Emperor Kazan

In the first year of the Eikan era (AD 984), Kazan took his imperial name and ascended to the throne. His rule was troubled by intense pressures from his counselors and elders, including the notables of the powerful Fujiwara clan. Fujiwara no Kaneie coerced Kazan and told him the imperial regalia which indicated a divine right to rule were already in the possession of Fujiwara’s grandson Ichijō, undermining Kazan’s authority and position. Just two years after his ascension, Kazan abdicated.
His abdication was sudden and nearly secretive. Kazan determined not just to leave the throne, but to enter the priesthood. He left the palace by night and traveled to his new monastery with Fujiwara no Michikane, his relative and another grandson of Fujiwara no Kaneie. Michikane had promised to become a disciple with Kazan, but he told Kazan he wished to see his parents one more time before he gave up all secular connections, and so he left to visit them. He never returned, leaving Kazan alone.
Ichijō succeeded Kazan on the throne.
Kazan entered religious orders and took the new name Nyūkaku as a monk. He later received a vision from Kannon Bosatsu, instructing him to revive a pilgrimage in her name and visit 33 sites. This act would relieve his suffering.
What happened to Michikane? He returned to court from the monastery and took the high position of Minster of the Right. The next year, he became Imperial Regent.
It was discovered during Ichijō's reign that one of the imperial treasures was missing. A priceless jade flute, given two hundred years before by the Tang Dynasty in China, has vanished. The last time it was cataloged and cared for was a few months before Kazan’s abrupt departure.
Michikane, when questioned, told his family privately that Kazan had been moody and secretive. When Michikana confessed to wanting to see his parents again, Kazan had likewise admitted to still bearing worldly attachments himself, and while he would not give details, he hinted to Michikane that they were far too great to carry into a monastery. Michikane had believed at the time that Kazan spoke metaphorically, but now it seems possible that Kazan stole the flute—possibly in spite, possibly in hopes of using it to fund an revolution to retake his throne—and hid it somewhere outside the monastery.
Author's Note: The first five paragraphs are documented history. The latter two paragraphs are fiction.

What happened to Michikane? He returned to court from the monastery and took the high position of Minster of the Right. The next year, he became Imperial Regent.