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Dans-Prosemaxx-Cowriter-M

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[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Story collab\nMe: Opening\nYou: 8 sentences more, Eiji Yoshikawa-style" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the first night after their return to Kyoto, the officers and men of the rear guard, who had narrowly escaped with their lives, could only think of one thing: sleep.\n\nAfter reporting to Nobunaga, Hideyoshi wandered off in a daze.\n\nSleep. Sleep.\n\nThe following morning he opened his eyes for just a moment, and then went straight back to sleep. Around noon he was awakened by a servant and ate some rice gruel, but in a state between waking and dreaming, he only knew that it tasted good.\n\n\"Are you going back to sleep?\" the servant asked in amazement.\n\nHideyoshi finally woke up two days later in the evening, feeling totally disoriented." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What day is it?\"\n\n\"It's the second,\" the samurai on duty answered.\n\nThe second, he thought as he wearily dragged himself out of the room. Then Lord Nobunaga must have recovered, too.\n\nNobunaga had rebuilt the Imperial Palace and constructed a new residence for the shogun, but he himself did not have a mansion in the capital. Whenever he came to Kyoto, he would stay in a temple, and his retainers would lodge in neighboring branch temples.\n\nHideyoshi left the temple in which he was billeted, and looked up at the stars for the first time in several days. It's almost summer, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then he realized, I'm still alive! He felt extraordinarily happy. Although it was late at night, he asked for an audience with Nobunaga. He was shown in immediately, as though Nobunaga had been waiting for him.\n\n\"Hideyoshi, you must be pleased about something,\" Nobunaga said. \"You've got an extraordinary smile on your face.\"\n\n\"How could I not be pleased?\" he answered. \"Before this, I wasn't aware of what a blessed thing life is. But having escaped from near death, I realize that I don't need anything more than life. Just by looking at this lamp or at your face, my lord, I know that I'm alive, and that I am blessed far more than I deserve. But how are you feeling, my lord?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't help feeling disappointed. This is the first time I've ever felt the shame and bitterness of defeat.\"\n\n\"Has anyone ever accomplished great things without experiencing defeat?\"\n\n\"Well, can you see that on my face, too? The horse's belly only has to be whipped once. Hideyoshi, get yourself ready for a trip.\"\n\n\"A trip?\"\n\n\"We're going back to Gifu.\" Just when Hideyoshi was congratulating himself for being one step ahead of Nobunaga, his lord struck out into the lead. There were several good reasons for him to get back to Gifu as quickly as possible.\n\nAlthough Nobunaga was reputed to be a dreamer, he was also known to be a strong-willed man of action." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That night Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and an escort of less than three hundred men left the capital with the swiftness of a sudden storm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But even with such speed, their departure could not be kept secret." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The short night had not yet dawned when the group reached Otsu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Splitting the predawn darkness, the report of a gun echoed in the mountains." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The horses reared in frenzy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Retainers galloped forward, anxious for Nobunaga, while at the same time they looked for the sniper.\n\nNobunaga appeared not to have noticed the shot; in fact he had already galloped ahead more than fifty yards. From that distance he turned and shouted, \"Let him be!\"\n\nBecause Nobunaga was alone, far ahead of the others, they left the would-be assassin behind. When Hideyoshi and the other generals overtook Nobunaga and asked if he had been wounded, Nobunaga slowed his horse and held up his sleeve, showing a small hole through the loose cloth. His only comment was, \"Our fate is decreed by heaven.\"\n\nIt was later discovered that the man who had shot at Nobunaga was a warrior-monk famous for his marksmanship.\n\n\"Our fate is decreed by heaven,\" Nobunaga had said, but this did not mean he waited passively for heaven's will." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew how rival warlords envied him. The world had not thought much of him when he had spread his wings over Owari and Mino from his small domain, which covered no more than two districts of Owari. But now that he had taken center stage and was giving orders from Kyoto, the powerful provincial clans were suddenly ill at ease. Clans with whom he had no quarrel whatsoever—the Otomo and Shimazu of Kyushu, the Mori of the western provinces, the Chosokabe of Shikoku, and even the Uesugi and Date in the far north—all looked upon his successes with hostility.\n\nBut the real danger was from his own in-laws. It was clear that Takeda Shingen of Kai was no longer to be trusted; neither could he be negligent about the Hojo; and Asai Nagamasa of Odani, who had married his sister Oichi, was living proof of the weakness of political alliances based on marriage. When Nobunaga had invaded the north, his main enemy—the man who had suddenly allied himself with the Asakura and threatened his retreat—was none other than this Asai Nagamasa, proving again that the ambitions of men cannot be trammeled by a woman's hair.\n\nEverywhere he looked, there were enemies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The remnants of the Miyoshi and Matsunaga clans were still troublesome adversaries lying in ambush, and the warrior-monks of the Honganji were fanning the flames of rebellion against him everywhere." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seemed that, as he took power, the whole country was turning against him, so it was prudent for him to return quickly to Gifu. If he had idled in Kyoto for another month, there might have been no castle or clan to return to, but he reached Gifu Castle without incident." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around six sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nGenres: historical fiction\nTags: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Red and white petals fluttered down from Gifu Castle on its high mountain peak, and fell on the roofs in the town below.\n\nYear by year, the people's confidence in Nobunaga increased—a confidence that grew from the security of their lives. The laws were strict, but Nobunaga's words were not empty. The things he promised concerning the people's livelihood were always put into effect, and this was reflected in their wealth.\n\nTo think that a man\n\nHas but fifty years to live under heaven." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surely this world\n\nSeems but a vain dream...\n\nThe people of the province knew the verses Nobunaga loved to chant when he drank. But he understood these words quite differently from the way the monks did—that the world was nothing more than a fleeting and impermanent dream. \"Is there anything that will not decay?\" was his favorite line, and every time he sang it, he raised the pitch of his voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His view of life seemed to be contained in this one line. A man would not make the most of his life if he did not think deeply about it. Nobunaga knew this about life: In the end, we die. For a man of thirty-seven, the future would not be a long one. And for such a short time, his ambition was extraordinarily large. His ideals were limitless, and facing these ideals and overcoming the obstacles fulfilled him completely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Man, however, has an allotted span of life, and he could not help his feelings of regret." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ranmaru, beat the drum.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was going to dance today again. Earlier that day, he had entertained a messenger from Ise. He continued to drink through the afternoon.\n\nRanmaru brought the drum from the next room. Instead of playing it, however, he delivered a message: \"Lord Hideyoshi has just arrived.\"\n\nAt one time it had seemed that the Asai and Asakura were going to make their move after Mikatagahara, as they had begun to wriggle and squirm repeatedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But after Shingen had retreated, they cowered inside their own provinces and began to strengthen the defenses.\n\nAnticipating peace, Hideyoshi had secretly left Yokoyama Castle and toured the area around the capital. None of the castle commanders anywhere, regardless of how chaotic the conditions of the country, remained locked up in their castles. Sometimes they would pretend to be gone but would really be there; at other times they would pretend to be there but would really be gone, for the way of a soldier lay in properly using the forms of truth and falsehood.\n\nOf course, Hideyoshi had also traveled incognito on this trip, and quite likely that was also the reason he had arrived so suddenly at Gifu.\n\n\"Hideyoshi?\" Nobunaga had him wait in another room, and soon came in and sat down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was in an extraordinarily good mood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi was dressed with extreme simplicity, looking no different from an ordinary traveler. In this attire he prostrated himself, but then looked up and laughed. \"I'll bet you're surprised.\"\n\nNobunaga looked as though he didn't understand. \"About what?\" he asked.\n\n\"My sudden arrival.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What kind of foolishness is this? I've known you were not in Yokoyama for the last two weeks.\"\n\n\"But you probably didn't expect me to show up here today.\"\n\nNobunaga laughed. \"You think I'm blind, don't you? You probably got tired of playing around with the prostitutes in the capital, came down the Omi Road as far as some rich man's house in Nagahama, secretly called Oyu, and came here after a rendezvous.\"\n\nHideyoshi mumbled a reply.\n\n\"You're the one who's probably surprised,\" Nobunaga said.\n\n\"I am surprised, my lord. You see everything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This mountain is high enough for me to look out over ten provinces at least. But there's someone who knows your behavior in even more detail than I do. Do you have any idea who that is?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You must have a spy trailing me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your wife.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're joking! Aren't you a little intoxicated today, my lord?\"\n\n\"I may be drunk, but I'm hardly mistaken about what I'm saying. Your wife may be living at Sunomata, but if you think she's far away, you're making a serious mistake.\"\n\n\"Oh, no. Well, I've come at a bad time. With your permission, I—\"\n\n\"You can't be blamed for playing around,\" Nobunaga said, laughing. \"There's nothing at all wrong with looking at the cherry blossoms from time to time. But why don't you call Nene, and the two of you get together?\"\n\n\"Of course.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's been a while since you've seen her, hasn't it?\"\n\n\"Has my wife been bothering you with letters or the like?\"\n\n\"Don't worry. There hasn't been anything like that, but I sympathize. And not just with your wife. Every wife has to look after the home while her husband is away at war, so even if he has only a little bit of time, a man should show his wife before anyone else that he's all right.\"\n\n\"As you wish, but... \"\n\n\"Do you refuse?\"\n\n\"I do. There's been nothing untoward for a number of months, but my state of mind has not moved away from the battlefield by even a hair's breadth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Always the clever talker! Are you going to start wagging that tongue again? It's quite unnecessary.\"\n\n\"I'll retire, my lord. I'm rolling up my banners here.\"\n\nLord and retainer laughed together. After a while they started drinking and even sent Ranmaru away. Then the talk turned to a topic serious enough for them to lower their voices.\n\nNobunaga asked expectantly, \"So how are things in the capital? I have messengers constantly going back and forth, but I want to hear what you have seen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What Hideyoshi was about to say seemed to have to do with his expectations.\n\n\"Our seats are a little far apart. Either my lord or I should move a little closer for this.\"\n\n\"I'll move.\" Nobunaga took the sake flask and his cup and moved down from the seat of honor. \"Close the sliding doors to the next room too,\" he ordered.\n\nHideyoshi sat down directly in front of Nobunaga and said, \"The conditions are the same as ever. Except that, since Shingen failed to reach the capital, the shogun seems to have become more despondent. His schemes have become openly hostile to you, my lord.\"\n\n\"Well, I can imagine. After all, Shingen got as far as Mikatagahara, and then the shogun heard that he had withdrawn.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shogun Yoshiaki is a crafty politician. He fidgets about, bestowing favors on the people, and indirectly makes them fear you. He's made good propaganda out of the burning of Mount Hiei, and seems to be inciting other religious groups to rebellion.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not a pleasant set of circumstances.\"\n\n\"But it's not worth worrying about. The warrior-monks have seen what happened to Mount Hiei, and it has cooled their courage considerably.\"\n\n\"Hosokawa is in the capital. Did you see him?\"\n\n\"Lord Hosokawa has fallen out of favor with the shogun and has confined himself to his country estate.\"\n\n\"He was driven away by Yoshiaki?\" Nobunaga asked.\n\n\"It seems that Lord Hosokawa thought that allying with you would be the best way to preserve the shogunate. He risked his own reputation and advised Lord Yoshiaki several times.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's apparent that Yoshiaki won't listen to anyone.\"\n\n\"More than that, he's taking a rather extravagant view of the remaining powers of the shogunate. In a period of transition, a cataclysm separates past and future. Almost all of those who perish are those who, because of their blind attachment to the past, fail to realize that the world has changed.\"\n\n\"Are we living through such a cataclysm?\"\n\n\"In fact a very dramatic event has just occurred. Word was just sent to me, but—\"\n\n\"What kind of dramatic event?\"\n\n\"Well! This has still not leaked out to the world, but since it was heard by the keen ears of my agent Watanabe Tenzo, I think that it can perhaps be believed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is it?\"\n\n\"It's incredible, but the guiding star of Kai may have finally set.\"\n\n\"What! Shingen?\"\n\n\"During the Second Month, he attacked Mikawa, and one night while he was laying siege to Noda Castle, he was shot. This is what Tenzo heard.\"\n\nFor a moment, Nobunaga's eyes widened and he looked straight at Hideyoshi's face. If it was true that Shingen was dead, the course of the nation was going to change very quickly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga felt as though the tiger at his back had suddenly disappeared, and he was shocked. He wanted to believe this story, but at the same time he could not. As soon as he heard the news, he felt an incredible surge of relief, and an indescribable joy welled up inside of him.\n\n\"If this is true, a very gifted general has left this world,\" Nobunaga said. \"And from now on history has been entrusted into our hands.\" His expression was not nearly as complex as Hideyoshi's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In fact, he looked as though he had just been served the main course at a meal.\n\n\"He was shot, but I still have no idea whether he died immediately, what were the extent of his wounds, or where he was hit. But I've heard that when they suddenly lifted the siege of Noda Castle and withdrew into Kai, they did not display the usual Takeda fighting spirit.\"\n\n\"I suspect not. But it doesn't matter how fierce the Kai samurai are, if they have lost Shingen.\"\n\n\"I received this report secretly from Tenzo on my way here, so I immediately sent him back to Kai to get confirmation.\"\n\n\"Has no one heard this yet in the other provinces?\"\n\n\"There are no indications that anyone has. The Takeda clan will probably keep it a secret, and will make it appear that Shingen is in good health. So if some policy is promulgated in Shingen's name, the chances are nine out of ten that Shingen is dead, or at least in a serious condition.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga nodded thoughtfully. He seemed to want to confirm this story." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly he took the cup of cold sake, and sighed. To think that a man has but fifty years... But he did not feel like dancing. Reflecting on another man's death moved him far more than reflecting on his own.\n\n\"When will Tenzo return?\"\n\n\"He should be back within three days.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To Yokoyama Castle?\"\n\n\"No, I told him to come straight here.\"\n\n\"Well then, stay here until then.\"\n\n\"I had planned on doing that, but if I could, I'd like to wait for your orders at an inn in the castle town.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"No particular reason.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, how about staying in the castle? Keep me company for a while.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well... \"\n\n\"What a dullard! Do you feel constrained to be at my side?\"\n\n\"No, the truth is... \"\n\n\"The truth is what?\"\n\n\"I left a... companion in that inn in the castle town, and since I imagined it would be lonely there, I promised I would go back tonight.\"\n\n\"Is this companion a woman?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga was dumbfounded. The emotions that the report of Shingen's death aroused in him were so far removed from Hideyoshi's worries." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go to the inn tonight, but come back to the castle tomorrow. You can bring your 'companion' with you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These were Nobunaga's last words to him as he turned to go.\n\nHe had hit the nail right on the head, Hideyoshi thought on his way back to the inn. He felt as though he had been reprimanded, but this was, again, Nobunaga's grace. He was wrapping the head of the nail in an artistic decoration without the nail even noticing. The following day he went up to the castle with Oyu, but it did not cause him any embarrassment.\n\nNobunaga had moved to a different room and, unlike the day before, was not surrounded by the smell of sake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sitting in front of Hideyoshi and Oyu, he looked down at them from a dais.\n\n\"Aren't you Takenaka Hanbei's sister?\" he asked familiarly.\n\nThis was the first time Oyu had met Nobunaga, and here she was with Hideyoshi. She hid her face and would have liked to have sunk through the floor, but she answered with a faint voice that was a thing of beauty.\n\n\"I am honored to make your acquaintance, my lord. You have also favored my other brother, Shigeharu.\"\n\nNobunaga gazed at her, impressed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had felt like teasing Hideyoshi a little, but now he felt guilty and became serious.\n\n\"Has Hanbei's health improved?\"\n\n\"I haven't seen my brother for some time, my lord. He's busy with his military duties, but I do receive letters from time to time.\"\n\n\"Where are you living now?\"\n\n\"At Choteiken Castle in Fuwa, where I have a slight connection.\"\n\n\"I wonder if Watanabe Tenzo has returned yet,\" Hideyoshi said, trying to change the subject, but Nobunaga was an old fox and was not going to be taken in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you saying? You're getting confused. Didn't you yourself just tell me that Tenzo wouldn't return for another three days?\"\n\nHideyoshi's face turned bright red. Nobunaga seemed to be satisfied with this. He had wanted to see him look self-conscious and troubled for a while.\n\nNobunaga invited Oyu to the evening's drinking party, and commented, \"You haven't seen my dancing, although Hideyoshi has seen it on several occasions.\"\n\nWhen Oyu asked to take her leave later that evening, Nobunaga did not insist on her staying, but he said bluntly to Hideyoshi, \"Well then, you go too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The couple left the castle. Soon, however, Hideyoshi returned alone somewhat flustered.\n\n\"Where is Lord Nobunaga?\" he asked a page.\n\n\"He has just now retired to his bedroom.\"\n\nHearing this, Hideyoshi hurried to the private apartments with an unusual lack of composure and asked the samurai attendant to convey a message." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I must have an audience with His Lordship this evening.\"\n\nNobunaga had not yet gone to sleep, and as soon as Hideyoshi was ushered into his presence, he asked for everyone to leave the room, but although the men on night watch withdrew, Hideyoshi still looked around the room nervously.\n\n\"What is it, Hideyoshi?\"\n\n\"Well, it seems there's still someone in the next room.\"\n\n\"It's no one to be worried about. It's just Ranmaru. He should be no problem.\"\n\n\"He is also a problem. I'm sorry to ask, but... \"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He should go too?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Ranmaru, you leave too.\" Nobunaga turned and spoke toward the next room.\n\nRanmaru bowed silently, got up, and left.\n\n\"It should be all right now. What is this?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The fact is that when I took my leave and went back to town just now, I ran into Tenzo.\"\n\n\"What! Tenzo's back?\"\n\n\"He said that he hurried across the mountains to get here, hardly knowing day from night. Shingen's death is a certainty.\"\n\n\"So... after all.\"\n\n\"I can't give you many details, but the inner circle in Kai seems to have put on a façade of normality, beneath which a melancholy air can clearly be detected.\"\n\n\"Their mourning is being kept a strict secret, I'll bet.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And the other provinces know nothing?\"\n\n\"So far.\"\n\n\"So, now's the time. I assume you forbade Tenzo to speak about this.\"\n\n\"That's not something you have to worry about.\"\n\n\"But there are some unscrupulous men among the ninja. Are you sure about him?\"\n\n\"He's Hikoemon's nephew, and he is loyal.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, we should be extremely cautious. Give him a reward, but keep him inside the castle. It would probably be better to imprison him until this is all over.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, my lord.\"\n\n\"Why not?\"\n\n\"Because if we treat a man like that, the next time the opportunity comes up, he won't feel like jeopardizing his life as he did this time. And if you cannot trust a man, but give him a reward, he might be tempted with a lot of money by the enemy someday.\"\n\n\"Well, then, where did you leave him?\"\n\n\"As luck would have it, Oyu was just about to return to Fuwa, so I ordered him to go along as a guard for her palanquin.\"\n\n\"The man risked his life coming back from Kai, and you immediately ordered him to accompany your mistress? Isn't Tenzo going to resent that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He went along with her happily. I may be a foolish master, but he knows me very well.\"\n\n\"You seem to employ people a little differently than I do.\"\n\n\"You can be doubly at ease, my lord. She may be a woman, but if it appears that Tenzo is about to spill any secrets to anyone, she'll protect our interests, even if she has to kill him.\"\n\n\"Put away your self-congratulations.\"\n\n\"Sorry. You know what I'm like.\"\n\n\"That's not the point,\" Nobunaga said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Tiger of Kai has died, so we can't delay. We've got to move before Shingen's death is known by the world at large. Hideyoshi, leave tonight and hurry back to Yokoyama.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I had planned to do that immediately, so I sent Oyu back to Fuwa, and—\"\n\n\"Forget the rest. I've hardly got time to sleep. We're going to mobilize at daybreak.\"\n\nNobunaga's thoughts were perfectly in line with Hideyoshi's. The opportunity they had always sought—the time to finish up a former problem—was now at hand. The problem being, of course, the liquidation of the troublesome shogun and the old order.\n\nNeedless to say, as Nobunaga was an actor in the new age that was about to replace the old, his advance was quickly realized." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the twenty-second day of the Third Month, his army thundered out of Gifu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When it arrived at the shores of Lake Biwa, the army split into two." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One half of the army was under the command of Nobunaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He boarded ship and sailed across the lake to the west. The remaining half, composed of the troops led by Katsuie, Mitsuhide, and Hachiya, took the land route and advanced along the southern edge of the lake.\n\nThe land army ousted the anti-Nobunaga forces made up of the warrior-monks in the area between Katada and Ishiyama, and destroyed the fortifications that had been erected along the road.\n\nThe shogun's advisers quickly held a conference.\n\n\"Shall we resist?\"\n\n\"Shall we sue for peace?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These men had a big problem: they had not yet given a clear answer to the seventeen-article document that Nobunaga had sent to Yoshiaki on New Year's Day. In it, Nobunaga had itemized all his grievances against Yoshiaki.\n\n\"What audacity! I am the shogun, after all!\" Yoshiaki had said angrily, conveniently forgetting that it was Nobunaga who had protected him and returned him to Nijo Palace. \"Why should I submit to a nonentity like Nobunaga?\"\n\nMessengers had come from Nobunaga one after another to work out peace terms, but had withdrawn without being granted audiences." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, as a sort of response, the shogun had barricades erected on the roads that led to the capital." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The opportunity that Nobunaga had been waiting for and that Hideyoshi had been planning against was the arrival of the appropriate moment for reproving Yoshiaki for his lack of response to the Seventeen Articles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That opportunity had come sooner than either of them had imagined—hastened by Shingen's death.\n\nIn any period of history, a man on his way to ruin always holds on to the ludicrous illusion that he is not the one about to fall. Yoshiaki fell straight into that trap.\n\nNobunaga saw him in yet another way, saying, \"We can use him, too.\" Thus he was handled with delicate disrespect. But the members of the worthless shogunate of this period did not know their own value, and no matter what the subject of their thoughts, intellectually speaking, their understanding did not go beyond the past." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They saw only the narrow face of culture in the capital and believed that it prevailed throughout Japan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Entrusting themselves to the cramped policies of the past, they relied on the warrior-monks of the Honganji and on the many samurai warlords throughout the provinces who hated Nobunaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shogun was still unaware of Shingen's death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And so he played tough." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am the shogun, the pillar of the samurai class. I'm different from the monks on Mount Hiei. If Nobunaga were to aim his weapons at Nijo Palace, he would be branded a traitor.\"\n\nHis attitude indicated that he would not decline war if it was offered. Naturally, he called on the clans around the capital and sent urgent messages to the faraway Asai, the Asakura, the Uesugi, and the Takeda, setting up a showy defense.\n\nWhen Nobunaga heard this, he turned toward the capital with a laugh and, without stopping his army for a single day, entered Osaka. The ones who were shocked this time were the warrior-monks of the Honganji. Suddenly face to face with Nobunaga's army, they had no idea what to do." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Nobunaga was content simply to line his men up in battle array.\n\n\"We can strike anytime we like,\" he said. At this point he wanted most strongly to avoid any unnecessary expenditure of military strength. And, until this time, he had repeatedly sent envoys to Kyoto asking for a response to the Seventeen Articles. So this was a sort of ultimatum. Yoshiaki took a highhanded view: he was shogun and he simply did not feel like listening to Nobunaga's opinions of his administration." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Among the Seventeen Articles, Yoshiaki was pressed quite firmly by two articles in particular." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first was concerned with the crime of disloyalty to the Emperor. The second article had to do with his disgraceful conduct. While it was his duty to maintain the peace of the Empire, he himself had incited the provinces to rebellion.\n\n\"It's useless. He'll never accept this kind of grilling—just written notes and messengers,\" Araki Murashige said to Nobunaga.\n\nHosokawa Fujitaka, who had also joined Nobunaga, added, \"I suppose it's no use hoping that the shogun will wake up before his fall.\"\n\nNobunaga nodded. He seemed to understand only too well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it would not be necessary to use the drastic violence here that he had employed at Mount Hiei; neither was he so poor in strategy that he would have to use the same method twice.\n\n\"Back to Kyoto!\" Nobunaga had given this order on the fourth day of the Fourth Month, but it had seemed nothing more than an exercise to impress the masses with the size of his army.\n\n\"Look at that! He's not going to have them bivouac for very long. Just like the last time, Nobunaga's uneasy about Gifu and is hurriedly withdrawing his soldiers,\" Yoshiaki said, elated. With the reports that came to him one after another, however, his color began to change. For just as he was congratulating himself about the troops bypassing Kyoto, the Oda army flowed into the capital from the Osaka road. Then, without a single war cry and more peacefully than if they had been simply performing maneuvers, the soldiers surrounded Yoshiaki's residence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're close to the Imperial Palace, so be careful not to disturb His Majesty. It will be enough to censure this impudent shogun's crimes,\" Nobunaga ordered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no gunfire, and not even the hum of a single bowstring." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was uncanny, far more than if there had been a great commotion.\n\n\"Yamato, what do you think we should do? What is Nobunaga going to do to me?\" Yoshiaki asked his senior adviser, Mibuchi Yamato.\n\n\"You're pitifully unprepared. At this point, do you still not understand what Nobunaga has in mind? He's clearly come to attack you.\"\n\n\"B-but... I'm the shogun!\"\n\n\"These are troubled times. What good is a title going to do you? It appears that you have only two choices: either resolve to fight or sue for peace.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As his retainer spoke these words, tears fell from his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Along with Hosokawa Fujitaka, this honorable man had not left Yoshiaki's side since the days of his exile.\n\n\"I do not remain to protect my honor or to seek fame. Nor am I following a strategy for survival. I know what's going to happen tomorrow, but somehow I just can't abandon this fool of a shogun,\" Yamato had once said. Certainly he knew that Yoshiaki was hardly worth saving. He knew the world was changing, but he seemed resolved to stand his ground at Nijo Palace. He was already over fifty years old, a general past his prime.\n\n\"Sue for peace? Is there any good reason why I, the shogun, should beg someone like Nobunaga for peace?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're so obsessed by the title of shogun that your only course is self-destruction.\"\n\n\"Don't you think we'll win, if we fight?\"\n\n\"There's no reason why we should. It would be completely laughable if you put up a defense of this place with any thought of victory.\"\n\n\"Well then, w-why are you and the other generals dressed up in your armor so ostentatiously?\"\n\n\"We think it would at least be a beautiful way to die. Even though the situation is hopeless, to make our final stand here will be a fitting end to fourteen generations of shoguns. That is the duty of a samurai, after all. It's really nothing more than arranging flowers at a funeral.\"\n\n\"Wait! Don't attack yet! Put down your guns.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshiaki disappeared into the palace and consulted with Hino and Takaoka, two courtiers with whom he was on friendly terms. After noon, a messenger was secretly sent out of the palace by Hino. Following that, the governor of Kyoto came from the Oda side and, toward evening, Oda Nobuhiro appeared as a formal envoy from Nobunaga.\n\n\"Hereafter, I will carefully observe each of the articles,\" Yoshiaki assured the envoy. With a bitter look on his face, Yoshiaki pledged himself with words that were not in his heart. That day he begged for peace. Nobunaga's soldiers withdrew and peacefully returned to Gifu." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: two sentences sentences, historical fiction genre. go!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mount Gokurakuji stood directly in front of the plain of Shidaragahara, and from its peak one could point to the Takeda positions at Tobigasu, Kiyoida, and Arumigahara." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga set up his headquarters on Mount Gokurakuji, while Ieyasu chose Mount Danjo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The thirty-eight thousand Tokugawa and Oda forces deployed on these two mountains had already finished their preparations for the coming battle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sky filled with clouds, but there was no hint of lightning or wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On Mount Gokurakuji, the generals of both the Oda and Tokugawa clans gathered in a temple at the top of the mountain for a joint military conference." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the middle of the conference it was announced to Ieyasu that the scouts had just returned.\n\nWhen Nobunaga heard this, he said, \"They've come at a good time. Bring them here, and we can all listen to their reports on the enemy's movements.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two scouts made their reports in a rather pompous way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The first began, \"Lord Katsuyori has made his headquarters to the west of Arumigahara. His retainers and cavalry are, indeed, quite hale. They seemed to number close to four thousand men, and appeared to be quite composed and self-possessed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The second went on, \"Obata Nobusada and his attack corps are overlooking the battlefield from a low hill a little to the south of Kiyoida. I could see that the main army of about three thousand men under Naito Shuri is encamped from Kiyoida to Asai. The left wing, which also numbers about three thousand, is under the standards of Yamagata Masakage and Oyamada Nobushige. Finally, the right wing is under Anayama Baisetsu and Baba Nobufusa. They look extremely impressive.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about the troops laying siege to Nagashino Castle?\" Ieyasu asked.\n\n\"About two thousand troops have remained around the castle and are keeping it tightly in check. There also seems to be a surveillance corps on a hill to the west of the castle, and it's possible that about a thousand soldiers are concealed in the fortresses around Tobigasu.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The reports of the two men were, for the most part, rather incomplete. But the generals of the units they mentioned were famous beyond measure for their ferocity and valor, and Baba and Obata were both strategists of immense reputation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the Oda and Tokugawa generals listened to the scouts' account of the enemies' positions, the vehemence of their will to fight, and their composure and self-confidence, the color drained from their faces.\n\nThey were silent, like men consumed by dread just before a battle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suddenly Sakai Tadatsugu spoke, in a voice so loud it surprised the men around him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The outcome is already clear. There is no need for further discussion. How is an enemy of such scant numbers going to be a match for our own huge army?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's enough conferring!\" Nobunaga agreed, and slapped his knee." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tadatsugu has spoken admirably. To the eyes of a coward, the crane that flies across the paddies looks like an enemy banner and makes him quake with fear,\" he laughed. \"I feel greatly relieved by the reports of these two men. Lord Ieyasu, we should celebrate!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Having been praised, Sakai Tadatsugu got a bit carried away and said, \"My own opinion is that the enemy's greatest weakness is at Tobigasu. If we took a roundabout route and struck at their weak point from the rear with some lightly armed soldiers, the morale of their entire army would be thrown into confusion, and our men—\"\n\n\"Tadatsugu!\" Nobunaga said sharply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What good is such a ploy in this great battle? You're being presumptuous. I think everybody had better withdraw!\" Using the reprimand as an excuse, Nobunaga adjourned the conference." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shamefaced, Tadatsugu left with the others.\n\nWhen all had left, however, Nobunaga said to Ieyasu, \"Forgive me for rebuking that brave Tadatsugu so severely in front of all the others. I think his plan is excellent, but I was afraid that it might leak out to the enemy. Would you console him later?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, it was clearly an indiscretion on Tadatsugu's part to reveal our plans, even though he was among allies. It was a good lesson for him. And I learned something, too.\"\n\n\"I rebuked him so severely that I doubt that even our own men will expect us to use the plan. Call Tadatsugu, and give him permission to make a surprise attack on Tobigasu.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure it is his fondest wish to hear just that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu summoned Tadatsugu and related Nobunaga's wishes.\n\nTadatsugu needed no further urging to go into action." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Under extreme secrecy, he finished the preparations for his unit and then had a private audience with Nobunaga.\n\n\"I'll be leaving at sunset, my lord,\" were Tadatsugu's only words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga, too, said little." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nevertheless, he assigned five hundred of his gunners to Tadatsugu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The entire force comprised more than three thousand men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They left the encampment at nightfall, in the absolute darkness of the Fifth Month. About the time they got under way, stripes of white rain were cutting diagonally through the darkness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The downpour drenched them to the skin as they marched along in silence.\n\nBefore climbing Mount Matsu, the entire company hid in a temple compound at the foot of the mountain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The soldiers took off their armor, left their horses behind, and shouldered whatever equipment they would take with them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The slope was painfully steep and muddy from the torrential rain. Every time the men took a step forward, they would slip back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hanging on to the shafts of the spears and grasping the hands of their comrades above them, they scaled the three hundred fifty yards to the summit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A pale whiteness was beginning to appear in the night sky, announcing the coming dawn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The clouds began to part, and the splendor of the morning sun pierced the thick sea of mist.\n\n\"It's clearing!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Luck from heaven!\"\n\n\"Conditions are perfect!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the top of the mountain the men put on their armor and divided into two groups." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The first would make a dawn raid on the enemy fortress on the mountain, and the other would attack Tobigasu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Takeda had underestimated the danger, and now their waking shouts broke out in confusion. The fires set by Tadatsugu's forces sent black smoke rising from the mountain stronghold." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Takeda fled in a disorderly rout toward Tobigasu. But by then Tadatsugu's second division had already breached the castle walls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The night before, after Tadatsugu's departure, Nobunaga's entire army had been given the order to advance. But this was not to be the outbreak of the battle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The army defied the driving rain and moved on toward the neighborhood of Mount Chausu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From that time until dawn, the soldiers pounded the stakes they had carried into the ground, and bound them together with rope to create a palisade that looked like a meandering centipede." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As dawn was nearing, Nobunaga inspected the defenses on horseback. The rain had stopped, and the construction of the palisade had been completed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga turned to the Tokugawa generals and yelled at them with a laugh, \"Wait and see! Today we're going to let the Kai army come close, and then we'll handle them like molting skylarks.\"\n\nI wonder, each of them thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They imagined that he was just trying to reassure them. But what they could clearly see was that the soldiers from Gifu—the troops who had shouldered the stakes and ropes all the way from Okazaki—were now on the battlefield." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And the thirty thousand stakes had become a long, serpentine palisade.\n\n\"Let the picked troops of Kai come on!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The construction itself, however, could not be used to attack the enemy. And to annihilate the enemy in the way Nobunaga had described, they would have to draw him toward the palisade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To lure him, one of Sakuma Nobumori's units and Okubo Tadayo's gunners were sent outside the palisade to wait for the enemy.\n\nSuddenly a chorus of voices lifted skyward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Takeda had been careless with their enemies, and their shouts of dismay came when they saw the black smoke rising from the direction of Tobigasu, behind them.\n\n\"The enemy is behind us, too!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're pressing in from the rear!\"\n\nAs their agitation began to turn to panic, Katsuyori gave the command to charge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't delay for a moment! Waiting for the enemy will only give them the advantage!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His own self-confidence, and the faith of his troops that was based on that self-confidence, amounted to this creed: Don't even question me! Have faith in a martial valor that has never known defeat since the time of Lord Shingen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But civilization moves on like a horse at full gallop." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Southern Barbarians—the Portuguese—had revolutionized warfare with the introduction of firearms. How sad that Takeda Shingen had not had the wisdom to foresee this." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kai, protected by its mountains, ravines, and rivers, was cut off from the center of things and isolated from foreign influences." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In addition, its samurai were consumed by an obstinacy and conceit particular to the men of a mountainous province." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had very little fear of their own shortcomings, and no desire to study the ways of other lands. The upshot was that they relied completely on their cavalry and picked troops." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The forces under Yamagata fiercely attacked the troops of Sakuma Nobumori outside the palisade. In contrast, Nobunaga had planned a fully scientific strategy, using modern tactics and weapons." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rain had just stopped; the ground was muddy.\n\nThe left wing of the Kai army—the two thousand troops under Yamagata—received their general's command not to attack the palisade." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They took a roundabout route to bypass it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the mire was horrible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The downpour of the night before had caused the brook to overflow its banks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This natural calamity was unforeseen even by Yamagata, who had fully surveyed the lay of the land beforehand. The soldiers sank into the mud up to their shins." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The horses were unable to move." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To add to their troubles, the Oda gunners under Okubo began to fire at Yamagata's flank.\n\n\"Turn!\" Yamagata ordered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With this short command, the mud-covered army changed its direction once again and thrust toward Okubo's gunners." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tiny sprays of mud appeared to spatter all over the two thousand armored men. Struck by the rifle fire, they fell, yelling as red blood spurted from them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Trampled by their own horses, they cried out in pathetic confusion.\n\nFinally the armies collided." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For decades, warfare had been changing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ancient fighting style in which each samurai called out his own name and declared that he was the descendant of so-and-so, that his master was the lord of such-and-such a province, was fast disappearing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thus, once hand-to-hand fighting broke out—naked blade biting against naked blade and warrior grappling with warrior—its horror was beyond words.\n\nThe best weapons were first the gun and then the spear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The spear was not used for stabbing, but rather for brandishing, flailing, and striking, and these were the methods taught for the battlefield." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Advantage, therefore, was perceived in length, and there were spears with shafts anywhere from twelve to eighteen feet long.\n\nThe common soldiers were lacking both in the training and in the courage that the situation demanded, and were really only capable of striking with their spears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thus there were many occasions when a skillful warrior would rush into their midst with a short spear, thrust in every direction, and, almost with ease, win himself the fame accorded a single warrior who had struck down dozens of men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Attacked by swarms of these men, both the Tokugawa and the Oda forces were helpless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Okubo corps was wiped out almost instantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The reason the Okubo corps and the Sakuma forces were outside of the palisade, however, was to draw the enemy in, not to win. For this reason it would have been all right for them to turn and run." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But as soon as they saw the faces of the Kai soldiers in front of them, they were unable to keep years of animosity from igniting in their hearts.\n\n\"Come and get us!\" they cried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Neither would they stand for the jeers and insults of the Kai warriors. Inevitably, the Oda men cast caution aside in the midst of all the blood, and thought only of their own province and reputations." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While this was going on, Katsuyori and his generals must have thought that the time was right, for the center battalions of Kai's fifteen-thousand-man army began to advance like a giant cloud. Their orderly formations broke up like a gigantic flock of birds taking flight, and as they finally approached the palisade, each corps simultaneously screamed its war cries." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To the eyes of the Takeda, the wooden palisade clearly appeared to be nothing much at all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They thought they would force their way through, breaking through with a single charge, boring right into the central Oda army like a drill.\n\nRaising a battle cry, the Kai forces charged the palisade." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were determined—some tried to clamber over, some to beat the fence down with huge mallets and iron staffs, some to cut through it with saws, and some to douse it with oil and burn it down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga had left the fighting to the Sakuma and Okubo corps outside the palisade until then, and the ranks on Mount Chausu were silent. But suddenly..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now!\"\n\nNobunaga's golden war fan cut through the air, and the commanders of the firearms regiments competed with each other in yelling out the order:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fire!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fire!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The earth shook at the volleys of gunfire. The mountain split open and the clouds were shredded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Powder smoke shrouded the palisade, and the horses and men of the Kai army fell like mosquitoes into piles of corpses.\n\n\"Don't retreat!\" their commanders urged. \"Follow me!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Recklessly charging the palisade, the soldiers leaped over the dead bodies of their comrades, but they were unable to avoid the oncoming rain of bullets. Screaming pathetically, they ended up as corpses themselves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the end, the Kai army could no longer stand its ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Retreat!\" screamed four or five mounted commanders, pulling back their horses, the command somehow wrung from their throats even in their panic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One fell, covered with blood, while another was thrown from his whinnying horse as it went down under a hail of bullets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No matter how badly they had been beaten, however, their spirit was not broken. They had lost almost one-third of their men in the first charge, but the instant they retreated, a fresh force once again hastened toward the palisade." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The blood that had spattered the thirty thousand stakes had not yet dried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gunfire coming from the palisade answered their charge directly, as if to say, We've been waiting.\n\nGlaring at the palisade dyed red with the blood of their comrades, the fierce soldiers of Kai screamed as they charged, encouraging one another, vowing that they would never retreat a single yard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's time to die!\"\n\n\"On to our deaths!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Make a death shield so the others can leap over us!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The \"death shield\" was a last-ditch tactic in which soldiers in the front rank sacrificed themselves to protect the advance of the next rank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then that rank in turn acted as a shield for the troops following, and in this way the troops pressed on step by step. It was a terrible way to advance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These were, indeed, brave men; but surely this charge was nothing more than a futile display of brute strength. And yet there were able tacticians among the generals leading the assault." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuyori, of course, was at the rear, urging his men to go forward, but had his commanders known that victory was an absolute impossibility, there would have been no reason to ask for such an immense sacrifice and repeatedly to push the troops too far.\n\n\"That wall must be broken down!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They must have believed that it could be done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once the guns of that period were fired, reloading the ball and repacking the gunpowder took time. Thus, once a volley had been fired, the sound of gunfire would stop for a while." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was that interval that the Kai generals considered a window to be taken advantage of; thus the \"death shield\" was not begrudged." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga, however, had considered that particular weak point, and for the new weapons he had devised new tactics. In this case, he divided his three thousand gunners into three groups." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the first thousand men had fired their weapons, each man would quickly step to the side and the second group would advance through their ranks, immediately firing their own volley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They, too, would then open their ranks and be quickly replaced by the third group." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In this way, the interval the enemy so hoped for was never given to them throughout the entire battle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again, there were openings here and there in the palisade." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Measuring the intervals between the tides of charges, the Oda and Tokugawa spear corps would dash out from inside the palisade and quickly strike at both wings of the Kai army." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Obstructed by the protective palisade and the gunfire, the Kai soldiers were unable to advance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they attempted to retreat, they were harassed by the enemy's pursuit and the pincer attack. Now the Kai warriors, who took such pride in their discipline and training, did not have even a moment to exhibit their courage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Yamagata corps had retreated altogether, leaving behind a large number of men who had sacrificed their lives. Only Baba Nobufusa had not fallen into the trap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Baba had clashed with the troops of Sakuma Nobumori, but as Nobumori had only been there originally as a decoy, the Oda troops feinted a retreat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Baba corps chased after them and took possession of the encampment at Maruyama, but Baba's orders were to go no deeper, and he did not send a single soldier beyond Maruyama." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why don't you advance!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Baba was repeatedly asked by both Katsuyori's headquarters and his own officers.\n\nBaba, however, would not move." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have my own reasons to ponder over for a moment, and I'd better stop here to observe what is occurring. The rest of you should go ahead and advance. Win some glory for yourselves.\"\n\nEvery commander who got near enough to attack the palisade met with the same overwhelming defeat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then Katsuie and Hideyoshi led their battalions far around the villages to the north and began to cut off the headquarters of the Kai army from the front lines.\n\nIt was almost noon, and the sun was high in a sky that promised the end of the rainy season." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It now burned down on the earth with an abrupt heat and with a color that announced an intense summer.\n\nHostilities had begun at dawn, at the second half of the Hour of the Tiger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With the continual change of new troops, the men of the Kai army were by this time bathed in sweat and breathing hard. The blood that had been shed in the morning had dried like glue on the leather of their armor and on their hair and skin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And now there was fresh blood wherever one looked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind the central army, Katsuyori was howling like a demon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally he had sent in every battalion, including the reserve corps usually held back for emergencies. If Katsuyori had understood the situation more quickly, he might have finished the matter with only a fraction of the damage his army incurred." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But instead, moment by moment, he himself turned a small mistake into a monstrous one. In short, this was not simply a matter of martial spirit and courage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was the same as if the forces of Nobunaga and Ieyasu had set snares at the hunting grounds and waited for wild ducks or boars to come." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Kai regiments that attacked so fiercely did nothing more than lose their valuable soldiers in a pointless \"death shield.\"\n\nAlas, it was said that even Yamagata Masakage, who had fought so well with the left wing since morning, had been struck down in battle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Other famous generals, men of great courage, went down one after another, until the dead and wounded numbered over half of the entire army.\n\n\"It's obvious that the enemy is going to be defeated. Isn't this the right moment?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The general who spoke was Sassa Narimasa, who had been watching the battle with Nobunaga.\n\nNobunaga immediately had Narimasa transmit his orders to the troops inside the palisade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He said, \"Leave the palisade and attack. Destroy them all!\"\n\nEven Katsuyori's headquarters collapsed in the attack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Tokugawa pressed in on the left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Oda broke through the Takeda vanguard and made a fierce assault on the central army. Caught in the middle, the numerous banners, commanders' standards, signal flags, whinnying horses, shining armor, and spears and swords that sparkled like constellations around Katsuyori were now enveloped in blood and panic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only the forces of Baba Nobufusa, which had remained at Maruyama, were still intact." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Baba sent a samurai to Katsuyori with a message advocating retreat.\n\nKatsuyori stamped the ground with vexation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he was unable to defy reality." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Defeated, the central corps had retreated, covered with blood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We should retreat temporarily, my lord.\"\n\n\"Swallow your anger and think of what our prospects are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Desperately leading the men of the main camp, Katsuyori's generals somehow extricated him from the trap he was in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To the enemy it was clear that the central Kai army was in a disorderly retreat.\n\nWhen they had accompanied Katsuyori as far as a nearby bridge, the generals turned back, forming a rear guard to fight with the pursuing troops." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were heroically struck down in battle. Baba had also accompanied the fleeing Katsuyori and the pathetic remnants of his army as far as Miyawaki, but finally the old general turned his horse to the west, his breast filled with a thousand thoughts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I've lived a long life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or I could say it's been short, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Truly long or truly short, only this one moment is eternal, I suppose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The moment of death... Can eternal life be anything more than that?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, just before galloping into the midst of the enemy, he swore, I'll make my excuses to Lord Shingen in the next world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was an incompetent counselor and general." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Good-bye, you mountains and rivers of Kai!\n\nTurning around, he shed a single tear for his province, then suddenly spurred his horse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Death! I won't dishonor the name of Lord Shingen!\"\n\nHis voice sank into the sea of the great enemy army." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is hardly necessary to add that each of his retainers followed him, to be struck down gloriously.\n\nFrom the very beginning, no one had been able to see through this battle as Baba had." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had doubtless perceived that, after it, the Takeda clan would fall and would even be destroyed, and that that was its fate. Nevertheless, even with his foresight and loyalty, he was unable to save the clan from disaster." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The huge forces of change were simply overwhelming." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Together with a dozen or so mounted attendants, Katsuyori crossed over the shallows of Komatsugase and finally sought shelter in Busetsu Castle. Katsuyori was a courageous man, but now he was as speechless as a deaf mute." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The entire surface of Shidaragahara was red—a deep red—as the sun began to sink. The great battle this day had commenced around dawn and finished in the late afternoon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No horse neighed; not a soldier cried out." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wide plain quickly sank into darkness in complete desolation.\n\nThe dew of night settled before the dead could be carried away. The Takeda corpses alone were said to have numbered more than ten thousand." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 2 sentences. Write in the style of Eiji Yoshikawa, stick to these genres: historical fiction, and include these themes: samurai, Japan." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Hideyoshi's seven thousand five hundred men left Kozuki, it looked as though they would be advancing toward Tajima, but suddenly they turned toward Kakogawa in Harima and joined forces with Nobutada's thirty thousand troops. It was already the end of summer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Attacked by this large army, both the castles at Kanki and Shikata fell quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only remaining castle was at Miki, the stronghold of the Bessho clan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The battles the Oda fought as they pressed in on Miki Castle seemed to have gone rather easily, but the reduction of fortress after fortress on the first line of Mori defenses had been at the sacrifice of a large number of men. The combined forces of the Oda numbered thirty-eight thousand men, but it was clear that the enemy was going to put up considerable resistance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the reasons this campaign would require time was that, along with advances in weaponry, there had been a revolution in tactics." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Generally, the weapons of the western provinces' armies were more advanced than those of the Oda's enemies in Echizen or Kai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the first time the Oda forces had come into contact with such powerful gunpowder and cannon. For Hideyoshi, this was an enemy from whom he could learn many things." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kanbei probably did the buying, but Hideyoshi himself was the first to abandon the old Chinese cannons and equip himself with a cannon made by the Southern Barbarians, which he placed on top of a reconnaissance tower." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the other Oda generals saw this, they too rushed to acquire the latest cannon.\n\nWhen they heard of the fighting in the western provinces, a large number of arms merchants came up from Hirado and Hakata in Kyushu, dodging the Mori fleet at the risk of their lives while seeking the ports on the Harima coast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi helped these men by mediating with the other generals, whom he told to purchase the new weapons, regardless of cost." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The power of the new cannons was first tested on Kanki Castle. The Oda built a small hill facing the point of attack, and erected a wooden reconnaissance tower upon it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A large cannon was then placed at the top of the tower and fired at the castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The castle's earthen wall and gate were destroyed easily. The real targets, however, were the towers and the inner citadel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the enemy also possessed artillery, as well as the newest small arms and gunpowder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The reconnaissance tower was pulverized or burned to the ground a number of times, only to be rebuilt and knocked flat again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During this hard fighting, Hideyoshi's engineers filled in the moat and pressed in beneath the stone wall, while the sappers excavated tunnels to undermine the walls. This work continued without interruption day and night, never allowing the soldiers in the castle a moment to undo the damage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Such a strategy eventually brought about the fall of the castles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because victory over the small castles at Shikata and Kanki had required such efforts, it looked as if the attack on the main castle at Miki might be even more difficult.\n\nThere was an elevated area called Mount Hirai, about half a league from Miki Castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi set up his camp there and positioned eight thousand men in the surrounding area." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One day Nobutada visited Mount Hirai, and the two of them went out and observed the enemy's positions. To the south of the enemy were the mountains and hills connected to the mountain ranges of western Harima." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To the north ran the Miki River." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To the east were bamboo thickets, farmland, and scrub. Finally, a number of strongholds on the neighboring hills encircled the castle walls on three sides." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These in turn centered around the main citadel, the second citadel, and yet a third enclosure.\n\n\"It makes you wonder if it can be taken quickly, Hideyoshi,\" said Nobutada, gazing at the castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I doubt seriously that it'll be taken easily. It's like a rotten tooth with a deep root.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A rotten tooth?\" Nobutada unintentionally broke into a smile at Hideyoshi's image. Nobutada had been suffering from toothache for four or five days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because of the swelling, his face was a little distorted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now he held his cheek and couldn't help laughing at Hideyoshi's observation. The parallel of the unassailable Miki Castle and his rotten tooth was both amusing and painful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I see. Just like a rotten tooth. To pull it, you need patience.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It may be only one tooth, but it offends the body in its entirety. Bessho Nagaharu makes our men suffer. It's not enough to say that he's like a rotten tooth. But if we give in to our irritation and try to subjugate the castle thoughtlessly, not only could the gums be damaged but it could be fatal to the patient.\"\n\n\"Well, what shall we do, then? What's your strategy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This tooth's fate is clear. Let's just loosen the root naturally. What if we cut off the supply roads and then shake the tooth from time to time?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My father, Nobunaga, told me to withdraw to Gifu if the prospects were not good for a quick attack. You can take care of the delaying tactics and other arrangements; I'm returning to Gifu.\"\n\n\"Set your mind at ease, my lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The next day Nobutada withdrew from the battlefield in the company of the other generals." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi disposed his eight thousand soldiers around Miki Castle, placing a corps commander at each position and erecting wooden palisades. He posted sentries and cut off all roads leading into the castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Special emphasis was placed on the observation corps guarding the road to the south of the castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If one followed the road about four leagues to the west, one would come out on the coast. The Mori navy often sent large convoys of ships to this point, and from here it transported weapons and provisions to the castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Eighth Month is so refreshing,\" Hideyoshi said, gazing up at the evening moon. \"Ichimatsu! Hey, Ichimatsu!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pages came running out of the camp, each of them jockeying to arrive first. Ichimatsu was not among them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While the other pages took stances to outshine one another, Hideyoshi gave them their instructions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Prepare a mat at a spot on Mount Hirai with a commanding view. We're going to have a moon-viewing party tonight. Now don't fight among yourselves. This is a party, not a battle.\"\n\n\"Yes, my lord!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Toranosuke.\"\n\n\"My lord?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ask Hanbei to join me if he feels well enough for moon viewing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two of the pages quickly returned and announced that they had prepared the mat. They had chosen a place near the summit of Mount Hirai, a short climb from the camp." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A superb view, indeed,\" Hideyoshi commented. Then he once again turned to the pages and said, \"Go ask Kanbei too. It would be a shame if he didn't see this moon.\" And he sent a page running to Kanbei's tent." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "hey AI, write 6 sentences more. copy Eiji Yoshikawa's style. use these ideas: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Half of the First Month had passed. After the New Year's decorations had been taken down from the doors of people's homes, the citizens of Azuchi realized that something was going on—so many ships were being loaded at the port and were sailing every day.\n\nThe ships, without exception, were sailing from the southern part of the lake northward. And thousands of bales of rice, carried along the land routes in meandering processions of horses and carts, were also going up the coast toward the north.\n\nAs always, the streets of Azuchi were filled with the traffic of travelers and the goings and comings of the various lords. Not a day went by that a messenger was not seen galloping down the road, or that an envoy from another province didn't pass by." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aren't you coming?\" Nobunaga called out happily to Nakagawa Sebei." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where to, my lord?\"\n\n\"Hawking!\"\n\n\"That's my favorite sport! May I accompany you, my lord?\"\n\n\"Sansuke, you come too.\"\n\nIt was on a morning in early spring that Nobunaga set out from Azuchi. His attendants had been picked the night before, but Nakagawa Sebei—who had just come to the castle—had now been invited, and Ikeda Shonyu's son, Sansuke, was added to the group as well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga had a liking for riding, sumo wrestling, hawking, and the tea ceremony, but the chase was certainly one of his favorite pastimes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The beaters and archers would be exhausted by the end of the day. Such interests might be called pastimes, but Nobunaga did nothing halfheartedly. With sumo wrestling, for example, when a basho was arranged at Azuchi, he would gather well over fifteen hundred wrestlers from Omi, Kyoto, Naniwa, and other faraway provinces. In the end, the various lords would gather to watch in large crowds, and Nobunaga would rarely grow tired of the sight even as the hour grew late. Instead, he would pick men from among his own retainers and order them to go up into the ring for match after match.\n\nThis First Month's hawking trip to the Echi River, however, was extremely simple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was nothing more than an outing, and the hawks were never released." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a short rest, Nobunaga ordered the party to return to Azuchi.\n\nAs the party entered the town of Azuchi, Nobunaga reined in his horse and turned toward a foreign-looking building in the middle of a stand of trees. The sound of a violin was coming from a window. He suddenly dismounted and went in through the door with a few of his attendants.\n\nTwo or three Jesuits came down hurriedly to greet him, but Nobunaga was already striding into the house.\n\n\"Your Lordship!\" the fathers exclaimed in surprise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the school that had been built next to the Church of the Ascension. Nobunaga had been one of the benefactors of the school, but everything from the timber to the furnishings had been contributed by provincial lords who had been converted to Christianity.\n\n\"I'd like to see how you conduct classes,\" Nobunaga announced. \"I assume the children are all here.\"\n\nHearing what Nobunaga wanted, the fathers were nearly in ecstasy, and told each other what an honor the visit was. Ignoring their chatter, Nobunaga climbed rapidly up the stairs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nearly in panic, one of the priests ran ahead to the classroom and informed the students of the unforeseen inspection by a noble visitor.\n\nThe sound of the violin stopped suddenly, and the whispering was silenced. Nobunaga stood at the rostrum for a moment and looked over the room, thinking what an odd sort of school it was. The seats and desks in the classroom were all of foreign design, and a textbook had been placed on each desk. As might be expected, the pupils were the sons of provincial lords and retainers. They bowed solemnly to Nobunaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The children were between ten and fifteen years of age. All of them came from noble families, and the entire scene, imbued with the exoticism of European culture, was like a flower garden that no Japanese temple school in Azuchi could rival.\n\nBut the question of which kind of school—Christian or Buddhist—offered the best form of education had already been answered in Nobunaga's mind, it seemed, and so he had neither admiration nor wonder for what was in front of him. Taking a student's textbook from a nearby desk, he thumbed through the pages silently but quickly returned it to its owner.\n\n\"Who was playing the violin just now?\" he asked.\n\nRepeating Nobunaga's question, one of the fathers queried the students again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga quickly understood: the teachers had not been in the room until now, and the students had plainly taken advantage of their absence to play musical instruments, gossip, and frolic happily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was Jerome,\" the priest said.\n\nThe students all looked at one boy who sat among them. Nobunaga followed the direction of their stares, and his eyes rested on a youth of fourteen or fifteen.\n\n\"Yes. There he is. It was Jerome.\" When the father pointed at him, the youth turned bright red and looked down. Nobunaga was not sure whether he knew the child or not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who is this Jerome? Whose son is he?\" he asked again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The priest spoke to the boy sternly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stand up, Jerome. Answer His Lordship.\"\n\nJerome stood and bowed to Nobunaga.\n\n\"I'm the one who was playing the violin just now, my lord.\" His words were distinct, and there was no servility in his eyes; one could see that he was the offspring of samurai family.\n\nNobunaga looked rigidly into the child's eyes, but the child did not look away.\n\n\"What was that you were playing? It must have been a tune from Southern Barbarian music.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, it was. It was a Psalm of David.\" The child seemed elated. He spoke with such facility that it was as though he had been waiting for the day when he could answer such a question.\n\n\"Who taught it to you?\"\n\n\"I learned it from Father Valignani.\"\n\n\"Ah, Valignani.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you know him, my lord?\" Jerome asked.\n\n\"Yes, I've met him,\" Nobunaga replied. \"Where is he now?\"\n\n\"He was in Japan at New Year's, but he may already have left Nagasaki and returned to India via Macao. According to a letter from my cousin, his ship was to set sail on the twentieth.\"\n\n\"Your cousin?\"\n\n\"His name is Ito Anzio.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've never heard the name 'Anzio.' Doesn't he have a Japanese name?\"\n\n\"He's Ito Yoshimasu's nephew. His name is Yoshikata.\"\n\n\"Oh, is that who he is? A relative of Ito Yoshimasu, the lord of Obi Castle. And what about you?\"\n\n\"I'm Yoshimasu's son.\"\n\nNobunaga was strangely amused. As he looked at this impertinent, charming youth educated in the flower garden of Christian culture, he could only envision the reckless and bewhiskered figure of the boy's father, Ito Yoshimasu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The castle towns along the coastline of Kyushu in western Japan were ruled by lords like Otomo, Omura, Arima, and Ito." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Recently they were becoming heavily influenced by European culture.\n\nWhatever was brought in from Europe—firearms, gunpowder, telescopes, medicines and medical equipment, leather, dyed and woven goods, and everyday utensils—Nobunaga accepted with gratitude. He was especially enthusiastic about—and even desirous of—innovations connected with medicine, astronomy, and military science. However, there were two things that his digestion absolutely rejected: Christianity and Christian education. But if these two things had not been allowed to the missionaries, they would not have come with their weapons, medicines, and other wonders.\n\nNobunaga was aware of the importance of fostering different cultures and had given permission for the establishment of a church and school in Azuchi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But now that the shoots he had let grow were beginning to bud, he worried about the future of these students." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He realized that if the situation was recklessly ignored for a long time, it would lead to trouble." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga left the class and was led by the priests to a well-appointed waiting room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There he rested on a colorful, glittering chair reserved for noble visitors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fathers then brought out the tea and tobacco from their own country, which they valued so highly, and offered them to their guest, but Nobunaga did not touch a thing.\n\n\"The son of Ito Yoshimasu just now told me that Valignani was sailing from Japan this month. Has he already left?\" he asked.\n\nOne of the fathers answered, \"Father Valignani is accompanying a mission from Japan.\"\n\n\"A mission?\" Nobunaga looked suspicious. Kyushu was not yet under his control, so friendship and commerce between Europe and the provincial lords of that island concerned him more than a little.\n\n\"Father Valignani believes that if the children of influential Japanese do not see the civilization of Europe at least once, true commerce and diplomatic relations will never really begin. He communicated with the various kings of Europe and His Holiness the Pope and persuaded them to invite a mission from Japan. The oldest person among those chosen for the mission is sixteen years old.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He then listed the boys' names.\n\nAlmost all of them were sons of the great clans in Kyushu.\n\n\"That's quite courageous of them.\" Nobunaga actually rejoiced that a mission of young men, whose oldest member was only sixteen, had journeyed to faraway Europe. Inwardly, he thought that it would have been good to meet with them and, as a parting gift, talk a little about his own spirit and faith.\n\nWhy would the kings of Europe and someone like Valignani so enthusiastically want the children of provincial lords to visit Europe?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga understood their intentions, but he also saw through their ulterior motives." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When he departed from Kyoto for this mission, Valignani expressed his regrets... about you, sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Regrets?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That he was returning to Europe without having baptized you.\"\n\n\"Is that so? He said that?\" Nobunaga laughed. He stood up from the chair and turned around to his attendant. The man had a hawk perched on his fist. \"We've tarried too long. Let's go.\"\n\nAlmost as soon as the words left his mouth, he was descending the stairs in great strides." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He quickly called for his horse outside the door." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ito Jerome—the student who had been playing the violin—and all of the others were lined up in the school playground to see him off." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "make the story longer. add these concepts: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Oda soldiers who had attacked Kiso and Ina assembled at Suwa, eventually filling the city. Nobunaga's quarters were located at the Hoyo Temple, which had now become the headquarters for the entire campaign. On the twenty-ninth day of the month, the distribution of awards for the entire army was posted at the temple gate, and on the next day Nobunaga met with all his generals and held a congratulatory banquet in honor of their victories.\n\n\"It seems that you've done some heavy drinking today, Lord Mitsuhide. Quite rare for you, I think,\" Takigawa Kazumasu said to his neighbor.\n\n\"I'm drunk, but what am I going to do?\" Mitsuhide looked completely inebriated, a condition he was never in. His face, which Nobunaga liked to compare to a kumquat, was bright red all the way up to his slightly receding hairline." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How about another cup?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pressing Kazumasu for more, Mitsuhide continued to talk in an excessively cheerful manner. \"We don't often experience happy occasions like the one today, even if we live a long time. Look at that. We've gotten results from all our years of taking pains—not just on the other side of these walls or even just in all of Suwa—but now both Kai and Shinano are buried in the flags and banners of our allies. The desire we've cherished for so many years is being realized right before our eyes.\" His voice, as usual, was not very loud, but his words were heard quite distinctly by every person there. All those who had been talking noisily had fallen silent and were looking back and forth between Nobunaga and Mitsuhide.\n\nNobunaga was staring fixedly at Mitsuhide's bald head. There are times when the eye that is too perceptive discovers an unfortunate state of affairs that would have been better left unnoticed; this creates unnecessary disasters. Nobunaga had been perceiving Mitsuhide in just such a fashion for two days now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide had been doing his best to affect a bright and loquacious manner that did not fit him at all, and in Nobunaga's view there was absolutely no good reason for him to be doing that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a reason, however, for Nobunaga's view, which was quite clearly that at the distribution of awards he had intentionally excluded Mitsuhide.\n\nTo be left out of the distribution of awards should cause a warrior an acute feeling of desolation, and his shame at being a man without merit was worse than the actual rebuff itself. Mitsuhide had not been displaying that sense of dejection at all. On the contrary, he mixed with the other generals, talking happily and exhibiting a smiling face.\n\nThat was not honest. Mitsuhide was a man who would never really open himself up, and there was not much that was lovable in him. Why couldn't he grumble just once?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The more Nobunaga stared at him, the more severe his look became." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His drunken state probably intensified his feeling, but his reaction had been unconscious. Hideyoshi was absent, but if Nobunaga had been looking at him instead of Mitsuhide, there would have been no danger of such emotions being provoked. Even when he looked at Ieyasu, he did not become so ill-tempered. But when his eyes lighted upon Mitsuhide's balding head, they underwent a sudden change. It had not always been like this, and he could not have said for certain when the change had occurred.\n\nBut it was not a matter of a sudden change at a particular time or on a specific occasion. Indeed, if one searched for such a time, one came upon the period when—out of an excess of gratitude—Nobunaga had presented Mitsuhide with Sakamoto Castle, awarded him the castle at Kameyama, arranged his daughter's wedding, and finally endowed him with a province of five hundred thousand bushels." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was extremely kind treatment, but it was soon after that that Nobunaga's perception of Mitsuhide had begun to change." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And there was one clear cause: the fact that in Mitsuhide's bearing and character there was no trace of a willingness to change. When Nobunaga looked at the clear luster on the hairline of that \"kumquat head\" that never made a mistake—ever—Nobunaga's emotions turned their attention toward what he perceived as the stink of Mitsuhide's character. Perverse, almost scorched feelings would arise within him.\n\nSo it was not simply Nobunaga aiming his ill-tempered eye at someone, but rather Mitsuhide himself instigating the situation. One could see that Nobunaga's perversity manifested itself in his words and expression to the same extent that Mitsuhide's wise reasoning power shone. To be fair, it would be like judging whether the right or left hand claps first. At any rate, Mitsuhide was presently chatting with Takigawa Kazumasu, and the eyes that were staring fixedly at him were clearly in no laughing mood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide noticed—perhaps something startled him unconsciously—for Nobunaga suddenly got up from his seat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, Kumquat Head!\"\n\nMitsuhide restrained himself and prostrated himself at Nobunaga's feet. He could feel the cold ribs of a fan lightly strike the nape of his neck two or three times.\n\n\"Yes, my lord?\" Mitsuhide's color, his drunkenness, and even the shine on his forehead suddenly faded and changed to the color of clay.\n\n\"Leave the room.\" Nobunaga's fan left the nape of his neck, but the fan that pointed to the corridor looked just like a sword.\n\n\"I don't know what I've done, but if I've been an affront to you, my lord, and the company, I'm not sure where I should go. Please be fully critical of whatever it is that I've done wrong. I don't mind if you rebuke me right here.\" Even as he humbly apologized, he remained prostrate, slipped his body around, and somehow crawled out onto the broad veranda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga followed him. Wondering what could be the matter, the men filling the room quickly sobered up and suddenly felt their mouths become dry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hearing a thudding noise echo from the wooden-floored veranda, even the generals who had looked away from the pitiful figure of Mitsuhide now turned their eyes back outside the room with a start.\n\nNobunaga had thrown his fan behind him. The generals could see that Nobunaga had Mitsuhide by the scruff of the neck. Each time the poor man struggled to lift his head to say something, Nobunaga would jerk it down and strike it against the balustrade of the veranda.\n\n\"What was that you said? What did you say just now? Something about the results we've gotten after all our pains, and what a truly happy day it is, as we see the army of the Oda clan filling Kai? You were saying something like that, weren't you?\"\n\n\"That's... that's correct.\"\n\n\"Fool! When did you take pains? What kind of meritorious deeds did you accomplish in the invasion of Kai?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I—\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Even though I was drunk, I shouldn't have said such arrogant words.\"\n\n\"That's exactly right. You have no reason to be arrogant. You were careless with what you were hiding in your mind. You thought that I was distracted by the drinking and listening to someone else, and that you could finally complain.\"\n\n\"Heaven forbid! Let the gods of heaven and earth be my witnesses! Why, I've received so many favors from you... you raised me up from a man who wore rags and a single sword... \"\n\n\"Shut up.\"\n\n\"Please let me go.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Most certainly!\" Nobunaga thrust him away. \"Ranmaru! Water!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he called out in a loud voice. Ranmaru filled a vessel with water and brought it to him. As Nobunaga took the water, his eyes appeared to be on fire. His shoulders heaved with every breath.\n\nMitsuhide, however, had at some point gotten away from his master's feet and was now seven or eight feet down the corridor, adjusting his collar and smoothing his hair. He was prostrating himself so low that his chest was touching the wooden floor. The figure of Mitsuhide trying to look unruffled even now was hardly going to be seen in a favorable light, and Nobunaga's foot was starting for the man again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If Ranmaru had not actually restrained him by the sleeve, the floor of the veranda would most likely have rung out again." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ranmaru did not directly touch on the event right before his eyes, but said only, \"Please go back to your seat, my lord. Lord Nobutada, Lord Nobusumi, Lord Niwa, and all the generals are waiting.\"\n\nNobunaga went tamely back to the crowded room, but he did not sit down. He stood and looked around.\n\n\"Forgive me. I suppose I've been a bit of a killjoy. Each of you eat and drink to your heart's content.\" With these words he walked hastily off and shut himself up in his private quarters." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur my writing buddy. i start, u do 4 sentences more. themes: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A flock of swallows was chirping under the eaves of the block of storehouses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even though the sun was setting, the adults still appeared to be bringing food to the little ones in the nest.\n\n\"It could be the subject of a painting, don't you think?\" In a room of a building situated some distance from the large garden, Saito Toshimitsu, a senior Akechi retainer, was entertaining a guest. The guest was the painter Yusho, who was not a native of Suwa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He must have been about fifty years old, and his robust physique gave no hint that he might be a painter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He spoke very little." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Twilight settled on the white walls of the line of beanpaste warehouses.\n\n\"You must forgive me for suddenly calling on you in wartime like this, and talking on about nothing but the tedious affairs of a man no longer involved with the world. I'm sure you have many campaign responsibilities.\" Yusho seemed to be announcing his leave and began to rise from the cushion.\n\n\"No, please.\" Saito Toshimitsu was a very composed man, and without even moving, he detained his guest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Since you've come all the way here, it would not be polite to let you leave before you had talked to Lord Mitsuhide. If, after you leave, I tell my lord that Yusho had visited during his absence, he'll scold me and ask me why I didn't keep you here.\" And he intentionally started off on a new subject, doing his best to keep the unexpected caller entertained. At that time, Yusho was keeping a house in Kyoto, but he was originally from Omi in Mitsuhide's province. Not only that, but at one time, Yusho had received a warrior's stipend from the Saito clan in Mino." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At that same time Toshimitsu—long before he had become a retainer of the Akechi clan—was serving the Saito clan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After living as a ronin, Yusho had become an artist, citing the fall of Gifu as the reason for his course of action. Toshimitsu, however, had abandoned his former allegiance to the Saito. The discord that grew between Toshimitsu and his former masters was displayed even in front of Nobunaga, and disputes had been carried on almost as if they were asking for judgment. But now everyone had forgotten the stories that had excited society so much at that time, and those who looked upon his pure white sidelocks considered him to be a retainer the Akechi clan could not do without." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everyone respected his character and his position as an elder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The allotment of lodgings had not been sufficient within Nobunaga's main camp at the Hoyo Temple, so some of the generals were quartered in various houses in Suwa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Akechi were bivouacked in the ancient buildings of a beanpaste wholesaler, and both the soldiers and their officers were relaxing after many days of hard fighting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A youth who appeared to be the son of the master of the house came up and spoke to Toshimitsu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Won't you come and take a bath, Your Honor? All the samurai and even the foot soldiers have finished their evening meal.\"\n\n\"No, I'll wait until His Lordship comes back.\"\n\n\"His Lordship is rather late tonight, isn't he?\"\n\n\"There's been a victory banquet today at the main camp. My lord very rarely touches sake, but perhaps he drank a little and is getting a bit tipsy with all the toasts.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I serve you your evening meal?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, no, I'll wait for my meal as well, until I see that he's come back. I do feel sorry for the guest I've detained, though. Why don't you show him to the bath?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would that be the traveling artist who's been here all afternoon?\"\n\n\"That's right. The man who's crouched over there by himself looking at the tree peonies in the garden. He looks a little bored. Why don't you call him over?\"\n\nThe youth withdrew, and then looked around at the back of the building. In front of the dark, luxuriantly blooming tree peonies, Yusho was sitting holding his knees, staring vacantly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A little while later, when Toshimitsu came through the gate, both the youth and Yusho were already gone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toshimitsu was apprehensive. He thought that Mitsuhide was far too late in returning. Even though he was well aware that a victory banquet would last well into the night.\n\nLeading out through the ancient thatch-roofed gate, the path quickly joined the lakeside road. The last heat of the day still glimmered in the western sky over Lake Suwa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toshimitsu looked down the road for some time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure enough, he finally saw his lord coming toward him. Horses, spearmen, and attendants all followed in one group. But the concern on Toshimitsu's brow did not diminish as they came closer. Something was not as it should be." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nothing in Mitsuhide's appearance suggested that he was returning from a victory banquet. His lord should have been riding home in brilliant array, swaying gallantly on horseback, drunk along with his attendants on today's gift of sake. But Mitsuhide was walking along, looking crestfallen.\n\nA retainer was leading his horse, which loped along cheerlessly, while the attendants walked silently behind in exactly the same manner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I came out here to meet you. You must be tired.\" When Toshimitsu bowed before him, Mitsuhide looked as though he had been taken by surprise.\n\n\"Toshimitsu? I've been inconsiderate. You were good enough to worry about my coming home late. Forgive me. I drank a little too much today, so I intentionally walked home by the lake trying to sober up. Don't be worried by my color. I feel a lot better now.\"\n\nToshimitsu could see that his master had met with some unhappy experience." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had been Mitsuhide's close attendant for many years, so such a thing was unlikely to escape his notice. He did not, however, presume to ask about the matter. The old retainer was quick to look after his master's needs, hoping to cheer him up.\n\n\"How about a bowl of tea, and then a bath?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toshimitsu's reputation was enough to strike fear in the enemy on the battlefield, but as he helped Mitsuhide out of his clothes, Mitsuhide could only think of him as a solicitous old relative." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A bath? Yes. A bath might be very refreshing at a time like this.\" And he followed Toshimitsu to the bathhouse.\n\nFor a while Toshimitsu listened to the sound of Mitsuhide splashing in the hot water in the bath. \"Shall I scrub your back, my lord?\" Toshimitsu called in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Send in the page,\" Mitsuhide replied. \"I don't feel right about having you put your old body to work.\"\n\n\"Not at all.\"\n\nToshimitsu entered the bathroom, scooped up some hot water in a small wooden bucket, and went around behind his master." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly he had never done this before, but at that moment he only wanted to raise his master's unusually low spirits.\n\n\"Is it proper to have a general scrub the dirt from one's back?\" Mitsuhide asked. He was modest to the very end. He always exhibited reserve even with his retainers, and it was questionable whether this was one of his good or bad points." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toshimitsu's own opinion was that it was not particularly good.\n\n\"Now, now. When this old warrior fights under your honored banner, he's Saito Toshimitsu of the Akechi clan. But Toshimitsu himself is not an Akechi. That being so, it will be a good memory for me, while I'm alive and serving you, to have washed the dirt off your skin just once.\"\n\nToshimitsu had bound up his sleeves and began to wash his master's back. As his back was being scrubbed, Mitsuhide bowed his head contentedly in silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He reflected deeply on Toshimitsu's concern for him, and then on the relationship between himself and Nobunaga.\n\nAh, I've been wrong, he thought. Deep in his own heart, Mitsuhide blamed himself. What was it that was displeasing Mitsuhide and making him so unhappy?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly Nobunaga was a good master, but was his own loyalty equal to that of the old retainer who was now scrubbing his back? How shameful. It was just as though Toshimitsu were washing his heart with the hot water he poured down his back.\n\nWhen he left the bath, Mitsuhide had changed both in appearance and in the tone of his voice. His mind had become completely refreshed, and Toshimitsu felt the same way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was good to take a bath, just as you said. I guess it was fatigue as well as the sake.\"\n\n\"Do you feel better?\"\n\n\"I'm all right now, Toshimitsu. Don't worry.\"\n\n\"I was worried because of the extraordinary unease on your face. That was the worst of all. Well, let me tell you that while you were gone we had a guest, and he's been waiting for your return.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A guest? At these battlefield quarters?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yusho was just traveling through Kai, and he said that before going elsewhere he wanted to stop and see you, and ask how you are.\"\n\n\"Where is he?\"\n\n\"I had him stay in my room.\"\n\n\"Really? Well, let's go over there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He'll probably feel shamed if the lord actually walks over to see the guest. I'll bring him to you in a little while.\"\n\n\"No, no. Our guest is a man of taste. It won't be necessary to be overly formal.\"\n\nAn elegant dinner had been prepared for Mitsuhide in the hall of the main house, but he sat in Toshimitsu's room and ate a simple meal with his guest.\n\nHis face became even brighter after talking with Yusho for a while." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He asked about the painting styles of the Southern and Northern Sung dynasties in China, discussed the artistic tastes of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa and the merits of the Tosa school of painting, and talked about everything from the Kano style to the influence of Dutch painting. Throughout the conversation, it was clear that Mitsuhide's education had not been shallow.\n\n\"I've thought that when I grow old, I might return to more tranquil pursuits and my youthful studies, and even try to paint. Perhaps, before then, you could draw me an illustrated copybook.\"\n\n\"Of course, my lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yusho had emulated the style of the ancient Chinese artist, Liang K'ai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had recently developed his own school independent of the Kano or Tosa traditions and finally had become established in the art world. When Nobunaga had asked him to illustrate the sliding partitions at Azuchi, he had pretended to be sick and had refused. He had, after all, been a retainer of the Saito clan, which had been destroyed by Nobunaga. One could understand how Yusho might have felt too proud to decorate Nobunaga's living quarters with his own brush." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The phrase \"soft on the outside, strong on the inside\" might very well have applied to Yusho's character." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yusho was unable to trust the logic that Mitsuhide lived by." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If Mitsuhide were to slip, even once, he would burst the dam holding his emotions in check and slide toward a fatal course." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide slept happily that night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps it was due to the bath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or to the unexpected and pleasing guest.\n\nThe soldiers had gotten up before the sun, fed the horses, put on their armor, prepared their provisions, and were now waiting for their lord's appearance. That morning they were to assemble at the Hoyo Temple, depart from Suwa, and head out for Kofu. They would then pass down the coast road and make a triumphal return to Azuchi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You should prepare yourself quickly, my lord,\" Toshimitsu said to Mitsuhide." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Toshimitsu, I slept well last night!\"\n\n\"I'm glad to hear that.\"\n\n\"When Yusho leaves, you should give him my very best wishes and some money for the road.\"\n\n\"But you know, when I got up this morning and looked in on him, I discovered he had already gone. He got up and went out with the soldiers before the sun came up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His is an enviable life, Mitsuhide said to himself as he looked at the morning sky.\n\nSaito Toshimitsu unfolded a scroll. \"He left this behind. I thought it might be something he had forgotten, but when I looked at it closely, I saw that the ink hadn't yet dried, and then I remembered that you had requested him to make an illustrated copybook. I think he stayed up until dawn working on it.\"\n\n\"What? He didn't sleep?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide cast his eye over the scroll. The paper was all the more white in the morning sun, and on it a single branch of tree peonies had been freshly painted. An inscription in a corner of the painting read: Tranquillity, this is nobility.\n\nTranquillity, this is nobility, Mitsuhide recited silently as he rolled out the scroll, now coming upon the illustration of a large turnip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Next to the turnip was written, Having a visitor is a taste." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The turnip had been drawn in India ink without even a trace of effort; and if you looked at it closely, you could smell the fragrance of the earth. This turnip served as the root for a single leaf, and it seemed to be bursting with life. Its wild nature appeared to be laughing at Mitsuhide's rationalism with a marvelous artlessness and lack of concern.\n\nHe continued unfolding the scroll, but there was nothing else." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The greater part of it was nothing but blank paper.\n\n\"It looks like it took him all night to do these two illustrations.\"\n\nToshimitsu was also impressed by the scroll, and bent over it in appreciation with Mitsuhide.\n\nMitsuhide was hesitant to look at it any longer, and asked Toshimitsu to roll it up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At that point, the sound of the conch shell was heard in the distant sky. It was a call from the headquarters at the Hoyo Temple, signaling the troops throughout the town to get ready. Heard in the arena of the bloody war, the conch shell was a thing of indescribable dread, booming out sorrowful reverberations. But heard on a morning like this its sound was mild and almost quietly comforting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide was soon on horseback himself." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His brow this morning, much like the mountains of Kai, was completely unclouded and without even a hint of shade." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "lets do a historical fiction thing. u write six sentences bits like Eiji Yoshikawa would" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The castle town of Azuchi had become the bustling center of a new culture. Lively, colorfully dressed citizens thronged its streets, and above, the brilliant golds and blues of the castle donjon looked as though they had been embroidered with the green of the new spring leaves.\n\nConditions could not have been more different from those in the west. In the Fifth Month, while Hideyoshi and his men had been toiling day and night in the mud to accomplish their attack on Takamatsu Castle, the streets of Azuchi were hung with decorations, and the town was so animated that it looked as though its citizens were celebrating the New Year and the Midsummer Festival at the same time.\n\nNobunaga was preparing to welcome a guest of some importance. But who, people wondered, could be that important?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man who arrived at Azuchi on the fifteenth day of the Fifth Month was none other than Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu of Mikawa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Less than one month before, Nobunaga had made his triumphal return from Kai through Ieyasu's province of Mikawa, so he might have been doing nothing more than returning the courtesy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the visit was clearly in Ieyasu's interest; it was an era of sweeping change, and no time to neglect the future." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thus, though it was rare for Ieyasu to make formal visits to other provinces, he was coming to Azuchi, attended by a brilliant retinue of retainers.\n\nThe best lodgings in the town were set aside for him, and Akechi Mitsuhide was given responsibility for his reception. In addition, Nobunaga had ordered his son Nobutada, who was about to leave for the western provinces, to help with the preparations for an extravagant three-day banquet.\n\nSome wondered aloud why Nobunaga was giving such a lavish welcome to Ieyasu, who was eight years his junior and the lord of a province that until recently had been small and weak. Others countered that there was nothing strange about it at all. The alliance between the Oda and the Tokugawa had endured for more than twenty years without suspicion, broken agreements, or fighting, which was a miracle in those days of betrayals and feudal power struggles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A third group were of the opinion that the reason for the event was not something as trivial as repaying Ieyasu for his hospitality." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They argued that in the future the lord of the Oda was going to accomplish great things." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The west was a springboard to Japan's southernmost island of Kyushu, and from there to the rich lands of the Southern Seas. If Nobunaga was to succeed in their conquest, he would have to entrust the north of Japan to an ally he could trust.\n\nFor some time now, Nobunaga had planned to go to the western provinces himself to establish his own rule, just as he had done in Kai. Even now he was in the middle of busy preparations to leave for the front. Nevertheless, he put aside that important work to welcome Ieyasu.\n\nQuite naturally, Ieyasu was given the best of what Azuchi could provide in terms of lodgings, furniture, and utensils, sake and food." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But what Nobunaga wanted to give Ieyasu most of all were things that could be found in the humble tenements of the people and around the hearths of country folk—his friendship and trust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was these two things that had ensured the survival of their alliance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And, for his part, Ieyasu had proved himself a reliable ally time and time again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu knew very well that his own interests were strongly tied to those of Nobunaga, despite the latter's occasional selfishness and willfulness. So even if he had drunk from a very bitter cup at times, he supported Nobunaga and had sworn to follow him to the very end.\n\nIf a disinterested third party were to look at the twenty-year alliance between the two men and to judge who had gained and who had lost, he would most likely have to say that both men had benefited. Without Ieyasu's friendship when he was young and beginning to set the direction of his life, Nobunaga would not have been in Azuchi. And if Ieyasu had never received Nobunaga's assistance, the weak and small province of Mikawa very likely would not have been able to withstand the pressures from its neighbors.\n\nAside from having bonds of friendship and self-interest, the two men had characters that were clearly complementary." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga had ambitions—and the will to realize them—the likes of which a prudent man like Ieyasu could not even imagine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ieyasu, Nobunaga was the first to admit, had virtues that he himself lacked: patience, modesty, and frugality." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nor did Ieyasu seem to be ambitious for himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked after the interests of his own province but never gave his ally cause for concern." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He always stood his ground against their common enemies, a silent fortress at Nobunaga's rear.\n\nIn other words, Mikawa was an ideal ally, and Ieyasu a reliable friend. In looking back over the hardships and dangers they had faced over the past twenty years, Nobunaga was moved to call Ieyasu his \"good old comrade,\" and praised him as the man who had done the most to make Azuchi a reality.\n\nDuring the feast, Ieyasu expressed his heartfelt gratitude for Nobunaga's treatment, but periodically he felt that someone was missing, and finally he asked Nobunaga, \"Wasn't Lord Mitsuhide in charge of the banquet? What's happened to him? I haven't seen him at all today, and I didn't see him at the Noh performance yesterday.\"\n\n\"Ah, Mitsuhide,\" Nobunaga answered. \"He returned to Sakamoto Castle. He had to leave so quickly that he had no time to pay his respects.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga's answer was delivered in a voice that was refreshing and clear, and he showed no particular emotion as he spoke.\n\nBut Ieyasu was a little concerned. There were disturbing rumors spreading in the town. Nobunaga's brief and untroubled answer, however, seemed to belie the rumors, and Ieyasu let the matter drop.\n\nNevertheless, that night Ieyasu returned to his lodgings and listened to the stories that his retainers had heard about Mitsuhide's departure. And he could see that the situation was complicated enough not to be ignored." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Listening to the different versions of the story, he pieced together what seemed to be the reason behind Mitsuhide's sudden departure.\n\nIt had happened on the day of Ieyasu's arrival. Without previous notice, Nobunaga had made an official inspection of the kitchens. It was the rainy season; Azuchi was hot and muggy. The smell of raw fish and preserved vegetables offended the senses. Not only that, but the foodstuffs that had been collected in great quantities from Sakai and Kyoto had been unpacked and piled up in terrible disarray." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Flies swarmed over the food and on Nobunaga's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This place stinks!\" he growled angrily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, as he walked into the preparation room he continued, speaking to no one in particular, \"What is this? All this dirt! All this waste! Are you going to cook for our honored guest in this stinking place? Are you going to serve him rotten fish? Throw all this stuff away!\"\n\nNobunaga's anger was completely unexpected, and the kitchen officials flung themselves at his feet. It was a pitiful scene. Mitsuhide had done his best to purchase the finest ingredients and to have exquisite dishes prepared, going almost without sleep for several days, supervising his retainers and the kitchen workers. Now he could hardly believe his ears. He ran out in surprise and prostrated himself before his lord, explaining that the offensive smell was most certainly not caused by rotten fish." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't give me any excuses!\" Nobunaga interrupted. \"Throw everything away! Get something else for tonight's banquet!\"\n\nTurning a deaf ear, Nobunaga walked away.\n\nMitsuhide sat silently for a while, almost as though he had lost the power to move his legs. At that point a messenger arrived and handed him a letter ordering him to collect his forces and leave immediately for the western provinces.\n\nThe Akechi retainers carried the many delicacies they had prepared for Ieyasu through the back gate and dumped them into the moat, exactly as they might have thrown out trash or a dead dog or cat. Silently, suppressing their tears, they poured their feelings into the black waters." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Literary Collaboration Request:\n- Sentence Count: one sentence\n- Genre Adherence: historical fiction" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At night the frogs croaked loudly outside Mitsuhide's lodgings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What are you brooding over?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the frogs seemed to ask." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Were they crying in sympathy for him, or laughing at his stupidity?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It depended on how one listened to them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide had ordered that no one be let in, and now he sat alone in a large, empty room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though it was only the beginning of summer, a cooling, delicate breeze blew silently into the gloom." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide was terribly pale." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It seemed that the hair of his sidelocks stood straight up each time the candle flickered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His anguish could be seen in the disarray of his hair and in the dreadful color of his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally he slowly raised what Nobunaga had dubbed his \"kumquat head\" and looked out into the darkened garden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the distance he saw a great number of lamps shining between the trees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was the first night of the banquet in the castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Should I go like this, just as I was ordered?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide asked himself. Or would it be better to go and pay my respects at the castle once before leaving?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide had always been confused by such things." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His ordinarily clear head was so tired at that point that he had to think hard in order not to make a mistake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Having made this question into such a great issue, no matter how he long he considered the matter, he was at a complete loss about what to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most of the pain of confronting his difficulties welled up in an unconscious sigh of grief and he wondered: Are there other men in this world so difficult to understand?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he wondered. What can a person do to suit my lord's temperament?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's so hard to please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he had been able to put aside the absolute nature of the lord-and-retainer relationship and speak honestly, he would have criticized Nobunaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide had been endowed with critical faculties far beyond the common man's, and it was only because Nobunaga was his lord that he was cautious and, in fact, afraid of his own criticism." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tsumaki! Tsumaki!\" Mitsuhide called, suddenly looking at the sliding doors on either side of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dengo? Dengo, are you there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the man who finally opened the door and bowed in front of him was neither Dengo nor Tsumaki." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was one of his personal attendants, Yomoda Masataka." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Both men are busy with the disposal of the material we were going to use for the banquet and with the sudden preparations for our departure.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come with me to the castle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The castle? You're going to the castle?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think it's proper to pay my respects to Lord Nobunaga once before we depart. Make the preparations.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide quickly got up to dress himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He seemed to be spurring himself on before his resolution faded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Masataka looked flustered. \"This evening when I asked what you wanted to do, I thought you might want to go up to the castle, for just that reason. But we had no time, with His Lordship's sudden command. And you said then that we would leave without paying our respects to either Lord Nobunaga or Lord Ieyasu. Now, all the attendants and servants are engaged in cleaning up. May I ask you to wait for a little while?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, no. I don't need many attendants. You'll be enough. Bring my horse.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide went out toward the entrance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was not one retainer in the rooms he passed on his way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only two or three pages followed behind him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But once he stepped outside, he could see small groups of retainers with their heads together, talking in the shadows of the trees and in the stables." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quite naturally, all the Akechi retainers were concerned about suddenly being dismissed as officials of the banquet and being ordered on the very same day to set out for the west." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Back and forth they expressed their resentment, their eyes filled with tears of grief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their antagonism and anger toward Nobunaga, which had been intensifying since the Kai campaign, like oil poured on firewood, had been ignited by this latest incident." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the camp in Suwa during the Kai campaign, Mitsuhide had already met with an unbearable public humiliation, an event that had not been hidden from his retainers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why had Nobunaga been tormenting their master so much recently?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But today's shock was by far the worst, because the incident would be known to all the guests: Lord Ieyasu and his retainers, the nobility from Kyoto, and Mitsuhide's fellow Oda generals." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To have suffered an insult here was the same as having one's shame exposed to the entire nation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Such public humiliation was unbearable to anyone born a samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your horse, my lord,\" Masataka said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The retainers had still not noticed the attendant leading Mitsuhide's horse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Distracted by the events of the day, they still stood in small groups, discussing the matter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just as Mitsuhide was about to leave, someone dismounted in front of the gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a messenger from Nobunaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Mitsuhide, are you leaving?\" the man inquired." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not yet. I thought I would go to the castle once more, pay my respects to His Lordship and Lord Ieyasu, and leave.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Nobunaga was worried that you might consider doing that, and sent me here so that you wouldn't have to go to the castle in the middle of your haste to depart.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What? Yet another message?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide said. He immediately went back inside, sat down, and listened respectfully to his lord's wishes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The order for you to be dismissed from today's function and take your leave still stands as before, but there are further instructions concerning your departure as the vanguard to the western provinces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Akechi forces are to march from Tajima into Inaba." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You may enter Mori Terumoto's provinces at will." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do not be careless, and do not allow time to pass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You should return to Tamba at once, prepare your troops, and protect Hideyoshi's flank along the Sanin Road." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I myself will soon head westward as a rear guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do not waste time and possibly cause us to miss this strategic opportunity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide prostrated himself and responded that he would follow the instructions to the letter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, perhaps feeling that he had shown too much servility, he sat up, looked directly at the messenger, and said, \"Please speak to His Lordship as you see fit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide walked to the entrance to see the man off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With each step, his senses were set on edge by the wind that wafted through the almost empty building." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Until a few years ago, when I was given leave to return home, he always wanted me to see him once before I left, even if it was the middle of the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How many times had Nobunaga said, Come by for a bowl of tea, or If you're leaving in the morning, come by before dawn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why has he come to despise me like this?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He's even sent a messenger so he won't have to see me in person." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't even think. Don't even consider it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The more he made an effort not to, the more he grumbled and the more his heart was flooded by a silent monologue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The words were like bubbles rising up through fetid water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Does anyone see these flowers? They're useless too!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide reached out for the large vase in the alcove and shook the flowers that had been beautifully arranged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he carried the vase to the veranda, the water spilled noisily onto the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's get out of here! It's time to leave! Are you ready?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he shouted to his retainers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide raised the vase over his head, aimed at a wide stepping stone, and threw it with all his might." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It exploded amid a spray of water with a comforting sound, and water flew back onto Mitsuhide's face and chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide turned his soaked face up toward the empty sky and laughed out loud." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He laughed completely alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was late at night, and as the fog settled in, the air became hot and humid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His retainers had finished packing and stood in ranks in front of the gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The horses neighed under the low rain clouds in the sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Has rain gear been prepared?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "a retainer asked, looking inside the gate again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's not a bit of starlight tonight, and if it starts to rain, the roads are going to become difficult. We'd better prepare a few extra torches,\" another yelled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every samurai's face was as gloomy as the night sky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eyes were filled with anger, tears, bitterness, or sullen discontent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Very soon, Mitsuhide's voice could be heard as he rode away from the entrance with a group of mounted men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sakamoto is almost within view,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We should arrive there soon, even if it does rain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hearing the unusually cheerful voice of their lord, his retainers felt surprise more than anything else." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Earlier that evening, Mitsuhide had complained of a slight fever and had taken medicine, and now his attendants were anxious about the possibility of rain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had responded to their concern in a voice purposefully loud enough for the men standing both inside and outside the gate to hear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Mitsuhide was announced, fire was passed from torch to torch until the number of lights seemed almost to multiply infinitely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, with flames held aloft, the retainers walked out one after another, following the vanguard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After they had traveled about half a league, rain began to fall, the drops splashing the flames of the torches." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It seems the guests in the castle still haven't gone to bed. Perhaps they're going to stay up all night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide did not notice the rain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he turned in his saddle and looked back toward the lake, the huge donjon of Azuchi Castle seemed to soar into a sky that was as black as ink." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He imagined that the golden dolphins that adorned the roof sparkled brighter on this rainy night, glaring out into the darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reflected in the lake, the sea of lights in the many-storied building seemed to shiver with cold." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My lord, my lord! You shouldn't catch cold!\" Fujita Dengo said with concern as he drew his horse up to Mitsuhide's and put a straw raincoat across his shoulders." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep it going! write 2 sentences sentences. focus on these: historical fiction. try to add these things: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The days passed. Mitsuhide spent the time in Sakamoto Castle, doing nothing. He had already received Nobunaga's command to depart for the western provinces, and should have returned as quickly as possible to his own castle to mobilize his retainers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuharu would have liked to tell him that spending such a long time in idleness was not going to be good for his reputation in Azuchi. When he thought about Mitsuhide's feelings, however, he was unable to speak out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The discontent that Dengo and Masataka had expressed so bitterly would naturally be in Mitsuhide's heart as well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If that was so, Mitsuharu thought, a few days of peace and quiet would be the best preparation for the forthcoming campaign. Mitsuharu had complete faith in his cousin's intelligence and common sense." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wondering how Mitsuhide was passing the time, Mitsuharu visited his room. Mitsuhide was painting, copying from an open book." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, what are you doing?\" Mitsuharu stood at his side and watched, pleased at Mitsuhide's composure and happy that they could share something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mitsuharu? Don't look. I still can't paint in front of others.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide put down the brush and displayed a bashfulness not often seen in men over fifty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was so embarrassed that he hid the sketches he had discarded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Am I disturbing you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuharu laughed. \"Who painted the book you're using as a model?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's one of Yusho's.\"\n\n\"Yusho? What's that fellow doing these days? We don't hear anything at all about him around here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He unexpectedly visited my camp one evening in Kai. He left the following morning before dawn.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's a strange fellow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I don't think he can be summed up simply as strange. He's a loyal man, and his heart is as upright as bamboo. He may have given up being a samurai, but he still seems like a warrior to me.\"\n\n\"I've heard he was a retainer of Saito Tatsuoki. Are you praising him because he remains faithful to his former lord even today?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"During the construction of Azuchi, he was the only one who refused to participate, even though he was invited to do so by Lord Nobunaga himself. He won't bend for either fame or power. It seems that he had more self-respect than to paint for the enemy of his former lord.\"\n\nJust then, one of Mitsuharu's retainers came in and knelt behind them, and the two men stopped talking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuharu turned and asked the man what his business was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai looked embarrassed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In his hand was a letter and what seemed to be a petition written on thick paper. As he spoke, he was obviously worried about Mitsuharu's reaction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Another messenger from the Abbot of Yokawa has come to the castle gate, and he pressed me to deliver this letter once more to the lord of the castle. I refused, but he said he had come on orders and would not go away. What should I do?\"\n\n\"What? Again?\" Mitsuharu lightly clicked his tongue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I sent a letter to the Abbot of Yokawa some time ago, carefully explaining to him that I could not possibly agree to the contents of his petition, so that it was useless for him to ask. Still he persisted, sending me letters two or three times after that. He's certainly headstrong. Just refuse to take it and sent him off.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, my lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With that, the messenger hurried off with the petition still in his hand. He looked as though he himself had been reprimanded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as the man had left, Mitsuhide spoke to his cousin.\n\n\"Would that be the Abbot of Yokawa from Mount Hiei?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Years ago, I was ordered to take part in the burning of Mount Hiei. We then made war not only on the warrior-monks, but also on the holy men, and on women and children—without distinction—cutting them down and tossing their bodies into the flames. We so utterly destroyed that mountain that trees could not have been expected to thrive there again, much less men. And now it seems that the priests who survived the massacre have gone back and are trying to make the place live again.\"\n\n\"That's right. From what I've heard, the mountaintop is just as desolate and ruined as it was before, but men of profound learning are calling together the scattered remnants of the believers and using every means possible to restore the mountain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That will be difficult while Lord Nobunaga is alive.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And they're well aware of that. They've turned a great deal of their energy toward the Court, trying to get an edict from the Emperor to persuade Lord Nobunaga, but the prospects are dim, so recently they've looked for support from the common people. They're roaming every province, seeking contributions, knocking on every door, and I've heard that they're even constructing temporary shrines on the sites of the old temples.\"\n\n\"Well then, the errand of the messenger who was sent to you two or three times by the Abbot of Yokawa had something to do with that petition?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\" Mitsuharu quickly shifted his eyes and gazed peacefully into Mitsuhide's face. \"The fact is that I thought it was something I needn't trouble you with, so I turned him down myself. Since you're asking me about it now, however, perhaps I should go over it with you. The Abbot of Yokawa knew that you would be staying here, and he wanted to have an audience with you at least once.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The abbot said that he wanted to meet me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, and he also requested in his petition to have the respected name of Lord Mitsuhide on the subscription list for the restoration of Mount Hiei. I told him that both requests were absolutely out of the question.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And even though you told him it was out of the question, and refused and then refused again, he still sent messengers to the castle three or four more times? Mitsuharu, I would be apprehensive about signing my name to the subscription list out of deference to Lord Nobunaga, but I wonder if I need to hesitate just to meet him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think it's totally unnecessary for you to meet him,\" Mitsuharu said. \"What purpose today would there be for you—who acted as a general at the destruction of Mount Hiei—to meet with a priest who survived that destruction?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He was an enemy at that time,\" Mitsuhide replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But now Mount Hiei has been made completely impotent, and the people there have prostrated themselves and pledged their allegiance to Azuchi.\"\n\n\"Certainly, in form. But how are the fellow priests and relatives of those who were massacred, and the monks whose ancient temples and monasteries were burned, going to forget the resentment that has lived in their hearts for so many years? The dead must have numbered ten thousand, and the buildings had been there since the time of Saint Dengyo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide let out a long sigh. \"There was no way I could avoid Nobunaga's orders, and I too became one of those insane arsonists on Mount Hiei that year. I stabbed to death both the warrior-monks and numberless unfortunate monks and laymen, young and old. When I think of that today, my breast is tortured just as though it were the burning mountain itself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you've always said that we should take the broad view, and it doesn't sound as though you're doing that now. You destroy one to save many. If we burn one mountain but make the Buddhist Law shine brightly on another five mountains and a hundred peaks, then I think that the killings we samurai commit cannot be called murders.\"\n\n\"Of course that's right. But out of sympathy, I can't restrain a tear for Mount Hiei. Mitsuharu! In public I must hold back, but as an ordinary man I feel that there could be no harm in saying a prayer for the mountain, could there? I'm going to go to the mountain incognito tomorrow. I'll come back right after meeting the abbot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That night, Mitsuharu stayed awake worrying even after he had gone to bed. Why was Mitsuhide so taken by the idea of going to Mount Hiei?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Should he, Mitsuharu, try to stop him, or would it be better to let him do what he wanted? Considering the position Mitsuhide was in now, it would be better for him to have no connection whatsoever with the restoration of Mount Hiei." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And it would not be advisable for him to meet with the abbot, either." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This much Mitsuharu could think through clearly, but why had Mitsuhide looked displeased at his arbitrary rejection of the abbot's messenger and his refusal of the petition? Fundamentally, he did not seem very happy with Mitsuharu's handling of the situation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What sort of plan was Mitsuhide conceiving, with Mount Hiei as its center?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Obviously Mitsuhide's visit would provide good material for slanderous assertions that he was plotting against Nobunaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And it was certainly a waste of time, just before his departure for a campaign in the western provinces.\n\n\"I'm going to stop him. I'm going to stop him no matter what he says.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Having made this decision, Mitsuharu finally closed his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a head-on confrontation he would most likely receive an unpleasant tongue-lashing from Mitsuhide or make him very angry, but he was going to do his best to stop his cousin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So resolved, he went to sleep.\n\nThe next morning he got up earlier than usual, but as he was washing, he heard the rhythm of running feet hurrying down the main corridor to the entranceway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuharu called out and stopped one of the samurai.\n\n\"Who's leaving?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Mitsuhide.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What!\"\n\n\"Yes, my lord. He's attired in light dress for the mountain and is accompanied only by Amano Genemon. They're planning to take their horses as far as Hiyoshi. Or that's what Lord Mitsuhide said as he was putting on his straw sandals at the entrance just now.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuharu never missed his morning prayers in front of the castle shrine and at the family altar, but this morning he neglected both. He dressed with both long and short swords and hurried toward the entrance. But Mitsuhide and his retainer had already gone, and only the attendants who had seen them off remained, looking toward the white clouds on Shimeigatake." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "finish my writing pls. like three sentences more sentences. stick to historical fiction. use these if u can: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It looks like the rainy season is ending here too.\"\n\nThe morning mist in the pine grove beyond the castle still had not cleared, and it made the surrounding area look almost like a scene at the bottom of the sea. The two mounted men hurried through the grove at a light gait." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A large bird flew over them, flapping its wings majestically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The weather is fine, isn't it, Genemon?\"\n\n\"If it stays like this, the mountain will be clear.\"\n\n\"I haven't felt this good in a long time,\" Mitsuhide said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That fact alone makes this trip worthwhile.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I want to meet the Abbot of Yokawa more than anything else. That's my only business here.\"\n\n\"I daresay he will be surprised to see you.\"\n\n\"People would have been suspicious if I had invited him to Sakamoto Castle. I have to meet him in private. Make the arrangements, Genemon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"People are more likely to see you at the foot of the mountain than on the mountain itself. It would be highly unpleasant if word got around to the villagers that Lord Mitsuhide was out on an excursion. You should wear your hood down over your face, at least as far as Hiyoshi.\"\n\nMitsuhide pulled his hood down, until only his mouth was visible.\n\n\"Your clothes are plain, and your saddle is just that of a common warrior's. No one will be likely to think that you are Lord Akechi Mitsuhide.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you treat me with that much courtesy, people will be suspicious immediately.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hadn't thought of that,\" Genemon said with a laugh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll be a little more careful from now on, but don't blame me for being rude.\"\n\nAt the foot of Mount Hiei, rebuilding had been going on for two or three years, and the streets of Sakamoto were slowly taking on their former appearance. As the two riders passed through the village and turned off on the path going up to the Enryaku Temple, the morning sun finally began to sparkle on the waters of the lake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What shall we do with the horses once we dismount on the way up?\" Genemon asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A new shrine has been built on the site of the old one. There must be farmhouses nearby. If not, it should be all right to leave them with a workman at the shrine itself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A lone rider was whipping his horse to catch up with them.\n\n\"Isn't that someone calling us from behind?\" Genemon asked with some concern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If there's someone chasing us, I'm sure it's Mitsuharu. Yesterday he looked as though he wanted to stop me from making this trip.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He possesses a gentility and sincerity you rarely see in men these days. He's almost too gentle to be a samurai.\"\n\n\"It is Mitsuharu, just as I thought.\"\n\n\"He certainly seems determined to stop you, my lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, I won't turn back, no matter what he says. Maybe he's not going to try to stop me. If he wanted to do that, he'd have grabbed my horse's bridle at the castle gate. Look, he's dressed for a mountain excursion, too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the end, Mitsuharu had rethought his position before starting out. He felt that it would be best not to oppose Mitsuhide, but rather to come along with him for the day to make sure he made no mistakes.\n\nAs he brought up his horse alongside of his cousin, he smiled brightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're too fast for me, my lord. I was taken by surprise this morning, and not a little shaken up. I didn't think you would leave at such an early hour.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't think you were planning to come with me. You wouldn't have had to chase us like that if we'd made arrangements last night.\"\n\n\"I was negligent. Even if you are traveling in disguise, I thought that you would be accompanied by at least ten mounted men carrying along a picnic, and that you would be traveling at a more leisurely pace.\"\n\n\"I would have liked that if this had been a normal excursion,\" Mitsuhide said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But the only purpose of today's trip is to pray for those who went through hellfire years ago and to hold at least one memorial service for their bones. I hadn't thought about carrying up fine sake and delicacies.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I may have said something that offended you yesterday, but I'm just prudent by nature. It was really nothing more than my not wanting you to do something that might be taken the wrong way in Azuchi. Given the way you're dressed, and that your intention is to say a mass for the dead, I'm sure Lord Nobunaga couldn't blame you even if he were to hear about it. The fact is that even though I reside in a castle close to Sakamoto, I haven't made one trip to the mountain. So I thought that today would be a good opportunity to visit the place. Well, lead on, Genemon.\"\n\nSpurring his horse, Mitsuharu rode up next to Mitsuhide and began to make conversation as though he were afraid Mitsuhide might become bored. He discussed the plants and flowers they saw along the roadside, explained the habits of the different birds as he distinguished them by their calls, and generally carried on with the solicitude of a kind woman trying to cheer up a sick person." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide could not reject such a display of true feelings, but Mitsuharu talked almost exclusively about nature, while Mitsuhide's mind was immersed in human concerns whether he was asleep or awake or even holding a brush over a painting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He lived in human society, in the midst of contending demons and within the flames of wrath and malice. Even though the song of the cuckoo filled the mountain air, the hot blood that had risen to his temples during his retreat from Azuchi had not yet been calmed.\n\nAs Mitsuhide climbed Mount Hiei, his heart was not at peace even for a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How desolate the place looked, when contrasted with its former prosperity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Following the Gongen River up toward the Eastern Pagoda, the party saw no signs of human life. Only the birdsong hadn't changed. The mountain had been famous as a sanctuary for rare birds since ancient times." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't see a single monk,\" Mitsuhide said as he stood in front of a ruined temple. He appeared to be surprised at Nobunaga's thoroughness. \"Isn't there a single living soul on this mountain? Let's try the main temple.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked more than a little disappointed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps he had thought he would see the latent power of the warrior-monks come back to life on the mountain, in spite of Nobunaga's supremacy.\n\nBut when they finally arrived at the former location of the main temple and lecture hall, nothing remained but mounds of ashes. Only in the area of the monastery had a number of huts been erected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The scent of incense drifted from that direction, so Genemon went to investigate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He found four or five mountain hermits, sitting around a pot of rice gruel that was cooking over a fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They say the Abbot of Yokawa isn't here,\" Genemon said.\n\n\"If the abbot is not there, is there not perhaps a scholar or elder from former times?\"\n\nGenemon inquired a second time, but his answer was not encouraging." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It seems there's no such person on the mountain. They're not allowed to come here without the permission of either Azuchi or the governor of Kyoto. Moreover, even now the law does not recognize any permanent residences on the mountain other than for a limited number of monks.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The law is the law,\" Mitsuhide said, \"but religious zeal is not like a fire that can be doused with water and disappear forever. Come to think of it, the elders probably thought that we're warriors from Azuchi, and they probably hid. The abbot and the elders who survived are probably somewhere on the mountain right now. Genemon, explain to those men that they should have no such worries, and ask them once again.\"\n\nAs Genemon started to walk off, Mitsuharu said to Mitsuhide, \"I'll go. They are not likely to tell us anything, with Genemon's stern way of asking questions.\"\n\nWhile he was waiting for Mitsuharu, however, Mitsuhide unexpectedly encountered someone he hadn't planned on meeting at all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man was dressed in a greenish brown hood and a monk's robe of the same color and wore white leggings and straw sandals. He was over seventy years of age, but his lips were a youthful red. His eyebrows were pure white, and he looked like a crane dressed in a monk's robe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was accompanied by two servants and a child." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Mitsuhide? Well, well, I never thought I'd meet you here, my lord. I heard that you were in Azuchi. What brings you to this deserted mountain today?\"\n\nHe hardly spoke like an old man; his voice was exceptionally resonant, and his lips formed a constant, untroubled smile.\n\nOn the contrary, it was Mitsuhide who appeared to be confused." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Distracted by the sharp eyes beneath the old man's clear brow, his response was hesitant.\n\n\"It's Doctor Manase, isn't it? I've been staying at Sakamoto Castle for a few days, and I thought a little walk through the mountains might cheer me up from the gloom of the rainy season.\"\n\n\"There's no better medicine for the body or the mind than an occasional cleansing of the ch'i by walking through the hills and getting in touch with nature. At a a glance, I'd say you've been tired for some time. Are you returning to your home province on sick leave?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "the doctor asked, narrowing his eyes to the size of needles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For some reason Mitsuhide found it impossible to deceive a man who had eyes like that. Manase had been practicing medicine at the time Yoshiaki's father, Yoshiteru, was shogun. The two men had not met for quite a while, but Mitsuhide had sat in the company of the great doctor a number of times at Azuchi Castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga had often invited Manase to be his guest at tea ceremonies, and whenever he was sick, he would call him immediately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had more confidence in this man than in his own physicians.\n\nBy nature, however, Manase did not enjoy being employed by the powerful and, as he lived in Kyoto, traveling to Azuchi was a chore, despite his robust health.\n\nAt that point Mitsuharu returned without having gone to the hut, as Genemon had quickly run to call him back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've bumped into someone, and it's an awkward situation,\" Genemon whispered to him as they walked back. But when Mitsuharu saw that it was Manase, he happily joined the conversation, indicating clearly that he had long been on friendly terms with the doctor.