his brain working, realizing only now that Ishido had used the request for him to fetch the safe conducts merely as a ruse so the secret offer could be made safely and negotiated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is it yes or no?\" the samurai asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who are you and what are you talking about?\" He had held up the scroll. \"Here's Lord Ishido's safe conduct. Not even the Lord General can cancel these after what's happened.\"\n\n\"That's what many say. But, so sorry, bullocks will shit gold dust before you or any are allowed to insult the Lord Yaemon... Please take your hand away from your sword!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then watch your tongue!\"\n\n\"Of course, so sorry. You agree?\"\n\n\"I'm overlord of Izu now, and promised Totomi and Suruga,\" Yabu had said, beginning to bargain. He knew that though he was trapped, as Mariko was trapped, so equally was Ishido trapped, because the dilemma Mariko had precipitated still existed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, so you are,\" the samurai had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I'm not permitted to negotiate. Those are the terms. Is it yes or no?... \"\n\nYabu finished cleaning his sword and arranged the sheet over the seemingly sleeping figure of Sumiyori. Then he toweled the sweat off his face and hands, composed his rage, blew out the candle, and opened the door. The two Browns were waiting some paces down the corridor. They bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll wake you at dawn, Sumiyori-san,\" Yabu said to the darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, to one of the samurai, \"You stand guard here. No one's to go in. No one! Make sure the captain's not disturbed—he needs rest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\nThe samurai took up his new post and Yabu strode off down the corridor with the other guard, went up a flight of steps to the main central section of this floor and crossed it, heading for the audience room and inner apartments that were in the east wing. Soon he came to the cul-de-sac corridor of the audience room. Guards bowed and allowed him to enter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Other samurai opened the door to the corridor and complex of private quarters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knocked at a door.\n\n\"Anjin-san?\" he said quietly.\n\nThere was no answer. He pulled the shoji open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The room was empty, the inner shoji ajar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He frowned, then motioned to his accompanying guard to wait, and hurried across the room into the dimly lit inner corridor. Chimmoko intercepted him, a knife in her hand. Her rumpled bed was in this passageway outside one of the rooms.\n\n\"Oh, so sorry, Sire, I was dozing,\" she said apologetically, lowering her knife." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she did not move out of his path.\n\n\"I was looking for the Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"He and my Mistress are talking, Sire, with Kiritsubo-san and the Lady Achiko.\"\n\n\"Please ask him if I could see him a moment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Certainly, Sire.\" Chimmoko politely motioned Yabu back into the other room, waited until he was there, and pulled the inner shoji closed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guard in the main corridor watched inquisitively.\n\nIn a moment the shoji opened again and Blackthorne came in. He was dressed and wore a short sword.\n\n\"Good evening, Yabu-san,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry to disturb you, Anjin-san. I just want see—make sure all right, understand?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, thank you. No worry.\"\n\n\"Lady Toda all right? Not sick?\"\n\n\"Fine now. Very tired but fine. Soon dawn, neh?\"\n\nYabu nodded. \"Yes. Just want make sure all right. Understand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. This afternoon you say 'plan,' Yabu-san. Remember? Please what secret plan?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No secret, Anjin-san,\" Yabu said, regretting that he had been so open at that time. \"You misunderstood. Say only must have plan... very difficult escape Osaka, neh? Must escape or... \" Yabu drew a knife across his throat. \"Understand?\"\n\n\"Yes. But now have pass, neh? Now safe go out Osaka. Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. Soon leave. On boat very good. Soon get men at Nagasaki. Understand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Very friendly, Yabu went away. Blackthorne closed the door after him and walked back to the inner passageway, leaving his inner door ajar. He passed Chimmoko and went into the other room. Mariko was propped in futons, appearing more diminutive than ever, more delicate and more beautiful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri was kneeling on a cushion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Achiko was curled up asleep to one side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did he want, Anjin-san?\" Mariko said.\n\n\"Just to see we were all right.\"\n\nMariko translated for Kiri.\n\n\"Kiri says, did you ask him about the 'plan'?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. But he shrugged the question off. Perhaps he changed his mind. I don't know. Perhaps I was mistaken but I thought this afternoon he had something planned, or was planning something.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To betray us?\"\n\n\"Of course. But I don't know how.\"\n\nMariko smiled at him. \"Perhaps you were mistaken. We're safe now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The young girl, Achiko, mumbled in her sleep and they glanced at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had asked to stay with Mariko, as had old Lady Etsu, who was sleeping soundly in an adjoining room. The other ladies had left at sunset to go to their own homes. All had sent formal requests for permission to depart at once. With the failing light, rumors had rushed through the castle that nearly one hundred and five would also apply tomorrow." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'child' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiyama had sent for Achiko, his granddaughter-in-law, but she refused to leave Mariko. At once the daimyo had disowned her and demanded possession of the child. She had given up her child. Now the girl was in the midst of a nightmare but it passed and she slept peacefully again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko looked at Blackthorne." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's so wonderful to be at peace, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" he said. Since she had awakened and found herself alive and not dead, her spirit had clung to his. For the first hour they had been alone, she lying in his arms.\n\n\"I'm so glad thou art alive, Mariko. I saw thee dead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought I was. I still cannot believe Ishido gave in. Never in twenty lifetimes... Oh, how I love thy arms about me, and thy strength.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was thinking that this afternoon from the first moment of Yoshinaka's challenge I saw nothing but death—yours, mine, everyone's. I saw into your plan, so long in the making, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Since the day of the earthquake, Anjin-san. Please forgive me but I didn't—I didn't want to frighten you. I was afraid you wouldn't understand. Yes, from that day I knew it was my karma to bring the hostages out of Osaka. Only I could do that for Lord Toranaga. And now it's done. But at what a cost, neh? Madonna forgive me.\"\n\nThen Kiri had arrived and they had had to sit apart but that had not mattered to either of them. A smile or a look or word was enough.\n\nKiri went over to the slit windows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Out to sea were flecks of light from the inshore fishing boats." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dawn soon,\" she said.\n\n\"Yes,\" Mariko said. \"I'll get up now.\"\n\n\"Soon. Not yet, Mariko-sama,\" Kiri told her. \"Please rest. You need to gather your strength.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish Lord Toranaga was here.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'about' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Have you prepared another message about... about our leaving?\"\n\n\"Yes, Mariko-sama, another pigeon will leave with the dawn. Lord Toranaga will hear of your victory today,\" Kiri said. \"He'll be so proud of you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm so glad he was right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Kiri said. \"Please forgive me for doubting you and doubting him.\"\n\n\"In my secret heart I doubted him too. So sorry.\"\n\nKiri turned back to the window and looked out over the city. Toranaga's wrong, she wanted to shriek." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We'll never leave Osaka, however much we pretend." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's our karma to stay—his karma to lose." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the west wing Yabu stopped at the guardroom. The replacement sentries were ready. \"I'm going to make a snap inspection.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"The rest of you wait for me here. You, come with me.\"\n\nHe went down the main staircase followed by a single guard. At the foot of the staircase in the main foyer were other guards, and outside was the forecourt and garden. A cursory look showed all in order." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he came back into the fortress, and after a moment, changed direction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To his guard's surprise, he went down the steps into the servants' quarters. The servants dragged themselves out of sleep, hastily putting their heads onto the flagstones. Yabu hardly noticed them. He led the way deeper into the bowels of the fortress, down steps, along little-used arched corridors, the stone sides damp now and mildewed, though well lit. There were no guards here in the cellars for there was nothing to protect. Soon they began to climb again, nearing the outer walls.\n\nYabu halted suddenly. \"What was that?\"\n\nThe Brown samurai stopped, and listened, and died." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu cleaned his sword and pulled the crumpled body into a dark corner, then rushed for a hardly noticed, heavily barred, small iron door set into one of the walls that Ishido's intermediary had told him about. He fought back the rusted bolts. The last one clanged free. The door swung open. A draught of cool air from outside, then a spear stabbed for his throat and stopped just in time. Yabu didn't move, almost paralyzed. Ninja stared back at him from the inky darkness beyond the door, weapons poised.\n\nYabu held up a shaky hand and made a sign as he had been told to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm Kasigi Yabu,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The black-garbed, hooded, almost invisible leader nodded but kept the spear ready for the lunge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He motioned to Yabu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu obediently backed off a pace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, very warily, the leader walked into the center of the corridor. He was tall and heavyset, with wide flat eyes behind his mask. He saw the dead Brown and with a flick of his wrist he sent his spear flashing into the corpse, then retrieved it with the light chain attached to the end. Silently he re-coiled the chain, waiting, listening intently for any danger.\n\nAt length satisfied, he motioned at the darkness. Instantly twenty men poured out and rushed for the flight of steps, the long-forgotten back way to the floors above. These men carried assault tools. They were armed with chain knives, swords, and shuriken." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And in the center of their black hoods was a red spot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The leader did not watch them go, but kept his eyes on Yabu and began a slow finger count with his left hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One... two... three... \" Yabu felt many men watching him from the passage beyond the door. He could see no one.\n\nNow the red-spot attackers were going up the stairs two at a time, and at the top of this flight they stopped. A door barred their path. They waited a moment then cautiously tried to open it. It was stuck. A man with an assault tool, a short steel bar, hooked at one end and chiseled at the other, came forward and jimmied it open. Beyond was another mildewed passage and they hurried along it silently. At the next corner they stopped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The first man peered around, then beckoned the others into another corridor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the far end a sliver of light shone through a spyhole in the heavy wooden paneling that covered this secret door. He put an eye to it. He could see the breadth of the audience chamber, two Browns and two Grays wearily on sentry duty, guarding the door to the complex of quarters. He looked around, nodded to the others. One of the men was still counting with his fingers, timed to the leader's count two floors below. All their eyes went to the count.\n\nBelow in the cellar, the leader's fingers still continued in tempo, ticking off the moments, his eyes never wavering from Yabu. Yabu was watching and waiting, the smell of his own fear-sweat dank in his nostrils." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fingers stopped and the leader's fist closed up sharply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pointed down the corridor. Yabu nodded and turned and went back the way he had come, walking slowly. Behind him the inexorable count began again. \"One... two... three... \"\n\nYabu knew the terrible risk he was taking but he had had no alternative and he cursed Mariko once more for forcing him onto Ishido's side. Part of his bargain was that he had to open this secret door.\n\n\"What's behind the door?\" he had asked suspiciously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Friends. This is the sign and the password is to say your name.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then they kill me, neh?\"\n\n\"No. You're too valuable, Yabu-san. You've got to make sure the infiltration is covered... \"\n\nHe had agreed but he had never bargained for ninja, the hated and feared semilegendary mercenaries who owed allegiance only to their secret, closely knit family units, who handed down their secrets only to blood kin—how to swim vast distances under water and scale almost smooth walls, how to make themselves invisible and stand for a day and a night without moving, and how to kill with their hands or feet or any and all weapons including poison, fire, and explosives. To ninja, violent death for pay was their only purpose in life.\n\nYabu managed to keep his pace measured as he walked away from the ninja leader along the corridor, his chest still hurting from the shock that the attack force was ninja and not ronin. Ishido must be mad, he told himself, all his senses teetering, expecting a spear or arrow or garrote any moment. Now he was almost at the corner. Then he turned it and, safe once more, he took to his heels and bounded up the stairs, three at a time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the top, he raced down the arched corridor, then turned the corner heading toward the servants' quarters." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'darkness' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The leader's fingers still ticked off the moments, then the count stopped. He made a more urgent sign to the darkness, and rushed after Yabu. Twenty ninja followed him from the darkness and another fifteen took up defensive positions at both ends of the corridor to guard this escape route that led through a maze of forgotten cellars and passages honeycombing the castle to one of Ishido's secret bolt holes under the moat, thence to the city.\n\nYabu was running fast now and he stumbled in the passageway, just managing to keep his footing, and burst through the servants' quarters, scattering pots and pans and gourds and casks.\n\n\"Ninjaaaaaa!\" he bellowed, which was not part of his agreement, but his own ruse to protect himself should he be betrayed. Hysterically the men and women scattered and took up the shout and tried to vanish under benches and tables as he raced across and out the other side, up more steps into one of the main corridors to meet the first of the Browns' guards, who already had out their swords.\n\n\"Sound the alarm!\" Yabu shouted. \"Ninja—there are ninja among the servants!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "One samurai fled for the main staircase, the second rushed forward bravely to stand alone at the top of the winding steps that led below, sword raised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seeing him, the servants came to a halt, then, moaning with terror, blindly huddled into the stones, their arms over their heads. Yabu ran on toward the main doorway and through it to stand on the steps. \"Sound the alarm! We're under attack!\" he shouted as he had agreed to do, to signal the diversion outside which would cover the main attack through the secret door into the audience chamber, to kidnap Mariko and hurry her away before anyone was wiser.\n\nSamurai on the gates and in the forecourt whirled around, not knowing where to guard, and at that moment the raiders in the garden swarmed out of their hiding places and engulfed the Browns outside. Yabu retreated into the foyer as other Browns came rushing down from the guardroom above to support the men outside.\n\nA captain raced up to him. \"What's going on?\"\n\n\"Ninja—outside and among the servants. Where's Sumiyori?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know—in his room.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu leapt for the stairs as other men poured down. At that moment the first of the ninja from the cellars dashed past the servants to the attack. Barbed shuriken disposed of the lone defender, spears killed the servants. Then this force of raiders was in the main corridor, creating a violent shouting diversion, the milling frantic Browns not knowing where the next attack would spring from.\n\nOn the top floor the waiting ninja had ripped open their doors at the first alarm and rushed the last of the Browns who were hurrying below, killing them. With poison darts and shuriken, the ninja pressed their onslaught. The Browns were quickly overwhelmed, and the attackers jumped over the corpses to reach the main corridor on the floor below. A furious charge of Brown reinforcements was repulsed by the ninja, who whirled their weighted chains and cast them at the samurai, either strangling them or entangling their swords to make it easier to impale them with the double-edged knife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shuriken flashed through the air and the Browns here were decimated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few ninja were cut down but they crawled on like rabid animals and stopped attacking only when death took them completely.\n\nIn the garden the first rush of the defending reinforcements was easily thwarted as Browns poured from the main doorway. But another wave of Browns courageously mounted a second charge and swept the invaders back by sheer force of numbers. At a shouted order the raiders retreated, their jet-black clothes making them difficult targets. Exultantly the Browns rushed after them, into ambush, and were slaughtered.\n\nThe red-spot attackers were still lying in wait outside the audience room, their leader's eye to the spyhole. He could see the anxious Browns and Blackthorne's Grays, who were guarding the fortified door to the corridor, listening anxiously to the mounting holocaust below. The door opened and other guards, Browns and Grays, crowded the opening and then, no longer able to stand the waiting, officers of both groups ordered all their men out of the audience room to take up defensive positions at the far end of the corridor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now the way was clear, the door of the inner corridor open, only the captain of Grays beside it, and he also was leaving. The red-spot leader saw a woman hurry up to the threshold, the tall barbarian with her, and he recognized his prey, other women collecting behind them.\n\nImpatient to complete the mission and so relieve the pressure on his clansmen below, and whipped by his killing lust, the red-spot leader gave the signal and burst through his door an instant too soon.\n\nBlackthorne saw him coming and automatically drew his pistol from under his kimono and fired. The back of the leader's head disappeared, momentarily stopping the charge. Simultaneously, the captain of Grays rushed back and attacked with a mindless ferocity and cut down one ninja. Then the pack fell on the Gray and he died but these few seconds gave Blackthorne enough time to pull Mariko to safety and slam the door. Frantically he grabbed the iron bar and slid it into place just as ninja hurled themselves against it and others fanned out to hold the main doorway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christ Jesus! What's go—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ninjaaaaaa!\" Mariko shouted as Kiri and Lady Sazuko and Lady Etsu and Chimmoko and Achiko and the other maids poured hysterically from their rooms, blows hammering on the door.\n\n\"Quick, this way!\" Kiri screamed over the uproar and fled into the interior.\n\nThe women followed, helter-skelter, two of them helping old Lady Etsu. Blackthorne saw the door rocking under the furious blows of the assault jimmies. Now the wood was splintering. Blackthorne ran back into his room for his powder horn and swords.\n\nIn the audience room the ninja had already disposed of the six Browns and Grays at the main outer door and had overwhelmed the rest in the corridor beyond. But they had lost two dead, and two were wounded before the fight was complete, the outer doors closed and barred, and this whole section secure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hurry up,\" the new red-spot leader snarled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The men with the crowbars needed no urging as they ripped at the door. For a moment the leader stood over the corpse of his brother, then kicked it furiously, knowing his brother's impatience had destroyed their surprise attack. He rejoined his men, who circled the door.\n\nIn the corridor Blackthorne was reloading rapidly, the door shrieking under the blows. First the powder, tamp it carefully... one of the door panels cracked... next the paper plug to hold the charge tight and next the lead ball and another plug... one of the door hinges snapped and the tip of the jimmy came through... next, blow the dust carefully away from the flint...\n\n\"Anjin-san!\" Mariko cried out from somewhere in the inner rooms. \"Hurry!\"\n\nBut Blackthorne paid no attention. He walked up to the door and put the nozzle to a splintered crack, stomach high, and pulled the trigger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the other side of the door there was a scream and the assault on the door ceased." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He retreated and began to reload. First powder, tamp it carefully... again the whole door shook as men tore at it with shoulders and raging fists and feet and weapons... next the holding paper and next the ball and next another paper... the door bellowed and shuddered and one of the bolts sprang away and clattered to the floor...\n\nKiri was hurrying down an inner passageway, gasping for breath, the others half-dragging Lady Etsu with them, Sazuko crying, \"What's the point, there's nowhere to go... \" but Kiri ran on, stumbling into another room and across it and she pulled a section of the shoji wall aside. A hidden iron-fortified door was set into the stone wall beyond. She pulled it open. The hinges were well oiled.