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Dans-Prosemaxx-Cowriter-M

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[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start (might include ongoing story elements), then u do six sentences in James Clavell's voice ok?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Malcolm waited all day but the stranger did not return. It did not worry him. That night he dined alone. Angelique had said she was tired, too many parties and late nights and an early night would do her good. \"So, my darling Malcolm, I shall just eat a snack in my room and do my hair and then into dream time. Tonight I love you and leave you... you are abandoned.\" He did not mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His brain brimmed with so much hope that he was afraid if she had stayed he would have to confide in her—and when Jamie dropped by early in the evening he had to stop himself blurting out the fantastic news." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include this dialogue snippet naturally: \"You seem so—so... as though the weight of the world has fallen off you. Haven't seen you looking so good in weeks. But you have had good news?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Heavenly found an answer?\" Jamie asked.\n\n\"No, good Lord no, not yet. Why?\"\n\n\"You seem so—so... as though the weight of the world has fallen off you. Haven't seen you looking so good in weeks. But you have had good news?\"\n\nMalcolm grinned. \"Perhaps I've turned a corner and am really getting better.\"\n\n\"Hope so. Your accident on top of everything else... I just don't know how you do it. With all that's happened in the last few weeks, I'm truly tired, and that fellow Gornt's the last straw. Something about him frightens me.\"\n\n\"How so?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't know, just a feeling. Maybe he's not as harmless as he seems.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie hesitated. \"Do you have a minute to chat?\"\n\n\"Of course, sit down. Brandy? Help yourself.\"\n\n\"Thanks.\" Jamie poured a small measure from the sideboard, then pulled the other high-backed armchair beside the fire opposite him. The curtains were drawn against the night, the suite cozy. Nice smell of wood smoke and the sound of ships' bells from the fleet in the bay also comforting. \"A couple of things: One way or another I want to go back to Hong Kong for a couple of days—before Christmas.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'you're' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To see Mother?\"\n\nJamie nodded and sipped his brandy. \"I'd like to be on Prancing Cloud. She'll dock... why the smile?\"\n\n\"You're one jump ahead of me. I was planning to be aboard her too.\"\n\nJamie blinked, then smiled seraphically. \"You've changed your mind and you're going to do what she says?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not exactly.\" Malcolm told him his plan about Prancing Cloud and saw Jamie's euphoria evaporate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't worry, I'm a much better shot than Norbert, and providing he agrees to shoot from twenty paces without the walk he's as dead as the dodo—if I decide to kill him. Forget Norbert. Angelique: if we can't smuggle her aboard, I say 'we' because you always were part of the plan, you bring her by the next ship, so one way or another you'll be in HK before Christmas.\"\n\nJamie hesitated. \"Mrs. Struan will still be very irritated to find Angelique with us.\"\n\n\"Let me worry about that.\"\n\n\"I do. Which brings me to the nut: When I leave Struan's I was thinking of trying to start my own firm, that's really what I wanted to chat about. If you'd have any objections.\"\n\n\"On the contrary, I'd go out of my way, Struan's would, to help in every way. But that won't be for years yet.\"\n\n\"I think she's decided I am to go.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll object like hell,\" Malcolm said, startled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're due for promotion, a raise and the company wouldn't want to lose you, she would know that. That's a shocking idea.\"\n\n\"Yes. But if it becomes necessary... bear with me, Tai-pan, if it's necessary would you object?\"\n\n\"To you going off on your own? No. But I hate the idea and Struan's would be the loser, I swear to God. It won't happen, and if... if you asked to leave I'd find a way to make you stay—to persuade you to stay. I would.\"\n\n\"Thanks, thanks very much.\" Jamie took a large swallow and felt a little better. Not from the warmth of the brandy but from the way Malcolm had spoken." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The last few weeks had been bad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yesterday, because of Mrs. Struan's letter to him, he had been confronted with an immortal truth: however loyal you are to a company, however much service you give \"the company,\" the company can and will spit you out at its whim, without conscience." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And what is \"the company\"? Just a group of men and women. People. Mrs. Struan, for instance.\n\nPeople are \"the company\" and those in charge can and always will hide behind that facade, that \"the company must survive,\" or \"for the good of the company,\" and so on, wrecking or promoting for personal reasons, enmities or hatreds.\n\nAnd don't forget most companies these days are family companies. In the end it's \"family\" that wins." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blood is thicker than competence. They may fight amongst themselves but in the end they usually unite in the face of the enemy who is anyone not family, so it's Albert MacStruan who has been positioned to take over Japan. Nothing I can do, will do about that. Maybe family businesses are more humane, can be better than impersonal bureaucratic, anonymous institutions but even there, perhaps more so, you're subject to the old-boy network. You lose either way...\n\nLast night, untypically, he had got very drunk in his little house in the Yoshiwara, finding no solace in Nemi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every time he thought about the truth of \"the company\"—adding it to the hanging crime he had almost committed, and Tess Struan's unfairness, Malcolm's stubbornness, and his own stupidity, knowing that if Malcolm had not stopped him he would have ripped the string off and torn the letters up and thrown them overboard—his head would spin and only another tumbler of rum would stop the motion until it created spinning of its own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nemi couldn't help: \"Jami, wot you matter? Jami, Jami!\"\n\n\"It's Machiavelli who said it best,\" he had said, his words slurred and incoherent. \"Put not your trust in bloody princes, they can plead expedience.\" Bloody princes, tai-pans, mothers of bloody tai-pans, sons of Dirk Struan and their sons...\" and then he had wept.\n\nAy, he thought queasily, that's the first time in years, last time was when I'd just arrived in Hong Kong, twenty years ago and heard Ma had died while I was on the high seas. She must have known she was dying when I left. \"Off you go, my bonny laddie, earn our fortune, and write every week...\" If it wasn't for her we would have all died—only her strength kept us alive until the Struans arrived and our joss changed.\n\nCried my heart out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like last night, though the tears were different." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'believe' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was crying for my lost innocence. Can't believe how naive I was to believe in \"the company.\" Would Dirk have let me down? Never. The tai-pan wouldn't have, couldn't have, but he's just a legend. I've got to find the courage to strike out on my own—I'm thirty-nine, old in Asia, though I don't feel old, only a ship without a rudder. And so is Malcolm... Is he?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'about'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked at him, still noticing the change. Malcolm's different, more like his old self, he thought. More adult, is that possible? Don't know, but either way his joss is fixed, like mine. \"I'm glad we didn't tamper... I can't say how sorry I am she's blocked you.\"\n\n\"Me too.\" Malcolm had told Jamie what Sir William had said about expecting the letter, and about opium and their Bengal fields, the news of which this morning had erupted the Settlement into a frenzy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The noon meeting at the Club had been more violent than usual with the added motion, carried unanimously, that Sir William should be strung up or at the least impeached if he tried to enforce Parliament's stupidity. He saw how deeply unhappy Jamie was and once again was tempted to pour out the marvelous development called Gornt. But he remembered his oath. \"I'm very confident now, Jamie. Don't worry. You're off to the Yoshiwara?\"\n\n\"Not immediately though I've got to see Nemi.\" Jamie smiled ruefully. \"I hung one on last night, going to take her a present. It's not necessary but she's a good sort, and lots of laughs. First I'm seeing Nakama, Phillip asked me to see him for half an hour. Seems he asked Phillip about business and banking, capital, things like that—Phillip asked me to explain the rudiments.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's curious.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. The bugger's got an enquiring mind all right. Pity he's not so forthcoming with us.\"\n\n\"Barter your knowledge for something we want to know. Tomorrow I think I'll have a chat with Phillip. Ask him to see me, will you?\" Malcolm's voice hardened. \"We were to share all information, wasn't that our agreement?\"\n\n\"Yes, yes, it was.\" Jamie finished the brandy. \"Thanks. And thanks for the chat.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stood up and said sincerely, \"I hope with all my heart it works out for you, Malcolm.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I know, Jamie. It will work for you too. 'Night.\"\n\nIn the quiet of his room, Malcolm contentedly stretched out his legs towards the fire, anxious for the morrow and more from Gornt. What could be the price? he mused, watching the coals. He could hear voices inside the building and outside on the praia. Occasional laughter and a few drunken songs." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'marlowe' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "John Marlowe had come by this afternoon bringing a message from the Admiral, could he drop by the flagship tomorrow, or if not convenient, Sir William's.\n\n\"I could meet at Sir William's. What time?\"\n\n\"Noon?\"\n\n\"Good. What's it about?\"\n\n\"Don't know,\" Marlowe said. \"I'll bet it's not to pass the time of day.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ever since Admiral Ketterer had returned from the engagement at Mirs Bay and Hong Kong he had been seething about adverse and critical reports in the papers, and was still furious that British-made cannon had fired on his ships." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't think he took kindly to some of the more rude remarks at the meeting today.\"\n\n\"Tough,\" Malcolm had said, and laughed, still intoxicated with Gornt's information.\n\nMarlowe had laughed too. \"For God's sake, don't say that on his quarterdeck, the whole ship would blow up! By the way, my trials are approved, Monday or Tuesday, weather permitting. Which would be best for you both?\"\n\n\"How long would we be out?\"\n\n\"Leave at dawn, or thereabouts, back latest by sunset.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tuesday.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A coal fell out of the fire onto the hearth but safely. He nudged it under the basket with the poker and stirred the embers. The blue-greened orange flames rose a little and died down again, making pictures for him. Positive pictures. About him and about her. He looked at their adjoining door. No sound ever came through it." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gornt's the key to Tess.\n\nIronic that he needs me as I need him and we are enemies. I've a feeling we always will be. What's his price? It will be something I can deliver. He's wise enough to do that. Why are you so sure? Revenge is too strong a motive, I know." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'watch' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga caught a passing reflection in the butcher's shop window and did not recognize himself. Passersby on the High Street barely noticed him. He retraced his steps, stared at his shadowed image—and new disguise. Top hat, high collar and cravat, a broad-shouldered, waisted frock coat of dark broadcloth, waistcoat of blue silk, stainless steel chain across it joining the toggle to a fob watch, tight trousers and leather boots. All the gift of H.M. Government, except the watch given him by Tyrer—for services rendered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took off his hat and looked at himself, this way and that. Now his hair covered his pate and was growing fast, nowhere near as long as Phillip Tyrer's but certainly long enough to be considered European. Cleanshaven. The quality and cheapness of British razors had impressed him greatly, another stunning example of manufacturing prowess.\n\nHe smiled at himself, pleased with his masquerade, then took out his watch, admiring it, noting the time, 11:16. As if sixteen minutes mattered, he thought scornfully, though pleased he had learned gai-jin timekeeping so quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have learned much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not enough yet but a beginning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Want 'ter buy a nice leg of frozen Aussie mutton, off the mail ship's ice hold, me Lord, or wot'tabout some nice fat bacon, Hong Kong smoked?\" The butcher was big-bellied, bald, with arms like cannons and a bloodstained apron.\n\n\"Oh!\" Then Hiraga noticed the meats and offal and game hanging on the other side of the windows with their swarms of flies. \"No, no thanks. I just 'rooking. Good day, sir,\" he said, hiding his revulsion. With a flourish he replaced his hat at a jaunty Tyrer tilt and continued down High Street towards Drunk Town and the village, politely raising his hat to other pedestrians or riders who replied in kind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This pleased him even more for it signified acceptance, by their standards, so different from Japanese customs—from civilized standards." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'taira' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fools. Just because I use their dress and begin to wear like them they think I am changed. They are still enemy, even Taira. Stupid of Taira to change his mind over Fujiko, what is the matter with him? That does not fit into my plan at all.\n\nHiraga caught sight of Struan hobbling out of his building with Jamie McFay, Ori's woman between them in animated conversation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This reminded him of his meeting with the Noble House Number Two man. His head was still reeling from Western facts and figures, and still limp from all the information McFay had extracted from him about moneylenders and rice merchants like the Gyokoyama. \"Jami-san, perhap possib'er you meet one of these men, if secret,\" he had told him, in desperation, to escape. \"I interpret if keep secret.\"\n\nThe shoya was waiting for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sensing the man's eagerness to learn what he had learned, Hiraga toyed with him, accepted the offer of a massage. Then, relaxed in a proper yukata, and over a delicate lunch of rice, dried squid, morning fresh sea bass sliced paper thin with soya, daikon—horseradish—and saké, he said he had had talks with important gai-jin and they had answered his questions. He sipped his saké and volunteered none of it. Important information needed encouragement. Reciprocity. \"What news from Kyōto?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'shoya' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is all strange,\" the shoya said, glad that the opening had been given him. \"My Masters informed me the Shōgun and the Princess Yazu arrived safely and are inside the Palace. Three more ambushes by Ogama patrols of shishi... no, so sorry, no details yet of how many killed. Lord Ogama and Lord Yoshi hardly move from behind their walls... But Shōgunate samurai now guard the Gates, as in the past.\"\n\nHiraga's eyes widened. \"They do?\"\n\n\"Yes, Otami-sama.\" The shoya was delighted that the bait was taken. \"Strangely, a little distance from all Gates, there are secret pickets of Ogama samurai, and from time to time the opposing captains confer secretly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga grunted. \"Curious.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shoya nodded and, like the good fisherman he was, struck hard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And, oh yes, not that it may be of importance to you, but my overlords believe the two shishi I mentioned before, Katsumata, and the Choshu shishi, Takeda, escaped capture in Kyōto and are travelling on the Tokaidō.\"\n\n\"To Yedo?\"\n\n\"My Masters did not say. Clearly the news would be of no value.\" The shoya sipped some saké, hiding his amusement at Hiraga's attempt to cover his consuming interest.\n\n\"Anything to do with shishi could be of significance.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, in that case... although it's unwise to relate rumors,\" the shoya said, pretending embarrassment, judging the time ripe to land this fish, \"they report there is a story around the Inns of Kyōto that a third person escaped the first ambush. A woman, a samurai woman skilled in the art of shuriken... what is it, Otami-sama?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing, nothing.\" Hiraga struggled for composure, a thousand questions ricocheting in his mind. Only one woman samurai in Katsumata's school had ever gained that skill. \"You were saying, shoya? A woman of samurai lineage escaped?\"\n\n\"It's only a rumor, Otami-sama. Foolishness. Saké?\"\n\n\"Thank you. This woman, was there anything else?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. Such a silly rumor is hardly worth reporting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps you could find out if—if such nonsense has any truth to it. I would like to know. Please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In that case...\" the shoya said, noting the big concession of \"please,\" his voice honeyed with a trace of humility." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Any service to you and your family, valued clients, the Gyokoyama is honored to do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Hiraga finished his saké." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sumomo had been in Kyōto with Katsumata... Where is she now, why didn't she go on to Shimonoseki as I ordered?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "What was she doing?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If she escaped, where is she?\n\nIn repayment, and with an effort, he put those and other questions aside for later, and concentrated. He took out a sheaf of notes and began explaining, partially parroting, what \"Taira\" and \"Mukfey\" had told him over the hours. The shoya listened intently, thankful that his wife was secretly overhearing them and writing it all down.\n\nWhen Hiraga had rambled about loans, financing, and banking—unclear on most of what he had been told—the shoya, impressed with Hiraga's memory and grasp of what was so totally alien to him, said seriously, \"Remarkable, Otami-sama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Another important matter.\" Hiraga took a deep breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mukfey said gai-jin have a kind of market, shoya, a stoku markit where the only goods bargained for, bought or sold, are small printed papers called stoku or sheru that somehow represent money, huge amounts of money, each stoku being part of a kompeni.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He drank some tea. Seeing the shoya's lack of comprehension, he took another deep breath. \"Say daimyo Ogama gave all Choshu, all land and produce of the land to a kompeni, the Choshu Kompeni, and decreed that the kompeni was to be split, by deed, into ten thousand equal parts, ten thousand sheru, understand?\"\n\n\"I... I think so, please go on.\"\n\n\"Thus the stoku of the Choshu Kompeni is ten thousand sheru." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Next, the daimyo, on behalf of the kompeni, offers all or any part or number of sheru to anyone with money. For their money the man or woman get this piece of paper saying how many sharu of the Choshu Kompeni he has bought. This person then owns that part of the kompeni and therefore the same proportion of its wealth. The money he and others pay into the kompeni then becomes its kaipit'r, I think this Mukfey gai-jin said, the money needed to run and improve the wealth of the kompeni to pay stipends, or reclaim land or buy arms, or seeds, or improve fishing boats, to pay whatever is necessary to increase and make Choshu prosper, to make the value of the Choshu Kompeni higher.\n\n\"Mukfey explained that... He said in any market, Shoya, prices change, in famine times often daily, no? It's the same in this daily stoku markit with hundreds of different kompeni, buyers and sellers. If the Choshu harvest is huge, the value of each part of the Choshu Kompeni will be high, if famine, low. The value of each sheru varies also. Understand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think so,\" the shoya said slowly, understanding very well indeed, covertly afire with delight and questions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good.\" Hiraga was tired but intrigued by these new ideas though at times lost in their maze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had never, ever, bargained in a market, or an Inn, just paid what was asked, when asked, never in his life argued about the cost of anything or the amount of a bill—except since he became ronin. Bills were always sent to whoever received his stipend, if you were samurai. If unmarried, normally to your mother. Buying and handling money was the job of women, never of men.\n\nYou ate what she—mother, aunt, grandmother, sister or wife—bought from your stipend, you clothed or armed yourself in the same way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With no stipend you starved, you and your family, or you became ronin, or voluntarily had to give up your samurai status and become a farmer, laborer, or far worse, a merchant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shoya,\" he said, frowning. \"Prices vary in a food or fish market. But who decides the price?\"\n\nThe guild of fishermen or farmers, the shoya could have said, or more likely the merchants who really own the produce, having lent them the money to buy nets or seeds. But he was much too cautious, most of his energy spent trying to remain calm in the face of so much priceless information, however incomplete. \"If there are lots of fish, they are cheaper than when there are few. If depends on the catch, or the harvest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga nodded. Obviously the shoya was being devious, hiding the truth or twisting it. But that is only normal for merchants and moneylenders, he thought, suddenly deciding to keep any meeting between Mukfey and this man in reserve, and also to keep for later the last piece of kompeni lore that, for some reason he could not fathom intrigued him more than the rest: that if you were the one who formed the kompeni, you decided how many stoku you reserved for yourself, without payment, and if the number amounted to fifty-one or more out of every hundred, you retained power over the kompeni. But why...\n\nHis head almost burst with sudden understanding: With no outlay you became the kompeni Shōgun, the bigger the kompeni the bigger the shōgun... with no outlay!\n\nWhen sonno-joi is fact, he thought weakly, we—the samurai council—we will recommend to the Emperor that only our council may form kompeni, then, at long last, we control all the parasites, the merchants and moneylenders!\n\n\"Otami-sama,\" the shoya was saying, not having noticed any change in Hiraga, his own mind agog with the marvelous information he had gleaned." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🔍 Find a place to insert: \"My overlords will be most grateful and so am I. When we have managed to sift all your brilliant thoughts and ideas, perhaps I could have an opportunity to ask a few insignificant questions?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My overlords will be most grateful and so am I. When we have managed to sift all your brilliant thoughts and ideas, perhaps I could have an opportunity to ask a few insignificant questions?\"\n\n\"Certainly,\" Hiraga said, exultant with the rosy future. The more questions the better—they will force me to understand first. \"Perhaps when you hear more about Ogama and Yoshi, or the shishi, or that woman. Shuriken, you said?\"\n\n\"I will do my best,\" the shoya answered, knowing a deal had been struck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then his mind took him back to a missing, essential piece of the puzzle." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please, may I ask, what is this kompeni? What is it, what does it look like?\"\n\n\"I don't know,\" Hiraga said, equally perplexed." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for two sentences more. historical fiction, Japan genre, James Clavell style. characters might be from earlier chapters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"More pork in black bean sauce, Younger Sister?\" Ah Tok asked, chomping on a piece of fish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Ah Soh reached over with her chopsticks to replenish her bowl, then snapped up the choice quick-fried prawn she had ogled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please continue, Elder Sister.\"\n\nThe two women were in Ah Tok's room, their lunch spread out in a multitude of dishes, a fresh pot of jasmine tea close at hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ayeeyah, it's very difficult. Illustrious Chen gave no clear instructions.\"\n\n\"That's not like him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah Soh took more of the succulent pieces of beef in oyster sauce. \"Not like him, not at all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree, but then his new concubine, the whore from Soo Chow, is sure to be taking most of his concentration.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ayeeyah! Is it true she's fourteen with no pubics?\"\n\nAh Tok took up another bony piece of fish head and sucked it appreciatively." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's only the Garlic People of Chosen who don't have pubics.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She spat the bones onto the floor and selected another part.\n\n\"Interesting. I wonder if it's all the garlic they eat? May I reread his letter, Elder Sister?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It said:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Greetings, Ah Tok, Sixth Cousin Twice Removed, You did very well to consult me at once. The cork of the bottle revealed clear traces of Dark of the Moon which must be the Expeller of Dog Land in the Eastern Sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An abortion! The whore was wise and unwise to use it, the Master wise and unwise to advocate it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Until we know if he made the decision, or she did without his knowledge, you must do nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cousin, listen to him sleeping—he's always muttered in his sleep since a child—perhaps he will tell you more. Instruct Ah Soh to do likewise and both of you be like bats. Unfailingly obey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ayeeyah, what does he mean, be like bats?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah Soh asked irritably. \"Bats are silent but they squeak. Bats can fly in the dark but are blind during the light, are invisible at night, helpless by day. Their droppings are valuable but stink to Heaven. What does he mean, heya?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eyes and ears and nostrils open, like a bat, and watch where you drop droppings!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah Tok cackled. \"Ten thousand summers to Noble House Chen, without him we would not have known her Jade Gate's hung on my son's door!\"\n\n\"How do we know it was him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ah Soh said with a robust belch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How do we know it was the Master and not someone else?\" She dropped her voice and looked around as though expecting alien ears and Ah Tok's chopsticks hesitated in midair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Someone like Long Pointed Nose, the same kind of foreign devil as she is, heya? Those two are as close as lice in a beggar's crotch. And didn't he sink the bottle, all the evidence in the sea, remember?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The old Ah Tok was no longer laughing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'possible'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fang-pi!\" she said, using the rare expletive. \"That's what Illustrious Chen must have been cautioning us about! Bats weave as they fly and don't alight on the first branch and even then they hang upside down. He's telling us to find out which Yang possessed that Yin! Ayeeyah, yes, I agree, it's possible... possible Long Pointed Nose made my son wear a green hat!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Master cuckolded!\" Ah Soh's eyes went to Heaven." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's true Long Pointed Nose spent enough time in her room to...\" She gasped. \"Ayeeyah! Remember, weeks ago, when she sent me away and later screamed because she thought someone was climbing into her room from outside when it was only the wind banging the shutters? I remember now, I was quicker than a bat to her side but Long Pointed Nose was already there and both of them... now I think of it, both were whiter than a five-day corpse! Was that the time his Yang...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When was it, Young Sister? The day? When?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was the day... the day after the Master had that native whore from the brothel across the Canal.\"\n\nBoth women began calculating, minds abacus-fast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Today was twelfth month, fourth day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That would be... that would be tenth month, eighteenth or nineteenth day, Elder Sister.\"\n\n\"Not enough, perhaps not quite enough time, unless this Dark of the Moon is swallowed earlier.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Absently Ah Tok sucked more of the fish head, then spat out the bones with conviction: \"They must have lain together earlier. The whore had plenty of chances, heya? She was always at that barbarian house, even before you both stayed there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're right, you're right as usual, Elder Sister! We must inform Illustrious Chen at once.\"\n\n\"But why should she give her Jade Gate to such an ugly foreign devil when my son's panting over it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ah Soh shrugged expansively." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Barbarians! Who knows what they think? You should tell the Master!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Weak with excitement, Ah Tok looked at her bar. Madeira, whisky, brandy. \"We need strength!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She selected the whisky and poured two large tots." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To work! We must plan, plot and think how to get the whore and her paramour to reveal the truth!\"\n\n\"Good, very good! Together we'll do it!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start (might include ongoing story elements), then u do six sentences in James Clavell's voice ok?" }, { "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. He led the way over the bridge and passed the barrier into the Settlement. One man carried a tall, narrow banner with characters on it. The leading samurai held flares aloft that cast weird shadows.\n\nThe High Street and the seafront walk were still busy in the pleasant evening." }, { "from": "human", "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." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\nThe ominous presence was noticed. People stopped in their tracks. Conversation hesitated in midsentence. Then ceased. All eyes turned northwards. Those nearest the patrol backed out of the way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not a few felt for a revolver and cursed that it was not in the pocket or holster." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Others retreated and an off-duty soldier near an alley took to his heels to summon the Marine night watch.\n\n\"What's the matter, suh?\" Gornt asked.\n\n\"Nothing, yet,\" Norbert said, his face grim. 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.\n\nLunkchurch sidled up to them. \"You armed, Norbert?\"\n\n\"No. Are you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\"\n\n\"I am, suh.\" Gornt took out his tiny pistol. \"But it won't make much of a dent in them if they're hostile.\"\n\n\"When in doubt, young feller,\" Lunkchurch said hoarsely, \"take a powder, I always say.\" He stuck out his hand to Gornt before he hurried off. \"Barnaby Lunkchurch, Mr. Gornt, pleased to meet you. Welcome to Yokopoko. I've seen you in the Club, hear you play bridge—anytime.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone was quietly easing out of range. Drunks had suddenly become sober. 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. 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?\"\n\n\"Certainly. It's loaded, of course.\"\n\nThe pistol was tiny but deadly. Double-barrelled. Two bronze cartridges. Silver-sheathed hilt. 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.\"\n\n\"You hit her?\"\n\n\"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.\n\nThe 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." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Safety catches on! No firing, lads, till I says,\" the Sergeant growled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Grimes, go warn his Nibs, he's with the Russkies, third house down the street, quietly now.\"\n\nThe soldier slid away. Streetlamps of the promenade flickered. Everyone waited anxiously. The strutting officer approached impassively. \"Mean-looking bastard, ain' he, Sar'nt?\" a sentry whispered, his hands slick on his rifle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're all mean-looking bastards. Easy now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The officer came abreast of the British Legation and barked a command. His men stopped and formed up facing the gate as he stomped forward and spoke guttural Japanese at the Sergeant. A sharp silence. More impatient, imperious words, clearly orders.\n\n\"Wot you want, cookie?\" the Sergeant asked thinly, half a metre taller.\n\nAgain the ugly sentences, more angrily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anyone knows wot he's saying?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the Sergeant called out. 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.\n\nJohann 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.\"\n\nThe 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. Down the road the Marine patrol moved into riot order. Everyone waited for the first mistake.\n\nAt 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": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'letter' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "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.\"\n\n\"Tell him I'm authorized t—\"\n\nSir William's voice stopped him. \"Captain Pallidar—just a moment! Johann, who's this letter from?\" He stood on the threshold of the Russian bungalow, Zergeyev and others crowding the entrance beside him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The 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": "gpt", "value": "\"All right, I'll take it. Tell him to come over here.\"\n\nJohann 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. 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.\n\n\"Keirei!\" Sir William barked. Salute!—one of the few words he allowed himself to know. \"Keirei!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The officer flushed but automatically bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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. When we attack I will personally kill him.\n\nHe 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. They followed, seething at the gai-jin rudeness.\n\n\"Where the devil's Tyrer?\" Sir William asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pallidar said, \"I'll send someone to find him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, ask Johann to join me, will you please?\"\n\n\"No need for that, Sir William,\" Erlicher, the Swiss Minister said, \"if it's in Dutch I can read it for you.\"\n\n\"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. 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": "gpt", "value": "Sir William said in Russian.\n\n\"Of course.\" Count Zergeyev opened the door. They waited a moment until Johann hurried in and he closed it.\n\n\"'Evening, Sir William,\" Johann said, pleased that he had been called. 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": "human", "value": "\"Dutch and Japanese. It's short.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rapidly he scanned it, frowned, reread it and then again and laughed nervously. \"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—'\"\n\n\"Driven out? Driven out, did you say?\" The bellow went through the door. An uneasy pall fell on the dinner guests.\n\nJohann 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.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Respectful? God-cursed bloody impertinence, by God...\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The 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": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello, Koiko,\" Yoshi said listlessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His back was to the wall, his hand near his sword and he wore a yukata of purple silk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outwardly he appeared calm but she saw through him and knew him to be lonely, frightened and in need of other skills." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her smile was enough to brighten the blackest day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once she saw his eyes soften." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Good, first hurdle. \"Now,\" she said, with pretended gravity, \"I have a poem for you\":" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is not easy" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To be sure which" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "End is which of" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A resting snail!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His laugh resounded around the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Good, second hurdle. \"I'm so pleased you allowed me to come to Kyōto with you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes took on the other glow and her soul warmed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instinctively she changed what she was going to say, that he was so handsome in the flickering night lights." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead she said what was deep within her:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those were sad times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When, without you," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I watched days come up" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And go down again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was kneeling opposite him and he reached out and caught her hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No need for words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For him or for her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he was at peace, tension gone, loneliness gone and all fear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And she was at peace too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So much energy expended to take him out of himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So much revealed. Unwise to reveal so much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You are very important to me, he was saying without saying it, speaking as lovers will." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You do me too much honor, she replied with a tiny frown." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then her fingers, delicately caressing the back of his hand said, I adore thee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eyes locked with eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She raised his hand and brushed her lips against it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Silence gripping them, beginning to hurt, hurting and then in one swift movement, she slipped over to his side and embraced him tightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her laugh trilled. \"Too much serious is bad for me, Torachan!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hugged him again, nestling into his embrace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You make me so happy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, no more than I,\" he murmured, glad the tension was broken so nicely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are adored and so are your poems.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The one about the snail was by Kyorai.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He laughed. \"It is by Koiko the Lily! Is, not was.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again she nestled closer, enjoying his warmth and strength." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I nearly died when I heard about this morning.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Life,\" he said simply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I should have been more prepared but I was fascinated by the street.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He told her how different it had seemed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was a rare experience—the feeling of invisibility—too good not to sample again, however dangerous. Does the danger add a spice to it? I will experiment in Yedo. At night it would be easier and I will train special guards to accompany me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, but I would suggest you partake of that drug sparingly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I mean to.\" His arms held her, both of them comfortable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It could develop into that, yes, easily.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The room adjoined his sleeping quarters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like the whole barracks complex it was masculine, with minimum furniture, the tatami first quality but in need of replacement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I won't be displeased to leave this place, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their ears caught the pad of approaching feet, his hand snaked to his sword hilt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both of them tensed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sire?\" a muffled voice said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is it?\" Yoshi said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry to disturb you, Sire, a letter has just arrived, from Dragon's Tooth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without needing to be asked, Koiko went to the side of the door out of the way and stood there on guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi readied. \"Open the door, sentry,\" he called out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The door slid open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sentry hesitated seeing Yoshi in a defense-attack position, sword loose in its scabbard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Give the scroll to Lady Koiko.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sentry obeyed then went away again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he had reached the end of the corridor and had gone through that door, Koiko closed this one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She handed him the scroll and knelt in her place opposite." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He broke the seal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The letter from his wife asked after his health and gave news that his sons and the rest of his family were well and looking forward to his return." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the information began:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The prospectors have been travelling diligently with your vassal Misamoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As yet they have found no gold but report large—the word they used was \"huge\"—deposits of high-quality coal, easy to mine and near the surface." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I understand them to say this is \"black gold\" and could be profitably bartered with the gai-jin for money." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They continue to search." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We hear Anjo has been made tairō and boasts that you will soon be invited to retire from the Council of Elders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Next, the confidant you visited on the way to Kyōto tells the following: The code word he gave you about an enemy is correct and that a similar plan is ready as the enemy's state policy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Crimson Sky. So a lightning attack is \"State Policy\"!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Will my agreement with Ogama hold?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He put that question aside for later and continued reading:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ronin, Ori, who became a gai-jin spy, is dead in the gai-jin camp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other ronin, Hiraga, is believed to be there also." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Your spy says also he intercepted the \"maid\" you sent back, as ordered, and sent her far north to a very poor brothel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her ronin lover was killed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi smiled. This was Koiko's maid who had whispered of Utani's secret tryst to her ronin shishi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Halfway to Kyōto he had dismissed her, sending her back to Yedo on some imagined slight—of course Koiko had not objected. Good, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Utani is revenged in some small measure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Next, the Gyokoyama: I have completed money matters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "May I use the coal possibility as a further pledge for any armaments ordered?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps we should try to deal with the gai-jin direct, perhaps using Misamoto?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Please give me your counsel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sire, your presence and wise advice are greatly missed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Last, so sorry, famine has begun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi reread it. Knowing Hosaki so well, the way she had used \"further pledge\" meant that the negotiation had been rough and the price high." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never mind, next year there will be no famine and the Gyokoyamas, if they live that long in lands I control, will be repaid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked up at Koiko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was staring into space, lost in dreams he knew he could never share. \"Koiko?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh. Yes, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What were you thinking about?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'leaves' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What leaves whisper to leaves.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Intrigued he said, \"It depends on the tree.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled sweetly. \"A maple, a blood-red maple.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In what season?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ninth month.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If they were watching us they whispered, 'Soon we fall, never to return, But they are blessed. They grow on the tree of life. Their blood our blood.'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She clapped her hands, smiling at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perfect. And if it was a pine in spring?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not now, Koiko-chan, later.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seeing the sudden seriousness, she became serious too. \"Bad news, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, and yes. I will leave at dawn.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For Dragon's Tooth?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hesitated and she wondered if she had made a mistake in asking, but he was wondering what to do about her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Earlier, weighing the need for another forced march, he had decided to leave her and let her follow as quickly as she could." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now, looking at her, he did not want her to be away from him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her palanquin would hold them back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She could ride though not well enough and such a journey would be arduous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Either way the plan he had agreed with Akeda would stay the same: \"The first party of forty men, with a double wearing a set of my light armor, leaves just before dawn and heads leisurely and obviously for the North Road. Halfway to Yedo they will turn back and return here, my 'double' vanished. The second party, mine, with the men I brought from Yedo, will leave shortly after the first and head rapidly for the Tokaidō. Forced march, under the same captain—I will be disguised as an ordinary cavalry samurai and will remain so until I am safely in Yedo Castle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very dangerous, Sire,\" General Akeda said heavily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. You will watch Ogama, and hope. It is to his advantage I succeed in curbing Anjo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But you are an irresistible target outside, an easy one. Look at what happened today. Let me go with you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Impossible. Listen, if Ogama decides to mount his strike he will attack here first—better expect it. You must repel him whatever the cost.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will not fail in that, Sire,\" the old general said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And I will not fail to reach Yedo, Yoshi thought with equal confidence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As to the attack, it only reminds me it was not the first and will not be the last." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw Koiko watching him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is easier to be balanced when she is near me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The lamplight was glinting on her lips and in her eyes, and he saw the curve of her cheekbones and column of her neck, the raven hair, the perfect folds of her kimono and under-kimonos showing slightly from her white skin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Smooth curves, her posture flawless, and her two hands held like flowers in her lap of azure silk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She would have to travel light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No maids. And make do with whatever was available from Inn to Inn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That would displease her for she likes perfection." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps she would balk at such inconsiderate and, for her, unnecessary haste." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He remembered the first time he had suggested that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was not so long ago, just after he had decided to obtain her exclusivity and had told the mama-san, Meikin, to leave with her for Dragon's Tooth to make arrangements with his wife at once—Hosaki had, correctly, deemed it wise to see the mama-san and Koiko herself as the financial commitment would be huge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Meikin had told him the journey would take at least a week to plan, Koiko would of course be taking her own hairdresser and masseuse and three maids." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ridiculous,\" he had said impatiently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So many staff are not necessary for such a short journey and an unnecessary expense. You will both leave at once.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had obeyed at once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without attendants. It had taken them three days to reach the first way station outside Yedo, three days for the second." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angry, he had easily ridden the same distance from dawn to dusk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Yoshi,\" Meikin had said, greeting him lavishly, feigning surprise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How pleasant to see you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is all the delay for?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Delay, Sire? We were ordered to leave at once. We are doing exactly as you ordered.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But why are you taking so long?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So long, Sire? But you did not order us to make a forced march.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You will hurry up,\" he snapped, noticing how she belabored \"order.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell Koiko I wish to see her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The mama-san had bowed and hurried away to Koiko's quarters, leaving him seething." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When at length she returned she said happily, \"Koiko-san will be honored to see you, Sire, instantly, Sire, the moment she can arrange a suitable maid to help her with her hair. She regrets it would be impertinent to receive you without the due preparation an honored, revered person such as you would expect, and adds, humbly, 'Please be kind enough to wait, she will be as quick as she can when the maids arrive... '\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sourly he had glared at her, knowing that as much as he would insist, he would have to wait." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His only recourse was to storm into Koiko's room and lose total face and destroy any chance that she would ever be available to him again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Who does she think she is?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he had wanted to bellow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had not. He had smiled to himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When you purchase a rare sword, you expect it to be made of the finest steel, with the best cutting edge and a fire of its own. He nodded coolly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Send for her own maids—and hairdresser and masseuse—from Yedo very quickly indeed. It's your fault they are not here, you should have told me they were important to the Lady Koiko. She is correct not to see me improperly. I will expect this never to happen again!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meikin had flooded him with apologies and bowed him away abjectly, and he laughed all the way back to Yedo, having bested them, making them lose face and giving them both a firm warning: Do not play games with me again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Koiko's eyes had never left his face, watching and waiting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When you smile, Sire, it makes me very happy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What am I smiling about?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Me, Sire,\" she said simply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think because I help you laugh at life, and though Man's span on earth is but a quick hunt for shelter before the rains come down, you allow me to provide, from time to time, a shelter from the rain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, you do,\" he said contentedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If I leave her here I won't see her for weeks, and life is only a cherry blossom exposed to a vagrant wind that knows no master—my life, hers, all life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not want to leave you here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It will be good to be home again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his secret heart, he thought about Meikin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have not forgotten she is a shishi informant as your maid was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stupid of the mama-san to risk you, risk me thinking you were also part of those murdering scum." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do any of your maids ride, Koiko?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not know, Sire. I imagine at least one would.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you were to come with me you would have to ride too, with just one maid, and travel light, a palanquin would delay me. I can easily arrange for you to travel leisurely with your household if you prefer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, but since you would prefer me to be with you your preference is mine, of course. If I become a burden, then it is easy for you to decide. I am honored you asked me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But is there a maid, an acceptable maid who can also ride? If not then you must follow as soon as possible,\" he said, again giving her the opportunity to decline gracefully without offense." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is one, Sire,\" she said on a sudden impulse, \"a new maiko, not quite a maid, but an apprentice and a little more. Her name is Sumomo Fujahito, daughter of a Satsuma goshi, ward of an old friend, a client who was good to me years ago.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He listened as she told him about Sumomo, and was too well versed in the customs of the Floating World to ask about the other client." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Intrigued, he sent for the girl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So, Sumomo, your father disapproves of your future marriage?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is unforgivable not to obey your parents.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You will obey them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\" She looked at him fearlessly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have already told them, humbly, that I will obey but that I will die before I marry any other man.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your father should have ordered you into a nunnery for such impertinence.