\n\n\"What a treat! It's Doctor Manase. You always look healthier than a man in his prime. Did you climb up from Kyoto today? Off on a mountain excursion?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Manase enjoyed conversation and was happy to run into friends on the mountain.\n\n\"I climb Mount Hiei every year in the spring or early summer and again in the fall. But you know, there must be a lot of herbs that we haven't discovered yet right here.\"\n\nAs Manase talked, he did not seem to be paying particular attention to Mitsuhide, though he had been casting his doctor's eye over the man from time to time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eventually he turned the subject to Mitsuhide's health." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've heard from Lord Mitsuharu that you'll soon be leaving to take part in the campaign in the west. Be sure to take good care of your health. When a man passes fifty, it's difficult to deny his age, no matter how strong he may be.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a concern in his advice that went beyond the words.\n\n\"Is that so?\" Mitsuhide smiled and responded to Manase's advice as though they were discussing someone else's health. \"Recently I've felt as though I've had a bit of a cold, but I've got a strong constitution and haven't really considered myself to be ill.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I wouldn't be so sure. It's all very fine when a sick man is conscious of his own illness and takes the proper precautions. But when a man is overconfident, as you are, he can fall quite gravely into error.\"\n\n\"Well then, do you think I am suffering from some chronic condition?\"\n\n\"I can see, just by looking at your complexion and listening to your voice, that you're not in your usual state of health. Rather than saying that you are suffering from a chronic disease, I would suggest that your internal organs may have become fatigued, and that the subtle energies associated with them are out of balance.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you're just saying I'm fatigued, I'll certainly agree to that. From taking part in various battles over the past few years and from serving my lord, I've pushed my body beyond its limits time and again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Speaking about something like this to someone as knowledgeable as you is probably like teaching the Dharma to the Buddha, but you really should take care of your health. The five internal organs—the liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys—are manifested in the five aspirations, the five energies, and the five sounds. For example, if the liver is ill, you'll have copious tears; if the heart is injured, you'll be beset by fears, no matter how brave you are ordinarily; if the spleen is distressed, you'll be easily angered; if the lungs are not functioning properly, you'll go through mental agony and not have the psychological strength to understand why. And if your kidneys are weak, you'll have strong swings of mood.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Manase gazed steadily at Mitsuhide's complexion. For his part, Mitsuhide was confident of his own health and did not intend to listen to what Manase was going to say. He did his best to conceal what he felt behind a forced smile but was beginning to feel ill-humored and uneasy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, his patience worn thin, he appeared to be waiting for an opportunity to get away from the old man.\n\nManase, however, was not going to stop what he had to say halfway through. Understanding exactly what the look in Mitsuhide's eyes meant, he continued to lecture him." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "lets write together! ill start, then u do 4 sentences sentences. pretend ur Eiji Yoshikawa. focus on these types: historical fiction. try to use these themes: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the thirtieth day of the month Mitsuharu arrived at Kameyama and joined forces with Mitsuhide." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Members of the Akechi clan had been coming in from the entire province, swelling the already significant army from Sakamoto. Thus the castle town was crowded with horses and men; carts of military supplies jammed every intersection, and the streets had become nearly impassable. The sun shone down brightly, and it was suddenly almost like midsummer: porters filled the shops and argued with their mouths full of food; outside, the foot soldiers squeezing between the oxcarts yelled back and forth. Along the streets, flies buzzed and swarmed over the droppings left by the horses and oxen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Has your health held up?\" Mitsuharu asked Mitsuhide.\n\n\"Just as you see.\" Mitsuhide smiled. He was much more amiable than he had been at Sakamoto, and the color had returned to his face.\n\n\"When do you plan to leave?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've decided to wait just a little, until the first day of Sixth Month.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, what about Azuchi?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've informed them, but I think Lord Nobunaga is already in Kyoto.\"\n\n\"The report is that he arrived there without incident last night. Lord Nobutada is staying at the Myokaku Temple, while Lord Nobunaga is at the Honno Temple.\"\n\n\"Yes, I've heard that.\" Mitsuhide's words trailed off into silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuharu suddenly got up. \"I haven't seen your wife and children for a long time. Perhaps I'll go pay my respects.\"\n\nMitsuhide watched his cousin walk away. A moment later he looked as though his chest were so congested that he could neither spit nor swallow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two rooms away, Mitsuhide's retainer Saito Toshimitsu was conferring with other generals, studying military charts and discussing tactics." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He left the room to talk with Mitsuhide.\n\n\"Are you going to send the supply train to the Sanin ahead of us?\"\n\n\"The supply train? Hm... well, we don't need to send it ahead.\"\n\nSuddenly Mitsuhide's uncle, Chokansai, who had just now arrived with Mitsuharu, looked in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, he's not here. Where did the lord of Sakamoto go? Anybody here know?\"\n\nHe looked around, goggle-eyed. Although he was an old man, he was so sunny and cheerful that he drove others to distraction. Even if the generals were about to leave on a campaign, Chokansai seemed as cheerful as usual." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned in another direction. When he casually showed up at the ladies' apartments in the citadel, however, the women and their many children ran up to him.\n\n\"Oh, Lord Jester has come!\" the children cried.\n\n\"Lord Jester! When did you get here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Whether he stood or sat, the happy voices around him did not cease." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you staying overnight, Lord Jester?\"\n\n\"Lord Jester, have you eaten yet?\"\n\n\"Lift me up, Lord Jester!\"\n\n\"Sing us a song!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Show us a dance!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They jumped up on his lap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They played with him. They clung to him. They looked into his ears.\n\n\"Lord Jester! There's hair growing out of your ears!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"One, two.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Three, four.\" Singing out the numbers, little girls pulled out the hairs while a little boy sat astride his back, pushing down his old head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Play horsy! Play horsy and whinny!\"\n\nChokansai crawled around submissively, and when he suddenly sneezed, the little boy fell off his back. The ladies-in-waiting and attendants laughed so hard they held their sides.\n\nEven as night fell, the laughter and hubbub did not stop." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The atmosphere of the ladies' apartments was as different from that of Mitsuhide's room in the main citadel as a meadow in spring might be from a snow-covered moor.\n\n\"Uncle, now that you're getting on in years,\" Mitsuharu said, \"I'd be grateful if you'd stay here and take care of the family rather than coming with us on the campaign. I think I should tell our lord that.\"\n\nChokansai looked at his nephew and laughed. \"My final role may have to be something like that. These little ones just won't leave me alone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Night had fallen, and they were badgering him to tell them one of his famous stories." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was the last day left before the departure for the campaign." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuharu had expected that there would be a general conference that evening, but as the main citadel was quiet, he went over to the second citadel and slept.\n\nThe next day Mitsuharu waited in anticipation all day, but no orders were forthcoming. Even when night fell, there was no movement in the main citadel. When he sent one of his retainers to ask about the situation, the answer came back that Mitsuhide had already gone to bed and was asleep. Mitsuharu was suspicious, but there was nothing he could do except go to sleep himself." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene, and you will continue the story with 7 sentences, keeping within the historical fiction genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide was standing at a crossroads: a right turn would take him westward; a left turn would lead him through the village of Kutsukake and across the Katsura River, and on to the capital. He had reached the crest of the hill he had been climbing all his life. The two roads before him represented a turning point and a finality. But the view that presented itself to his eye that night did not compel him to reflection of any sort. Instead, the broad sky showing him the twinkling of peaceful stars seemed to promise a great change in the world, one that would begin with the new dawn.\n\nNo order had been given to rest, but Mitsuhide's horse had stopped, and he sat in the saddle, silhouetted against the starry sky. Perceiving that he was not going to move for the moment, the generals around him, clad in glittering armor—and the long lines of armored men, banners, and horses behind him—waited restlessly in the dark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's a spring bubbling up over there. I can hear water murmuring, I think.\"\n\n\"There it is. Water!\"\n\nGroping along in the undergrowth of the precipice bordering the road, one of the men finally discovered a little stream in the rocks. One after another, the soldiers pushed forward to fill their canteens with the clear water.\n\n\"This will us get as far as Tenjin.\"\n\n\"Maybe we'll eat at Yamazaki.\"\n\n\"No, the night's so short, it'll probably get light when we get to the Kaiin Temple.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The horses will get tired if we march during the daytime, so His Lordship is probably thinking that we should make as much progress as we can through the night and morning hours.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That would be best until we get to the western provinces.\"\n\nThe foot soldiers, quite naturally, and even the samurai above them—with the exception of their commanders—still knew nothing at all. The whispers and laughing voices that did not quite reach the ears of the commanders manifested their assumption that the battlefield was still far away.\n\nThe line began to move. From that point, the commanders carried spears and advanced alongside of their troops with watchful eyes and a quickened pace.\n\nTo the left. To the left. The men began to descend the divide of Oinosaka to the east." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not one soldier turned off on the road to the west." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Doubt reflected from eye to eye. But even those who were suspicious hurried on. The men behind simply looked up to the banners that fluttered in front of them; there was no mistake that this was the road on which their banners proceeded. The horses' hooves clattered on the steep slopes. From time to time the sound of the falling rocks became almost deafening. The army resembled a waterfall that would allow nothing to stand in its way.\n\nBoth men and horses were soaked with sweat, and their breath came in fiery gasps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Meandering through the deep mountain gorges, they once again descended." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quickly turning toward the babbling mountain stream, they pressed on toward the sheer slopes of Mount Matsuo.\n\n\"Take a rest.\"\n\n\"Break out the provisions.\"\n\n\"No fires are to be lit.\"\n\nOrders were passed down, one after another. They were still only at Kutsukake, a village on the mountainside that was made up of no more than ten or so woodcutters' houses. Nevertheless, the warning of the central command had been strict, and patrols were quickly set in the area of the road that went down to the foothills." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where are you going?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Down to the valley to get some water.\"\n\n\"You're not allowed to separate from the ranks. Borrow some water from somebody else.\"\n\nThe soldiers opened up their provisions and silently started to eat. A good bit of whispering was heard as they chewed their food. A number of the men wondered why they were fortifying themselves with a meal at this apparently inopportune time, halfway down the mountain. They had already eaten a meal before they had left the Hachiman Shrine that night.\n\nWhy weren't they to eat when the sun came up, at Yamazaki or Hashimoto where they could tether their horses?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though they were puzzled, they still assumed that they were on their way to the western provinces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The road to Bitchu was not the only way that led to their destination." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If they turned to the right at Kutsukake, they could pass through Oharano and come out in the direction of Yamazaki and Takatsuki.\n\nBut when they started off once again, the entire army descended straight ahead to Tsukahara without turning to either side, and went on to the village of Kawashima. By the fourth watch, the greater part of the army looked down at the unexpected sight of the Katsura River under the night sky.\n\nThe soldiers suddenly became agitated. As soon as they felt the cool breeze of the river, the entire army stopped in its tracks in fear.\n\n\"Settle down!\" the officers ordered the men.\n\n\"Don't make so much noise! And don't talk to each other unnecessarily!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The clear water of the river shimmered, and in the breeze from the river the nine standards with their blue bellflowers swayed like long poles bent into bows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Amano Genemon, whose command was on the edge of the army's right wing, was summoned by Mitsuhide. He jumped off his horse and ran toward his commander.\n\nMitsuhide was standing on a dry part of the riverbed. The penetrating eyes of the generals all turned in Genemon's direction. There were Saito Toshimitsu, his face rimmed with frost-white hair, and Mitsuharu, whose tragic face now appeared like a mask. Along with these two men, the many armored members of his field staff surrounded Mitsuhide like an iron barrel.\n\n\"Gengo,\" Mitsuhide said, \"it will soon be light. You take a company and cross the river first. On the way you are to cut down anyone who might be able to run through our lines to warn the enemy. Also, there may be merchants and other travelers who are passing through the capital in the early dawn, and it will be necessary to take care of these people. This is extremely important.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I understand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait.\" Mitsuhide called the man back. \"As a precaution, I've sent some men to guard the road through the mountains from Hozu, down from northern Saga, and along the Nishijin Road from the Jizoin. Don't attack our own men by mistake.\" Mitsuhide's voice was cuttingly sharp; it was easy to see that his mind was now working at full speed and that his blood vessels were so filled with tension they were close to bursting.\n\nWatching Genemon's troops splash across the Katsura River, the remaining men felt increasingly uneasy. Mitsuhide remounted and, one after another, the men under his command followed his example.\n\n\"Give out the orders. Make sure no one misses a word.\"\n\nOne of the commanders at Mitsuhide's side cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, \"Take off your horses' shoes and throw them away!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shrill command from the first ranks could be heard clearly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The foot soldiers should all put on new straw sandals. Don't wear sandals with cords that are loose from walking on the mountain roads. If the cords have loosened, tie them firmly enough so that if they get wet, they won't chew up your feet. Gunners, cut your fuse cords to lengths of one foot and tie them in bundles of five. Unnecessary things, like the wrapping for provisions and personal effects, or anything that will be a burden to the free movement of your arms and legs, should be thrown into the river. Don't take anything but your weapons.\"\n\nThe army was dumbfounded. At the same time, something of a groundswell began to bubble up from the men. It was connected with neither the sound of voices nor the appearance of motion. The men looked to the left and right, but having been forbidden to talk among themselves, it simply went from face to face—a voiceless voice. Nevertheless, almost instantaneously, action was kindled wherever one looked. And it was so exceedingly swift that, superficially at least, any doubt, uneasiness, or alarm was nowhere apparent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When everything was ready and the men had re-formed their ranks, the old warrior, Saito Toshimitsu, raised a voice that had been tempered in a hundred battles, and spoke to the troops almost as if he were reading." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Rejoice. Today our master, Lord Akechi Mitsuhide, will become the ruler of the country. Do not entertain the least bit of doubt.\"\n\nHis voice carried all the way to the faraway foot soldiers and sandal bearers. Everyone gasped as though they were all breathing their last. But this gasp contained no trace of either joy or acclamation. It was more like a shudder. Toshimitsu closed his eyes and raised his voice almost as though he were scolding the men. Was he trying to reassure himself, too?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No day will ever shine as brightly as today. We will rely especially on the samurai to achieve meritorious deeds. Even if you fall in battle today, your relatives will be rewarded in accordance with your actions.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toshimitsu's voice did not change much, right up to the time he finished speaking. He had been told what to say by Mitsuhide, and it was probably not in accord with his own thinking. \"Let's cross the river!\"\n\nThe sky was still dark. The current of the Katsura River momentarily checked the warhorses as they attempted to ford the stream. Curls of white waves surged and rolled back on themselves. The entire army shivered as the men sloshed through the water in soaked straw sandals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although they were drenched, not one gunner let his fuse cords get wet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The clear water went up past their knees, and it was colder than ice. No doubt every soldier and officer was consumed by his own thoughts as he crossed the current. Each man considered the words that were spoken by Toshimitsu and the corps commanders before he began to ford the stream.\n\nWell, we must be attacking Lord Ieyasu. Except for Tokugawa Ieyasu, there's no one nearby enough to attack. But what did Toshimitsu mean when he said our lord would become the ruler of the country from this day on?\n\nThat was as far as the soldiers' thoughts took them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In large part, the Akechi clan's warriors were men steeped in morality and justice, and it had still not occurred to them that the enemy was Nobunaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The earnest, stubborn Akechi spirit, devoted to a sense of justice, had been passed from the company commanders down through the ranks, right to the lowest foot soldier and sandal bearer.\n\n\"Hey, it's getting light.\"\n\n\"Daybreak will be here soon.\"\n\nThey were in the area between Nyoigadake and the mountain range that delimitated the eastern edge of Kyoto. The edge of a mass of clouds was glittering a bright red.\n\nWhen the men strained their eyes, they could see the city of Kyoto just barely visible in the dark of dawn. Behind them, toward Oinosaka or the border of the grassy province of Tamba, however, the stars were so clear and bright they might have been counted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A corpse!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's another one over there too.\"\n\n\"Hey, and over here!\"\n\nThe army was now approaching the eastern outskirts of Kyoto. With the exception of groves and thatched huts, there was only dew-covered farmland until one reached the pagoda of the Eastern Temple.\n\nDead bodies were strewn at the foot of the pines along the side of the road, in the middle of the road, and almost everywhere the soldiers looked. The dead all seemed to have been farmers from the area. Lying face down as though asleep in a field of eggplant flowers, a young girl lay dead, still clutching her basket, cut down by the single stroke of a sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was apparent that the blood was still flowing, for it was fresher than the morning dew." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Undoubtedly the troops of Amano Genemon that had set out before the main army saw these early-rising farmers in their fields, chased them down, and killed them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They may have felt pity for their innocence, but their orders were not to risk the success of the greater action to come." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Looking down at the fresh blood on the earth and up at the red clouds in the sky, Mitsuhide stood up in his stirrups, abruptly raised his whip into the air, and shouted, \"On to the Honno Temple! Overrun it completely! My enemies are at the Honno Temple. Go! Go! I'll cut down anyone who lags behind!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now was the time for battle, and the nine banners emblazoned with the blue bellflowers split into three companies of three banners each. Striking into the entrance to Seventh Street, they trampled through city gate after city gate, swarming into the capital all at once. The Akechi army burst in through the gates at Fifth, Fourth, and Third streets, and poured into the city.\n\nThe mist was still thick, but a bright red dawn had begun to permeate the sky over the mountains, and as usual, the wicket gates were being opened for the people going to and fro.\n\nThe men crowded through the gates, and spears and guns swarmed in confusion. Only the banners were kept down as the soldiers crowded through.\n\n\"Don't push! Don't be flustered! The rear corps should wait outside the gate for a moment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seeing the confusion, one of the commanders did what he could to restrain the men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Slipping the bar out of the large door, he opened the gate wide.\n\n\"All right! Go through!\" he yelled, goading them on.\n\nThe order had been to rush in silently, without raising a battle cry, to keep the banners down, and even to keep the horses from neighing. But as soon as they crashed through the gates and stormed into the city, the Akechi troops had already worked themselves into a near frenzy.\n\n\"On to the Honno Temple!\"\n\nThrough the general turmoil, the sound of opening doors could be heard coming from houses here and there, but as soon as the residents looked outside, they pulled their heads in again and slammed the doors tight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Among the many units that pushed in on the Honno Temple, the forces that approached it the quickest were those led by Akechi Mitsuharu and Saito Toshimitsu, who could be seen in the vanguard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's difficult to see in these narrow streets filled with mist. Don't get lost trying to get there before the others. The honey locust tree of the Honno Temple grove should be your landmark! Aim for the big bamboo stand between the clouds of mist. There it is! That's the honey locust tree of the Honno Temple!\"\n\nGalloping ahead on horseback and waving his hands furiously as he gave out instructions, Toshimitsu seemed to have pledged his warrior's voice to that one morning of his life.\n\nThe second army, led by Akechi Mitsutada, was also in motion. Those forces inundated the district around Third Street, passed through the inner section like smoke, and made a drive to encircle the Myokaku Temple in Nijo. This action was naturally coordinated with the forces attacking the Honno Temple and was calculated to finish off Nobunaga's son Nobutada.\n\nIt was no distance from this place to the Honno Temple. The armies were separated by the dark of predawn, but already at this point an indescribable noise was beginning to rise from the direction of the Honno Temple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ringing sound of the conch shell and the booming of the gongs and drums could be heard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It would not be an exaggeration to say that the sound shook heaven and earth and was not like anything ordinarily heard in this world. There was no one in the capital that morning who did not either jump up in surprise or leap out of bed in response to the screams of his family.\n\nClamorous noises and voices quickly arose even in the ordinarily peaceful area of the nobles' mansions that surrounded the Imperial Palace. With all of this uproar and the echoing of the drumming horses' hooves, the sky of Kyoto itself seemed to be ringing.\n\nThe confusion of the city people, however, was only momentary, and as soon as the nobility and common people understood the situation, their homes were as quiet as they had been a while before, when they had been sleeping peacefully. No one ventured to go out into the streets.\n\nIt was still so dark the soldiers could not determine whose face was in front of them, and on their way to the Myokaku Temple, the second army mistook some of its own men, who had taken a roundabout way through another narrow street, for the enemy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even though their commander had strictly warned them not to fire until the order was given, when they came to the corner of the intersection, the excited soldiers suddenly began to fire blindly through the mist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they smelled the gunpowder smoke, their spirits became all the more excited in spite of themselves. Even soldiers who had been in battles before might go through a situation like this before they achieved complete self-control.\n\n\"Hey! You can hear conch-shell horns and gongs over there. It's started over at the Honno Temple.\"\n\n\"They're fighting!\"\n\n\"The attack is on!\"\n\nThey couldn't tell if their feet were hitting the ground or not. Running forward, they still could not determine whose voices they heard, though there was no resistance in front of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still, the pores all over their bodies began to swell, and they were even unaware of the cold mist striking their goose-fleshed faces and hands." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They shook with such feeling that all they could do was yell.\n\nAnd so they raised their battle cry even before they saw the roofed walls of the Myokaku Temple. Unexpectedly, a cry rose up in the direction of the front of the unit, and the gongs and drums began to ring out impatiently as well.\n\nMitsuhide was with the third army. It would be proper to say that headquarters were located wherever he happened to be, and this time he had stopped at Horikawa. He was surrounded by members of his clan, and a camp stool had been set up for him, but he did not sit down even for a moment. His entire being was focused on the voices of the clouds and the shrieks of the mist, and he looked uninterruptedly into the sky in the direction of Nijo. From time to time his eyes overflowed with the red of the morning clouds, but still no flames or smoke reached skyward." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CREATIVE WRITING ASSIST:\n3 sentences sentences\nGenre: historical fiction" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the first three days of the Sixth Month, the sky over Kyoto was clear and the sun beat down. The weather in the mountainous western provinces, however, alternated between clear skies and clouds. Heavy rainfall had continued until the end of the Fifth Month." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, for two or three days at the beginning of the Sixth Month, a violent southwest wind blew the ragged clouds from south to north, and the sky continued to change back and forth from bright and clear to cloudy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Most people, tired of the rain and mildew, hoped for an early end to the rainy season, but Hideyoshi's army, which was conducting the long siege of Takamatsu Castle, prayed to the Eight Dragon Kings to send rain and more rain, which was their main weapon on that battlefield. The solitary castle was still completely isolated in the middle of the marshy lake. Sticking out here and there, like hair on someone with a scalp disease, were the trees of a few submerged forests and groves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the castle town, only the roofs of the common people's homes remained above the water; the farmhouses in the low-lying areas had already disappeared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Innumerable pieces of decomposing lumber swirled through the muddy current, or floated on the edges of the lake.\n\nAt a glance, the ripples of the muddy yellow water appeared to be standing still, but as the soldiers watched the edge of the shore, they could see that the water was invading the dry land inch by inch.\n\n\"There are some carefree fellows today! Look over there. They're as happy-go-lucky as you are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi sat mounted on his horse, speaking to the pages behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pages all looked with inquisitive faces in the direction in which their master was pointing. Sure enough, playing on top of the driftwood, a number of snowy herons could be seen. The pages, still adolescents, shrugged their shoulders and chuckled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Listening to their childish talk, Hideyoshi lightly whipped his horse and returned to camp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was during the evening of the third day of the Sixth Month. There was still no way Hideyoshi could know about what had happened in Kyoto.\n\nHideyoshi rarely missed his daily rounds of the camp with a retinue of fifty to one hundred attendants." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Occasionally pages accompanied the entourage. They carried a large, long-handled umbrella and paraded around with the brilliantly colored commander's standard. The soldiers who witnessed this \"royal passage\" looked up and thought, That's our Master going by." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the days they didn't see him, they somehow felt that something was missing.\n\nAs he rode by, Hideyoshi looked at the soldiers to the right and left, the sweaty and mud-caked troops who found great flavor in food that was barely edible, the soldiers who always had a laugh and hardly knew what boredom was.\n\nHideyoshi missed the days when he had been part of that exuberant cluster of youth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had been given the command of the campaign a long five years ago." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The battles and bitter fighting that had occurred at Kozuki Castle, Miki Castle, and other places had been gruelling beyond words. But beyond the hardship of battle, as a general he had also met with spiritual crises any number of times.\n\nNobunaga was a hard man to please, and it had not been easy to serve him at a distance and to keep his mind at ease." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And of course, the generals surrounding Nobunaga were not exactly pleased with Hideyoshi's rise. Still, Hideyoshi was grateful, and in the mornings, when he prayed to the sun goddess, he gave thanks with an open heart for all the trials he had gone through in those five years.\n\nA man would not have gone out in search of such ordeals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He himself thought that, no matter what heaven's intentions for him actually were, it had continued to send him difficulty after difficulty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were days when he felt thankful for the hardships and reversals of his youth, because they had given him the will to survive his own physical weakness.\n\nBy this time the strategy for the water attack on Takamatsu Castle had been carried out, and Hideyoshi only waited for Nobunaga to come from the east. On Mount Hizashi, the thirty thousand Mori troops under the commands of Kikkawa and Kobayakawa waited to rescue the isolated castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "During periods of clear weather, Hideyoshi's umbrella and commanders' standard could be clearly seen by the enemy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just as Hideyoshi was returning to his quarters that evening, a messenger arrived by the Okayama Road and was immediately surrounded by guards. The road led to Hideyoshi's camp on Mount Ishii, but the traveler could also cross through Hibata and go on to Kobayakawa Takakage's camp at Mount Hizashi by the same route. Naturally, the road was heavily guarded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The messenger, whipping his horse all the way, had been riding since the day before without stopping to eat or drink." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By the time the guards got him back to the camp, he had lost consciousness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the Hour of the Boar. Hideyoshi was still up. When Hikoemon returned, he, Hideyoshi, and Hori Kyutaro went to the building that served as Hideyoshi's private quarters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There the three men sat together for a long time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This conference was so secret even the pages had withdrawn. Only the poet Yuko was allowed to remain, and he sat behind the paper screen doors, whisking tea.\n\nJust then, footsteps could be heard hurrying toward the buildings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A strict order had been given to keep the area clear of people, so when the footsteps approached the cedar door, they were met and intercepted with a quick reproach from the pages standing guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The pages sounded extremely excited, while the person they had challenged seemed to be impertinent and hot-blooded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yuko, what's going on?\" Hideyoshi asked.\n\n\"I'm not sure. Maybe it's a page and one of the men on guard duty.\"\n\n\"Take a look.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yuko stood up and went out, leaving the tea utensils exactly as they were." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Looking outside, he found that—rather than the guard he expected—it was Asano Nagamasa who had been challenged by the pages.\n\nThe young pages, however, were not going to announce anyone while their orders were to keep everyone out. It didn't make any difference who it was—Asano or anyone else." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Asano had responded that if they would not carry the message, he was going to push his way through." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pages replied that if he wanted to go through, he was welcome to try. They may have been nothing more than pages, but they had been given a post, and they were going to demonstrate that they were not there just for decoration.\n\nYuko first calmed the stubborn young guards, then asked, \"Lord Asano, what's the matter?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Asano showed him the letter case he held in his hand and told him about the messenger who had just arrived from Kyoto. He had heard that the meeting was private, but thought the message was not some trivial matter and so he wanted to talk to his lord for a moment.\n\n\"Wait just a moment, please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yuko went back inside but quickly returned and invited Asano to come in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Asano stepped in with a sidelong glance at the next room. The pages inside were silent. Looking the other way, they completely ignored him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moving aside a short standing lamp, Hideyoshi turned toward Asano, who had entered the room.\n\n\"I'm sorry to disturb you during a conference.\"\n\n\"That's all right. There's been a dispatch, it seems. Who is it from?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've been told it's from Hasegawa Sojin, my lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Asano held out the message case. The red lacquer on the leather shone brightly in the lamplight.\n\n\"A dispatch from Sojin?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi said, taking the case.\n\nHasegawa Sojin was Nobunaga's companion in tea. He was not on particularly intimate terms with Hideyoshi, so it was strange that the tea master would suddenly be sending an urgent message to his camp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moreover, according to Nagamasa, the messenger had left Kyoto at noon the previous day and had arrived just now, at the Hour of the Boar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That meant it had taken him one full day and half a night to travel the seventy leagues from the capital to the camp. That was not an easy pace, even for a courier. There was no doubt that he had neither eaten nor drunk on the way and that he had ridden through the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hikoemon, bring the lamp a little closer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi bent down and unrolled Sojin's letter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was short and had obviously been written in a hurry. But with a single reading, the hair on the back of Hideyoshi's neck stood up in the lamplight.\n\nThe other men had been sitting behind Hideyoshi, a little way off, but when his color changed from the nape of his neck to his ears, Kyutaro, Asano, and Hikoemon all leaned forward in spite of themselves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Asano asked, \"My lord... what has happened?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the instant he was questioned, Hideyoshi came back to himself. Almost as though he doubted the words contained in the letter, he forced himself to read them once more. Then his tears began to fall onto the letter about whose contents there now could be no doubt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My lord, why these tears?\" Hikoemon asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is not like you at all, my lord.\"\n\n\"Is it bad news?\"\n\nAll three men imagined that the message had something to do with Hideyoshi's mother, whom he had left in Nagahama." }, { "from": "human", "value": "During the campaign, the men seldom spoke about their home provinces; but when they did, Hideyoshi always talked about his mother, so now they imagined that she was either seriously ill or had died." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi finally wiped away his tears and sat a little straighter. As he did so, he assumed a grave look, and his intense grief appeared to be pierced with an acute anger. Such intense rage was not usually felt at the death of a parent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I haven't the strength to tell you in words. The three of you come and look at this.\" He handed them the letter and looked the other way, hiding his tears with his arm.\n\nUpon reading the letter, the three men looked as though they had been hit with a thunderbolt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga and Nobutada were dead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Could it be true? Was the world so mysterious? Kyutaro, in particular, had met with Nobunaga just before coming to Mount Ishii." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had come here, after all, on Nobunaga's orders, and now he looked at the letter over and over again, unable to believe what it said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both Kyutaro and Hikoemon shed tears, and the lamp, submerged in the gloom, could have been extinguished by those tears alone. Hideyoshi flinched impatiently, shifting his weight as he sat. He had come to grips with himself, and his lips were tightly shut." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey! Somebody come here!\" he shouted toward the pages' room. It was a shout loud enough to pierce the ceiling, and both Hikoemon and Asano—who were men of great courage—were so surprised that they nearly jumped up from their cushions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After all, Hideyoshi had been so sunk in tears that his spirit seemed to have been completely crushed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, my lord!\" a page replied. Vigorous footsteps accompanied the response. Hearing those footsteps and Hideyoshi's voice, Kyutaro and Hikoemon's grief was suddenly blown away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My lord?\"\n\n\"Who is that?\" Hideyoshi asked.\n\n\"Ishida Sakichi, my lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The short-statured Sakichi advanced from the shadow of the sliding door to the next room. Coming out to the middle of the tatami, he turned toward the lamp in the conference room and bowed with his hands pressed to the floor.\n\n\"Sakichi, run over to Kanbei's camp. Tell him that I need to talk with him right away. Hurry!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If the situation had permitted, Hideyoshi would have liked to weep out loud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had served Nobunaga from the age of seventeen. His head had been patted by the man's hands, and his own hands had carried his master's straw sandals. And now that master was no longer in the world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The relationship between Nobunaga and himself had been in no sense ordinary." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had been a relationship of one blood, one faith, and one life and death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unexpectedly, the master had departed first, and Hideyoshi was aware that, from this time forth, he was in charge of his own life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one knew me as he did, Hideyoshi thought. In his last moments in the flames of the Honno Temple, he must have called out to me in his heart and left me with a trust. Insignificant as I am, I am not going to turn my back on my lord and his trust in me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thus Hideyoshi made a pledge to himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was not a vain lamentation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His belief was simple: just before Nobunaga had died, he had left Hideyoshi with his dying instructions.\n\nHe was able to understand how deep his lord's resentment must have been. Judging by Nobunaga's attitude, Hideyoshi was able to imagine the regret in Nobunaga's breast as he left the world with his work half done." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he considered the matter from this point of view, Hideyoshi was no longer able to grieve." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nor was there time to think about plans for the future. His body was in the west, but his mind was already facing the enemy, Akechi Mitsuhide.\n\nBut there was also the question of how to deal with the enemy in front of him in Takamatsu Castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And how was he to handle the thirty-thousand-man army of the Mori?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How could he shift his position to Kyoto as quickly as possible from a battlefield in the western provinces? How to crush Mitsuhide; the problems that lay before him stretched out like a range of mountains.\n\nHe seemed to have reached a decision." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had one chance in a thousand, and his resolution to stake his life on a single possibility showed on his determined brow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where is the messenger now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi asked Asano, almost as soon as the page had left.\n\n\"I ordered the samurai to have him wait by the main temple,\" Asano answered.\n\nHideyoshi signaled at Hikoemon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Take him to the kitchen and give him something to eat. But keep him locked up in a room and don't let anyone talk to him,\" he ordered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seeing Hikoemon stand up to go with a knowing nod, Asano asked if he should go as well.\n\nHideyoshi shook his head. \"No, I have another order for you, so wait just a moment,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Asano, I want you to select some of the samurai under your command who have good ears and quick feet, and station them on all the roads from Kyoto to the Mori domain. I don't want even water to leak through. Arrest everyone who looks suspicious. Even if they don't look suspicious, investigate their identities and examine what they're carrying with them. This is extremely important. Go quickly, and be careful.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Asano left immediately. Now the only ones who remained were Kyutaro and Yuko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What time is it now, Yuko?\"\n\n\"It's the second half of the Hour of the Boar.\"\n\n\"Today was the third of the month, right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's correct.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tomorrow's the fourth,\" he mumbled to himself. \"Then the fifth.\" His eyes closed halfway, and he moved his fingers on his knee as though he were counting.\n\n\"It's difficult for me to just sit here. Won't you give me some orders?\" Kyutaro begged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, I want you to stay here a little longer,\" Hideyoshi said, trying to soothe the man's impatience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kanbei should be here soon. I know that Hikoemon went to take care of the courier, but while we have some free moments, why don't you go double-check?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kyutaro immediately got up and went off to the temple kitchen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The courier was in a small room next to the kitchen, hungrily eating some food that had been given to him. The man had not drunk or eaten anything since noon the day before, and when he finally finished filling himself, he sat back with a bulging stomach.\n\nWhen Hikoemon saw that the man had finished, he beckoned him over and accompanied him to a room in the priests' quarters, the storeroom for the sutras." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Telling him to sleep well, Hikoemon showed the courier into the room and locked the door securely from the outside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just then, Kyutaro stepped quietly to Hikoemon's side and whispered in his ear.\n\n\"His Lordship is worried that news of the incident in Kyoto might leak out to the men.\"\n\nKyutaro's eyes revealed his intention to kill the messenger, but Hikoemon shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After they had walked a few steps, Hikoemon said, \"He'll probably die right where he is from overeating. Let's let him die innocently.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Looking toward the sutra room, Hikoemon held an extended palm out from his chest in prayer." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do 2 sentences. going for Eiji Yoshikawa vibe" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tennozan was steep, about nine hundred feet at its highest point." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the day before, when Hideyoshi's main army had advanced as far as Tonda, his officers had all looked straight ahead and stared at the mountain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Several of them had questioned the local guide." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What mountain is that?\"\n\n\"Is that Yamazaki in the eastern foothills?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The enemy is at Shoryuji. Where is that in relation to Tennozan?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every corps had to be accompanied by someone who was familiar with the lay of the land. Everyone who understood strategy knew that the side that controlled the high ground would win the day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And every general was also aware that the first man who planted his banner on Tennozan would win more glory than the one who took the first head on the plain. Each general had sworn that he would be that man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the eve of the thirteenth, several of Hideyoshi's generals had asked him to adopt their plan of attack, and hoped they would be given the order to storm the mountain.\n\n\"Tomorrow will be the decisive battle,\" Hideyoshi said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yodo, Yamazaki, and Tennozan will be the main battlefields. Prove yourselves worthy of being called men. Don't compete with one another, or think only of your own glory. Remember that Lord Nobunaga and the god of war will be looking down on you from heaven.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But as soon as they received Hideyoshi's permission, the gunners raced toward Tennozan in high spirits and in a disorganized melee in the dead of night. This strategic place that had attracted the eyes of all of Hideyoshi's generals had not been overlooked by Mitsuhide." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had decided to march at full speed, cross the Katsura River, and come out quickly at Onbozuka to take Tennozan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide knew the topography of the area as well as did the generals of the enemy vanguard, Nakagawa Sebei and Takayama Ukon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And, although they were looking at the mountains and rivers of the same area, Mitsuhide's mind naturally went beyond the thoughts of the other men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After Mitsuhide had crossed the Katsura River and marched through Kuga Nawate, he detached one division from his army and sent them on another route, saying, \"Climb up the northern side of Tennozan and take the mountaintop. If the enemy attacks, make a stand and don't give up that strategic point.\"\n\nIt must be said that he was quick." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide's commands and his actions were always timely; he never missed an opportunity to strike. Nevertheless, by this time Hideyoshi's forces, which had already reached Hirose on the southern slope, were also on the mountain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had been pitch black, however, and many of the soldiers were not at all familiar with the terrain.\n\n\"Here's a path going up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, you can't go through that way.\"\n\n\"Yes, I think we can.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is the wrong way. There's a crag right above us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Winding their way around the foot of the mountain, they all made haste to find a path to the top." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The path was steep, and it was still dark. Because they knew they were among allies, the men filed up without knowing whose unit or corps they were with." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They simply hurried, huffing and puffing, to the summit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, just as they thought they were nearing the top, they were struck by a volley of gunfire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The attack had come from the Akechi gunners under Matsuda Tarozaemon. It was clear afterward that the seven hundred men in the Matsuda corps had been divided into two units." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The soldiers of Horio Mosuke, Nakagawa Sebei, Takayama Ukon, and Ikeda Shonyu had all scrambled to be first to climb up Tennozan, but it was only Hori Kyutaro who commanded his troops to take the crossroad up to the north side of the foothills. Quickly skirting the base of the mountain, they attempted a completely different action: to cut off the retreat of the enemy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As expected, that lateral attack intercepted the Matsuda corps and placed its general, Matsuda Tarozaemon, right before their eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The collision was far more violent than the clash at the top of the mountain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fighting was hand to hand amidst the pines and boulders strewn along the mountain slope." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Firearms were too cumbersome, so the battle was fought mainly with spears, long swords, and halberds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some fell from the cliffs grappling with the enemy. Some who held down enemy soldiers were stabbed from behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were corps of archers as well and the singing of arrows and reports of the guns were incessant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But far louder were the war cries of the five or six hundred men. Those cries did not seem to be coming from the throats of individual men but from their entire beings, even from their hair and pores." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The men advanced and were pushed back, and at last the sun began to rise. A blue sky and white clouds were visible for the first time in a long while." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With the rare sunshine, the cicadas seemed to have been struck dumb." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In their place were the war cries of the soldiers shaking the mountain. Very quickly, bloodied corpses lay strewn over the slopes, piled atop one another." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One body might be lying pathetically alone in one spot, while two or three might have fallen on top of each other in another place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The warriors were spurred by the sight of the corpses, and the soldiers who stepped over the dead bodies of their comrades entered a space beyond life and death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was true for the soldiers of the Hori corps as well as for the men of the Akechi.\n\nThe situation at the top of the mountain was unclear, but here too a victory might be followed quickly by a defeat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During the fighting, the cries that issued from the Matsuda corps suddenly changed and became like the sounds a crying child makes between sobs. Optimism had changed to despair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's the matter?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why are we falling back? Don't retreat!\"\n\nQuestioning their comrades' confusion, some of the men of the Matsuda corps yelled out in anger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But those men, too, quickly ran toward the foot of the mountain as though carried by an avalanche. Their commanding general, Matsuda Tarozaemon, had been struck by a bullet and carried away on the shoulders of his attendants in full view of his troops." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Attack! Cut them down!\"\n\nThe greater part of the Hori corps had already started out in pursuit, but Kyutaro yelled at the top of his voice, trying to stop his men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't pursue them!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the impetus of the moment, however, the command for restraint had little effect. As might have been expected, the vanguard of the Matsuda corps now came cascading down the mountain like a muddy stream." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reinforcements had not come, and their general had been shot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had no choice but to flee.\n\nThe Hori corps had been no match for the Akechi in terms of numbers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now, without a real battle and with nothing to check them, they were thrust down the mountain and crushed underfoot by a corps of the enemy that came running down the steep slope from above." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The section of the Hori corps that had pursued the enemy down the mountain first was now caught in a pincer movement just as Kyutaro had feared, and an appalling battle ensued.\n\nAt that point, the combined forces of the Horio, Nakagawa, Takayama, and Ikeda corps reached the top of the mountain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We've won!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tennozan is ours!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The battle's first victory cheer was raised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi had been waiting for Nobutaka's arrival at the Yodo River, and so he had not yet arrived at the front line." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was late in the afternoon, about the Hour of the Ram, by the time he had added the forces of Nobutaka and Niwa Nagahide to his own army and advanced to the central camp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The morning rain had dried up under the hot sky, both men and horses were covered with sweat and dust, and the colorful armor and coats had all turned white." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only article that penetrated the hot day with any brilliance was Hideyoshi's standard of the golden gourds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While there were still echoes of gunfire on Tennozan, every house in the village had seemed empty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the Akechi forces retreated and the new tide of armor flooded the streets, however, pails of water, piles of melons, and kettles of barley tea suddenly appeared on every doorstep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Hideyoshi's forces crowded through the streets, even women appeared among the crowd of villagers, wishing them well.\n\n\"Not a single enemy soldier's left over there?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi did not dismount, but simply gazed steadily at the banners of his soldiers, now visible on the nearby mountain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not one,\" Hikoemon replied. He had coordinated all the reports on battle conditions from the various corps, judged the general situation, and now reported to Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Matsuda corps lost its commander at the very outset of the attack. Some of his men fled toward the northern foothills, while the others joined their allies in the neighborhood of Tomooka.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wonder why someone like Mitsuhide would abandon this high ground so quickly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He probably didn't think we would arrive so soon. He was mistaken in his timing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about his main force?\"\n\n\"They seem to have camped in the area from the Yodo River to Shimoueno, with Shoryuji at their rear and the Enmyoji River in front of them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At that moment war cries and gunfire could be heard in the direction of the Enmyoji River." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was the Hour of the Monkey." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Enmyoji River, east of the village of Yamazaki, was a confluent of the Yodo River. The area where the two rivers met was a swamp covered with reeds and rushes, usually filled with the songs of bush warblers, but on this day no birdsong could be heard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During the morning the enemy armies—the left wing of Mitsuhide's army and Hideyoshi's right wing—had lined the riverbanks on either side. From time to time the reeds would rustle in the wind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While the tips of the banner poles were visible, no men or horses could be seen on either bank. On the northern bank, however, the five thousand men under Saito Toshimitsu, Abe Sadaaki, and Akechi Shigetomo were ready to advance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the southern bank, eight thousand five hundred men under Takayama Ukon, Nakagawa Sebei, and Ikeda Shonyu were arranged in one line after another. Steaming with sweat in that hot, damp place, they waited for the time to strike." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were waiting for Hideyoshi to arrive and give his command.\n\n\"What is the main army doing?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They cursed Hideyoshi's army for its late arrival, but they could only grit their teeth.\n\nAkechi Mitsuhide, who was still at his main camp in Onbozuka, had heard early on about Matsuda Tarozaemon's death on Tennozan and the complete rout of his troops." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He blamed himself for misjudging the timing of his own command." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew quite well that, strategically, there was a great difference between fighting with Tennozan under the control of his own men and facing a decisive battle after having abandoned the high ground to the enemy.\n\nPrior to advancing toward Tennozan, however, Mitsuhide had been distracted by three things: Tsutsui Junkei's betrayal; his order to strengthen Yodo Castle—misjudging the speed of Hideyoshi's attack; and a flaw in his character—he was indecisive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Should he take the offensive or the defensive?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had not decided which until his advance on Onbozuka.\n\nThe battle began almost by accident." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both armies had spent the morning among the reeds and rushes, being eaten by gnats and mosquitoes. Throughout this time, they faced each other squarely and waited for their generals' commands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At one point, however, a beautifully saddled horse suddenly sprang from Hideyoshi's side toward the bank of the Enmyoji River, possibly to slake its thirst.\n\nFour or five soldiers—probably retainers of the horse's owner—chased after it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gunfire rang out abruptly from the opposite bank, followed by one volley after another." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In response, Hideyoshi's troops fired their own volley toward the northern bank in order to help the soldiers, who had taken cover in the reeds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now there was no time to wait for orders.\n\n\"Attack!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi's order for a general assault actually came after the exchange of gunfire. The Akechi troops naturally reacted to the movement of the enemy, and, they, too, waded into the river." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The place where the Enmyoji River met the Yodo River was fairly wide, but not far from the convergence the Enmyoji was little more than a stream.\n\nThe current, however, was strong after several days of rain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While the Akechi gunners' corps appeared through the reeds on the northern bank and fired into the ranks of Hideyoshi's forces standing on the southern bank, corps of armored men—the soldiers of the spear corps, the picked troops of the Akechi—kicked up sprays of water as they pushed their way across to the other side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Send out the spear corps!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "an officer of the Takayama corps yelled, jumping up on the bank.\n\nBecause the river was so narrow, the effectiveness of the gunners was limited." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the rear ranks moved up in order to let the front ranks reload, there was the possibility that the enemy would suddenly overrun the bank and leap into the midst of the gunners.\n\n\"Gunners, open up to the side! Don't obstruct the men in the front ranks!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Nakagawa corps had their spear points aligned and ready." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Most of them now brandished those spears and struck downward from the bank and into the water.\n\nThey were, of course, aiming at the enemy, but rather than pulling back their spears and thrusting, it was speedier to simply hold them aloft and strike in an effort to prevent the enemy from even starting up the bank." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fierce clash occurred in the middle of the river, spear to spear, spear to long sword, and even spear to spear shaft." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Men thrust into others and were stabbed in turn.\n\nThe soldiers yelled and grappled with each other, some falling dead into the water and raising a spray." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The muddy current whirled around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blood and gore floated to the surface of the water and then was washed away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By that time the first corps under Nakagawa Sebei had relinquished the fight downstream to the soldiers under Takayama Ukon's command. Like the lines of young men shouldering a sacred palanquin during a festival, yelling in unison, they forced their way into the front line of battle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quickly stepping over the reeds on the eastern bank of the river, they dashed furiously into the midst of the enemy. The sun began to set." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Burnt red clouds showing the approach of evening reflected their colors on the black clumps of men yelling beneath the desolate sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The violent battle continued for yet another hour." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tenacity of the Saito corps was surprising." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just as it seemed they might crumble, they rallied once more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Making their stand in a swamp, they fought back attack after attack. And they were not the only ones—almost all of the Akechi forces fought with uncanny resignation, and the desperate voice of the defeated army resounded with a bitterness that each man could imagine in Mitsuhide's breast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Retreat before we're surrounded! Fall back! Fall back!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That pathetic chorus was raised by troops in rapid succession, and the sad news spread like the wind to the other two Akechi corps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the heart of the central army, which acted as a reserve corps, were the five thousand men directly under Mitsuhide at Onbozuka. At their right were four thousand more men, including two thousand under Fujita Dengo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dengo sounded the large drum and the men fanned out into a line of battle. The men of the archers' corps in front released their ghastly rain of arrows in whining unison, and immediately the enemy returned the action with a hail of bullets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As a command from Dengo cut through the air, the archers dispersed and the gunners took their place. Without waiting an instant for the shroud of gunpowder smoke to clear, armored warriors with iron spears appeared before the enemy and began to cut their way through." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dengo and his hand-picked troops routed the Hachiya corps.\n\nTaking that corps' place, the soldiers under Nobutaka resumed the attack and struck against the Akechi forces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Dengo defeated them as well, chasing them back. For the time being, Dengo's troops seemed to have no worthy opponent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The drum of the Fujita corps boomed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seemed to express the clan's pride in being without rival, and it menaced the mounted samurai who had crowded in a protective ring around Nobutaka, causing them to mill about in confusion.\n\nJust then, a corps of five hundred soldiers attacked the Fujita corps' flank, yelling war cries as though they made up a large army." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The clouds were still vaguely red, but on the ground it was already dark. Dengo was reflecting that he had gone too far, and changed his instructions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shift to the right!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he commanded. \"Turn! Turn as far as you can toward the right!\" His intention was to have the entire force make a circle to rejoin the central army and then fight on firmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suddenly, however, a unit under the command of Hori Kyutaro attacked fiercely from the left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To Dengo, it was as though enemy soldiers had suddenly bubbled up from the earth.\n\nThere was no way to retreat, Dengo realized at once, but there was also no time to correct his formation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Hori warriors cut off his men with the speed of the wind and began to encircle them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobutaka's standard seemed to flutter closer and closer to Dengo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just at that point, a band of five hundred men, including Dengo's son and his younger brother, promptly rode out in a black cluster and galloped fearlessly into the enemy. The night had grown dark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wind carried the cries of the life-and-death struggles and filled the sky with the smell of blood.\n\nNobutaka's corps was respected as being the strongest among the divisions of Hideyoshi's army, and now it was reinforced with the three thousand men under the command of Niwa Nagahide." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brave and spirited as Dengo and his men were, they could not break through the enemy line.\n\nDengo was wounded in six places." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, after fighting and whirling about on his horse for so long, he began to lose consciousness. Suddenly a voice came from the darkness behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thinking it to be the voice of his son, he raised his head from the horse's mane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just at that moment something struck him above the right eye. It felt like a star falling from heaven, hitting him on the forehead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stay in the saddle! Hang on tight to the saddle! An arrow has glanced off you, and you have a light wound on your forehead.\" \"Who is it? Who's holding me up?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's me, Tozo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, brother. What's happened to Ise Yosaburo?\"\n\n\"He's already been cut down in battle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about Suwa?\"\n\n\"Suwa is dead too.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And Denbei?\"\n\n\"He's still surrounded by the enemy. Now let me accompany you. Lie against the front ring of your saddle.\"\n\nWithout talking further about Denbei's being either dead or alive, Tozo took the muzzle of his brother's horse and fled at top speed through the chaos." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I've got a bit of writer's block. I'm gonna send you something then keep it going one sentence at a time, also I'm going for a Eiji Yoshikawa sorta thing in the historical fiction genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The conference had finally agreed that the province for Nobunaga's heir, Samboshi, would be three hundred thousand bushels in Omi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The protectors of the young lord were to be Hasegawa Tamba and Maeda Geni, but they were to be assisted by Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Azuchi had been lost to the flames, and until a new castle could be built, Samboshi's residence would be Gifu Castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samboshi's two uncles, Nobuo and Nobutaka, were to act as his guardians." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In addition to these articles, there was the matter of the structure of the administration." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would be the responsibility of Katsuie, Hideyoshi, Niwa, and Shonyu to send generals to Kyoto as representatives of the Oda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The proposals were quickly decided upon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At a closing ceremony, pledges of loyalty to the new lord were signed and sworn to in front of the altar to Nobunaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the third day of the Seventh Month." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ceremony marking the first anniversary of Nobunaga's death should have been held the day before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If the conference had gone smoothly, the ceremony might have been conducted on the day itself, but because of Katsuie's reservations, the night had passed by and the memorial service had been postponed until the following day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wiping the sweat from their bodies and changing into mourning dress, the generals waited for the appointed hour for the memorial service in the castle's chapel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The hum of mosquitoes was thick around the eaves, and a thin new moon hung in the sky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quietly the generals crossed over to the secondary citadel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Red and white lotuses were depicted on the sliding doors of the chapel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One by one the men came in and sat down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only Hideyoshi did not appear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eyes were strained in doubt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But as the generals looked in the direction of the faraway altar, among the austere articles such as the shrine, the mortuary tablet, the golden screen, the offertory flowers, and the incense burner, they could see Hideyoshi sitting coolly and smugly beneath the altar, holding the young Samboshi on his lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each one of them wondered what he was doing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they thought it over, however, they remembered that it had been the judgment of the majority at the conference that afternoon that Hideyoshi would be recognized as an aide to the young lord, along with his two guardians." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On those grounds he could not be accused of being presumptuous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And, simply because he could not find any reason to censure Hideyoshi, Katsuie looked extremely displeased." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please go up to the altar in the proper order,\" Katsuie growled at Nobuo and Nobutaka, twisting his chin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His voice was low, but it was boiling over with vexation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pardon me, please,\" Nobuo said to Nobutaka, and stood up first." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now it was Nobutaka's turn to look displeased." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He seemed to feel that being placed behind Nobuo in front of the assembled generals would place him in a subordinate position in the future." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobuo faced his father's mortuary tablet, closed his eyes, and put his hands together in prayer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Offering incense, he prayed once again in front of the shrine and then withdrew." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seeing that the man was about to return directly to his own seat, Hideyoshi cleared his throat once as if to bring attention to the child, Samboshi, who was sitting on his lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without actually saying \"Your new lord is over here!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he attracted Nobuo's attention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobuo seemed almost startled at Hideyoshi's deliberate gesture, and hurriedly turned in their direction on his knees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was by nature a weak man, and his alarm seemed almost pitiful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Looking up at Samboshi, Nobuo bowed reverently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In fact, he was too polite." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was not the young lord who nodded his approval; it was Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samboshi was a fretful, spoiled child, but for some reason, seated on Hideyoshi's lap, he was as quiescent as a little doll." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Nobutaka stood up, he likewise prayed in front of the soul of his father." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But having witnessed Nobuo's precedent and apparently not wanting to be laughed at by the other generals, he bowed reverently toward Samboshi with a truly correct demeanor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He then went back to his seat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The next was Shibata Katsuie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When his large frame knelt before the shrine, almost hiding it from view, both the red and white lotuses on the partitions and the flickering lamps tinted his figure in what seemed like red flames of wrath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps he was giving Nobunaga's soul a lengthy report on the conference and pledging his support for his new lord." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But with the offering of incense, Katsuie remained a long time in silent prayer with his palms pressed solemnly together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, withdrawing about seven paces, he straightened his back and turned in the direction of Samboshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since Nobuo and Nobutaka had already bowed reverently to Samboshi, Katsuie could not very well be negligent in that regard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Very likely feeling that it was unavoidable, he swallowed his pride and bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi looked as though he were nodding in approval of Katsuie as well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuie jerked his short, thick neck to the side and returned with a rustle back to his own seat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After that, he looked angry enough to spit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Niwa, Takigawa, Shonyu, Hachiya, Hosokawa, Gamo, Tsutsui, and the other generals paid their respects." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then they moved to the banquet room used for such affairs and, at the invitation of Nobutada's widow, settled down to a meal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tables were set for more than forty guests." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cups were passed around, and the lamps flickered in the cool night breeze." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the men made themselves comfortable with pleasant words for the first time in two days, each was feeling a little drunk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The banquet that evening was a bit unusual in that it was given after a memorial service, and so no one got very drunk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nevertheless, as the sake began to be felt, the generals left their seats to talk to others, and laughter and animated conversations could be heard here and there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A particularly large number of cups and men gathered in front of Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then one more man stepped into the crowd." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How about a cup?\" asked Sakuma Genba." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Genba's matchless valor in the battles in the north had been highly praised, and it was said that no enemy ever encountered him twice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsuie's love for the man was extraordinary." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was fond of describing him as \"my Genba,\" or \"my nephew.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his pride he spoke publicly and freely about Genba's martial virtues." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsuie had a great number of nephews, but when he said \"my nephew,\" he meant Genba alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even though Genba was only twenty-eight years old, he held Oyama Castle as a general of the Shibata clan and had received a province and rank hardly inferior to the great generals gathered in the banquet room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Say, Hideyoshi,\" Katsuie said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Give a cup to that nephew of mine, too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi looked around as though he had just noticed Genba." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nephew?\" Hideyoshi said, studying the younger man. \"Ah, you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Certainly, he did appear to be the hero everyone talked about, and his sturdy frame overshadowed the short-statured, frail-looking Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Genba did not, however, have his uncle's pockmarked face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was fair-skinned but robust, and at a glance seemed to have the brows of a tiger and the body of a leopard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi presented the man with a cup." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's understandable that Lord Katsuie has such fine young men in his clan. Here, have a cup.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Genba shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I'm going to receive a cup, I'd like that big one.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cup in question still contained some sake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi artlessly emptied it out and called, \"Somebody come serve him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The mouth of the gold-lacquered flask touched the edge of the vermilion cup, and even though the bottle was quickly emptied, the cup itself was not yet full." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone brought in another flask, and the cup was finally filled to the brim." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The handsome young hero narrowed his eyes, raised the cup to his lips, and drank it dry in one gulp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well then. What about you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I haven't got that kind of talent,\" Hideyoshi said, smiling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At Hideyoshi's refusal to drink, Genba pressed harder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why won't you drink?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not a strong drinker.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What! Just this little bit.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I drink, but not a lot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Genba roared with laughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he said, loudly enough so that everyone would hear, \"The rumors that you hear are certainly true. Lord Hideyoshi is good at making excuses, and he's certainly modest. A long time ago—over twenty years—he was an underling sweeping up horse droppings and carrying Lord Nobunaga's sandals. It's admirable of him not to have forgotten those days.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He laughed at his own effrontery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The others must have been startled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The chattering stopped suddenly, and everyone looked back and forth from Hideyoshi, who was still sitting across from Genba, to Katsuie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In an instant, everyone forgot about his cup and suddenly sobered up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi only smiled as he looked at Genba." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His forty-five-year-old eyes simply gazed at the youth of twenty-eight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their dissimilarity was not just a matter of a difference of age." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The life Hideyoshi had lived the first twenty-eight years after his birth and the path Genba had followed for his twenty-eight years were extremely different in terms of both environment and experience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Genba might have been considered as just a little boy who knew nothing of hardships in the real world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For this reason he had a reputation for arrogance as well as for bravery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And apparently he was a man who did not employ caution in a place that was more dangerous than any battlefield—a room in which the leading men of the day were gathered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But, Hideyoshi, there is just one thing I can't stand. No, listen, Hideyoshi. Do you have ears to hear?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At that point he was yelling at Hideyoshi disrespectfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It appeared to be less a matter of being drunk than of something eating at him from inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi, however, looked at his drunken state and spoke to him almost with affection." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're drunk,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What!\" Genba shook his head violently and straightened his posture." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is no small problem to be written off to drunkenness. Listen. Just a little while ago in the chapel, when Lord Nobuo and Lord Nobutaka and all the other generals came to do reverence to the soul of Lord Nobunaga, didn't you sit in the seat of honor with Lord Samboshi on your lap and make them bow in your direction, one after another?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, well,\" Hideyoshi said, laughing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you laughing about? Is something funny, Hideyoshi? I don't doubt that your shrewd design was to hold up Lord Samboshi as an ornament for your own insignificant self so that you could receive the bows of the Oda family and its generals. Yes, that's it. And if I had been present, I would have had the pleasure of pulling your head right off. Lord Katsuie and the distinguished men sitting here are so good-natured that I get impatient, and—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At that moment Katsuie, who was sitting about two seats away from Hideyoshi, drained his cup and looked around at the other men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Genba, what do you mean by talking in such a way about another man? No, Lord Hideyoshi, my nephew is not speaking out of malice. So just ignore him,\" he said, laughing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi was unable to show his anger and unable to laugh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had been placed in a predicament in which he could only force a subtle smile, but his own particular appearance was well fitted for such situations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Katsuie, don't let this upset you. It's all right,\" Hideyoshi said ambiguously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was clearly pretending to be drunk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't pretend, Monkey. Hey, Monkey!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tonight Genba was acting even more arrogantly than usual." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'Monkey!' Now that was a slip, but it's not so easy to change a name that was commonly used for twenty years. That's right, it's that 'Monkey' that comes to mind. A long time ago, he was the monkeylike underling being chased around and around from job to job in Kiyosu Castle. At that time, my uncle occasionally served on night duty. I heard that one night when he was bored, he invited Monkey over and gave him sake, and when my uncle got tired from drink he lay down. Then, when he asked Monkey to come over and massage his legs, the tactful Monkey happily did so.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "All the men present had lost their pleasant feelings of intoxication." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each man's face turned pale while his mouth went sour." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was not a simple situation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was very likely that beyond the walls not so far removed from the banquet, in the shadows of the trees and under the floors, were swords, spears, and bows hidden by the Shibata." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Were they not persistently trying to provoke Hideyoshi?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A weird sensation, shared by everyone, began to grow out of the feelings of distrust, and that sensation rode the inklike evening breeze and the shadows of the lamps that flickered throughout the hall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was the middle of the summer, but every man felt a chill along his spine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi waited until Genba had finished and then laughed out loud." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Lord Nephew, I wonder from whom you heard that. You've reminded me of a pleasant memory. Twenty years ago, this old monkey had the reputation of being good at massage, and the entire Oda clan had me rub them down. Lord Katsuie's legs were not the only ones to get massaged. And then, when I was given some sweets in reward, how good they tasted! That makes me nostalgic now, nostalgic for the taste of those sweets.\" Hideyoshi laughed again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you hear that, Uncle?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Genba asked grandiosely. \"Give something nice to Hideyoshi. If you ask him to massage your legs now, he might even do it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't go too far in this game, Nephew. Listen, Lord Hideyoshi, he's just being playful.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's all right. Why, even now I still occasionally massage a certain person's legs.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And who would that be?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Genba asked with a sneer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My mother. She's seventy years old this year, and massaging her legs is a unique pleasure for me. Since I've been on the battlefield for so many years, however, I haven't had that pleasure at all recently. Well, I'll take my leave now, but the rest of you stay as long as you like.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi was the first to leave the banquet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he left and walked down the main corridor, no one got up to stop him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the contrary, the other lords thought it wise of him to have left, and were all relieved of the sensation of intense danger they had felt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two pages suddenly came out of the room near the entrance where they had been stationed, and followed after him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had been able to perceive the atmosphere that had pervaded the castle for two days, even from their room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Hideyoshi had not permitted a large number of his retainers to enter the castle, so when the two pages saw that their lord was safe, their minds were set at ease." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had already stepped outside and were summoning the attendants and horses when a voice called out from behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Hideyoshi! Lord Hideyoshi!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone was looking for him in the dark, open field." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A crescent moon floated in the sky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm over here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi was already mounted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Recognizing the sound of a slap against the seat of a saddle, Takigawa Kazumasu ran over to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is it?\" Hideyoshi asked with a glance of the same sort that a lord might give to his retainer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Takigawa said, \"You must have gotten very angry this evening. But it was only because of the sake. And Lord Katsuie's nephew is still young, as you can see. I hope you'll forgive him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he added, \"This is something that was arranged beforehand, and you may have forgotten about it, but on the fourth—tomorrow—the celebration announcing Lord Samboshi's succession will be held, and you should be sure not to miss it. Lord Katsuie was very concerned about this after you left just now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is that so? Well... \"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Be sure to be there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I understand.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And again, about tonight. Please forget about it. I told Lord Katsuie that you were a big-hearted person and not likely to be offended by the jests of a drunken young man on one occasion.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi's horse had started to move." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's go!\" he shouted to the pages, almost knocking Takigawa to the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi's lodgings were in the western section of town." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They consisted of a small Zen temple and a wealthy family's house that he was renting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Quartering his men and horses at the temple, he himself occupied a floor of the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had been easy for the family to accommodate him, but he had been accompanied by seven or eight hundred retainers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was actually not very many men, however, as the Shibata clan, it was rumored, had quartered approximately ten thousand of its soldiers in Kiyosu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As soon as Hideyoshi returned to his lodgings, he complained that it was smoky inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ordering the windows to be opened, he almost kicked off his ceremonial robes with the paulownia crest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he quickly stripped naked and requested a bath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thinking that his lord was in a bad mood, the page warily poured a pail of hot water over Hideyoshi's back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi, however, yawned as he sank into the tub." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, as if he were stretching his arms and legs, he let out a grunt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm loosening up a little,\" he observed, then grumbled about the stiffness of the last two days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Has the mosquito netting been put up?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've already put it up, my lord,\" responded the pages who were holding his sleeping kimono." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fine, fine. All of you should turn in early too. And tell that to the men on guard as well,\" Hideyoshi said from inside the mosquito netting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The door was closed, but the windows were open to let in the breeze, and the light from the moon seemed almost to be quivering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi began to feel drowsy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My lord?\" called a voice from outside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is it? Is that Mosuke?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, my lord. The Abbot Arima is here. He says he'd like to see you in private.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What, Arima?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I told him that you had gone to sleep early, but he insisted.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment no answer came from inside the mosquito netting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally Hideyoshi said, \"Show him in. But give him my apologies for not getting up, and tell him that I was indisposed at the castle and took some medicine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mosuke's footsteps quietly descended the steps from the mezzanine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then someone could be heard climbing the steps, and very soon a man was kneeling in front of Hideyoshi on the wooden floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your attendants told me you were asleep, but... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your Reverence?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have something of great urgency to tell you, so I ventured to come over in the middle of the night.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"With two days of conferences, I've become both mentally and physically exhausted. But what brings you here in the middle of the night?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The abbot spoke softly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you planning to attend the banquet for Lord Samboshi at the castle tomorrow?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, I might be able to if I take some medicine. My malady could just be heatstroke, and people will be annoyed if I'm not there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps your being indisposed is a premonition.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well now, why do you say that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Some hours ago, you withdrew about halfway through the banquet. Soon after that, only the Shibata and their allies remained, and they were very intently discussing something in secret. I didn't understand what was going on, but Maeda Geni was anxious about the situation too, and we secretly listened in on them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly becoming silent, the abbot peeped inside the mosquito netting as if to make sure that Hideyoshi was listening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A pale blue bug was chirping at the corner of the netting, and Hideyoshi was lying down as before, looking up at the ceiling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go ahead.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We don't know in detail what they plan to do, but what we're sure of is that they are not going to let you live. Tomorrow when you go up to the castle, they want to take you into a room, confront you with a list of your crimes, and force you to commit seppuku. If you refuse, they plan to kill you in cold blood. Furthermore, they are planning to station soldiers in the castle and even take control of the castle town.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well now, that's rather intimidating.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In fact, Geni was anxious to come here and inform you himself, but we were afraid that his leaving the castle would be noticed, so I came here instead. If you are sick just at this moment, it must be heaven's protection. Perhaps you should reconsider attending tomorrow's ceremony.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wonder what I should do.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hope you won't be attending. By any means!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's a celebration for the accession of the young lord, and all are supposed to attend. I'm grateful for your good intentions, Your Reverence. Thank you very much.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inside the mosquito netting, Hideyoshi pressed his palms together in prayer toward the retreating footsteps of the abbot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi was very good at sleeping." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To fall asleep immediately, wherever the thought occurs to one, may seem like an easy ability to acquire, but it is, in fact, quite difficult." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had acquired this mysterious skill—so close to enlightenment—out of of necessity, and he had formulated it into as a sort of motto to follow, both to alleviate the pressure of the battlefield and to preserve his own health." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Detachment. For Hideyoshi, that simple word was a talisman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Detachment might not seem to be a very impressive quality, but it was at the heart of his skill at sleeping." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Impatience, delusion, attachment, doubt, urgency—every kind of bond was cut through in an instant with his two eyelids, and he slept with a mind as blank as a virgin sheet of paper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And conversely, he would wake up in a moment, completely alert." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But detachment was not only for when he fought cleverly and his plans went as he intended." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Over the years he had made many blunders, but during those times he never brooded over his failures and lost battles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On such occasions he recalled that one word: detachment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The kind of earnestness people often spoke of—sustained determination and perseverance, or singleminded concentration—was not a special quality for him, but rather a natural part of daily life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thus for him, it was far more essential to aim toward that detachment that would allow him to remove himself from those qualities—even if just for a moment—and allow his soul to breathe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In turn, he naturally left the problems of life and death up to that one concept: detachment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had been lying down just a short time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Had he slept an hour?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi got up and went down the stairs to the toilet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Immediately, a man on duty was kneeling on the floored veranda, holding up a paper lantern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Very soon thereafter, when he stepped from the toilet, another man was holding a small dipper filled with water, and, drawing near, he poured the water over Hideyoshi's hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Hideyoshi wiped his hands, he gazed at the position of the moon over the eaves, then turned to his two pages and asked, \"Is Gonbei there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the man he had asked for appeared, Hideyoshi started back toward the stairs to the second floor, looking back at Gonbei as he walked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go to the temple and tell the men we're leaving. The division of soldiers and the streets by which to advance were all written down this evening when we left the castle and given to Asano Yahei, so get instructions from him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, my lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wait a moment. I forgot about something. Tell Kumohachi to come see me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gonbei's footsteps went from the stand of trees behind the house off in the direction of the temple." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After he had left, Hideyoshi quickly dressed in his armor and went out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi's lodgings stood near the crossroads of the Ise and Mino roads." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He passed by the corner of the store house and walked off in the direction of that crossroads." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At that moment Kumohachi, who had just received Hideyoshi's summons, ran tottering up from behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm here and at your service!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He came around and knelt in front of Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kumohachi was an old warrior of seventy-five years, but he was not easily bested even by younger men, and Hideyoshi saw that he had come with his armor already on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well now, this is not a matter that necessitates armor. I'd like you to do something in the morning. I want you to stay behind.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In the morning? You mean at the castle?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's right. You've understood well, typical of your years of service. I want you to go with a message to the castle that I fell ill during the night and suddenly had to return to Nagahama. Also say that I deeply regret not being able to attend the ceremony, but that I hope everything will be well. I imagine that Katsuie and Takigawa will dwell on that for a while, so I want you to wait there, appearing to be senile and hard of hearing. Don't react to anything you hear, and then leave as though nothing had happened.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I understand, my lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The old warrior was bent at the waist like a shrimp, but his spear never left his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bowing once before standing up, he turned his body as though his armor weighed heavily upon him, and shuffled off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Almost all of the men at the temple had already lined up on the road in front of the gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Each corps, which was identified by its banner, was in turn divided into companies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The commanders readied their horses at the head of each unit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fires on the fuse cords flickered back and forth, but not a single torch was lit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The moon in the sky was only a slender crescent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Along the row of trees, the seven hundred troops swayed silently in the dark, like waves on a shore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey! Yahei!\" Hideyoshi called out as he walked along next to the line of officers and men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The men were not easily distinguishable in the shadows of the trees, and here was a short man beating a bamboo staff on the ground as he walked along with six or seven men following behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most of the soldiers probably thought he was the head of a group of packers, but when they realized it was Hideyoshi, they became even more hushed, pulling their horses back so they would not get in the way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here I am! Over here!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Asano Yahei had been at the base of the stone steps giving instructions to a group of men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he heard Hideyoshi's voice, he finished up quickly and ran over to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you ready?\" Hideyoshi spoke to him impatiently, hardly giving him time to kneel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you're all set, move out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, my lord, we're ready.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Taking charge of the commander's standard with the golden gourds that had been propped up in a corner of the gate, he carried it out into the middle of the ranks and quickly mounted his own horse to join the troops." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi rode out, accompanied by his pages and about thirty mounted men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The conch shell might have been blown at that moment, but circumstances prohibited the use of the conch or of torches." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yahei had received the golden fan of command from Hideyoshi and, in his stead, waved it once, twice, and then a third time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With that signal, the seven-hundred-man army began gradually to advance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The head of the procession then changed direction and, turning on the road, passed by Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The position of corps commander was filled exclusively by trusted retainers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That one saw almost none of the faces of the old and experienced veterans was most likely because many of them had been left at Hideyoshi's castles in Nagahama and Himeji, and at his other estates." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At midnight, Hideyoshi's soldiers left the castle at Kiyosu, looking as though they were the main force accompanying their lord." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Taking the Mino road, they started out for Nagahama." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi himself departed immediately afterward with no more than thirty or forty men." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took a completely different route and hurried along the back roads where no one would notice him. He finally arrived in Nagahama the following day at dawn." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I've got a bit of writer's block. I'm gonna send you something then keep it going eight sentences at a time. I'm focusing on these genres: historical fiction, and including these themes: samurai, Japan." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We slipped up, Genba,\" Katsuie said.\n\n\"No, it was a plan that really had no room for mistakes.\"\n\n\"Do you really think there is such a plan? Somewhere there was an oversight, and that's why the fish slipped out of the net so easily.\"\n\n\"Well, it's not that I didn't say anything about it. If you're going to strike, strike! If we had attacked that scum's quarters, we'd have been able to look at Hideyoshi's head by now. But all you could talk about was doing it in secret. Now all our efforts have come to nothing because you wouldn't listen to me.\"\n\n\"Ah, you're still young. You were asking me to use a flawed plan, and the plan I had devised was superior. The best strategy was to wait until Hideyoshi came up to the castle and force him to disembowel himself. Nothing could have been better than that. But according to the reports last night, Hideyoshi was suddenly striking camp. Now, at first, I thought that was unfortunate, but then I reconsidered. If that bastard was leaving Kiyosu at night, it was a gift from heaven—because he was leaving unannounced, I could have denounced his crimes. I instructed you to lie in ambush and strike him down on the way so that justice might be served.\"\n\n\"That was a careless mistake on your part, Uncle, from the very beginning.\"\n\n\"My mistake? Why?\"\n\n\"Your first mistake was in thinking Monkey would play into our hands by coming to today's celebration. Then, although you instructed me to go with some soldiers to ambush him, your second mistake was in forgetting to take the precaution of ordering men to guard the backroads.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fool! I gave you the orders and had the other generals follow your instructions solely because I had faith that you would not overlook things like that. And you have the impudence to say that hiding soldiers only on the main road and letting Hideyoshi slip through is my fault! You should reflect a little on your own inexperience!\"\n\n\"Well, I apologize for my error this time, but hereafter, Uncle, please refrain from rattling on with too much artifice. A person who gets carried away with his own clever schemes is going to drown in them someday.\"\n\n\"What are you saying? You think I use too much cunning?\"\n\n\"It's your constant habit.\"\n\n\"You... you fool!\"\n\n\"It's not just me, Uncle. Everybody says so. 'Lord Katsuie makes people cautious, because no one can ever tell what he is plotting.'\"\n\nKatsuie was silent, knitting his thick black eyebrows.\n\nFor a long time, the relationship of uncle and nephew had been far warmer than that between lord and retainer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But too much familiarity had eroded authority and respect in the relationship, and those qualities were now missing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That morning Katsuie could hardly restrain the sullen look on his face.\n\nIt was a complicated sense of displeasure. He had not slept at all the night before. Having ordered Genba to strike down the fleeing Hideyoshi, Katsuie had waited until dawn for the report that would clear the gloom that filled his heart.\n\nWhen Genba returned, however, he did not make the report Katsuie had been waiting for so tensely.\n\n\"The only people who passed by were Hideyoshi's retainers. Hideyoshi himself was nowhere to be seen. I thought it would be disadvantageous to attack them, so I came back with nothing to show for my efforts.\"\n\nThat report, added to Katsuie's fatigue from the night before, put him in a state of true despondency.\n\nThen, when even Genba found fault with him, there was little wonder that he was feeling depressed that morning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could not remain in such a mood, however." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Today was the celebration of the announcement of Samboshi's succession. After his breakfast Katsuie took a nap and had a bath, then he once again arrayed himself in his sweltering ceremonial robes and headgear.\n\nKatsuie was not the kind of man who, once depressed, remained visibly so. Today the sky was filled with clouds and it was even more humid than the day before, but his demeanor on the road to Kiyosu Castle was far more majestic than that of anyone else in the castle town, and his face sparkled with sweat.\n\nThe fierce men who only the night before had fastened the cords of their helmets, crawled through the grass and bushes with their spears and firearms, and looked to take Hideyoshi's life on the road were now arrayed in court hats and ceremonial kimonos. Their bows were in their cases and their spears and halberds sheathed, and they now meandered in innocent-looking attire up to the castle.\n\nThe men who climbed to the castle were not from the Shibata clan alone, of course, but were also from the Niwa, the Takigawa, and other clans. The only men who had been there the day before but who were no longer present were those under the command of Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Takigawa Kazumasu informed Katsuie that Kumohachi had been waiting in the castle since early morning, as a representative of Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He said Hideyoshi would not be able to attend today because of illness and was sending his apologies to Lord Samboshi. He also mentioned that he had hoped for an audience with you, my lord. He's been waiting for a little while.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuie nodded bitterly. While it angered him that Hideyoshi was scrupulously feigning ignorance of the whole affair, he too had to pretend to know nothing, and now granted an audience to Kumohachi. Katsuie then cantankerously asked one question after another. What kind of illness did Hideyoshi have? If he had decided to return home so suddenly the night before, why hadn't he informed Katsuie? If he had, Katsuie himself would have come to visit and taken care of all the arrangements. But it seemed that old Kumohachi had grown extremely deaf and was only able to hear about half of what Katsuie was saying.\n\nAnd no matter what was being said, the old man appeared not to understand, but repeated the same answer over and over. Feeling that the interview was as useless as beating the air, Katsuie could not help but be vexed at Hideyoshi's ulterior motives in sending such a senile old warrior as a formal envoy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No matter how much he rebuked the old man, nothing came of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With pent-up anger from his irritation, he asked Kumohachi one more question to finish the conversation.\n\n\"Envoy, how old are you, anyway?\"\n\n\"Exactly... yes, indeed.\"\n\n\"I'm asking you about your age... How old are you?\"\n\n\"Yes, it's just as you say.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\nKatsuie felt as though he were being made a fool of. Thrusting his angry face next to Kumohachi's ear, he yelled out in a voice loud enough to crack a mirror." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How old are you this year?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thereupon Kumohachi nodded vigorously and answered with exceeding calm.\n\n\"Ah, I see. You're asking me my age. I'm ashamed to say that I've done nothing of merit that the world might have heard of, but this year I'll be seventy-five.\"\n\nKatsuie was dumbfounded.\n\nHow ridiculous it was for him to be losing his temper with this old man, with today's pressure of work in front of him and the probability that he would be unable to relax all day. Along with an awareness of self-scorn, Katsuie felt his hostility toward Hideyoshi moving him to make a pledge that the two of them would shortly not exist under the same sky.\n\n\"Go on home. That's enough.\"\n\nGesturing with his chin, he ordered the old man to leave, but Kumohachi's buttocks seemed to be stuck to the floor with rice paste.\n\n\"What? What if there's a reply?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked, gazing sedately at Katsuie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is none! No reply at all! Just tell Hideyoshi that we'll meet wherever we chance to meet.\"\n\nWith this parting remark, Katsuie turned and walked away down the narrow corridor toward the inner citadel. Kumohachi also ambled down the corridor. With one hand on his hip, he turned toward Katsuie's retreating image. Chuckling to himself, he finally walked on toward the castle gate.\n\nThe celebration for Samboshi's accession was completed that day, and a feast was given that surpassed the one of the evening before. Three halls were opened up inside the castle for the announcement of the new lord's installation, and people attended in far greater numbers than the day before. The main topic of conversation among the guests was Hideyoshi's insulting behavior." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To feign illness and be absent on the day of this important event was outrageous, and there were some who said that Hideyoshi's disloyalty and insincerity could clearly be seen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsuie knew quite well that the criticism of Hideyoshi was being artificially generated by the followers of Takigawa Kazumasu and Sakuma Genba, but he indulged in the comfort of gloating secretly over the knowledge that the advantage was going to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After the conference, the observance of the anniversary of Nobunaga's death, and the day of celebration, Kiyosu was inundated by heavy rains every day.\n\nSome of the lords left for their provinces the day after the celebration. A number of the others, however, were held back by the rising waters of the Kiso River. Those who remained behind waited for the weather to clear, thinking it might happen the next day or the day after that, but they could really do nothing more than pass the days in inactivity in their lodgings.\n\nTo Katsuie, however, the time was not necessarily wasted.\n\nThe comings and goings of Katsuie and Nobutaka between their respective lodgings were quite noticeable. It must be remembered that Oichi, Katsuie's wife, was Nobunaga's younger sister and therefore Nobutaka's aunt. Moreover, it was Nobutaka who had persuaded Oichi to remarry and become Katsuie's wife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was really from the time of the marriage that the relationship between Nobutaka and Katsuie had become intimate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly they were more than simple in-laws.\n\nTakigawa Kazumasu was at those meetings as well, and his presence seemed to have some significance.\n\nOn the tenth day of the month Takigawa sent out an invitation for a morning tea ceremony to all the remaining lords.\n\nThe gist of the invitation was as follows:\n\nThe recent rains are clearing, and each of you is thinking of returning to his home province. It is a maxim among warriors, however, that uncertainty governs the time of their next meeting. As we remember our former lord, I would like to offer you a bowl of plain tea in the morning dew. I know you must be in a hurry to leave for home after this long stay, but I do anticipate your presence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was all it said, and it was nothing more than what might be expected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the people of Kiyosu gaped at the men going in and out that morning.\n\nWhat was it? A secret council of war? Men like Hachiya, Tsutsui, Kanamori, and Kawajiri attended the tea ceremony that morning, while Nobutaka and Katsuie were probably the guests of honor. But whether the meeting was the tea ceremony it purported to be, or some secret affair, could not have been known by anyone other than the host and his guests that day.\n\nLater that afternoon the generals finally returned to their home provinces. On the night of the fourteenth Katsuie announced that he would leave for Echizen, and on the fifteenth he left Kiyosu.\n\nAs soon as he had crossed the Kiso River and entered Mino, however, Katsuie was troubled by rumors that Hideyoshi's army had closed all the passes in the mountains between Tarui and Fuwa and was barring his way home.\n\nKatsuie had only just decided that he would attack Hideyoshi, but now the situation had been reversed, and he found the path home as dangerous as thin ice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To get to Echizen Katsuie had to pass Nagahama, and his antagonist had already returned there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Would Hideyoshi let him pass through without challenging him?\n\nWhen Katsuie had left Kiyosu, his generals had advised him to take a more roundabout route, through Takigawa Kazumasu's province in Ise. But if he had done so, the world would certainly have believed he was afraid of Hideyoshi—a loss of face that Katsuie would have been unable to bear. As they entered Mino, however, the central question persisted with every step.\n\nReports of troop movements in the mountains ahead forced Katsuie to halt his army's advance and arrange its units into battle formation until the reports could be verified.\n\nA rumor was then reported that units under Hideyoshi's command had been sighted in the area of Fuwa, and as Katsuie and his field staff sat on their horses, their hair stood on end. Trying to imagine the numbers and strategy of the enemy waiting in their path, they were overcome by feelings as black as ink.\n\nThe troops were brought to a sudden halt in front of the Ibi River, while Katsuie and his staff quickly discussed the matter in the wood of the local village shrine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Should they strike on ahead, or retreat?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One possible strategy would be to retreat for the present and take possession of Kiyosu and Samboshi. They could then denounce Hideyoshi's crimes, unite the other lords, and set out in a more imposing manner. On the other hand, they had a large force, and it would give them joy as a samurai to fight their way through, routing the enemy with a quick victory.\n\nAs they thought over the possible results of each alternative, they realized that the former plan would mean a protracted war, while the latter would bring a prompt decision. As for that, however, instead of crushing Hideyoshi with one quick blow, their own defeat was not entirely out of the question.\n\nCertainly the mountainous terrain north of Sekigahara was very advantageous for men lying in ambush. In addition, the troops that Hideyoshi had withdrawn to Nagahama would no longer be the small force of the recent past. From southern Omi to the areas of Fuwa and Yoro, a large number of men from small castles, powerful provincial families, and scattered samurai residences had connections with Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those with connections to the Shibata were few." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No matter how I think this through, there just doesn't seem to be a good strategy for confronting Hideyoshi here. His quick return home must have been planned exactly to take this kind of advantage. I think we should not risk the battle he wants under these conditions,\" Katsuie said, echoing the advice of his generals.\n\nGenba, however, laughed scornfully. \"That's probably the right course of action if you're resolved to become a laughingstock for being so afraid of Hideyoshi.\" In any war council, the suggestion to retreat is the weak one, while the counsel to advance is considered more forceful. Genba's opinion in particular exerted a strong influence on the members of the field staff. His matchless courage, his rank within the clan, and the affection with which he was regarded by Katsuie were all factors to be taken into consideration.\n\n\"To flee at the sight of the enemy, without exchanging a single arrow, would ruin the reputation of the Shibata clan,\" one general said.\n\n\"It would be a different matter if we had made such a decision before leaving Kiyosu.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's just as Lord Genba says. If people hear that we came this far and then retreated, we'll become a laughingstock for generations to come.\"\n\n\"How about retreating after fighting an engagement?\"\n\n\"They're only Monkey's soldiers, anyway.\"\n\nThe younger warriors all shouted out their support of Genba.\n\nThe only man who remained silent was Menju Shosuke.\n\n\"What do you think, Shosuke?\"\n\nKatsuie rarely asked Shosuke for his opinion. Recently, Shosuke had been out of favor with Katsuie, and he usually refrained from speaking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He answered docilely, \"I think Genba's opinion is absolutely correct.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Among the others, who were all hot-blooded and ready to fight, Shosuke had appeared to be as cold as water and lacking in courage in spite of his youth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he had responded as if there were no alternative.\n\n\"If even Shosuke can speak like this, we'll follow Genba's advice and push straight on through, just as we are. But we should send out scouts as soon as we've crossed the river, and not hurry down the road carelessly. Move out plenty of foot soldiers first, and have a spear corps follow them immediately. Place the gunners ahead of the rear guard. When soldiers are lying in ambush, firearms are not apt to be of much use up front. If the enemy is there and the scouts give us the signal, sound the drum immediately, but don't show them a hair's-breadth of confusion. The unit commanders should all wait for my orders.\"\n\nIts direction settled, the army crossed the Ibi River. Nothing happened. As it began to advance toward Akasaka, there was no sign of the enemy.\n\nThe reconnaissance units were far ahead and approaching the neighborhood of the village of Tarui. Nothing unusual could be discerned there, either.\n\nA lone traveler approached. He looked suspicious, and one of the soldiers from the reconnaissance unit ran up ahead and took him into custody." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Threatened and questioned by the scouts, the man was quick to talk, but it was those who did the threatening who were dismayed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you're asking me if I saw Lord Hideyoshi's men on the road, well, yes, I most certainly did. Early this morning, in the area of Fuwa, and just now passing through Tarui.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"About how many men were there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not sure, but certainly it was a force of several hundred.\"\n\n\"Several hundred?\"\n\nThe scouts looked back and forth at each other. Dismissing the man, they immediately reported back to Katsuie.\n\nThe news was rather unexpected. The enemy was such a small force that Katsuie and his generals now had even more misgivings. However, the order to push ahead was given, and the army marched on. Just at that moment it was reported that an envoy from Hideyoshi was riding in their direction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the man finally came in sight, they could see that he was not an armored warrior but was, instead, a striking youth wearing a printed gossamer silk coat and a wisteria-colored kimono." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even the reins of his horse were ornately decorated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My name is Iki Hanshichiro,\" the youth announced, \"Lord Hidekatsu's page. I am here to offer my services as a guide to Lord Katsuie.\"\n\nHanshichiro trotted right past the scouts, who were completely taken aback. Yelling in a confused voice, their commander chased after him, nearly falling off his horse in pursuit.\n\nKatsuie and his field staff looked with suspicion at the young man. They had anticipated a battle, and their excitement and anticipation of a fight had soared. Then, in the midst of their spears and burning fuse cords, this elegant young man gracefully dismounted and bowed politely.\n\n\"Lord Hidekatsu's page? I have no idea what that means, but bring him here. Let's talk with him,\" Katsuie ordered.\n\nKatsuie had stamped down the grass by the roadside and was standing in the shade of some trees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Having his camp stool set down, he managed to conceal the rigid tension of his subordinates, as well as his own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He invited the envoy to sit down.\n\n\"You have a message?\"\n\n\"You must be exhausted from the long trip home in this heat,\" Hanshichiro said formally.\n\nOddly, his words sounded exactly like those of a peacetime greeting. Taking a letter box that was hanging from his shoulder by a red cord, he continued, \"Lord Hideyoshi sends his greetings.\" Then he handed the missive to Katsuie.\n\nKatsuie received the letter suspiciously and did not open it right away. Blinking, he looked at Hanshichiro." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You say you're Lord Hidekatsu's page?\"\n\n\"Yes, my lord.\"\n\n\"Is Lord Hidekatsu in good health?\"\n\n\"Yes, my lord.\"\n\n\"I imagine he's grown up.\"\n\n\"He'll be seventeen years old this year, my lord.\"\n\n\"Well, he's that old already? Time passes quickly, doesn't it. It's been a long time since I've seen him.\"\n\n\"Today he was ordered by his father to come as far as Tarui to extend a welcome.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\" Katsuie stammered. A pebble beneath one leg of his camp stool was crushed by the weight of his heavy body, which equaled the surprise in his heart. Hidekatsu, who was Nobunaga's son, had been adopted by Hideyoshi.\n\n\"Welcome? Welcome who?\" Katsuie asked this time.\n\n\"Why, Your Lordship, of course.\"\n\nHanshichiro covered his face with his fan and laughed. His adversary's eyelids and mouth were twitching uncontrollably, so he could hardly suppress a smile.\n\n\"Me? He's come to welcome me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuie continued to mumble to himself.\n\n\"First take a look at the letter, my lord,\" Hanshichiro requested.\n\nKatsuie had been in such a daze that he had completely forgotten about the letter in his hand. Katsuie nodded repeatedly for no particular reason. As his eyes followed the written words, a range of emotions swept across his face. The letter was not from Hidekatsu at all, but was unmistakably from Hideyoshi's brush. It was quite openhearted.\n\nThe road between northern Omi and Echizen is one you've traveled many times before, so I assume you know the way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nevertheless, I am sending my foster son, Hidekatsu, to guide you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There is a baseless rumor abroad, unworthy of our notice, that Nagahama would be an advantageous place from which to hinder your return home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In order to contradict such mean-spirited reports, I have sent my foster son to greet you, and you may take him as a hostage until you have passed through with peace of mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I would have liked to entertain you at Nagahama, but I have been sick since leaving Kiyosu...\n\nReassured by the words of the envoy and the letter, Katsuie could not help reflecting on his own timidity. He had been cowering before what might have been in Hideyoshi's heart, and now he was relieved. For some time he had been regarded as a clever strategist, and was acknowledged to be so full of intrigue that whenever he did anything, people were quick to say that Katsuie was up to his old tricks again. At moments like these, however, he was not even going to bother to cover up his emotions with a feigned nonchalance. It was that part of his character that the late Nobunaga had understood well. He had considered Katsuie's courage, conspiratorial mind, and honesty to be distinctive features that could be put to good use. Thus he had given Katsuie the heavy responsibility of being commander-in-chief of the northern campaign, had put numerous warriors and a large province into his charge, and had relied upon him fully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now, when Katsuie thought about the lord who had known him better than anyone else and contemplated the fact that he was no longer in the world, he felt that there was no one in whom he could put his trust.\n\nBut now he was suddenly touched by Hideyoshi's letter, and the emotions he had harbored toward his rival were completely reversed in an instant. He now frankly reflected on the fact that their enmity had been based entirely on his own suspicions and timidity.\n\nSo Katsuie rethought the situation.\n\n\"Now that our lord is gone, Hideyoshi will be the man in whom to put our trust.\"\n\nThat night he talked warmly with Hidekatsu. The following day he crossed Fuwa with the young man and entered Nagahama, still holding on to his new warm impressions.\n\nBut in Nagahama, after he and his senior retainers had accompanied Hidekatsu as far as the castle gate, he was shaken once again, when he found out that Hideyoshi had not been in Nagahama for some time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had gone on to Kyoto, where he had been involved in important state affairs." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've been taken in by Hideyoshi again!\" Katsuie said, his irritation quickly returning, and he hurried to start out again on the road home." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "AI WRITING ASSISTANT ACTIVATED\nTASK: Continue user's text\nLENGTH: 1 sentence sentences\nSTYLE: Emulate Eiji Yoshikawa\nGENRES: historical fiction\nINCLUDE: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the end of the Seventh Month." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fulfilling the promise he had made, Hideyoshi surrendered the castle and lands of Nagahama to Katsuie, who gave it to his foster son, Katsutoyo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuie still did not know why Hideyoshi had insisted at the conference of Kiyosu that the castle be given to Katsutoyo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And neither the men at the conference nor the public at large were suspicious about the condition or even stopped to consider what Hideyoshi had in mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuie had another foster son, Katsutoshi, a boy who would be fifteen years old that year." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Those members of the Shibata clan who had any feelings about it at all lamented that if the relationship between Katsuie and Katsutoyo was that cold, they could only fear for the future of the clan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Katsutoyo is so irresolute,\" Katsuie complained." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He never does anything with real clarity and decision. He doesn't even have the proper disposition to be my son. Katsutoshi, on the other hand, has no trace of malice in him at all. He's really taken to me as his father.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But if Katsuie preferred Katsutoshi to Katsutoyo, he favored his nephew, Genba, even more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His love for Genba went beyond that felt naturally for a nephew or son, and he had an inclination to indulge the emotion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thus Katsuie kept a watchful eye on Genba's younger brothers, Yasumasa and Katsumasa, installing each of them in strategic castles while they were still only in their twenties." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the midst of all that deep affection between family members and retainers, only Katsutoyo felt dissatisfied with his foster father and the Sakuma brothers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once, during the New Year's celebrations, for example, when Katsuie's family and retainers had come to congratulate him on the New Year, the first toast was offered by Katsuie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsutoyo had naturally assumed that it would be offered to him, and had advanced respectfully on his knees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's not for you, Katsutoyo, it's for Genba,\" Katsuie said, holding the cup back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It became known in other quarters that this slight was a matter of discontent for Katsutoyo, and the story was doubtless heard by spies from other provinces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly such information reached Hideyoshi's ears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before surrendering Nagahama to Katsutoyo, it was necessary for Hideyoshi to move his own family to a new home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll be moving to Himeji in just a little while. It's mild in winter, and there's fish from the Inland Sea.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With these orders, Hideyoshi's mother, wife, and the entire household moved to his castle in Harima." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Hideyoshi himself did not go." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no time to waste." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had the castle at Takaradera near Kyoto completely renovated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had been Mitsuhide's stronghold at the time of the battle of Yamazaki, and there was a reason Hideyoshi did not send his mother and wife to live there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went from Takaradera Castle to the capital on alternate days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he returned, he supervised construction; when he was absent, he was seeing to the government of the nation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was now taking the responsibility upon himself for safeguarding the Imperial Palace, for the administration of the city, and for overseeing the various provinces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "According to the original decision of the Kiyosu conference, all phases of the government of Kyoto were to be managed equally by the four regents—Katsuie, Niwa, Shonyu, and Hideyoshi—and were never supposed to be Hideyoshi's responsibility alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Katsuie was far away in Echizen, carrying on some secret maneuvers with Nobutaka and others in Gifu and Ise; Niwa, though close by in Sakamoto, seemed already to have given over his responsibility entirely to Hideyoshi; and Shonyu had quite gallantly declared that, although he had been given a title, the problems of dealing with the administration and the nobility were beyond his abilities, and he would have nothing more to do with either." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was in just these areas that Hideyoshi had true ability." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His talents were far more administrative than anything else." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi knew that battle was not his main talent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he understood clearly that if a man held high ideals but was defeated on the battlefield, great administrative works would not go forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thus he risked everything on a battle, and once he had started a campaign, he fought to the bitter end." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In rewarding his martial accomplishments, the Imperial Court informed Hideyoshi that he would be given the rank of Lieutenant-General of the Imperial Guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi declined, protesting that his merits did not deserve such an honor, but the Court graciously insisted, and he finally accepted a lesser title." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How many there are who are quick to find fault when they witness those who do good in the world!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "How many of the mean-spirited ones talk against those who work with upright hearts!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is always true, and whenever great changes occur, the flood of gossip is liable to be especially violent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hideyoshi is exposing his arrogance quickly. Even his subordinates are grasping authority.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're ignoring Lord Katsuie. It's as though there were no one else to serve.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When you look at the influence he's gained recently, it's as though they're proclaiming that Lord Hideyoshi is Lord Nobunaga's successor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The criticism aimed at him was noisy indeed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But, as always in such cases, the identities of the accusers remained unknown." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Whether or not he heard the rumors, Hideyoshi was unconcerned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had no leisure to listen to gossip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the Sixth Month, Nobunaga had died; in the middle of that month, the battle had been fought at Yamazaki; in the Seventh Month, the conference at Kiyosu had been held; at the end of that month, Hideyoshi had withdrawn from Nagahama, moving his family to Himeji; and in the Eighth Month, he had begun construction on Takaradera Castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he continued to go back and forth between Kyoto and Yamazaki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If he was in Kyoto, in the morning he would be bowing at the Imperial Palace; in the afternoon he would be inspecting the city, in the evening he would look over governmental matters, send out replies to letters, and greet guests; at midnight he would review letters from distant provinces; and at dawn he would make decisions concerning the petitions of his subordinates." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every day he would whip his horse off somewhere while still chewing the food from his last meal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He frequently had a number of destinations—the mansion of a court noble, meetings, inspections—and recently he had been heading off repeatedly toward the northern part of Kyoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was there that he had ordered an enormous construction project to be started." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Within the grounds of the Daitoku Temple, he had begun to build yet another temple, the Sokenin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It must be completed by the seventh day of the Tenth Month. Finish clearing the area by the eighth day, and complete preparations for all the ceremonies by the ninth day. There should be nothing left to be done by the tenth day.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This he said very firmly to Hikoemon and to his brother-in-law, Hidenaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No matter what construction project Hideyoshi undertook, he would not change the time limit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The memorial service was held within a lamplit shrine that was one hundred eightyfour yards wide." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The brightly colored canopy sparkled, the thousands of lanterns looked like stars, and the smoke from the incense drifted among the fluttering banners, creating purple clouds above the heads of the crowds of mourners." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Among the priests alone, venerable scholars from the five major Zen temples and priests from the eight Buddhist sects attended." }, { "from": "human", "value": "People of the time who observed the service described it as though the five hundred arhats and the three thousand disciples of the Buddha were all before their very eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After the ceremonies of reading from the sutras and scattering flowers before the Buddha had taken place, the Zen abbots paid their respects." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally, Abbot Soken recited the parting gatha and, with all of his strength, yelled \"Kwafz!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For an instant all was hushed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, as the solemn music was played once again, the lotus flowers fell, and one by one the participants offered incense at the altar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Among the mourners, however, about half of the Oda relatives who undoubtedly should have attended were absent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samboshi had not appeared, neither had Nobutaka, Katsuie, or Takigawa." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But perhaps most unfathomable of all were the intentions of Tokugawa Ieyasu." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After the Honno Temple incident, he was in a unique position. What his thoughts were, or how his cold eyes regarded present events, no one was able to judge." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with 2 sentences, emulating the writing style of Eiji Yoshikawa." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Day and night, the snow fell on wintry Echizen, leaving no opening through which a man could free his heart. But within the castle walls of Kitanosho, it was warmer than usual that year." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That uncommon state of affairs was due to the presence of Lady Oichi and her three daughters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The lady herself was rarely seen, but her daughters could not bear to be confined to their apartments. The eldest, Chacha, was fifteen, the middle sister eleven, and the youngest only nine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To these girls, even falling leaves were a cause for wonder, and their laughter rang through the corridors of the citadel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsuie was drawn by their voices to the women's quarters, where he hoped to forget his many cares amid their gay laughter, but whenever he appeared, the expressions on the faces of the girls darkened, and they neither laughed nor smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even Lady Oichi was solemn and quiet, beautiful and cold.\n\n\"Please come in, my lord,\" she would say, inviting him to sit by the small silver fretwork brazier." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even after their marriage, they spoke to each other with the formality of a retainer addressing a member of his lord's family.\n\n\"Your loneliness must be all the greater when you see the snow and feel the cold of this place for the first time, my lady,\" Katsuie said sympathetically." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not so much, my lord,\" Oichi replied, but it was clear that she longed for a warmer land." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When do the snows of Echizen begin to melt?\" she asked.\n\n\"This is not Gifu or Kiyosu. When the rape flowers are blooming and the cherry blossoms are beginning to fall there, these mountains are still patched with melting snow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And until then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's like this every day.\"\n\n\"You mean it never melts?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just snow a thousand feet deep!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuie replied sharply. Upon being reminded of the length of time the snow would cover Echizen, his heart was filled with bitter resentment. Thus he was unable to spend even a moment's leisure with his family." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsuie returned to the citadel as quickly as he had left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Accompanied by his pages, he walked off in great strides along the roofed corridor through which the snowy wind was blowing. As soon as he had gone, the three girls went out to the veranda to sing songs, not of Echizen but of their native Owari." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuie did not look back. Before entering the main citadel, he ordered one of his pages, \"Tell Gozaemon and Gohei to come to my room at once.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both men were important retainers of the Shibata clan, and elders upon whom Katsuie relied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you send a messenger to Maeda Inuchiyo?\" Katsuie asked Gozaemon.\n\n\"Yes, my lord. He left a little while ago,\" the man replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you want to add something to it, my lord?\"\n\nKatsuie nodded silently; he seemed to be lost in thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The previous evening a council of the entire clan had discussed a weighty matter: Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And their decision had not been a passive one. They had the whole winter to carry out a plan: Takigawa Kazumasu was to rally Ise; Nobutaka was to persuade Gamo Ujisato to join them, and to request assistance from Niwa Nagahide; Katsuie himself would write to Tokugawa Ieyasu to sound out his intentions; and a messenger had already been sent to the scheming old shogun, Yoshiaki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally, it was hoped that when the moment came, the Mori would attack Hideyoshi from the rear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was the plan, but Ieyasu's attitude was totally unclear. And although it was easy to tempt Yoshiaki's inconstancy, there seemed to be little hope of persuading the Mori to unite with their cause." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not only that, but Gamo Ujisato, the man to be drawn in by Nobutaka, was already allied to Hideyoshi, while Niwa stood tactfully in the center, declaring that he could not take sides with any of his former lord's retainers, and that he would only stand in the defense of the rightful heir, Lord Samboshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During this time, Hideyoshi was holding in Kyoto the magnificent memorial service for Nobunaga that had attracted the attention of the entire nation. Hideyoshi's increasing fame was making the proud Katsuie think about whether he should act and how fast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the mountains of Echizen responded to Katsuie's scheming with snow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He planned great campaigns, but he could not move his army to fight them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During the conference, a letter had arrived from Kazumasu, advising Katsuie that the best strategy was to wait until spring and complete their great undertaking in one campaign. Until then, Kazumasu said, Katsuie was to make peace with Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsuie had considered his advice and decided it was the correct way to handle the situation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If there is something else you would like to say to Lord Inuchiyo, I will send another messenger,\" Gozaemon repeated, observing Katsuie's worried expression.\n\nKatsuie confided his doubts to these men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At the conference I agreed to send two trusted retainers along with Inuchiyo to negotiate peace with Hideyoshi, but now I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you mean, my lord?\" one of the retainers asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know about Inuchiyo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you worried about his abilities as an envoy?\"\n\n\"I'm well acquainted with his abilities. But when Hideyoshi was still a foot soldier, they were close friends.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think you have anything to worry about.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You don't?\"\n\n\"Not in the least,\" Gozaemon declared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Both Inuchiyo's province in Noto and his son's in Fuchu are surrounded by your own estates and the castles of your retainers. So not only is he geographically isolated from Hideyoshi, but he will have to leave his wife and children as hostages.