\n\n\"This... this is my Master's sec—secret haven,\" she panted and started to go inside but stopped. \"Where's Mariko?\"\n\nChimmoko turned and rushed back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the first corridor Blackthorne blew the dust carefully away from the flint and walked forward again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The door was near collapsing but still offered cover. Again he pulled the trigger. Again a scream and a moment's respite, then the blows commenced, another bolt flew off and the whole door teetered. He began to reload.\n\n\"Anjin-san!\" Mariko was there at the far end beckoning him frantically so he snatched up his weapons and rushed toward her. She turned and fled, guiding him. The door shattered and the ninja tore after them.\n\nMariko was running fast, Blackthorne on her heels." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She sped across a room, tripped over her skirts and fell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He grabbed her up and together they bolted across another room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chimmoko ran up to them. \"Hurry!\" she shrieked, waiting for them to pass. She followed for a moment, then, unnoticed, she turned back and stood in the path, her knife out.\n\nNinja came rushing into the room. Chimmoko hurled herself, knife outstretched, at the first man. He parried the blow and flung her aside like a toy, charging after Blackthorne and Mariko. The last man broke Chimmoko's neck with his foot and rushed on.\n\nMariko was running fast but not fast enough, her skirts inhibiting her, Blackthorne trying to help." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They crossed a room, then turned right, into another, and he saw the doorway, Kiri and Sazuko waiting there terrified, Achiko and maids succoring the old women in the room behind them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shoved Mariko to safety. Then he turned at bay, his uncharged pistol in one hand, sword in the other, expecting Chimmoko. When she didn't appear at once, he began to go back but heard the approaching charge of the ninja. He stopped and leaped backward into the room as the first ninja appeared. He slammed the door, and spears and shuriken screeched off the iron. Again he barely had time to shove the bolts home before the attackers hurtled against it.\n\nNumbly he thanked God for their escape and then, when he saw the strength of the door and knew that jimmies could not break it easily and that they were safe for the moment, he thanked God again. Trying to catch his breath, he looked around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko was on her knees gulping for air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were six maids, Achiko, Kiri and Sazuko, and the old lady, who lay gray-faced, almost unconscious. The room was small and stone-walled and another side door let out onto a small battlement veranda. He groped over to a window and looked out. This corner abutment overhung the avenue and forecourt, and he could hear sounds of the battle wafting up from below, screams and shouts and a few hysterical battle cries. Several Grays and unattached samurai were already beginning to collect in the avenue and on the opposite battlements. The gates below were locked against them and held by the ninja.\n\n\"What the hell's going on?\" Blackthorne said, his chest aching." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one answered him and he went back and knelt beside Mariko and shook her gently." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's going on?\" But she could not answer yet." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around three sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and lore may appear without context - work with what's given.\n\nAuthor style: James Clavell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu was running down a wide corridor in the west wing toward his sleeping quarters. He turned a corner and skidded to a stop. Ahead a large number of samurai were being pressed back by a ferocious counterattack of raiders who had rushed down from the top floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's going on?\" Yabu shouted over the din, for no raiders were supposed to be here, only below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're all over us,\" a samurai panted. \"These came from above... \"\n\nYabu cursed, realizing he had been duped and not told the whole of the attack plan. \"Where's Sumiyori?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He must be dead. They've overwhelmed that section, Sire. You were lucky to escape yourself. They must have struck shortly after you left. What are ninja attacking for?\"\n\nA flurry of shouts distracted them. At the far end, Browns launched another counterattack around a corner, covering samurai who fought with spears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The spearmen drove the ninja back, and the Browns charged in pursuit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But a cloud of shuriken enveloped this wave and soon they were screaming and dying, blocking the passageway, the poison convulsing them. Momentarily the rest of the Browns retreated out of range to regroup.\n\nYabu, unendangered, shouted, \"Get bowmen!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Men rushed off to obey." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the attack all about? Why are they in force?\" the samurai asked again, blood streaking his face from a cheek wound. Normally the detested ninja attacked singly or in small groups, to vanish as quickly as they appeared once their mission was accomplished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know,\" Yabu said, this whole section of the castle now in uproar, the Browns still uncoordinated, still off-balance from the terrifying swiftness of the onslaught." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If—if Toranaga-sama were here I could understand Ishido ordering a sudden attack but—but why now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the samurai said. \"There's no one or noth—\" He stopped as the realization struck him. \"Lady Toda!\"\n\nYabu tried to override him, but the man bellowed, \"They're after her, Yabu-san! They must be after Lady Toda!\" He led a rush for the east wing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu hesitated, then followed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To get to the east wing they had to cross the central landing that the ninja now held in strength. Samurai dead were everywhere. Goaded by the knowledge that their revered leader was in danger, the first impetuous charge broke through the cordon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But these men were cut down swiftly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now more of their comrades had taken up the shouts and the news spread rapidly and the Browns redoubled their efforts. Yabu rushed up to direct the fight, staying in safety as much as he dared. A ninja ripped open his haversack and lit a fused gourd from a wall flare and hurled it over the Browns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It shattered against a wall and exploded, scattering fire and smoke, and at once this ninja led a counterattack that threw the Browns into a burning, disordered rout." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Under cover of the smoke ninja reinforcements poured up from the floor below.\n\n\"Retreat and regroup!\" Yabu shouted in one of the corridors leading off the main landing, wanting to delay as much as he dared, presuming that Mariko was already captured and being carried to the cellar escape below, expecting at any moment the overdue clarion call that signaled success and ordered all ninja to break off the attack and retreat. Then a force of Browns from above hurtled in a suicidal attack from a staircase and broke the cordon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They died but others also disobeyed Yabu and charged. More bombs were thrown, setting fire to the wall hangings. Flames began to lick the walls, sparks ignited the tatamis." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A sudden gush of fire trapped one of the ninja, turning him into a screaming human torch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then a samurai's kimono caught and he threw himself onto another ninja and they burned together. A blazing samurai was using his sword like a battle-ax to cut a way through the ambushers. Ten samurai followed and, though two died in their tracks and three fell mortally wounded, the rest broke out and tore for the east wing." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\nfour sentences\nStyle:\nJames Clavell" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the small room they were staring at the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They could hear the attackers scraping at the hinges and at the floor. Then there was a sudden hammering and a harsh, muffled voice from outside.\n\nTwo of the maids began to sob.\n\n\"What did he say?\" Blackthorne asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko licked her dry lips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He—he said, to open the door and surrender or he'd—he'd blow it up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can they do that, Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"I don't know. They... they can use gunpowder, of course, and—\" Mariko's hand went to her sash but came out empty. \"Where's my knife?\"\n\nAll the women went for their daggers. Kiri had none. Sazuko none." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nor Achiko or Lady Etsu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne had armed his pistol and had his long sword. The short sword had fallen during his frantic dash for safety.\n\nThe muffled voice became angrier and more demanding, and all eyes in the room looked at Blackthorne. But Mariko knew she was betrayed and her time had come." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He said, if we open the door and surrender, everyone will go free except you.\" Mariko brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes. \"He said they want you as a hostage, Anjin-san. That's all they want... \"\n\nBlackthorne walked forward to open the door, but Mariko stood pathetically in his way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Anjin-san, it's a trick,\" she said. \"So sorry, they don't want you, they want me! Don't believe them, I don't believe them.\"\n\nHe smiled at her and touched her briefly and reached for one of the bolts.\n\n\"It's not you, it's me—it's a trick! I swear it! Don't believe them, please,\" she said, and grabbed his sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was half out of its scabbard before he realized what she was doing and had caught her hand.\n\n\"No!\" he ordered. \"Stop it!\"\n\n\"Don't give me into their hands! I've no knife! Please, Anjin-san!\" She tried to fight out of his grasp but he lifted her out of the way and put his hand on the top bolt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dozo,\" he said to the others as Mariko desperately tried to stop him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Achiko came forward, pleading with her, and Mariko tried to push her away and cried out, \"Please, Anjin-san, it's a trick—for the love of God!\"\n\nHis hand jerked the top bolt open.\n\n\"They want me alive,\" Mariko shouted wildly. \"Don't you see? To capture me, don't you see? They want me alive and then it's all for nothing—tomorrow Toranaga's got to cross the border—I beg you, it's a trick, before God... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Achiko had her arms around Mariko, pleading with her, pulling her away, and she motioned him to open the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isogi, isogi, Anjin-san... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne opened the central bolt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For the love of God, don't make all the dying useless! Help me! Remember your vow!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now the reality of what she was saying reached him, and in panic he shoved home the bolts. \"Why should—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A ferocious pounding on the door interrupted him, iron clanging on iron, then the voice began, a short violent crescendo. All sound outside ceased. The women fled for the far wall and cowered against it.\n\n\"Get away from the door,\" Mariko shouted, rushing after them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's going to explode the door!\"\n\n\"Delay him, Mariko-san,\" Blackthorne said and leaped for the side door that led to the battlements. \"Our men'll be here soon. Work the bolts, say they're stuck—anything.\" He strained at the top bolt on the side door but it was rusted tight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Obediently Mariko ran to the door and pretended feeble attempts to shift the central bolt, pleading with the ninja outside. Then she began to rattle the lower bolt. Again the voice, more insistent, and Mariko redoubled her weeping pleas.\n\nBlackthorne smashed the butt of his hand against the top catch again and again but it would not shift." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The women watched helplessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally this bolt clanged open noisily. Mariko tried to cover the sound and Blackthorne attacked the final bolt. His hands were raw and bloody now. The ninja leader outside renewed his fiery warning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In desperation Blackthorne grabbed his sword and used the haft as a cudgel, careless of the noise now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko drowned the sounds as best she could. The bolt seemed welded shut.\n\nOutside the door, the red-spot leader was almost mad with rage. This secret refuge was totally unexpected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His orders from the clan leader were to capture Toda Mariko alive, make sure she was weaponless, and hand her over to Grays who were waiting at the end of the tunnel from the cellars. He knew that time was running out. He could hear the raging battle in the corridor, outside the audience room, and knew disgustedly that they would have been safe below, their mission accomplished, but for this secret rat hole and his overanxious fool of a brother who had begun the rush prematurely.\n\nKarma to have such a brother!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He held a lighted candle in his hand and he had laid a trail of powder to the small kegs they had brought in their haversacks to blow up the secret entrance to the cellars to secure their retreat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he was in a dilemma." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To blow the door was the only way to get through. But the Toda woman was just on the other side of the door and the explosion would surely kill everyone inside and spoil his mission, making all their losses futile.\n\nFootsteps raced toward him. It was one of his own men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Be quick!\" the man whispered. \"We can't hold them off much longer!\" He raced away.\n\nThe red-spot leader decided. He waved his men to cover and shouted a warning through the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get away! I'm blowing the door!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He put the candle to the trail and jumped to safety." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The powder spluttered, caught, and snaked for the kegs.\n\nBlackthorne yanked the side door open. Sweet night air rushed in. The women poured onto the veranda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Old Lady Etsu fell but he caught her and pushed her through, whirled for Mariko, but she had pressed back against the iron and called out firmly, \"I, Toda Mariko, protest this shameful attack and by my death—\"\n\nHe lunged for her but the explosion blew him aside as the door wrenched loose from its hinges and blasted into the room and shrieked off a far wall. The detonation knocked Kiri and the others off their feet outside on the battlement, but they were mostly unhurt. Smoke gushed into the room, the ninja following instantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The buckled iron door came to rest in a corner.\n\nThe red-spot leader was on his knees beside Mariko as others fanned out protectively. He saw at once that she was broken and dying fast. Karma, he thought and jumped to his feet again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne was lying stunned, a trickle of blood seeping from his ears and nose, trying to grope back into life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His pistol, bent and useless, was in a corner.\n\nThe red-spot leader went forward a pace and stopped. Achiko moved into the doorway.\n\nThe ninja looked at her, recognizing her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'blindly' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he stared down at Blackthorne, despising him for the gun and the cowardice in shooting blindly through the door, killing one of his men and wounding another. He looked back at Achiko and reached for his knife. She charged blindly. His knife took her in the left breast. She was dead as she crumpled and he went forward without anger and withdrew his knife from the twitching body, fulfilling the last part of his orders from above—he presumed from Ishido, though it could never be proved—that if they failed and the Lady Toda managed to kill herself, he was to leave her untouched and not take her head; he was to protect the barbarian and leave all the other women unharmed, except for Kiyama Achiko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did not know why he had been ordered to kill her, but it had been ordered and paid for, so she was dead." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'through' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He signaled the retreat. One of his men put a curved horn to his lips and blew a strident call that echoed through the castle and through the night. The leader made a last check on Mariko. A last check on the girl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And a last check on the barbarian he wanted dead so much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he turned on his heel and led the retreat through the rooms and passageways into the audience room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ninja defending the main doorway waited till all the red-spot raiders were through the escape route, then they hurled more smoke and fire bombs into the corridor and rushed for safety. The leader of the red-spots covered them. He waited until all were safe, then scattered handfuls of hardly noticeable deadly caltrops on the floor—small, spiked metal balls tipped with poison. He fled as Browns burst through the smoke into the audience room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some charged after him and another phalanx hurtled for the corridor. His pursuers screamed as the caltrop needles ripped into the soles of their feet and they began to die.\n\nIn the small room, the only sound was Blackthorne's lungs struggling for air. On the battlement Kiri lurched to her feet, her kimono torn and her hands and arms raw with abrasions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She stumbled back and saw Achiko and cried out, then reeled for Mariko and sank to her knees beside her. Another explosion somewhere in the castle rocked the dust a fraction, and there were more screams and distant shouts of \"Fire.\" Smoke billowed into the room. Sazuko and some of the maids got to their feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sazuko was bruised about the face and shoulders and her wrist was broken." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She saw Achiko, eyes and mouth open in death terror, and she whimpered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Numbly, Kiri looked across at her and motioned at Blackthorne. The young girl stumbled toward Kiri and saw Mariko. She began to cry. Then she got control of herself and went back to Blackthorne and tried to help him up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maids rushed to assist her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He held on to them and fought to his feet, then swayed and fell, coughing and retching, the blood still oozing from his ears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Browns burst into the room. They looked around, aghast.\n\nKiri stayed on her knees beside Mariko. A samurai lifted her up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Others crowded around. They parted as Yabu came into the room, his face ashen. When he saw Blackthorne was still alive, much of his anxiety left him.\n\n\"Get a doctor! Quick!\" he ordered and knelt beside Mariko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was still alive, but fading rapidly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her face was hardly touched but her body was terribly mutilated. Yabu ripped off his kimono and covered her to the neck.\n\n\"Hurry the doctor,\" he rasped, then went over to Blackthorne. He helped him sit against the wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjin-san! Anjin-san!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne was still in shock, his ears ringing, eyes hardly seeing, his face a mass of bruises and powder burns." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then his eyes cleared and he saw Yabu, the image twisting drunkenly, the smell of gun-smoke choking him and he didn't know where he was or who he was, only that he was aboard ship in battle and his ship was hurt and needed him. Then he saw Mariko and he remembered.\n\nHe lurched up, Yabu helping him, and tottered over to her.\n\nShe seemed at peace, sleeping." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knelt heavily and moved the kimono aside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he put it back again. Her pulse was almost imperceptible. Then it ceased.\n\nHe stayed looking at her, swaying, almost falling, then a doctor was there and the doctor shook his head and said something but Blackthorne could not hear or understand. He only knew that death had come to her, and that he too was dead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He made the sign of the cross over her and said the sacred Latin words that were necessary to bless her and he prayed for her though no sound came from his mouth. The others watched him. When he had done what he had to do, he fought to his feet again and stood upright. Then his head seemed to burst with red and purple light and he collapsed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kind hands caught him and helped him to the floor and let him rest.\n\n\"Is he dead?\" Yabu asked.\n\n\"Almost. I don't know about his ears, Yabu-sama,\" the doctor said. \"He may be bleeding inside.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A samurai said nervously, \"We'd better hurry, get them out of here. The fire may spread and we'll be trapped.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Yabu said. Another samurai called him urgently from the battlements and he went outside.\n\nOld Lady Etsu was lying against the battlement, cradled by her maid, her face gray, eyes rheumy. She peered up at Yabu, focusing with difficulty. \"Kasigi Yabu-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Lady.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you senior officer here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Lady.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old woman said to the maid. \"Please help me up.\"\n\n\"But you should wait, the doc—\"\n\n\"Help me up!