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a pause she muttered, \"Yes, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why are you here in Kyōto and not at home?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I—I was sent here to be retrained by my guardian.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He has done a very poor job, has he not?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, Lord.\" She bowed her head to the tatami, politely and with grace, but he was certain not with any penitence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why do I waste my time? he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps because I am accustomed to absolute obedience from everyone, except Koiko who must be maneuvered like an unstable boat in a high wind, perhaps because it might be diverting to curb this young person, to train her to the fist like the fledgling peregrine she seems to be, to use her beak and claws for my purposes, not for her lord of creation, Oda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What will you do when this Oda, this Satsuma goshi, eventually decides to obey his parents as is his duty, and take another woman to wife?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If he will accept me as a consort, even without intimacy I will be content. As an occasional woman, I will be content. The moment he tires of me or dismisses me, so sorry, that is the day I will die.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are a stupid young woman.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Lord. Please excuse me, that is my karma.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She dropped her eyes and remained motionless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Amused, he glanced momentarily at Koiko who waited for him to decide." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Say your liege lord, Sanjiro, orders you to marry another man and orders you not to commit seppuku.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am samurai, I will obey without question,\" she said proudly, \"as I will obey my guardian and Oda-sama. But on my way to the wedding feast there may be a regrettable accident.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He grunted. \"Do you have sisters?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was startled. \"Yes, Lord. Three.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are they as stupid and difficult as you are?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They... no, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can you ride?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well enough to journey to Yedo?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Koiko, are you sure she can please you if I agree?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I believe so, Sire. I am only afraid I may fail you with my lack of skill.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can never fail me, Koiko-chan. So, Sumomo, you are sure you will be able to please the Lady Koiko?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire, and I will protect her with my life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will you also improve your manners, become less arrogant, more womanly and less like Domu-Gozen?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was a famous woman samurai, mistress to a Shōgun, a vicious killer, who, centuries ago, rode into battle with her equally violent Shōgun lover." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw her eyes widen and she became even younger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I'm not like her, Lord, not at all—I would give anything to be even a tiny little bit like the Lady Koiko. Anything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hid his laugh as Sumomo gorged on this first morsel he had tossed to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You may go. I'll decide later.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they were alone again he chuckled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A wager, Koiko? A new kimono that Sumomo will be trained by the time we reach Yedo—if I decide to bring you both with me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Trained in what way, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That she will contentedly agree to return to her parents and obey them and marry without seppuku.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Koiko shook her head, smiling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, whatever the wager I am afraid you would lose, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That she could consider him making an error of judgment lost some of his good humor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A kimono against a favor,\" Yoshi said sharply, not meaning to be so sharp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I accept,\" she said at once with a laugh, \"but only on the understanding that with the gift of the kimono, you accept the favor back from me that you would have asked.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes crinkled with admiration with the way she had twisted his mistake into a pleasantry." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a mistake to attempt a wager, any wager. And a mistake to be confident over the wiles of a woman—a certain path to disaster." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with three sentences, keeping within the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "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." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outside the cold was sharper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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. Other men stood beside him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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. \"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." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, my son,\" she said softly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"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. 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." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"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": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"At once. For ponies, or porters?\"\n\n\"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": "Writer's block help needed. This is from a bigger story - gonna send you something then keep it going 11 sentences at a time. Going for James Clavell vibes in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "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. 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." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"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.\n\nHe said, \"Have you learned the tea ceremony, Sumomo?\"\n\n\"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." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Clearly this had disappointed him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then, she thought, we both knew another forced march was not possible. He must go on and I will follow. 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?\"\n\n\"Yes, but not Go!\"\n\nShe laughed. \"Then I must make some preparations.\" She got up and went to the outer room, closing the shoji after her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 12 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\nWhen 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": "writing exercise: 4 sentences sentences continuing this chapter, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "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." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anjo had sent the message at dawn:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The 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. 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." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lord Yoshi is formally required to return at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The 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." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sumomo awoke well before first light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her dreams had been bad." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'after' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was no longer on the Tokaidō with Koiko and Lord Yoshi but back in Kyōto, chased by Bakufu soldiers led by Abeh into the trap of the burning shishi house, screams everywhere, blood everywhere, guns firing, in panic squeezing down into the narrow tunnel after Takeda and Katsumata, the hole barely big enough, crawling after them, the sides encroaching, scraping her and becoming narrower." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not enough air to breathe, filled with dust." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Takeda's feet ahead as he wriggled onward, gasping, someone or something just behind her, then Takeda becoming Yoshi, kicking at her, stopping her then vanishing—with nothing up ahead but an earth coffin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When her heart slowed and eyes could focus in the shaded light of the oil flame, she saw one of the guards watching her from his futons next to hers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Last night she had accompanied Koiko to talk to Abeh and he had told her to sleep in this communal room, plenty of space for her to one side—a perfectly satisfactory arrangement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Four guards were using it, two sleeping and two on duty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There she had made a bed, not easily to sleep, her mind in turmoil for she had overheard Yoshi telling Koiko they would not travel onward with him, and overheard Koiko saying to Abeh, \"Lord Yoshi has decided from tomorrow I, and my party, will follow leisurely.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What arrangements does he want made, Lady?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I believe he said he wants to leave you and ten men to guide me to Yedo, so sorry to be a problem.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is no problem for me, Lady, so long as he is safe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Safe, and out of reach, Sumomo had thought, dismayed by the change in plan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So much could go wrong between now and Yedo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eventually she had slept." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To dream. Normally she did not dream." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Last thing at night and in the morning she would always say a prayer, Namu Amida Butsu, just the name of the Buddha Amida, which was enough if there was a god to pray to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Last night she had forgotten." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now, silently, she said the words, and closed her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In moments she was again in the shishi hut." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That had been the worst experience of her life, the attack without warning, gunfire through the walls and in the same instant the head of the youth beside her exploded, no time for the lad even to shout but others did, partly in panic, partly in agony as random bullets poured at them, Katsumata paralyzed for a moment, then directing the defense, ordering some to charge out the front, others the back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both charges driven back, she not knowing where to hide, knowing all was lost, fire beginning and more screams and more blood and this the end, Namu Amida Butsu, Namu Amida Butsu, then hands grabbing her roughly, shoving her down into the hole after the escaping Takeda—who, raving, had dragged another man out of the way, as Katsumata had torn someone else away—as her savior shishi, whose face she never saw, was murdered in his turn and a fight ensued that blocked the escape until it was too late." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Somehow out of that hate-filled darkness into the open air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fleeing, their panic run going on and on until, chests bursting, Katsumata led them tortuously to his haven of last resort. Iwakura's back door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Immediately a council of war with the shishi there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I suggest we scatter for the time being,\" Katsumata had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll regroup and meet in the spring, third or fourth month. In the spring we will start a new offensive.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why wait?\" someone asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because we're betrayed, because there's a spy in our midst, or amongst our patrons. We are betrayed. We must conserve and scatter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And so they had." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sumomo, you'll go to Koiko...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But before that her disorientation had been vast, unaccountable tears, rushing heartbeat, too easily in panic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It will pass, Sumomo,\" Katsumata had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again he had been right." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had given her a draft that had made her sleep, and calmed her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By the time she saw Koiko she was like before, almost but not quite." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When you feel the fear returning, just take a little sip of the medicine,\" he had said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'perfect' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In a week or two you will be perfect again. Always remember, sonno-joi needs you perfect...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She came out of her reverie, sweating again, the fear coming on again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was still night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her fingers reached for her bundle beside her head that held the small bottle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the bundle was not there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had not brought it with her when she had changed rooms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never mind, she thought, I do not need it, I can do without it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She repeated that several times, twisting in her bed, the quilts damp and clammy around her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she noticed the guard still watching her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bad dreams, neh?\" he whispered, his voice kind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She nodded silently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I could give you good dreams.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He moved his quilt aside, invitingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shook her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shrugged and turned over and forgot her, considering her stupid to reject such pleasure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not offended she turned her back too, just a little amused." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hand moved to her obi knife in its sheath at her waist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Its touch gave her the peace she needed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A last Namu Amida Butsu.\n\nShe closed her eyes and slept without dreams." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: 4 sentences sentences continuing this chapter, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the Club a noisy, drunken row was still in progress amongst the few remaining traders at the bar. A few naval and army officers, Tweet and others were at tables scattered about the room, having final nightcaps.\n\nNear the window, Count Zergeyev and the newly arrived Swiss Minister, Fritz Erlicher, sat at a table. The Russian hid his amusement and leaned over their glasses of port." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're all fools, Herr Erlicher,\" he said above the hubbub." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'means' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you think this young Struan means it?\"\n\n\"He means it, but whether or not the policy is ever implemented remains to be seen.\" They spoke French, and Zergeyev explained the conflict of mother and son within Struan's. \"That's the current rumor, she pulls the strings though he has the title quite legally.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If it's implemented it would be good, for us both.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah! You have a proposal?\"\n\n\"An idea, Count Zergeyev.\" Erlicher untied his cravat and breathed easier, the air in the Club smoky and close, the smell of beer and urine heavy, and the sawdust of the floor in need of replacement. \"We are a small, independent nation with few resources but plenty of courage, and skills. The British, for whom you have no love, monopolize most arms manufacturing and sales throughout Europe—though Krupp's factory looks promising.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bearded, heavyset man smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We hear Mother Russia already has a substantial interest there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You astonish me.\"\n\nErlicher laughed. \"I astonish myself sometimes, Herr Count. But I wanted to mention we've the beginnings of fine gun and cannon foundries, privately I can tell you we are negotiating with Gatling to make his machine gun under license, and can supply you liberally with any arms you might need on a long-term basis.\"\n\n\"Thank you, my dear sir, but we've no such need. Tsar Alexander II is a peace-loving reformer, last year he emancipated our serfs, this year he's reforming the army, navy, bureaucracy, the judiciary, education, everything.\"\n\nErlicher grinned. \"And meanwhile he's presiding over the biggest land conquest in history, with the subjugation of more peoples in history, except for Genghis Khan and his Mongol hordes. Genghis rode westwards,\" his smile became a beam, \"while your Tsar's hordes spread eastwards. Over the whole continent! Imagine that! Over the whole continent to the sea, through Siberia to the Kamchatka Peninsula. And that's not the end. Is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isn't it?\" the Count said, smiling." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'north' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We hear the Tsar's hoping to pass through your new fortress of Vladivostok to the Japans, then north to the Kuriles, north again to the Aleutians, at last to join with Russian Alaska that rolls down to northern California. While the world sleeps. Astonishing.\" Erlicher brought out his cigar case and offered it. \"Please—they're the best Cuban.\"\n\nZergeyev took one and smelt it and rolled it between his fingers, and accepted a flame." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'peace' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you. Excellent. Are all the Swiss dreamers like you?\" he asked pleasantly.\n\n\"No, sir, Count. But we are peace lovers, and good hosts to peace lovers, but we stay in our mountains, well armed, and watch the world outside. Happily our mountains are prickly to those who come uninvited.\"\n\nAnother burst of shouting distracted them for a moment, Lunkchurch, Swann, Grimm and others more vociferous than usual.\n\n\"I've never been to Switzerland. You should see Russia, we have many sights there to feast the eye.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've been to your beautiful St. Petersburg. Three years ago, I was in our Embassy there for a few months. Best city in Europe I think, if you are nobility, wealthy, or a foreign diplomat. You must miss it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I bleed for it, more than you can imagine.\" Zergeyev sighed. \"Not long now and I'll be there. I'm told my next posting will be London—then I will visit your mountains.\"\n\n\"I would be honored to be your host.\" Erlicher puffed his cigar and blew a smoke ring." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then my business suggestion doesn't interest you?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'there' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's certainly true that the British monopolize all manner of enterprises, all sea routes and seas, all manner of wealths from subjugated lands\"—now there was no warmth in Zergeyev's smile—\"which should be shared.\"\n\n\"Then we should talk again, in quieter surroundings?\"\n\n\"Over lunch, why not? I would certainly inform my superiors of any discussion. If there is ever a future need, where should I contact you, or your superiors?\"\n\n\"Here is my card. If you ask for me in Zurich, I'm easily found.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Erlicher watched him reading the superb calligraphy of the miraculous new printing process they had just developed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Count Zergeyev had elegant features, patrician in every pore, with perfect clothes where he knew his own were mediocre and that his forebears were peasants. But he did not envy him.\n\nI'm Swiss, he was thinking. I'm free. I don't have to bow a knee or doff my cap to any king or tsar or priest or man—if I don't want to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This poor fellow's still a serf in a way. Thank God for my mountains and my valleys, and my brothers and sisters and living amongst them, all free as I am free and will remain free.\n\nNear the bar, half drunk and swaying, Lunkchurch was comically squaring off against another man, shouting at the top of his voice, \"That there eff'ing Struan's blown his eff'ing rocker wot ever way you eff'ing want and no eff'ing...\"\n\n\"For goodness' sake, Barnaby, stop your foul language,\" the Reverend Tweet shouted, pushing through the crush for the door, his collar slightly askew and his face flushed and sweating." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When you think about it from a fair, English point of view you have to agree, morally, young Struan has the right approach!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lunkchurch drunkenly made a very rude gesture in his face. \"Stuff your eff'ing santimonio eff'ing doodle do!\"\n\nPurple with rage, the Reverend Tweet bunched his fist and threw an ineffectual blow. Those near Lunkchurch jerked him out of the way as usual, as others surrounded Tweet and soothed his soaring tirade, and then Charlie Grimm, always ready to take up the gauntlet, any gauntlet, roared above the noise and through his own sodden haze." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Barnaby, prepare to meet thy Maker!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Helpfully, those nearby gave them room and, to cheers, the two men began battering each other with abandon.\n\n\"Drinks on the 'ouse,\" the chief barman ordered for those still remaining. \"Scotch for the Rev, port for the Count and 'is guest. Now you two, stop fighting!\"\n\nTweet accepted the drink and tottered to a table well away from the fighters who were now rolling on the floor, their belligerence undiminished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The barman sighed, emptied a bucket of slops over them, walked around the bar, picked up one in each hand and, to more cheers, cast them into High Street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gents, it's time, gents, please!\" he said to howls that were quickly muted. Everyone finished their drinks and began to leave. Zergeyev and Fritz Erlicher raised their hats politely to the clergyman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rev,\" Swann said—he was the thin trader who acted as the deacon." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How about looking in on the sinners in Drunk Town?\"\n\n\"Well, Mr. Swann, it is, how shall I say, on the way.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start (might include ongoing story elements), then u do six sentences in James Clavell's voice ok?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two decks below, the engine room was a dungeon of heat and throbbing noise and dust and blackness and stench that was pierced with squares of blazing coals as half-naked stokers opened furnace covers under the great boilers to shovel in more coal or rake the embers to receive more coal, and then more.\n\nAngelique and Marlowe were standing on one of the overhead iron grilles, the air swirling up filled with the smell of coke and fire and burning oil and sweat and steam. Bodies below sheened with sweat, big-bellied men with muscles bunched, their razor-sharp shovels screeching along the iron deck into the coal bunkers to come back full, a deft throw and the coal scattered in a level bed to fire at once and be replenished.\n\nAft, the pounding engine shone with care and oil, more men using long-nosed cans to squirt oil into joints, others cleaning with swatches of cotton waste, others tending dials and pumps and valves as the engine drove the propeller shaft against the crush of the sea. Jets of steam from valves, more oil and cleaning and constant attention to pistons and levers and cogs and more coal and Angelique found it vastly exciting—those below oblivious of them.\n\nProudly Marlowe pointed and explained over the roar and she answered with a nod and a smile from time to time, holding his arm lightly to steady herself, not hearing a thing or caring to listen, possessed by the engine room that seemed to her a masculine Valhalla where machines were married to men, now part of them, primitive yet futuristic, slaves tending their masters and not the other way around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unnoticed the signalman came up behind them and saluted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not being heard he came forward, saluted again and broke her spell. He handed Marlowe the written message. Marlowe read it quickly, then nodded and shouted at the man, \"Acknowledge!\" He leaned over to Angelique. \"Sorry, we have to go now.\"\n\nAt that moment signal bells from the bridge sounded below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The engineer officer acknowledged the order. Men rushed to close cocks and open others, leaning on levers and checking dials. As steam power came off the huge driving shaft and the engine began to slow, the noise lessened and the stokers leaned gratefully on their shovels, their chests gulping air heavy with coal dust and wrung out the towels they wore about their necks. One man turned on the bunker and cursed it, still drowned by the roar, and opened his trousers and pissed on the coals in a jet that ended in steam to the laughter of the other men. Marlowe hastily took her arm and guided her away, up the gangway. One stoker noticed her, then another and before she had gone, they were all staring at her departing figure, silently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she had gone out of sight, one of them made obscene movements to more laughter mixed with a sudden, sad silence.\n\nOn deck the instant lack of noise and breathing in the sea air made her feel quite giddy for a moment and she held on to Marlowe. \"Are you all right?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes,\" she said. \"Thank you, John, that was, well, extraordinary.\"\n\n\"Oh?\" Marlowe said absently, his attention on sailors in the rigging and on deck hoisting and adjusting sails." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I suppose it is, the first time. At sea, in a storm it gets rough down there. Stokers and engineers are a race apart.\" He took her over to Malcolm. \"Sorry, have to leave you a moment.\"\n\nHe went below to his cabin that was aft. The Marine sentry saluted as he passed. The ship's safe was under his bunk." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with three sentences, keeping within the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was extraordinary, down there, Malcolm. Ghastly in a way, all those men down there, astonishing—and if it's like that in a small ship like this, what would it be like on a big steamer—say like on the Great Eastern?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's astonishing, Angel. I saw her launched on the Thames the last time I was in London, four years ago, when I finished school—my, was I glad to have done with schooling. She's completely of iron, four thousand tons burthen, the biggest in the world by far and built to carry emigrants, thousands at a time, to Australia. It took weeks to launch her—they did it sideways, a complete cock-up and she almost sank. Poor Brunel who designed and built her went broke many times, the companies he floated did. She was ill-fated, caught fire on her maiden voyage and almost gutted—and that killed him. Damned if I'd sail on her—ill-fated she is, and was, from the first plate laid...\" He saw Marlowe come on deck and frowned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now there was no humor on the man's face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Bosun rang eight bells. Noon. \"I have the conn, Number One,\" Marlowe said.\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why don't you take Miss Angelique for'rard, she might like to see some of our deck cannon close up.\"\n\n\"Gladly. Miss?\"\n\nObediently she followed him down the gangway and along the deck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was short, freckled and her height." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're Welsh, Mr. Lloyd?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He laughed, his voice singsong. \"Welsh as the hills of Llandrindod Wells that is my home, look you.\"\n\nShe laughed with him and, leaning against the tilting deck, whispered, \"Why am I being sent off like a schoolgirl?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wouldn't know about that, Missy.\" She saw his deep-set brown eyes look back and then they were turned on her. \"The Captain wants to talk about lunch, no doubt, or asking him, your man, if he wants to use the head, the toilet. Man talk,\" he said, and the eyes smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You like him, don't you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Captain is the Captain. Now, cannon, Ma'am!\"\n\nHer laugh trilled, the sailors nearby were warmed and Marlowe and Malcolm on the bridge heard her too and turned to look. \"She makes a pretty picture, Malcolm.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'chicken' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, she does. You were saying. Tiffin?\"\n\n\"Does that sound all right? The cook's first class on his apple turnovers.\" The menu was to be fish stew, chicken and salt-pork pie and dumplings, cold roast chicken, cheddar cheese and apple turnovers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've a couple of bottles of Montrachet '55, chilled, that I've been saving against a special occasion, and a Chambertin '52.\"\n\n\"You live rather well,\" Malcolm said, very impressed.\n\nMarlowe smiled. \"Not really, but this is a special day and, to tell the truth, I scrounged the Chambertin—it was my Old Man's favorite. The Montrachet, he gave me a couple of cases when I came out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's Navy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh yes.\" The way Marlowe said it expressed surprise that the question needed to be asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's Commander in Chief, Plymouth.\" He hesitated, began to talk and stopped.\n\n\"What's the problem? We're ordered back?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\" Marlowe looked at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was given several sealed orders this morning, along with written permission to bring you aboard and to be back by sundown, without fail. A few minutes ago Flag ordered me to open one of them. I wasn't told to tell you about it but I wasn't told not to. Perhaps you'd explain. The message said 'Should Mr. Struan ask a peculiar favor, you may, if you wish, grant it.'\"\n\nThe world stood still for Malcolm Struan. He did not know if he was alive or dead and his head reeled and if he had not been sitting he would certainly have fallen over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christ Almighty!\" Marlowe gasped." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'bosun' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bosun, fetch a tot of rum right smartly!\"\n\nThe Bosun took to his heels and Malcolm managed to choke out, \"No, no, I'm all right... actually a rum would be... would be grand.\" He saw Marlowe's lips moving and knew he was being shaken but his ears were not hearing anything above the pounding of his heart and then he felt the wind on his cheeks and the sound of the sea returned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here, sorr,\" the Bosun was saying, holding the glass to his lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rum slid down his throat. In seconds Struan felt better. He began to grope to his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Better take it easy, sorr,\" the Bosun said uneasily, \"looks like you seed a ghost.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No ghost, Bosun, but I did see an angel, your Captain!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Marlowe stared back blankly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'marlowe' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not mad,\" Malcolm said, stumbling over his words. \"John, sorry, Captain Marlowe, is there somewhere we can talk privately?\"\n\n\"Of course. Here.\" Uncomfortably Marlowe motioned to the Bosun who left the bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only the helmsman and signalman remained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Signalman, go for'rard. Helmsman, close your ears.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Struan said, \"My peculiar request is: I want you to sail out of sight of land for a moment, and marry Angelique and me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You what?\" It was Marlowe's turn to be disoriented." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He heard Malcolm repeat what he had said. \"You're insane,\" he said.\n\n\"No, not really.\" Malcolm was in control now, his future in the balance, with the Admiral's words, you may, if you wish, grant it, carved on his brain. \"Let me explain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He began. A few minutes later the steward came up and went away and a little later came again with \"Cook's compliments, sir, lunch is ready in your cabin,\" but again Marlowe waved him away, concentrating and not interrupting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's the reason,\" Malcolm finished. \"The why of the Admiral, me, you, my mother. Now, please, will you grant my peculiar favor?\"\n\n\"Can't.\" Marlowe shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, old boy, I've never married anyone and I doubt if regulations'd allow it.\"\n\n\"The Admiral's given you permission to do what I ask.\"\n\n\"He put it rather bloody carefully, old boy: 'grant it if I wished.' My God, that's putting my head in the old yardarm noose, old boy,\" Marlowe said, his mouth running away from him as he foresaw all kinds of future disasters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't know Ketterer like I know him, my God, no, any senior officer for that matter! If I choose wrong here he'll have my balls in the wringer, my career's up the bloody spout...\" He paused for breath, shaking his head and mumbled on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No way I could do that, no w—\"\n\n\"Why not? Don't you approve of us?\"\n\n\"Of course I approve of you, for goodness' sake, but your mother doesn't, I mean she says no to the marriage, Sir William's got his finger stuck in the pie, the Church won't, other Captains won't and, dammit, you're both legal minors, so if I did it wouldn't stick and she's... Dammit, you're a minor and so's she... Just can't risk it...\" A sudden thought and he glanced shorewards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not unless I signal Ketterer. I'll ask permission.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you do that you'll lose face with him forever. If he wanted you to do that he would have said so.\"\n\nMarlowe glared back at him. He reread the Admiral's exact wording and groaned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Struan was right. His future was in the balance. Christ Almighty, why did I invite them aboard? The first thing in his life he remembered his father saying was, \"In the Navy you run your ship by rules and regulations, by the bloody book, except if you're bloody Nelson and there's only ever been one of him!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry, old boy, no.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're our last hope. Now our only hope.\"\n\n\"Sorry, no.\"\n\nStruan sighed and eased his shoulders, playing his ace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Angel!\" he called out. She heard the second call and came back with Lt. Lloyd and stood beside him. \"Angel, how would you like to be married today, right now?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he said, loving her so very much. \"John Marlowe can perform the ceremony if he wants. How about it?\"\n\nThe wonder spread over her and she did not hear Marlowe begin to say that he was so sorry he could not but he was stopped by the passion of her embrace and kiss, and then she did the same for Struan again and him again, \"Oh, yes... oh, yes... John, how wonderful, you will, won't you? Oh, thank you, thank you, how wonderful, please please please,\" begging with another irresistible snuggle and he heard himself say, \"Yes, of course, why not, glad to,\" saying his doom words as underplayed as he could, though inside feeling more heated than he had ever been and still meaning to say no.\n\nThe helmsman sealed the matter with a joyful shout, \"Three cheers for Cap'n Marlowe, we've a weddin' aboard!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on this story segment like James Clavell would, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre. Characters may have existing backgrounds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By sunset, the news had spread throughout the Settlement, Drunk Town and the Yoshiwara.\n\nSpeculation had been immediate, noisy, and argumentative as theories were put forth for and against such a marriage, some predicting the ceremony was totally illegal, others angrily denying it, many of the more quarrel some traders—and all Drunk Towners—using foul language, obscene gestures, and bunched fists to support their positions, while a few of the wiser said: \"Ah, the canny young bugger, so that's why he sucked up to the Admiral! It was a deal! Clever—I'd do the same if I were Struan. Now that he's got her will he still be anti-opium, anti-armaments? No way...\"\n\nWith the new topics, several fights began in Drunk Town and a bar burned down. Father Leo was rumored to have had apoplexy and was now prostrate in front of his altar. Reverend Tweet, at this very moment, was supposed to be raving at Sir William, and in the Club, Lunkchurch and Grimm, inevitably on opposing sides, had begun to battle and, as usual, were tossed into the street.\n\nMalcolm and Angelique were in the cabin of their launch. Ahead was their jetty and, holding hands, they saw a boisterous group of well-wishers that had gathered there, headed by Jamie McFay. The promised bad weather had not materialized, with only a sprinkle late afternoon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The wind was still up, sky overcast, but this did not dampen the welcoming uproar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here we go, Mrs. Struan,\" Malcolm said, and hugged her. She kissed him, whispering, \"Yes, my darling husband. Oh, Malcolm, that sounds so funny, strange, so marvelous. This isn't a dream, is it?\"\n\n\"No, though it feels the same to me.\"\n\nThe cutter twisted in the chop, throwing them together to more laughter, and swung alongside to cheers and shouts, the neatest docking the Bosun had ever made. \"Lively on the ropes, lads,\" he ordered, but there was no need as eager hands twisted the towlines to bollards and sailors swarmed to help them.\n\n\"Congratulations, Tai-pan, Mrs. Struan,\" Jamie shouted amidst cheers that reached the interior of the Club across High Street. At once the room emptied and everyone began to gather, doffing their hats, even Mrs. Lunkchurch and Mrs. Grimm amongst them, equally festive.\n\nGornt and Norbert Greyforth watched from the upper windows of their building." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outside all houses Chinese servants stood around popeyed, and samurai were collecting at the North Gate, mystified." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ministers and their staffs were trickling out of their Legations: Sir William, hard-faced, flanked by a smiling Phillip Tyrer, and Michaelmas Tweet, black-browed and furious, Zergeyev beaming and cheering lustily, Dmitri shouting congratulations waving an American flag, and Seratard and André were torn between elation that the marriage was now achieved, and fury that they had not been consulted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"André, bring her in as soon as possible. Jésus, the stupid gamine should have let us into the secret—it's your job to control her!\" Seratard said with the side of his mouth, enthusiastically waving back as Angelique caught his eye and waved. \"Struan must execute a will conforming to the Code Napoléon at once, see to it! Only God knows what dirty tricks William will try, for or against—whatever he says, our position is the marriage is legal, but we must insist it conform to French law! Get Father Leo, he will conduct their proper wedding next week... Mon Dieu, look at those cretins!\"\n\nAngelique and Struan were being mobbed. With increasing difficulty they tried to push a way through the crowd, all of whom wanted to kiss the bride, as their right, to be prevented by others, to more uproar.\n\nShe began to panic. This heightened the tension of those nearby. The crowd swirled and swamped her, Struan using his sticks to fight to her side as Jamie began shoving through roughly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone threw a punch, and an ugly skirmish began. Sir William called out to the marine sentries, \"Go and clear a way for them, hurry up, for God's sake, or they'll be crushed!\" The four men began running. \"Phillip, supervise them, and get Struan into my office on the double.\"\n\nThe Sergeant roared, \"Hey, you lot!\" and the mob devil that sometimes appeared in a crowd for no apparent reason was gone. Quietly and firmly he began forcing a passage. \"Behave yourselves, give the lady room!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was obeyed as Struan reached her. \"Are you all right, Angel?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, love.\" Now that she had room her panic had gone. She adjusted her hat. The feather had been broken. \"Look at that!\"\n\n\"Here let me help you,\" Tyrer said importantly, waving others away. \"You, go on, move, you've frightened her to death. Are you all right, Angelique? Malcolm?\"\n\n\"Of course,\" Malcolm said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Include the following text] → \"Head for the office, fast as you can.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now that she was safe and he had his sticks, his happiness returned and he shouted, \"Thanks for welcoming us! Drinks on the Noble House, the Club bar's open and stays open until further orders!\"\n\nThere was a general rush in that direction. Soon only Malcolm, Angelique, McFay and Phillip Tyrer remained. And the sour presence of Michaelmas Tweet: \"Mr. Struan, the ceremony is completely not legal and I must warn y—\"\n\n\"You may be right, Reverend, but I'm advised to the contrary, sir,\" Struan said firmly, having already devised a plan for Tweet, another for Father Leo and another for Sir William. \"Nonetheless I believe there is a happy solution. Perhaps you would come to my office at noon tomorrow? The House of the Lord will be satisfied, sir, you may rest assured!\" Then he whispered to Jamie, \"Divert him,\" and to the others, \"Head for the office, fast as you can.\"\n\nThey had to run the gauntlet of a few stragglers and then Angelique whispered, \"Phillip, hurry!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She ran on ahead with him to avoid Father Leo who was approaching from down the street as fast as his bulk and his cassock would allow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once in the foyer, with most of the staff lined up there, Vargas in front, Chen smiling glassily, she laughed nervously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't want to have to talk to him!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'mcfay'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why not?\" Phillip was beaming. \"You're married and that's that—at least Sir William's been spitting blood since he heard, cursing the Navy, Ketterer, Marlowe—so I imagine you are married, but all I want to say is congrats and may I kiss the bride?\" He did not wait and kissed her like a brother. She hugged him and breathed another sigh of relief.\n\nStruan came through the door with McFay. \"Lock it,\" he ordered. Helped by Vargas, McFay obeyed, politely but firmly shoving the few more persistent traders out and slamming the bolt home as Father Leo strode up, tried the handle, then hammered on the door as though it were a cathedral portal.\n\nBut no one paid any attention, all fleeing into the office like a group of mischievous children, where they collapsed into the chairs. All except Malcolm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Champagne, Chen. Thank you, Vargas, see you later,\" he said over congratulations, and added to Chen, in Cantonese, \"Open the wine, little mealymouth.\"\n\nJamie McFay shut the door and sank into the last chair.\n\n\"Ayeeyah,\" Malcolm said, bubbling like the wine. \"I didn't think it would be like this. Phillip, thanks again for the good wishes, you too, Jamie. Are you all right, Angel?\"\n\n\"Yes, Mr. Struan, wonderful, thank you.\"\n\nTyrer said, \"It's all marvelous news, Malcolm, and by the way could you see Sir William as soon as possible.\"\n\nThe way he said it, so tentatively, so matter-of-fact, when they all knew he had been bellowed at, made a sudden silence which broke apart as they all laughed hysterically.\n\n\"Tomorrow afternoon, happily,\" Malcolm said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their glasses were soon full and even more quickly empty and again filled, conversation loud and not listened to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The door eased open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vargas signalled McFay, then whispered to him.\n\nJamie nodded. \"I'll be there in a moment. Tai-pan, can you excuse me? And there's a message for Ang—for Mrs. Struan: Mr. Seratard wants to add his congratulations personally at the Legation, soon as possible and the... the priest would like to see you both a moment.\"\n\n\"Jamie, first finish your drink. Vargas, send word to Seratard we'll put him on top of the list, but first tell Father Leo to be here tomorrow at 5:00 p.m., here, in my office.\" Vargas vanished. Malcolm saw the shadow on Angelique's face. \"I'll see him, Angel, you don't have to, and by Sunday everything will be calm, I promise. Everything's in control. Soon as it's dark, we'll slip back aboard the cutter.\"\n\n\"Cutter? Why, Malcolm, what on earth for?\"\n\n\"Another surprise, we're dining aboard Prancing Cloud and staying the night, then tomorrow there are more surprises, lots and lots, there's a honeymoon to plan. We'll leave in an hour and there's no need for you to change, I had Ah Soh pack some clothes for you and they're already aboard.\" To Jamie, \"You have to leave? What's up?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd made a date with Gornt and forgot all about it in the excitement. He's waiting in my anteroom. He asked Vargas to give you both his congratulations, and Norbert's.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank him for me, but don't go for a second.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank him for me too, Jamie,\" Angelique said.\n\n\"Of course, Mrs. Struan.\" McFay was trying to get used to the sound of the words, finding it difficult and artificial, the two words conjuring up Tess Struan, and nowadays every time he thought of her he became bilious. The moment he had heard about the marriage, the reason for Malcolm's letter to the Guardian and last night's announcement had become clear—even the timing of the duel dovetailed neatly.\n\nMarried! Oh my God!\n\nThe implications for Malcolm were immense. For himself it did not matter now that he had made his peace with Malcolm and with himself. He doubted if he would ever have a peace with Tess Struan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though she was a fanatic Struan, at the same time she had inherited her father's vindictiveness, his ruthless need for revenge. He had witnessed it falling on the Bosun in charge of the boat that had capsized, drowning the twins. She had had him charged with murder, demanding hanging. The coroner had found him guilty of negligence, causing manslaughter, and gave him the maximum ten years, hard labor, in the Hong Kong prison, which the man would never survive. Negligent? Not really, McFay and most had thought at the time, the storm sudden, as happens that season of the year, an unhappy accident. But she was Tess Struan of the Noble House. The Bosun's real mistake, he thought sadly, was that he lived and the children died.\n\n\"Angelique,\" Struan was saying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why don't you freshen up, I'm going to do the same and we'll leave within the hour—I've just a few things to settle with Jamie.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They kissed and she left." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'don't' (3x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Cantonese he told Chen he should arrange hot water for his wife and for him, \"Then we go aboard Prancing Cloud. Is everything prepared?\"\n\n\"Yes, Master.\"\n\n\"Good, and you three better be quiet as bats, and contented as pigs in shit like never before!\" To Tyrer, he added pleasantly in English, \"Phillip, you'll excuse us, won't you? Starting tomorrow, there'll be major celebrations all over, wedding feast and so on with formal invitations. Please give Sir William my compliments, and please don't mention we'll be aboard Prancing Cloud tonight to anyone—even to Sir William. I don't want any drunken rowdies circling us all night, we want to be private, all right?\"\n\n\"Quite understand, again congratulations.\" Tyrer was happy to leave. He still had to see Hiraga to finish another, curt dispatch for Tairō Anjo before he could cross the bridge to Fujiko. After this morning's council of war between Sir William and Seratard, aided by himself and André, where final details of the forthcoming bombardment and punitive Yedo campaign were agreed, André had whispered: \"Fujiko's panting to see you, it's all arranged. She's even insisting on serving you a Japanese feast, so arrive hungry and thirsty, but don't forget to act tough.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now alone, some of Malcolm's fatigue showed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'Good. Phillip was a mistake, but never mind,' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jamie, pour me a glass, would you? Thanks. Everything's organized?\"\n\n\"For tonight, yes, and tomorrow, yes. Ah Tok and Ah Soh are aboard with the trunks, Chen will go with you and Mrs. Struan. As far as I know no one except them, Strongbow, me, and now Phillip know you'll sleep aboard Prancing Cloud.\"\n\n\"Good. Phillip was a mistake, but never mind,\" Malcolm said. \"I got too exuberant but it should be all right. He shouldn't blab. What does Gornt want?\"\n\n\"Just to arrange final details.\" McFay looked at him. \"Shouldn't your marriage make a difference now?\"\n\n\"It could. But unless Norbert apologizes, it won't.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gornt wanted a private word, if you had a moment.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right. Tell him that's all it can be—and let me see him first, eh?\"\n\nGornt's friendliness filled the room. To Malcolm he seemed like a very old comrade. \"Champagne?\"\n\n\"Thank you, Tai-pan. May I congratulate you?\"\n\n\"You may. Health!\"\n\n\"And yours, suh.\"\n\n\"Sorry, but we have to be quick, tomorrow there'll be more time, what's up?\"\n\n\"I wanted to tell you, privately, Mr. Greyforth is going to accept your compromise tomorrow. No duel.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Struan smiled. \"That's the best news I've had... no, the second best news I've had all day!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\" Gornt's face hardened. \"If he means it.\"\n\n\"Eh?\"\n\n\"I think you should be ready for treachery. Sorry to be a cold towel on a great day but I wanted to warn you. I know he'll change his mind.\"\n\nMalcolm watched him, then nodded, undisturbed. \"With Norbert, and all the Brocks, we expect treachery for breakfast.\" Their glasses touched. \"Health—and wealth—and happiness!\"\n\nThe room was warm for both of them, Malcolm noticing a curiousness about him that he could not divine." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding nine sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William was stony-faced. So was Jamie. Doctors Hoag and Babcott were frowning. Heavenly Skye had a glint in his eyes. All were sitting on chairs in front of Malcolm's desk. She faced them from his tall chair, tiny but secure in it. Darker dress than before, three-quarter sleeves, square neckline, her back straight, coiffure perfect. Without makeup and somehow regal. \"The day after tomorrow?\" Sir William asked.\n\n\"Yes, please,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My husband should not be laid out for long for people to pay their last respects, if they wish to. Isn't three days normal, Doctor?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Normally, yes, Angelique,\" Hoag said. \"But we've already made arrangements for the preservation of the body during the voyage home. Everything will be fine, you've no need to worry.\" He added gently, \"He should be buried there, he really should. We all agree.\"\n\n\"You've embalmed him? Already?\"\n\nThe men shifted uneasily. Hoag said, \"No, that's not usual. You, er, you use ice to ensure the preserv—\"\n\n\"Would you relish being packed in ice and sent to Hong Kong like a carcass of mutton from Australia?\"\n\nThe tension in the room spiraled, the men more embarrassed than before. Her voice remained quiet, firm and friendly, which tended to further infuriate them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Except for Skye for whom she was taking on a very new dimension." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William said, \"That's not the point, Madame. We feel for his sake and his family's sake that burial at home is wise.\"\n\n\"He admired his grandfather, the tai-pan, didn't he?\"\n\n\"Indeed he did,\" Sir William said. Abruptly, he relaxed, no longer concerned, for now he had the answer to the conundrum, whatever she said. \"Everyone knows that. Why?\"\n\n\"Many times, in various words, Malcolm said he wanted to live like him, be remembered like him and be buried like him. And that's the way it will be.\"\n\n\"Very correct, and wise.\" Sir William added crisply, \"His grandfather's buried in the family crypt in the cemetery in Happy Valley.\" He added kindly, \"Angelique, I agree it should be the same for him. Now I unders—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But Dirk Struan wasn't buried in Hong Kong,\" she said, startling them. \"Oh, I know his name's carved into the stone, but he was buried at sea. My husband will be buried at sea, in the same way.\"\n\n\"Sorry, Angelique, but you're wrong,\" Jamie said. \"I was there, I'd just joined Struan's, an apprentice China trader fresh from England, and went to the funeral. It was an immense affair, all Hong Kong went. There was even a huge, separate procession in Chinatown organized by Gordon Chen.\"\n\n\"Sorry, Jamie, but you are wrong. An empty coffin was interred in the crypt, he was buried at sea with his mistress, May-may, in international waters off Hong Kong.\" She felt tears near. No tears, she ordered herself, not yet. \"He was buried at sea. It was a Christian service, done correctly as he wished, and the witnesses were Culum and Tess Struan, Gordon Chen and Aristotle Quance.\"\n\n\"That's not possible,\" Jamie said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, yes it is, and that's what happened. Your Church hierarchy refused to allow them to be buried together, refused them a Christian burial in hallowed ground in Happy Valley.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But, Angelique, I saw the funeral. He was buried there, I don't know where May-may was buried but I agree, she wasn't with him.\"\n\n\"You saw a sham, Jamie, the coffin was empty.\"\n\n\"This is nonsense,\" Sir William said.\n\n\"The hierarchy were adamant against a joint burial,\" she said as though he had not spoken. \"It was unheard of. They had been scandalized by Dirk Struan for many reasons, as you know only too well, Sir William, but the idea was too much for them. In his will, part of his Testament that's handed down from tai-pan to tai-pan, he had written two weeks before he died that if he and May-may died together, they were to be buried together, that it was his intention to marry her and—\"\n\n\"He actually wrote that? He was going to marry her?\" Sir William said, the others equally shocked, for even today, marriage to a Chinese was unthinkable—ostracism would be permanent, even for Dirk Struan. \"He actually wrote that?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she said, seeing that Hoag alone did not share Sir William's consternation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The English, the British, are such awful people in many ways, she was thinking. Such hypocrites, bigots, uncivilized and different from us, only too aware of their antagonism to marriage of Protestant to Catholic, let alone their detestation of intermarriage with peoples of their Empire.\n\nWhy consider intermarriage a heinous sin, she wanted to shout, while you have native mistresses and children by them openly, such hypocrisy! It's never been like that with us, in our French colonies or Empire. If a Frenchman marries a native woman she becomes not only his wife but French with all the protection of French law. We even encourage intermarriage, correctly. A man is a man, a woman a woman whatever the color of her skin, but not to you people. God protect me from becoming English, thank God I can never give up my French citizenship whoever I marry...\n\nWhat am I saying, she thought with a jolt, bringing herself back to the room and these enemies of her husband." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Time enough for such luxury later." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I find some British attitudes difficult to understand, Sir William, about intermarriage, but then I am French. That aside, with the funeral of my husband's grandfather there was an impasse: your Church was outraged and would not agree to joint burial. The new tai-pan, his son, Culum, was insisting on it—anything other than a proper Christian burial for Dirk Struan was unthinkable, Culum more so than Tess who was very disturbed by Dirk's wishes and his flouting of conventions that were the bedrock of all her beliefs. Her father, Tyler Brock, now the most powerful trader on the island was vehemently opposed, so was Tess's mother, so were most traders publicly, whatever they felt in private. The Governor supported the Church.\"\n\n\"Quite right,\" Sir William muttered.