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gohei was of the same opinion. \"There has never been any discord between the two of you, my lord, and Lord Inuchiyo has served you faithfully throughout the long northern campaign. Many years ago, when he was a young samurai in Kiyosu, Lord Inuchiyo had a reputation for being wild. But he has changed. These days his name is associated with integrity and honesty, and people are quick to acknowledge their faith in him. So, rather than worry, I wonder if he isn't the most suitable man we could send.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsuie began to believe that they were right." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he could laugh, knowing that his own suspicions was nothing more than that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But if the plan did somehow go wrong, the entire situation could quickly turn against Katsuie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moreover, he was uneasy because his army would be unable to move until the spring. Nobutaka's isolation in Gifu and Takigawa's in Ise troubled him even more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Therefore the envoy's mission was crucial to the success of the entire strategy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few days later Inuchiyo arrived at Kitanosho. He would be forty-four that year—a year younger than Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had been tempered by his years on the battlefield, and even with the loss of one eye, he looked cool and self-possessed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he received Katsuie's warm reception, he smiled at its excess. Lady Oichi was also there to greet him, but Inuchiyo said gallantly, \"It must be unpleasant for you to be in this cold room with a group of coarse samurai, my lady.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Urged to withdraw, Lady Oichi left for her own apartments." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuie mistook this for deference, but Inuchiyo had intended it as a gesture of sympathy for Oichi, in whom he saw Nobunaga, her dead brother.\n\n\"You're living up to your old reputation. I've heard you were an old hand at this,\" Katsuie said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You mean sake?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I mean a lot of sake.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inuchiyo laughed heartily, his one eye blinking in the light of the candles. He was still the handsome man Hideyoshi had known in his youth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hideyoshi was never much of a drinker,\" Katsuie said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's true. His face turned red right away.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I recall that when you were young, the two of you often spent the whole night drinking together.\"\n\n\"Yes, as far as debauchery went, that young Monkey never got tired. He was an expert. Whenever I drank too much, I would just fall down and sleep anywhere.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I imagine you're still close friends.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not really. No one is less reliable than a former drinking partner.\"\n\n\"Is that so?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Surely you must remember, Lord Katsuie, those days of eating, drinking, and singing until dawn. Friends will put their arms around each other's shoulders, revealing things they wouldn't even talk to their own brothers about. At the time, you think that person is the best friend you ever had, but later you both get involved in the real world and you have a lord or a wife and children. When you both look back at the feelings you had when you were living together in the barracks, you find that they've changed quite a bit. The way you see the world, the eyes with which you look at others—you've grown up. Your friend is not the same, and neither are you. The really true, pure, and devoted friends are the men we meet in the midst of adversity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well then, I've been under the wrong impression.\"\n\n\"What do you mean, my lord?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought that you and Hideyoshi had a deeper relationship, and I was about to ask you to do me a favor.\"\n\n\"If you're going to fight with Hideyoshi,\" Inuchiyo said, \"I will not raise my spear against him, but if you're going to hold peace talks, I'd like to take it upon myself to be in the vanguard. Or is it something different?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inuchiyo had hit the mark. Without saying anything further, he smiled and raised his cup." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How had the plan leaked out to him? Katsuie's eyes showed his confusion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After thinking it over for a moment, however, he realized it had been he himself who had been testing out Inuchiyo on the subject of Hideyoshi from the very beginning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even though he was living in the provinces, Inuchiyo was not the kind of man who lived in a corner. Certainly he would know what was going on in Kyoto, and he would have a clear understanding of the trouble between Hideyoshi and Katsuie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Furthermore, Inuchiyo had received Katsuie's urgent summons and come quickly, despite the snow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Katsuie reflected on the matter, he had to rethink his view of Inuchiyo, in order to know how to control him. Inuchiyo was a man whose power would grow with the years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like Sassa Narimasa, he was under Katsuie's command on Nobunaga's orders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During the five years of the northern campaign, Katsuie had treated Inuchiyo like one of his own retainers, and Inuchiyo had obeyed Katsuie. But now that Nobunaga was dead, Katsuie wondered if the relationship would continue unchanged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It came down to this: Katsuie's authority had depended on Nobunaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With Nobunaga dead, Katsuie was only one general among many.\n\n\"I have no desire to fight with Hideyoshi, but I fear that rumor may have it otherwise,\" Katsuie said with a laugh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As a man matures, he becomes practiced in a way of laughing that draws a veil over his true feelings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It seems strange,\" Katsuie continued, \"to send an envoy to Hideyoshi when we are not at war, but I've received a number of letters from both Lord Nobutaka and Takigawa urging me to send someone. It's been less than six months since Lord Nobunaga died, and already there are rumors that his surviving retainers are fighting among themselves. This is a disgraceful state of affairs. Besides, I don't think we should give the Uesugi, the Hojo, and the Mori the chance they're looking for.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I understand, my lord,\" Inuchiyo said.\n\nKatsuie had never been very good at explanations, and Inuchiyo summarily accepted his assignment, as though it were unnecessary to listen to the tedious details." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inuchiyo left Kitanosho on the following day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was accompanied by two men, Fuwa Hikozo and Kanamori Gorohachi. Both were trusted retainers of the Shibata clan, and while they went along as envoys, they were really there to keep an eye on Inuchiyo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the twenty-seventh of the Tenth Month, the three men arrived at Nagahama to collect Katsutoyo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unfortunately, the young man was ill. The envoys counseled him to stay behind, but Katsutoyo insisted on coming, and the party traveled from Nagahama to Otsu by boat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Spending one night in the capital, they arrived at Takaradera Castle the following day.\n\nThis was the battlefield where Mitsuhide had been defeated that past summer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Where before there had been nothing more than a poor village with a decaying post station, now a prosperous castle town was springing up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After the envoys had crossed the Yodo River, they could see scaffolding covering the castle. The road was deeply rutted with the tracks of oxen and horses, and everything they saw spoke of Hideyoshi's energetic plans." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even Inuchiyo was beginning to question Hideyoshi's intentions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsuie, Takigawa, and Nobutaka accused Hideyoshi of neglecting Lord Samboshi and of working for his own advantage. In Kyoto he was building up his power base, while outside of the capital he was expending huge amounts on castle construction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These projects had nothing to do with enemy clans in the west or north, so against whom was he preparing his army in the very heart of the nation?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What had Hideyoshi said in his defense? He, too, had several complaints: There was the unfulfilled promise made at the Kiyosu conference to move Samboshi to Azuchi, and there was the memorial service for Nobunaga that Nobutaka and Katsuie had failed to attend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The meeting between Hideyoshi and the envoys took place in the partially reconstructed main citadel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A meal and tea were served before the negotiations began. It was the first time Hideyoshi and Inuchiyo had met since the death of Nobunaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Inuchiyo, how old are you now?\" Hideyoshi asked.\n\n\"I'll be forty-five soon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're both becoming old men.\"\n\n\"What do you mean? I'm still a year younger than you, aren't I?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, that's right. Like a little brother—a year younger. But looking at the two of us now, you look the more mature.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're the one who looks old for your age.\"\n\nHideyoshi shrugged. \"I've looked old since my youth. But frankly speaking, no matter how old I get, I still don't feel like much of an adult, and that worries me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Someone said that a man should be unwavering after the age of forty.\"\n\n\"It's a lie.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You think so?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A gentleman is unwavering—that's how the saying goes. It would be more true in our case that forty is the age of our first wavering. Isn't that pretty much true for you, Inuchiyo?\"\n\n\"You're still playing the fool, Lord Monkey. Don't you agree, gentlemen?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inuchiyo smiled at his companions, who had not failed to notice that he was familiar enough with Hideyoshi to call him \"Lord Monkey\" to his face.\n\n\"Somehow I can't agree with either Lord Inuchiyo's opinion or yours, my lord,\" said Kanamori, who was the oldest of the group." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How is that?\" asked Hideyoshi, who was clearly enjoying the conversation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As far as my ancient self goes, I would say that a man is unwavering from the age of fifteen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's a little early, isn't it?\"\n\n\"Well, look at young men on their first campaign.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have a point. Unwavering at the age of fifteen, even more so at nineteen or twenty, but at forty you slowly start to come undone. Well then, what happens at about the time of one's respected old age?\"\n\n\"When you get to fifty or sixty, you're really confused.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And at seventy or eighty?\"\n\n\"Then you start forgetting that you're confused.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They all laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seemed as though the feasting would last until evening, but Katsutoyo's condition was deteriorating. The conversation changed, and Hideyoshi suggested that they move to another room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A physician was summoned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He immediately gave Katsutoyo some medicine, and everything was done to warm the room in which the talks would be held." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once the four men were settled, Inuchiyo opened the proceedings. \"I believe you have received a letter from Lord Nobutaka, who also counsels peace with Lord Katsuie,\" Inuchiyo began." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi nodded, apparently eager to listen. Inuchiyo reminded him of their common duty as retainers of Nobunaga, then frankly admitted that it was Hideyoshi who had truly discharged that duty completely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But after that, it appeared that he was out of harmony with the senior retainers, neglecting Lord Samboshi and working for his own advantage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even if this were untrue, Inuchiyo felt that it was regrettable that Hideyoshi's actions were open to such an interpretation.\n\nHe suggested to Hideyoshi that he should look at the situation from the standpoints of Nobutaka and Katsuie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of them had met with disappointment, while the other now felt ill at ease." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsuie, who had been called \"Jar-Bursting\" and \"the Demon,\" had been slow in moving and was a step behind Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even at the conference in Kiyosu, had not Katsuie deferred to him?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So won't you end this quarrel?\" Inuchiyo asked finally. \"It's not really a problem for someone like me, but Lord Nobunaga's family is still embroiled in it. It's unbecoming that his surviving retainers should share the same bed and have different dreams.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The look in Hideyoshi's eyes seemed to change with Inuchiyo's words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inuchiyo had laid the blame for the quarrel at Hideyoshi's door, and he steeled himself for a violent refutation.\n\nUnexpectedly, Hideyoshi nodded vigorously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're absolutely right,\" he said with a sigh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm really not to blame, and if I were to list my excuses, there would be a mountain of them. But when I look at the situation the way you've explained it, it would appear that I've gone too far. And in that sense, I've been wrong. Inuchiyo, I leave it in your hands.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The negotiations were concluded on the spot. Hideyoshi had spoken so frankly that the envoys felt somewhat bemused, but Inuchiyo knew Hideyoshi well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm very grateful to you. Just hearing that has made it worth coming all the way here from the north,\" he said with great satisfaction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fuwa and Kanamori, however, did not show their joy unguardedly. Understanding the reason for their reticence, Inuchiyo went a step further." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But Lord Hideyoshi, if you have some dissatisfaction you'd like to express about Lord Katsuie, I hope you'll express it frankly. I'm afraid these peace accords won't last long if you're concealing something. I will spare no effort to settle any problem, no matter what it might be.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's unnecessary,\" Hideyoshi said, laughing. \"Am I the kind of person who keeps something bottled up inside and remains silent? I've said everything I want to say, to both Lord Nobutaka and Lord Katsuie. I've already sent a long letter that explains everything in detail.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, the letter was shown to us before we left Kitanosho. Lord Katsuie felt that everything you had written was reasonable and would not have to be brought up again during these peace talks.\"\n\n\"I understand that Lord Nobutaka suggested holding peace talks after reading my letter. Inuchiyo, I was being particularly careful not to upset Lord Katsuie before you came here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, you know, an elder statesman should be accorded respect in any situation. But I know I've rattled the horns of Demon Shibata from time to time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's difficult to do anything without rattling those horns. Even when we were both young, those horns were strangely scary—especially for me. In fact, the Demon's horns were even scarier than Nobunaga's moods.\"\n\n\"Did you hear that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inuchiyo laughed. \"Did you hear that, gentlemen?\" Both men were drawn into the laughter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To say such things in front of them was hardly speaking ill of their lord behind his back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rather, they felt it was a shared sentiment they could not deny.\n\nThe human mind is a subtle thing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After that moment, Kanamori and Fuwa felt more at ease with Hideyoshi and relaxed their watchfulness of Inuchiyo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think this is indeed a happy event,\" Kanamori said.\n\n\"We really couldn't be happier,\" Fuwa added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"More than that, I have to thank you for your generosity; we have completed our mission and saved our honor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The next day, however, Kanamori still had misgivings and said to Fuwa, \"If we go back to Echizen and report to our lord without Lord Hideyoshi's having put anything in writing, won't this agreement seem a bit unreliable?\"\n\nBefore departing that day, the envoys once again went to the castle to meet with Hideyoshi, to pay their respects." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Several attendants and horses were waiting outside the main entrance, and the envoys thought that Hideyoshi must have been receiving guests." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But in fact it was Hideyoshi himself who was going out. At that moment he stepped from the main citadel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm glad you came,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, let's go inside.\" Turning around, Hideyoshi led his guests to a room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had a really good laugh last night. Thanks to you, I slept late this morning.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And sure enough, he looked as though he had just gotten up and washed his face. That morning, however, each of the envoys looked somehow different—as though he had woken up inside a different shell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've been much too hospitable in the midst of all your work, but we are returning home today,\" Kanamori said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi nodded. \"Is that so? Well, please give my regards to Lord Katsuie on your return.\"\n\n\"I'm sure Lord Katsuie will be delighted by the outcome of the peace talks.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My heart has been lifted just by your coming here as envoys. Now all those people who would like to make us fight will be disappointed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But won't you please take your brush and sign a solemn pledge, just to stop up the mouths of such people?\" Kanamori entreated.\n\nThat was it. That was what had suddenly become essential for the envoys that morning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The peace talks had gone too smoothly, and they had become uneasy with words alone. Even if they reported to Katsuie what had transpired, without some sort of document it was nothing more than a verbal promise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right.\" The look on Hideyoshi's face showed full agreement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll give one to you, and I'll expect one from Lord Katsuie. But this pledge isn't limited to Lord Katsuie and me. If the names of the other veteran generals are not attached as well, the document will be meaningless. I'll speak to Niwa and Ikeda immediately. That should be all right, shouldn't it?\"\n\nHideyoshi's eyes met Inuchiyo's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That should be fine,\" Inuchiyo answered clearly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes read everything in Hideyoshi's heart—he had seen the future even before leaving Kitanosho. If Inuchiyo could be called a rogue, he was a likable one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi stood up. \"I was just about to leave myself. I'll go with you as far as the castle town.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They left the citadel together.\n\n\"I haven't seen Lord Katsutoyo today. Has he already left?\" Hideyoshi asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He is still unwell,\" Fuwa said. \"We left him at his lodgings.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They mounted their horses and rode as far as the crossroads in the castle town." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where are you off to today, Hideyoshi?\" Inuchiyo asked.\n\n\"I'm going to Kyoto, as usual.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story going! write five sentences more. channel your inner Eiji Yoshikawa. stick to these genres: historical fiction. throw in some of these if u can: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man appeared to be a traveling monk, but walked with the gait of a fighting man. Right now he was climbing the Shufukuji road.\n\n\"Where are you going!\" the Shibata guard challenged.\n\n\"It's me,\" the priest replied, pushing back his monk's hood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sentries signaled to the palisade behind them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the wooden gate was huddled yet another party of men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The monk approached the officer and said a few words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There appeared to be some confusion for a few moments, but then the officer himself led out a horse and handed the priest the reins.\n\nMount Yukiichi was the encampment of Sakuma Genba and his younger brother, Yasumasa. The man dressed as a priest was Mizuno Shinroku, a retainer of Yasumasa. He had been entrusted with a secret message, and was now kneeling in front of his lord, inside his headquarters.\n\n\"How did it go? Good or bad news?\" Yasumasa asked impatiently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everything is arranged,\" Shinroku replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Were you able to meet him? Did everything go well?\"\n\n\"The enemy already has strict lookouts, but I was able to meet with Lord Shogen.\"\n\n\"What are his intentions?\"\n\n\"I have them written down in a letter.\"\n\nHe looked inside his wickerwork hat and tore off the joint of the hat's cord." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A letter that had been pasted underneath fell onto his lap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shinroku straightened out the creases and put the letter into his lord's hand.\n\nYasumasa studied the envelope for some time.\n\n\"Yes, this is definitely Shogen's handwriting, but it's addressed to my brother. Come with me. We'll go see my brother right now and notify the main camp at Mount Nakao.\"\n\nLord and retainer went out through the palisade and climbed to the peak of Mount Yukiichi. The arrangement of men and horses, the palisade gates and the barracks became progressively tighter and more controlled as they reached the top." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally the main citadel, which looked like a castle, came into view, and they could see innumerable curtained enclosures spread over the peak.\n\n\"Tell my brother that I am here.\" As Yasumasa spoke to the guard, one of Genba's retainers came running up.\n\n\"I'm afraid Lord Genba is not in his quarters, my lord.\"\n\n\"Has he gone to Mount Nakao?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, he's over there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Looking in the direction in which the retainer was pointing, he saw his brother, Genba, sitting with five or six warriors and pages on the grass beyond the main citadel. It was difficult to see what they were doing.\n\nWhen he came closer, he could see that Genba was having one of the pages hold a mirror while another held a basin. There, under a blue sky, he was shaving as though he had no other care in the world.\n\nIt was the twelfth day of the Fourth Month." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Summer had already come, and in the castle towns on the plains, the heat could be felt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But in the mountains, spring was now at its height." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yasumasa walked over and knelt on the grass.\n\n\"Well, brother?\" Genba looked at him out of the corner of his eye, but continued to thrust out his chin in front of the mirror until he was finally finished shaving. Only after the razor was put away and the shaved hair was washed from his face with the water in the basin did he turn completely to face his little brother. \"What is it, Yasumasa?\"\n\n\"Would you have all the pages withdraw, please?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why don't we go back to my quarters?\"\n\n\"No, no. This is really the best place for a secret discussion.\"\n\n\"You think so? All right.\" Turning to his pages, Genba ordered them to withdraw some distance.\n\nThe pages took the mirror and basin and left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai also withdrew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Sakuma brothers remained facing each other on the top of the mountain. One other man was there—Mizuno Shinroku, who had come along with Yasumasa.\n\nIn accordance with his position, Shinroku was still at a distance, prostrating himself toward his two superiors.\n\nAt that point Genba noticed him. \"Shinroku has returned, has he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He has and he reports that everything went smoothly. His errand seems to have been successful.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure it wasn't easy. Well, what about Shogen's reply?\"\n\n\"Here is Shogen's letter.\"\n\nGenba opened the letter as soon as he held it in his hand. An open pleasure filled his eyes and hung on the corners of his mouth. What kind of secret success could have made him so happy?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His shoulders shook almost uncontrollably.\n\n\"Shinroku, come a little closer. You're too far away over there.\"\n\n\"Yes, my lord.\"\n\n\"According to Shogen's letter, it appears that the real details were entrusted to you. Tell me everything Shogen had to say.\"\n\n\"Lord Shogen said that both he and Lord Ogane had had differences of opinion with their lord, Katsutoyo, even before Nagahama changed sides. Hideyoshi knew that and though they have been put in charge of the fortresses at Mount Dangi and Mount Shinmei, they are under the watchful eye of Hideyoshi's trusted retainer, Kimura Hayato. They can hardly make a move.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But both Shogen and Ogane intend to escape and come here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They plan to kill Kimura Hayato tomorrow morning, and then bring their men over to our side.\"\n\n\"If this is going to happen tomorrow morning, there's no time to lose. Send out a force to them,\" Genba ordered Yasumasa. He then interrogated Shinroku once again. \"Some reports say that Hideyoshi is in his main camp, while others claim that he is in Nagahama. Do you know where he is?\"\n\nShinroku admitted that he did not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the Shibata side, the question of whether Hideyoshi was at the front or at Nagahama was an extremely important one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without knowing where he was, the Shibata were uncertain how to proceed. Katsuie's strategy was not for a single frontal attack. He had been waiting quite some time for the opportunity to have Nobutaka's Gifu army spring into action. Takigawa Kazumasu's forces could then initiate their attack, and together the two armies of Mino and Ise would threaten Hideyoshi's rear. At that point Katsuie's main force of twenty thousand men could rush in and drive Hideyoshi into a corner at Nagahama." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsuie had already received a letter from Nobutaka to that effect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Hideyoshi was at Nagahama, he would quickly catch wind of such operations and see to it that both Gifu and Yanagase were ready. If Hideyoshi was now on the front lines, Katsuie would have to be fully ready, for the time for Nobutaka's uprising was now.\n\nBut before any of those plans could be carried out, the Shibata had to pin down Hideyoshi to create the right circumstances for Nobutaka to move.\n\n\"That one point remains unclear,\" Genba said again. There was no doubt that during the long period of waiting, which had lasted for more than a month, he was becoming more and more depressed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, we succeeded in luring Shogen, and we should rejoice in that alone. Lord Katsuie must be informed immediately. We will wait for Shogen's signal tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yasumasa and Shinroku left first and returned to their own camp. Genba called over a page to bring him his favorite horse. Accompanied by ten warriors, he left immediately for the main camp on Mount Nakao.\n\nThe newly built road between Mount Yukiichi and the main camp at Nakao was about four yards wide and meandered along for over two leagues, along the ridgeline of the mountains. The spring greenery of the mountains filled the warriors' eyes, and as Genba whipped his horse along, even he was overcome by a poetic sentiment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The main camp at Mount Nakao was surrounded by several palisades. Each time Genba approached a gate, he would simply give his name and ride through, looking down at the guards from his saddle.\n\nBut just as he was about to ride through the gate to the main citadel, the commander of the guards called out abruptly and challenged him. \"Wait! Where are you going?\"\n\nGenba turned around and stared at the man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, is that you, Menju? I've come to see my uncle. Is he in his quarters or at staff headquarters?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Menju frowned, walked around in front of Genba, and said angrily, \"Dismount first, please.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"This gate is very close to Lord Katsuie's headquarters. It doesn't make any difference who you are or how much of a hurry you're in, it is not permitted to ride in on horseback.\"\n\n\"You dare say that to me, Menju?\" Genba said angrily, but according to military discipline he could not really refuse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead he dismounted as Menju had required him to do and barked, \"Where's my uncle?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's in the middle of a military conference.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who's attending?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Haigo, Lord Osa, Lord Hara, Lord Asami, and Lord Katsutoshi.\"\n\n\"If that's so, it'll be all right if I join them.\"\n\n\"No, I'll announce you.\"\n\n\"That won't be necessary.\"\n\nGenba pushed his way through." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Menju watched him as he walked off. A look of misery clouded his face. The challenge he had thrown out just now, at the risk of his own reputation, was not simply for the sake of military law. He had been secretly trying to get Genba to reflect on his attitude for some time.\n\nThe attitude shown in the proud manner Genba usually displayed was connected with his uncle's favoritism." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he observed how the lord of Kitanosho acted with biased blind love toward his nephew, Menju could not help feeling uneasy about the future. At the very least, he felt that it was not right for Genba to be calling the commander-in-chief \"uncle.\"\n\nBut Genba paid no attention to such matters as Menju's unhappy thoughts. He now walked directly into his uncle's headquarters, ignoring the other retainers there, and whispered to his uncle, \"When you're finished, I have a private matter to discuss with you.\"\n\nKatsuie quickly ended the conference." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After the generals had all withdrawn, he leaned from his camp stool and spoke excitedly with his nephew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After giving a self-satisfied laugh, Genba silently showed Shogen's answer as though he knew it would give Katsuie great pleasure.\n\nKatsuie was immensely pleased. The plot that he had conceived and asked Genba to put into effect was working. On that account alone, the happiness of having seen everything go according to plan was greater for him than for anyone. He, in particular, had the reputation for loving intrigue, and as he read Shogen's reply he was so happy that he was almost drooling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The aim of the plot was to weaken the enemy from within." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From Katsuie's point of view, the presence of men like Shogen and Ogane in Hideyoshi's army provided opportunities for hatching plot after plot.\n\nAs for Shogen, he believed that the victory would go to the Shibata. That belief was surprisingly blind. It is true that at a later date he, too, would be anguished and undoubtedly questioned by his own conscience. But the letter of consent had already been sent, and it was no longer a matter for deliberation. For better or worse, Shogen's betrayal was definitely set for the following morning, and he waited to invite the Shibata army into his fortress." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Eiji Yoshikawa" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hachigamine lay to the east of Shizugatake. Genba had brought up a single corps there during the evening. His plan for the attack on Shizugatake the following morning was to act in concert with the vanguard at Iiurazaka and Shimizudani to the northwest and to isolate the enemy fortress.\n\nStars filled the entire sky. The mountains, however, covered with trees and shrubs, were as black as ink, and the path that wound through them was nothing more than a narrow woodcutters' trail.\n\nOne of the sentries grunted.\n\n\"What's going on?\" another man asked.\n\n\"Come here and take a look,\" yet another man called from a little farther off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sound of men rustling through the undergrowth could be heard, and then the figures of sentries appeared on the ridge.\n\n\"There seems to be a sort of glow in the sky,\" one of them said, pointing toward the southeast.\n\n\"Where?\"\n\n\"From the right of that big cypress all the way to the south.\"\n\n\"What do you think it is?\"\n\nThey all laughed.\n\n\"It must be the farmers near Otsu or Kuroda burning something.\"\n\n\"There shouldn't be any farmers left in the villages. They've all run away to the mountains.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well then, maybe it's the bonfires of the enemy stationed at Kinomoto.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think so. On a night when the clouds are low it would be different, but it's strange to see the sky colored like this on a clear night. There are too many trees blocking our view here, but we should be able to see if we climb up to the edge of that cliff.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hold up! That's dangerous!\"\n\n\"If you slip, you'll fall all the way into the valley!\"\n\nThey tried to stop him, but he climbed out onto the rock face, clinging to the vines. His silhouette looked like that of a monkey on top of the rocky mountain.\n\n\"Oh no! This is horrible!\" he suddenly called out.\n\nHis exclamation startled everyone below.\n\n\"What is it? What do you see?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man on the ridge stood silently, almost as though he were in a daze." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One after another, the men below climbed up to where he was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they reached the top, they all trembled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Standing on the rocky clifftop, they could see not only Lake Yogo and Lake Biwa but also the road to the northern provinces that wound its way south along the lake. Even the base of Mount Ibuki was visible.\n\nNight had fallen, so it was difficult to see clearly, but there appeared to be a single line of flames flowing like a river all the way from Nagahama to Kinomoto near the foot of the mountain they were on. The flames stretched from point to point as far as the eye could see—a steady stream of fire with circles of light.\n\n\"What's that?\"\n\nDazzled for a moment, they suddenly came to their senses.\n\n\"Let's go! Quick!\"\n\nThe sentries scrambled down the cliff face almost as if they'd lost their grip, and ran off to inform the main camp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With glorious expectations for the next day, Genba had gone to sleep early." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His soldiers too were already asleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was close to the Hour of the Boar when Genba sat up, aroused from his light sleep.\n\n\"Tsushima!\" he called out.\n\nOsaki Tsushima was sleeping nearby, and by the time he got up, Genba was already standing before him, grasping a spear he had taken from the hand of a page.\n\n\"I just heard a horse whinny. Go out and check.\"\n\n\"Right!\"\n\nAs Tsushima lifted the curtain he ran headlong into a man yelling for his life.\n\n\"This is an emergency!\" the man said, panicked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Genba raised his voice and asked, \"What do you have to report?\"\n\nIn his agitated state the man was unable to report on the urgent situation with conciseness.\n\n\"There are a great number of torches and bonfires along the road between Mino and Kinomoto, and they're moving along in an alarming red line. Lord Katsumasa thinks it's got to be an enemy movement.\"\n\n\"What! A line of fire on the Mino road?\"\n\nGenba looked as though he still did not understand. But one step behind that urgent report from Shimizudani came a similar dispatch from Hara Fusachika, who was camped at Hachigamine.\n\nThe soldiers in camp began to wake up in the dark commotion. Ripples spread out immediately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Curiously, Hideyoshi was coming back from Mino. But Genba could not quite believe it; he still wore the unwavering look of someone who persists in his own convictions. \"Tsushima! Go verify this!\"\n\nWith that order he demanded his camp stool and consciously put on an air of composure. Certainly he understood the subtle feelings of his retainers as they looked to see what was written on his face.\n\nOsaki returned quickly. He had ridden to Shimizudani, then to Hachigamine, and then continued from Mount Chausu to Kannonzaka in order to ascertain the facts. And the facts were these:\n\n\"Not only can you see the torches and bonfires, but if you listen carefully you can hear the whinnying of the horses and the clattering of their hooves. It's nothing to joke about. You'll need to plan a counter strategy as quickly as possible.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, what about Hideyoshi?\"\n\n\"It's thought that Hideyoshi is in the van.\"\n\nGenba was now so taken aback that he could hardly find the words to speak. Biting his lip, he looked up silently, his face pale.\n\nAfter a while he said, \"We'll retreat. There's nothing else we can do, is there? A large army is on its way, and our troops are isolated here.\"\n\nGenba had stubbornly refused to obey Katsuie's orders the night before. Now he himself ordered his panicked troops to make preparations to strike camp, and hastened his retainers and pages.\n\n\"Is the messenger from Hachigamine still here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Genba asked the retainers around him as he mounted his horse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Told that the messenger was still in camp, he summoned him.\n\n\"Go back immediately and tell Hikojiro that our main corps is now beginning a retreat, pulling back through Shimizudani, Iiurazaka, Kawanami, and Moyama. Hikojiro's forces should follow us as a rear guard.\"\n\nAs soon as he had finished giving the order, Genba joined his retainers and started down the pitch-dark mountain path.\n\nThus, Sakuma's main army began its general retreat during the second half of the Hour of the Boar. The moon was not out when they set off. For about half an hour they burned no torches, to prevent the enemy from discovering their whereabouts. Instead, they stumbled down the narrow paths by the light of their fuse cords and the stars.\n\nComparing their movements in terms of time, Genba must have started to strike camp just as Hideyoshi had climbed up Mount Chausu from Kuroda village and was taking a rest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was there that Hideyoshi talked with Niwa Nagahide, who had come in haste from Shizugatake to have an audience with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nagahide was an honored guest, and Hideyoshi's treatment of him was polite indeed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hardly know what to say at present,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've gone to great trouble since this morning.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With those few words, he shared the commander's seat with Nagahide, later asking about matters like the enemy's situation and the lay of the land. From time to time the laughing voices of the two men could be heard on the night wind blowing across the mountaintop.\n\nDuring that time, the soldiers following Hideyoshi continued coming into camp in groups of two and three hundred.\n\n\"Genba's forces have already started to retreat toward Shimizudani and have left a rear guard in the area of Hachigamine,\" a scout reported.\n\nHideyoshi then issued an order to Nagahide to relay the following information and commands to all the fortresses of their allies:\n\nAt the Hour of the Ox, I will begin a surprise attack on Genba. Gather the local people and have them yell battle cries from the mountaintops at dawn. Just as dawn breaks, you will hear gunfire, which will signal that the opportunity has come for getting the enemy in our grasp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You should know without being told that the firing before dawn will be coming from the muskets of the enemy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The conch shell will be the signal for the general attack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The chance should not be missed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As soon as Nagahide departed, Hideyoshi had the camp stool taken away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They say Genba's running away. Follow his path of retreat and pursue him furiously,\" he said, telling the warriors around him to relay that order to the entire army." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And be sure not to fire your muskets until the sky begins to turn light.\"\n\nIt was not a level road they were on, but really just a mountain path with a good many dangerous spots. The attack began with one corps after another starting out, but they could not advance as fast as they would have liked.\n\nAlong the way, men dismounted and led their horses through swamps or along cliff faces where there was no road at all.\n\nAfter midnight the moon rose to the middle of the sky and helped the Sakuma forces along their path of retreat. Its light, however, was also a blessing for Hideyoshi's pursuit of them.\n\nThe two armies were no more than three hours apart. Hideyoshi had sent an overwhelmingly large army into this one battle, and his warriors' morale was high. The probable outcome was clear before the fighting began." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep going for seven sentences more. add these things: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sun was high." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was almost the Hour of the Dragon. There had been fighting on the shore of Lake Yogo, but the Shibata had fled once again, collecting themselves in the area of Moyama and the Sokkai Pass.\n\nHere, Maeda Inuchiyo and his son were camped, their banners flying peacefully. Very peacefully. Seated on his camp stool, Inuchiyo no doubt had coolly observed the gunfire and sparks that had been spreading over Shizugatake, Oiwa, and Shimizudani since dawn.\n\nHe commanded a wing of Katsuie's army, which put him in a truly delicate position, for his personal feelings and his duty to Katsuie were in conflict. One mistake and his province and entire family would perish. The situation was very clear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If he opposed Katsuie, he would be destroyed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he abandoned his long friendship with Hideyoshi, however, he would be betraying his emotions.\n\nKatsuie... Hideyoshi...\n\nComparing the two men, Inuchiyo very likely would not make a mistake in choosing between them. When he had left his castle at Fuchu for the battlefield, his wife had been worried about her husband's intentions and had questioned him closely.\n\n\"If you don't fight Lord Hideyoshi, you won't be fulfilling your duty as a warrior,\" she had said.\n\n\"Do you think so?\"\n\n\"But I don't think that you need to honor your word to Lord Katsuie.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't be foolish. Do you think I'm capable of betraying my word as a warrior once I've given it?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well then, which one are you going to support?\"\n\n\"I'm leaving it up to heaven. I don't know what else I can do. Man's wisdom is too limited for something like this.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around 7 sentences continuing directly from the user's text." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In just one short year, Hideyoshi had risen so rapidly to prominence that even he was surprised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had struck down the Akechi and the Shibata; Takigawa and Sassa knelt before him; Niwa held him in special confidence; and Inuchiyo had demonstrated his loyalty to their old friendship.\n\nHideyoshi now controlled almost all the provinces that Nobunaga had conquered. Even his relationship with provinces outside Nobunaga's sphere of influence had undergone a complete change. The Mori, who for years had obstinately resisted Nobunaga's plans for hegemony, had signed a treaty of alliance and sent hostages.\n\nThere was, however, one man who remained an open question: Tokugawa Ieyasu. There had been no communication between the two for some time. They were silent, like poor chess players waiting for the other side to make a good move." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The silence was finally broken by a diplomatic overture from Ieyasu, soon after Hideyoshi's return to Kyoto on the twenty-first day of the Fifth Month. Ieyasu's most senior general, Ishikawa Kazumasa, called on Hideyoshi at Takaradera Castle.\n\n\"I have come to convey Lord Ieyasu's congratulations. Your great victory has brought peace to the nation.\" With that solemn announcement, Kazumasa presented Hideyoshi with a valuable antique tea container called Hatsuhana.\n\nHideyoshi had become a devotee of the tea ceremony, and he was delighted to receive the precious gift. But it was also clear that he derived even greater satisfaction from having received the courtesy from Ieyasu first. Kazumasa had planned on returning to Hamamatsu that very day, but Hideyoshi detained him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You don't have to hurry,\" Hideyoshi said. \"Stay for two or three days. I'll tell Lord Ieyasu that I insisted. Especially since we're having a little family celebration tomorrow.\"\n\nWhat Hideyoshi called \"a little family celebration\" was the banquet to mark his investiture with a new court title, which was the seal of imperial approval on his domestic policies and military successes. He was also to announce the construction of a major new castle in Osaka.\n\nThe banquet lasted three days. A seemingly endless line of guests made its way up to the castle, and the narrow streets of the town were clogged with the carriages of courtiers, and their servants and horses.\n\nKazumasa was forced to admit that Nobunaga's mantle had come to rest on Hideyoshi's shoulders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Until that day he had firmly believed that it would be his lord, Ieyasu, who would succeed Nobunaga, but the time he spent with Hideyoshi changed his mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he compared Hideyoshi's and Ieyasu's provinces and reflected on the differences between their troops, he concluded sadly that the Tokugawa domain was still a small provincial outpost in eastern Japan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few days later, Kazumasa announced his intention to leave, and Hideyoshi accompanied him as far as Kyoto." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they were riding along, Hideyoshi turned in the saddle and looked back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He beckoned to Kazumasa, who was riding some way behind, to join him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As a retainer of another clan, Kazumasa had been received with the courtesy due to a guest, but he quite naturally rode behind Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi said warmly, \"We decided to travel together, and that doesn't mean that we should ride separately. The road to Kyoto is particularly boring, so let's talk as we ride.\"\n\nKazumasa hesitated for a moment but then rode up to Hideyoshi's side.\n\n\"It's inconvenient going back and forth to Kyoto,\" Hideyoshi went on. \"So within the year I'm going to move to Osaka, which is close to the capital.\" He then described his plans to build a castle.\n\n\"You've chosen a good location in Osaka,\" Kazumasa remarked. \"It's said that Lord Nobunaga had his eye on Osaka for a number of years.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but the warrior-monks of the Honganji were entrenched in their temple-fortress there, so he was forced to settle for Azuchi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before long they entered the city of Kyoto, but just as Kazumasa was about to take his leave, Hideyoshi stopped him once again and said, \"It wouldn't be advisable to take the land route in this heat. You'd better take a boat across the lake from Otsu. Let's have some lunch with Maeda Geni while the boat's being prepared.\"\n\nHe was referring to the man he had recently appointed to the governorship of Kyoto. Giving Kazumasa no chance to refuse, Hideyoshi led him to the governor's mansion. The courtyard had been swept clean, as though the visitor had been expected, and Geni's reception of Kazumasa was extremely courteous.\n\nHideyoshi continuously urged Kazumasa to relax, and during lunch they talked of nothing else but the castle he was going to build.\n\nGeni brought in a large sheet of paper and spread it out on the floor. A plan for a castle was being shown to an envoy from another province, and both the man showing it and the man being shown it looked apprehensive of the reason for Hideyoshi's openness; the only apparent explanation was that Hideyoshi had forgotten that Kazumasa was a retainer of the Tokugawa clan, as well as the status of his own relationship with that clan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've heard that you're quite an expert on castles,\" Hideyoshi told Kazumasa, \"so if you have any suggestions, please don't hesitate.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just as Hideyoshi had said, Kazumasa was quite well versed in castle construction. Normally such plans would be top secret—hardly something to show to a retainer from a rival province—but Kazumasa put away his doubts about Hideyoshi's intentions and studied the plans.\n\nKazumasa knew Hideyoshi was unlikely to do anything small, but he was overawed by the scale of the project. When Osaka had been the headquarters of the warrior-monks of the Honganji, their fortress had occupied an area of one thousand square yards. In Hideyoshi's plan, that became the foundation for the main citadel. The area's topography—rivers, mountains, and seacoast—had been taken into consideration; their advantages and disadvantages had been considered, and the comparative difficulties of attack and defense and other logistical problems had all been thought out. The main citadel, and the second and third, were all surrounded by earthen walls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The circuit of the outer walls was more than six leagues." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tallest building within the walls was a five-story keep, which would be pierced with openings from which to shoot arrows. The tiles of the roof were to be gold-leafed.\n\nIn his amazement Kazumasa could only marvel in silent awe at what he saw before him. But what he had been staring at was still nothing more than a part of the project. The moat surrounding the castle took its water from the Yodo River. With the prosperous mercantile city of Sakai close by, Osaka was connected with numerous trade routes to China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. The nearby Yamato and Kawachi mountain chains formed a natural defensive wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Sanin and Sanyo roads connected Osaka with sea and land routes to Shikoku and Kyushu, and made it a gateway with access to all outlying areas." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the location of the country's most important castle and a place from which to rule the nation, Osaka was many times superior to Nobunaga's Azuchi. Kazumasa could discover nothing lacking here.\n\n\"What do you think?\" Hideyoshi asked.\n\n\"Absolutely perfect. It's a plan on a grand scale,\" Kazumasa replied. There was nothing more he could honestly say.\n\n\"It will be sufficient, don't you think?\"\n\n\"On the day it's completed, it will be the largest castle town in the whole country,\" Kazumasa said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's what I intend.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When do you anticipate its completion?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd like to move in before the year is through.\"\n\nKazumasa blinked disbelievingly. \"What! By the end of the year?\"\n\n\"Well, about then.\"\n\n\"It could take ten years for an engineering project of that size.\"\n\n\"In ten years the world will have changed, and I'll be an old man,\" Hideyoshi said, laughing. \"I've ordered the overseers to complete the castle's interior, including its decorations, within three years.\"\n\n\"I can't imagine it's going to be easy to make the craftsmen and laborers work at such a pace. And the amounts of stone and lumber you will need are going to be immense.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm bringing in lumber from twenty-eight provinces.\"\n\n\"How many laborers will you need?\"\n\n\"I'm not sure about that. I suppose I'll need well over a hundred thousand. My officials say that it will require about sixty thousand men working every day for three months just to dig the inner and outer moats.\"\n\nKazumasa fell silent. He was depressed as he reflected on the great difference between this project and the castles of Okazaki and Hamamatsu in his own province. But would Hideyoshi really be able to bring the huge stones he needed to Osaka, an area totally lacking in quarries? And where, in these difficult times, did he think he could find the huge sums to pay for the project? He wondered whether Hideyoshi's great plans were really anything more than bragging." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just then something urgent seemed to have occurred to Hideyoshi, and he called for his secretary and began dictating a letter. Completely forgetting that Kazumasa was there, he looked over what had been written down, nodded, and started to dictate another letter. Even if Kazumasa had not wanted to listen to what was being said, Hideyoshi was right in front of him and he could not help but hear. Hideyoshi seemed to be dictating an extremely important letter to the Mori clan.\n\nOnce again Kazumasa was embarrassed and hardly knew what to do with himself. He said, \"Your official business seems to be rather urgent. Shall I withdraw?\"\n\n\"No, no, that won't be necessary. I'll be done in a moment.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi continued with his dictation. He had received a letter from a member of the Mori clan congratulating him on his victory against the Shibata. Now, under the pretext of giving an account of the battle of Yanagase, he was demanding that his correspondent define his own attitude concerning the future of his clan. It was a personal letter, and an extremely important one.\n\nKazumasa sat next to him, silently looking at the stands of bamboo groves, while Hideyoshi dictated:\n\n\"If I had given Katsuie a moment's rest, it would have taken much longer to defeat him. But the fate of Japan hung in the balance, so I had to resign myself to the loss of my men. I attacked Katsuie's main castle at the second half of the Hour of the Tiger, and by the Hour of the Horse I took the citadel.\"\n\nWhen he dictated the words, \"the fate of Japan,\" his eyes were ablaze just as they had been when the castle fell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The letter then took a turn that would rivet the Mori clan's attention on his words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would be futile to mobilize our troops, but if necessary I will visit your province in person to determine the matter of boundaries. Therefore, it is important that you use discretion and be resolved not to provoke me.\"\n\nKazumasa unconsciously stole a look at Hideyoshi and marveled at the man's boldness. Here was Hideyoshi lightheartedly dictating some very frank words, almost as if he were sitting cross-legged in front of his correspondent, having a friendly chat. Was he being arrogant or just naïve?\n\n\"Both the Hojo in the east and the Uesugi in the north have entrusted matters to my resolve. If you are also prepared to let me work freely, the government of Japan will be better than it has been since ancient times. Give this deep thought and your own personal care. If you have any objections, please let me know before the Seventh Month. It is essential that you relay all of this in detail to Lord Mori Terumoto.\"\n\nKazumasa's eyes watched the play of the wind in the bamboo, but his ears were absolutely fascinated with what Hideyoshi was saying. His heart quivered like the bamboo leaves in the wind." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It appeared that, for this man, even the titanic task of building Osaka Castle was something he did in his spare time. And he asserted, even to the Mori clan, that if they objected they should let him know before the Seventh Month—before he went to war again.\n\nKazumasa was beyond admiration; he felt exhausted.\n\nAt that moment an attendant announced that Kazumasa's ship was ready to sail. Hideyoshi took one of the swords from his waist and presented it to Kazumasa. \"It may be a little old, but people say it's a good blade. Please take it as a small token of my appreciation.\"\n\nKazumasa took it and reverently lifted it to his forehead.\n\nWhen they went outside, Hideyoshi's personal guards were waiting to escort Kazumasa to the port of Otsu." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "hey can u write 2 sentences more sentences? stick to these genres if u can: historical fiction. oh and try to use these things: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In Azuchi, Lord Samboshi was just four years old." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Several provincial lords came to greet the New Year and to pay their respects and pray for his continued health.\n\n\"Excuse me, Lord Shonyu?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, Lord Gamo, how fortuitous.\"\n\nThe two men had met by chance in front of the great hall of the main citadel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of them was Ikeda Shonyu, who had been moved from Osaka to Ogaki Castle to make room for Hideyoshi. The other was Gamo Ujisato." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You look healthier all the time,\" Gamo said. \"That's the best you could ask for.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, my health goes along with the years, but we've been busy anyway. For a number of nights I haven't been able to sleep, even in Ogaki.\"\n\n\"You have the additional burden of being in charge of the construction of Osaka Castle, Lord Shonyu.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That kind of work is appropriate for men like Matsuda and Ishida, but it's not fitting for us soldiers.\"\n\n\"I disagree. It's not like Lord Hideyoshi to put men in unsuitable places. You can be sure he has a need for you somewhere among the officials.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm really annoyed that you can see that kind of resource in me,\" Shonyu replied, laughing. \"By the way, what about your New Year's greetings to the young lord?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I just now took my leave.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was just leaving myself, so it's good timing, and there's a private matter I'd very much like to talk over with you.\"\n\n\"To tell the truth, as soon as I saw you, I realized there was also a matter I would like to ask you about.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We must be having the same thoughts. Where shall we talk?\"\n\nShonyu gestured toward a small room off the great hall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two men sat down in the empty room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no brazier, but the New Year's sun coming through the sliding paper doors was warm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you heard the rumors?\" Shonyu began." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have. It's being said that Lord Nobuo has been killed. And it sounds like the truth.\"\n\nShonyu frowned and sighed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're already seeing the signs that there will be some kind of disturbance this year. How bad it will get depends on who the antagonists are, but the recent omens are troubling. You're younger than I am, Lord Gamo, but it appears to me that your judgment is better than mine. Don't you have the wit to come up with a good idea before something regrettable happens?\"\n\nHe looked deeply anxious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gamo answered with another question. \"Where can these rumors be coming from?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't tell you that. But where there's smoke, there's fire.\"\n\n\"Do you think there's something we don't know?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, not at all. The facts are just in the wrong order. To begin with, Lord Nobuo went to Takaradera Castle to call on Lord Hideyoshi in the Eleventh Month of last year. It's said that Lord Hideyoshi himself took charge of the reception held for thanking Lord Nobuo for subjugating Ise, and his hospitality was so great that Lord Nobuo stayed for four days.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indeed?\"\n\n\"Lord Nobuo's retainers had expected him to leave the castle on the following day, but on the second day there was no word from him, nor on the third day, nor even on the fourth. Well, it seems that they imagined the worst, and even his servants outside of the castle started blurting out a number of wild suppositions.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So that's it,\" Gamo laughed. \"When you expose the roots of these stories, most of them are fabrications, aren't they?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Shonyu continued to look worried, and went on quickly, \"After that, there was more public discussion of the matter, and various competing rumors ran back and forth between Ise, Nagashima, Osaka, and the capital. The first one claims that the origin of the false report of Nobuo's death came not from among Lord Nobuo's attendants but from the mouths of Hideyoshi's servants. The men at Takaradera Castle refute this. They claim that the rumor was born from the suspicions and dark spirits of Lord Nobuo's retainers. While each side is loudly denouncing the other, the rumor of Lord Nobuo's murder is spreading like the wind.\"\n\n\"Do people believe it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's hard to fathom the mind of the common man, but after witnessing Lord Nobutaka's end directly after the fall of the Shibata, it's certain that a number of Lord Nobuo's relatives and retainers must be having bad dreams and asking themselves who's going to be next.\"\n\nThen Gamo spoke openly about his own fears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He inched closer to where Shonyu knelt and said, \"There should be a firm understanding between Hideyoshi and Nobuo regardless of the kind of rumors that are making the rounds. But there just may be considerable discord between them, too.\"\n\nGamo stared at Shonyu, who nodded vigorously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look at the situation since the death of Lord Nobunaga,\" Gamo said. \"Most people think that after peace returned Lord Hideyoshi should have passed all authority to his former lord's heir. But no matter how you reason it through, it's clear that Lord Samboshi is far too young and that the successor should be Lord Nobuo. If Hideyoshi does not submit to Lord Nobuo, he could be accused of being disloyal and of forgetting the many favors the Oda clan bestowed upon him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's all a little unsavory, isn't it? Nobuo's intentions are transparent, and yet he doesn't seem to understand that what is about to happen is just the opposite of what he would like.\"\n\n\"But do you think it's really possible that he's holding such optimistic thoughts?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He may be. What kind of calculations will be going on in the mind of a pampered fool, after all?\"\n\n\"It's certain that they're hearing these rumors in Osaka and that misunderstandings are just going to increase.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is awkward, to be sure,\" Shonyu sighed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Hideyoshi's generals, both Shonyu and Gamo were bound to him by the absolute bond that existed between lord and retainer. But they were also bound to a set of conditions that now might not be so easily resolved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First of all, at the time Gamo had been receiving Nobunaga's favors, he had married Nobunaga's youngest daughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moreover, Shonyu and Nobunaga had had the same wet nurse, and Shonyu's relationship with his former lord as a foster brother had been particularly close. Therefore, even at the conference in Kiyosu, the two men ranked as relatives." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Quite naturally, they could not be indifferent to the problems facing the Oda clan, and except for the young Samboshi, the only person of Nobunaga's direct bloodline was Nobuo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two men would not have been so perplexed if they could have found anything of merit in Nobuo's character, but it was clear that he was nothing more than a mediocrity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both before and after the conference at Kiyosu, it was clear to everyone that he was not the man to grasp the reins that had fallen from Nobunaga's hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But unfortunately no one would tell Nobuo the truth. The good-natured young aristocrat—who had always leaned on the strength of his retainers, who had bowed and nodded approval at flatterers on every occasion, and who had been taken in by others who had manipulated him to their own advantage—had let a great moment in history pass by without even being aware of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobuo had secretly met with Ieyasu the year before and after the battle of Yanagase, had forced his brother to commit suicide on Hideyoshi's advice. More recently he had been rewarded with the provinces of Ise, Iga, and Owari for his victory in Ise and, perhaps thinking that his day was at hand, expected that Hideyoshi would next transfer the authority of the central government to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But we can't just let the situation continue like this and look on like spectators. Don't you have some good ideas, Lord Shonyu?\"\n\n\"No, I hoped to get some from you. You've got to think of something, Lord Gamo.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think the best thing would be to have Lord Nobuo meet with Lord Hideyoshi. Then he could speak frankly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's an excellent idea. Well, he's been assuming an air of importance recently, so how will we go about this?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll invent some pretext.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For Nobuo, something that might have been interesting yesterday today was not. In his heart he was always discontented." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moreover, he was not the kind of man who would reflect on why that was so. The previous autumn he had moved to Nagashima Castle in his new province of Ise, and he had been granted a new court rank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he went out the crowds bowed to him, and when he returned he was greeted by flutes and stringed instruments. There was nothing he wished for that he could not have, and that spring he was still only twenty-six years old." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tragedy of Nobuo was that living in such enviable conditions, he was all the less satisfied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ise is too provincial,\" he would complain. \"Why is Hideyoshi building that absurdly big castle in Osaka? Is he planning on living there himself, or is he going to invite the rightful heir to do so?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he spoke that way, it was Nobunaga speaking in his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was as though he had received his father's form but not his substance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That Hideyoshi is immodest. He's forgotten that he was my father's retainer, and now he not only taxes my father's remaining retainers and hurries to build a gigantic castle, but he treats me as though I were an encumbrance. Lately he doesn't consult with me about anything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The silence between the two men dated from the Eleventh Month of the previous year." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Recent rumors that Hideyoshi was making plans and leaving him out of them were quite enough to raise his suspicions.\n\nAt the same time, Nobuo let out certain unguarded statements among his retainers, and those became public, so that his innermost thoughts became a further irritation to Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As a result, the New Year passed by without their exchanging greetings.\n\nAt New Year's, when Nobuo was playing kickball in the rear garden with his ladies-in-waiting and pages, a samurai announced a visitor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was Gamo. He was two years older than Nobuo and was married to Nobuo's sister." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gamo? He's here just at the right time,\" Nobuo said, gracefully kicking the ball. \"He'll be a good opponent. Bring him to the garden immediately.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The messenger left but quickly returned, saying, \"Lord Gamo says he's in a hurry and is waiting for you in the guest room.\"\n\n\"What about kickball?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "lets do a historical fiction thing. u write 4 sentences bits" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A man belonging to an illustrious family in decline tends to attract a complicated set of characters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The farsighted, the frivolous, the men who deplore the present evils but are unable to speak their own words or offer loyal advice—all of those quickly leave the scene. And those who are sensitive to the trends but have neither the strength nor the talent to check the decline also move on at some point.\n\nThe only men remaining are of two kinds: those who have no outstanding talents that would support their lives elsewhere if they did leave, and those truly faithful men who are retainers to the very end, through poverty and decline, life and death, happiness and grief.\n\nBut who are the true samurai?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those who live expediently or those who remain simply for the sake of opportunism?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This is not easily understood, because all of them use every bit of their ingenuity to deceive their lords into overevaluating their talents." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although he was an opportunist, Ieyasu was a player of an entirely different cast from the infantile Nobuo, who knew absolutely nothing about the world. Ieyasu held Nobuo in the palm of his hand like a chessman-in-reserve.\n\n\"Well now, you've gone to extraordinary lengths, Lord Nobuo,\" Ieyasu said. \"Really, I'll just have a little more rice. I was brought up in a modest household, so both my palate and my stomach are overwhelmed by the luxury of tonight's meal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the night of the thirteenth. When Ieyasu arrived in Kiyosu that afternoon, Nobuo took him to a temple where the two of them held secret talks for several hours. A banquet was held that evening in the guest rooms in the castle.\n\nIeyasu had not moved to the center even during the Honno Temple incident." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now, however, he was gambling the Tokugawa clan's entire strength—a strength he had spent many years in building up—and had ridden to Kiyosu himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobuo looked to Ieyasu as his savior. He was going to do his best to entertain him, and now he put delicacies in front of him.\n\nBut to Ieyasu's eyes, Nobuo's hospitality was really nothing but immature child's play, and he could only feel sorry for the man. At a former time, Ieyasu had feasted and entertained Nobunaga for seven days when the latter was making a triumphal return from Kai on the pretext of sightseeing at Mount Fuji." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he recalled the scale of that event, Ieyasu could only pity the poverty of this evening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A human being could only view the situation with pity, and Ieyasu felt his share." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was, however, a man who knew that the nature of the universe was change." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So, even though he felt pity and sympathy in the middle of such a banquet, he did not suffer any pangs of conscience about his ulterior motive, which was simply to use this fragile and aristocratic fop as his own puppet. The reason was clear: there is no one more likely to kindle disaster than the foolish heir of an illustrious family who has been bequeathed both an inheritance and a reputation. And the more he is capable of being used, the more dangerous he becomes.\n\nHideyoshi most likely thought the same as Ieyasu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But while Hideyoshi considered Nobuo a hindrance to his own goals and thought of ways to dispose of him, Ieyasu was finding ways to use him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those opposing viewpoints were based on the same fundamental goal for both Hideyoshi and Ieyasu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And no matter which man won, Nobuo's fate would be the same because he was simply unable to abandon the idea that he was Nobunaga's heir." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you mean?\" Nobuo said. \"The real feast is just starting. It's a fine spring night, and it would be a shame to go to bed so soon.\"\n\nNobuo was trying his best to entertain Ieyasu, but the truth was that Ieyasu had work to do.\n\n\"No, Lord Nobuo. His Lordship shouldn't have any more sake. At least judging from the color of his face. Send the cup in our direction.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Nobuo had not noticed the guest of honor's embarrassing boredom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His efforts were now guided by his misinterpretation of the sleepy look in his guest's eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He whispered to his retainers, and the sliding paper doors at the end of the room were quickly removed, revealing an orchestra and dancers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To Ieyasu it was the usual contrivance, but with a patient look he displayed interest at moments, laughed from time to time, and clapped his hands when the performance ended." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taking this opportunity, his retainers tugged at Ieyasu's sleeve and quietly signaled him that it was time for bed, but in that very instant a comedian appeared with a flourish of musical instruments.\n\n\"For the honored guest this evening, we are now going to present a performance of Kabuki, recently received in the capital... \"\n\nThe man's loquacity was incredible. He then sang an introduction to the play." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then another actor introduced a stanza from a chorus and some chants from the Christian mass, which had recently been gaining favor among the lords of the western provinces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He played an instrument that resembled the viola used in church services, and his clothes were embroidered with a Western-style design and trimmed with lace, dazzlingly harmonized with a traditional Japanese kimono." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The audience was impressed and fascinated. There was no doubt that what pleased the common man also gave pleasure to the great lords and samurai.\n\n\"Lord Nobuo, Lord Ieyasu says that he's getting sleepy,\" Okudaira said to Nobuo, who had been completely taken by the play.\n\nNobuo quickly got up to see Ieyasu off, walking him to his apartments himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Kabuki performance had not yet finished, and the viola, flutes, and drums could still be heard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The following morning Nobuo arose at what was for him an exceptionally early hour and went off to Ieyasu's apartments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There he found Ieyasu ready with the fresh face of dawn, discussing some matter with his retainers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about Lord Ieyasu's breakfast?\" Nobuo inquired.\n\nWhen a retainer told him that breakfast had already been served, Nobuo looked a little embarrassed.\n\nAt that point a samurai on guard in the garden and a soldier up in the reconnaissance tower yelled back and forth about something going on in the distance. That caught the attention of both Ieyasu and Nobuo, and as they sat silently for a moment, a samurai came up to make a report." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Black smoke has been visible for a while now in the sky far off to the northwest. At first we thought it was a forest fire, but the smoke gradually changed its location, and then a number of other smoke clouds started rising into the sky.\"\n\nNobuo shrugged. If it had been the southeast, he might have thought of the battlefields in Ise or other places, but his expression indicated that he didn't understand at all.\n\nIeyasu, who had heard reports of Nakagawa's death two days earlier, said, \"Isn't that the direction of Inuyama?\" Without waiting for an answer, he gave orders to the men around him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Okudaira, go take a look.\"\n\nOkudaira ran down the corridor with Nobuo's retainers and climbed the reconnaissance tower.\n\nThe footsteps of the men hurriedly descending the tower clearly indicated that a disaster had already occurred.\n\n\"It could be Haguro, Gakuden, or Inuyama, but whichever it is, it's in that area for sure,\" Okudaira reported." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The castle had become as agitated as a boiling teakettle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The conch shell could be heard outside, but most of the warriors who immediately rushed around collecting their weapons did not notice that Ieyasu was already there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Ieyasu was informed for certain that the flames were coming from the direction of Inuyama, he yelled, \"We've bungled it!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "and hurried off in a way that was not typical of him.\n\nHe whipped his horse to a gallop and rode off toward the smoke in the northwest. His retainers rode at his right and left, not wishing to be left behind. It was no great distance from Kiyosu to Komaki, or from Komaki to Gakuden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From Gakuden to Haguro was another league; and finally, from Haguro to Inuyama, the same distance. By the time they arrived at Komaki, they knew the entire story. Sometime in the early hours of the morning, the castle at Inuyama had fallen. Ieyasu reined in his horse and gazed steadily at the smoke rising from a number of places between Haguro and the neighborhood of Inuyama." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm too late,\" he muttered bitterly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I shouldn't be making mistakes like this.\"\n\nIeyasu could almost see the face of Shonyu in the rising black smoke. When he had heard the rumor that Nobuo had sent Shonyu's son back to his father, he had had misgivings about the consequences of Nobuo's good-natured act. Nevertheless, he did not think that Shonyu could have hidden his true posture and committed such an underhanded act with such cynicism and speed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's not that I didn't know Shonyu is such a crafty old fox, Ieyasu thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no need to consider once again the strategic importance of the stronghold of Inuyama. Close as it was to Kiyosu, its importance in the war against Hideyoshi's army would only increase. Inuyama controlled the upper reaches of the Kiso River, the border between Mino and Owari, and the all-important crossing to Unuma. It was in a position worth a hundred ramparts, and now it had been lost to the enemy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's go back,\" Ieyasu said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The way those flames are rising, there's no doubt that Shonyu and his son have already withdrawn to Gifu.\"\n\nIeyasu suddenly turned his horse around, and at that moment the expression on his face returned to normal. The feeling that he imparted to the retainers around him was one of confidence; he was certain he would more than make up for this loss. As they talked vehemently about Shonyu's ingratitude, deplored the cowardice of his surprise attack, and threatened to teach him a lesson on the next battlefield, Ieyasu seemed not to hear them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Grinning silently, he turned his horse back toward Kiyosu.\n\nOn the way back they ran into Nobuo, who had left Kiyosu a good bit later at the head of his army. Nobuo stared at Ieyasu as though his return were something completely unexpected.\n\n\"Was everything all right at Inuyama?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before Ieyasu could respond, laughing voices were heard among the retainers behind him. As he explained the situation to Nobuo, Ieyasu was truly kind and courteous. Nobuo was crestfallen. Ieyasu brought his horse alongside Nobuo's and comforted him.\n\n\"Don't worry. If we have had one defeat here, Hideyoshi will have an even bigger one. Look over there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With his eyes he indicated the hill at Komaki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Long before, Hideyoshi had made the acutely strategic observation that Nobunaga should move from Kiyosu to Komaki." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was really nothing more than a round hill only two hundred and eighty feet high, but it dominated the plain on which it stood and would be a convenient base from which to mount an attack in any direction. In a battle on the Owari-Mino plain, if Komaki was fortified, the western army would be impeded in its advance, and thus it would make an excellent location for strategies of both attack and defense.\n\nThere was really no time to explain all that to Nobuo, and Ieyasu turned around and pointed, this time speaking to his own retainers. \"Start building fortifications on Mount Komaki right away.\"\n\nAs soon as he had given the orders, he began to trot alongside Nobuo, exchanging pleasant conversation with him as they rode back to Kiyosu." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with eight sentences, emulating the writing style of Eiji Yoshikawa. Genres: historical fiction\nThemes/Elements to include: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the time everyone thought Hideyoshi was in Osaka Castle, but he had been in Sakamoto Castle since the thirteenth day of the Third Month, the day Ieyasu was talking with Nobuo in Kiyosu. That kind of tardiness was not typical of him.\n\nIeyasu had already roused himself to action, completing his plans and making steady progress in his anticipated push from Hamamatsu to Okazaki and then Kiyosu; but Hideyoshi, who had often shocked the world with his lightning speed, was slow to start this time. Or so it seemed.\n\n\"Somebody come here! Aren't my pages here?\"\n\nIt was the master's voice. And, as usual, it was loud.\n\nThe young pages, who had intentionally withdrawn to the faraway pages' room, hurriedly put away the game of suguroku they had been surreptitiously playing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From among them, the thirteen-year-old Nabemaru went running off as fast as he could to the room where his lord was repeatedly clapping his hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By now Hideyoshi had gone out onto the veranda. Through the front castle gate he could see the tiny figure of Sakichi hastening up the slope from the castle town, and, without looking around toward the footsteps behind him, he shouted out an order to admit him.\n\nSakichi entered and knelt in front of Hideyoshi.\n\nAfter he listened to Sakichi's report of the situation at Osaka Castle, Hideyoshi asked, \"And Chacha? Are Chacha and her sisters well, too?\"\n\nFor a moment Sakichi displayed an expression that seemed to indicate that he couldn't remember. To answer as though he had been waiting for that question would only make Hideyoshi suspicious (That damned Sakichi has found out), and would undoubtedly make him feel uncomfortable later on. The proof was that in the instant he had asked awkwardly about Chacha, Hideyoshi's lordly expression had crumbled and a blush filled what seemed to be his prevaricating face. He looked extremely self-conscious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sakichi alertly saw through his discomfort and could not help feeling amused.\n\nAfter the fall of Kitanosho, Hideyoshi had cared for Oichi's three daughters as though they were his own. When he had built Osaka Castle, he had had a small, bright enclosure constructed just for them. From time to time he would visit and play with them as though he were taking care of some rare birds in a golden cage.\n\n\"What are you laughing about, Sakichi?\" Hideyoshi challenged him. But he himself felt slightly amused. Obviously, Sakichi had already understood.\n\n\"No, it's nothing at all. I was distracted by my other responsibilities and returned without visiting the three princesses' quarters.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is that so? Well, fine.\" With that, Hideyoshi quickly changed the subject to other gossip. \"What rumors did you hear around the Yodo River and Kyoto while you were on the road?\"\n\nHideyoshi inevitably asked a question like that whenever he sent a messenger to a far-off place.\n\n\"Wherever I went, war was the only topic of conversation.\"\n\nWhen he questioned Sakichi further about conditions in Kyoto and Osaka, he found out that everyone thought that the battle provoked by Nobuo would not actually be fought between Hideyoshi and the Oda heir, but that it would be between Hideyoshi and Ieyasu. After Nobunaga's death, it was thought that peace would finally be established by Hideyoshi, but once again the nation had been divided in half, and the people's hearts were steeped in anxiety at the specter of a great conflict that would probably extend into every province.\n\nSakichi withdrew, and as he left, two of Niwa Nagahide's generals, Kanamori Kingo and Hachiya Yoritaka, appeared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi had been going to great lengths to make Niwa his ally because he knew that he would be at a serious disadvantage if he drove him into the enemy camp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Apart from the loss of military strength, Niwa's defection would convince the world that Nobuo and Ieyasu had right on their side. Niwa had been second only to Katsuie among Nobunaga's retainers, and he was held in great respect as a man of rare gentility and sincerity.\n\nIt was certain that Ieyasu and Nobuo were also offering Niwa every enticement to join them. Perhaps finally moved by Hideyoshi's enthusiasm, however, Niwa had sent Kanamori and Hachiya as the first reinforcements from the north. Hideyoshi was pleased but was nevertheless not completely reassured.\n\nBefore nightfall messengers arrived three times with reports on the situation in Ise. Hideyoshi read the dispatches and questioned the messengers in person, entrusted them with verbal replies, and had letters of response written as he ate his evening meal.\n\nA large folding screen stood in the corner of the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A map of Japan on its two panels had been painted in gold leaf." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi looked at the map and asked, \"Haven't we heard from Echizen? What about the messenger I sent to the Uesugi?\"\n\nWhile his retainers made some excuse about the distances involved, Hideyoshi counted on his fingers. He had sent messages to the Kiso and to the Satake. The net of his diplomacy had been carefully thrown over the length and breadth of the country shown on the screen. By his very nature, Hideyoshi considered war to be the last resort. It was an article of faith with him that diplomacy itself was a battle. But it was not diplomacy for its own sake. Nor did it have its source in military weakness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His diplomacy was always backed up by military strength and was employed after his military authority and troops had been completely provided for." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But diplomacy had not worked with Ieyasu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had said nothing about it to anyone, but long before the situation had reached this pass, Hideyoshi had sent a man to Hamamatsu with the following message:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you will take into consideration my petition to the Emperor last year for your promotion, you will understand my warm feelings toward you. Is there any reason we should fight? It is generally accepted throughout the nation that Lord Nobuo is weak-minded. No matter how much you wave the flag of moral duty and embrace the remnants of the Oda clan, the world is not going to admire your efforts as those of a man of virtue commanding a righteous army. In the end, there is no value in the two of us fighting. You are an intelligent man, and if you come to terms with me, I will add the provinces of Owari and Mino to your domain.\n\nThe outcome of such proposals depends on the other party, however, and the answer that was returned to Hideyoshi had been clearly negative. But even after he had cut off relations with Nobuo, Hideyoshi still sent messengers with even better conditions than before, trying to persuade Ieyasu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The envoys only incurred Ieyasu's indignation, however, and returned utterly discomfited.\n\n\"Lord Ieyasu replies that it is Lord Hideyoshi who does not understand him,\" the envoy reported.\n\nHideyoshi forced a smile and retorted, \"Ieyasu doesn't understand my genuine feelings, either.\"\n\nNo matter what else he did, however, the time he spent in Sakamoto was consumed entirely by work. Sakamoto was both his military headquarters for Ise and southern Owari and the center of a diplomatic and intelligence network that stretched from the north to the western provinces. As the center for secret operations, Sakamoto was much more convenient than Osaka. Also, messengers could come and go to and from Sakamoto without attracting undue attention.\n\nOn the surface, the two spheres of influence seemed to be distinctly drawn: Ieyasu from the east to the northeast, and Hideyoshi from the capital to the west." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But even in Hideyoshi's stronghold of Osaka, there were innumerable people in collusion with the Tokugawa." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nor could it be said that there was no one at court who supported Ieyasu and waited for Hideyoshi to stumble.\n\nEven among the samurai clans, there were fathers and mothers in the service of provincial lords in Osaka and Kyoto whose children served generals of the eastern army. Brothers fought on separate sides. Thus the tragic stage was set for bloody conflicts to erupt within families.\n\nHideyoshi knew the bitter hardships that war brought. The world had been at war from the time he was growing up in his mother's dilapidated house in Nakamura. It had been the same throughout the many years of his wanderings. With Nobunaga's appearance on the stage, society's suffering had become even more severe for a while, but it had been accompanied by a brightness and joy in the lives of the common people." }, { "from": "human", "value": "People believed that Nobunaga was going to usher in an era of lasting peace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he had been cut down halfway through his work." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi had vowed to overcome the setback of Nobunaga's death, and the effort he had made—almost without sleep or rest—had brought him within one step of his goal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now that final step he needed to take to achieve his ambition was near. It could be said that he had traveled nine hundred leagues of a thousand-league journey. But those last hundred leagues were the hardest. He had presumed that at some point, as a matter of course, he would have to confront the last obstacle—Ieyasu—and either remove it from his path or destroy it. But when he approached, he discovered it was going to be more unyielding than he had imagined.\n\nDuring the ten days Hideyoshi spent in Sakamoto, Ieyasu moved his army as far as Kiyosu. It was clear that Ieyasu planned to stir up war like a hornet's nest in Iga, Ise, and Kishu and advance westward, entering Kyoto and pressing in on Osaka in one blow, like the path of a typhoon.\n\nBut Ieyasu did not think the road was going to be an easy one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was anticipating one huge engagement on his advance toward Osaka, and Hideyoshi was expecting that as well. But where would it be? The only place of sufficient size to be the site of this all-or-nothing battle between east and west was the broad Nobi Plain that bordered the Kiso River.\n\nA man of initiative would gain the advantage by constructing fortifications and holding the high ground. While Ieyasu had already attended to that and was fully prepared, Hideyoshi could be said to have made a belated start. Even on the evening of the thirteenth day of the month, he still had not moved from Sakamoto.\n\nDespite appearances, however, his seeming tardiness was not the result of negligence. Hideyoshi knew Ieyasu could not be compared with either Mitsuhide or Katsuie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had to delay in order to complete his own preparations. He waited to win over Niwa Nagahide; he waited to make sure the Mori could do nothing in the western provinces; he waited to destroy the dangerous remnants of the warrior-monks in Shikoku and Kishu; finally, he waited to split the opposition of the generals in nearby Mino and Owari.\n\nThe stream of messengers was unending, and Hideyoshi received them even while he ate. He had just finished his meal and put down his chopsticks when a dispatch arrived. He reached out to take the letter box.\n\nIt was something he had been waiting for: the answer from Bito Jinemon, whom he had sent as the second messenger to Ikeda Shonyu's castle at Ogaki. Would it be good or bad news? There had been no news at all from the envoys he had sent to win over other castles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi opened the letter, feeling as though he was cutting open the envelope of an oracle, and read it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fine,\" was all he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Late that night after he had gone to sleep, he suddenly got up as though he had just thought of something and called for the samurai on night watch.\n\n\"Is Bito's messenger returning tomorrow morning?\"\n\n\"No,\" the guard replied, \"he was pressed for time, and after a short rest he returned to Mino, taking to the road at night.\" Sitting on top of his bedding, Hideyoshi took up his brush and wrote a letter to Bito.\n\nThanks to your great efforts, Shonyu and his son have pledged their solidarity with me, and nothing could give me greater joy. But there is something I must say right away: If Nobuo and Ieyasu know that Shonyu is going to support me, they will surely become threatening in every manner conceivable. Do not react. Do nothing rash. Ikeda Shonyu and Mori Nagayoshi have always been brave and proud men with great contempt for the enemy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as he put down his pen, he sent the note to Ogaki.\n\nTwo days later, however, on the evening of the fifteenth, another message was delivered from Ogaki.\n\nInuyama Castle had fallen. At the same time Shonyu and his son had made their decision, they had captured the most strategic stronghold on the Kiso River and presented it as a gift of their support for Hideyoshi. It was good news.\n\nHideyoshi was pleased. But he was troubled as well.\n\nOn the following day Hideyoshi was in Osaka Castle. During the next few days omens of failure multiplied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After the happy victory at Inuyama, Hideyoshi learned that Shonyu's son-in-law, Nagayoshi, wanting to achieve a great military exploit of his own, had planned to make a surprise attack on the Tokugawa fortifications at Mount Komaki." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His army had been intercepted by the enemy near Haguro, and it was rumored that he had perished with many of his troops.\n\n\"We lost this man because of his fighting spirit. Such foolishness is unpardonable!\" Hideyoshi's bitter lament was aimed at himself." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding seven sentences. Stick to these genres: historical fiction, and include these themes: samurai, Japan." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just as Hideyoshi was ready to leave Osaka on the nineteenth, another piece of bad news arrived from Kishu. Hatakeyama Sadamasa had rebelled and was pressing in on Osaka from both land and sea. Nobuo and Ieyasu were most likely behind this. Even if they were not, the discontented remnants of the warrior-monks of the Honganji were always watching for an opportunity to attack. Hideyoshi was obliged to postpone the day of his departure, in order to complete the defenses of Osaka.\n\nIt was early in the morning of the twenty-first day of the Third Month. The wrens sang their high-pitched songs in the reeds of Osaka." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cherry blossoms fell, and in the streets, the fallen blooms swirled around the long procession of armored men and horses, making it appear as though nature itself were sending them off. The townspeople who had come to watch formed an endless fence along the roadside.\n\nThe army following Hideyoshi that day numbered more than thirty thousand men. Everyone strained to catch a glimpse of Hideyoshi in their midst, but he was so small and ordinary-looking that, surrounded by his mounted generals, he easily escaped notice.\n\nBut Hideyoshi looked at the crowd and secretly smiled with assurance. Osaka is going to prosper, he thought. It seems to be flourishing already, and that's the best omen of all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The crowd wore bright colors and bold patterns, and there were no indications of a town in decline." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was it because they had faith in the new castle at its very center?\n\nWe'll win. This time we can win. That is how Hideyoshi divined the future.\n\nThat night the army camped at Hirakata, and early on the following morning, the thirty-thousand-man army continued east, following a serpentine path along the Yodo River.\n\nWhen they arrived in Fushimi, about four hundred men came forward to meet them at the river crossing.\n\n\"Whose banners are those?\" Hideyoshi asked.\n\nThe generals narrowed their eyes suspiciously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobody could identify the huge banners of black Chinese characters on a field of red." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were also five golden pendants and a commander's standard with insignias of eight smaller circles around a large central one on a golden fan. Beneath those banners thirty mounted warriors, thirty spearmen, thirty gunners, twenty archers, and a corps of foot soldiers waited in full formation, their clothing rustling brilliantly in the river breeze.\n\n\"Go find out who they are,\" Hideyoshi ordered a retainer.\n\nThe man quickly returned and said, \"It's Ishida Sakichi.\"\n\nHideyoshi lightly struck his saddle.\n\n\"Sakichi? Well, well, that's who it had to be,\" he said in a happy voice, as though something had just occurred to him.\n\nApproaching Hideyoshi's horse, Ishida Sakichi greeted his lord." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I made a promise to you before, and today I have prepared for your use a force financed with the money I earned from clearing the unused land in this area.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, come along, Sakichi. Get in with the supply train at the rear.\"\n\nMore than ten thousand bushels' worth of men and horses—Hideyoshi was impressed with Sakichi's ingenuity.\n\nThat day the majority of the troops passed through Kyoto and took the Omi Road. For Hideyoshi, there were memories of the reverses of his youth in every tree and blade of grass.\n\n\"There's Mount Bodai,\" Hideyoshi muttered. Looking up at the mountain, he remembered its lord, Takenaka Hanbei, the hermit of Mount Kurihara. When he reflected on it now, he was thankful that he had not spent a single day in idleness during that short springtime of life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The reverses of his youth and the struggles of that time had made him what he was today, and he felt that he had actually been blessed by that dark world and the muddy currents of its streets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hanbei, who called Hideyoshi his lord, had been a true friend whom he had been unable to forget. Even after Hanbei's death, whenever Hideyoshi encountered troubles he would think to himself, If only Hanbei were here. Yet he had allowed the man to die without any reward whatsoever. Suddenly Hideyoshi's eyelids were warm with tears of sadness, blurring his view of the peak of Mount Bodai.\n\nAnd he thought of Hanbei's sister, Oyu...\n\nJust at that moment he saw the white hood of a Buddhist nun in the shadow of the pines at the side of the road. The nun's eyes momentarily met Hideyoshi's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He reined in his horse and seemed about to give out an order, but the woman beneath the pines had already vanished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That night in camp Hideyoshi received a plate of rice cakes. The man who delivered it said that it had been brought by a nun who had not given her name.\n\n\"These are delicious,\" Hideyoshi said, eating a couple of the cakes even though he had already taken his evening meal. As he commented on the cakes, there were tears in his eyes.\n\nLater on, the quick-eyed page mentioned Hideyoshi's strange mood to the generals who were attending him. All of them looked surprised and appeared as though they couldn't even guess the reason for their lord's behavior. They worried about his grief, but as soon as his head was on the pillow, Hideyoshi's high-pitched snore was the same as usual." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He slept happily for just four hours." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the morning, when the sky was still dark, he got up and departed. During that day, the first and second detachments arrived at Gifu. Hideyoshi was greeted by Shonyu and his son, and soon the castle was overflowing with the huge army, both inside and out.\n\nTorches and bonfires lit the night sky over the Nagara River. Far away, the third and fourth units could be seen flowing continually east all night long.\n\n\"It's been a long time!\"\n\nTheir voices broke out in unison the moment Hideyoshi and Shonyu met." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It really pleases me that both you and your son are united with me at this time. And I can't even express what you've done for me with the gift of Inuyama Castle. No, even I was impressed with your speed and how alert you were to that opportunity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi was outspoken in his praise of Shonyu's achievements, but said nothing about the great defeat of his son-in-law after the victory at Inuyama.\n\nBut even if Hideyoshi was saying nothing about it, Shonyu was ashamed. He seemed to be deeply embarrassed that his victory at Inuyama could not atone for the defeat and loss that Nagayoshi had incurred. The letter from Hideyoshi delivered to him by Bito Jinemon had particularly warned against being drawn into a challenge from Ieyasu, but it had come too late.\n\nShonyu now spoke about that event. \"I hardly know how to apologize for our defeat, because of my son-in-law's foolishness.\"\n\n\"You're too concerned about that,\" Hideyoshi said, laughing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's not like the Ikeda Shonyu I know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Should I blame Shonyu or just let it alone? Hideyoshi wondered when he awoke the following morning. Regardless of anything else, however, the advantage of having Inuyama Castle in his hands before the coming great battle was extraordinary. Hideyoshi praised Shonyu for his meritorious deed over and over again, and not just to console him.\n\nOn the twenty-fifth Hideyoshi rested and assembled his army, which numbered more than eighty thousand men.\n\nLeaving Gifu the next morning, he arrived at Unuma at noon and immediately had a bridge of boats constructed across the Kiso River. The army then camped for the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the morning of the twenty-seventh it broke camp and headed toward Inuyama." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi entered Inuyama Castle exactly at noon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bring me a horse with strong legs,\" he ordered, and immediately after finishing his lunch, he galloped from the castle gate, accompanied by only a few mounted men in light armor.\n\n\"Where will you be going, my lord?\" a general asked, chasing after him at full gallop.\n\n\"Just a few of you should come along,\" Hideyoshi replied. \"If there are too many of us, we'll be spotted by the enemy.\"\n\nHurrying through the village of Haguro, where Nagayoshi had reportedly been killed, they climbed Mount Ninomiya. From there Hideyoshi could look down into the enemy's main camp at Mount Komaki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The combined forces of Nobuo and Ieyasu were said to number about sixty-one thousand men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi narrowed his eyes and looked far into the distance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sun at midday was glaringly bright. Silently putting his hand over his eyes, he quietly gazed out over Mount Komaki, which was covered with the enemy forces.\n\nOn that day Ieyasu was still in Kiyosu. He had gone to Mount Komaki, given his instructions for the battle lineup, and quickly returned. It was as though a go master were moving a single stone on the board with extreme care.\n\nOn the evening of the twenty-sixth, Ieyasu received a confirmed report that Hideyoshi was in Gifu. Ieyasu, Sakakibara, Honda, and other retainers were seated in a room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were just being told that the construction of the fortifications at Mount Komaki had been completed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So Hideyoshi's come?\" Ieyasu muttered. As he and the other men looked around at each other, he smiled, the skin under his eyes wrinkling like a turtle's. It was happening just as he had foreseen.\n\nHideyoshi had always been quick to start, and the fact that he was not displaying his usual speed this time caused Ieyasu substantial concern. Would he make his stand in Ise, or would he come east to the Nobi Plain? As Hideyoshi was still at Gifu he could go in either direction. Ieyasu waited for the next report, which when it came told him that Hideyoshi had built a bridge across the Kiso River and was at Inuyama Castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ieyasu received this information at dusk on the twenty-seventh day of the month, and the look on his face announced that the time had come." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Preparations for the battle were completed during the night. On the twenty-eighth, Ieyasu's army advanced toward Mount Komaki to the thunder of drums and the fluttering of banners.\n\nNobuo had returned to Nagashima, but upon receiving a report of the situation, he immediately hurried to Mount Komaki where he joined forces with Ieyasu.\n\n\"I've heard that Hideyoshi's forces here alone number more than eighty thousand men and his entire forces combined are well beyond a hundred and fifty thousand,\" Nobuo said, as if he had never thought that he was the cause of this great battle. His trembling eyes revealed what could be not concealed within his breast." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around 2 sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Eiji Yoshikawa\nGenre: historical fiction" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Hideyoshi retreated, it was not just a simple withdrawal. As his army moved along the road he said to his retainers, \"Shouldn't we take some nice souvenir?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kaganoi Castle stood on the left bank of the Kiso River, in an area to the northeast of Kiyosu Castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two of Nobuo's retainers had entrenched themselves there, prepared to act as one of Nobuo's wings in case of an emergency." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Take it.\" Hideyoshi gave the command to his generals as though he were pointing at a persimmon on a branch.\n\nThe army crossed the Kiso River and took up a position at the Seitoku Temple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the center of the reserve army, Hideyoshi opened the attack on the morning of the fourth day of the month." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From time to time he went out on his horse and watched the battle from a hill in the vicinity of Tonda.\n\nDuring the fighting on the following day, the commander of the castle was killed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The castle itself, however, did not fall until the evening of the sixth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi had fortifications built for a later day at a strategic point in Taki, and returned as far as Ogaki on the thirteenth. At Ogaki Castle he met with Shonyu's surviving family, and comforted his wife and mother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can imagine that you feel lonely. But keep the promising futures of your children in mind. You should try to live the rest of your lives in harmony, rejoicing in the growth of young trees and watching the flowers of the season.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi also called over Shonyu's two surviving sons and encouraged them to be strong. That night he became like one of the family and talked for hours about his memories of Shonyu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm a short man, and Shonyu was too. When that short little man entertained the other generals, he'd often do the spear dance when he got drunk. I don't suppose he ever showed it to the members of his family, but it went something like this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Doing an imitation, he made them all laugh. He stayed in the castle for a number of days, but finally, on the twenty-first of the month, he took the Omi Road back to Osaka Castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Osaka was now a large city, radically changed from the little port of Naniwa, and when Hideyoshi's army arrived, the people jostled together along the streets and in the vicinity of the castle, cheering them on until nightfall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The external construction work for Osaka Castle had already been completed. When night fell, an otherworldly scene unfolded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bright lamps shone from the innumerable windows of the five-story keep of the main citadel, as well as from the second and third citadels, adorning the night sky and illuminating the boundaries of the castle on all four sides: to the east, the Yamato River; to the north, the Yodo River; to the west, the Yokobori River; and to the south, the great dry moat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi had left his camp at Gakuden, changing his mind and taking up the strategy of a \"fresh start.\" But how had Ieyasu reacted to that change?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had sat and watched as Hideyoshi's retreating troops marched away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And even though he had heard about the distress of his allies at Kaganoi Castle, he had not sent reinforcements." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the matter?\" Voices of indignation rose among Nobuo's subordinates. Nobuo, however, had already ignored Ieyasu's advice, attacked Hideyoshi's rear guard, and met with an ignominious defeat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saved by Honda, he had finally returned to camp. Thus Nobuo now felt that he had lost his right to say anything at all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thus, festering discord had become the weak point of the allied army." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "More than that, the main advocate of this great battle had been Nobuo, not Ieyasu. Nobuo had preached the cause of duty to Ieyasu, and the lord of Mikawa had risen up to help him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His standpoint, therefore, was one of an ally, and so it was all the more difficult to control Nobuo. Finally he made a suggestion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"While Hideyoshi is in Osaka, sooner or later he will move on Ise. Indeed, for our allies, some worrisome signs have already appeared. I think you should return to your main castle at Nagashima as soon as possible.\"\n\nTaking this opportunity, Nobuo quickly returned to Ise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu remained at Mount Komaki for a little while, but he too finally departed for Kiyosu, leaving Sakai Tadatsugu in command. The people of Kiyosu came out to greet Ieyasu with cheers of victory, but not in the same numbers as the people of Osaka had for Hideyoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The citizens and soldiers hailed the battle of Nagakute as a great victory for the Tokugawa clan, but Ieyasu cautioned his retainers against frivolous pride and sent the following message to his troops:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Militarily, Nagakute was a victory, but in terms of castles and land, Hideyoshi has taken the real advantage. Do not be so happily dull-headed as to get drunk on a false reputation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "During the stalemate at Mount Komaki, the fact was that in Ise, where there had been no battles for a while, Hideyoshi's allies had taken the castles at Mine, Kanbe, Kokufu, and Hamada, and attacked and destroyed the castle at Nanokaichi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before anyone was aware of it, most of Ise had fallen into Hideyoshi's hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi was at Osaka Castle for about one month, looking to the affairs of its internal administration, making plans for regulating the areas around the capital, and enjoying his own private life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the present, he regarded the Mount Komaki crisis as someone else's concern.\n\nDuring the Seventh Month he traveled to Mino and back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, in about the middle of the Eighth Month he said, \"It's boring to drag this out for too long. This autumn I'll have to finish the matter up once and for all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once again, he announced that a great army would depart for the front." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For two days before the departure, the flutes and drums of Noh plays resounded through the depths of the main citadel. From time to time the boisterous laughter of a large crowd of people could be heard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Engaging a troupe of Noh actors, Hideyoshi invited his mother, his wife, and his kinsmen in the castle to share one day of enjoyment together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Among the guests were the three princesses who were being raised in seclusion in the third citadel. Chacha was seventeen that year; the middle sister was thirteen; and the youngest of the three was going to be eleven." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just one year before, on the day Kitanosho Castle fell, the girls had looked behind them at the smoke enshrouding the death of their foster father, Shibata Katsuie, and their mother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had been moved from the camp in the northern provinces and had seen no one but strangers, no matter where they looked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a while their eyes were swollen with tears day and night, and not a single smile appeared on the youthful faces that ordinarily would have been full of mirth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the three princesses finally got used to the people in the castle and, humored by Hideyoshi's easygoing style, became fond of him as \"our interesting uncle.\"\n\nThat day, after a number of performances, that \"interesting uncle\" went into the dressing room enclosure, changed into costume, and came out on the stage himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look! It's uncle!\" one of the girls called out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My, he looks so funny!\"\n\nIgnoring the presence of the others, the two younger princesses clapped their hands and pointed, unable to stop laughing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As might be expected, the eldest sister, Chacha, reprimanded them. \"You shouldn't point. Just watch quietly,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She did her best to sit modestly, but Hideyoshi's antics were so funny that, in the end, Chacha hid her mouth behind her sleeve and laughed as though her sides would burst." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's this? When we laugh, we get scolded. But you're laughing now.\"\n\nWith her two sisters poking fun at her, Chacha could only laugh more and more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi's mother also laughed from time to time as she watched her son's comic dance, but Nene, used to her husband's antics and his constant joking inside the family circle, did not look particularly amused." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What interested Nene today was the peaceful observation of her husband's concubines, who were sitting here and there, surrounded by maids.\n\nWhile they were still in Nagahama, he had had only two mistresses, but after they had moved to Osaka Castle, before she knew it there was a concubine in the second citadel, and another in the third." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was hard to believe, but in his triumphal return from the siege of the north, he had brought back Asai Nagamasa's three orphaned daughters and was lovingly raising them in the second citadel.\n\nIt pained the ladies who served Nene—Hideyoshi's true wife, after all—that the eldest sister, Chacha, was even more beautiful than her mother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lady Chacha is already seventeen years old. Why does His Lordship gaze at her the way he'd look at a flower in a vase?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They only added fuel to the fire with comments like that, but Nene simply laughed.\n\n\"There's nothing to be done; it's like a scratch on a pearl,\" she'd say." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Formerly, she, too, had been as jealous as any other wife might be, and when she was living in Nagahama she had gone as far as to complain to Nobunaga, who had sent her a written reply:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You were born a woman, and have chanced to meet an extremely unusual man. I imagine that there must be faults in such a man, but his good points are numerous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When you are looking out from the midst of a large mountain, you can't understand how big that mountain truly is." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Be at peace, and enjoy living with this man in the way he wants to live. I am not saying that jealousy is a bad thing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To a certain extent, jealousy adds depth to the life of a married couple.\n\nSo in the end, it was she who had been reprimanded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Having learned by that experience, Nene had set her mind on self-control and had planned on becoming a woman who could overlook her husband's affairs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Recently, however, there were days when she felt threatened, wondering if her husband wasn't beginning to indulge himself too much.\n\nAt any rate, he was now approaching the age of forty-seven, the most prosperous time for a man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While he had his hands full with external problems like the battle at Mount Komaki, he was also very busy with internal affairs like the administration of his bedroom." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And so he lived insatiably, day by day, with the vitality of a healthy man—so much so that an observer might have wondered how he was able to sort out the common from the uncommon, the magnanimous gesture from the discreet, and grand public actions from the ones that should be totally hidden away.\n\n\"Watching the dance is amusing, but when I go out and perform on stage, it's not so much fun at all. In fact, it's hard.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi had come up behind his mother and Nene." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had just a moment ago left the stage at the applause of the spectators and appeared not to have sobered up from the excitement of the act." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nene,\" he said, \"let's spend a quiet evening in your room tonight. Would you prepare a banquet?\"\n\nAs the performance ended, the bright light of the lamps flooded the area, and the guests made their way back to the third and second citadels." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi now dropped in at Nene's room, accompanied by a large crowd of actors and musicians." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His mother had retired to her quarters, so husband and wife were alone with their guests." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was customary for Nene to pay attention to such people and their servants, and to all her subordinates. Especially after today's gathering, she enjoyed thanking them for their services and seeing them frivolously exchanging sake cups, and making conversation with their audience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi had been sitting by himself from the very beginning, and since everyone seemed to be ignoring him, he looked a little morose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nene, I suppose it would be all right if I had a cup too,\" he said.\n\n\"Do you think you should?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you think I'm not going to drink? Why do you think I came to your room?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, your mother said, 'That boy will be heading for Mount Komaki again the day after tomorrow,' and she strictly ordered me to apply the usual moxa to your shins and hips before you leave for the front.\"\n\n\"What! She said to apply moxa?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She worries that the lingering heat of autumn will still be over the battlefield, and if you drink bad water, your liable to fall ill. I'll apply the moxa and give you a cup of sake after that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's ridiculous. I don't like moxa.\"\n\n\"Whether you like it or not, those are your mother's orders.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, just for that I'm staying away from your room. Of all the people watching my performance this afternoon, you were the only one who didn't laugh. You looked so serious.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's my nature. Even if you tell me to behave like the pretty girls, I can't.\" Nene showed a little anger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, suddenly, tears welled up in her eyes as she recalled the old days when she herself was Chacha's age and Hideyoshi was the twenty-five-year-old Tokichiro." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi looked curiously at his wife and asked, \"Why are you crying?\"\n\n\"I don't know,\" Nene said, looking away, and Hideyoshi turned to face her directly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you saying that it's going to be lonely when I go to the front again?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Since the beginning of our married life, how many days have you spent at home?\"\n\n\"There's nothing to be done until we put the world at peace, even if you don't like war,\" Hideyoshi replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And if the unforeseen hadn't happened to Lord Nobunaga, I'd probably be in charge of some countryside castle, sitting out my life and forced to be at your side exactly the way you like it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"People are going to hear the nasty things you're saying. I understand exactly what's in a man's heart.\"\n\n\"And I understand a woman's heart too!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You always make fun of me. I'm not speaking out of jealousy, like some ordinary woman.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Any wife would say that.\"\n\n\"Will you listen to me without making this into a joke?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right. I'm listening with great respect.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I resigned myself a long time ago. So I'm hardly going to tell you that I'm lonely taking care of your castle when you're on a campaign.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A virtuous woman, a faithful wife! This is why the Tokichiro of so long ago put his mark on you.\"\n\n\"Don't carry your joking too far! That is why your mother spoke to me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did my mother say?\"\n\n\"She said I was so submissive that you were going to get carried away and become dissipated. She told me I should speak up to you from time to time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is that the reason for the moxa?\" Hideyoshi laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You don't have a thought about her worries. Your self-indulgent intemperance has led you to be unfilial.\"\n\n\"When was I intemperate?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Weren't you making a lot of noise about something in Lady Sanjo's room right up until dawn two nights ago?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The attendants and actors drinking in the next room pretended not to listen to the rare—well, perhaps not so rare—argument between husband and wife. Just at that point, however, Hideyoshi raised his voice and yelled, \"Hey, now! What does the audience think of this couple's performance?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the actors answered, \"Yes indeed, it looks to me like a game of kickball between blind people.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even a dog wouldn't nibble at that,\" Hideyoshi laughed.\n\n\"Come on. There's no end to such winning and losing.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You there, the flutist, what did you think?\"\n\n\"Well, I was watching it as I might my own business. Who's to blame, who's to fault? Blame! Fault! Blam! Foom! Blam! Foom!\"\n\nHideyoshi suddenly snatched Nene's over-kimono and threw it out as a prize." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene, and you will continue the story with two sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the dozen years left to him, Hideyoshi solidified his grip on the nation, breaking the power of the samurai clans forever. His patronage of the arts created an opulence and beauty still celebrated as Japan's Renaissance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Titles were heaped upon him by the Emperor: Kampaku. Taiko. But Hideyoshi's dreams did not end at the water's edge; his ambitions reached beyond, to the lands he had dreamed of as a child—the realm of the Ming emperors." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But there the armies of the Taiko would fail to conquer. The man who never doubted that he could turn every setback to his own purpose, that he could persuade his enemies to be his friends, that he could even make the silent bird wish to sing a song of his own choosing—in the end he had to yield to a greater force, and a more patient man. But he left a legacy whose brilliance yet remains as the memory of a Golden Age." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "u know Katherine M. Lawrence? write like that. 4 sentences sentences. Japan, historical fiction, samurai stuff." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Long before it was called Japan,\n\nthe island empire was known\n\nto the world as Akitsushima,\n\nthe Autumn Creek Land," } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Add five sentences to continue story" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indeed there were two routes down the cliff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The one Blue Rice took, called Carriage Road, was longer, wider, and more gentle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It consisted of a series of graded switchbacks that could accommodate draft carts, merchant wagons, and the occasional royal carriage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the road Yamabuki had always taken before, but unlike Blue Rice, never on foot.\n\nToday, Yamabuki chose the route called Foot Trail. Steeper than Carriage Road, it had the advantage of being more direct and therefore faster. Over the centuries the footfalls of the thousands who had approached the Barrier Strait had carved a steep path into the cliff face. Even so, in too many places the path was still scarcely horse width." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki recalled advice from the previous evening when, in the commoner's manner of speaking, innkeeper Inu had described the manners, protocol, and nuances she could expect at the channel crossing point, explaining it thus: If the weather was seasonable and the tides right, travelers with means could find boats of assorted sizes, with captains of varying skill, to ferry passengers, livestock, horses, carts, and cargo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a fair sum, the boatmen would accommodate just about anyone—regardless of rank—traveling in either direction, no questions asked. Even if someone had a price on his head, with enough additional gold to cover the additional risk (and required bribes), under the cover of darkness the senchou would deliver his passenger to one of the numerous (and discreet) alternate landing spots away from the ever-present spears of the shoreline patrols.\n\nThis day marked Yamabuki's fourth crossing to the Main Isle. On the three prior crossings, as a maiden of the Taka House, she had traveled in a grand carriage escorted by a retinue flying Taka clan banners in a stylized journey with its own punctilious practices, including the requirement that each and every commoner who encountered the retinue had to pause, bow down, and pay homage. For as long as there had been written records, this was how the empire's sixty-six provincial daimyō, the landholding self-styled warlords, were honored when they traveled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And, over time, the level of required obeisance had evolved. Centuries had passed since any emperors had ventured beyond the immediate outskirts of Heian-kyō, let alone braved the journey to the southern-most of the empire's four Great Isles. And in the absence of imperial visits, the local daimyō had decided they would afford themselves the same high-level courtesies as the Mikado himself. And, thus, as was the case with the Emperor and His family, commoners were not allowed to see those who rode inside any carriages. The faces of the highborn ladies within the daimyō's circle, especially females of marriageable years, were never exposed—not even to their betrothed, and then only on their wedding night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At least that was the theory. In reality, sometimes passions needed quenching long before the nuptials, even if it were with someone other than a husband-to-be.\n\nTheories and realities aside, on Yamabuki's prior crossings of the strait, it had fallen to the retinue to clear the path of riffraff, making sure that the prying eyes of the lowborn were directed elsewhere—usually toward the dirt, foreheads touching the soil.\n\nHowever, on the previous occasions, Yamabuki and the other highborn ladies traveling in her company, in keeping with the custom, would let one of their arms dangle from behind one of the silk-curtained carriage windows; whose arms and which window remained a matter of changing fashion. With arms appropriately extended, the prevailing breeze would pick up the graceful cut sleeves of the women's lavish brocade kimonos." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thus, the quick of eye could catch a glimpse of a milky-white exposed wrist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At this a gasp might escape from someone who kowtowed by the roadside—a muted gasp at that, for if discovered, the wrath visited by the retinue on the offender was swift and painful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everyone knew firsthand, or at least in the telling, that being smacked with swords, even those still in their scabbards, left bruises." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Men—as men are, from the lowest to the highest—could not help but wonder what fetching creatures remained hidden behind the colorful curtains; and the women for their part laughed and giggled coyly, adding to the allure which their station demanded that they uphold at all times." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Today, however, the demands on Yamabuki were entirely different. Not giggling. Not hiding behind silk curtains nor exposing a wrist. Not in the finest brocade but in the best-made battle gear, she led Mochizuki down Foot Trail while the arriving Ōuchi men trekked up. Her armor covered almost every bit of her body—feet, legs, torso, shoulders, head, arms, and hands—all except for her fingertips, where tactile sense was needed to effectively wield her weapons. And in a twist of irony, the only other part of her flesh that was exposed was her quite naked face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki's personal servants had been aghast that she would let herself be seen thus." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Exposed to everyone! Her handmaids had almost insisted, though it was not really their place to do so, that she wear a mempo battle mask to conceal her physiognomy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nakagawa had suggested otherwise. A mask would only invite curiosity. He had noted there was a common samurai protocol used to defuse unwarranted suspicion: while passing one another on any given street or road, warriors would briefly trade momentary glances in what Nakagawa called the peaceable practice of wolves recognizing wolves.\n\nThough at first she did not care for the custom, quickly she had learned that if another samurai's gaze lingered, she had to look directly back without exactly locking eyes until they looked away in feigned disinterest.\n\nIf anything, it was the spirited horse, and not of the seemingly ordinary Taka warrior in the dark-green armor with cobalt-blue woven-silk cords, that drew the attention of other warriors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "During prior journeys, the retinue had forced everyone to gather along the roadside and thus attracted a great deal of mandated attention, after which the retinue thrashed those who could not help but finally look." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But now in the guise of a buké she realized that most people simply moved through the world. Anyone who dared to meet her gaze could apprehend her countenance—though so far on her journey few commoners had.\n\nThough her gear was immaculate, it was not all that different from the gear worn by the warriors now coming up Foot Trail. Like them, she too bore swords, bow, arrows, and a pole arm, as well as the other armaments, such as daggers and throwing stars, peculiar to warriors.\n\nHowever, there was one thing that might have drawn attention to her, if the others only knew: she carried three scroll-length dispatches hidden on her person. Meant only for the Taka courtiers in Heian-kyō, under no circumstances were they to fall into unintended hands." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like Katherine M. Lawrence using my stuff as a starting point?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki was more than halfway down Foot Trail when she saw a man whose black hair glistened strangely, almost blue in the sun. Clad in fisherman's gear, on hands and knees, he struggled to recover a tipped-over basket-load of spider crabs that scrambled in every direction. Muttering plaintively about not making it to market on time, one by one he tossed the feisty still-living creatures back into the carrier.\n\nYamabuki paused while the procession of approaching Ōuchi stepped around the crabber, paying him no more notice than a river would to a large boulder. She watched him moving crab-like. The daimyō of things ten-legged, she thought to herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Already on his knees, he kowtowed even further, if such a thing were possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After all, she led a battle horse who needed a wide berth, yet she did not drive the old man off the side of the hill as would have been her warrior-class right.\n\nWhen he finally did look up, she saw the frayed, thick, and soiled patch he wore over his right eye. He smiled cautiously. Despite the missing eye, he seemed otherwise fit. He even had all his teeth, which was unusual for a commoner of his years.\n\n\"Eating crabs must be bringing you health,\" she said with a grin. As she moved away from the cliff to walk around the crabber, Mochizuki snorted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without warning, an Ōuchi samurai with the build of an ox marched downhill past the temperamental steed, well-nigh knocking the crabber aside. Paying not the least mind to the common fisherman, nor his catch, the samurai tramped straight through the still-swarming crabs. Annoyed by the crab basket in the road, he growled and kicked it, sending more crabs flying.\n\n\"Ahh!\" The old man let out a muffled scream.\n\nCrunch.\n\nThe samurai's foot crushed one crab." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Crunch.\n\nAnother crab suffered the same fate.\n\nWhat impertinence! Yamabuki stiffened at the affront to her, not the crabber.\n\nThe samurai moved as if he could not get to the dock fast enough. She speculated that he must have forgotten something on the boat. But when she saw his sword blade's length, she knew he was definitely not among the Ōuchi warriors who had just come up the hill." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She would have certainly remembered someone hefting a field-sword—a weapon whose chief function was to enable foot soldiers to bring down mounted samurai. Too long to sling from the waist, its bearer had to shoulder the nodachi blade in the manner of a spear. In fact the amount of steel residing in the blade made it unusually heavy, so much so that it ordinarily took two warriors simultaneously grasping the hilt to correctly swing a field sword through its effective arc. However, if a warrior possessed exceptional strength, he might master one-man-nodachi-style, enabling him to hack down any adversary before his opponent could ever get close.\n\nMomentarily her thoughts flashed back to the day Nakagawa had brought his own nodachi into the Taka training hall back in Great Bay Province and challenged her, his ten-year-old student at the time, to find a way to defend against it. \"For the very strong,\" he had said, \"a nodachi provides many advantages, yet a weakness is buried in each.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But, as always, he never exactly showed her the answer, and of course he never revealed it in words. But after a score of days in the training hall had passed, she came to understand how to defeat the nodachi: speed.\n\nShe continued to watch as the long-sword samurai disappeared around a switchback. So, she thought to herself, this \"Long Sword\" will likely have to be endured on the boat today. She frowned.\n\nThe fisherman, still on all fours, chased after what remained of his catch.\n\nShe moved on, leaving him to his woes." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the one-eyed man was watching her retreating back, and once she was around the bend and barely out of sight, he leapt up and started scaling the hillside, abandoning his crabs and basket in the middle of the trail.\n\nClimbing like a goat, he reached an overlook point in a line of sight with the beach.\n\nHe pulled a bright yellow silk scarf out of his tunic. Raising it high, he let the prevailing wind catch it. When the scarf started to flutter, he waved it frantically.\n\nMoments later, in answer, a mirror glint flashed up from the beach.\n\nWith that he stuffed the yellow shawl back into his tunic and clambered even higher up the rocky hillside, disappearing into the pines, leaving the ten-legged things to their own devices." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next 1 sentence in the distinctive voice of Katherine M. Lawrence, keeping within the Japan, historical fiction, samurai genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki was no more than six years of age when she had unwillingly witnessed the fugu toxin at work." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During her second stay in Heian-kyō, one of her father's bodyguards, his name was Giichi, touched his tongue to a piece of puffer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His death had been almost immediate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a great commotion among the retinue, but no one could do anything for him, for there was no antidote." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From that day forward, fugu was banned from the Take compound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one was allowed to partake of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Strictly forbidden! There were more meaningful reasons to die." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She now looked into Inu's hopeful face and then at the colorless fish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't believe that I've ever had the pleasure.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hai, fugu. Fresh.\" Inu bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I prepared it myself. Very good.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki paused for the briefest of moments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Has Inu been informed of my father's decree about Taka not eating fugu?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inu, in what in any other circumstances would have been a severe breach of etiquette when serving a guest, especially of her rank, plucked a piece of fugu from the platter and put the morsel into his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hmmm.\" He pressed his lips closed, expressing his enjoyment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have the courage of a samurai... and the graciousness of a scrupulous host,\" she said softly, ready to take a small portion of fugu for herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fish was sliced so thin, she could almost see through it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a brief moment, her memory again drifted back to what had happened when the tainted fugu had hardly touched Giichi's lips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was not as if Giichi was just one of her father's numerous guards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had liked him the way a child likes a beloved uncle, and so it was terrifying to witness Giichi's crash to the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She remembered the alarm that had filled his eyes as his breath caught in his throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moments later his heart no longer pumped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Giichi's eyes remained wide to the end." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All these years later, her own shrieks of horror still rang in her ears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took a deep breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With two wooden hashi sticks, she lifted a piece of fish, holding it against the light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It looked like a wafer of ice with the consistency of the most-finely cut radish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She politely placed the piece into her mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her lips closed, her tongue touching the flesh, her teeth biting into the meat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Immediately an unfamiliar taste filled her mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not what she expected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not poison, but a delicacy it was not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bland, in fact. It did not taste nearly as good as her favorite, buri, which always tantalized her palate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fugu: Tough. Chewy. Like jellyfish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Haaaa. Good! Delicious, no?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inu nodded vigorously, smiling in the triumph of his culinary skills." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki mused to herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps the only reason to eat raw fugu was to show raw courage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She exhaled. \"Delicious!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She indicated with her hand that she wished to share it with everyone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A delicacy,\" she repeated, and the serving staff, after the polite ritual of several perfunctory refusals required of those with good manners, eagerly partook." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only Ryuma, hatchet man that he was, forbore, keeping his eye on the entries to the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After the puffer fish was eaten down to the last bite, seven more young women, all comely, entered the room to serve Yamabuki, bringing her more food bowls, this time filled with an assortment of pickled vegetables, and, of course, more saké flasks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though the young women served food and drink, their real purpose was to provide the evening's entertainment: Two of their number brought in string instruments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One carried a drum." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And to Yamabuki's surprise, one even played a flute, though the latter was considered the province of men." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Three of the other girls were singers.\n\nIt was then that Ishi-tsuki and Chi-ye moved to the center of the room." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~seven sentences more. copy Katherine M. Lawrence's style" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The senchou guided the boat toward the dock and the shore crew pulled it in.\n\nYamabuki immediately headed forward to her colt. While the fabric merchant and his five helpers scuttled about, she moved Mochizuki toward the gangplank, determined to be off the boat before the cart got in the way. Again with the help of the senchou, she led her mount onto shore.\n\nThe horse was not pleased with the crowd. He snorted, threatening to rear as she led him through the waiting passengers. The commoners quickly parted at the sight of the prancing hooves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took a quick look at the stern of the craft—Long Sword, along with his armor, was thankfully gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What a strange man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She turned to find Akibō and Iebō waiting for her. They bowed and gave her a small unrequested blessing. Iebō said, \"Maybe you should travel with us.\"\n\n\"Hai!\" Akibō agreed.\n\nIebō added, \"That Ōuchi warrior's looking for trouble.\"\n\nYamabuki inhaled. \"As much as I appreciate your kindness, I believe I am not in danger.\" And I doubt I'll need the help of two unarmed monks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The monks shifted uncomfortably and bowed to her.\n\nShe bowed in return. \"You go on ahead. Have a safe journey to your temple.\"\n\nThey turned and somewhat stiffly headed toward the inland road.\n\nThere was no need for wooden planking since this beach, unlike the one below Kita, was not nearly as rocky. The soil was quite sandy. Muddy. It rained harder here last night than back across the channel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Getting Mochizuki to the road would be much easier along these low bank shores. No cliff to climb, she smiled to herself.\n\nShe looked along the coast, a series of coves. The beach close to the kobune was backed up with carts and goods, too many to fit all aboard for the upcoming departure.\n\nNo wonder the senchou was so quick to leave Kita. He knew he had a throng awaiting. They had probably been forced to give up their places to the Ōuchi warriors who had crossed earlier." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Meanwhile, the fabric merchants, who finally got their cart off the kobune, now struggled to get its wheels through the sand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki looked above the high-water mark, where about ten Ōe sakimori blocked the path. They were dressed in black warrior-tunics, each displaying the bright orange-on-white Ōe clan emblem: a single upright arrow feather.\n\nThe guards struck her as overly grim for merely checking people headed inland.\n\nA man wearing a gold medallion, the symbol of a leader, stood at their center. Two of his lieutenants flanked him, one on each side. All three carried bows, arrows, and long swords. The remaining guards carried only polearms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "None of the Ōe wore battle armor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As she approached them, they were already busily questioning Akibō and Iebō, who held out their alms bowls. The guards promptly responded by sending them packing, empty handed.\n\nThe sakimori then eyed Yamabuki and her mount. One of the lieutenants, not much older than she, looked her up and down, and not in the way one warrior might look at another, nor in the way a man might look at a woman that he found interesting. It was as if he were searching for some flaw in her armor in which he could find weakness or fault.\n\n\"Who are you and what Lord do you serve?\" he asked, affecting a tough manner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am Yamabuki of the Taka and I serve that clan,\" she said simply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where are you headed?\" he asked.\n\n\"Heian-kyō.\"\n\n\"On what business?\"\n\n\"In the service of Lord Moroto.\"\n\nThe Ōe men flashed looks to one other.\n\n\"Beautiful mount, Taka-san,\" said the leader as he let his eyes sweep over Mochizuki. \"Young.\"\n\n\"Barely more than a yearling,\" she said, bowing slightly in acknowledgment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How long have you had him?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I raised him from a foal.\"\n\n\"Great Bay District has fine horses.\"\n\nThe other lieutenant, the plain looking one, began to speak, \"There is a fee for those who—\"\n\nThe leader raised his hand and the lieutenant stopped mid-sentence, stunned but obedient. The man in charge waved her on. \"Have a safe journey, Taka-san.\"\n\nThey had barely exchanged small bows of departure when she heard a sudden commotion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guards, as one, looked at the shore behind her. As she turned, she saw Blue Rice in the distance, his hands over his mouth, running headlong across the beach toward a clump of bushes and trees above the shoreline.\n\nHe's going to lose his stomach.\n\n\"Halt!\" yelled one of the guards. \"Ha!\" other guards echoed.\n\nEither Blue Rice did not hear the sakimori yelling at him, or he was too embarrassed to care. Now starting to double over in the throes of nausea, he raised one arm, waving at the shouting men, indicating that they should wait." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Obviously his saké cure has failed, Yamabuki thought to herself, shaking her head.\n\nYamabuki started to say, \"He's just seasick—\"\n\nBut before she could finish her sentence, the tough lieutenant had already drawn his bow and shot an arrow.\n\nYamabuki gasped.\n\nThe arrow lodged in Blue Rice's ribcage. He stumbled and fell, losing his stomach. At first he vomited what looked like what he had eaten, mostly saké, but then blood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He managed to stand up, his eyes in pain, throwing his arms open as if asking, \"Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People in the waiting crowd screamed.\n\nYamabuki choked.\n\nAnother arrow hit Blue Rice, this time in the chest. He looked upward, grabbed the arrow shaft, staggered, then fell back.\n\n\"Right in the heart,\" smirked one of the guards.