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Samurai on the battlement veranda watched her stand, supported by the maid. \"Listen,\" she said, her voice hoarse and frail in the silence. \"I, Maeda Etsu, wife of Maeda Arinosi, Lord of Nagato, Iwami, and Aki, I attest that Toda Mariko-sama cast away her life to save herself from dishonorable capture by these hideous and shameful men. I attest that... that Kiyama Achiko chose to attack the ninja, casting away her life rather than risk the dishonor of being captured... that but for the barbarian samurai's bravery Lady Toda would have been captured and dishonored, and all of us, and we who are alive owe him gratitude, and also our Lords owe him gratitude for protecting us from that shame... I accuse the Lord General Ishido of mounting this dishonorable attack... and of betraying the Heir and the Lady Ochiba... \" The old lady wavered and almost fell, and the maid sobbed and held her more strongly. \"And... and Lord Ishido has betrayed them and the Council of Regents. I ask you all to bear witness that I can no longer live with this shame... \"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No—no mistress,\" the maid wept, \"I won't let you—\"\n\n\"Go away! Kasigi Yabu-san, please help me. Go away, woman!\"\n\nYabu took Lady Etsu's weight, which was negligible, and ordered the maid away. She obeyed.\n\nLady Etsu was in great pain and breathing heavily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I attest to the truth of this by my own death,\" she said in a small voice and looked up at Yabu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would be honored if... if you would be my second. Please help me onto the battlements.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Lady. There's no need to die.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She turned her face away from the others and whispered to him, \"I'm dying already, Yabu-sama. I'm bleeding from inside—something's broken inside—the explosion... Help me to do my duty... I'm old and useless and pain's been my bedfellow for twenty years. Let my death also help our Master, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a glint in the old eyes. \"Neh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'death' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gently he lifted her and stood proudly beside her on the abutment, the forecourt far below. He helped her to stand. Everyone bowed to her.\n\n\"I have told the truth. I attest to it by my death,\" she said, standing alone, her voice quavering. Then she closed her eyes thankfully and let herself fall forward to welcome death." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for James Clavell vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Regents were meeting in the Great Room on the second level of the donjon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido, Kiyama, Zataki, Ito, and Onoshi. The dawn sun cast long shadows and the smell of fire still hung heavy in the air. Lady Ochiba was present, also greatly perturbed.\n\n\"So sorry, Lord General, I disagree,\" Kiyama was saying in his tight brittle voice. \"It's impossible to dismiss Lady Toda's seppuku and my granddaughter's bravery and Lady Maeda's testimony and formal death—along with one hundred and forty-seven Toranaga dead and that part of the castle almost gutted! It just can't be dismissed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree,\" Zataki said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had arrived yesterday morning from Takato and when he had the details of Mariko's confrontation with Ishido he had been secretly delighted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If she'd been allowed to go yesterday as I advised, we wouldn't be in this snare now.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'loathed' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's not as serious as you think.\" Ishido's mouth was a hard line and Ochiba loathed him at that moment, loathed him for failing and for trapping them all in this crisis. \"The ninja were only after loot,\" Ishido said.\n\n\"The barbarian is loot?\" Kiyama scoffed. \"They'd mount such a vast attack for one barbarian?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why not? He could be ransomed, neh?\" Ishido stared back at the daimyo, who was flanked by Ito Teruzumi and Zataki. \"Christians in Nagasaki would pay highly for him, dead or alive. Neh?\"\n\n\"That's possible,\" Zataki agreed. \"That's the way barbarians fight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiyama said tightly, \"Are you suggesting, formally, that Christians planned and paid for this foul attack?\"\n\n\"I said it was possible. And it is possible.\"\n\n\"Yes. But unlikely,\" Ishido interposed, not wanting the precarious balance of the Regents wrecked by an open quarrel now. He was still apoplectic that spies had not forewarned him about Toranaga's secret lair, and still did not understand how it could have been constructed with such secrecy and not a breath of rumor about it. \"I suggest ninja were after loot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's very sensible and most correct,\" Ito said with a malicious glint in his eyes. He was a small, middle-aged man, resplendently attired with ornamental swords, even though he had been routed out of bed like all of them. He was made up like a woman and his teeth were blackened. \"Yes, Lord General. But perhaps the ninja didn't mean to ransom him in Nagasaki but in Yedo, to Lord Toranaga. Isn't he still his lackey?\"\n\nIshido's brow darkened at the mention of the name." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree we should spend our time discussing Lord Toranaga and not ninja. Probably he ordered the attack, neh? He's treacherous enough to do that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, he'd never use ninja,\" Zataki said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Treachery yes, but not those filth. Merchants would do that—or barbarians. Not Lord Toranaga.\"\n\nKiyama watched Zataki, hating him. \"Our Portuguese friends could not, would not, instigate such an interference in our affairs. Never!\"\n\n\"Would you believe they and or their priests would conspire with one of the Christian Kyushu daimyos to war on non-Christians—the war supported by a foreign invasion?\"\n\n\"Who? Tell me. Do you have proof?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not yet, Lord Kiyama. But the rumors are still there and one day I'll get proof.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zataki turned back to Ishido. \"What can we do about this attack? What's the way out of the dilemma?\" he asked, then glanced at Ochiba. She was watching Kiyama, then her eyes moved to Ishido, then back to Kiyama again, and he had never seen her more desirable.\n\nKiyama said, \"We're all agreed it's evident Lord Toranaga plotted that we should be snared by Toda Mariko-sama, however brave she was, however duty bound and honorable, God have mercy on her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ito adjusted a fold in the skirts of his impeccable kimono." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Work this phrase into your response organically: \"And whoever ordered the attack was a fool, and did us no service.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But don't you agree this would be a perfect stratagem for Lord Toranaga, to attack his own vassals like that? Oh, Lord Zataki, I know he'd never use ninja, but he is very clever at getting others to take his ideas and believe them as their own. Neh?\"\n\n\"Anything's possible. But ninja wouldn't be like him. He's too clever to use them. Or get anyone to do that. They're not to be trusted. And why force Mariko-sama? Far better to wait and let us make the mistake. We were trapped. Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. We're still trapped.\" Kiyama looked at Ishido. \"And whoever ordered the attack was a fool, and did us no service.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps the Lord General's correct, that it's not as serious as we think,\" Ito said. \"But so sad—not an elegant death for her, poor lady.\"\n\n\"That was her karma and we're not trapped.\" Ishido stared back at Kiyama. \"It was fortunate she had that bolt hole to run to, otherwise those vermin would have captured her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But they didn't capture her, Lord General, and she committed a form of seppuku and so did the others and now, if we don't let everyone go, there'll be more protest deaths and we cannot afford that,\" Kiyama said.\n\n\"I don't agree. Everyone should stay here—at least until Toranaga-sama crosses into our domains.\"\n\nIto smiled. \"That will be a memorable day.\"\n\n\"You don't think he will?\" Zataki asked.\n\n\"What I think has no value, Lord Zataki. We'll soon know what he's going to do. Whatever it is makes no difference. Toranaga must die, if the Heir is to inherit.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ito looked at Ishido." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is the barbarian dead yet, Lord General?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido shook his head and watched Kiyama. \"It would be bad luck for him to die now, or to be maimed—a brave man like that. Neh?\"\n\n\"I think he's a plague and the sooner he dies the better. Have you forgotten?\"\n\n\"He could be useful to us. I agree with Lord Zataki—and you—Toranaga's no fool. There's got to be a good reason for Toranaga's cherishing him. Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, you're right again,\" Ito said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Anjin-san did well for a barbarian, didn't he? Toranaga was right to make him samurai.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked at Ochiba." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When he gave you the flower, Lady, I thought that was a poetic gesture worthy of a courtier.\"\n\nThere was general agreement.\n\n\"What about the poetry competition now, Lady?\" Ito asked.\n\n\"It should be canceled, so sorry,\" Ochiba said.\n\n\"Yes,\" Kiyama agreed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Had you decided on your entry, Sire?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" he answered.\" But now I could say:\n\n\"On a withered branch\n\nThe tempest fell...\n\nDark summer's tears.\"\n\n\"Let it be her epitaph. She was samurai,\" Ito said quietly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I share this summer's tears.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For me,\" Ochiba said,\" for me I would have preferred a different ending:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"On a withered branch\n\nThe snow listened...\n\nWinter's silence.\n\nBut I agree, Lord Ito. I too think we will all share in this dark summer's tears.\"\n\n\"No, so sorry, Lady, but you're wrong,\" Ishido said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There will be tears all right, but Toranaga and his allies will shed them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He began to bring the meeting to a close." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll start an inquiry into the ninja attack at once. I doubt if we'll ever discover the truth. Meanwhile, for security and personal safety, all passes will regretfully be canceled and everyone regretfully forbidden to leave until the twenty-second day.\"\n\n\"No,\" Onoshi the leper, the last of the Regents, said from his lonely place across the room where he lay, unseen, behind the opaque curtains of his litter. \"So sorry, but that's exactly what you can't do. Now you must let everyone go. Everyone.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\nOnoshi's voice was malevolent and unafraid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you don't, you dishonor the bravest Lady in the realm, you dishonor the Lady Kiyama Achiko and the Lady Maeda, God have mercy on their souls. When this filthy act is common knowledge, only God the Father knows what damage it will cause the Heir—and all of us, if we're not careful.\"\n\nOchiba felt a chill rush through her. A year ago, when Onoshi had come to pay his respects to the dying Taikō, the guards had insisted the litter curtains be opened in case Onoshi had weapons concealed, and she had seen the ravaged half-face—noseless, earless, scabbed—the burning, fanatic eyes, the stump of the left hand and the good right hand grasping the short stabbing sword.\n\nLady Ochiba prayed that neither she nor Yaemon would ever catch leprosy. She, too, wanted an end to this conference, for she had to decide now what to do—what to do about Toranaga and what to do about Ishido." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Second,\" Onoshi was saying, \"if you use this filthy attack as an excuse to hold anyone here, you imply you never intended to let them go even though you gave your solemn written undertaking. Third: you—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ishido interrupted, \"The whole Council agreed to issue the safe conducts!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, the whole Council agreed to the wise suggestion of the Lady Ochiba to offer safe conducts, presuming, with her, that few would take advantage of the opportunity to leave, and even if they did delays would occur.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You suggest Toranaga's women and Toda Mariko wouldn't have left and that others wouldn't have followed?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What happened to those women wouldn't swerve Lord Toranaga a jot from his purpose. We've got to worry about our allies! Without the ninja attack and the three seppukus this whole nonsense would have been stillborn!\"\n\n\"I don't agree.\"\n\n\"Third and last: If you don't let everyone go now, after what Lady Etsu said publicly, you'll be convicted by most daimyos of ordering the attack—though not publicly—and we all risk the same fate, and then there'll be lots of tears.\"\n\n\"I don't need to rely on ninja.\"\n\n\"Of course,\" Onoshi agreed, his voice poisonous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Neither do I, nor does anyone here. But I feel it is my duty to remind you that there are two hundred and sixty-four daimyos, that the Heir's strength lies on a coalition of perhaps two hundred, and that the Heir cannot afford to have you, his most loyal standard-bearer and commander-in-chief, presumed guilty of such filthy methods and such monstrous inefficiency as the attack failed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You say I ordered that attack?\"\n\n\"Of course not, so sorry. I merely said you will be convicted by default if you don't let everyone leave.\"\n\n\"Is there anyone here who thinks I ordered it?\" No one challenged Ishido openly. There was no proof." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Correctly, he had not consulted them and had talked only in vague innuendos, even to Kiyama and Ochiba." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: zataki, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But they all knew and all were equally furious that he had had the stupidity to fail—all except Zataki. Even so, Ishido was still master of Osaka, and governor of the Taikō's treasure, so he could not be touched or removed.\n\n\"Good,\" Ishido said with finality. \"The ninja were after loot. We'll vote on the safe conducts. I vote they be canceled.\"\n\n\"I disagree,\" Zataki said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, I oppose also,\" said Onoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ito reddened under their scrutiny. \"I have to agree with Lord Onoshi, at the same time, well... it's all very difficult, neh?\"\n\n\"Vote,\" Ishido said grimly.\n\n\"I agree with you, Lord General.\"\n\nKiyama said, \"So sorry, I don't.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good,\" Onoshi said. \"That's settled, but I agree with you, Lord General, we've other pressing problems. We have to know what Lord Toranaga will do now. What's your opinion?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido was staring at Kiyama, his face set. Then he said, \"What's your answer to that? \"+\n\nKiyama was trying to clear his head of all his hates and fears and worries, to make a final choice—Ishido or Toranaga. This had to be the time. He remembered vividly Mariko talking about Onoshi's supposed treachery, about Ishido's supposed betrayal and Toranaga's supposed proof of that betrayal, about the barbarian and his ship—and about what might happen to the Heir and the Church if Toranaga dominated the land and what might happen to their law if the Holy Fathers dominated the land." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And overlaying that was the Father-Visitor's anguish about the heretic and his ship, and what would happen if the Black Ship was lost, and the Captain-General's God-sworn conviction that the Anjin-san was Satan spawned, Mariko bewitched as the Rodrigues was bewitched." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Poor Mariko, he thought sadly, to die like that after so much suffering, without absolution, without last rites, without a priest, to spend eternity away from God's sweet heavenly grace. Madonna have mercy on her. So many summer's tears.\n\nAnd what about Achiko? Did the ninja leader single her out or was that just another killing?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "How brave she was to charge and not to cringe, poor child." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why is the barbarian still alive?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why didn't the ninja kill him? They should have been ordered to, if this filthy attack was conceived by Ishido, as of course it must have been. Shameful of Ishido to fail—disgusting to fail. Ah, but what courage Mariko had, how clever she was to ensnare us in her courageous web! And the barbarian.\n\nIf I'd been he I would never have been able to delay the ninja with so much courage, or to protect Mariko from the hideous shame of capture—and Kiritsubo and Sazuko and the Lady Etsu, yes, and even Achiko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But for him and the secret sanctuary, Lady Mariko would have been captured. And all of them. It's my samurai duty to honor the Anjin-san for being samurai. Neh?\n\nGod forgive me, I did not go to Mariko-chan to be her second, which was my Christian duty. The heretic helped her and lifted her up as the Christ Jesus helped others and lifted them up, but I, I forsook her. Who's the Christian?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't know. Even so, he has to die." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about Toranaga, Lord Kiyama?\" Ishido said again. \"What about the enemy?\"\n\n\"What about the Kwanto?\" Kiyama asked, watching him.\n\n\"When Toranaga's destroyed I propose that the Kwanto be given to one of the Regents.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Which Regent?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You,\" Ishido answered blandly, then added, \"or perhaps Zataki, Lord of Shinano.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This Kiyama thought wise, for Zataki was needed very much while Toranaga was alive and Ishido had already told him, a month ago, that Zataki had demanded the Kwanto as payment for opposing Toranaga. Together they had agreed Ishido should promise it to him, both knowing this to be an empty promise. Both were agreed Zataki should forfeit his life and his province for such impertinence, as soon as convenient.\n\n\"Of course I'm hardly the right choice for that honor,\" Kiyama said, carefully assessing who in the room were for him and who against.\n\nOnoshi tried to conceal his disapproval." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That suggestion's certainly a valuable one, worthy of discussion, neh? But that's for the future. What's the present Lord of the Kwanto going to do now?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'kiyama' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido was still looking at Kiyama. \"Well?\"\n\nKiyama felt Zataki's hostility though nothing showed on his enemy's face. Two against me, he thought, and Ochiba, but she has no vote. Ito will always vote with Ishido, so I win—if Ishido means what he says. Does he? he asked himself, studying the hard face in front of him, probing for the truth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he decided and he said openly what he had concluded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga will never come to Osaka.\"\n\n\"Good,\" Ishido said. \"Then he's isolated, outlawed, and the Imperial invitation to commit seppuku is already prepared for the Exalted's signature. And that's the end of Toranaga and all his line. Forever.\"\n\n\"Yes. If the Son of Heaven comes to Osaka.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"I agree with Lord Ito,\" Kiyama continued, preferring him as an ally and not an enemy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga is the wiliest of men. I think he's even cunning enough to stop the Exalted's arrival.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Impossible!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What if the visit's postponed?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiyama asked, suddenly enjoying Ishido's discomfort, detesting him for failing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Son of Heaven will be here as planned!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And if the Son of Heaven isn't?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I tell you He will be!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And if He isn't?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Ochiba asked, \"How could Lord Toranaga do that?\"\n\n\"I don't know. But if the Exalted wanted his visit delayed for a month... there's nothing we could do. Isn't Lord Toranaga a past master at subversion? I'd put nothing past him—even subverting the Son of Heaven.\"\n\nThere was dead silence in the room. The enormity of that thought, and its repercussions, enveloped them.\n\n\"Please excuse me but... but what's the answer then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ochiba spoke for them all.\n\n\"War!\" Kiyama said. \"We mobilize today—secretly. We wait until the visit's postponed, as it will be. That's our signal that Toranaga has subverted the Most High. The same day we march against the Kwanto, during the rainy season.\"\n\nSuddenly the floor began to quiver.\n\nThe first earthquake was slight and lasted only for a few moments but it made the timbers cry out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now there was another tremor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stronger. A fissure ripped up a stone wall and stopped. Dust pattered down from the rafters. Joists and beams and tiles shrieked and tiles scattered off a roof and pitched into the forecourt below.\n\nOchiba felt faint and nauseous and she wondered if it was her karma to be buried in the rubble today. She hung on to the trembling floor and waited with everyone in the castle, and with all the city and the ships in the harbor, for the real shock to come." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But it did not come." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The quake ended. Life began again. The joy of living rushed back into them, and their laughter echoed through the castle. Everyone seemed to know that this time—for this hour, for this day—the holocaust would pass them by.\n\n\"Shigata ga nai,\" Ishido said, still convulsed. \"Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Ochiba said gloriously." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's vote,\" Ishido said, relishing his existence. \"I vote for war!\"\n\n\"And I!\"\n\n\"And I!\"\n\n\"And I!\"\n\n\"And I!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~2 sentences more. copy James Clavell's style. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Blackthorne regained consciousness he knew that Mariko was dead, and he knew how she had died and why she had died. He was lying on futons, Grays guarding him, a raftered ceiling overhead, dazzling sunshine hurting him, the silence weird." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A doctor was studying him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first of his great fears left him.\n\nI can see." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The doctor smiled and said something, but Blackthorne could not hear him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He started to get up but a blinding pain set off a violent ringing in his ears. The acrid taste of gunpowder was still in his mouth and his entire body was hurting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment he lost consciousness again, then he felt gentle hands lift his head and put a cup to his lips and the bitter-sweet tang of the jasmine-scented herb cha took away the taste of gunpowder. He forced his eyes open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again the doctor said something and again he could not hear and again terror began to well, but he stopped it, his mind remembering the explosion and seeing her dead and, before she had died, giving her an absolution he was not qualified to give." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Deliberately he pushed that memory away and made himself dwell on the other explosion—the time he was blown overboard after old Alban Caradoc had lost his legs. That time he had also had the same ringing in his ears and the same pain and soundlessness, but his hearing had returned after a few days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There's no need to worry, he told himself. Not yet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could see the length of the sun's shadows and the color of the light. It's a little after dawn, he thought, and blessed God again that his sight was undamaged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw the doctor's lips move but no sound came through the ringing turbulence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Carefully he felt his face and mouth and jaws. No pain there and no wounds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Next his throat and arms and chest." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: there, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No wounds yet. Now he willed his hands lower, over his loins, to his manhood. But he was not mutilated there as Alban Caradoc had been, and he blessed God that he had not been harmed there and left alive to know, as poor Alban Caradoc had known." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rested a moment, his head aching abominably. Then he felt his legs and feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everything seemed all right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cautiously he put his hands over his ears and pressed, then half opened his mouth and swallowed and half yawned to try to clear his ears. But this only increased the pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You will wait a day and half a day, he ordered himself, and ten times that time if need be and, until then, you will not be afraid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doctor touched him, his lips moving.\n\n\"Can't hear, so sorry,\" Blackthorne said calmly, hearing his words only in his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doctor nodded and spoke again. Now Blackthorne read on the man's lips, I understand. Please sleep now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Blackthorne knew that he would not sleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had to plan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had to get up and leave Osaka and go to Nagasaki—to get gunners and seamen to take the Black Ship. There was nothing more to think about, nothing more to remember." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no more reason to play at being samurai or Japanese." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now he was released, all debts and friendships were canceled. Because she was gone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again he lifted his head and again the blinding pain. He dominated it and sat up." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'toranaga' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The room spun and he vaguely remembered that in his dreams he had been back at Anjiro in the earthquake when the earth had twisted and he leaped into it to save Toranaga and her from being swallowed by the earth. He could still feel the cold, clammy wetness and smell the death stench coming from the fissure, Toranaga huge and monstrous and laughing in his dream." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He forced his eyes to see." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The room stopped spinning and the nausea passed. \"Cha, dozo,\" he said, the taste of gunpowder back again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hands helped him to drink and then he held out his arms and they helped him to stand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without them he would have fallen. His body was one great hurt, but now he was sure that nothing was broken inside or out, except his ears, and that rest and massage and time would cure him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He thanked God again that he was not blinded or mutilated and left alive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Grays helped him to sit again and he lay back a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not notice that the sun moved a quadrant from the time he lay back to the time he opened his eyes.\n\nCurious, he thought, measuring the sun's shadow, not realizing he had slept." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I could have sworn it was near dawn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My eyes are playing me tricks. It's nearer the end of the forenoon watch now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That reminded him of Alban Caradoc and his hands moved over himself once more to make sure he had not dreamed that he was unhurt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone touched him and he looked up. Yabu was peering down at him and speaking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry,\" Blackthorne said slowly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can't hear yet, Yabu-san. Soon all right. Ears hurt, do you understand?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw Yabu nod and frown. Yabu and the doctor talked together and then, with signs, Yabu made Blackthorne understand that he would return soon and to rest until he did. He left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bath, please, and massage,\" Blackthorne said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hands lifted him and took him there. He slept under the soothing fingers, his body wallowing in the ecstasy of warmth and tenderness and the sweet-smelling oils that were rubbed into his flesh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And all the while his mind planned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While he slept Grays came and lifted the litter bed and carried it to the inner quarters of the donjon, but he did not awaken, drugged with fatigue and by the healing, sleep-filled potion.\n\n\"He'll be safe now, Lady,\" Ishido said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"From Kiyama?\" Ochiba asked.\n\n\"From all Christians.\" Ishido motioned to the guards to be very alert and led the way out of the room to the hallway, thence to a garden basking in the sun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is that why the Lady Achiko was killed? Because she was Christian?\"\n\nIshido had ordered it in case she was an assassin planted by her grandfather Kiyama to kill Blackthorne." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've no idea,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They hang together like bees in a swarm. How can anyone believe their religious nonsense?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know. But they'll all be stamped out soon enough.\"\n\n\"How, Lord General? How do you do that when so much depends on their goodwill?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Promises—until Toranaga's dead. Then they'll fall on each other. We divide and rule. Isn't that what Toranaga does, what the Lord Taikō did? Kiyama wants the Kwanto, neh? For the Kwanto he'll obey. So he's promised it, in a future time. Onoshi? Who knows what that madman wants... except to spit on Toranaga's head and Kiyama's before he dies.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And what if Kiyama finds out about your promise to Onoshi—that all Kiyama lands are his—or that you mean to keep your promise to Zataki and not to him?\"\n\n\"Lies, Lady, spread by enemies.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ishido looked at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Onoshi wants Kiyama's head. Kiyama wants the Kwanto. So does Zataki.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you, Lord General? What is it you want?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"First the Heir safely fifteen, then safely ruler of the realm. And you and him safe and protected until that time. Nothing more.\"\n\n\"Nothing?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Lady.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Liar, Ochiba thought. She broke off a fragrant flower and smelled the perfume, and, pleased by it, offered it to him. \"Lovely, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, lovely,\" Ishido said, taking it. \"Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yodoko-sama's funeral was beautiful. You're to be congratulated, Lord General.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry she's dead,\" Ishido said politely. \"Her counsel was always valuable.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They strolled awhile. \"Have they left yet? Kiritsubo-san and the Lady Sazuko and her son?\" Ochiba asked." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'leave' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. They'll leave tomorrow. After Lady Toda's funeral. Many will leave tomorrow, which is bad.\"\n\n\"So sorry, but does it matter? Now that we all agree Toranaga-sama's not coming here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think so. But it's not important, not while we hold Osaka Castle. No, Lady, we have to be patient as Kiyama suggested. We wait until the day. Then we march.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why wait? Can't you march now?\"\n\n\"It will take time to gather our hosts.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How many will oppose Toranaga?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Three hundred thousand men. At least three times Toranaga's number.\"\n\n\"And my garrison?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll leave eighty thousand elite within the walls, another fifty at the passes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And Zataki?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He'll betray Toranaga. In the end he'll betray him.\"\n\n\"You don't find it curious that Lord Sudara, my sister, and all her children are visiting Takato?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. Of course Zataki's pretended to make some secret arrangement with his half brother. But it's only a trick, nothing more. He will betray him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He should—he has the same rotten bloodline,\" she said with distaste. \"But I would be most upset if anything happened to my sister and her children.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing will, Lady. I'm sure.\"\n\n\"If Zataki was prepared to assassinate his own mother... neh? You're certain he won't betray you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. Not in the end. Because he hates Toranaga more than he does me, Lady, and he honors you and desires the Kwanto above all else.\" Ishido smiled at the floors soaring above them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As long as the castle's ours and the Kwanto exists to give away, there's nothing to fear.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This morning I was afraid,\" she said, holding a flower to her nose, enjoying the perfume, wanting it to erase the aftertaste of fear that still lingered. \"I wanted to rush away but then I remembered the soothsayer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eh? Oh, him. I'd forgotten about him,\" Ishido said with grim amusement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the soothsayer, the Chinese envoy, who had foretold that the Taikō would die in his bed leaving a healthy son after him, that Toranaga would die by the sword in middle age, that Ishido would die in old age, the most famous general in the realm, his feet firm in the earth. And that the Lady Ochiba would end her days at Osaka Castle, surrounded by the greatest nobles in the Empire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Ishido said again, \"I'd forgotten about him. Toranaga's middle-aged, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\" Again Ochiba felt the depth of his look and her loins melted at the thought of a real man on her, in her, surrounding her, taking her, giving her a new life within. This time an honorable birthing, not like the last one, when she had wondered in horror what the child would be like and look like." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How foolish you are, Ochiba, she told herself, as they walked the shaded, fragrant paths. Put away those silly nightmares—that's all they ever were." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You were thinking about a man." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'master' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly Ochiba wished that Toranaga was here beside her and not Ishido, that Toranaga was master of Osaka Castle and master of the Taikō's treasure, Protector of the Heir and Chief General of the Armies of the West, and not Ishido. Then there would be no problems." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Together they would possess the realm, all of it, and now, today, at this moment, she would beckon him to bed or to an inviting glade and tomorrow or the next day they would marry, and whatever happened in the future, today she would possess and be possessed and be at peace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her hand reached out and she pulled a branchlet toward her, breathing the sweet, rich gardenia fragrance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Put away dreams, Ochiba, she told herself. Be a realist like the Taikō—or Toranaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are you going to do with the Anjin-san?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido laughed. \"Hold him safe—let him take the Black Ship perhaps, or use him as a threat against Kiyama and Onoshi if need be. They both hate him, neh? Oh yes, he's a sword at their throats—and at their filthy Church.\"\n\n\"In the chess game of the Heir against Toranaga, how would you judge the Anjin-san's value, Lord General? A pawn? A knight, perhaps?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, Lady, in the Great Game barely a pawn,\" Ishido said at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But in the game of the Heir against the Christians, a castle, easily a castle, perhaps two.\"\n\n\"You don't think the games are interlocked?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, interlocked, but the Great Game will be settled by daimyo against daimyo, samurai against samurai, and sword against sword. Of course, in both games, you're the queen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Lord General, please excuse me, not a queen,\" she said, glad that he realized it. Then, to be safe, she changed the subject." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rumor has it that the Anjin-san and Mariko-san pillowed together.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Yes, I heard that too. You wish to know the truth about it?\"\n\nOchiba shook her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It would be unthinkable that that had happened.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido was watching her narrowly. \"You think there'd be a value in destroying her honor? Now? And along with her, Buntaro-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I meant nothing, Lord General, nothing like that. I was just wondering—just a woman's foolishness. But it's as Lord Kiyama said this morning—dark summer's tears, sad, so sad, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I preferred your poem, Lady. I promise you Toranaga's side will have the tears.\"\n\n\"As to Buntaro-san, perhaps neither he nor Lord Hiro-matsu will fight for Lord Toranaga at the battle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's fact?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Lord General, not fact, but possible.\"\n\n\"But there's something you can do perhaps?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing, except petition their support for the Heir—and all Toranaga's generals, once the battle is committed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's committed now, a north-south pincer movement and the final onslaught at Odawara.\"\n\n\"Yes, but not actually. Not until army opposes army on the battlefield.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she asked, \"So sorry, but are you sure it's wise for the Heir to lead the armies?\"\n\n\"I will lead the armies, but the Heir must be present. Then Toranaga cannot win. Even Toranaga will never attack the Heir's standard.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wouldn't it be safer for the Heir to stay here—because of assassins, the Amidas... We can't risk his life. Toranaga has a long arm, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But not that long and the Heir's personal standard makes our side lawful and Toranaga's unlawful. I know Toranaga. In the end he'll respect the law. And that alone will put his head on a spike. He's dead, Lady. Once he's dead I will stamp out the Christian Church—all of it. Then you and the Heir will be safe.\"\n\nOchiba looked up at him, an unspoken promise in her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will pray for success—and your safe return.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His chest tightened. He had waited so long. \"Thank you, Lady, thank you,\" he said, understanding her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will not fail you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bowed and turned away. What impertinence, she was thinking." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 11 sentences. Context: May include pre-existing characters and lore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dell'Aqua was kneeling at prayer in front of the altar in the ruins of the little chapel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most of the roof was caved in and part of one wall, but the earthquake had not damaged the chancel and nothing had touched the lovely stained glass window, or the carved Madonna that was his pride." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The afternoon sun was slanting through the broken rafters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Outside, workmen were already shifting rubble from the garden, repairing and talking and, mixed with their chattering, dell'Aqua could hear the cries of the gulls coming ashore and he smelled a tang to the breeze, part salt and part smoke, seaweed and mud flats. The scent bore him home to his estate outside Naples where, mixed with sea smells, would be the perfume of lemons and oranges and warm new breads cooking, and pasta and garlic and abbacchio roasting over the coals, and, in the great villa, the voices of his mother and brothers and sisters and their children, all happy and jolly and alive, basking in golden sunshine.\n\nOh, Madonna, let me go home soon, he prayed. I've been away too long. From home and from the Vatican. Madonna, take thy burden off me. Forgive me but I'm sick to death of Japanese and Ishido and killing and raw fish and Toranaga and Kiyama and rice Christians and trying to keep Thy Church alive. Give me Thy strength.\n\nAnd protect us from Spanish bishops. Spaniards do not understand Japan or Japanese. They will destroy what we have begun for Thy glory." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'dell'aqua' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And forgive Thy servant, the Lady Maria, and take her into Thy keeping. Watch over...\n\nHe heard someone come into the nave. When he had finished his prayers, he got up and turned around.\n\n\"So sorry to interrupt you, Eminence,\" Father Soldi said, \"but you wanted to know at once. There's an express cipher from Father Alvito. From Mishima. The pigeon's just arrived.\"\n\n\"And?\"\n\n\"He just says he'll see Toranaga today. Last night was impossible because Toranaga was away from Mishima but he's supposed to return at noon today. The cipher's dated dawn this morning.\"\n\nDell'Aqua tried to stifle his disappointment, then looked at the clouds and the weather, seeking reassurance. News of the ninja attack and Mariko's death had been sent off to Alvito at dawn, the same message by two pigeons for safety.\n\n\"The news will be there by now,\" Soldi said.\n\n\"Yes. Yes, I hope so.\"\n\nDell'Aqua led the way out of the chapel, along the cloisters, toward his offices." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soldi, small and birdlike, had to hurry to keep up with the Father-Visitor's great strides. \"There's something else of extreme importance, Eminence,\" Soldi said. \"Our informants report that just after dawn the Regents voted for war.\"\n\nDell'Aqua stopped. \"War?\"\n\n\"It seems they're convinced now Toranaga will never come to Osaka, or the Emperor. So they've decided jointly to go against the Kwanto.\"\n\n\"No mistake?\"\n\n\"No, Eminence. It's war. Kiyama has just sent word through Brother Michael which confirms our other source. Michael's just come back from the castle. The vote was unanimous.\"\n\n\"How soon?\"\n\n\"The moment they know for certain that the Emperor's not coming here.\"\n\n\"The war will never stop. God have mercy on us! And bless Mariko—at least Kiyama and Onoshi were forewarned of Toranaga's perfidy.\"\n\n\"What about Onoshi, Eminence? What about his perfidy against Kiyama?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'toranaga' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've no proof of that, Soldi. It's too farfetched. I can't believe Onoshi would do that.\"\n\n\"But if he does, Eminence?\"\n\n\"It's not possible just now, even if it was planned. Now they need each other.\"\n\n\"Until the demise of Lord Toranaga... \"\n\n\"You don't have to remind me about the enmity of those two, or the lengths they'll go to—God forgive both of them.\" He walked on again.\n\nSoldi caught up with him. \"Should I send this information to Father Alvito?\"\n\n\"No. Not yet. First I have to decide what to do. Toranaga will learn of it soon enough from his own sources. God take this land into His keeping and have mercy on all of us.\"\n\nSoldi opened the door for the Father-Visitor. \"The only other matter of importance is that the Council has formally refused to let us have the Lady Maria's body. She's to have a state funeral tomorrow and we are not invited.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's to be expected, but it's splendid that they want to honor her like that. Send one of our people to fetch part of her ashes—that will be allowed. The ashes will be buried in hallowed ground at Nagasaki.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He straightened a picture automatically and sat behind his desk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll say a Requiem for her here—the full Requiem there with all the pomp and ceremony we can muster when her remains are formally interred. She'll be buried in cathedral grounds as a most blessed daughter of the Church. Arrange a plaque, employ the finest artists, calligrapher—everything must be perfect.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Eminence.\"\n\n\"Her blessed courage and self-sacrifice will be an enormous encouragement to our flock. Very important, Soldi.