\n\n\"Yes,\" she said. \"If Hong Kong had been Catholic my Church would have been equally hostile. So the scandal threatened the Colony, and this when most of Hong Kong lay in ruins after the typhoon—with no ice,\" she added thinly.\n\nThey shifted in their seats, except Skye who slouched in his chair with the same slight smile.\n\nBabcott said gently, \"It's normal, correct medical practice for important people in these circumstances, Angelique. Your husband was and is important to us. You must believe that.\"\n\n\"I do.\" She took her eyes off him and addressed Sir William as before, continuing in the same matter-of-fact way: \"To break the impasse, a compromise was arranged. The compromise was arranged by Aristotle Quance and Gordon Chen, it was oral, nothing in writing. Quietly—the word should be 'secretly' because that was what it was—the bodies were put aboard China Cloud. The Church of England ceremony was officiated at by a Naval Chaplain and Captain Orlov. It was a proper Christian burial. Dirk Struan and his mistress, May-may Sheng, were buried together as he had desired.\"\n\n\"If it was so secret, how do you know this's true?\"\n\n\"It was recorded in the ship's log, Sir William, which was at once put into the tai-pan's private vault and all witnesses, Culum and Tess Struan, Aristotle Quance, and Gordon Chen, and of course the minimum crew aboard, were sworn by holy oath to secrecy. The Naval Chaplain, who he was I don't know, was sent back to England at once. The other funeral took place with all the pomp due the tai-pan of the Noble House.\"\n\nThe silence stayed in the room, broken only by the breath of the wind against the windowpanes, the afternoon outside fair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William said, \"Have you seen the log?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, nor spoken to... to his mother about it.\"\n\nJamie said, \"Tess Struan could corroborate it, or Gordon Chen—if they would agree to break their oath—and if they wanted to.\"\n\nSkye straightened in his chair. \"This morning Mrs. Struan asked me if this story her late husband had told her was true. Happily I was able to corroborate certain details.\"\n\n\"And you know it's true because...?\"\n\n\"I happened to meet one of the crew who was less susceptible to secrecy than the others. A seaman, Hennery Fairchild—I've no idea if he's alive or dead now—but when I first came to Hong Kong, Sir William, I made it my business to learn all I could about the Noble House, the Brocks, Quance, about the founding of Hong Kong, and the... the various corruptions that took place in high places.\"\n\nSir William nodded sourly, finding his bad breath and bad teeth more overpowering than usual, knowing some of the dirty scandals that had been kept from public view and had preceded him. \"That's hearsay evidence.\"\n\n\"It would not have much weight in court, Sir William. But it is true.\"\n\nWhat to do? the Minister asked himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Have to do the right thing, by God." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The judgment of Paris? No, this is all a typhoon in a wineglass. \"Very well, Madam, by all means let us respect his wishes. Jamie, send the body at once to Hong Kong for burial at sea,\" he said crisply, and thought, Once there, Tess Struan can have at Angelique Struan and I'm damned if I'm going to get between them. What the devil's come over Angelique, never seen such a change! \"Quite understand you are loath to go by Prancing Cloud. We'll arrange the mail ship.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" Angelique said calmly, \"but no, Sir William. My late husband will not be sent like a carcass, in ice, to Hong Kong. He will not.\"\n\n\"By God, Madame, if I order it, it will happen.\"\n\n\"True, if you order it. But, Sir William...\" She glanced at Skye. \"What is the legal position?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Legally the wishes of the husband, supported by his widow, would take precedence.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Before I answer that where is there any proof? There's none. As to preference over whom?\" Sir William said testily, \"Over Mrs. Struan, Tess Struan, is that what you are saying? We should disregard any consideration of her?\"\n\nSkye began to answer but Angelique motioned him to stop, and said, \"Not at all. If Prancing Cloud went at once. A fast time to Hong Kong is ten days there and ten days back, in fair weather. A few days to turn around. Dr. Hoag, is there time for your... your ice,\" she said distastefully, \"to preserve my husband's mortal remains properly over that time for his mother to be brought here—if she wished to come?\"\n\nHoag was thinking about Dirk Struan and his legendary May-may, his beloved beauty, and about intermarriage and how he himself wished he had not killed his wife, love of his life. He often felt he had. His love for her should have been great enough not to have married her, not to have taken her out of her safe, serene Indian life into the disaster he knew would be their lot. And was.\n\nOnce again your future is in the balance, Hoag old man. Do you help this girl or Tess Struan? Don't forget it was your fault that bloody assassin lived to frighten her, near to death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Medically it might be, but I would advise against it,\" he said with a sideways glance at Babcott, cautioning him not to interfere." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that The decision, Sir William, is really whether he should be sent back or not. If not, I think he should be buried as... as his wife wants." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The decision, Sir William, is really whether he should be sent back or not. If not, I think he should be buried as... as his wife wants.\"\n\nSir William hesitated, irritated that his solution was not accepted. \"Angelique, why are you opposed to going with the body to Hong Kong, if not by Prancing Cloud, by mail ship?\"\n\n\"I am opposed because then he will not be buried in the way that he wishes, like his grandfather—his mother would never admit the other story, could not. I am his widow and I tell you his wishes are my wishes, with all my heart.\"\n\nSir William was unsure of his legal grounds for assenting or dissenting, and massively concerned about Tess Struan, her position now as de facto head of the Noble House, her written opposition to the marriage, and what she would do if the body was not sent back.\n\nShe'll scream bloody murder for one thing, he thought, almost wincing. Obviously she'd want the burial there, it should be there, at sea or not at sea, whatever the truth or untruth of the story, and fifty pounds against a bent farthing in any event she'll try to overturn the marriage, with a fair chance of doing it. So you, poor lady, like it or not, are on a very dicey wicket. \"I'm afraid you are making an already tragic happening even more complicated than it need be. The poor fellow can be buried at sea just as easily from Hong Kong as here. So the best thing...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Excuse me for butting in, Sir William,\" Skye said, then added as a brilliant Queen's Counsel cross-examining would, \"but unless you are formally challenging the legality of my client's marriage, she does have certain rights. May I therefore ask you to approve that her late husband's wishes and hers prevail in this matter and let him be buried here.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, the same Queen's Counsel finishing his summation for the defense, he said so softly, kindly: \"Malcolm Struan was ours, Yokohama's, as much as theirs. His tragedy began here, it should end here.\"\n\nIn spite of her resolve, Angelique felt the tears begin. But she gave no sound of crying." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding nine sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inside the shoya's dwelling, Jamie sat cross-legged on the tatami, shoeless, Hiraga opposite him. At the head of the table was the shoya, and saké and tea.\n\nFor an hour or more Jamie had answered and asked questions, Hiraga translating, hesitating over the strange words, wanting further explanations to understand clearly. Jamie was tired, not because of the time spent here, a fascinating and a welcome relief from all his other troubles, but because there seemed to be no solution to them. He had been upset by Sir William's refusal to be swayed over the burial, though understanding perfectly—he would have done the same in his position. Poor Angelique, poor Malcolm, poor Noble House. Even poor bloody Tess.\n\nSomething has to give. It won't be Wee Willie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It has to be Angelique—there's nothing she or anyone can do. This time I think it will break her.\n\nAs simply as he could he had laid out his idea for a joint venture, the shoya and his contacts supplying the goods on consignment they agreed on, Jamie supplying the European know-how, a six-month leeway for payment, which would give time for the goods to be sold and the money either to come back or to be reinvested in mass-produced goods that they, in return, would advise the joint venture to import. This led into a discussion of quantities, then into mass production methods that could make them all rich.\n\n\"Shoya ask: What cost your massu produk'shun machine?\"\n\n\"It depends what the machines are to make,\" Jamie said.\n\n\"Jami-sama, he ask you, p'rease, you say what goods to make to se're in Ing'rund. Not now, in three day, p'rease. If shoya agree, perhaps make stoku kompeni and bring massu produk'shun machine to Nippon.\"\n\nJamie smiled. \"Mass production is initially expensive to set up, machines and factory. It's not like the joint venture I suggested. There's no way I could raise that much money.\"\n\n\"Jami-sama, you not worry, not worry about money. Gyokoyama can buy-se're Yedo if want.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga smiled grimly as Jamie blinked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shoya thank you and I thank you. P'rease, in three days, you say what to make and price. I see you home.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No need for that, thanks.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga bowed, the shoya bowed, Jamie bowed back equally and went into the evening air.\n\n\"Tea, Sire?\" the shoya asked.\n\nHiraga nodded a yes, preparing to leave, needing a bath and massage, but pleased with himself, everything done now except to collect Jami Mukfey's supposed fee of the three koku.\n\nThe shoya ordered fresh tea. When the maid had gone, he said, \"I have some news. By carrier pigeon, Otami-sama, about Lord Yoshi, and about the shishi you might like to hear.\"\n\n\"Stop playing games! Of course I wish to hear.\" Now that he was alone with the shoya, Hiraga became imperious and samurai without noticing it. \"What news?\"\n\n\"There's been another attempt on Lord Yoshi.\"\n\n\"He's dead?\" Hiraga said hopefully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Otami-sama, here, please read for yourself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With pretended meekness the shoya offered the sliver of paper, the same he had previously shown to Raiko and Meikin: An assassination attempt on Lord Yoshi at dawn at Hamamatsu village failed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lone shishi assassin slain by him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Koiko also dead in skirmish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inform House of Wisteria our great sadness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More information soon as possible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga read it, and gasped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When did this happen?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Five days ago, Otami-sama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing further?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'otami-sama' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not yet.\"\n\nReading the message, his headache seemed to become even worse, his thoughts jumbled. Koiko dead, another shishi dead! Who? If she's dead, what about Sumomo? \"You've informed the House of Wisteria?\"\n\n\"Yes, Otami-sama.\"\n\n\"What did Meikin say?\"\n\n\"She was distraught, Otami-sama, naturally.\"\n\n\"What else do you know, shoya?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that I don't know. Perhaps about eight days, Otami-sama." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What I know that affects you and shishi, I tell you.\"\n\n\"What about Katsumata and Takeda?\"\n\n\"The word, Sire, they were still travelling towards us, as, supposedly, Lord Yoshi is.\"\n\n\"When does he arrive back? Has he changed his plans now?\" he asked, his mind tumbling. If Koiko was killed in the skirmish, was it by accident, or had Yoshi discovered Koiko had tentacles to us, as Meikin has? \"Eh?\"\n\n\"I don't know. Perhaps about eight days, Otami-sama.\" The shoya studied Hiraga's concern and thought that, yes, this youth should be concerned, for obviously he is in great danger, but eeee, how valuable he is! I agree he is a National Treasure, or should be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joint-u ven'shur!—a godlike idea!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My son will go to work with this Jami gai-jin starting tomorrow, to learn barbarian ways and then I will not need Hiraga, who represents nothing but trouble to me directly, and so sorry, is doomed. Like we all are, if we are not very clever. \"Otami-sama, there are many troop movements around us.\"\n\n\"Eh? What kind of movements?\"\n\n\"The Bakufu have reinforced the three nearest Tokaidō way stations to us. Also, there are five hundred samurai straddling the road north and south of us.\" A bead of sweat slid down his cheek. \"We are in a box of Tairō Anjo.\"\n\nHiraga cursed and, too, felt the pressure increase. \"What do you hear, Shoya? Is he planning to attack us here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish I knew, Otami-sama. Perhaps telling the Taira about the troops might help to find out what is the gai-jin plan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They'll bombard Yedo, any fool knows that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga felt sickened at the thought of the inevitable gai-jin victory though it would serve sonno-joi like nothing else. \"There's nothing the tairō can do to prevent...\" His heart skipped a beat and he stopped.\n\n\"Except, Otami-sama?\"\n\n\"Except history's answer, the usual answer: a sudden, brutal, surprise attack to destroy the fleet's base.\" Hiraga was astonished he had shared his thought, and been so open with such a lowly person, even though the shoya was intelligent, a valuable ally, and soon to be a business partner.\n\nEeee, he told himself through the throbbing of his headache, there's so much I do not understand, the world is turning upside down, everything different, I am different, no longer samurai yet totally samurai. It is these filthy gai-jin with their tempting, sickening, awesome, greed-making ideas. They must be thrown out—sonno-joi sonno-joi sonno-joi—but not yet. First massu produk'shun, the first to make rifles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shoya, send out all spies in case that is Anjo's plan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Spies, Otami-sama?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga said, \"The time is now to stop playing games, Shoya. You understand? No-more-games!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I obey in everything, Otami-sama. As usual, as I ha—\"\n\n\"You did very well tonight, Shoya. The moment you hear anything about Yoshi or shishi, send me word, please.\" Hiraga added the \"please\" as a major concession.\n\n\"As quick as a hunting sea bird, Sire.\"\n\n\"Good night then—ah, so sorry, I forgot, there is the gai-jin's fee. He asked me to remind you.\"\n\nThe shoya's stomach turned over. From his sleeve he extracted a small bag—it would have been very bad manners to give it to Jami-sama direct. \"Here is the equal in gold oban for one and a half koku, Otami-sama, the rest in ten days.\"\n\nHiraga shrugged and casually put it in his own sleeve, but the weight of it and the joy of it astonished him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will tell him, and see he is here in three days.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Otami-sama. These troop movements, terribly worrisome. War is coming. My Masters say if they could have advance warning of gai-jin plans... they would appreciate deeply any help. Perhaps your Taira-sama...\" Hopefully, he left the name hanging." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another message from Head Office in Osaka had arrived today, more urgent than the last." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As if I cannot read?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'because' | Required occurrences: 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the shoya thought angrily, as if I'm uncaring and disloyal. I do everything I can. It is those two cursed mamasans. Two days and still nothing from them!\n\nBefore he had left Raiko and Meikin he had impressed on them his urgent need to know everything they knew, or could find out, quickly. His anger began to increase, not only because the two women had pretended to know nothing however much he cajoled them, even though he was sure that they already had an inkling, but also because his precious gold oban were in this rapacious samurai's sleeve, fees, however well earned for an equally rapacious gai-jin. And where will all my lovely oban end up? Of course in some whore's Golden Gully.\n\n\"Thank you so much, Otami-sama,\" the shoya said unctuously, as Hiraga left, keeping his head on his tatami to hide the gnashing of his few remaining broken teeth, wanting to humble Hiraga, make him sweat, telling him, not sorry at all: oh, so sorry, your late whore Koiko was implicated in the plot, so was your trained female assassin and wife-to-be Sumomo who had her head chopped off too, and your shishi supporter Meikin, mamasan to the most important men in Yedo—even Gyokoyama leaders—is not long for this earth because we surmise Yoshi knows all this too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And though you're the cleverest samurai I've known, you're doomed doomed doomed, and yet my illustrious superiors expect me to treat you as a National Treasure and keep you alive as well. Oh ko!" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tonight I shall get drunk, but not before congratulating myself on the imminent formation of the Ryoshi Joint-u Ven'shur Stoku Kompenil Eeee, an idea worthy of gods!" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: 4 sentences sentences continuing this chapter, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Walking home, Jamie McFay loosened his topcoat though the evening air was cold. He was warm. The knowledge gained was substantial and his concentration had driven away his cares. All very interesting, he thought, but neither of those two have any idea of the initial costs of mass production. And yet the way Nakama said Gyokoyama could buy and sell Yedo if they wanted, for the moment I really believed it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shoya will go for a joint venture, I'm sure of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His step was brisk and he greeted others walking the High Steet and went up the Struan steps, into his domain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's mine again, he thought, with pride. Perhaps Tess will change her mind now—she's no fool and I've done a good job.\n\nVargas was waiting.\n\n\"'Evening, Vargas, time to lock up?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but first, senhor, sorry, these came in yesterday's mail but, somehow, were in my In tray.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both letters were marked Personal and Confidential and addressed to him. The first was in Tess Struan's writing. His stomach heaved. The other was from Maureen Ross, his erstwhile fiancée. His unease doubled. \"Thanks,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In spite of his resolve to wait, he could not and tore Tess's letter open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is to inform you formally that Mr. Albert MacStruan is transferred from Shanghai, arriving by steamer, Wayfong, on the 17th. Please acquaint him with all Japanese operations. Subject to your noncompliance with previous letters he assumes control at the end of December.\n\nHis dismissal from the Noble House, now that it was in effect, did not anger him as he expected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In fact he was relieved. Weird, just a few moments ago I thought it was my...\n\nHe looked up at Vargas who was watching narrowly. \"What else, Vargas?\" He folded the letter and put it on his desk with the other one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mrs. Angelique is in the tai-pan's office. She asked if you could see her for a moment?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's up now?\"\n\n\"Nothing that I know of, senhor, the evening has been peaceful. A message arrived from your Nemi, asking if you would be visiting later. One other small matter, Captain Strongbow again asked for sailing orders. Again I told him to be patient. It will be on the evening tide?\"\n\n\"Yes. I think so. Send word to Nemi: Perhaps.\"\n\n\"At once, senhor. Then it's decided? The tai-pan's remains will go with Cloud? And of course the Senhora?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Either by clipper, or the mail ship, one or the other,\" he said, walked along the corridor, knocked and went in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was curled in Malcolm's chair, which Jamie was coming to think of as her own, reading the Guardian by oil light. \"Hello, Jamie.\"\n\n\"'Evening. I've decided to go with you and the mail ship.\" He tried unsuccessfully not to sound blunt. \"It's my job to explain to Tess Struan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Having said it, he felt better." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's my job and I think Mal—I think he would like me to do that, and it might spare you a little.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she said with her sweet smile, \"I'm sure he would. Close the door, Jamie, and sit down a moment.\" When he had obeyed, she dropped her voice and told him Hoag's plan. \"Can you bring the cutter to Kanagawa with the rest of us tomorrow evening?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was staring at her stupidly, completely off guard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're crazy. That plan's crazy.\"\n\n\"No, not at all. Dr. Hoag thinks...\"\n\n\"He's over the moon too—you'd never get away with it.\"\n\n\"Why?\" she asked calmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fifty reasons,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So many reasons I'm not even going to mention any. Whole idea's ludicrous, insane, Willie will have you in irons.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's no law against what we would be doing, Mr. Skye says. The burial would be quite legal, he says.\"\n\n\"Mr. Bloody Know-it-all says that, eh? And what else's Heavenly going to do,\" he asked, \"put his collar on backwards and read the bloody service?\"\n\n\"Mr. Skye believes we can persuade the Reverend Tweet to do that,\" she said as though he were a child in a tantrum.\n\nHe threw up his hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're both crazy and Hoag is stupid, off his head to have suggested it. We'll leave on the mail ship, you, me, and him.\" He stalked for the door.\n\n\"Jamie, can you handle the cutter by yourself or will we need a crew?\" He turned back and stared at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She smiled, determined, but nicely so." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"Would we need a crew?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would we need a crew?\"\n\n\"Two men at least. Bosun and engineer, at least.\"\n\n\"Thank you. If you don't wish to help, may I ask the Bosun, yes?\"\n\n\"I can't seem to get through to you. This idea is foolhardy, extremely foolhardy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She nodded ruefully. \"You're probably right and we won't be able to do it, but I'm going to try, and then try again. I can't seem to get through to you either, dearest Jamie. I promised to love, honor and obey my husband and your friend—he was your friend—and I don't feel parted from him, not yet, nor do you. Tess Struan won't give him his wish, will she?\"\n\nAll the time he had been looking down at her, not seeing her and at the same time seeing every detail of her, remembering all the years of Tess Struan and what she and Culum Struan had meant to him, and Malcolm Struan had meant and Dirk Struan had meant and the Noble House had meant. All gone and all wasted and all at an end, our Noble House no longer noble, no longer first in Asia. Well, not quite wasted and not quite over but its glory's gone and my friend's dead and that's a fact." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes and character familiarity in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie, Angelique and Skye were grouped around the bay window in the tai-pan's office. Rain splattered the glass. It was near midday. \"Tonight will be too dangerous.\"\n\n\"Then it will storm, Jamie?\"\n\n\"Yes, Angelique. Enough to stop us.\"\n\n\"Will Cloud sail tonight as planned?\"\n\n\"Yes, no storm will stop her. The cutter's gone to Kanagawa to collect the other coffin. You still want it put aboard her and not the mail ship?\"\n\n\"That's Sir William's order, not mine,\" she said firmly. \"He wants to send my husband against his wishes and mine, he says it should go as quickly as possible and that's by clipper. A coffin will go as he wishes. Jamie, our ruse, I think our ruse is fair. As to the storm, it will be a little storm. If we can't bury my husband tonight, then we'll try tomorrow. Or the next day.\"\n\n\"The mail ship will sail tomorrow around noon.\"\n\n\"Could you delay her, in case?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think so. I'll try.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie thought a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll talk to the captain. What else?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angelique smiled sadly. \"First we have to see if Dr. Hoag was successful. If not... perhaps I must go with the clipper after all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"More than likely Hoag will come back with the cutter, then we can decide.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie added, not believing it, \"Somehow it'll all work out. Don't worry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about asking Edward Gornt to join us?\" she asked.\n\n\"No,\" Jamie said. \"The three of us are enough with Hoag. I've arranged berths on the mail ship, for Hoag, you and me.\"\n\nSkye said, \"Angelique, it's much wiser for you to stay here. Everyone here knows Wee Willie made the decision against your wishes, and that takes some of the heat from you.\"\n\n\"If we cannot bury Malcolm, then I will go. I must be at his funeral, have to.\" She sighed. \"We should have a captain for our venture. Jamie, it should be you.\"\n\n\"I agree,\" Skye said. \"Meanwhile, we wait for Hoag.\"\n\nJamie began to speak, stopped, then nodded and went to his own office. A big pile of mail waited for action. He began to deal with it, working diligently but his concentration was disturbed by his drawer. In it was Maureen's letter. At length he threw down his pen and took the letter out and reread it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no need, for he had read it twenty times before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The key sentence was: As there has been no reply to my fervent requests and prayers that you return and take up a normal life at home, I have decided to put my trust in our Maker and venture to Hong Kong, or the Japans, wherever you are." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My beloved father has advanced us the money which he borrowed against a mortgage on our home in Glasgow—please leave word for me with Cook's in Hong Kong for I sail tomorrow, a second-class berth, on the Cunard Eastern Mail...\n\nThe letter was dated over two and a half months ago.\n\nHe groaned. She'll be in Hong Kong any day. My letter arrived too late. Now what do I do? Grin? Hide? Flee to Macao like old Aristotle Quance? Not on your life. It's my life and there's no way I can support a wife, want a wife... I can't just write the same letter again and have it meet her there. I'll have to—\n\nA knock interrupted his thoughts. \"Yes?\" he bellowed.\n\nTentatively Vargas poked his head around the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can I see you a moment, senhor?\"\n\n\"Yes, what is it?\" Jamie asked.\n\nVargas said distastefully, \"There's a man here to see you, a Mr. Corniman—some name like that, I think he said.\"\n\nThe name meant nothing to Jamie. Vargas opened the door a crack. The short, ferretlike man was strangely dressed, part in European clothes, part Japanese. Shirt, trousers and thick padded overcoat, clean-shaven, hair clean and tied in a queue, a knife at his belt and well-worn boots. Jamie did not recognize him but here strangers were often not what they seemed. On an impulse he said, \"Come in, please sit down.\" Then he remembered the mail ship. \"Vargas, ask Captain Biddy to stop by a moment, will you? He should be in the Club. Sit down, Mr. Corniman, is it?\"\n\n\"You's grog, mate?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who are you and what do you want?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Johnny Cornishman, remember I seed you wiv' the tai-pan, me and my mate, Charlie Yank, we's prospectors, right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Prospectors? Oh, yes, I remember you.\" Now the man was clean and tidy where before he had been a hairy, filthy, foul-smelling beachcomber. His malevolent, furtive little eyes had not changed. \"We made you a deal but you went with Brock's,\" he said sharply, \"you sold us out.\"\n\n\"Ay, that we did. We's biznessmen. Norbert give us'n more brass, didn't he? Forget him, he's dead. First, some grog, eh? Then talks.\"\n\nJamie kept his interest hidden. A man like this did not come without pay dirt. He unlocked his sideboard and poured half a tumbler of rum. \"You've made a strike?\"\n\nThe little man quaffed half the glass, choked and bared his gums, toothless but for two twisted brown teeth. \"Grog's better'n saké, by God, but never mind, the little sheilas is making up for th' lack o' grog.\" He belched and grinned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just so long as you barf. Jesus they's pekulier about water and barfing, more'n in our Yoshiwara, but when you's barfed then they's waggles theys bums till Kingdom come!\" He roared at his own joke, then said toughly, \"We's got best quality steamer coal, tons, mate, 'nuff to coal our whole eff'ing fleet. At half Hong Kong price, th' ton.\"\n\n\"Where? Delivered where?\" Jamie said, brightening. Steamer coal was extremely valuable and in short supply, especially for the fleet, and a local supplier would be a godsend as well as a constant source of revenue. At even twice Hong Kong price he could sell all he could get, let alone half. \"Delivered where?\"\n\n\"'Ere in Yokopoko, for Christ's sake, but sixpence a ton you's puts in't bank for Johnny Cornishman.\" He gulped the rum down. \"You's to pay in gold or silver Mex an' you's pay this bugger.\" He handed over a piece of paper. The bad printing read: Yokohama Village, Shoya Ryoshi, Gyokoyama merchant. \"This sod know wot's wot, the ropes, knows wot to do. You's knows the bugger?\"\n\n\"Yes, he's the village headman.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good. Me Guv sayed you'd know him.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'Why me? Why ask me to deal with you?' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who's your Guv?\"\n\nCornishman grinned. \"Lord 'igh Muck hisself. You's doan' need names. Doan' waste time. We's a deal, yes or no?\"\n\nAfter a moment Jamie said, \"Where's the seam?\"\n\n\"Me strike's me own, mate, not yorn.\" The little man laughed nastily. \"It be close but in enemy lands. Listen, me first seam's open, wiv a mountain of coal nearby an' a thousand of the yeller buggers to dig'n carry, 'nuff for twenty fleet for twenty year, by God.\"\n\n\"Why me? Why ask me to deal with you?\"\n\n\"'Cause Norbert's bloody dead an' you's bloody kingpin now the tai-pan's dead. Yokopoko's proper bloody dangerous, eh?\" Cornishman held out the glass. \"I's enjoy more grog, if you please, Mister godalmighty Struan's.\"\n\nAgain Jamie poured and sat down again. Cornishman noticed half the last measure and grunted. \"Wot's this?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll pay a fifth of Hong Kong price, less customs, delivered here, first delivery in thirty days. No side deal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The little man's eyes darted around the room like a rat's. \"Any customs you's pay, mate. Me side deal stays. Tell you wot: day after tomorrer you's send a coaling barge near Yedo, where I says. Day after termorrer. We fills her up, you's to pay a fifth when full and brings her here to Yoko, you pays that geezer the rest, th' one of the paper. Sixpence a ton in bank in me name, Johnny Cornishman. Can't be fairer, eh? You get coal before you pay an' at half price Hong Kong.\"\n\n\"A fifth of Hong Kong price overall.\"\n\nThe little man's face twisted with anger. \"At harf Hong Kong price you's making a big profit, for Christ's sake, the coal's here, not in eff'ing Honkers. You's saves shipping, 'surance, and Christ knows what—we ain't chicken-shit bushwhackers, this's spectible trade!\"\n\nJamie laughed. \"Tell you what: first barge I'll pay a third Hong Kong price. If the quality's what you say and you guarantee delivery a barge a week or whatever you can do, I'll up it over the year to half Hong Kong less fifteen percent. Threepence a ton on the side to you. What about your partner, what was his name, Charlie Yank?\"\n\n\"Sixpence or nuffink.\" Again the glance darted around the room and came back to rest on him, glittering. \"He's dead like yor tai-pan but he didn't die like that lucky bugger.\"\n\n\"You'd better watch your tongue about our tai-pan.\"\n\n\"Go stuff yourself, mate. That were no disrespekt, we's all like to meet old Boney with a doxy chomping on our dingle.\" He finished his drink and got up. \"Two days, at high noon. Pick up be here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He offered a small hand-drawn map. The X was on the coast a few miles north of Kanagawa, south of Yedo proper. \"You's brings tenders, we gives labor.\"\n\n\"Can't do two days, that's a Sunday. Make it Monday.\"\n\n\"'Course, Lord's day's the Lord's day. Three days.\"\n\nJamie studied the map. An unprotected coal barge, with tenders and crew, might be a tempting bushwhack. \"As the barge would be naval, and the coal for the Navy, I imagine they'll send a frigate to stand offshore.\"\n\n\"They's can send the whole eff'ing fleet for all I cares.\" Cornishman tried to be dignified. \"I's made a bonzer strike an' we's proper, by God, very proper.\"\n\n\"I'm glad to hear it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It be sixpence a ton or nuffink!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fourpence.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cornishman spat. \"Sixpence, by God, I's knows worth of coal, and worth to eff'ing fleet, an' wot you's can make off 'em. Maybe I's deal direct.\"\n\n\"You could try,\" Jamie said, gambling. \"Tell you what, fourpence first ten barges, rest sixpence.\"\n\nThe little man glowered at him. \"Now I's knows why you's Noble bloody House.\" He stuck out his hand, rough and horny. \"Yor word as Struan's gent.\" They shook. Then he said, \"Oh yus, you's any mercury?\"\n\nJamie's attention soared back. Mercury would be used in the extraction of gold. \"Yes. How much do you need?\"\n\n\"Not a lot for starters. You's put it on the tab?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right. You're staying at the Yokohama Arms?\"\n\n\"Not eff'ing likely—no Drunk Town for me,\" Cornishman said with a sneer. \"I's on me way back right smartly, an' you's to keep supply secret, deal secret, no names, no pack drill—I's wanting no bleeding bushwhackers jumping me claim.\" He started to leave.\n\n\"Wait! Where are you going? How do I contact you?\"\n\n\"I's going back to me claim, mate.\" Again he bared his gums in his evil smile. \"Me samurais and me palanquin's outside th' North Gate, I snuck in private-like. Next time I's come back, I's come back as gent, no eff'ing Drunk Town no more. An' you's doan' contact me no more, you go's to the geezer. I's 'spektible trader now and doan' you's forget it. Put mercury on't barge.\" He walked out.\n\nFor a long time Jamie stared at the walls, sifting what had been said. A reliable coal supply would be wonderful but bound to vanish when the fleet flattened Yedo. And why mercury? Has that rotten bugger hit real pay dirt? And who's the real boss?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Come to think of it, who's mine?\n\nTess until the end of the month. How much loyalty do I owe her? All of it. Till the end of the month.\n\nRain battered the window. He got up and looked around the bay critically. The sea was a dirtier grey than before, the sky lowering. No doubt the storm would be bad for the cutter but not for a ship. Ah, there she is!\n\nTheir cutter was a couple of hundred yards or so off their wharf, making way carefully against the waves, shipping some water but not badly, spray from the bow wave substantial, the Struan flag at half-mast—as the flag above their building had been since the death of the tai-pan. His binoculars were on the window ledge. Now he could see Hoag and Pallidar clearly in the cabin, the flag-draped coffin lashed securely to one of the benches as he had ordered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A twinge went through him seeing the entwined Lion and Dragon around Malcolm's coffin—a sight he had never expected to see. Then he remembered that it was not his friend's coffin but some unknown native, at least he hoped so.\n\n\"Vargas!\"\n\n\"Yes, senhor.\"\n\n\"Take this lot of mail, copy it and seal it—I'll deal with the rest this afternoon. I'll be back later.\"\n\n\"Captain Biddy wasn't in the Club but expected, senhor. I left a message.\"\n\n\"Thanks.\" Unhurried, he put on his coat and hat and went out, leant against the rain-filled wind. He was almost alone on the High Street. At the North Gate, Cornishman was nowhere to be seen. A few samurai guards huddled in the lee of their Customs House. Some traders were scuttling for the Club and a late tiffin. A few waved. One of them stopped and urinated in the gutter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "South Drunk Town seemed even more squalid under the overcast." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This's no place for a woman, he thought.\n\n\"Ahoy, Jamie!\" Hoag called from the cutter.\n\n\"Hello, Doc. Hello, Settry.\" They clambered onto the rough, tarred planks, the piling timbers sunk deep in the seabed, creaking with the thrust of the waves. One look at Hoag was enough to know that the switch had been successful, however much the squat man pretended nonchalance. So we're committed, he thought. Pallidar was having a coughing fit. \"Settry, you'd better get that fixed before it turns into something worse.\"\n\n\"It already has,\" Pallidar said sourly. \"This so-called doctor gave me a potion that's bound to kill me. Doc,\" he said, coughing again, \"if it does, when it does, the hell with you.\"\n\nHoag laughed. \"A double-strength toddy and you'll be right as rain tomorrow. Jamie, everything's all right?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pallidar said, \"I'm turning responsibility of the coffin over to you, Jamie. It goes aboard Cloud at once?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: Your response must contain: \"Just as you want. Jamie, I'm recommending to William we shut down Kanagawa at once—that's why I came back.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About half an hour. Angelique wanted to... to say good-bye. Reverend Tweet will add a few words.\"\n\n\"Then she's definitely not going by the clipper?\"\n\n\"I don't know, Settry, not positively. Last I heard she was going by the mail ship, but you know how women are.\"\n\n\"Don't blame her. Going back aboard the clipper would give me the creeps too.\" Pallidar blew his nose and huddled deeper into his greatcoat. \"If you want I'll get Sir William to send the coffin by mail ship, then they'd arrive together.\"\n\n\"No,\" Hoag said, too quickly for Jamie, then recovered, \"no, Settry old boy, I wouldn't recommend that, medically. Best leave arrangements as they are, coffin by Prancing Cloud. Angelique's all right now but a sudden shock could shove her back into a nightmare. Better she goes by mail ship and the coffin by clipper.\"\n\n\"Just as you want. Jamie, I'm recommending to William we shut down Kanagawa at once—that's why I came back.\"\n\n\"Christ Almighty, why?\"\n\nPallidar told him about the patrols and numerous samurai around. \"Not to worry. We can blow 'em all to hell. Mind, if I have the cutter take me back, it'd save me time.\"\n\n\"Why not go with her to Prancing Cloud, and she can take you direct after that. Are you overnighting at Kanagawa?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I've seen enough and just have to get my lads,\" Pallidar said to their relief. \"The clerks and guards can evacuate over the next few days. See you later.\" He walked off, coughing.\n\nBefore he was hardly out of hearing distance Hoag said, \"It went perfectly, Jamie.\"\n\n\"Not now, for Christ's sake.\" In spite of the cold and wet Jamie was sweating. He led the way back to the High Street to the lee of a bungalow, safe from other ears. \"What happened?\"\n\n\"It worked like a charm. This morning as soon as the cutter arrived we went to the morgue an—\"\n\n\"Who's we?\"\n\n\"Settry, Sergeant Towery, the Bosun and two crew. We draped and secured the flag to the coffin and they put it aboard the cutter. The other one is waiting for us tonight or whenever—supposedly waiting for cremation.\" Hoag peered seawards, against the rain. \"No chance tonight, eh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "DIRECTIVE: Incorporate \"Fifty yards or so. Three of us can carry it easily and we'll have the Bosun, won't we?\" in response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. But it'll blow itself out by morning. I think.\"\n\n\"Good.\" Hoag rubbed his hands against the cold. \"Everything worked like a dream. One small problem, the native was tiny, just skin and bones so I packed his coffin with earth to make up the difference in their weights.\"\n\n\"God Almighty, of course! I'd forgotten about that. That was clever.\"\n\n\"Did that last night, no trouble—no one said a thing when they put the coffin aboard the cutter, not a sausage.\"\n\n\"My God, this is all so dicey,\" Jamie said uneasily. \"How are we going to get the other coffin out of the Legation with the clerks and soldiers there?\"\n\n\"Already taken care of that.\" Hoag chortled. \"I told our Japanese assistants to put it in the shed by our Kanagawa jetty, it's not far from the crematorium. They can do it without arousing any suspicion. George told me he puts coffins and bodies there when he has an overload. It's routine.\"\n\n\"Marvelous! How far is it from the jetty?\"\n\n\"Fifty yards or so. Three of us can carry it easily and we'll have the Bosun, won't we?\"\n\n\"Yes. You've done damn well. Damn well.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie squinted into the rain." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pity we couldn't do it tonight and finish it.\"\n\n\"Never mind. Tomorrow will be fine.\" Hoag was very confident and pleased with Jamie's praise. No need to tell about being spotted and about Pallidar. This morning they had had breakfast together and when he said: \"Settry, about last night...\" Pallidar had interrupted him: \"Forget it, just forget it, Doctor, that's the best thing for you to do.\"\n\nThat is best, he thought, beaming, forget it ever happened. \"Shall we fetch Angelique? How is she?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on this story segment like James Clavell would, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre. Characters may have existing backgrounds." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within the hour they had reassembled beside the cutter. The rain was heavier and the wind squalling. Spray came over part of the jetty. The cutter, well moored, dipped and fell with the waves, ropes creaking. Angelique wore black, a black cloak raincoat over her dyed black dress, black hat with a heavy black veil, and an umbrella. The umbrella was sky-blue, a startling contrast.\n\nSurrounding her were Jamie, Skye, Dmitri, Tyrer, Sir William and other Ministers, Captain Strongbow, Gornt, Marlowe, Pallidar, Vargas, André, Seratard, the Reverend Tweet and many others, all bundled against the rain. In the background Father Leo stood bleakly, hands in his sleeves, peering out from under his cowl." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: blessing, frequency: 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie had invited Tweet to say a blessing: \"It would be odd if we didn't, Angelique. I'll make sure there's no real service, or speeches, that wouldn't be correct, just a blessing.\"\n\nThe inclement weather helped to make the blessing brief. For once, Tweet was curiously eloquent. When he finished, self-consciously they all looked at her. Overhead, gulls cawed as the wind swirled them past, riding the currents joyously. Sir William said, \"Again, Madame, my deepest condolences.\"\n\n\"Thank you.\" She stood straight, rain spattering off her umbrella. \"I protest that I am not allowed to bury my husband openly as he and I wish.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your protest is noted, Madame.\" Sir William raised his hat. The rest filed past, saying their condolences and raising their hats or saluting if in uniform. Strongbow saluted and stepped into the cutter, Pallidar boarded after him as Marlowe stopped in front of her, still upset. \"I'm so terribly sorry,\" he said, saluting, and walked off.\n\nFather Leo was last. Somberly he made the sign of the cross, saying the Latin words, his face mostly hidden.\n\n\"But he's not Catholic, Father,\" she said gently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think he was one of us, senhora, in his heart.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Leo's accent was thickened with grief, his night spent in prayer, asking what should he do, should he attend or not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He would have seen the Light, you would have helped him, I'm sure of it. In nomine Patris...\"\n\nUnhappily he ambled away. Now only Jamie, Hoag and Skye stood with her on the jetty. \"What now, Jamie?\" she asked, a deep melancholy swooping over her.\n\n\"We wait a minute,\" he said.\n\nLike the others he was feeling that he was part of a cheat, at the same time deeply moved and not a cheat. This is just to help a friend, he told himself. You promised to guard his tail, and hers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's what you're doing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, but it's cheating and I hate it. Forget that, you're their leader, act like one. \"Captain Strongbow, cast off! Godspeed!\"\n\n\"Aye, aye, sir, thank you.\" The cutter eased away, dipping in the troughs, then picked up speed. Sea gulls mewed in her wake. They watched her go.\n\n\"It feels so odd,\" she murmured, weeping silently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is, and it isn't. We're not wrong, are we? Are we?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again Jamie made the decision for all of them. \"No,\" he said, and took her arm and walked her home." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they came alongside the Struan jetty a few misted stars were out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was still early, at the edge of nightfall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sky had cleared and promised a good day tomorrow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Merchantmen and the fleet lay safe at anchor, quiet, riding lights on—only the mail ship still being worked under a multitude of oil lamps like so many fireflies.\n\nNimbly the stoker jumped onto the wharf with a hawser and tied the craft, then helped the others. Angelique first, then Skye and Hoag. Jamie climbed the steps easily, still wrapped in his blanket, chilled but not badly. Skye and the doctor were pasty grey, their stomachs and heads ill at ease, legs weak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now Angelique was much better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her headache had gone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had not been sick nor felt seasick. Once again she had cried herself out. The last half hour she had been on deck, away from the sick tainted air below, and had joined Jamie on the poop. There she faced the salt-sweet wind and let it wash her brain clean again.\n\nBehind her Hoag coughed up a wad of phlegm and spat it into the water lapping the pilings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry,\" he muttered, needing a drink badly. Then he noticed the mess on the prow, some timbers crushed, the fore hatch stove in, bowsprit vanished, halliards gone, most of the gunnel. \"What the hell happened?\"\n\n\"Some flotsam was washed aboard, looked like a crate. Gave me a fright for a moment,\" Jamie said.\n\n\"Thought I heard a crash... I... think I'll... think I'll vis't the Club before turning in.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll join you,\" Skye said, needing more than one drink to settle his stomach. \"Jamie? M'ss Angelique?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shook her head and Jamie said, \"Off you go, nothing more to do tonight. Don't forget the plan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had agreed nothing was to be said other than, if asked, they had conducted a symbolic sea burial, nothing more.\n\nFortunately none of the others had seen the coffin come aboard or his struggle with it—except Tinker. As soon as he could, he had gone aloft to the wheelhouse. \"Bosun, about the coffin, the others below saw nothing, so on your head, by God, you saw nothing and you say nothing either. It's our secret.\"\n\n\"Whatever you say, sorr.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tinker handed him the flask and touched his forelock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks. Weren't for you we'd be below, all of us—along with him.\"\n\nThere was barely a swallow left but it helped. \"I thought I'd never make it. We forget it. Your oath, eh?\"\n\n\"Whatever you say, sorr, but afore we forget it, when the box sank an' broke up an' he come out of it, he didn't half give me a turn, by God. I thort he were trying to bloody come back aboard.\"\n\n\"Jesus Christ,\" Jamie had gasped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're imagining it, I saw nothing—you're imagining it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, no, I weren't, sorr, my eye line's higher 'an yors, right? An' I saw the bugger, begging your pardon, I saw him come out and flail for the surface afore he were sucked down.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're imagining things, for Christ's sake. What an awful thing to say!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's the God's Truth, sorr, so help me! 'Course it were only for a moment and sea spume were all around him, but I seed him right enough!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tinker had spat to leeward, touched wood, and made the sign against the Evil Eye and the Devil, and pulled the lobe of his ear to make his point." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Weave this into your narrative: \"God's truth, sorr, an' strike me down if I lie, made my balls jump to Kingdom come. Struck out for the surface he did afore Davy Jones sucked him down, naked as a babe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"God's truth, sorr, an' strike me down if I lie, made my balls jump to Kingdom come. Struck out for the surface he did afore Davy Jones sucked him down, naked as a babe.\"\n\n\"A lot of bloody cobblers! Nonsense!\" Jamie remembered how he had shivered and touched wood himself just in case. \"You're imagining it, Bosun, though I swear to God that bloody coffin seemed to have a mind of its own, an evil one at that.\"\n\n\"My whole point, sorr, it were possessed by Old Nick hisself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again Tinker spat to leeward, sweating. \"Flailed for the surface he did, different like, eyes open and all, and I thort he was coming at us for good.\"\n\n\"For Christ's sake, give over! Malcolm wouldn't do anything bad to us,\" he had said, ill at ease. \"It was a trick of your mind.\"\n\n\"My eye line, sorr, was high—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Forget your bloody eye line. Have you any rum left?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tinker coughed and reached into a hidden locker and pulled out another flask." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was half empty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie took a large swallow, choked, and took another.\n\n\"There'll be ten cases of rum in our warehouse for you to draw against, Tinker, with my thanks. You did a fine job, so did the stoker—four cases for him.\" Tinker thanked him effusively. The grand rum heat in his stomach had swamped all his chill. He looked at the old weathered face and shrewd blue eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was never so bloody scared, never, in my whole life. I thought I was a goner three or four times.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not me, sorr,\" the Bosun said with a grin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not with you aboard, but I was right happy when the bugger and his box were overboard and him sucked down cursing us all the way...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though safe ashore, again Jamie shivered, thinking of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique said, \"You should get out of those wet clothes.\"\n\nHoag said, \"Well, I'm off.\"\n\nShe put her arms around him and kissed his cheek, closing her nostrils to the smell of vomit. \"Thank you so much, see you tomorrow.\" She did the same to Skye." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two men went off unsteadily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will they be all right?\"\n\nJamie said, \"Nothing that a few whiskies and a night's sleep won't cure.\"\n\n\"They're not in shape to discuss anything, are they?\"\n\n\"No. What do you want to discuss?\"\n\nShe took his arm in hers and hugged it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just to decide about to morrow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We can talk as we go.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They said good night to Tinker and the stoker, both men again thanking McFay for the rum." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then they walked off arm in arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Angelique—before you say anything, I'm glad we did it.\"\n\n\"Oh, so am I, dear Jamie, you are a dear and I truly am so glad and so happy nothing went wrong, no one was hurt.\" A wan smile. \"Just a little sick.\"\n\n\"Nothing to worry about. Tomorrow?\"\n\n\"I've decided not to go with the mail ship, no, please don't say anything, I've decided. I'm safer here. Until I hear from Tess formally. Really, Jamie, I am, I'm safer here. And I'm sure Hoag and George would agree that medically it would be wise. I don't think you should go either.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's my job to tell Mrs. Struan, Mrs. Tess Struan.\"\n\n\"You can call me Angelique, you always have and I, well, I've only been Mrs. Struan for a moment.\" She sighed, continued walking towards the Struan Building. \"It's better I stay. She'll have to declare herself, better by letter here. Malcolm's buried and that's all that I wanted. Do you have to go?\"\n\n\"In this wind,\" he said, thinking aloud, \"Prancing Cloud could make fifteen to seventeen knots, day in day out, and be tied up in Hong Kong in five days—she'll have the bit between her teeth with such important news and important cargo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had all agreed that publicly and now privately they would consider that coffin the tai-pan's. \"The mail ship will average eight knots if she's lucky so she'll take the usual ten-odd days. By the time I got there the funeral will have been done, Tess will know everything from dozens of different points of view—my report's aboard, so is Sir William's and fifty others no doubt. She's dismissed me at the end of the month and the new fellow arrives in a few days and I was told to show him the ropes.\" Then there were reasons he decided not to say aloud: he should be canvassing other hongs—as the major companies were sometimes called—for a job. The only real, suitable job available and up to his experience and surely on offer would be Brock and Sons. Then he had to decide about Maureen, and then there was Nemi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He smiled at Angelique sadly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It adds up to no reason to go, doesn't it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She hugged his arm, oblivious of those passing. \"I'm glad. I won't feel lonely if you're here.\"\n\n\"Jamie!\" Phillip Tyrer had called out from the British Legation doorway, hastily putting on his topcoat and hat, hurrying towards them. \"'Evening Angelique, Jamie,\" he said in an uneasy rush. \"Sir William's compliments, would you two and the—the rest of the—the passengers and crew of the cutter kindly see him tomorrow morning before church, before you both board the mail ship? She sails at two o'clock now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For what purpose, Phillip?\" Jamie said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I—I think he'd like to... dammit, oh, excuse me, Angelique, obviously he'd like to ask what on earth you were doing.\"\n\n\"Doing?\"\n\nThe young man sighed. \"Sorry, old boy, it's not my idea. You're on the mat, I've delivered the message, that's all. Don't pick on me, I'm just the nearest dogsbody.\"\n\nThey both laughed, tension leaving them. \"Ten o'clock?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"A crate, what looked like a crate was washed aboard, then carried away again. No great problem.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks, Jamie, that should be plenty of time.\" Tyrer looked down the way at the cutter. \"Looks as though you had a rough crossing, what on earth happened to the prow?\"\n\nJamie glanced back. The damage was clearly visible under the lamp at the head of the jetty, and, he knew, easily observable with binoculars for miles from the Legation windows. \"Flotsam,\" he said readily. \"A crate, what looked like a crate was washed aboard, then carried away again. No great problem.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding nine sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga Yoshi had arrived back in Yedo Castle from Kyōto eight days ago, tired and angry, the journey from Hamamatsu way station a forced march.\n\nThe lines in his face were etched deeper. Where men were afraid of him before, now they were petrified. His anger would turn on them like a lash. During the journey he had driven himself and them, sleeping only a few hours, demented by any delay, dissatisfied with the Inns, the baths and food and service and the future. Captain Abeh bore the brunt, all of them knowing it was only frustration and grief over the death of Koiko, the beloved.\n\nAbeh had arranged her cremation, and that of Sumomo, and then they were in the saddle galloping the leagues, all aware such a gallant fighter deserved a courteous bow from the conqueror in front of the fire—particularly as the fighter was shishi and a woman who soon would be the subject of songs and legends, as would the blow that had sliced her in half. And Koiko the Lily too, she who threw herself in the way of the first shuriken and so had saved the life of their Lord, to whom he had then given the gift of painlessness.