\n\n\"Perfect shot, Misaki-san,\" another said with admiration.\n\nFor a moment, Yamabuki wanted to run over to Blue Rice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wanted to say something." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do something. But nothing could be said. Nothing could be done.\n\nHer mouth twisted, she looked at the man in charge, her palms open, questioning.\n\nHe pursed his lips, shrugged slightly, and whispered, \"He shouldn't have run.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\n7 sentences\n\nGenre:\nJapan, historical fiction, samurai" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Only two of us now, ninja,\" she said through gritted teeth. \"Let's see how good you are with your blade.\"\n\nIebō moved toward her. \"Just a scratch. It's all I need to deliver. Then you're dead.\"\n\n\"Like Aki?\" she sneered.\n\nIebō flicked his blade, sending poison in her direction. She dodged just in time as a splotch of venom flew right by her face, very close to the open cut on her cheek." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Keep doing that and there won't be enough of your little concoction left to kill an ant.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were both exhausted. Blades extended, they again began moving in a circle, each waiting for the other to make a mistake.\n\nIebō snarled, \"I've never lost a duel.\"\n\n\"I suppose Aki hadn't either,\" she hissed, \"and he was more skilled with the blade than you. That I can easily see.\"\n\nIebō attacked. Sword flashing, he screamed, \"Die!\"\n\nShe parried. This time she countered vigorously. One. Two." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three strikes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She moved in on him all at once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Iebō barely managed to defend, quickly backing up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was movement behind Iebō. Had Aki rallied? Yamabuki caught colors. Indigo and dark orange.\n\nThere was a guttural shout. A field sword sliced down, seemingly from nowhere, cutting Iebō from his right collar bone on down through the left side of his rib cage. Blood sprayed everywhere. His upper torso, head and all, simply sloughed away to the ground, landing with a thud.\n\nLong Sword!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before the rest of Iebō's body had fully fallen to the ground, Long Sword stomped off toward Aki and drove the nodachi through Aki's back, through the heart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If he was not dead before, he was surely dead now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Cowards!\" Long Sword thundered.\n\nYamabuki fought to catch her breath. She reached into her sash-sleeve to remove a piece of paper with which to dab the blood from her face. She then wiped her blade, careful not to touch any poison that it might have picked up while clashing with Aki's and Iebō's ninja swords.\n\nIn the meantime, Long Sword pulled papers from his jacket sleeve to wipe the blood from his blade.\n\nWhen they finished, Long Sword and Yamabuki let go of the papers and the slight breeze carried the bloody tissues into the trees. The two mutually sheathed their weapons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why?\" asked Yamabuki, still catching her breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I knew they were ninja. Cowards disguised as holy men, using fugu venom!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You knew?\" she repeated.\n\n\"You're so naïve.\"\n\n\"Naïve!\" Yamabuki's eyes flashed.\n\n\"Humph,\" he snorted. \"I told you on the boat to keep your eyes open, but you didn't keep your eyes open at all. It was obvious. I saw it back on the beach at Kita. They were dressed as Tendai sect, but they did not behave like Buddhist monks. I watched them eating oysters. They cut and shucked them with their own knives. That's outright killing from the Tendai way of looking at things.\"\n\nHe grunted. \"But you're no Buddhist, are you? Shintō, if even that, ne? You're a warrior. Killing some oysters means nothing to you, does it? Doesn't to me, either. Nor to them.\"\n\nLong Sword shrugged, dismissively throwing his hand in the direction of the two corpses.\n\n\"And the way they spoke.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He continued in a speech that mocked theirs, deliberately aping a failed attempt at the upper class manner, adding feminine softeners, effetely rolling his eyes skyward: \"'We know many temples along the imperial highway at which to stay; friendly to monk and warrior alike.' Ha!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He laughed. \"That a monk would dare approach a warrior and dare speak with such familiarity! Oh, girl, you have so much yet to learn.\"\n\nHe looked her up and down.\n\n\"At first I thought you might even be working with them and that I was the target. I suspected that when you stopped for 'Gankyū' before the crossing, back up on Foot Trail.\"\n\n\"Stopped for Eyeball?\" Yamabuki looked askance. \"Who is Eyeball?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as James Clavell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without delay, McFay, a dozen or so traders, and a Dragoon officer with three of his lancers found John Canterbury on the side of the Tokaidō, but viewing him was more difficult. He was decapitated and parts of his limbs were scattered nearby. Ferocious sword cuts were patterned all over his body, almost any one of which would have been a death blow. There was no sign of Tyrer and Struan, or the column of samurai. None of the passersby knew anything about the murder, who had done it, or when or why.\n\n\"Would the other two have been kidnapped, Jamie?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "an American asked queasily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know, Dmitri.\" McFay tried to get his brain working. \"Someone better go back and tell Sir William and get... and bring a shroud or coffin.\" White-faced, he studied the passing crowds, who carefully did not look in his direction but observed everything.\n\nThe well-kept, beaten earth roadway was massed with disciplined streams of travellers to and from Yedo, which one day would be called Tokyo. Men, women and children of all ages, rich and poor, all Japanese but for an occasional long-gowned Chinese." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Predominately men, all wearing kimonos of various styles and modesty, and many different hats of cloth and straw." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Merchants, half-naked porters, orange-robed Buddhist priests, farmers going to or coming from market, itinerant soothsayers, scribes, teachers and poets. Many litters and palanquins of all kinds for people or goods with two, four, six or eight bearers. The few strutting samurai amongst the crowds stared at them balefully as they passed.\n\n\"They know who did it, all of them,\" McFay said.\n\n\"Sure. Matyeryebitz!\" Dmitri Syborodin, the American, a heavyset, brown-haired man of thirty-eight, roughly clothed and a friend of Canterbury, was seething. \"It'd be goddam easy to force one of them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then they noticed a dozen or so samurai standing in a group down the road, watching them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Many had bows and all Westerners knew what adept archers samurai were." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not so easy, Dmitri,\" McFay said.\n\nPallidar, the young Dragoon officer, said crisply, \"Very easy to deal with them, Mr. McFay, but ill-advised without permission—unless of course they attack us. You're quite safe.\" Settry Pallidar detailed a dragoon to fetch a detachment from the camp, with a coffin, the American visibly irritated by his imperiousness. \"You'd better search the nearby countryside. When my men arrive they'll assist. More than likely the other two are wounded somewhere.\"\n\nMcFay shuddered, motioned at the corpse. \"Or like him?\"\n\n\"Possibly, but let's hope for the best. You three take that side, the rest of you spread out and—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey, Jamie,\" Dmitri interrupted deliberately, hating officers and uniforms and soldiers, particularly British ones." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How about you and me going on to Kanagawa—maybe someone in our Legation knows something.\"\n\nPallidar disregarded the hostility, understanding it, well acquainted with the American's fine service record. Dmitri was an American of Cossack extraction, an ex-cavalry officer of the U.S. Army, whose grandfather had been killed fighting the British in the American War of 1812. \"Kanagawa is a good idea, Mr. McFay,\" he said. \"They should certainly know what big procession of samurai passed through and the sooner we find out who the culprit is the better. The attack must have been ordered by one of their kings or princes. This time we can peg the bastard and God help him.\"\n\n\"God rot all bastards,\" Dmitri said pointedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again the resplendently uniformed Captain did not provoke but did not let it pass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Quite right, Mr. Syborodin,\" he said easily. \"And any man who calls me a bastard better quickly get himself a second, a pistol or sword, a shroud and someone to bury him. Mr. McFay, you'll have plenty of time before sunset. I'll stay here until my men return, then we'll join the search. If you hear anything in Kanagawa, please send me word.\" He was twenty-four and worshipped his regiment. With barely concealed disdain he looked at the motley group of traders. \"I suggest the rest of you... gentlemen... begin the search, spread out but stay in visual contact. Brown, you go with that group and search those woods. Sergeant, you're in charge.\"\n\n\"Yessir. Come on, you lot.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "McFay took off his coat and spread it over the body, then remounted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With his American friend he hurried northwards toward Kanagawa, a mile away.\n\nNow the dragoon was alone. Coldly he sat on his horse near the corpse and watched the samurai. They stared back. One moved his bow, perhaps a threat, perhaps not. Pallidar remained motionless, his sabre loose in its scabbard. Sunlight sparked off his gold braid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pedestrians on the Tokaidō hurried by silently, afraid." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His horse pawed the ground nervously, jingling the harness.\n\nThis isn't like the other attacks, the lone attacks, he thought with growing anger. There's going to be hell to pay, attacking those four, a woman amongst them, and killing an Englishman so foully. This means war." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write one sentence sentences in the style of James Clavell spawning from what the user wrote, within the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here, Mr. Struan, drink this,\" the doctor said kindly, towering over the camp bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were in the surgery of the British Legation at Kanagawa and he had managed to stanch most of the blood flow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tyrer sat on a chair near the window." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two of them had arrived half an hour ago." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It will make you feel better.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Magic—mostly laudanum, that's a tincture of opium and morphine of my own devising. It will stop the pain. I have to patch you up a little but not to worry, I will use ether to put you quite to sleep.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Struan felt a sick fear rush through him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ether for surgery was a recent innovation, much heralded, but still experimental." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've—I've never had one or an—an operation and, and I don't... think...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't worry yourself. Anesthetics are really quite safe in the right hands.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dr. George Babcott was twenty-eight, well over six feet five and equally proportioned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've used ether and chloroform many times over the last five or six years, with excellent results. Believe me, you won't feel anything, and it's a godsend to the patient.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's right, Mr. Struan,\" Tyrer said, trying to be helpful, knowing he was not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His arm already had been swabbed with iodine, sewn up and bandaged and in a sling and he was thanking his luck that his wound was relatively superficial." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I met a fellow at university who told me he had had his appendix out with chloroform, and it didn't hurt a bit.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wanted to sound reassuring, but the idea of any operation—and the gangrene that all too often followed—frightened him too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't forget, Mr. Struan,\" Babcott was saying, masking his concern, \"it's almost fifteen years since Dr. Simpson first used chloroform in surgery and we've learned a lot since then. I studied under him at the Royal Infirmary for a year before I went out to the Crimea.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His face saddened. \"Learned a lot there too. Well, that war's over so not to worry, lovely laudanum will give you some erotic dreams too, if you're lucky.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And if I'm not?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're lucky. You're both very lucky.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Struan forced a smile through his pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're lucky we found you here and so quickly, that's certain.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instinctively trusting Babcott he drank the colorless liquid, and lay back again, almost fainting from the pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll let Mr. Struan rest a moment,\" Babcott said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'd better come with me, Mr. Tyrer, we've things to do.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course, Doctor. Struan, can I get you anything, do anything?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No... no, thanks. No... no need for you to wait.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't be silly, of course I'll wait.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nervously Tyrer followed the doctor out and closed the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is he going to be all right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know. Fortunately samurai blades are always clean and they cut as beautifully as any scalpel. Excuse me a minute. I'm the only official here this afternoon, so now that I've done everything medically possible for the moment, I'd better act like Her Britannic Majesty's representative.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Babcott was Deputy to Sir William." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He ordered the Legation cutter across the bay to Yokohama to sound the alarm, sent a Chinese servant to fetch the local Governor, another to find out what daimyo, or prince, had passed through Kanagawa a couple of hours ago, put the six-man detachment of soldiers on alert, and poured Tyrer a large whisky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Drink it, it's medicinal. You say the assassins shouted something at you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, it, it sounded like 'sonoh... sonnoh-ee.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Means nothing to me. Make yourself at home. I'll be back in a moment, I've got to get ready.\" He went out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tyrer's arm was aching, with seven stitches in it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though Babcott had been expert, Tyrer had been hard put not to cry out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he had not and that pleased him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What appalled him were the currents of fear that continued to shake him, making him want to run away and keep on running." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're a coward,\" he muttered, aghast at the discovery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like the surgery, the anteroom stank of chemicals, making his stomach heave." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went to the window and breathed deeply, trying unsuccessfully to clear his head, then sipped some of the whisky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As always the taste was raw and unpleasant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stared into the glass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bad pictures there, very bad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A shudder went through him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He forced himself to look just at the liquor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was golden brown and the smell reminded him of his home in London, his father after dinner sitting in front of the fire with his dram, Mother complacently knitting, their two servants clearing the table, everything warm and cozy and safe, and that reminded him of Garroway's, his favorite coffee house on Cornhill, warm and bustling and safe, and of university, exciting and friendly but safe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Safe. His whole life safe. But now?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again panic began to overwhelm him. Jesus Christ, what am I doing here?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce five sentences using the prose and structure of James Clavell every time it's your turn, using what the user wrote as a seed. Stick to the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the youths left Sanjiro and had passed through the rings of bodyguards, Katsumata caught up with them. \"Follow me.\" He led the way through meandering gardens to a side door that was unguarded.\n\n\"Go at once to Kanagawa, to the Inn of the Midnight Blossoms. It is a safe house, other friends will be there. Hurry!\"\n\n\"But, Sensei,\" Ori said. \"First we must collect our other swords and armor and money and—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Silence!\" Angrily Katsumata reached into his kimono sleeve and gave them a small purse with a few coins in it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Take this, and return double for your insolence. At sunset I will order men to go after you with orders to kill you if you're caught within one ri.\" A ri was about a league, about three miles.\n\n\"Yes, Sensei, I apologize for being so rude.\"\n\n\"Your apology is not accepted. You are both fools. You should have killed all four barbarians, not just one—particularly the girl, for that would have sent the gai-jin mad with rage! How many times have I told you? They're not civilized like us, and view the world, religion and women differently! You're inept! You're fools! You initiated a good attack then failed to press forward ruthlessly without concern for your own lives. You hesitated! So you lost! Fools!\" he said again. \"You forgot everything I've taught you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Enraged, he backhanded Shorin in the face, the blow savage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once Shorin bowed, mumbled an abject apology for causing the Sensei to lose wa, to lose inner harmony, keeping his head bowed, desperately trying to contain the pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ori stayed ramrod stiff, waiting for the second blow. It left a livid burn in its wake. Immediately he, too, apologized abjectly, and kept his throbbing head bowed, afraid. Once a fellow student, the best swordsman amongst them, had answered Katsumata rudely during a practice fight. Without hesitation, Katsumata had sheathed his sword, attacked barehanded, disarmed him, humiliated him, broke both his arms and expelled him to his village forever." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Sensei,\" Shorin said, meaning it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go to the Inn of the Midnight Blossoms. When I send a message, obey whatever I require of you at once, there will be no second chance! At once, understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, yes, Sensei, please excuse me,\" they mumbled together, tucked up their kimonos and fled, thankful to be out of his reach, more frightened of him than of Sanjiro. Katsumata had been their main teacher for years, in both the arts of war and, in secret, other arts: strategy, past, present and of the future, why the Bakufu had failed in their duty, the Toranagas in theirs, why there must be change and how to bring it about. Katsumata was one of the few clandestine shishi who was hatomoto—an honored retainer with instant access to his lord—a senior samurai with a personal yearly stipend of a thousand koku.\n\n\"Eeee, to be so rich,\" Shorin had whispered to Ori when they had first found out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Money is nothing, nothing. The Sensei says when you have power you don't need money.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree, but think of your family, your father and mine, and grandfather, they could buy some land of their own and not have to work the fields of others—nor would we have to work like that from time to time to earn extra.\"\n\n\"You're right,\" Ori said.\n\nThen Shorin had laughed. \"No need to worry, we'll never get even a hundred koku and if we had it we'd just spend our share on girls and saké and become daimyos of the Floating World. A thousand koku is all the money in the world!\"\n\n\"No, it's not,\" Ori had said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't forget what the Sensei told us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During one of Katsumata's secret sessions for his special group of acolytes he had said: \"The revenue of Satsuma amounts to seven hundred and fifty thousand koku and belongs to our lord, the daimyo, to apportion as he sees fit. That's another custom the new administration will modify. When the great change has happened, a fief's revenue will be portioned out by a Council of State, made up of wise men drawn from any rank of samurai, high or low, of any age, provided the man has the necessary wisdom and has proved himself a man of honor. It will be the same in all fiefs, as the land will be governed by a Supreme Council of State in Yedo or Kyōto, drawn equally from samurai of honor—under the guidance of the Son of Heaven.\"\n\n\"Sensei, you said any? May I ask, will that include the Toranagas?\" Ori had asked.\n\n\"There will be no exception, if the man is worthy.\"\n\n\"Sensei, please, about the Toranagas. Does anyone know their real wealth, the lands they really control?\"\n\n\"After Sekigahara, Toranaga took lands from dead enemies worth yearly about five million koku, about a third of all the wealth of Nippon, for himself and his family. In perpetuity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the stunned silence that followed, Ori had said for all of them: \"With that amount of wealth we could have the greatest navy in the world with all the men-of-war and cannon and guns we could ever need, we could have the best legions with the best guns, we could throw out all gai-jin!\"\n\n\"We could even carry war to them and extend our shores,\" Katsumata had added softly, \"and correct previous shame.\"\n\nAt once they had known he was referring to the tairō, General Nakamura, Toranaga's immediate predecessor and liege lord, the great peasant-general who then possessed the Gates and had therefore, in gratitude, been granted by the Emperor the highest possible title a lowborn could aspire to, tairō, meaning Dictator—not that of Shōgun, which he coveted to obsession but could never have.\n\nHaving subdued all the land, chiefly by persuading his main enemy Toranaga to swear allegiance to him and his child heir forever, he had gathered a huge armada and mounted a vast campaign against Chosen, or Korea as it was sometimes called, to enlighten that country and use it as a stepping-stone to the Dragon Throne of China. But his armies had failed and soon retreated in ignominy—as in previous eras, centuries before, two other Japanese attempts had failed, equally in disaster, the throne of China a perpetual lodestone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Such shame needs to be eradicated—like the shame the Sons of Heaven have suffered because of the Toranagas who usurped Nakamura's power when the man died, destroyed his wife and son, levelled their Osaka castle, and have pillaged the heritage of the Son of Heaven for long enough! Sonnojoi!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sonnojoi!\" they had echoed. Fervently." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next one sentence." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the dusk the youths were tiring, their headlong flight racking them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But neither wanted to be the first to admit it so they pressed on until they were at the threshold of woods." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ahead now were paddy swamps on either side of the Tokaidō that led to the outskirts of Kanagawa just ahead, and to the roadblock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shore was to their right." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's... let's stop a moment,\" Ori said, his wounded arm throbbing, head hurting, chest hurting, but not showing it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right.\" Shorin was panting as hard and hurting as much but he laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're weak, like an old woman.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He picked a dry patch of earth, sat down gratefully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With great care he began to look around, trying to regain his breathing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Tokaidō was almost empty, night travel being generally forbidden by the Bakufu and subject to severe cross-questioning and punishment if not justified." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Several porters and the last of the travellers scurried for the Kanagawa barrier, all others safely bathing or carousing at the Inns of their choice—of which there was a multitude within the post towns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Throughout the land, trunk road barriers closed at nightfall and were not opened until dawn, and always guarded by local samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Across the bay Shorin could see the oil lamps along the promenade and in some of the houses of the Settlement, and amongst the ships at anchor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A good moon, half full, was rising from near the horizon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How is your arm, Ori?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fine, Shorin. We are more than a ri from Hodogaya.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but I won't feel safe until we're at the Inn.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shorin began massaging his neck to try to ease the pain there and in his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsumata's blow had stunned him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When we were before Lord Sanjiro I thought we were finished, I thought he was going to condemn us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So did I.\" As he spoke Ori felt sick, his arm throbbing like his heaving chest, his face still afire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With his good hand he waved absently at a swarm of night insects." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If he... I was ready to go for my sword and send him on before us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So was I but the Sensei was watching very closely and he would have killed both of us before we moved.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, you're right again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The younger man shuddered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"His blow almost took my head off. Eeee, to have such strength, unbelievable! I'm glad he's on our side, not against us. He saved us, only him; he bent Lord Sanjiro to his will.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ori was suddenly somber." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shorin, while I was waiting I... to keep myself strong, I composed my death poem.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shorin became equally grave." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I hear it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sonnojoi at sunset," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing wasted" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Into nothing\n\nI spring.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~eight sentences more. copy James Clavell's style" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shorin thought about the poem, savoring it, the balance of the words and the third level of meaning. Then he said solemnly, \"It is wise for a samurai to have composed a death poem. I haven't managed that yet but I should, then all the rest of life is extra.\" He twisted his head from side to side to the limit, the joints or ligaments cracking, and he felt better. \"You know, Ori, the Sensei was right: we did hesitate, therefore we lost.\"\n\n\"I hesitated, he's right in that, I could have killed the girl easily but she paralyzed me for a moment. I've never... her outlandish clothes, her face like a strange flower with that huge nose more like a monstrous orchid with two great blue spots and crowned with yellow stamens—those unbelievable eyes, Siamese cat eyes and thatch of straw under that ridiculous hat, so repulsive yet so—so attracting.\" Ori laughed nervously. \"I was bewitched. She is surely a kami from the dark regions.\"\n\n\"Rip her clothes off and she'd be real enough, but how attractive I... I don't know.\"\n\n\"I thought of that too, wondering what it would be like.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ori looked up at the moon for a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If I pillowed with her I think... I think I'd become the male spider to her female.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You mean she'd kill you afterwards?\"\n\n\"Yes, if I pillowed her, with or without force, that woman would kill me.\" Ori waved the air, the insects becoming a pestilence. \"I've never seen one like her—nor have you. You noticed too, neh?\"\n\n\"No, everything happened so fast and I was trying to kill the big ugly one with the pistol and then she had fled.\"\n\nOri stared at the faint lights of Yokohama. \"I wonder what she's called, what she did when she got back there. I've never seen—she was so ugly and yet...\"\n\nShorin was unsettled. Normally Ori hardly noticed women, just used them when he had a need, let them entertain him, serve him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Apart from his adored sister, he could not remember Ori ever discussing one before. \"Karma.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, karma.\" Ori shifted his bandage to be more comfortable, but the throbbing deepened. Blood seeped from under it. \"Even so, I do not know if we lost. We must wait, we must be patient and see what will happen. We always planned to go against gai-jin at the first opportunity—I was right to go against them at that moment.\"\n\nShorin got up. \"I'm tired of seriousness, and kami and death. We'll know death soon enough. The Sensei gave us life for sonnojoi. From nothing into nothing—but tonight we've another night to enjoy. A bath, saké, food, then a real Lady of the Night, succulent and sweet-smelling and moist...\" He laughed softly. \"A flower, not an orchid, with a beautiful nose and proper eyes. Let's—\"\n\nHe stopped. Eastwards, from the direction of Yokohama, came the echoing report of a ship's signal cannon. Then a signal rocket briefly lit the darkness.\n\n\"Is that usual?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know.\" Ahead they could just see the lamps at the first barrier. \"Through the paddy is better, then we can skirt the guards.\"\n\n\"Yes. Better we cross the road here and go closer to the shore. They won't expect intruders that way, we can avoid any patrols, and the Inn is nearer.\"\n\nThey ran across the road, keeping well down, then up onto one of the paths that transversed the fields recently planted with winter rice. Suddenly they stopped. From the Tokaidō came the clatter of approaching horses and jingling harness. They ducked down, waited a moment, then gasped. Ten uniformed dragoons, armed with carbines and led by an officer, cantered out of the curve.\n\nAt once the soldiers were spotted by samurai at the barrier, who called out a warning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Others rushed from the huts to join them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon there were twenty lined up behind the barrier, an officer at their head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What shall we do, Ori?\" Shorin whispered.\n\n\"Wait.\"\n\nAs they watched the senior samurai held up his hand. \"Stop!\" he called out, then nodded slightly instead of a bow, correct etiquette from a superior to an inferior. \"Is your night travel authorized? If so please give me the papers.\"\n\nOri's fury soared as he saw the open insolence of the gai-jin officer who halted about ten paces from the barrier, called out something in his strange language and imperiously motioned to the samurai to open it, neither dismounting nor bowing courteously as custom demanded.\n\n\"How dare you be so rude! Leave!\" the samurai said angrily, not expecting the insult, waving them away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The gai-jin officer barked an order." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once his men unslung their carbines, levelled them at the samurai, then on an abrupt second order, fired a disciplined volley into the air. At once they reloaded and aimed directly at the guards, almost before the sound of the volley had died away, leaving a vast ominous silence throughout the landscape.\n\nShorin and Ori gasped. For all time guns had been muzzle-loaded with powder and shot. \"Those are breechloading rifles, with the new cartridges,\" Shorin whispered excitedly. Neither had ever seen these recent inventions, had only heard of them. The samurai were equally shocked. \"Eeee, did you notice how fast they reloaded? I heard a soldier can easily fire ten rounds to one of a muzzle loader.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But did you see their discipline, Shorin, and that of the horses? They hardly moved!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once more the gai-jin officer haughtily motioned them to open the barrier, no mistaking the threat that if he was not obeyed quickly, all the samurai were dead.\n\n\"Let them through,\" the senior samurai said.\n\nThe Dragoon officer disdainfully spurred forward, apparently without fear, his grim-faced men following, their guns ready. None of them acknowledged the guards or returned their polite bows.\n\n\"This will be reported at once and an apology demanded!\" the samurai said, enraged with their insulting behavior, trying not to show it.\n\nOnce they had passed through, the barrier was replaced and Ori whispered furiously, \"What foul manners! But against those guns what could he do?\"\n\n\"He should have charged and killed them before he died. I could not do what that coward did—I would have charged and died,\" Shorin said, knees trembling with anger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. I think...\" Ori stopped, his own anger evaporating at his sudden thought." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on,\" he whispered urgently. \"We'll find out where they're going—perhaps we can steal some of those guns.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~five sentences more. copy James Clavell's style" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angelique was leaning against the door, trying to make sense of what was happening—difficult to put everything in order, a man in the garden, what garden, but Malcolm was in the garden of the Great House, no he's downstairs wounded, no that's a dream and he said something about living in the Great House and marriage... Malcolm, was he the man, the one who touched me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No, he told me he would die. Silly, the doctor said he was fine, everyone said fine, why fine? Why not good or excellent or fair? Why?\n\nShe gave up, her craving for sleep overwhelming. The moon was shining through the slats of the shutters and she stumbled through the bars of light to the bed, gratefully collapsed into the soft down mattress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a great sigh of contentment she pulled the sheet half over her and turned on her side. In seconds she was deeply asleep.\n\nSilently Ori slid out of his hiding place, astonished that he was still alive. Even though he had pressed himself and his swords flat against the wall, any proper search should have disclosed him. He saw that the door bar was in place, the shutters barred, the girl breathing heavily, one arm under the pillow, the other on the sheet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Good. She can wait, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First, how to get out of this trap? The window or the door?\n\nNot being able to see through the slats, he moved the bar back softly and pushed one side open a fraction, then the other. Soldiers were still milling below. Dawn was almost three hours away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Clouds building up, drifted towards the moon. Shorin's body lay crumpled on the path like a dead animal. For a moment he was surprised they had left his head on, then remembered it was not gai-jin custom to take heads for viewing or for counting.\n\nDifficult to escape that way and not be seen. If they don't slacken their vigilance I'll have to open the door and try inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That means leaving the door open. Better to go by the window if I can.\n\nHe craned out carefully and saw a small ledge below the window that led under another window, then around the building—this was a corner room. His excitement mounted. Soon clouds will cover the moon. I'll escape then. I will escape!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sonnojoi!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now her.\n\nMaking no noise, he rearranged the bar so the shutters were slightly open, then came back to the bed.\n\nHis long sword was still sheathed and he put it within easy reach on the rumpled white silk counterpane. White, he thought. White sheet, white flesh, white the color of death. Apt. Perfect to write on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What should it be? His name?\n\nWithout haste he pulled the sheet away from her. The nightdress was beyond his ken, alien, designed to hide everything and nothing. Limbs and breasts, so large compared to the few bedmates he had known, legs long and straight with none of the elegant curve he was used to from the women's many years of kneeling-sitting. Again, her perfume. As his eyes explored her he felt himself stirring." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With the others it had been very different." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Excitement minimal. Much banter and deft professionalism. Quickly consummated, and usually in a saké haze to blur their age. Now there was limitless time. She was young, and out of his world. His ache increased. And the throb." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wind creaked the shutters but there was no danger there, nor was there any in the house. Everything quiet. She lay half on her stomach. A deft, soft push, and another, and obediently she moved onto her back, her head comfortably to one side, hair cascading. Deep sigh, snug in the embrace of the mattress. A small golden cross at her throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He leaned over and put the tip of his razor-sharp sword-knife under the delicate lace at the neck, lifted slightly and settled the blade against the tension of the garment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The material parted willingly and fell away. To her feet.\n\nOri had never seen a woman so revealed. Or been so constricted. The throbbing intensified like never before. The tiny cross shone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Involuntarily her hand stirred lazily and went between her legs, resting there comfortably." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He lifted it away, then moved one ankle from the other. Gently." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now it was high noon. Again the soft knock on her bedroom door, again \"Mademoiselle? Mademoiselle?\" Babcott called out from the corridor, his voice soft, not wanting to awaken her unnecessarily, but she did not reply. She remained standing rock still in the center of the room and stared at the bolted door, hardly breathing, her robe tight around her, her face stark. The trembling began again.\n\n\"Mademoiselle?\"\n\nShe waited. After a moment his footsteps died away and she exhaled, desperately trying to stop shaking, then resumed pacing to the shuttered windows and back to the bed and back to the windows once more, pacing as she had been pacing for hours.\n\nI've got to decide, she thought in misery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she awoke a second time, not remembering the first awakening, her mind was clear and she lay in the crumpled bed linen without moving, glad to be awake, rested, hungry, and thirsty for the first, glorious cup of coffee of the day served with some crusty fresh French bread that her Legation's chef made in Yokohama. But I'm not in Yokohama, I'm in Kanagawa, and today it will be just a cup of revolting English tea with milk.\n\nMalcolm! Poor Malcolm, I do so hope he's better. We'll return to Yokohama today, I'll board the next steamer for Hong Kong, thence to Paris... but oh, what dreams I had, what dreams!\n\nThe fantasies of the night were still vivid and mixed up with other pictures of the Tokaidō and Canterbury's mutilation and Malcolm acting so strangely presuming that they would marry. The imagined smell of the surgery rose in her nostrils but she fought it away, yawned, and reached for her little timepiece which she had left on the bedside table.\n\nWith the slight movement came a small pain in her loins. For a moment she wondered if it presaged an early period, for she was not completely regular, but dismissed the thought as impossible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The timepiece read 10:20." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was inset with lapis lazuli and had been her father's gift on her eighteenth birthday, July 8th, a little over two months ago in Hong Kong. So much has happened since then, she thought. I'll be so happy to be back in Paris, in civilization, never to return, never never nev—\n\nAbruptly she realized that she was almost naked under the sheet. To her astonishment she found that her nightdress only clung to her arms and shoulders and was totally split down the front and scrambled up behind her. She lifted the two sides in disbelief. Wanting to see better, she slid out of bed to go to the window but again felt the slight soreness. Now in the day's light she noticed the telltale smear of blood on the sheet and found a trace between her legs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How can my period...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She began counting days and recounting them but the addition made no sense. Her last period had stopped two weeks ago. Then she noticed that she was slightly moist and could not understand why—then her heart twisted and she almost fainted as her brain shouted that the dreams had not been dreams but real and that she had been violated while asleep.\n\n\"That's not possible! You must be mad—that's not possible,\" she had gasped, fighting for air, fighting for space. \"Oh, God, let this be a dream, part of those dreams.\" She groped for the bed, heart pounding. \"You're awake, this isn't a dream, you're awake!\"\n\nShe examined herself again, frantically, and then again but this time with more care." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had enough knowledge to know that there was no mistake about the moisture, or that her hymen was split. It was true. She had been raped.\n\nThe room began to spin. Oh, God, I'm ruined, life ruined, future ruined for no decent man, eligible man will marry me now that I'm soiled, marriage a girl's only way to better herself, have a happy future, any future, no other way...\n\nWhen her senses settled and she could see and think, she found herself lying across the bed. Shakily she tried to reconstruct the night. I remember bolting the door.\n\nShe peered at it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bar was still in place.\n\nI remember Malcolm and the foulness of his room and running away from him, Phillip Tyrer sleeping peacefully, Dr. Babcott giving me the drink and going upstair—\n\nThe drink! Oh, God, I was drugged! If Babcott can operate with these drugs, of course it could happen, of course I would be helpless but that doesn't help me now! It happened! Say I get a child!\n\nAgain panic overwhelmed her. Tears gushed down her cheeks and she almost cried out. \"Stop it!\" she muttered, making a supreme effort for control." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stop it! Don't make a sound, don't! You're alone, no one else can help, just you, you've got to think. What are you going to do? Think!\" She took deep breaths, her heart hurting, and tried to slam her jumbled mind into order. Who was the man?\n\nThe bar's still in place so no one could have come through the door. Wait a minute, I remember vaguely... or was it part of the dream before the... I seem to remember opening the door to—to Babcott and, and the naval officer Marlowe... then barring it again. Yes, that's right! At least, I think that's right. Didn't he speak French... yes, he did, but badly, then they went away and I barred the door, I'm sure I did." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But why did they knock on the door in the night?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She searched and re-searched her mind but could not find an answer, not truly sure this had happened, the night pictures slipping away. Some of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Concentrate!\n\nIf not through the door he came through the window. She squirmed around and saw that the shutter bar was on the floor, below the window, not in its slots.\n\nSo whoever it was got in through the window! Who? Marlowe, that Pallidar or even the good Doctor, I know they all want me. Who knew I was drugged? Babcott. He could have told the others but surely none of them would dare to be so evil, would dare risk the consequences of climbing up from the garden for of course I would shout from the rooftops...\n\nHer whole being screamed a warning: Be careful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Your future depends on being careful and wise. Be careful.\n\nAre you sure that this really happened in the night? What about the dreams? Perhaps... I won't think about them now but only a doctor would know for certain and that would have to be Babcott. Wait, you could, you could have ruptured that tiny piece of skin in your sleep, twisting in the nightmare—it was a nightmare, wasn't it? That has happened to some girls. Yes, but they'd still be virgin and that doesn't explain the moisture.\n\nRemember Jeanette in the convent, poor silly Jeanette who fell in love with one of the tradesmen, and allowed him, and excitedly told us all about it later, all the details." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She didn't become pregnant but she was found out and the next day she was gone forever, and later we learned she'd been married off to a village butcher, the only man who would take her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't allow anything but that won't help me, a doctor would know for certain but that won't help me, and the idea of Babcott or any doctor being so intimate fills me with horror and then Babcott would share the secret. How could I trust him with such a secret? If it became known... I have to keep it secret! But how, how can you, and what then?\n\nI'll answer that later. First, decide who the devil was. No, first clean yourself of this evil and then you will think better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You've got to think clearly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With distaste she shook off the nightdress and threw it aside, then washed carefully and deeply, trying to remember all the contraceptive knowledge she possessed, what Jeanette had done successfully. Then she put on her robe and combed her hair. Using tooth powder, she cleaned her teeth. Only then did she look in her mirror. Very carefully she examined her face. It was without blemish. She loosened her robe. So were her limbs and breasts—nipples a little red." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like James Clavell and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sunlight sparked off the gold cross. Ori was holding it in his fist by the thin chain, mesmerized.\n\n\"Why did you take it?\" Hiraga asked.\n\n\"I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not killing the woman was a mistake. Shorin was right. It was a mistake.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Karma.\"\n\nThey were safe in the Inn of the Midnight Blossoms and Ori had bathed and shaved and he looked back at Hiraga with level eyes and thought, You're not my master—I will tell you only what pleases me, nothing more.\n\nHe had told him about Shorin's death and climbing into the room, that she had slept soundly and had not awakened—but no more, only that he had hidden there safely, then had taken off his ninja clothes knowing he would be intercepted and had camouflaged his swords with them, shinned down into the garden with just enough time to gather some fallen branches, to pretend to be a gardener before he was spotted and, even after recognizing the man from the road, had managed to escape. But nothing more about her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How can I express in mortal words and tell anyone that because of her I became one with the gods, that when I had spread her wide and saw her I was drunk with craving, that when I entered her, I entered her as a lover and not a rapist—I don't know why but I did, slowly, carefully, and her arms went around me and she shuddered and held on though she never truly awoke and she was so tight and I held back and back and then poured forth in a way inconceivable.\n\nI never believed it could be so marvelous, so sensual, so satisfying, so final. The others were nothing compared to her. She made me reach the stars, but that is not why I left her alive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I thought about killing her very much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then myself, there in the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But that would have been only selfish, to die at the crest of happiness, so content." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, how I wished to die." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But my death belongs to sonnojoi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only that. Not to me.\n\n\"Not killing her was a mistake,\" Hiraga said again, interrupting Ori's thought pattern. \"Shorin was right, killing her would have achieved our plan, better than anything.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I left her alive for the gods, if there are gods, he could have said but did not. They possessed me and made me do what I did and I thank them. Now I am complete. I know life, all that remains to know is death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was her first and she will remember me forever even though she slept." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she wakes and sees my writing in my own blood, not hers, she will know. I want her to live forever. I will die soon. Karma.\n\nOri put the cross into a secret sleeve pocket of his kimono and drank more of the refreshing green tea, feeling utterly fulfilled and so alive." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Literary Collaboration Request:\n- Sentence Count: 2 sentences\n- Stylistic Inspiration: James Clavell\n- Genre Adherence: historical fiction, Japan" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At Yokohama, Sir William said angrily, \"Tell them again, for the last time, by God, Her Majesty's Government demands immediate reparations of one hundred thousand pounds sterling in gold for allowing this unprovoked attack and murder of an Englishman—killing Englishmen is kinjiru, by God! And also we demand possession of the Satsuma murderers within three days or we-will-take-definitive-action!\"\n\nHe was across the bay in the small, stuffy audience room of the British Legation in Yokohama, flanked by the Prussian, French and Russian Ministers, both Admirals, British and French, the General, all of them equally exasperated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In line opposite, seated ceremoniously on chairs, were two local representatives of the Bakufu, the chief samurai of the Settlement Guard, and the Governor of Kanagawa in whose jurisdiction Yokohama lay." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They wore wide pantaloons and kimonos, and over them the broad-shouldered, winglike mantle that was belted, and two swords." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Clearly all were uncomfortable and inwardly furious. At dawn, armed soldiers had hammered on the door of the Customs Houses, in both Yokohama and Kanagawa, with rifle butts and unprecedented anger, summoning the highest officials and Governor to an immediate conference at noon, the haste also unprecedented." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Between the two sides the interpreters sat on cushions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Japanese knelt, and the other, a Swiss, Johann Favrod, sat cross-legged, their common language Dutch.\n\nThe meeting had already been in progress for two hours—English translated into Dutch into Japanese, into Dutch into English and back again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All Sir William's questions were misunderstood, or parried or needed repeating several times, delays were \"requested\" in a dozen different ways to \"consult higher authorities to institute examinations and investigations\" and \"Oh, yes, in Japan examinations are quite different from investigations. His Excellency, the Governor of Kanagawa, explains in detail that...\" and \"Oh, His Excellency, the Governor of Kanagawa, wishes to explain in detail that he has no jurisdiction over Satsuma which is a separate kingdom...\" and \"Oh, but His Excellency, the Governor of Kanagawa, understands the accused drew pistols threateningly and are accused and guilty of not obeying Japanese ancient customs...\" and \"How many foreigners did you say were in the foreign party who should have knelt...\" and \"But our customs...\"\n\nTedious, time-consuming, and complex lectures in Japanese by the Governor, put laboriously into far from fluent Dutch and retranslated into English." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Make it blunt, Johann, exactly as I said it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have, every time, Sir William, but I'm sure this cretin isn't interpreting accurately, either what you say or what the Jappers say.\"\n\n\"We know that, for Christ's sake, has it ever been different? Please get on with it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Johann put the words into an exact translation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Japanese interpreter flushed, asked for an explanation of the word \"immediate,\" then carefully delivered a polite, appropriate, approximate translation he considered would be acceptable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even then the Governor sucked in his breath at the rudeness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The silence increased. His fingers tapped a constant, irritated tattoo on his sword hilt, then he spoke shortly, three or four words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The translation was long.\n\nJohann said cheerfully, \"Without all the merde, the Gov says he'll pass on your 'request' at the appropriate time to the appropriate authorities.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William reddened perceptibly, the Admirals and General more so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Request,' eh? Tell the bugger exactly: It's not a request, it's a demand! And tell him further: We demand an immediate audience with the Shōgun in Yedo in three days! Three days, by God! And I'm bloody arriving by battleship!\"\n\n\"Bravo,\" Count Zergeyev muttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Johann was also weary of the game and gave the words a fine-tuned bluntness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Japanese interpreter gasped and without waiting began a flood of acrimonious Dutch that Johann answered sweetly with two words that precipitated an aghast, sudden silence.\n\n\"Nan ja?\" What is it, what's been said, the Governor asked angrily, not mistaking the hostility or hiding his own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once, apologetically, the flustered interpreter gave him a toned-down version, but even so the Governor exploded into a paroxysm of threats and pleading and refusal and more threats that the interpreter translated into words he considered the foreigners wanted to hear, then, still rattled, listened again and translated again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's he saying, Johann?\" Sir William had to raise his voice above the noise, the interpreter was answering the Governor and Bakufu officials, who were chattering amongst themselves and to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What the devil are they saying?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Johann was happy now—he knew the meeting would terminate in a few moments and he could return to the Long Bar for his lunch and schnapps. \"I don't know, except the Gov repeats the best he can do is to pass on your request etc. at the appropriate etc. but there's no way the Shōgun will grant you the honor etc. because it's against their customs etc...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William slammed the flat of his hand onto the table. In the shocked silence, he pointed at the Governor then at himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Watashi... me...\" Then he pointed out of the window towards Yedo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Watashi go Yedo!\" Then he raised three fingers. \"three days, in a bloody battleship!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He got up and stormed out of the room. The others followed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went across the hall to his study, to the bank of cut-glass de canters and poured some whisky. \"Anyone care to join me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he said breezily as the others surrounded him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Automatically he poured Scotch for the Admirals, General and Prussian, claret for Seratard, and a significant vodka for Count Zergeyev. \"I thought that went according to plan. Sorry it was drawn out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought you were going to burst a blood vessel,\" Zergeyev said, draining his glass and pouring another." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not on your nelly. Had to close the meeting with a certain amount of drama.\"\n\n\"So it's Yedo in three days?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, my dear Count. Admiral, have the flagship ready for a dawn departure, spend the next few days getting everything shipshape, ostentatiously clear the decks for action, all cannon primed, drills for the whole fleet, and order them to be ready to join us in battle order if need be. General, five hundred Redcoats should be enough for an honor guard. Monsieur, would the French flagship care to join us?\"\n\nSeratard said, \"Of course. I will accompany you, of course, but suggest the French Legation as Headquarters, and full dress uniform.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No to the uniforms, this is a punitive mission, not to present credentials—that comes later. And no to the meeting place. It was our national who was murdered and, how shall I put it? Our fleet is the deciding factor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Von Heimrich chuckled. \"It certainly is decisive in these waters, at the present time.\" He glanced at Seratard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A pity I don't have a dozen regiments of Prussian cavalry, then we could partition the Japans without a hiccup and have done with all their devious stupidity and time-wasting bad manners.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Only a dozen?\" Seratard asked witheringly.\n\n\"That would be sufficient, Herr Seratard, for all Japan. Our troops are the best in the world—of course after Her Britannic Majesty's,\" he added smoothly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fortunately Prussia could spare twenty, even thirty regiments for just this small sector and still have more than enough to deal with any problem we might encounter anywhere, particularly in Europe.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, well...\" Sir William broke in as Seratard reddened. He finished his drink. \"I'm off to Kanagawa to make some arrangements. Admiral, General, perhaps a short conference when I return—I'll come aboard the flagship. Oh, Monsieur Seratard, what about Mademoiselle Angelique? Would you like me to escort her back?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant, your partner will send something and you will write the next two sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Precisely at dawn the cannon of the flagship bellowed the eleven-gun salute as Sir William's cutter came alongside the gangway. From the shore came a faint cheer, every sober man there to watch the departure of the fleet for Yedo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wind was strengthening, sea fair, light overcast. He was formally piped aboard, Phillip Tyrer in attendance—the rest of his staff already aboard accompanying warships." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two men wore frock coats and top hats." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tyrer's arm was in a sling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They saw Admiral Ketterer waiting for them on the main deck, John Marlowe beside him, both in dress uniform—cocked hats, gold braided and buttoned blue cutaways, with white shirts, waistcoats, breeches and stockings, buckled shoes and gleaming swords—and, immediately, Phillip Tyrer thought, Damn, how handsome and elegant yet masculine John Marlowe always is, just like Pallidar in his uniform." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Damned if I have any dress clothes, or any clothes for that matter to rival them, and poor as a church mouse compared to them and not even a Deputy Secretary yet. Damn! There's nothing like a uniform to flatter a man and give him standing with a girl..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He almost stumbled into Sir William, who had stopped on the top step as the Admiral and Marlowe saluted politely, ignoring him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blast, he thought, concentrate, you're equally on duty, equally at the beck and call of the Mighty!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Be careful, become part of the scenery too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wee Willie Winkie's been like a cat with a hornet in his bum since you reported yesterday." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Morning, Sir William, welcome aboard.\"\n\n\"Thank you. Good morning to you, Admiral Ketterer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William doffed his hat, followed by Tyrer, their frock coats tugged by the breeze. \"Set sail, if you please. The other Ministers are on the French flagship.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good.\" The Admiral motioned to Marlowe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once Marlowe saluted, went to the Captain who was on the open bridge, just forward of the single funnel and main mast, and saluted again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Admiral's compliments, sir. Make way for Yedo.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The commands went rapidly down the line, the sailors gave three cheers, in moments the anchors were being chanted aboard and in the cramped boiler room three decks below, teams of stokers, stripped to the waist, shoveled more coal into the furnaces to another rhythmic chant, coughing and wheezing in air permanently fouled with coal dust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other side of the bulkhead in the engine room, the chief Engineer engaged \"half ahead,\" and the huge reciprocating engines began to turn the propeller shaft." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was H.M.S. Euryalus, built at Chatham eight years ago, a three-masted, one-funnel, screw-assisted wooden cruiser frigate of 3,200 tons burthen, with 35 guns, a normal complement of 350 officers, seamen and marines—while belowdecks were 90 stokers and engine room staff. Today all sails were sparred and decks cleared for action." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A pleasant day, Admiral,\" Sir William was saying. They were on the quarterdeck; Phillip Tyrer and Marlowe, who had greeted each other silently, hovering close by." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For the moment,\" the Admiral agreed testily, always uncomfortable near civilians, particularly someone like Sir William who was his senior in rank. \"My quarters are available to you, if you wish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Sea gulls were dipping and cawing around their wake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William studied them for a moment, trying to throw off his depression. \"Thank you, but I'd rather be on deck. You haven't met Mr. Tyrer, I believe? He's our new apprentice interpreter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the first time the Admiral acknowledged Tyrer. \"Welcome aboard, Mr. Tyrer, we can certainly use Japanese speakers here. How's your wound?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not too bad, sir, thank you,\" Tyrer said, trying to retreat once more into anonymity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. Rotten business.\" The Admiral's pale blue eyes ranged the sea and his ship, his face florid and weather-beaten, with heavy jowls and a choleric roll of flesh on the back of his neck over his starched collar. For a moment he watched the smoke critically, noting its color and smell, then grunted and brushed some specks of coal dust off his impeccable waistcoat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Something's amiss?\"\n\n\"No, Sir William. The coals we get here don't compare with Shanghai best, or good Welsh or Yorkshire coals. Too much clinker in it. It's cheap enough when we can get it but that's not often. You should insist on an increased supply, it's a major problem for us here, Major.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William nodded wearily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have but they don't appear to have any locally.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Filthy stuff, wherever it comes from. We can't use sail today, not with this wind against us. Engine assists are perfect for this sort of exercise and close inshore maneuvers, or docking. With the best man-of-war afloat, under sails, even a tea clipper—we'd take five times as long to get to Yedo and not have enough sea room for safety. More's the pity.\"\n\nSir William was out of humor after another sleepless night and reacted instantly to the Admiral's discourtesy and stupidity telling him something that was obvious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Really?\" he said thinly. \"Never mind, soon we'll have a completely stinkpot navy, no sail at all and that will be that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tyrer hid a smile as the Admiral flushed, for this was a sore point with naval officers and widely discussed in the London newspapers, who blithely dubbed future fleets as \"Stinkpots of various sizes, commanded by stinkpotters of various sizes, who will be dressed accordingly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That won't happen in the foreseeable future and never for long-haul cruising, blockades or battle fleets.\" The Admiral almost spat the words out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's no way we can carry all the coal we need between ports and still have fighting ships. We must have sails to conserve fuel. Civilians have little understanding of naval matters...\" This reminded him of the present Liberal government's attack on the current Navy estimates and his blood pressure went up another notch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Meanwhile to secure our sea lanes and keep the Empire inviolate, as a cornerstone of government policy the Royal Navy must maintain the equation of twice as many ships—wooden or ironclads, steam and sail—as the next two other navies combined, with the biggest and best engines and most modern cannon, shells, and explosives in the world.\"\n\n\"An admirable idea, but now out of date, not practical, and I'm afraid too rich for the Chancellor of the Exchequer and government to stomach.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It better not be, by God.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The roll of neck flesh went pink. \"Mr. Penny-pinching Gladstone better learn right smartly where his priorities lie. I've said it before: the sooner the Liberals are out and the Tories back in power the better! Not because of them, thank God the Royal Navy still has enough ships and firepower to sink any French, Russian or American fleets in their home waters if need be. But say those three combine against us in the coming conflict?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Irritably the Admiral turned and bellowed though Marlowe was close by, \"Mr. Marlowe! Signal the Pearl! She's out of station, by God!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aye, aye, sir!\" Marlowe left at once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William glanced astern, seeing nothing amiss with the following ships, then again concentrated on the Admiral." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Foreign Secretary Russell's too clever to be drawn into it. Prussia will war on France, Russia will stay out, the Americans are too involved with their civil war, Spanish Cuba and Philippines, and sniffing around the Hawaiian islands. By the way, I've proposed we annex one or two of those islands before the Americans do, they'd make perfect coaling stations...\"\n\nMarlowe was sourly heading for the signalman, his eyes on H.M.S." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pearl, his ship, a Jason-class three-masted, single-funneled, 21-gun, screw frigate of 2,100 tons burthen, temporarily in the command of his Number One, Lieutenant Lloyd, wishing he was aboard her and no longer the Admiral's lackey. He gave the signalman the message, watched him use the signal flags and read the reply before the young man reported, \"He says sorry, sorr.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How long have you been a signalman?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Three months, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'd best look up your codes, right smartly. The message said: 'Captain Lloyd of H.M.S. Pearl apologizes.' Make another mistake and your balls are in the wringer.\"\n\n\"Yessir, sorry, sir,\" the crestfallen youth said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Marlowe went back to the Admiral. To his relief the potential row between the two men seemed to have simmered down and now they were discussing alternative plans of action at Yedo and the long-term implications of the Tokaidō attack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While he waited for a lull in the conversation, he cautiously cocked an eyebrow at Tyrer—who smiled back—wanting to be dismissed so he could ask him about Kanagawa and Angelique. He had had to leave the same day Sir William had arrived, three days ago, and had no first-hand information on what had occurred since then." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Mr. Marlowe?\" The Admiral listened to the message and at once rasped: \"Send another signal: report aboard my flagship at sunset.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw Marlowe wince. \"And well you might, Mr. Marlowe. Such an apology is insufficient excuse for slackness in my fleet. Is it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, sir.\"\n\n\"Consider who should take over your ship in his place—not you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Admiral Ketterer turned back to Sir William." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You were saying? You don't th—\" A gust crackled the rigging." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both officers looked aloft, then at the sky and all around, tasting the wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No sign of danger yet, though both knew that the weather this month was unpredictable and in these waters storms came suddenly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You were saying? You don't think the authorities, this Bakufu, will do what we require?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, not without some form of force. At midnight I got another apology from them and a request for a month's delay so they could 'consult higher ups' and more such nonsense—my God, they can prevaricate. I sent the bloody messenger back with a flea in his ear and a curt, rather rude message to give us satisfaction or else.\"\n\n\"Quite right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When we anchor off Yedo, can we fire as many salutes as possible, create an entrance?\"\n\n\"We'll make it 21 guns, a royal salute. I suppose this mission could be constructed as a formal visit to their Royalty.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without turning, the Admiral rasped: \"Mr. Marlowe, give the order for the whole fleet and ask the French Admiral if he would do likewise.\"\n\n\"Yessir.\" Again Marlowe saluted and rushed off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The plan for Yedo is still as we agreed?\"\n\nSir William nodded. \"Yes. I and my party will go ashore to the Legation—a hundred soldiers as an honor guard should be enough. The Highlanders, their uniforms and bagpipes, will be the most impressive. The rest of the plan remains the same.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good.\" Uneasily the Admiral stared ahead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll be able to see Yedo when we get around that headland.\" His face hardened. \"It's one thing to rattle a few sabres and fire off a few blank cannonades but I don't agree to bombard and burn that city—without a legal state of war.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William said carefully, \"Let's hope I don't have to ask Lord Palmerston to declare one, or for me to legalize one forced on us. A full report's on the way to him. Meanwhile his reply is four months away so we have to do the best we can, as usual. These murders must stop, the Bakufu must be brought to heel, one way or another. Now is the perfect time.\"\n\n\"Admiralty instructions are to be prudent.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"By the same post I sent an urgent message to the Governor of Hong Kong also advising him what I planned to do and asking what reinforcements in ships and men could be available if necessary, and about Mr. Struan's condition.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh? When was that, Sir William?\"\n\n\"Yesterday. Struan's had a clipper available, and Mr. McFay agreed the matter merited the most immediate haste.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ketterer said caustically, \"This whole incident seems to be a Struan cause célèbre. The fellow who was killed hardly gets a mention—it's nothing but Struan, Struan, Struan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Governor's a personal friend of the family, and the family is, er, very well connected, very important to Her Majesty's trading interests in Asia and China. Very.\"\n\n\"They've always sounded like a bunch of pirates to me, gunrunning, opium running, anything for a profit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Both are legal enterprises, my dear Admiral. Struans are highly respectable, Admiral, with very important connections in Parliament.\"\n\nThe Admiral was unimpressed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A lot of ne'er-do-wells there too, by God, if you don't mind my saying. Bloody idiots most of the time, trying to cut Navy funds and our fleets—stupid when England depends on sea power.\"\n\n\"I agree we need the best Navy with the most competent officers to carry out Imperial policy,\" Sir William said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Marlowe, near the Admiral, heard the thinly veiled barb. A quick glance at the back of his superior's neck confirmed the barb had registered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He braced for the inevitable.\n\n\"Imperial policy? Seems to me,\" the Admiral said sharply, \"the Navy spends most of its time pulling civilian and trader fingers out of their smelly holes when their greed or double-dealing takes them into messes they should never have been in in the first place. As for those bastards there,\" his stubby finger pointed at Yokohama on the port side, \"they're the worst bunch of scallywags I've ever seen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Some are, most not, Admiral.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William's chin came out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Without traders and trade there'd be no money, no Empire and no Navy.\"\n\nThe red neck became purple." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Without the Navy there would be no trade and England would not have become the greatest nation in the world, the richest, with the greatest Empire the world has ever seen, by God.\"\n\nBalls, Sir William wanted to shout, but he knew that if he did, here on the quarterdeck of the flagship, the Admiral would have apoplexy, and Marlowe and every sailor within hearing distance would faint." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The thought amused him and removed most of the venom that sleepless nights worrying over the Tokaidō affair had caused, and permitted him to be diplomatic. \"The Navy is the senior service, Admiral. And many share your opinion. I trust we'll be on time?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, yes, we will.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Admiral eased his shoulders, somewhat mollified, his head aching from the bottle of port he had consumed after dinner, on top of the claret." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ship was making about seven knots, into wind, which pleased him. He checked the lie of the fleet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now H.M.S. Pearl was very carefully astern, with two 10-gun paddle sloops to port. The French flagship, a three-masted, 20-gun ironclad paddle frigate, was carelessly to starboard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Her helmsman should be put in irons! She could do with a new coat of paint, new rigging, fumigating to get rid of the garlic, and a bloody good holy-stoning and their crew keelhauled. Don't you agree, Mr. Marlowe?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he was satisfied all was correct, the Admiral then turned back to Sir William." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This... this Struan family and their so-called Noble House, is it really so important?\"\n\n\"Yes. Their trade is enormous, their influence in Asia, notably in China, without compare, except for Brock and Sons.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've seen their clippers, of course. Beauties, and very well armed.\" The Admiral added bluntly, \"I hope to Christ they don't try to peddle opium or guns here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Personally I agree, though it's not against present law.\"\n\n\"It is, according to Chinese law. Or Japan's.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but there are mitigating circumstances,\" Sir William said wearily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had been through the same explanation dozens of times. \"I'm sure you know China will only accept cash, silver or gold, for the tea we must import, nothing else. The only merchandise they'll pay cash for—gold or silver—is opium, nothing else. It's very unfortunate.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then it's up to traders and Parliament and diplomats to pull their fingers out. For the last twenty years the Royal Navy has been enforcing illegal laws in Asia, bombarding China ports and cities, doing all sorts of rotten acts of war, in my opinion just to support opium—a blot on our escutcheon!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William sighed. His orders from the Permanent Under Secretary had been precise: \"For Christ's sake, dear Willie, this is the first time you'll be Minister in charge so be careful, don't make any precipitous decisions, unless they're necessary. You're astonishingly lucky: the telegraph wire has already reached Baghdad, so we can get and send messages there in an incredible seven days; add another six-odd weeks by steamer to Yokohama through the Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean via Singapore and Hong Kong, our instructions will only take an incredible two months to arrive—not the twelve to fifteen months ten-odd years ago. So if you need guidance, which you will all the time if you're wise, you're about four months off our leash, and that's the only thing that protects your neck and our Empire. Clear?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Rule number one: Handle the service Brass with velvet gloves and don't overrule them lightly, because your life and those of all Englishmen in your area depend on them. They're inclined to be boneheaded, which is excellent for obviously we need lots of these sort of fellows to go off and get killed defending our, well, Imperial policy. Do not make waves; Japan is unimportant but in our sphere of influence and we've spent considerable time and money finessing the Russians, Americans and French out. Do not foul up our Japanese nest; we've enough on our Imperial plate with rebellious Indians, Afghans, Arabs, Africans, Persians, Caribbeans, Chinese, to say nothing of the rotten Europeans, Americans, Russians, etc. My dear, dear Willie, be diplomatic and don't fuck up or else!\"\n\nSir William sighed again, bottled his temper, and repeated what he had said a dozen times, the truth: \"A lot of what you say is correct, but unfortunately we have to be practical. Without tax revenue on tea the whole British economy will collapse. Let's hope in a few years our Bengal opium fields can be torched. Meanwhile we have to be patient.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Meanwhile I suggest you embargo all opium here, all modern weapons, all modern warships, and all slavery.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course I agree about slavery, that's been outlawed since '33!\" Sir William's voice edged perceptibly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Americans have been informed long since. As to the rest, unfortunately that's up to London.\"\n\nThe Admiral's chin jutted even further." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, sir, I have certain powers in these waters. You can take it I am instituting such an embargo now. I've heard disquieting rumors about Struan's ordering rifles and cannon for sale. They've already sold these natives three or four armed steamers and the Jappers learn too fast for my liking. I will write formally by tomorrow's mail to the Admiralty to ask them to insist my orders are made permanent.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Minister's face mottled, he planted his feet even more firmly into the deck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"An admirable idea,\" he said icily. \"I will write by the same mail. Meanwhile you cannot make such an order without my approval and until we have a directive from the Foreign Office the status quo remains the status quo!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both of their aides blanched." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Admiral looked at Sir William, of a height with him. All officers and most men would have quailed but Sir William just stared back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll... I'll consider what you say, Sir William. Now if you'll excuse me I have things to do.\" He turned and stomped off for the bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Weakly Marlowe began to follow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For Christ's sake, Marlowe, stop following me like a puppy. If I want you I'll shout. Stay within shouting distance!\"\n\n\"Yessir.\" When the man was well away Marlowe exhaled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William had exhaled too and he mopped his brow and muttered, \"Awfully glad I'm not in the Navy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Me too,\" Tyrer said, amazed by the Minister's courage.\n\nMarlowe's heart was racing, hating to be bellowed at, even by an Admiral, but he did not forget himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I, er... excuse me, sir, but the fleet's very safe in his hands, sir, and the expedition, and we all believe he's quite right about selling ships, guns, cannon and opium. Japanners are already building ships and making small cannon—this year they sailed their first iron steamship, the 300-ton Kanrin maru to San Francisco, crewed and captained entirely by them. They've mastered the deep. That's remarkable in such a short time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, yes, it is.\" Sir William wondered briefly how the Japanese Delegation that went with this ship had fared in Washington, and what mischief President Lincoln would generate against our glorious Empire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aren't we dependent on Confederate cotton for our Lancashire mills that are being ruined?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the same time aren't we increasingly dependent on abundant Union wheat and corn and meat and other trade? He shuddered. God damn that war!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And politicians, and Lincoln." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Didn't the man's inaugural speech in March include: \"... this country belongs to the people and whenever they shall grow weary of their government they can exercise their constitutional right to amend it, or revolutionary right to dismember it or overthrow it...\"\n\nInflammatory to say the least!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If that idea spread to Europe! My God! Dreadful! We may be at war with them any day, certainly at sea. Must have cotton." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was trying to collect himself, heartily relieved that the Admiral had backed down and still cursing himself for losing control. You've got to be more careful, and mustn't worry about Yedo and your stupid, arrogant decision to \"go there, by God, in three days in a battleship and see the Shōgun, by God!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "as though you're Clive of India." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You're not. This is your first tour of the Far East and you're a novice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Madness to put all these men at risk over a few murders, madness to risk a fullscale war. But is it?\n\nSorry, but no." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If the Bakufu get away with this killing, then there will be no end and we will be forced to withdraw—until allied battle fleets return to enforce Imperial wills bloodily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Your decision is correct, the manner of reaching it wrong." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, but it's damned difficult with no one to talk to—who you can trust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thank God Daphne arrives in a couple of months." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I never thought I'd miss her and her counsel so much. I can't wait to see her and my boys—ten months is a long time and I know the change from London's stinking pea soup fogs and gloom will make her happy and please her and it will be grand for the boys." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We could use some English ladies in the Settlement, of the right sort." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We'll go on trips and she will make the Legation a home.\n\nHis eyes focused on the approaching headland." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Around it was Yedo and the cannonade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was that wise? he asked himself queasily. I hope so. Then the landing and going to the Legation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You've got to do that—and prepare for the meeting tomorrow. You're alone in this." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Henri Seratard's waiting for you to mess up, hoping. And the Russian." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But you're the one in charge and it's your job, and don't forget you wanted to be \"Minister\" somewhere, anywhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indeed I did, but I never expected Japan! Damn the Foreign Office." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I've never been in a situation like this: all my experience has been at the French or Russian desk in London or at the Court of St. Petersburg, odd postings wangled to glorious Paris and Monaco with never a warship or regiment in sight..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Marlowe was saying stiffly, \"I hope you don't mind, sir, me giving my opinion of the Admiral's position.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, not at all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William made an effort to put his worry aside: I will try to avoid war, but if it is to be, it will be. \"You're quite right, Mr. Marlowe, and of course I'm honored to have Admiral Ketterer in charge,\" he said, and at once felt better." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Our difference of opinion was over protocol. Yes, but at the same time we should be encouraging the Japanese to industrialize and to sail ships, one ship or twenty's nothing to be concerned about. We should encourage them—we're not here to colonize, but it is we who should be training them, Mr. Marlowe, not the Dutch or the French. Thank you for reminding me—the more our influence here the better.\" He was feeling lighter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was rare for him to be able to talk freely to one of the up-and-coming captains and he found Marlowe impressive, both here and at Kanagawa." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do all officers detest civilians and traders?\"\n\n\"No, sir. But I don't think many of us understand them. We have different lives, different priorities. It's difficult for us a times.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most of Marlowe's attention was on the Admiral, who was talking to the Captain on the bridge, everyone nearby uneasily aware of him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sun broke through the overcast and all at once the day seemed better. \"To be in the Navy is, well, it's all I ever wanted to do.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your family is naval?\"\n\nAt once Marlowe said proudly, \"Yes, sir,\" wanting to add, my father's a Captain, presently in the Home Fleet—so was his father, he was Flag Lieutenant to Admiral Lord Collingwood in Royal Sovereign at Trafalgar—and my forebears have been in the Navy since there was one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And before that, so legend goes, they ran privateers out of Dorset where the family comes from—we've lived there, in the same house, for more than four centuries. But he said none of it, his training telling him it would sound like boasting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He just added, \"My family come from Dorset.\"\n\n\"Mine come from the north of England, Northumberland, for generations,\" Sir William said absently, his eyes on the approaching headland, his mind on the Bakufu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My father died when I was young—he was a Member of Parliament, with business interests in Sunderland and London, and dealt in the Baltic trade and Russian furs. My mother was Russian so I grew up bilingual and that got me on the first rung of the F.O. She was...\" He caught himself just in time, astonished that he had volunteered so much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had been going to add that she, his mother, was born the Countess Sveva, a cousin to the Romanovs, that she was still alive and once had been a lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I really must concentrate—as if my family and background were any of their business. \"Er, what about you, Tyrer?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"London, sir. Father's a solicitor, like his father.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Phillip Tyrer laughed. \"After I got my degree at London University and told him I wanted to join the Foreign Office he almost had a fit! And when I applied to become an interpreter in Japan he told me I'd gone mad.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps he was right, you're damned lucky to be alive and you're hardly here a week. Don't you agree, Marlowe?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir. That's true.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Marlowe thought the time apt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By the way, Phillip, how is Mr. Struan?\"\n\n\"Neither good nor bad was how George Babcott put it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I certainly hope he recovers,\" Sir William said, a sudden ache in his bowels.\n\nWhen he had gone to Kanagawa three days ago, Marlowe had met his cutter and told him what he knew about Struan and Tyrer, about losing the soldier, the suicide of the assassin, and chasing the other one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pallidar and I charged after the bugger, Sir William, but the man had just vanished. We combed the surrounding houses but nothing. Tyrer thinks they might be the two Tokaidō attackers, sir, the murderers. But he's not sure, most of them look alike, don't they?\"\n\n\"But if they were the two, why should they risk going to the Legation?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The best we could come up with was perhaps to prevent identification and to finish the job, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had left the wharf and hurried through the ominously deserted streets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about the girl, Mr. Marlowe?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Seems to be fine, sir. Just shaken.\"\n\n\"Good, thank God for that. The French Minister is wound up as tight as a gnat's bum about the \"vile insult to the honor of France and one of his nationals who is also his ward.\" The sooner she's back in Yokohama the better—oh, by the way, the Admiral asked me to tell you to return to Yokohama at once. There's a lot to do. We, er, we've decided to pay Yedo a formal visit in three days, by flagship...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Marlowe had felt his excitement explode." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sea or land engagements were the only real way to quick promotion and to the Admiral's bars he would have at all costs. I'll make the Old Man proud of me, and get Flag Rank long before Charles and Percy—his two younger brothers, both Lieutenants." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And now on the deck of the flagship, the sun good, the deck throbbing with the power of the engines, his excitement welled up again. \"We'll be off Yedo before you know it, sir. Your entrance will be the biggest that's ever been, you'll get the murderers, indemnity and anything else you want.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both Tyrer and Sir William had heard the excitement, but Sir William only felt chilled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, well, I think I'll go below for a minute. No, thank you, Mr. Marlowe, I know the way.\"\n\nWith great relief, the two young men watched him go." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Marlowe checked that the Admiral was within sight. \"What happened at Kanagawa after I left, Phillip?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was, well, extraordinary, she was extraordinary, if that's what you were asking.\"\n\n\"How so?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About five o'clock she came down and went straight to see Malcolm Struan and stayed with him until dinner—that's when I saw her. She seemed... seemed older, no, that's not quite right either, not older but more serious than before, mechanical. George says she's still in some form of shock. During dinner Sir William said he'd take her back with him to Yokohama but she just thanked him and refused, said she'd first have to make sure Malcolm was all right, and neither he nor George nor any of us could persuade her otherwise. She hardly ate anything and went back to his sickroom, stayed with him and even insisted on having a cot made up there so she could be within call if need be. In fact, for the next two days, until yesterday when I went back to Yokohama, she hardly left his side and we barely spoke a dozen words to her.\"\n\nMarlowe covered a sigh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She must love him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's the strange part. Neither Pallidar nor I think that's the reason. It's almost as though she's... well, 'disembodied' is too strong a word. It's more like she's partially in a dream and that being with him is safe.\"\n\n\"Christ! What did Sawbones say?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He just shrugged and said to be patient, not to worry, and that she was the best tonic Malcolm Struan could have.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can imagine. How is he, really?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Drugged most of the time, lot of pain, lot of vomit and loose bowels—don't know how she stands the smell though the window's open all the time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fear washed over both of them at the thought of being so wounded and so helpless. Tyrer glanced ahead, to hide, still deeply conscious that his own wound had not yet healed, knowing it could still rot, and that his sleep had been nightmared with samurai and bleeding swords and her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Every time I popped by to see Malcolm—and, to be honest, to see her,\" he continued, \"she just answered me with 'yes, no or I don't know,' so after a while I gave up. She's... she's still as attractive as ever.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Marlowe wondered: If Struan weren't around, would she be truly out of reach? How serious a rival could Tyrer be?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pallidar he dismissed as not in the same league—she couldn't like that pompous bugger.\n\n\"My word, look!\" Tyrer said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were rounding the headland and they saw the vast Bay of Yedo before them, open sea to starboard, smoke from cooking fires of the sprawling city shrouding it, the landscape and overlording castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Astonishingly the bay was almost empty of the multitude of ferries and sampans and fishing boats that normally abounded, with the few there scurrying for shore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tyrer was very uneasy. \"Is it going to be war?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a pause, Marlowe said, \"They had their warning. Most of us think no, not a fullscale war, not yet, not this time. There'll be incidents...\" Then, because he liked Tyrer and admired his courage, he opened his mind to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There'll be incidents and skirmishes of various sizes, some of our people will get killed, some will discover they are cowards, some will become heroes, most will be petrified from time to time, some will be decorated but of course we will win.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tyrer thought about that, remembering how frightened he had already been but how Babcott had convinced him that the first time was the worst time, how brave Marlowe had been rushing after the assassin, how ravishing Angelique was—and how good it was to be alive, young, with one foot on the ladder to \"Minister.\" He smiled. Its warmth lit up Marlowe as well. \"All's fair in love and war, isn't it?\" he said." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with 8 sentences in the style of James Clavell." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The 21-gun salute from each of the six warships, anchored off Yedo, that had accompanied the flagship echoed and re-echoed, all personnel in the fleet excited and proud of their power and that the time for restitution had come.\n\n\"Thus far and no further, Sir William,\" Phillip Tyrer exulted, standing beside him at the gunnel, the smell of cordite heady. The city was vast. Silent. The castle dominant.\n\n\"We'll see.\"\n\nOn the bridge of the flagship the Admiral said quietly to the General, \"This should convince you that our Wee Willie's just a little popinjay with delusions of grandeur. Royal salute be damned. We'd better watch our backsides.\"\n\n\"You're right, by Jove! Yes. I'll add it to my monthly report to inform the War Office.\"\n\nOn the deck of the French flagship, Henri Seratard was puffing his pipe and laughing with the Russian Minister." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Keep going w/ three sentences more" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With the cannonade a great fear exploded over Yedo. All remaining skeptics joined the masses clogging every road and bridge and lane, fleeing with the few possessions they could carry—of course no wheels anywhere—everyone expecting that bursting shells and rockets they had heard of but had never witnessed would any moment rain fire and their city would burn, burn, burn and them with it.\n\n\"Death to gai-jin,\" was on every lip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hurry... Out of the way... Hurry!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People were shouting, here and there in panic, a few crushed or shoved off bridges or into houses, most stoically plodding onwards—but always away from the sea. \"Death to gai-jin!\" they said as they fled.\n\nThe exodus had begun this morning, the moment the fleet had weighed anchor in Yokohama harbor, though three days earlier the more prudent merchants had quietly hired the best porters and removed themselves, their families and valuables when rumors of the unfortunate incident—and the resulting foreign uproar and demands—had flashed through the city." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only the samurai in the castle and those manning the outer defenses and strong points were still in place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And, as always and everywhere, the carrion of the streets, animal and human, who slunk and sniffed around the lockless houses, seeking what could be stolen and later sold. Very little was stolen. Looting was considered a particularly hideous crime and, from time immemorial, perpetrators would be pursued relentlessly until caught and then crucified." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Any form of stealing was punished in the same fashion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within the castle keep, Shōgun Nobusada and Princess Yazu were cowering behind a flimsy screen, their arms around each other, their guards, maids and court ready for instant departure, only awaiting the Guardian's permission to leave. Everywhere in the castle proper, men were preparing defenses in depth, others harnessing horses and packing the most valuable possessions of the Elders for evacuation, with their owners, the moment shelling began or word was brought to the Council that enemy troops were disembarking.\n\nIn the Council chamber at the hurriedly convened meeting of the Elders, Yoshi was saying, \"I repeat, I don't believe they'll attack us in force, or sh—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And I see no reason to wait. To go is prudent, they will start shelling any moment,\" Anjo said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The first cannonade was their warning.\"\n\n\"I don't think so, I think it was just an arrogant announcement of their presence. There were no shells in the city. The fleet won't shell us and I repeat, I believe the meeting tomorrow will take place as planned. At the meet—\"\n\n\"How can you be so blind? If our positions were reversed and you commanded that fleet and possessed that overwhelming power, would you hesitate for a moment?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anjo was stark with rage. \"Well, would you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, of course not! But they are not us and we not them and that's the way to control them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are beyond understanding!\" In exasperation Anjo turned to the other three Councillors. \"The Shōgun must be taken to a safe place, we must go too to carry on the government. That's all I propose, a temporary absence. Except for our personal retainers, all other samurai will stay, the Bakufu stays.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once more he glared at Yoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You stay if you wish. Now we will vote: the temporary absence is approved!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wait! If you do that the Shōgunate will lose face forever, we'll never be able to control the daimyos and their opposition—or the Bakufu. Never!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We are just being prudent! The Bakufu remains in place. So do all warriors. As Chief Councillor it's my right to call for a vote, so vote! I vote Yes!\"\n\n\"I say No!\" Yoshi said.\n\n\"I agree with Yoshi-san,\" Utani said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was a short, thin man with kind eyes and spare visage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree, if we leave we lose face forever.\"\n\nYoshi smiled back, liking him—daimyos of the Watasa fief were ancient allies since before Sekigahara. He looked at the other two, both senior members of Toranaga clans." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Neither met his eyes. \"Adachi-sama?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, Adachi, daimyo of Mito, a rotund little man, said nervously, \"I agree with Anjo-sama that we should leave, and the Shōgun of course. But I also agree with you that then we may lose even though we gain. Respectfully I vote No!\"\n\nThe last Elder, Toyama, was in his middle fifties, grey-haired with heavy dewlaps and blind in one eye from a hunting accident—an old man as ages went in Japan. He was daimyo of Kii, father of the young Shōgun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It bothers me not at all if we live or die, nor the death of my son, this Shōgun—there will always be another. But it bothers me very much to retreat just because gai-jin have anchored off our shore. I vote against retreat and for attack. I vote we go to the coast and if the jackals land we kill them all, their ships, cannon, rifles notwithstanding!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We don't have enough troops here,\" Anjo said, sick of the old man and his militancy that had never been proved. \"How many times do I have to say it: we do not have enough troops to hold the castle and stop them landing in strength. How many times do I have to repeat, our spies say they have two thousand soldiers with rifles in the ships and at the Settlement, and ten times that number in Hong Kong an—\"\n\nYoshi interrupted angrily, \"We would have had more than enough samurai and their daimyos here if you hadn't cancelled sankin-kotai!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That was at the Emperor's request, given in writing and presented by a Prince of his Court. We had no option but to obey. You would also have obeyed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes—if I'd taken delivery of the document! But I would never have accepted it, I would have been away, or would have delayed the Prince, any one of a hundred ploys, or bartered with Sanjiro who instigated the 'requests,' or told one of our Court supporters to petition the Emperor to withdraw the requests,\" Yoshi's voice snapped. \"Any petition from the Shōgunate must be approved—that's historic law. We still control the Court's stipend! You betrayed our heritage.\"\n\n\"You call me a traitor?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "To everyone's shock Anjo's hand tightened on his sword hilt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I say you allowed Sanjiro to puppet you,\" Yoshi replied without moving, calm on the surface of his skin, hoping that Anjo would make the first move and then he could kill him and have done with his stupidity forever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is no precedent to go against the Legacy. It was a betrayal.\"\n\n\"All daimyos other than immediate Toranaga families wanted it! The consensus of Bakufu agreed, the roju agreed, better to agree than to force all daimyos into the camp of the outside lords to challenge us at once as Sanjiro, the Tosas and Choshus would have done. We would have been totally isolated. Isn't that true?\" he said to the others. \"Well, isn't it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Utani said quietly, \"It's certainly true I agreed—but now I think it was a mistake.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The mistake we made was not to intercept Sanjiro and kill him,\" Toyama said.\n\n\"He was protected by Imperial Mandate,\" Anjo said.\n\nHis old man's lips curled from his yellow teeth. \"So?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "hey can u write three sentences more sentences? kinda like James Clavell but in historical fiction, Japan style" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was just before dawn. Ori and Hiraga, again in all-encompassing ninja clothes, came out of their hiding place in the temple grounds overlooking the Legation and ran silently down the hill, across the wooden bridge and into an alley, down it and into another. Hiraga led. A dog saw them, growled, moved into their path and died." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The deft short arc of Hiraga's sword was instantaneous and he hurried onwards with the blade unsheathed, hardly missing a step, ever deeper into the city. Ori followed carefully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Today his wound had begun to fester." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the lee of a hut on a protected corner, Hiraga stopped. \"It's safe here, Ori!\" he whispered.\n\nHastily both men slipped out of their ninja clothes and stuffed them into the soft bag Hiraga carried slung on his back, replacing them with nondescript kimonos." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With great care Hiraga cleansed his sword using a piece of silk cloth, carried for that purpose by all swordsmen to protect their blades, then sheathed it. \"Ready?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nAgain he led onwards into the maze, surefooted, staying under cover where he could, hesitating at every open space until he was sure they were safe, seeing no one, meeting no one, then pressing on, heading for their safe house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had been watching the Legation since early morning, the bonzes—the Buddhist priests—pretending not to notice them, once they were sure the two men were not thieves and Hiraga had identified himself and their purpose: to spy on the gai-jin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All bonzes were fanatically xenophobic and anti-gai-jin, to them synonymous with Jesuit, still their most hated and feared enemy. \"Ah, you are shishi, then you are both welcome,\" the old monk had said. \"We have never forgotten Jesuits ruined us, or that the Toranaga Shoguns are our scourge.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the middle of the fifteenth century to the early sixteenth, Portuguese alone knew the way to Japan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Papal edicts had also given them exclusivity to the islands, and Portuguese Jesuits the sole right to proselytize. Within a few years they had converted so many daimyos to Catholicism, therefore naturally their retainers, that Dictator Goroda had used them as an excuse to massacre thousands of Buddhist monks at that time militant, dominant in the land and opposed to him.\n\nThe tairō, Nakamura, who inherited his power, expanded it immensely, and played off bonze against Jesuit with honey, persecution, suffering and killing. Then came Toranaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga, tolerant of all religions, though not of foreign influence, observed that all converted daimyos had initially fought against him at Sekigahara. Three years later, he became Shōgun and two years after that he resigned in favor of his son, Sudara, but kept actual power—an old established Japanese custom.\n\nDuring his lifetime he lashed Jesuits and Buddhists severely, and eliminated or neutralized the Catholic daimyos." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His son, Shōgun Sudara, tightened the curbs and his son, Shōgun Hironaga, finished the plan laid down so carefully in the Legacy where he formally outlawed Christianity from Japan on pain of death. In 1638, Shōgun Hironaga destroyed the last Christian bastion at Shimabara, near Nagasaki, where a few thousand ronin, thirty thousand peasants and their families were in rebellion against him. Those who refused to recant were crucified or put to the sword immediately as common criminals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All but a handful refused." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he turned his attention to the Buddhists. Within days he was pleased to accept the gift of all their lands, and so fettered them.\n\n\"You are welcome, Hiraga-san, Ori-san,\" the old monk had said again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We are for the shishi, for sonnojoi and against the Shōgunate. You are free to come or go as you please. If you want help, tell us.\"\n\n\"Then keep a tally of the numbers of soldiers, their comings and goings, what rooms are occupied and by whom.\"\n\nThe two men had waited and watched throughout the day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At dusk they put on their ninja clothes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Twice Hiraga moved closer to the Legation, once he scaled the fence to experiment and reconnoiter but quickly retreated unseen when a patrol almost trod on him.\n\n\"We'll never get in by night, Ori,\" he whispered. \"Or by day. Too many troops now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How long do you think they'll stay?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga smiled. \"Until we drive them out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now they were almost at their safe house, an Inn that lay to the east of the castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dawn was near, the sky lighter and cloud cover thinner than yesterday. Ahead the street was deserted. So was the bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Confident, Hiraga hurried onto it, skidded to a stop." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A Bakufu patrol of ten men stepped out of the shadows. At once both sides went into attack-defense positions, hands on their sword hilts.\n\n\"Come forward and give me your identification papers,\" the senior samurai called out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who are you to challenge anyone?\"\n\n\"You see our badges,\" the man said angrily, stepping onto the wooden slats of the bridge. The remainder of his men spread out behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We are warriors of Mito, 9th Regiment, guardians of the Shōgun. Identify yourselves.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have been spying on the enemy stockade. Let us pass.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You look like thieves. What's in that bag on your back, eh? Identification!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ori's shoulder was throbbing. He had seen the telltale discoloration but had hidden it from Hiraga, and the pain. His head ached but he knew instantly he had nothing to lose and an admirable death to gain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sonnojoi!\" he bellowed suddenly, and hurled himself at the samurai on the bridge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The others backed off to give them room as Ori hacked with all his might, recovered as the blow was deflected and again attacked, feinted, and this time his blow was true. The man was dead on his feet, then crumpled. At once Ori darted for another man who retreated, went for another who also retreated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ring of men began to close.\n\n\"Sonnojoi!\" Hiraga shouted, and rushed to Ori's side. Together they stood at bay." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Identify yourselves!\" a young warrior said, unimpressed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am Hiro Watanabe and do not wish to kill or be killed by an unknown warrior.\"\n\n\"I am shishi from Satsuma!\" Ori said proudly, adding an alias as was their usual custom, \"Riyama Takagaki.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I from Choshu, my name Shodan Moto! Sonnojoi,\" Hiraga shouted, and hurled himself at Watanabe, who retreated without fear, as did the others nearby.\n\n\"I've never heard of either of you,\" Watanabe said through his teeth. \"You're not shishi—you are scum.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His rush was parried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga, a master swordsman, used his assailant's strength and speed to catch him off balance, sidestepped and cut under the opposing sword into the man's unprotected side, withdrew and in one continuous movement sliced into the man's neck, decapitated him as he toppled to the ground, ending once more in perfect attack position.\n\nThe silence was profound. \"Who did you study under?\" someone asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Toko Fujita was one of my Sensei,\" Hiraga said, every part of him ready for the next killing.\n\n\"Eeeee!\" This was one of Mito's revered sword masters, who had been killed in Yedo's earthquake of '55 when a hundred thousand also perished.\n\n\"They are shishi, and men of Mito do not kill shishi, their own kind,\" one of the men said softly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sonnojoi!\" Warily, this man moved aside a pace, not sure of the others, his sword still ready." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They looked at him, then at one another. Opposite him another man moved. Now there was an inviting, narrow path between them, but all swords stayed poised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga readied, expecting a trick, but Ori nodded to himself, his pain forgotten, victory or death the same to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Taking his time, he cleansed his blade and sheathed it." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Politely he bowed to both the dead men and strode through the narrow passage, looking neither right nor left nor backwards.\n\nIn a moment Hiraga followed. Equally slowly. Until they turned the corner. Then they both took to their heels and did not stop until they were well away." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding two sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The five Bakufu representatives came leisurely into the Legation forecourt in their palanquins. They were an hour late and preceded by samurai with banners bearing their official emblems and surrounded by guards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William stood at the top of the wide steps that led to the imposing entrance. Beside him were the French, Russian and Prussian Ministers—their aides, Phillip Tyrer and others of the Legation staff to one side—and an honor guard of Highlanders with some French soldiers Seratard had insisted upon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Admiral Ketterer and the General had remained aboard, in reserve." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ceremoniously the Japanese bowed, Sir William and the others raised their hats. Ritually they conducted the Japanese to the large audience hall, trying to restrain their amusement at their outlandish costumes: small black lacquered hats set square on their shaven pates and tied elaborately under their chins, the vast shouldered overgarments, multicolored ceremonial silk kimonos, voluminous pantaloons, thong sandals and shoe socks split between the toes—tabi—fans in their belts and the inevitable two swords." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Those hats aren't big enough to piss in,\" the Russian said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William sat in the center of one line of chairs with the Ministers, Phillip Tyrer on one end to balance the delegation. The Bakufu took the opposite row, interpreters on cushions in between." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After lengthy discussion they agreed on five guards each." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These men stood behind their masters and eyed each other suspiciously.\n\nFollowing strict protocol, the adversaries introduced themselves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga Yoshi was last: \"Tomo Watanabe, junior official, second class,\" he said, pretending a humbleness he did not feel, and took the lowest position at the end of the row, his clothes less elaborate than those of the others who, with all guards, had been commanded on pain of punishment to treat him as the least important official here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He settled himself, feeling strange. How ugly these enemies are, he was thinking, how ridiculous and laughable with their tall hats, outlandish boots and ugly, heavy black clothes—no wonder they stink!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William said carefully and simply: \"An Englishman has been murdered by Satsuma samurai...\"\n\nBy five o'clock European tempers were frayed, the Japanese still polite, smiling, outwardly imperturbable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a dozen different ways their spokesman claimed that... so sorry, but they had no jurisdiction over the Satsuma, or knowledge of the murderers or any way to find them, but yes, it was a regrettable affair, but no, they did not know how to obtain reparations, but yes, under some circumstances reparations might be sought, but no, the Shōgun was not available, but yes, the Shōgun would be pleased to grant an audience when he returned, but no, not in the foreseeable future, but yes, we will immediately petition for an exact day, but no, it could not be this month because his present whereabouts are not known for certain, but yes, it would be as soon as possible, but no, the next meeting and all meetings should not take place in Yedo, but yes, in Kanagawa, but so sorry, not this month, perhaps next, but no, so sorry we do not have authority..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every point had to be translated from English to Dutch to Japanese—as usual to be discussed at length by them—then pedantically resubmitted into Dutch into English with an inevitable homily, and ever polite requests for explanations on the most trivial point.\n\nYoshi found the whole proceeding vastly interesting, never having been near gai-jin en masse or attended a meeting where unequals, astonishingly, discussed policy and did not listen and obey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three of the other four were genuine though unimportant Bakufu officials." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All had used false names, a normal custom when dealing with aliens." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The imposter, who secretly spoke English, sat beside Yoshi. His name was Misamoto." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi had ordered him to remember everything, to tell him discreetly of anything important not translated accurately, otherwise to keep his mouth shut." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was a felon under sentence of death.\n\nWhen Yoshi had sent for him the day before yesterday, Misamoto had at once prostrated himself, shaking with fear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get up and sit over there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi pointed with his fan to the edge of the tatami platform on which he sat.\n\nMisamoto obeyed instantly. He was a small man with slitted eyes and long, grizzled hair and beard, the sweat running down his face, his clothes coarse and almost rags, hands callused and his skin the color of dark honey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You will tell me the truth: your interrogators report that you speak English?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\"\n\n\"You were born in Anjiro in Izu and have been to the land called America?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\"\n\n\"How long were you there?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Almost four years, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where in America?\"\n\n\"San Francisco, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is San'frensiska?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A big city, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just there?\"\n\n\"Yes, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi studied him, needing information quickly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could see that the man was desperate to please but at the same time frightened to death, of him and of the guards who had hustled him in and shoved his head to the ground. So he decided to try a different approach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He dismissed the guards and got up and leaned on the windowsill, looking at the city. \"Tell me, quickly, in your own words what happened to you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was a fisherman in the village of Anjiro in Izu, Lord, where I was born thirty-three years ago, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Misamoto began at once—obviously the tale told a hundred times before. \"Nine years ago I was fishing with six others in my boat, a few ri offshore, but we were caught in a sudden storm that quickly became a great one and we were blown before it for thirty days or more, eastwards, out into the great sea, hundreds of ri, perhaps a thousand, Sire. During this time, three of my companions were washed overboard. Then the sea became calm but our sails had been ripped to pieces and there was no food and no water. The three of us fished but caught nothing, there was no water to drink... One of us went mad and jumped into the sea and began to swim to an island he thought he saw and drowned quickly. We saw no land or ship, just water. Many days later the other man, my friend Ishii, died and I was alone. Then one day I thought I had died because I saw this strange ship that went along without sails and seemed to be on fire, but it was just a paddle steamer, American, going from Hong Kong to San Francisco. They rescued me, gave me food and treated me as one of them—I was petrified, Lord, but they shared their food and drink and clothed me...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This American ship took you to this San place? What happened then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Misamoto told how he had been put with a brother of the Captain of this ship, a ship's chandler, to learn the language and do odd jobs until the authorities decided what to do with him. He lived with this family for about three years, working in their shop and in the port." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One day, he was taken before an important official called Natow who questioned him closely, then told him he was to be sent with the warship Missouri to Shimoda to be an interpreter for Consul Townsend Harris who was already in Japan negotiating a Treaty. By this time he wore Western clothes and had learned some Western ways." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I accepted happily, Sire, certain I could be helpful here, especially helpful to the Bakufu. On the ninth day of the eighth month of the year 1857 by their counting, five years ago, Sire, we hove to off Shimoda in Izu, my home village not far north, Sire. The moment I was ashore I obtained permission to leave for a day and set off at once, Lord, to report to the nearest guard house to find the nearest Bakufu official, believing I would be welcome because of the knowledge I had got... But the barrier guards would not...\" Misamoto's face twisted with anguish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But they wouldn't listen to me, Sire, or understand... They bound me and dragged me to Yedo... That was about five years ago, Lord, and ever since I've been treated like a criminal, confined like one though not in prison and I keep explaining and explaining I'm not a spy but a loyal man of Izu and what had happened to me...\"\n\nTo Yoshi's disgust, tears began streaming down the man's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He cut the whimpering short." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stop it! Do you or do you not know it is forbidden, by law, to leave Nippon without permission?\"\n\n\"Yes, Lord, but I th—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And do you know under the same law, if broken, whatever the reason, whoever he or she is, the lawbreaker is forbidden to return on pain of death?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, yes, Sire, yes—yes I did but—but I did not think it would include me, Sire, I thought I'd be welcomed and valuable and I'd been blown out to sea. It was the storm th—\"\n\n\"A law is a law. This law is a good law. It prevents contamination. You consider you have been treated unfairly?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, no, Lord,\" Misamoto said hastily, wiping his tears away, with even greater fear, bowing his head to the tatami." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, I beg your forgiveness, please ex—\"\n\n\"Just answer the questions. How fluent is your English?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I... I understand and speak some American English, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is that the same as the gai-jin here speak?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire, yes, more or less—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When you came to see the American Harris were you shaven or unshaven?\"\n\n\"Unshaven, Sire. I had a trimmed beard like most sailors, Sire, and let my hair grow like theirs and tied into a pigtail and knotted with tar.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who did you meet with this gai-jin Harris?\"\n\n\"Just him, Sire, just for an hour or so, and one of his staff, I don't remember his name.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once more Yoshi weighed the dangers of his plan: to go to the meeting disguised, without Council approval, and to use this man as a spy, to overhear the enemy secretly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps Misamoto is a spy already, for gai-jin, he thought grimly, as all his interrogators believe. Certainly he's a liar, his story far too smooth, his eyes too cunning, and he's like a fox when off guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very well. Later I want to know everything you have learned, everything and... do you read and write?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Lord, but only a little in the English.\"\n\n\"Good. I have a use for you. If you obey exactly and please me, I will review your case. If you fail me, however slightly, you-will-wish-you-had-not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He explained what he wanted, assigned him teachers, and when his guards had returned Misamoto yesterday clean-shaven, his hair dressed like a samurai's, and wearing the clothes of an official with two swords though these were false and without blades, he had not recognized him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. Walk up and down.\"\n\nMisamoto obeyed and Yoshi was impressed how quickly the man had learned an erect posture as the teacher had shown him, not the correct, normal servile attitude of a fisherman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Too quickly, he thought, convinced now that Misamoto was more, or less, than he wanted others to see.\n\n\"You understand clearly what you are to do?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Add two sentences to continue story" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Phillip Tyrer returned to the other reception room overlooking the forecourt, he went up to Johann with as much dignity as he could muster. The Bakufu officials paid no attention and continued chatting, Yoshi slightly apart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Misamoto was beside him—the only one not talking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Johann, give them Sir William's compliments and tell them today's unsatisfactory meeting is adjourned and they are to reconvene tomorrow at ten for what he expects will be a satisfactory conclusion to this unwarranted affair: the murderers, the indemnity and a guaranteed early meeting with the Shōgun or else.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Johann blanched. \"Just like that?\"\n\n\"Yes, exactly like that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tyrer was also tired of the shillyshallying, constantly reminded of John Canterbury's violent death, Malcolm Struan's serious wounds and Angelique's terror. \"Tell them!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He watched Johann deliver the short ultimatum in guttural Dutch. The Japanese interpreter flushed and began the lengthy translation as Tyrer studied the officials carefully without appearing to do so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Four were attentive, the last was not, the small man with narrow eyes and callused hands that he had noticed earlier—all other hands were well groomed. Again this man began whispering to the youngest and most handsome official, Watanabe, as he had been doing from time to time all day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wish to God I could understand what they were saying, Tyrer thought irritably, more determined than ever to do whatever was necessary to learn the language quickly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the shocked and embarrassed interpreter finished there was a silence, broken only by the sucking in of breath though all faces remained impassive. During the translation he had noticed two glance surreptitiously at Watanabe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now they seemed to be waiting. Watanabe dropped his eyes, hid behind his fan and muttered something." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once the narrow-eyed man beside him stood awkwardly, and spoke briefly. Relieved, they all got up and, without bowing, silently trooped out, Watanabe last, except for the interpreter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Johann, they really got the message this time,\" Tyrer said happily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. And they were very plenty pissed.\"\n\n\"Obviously that's what Sir William wanted.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Johann mopped his brow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was brown-haired and medium height, thin, strong with a hard, lined face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The sooner you're interpreter the better. It's time I went home to my mountains and snows while I've still got my head intact. There're too many of these cretins, they're too unpredictable.\"\n\n\"As the interpreter, surely you have a privileged position,\" Tyrer said uneasily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The first to know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And the carrier of bad news! They're all bad news, mon vieux. They hate us and can't wait to throw us out. I made a contract with your Foreign Office for two years, renewable by mutual consent. The contract, she is up in two months and three days and my English is going to hell.\" Johann went to the sideboard near the window and took a deep draft of the beer he had ordered instead of tea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No renewal, whatever the temptation.\" He beamed suddenly. \"Merde, that's the problem about leaving here.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with eight sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "McFay looked up from the piles of letters, documents and journals littering his desk. \"How is he?\" he asked anxiously as Dr. Babcott came in and closed the door. The office was spacious, facing the High Street and the sea.\n\n\"It was a stomach seizure of some kind, Jamie. To be expected, I'm afraid, poor chap. I dressed his wound—he'd torn a few stitches. I gave him a draft of laudanum.\" Babcott rubbed his eyes, red-rimmed with fatigue, his frock coat heavy and frayed at the sleeves and stained, here and there, with chemicals and dried blood. \"Not much more I can do for him at the moment. What's the latest from the fleet?\"\n\n\"Status quo: the fleet's at action stations, Legation's still surrounded, the Bakufu are supposed to appear soon.\"\n\n\"What happens if they don't?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "McFay shrugged. \"I've had orders to get Malcolm back to Hong Kong as soon as possible—very important for him. I can get him on the mail sh—\"\n\n\"I absolutely forbid it,\" Babcott said, with more anger than he intended. \"That would be stupid and highly dangerous, highly dangerous. If they got into a storm, which is likely this time of the year... well, severe and prolonged vomiting would tear the repairs apart—which would kill him. No!\"\n\n\"Then when will it be safe?\"\n\nThe doctor glanced out of the windows. Whitecaps out past the headland, none in the bay. Sky overcast. He weighed his helplessness against his knowledge. \"At least a week, perhaps a month. God knows, Jamie, I don't.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you were to go on the mail ship, would that help?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For Christ's sake, no! Didn't you hear me clearly? No. No! He's not to move. Nine days on a ship would kill him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "McFay's face closed. \"What are Malcolm's chances? Really. It's very important I know.\"\n\n\"Still good. His temperature's more or less normal and there's no sign of any festering.\" Babcott rubbed his eyes again and yawned. \"Sorry, didn't mean to snap at you. Been up since midnight patching the results of a sailor-versus-soldier Drunk Town brawl, and a dawn emergency in the Yoshiwara, had to sew up a young woman who tried to cut herself into the next world.\" He sighed. \"It would help to keep him as calm as possible. I'd say his bad news probably brought on the attack.\"\n\nThe knowledge and implications of Culum Struan's death and therefore Malcolm's new status as tai-pan—of vital and immediate concern to all their rivals—had rushed through the Settlement. In Brock's, Norbert Greyforth had interrupted a meeting to open the first bottle of champagne from the case he had had kept chilled against this day for many weeks–chilled in their new, and highly profitable, ice house next door to their godown. \"Best news we've had in years,\" he chortled to Dmitri, \"and I've another twenty cases for the party I'm throwing tonight. A toast, Dmitri!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He raised his cut glass, the best Venetian that money could buy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here's to the tai-pan of the Noble House: out with the Old, out with the New, by God, and may they be bankrupt within the year!\"\n\n\"I'll drink with you, Norbert, but to the success of the new tai-pan, none of the rest,\" Dmitri said.\n\n\"Open your eyes to reality. They're the old, we're the new—once they had guts when Dirk Struan was alive but now they're weak, McFay's weak–why, with his enthusiastic help and a little persuasion on the night of Canterbury's murder we could have roused the whole Settlement, the fleet, the Army, we'd have captured this bugger Satsuma king, hanged him, and be living happily ever after.\"\n\n\"I agree. John Canterbury's going to be revenged, one way or another. Poor bastard,\" Dmitri said. \"You know he left me his business?\" Canterbury's was one of the smaller trading houses, specializing in the export of silk cloth, and particularly cocoons and silkworm eggs, a highly lucrative trade to France where the silk industry, once the best in the world, had been decimated by disease. \"John always said he would but I never believed him. I'm his Executor too—Wee Willie gave me the deed before he left.\"\n\n\"Samurai are all bastards, no reason to murder him like that. What about his musume? Old John was besotted with her. She's carrying, isn't she?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, that was a rumor. In his will he asked me to take care of her, give her money to buy her own shack. I went to see her but her mama-san, Raiko, that old bat, she told me the girl had gone back to her village but she'd send on any money. I paid over what John had said, so that was that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thoughtfully Norbert finished his wine and poured more and felt better." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You should take care of yourself too,\" he said, keeping his voice down, judging the time ripe. \"You've the future to think of, not a few rolls of cloth and worm eggs. Consider the Great Game, the American game. With our contacts we can buy any amount of British, French or Prussian armaments—we've just signed an exclusive deal to represent Krupp's in the Far East—at better prices than Struan's can give you, have them delivered in Hawaii for transshipment to... to wherever, no questions asked.\"\n\n\"I'll drink to that.\"\n\n\"Whatever you want, we can get cheaper and faster.\" Norbert refilled their glasses. \"I like Dom Pérignon, it's better than Tatt—that old monk knew about color and sugar, and the lack of it. Like Hawaiian sugar,\" he added delicately, \"I hear it's going to be so pricey this year to be almost a national treasure, for North or South.\"\n\nDmitri's glass stopped in midair. \"Meaning?\"\n\n\"Meaning, just between us, Brock and Sons have the lock on this year's crop, meaning that Struan's won't have so much as a hundred-pound sack, so your deal with them won't happen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When's this going to be common knowledge?\" Dmitri's eyes slitted." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would you like to be part of it? Our deal? We could use a trustworthy agent for the States, North and South.\"\n\nDmitri poured for both of them, enjoying the touch of the chilled glass. \"In return for what?\"\n\n\"A toast: to the demise of the Noble House!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start, then u do 1 sentence in James Clavell's voice ok?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the Legation audience room Sir William, flanked by a Scots officer, Phillip Tyrer and guards sat coldly facing three Japanese officials who were leisurely seating themselves, their guards behind them: the grey-haired Elder, Adachi, daimyo of Mito, the mock samurai, Misamoto the fisherman, and last, a short, big-bellied, Bakufu official, secretly fluent in Dutch, whose covert assignment was to report in private to Yoshi on the meeting and the behavior of the other two." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As usual, none had used their correct names." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Five palanquins had arrived yesterday, with the same ceremony though an increased number of guards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only three were occupied, which Sir William had found curiously disturbing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This, added to heightened samurai activity during the night around the temple and Legation, prompted him to send a partial alarm signal to the fleet by half-masting the pennant that he hoped Ketterer would understand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outside in the forecourt, Hiraga, again disguised as a gardener, had been equally perturbed—even more so that Toranaga Yoshi was not amongst the officials." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This meant the attack plan so carefully poised to ambush Yoshi near the castle gates on his return had to be called off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once he had tried to melt away, but samurai irritably ordered him back to work." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seething, he obeyed, waiting his chance to escape." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're two and a half hours late,\" Sir William said icily as an opening salvo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In civilized countries diplomatic meetings are on time, not late!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Immediate and flowery apologies of no consequence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the usual obligatory introductions and sugary compliments and aggravating politenesses, and over an hour of back and forth, of demands calmly deflected, ponderous arguments, delays requested, astonishment where none was merited, questions needing to be repeated, facts dismissed, the truth disregarded—alibis, explanations, rationalizations, excuses, all courteously delivered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William was about to explode when, with great formality, the Elder, Adachi, produced a sealed scroll, handed it to their interpreter who handed it to Johann." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Johann's own weariness dropped away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gott im Himmel! It's under the seal of the roju.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Council of Elders. I'd recognize the seal anywhere—it's the same as Ambassador Harris got. You better accept it, formally, Sir William, then I'll read it aloud if it's in Dutch, which I doubt.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stifled a nervous yawn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Probably just another delaying tactic.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William did as Johann suggested, hating to be so confined and having to rely on foreign mercenary interpreters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Johann broke the seal and scanned the document." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His astonishment was open: \"It's in Dutch, by God! Skipping all the titles, formal language, etc., it says: The Council of Elders, having received what appears to be a just complaint, apologizes for the dereliction of its subjects and wishes to invite the honored Minister of the British, and other accredited Ministers to meet the Council thirty days from now, in Yedo, when the formal complaint will be presented, the matter discussed, acted upon, and an indemnity for said just complaint agreed. Signed... Nori Anjo, Chief Minister.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a supreme effort, Sir William kept his erupting relief bottled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This unbelievable reprieve gave him the face-saver he desperately needed, and now if he could finesse them just a little further... To his sudden fury, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Tyrer smiling broadly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without looking at him he hissed, \"Stop smiling, you bloody idiot,\" and in the same breath added harshly, \"Johann, tell them they will have my reply in three days. Meanwhile I want an immediate indemnity, in gold, in three days, for ten thousand pounds sterling for the families of the Sergeant and Corporal murdered in this Legation, last year, and already demanded four times!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When this was translated, he saw consternation on the face of the elderly man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another lengthy conversation between him and the Bakufu official." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Johann reported wearily, \"The old fellow dismisses this with their usual: that that 'unfortunate occurrence' was by a Legation staff employee who then committed seppuku—suicide. It's not the Bakufu's fault at all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Equally tiredly, Sir William said, \"Give them back the usual, by God: that they appointed him, they insisted we employ him, so they are responsible—and he only committed suicide because he was badly wounded in the murder attempt on my predecessor and liable for immediate capture!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Trying to push away his tiredness, he watched the two officials talking with their interpreter, and the third man listening as he had done all afternoon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps he's the one with real power." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What happened to the other men from yesterday, particularly the younger man—the one André Poncin accosted as he left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What is that devious bastard Seratard up to?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The freshening wind caught a loose shutter and jolted it against the window." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the sentries leaned over the lintel and hooked it back in place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not far offshore was the fleet, the ocean a deep grey now and white-capped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William noticed the looming squall line." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His anxiety for the ships increased." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Johann said, \"The old fellow asks, will you accept three thousand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William's face went red." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ten thousand in gold!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "More talk, then Johann mopped his brow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mein Gott, ten it is, to be paid in two installments at Yokohama, ten days from now, the balance the day before the Yedo meeting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a deliberately dramatic pause, Sir William said, \"I will give them my answer in three days if it's acceptable.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Much sucking in of breath, a few more wily attempts to change the three days to thirty, to ten, to eight, all of which were stonewalled and refused. \"Three.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Polite bows and the Delegation was gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once they were alone, Johann beamed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's the first time we made any progress, Sir William, the very first time!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, well, we'll see. Just don't understand them at all. Obviously they were trying to wear us down. But why? What's the good of that? They already had the scroll so why the devil didn't they hand it over in the beginning and have done with all their cursed time wasting? Bunch of bloody idiots! And why send two empty palanquins?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Phillip Tyrer said brightly, \"Seems to me, sir, that's just one of their characteristics. To be devious.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, well, Tyrer, come with me, please.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He led the way to his private office and when the door was closed he said angrily, \"Didn't the F.O. teach you anything? Are you totally without brains? Don't you have enough sense to have a poker face at diplomatic meetings? Are your brains addled?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tyrer was in shock at the venom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry, sir, very sorry, sir, I was just so pleased at your victory I cou—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It wasn't a victory, you idiot! It was just a delay, albeit heaven sent!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William's relief that the meeting was over and had, against his expectations, achieved much more than he could have wished for, fuelled his irritability." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are your ears filled with mildew? Didn't you hear the 'what appears to be a just complaint'—that's the biggest hole they could ever leave, by God! We achieved a delay, that's all, but it happens to suit me perfectly and if the Yedo meeting takes place in thirty days I'll be astounded. The next time don't let your feelings show, for God's sake, and if you ever become an interpreter... you just better learn Japanese quickly or you'll be on the next boat home with a note on your record that will get you a posting to Esquimoland for the rest of your life!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still steaming, Sir William saw the young man staring at him stoically and wondered what was different about him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he noticed his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Where have I seen that look before—the same, almost indefinable strangeness that young Struan also had?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah yes, of course, now I remember!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the eyes of the young soldiers coming back from the Crimea, the untouched as well as the wounded—allied or enemy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "War had torn the youth out of them, torn out their innocence with such obscene speed that forever after they were changed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And it always shows not in their faces but in their eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How many times was I told: before the battle a youth, a few minutes or hours later, an adult—British, Russian, German, French, or Turk the same." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm the idiot, not this young chap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'd forgotten he's hardly twenty-one and in six days he's almost been murdered and been through as violent an experience as any man can have." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or woman, by Heaven!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's right, there was the same look in the girl's eyes too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stupid of me not to realize it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Poor girl, isn't she barely eighteen?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Terrible to grow up so fast." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I've been so lucky.\n\n\"Well, Mr. Tyrer,\" he said gruffly, envying him—that he had come through his baptism of fire bravely, \"I'm sure you'll be all right. These meetings are, well, enough to try the patience of Job, eh? I think a sherry is in order.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide 8 sentences as a continuation in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga had had great difficulty escaping from the garden through the circles of samurai, and sneaking back to the Inn of the Forty-seven Ronin. When he reached it, long overdue, he was shocked to discover the assassination party had already left for the ambush.\n\nOri said helplessly, \"One of our people reported that the Delegation had come out of the castle exactly as yesterday, banners as yesterday, that there were five palanquins as yesterday, so we presumed Lord Yoshi would be in one.