\"\n\n\"And Kiyama's granddaughter, Sire? The authorities will let us have her body. He insisted.\"\n\n\"Good. Then her remains should be sent to Nagasaki at once. I'll consult Kiyama about how important he wishes to make her funeral.\"\n\n\"You will conduct the service, Eminence?\"\n\n\"Yes, providing it's possible for me to leave here.\"\n\n\"Lord Kiyama would be very pleased with that honor.\"\n\n\"Yes—but we must make sure her service doesn't detract from the Lady Maria's. Maria's is politically very, very important.\"\n\n\"Of course, Eminence. I quite understand.\"\n\nDell'Aqua studied his secretary. \"Why don't you trust Onoshi?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, Eminence—probably it's because he's a leper and petrifies me. I apologize.\"\n\n\"Apologize to him, Soldi, he's not to blame for his disease,\" dell'Aqua said. \"We've no proof about the plot.\"\n\n\"The other things the Lady said were true. Why not this?\"\n\n\"We have no proof. It's all surmise.\"\n\n\"Yes, surmise.\"\n\nDell'Aqua moved the glass decanter, watching the refracting light. \"At my prayers I smelled the orange blossoms and new breads and, oh, how I wanted to go home.\"\n\nSoldi sighed. \"I dream of abbacchio, Eminence, and of meats pizzaiola and a flagon of Lacrima Christi and... God forgive me the hungers of hunger! Soon we can go home, Eminence. Next year. By next year everything will be settled here.\"\n\n\"Nothing will be settled by next year. This war will hurt us. It will hurt the Church and the faithful terribly.\"\n\n\"No, Eminence. Kyushu will be Christian whoever wins,\" Soldi said confidently, wanting to cheer up his superior." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This island can wait for God's good time. There's more than enough to do in Kyushu, Eminence, isn't there? Three million souls to convert, half a million of the faithful to minister to. Then there's Nagasaki and trade. They must have trade. Ishido and Toranaga will tear themselves to pieces. What does that matter? They're both anti-Christ, pagans and murderers.\"\n\n\"Yes. But unfortunately what happens in Osaka and Yedo controls Kyushu. What to do, what to do?\" Dell'Aqua pushed his melancholy away. \"What about the Ingeles? Where's he now?\"\n\n\"Still under guard in the donjon.\"\n\n\"Leave me for a while, old friend, I have to think. I have to decide what to do. Finally. The Church is in great danger.\" Dell'Aqua looked out the windows into the forecourt. Then he saw Friar Perez approaching.\n\nSoldi went to the door to intercept the monk. \"No,\" the Father-Visitor said. \"I'll see him now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, Eminence, good afternoon,\" Friar Perez said, scratching unconsciously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You wanted to see me?\"\n\n\"Yes. Please fetch the letter, Soldi.\"\n\n\"I heard your chapel was destroyed,\" the monk said.\n\n\"Damaged. Please sit down.\" Dell'Aqua sat in his high-backed chair behind the desk, the monk opposite him. \"No one was hurt, thanks be to God. Within a few days it'll be new again. What about your Mission?\"\n\n\"Untouched,\" the monk said with open satisfaction. \"There were fires all around us after the tremors and many died but we weren't touched. The Eye of God watches over us.\" Then he added cryptically, \"I hear heathens were murdering heathens in the castle last night.\"\n\n\"Yes. One of our most important converts, the Lady Maria, was killed in the melee.\"\n\n\"Ah yes, I got reports too. 'Kill him, Yoshinaka,' the Lady Maria said, and started the bloodbath. I heard she even tried to kill a few herself, before she committed suicide.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dell'Aqua flushed. \"You don't understand anything about the Japanese after all this time, and you even speak a little of their language.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I understand heresy, stupidity, killing, and political interference, and I speak the pagan tongue very well. I understand a lot about these heathens.\"\n\n\"But not about manners.\"\n\n\"The Word of God requires none. It is the Word. Oh, yes. I also understand about adultery. What do you think of adultery—and harlots, Eminence?\"\n\nThe door opened. Soldi offered dell'Aqua the Pope's letter, then left them.\n\nThe Father-Visitor gave the paper to the monk, savoring his victory. \"This is from His Holiness. It arrived yesterday by special messenger from Macao.\"\n\nThe monk took the Papal Order and read it. This commanded, with the formal agreement of the King of Spain, that all priests of all religious orders were in future to travel to Japan only via Lisbon, Goa, and Macao, that all were forbidden on pain of immediate excommunication to go from Manila direct to Japan, and that lastly, all priests, other than Jesuits, were to leave Japan at once for Manila whence they could, if their superiors wished, return to Japan, but only via Lisbon, Goa, and Macao.\n\nFriar Perez scrutinized the seal and the signature and the date, reread the Order carefully, then laughed derisively and shoved the letter on the desk. \"I don't believe it!\"\n\n\"That's an Order from His Holiness the—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's another heresy against the Brethren of God, against us, or any mendicants who carry the Word to the heathen. With this device we're forbidden Japan forever, because the Portuguese, abetted by certain people, will prevaricate forever and never grant us passage or visas. If this is genuine it only proves what we've been saying for years: Jesuits can subvert even the Vicar of Christ in Rome!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dell'Aqua held on to his temper. \"You're ordered to leave. Or you will be excommunicated.\"\n\n\"Jesuit threats are meaningless, Eminence. You don't speak with the Tongue of God, you never have, you never will. You're not soldiers of Christ. You serve a Pope, Eminence, a man. You're politicians, men of the earth, men of the fleshpots with your pagan silks and lands and power and riches and influence. The Lord Jesus Christ came to earth in the guise of a simple man who scratched and went barefoot and stank. I will never leave—nor will my Brothers!\"\n\nDell'Aqua had never been so angry in his life. \"You-will-leave-Japan!\"\n\n\"Before God, I won't! But this is the last time I'll come here. If you want me in future, come to our Holy Mission, come and minister to the poor and the sick and the unwanted, like Christ did. Wash their feet like Christ did, and save your own soul before it's too late.\"\n\n\"You are commanded on pain of excommunication to leave Japan at once.\"\n\n\"Come now, Eminence, I'm not excommunicated and never will be. Of course I accept the document, unless it's out of date. This is dated September 16, 1598, almost two years ago. It must be checked, it's far too important to accept at once—and that will take four years at least.\"\n\n\"Of course it's not out of date!\"\n\n\"You're wrong. As God is my judge, I believe it is. In a few weeks, at the most a few months, we'll have an Archbishop of Japan at long last. A Spanish Bishop! The letters I have from Manila report the Royal Warrant's expected by every mail.\"\n\n\"Impossible! This is Portuguese territory and our province!\"\n\n\"It was Portuguese. It was Jesuit. But that's all changed now. With the help of our Brothers and Divine Guidance, the King of Spain has overthrown your General in Rome.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's nonsense. Lies and rumors. On your immortal soul, obey the commands of the Vicar of Christ.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will. I will write to him today, I promise you. Meanwhile, expect a Spanish Bishop, a Spanish Viceroy, and a new Captain of the Black Ship—also a Spaniard! That's also to be part of the Royal Warrant. We have friends in high places too and, at long last, they have vanquished the Jesuits, once and for all! Go with God, Eminence.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Friar Perez got up, opened the door, and went away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the outer office Soldi watched him leave, then hastily came back into the room." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 12 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required dialogue to include (maintain exact wording): \"It can be true, easily. Too easily.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Frightened by dell'Aqua's color, he hurried to the decanter and poured some brandy. \"Eminence?\"\n\nDell'Aqua shook his head and continued to stare sightlessly into the distance. For the past year there had been disquieting news from their delegates to the Court of Philip of Spain at Madrid about the growing influence of the enemies of the Society.\n\n\"It's not true, Eminence. Spaniards can't come here. It can't be true.\"\n\n\"It can be true, easily. Too easily.\" Dell'Aqua touched the Papal Order. \"This Pope may be dead, our General dead... even the King of Spain. Meanwhile... \" He got to his feet and stood at his full height. \"Meanwhile we'll prepare for the worst and pray for help and do the best we can. Send Brother Michael to fetch Kiyama here at once.\"\n\n\"Yes, Eminence. But Kiyama's never been here before. Surely it's unlikely he would come now?\"\n\n\"Tell Michael to use any words necessary, but he's to bring Kiyama here before sunset. Next, send the war news to Martin at once, to be passed to Toranaga at once. You write the details but I want to send a private cipher with it. Next, send someone to fetch Ferriera here.\"\n\n\"Yes, Eminence. But about Kiyama, surely Michael won't be able—\"\n\n\"Tell Michael to order him here, in God's name if necessary! We're Soldiers of Christ, we're going to war—to God's war! Hurry up!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anjin-san?\"\n\nBlackthorne heard his name in his dream. It came from very far away, echoing forever. \"Hai?\" he answered.\n\nThen he heard the name repeated and a hand touched him, his eyes opened and focused in the half-light of dawn, his consciousness flooded back and he sat upright. The doctor was again kneeling beside his bed. Kiritsubo and the Lady Ochiba stood nearby, staring down at him. Grays were all around the large room. Oil lanterns flickered warmly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'sorry' exactly 3 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doctor spoke to him again. The ringing was still in his ears and the voice faint, but there was no mistake now. He could hear once more. Involuntarily his hands went to his ears and he pressed them to clear them. At once pain exploded in his head and set off sparks and colored lights and a violent throbbing.\n\n\"Sorry,\" he muttered, waiting for the agony to lessen, willing it to lessen. \"Sorry, ears hurt, neh? But I hear now—understand, Doctor-san? Hear now—little. Sorry, what say?\" He watched the man's lips to help himself hear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Lady Ochiba and Kiritsubo-sama want to know how you are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah!\" Blackthorne looked at them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now he noticed that they were formally dressed. Kiritsubo wore all white, except for a green head scarf. Ochiba's kimono was dark green, without pattern or adornment, her long shawl white gossamer. \"Better, thank you,\" he said, his soul disquieted by the white. \"Yes, better.\" Then he saw the quality of the light outside and realized that it was near dawn and not twilight. \"Doctor-san, please I sleep a day and night?\"\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san. A day and a night. Lie back, please.\" The doctor took Blackthorne's wrist with his long fingers and pressed them against the pulse, listening with his fingertips to the nine pulses, three on the surface, three in the middle, and three deep down, as Chinese medicine taught from time immemorial." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All in the room waited for the diagnosis." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/insert_quote: \"Today Mariko-sama's funeral. You understand 'funeral'?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the doctor nodded, satisfied. \"Everything seems good, Anjin-san. No bad hurt, understand? Much head pain, neh?\" He turned and explained in more detail to the Lady Ochiba and Kiritsubo.\n\n\"Anjin-san,\" Ochiba said. \"Today Mariko-sama's funeral. You understand 'funeral'?\"\n\n\"Yes, Lady.\"\n\n\"Good. Her funeral's just after dawn. It is your privilege to go if you wish. You understand?\"\n\n\"Yes. Think so. Yes, please, I go also.\"\n\n\"Very well.\" Ochiba spoke to the doctor, telling him to look after his patient very carefully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, with a polite bow to Kiritsubo and a smile at Blackthorne, she left." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Work this phrase into your response organically: \"Head bad, Lady. So sorry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiri waited till she was gone. \"All right, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Head bad, Lady. So sorry.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, I wanted to say thank you. Do you understand?\"\n\n\"Duty. Only duty. Fail. Mariko-sama dead, neh?\"\n\nKiri bowed to him in homage. \"Not fail. Oh, no, not fail. Thank you, Anjin-san. For her and me and for the others. Say more later. Thank you.\" Then she too went away.\n\nBlackthorne took hold of himself and got to his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The pain in his head was monstrous, making him want to cry out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He forced his lips into a tight line, his chest aching badly, his stomach churning. In a moment the nausea passed but left a filthy taste in his mouth. He eased his feet forward and walked over to the window and held on to the sill, fighting not to retch. He waited, then walked up and down, but this did not take away the pain in his head or the nausea.\n\n\"I all right, thank you,\" he said, and sat again gratefully.\n\n\"Here, drink this. Make better. Settle hara.\" The doctor had a benign smile. Blackthorne drank and gagged on the brew that smelled like ancient bird droppings and mildewed kelp mixed with fermenting leaves on a hot summer's day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The taste was worse.\n\n\"Drink. Better soon, so sorry.\"\n\nBlackthorne gagged again but forced it down.\n\n\"Soon better, so sorry.\"\n\nWomen servants came and combed and dressed his hair. A barber shaved him. Hot towels were brought for his hands and face, and he felt much better. But the pain in his head remained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Other servants helped him to dress in the formal kimono and winged overmantle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a new short stabbing sword. \"Gift, Master. Gift from Kiritsubo-sama,\" a woman servant said.\n\nBlackthorne accepted it and stuck it in his belt with his killing sword, the one Toranaga had given him, its haft chipped and almost broken where he had smashed at the bolt. He remembered Mariko standing with her back against the door, then nothing till he was kneeling over her and watching her die. Then nothing until now.\n\n\"So sorry, this is the donjon, neh?\" he said to the captain of Grays.\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san.\" The captain bowed deferentially, squat like an ape and just as dangerous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why am I here, please?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The captain smiled and sucked in his breath politely. \"The Lord General ordered it.\"\n\n\"But why here?\"\n\nThe samurai said, \"It was the Lord General's orders. Please excuse me, you understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, thank you,\" Blackthorne said wearily.\n\nWhen he was finally ready he felt dreadful. Some cha helped him for a while, then sickness swept through him and he vomited into the bowl a servant held for him, his chest and head pierced with red hot needles at every spasm.\n\n\"So sorry,\" the doctor said patiently. \"Here, please drink.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He drank more of the brew but it did not help him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'guards' 3 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By now dawn was spreading across the sky. Servants beckoned him and helped him to walk out of the large room, his guards going in front, the remainder following. They went down the staircase and out into the forecourt. A palanquin was waiting with more guards. He got into it thankfully. At an order from his captain of Grays the porters picked up the shafts and, the guards hovering protectively, they joined the procession of litters and samurai and ladies on foot, winding through the maze, out of the castle. All were dressed in their best. Some of the women wore somber kimonos with white head scarves, others wore all white except for a colored scarf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne was aware that he was being watched." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pretended not to notice and tried to keep his back stiff and his face emotionless, and prayed that the sickness would not return to shame him. His pain increased.\n\nThe cortege wound through the castle strongpoints, past thousands of samurai drawn up in silent ranks. No one was challenged, no papers demanded. The mourners went through checkpoint after checkpoint, under portcullises and across the five moats without stopping. Once through the main gate, outside the main fortifications, he noticed his Grays become more wary, their eyes watching everyone nearby, keeping close to him, guarding him very carefully. This lessened his anxiety. He had not forgotten that he was a marked man. The procession curled across a clear space, went over a bridge, then took up station in the square beside the river bank." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This space was three hundred paces by five hundred paces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the center was a pit fifteen paces square and five deep, filled with wood. Over the pit was a high matted roof dressed with white silk and surrounding it were walls of white linen sheets, hung from bamboos, that pointed exactly East, North, West, and South, a small wooden gate in the middle of each wall.\n\n\"The gates are for the soul to go through, Anjin-san, in its flight to heaven,\" Mariko had told him at Hakoné.\n\n\"Let's go for a swim or talk of other things. Happy things.\"\n\n\"Yes, of course, but first please may I finish because this is a very happy thing. Our funeral is most very important to us so you should learn about it, Anjin-san, neh? Please?\"\n\n\"All right. But why have four gates? Why not just one?\"\n\n\"The soul must have a choice. That's wise—oh, we are very wise, neh? Did I tell thee today that I love thee?\" she had said. \"We are a very wise nation to allow the soul a choice. Most souls choose the south gate, Anjin-san. That's the important one, where there are tables with dried figs and fresh pomegranates and other fruits, radishes and other vegetables, and the sheaves of rice plantlets if the season is correct. And always a bowl of fresh cooked rice, Anjin-san, that's most important. You see, the soul might want to eat before leaving.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If it's me, put a roast pheasant or—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, no flesh—not even fish. We're serious about that, Anjin-san. Also on the table there'll be a small brazier with coals burning nicely with precious woods and oils in it to make everything smell sweet... \"\n\nBlackthorne felt his eyes fill with tears.\n\n\"I want my funeral to be near dawn,\" she had always said so serenely. \"I love the dawn most of all. And, if it could also be in the autumn... \"\n\nMy poor darling, he thought. You knew all along there'd never be an autumn.\n\nHis litter stopped in a place of honor in the front rank, near the center, and he was close enough to see tears on the water-sprinkled fruits. Everything was there as she had said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Around were hundreds of palanquins and the square was packed with a thousand samurai and their ladies on foot, all silent and motionless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He recognized Ishido and, beside him, Ochiba. Neither looked at him. They sat on their sumptuous litters and stared at the white linen walls that rustled in the gentling breeze. Kiyama was on the other side of Ochiba, Zataki nearby, with Ito. Onoshi's closed litter was also there. All had echelons of guards. Kiyama's samurai wore crosses. And Onoshi's.\n\nBlackthorne looked around, seeking Yabu, but he could find him nowhere, nor were there any Browns or a friendly face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now Kiyama was gazing at him stonily and when he saw the look in the eyes he was glad for his guards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nonetheless he bowed slightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Kiyama's gaze never altered, nor was his politeness acknowledged. After a moment, Kiyama looked away and Blackthorne breathed easier.\n\nThe sound of drums and bells and metal beating on metal tore the air. Discordant. Piercing. All eyes went to the main gateway to the castle. Then, out of the maw came an ornate roofed palanquin, borne by eight Shinto priests, a high priest sitting on it like a graven Buddha. Other priests beat metal drums before and after this litter, and then came two hundred orange-robed Buddhist priests and more white-clad Shinto priests, and then her bier.\n\nThe bier was rich and roofed, all in white, and she was dressed in white and propped sitting, her head slightly forward, her face made up and hair meticulous. Ten Browns were her pallbearers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before the bier two priestlings strew tiny paper rose petals that the wind took and scattered, signifying that life was as ephemeral as a flower, and after them two priests dragged two spears backwards, indicating that she was samurai and duty strong as the steel blades were strong." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After them came four priests with unlit torches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saruji, her son, followed next, his face as white as his kimono. Then Kiritsubo and the Lady Sazuko, both in white, their hair loosed but draped in gossamer green. The girl's hair fell below her waist, Kiri's was longer. Then there was a space, and last was the remainder of the Toranaga garrison. Some of the Browns were wounded and many limped.\n\nBlackthorne saw only her. She seemed to be in prayer and there was not a mark on her. He kept himself rigid, knowing what an honor this public ceremony, with Ishido and Ochiba as chief witnesses, was for her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But that did not lighten his misery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For more than an hour, the high priest chanted incantations and the drums clamored. Then in a sudden silence, Saruji stepped forward and took an unlit torch and went to each of the four gates, East, North, West, and South, to make sure they were unobstructed.\n\nBlackthorne saw that the boy was trembling, his eyes downcast as he came back to the bier. Then he lifted the white cord attached to it and guided the pallbearers through the south gate. The whole litter was placed carefully on the wood. Another solemn incantation, then Saruji touched the oil-soaked torch to the coals of the brazier. It blazed at once. He hesitated, then went back through the south gate alone and cast the torch into the pyre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The oil-impregnated wood caught." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quickly it became a furnace. Soon the flames were ten feet high. Saruji was forced back by the heat, then he fetched sweet-scented woods and oils and threw them into the fire. The tinder-dry roof exploded. The linen walls caught. Now the whole pit area was a raging, pyrogenic mass—swirling, crackling, unquenchable.