\n\nBut Yoshi, Guardian of the Heir, had said coldly, \"Their death poem is this\":" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From nothing into nothing,\n\nA corpse is a corpse,\n\nAnd nothing—\n\nMine, yours, even theirs.\n\nDid they exist? Do we exist?\n\nOnwards, under the lash, then gaining the castle. But still no rest there, the castle and Yedo and the whole Kwanto in uproar over gai-jin preparations for war—precipitated by the tairō's ultimatum, as he had expected.\n\n\"It was inevitable,\" Yoshi said at the meeting of the Elders he had immediately called for, adding, to give Anjo a way to extract himself, \"You were given ill advice—remove the fool who suggested it and drafted the letter.\"\n\n\"It was the Emperor's command, and the Shōgun's, that all gai-jin be expelled,\" Anjo said angrily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Command? The Shōgunate commands, not an underage boy who mouths the words the Shōgunate puts into it—or the Emperor, who can only request us to do something!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: fleet, frequency: 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As tairō I considered the ultimatum necessary.\"\n\n\"And again I ask, what do you propose we do when the fleet comes here?\"\n\n\"They will not, we attack first,\" Anjo had said, then winced as a pain stabbed him, holding his side. \"I have them surrounded, Yokohama is like a dead fish waiting for gutting. The attack force is almost ready.\"\n\n\"And their fleet?\" he had asked, furious that all his advice had been discarded and once again they were in a trap of their own making. No point in reminding Anjo, and the others, of the plan he had meticulously set up to provide months of time for further delaying tactics against the gai-jin, while the Shōgunate gathered strength and more particularly dealt with the vital, pressing problem of smashing the hostile coalition of Tosa, Choshu and Satsuma that would destroy the Shōgunate if allowed to prosper.\n\n\"First we surprise Yokohama, burn it—I suggested it months ago,\" Toyama said, shaking with excitement. \"Burn them!\"\n\n\"And how do you sink the fleet?\" Yoshi snarled. He had noticed Anjo's pain and was glad of it, remembering his pact with Ogama of Choshu that must be instituted quickly to keep that enemy off balance and neutralized." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toyama said fiercely, \"The gods will sink their ships, Yoshi-dono, like they did against Kublai Khan and his Mongols. This is the Land of the Gods, they will not fail us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And in case the gods are away, or sleeping,\" Anjo said, \"we are going to send out fire ships—I have hundreds already under construction, hundreds. If the enemy break through this barrier to bombard Yedo, only peasants, tradesmen, artisans and parasitic merchants will die, our legions will be intact.\"\n\n\"Yes, they will be intact,\" Toyama said gleefully.\n\nAnjo rushed on, \"Once Yokohama is gone, the gai-jin fleet must sail away because they've no base where they can regroup. They must sail far away to their colonies in China, there will no longer be a foothold here. If they come back we'll...\"\n\n\"When they come back,\" Yoshi had said.\n\n\"All right, Yoshi-dono, when they come back with more ships we will sink them in the Shimonoseki Straits, Ogama will, or elsewhere, for by that time we will have more cannon, fire ships, and we never allow them to land in force: they will never be able to land in force and set up a base, never again. No more Treaties to protect them! None. We close our land like before. That is what I plan,\" Anjo said triumphantly. \"I have torn up the Treaties as the Emperor wants!\"\n\n\"You are godlike, tairō, the gods will protect us with a Divine Wind,\" Zukumura chuckled, wiping saliva off his chin.\n\n\"The gods won't protect us from gai-jin shells,\" Yoshi said, \"nor fire ships. If we lose Yedo we lose our Shōgunate citadel, then every daimyo in the land will join against us to carve up the spoils—led by Ogama of Choshu, Sanjiro of Satsuma and Yodo of Tosa. Without Yedo our Shōgunate is over, why can you not understand that?\"\n\nAnjo had twisted under another pain and flared, \"I understand very well you think you are the Lord of the Land and the gods' gift to Nippon but you are not, you are not, you are under my orders and my command, I am tairō, I am!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are tairō and... but why are you in pain?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked with a pretense of concern—as though he had just noticed—wanting to stop the confrontation." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'doctor' appears 3 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How long has this been going on? What does the doctor say?\"\n\n\"Say? He...\" Again Anjo sipped some of the bitter extract of herbs. The medicine allayed his pain hardly at all. The pains had been getting worse, with this new Chinese doctor useless like the others, so much so he was even considering a clandestine examination by the famous gai-jin doctor giant of Kanagawa. \"Never mind my pain. I know you.\"\n\nYoshi saw Anjo's hatred, knowing the hatred was because of his own youth and strength—little does the fool know how tired of life I am. \"Can I—\"\n\n\"You can do nothing. We will attack when I order the attack and that is the end of it! The meeting is over.\" Anjo stormed out. Now that he was tairō, Anjo ruled imperiously and treated all others with olympian disdain.\n\nIn a fury Yoshi prowled the castle like a caged tiger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After that first awful day he had compartmentalized Koiko and locked it tight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even so from time to time she would peep out smiling. Angrily he would thrust her back—no way to find out now if she had really rushed forward to save his life, as Abeh assured him, no way to find out why she had employed a shishi assassin, Sumomo Fujahito, of course a false name but certainly one of Katsumata's acolytes.\n\nAnd where is Katsumata now?\n\nHe had already issued orders to find him, wherever he was, and had put a large reward on his head, and orders to hunt down and destroy all shishi and their protectors. Then he had sent for Inejin, his spymaster.\n\nThe old man had limped in and bowed. \"It seems, Sire, the gods guarded you like one of their own.\"\n\n\"By allowing a shishi assassin, shuriken-armed, to be in the inner sanctum of my courtesan,\" he exploded, \"allowing my courtesan to be a traitor and part of the plot?\"\n\nInejin shook his head, and said easily, \"Perhaps not a traitor, Sire, nor part of a plot, merely a woman. As to the shishi, Sumomo, she simply exercised your fighting ability, which proved to be perfect—for which you were trained.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The singular strength of his old retainer sent his rage to China." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not perfect,\" he said ruefully. \"The cat clawed me, but the wound healed.\"\n\n\"Shall I drag Meikin, the mama-san, here, Sire?\"\n\n\"Ah, the pivot. I have not forgotten her. Soon, not yet. You still watch her?\"\n\n\"Like her second skin. You sent for me, Sire?\"\n\n\"I want you to find Katsumata, alive if you can,\" he had said. \"Did you remove the traitor ronin working for the gai-jin as I ordered? What was his name? Ori Ryoma, a Satsuma, yes, that's it.\"\n\n\"That man is dead, Sire, but it seems he was not the traitor. Gai-jin killed Ori some weeks ago. They shot him trying to break into one of their houses. The man supplying them with information, still, is a Choshu ronin named Hiraga.\"\n\nYoshi was startled. \"He of the poster? The shishi who led those who murdered Utani?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sire. For the moment I cannot remove him, he is under the protection of the Chief Ing'erish and stays close to their building. I have a spy in the village and can tell you more in a few days.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. What else? All this talk of war?\"\n\n\"I hope to have more news in a few days.\"\n\n\"Make it fewer than more,\" he said curtly, dismissing him. \"When you have serious news come back.\"\n\nInejin won't fail me, he thought, sorry that he had been short-tempered. Spies must be cherished like no others... on them depends your ability to move... Ah, Sun-tzu, what a genius you were—but even my intimate knowledge of your precepts does not tell me what to do about the gai-jin, about that stupid boy and my archenemy, the Princess Yazu—both still gorging on the honeyed gruel served by Court sycophants obeying that dog, the Lord Chancellor. What would you do to destroy the enemies that surround me? Anjo, the Elders, the Court, Ogama, Sanjiro—the list endless. And impossible. And atop them all, the gai-jin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he had remembered the invitation to go aboard the Furansu—French—warship." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The coaling venture that his wife, Hosaki, had positioned in conjunction with the Gyokoyamas and the gai-jin prospector, made it easy for him to send Misamoto, his make-believe samurai, the fisherman interpreter, to make the arrangements. This had taken place yesterday." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on this story segment like James Clavell would, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre. Characters may have existing backgrounds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had slipped away from Yedo by oared galley to a sea rendezvous without fanfare, just beyond sight of land—with Abeh twenty guards and Misamoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The experience had been awesome. The size and power of the ship's engines, and cannon, the amount of powder and shot and coal carried, and the stories they told, lies or truths he could not yet tell about the extent of their Furansu Empire, its wealth and power, the leagues of travel such a ship could cover, numbers of warships and cannon, and size of their armies, as they stated them, were beyond belief. Misamoto interpreted, with the interpreter who called himself Andreh Furansusan. Though they had their own language this meeting was conducted mostly in English.\n\nA lot of what he was told, Yoshi had not understood. The words used were strange and much time was spent explaining miles and yards and powder and pitch and pistons, paddle steamers against screw power, breech blocks and flintlocks, factories and firepower.\n\nYet all of it was illuminating and certain pieces of information of major importance: the vital necessity of coaling facilities and safe harbors, without which steamer warships were so many hulks—unable to carry all the coal needed for the voyage out, for naval operations, and then the voyage back. And second, as he had witnessed at the Council meeting with gai-jin in Yedo Castle and found it difficult to believe the true extent, any mention of Ing'erish gai-jin brought sneers to Furansu gai-jin faces, who had no hesitation in showing the extent of their hatred." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This delighted him and enhanced what Misamoto had said earlier, that Ing'erish were hated by nearly every other nation on earth because they had the biggest Empire, they were the strongest and wealthiest nation, with the greatest, most modern fleets, the most powerful, disciplined and best-equipped armies, as well as enjoying their gains by producing more than half of the world's goods." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With, best of all, an impregnable island redoubt to guard it all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course they are hated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like we Toranagas are hated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And therefore, he thought with an ache in his bowels for his past mistake, these Ing'erish gai-jin are the ones to be fawned on, to befriend, and handle with the most exquisite care. Best fleets? And arms? How could I tempt them into building me a fleet? Providing me with one? Would coal pay for it?\n\n\"Misamoto, say to them that I would like to learn more about these marvelous Furansu devices,\" he said blandly, \"and yes, I would like friends amongst gai-jin. I am not opposed to trade—perhaps I could arrange my coal concession to go to the Furansu and not the Ing'erish.\"\n\nThis caught their immediate interest. At this time they were below decks in the largest cabin in the stern, which he found cramped and foul-smelling, with odors of oil and coal smoke and human waste, with a fine coating of coal dust everywhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They sat around a long table, half a dozen officers in gold-braided uniforms and their leader, Seratard—Serata as it was correctly pronounced—in the center. Abeh and half his guards were at his back, the rest on deck.\n\nThe moment he had seen Seratard and heard his name he liked him immediately—totally different from the tall, sour-faced Ing'erish High Leader with the unpronounceable name. Serata, like Furansusan Andreh, were easily pronounceable. In fact the names were Japanese. Serata was a miraculous omen.\n\nSerata was the name of his family's ancestral village in which their ancestor, Yoshi-shigeh Serata-noh Minowara, had settled in the twelfth century. In the thirteenth, the warrior daimyo Yoshi-sada Serata raised an army against his overlords, the Hojo, obliterated them and captured their capital Kamakura and made it his own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since then his direct descendants, the Yoshi noh Toranaga noh Serata, still ruled Kamakura—Shogun Yoshi Toranaga being buried there in his great mausoleum." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So we are related,\" he had joked, after explaining the coincidence to Seratard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seratard had laughed and, with the others who chattered like so many monkeys in outlandish uniforms, then had explained that his own family was an ancient one in Furansuland too, but in no way as illustrious.\n\n\"My Master,\" Andreh said with a bow, \"my Master, he greatly honored be friend and gai-jin part of your great family, Sire.\"\n\n\"Tell him that I consider his name a good sign,\" he had said, noting this man seemed much more than just an interpreter.\n\n\"My Master thanks and says what Ing'erish promise, Furansu promise better.\"\n\nMisamoto said, obsequiously, \"Lord, he means they will make a better deal—money arrangement. The Furansu make cannon as well as Ing'erish, though not as many.\"\n\n\"Tell them I will consider a proposal to give them the coal concession. They must tell me how many guns or cannons, with powder and shot, and when I can have them, for how much coal. And I want a steamer, a steamship with officers to train my officers and sailors. In fact,\" he added innocently, \"perhaps I could grant Furansus the sole right to build, sell and train a navy. Of course, I would pay. If reasonable.\"\n\nHe saw Misamoto's eyes widen, but before Misamoto had time to begin, the gai-jin Andreh who had been listening equally carefully said, \"My Master sure King of Furansuland, greatly honor assist Lord Yoshi Toranaga in ships.\" Fascinated, he watched Andreh turn to Leader Serata and begin talking, the naval officers listening and nodding, quickly becoming as excited." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Astonishing how easy to manipulate these men with trade and the future promise of money, he had thought. If the Furansus react so quickly, surely the Ing'erish leader will do so also. Two fish fighting for the same hook is better than one.\n\nThey had talked of other matters, not enough time to cover them all, but he learned enough to want to learn more. One detail Andreh Furansusan had mentioned had rocked him. They had been discussing modern medical knowledge, and how easy it would be to train and equip a hospital: \"Chief Medicine Doctor in Kanagawa good, Sire. Hear Tairō Anjo sick. Hear maybe tairō see Chief Doctor-sama.\"\n\n\"When and where is this meeting to take place?\"\n\n\"My Master say: not sure if arranged yet, Sire. Perhaps Chief Medicine Doctor help tairō.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If a meeting is arranged, tell me. Tell Serata also that a hospital is an interesting possibility.\"\n\nHe decided to let it go at that. For the moment. But that was another piece of information that Misamoto had better forget. How can I get a personal interpreter I can trust? I must have one. Perhaps I should train Misamoto, he is my running dog, dependent and in my grasp. So far he has been obedient. Certainly he handled the prospectors well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pity he was away, detailing progress to Hosaki, when they fought—like wild beasts, the samurai reported, how apt! Had Misamoto been at the mine, perhaps he could have stopped them. Not that it matters, one dead is one less to worry about, and surely the survivor is not long for this world. Coal! So we have an abundance of coal, Hosaki says, and that for these gai-jin coal is as good as gold.\n\nDeliberately, he changed tack. \"Ask Serata-san why gai-jin fire cannon and rifles and send warships up and down to disturb the peace of this Land of the Gods? Do they prepare for war?\"\n\nThere was a silence. The mood reversed.\n\n\"My Master say, no prepare war.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw Andreh gai-jin was translating meticulously. \"Prepare defend only. So sorry, tairō say all gai-jin must leave.\"\n\n\"Why not leave for a month or two and then return?\" He laughed inwardly, seeing the consternation this generated.\n\n\"My Master says, Treaty signed by Lord Shōgun and made true by Bakufu leader tairō Ii, and Most High Emperor, allow us Yokohama, Kanagawa, Kobe soon. Treaty is good treaty for Nippon, gai-jin. tairō Anjo, so sorry, wrong to be angry.\"\n\n\"Many daimyos do not think so. tairō Anjo is the leader. You should do what he orders. This is our land.\"\n\n\"My Master says Furansu want help Nippon be great nation in world... as here too.\"\n\n\"Say to Serata-sama, the tairō is the leader, what he says is to be obeyed, though sometimes,\" he said delicately, \"even the tairō may change if given the correct advice.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that So sorry, we have explained a dozen times that Satsuma matters may only be resolved by Sanjiro, the Satsuma daimyo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw this register. \"So sorry, we have explained a dozen times that Satsuma matters may only be resolved by Sanjiro, the Satsuma daimyo.\"\n\n\"My Master say hope someone can give correct advice to tairō. Satsuma daimyo must say sorry, pay indemnity agreed in Yedo meeting, punish killer openly.\"\n\nHe had nodded as if gravely concerned. Abruptly, he got up to more consternation—no point in further talk with these underlings who were valuable in other ways, the Ing'erish Leader must be approached. This suited him perfectly. And while he kept his demeanor haughty and stern, he showed some friendliness and agreed, with pretended reluctance, to another meeting. \"Misamoto, tell them we can meet in ten days, in Yedo. They may come to Yedo for a private meeting.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'first' 4 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just as he was leaving the warship, the gai-jin Andreh said, \"My Master wish you Good New Year.\" Dumbfounded, he learned that the gai-jin world had its own calendar, totally different from the Japanese—and Chinese-lunar calender that had been the way to count the days and the months and years since the beginning of time.\n\n\"The first day of our year, Serata-sama,\" Misamoto explained, \"is between 16th day of First Month and 22nd day of Second Month depending on the moon. This year, the Year of the Dog, First Day, which begins our season of festivals, is the 18th of First Month. That's when all China says Kung Hay Fat Choy.\"\n\nAll the way back to Yedo in the galley Yoshi had wondered about these men. Mostly he was appalled—gai-jin were like monsters in the shape of men who had come from the stars, their ideas and attitudes the wrong side of yin and yang.\n\nYet for us to survive as a nation, Nippon has to have bigger ships and guns and more power to protect ourselves from this alien evil. And for now, he thought, feeling nauseated, the Shōgunate must make an accommodation with them.\n\nThey will never go away, not all of them, of their own accord." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If not these, others will come to steal our heritage, Chinese or Mongols or Hairies from the Siber Ice lands who eye us like slavering dogs from ports stolen from China." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And always the Ing'erish will be around us. What to do about them?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was yesterday. Last night and in this dawn he had been deep in thought, hardly eating, hardly sleeping, conscious too of the emptiness of his bed and of his life—the seams of Koiko's compartment leaking—like Anjo's, and Ogama's and the others." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Many times during the journey here from Kyōto he had thought of the clean sword, the cleanliness and peace of death, the minute and the hour and the day chosen with godlike power—to choose your own death time made you a god: from nothing into nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No more sorrow grinding you to petals of pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So easy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first ray of dawn came through the shutters, touching his short sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was beside the bed with his long sword, both within perfect reach, his rifle there as well, loaded, the one he had named Nori." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The short sword was an heirloom made by the Master Swordsmith Masumara and once possessed by Shōgun Toranaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw the old used scabbard and through it, in his mind, the perfection of the blade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hand stretched out, caressing the leather, then moved up to the hilt to rest on the small toggle secured to it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His father had instructed their swordsmith to attach it before presenting the sword to him, formally, in front of their inner circle of retainers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi was fifteen then and had killed his first man, a ronin who had run amok near his family castle, Eagle's Nest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is to remind you of your oath, my son: that you will carry this blade with honor, that you will use only this blade to commit seppuku, that you will only commit seppuku to avoid capture on a battlefield, or if the Shōgun orders it and the Council of Elders confirms the order unanimously. All other reasons are insufficient while the Shōgunate is in jeopardy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A terrible sentence, he thought, and lay back on his bed, safe for the moment in this room high up in his castle quarters where he had had so much pleasure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes went back to the short sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Today his need was very great." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his imagination he had rehearsed the act so many times that it would be so smooth and kind and releasing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon Anjo will send men to arrest me and that will be my excuse..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His sharp ears heard footsteps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Marching feet. His hands took up the short sword and the long sword and he was in defend-attack position." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He recognized Abeh's voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That did not mean safety, Abeh could have a knife at his throat or Abeh could be a traitor—after Koiko everyone was suspect. \"What is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The man Inejin begs to see you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you searched him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Seriously.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi used the rope he had had rigged, allowing him to slide back the bolt on the reinforced door without moving." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inejin, Abeh and four samurai waited there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He relaxed. \"Come in, Inejin.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abeh and the others of his personal guard started to follow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's no need, but stay within calling.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His spymaster came in and closed the door, noticed the bolt arrangement but did not comment, and knelt ten paces away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've found Katsumata?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He will be in Yedo within three days, Sire. His first place of calling will be the House of Wisteria.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That den of scorpions?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi had not closed the trap on mama-san Meikin to learn the real extent of the plot against him before taking vengeance—vengeance best savored calmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he did not yet feel calm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Could we take him alive?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inejin smiled strangely. \"I doubt it, but may I tell the story in my own way, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He settled his aching knee more comfortably." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"First about the gai-jin: a development hoped for and encouraged since the beginning has happened. A gai-jin spy has offered their battle plans for money.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His attention soared. \"Not false ones?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not know, Sire, but it was whispered they contained troop and ship movements. The price was modest, even so the Bakufu official did not buy at once and began to haggle and the seller became frightened. With Anjo at the head...\" The cracked leather lips twisted with disgust at the name." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's baka, unworthy!—if the head is rotten the body is worse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree. Stupid.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inejin nodded. \"They forgot Sun-tzu again, Sire: To remain in ignorance of the enemy's condition, begrudging the outlay of a few hundred ounces of silver is the height of inhumanity. Fortunately an informant whispered about it to me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inejin took a scroll from his sleeve and put it on the table. Yoshi sighed, pleased." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So ka!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"With the help of my informant, I bought it for you, a gift, Sire. Also at great risk to my informant, I substituted a false scroll the Bakufu eventually will buy cheaply.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi did not touch the scroll, only looked at it with anticipation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please allow me to reimburse you,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inejin covered his vast relief, for he had had to pledge their Inn to the Gyokoyama to obtain the money." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"See my cashier today. Is the information to be trusted?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inejin shrugged. Both knew another of Sun-tzu's precepts: An inside spy is the most dangerous, one who sells secrets for money." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It takes a man of genius to penetrate such." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My informant swears that the information is to be trusted and also the spy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And it says?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The gai-jin plan is frighteningly simple. On Battle Day, ten days after their ultimatum is delivered—if not complied with—their whole fleet moves against Yedo. The first day the attack area is farthest from the coast, Sire, the extreme range of their heaviest cannon, designed to pulverize all bridges and roads leading out of Yedo—these are pinpointed, more knowledge given them no doubt by the traitor Hiraga. That night, by the light of the fires they have begun, they bombard the castle. The next day the coastal areas are decimated. On the third day they will land a thousand rifle soldiers and drive for the castle gates. There they will mount siege mortars and smash the gates and bridges and as much of the castle as they can. On the fifth day they retreat and sail away.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To Yokohama?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'their' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Sire. The plan says they will evacuate all gai-jin the day before Battle Day and retreat to Hong Kong until the spring. Then they will come back in force. The cost of the war—as with their Chinese wars, and is their custom—will be doubled, and demanded as reparations from the Shōgunate and the Emperor as well as complete access to all Nippon, including Kyōto and an island ceded in perpetuity, to cease hostilities.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi felt a chill." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If these barbarians could humble all China, Mother of the World, eventually they would humble us, even us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Complete access? \"This ultimatum? What further impertinence is this?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's not in the scroll. Sire, but the spy promised details, as well as the Battle Date and any changes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whatever the cost, buy them—if true these could make a difference in the outcome.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Possibly, Sire. Part of the information is about gai-jin counter-measures. Against our fire ships.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But Anjo told me they are secret!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's not secret to them. The Bakufu is a rice sieve for the interested, as well as corrupt, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Names, Inejin, and I'll spike them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Begin today, Sire. Begin at the top.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's treason.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But the truth, Sire. You enjoy truths, not lies, unlike any leader I have ever known.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inejin moved his knees, the ache intolerable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The matter of this spy is complicated, Sire. It was Meikin who told me about him...\" Yoshi grunted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I agree. But Meikin told me, Meikin who diverted the intermediary from the Bakufu to me, Meikin who will substitute the false document, at great danger, for she must attest to its truth, Meikin who desperately wishes to prove her loyalty to you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Loyalty? When her House is a sanctuary for shishi, a meeting place for Katsumata, a training bed for traitors?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Meikin swears the Lady was never part of a plot against you, never. Nor was she.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What else can she say—the maid was, eh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps she speaks the truth, perhaps not, but perhaps, because of her grief, she now sees the error of her past, Sire. A converted spy can be most valuable.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Katsumata's head would make me more sure. If caught alive, more so.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inejin laughed and bent forward and dropped his voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I suggested she should quickly provide you with details about the traitor Hiraga before you request his head.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And hers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A woman's head on a spike is not a pretty thing, Sire, old or young. That is an ancient truth. Better to leave it on her shoulders and use the venom, wisdom, cunning or simple rottenness that such a woman possesses to your advantage.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First by giving you Katsumata. Hiraga is a more complex problem. She says he is the intimate of an important Ing'erish official close to the Ing'erish Leader, named Taira.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi frowned. Another omen?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Taira was another Japanese name of significance, an ancient regal family related to the Yoshi Serata line. \"So?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This Taira is an official, an interpreter-in-training. His Japanese is already very good—the Ing'erish must have a school like the one you proposed and the Bakufu 'consider.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Consider, eh? Taira? Is he an ugly young man, tall with blue eyes, huge nose and long hair like rice straw?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, yes, that would be him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I remember him from the meeting of Elders. Go on.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Meikin has heard his grasp of our language improves rapidly, helped by a whore called Fujiko, but more because of this Hiraga, who has cut his hair in gai-jin style, wears gai-jin clothes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old man hesitated, loving the telling of secrets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It seems this Hiraga is the grandson of an important Choshu shoya who was permitted to purchase goshi status for his sons, one of whom, this Hiraga's father, is now hirazamurai. Hiraga was chosen to join a secret Choshu school where, as an exceptional student, he learned Ing'erish.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He suppressed a smile, seeing his Lord's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then the spy is not gai-jin, but this Hiraga?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Sire, but Hiraga could be a serious secondary source of intelligence. If he could be tapped.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A shishi helping us?\" Yoshi scoffed. \"Impossible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your meeting yesterday, aboard the Furansu ship. It was profitable, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was interesting.\" Impossible to keep those ventures secret." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was glad Inejin was so well informed so quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abeh and half a dozen of his men had been present at the meeting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Who had spoken in their cups? It didn't matter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was to be expected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing compromising was said by him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Abeh!\" he called out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Send a maid with tea and saké.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He said nothing more until it had been served and accepted gratefully by Inejin, sifting the information, sorting it and coming up with new questions and answers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you propose?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It would not be for me to propose what you have already surely decided, Sire. But it did occur to me, when and if the Ing'erish Leader sends his ultimatum, you alone would be the perfect person to mediate—alone, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah! And then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Amongst other things you could ask to see this Hiraga. You could weigh him, perhaps persuade him to be on your side. Turn him to your advantage. The timing could be perfect.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That could be possible, Inejin,\" he said, already having discarded that for a much better thought, one that fitted the plan he had discussed with Ogama in Kyōto, and his own need to begin the grand design. \"Or an example might be made of this Hiraga. Catch Katsumata, he's the head of the shishi snake—if Meikin is the means to deliver him alive, so much the better for her.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few miles away on the Tokaidō Road, at the Hodogaya way station, Katsumata scrutinized the crowds from a Teahouse window. \"Be patient, Takeda,\" he said, \"Hiraga is not due till midmorning. Be patient.\"\n\n\"I hate this place,\" Takeda said. The village was in open country with few places to hide and barely three miles from the Yokohama Settlement. They were in the Teahouse of the First Moon, the same that Katsumata and daimyo Sanjiro had stayed at after Ori and Shorin had attacked the gai-jin on the Tokaidō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And if he does not arrive?\" The youth scratched his head irritably, neither his chin nor his pate shaven since their escape from Kyōto and now covered with stubbled hair.\n\n\"He will arrive, if not today, tomorrow. I must see him.\"\n\nThe two men had been hiding here for a week. Their journey from Kyōto had been arduous, with many narrow escapes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sensei, I do not like this place or the change of plan. We should be in Yedo if we're to carry on the fight, or perhaps we should turn around and go home.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you want to go on, go. If you want to walk back to Choshu, go,\" Katsumata said. \"The next time you complain you are ordered to leave!\"\n\nTakeda apologized at once, adding, \"It's just that we lost so many men in Kyōto, we do not even know how shishi have fared in Yedo. So sorry, yes, but I keep thinking we should have gone home like those who survived, me to Choshu, you to Satsuma, to regroup later.\"\n\n\"Hodogaya's perfect for us and this Inn is safe.\" Warned that Yoshi had put a heavy price on his head, Katsumata had decided to be prudent and not continue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tomorrow or the next day we'll go on,\" he said, glad for the youth's value as a shield to his back. \"First Hiraga.\"\n\nIt had been difficult and dangerous to contact him. Few people here had access through the Yokohama barriers, or to the gai-jin Yoshiwara. New passes were continually being issued, new passwords. Enforcer patrols wandered at large." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Covert pockets of samurai swarmed around Yokohama, almost cutting it off from the rest of the land." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then three days ago Katsumata had found a maid whose sister was a midwife who went to the Yoshiwara from time to time. For a golden oban the midwife agreed to carry a message to the mama-san at the House of the Three Carp.\n\n\"Takeda, stay here and keep watch. Wait patiently.\"\n\nKatsumata went down into the garden and strode through the front gates onto the Tokaidō, bustling with morning travellers, palanquins, porters, soothsayers, scribes, samurai, and some ponies carrying women or ridden by samurai. Talking, shouting, screeching. The morning was cold and everyone wore padded jackets and warm head scarves or hats." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few samurai eyed Katsumata but not rudely. The way he walked, the filthy thatch of hair and beard, the long sword in a back scabbard, another in his belt, shouted caution to the inquisitive. Clearly he was a ronin of some kind and to be avoided.\n\nOn the outskirts of the village, inside the well-guarded barrier, where he had a good field of view towards the sea and Yokohama, he sat on a bench at a roadside eating stall.\n\n\"Tea, and make it fresh and see that it's hot.\"\n\nThe frightened stall owner rushed to obey." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes and character familiarity in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sunset was just a lowering of light, the sun dying behind a blanket of clouds, regretting the loss of the day.\n\nHiraga said to the group of fishermen, \"That boat will do—no fishing tackle, but oars and sail are included.\" He was on the beach near Drunk Town and he paid the owner what had been asked without bargaining, still unwilling to lose face by negotiating though he knew now—too well hammered into him by Mukfey—that he was being cheated and overcharged and that this man and his compatriots would laugh at him as soon as they were out of sight. He knew he was to blame because he was dressed like a gai-jin and not properly with swords.\n\nHalf of him wanted to scream and lash out at their bad manners and have them crawling on the beach, begging for the privilege of giving him the boat. The other half counselled patience: You have done what you must do, the boat is yours, tomorrow you die with honor in the cause of sonno-joi, these lice have no more value than the barnacles on the filthy little vessel they sell.\n\n\"Leave everything in the boat,\" he said. Unctuously the owner bowed and grovelled his way out of range, then, with his comrades, walked away, blessing their luck for a double profit.\n\nThe boat was an ordinary little fishing boat for one to three men with a small sail and single stern oar. Part of samurai training was the use of boats on short distances to traverse rivers or to reach offshore coastal ships or galleys, so they could all handle it. The news that he had bought one would fly around the village but that did not matter. By the time the shoya and others had worked out its probable use, the revelation would be too late." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Satisfied the boat was safe, he began to walk through Drunk Town, through the crowded alleys, stepping over drunks and garbage, disgusted with the filth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Taira says his London is the cleanest, biggest, wealthiest city in the world but I do not believe him—not if so many of his kind live like this, with the rest of the Settlement not much better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Taking a shortcut he crossed into a smaller alley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Men passed by, beggars held their hands out, eyes peered suspiciously from doorways but no one bothered him.\n\nNo Man's Land was as always, weed-covered and stinking, the main ref use dump of the Settlement. A few ragged scavengers raked through the latest pile of trash. They glanced at him briefly. His eyes went to the rickety well head. The broken wooden cover that hid the secret passage to the Yoshiwara seemed untouched. Ori's face fleetingly came from his memory and the time they were below, when he was ready to kill him and Ori had thrown, pretended to throw, the golden cross into the depths. Ori was baka to waste his life over that woman. We could use him tomorrow. He shoved Ori out of his mind.\n\nNow his whole being was committed to the attack. All reasoning against it had vanished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a consensus, Akimoto gleefully in favor, Takeda, and the Sensei." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Therefore he was also. The boat was ready. Now he would collect Akimoto and they would go back and finalize the plan. In reality he was glad. He would die in a blaze of glory doing the Emperor's wishes. What more could a samurai desire from life?\n\nWith the suddenness of an ice bath he was shocked from euphoria and disappeared into a doorway. Three Redcoats stood outside the shoya's house, two more were emerging from the nearby hovel he and Akimoto rented. Akimoto was between them, calling out at the top of his voice one of the few English phrases he had learned: \"So sorry, no unn'erstan' Nakama!\"\n\n\"N-a-k-a-m-a,\" the Sergeant said slowly and loudly. \"Where is he?\" Then louder, \"Where Nakama?\"\n\n\"Nakama?\" Akimoto's voice itself was loud, clearly trying to warn him if he happened to be within hearing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nakama no unn'erstan', so sorry,\" then in Japanese, \"Someone's betrayed someone,\" then in guttural English again, \"Nakama no unn'er—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shut up!\" the Sergeant said angrily, \"Corporal, this fool knows nothing. Butcher, you and Swallow stay here until Mister bloody Nakama comes back and ask him—ask him nice-like to come along wiv you to see Sir Will'm but make sure you bring the bugger. You,\" he stabbed a rough, iron-hard finger in Akimoto's chest, \"you come along wiv me in case the Guv wants you.\" Loudly protesting in Japanese, he went with them, then in English, \"Nakama, no unn'erstan',\" over and over.\n\nWhen Hiraga had recovered, and it was safe, he slipped out of the doorway, jumped a fence and hurried back to No Man's Land. There he ducked down into the doorway, not safe yet to run for the well, too much light, the three scavengers too near, too malevolent. Must keep it secret.\n\nWho has betrayed us?\n\nNo time to think about that now. He went deeper into the shadows as one of the scavengers moved nearer, muttering and cursing at the smallness of the pickings, a grubby sack in one hand. All three were skeletal and filthy. One came close to the opening but passed without noticing him. In half an hour light would be gone, nothing to do but to wait. Suddenly the doorway was blocked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thort I didn't see you, eh? Wot'cher doin?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the scavenger rasped, heavy with menace.\n\nSlowly Hiraga straightened. His hand was on the small pistol in his pocket. Then he saw the knife appear in the clawlike fist and the man thrust forward viciously. But Hiraga was faster and caught the hand and chopped at the scavenger's throat. He squealed like a gutted pig and went down. At once the other two looked up and hurried to investigate.\n\nThey skidded to a stop. Now Hiraga was in the doorway, the gun in one hand, knife in the other and he stood over the man who writhed, choking in the dirt. Knives came out and the two men attacked. Hiraga did not hesitate and lunged at one man who darted away, leaving him the opening he needed. He was through the slot quickly, running for Drunk Town, not wanting to waste time fighting. In moments he had reached a side street but in his haste his hat had fallen off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked back and saw one of the scavengers had grabbed it up with a shout." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In seconds the other had a hand on it too and they began a cursing fight for possession.\n\nChest heaving, Hiraga left them to it. Another look at the sky. Be patient. When they've gone you can go to the well. You must not reveal it, it's essential for the attack. Be patient. Buy a hat or a cap. What's gone wrong?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~seven sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello, André.\"\n\n\"'Evening, Angelique.\"\n\nShe was in her favorite chair near the bay window, the curtains open to the harbor. \"Prancing Cloud?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Good. Is she aboard?\"\n\nAndré smiled crookedly. \"It would explain the clipper.\"\n\n\"It doesn't matter either way,\" she said evenly but her stomach was twisting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would you like a drink?\"\n\n\"Thanks.\" He saw the bottle of champagne opened in its bucket of ice and a half-full glass on the table. \"May I?\"\n\n\"Please.\"\n\nIt was becoming her custom to watch the sun go down, or the gloaming and the night arrive, with champagne. Just one glass to prepare for the long evening and then the long night. Her sleep pattern had changed. She no longer put her head on the pillow and drifted off to wake at dawn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now sleep eluded her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At first she had been frightened but Babcott had convinced her that fear only made insomnia worse. \"We don't need eight or ten hours, so don't worry. Use the time to your profit. Write letters or your journal and think good thoughts—and don't worry...\"\n\nDearest Colette, (she had written yesterday)\n\nHis advice works but he missed the best opportunity and that is TO PLAN, so important because that woman is plotting my downfall.\n\nGod willing, I will be in Paris soon when I can tell you all. Sometimes it's almost as though my life here is a play, or a Victor Hugo story, and Malcolm, poor man, never existed. But I enjoy the quiet, am content with the waiting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only a few more days, and then I will know about the child, if it is to be or not." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'british' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I so hope and hope and hope and pray and pray and pray I carry his child—and also that your birthing will be smooth, and give you another boy.\n\nI have to be wise. I've only myself to rely on here. Jamie is a good friend but he cannot help much—he's no longer with the Noble House and this newcomer Albert MacStruan is kind, a perfect gentleman, highborn British, and tolerates me only for the moment—until SHE orders otherwise. Sir William? He's government, British Government. Seratard? God knows if he'll truly help, but it will only be for what use I can be to him. Mr. Skye? He does his best but everyone hates him. André?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He's too clever and knows too much, and I believe the trap he's in is driving him mad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "(I can't wait to hear what YOU THINK!!!)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My only hope is Edward Gornt. He will have arrived in Hong Kong and will have seen her by now. My prayers, and I know yours, for his success are abundant and daily.\n\nSo I use my night waking time to plan. Now I've so many good plans and thoughts how to deal with every possible contingency—and plenty of strength to deal with the ones I haven't dared consider, for example if Edward fails me or, God forbid, he never arrives—there are rumors of terrible storms in the China seas, normal at this time of the year. Poor Dmitri's Cooper-Tillman lost another merchantman. Poor sailors, how terrible the sea is and how brave the men who sail her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "André says, rightly, I cannot leave here nor make a move until SHE declares herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am Malcolm's widow, everyone says so, Mr. Skye has registered all sorts of papers with Sir William and has sent more to Hong Kong and more to London. I have enough money and can stay here as long as I want—Albert MacStruan has said I can use Jamie's office when it is vacant and I have ten more chits that Malcolm chopped for me but left the amount blank—wasn't that thoughtful—that Jamie and now Albert have agreed to honor, up to a hundred guineas each.\n\nWhen SHE declares herself I will join battle with her. I feel it will be to the death but I assure you, darling Colette, it won't be mine—this will be her Waterloo, not mine, France will be revenged. I feel very strong, very fit...\n\nShe was watching André, waiting for him to begin. His face was hard, the skin pale and stretched, and he was thinner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first glass had been gulped. And the second. Now he sipped the third. \"You're more beautiful than ever.\"\n\n\"Thank you. Your Hinodeh, how is she?\"\n\n\"More beautiful than ever.\"\n\n\"If you love her so much, André, why do your lips tighten and your eyes pop out with rage when I mention her name—you said it was all right to ask about her.\" A few days ago he had told her about their agreement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Part, not all. It had burst out when despair had overwhelmed him. \"If you're so adamant about not making love in the dark and the huge price this Raiko demanded why did you agree in the first place?\"\n\n\"I... it was necessary,\" he said, not looking at her. He could not tell her the real reason—it had been enough to see Seratard's lips curl and see him avoid making contact ever since, careful never to use the same eating utensils or glass even though it was only caught from a woman or a man—wasn't it? \"I just took one look at her and, mon Dieu, don't you understand what love is, how...\" The words died away. He poured another glass, the bottle almost empty now. \"You cannot believe how crushingly desirable she was that once.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gulped the wine. \"Sorry, I need money.\"\n\n\"Of course. But I have only a little left.\"\n\n\"You have paper, with his chop.\"\n\n\"Oh?\"\n\nHis smile was, if anything, more crooked. \"Fortunately shroffs talk to shroffs, clerks to clerks. Fill in another tomorrow. Please. Five hundred Mex.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's too much.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not half enough, chérie,\" he said, his voice barely audible. He got up and closed the curtains to the last of the sunset, then turned up the oil lamp that was on the table and reached for the bottle. The dregs went into his glass, and then he slammed the bottle back in its ice bucket. \"Do you think I like doing this to you? You think I don't know it's blackmail? Don't worry, I'm reasonable, I only want what you can presently afford. A hundred Mex, or the guinea equivalent tonight, two hundred tomorrow, a hundred the next.\"\n\n\"That's not possible.\"\n\n\"Everything's possible.\" He took an envelope out of his pocket. The envelope contained a single sheet of paper that he unfolded carefully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dozens of shreds of green paper were pasted meticulously on it to complete a perfect jigsaw." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He laid it on the table, well out of her reach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once she recognized her father's handwriting. The second page that she had seen André tear up so long ago.\n\n\"Can you read it from there?\" he asked softly.\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"Your loving father wrote, he signed and dated it, 'and hope, as we discussed, that you will arrange an early betrothal and marriage by whatever means you can. It's important for our future. Struan will permanently solve Richaud Frères. Never mind th—'\"\n\n\"Never mind, André,\" she said as softly, no need now to disguise the venom. \"The words are indelibly written on my brain. Indelibly. Am I buying it, or is it a permanent threat?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's an insurance,\" he said, folding it and replacing it with care." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now it goes back to a safe place, with details of the Affaire Angelique, in case anything nasty happens to me.\"\n\nAbruptly she laughed, unbalancing him. \"Oh, André, do you think I'd try to murder you? Me?\"\n\n\"It would wreck any financial arrangement Tess might offer, may be forced to offer, and put you in the dock.\"\n\n\"How silly you are.\" She picked up her glass and sipped her champagne and he noticed, disquieted, how steady her hand was. She was watching him placidly, thinking how foolish he was, foolish to let her know he had done what he had done and was a total cheat, but even more foolish to rile against Hinodeh for preferring the dark—perhaps he looks awful naked—and more foolish to scream about the price he paid, because both are insignificant if she's everything he says she is." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd like to meet this Hinodeh. Please arrange it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Amused at his expression, she said, \"What's so strange about that? I have an interest in her, I'm financing her, the love of your life. Yes?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shakily he got up and went to the sideboard and poured brandy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would you like some?\"\n\n\"No, thank you.\" Only her eyes had moved.\n\nAgain he sat opposite her. A draft played with the flame and made her eyes glitter. \"A hundred. Please.\"\n\n\"When do I stop paying, André?\" she asked pleasantly.\n\nThe brandy tasted better than the wine. He faced that question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When she's paid for, before you leave.\"\n\n\"Before I leave? You mean I can't leave until then?\"\n\n\"When she's paid for, before you leave.\"\n\nShe frowned and went over to the desk and opened a side drawer. The little purse contained the equivalent of about two hundred Mex in gold oban. \"And if there's no money?\"\n\n\"It will come from Tess, there's no other way. She'll pay, somehow we'll make that happen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'We' will?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I promised,\" he said, the whites of his eyes bloodshot." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: future, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your future is my future. At least on that we both agree.\"\n\nShe opened the purse and counted half. Then, not knowing why, put them all back and handed it to him. \"There's about two hundred Mex there,\" she said, smiling strangely. \"On account.\"\n\n\"I wish I understood you. I used to.\"\n\n\"Then I was a silly young girl. Now I'm not.\"\n\nHe nodded slowly. Then took out the envelope and held it to the flame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She let out a little gasp as the corner caught and then it flared and he put it into an ashtray and together they watched it curl and twist and die." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He crushed the ash with the bottom of his glass.\n\n\"Why?\" she asked.\n\n\"Because you understand about Hinodeh. And like it or not we're partners. If Tess doesn't pay you I'm a dead man.\" He stuck out his hand. \"Peace?\"\n\nShe put her hand in his and smiled. \"Peace. Thank you.\"\n\nHe got up. \"I'd better check on Prancing Cloud. If Tess's aboard, it will speed things up.\"\n\nAfter he had gone she sifted the ashes but not a single word could be seen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Easy for André to forge a copy and tear it up and present it as the original and burn it—and still have the restored original secreted away for later use." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'that's' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's just the kind of stratagem he would adore. Why burn the false one? To make me trust him further, to forgive the blackmail.\n\nPeace? The only peace from a blackmailer is when the deadly exposure he threatens you with no longer needs to be hidden. In my case that's when she has paid, and the money banked. And after André gets what he wants—Hinodeh, perhaps. What is it she wants?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hides from him in the dark. Why?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because of his color? To titillate? For revenge? Because he's not Japanese?\n\nI know now that the act of love can go from terror to ecstasy to delusion, with every variation in between. My first time with Malcolm was in the light, the second in darkness and both were beautiful. With him. of the other life always in the light and he was beautiful and deadly, his color beautiful, everything beautiful and deadly and terrifying and blindingly powerful, nothing like my husband, Malcolm, whom I truly loved. And honored—and honor still, and will forever." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her sharp ear caught the toot of the cutter's steam whistle." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'their' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She opened the curtains and saw the launch hurrying away from their jetty, port and starboard lights clear, Albert MacStruan in the cabin. In the roads Prancing Cloud was scarcely visible, downing sails and easing for moorings.