\"\n\n\"Everyone was supposed to wait.\"\n\n\"They did, Hiraga, but if... if they hadn't left when they did they would never be in place in time.\"\n\nRapidly Hiraga changed into a cheap kimono and collected his weapons. \"Did you see the doctor?\"\n\n\"We, the mama-san and I, we thought it too dangerous today. Tomorrow will be fine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll see you in Kanagawa then.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sonnojoi!\"\n\n\"Go to Kanagawa! Here you're a hazard!\"\n\nHiraga slipped over the fence and went by back alleys and little-used paths and bridges, circling for the castle. This time he was lucky and avoided all patrols.\n\nMost of the daimyo palaces outside the castle walls were deserted. Using cover well, he picked his way from garden to garden until he reached the burnt-out wreckage of what had been the daimyo's palace destroyed during the earthquake three days ago. As planned, his shishi friends were gathered for the ambush near the broken main gate that fronted the main pathway to the castle gate. There were nine of them, not eleven." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eeee, Hiraga, we'd given you up!\" the youngest, the most excited, whispered. \"From here we'll kill him easily.\"\n\n\"Where are the Mori samurai?\"\n\n\"Dead.\" His cousin, Akimoto, shrugged. He was the oldest amongst them, a burly twenty-four. \"We came by separate ways but I was near them and the three of us ran into a patrol.\" He beamed. \"I fled one way, they another. I saw one take an arrow and go down. I never knew I could run so fast. Forget them, when will Yoshi pass by?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their disappointment was vast when Hiraga told them their prey was not in the cortege." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then what shall we do?\" a tall, very handsome youth of sixteen asked. \"This ambush is perfect—half a dozen important Bakufu palanquins have gone by with hardly a guard around them.\"\n\n\"This place is too good to risk for no special reason,\" Hiraga said. \"We'll leave one at a time. Akimoto, you firs—\"\n\nThe shishi on guard whistled a warning. Instantly, they went deeper into cover, eyes pressed to openings in the broken fences. An ornate, covered palanquin with eight half-naked bearers and a dozen samurai banner guards was thirty-odd yards away, heading leisurely for the castle gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one else was in sight, either way.\n\nInstant recognition of the emblem: Nori Anjo, head of the Council of Elders. Instant decision, \"Sonnojoi!\"\n\nWith Hiraga in the lead they rushed as one man to the attack, slaughtered the front two ranks of guards and hurtled for the palanquin. But in their excitement they had misjudged by a few seconds and that allowed the remaining eight guards, handpicked warriors, to recover. In the frantic melee, the bearers squealed with fright, dropped their poles and fled—those who escaped the first violent onslaught—and this gave Anjo the moment he needed to slide the palanquin's far door open and roll out as Hiraga's sword went through the soft wood to impale the cushion where he had been a second before.\n\nCursing, Hiraga jerked the sword out, whirled in defense as he was menaced from the back, killed the man after a searing clash of swords, then leaped over the poles for Anjo who had scrambled to his feet, his sword out and now covered by three guards. Behind Hiraga, five of his friends were duelling with the other four samurai, one shishi was already dead, one helpless on the ground mortally wounded, and another, screaming with bloodlust, misjudging his adversary, slipped on the body of a sobbing bearer, and took a terrible cut in his side. Before his assailant could recover, a shishi slashed at the guard with total ferocity and the samurai's head rolled in the dust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now it was seven against six." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once Akimoto broke off his fight and rushed to support Hiraga who had hurled himself at Anjo and his three guards and was being overwhelmed. Feinting brilliantly, Hiraga forced one of the guards off balance and impaled him, withdrew and darted to one side to draw off the other two, giving Akimoto the opening he needed to dispatch Anjo.\n\nAt that moment there was a warning shout. Twenty castle guards had rounded the corner fifty yards away and were charging to Anjo's support. The barest hesitation from Akimoto gave a guard time to parry the ferocious blow that would have killed Anjo, allowing him to scramble and flee towards the reinforcements. Now the shishi were completely out numbered.\n\nNo way to get Anjo! No way to overcome!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Retreat!\" Hiraga shouted, and, again as one man, the maneuver rehearsed many times, Akimoto and the remaining four broke off their duels and charged back through the damaged main gate, Hiraga last—the badly wounded youth, Jozan, hobbling after them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Momentarily the guards were thrown into confusion. Then they collected themselves and, heavily reinforced, hurtled in pursuit while others intercepted Jozan, at bay, sword high, reeling, blood pouring from his side.\n\nAkimoto was leading the pell-mell retreat through the damaged castle, their line of pullback already well reconnoitered. Hiraga was rearguard, the enemy gaining on him. He waited until he reached the first barricade where Gota waited in ambush to support him, stopped suddenly and the two of them whirled to counterattack, chopping and hacking viciously, mortally wounding one man, forcing the next to fall and bring down another. Instantly they fled again, leading the enemy deeper into the maze.\n\nAlmost stumbling, they rushed through the next narrow gap in the half-burnt wall where Akimoto and another waited in a second ambush. Without hesitation these two cut down the first of the attackers, screaming \"Sonnojoi\" while the remainder, stunned by the suddenness of the assault, halted to regroup." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they gave their battle cry and jumped over the body of their comrade through the bottleneck, Akimoto, Hiraga, and the others were nowhere to be seen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once the samurai fanned out and began a meticulous search, the sky filled with nimbus clouds and menacing.\n\nIn front of the burnt-out main gate, Anjo was now surrounded by guards. Five of his men had been killed, two were badly wounded. The two dead shishi had already been beheaded. The young shishi was helpless on the ground, one leg almost severed and he was holding on to it in agony, trying to stick it back together. Jozan was huddled against a wall. Rain began.\n\nThe samurai standing over the youth said again, \"Who are you? What's your name, who sent you, who's your leader?\"\n\n\"I've told you, shishi from Choshu, Toma Hojo! I was leader! No one sent me. Sonnojoi!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's lying, Sire,\" a panting officer said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course,\" Anjo said, seething. \"Kill him.\"\n\n\"Respectfully request he be allowed to commit seppuku.\" \"Kill him!\"\n\nThe officer, a big, bearlike man, shrugged and went over to the youth. With his back to the Elder, he whispered, \"I have the honor to act as your second. Stretch your neck.\" His sword sang in the air as he dealt the single blow. Formally he lifted the head by its topknot, presenting it to Anjo.\n\n\"I have seen it,\" Anjo said, following correct ritual, at the same time choked with rage that these men had dared to attack him, dared to frighten him half to death—him, Chief of the roju! \"Now that one—he's a liar too, kill him!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Respectfully request he be allowed to commit seppuku.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anjo was about to rave at him to kill the attempted assassin brutally or commit seppuku himself when he sensed the sudden collective antagonism of the samurai around him. The usual fear permeated him: whom do I trust? Only five of these men were his personal guards.\n\nHe pretended to consider the request. When his fury was contained, he nodded, turned and stomped off towards the castle gates in the increasing rain. His men went with him. The remainder circled Jozan.\n\n\"You can rest a moment, shishi,\" the officer said kindly, wiping the rain from his own face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Give him some water.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Jozan had prepared for this moment ever since, with Ori and Shorin and others four years ago, he had sworn to \"honor the Emperor and expel the foreigners.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Summoning his waning strength, he groped to his knees, and was horrified to realize he was petrified of dying.\n\nThe officer had seen the terror, had expected it and quickly came forward and squatted beside him. \"Do you have a death poem, shishi? Tell it to me, hold on, do not give way, you are samurai and this is as good a day as any,\" he said softly, encouraging the youth, willing the tears to stop. \"From nothing into nothing, one sword cuts your enemy, one sword cuts you. Shout your battle cry and you will live forever. Say it: Sonnojoi... again...\"\n\nAll the time he had been preparing himself. With a sudden fluid movement, he stood erect and whirled his sword from the sheath—and the youth into eternity.\n\n\"Eeee,\" one of his men said with admiration. \"Uraga-san, that was marvelous to see.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sensei Katsumata of Satsuma was one of my teachers,\" he said throatily, his heart pounding like never before, but pleased that he had performed his duty as a samurai correctly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of his men picked up the head by its topknot. The rain became tears, washing away the real ones. \"Clean the head and take it to Lord Anjo for viewing.\" Uraga glanced at the castle gates. \"Cowards disgust me,\" he said, and walked away." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on the story, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That night, when it was safe, Hiraga and the others sneaked out of the cellar that had been located in advance. By different routes they slipped away for their safe house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was overcast and black, wind strong with spattering rain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I will not feel cold, I will not show discomfort, I am samurai, Hiraga ordered himself, following the pattern of training in his family ever since he could remember." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just as I will train my sons and daughters—if my karma is to have sons and daughters, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's time you married,\" his father had said a year ago." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree, Father. I respectfully request you change your mind and allow me to marry my choice.\"\n\n\"First, it is the duty of the son to obey the father; second, it is the father's duty to choose the wives of his sons and husbands of his daughters; third, Sumomo's father does not approve, she is Satsuma and not Choshu, and last, however desirable, she is not suitable. What about the Ito girl?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Father, I agree my choice is not perfect but her family is samurai, she is samurai trained and I am possessed by her. I beg you. You have four other sons—I have only one life and we, you and I, we both agree it is to be devoted to sonnojoi and will therefore be short. Grant this to me as a lifetime wish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "By custom such a wish was a most serious request and meant that, if granted, it precluded asking for any other, ever." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very well,\" his father had said gruffly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But not as a lifetime wish. You may be affianced when she is seventeen. I will welcome her into our family.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was last year. A few days later he had left Shimonoseki, supposedly to join the Choshu regiment in Kyōto, actually to declare for sonnojoi and become ronin—and put his secret four-year adherence and training to use." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now it was Ninth Month. In three weeks Sumomo became seventeen but now he was so far outside the law there was no chance of safe return." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Until yesterday. His father had written: Astonishingly, our Lord Ogama has offered a pardon to all warriors who openly embraced sonnojoi and will restore all stipends if they return at once, renounce the heresy and again swear allegiance to him publicly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You will take advantage of this offer. Many are returning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The letter had saddened him, almost destroying his resolve. \"Sonnojoi is more important than family or even Lord Ogama, even Sumomo,\" he had told himself over and over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Ogama cannot be trusted. As to my stipend...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fortunately his father was relatively well off compared with most, and, because of his shoya grandfather, had been promoted to hirazamurai, the third rank of samurai. Above were senior samurai, hatomoto and daimyo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Below hirazamurai were all others—goshi, ashigaru, rural samurai, and foot soldiers, who were of the feudal class but below samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As such his father had had access to lower officials and the education of his sons was the best available.\n\nI owe him everything, Hiraga thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, and obediently I worked to become the best pupil in the Samurai School, the best swordsman, the best at English." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And I have his permission and approval and that of the Sensei, our chief teacher, to embrace sonnojoi, to become ronin, to lead and organize Choshu warriors as a spearhead for change. Yes, but their approval is secret, for if known, surely it would cost my father and the Sensei their heads." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Karma. I am doing my duty. Gai-jin are scum we do not need." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only their weapons to kill them with." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rain increased. And the tempest. This pleased him, for it made interception less likely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The beckoning bath and saké and clean clothes kept him warm and strong. That the attack had failed did not concern him. That was karma." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ground into him by his teachers and heritage, until it was a way of life, was the certainty that enemies and traitors were everywhere." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His steps were measured, he made sure he was not being followed, changed direction without logic and, whenever possible, explored ahead before moving." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he reached the alley his strength drained out of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Inn of the Forty-seven Ronin and its surrounding fence had vanished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All that remained was emptiness and the reeking smell and smoking ashes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few bodies, men and women." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some decapitated, some hacked to pieces. He recognized his comrade shishi, Gota, by his kimono." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The mama-san's head was on a spear thrust into the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Attached was a sign: It is against the law to harbor criminals and traitors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The official seal below was of the Bakufu, signed by Nori Anjo, chief of the roju." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga was filled with surging fury but it was icy and merely added more layers to that already within. Those cursed gai-jin, he thought." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is their fault. Because of them this happened. We will be revenged." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "hey can u write 3 sentences more sentences? in historical fiction, Japan style" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his private quarters high up in the castle keep, Yoshi was composing a poem." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wore a blue silk kimono and sat at a low table, an oil lamp on it and sheets of rice paper, brushes of different thicknesses, water to soften the block of jet ink that now had a tiny, inviting pool in the hollowed-out center.\n\nTwilight was becoming night. From outside the hum of Yedo's million souls was ever present." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few houses on fire as usual. From the castle below the comforting, muted noise of soldiers, hooves on cobblestones, an occasional throaty laugh wafting upwards with the smoke and smells of the cooking fires through the decorative, bowman openings in the vast walls, not yet shuttered against the night chill.\n\nThis was his inner sanctum." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Spartan. Tatamis, a tokonoma, the shoji door in front of him so positioned and lit that he could see the shape of any figure outside but no one there could look within." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outside this room was a larger anteroom with corridors leading off it to sleeping quarters, empty at present except for retainers, maids and Koiko, his special favorite." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His family—his wife, two sons and a daughter, his consort and her son—were all safe and heavily guarded in his hereditary, fortress castle, Dragon's Tooth, in the mountains some twenty ri northwards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beyond this antechamber were guards and other rooms with other guards, all sworn to his personal service.\n\nHis brush dipped into the ink pool. He poised the point over the delicate rice paper then wrote firmly:" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with 1 sentence in the style of James Clavell." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few miles south of Kyōto in twilight, a vicious rearguard skirmish was in progress between fleeing Satsuma troops and Choshu forces of Lord Ogama who had recently seized control of the Palace Gates from them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Satsuma sword master, Katsumata, the secret shishi, supported by a hundred mounted samurai, was leading the fight to protect the escape of Lord Sanjiro and their main Satsuma force a few miles southwards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were heavily outnumbered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The country was open, wind blustering with a heavy stench of human manure from the fields and above an ominous buildup of storm clouds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again Katsumata led a furious charge that broke through the forward ranks towards the standard of the Choshu daimyo, Ogama, also mounted, but they were forced back bloodily, with heavy losses as reinforcements rushed to protect their leader." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All troops advance!\" Ogama shouted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was twenty-eight, a heavyset angry man wearing light bamboo and metal armor and war helmet, his sword out and bloodied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bypass these dogs! Go around them! I want Sanjiro's head!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once aides rushed off to relay his orders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three or four miles away, Lord Sanjiro and the remnants of his force were hurrying for the coast and Osaka, twenty-odd miles away, to seek boats to carry them home to the South Island of Kyūshū, and the safety of their capital, Kagoshima, four hundred sea miles southwest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In all there were about eight hundred fighters, well equipped and fanatic samurai desperate to rush back to join the fight, still smarting from their defeat and being forced out of Kyōto a week ago." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogama had staged a sudden night attack, ringing their barracks and setting fire to the buildings, abrogating the solemn agreements between them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With many losses the Satsumas had fought their way out of the city to the village of Fushimi where Sanjiro angrily regrouped, Choshu detachments dogging them. \"We are trapped.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of his captains said, \"Lord, I propose an immediate counterattack, towards Kyōto.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsumata said emphatically, \"Too dangerous, too many troops against us, they will overwhelm us. Sire, you will alienate all daimyos and further frighten the Court. I propose you offer Ogama a truce—if he allows an orderly withdrawal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"On what grounds?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As part of the truce you accept that his forces will be custodians of the Gates—his forces, not the Tosa, and that will sow further dissension between them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I cannot accept that,\" Sanjiro had said, shaking with rage that Ogama had duped him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even if I did he will not consent, why should he? We are in his grasp. He can piss all over us. If I were him I would fall on us here before midday.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Lord, he will—unless we forestall him. We can by this ruse, he's not a real fighter like you—his troops are not filled with zeal like ours, nor are they as well trained. He only succeeded against us because he fell on us by night in a filthy betrayal. Remember, his alliance with the Tosa is precarious. He must consolidate his hold of the Gates and has insufficient troops to meet every problem for the next few weeks. He has to organize and get reinforcements without provoking opposition. And soon the Bakufu must come back in force to take back the Gates as is their right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "By Toranaga Edict, all daimyos visiting Kyōto were limited to five hundred guards, all of whom had to live under severe restrictions in their own fief barracks, built by decree without defenses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The same Edict allowed Shōgunate forces to number more than all the others together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Over the centuries of peace the Bakufu had allowed these laws to languish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In recent years, Tosa, Choshu and Satsumas daimyos—depending on personal strength—had twisted the bureaucracy to increase their numbers until forced to send the added warriors home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ogama is not a fool, he will never let me escape,\" Sanjiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would spike him if I had him trapped.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He is not a fool, but he can be manipulated.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Katsumata dropped his voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Added to the Gates, you could agree that, if or when there is a Convention of Daimyos, you would support his claims to head the Council of Elders.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sanjiro exploded, \"Never! He has to know I would never agree to that. Why should he believe such nonsense?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because he is Ogama. Because he has fortified his Shimonoseki Straits with dozens of cannon from his not-so-secret, Dutch-built weapons factory and believes therefore, rightly, he can stop gai-jin ships from using it at his whim, yet still be safe against them. That he alone, he thinks, can put into practice the Emperor's wish to expel the gai-jin, that he alone can restore the trappings of power to the Emperor—why shouldn't he claim the big prize, tairō—Dictator?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Land will be torn apart before that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The last reason he would welcome a possible truce is because, Sire, never before has he possessed the Gates—isn't he an upstart, a usurper, isn't his line ordinary,\" Katsumata said with a sneer, \"not ancient or exalted like yours. A further reason: he will accept the truce you offer because you will offer it to be permanent.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the rumble of astonished, angry opposition, Sanjiro had stared at his counselor, astounded at the vast range of concessions Katsumata proposed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not understanding, but knowing Katsumata too well, he dismissed the others." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is behind all this?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked impatiently. \"Ogama must know any truce is only good until I am safe behind my mountains where I will mobilize all Satsuma and then march on Kyōto to repossess my rights, avenge the insult and take his head. Why such nonsense from you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because you are in mortal danger like never before, Sire. You are trapped. There are spies amongst us. I need time to organize boats in Osaka, and I have a battle plan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At length Sanjiro had said, \"Very well. Negotiate.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The negotiations had so far lasted six days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "During this time Sanjiro placidly stayed at Fushimi, but with spies on all roads to and from Kyōto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As a measure of mutual trust, Sanjiro had agreed to move into a less defensible position, and Ogama had withdrawn all but a token force athwart the escape route." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then both waited for the other to make a mistake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With supreme power in Kyōto, however tenuous, Ogama, supported by more than a thousand samurai, seemed to be content to tighten his grasp on the Gates, cultivating daimyos and, more particularly, courtiers who were sympathetic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These Ogama persuaded to approach the Emperor, asking Him to \"request\" the immediate resignation of Anjo and the Council of Elders, to convene a Convention of Daimyos who would be given the power to appoint a new Council of Elders—with himself as tairō—who would rule until Shōgun Nobusada came of age, and at one stroke replacing all Toranaga adherents in the Bakufu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To Ogama's delight he was told the news of his cannon's firing on gai-jin ships had greatly pleased the Emperor, and that, together with Sanjiro's proffered truce and extraordinary concessions, had further bolstered his influence at Court." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The truce is accepted,\" he had imperiously told Katsumata yesterday." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We will ratify the agreement, seven days from now, here in my headquarters. Then you can retire to Kagoshima.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But this morning had come the astonishing word of Shōgun Nobusada's proposed visit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once Sanjiro sent for Katsumata." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What could possess Anjo and Yoshi to agree? Are they mad? Whatever happens they lose.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree, Sire, but this makes your position even more dangerous. With Ogama holding the Gates, therefore access to the Emperor, any enemy of Ogama's is an enemy of the Emperor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Obvious! What can I do? What do you suggest?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Immediately send Ogama a letter suggesting a meeting in three days to discuss the ramifications of the visit—he must be as astonished as any daimyo. Meanwhile, tonight after dark we implement the battle plan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We can't escape without Ogama knowing, there are spies all around us, and his troops within easy distance. The moment he hears we're breaking camp he will fall on us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but we leave the camp exactly as it is, taking only our weapons—I can outmaneuver him, I know him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angrily Sanjiro had said, \"If that is so why didn't you sniff out the surprise attack, eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, but I did, Katsumata could have said, but it suited me better that Ogama temporarily holds the Gates." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Didn't we escape his trap without much trouble?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogama will never be able to deal with the Court, hostile daimyos, the Tosa, Shōgun Nobusada's visit or the Princess Yazu—not that Nobusada will arrive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ogama will be held responsible for his death also." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, Sire,\" he had said, pretending an apology, \"I am finding out why your spies failed you. Heads will roll.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon after dark Katsumata sent specially trained men who quietly decimated the unsuspecting Choshu troop spying on them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, following Katsumata's battle plan, except for him and his hundred cavalry, Sanjiro and the regiment hurried south with orders to leave a hundred men every three ri to join up with him as he fell back, following them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Confidently Katsumata settled into ambush across the Kyōto road." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was sure that he could survive until dawn, enticing the Choshu into a running fight, when they would probably break off the fight and return to Kyōto to reinforce their position there, leaving only a token force in pursuit." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rumors were rife that Ogama's alliances were already falling apart, the rift widened by lies spread by Katsumata's covert allies.\n\nHe had been astonished to find Ogama leading the chase and that they had caught up with them so quickly. Karma." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "lets do a historical fiction, Japan thing. u write 3 sentences bits like James Clavell would" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That same evening in the French Legation at Yokohama the party and recital Seratard had arranged in Angelique's honor was a great success. The chef had surpassed himself: fresh bread, platters of stewed oysters, cold lobster, shrimps and prawns, baked local fish spiced with ginger and garlic served with leeks from his own garden, and tarte aux pommes, the dried apples from France only used on special occasions. Champagne, La Doucette, and a Margaux from his home village of which he was very proud." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After dinner and cigars, great applause had heralded André Poncin, an accomplished though reluctant pianist, more applause after each piece, and now, almost midnight and after three encores, there was a standing ovation as the last lovely chord of a Beethoven sonata died away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Marvelous...\"\n\n\"Superb...\"\n\n\"Oh, André,\" Angelique said breathlessly in French from her place of honor near the piano, her mind cleansed of the lurking misery by his music." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was beautiful, thank you so very much.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her fan fluttered charmingly, eyes and face perfection, new crinoline over hooped petticoats, low-cut, shoulders bare, the fine green silk cascading in gathered tiers accentuating her wisp of waist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Merci, Mademoiselle,\" Poncin replied. He got up and raised his glass, his eyes barely veiled. \"À toi!\"\n\n\"Merci, Monsieur,\" she said, then once more turned back to Seratard, surrounded by Norbert Greyforth, Jamie McFay, Dmitri and other traders, everyone in evening dress with ruffled silk shirts, vivid waistcoats and cravats—some new but most old, crumpled and hastily pressed because she was to be there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some French army and naval officers, uniforms heavy with braid, dress swords added to the unaccustomed splendor, British military equally like peacocks.\n\nTwo of the other three women in the Settlement were in the crowded, oil-and candle-lit room, Mabel Swann and Victoria Lunkchurch. Both stout, in their early twenties and childless, wives of traders, both cross-eyed with jealousy, their husbands tethered sweatily beside them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tis time, Mr. Swann,\" Mabel Swann said with a sour sniff. \"Yus. Prayers n'bed with a nice English cup of tea.\"\n\n\"If you're tired, my dear, you and Vic—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thee, too, Barnaby,\" Victoria Lunkchurch said, her Yorkshire accent as heavy as her hips, \"and put dirty thoughts out of thy head, lad, afore I belt thee proper!\"\n\n\"Who me? Wot thorts?\"\n\n\"Those thorts, thee'n that foreign baggage there, may God forgive thee,\" she said with even more venom. \"Out!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one missed them or knew they had left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All were concentrating on the guest of honor, trying to get nearer, or if they were within the circle, to stop being elbowed out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A splendid evening, Henri,\" Angelique was saying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's only because of you. By gracing us you make everything better.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seratard mouthed gallant platitudes while he was thinking, what a pity you're not already married and therefore ripe for a liaison with a man of culture." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Poor girl to have to endure an immature bovine Scot, however rich." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I would like to be your first real lover—it will be a joy to teach you.\n\n\"You smile, Henri?\" she said, suddenly aware that she had better be careful of this man.\n\n\"I was just thinking how perfect your future will be and that made me happy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, how kind you are!\"\n\n\"I think th—\"\n\n\"Miss Angelique, if I may be so bold, we're having a race meet this Saturday,\" Norbert Greyforth broke in, furious that Seratard was monopolizing her, disgusted that the man had the rudeness to speak French, which he did not understand, detesting him and everything French, except Angelique." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're—there's going to be a new race, in, er, in your honor. We've decided to call it the Angel Cup, eh, Jamie?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Jamie McFay said, both of them Stewards of the Jockey Club, equally under her spell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We, well, we decided it will be the last race of the day and Struan's are providing prize money: twenty guineas for the cup. You'll present the prize, Miss Angelique?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, yes, with pleasure, if Mr. Struan approves.\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, of course.\" McFay had already asked Struan's permission, but he and every man within hearing wondered about the implications of that remark, though all bets against an engagement were off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even in private, Struan had given him no clue though McFay had felt duty bound to report the rumors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"None of their rotten business, Jamie. None.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had agreed but his disquiet increased. The captain of an incoming merchantman, an old friend, had slipped him a letter from Malcolm's mother asking for a confidential report: I wish to know everything that has happened since this Richaud woman arrived in Yokohama, Jamie. Everything—rumor, facts, gossip—and I need not stress that this is to be a serious secret between us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bloody hell, Jamie thought, I'm committed by holy oath to serve the tai-pan whoever he is and now his mother wants... but then a mother has rights, doesn't she? Not necessarily, but Mrs. Struan has because she's Mrs. Struan and, well, you're used to doing what she wants. Haven't you done her bidding, her requests and suggestions, for years?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the love of God, stop fooling yourself, Jamie, hasn't she truly been running Culum and Struan's for years, and neither you nor anyone has ever wanted to face the fact openly?\n\n\"That's right,\" he muttered, shocked by the thought he had been afraid to bring to the front of his mind. Suddenly uncomfortable, he hastily covered his lapse, but everyone was still concentrating on Angelique." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Except Norbert. \"What's right, Jamie?\" he asked under the buzz of conversation, his smile flat.\n\n\"Everything, Norbert. Great evening, eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "To his great relief, Angelique diverted them both." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good night, good night, Henri, gentlemen,\" she said over general protests. \"I'm sorry but I must see my patient before I sleep.\" She held out her hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With practiced elegance, Seratard kissed it, Norbert, Jamie and the others awkwardly and before anyone else could volunteer, André Poncin said, \"Perhaps I may escort you to your home?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course, why not? Your music transported me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The night was cool and overcast but pleasant enough, her woolen shawl decoratively around her shoulders, the bottom ruffle of her wide, hooped skirt dragging carelessly in the dirt of the wooden sidewalk—so necessary during the summer rains that transformed all roads into bogs. Only one small part of her mind dragging with it.\n\n\"André, your music is wonderful—oh, how I wish I could play like you,\" she said, meaning it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's only practice, just practice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They strolled along towards the brightly lit Struan Building, speaking companionably in French, André very aware of the envious glances of the men streaming across the street to the Club—boisterous, packed, and inviting—warmed by her, not with lust or passion or desire, just with her company and happy chattering that hardly ever required an answer.\n\nLast night at Seratard's \"French\" dinner in a private room in the Yokohama Hotel, he had sat beside her and found her youth and seeming frivolity refreshing; her love and knowledge of Paris, the restaurants, theatres, the talk of her young friends, laughing about them and strolling or riding in the Bois, all the excitement of the Second Empire filling him with nostalgia, reminding him of his university days and how much he, too, missed home.\n\nToo many years in Asia—China and here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Curious this girl is so much like my own daughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Marie's same age, birthdays the same month, July, same eyes, same coloring...\n\nHe corrected himself: Perhaps like Marie. How many years since I broke with Françoise and left the two of them in her family pension, near the Sorbonne, I boarded in?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seventeen. How many years since I last saw them? Ten." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Merde, I should never have married, Françoise enceinte or not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was the fool, not her, at least she remarried and runs the pension. But Marie?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sound of the waves took his vision to the sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A stray gull cawed overhead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not far offshore were the riding lights of their anchored flagship and that broke the spell, reminding him and concentrating his mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ironic, this slip of a girl now becomes an important pawn in the Great Game, France versus Britain. Ironic but life. Do I leave it until tomorrow, or the next day, or deal the cards as we agreed, Henri and I?\n\n\"Ah,\" she was saying, her fan fluttering, \"I feel so happy tonight, André, your music has given me so much, has taken me to the Opéra, has lifted me until I can smell the perfume of Paris...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In spite of himself he was beguiled. Is it her, or because she reminds me of what Marie might have been? I don't know, but never mind, Angelique, tonight I'll leave you in your happy balloon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tomorrow is soon enough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then his nostrils caught a suggestion of her perfume, Vie de Camille, reminding him of the phial he had acquired from Paris with such difficulty for his musume, Hana—the Flower—and sudden rage swept away his impulse to kindness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no one within hearing distance, most of the High Street empty. Even so, he kept his voice down. \"Sorry to tell you, but I've some private news you should have. There's no way to break it easily but your father visited Macao some weeks ago and gambled heavily, and lost.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw the swift pallor. His heart went out to her but he continued as he and Seratard had planned. \"Sorry.\"\n\n\"Heavily, André? What does that mean?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The words were barely audible and he saw her staring at him wide-eyed, rigid in the lee of a building." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He has lost everything, his business, your funds.\"\n\nShe gasped. \"Everything? My funds too? But he can't!\"\n\n\"Sorry, he can, and has. He's within the law. You're his daughter, an unmarried woman—apart from being a minor—he's your father with jurisdiction over you and everything you possess, but of course you know that. Sorry. Do you have other money?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked, knowing she did not.\n\n\"Sorry?\" She shivered and fought to make her mind work clearly, the suddenness of knowing that the second of her great terrors was now a reality and common knowledge tore asunder her carefully self-generated cocoon. \"How—how do you know all this?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she stammered, groping for air. \"My—my funds are mine... he promised.\"\n\n\"He changed his mind. And Hong Kong's a village—there are no secrets in Hong Kong, Angelique, no secrets there, or here. Today a message arrived from Hong Kong, couriered from a business partner. He sent the details—he was in Macao at the time and witnessed the debacle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He kept his voice friendly and concerned as a good friend should be, but telling only half the truth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He and I, we own some of your father's paper, loans from last year and still unpaid.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another fear slashed into her. \"Doesn't... my father doesn't pay his bills?\"\n\n\"No, I'm afraid not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In anguish she was thinking of her aunt's letter and knew for certain now that her uncle's loan had not been repaid either and he was in jail because... perhaps because of me, she wanted to shout, trying to keep her balance, wishing this was all a dream, oh God, oh God what am I going to do?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want you to know if I can help, please tell me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abruptly her voice became shrill." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Help me? You've destroyed my peace—if what you say is true. Help me? Why did you tell me this now, why why why when I was so happy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Better you should know at once. Better I tell you, than an enemy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her face twisted. \"Enemy, what enemy? Why should I have enemies? I've done nothing to anyone, nothing nothing noth—\" The tears began flooding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In spite of himself, he held her for a moment, compassionately, then put both hands on her shoulders and shook her.\n\n\"Stop it,\" he said, letting his voice sharpen. \"My God, stop it, don't you understand, I'm trying to help you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Several men were approaching on the other side of the street but he saw that they were weaving and concerned only with themselves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one else nearby, only men making for the Club well down the street behind them, he and she protected by the building's shadow. Again he shook her and she moaned, \"You're hurting me!\" but the tears ceased and she came back to herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Partly to herself, he thought coldly, this same process repeated a hundred times before with varying degrees of twisted truths and violence, with other innocents he needed to use for the betterment of France, men so much easier to deal with than women." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Men you just kicked in the balls or threatened to cut them off, or stuck needles... But women? Distasteful to treat women so.\n\n\"You're surrounded by enemies, Angelique. There're many who don't want you to marry Struan, his mother will fight you every way she—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've never said we were going to be married, it... it's a rumor, a rumor, that's all!\"\n\n\"Merde! Of course it's true! He's asked you, hasn't he?\" He shook her again, his fingers rough. \"Hasn't he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're hurting me, André. Yes, yes he's asked me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gave her a handkerchief, deliberately more gentle. \"Here, dry your eyes, there's not much time.\"\n\nMeekly she obeyed, began to cry, stopped herself. \"Why're you so-awfulllll?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm the only real friend you have here—I'm truly on your side, ready to help, the only real friend you can trust—I'm the only friend you have, I swear it, the only one who can help you.\" Normally he would add fervently, I swear by God, but he judged her hooked, reserving that for later. \"Better you hear the truth secretly. Now you've time to prepare. The news won't arrive for at least a week, that gives you time to make your betrothal solemn and official.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Struan's a gentleman, isn't he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With an effort he covered the sneer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"An English, sorry, a Scottish, a British gentleman. Aren't they proudly men of their word? Eh? Once the promise is public he can't withdraw whether you're a pauper or not, whatever your father has done, whatever his mother says.\"\n\nI know, I know, she wanted to scream. But I'm a woman and I have to wait, I've been waiting and now it's too late." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is it? Oh, Blessed Mother, help me! \"I don't... don't think Malcolm will blame me for my father or—or listen to his mother.\"\n\n\"I'm afraid he has to, Angelique. Have you forgotten Malcolm Struan is a minor too, however much he's tai-pan? His twenty-first birthday's not till May next year. Until then she can put all sorts of legal restraints on him, even annul a betrothal under English law.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was not completely sure of this but it sounded reasonable and was true under French law.\n\n\"She could put restraints on you too, perhaps take you to court,\" he added so sadly. \"Struans are powerful in Asia, it's almost their domain. She could have you hauled into court—you know what they say about judges, any judges, eh? She could have you dragged before a magistrate, accuse you of being a coquette, a deceiver, just after his money or worse. She could paint a nasty picture to the judge, you in the dock and defenseless, your father a gambling, bankrupt ne'er-do-well, your uncle in Debtors' Prison, you penniless, an adventuress.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her face became haggard. \"How do you know about Uncle Michel? Who are you?\"\n\n\"There are no tricks, Angelique,\" he said easily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How many French citizens are in Asia? Not many, none like you, and people like to gossip. Me, I'm André Poncin, China trader, Japan trader. You've nothing to fear from me. I want nothing but your friendship and trust and to help.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How? I'm beyond help.\"\n\n\"No, you're not,\" he said softly, watching her carefully. \"You love him, don't you? You would be the best wife a man can have, given the chance, wouldn't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, yes of course...\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then press him, beguile him, persuade him any way you can to make your betrothal public. I can guide you perhaps.\" Now, at last, he saw that she was really hearing him, really understanding him. Gently he delivered the coup de grâce. \"A wise woman, and you are as wise as you are beautiful, would get married quickly. Very quickly.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\n3 sentences\n\nStyle:\nJames Clavell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Struan was reading, the oil lamp on the table beside his bed giving enough light, the door to her room ajar. His bed was comfortable and he was engrossed in the story, his silken nightshirt enhancing the color of his eyes, his face still pale and thin with none of its former strength. On the bedside table was a sleeping draft, his pipe and tobacco and matches and water laced with a little whisky: \"Good for you, Malcolm,\" Babcott had said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's the best nighttime medicine you could have, taken weak. Better than the tincture.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Without that I'm awake all night and feel dreadful.\"\n\n\"It's seventeen days now since the accident, Malcolm. It's time to stop. Really to stop, not good to rely on medicine to sleep. Best we stop it for good.\"\n\n\"I tried that before and it didn't work. I'll stop in a day or two...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Curtains were drawn against the night, the room cozy, the ticktock of the ornate Swiss timepiece peaceful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was almost one o'clock, and the book, The Murders in the Rue Morgue, was one that Dmitri had loaned him this morning saying: \"Think you'll like it, Malc, it's what they call a detective story. Edgar Allan Poe's one of our best writers—sorry, was, he died in '49, the year of the Gold Rush. I've a collection of his books and poems if you like this one.\"\n\n\"Thanks, you're very kind. Good of you to drop by so often. But why so glum today, Dmitri?\"\n\n\"News from home is bad. My folks... it's all bad, Malc, all mixed up, cousins, brothers, uncles on both sides. Hell, you don't want to hear about that. Listen, I've lots of other books, a whole library in fact.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go on about your family, please,\" he had said, the pain of the day beginning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Really, I'd like to hear.\"\n\n\"All right, sure. Well, when my granddaddy and his family came over from Russia, from the Crimea—did I tell you our family were Cossacks—they settled in a little place called Far Hills in New Jersey, farmed there till the War of 1812—my granddad was killed in it—great place for raising horses too, and we prospered. The family stayed in New Jersey mostly, though two of his sons moved south, to Richmond, Virginia. When I was in the army, oh, fifteen-odd years ago—it was just the Union Army then, not North or South. I joined the cavalry and stayed for five years, spent most of my time in the South, South and West, the Indian Wars if you could call them that. Spent part of the time in Texas, a year while it was still a republic, helping them blow off their Indians, then a couple after she joined the Union in '45, we were stationed out of Austin. That's where I met my wife, Emilie—she also comes from Richmond—her pa was a colonel in Supplies. My, that's pretty country around Austin, but more so all around Richmond. Emilie... Can I get you anything?\"\n\n\"No, no thanks, Dmitri, the pain will pass. Go on, will you... talking, your talking helps me a lot.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure, all right. My Emilie, Emilie Clemm was her name—she was a distant cousin of Poe's wife, Virginia Clemm, which I didn't find out till later but which's why I've a collection of his works.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dmitri had laughed. \"Poe was a great writer but a bigger drunk and cocksman. Seems like all writers are bums, drunks and/or fornicators—take Melville—maybe that's what makes them writers, me I can't write a letter without sweating. How about you?\"\n\n\"Oh, I can write letters—have to, and keep a journal like most people. You were saying about this Poe?\"\n\n\"I was going to tell you he married Virginia Clemm when she was thirteen—she was also his cousin, imagine that!—and they lived happily ever after but not very if what was reported in the newspapers and gossip was true—he was a randy son of a bitch though she didn't seem to mind. My Emilie wasn't thirteen but eighteen and a Southern belle if ever there was one. We were married when I got out of the army and joined Cooper-Tillman in Richmond—they wanted to expand into armaments and ammunition for export to Asia, which I'd learned a lot about, that and shooting Indians and horse trading. Old Jeff Cooper figured that guns and other goods outward bound from Norfolk, Virginia, would go well with opium up the China coast, silver and tea inbound to Norfolk—but, you know Jeff. Cooper-Tillman and Struan's are old friends, eh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, and I hope it remains so. Go on.\"\n\n\"Nothing much more, or everything. Over the years, others in the family moved down South and spread out. My ma was from Alabama, I have two brothers and a sister, all younger than me. Now Billy's with the North, New Jersey 1st Cavalry, and my little brother Janny—named after my granddaddy, Janov Syborodin, Janny's cavalry too, but with the 3rd Virginian, Advance Scouts. It's all crap—those two know crap about war and fighting and they'll get themselves killed, sure as hell.\"\n\n\"You... are you going to go back?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't know, Malc. Every day I think yes, every night yes and every morning no, don't want to start killing family, whatever side I'm on.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why did you leave and come to this godforsaken part of the world?\"\n\n\"Emilie died. She got scarlet fever—there was an epidemic and she was one of the unlucky ones. That was nine years ago—we were just about to have a kid.\"\n\n\"What rotten luck!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. You and me, we've both had our share...\"\n\nStruan was so concentrated in his mystery book that he did not hear the outside door to her suite softly open and close, nor the lightness of her tiptoeing, nor notice her peer in for an instant, then disappear. In a moment there was an almost imperceptible click as her inner, bedroom door closed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked up. Now listening intently. She had said that she would look in but if he was asleep she would not disturb him. Or if she was tired she would go straight to bed, quiet as a mouse, and see him in the morning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't worry, darling,\" he had said happily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just have a good time, I'll see you at breakfast. Sleep well and know I love you.\"\n\n\"I love you too, chéri. Sleep well.\"\n\nThe book was resting in his lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With an effort he sat upright and swung his legs over the side of the bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That part was just bearable. But not getting up. Getting up was still beyond him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His heart was pounding and he felt nauseated and lay back. Still, a little better than yesterday. Got to push, whatever Babcott says, he told himself grimly, rubbing his stomach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tomorrow I'll try again, three times." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps it's just as well. I'd want to stay with her. God help me, I would have to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he felt better he began to read once more, glad for the book, but now the story did not absorb him as before, his attention wandered, and his mind started to intermix the story with pictures of her about to be murdered, and corpses, him rushing to protect her, other glimpses becoming ever more erotic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At length he put the book away, marking the place with a page she had given him, one from her journal. Wonder what she writes in it, knowing her to be as diligent as anyone. About me and her? Her and me?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Very tired now. His hand reached for the lamp to turn the wick down, then stopped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The little wineglass with sleep in it beckoned. His fingers trembled.\n\nBabcott's right, I don't need it anymore.\n\nFirmly he doused the light and lay back and closed his eyes, praying for her and his family and that his mother would bless them, and then for himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, God, help me get better—I'm afraid, very afraid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But sleep would not take him. Turning or trying to gain comfort hurt him, reminding him of the Tokaidō and Canterbury. Half asleep half awake, his mind buzzing with the book, the macabre setting and how would it finish?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Narrative Extension Protocol:\nQuantity: two sentences\nAuthor Emulation: James Clavell\nGenre Classification: historical fiction, Japan" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André's nimble fingers glued the last shred of the reassembled second page into place. \"There, Henri,\" he said, and pushed it across the desk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Read for yourself.\" It had taken him no time at all to rebuild the page from the pieces he had seemingly thrown carelessly into his wastepaper basket.\n\nThey were in Seratard's office, the door locked. The page read:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "... and hope, as we discussed, you can position an early betrothal and marriage by whatever means necessary... He is the catch of the season and vital for our future, yours particularly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Struan will permanently solve Richaud Frères." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never mind that he is British, too young or whatever, now he's tai-pan of Struan's and can assure us of a smooth future." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Be adult, Angelique, do anything necessary to bond him to you because your future is presently threadbare.\n\n\"That's not so terrible,\" Seratard said uneasily, \"just a father's panic advice, reaching for straws. Struan is without doubt a wonderful catch for any girl and Angelique... who could blame a father?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That depends on the father. This, if used at the correct time in the correct way, is another weapon over her, therefore over the Noble House.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then you think the poor girl will be successful?\"\n\n\"We must work to make it so. Now that we've this evidence to use, if necessary, we must assist her as a matter of policy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "André's lips were a thin cold line." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not that I think she's a poor girl. She's the one who's prepared to snare him by any means necessary. Eh?\"\n\nSeratard sat back in the red leather chair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His office bureau was tatty except for a few oils of modern, little-known French painters, Manet amongst them, that he collected cheaply through a Paris agent from time to time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's she doing but reacting to a young man's love?\" He shoved the paper back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't like these methods, André. They're distasteful. You encouraged the girl into the morass of half-truths by telling her to give him half the letter.\"\n\n\"Machiavelli wrote, 'It is necessary for the State to deal in lies and half-truths, because people are made up of lies and half-truths. Even princes.' And certainly, by definition, all Ambassadors and politicians.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "André shrugged. Carefully he folded the letter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps we won't have to use it, but it's good to have it because we represent the State.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Use it how?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The fact that she tore it up and...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She didn't,\" Seratard said, shocked.\n\n\"Of course,\" André said coldly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But it's her word against mine and who wins that contest? The fact that she tore up the second page and only showed Struan the first should be enough to damn her in his eyes. This gives him a perfect excuse to annul any promise of marriage \"as he had been deceived.\" His mother? If she knew about this she would concede us all sorts of concessions to gain possession of it, if he insists on marrying Angelique, against her advice.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't like blackmail.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "André flushed. \"I don't like lots of methods I'm obliged to use for our, I repeat, our purposes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He put the page with the fine writing into his pocket. \"Circulated in society or published, with the details, this document would destroy Angelique. In a court it would damn her. Perhaps it only shows the truth: that she is just an adventuress, in conspiracy with her father who is—who is at best a gambler and soon to be bankrupt, like her uncle. As to encouraging her, I only tell her what she wants to know and say. To help her. It's her mess, not mine or ours.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seratard sighed. \"Sad. Sad that she is embroiled.\"\n\n\"Yes, but she is, isn't she, to our advantage?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "André's lips smiled but not his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And yours personally, Monsieur? Judiciously used this would guarantee her into your bed, would it not, if your undoubted charm failed, which I doubt.\"\n\nSeratard did not smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you, André? What are we going to do about Hana, the Flower?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "André looked at him abruptly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Flower is dead.\"\n\n\"Yes. And under such strange circumstances.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not strange,\" André said, his eyes suddenly flat as a reptile's. \"She committed suicide.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She was found with her throat cut, with your knife. The mama-san says you spent the night with her as usual.\"\n\nAndré was trying to work out why Seratard was probing now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I did, but this is none of your business.\"\n\n\"I'm afraid it is. The local Bakufu official sent a formal request for information yesterday.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell him to kill himself. Hana, the Flower, was special, yes, she was mine, yes. I paid the very top pillow price for her, but she was still only part of the Willow World.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As you said so rightly, people are made up of lies and half-truths. The complaint reports that you had a violent row with her. Because she had taken a lover.\"\n\n\"We had a row, yes, and I wanted to kill her, yes, but not for that reason,\" André muttered, choked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The truth is... the truth is she did have some clients. Three—in the other House, but this was... this was before she became my property. One of them... one of them gave her the pox. She gave it to me.\"\n\nSeratard was aghast. \"Mon Dieu, syphilis?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mon Dieu, you're sure?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" André got up and went to the sideboard and poured some brandy and drank it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Babcott confirmed it a month ago. No mistake. It could only have been her. When I asked her about it, she...\"\n\nHe was seeing her again, looking up at him in the little house within the walls of the House of the Three Carp, a little frown on the perfect oval of her face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was just seventeen and five feet tall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hai, gomen nasai, Furansu-san, spot, like yours, but year 'go, mine sukoshi, rittle, hai, rittle, Furansu-san, sukoshi, no bad, go 'way,\" she said gently with her sweet smile in her usual mixture of Japanese and bits of English, her l's always like r's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hana tell mama-san. Mama-san say see doctor, he say no bad. No bad spot but because just begin pillow and I small. Doctor say pray at shrine and drink medicine, ugh! But few week all gon'way.\" She added happily. \"All gon'way year ago.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It hasn't 'gone away'!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why anger? No worry. I pray at Shinto shrine like doctor say, pay priest many taels, I eat\"—her face crinkled with her laugh—\"eat nasty medicine. Few week all gone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It hasn't gone. It won't. There's no cure!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had looked at him strangely. \"All gon', you see me, my body, all, how many time, neh,? Of course all gon 'way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For Christ sake, it hasn't!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another frown, then she shrugged. \"Karma, neh?\"\n\nHe had exploded. Her shock was vast and she put her head to the tatami and pitifully began to beg his pardon, \"No bad, Furansu-san, gon'way, doctor say, gon'way. You see same doctor soon, all go'way...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outside their shoji walls he could hear footsteps and whispers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have to see the English doctor!\" His heart was thundering in his ears and he was trying to speak coherently, knowing that going to a doctor, any doctor, was useless and that though sometimes the ravages could be arrested, perhaps, as sure as the sun would dawn tomorrow, the ravages would one day arrive in force." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you understand?\" he had shrieked. \"There's no cure!\"\n\nShe just stayed bowed, shaking like a brutalized puppy, saying monotonously, \"No bad, Furansu-san, no bad, all go'way...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He dragged himself back and looked again at Seratard. \"When I questioned her about it she said she had been cured, a year ago. She believed it, of course she believed she was cured. Me, oh yes, I was screaming and asked her why she hadn't told Raiko-san and she mumbled something about, What was there to tell, the doctor said it was nothing and her mama-san would have told Raiko-san if it had been important.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But this is terrible, André. Did Babcott see her?\"\n\n\"No.\" Another swallow of brandy but he felt none of its customary bite, then said in a rush, desperate to tell someone at last, \"Babcott told me the pox... he told me an early poxed woman can appear to be without blemish in every way, that she won't always pass it on, not every time you bed, God knows why, but it's inevitable she will sometime if you continue with her and once a sore appears you're lost, though after a month or so the sore or sores go away and you think you're safe but you're not!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now the vein in the center of André's forehead was knotted and pulsating. \"Weeks or months later there's a rash, this's the second stage. It's strong or weak depending on only God knows what and sometimes brings hepatitis or meningitis and stays or goes away, the rash, depending on Christ knows what. The last stage, the horror stage, appears anytime—anytime—months up to... up to thirty years later.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seratard took out a handkerchief and wiped his brow, praying that he would be spared, thinking about the frequent times he visited the Yoshiwara, about his own musume that now he kept for himself alone but could never guarantee had no other lover." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How can you prove or disprove that if there's collusion with the mama-san when they're only interested in fleecing you?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You had the right to kill her,\" he said grimly. \"And the mama-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Raiko wasn't responsible. I'd told her none of the girls here, anywhere in the Yoshiwara, were ones I wanted. I wanted someone young, special, a virgin or almost one. I begged her to find me a flower, explaining exactly what I wanted, and she did and Hana-chan was everything I wanted, perfection—she came from one of the best Houses in Yedo. You can't imagine how beautiful she is, was...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He remembered how his heart had leapt the first time Raiko had shown her to him, chattering with other girls in another room. \"That one, Raiko, in the pale blue kimono.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I advise stay with Fujiko or Akiko or one of my other ladies,\" Raiko had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she wanted, her English was good. \"In time I will find you another. There little Saiko. In a year or two...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That one, Raiko. She perfect. Who is she?\"\n\n\"Her name is Hana, the Flower. Her mama-san say the pretty little thing was born near Kyōto, bought by her House when three or four for training as geisha.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Raiko smiled. \"Luckily, she's not geisha—if geisha, she would be not on offer, so sorry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because I gai-jin?\"\n\n\"Because geisha is for entertainment, not pillowing, and, Furansu-san, so sorry, truly difficult to appreciate if not Japanese. Hana's teachers were patient, but she could not develop the skills so she was trained for the pillow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want her, Raiko.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A year ago she was old enough to begin. Her mama-san arranged the best pillow prices, of course only after Hana had approved the client. Three clients only have enjoyed her, her mama-san says she is fine pupil, and only allowed to pillow twice weekly. Only mark against her, she was born in the Year of the Fire Horse.\"\n\n\"What that mean?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know we count time in cycles of twelve years, like the Chinese, each year with an animal name, Dragon, Snake, Cockerel, Bull, Horse and so on. But each also has one of the five elements: fire, water, earth, iron, wood that vary, cycle by cycle. Ladies born in Year of Horse, with the fire sign, are thought to be... unlucky.\"\n\n\"Not believe superstitions. Please say price.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She is a pillow Flower beyond price.\"\n\n\"The price, Raiko.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To the other House, ten koku, Furansu-san. To this House, two koku a year, and price of house of her own within my fence, two maids, all the clothes she wants, and parting gift of five koku when you no longer require her services—this sum to be deposited with our Gyokoyama rice merchant-banker, at interest which, until time of parting, is yours—all to be in writing, signed and registered with Bakufu.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sum was huge by Japanese standards, extravagant by European counting even with the rate of exchange heavily weighted in the European's favor. For a week he had bartered and had managed to reduce the price only a few sous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every night his dreams drove him onwards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So he had agreed. With due ritual seven months ago she had been presented to him formally." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She agreed to accept him formally. They both signed formally." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The next night he had pillowed and she was everything he had dreamed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Laughing, happy, enthusiastic, tender, loving." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She was a gift of God, Henri.\"\n\n\"Of the devil. The mama-san too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, it wasn't her fault. The day before I received Hana, Raiko told me, formally—it was also on the deed of payment—that the past was the past, she promised only to cherish Hana as one of her own girls, to make sure Hana was never seen by other men and remained mine alone, from that day onwards.\"\n\n\"Then she killed her?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "André poured another drink." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I... I asked Hana to name the three men, one of them is my murderer, but she said she couldn't—or wouldn't. I—I smashed her around the face to force it out of her and she just whimpered and didn't cry out. I would have killed her, yes, but I loved her and... then I left. I was like a mad dog, it was three or four o'clock by then and I just walked into the sea. Maybe I wanted to drown myself, I don't know, don't remember exactly, but the cold water gave me back my head. When I got back to the House, Raiko and the others were in shock, incoherent. Hana was crumpled where I left her. Now in a mess of blood, my knife in her throat.\"\n\n\"Then she committed suicide?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's what Raiko said.\"\n\n\"You don't believe it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know what to believe,\" André said in anguish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I only know I went back to tell her I loved her, that the pox was karma, not her fault, not her fault, that I was sorry I said what I said and did what I did, that everything would be as before except, except when it became... became obvious we would suicide together...\"\n\nHenri was trying to think, his own brain addled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had never even heard of the House of the Three Carp before rumors of the girl's death had rushed through the Settlement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André's always been so secretive, he thought, correctly so, and he's right, it was none of my business—until the Bakufu made it official. \"The three men, did this Raiko know who they were?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Numbed, André shook his head. \"No, and the other mama-san would not tell her.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode: Collab writing\nAmount: 6 sentences\nVoice: James Clavell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That night Hiraga led the silent charge up and over the stockade of a daimyo's palace in the second ring outside the castle walls and rushed through the gardens for the back entrance of the mansion, the night lit by a halfhearted moon. All six men wore the same short, black, night-fighting kimonos without armor for speed and quiet. All had swords, knives and garrotes. All were Choshu ronin Hiraga had summoned urgently from Kanagawa for tonight's raid.\n\nAround the mansion the sprawling compound of barracks, stables and servants' quarters that would normally house five hundred warriors and the daimyo's family and servants was eerily empty. Only two sleepy sentries were at the back door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These men saw the raiders too late to sound an alarm and died." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Akimoto stripped one of his uniform and put it on, then dragged the bodies into the undergrowth and rejoined the others on the veranda. They waited, motionless, listening intently. No warning shouts or they would have abandoned the attack at once.\n\n\"If we have to retreat, never mind,\" Hiraga had said at dusk when the others had arrived in Yedo. \"It's enough that we can penetrate so close to the castle. Tonight's purpose is terror, to kill and spread terror, to make them believe no one and no place is beyond reach of us or our spies. Terror, in and out quickly, maximum surprise and no casualties. Tonight's a rare opportunity.\" He smiled. \"When Anjo and the Elders cancelled sankin-kotai, they dug the Shōgunate's grave.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We fire the palace, Cousin?\" Akimoto asked happily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"After the kill.\"\n\n\"And he is?\"\n\n\"He's old, grey hair and little of it, thin and small, Utani, the roju Elder.\"\n\nThey all gasped. \"Daimyo of Watasa?\"\n\n\"Yes. Unfortunately I've never seen him. Anyone?\"\n\n\"I think I'd recognize him,\" the eighteen-year-old youth said, a bad scar running down the side of his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's scrawny, like a diseased chicken. I saw him once in Kyōto. So tonight we send an Elder onwards, eh, a daimyo, eh? Good!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He grinned and scratched at the scar, a legacy from the unsuccessful Choshu attempt to seize the Palace Gates in Kyōto last spring. \"Utani won't be running anywhere after tonight. He's mad to sleep outside the walls and let it be known! And without guards? Stupid!\"\n\nJoun, a seventeen-year-old, always the cautious one, said, \"Excuse me, Hiraga-san, but are you sure this isn't a trap baited with false information? Yoshi is called the Fox, Anjo worse. We've heavy prices on our heads, eh? I agree with my brother, how could Utani be so stupid?\"\n\n\"Because he has a secret assignation. He's a pederast.\"\n\nThey stared at him blankly. \"Why should he want to keep that secret?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The youth is one of Anjo's intimates.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So ka!\" Joun's eyes glittered. \"Then I think I would keep that secret too. But why should a pretty boy give himself to someone like Utani when he already has a powerful patron?\"\n\nHiraga shrugged. \"Pay, what else? Nori's a miser, Utani lavish—aren't his peasants the most taxed in all Nippon? Aren't his debts to the sky? Isn't he known for consuming gold oban like grains of rice? Soon, one way or another, Anjo will leave this earth. Perhaps this pretty boy thinks Utani will survive and the risk is worth it—Utani has influence at Court, eh? Koku! Why not, his family's probably destitute and drowning in debt—aren't almost all samurai, below hirazamurai rank, at poverty level?\"\n\n\"True,\" they all agreed.\n\n\"That's been true since the fourth Shōgun,\" the eighteen-year-old said bitterly, \"almost two hundred years. Daimyos take all the taxes, sell samurai status to stinking merchants, more and more every year, and still they cut our pay. Daimyos have betrayed us, their loyal retainers!\"\n\n\"You're right,\" Akimoto said angrily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My father has to hire himself out as a farm laborer to feed the rest of my brothers and sisters...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ours has only his swords left, no house, just a hut,\" Joun said. \"We're so deep in debt from Great-grandfather's time we can never repay the loans. Never.\"\n\n\"I know how to settle those filthy money worshippers: cancel their debts or kill them,\" another said. \"If daimyos sometimes pay off their debts like that, why not us?\"\n\n\"A fine idea,\" Akimoto agreed, \"but it would cost you your head. Lord Ogama would make an example of you, in case his own lenders stopped advancing money against—what is it now—against four years' taxes ahead.\"\n\nAnother said, \"My family stipend hasn't changed since Sekigahara, and the cost of rice up a hundred times since then. We should become merchants or saké brewers. Two uncles and Elder Brother have given up their swords and done that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Terrible, yes, but I've thought of it too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Daimyos betrayed all of us.\"\n\n\"Most have,\" Hiraga said. \"Not all.\"\n\n\"True,\" Akimoto said. \"Never mind, we'll choose our own daimyo when we've expelled the barbarians and broken the Toranaga Shōgunate. The new Shōgun will give us enough to eat, us and our families, and better weapons, even some of the gai-jin rifles.\"\n\n\"He'll keep them for his own men, whoever he is.\"\n\n\"Why should he, Hiraga? There'll be enough for everyone. Don't the Toranagas hoard five to ten million koku yearly? That's more than enough to arm us properly. Listen, if we're split up in the dark, where do we regroup?\"\n\n\"The House of Green Willows, south of Fourth Bridge, not here. If that's too difficult, hide somewhere and make your way back to Kanagawa...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now on the veranda, listening carefully for danger, enjoying the sensation, Hiraga smiled, his heart beating well, feeling the joy of life and approaching death, every day nearer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a few moments we move again. Action at long last...\n\nFor days he had been in the temple beside the English Legation, waiting impatiently for an opportunity to fire it but always too many enemy troops, foreign and samurai. Each day acting the gardener, spying, listening, planning—so easy to kill the tall barbarian there who escaped the Tokaidō attack. Astonishing that only one barbarian was killed out of the easy target of three men and a woman.\n\nAh, Tokaidō! Tokaidō means Ori and Ori means Shorin, and they mean Sumomo who is seventeen next month and I will not consider my father's letter. I will not!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I will not accept Ogama's pardon if I have to recant sonnojoi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I will follow its lodestone to whatever death it steers.\n\nJust me alive now. Ori is dead or will die tomorrow. Shorin gone. And Sumomo?\n\nLast night tears had wet his cheeks, tears from the dream that she was in, her bushido and fire and perfume and body beckoning and lost to him forever. Impossible to sleep, so he sat in the Lotus seat, the Buddha position, using Zen to fly his mind to peace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then this morning, a gift of the gods, the furtive, coded message from Koiko's mama-san about Utani, who had heard it, equally secretly, from Koiko's maid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eeee, he thought gleefully, I wonder what Yoshi would do if he knew our tentacles reached out even to his bed, even around his balls?\n\nConfident now they were still undetected, he jumped up and went to the door, used his knife, sliding the bar back. Inside quickly. Akimoto stayed on guard in the sentry's uniform. The others followed Hiraga noiselessly up the stairs towards the women's quarters, the route already given to him. Everything was lavish, best woods, finest tatamis, purest oiled paper for shoji and most fragrant oils for lamps and candles. Turning a corner. The unsuspecting guard stared at him blankly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His mouth opened but no sound came out. Hiraga's knife had stopped it.\n\nHe stepped over the body, went to the end of the corridor, hesitated a moment to get his bearings. Now a cul-de-sac. Either side were walls of sliding shoji, rooms behind them. At the end just one, bigger and more ornate than all the others. An oil lamp burned within, also in some of the other rooms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few snores and heavy breathing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Silently he motioned for Todo and Joun to follow and the others to guard, then went forward again like a night-hunting beast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sound of heavy breathing increased." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A nod to Joun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once the youth slipped past him, crouched at the far door then, at another sign from Hiraga, slid the shoji open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga leapt into the room, then Todo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two men were prone on the exquisite silk quilts and futons, naked and joined, the youth spread, the older over him, clutching him and thrusting, panting and oblivious. Hiraga stood over them, reared his sword on high and with two hands gripping the hilt drove the point through the back of both bodies just above the heart, burying it into the tatami floor, impaling them.\n\nThe old man gasped and died instantly, his limbs quivering beyond death. The youth clawed impotently, unable to turn, unable to move his trunk, only his arms and legs and head but, even so, he still could not twist enough to see what had happened nor could he understand what had happened, only that his life was somehow seeping away as all his body opened. A howl of terror gathered in his throat as Todo leapt forward and twined the garrote to choke it back—just too late. Part of the cry hung in the now fetid air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instantly he with Hiraga whirled for the door, all senses frenzied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga with knife poised. Todo, Joun and those in the corridor with swords raised, hearts pounding, all ready to charge, flee, fight, rush, die, but battle and die proudly. Behind Hiraga the delicate hands of the youth tore at his neck, his long, perfect and painted nails gouging the flesh around the wire. The fingers shuddered and stopped and fluttered and stopped and fluttered. And were still.\n\nSilence. Somewhere a sleeper stirred noisily, then returned to sleep. Still no alarms or warning shouts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gradually the raiders wrenched themselves from the brink, numbed and sweat-stained." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga signalled the retreat.\n\nAt once they obeyed except for Joun who ran back into the room to recover Hiraga's sword. He straddled the bodies but with all his strength he could not pull the sword out or ease it out. Hiraga waved him away, tried himself and failed. On a low lacquered sword stand were the weapons of the dead men. He picked one up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the door he looked back." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the clean, steady light of the oil lamp the two bodies seemed like a single monstrous, multilegged human-headed dragonfly, the crumpled quilts its gorgeous wings, his sword a giant silver pin. Now he could see the face of the youth—it was quite beautiful." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "lets do a historical fiction, Japan thing. u write 7 sentences bits like James Clavell would" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In brilliant midday sunshine ten days later, Phillip Tyrer sat at a desk on the veranda of the Yedo Legation contentedly practicing Japanese calligraphy, brush and ink and water, surrounded by dozens of filled and discarded pages of rice paper, astonishingly inexpensive here compared with England. Sir William had sent him to Yedo to prepare for the first meeting with the Elders.\n\nHis brush stopped abruptly. Captain Settry Pallidar and ten equally immaculate dragoons were riding up the hill. As they came into the square the samurai there, many more than before, parted to allow them access. Slight, stiff bows acknowledged by a slight, stiff salute, clearly a newly established protocol. Redcoat sentries, many more than before, opened the iron gates and closed them after the troops had clattered into the high-walled forecourt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hello, Settry,\" Tyrer called out, running down the main steps to greet him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good God, you're a sight for sore eyes, where the devil did you come from?\"\n\n\"Yokohama, old boy, where else? Came by boat.\" As Pallidar dismounted, one of the gardeners, hoe in hand, was already hurrying in a half-bowing run to hold the bridle. When Pallidar saw him, his hand went to his holster. \"Get away!\"\n\n\"He's all right, Settry. He's Ukiya, one of our regulars and always very helpful. Domo, Ukiya,\" Tyrer said.\n\n\"Hai, Taira-sama, domo.\" Hiraga put on a vacant smile, his face half obscured by the coolie hat he wore, bowed and did not move.\n\n\"Get away,\" Pallidar repeated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, Phillip, but I don't like any of the buggers near me, particularly with a bloody hoe in his hand. Grimes!\"\n\nInstantly the dragoon was there and he shoved Hiraga away roughly, taking the bridle. \"Hop it, Jappo! Piss off!\"\n\nHiraga obediently bobbed his head, kept the vacuous grin in place and moved away. But he stayed within easy listening distance, bottling his desire to avenge the insult instantly—with the razor-sharp hoe, the small stiletto hidden in his hat or with his iron-hard hands.\n\n\"Why on earth come by boat?\" Tyrer was saying.\n\n\"To save time. Patrols report extra Jappo barricades all along the Tokaidō and traffic jams all the way from Hodogaya to Yedo, worse than Piccadilly Circus on the Queen's birthday, making everyone more nervous than usual. Have a dispatch from Sir William, he's ordering the Legation closed and you and your staff back—I'm your escort for 'face.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tyrer stared at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But what about the meeting? I've been working like the devil to get everything ready.\"\n\n\"Don't know, old boy. Here.\"\n\nTyrer broke the seals on the official letter:\n\nP. Tyrer, Esq., British Legation, Yedo: This is to inform you I have agreed with the Bakufu to postpone the meeting from October 20th to Monday, November 3rd. To save unnecessary expense in troops, you and your staff will return immediately with Captain Pallidar.\n\n\"Three cheers! Yokohama here I come.\"\n\n\"When do you want to leave?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Immediately, the Great White Father says, immediately it will be. Can't wait. How about after lunch? Come and sit down. What's new in Yokopoko?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not much.\" As they strolled up to the veranda and easy chairs, Hiraga moved under the lee and continued hoeing.\n\nPallidar lit a cheroot. \"Sir William, the General and Admiral had another bash at the local governor and Bakufu, swearing they would have his guts for garters if they didn't produce Canterbury's murderers—and now Lun's, pretty bloody awful, what? All they got was the usual fawning and, Ah, so sorry, we're watching all roads, all paths to catch them, so sorry for delays and inconvenience! Oh, says Sir William, then you know who they are? Oh no, says the Jappos, but if we check all papers and watch everyone, perhaps we'll find them, we do everything possible, please to help by being more careful of revolutionaries. A lot of balls! They could catch them if they wanted. They're liars.\"\n\n\"Terrible about Lun. Ghastly! I went into shock. Sir William almost had a stroke. Still no sign of how the murderers got into our place at Kanagawa?\"\n\n\"Nothing, any more than last time.\" Pallidar had noted the many pages filled with practice characters but did not comment. He loosened his collar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Corporal left in charge was demoted and he and the other two given fifty lashes for dereliction of duty. Stupid not to be sharp after the other attack. But why the monkey's head?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tyrer shuddered. \"Sir William thinks it was because Lun jeered at their Delegation, called them 'monkeys' and it was their form of revenge.\"\n\nPallidar whistled. \"That means at least one of them, unbeknownst to our people, secretly understands English—or at the very least pidgin.\"\n\n\"We came to the same conclusion.\" With an effort Tyrer threw off his fear. \"To hell with that, I'm delighted to see you. What else is new?\"\n\nPallidar was idly watching Hiraga. \"The General believes there's more to the increased barricades and native troop movements than meets the eye. The traders say their Jappo contacts whisper that all roads out of Yedo are strangled and that the real reason's civil war's brewing. Damn nuisance not knowing. We should be moving around like the Treaty allows, should be finding out for ourselves—the General and Admiral agree for once we should operate here like in India, or anywhere else, send out patrols or a regiment or two to show the flag, by God, and contact some of the discontented kings to use them against the others. Do you have a beer?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, of course, sorry. Chen!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Mass'er?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Beeru chop chop,\" Tyrer said, not at all sure his friend's militancy was the correct approach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The foreman of the gardeners came nearer and stood in the garden below and bowed deeply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To Pallidar's surprise Tyrer bowed back though his bow was slight. \"Hai, Shikisha? Nan desu ka?\" Yes, Shikisha, what do you want?\n\nWith even more astonishment Pallidar listened as the man asked something, Tyrer replied fluently and their conversation went back and forth. At length the man bowed and left. \"Hai, Taira-sama, domo.\"\n\n\"My God, Phillip, what was all that about?\"\n\n\"Eh? Oh, old Shikisha? It was just that he wanted to know if it was all right for the gardeners to prepare the garden in the back. Sir William wants fresh vegetables, cauliflower, onions, brussels sprouts, baking potatoes and... what's the matter?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're really speaking Jappo then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tyrer laughed. \"Oh, no, not really, but I've been cooped up here for ten days with nothing to do so I've been swotting and trying to learn words and phrases. Actually, though Sir William read me the Riot Act about pulling my finger out, I'm enjoying it immensely. I get a tremendous charge out of being able to communicate.\" Fujiko's face leapt to the forefront of his mind, communicating with her, the hours spent with her—the last time ten days ago when he had returned to Yokohama for a day and the night. Hooray for Sir William, tonight or tomorrow I'll see her again, wonderful.\n\n\"Wonderful!\" he said without thinking, beaming. \"Oh,\" he added hastily, \"oh, er, yes, I enjoy trying to speak and read and write it. Old Shikisha's given me lots of words, mostly work words, and Ukiya.\" He pointed to Hiraga who was gardening industriously, always within distance, not knowing that \"Ukiya\" was an alias and just meant \"gardener.\" \"He's helping me with writing—jolly intelligent fellow for a Japanese.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "During a writing lesson yesterday, he checked rumors he had heard, he asked him with signs and words Poncin had given him, to write the characters for \"war,\" senso, and \"soon,\" jiki-ni." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he combined his crudely written attempts as \"War, in Nippon, soon. Please?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had seen a sudden change and surprise. \"Gai-jin toh nihon-jin ka?\" Foreigners and Japanese?\n\n\"Iyé, Ukiya. Nihon-jin toh nihon-jin.\" No, Ukiya. Japanese and Japanese.\n\nThe man had laughed suddenly and Tyrer had seen how good-looking he was and how different from the other gardeners, wondering why he was seemingly so much more intelligent than the others, though, unlike the British equivalent worker, most Japanese could read and write. \"Nihon-jin tsuneni senso nihon-jin! Japanese are always fighting Japanese,\" Ukiya had said with another laugh, and Tyrer laughed with him, liking him even more.\n\nTyrer grinned at Pallidar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come on, what's new? Not business, for goodness' sake—Angelique.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pallidar grunted. \"Oh, are you interested in her?\" he asked flatly, greatly savoring the joke inside himself.\n\n\"Not at all.\" Tyrer was equally flat, equally teasing, and they chuckled together.\n\n\"Tomorrow's the engagement party.\"\n\n\"Lucky Malcolm! Thank God I'm released, marvelous! I'd hate to miss that party. How is she?\"\n\n\"As pretty as ever. We had her as guest of honor at the mess. She arrived looking like a goddess, escorted by the frog Minister, pompous ass, and that André Poncin chap—don't like either of them. It was—\"\n\n\"André's rather nice actually—he's helping me a lot with my Japanese.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps he is but I don't trust him. There's a long article in the Times about the coming European conflict: France and probably Russia against Germany. We'll be dragged in again.\"\n\n\"That's one war we can do without. You were saying?\"\n\nAn immense grin. \"It was a terrific evening. Had one dance with her. It was smashing. A polka—danced my heart out. Close up, her—well, without being disrespectful, I have to say her bosoms are like milk and honey and her perfume...\" For a moment Pallidar was reliving that heady moment, the center of attention on the hastily constructed dance floor, gorgeous sparkling uniforms, she the only woman present, candles and oil lamps and the Guards Band playing lustily, dancing on and on, the perfect couple, everyone else consumed with jealousy. \"Don't mind admitting I envy Struan.\"\n\n\"How is he?\"\n\n\"Eh? Oh, Struan? Slightly better so the story goes. I haven't seen him but they say he's out of bed. I asked Angelique and she only said he's much better.\" Another beam. \"The new doctor, Dr. Hoag, their family doctor, has taken over. I hear he's pretty damn good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pallidar finished his beer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another appeared from the ever attentive Chen, smiling and round and a pattern of Lim, equally a plant, and also a distant cousin of the Struan compradore. \"Thanks.\" Pallidar sipped it appreciatively. \"Damn good beer.\"\n\n\"It's local. Ukiya says Japanese've brewed it for years, the best from Nagasaki. I imagine they copied some Portuguese beer centuries ago. What else's new?\"\n\nPallidar looked at Tyrer thoughtfully. \"What do you make of Hoag's assassin story? The operation and mysterious girl?\"\n\n\"Don't know what to think. I thought I recognized one of them, remember? The fellow was wounded in exactly the same place. Everything adds up. Pity you and Marlowe didn't catch him. Ironic if one of our side cured him, so that he can murder more of us.\" Tyrer dropped his voice, always servants nearby and soldiers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Between you and me, old boy, Sir William's sending for more troops and ships from Hong Kong.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd heard the same. It'll be war soon, or we'll have to intervene if they start fighting amongst themselves...\"\n\nHiraga was listening carefully as he weeded and hoed, and though he missed many words he caught the marrow and their news confirmed his own, increasing his worries.\n\nAfter setting the Utani mansion on fire, he and his friends had reached their nearby safe house without incident. Todo and others wanted to return to Kanagawa as soon as the barriers opened at dawn, and left. He, Joun, and Akimoto decided to remain in hiding at separate dwellings, to await an opportunity to attack the Legation.\n\nThat same dawn with eerie, unprecedented speed the Bakufu doubled the barriers on the Tokaidō, and extended their grasp on all four main trunk roads as well as all roads, paths and even tracks leading out of Yedo. With stepped-up surveillance, this effectively locked them in, along with all shishi and other antagonists throughout the capital." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Four days ago the mama-san Noriko sent a letter from Kanagawa, saying that with all the increased, hostile activity, this was her first opportunity, relating about Ori and Sumomo and the gai-jin doctor, and ended:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still no sign of Todo and the other two shishi—they have vanished without trace. We know they passed the first barrier but nothing more. We fear they were betrayed and you are betrayed. Escape while you can. Ori is much stronger every day, his wound still clean. I have sent him to safety near Yokohama—the last place the Bakufu will expect him to go. Your Lady refuses to leave without your order—send it at once for I fear that my House is being watched." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If we are attacked seek word from Raiko, the House of the Three Carp at Yokohama." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "News of Utani's assassination speeds throughout Nippon, and terror with it. Sonno-joi!\n\nHe began to write a reply but her messenger was very afraid. \"Getting here was terrible, Hiraga-san. Barrier guards are ordering everyone to strip completely—men, women, even children—in case messages are hidden in loincloths. It happened to me, Sire.\"\n\n\"Then how did you escape?\"\n\nThe messenger pointed to his bottom. \"I enclosed the letter in a small metal tube, Hiraga-san. I do not want to risk that again, some guards are very wise in the ways of smugglers. Please trust me with a spoken message.\"\n\n\"Then give your mistress my thanks and hopes and tell Sumomo-san to report to Shinsaku at once.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga had used his father's private name that only she would know, and would therefore be sure the order to return home had come from him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He paid the man. \"Be careful.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Karma.\"\n\nYes, karma, Hiraga thought, and began to concentrate again on the foreign words, glad that Ori was alive, enjoying the joke that indeed a gai-jin had saved Ori to kill more gai-jin, as he himself would kill these two. During their retreat, during the confusion of leaving I could do it, if not both then one of them, whoever is the first target. Eeee, all gods, if you exist, watch and guard Sumomo. Good that she resisted her parents, good she journeyed to my parents' home in Choshu, good she came to Kanagawa, more than good that she dares to join me in battle—she will be a worthy mother to my generations, if that is my karma. Therefore much better she goes home to safety. Better she is in Choshu far from danger..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His ears caught the word \"Shimonoseki.\" The gai-jin officer was talking volubly and seemed quite excited, and though most of the words were lost, Hiraga gleaned that cannon had fired on some ships in the Straits, had killed some sailors, and that all gai-jin were furious because the Straits were essential to their shipping.\n\nYes, it is, Hiraga thought with grim amusement, which is exactly why you will never have our Straits. With the cannon we have even now we can close them and keep them closed to any barbarian fleet—and soon our Dutch built and designed armament factory will be casting sixty-pounders, completing three a month, with gun carriages!\n\nThe tide has turned in our favor at long last: Lord Ogama of Choshu, alone of all daimyo, obeys the Emperor's wish to attack and expel the gai-jin; correctly he and Choshu troops firmly hold the palace gates; Katsumata is gathering all shishi to ambush and destroy the Shōgun, unbelievably winkled out of his lair, on the way to Kyōto; and now our grip tightens on the gai-jin's citadel, Yokohama...\n\nAbruptly all attention in the forecourt went to the barred and guarded gates as shouting erupted. Hiraga's stomach turned over." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A samurai officer at the head of a patrol under the banners of the Bakufu, and personal insignia of Toranaga Yoshi, was loudly demanding entrance, the redcoated soldiers telling him, as loudly, to go away. Just behind him, bound and battered and cowed, was Joun—his shishi comrade.\n\nA bugler sounded the alarm. All troops inside the walls rushed to action stations, some with half-buttoned uniforms and hatless but all with rifles, full magazines and bayonets, all gardeners were on their knees, heads into the earth—Hiraga, caught off guard, remained standing for a moment then hastily followed suit feeling totally naked. Warriors, massed in the square, began collecting ominously.\n\nShakily Tyrer got to his feet. \"What the devil's up?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With studied slowness Pallidar said, \"I suppose we'd better find out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He got up leisurely, saw the Captain in charge of the Legation guards at the doorway queasily opening his holster. \"'Morning, I'm Captain Pallidar.\"\n\n\"Captain McGregor. Glad you're here, yes, very glad.\"\n\n\"Shall we?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"How many troops do you have here?\"\n\n\"Fifty.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good, more than enough. Phillip, nothing to worry about,\" Pallidar said to reassure him, outwardly calm but his adrenaline circulating strongly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're ranking official, perhaps you should ask him what he wants. We'll escort you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, yes, very good.\" Striving to appear calm, Tyrer put on his top hat, straightened his frock coat and walked down the steps, all eyes on him. The dragoons watched only Pallidar, awaiting his orders. Five yards from the gate Tyrer stopped, the two officers just behind him. For the moment all that he could think of was that he wanted to urinate. In the silence he said haltingly, \"Ohayo, watashi wa Tairasan. Nan desu ka?\" Good morning, I am Mr. Tyrer, what you want please?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The officer, Uraga, the big bearlike man who was at the shishi ambush of Anjo outside the castle, glared at him, then bowed and held the bow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tyrer bowed back but not quite as low—as André Poncin had advised—and said again, \"Good morning, what you want please?\"\n\nThe officer had noted the less than respectful bow and exploded in a rush of Japanese that totally swamped Tyrer, whose dismay mushroomed. So did Hiraga's, because the officer was asking for immediate permission to search the Legation and grounds, and to interview all Japanese there at once because it was probable shishi assassins and revolutionaries were amongst them: \"Like this one,\" he finished angrily, pointing at Joun.\n\nTyrer searched for the words. \"Wakarimasen. Dozo, hanashi wo suru noroku.\" I don't understand, please to speak slowly.\n\n\"Wakarimasen ka?\" You don't understand?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the officer said with exasperation, then raised his voice, believing like most people when talking to a foreigner that loudness made his words clearer and more understandable, and repeated what he had said, the guttural language sounding even more threatening, and ended with, \"It won't take much time and please understand it is for your own protection!\"\n\n\"So sorry, not understand. Please you to speak English or Dutch?\"\n\n\"No, of course not. It should be clear to you. I only want to come in for a little while. Please open the gates! It's for your protection! Look, your gates! Here, I will show you!\" He stepped forward, grasped one of the bars and rattled the gates loudly. Everyone inside shifted nervously, many safety catches came off and Pallidar ordered loudly, \"Safety catches on! No firing without my order!\"\n\n\"I don't know what the hell he's talking about,\" Tyrer said, a chill sweat running down his back. \"Except it's obvious he wants us to open the gates.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, we're not bloody doing that, not to that armed rabble! Tell him to go away, that this is British property.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This...\" Tyrer thought a moment, then pointed at the flagstaff and Union Jack, \"this English place... no to enter. Please to go!\"\n\n\"Go? Are you mad. I have just explained, this is for your own protection. We have just caught this dog and we are sure another is here or hiding near here. OPEN THE GATES!\"\n\n\"So sorry, not understand...\" Helplessly Tyrer looked around as more Japanese words surrounded him. Then his eyes focused on Hiraga not far away. \"Ukiya, come here,\" he called out in Japanese. \"Ukiya!\"\n\nHiraga's heart almost stopped. Tyrer shouted at him again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With pretended terror, after a stumbling, grovelling run, Hiraga put his head in the dirt at Tyrer's feet, his rump towards the gate, his coolie hat covering most of him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What man say?\" Tyrer asked.\n\nWith much feigned shaking, all senses razor-edged, Hiraga replied softly, \"He's a bad man... he wants to come in, to... to steal your guns.\"\n\n\"Ah, yes, come in. Why?\"\n\n\"He... he wants to search.\"\n\n\"No understand. What mean 'ser'ch'?\"\n\n\"Search. He wants to look at your house, everywhere.\"\n\n\"Yes, understand come in. Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I told you, to search—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You, gardener,\" the officer shouted, and Hiraga jerked as anger flowed over him. For the first time in his life, out there at the center of attention, on his knees in front of a gai-jin, knowing that under his hat he wore a rough turban, if that was taken off it would reveal the shaven pate and topknot of a samurai, he was suddenly sick with fear.\n\n\"You, gardener,\" the man shouted again, rattling the gates, \"tell the fool I only want to search for assassins—shishi assassins!\"\n\nDesperately Hiraga said softly, \"Taira-sama, the samurai wants to come in, to look at everyone. Tell him you are leaving, then he can come in.\"\n\n\"No understand. Ukiya, go there!\" Tyrer pointed at the gates. \"Say go away, nice go away!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I cannot. I cannot,\" Hiraga whispered, trying to get his mind working and overcome his nausea.\n\n\"Phillip,\" Pallidar said, the sweat staining the back of his uniform. \"What the devil's he trying to tell you?\"\n\n\"I don't know.\"\n\nTension soared as the officer battered the gates again, once more demanding entrance, his men began to surge forward and grip the bars to assist him. Goaded into action, Pallidar went closer. Coldly he saluted. Equally coldly the man bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, slowly Pallidar said, \"This is British property. You are ordered to leave in peace or accept the consequences.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The officer stared at him blankly then, again, with words and actions, told him to open the door—and quickly.\n\n\"Go away!\" Without turning his back Pallidar called out, \"Dragoons only! Prepare volley!\"\n\nInstantly the ten dragoons rushed forward in unison, formed two ranks just in front of the gates, in unison the front rank knelt, all ten safety catches came off, shells went into the breech and they aimed. In the sudden silence Pallidar slowly unbuckled his holster. \"Go away!\"\n\nAbruptly the officer laughed and his laugh was taken up in the square. There were hundreds of samurai there and he knew thousands were nearby and tens of thousands within reach. But none of them had seen the carnage that a few stalwart, disciplined British soldiers could cause with their fast and easy-to-fire breech-loaders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As quickly as the laughter arose, it died. Both sides waited for the inevitable first move. Frantic expectation swept everyone: This'll be to the death, shikaru-beki, Christ Almighty, Namu Amida Butsu...\n\nHiraga sneaked a quick look up at Tyrer, saw the blank helplessness and cursed, knowing that any second the officer must order the attack to save face amidst the rumbling animosity outside. Before Hiraga could stop himself, his self-survival mechanism decided to gamble and he heard himself whisper in English—never once before had he made any indication to Tyrer he could speak the language, \"P'rease to trust—p'rease say words: Shusho... doz—\"\n\nTyrer gaped. \"Eh? Did you say 'trust'? Eh?\"\n\nCommitted now, heart thundering and hoping that the two officers nearby were so concentrated on the outside they would not overhear him, Hiraga whispered haltingly, his pronunciation only fair, \"I's\" impossible for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"P'rease quiet. Danger! Pre'tend words yours. Say Shusho, dozo shizuka ni... say words!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sick with fear he waited then, sensing that samurai tension outside was at the breaking point, hissed in English again, as an order: \"Say-words-now! Now! Shusho... dozo shizuka ni... quick!\"\n\nAlmost out of himself Tyrer obeyed. \"Shusho, dozo shizuka ni...\" parroting the words exactly and those following, not knowing what he was saying and endeavoring to put into perspective that this gardener could speak English and that this was not a dream. Within seconds he saw that the words were having an effect. The officer shouted for quiet. Tension was lessening in the square. Now the officer listened intently to him, occasionally saying, \"Hai, wakatta\"—Yes, I understand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tyrer's courage flooded back and he concentrated on Hiraga and the Japanese." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The words ended quickly with \"domo.\"\n\nAt once the officer launched into a reply. Hiraga waited until it had ended. \"Shake head,\" he whispered. \"Say Iyé, domo, bow quick-quick, back house. Order me go too.\"\n\nMore controlled now, Tyrer firmly shook his head. \"Iyé, domo!\" he said importantly, and in awed silence, the center of the world, he stomped back towards the house, stopped in sudden confusion, turned and called out in English, \"Ukiya! come along... oh, Christ,\" searched frantically for the Japanese word, found it and beckoned him: \"Ukiya, isogi!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With the same grovelling run Hiraga obeyed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the top of the steps so that only Tyrer could hear, stooping abjectly, his back to all eyes he said, \"P'rease order o'rr men, now safe. Inside house quick p'rease.\"\n\nObediently Tyrer called out, \"Captain Pallidar, order the men to stand down, it's, er, it's quite safe now!\"\n\nOnce inside the Legation, out of sight, Tyrer's ashen relief turned to anger. \"Who are you, what the devil did I say, eh?\"\n\n\"Exp'rain 'rater, Tairasan. Samurai want search, you, o'rr men, want take guns,\" Hiraga said, stumbling over the words, not yet recovered from his own fear. He stood erect now, looking him straight in the eyes, not as tall but as sweat-stained, knowing he was not yet out of the trap. \"Captain very anger, want guns, taking guns, want searching for... for Bakufu enemy. You say him, 'No, Captain, kinjiru, forbidden searching. Today I and men 'reave here, then you search. Not now, kinjiru. We keep weapons when 'reave. Kinjiru forbidden stop us. Thank you. I now prepare go Yokohama.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's what I said?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. P'rease now outside again, order me, gardeners back to work an-gri'ry. Word hatarake,\" Hiraga said queasily. \"We speak 'rater, in secret, you me, yes?\"\n\n\"Yes, but not alone, with an officer present.\"\n\n\"Then no speak, so sorry.\" Hiraga assumed his grovelling posture and backed out of the room, the exchange having taken only a few seconds, and once more dropped to his knees before Tyrer, rump towards the forecourt.\n\nUnsettled, Tyrer stepped out into the light. He saw that everyone was still waiting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Captain Pallidar, and, er, Captain McGregor, stand the men down, then please join me for a conference. Hatarake! Ikimasho! Get to work! Hurry up!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he shouted at the gardeners who obeyed at once. Thankfully Hiraga fled to the safety of the garden, muttering to the gardeners to cover him, officers and sergeants started shouting orders and the world began again.\n\nOblivious of everything, Tyrer stood on the veranda watching Hiraga, undecided, aghast that obviously he was a spy at the same time blessing him for saving them.\n\n\"You wanted us?\" Pallidar said, breaking his reverie.\n\n\"Oh! Oh, yes... please follow me.\" He led them into his office, closed the door, and told them what he had said.\n\nBoth congratulated him. \"Damned impressive, Phillip,\" Pallidar said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For a moment I was sure we were going to have a showdown and Christ knows what would have happened then. Too many of the buggers really—eventually they would have overrun us. Eventually. Of course the fleet would have revenged us but we would have been pushing up daisies and that's a pretty bloody boring thought.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"More than a bit boring,\" Captain McGregor muttered then glanced at Tyrer. \"What do you want us to do now, sir?\"\n\nTyrer hesitated, astonished that neither had heard Hiraga's English, but pleased with his newfound stature—it was the first time McGregor had called him \"sir.\" \"We'd best obey Sir William. Order everyone to pack up and... but without making it look like an ignominious retreat, can't let them have our guns—what cheek!—or let them think we're running away. We'll march out with, er, with bands and pomp.\"\n\n\"Perfect, after we've ceremoniously run down the flag.\"\n\n\"Fine! Well, I'd better... I'd better make sure all dispatches are boxed, etc.\"\n\nCaptain McGregor said, \"May I suggest, Sir... I really think you've earned a large glass of champagne—I do believe we've a few bottles left.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Tyrer beamed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps we... let's Splice the Mainbrace.\" This was the traditional naval phrase for issuing a ration of rum to all hands. \"Also we should all have tiffin first—show them we're not going to be hurried.\"\n\n\"I'll get it organized right away,\" McGregor said. \"Damn clever to think of getting that gardener to help with the words, some of them sounded quite English. But why did they want to search the Legation?\"\n\n\"To find... to search for Bakufu enemies.\"\n\nBoth men stared at him." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "7 sentences sentences. historical fiction, Japan stuff." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Humming the polka and envious of John Marlowe's success, and quite sure he could have done as well, Phillip Tyrer half danced up to the door of the House of the Three Carp in the tiny, deserted little alleyway and knocked with a flourish. Here the Yoshiwara seemed to be slumbering, but not far away the houses and bars on Main Street were bubbling, the night young with the noise of men laughing and raucous singing, the occasional twang of samisen and laughter and pidgin mixed with it.\n\nThe door grille opened. \"Mass'er, wat?\"\n\n\"Please speak Japanese. I am Tairasan and I have an appointment.\"\n\n\"Ah, is that so?\" the burly servant said. \"Tairasan, eh? I will inform the mama-san.\" The grille closed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he waited Tyrer's fingers drummed on the old wood. Yesterday and last night he had had to spend all his time with Sir William, explaining about Nakama and the Legation, arranging a modus vivendi for his newfound teacher—guilty he had not revealed the vital truth that the man could speak some English. But he had sworn, and an Englishman's word was his bond.\n\nSir William had finally agreed \"Nakama\" could be openly samurai—\n\nsons of samurai families had been attached to the French and British Legations for short periods in the past, just as Babcott had Japanese assistants. But Sir William had ordered he was not to wear or have swords within the Settlement fence. This same rule applied to all samurai, except Settlement guards under an officer on their rare, and prior-sanctioned patrols." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Further that Nakama was not to dress ostentatiously or go anywhere near the Customs House or guard house, and to keep out of sight as much as possible, that if he was discovered and claimed by the Bakufu it would be his fault and he would be handed over to them.\n\nTyrer had sent for Nakama and explained what Sir William had agreed. By this time he was too tired for Fujiko. \"Now, Nakama, I need to send a message, and I want you to deliver it. Please write the characters for: 'Please arrange... '\"\n\n\"'range, p'rease?\"\n\n\"To fix or to make. 'Please make an appointment for me tomorrow night with... 'Leave a blank for the name.\"\n\nIt had taken Hiraga a little time to understand exactly what was required of him and why." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In desperation, Tyrer had found himself giving the name Fujiko and the House of the Three Carp. \"Ah, Three Carp?\" Hiraga had said. \"So ka! Give message mama-san, no mistake, arrange you see musume tomorrow, yes?\"\n\n\"Yes, please.\"\n\nNakama had shown him how to write the characters and Tyrer copied them, very pleased with himself, and signed the message carefully with the signature Hiraga had developed for him and now he was here at the gate.\n\n\"Come on, hurry up,\" he muttered—ready, willing and able.\n\nIn time the door grille opened again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By Raiko. \"Ah, good evening, Tairasan, you want us to speak Japanese, certainly,\" she said with a smile and a little bow, and followed with a flood of lilting Japanese which he did not catch, except the name of Fujiko several times, ended with, \"So sorry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What? Oh, You sorry? Why sorry, Raiko-san? Good evening, I have appointment Fujiko... with Fujiko.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, so sorry,\" she repeated patiently, \"but Fujiko is not available this evening, and will not be free even for a short time. So sorry, but there is nothing I can do, she sends her regrets of course and, so sorry, but all my other ladies are equally occupied. Very sorry.\"\n\nAgain he did not understand everything. The gist reached him. Crestfallen, Tyrer understood that Fujiko was not there, but not the reason. \"But letter, yesterday—my message man, Nakama, he bring, yes?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes! Nakama-san brought it and as I told him I thought everything would be perfect but, so sorry, it is not now possible to accommodate you. So sorry, Tairasan, thank you for remembering us. Good night.\"\n\n\"Wait,\" Tyrer shouted in English as the grille began to close, then pleading, \"you said she isn't there—here, yes? Wait, please, Raiko-san. Tomorrow—sorry—tomorrow, Fujiko, yes?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sadly Raiko shook her head." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, so sorry, tomorrow is not possible either, it really distresses me to have to say so. I do hope you do understand, so sorry.\"\n\nTyrer was aghast. \"No tomorrow? Next day, yes?\"\n\nShe hesitated, smiled, made another little bow: \"Perhaps, Tairasan, perhaps, but, so sorry, I can promise nothing. Please ask Nakama-san to come here during the day and I will tell him. You understand? Send Nakama-san. Good night.\"\n\nBlankly Tyrer stared at the door, cursed bitterly, bunched his fists, wanting to smash something. It took him a moment to recover from his immense disappointment, then, despondently, he turned away." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around four sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: James Clavell\nGenre: historical fiction, Japan" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga had been watching through a spy hole in the fence. When Tyrer vanished around the corner he went back along the meandering stone path through the garden, deep in thought. The garden was deceptively spacious with small bungalows, always with verandas, nestling in their own shrubbery.\n\nBut he avoided all of them, went into the shrubbery and knocked on a panel of fence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It swung open noiselessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The servant bowed and he nodded and went along a path, heading for a similar dwelling. Most Inns or Houses had secret exits and hiding places, or connections with the one next door, and those that dared to cater to shishi paid special attention to security—for their own safety. This part of the House of the Three Carp was for very special guests with different cooking facilities, maids but the same courtesans. On the veranda he kicked off his geta—clogs—slid back the shoji." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did he do?\" Ori asked.\n\n\"Meekly walked away. Weird.\" Hiraga shook his head in wonder and sat opposite him, nodded a brief acknowledgment of Fujiko's deep bow. Yesterday, after delivering Tyrer's letter—with Raiko's amused compliance he had hired Fujiko for tonight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I ask why, Hiraga-san?\" Raiko had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just to annoy Taira.\"\n\n\"Eeee, I think he left his virginity here, with Ako. Then he tried Mieko, then Fujiko. Fujiko made his eyes cross.\"\n\nHe had laughed with Raiko, liking her, but when he saw Fujiko he was bewildered that his enemy found the girl attractive. She was ordinary, hair ordinary, everything about her ordinary except her eyes that were unfashionably large." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nonetheless he hid his opinion and had complimented Raiko that she had acquired such a flower, who looked sixteen though she was thirty-one and fifteen years a courtesan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Hiraga-san.\" Raiko had smiled. \"Yes, she's an asset, for some reason gai-jin like her. But please, don't forget the Taira is our client and that gai-jin are not like us. They tend to attach themselves to one lady only. Please encourage him, gai-jin are rich, and I hear he's an important official and may be here for some years.\"\n\n\"Sonno-joi.\"\n\n\"That is for you to arrange. You take their heads, but promise me not here, meanwhile I take their wealth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You will permit Ori to stay?\"\n\n\"Ori-san is a curious youth,\" she had said hesitantly, \"very strong, very angry, very unsettled—a tinderbox. I'm afraid of him. I can hide him for a day or two but... but please, curb him while he's my guest? There is trouble enough in the Willow World without seeking it.\"\n\n\"Yes. Have you any news of my cousin, Akimoto?\"\n\n\"He's safe at Hodogaya, Teahouse of the First Moon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Send for him.\" Hiraga had slid a gold oban from his secret pocket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He noted how her eyes glinted. \"This will pay for any messenger, or expenses while Akimoto and Ori are here, and for Fujiko's services tomorrow of course.\"\n\n\"Of course.\" The coin, quite a generous payment, vanished into her sleeve. \"Ori-san may stay until I think it is time for him to move on, so sorry, then he leaves, you agree?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Next, so sorry, shishi, but I must tell you it is very dangerous for you here. This is being sent to every barrier.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Raiko unfolded a woodcut poster, a portrait, about a foot square." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of him. The caption read: The Bakufu offers Two Koku reward for the head of this murdering Choshu ronin who goes under many aliases, one of which is Hiraga.\n\n\"Baka!\" Hiraga said through his teeth. \"Does it look like me? How is it possible? I've never had a portrait painted.\"\n\n\"Yes and no. Artists have long memories, Hiraga-san. One of the samurai at the fight perhaps? Unless someone closer to you is the betrayer. Bad also is that important people are seeking you. Anjo of course, but now Toranaga Yoshi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was chilled, wondering if the courtesan Koiko was betrayed or was the betrayer. \"Why him?\"\n\nRaiko shrugged. \"He's the head of the snake, like it or not. Sonno-joi, Hiraga-san, but do not lead the Bakufu enemy here, I want my head on my shoulders.\"\n\nAll night Hiraga had worried about the poster and what to do about it. He accepted a refill of saké from Fujiko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This Taira amazes me, Ori.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why waste time on him? Kill him.\"\n\n\"Later, not now. Watching him and them, testing, trying to guess their reactions is like a game of chess where the rules keep changing constantly, it is fascinating—once you get over their stench.\"\n\n\"Tonight we should have done what I wanted to do: kill him and dump his body near the guard house and let them be blamed.\" Irritably Ori ran his right hand over the stubble already covering his shaven pate and face, his left shoulder bandaged and arm still in a sling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tomorrow I'll be shaved clean again and feel more like a samurai again—Raiko has a barber she can trust, but clean or not, Hiraga, this forced laziness is sending me mad.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And your shoulder?\"\n\n\"The wound's clean. It itches but it's a good itch.\" Ori lifted his arm about halfway. \"Can't go further but I force it a little every day. It would be difficult to use in a fight. Karma. But that gai-jin Taira, if we had killed him, there would have been no risk to us or the House, you said he was so secretive he wouldn't have told anyone he was here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, but he might have, and that's what I do not understand. They are unpredictable. They keep changing their minds, they say one thing and then do the exact opposite but not with calculation, not like we do, not like us.\"\n\n\"Sonno-joi! Killing him would have driven the gai-jin mad. We should do it the next time he comes here.\"\n\n\"Yes, we will, but later—he's too valuable for the moment. He will reveal their secrets, how to humble them, kill them by the hundreds or thousands—after we have used them to humble and break the Bakufu.\" Hiraga held out the cup again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instantly Fujiko filled it, smiling at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was even in the office of the Leader of all the Ing'erish, within five paces of him. I'm in the center of gai-jin authority! If only I could speak their language better.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was much too cautious to reveal to Ori the true extent of his knowledge, or how he had persuaded Tyrer to smuggle him out—let alone in front of this girl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As she replenished their cups through the evening, smiling, totally attentive, never interrupting, she listened avidly though appearing not to, wanting to ask a hundred questions but much too well trained to do so. \"Just listen, smile and pretend to be dull-witted, only a toy,\" mama-sans drilled into all of them, \"and soon they will tell you all you want to know without prompting. Listen and smile and watch and flatter and make them happy, only then are they generous. Never forget happy equals gold, which is your only purpose and only security.\"\n\n\"In Yedo,\" Hiraga was saying, \"this Taira was really quite brave, tonight a coward. Fujiko, what is he like in bed?\"\n\nSmiling, she hid her surprise that anyone could be so indelicate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Like any young man, Hiraga-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course, but what is he like? Is he in proportion—tall man, tall spear?\"\n\n\"Ah, so sorry,\" she dropped her eyes, and made her voice humble, \"but Ladies of the Willow World are directed never to discuss a client with another, whoever he is.\"\n\n\"Our rules apply to gai-jin? Eh?\" Hiraga asked.\n\nOri chuckled. \"You will get nothing out of her, or any of them, I tried. Raiko-san came and scolded me for asking! 'Gai-jin or not, the ancient Yoshiwara rule applies,' she said. 'We can talk generalizations, but any client particularly—Baka-neh!' She was really quite angry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two men laughed but Fujiko saw Hiraga's eyes were not laughing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pretending not to notice, anxious to appease him and at the same time wondering how she would have to service him tonight, she said, \"So sorry, Hiraga-san, but my experience is little, with young or old or in the middle. But most experienced ladies say size does not guarantee satisfaction for him or for her, but that young men are always the best and most satisfying clients.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She laughed to herself at the well-worn lie. I would like to tell you the truth for once: that you young men are the worst clients, the most demanding, the least satisfying. You're all hopelessly impatient, you've plenty of vigor, require many entries, you've puddles of essence but little contentment afterwards—and rarely generous. Worst of all, however much a girl tries not to, she can become enamored with one particular young man and that leads to even more misery, disaster and most times suicide." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Old is twenty times better." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Some youths,\" she said, answering without answering, \"are incredibly shy, however well endowed.\"\n\n\"Interesting. Ori, I still can't believe this Taira just meekly turned away.\"\n\nOri shrugged. \"Meek or not, he should be dead tonight and I would sleep better. What else could he do?\"\n\n\"Everything. He should have kicked the door down—an appointment is an appointment and Raiko not having a substitute ready was a further insult.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The door and fence are too strong, even for us.\"\n\n\"Then he should have gone into the main street and got five or ten or twenty of his people and brought them back and smashed the fence down—he is an important official, the officers and all soldiers obeyed him at the Legation. That would certainly have made Raiko kowtow for a year or more and guaranteed he would have the service he wanted when he wanted—we might have had to run off too. That is what I would have done if I were an important official like him.\" Hiraga smiled and Fujiko suppressed a shiver. \"It's a matter of face. Yet they understand face very well. They would have defended their stupid Legation to the last man, then the fleet would have laid waste Yedo.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isn't that what we want?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\" Hiraga laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But not when you are weaponless and grovelling like a gardener—I really felt naked!\" Again a refill. Hiraga looked at her. Ordinarily, even though the girl of the evening was not particularly attractive, his normal virility and the saké would arouse him. Tonight was different. This was the gai-jin Yoshiwara, she had bedded them so was tainted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps Ori would like her, he thought, and smiled back at her for face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Order some food, eh, Fujiko? The best the House can provide.\"\n\n\"At once, Hiraga-san.\" She hurried away.\n\n\"Listen, Ori,\" Hiraga whispered so no one could overhear. \"There's great danger here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took out the folded poster." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ori was shocked. \"Two koku? That will tempt anyone. It could be you, not exactly, but a Barrier guard might stop you.\"\n\n\"Raiko said the same.\"\n\nOri looked up at him. \"Joun was an artist, a good one.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd thought of that, and I've been wondering how they caught him and broke him. He knows many shishi secrets, knows Katsumata's planning to intercept the Shōgun.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Disgusting, allowing himself to be caught alive. It is obvious we have been infiltrated.\" Ori handed the picture back. \"Two koku would tempt anyone, even the most zealous mama-san.\"\n\n\"I thought of that too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Grow a beard, Hiraga, or mustache, that would help.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, that would help.\" Hiraga was glad that Ori was back in his head again, his counsel always valuable. \"A strange feeling to know that this is out there.\"\n\nOri broke the silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In a day or two, soon as I can—I am stronger every day—I will go to Kyōto and join Katsumata to warn him about Joun. He should be warned.\"\n\n\"Yes, good idea, very good.\"\n\n\"What about you?\"\n\n\"I am safe amongst the gai-jin, safer there than anywhere—so long as I'm not betrayed. Akimoto's at Hodogaya, I have sent for him, then we can decide.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good. You will be safer to try for Kyōto at once, before these pictures are sent throughout the Tokaidō.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. Taira is too good an opportunity to miss. I will cache swords there in case.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get a revolver, less obvious.\" Ori put his right hand inside his yukata, moving it away from his shoulder, and scratched the bandage.\n\nHiraga was shocked to see the little gold cross on the thin gold chain around his neck. \"Why wear that?\"\n\nOri shrugged. \"It amuses me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get rid of it, Ori—it ties you to the Tokaidō killing, Shorin and her. The cross is an unnecessary danger.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Many samurai are Christian.\"\n\n\"Yes, but she could identify that cross. It is insane to take such a risk. If you want to wear one get another.\"\n\nAfter a pause Ori said, \"This one amuses me.\"\n\nHiraga saw the inflexibility, cursed him inwardly but decided it was his duty to protect the shishi movement, protect sonno-joi and now was the time. \"Take-it-off!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The blood soared into Ori's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His half smile did not change but he knew he was called." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His choice was simple: refuse and die, or obey.\n\nA mosquito buzzed around his face. He disregarded it, not wanting to make a sudden movement. Slowly his right hand pulled the chain away from his neck, breaking it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cross and chain vanished into his sleeve pocket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he placed both hands on the tatami and bowed low." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are right, Hiraga-san, it was an unnecessary danger. Please accept my apologies.\"\n\nSilently Hiraga bowed back. Only then did he relax and Ori straighten. Both men knew their relationship had changed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Permanently. They had not become enemies, just were no longer friends, allies always, but never friends again. Ever. As Ori picked up his cup and raised it, toasting him, he was pleased to find his inner rage so controlled that his fingers did not shake. \"Thank you.\"\n\nHiraga drank with him, leaned over and poured for both of them. \"Now Sumomo. Please tell me about her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I remember almost nothing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ori opened his fan and wafted the mosquito away. \"The mama-san Noriko told me Sumomo arrived like a spirit with me on a stretcher, told her almost nothing except that a gai-jin doctor had cut me open and sewed me up again. She paid half Shorin's debts and persuaded her to hide me. During the waiting Sumomo spoke hardly at all after asking about Shorin, what had happened to him. When the messenger returned from Yedo with your message she left for Shimonoseki at once. The only news she gave was that Satsuma is mobilizing for war, and your Choshu batteries had again fired on the gai-jin ships in the Straits, turning them back.\"\n\n\"Good. You told her everything about Shorin?\"\n\n\"Yes. She asked me seriously and then, after I told her she said she would be revenged.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did she leave any message or letter with the mama-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ori shrugged. \"She left nothing with me.\"\n\nPerhaps Noriko has one, Hiraga thought. Never mind, that can wait. \"She looked well?\"\n\n\"Yes. I owe her my life.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. One day she will want to collect that debt.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Repaying her I repay you and honor sonno-joi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They sat in silence, each wondering what the other was thinking, really thinking.\n\nHiraga smiled suddenly. \"Tonight in the Settlement there was a big celebration, vile music and much drinking, it's their custom when a man agrees to marry.\" He quaffed his cup. \"This saké is good. One of the merchants—the gai-jin you cut at the Tokaidō—is going to marry that woman.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ori was dumbfounded. \"The woman of the cross? She's here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I saw her tonight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So!\" Ori muttered as though to himself, then finished his saké and poured for both of them. A little wine spilled unnoticed on the tray. \"She's to be married? When?\"\n\nHiraga shrugged. \"I don't know. I saw him and her together tonight, he walks with two canes like a cripple—your blow wounded him severely, Ori.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good. And the... the woman, what was she like?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga laughed. \"Outlandish, Ori, total buffoonery.\" He described her crinoline. And her hairstyle. And got up and parodied her gait. Soon both men were almost rolling on the tatamis with laughter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"... breasts out to here, depraved! Just before I came here I peered in a window. Men clutched her openly, she and a man clutched each other, twirling in a sort of dance in front of everyone to these horrid-sounding instruments, you couldn't call it music! kicking up her skirts so you could see halfway up, and frilly white pants to the ankles. I would never have believed it if I hadn't seen it for myself but she went from man to man like a one-sen whore and they all cheered her. The fool who's going to marry her, he just sat in a chair and beamed, imagine that!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He poured but the bottle was empty. \"Saké!\"\n\nAt once the door opened, a maid came in on her knees with two new flasks, poured and scuttled away. He belched, the saké getting to him. \"They acted like beasts. Without their cannon and ships they are beyond contempt.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ori glanced out of the window, towards the sea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is it?\" Hiraga was suddenly on guard. \"Danger?\"\n\n\"No, no, it was nothing.\"\n\nHiraga frowned uneasily, remembering how sensitive Ori was to outside emanations. \"Do you have swords here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Raiko guards them for me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hate not having swords in my belt.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nFor a time they drank in silence and then the food arrived, small dishes of broiled fish, rice, sushi and sashimi, and a Portuguese dish called tempura—fish and vegetables dipped in rice flour and deep fried. Before the Portuguese arrived about a.d. 1550, the first Europeans to appear off their shores, Japanese did not know the frying technique." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they were replete, they sent for Raiko and complimented her, refused the entertainment services of a geisha, so she bowed and left them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can go, Fujiko. Tomorrow, I will be here sometime after sunset.\"\n\n\"Yes, Hiraga-san.\" Fujiko bowed very low, content to be dismissed without further work as Raiko had already told her her fee was generous. \"Thank you for honoring me.\"\n\n\"Of course, nothing that you hear or see will ever be mentioned to the Taira or any gai-jin or anyone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her head jerked up in shock. \"Of course not, Hiraga-sama.\" When she saw his eyes her heart lurched. \"Of course not,\" she repeated, her voice barely audible, bowed her forehead to the tatami and, deeply frightened, left them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ori, we take a risk with that woman listening.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"With any of them. But she would never dare, nor the others.\" Ori used his fan against the night insects. \"Before we leave we will agree on a price with Raiko to see Fujiko is placed in a low-grade house where she will be too busy to make mischief and be well away from all gai-jin, and Bakufu.\"\n\n\"Good. That is good advice. It may be expensive, Raiko said Fujiko is extremely popular with gai-jin for some reason.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fujiko?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Strange, neh,? Raiko says their ways are so different from ours.\" Hiraga saw Ori's smile twist. \"What?\"\n\n\"Nothing. We can talk more tomorrow.\"\n\nHiraga nodded, drained the last cup, then got up, stripped off the starched yukata that all Houses and Inns habitually supplied their clients, and dressed again in the most ordinary kimono of a villager, rough turban and coolie straw hat, then shouldered the empty delivery basket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you safe like that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, so long as I do not have to uncover, and I've these.\" Hiraga showed the two passes Tyrer had given him, one for Japanese, one for English. \"Guards on the gate and at the bridge are alert, and soldiers patrol the Settlement at night. There's no curfew but Taira warned me to be careful.\"\n\nThoughtfully Ori handed the passes back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tucked them in his sleeve. \"Good night, Ori.\"\n\n\"Yes, good night, Hiraga-san.\" Ori looked up at him strangely. \"I would like to know where the woman lives.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga's eyes narrowed. \"So?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. I would like to know where. Exactly.\"\n\n\"I can find out, probably. And then?\"\n\nThe silence concentrated. Ori was thinking, I'm not sure tonight, I wish I was, but every time I let my mind free I remember that night and my never-ending surge within her. If I had killed her then that would have ended it, but knowing she's alive I'm haunted. She haunts me." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's stupid, stupid but I'm bewitched. She's evil, disgusting, I know it, but still I'm bewitched and I'm sure that as long as she's alive she will always haunt me.\n\n\"And then?\" Hiraga said again.\n\nOri had kept all his thoughts off his face. He looked back at him levelly and shrugged." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~seven sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Through his open window Tyrer heard the ship's bell at the Harbor Master's office sound eight bells. His feet were propped on his desk, and he was dozing, his afternoon calligraphy exercises forgotten. No need to look at the mantelpiece clock. His brain told him it was 4:00 p.m. Now aboard ships would be the first afternoon dogwatch, a two-hour period lasting from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., then the second from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., thence to the normal four-hour periods until tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. Marlowe had explained that dogwatches had been invented to allow crews to be rotated.\n\nHe yawned and opened his eyes, thinking, Not much more than half a year ago, I'd never even heard of a dogwatch or been on a warship and now I'm telling time by ship's bells as easy as with a timepiece.\n\nHis mantelpiece clock chimed four. Exactly correct. In half an hour I'm to see Sir William." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Swiss can certainly make chronometers, better than us. Where the devil's Nakama? Has he run off? He should have been back hours ago. What the devil does Sir William want? Hope to God he hasn't heard about my secret. Hope he just wants more dispatches copied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blast it that my writing's the best in the Legation, I'm supposed to be a translator, not a clerk! Damn, damn, damn!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He got up wearily, tidied his work and began to wash his hands in the basin, getting the ink off his fingers. A knock. \"Come in.\"\n\nBehind Hiraga was a Redcoat sergeant and a soldier, both with bayoneted rifles and both angry. Hiraga was bruised, dishevelled, grey with rage and almost naked, hat gone, turban gone, his villager kimono in shreds. The Sergeant shoved him forward, bayonet ready, and saluted. \"We caught 'im climbing in over the fence, sir. We 'ad the devil of a time getting 'im nice and quiet. 'E's got a pass, signed by you. Is it real?\"\n\n\"Yes, yes, it is.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aghast, Tyrer came forward. \"He's a guest here, Sergeant, a guest of Sir William's, and me. He's a Japanese teacher.\"\n\n\"A teacher, eh?\" the Sergeant said grimly. \"Well, tell the bugger teachers don't climb fences, don't try to run off, don't 'ave samurai 'aircuts, don't frighten people or fight like a bag full of tomcats—I've one man wiv 'is arm broke and another wiv a busted nose. Next time we catch 'im at it, we won't be so careful.\" Both soldiers stomped off.\n\nTyrer closed the door, rushed to the sideboard and brought some water back. \"Here.\"\n\nHiraga shook his head, choked with rage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please. Would you like saké or beer?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Iyé.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please... well, sit down and tell me what happened.\"\n\nHiraga began pouring out an explanation in Japanese.\n\n\"Gomen nasai, Ing'erish dozo.\" Sorry, English please.\n\nWith an effort, Hiraga changed to English and with long, seething pauses between words he said, \"Many guard at Gate and Bridge. I go through swamp, go through water, over fence. These so'dier see me. I stop, bow, reach for pass, they throw to ground. Fight, but too many.\" Then he followed with another searing flood of Japanese venom and promises of revenge.\n\nWhen the paroxysm was spent, Tyrer said, \"Sorry, but it's your own fault...\" He darted back involuntarily as Hiraga whirled on him. \"Stop it!\" he said angrily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The soldier was right. Samurai frighten people! Sir William told you to be careful, so did I, we asked you to be careful.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was being polite, only doing what was correct!\" Hiraga said in angry Japanese. \"Those ill-mannered apes fell on me, I was reaching for the pass, it was difficult to find. Apes, I'll kill them all!\"\n\nTyrer's heart was pounding and the sweet sick taste of fear was in his mouth. \"Listen, we must solve this together, quickly. When Sir William hears about this he may throw you out of the Settlement! You and I must solve this, understand?\"\n\n\"Iyé! What is 'so'rve,' please?\"\n\nTyrer was thankful to hear the \"please\" and held on to his fright." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This fellow's clearly as dangerous and as violent and hotheaded as any samurai in Japan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thank God he's not armed. \"'Solve' means to arrive at an understanding. We must solve this problem, we must, you and I, how to have you live here safely. You understand?\"\n\n\"'Hai. So desu ka! Wakarimasu. Tairasan me we so'rve prob'rem.\" Hiraga curbed his rage. \"P'rease, what sugg'st? Pass no good for so'dier. Men who see me, hate. How so'rve this matter?\"\n\n\"First... first there's a good old English custom. Whenever we have to solve a serious problem, we have tea.\"\n\nHiraga stared at him blankly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tyrer rang a bell and ordered tea from Chen, the Number One Boy who eyed Hiraga suspiciously, an ugly chopper concealed behind his back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While they waited Tyrer sat back in his chair and solemnly stared out of the window, desperately wanting the other man to tell him about Fujiko but too well mannered to ask directly such a leading question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Damn the fellow, he was thinking, he should volunteer the info, knowing I must be anxious as hell and not make me bloody wait. Got to teach him English ways, got to teach him not to fly off the handle, the soldiers were quite right. Got to make an English gentleman out of him. But how? Then there's bloody Jamie, who's too damned clever.\n\nAfter lunch he had gone with McFay to his office, was pressed to have a small brandy and then, within minutes, he found that he had told him everything.\n\n\"Och, Phillip, you're brilliant,\" McFay had told him with genuine enthusiasm. \"That laddie will be a veritable gold mine if asked the right questions. Did he say where he was from?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Choshu, I think that's what he said.\"\n\n\"I'd like to talk to him—privately.\"\n\n\"If he talks to you then others are bound to find out and then the news will be... will be out everywhere.\"\n\n\"If I know, Norbert knows, and I'll bet the Bakufu knows—they're no fools. Sorry, but there are no secrets here, how many times must I remind you?\"\n\n\"All right, I'll ask him. But only if I'm present when you see him.\"\n\n\"Now, that's not really necessary, Phillip, you've got so much to do. I would'na want to waste your time.\"\n\n\"Yes or no!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "McFay sighed. \"You're a hard man, Phillip. All right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And if I also get to read the last chapter, without charge, say tomorrow. You arrange it with Nettlesmith.\"\n\nSharply, McFay said, \"If I have to pay the astounding sum of eight dollars, you have to contribute as well.\"\n\n\"Then no interview, and I'll inform Sir William.\" He smiled to himself remembering the sour look on McFay's face and then, \"Cha, Mass'er, plenty quick quick\" interrupted his thoughts, bringing him back to Nakama. Chen put down the tray, no longer carrying the chopper, but it was close at hand, outside the door.\n\nGravely Tyrer poured for both of them, added milk and sugar and sipped the scalding, iron black brew with relish. \"That's better.