\n\nThe roof posts collapsed. A sigh went through the onlookers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Priests came forward and put more wood onto the pyre and the flames rose farther, the smoke billowing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now only the four small gates remained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne saw the heat scorching them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then they too burst into flames.\n\nThen Ishido, the chief witness, got out of his palanquin and walked forward and made the ritual offering of precious wood. He bowed formally and sat again in his litter. At his order, the porters lifted him and he went back to the castle. Ochiba followed him. Others began to leave.\n\nSaruji bowed to the flames a last time. He turned and walked over to Blackthorne. He stood in front of him and bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Anjin-san,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he went away with Kiri and Lady Sazuko.\n\n\"All finished, Anjin-san,\" the captain of Grays said with a grin. \"Kami safe now. We go castle.\"\n\n\"Wait. Please.\"\n\n\"So sorry, orders, neh?\" the captain said anxiously, the others guarding closely.\n\n\"Please wait.\"\n\nCareless of their anxiety, Blackthorne got out of the litter, the pain almost blinding him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai spread out, covering him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked to the table and picked up some of the small pieces of camphor wood and threw them into the furnace. He could see nothing through the curtain of flames.\n\n\"In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti,\" he muttered in benediction and made a small sign of the cross. Then he turned and left the fire." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\nfour sentences\nStyle:\nJames Clavell" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he awoke his head was much better but he felt drained, the dull ache still throbbing behind his temples and across the front of his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How feel, Anjin-san?\" the doctor said with his toothy smile, the voice still faint. \"Sleep long time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne lifted himself on an elbow and gazed sleepily at the sun's shadows. Must be almost five of the clock in the afternoon now, he thought. I've slept better than six hours. \"Sleep all day, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doctor smiled. \"All yesterday and night and most of today. Understand?\"\n\n\"Understand. Yes.\" Blackthorne lay back, a sheen of sweat on his skin. Good, he thought. The best thing I could have done, no wonder I feel better.\n\nHis bed of soft quilts was screened now on three sides with exquisite movable partitions, their panel paintings landscapes and seascapes, and inlaid with ivory." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sunlight came through windows opposite and flies swarmed, the room vast and pleasant and quiet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outside were castle sounds, now mixed with horses trotting past, bridles jingling, their hoofs unshod." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The slight breeze bore the aroma of smoke. Don't know if I'd want to be burned, he thought. But wait a minute, isn't that better than being put in a box and buried and then the worms... Stop it, he ordered himself, feeling himself drifting into a downward spiral. There's nothing to worry about, karma is karma and when you're dead, you're dead, and you never know anything then—and anything's better than drowning, water filling you, your body becoming foul and blotted, the crabs... Stop it!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Drink, please.\" The doctor gave him more of the foul brew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gagged but kept it down.\n\n\"Cha, please.\" The woman servant poured it for him and he thanked her. She was a moon-faced woman of middle age, slits for eyes and a fixed empty smile. After three cups his mouth was bearable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please, Anjin-san, how ears?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Same. Still distance... distance, understand? Very distance.\"\n\n\"Understand. Eat, Anjin-san?\"\n\nA small tray was set with rice and soup and charcoaled fish. His stomach was queasy but he remembered that he had hardly eaten for two days so he sat up and forced himself to take some rice and he drank the fish soup." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This settled his stomach so he ate more and finished it all, using the chopsticks now as extensions of his fingers, without conscious effort. \"Thank you. Hungry.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" the doctor said. He put a linen bag of herbs on the low table beside the bed. \"Make cha with this, Anjin-san. Once every day until all gone. Understand?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Thank you.\"\n\n\"It has been an honor to serve you.\" The old man motioned to the servant, who took away the empty tray, and after another bow followed her and left by the same inner door. Now Blackthorne was alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He lay back on the futons feeling much better.\n\n\"I was just hungry,\" he said aloud. He was wearing only a loincloth. His formal clothes were in a careless pile where he had left them and this surprised him, though a clean Brown kimono was beside his swords." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He let himself drift, then suddenly he felt an alien presence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uneasily he sat up and glanced around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he got onto his knees and looked over the screens, and before he knew it, he was standing, his head splitting from the sudden panicked movement as he saw the tonsured Japanese Jesuit staring at him, kneeling motionlessly beside the main doorway, a crucifix and rosary in his hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who are you?\" he asked through his pain.\n\n\"I'm Brother Michael, senhor.\" The coal-dark eyes never wavered.\n\nBlackthorne moved from the screens and stood over his swords." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What d'you want with me?\"\n\n\"I was sent to ask how you are,\" Michael said quietly in clear though accented Portuguese.\n\n\"By whom?\"\n\n\"By the Lord Kiyama.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'grays' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly Blackthorne realized they were totally alone. \"Where are my guards?\"\n\n\"You don't have any, senhor.\"\n\n\"Of course I've guards! I've twenty Grays. Where are my Grays?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There were none here when I arrived, senhor. So sorry. You were still sleeping then.\" Michael motioned gravely outside the door. \"Perhaps you should ask those samurai.\"\n\nBlackthorne picked up his sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please get away from the door.\"\n\n\"I'm not armed, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Even so, don't come near me. Priests make me nervous.\" Obediently Michael got to his feet and moved away with the same unnerving calm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outside two Grays lolled against the balustrade of the landing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Afternoon,\" Blackthorne said politely, not recognizing either of them. Neither bowed. \"Afternoon, Anjin-san,\" one replied. \"Please, where my other guards?\"\n\n\"All guards taken away Hour of the Hare, this morning. Understand Hour of Hare? We're not your guards, Anjin-san. This is our ordinary post.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne felt the cold sweat trickling down his back. \"Guards taken away—who order?\"\n\nBoth samurai laughed. The tall one said, \"Here, inside the donjon, Anjin-san, only the Lord General gives orders—or the Lady Ochiba. How do you feel now?\"\n\n\"Better, thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The taller samurai called out down the hall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a few moments an officer came out of a room with four samurai. He was young and taut. When he saw Blackthorne his eyes lit up. \"Ah, Anjin-san. How do you feel?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Better, thank you. Please excuse me, but where my guards?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am ordered to tell you, when you wake up, that you're to go back to your ship. Here's your pass.\" The captain took the paper from his sleeve and gave it to him and pointed contemptuously at Michael. \"This fellow's to be your guide.\"\n\nBlackthorne tried to get his head working, his brain screeching danger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Thank you. But first, please must see Lord Ishido. Very important.\"\n\n\"So sorry. Your orders are to go back to the ship as soon as you wake up. Do you understand?\"\n\n\"Yes. Please excuse me, but very important I see Lord Ishido. Please tell your captain. Now. Must see Lord Ishido before leave. Very important, so sorry.\"\n\nThe samurai scratched at the pockmarks on his chin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will ask. Please dress.\" He strode off importantly to Blackthorne's relief. The four samurai remained. Blackthorne went back and dressed quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They watched him. The priest waited in the corridor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Be patient, he told himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Don't think and don't worry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's a mistake. Nothing's changed. You've still the power you always had.\n\nHe put both swords in his sash and drank the rest of the cha. Then he saw the pass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The paper was stamped and covered with characters. There's no mistake about that, he thought, the fresh kimono already sticking to him.\n\n\"Hey, Anjin-san,\" one of the samurai said, \"hear you kill five ninja. Very, very good, neh?\"\n\n\"So sorry, two only. Perhaps three.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne twisted his head from side to side to ease the ache and dizziness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I heard there were fifty-seven ninja dead—one hundred and sixteen Browns. Is that right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know. So sorry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The captain came back into the room. \"Your orders are to go to your ship, Anjin-san. This priest is your guide.\"\n\n\"Yes. Thank you. But first, so sorry, must see Lady Ochiba. Very, very important. Please ask your—\"\n\nThe captain spun on Michael and spoke gutturally and very fast." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Neh?\" Michael bowed, unperturbed, and turned to Blackthorne. \"So sorry, senhor. He says his superior is asking his superior, but meanwhile you are to leave at once and follow me—to the galley.\"\n\n\"Ima!\" the captain added for emphasis.\n\nBlackthorne knew he was a dead man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard himself say, \"Thank you, Captain. Where my guards, please?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'please' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You haven't any guards.\"\n\n\"Please send my ship. Please fetch my own vassals from—\"\n\n\"Order go ship now! Understand, neh?\" The words were impolite and very final." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go ship!\" the captain added with a crooked smile, waiting for Blackthorne to bow first.\n\nBlackthorne noticed this and it all became a nightmare, everything slowed and fogged, and he desperately wanted to empty himself and wipe the sweat off his face and bow, but he was sure that the captain would hardly bow back, perhaps not even politely and never as an equal, so he would be shamed before all of them. It was clear that he had been betrayed and sold out to the Christian enemy, that Kiyama and Ishido and the priests were part of the betrayal, and for whatever reason, whatever the price, there was nothing now that he could do except wipe off the sweat and bow and leave and they would be waiting for him.\n\nThen Mariko was with him and he remembered her terror and all that she had meant and all that she had done and all that she had taught him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He forced his hand onto the broken hilt of his sword and set his feet truculently apart, knowing that his fate was decided, his karma fixed, and that if he had to die he preferred to die now with pride than later.\n\n\"I'm John Blackthorne, Anjin-san,\" he said, his absolute commitment lending him a strange power and perfect rudeness. \"General of Lord Toranaga ship. All ship. Samurai and hatamoto! Who are you?\"\n\nThe captain flushed. \"Saigo Masakatsu of Kaga, Captain, of Lord Ishido's garrison.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm hatamoto—are you hatamoto?\" Blackthorne asked, even more rudely, not even acknowledging the name of his opponent, only seeing him with an enormous, unreal clarity—seeing every pore, every stubbled whisker, every fleck of color in the hostile brown eyes, every hair on the back of the man's hand gripping the sword hilt.\n\n\"No, not hatamoto.\"\n\n\"Are you samurai—or ronin?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The last word hissed out and Blackthorne felt men behind him but he did not care." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was only watching the captain, waiting for the sudden, death-dealing blow that summoned up all hara-gei, all the innermost source of energy, and he readied to return the blow with equal blinding force in a mutual, honorable death, and so defeat his enemy.\n\nTo his astonishment he saw the captain's eyes change, and the man shriveled and bowed, low and humble. The man held the bow, leaving himself defenseless. \"Please—please excuse my bad manners. I—I was ronin but—but the Lord General gave me a second chance. Please excuse my bad manners, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The voice was laced with shame.\n\nIt was all unreal and Blackthorne was still ready to strike, expecting to strike, expecting death and not a conquest. He looked at the other samurai. As one man they bowed and held the bow with their captain, granting him victory." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a moment Blackthorne bowed stiffly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But not as an equal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They held their bow until he turned and walked along the corridor, Michael following, out onto the main steps, down the steps into the forecourt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could feel no pain now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was filled only with an enormous glow. Grays were watching him, and the group of samurai that escorted him and Michael to the first checkpoint kept carefully out of his sword range. One man was hurriedly sent ahead.\n\nAt the next checkpoint the new officer bowed politely as an equal and he bowed back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pass was examined meticulously but correctly. Another escort took them to the next checkpoint where everything was repeated. Thence over the innermost moat, and the next. No one interfered with them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hardly any samurai paid attention to him.\n\nGradually he noticed his head was scarcely aching. His sweat had dried. He unknotted his fingers from his sword hilt and flexed them a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped at a fountain which was set in a wall and drank and splashed water on his head.\n\nThe escorting Grays stopped and waited politely, and all the time he was trying to work out why he had lost favor and the protection of Ishido and Lady Ochiba. Nothing's changed, he thought frantically. He looked up and saw Michael staring at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you want?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing, senhor,\" Michael said politely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then a smile spread and it was filled with warmth. \"Ah, senhor, you did me a great service back there, making that foul-mannered cabron drink his own urine. Oh, that was good to see! Thou,\" he added in Latin. \"I thank thee.\"\n\n\"I did nothing for you,\" Blackthorne said in Portuguese, not wanting to talk Latin.\n\n\"Yes. But peace be upon you, senhor. Know that God moves in mysterious ways. It was a service for all men. That ronin was shamed and he deserved it. It is a filthy thing to abuse bushido.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're samurai too?\"\n\n\"Yes, senhor, I have that honor,\" Michael said. \"My father is cousin to Lord Kiyama and my clan is of Hizen Province in Kyushu. How did you know he was ronin?\"\n\nBlackthorne tried to remember." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not sure. Perhaps because he said he was from Kaga and that's a long way off and Mariko—Lady Toda said Kaga's far north. I don't know—I don't remember really what I said.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The officer of the escort came back to them. \"Please excuse me, Anjin-san, but is this fellow bothering you?\"\n\n\"No. No, thank you.\" Blackthorne set off again." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'horses'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pass was checked again, with courtesy, and they went on.\n\nThe sun was lowering now, still a few hours to sunset, and dust devils whirled in tiny spirals in the heated air currents. They passed many stables, all horses facing out—lances and spears and saddles ready for instant departure, samurai grooming the horses and cleaning equipment. Blackthorne was astounded by their number." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How many horse, Captain?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thousands, Anjin-san. Ten, twenty, thirty thousand here and elsewhere in the castle.\"\n\nWhen they were crossing the next to last moat, Blackthorne beckoned Michael. \"You're guiding me to the galley?\"\n\n\"Yes. That's what I was told to do, senhor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nowhere else?\"\n\n\"No, senhor.\"\n\n\"By whom?\"\n\n\"Lord Kiyama. And the Father-Visitor, senhor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, him! I prefer Anjin-san, not senhor—Father.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Anjin-san, but I'm not a Father. I'm not ordained.\"\n\n\"When does that happen?\"\n\n\"In God's time,\" Michael said confidently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where's Yabu-san?\"\n\n\"I don't know, so sorry.\"\n\n\"You're just taking me to my ship, nowhere else?\"\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And then I'm free? Free to go where I want?\"\n\n\"I was told to ask how you were, then to guide you to the ship, nothing more. I'm just a messenger, a guide.\"\n\n\"Before God?\"\n\n\"I'm just a guide, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where did you learn to speak Portuguese so well? And Latin?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was one of the four... the four acolytes sent by the Father-Visitor to Rome. I was thirteen, Uraga-noh-Tadamasa twelve.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah! Now I remember. Uraga-san told me you were one of them. You were his friend. You know he's dead?\"\n\n\"Yes. I was sickened to hear about it.\"\n\n\"Christians did that.\"\n\n\"Murderers did that, Anjin-san. Assassins. They will be judged, never fear.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a moment, Blackthorne said, \"How did you like Rome?\"\n\n\"I detested it. We all did. Everything about it—the food and the filth and ugliness. They're all eta there—unbelievable! It took us eight years to get there and back and oh how I blessed the Madonna when at last I got back.\"\n\n\"And the Church? The Fathers?\"\n\n\"Detestable. Many of them,\" Michael said calmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was shocked with their morals and mistresses and greed and pomp and hypocrisy and lack of manners—and their two standards, one for the flock and one for the shepherds. It was all hateful... and yet I found God among some of them, Anjin-san. So strange. I found the Truth, in the cathedrals and cloisters and among the Fathers.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'christianity' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Michael looked at him guilelessly, a tenderness permeating him. \"It was rare, Anjin-san, very rarely that I found a glimmer—that's true. But I did find the Truth and God and know that Christianity is the only path to life everlasting... please excuse me, Catholic Christianity.\"\n\n\"Did you see the auto-da-fé—or Inquisition—or jails—witch trials?\"\n\n\"I saw many terrible things. Very few men are wise—most are sinners and great evil happens on earth in God's name. But not of God. This world is a vale of tears and only a preparation for Everlasting Peace.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He prayed silently for a moment, then, refreshed, he looked up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even some heretics can be good, neh?\"\n\n\"Maybe,\" Blackthorne replied, liking him.\n\nThe last moat and last gate, the main south gate. The last checkpoint, and his paper was taken away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Michael walked under the last portcullis." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne followed. Outside the castle a hundred samurai were waiting. Kiyama's men. He saw their crucifixes and their hostility and he stopped. Michael did not. The officer motioned Blackthorne onward. He obeyed. The samurai closed up behind him and around him, locking him in their midst." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Porters and tradesmen on this main road scattered and bowed and groveled until they were passed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few held up pathetic crosses and Michael blessed them, leading the way down the slight slope, past the burial ground where the pit no longer smoked, across a bridge and into the city, heading for the sea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Grays and other samurai were coming up from the city among the pedestrians. When they saw Michael they scowled and would have forced him onto the side if it hadn't been for the mass of Kiyama samurai.\n\nBlackthorne followed Michael. He was beyond fear, though not beyond wishing to escape. But there was no place to run, or to hide. On land." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His only safety was aboard Erasmus, beating out to sea, a full crew with him, provisioned and armed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What happens at the galley, Brother?\"\n\n\"I don't know, Anjin-san.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell 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": "Now they were in the city streets, nearing the sea. Michael turned a corner and came into an open fish market. Pretty maids and fat maids and old ladies and youths and men and buyers and sellers and children all gaped at him, then began bowing hastily. Blackthorne followed the samurai through the stalls and panniers and bamboo trays of all kinds of fish, sea-sparkling fresh, laid out so cleanly—many swimming in tanks, prawns and shrimps, lobster and crabs and crayfish. Never so clean in London, he thought absently, neither the fish nor those who sold them. Then he saw a row of food stalls to one side, each with a small charcoal brazier, and he caught the full perfume of broiling crayfish.\n\n\"Jesus!\" Without thinking, he changed direction. Immediately the samurai barred his way. \"Gomen nasai, kinjiru,\" one of them said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Iyé!