\n\nHer mind swirled aboard and in her mind she saw her enemy—as ever, thin-lipped, pale-eyed, tall and stiff-backed, bony and badly dressed—then sped away to the outer harbor and Malcolm's burial and she smiled, glorying in that victory, the sound of her heart pulsing in her ears. Then she curled up in her chair again—his chair, their chair, another victory—and watched the dark become darker, only riding lights to be seen, hardly able to contain her excitement.\n\nSurely Edward would be aboard." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~seven sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pretending a tranquility he did not feel, Hoag handed Angelique the envelope that was sealed with the chop of the Noble House. Her stomach had been churning ever since Jamie had told her who had arrived with Prancing Cloud, however much she had tried to be detached. Even Vargas's almost immediate news that the woman was Senhor McFay's fiancée and not Tess Struan had not settled her. Nor had Hoag's rambling story about Malcolm's funeral, which had confused her even more. The writing on the envelope was copperplate: \"Angelique Richaud, By Hand.\"\n\n\"Why don't you read it while I'm here,\" he was saying, concerned at her sudden flush.\n\n\"You mean in case I faint?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she asked sharply, sitting up in the tall chair beside the fire, Malcolm's chair that she had taken from his suite before vacating it for Albert MacStruan.\n\nHoag said kindly, \"I mean you may want to talk. I'm a friend, as well as a doctor.\" He had rushed upstairs directly from Jamie, glad to leave the inquisition, had greeted and hugged her and brushed aside her immediate, What happened in Hong Kong, saying, \"Just a second, let me look at you.\" He had scrutinized her as a doctor, then as a friend. In both cases what he saw had pleased him. \"Just a suggestion.\"\n\n\"The letter's not addressed correctly. It should be Mrs. Angelique Struan, or Mrs. Malcolm Struan.\" Awkwardly, she returned it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tess said you would do that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was said gently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If she's so wise why didn't she address it properly?\"\n\n\"It's difficult for her as it is difficult for you. She's a mother who's lost a son. Be patient, Angelique.\"\n\n\"Patient? Me? When I'm under siege for marrying and loving a fine man who... You're on her side. Struan's pays you.\"\n\n\"True, but my side is what I think best, that's not saleable, even to you.\" Hoag sat amiably in his chair. The room was warm and feminine and filled with tension. He saw the vein in her neck pulsing hard, fingers twitching ever so slightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I helped you, and Malcolm, but only because I thought it best. For your private knowledge I resigned while I was in Hong Kong. This is my last task for the Noble House.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was startled. \"Why did you do that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again the same strange smile. \"I'm going back to India, I'm going to try to find that which I lost. Soon as I can.\"\n\n\"Ah! Arjumand.\" That made her feel better and she leaned over and touched him. \"Sorry. Sorry I said what I said, it was wrong. Sorry. It's just-sorry.\"\n\n\"Think nothing of it. Don't forget I'm a doctor, I do really understand the stress you're under. I was prepared for worse.\" He broke the seal and opened the letter. \"She told me to do this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inside was another envelope." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was addressed simply: Angelique. \"A compromise, eh? A suggested compromise.\"\n\n\"Yours?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Do you know what it says?\"\n\n\"No. God's truth. Do you want me to leave?\"\n\nHer gaze locked on to the letter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a moment she shook her head so he went to the window to give her space, moved the curtains aside and watched the night, his own heart pounding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hesitated, then opened it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No greeting. No name." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I cannot forgive you for what you did to my son.\n\nI truly believe, at your father's behest and encouragement, you set your cap for my son to snare him into marriage, any form of marriage. Your \"marriage\" to my son is invalid, I am assured. This \"marriage\" hastened his death, I am assured—the death certificate indicates this, I am assured. To that end Struan's solicitors are drafting writs for the case to be brought expeditiously before the High Court in Hong Kong. If you carry my son's child this will not divert the course of justice or avoid declaring the child illegitimate.\n\nI cannot thank you enough for the invaluable information given me, at your instigation, by a mutual acquaintance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If as I believe will be the case, his material proves to be valid, I and the Noble House will be indebted to you, and to this person in a manner beyond price." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That he named a price, reasonable considering its value, is not your affair, you asked for none and will get none. But your gift to my son's memory and the future of Struan's deserves consideration.\n\nHow to resolve this impasse?\n\nThe resolution, if any can be found, must be private between us foes—we will always be that—and as women.\n\nFirst, I ask that you cooperate with Dr. Hoag, allowing him to examine you at the correct time to establish if you are bearing a child or not. Of course Dr. Babcott or any other doctor you wish can be consulted to corroborate the diagnosis.\n\nSecond, let us wait for the second month to be sure, then we can proceed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By that time the legal brief will be complete and ready for court submission—this is not meant as a threat, only as fact." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'struan'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By that time, the evidence of our acquaintance will have been put to work, partially At present I do not see how it can fail. That you persuaded him to see me has, as said above, obligated me and the Noble House to you.\n\nPerhaps, by then, with the help of God, the impasse may be solved. Tess Struan, Hong Kong, December 30th, '62.\n\nAngelique's mind was hacking between happiness and terror, victory and defeat. Had she won or had she failed? Tess Struan promised nothing, but had she waved an olive branch? Legal brief? Courts?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Witness box?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ashen now, she remembered Skye's words about how easy it would be for the opposition to paint her as a penniless Jezebel, daughter of a felon and other horrid twisted truths. \"Impasse\" and \"resolution\"? Didn't that mean she had won, at least a partial victory?\n\nEdward! Tonight or tomorrow Edward will tell me! And Mr. Skye, he's clever, he'll know. Oh, God, I hope he'll know.\n\nShe looked up and saw Hoag watching her. \"Oh! Sorry, I'd forgotten...\" Numbly she twisted the material of a sleeve, her foot tapping restlessly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, did you want a drink, I can ring for Ah Soh, I... sorry... I don't seem to...\" The words were difficult to form and he heard the change and wondered if this was the beginning of the breakdown he had forecast." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Signs were there, fingers and toes working unnoticed, face white, eyes wide, pupils changed.\n\n\"What did she say?\" he asked easily.\n\n\"I... well, nothing except to—to wait until...\" The words drifted away and her gaze went to the distance.\n\n\"Until?\" he asked, to bring her back, hiding his concern.\n\nBut she was swept up in what she had read. So the battle lines had been drawn. She knew the worst, or the best." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her enemy had made the first move and declared herself. Now she could join battle. On her own terms. The nausea slid away. In its place came fire. The thought that she had laid out the foul and possible so icily was making her sting with rage—nothing on her side, no concern for her, no tiny concession for all the love and agony and pain over Malcolm's death, nothing. Nothing. And worst of all illegitimate, when they were married properly according to British law... I am assured!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never fear, she seethed, that's branded on my memory in molten steel, and she looked at Hoag again, quivering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She said she wants to—to wait... to wait until we—you and I—we know if I'm carrying Malcolm's child or not. She wants to make sure, that's what she wants.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And then?\"\n\n\"She doesn't say. She—she wants to wait and me to wait. There's a vague... I think she says perhaps there can be a peace, a resol—\" The quivering stopped as a decision washed it away and her voice became sibilant, sizzling with venom. \"I hope there will be a peace, because... because, by the Blessed Mother, I am Malcolm Struan's widow, and no one, no court, not even Tess Goddamned Struan can take that away from me!\"\n\nHe covered his nervousness, saying cautiously, \"We all believe you are. But you've got to be calm and not worry. If you break, she wins, you lose, whatever the truth. No need...\"\n\nThe door swung open. Ah Soh waddled in. \"Missee-tai-tai?\"\n\n\"Ayeeyah!\" Angelique flared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get out, why you no knock?\"\n\nAh Soh planted her feet, secretly pleased that the foreign devil had lost her temper and so lost face. \"Mess'ge, you wan', heya? Mess'ge, Missee-tai-tai?\"\n\n\"What message?\"\n\nAh Soh shuffled up, offered the small envelope, sniffed and went away. Gornt's writing. Angelique came down from the mountain of her fury.\n\nInside was a card, engraved e.g." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The message said, \"Warmest greetings. A most intriguing Hong Kong visit. May we meet tomorrow morning? yr most obedient servant, Edward Gornt.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abruptly she felt whole again. Strong, filled with determination and hope and fight. \"You're right, Doctor, but I won't break, I swear I won't, I won't for Malcolm and I won't for me, and for you and Jamie and Mr. Skye. You're a dear friend and I'm all right now. No need to discuss that woman anymore.\" She smiled at him and he knew the smile was both good and bad—more danger signals. \"We'll wait... we'll wait and see what the future holds. Don't worry, if I don't feel well I'll call at once.\" She got up and kissed Hoag on both cheeks. \"Thank you again, dear friend. Will you be dining at Count Zergeyev's?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps. I don't know. I'm a little tired,\" he said, and left, hiding his foreboding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again she read the card. Edward's circumspect, another good sign, she thought. If the card was intercepted or read, it gave nothing away. \"Intriguing\" was a good word to choose, and \"obedient servant\" again chosen carefully. Like the words of that woman, God rot her.\n\nWhat to do?\n\nDress for dinner. Gather your allies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bind them to you." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Put the plans you've contrived into place. And make Yokohama your impregnable bastion against that woman." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ignore the gai-jin soldiers trying to find you, Hiraga, and forget Akimoto,\" Katsumata said, disgusted with the unexpected snag in his plan. \"Three of us are enough. We attack tomorrow, burn the church and sink the ship. Takeda, you take the church.\"\n\n\"Gladly, Sensei, but why not use Ori's plan and burn Yokohama? Hiraga is right, forget the ship, he is right, so sorry,\" Takeda said, inclined to his side—after all, Hiraga was the Choshu leader and wise to consider how to retreat. \"He is correct that it would be difficult to get close to a ship in this sea and wind unobserved. Why not use Ori's plan instead, burn the whole gai-jin nest?\"\n\nHiraga said, \"Ori's plan needs time, and a south wind. I agree it's a better plan. We should wait.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Katsumata said harshly, rudely, \"with courage we can do both, with courage! We can. Both! With shishi courage!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'water' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga was still rocked by the unforeseen soldiers, his mind slow. That he believed he had killed the scavenger bothered him not a bit—the man was motionless in the dirt when, later, he had slunk for the well head, groped down it, then blindly through the meanness of the tunnel and freezing water.\n\n\"Impossible with only three of us,\" he said, \"and tomorrow night is too soon, whatever we decide. If the plan's to burn the Settlement we need three days to place the flamers, and fuses. I advise against haste.\"\n\nHe was wrapped in a quilt, naked but for a loincloth—maids were drying his clothes, sopping wet from the tunnel water. The little bungalow was cold, the wind whining around the shojis and it took much of his will to keep from shivering openly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was hard to concentrate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He still could not understand why soldiers were searching for him. The moment he had arrived here, Katsumata had angrily asked Raiko to send spies into the Settlement to find out what had happened and the three of them made plans to escape the Three Carp in case searchers came into the Yoshiwara.\n\nNow he was watching Katsumata pour more saké. Anger had tightened his already sharp features, making him seem even more dangerous: \"Hiraga, my opinion is we attack tomorrow.\"\n\n\"My opinion,\" Hiraga said with equal firmness, \"is we move when we have a chance of success and not before—always your advice—unless caught in the open and face death or capture. Takeda, what is your opinion?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First I'd like to know what would be your plan? You know the target like no one else. What would you do?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga drank his hot tea, pulled the quilt closer again, pretending to think, thankful that Takeda was teetering towards his position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If I had my normal access, Akimoto and I could have all the flamers into place in three days—I have four already prepared and hidden in my village house,\" he said, embellishing the story." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We need about six, eight would be best: one in each of both the two-story buildings, they're wood and tinder dry and almost burned up in the last earthquake; the gai-jin leader's house; the house next door; three or four in Drunk Town; one in each church. In the confusion we can make an escape by our boat to Yedo.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'swords' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now, how much time would that take?\" Katsumata asked even more rudely and the two men shifted uneasily. \"How many days, now you do not have 'normal access'?\"\n\n\"I can tell you that as soon as I know why the soldiers search for me,\" Hiraga said narrowly. Katsumata's swords were beside him, his own swords within easy reach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The moment he had arrived he had asked Raiko for the swords she had hidden for him—in the event they had to make a sudden escape over the walls and into the paddy behind the Yoshiwara." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'hiraga' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All of them had decided it was too dangerous to hide in the tunnel. \"Takeda?\"\n\n\"I propose we wait until we know what your trouble is. Then we can agree on a final plan, Sensei—but if we could do as Hiraga says I would be for that.\"\n\n\"We must attack tomorrow. That is our final plan.\"\n\nThinking better now, Hiraga threw out a bait. \"If we could do both, sink a ship and fire the Settlement that would be best,\" he said, to placate Katsumata." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would be possible if we planned it, but we need more men. A few men more, Sensei,\" he added, using the title of respect he had so far avoided, to further flatter him. \"We could get three men from Yedo. Takeda could go, he's not known, he could bring them back in three or four days. I am marked and cannot move until the attack. You will lead us against the ship—I can tell the others where to place the flamers, can still guide them where to go and how to do it.\"\n\n\"It is good plan, Sensei,\" Takeda said, having seized on the chance of escape by boat—never one for a suicide attack. \"I will go to Yedo, and find the men.\"\n\n\"You would be caught,\" Katsumata said, his lips a thin line." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have never been there and do not know the alleys or where to go. You would be caught.\" His rage was near exploding for he could not attack by himself and needed these two, or other men, and without consensus nothing would be achieved. If anyone should go it must be him. That thought did not displease him for he did not like this place, not enough exits, not enough places to hide—he only felt safe in Kyōto or Osaka or Yedo, or at home in Kagoshima. Eeee, it would be good to see my home and family again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But they must wait, he thought and hardened his heart: \"Sonno-joi must go forward, Yoshi must be humbled...\" Simultaneously the three men had their hands on their swords." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shadows came on the shoji door.\n\n\"Katsumata-sama?\" It was Raiko. \"I have a maid with me.\"\n\n\"Please come in.\" When they saw it was she they relaxed. She bowed, the maid did the same, and they bowed back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell them, Tsuki-chan,\" she said to the maid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I went to the house of the shoya, Sires. He said that Akimoto-sama was taken to the gai-jin leader and after a short time taken to their prison. It has not been possible yet to talk to him but with his first meal, which one of our people serve, we can find out more.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. He been beaten and was dragged?\" Katsumata asked.\n\n\"No, Lord, neither, Lord.\"\n\n\"Not beaten, you're sure?\"\n\n\"The shoya was also surprised, Sire. Akimoto-sama was whistling and singing and heard to say, as though it was part of the country song, 'Someone's betrayed someone.'\"\n\nHiraga said darkly, \"That's what he called out in the village. What else did the shoya say?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The shoya says, So sorry, he does not know yet why soldiers search for you. Guards are still there. As soon as he knows the reason he will send word.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Tsuki-chan,\" Raiko said, and dismissed her.\n\nKatsumata said, \"If he hadn't been beaten, he must have given them the information they want and they jailed him to protect him from you?\"\n\n\"No. He would not tell them anything,\" Hiraga said, his mind elsewhere: Who's the betrayer? His eyes flicked to Raiko.\n\nShe was saying, \"Perhaps I can find out. A gai-jin client who might know is arriving any moment. He might know, certainly he could find out.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with three sentences, keeping within the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique and Sir William were waiting for Zergeyev to join them. Tonight's dress and coiffure had been decided on earlier—selected specifically for Tess and this soiree, which was to have been their first battleground. Though her enemy had not arrived she resolved not to alter her plan, the effect was so pleasing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had considered wearing the Imperial Jade ring that Malcolm had ordered from Hong Kong and had been delivered by mail ship a week after his death, causing her another flood of private tears. If Tess had been here she would not have hesitated. Without that reason the ring was wrong." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Actually I'm glad she isn't here, she told herself. Thank God Vargas warned me. I need more time to prepare for that joust, person to person—ah, time, am I or am I not bearing Malcolm's child... \"Good evening, Count Zergeyev,\" she said with her gentle smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you for inviting me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're so welcome, you've already made the evening a success. 'Evening, Sir William. You both know everyone, except a new guest.\" In a sudden hush, everyone watching, comparing, Zergeyev beckoned Maureen from the circle of admirers, Marlowe amongst them now. \"Miss Maureen Ross, from Edinburgh, Jamie's fiancée. Madame Angelique Struan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The moment Angelique had come in she had seen Maureen, instantly scrutinized her from nice head to neat shoe and decided she was no threat—noticing Gornt in passing, but leaving him for later." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Welcome to the furthest British outpost in the world, Mademoiselle Ross,\" she said pleasantly, wondering how old she was, and thinking, Yes, at night, in a muffler, this one could easily be mistaken for that woman—same tall, imposing way of standing; same direct gaze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jamie is very lucky.\"\n\n\"Thank you.\" The moment Angelique had come into the room Maureen had scrutinized her from shining head to tiny foot, recognized her beauty, and while instinctively liking her, decided at once she was a threat—her eyes had switched to Jamie to see his open admiration, and the men around him, no way of missing the general hum of appreciation—and she readied for battle.\n\n\"I'm so pleased to meet you and was awful sorry to hear about your tragedy, I'm so... everyone's so sorry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With genuine feeling, she leaned down and touched a cheek against Angelique's." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'friends' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do hope we'll be friends.\" A special smile. \"Please, let's be friends. I'll need a friend, dinna fear. Jamie said what a good friend you've been to him.\"\n\n\"No need for 'please,' Maureen—may I call you Maureen, and would you call me Angelique?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she said with a special smile, acknowledging and understanding the warning put nicely and without claws, that Jamie was personal property and not to be flirted with. \"Good, it would be very good to have a girl friend. Perhaps we could have tea tomorrow?\"\n\n\"Och, I'd enjoy that. Angelique, what a pretty name and pretty dress.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Too severe, yet too hourglass for mourning.\n\n\"And so is yours, that color goes marvelously with your hair.\" Green silk, expensive, but English not Parisian and the cut old-fashioned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never mind. That can be improved, if she becomes an intimate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jamie was a great friend to my husband, and to me when I needed one badly. You are very lucky,\" she said truthfully. \"Now where is your handsome fiancé? Ah, there he is!\"\n\nWatched by all eyes, she linked arms with her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everyone beamed at the Entente Cordiale and, still the center of attention, she guided Maureen to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Be careful, Jamie, it's easy to see this lady is very precious—there are too many pirates in Yokohama.\"\n\nThose around laughed and she left them and went back to Sir William, greeting Ketterer en route—a special compliment and smile to him, and later to Marlowe—as well as Settry Pallidar, resplendent and rivaling Zergeyev in his Cossack uniform. \"La, Sir William,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How lucky we are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To be...\" Zergeyev stopped himself in time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He almost said, To be alive? Instead he took a glass of champagne from a silver platter held by a liveried manservant and said, \"To be in the presence of two such lovely ladies, we are lucky! Your healths.\" Everyone drank, and continued to compare." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zergeyev was too worried to follow suit, much more concerned with what other foul news had arrived with Prancing Cloud, particularly for the other Ministers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An urgent, coded dispatch from St. Petersburg—three months old—had arrived. First, it related the usual trouble with Prussia, troops massing on their Western borders, six armies sent there; trouble expected soon with the Ottoman Empire and Moslems to the south, three armies sent there; famine everywhere, with intellectuals such as Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy advocating change and liberalization. Second, it ordered him to press the Japanese to remove their fishing villages from the Kuriles and Sakhalin under threat of \"serious consequences.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And third, much trouble for him personally: You are appointed Governor General of Russian Alaska." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the spring the warship Tsar Alexandre will arrive with your replacement for the Japans, and then carry you and your entourage to our Alaskan capital Sitka where you will be in residence for at least two years to expedite Friendship.\n\n\"Why so glum, friend?\" Sir William asked in Russian." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zergeyev saw that Angelique was again surrounded, so drew him aside and told him about his new posting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But not about \"Friendship.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the code name of a top-secret State plan to facilitate enforced, massive immigration of hardy Siberian tribes into their vast Alaskan-American territories that spread hundreds of miles inland, adjoined Canada and hugged the coast southwards to end not far from the American-Canadian border. Hardy, tough, warlike peoples who could, and would, over a generation or three, trickle southwards and eastwards to the vast prairies and warm exotic lands of California, eventually to possess America. The plan had been proposed by an uncle twenty-five years earlier." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Two years! A fornicating prison sentence!\"\n\n\"I agree.\" Sir William felt equally uncomfortable with the vicissitudes of his own Foreign Office, their aptitude for sudden postings, equally olympian. \"Alaska? Ugh! Know nothing about it—have you ever been there? Last year, the ship I was on stopped at Vancouver, in our colony there. It's just an outpost, and we went no farther north.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sitka's not much farther. I was there as a youth once. Now we've permanent settlement, lots of traders, a few hundred shacks,\" Zergeyev said sourly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Furs, freezing, lawlessness, illiterates, Indians, drunks, and no society. The place is a foul wasteland, discovered by Bering and Chirikov a hundred-odd years ago... at first they thought it was just part of our northern territories, fifty-odd miles across an inlet, not realizing it was a Strait they named after Bering. Sixty-odd years ago, one of my granduncles helped form the Russian American Fur Company, our fur-trading monopoly, and appointed an imperious son of a whore—a cousin called Baranof—to be Director, who moved the capital to Sitka. It's on an island off the coast, totally miserable, and called, guess what, Baranof Island. Unfortunately my family made Alaska a special interest. Hence the posting. Matyeryeybitz! Both of them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William laughed and Angelique turned back to them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I share the joke?\"\n\n\"Er, it wasn't well, very funny, my dear,\" he said, docketing the highly interesting data for transmission to London, \"just a Russian vulgarity.\"\n\n\"English humor, Angelique.\" Zergeyev laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And on that happy thought, it is time for dinner.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gallantly he bowed, went over and took Maureen into the dining room, Sir William and Angelique followed, then the others. Abundant silver on the refectory table, liveried menservants behind each chair, others to bring in huge quantities of meats and borscht and beets and pies and jugs of iced vodka, champagne and French wines and sorbets. Gypsy musicians from the Russian warship, then later Cossack dancers from his entourage for entertainment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Conversation buzzing and all of them still comparing: tiny and tall, French against one of us, delightful French accent, comfortable Scots." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both beddable, Angelique much more so, both eligible, and marriageable, Maureen much more so." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! ten sentences more. match character knowledge. historical fiction, Japan pls" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Yedo Castle, Yoshi was anxious and irritable. It was midmorning, he was in his quarters and still had no word how the gai-jin doctor's examination of the tairō had gone. When he came back to Yedo from Kanagawa yesterday with Babcott and Tyrer, he had installed them in one of the daimyo's palaces outside the castle walls that he had carefully chosen, staffed and ringed with trusted guards for further security, and at once invited Anjo for the examination.\n\nThe tairō arrived in a nondescript closed palanquin, protected by his own bodyguard—the assassination attempt on him had happened barely a hundred yards away. This, together with the mass shishi attack on Shōgun Nobusada and the various attempts on Yoshi had increased the Elders' sensitivity and security needs.\n\nYoshi, with Babcott and Phillip Tyrer beside him, met the clandestine palanquin in the courtyard. They bowed, Yoshi making the lowest bow, laughing to himself as, painfully, Anjo was helped out. \"Tairō, this is the gai-jin doctor, B'bc'tt, and interpreter Firrup Taira.\"\n\nAnjo gawked up at Babcott. \"Eeee, the man really is as big as a tree! So big, eeee, a monster! Would his penis be in proportion?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he looked at Phillip Tyrer and guffawed: \"Straw hair, a face like a monkey, a pig's blue eyes and a Japanese name—that is one of your family names, Yoshi-dono, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The name has almost the same sound,\" Yoshi said curtly, then to Tyrer, \"When the examination is completed, send these two men for me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pointed at Misamoto, the fisherman, his spy and false samurai, and Misamoto's constant guard, the samurai whose orders were never to leave him alone with any gai-jin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjo-dono, I believe your health is in good hands.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'worried' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you for arranging this. The Doctor will be sent to you when it pleases me, no need to leave these men here, or any of your men...\"\n\nThat was yesterday. All night he had worried and this morning, worried and hoped. His room was changed. It was even more austere. All traces of Koiko had been removed. Two guards stood behind him and two at the door. Irritably he got up from his writing table and went to the window and leaned on the lintel. Far below he could see the daimyo's palace in the inner circle. The tairō's men were standing guard there. No other signs of activity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Over the rooftops of Yedo he could see the ocean, and smoke trails of some merchantmen and a warship out at sea inbound for Yokohama.\n\nWhat do they carry, he asked himself. Guns? Troops, cannon? What mischief are they planning?\n\nTo settle his nerves he sat back at his table and continued practicing calligraphy. Ordinarily the exercise soothed. Today it brought no peace. Koiko's exquisite brushstrokes kept forming on the paper and, try as he could, he could not stop her face rising to the forefront of his mind.\n\n\"Baka!\" he said, making a false stroke, spoiling an hour of work. He threw the brush down, splattering ink on the tatami. His guards shifted uneasily and he cursed himself for the lapse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You must control your memory. You must." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since that evil day she had beset him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The smallness of her neck, hardly feeling the blow, then rushing away instead of lighting her pyre, the nights worst of all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lonely in bed, and cold, but no wish for a female body or for succor, all illusions gone." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'would' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After her betrayal, her treason introducing the dragon woman Sumomo into his inner chambers—no excuse was acceptable for that, none, he told himself again, none. She must have known about her. No excuse, no forgiveness—not even, as he now believed, for her sacrificial charge to receive the shuriken that would have impaled him. No woman could be trusted again. Except his wife, perhaps, and consort perhaps. He had not sent for either of them, only written, telling them to wait, to guard their sons and keep their castle safe.\n\nHe felt no real joy even in his victory over the gai-jin though he was certain it was a superb step forward, and sure that when he told the Elders, they would be ecstatic. Even Anjo. How sick is that dog? Unto death I hope. Will the giant do his magic and cure him?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or is the Chinese doctor to be believed, he who Inejin says has never been wrong and whispered an early death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never mind. Anjo, sick or not, will listen to me now, the others will listen at last, and agree to my proposals. Why not? The gai-jin are boxed, no threat now from the fleet, Sanjiro almost done to death by gai-jin, Ogama satisfied in Kyōto. Shōgun Nobusada will be ordered back to Yedo where he belongs, once he explained the part the boy should play in the great plan. And not only returning, but returning alone, leaving his hostile wife, the Princess Yazu, to \"follow in a few days,\" never to follow if Yoshi had his way—no need for the others to be in his confidence. Only Ogama.\n\nNot even Ogama to know all of it, only the part to enmesh the Princess and have her divorced by Imperial \"request.\" Ogama would see to it that she stayed out of the way until she was safely and permanently neutralized, content to live forever within the palace quagmire of poetry competitions, mysticism, and other world ceremonials. And a new husband. Ogama.\n\nNo, not Ogama, he thought, cynically amused, though of course I will propose the union. No, someone else, someone she will be content with—the Prince to whom she was once promised, and still honors. Ogama will be a fine ally." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In many ways. Until he goes onwards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meanwhile there is no need to share an immortal truth I have discovered about gai-jin—with Ogama, Anjo or anyone: Gai-jin do not understand time as we do, they do not consider or think about time as we do. They think time is finite. We do not. They worry about time, minutes, hours, days—months are important to them, exact appointments sacrosanct. Not to us. Their version of time controls them. So this is one cudgel we can always use to beat them with.\n\nHe smiled to himself, loving secrets, dreaming of a thousand ways to use gai-jin time against real time to dominate them, and through them the future. Patience patience patience.\n\nMeanwhile I still have our Gates, though Ogama's men control my men who guard our Gates. That does not matter. Soon we will possess them entirely, and the Son of Heaven. Again. Will I live to see that?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If I do, I do, if I do not, I do not. Karma.\n\nKoiko's laugh sent a chill down his spine: Ah, Tora-chan, you and karma! Startled, and he looked around. It wasn't her. The laughter came from the corridor, mixed with voices.\n\n\"Sire?\"\n\n\"Come in,\" he said, recognizing Abeh.\n\nAbeh strode in, leaving his others outside. The guards relaxed. With Abeh was one of the household maids, a cheerful, middle-aged woman, carrying a tray and fresh tea. Both knelt, bowed. \"Put the tray on the table,\" he said. The maid obeyed, smiling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abeh stayed kneeling near the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These were new orders: no one was to come within two metres without permission." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What were you laughing at?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required dialogue to include (maintain exact wording): \"Please excuse me, Sire, I do not know,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To his surprise she said merrily, \"At the giant gai-jin, Sire, I saw him in the courtyard, I thought I was seeing a kami—two in fact, Sire, the other one with yellow hair and blue eyes of a Siamese cat. Eeee, Sire, I had to laugh. Imagine, blue eyes! The tea's this season's, as you ordered. Would like something to eat, please?\"\n\n\"Later,\" he said, and dismissed her, feeling calmer, her warm nature infectious. \"Abeh, they are in the courtyard? What is happening?\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Sire, I do not know,\" Abeh said, still furious that yesterday Anjo had ordered them all away. \"The Captain of the tairō's bodyguard came a moment ago and ordered... ordered me to conduct them back to Kanagawa. What should I do, Sire? You will of course want to see them first.\"\n\n\"Where is tairō Anjo now?\"\n\n\"I only know that the two gai-jin are to be taken back to Kanagawa, Sire. I asked the Captain how the examination went and he said insolently, 'What examination?' and left.\"\n\n\"Bring the gai-jin here.\" Soon there were heavy, foreign footsteps. A knock. \"The gai-jin, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abeh stood aside and motioned Babcott and Tyrer forward, knelt and bowed. They bowed standing, both unshaven and clearly tired. Immediately one of the door guards angrily shoved Tyrer to his knees, sending him sprawling. The other guard tried the same with Babcott but the Doctor twisted with uncanny speed for such a huge man, grabbed the man by his clothes near his throat, one-handed, lifting him off his feet, slamming him back against the stone wall. For a second he held the unconscious man there, then gently let him crumple to the floor.\n\nIn the shocked silence, Babcott said carelessly, \"Gomen nasai, Yoshi-sama, but these twits shouldn't pick on guests. Phillip, please translate that, and say I haven't killed him though the ill-mannered sod will have a headache for a week.\"\n\nThe other samurai were coming out of their trance and going for their swords. \"Stop!\" Yoshi ordered, furious with the gai-jin and furious with the guards. They froze.\n\nWeakly, Phillip Tyrer had picked himself up, ignored the inert guard and said in his quaint, halting Japanese, \"Please excuse, Yoshi-sama, but Doctor-sama and I, we bow as foreign custom. Polite, yes? No mean harm. Doctor-sama say, Please excuse, man no dead only...\" He searched for the word, could not find it, so he pointed at his head, \"Pain, one week, two.\"\n\nYoshi laughed. Tension left the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Take him away. When he wakes bring him back.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He waved the others to their places and motioned the Englishmen to sit opposite him. When they had settled themselves awkwardly, he said, \"How is the tairō, how did the examination go?\"\n\nAt once Babcott and Phillip replied with simple words and gestures that they had agreed in advance, explaining that the examination went well, that the tairō had a bad hernia—a rupture—that Babcott could help relieve the pain with a truss and medication, which would have to be made and fetched from the Settlement, that the tairō had agreed he should return in a week to fit it and bring the results of tests. Meanwhile, he had given him medication that would take most of the pain away and help him sleep.\n\nYoshi frowned. \"This 'hern'ah,' it is permanent?\"\n\n\"Doctor-sama say that—\"\n\n\"I know the doctor is talking through you, Taira,\" Yoshi snapped, displeased with what he had heard, \"just translate his words without ceremonial titles!\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. He says damage is per'man'nt,\" a new word for him. \"Tairō Anjo need... need medicine always stop pain, all time, sorry, each daytime, and also use each daytime this 'truss.'\" Tyrer used the English word and with his hands, explained the belt and pressure point." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Doctor think Tairō-sama good if has care. No can... cannot fight use sword easy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi scowled, the results not heartening. \"How long...\" He stopped and waved his guards out. \"Wait outside.\" Abeh stayed. \"You too.\" Reluctantly his Captain closed the door. Yoshi said, \"The truth: How long will he live?\"\n\n\"That only God says.\"\n\n\"Huh, gods! How long Doctor thinks tairō will live?\"\n\nBabcott hesitated. He had expected the tairō to order him not to speak to Yoshi but once he had told him about the hernia and medicine, and had given him some of his laudanum tincture, which had relieved the pain almost at once, the tairō had chuckled and encouraged him to relate \"the good news.\" But the hernia was only part of the problem.\n\nHis fuller diagnosis, one that he had not told Anjo, or Phillip Tyrer, wanting to reserve judgment until he had made an analysis of urine and stool samples, had consulted with Sir William and made a second examination, was that he was afraid there could be a dangerous deterioration of the intestines from unknown causes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The physical had only taken an hour or so, the verbal probing many hours. At forty-six, Anjo was in bad condition. Teeth rotten, surely septicemia from those sooner or later. Bad reactions to delicate probing of stomach and organs, obvious constrictions inside, very enlarged prostate.\n\nMost of his diagnostic problem was due to his and Phillip's lack of fluency, because the patient was impatient, did not trust him yet, and was not forthcoming with symptoms or clues. It had taken much diligent questioning for him to probably establish the man experienced difficulties with bowel movements, passing urine and an inability to hold erections—which seemed to concern him the most—though Anjo had shrugged and would admit none of the symptoms outright.\n\n\"Phillip, tell Lord Yoshi I think he will live about the average for a man in his condition of the same age.\"\n\nTyrer's headache had returned, aided by his desperation to do a good job. \"He live about same as man of same age.\"\n\nYoshi thought about that, also understanding the difficulties of probing delicate matters in a foreign language with inadequate interpretation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Therefore he must keep the questions simple. \"Ask: two years, three years, one year?\" He watched Babcott closely, not Tyrer.\n\n\"Difficult say, Lord. In one week perhaps know better.\"\n\n\"But now? The truth. One, two or three, what think?\"\n\nBabcott had realized before he left Kanagawa that his function here was not only as a doctor. Sir William had said: \"To put it bluntly, old chap, if the patient turns out to be Anjo, you're also an important representative of Her Majesty's Government, me, the Settlement, and a bloody spy—so, George, please don't pong on this golden opportunity...\"\n\nFor himself he was first and foremost a doctor. With doctor-patient confidentiality. No doubt that Yoshi was the enemy of the patient, a powerful enemy, but also a potentially powerful friend to H.M.'s Government. Balancing the two, Yoshi was the more important in the long run." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anjo had issued the ultimatum to evacuate Yokohama, he was the head of the Bakufu who would, unless there was a violent end to Yoshi, certainly die before him. If forced what would you answer? he asked himself. Within a year. He answered instead: \"One, two or three, Yoshi-sama? Truth, sorry not know now.\"\n\n\"Could it be more?\"\n\n\"Sorry, not possible say now.\"\n\n\"Can you say next week?\"\n\n\"Perhaps say can, not more than three year next week.\"\n\n\"Perhaps you know more than you say, now or next week.\"\n\nBabcott smiled with his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Phillip, tell him politely I am here at his invitation, a guest. As doctor, not magician, and I don't need to return next week or any week.\"\n\n\"Damn it, George,\" Tyrer muttered guardedly, \"we don't want trouble. I don't know what 'magician' is, and damned if I can cope with these nuances. For God's sake, make it simple.\"\n\n\"What did you say, Taira?\" Yoshi asked sharply.\n\n\"Oh! Sire, that... difficult translate words of High Leaders when... when many meanings, and not know bet word... best word, please excuse me.\"\n\n\"You should study harder,\" Yoshi said testily, infuriated that he did not have his own interpreter. \"You do well but not well enough, study harder! It is important you work harder! Now, what did he say, exactly!\"\n\nTyrer took a deep breath, sweating. \"He say, he doctor, not like god, Yoshi-sama, not know exact about tairō. He... he here Yoshi invite. So sorry, if not want come Yedo, Doctor-sama, not come Yedo.\" He died a little more seeing Yoshi smile the insincere way Babcott had, no mistaking that meaning, and he cursed the day he decided to be an interpreter. \"So sorry.\"\n\n\"So ka!\" Grimly Yoshi weighed his next move." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The doctor had proved useful though he was hiding facts from him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'whore' must be used 3 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If that was the case, he deduced the real facts were bad, not good. That thought pleased him. A second thought pleased him. It was based on an enlightened idea Misamoto unknowingly suggested months ago. Yoshi had at once initiated the practice through his spymaster, Inejin, for future use: one way to control barbarians was through their whores.\n\nInejin had been diligent as usual. So now Yoshi knew a lot about the gai-jin Yoshiwara, which were the most popular Inns, about Raiko and the whore of this strange and so ugly youth, Taira, the old one of many names now called Fujiko. And about the strange whore of Furansusan. The gai-jin leader, Sur W'rum, had no special whore. Serata used two sporadically." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nemi was named as the consort of the chief gai-jin trader and an especially good source of information." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'doctor' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doctor did not visit the Yoshiwara. Why? Meikin will find out...\n\nAh yes, Meikin the traitoress, you are not forgotten!\n\n\"Tell the doctor I look forward to seeing him next week,\" he said, his voice flat. \"And thank him. Abeh!\"\n\nAbeh was in the room, kneeling, in an instant. \"Escort them to Kanagawa. No, take them to the gai-jin leader personally, at Yokohama, and bring back the renegade Hiraga.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello, Jamie! It's lunchtime! Last night you said to call for you at one o'clock!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maureen smiled at him from his office doorway, bonnet and dressed nicely, her cheeks rosy from her brisk walk along the promenade from Struan's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One o'clock, you said, for lunch at this Club of yours.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Be right with you, lassie,\" he said absently, finishing the letter to his banker in Edinburgh about the joint venture with the shoya, enclosing Tess Struan's sight draft for deposit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Got to talk to Nakama-Hiraga somehow as soon as he's found, he was thinking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Where the devil is he?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hope to God he hasn't fled as everyone thinks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Take a seat, Albert's joining us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was so engrossed he missed her disappointment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This new office was in the Guardian building, near to Drunk Town, on the High Street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was much smaller than the one in Struan's but it had a pleasant view of the bay, so important for the trader to be able to follow the coming and going of ships." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unfurnished except for a desk and three chairs, half a dozen filing cabinets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piles of books and boxes, sheaves of blank paper, pens and new ledgers that he had scrounged until his order from Hong Kong arrived, were scattered everywhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Heaped on his desk were more papers, letters, orders and a big mailing announcing the launch of his new company and requests for business." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All had to be made ready for Prancing Cloud's departure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you sleep well?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sealed the letter, hardly hearing her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, thank you, did you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "and picked up another of the mailings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These were being copied by two Portuguese clerks in their office down the corridor, next to the printing shop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The clerks had been lent by MacStruan until he could make permanent arrangements." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Albert's a good fellow, isn't he? I said we might be late,\" he remarked absently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If it had been up to him he would have skipped the Club and asked one of the clerks to make him a sandwich, or ordered some of the Chinese food that they ordered daily from Drunk Town." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Half an hour later he put down his pen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All set?\" he asked brightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aye.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's up?\" he asked, seeing her look." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Weel, laddie, I'd hoped we could be alone for lunch, there's a lot to talk about—obviously there was no time last night. It was a bonny party though, wasn't it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, it was. The Cossack dancers were stunning. We've lots of time to talk—sorry, didn't think it was important.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Angelique was stunning too, aye, and many of your friends, Marlowe and Settry!\" She laughed lightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Relieved, his guard came down and he picked up his hat and coat and opened the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Glad you enjoyed it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You went out last night, after we'd said good night.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His guard came up too late to prevent the guilty flush." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, er, yes, I did.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I knocked on your door but there was no answer—I just wanted to talk, I wasn't tired. You said you were tired.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, yes, I was, but then I wasn't. Shall we go?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aye, I'm hungry.\" They went out onto the promenade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Few people were about." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The day was not the best, sea choppy and wind cutting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's no' as bad as Glasgow at this time of the year,\" she said pleasantly, taking his arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's true, but the cold won't last, soon it'll be the best time, the spring and autumn are best.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was breathing better now that the subject had been dropped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Spring and autumn are the best.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You went to the Yoshiwara?\" she asked pleasantly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An ice pick leapt from his testicles to his heart and back again and a thousand answers presented themselves, the best of which was, If I want to go to the Yoshiwara, by God, I will go and we aren't married and even if I was... and I told you I didn't want to be married, at least not yet, not now that the new business has a chance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Confidently he opened his mouth to say all that but for some reason his voice came out strangled and limp: \"I, er, yes, I did, but th—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you have a good time?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look, Maureen. There's some—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'about' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know about the Yoshiwara, laddie, and about men,\" she said matter-of-fact and kindly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you have a good time?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stopped, rocked at the gentle voice and manner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I, well, I suppose... but you see, Maur—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's too cold to stop, Jamie, dear.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a friendly fashion, she took his arm again and forced him to walk on again and continued, \"Good, so you had a good time. Why did you no' tell me? And why tell a fib about being tired?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, because...\" Again a dozen answers, but his mouth only issued, \"Because it's obvious, for goodness' sake. I didn't want...\" He couldn't say, I didn't want to hurt you because I'd made a date, wanted to see Nemi yet didn't want to, didn't want you to know about her and actually I had a dreadful time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he had walked into their little house Nemi was dressed in her best sleeping kimono, their little sanctuary pristine, food and saké prepared and she was laughing and happy and completely attentive: \"Heya, Jami-san, good you see, ah! Hear good news from boat. You to marr'iage 'rady from Scut'rand, marriage, heya?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had been flabbergasted at how quickly the news had travelled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do you know?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All Yoshiwara know-ah! 'Portant, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nemi bubbled. \"Two day I at Great House kowtow meet soon oku-san you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"EH?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Portant, Jami-san. Wen marr'iage? 'Portant, for oku-san, nee goh-san' frien', neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you touched?\" he had burst out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had stared at him without understanding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wat for mad, Jami-san? Oku-san pay now. Oku-san pay, Jami-san, iyé? 'Portant oku-san nee—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's not the way things are done, for God's sake.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No unn'stan'... 'Portant Nemi go oku-san...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're crazy!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No unn'stan',\" she had said sullenly, appalled at his bellicose manner, deciding flight was the best defense from this incredible behavior—but flight of course in tears." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'could' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was gone before he could stop her, the mama-san could not convince her to return and so, furiously, he had stomped home to bed and to little sleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "God Almighty, Nemi coming to Struan's to see Maureen?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maureen's to pay Nemi in future?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Important for mistress and wife to be good friends?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "God in Heaven! I must have misunderstood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No, you bloody didn't." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's what she bloody said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eventually, he had come to the office." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before dawn. Bloody hell, he had thought all morning and now he had two bloody women to contend with." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look, Maureen, I'm sorry I lied,\" he said lamely, \"but... well, I don't quite know what else to say.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dinna' fash' yoursel', these things happen.\" She smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eh? You're not pis—sorry, you're not angry?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nay, laddie, no' this time,\" she said so nicely, \"no' till we've had a wee chat.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no threat in her voice or manner that he could detect, she still held his arm tenderly, yet his innermost being screamed danger, and for God's sake hold your tongue, say nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wee chat?\" he heard himself ask." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aye.\" Then there was a deafening silence even though the wind was clattering roof shingles and shutters, church bells, steam whistles from the harbor, dogs barking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hold your tongue, two can play in this negotiation, he cautioned himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aye? What's that mean?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maureen was feeling her way carefully, enjoying the learning—and teaching—process." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was merely the first of a never-ending series of confrontations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All men are dreadful, Maureen,\" her mother had said, amongst other counsel. \"Some worse than others, they're all liars though a canny wife can always see through her man's lies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the beginning husbands are sweet and send your head to the stars, their warmth and lovemaking, and silly little kindnesses. In the beginning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then come the bairns, the children, and looking after the home, most always wi'out enough money." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By this time you're inclined to let yoursel' go in dress an' your hair and person." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's awful difficult with bairns, and lack of sleep an' being mortal tired, so soon thy man turns his back in bed, begins to snore, aye, that's na' a wee difficulty if you canna' learn to close your ears tight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then they go awenching... but dinna' fash' yoursel', it's a temporary game for them an' willna' last, and if you're a canny wife, thy man will always come back—you've always got the bairns, and you've got God." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Remember it's no' an easy task to earn the daily bread, as he should remember it's also no' an easy task to raise bairns and keep the home cozy, but they never will remember." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thy father, he's nay different with his women or woman in India, but he's home now and his problem's different. I should have known he was already wedded to his Regiment when we wedded. At least this Jamie, he's no' in the Services, that's terrible hard for a wife to compete against.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do you become a canny wife, Ma?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wish I knew, lassie, I wish, but some rules are certain: choose thy man cannily, a good hold on thy tongue will help, a good stiff broom and a wild temper if used shrewdly will help, lots of understanding and forgiveness all the time, and a warm, soft bosom for the poor wee laddie to cry on...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wee chat?\" she heard Jamie say again, his voice choked, and she almost laughed aloud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She kept her smile and demeanor forgiving, the broomstick and temper ready in case." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I learned about the Yoshiwara on the boat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She left that hanging and he snapped up the bait." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gornt told you? Or Hoag? It was him? That idiot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, it was your fine Captain Strongbow—and Dr. Hoag's no idiot, lad. I asked Strongbow how you all managed to stop from going mad without lady friends, was it the same as in India, or China?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She laughed remembering how difficult it had been to get him to talk openly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wusky's wonderful, she thought, blessing her father for teaching her to drink, when necessary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think your Yoshiwara's very sensible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was going to say, You do?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This time he said nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her silence tortured him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she was ready she said, \"Tomorrow's Sunday.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His head reeled, unprepared for the non sequitur." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I... yes, I suppose... yes, it's Sunday. Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This afternoon I thought we could go to the Reverend Tweet, I hope he's not as silly as his name, and we should ask him to publish the banns.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He blinked. \"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aye, banns, Jamie.\" She laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've no' forgotten banns must be read three consecutive Sundays, have you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, but I told you I'd written and said th—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That was when I was there, I'm no' there anymore. I'm here and I love you,\" she said, and stopped and looked up at him and saw he was fine and what she desired in life and, all at once, her control went with the wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jamie darlin', we're engaged and I believe we should marry because I will make the best wife a man ever had, I promise I promise I promise and no' just because I'm here, I've loved thee from the first moment and now is a grand time to marry, I know it, I'll go back, back to Scotland and never... if you want me to go back I will, by the next boat, but I love you, Jamie. I swear I'll leave if you want me to.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tears sprang into her eyes and she brushed them aside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry, it's just the wind, laddie.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it wasn't the wind, all guile vanished, her spirit open and naked for him to see." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I just love you, Jamie...\" His arms went around her and she buried her head in his shoulder, feeling more terrible than she had ever been, desperate for his love, tears pouring." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When her terror had abated, pushed by his warmth, she heard him saying nice things to her, mixed with the wind and the surf, that he loved her and wanted her to be happy, and not to worry and be sad but this afternoon would be too soon, he had so much work to do for the company that it was going to be hard to start it and keep it alive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dinna' worry about the new company business, Jamie, Mrs. Struan said that she'd—\" She stopped, horrified." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had not intended to tell him but it was too late now as his arms tightened and then held her away from him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She said what?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It doesna' matter. Let's...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did she say to you? What!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His face was grim, eyes penetrating." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She told you she was sending me money?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, no, she didna', she said... she just said you were a good trader and you'd be a success. Let's eat, I'm starv—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did she say? Exactly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I told you. Let's have lu—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell me what she said, by God. Tell the truth, exactly! She told you about the money, didn't she?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, no' exactly.\" She looked away, angry at herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The truth!\" He held her shoulders. \"Now!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right.\" She took a deep breath and in a gathering rush said, \"It was this way, Jamie, exactly. When I went to Struan's, to the Edifice on the promenade, to ask where you'd be, if you were in the Japans or where, I was told to wait and then she sent for me, Mrs. Struan did, to the great office overlooking all Hong Kong, but such a sadness to her and such strength, poor lady. Let me be a moment.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again she dried her eyes and took out a handkerchief and blew her nose and then, not knowing what to do with her hands, put her arm in his and her hand found its way into his coat pocket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's walk, Jamie, easier to talk walking, it's cold. Mrs. Struan asked me to sit down and told me you'd been dismissed and I asked why and she told me and I told her that was no' fair, no' your problem that her son was a wee devil and crazy in love with an unacceptable adventuress called Angelique—I don't know about adventuress but having seen Angelique, Jamie, I can understand why her son or any man would be in love with her, and having met his ma I understand why there was anger between them...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A gust pulled at their hats and they held on to them, then she went on, \"We... we had a row, dinna forget this was days before we heard about his death. It was a terrible row, Jamie. Soon we were both on our feet and I'm afraid I lost my temper, you'd have been ashamed of me and I used some terrible words of my da'.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped and gaped at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You had a row with Tess?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aye, never in my life so bad, not even with my sisters and brother in secret. I was na' very brave about it, but her unfairness made me angry and it spilled out and I gave her...\" Maureen's good nature and sense of humor returned and she laughed nervously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Och, it was a Glasgow cat fight, like two fishwives at the docks, ready to tear each other's hair out. At one time someone came in and she threw them out and... So, Miss Ross? she said, lips like a gillie's dirk, both of us panting and no' at all friendly, What do you think I should do? Do? I said, First you give Mr. McFay a handsome parting bonus he's earned a dozen times over during his years of service, you give him business to start his business and you write him a nice note.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You said that? To Tess?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aye, I did.\" She saw and heard the disbelief and dispelled that instantly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I swear this's the God's truth, Jamie, I swear it. I was no' going to tell you but you insisted and I wouldna' lie. By the Lord God, I swear this's the truth!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, sorry. Please go on.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: thousand, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dinna be sorry, laddie, I didna' believe it mysel' at the time. After I said my piece, not kindly at all, Mrs. Struan laughed—she laughed and said, Sit down, all right, but no nice note. That's no' good enough, I said. What's fair compensation? I asked. Her smile vanished and she said, A thousand guineas. She spat it out just like Da' when he's in a rage. Poppycock, by God, says I. Ten thousand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maureen stopped and looked at him searchingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had to settle for five. Was that all right? I dinna' know if that was enough, is it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You settled? You settled for five?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aye, it took time and more curse words... that night I asked God's forgiveness for the curses, more of my da's words. I hope that was fair, Jamie, along with extra business... and she did agree no bad acts, to be business friends, I thought that important. After she agreed, she threw in a free passage with her icy smile, Go find your Mr. McFay, with my compliments.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maureen glanced at the surf a moment, collecting her thoughts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another little nervous shrug, then she stared up at him, artlessly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's what happened, but it was for you, no' for me or for us, for you, I didna' mean to mention it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jamie! M'ssross.\" Lunkchurch had reeled out of his office and was standing with them before they knew it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He greeted them effusively, nearly asphyxiating her with the smell of whisky, invited them to dinner that night and reeled away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's always drunk by two o'clock, but he's all right,\" Jamie said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He won't remember the invitation or our refusal.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This time he took her hand and put it in his coat pocket for warmth and held it and walked on. \"Maureen, I th—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'didna' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Before you say another word, let me finish. I didna' mean to tell you about her and me, it slipped out. I'm deeply sorry, I swear to God I didna' mean to tell you, God's truth, no' when we were talking, serious, about... talking about us, you and me. Please believe that, God's truth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I believe you, I do, no need to worry on that score, and Tess wrote to me, kept her word, sent the money, more than I've had in my whole life, enough to start and all because of you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tears of remorse began." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No' because of me, Jamie. You'd been wronged and Mrs. Struan owed it to you—I would no' have told you but—but you wanted me to. And you were right to be angry, I was wrong to say, 'this afternoon,' please forgive me, it was just... you're right, this afternoon is too soon, you're right and I was wrong to suggest that. Can we wait, Jamie, please? Can we wait, say a week or two, a month, see how you like me? Please?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now you listen,\" Jamie said, and gave her hand a squeeze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I like you too much as it is and no, I don't want you to go and yes, we will wait a little while and no, I'm not angry, and yes, I believe you and thank you with all my heart and no, you weren't wrong to make a suggestion. Let's think about it and talk over dinner. Sparkles, just you and me, eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before she knew what she was doing she reached up and kissed him in thanks, the use of her nickname a harbinger of joyous portent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hand went back to his and both into his pocket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're bonny, Jamie, that's the truth and I love you and...\" She was going to add, And you dinna have to say that until you're ready." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she did not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She withdrew from that precipice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're a bonny laddie.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you're a bonny lassie,\" he said, more calm about her than he had been for years, the ache and guilt no longer to the fore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What about marriage? he asked himself, for the first time without a shudder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Absolutely a man should be married and have children, at the correct time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm not opposed to marriage, far from it. When?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the business has settled and we're in profit?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She's terrific, clever, good-looking, good family, patient and faithful and loves me, incredible that she stood up to Tess and did what she did, show's how smart she is. It might work." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do I love her?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I like her enormously..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm thirty-nine. And trim and fit, and should be married—should have married before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She's twenty-eight, young for her age too, so she must know her own mind, and there's no doubt she sparkles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Last night Marlowe and Pallidar noticed too, noticed a little too much!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That randy bastard Settry wouldn't leave her alone, not that I minded—one little jerk of my head and the darling came a-running." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He squeezed her arm, liking that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing. I'm glad you enjoyed the party last night,\" he said, but he was thinking, in three or four months, no need to hurry, not a bad idea. \"Here we are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They turned into the clubhouse forecourt." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'dmitri' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "MacStruan was talking to Dmitri on the steps and he saw them look up and Dmitri waved cheerily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ice slammed back into his guts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nemi! When Nemi gets the bit between her teeth..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "God Almighty, he thought aghast, how the hell do I cope with Nemi, the Yoshiwara and Sparkles?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Can't be done. Must be done." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What was it she said about the Yoshiwara?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wasn't pissed off this time... \"no' till we've had a wee chat.\" Chat?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you cold, Jamie darling?\"\n\n\"No, no, just fine.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding nine sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Missee, wakee! Missee-tai-tai, cawfee, heya!\"\n\n\"In her waking mists Ah Soh banged the tray on the side table and Angelique smelled the warm, heavenly smell of fresh-brewed coffee—a present from Seratard and one of the few services Ah Soh would and could do properly—wafting around her, bringing her into the day without hurt.\n\nShe sat up in bed and stretched, astonished and delighted she felt so alert and so well. The cramps had gone, the ache had subsided into its normal pattern, better than usual, the bloated feeling less than usual.\n\nAnd best of all, despair had left her. It's her miracle, she thought, reverently. During the last month in nightly prayers to the Blessed Mother, talking, asking, pleading, one night exhausted by anxiety, she had listened. \"Leave it to me, child, it is my decision not thine,\" she heard, not hearing with her ears but with her innermost self, \"my decision, all of it, rest in peace.\" The anxiety had left her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was her decision, how wonderful!" }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'thanks' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique would accept her verdict. The Will of God. And she had.\n\nImpulsively she knelt beside the bed, closed her eyes and blessed Her and gave passionate thanks, and said again how sorry she was but thanked her for lifting the burden. Thy Will Be Done, then slid again under the covers ready for coffee and the world. Coffee at this time, nine, was custom on a Sunday, just enough time to bathe and dress for church.\n\nChurch! Why not? she thought, I must give proper thanks, but no Confession. \"Ah Soh, bring my bath and...\" Ah Soh was staring at her, glazed. Abruptly she realized her maid must have seen bloodstains on the back of her nightdress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hastily Ah Soh said, \"I get bar'f,\" and waddled for the door but Angelique was there before her and pushed her back. \"If you tell anyone I'll scratch your eyes out!\"\n\n\"Ayeeyah, no unn'erstan\" Missee-tai-tai,\" Ah Soh grunted, petrified by the venom on her mistress's face and in her voice. \"No unn'erstan'!\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, you do! Dew neh loh moh-ah.\" She spat out the Cantonese curse words as she had heard Malcolm use them at Chen once when he was angry with him, and had seen Chen go white. He had never told her what the words meant but they had the same effect on Ah Soh, whose legs nearly gave way. \"Ayeeeeeyahhh!\"\n\n\"If you talk, Ah Soh, tai-tai will...\" Furiously Angelique stabbed her long nails to within a millimeter of her eyes and held them there. \"Tai-tai do this! Understand?\"\n\n\"Unn'erstan'! Sek'ret, tai-tai!\" The frightened woman moaned some Cantonese, put fingers to her lips parodying a clamp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah Soh no talk, unn'erstan'!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Getting hold of her fury though her heart was still racing, Angelique pushed the woman towards the bed and got into it again. Imperiously she pointed at the coffee cup. \"Dew neh loh moh! Pour my coffee!\"\n\nSaturated with humility and genuine fear, Ah Soh poured the coffee and handed it to her and stood there meekly.\n\n\"No talk, make all bed, clothes, clean. Secret!\"\n\n\"Unn'erstan' tai-tai, no talk, sek'ret, unn'erstan'.\"\n\n\"No talk! Or...\" Her nails slashed the air. \"Bath!\"\n\nAh Soh scuttled away to get the hot water but first, to breathlessly whisper the news to Chen, whose eyes would turn to Heaven and he would say, \"Ayeeyah, what will Tai-tai Tess do now,\" on the run to speed the news on the fastest ship to Illustrious Compradore Chen who had commanded them to inform him at once, irrespective of cost.\n\nThe coffee was delicious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It soothed her stomach and spirit and took away the slight tumescence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of Angelique's true joys in all the world was early morning coffee, most of all with croissants and Colette on the Champs-Elysées at one of the elegant street cafés, reading the latest Court Circular and watching the world stroll by.\n\nFirst church. I will pretend that nothing has happened yet—Ah Soh won't dare to say anything. Who to tell first? Hoag? André? Edward? Mr. Skye?\n\nShe had already had a discussion with Heavenly Skye. His advice was that they had no option but to wait, to see what Hoag would do, and after that, what Tess would do. Tess's letter to him had been brief: Dear Mr. Skye: I know my son had dealings with you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cease and desist in our affairs, my son's and mine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No good will come of it.\n\n\"Interesting choice of words,\" he had commented.\n\n\"You sound afraid, as though we've lost already.\"\n\n\"Not at all, Angelique. Our only posture can be to wait. She has the initiative.\"\n\n\"By the next mail I want you to write to Struan's solicitors, asking for an accounting of my husband's estate.\" This had been an idea André had given her, favoring opening of an immediate offensive.\n\n\"Gladly, if you want to fall into her trap.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Your only posture is the aggrieved, wronged child-widow who was enticed into an early marriage by a strong-willed man—not the impoverished, rapacious widow of a rich husband, a profligate minor, who had gone against his mother's wishes in marrying an impoverished lady of questionable antecedents—please don't be angry, I only tell you what can, may and probably will be said. You must wait, dear lady, pretending to hope that Tess will behave like a human being should. If his child was, er, is en route, that would be a great assist.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And if there isn't?\"\n\n\"Let us consider that when it happens, I mean when it doesn't. Lots of time to con—\"\n\n\"I don't have lots of time. I will run out of money.\"\n\n\"Be patient...\"\n\nMon Dieu, patience! Men and their patience.\n\nNow that Angelique knew beyond doubt she was not bearing Malcolm's child, she set aside all the ideas she had formulated in the event of a baby and concentrated on the other set.\n\nAn immediate onslaught on that woman? No, that comes later, Mr. Skye's right in that. I have to find out what she is going to do first." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To do that I have to tell Hoag or Babcott. Hoag delivered her message so he will have to be the one. No need to have him paw me, either of them. I can tell him. At once or later? Is it worth asking André, or Edward? I don't think so.\n\nHaving no baby to contend with, to consider, makes my life simpler, my chances of remarriage better. Whatever happens, like every girl in the world, I must have a protector, the right husband—or, at length, any husband." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As to my prospects: I don't have money enough to get back to Paris to set myself up there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I've no prospects except through a settlement with Struan's—no, not with the company, with that woman. Even Edward is tied up in that. Especially him. Without a good settlement for me, and her benevolence on his deal, his marriage interest will evaporate. That's fair because mine will evaporate quicker. He's in love with me, I'm not in love with him though I like him a lot, but without mutual financial security the connection has no logic.\n\nAlways back to that woman, whatever idea comes up, Angelique thought, not a little pleased with the way her mind was working, coolly, logically, not worrying, simply examining all aspects as a prudent woman should.\n\nI can last a month or two, no more—if I don't give any more money to André. Soon my chits will run out, any day Albert can get orders to stop my credit and throw me out. I can almost read her spiteful mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never mind, I can move to the French Legation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But they won't support me for very long." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William? No reason for him to do more than he has." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André is the only one outside her grasp who can help. Think clearly, Angelique, that's wrong! When André sees that the money is drying up or has dried up, no telling what he may do in desperation. He could sell Tess that awful paper, he could give her proof about the... about the past. He's a cynic, callous enough or clever enough to have kept proof I paid for the medicine with the earrings I lost. He'd settle for much less money than I would. Even so he's the only man here evil enough to combat her. Edward will go against her but only up to a point. He won't lose Rothwell-Gornt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Should I get Edward to go back to Hong Kong at once?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or Hoag, he's a friend, a sort of friend, and he's the one she sent to me? Or André? Not him, for then I wouldn't sleep a moment knowing he was in Hong Kong with that woman, unwatched." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! ten sentences more. match character knowledge. historical fiction, Japan pls" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'teahouse' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Four Bakufu Enforcers, including a sergeant, stomped through the Yoshiwara gateway. They were like any other patrol of samurai except the men were tougher, meaner and more alert. It was early afternoon. In spite of the weather, the traditional, leisurely procession of courtesans, trailing maids, paraded up and down, showing off their finery one to another and to the groups of gai-jin gawking and drinking at the cafés and Teahouse, laughing as the wind sent a few decorative umbrellas sailing.\n\nFrom time to time one of the Enforcers would stalk up to the doorman of an Inn, or patron of a Teahouse, or restaurant maid. At once the person would bow and grovel and say, \"No, Sire, the traitor Hiraga has not been seen. Oh, no, Sire, thank you, Sire. Yes, at once, Sire. No, I don't know him, Sire.\"\n\nAlmost all of them knew where he was but kept their peace, hating Enforcers, knowing, also, no reward was big enough to prevent shishi vengeance, or Floating World disgust, at a betrayal. In their world, secrets were the spice and currency of life, adding to the day's excitement.\n\nThe patrol's progress seemed to be haphazard. Then the Sergeant changed direction, turned into the alley of the Three Carp and hammered on the door in the fence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga was trapped. Whenever patrols were in the vicinity, lookouts alerted him in good time to flee to his underground hideaway in the tunnel where he now had a rough bed, candles, matches, food, his swords and pistol, and Katsumata's explosives." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Today when the alarm reached him, Hiraga discovered other samurai searching that garden, so there was no chance to reach the well.\n\nIn panic, he had rushed for the kitchen area and had barely enough time to assume a disguise, secreted there, that Katsumata had given him as, a few metres away, masked by a hedge, the Sergeant shoved past the bowing doorman, kicked off his sandals and stomped onto the veranda of the main house.\n\nUnaware Hiraga was aboveground and so near, Raiko came out to greet the Sergeant, knelt and bowed, her face all charm, her insides fluttering, for this was the third day of searches—too many for comfort. \"Good afternoon, Sire, so sorry the ladies are resting and not ready to receive clients.\"\n\n\"I wish to search.\"\n\n\"With pleasure, please follow.\"\n\n\"Go to the kitchen.\"\n\n\"Kitchen? Please, please to follow.\" She led the way pleasantly. When she saw Hiraga head down in the dirt amongst the dozen cooks and workers, her knees almost failed her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga was filthy, his head covered by the matted wig Katsumata had worn in Hodogaya, and naked except for a soiled loincloth and ragged singlet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tie a pebble under your instep, Hiraga,\" Katsumata advised. \"Your walk as much as your face will give you away. Smear dirt on your face and armpits, dung is better, pretend to be a scullion, do not act, be one. Meanwhile make incendiaries, instruct Takeda how to do it, and be ready for when I return...\"\n\nThe leather-faced Sergeant stood with his hands on his hips in the silence and looked around. Painstakingly. Every corner, cupboard or storeroom was scrutinized. Rows of rare spices, teas, barrels of saké and bottles of gai-jin liquor and bags of the finest rice. He grunted to hide his envy.\n\n\"You! Head cook!\" The portly, terrified man raised his head. \"Stand over there! Line up, all of you.\" In their haste to obey they stumbled over one another, Hiraga limping badly, dirty, shoved his way into line. Muttering curses, the samurai stared at each man as he went down the line." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he came up to Hiraga his nostrils wrinkled with disgust at the stench, then he moved to the next man and the next, vented his pent-up rage by shouting at the last man, who collapsed in a petrified heap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the Sergeant stalked back and stood in front of Hiraga, feet planted. \"You!\" he bellowed. \"You!\"\n\nRaiko cried out and nearly swooned, everyone stopped breathing, Hiraga fell on his face, grovelling and moaning, bracing his feet against the wall to hurl himself forward at the Sergeant's legs. But the man began raving, \"You are a disgrace to a kitchen, and you\"—he whirled on Raiko, who backed against the wall, terrified, Hiraga just managing to stop his lunge in time—\"you should be ashamed to have a dung-covered scum like this in a kitchen for the rich.\" His iron-hard toe kicked the befouled in the neck and shoulder joint and Hiraga cried out in real pain, the wig almost came off and he grabbed it in panic, hands over his head. \"Get rid of him. If this lice bag is here or in the Yoshiwara by sundown, I will close you for filth! Shave his head!\" Another kick and he stalked out.\n\nNo one moved until the all-clear came. Even then they started to pick themselves up warily, maids rushed in with smelling salts for Raiko, who tottered away leaning on them, while kitchen workers helped Hiraga to his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was in pain but did not show it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once he stripped and went out to the servants' area and washed himself, scrubbing and scrubbing, filled with revulsion—he had had only enough time to dig his hands into the nearest bucket of night soil and smear himself and rush to a place near the fires.\n\nWhen he was partially satisfied he stalked naked to his house, to bathe again, this time in hot water, certain he would never feel clean again. Raiko intercepted him on the veranda, not fully recovered from her alarm.\n\n\"So sorry, Hiraga-sama, the lookout failed to warn us, but the samurai in that garden... Hot water and a bath maid is waiting for you inside, but now, so sorry, perhaps you should go, it's too dangerou—\"\n\n\"I am waiting for Katsumata, then I shall leave. He has paid you well.\"\n\n\"Yes, but the Enforc—\"\n\n\"Baka! You are responsible for the warning system. If there is another mistake, your head goes in the bucket!\"\n\nGrim-visaged, he stalked into the bathhouse where the maid knelt and bowed so fast she banged her head. \"Baka!\" he snarled, not yet over his utter fright, the foul taste of fear still with him. He squatted on the tiny stool, ready for the maid to begin scrubbing. \"Hurry up!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Baka, he thought, enraged." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone is baka, Raiko is baka, but not Katsumata—he is not baka, he was right again: without the shit I would be dead, or worse, captured alive." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~seven sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga slammed his fist on the tatami, tired of waiting for Akimoto. He went out into the blustering night and trudged the paths through the garden to the door in the fence. Through it to Takeda's house, missing the turning the first time. On the veranda he stopped. Snores came from within. \"Akimoto, Takeda?\" he called out softly, not wanting to open the shoji without warning, every one of them dangerous if surprised.\n\nNo answer. The snores continued." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He slid the door aside noiselessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Akimoto was slumped over the table, saké flasks and beer bottles strewn over the floor. No sign of Takeda. Angrily he shook Akimoto, cursing him. The young man came out of his stupor blearily, half awake. \"What's the matter?\" The words were slurred, Hiraga's face out of focus and swirling.\n\n\"Where's Takeda? Wake up! Baka! Where is Takeda?\"\n\n\"Don' know, just we... just drinking...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a second Hiraga was transfixed, his whole world turned over, then he rushed out and through the garden to the fence and the cache." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His mind fogged. Then the plan they all knew, where the bombs would best be placed, surged at him. Panic lent speed to his feet. He peered under Takeda's house but could see nothing, then he caught a whiff of gunpowder smoke and ducked down and crawled between the low, stone supports but the fuse was too well hidden, its smoke dissipated by the stiff currents of air. Out again and up into the room to shake Akimoto. \"Get up, wake up!\" When the youth drunkenly tried to shove him away, Hiraga struck him across the face, openhanded, then again. Pain tore him back to slurring consciousness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Takeda's taken the bombs, he's firing the Inn, there's one below...\" Hiraga dragged him roughly to his feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mumbling, leaning on him, Akimoto staggered out and fell down the steps onto the garden path, the sound of the wind fierce. At that moment the bomb exploded.\n\nThe blast was small, enough to knock them over and blow a hole in the floor, most of the noise muffled by floor joists, and by the wind. But the spray of ignited oil was deadly. Flames gushed up and outwards.\n\n\"Go into the tunnel and wait there,\" Hiraga croaked hoarsely, and ran. The shock of the blast and such near death blew Akimoto's stupor away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He started to run but the wind gathered some embers and threw them at him. Frenzied, he beat at his clothes and backed off and by the time he looked at the house once more it was an inferno—dry rice husk tatamis, dry oiled-paper screens, dry wood floor and beams and thatched roof. As he watched, the roof collapsed in a shower of sparks that were swiftly sucked up and driven by the wind to swoop on to the next dwelling. The thatch caught. Fire bells began sounding—maids, servants, clients, courtesans, guards on the gate beginning to respond.\n\nHiraga was racing down the path to the south-most house. A few metres away the bomb went off. The blast was smaller than before but it sent him sprawling into the bushes, crashing his body against a decorative stone dragon, causing a cry of pain, the explosion powerful enough to collapse a whole corner of pilings and a corner of the house, causing the dwelling to lurch and tip drunkenly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A wall burst into flames." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He forced himself up and without hesitation leapt onto the veranda and crashed through the burning shoji wall, the sprayed oil already working its mayhem inside, smoke choking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hands went to his face against the scorching heat and he held his breath against the smoke.\n\nHe saw Tyrer blown to one side, helplessly trying to grope to his hands and knees, suffocating, surrounded by flames that in an instant turned the oil-sprayed shoji wall behind him into a sheet of fire. Other flames gorged on oil-drenched walls and supports and roof and licked at the remains of the futon and down coverlet Tyrer lay on. The hem of his ripped sleeping kimono caught fire. Hiraga jumped forward, stamped out the flame and pulled him up. One look at Fujiko was enough. The bomb had cut her in half." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Already she was hairless and turning to cinder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Half blinded by the smoke, Hiraga dragged Tyrer out onto the path. At that second the blazing roof collapsed, sending them reeling away to fall in a heap, the resulting gusher of sparks and embers turned into a flame thrower by the wind, blowtorching other houses, fences, and the next Teahouse. Shouts and screams and fire warnings, already lines of people were dashing this way and that with water buckets or fetching buckets, most now wearing dampened face masks against smoke inhalation that were always ready in abundance.\n\nAstonished to be still alive, coughing and gagging, Hiraga beat out a smoldering patch on the chest of his kimono, his short sword still in his belt, the long sword vanished. As far as he could tell Tyrer was unhurt but it was impossible to be sure for he was not truly conscious, chest heaving, gasping and vomiting from inhaling the smoke. Painfully Hiraga stood over him to collect his breath and his reason, looking around against new dangers. The nearby dwelling burst into flames, then the next, cutting their escape route." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsumata was right, he thought." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With this wind the Yoshiwara's doomed. And with it the Settlement." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Writer's block help needed. This is from a bigger story - gonna send you something then keep it going 11 sentences at a time. Going for James Clavell vibes in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the edge of No Man's Land the patrol of soldiers stood stock-still—with everyone else in Drunk Town who was sober—and stared over the fence toward the Yoshiwara. Two columns of flames and billowing smoke reached skywards amid distant shouts and bells brought closer by the wind. Faintly a third explosion sounded. A third fountain of flames. Smoke began to surround them. A few embers swirled past.\n\n\"Christalmighty,\" the Sergeant said, moving out of the lee of the godown to see better, \"was that a bomb?\"\n\n\"Doan' know, Sarge, could be a barrel of oil exploding, but we'd better get back, that bleeder's heading our way an—\"\n\nThe fire bomb that Takeda had planted against the far side of the godown detonated. Instinctively they all ducked. More smoke, fire crackling, bellowing from nearby Drunk Towners and cries for water buckets and \"Fire! Fire! Hurry, for Christ's sake—that's the lamp-oil depot!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Half-naked men dashed in and out of adjoining houses to save their valuables." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Down the street Mrs. Fortheringill's was emptying, inmates and customers raving and swearing, climbing into their clothes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "More warning bells. Looting began.\n\nAnd down at the South Gate, disciplined samurai streamed in, racing for the Yoshiwara with ladders and fire buckets, wet smoke masks over their faces. A few diverted to fight the godown fire, the remainder rushed onwards. Flames from the blazing godown roof, fanned by the wind, jumped the alley to attack the next line of hovels. They caught instantly.\n\nFrom his hiding place in No Man's Land, Takeda saw the soldiers in confusion and gloated with the success of the bombs, a large section of the Yoshiwara already ablaze. Time to make a run for it. Quickly he adjusted his face mask, the mask and the dirt and his soot-blackened, filthy kimono making him even more ominous.\n\nIn flickering alternations of night and light, he hurried for the well head, found the knapsack, stuck his arms through the straps and, as quickly as he dared, picked a precarious way through the dump. Warning cries behind him. He thought he had been spotted, but it was only about the building, as one wall caved in with a roar, showering more sparks and fire on scattering people and on neighboring property. Now the abundance of flames allowed him to see better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elated, he began to run." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ahead was the village and safety." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'soldiers' 3 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, you!\"\n\nHe did not understand the words but the shout jerked him to a stop. In front was another group of British soldiers with an officer who had come running from the village area to probe the danger and had stopped, startled. They blocked his escape.\n\n\"Must be a looter! Or arsonist! Hey, you!\"\n\n\"My God, watch out, sir, it's a samurai an' he's armed!\"\n\n\"Cover me, Sergeant! You! You there, samurai, what're you doing? What's that you're carrying?\"\n\nIn panic Takeda saw the officer unbuttoning his holster, start towards him, soldiers unslinging their rifles and all the time the sound of the holocaust, flames chasing weird shadows. He whirled and ran. At once they gave chase.\n\nOn the other side of No Man's Land the godown blaze was totally out of control, soldiers impotently striving to organize a fire-fighting party to protect abutting dwellings and streets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fire gave enough light to help Takeda dart through the dump, avoiding most obstacles, the knapsack banging against his back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His breath was coming in gulps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a sudden gush of hope he saw safety in the empty alley beside the burning building ahead. He raced for it, easily outstripping the soldiers behind him.\n\n\"Stop or I shoot!\" The words were meaningless to him but not the hostility. Onwards in his headlong dash, no need for evading action now, any moment safe. He had forgotten the light that helped him, aided them, etching him clearly against the flames.\n\n\"Stop him, Sergeant! Wound him, don't kill him!\"\n\n\"Right, sir... Wait, God Almighty, it's... isn't he the bugger Sir William's after, Nakama, that bloody assassin!\"\n\n\"Damn my eyes, you're right, that's him. Quick, Sergeant, cut him down, wound him!\"\n\nThe Sergeant aimed. His target was escaping down the alley. He squeezed the trigger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Got him,\" he shouted gleefully, and charged. \"Come on, lads!\"\n\nThe bullet sent Takeda sprawling. It had smashed through the knapsack into his upper back, piercing a lung, to come out from his chest cleanly, not a fatal wound if a man was lucky. But Takeda knew none of that, only that he felt destroyed and he lay in the dirt, howling with shock but without pain, one arm useless and dangling, the roar of the nearby fire drowning his cries. Terror dragged him to his knees, the heat from approaching fire ghastly, safety only a few paces ahead down the alley. He crawled forward. Then through his tears he heard the shouts of soldiers close behind him. No escape!\n\nHis reflexes took command. Using his good hand as a prop, he was driven to his feet and with a mighty shriek, he hurled himself into the flames. The leading young soldier skidded to a stop, scrambled back to safety, hands held up against the inferno, the structure due to fall any moment.\n\n\"Sod it!\" the soldier said, and glared at the flames that sizzled, consuming his prey, the stench of burning flesh making him gag. \"Another second an' I'da had the bugger, sir, it were him all right, the bugger wot Sir William...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was the last thing the youth ever said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsumata's bombs in the knapsack detonated violently, a piece of metal tore out the soldier's throat, strewing the officer and other men like ninepins, breaking a few limbs. As if in echo, an oil drum exploded as violently, then another and another with cataclysmic effect. Plumes of flames and embers shot into the air to be seized and used ruthlessly by the gathering force of the wind, now self-generating in ferocity because of its heat.\n\nThe first of the village houses began to burn.\n\nThe shoya, his family and all villagers, already masked against smoke and prepared within moments of the first alarm, continued to work with well rehearsed but stoic speed to pack away valuables into the small, fireproofed brick shelters that were in every garden.\n\nRoofs all along the main street began to burn." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on this story segment like James Clavell would, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre. Characters may have existing backgrounds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Less than an hour since the first bomb exploded, the Three Carp was no more, and most of the Yoshiwara burnt out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only brick chimney stacks, stone house-supports, and brick, stone and earth fireproof shelters stood in heaps of ash and glowing embers. The odd cup or saké flask, most refired now, the glaze spoiled. Metal kitchen utensils. Gardens ruined, shrubs scorched, groups of dazed inhabitants huddled around. Miraculously the fires had missed two or three Inns but around them was stark emptiness, ash and embers, up to the charred encircling fence and the moat beyond.\n\nOn the other side of the moat was the village. It was blazing. Beyond the village, in the Settlement proper the roofs of three houses near Drunk Town were already alight. One of these was the Guardian, where Jamie McFay had his new office.\n\nNettlesmith and their clerks were hauling buckets for Jamie atop the ladder who used them to douse the roof flames, the next house well afire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Other men, Chinese servants, and Maureen bravely darted in and out of the front door, carrying armfuls of papers, printing dies, and whatever was most important." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Burning wooden roof tiles cascaded around them. Billowing smoke from Drunk Town, causing them to cough and heave, hampered them. Above, Jamie was losing the battle. A gust shoved flames at him. He almost fell off the ladder, then shinnied down, defeated. \"It's hopeless,\" he panted, his face black-smudged, hair singed.\n\n\"Jamie, help me with the press, for God's sake!\" Nettlesmith called out, and ran back inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maureen began to follow but Jamie stopped her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, stay here! Watch your dress,\" he shouted above the noise, a shower of embers from the roof surrounding her, then he dashed inside.\n\nWisely she backed off to the sea side of the street, helping others stack what had been salvaged more safely. The whole roof was ablaze now and more embers showered Jamie and Nettlesmith as they stumbled out with the small, portable press. Then, seeing the roof was beyond saving and the building doomed, Jamie hurried back to help him rescue type, dyes, ink and some paper. Quickly the wooden building became too dangerous to enter. The two men stood outside and cursed, then stepped farther to safety as some rafters collapsed.\n\n\"Bloody sodding fire,\" Jamie said, angrily kicking a box of typeface, then turned, feeling Maureen take his hand.\n\n\"I'm so sorry, love,\" she said, awash with tears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His arms went around her and he said fervently, meaning it, \"Never mind, you're safe, that's all that counts.\"\n\n\"Jamie, dinna' worry, wait till morning, then we can think better and properly. Perhaps it's no' so bad.\"\n\nAt that moment samurai fire fighters trotted past. With signs Jamie asked one of them where he could get a fire mask. The man grunted, pulled a handful from his sleeve and rushed off again. Jamie doused them in a bucket of water. \"Here, Maureen,\" he said, giving her the first one, another to Nettlesmith who sat on a keg, on the sea side of the promenade, cursing mutely. The roof collapsed, turning the building into a blazing mess." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Terrible,\" Jamie said to Nettlesmith." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. But not yet a disaster.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The lean, older man motioned along the promenade. The north end of the Settlement was still clean of fire, Struan's, Brock's and the Legations untouched. \"With any luck it won't burn that far.\"\n\n\"This wind is killing us.\"\n\n\"Yes. We're safe enough on the shore side...\"\n\nMore fire fighters with axes hurried up, Dmitri amongst them. He saw their wreckage. \"Jesus, sorry about that,\" he said on the run, \"we're going to try to cut a fire break.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maureen said, \"Jamie, go and help. I'm safe here.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing more you can do here,\" Nettlesmith said. \"I'll watch her. We're safe here, and we'll retreat on Struan's if necessary.\" He took out a pencil and paper, licked the pencil thoughtfully, and began to write." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with three sentences, keeping within the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Raiko followed the burly servant amidst the remains of her Inn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He carried an oil lamp and led the way carefully, using stepping-stones where he could, skirting bad patches of embers that glowed overbrightly, a warning in the dark, fanned by the hot, acrid air. Her face was blackened, hair heavy with ash and dust, her kimono scorched and in tatters. Both wore smoke masks, yet they coughed and wheezed from time to time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go more to the left,\" she croaked, throat dry, continuing her inspection, only stubs of stone supports, in neat square patterns above ashes, indicating where dwellings had been." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Mistress.\" They plodded onwards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Above the noise of the wind they could vaguely hear others calling, an occasional cry of pain and weeping, distant fire bells from the village and Settlement that were burning furiously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was over her initial panic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fires happen. They were the work of the gods." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never mind, I'm alive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tomorrow I will find out what caused the fire, if it was an explosion, as some were claiming, though in the uproar this foul wind could play tricks with hearing, and the bang could easily have been an ill-placed oil jar falling into the kitchen fires and bursting where the blaze began. The Three Carp is gone. So are all the others, or almost all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm not ruined, not yet.\n\nA group of courtesans and maids, many crying, appeared out of the night, a few of them scorched. She recognized women from the Green Dragon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "None of her own girls. \"Stop crying,\" she ordered. \"Go to the Sixteen Orchids—everyone is collecting there. It's not badly damaged, there'll be beds for all, food and drink. Help those who are hurt. Where's Chiosan?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was their mama-san.\n\n\"We haven't seen her,\" said one through her tears. \"I was with a client, it was all I could do to hurry out with him to the underground shelter.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good, run along, go that way and be careful,\" Raiko said, satisfied, pleased with herself, remembering that when the Yoshiwara was being built, just over two years ago, and mama-sans had been selected by their Guild—with prior, expensive approval of that department of Bakufu—she had suggested that each Teahouse have a fireproof cellar built near the central structure, and for further prudence to put their brick fire-safes below ground level." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not all of the mama-sans approved, saying the added expense was not merited." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never mind, it's their loss. Let's see how many wail and beat their breasts tomorrow that they didn't follow my example.\n\nShe had just finished inspecting hers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Steps led down to the iron-sheathed door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The interior was unblemished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All valuables were safe, all contracts, indentures, debt papers, loans made to the Gyokoyama and bank statements, IOUs, best linens and dress kimonos—both hers and the Ladies' as good as new in their wrappers. From the beginning it had been her policy that all expensive linens and clothes that were not to be worn and used that evening, had to be put away underground, almost always to groans at the extra work. There won't be groans this dawn, she thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To her immense relief all her Ladies, staff and clients were accounted for, except Fujiko, Hinodeh, Teko, Furansusan and Taira, two servants, two maids still missing. But that did not worry her. They were surely safe elsewhere." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A servant had seen a gai-jin, perhaps two, running safely towards the Gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Namu Amida Butsu, she prayed, let them all be safe, and bless me for my wisdom making sure that my people were well rehearsed with fire drills." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The horror of Yedo's Yoshiwara conflagration, twelve years before, had taught her the lesson. That fire had almost killed her and her client, a rich rice merchant in the Gyokoyama. She had saved him by waking him from his drunken stupor, staying to drag him out at the risk of her own life." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'themselves' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Escaping through the gardens, they had suddenly found themselves surrounded by fire and trapped, but they had rescued themselves from death by furiously digging a trench in the soft earth with her obi dagger, allowing the fire to pass over them. Even so, much of her lower back and legs had been badly burned, ending her career as a courtesan.\n\nBut her client had remembered her and when she had recovered enough to walk, he talked to the Gyokoyama who lent her the funds to open her own Teahouse and then he had gone on to another Lady." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their investment had been repaid fivefold." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In that fire over a hundred courtesans, sixteen mama-sans, countless clients and maids had perished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More had died in Kyōto's Shimibara fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Over the centuries hundreds in other fires. In the Great Fire of the Trailing Sleeves, a few years after the mama-san Gyoko had built the first Yoshiwara, fire erupted and obliterated it, and cost Yedo a hundred thousand lives. Within two years it was rebuilt and thriving, to burn again and be rebuilt again, endlessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And now as before, Raiko swore, we will rebuild ours better than ever!\n\n\"The Sixteen Orchids would be that way, Mistress, neh?\" The servant hesitated, unsure in the billowing smoke clouds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Around them nothing but embers and ashes, a few pathetic house supports, no outlines of meandering paths or stones to guide them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then a gust broomed away ash and cinders to reveal cornerstones and a stone dragon cracked by the heat. She recognized it and knew where they were. Hinodeh's bungalow.\n\n\"We must go back a little,\" she said, then something caught her eye." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A glint. \"Wait. What's that?\"\n\n\"Where, Mistress?\"\n\nShe waited. Again the wind fanned embers and again the glitter, slightly ahead and to the right. \"There!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, yes.\" Taking care, he used a blackened, leafless branch to brush a path, stepped forward and raised the lamp and peered ahead. Another cautious step, to retreat hastily as a gust shoved embers at him.\n\n\"Come back, we'll look tomorrow!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A moment, Mistress.\" Flinching against the heat, he used the branch swiftly to brush away more ashes. He gasped. The two charred shapes lay side by side, the left hand of one in the right hand of the other. What glinted was a gold signet ring, twisted and partially melted. \"Mistress!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aghast, like a statue, Raiko stood beside him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Furansusan and Hinodeh, must be, she thought instantly, he always wore a signet ring—remember, he even offered it to me a few days ago.\n\nAnd, as instantly, her spirit was uplifted with the sight of the clasped hands, the picture they made on their bed of living coals, seeming to her to be a cradle of precious gems, rubies, glinting and living and dying and being reborn by the air currents—as the two of them would be until the end of time.\n\nOh, so sad, she thought, tears brimming, so sad and yet so beautiful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How peaceful they are, lying there, how blessed, dying together, hand in hand. They must have decided on the poison cup and to go as one. How wise. How wise for both of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She brushed at her tears, murmured, \"Namu Amida Butsu,\" as a benediction. \"We'll leave them in peace and I'll decide what to do tomorrow.\" She backed away, her tears bittersweet, but gladdened by the beauty she had seen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once more they picked their way towards the gathering point.\n\nA random thought took hold of her.\n\nIf those two were Furansusan and Hinodeh, the gai-jin who escaped must be Taira." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's good, much better than the other way around. I lose a fine source of intelligence but gain more in the long run. Taira and Fujiko are more docile and have a future." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Skillfully handled, Taira will easily become as informative, soon I'll be able to talk directly with him, his Japanese is improving daily and already good for a gai-jin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I must arrange extra lessons and teach him political phrases, not just the language of bedding and the Floating World that is all Fujiko is capable of—and with a peasant accent at that." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly my investment with him long term is much more promising and—\n\nBoth mistress and servant stopped at the same moment. They stared at each other, then abruptly at the southern sky. The wind had dropped." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yokohama's finished, William,\" the General said in the first light of dawn, his voice raw." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were on the bluff, overlooking the Settlement, Pallidar in attendance, all of them mounted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Smoke still wafted up to them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The General's face was bruised and filthy, uniform torn, cap ripped and the brim burnt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thought it best to ask you to come up here, gives you a better picture, sorry. Act of God.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I knew it was bad, but this...\" The words trailed off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William was numbed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "None of them had slept." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The signs of fatigue and worry were in all their faces, their clothes scorched and dirty, Pallidar's ripped and the worst of all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the sun rose slightly they could see the whole panorama to Hodogaya on the Tokaidō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Yoshiwara no longer existed, nor the village, most of Drunk Town, over half the Settlement including stables." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No confirmed reports of casualties yet, but a richness of rumors, all bad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No confirmed reason for the catastrophe yet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Many shouted arson by Japanese, but which Japanese and at whose orders, no one knew, though destruction of the Yoshiwara and village would concern none of them to gain their ends." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'll order evacuation this morning?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William's head ached with a thousand questions and forebodings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First an inspection. Thank you, Thomas. Pallidar, you come with me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He spurred his pony down the incline." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the Legation he reined in a moment. \"Anything new, Bertram?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, sir, no confirmed names or numbers yet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Send for the village Elder, the shoya, at once, ask him to find out how many casualties he has and to see me at once.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't speak Japanese, Sir William, and Phillip Tyrer isn't here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then bloody find him,\" Sir William bellowed, glad for the opportunity to rid himself of some of his pent-up anxiety, concern over Tyrer, and was rewarded to see the effete youth pale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And bloody learn Japanese or I'll pack you off to Africa and you can burden them! Get all senior traders here in an hour... No, not here, the Club's better, and let's see, it's six-twenty now, make it at nine-thirty, and for Christ's sake, pull your finger out and start using your bloody head!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Idiot, he thought, and trotted off feeling better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Under the lightening sky, the people of Yokohama were picking up the pieces of their places and their lives." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At first Sir William, escorted by Pallidar, stayed on the High Street, greeting everyone, answering questions by saying, \"First let me have a look. I've called a meeting at the Club for nine-thirty, by then I'll know better.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nearer Drunk Town the stench of burned buildings worsened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This morning when the wind had dropped, about 2:00 a.m., the fires had died rapidly and no longer jumped firebreaks or from house to house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only this had saved the Settlement from oblivion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All Legations were safe, as well as the Harbor Master's, the main traders and their godowns—Struan's, Brock's, Cooper-Tillman and others. Lunkchurch's was gutted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fire had stopped exactly before Holy Trinity, leaving it untouched, and he thanked God for a most suitable miracle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Farther down the street the Catholic church had lost most windows and roof, the maw of charred and smoking beams now like an open mouth of rotten teeth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'Morning, where's Father Leo?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked a man working in the garden, cleaning up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the vestry, Sir William. Top of the morning to Yourself and that Yourself is safe. Sir William, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you. Sorry about your church. I've called a meeting in the Club at nine-thirty, spread the word, would you? Father Leo's welcome, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He went on again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unlike the village and Yoshiwara where piles of clean ash were in drifts, like snow, the ravaged areas of the Settlement and Drunk Town were a mess of bricks, flagstones, twisted metal, the remains of machinery, engines, tools, guns, cannon, anvils and other manufactured objects, now junk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The festering sore of No Man's Land had been cleaned, except for metal, and that pleased him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He meandered down to the South Gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guard house had disappeared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A temporary barrier had been erected in emptiness and samurai were on sentry duty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stupid clods,\" Pallidar said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're barricading against what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William did not answer, too wrapped up in what he could see and what he could do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ahead at the canal and moat he could see villagers and others wandering around, or squatting in dismal groups." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The other side of the moat where the Yoshiwara had been, clusters of women and cooks and menservants sat or stood around the only partial structure still standing, canvas screens up as shelter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samurai still doused fires here and there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A lot of crying and sobbing on the gentle wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Terrible, sir,\" Pallidar said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\" Sir William sighed and again made an effort—it was up to him to give the example and, by God, he was going to act like Her Britannic Majesty's Minister for Japan should act." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, it is, but look there, by God!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the bluff the tented camp was undamaged." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All our soldiers are safe, cannon safe, artillery safe, all armaments and the munition depot as ever was. And look there!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the bay the fleet was unscathed, Union Jacks and ensigns flying proudly and with dawn passing into day, every available cutter plied back and forth, bringing men ashore or taking them aboard for food, drink, and sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All the rest is replaceable, by Harry, except people. Get some soldiers, start counting heads and mounts. I need to know who we've lost by the nine-thirty meeting. Off you go!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir. Most of the stables were opened and the horses bolted for the racecourse or bluff. I saw Zergeyev's stallion there with a couple of grooms.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly Pallidar beamed, no longer as shattered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're right, Sir William, my God, how right. So long as the Army and Navy are safe, we're all all right, everything's all right. Thanks.\" He galloped off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William turned his attention inland." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What to do, what to do?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His pony jingled her bridles nervously and pawed the ground, sensing his disquiet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'Morning, Sir William.\" Grey with fatigue, Jamie McFay was approaching from behind the remains of a building that now was a heap of twisted metal frames, the remains of bedsteads, furniture and charred wood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His clothes were tattered, burnt in places, hair matted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How many lost? What's the latest?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing for certain yet. Good God, is that... is that all that's left of the Guardian building and the presses?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'Fraid so. But here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie held the bridle and handed him a badly printed sheet with a smudged banner headline that screamed: yokohama torched." }, { "from": "human", "value": "arson suspected. struan's and brock's untouched, army, navy and all shipping safe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "fatalities expected to be heavy in the yoshiwara and village." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then a brief editorial, with a promise that an afternoon edition would be out and apologies for the bad printing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nettlesmith's over there.\" Under a rough lean-to they could see Nettlesmith, unkempt and filthy, laboriously working the press by hand, his printer clerks sorting type into trays, still salvaging what they could from the ashes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I heard you pulled a number of villagers out of a building, saved their lives, Jamie.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was still hard for Jamie to think straight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vaguely he recalled never finding Nemi, or news of her, but not about the others." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't remember much about it, it was chaos everywhere—others were doing the same, or helping folk to the hospital...\" His head was swimming with fatigue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Last night I heard Phillip was lost. Is it true?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't know. Hope to God not, though I heard the rumor too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William exhaled loudly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I heard the same and there are lots of rumors but I've learned not to trust rumor. Zergeyev was reported dead in the Yoshiwara, so was André, but I saw him a short time ago, Zergeyev. So, as I said, best to wait.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He indicated the tear sheet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can I keep this, Jamie? Thanks. I've convened a meeting at nine-thirty, to discuss what we should do, your opinion would be valuable.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not much to discuss, is there? I'm wiped out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's lots to discuss, Jamie. We're really very lucky. The Army and Navy...\" Sir William glanced off, and raised his hat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'Morning, Miss Maureen.\" She was still in the same clothes but clean and fresh and wore a bonny smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'Morning, Sir William, glad to see you're safe and that the Legation's safe. 'Morning, love.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her smile became even more special." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She put her arm through Jamie's, careful not to be forward and kiss him however much she wanted to—he looked so handsome in his charred clothes, his face unshaven and etched with worry, nothing that hot soup and hot whisky and a good sleep would not cure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the way here to find him, many had told her how brave he had been during the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most of her night had been spent calming Mrs. Lunkchurch and Mrs. Swann, their spouses and others at the Struan outpost, doling out the demon drink, as her mother called all liquor—though not in her father's presence—attending to burns or taking them to Hoag or Babcott, who had set up field hospitals as near to the worst areas as possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You look fine, Jamie, just tired out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No more than others.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Knowing he had been forgotten—and not a little envious—Sir William saluted with his quirt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"See you later, Jamie. Miss Maureen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They watched him canter away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her arm and nearness felt good to Jamie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All at once his unhappiness and apprehension for the future surged and he turned and hugged her with the full measure of his misery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She melted against him, so happy, and waited, and gave him all of her strength." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In time he felt his wits revive, his courage returning and his sense of belonging easing back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bless you, I can't believe it but you've made me come alive again, bless you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he remembered Tess and the five thousand Maureen had wheedled out of her, and Maureen saying, Tomorrow things will no' be so bad, and his joy exploded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By God, Sparkles,\" he said, hugging her again, \"you're right. We're alive and lucky and everything's going to be fine and it's all due to you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now dinna exaggerate, laddie,\" she said with a little smile, head against his, not letting go of him yet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing to do with me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's to do with God, she was thinking, that's His special gift to us women, as His gift to men is to do the same for women at special times." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's just life.\" She used \"life\" but she could have said, \"love\" but did not though totally sure that's what it truly was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm proud of you, lassie. You were grand last night.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Och, aye, but I did na do a thing at all. Come along, it's time to nap.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No time to nap, I've got to see the shoya.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A nap before the meeting, I'll wake you with a cup of tea. You can use my bed, Albert says it's our room for as long as we want and I'll throw everyone else out.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Smiling through his exhaustion, he said, \"What are you going to do?\"\n\nShe hugged him. \"I'll hold your hand and tell you a bedtime story. Come along.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~seven sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That afternoon, the sea fair, sky uneasy, the Struan cutter turned for her Yokohama berth, returning from the Kanagawa-Yoshi meeting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William's pennant fluttered from the masthead." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"I would have preferred a garlic, butter and parsley sauce. Never mind, your chef is English, so what can he do?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Those in the cabin, Sir William, Seratard, and Tyrer, dozed—Tyrer like a dead man. The Bosun tooted his whistle to ask cutters crowding their dock to move out of the way, but there were loud shouts of \"Wait your bloody turn,\" with a variety of profanity as punctuation.\n\nSir William opened his eyes, called up to the Bosun, \"Drop us at the Brock wharf,\" and when the Bosun suggested that Mr. MacStruan wouldn't like that at all, Sir William bellowed, \"Do what you're told!\" The others jerked out of sleep. Except Tyrer who mumbled and drifted off again.\n\nSeratard stretched and stifled a yawn. \"Grand lunch, William, good fish,\" adding in French without noticing it, \"I would have preferred a garlic, butter and parsley sauce. Never mind, your chef is English, so what can he do?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's Chinese,\" Sir William said good-naturedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The meeting had gone exactly as he had planned. There had been none. They had arrived on time, waited half an hour, then sent for the local Governor, Tyrer saying they could not understand where Lord Yoshi had got to: \"Is he sick?\"\n\n\"Ah, so sorry I don't know Lord...\"\n\n\"My Master says, Ask after the health of Lord Yoshi, say we here as asked. As soon as well, please make new day.\" Deliberately Tyrer had dropped all real pleasantries. The Governor had flushed, bowed as to superiors, apologized again and hurried off disgusted that the gai-jin were still in place—naturally every civilized person from here to Yedo had seen the fires and presumed the gai-jin, those left, would be licking their burns, boarding their ships to join the exodus and sail away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After the Governor and his entourage had left, Sir William had suggested a leisurely lunch, guiding Seratard to their substantial cellar. \"We deserve a celebration, Henri. What would you like to drink? We were truly lucky last night—apart from André, poor chap.\"\n\n\"Yes. Pity. The will of God.\" Seratard frowned, still looking at labels. \"Ah! Montrachet, '51. Two bottles?\"\n\n\"At least two. George is joining us. Might as well taste a Margaux—I recommend the '48, Château Pichon-Longueville—and a Château d'Yquem with the pudding.\"\n\n\"Perfect, shame we have no cheese. No chance Yoshi will appear now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If he does we won't see him.\"\n\n\"At the Club meeting you said dinner tonight. You want to discuss something special with the others?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" The cellar was cool and pleasant. A few glasses stood on a sideboard beside the racks. Sir William selected a half bottle of champagne and began to open it. \"I think we must pretend the fire is not the disaster it really is and press ahead against Sanjiro, and his capital Kagoshima.\"\n\n\"Now?\" Seratard was very surprised." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'Marvelous vintage, William. En principe, yes, but I'd like to consult my Admiral.' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But surely sending the fleet when we're so exposed is highly dangerous, isn't it? Tempting them?\"\n\n\"Very, but that's my point. My proposal is that we send British warships only, keeping your flagship and the Russian here, with the armed merchantmen. We cancel sending army units for the proposed landing and send only marines. Simply make it a sea bombardment.\" He popped the cork and poured. \"That'll make Ketterer's mission much easier, he never liked the idea of commanding a seaborne landing. Now he can stand off in the bay and pound the devil out of them. Health.\"\n\nThe two men touched glasses, Seratard churning the proposal around to find the pitfalls, any places where his adversary had planted mines to disrupt French interests. There were none. On the contrary, this helped his long-term plan to ingratiate himself into Yoshi's confidence, making him realize the British were the barbarians, not the French, and that France, which he equated with himself, could be trusted to be more patient and far seeing. \"Marvelous vintage, William. En principe, yes, but I'd like to consult my Admiral.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why not? Then that's what we'll do...\"\n\nLunch had been pleasant. In good time they were aboard and now Sir William swung nimbly on deck as the cutter tied up alongside the Brock wharf, an unheard-of happening. He saw Gornt with a clerk beside some trunks near the jetty steps. \"Hope you didn't mind, Mr. Gornt,\" he said. \"I commandeered the cutter, it's under my flag, not Struan's.\"\n\n\"My pleasure, Sir William. How was the meeting?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Damn fellow didn't turn up. Didn't expect us, I suppose.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's lost face from here to Timbuktu.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Quite.\" Which was the whole idea, Sir William thought with a secret smile, and pointed to the trunks. \"You're not leaving, surely?\"\n\n\"No, suh, but I am going to Hong Kong by tonight's packet to arrange building supplies for ourselves and others.\"\n\n\"Good idea. Have a safe journey and safe return.\" He raised his hat and walked off with Seratard. Tyrer, sick with tiredness, reeled after them, hardly acknowledging Gornt.\n\n\"Put these aboard, Periera,\" Gornt said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell the Captain I'll be aboard in good time. Oh, hello, Doc.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'aboard' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hoag hurried up with some coolies bowed under a sea trunk and bags.\n\n\"I say, Edward, heard you're on the Atlanta Belle too.\" Hoag was out of breath and harassed, his clothes and hands bloodstained and filthy, eyes red-rimmed. \"Could I prevail on your people to put these aboard for me, I've still a dozen or so arms and legs to set and burns... thanks awfully.\" He rushed off, not waiting for an answer.\n\n\"Put 'em aboard, Periera.\" Gornt frowned. Why is Hoag in such a hurry to leave? he asked himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everything packed that should be, everything done to ensure Brock's would operate correctly while he was away: which traders to give credit to, which to deny; tomorrow or the next day Choshu representatives were due to discuss arms shipments—a nice business to acquire for himself when the Brocks went under and, as also planned, he acquired the premises and staff here at... well, fire-sale prices. He laughed to himself at the joke. Next, the Yoshi coal concession that he had heard might be transferred from Struan's to Seratard through the late André Poncin's trading company, might still be available to offers. He had instructed his shroff to make such an offer secretly.\n\nPeriera was left in charge. Last night, hearing from Maureen that Jamie's new offices were gone, he had planned to appoint Jamie, but to his surprise this afternoon Jamie had thanked him and refused, saying he thought he would be able to restart his own business.\n\nJamie would be more icing on the icing, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Doesn't matter, Jamie'll take over for me when this is all Rothwell-Gornt's." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt in his pocket.\n\nNorbert's chop was there and the two backdated letters for Tess. His money belt was heavy with more than enough Brock silver Mex and gold for expenses. Good. All done.\n\nNow for Angelique." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Writer's block help needed. This is from a bigger story - gonna send you something then keep it going 11 sentences at a time. Going for James Clavell vibes in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hallelujah!\" Gornt said, light-headed, but did not move from the fireplace.\n\nThe fan stopped. \"Hallelujah? Is that all?\" she murmured, heart picking up tempo.\n\n\"Oh, no, but first tell me what are your conditions.\"\n\nShe laughed. \"Should there be conditions?\"\n\n\"I'm beginning to know the way your mind works—some of the time.\"\n\n\"When will you board Atlanta Belle?\"\n\n\"At the last moment. There's much to... to talk about.\"\n\n\"Yes. Edward, would our children be brought up Catholic, and would we be married in a Catholic church?\"\n\n\"Is that a condition?\"\n\n\"A question.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He frowned, letting his mind race ahead and all around, wanting to be cautious in this rock-infested sea." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'conditions' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't see why not. I'm not Catholic, as you know,\" he said slowly, \"but if that's what you want it would be all right—\" The final piece of the jigsaw blinded him with its power. \"Hallelujah!\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Just an idea. We'll talk about in a minute. Now, no more games, Angelique,\" he said, chiding her. \"Conditions? What's in that magic mind of yours?\"\n\nShe got up. On tiptoe she touched her lips to his in a gentle kiss. Her lips were soft and breath sweet. \"Thank you for asking me, and for what you've already done for me.\"\n\nHe rested his hands on her hips. Both noticed that their bodies seemed to fit though neither acknowledged it.\n\n\"The conditions?\"\n\n\"Tell me what they are, Edward.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now that she had answered the main question, and had given him the keys, he was in no hurry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll guess three,\" he said, amused. \"If I'm right, you'll tell me the rest?\"\n\n\"Agreed.\" His body, hard against hers, was pleasing to her. And so was her soft curving against him, diverting his concentration. Effortlessly. Careful, it's her major trump card and this game's now in its most dangerous stage—to settle the future. Goddam! Easy enough to make the kiss more serious, too easy, and easy then to whisk her off her feet to the bed in the next room and lose—whatever the result—even before you reach the door.\n\nIt was more exciting for him to hold back, to wait for the perfect moment—as with Morgan Brock—to accept the fact of his lust and put it aside and try to inject his mind into hers instead. Three conditions? I know at least five, he thought, wanting to win, needing to win as in everything.\n\n\"Not necessarily in this order,\" he said. \"One is that I successfully renegotiate upwards, say at least to four thousand a year. Another that we spend time in Paris and London, say a month every two years—with travelling time, that'll be about a six months' trip. Next, that Tess's trust money, whatever it is, stays under your control, not mine.\" He saw her eyes dancing and knew he had won." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And another for good measure, that I must love you madly forever.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're so clever, Edward, I know we will be very happy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The strange smile returned." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required dialogue to include (maintain exact wording): \"No need to ask that, but I promise.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now, five would be better than four, and two months better than one.\"\n\n\"I'll try for five though I can't promise,\" he said at once, \"and agree to two months in Paris, all other things being equal. What else?\"\n\n\"Nothing important. We will need a house in Paris, but once you know it you will love it too. Nothing else, except you promise to cherish me.\"\n\n\"No need to ask that, but I promise.\" His arms tightened around her. She rested against him, fitting, feeling protected, though still not sure of him. \"You're more desirable than any woman I've ever known,\" he said. \"That's bad enough, but your mind is stunning too, and your scheming—no, that's a bad word—your flights of brilliance...\" For a moment he held her away from him, looking at her deeply. \"You're a stunner, whichever way.\"\n\nShe smiled and did not move out of his arms. \"How so?\"\n\n\"A Catholic marriage.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, ah!\" He laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That, my clever young lady, is your dream solution because, together with your letter, it suddenly occurred to me what you'd already decided: a Catholic marriage removes you as a threat from Tess forever. For Tess, a Catholic marriage completely negates the Protestant, seaborne marriage, however lawful, before English law however lawful.\"\n\nShe chuckled, nestling against him. \"If you were to say you thought you could persuade me to marry you, and then, you as a Protestant, were to offer to make such a deliberate sacrifice, surely that woman would be pleased to give you what you want, for both of us, if the requests are reasonable. No?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" He sighed. \"What request had you in mind?\"\n\n\"Nothing much, but Malcolm explained to me once the importance of the Jockey Club, both in Hong Kong and Shanghai, how, together with the Shanghai and Hong Kong Councils, all business power is centered there. Her influence would get you a Stewardship of one and a seat on the other. No?\"\n\nHe laughed and hugged her. \"You're classic, Ma'am. For that I'd even become Catholic.\"\n\n\"No need for that, Edward.\"\n\n\"You're going to love Shanghai. Now I have conditions.\"\n\n\"Oh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was glad to see a flash of concern behind her eyes, and hid his pleasure and made his face sterner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No need for me to make prior conditions, he thought amused: a husband has inalienable rights, like possessing all a wife's worldly goods. Thank God for this man's world. \"First condition is that you love me with all your heart and soul.\"\n\n\"Oh, I will try, and try to be the best wife ever.\" Her arms tightened. \"And?\"\n\nHe heard the edge of underlying concern and laughed. \"That's all, except you promise to let me teach you bridge, and mahjong—then you'll never need pin money from me or anyone.\"\n\nShe stared at him a moment, then reached up. Their kiss sealed their bargain and then he eased off, too heated. \"I can hardly wait, Angelique.\"\n\n\"Nor I.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now we must plan, there's not much time. First, get Sir William's signature, quick as a wink. My darling, I'm so happy you've accepted me.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 12 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She felt like purring. \"I'm more happy than I can say. When you get back, do we stay here or leave for Shanghai?\"\n\n\"Shanghai, as soon as possible—soon as the Brocks go under.\" He kissed her nose.\n\n\"Ah the Brocks. You're sure? You're sure about them? Our whole future, everything depends on that, doesn't it?\"\n\n\"And Tess, but yes, my evidence is enough, and her venom will cement their ruin—she must realize it too or she'd never have made even this paltry offer. Even so, we must be careful, what we're like in private, that's different, but for six months—it'll take me that long to get you to Shanghai, your reputation blemishless, Rothwell-Gornt into place, your finances settled—we must act like good friends only. I adore you.\"\n\nFor answer her arms tightened again. Then she said, \"Is it your custom to make a marriage contract?\"\n\n\"No. But if you wish it, we will.\" He saw the smile that masked and promised and masked. \"It's not necessary, is it? We're interlinked, our future's joined, we're one entity even now. Success depends on our joint performance, and on me for us. Never forget Tess is adroit, cunning and won't be cheated—a deal is a deal with her. Even so, I promise you'll get what you want.\"\n\nYes, I will, she thought." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: 4 sentences sentences continuing this chapter, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aboard Atlanta Belle Captain Twomast was saying, \"All right, Jamie, I'll give them passage, whatever Mrs. Struan decides, but you know her, she's not given to largess.\"\n\n\"Just give her my letter when you arrive in Hong Kong.\" Jamie had told Twomast the truth about Otami and his cousin, not wanting to get his friend into trouble, and had gone surety for their passage money, there and back, if Tess did not agree to his proposal: to advance it to them, with prudent introductions in England and Scotland—against a fifty-fifty joint venture he would form and run to take advantage of anything he could create from them on their return.\n\nHe had written:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I know it's a long shot, Mrs. Struan, but Otami is as smart as they come, well connected as far as I can ascertain and represents the future in Nippon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Should you not agree, please take their passage money out of the most generous golden gift you have given me. In the meantime Albert MacStruan is doing well, your property and buildings here were untouched in the fire, and all is poised for a good future—I will continue to help if he asks. Last, may I say be careful of Brock's new manager, Edward Gornt. He's a good, brave man but a dangerous rival." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is going to be expensive, Jamie,\" Twomast said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was a lean, short, hard-faced seaman, with dark hair and brown eyes and leathery skin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"At least a hundred pounds. Is it worth the risk?\"\n\n\"It's her ship, passage costs her nothing.\"\n\n\"It's still expensive and she looks after the pence as well as the pounds. Never mind, it's up to her. I'll cash your sight draft in London town if she doesn't foot the bill. You're sure your Jappos understand they're to obey me?\"\n\n\"Yes. I've told them that on board you're king, a daimyo. They're to obey you and stay aboard until you disembark them in London. But Johnny, treat them like nobs. You'll be rewarded.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Twomast laughed. \"Yes, but in Heaven. Never mind, I owe you one or two over the years past so I'll do it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks.\" Jamie looked around the cabin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Small, a bunk, chart table, table to seat four, neat, tough, seaworthy—like Johnny Twomast, originally Norwegian, and a cousin of Sven Orlov, the Hunchback, who was Master of the Struan fleet after Dirk Struan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Atlanta Belle, a thousand-ton merchant steamer, could sleep four first-class passengers, ten second, fifty steerage with room for substantial cargo. \"Where will they bunk?\"\n\n\"With the crew, where else?\"\n\n\"Can you give them a cabin? I don't mind how small.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We've a full house and they'll learn fast with the crew, learn our ways, have to.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Give them a cabin at least until after Hong Kong, I don't want either recognized.\"\n\nJohnny Twomast said, \"They can have the Third Mate's cabin, it's got two bunks. Are they armed, Jamie?\"\n\n\"Sure they're armed, they're samurai.\"\n\n\"No arms, not samurai, by God.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie shrugged. \"Tell them, but please treat them as nobs, not natives, strange but nobs, important Japanese, they are, you know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mister!\" the Captain called out. \"Send them in!\"\n\nHiraga and Akimoto came in, well briefed by Jamie.\n\n\"Which one of you speaks English?\"\n\n\"I do, Anjin-sama. I Otami-sama.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mr. McFay here is guarantor for you, Otami-sama, for your good behavior all the way to London. You agree to obey me, to stay aboard if I say so, to go ashore and come back as I say, until London town, obey me as if I was your chief, your daimyo?\"\n\n\"We agree do what Anjin-sama say,\" Hiraga said carefully.\n\n\"Good, but no arms while aboard. I want all swords, guns, knives. They'll be returned to you.\" Twomast saw the flash of anger and marked it. \"You agree?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But if men attack us?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If my men attack you, use your fists till I arrive. They'll be warned, fifty lashes for each man if they start it. You don't start it, understand?\"\n\n\"No, so sorry.\" Jamie explained how the seamen would be tied to the rigging and flogged for disobeying. Appalled by the cruelty, Hiraga passed this on to Akimoto, then said, \"But, Anjin-sama, you no fear? If man free on ship, after such insu'rt, no afraid this man assassin you?\"\n\nJohnny Twomast laughed. \"He'd hang, sure as God made little green apples. Mutiny's punishable by death. I'll order the crew not to pick on you, you don't pick on them—that's important too, understand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Understand, Anjin-sama,\" Hiraga said, understanding only partially, his head aching." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Any trouble, come to me. No fighting unless you're attacked. Your weapons please.\" Reluctantly Hiraga gave over their bundled swords. And the derringer. \"Mister!\"\n\nThe cabin door opened. \"Yessir?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"These two'll have the Third Mate's berth, I'll show 'em.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie got up and offered his hand to Hiraga. \"Safe journey, you can write anytime you like, and to Phillip... to Taira-sama. As I told you I'll write you care of my bank, the Hong Kong Bank in the Mall. It's all in the papers I've given you along with how to receive or collect mail. Don't expect a reply for four months. Good luck and safe return.\" They shook hands, Jamie did the same with Akimoto.\n\n\"You two come with me,\" Twomast said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He led the way down the corridor and opened a door." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You bunk here and stay out of sight, Mr. McFay doesn't want you recognized. After Hong Kong it'll be easier.\" He closed the door." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for two sentences more. historical fiction, Japan genre, James Clavell style. characters might be from earlier chapters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In silence Hiraga and Akimoto looked around. It was more of a cupboard than living quarters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Barely enough room to stand together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A gimballed oil lamp spluttered dully. Two dirty bunks, one above the other against a bulkhead, drawers below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soiled straw mattresses and wool blankets. Stench. Gum boots, unwashed clothes scattered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Storm mackintoshes hanging on pegs." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'those' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are those for?\" Akimoto asked, numbed.\n\n\"Some sort of clothing but so stiff, how would you fight in those? I feel naked without swords.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I feel like death, not just naked.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The deck rolled under their feet and they heard men shouting orders on deck and others chantying, preparing the ship for sea, the engine loudly vibrating the deck and bulkheads, increasing their discomfort. The smallness of the space, and unpleasant smell of coal smoke and oil, stale air and staler bedding bore down on them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again the deck pitched as she swung on an anchor and Hiraga lurched against the bunks, and sat on the lower one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you suppose we sleep on these?\"\n\n\"Where else?\" Akimoto muttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sharp-eyed, he moved the crumpled blanket aside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All corners of the mattress were splotched with colonies of bedbugs, alive and dead, the rough canvas streaked with old blood where generations had been squashed. He managed not to be sick." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's go ashore,\" he croaked. \"I've had enough.\"\n\n\"No,\" Hiraga said through his own dread." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have achieved a miracle, we have escaped the Bakufu and Yoshi, and we're launched into the enemy's heartland as guests, we can spy out their secrets and learn how to destroy them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Learn what? How to flog a man to death, how to live in this cesspit for months? Did you see how the Captain rudely walked off without returning our bow. Come on... even if I have to swim ashore!\" Akimoto grabbed the door handle but Hiraga caught him by the shirt and dragged him back. \"No!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Akimoto snarled at him and broke free, to crash against the door, with no room even to struggle, then shouted, \"You're not one of us, you're gai-jin infected! Let me go, better to die civilized than to live like this!\"\n\nSuddenly Hiraga was petrified." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Time stood still. For the first time he completely understood the enormity of what he had launched them into: the outside, the barbarian world, away from everything civilized, leaving everything worthwhile behind, sonno-joi and Choshu and shishi and family, leaving no wife and sons—ah, my brave and so wonderful Sumomo, how you are missed, you would have made my leaving easier, but now...\n\nHis limbs began to tremble, heart hammering, breath choking, every part of him screaming at him to flee this hell that represented everything he detested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If London was like this, anything was better, anything." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shoved Akimoto out of the way and lunged for the door. But stopped. \"No,\" he gasped. \"I will bear this! I will! I'll bear it for sonno-joi. We must for sonno-joi, Cousin, we must bear it but whatever happens we will die like samurai, we will make our death poems, that's what we'll do, we'll make them now, now, then nothing else matters in this life...\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~seven sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ayeeyah,\" Chen was whispering disgustedly in Four Village dialect that he and Vargas spoke fluently. \"Why can't those two whores be sensible and wait indoors until the cutter arrives, then we don't have to wait in the cold either.\"\n\n\"Jami won't be pleased to hear you call her that!\"\n\n\"Fortunately he doesn't speak this dialect, or even Cantonese, and anyway I wouldn't call her whore in front of him or any foreign devil—though that's what we call all their women, as you know—nor would I use such blunt words around them. I'd use 'Morning Flower' or one of a thousand other names which we both know means 'whore' but foreign devils think means 'Morning Flower.'\" Chen chortled, warm in his long padded jacket. He looked up at the sky as the moon came briefly through the overcast. \"That Morning Flower thinks she'll be Jami tai-tai.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again he chortled. \"She never will be.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, not after today,\" Vargas said gloomily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's the right size for him, time he was married and it would have been good to have children here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vargas missed his own, six of them, that he had left with his two wives in Macao until he could afford a house of his own here. \"What about Missee-tai-tai and this Shanghai Gornt? Will he increase her money?\"\n\n\"If he does it will be for his benefit not hers. What I want to know is what's in those papers?\"\n\n\"What papers?\"\n\n\"The ones Lun saw when William tai-pan was dozing by his fire. The ones from Long Pointed Nose. Dew neh loh moh that Lun can't read French. Willum tai-pan was in plenty shock, so Lun said.\"\n\n\"What would Pointed Nose send Willum from the grave?\"\n\nChen shrugged. \"Trouble for Missee-tai-tai. Perhaps it was about Dark of the Moon, eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's only a rumor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chen said nothing, keeping that secret as Noble House Chen had ordered after Malcolm's death. \"Whatever happens, Tess tai-tai will grind Missee-tai-tai and the Shanghai foreign devil into dust.\"\n\n\"Oh? What have you heard?\"\n\nChen rolled his eyes. \"Tess tai-tai is tai-pan now, that's what Noble House Chen says—he told us in the last mail and to beware. Did you ever hear of an Empress giving away power once she's got it? Any woman, for that matter? Never in all our five hundred centuries of history. She's tai-pan now, according to Noble House Chen, and he should know.\"\n\n\"I thought Shanghai Albert was to be tai-pan.\"\n\n\"Never. She'll grind him into dust too—Old Green-eyed Devil forced him and his brother on the Noble House. Rumor is Tess tai-tai hates them because they are secret bastards of that foreign devil missionary's daughter—the one of Many Lovers by Green-eyed Devil himself.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'could' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Harbor Master Glessing's wife? Mary Sinclair? Never!\"\n\n\"It could be true, she made One-Leg Glessing wear a green hat a dozen times.\"\n\n\"Made him a cuckold? That's another legend,\" Vargas said, guarding her reputation like all her ex-lovers. Now she was in her forties, used, but still as hungry as ever, he thought, the opposite to Tess Struan who abominates fornication and drove her husband Culum to drink and other women. \"Tess tai-tai should have married the tai-pan—and not his son Culum. He could have lubricated her majestically, which was her real lack, and still have more than enough left for Second Wife May-may and Third Wife Yin Hsi as well.\"\n\n\"True,\" Chen said, \"then we'd be strong with lots more sons to follow, and not weak and fleeing from One-eye Devil Brock.\" He added ominously, \"Noble House Chen is worried.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sad that Number One Son Malcolm died as he did.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The gods were out that day,\" Chen said wisely. \"Listen, you kowtow to the foreign devil god, has he told you why gods spend more time out than watching over our affairs?\"\n\n\"Gods are gods, they only talk to one another... look, Belle's leaving...\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell using my stuff as a starting point? btw might drop u in mid-story with random chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'muskets' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu lay in the hot bath, more content, more confident than he had ever been in his life. The ship had revealed its wealth and this wealth gave him a power that he had never dreamed possible.\n\n\"I want everything taken ashore tomorrow,\" he had said. \"Repack the muskets in their crates. Camouflage everything with nets or sacking.\"\n\nFive hundred muskets, he thought exultantly. With more gunpowder and shot than Toranaga has in all the Eight Provinces. And twenty cannon, five thousand cannon balls with an abundance of ammunition. Fire arrows by the crate. All of the best European quality." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mura, you will provide porters. Igurashi-san, I want all this armament, including the cannon, in my castle at Mishima forthwith, in secret. You will be responsible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\" They had been in the main hold of the ship and everyone had gaped at him: Igurashi, a tall, lithe, one-eyed man, his chief retainer, Zukimoto his quartermaster, together with ten sweat-stained villagers who had opened the crates under Mura's supervision, and his personal bodyguard of four samurai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knew they did not understand his exhilaration or the need to be clandestine. Good, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the Portuguese had first discovered Japan in 1542, they had introduced muskets and gunpowder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within eighteen months the Japanese were manufacturing them. The quality was not nearly as good as the European equivalent but that did not matter because guns were considered merely a novelty and, for a long time, used only for hunting—and even for that bows were far more accurate. Also, more important, Japanese warfare was almost ritual; hand-to-hand individual combat, the sword being the most honorable weapon. The use of guns was considered cowardly and dishonorable and completely against the samurai code, bushido, the Way of the Warrior, which bound samurai to fight with honor, to live with honor, and to die with honor; to have undying, unquestioning loyalty to one's feudal lord; to be fearless of death—even to seek it in his service; and to be proud of one's own name and keep it unsullied.\n\nFor years Yabu had had a secret theory. At long last, he thought exultantly, you can expand it and put it into effect: Five hundred chosen samurai, armed with muskets but trained as a unit, spearheading your twelve thousand conventional troops, supported by twenty cannon used in a special way by special men, also trained as a unit. A new strategy for a new era! In the coming war, guns could be decisive!\n\nWhat about bushido? the ghosts of his ancestors had always asked him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What about bushido? he had always asked them back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had never answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never in his wildest dreams had he thought he'd ever be able to afford five hundred guns. But now he had them for nothing and he alone knew how to use them. But whose side to use them for? Toranaga's or Ishido's? Or should he wait—and perhaps be the eventual victor?\n\n\"Igurashi-san. You'll travel by night and maintain strict security.\"\n\n\"Yes, Lord.\"\n\n\"This is to remain secret, Mura, or the village will be obliterated.\"\n\n\"Nothing will be said, Lord. I can speak for my village. I cannot speak for the journey, or for other villages. Who knows where there are spies? But nothing will be said by us.\"\n\nNext Yabu had gone to the strong room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It contained what he presumed to be pirate plunder: silver and gold plate, cups, candelabra and ornaments, some religious paintings in ornate frames. A chest contained women's clothes, elaborately embroidered with gold thread and colored stones.\n\n\"I'll have the silver and gold melted into ingots and put in the treasury,\" Zukimoto had said. He was a neat, pedantic man in his forties who was not a samurai. Years ago he had been a Buddhist warrior-priest, but the Taikō, the Lord Protector, had stamped out his monastery in a campaign to purge the land of certain Buddhist militant warrior monasteries and sects that would not acknowledge his absolute suzerainty. Zukimoto had bribed his way out of that early death and become a peddler, at length a minor merchant in rice. Ten years ago he had joined Yabu's commissariat and now he was indispensable. \"As to the clothes, perhaps the gold thread and gems have value. With your permission, I'll have them packed and sent to Nagasaki with anything else I can salvage.\" The port of Nagasaki, on the southernmost coast of the south island of Kyushu, was the legal entrepôt and trading market of the Portuguese." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'would' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The barbarians might pay well for these odds and ends.\"\n\n\"Good. What about the bales in the other hold?\"\n\n\"They all contain a heavy cloth. Quite useless to us, Sire, with no market value at all. But this should please you.\" Zukimoto had opened the strongbox.\n\nThe box contained twenty thousand minted silver pieces. Spanish doubloons. The best quality.\n\nYabu stirred in his bath. He wiped the sweat from his face and neck with the small white towel and sank deeper into the hot scented water. If, three days ago, he told himself, a soothsayer had forecast that all this would happen, you would have fed him his tongue for telling impossible lies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three days ago he had been in Yedo, Toranaga's capital." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi's message had arrived at dusk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Obviously the ship had to be investigated at once but Toranaga was still away in Osaka for the final confrontation with General Lord Ishido and, in his absence, had invited Yabu and all friendly neighboring daimyos to wait until his return. Such an invitation could not be refused without dire results. Yabu knew that he and the other independent daimyos and their families were merely added protection for Toranaga's safety and, though of course the word would never be used, they were hostages against Toranaga's safe return from the impregnable enemy fortress at Osaka where the meeting was being held. Toranaga was President of the Council of Regents which the Taikō had appointed on his deathbed to rule the empire during the minority of his son Yaemon, now seven years old. There were five Regents, all eminent daimyos, but only Toranaga and Ishido had real power.\n\nYabu had carefully considered all the reasons for going to Anjiro, the risks involved, and the reasons for staying. Then he had sent for his wife and his favorite consort. A consort was a formal, legal mistress. A man could have as many consorts as he wished, but only one wife at one time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My nephew Omi has just sent secret word that a barbarian ship came ashore at Anjiro.\"\n\n\"One of the Black Ships?\" his wife had asked excitedly. These were the huge, incredibly rich trading ships that plied annually with the monsoon winds between Nagasaki and the Portuguese colony of Macao that lay almost a thousand miles south on the China mainland.\n\n\"No. But it might be rich. I'm leaving immediately. You're to say that I've been taken sick and cannot be disturbed for any reason. I'll be back in five days.\"\n\n\"That's incredibly dangerous,\" his wife warned. \"Lord Toranaga gave specific orders for us to stay. I'm sure he'll make another compromise with Ishido and he's too powerful to offend. Sire, we could never guarantee that someone won't suspect the truth—there are spies everywhere. If Toranaga returned and found you'd gone, your absence would be misinterpreted. Your enemies would poison his mind against you.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" his consort added. \"Please excuse me, but you must listen to the Lady, your wife. She's right. Lord Toranaga would never believe that you'd disobeyed just to look at a barbarian ship. Please send someone else.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'become' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But this isn't an ordinary barbarian ship. It's not Portuguese. Listen to me. Omi says it's from a different country. These men talk a different-sounding language among themselves and they have blue eyes and golden hair.\"\n\n\"Omi-san's gone mad. Or he's drunk too much saké,\" his wife said.\n\n\"This is much too important to joke about, for him and for you.\"\n\nHis wife had bowed and apologized and said that he was quite right to correct her, but that the remark was not meant in jest. She was a small, thin woman, ten years older than he, who had given him a child a year for eight years until her womb had dried up, and of these, five had been sons. Three had become warriors and died bravely in the war against China. Another had become a Buddhist priest and the last, now nineteen, he despised.\n\nHis wife, the Lady Yuriko, was the only woman he had ever been afraid of, the only woman he had ever valued—except his mother, now dead—and she ruled his house with a silken lash.\n\n\"Again, please excuse me,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Does Omi-san detail the cargo?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. He didn't examine it, Yuriko-san. He says he sealed the ship at once because it was so unusual. There's never been a non-Portuguese ship before, neh? He says also it's a fighting ship. With twenty cannon on its decks.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah! Then someone must go immediately.\"\n\n\"I'm going myself.\"\n\n\"Please reconsider. Send Mizuno. Your brother's clever and wise. I implore you not to go.\"\n\n\"Mizuno's weak and not to be trusted.\"\n\n\"Then order him to commit seppuku and have done with him,\" she said harshly. Seppuku, sometimes called hara-kiri, the ritual suicide by disembowelment, was the only way a samurai could expiate a shame, a sin, or a fault with honor, and was the sole prerogative of the samurai caste. All samurai—women as well as men—were prepared from infancy, either for the act itself or to take part in the ceremony as a second. Women committed seppuku only with a knife in the throat.\n\n\"Later, not now,\" Yabu told his wife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then send Zukimoto. He's certainly to be trusted.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If Toranaga hadn't ordered all wives and consorts to stay here too, I'd send you. But that would be too risky. I have to go. I have no option. Yuriko-san, you tell me my treasury's empty. You say I've no more credit with the filthy moneylenders. Zukimoto says we're getting the maximum tax out of my peasants. I have to have more horses, armaments, weapons, and more samurai. Perhaps the ship will supply the means.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga's orders were quite clear, Sire. If he comes back and finds—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. If he comes back, Lady. I still think he's put himself into a trap. The Lord Ishido has eighty thousand samurai in and around Osaka Castle alone. For Toranaga to go there with a few hundred men was the act of a madman.\"\n\n\"He's much too shrewd to risk himself unnecessarily,\" she said confidently.\n\n\"If I were Ishido and I had him in my grasp I would kill him at once.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Yuriko said. \"But the mother of the Heir is still hostage in Yedo until Toranaga returns. General Lord Ishido dare not touch Toranaga until she's safely back at Osaka.\"\n\n\"I'd kill him. If the Lady Ochiba lives or dies, it doesn't matter. The Heir's safe in Osaka. With Toranaga dead, the succession is certain. Toranaga's the only real threat to the Heir, the only one with a chance at using the Council of Regents, usurping the Taikō's power, and killing the boy.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Sire, but perhaps General Lord Ishido can carry the other three Regents with him and impeach Toranaga, and that's the end of Toranaga, neh?\" his consort said.\n\n\"Yes, Lady, if Ishido could he would, but I don't think he can—yet—nor can Toranaga. The Taikō picked the five Regents too cleverly. They despise each other so much it's almost impossible for them to agree on anything.\" Before taking power, the five great daimyos had publicly sworn eternal allegiance to the dying Taikō and to his son and his line forever. And they had taken public, sacred oaths agreeing to unanimous rule in the Council, and vowed to pass over the realm intact to Yaemon when he came of age on his fifteenth birthday." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Unanimous rule means nothing really can be changed until Yaemon inherits.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But some day, Sire, four Regents will join against one—through jealousy, fear or ambition—neh? The four will bend the Taikō's orders just enough for war, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. But it will be a small war, Lady, and the one will always be smashed and his lands divided up by the victors, who will then have to appoint a fifth Regent and, in time, it will be four against one and again the one will be smashed and his lands forfeit—all as the Taikō planned. My only problem is to decide who will be the one this time—Ishido or Toranaga.