\"\n\nHiraga imitated him. It took all of his willpower not to cry out from the heat, and to hold in what was the foulest-tasting liquid he had ever had in his life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good, eh?\" Tyrer said with a beam, finishing his cup. \"Some more?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, no, thank you. Ing'erish custom, yes?\"\n\n\"English and American, yes, not French. The French—\" Tyrer shrugged \"—they've no taste.\"\n\n\"Ah, so ka?\" Hiraga had noticed the slight sneer. \"French not same as Ing'erish?\" he asked with a pretended innocence, his fury compartmentalized for later.\n\n\"My goodness me, no, not like them at all. They're on the Continent, we're an island nation like you. Different customs, different foods, government, everything, and of course France's a minor power compared to Britain.\" Tyrer stirred in another spoon of sugar, pleased with himself that the man's rage seemed to have dissipated. \"Very different.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, so? Ing'erish and French warred hav?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tyrer laughed. \"Dozens of times over the centuries, and allies in other wars—we were allies in the last conflict.\" He told him briefly about the Crimea, then about Napoleon Bonaparte, the French revolution, and the present Emperor Louis Napoleon. \"He's Bonaparte's nephew, an absolute buffoon. Bonaparte wasn't, but one of the most evil men ever born, he was responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths. But for Wellington and Nelson and our troops he would have ruled the world. Are you understanding all this?\"\n\nHiraga nodded. \"No o'rr word, but unn'erstan'.\" But he had caught the gist and this turned his head upside down, though he could not fathom why a great general should be considered evil. \"P'rease go on, Tairasan.\"\n\nFor a little while Tyrer did, then stopped the history lesson and gave him a lead: \"Now to your problem. When you left the Yoshiwara those guards gave you no trouble?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, pretend take vegitab'res.\"\n\n\"That's good. Oh, by the way, did you see Raiko-san?\"\n\n\"Yes. Fujiko not possib're tomorrow.\"\n\n\"Oh. Well, never mind.\" Tyrer shrugged, dying inside.\n\nBut Hiraga saw the vast disappointment and savored it. Sonno-joi, he thought grimly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had had to buy Fujiko's services himself but he did not mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Raiko had said: \"Since you pay well, though not gai-jin prices, I agree. But he should bed her the day after. I wouldn't want him to find another...\"\n\nTyrer was saying, \"Nakama-san, the only real way you can be safe here is to never go out. I won't send you to the Yoshiwara anymore. You must stay here, inside the Legation.\"\n\n\"Better, Tairasan, I stay in vi'rrage, find safe house. Inside fence safer. Each day I come at sunup, or when you want teach and to 'rearn. You very good Sensei. This so'rve prob'rem, yes?\"\n\nTyrer hesitated, not wanting him off the leash but no longer caring to have him too close. \"Yes, if first you show me where exactly and do not move without telling me.\"\n\nIn a moment Hiraga nodded and said, \"I agree. P'rease, you say so'diers good me stay here and in vi'rrage?\"\n\n\"Yes, I'll do that. I'm sure Sir William will agree.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Tairasan. Say so'diers also, if attack again I get katana.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You will do no such thing! I forbid it, Sir William has forbidden it! No weapons, no swords!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"P'rease you say so'dier, no attack p'rease.\"\n\n\"Yes, I'll do that but if you wear swords here you will be killed, they'll shoot you!\"\n\nHiraga shrugged. \"P'rease, no attack. Wakatta?\"\n\nTyrer did not reply. Wakatta was the imperious form of wakarimasu ka: Do you understand?\n\n\"Domo.\" With a contained violence that Tyrer could almost smell, Nakama thanked him again and said that he would return at dawn to guide him to the safe house, and would be ready then to answer any questions that he wanted to ask. He bowed stiffly. Tyrer did the same. He walked out. It was only then that Tyrer saw the extent of the bruises over all his back and legs." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\ntwo sentences\n\nGenre:\nhistorical fiction, Japan" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come in! Ah, good morning, André,\" Angelique said with a warmth that belied her anxiety. \"You're very punctual. All's well with you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He nodded, closed the door of the small ground-floor room adjoining her bedroom that served as her boudoir in the French Legation, once more astonished that she appeared so calm and could make small talk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Politely he bent over her hand and kissed it, then sat opposite her. The room was drab with old chairs and chaise and writing desk, plaster walls with a few cheap oils by current French painters, Delacroix and Corot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The army taught me, Punctuality is next to Godliness.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled at the pleasantry. \"La! I didn't know you had been in the army.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had a commission in Algeria for a year when I was twenty-two; after university—nothing very grand, just helping to crush one of the usual rebellions. The sooner we really stamp out the troublemakers and annex all North Africa as French territory the better.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He waved absently at the flies, and studied her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You look more beautiful than ever. Your—your state suits you.\"\n\nHer eyes lost their color and became flinty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Last night had been bad for her, the bed here in the untidy, seedy bedroom uncomfortable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During the dark time her anxieties had overridden her confidence and she had become increasingly nervous about leaving her suite next to Struan and all her comfort, so hastily. In the dawn her humor had not improved and again the all-consuming idea pervaded her: men caused all her woes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Revenge will be sweet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You mean my marriage state to be, no?\"\n\n\"Of course,\" he said after the barest pause, and she wondered, aggravated, what was the matter with him and why he was so boorish and distant like last night when the music had gone on and on, without his usual touch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had dark rings under his eyes and his features seemed sharper than usual." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is anything wrong, my dear friend?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, dear Angelique, nothing, nothing at all.\"\n\nLiar, she thought. Why is it men lie so much, to others and to themselves? \"You were successful?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes and no.\"\n\nHe knew that she was twisting on the spit and of a sudden he wanted to make her squirm, wanted to fan the flames to make her scream and pay for Hana." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You're mad, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's not Angelique's fault. That is true but because of her, last night I went to the Three Carp and saw Raiko and while we talked in our mixture of Japanese and English and pidgin I suddenly felt that the other had just been a rotten nightmare and that any moment Hana would appear, the laugh in her eyes, and my heart would swirl as always and we would leave Raiko and bathe together, play there, eat in private and love without haste." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And when I realized the truth, with Hana gone forever, my entrails and brain crawling with spawning worms, I almost vomited." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Raiko, got to know who three clients were.\"\n\n\"So sorry, Furansu-san, I said before: her mama-san is dead, people of house scattered, Inn of Forty-seven Ronin dead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There must be some way to find th—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"None. So sorry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then tell me the truth... the truth, of how she died.\"\n\n\"With your knife in her throat, so sorry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She did it? Hara-kiri?\"\n\nRaiko had answered with the same patient voice, the same voice that had told the same story and given the same answer to the same questions a dozen times before: \"Hara-kiri is the ancient way, honorable way, the only way atone a wrong. Hana betrayed you and us, owners, patrons and herself—that was her karma in this life. There is nothing more say. So sorry, let her rest. Her fortieth day after her death day, her kami day when a person is reborn or becomes a kami has passed now. Let her kami, her spirit, rest. So sorry, not speak of her again. Now, what other thing can I do for you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angelique was sitting straight in her chair as she had been taught from childhood, disquieted, watching him, one hand in her lap, the other fanned against the flies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Twice she had said, \"What do you mean, yes and no?\" but he had not heard her, seemingly in a trance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just before she had left Paris, her uncle had been the same and her aunt had said, \"Leave him be, who knows what devils inhabit a man's mind when troubled.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What trouble is he in, Aunt-mama?\"\n\n\"Ah, chérie, all life is a trouble when what you earn won't pay for what is needed. Taxes crush us, Paris is a cesspit of greed and without morals, France is rumbling again, the franc buys less every month, bread has doubled in half a year. Leave him be, poor man, he does his best.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angelique sighed. Yes, poor man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tomorrow I will do my best and talk to Malcolm, he will arrange to pay his debts. Such a good man should not be in Debtors' Prison." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What can his debts amount to? A few louis..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She saw André come back into himself and look at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes and no, André? What does that mean?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, they have such a medicine, but no, you cannot have it yet because y—\"\n\n\"But why, why ha—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mon Dieu, be patient, then I can tell you what the mama-san told me. You cannot have it yet because it cannot be taken until the thirtieth day, then again on the thirty-fifth day, and also because the drink—an infusion of herbs—must be prepared freshly each time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His words had ripped the simplicity of her plan apart: André was to have given her now the drink or powder that he had obtained last night, she would take it at once and go to bed, saying she had the vapors. Voilà! A small stomachache and in a few hours, a day at the most, and everything perfect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a moment she felt her whole world twisting but again managed to put on the brakes: Stop it!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You're alone. You are the heroine whom the forces of evil have ensnared. You must be strong, you have to fight alone and you-can-beat-them! \"Thirty days?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She sounded strangled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, and you repeat it on the thirty-fifth. You must be accurate and th—\"\n\n\"And what happens then, André? Is it fast, what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For God's sake, let me finish. She said it's—it usually works at once. The second draft isn't always necessary.\"\n\n\"There's nothing I can take immediately?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. There isn't anything like that.\"\n\n\"But this other, she said it's successful every time?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\" Raiko's answer to his same question had been, \"Nine times in ten. If the medicine does not work, there are other ways.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'You mean a doctor?'\"\n\n\"'Yes. The medicine usually works but is expensive. I must pay medicine maker before he will give it to me. He must buy herbs, do you understand... '\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "André concentrated on Angelique again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The mama-san said it was effective—but expensive.\"\n\n\"Effective? Every time? And not dangerous?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Every time and not dangerous. But expensive. She has to pay the apothecary in advance, he has to obtain fresh herbs.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh,\" she said airily, \"then please pay her for me, and shortly I will repay you three times.\"\n\nHis lips went into a thin line." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've already advanced twenty louis. I'm not a rich man.\"\n\n\"But what can a little medicine cost, André, such an ordinary medicine? It can't be expensive surely?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She said, for such a girl wanting such help, secret help, what does the cost matter?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree, dear André.\" Angelique brushed this problem aside with warmth and friendliness, her heart hardening against him for being so mercenary." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In thirty days I can pay whatever it is out of the allowance Malcolm has promised, and anyway I'm sure, I know you'll be able to arrange it, a good, wise man like you. Thank you, my dear friend. Please tell her it is exactly eight days from when I should have had my period. When do you get the medicine?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I already told you, the day before the thirtieth day. We can collect it or send someone for it the day before.\"\n\n\"And the—the discomfort? How long will that be?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "André was feeling very tired, uncomfortable and now furious that he had allowed himself to become embroiled, however many the potential, permanent advantages." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She told me it depends on the girl, her age, if this has been done before. If it hasn't it should be easy.\"\n\n\"But how many days of sickness will there be?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mon Dieu, she didn't say and I didn't ask her. If you have specific questions write them down and I'll try to get you the answers. Now if you'll excuse me...\" He got up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instantly she allowed her eyes to fill with tears. \"Oh, André, thank you, I'm so sorry, you're so kind to help me and I'm sorry to upset you,\" she sobbed, and was pleased to see him melt at once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't cry, Angelique, I'm not upset with you, it's not your fault, it's... I apologize, it must be terrible for you but please don't worry, I'll fetch the medicine on time and help all I can, just write down the questions and in the next few days I'll have the answers for you. Sorry, it's... I've not been feeling well recently...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had pretended to comfort him and, after he had left, she weighed what he had told her, looking out through the flyspecked curtains to High Street, seeing nothing.\n\nThirty days? Never mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I can live with the delay, nothing will show, she was thinking over and over, wanting to convince herself. Twenty-two more days won't matter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To make sure she took out her diary, unlocked it and began counting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she re-counted and reached the same day. November 7th. Friday. The saint day of Saint Theodore. Who is he?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'll light candles to him every Sunday. No need to mark the day, she thought with a shiver." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nonetheless, she put a small cross in the corner. What about Confession?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "God understands. he understands everything.\n\nI can wait—but what if." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What if it doesn't work or André gets sick or lost or killed, or the mama-san fails me, or any one of a thousand reasons?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This gnawed at her. It obliterated her resolve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Real tears wet her cheeks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, suddenly, she remembered what her father had once said, years upon years ago, just before he had deserted her and her little brother, in Paris..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, he deserted us,\" she said out loud, the first time she had ever articulated that truth. \"He did. Mon Dieu, from what I know now, probably that's just as well. He would have sold us, certainly sold me long since.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her father had quoted his idol, Napoleon Bonaparte: \"A wise general always has a line of retreat planned, from which to launch the hammer blow of victory.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What is my line of retreat?\n\nThen something André Poncin had said weeks ago slid into her mind. She smiled, all her care vanishing." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like James Clavell would" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Phillip Tyrer was putting the final touches to the draft of Sir William's reply to the roju in his best copperplate writing. Unlike all previous communications, Sir William was sending the original in English and a copy in Dutch, which Johann had been told to prepare.\n\n\"There, Johann, I'm done.\" He finished the tail of the \"B\" of Sir William Aylesbury, K.C.B. with an intricate twirl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Scheiss in meinem. Hut!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Johann beamed. \"That's the best writing I've ever seen. No wonder Wee Willie wants you to copy all his London dispatches.\"\n\n\"Shigata ga nai!\" Tyrer said without thinking. It doesn't matter.\n\n\"You're really working at it, the Japanese, eh?\"\n\n\"Yes, yes, I am, and between us, for God's sake, don't tell Willie, I enjoy it immensely. What do you think of his ploy?\"\n\nJohann sighed. \"With Jappos I don't think. Me, I think Jappo mealy-mouthing has scrambled his head.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The message read:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "To His Excellency, Nori Anjo, Esq., Chief roju." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have your dispatch of yesterday and inform you it is rejected entirely. If you do not pay the agreed installment of the indemnity for the murder of two British soldiers on time, the amount owing will be quadrupled for every day of delay.\n\nI am sorry to learn you are clearly not masters of your own calendar. I will correct this for you at once. I will leave for Kyōto on my flagship with an escorting squadron, twelve days from today, docking at Osaka." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, with a mounted escort and obligatory sixty-pound cannon of our mounted Royal Artillery for royal salutes, I and the other Ministers will proceed at once to Kyōto to seek redress for you from His young Majesty, Shogun Nobusada personally or, if he is not available, from His Imperial Highness, Emperor Komei personally, promising full royal honors with a twenty-one-cannon salute." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Please inform them of our impending arrival. (signed) Her Britannic Majesty's Minister and Ambassador, Sir William Aylesbury, K.C.B...\n\n\"Emperor? What Emperor?\" Johann said disgustedly. \"There's only the Midako, Mikado, some name like that, and he's only a kind of minor pope without power, not like Pius the Ninth, who meddles and connives and plays politics and, like all Gottverdammt Catholics, wants us back on the stake!\"\n\n\"Come now, Johann, they're not all bad. Now English Catholics can vote and even stand for Parliament like anyone who's eligible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The pox on Catholics. I'm Swiss and we don't forget.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then why are the Pope's personal guards all Swiss?\"\n\n\"They're Catholic mercenaries.\" Johann shrugged. \"Give me the rough copy of the dispatch and I'll get to work.\"\n\n\"Sir Willie says you're not renewing your contract.\"\n\n\"It's time to move on and leave the field to younger and wiser.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Johann beamed suddenly. \"You.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's not funny. Please send Nakama in, I think he's in the garden.\"\n\n\"Don't trust that bastard. Best watch him, Phillip.\"\n\nTyrer wondered what Johann would say if he knew the real truth about him.\n\nHiraga opened the door. \"Hai, Tairasan?\"\n\n\"Ikimasho, Nakama-sensei, old chap, hai?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Let's go, all right?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tyrer said, beaming, still marvelling at the change.\n\nWhen Hiraga had arrived at dawn this morning, gone were the dirt and rags and most of all the samurai haircut—his short hair now similar to that of almost any commoner. In his neat, starched but ordinary kimono, new sun hat hanging by its thong on his back, new tabi and thongs, he was like the son of a prosperous merchant.\n\n\"My God, you look terrific, Nakama,\" he had burst out. \"That haircut suits you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, Tairasan,\" Hiraga had said hesitantly, with pretended humility, following the ploy he and Ori had formulated. \"I think what you say me, he'rp me give up samurai, stop be samurai. Soon go back Choshu, become farmer 'rike grandfather, or in beer or saké factory.\"\n\n\"Give up samurai? Is that possible?\"\n\n\"Hai. Possib're. P'rease not want say more, yes?\"\n\n\"All right. But it's a wise decision, congratulations.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Involuntarily Hiraga ran his hand over his head, the close shorn sides and newness itching." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Soon hair grows, Tairasan, same yours.\"\n\n\"Why not?\" Tyrer wore his hair, naturally wavy, almost to his shoulders. Unlike most he was fastidious about its cleanliness: a petit point had hung over his bed forever, stitched by his mother, Cleanliness is next to Godliness. \"How are your bruises?\"\n\n\"I forgotten them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have forgotten them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, thank you, I have forgotten them. Some good newses, Tairasan.\" Elaborately, Hiraga had told him about going to the Yoshiwara and arranging Fujiko for tonight. \"She yours, o'rr night. Good, neh?\"\n\nFor a moment Tyrer had been speechless. Impulsively he wrung Hiraga's hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you. My dear friend, thank you.\" He had sat back and pulled out his pipe and offered tobacco to Hiraga who refused, hard put not to laugh. \"That's marvelous.\" Tyrer's mind had jumped him ahead to their tryst, his heart throbbing and manhood conscious. \"My God, marvelous!\"\n\nWith an effort he had put all those immediate, erotic thoughts aside to concentrate on the day's schedule. \"Have you arranged somewhere to stay in the village?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. P'rease we go now, yes?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "During their walk to the Japanese quarter, always careful to keep their voices down and not speak English near any passerby, Tyrer had continued to probe Hiraga, mining diamonds, amongst them the names of the Shōgun and Emperor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the dwelling of the shoya, he had inspected the shop and tiny drab room off it where Hiraga was supposed to be staying." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he had brought him back to the Legation, completely pleased and reassured. \"Did you notice on the street how you were hardly noticed, even by the soldiers, now that you don't look like a samurai?\"\n\n\"Yes, Tairasan. You can he'rp me, p'rease?\"\n\n\"Anything, what?\"\n\n\"I 'rike try to wear your clothes, become more 'rike gai-jin, yes?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Great idea!\"\n\nWhen they got back to the Legation, Tyrer hurried to see Sir William, excitedly gave him the names of the Shōgun and Emperor. \"I thought you would want to know at once, sir. Also another piece of info: I think I've understood correctly but he says all Japanese, even daimyos, have to get permission to visit Kyōto, where the Emperor lives.\"\n\n\"What are daimyos?\"\n\n\"That's what they call their kings, sir. But everyone, even them, they must get permission to visit Kyōto—he says the Bakufu, which is another name for the Shōgunate, like their Civil Service, are afraid to allow free access there, to anyone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had tried to keep calm but the words rushed out of him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If that's true, and if the Shōgun's there at present and the Emperor's there permanently and if all power's there—if you were to go there, sir, wouldn't that bypass the Bakufu?\"\n\n\"An inspired leap of logic,\" Sir William said kindly with a sigh of pleasure, already there, long before Tyrer had explained. \"Phillip, I think I will redraft the dispatch. Come back in an hour—you've done very well.\"\n\n\"Thank you, sir.\" Then he had told him about the \"new\" Nakama and new haircut. \"My thought is that if we could persuade him into European clothes he would become more and more malleable—of course as he teaches me Japanese while I'm teaching him English.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very good idea, Phillip.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, sir, I'll arrange it instantly. I can have the bill sent to our shroff for payment?\"\n\nSome of Sir William's good humor vanished. \"We have no excess funds, Phillip, and the Exchequer... Very well. But one outfit only. You're responsible the bill's modest.\"\n\nTyrer had left hastily and now that he had finished his work on the dispatch, he was going to take Hiraga to the Chinese tailor down the road.\n\nHigh Street was not crowded at this time of the day, midafternoon, most men in their countinghouses, or at siesta, or at the Club." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few drunks huddled in the lee of the wharfs, the wind still gusting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Later a football match had been arranged, Navy versus Army on their parade ground, and Tyrer was looking forward to it, but not to the meeting with Jamie McFay he had had to agree to, after the tailor's. \"He's head of Struan's here, Nakama-san, somehow he'd found out about you, and that you can speak some English. He's to be trusted.\"\n\n\"So ka? Struan? The man who is to marry?\"\n\n\"Oh, the servants told you about the engagement party? No, McFay's just their head merchant. Mr. Struan, the tai-pan, is the one who's going to be married. That's his building, warehouse, offices and living quarters.\"\n\n\"So ka?\" Hiraga studied it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Difficult to attack or get into, he thought. Barred lower windows. \"This Struan, also his woman, they stay there?\"\n\nTyrer's mind leapt to Fujiko and he said absently, \"Struan does, I'm not sure about her. In London, this building would be nothing compared to ordinary houses, thousands upon thousands. London's the richest city in the world.\"\n\n\"Richer than Yedo?\"\n\nTyrer laughed. \"Richer than twenty, fifty Yedos, how do I say that in Japanese?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga told him, his sharp eyes taking in everything—disbelieving about London and most of what Tyrer was telling him as lies to confuse him.\n\nNow they were passing the various bungalows that served as Legations, picking their way through the rubbish that was strewn everywhere. \"Why different frags, p'rease?\"\n\nTyrer wanted to practice speaking Japanese, but every time he started, Hiraga would answer in English and at once ask another question. Even so he explained, pointing them out: \"They're Legations: that's the Russian, the American, over there's the French—that one's Prussian. Prussia's an important nation on the Continent. If I wanted to say th—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, so sorry, you have map of your wor'rd, p'rease?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, yes, I'd be glad to show it to you.\"\n\nA detachment of soldiers approached and marched past, paying them no attention. \"These men of Prush'ah,\" Hiraga pronounced the word carefully, \"they also war against French?\"\n\n\"Sometimes. They're certainly warlike, always battling someone. They've just got a new King and his chief supporter is a big tough prince called Bismarck who's trying to collect all German speakers into one great nation and—\"\n\n\"P'rease, so sorry, Tairasan, not so fast, yes?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah gomen nasai.\" Tyrer repeated what he had said but more slowly, answering more questions, never failing to be astounded at their number and extent and range of his protégé's enquiring mind. He laughed again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We must have an agreement, one hour about my world in English, one hour about yours in English, and then a one-hour conversation in Japanese. Hai?\"\n\n\"Hai. Domo.\"\n\nFour horsemen going out to the racetrack overtook them, greeted Tyrer and looked Hiraga over curiously. Tyrer greeted them back. At the far end of High Street by the barrier, lines of coolies with the afternoon's shipment of goods and foods began to clear through the Custom House under the watchful eye of the samurai guards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'd best hurry, don't want to get mixed up with that lot,\" he said, and crossed the road, picking his way through the horse manure, then stopped abruptly and waved. They had been passing the French Legation. Angelique was standing at her ground-floor window, the curtains pulled aside. She smiled and waved back. Hiraga pretended not to have noticed her scrutiny." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's the lady Mr. Struan's going to marry,\" Tyrer said, walking on again. \"Beautiful, isn't she?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hai. That her house, yes?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on the story, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Phillip Tyrer was spent and almost asleep. Fujiko bore his weight comfortably, then began to ease away.\n\n\"Iyé, matsu.\" No, don't move... wait, he murmured." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I just want to fetch a towel, Tairasan. Towel, do you understand?\"\n\n\"Ah, ah yes. Understand towel. You stay I get...\"\n\n\"Oh, no, I would lose face, it is my duty. Let me go, please... Now do not be difficult or naughty.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She chuckled as he nuzzled her and held on but she was deft and knew her craft well and waited. Now the small room was peaceful. Outside the night was fair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wind rustled the trees and bushes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few drafts from around the sliding windows, not yet cold or unpleasant. Flickering oil lamp.\n\nIn a moment she slid away without disturbing his tranquility and went to the little bathroom with its high wooden tub, filled to the brim with hot water, which was on a wooden grill to allow the water to flow away when the bung was pulled out. Scented soap and chamber pot and fresh towels." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Quickly she used a damp towel and dried herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she came back she brought a hot towel, sponged him then dried him. All the while his eyes were tightly closed and he was near moaning with pleasure, at the same time embarrassed that she was doing it for him, not he for her. \"Ah, Fujiko-chan, you are wonderful.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, it is my pleasure,\" she said, long over her wonder and embarrassment at the strange habits of the foreigners: that they rarely bathed, were usually consumed with shame and guilt over pillow pleasures, were astoundingly possessive and usually furious that she had other clients—stupid, what were they but clients?—or turning away, blushing, when she was undressing for their enjoyment, or covering themselves when only half naked, preferring to fornicate in the dark when everyone knew much of the thrill was to see, examine and observe, or were embarrassed purple when she attempted normal variations to prevent boredom and to prolong and increase Moments with the Gods—the time of the Clouds and the Rain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No, gai-jin aren't like us. They almost always favor First Position with Urgency, occasionally Baiting the Hen or Cherry Blossom Time, so allowing me no opportunity to demonstrate my skills, or when, in the light, I would position myself to play with the One-Eyed Monk the many games of uplifting such as Near and Far, Over the Dragon, Springtime Planting, Stealing the Honey that even the most unpracticed youth would require and appreciate, a gai-jin would jerk away, firmly but gently pull me up alongside him, kiss my neck, hold tight and mumble incomprehensibles.\n\nShe murmured, \"Now I'll massage you to sleep.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't understand. Mess'erge?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Massage, Tairasan. Like this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, now I understand. Massage, thank you.\"\n\nHer fingers were gentle and wonderful and he drifted away, hardly believing his luck, proud of his performance and that she had ecstatically finished three times at least to his once—and never mind that Raiko had said that tomorrow Fujiko had to visit her village, near Yedo, to see her sick grandfather, \"... but only for a few days, Tairasan.\"\n\n\"Oh, so sorry, Raiko-san. Please, how many day 'way?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How many days will she be away? Only three.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, thank you. How many days will she be away?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tyrer repeated—he had asked her and Fujiko, always to correct him.\n\nThree days. That will give me time to recover. My God, that was the best." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wonder what will happen when the roju get our dispatch. I'm sure my advice's correct and that Nakama is telling the truth—God, I've a lot to thank him for, Sir William was positively beaming, and as for Fujiko...\n\nLulled by her touch, his mind began a jumble of Nakama and her and being in Japan and everything so different and learning Japanese, incessant words and phrases leaping forward untidily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The futons were hard and difficult to get used to but he was comfortable, lying on his stomach, enjoying her nearness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "God, but I'm tired." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Can't stand the idea of \"other clients,\" he thought. Got to make her mine, just mine. Tomorrow I'll ask André to help me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without turning he reached back, put his hand on her thigh. Lovely silky skin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Where was I? Oh yes, the roju. We'll give the buggers what-for. Bloody awful about the mail ship being fired on—we've just got to make Shimonoseki safe and if the bloody Bakufu won't do it that means taking out those batteries ourselves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Must remember to be careful about that with Nakama, mustn't forget he's from Choshu too. Could I use him as a go between?\n\nAnd if the roju won't deal with those Satsuma devils we'll have to crush them ourselves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bloody effrontery of the daimyo saying that he can't find Canterbury's murderers, the bastards came out of his own ranks for God's sake, I saw them hack off Canterbury's arm and the blood sprayed..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her fingers froze. \"What's the matter, Tairasan?\"\n\nBefore he knew it he was hugging her, wanting to block out the Tokaidō, and then, when the trembling had stopped he lay back, pulling her with him and held on to her, the warm pliant length of her against him, loving her, so thankful to be with her, waiting for the bad to return to its recess.\n\nShe lay quiet, also waiting, not thinking about him except that once more gai-jin proved to be curious indeed, beyond understanding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was comfortable resting against him and she was glad that the first explosion had been achieved properly, that the client was satisfied, so she could safely believe she had earned her extra fee." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Raiko was assigning all their appointments this morning, the mama-san had told her she was putting up her rate: \"With Taira, only, because you will have extra work. Remember he could be a big fish for you, Fujiko, a long-term patron much better than Kant-er-bury-san if we're careful and if you please him. Frenchy tells me he's an important official so strive hard to please him. Only speak Japanese, no pidgin, become a teacher, encourage him, and remember he is ridiculously shy and knows nothing and never mention Kant-er-bury. We will pretend you have to go away for a few days—but do not worry, I have two clients for you tomorrow, in the afternoon a gai-jin, a civilized person at night...\"\n\nWith a generous patron for a year or two I could quickly pay off my debts, and life would be much better than having to take whatever client was available, she thought, then contentedly abandoned the present as she always tried to do when with a client, projecting herself into the future where she lived happily with her rich farmer husband and four or five sons. She could see their farmhouse amid their many rice fields, abundant with green shoots of winter or spring plantings, promising another rich harvest, her mother-in-law kind and pleased with her, a bullock or two tethered to a plow, flowers in the little garden and..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, Fujiko. Thank you, you are wonderful!\"\n\nShe nestled closer and said how strong and manly he was.\n\n\"What?\" he asked sleepily." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for James Clavell vibe" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ori yawned and took his eye away from the spy hole. \"I've seen enough,\" he whispered. \"Shocking.\"\n\n\"I agree.\" Hiraga kept his voice down too. \"Terrible. Fujiko's performance was the worst I've ever seen. Baka!\"\n\n\"If I was Taira I would demand my money back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree. Baka! She won't have him ready for hours and as for him... only First Position once and talk about urgency! Ten thrusts and poof, Over the Moon like a duck.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ori had to hold his hand over his mouth to stop the laughter, then carefully he stuck little pieces of paper to cover the holes they had made in the far corner of the shoji screen. Together they slipped away into the bushes, through the secret gate in the fence, and thence to Ori's dwelling.\n\n\"Saké!\"\n\nHalf asleep the maid set the tray in front of them, poured and shuffled away, still finding it difficult not to stare at their heads. They toasted each other and refilled the cups, the room small and pleasant, candle-lit, with bed futons already made up in the adjoining room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Swords were on low lacquer racks—Raiko had bent the Yoshiwara rule forbidding weapons within the walls because they were shishi, because of Hiraga's portrait and because both had sworn by sonno-joi not to use the weapons against anyone in the House, or any guest, and only in defense." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I cannot believe Taira was taken in by her faked Moment with the Gods, Hiraga, one after another like that! Her acting was terrible. Is he that stupid?\"\n\n\"Obviously.\" Hiraga laughed and rubbed the back and sides of his head vigorously. \"Eeee, with that sized weapon he should have really made her squeal—are all gai-jin built like that?\"\n\n\"Who cares—in his case it is wasted.\"\n\n\"No finesse, Ori! Perhaps I should get him a pillow book like a virgin bride, eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Better we kill him and them and fire the Settlement.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Be patient, we will, there is plenty of time.\"\n\n\"He is a perfect target, it is another perfect opportunity,\" Ori said, an edge creeping into his voice.\n\nHiraga watched him, all warmth gone of a sudden. \"Yes, but not now, he's too important.\"\n\n\"You said yourself if we could infuriate them enough they'd bombard Yedo and that would be wonderful for our cause.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, you are right, but we have time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga showed none of his concern, appeasing him, wanting him controlled. \"Taira is answering all my questions. For instance, no one told us gai-jin fight each other like wild dogs, worse than daimyos before Toranaga—the Dutch hid that from us, eh?\"\n\n\"They are all liars and barbarians.\"\n\n\"Yes, but there must be hundreds of bits of information like that, that will unlock the way to play them, and dominate them. We must learn everything, Ori, and then, when we're part of the new Bakufu, we will set German against Russian against Frenchman against Ing'erish against American...\"\n\nHiraga shivered, remembering the little Tyrer had told him about that civil war, the battles and casualties, all the modern weapons and hundreds of thousands of armed men involved, and the unbelievable vastness of the gai-jin lands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This evening he said the Inger'ish Navy rules the world oceans, that by their law is twice as big as the next two navies combined, with hundreds of men-o'-war, thousands of cannon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lies. Exaggeration to frighten you. He and all of them want us cowed, you as much as any. He wants our secrets too!\"\n\n\"I only give him what I think he should know.\" Hiraga belched irritably. \"Ori, we've got to learn about them! These dogs have conquered most of the world—humbled China and burned Peking, and this year the French became overlords of Cochin-China and are set to colonize Cambodia.\"\n\n\"Yes, but the French played native prince against native prince like the British in India. This is Japan. We're different—this is the Land of the Gods. With all the cannon in the world they will never conquer us.\" Ori's face twisted strangely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even if they seduce some daimyos to their side, even then, the rest of us will slaughter them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not without cannon and knowledge.\"\n\n\"Without cannon, yes, Hiraga-san.\"\n\nHiraga shrugged and poured for both of them. There were many shishi who shared Ori's zeal—and had forgotten Sun-tzu: Know your enemy as you know yourself and you will win a hundred battles. \"I hope you are right, meanwhile I will find out as much as I can. Tomorrow he promised to let me look at a map of the world—he called it an 'at'ras.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do you know it will not be false, made up?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is not likely, not falsifying one. Perhaps I could even get a copy, we could have it translated—and some of their schoolbooks.\" Hiraga's excitement picked up. \"Taira said they have new skills in counting, taught in ordinary schools, and astronomy measurers called 'rong-tit-tude, 'ra-tit-ude,\" Hiraga pronounced the English words with difficulty, \"that somehow guide them with fantastic accuracy on the oceans, a thousand ri from land. Baka that I know so little! Baka that I cannot read English!\"\n\n\"You will,\" Ori said. \"I never will. You will be part of our new government—I never will.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why say that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I worship sonno-joi, I have already thought of my death poem, and spoken it. I told it to Shorin, the night of the attack. Baka that he got himself killed too soon.\" Ori drained his cup and poured the last drops and ordered a new flask. He looked at Hiraga narrowly. \"I heard your Lord Ogama will pardon any Choshu shishi who publicly forswears sonno-joi.\"\n\nHiraga nodded. \"My father wrote to me about that. It means nothing to us—to Choshu shishi.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is a rumor that Ogama controls the Gates, excluding everyone else—even that there's new fighting between his troops and Satsumas.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Many daimyos are misguided, from time to time,\" Hiraga said levelly, not liking the way the conversation was going, noticing that, in his cups, Ori was ever more quarrelsome. Tonight Raiko had again warned him that Ori was a smoking volcano. \"We all agreed long ago not to be bound by the deeds or misdeeds of our hereditary leaders.\"\n\n\"If Ogama holds the Gates he could give back power to the Emperor and make sonno-joi a fact.\"\n\n\"Perhaps he will, perhaps he has already.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ori drained the cup. \"I will be glad to leave Yokohama. Poison is in the air. Better you come to Kyōto with me. This nest of liars may infect you.\"\n\n\"You will be safer on the road to Kyōto without me. Even without my hair I could be recognized.\"\n\nA sudden gust tugged at the roof thatch and rattled a half-opened shutter. They glanced at it momentarily, then went back to drinking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The saké had loosened them but had not dispelled the undercurrents, thoughts of death and the net tightening around them, or of the planned ambush of Shōgun Nobusada, of Shorin and Sumomo, and most of all, what about the gai-jin girl?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga had not yet mentioned her nor had Ori yet asked about her but both were waiting, both circling this central issue, both impatient and still undecided." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ori broke the silence. \"When Akimoto arrives tomorrow how much are you going to tell him?\"\n\n\"Everything we know. He will travel to Kyōto with you.\"\n\n\"No, better he stays, you will need a fighter here.\"\n\n\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again Ori shrugged. \"Two are better than one. Now,\" he said flatly, \"tell me where she is.\"\n\nHiraga described the place. Exactly. \"There were no bars on the windows or side door I could see.\" All day he had been wondering what to do about Ori—if Ori broke into the house and killed her, whether he lived or died, the whole Settlement would be in an uproar and their venom would first turn on every Japanese within reach. \"I agree she is a correct target for sonno-joi but not yet, not while I am accepted by them and learning so many of their secrets.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Such a perfect target should be dealt with at once. Katsumata said to hesitate is to lose. We can get those secrets out of books.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have already said: I do not agree.\"\n\n\"At the same time I kill her we fire the Yoshiwara and thus the Settlement, the three of us, and retreat in the confusion. We do it two days from now.\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"I say yes! Two or three days, no more!\"\n\nHiraga thought about that, and Ori, very carefully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Icily. Then again he decided: \"It-is-forbidden.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The finality of the words washed over Ori. For the second time in as few days. Both times over her.\n\nNo sound in the room now. Both impassive. Outside they could hear the wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had dropped a little." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From time to time it crackled the shoji's oiled paper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ori sipped, seething, implacably committed but showing none of it, knowing that if both his arms were as strong as before and he was as agile as before, he would be readying to dive for his sword to fend off the attack that, unless he surrendered, was inevitable.\n\nNever mind. In a direct fight, even if I were totally fit, Hiraga would always beat me to the first cut. Therefore he must be removed from my path in another way.\n\nWith a will to match the new enemy who was determined to thwart him, Ori vowed he would not be the first to break the silence and so lose face. Pressure between them soared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In seconds it became unbearable, now cresting..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Running footsteps. The shoji slid back. Raiko was chalky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bakufu Enforcer patrols are on the bridge and at the Gate. You must leave. Hurry!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both were aghast, all else forgotten. They went for their swords. \"Will they come into the Yoshiwara?\" Ori asked.\n\n\"Yes, in twos and threes, they have before, avoiding gai-jin but not us.\" Her voice trembled like her hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is there a safe way out through the paddy?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Everywhere and nowhere, Ori,\" Hiraga said for her, having examined that as a possible escape route yesterday. \"The land's flat with no cover for a ri. If they're blocking the Gate and the bridge they'll be there too.\"\n\n\"What about the gai-jin area, Raiko?\"\n\n\"The Settlement? They've never gone there. You mus—\" She whirled, even more frightened. Both men jerked their swords half out, while a white-faced maid rushed up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They are in the lane, making a house-to-house search,\" she whimpered.\n\n\"Warn the others.\"\n\nThe girl fled. Hiraga tried to get his brain working. \"Raiko, where is your safe place, your secret cellar?\"\n\n\"We have none,\" she said, wringing her hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There must be one somewhere.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abruptly Ori snaked over to her and she backed off, terrified." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where's the secret way into the Settlement? Quick!\"\n\nRaiko almost fainted as he shifted his grip on his sword hilt and though not actually menaced, she knew she was near death. \"I... into the Settlement? I—I'm not sure but—but years ago I was—was told... I'd forgotten,\" she said, trembling. \"I'm not sure, but—but please follow quietly.\"\n\nThey stayed close to her, going deep in the bushes, careless of the branches that fought to prevent their passage, the moon still good and high between scudding clouds, the wind tugging at them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she reached a hidden part of the fence between her Inn and the next, she pressed a knot in the wood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A section creaked open, the wooden hinges grimed and unused.\n\nWithout disturbing the carousers, she crossed this garden to the far side, through a gate into another garden and around the back, past the low, bricked, fireproof structure that served as a safe for valuables, to where the large water tanks, or wells were—the tanks part filled by rainwater, part by daily lines of water coolies.\n\nPanting, she motioned at the wooden cover over a well. \"I think... I think it is there.\"\n\nHiraga eased the cover aside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Crude, rusty iron bars as footholds and handholds were hammered into the mud brick walls, no sign of water below." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still frightened she whispered, \"I was told it leads to a tunnel... I am not sure but I was told it goes under the canal but where it comes out I do not know. I had forgotten about it... I must get back...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait!\" Ori stepped in her way, picked up a stone and dropped it into the well. A loud plop as it hit water far below. \"Who made this?\"\n\n\"Bakufu, I was told, when they built the Settlement.\"\n\n\"Who told you about it?\"\n\n\"One of the manservants—I forget who, but he had seen them...\" They all looked over towards the main street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angry voices there. \"I have to get back...\" She vanished the way she had come.\n\nUneasily they peered below. \"If the Bakufu built it, Ori, it could be a trap, for people like us.\"\n\nFrom one of the nearby houses the sound of voices cursing in English: \"What the hell d'you want... push off!\"\n\nOri stuck his long sword in his belt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Awkwardly because of his shoulder, he slid over the lip and began to descend." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga followed, replacing the cover.\n\nThe blackness seemed ever more black, then Ori's feet hit earth again. \"Careful, I think it is a ledge.\" His voice was strangled and echoed eerily.\n\nHiraga groped down beside him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his sleeve pocket were some safety matches and he scraped one alight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eeee,\" Ori said excitedly, \"where did you get that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They have them everywhere in the Legation—those dogs are so rich they just leave them around. Taira said to help myself. Look there!\" In the last of the match they saw the mouth of the tunnel. It was dry and the height of a man. Water filled the well ten feet below them. In a niche was an old candle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It took Hiraga three matches to light it. \"Come on.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tunnel sloped downwards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After fifty paces or so it became wet, the floor puddled and awash in parts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fetid water seeped down from the roughly shored roof and sides, the wood rotting and unsafe. As they went onwards the air became more rancid, breathing difficult. \"We can wait here, Ori.\"\n\n\"No, go on.\"\n\nThey were sweating, in part from fear, in part from the closeness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The flame guttered and went out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cursing, Hiraga lit it and cupped the flame, not much of the wick left or of the candle. He waded onwards, the water level rising. Still the roof sloped downwards, now the water to their hips. Ori slipped but regained his footing. Another twenty or thirty paces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Water still rising. Now to their waists, the roof not far above their heads. On wards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Candle weakening. On again.\n\nHiraga was watching the candle, cursing. \"Better we go back and wait in the dry part.\"\n\n\"No, go on until the candle goes out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ahead the tunnel curled into the blackness, the roof lowering to not far above the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nauseated, Hiraga waded forward again, the bottom slippery. More paces. The roof pressed against his head. More, and now the roof rose slightly. \"Water level is going down,\" he said, sick with relief, wading faster, the murk stinking. Around the bend, roof higher now. Onwards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just before the candle spluttered and died they saw dry earth and the tunnel end, a shaft leading up, another down.\n\nHiraga groped forward, unable to see anything. \"Ori, now I am at the edge. Listen, I will toss a stone down into it.\" The stone took seconds and seconds ricocheting before it plopped dully. \"Eeee, it must go down a hundred feet or more,\" he said, his stomach heaving." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Light another match.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have only three left.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga lit one. They could see rusty, precarious footholds leading upwards, nothing more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How did you know Raiko knew about this?\"\n\n\"It was a sudden thought. There had to be a tunnel—I would have built one if I had been them.\" Ori's voice was hoarse, heavy breathing. \"They could be up there, in ambush. They will shove us back, or we will have to jump.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hurry up, I hate it here. Climb!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Equally uncomfortable, Hiraga eased his long sword in his belt. Ori backed nervously, gripping his sword hilt. Abruptly the two men faced each other, near safety perhaps, but nothing solved between them.\n\nThe match guttered and went out.\n\nIn the blackness they could no longer see each other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without thinking each had at once retreated against the tunnel wall away from the lip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga, more battle cunning, dropping to one knee, his hand on his hilt ready to slash the legs from under Ori if he attacked, listening intently for a sword sliding from its sheath.\n\n\"Hiraga!\" Ori's voice rasped out of the black, well out of range, further away down the tunnel. \"I want her dead. I will go after her—for sonno-joi and me. You want to stay. Solve the problem.\"\n\nSilently Hiraga stood. \"You solve it,\" he hissed, and at once, soundlessly, changed positions.\n\n\"I cannot. I cannot solve it, I have tried.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga hesitated, expecting a trick. \"First put your swords down.\"\n\n\"And then?\"\n\n\"Next: because she obsesses you above sonno-joi, you will not be armed near me in Yokohama, you will leave for Kyōto tomorrow and tell Katsumata, he is your Satsuma leader. When you return we will do it, everything as you said.\"\n\n\"And if I do not return?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then I will do it—in a time of my choosing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The voice grated even more. \"But she could leave, escape, neh? What if she leaves before I return?\"\n\n\"I will make sure I hear about any move and will send you word. If you cannot be here in time, I will decide. She—and her husband if by then they're married—they will only go to Hong Kong. You—or we—can follow her there.\" He heard Ori's heavy breathing and waited, on guard against a sudden rush, knowing he could not trust Ori while she was alive and near but this seemed to be the best plan for the moment. Killing him would be a waste." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I need his wisdom. \"You agree?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He waited. And waited. Then, \"Yes. What else?\"\n\n\"Last: the cross, you will throw it down the well.\" Hiraga heard a sudden, angry intake of breath. The silence grew.\n\n\"I agree, Hiraga-san. Please accept my apologies.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then his sharp ears heard the slight sound of cloth being moved, something went past him and then the tiny sound of metal hitting the well wall behind him, almost immediately to vanish below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sound of swords being grounded.\n\nHiraga lit a match. Indeed now Ori was standing defenseless. At once Hiraga darted forward, Ori rushed back in panic but Hiraga only collected the swords. Before the match died he had had time to throw the swords also into the well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please obey me, Ori. Then you have nothing to fear. I will go first, wait till I call down to you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rungs were jagged with rust, some loose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ascent was precarious. Then, far above, thankfully he saw the mouth of the well open to the sky, speckles of stars between clouds. Night sounds, wind and sea. Climbing again but more cautiously. It took all of his strength to ease himself up to the stone balustrade and peer around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The abandoned well was near the canal fence, in a wasteland of weeds and derelict junk." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seashore not far off. Broken-down houses, deep potholes in the dirt roadways. Snarl of a foraging dog nearby. Raucous voices singing on the wind. Now Hiraga had his bearings. They were in Drunk Town." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode: Collab writing\nAmount: three sentences\nVoice: James Clavell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the Settlement this morning, just before dawn, Jamie McFay had given Nemi a final kiss and then together they walked down the corridor to Malcolm Struan's suite. He knocked gently. At once the door opened and the young girl, Shizuka, came out, eased the door closed, smiled curiously and began whispering to Nemi who took McFay by the arm and hurried him to the landing.\n\n\"What? Bad news, heya?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "McFay asked nervously—he had caught a glimpse of Struan fast sleep in the huge four-poster before the door closed but all had seemed well. Nemi paid no attention to him and continued to cross-question the girl.\n\nExasperated, McFay said, \"Nemi, what? What bad?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hesitated, then with an initial flood of singsong apologetic Japanese, caught herself and beamed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No bad, Jami-san, you-ah cum Yoshiwara t'morrow, yes no?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She put on her cloak and began to go down the stairs but he stopped her.\n\n\"What bad, Nemi?\" he asked suspiciously.\n\nShe stared up at him a moment, then more Japanese and pidgin that did not make sense." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally she shrugged. \"S'kr't, wakarimasu ka?\"\n\n\"S'kr't? Iyé, for God's sake. What skre't, heya?\"\n\n\"S'krit, Jami-san, hai?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, secret, for God's sake! Wakarimasu! Secret what?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She sighed with relief and beamed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"S'kret, gud! S'kret, Jami-san, Shizuka, Nemi. Hai? Hai?\"\n\n\"Hai. Us keep secret. Now what?\"\n\nMore incomprehensible Japanese and more pidgin as they put on their outer robes and then, frustrated because she could not explain properly or that she had to explain at all, Nemi parodied plenty of movement and whispered, \"Shizuka gud, work gud o'rr night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tai-pan good?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes soared. \"Hai, Jami-san, Shizuka gud!\"\n\nAll his questions had only produced more bowing and smiles from both of them, so he had thanked Shizuka, her fee already arranged—\"tai-pan credit plenti werri gud,\" the mama-san had told him. For a last time Nemi swore him to secrecy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The waiting servant took them back to the Yoshiwara.\n\nPerturbed but not knowing why, though sure he had not been told all the truth, he had tiptoed back and stood over the bed but Struan was fast asleep, breathing peacefully, so he had left and gone to his office and worked.\n\nUntil just after ten." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hello, Doctor, come in, good to see you. What's new?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hoag's face was grim. \"Ah Tok sent for me and I've just seen Malcolm, that's what's new. I wish to Christ you'd asked me first before you—oh, for God's sake, Jamie,\" the squat, good man added quickly, seeing him flush, \"I know he asked you to arrange it, I just wish you'd thought to ask me first—I would have thought it bloody obvious it would be bloody dangerous and bloody ridiculous to try so soon after that wound with half your inside patched and near to bursting...\" He stopped and sat down. \"Sorry, but I had to let that out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's all right—is it bad?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know, some blood in his urine and plenty of pain in his loins. It seems she was very vigorous, he got carried away and when he climaxed he said his stomach spasmed with the surge and then cramped up. Poor fellow, though he's in a lot of pain now, he did tell me she was worth it.\"\n\n\"He said that?\"\n\n\"Yes, in some detail—don't mention that I told you, eh? I've given him some painkiller so he'll sleep for an hour or two. I'll be back later.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hoag sighed and got up with a grim smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had another note from Mrs. Struan, did you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, more of the same. Will you order him back to Hong Kong now?\"\n\n\"I can't order him to do anything. He goes when he wants to go, this is the storm season, for God's sake. He's wise to stay—unless there's anything pressing in Hong Kong.\"\n\n\"There are dozens of reasons—that's the seat of power, there's nothing for him to do here really.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hoag shrugged. \"I agree Hong Kong would be better—I'd planned to go back with the mail ship but after last night I think I'll wait for a few more days for him.\"\n\n\"Take him with you, please, on the mail ship.\"\n\n\"I already suggested it and was told, rather impolitely, 'no.' Forget it, Jamie, it's not wrong for him to rest here and a foul sea voyage would be extremely bad for him, maybe a killer. By the way, I hear there may be another ball next Tuesday with Angel T the guest of honor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Malcolm didn't mention it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Under the auspices of Ambassador Seratard, of dubious ancestry, father of all the French. Well, I must be going—keep me advised and if Malcolm asks for a similar bout, check with me first, privately.\"\n\n\"All right. Thanks, Doctor.\"\n\nLater Vargas knocked. \"Senhor, Ah Tok says the tai-pan wants to see you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Climbing the staircase, there was a sudden nasty twinge in Jamie's stomach, imagining himself in Malcolm's place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Senhor McFay!\" Vargas called up from the stairwell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Excuse me, but the Choshu samurai have just arrived, about ordering the rifles, senhor.\"\n\n\"I'll be right back.\"\n\nMcFay knocked and opened the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello, Tai-pan,\" he said kindly. Struan was propped in bed, his eyes strange, a flat smile on his face. \"How're you today?\"\n\n\"You saw Hoag?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good, then you know she was very satisfactory and, well, thanks, Jamie. She helped tremendously though...\" Struan laughed nervously. \"Though the finish shook me up a bit. Terrific body. It was all very satisfactory but I don't think I'll need a repeat performance until I'm really better. She certainly got rid of the—the logjam.\" Again the short, nervous laugh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Didn't realize, Jamie, how strong a little girl like that could be, or how much... you understand, eh?\"\n\n\"Of course. Everything went according to plan?\"\n\nFor an instant Struan wavered, then he said firmly, \"Yes, better than that—I want you to double her fee.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Certainly.\" McFay read the underlying anxiety and his heart went out to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Obviously whatever happened Malcolm's deal with Shizuka was secret. If that's the way he wants it, fine. Not up to me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What's done is done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just another secret to add to all the rest. \"Glad it was all right.\"\n\n\"Better than all right. Did the girl say anything?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Only that she, er, worked hard all night, to, well, to try to please you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A bright knock on the door and Angelique sailed in, blooming with good health, chic in a new lavender dress, parasol, feathered hat, gloves and shawl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello, my love, hello, Jamie, how are you today? Oh, Malcolm, I'm so pleased to see you.\" As she bent over the bed to kiss Struan tenderly, \"Oh, chéri, how I've missed you.\"\n\nThe moment the door had opened the hearts of both men stretched." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "McFay's nervousness soared, at once his eyes checked the bed and room to see if there were any telltale signs. But all was neat and tidy, clean new sheets and pillowcases daily—more Struan fastidiousness about cleanliness, to the point of foolishness, he thought—clean shirt every day? Ridiculous, once or twice a month more than enough but then he knew the habit had been implanted by Dirk Struan and whatever the tai-pan had decreed was law for Tess Struan and therefore her family." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Struan was freshly shaved, clean nightshirt, the windows opened to the sea breeze that would carry away any trace of perfume." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He began to breathe easier, then she said, \"I saw Dr. Hoag,\" and both men almost went into spasm again.\n\n\"You poor darling,\" she said with hardly a pause, \"he told me you'd had a bad night, poor darling, and that you won't come to Sir William's soiree this evening, so I thought I'd just drop in and sit with you until lunch.\"\n\nAgain, the gorgeous smile that seduced both of them and she arranged herself in the tall chair—Struan weak with love for her, at the same time sick with guilt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I must have been insane to want a whore to substitute for the love of my life, he thought, glorying in her open warmth, wanting to blurt out about Shizuka, and beg her forgiveness.\n\nThe night had begun well enough with Shizuka undressing and smiling and pressing against him, fondling and encouraging. He had touched her too, fondling and was both proud and anxious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Awkward and painful to position normally and move normally, so staying seated and beginning but not quite, then of a sudden Angelique's face and presence had swamped him, unbidden and unwanted. His manhood vanished. And as much as Shizuka had tried and he had tried, it would not return.\n\nThey rested and tried again, the ache for him awful now, overlaid with frantic, impotent rage and his need to prove himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More groping and trying—she was well trained with hands and lips and body but nothing would create that which responded in varying degrees to lust and need, but especially to love and its indefinable mystery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nor, whatever she did, could she or he dispel the spectre. Or conquer the pain.\n\nAt length she gave up, her young body sheened with perspiration and panting from her exertions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gomen nasai, Tai-pan,\" she had whispered, again and again, apologizing, but hiding her fury and almost in tears at his impotence, for she had never failed before, and was expecting him to send for servants any moment to beat her and throw her out for failure to arouse him as a civilized person would do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And more than anything, she was beset with anxiety as to how she would explain her inadequacy to her mama-san." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buddha bear witness: this man failed, not me!\n\n\"Gomen nasai, gomen nasai,\" her mouth kept saying.\n\n\"It's the accident,\" he mumbled, despising himself, the pain grotesque, telling her about the Tokaidō and his wounds even though he knew she would not understand the words, his frustration shattering him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When that storm had passed and his tears had passed, he made her lie beside him, had stopped her trying again and had made her understand that she would get a double fee if she kept everything secret. \"Secret, wakarimasu ka?\" he pleaded with her.\n\n\"Hai, Tai-pan, wakarimasu,\" she had agreed happily, found the medicine he required and then cradled him to sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Malcolm...\" Angelique said.\n\n\"Yes?\" Struan said at once, concentrating, his heart pounding, reminding him he had used the last of Hoag's sleeping draft and that he must ask Ah Tok to replace the mixture—for just a day or so. \"I'm so pleased to see you too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Me too. How do you like my dress?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's wonderful and so are you,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Think I'll be going, Tai-pan,\" McFay broke in, seeing how happy Struan had become, pleased for him though still sweating." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Choshu reps are downstairs—all right to proceed with them?\"\n\n\"As we decided. Good, thanks again, Jamie. Let me know how it goes.\"\n\n\"Malcolm,\" Angelique said quickly, \"while Jamie's here... you remember you asked me to remind you when we were all together about my... the small allowance.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah yes, of course. Jamie,\" he said expansively as she took his hand, her open pleasure casting the night into oblivion—forever, he thought happily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That night never happened!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Put my fiancée's chits against my account,\" he told him with a twinge of happiness at the word. \"Angel, just sign chits, whatever you want, Jamie will take care of them.\"\n\n\"Thank you, chéri, that's wonderful, but please can I have some money?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He laughed and Jamie smiled also." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't need any here, there's no need for cash—none of us carry money.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But Malcolm, I w—\"\n\n\"Angelique,\" he said, his voice firmer. \"Chits are the way we pay for everything, at the Club or at any store in the Settlement, everyone does, even in Hong Kong, surely you haven't forgotten. It stops tradesmen cheating and you've a permanent record.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I've always had money, chéri, money of my own, to pay my own bills,\" she said with an outward show of complete honesty, \"and as my father has... well, you understand.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Paying your own bills? What an appalling idea. That's unheard of in good society. Now don't worry yourself,\" he said, smiling at her, \"that's for men to do. Chits are our perfect solution.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps French people are different, we always have cash and—\"\n\n\"So do we in England and elsewhere, but in Asia we all sign chits. Whatever you want to buy just sign for it—even better we must get you your personal chop, we'll choose the perfect Chinese name for you.\" This was a small stamp, usually a rectangular piece of ivory or bone, the bottom of which was ornately carved with the Chinese characters that sounded like the owner's name." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When pressed into an ink pad then onto paper, it would produce a unique imprint almost impossible to forge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jamie will arrange it for you.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Malcolm. But then, well, can I have my own account, chéri, I'm really very good at managing.\"\n\n\"I'm sure you are, now don't worry your beautiful head, when we're married I'll arrange it, but here it's unnecessary.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hardly listened to herself as she entertained Struan with gossip from the French Legation, what she had read in the papers, what her friend in Paris had written about a superb residence—called \"hotel\" there—on the Champs-Elysées belonging to a Countess that would soon become available and was so inexpensive, planting seeds for their glorious future, making him laugh, waiting for him to become drowsy when she would leave for her lunch at the Club with the French officers, then later to ride with them and some of the English navy officers on the racecourse, then a siesta, then to prepare for Sir William's soiree—no reason not to go but first returning to say good night to her soon-to-be husband." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everything marvelous and terrible, most of her mind on her new dilemma: how to get cash. What am I going to do? I have to have cash to pay for the medicine, that swine André Poncin won't advance it for me, I know he won't." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Damn him and damn my father for stealing my money! And damn him of the Tokaidō into eternal Hell forever!\n\nStop that and think." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Remember you are on your own and you must solve your problems!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My only possession of value is my engagement ring and I can't sell that, I just can't. Oh God, everything was going so well, I'm officially engaged, Malcolm is getting better, André is helping me but the medicine's so expensive and I've no money, real money, oh God, oh God what am I going to do?\n\nTears spilled out of her eyes." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good God, Angelique, what is it?\"\n\n\"Just that... just that I'm so unhappy.\" She sobbed and buried her head in the bedclothes. \"So unhappy that—that the Tokaidō happened and you're hurt and I... I'm hurt too—it's not fair.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "AI Prompt: Generate 6 sentences sentences. Adhere to historical fiction, Japan genre conventions." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William's ten-oared cutter sped through the swell in double-quick time aimed at the flagship anchored in the roads off Yokohama, her bow wave heavy. He was alone in the cabin and he stood, riding easily, in frock coat, cutaway and top hat. Sea fair, light fading in the west, the clouds already grey but with no apparent threat of storm. As she swung alongside the ship, all oars went to the vertical, he jumped onto the gangway and hurried up to the main deck to be piped aboard.\n\n\"Afternoon, sir.\" Lieutenant Marlowe saluted smartly. \"This way, please.\" Past gleaming rows of cannon to the quarterdeck—the main deck and shrouds a hive of activity, cannons being secured, hawsers coiled, sails checked, smoke from the funnel—up a gangway then down another to the second gun deck, past sailors battening down and stowing gear, to the Admiral's cabin aft." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The marine sentry saluted as Marlowe knocked. \"Sir William, sir.\"\n\n\"Well, open the door, Marlowe, for Christ's sake.\"\n\nMarlowe held the door for Sir William and began to close it. \"Marlowe, stay here!\" the Admiral ordered.\n\nThe large cabin filled the stern of the ship—many small sea windows, big table and sea chairs anchored to the deck, small bunk and toilet, large sideboard with cut-glass decanters. The Admiral and General half got up with token politeness, and sat again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Marlowe stayed at the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you for arriving so expeditiously, Sir William. Brandy? Sherry?\"\n\n\"Brandy, thank you, Admiral Ketterer. Trouble?\"\n\nThe florid-faced man glared at Marlowe. \"Would you oblige, Mr. Marlowe, brandy for Sir William.\" He tossed a sheet of paper on the table. \"Dispatch from Hong Kong.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With the usual flowery greetings, the dispatch read:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You will proceed at once with the flagship and four or five warships to the port of Boh Chih Seh, north of Shanghai (coordinates overleaf) where the main pirate fleet of Wu Sung Choi is now harboring. A week ago a swarm of this pirate's junks, arrogantly flying his flag—the White Lotus—intercepted and sank HM. 's mail ship Bonny Sailor in the waters off Mirs Bay, the pirate haven north of Hong Kong. The fleet here will deal with Mirs Bay—you will decimate Boh Chih Seh and sink all craft not fishing vessels if the leader, believed to be Chu Fang Choy, refuses to strike his colors and declines to surrender to Her Majesty's justice.\n\nWhen accomplished, send one ship with a report here and return to Yokohama, placing yourself as usual at the disposition of Her Majesty's servants. Show this to Sir William and please give him the enclosed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "yrs., Stanshope, KCB, Governor Far East." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "PS: The Bonny Sailor was lost with all hands, 76 officers and men, ten passengers, one of whom was an Englishwoman, the wife of a trader here, a cargo of gold, opium and rice worth ten thousand guineas. Chu Fang Choy had the effrontery to have delivered to Government House a sack containing the ship's log and forty-three pairs of ears with a letter apologizing that the others could not be recovered. The woman's were not included and we fear the worst for her.\n\n\"Bastards,\" Sir William muttered, with an added queasiness at the thought that, as pirates were endemic in all Asian waters, particularly from Singapore north to Peking, and the White Lotus fleets the most abundant and notorious of all, the woman could easily have been his wife who was due to arrive in Hong Kong any week from England with three of his children. \"You leave on the tide?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" The Admiral slid an envelope across the table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William broke the seals:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear Willie, The next mail ship will bring the specie for the Legation expenses. Between ourselves, sorry, Willie, but I cannot give you any further troops at the moment, or ships. In the spring possibly. I have been ordered to return troops and ships to India where the authorities fear repetition of the Mutiny of five years ago. Added to that, the Punjab is in ferment again, pirates plague the Persian Gulf, and damned nomads in Mesopotamia have again cut the telegraph—another expeditionary force is being organized to deal with them once and for all!\n\nHow is that poor fellow Struan?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Questions are bound to be asked in Parliament about \"failure to protect our nationals.\" News of your Tokaidō disaster should reach London within two weeks, their answer not for two more months. I trust they will countenance stiff reprisals, and send us the money, troops and ships to carry out their orders. In the meantime weather the storm, if there is one, as best you can. Hong Kong is seething about this attack. Struan's mother is hopping mad and all the riffraff China traders here (however rich from their foul opium trade) are up in arms, their misguided, slanted guttersnipe Press demanding your resignation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Was it ever different?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "as Disraeli would say! In haste, Godspeed, yrs. Stanshope, KCB, Governor.\n\nSir William took a large sip, hoping his face did not betray his anxiety. \"Good brandy, Admiral.\"\n\n\"Yes, it is, my very best private stock, in your honor,\" the Admiral said, furious that Marlowe had given Sir William almost half a tumbler and had not used the ordinary, second grade he kept for visitors. Stupid berk, he thought, he should know better—he'll never make flag rank.\n\n\"What about going to Osaka?\" Sir William asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, Osaka? I regret you will have to delay until I return.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The smile was barely concealed.\n\n\"When will that be?\" The sinking feeling became worse.\n\n\"To arrive at our destination, six or seven days depending on the winds, two or three days at Boh Chih Seh should be enough. I will have to recoal at Shanghai. Oh, I'd say I should be off Yokohama again unless fresh orders arrive in...\" The Admiral quaffed his port and poured another. \"I should be back in four or five weeks.\"\n\nSir William finished his brandy and this helped to ease his nausea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lieutenant, would you be so kind? Thanks.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Marlowe took his glass politely and refilled it with the Admiral's best, hiding his disgust at being a flunky and totally fed up with this aide-decamp posting—wanting to be back on his own ship, his own quarterdeck to supervise the repairs the storm had caused. But at least I'll see some action at long last, he thought with relish, imagining the attack on the pirate haven, all guns blazing.\n\n\"Well, Admiral,\" Sir William was saying, \"if we fail to make good our threat we will lose enormous face, the initiative, and put ourselves in great danger.\"\n\n\"It was your threat, Sir William, not ours. As to face, you put too much value on it, as to danger—I presume you mean to the Settlement—damn, Sir, the natives of Japan would not dare to create any major problem. They didn't really bother you at the Legation, they won't really bother Yokohama.\"\n\n\"With the fleet gone, we're helpless.\"\n\n\"Not exactly, Sir William,\" the General said stiffly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The army is here in some strength.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Quite right,\" the Admiral agreed, \"but Sir William is perfectly correct to say the Royal Navy keeps the peace. I plan to take four warships, sir, not five, and leave one frigate on station. That should be sufficient. The Pearl.\"\n\nBefore Marlowe could stop himself, he had said, \"Excuse me, sir, she's still undergoing major repairs.\"\n\n\"I'm so glad to know you keep abreast of the state of my fleet, Mr. Marlowe, and that you keep your ears open,\" the Admiral said witheringly. \"Obviously Pearl can't go on this expedition, so you'd best report back aboard and make sure she's in first-class seagoing condition ready for any duty by sundown tomorrow or you won't have a ship.\"\n\n\"Yessir.\" Marlowe gulped, saluted and rushed off.\n\nThe Admiral grunted and said to the General, \"Good officer but not dry behind the ears yet—fine naval family, two brothers also officers and his father's flag captain at Plymouth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked at Sir William. \"Don't worry, his frigate will have stepped her mast by tomorrow and be in good order-he's the best of my captains but, for God's sake, don't tell him I said so. He'll guard you until I return. If there's nothing else, gentlemen, I put to sea right smartly—so sorry I can't join you for dinner.\"\n\nSir William and the General finished their drinks and stood up. \"Godspeed, Admiral Ketterer, may you come back safely with all hands,\" Sir William said sincerely, the General echoing him. Then his face hardened. \"If I don't get any satisfaction from the Bakufu I will leave for Osaka as planned, in Pearl or not, at the head of the army or not—but by God, go to Osaka and Kyōto I will.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Best wait until I return, best be prudent, best not swear by God to undertake such an ill-advised action, Sir William,\" the Admiral said curtly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"God might decide otherwise.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like James Clavell and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That evening, just before midnight, Angelique, Phillip Tyrer and Pallidar left the British Legation and strolled down High Street, heading for the Struan Building. \"La,\" she said happily, \"Sir William certainly has a modest chef!\"\n\nThey were all in evening dress and they laughed, for the food had been abundant English fare and especially delicious—a side of roast beef, trays of pork sausages and fresh crabs brought in on ice from Shanghai in the mail ship's ice room as part of the diplomatic pouch and therefore not subject to customs inspection or duty. These were served with boiled vegetables, roast potatoes, also imported from Shanghai, with Yorkshire pudding and followed by apple pies and mince pies with all the claret, Pouilly Fumé, port and champagne the twenty guests could drink." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And when Madam Lunkchurch threw a crab at her husband I thought I would die,\" she said to more laughter but Tyrer, embarrassed, said, \"I'm afraid some of the so-called traders and their wives are inclined to be boisterous. Please don't judge all Englishmen, or -women, by their behavior.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Quite right.\" Pallidar was beaming, delighted that he also had been accepted as part of her escort and conscious that his evening dress uniform and plumed cap made Tyrer's drab frock coat, his old-fashioned and abundant silk cravat and top hat seem even more funereal. \"Dreadful people. Without your presence, the evening would have been awful, no doubt at all.\"\n\nHigh Street and its side streets were still busy with traders, clerks and others weaving their way home to their dwellings or strolling the promenade, the odd drunk lying by the oil lamps that lit the length of it. An occasional cluster of Japanese fishermen, carrying oars and nets, and paper lanterns to light their way, trudged up from the shore where their boats were beached, or headed down from the village for their night's fishing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the front door of the Struan Building she stopped and held out her hand to be kissed. \"Thank you and good night, dear friends, please don't bother to wait, one of the servants can see me back to the Legation.\"\n\n\"Wouldn't dream of it,\" Pallidar said at once, taking her hand and holding on for a moment.\n\n\"I—we'd be glad to wait,\" Tyrer assured her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I may be an hour or a few minutes, depending how my fiancé is.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But they insisted and she thanked them, and she swept past the liveried, armed night watchman, up the stairs, crinoline billowing, trailing her shawl—still caught up in the excitement of the evening and the adoration that surrounded her. \"Hello, darling, just wanted to say good night.\"\n\nStruan wore an elegant red silk dressing gown over a loose shirt and trousers with soft boots, cravat at his throat and he got up out of the chair, the pain deadened now by the elixir Ah Tok had given him half an hour ago. \"I feel better than I have for days, my darling. A bit wobbly, but fine-how lovely you are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The light from the oil lamp made his gaunt face more handsome than ever, and her more desirable than ever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He put his hands on her shoulders to steady himself, his head and body feeling strangely light, her skin creamy and warm to his touch. Her eyes were dancing and he looked down, loving her, and kissed her. Gently at first, then, as she responded, glorying further in her taste and welcome. \"I love you,\" he murmured between kisses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I love you,\" she replied, believing it and weak with pleasure, so happy that he seemed truly better, his lips strong and seeking and hands strong and seeking but within bounds, bounds that suddenly, deliriously, she wanted to cast aside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Je t'aime, chéri... je t'aime...\"\n\nFor a moment they stood in their embrace and then with a strength he did not know he had, he lifted her and sat again in the big, high-backed chair and cradled her in his lap, lips touching, one arm around her tiny waist, a hand quietly on her breast, the silk seeming to enhance the half-cupped warmth beneath. Wonder filled him. Wonder that here where every part of her was covered and forbidden, in the night, all was open and offered and was young, but now he was more euphoric and stimulated than he had ever been, yet at the same time controlled, no longer frantic with lust.\n\n\"So strange,\" he murmured, and thought, but not so strange, the pain's masked by the medicine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rest isn't, my love for her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Chéri?\"\n\n\"Strange that I need you so much yet I can wait. Not long but I can wait.\"\n\n\"Please not long, please.\" Again her lips sought his, nothing in her mind but him, heat welding her memory closed and worry closed and never a problem anymore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For both of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the sudden sound of a nearby gunshot from outside.\n\nTheir mood shattered, she sat upright on his lap and before she knew it was hurrying for the half-open window. Below she could see Pallidar and Tyrer—damn, I'd forgotten them, she thought. The two men were looking inland, then they turned, their attention directed towards Drunk Town." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She craned out of the window but saw only a vague group of men at the far end, their bleary shouts wafted on the wind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It seems to be nothing, just Drunk Town...\" she said, guns and fights, even duels, not rare in that part of Yokohama. Then, feeling strange and chilled and at the same time flushed, she came back and looked at him. With a little sigh she knelt and took his hand and pressed it to her cheek, her head in his lap, but his gentleness and his fingers caressing her hair and the nape of her neck no longer drove the devils away. \"I should go home, my love.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\" His fingers continued their stroking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want to stay.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know.\"\n\nStruan saw himself, out of himself, the perfect gentleman, calm, quiet, helping her to her feet, waiting while she straightened her bodice and hair and draped her shawl around her. Then, hand in hand, walking slowly with her to the head of the stairs where he allowed himself to be persuaded to stay, permitting a servant to lead her below. At the door she turned once and waved a loving farewell and he waved and then she was gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It seemed to take him no effort to walk back and undress, letting his servant pull off his boots." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then into bed with no help at all, lying back at peace with himself and the world. Head fine, body fine, relaxed.\n\n\"How is my son?\" Ah Tok whispered from the doorway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the Land of the Poppy.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good, good. No pain for my son there.\"\n\nThe servant blew out the flame and then left him." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I've got a bit of writer's block. I'm gonna send you something then keep it going seven sentences at a time, also I'm going for a James Clavell sorta thing in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Church bells were beckoning the faithful on this nice crisp morning. \"Not many bloody faithful in Yokohama,\" Jamie McFay said to Struan. McFay's shoulders and back were aching, the church and the coming service not to his liking, nothing like the austere Scottish Presbyterianism of his childhood. \"Not that I'm a real churchgoer, not anymore,\" he said, very much on guard, unsure how Struan was going to be after their violent row the day before. \"My ma's still as strict as they come, three times on Sunday!\"\n\n\"Like mine, though she's Church of England,\" Struan agreed heavily. He walked slowly and badly, hunched over, leaning on his canes, amid groups of men converging on the church that was down the High Street and set back slightly in its own garden on a choice lot facing the sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The church is pretty though. Makes Yokohama permanent.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Holy Trinity, or Holy Titty as they privately dubbed it, was the pride of the Settlement. It had been consecrated last year by the Bishop of Hong Kong. The steeple was tall and the bell sweet-sounding, reminding all ex-patriots of home—so very far away. Wood and plaster and bricks from Shanghai. Neat gardens and small cemetery with only seven graves, sickness rare in Yokohama—unlike Hong Kong with its plagues and the lethal Happy Valley fever, malaria—all seven deaths by misadventure, except one of old age. Twenty years working in Asia were rare and men past retirement age, rarer still.\n\nAgain the bell tolled, not yet insistent, more than enough time to take their places, the Noble House pew in the first row." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I need all the help I can get, Struan was thinking fervently, never devout though always a believer. I'm glad it's our church more than the other traders'.\n\nThe land and the building had been donated to the Church of England by all traders. They had enthusiastically voted the levy four hours after the Yokohama Club had opened its doors for business, the same day the Settlement was founded—at McFay's insistence and on the orders of Tess Struan, who guaranteed fifty percent of the cost. She had also pledged to provide the bell and had it cast in their new foundry in Hong Kong. When Tyler Brock heard about it, not to be outdone by his estranged and hated daughter, he had ordered a stained-glass window from London and pews of English oak.\n\n\"Sunday church's all right, once a month, Father used to say, but never in Mother's hearing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Struan smiled bleakly. \"When he was younger he was as much a churchgoer as she is now...\" He stopped a moment to gather his breath and stared out to sea. The sea was choppy, blue-grey, the sky speckled with cumulus. A dozen or so merchantmen lay snug in the roads, English predominately, one American, one Russian, yesterday's mail steamer, the French paddle steamer flagship wallowing at anchor, and the 21-gun steam frigate H.M.S. Pearl, still without her foremast. \"Feels naked without the fleet, doesn't it?\"\n\n\"Yes, it does. Not many will miss prayers today.\" McFay circled his head to ease the ache in his neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How long do you think they'll be gone?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A month is my bet... 'Morning, Mrs. Lunkchurch.\" Both raised their hats politely, Struan awkwardly, as she sailed past, bustled and bonneted, husband sweatily in tow, his face dark with bruises. \"What the devil happened to him?\"\n\n\"Fighting,\" McFay said cautiously, still trying to gauge Struan's humor—he had not seen him or heard from him since yesterday except to get a curt message this morning to join him for their walk to church. He fell into step as Struan started off again. \"Seems he, Dmitri and a few others decided to visit Drunk Town last night for a Saturday night binge.\"\n\n\"You mean punch-up?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'Fraid that was the basic idea. Dmitri, well, he said they had a grand time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Struan noticed the sudden glint in McFay's eyes. \"Ah, you were there too, Jamie?\" he asked dryly, then smiled.\n\nMcFay saw the smile and was greatly relieved. \"Well, yes, Tai-pan, yes, I went along... but just to make sure Dmitri didn't get into trouble.\"\n\n\"Did he?\" Struan asked with a sudden stab of envy.\n\n\"No, but och ay, Tai-pan, we had a grand time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You lucky fellow! Come on, Jamie, tell all!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie heard and saw the open friendliness and camaraderie that he had been afraid he had lost forever and beamed, his aches forgotten, angers forgotten and worries over his future. \"There was a smashing cockfight at the Bull and Cock, best we've had here, they've a new ring now and a new Nagasaki beer that's better than our own Highland Dark! Two army handlers were pitted against two of our lads, Chandler Sykes and Old Bloody.\"\n\n\"Who?\"\n\n\"He's one of our retired seamen, a master gunner, name of Charlie Bent, who paid off of Lasting Cloud—the same gunner who blew Wu Sung Choi's war junk out of the water for your dad, back in '43. Now he's nicknamed 'Old Bloody' as he looks after the abattoir. Well, I backed him all the way, Tai-pan, and won twenty-five pounds. Afterwards we descended on the Yokopoko Palace—that's the biggest tavern in Drunk Town, Army mostly, the Navy go to the Friar Tuck and never the twain shall meet.\" He laughed. \"Lost a tenner at roulette, another five at dice. In no time at all there was the greatest free-for-all, traders against the rest. I think we won. Then home to bed though, er, a few repaired to Naughty Nellie's.\"\n\n\"You too?\"\n\n\"Well, yes, but only for a nightcap, her champagne's the best and cheapest in Yokohama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And the girls?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "McFay laughed again. \"Nothing like Mrs. Fortheringill's Establishment for Young Ladies in Hong Kong! There're about a dozen birds, most from the East End via Hong Kong, a few from Sydney in Australia, daughters of women convicts who've served their time and stayed on. They're all a bit grotty, and not to my taste.\" Filled with bonhomie he greeted passersby and added without thinking, \"My needs are more than well looked after by Nemi.\" He glanced at Struan and saw the stretched face. His good humor vanished and he cursed himself for mentioning her. \"You all right, Tai-pan?\"\n\n\"Yes, yes of course,\" Struan said, abruptly filled with envy at the other man's strength and virility, not loathing him for it, just himself. \"Can't bear being like this, Jamie, hate it. Hate it! Christ, it's so difficult to be patient. I've just got to, I know that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He forced a smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nemi? Oh yes, she seemed a nice girl. Pretty.\" With a vast effort Struan tore his mind off Shizuka and his failure, his frantic need to succeed with Angelique, and to weather the shoals ahead and coming tempest his mother was bound to generate. One thing at a time. Gear yourself to get through church, then through the rest of the day until six o'clock when Ah Tok will bring you the medicine: \"Would you like a little before you go to your temple, my son?\"\n\n\"No, thank you, Mother, once a day is enough. The doctor said I should be careful.\"\n\n\"What do foreign devils know?\"\n\n\"Ayeeyah, I'm a foreign devil.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ayeeyah, yes, but you're my son...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah Tok's such an old biddy. But then I can trust her. No harm in a little once a day. I can quit anytime, anytime, he reassured himself. Don't need it during the day though it certainly helps. Got to decide about Mother's letter, got to write her by tomorrow's mail. Got to.\n\nHer letter had been delivered by hand from the mail ship by special courier, inevitably a relation of their compradore, Gordon Chen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again it had had no \"P.S. I love you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again the secret message had infuriated him:\n\nMalcolm: Have you gone totally dotty? Engagement party? After I warned you? Why on earth did you totally disregard my letter and my urgent summons to return? If it wasn't for Dr. Hoag's medical report received today with the unbelievable news I would have presumed you had head injuries as well as the terrible sword wounds. I have demanded our Governor take the most stringent measures against these uncivilized beasts and bring the violators to the Queen's justice at once! If he doesn't, I warned him personally that the whole force of the Noble House will be arranged against this administration!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Enough of that. It is VITAL that you return to Hong Kong at once to make final three matters—of course I am prepared to forgive your transgression, you are still so very young, you have been through a terrible experience and have fallen into the clutches of an exceedingly clever woman. I thank God you are gaining strength every day. From Dr. Hoag's report, thankfully you should certainly be fit enough to travel by the time you receive this (I have instructed Dr. Hoag to return with you and hold him personally responsible for yr safety). I have booked passage for you both on the mail ship—not for her, deliberately.\n\nIt is essential you come back QUICKLY AND ALONE: first to formally become tai-pan. Yr grandfather left specific instructions, in writing, that MUST be complied with before you LEGALLY become tai-pan of Struan's whatever yr father or I leave to you by will. Before yr father died, in your absence, my son, he made me swear what had to be sworn and that I would swear you to these same conditions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This must be done quickly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Second: because we must decide at once how to combat Tyler Brock's attack on us—I mentioned before that he has the full support of the Victoria Bank and today threatens to foreclose on our promissory notes that will ruin us if successful. Gordon Chen has suggested a solution but it is terribly risky, may not be put to paper, and requires the tai-pan's signature and participation. My stepbrother \"Sir\" Morgan Brock has just arrived in Hong Kong and is flaunting his knighthood that he only acquired by persuading his heirless father-in-law to adopt him who then, conveniently and almost at once thereafter, died.\n\nWas the poor man assisted? God forgive me but I would not doubt it. Both he and Tyler Brock openly claim that by Christmas they will have us humbled and they will be in possession of our Steward's box at the races in Happy Valley. The voting for a new Steward was yesterday." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As per yr grandfather's wishes on yr behalf I again blackballed him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "God forgive me but I hate my father so much I almost become mad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Third: yr entrapment! I could not believe my ears about this \"engagement party\" until it was confirmed. I hope by now, I pray God, yr good sense has returned and you realize what has happened to you. Fortunately of course you cannot marry without my approval and certainly not the Catholic daughter of a runaway embezzler (there are warrants out to seize him for debts). In fairness I do understand you. Gordon Chen explained how easy it would be for a youth like you to be embroiled so do not despair. We have a plan that will extract you from her toils and prove to you conclusively that she is just a—sorry, my son, but I have to be blunt—just a Jezebel.\n\nWhen you marry, your wife must be English, God fearing, never a heretic, a lady of good family, trained and at ease in SOCIETY and worthy to be your wife, bringing you a suitable dowry and qualities to assist your future." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the time comes you will have many suitable ladies to choose from." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By the same mail I have written Dr. Hoag, and also McFay expressing my shock that he allowed this engagement stupidity to happen. I look forward to embracing you in a few days. yr loving Mother\n\nAlmost at once Jamie had rushed into the room, white-faced. \"She's heard!\"\n\n\"I know that. Never mind.\"\n\n\"Jesus Christ, Malcolm, you can't just say never mind!\" McFay spluttered, practically incoherent. He offered him the letter that shook in his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here, read it for yourself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The letter, without any form of greeting, was just signed Tess Struan:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unless you have a satisfactory explanation why you permitted my son (though he is to be tai-pan you MUST know is still a minor) to become engaged without first obtaining my approval—which you MUST know would never be forthcoming for such an unsuitable match, you will cease to head Struan's in Japan at the end of the year. Put Mr. Vargas in charge for the moment and return with my son on the mail ship to settle this matter.\n\nStruan had angrily shoved the letter back. \"I'm not going back to Hong Kong yet—I'll go when I choose.\"\n\n\"Christ Jesus, Malcolm, if she orders us back then we had better go. There're reasons th—\"\n\n\"No!\" he had flared. \"Understand? no!\"\n\n\"For God's sake, open your eyes to the truth,\" McFay had flared back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are under age, she is running the company and has been for years. We're under her orders an—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not under her orders, any orders. Get out!\"\n\n\"I won't! Can't you see what she asks is wise and no hardship. We can be back here in two to three weeks, you have to get her approval sometime, surely it's better to try now, it'll clear the air for you and make our job easier an—\"\n\n\"No! And... and I'm cancelling her orders: I order you. I'm tai-pan of Struan's!\"\n\n\"Christ, you must know I can't go against her!\"\n\nStruan almost faltered in his steps remembering the dreadful stab of pain in his loins as he had thoughtlessly scrambled out of his chair to his feet and shouted at McFay: \"You fucking listen, I remind you of your sacred oath to serve the tai-pan, the tai-pan, for Christ's sake, whoever he is, the tai-pan, not his fucking mother! remember?\"\n\n\"But, don't y—\"\n\n\"Who're you going to obey, Jamie? Me or my mother?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There had been a vast chasm between them and more anger and more words, but he had prevailed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This battle was no contest. The stipulation was written into every document of appointment, to be signed and settled under God's oath in accordance with their founder's instructions.\n\n\"All right, I agree!\" McFay had said through his teeth. \"But I dem—sorry, I ask the right to write to her and tell her my new orders.\"\n\n\"Do that, by the mail ship, and while you're about it, tell her the tai-pan orders you to stay here, that only I can fire you, as I will, by God, if I have any trouble—and that if I want to get engaged, minor or no, that's up to me.\" Then he had groped back to his chair, almost doubled up with pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My God, Tai-pan,\" McFay said weakly, \"she'll dismiss me whether you like it or not. I'm finished.\"\n\n\"No. Not without my say-so, it's in our bylaws.\"\n\n\"Maybe. But like it or not, she can make my life and yours a misery.\"\n\n\"No, you're only doing what I want. You're within Dirk's law—and that's what governs her above all else,\" he said, remembering the times without number she had invoked the name of Dirk Struan to his father, or to him, or his brothers and sisters, on a point of business or morality or on life itself. And didn't Father and Mother both say a thousand times that I was to be tai-pan after him, everyone, particularly Uncle Gordon accepting that. Any formalities can wait, she's just using that as an additional excuse to curb me—Christ, I've trained all my life for the job, I know how to deal with her and I know what's wrong here. \"I'm tai-pan, by God, and now... now if you'll excuse me, I—I've work to do.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The moment he was alone he had shouted for Ah Tok.\n\nAyeeyah, that was one time I really needed the medicine, it works so well and saved me all that pain and anguish and gave me courage again and, later, such a happy time with Angelique. Ah, my angel, back again in her suite next door, thank God, so near and delectable and warm and near, but oh, and Christ, I wish when I thought of her the ache wouldn't begin, and that ache would not lead to the other pain and it's not yet midmorning with a boring sermon and lunch to endure—and more than eight hours until the next...\n\n\"Sorry about yesterday,\" McFay was saying. \"Very sorry.\"\n\n\"I'm not, it brought matters out in the open and settled them,\" he said with a curious strength. \"Now there's a real head to the company—I agree my father wasn't effective and spent most of the last few years drunk, with Mother doing the best she could, which hasn't kept us ahead of Brock's—again let's be honest, they're stronger and richer and more sound than we are and we'll be lucky to weather the current storm. Take Japan—Japan's hardly paying expenses.\"\n\n\"Yes, short term, but long term it will be profitable.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not the way you've been running it so far. Jappos are not buying any profitable goods from us. We buy silk cloth and silkworms, a few lacquer trinkets, what else? Nothing of value. They've no industry and don't seem to want any.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"True, but then China took time to open up, years. And there we've the opium, tea, silver triangle.\"\n\n\"True, but China's different. China's a cultured, ancient civilization. We've friends there and, as you say, a trading pattern. My point is we've got to hurry things up here to survive, or we close it down.\"\n\n\"As soon as Sir William sorts out the Bakufu—\"\n\n\"The pox on that!\" Struan's voice sharpened. \"I'm tired of being stuck in a chair and sick of hearing people say we have to wait until Sir William orders the fleet and army to do its job. The next time there's a meeting with the Bakufu I want to be there—or better still you arrange a private one for me first.\"\n\n\"But, Tai-pan...\"\n\n\"Do it, Jamie. That's what I want. And do it quickly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know how that's possible.\"\n\n\"Ask Phillip Tyrer's tame samurai, Nakama. Better still, arrange a secret meeting then Phillip won't be compromised.\"\n\nMcFay had given him the information that \"Nakama\" had provided. \"That's a good idea,\" he said, meaning it, and, seeing the jutting jaw and the fire he was warmed. Perhaps at long last, he thought, here's someone who can make things happen. \"I'll see Phillip after church.\"\n\n\"When's the next ship scheduled for San Francisco?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In a week, the Confederate merchantman, Savannah Lady.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "McFay dropped his voice cautiously, a group of other traders passing by. \"Our Choshu order goes with her.\"\n\n\"Who could we trust to go with her for a special mission?\" Struan asked, putting his plan into operation.\n\n\"Vargas.\"\n\n\"Not him, he's needed here.\" Again Struan stopped, his legs aching, then hobbled to the side of the promenade where there was a low wall, mostly to rest but also to keep their conversation private." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who else? Has to be good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"His nephew, Pedrito—he's a sharp lad, looks more Portuguese than Vargas, hardly any Chinese in his face, speaks Portuguese, Spanish, English and Cantonese—good at figures. He'd be acceptable in either the North or the Confederacy. What had you in mind?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Book passage for him on that ship. I want him to go with the order which we're going to quadruple, also to ord—\"\n\n\"Four thousand rifles?\" McFay gaped at him.\n\n\"Yes, also send a letter to the factory via tomorrow's mail ship telling them to expect him. She'll connect with the California steamer out of Hong Kong.\"\n\nMcFay said uneasily, \"But we only got a down payment of gold to cover two hundred—we'll have to cover the whole order, that's factory policy. Don't you think we'd be overextending ourselves?\"\n\n\"Some people might think so. I don't.\"\n\n\"Even with a shipment of two thousand—the Admiral's hysterical against importation of all arms and opium... I know he can't by law,\" McFay said hastily, \"but if he wants he can still seize a cargo on the grounds of national emergency.\"\n\n\"He won't find them or hear about them until it's too late—you'll be too clever. Meanwhile draft a letter to go with the order, and a copy by the mail ship—do it yourself, Jamie, privately—asking the factory for special service on this consignment, but also to make us their exclusive agents for Asia.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's a fine idea, Tai-pan, but I strongly advise against upping the order.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Make it five thousand rifles, and emphasize we'll negotiate a most attractive deal. I don't want Norbert to steal a march on us.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Struan began walking again, the pain worse now. Without looking at McFay he knew what he was thinking and said, an edge to his voice, \"There's no need to check with Hong Kong first. Do it. I'll sign the order and the letter.\"\n\nAfter a pause McFay nodded. \"Just as you say.\"\n\n\"Good.\" He heard the reluctance in McFay's voice and decided that now was the time. \"We're changing our policy in Japan. They like killing here, eh? According to this Nakama many of their kings are ready to revolt against the Bakufu who certainly aren't our friends. Good, we'll help them do what they want. We'll sell them what they want: armaments, some ships, even a gun factory or two, in ever-increasing amounts—for gold and silver.\"\n\n\"And what if they turn these guns on us?\"\n\n\"Once will be enough to teach them a lesson, like everywhere else on earth. We'll sell them muskets, some breech-loaders, but no machine guns, no big cannon or modern fighting ships. We're going to give the customer what he wants to buy.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write in the historical fiction, Japan genre and use whatever I write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique knelt and settled herself in the tiny screened confessional, as best as her voluminous skirts would allow, and began the ritual, the Latin words running together as was normal for those who did not read or write the language but had learned the obligatory prayers and responses from childhood by constant repetition. \"Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned...\"\n\nOn the other side of the screen, Father Leo was more attentive than usual. Normally he listened with half an ear, sadly, sure that his penitents were lying, their sins unconfessed, their level of transgression great—but no greater than in other Settlements in Asia—and the penances he ordered were merely paid lip service, or totally disregarded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So, my child, you have sinned,\" he said in his most pleasant voice, his French heavily accented. He was fifty-five, corpulent and bearded, a Portuguese Jesuit and Believer, ordained for twenty-seven of those years and largely content with the crumbs of life he judged God permitted him. \"What sins have you committed this week?\"\n\n\"I forgot to ask the Madonna for forgiveness in my prayers one night,\" she said with perfect calm, continuing her pact, \"and had many bad thoughts and dreams, and was afraid, and forgot I was in God's hands...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At Kanagawa, the day after that night—once she had reasoned a way out of her catastrophe—she had knelt weeping before the small crucifix she always carried with her. \"Mother of God, there's no need to explain what has happened and how I've been sinned against grievously,\" she had sobbed, praying with all the fervor she could gather, \"or that I've no one to turn to, or that I need your help desperately, or that obviously I can't tell anyone, even at Confession, I daren't openly confess what has happened. I daren't, it would destroy the only chance...\n\n\"So please, on my knees I beg you, may we have a pact: when I say at Confession: I forgot to ask the Blessed Mother for forgiveness in my prayers, it really means that I'm confessing and telling everything that I've told you and you've seen happen to me, together with the added little white lies I may—I will have to tell to protect myself. I beg forgiveness for asking, and beg your help, there's no one else I can turn to. I know you'll forgive me and know you'll understand because you are the Mother of God and a woman—you will understand and know you will absolve me...\"\n\nShe could see Father Leo's profile behind the screen and smell the wine and garlic on his breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She sighed, thanked the Madonna with all her heart for helping her. \"Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.\"\n\n\"Those sins don't appear to be so bad, my child.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Father.\" She stifled a yawn, preparing to accept her usual, modest penance, then to cross herself and be absolved and to thank him and to leave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tiffin at the Club with Malcolm and Seratard, siesta in my beautiful suite next to Malcolm's, dinner at the Russian Leg—" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What kind of bad thoughts did you have?\"\n\n\"Oh, just being impatient,\" she said without thinking, \"and not content to rest in God's hands.\"\n\n\"Impatient about what?\"\n\n\"Oh, with, impatient with my maid,\" she said flustered, caught unawares, \"and that—that my fiancé is not as fit, is not as well as I'd like him to be.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah yes, the tai-pan, a fine young man but grandson of a great enemy of the True Church. Has he told you about him? His grandfather, Dirk Struan?\"\n\n\"Some stories, Father,\" she said, even more unsettled. \"About my maid I was impa—\"\n\n\"Malcolm Struan's a fine young man, not like his grandfather. You have asked him to become Catholic?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The color went out of her face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We have discussed it, yes. Such a... such a discussion is very delicate and—and of course may not be hurried.\"\n\n\"Yes, yes indeed.\" Father Leo had heard the intake of breath and sensed her anxiety. \"And I agree it is terribly important, for him and for you.\" He frowned, his experience telling him the girl was hiding much from him—not that that would be unusual, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was going to leave the matter there, then suddenly realized here was a God-given opportunity both to save a soul and have a worthwhile enterprise—life in Yokohama, unlike in his beloved and happy Portugal, was drab with little to do except fish and drink and eat and pray." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His church was small and dingy, his flock sparse and ungodly, the Settlement a veritable prison." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Such discussion may be delicate but it must be pressed forward. His immortal soul is in absolute jeopardy. I will pray for your success. Your children will be brought up in Mother Church—of course he has already agreed?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, we have discussed it too, Father,\" she said, forcing lightness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course our children will be Catholic.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If they are not, you cast them into the Eternal Pit. Your immortal soul will be at risk as well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was glad to notice her shudder. Good, he thought, one blow for the Lord against the Antichrist. \"This must be formally agreed to before marriage.\"\n\nHer heart was racing now, her head aching with apprehension that she fought to keep out of her voice, believing absolutely in God and the Devil, Life Everlasting and Eternal Damnation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you for your advice, Father.\"\n\n\"I will talk to Mr. Struan.\"\n\n\"Oh no, Father, please, no,\" she said in sudden panic, \"that would be... I suggest that would be very unwise.\"\n\n\"Unwise?\" Again he pursed his lips, scratching absently at the lice that inhabited his beard and hair and ancient cassock, quickly concluding the possible coup of Struan's conversion was a prize worth waiting for and needed careful planning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will pray for God's guidance and that he will guide you too. But don't forget you are a minor, as he is. I suppose, in the absence of your father, Monsieur Seratard would legally be considered your guardian. Before any marriage could be performed or consummated permission must be granted, and these and other matters settled for the protection of your soul.\" He beamed, more than a little satisfied. \"Now, for penance, say ten Hail Marys and read the letters of Saint John twice by next Sunday—and continue to pray for God's guidance.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Father.\" Thankfully she crossed herself, her palms sweaty, and bowed her head for his benediction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti, absolvo tuum.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He made the sign of the cross over her. \"Pray for me, my child,\" he said with finality, ending the ritual, in his mind already beginning his dialogue with Malcolm Struan." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide 1 sentence as a continuation in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dearest Colette: The weeks have rushed by, and tomorrow is my special day, Angelique wrote, aglow with expectation, I feel so good I can hardly believe it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I sleep marvelously my cheeks are rosy, everyone compliments me and my figure is better than ever... No signs, nothing, she thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing. Breasts a little tender but that's just imagination—and tomorrow all will be over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was sitting at the bureau in her suite facing the bay, the tip of her tongue between her lips, far too cautious to write anything that could possibly compromise her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What a lucky omen it's his day for my new beginning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tomorrow is St. Theodore's day, he's my new patron saint." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You see, Colette, by marriage I become British, (not English, because Malcolm is Scots and part English) and St. Theodore is one of their oh-so-few saints." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He became British too (he was a Greek) twelve hundred years ago and rose to be Archbishop of Canterbury..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her steel-tipped pen hesitated as that name brought phantoms from the mists but she would not acknowledge them and they sank back into the depths again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "... that means he was like the pope-of the British Isles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He reformed the Church, cast out evildoers and heathen practices, was oh-so-holy and kind, particularly to women, lived to be an astonishing eighty-eight and altogether a wonderful man of the True Church." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm celebrating by having a special fast day, then in three days a party!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Leo told me about him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ugh! I really don't like him, stinky as he is (I have to use a pomander handkerchief in the confessional—he would make you faint, dear Colette)." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Last Sunday I had the vapors and will certainly miss this Sunday too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do you remember how we used to do that when we were at school, though how we avoided a scolding I'll never know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thoughts of Colette and school and Paris distracted her for a moment and she stared out of the window at the ocean, slate grey and stormy with a sharp wind creating seahorses that ran ashore to woosh up the beach a hundred yards away, the other side of the promenade—merchantmen at anchor, bum boats loading or unloading, the only warship, the frigate Pearl, resplendent with her new mast and new paint steaming for her mooring, just back from Yedo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Angelique did not really see any of it, her eyes beguiled by the rosy future her mind was promising." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Here, in her suite, it was warm and calm with no drafts, the windows well fitting, a fire blazing in the fireplace, with Malcolm Struan dozing comfortably in a tall red velvet chair, papers, letters and invoices in his lap and scattered about his feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The connecting door was open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her door to the corridor unlocked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was their new custom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Safer, both had agreed, plenty of time in the future to be private." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some days he would arrive early and conduct his business from her boudoir until noon when he would doze a few minutes until lunch; sometimes he would stay in his own suite and some days he would hobble downstairs to the offices below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would always say she was always welcome there but she knew that was only a politeness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Downstairs was masculine domain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was delighted he was working—McFay had told her that since \"the tai-pan has taken charge, everyone's more diligent, we've big plans hatching and our company's humming...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And so was she." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No fear for the morrow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the contrary, she was looking forward to seeing André in the evening at the Legation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Together they had hatched an excuse and she would move back there tomorrow for three days while her rooms were repainted, and new curtains made for the windows and four-poster that she had chosen from silks in their warehouse:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But, Angel,\" Struan had said, \"we're only here for a few more weeks, the expense really isn't—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A laugh and a kiss had changed his mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "La, I begin to love him and adore the game of getting my own way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled and began to write again:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Colette darling, I've more energy than I've ever had." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Riding every day—no excursions, which makes the Settlement restricting—but lots of galloping around the racecourse with Phillip Tyrer, Settry (Pallidar), who's the best rider I've ever seen, sometimes with French and English cavalry officers, and not forgetting poor Marlowe, who is turning out to be the most dear man but not, I'm afraid, a horseman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They all left three days ago to go to Yedo where Sir William and the Ministers are having THE MEETING with the native Cabinet and their king called Shōgun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Malcolm is getting better but oh, so slowly, he still walks badly but is wonderful—except on mail days (twice monthly) when he's furious with everything and everyone, even me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's only because there are always letters from his mother (I begin to hate her) who complains bitterly that he stays here and doesn't return to Hong Kong." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Three days ago was worse than usual." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the Noble House clippers arrived, this time with another letter and a verbal summons delivered by the Captain who said: \"I'd appreciate it, sir, if you could come aboard the moment we've unloaded the special cargo—our orders are to escort you and Dr. Hoag to Hong Kong right smartly...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I've never heard such language, Colette!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I thought poor Malcolm would have apoplexy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Captain crumpled and fled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again I implored Malcolm to let us do what she wants but... he just growled, \"We'll go when I decide to go, by God. Don't mention it again!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yokohama is VERY tedious, and I'd really like to return to Hong Kong and civilization." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To pass the time I have been reading everything I can lay my hands on (newspapers, apart from fashion and Paris life, are really quite interesting I was surprised to find, and they make me realize what a scatterbrain I am)." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But I must prepare for all the soirees I must give for my husband, to entertain his important guests—as well as their wives." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So I intend to learn about trade, opium and tea and cotton and silkworms..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But one has to be so careful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The first time I tried to talk about an article relating to the awful state of the French silk industry (which is why Japanner silkworms are so valuable) Malcolm said, \"Don't you worry your pretty head about that, Angel...\" I could get NOT one word in even sideways, in fact he was quite irritable when I said Struan's could start a silk factory in France..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, dearest Colette, I wish you were here, then I could pour my heart out to you—I miss you miss you miss you..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The steel nib, set into a bone handle, began blotching." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Carefully she dried it and cleaned the tip, marvelling that it was so easy, the nib again as good as new." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Up to a few years ago the quill pen was commonplace and she would have had to find the special quill knife and cut a new point, splitting it to last but a page or two, whereas these Mitchell pens, mass-produced in Birmingham, would last for days and came in many sizes to please your fancy and your writing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind her, Struan stirred but did not awaken." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Asleep he has a tidy face, she thought. Neat and strong..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The door opened and Ah Soh barged in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Missee, tiffin, you wan' here or downstai', heya?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Struan had awoken at once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your mistress will eat here,\" he said brusquely in Cantonese." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll dine downstairs, in our main dining room, and tell the cook the food had better be exceptional.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Tai-pan.\" Ah Soh hurried off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What did you tell her, Malcolm?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just that you'd lunch here—I'll be downstairs. I've invited Dmitri, Jamie and Norbert.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked at her silhouetted against the light. \"You look splendid.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you. Can I join you? I'd prefer that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry, we've business to discuss.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a great effort he heaved himself upright and she gave him his two walking sticks. Before he took them he put his arms around her and she allowed her body to sink against him, hiding her anger that she would be cooped up again—nowhere to go, nothing to do, except to write some more or read some more and to wait. Boring boring boring." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "im ur writing buddy. i set scene, u do 2 sentences like James Clavell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Near sunset the same day, Yoshi hurried along a somber, drafty stone corridor in the castle keep. Now he wore his characteristic kimono with two swords, a cowled riding cloak over them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every twenty paces were flickering oil torches, set into iron brackets beside bowman emplacements that also served as windows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Outside the air was cool. Ahead was a circular staircase." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It led to his private stables below. He ran down the steps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Halt! Who... ah, so sorry, Lord!\" The sentry bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi nodded and went on. Throughout the castle soldiers, stablemen, servants were preparing for bed or for night duties, following the universal, worldwide custom of bedding down at nightfall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only the well-to-do had light by night, to see, to read or to play." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Halt! Ah, so sorry Lord.\" This sentry bowed, and the next, and the next." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the stable courtyard a personal guard of twenty men was assembled at the heads of their ponies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Amongst them was Misamoto, the fisherman, the make-believe samurai and Elder. Now he was poorly clad as a common foot soldier, unarmed, and frightened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two small enclosed palanquins, especially light and designed for rapid transport, were there. Each was slotted onto two shafts that fitted into a harness for two saddle ponies ahead and behind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All hooves were muffled and all this part of a plan he had devised with Hosaki days ago.\n\nThe spy window of one palanquin slid aside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw Koiko peer out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled, nodding a greeting. The window closed. His hand tightened on his sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ready, he slid her door open enough to ensure she was who he thought she was and that she was alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he was very young his father had beaten the first law of survival into him, word by word: \"If you are caught unawares, betrayed unawares, killed unawares, you failed in your duty to me and to yourself. The fault will be yours alone because you failed to check personally and to plan against any eventuality. There is no excuse for failure except karma—and gods do not exist!\"\n\nA quick reassuring smile to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He slid the door home and checked that the other palanquin was unoccupied and available for his use if he needed it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Satisfied, he gave the signal to mount. This was done in almost complete silence which again pleased him—he had ordered all armor and harnesses to be muffled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A last silent check but he could sense no danger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The new rifle was in a saddle holster, the ammunition pouch full, the other four guns slung over the shoulders of his most trusted marksmen. Noiselessly he swung into his saddle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another signal. His advance guard and banner man carrying his personal standard led off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He followed, then the two palanquins and the rest fell into place as rear guard.\n\nTheir progress was quick and almost soundless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Up the passageway into the next fortification, directly away from the main gate and main thoroughfares. At each checkpoint they were motioned through without challenge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead of turning into the maze of the castle proper, they made for a large building on the north side set against one of the major fortifications." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Outside it was heavily guarded. The moment Yoshi was recognized, tall doors swung open to let them ride through." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inside was a large enclosed and packed-earth practice riding ring with a high vaulted ceiling and a second tier for viewing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few torches, here and there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doors closed behind them.\n\nYoshi cantered to the head and led briskly through the far archway, past stables and harness rooms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All were empty. This area was cobbled, the air heavy with the smell of dung and urine and sweat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beyond, the hard-packed earth began again and another arch let out to an inner, smaller ring. Across it was an archway, dimly lit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi heeled his surefooted pony faster, then reined in suddenly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The surrounding upper tier was packed with silent bowmen. None had arrows in their bows but all those in the ring knew they were dead men—if the order was given." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, Yoshi-sama.\" Nori Anjo's harsh voice came out of the semidarkness above and Yoshi had difficulty for a moment picking him out. Then he saw him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Armorless, he was sitting at the back of the tier beside the staircase. \"At this afternoon's meeting you didn't tell us you were going to leave the castle with armed men like... like what? Like ninja?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A rustle of anger spread through Yoshi's men but he laughed and this broke the tension, below and above." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not ninja, Anjo-sama, though certainly as quietly as possible. It's a good idea to test defenses, without warning. I'm Guardian of the castle, as well as Guardian of the Shōgun. And you? To what do I owe this pleasure?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are just testing our defenses?\"\n\n\"I am killing three doves with one arrow, yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The humor had left Yoshi's voice and all were chilled, wondering why three and what did he mean. \"And you? Why so many bowmen? For an ambush perhaps?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The coarse laugh pealed among the rafters, edging everyone further. Hands tightened on weapons though no one made an overt move." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ambush? Oh no, not an ambush—an honor guard. The moment I heard you planned a patrol with muffled hooves... these men are just to honor you, and to show you not all of us are sleeping, that the castle is in good hands and a Guardian not needed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He barked a command. At once all bowmen hurried down the stairs and formed two lines the length of the ring, Yoshi and his men between them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They bowed formally. Yoshi and his men bowed back, formally. But nothing had changed, the trap was still ready to be sprung." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You need guns to test defenses?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Our Council advised all daimyos to arm with modern weapons,\" Yoshi said, his voice outwardly calm, inwardly furious that his plan had been betrayed and that he had not foreseen an ambush. \"These are the first of my new rifles. I wish to accustom my men to carry them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wise, yes, very wise. I see you carry one too. Lord Yoshi has to carry a gun himself?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seething at the jeer, Yoshi glanced down at the rifle in its holster, hating all guns and blessing the wisdom of his namesake in outlawing their manufacture or importation the day he became Shōgun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hasn't that more than anything ensured our peace for two and a half centuries, he thought grimly. Guns are vile, cowardly weapons, worthy only of stinking gai-jin, weapons that can kill at a thousand paces so you may never see who you kill or who has killed you, weapons that any simpleton, low person, maniac, filthy robber, man or woman can use against anyone, even the highest lord with impunity, or most perfectly schooled swordsman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, and now even I have to carry a gun—the gai-jin have forced us into it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With Anjo's sneering jibe ringing in his ears, he jerked the rifle out of the holster, pushed the safety off as Misamoto had shown him, pointed it, pulled the trigger, immediately pumped shells into the breech, blasting five bullets deafeningly into the rafters, the rifle almost twisting out of his hands with unexpected force. Everyone scattered, even his own men, a few unseated by frightened rearing ponies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anjo and his guards dived for the floor anticipating more firing, lethal this time, every man in the room unnerved by the rapidity of firing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In utter silence all waited breathlessly and then, because there was no follow-up and they realized Yoshi was just demonstrating the rifle, the two ranks of archers hastily but warily reformed around his own men who were sorting themselves into order. Anjo and his guards scrambled to their feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What was the meaning of that?\" he shouted.\n\nAs nonchalantly as he could, his own heart pounding, Yoshi continued to gentle his pony and quietly pushed the safety catch on and laid the gun across his lap, concealing his delight with the success of his action and that he was as impressed as anyone with the rifle's power—he had fired muzzle loaders before and some old-fashioned duelling pistols at targets, but never a breech-loader with cartridges." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wanted to show you the value of one of these. In certain circumstances they're better than a sword, particularly for daimyos.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was glad to hear that his voice sounded calm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For instance, when you were ambushed a few weeks ago, you could have used one, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shakily Anjo was controlling his wrath, quite sure that now he was in great danger, his life under immediate threat, and equally certain if he ordered Toranaga's arrest as he had planned bullets would pepper him—in the name of all gods where and how did that dog learn to shoot and why was I not informed he had become an expert?\n\nAnd being reminded of the shishi incident was an added public insult, for it was well known he had not been brave but had had to scramble to safety, never duelling once with his assailants and then, after the wounded were captured, had ordered them to be killed in a dishonorable fashion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Under some circumstances, Yoshi-sama, some, but I doubt if your gun or any others have value tonight. I doubt that. May I ask your purpose tonight? Is it to visit our outside defenses and return? Or is one of your 'doves' a departure for elsewhere?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both knew Yoshi was not answerable for his movements in or out of the castle precincts. \"That depends on what I see outside,\" he said curtly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I may decide to return to my own domain for a day or so, perhaps not—of course I would keep you closely informed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Council would miss your presence, if only for a few days. There's much to be done. If you're absent, we will have to make the decisions ourselves.\"\n\n\"As we decided this afternoon, there's nothing major to be decided, fortunately without five Elders nothing of major importance can be settled.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is the matter of the gai-jin agreement.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That was also decided this afternoon.\"\n\nThe meeting of the Council after the gai-jin had departed, for once, had been happy and filled with laughter at the enemy's loss of face, that once again the gai-jin had been outsmarted, Anjo, Toyama, and Adachi congratulating him for his expert handling of the confrontation and understanding of gai-jin, Zukumura saying little except muttering feeblemindedly from time to time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anjo had chortled, \"Agreeing to advance a pittance to get rid of them and their ships from Yedo while we bring Satsuma to heel was very clever, Yoshi-sama. Very. At the same time we've indefinitely postponed their threat to go to Kyōto, and they agree that Satsuma is completely to blame.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toyama said, \"Then we declare war on Satsuma? Good!\"\n\n\"No, not war, there are other ways to curb that dog.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anjo was very confident with his newfound knowledge. \"You were right about the gai-jin, Yoshi-sama. It was vastly interesting to see how enmity among them all is so close to their revolting surfaces.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He and Toyama had witnessed the meeting from behind the dais, the wall there deliberately made see-through from the inner side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Revolting. We could even smell them through the screen. Disgusting. I've ordered that audience room washed out and the seats they sat in destroyed.\"\n\n\"Excellent,\" Adachi said. \"My skin crawled all the time I was there. Yoshi-sama, may I ask about that monkey Misamoto, did he really tell you what the gai-jin said, everything? I couldn't hear a word.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not all of it,\" he had told them, \"enough to give me some advance clues but only when they were speaking English. Misamoto said much of the time they were speaking another language, he thought French. This proves another point: we must have trusted interpreters. I propose we start a language school for our brightest sons at once.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"School? What school?\" Zukumura mumbled. No one paid any attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I disagree.\" Toyama's dewlaps shook. \"The closer our sons get to gai-jin, the more infected they'll be.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Anjo said, \"we'll personally select the students—we must have trusted barbarian speakers. We will vote: the Bakufu will be ordered to form a language school at once. Agreed? Good, next, the gai-jin letter: we will continue Yoshi-sama's tactic, the day before it's due we tell them it will arrive 'as soon as possible.' Agreed?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, no,\" he had said, \"we must do the exact opposite. We must deliver the letter on time, exactly, and give them the second blackmail payment on time too.\"\n\nThey stared at him and Zukumura mumbled, \"Letter?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi said patiently, \"The gai-jin must be kept off balance. They will be expecting us to delay, so we don't, and that will make them believe the one hundred and fifty-six days is also firm, which of course it isn't. That we certainly delay and delay and hope to send them all mad.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had laughed with him, even Zukumura who did not understand why they were laughing had laughed anyway—and even more when Yoshi told them how many times he had almost guffawed during the meeting, seeing how their impatience was ruining their already illusory bargaining position. \"'Without the killer dog the master's as weak as a puppy against a man with a stick.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What? Man with a stick?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zukumura asked, his dead codfish eyes peering stupidly. \"What dog?\"\n\nMuch of Yoshi's good humor had left him, reminded that now he had to endure this feebleminded man forever." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nonetheless, he explained that without muscle to back up their complaints, and the will to use it, the enemy were helpless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Muscle? Don't understand, Yoshi-sama. What muscle?\"\n\n\"Force,\" Anjo said impatiently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Force! Their cannons and their fleets, Zukumura. Oh, never mind!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toyama, the old man, said fiercely, \"While they're without their fleet we should burn them out—they are unspeakably arrogant, with foul manners, and as for their spokesman... I'm glad I didn't have to be present, Yoshi-sama, I think I would have burst. Let's burn them out, now.\"\n\n\"Who? Burn who?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Keep quiet, Zukumura,\" Anjo said wearily, \"and just vote when I tell you, Yoshi-sama, I agree with your reasoning. We'll send the letter on time and the second part of their blackmail money when agreed. Everyone in favor? Good. Next: now that we've dealt with the gai-jin, and the Shōgun and Princess are safely on the North Road there's not much to do for the next week or so.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Allowing them to go was a misguided decision and will come back to haunt us,\" Yoshi had said.\n\n\"In this you are wrong. Please prepare a plan, your ideas how to bring that dog Sanjiro and Satsuma to heel. I vote we meet in two weeks, unless there is an emergency...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Later, going back to his own quarters, Yoshi had not been able to think of any potential emergency that would require his presence in Yedo—even the second covert, whispered invitation to visit the French warship that he neither accepted nor refused but left open for the weeks ahead was not urgent. So he had resolved to put into effect at once the plan he and his wife, Hosaki, had devised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now Anjo and his bowmen were barring his path.\n\nWhat to do?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good night, Anjo-sama,\" he said, making the decision." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As always, I will keep you advised.\" Covering his disquiet and feeling naked, he spurred his pony forward, heading for the far archway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "None of the archers moved, waiting for orders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His men and the two palanquins followed him, feeling equally defenseless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anjo watched them go, enraged. But for those rifles I would have had him arrested as planned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On what charge? Treason, plotting against the Shogun! But Yoshi would never have been brought to trial, oh no, so sorry, fools would have killed him as he tried to escape justice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A sudden shaft of pain in his bowels made him grope for a seat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Baka doctors! There must be a cure, he told himself, then heaped more curses on Yoshi and the men who had disappeared under the far archway.