\" Blackthorne replied as roughly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Watashi tabetai desu, neh? Watashi Anjin-san, neh?\" I'm hungry. I'm the Anjin-san!\n\nBlackthorne began to push through them. The senior officer hurried to intercept. Quickly Michael stepped back and talked placatingly, though with authority, and asked permission and, reluctantly, it was granted.\n\n\"Please, Anjin-san,\" he said, \"the officer says eat if you wish. What would you like?\"\n\n\"Some of those, please.\" Blackthorne pointed at the giant prawns that were headless and split down their length, all pink and white fleshed, the shells crisped to perfection. \"Some of those.\" He could not tear his eyes off them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please tell the officer I haven't eaten for almost two days and I'm suddenly famished. So sorry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fish seller was an old man with three teeth and leathery skin and he wore only a loincloth. He was puffed with pride that his stall had been chosen and he picked out the five best prawns with nimble chopsticks and laid them neatly on a bamboo tray and set others to sizzle.\n\n\"Dozo, Anjin-sama!\"\n\n\"Domo.\" Blackthorne felt his stomach growling. He wanted to gorge. Instead he picked one up with the fresh wooden chopsticks, dipped it in the sauce, and ate with relish. It was delicious.\n\n\"Brother Michael?\" he asked, offering the plate. Michael took one, but only for good manners. The officer refused, though he thanked him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne finished that plate and had two more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could have eaten another two but decided not to for good manners and also because he didn't want to strain his stomach.\n\n\"Domo,\" he said, setting down the plate with a polite obligatory belch. \"Bimi desu!\" Delicious.\n\nThe man beamed and bowed and the stallkeepers nearby bowed and then Blackthorne realized to his horror that he had no money. He reddened.\n\n\"What is it?\" Michael asked.\n\n\"I, er, I haven't any money with me—or, er, anything to give the man. I've—could you lend me some please?\"\n\n\"I haven't any money, Anjin-san. We don't carry money.\"\n\nThere was an embarrassed silence. The seller grinned, waiting patiently. Then, with equal embarrassment, Michael turned to the officer and quietly asked him for money." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The officer was coldly furious with Blackthorne." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He spoke brusquely to one of his men who came forward and paid the stallkeeper handsomely, to be thanked profusely, as, pink and sweating, Michael turned and led again. Blackthorne caught up with him. \"Sorry about that but it... it never occurred to me! That's the first time I've bought anything here. I've never had money, as crazy as it sounds, and I never thought... I've never used money... \"\n\n\"Please, forget it, Anjin-san. It was nothing.\"\n\n\"Please tell the officer I'll pay him when I get to the ship.\"\n\nMichael did as he was asked. They walked in silence for a while, Blackthorne getting his bearings. At the end of this street was the beach, the sea calm and dullish under the sunset light. Then he saw where they were and pointed left, to a wide street that ran east-west." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'let's' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's go that way.\"\n\n\"This way is quicker, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Yes, but your way we've got to pass the Jesuit Mission and the Portuguese lorcha. I'd rather make a detour and go the long way round.\"\n\n\"I was told to go this way.\"\n\n\"Let's go the other way.\" Blackthorne stopped. The officer asked what was the matter and Michael explained. The officer waved them onward—Michael's way.\n\nBlackthorne weighed the results of refusing. He would be forced, or bound and carried, or dragged." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'paces' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "None of these suited him, so he shrugged and strode on.\n\nThey came out onto the wide road that skirted the beach. Half a ri ahead were the Jesuit wharves and warehouses and a hundred paces farther he could see the Portuguese ship. Beyond that, another two hundred paces, was his galley. It was too far away to see men aboard yet.\n\nBlackthorne picked up a stone and sent it whistling out to sea. \"Let's walk along the beach for a while.\"\n\n\"Certainly, Anjin-san.\" Michael went down the sand. Blackthorne walked in the shallows, enjoying the cool of the sea, the soughing of the slight surf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a fine time of the day, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, Anjin-san,\" Michael said with sudden, open friendliness, \"there are many times, Madonna forgive me, I wish I wasn't a priest but just the son of my father, and this is one of them.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"I'd like to spirit you away, you and your strange ship at Yokohama, to Hizen, to our great harbor of Sasebo. Then I would ask you to barter with me—I'd ask you to show me and our sea captains the ways of your ship and your ways of the sea. In return I'd offer you the best teachers in the realm, teachers of bushido, cha-no-yu, hara-gei, ki, zazen meditation, flower arranging, and all the special unique knowledges that we possess.\"\n\n\"I'd like that. Why don't we do it now?\"\n\n\"It's not possible today. But you already know so much and in such a short time, neh? Mariko-sama was a great teacher. You are a worthy samurai. And you have a quality that's rare here: unpredictability. The Taikō had it, Toranaga-sama has it too. You see, usually we're a very predictable people.\"\n\n\"Are you?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Then predict a way I can escape the trap I'm in.\"\n\n\"So sorry, there isn't one, Anjin-san,\" Michael said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"I don't believe that. How did you know my ship is at Yokohama?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't believe that. How did you know my ship is at Yokohama?\"\n\n\"That's common knowledge.\"\n\n\"Is it?\"\n\n\"Almost everything about you—and your defense of Lord Toranaga, and the Lady Maria, Lady Toda—is well known. And honored.\"\n\n\"I don't believe that either.\" Blackthorne picked up another flat stone and sent it skimming over the waves. They went on, Blackthorne humming a sea shanty, liking Michael very much. Soon their way was blocked by a breakwater. They skirted it and came up onto the road once more." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'gateway' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Jesuit warehouse and Mission were tall and brooding now under the reddening sky. He saw the orange-robed Lay Brothers guarding the arched stone gateway and sensed their hostility. But it did not touch him. His head began to ache again.\n\nAs he had expected, Michael headed for the Mission gates. He readied himself, resolved that they would have to beat him into unconsciousness before he went inside and they forced him to give up his weapons.\n\n\"You're just guiding me to my galley, eh?\"\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san.\" To his astonishment Michael motioned him to stop outside the gateway. \"Nothing's changed. I was told to inform the Father-Visitor as we passed. So sorry, but you'll have to wait a moment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thrown off guard, Blackthorne watched him enter the gates alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had expected that the Mission was to be the end of his journey. First an Inquisition and trial, with torture, then handed over to the Captain-General. He looked at the lorcha a hundred paces away. Ferriera and Rodrigues were on the poop and armed seamen crowded the main deck. Past the ship, the wharf road curled slightly and he could just see his galley. Men were watching from the gunwales and he thought he recognized Yabu and Vinck among them but could not be sure. There seemed to be a few women aboard also but who they were he did not know. Surrounding the galley were Grays. Many Grays.\n\nHis eyes returned to Ferriera and Rodrigues." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both were heavily armed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So were the seamen. Gun crews lounged near the two small shore-side cannon, but in reality they were manning them. He recognized the great bulk of Pesaro, the bosun, moving down the companionway with a group of men. His eyes followed them, then his blood chilled. A tall stake was driven into the packed earth on the farside wharf. Wood was piled around the base.\n\n\"Ah, Captain-Pilot, how are you?\"\n\nDell'Aqua was coming through the gates, dwarfing Michael beside him. Today the Father-Visitor was wearing a Jesuit robe, his great height and luxuriant gray-white beard giving him the ominous regality of a biblical patriarch, every inch an Inquisitor, outwardly benign, Blackthorne thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stared up into the brown eyes, finding it strange to look up at any man, and even stranger to see compassion in the eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he knew there would be no pity behind the eyes and he expected none. \"Ah, Father-Visitor, how are you?\" he replied, the prawns now leaden in his stomach, sickening him.\n\n\"Shall we go on?\"\n\n\"Why not?\"\n\nSo the Inquisition's to be aboard, Blackthorne thought, desperately afraid, wishing he had pistols in his belt. You'd be the first to die, Eminence.\n\n\"You stay here, Michael,\" dell'Aqua said. Then he glanced toward the Portuguese frigate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His face hardened and he set off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne hesitated. Michael and the surrounding samurai were watching him oddly.\n\n\"Sayonara, Anjin-san,\" Michael said. \"Go with God.\"\n\nBlackthorne nodded briefly and started to walk through the samurai, waiting for them to fall on him to take away his swords. But they let him through unmolested. He stopped and looked back, his heart racing.\n\nFor a moment he was tempted to draw his sword and charge. But there was no escape that way. They wouldn't fight him. Many had spears so they would catch him and disarm him, and bind him and hand him on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I won't go bound, he promised himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His only path was forward and there his swords were helpless against guns. He would charge the guns but they would just maim him in the knees and bind him...\n\n\"Captain Blackthorne, come along,\" dell'Aqua called out.\n\n\"Yes, just a moment please.\" Blackthorne beckoned Michael. \"Listen, Brother, down by the beach you said I was a worthy samurai. Did you mean it?\"\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san. That and everything.\"\n\n\"Then I beg a favor, as a samurai,\" he said quietly but urgently.\n\n\"What favor?\"\n\n\"To die as a samurai.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your death isn't in my hands. It's in the Hand of God, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'samurai' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But I ask that favor of you.\" Blackthorne waved at the distant stake. \"That's no way. That's filthy.\"\n\nPerplexed, Michael peered toward the lorcha. Then he saw the stake for the first time. \"Blessed Mother of God... \"\n\n\"Captain Blackthorne, please come along,\" dell'Aqua called again.\n\nBlackthorne said, more urgently, \"Explain to the officer. He's got enough samurai here to insist, neh? Explain to him. You've been to Europe. You know how it is there. It's not much to ask, neh? Please, I'm samurai. One of them could be my second.\"\n\n\"I... I will ask.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Michael went back to the officer and began to talk softly and urgently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne turned and centered his attention on the ship. He walked forward. Dell'Aqua waited till he was alongside and set off again.\n\nAhead, Blackthorne saw Ferriera strut off the poop, down along the main deck, pistols in his belt, rapier at his side. Rodrigues was watching him, right hand on the butt of a long-barreled dueling piece. Pesaro and ten seamen were already on the jetty, leaning on bayoneted muskets. And the long shadow of the stake reached out toward him.\n\nOh, God, for a brace of pistols and ten jolly Jack Tars and one cannon, he thought, as the gap closed inexorably. Oh, God, let me not be shamed...\n\n\"Good evening, Eminence,\" Ferriera said, his eyes seeing only Blackthorne. \"So, Inge—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"This is a military decision.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good evening, Captain-General.\" Dell'Aqua pointed angrily at the stake. \"Is this your idea?\"\n\n\"Yes, Eminence.\"\n\n\"Go back aboard your ship!\"\n\n\"This is a military decision.\"\n\n\"Go aboard your ship!\"\n\n\"No! Pesaro!\" At once the bosun and the bayoneted shore party came on guard and advanced toward Blackthorne. Ferriera slid out the pistol. \"So, Ingeles, we meet again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's something that pleases me not at all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne's sword came out of its scabbard. He held it awkwardly with two hands, the broken haft hurting him.\n\n\"Tonight you will be pleased in hell,\" Ferriera said thickly.\n\n\"If you had any courage you'd fight—man to man. But you're not a man, you're a coward, a Spanish coward without balls.\"\n\n\"Disarm him!\" Ferriera ordered.\n\nAt once the ten men went forward, bayonets leveled. Blackthorne backed away but he was surrounded. Bayonets stabbed for his legs and he slashed at an assailant, but as the man retreated another attacked from behind. Then dell'Aqua came to his senses and shouted, \"Put down your guns! Before God, I order you to stop!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The seamen were flustered. All muskets were zeroed in on Blackthorne, who stood helplessly at bay, sword high.\n\n\"Get back, all of you,\" dell'Aqua called out. \"Get back! Before God, get back! Are you animals?\"\n\nFerriera said, \"I want that man!\"\n\n\"I know, and I've already told you you can't have him! Yesterday and today! Are you deaf? God give me patience! Order your men aboard!\"\n\n\"I order you to turn around and go away!\"\n\n\"You order me?\"\n\n\"Yes, I order you! I'm Captain-General, Governor of Macao, Chief Officer of Portugal in Asia, and that man's a threat to the State, the Church, the Black Ship, and Macao!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Before God, I'll excommunicate you and all your crew if this man's harmed. You hear?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dell'Aqua spun on the musketeers, who backed off, frightened. Except Pesaro. Pesaro stood his ground defiantly, his pistol loose in his hand, waiting for Ferriera's order. \"Get on that ship and out of the way!\"\n\n\"You're making a mistake,\" Ferriera stormed. \"He's a threat! I'm Military Commander in Asia and I say—\"\n\n\"This is a Church matter, not a military de—\"\n\nBlackthorne was dazed, hardly able to think or to see, his head once more exploding with pain. Everything had happened so fast, one moment guarded, the next not, one moment betrayed to the Inquisition, the next escaped, then to be betrayed again and now defended by the Chief Inquisitor. Nothing made sense.\n\nFerriera was shouting, \"I caution you again! As God's my judge, you're making a mistake and I'll inform Lisbon!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Meanwhile order your men aboard or I'll remove you as Captain-General of the Black Ship!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You don't have that power!\"\n\n\"Unless you order your men aboard and order the Ingeles unharmed at once, I declare you excommunicated—and any man who serves under you, in any command, excommunicated, and curse you and all who serve you, in the Name of God!\"\n\n\"By the Madonna—\" Ferriera stopped. He was not afraid for himself but now his Black Ship was jeopardized and he knew most of his crew would desert him unless he obeyed. For a moment he contemplated shooting the priest, but that would not take away the curse. So he conceded. \"Very well—back aboard, everyone! Stand down!\"\n\nObediently the men scattered, glad to be away from the priest's wrath. Blackthorne was still bewildered, half wondering if his head was tricking him. Then, in the melee, Pesaro's hatred burst." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He aimed. Dell'Aqua saw the covert movement and leaped forward to protect Blackthorne with his own bulk. Pesaro pulled the trigger but at that moment arrows impaled him, the pistol fired harmlessly, and he collapsed screaming.\n\nBlackthorne spun around and saw six Kiyama archers, fresh arrows already in their bows. Standing near them was Michael. The officer spoke harshly. Pesaro gave a last shriek, his limbs contorted, and he died.\n\nMichael trembled as he broke the silence. \"The officer says, so sorry, but he was afraid for the Father-Visitor's life.\" Michael was begging God to forgive him for giving the signal to fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Pesaro had been warned, he reasoned. And it is my duty to see the Father-Visitor's orders are obeyed, that his life is protected, that assassins are stamped out and no one excommunicated.\n\nDell'Aqua was on his knees beside the corpse of Pesaro. He made the sign of the cross and said the sacred words. The Portuguese around him were watching the samurai, craving the order to kill the murderers. The rest of Kiyama's men were hastening from the Mission gate where they had remained, and a number of Grays were streaming back from the galley area to investigate. Through his almost blinding rage Ferriera knew he could not afford a fight here and now. \"Everyone back aboard! Bring Pesaro's body!\" Sullenly the shore party began to obey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne lowered his sword but did not sheathe it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He waited stupefied, expecting a trick, expecting to be captured and dragged aboard.\n\nOn the quarterdeck Rodrigues said quietly, \"Stand by to repel boarders, but carefully, by God!\" Instantly men slipped to action stations. \"Cover the Captain-General! Prepare the longboat... \"\n\nDell'Aqua got up and turned on Ferriera, who stood arrogantly at the companionway, prepared to defend his ship. \"You're responsible for that man's death!\" the Father-Visitor hissed. \"Your fanatic, vengeful lust and unho—\"\n\n\"Before you say something publicly you may regret, Eminence, you'd better think carefully,\" Ferriera interrupted. \"I bowed to your order even though I knew, before God, you were making a terrible mistake. You heard me order my men back! Pesaro disobeyed you, not me, and the truth is you're responsible if anyone is. You prevented him and us from doing our duty. That Ingeles is the enemy! It was a military decision, by God! I'll inform Lisbon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes checked the battle readiness of his ship and the approaching samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rodrigues had moved to the main deck gangway. \"Captain-General, I can't get out to sea with this wind and this tide.\"\n\n\"Get a longboat ready to haul us out if need be.\"\n\n\"It's being done.\"\n\nFerriera shouted at the seamen carrying Pesaro, telling them to hurry. Quickly all were back aboard. The cannon were manned, though discreetly, and everyone had two muskets nearby. Left and right, samurai were massing on the wharf but they made no overt move to interfere.\n\nStill on the dock Ferriera said peremptorily to Michael, \"Tell them all to disperse! There's no trouble here—nothing for them to do. There was a mistake, a bad one, but they were right to shoot the bosun. Tell them to disperse.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hated to say it and wanted to kill them all but he could almost smell the peril on the wharf and he had no option now but to retreat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Michael did as he was ordered. The officers did not move.\n\n\"You'd better go on, Eminence,\" Ferriera said bitterly. \"But this is not the last of it—you'll regret saving him!\"\n\nDell'Aqua too felt the explosiveness surrounding them. But it did not touch him. He made the sign of the cross and said a small benediction, then he turned away. \"Come along, Pilot.\"\n\n\"Why are you letting me go?\" Blackthorne asked, the pain in his head agonizing, still not daring to believe it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come along, Pilot!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'ferriera' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But why are you letting me go? I don't understand.\"\n\n\"Nor do I,\" Ferriera said. \"I'd like to know the real reason too, Eminence. Isn't he still a threat to us and the Church?\"\n\nDell'Aqua stared at him. Yes, he wanted to say, to wipe the arrogance off the popinjay's face in front of him. But the bigger threat is the immediate war and how to buy time for you and fifty years of Black Ships, and whom to choose: Toranaga or Ishido. You understand nothing of our problems, Ferriera, or the stakes involved, or the delicacy of our position here or the dangers.\n\n\"Please Lord Kiyama, reconsider. I suggest you should choose Lord Toranaga,\" he had told the daimyo yesterday, through Michael as interpreter, not trusting his own Japanese, which was only fair.\n\n\"This is unwarranted interference in Japanese affairs and outside your jurisdiction. And, too, the barbarian must die.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dell'Aqua had used all his diplomatic skill but Kiyama had been adamant and had refused to commit himself or change his position." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, this morning, when he had gone to Kiyama to tell him that, through God's will, the Ingeles was neutralized, there had been a glimmer of hope.\n\n\"I've considered what you said,\" Kiyama had told him. \"I will not ally myself with Toranaga. Between now and the battle I will watch both contenders very carefully. At the correct time I will choose. And now I consent to let the barbarian go... not because of what you've told me but because of the Lady Mariko, to honor her... and because the Anjin-san is samurai... \"\n\nFerriera was still staring back at him. \"Isn't the Ingeles still a threat?\"\n\n\"Have a safe journey, Captain-General, and Godspeed. Pilot, I'm taking you to your galley... Are you all right?\"\n\n\"It's... my head it's... I think the explosion... You're really letting me go? Why?\"\n\n\"Because the Lady Maria, the Lady Mariko, asked us to protect you.\" Dell'Aqua started off again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But that's no reason! You wouldn't do that just because she asked you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree,\" Ferriera said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he called out, \"Eminence, why not tell him the whole truth?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dell'Aqua did not stop. Blackthorne began to follow but he did not turn his back to the ship, still expecting treachery. \"Doesn't make sense. You know I'm going to destroy you. I'll take your Black Ship.\"\n\nFerriera laughed scornfully. \"With what, Ingeles? You have no ship!\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"You have no ship. She's dead. If she wasn't, I'd never let you go, whatever his Eminence threatened.\"\n\n\"It's not true... \"\n\nThrough the fog in his head Blackthorne heard Ferriera say it again and laugh louder, and add something about an accident and the Hand of God and your ship's burned to her spine, so you'll never harm my ship now, though you're still heretic and enemy, and still a threat to the Faith. Then he saw Rodrigues clearly, pity on his face, and the lips spelled out, Yes, it's true, Ingeles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's not true, can't be true.