Kasai Clan

The Kasai clan is the second youngest great clan in Rokugan, only older than the Sugikawa clan. Unlike the Sugikawa clan however, the Kasai clan can trace their origins back to the first shoguns. The Kasai being a relative branch of the Tosakaga family much like the Tosakani, though not nearly as close. They made their home in Janata in northern Odawari only gaining recognition with the last Rokugan Civil war where they aided the Tosakaga family rise to power. After this they were awarded with most of the land in central Odawari. It wasn't long after that, however, that the Kasai would be at war with it's southern half.   The Odawari wars never really amounted to anything until late into the last oni war about two-hundred years ago left the Kasai clan beaten and battered. They were ultimately pushed back to their home castle in Janata, where they sued for peace under vassals under the Torakaga clan. This lasted until around 30 years ago, when the Koda clan of Gefu rebelled against the Torakaga clan's power, vowing to take over as Daimyo themselves.   This would be a mistake, for the late Nobuyuta had been preparing in secret for this moment, carefully agitating the Koda clan until they would take action. Nobuyuta emptied the westernmost district of the city and flung the doors open for the invading Koda clan who took the gesture as a surrender. Once the entire Koda Clan's army was secured within the western district, Nobuyuta closed the district off, and sprung his trap.   There were blastfruit laced in every building of the district, and a long line buried underground with only a fuse connecting them. Once a spark was struck, explosions and agonizing screams followed. Nobuyuta would soon be known as Nobuyuta the Demon for his ruthless victory over the Koda clan. After this incident, Nobuyuta would no longer serve as the vassal of the Torakaga clan, and so announced his independence from them to the praise of his people. After this display of power, the Torakaga clan would not challenge the Kasai clan's claim to power any longer.   On his deathbed, Nobuyuta declared his eldest son, Nobunaga, as his heir. Unfortunately, Nobunaga had already earned himself a bad reputation. Known as the local fool Nobunaga was less than respected among his peers and allies, let alone his brothers and his mother. His father, however, had seen in him what he had seen in himself when he challenged the Koda clan. A fierce, and powerful ambition.   Nobunaga was quickly challenged by his younger brothers, being egged on by their mother. A civil war among the Kasai clan would ensue, during which the Tosakaga Shogun would mysteriously die with no heirs. After the dispute was settled with the death of his two brothers and mother, Nobunaga was faced with yet another dilemma. The Torakaga clan from the south had caught wind of the fool's rise to power and the power struggle he had just endured. They saw this as their one way ticket into Edoni, and the seat of the Shogun. They marched north, challenging the Kasai to war. Nobunaga could not have made the road to Gefu much easier. He was low on men, low on supplies, and still licking his wounds from the previous war. This would not stop him however, he had been developing something to soon thunder across Rokugan, and shake it to it's very core.   The Torakaga clan were resting in the mountains north of Gefu, celebrating their premature victory with sake and parties. A storm rolled in overhead, and began drenching the encampment as sounds of thunder echoed throughout the mountain. Only the thunder was actually Five-thousand men, some carrying strange metal and wood contraptions. They sprung from the mountain forests after firing the first Tanegashima volley Rokugan had ever seen, drawing katanas and catching the Torakaga army off guard. Outnumbered four to one, the Kasai made quick work of the Torakaga army. Utterly crushing it, and killing the Torakaga daimyo in the process.   With this victory securing the rest of Odawari would be easy. With this newfound weaponry, Nobunaga Kasai would quickly begin capturing all of Odawari. After securing Odawari for the Kasai clan, he declared the Kasai clan the official protector of the Tosakani Shogunate. Any that would oppose the new shogun would answer to him, and many a mighty clan would answer this call to action and stand against both him and the Shogun.