Prologue 1: The Topaz Championship

On the way to the Topaz Champion ship in 1122, a group of young samurai heading to compete came to the overturned cart of Ryu. Ryu had served the recently deceased Emerald Champion, Doji Satsume. The peasant had been bringing his lord's personal affects to his lord's brother, Doji Toshimoko. Togashi Yoshi, a young Dragon Monk, led the group in assisting the man.
Arriving in town the young samurai registered at the magistrate's, they were directed to the House of the Laughing Carp, a local ryokan. Inside, they found the innkeeper arguing with Hitoshi, a young member of the Mantis Clan, who came to compete in the Topaz Championship.
That night, the young samurai were awoken by the ghost of Doji Satsume. The ghost served them tea, and asked them to ensure Hitoshi survived the tournament and became a samurai worthy of his father.
The next day, the young samurai competed in the tournament. In the evening, several of the contestants ended up at the Poisoned Water Sake house. A group of Ronin began causing trouble. Byushi Kyo shamed them but soon found herself in a laughing fit. a brawl broke out, but no one was seriously injured.
The next day the competitions continued, and were followed by a feast. Hitoshi had an outburst, losing face, and tried to challange Toshimoko to a duel. His friends managed to calm him down.
The next day, at the iaijitsu duels, tragedy nearly occurs when Kakita Riku, one of the contestants, was given a real sword, instead of a dulled practice blade, and cut Hitoshi. He survived, and the young samurai chased Bayushi Sugui, who had placed the sharp blade to be used. They brought the villain to justice.
Akodo Masako was named the Topaz Champion for 1123. Those who added the lion were offered training and positions as Emerald Magistrates.