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"You're marooned. You're here forever, you'll never get passage on one of our ships. You're beached forever... \"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the Inquisitor priest was saying from a million leagues away, \"I received a message this morning from Father Alvito. It seems an earthquake caused a tidal wave, the wave... \"\n\nBut Blackthorne was not listening. His mind was crying out, Your ship's dead, you've let her down, your ship's dead, you've no ship no ship no ship...\n\n\"It's not true! You're lying, my ship's in a safe harbor and guarded by four thousand men. She's safe!\"\n\nSomeone said, \"But not from God,\" and then the Inquisitor was talking again, \"The tidal wave heeled your ship. They say that oil lamps on deck were upset and the fire spread. Your ship's gutted... \"\n\n\"Lies! What about the deck watch? There's always a deck watch! It's impossible,\" he shouted, but he knew that somehow the price for his life had been his ship.\n\n\"You're beached, Ingeles,\" Ferriera was goading him. \"You're marooned. You're here forever, you'll never get passage on one of our ships. You're beached forever... \"\n\nIt went on and on and he was drowning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then his eyes cleared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard the cry of the gulls and smelled the stink of the shore and saw Ferriera, he saw his enemy and knew it was all a lie to drive him mad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew it absolutely and that the priests were part of the plot. \"God take you to hell!\" he shouted and rushed at Ferriera, his sword raised high. But only in his dream was it a rush. Hands caught him easily and took his swords away and set him walking between two Grays, through all the others, until he was at the companionway of the galley and they gave him back his swords and let him go.\n\nIt was difficult for him to see or to hear, his brain hardly working now in the pain, but he was certain it was all a trick to drive him mad and that it would succeed if he did not make a great effort. Help me, he prayed, someone help me, then Yabu was beside him and Vinck and his vassals and he could not distinguish the languages. They guided him aboard, Kiri there somewhere and Sazuko, a child crying in a maid's arms, the remnants of the Browns' garrison crowding the deck, rowers and seamen.\n\nSmell of sweat, fear sweat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu was talking at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And Vinck. It took a long time to concentrate. \"Pilot, why in Christ's name did they let you go?\"\n\n\"I... they... \" He could not say the words.\n\nThen somehow he found himself on the quarterdeck and Yabu was ordering the Captain-san to put to sea before Ishido changed his mind about letting them all leave, and before the Grays on the dock changed their minds about permitting the galley to go, telling the captain full speed for Nagasaki... Kiri saying, so sorry, Yabu-sama, please first Yedo, we must go to Yedo...\n\nThe oars of the shallow draft vessel eased off the wharf, against the tide and against the wind, and went out into the stream, gulls crying in the wake, and Blackthorne pulled himself out of his daze enough to say coherently, \"No. So sorry. Go Yokohama. Must Yokohama.\"\n\n\"First get men at Nagasaki, Anjin-san, understand? Important. First men! Have plan,\" Yabu said.\n\n\"No. Go Yokohama. My ship... my ship danger.\"\n\n\"What danger?\" Yabu demanded.\n\n\"Christians say... say fire!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What!!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For the love of Christ, Pilot, what's amiss?\" Vinck cried out.\n\nBlackthorne pointed shakily toward the lorcha. \"They told me... they told me Erasmus is lost, Johann. Our ship's lost... fired.\" Then he burst out, \"Oh, God, let it all be a lie!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 11 sentences. Context: May include pre-existing characters and lore." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood in the shallows and looked out at the charred skeleton of his ship aground and heeled over, awash in the small surf, seventy yards seaward, masts gone, decks gone, everything gone, except for the keel and the ribs of her chest that jutted to the sky.\n\n\"The monkeys tried to beach her,\" Vinck said sullenly.\n\n\"No. The tide took her there.\"\n\n\"For Christ's sweet sake, why say that, Pilot? If you've a God-cursed fire and you're near the God-cursed shore you beach her to fight it there! Jesus, even these piss-arsed bastards know that!\" Vinck spat on the sand. \"Monkeys! You should never've left her to them. What're we going to do now? How we going to get home? You should've left her at Yedo safe, an' us safe, with our eters.\"\n\nThe whine in Vinck's voice irritated Blackthorne. Everything about Vinck irritated him now. Three times in the last week he had almost told his vassals to knife Vinck quietly and throw him overboard to put him out of his misery when the weeping and bewailing and accusations had become too much. But he had always curbed his temper and gone aloft or below to seek out Yabu. Near Yabu, Vinck made no sound, petrified of him, and rightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aboard it had been easy to contain himself. Here, shamed before his ship's nakedness, it was not easy.\n\n\"Perhaps they beached her, Johann,\" he said, weary unto death.\n\n\"You bet the muck-eating bastards beached her! But they didn't put out the fire, God curse them all to hell! Should never've let Jappos on her, stinking, piss-arsed monkeys... \"\n\nBlackthorne shut his ears and concentrated on the galley. She was moored downwind to the wharf, a few hundred paces away, by Yokohama village. The lean-tos of the Musket Regiment were still scattered about the foreshore and foothills, men drilling, hurrying, a pall of anxiety over all of them. It was a warm sunny day with a fair wind blowing. His nose caught a scent of mimosa perfume. He could see Kiri and Lady Sazuko in conversation under orange sunshades on the forepoop and he wondered if the perfume came from them. Then he watched Yabu and Naga walking up and down the wharf, Naga talking and Yabu listening, both very tense." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he saw them look across at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sensed their restlessness.\n\nWhen the galley had rounded the point two hours ago, Yabu had said, \"Why go look closer, Anjin-san? Ship dead, neh? All finished. Go Yedo! Get ready for war. No time now.\"\n\n\"So sorry—stop here. Must look close. Please.\"\n\n\"Go Yedo! Ship dead—finished. Neh?\"\n\n\"You want, you go. I swim.\"\n\n\"Wait. Ship dead, neh?\"\n\n\"So sorry, please stop. Little time. Then Yedo.\"\n\nAt length Yabu had agreed and they had docked and Naga had met them. \"So sorry, Anjin-san. Neh?\" Naga had said, his eyes bleary from sleeplessness.\n\n\"Yes, so sorry. Please what happen?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, don't know. Not honto. I was not here, understand? I was ordered Mishima few days. When come back, men say earthquake at night—all happen at night, understand? You understand 'earthquake,' Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Understand. Yes. Please continue.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: Your response must contain: \"I order them to salvage—to bring everything possible, understand? Everything. All up there now in camp.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So little earthquake. At night. Some men say tidal wave arrive, some say not tidal wave but just one big wave, storm wave. There was a storm that night, neh? Little tai-fun. You understand 'tai-fun'?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Ah, so sorry. Very dark night. They say big wave come. They say oil lamps on deck break. Ship catch fire, neh? Everything fire, quick, very—\"\n\n\"But guards, Naga-san? Where deck men?\"\n\n\"Very dark. Fire very quick, understand? So sorry. Shigata ga nai, neh?\" he added hopefully.\n\n\"Where deck men, Naga-san? I leave guard. Neh?\"\n\n\"When I returned one day later, very sorry, neh? Ship finished, still burning there in shallows—near shore. Ship finished. I get all men from ship and all shore patrol of that night. I ask them to report. No one is sure what happened.\" Naga's face darkened. \"I order them to salvage—to bring everything possible, understand? Everything. All up there now in camp.\" He pointed to the plateau. \"Under guard. My guards. Then I put them to death and rushed back to Mishima to report to Lord Toranaga.\"\n\n\"All of them? All to death?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes—they failed in their duty.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What Lord Toranaga say?\"\n\n\"Very angry. Very right to be angry, neh? I offer seppuku. Lord Toranaga refuse permission. Eeeeee! Lord Toranaga very angry, Anjin-san.\" Naga waved a nervous hand around the foreshore. \"Whole regiment in disgrace, Anjin-san. Everyone. All chief officers here in disgrace, Anjin-san. Sent to Mishima. Fifty-eight seppuku already.\"\n\nBlackthorne had thought about that number and he wanted to shriek, five thousand or fifty thousand can't repay the loss of my ship! \"Bad,\" his mouth was saying. \"Yes, very bad.\"\n\n\"Yes. Better go Yedo. Today. War today, tomorrow, next day. Sorry.\"\n\nThen Naga had spoken intently with Yabu for a few moments, and Blackthorne, dull-witted, hating the foul-sounding words, hating Naga and Yabu and all of them, could barely follow him though he saw Yabu's unease increase. Naga turned again to him with an embarrassed finality. \"So sorry, Anjin-san. Nothing more I could do. Honto, neh?\"\n\nBlackthorne had forced himself to nod." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Honto. Domo, Naga-san. Shigata ga nai.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had made some excuse and left them to walk down to his ship, to be alone, no longer trusting himself to contain his insane rage, knowing that there was nothing he could do, that he would never know any more of the truth, that whatever the truth he had lost his ship, that the priests had somehow managed to pay men, or cajole men, or threaten them into this filthy desecration. He had fled from Yabu and Naga, walking slowly and erect, but before he could escape the wharf, Vinck had rushed after him and begged not to be left behind. Seeing the man's abject cringing fear, he had agreed and allowed him to follow. But he had closed his mind to him.\n\nThen, suddenly, down by the shore, they had come on the grisly remains of the heads. More than a hundred, hidden from the wharf by dunes and stuck on spears. Seabirds rose up in a white shrieking cloud as they approached, and settled back to continue ravaging and quarreling once they had hurried past.\n\nNow he was studying the hulk of his ship, one thought obsessing him: Mariko had seen the truth and had whispered the truth to Kiyama or to the priests: 'Without his ship the Anjin-san's helpless against the Church. I ask you to leave him alive, just kill the ship... '\n\nHe could hear her saying it. She was right. It was such a simple solution to the Catholics' problem. Yes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But any one of them could have thought of the same thing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And how did they breach the four thousand men? Whom did they bribe? How?\n\nIt doesn't matter who. Or how. They've won.\n\nGod help me, without my ship I'm dead. I can't help Toranaga and his war will swallow us up.\n\n\"Poor ship,\" he said. \"Forgive me—so sad to die so uselessly. After all those leagues.\"\n\n\"Eh?\" Vinck said.\n\n\"Nothing,\" he said. Poor ship, forgive me. It was never my bargain with her or anyone. Poor Mariko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Forgive her too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did you say, Pilot?\"\n\n\"Nothing. I was just thinking out loud.\"\n\n\"You said something. I heard you say something, for Christ's sake!\"\n\n\"For Christ's sake, shut up!\"\n\n\"Eh? Shut up, is it? We're marooned with these piss eaters for the rest of our lives! Eh?\"\n\n\"Yes!\"\n\n\"We're to grovel to these God-cursed heathen shit-heads for the rest of our muck-eating lives and how long'll that be when all they talk about's war war war? Eh?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Yes, is it?\" Vinck's whole body was trembling, and Blackthorne readied. \"It's your fault. You said to come to the Japans and we come and how many died coming here? You're to blame!\"\n\n\"Yes. Sorry, but you're right!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry are you, Pilot? How're we going to get home? That's your God-cursed job, to get us home! How you going to do that? Eh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'pistol' 4 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know. Another of our ships'll get here, Johann. We've just got to wait anoth—\"\n\n\"Wait? How long're we to wait? Five muck-plagued years, twenty? Christ Jesus, you said yourself all these shit-heads're at war now!\" Vinck's mind snapped. \"They're going to chop off our heads and stick them like those there and the birds'll eat us... \" A paroxysm of insane laughter shook him and he reached into his ragged shirt. Blackthorne saw the pistol butt and it would have been easy to smash Vinck to the ground and take the pistol but he did nothing to defend himself. Vinck waved the pistol in his face, dancing around him with drooling, lunatic glee. Blackthorne waited unafraid, hoping for the bullet, then Vinck took to his heels down the beach, the seabirds scudding into the air, mewing and cawing out of his path. Vinck ran for a frantic hundred paces or more, then collapsed, ending up on his back, his legs still moving, arms waving, mouthing obscenities. After a moment he turned on his belly with a last shriek, facing Blackthorne, and froze. There was a silence.\n\nWhen Blackthorne came up to Vinck the pistol was leveled at him, the eyes staring with demented antagonism, the lips pulled back from his teeth. Vinck was dead.\n\nBlackthorne closed the eyes and picked him up and slung him over his shoulder and walked back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samurai were running toward him, Naga and Yabu at their head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What happened, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"He went mad.\"\n\n\"Is that so? Is he dead?\"\n\n\"Yes. First burial, then Yedo. All right?\"\n\n\"Hai.\"\n\nBlackthorne sent for a shovel and asked them to leave him for a while and he buried Vinck above the water line on a crest that overlooked the wreck. He said a service over the grave and planted a cross in the grave that he fashioned out of two pieces of driftwood. It was so easy to say the service. He had spoken it too many times. On this voyage alone over a hundred times for his own crew since they'd left Holland. Only Baccus van Nekk and the boy Croocq survived now; the others had come from other ships—Salamon the mute, Jan Roper, Sonk the cook, Ginsel the sailmaker." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Five ships and four hundred and ninety-six men. And now Vinck. All gone now except the seven of us. And for what?\n\nTo circumnavigate the globe? To be the first?\n\n\"I don't know,\" he said to the grave. \"But that won't happen now.\"\n\nHe made everything tidy. \"Sayonara, Johann.\" Then he walked down to the sea and swam naked to the wreck to purify himself. He had told Naga and Yabu that this was their custom after burying one of their men on land. The captain had to do it in private if there was no one else and the sea was the purifier before their God, which was the Christian God but not quite the same as the Jesuit Christian God.\n\nHe hung on to one of the ship's ribs and saw that barnacles were already clustering, sand already silting over the keel plate, three fathoms below." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'nothing' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon the sea would claim her and she would vanish. He looked around aimlessly. Nothing to salvage, he told himself, expecting nothing.\n\nHe swam ashore. Some of his vassals waited with fresh clothes. He dressed and put his swords in his sash and walked back. Near the wharf one of his vassals pointed. \"Anjin-san!\"\n\nA carrier pigeon, pursued by a hawk, was clattering wildly for the safety of the home coop in the village. The coop was in the attic of the tallest building, set back from the seashore on a slight rise. With a hundred yards to go, the hawk on station, high above its prey, closed its wings and plummeted. The stoop hit with a burst of feathers but it was not perfect. The pigeon fell screeching as though mortally wounded, then, near the ground, recovered and fled for home." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 12 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She scrambled through a hole in the coop to safety, the hawk ek-ek-ek-ing with rage a few paces behind, and everyone cheered, except Blackthorne. Even the pigeon's cleverness and bravery did not touch him. Nothing touched anymore.\n\n\"Good, neh?\" one of his vassals said, embarrassed by his master's dourness.\n\n\"Yes.\" Blackthorne went back to the galley. Yabu was there and the Lady Sazuko, Kiri and the captain. Everything was ready. \"Yabu-san. Ima Yedo ka?\" he asked.\n\nBut Yabu did not answer and no one noticed him. All eyes were on Naga, who was hurrying toward the village. A pigeon handler came out of the building to meet him. Naga broke the seal and read the slip of paper. \"Galley and all aboard to stay at Yokohama until I arrive.\" It was signed Toranaga." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around six 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 James Clavell." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'guard' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The horsemen came rapidly over the lip of the hill in the early sun. First were the fifty outriders and scouts of the advance guard led by Buntaro. Next came the banners. Then Toranaga. After him was the bulk of the war party under the command of Omi. Following them were Father Alvito Tsukku-san and ten acolytes in a tight group and, after them, a small rear guard, among them hunters with falcons on their gloves, all hooded except one great yellow-eyed goshawk. All samurai were heavily armed and wore chain cuirasses and cavalry battle armor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga rode easily, his spirit lightened now, a newer and stronger man, and he was glad to be near the end of his journey." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was two and a half days since he had sent the order to Naga to keep the galley at Yokohama and had left Mishima on this forced march. They had come very fast, picking up fresh horses every twenty ri or so. At one station where horses were not available the samurai in charge was removed, his stipend given to another, and he was invited to commit seppuku or shave his head and become a priest. The samurai chose death.\n\nThe fool had been warned, Toranaga thought, the whole Kwanto's mobilized and on a war footing. Still, that man wasn't a total waste, he told himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At least the news of that example will flash the length of my domains and there'll be no more unnecessary delays." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So much yet to do, he thought, his mind frantic with facts and plans and counterplans. In four days it will be the day, the twenty-second day of the eighth month, the Month for Viewing the Moon. Today, at Osaka, the courtier Ogaki Takamoto formally goes to Ishido and regretfully announces that the Son of Heaven's visit to Osaka has to be delayed for a few days due to ill health.\n\nIt had been so easy to manipulate the delay. Although Ogaki was a Prince of the Seventh Rank and descended from the Emperor Go-Shoko, the ninety-fifth of the dynasty, he was impoverished like all members of the Imperial Court. The Court possessed no revenue of its own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only samurai possessed revenue and, for hundreds of years, the Court had had to exist on a stipend—always carefully controlled and lean—granted it by the Shōgun, Kwampaku, or ruling Junta of the day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So Toranaga had humbly and very cautiously assigned ten thousand koku yearly to Ogaki, through intermediaries, to donate to needy relatives as Ogaki himself wished, saying with due humility that, being Minowara and therefore also descended from Go-Shoko, he was delighted to be of service and trusted that the Exalted would take care of his precious health in so treacherous a climate as Osaka's, particularly around the twenty-second day.\n\nOf course there was no guarantee that Ogaki could persuade or dissuade the Exalted, but Toranaga had surmised that the advisers to the Son of Heaven, or the Son of Heaven himself, would welcome an excuse to delay—hopefully, at length to cancel. Only once in three centuries had a ruling Emperor ever left his sanctuary at Kyoto. That had been four years ago at the invitation of the Taikō to view the cherry blossoms near Osaka Castle, coincident with his resigning the Kwampaku title in favor of Yaemon—and so, by implication, putting the Imperial Seal on the succession.\n\nNormally no daimyo, not even Toranaga, would have dared to make such an offer to any member of the Court because it insulted and usurped the prerogative of a superior—in this case the Council—and would instantly be construed as treason, as it rightly was. But Toranaga knew he was already indicted for treason." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tomorrow Ishido and his allies will move against me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How much more time have I left?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Where should the battle be? Odawara? Victory depends only on the time and the place, and not on the number of men. They'll outnumber me three to one at the very least. Never mind, he thought, Ishido's coming out of Osaka Castle! Mariko pried him out. In the chess game for power I sacrificed my queen but Ishido's lost two castles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes. But you lost more than a queen in the last play." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You lost a ship. A pawn can become a queen—but not a ship!\n\nThey were riding downhill in a quick, bone-jarring trot. Below was the sea. They turned a corner on the path and there was Yokohama village, with the wreck just offshore. He could see the plateau where the Musket Regiment were drawn up in battle review with their horses and equipment, muskets in their holsters, other samurai, equally well armed, lining his route as an honor guard nearer the shore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the outskirts of the village the villagers were kneeling in neat rows waiting to honor him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beyond them was the galley, the sailors waiting with their captain. On either side of the wharf, fishing boats were beached in meticulous array and he made a mental note to reprimand Naga. He had ordered the regiment ready for instant departure, but to stop fishermen or peasants from fishing or working the fields was irresponsible.\n\nHe turned in his saddle and called up a samurai, ordering him to tell Buntaro to go ahead and see that all was safe and prepared. \"Then go to the village and dismiss all the villagers to their work, except the headman.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\" The man dug in his spurs and galloped away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now Toranaga was near enough to the plateau to distinguish faces." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Anjin-san and Yabu, then Kiri and the Lady Sazuko. His excitement quickened." } ]