\n\nYoshi was breathing better now, the fear sweat no longer chilling him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He trotted deeper into fortifications, along poorly lit corridors, passed more stables and harness rooms until he came to the end wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wall was sheathed in wood. Men dismounted and lit torches from those in wall brackets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With his riding whip he pointed at a knob to one side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His aide dismounted and pulled it sharply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A whole section of the wall swung outwards to reveal a tunnel, tall enough and wide enough for two men to ride along, side by side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once he heeled his pony into motion. When the palanquins and the last man were through and the door once more closed, he sighed with relief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only then did he holster the rifle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But for you, Rifle-san, he thought affectionately, I might be a dead man, at the very least a prisoner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sometimes I can see a rifle really is better than a sword. You deserve a name—it was ancient Shinto custom to give names to special swords or weapons or even rocks or trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shall call you \"Nori,\" which also can mean \"seaweed\" and is a pun on Nori Anjo, to remind me that you saved me from him and that one of your bullets belongs to him, in his heart or head.\n\n\"Eeee, Lord,\" his Captain said, riding alongside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your shooting was a marvelous thing to behold.\"\n\n\"Thank you, but you and all the men were ordered to be silent until I gave you leave to speak. You are demoted. Go to the rear.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The crestfallen man hurried away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You,\" Yoshi said to his second in command, \"you are now Captain.\" He turned in his saddle and went forward again, leading." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The air was stale in the tunnel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was one of the many secret escape routes honeycombing the castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The castle with its three moats and soaring donjon had taken just four years to build—five hundred thousand men had, at Shōgun Toranaga's suggestion and at no cost to him, proudly worked on it night and day until it was finished.\n\nThe floor of the tunnel sloped downwards and curled this way and that, the sides hewn out of rock in places and roughly bricked in others, the ceiling propped here and there but in good repair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Always downwards but without danger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now water dripped from the sides and the air became cooler and Yoshi knew that they were under the moat. He pulled his cloak closer around him, hating the tunnel and almost sick with claustrophobia—a legacy from the time when he and his wife and sons had been close confined for almost half a year in dungeon-like rooms by tairō Ii not so very long ago." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never again will I be confined, he had sworn, never again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In time the floor sloped upwards and they came to the far end that opened into a house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was a safe place that belonged to a loyal Toranaga clan vassal, who, forewarned, greeted him. Relieved that there was no further trouble, Yoshi motioned the advance guard to lead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The night was pleasing and they trotted through the city by little known paths until they were on the outskirts and at the first barrier of the Tokaidō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There hostile guards immediately became docile seeing the Toranaga standard. Hastily they opened the barricade and bowed and closed it, all of them curious but none stupid enough to ask questions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not far beyond the barrier the road forked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A side road meandered northwards, inland, towards the mountains that, in a normal three or four days' ride, would bring him to his castle, Dragon's Tooth. Gladly the advance guard swung that way, heading for home—to their homes as well as his, most of them not having seen their families, fiancées or friends for the best part of a year." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Half a league down the road, approaching a village where there was a fine watering place and a hot spring, he called out, \"Guards!\" beckoning them back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The new Captain of the escort reined in alongside and almost said, Sire? but caught himself in time. He waited." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi pointed at an Inn as though a sudden decision. \"We stop there.\" It was called Seven Seasons of Happiness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No need for silence now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The courtyard was neat and tidy and cobbled. At once the proprietor and maids and menservants hurried out with lanterns, bowing and anxious to please, honored with the majesty of their expected guest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maids surrounded the palanquin to take care of Koiko, while the proprietor, a neat, balding, slim old man who walked with a limp, conducted Yoshi to the best and most isolated bungalow. He was a retired samurai called Inejin who had decided to shave his knot and become an innkeeper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Secretly he was still hatomoto—a privileged samurai—one of Yoshi's many spies that dotted the surrounds of Yedo and all approaches to Dragon's Tooth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The new Captain, conscious of his responsibility, and four samurai accompanied them, Misamoto and his two guards last.\n\nQuickly the Captain made sure the dwelling was secure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Yoshi settled himself on the veranda, on a cushion facing the steps, the Captain and the other samurai kneeling on guard behind him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He noticed the maid offering tea was fresh-faced and well chosen, the tea tasting better for it. When he was quite ready he waved the maids and servants away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please bring them here, Inejin,\" he ordered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In moments Inejin returned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With him were the two gai-jin prospectors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One tall, the other stocky, both gaunt, tough-looking, bearded men wearing grimy, rough clothes and battered caps. Yoshi studied them curiously, distastefully, seeing them more as creatures than men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both were uneasy. They stopped near the steps, gaping at him.\n\nAt once the Captain said, \"Bow!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "and when they did nothing, just stared at him without understanding, he snarled at two samurai, \"Teach them manners.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In seconds they were on their knees, faces in the dirt, cursing their stupidity at accepting such a perilous job: \"Wot the fuck, Charlie,\" the stocky man, a Cornish miner, had said in Drunk Town a few days ago after their meeting with Norbert Greyforth, \"wot we's got to lose? Nuffink! We's starving and we's broke, we's no work, we's can put nuffink more on the slate, man—even with my cobber Bonzer, for Gawd's sake—there ain't a bar in Yokopoko that'll give us a beer, a bed or a bite of bread let alone some crumpet. Not a ship'll give us a berth. We's stuck and soon the Aussie Peelers'll land here, or yors from 'Frisco, then we's both be in chains, me hanging for bushwhacking a few poxy, claim-jumping miners and you for rustling and shooting some bloody bankers.\"\n\n\"You trust that bastard Greyforth?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where's yor honner, me old cock sparrer! We give him our markers, right? He done like he promise, a proper toff, right? He give we's twenty-two quid to pay wot we's owe to stay out of the brig, another twenty in the bank for when we's back, all shovels, powder and goods we's need and a sworn contract in front of the preacher that we's to gets two parts of every five we ships to Yoko, right? All like he promise, right? He's a toff but all toffs is slimy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two men had guffawed, the other saying, \"You're goddam right.\"\n\n\"Now we's the prospectors, right? It's we's who finds the pay dirt, right? In Jappo land, where's we's alone, right? We's kin hide a poke or two, eh? And sneak it out, right? All the grub, booze and dinkie-die for a year, our own bleeding Yoshiwara for not a penny piece, an' a first shot at Jappo gold? Me, I'm in if you isn't...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let them sit up, do not hurt them. Misamoto!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Misamoto was on his knees at once. The moment the two men saw him, some of their concern left them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"These are the men you met at the dock yesterday?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They know you as Watanabe?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. They know nothing about your past?\"\n\n\"No, Lord, I did it all as you ordered, everything an—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You said sailors in Nagasaki taught you English?\"\n\n\"Yes, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good. Now, first tell them they will be well treated and not to be afraid. What are their names?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen, you two, this's the Boss, this's Lord Ota,\" Misamoto said as he had been told to name Yoshi, his coarse slang American easily understood by them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I tol' you bastards to bow and scrape or you'd hav' it done for you. He says you're to be well treated and wants to know yor names.\"\n\n\"I'm Johnny Cornishman and he's Charlie Yank an' so far we's nothing to eat or drink, for Christ's sweet sake!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As best he could, Misamoto translated the names." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You will tell them nothing about me or what you have done since I took you out of prison—remember I have ears everywhere and I will know.\"\n\n\"I will not fail, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Misamoto bowed deeply, hiding his hatred, desperate to please and frightened for his future." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\" For a moment Yoshi considered him. In the two-odd months since he had taken Misamoto into his service the man had changed radically, outside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he was clean-shaven, his pate also shaved and his hair groomed in samurai fashion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Enforced cleanliness had improved his appearance greatly, and even though he was deliberately kept in the vestments of the lowest class of samurai, he looked samurai and wore the two swords now as though they belonged. The swords were still false, just hilts with no blades within the scabbards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thus far Yoshi was pleased with his performance and when he had seen him robed and hatted as an Elder, he had been astonished, not recognizing him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A good lesson to remember, he had thought at the time: how easy it is to appear to be what you are not!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would be better for you not to fail,\" he said, then turned his attention to Misamoto's two guards. \"You two are responsible for the safety of these two men. The Lady Hosaki will supply further guards and guides but you two are responsible for the success of the venture.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As to this fake Watanabe,\" he said, his voice soft but no man mistook the finality therein, \"he is to be treated as samurai though of the lowest rank, but if he disobeys correct orders, or tries to escape, you will tie his hands and feet and drag him to wherever I am. You are both responsible.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\"\n\n\"I won't fail you, Lord,\" Misamoto muttered, grey-faced, some of his terror passing on to the two miners." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell these men they are quite safe. And also that you will be their helper and teacher, there is no need for any of you to be frightened if you obey. Tell them I hope for a quick success to their search.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Boss says there's no need to be scared.\"\n\n\"Then why's yous pissing in yor pants?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Piss off yorself. I'm... I'm to be in charge, so mind yor goddam manners.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Best watch yors or when we's alone we's feeding you yor balls. Where's the piss-arsed grub and where's the booze an' where's the doxies we's promised?\"\n\n\"You be getting it soon enough, and best be polite around these... guys,\" Misamoto said cautiously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They's like a cat with a bee up its ass. And the Boss says best find the gold right smartly too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If there's gold we's kin find it, Wotinabey, old cock. If it ain't there it ain't there, right, Charlie?\"\n\n\"Excuse me, Lord, they thank you for your kindness,\" Misamoto said, not quite so frightened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had suddenly realized that if he was to accompany them he would be the first to know about a strike." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They promise to try to find treasure as quick as possible. They respectfully ask if they could have some food and drink and when can they begin.\"\n\n\"Impress it on them it pays to be patient, pays to be polite and to be diligent. Teach them correct manners, how to bow and so on. You are responsible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Misamoto obeyed, Yoshi motioned to his aide, who brought out the two short overmantles that Hosaki had had especially made, like waistcoats with ties on them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the front and back were panels of inked characters on pale silk that read: This gai-jin is a personal retainer and prospector, under my protection, who is allowed, provided he has official guides with correct papers, to prospect anywhere within my domain. All are ordered to assist in this work." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each panel bore his seal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell them they are to wear it always and it will give them safe passage—explain what the writing says.\"\n\nAgain Misamoto obeyed without thought and showed the two men how to wear them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cautiously now, they pretended a patience and humility alien to their nature and upbringing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Charlie,\" the Cornishman whispered, adjusting the tie strings, hardly moving his lips to speak like most ex-cons—he had had four years' hard labor in the Australian outback for claim jumping: \"In for a penny, in for a fuckin' quid.\"\n\nThe American grinned suddenly, more at ease." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hope there's more than a quid's worth, old buddy...\"\n\nYoshi watched them. When he was satisfied he motioned to Misamoto." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Take them with you and wait in the courtyard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once they had gone, after bowing correctly without assistance this time, he sent everyone out of hearing range, except Inejin. \"Sit down, old friend.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He motioned to the steps where the old man could sit comfortably—his left hip crushed in a fall from a horse, making it impossible for him to kneel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. Now, what news?\"\n\n\"Everything and nothing, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For three centuries Inejin and his forefathers had served this branch of the Toranagas." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As a hatomoto he had no fear of speaking the truth but the obligation to do so: \"The land has been worked diligently and manured properly, crops grow, but farmers say this year there will be famine even here in the Kwanto.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How bad will the famine be?\"\n\n\"This year we will need rice from elsewhere to be safe, and elsewhere will be far worse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi remembered what Hosaki had already told him, and was very glad with her foresight and prudence. And also glad to have a vassal like Inejin—rare to find a man who could be trusted implicitly, even rarer to find one who would speak truthfully, the truth based on real knowledge and not for reasons of personal aggrandizement. \"Next?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All loyal samurai are seething with impatience at the impasse between Bakufu and the rebellious Outside Lords of Satsuma, Choshu and Tosa, their samurai equally discontented, mostly because of the usual problem: rates of pay fixed a century ago are causing ever greater hardship, it being ever more difficult to pay the interest on ever-increasing debts, and to buy rice and food at ever-increasing prices.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inejin was deeply aware of the problem, as the majority of his widespread family, still samurai class, were suffering badly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Daily the shishi gather adherents, if not openly, certainly undercover. Peasants are correctly docile, merchants not so, but all, except most merchants in Yokohama and Nagasaki, would like the gai-jin expelled.\"\n\n\"And sonno-joi?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a pause the old man said, \"Like many things on earth, Lord, that battle cry is part right, part wrong. All Japanese detest gai-jin—worse than Chinese, worse than Koreans—all want them gone, all revere the Son of Heaven and believe His wish to expel them correct policy. Of your twenty men here tonight, I believe twenty would support that part of sonno-joi. As you yourself do, providing it is the Shōgunate who wield the temporal power to effect His wishes, according to procedures laid down by Shōgun Toranaga.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Quite correct,\" Yoshi agreed, but in his innermost heart he knew that if he had had the power he would never have allowed the first Treaty, so never a need for the Emperor to interfere in Shōgunate matters, and would never have allowed mean-minded men surrounding the Son of Heaven to misguide Him.\n\nEven so, contrary to sonno-joi, if he had power, now he would invite some of the gai-jin in while he had time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But only on his terms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And only for the trade he desired. It is only with fleets and guns like theirs, he thought, that we can deny them our land, expel them from our seas, and at last fulfill our historic destiny to place the Emperor on the Dragon Throne of China." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And then, with their millions and our bushido, the whole gai-jin world will obey. \"Go on, Inejin.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's not much more that you do not already know, Lord. Many fear the boy Shōgun will never be a man, many are disturbed by the less than wise Council, many are shocked that your prudent advice against his journey to Kyōto as a supplicant was overridden, many regret that you do not control the roju to force necessary changes: the Bakufu made corruptless, clever—and to stop the rot.\"\n\n\"The Shōgun is the Shōgun,\" Yoshi said curtly, \"and all must support him and his Council. He is our liege Lord and must be supported as such.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I completely agree, Sire, I merely report samurai opinion as best I can. Few want the Bakufu and Shōgunate cast out. Only a handful of numbskulls believe the Emperor could rule Nippon without the Shōgunate. Even amongst shishi few really believe the Shōgunate should be ended.\"\n\n\"So?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The solution is obvious: somehow a strong hand must take control and rule as Shōgun Toranaga ruled.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inejin eased his leg more comfortably. \"Please excuse me for being long-winded. May I say how honored I am by your visit.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Inejin,\" Yoshi said thoughtfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No news of any daimyos collecting forces against us?\"\n\n\"Not mobilizing, Lord, not in this area, though I hear Sanjiro has all Satsuma on a war footing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And Choshu?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not yet, but Ogama has again reinforced his garrison troops holding the Gates, and increased the number of shore batteries on the Shimonoseki.\"\n\n\"Ah! His Dutch armorers?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inejin nodded. \"Spies tell me they train his gunners, and make four cannon a month in the new Choshu arsenal. These are rushed to redoubts. Soon the Straits will be impregnable.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's good and bad, Yoshi thought—good to have that option, bad that it is in enemy hands. \"Ogama plans to step up attacks on shipping?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am told for the moment, no. But he has ordered his batteries to destroy all gai-jin shipping and close the Straits permanently when he sends them a code word.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inejin bent forward and said softly, \"'Crimson Sky.'\"\n\nYoshi gasped. \"The same that Shōgun Toranaga used?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's what was whispered.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi's mind was in a whirl. Does that mean, like my forebear, Ogama is going to launch an equally sudden and all embracing surprise attack—supreme power again being the prize?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can you get proof?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In time. But that is the present code word. As to Ogama's real plan...\" Inejin shrugged. \"He has the Gates now. If he could persuade Sanjiro to pledge allegiance to him...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The silence grew. \"You've done very well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Another interesting fact, Sire. Lord Anjo has a disease of the stomach.\" Inejin's eyes lit up even more seeing Yoshi's immediate interest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A friend of a friend who I trust tells me he has secretly consulted a Chinese doctor. The disease is the decaying disease and cannot be cured.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi grunted, part from pleasure, part from an ice pick of anxiety that he might contract the same—who knows how or from where—or have it already in his innards, waiting to fell him. \"How long will he live?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Months, perhaps a year, not more. But you should be doubly on guard, Sire, because my informant says that while the body rots with no outward blemishes, the mind does not, just twists into dangerously implacable routes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like the stupid decision to permit the Princess to dominate, Yoshi thought, his head buzzing with what he had been told. \"Next?\"\n\n\"Next, Sire, about the shishi who attacked and assassinated Lord Utani and his paramour. They were led by the same Choshu shishi who attacked Lord Anjo—Hiraga.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The one whose likeness was sent to all barriers?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire, Rezan Hiraga, at least that's what the captured shishi said the man's name was before dying. It is probably false. Another of his aliases is Otami.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have caught him?\" Yoshi said hopefully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Sire, not yet, and unfortunately we have lost all trace of him so he must be elsewhere. Possibly Kyōto.\" Inejin dropped his voice even more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rumor has it there is going to be another shishi attack in Kyōto. Many are believed to be collecting there. Many of them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What sort of attack? An assassination?\"\n\n\"No one knows yet. Possibly another coup attempt. The shishi leader with a code name, 'the Raven,' is said to have issued the summons. I am trying to find out who he is.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. One way or another shishi must be wiped out.\" Yoshi thought a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Could their venom be directed against Ogama, or Sanjiro, the Emperor's real enemies?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Difficult, Sire.\"\n\n\"Have you discovered who told the shishi about Utani? About his secret tryst?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a pause Inejin said, \"It was the Lady's maid, Sire, who whispered to the mama-san who whispered to them.\"\n\nYoshi sighed. \"And the Lady?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Lady appears to be blameless, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi sighed again, pleased that Koiko was not involved, but deep inside, he was unconvinced. \"The maid is with us now—I will deal with her. Make sure the mama-san suspects nothing, she will be dealt with when I return. Have you discovered the other spy, the one feeding gai-jin with information?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not for certain, Sire. I'm told the traitor is, or his alias is, Ori. I don't know his full name but he's a Satsuma shishi, one of Sanjiro's men, one of the two Tokaidō killers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Inept to kill one when four were such easy targets. Where is the traitor now?\"\n\n\"Somewhere in the Yokohama Settlement, Sire. He has become a secret confidant of both the young English interpreter and the Frenchman you told me about.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, him too.\" Yoshi thought a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Silence this Ori at once.\" Inejin bowed, accepting the order. \"Next?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That ends my report.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you. You have done well.\" Yoshi finished the tea, deep in thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moonlight cast strange shadows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old man broke the silence. \"Your bath is prepared, Sire, and you must be hungry. Everything is ready.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, but the night is good so I will go on at once. There's much to do at Dragon's Tooth. Captain!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quickly everyone assembled—Koiko and her maid hastily changed back into travelling clothes and she reentered her palanquin. With due deference, Inejin, his household, maids and servants bowed their guest on his way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about all the food we prepared?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "his wife, a round-faced, tiny woman, also of samurai descent, asked hesitantly, delicacies she had hastily but correctly bought at vast cost to tempt their liege lord on this sudden visit—more than three months of their profit for the single meal.\n\n\"We will eat it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inejin watched the cortege trotting away through the sleeping village until it was gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was good to see him, a great honor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" she said, and dutifully followed him back inside.\n\nThe night was gentle, enough moonlight to see by." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beyond the village the dirt road twisted northwards through the trees, villages every few miles, all the land around well explored by Yoshi since childhood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was quiet. No one journeyed at this time of night, except robbers, ronin or elite. They forded a brook, the land more open here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the other side he called a halt, beckoning the Captain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sire?\" the Captain asked.\n\nTo their growing excitement, Yoshi twisted in his saddle and pointed east and south, back towards the coast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am changing my plan,\" he said as though it were a sudden decision and not one planned over many days." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now we go that way, to the Tokaidō, but we bypass the first three barriers, then cut back onto the road just after dawn.\"\n\nThere was no need to ask where they were heading. \"Forced march, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. No further talking. Lead off!\" A hundred and twenty leagues, ten or eleven days, he thought. Then Kyōto and the Gates. My Gates." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Narrative Extension Protocol:\nQuantity: 7 sentences\nAuthor Emulation: James Clavell\nGenre Classification: historical fiction, Japan" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga saw him at once. He was on the other side of the busy dirt street, sitting on a bench outside a dingy bar. In front of him was an untouched gourd of beer and around were noisy men, drinking or standing or dead drunk on benches, or heading homewards for their dormitories or rooming houses, or favorite bar or gambling rooms that crowded together here in a slum as bad or worse than any in London town. The men were a polyglot of European, Asian and mixed-race laborers and workers, armed with at least a knife and dressed similarly to him, coming from their day's toil in sail-making shops or ship's chandlers, or mechanics from the machine shops, a new profession, or from any one of the dozens of services to do with ships. Along with beggars and bums were bakers and butchers and brewers and moneylenders and others who supported this part of Yokohama or fed off it, separate from the village and \"Nob Town\" as they all called the traders' sector, by mutual consent.\n\n\"In Drunk Town,\" Tyrer had explained to him, \"there are perhaps a hundred and fifty souls, most are drifters. They've few rules. It's every man for himself but woe betide anyone caught stealing, the immediate mob would beat him half to death. They've no law except army and navy patrols searching for deserters, or just trying to keep the peace between the services, breaking up fights or riots. Beer and gin parlors—gin's a rotgut that will kill if you're not careful—they're open as long as there're customers, so are the gambling dens. Don't try any of them or Ma Fortheringill's, she loathes Japanese because of our cut-rate Yoshiwara—bless it! At the far end, near the South Gate, off Hog Lane, is the worst part of Drunk Town. I've never been there, best stay away from it too, that's where the most depraved and lost try to survive. Opium, beggars, scum, male prostitutes. Abattoir. Cemetery. Disease. And multitudes of rats...\"\n\nThe little that Hiraga had understood had made him want, even more, to see everything for himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tonight was his first opportunity. Except for a few absent curses that would apply to anyone, no one bothered him as he trailed Ori easily, just enough light in the darkening sky.\n\nHis prey meandered towards the shore, seemingly without purpose and without any of the bodyguards he had been warned against. His excitement notched higher. The revolver in his pocket felt good to his touch. His fingers ached to grip it and aim it and pull the trigger to end the menace to his future here, then to begin his controlled retreat to safety through No Man's Land, or along the beach to the Legation.\n\nNow they were nearing the small main square beside the promenade and shore where bars and eating and rooming houses fought for custom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was the far end of the Settlement, the narrowest part, and jammed between the sea and encircling fence where the South Gate was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As at the North Gate, the fence was strong and high and went into the surf." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The only opening was the barricaded guarded South Gate.\n\nThe square was clogged. Mostly British soldiers, sailors, and merchant seamen with a few French, American and Russians, and Eurasians. Ori eased through them to stand on the edge of the promenade. He stared at the sea. The sea had a three-foot swell and was black and greasy. North wards, half a mile away, he could see the lights of the trading houses coming on, and in the French Legation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And in the upper story of Struan's, which, with Brock's, dominated the waterfront." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tonight? Should I try tonight?\n\nHis feet began to take him that way. A sudden rumbling and the sound like that of an express train just a few feet below the surface rushed at them, the earth heaved and with everyone else in the square, he tottered, nauseated, and went down on his hands and knees, holding on to the earth as it shook and rose and fell and stopped. A moment of silence that seemed to shriek to the skies. Now a few whimpers and shouts and curses that were cut short as another shock took them. Again the earth reared, not as bad as before but bad enough, and the shakes went on and on and heaved and shuddered and stopped. Tiles cascaded off a roof." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People scuttled or crawled to safety. Silence again that was almost palpable, men silent, gulls silent, animals silent. Earth waiting, everything waiting. Hugging the ground, praying, cursing, praying. Waiting.\n\n\"Is it over, for God's sake?\" someone called out.\n\n\"Yes...\"\n\n\"No...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait, I th—\"\n\nAnother rumble. Wails of fear. The noise peaked, the earth twisted and cried out and became still again. Several shacks collapsed. Shouts for help. No one moved.\n\nAgain everyone held their breath. Waiting. Moans and prayers and whimpers and supplications and curses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Waiting for the next one. The big one. Waiting, but nothing more.\n\nYet.\n\nMoments that became an eternity of waiting. Then Ori sensed that it was over and got up, the first in the square, heart dancing that he was not dead this time, that he was alive and untouched and safely reborn but instinctively ready for the next danger, an immediate dash from fire that was a normal aftermath and the greatest hazard to be endured. Every earthquake was someone's nemesis, a rebirth for all others and, from time immemorial, to be treated as such by those who lived in the Land of the Gods that was also called the Land of Tears.\n\nAbruptly Ori's stomach had a quake of its own and fell away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Across the square, above the mass of people still grounded, many retching and cursing, he saw Hiraga standing alone watching him. Fifty yards behind Hiraga most of the samurai guards were also on their feet—some studying the two of them curiously.\n\nAt almost the same instant that Ori had sensed the earthquake had ended and had jumped up, Hiraga and the samurai had spontaneously done the same, experiencing identical, ecstatic relief and rebirth, Hiraga not realizing he was on his feet until he saw Ori staring at him. His face closed. At once he started towards him, the square rapidly coming to life as men noisily scrambled or staggered erect. Blindly Ori took to his heels, but frightened, angry men, some laughing hysterically, others wailing thanks to God, barred his escape—and Hiraga's pursuit—with cries of \"Wot the devil's up with you...\"\n\n\"Who the hell're you pushing, for crissake...\"\n\n\"Hey, he's a bloody Jappo...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then someone bellowed, \"fire! look!\"\n\nWith everyone else Ori looked northwards. At the other end of the promenade a building was on fire. He recognized it as the two-story Struan headquarters. Perhaps next door. Careless of anyone, Ori broke out of the throng in a rush.\n\nHiraga pushed forward after him but at that moment a nearby gin bar collapsed, scattering people into his path, sending him reeling and others trampling him. He fought to his feet amidst the uproar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In this part of the square men were milling around aimlessly, blocking him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a second he caught a brief sight of Ori, then the ruins of the bar began to blaze and the crowd surged backwards again, engulfing him.\n\nWhen Hiraga had recovered his balance, Ori was obscured, and as much as he tried to force a path in the direction of his last sighting, the less progress he could make and the more furious the crowd became: \"Who you pushin', for crissake!... It's another bleeding Jappo... Give the bugger wot for...\"\n\nBy the time he had placated them and retreated and circled, finding a path out to the edge of the square, Ori was not running down the promenade as he had expected, heading for the fire, nor was he going by way of the beach—but had truly vanished." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like James Clavell in the historical fiction, Japan genre and use whatever I write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why not sleep here tonight, Mademoiselle, Monsieur Struan? We've plenty of room,\" Vervene said.\n\nIt was near dinnertime and they were in the main reception room of the French Legation having champagne and Jamie had just arrived to report that their fire was out, nothing serious except some water damage in her suite, a little in Struan's. \"If you want you can have my rooms, Tai-pan,\" Jamie said. \"I'll bunk elsewhere, and Miss Angelique can have Vargas's room.\"\n\n\"There's no need for that, Jamie,\" Angelique said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We can stay here, no need to disrupt everyone. I was moving here tomorrow anyway. Yes, chéri?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think I'd be more comfortable in my own suite. It's all right, Jamie?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh yes, hardly touched. Miss Angelique, would you like my rooms then?\"\n\n\"No, Jamie, I'll be fine here tonight.\"\n\n\"Good, then that's settled,\" Struan said, eyes strange and feeling very tired, most of his pain still drowned by the opium, but not his deep-set rage over Norbert Greyforth.\n\n\"Monsieur Struan, you are certainly welcome to stay too,\" Vervene said. \"We have rooms enough, as the Minister and his staff are at Yedo for a few days.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh!\" Angelique was openly shocked. Tomorrow André had to collect the medicine. They all stared at her. \"But André told me, he told me they were all returning by the latest early tomorrow, after today's meeting with the Shōgun.\"\n\n\"It depends on the Shōgun's punctuality and how the meeting goes—and our hosts are international models for punctuality, eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vervene chuckled at his own joke, adding grandly, \"You never know how State Occasions will turn out. It may take a day, even a week. More champagne, Monsieur Struan?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks, yes, tha—\"\n\n\"But André said the meeting was this morning and they'd be back at the latest tomorrow.\" She fought the tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks.\n\n\"What the devil's the matter, Angel?\" Struan said testily. \"Does it matter when they come back?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It... n-no... but I—I just hate it when someone says something and it's not true.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You were probably mistaken, ridiculous to be upset about such an unimportant matter.\" Struan took a large swallow of his refilled glass. \"For goodness' sake, Angel!\"\n\n\"Perhaps they'll be back tomorrow, Mademoiselle,\" Vervene said, ever the diplomat. Stupid cow, however delectable her breasts and kissable her lips, as if it matters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Never mind,\" he said with his most oily smile, \"dinner will be served within the hour. Monsieur McFay, you will join us, bien sûr?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you no, I'd best be going.\" McFay hesitated at the door. \"Tai-pan, shall I, er, shall I come back for you?\"\n\n\"I'm capable of walking two hundred yards by myself,\" Struan snapped. \"Perfectly capable!\" And of pulling a bloody trigger tonight or any night, he wanted to shout after him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just before coming over here Norbert Greyforth had taken a respite, the Brock fire almost under control, and, unnoticed by him, had walked out into the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie, beside him, was directing Vargas and the fire fighters, Dr. Hoag and Dr. Babcott nearby, tending burns and a few broken bones.\n\nAh Tok's elixir had worked its usual magic and Malcolm was feeling fine and confident, though strange and wanting to sleep as always—he had been fantasizing, to sleep perchance to dream, to dream about loving, about connecting with the Japanese girl or Angelique with ever greater passion, their need as great as mine and ever more erotic. Then, abruptly, he had been jerked into the vicious present.\n\n\"Evening, Jamie. Proper bugger, eh?\"\n\n\"Ah, Norbert,\" Struan said, politeness helped by the euphoria." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry about your bad joss. I think th—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Norbert pointedly ignored him. \"Fortunately, Jamie, no damage to our offices or warehouse, or trade goods or strong rooms, you'll be happy to hear—just in my sleeping quarters.\" Then he feigned to see Struan for the first time and his voice became louder and taunting for others to hear. \"Well, well, if it isn't the young tai-pan of the Oh So Noble House himself. Top of the evening to you, laddie, you don't look so good—is your milk off?\"\n\nStruan's bonhomie had vanished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Through his opiate screen he realized he was confronting evil and his enemy was there in front of him. \"No, but your manners are.\"\n\n\"Manners are not your strong suit, laddie.\" Norbert laughed. \"Yes, we're not harmed, laddie. In fact our new mining ventures make us Noble House in Japan and we'll have Hong Kong by Christmas. Best toddle home, Malcolm.\"\n\n\"The name's Struan,\" he said, seeing himself tall, strong and omnipotent, not quite aware of others around him or that Jamie and Babcott were trying to intervene. \"Struan!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I like 'young Malcolm,' young Malcolm.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Next time you call me that I'll call you a motherless bastard and blow your head off without waiting for your seconds, by God.\"\n\nNow there was a pit of silence around them. The crackle of flames and the soft, baiting hiss of the wind only enhanced it. The news of the lunchtime challenge had spread within minutes and all waited for the next move in the game that had been brewing since Malcolm's grand father, Dirk Struan, died before he could kill Tyler Brock as he had sworn to do.\n\nNorbert Greyforth's mind was working hard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once again he measured his future and his position in Brock's, considering carefully what he should do—the stakes immense. He was well compensated—so long as he obeyed orders. Tyler Brock's last letter had opened a door to paradise, telling him bluntly to \"ride Malcolm Struan to the limit while he be sick, wounded, and unprotected by my hellcat daughter, God curse her to Hell! There be five thousand guinea a year for ten year if that stripling be crushed while he be in the Japans—thee be taking any measure thee be wanting.\"\n\nNorbert would be thirty-one in six more days. By forty, the normal retirement age, the average China trader was old." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Five thousand for ten years was truly a princely sum, enough for him and all his generations, enough to buy a seat in Parliament, to become gentry, a squire with a manor house, married to a young bride with a fine dowry of good Surrey land." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was easy to decide." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He put his face close to Struan's and was happy to see the pain under the taut skin—of a height with him now that Struan hunched over his sticks. \"Listen, young Malcolm, you tossed brandy in my face for lunch, you can kiss my arse for supper.\"\n\n\"You-sir-are-a-motherless-bastard!\"\n\nThe older man laughed, a cruel jeering laugh. \"You're an even bigger motherless bastard, in fact y—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Babcott moved between them, his great height and size dwarfing them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stop it, both of you,\" he said angrily, \"both of you! This is a public place and these quarrels should be settled in private as between gentlemen.\"\n\n\"He's not a bloody gen—\"\n\n\"In private as gentlemen, Malcolm,\" Babcott said louder. \"Norbert, what's your pleasure?\"\n\n\"A duel's not my choice but it's what this bastard wants, so be it! Tonight, tomorrow, sooner the better.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not tonight, tomorrow, or any day, duelling's against the law, but I will be at your office at eleven.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Babcott looked at Struan, knowing that no one here could prevent a duel if that was their mutual wish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw the dilated pupils and was sad for him and furious with him. Both he and Hoag had long since diagnosed the addiction but nothing they did or said had made any impression, nor could they prevent access to the drug. \"I'll see you at noon, Malcolm. In the meantime, as the senior British Official still in Yokohama, you are both ordered neither to address each other nor attack each other, in private or in public...\"\n\nNever mind about bloody Babcott, Struan was thinking now, even more confident, the champagne mixing nicely with the opiate. Tomorrow or the next day you'll send Jamie, no, send Dmitri to see Norbert—not Jamie, he's no longer to be trusted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We'll do it near the racecourse and the Noble House will give Norbert a noble funeral—and bloody Brock too if he ever comes here, by God!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They've both forgotten you were the best revolver shot at Eton, and duelled that sod Percy Quill for calling you a Chinaman. Killed him too and was sent down for it, though the affair was hushed up and settled by Papa for a few thousand guineas. Norbert will get his comeuppance...\n\nA stir in the room distracted him. Seratard had just come in and was surrounded and being greeted by the others, André Poncin behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Through his mist he heard Seratard saying the Yedo meeting had been concluded quickly after \"we broke the deadlock and French compromises were accepted so no need to stay...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His ears stopped listening as his eyes focused on André. The taut, sharp-featured, straight-backed handsome Frenchman was smiling at Angelique who was smiling back more happily than she had for days. Jealousy began to swamp him but he put it away. Not her fault, he thought wearily, or André's, she's worth smiling at and I'm not good company and not myself, just sick to death of the pain and being helpless. God, but I love that woman and need her to death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He struggled up, made his excuses and thanked them for their hospitality." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seratard was his usual charming self. \"But surely you'll stay? So sorry about the fire—we felt none of the earthquake at sea, not even a swell of any sort. Don't worry about your fiancée, we'll be delighted to have her company, Monsieur, as long as necessary while your apartments are repaired, of course you are welcome anytime.\" He saw them to the door, Angelique insisting on taking Struan's arm to walk him home.\n\n\"I'm fine, Angel,\" Struan said, loving her.\n\n\"Of course, my love, but it's my pleasure,\" she said, bursting with goodwill now that André had returned. Only a few more hours and then I am free." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Your partner will send something and you will write the next eight sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dinner was a great success with Angelique radiant, Seratard full of himself at his success in Yedo, regaling them with his exploits in Algiers where he had been an official in charge of subjugation before this appointment, Vervene all the time vying for her attention to tell heroic versions of what he had previously achieved, all of them flushed by her company and abundant wine, a bottle of Burgundy per man, with champagne before to tickle the taste buds, and now again to settle the stomach. Then André Poncin began telling saucy tales of Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Kowloon where villagers from time to time really believed the Penis Plague was with them again when that appendage would disappear back into their bodies, so all the men would tie a string around it, anchoring it tightly to their necks to prevent the catastrophe.\n\n\"Oh, that's impossible, André, and naughty of you!\" she said, her fan fluttering, amidst laughter and his protests that this was the absolute truth, sure it was now time for her to leave. She finished her second tall glass of champagne that went nicely with the previous three goblets of Château d'Arcins, more than mellow herself—her relief that André had come back when he had promised, and her pleasure at speaking French for the whole evening, had overcome her usual caution. \"Now I will leave you to your cigars and brandy—and naughty stories!\"\n\n\"But only for a moment,\" Seratard said. \"André is going to play for us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tonight, no,\" André said, too quickly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you don't mind, there are some papers I must ready for tomorrow, sorry.\"\n\n\"Everything can wait, pleasure before business,\" Seratard said as a genial order. \"Tonight we must have music to finish the evening, something romantic for Angelique.\"\n\n\"Let him have some peace, Henri,\" she said, the wine making her cheeks rosy, delighted that André was clearly anxious to fetch the promised medicine. \"You've taken him from his business long enough, after all he's not an official.\"\n\n\"André will adore to play for us.\"\n\n\"Ah, so André is always to be commanded, yes? Then I must command you, Monsieur le Ministre, to excuse him this once... and me too, it's time for my bed.\" She got up, her knees a little weak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They surrounded her, protesting loudly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I'm here tomorrow and for at least three days.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She offered her hand to André with a special smile. \"Now you are free to go, I command you to guard our interests.\"\n\n\"You may count on it, Angelique.\"\n\n\"A last glass...\"\n\nShe allowed herself to be persuaded to take it with her and they escorted her to ensure the bolts on the windows and new shutters of the boudoir and bedroom were secure.\n\n\"We decided to replace all our shutters since you were last here.\" Vervene said again what he had already told her earlier, his sparse hair awry, beaming tipsily, \"Even in last week's storm there were no rattles.\" All eyes noticed the filmy green peignoir and nightdress laid out on the bed that had been turned down invitingly by the heavyset maid who watched and waited balefully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dimmed oil lamps and their alcoholic haze made the room all the more enticing and her more provocative." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "More reluctant good nights and sweet dreams and then she was alone with Ah Soh, the door to the corridor bolted. The maid undressed her and brushed her hair and put her crinoline away in the deep hanging cupboard with her other clothes, lingerie in the chest of drawers, all the while Angelique humming happily, content to be here, safe for tomorrow, elated to be alone and that the fire and earthquake had not harmed any of them or interfered with her plan but had made it simpler.\n\nI will make peace between Malcolm and Jamie, bad for them to be estranged, she thought exhilarated, still thirsty, but soothed and wine content. Thank God for André. I wonder what the Yoshiwara's like, and his girl. I'll encourage him to tell me about her and we can laugh together...\n\n\"'Night, Missee\" interrupted her. Ah Soh was walking ponderously for the boudoir couch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The last time her maid had slept there, even with the bedroom door closed, her snores had been deafening, further disturbing her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Ah Soh, no sleep here! You go, come back chop chop with coffee-ah, morning, heya?\"\n\nThe woman shrugged. \"'Night, Missee.\"\n\nAngelique bolted the door after her and in the warm light, completely and peacefully alone at last, lazily twirled to a hummed waltz. In a moment her ears caught the muted notes of the piano. Ah, it's Henri, she thought, recognizing his touch. He's a good player, better than Vervene but not to be compared with André. Chopin. Soft, delicate, romantic.\n\nShe swayed in time with the lovely melody, then caught sight of herself in the tall mirror." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a moment she studied herself, this way and that, then cupped her breasts higher as she and Colette used to do, pouting this way and that to see if that made them seem more desirable or less." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A sip of champagne, the bubbles tickling, the music and the alcohol nudging her. A sudden excited impulse and she let the peignoir fall, then slowly slid her nightdress higher and higher, coquetting the mirror image, admiring the legs and loins and hips and breasts and now full nakedness of the other person, posing this way and that, using the bunched nightdress to obscure or to reveal.\n\nAnother sip of champagne. Then she dipped a finger into it and put the liquid on her hardened nipples as she had read the great Parisian courtesans would do, sometimes using sweet Château d'Yquem there and in other places. Curious that our two most famous courtesans in the center of the world are English.\n\nShe chuckled to herself, possessed by the night and the music and the wine. When I have birthed one or two sons and am, say, twenty-one and Malcolm has a mistress and I am ready for my special lover, that's what I'll do—for his pleasure and mine, and before that for Malcolm's.\n\nAnother sip and another and then finished, languidly licking the last drop, then, watching her mirror, curling her tongue around the glass, toying with it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chuckling again, putting the glass back on the dressing table, letting it fall unnoticed to the carpet, ears only tuned to Chopin and his underlying passions—eyes fixed on the mirror, now the reflected image close, brazenly intimate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lazily she leaned forward and turned down the wick, shadows kinder now, then moved back a little, the mirror person still there, lovely, voluptuous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fingers moving with a life of their own, straying, caressing, heart picking up tempo, fluttering with growing pleasure. Eyes closed now, imagining Malcolm tall, strong, very strong, sweet-smelling, leading her into the bedroom, laying her on the coverlets, lying with her, as naked as she, his fingers wandering, fondling.\n\nOri had eased the door of the cupboard open in the other room and moved noiselessly and now stood in the deep shadows near the half-open doorway watching her, heart pounding in his ears. It had been easy for him to hide among the cases and hanging dresses and crinolines, easy to slide further into hiding to become invisible when the maid opened the cupboard door and closed it again. Easy to hear the final bolts ring home and to judge when Angelique was truly alone.\n\nIn the bedroom half light she lay on the sheets, eyes closed, a little shudder from time to time, face in shadow, body part in shadow, shadows dancing as the small flame moved with the air currents. It seemed to him he waited an eternity. Soundlessly, he stepped out of the darkness to the threshold." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The door clicked closed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The distant music cut." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes opened and focused and she saw him.\n\nSome sense told her that this was him—the murderer from the Tokaidō, father of the child that was never to be, who had violated her but had left no memory of pain or ravishment, only erotic half dreams, sleeping, waking—and that she was defenseless and tonight he would murder her.\n\nBoth were hardly breathing. Motionless. Waiting for the other to move. Still in shock, she saw his youth, not much older than she, a little taller, sheathed sword-knife in his belt, right hand on the hilt, neat short beard and hair, broad shoulders and narrow hips, rough shirt, flapped breeches, strong calves and legs and peasant sandals. Face in shadow.\n\nThis's another dream, surely it's a dream, no need to be afraid...\n\nBewildered, she propped her head on one hand, motioning him to move into the light.\n\nMomentarily fused into the same unreal, dreamlike state as she, his feet obeyed and when she saw the chiselled features, so different and alien, the dark eyes so filled with craving, she opened her mouth to say, Who are you, what's your name, but he thought she was going to scream so he leapt forward in panic, the naked blade violently at her throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, please,\" she gasped, backed into the pillow, and when he did not understand she shook her head, petrified, eyes pleading, every part of her shrieking, You're going to die, there's no escape this time! \"No—please.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fright slid off his face and, standing over her, heart thundering as hers was thundering, he put a finger to his lips, warning her to be silent and not to scream, not to move. \"Iyé\" he whispered hoarsely, adding, \"No!\"\n\nA drop of perspiration slid down his cheek.\n\n\"I... I won't—won't make a sound,\" she muttered, terror confusing her. She pulled the sheet over her loins. At once he ripped it away. Her heart stopped. But in that second she knew, a primeval instinct in mind had propelled her to a different plane and she felt herself possessed by a latent, newfound knowledge. Her horror began to slide away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inner voices seemed to whisper: Be careful, we can guide you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Watch his eyes, don't make a sudden move, first the knife...\n\nHeart pounding, she watched his eyes and put a finger to her lips as he had done, gently pointed at the blade and motioned it away.\n\nHe was like a coiled spring, expecting her to dart for the door any second and scream—he knew he could silence her easily, but that did not fit into his plan: she was to flee for the door in his time, not hers, and scream and scream to wake the enemy, then he would slash once and make sure and then he would wait and when they arrived he would shout, \"Sonno-joi,\" turning the knife on himself and, spitting in their faces, die. That was his plan—one of many he had considered: taking her wildly then killing her and then himself, or just killing her silently at once as he should have done before, however much he wanted her now, leaving the Tokaidō characters on the sheets as before, then to escape through the window. But she was not reacting as he had expected. Unwavering eyes, her hand motioning the blade away, sky-blue eyes asking, not begging, tension there, but no terror now. Uncanny half smile. Why?\n\nThe blade did not move." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Be patient, the voices whispered to her..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again she gestured the point away, unhurried, willing him. His eyes narrowed even more. With an effort he tore them away from hers to surge over her to be inexorably drawn back. What is she planning? Warily he lowered the dirk and waited, ready to lunge.\n\nHe was standing close to the bed. Leisurely her hands began to unbutton his shirt, then froze. The cross at his neck flickered in the light, her cross." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The suddenness that the lost forever was miraculously found again, elated her strangely and, dreamlike, she watched her fingers touch it, trembling slightly, weirdly pleased that he had taken it to wear it, part of her around him forever as part of him was around her forever but even the cross, her cross, did not deflect her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gently she eased the shirt off, down his right arm, over the knife, tightly held and a constant threat. Her intent look drifted over him, the shoulder wound, freshly healed, muscled body. Again the wound.\n\n\"Tokaidō,\" she said softly, not as a question though he took it as such.\n\n\"Hai,\" he muttered, watching and waiting and choked with lust. \"Hai.\"\n\nAgain the cross glittered. \"Kanagawa?\"\n\nHe nodded, hardly breathing, spellbound, and she was glad that she had been right in the first instant, and now that he was almost naked she was more secure with the plan that had swamped her mind. She reached out and touched his belt, always watching his eyes, and felt a tiny tremor. A current went through her at this victory." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Don't be afraid, the voices said. Continue..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His fingers found the buckle. It loosened. The belt dropped away, the scabbard with it. His breeches slid off him. Below he wore a loincloth. With a grinding effort he remained motionless, his weight balanced on both legs, slightly apart, and body throbbing with his heartbeat, eyes locked.\n\nContinue, the voices whispered, don't be afraid...\n\nAbruptly, the image of him in the web that myriad generations of women before her—defenseless in the same mantrap—were aiding her to weave, caused her resolve to soar unexpectedly, heightening her awareness, making her part of the night and yet apart, to watch herself and him, and fingers untying the string and seeing him unadorned.\n\nShe had never seen a man thus." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But for the wound he was without blemish. As she was.\n\nFor a moment he continued to dominate his lust, then his will vanished and he threw the knife on the bed and covered her but she closed like an oyster and twisted away and he did likewise, grabbing for the knife before she did but she had not made a move toward it, just lay there, watching him kneeling on the bed, blade poised, another phallus pointing at her.\n\nIn the waking dream, she shook her head, telling him to lay the knife aside, to forget it, to lie down beside her. \"There's no hurry,\" she said softly, knowing he would not understand words, only gestures. \"Lie here.\" She showed him where. \"No, be gentle.\" She showed him how. \"Kiss me... no, not so cruel... gently.\"\n\nShe showed him everything she wanted, he wanted, advancing, retreating, soon to be aroused and then, when at last they joined she imploded to carry him over the crest and them into the abyss." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When her panting had lessened and her ears could hear, the music was still playing but far away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No sounds of danger, only his panting matching hers, body light, fitting perfectly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Belonging. That was what she could not understand—how or why he seemed to belong. Or how and why she could be so thrilled, or consumed with such ecstasy. He began to ease away.\n\nNo, the voices told her quickly, hold him, don't let him move, beware, the danger's not over, stay with the plan...\n\nSo her arms tightened around him.\n\nThey slept for an hour or so and when she awoke he was lying beside her, breathing softly, his sleeping face young and untroubled, one hand tight on the knife, the other touching her cross that he wore so easily.\n\nIt was my first gift, Maman told me, the first day of my life and worn ever since, only the chain changing. Is it his now, or mine, or ours?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CREATIVE WRITING ASSIST:\nseven sentences sentences\nMimic: James Clavell\nGenre: historical fiction, Japan" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the afternoon H.M.S. Pearl returned from Yedo with all sails set and hurtled for her usual mooring in Yokohama's busy harbor. Sir William's flag was at the masthead, other flags demanded his cutter immediately but these were unnecessary as his longboat was already waiting in the roads, the Struan steam cutter beside her—Jamie impatient in the stern. All those ashore who saw Pearl watched to see if her Captain was up to his arrogant dash, the wind frisky and his speed under sail making the maneuver dicey. Her bow wave was high, the sea good. At the last second she spun into wind and stayed there quivering, her bowsprit perfectly over her buoy just alee. At once smartly dressed sailors dropped rope hawsers over the bollard and made her secure while others went aloft to furl all sails." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not bad at all, Jamie thought proudly, then called out, \"Full ahead, get alongside,\" needing to be first at the gangplank to intercept Sir William as Malcolm had ordered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hurry it up, Tinker, for Christ's sake!\"\n\n\"Aye, aye, sorr!\" Tinker, the Struan coxswain, beamed toothlessly, anticipating him with throttles full forward. He was an old hand, a pigtailed, tattooed, greying bosun's mate off one of their clippers and he zipped passed Sir William's eight-oared cutter to their chagrin, spat tobacco juice good-naturedly, gave them the finger and took possession of the slot. Jamie jumped onto the gangway. At the main deck he raised his top hat to the officer of the deck, a fresh-faced midshipman. \"Permission to come aboard, message for Sir William.\"\n\nThe midshipman saluted him back. \"Certainly, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is it, Jamie, what the devil's wrong now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William called down from the bridge, Phillip Tyrer and Captain Marlowe beside him.\n\n\"Sorry, sir, the Settlement's in a bit of an uproar and Mr. Struan thought I should give you the details.\"\n\nMarlowe said, \"You can use my cabin, Sir William.\"\n\n\"Thank you. Best you come along too, after all you're 'Admiral in charge of our Naval Defense,' however temporary.\"\n\nMarlowe laughed. \"I could certainly use the salary, sir, if not the rank, however temporary.\"\n\n\"Wouldn't we all! Come along, you too, Phillip.\" They followed him, Marlowe last." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before Marlowe left the bridge, he beckoned his Number One." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Engine room to get steam up, all cannon cleaned, oiled and made ready, ship's company prepared for battle stations.\"\n\nIn the small, austere stern cabin, with a bunk, private head and chart table, they sat down. \"Well, Jamie?\"\n\n\"First, Sir William, the tai-pan and all traders want to congratulate you on a successful meeting.\"\n\n\"Thank you. What uproar?\"\n\n\"There's been trouble: early this morning a Jappo tried to break into Angelique's bedroom in the French Legation, the sentries shot him, killed him. Dr. Hoag and Dr. Babcott w—\"\n\n\"Christ Almighty, was she hurt? Touched?\"\n\nTo their relief Jamie shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, sir, she said she heard him fumbling with the shutters and began screaming bloody murder an—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then it was someone, like last time!\" Tyrer burst out. \"Not the wind rattling the shutters!\"\n\n\"We're inclined to think so.\" Jamie ran on quickly, \"Babcott and Hoag were summoned—she was in shock, not hurt as I said but shaking. They took a look at the dead man and at once Hoag said he was the same bugger he operated on in Kanagawa...\" Phillip Tyrer gasped and Marlowe looked at him quickly. \"The same we suspect was one of Canterbury's murderers, same man who might have been at our Kanagawa Legation and Captain Marlowe and Pallidar tried to catch.\"\n\n\"I'll be damned!\" Sir William glanced at Tyrer who had blanched. \"Do you think you could identify him, Phillip?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know, I don't think so. Malcolm might be able to, I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William's mind had hurled him onwards: If this is the same man then both probable murderers are dead so how does this affect our demand for indemnity? \"French Legation, eh? Astonished they shot the bugger, their security's abominable at the best of times and marksmanship worse. But why was the man there, was he after her or what?\"\n\n\"We've no idea, sir. It also turns out he was Catholic—at least he was wearing a cross. Wh—\"\n\n\"That's curious! But... but wait a minute, Angelique there? I thought she had moved back to Struan's.\"\n\n\"She had but her quarters were fire damaged. I forgot to mention, after the earthquake, sir, we had a small fire, us and also Norbert. The—\"\n\n\"Anyone hurt?\"\n\n\"No, sir, thank God, nor anywhere in the Settlement far as we know. The French offered her accommodation but th—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Was Malcolm Struan staying there too?\"\n\nJamie sighed at the continual interruptions. \"No, sir, he was at our place.\"\n\n\"Then you can't have had much damage.\"\n\n\"No, sir, fortunately, and not much in the whole Settlement though Norbert lost most of his upper floor.\"\n\n\"Well, that should please you. So the girl wasn't touched, the assailant's dead, so what's the fuss about?\"\n\n\"I've been trying to tell you, sir,\" Jamie said, then rushed on, refusing this time to be interrupted by Sir William's shocked questions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Some of the morons in Drunk Town, aided I'm sorry to say by some of our more stupid traders, decided that every Jappo in the village was responsible so a couple of hours ago a mob of them started beating up anyone they could find, that brought samurai steaming in, troops and Navy fellows confronted them and now there's a standoff, both sides armed, reinforced and getting grimmer by the minute, some of our cavalry there, the General's in command and bristling to order a charge like the Light Brigade at Balaclava.\"\n\nBloody fool, Sir William thought. \"I'll go ashore at once.\"\n\nMarlowe said, \"I'll send a detachment of marines with you, sir. Orderly!\"\n\nThe cabin door opened instantly. \"Yessir?\"\n\n\"Marine Captain and ten marines with a signalman to the main deck gangway on the double!\" Then to Jamie, \"Where's the riot, exactly?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The south end of the village, near No Man's Land.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sir William, I'll be standing off, close in. Any trouble, use my signalman and you can order up a barrage.\"\n\n\"Thank you, but I doubt if I'll need naval support.\"\n\nJamie said, \"Another problem is—\"\n\n\"When we're in the cutter.\" Sir William was already halfway to the main deck. \"We'll take yours, it's faster. Head for the Drunk Town wharf.\"\n\nIn moments the Struan cutter was at full speed, marines crowded into the stern, Sir William, Jamie and Tyrer in relative comfort in the midship cabin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now, Jamie, another problem?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's Mr. Tyrer's not-so-tame samurai, Nakama.\" Jamie glanced at Phillip briefly. \"Part of the mob attacked him but he broke away, somehow got some swords and fought back, cut one drunk, an Aussie, but not badly, and would have killed the rest if they hadn't fled. Some of them got guns, rushed back and nearly blew him away so he retreated into a village store, we think there may be some samurai with him—and there's a dozen or so maniacs surrounding the place, ready to lynch him.\"\n\nSir William gasped, \"A lynch mob? In my jurisdiction?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir. I tried to get them to leave him alone but they told me to piss off. Nakama wasn't at fault initially, Sir William, I saw him on High Street, that much I'm sure of.\"\n\n\"Good,\" Sir William said tightly. \"Fortunately we've one law for the rich and the same for the poor, and the same for anyone under our protection. If he's lynched we will lynch the lynchers. I'm tired of Drunk Town and their rabble nonsense. Until we get our allotment of Peelers from London we'll form our own police force. I'm Chief. Jamie, you're temporary Deputy Police Chief with Norbert an equal Deputy—equally temporary.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not on your nelly, Sir Wil—\"\n\n\"Then it's Norbert alone,\" Sir William said sweetly.\n\n\"God dammit, all right,\" Jamie said, not pleased at all, knowing that that job had to be a thankless task. \"Norbert, eh? Did you hear about Norbert and the tai-pan?\"\n\n\"What about them?\"\n\nJamie told them about the quarrel and challenge. \"The betting's five to one they sneak off one dawn and one of them will end up very dead.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on the story like James Clavell would, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the Struan cutter swung alongside the Drunk Town wharf, everyone piled out and ran down its length into the square, marines in front. Ahead they saw the backs of the samurai confronting this portion of the mob. At once the Captain put their plan into operation. On his command his men formed into a wedge, rifles at the ready, and charged into the space between the two sides and wheeled, the point of the wedge threatening the Drunk Town people who began to give away and split into two groups, shouting and alarmed. Tyrer had rushed over to the samurai, who were equally alarmed by the sudden appearance of the disciplined soldiers, bowed and called out loudly in Japanese, \"Please, Sir Officer, all men to stay here safe. Please to salute my Master, Lord of Gai-jin.\"\n\nAutomatically the nonplussed samurai bowed back to Tyrer and as he straightened, Sir William, flushed from his unaccustomed run, stopped for a moment and faced the samurai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Immediately Tyrer bowed to him, calling out, \"Salute!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The officer and all his men bowed, Sir William bowed back and now the samurai were back in control.\n\nAt once Sir William turned and went into the wedge, which was gaining ground, the people closest to the marines being shoved back by the rifles.\n\n\"Get out of the way! Get back... back!\" the young Captain was shouting, his adrenaline pumping. He was just behind the point of the wedge, and when the way did not clear fast enough for his liking he shouted, \"fix bayonets!\"\n\nAs one man the marines stepped back two paces, fixed bayonets, levelled them at the crowd, each marine picking a target, each becoming a graven, waiting cog of a killing machine that was famed and feared throughout the world. \"prepare to charge!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William, Tyrer, and McFay stopped breathing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Along with everyone else. Immediate silence. Then the evil spirit that all mobs contain vanished and the men here became just a rabble that broke and fled in all directions.\n\nThe Captain did not wait. \"Port rifles, follow me!\" He led the way at a run towards the village where the majority of traders, soldiers, a dozen cavalry, and samurai were gathered, all of them still oblivious of Sir William and his marines.\n\nAgain the wedge formed but as they came up to the back of the shouting mass, they heard the General shouting, \"For the last time I order you out or I will throw you out...\" to be drowned under a roar from a crowd that was clearly ready to explode." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Captain decided there was no time to waste." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Halt! One round over their heads, fire!\"\n\nThe volley blew away the noise and the fury and got immediate attention, even from the equally unprepared cavalry. Everyone had whirled or ducked and in the silence Sir William, red with rage, stalked into the space between the two sides. Further down the street Lunkchurch and the others were transfixed. He held a second burning rag in his hand, poised to throw, the first was already on the veranda against the wooden wall, flames spreading. Seeing Sir William and the marines, they evaporated into side streets, rushing pell-mell for home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All other eyes were on Sir William." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He settled his top hat more firmly and took a paper out of his pocket. In a loud grating voice he began: \"I am reading you Her Majesty's Riot Act: If this unauthorized assembly does not disperse instantly, every man, woman or child is liable for arrest and...\" His next few words were lost under general grumbling and curses but, instantly, the rabble began to dissolve.\n\nThe Riot Act of 1715 had been promulgated by Parliament after the Jacobite Rebellion that only ruthlessness had contained and obliterated. The new law was designed to stop any unauthorized dissension at its source. It granted all Magistrates or Justices of the Peace the right and duty to read the Act out to any group of more than twelve persons considered a threat to the peace of the realm, the onus on the rioters to hear and obey. Anyone who did not disperse within forty-five minutes was liable to immediate arrest, incarceration, and, if proven guilty, to either a sentence of death or to being sentenced to transportation for life at Her Majesty's pleasure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no need for Sir William to finish reading." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The village street emptied but for the troops and the General, and the samurai. \"Phillip, deal with them, tell them to go home please.\" He watched for a moment as Tyrer went over and bowed and the officer bowed back. He's a good lad, he thought, then turned away to put a bleak eye on the General who was flushed and sweating. \"'Morning, Thomas.\"\n\n\"'Morning, sir.\" The General saluted. Smartly—but only because of the soldiers around him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William did not raise his hat in reply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stupid berk, he was thinking. \"Pleasant day, what?\" he said easily. \"I suggest you dismiss the men.\"\n\nThe General motioned to the cavalry officer who was, secretly, more than a little pleased that Sir William had arrived when he did, knowing too that the Japanese were not at fault and he should have been walking his horses into the rabble of traders. What a bunch of ill-disciplined scum, he thought. \"Sergeant!\" he called out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All the men back to barracks and dismiss them. Now!\"\n\nThe soldiers began sorting themselves out. Tyrer bowed a last time to the samurai officer, feeling very pleased with himself, then watched them amble away up the street towards their North Gate.\n\n\"Damn good show, Phillip, you did very well,\" Jamie McFay said.\n\n\"Oh? Didn't do a thing really,\" Tyrer said, pretending diffidence.\n\nJamie McFay grunted. He was sweating, his heart thumping, he had been sure that someone would pull a trigger or jerk out a sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That was bloody close.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced over at Sir William who was deep in a one-sided conversation with the General, now even more flushed. \"Wee Willie's giving the bugger hell,\" he said softly, smiling. \"Stupid clod!\"\n\n\"He's...\" Tyrer stopped as their attention was diverted up the street. Samurai were sprinting towards a shop on the east side that had caught fire. \"Good God, that's the shoya's house...\" He was already running, McFay at his heels.\n\nSeveral of the samurai had jumped up onto the veranda and began beating out the flames while the others hurried to the big water barrels with their ring of buckets that were kept at intervals everywhere against such emergencies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By the time Tyrer and McFay had reached there the fire was under control. Half a dozen more buckets and the last of the flames sizzled and died. The outer shop wall was gone. Inside they saw the shoya, beside him an ashigaru, a foot soldier. Both of them stepped out onto the veranda. The shoya knelt and bowed, the ashigaru bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They muttered thanks. To McFay's astonishment there was no sign of Hiraga, the man he and Tyrer knew only as Nakama." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But before either of them could say anything the officer had begun questioning the shoya and the foot soldier.\n\n\"How did the fire start?\"\n\n\"A foreigner threw a rag against the wall, Sire.\"\n\n\"Dog's shit, all of them! You will make a report and explain the cause of this disturbance. By tomorrow, shoya.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\nThe officer, a pockmarked man of thirty-odd, peered into the shop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where's the other man?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sire?\"\n\n\"The other man. The Japanese who was chased in here by the gai-jin?\" he said irritably. \"Hurry up!\"\n\nThe ashigaru bowed politely, \"So sorry, sir, there was no one else here.\"\n\n\"I distinctly saw him rush in here—he was carrying swords.\" He turned to his men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who saw him?\" They stared back at him uneasily and shook their heads. His face reddened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Search the shop at once!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The search was thorough and produced only the shoya's family and servants who knelt and bowed and stayed kneeling. They denied seeing anyone. A moment of silence then Tyrer and McFay were dumbfounded to see the officer suddenly lose his temper and begin raving at them.\n\nStoically the ashigaru and all the soldiers stood at attention, rigid, the villagers on their knees, heads to the ground, trembling under the tongue-lashing. Without warning he stepped up to the ashigaru and belted him backhanded around the face. The man stayed as impassive as he could under the flurry of blows and invective." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the officer's shrieked command the shoya was instantly on his feet and stood unflinchingly while the frenzied man beat him as cruelly around the face, the women and children trying not to wince at every blow, yet motionless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As suddenly as the beatings had begun they stopped. Both men bowed deeply, their faces now welted. Again the shoya knelt. Formally the officer bowed back, all traces of the tirade gone. His men formed up and he led them towards the North Gate as though nothing untoward had happened. Tyrer and McFay stared after them blankly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a moment, when it was correct to do so, the shoya got up, the women and children went into the house, and he began to supervise the repair to the wall. Village activity in the street picked up.\n\n\"What the devil was all that about?\" McFay said.\n\n\"I don't know,\" Tyrer said, both of them shocked at the brutality and its impassive acceptance. \"I only caught a word here and a word there—I think it was to do with Nakama, I think they all said he'd never been there.\"\n\n\"That's impossible—I know he was inside that hut. I saw him myself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "McFay mopped his brow." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Apart from that, why take all that from that bastard? He was a lunatic. And look at them now, acting as though nothing happened. Why?\"\n\n\"I don't know—perhaps Nakama can explain.\" Tyrer shuddered. \"I'll tell you one thing, I'm damned if I'd like to be in their power. Ever.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I've got a bit of writer's block. I'm gonna send you something then keep it going one sentence at a time, also I'm going for a James Clavell sorta thing in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello, Angel, how are you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello, darling, I'm—I'm much better, thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angelique smiled wanly as Struan came in and shut the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was propped up by pillows in her bedroom in the French Legation, the late afternoon sun coming nicely through the window and the shadow of a guard now permanently stationed outside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the early hours of this morning when Struan had rushed—hobbled—to her side, she had resisted his entreaties to move, enough in command of herself to remember that she must stay here because tonight André Poncin would deliver the medicine that would deliver her from evil." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No, not evil—yes, from evil, she had wanted to shout: André's going to deliver me from the evil I carry and from the evil I've done." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, mon Dieu, Malcolm, I am all right and don't want to move!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please don't cry, my darling, please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then leave me be, it's all right, Malcolm. I'm quite safe, I always was safe and Doctor Babcott has given me something to stop this shaking, haven't you, Doctor?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's right, Malcolm,\" Babcott had said, \"and please don't worry, Angelique's perfectly all right, she'll be right as rain when she wakes up. It would be better not to move her. Not to worry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I bloody do!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tonight, perhaps she can move bac—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" she had whimpered, tears spilling, \"not tonight, perhaps to morrow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thank God for tears, she thought again as she watched Malcolm plod over to the bed, knowing that this Heaven-given weapon against men, thought to be a weakness, was a mighty shield." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His smile was fine but she noticed the dark rings under his eyes that seemed strange and an air of weariness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I dropped by earlier but you were dozing and I didn't want to disturb you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You would never disturb me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His concern and love was so open and so deep that she had to fight to keep quiet and not helplessly scream the truth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't worry, my dear one, everything will be wonderful soon, I promise.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sat in a chair beside the bed, telling her about the near-riot and how Sir William had stopped it so quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's a good man in many ways,\" he told her, but he was thinking: not in others." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He and Norbert had been forewarned about their summons into his presence tomorrow morning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once they had met privately: \"It's none of Wee Willie's bloody business,\" Norbert had agreed sourly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let him concentrate on Japanners and getting the fleet back! Listen, the intruder, I hear you identified him as one of old Canterbury's murderers, the other Tokaidō bastard?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I didn't, I think he was a different man though he'd certainly been shot. Hoag said he was the same one he operated on at Kanagawa.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why was he at her window, eh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know—it's weird. Just a thief, I suppose.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's right weird. A Catholic too. Weird...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Struan saw that Angelique was waiting for him to continue and he wondered if he should bring the subject out into the open, the why of that man, to ask for her ideas and give her his, but she looked so tiny and defenseless that he decided to wait for another time and another day—the sod's dead whoever he was and that's that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When I come back after dinner I'll bring the latest Illustrated London News, there's a great article about the latest London fashions...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique listened with half an ear, avoiding the clock on the mantelpiece that tick-tocked the minutes delicately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André had told her he would return from the Yoshiwara about nine that evening, that she should have a pot of warm green tea ready, and something sweet to eat as the mixture might be foul-tasting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Also some towels, and it would be best not to take any more of Babcott's sleeping draft." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She glanced at the clock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "6:46. It's so long, the waiting, she thought, her anxiety increasing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the inner voices became alive again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Don't worry, they whispered, the hours will quickly pass and then you are free, don't forget you won, Angelique, you were so brave and so clever, you did everything perfectly—don't worry about anything, you lived and he died and it was the only way you, or any woman, could have lived—soon you will be free, of him, of it, and all that has gone before will be no more than a bad dream..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'll be free, thank God, thank God." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The relief surged through her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How handsome you look, Malcolm. Your evening clothes are perfect.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her warmth jerked him out of his gloom, everything dreadful surrounding him—except her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He beamed. \"Oh, Angel, if it wasn't for you I think I'd explode.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tonight he had taken much trouble to select the right silk evening clothes and the finest doeskin half-boots, pure white silk ruffled shirt and white cravat with a ruby pin that his father had given him on his last birthday, his twentieth, May 21st." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only six more months and then I am free, he thought, free to do whatever I like." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're the only thing that keeps me sane, Angel,\" he said, and his smile banished the last of her devils." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, my darling,\" she said. \"Explode? Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's just business,\" he said, matter-of-fact, avoiding the real issues." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Damned politicians are messing up our markets in their usual, obsessive pursuit of personal power, money and advancement, it never changes no matter what country, creed or color. Overall the Noble House is in fine fettle, thank God,\" he told her, sluffing over the crisis they were facing in Hawaiian sugar and Brock's increasing stranglehold over Struan's markets and borrowing facilities." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yesterday an openly hostile letter arrived from the Victoria Bank, Hong Kong's central bank and Brock-dominated, a copy of one sent to Tess Struan, Managing Director, Struan's, his copy addressed, M. Struan, Esq., Yokohama, For Information Only:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Madam: This is just to remind Struan's it has ignoble debts, and too much paper supported by questionable assets and ignoble profits, the most of which paper becomes due January 31st, and to inform you, Madam, again, that repayment of all said highly unNoble paper the Bank owns is required on due date." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have the honor to be, Madam, yr obedient servant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never mind those poxy bastards, he thought with certitude, I'll find a way to outsmart them and all the Brocks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Killing Norbert will be a good beginning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Our managers and staff are excellent, our fleet's still the best and our captains loyal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never mind the Brocks and the rumors, Angel, we can deal with them, we always have. The American civil war has boosted our profits enormously. We're helping the South to run cotton through the Northern blockade for our Lancashire mills and bringing back all the powder, shot, guns and cannon that Birmingham can make, half for the South, half for the North—with everything else our factories can invent and provide, machinery, presses, and shoes and ships and sealing wax. British output is gigantic, Angelique, more than fifty percent of the world's industrial goods. Then we've our tea trade and Bengali opium to China, a bumper crop this year—I've an idea how to buy Indian cotton to boost the American lack—and together with all our usual cargoes... England is the richest and most prosperous country on earth and you're beautiful.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, kind sir! Je t'aime—I really do love you, Malcolm, I know I'm very difficult, but I do, and I'll make you a wonderful wife, I promise, an—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had heaved himself out of his chair and stopped her with a kiss—his strong cigar smell and pomade manly and pleasant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His arms embracing her were muscular and strong, one hand straying to her breast and she felt its heavy roughness, his lips hard with the faintest taste of brandy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just the opposite to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Forget him, the voices whispered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I can't, not yet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bending over her like this was a dreadful strain on his wounded back and stomach muscles so he straightened with an effort though he would have gladly taken her now—had he her acquiescence—whatever the pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The sooner we're married, the better,\" he said, sure that he had felt her lips and breast and body respond." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh yes, please, yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christmas. That's only next month.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you think... sit down, my darling, and rest a moment. Should we discuss... when should we return to Hong Kong?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I—I haven't decided.\" Much of his bonhomie went at the thought of having to face his mother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps we should go back next week an—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not till I'm fit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And off the painkiller, he thought, his insides grinding, then I can deal with her and Brock and the bloody bank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just before coming here he had had the second dose of the day, earlier than usual." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'll have a last one before sleeping, then tomorrow start fresh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once a day from now on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Couldn't start today—last night and the problem with Norbert and... well, yesterday was especially rotten." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't trouble your lovely head.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I worry over you very much. Malcolm, I'd never want to interfere with anything, but I do worry about you. And there is something that I feel I must mention,\" she said carefully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The trouble between you and Jamie. Isn't there anything I—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His sudden smile stopped her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jamie's all right now, my darling. That's today's good news. This evening I sent for him and he apologized for being difficult. He even renewed his oath to support me in everything. Every thing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, that's wonderful, I'm so pleased.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just before coming here Jamie McFay had asked to see him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry to interrupt you, but I wanted to clear the air and try to make a peace and try, a last time, to dissuade you from the duel: Norbert will surely try to kill you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, but it's none of your affair, and I'll certainly try to kill him. I agree it's a good idea to clear the air, once and for all: Jamie, will you obey me as tai-pan or are you going back on your holy oath?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I will obey the tai-pan as I swore.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. After we see Sir William tomorrow, secretly ask Norbert if next Wednesday suits him—yes, Jamie, I know it's his birthday. The racecourse, behind the stands, first light. On your head keep it secret, don't even tell Dmitri.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you kill him you'll have to leave Japan quickly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've thought about that. Our clipper Storming Cloud will be in the roads. We'll board her and go to Hong Kong. There I can, well, arrange matters whatever happens.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hate this whole idea.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, but never mind. You remember your oath and will stick by it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Jamie. Let's be friends again...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Through his haze of excitement, he heard Angelique saying, \"Oh, how happy that makes me,\" and had to make an effort not to burst out with the news that he had set a date for the duel, when his own revenge on the House of Brocks, at long last, would begin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angel will know soon enough and be proud of me, he thought confidently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No need to worry about Jamie, my darling, or about Hong Kong. Or anything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Malcolm, dear, may I please write to your mama?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she asked, knowing that she must begin to bring the enemy to battle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André had warned her that Tess Struan's power within the company was immense, and influence over Malcolm, his brother and sisters, equally vast—reminding her that he was a minor, therefore without Tess's approval the marriage could not take place for months, and without her benevolence might never happen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As if I needed reminding, she thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I want to assure her of my undying affection and my promise to become the best daughter-in-law in the whole wide world.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He beamed at the idea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Excellent! I'll write one too and we'll send them off together.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took her hand. \"No woman so stunning as you should also be so thoughtful and kind. I know she's going to love you as much as I do.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! gimme six sentences more in James Clavell's voice. stick to historical fiction, Japan pls" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again Hiraga said, \"When gai-jin run away, shoya say me to go quick'ry—he very 'fraid of the samurai, very 'fraid.\"\n\n\"I can believe that.\" Tyrer shifted in his chair, Hiraga opposite him, uncomfortable too. The sitting room of the small bungalow in the Legation grounds that Tyrer shared with Dr. Babcott was sparsely furnished, with a few chairs, two desks and the smell of ointments and salves from pots of medicaments on shelves lining one wall. Windows were open to the night and though it was not cold Hiraga shivered, still unsettled by his near capture. The moment the rioters had rushed away and he could escape the back way he had told the shoya and ashigaru, \"You know what'll happen if I'm caught here! Better silence... better silence and a quick beating that will soon be forgotten than a trek to prison which none of us—or your wife and children—will survive. Sonno-joi!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tyrer was saying, \"But I don't understand why one moment that officer was sane, the next a brute, and the next sane again with everyone pretending nothing had happened.\"\n\nHiraga sighed. \"All so simp're, Tairasan. The captain sure ashigaru 'ried... sure not say truth, and shoya not say truth, and men not say truth so he beat them to save face—not say truth to samurai is very bad, against 'raw, so very bad. Punishment correct so everyone happy, no more prob'rem.\"\n\n\"Maybe for them,\" Tyrer said gloomily, \"but we have lots of problems. Sir William isn't at all happy, either with the rotter who was killed—or with you.\"\n\n\"I no prob'rem, I not attack, men attack me.\"\n\n\"Sorry, Nakama, that's not the point. He says you are an irritant, an unnecessary complication. Sorry. But he's right. The authorities will soon know you're here, if they don't already. Then they'll demand that we hand you over—we can't avoid that and eventually we'll have to comply.\"\n\n\"P'rease? Not understand.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It took Tyrer several attempts with simpler words to make his meaning clear, then he added, \"Sir William told me to tell you it's best you sneak off, disappear while you can.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga's heart almost stopped. Ever since he had escaped the trap in the village he had been frantically trying to devise a way to negate the inevitable results of the riot, and of being seen—the samurai officer would surely realize a shishi was loose in the Settlement. No solution had occurred except that he must remain in hiding here. To attempt flight now was even more dangerous. Samurai vigilance would be vastly increased, and if they realized he was Hiraga of the poster...\n\nHe wanted to scream aloud, his mind disarrayed by the rushing events and the depths of the panic and fear he had endured since Ori's betrayal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then his ears focused and he heard a key word in Tyrer's rambling on about \"how sorry he was to lose such a valuable ally in his search for Japanese knowledge but there seems to be no way of avoiding it...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His head cleared. \"Have idea, Tairasan,\" he said softly. \"Bad for me go now, I sure die. Want he'rp Ing'erish friends, want to be va'ru'ber a'rry, very va'ru'ber friend. I know about Satsuma daimyo, know Satsuma secrets. Shoya give me mandy... sorry, give me many informations. I can exp'rain how make Satsuma obey, perhaps even Bakufu obey. I want to he'rp. Ask Sir Wrum: I give informations to keep gai-jin safe, you keep me safe and give me informations, fair exchange. Friends, neh?\"\n\nExcitedly Tyrer thought through the offer: Sir William will surely agree, but only if the information is truly valuable, and only if it comes direct from questioning Nakama himself. That means... oh God, I can't! \"I'd have to let Willie in on the secret that you speak English. No way to avoid that, and I just can't blurt out that I've been hiding such vital info, I'd get sacked for certain. Can't risk that, not when Willie's in such a foul mood!\" Better Nakama leaves before my head's on the block and he's an international incident." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry,\" he said, in despair. \"It's not possible.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, so sorry, perhaps have way,\" Hiraga said, and made a final gambit to give himself time. \"Have message from Fujiko—eeee, Tairasan, you make great mark on her, now she thinks you very best friend. Mama-san say, so sorry, but Fujiko yesterday begin woman's sick, month'ry sick, so cannot receive you for one, two days.\" He had seen Tyrer's immediate disappointment, followed by resignation and anticipation in quick order.\n\nWeak with relief, he relaxed slightly, at the same time once again astounded that any man, let alone an important official like Taira would allow himself to show his inner feelings so openly to anyone, let alone to an enemy. These barbarians are beyond belief.\n\n\"Here,\" he continued, offering him the fan with the calligraphy on it he had had prepared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It poem, Fujiko writes: 'Counting hours, very sad. Hurry hours when your sun shine on me, then no sad, stop time.'\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He watched Tyrer take the fan reverently, pleased with his choice of words though disgusted with her inadequate writing skill. Still, he thought, the effect seems to be perfect. \"About Chief Gai-jin, have p'ran but first, meeting with Shōgun, Tairasan, the meeting was good, yes?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~five sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You understand, Angelique?\"\n\n\"Yes, André,\" she said, her eyes on the silk-wrapped package. Her salvation sat on his desk. They kept their voices down though the office door was closed against unwanted ears.\n\nHis clock chimed 10:00 p.m." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked back at her uneasily. \"The mama-san told me it would be best if you had your maid with you.\"\n\n\"That's not possible, André, it's not possible to trust Ah Soh, or anyone—didn't you tell her that?\"\n\n\"Yes, but that's what she said.\" From across the corridor they could hear the muted sounds of men laughing over the dinner table that she had just left—Seratard, Vervene, Dmitri and a few French officers—saying she was tired and wanted an early night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Going to her suite, by prior arrangement, she had happened to see André in his office. \"We'd... we'd best check that everything's there.\"\n\nHe made no move to undo the silk. Instead he toyed nervously with a corner. \"If Ah Soh's not there to help, who... who will dispose of... of the bottles and herbs and... you can't leave them around, and who will clean up?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment her brain became addled for, foolishly, she had not considered this problem. \"I—I won't need help, there won't be... nothing except the bottles and herbs... and towels. I can't trust Ah Soh, obviously I can't trust her, or anyone, only you. I won't need help.\" Her anxiety to begin the treatment and have done with this forever capped all the worries that swirled about her. \"Don't worry, I'll bolt my door and... and tell her that I'll sleep late and not to disturb me. I... it should all be over in a few hours, by dawn, yes?\"\n\n\"God willing, yes, that's what the mama-san told me. I still think you should risk Ah Soh.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're not thinking clearly, no, not at all. You're the only one I can trust. Knock on my door early, like this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She rapped the table thrice, then once. \"I'll open it only to you.\" Impatiently she untied the silk. Inside were two small corked bottles and a packet of herbs. \"I drink one bottle at once and then...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mon Dieu, no,\" he said, wearily interrupted her, his nerves as taut as hers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You must do everything in the correct order, Angelique. First you put the herbs to infuse in the pot of hot water you've arranged. When that's done drink one bottle, drink it quickly and don't worry if it tastes foul, use the honeyed green tea or a sweet to take away the taste.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've some Swiss chocolates Monsieur Erlicher gave me, will those do?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, of course.\" He used a handkerchief to wipe the sweat off his hands, his imagination taking him down all kinds of lurid passages." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When the infusion is tepid, say after half an hour, sip half of the brew—it won't taste good either. Then relax and wait, go to sleep.\"\n\n\"Will there be a reaction, will I feel anything yet?\"\n\n\"No, I already told you, no! The mama-san said that normally nothing happens until some hours later—it should be like a—a strong stomach cramp.\" The more he talked about it the less he liked being involved. What if something goes wrong?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mon Dieu, I hope there's not a second time, he thought queasily and tried to push the bad away—and embarrassment—and be clinical.\n\n\"It should just be like a stomach cramp,\" he said, sweating even more. \"That's the beginning, Angelique, a cramp. I'll start again: Drink the first bottle, then sip half the infusion, half of it, remember you must do everything in the correct sequence—relax and try to go to sleep, the more relaxed you are the easier it will be. When the—the cramps begin, gulp the last bottle, take some honey or sweet, then sip the last of the infusion—sip it, don't swig it down. The cramps will increase and then—then it should begin to... the mama-san said it would be like a heavy monthly, so... so be prepared with a... a towel.\" Again he used his handkerchief. \"It's close in here tonight, isn't it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's cold and there's no need to be nervous.\" She uncorked one of the bottles and smelt the contents. Her nose wrinkled. \"Worse than a Parisian street toilet in August.\"\n\n\"You're sure you remember the sequence?\"\n\n\"Yes, yes. Don't worry, I'll—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A knock on the door startled them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hastily she scooped up the two bottles and packet of herbs and put them in her bag. \"Come in,\" André said.\n\nDr. Babcott dwarfed the doorway. \"Ah, Angelique, the servant told me you were here. I just popped in on the off chance of seeing you a moment. 'Evening, André.\"\n\n\"'Evening, Monsieur.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, Doctor, I'm really all right,\" she said, a sudden twinge of disquiet under his penetrating gaze. \"No need t—\"\n\n\"Just wanted to take your temperature, count your pulse and see if you needed a sedative. Always best to check.\" When she began to protest he added firmly and kindly, \"Best to check, Angelique, always safer to check, won't take a minute.\"\n\n\"Come along then.\" She said good night to André and led the way down the corridor to her suite. Ah Soh was waiting in her boudoir." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah Soh,\" Babcott said politely in Cantonese, \"please come back when I call you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Certainly, Honorable Doctor.\" Obediently she left.\n\n\"I didn't know you spoke Chinese, George,\" Angelique said as he sat beside her and began to count her pulse rate.\n\n\"That was Cantonese, Chinese don't have one language, Angelique, but hundreds of different languages, though only one form of writing they can all understand. Curious, what?\"\n\nHow stupid to tell me what I already know, she thought impatiently, wanting to scream at him, Do hurry up! As if I haven't been in Hong Kong, as if Malcolm, and everyone else hasn't told me a hundred times—as if I've forgotten you're the cause of all my misfortune." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I picked it up while I was in Hong Kong,\" he continued absently, feeling her brow and the pulse in her wrist, noting that her heart was racing and there was the slightest sheen of perspiration on her forehead—nothing to worry about considering her ordeal. \"A few words here and there. Spent a couple of years at the General Hospital—we could certainly use such a fine place here.\" He kept his fingertips lightly on her pulse. \"Chinese doctors believe there are seven levels of heartbeats, or pulses. They say they can sense them probing deeper and deeper. It's their main diagnostic method.\"\n\n\"And what do you hear from my seven hearts?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she asked impulsively, enjoying the warmth of his healing hands and, in spite of her hatred, wishing she could trust him. She had never felt such hands or the good sensation that seemed to radiate from them to calm her.\n\n\"I hear nothing but good health,\" he said, wondering if there was any truth to the seven pulses theory. In his years in Asia he had witnessed remarkable insights and cures by Chinese doctors—along with an abundance of superstitious nonsense. The world's strange, but people are more strange." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked back at her. His eyes were grey and very direct and kind. But there were shadows there and she saw them.\n\n\"Then... then what troubles you?\" she asked, suddenly frightened that he had diagnosed her real condition." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hesitated, then reached into his pocket and brought out a piece of tissue paper. Inside the tissue was her little gold cross. \"This is yours, I think.\"\n\nIn violent turmoil she stared at it, her lips dry and not moving though her head had conjured up an immediate denial and shrug that were replaced in the same nauseating instant with: \"I—I certainly... lost one like it. Are you sure it's mine? Where did you find it?\"\n\n\"Around the neck of the would-be interloper.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His neck? How... how odd,\" she heard herself say, watching herself as though she were another person, her voice another person's, forcing herself to be controlled even though she wanted to screech aloud for she knew she was again in the vise—her brain frenzied to concoct a plausible reason. \"Around his neck?\"\n\n\"Yes, I took it off the body. Thought nothing of it at the time, except that the man was a Catholic convert. Quite by chance, I saw the inscription—it's hardly noticeable.\" A short nervous laugh. \"My eyesight is better than Hoag's. 'To Angelique from Mama. 1844.'\"\n\nHer mouth said, \"Poor Mama, she died birthing my brother just four years later.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She saw her fingers pick up the crucifix and examine it, squinting in the oil light, unable to read the tiny writing clearly—cursing the writing. Then her instinct committed her and she said, \"I lost it, or thought I lost it at—at the Tokaidō, perhaps at Kanagawa, the night I went to see Malcolm, remember?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes. Bad night, very bad... bad day too.\" Babcott got up hesitantly. \"I, er, I thought you should have it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, yes, thank you, I'm glad to have it back. So very glad, but please sit down, don't go yet,\" she said, much as she wanted him to go. \"Who was he, that man, and how would he have found it? And where?\"\n\n\"We'll never know, not now.\" Babcott watched her. \"Did Malcolm tell you we think he was one of the Tokaidō murdering devils, though neither he nor Phillip are sure?\"\n\nIn spite of her dread as she squirmed in this new trap, she had an overwhelming impulse to laugh hysterically and say." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wasn't a devil, not to me, not the first time, he left me alive the first time, and not a devil after I changed him. He didn't kill me though I know he was going to, I know he was going to just before I made him leave... Devil, no, but even so he deserved to die, had to die...\n\nMon Dieu, I still don't even know his name, I was so enmeshed I forgot to ask... I must be going mad to think such things. \"Who was he?\"\n\n\"No one knows. Yet. The Satsuma king could name him now that he's dead, but it would probably be a false name. They're such liars—that's not quite true, it's just that what we call lying seems to be a way of life with them. Probably the man found the cross at Kanagawa. You don't remember exactly when you discovered it had gone?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I don't. It was only when I got back here...\" Again she saw his probing, questioning eyes and her mind screamed: Did my pulse or pulses tell him my real condition? \"It's found. Good, thank God. I can't thank you enough but why should he wear it or keep it, that's what I can't understand.\"\n\n\"I agree, very odd.\"\n\nThe silence grew. \"What does Dr. Hoag think?\"\n\nBabcott looked at her but she could not read what he was really thinking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't ask him,\" he said, \"didn't discuss it with him, or with Malcolm.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes went back to hers and seemed to take on a deeper color. \"Hoag's a Struan man and he, well... his rice bowl is with Tess Struan. I don't know why, but I thought I should talk to you first.\"\n\nAgain a silence. She looked away, not trusting herself, wishing she could truly trust him, wanting to trust someone other than André—his knowing was bad enough—but sure beyond sure it was impossible. She had to keep to the plan: she was alone, she must save herself alone.\n\n\"Perhaps...\" she said, \"no, surely he must have found my crucifix at Kanagawa, must have seen me there and—and perhaps...\" She stopped then hurried on, leading him on, inventing as she continued, \"perhaps he kept it to remind him of me, to... I don't really know, to what?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He said awkwardly, \"To obviously do you harm, my dear, to possess you, one way or another, kill you. Sorry, but that must be the truth. At first I thought, like everyone else, that he was just one of these outlaws called ronin, but your crucifix changed all that. The moment I discovered it was yours... It must be as you say, he saw you at the Tokaidō, he and the other man must have followed Malcolm and Phillip Tyrer to Kanagawa to finish them off, probably to avoid identification. Then he saw you again, found the crucifix and kept it because it was yours, pursued you here and tried to break in to, sorry again, to possess you, whatever the cost. Don't forget it would be easy for such a man to be infatuated by such a person as you, to be, to be obsessed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The way he said it made it clearer than ever he too was within her spell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Good, and good that he's realized the truth, she thought, faint with relief that another hazard had been eliminated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her mind strayed to the little bottles and to tomorrow when she would be cleansed, to start her new life, the future wonderful.\n\n\"Japanese are a curious people,\" he was saying. \"Different. But different in one major way, they're not afraid to die. They almost seem to seek it. You were lucky, so lucky to escape. Well, I'll be off.\"\n\n\"Yes, and thank you, thank you.\" She caught his hand and pressed it to her cheek." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'll tell Malcolm and Dr. Hoag? Then that will end it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll leave Malcolm to you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a second he considered asking her help with Malcolm's opium addiction but decided it was not yet urgent, and anyway it was his own responsibility, not hers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Poor Angelique, she has enough to deal with." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As to Hoag, what does it matter to him, or to busybodies and wagging tongues in Yokohama? None of their affair, or mine, eh?\"\n\nHe saw her clear eyes in the radiant face smiling up at him, pellucid skin, all of her emanating youth and health together with the magnetic, unconscious sensuality perpetually surrounding her that had, against all medical expectation, increased in power. Astonishing, he thought, filled with wonder at her resilience. I only wish I knew her secret and why some people thrive on adversities that would break most others.\n\nAbruptly the doctor part of him fell away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I can't blame that ronin, or Malcolm, or anyone being mad for her, I want her too." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Curious about your cross,\" he said throatily, not a little ashamed. \"But then, life's a collection of curiosities, isn't it? 'Night, my dear. Sleep well.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like James Clavell and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first cramp clawed her out of a crooked sleep that was sated with prison hulks and sloe-eyed, raving demons, the women bloated with child, the men horned and grasping her away from Tess Struan, who stood guard over Malcolm like a malevolent ghoul. A second cramp followed quickly and brought her awake to reality and what was happening.\n\nRelief that it had begun obliterated the previous hours of trepidation, for it had seemed an eternity before she had slept. Now it was just past 4 a.m. The last time she looked at her clock it was almost 2:30. Another cramp, rougher than before, went through her and concentrated her on the sequence.\n\nTrembling fingers uncorked the second bottle. Again she gagged on the putrid taste and almost brought the liquid up but managed to keep it down with a spoon of honey, all the while her stomach churning with revulsion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She lay back gasping." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fire seemed to spread from her stomach. In moments sweat poured out of her. Then the sweating passed leaving her limp, soaked and hardly breathing.\n\nWaiting. As before, nothing. Just a bilious, sweet-sick disquiet that had, after hours of anxiety, drifted into troubled sleep. Her dismay crested. \"Blessed Mother, let it work, let it work,\" she murmured through her tears.\n\nMore waiting. Still nothing. The minutes passed.\n\nThen, unlike before, a startlingly different cramp almost doubled her up. Another. Just bearable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More, still bearable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She remembered the second half of the infusion and she sat up and began to sip it. The taste was bad but not as bad as the liquid in the bottles. \"Thank God I don't have to take more of that,\" she muttered, and sipped again. Another sip. After each sip a taste of chocolate...\n\nMore cramps, stronger now. An increasing rhythm to them. Don't worry, everything's happening, she thought, just as André forecast. Her stomach muscles were beginning to feel stretched and angry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More sips and more cramps and then the last drop was down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Honey jar almost empty-last of the chocolate but now even its sweetness could not mask the bilious aftertaste. A draft from under the boudoir door swayed the flame of the lamp on the side table, making the wall shadows change and dance. Stoically she lay back and watched them, her hands holding her belly against the shafts of pain, the muscles tightening and loosening, becoming more tight, knotting under her fingers.\n\n\"Watch the shadows, think good thoughts,\" she whispered. \"What do you see?\"\n\nShips and sails and the roofs of Paris and brambles and, look, there's the guillotine, no, not the guillotine but a bower covered with climbing roses, why it's our country cottage near Versailles where we would go in the spring and summer growing up, my brother and I, darling Maman dead so long ago, Father gone only God knows where, Aunt and Uncle loving us but no substitute for darlin—\n\n\"Oh, Mon Dieu!\" she gasped as the first of the violent spasms slashed her, then cried out at the next, frantically crammed part of the sheet into her mouth to stop the shrieks that burst out of her and would have brought all the Legation pounding on her bolted door.\n\nThen the chills began." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ice picks into her guts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And more violence, twenty times worse than the worst monthly cramps. Her body heaved against the strain, limbs twitching in time with the waves of torment that ripped from her loins and into her head. \"I'm going to die... I'm going to die,\" she moaned, her teeth grinding on the sheet, muffling the screams that followed with more spasms and chills and more, on and on and on and then stopping. Quite suddenly.\n\nAt first she thought she had truly died but soon her senses focused and she saw that the room had ceased spinning, the flame of the lamp was low but still burning and she heard the tick of the clock. The hands of the clock pointed to 5:42.\n\nShe struggled up in the bed, feeling awful. A glance in her hand mirror frightened her. Ashen features, hair lank with sweat, lips discolored by the medicine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She rinsed her mouth with some of the green tea and spat into the chamber pot and pushed it back under the bed again." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Grimly she fought out of her soiled nightdress, used a damp towel to clean her face and neck as best she could, combed her hair and lay back exhausted but feeling better for the toil. It was only then that she noticed the red smear on her nightdress, thrown carelessly onto the threadbare carpet.\n\nA quick examination confirmed that blood was seeping. She arranged a clean towel between her legs and, in the dawn, lay back once more, almost sinking into the mattress with fatigue. Warmth spread through her tired limbs. The flow increased." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for like one sentence more. make it historical fiction, Japan-y" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Illustrious Chen said to tell you anything that might affect the tai-pan, Elder Sister,\" Ah Soh began uneasily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The night before last Golden Pubics started her monthly and sh—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, that's why she took to her bed and would not see my son,\" Ah Tok said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were in her room at the end of the corridor, safe from prying ears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He was like a teething child all day, worse this morning, it's time we went home.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But listen further: she says it's her monthly but I know her dates like my own. It seems not possible. Normally she is like any young civilized virgin, regular, though...\" Ah Soh toyed nervously with her smock, \"though now that I remember it her last one was sparse, almost as if she missed it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The older woman belched and used a toothpick." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To miss, or to be little, or irregular with all the anxiety over my son's wounds and the vile, murdering barbarians surrounding us here is ordinary news, not unusual.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the table between them were various bowls with the remains of her lunch: sweet and sour soup, stir-fried mixed fresh vegetables, a ginger-basted fish with soy, pork slivers in black bean sauce, garlic prawns, and rice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's ordinary, Younger Sister.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is un-ordinary is that yesterday morning when I went to bring her tea, and hot water to bathe, I had to bang several times to awaken her and she would not let me into her room, just shrieked rudely, 'Go away!' through the door in that vulgar voice of hers, and then\"—Ah Soh dropped her voice dramatically—\"just minutes later, Big Pointed Nose, that other sort of foreign devil our foreign devils call Frogs, he knocked softly like this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She rapped three times, then a fourth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She let him in at once!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah Tok blinked. \"At once? Him? The Frog? She let him in but not you? You saw him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but he did not see me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ayeeyah! That was clever. Go on, Younger Sister!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah Tok said, now hanging on every word. \"Go on.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He stayed a few minutes, then came out carrying things wrapped in a brown piece of silk. Like a thief in the darkest night. But he did not see me spying on him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah Soh paused again, loving—like all Chinese—to be the purveyor of gossip and secrets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"... Or even when I followed him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"By all gods great and small, you did?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ah Tok poured two glasses of the Madeira wine they savored." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Long life, Younger Sister, may your Jade Gate never trouble you. Go on, go on!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He went down to the shore and got into a rowing boat and rowed out to sea. After a while I saw him drop whatever it was over the side into the sea.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Then he rowed back. But he didn't see me, never.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What could it have been?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ah Soh leaned closer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When Missee let me in I looked around carefully. Her bed and nightdress were soaked with sweat, and she looked as though she had had a Happy Valley fever. Her personal towels were soaked, heavier than usual. She told me to clean everything, to bring hot water and not to let anyone in—even the tai-pan. As soon as I had done what was necessary she flopped back in bed and went to sleep.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's not strange, but Pointed Nose is!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah Tok nodded sagely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is like donkey dung, shiny on the outside but still all dung. Clearly he disposed of something for her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah Soh hesitated. \"Your Honored Son, is there a chance he has lain with her?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah Tok cackled. \"I am sure he has tried but Golden Pubics will not let his Celestial Stem relish the breaching of her Gate, though she flaunts it every chance she gets. I've heard him moaning her name in his sleep, poor man. Disgusting, if she was a civilized person we could arrange the price and that would end it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ah Soh watched Ah Tok thoughtfully pluck a piece of the decimated fish head with her chopsticks, suck the bone clean and spit it into her bowl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The younger woman would gladly have partaken of the leftovers, their cook not as good as Ah Tok's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How's your cook these days?\" she asked innocently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Improving. The dog comes from my village so he had promise. I'm training him, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ah Tok grimaced. \"Baffling, Younger Sister. How is the Empress today?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Irritable as usual. The flow continues, stronger than normal. Medicine Man Giant came to see her this morning but she would not see him, told me to send him away. There's someth—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Has my son seen her yet?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She will see him this afternoon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good, today his tongue's like an asp to his old mother over her. Pointed Nose and Pubics in a secret plot? Smelly, smelly indeed. Keep your eyes and ears open, Younger Sister.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's something else.\" Ah Soh's eyes rolled with excitement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She reached into her pocket and put the cork on the table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The lower part was stained purple to black." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I found this under the bed when I was reaching for the chamber pot.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The wrinkled face became even more wrinkled with puzzlement. \"So?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Smell it, Elder Sister.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah Tok obeyed. The odor was pungent, slightly familiar. \"What is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I cannot be sure... but it smells to me like Dark of the Moon. I think the bottle this corked contained Dark of the Moon... with other herbs.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The older woman gasped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The expeller? To cause a miscarriage? Impossible! Why should she want to do that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very bad face for your son to be named a father before marriage, eh? You know how foreign devils carry on about marriage and scandals and virginity, no fornication before the wedding—the man always blamed, how foolish! Bad face for your son. Then there's Tai-tai Tess to answer to, as well as her foul and vengeful foreign devil god.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both women shuddered. Ah Tok sniffed the cork again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You think Pointed Nose threw the bottle into the sea?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm missing a teapot too, that could have been for the accompanying herbs, she wanted hot water and honey too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To take away the taste! Ayeeyah!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gravely Ah Tok said, \"My son is... is quite unbalanced about that woman.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What should we do?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You were right to tell me. We will write at once to Illustrious Chen and send him the cork in the first mail. He will know if you are right, and then what to do.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shakily Ah Tok poured another glass of wine for each of them. \"Keep your eyes wide, be like a clam, I will do the same—not a word to her, my son, or anyone until we hear from him what to do.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo hit me with seven sentences more. James Clavell vibes in historical fiction, Japan genre k?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Well after dark, Yoshi and his guard, muffled and disguised in nondescript clothes as ordinary soldiers, wearily picked their way through the deserted streets of the sleeping, ancient capital where Emperors and the Imperial court had lived for centuries." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The city had been constructed in Chinese fashion with straight streets, the cross streets at right angles, with the sprawling Forbidden Palace and grounds central to it. Only the roofs could be seen behind its tall walls—six Gates in the walls. Yoshi avoided it carefully, wanting to elude Ogama's patrols and samurai guarding the Gates, and when he arrived, unheralded, at the Shōgunate barrack complex, he went to his own quarters and soon sank gratefully into a steaming bath that could easily hold eight.\n\n\"How many fighters do I have in Kyōto, Akeda?\" he asked, the aches of his days of forced march beginning to seep away.\n\nGrim-faced, the old general lowered himself into the water beside him, the bath a metre deep. The bathhouse was within the inner redoubt, all maids had been dismissed and sentries posted outside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eight hundred and two, of which eighty are sick or recovering from wounds, all sworn to you, all trustworthy, all mounted. Plus the eighteen you brought with you,\" he said in his gravelly voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The moment Yoshi had arrived, Akeda had doubled all guards. He was a tough, hatomoto retainer whose family had served the Toranaga clan for generations and now he commanded their Kyōto garrison. \"Not enough to protect you.\"\n\n\"I'm safe here.\" By Legacy law, this was the only defensible complex in Kyōto, capable of billeting five thousand men if need be, all other daimyos restricted to a maximum of five hundred men—with no more than ten daimyos in Kyōto at any one time, their comings and goings strictly controlled. Time and weak Councils of Elders had whittled Shōgunate numbers to under a thousand. \"Do you doubt that?\"\n\n\"Inside our walls, no. So sorry, I meant outside.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Allies? How many daimyos can I count on?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akeda shrugged irritably. \"It was totally wrong to put yourself at such risk travelling with so few guards, even more dangerous to come to Kyōto. If I had been warned I could have met you and escorted you in. If your father were alive he would have forbidden such dan—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But my father's not alive.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi's lips set into a hard line. \"Allies?\"\n\n\"If you raised your own standard in Kyōto, Sire, your very own, most daimyos and most samurai would rush to your side, here and throughout the land, more than enough to enforce whatever you wanted to enforce.\"\n\n\"That could be construed as treason.\"\n\n\"Ah, so sorry, but truth is usually treasonous at your level, Lord—and very difficult to obtain.\" The weathered old face broke into a smile. \"The truth: If you raise the Shōgunate banner, the daimyos here will not combine against Ogama of Choshu, not while he holds the Gates.\"\n\n\"How many samurai does Ogama have here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They say over two thousand, handpicked men, all well placed in fortified guard houses around the palace, close to nominal guards on our Gates.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akeda smiled mirthlessly, seeing Yoshi's eyes narrow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, everyone knows it's against the law, but no one reminded him and no one has stood up to him. He's been sneaking them in in tens and twenties since he threw out that old fox Sanjiro, Katsumata and his Satsumas. You know they escaped by boat to Kagoshima?\" He slid deeper into the water. \"Rumor has it Ogama has another two to three thousand Choshu samurai within ten ri.\"\n\n\"Eh?\"\n\n\"His grip tightens on Kyōto, every day a little more, his patrols control the streets, except for an occasional shishi band who pick a fight with anyone they fancy does not honor sonno-joi, particularly us and anyone allied to the Shōgunate. They are fools because we are equally opposed to gai-jin, their foul Treaties and want them out.\"\n\n\"Are shishi here in strength?\"\n\n\"Yes. Rumor is they are getting ready for some mischief. A week ago some of them picked on an Ogama patrol, openly calling Ogama a traitor. He was furious and has been trying to hunt them down ever since. There is—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A knock stopped him. The Captain of the Guard opened the door. \"Excuse me, Lord Yoshi, an emissary from Lord Ogama is at the gate, requesting an audience with you.\" Both men gasped.\n\nYoshi said angrily, \"How could he know I have arrived? For the last fifty ri we have been disguised. I waited outside Kyōto till dark, we bypassed the barricades and met no patrols. There must be a spy here.\"\n\n\"There are no spies inside here,\" Akeda grated. \"On my head, Sire. Outside they are legion, everywhere, for Ogama, shishi, and others—and you are not easily disguised.\"\n\n\"Captain,\" Yoshi said, \"say that I'm asleep and may not be disturbed. Ask him to come back in the morning when he will be received with due honor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Captain bowed and began to leave." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Akeda said, \"Order the whole garrison on full alert!\"\n\nWhen they were alone, Yoshi said, \"You think Ogama would dare attack me here? That would be a declaration of war.\"\n\n\"What he dares doesn't concern me, Sire. Only your safety. Now you are my responsibility.\"\n\nThe water's heat was into Yoshi's joints now and he lay back, letting the warmth take him for a moment, glad that Akeda was in command, reassured by his presence, although not swayed by his opinions. He had not anticipated being discovered so soon. Never mind, he thought, my plan is still good. \"Who is Ogama's running dog, his Court go-between?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Prince Fujitaka, a first cousin of the Emperor—his wife's brother is the Imperial Chamberlain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The air hissed from Yoshi's mouth and the General nodded sourly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Difficult to break that link, except with a sword.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Unthinkable,\" Yoshi said shortly, and thought, Unless it were possible. Either way very stupid to say such a thing out loud, even in private. \"What news of Shōgun Nobusada and Princess Yazu?\"\n\n\"They're expected in a week an—\"\n\nYoshi looked over sharply: \"They are not expected for two or three weeks.\"\n\nThe old man's voice rasped, \"Princess Yazu ordered them to cut back to the Tokaidō and take the short route, clearly anxious to see her brother, to guide her husband to kowtow to him against all tradition—the sooner to bury the Shōgunate and give it to Ogama.\"\n\n\"Even here, old friend, you should guard your tongue.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am too old to worry about that now—now that your neck is in Ogama's vise.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi sent for maids who brought towels and dried both men and helped them into fresh yukatas. He picked up his swords. \"Wake me at dawn, Akeda. I've much to do.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Your partner will send something and you will write the next 4 sentences." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just before dawn in the southern outskirts where the river curled south towards Osaka and the sea, twenty-odd ri away, where the lanes and streets and alleys were haphazard, so different from the straight-lined rigidity of the city, where the smell of feces and mud and rotting vegetation was heavy, Katsumata, the Satsuma shishi leader and confidant of Lord Sanjiro, awoke suddenly, slid from under the coverlet and stood in the darkened room, listening intently, sword ready." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No sound of danger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Below were the muted noises of maids and servants lighting the day's fires, chopping vegetables, preparing the foods of the day. His room was on the second floor, under the rafters, in this, the Inn of Whispering Pines. A dog barked in the distance.\n\nSomething is wrong, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He opened the shoji silently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Along the passageway were other rooms, three occupied by other shishi, two per room. The last was for the women of the Inn.\n\nTo one side was a small window overlooking the forecourt. Below nothing moved. Again his gaze ranged the area and the gate and the street beyond. Nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nothing. Then a glint, more felt than seen. At once he slid doors aside and hissed the code word. Instantly the six men leapt to their feet, sleep vanished, and rushed after him, swords in hand, down the rickety stairs, through the kitchen area and out the back door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once over the fence and into the next garden in a carefully rehearsed retreat, into the next, over that fence and into the alleyway, down it, quickly diverting into a passage between the low hovels." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the end of this cul-de-sac he turned left and eased a door open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The alert guard's spear menaced his throat. \"Katsumata-san! What's wrong?\"\n\n\"Someone has betrayed us,\" Katsumata panted, and motioned to a Choshu youth, spare like himself, steel hard but half his age, nineteen. \"Circle, see, then come back. Do not be observed or get caught!\"\n\nThe youth vanished. The others followed Katsumata across the messy entranceway into the hovel itself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Within were many rooms, this building discreetly connected to others on either side, and more shishi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Twenty, all armed, most captains of shishi cells, now awake and ready to fight or retreat—one of them, Sumomo, Shorin's sister, Hiraga's fiancée. Silently they gathered, waiting for orders.\n\nWhen they were escaping the Inn not one of the servants or maids had acknowledged them or their headlong departure, continuing their labors as though nothing had happened. All froze a few seconds later when an Ogama patrol burst through the front door and started to go through the sleeping rooms, waking guests and girls and the mama-san while others leapt up the stairs to search the rooms aloft." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wails of surprise and fright and protest and squeals from the women now occupying the four rooms above, that, moments ago, had housed the shishi—again all part of Katsumata's careful planning.\n\nIn the ensuing uproar of cries and outrage from the mama-san, and as much as the enraged Ogama officer cursed and demanded to know where the ronin outlaws had gone, bashing a few of the male servants around the face, it was to no avail. Everyone trembled and loudly protested innocence: \"Ronin? In my respectable, law-abiding House? Never!\" the mama-san cried.\n\nBut when the patrol had departed and they were all safe, the mama-san swore, her acolytes swore, and servants swore, everyone cursing the spy who had betrayed them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Katsumata-san, who was it?\" Takeda asked, a heavyset, almost neck-less Choshu youth of twenty—a kinsman of Hiraga—his heart still racing from their narrow escape.\n\nKatsumata shrugged. \"Karma if we find him, karma if we do not. It only proves what I hammer into you: be prepared for betrayal, instant flight, instant fight, trust no man or woman except a blooded shishi and sonno-joi.\" Everyone in the crowded little room nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about Lord Yoshi? When do we go for him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When he's outside the walls.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "News of Yoshi's sudden arrival had come in the night, too late to intercept him.\n\n\"But, Sensei, we've adherents inside,\" Takeda said. \"Surely that would be the place to surprise him, when he feels safe and his guard is down.\"\n\n\"Yoshi's guard is never down. Never forget it. As to our people with him and inside his walls, they are ordered to remain calm and hidden, their presence and information is too valuable to risk. In the unlikely event that Shōgun Nobusada escapes our ambush, then they will be even more necessary.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Many grim smiles and hands tightening on weapons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ambush was planned for dusk, in five days at Otsu, the last way station before Kyōto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only a few Inns on both the North Road and the Tokaidō coast road were considered fitting resting places for such august persons with their multitudinous guards, maids and servants, so their night stops were easy to know. And to set spies in place.\n\nTen shishi had been assigned the suicide mission and were already at Otsu, preparing. Every one of the hundred and seven shishi now gathered in various safe houses throughout Kyōto had begged to be on the attack team." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At Katsumata's suggestion they had drawn lots." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Three Choshu, three Satsumas and four Tosas gained the honor and were already around their target, the Inn of Many Flowers.\n\n\"Eeee,\" the girl, Sumomo, whispered excitedly, \"only five days, then sonno-joi will be a fact. The Bakufu will never recover from that blow.\"\n\n\"Never!\" Katsumata smiled at her, liking her, the best of all his women students—as Hiraga was best amongst the men, except for his Ori—admiring her bravery and strength and skills. She too had volunteered but he had forbidden it, considering her far too valuable a weapon to cast away on such a high-risk endeavor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was glad that he had told her to wait here, overruling Hiraga's order to her to return to his father's home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had brought the latest intelligence from Yedo: confirming rumors of the negotiated détente between Bakufu and gai-jin, the failed attack on Chief Minister Anjo but the successful killing of Utani and firing his mansion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And importantly, confirming the growing rift between Anjo and Toranaga Yoshi. \"Where this information came from,\" she had whispered to him, \"I do not know but the mama-san said it was from the source you would know about.\"\n\nAlso she reported the facts of the manner of Shorin's death. But knew nothing further of Ori or Hiraga, other than that Ori's wound was healing and both were hiding out in the Yokohama Settlement, with Akimoto—Hiraga, somehow, miraculously a confidant of a gai-jin official." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are right, Sumomo, the Bakufu will never recover,\" Katsumata said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And our next hammer blow will end the Toranaga Shōgunate forever.\"\n\nImmediately following the successful elimination of Shōgun Nobusada—at all costs leaving Princess Yazu unharmed—shishi would launch a mass attack on Ogama's headquarters to assassinate him, simultaneously Katsumata and others would seize the Gates, raising the banner of sonno-joi, declaring power had returned to the Emperor, at which time all true daimyos and samurai would flock to make obeisance.\n\n\"Sonno-joi,\" she murmured, exultant like all of them.\n\nExcept Takeda, one of the Choshu shishi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Uneasily he shifted in his place. \"I'm not sure about killing Ogama. He is a good daimyo, a good leader—he stopped Sanjiro seizing power, stopped the Tosa seizing power, he is the only daimyo enforcing the Emperor's orders to expel gai-jin. Isn't he closing the Shimonoseki Straits? Only our cannon oppose the gai-jin ships—only Choshu forces are in the front line, eh?\"\n\n\"That's true, Takeda,\" a Satsuma shishi of renown said. \"But what did Sensei Katsumata remind us? That Ogama has changed now he has sole control. If he honored the Emperor, now that he controls the Gates, simple for him to declare sonno-joi and return all power to the Emperor. That is what we will do when we have the Gates.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Simple for him, Takeda. But what has he done? Only used his power to twist the Court to his whims. He wants to be Shōgun. Nothing less.\"\n\nThere were murmurs of agreement and then Sumomo said, \"Please excuse me, Takeda, but Ogama is a major threat. You all know I am Satsuma, so is Sensei Katsumata, we agree Sanjiro also has done some good, but nothing for sonno-joi. So he must relinquish power, gladly or unhappily, and will go... will go. The same for Ogama. Yes, he has done some good, but now he does bad. The truth is no daimyo who has the Gates and is so close to being Shōgun will ever go willingly.\"\n\nTakeda said, \"Perhaps if we petitioned Ogama?\"\n\nShe said, \"Please excuse me but a petition will be of no value. When we possess the Gates, to prevent civil war and the possibility of any daimyo being tempted ever again, when we possess the Gates we must go further, we must request the Emperor to abolish the Shōgunate, Bakufu and all daimyos.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Amid sounds of surprise at such a radical proposal, Takeda burst out, \"That's mad. Without a Shōgunate and daimyos, who will rule? There'll be chaos! Who pays our stipends? Daimyos! The daimyos own all rice koku an—\"\n\nKatsumata said, \"Let her finish, Takeda, then you can have your say.\"\n\n\"So sorry, Takeda, but this is Hiraga-san's idea, not mine. Hiraga said that, in future, daimyos will be figureheads only, the good ones, that power will be exercised through councils of samurai, of all ranks, equally, who will decide everything, from stipends, to which daimyo is worthy and who will succeed him.\"\n\n\"It will never work. It's a bad idea,\" Takeda said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Many disagreed with him, the majority for her, but Takeda was unconvinced." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she said, \"Sensei, is it a bad idea?\"\n\n\"It is a good idea, if all daimyos agreed,\" Katsumata said, well pleased that his teachings were bearing such fruit, that correctly they were arriving at the future by consensus. Like the others he was squatting on his heels, saying little, his mind on his close escape, inwardly seething at the new attempt on his life and narrow escape.\n\nToo near this time, he thought, bile again in his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The net is closing. Who is the traitor? The traitor has to be in this room. No other shishi units knew I was spending the night at the Whispering Pines." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The traitor has to be here. Who is he—or even she? Who? \"Continue, Sumomo.\"\n\n\"I just wanted to add... Takeda-san, you are Choshu, so is Hiraga-san, others from Tosa, the Sensei and others and me Satsumas, others from other fiefs, but first we are shishi with duties above family, above clan. In the New Order this will be the law—the First law for all Nippon.\"\n\n\"Well, if that's going to be the law...\" One of them scratched his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sensei, when the Son of Heaven has power again what will we really do? Us? All of us?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsumata glanced at Takeda. \"What do you think?\"\n\nTakeda said simply, \"I will not be alive, it matters not at all. Sonno-joi is sufficient and that I tried.\"\n\n\"Some of us must survive,\" Katsumata said, \"to be part of the new leadership. More important for now: Toranaga Yoshi. How to eliminate him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whenever he comes out of his sanctuary we must be ready,\" someone said.\n\n\"Of course,\" Takeda said irritably, \"but he will be surrounded by guards and I doubt if we can get near him. The Sensei said not to activate our men inside. It has to be outside but that will be very difficult.\"\n\n\"Half a dozen of us with bows from rooftops?\"\n\n\"A pity we have no cannon,\" another said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They sat there in the growing light, each within his own mind: Yoshi a prize." