Publisher's blurb:
Kazuko had already reached her 18th year when an army, controlled by her father’s enemy, came to her village. Supposedly under instruction from the Emperor, all prominent families were called to form a line. Some of the men were pressed into military service and hauled away. Naturally, some resisted. Some, like Kazuko’s father and brothers, were executed. It is not clear how Kazuko escaped the massacre that ensued, or what motivated her next steps, but from that point she decided to follow her own path.
Now one year older, Kazuko found herself at a crossroads, spiritually and literally. She had learned of the whereabouts of a Bansho (Captain) who had been among the first to butcher her kin on that fateful day. Standing in the rain letting each droplet of water temper the fire in her soul, Kazuko contemplated what was to be done. Her father’s words echoed in her mind. Do not be one with anger. Be at peace, without your enemy. These words comforted Kazuko, and for a moment she looked to the floor in remembrance of her family. When her gaze returned to the fork in the road ahead, Kazuko’s mind was made up.