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the next five days were foremost, then the attack on Ogama—the only way to take the Gates.\n\nSumomo said, \"It could be easier for a woman to infiltrate the Toranaga bastion, neh? Once inside...\" She smiled." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide three sentences as a continuation in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now clouds covered the sky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The afternoon was gloomy. Even so, the wide streets outside the walls of the Shōgunate barracks were crowded with townspeople, buying and selling in the market opposite the main entrance, along with orange-clad Buddhist priests, their inevitable begging bowls outstretched, samurai strutting along, singly or in groups. Ogama patrols were prominent, each with the insignia of their fief embroidered on their clothes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsumata, Sumomo and half a dozen shishi strolled amongst the crowds, disguised and wearing large conical hats." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Housewives, maids, servants and street sweepers and night soil collectors, porters and hawkers, moneylenders, letter writers and fortune-tellers, palanquins and ponies for samurai and highborn and never a wheeled vehicle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All who passed the Shōgunate gates, open now but heavily guarded, bowed politely according to rank and hurried on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "News that the Guardian of the Heir had arrived unbelievably without pomp had flashed through the city—and this, coupled with the never-in-historical-memory imminent arrival of the awesome Shōgun himself, arbiter of the Land, his personage shrouded with almost as much mystery as the Son of Heaven, and who, rumor had it, was even married to one of the Deity's sisters, was almost too much to bear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once samurai worriedly began checking the readiness of their weapons and armor, daimyos and their most trusted counselors trembled at the news, assessing their own positions and what to do and how to avoid taking any decisive action when the inevitable happened: Lord Yoshi clashed with Lord Ogama." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Activity on the street outside the Shōgunate barracks ceased as a heavily armed cortege began to come out of the gates, Yoshi's banners to the fore, soldiers surrounding a closed palanquin, with more soldiers bringing up the rear. At once everyone within seeing distance put their heads to the earth, all samurai stood still, then bowed deeply until the cortege had passed. Only when Yoshi and his men had vanished did a semblance of normality return." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Except that Katsumata and the others were cautiously following." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Half a mile away a similar armored cortege began snaking out of the main Choshu barracks, Ogama's banners to the fore, to even greater obeisances. Inside the palanquin was Ogama. For days he had been forewarned of his enemy's arrival, just as he had been monitoring the progress of Shōgun Nobusada." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His advisors had recommended waylaying Yoshi and destroying him outside Kyōto but he had refused. \"Better he becomes my pawn. Once he's here, where can he hide, where can he run?\"\n\nDetails for the urgent meeting he had requested had been settled between their advisors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was to take place in the courtyard of an empty, neutral barracks, equidistant between their headquarters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Each side to have a hundred guards. Only twenty would be mounted. Ogama and Yoshi would ride in protected, armored palanquins." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One counselor each. They would arrive simultaneously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within moments spies were hurrying the news to the palace, to shishi groups, and to daimyos that the two most dangerous men in Nippon were, astonishingly, on the streets in armed columns at the same instant. Quickly a spy found Katsumata and whispered the where of the meeting, and by the time Ogama and Yoshi's samurai marched through the neutral gates, Katsumata and thirty men were stationed nearby—in case an opening for a suicide attack presented itself.\n\nThe courtyard was a hundred metres square with light wooden walls, easy to breach, the one-story barracks and extensive stables also of wood, dark with age." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Opposing guards took up their positions, while others brought four folding chairs and placed them carefully in the center of the space." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two men got out of their palanquins together and strode to the chairs and sat down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then General Akeda and Basuhiro, Ogama's chief counselor, sat beside them. Basuhiro was in his forties, a narrow-eyed, scholarly samurai, his family hereditary heads of the Choshu bureaucracy for generations. Formally they bowed. Then the eyes of the two leaders locked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi was two years younger than Ogama—twenty-six—and tall where Ogama was short and thickset, his face clean-shaven in contrast to Ogama's heavy blue-black beard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His blood line was more regal though Ogama's was equally ancient, equally renowned, both of them balanced in ruthlessness, ambition, and secretiveness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Leisurely they went through the obligatory compliments and polite questions, fencing, waiting to begin—hands easily on their sword hilts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your arrival is a pleasant surprise, Lord Yoshi.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had to come myself to make sure the wild rumors I heard were not true.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Rumors?\"\n\n\"Amongst them that Choshu forces inhibit Shōgunate representatives, legal representatives from their positions around the Gates.\"\n\n\"A necessary measure to protect the Deity.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not necessary and against the law.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ogama laughed. \"The Deity prefers my protection to the traitorous Council of Elders who signed gai-jin Treaties against his wishes and continue to treat with them against his wishes instead of expelling them as he has asked.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He motioned to Basuhiro. \"Please show Lord Yoshi.\"\n\nThe scroll, signed by the Emperor, \"requested the Lord of Choshu to assume command of the Gates until the distressing matter of the gai-jin was settled.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is not within the Deity's sphere to dictate matters temporal. That is the law—I must ask you to retire.\"\n\n\"Law? You refer to Toranaga law, Shōgunate law, all of which the first of your line implanted by force which disavowed the ancient, Heaven-granted rights of the Emperor to rule.\"\n\nYoshi's lips set into a thin, hard line." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Heaven granted the Emperor rights to intercede between us mortals and the gods in all matters spiritual. Matters temporal were always in the sphere of mortals, of Shoguns. The Emperor granted Shōgun Toranaga and his line perpetual rights to deal with all matters temporal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I repeat that the Emperor was forced to agree an—\"\n\n\"And I repeat this is the law of the land that has kept the land at peace for two and a half centuries.\"\n\n\"It is no longer valid.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ogama waved the paper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What a previous Emperor was forced to concede, this Emperor has freely cancelled.\"\n\nYoshi's voice became softer, more deadly. \"A temporary mistake. Clearly the Son of Heaven has been given misguided advice by self-seeking malcontents, as he will soon realize.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You accuse me?\" The grip of all four men tightened on their hilts.\n\n\"I merely point out, Lord Ogama, your piece of paper was obtained by false information, and is not according to the law. The Presence is and always has been surrounded by ambitious men—and women. That is why he granted perpetual rights to Shōgun Toranaga and the following Shōgunate to guide him in all matters an—\"\n\nA bellow of laughter cut him off and set everyone within the walls even more on edge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Guide? Guide did you say? The Deity's to be guided by Anjo Nori, Toyama, Adachi and now that slobbering halfwit Zukumura? By incompetent fools who overrule you at their leisure, make stupid agreements with vile gai-jin, against all daimyo, advice that lay the Land of the Gods and all of us open to destruction?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His face twisted with anger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Or is he to await guidance from the child Nobusada to pull our nuts from the fire?\"\n\n\"You and I, we need not wait, Ogama-dono,\" Yoshi said smoothly, knowing that his major strength was in his calm. \"Let us discuss this in private—the two of us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogama stared at him. A slight breeze picked up and rustled the banners. \"When?\"\n\n\"Now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thrown off balance a moment, Ogama hesitated. He glanced at Basuhiro. The small man smiled with the front of his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would have thought that important matters should be discussed openly, Sire, not that my poor advice would be of value. Private agreements can sometimes be misinterpreted, by either side—that was your honored father's rule.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogama's eyes went back to Yoshi. \"This Shōgun visit to the Emperor, to kowtow, to 'ask advice,' the first time in the whole Toranaga period, this negates the very kernel of your Toranaga structure, eh? Worse, it clouds any future settlement between the Son of Heaven and... future leaders, for of course mortals will rule, eh?\"\n\n\"In private, Ogama-dono.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogama hesitated, dark eyes recessed in the weathered face. In spite of himself, in spite of knowing that this man was potentially the only one in the Land who could perhaps gather enough opposition to prevent him reaching the prize he sought, he enjoyed the clash, enjoyed meeting face-to-face. He waved his hand, dismissing Basuhiro, who obeyed at once though clearly disapprovingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akeda bowed and also moved away, even more watchful for the expected treachery he had warned against." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So ka?\"\n\nYoshi bent forward slightly and kept his voice low, his lips hardly moving in case Basuhiro, who had placed himself out of earshot, could lip-read. \"The Council vote was four to one against me in favor of the Shōgun visit. Of course the visit is a major mistake, Anjo cannot and will not see that. The present Council will vote as he wishes, on any subject. Nobusada is a puppet until he is eighteen, in two years, when formally he can create many changes and problems if he so wishes. Does that answer all your questions?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ogama frowned, astonished that his opponent would be so open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You said, 'in private,' Yoshi-dono, what do you want to say in private that of course I will tell my advisors afterwards and you will tell yours?\"\n\n\"Some secrets are better kept between leaders, than...\" Yoshi added deliberately, \"than with certain retainers.\"\n\n\"Eh? What does that mean?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have spies—retainers—within my gates, neh,? How else did you know I arrived when I did? Surely you don't think I don't have men here, and spies within your walls?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogama's face became grimmer. \"What secrets?\"\n\n\"Secrets we should keep. For example, Anjo is very sick and will die within a year—or at the very least will have to resign.\" Yoshi had seen the flicker of immediate interest that Ogama could not totally contain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you want proof I could tell you how your spies can confirm it.\"\n\n\"Good, thank you,\" Ogama said, docketing that for immediate action without waiting for guidance. \"I would like the means to prove such pleasant news. So?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi pitched his voice lower. \"Within this year—if we were allied—it will be easy to ensure you are appointed an Elder. Then jointly we would approve the other three.\"\n\n\"I doubt if we could ever agree, Yoshi-dono,\" Ogama said with a twisted smile, \"neither on a Council, or which of us would be tairō, the Leader.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, but I will vote for you.\"\n\n\"Why would you be so stupid?\" Ogama said blankly. \"You must know I would at once demolish your Shōgunate.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As it exists, yes. I agree we should. I would like to do it now. If I had power I would do it now and make reforms together with the advice of a council of all daimyos, including Outside Lords.\" He saw Ogama's astonishment increase and knew he was gaining. \"But I can't, I must wait until Anjo resigns or dies.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why not sooner than later, eh? If he's the boil on your balls, lance it! You are both in Yedo Castle, eh?\"\n\n\"That would precipitate the civil war I do not want, no daimyo wants. I agree the Shōgunate and Bakufu must be reorganized radically—your views and mine are very similar. Without your support I could not achieve reform.\" Yoshi shrugged. \"It is difficult to believe but it is an offer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The other man said, \"With Anjo out of the way you could do whatever you wanted. You could tempt Sanjiro and the fool of Tosa, perhaps both together, eh? If you three allied against me, perhaps I am a dead man and my fief ended. Then you divide them and you are the power.\" His lips curled into the smile that was not a smile. \"Or more likely they stay together and divide you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Much more likely. So why not choose power to us and not them. First, together we crush Tosa.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again the short, hard laugh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not easily, not with Sanjiro and his Satsuma legions ready to go to Tosa's aid at once—he could never allow us to smash Tosa, because then he is isolated and we would turn on him. He would never allow me to smash Tosa which I could do in time, let alone allow an alliance between us. Not possible to split them although they hate each other. At length we would beat them but neither of us can easily sustain a lengthy war—and certainly never while the gai-jin are on our shores and ready to exploit us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Leave the gai-jin for the moment, except to say that I oppose the Treaties, want all gai-jin expelled, want—with all my strength—to fulfill the Emperor's request, want the Elders replaced and most of the Bakufu dismissed.\"\n\nAgain Ogama stared at him, hardly able to believe his ears. \"Such private thoughts, lethal thoughts, so openly spoken will not remain secret for long. If true.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They are true. They are spoken privately, between us. I gamble with you, yes. But there is purpose: Nippon. I propose a secret alliance: together we could control all power. You are a good leader, you possess the Shimonoseki Straits, your cannon cannot stop the gai-jin ships until we can buy or build an equal fleet and modernize our armies—gai-jin ships, cannon and firearms are all we need. And you are strong enough and clever enough to understand the problems confronting us.\"\n\n\"They are?\"\n\n\"Five main ones: a weak, stupid and out-of-date Shōgunate supported by an even more stupid Bakufu; second, the nation is divided; third, the gai-jin and the need for us to modernize before their ships, cannons and rifles enslave us like they enslaved China; fourth, how to obliterate all shishi whose influence grows in spite of the smallness of their numbers. And then fifth: the Princess Yazu.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Four, I agree. But why is she a problem?\"\n\n\"Nobusada is a child, querulous and simple, yes, and I think he will remain one. On the other hand, she is strong, educated, and cunning, cunning beyond her years.\"\n\n\"But a woman,\" Ogama cut in irritably, \"with no army, no purse, and once she becomes a mother all her energies will be expended on her sons. You see fire in a bowl of water.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But say her husband is impotent.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"That is what his doctors whisper to me. Say also he is totally within her spell—believe me this girl has all the wits and devilment of a wolf kami! This visit is her idea, the beginning of her plan: to put him and through him the Shōgunate into the clutches of Court sycophants who have no temporal experience, who will misguide the Deity and wreck us all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She could never do it,\" Ogama said sourly, \"however clever; no daimyo would accept such madness.\"\n\n\"Step one: the visit, step two: the Shōgun takes up permanent residence in the palace. From then on, supported by the Emperor's requests, her brother's requests, decisions come down through her cronies, one of whom is your Prince Fujitaka.\"\n\n\"I do not believe that!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Certainly he will not admit it. I can give you proof in a little while that he is not really working for you but against you.\" Yoshi kept his voice down and filled with sincerity. \"Once Nobusada is permanently inside the walls, she rules. That is why she is a problem.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ogama sighed and sat back, again weighing what his adversary had been saying, much of which was true, wondering how far he could trust him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly a secret alliance had possibilities, if the price extracted was high enough.\n\n\"The answer to her is to break the marriage,\" he said thinly. \"The Emperor was asked to approve it, eh? Perhaps the Emperor would be happy to request the annulment. At once you neutralize her, gain back support from the many who detest the Toranaga connection as a gross impertinence... not my opinion,\" he added hastily, seeing a momentary flush, not wanting an open clash yet, so much yet to hear and to decide." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a moment, Yoshi nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A good idea, Ogama-dono. It had not occurred to me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indeed it had not. The more he thought about it, the more titillating the offshoots became. \"That should have priority. Excellent.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Across the square a horse neighed restlessly and skittered. Both men watched while the soldier holding the bridle gentled her, Ogama wondering in his most secret heart if, when he had eliminated Yoshi—and then, without a hiccup, Nobusada, the rest of the Toranagas and their allies—and became Shōgun, if he should then inherit this Imperial Princess. No woman would ever give me a problem, she would be spawning sons so quickly even gods would smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So what is your proposal?\" he asked, his head reeling with the wonderful avenues a temporary alliance might open.\n\n\"We make a secret agreement from today to join forces and influence and formulate plans: first to smash the shishi; second to neutralize Anjo and Sanjiro of Satsuma; third, a surprise attack on Tosa being a priority. The moment Anjo is dead or resigns, I will propose you as Elder in his place and guarantee your appointment. Simultaneously Zukumura will resign and a replacement, agreed in advance by both of us, put in his place. Three to two. Toyama I keep, Adachi is replaced by your appointee. I vote for you to be the Council Leader.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"With the rank of tairō.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To be Chief Minister of the Council, that is enough.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps not. In return for what?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"From today Tosa and Satsuma are considered enemy. You will commit all necessary force for a joint, surprise attack on Tosa the moment it is feasible. We divide his fief.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As he is an Outside Lord, his lands should go to an Outside Lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps, perhaps not,\" Yoshi said easily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You agree never to ally yourself with Tosa and Satsuma against me, or the Shōgunate. If, I should say when, Satsuma and Tosa separately or together attack you, I bind myself to support you at once with massive force.\"\n\n\"Next?\" Ogama asked impassively.\n\n\"You agree not to take sides against me, as I agree not to take sides against you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Next?\"\n\n\"From today, quietly, each in our own way, we work to annul the marriage.\"\n\n\"Next?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Last: the Gates. You agree that legal, legitimate Shōgunate forces take back control from dawn tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogama's face closed. \"I already showed you I am the legal and legitimate representative of the Deity.\"\n\n\"I already pointed out, though the document is certainly signed correctly, the signature was, regretfully, obtained by misrepresentation.\"\n\n\"So sorry, no.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Gates must come back into Shōgunate control.\"\n\n\"Then we have little left to talk about.\"\n\nYoshi sighed. His eyes slitted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then, sadly, there will be a new request from the Emperor—for you to leave the Gates and leave Kyōto with all your men.\"\n\nJust as coldly Ogama stared back at him. \"I doubt it.\"\n\n\"I, Toranaga Yoshi, guarantee it. In six or seven days Shōgun Nobusada and his wife are within the palace. As Guardian I have immediate access to him—and to her. Both will see the correctness of my argument—about the Gates and much else.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What much else?\"\n\n\"The Gates should not be a problem for you, Ogama-dono. I would give guarantees not to flaunt this in your face, would 'gratefully accept your kind invitation to assume control,' would not fortify them against you. What is so difficult? The Gates are mostly a symbol. I advise you formally, to continue the peace and ensure order in the Land until Anjo is onwards, the Shōgunate should have their place there.\"\n\nOgama hesitated, in a quandary." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi could easily have such another \"request\" sent to him, that he would have to accept." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will give you an answer, in a month.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, noon on the sixth day from now is the limit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why?\"\n\n\"In five days Nobusada reaches Otsu. By the dusk on the sixth day Nobusada will go through the Gates. I require possession, temporary possession, before that.\" It was said so gently and so politely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their eyes locked. Noncommittally, but equally politely, Ogama said, \"I will think about all of this, Yoshi-dono.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he bowed, Yoshi bowed, both men walked to their palanquins and everyone in the square sighed with relief that their ordeal was over and the expected bloodbath had not happened." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "hey can u write 3 sentences more sentences? in historical fiction, Japan style" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We passed the fleet two days back, Mr. Malcolm, Jamie,\" the clipper captain said genially, hiding his shock at the change in Malcolm, whom he had known since birth and had laughed and drunk with barely three months ago in Hong Kong—the drawn sallow features, strange haunted eyes, the sticks he needed to walk or even to stand with." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We were under full sail with a Force Six aft and going like the clappers, they were riding it leisurely, wise, for they surely wouldn't want to lose any of the coaling barges they towed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His name was Sheeling and he had just come ashore from his ship, Dancing Cloud, her arrival unexpected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was forty-two, a tall, bearded, weatherbeaten man, twenty-eight years with the Noble House. \"We just saluted them and kept going.\"\n\n\"Tea, Captain?\" McFay asked, automatically pouring, knowing from long experience this was his preferred drink." }, { "from": "human", "value": "During a voyage he always drank it ladened with sugar and condensed milk, day or night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were in Malcolm's suite at the big table and, like the tai-pan, Jamie was hardly listening, his eyes also on the sealed mail pouch, embossed with the Noble House crest, under Sheeling's left arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead of a left hand Sheeling had a hook. When he was a midshipman on a voyage along the Yangtze River trading opium, pirates of the White Lotus fleet had surrounded their lorcha and in the fight his hand had been cut off. Afterwards he had been commended for his gallantry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His beloved idol, Dirk Struan, had brought him back from the brink, then put him with the fleet's chief captain, Orlov the Hunchback, with orders to teach him all he knew." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ta',\" Sheeling said with a smile, and took a large swallow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Excellent, Jamie! Of course I'd prefer a large whisky, as you know, but that'll have to wait until Honolulu—I plan to leave right smartly, just came t—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Honolulu?\" Struan and Jamie said, almost in the same breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was not a normal call for their clippers racing across the Pacific for San Francisco, then to hurry back again.\n\n\"What's your cargo?\" Malcolm said, almost adding \"Uncle Sheeley,\" the name he had used in the good days of his youth.\n\n\"The usual, tea and spices for 'Frisco, but I've orders to first deliver mail to our agents in Hawaii.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mother's orders?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sheeling nodded and his grey eyes looked back at Malcolm pleasantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had heard the undercurrent and knew part of the problem existing between mother and son—Malcolm's engagement and her opposition the private talk of Hong Kong—but was under strict instructions not to mention it.\n\n\"How is business there, in Hawaii?\" Malcolm asked, a new shaft of anxiety going through him. \"Did she say?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Mrs. Struan just ordered me to stop there.\"\n\nA gust rattled the office shutters. They glanced out of the window." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the bay the three rake-masted clipper was at anchor, taking the swell prettily, her sails ready to be hoisted again, soon to hurtle seawards and ride the wild winds or good winds or bad, whatever that lay ahead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The three men were filled like sails with pride and Sheeling felt warmed that he ruled such a queen of the sea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned his attention back to Malcolm and absently scratched an itch on his neck with his hook. \"I was ordered here for the same reason: mail!\" He gave him the pouch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I have a receipt, please?\"\n\n\"Of course.\" Malcolm nodded to Jamie who began to write it out. \"What's the latest from Hong Kong?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd say most would be in the pouch, but I've brought the latest papers, both Hong Kong's and London's—I left the bundle in your office downstairs.\" Sheeling gulped the tea, anxious to be on his way. This would be his fourth Hawaiian visit over the years and he knew the beauty of their girls and their rare, joy-filled loving nature, money hardly a consideration, so unlike Hong Kong, Shanghai or anywhere else he had ever been." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This time I'll buy some land, secretly. Different name. It's Hawaii for me next year when I retire, that's where I'm going and no one any the wiser. The thought of sailing off for good, of leaving his wife, an accomplished nag, and rapacious children in London, Daddy buy me this, Daddy buy me that—not that he saw them often—pleased him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I meant local news in Hong Kong,\" Struan was saying.\n\n\"Oh. Well, first your family's in fine fettle—Mrs. Struan, your brother and sisters—though young Duncan had another bad cold when I left. As to Hong Kong, the races are as good as ever, so's the food, Mrs. Fortheringill's is still booming in spite of a recession, the Noble House stays on course as you'd know better than me, along with the usual rumors that all's not well, probably spread by the Brocks, but that's just more of the usual and never changes.\" He got up. \"Thank you kindly, I best be going, must catch the tide.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Won't you at least stay for lunch?\"\n\n\"No, thanks, I'd better be off an—\"\n\n\"What rumors?\" Malcolm said harshly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing worth repeating, Mr. Malcolm.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why don't you call me tai-pan like everyone else?\" Malcolm said irritably, fear of what might be in the pouch eating him. \"I am, aren't I?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sheeling's expression did not change, he liked him and admired him and was sorry for the burden he now carried." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, you are, and you're right, it's time I stopped 'Mr. Malcolm.' But, begging your pardon, your father said exactly the same to me after he became tai-pan, a few days after the typhoon killed the... killed the tai-pan, Mr. Dirk. As you know he was very special to me, and I asked my captain, Captain Orlov, if I could talk to Mr. Culum and he said it was all right. So I said to your father that I'd always called Mr. Dirk tai-pan and as a special favor, could I just call him sir, or Mr. Struan. He said I could. It was a special favor. Could th—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm told Captain Orlov called my father tai-pan, and my grandfather was just as special to him, perhaps more so.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's true,\" the Captain said, standing straight. \"When Captain Orlov disappeared, your father put me in charge of the fleet. I've served your father with all my heart, as I will you, and your son if I live that long. As a special favor, please, could it be the same as with your father?\"\n\nSheeling was more than valuable to the Noble House." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All three men knew it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And his inflexibility. Malcolm nodded, hurt even so." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have a safe voyage, Captain.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, sir. And... and good luck, Mr. Struan, in everything. And you, Jamie.\" As he strode for the door Malcolm broke the first seal on the pouch, but before the Captain touched the handle, the door opened. Angelique stood there. Bonnet, navy blue dress, gloves, and parasol." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All three men caught their breath at her radiance.\n\n\"Oh, sorry, chéri, I didn't know you were busy...\"\n\n\"That's all right, come in.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Malcolm had clambered to his feet. \"May I present Captain Sheeling, of Dancing Cloud.\"\n\n\"La, Monsieur, what a gorgeous ship, how lucky you are.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, yes, I am, Miss. Thank you,\" Sheeling said, smiling back. By God, he thought, never having seen her before, who could blame Malcolm? \"'Morning, Miss.\" He saluted and left, not wishing to leave now, not for a little while." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry to interrupt, Malcolm, but you said to collect you for lunch, it's to be with Sir William—and you haven't forgotten I have a piano lesson this afternoon with André and I've arranged for us to have our daguerreotype taken at five. Hello, Jamie!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Our picture?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, you remember the funny Italian who arrived on the last mail ship from Hong Kong for a season, he makes them, he guarantees we will look very handsome!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most of Malcolm's concern had left him and he felt all of her presence, doting on her, even though he had seen her an hour ago—coffee in his suite at eleven, a habit she had instituted and he enjoyed immensely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Over the last two or three weeks her loving disposition seemed to him to have blossomed even more though she spent much of her time riding, or at archery, or piano lessons, or planning soirees, and at her journal and letter writing—a way of life for all of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But every moment she was with him she was as attentive and tender as any woman could be." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His love and his need for her grew daily, overwhelming him with its power.\n\n\"Lunch is at one, darling, it's just after twelve,\" he said, and as much as he didn't want her to leave added, \"Will you give us a few minutes?\"\n\n\"Of course.\" With her grace, she seemed to dance over to him and kissed him and went to her suite next door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her perfume lingered as a delicious memory." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His fingers trembled, breaking the last seal. Inside were three letters. Two from his mother, one for him, one for Jamie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The third letter was from Gordon Chen, their compradore and his uncle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here,\" he said, handing Jamie his letter, his heart beating furiously, wishing that Sheeling had not arrived." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His two letters were burning his fingers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll leave you to it,\" Jamie said.\n\n\"No. Bad news needs company.\" Malcolm looked up. \"Open yours.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie obeyed and read rapidly. His face became red.\n\n\"Is it private, Jamie?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It says: 'Dear Jamie'—that's the first time she's used the old way of writing me for a long time—'you may show this to my son, if you wish. I'm sending Albert MacStruan as soon as I can arrange it from our Shanghai office. You are to make him your deputy and teach him all you can about our entire Japanese operation, so that, unless two things happen, he can adequately take over from you when you leave Struan's. The first is that my son is in Hong Kong by Christmas. The second is that you accompany him.'\" Jamie stared at him helplessly. \"That's it. Just a signature.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's not it,\" Malcolm said, his own face hot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As soon as Albert arrives he can bloody go back.\"\n\n\"No harm in him staying a few days and letting him look over the place. He's a good fellow.\"\n\n\"Mother's... I never thought she could be so cruel: if I don't obey and kowtow, you get fired. Eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Malcolm's eyes strayed to his bureau." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the last few weeks he had made the immense effort to restrict his intake to once a day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some days he had failed. \"Laudanum in moderation, Malcolm,\" Dr. Babcott had said, \"is a panacea for pain.\" He had insisted that Malcolm show him the medicine, not to take it away, just to check its contents." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is fairly strong. Remember, it's not a cure and with some people it is addictive.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not with me. I need it for the pain. You stop the pain and I'll stop the medicine.\"\n\n\"Sorry, my friend, wish I could. Your internal organs were badly damaged, not too badly, thank God, but even so will take time to heal.\"\n\nToo much time, Malcolm was thinking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is it worse than Babcott will admit? He looked at his two letters, reluctant to open them. Filthy of her to use Jamie as another cudgel. \"Rotten.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She has certain rights,\" Jamie said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's not tai-pan, I am. Father's will was clear.\" Malcolm's voice was dull, his thoughts untidy. \"Guess old Uncle Sheeley was right, you have to earn that title, don't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're tai-pan.\" It was said kindly though Jamie knew it was not true." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Strange he should bring up Orlov, haven't thought about him in years. Wonder what happened to him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Malcolm said absently. \"Poor fellow was a marked man after he blew Wu Sung Choi's Number One Son out of the water. Orlov was stupid to go ashore alone in Macao. He must have been snatched by the White Lotus pirates. Macao's a deadly place, easy to go into China, and everywhere the White Lotus has spies. I'd hate to be on their marked list...\" His voice trailed away. He looked down at the letters, lost in thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie waited. Then he said, \"Give me a shout if I can help. I'll be going through the rest of the mail.\" He left.\n\nMalcolm did not hear the door close. There was the \"I love you\" postscript to his mother's letter, so no secret message:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My dearest but prodigal son, I had planned to arrive with Dancing Cloud but decided against it at the last minute as Duncan was poorly and has the croup again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps what I have to say is better in writing then there can be no mistake.\n\nI've received yr ill-advised letters about what you will and will not do, about yr \"engagement,\" Jamie McFay, Miss Richaud, etc.—and about the five thousand rifles. I immediately wrote and cancelled the extravagant order." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The time has come for open decisions. Since you are not here and will not do as I ask, I will make them. For yr private knowledge it is my right to do so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When yr father was dying, poor man, there was no time to wait for yr return so, almost with his last breath, he made me de facto tai-pan according to all the provisions in Dirk's Will and Legacy—some of them terrible—all of which have to be accepted, before God, sight unseen and must be kept secret from tai-pan to tai-pan. At the time it was our expectation that I would pass the mantle to you on yr immediate return. One of Dirk's Laws lays down: It is the duty of the tai-pan to swear absolute belief in the integrity of his successor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I cannot do this for you at the moment. All this, and the following, is again for yr private knowledge—it would hurt Struan's for it to be made public, so destroy the letter after reading it.\n\nBy today's mail to Scotland, I have offered the post of tai-pan to yr cousin Lochlin Struan, Uncle Robb's son, with four provisos: first that he comes at once to Hong Kong and spends three months in training here—as you know he is well versed in our company operations, better than you as far as Great Britain is concerned, though you are far and away better fitted and better trained; second, he agrees to keep this all secret; third, at the end of the trial period, before God, I will make the final choice between the two of you, my decision of course to be binding; fourth, that if you come to yr senses, he agrees that I must choose you but he will be next, should you fail to have sons, Duncan to be after him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Coming to yr senses, my son, means returning to Hong Kong at once, the very latest by Christmas Day, alone but for Jamie McFay (and Dr. Hoag, should you wish to have his company) to discuss yr future plans, to take up pressing duties and prepare for the position you have trained all yr life for. Should you prove to be satisfactory, I will make you tai-pan on yr twenty-first birthday, May 21st.\n\nI have shown this to Gordon Chen and asked him to comment where necessary—our compradore must, MUST, by Dirk's Law, be a party to the handing over of power." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yr devoted mother. P.S." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I love you and an added P.P.S." }, { "from": "human", "value": ": Thank you for your news from Parliament about more of their usual stupidity (via the curious channel of our archenemy Greyforth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beware of him, he's up to no good, but then you know that better than I). Yes, we had heard the rumors, the Governor still denies any knowledge. I had already written to our Parliamentarians on the first rumor telling them to stop the nonsense if it was true, and to Bengal forewarning them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In response to your letter I have written again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It really is time you came home to apply yrself to your duty and our mounting problems." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Duty!\" Malcolm shouted at the wall, balled the letter and hurled it at it, hurting himself with his violence. He stumbled to his feet, lurched to his bureau. The little bottle contained his evening dose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He drained it, smashed it on the oak top cursing, and almost fell as he groped to his chair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She can't! Can't! That... that bitch can't do that... can't! 'Go back alone' only means without Angel 'to discuss'... I won't and she won't interfere...\" and he continued to half think and half speak imprecations until the opiate entered his bloodstream and began its deadly solace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In time he noticed the other letter from Compradore Gordon Chen—his father's stepbrother, one of many illegitimate children sired by Dirk Struan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Three that we know about,\" he said aloud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My dear, dear nephew: I've already written how sorry I was about your bad joss, the wounds and accident. I'm even more sorry to hear there is an estrangement between you and your mother that promises to become dangerous and could disrupt our Noble House—therefore it is my duty to comment and advise. She showed me her letter to you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have not shown mine to her, nor will I. In mine I will confine myself only to the position of tai-pan, other than to give you my very private advice about the girl: be Chinese.\n\nFacts: though you are formally my stepbrother's heir, your mother correctly says you have not undergone the obligatory ceremony, attestations, oaths and signatures laid down in my Honorable Father's Will and Legacy that are necessary before you can be tai-pan, which, to be valid, must be witnessed personally and attested to in writing as properly executed by the current compradore, who must be of my branch of the House of Chen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only then is the chosen one the tai-pan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before your father died he did in fact appoint your mother tai-pan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was correctly done in all details." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I witnessed it. She is tai-pan legally and has power over the Noble House." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is true that your father and mother expected the position to be passed over to you quickly, but she is also correct that one of the tai-pan's obligations is to attest before God to the integrity of his successor, and also true the Noble House is governed only by what the tai-pan, he or she, decides, particularly the choice and timing of any succession." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My only advice is: be wise, swallow your pride, return at once, kowtow, kowtow and kowtow, accept a \"trial\" period, become again a dutiful son, honoring your ancestors, for the good of the House. Obey the tai-pan. Be Chinese.\n\nMalcolm Struan stared at the letter, his future in ruins, past in ruins, everything changed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So she is tai-pan! Mother is! If Uncle Gordon says it then it's true! She's cheated me out of my birthright, she has, my Mother has." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But isn't that really what she's wanted all these years? Didn't she always cajole, beg, whine, plot, do whatever was necessary to dominate father, me and all of us? Her maddening family prayers every day and church twice on Sunday, us trailing along when once on Sundays is more than enough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And drinking! \"Drunkenness is an abomination\" and quoting the Bible all day long to the point of insanity, no fun in our lives, Lent observed to the letter, fasting, forever carping on the brilliance of Dirk Struan, God curse him, always saying how terrible to have died so young—never bringing up that he died in the typhoon with his Chinese mistress in his arms, a fact that was and still is the scandal of Asia—always sermonizing on the evils of the flesh, Father's weakness, the death of my sister and the twins..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suddenly he sat up solidly in his high-back chair. Insanity? That's it!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he thought. Could I put her in an insane asylum? Maybe she is. Would Uncle Gordon help me to... Ayeeyah!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's me who's mad. It's me who's..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Malcolm! It's lunchtime.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked up and saw himself talking to Angelique, saying how pretty she was but would she mind very much going without him as a few serious things had to be decided, letters to be written—no, nothing that affected her, no really, just a few business problems—all the time remembering \"return alone\" and \"kowtow, she's tai-pan.\" \"Please, Angelique.\"\n\n\"Of course, if that's what you want, but you're sure you're all right, my love? You don't have a fever, do you?\"\n\nHe allowed her to feel his forehead and caught her hand and pulled her into his lap and kissed her and she kissed him back and laughed gaily and straightened her bodice saying she would be back after her piano lesson and not to worry and for the picture he must wear his evening clothes and, oh, you'll be so impressed with my new ball gown." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And then he was alone with his thoughts again, the same words grinding his brain: \"return alone... she's tai-pan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "How dare she cancel the order for rifles—what does she know about this market?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tai-pan legally. So she really does rule the roost, and me. Certainly until I'm twenty-one and ever afterwards. Until she's not. Until..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah, is that the key? Is that what Uncle Gordon meant when he wrote: be Chinese. Be Chinese how? Just be patient?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "How would a Chinese handle my whole predicament?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just before he went into his special sleep, he smiled." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with 8 sentences in the style of James Clavell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga was in the Legation reading a letter aloud that Tyrer had written for Sir William which he had helped translate, that was to be delivered tomorrow to the Bakufu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though he did not understand many of the words his reading was improving rapidly: \"You've an aptitude for English, Nakama, old boy,\" Tyrer had said several times." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This had pleased him, even though, normally, praise or criticism from a gai-jin was meaningless. Over the weeks most of his waking hours had been spent cramming words and phrases, repeating them over and over, so much so that the language of his dreams was mixed up.\n\n\"Why bash your head, Cousin?\" Akimoto asked him.\n\n\"I must learn English as quickly as possible. There is so little time, this gai-jin leader is rude and ill-tempered and I have no idea how long I can stay. But Akimoto, if I could read who knows what information I could get. You cannot believe how stupid they are about their secrets. Hundreds of books and pamphlets and documents lie around everywhere. I have access to everything, can read anything, and this Taira person answers my most obvious questions.\"\n\nThis was said last night in their safe house in the village and he had had a cold towel around his aching head. He was no longer confined to the Legation. Now he could stay in the village if he wanted to though many nights he was too tired to leave, and he would stay and sleep on a spare bunk in the cottage Tyrer shared with Babcott. Of necessity George Babcott had had to know about him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Marvelous! Nakama can help me with my Japanese too and my dictionary! Marvelous, I'll organize lessons and a cram course!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Babcott's approach was quite radical." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Learning was to be enjoyed and soon it had almost developed into a game, a hilarious game to see who could learn faster, an entirely new style for Hiraga and Tyrer, for whom schooling was serious, and education implanted by rote, repetition and the birch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How fast the lessons go, Akimoto. It becomes easier every day—we shall do the same in our schools when sonno-joi is supreme.\"\n\nAkimoto laughed. \"Teachers gentle and kind? No bashing or stick? Never! More important, what about the frigate?\"\n\nHe had told Akimoto that Tyrer had promised he would ask a captain friend for permission to take the two of them aboard, explaining Akimoto as the son of a wealthy Choshu shipbuilding family, come to visit him for a few days, and a valuable friend in the future.\n\nFrom the open window Hiraga heard cheering from the football match. He sighed, then reverently picked up Babcott's handwritten dictionary. It was the first dictionary he had ever seen, and the first English-Japanese, Japanese-English ever. Babcott had built on lists of words and phrases gathered by himself, traders and priests, both Catholic and Protestant, with others translated from Dutch-Japanese equivalents. At the moment the book was short." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But daily it grew and it fascinated him.\n\nFolklore had it that, two centuries or so ago, a Jesuit priest called Tsukku-san had written out a form of Portuguese-Japanese dictionary. Before that no dictionary of any sort had ever existed. In time, a few Dutch-Japanese ones appeared, to be zealously guarded. \"No need to lock this up, Nakama,\" Babcott had said yesterday to his astonishment. \"That's not the British way. Spread the word, let everyone learn, the more educated everyone is the better the country.\" He had smiled. \"Of course, not everyone agrees with me. In any event, next week with the help of our printing presses, I'll—\"\n\n\"Printing press, so sorry?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Babcott had explained. \"Soon we'll start printing and if you promise to write a history of Choshu I will promise to give you a copy of my dictionary for yourself alone.\"\n\nA week or so ago, in wonder, Hiraga had shown Akimoto a copy of the Yokohama Guardian. \"It is the news of the day, from all over the world, and they prepare a new version every day, as many copies as they like—thousands if necessary...\"\n\n\"Impossible!\" Akimoto said. \"Our best block printers can't poss—\"\n\n\"I've seen them do it! Machines do it, Akimoto. They showed me their machines! They set all the words in what they call type in lines, they read left to right, the opposite to us, right to left and down our columns of characters, column by column. Unbelievable. I saw the machine man make words out of individual symbols, called 'roman rett'rs'—they say that all words in any language can be written with only twenty-six of these symbols an—\"\n\n\"Impossible.\"\n\n\"Listen! Each rett'r or symbol always has the same sound so another person can read individual letters, or words made out of them. To make this 'newspaper,' the printer uses combinations of little pieces of iron with the symbol cut into the end of it—sorry, not iron but a kind of iron called 'stee'r,' some name like that. This man put the rett'rs in a box that somehow was inked, paper run over it and here was a new printed page that contained something I had written a moment ago. Taira read it out exactly! A miracle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eeee, but how can we do that with our language, each word is a special character with as many as five or seven different ways of saying it and our writing's different an—\"\n\n\"The Doctor Giant listens when I say a Japanese word, he writes it down in their roman rett'rs then Taira says the word just by reading them!\"\n\nIt had taken Hiraga much more explanation to convince Akimoto. \"Eeee,\" he said, exhausted, \"so many new things, new ideas, so difficult for me to understand myself, let alone explain. Ori was such a fool not to want to learn.\"\n\n\"Good for us he's dead, buried and forgotten by the gai-jin. For days I thought we were lost.\"\n\n\"So did I.\"\n\nHiraga found the English word he sought, \"reparations.\" The Japanese translation was: \"money to be paid for an agreed crime.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This puzzled him. The Bakufu had committed no crime. Two Satsumas, Ori and Shorin, had merely killed a gai-jin, both were now dead, two for the death of one gai-jin was certainly fair. Why should they demand \"re-par-at-eeons,\" he said aloud, the nearest his tongue could get to the word.\n\nHe got up from the desk to ease his knees, difficult to sit like a gai-jin all day long, and went to the window. He was wearing Western clothes but soft tabi on his feet, English boots still very uncomfortable for him. The day was still good, the ships at anchor, fishing boats and other vessels moving back and forth. The frigate beckoned. His excitement grew. Soon they would see into its bowels, see the great steam machines Taira had told him about." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He caught sight of a reproduced photograph cut out of a magazine and stuck on the wall, of the Great Ship, an enormous iron ship being built in the British capital city, London, the biggest that had ever been, twenty times bigger than the frigate in the bay. Too enormous to conceive—even \"fo-to-gr-aff\" for him impossible to understand, eerie, almost a form of evil magic. He shuddered, then noticed the door to the corridor was ajar and across from it Sir William's door. As far as he knew there was no one in the Legation, everyone at the football match and not expected until later this afternoon.\n\nSoundlessly he opened Sir William's door. The elaborate desk had many papers on it, half a hundred books on untidy shelves, a portrait of their Queen and other paintings on the walls. Something new on a sideboard. A photograph in a silver frame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw only ugliness, a curiously dressed gai-jin woman with three children, and realized it must be Sir William's family. Tyrer had mentioned they were expected soon.\n\nHow lucky I am to be Japanese, and civilized, with a handsome father and mother and brothers and sisters and Sumomo to marry if it is my karma to marry. Thinking about her safe at home warmed him, but then, standing there in front of the desk, the good feeling quickly turned sour. He remembered all the sickening, uneasy times he had stood there before the seated gai-jin leader, answering questions about the Choshu, Satsuma, Bakufu, Toranagas, the questions inquiring into every aspect of his life and Nippon's life, now almost a daily occurrence, the fish eyes scouring the truth out of him, much as he would have preferred to lie and confuse.\n\nHe was careful not to touch anything, presuming a trap had been laid for him as he would certainly have done if he had left a gai-jin alone in such an important place. His ears caught an angry voice outside and he scurried back to peer out of Tyrer's window. To his astonishment Akimoto was at the gate, bowing to the sentry who had him covered with his bayoneted rifle and was shouting at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His cousin wore gai-jin laborer's clothes and was clearly very nervous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hastily he went outside, put a smile on his face, and raised his hat. \"Good day, sir sentry, this my friend.\"\n\nThe sentry knew Hiraga by sight, that he was some sort of interpreter, also that he had a permanent Legation pass. He replied caustically with incomprehensible words, waving Akimoto away, ordering Hiraga to tell \"th's ere monkey t'pushawf or'e'll g't'is bloody 'ead shot awf.\"\n\nHiraga's smile never wavered. \"I take him away, so sorry.\" He took Akimoto by the arm and hurried him into an alley that led to the village. \"Are you mad? To come here y—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree.\" Akimoto was not over his fright at having a bayonet shoved within an inch of his throat." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree, but the shoya, the village elder, asked me to find you urgently.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on the story, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Norbert Greyforth came on deck of the mail ship just rounding the headland. She was from Hong Kong via Shanghai and now ahead was the Yokohama coastline. He was freshly shaven and wore a top hat and frock coat against the early morning chill and he saw the Captain and others on the bridge in front of the funnel with its plume of acrid smoke trailing aft, seamen preparing for port, sails furled on her three masts. On the fore-deck, behind locked grilles separating them completely from the rest of the ship, were steerage passengers, the flotsam of Asia, remittance men and riffraff, huddled under canvas shelters. Grilles were standard on passenger ships against piracies attempted from this area.\n\nThe wind was brisk and smelt good to him and tasted clean, not like below where the stench of oil and coal smoke and the throbbing, headache-making engine noise permeated the closeness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Asian Queen had been under power for hours, battling the head wind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Much as he loathed steamers, Norbert was pleased, otherwise they would have been many more days late. He bit the end off a cheroot, spat it overboard and cupped his hands, lighting it carefully.\n\nThe Settlement looked the same as ever. Samurai guard houses and Customs House, north and south, outside the fence and over small bridges, smoke from various chimneys, men walking the promenade, horsemen exercising their ponies on the racetrack, Drunk Town its usual mess with little of their fire and earthquake damage cleaned up, contrasting with the disciplined tent lines of the encampment on the bluff where soldiers were drilling, the odd bugle call wafting seawards. As if peeping over the fence were the Yoshiwara roofs. He felt a halfhearted stirring, nothing like normal for he was still satiated from carousing in Shanghai, the richest, raunchiest, wildest city in Asia, with the best racing, gambling, whoring, bars and European food anywhere." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never mind, he thought, I'll give Sako the bolt of silk and that'll make her toolie flutter and who knows?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes passed the flagpoles of the various Legations, hardened as they saw the Struan Building, then centered on his own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During the three weeks he had been away he was pleased to see external repairs to the top floor had been completed, no sign of fire damage. He was too far away to recognize people going in and out of the buildings fronting High Street, then he caught a glimpse of a blue bonnet and hooped dress and parasol crossing to the French Legation. Only one like that, he thought. Angel Tits! It was as if he could smell the perfume surrounding her. Wonder if she knows about the duel.\n\nMorgan Brock had guffawed when he told them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thee's my consent to blow his head or balls off. 'Stead of pistols, make it fighting irons and really earn thy bonus.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tenders were already scurrying to meet the mail ship. Sourly, he noted that the Struan steam launch was waiting in the chop, first in line, Jamie McFay in the stern. His oared launch second. Never mind, won't be long before your launch's mine, your building, with you and all the bloody Struans beached or dead, though maybe I'll give you a job, Jamie, maybe, just for amusement. Then he saw McFay put binoculars to his eyes and knew he would see him. He waved perfunctorily, spat over the side and went to his cabin below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Morning, Mr. Greyforth, suh,\" Edward Gornt said with Southern charm. He stood at the door of the cabin opposite, a tall, though slight, good-looking young man from Virginia, twenty-seven, with deep-set brown eyes and brown hair. \"I've been watching from the aft deck. Nothing like Shanghai, is it?\"\n\n\"In more ways than you can think. Are you packed?\"\n\n\"Yes, suh, and ready to have at it.\" Apart from the slight roll to the \"suh\" his accent was faint, much more English than Southern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good. Sir Morgan told me to give you this when we arrived.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took an envelope from his briefcase and handed it to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The more he thought about his whole trip the more flabbergasted he became." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tyler Brock had not come to Shanghai. A curt note had greeted Greyforth instead, telling him to obey his son, Morgan, as though he was giving the orders. Sir Morgan Brock was a big-bellied, balding man, not as coarse as his father, but just as mean-tempered and bearded like him. Unlike him, he was London-trained in Threadneedle Street, center of the world's stock markets, and for all manner of international trade. As soon as Greyforth arrived Morgan had laid out his plan to break Struan's.\n\nIt was foolproof." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a year he, his father and their associates on the board of the Victoria Bank of Hong Kong had been buying up Struan's debt paper. Now, with the whole board backing them, they only had to wait until the 30th of January to foreclose. There was no way Struan's could meet this deadline. On that date the bank would own Struan's, lock, stock and clipper ship, with Morgan cornering the Hawaiian sugar markets, cunningly excluding Struan's, who counted on their yearly profits from those markets to service their debts. He would make the killing certain. And another, even bigger coup: Morgan, with supreme cleverness, had bartered these crops forward to Union and Confederate importers for Union goods and Southern cotton for the huge British market that still, by law, could only be serviced by British ships—their ships." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a genius scheme, Sir Morgan, congratulations,\" Norbert said, awed, for it would make Brock's the wealthiest trading company in Asia, the Noble House, and guarantee his stipend of five thousand guineas a year." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We be buying Struan's at ten pennies on the pound from the Bank, that be agreed, Norbert, their fleet, everything,\" Sir Morgan had said, his huge belly shaking with laughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thee's to retire soon, and we be very grateful for thy service. If all goes well in Yokohama, we be thinking of another five thousand a year as bonus. Look after young Edward and show him everything.\"\n\n\"To what end?\" he had asked, that vast amount of money every year swamping him.\n\n\"To any end I want,\" Sir Morgan had said curtly. \"But since thee asks, perhaps I be wanting him to take over Japan, take over thy job when thee goes, if he's worthy. Rothwell's be giving him a month's leave\"—this was Gornt's present employer, one of the oldest Shanghai companies and associates of Cooper-Tillman, the biggest American China trader, for whom he had been working for three years, and with whom Brock's, as well as Struan's, had extensive business relations—\"this be enough time for the lad to decide, perhaps he'll take over from thee, when thee retires.\"\n\n\"You think he's experienced enough, Sir Morgan?\"\n\n\"By the time thee leaves, make sure he is—that's thy job, teach him, toughen him. Don't break him, I don't want him scared off, broken—don't forget now!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How much should I tell him?\"\n\nAfter thought, Sir Morgan said, \"Everything about our business in the Japans, the gunrunning plan and opium smuggling if them bastards in Parliament get their way. Tell him thy ideas on opening up the opium trade and busting any embargo if there be one, but nought about provoking Struan, or about our scheme to smash them. The lad knows about the Struans, no love lost on them at Rothwell's, he knows what scum they really be and the devilment old Dirk did, murdering my stepbrother and the like. He's a good lad, so tell him what thee will, but not about sugar!\"\n\n\"Just as you say, Sir Morgan. What about all the specie and paper I brought? I'll need replacements to pay for the guns, silks and this year's trade goods.\"\n\n\"I be sending it from Hong Kong, when I returns, and Norbert, it were right clever to shove Struan's out of the way with the Jappo prospecting offer—if that pays dirt, thee will share in't. As to Edward, after the month send him to Hong Kong with a confidential report to the Old Man. I like the lad, he be highly thought of in Shanghai and by Rothwell's—and the son of an old friend.\"\n\nNorbert had wondered about \"what\" old friend, and about the debt Sir Morgan owed the man to take so much trouble, unusual for him to be kind to anyone. But he was too shrewd to ask and kept his own counsel, happy that the problem of staying in Brock's good favor would not concern him much longer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Edward Gornt proved to be pleasant enough, reticent, a good listener, more English than American, intelligent, and, rare in Asia, a nondrinker. Greyforth's immediate assessment had been that Gornt was totally un-suited to the rough, adventurous, hard-drinking China trade—a lightweight in everything, except at cards. Gornt was an exceptional bridge player and lucky at poker, a major virtue in Asia, but even this was academic for he never played for high stakes.\n\nHe was convinced that Edward Gornt would not suit the Brocks for long, and nothing on the voyage back had made him change his mind. From time to time he had seen a strangeness behind the eyes. The bugger's just wishywashy, out of his depth and knows it, he thought, watching him reading Morgan's letter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never mind, if anyone can make him grow up I can." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gornt folded the letter, pocketed it and the sheaf of money the envelope had contained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sir Morgan's so generous, isn't he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he said with a smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I never thought he'd... I can't wait to begin, to learn... I like work and action and I'll do my best to please you, but I'm still not sure if I should leave Rothwell's and... well, I never thought he would ever consider I would maybe be good enough to head Brock's in Japan if or when you retire. Never.\"\n\n\"Sir Morgan's a tough master, difficult to please, like our tai-pan, but straight if you do what you're told. A month will be enough. Can you handle a gun?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes.\"\n\nThe sudden directness surprised him. \"What kinds?\"\n\n\"Handguns, rifles, shotguns.\" Again the smile. \"I've never killed anyone, Indians or the like, but I was second in the Richmond skeet-shoot four years ago.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A shadow went over him. \"That was the year I went to London to join Brock's.\"\n\n\"You didn't want to leave? Didn't like London?\"\n\n\"No, and yes. My mother had died and—and my father, he thought it best I should be out in the world, London being the Center of the World, so to speak. London was grand. Sir Morgan very kind. Kindest man I know.\"\n\nNorbert waited but Gornt volunteered nothing more, lost in his own thoughts. Sir Morgan had only told him Gornt had spent a satisfactory year with Brock's in London, with Tyler Brock's last and youngest son, Tom." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After the year he had arranged the junior post at Rothwell's. \"Do you know Dmitri Syborodin who runs Cooper-Tillman here?\"\n\n\"No, suh. Only by reputation. My parents knew Judith Tillman, the widow of one of the original partners.\" Gornt's eyes had narrowed and Norbert noticed the strangeness in them. \"She didn't like Dirk Struan either, loathed him in fact, blamed him for the death of her husband. The sins of the father do pass onwards, don't they?\"\n\nNorbert laughed. \"They do indeed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You were saying, suh? Dmitri Syborodin?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'll like him, he's Southern too.\" The landing bell sounded. Norbert's eyes glittered with anticipation. \"Let's get ashore, there'll be action soon enough.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Morning, Mr. Gornt. May I introduce Mr. McFay, chief of Struan's, Japan. Please make yourself comfortable—Jamie, you too. Coffee, tea, sherry, champagne?\"\n\n\"Nothing, thank you, Mr. Struan.\"\n\n\"Mr. McFay's one of my seconds. Details are supposed to be arranged by seconds, I believe. Yes?\"\n\n\"Yes, suh. I've met Mr. Syborodin but didn't discuss anything with him, according to Mr. Greyforth's wishes.\"\n\nThe two young men studied each other. From the first instant both had experienced the same strange sensation: an intense attraction to the other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each was thinking, How odd you could instantly like some people, for no apparent reason, while disliking others, loathing some, dismissing many." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even so, both were sure that however fierce their initial affinity, it would make no difference. Soon—today, tomorrow, even in the next few minutes—something would as quickly revert them to normality, to the comfortable historic enmity that bound their firms together and would reach down the ages, dismissing the first affinity as a peculiar aberration.\n\nMalcolm said, \"What can I—we—do for you?\"\n\nGornt's smile was genuine, his teeth white, like Malcolm's. He was of similar height but built lighter, his clothes less elegant, dark hair against the reddish-brown of Struan, brown eyes against the blue. \"Mr. Greyforth wanted to confirm dates, weapons, etc.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie said, \"You know this is all against the law, Mr. Gornt, and the duel formally forbidden by Sir William?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Mr. McFay.\"\n\nJamie shifted uncomfortably, detesting his involvement more than ever, and further unsettled by the curious mood in the room. He could not read it. Where there should have been ice and enmity, it seemed more a waiting moment, weirdly pleasant and preordained. \"That being said, what did Norbert have in mind?\"\n\n\"Today's Tuesday. Would a week from today be okay?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd prefer Wednesday, the 10th,\" Malcolm said at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had made a plan in the early hours. Sleep had eluded him. He had fought the dragon that was in the little bottle and had won, though the fight had taken its toll and this morning's measure had been a pathetic relief.\n\nPrancing Cloud would arrive Sunday and was due to leave Wednesday evening. He would arrange secretly with her captain to sail the moment he could get aboard after the duel. Either he would have already smuggled Angelique aboard or would organize Jamie to escort her home in the next ship, to be decided at the last minute, the latest by Tuesday." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It might be best to bring Jamie with Angelique, thus negating part of his mother's fury against Jamie by being obedient to one of her wishes and, hopefully, make her withdraw the termination order—he owed it to Jamie to try in every way to extricate him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Angelique was aboard, perhaps he could find a way to persuade Captain Strongbow to forget his mother's orders.\n\nIt's a long shot, he thought, a very long shot but a faint heart never won a fair lady and it's the best I can do. Joss. \"I'd prefer Wednesday.\"\n\n\"I imagine that will be all right, suh. As to the place, we suggest first light at No Man's Land twixt the village and Drunk Town, not the racecourse as that's too public with early morning riders and so on.\"\n\nMalcolm laughed, not knowing why. \"A good choice,\" he said before Jamie could answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Much better for me, more secluded, closer to the sea, much easier to slip out to the clipper from the Drunk Town wharf than ours." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's apparent you know a lot about Yokohama and you're here only a day.\"\n\n\"It was Mr. Greyforth's suggestion, but I did check out both early this morning. No Man's Land is better, safer.\"\n\n\"That's agreed. It will be difficult for me to walk my ten paces. I suggest we take our positions and on someone's order, yours if you wish, aim and fire.\"\n\n\"I will consult Mr. Greyforth.\"\n\n\"What else?\"\n\nGornt hesitated, then glanced at Jamie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We can arrange details later, how our principals arrive, by what routes, which doctor we can trust who should be present, etc. Lastly, th—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You seem to be very well informed about duels, Mr. Gornt,\" Jamie said thinly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've been involved in one?\"\n\n\"Several, Mr. McFay. As a principal once, and twice as a second, while I was at the Richmond University.\" Again the smile, warm, kind and sincere. \"We take matters of honor very seriously in the South, suh.\"\n\nThe pleasant unreality of the back and forth, and Jamie's belief that the tai-pan had been set up by Greyforth—notwithstanding Malcolm's stubbornness—broke his control. \"Then you should know Norbert was in the wrong,\" he said angrily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Norbert went out of his way to provoke the tai-pan, has done several times and there's no doubt he should apologize and then we could all stop this stupidity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jamie!\" Malcolm said sharply, and would have told him to leave but for yesterday. Yesterday's debt was vast and forever, so he just said, knowing the real friend that Jamie was, \"This isn't your problem, and I know how you feel.\" He looked back at Gornt. \"He is right, you know—Norbert has been personally very difficult.\" Gornt did not reply. Malcolm shrugged and smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Joss. It's not your problem either, Mr. Gornt. So, you were once a principal and twice a second. Clearly you won. The other man?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't kill him, suh, wasn't trying to kill him. I just wounded him.\"\n\nBoth men watched each other, weighing the other.\n\nJamie said nervously, \"Then everything's settled.\"\n\n\"Yes, except weapons. Mr. Greyforth chooses swords.\" Malcolm gasped and Jamie blanched.\n\n\"Duelling pistols were agreed,\" Jamie said. \"Agreed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, suh, it wasn't agreed. Mr. Greyforth as the challenged party has the right to choose weapons.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But it was ag—\"\n\n\"Jamie, let me deal with this,\" Malcolm said, astonished with his own detachment, expecting trickery from Norbert. \"It was always presumed we were gentlemen and would use pistols.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry but those aren't my instructions, suh. As to gentlemen, my principal considers himself one, and chooses to defend his honor with a sword, which is quite customary.\"\n\n\"Obviously that's not possible.\"\n\n\"Mr. Greyforth also said—I must tell you I do not approve of this and told him so—he also said if you wanted, he would agree to knives, swords or fighting irons.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie began to get up but Malcolm stopped him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In my present state, that's impossible,\" Malcolm said, then gathered himself and said firmly, \"If this is a ploy for Norbert to gain face, to humiliate me and call off the duel, then I spit in his eye and will continue to do so.\"\n\nJamie flushed at the bravado, admired it and hated it, then suddenly realized this could be a perfect face-saver for both men. \"Tai-pan, don't you think—\"\n\n\"No. Mr. Gornt, obviously I can't, now, even use a sword. Please ask Norbert to accept pistols.\"\n\n\"Well, suh, I will certainly ask, certainly the first duty of a second is to try to bring about a reconciliation and it seems to me there's room enough for both you gentlemen in Asia. I'll ask.\"\n\nJamie said, \"Mr. Gornt, I'll be here. Anything I can do to help stop this insanity, just say the word.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gornt nodded, began to rise, but stopped as Malcolm said, \"Perhaps I could have a private word, Mr. Gornt? You don't mind, do you, Jamie?\"\n\n\"Not at all.\" Jamie shook hands with Gornt, then said to Malcolm, \"There's a meeting of all traders to discuss Sir William's bombshell at noon in the Club.\"\n\n\"I'll be there, Jamie, though there won't be much discussion, just a lot of shrieking and foul temper.\"\n\n\"I agree. See you later, Tai-pan.\" Jamie left.\n\nIn the fine office once more the two men watched each other. \"You're aware of our Parliament's stupidity?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, suh, I am. All governments are stupid.\"\n\n\"Would you join me in a glass of champagne?\"\n\n\"A celebration?\"\n\n\"Yes. I don't know why but I'm pleased to meet you.\"\n\n\"Ah, then you felt the same? Not right, is it?\"\n\nMalcolm shook his head and rang the bell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chen appeared and when the champagne was opened and poured he went away, his little eyes darting from silent man to silent man. \"Health!\"\n\n\"Health,\" Gornt replied, savoring the chilled wine.\n\n\"I got the impression you wanted to speak privately.\"\n\nGornt laughed. \"I did indeed. Dangerous for an enemy to be able to read your mind, eh?\"\n\n\"Very, but we needn't be enemies. Rothwell's is a good client, the hatred and blood feud between the Struans and the Brocks needn't touch you, whatever Tyler or Morgan say.\"\n\nGornt put his eyes on the cut-glass crystal and the bubbles, asking them if he was correct in thinking that the time was now or if he should wait." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tawny eyes considered Struan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He decided to dismiss the danger. \"You are reputed to like secrets, to be trustworthy.\"\n\n\"Are you?\"\n\n\"In matters of honor, yes. Your reputation... do you like stories, legends?\"\n\nMalcolm concentrated, the unreality of the meeting and this man disorienting him. \"Some better than others.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm here under false pretenses.\" Gornt's sudden smile lit up the room. \"Christ Jesus, I don't believe I'm truly here with the future tai-pan of the Noble House. I've waited and planned so long for this meeting and now it's arrived—before I came here I had no intention of saying anything now, other than what Mr. Greyforth asked me to say. But now?\" He raised his glass. \"To revenge.\"\n\nMalcolm thought about that, unafraid and spellbound, then drank and poured again. \"It's a good toast in Asia.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anywhere. First: I need your word of honor, the honor of the tai-pan of the Noble House, before God, that what I tell you will remain secret between us, until I release you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Malcolm hesitated. \"So long as it's a story.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he swore the oath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you. A story then. Are we safe here? Can anyone overhear us?\"\n\n\"In Asia, usually. We're aware doors have ears as well as walls, but I can fix that. Chen!\" he called out. The door opened at once. In Cantonese he said, \"Stay away from the door, keep everyone else away, even Ah Tok!\"\n\n\"Yes, Tai-pan.\" The door closed.\n\n\"Now you're safe, Mr. Gornt. I've known Chen all my life and he doesn't speak English, I think. You speak Shanghainese?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A little, the same with Ning poh dialect.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You were saying?\"\n\n\"This is the first time I have ever told this story,\" Gornt said, and Malcolm believed him. \"Once upon a time,\" he began, no lightness now, \"a family went to England from Montgomery, Alabama—their home for generations—father, mother, and two children, a boy and girl. She was fifteen, her name Alexandra, and her father was the youngest of five brothers. Wilf Tillman was the oldest.\"\n\n\"The co-founder of Cooper-Tillman?\" Struan said, jarred.\n\n\"The same. Alexandra's father was a minor tea and cotton broker, an investor with brother Wilf in Cooper-Tillman, and he went to London to work with Rothwell's on a three-year contract to advise on cotton—Cooper-Tillman was their major supplier. They stayed just under a year. Unfortunately both parents had gotten very ill, no wonder, eh, with the fogs and that weather, I nearly died myself while I was there—I spent two years in London training with Brock's, one with Rothwell's. Anyway, the Tillmans decided to go home. Halfway across the Atlantic Alexandra discovered she was pregnant.\"\n\n\"Ayeeyah,\" Malcolm muttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. The shock, on top of her adored father's illness, killed him. He was thirty-seven. They buried him at sea. The Captain's death certificate just said 'brainstorm' but both she and her mother knew the real cause was the bad news. Alexandra was just sixteen, as pretty as a picture. That was in '35, twenty-seven years ago. Alexandra had a son, me. For an unmarried girl to have a child out of wedlock, to be a fallen woman... well, Mr. Struan, no need to tell you what a stigma and disaster that is, and Alabama's Bible country, our part, and the Tillmans were gentry. Earlier we talked about honor, it's true what I said, that we take honor seriously, and dishonor. May I?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gornt motioned to the champagne.\n\n\"Please.\" Malcolm did not know what else to say. The voice was lilting, pleasant, uninvolved, just a storyteller relating a history. For the moment, he thought grimly.\n\nGornt poured for Struan, then for himself. \"My mother and her mother were ostracized by society, and the Tillman family—even her brother—turned against her. When I was three my mother met a Virginian, a transplanted Englishman—Robert Gornt, gentleman, tobacco and cotton exporter, card-playing enthusiast from Richmond—who fell in love with Mother and she with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They left Montgomery and were married in Richmond." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The story they fabricated was that she was a widow, married at sixteen to a Yankee cavalry officer who had been killed in the Sioux Indian wars. She was nineteen then.\n\n\"Everything was more or less all right for several years. Until '42—the year after Dirk Struan practically single-handedly founded Hong Kong, the year before you were born. '42 was a bad year for Hong Kong with its Happy Valley fever plague, malaria, the Opium War with China, the great typhoon that obliterated the city there, and unholy bad for the Noble House because the same typhoon killed the great Dirk Struan.\" A sip of champagne. \"He was responsible for Wilf Tillman's death and for ruining the Tillman family.\"\n\n\"I know nothing about that. Are you sure?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gornt smiled his smile, no animosity behind it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Wilf Tillman was sick with the Happy Valley fever. Dirk Struan had cinchona bark that could have cured him, but wouldn't give or sell it to him, wanting him dead, like Jeff Cooper.\" His voice picked up an edge. \"The Boston Yankee wanted him dead.\"\n\n\"Why? And why should the tai-pan want Tillman dead?\"\n\n\"He hated him—he had different views than Wilf. Among other reasons, Wilf had slaves, not illegal at that time, or now, in Alabama. And to assist Cooper to take over the firm. After Wilf died, Jeff Cooper bought his shares for a pittance, and cut off my family's remaining money. Dirk was responsible.\"\n\nMalcolm said, \"We certainly have a joint venture with Cooper-Tillman in cinchona bark, Mr. Gornt, and are old friends. As to the rest, I know nothing about it, or believe it. I'll check the story the moment I get back to Hong Kong.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gornt shrugged. \"Years later Cooper admitted he had never approved of Wilf Tillman. His exact words were, 'Listen, young man, Wilf deserved everything he got, he was a slaver and useless, never did a day's work in his life, your Southern gentleman was vile. Dirk was right to give the little cinchona he had to others who he judged deserved it. It's been my work, mine, that made the company that's paid for your mother, stepfather and you all these years... '\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gornt's face twisted, then he was calm again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Outwardly. \"He said a few other things, suh, that... that's unimportant now. But cutting off funds, our rightful money, was very important. It was then the rows between Stepfather and Mother began and we moved, downwards. It wasn't till many years later I found out he had married her for her money, his cotton and tobacco businesses were shams, he was just a gambler and card player, not a successful one, and she had continually covered for him. When Mother was dying she told me all this. But he wasn't bad to me, evil to me, just dismissed me. I've been dismissed all my life. Now it's time for revenge.\"\n\n\"I don't see why you should blame me.\"\n\n\"I don't.\"\n\nMalcolm stared at him. \"I thought 'fighting irons, or swords' was the beginning.\"\n\n\"That wasn't my idea, I told you. I told Mr. Greyforth it won't work. He'll be laughed at if he tries to insist.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a pause Malcolm said, \"It sounds as though you don't like him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't like or dislike him. I'm here to learn from him for a month and then take over when he retires next year. That's the plan—if I decide to join Brock's.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You may have to take over sooner than you think.\" Malcolm's voice hardened. \"Next Wednesday—hopefully.\"\n\n\"You're set on having this duel?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"May I ask the real reason?\"\n\n\"He's gone out of his way to provoke me, surely at Brock's direction. It will be better for Struan's if he's removed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Will you try to remove me when I go against Struan's?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will oppose you, compete with you, stop you if I can—I wouldn't want to fight you.\" Malcolm smiled a good smile. \"This is a mad conversation, Mr. Gornt. It's mad to be so truthful and so open but we are and that's that. You said 'revenge.' You're determined to have at us, because of what my grandfather supposedly did to Wilf Tillman?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Gornt said with a smile. \"In due time.\"\n\n\"What about Jeff Cooper?\"\n\nThe smile vanished. \"Him too. In due time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, for a moment, Gornt's voice became thick with venom. \"But that's not most of the revenge I seek. I want to destroy Morgan Brock, to do that I need your help...\" He burst out laughing. \"My God, Mr. Struan, suh, sorry, but if you could only see yourself.\"\n\n\"Morgan?\" Malcolm spluttered.\n\n\"Yes.\" Gornt beamed. \"I can't do it alone. I've got to have your help—that's ironic, isn't it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Malcolm groped to his feet and shook himself like a dog and stretched and sat down again, his heart in overdrive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He poured another glass and spilled some on his desk and quaffed it and all the time Gornt watched and waited, pleased with the effect his words had had. It took Malcolm a little time to respond. \"Morgan? For God's sake, why?\"\n\n\"Because he seduced my mother when she was fifteen and ruined her life and abandoned her. In the Bible it says killing your father, patricide, is an unholy deed—my mama made me swear I'd not do it when she told me the truth of my parentage on her deathbed. So I'm not going to kill him, just ruin him.\" The words were said flatly, without emotion. \"To do that I need Struan's.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Malcolm took a deep breath and shook his head again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "None of this made sense to him though he believed it all—even Dirk Struan's behavior. Ayeeyah, so much to learn, he thought, and listened intently as Gornt continued, saying that Morgan was twenty at the time, apprenticed to Rothwell's and living in their countinghouse-residence, so it was easy for him to sneak into her bedroom: \"At fifteen what would such a girl know, the classic Southern belle, nurtured like a rare plant? When Rothwell found out, he fired him, of course, but Old Man Tyler Brock laughed and quietly and secretly bought a controlling interest in the firm an—\"\n\nMalcolm was shocked. \"Brock controls Rothwell's?\"\n\n\"He did, for a time, just enough to fire Rothwell and all their directors and appoint new ones. When Jeff Cooper found out, he had enough clout to force Old Man Brock to make it a hands-off deal, fifty-fifty. In return Jeff would run the company and keep it secret, particularly from Struan's. The deal's still in effect.\"\n\n\"Does Dmitri know?\"\n\n\"No. Nor Mr. Greyforth. I stumbled on the details when I was in London.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Malcolm's mind was working hard. Struan's had been involved with Rothwell's over the years but no one had ever said they had been poorly treated, or cheated. Then something Gornt had said ran to the front of his mind. \"Does Morgan know you know about him?\"\n\n\"I wrote to him in London when Mama died. He replied it was all news to him and denied it, but telling me if ever I was in London to come to see him. I did. Again he denied it. Nothing to do with him, he told me, he'd been blamed for the mischief of some other apprentice, nothing to do with him. I was destitute at that time so he found me a job of sorts, then helped me get into Rothwell's.\" Gornt sighed. \"Mama told me when Morgan had been confronted by Rothwell he had said that he would 'marry the slut if her dowry be ten thousand nicker a year.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A shudder took him though his face did not change, nor the flatness of his voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I could forgive Morgan everything, maybe, but never that, never 'the slut.' That's in writing from Rothwell, he's dead now but his letter isn't. Thanks for listening.\" He got up and stretched and started for the door.\n\n\"Wait,\" Malcolm said, startled, \"you can't finish there!\"\n\n\"I don't intend to, Mr. Struan, but this sort of talk, confession is perhaps a better word, is good for the soul but exhausting. Also I can't spend too much time here or Mr. Greyforth might be suspicious. I'll arrange about the pistols, and about shooting from twenty paces, then come back.\"\n\n\"Wait a minute, for God's sake! What help do you need? Why should I help you anyway? What do you want from me?\"\n\n\"Not much actually—you can kill Norbert Greyforth, but that's not essential,\" Gornt said with a laugh, then again became serious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"More important is what I can do for you. Before the end of January, the Brocks will crush Struan's, but that you already know, or should. I can stop them, for a price. As God is my witness, I can give you information that can turn their genius against themselves, to destroy Brock's forever.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Malcolm felt his heart turn over. If he could get Struan's off that barb his mother would concede whatever he wanted. He knew her too well. She'll give me anything I want, anything, he shouted silently, if I want her to become Catholic she'd even do that!\n\nWhatever the cost, he knew he would pay it, and pay gladly. \"The price—apart from revenge?\"\n\n\"When I come back.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "u know James Clavell? write like that. seven sentences sentences. historical fiction, Japan stuff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the Inn of the Lily, Phillip Tyrer was being massaged by a muscular Japanese woman with massive arms, her fingers of steel finding the pressure points, and she played them like a keyboard to his groans of pleasure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This House was not as delicate, or as expensive, as the Three Carp but the massage was the best he had ever had and took his mind off Fujiko and Nakama and André Poncin, and Sir William, who had been furious all morning, culminating at noon when the raging venom from the Club almost blew the roofs off Yokohama.\n\n\"As if it's my fault Parliament's gone mad,\" Sir William had shouted at the lunch table, the Admiral equally furious. \"Is it, Phillip?\"\n\n\"Of course not, Sir William,\" he had said, co-opted to the lunch against his wishes, the General the third guest.\n\n\"Parliament's always been arbitrary and stupid! Why the devil don't they let the Foreign Office run the colonies and have done with all the heartache? As for the shower called traders here, enough to make you spit blood.\"\n\nThe Admiral had growled, \"Fifty lashes with a cat-o'-nine-tails would make them toe the line, by God! Every man jack of them, especially journalists. Rotters, all of them.\"\n\nThe General had said smugly, still smarting from the dressing-down Sir William had given him over the riot, \"What can you do, my dear Sir William, except take it like a man? And Admiral, old chap, you were really asking for it by making public political statements. First rule for Flag Rank or general's stars I always thought was to keep the old head down, be circumspect with public orations and suffer in silence.\"\n\nAdmiral Ketterer's neck went purple." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William managed to interrupt the next broadside with: \"Phillip, I'm sure you have an abundance of work to do, for God's sake get the correspondence copied and the complaint to the Bakufu must go off today!\"\n\nHe had escaped thankfully. Nakama had greeted him affably, \"Ah, Taira-sama, I hope you better feeling. Mama-san Raiko ask me ask how hea'rth is, as you not keep appointment with Fujiko who is tears... who was in tears and—\"\n\n\"My health is fine. Last night I—I had a very pleasant time in the Inn of the Lily,\" he had said, astounded André's predictions had been so accurate. \"Fujiko? I'm having second thoughts about her contract, yes, by God, second thoughts!\" He had been delighted to see Nakama blink and was even more pleased that he could use his fright over Sir William's spleen during the morning and at lunch to act out André's plan.\n\n\"But Taira-sama, I th—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And we're not speaking English anymore today and no more questions about business. You can talk to Noble House McFay-sama and that's the end of that...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He groaned aloud as the masseuse probed deeply. Her fingers stopped at once. \"Iyé, dozo...\" No, please don't stop, he said in Japanese and the woman laughed, and replied, \"Don't worry, Lord, by the time I have dealt with this pallid, out-of-strength fishlike body of yours, you'll be ready for three of the best Lilies in the House.\"\n\nHe thanked her dully, not understanding but not caring. After three hours with Nakama in Japanese, and fielding more of the man's remarks about Raiko and her Inn—just as André had forecast—his head was spinning.\n\nIn time the woman began the soothing touches with knowing hands, fragrant with oil and she finished, wrapped him in a warm towel and left. He drifted off but woke as the shoji slid open and a girl came in and knelt beside him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She smiled and he smiled back and told her he was tired and please would she just sit there until he woke up, again following André's instructions." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The girl nodded and smiled and was quite content. She would get her fee anyway.\n\nAndré's a genius, he thought, equally contented, and went happily to sleep." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going 4 sentences at a time, also im going for a James Clavell sorta thing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good evening, Father Leo,\" Angelique said politely, knelt and kissed his hand, finding it hard to contain her revulsion against his strong odor. They were alone in the little church, the nave dimly lit, only a few candles burning, the dying sun coming through the small, poorly executed stained-glass window. There were few Catholics in the Settlement, the revenue miserly, even so the altar and crucifix were rich. Outside, in the sunset, Vargas waited to escort her back again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You wanted to see me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she asked innocently, knowing she had missed Mass again on Sunday." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her pink bonnet had been chosen carefully, also the long Kashmir shawl over her most maidenly afternoon dress of somber silk. \"How well you look, Father.\"\n\n\"I'm glad to see you, senhorita, my child,\" he said with his heavy Portuguese accent. \"You are not at Mass again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's the vapors, Father. I'm still recovering from the disorder... Dr. Babcott advised rest,\" she replied, her mind on what she would wear for tonight's birthday banquet for the Russian Minister, and what she could do to entertain Malcolm during the evening." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am sure by next week I will be better.\"\n\nI'm glad, my young and not so feeble teller of lies, Leo thought, disgusted with the perfidy of humanity. It's ungodly to dance at night and kick up your heels and show your unclothed nether parts. \"Never mind, I will confess you now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angelique could have yawned, he was so predictable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meekly she followed him into the confessional, knelt and went through the motions, glad for the screen between them, parroting her litany, comforted with the pact she had made with the Virgin Mary, repeating their code fervently, as always, \"... and Father, I forgot to ask the Blessed Mother for forgiveness in my prayers.\"\n\nHer absolution was quick, a modest penance of a few Hail Marys and she felt the better for it. She began to get up—\n\n\"Now, a private matter, my child. Two days ago Mr. Struan sent for me, privately, and asked me to marry you both.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She gasped, then smiled gloriously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, Father, how marvelous!\"\n\n\"Yes, my child, yes, it is. 'Please marry us as soon as possible,' the young Senhor Struan said, but it is difficult indeed.\" Night and day he had wrestled with the problem. An urgent letter had gone the same day to the Bishop of Macao, Catholic spiritual leader in Asia, begging for advice, equally urgently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very difficult for us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why, Father?\"\n\n\"Because he is not a Catholic an—\"\n\n\"But he has agreed our children are to be brought up in the True Church, he promised.\"\n\n\"Yes, yes, my child, he has—he has. He told me the same but he is not of marrying age, not without permission, nor are you, but I wanted to tell you secretly that, even so, I have asked His Eminence for permission to conduct the ceremony for the greater Glory of God, even so—with or without your father's... approval. I hear your father, he is missing, somewhere in French Indo-China or Siam, or somewhere.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Particulars of her father's frauds and flight had raced around the Settlement, but in deference to her had been kept quiet, also from Struan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If His Eminence agrees, I am sure Senhor Seratard, in loco parentis, he will agree, even so.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tightness in her throat did not go away. \"How long will it take for His Eminence to reply, to approve?\"\n\n\"By Christmas, around Christmas, before then, if he is in Macao and not travelling, visiting the Faithful in China, and if it is the will of God.\" As usual he sat facing away from the screen, ear close to it for whispered privacy, but now he glanced through the mesh and could see her vaguely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The matter I would like to discuss, privately, is the conversion of the Senhor.\"\n\nAgain she gasped. \"He said he would convert?\"\n\n\"No, no, he has not yet seen the Light, that's what I want to talk about.\" Father Leo leaned closer to the screen, savoring her nearness, choked with a desire he knew to be unholy and Satan-sent, the same that, on his knees, daily and nightly he fought against—as, in equal torment, he had fought against for as long as he had been within the Church." }, { "from": "human", "value": "God give me strength, God forgive me, he thought, almost in tears, wanting to reach out and fondle the breasts and the rest of her that was hidden by the screen and by her shawl and by her clothes and the wrath of God." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You must help... help him embrace the True Faith.\"\n\nAngelique was as far from the screen as she could be. Painstakingly, she eased the curtains open to reduce the claustrophobia the boxlike structure gave her. Confessionals never used to be like this, she thought, shuddering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's only since... since that which never happened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will help, Father. I will do as much as I can,\" she said, her nervousness increasing, and again began to leave.\n\n\"Wait!\"\n\nThe violence in the voice shocked her. \"Father?\"\n\n\"Please... wait, please wait, my child,\" the voice said nicely now, but the niceness was forced and this frightened her for it was no longer the voice of a priest and sacrosanct in a sanctified place, but of a stranger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We must talk about this marriage, and his conversion, my child, and beware of evil influences, yes, we must, conversion is a must... a must as preparation for... for Eternity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Must,' Father?\" she muttered. \"Were you about to say, 'must as preparation for marriage'?\"\n\n\"For... for Eternity,\" the voice said.\n\nShe stared at the shadow behind the screen, sure that he was lying, appalled that she could even consider it, let alone believe it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will help all I can,\" she said, and got up and groped through the curtains for air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he stood in her path. She noticed sweat on his forehead and that he towered over her, in height and bulk. \"It's for his own... his own salvation. His, my child. It would be better—better before.\"\n\n\"Are you saying, Father, his conversion is a must before you will marry us?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she asked, in dread." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is not to me the conditions, what His Eminence decides governs us, we are faithful servants!\"\n\n\"In my fiancé's Church, he has not said I must become Protestant, of course I cannot force him either.\"\n\n\"He must be made to see the Truth! This is a Godsent gift, this marriage. Protestant? That heresy? Apostasy? Unthinkable, you'd be lost forever, doomed, excommunicated, your eternal soul consigned to everlasting torment in the Fire, to burn, to burn forever!\"\n\nShe kept her eyes down and was barely coherent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For me, yes, for him... millions believe otherwise.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're all mad, lost, doomed, and forever they'll burn!\" The voice hardened even more. \"They will! We must convert the heathen. The Malcolm Struan must con—\"\n\n\"I'll try. Good-bye, Father, thank... I'll try,\" she mumbled, and stepped around him and hurried away. At the door she turned back a moment and genuflected and went out into the light, him standing in the aisle, his back to the altar, all the time his voice ringing in the rafters, \"Be an instrument of God, convert the heathen, if you love God save this man, save him from purgatory, if you love God save him, help me save him from Hellfire, save him for the Glory of God, you must... before you marry, save him... let us save him... save him...\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like James Clavell in the historical fiction, Japan genre and use whatever I write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That evening a samurai patrol came out of the guard house at the North Gate. Ten warriors, fully armed with swords and light battle armor, an officer at their head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He led the way over the bridge and passed the barrier into the Settlement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One man carried a tall, narrow banner with characters on it. The leading samurai held flares aloft that cast weird shadows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The High Street and the seafront walk were still busy in the pleasant evening." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Traders, soldiers, sailors, shopkeepers taking a constitutional or standing in groups, chatting and laughing, here and there, with a few singsongs and drunks and one or two wary male prostitutes. Down on the beach some sailors had lit a fire and were dancing a tipsy hornpipe around it, a transvestite amongst them, and from the distance came the noisy undercurrent of Drunk Town." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ominous presence was noticed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People stopped in their tracks. Conversation hesitated in midsentence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then ceased. All eyes turned northwards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Those nearest the patrol backed out of the way. Not a few felt for a revolver and cursed that it was not in the pocket or holster." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Others retreated and an off-duty soldier near an alley took to his heels to summon the Marine night watch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the matter, suh?\" Gornt asked.\n\n\"Nothing, yet,\" Norbert said, his face grim." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were amongst a group on the promenade but still well away from the samurai who paid no attention whatsoever to the silent crowd watching them, slouching along out of step as was their custom." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lunkchurch sidled up to them. \"You armed, Norbert?\"\n\n\"No. Are you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am, suh.\" Gornt took out his tiny pistol. \"But it won't make much of a dent in them if they're hostile.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When in doubt, young feller,\" Lunkchurch said hoarsely, \"take a powder, I always say.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stuck out his hand to Gornt before he hurried off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Barnaby Lunkchurch, Mr. Gornt, pleased to meet you. Welcome to Yokopoko. I've seen you in the Club, hear you play bridge—anytime.\"\n\nEveryone was quietly easing out of range." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Drunks had suddenly become sober." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All were very much on guard, the speed of a sudden samurai rush with flailing swords too well known. Norbert had already chosen a line of retreat should it prove necessary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he saw the Marine night watch come out of the side street on the double, rifles ready, a sergeant at their head, to take up a commanding, though not provocative, position and he relaxed. \"Nothing to worry about now. Do you always carry that, Edward?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh yes, suh, always. I thought I'd told you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, you didn't,\" he said curtly. \"Can I see it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Certainly. It's loaded, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The pistol was tiny but deadly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Double-barrelled. Two bronze cartridges. Silver-sheathed hilt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He gave it back, hard eyed. \"Neat. It's American?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"French. My pa gave it to me when I went to England. Said he'd won it from a riverboat gambler, the only thing he gave me in his life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gornt laughed softly, both of them watching the approaching samurai. \"I even sleep with it, suh, but I've only fired it once. That was at a lady who was sneaking off with my wallet in the dead of night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You hit her?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, suh, wasn't trying to, just parted her hair, to frighten her. A lady shouldn't steal, should she, suh?\"\n\nNorbert grunted and put his eyes back on the samurai, seeing Gornt in a new light, a dangerous one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The patrol walked down the center of the road, sentries in front of the British, French and Russian legations—the only ones with permanent guards—quietly cocked their rifles, already warned. \"Safety catches on! No firing, lads, till I says,\" the Sergeant growled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Grimes, go warn his Nibs, he's with the Russkies, third house down the street, quietly now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The soldier slid away. Streetlamps of the promenade flickered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everyone waited anxiously. The strutting officer approached impassively." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mean-looking bastard, ain' he, Sar'nt?\" a sentry whispered, his hands slick on his rifle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're all mean-looking bastards. Easy now.\"\n\nThe officer came abreast of the British Legation and barked a command." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His men stopped and formed up facing the gate as he stomped forward and spoke guttural Japanese at the Sergeant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A sharp silence. More impatient, imperious words, clearly orders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wot you want, cookie?\" the Sergeant asked thinly, half a metre taller." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again the ugly sentences, more angrily.\n\n\"Anyone knows wot he's saying?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "the Sergeant called out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No answer, then Johann, the interpreter, carefully came out of the fringe of the crowd, bowed to the officer who bowed back perfunctorily, and spoke to him in Dutch. The officer replied in Dutch, searching for the words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Johann said, \"He's got a message, a letter, for Sir William, has to deliver it personally.\"\n\n\"Don't know about that, Mister, not with them bloody swords at his side.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The officer started towards the Legation gate and all safety catches came off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped. A furious tirade at the Sergeant and sentries. All samurai eased their swords a quarter length out of their scabbards and took a defensive stance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Down the road the Marine patrol moved into riot order." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everyone waited for the first mistake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At that moment Pallidar and two other dragoon officers hurried out from the Russian Legation just down the street, in evening dress uniform, dress swords. \"I'll take charge, Sergeant,\" Pallidar said. \"What's the problem?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Johann told him. Pallidar, well rehearsed in Japanese customs now, went over to the officer, bowed, made sure the officer bowed equally." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell him I'll accept the letter. I'm aide-de-camp to Sir William,\" he said, exaggerating.\n\n\"He says, Sorry, his orders are to do it personally.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell him I'm authorized t—\"\n\nSir William's voice stopped him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Captain Pallidar—just a moment! Johann, who's this letter from?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood on the threshold of the Russian bungalow, Zergeyev and others crowding the entrance beside him.\n\nThe officer pointed at the banner and snapped more words and Johann called out, \"He says it's from the tairō but I guess he means the roju, the Elders. He's been ordered to deliver it at once, personally.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right, I'll take it. Tell him to come over here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Johann translated. Imperiously the officer beckoned Sir William to come to him but Sir William called out, even more sharply, with even less courtesy, \"Tell him I'm at dinner. If he doesn't step up right now, he can deliver it tomorrow.\"\n\nJohann was too practiced to translate exactly and only gave just enough emphasis to transfer the meaning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai officer sucked in his breath with fury, then stomped over to the Russian gate, brushed past the two huge bearded sentries and stood before Sir William, clearly waiting for him to bow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Keirei!\" Sir William barked. Salute!—one of the few words he allowed himself to know. \"Keirei!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The officer flushed but automatically bowed. He bowed as to an equal, seethed even more when he saw Sir William just nod as to an inferior, but then, he thought, this foul little man is the leader gai-jin with a reputation for anger as vile as his smell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When we attack I will personally kill him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took out the scroll, went forward and handed it over, stepped back, bowed perfectly, waited until his bow was returned, however rudely, completely satisfied that he had bested the enemy. To rid himself of his anger, he cursed his men and strode off as though they did not exist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They followed, seething at the gai-jin rudeness.\n\n\"Where the devil's Tyrer?\" Sir William asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pallidar said, \"I'll send someone to find him.\"\n\n\"No, ask Johann to join me, will you please?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No need for that, Sir William,\" Erlicher, the Swiss Minister said, \"if it's in Dutch I can read it for you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, but it best be Johann as he knows some Japanese too,\" Sir William said, not wanting to share anything in advance with any foreigner, particularly one who openly represented a small but growing, highly specialized armament industry anxious for exports, with a reputation based on the extraordinary and unique quality of their watchmakers, one of the few areas where British manufacturers could not compete.\n\nThe dining room, largest room in the bungalow, contained a table for twenty ladened with fine silver and serving plates." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All Ministers were guests, except von Heimrich who was still sick, Struan, Angelique at the head of the table, some French and British officers, with two liveried servants behind each seat and more to serve. \"Can I use the anteroom, Count Zergeyev?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William said in Russian." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course.\" Count Zergeyev opened the door. They waited a moment until Johann hurried in and he closed it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'Evening, Sir William,\" Johann said, pleased that he had been called." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would be the first to know what this was all about, and could continue to be useful, profitably, to his own country's Minister. He broke the seal of the scroll and sat down also." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dutch and Japanese. It's short.\" Rapidly he scanned it, frowned, reread it and then again and laughed nervously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's addressed to you, the British Minister and says: 'I communicate with you by dispatch. By order of Shōgun Nobusada received from Kyōto, all ports are to be closed at once and all foreigners expelled and driven out, not nee—'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Driven out? Driven out, did you say?\" The bellow went through the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An uneasy pall fell on the dinner guests." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Johann winced. \"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir, that's what it says: 'and driven out, not needing or wanting any dealings between foreigners and our people. I send you this before commanding an immediate meeting to make final particulars of your urgent withdrawal from Yokohama. Respectful communication.'\"\n\n\"Respectful? God-cursed bloody impertinence, by God...\"\n\nThe tirade continued. When Sir William paused for breath, Johann said, \"It's signed 'Nori Anjo—Tairō.' As I understand it, Sir William, that's almost like Dictator—he's gone up in the world.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write in the historical fiction, Japan genre and use whatever I write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The column of guards that had been relieved trudged homewards, four men abreast, Yoshi still disguised as a foot soldier amongst them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although they had been warned in advance to treat him as such, they were finding it difficult not to sneak a glance, or apologize when coming too close." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the soldiers was a shishi informer named Wataki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had had no opportunity to warn of this unique opportunity for an ambush." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi was tired but content." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At length Ogama had agreed to everything so now he could leave Kyōto with the Gates safe in Shōgunate hands and the Shōgunate safe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a time—enough time, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My gamble is great, and my scheme filled with holes that will worry Ogama if he sees them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It does not matter, surely he plans to betray me anyway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never mind, it was the best I could do, and should be workable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Impossible for me to accept the invitation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The day had improved now, the sun jousting with clouds for possession of the sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hardly noticed it or his surroundings, his mind occupied with all the details of his departure, who to tell, what to do about Koiko and General Akeda, who to take with him, and his overall concern: would he be in time to minimize the damage in Yedo?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First a bath and massage, decisions afterwards..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes focused and he became aware of the streets as they marched along, the pedestrians, stalls and ponies and kagas and palanquins, the houses and hovels and stalls and children and fish sellers and hawkers and soothsayers and scribes and all the bustle of the markets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a completely new experience for him to be one of many, incognito in the column, and he began to enjoy this completely different perspective." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon he was gawking like a country person at the sights and sounds and smells of the city he had never seen before, wanting to stop, to intermingle with the crowds, to experience them, what they thought and did and ate and where they slept." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Soldier,\" he whispered to the young man beside him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where do you go when you're off duty?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"M-me, Lord?\" the man stuttered, and almost dropped his spear, appalled at being talked to by the Most High, wanting to kneel at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Me, I... go and drink, Sire...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't call me 'Sire,'\" Yoshi hissed, startled by the sudden confusion his question had caused in all those nearby, some of whom missed their footing and almost broke ranks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Act normally—do not look at me! All of you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The soldier offered apologies, and those nearby tried to do what he had ordered, finding it almost impossible now that their Lord Yoshi had broken the spell of invisibility." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Sergeant glanced around and came back anxiously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Everything all right, Lord? Is ev—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, yes, Sergeant. Return to your post!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Automatically the Sergeant bowed and obeyed, the soldiers picked up their step and continued onwards—their barracks a hundred metres ahead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To Yoshi's relief this minor confusion went unnoticed by the crowd alongside who had been bowing as the column passed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it had been noticed by two men further down the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were the shishi lookout, Ruru, and his replacement, Rushan, a young Tosa ronin, who had that moment arrived at the street stall not far from the Toranaga gateway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Am I drunk, Rushan? A sergeant bowing to a foot soldier. A sergeant?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I saw it too, Izuru,\" the other whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look at the soldier. There, you can see him now, the tall one near the back, look how he carries his spear. He is not used to it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Right, but... What is it about him, eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"See how the others watch him without watching!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With growing excitement they scrutinized the soldier intently as the column approached." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though the soldier's weapons were the same and uniform and everything the same, there was no mistaking a major difference: in carriage, step, the physical qualities of the man, however much he pretended to slouch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Yoshi,\" both men said simultaneously, and Rushan added at once, \"He's mine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, mine,\" Izuru said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I saw him first!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rushan whispered, committed, so impatient he could hardly talk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Both of us, together we have a better chance.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, keep your voice down. One man one time, that was Katsumata's order and we agreed. He is mine. Signal me when!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Heart pumping, Rushan eased through the pedestrians and other customers to a better attack position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They bowed politely, taking him for one of the many, ordinary, low-rank samurai off duty from one of the ceremonial garrisons and gave him no more attention, preparing to bow to the approaching column." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rushan's new position was on the edge of the roadway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A last look to place his quarry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he sat on a stool with his back towards the column, eyes on his friend Izuru, completely at peace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His death poem for his parents was in the hands of his village shoya, given years ago when he and ten other student samurai had rebelled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were all goshi and had rebelled when they were refused entrance to the school for higher education—their parents could not afford the necessary bribes to local officials." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had killed the officials, declared themselves ronin and for sonno-joi, and fled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of the ten, he alone was still alive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon to die, he thought gloriously, knowing he was prepared, trained, at the height of his power and that Izuru would be his witness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Izuru was just as ardent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had already decided on his own attack plan if Rushan failed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Confidently, he moved into a better spot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His gaze left the patrol and went to the gateway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Guards were preparing for the ritual of checking the others back through the barricade." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once he noticed there was more bustling, and barking orders than usual, the men smarter and more nervous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He cursed to himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They know! Of course they know and have known since the column left!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That explains why they have been so jittery and irritable all morning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They all knew Lord Yoshi was loose outside and in disguise. But why?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And where's he been? Ogama!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But why?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Were they planning another ambush on us?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Are we betrayed again?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the time his eyes darted back and forth, never forgetting Rushan, gauging distances and timing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Already many pedestrians and shoppers close by were bowing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Any moment the officer would halt the column, the officer of the gate would come to meet him, both would bow, together they would inspect the incoming men and then they would all march away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The officer held up his hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The column shuffled to a halt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now,\" Izuru said almost audibly, and gestured." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rushan saw the signal and dashed for the tail of the column twenty metres away, his long sword poised in a two-handed grip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He burst through the first two men, sending them sprawling before they or any of the soldiers realized they were being attacked, and hacked at Yoshi who stared at him blankly for a split second." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only Yoshi's honed instinct made him lurch towards the death blow, diverting it into a stupefied soldier beside him who screamed and went down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shrieking \"sonno-joi\" in the sudden shouting melee around him, Rushan jerked the blade out as soldiers fought for space, shoving each other out of the way, other guards rushing from the gateway, bystanders everywhere gaping and paralyzed, Wataki, the shishi informer, as surprised as any of the soldiers, and terrified he would become involved or betrayed by this shishi he recognized who had appeared out of nowhere." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wataki saw Rushan strike again and held his breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Yoshi had recovered his balance though had no time yet to draw his sword so he used the haft of his spear against the blow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rushan's sword sliced through it easily but the blade twisted and slowed slightly, giving Yoshi just enough time to lunge and grab the sword hilt left-handed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once Rushan's right hand flashed to his short sword, ripped it out and stabbed for the belly, a classic gambit in hand-to-hand fighting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again Yoshi was prepared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had let the spear fall and jammed his right forearm against Rushan's wrist to deflect the blade into his cloak to entangle it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instantly Rushan let go and his hand, now a murderous weapon with fingers like rock-hard talons, and nails like claws, stabbed for Yoshi's eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The nails missed the eyes but sank in below them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi gasped. A lesser trained man would have released his grip on his assailant's long sword hilt and would have died." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blindly he hung on, now with two hands, to the man who flayed impotently, out of control now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This gave a soldier behind Rushan the opening to grab him around the throat, and Wataki, knowing the fight was lost and petrified the shishi would be captured alive, thankfully drove his short sword into Rushan's lower back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The strength of the blow thrust the blade right through him. Rushan cried out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blood seeped from his mouth, but he fought on, though blind with death as his life soared upwards and outwards and ended." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Barely a minute had passed since the first attack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though his own glands generated panic, Yoshi felt the life go out of the man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And the sudden weight of the body against him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he did not let go until he was completely sure the man was truly dead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even then he allowed other hands to pull the corpse away and let it fall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blood covered him. He discovered quickly that it was not his." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His good fortune did not dissipate his fury at the men nearby who had failed to be alert, failed to move into a protective screen, leaving him to do the fighting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He cursed them, ordering the whole troop inside, on their knees, their swords broken, except the two who had helped him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, panting, he looked around." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The busy street was almost empty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the shouting, milling skirmish surrounding the lone attacker was seen to be what it was, and in seconds Yoshi's hat torn off and he was recognized, a hum of astonishment had gone through the common folk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once, two or three sidled away, heads averted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Others followed. The cautious dribble became a floodtide, no one wanting to be held as a witness or even accused of being an accomplice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Izuru was one of the first to leave when he saw there was no reasonable expectation a second attack would succeed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rushan mishandled the attack, he thought, walking down the predetermined side street, well shielded by departing crowds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fool should have hacked the head off one of the first two as a diversion, then on the recovery used the same fluid, brutal force to swing back on the prime target, waist-high." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No likelihood of Yoshi escaping that blow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "None. Katsumata would be furious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He demonstrated it enough times, told us enough times." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A unique opportunity wasted!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And as for allowing Yoshi to catch his hilt and parry the belly thrust..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rushan deserved to be captured alive and used for sword practice!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wait, perhaps it was better this way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Rushan was so inept in his supreme duel, he probably would have broken and given away our safe houses, the ones he knew about." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You can't trust Tosa people, shishi or not!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But why was Toranaga Yoshi taking such a risk?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were shouts behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soldiers were chasing the last of the crowds to catch some as witnesses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No chance that he would be caught, no need to hurry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rain began again. The wind picked up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pulled his cloak around him, glad for it and his hat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Down another puddled alley, into another, across a bridge, the wooden slats slippery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon he was safe in a maze of slippery little streets that led to a back entrance in the wall of a great dwelling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guard recognized him, let him pass, waving him toward the secret shishi safe house lost in the vast gardens." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man's uniform carried the insignia of Lord Chancellor Wakura." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the street of the Toranaga Headquarters the stall keeper was being hustled to the guard house, loudly protesting that he knew nothing, was nothing and begged to be allowed to go—he had dared not vanish with the others as he was too well known there." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few stragglers who had been caught were shoved after him. The awning of the stall flapped miserably in the wind and rain." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around 4 sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of James Clavell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the night Sumomo lay on warm futons and under coverlets in their outer room, one arm under her head, sleepy but not tired, and tranquil." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From the inner room she could hear Yoshi's regular breathing, Koiko's hardly perceptible. Outside were night sounds. A dog barking somewhere, night insects, wind in the foliage, occasionally a guard muttering to another, pots and pans clattering from the early kitchen detail.\n\nHer first sleep had been fine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two days of exercise and vigorous massage and freedom had made her feel vibrant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And, too, the compliments from Koiko about the way she had arranged her hair tonight as Teko had taught her—and how to add color to her lips—had also pleased her.\n\nEverything was succeeding better than she had dreamed. Her immediate objective had been achieved. She had been accepted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were on the way to Yedo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To Hiraga. She was an innermost part of Yoshi's entourage, poised. Katsumata had said, \"Do not be impetuous. Under no circumstance put yourself at risk unless there is a chance of escape. Close to him you are of enormous value, do not ruin that or involve Koiko.\"\n\n\"She will not know about me?\"\n\n\"Only what I told her, the same that you know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then she is already involved, no? So sorry, I mean, because of her Yoshi may accept me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He will make that decision, not her. No, Sumomo, she is not your accomplice. If she was to discover your real connection, particularly about Hiraga, and your possible purpose, she would stop it—she would have to stop it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Possible purpose? Please, what is my prime duty?\"\n\n\"To be ready. Better a waiting sword than a corpse.\"\n\nI have no sword, she thought. Perhaps I could grab one from a guard if I could surprise him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have three shuriken, poison-tipped, hidden in my bundle beside me, and of course my obi knife always on my person. More than enough, with surprise. Eeee, life is very strange. Strange that I should prefer being on my own with my own mission—so alien to our normal way of life, always being part of a unit, thinking as one, agreeing as one in our culture of consensus." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I enjoyed being with the unit of shishi, and yet..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And yet to be honest—\"Always be honest to yourself, Sumomochan,\" her father had said, over and over, \"that is your way to the future, for a leader.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To be honest I found it difficult to curb my urge to lead them, even shishi, and to bend them to the correct path and thinking.\n\nIs that my karma, to lead? Or is it to die unfulfilled because it is truly stupid for a woman to wish to be a leader in the world of Nippon. Strange to want the impossible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why am I like that, not like other women? Is it because father had no sons and treated us, his daughters, as sons, telling us to be strong and to stand up and never to be afraid, even allowing me, over Mother's advice, to follow Hiraga and his equally impossible star...?\n\nShe sat up in the futons a moment, tousling her hair to try to clear her head and prevent her mind from so many new and untrammeled thoughts, then lay back again. But sleep would not arrive, only permutations of Hiraga and Koiko and Yoshi and Katsumata, and her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Strange about Yoshi: \"We must kill him and the Shōgun,\" Katsumata had said, over the years, so many times, and Hiraga, \"not for themselves but because of what they represent. Power will never return to the Emperor while they remain alive. So they must go, chiefly Yoshi—he is the glue that binds the Shōgunate. Sonno-joi is our beacon, any sacrifice must be made to achieve it!\"\n\nA pity to kill Lord Toranaga. Another pity that he is a good man and not vile, not vile like Anjo, not that I have ever seen him. Perhaps Anjo is also a kind man and everything said about him merely lies of jealous fools." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In this short time I have seen Yoshi for what he is: Dynamic, kind, strong, wise and impassioned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And Koiko? How wonderful she is, though how sad, so sad to be so doomed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Remember what she said: \"The curse of our World is that as much as you bind and train yourself with all manner of defenses and resolves to treat a client as just a client, from time to time one appears who turns your head into jelly, your resolve into froth and your loins into a fireball. When it happens it is frighteningly, gloriously terrible. You are lost, Sumomo. If the gods favor you, you die together. Or you die when he leaves, or you allow yourself to stay alive but you are dead even so.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not going to allow that to happen when I'm grown,\" Teko had piped up, overhearing them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not me. Have you been turned to jelly, Mistress?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Koiko had laughed. \"Many times, child, and you have forgotten one of your most important lessons: to close your ears when others are talking. Off to bed with you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Has Koiko's head really been turned to jelly? Yes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As a woman I know she considers Lord Yoshi more than a client, however much she tries to hide it. Where will it end? Sadly, so very sad. He will never make her consort." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And me? Will it be the same with me? Yes, I think so—what I told Lord Yoshi was the truth: I will have no other husband but Hiraga. \"It's the truth...\" she muttered aloud, and that brought her out of the downward spiral. \"Stop it,\" she murmured, following the method of her childhood, of her mother crooning: \"Think only good thoughts, little one, for this is the World of Tears soon enough, think bad thoughts and in a blink of the eye you are in the black pit of despair. Think good thoughts...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She made the effort and turned her mind: only Hiraga makes life worthwhile.\n\nA shiver went through her body as a new concept sprang at her with a shocking strength of reality: Foolish this sonno-joi! It is just a slogan. As if it will change anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few leaders will change, that is all." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Will the new ones be any better? No, except yes, if Hiraga is one, perhaps yes, if Katsumata is one but, ah, so sorry, they will not live that long.\n\nThen why follow them?\n\nA tear slid down her cheek. Because Hiraga turns my head to jelly, my loins..." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around 6 sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: James Clavell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the dawn Yoshi slid out of bed and padded through to the outer room, his sleeping yukata tucked up, breath visible in the cold air. Koiko stirred, saw that he was all right, and dozed off again. In the outer room Sumomo's futons and bedclothes were already packed away in the side cupboard, the low table already set for their breakfast, their two cushions neatly in place.\n\nOutside the cold was sharper. He stepped into straw sandals and went along the veranda to the outhouse, nodded to the waiting manservant and chose an unoccupied bucket in the line of buckets and began to relieve himself. His flow was strong and that pleased him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Other men stood beside him. He paid no attention to them, or they to him. Idly he directed the stream at the swarming, ever present flies, not expecting to drown one of them.\n\nWhen he had finished he moved to the other part and squatted over a vacant hole in the bench, men and some women either side, Sumomo one of them. In his mind he was alone, his ears and eyes and nostrils shut tight against their presence as theirs were against everyone else.\n\nThis imperative ability was painstakingly cultivated from infancy: \"You must work at this like nothing else, little one, you must, or your life will be unbearable\" was drummed into him, as it was every child." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here where we live cheek by cheek, children and parents and grandparents and maids and more in each tiny house, where all walls are made of paper, privacy has to be cultivated in your head and can only exist there, your own and also as the essential politeness to others. Only this way can you be tranquil, only this way can you be civilized, only this way can you remain sane.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Absently, he waved at the flies. Once when he was young he had lost his temper at two or three that were plaguing him and had tried to smash them to pieces. It had earned him an immediate smack around the face, his cheeks burning with hurt, but more with shame that he had caused his mother grief, and her need to administer the punishment.\n\n\"So sorry, my son,\" she said softly. \"Flies are like sunrise and sunset, inevitable, except they can be a torment—if you allow them to be. You must learn to dismiss them. Every day, for part of each day for as many days as necessary, please, stand there and let them crawl on your face and hands without moving. Until they become nothing. Flies must become nothing-use your will, that is what you are given it for. They must become nothing to you, then they'll not cause you to ruin your harmony or, worse, ruin the harmony of others...\"\n\nNow, sitting there, he felt the odd fly on his back and face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They did not offend him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quickly he was done. The rice paper was of good quality. Feeling very alive and well, he held out his hands for the servant to pour water over them. When his hands were clean, he doused water from another container onto his face, shivered, accepted a small towel and dried himself, stepped back onto the veranda and consciously opened his senses.\n\nAround him the Inn was stirring, the few ponies being saddled and groomed, men, women, children, porters already eating and chatting noisily, or leaving for the next stage of their journey, to or from Kyōto. In the common area near the entrance gate, Abeh was checking men and equipment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he saw Yoshi he joined him.\n\nBecause people were about he did not bow, finding that very hard. His uniform was smart and he was refreshed. \"Good morning.\" He just managed to bite back the \"sir.\" \"We are ready to leave whenever it pleases you.\"\n\n\"After breakfast. Arrange a palanquin for Lady Koiko.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At once. For ponies, or porters?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ponies.\" Yoshi strolled back to his quarters and told Koiko she would not be riding today, that he would see how much progress they made and then, tonight, he would decide. Sumomo would ride as usual.\n\nBy evening they barely made two stations." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Narrative Extension Protocol:\nQuantity: 6 sentences\nGenre Classification: historical fiction, Japan" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi chose the Inn of the Cranes for the night, neither the best nor the worst in the village of Hamamatsu—a pleasing collection of houses and Inns straddling the Tokaidō, renowned for its saké, where the road curled down towards the sea.\n\nAfter eating alone as usual, Yoshi went to join Koiko—if they ate together invariably, by custom, she would take almost nothing, having intentionally eaten beforehand so she could concentrate on his needs. Tonight it was his pleasure to play a game of Go. This was a complex game of strategy, played with counters and similar to draughts.\n\nBoth of them were good players, but Koiko was a virtuoso, so much so that she could, almost always, win or lose at whim. This made the game doubly difficult for her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had ordered her never to lose deliberately, but he himself was a bad loser. If she won on a wrong day he would sulk. A win for him on one of his bad days would get him out of any ill humor.\n\nTonight he won. Narrowly. \"Oh, Sire, you've destroyed me!\" she said. \"And I thought I had you beaten!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were in her inner room, sitting with their legs in the small pit under the low table with a tiny charcoal brazier in it, and a thick padded cloth over the table tucked around them to keep drafts out and the heat in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you warm enough?\"\n\n\"Yes, thank you, Koiko. How are your aches and pains?\"\n\n\"Oh, I have none. The masseuse was very good tonight.\" She called out, \"Sumomo, saké and tea, please.\"\n\nIn the outer room Sumomo fetched the flask and teapot from another brazier, opened the shoji, and brought them in. She served both well and Koiko nodded with satisfaction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He said, \"Have you learned the tea ceremony, Sumomo?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire,\" Sumomo said, \"but—but I am afraid I am sadly lacking in skill.\"\n\n\"Lord Yoshi is a master,\" Koiko said, and sipped the saké, glad for it. Her rump and back ached from the day's jolting in the palanquin, her thighs from the two days of riding, and her head from the effort of losing while appearing to covet victory. All of which she hid, and the fact that her spirits were down over the lack of progress today. Clearly this had disappointed him. But then, she thought, we both knew another forced march was not possible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He must go on and I will follow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It will be good to be without him for a while. This life is wearing, however wonderful he is.\n\nThey drank peacefully. Then he said, \"Tomorrow, early, I will go on with thirty men, leaving ten with you, Abeh in charge. You will follow me to Yedo leisurely.\"\n\n\"Of course. With your permission, may I follow as quickly as possible?\"\n\nHe smiled. \"That would please me, but only as long as you arrive not aching, either in body or in spirit.\"\n\n\"Even if I was, your smile would instantly cure me. Another game?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but not Go!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She laughed. \"Then I must make some preparations.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She got up and went to the outer room, closing the shoji after her. He heard her talking to Sumomo but paid them no attention, his mind occupied with tomorrow, Yedo and gai-jin.\n\nTheir voices died away as they went out. He finished his saké, enjoying it, then walked into the innermost room where the futons and padded coverlets were spread over impeccable tatami. Winter landscapes and colors were the dominant decorations. He took off his padded yukata, shivered, and slipped under the eiderdown." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Koiko returned he heard her pottering in the outer room, then she came in and she went straight to the bathroom where there were containers for the night, should they be needed, jugs of water to drink, and others for washing. \"I sent Sumomo to sleep in another room tonight,\" she called out to him, \"and asked Abeh to post a guard outside with orders not to disturb you till dawn.\"\n\n\"Why did you do that?\"\n\nShe came back into the room. \"This is our last night for a time—I mentioned to him I would not be travelling with you tomorrow—and I wanted you totally to myself.\" Leisurely she stepped out of her kimono and snuggled beside him.\n\nThough he had seen her naked many times, and felt her touch many times, and slept with her many times, tonight was many times better than it had ever been." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "NarrativeBot: Extend text by seven sentences sentences. Replicate James Clavell's style. Maintain historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the palace in Kyōto, one of the Lord Chancellor's spies knocked on his bedroom door, waking him, and handed him the carrier pigeon message container. \"This has just been intercepted, Lord.\"\n\nThe tiny cylinder was addressed to Chief Bakufu Palace Advisor, Saito, and bore the personal seal of Tairō Nori Anjo. He hesitated, then broke the seal with a manicured nail.\n\nAnjo had sent the message at dawn:\n\nThe gai-jin leader has insolently rejected the Imperial command to leave Yokohama and they are preparing to invade us. Draft the Order for National Mobilization for the Emperor's signature which, with this document, I formally request the Emperor to sign at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then send copies urgently to all daimyos. Make arrangements for Shōgun Nobusada to return to Yedo at once to head our forces, the Princess Yazu can, preferably should, stay in Kyōto. Lord Yoshi is formally required to return at once.\n\nThe Lord Chancellor thought a while, smugly decided Saito would be overruled and the Emperor advised never to sign a mobilization order. With great care he replaced the message and resealed the tube with his secret duplicate seal.\n\n\"Put it back, make sure it is delivered,\" he said, and when alone, he chuckled. War! Good. Anjo was the perfect choice for tairō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They will all drown in their own urine, along with all gai-jin, and Yoshi, all of them." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Except the Princess. She will stay, to become a widow—the sooner the better." } ]