\"\n\n\"Toranaga will be the one isolated.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"The others fear him too much because they all know he secretly wants to be Shōgun, however much he protests he doesn't.\"\n\nShōgun was the ultimate rank a mortal could achieve in Japan. Shōgun meant Supreme Military Dictator. Only one daimyo at a time could possess the title. And only His Imperial Highness, the reigning Emperor, the Divine Son of Heaven, who lived in seclusion with the Imperial Families at Kyoto, could grant the title." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With the appointment of Shōgun went absolute power: the Emperor's seal and mandate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Shōgun ruled in the Emperor's name." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All power was derived from the Emperor because he was directly descended from the gods. Therefore any daimyo who opposed the Shōgun was automatically in rebellion against the throne, and at once outcast and all his lands forfeit.\n\nThe reigning Emperor was worshiped as a divinity because he was descended in an unbroken line from the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu Omikami, one of the children of the gods Izanagi and Izanami, who had formed the islands of Japan from the firmament. By divine right the ruling Emperor owned all the land and ruled and was obeyed without question. But in practice, for more than six centuries real power had rested behind the throne.\n\nSix centuries ago there had been a schism when two of the three great rival, semiregal samurai families, the Minowara, Fujimoto and Takashima, backed rival claimants to the throne and plunged the realm into civil war. After sixty years the Minowara prevailed over the Takashima, and the Fujimoto, the family that had stayed neutral, bided its time.\n\nFrom then on, jealously guarding their rule, the Minowara Shōguns dominated the realm, decreed their Shōgunate hereditary and began to intermarry some of their daughters with the Imperial line. The Emperor and the entire Imperial Court were kept completely isolated in walled palaces and gardens in the small enclave at Kyoto, most times in penury, and their activities perpetually confined to observing the rituals of Shinto, the ancient animistic religion of Japan, and to intellectual pursuits such as calligraphy, painting, philosophy, and poetry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Court of the Son of Heaven was easy to dominate because, though it possessed all the land, it had no revenue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only daimyos, samurai, possessed revenue and the right to tax." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And so it was that although all members of the Imperial Court were above all samurai in rank, they still existed on a stipend granted the Court at the whim of the Shōgun, the Kwampaku—the civil Chief Adviser—or the ruling military junta of the day." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'enough' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Few were generous. Some Emperors had even had to barter their signatures for food. Many times there was not enough money for a coronation.\n\nAt length the Minowara Shōguns lost their power to others, to Takashima or Fujimoto descendants. And as the civil wars continued unabated over the centuries, the Emperor became more and more the creature of the daimyo who was strong enough to obtain physical possession of Kyoto. The moment the new conqueror of Kyoto had slaughtered the ruling Shōgun and his line, he would—providing he was Minowara, Takashima, or Fujimoto—with humility, swear allegiance to the throne and humbly invite the powerless Emperor to grant him the now vacant rank of Shōgun. Then, like his predecessors, he would try to extend his rule outward from Kyoto until he in his turn was swallowed by another. Emperors married, abdicated, or ascended the throne at the whim of the Shōgunate. But always the reigning Emperor's bloodline was inviolate and unbroken.\n\nSo the Shōgun was all powerful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Until he was overthrown.\n\nMany were unseated over the centuries as the realm splintered into ever smaller factions. For the last hundred years no single daimyo had ever had enough power to become Shōgun. Twelve years ago the peasant General Nakamura had had the power and he had obtained the mandate from the present Emperor, Go-Nijo. But Nakamura could not be granted Shōgun rank however much he desired it, because he was born a peasant. He had to be content with the much lesser civilian title of Kwampaku, Chief Adviser, and later, when he resigned that title to his infant son, Yaemon—though keeping all power, as was quite customary—he had to be content with Taikō. By historic custom only the descendants of the sprawling, ancient, semidivine families of the Minowara, Takashima, and Fujimoto were entitled to the rank of Shōgun.\n\nToranaga was descended from the Minowara. Yabu could trace his lineage to a vague and minor branch of the Takashima, enough of a connection if ever he could become supreme." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eeeee, Lady,\" Yabu said, \"of course Toranaga wants to be Shōgun, but he'll never achieve it. The other Regents despise and fear him. They neutralize him, as the Taikō planned.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory inclusion (with quotes): What if the ship contains bullion? Silver or gold? Would you trust Zukimoto or any of our officers with it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He leaned forward and studied his wife intently. \"You say Toranaga's going to lose to Ishido?\"\n\n\"He will be isolated, yes. But in the end I don't think he'll lose, Sire. I beg you not to disobey Lord Toranaga, and not to leave Yedo just to examine the barbarian ship, no matter how unusual Omi-san says it is. Please send Zukimoto to Anjiro.\"\n\n\"What if the ship contains bullion? Silver or gold? Would you trust Zukimoto or any of our officers with it?\"\n\n\"No,\" his wife had said.\n\nSo that night he had slipped out of Yedo secretly, with only fifty men, and now he had wealth and power beyond his dreams and unique captives, one of whom was going to die tonight. He had arranged for a courtesan and a boy to be ready later. At dawn tomorrow he would return to Yedo. By sunset tomorrow the guns and the bullion would begin their secret journey." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eeeee, the guns! he thought exultantly. The guns and the plan together will give me the power to make Ishido win, or Toranaga—whomever I chose. Then I'll become a Regent in the loser's place, neh? Then the most powerful Regent. Why not even Shōgun? Yes. It's all possible now.\n\nHe let himself drift pleasantly. How to use the twenty thousand pieces of silver? I can rebuild the castle keep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And buy special horses for the cannon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And expand our espionage web." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What about Ikawa Jikkyu?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would a thousand pieces be enough to bribe Ikawa Jikkyu's cooks to poison him?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "More than enough! Five hundred, even one hundred in the right hands would be plenty. Whose?\n\nThe afternoon sun was slanting through the small window set into the stone walls. The bath water was very hot and heated by a wood fire built into the outside wall. This was Omi's house and it stood on a small hill overlooking the village and the harbor. The garden within its walls was neat and serene and worthy.\n\nThe bathroom door opened. The blind man bowed. \"Kasigi Omi-san sent me, Sire. I am Suwo, his masseur.\" He was tall and very thin and old, his face wrinkled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good.\" Yabu had always had a terror of being blinded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As long as he could remember he had had dreams of waking in blackness, knowing it was sunlight, feeling the warmth but not seeing, opening his mouth to scream, knowing that it was dishonorable to scream, but screaming even so." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the real awakening and the sweat streaming." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But this horror of blindness seemed to increase his pleasure at being massaged by the sightless.\n\nHe could see the jagged scar on the man's right temple and the deep cleft in the skull below it. That's a sword cut, he told himself. Did that cause his blindness? Was he a samurai once? For whom? Is he a spy?\n\nYabu knew that the man would have been searched very carefully by his guards before being allowed to enter, so he had no fear of a concealed weapon. His own prized long sword was within reach, an ancient blade made by the master swordsmith Murasama. He watched the old man take off his cotton kimono and hang it up without seeking the peg." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were more sword scars on his chest. His loincloth was very clean. He knelt, waiting patiently.\n\nYabu got out of the bath when he was ready and lay on the stone bench. The old man dried Yabu carefully, put fragrant oil on his hands, and began to knead the muscles in the daimyo's neck and back.\n\nTension began to vanish as the very strong fingers moved over Yabu, probing deeply with surprising skill. \"That's good. Very good,\" he said after a while.\n\n\"Thank you, Yabu-sama,\" Suwo said. Sama, meaning \"Lord,\" was an obligatory politeness when addressing a superior." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you served Omi-san long?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Three years, Sire. He is very kind to an old man.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And before that?\"\n\n\"I wandered from village to village. A few days here, half a year there, like a butterfly on the summer's breath.\" Suwo's voice was as soothing as his hands. He had decided that the daimyo wanted him to talk and he waited patiently for the next question and then he would begin. Part of his art was to know what was required and when. Sometimes his ears told him this, but mostly it was his fingers that seemed to unlock the secret of the man or woman's mind. His fingers were telling him to beware of this man, that he was dangerous and volatile, his age about forty, a good horseman and excellent sword fighter. Also that his liver was bad and that he would die within two years. Saké, and probably aphrodisiacs, would kill him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are strong for your age, Yabu-sama.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So are you. How old are you, Suwo?\"\n\nThe old man laughed but his fingers never ceased. \"I'm the oldest man in the world—my world. Everyone I've ever known is dead long since. It must be more than eighty years—I'm not sure. I served Lord Yoshi Chikitada, Lord Toranaga's grandfather, when the clan's fief was no bigger than this village. I was even at the camp the day he was assassinated.\"\n\nYabu deliberately kept his body relaxed with an effort of will but his mind sharpened and he began to listen intently.\n\n\"That was a grim day, Yabu-sama. I don't know how old I was—but my voice hadn't broken yet. The assassin was Obata Hiro, a son of his most powerful ally. Perhaps you know the story, how the youth struck Lord Chikitada's head off with a single blow of his sword. It was a Murasama blade and that's what started the superstition that all Murasama blades are filled with unluck for the Yoshi clan.\"\n\nIs he telling me that because of my own Murasama sword? Yabu asked himself. Many people know I possess one. Or is he just an old man who remembers a special day in a long life? \"What was Toranaga's grandfather like?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked, feigning lack of interest, testing Suwo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tall, Yabu-sama. Taller than you and much thinner when I knew him. He was twenty-five the day he died.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suwo's voice warmed. \"Eeeee, Yabu-sama, he was a warrior at twelve and our liege lord at fifteen when his own father was killed in a skirmish. At that time, Lord Chikitada was married and had already sired a son. It was a pity that he had to die. Obata Hiro was his friend as well as vassal, seventeen then, but someone had poisoned young Obata's mind, saying that Chikitada had planned to kill his father treacherously. Of course it was all lies but that didn't bring Chikitada back to lead us. Young Obata knelt in front of the body and bowed three times. He said that he had done the deed out of filial respect for his father and now wished to atone for his insult to us and our clan by committing seppuku. He was given permission. First he washed Chikitada's head with his own hands and set it in a place of reverence. Then he cut himself open and died manfully, with great ceremony, one of our men acting as his second and removing his head with a single stroke. Later his father came to collect his son's head and the Murasama sword. Things became bad for us. Lord Chikitada's only son was taken hostage somewhere and our part of the clan fell on evil times. That was—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're lying, old man. You were never there.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'threw' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu had turned around and he was staring up at the man, who had frozen instantly. \"The sword was broken and destroyed after Obata's death.\"\n\n\"No, Yabu-sama. That is the legend. I saw the father come and collect the head and the sword. Who would want to destroy such a piece of art? That would have been sacrilege. His father collected it.\"\n\n\"What did he do with it?\"\n\n\"No one knows. Some said he threw it into the sea because he liked and honored our Lord Chikitada as a brother. Others said that he buried it and that it lurks in wait for the grandson, Yoshi Toranaga.\"\n\n\"What do you think he did with it?\"\n\n\"Threw it into the sea.\"\n\n\"Did you see him?\"\n\n\"No.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu lay back again and the fingers began their work. The thought that someone else knew that the sword had not been broken thrilled him strangely. You should kill Suwo, he told himself. Why? How could a blind man recognize the blade? It is like any Murasama blade and the handle and scabbard have been changed many times over the years. No one can know that your sword is the sword that has gone from hand to hand with increasing secrecy as the power of Toranaga increased. Why kill Suwo? The fact that he's alive has added a zest. You're stimulated. Leave him alive—you can kill him at any time. With the sword.\n\nThat thought pleased Yabu as he let himself drift once more, greatly at ease." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One day soon, he promised himself, I will be powerful enough to wear my Murasama blade in Toranaga's presence. One day, perhaps, I will tell him the story of my sword.\n\n\"What happened next?\" he asked, wishing to be lulled by the old man's voice.\n\n\"We just fell on evil times. That was the year of the great famine, and, now that my master was dead, I became ronin.\" Ronin were landless or masterless peasant-soldiers or samurai who, through dishonor or the loss of their masters, were forced to wander the land until some other lord would accept their services. It was difficult for ronin to find new employment. Food was scarce, almost every man was a soldier, and strangers were rarely trusted. Most of the robber bands and corsairs who infested the land and the coast were ronin. \"That year was very bad and the next. I fought for anyone—a battle here, a skirmish there. Food was my pay. Then I heard that there was food in plenty in Kyushu so I started to make my way west. That winter I found a sanctuary. I managed to become hired by a Buddhist monastery as a guard. I fought for them for half a year, protecting the monastery and their rice fields from bandits. The monastery was near Osaka and, at that time—long before the Taikō obliterated most of them—the bandits were as plentiful as swamp mosquitoes. One day, we were ambushed and I was left for dead. Some monks found me and healed my wound. But they could not give me back my sight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His fingers probed deeper and ever deeper. \"They put me with a blind monk who taught me how to massage and to see again with my fingers. Now my fingers tell me more than my eyes used to, I think.\n\n\"The last thing I can remember seeing with my eyes was the bandit's widespread mouth and rotting teeth, the sword a glittering arc and beyond, after the blow, the scent of flowers. I saw perfume in all its colors, Yabu-sama. That was all long ago, long before the barbarians came to our land—fifty, sixty years ago—but I saw the perfume's colors. I saw nirvana, I think, and for the merest moment, the face of Buddha. Blindness is a small price to pay for such a gift, neh?\"\n\nThere was no answer. Suwo had expected none. Yabu was sleeping, as was planned. Did you like my story, Yabu-sama? Suwo asked silently, amused as an old man would be. It was all true but for one thing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The monastery was not near Osaka but across your western border." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The name of the monk? Su, uncle of your enemy, Ikawa Jikkyu.\n\nI could snap your neck so easily, he thought. It would be a favor to Omi-san. It would be a blessing to the village. And it would repay, in tiny measure, my patron's gift. Should I do it now? Or later?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\nfour sentences\nStyle:\nJames Clavell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vinck tried to make his legs move but he could not. He had faced death many times in his life but never like this, meekly. It had been decreed by the straws. Why me? his brain screamed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm no worse than the others and better than most." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dear God in Heaven, why me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A ladder had been lowered. Omi motioned for the one man to come up, and quickly. \"Isogi!\" Hurry up!\n\nVan Nekk and Jan Roper were praying silently, their eyes closed. Pieterzoon could not watch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne was staring up at Omi and his men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Isogi!\" Omi barked out again.\n\nOnce more Vinck tried to stand. \"Help me, someone. Help me to get up!\"\n\nPieterzoon, who was nearest, bent down and put his hand under Vinck's arm and helped him to his feet, then Blackthorne was at the foot of the ladder, both feet planted firmly in the slime." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kinjiru!\" he shouted, using the word from the ship. A gasp rushed through the cellar. Omi's hand tightened on his sword and he moved to the ladder. Immediately Blackthorne twisted it, daring Omi to put a foot there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kinjiru!\" he said again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi stopped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's going on?\" Spillbergen asked, frightened, as were all of them.\n\n\"I told him it's forbidden! None of my crew is walking to death without a fight.\"\n\n\"But—but we agreed!\"\n\n\"I didn't.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you gone mad!\"\n\n\"It's all right, Pilot,\" Vinck whispered. \"I—we did agree and it was fair. It's God's will. I'm going—it's...\" He groped to the foot of the ladder but Blackthorne stood implacably in the way, facing Omi.\n\n\"You're not going without a fight. No one is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get away from the ladder, Pilot! You're ordered away!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Spillbergen shakily kept to his corner, as far from the opening as possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His voice shrilled, \"Pilot!\"\n\nBut Blackthorne was not listening. \"Get ready!\"\n\nOmi stepped back a pace and snarled orders to his men. At once a samurai, closely followed by two others, started down the steps, swords unsheathed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne twisted the ladder and grappled with the lead man, swerving from his violent sword blow, trying to choke the man to death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Help me! Come on! For your lives!\"\n\nBlackthorne changed his grip to pull the man off the rungs, braced sickeningly as the second man stabbed downward. Vinck came out of his cataleptic state and threw himself at the samurai, berserk. He intercepted the blow that would have sliced Blackthorne's wrist off, held the shuddering sword arm at bay, and smashed his other fist into the man's groin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai gasped and kicked viciously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vinck hardly seemed to notice the blow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He climbed the rungs and tore at the man for possession of the sword, his nails ripping at the man's eyes. The other two samurai were hampered by the confined space and Blackthorne, but a kick from one of them caught Vinck in the face and he reeled away. The samurai on the ladder hacked at Blackthorne, missed, then the entire crew hurled themselves at the ladder.\n\nCroocq hammered his fist onto the samurai's instep and felt a small bone give." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man managed to throw his sword out of the pit—not wishing the enemy armed—and tumbled heavily to the mud." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'samurai' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vinck and Pieterzoon fell on him. He fought back ferociously as others rushed for the encroaching samurai. Blackthorne picked up the cornered Japanese's dagger and started up the ladder, Croocq, Jan Roper, and Salamon following. Both samurai retreated and stood at the entrance, their killing swords viciously ready." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne knew his dagger was useless against the swords." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even so he charged, the others in close support." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The moment his head was above ground one of the swords swung at him, missing him by a fraction of an inch. A violent kick from an unseen samurai drove him underground again.\n\nHe turned and jumped back, avoiding the writhing mass of fighting men who tried to subdue the samurai in the stinking ooze. Vinck kicked the man in the back of the neck and he went limp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vinck pounded him again and again until Blackthorne pulled him off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't kill him—we can use him as a hostage!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he shouted and wrenched desperately at the ladder, trying to pull it down into the cellar. But it was too long. Above, Omi's other samurai waited impassively at the trapdoor's entrance.\n\n\"For God's sake, Pilot, stop it!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Spillbergen wheezed. \"They'll kill us all—you'll kill us all! Stop him, someone!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi was shouting more orders and strong hands aloft prevented Blackthorne from jamming the entrance with the ladder.\n\n\"Look out!\" he shouted.\n\nThree more samurai, carrying knives and wearing only loincloths, leapt nimbly into the cellar. The first two crashed deliberately onto Blackthorne, carrying him helpless to the floor, oblivious of their own danger, then attacked ferociously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne was crushed beneath the strength of the men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could not use the knife and felt his will to fight subsiding and he wished he had Mura the headman's skill at unarmed combat. He knew, helplessly, that he could not survive much longer but he made a final effort and jerked one arm free. A cruel blow from a rock-hard hand rattled his head and another exploded colors in his brain but still he fought back.\n\nVinck was gouging at one of the samurai when the third dropped on him from the sky door, and Maetsukker screamed as a dagger slashed his arm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Van Nekk was blindly striking out and Pieterzoon was saying, \"For Christ's sake, hit them not me,\" but the merchant did not hear for he was consumed with terror." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne caught one of the samurai by the throat, his grip slipping from the sweat and slime, and he was almost on his feet like a mad bull, trying to shake them off when there was a last blow and he fell into blankness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The three samurai hacked their way up and the crew, now leaderless, retreated from the circling slash of their three daggers, the samurai dominating the cellar now with their whirling daggers, not trying to kill or to maim, but only to force the panting, frightened men to the walls, away from the ladder where Blackthorne and the first samurai lay inert." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi came down arrogantly into the pit and grabbed the nearest man, who was Pieterzoon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He jerked him toward the ladder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pieterzoon screamed and tried to struggle out of Omi's grasp, but a knife sliced his wrist and another opened his arm. Relentlessly the shrieking seaman was backed against the ladder.\n\n\"Christ help me, it's not me that's to go, it's not me it's not me—\" Pieterzoon had both feet on the rung and he was retreating up and away from the agony of the knives and then, \"Help me, for God's sake,\" he screamed a last time, turned and fled raving into the air.\n\nOmi followed without hurrying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A samurai retreated. Then another." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The third picked up the knife that Blackthorne had used. He turned his back contemptuously, stepped over the prostrate body of his unconscious comrade, and climbed away.\n\nThe ladder was jerked aloft. Air and sky and light vanished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bolts crashed into place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now there was only gloom, and in it heaving chests and rending heartbeats and running sweat and the stench. The flies returned.\n\nFor a moment no one moved. Jan Roper had a small cut on his cheek, Maetsukker was bleeding badly, the others were mostly in shock. Except Salamon. He groped his way over to Blackthorne, pulled him off the unconscious samurai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He mouthed gutturally and pointed at the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Croocq fetched some in a gourd, helped him to prop Blackthorne, still lifeless, against the wall. Together they began to clean the muck off his face.\n\n\"When those bastards—when they dropped on him I thought I heard his neck or shoulder go,\" the boy said, his chest heaving. \"He looks like a corpse, Lord Jesus!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sonk forced himself to his feet and picked his way over to them. Carefully he moved Blackthorne's head from side to side, felt his shoulders. \"Seems all right. Have to wait till he comes round to tell.\"\n\n\"Oh, Jesus God,\" Vinck began whimpering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Poor Pieterzoon—I'm damned—I'm damned...\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'vinck' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You were going. The Pilot stopped you. You were going like you promised, I saw you, by God.\" Sonk shook Vinck but he paid no attention. \"I saw you, Vinck.\" He turned to Spillbergen, waving the flies away. \"Wasn't that right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, he was going. Vinck, stop moaning! It was the Pilot's fault. Give me some water.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jan Roper dipped some water with the gourd and drank and daubed the cut on his cheek. \"Vinck should have gone. He was the lamb of God. He was ordained. And now his soul's forfeit. Oh, Lord God have mercy on him, he'll burn for all eternity.\"\n\n\"Give me some water,\" the Captain-General whimpered.\n\nVan Nekk took the gourd from Jan Roper and passed it to Spillbergen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It wasn't Vinck's fault,\" van Nekk said tiredly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He couldn't get up, don't you remember? He asked someone to help him up. I was so frightened I couldn't move either, and I didn't have to go.\"\n\n\"It wasn't Vinck's fault,\" Spillbergen said. \"No. It was him.\" They all looked at Blackthorne. \"He's mad.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All the English are mad,\" Sonk said. \"Have you ever known one that wasn't? Scratch one of 'em and you find a maniac—and a pirate.\"\n\n\"Bastards, all of them!\" Ginsel said.\n\n\"No, not all of them,\" van Nekk said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The pilot was only doing what he felt was right. He's protected us and brought us ten thousand leagues.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include \"Protected us, piss! We were five hundred when we started and five ships. Now there's nine of us!\" somewhere in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Protected us, piss! We were five hundred when we started and five ships. Now there's nine of us!\"\n\n\"Wasn't his fault the fleet split up. Wasn't his fault that the storms blew us all—\"\n\n\"Weren't for him we'd have stayed in the New World, by God. It was him who said we could get to the Japans. And for Jesus Christ's sweet sake, look where we are now.\"\n\n\"We agreed to try for the Japans. We all agreed,\" van Nekk said wearily. \"We all voted.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But it was him that persuaded us.\"\n\n\"Look out!\" Ginsel pointed at the samurai, who was stirring and moaning. Sonk quickly slid over to him, crashed his fist into his jaw. The man went out again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Christ's death! What'd the bastards leave him here for? They could've carried him out with them, easy. Nothing we could've done.\"\n\n\"You think they thought he was dead?\"\n\n\"Don't know! They must've seen him. By the Lord Jesus, I could use a cold beer,\" Sonk said.\n\n\"Don't hit him again, Sonk, don't kill him. He's a hostage.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Croocq looked at Vinck, who sat huddled against a wall, locked into his whimpering self-hatred." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"God help us all. What'll they do to Pieterzoon? What'll they do to us?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's the Pilot's fault,\" Jan Roper said. \"Only him.\"\n\nVan Nekk peered compassionately at Blackthorne. \"It doesn't matter now. Does it? Whose fault it is or was.\"\n\nMaetsukker reeled to his feet, the blood still flowing down his forearm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm hurt, help me someone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Salamon made a tourniquet from a piece of shirt and staunched the blood. The slice in Maetsukker's biceps was deep but no vein or artery had been cut. The flies began to worry the wound.\n\n\"God-cursed flies! And God curse the Pilot to hell,\" Maetsukker said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was agreed. But, oh no! He had to save Vinck! Now Pieterzoon's blood's on his hands and we'll all suffer because of him.\"\n\n\"Shut your face! He said none of his crew—\"\n\nThere were footsteps above. The trapdoor opened. Villagers began pouring barrels of fish offal and seawater into the cellar. When the floor was six inches awash, they stopped." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for James Clavell vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne dipped into the dregs of the barrel and carefully measured a half cup of water and gave it to Sonk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sonk tried to sip it to make it last, his hand trembling, but he could not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gulped the tepid liquid, regretting that he had done so the moment it had passed his parched throat, groped exhaustedly to his place by the wall, stepping over those whose turn it was to lie down. The floor was now deep ooze, the stench and the flies hideous. Faint sunlight came into the pit through the slats of the trapdoor.\n\nVinck was next for water and he took his cup and stared at it, sitting near the barrel, Spillbergen on the other side. \"Thanks,\" he muttered dully." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required text (preserve exact wording): \"Drink it, you fool! It's the last you'll get till sunset. Drink it!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hurry up!\" Jan Roper said, the cut on his cheek already festering. He was the last for water and, being so near, his throat was torturing him. \"Hurry up, Vinck, for Christ's sweet sake.\"\n\n\"Sorry. Here, you take it,\" Vinck muttered, handing him the cup, oblivious of the flies that speckled him.\n\n\"Drink it, you fool! It's the last you'll get till sunset. Drink it!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jan Roper shoved the cup back into the man's hands. Vinck did not look up at him but obeyed miserably, and slipped back once more into his private hell.\n\nJan Roper took his cup of water from Blackthorne. He closed his eyes and said a silent grace. He was one of those standing, his leg muscles aching." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cup gave barely two swallows.\n\nAnd now that they had all been given their ration, Blackthorne dipped and sipped gratefully. His mouth and tongue were raw and burning and dusty. Flies and sweat and filth covered him. His chest and back were badly bruised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He watched the samurai who had been left in the cellar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man was huddled against the wall, between Sonk and Croocq, taking up as little space as possible, and he had not moved for hours." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was staring bleakly into space, naked but for his loincloth, violent bruises all over him, a thick weal around his neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Blackthorne had first come to his senses, the cellar was in complete darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The screams were filling the pit and he thought that he was dead and in the choking depths of hell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt himself being sucked down into muck that was clammy and flesh-crawling beyond measure, and he had cried out and flailed in panic, unable to breathe, until, after an eternity, he had heard, \"It's all right, Pilot, you're not dead, it's all right. Wake up, wake up, for the love of Christ, it's not hell but it might just as well be. Oh, Blessed Lord Jesus, help us all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he was fully conscious they had told him about Pieterzoon and the barrels of seawater." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: What're they doing to poor old Pieterzoon? What're they doing to him? Oh, God help us. I can't stand the screams!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, Lord Jesus, get us out of here!\" someone whimpered.\n\n\"What're they doing to poor old Pieterzoon? What're they doing to him? Oh, God help us. I can't stand the screams!\"\n\n\"Oh, Lord, let the poor man die. Let him die.\"\n\n\"Christ God, stop the screams! Please stop the screams!\"\n\nThe pit and Pieterzoon's screams had measured them all, had forced them to look within themselves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And no man had liked what he had seen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The darkness makes it worse, Blackthorne had thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had been an endless night, in the pit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With the gloaming the cries had vanished. When dawn trickled down to them they had seen the forgotten samurai.\n\n\"What're we going to do about him?\" van Nekk had asked.\n\n\"I don't know. He looks as frightened as we are,\" Blackthorne said, his heart pumping." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He'd better not start anything, by God.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, Lord Jesus, get me out of here—\" Croocq's voice started to crescendo. \"Helllp!\"\n\nVan Nekk, who was near him, shook him and gentled him. \"It's all right, lad. We're in God's hands. He's watching over us.\"\n\n\"Look at my arm,\" Maetsukker moaned. The wound had festered already." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne stood shakily. \"We'll all be raving lunatics in a day or two if we don't get out of here,\" he said to no one in particular." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's almost no water,\" van Nekk said.\n\n\"We'll ration what there is. Some now—some at noon. With luck, there'll be enough for three turns. God curse all flies!\"\n\nSo he had found the cup and had given them a ration, and now he was sipping his, trying to make it last.\n\n\"What about him—the Japaner?\" Spillbergen said. The Captain-General had fared better than most during the night because he had shut his ears to the screams with a little mud, and, being next to the water barrel, had cautiously slaked his thirst." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are we going to do about him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He should have some water,\" van Nekk said.\n\n\"The pox on that,\" Sonk said. \"I say he gets none.\"\n\nThey all voted on it and it was agreed he got none.\n\n\"I don't agree,\" Blackthorne said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't agree to anything we say,\" Jan Roper said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's the enemy. He's a heathen devil and he almost killed you.\"\n\n\"You've almost killed me. Half a dozen times. If your musket had fired at Santa Magdellana, you'd have blown my head off.\"\n\n\"I wasn't aiming at you. I was aiming at stinking Satanists.\"\n\n\"They were unarmed priests. And there was plenty of time.\"\n\n\"I wasn't aiming at you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've almost killed me a dozen times, with your God-cursed anger, your God-cursed bigotry, and your God-cursed stupidity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Blasphemy's a mortal sin. Taking His name in vain is a sin. We're in His hands, not yours. You're not a king and this isn't a ship. You're not our keep—\"\n\n\"But you will do what I say!\"\n\nJan Roper looked round the cellar, seeking support in vain. \"Do what you want,\" he said sullenly.\n\n\"I will.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The samurai was as parched as they, but he shook his head to the offered cup. Blackthorne hesitated, put the cup to the samurai's swollen lips, but the man smashed the cup away, spilling the water, and said something harshly. Blackthrone readied to parry the following blow. But it never came. The man made no further move, just looked away into space." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's mad. They're all mad,\" Spillbergen said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's more water for us. Good,\" Jan Roper said. \"Let him go to the hell he deserves.\"\n\n\"What's your name? Namu?\" Blackthorne asked. He said it again in different ways but the samurai appeared not to hear.\n\nThey left him alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But they watched him as if he were a scorpion. He did not watch them back. Blackthorne was certain the man was trying to decide on something, but he had no idea what it could be.\n\nWhat's on his mind, Blackthorne asked himself. Why should he refuse water?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why was he left here? Was that a mistake by Omi? Unlikely. By plan? Unlikely. Could we use him to get out? Unlikely. The whole world's unlikely except it's likely we're going to stay here until they let us out... if they let us out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And if they let us out, what next?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "What happened to Pieterzoon?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The flies swarmed with the heat of the day.\n\nOh, God, I wish I could lie down—wish I could get into that bath—they wouldn't have to carry me there now. I never realized how important a bath is. That old blind man with the steel fingers! I could use him for an hour or two." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What a waste! All our ships and men and effort for this. A total failure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, almost. Some of us are still alive.\n\n\"Pilot!\" Van Nekk was shaking him. \"You were asleep. It's him—he's been bowing to you for a minute or more.\" He motioned to the samurai who knelt, head bowed in front of him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne rubbed the exhaustion out of his eyes. He made an effort and bowed back.\n\n\"Hai?\" he asked curtly, remembering the Japanese word for \"yes.\"\n\nThe samurai took hold of the sash of his shredded kimono and wrapped it around his neck. Still kneeling, he gave one end to Blackthorne and the other to Sonk, bowed his head, and motioned them to pull it tight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's afraid we'll strangle him,\" Sonk said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Christ Jesus, I think that's what he wants us to do.\" Blackthorne let the sash fall and shook his head. \"Kinjiru,\" he said, thinking how useful that word was. How do you say to a man who doesn't speak your language that it's against your code to commit murder, to kill an unarmed man, that you're not executioners, that suicide is damned before God?\n\nThe samurai asked again, clearly begging him, but again Blackthorne shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kinjiru.\" The man looked around wildly. Suddenly he was on his feet and he had shoved his head deep into the latrine bucket to try to drown himself. Jan Roper and Sonk immediately pulled him out, choking and struggling.\n\n\"Let him go,\" Blackthorne ordered. They obeyed. He pointed at the latrine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Samurai, if that's what you want, go ahead!\"\n\nThe man was retching, but he understood. He looked at the foul bucket and knew that he did not have the strength to hold his head there long enough. In abject misery the samurai went back to his place by the wall.\n\n\"Jesus,\" someone muttered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne dipped half a cup of water from the barrel, got to his feet, his joints stiff, went over to the Japanese and offered it. The samurai looked past the cup.\n\n\"I wonder how long he can hold out,\" Blackthorne said.\n\n\"Forever,\" Jan Roper said. \"They're animals. They're not human.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For Christ's sake, how much longer will they keep us here?\" Ginsel asked.\n\n\"As long as they want.\"\n\n\"We'll have to do anything they want,\" van Nekk said. \"We'll have to if we want to stay alive and get out of this hell hole. Won't we, Pilot?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Blackthorne thankfully measured the sun's shadows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's high noon, the watch changes.\"\n\nSpillbergen, Maetsukker, and Sonk began to complain but he cursed them to their feet and when all were rearranged he lay down gratefully. The mud was foul and the flies worse than ever, but the joy of being able to stretch out full length was enormous.\n\nWhat did they do to Pieterzoon? he asked himself, as he felt his fatigue engulfing him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, God help us to get out of here. I'm so frightened." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were footsteps above. The trapdoor opened. The priest stood there flanked by samurai.\n\n\"Pilot. You are to come up. You are to come up alone,\" he said." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'sword' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toda Hiro-matsu, overlord of the provinces of Sagami and Kozuké, Toranaga's most trusted general and adviser, commander-in-chief of all his armies, strode down the gangplank onto the wharf alone. He was tall for a Japanese, just under six feet, a bull-like man with heavy jowls, who carried his sixty-seven years with strength. His military kimono was brown silk, stark but for the five small Toranaga crests—three interlocked bamboo sprays. He wore a burnished breastplate and steel arm protectors. Only the short sword was in his belt. The other, the killing sword, he carried loose in his hand. He was ready to unsheathe it instantly and to kill instantly to protect his liege lord. This had been his custom ever since he was fifteen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one, not even the Taikō, had been able to change him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'hiro-matsu' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A year ago, when the Taikō died, Hiro-matsu had become Toranaga's vassal. Toranaga had given him Sagami and Kozuké, two of his eight provinces, to overlord, five hundred thousand koku yearly, and had also left him to his custom. Hiro-matsu was very good at killing.\n\nNow the shore was lined with all the villagers—men, women, children—on their knees, their heads low. The samurai were in neat, formal rows in front of them. Yabu was at their head with his lieutenants.\n\nIf Yabu had been a woman or a weaker man, he knew that he would be beating his breast and wailing and tearing his hair out. This was too much of a coincidence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the famous Toda Hiro-matsu to be here, on this day, meant that Yabu had been betrayed—either in Yedo by one of his household, or here in Anjiro by Omi, one of Omi's men, or one of the villagers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had been trapped in disobedience." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An enemy had taken advantage of his interest in the ship.\n\nHe knelt and bowed and all his samurai followed him, and he cursed the ship and all who sailed in it.\n\n\"Ah, Yabu-sama,\" he heard Hiro-matsu say, and saw him kneel on the matting that had been set out for him and return his bow. But the depth of the bow was less than correct and Hiro-matsu did not wait for him to bow again, so he knew, without being told, that he was in vast jeopardy. He saw the general sit back on his heels. \"Iron Fist\" he was called behind his back. Only Toranaga or one of three counselors would have the privilege of flying the Toranaga flag. Why send so important a general to catch me away from Yedo?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You honor me by coming to one of my poor villages, Hiro-matsu-sama,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My Master ordered me here.\" Hiro-matsu was known for his bluntness. He had neither guile nor cunning, only an absolute trustworthiness to his liege lord.\n\n\"I'm honored and very glad,\" Yabu said. \"I rushed here from Yedo because of that barbarian ship.\"\n\n\"Lord Toranaga invited all friendly daimyos to wait in Yedo until he returned from Osaka.\"\n\n\"How is our Lord? I hope everything goes well with him?\"\n\n\"The sooner Lord Toranaga is safe in his own castle at Yedo the better. The sooner the clash with Ishido is open and we marshal our armies and cut a path back to Osaka Castle and burn it to the bricks, the better.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The old man's jowls reddened as his anxiety for Toranaga increased; he hated being away from him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Taikō had built Osaka Castle to be invulnerable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the greatest in the Empire, with interlocking keeps and moats, lesser castles, towers, and bridges, and space for eighty thousand soldiers within its walls. And around the walls and the huge city were other armies, equally disciplined and equally well armed, all fanatic supporters of Yaemon, the Heir. \"I've told him a dozen times that he was mad to put himself into Ishido's power. Lunatic!\"\n\n\"Lord Toranaga had to go, neh? He had no choice.\" The Taikō had ordered that the Council of Regents, who ruled in Yaemon's name, were to meet for ten days at least twice a year and always within Osaka's castle keep, bringing with them a maximum of five hundred retainers within the walls. And all other daimyos were equally obliged to visit the castle with their families to pay their respects to the Heir, also twice a year. So all were controlled, all defenseless for part of the year, every year. \"The meeting was fixed, neh? If he didn't go it would be treason, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Treason against whom?\" Hiro-matsu reddened even more. \"Ishido's trying to isolate our Master. Listen, if I had Ishido in my power like he has Lord Toranaga, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment—whatever the risks. Ishido's head would have been off his shoulders long since, and his spirit awaiting rebirth.\" The general was involuntarily twisting the well-used sheath of the sword that he carried in his left hand. His right hand, gnarled and calloused, lay ready in his lap. He studied Erasmus. \"Where are the cannon?\"\n\n\"I had them brought ashore. For safety. Will Toranaga-sama make another compromise with Ishido?\"\n\n\"When I left Osaka, all was quiet. The Council was to meet in three days.\"\n\n\"Will the clash become open?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd like it open. But my Lord? If he wants to compromise, he will compromise.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro-matsu looked back at Yabu. \"He ordered all allied daimyos to wait for him at Yedo. Until he returned. This is not Yedo.\"\n\n\"Yes. I felt that the ship was important enough to our cause to investigate it immediately.\"\n\n\"There was no need, Yabu-san. You should have more confidence. Nothing happens without our Master's knowledge. He would have sent someone to investigate it. It happens he sent me. How long have you been here?\"\n\n\"A day and a night.\"\n\n\"Then you were two days coming from Yedo?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"You came very quickly. You are to be complimented.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To gain time Yabu began telling Hiro-matsu about his forced march. But his mind was on more vital matters. Who was the spy? How had Toranaga got the information about the ship as quickly as he himself? And who had told Toranaga about his departure? How could he maneuver now and deal with Hiro-matsu?\n\nHiro-matsu heard him out, then said pointedly, \"Lord Toranaga has confiscated the ship and all its contents.\"\n\nA shocked silence swamped the shore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was Izu, Yabu's fief, and Toranaga had no rights here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Neither had Hiro-matsu any rights to order anything. Yabu's hand tightened on his sword.\n\nHiro-matsu waited with practiced calmness. He had done exactly as Toranaga had ordered and now he was committed. It was implacably kill or be killed.\n\nYabu knew also that now he must commit himself. There was no more waiting. If he refused to give up the ship he would have to kill Hiro-matsu Iron Fist, because Hiro-matsu Iron Fist would never leave without it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were perhaps two hundred elite samurai on the galley that was moored to the dock. They would also have to die. He could invite them ashore and beguile them, and within a few hours he could easily have enough samurai in Anjiro to overwhelm them all, for he was a master at ambush. But that would force Toranaga to send armies against Izu. You will be swallowed up, he told himself, unless Ishido comes to your rescue. And why should Ishido rescue you when your enemy Ikawa Jikkyo is Ishido's kinsman and wants Izu for himself? Killing Hiro-matsu will open hostilities, because Toranaga will be honor bound to move against you, which would force Ishido's hand, and Izu would be the first battlefield.\n\nWhat about my guns?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My beautiful guns and my beautiful plan?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'll lose my immortal chance forever if I have to turn them over to Toranaga.\n\nHis hand was on the Murasama sword and he could feel the blood in his sword arm and the blinding urge to begin. He had discarded at once the possibility of not mentioning the muskets. If the news of the ship had been betrayed, certainly the identity of its cargo was equally betrayed. But how did Toranaga get the news so quickly? By carrier pigeon! That's the only answer. From Yedo or from here? Who possesses carrier pigeons here?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why haven't I such a service? That's Zukimoto's fault—he should have thought of it, neh?\n\nMake up your mind. War or no war?\n\nYabu called down the ill will of Buddha, of all kami, of all gods that had ever been or were yet to be invented, upon the man or men who had betrayed him, upon their parents and upon their descendants for ten thousand generations. And he conceded.\n\n\"Lord Toranaga cannot confiscate the ship because it's already a gift to him. I've dictated a letter to that effect. Isn't that so, Zukimoto?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"Of course, if Lord Toranaga wishes to consider it confiscated he may. But it was to be a gift.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu was pleased to hear that his voice sounded matter-of-fact." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He will be happy with the booty.\"\n\n\"Thank you on behalf of my Master.\" Hiro-matsu again marveled at Toranaga's foresight. Toranaga had predicted that this would happen and that there would be no fighting. 'I don't believe it,' Hiro-matsu had said. 'No daimyo would stand for such usurping of his rights. Yabu won't. I certainly wouldn't. Not even to you, Sire.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'But you would have obeyed orders and you would have told me about the ship." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu must be manipulated, neh? I need his violence and cunning—he neutralizes Ikawa Jikkyu and guards my flank.'\n\nHere on the beach under a good sun Hiro-matsu forced himself into a polite bow, hating his own duplicity. \"Lord Toranaga will be delighted with your generosity.\"\n\nYabu was watching him closely. \"It's not a Portuguese ship.\"\n\n\"Yes. So we heard.\"\n\n\"And it's pirate.\" He saw the general's eyes narrow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he told him what the priest had said, Yabu thought, if that's news to you as it was to me, doesn't that mean that Toranaga had the same original information as I? But if you know the contents of the ship, then the spy is Omi, one of his samurai, or a villager. \"There's an abundance of cloth. Some treasure. Muskets, powder, and shot.\"\n\nHiro-matsu hesitated. Then he said, \"The cloth is Chinese silks?\"\n\n\"No, Hiro-matsu-san,\" he said, using the \"san.\" They were daimyos equally. But now that he was magnanimously \"giving\" the ship, he felt safe enough to use the less deferential term. He was pleased to see that the word had not gone unnoticed by the older man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm daimyo of Izu, by the sun, the moon, and the stars!" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'everything' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's very unusual, a thick heavy cloth, totally useless to us,\" he said. \"I've had everything worth salvaging brought ashore.\"\n\n\"Good. Please put all of it aboard my ship.\"\n\n\"What?\" Yabu's bowels almost burst.\n\n\"All of it. At once.\"\n\n\"Now?\"\n\n\"Yes. So sorry, but you'll naturally understand that I want to return to Osaka as soon as possible.\"\n\n\"Yes but—but will there be space for everything?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Put the cannon back on the barbarian ship and seal it up. Boats will be arriving within three days to tow it to Yedo. As to the muskets, powder, and shot, there's—\" Hiro-matsu stopped, avoiding the trap that he suddenly realized had been set for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'There's just enough space for the five hundred muskets,\" Toranaga had told him. \"And all the powder and the twenty thousand silver doubloons aboard the galley. Leave the cannon on the deck of the ship and the cloth in the holds. Let Yabu do the talking and give him orders, don't let him have time to think. But don't get irritated or impatient with him. I need him, but I want those guns and that ship. Beware of his trying to trap you into revealing that you know the exactness of the cargo, because he must not uncover our spy.'\n\nHiro-matsu cursed his inability to play these necessary games. \"As to the space needed,\" he said shortly, \"perhaps you should tell me. And just exactly what is the cargo? How many muskets and shot and so forth? And is the bullion in bar or coins—is it silver or gold?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Zukimoto!\"\n\n\"Yes, Yabu-sama.\"\n\n\"Get the list of the contents.\" I'll deal with you later, Yabu thought.\n\nZukimoto hurried away.\n\n\"You must be tired, Hiro-matsu-san. Perhaps some cha? Accommodations have been prepared for you, such as they are. The baths are totally inadequate, but perhaps one would refresh you a little.\"\n\n\"Thank you. You're very thoughtful. Some cha and a bath would be excellent. Later. First tell me everything that has happened since the ship arrived here.\"\n\nYabu told him the facts, omitting the part about the courtesan and the boy, which was unimportant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On Yabu's orders, Omi told his story, except for his private conversations with Yabu." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required text (preserve exact wording): \"Ten, Sire, including the leader,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And Mura told his, excluding the part about the Anjin's erection which, Mura reasoned, though interesting, might have offended Hiro-matsu, whose own, at his age, might be few and far between.\n\nHiro-matsu looked at the plume of smoke that still rose from the pyre. \"How many of the pirates are left?\"\n\n\"Ten, Sire, including the leader,\" Omi said.\n\n\"Where's the leader now?\"\n\n\"In Mura's house.\"\n\n\"What did he do? What was the first thing he did there after getting out of the pit?\"\n\n\"He went straight to the bath house, Sire,\" Mura said quickly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now he's asleep, Sire, like a dead man.\"\n\n\"You didn't have to carry him this time?\"\n\n\"No, Sire.\"\n\n\"He seems to learn quickly.\" Hiro-matsu glanced back at Omi. \"You think they can be taught to behave?\"\n\n\"No. Not for certain, Hiro-matsu-sama.\"\n\n\"Could you clean away an enemy's urine from your back?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'omi-san' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nor could I. Never. Barbarians are very strange.\" Hiro-matsu turned his mind back to the ship. \"Who will be supervising the loading?\"\n\n\"My nephew, Omi-san.\"\n\n\"Good. Omi-san, I want to leave before dusk. My captain will help you be very quick. Within three sticks.\" The unit of time was the time it took for a standard stick of incense to smolder away, approximately one hour for one stick.\n\n\"Yes, Lord.\"\n\n\"Why not come with me to Osaka, Yabu-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro-matsu said as though it was a sudden thought." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"Good. Well then, that's all done,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga would be delighted to receive all these things from your hands. Personally. Please, there's room enough.\" When Yabu began to protest he allowed him to continue for a time, as Toranaga had ordered, and then he said, as Toranaga had ordered, \"I insist. In Lord Toranaga's name, I insist. Your generosity needs to be rewarded.\"\n\nWith my head and my lands? Yabu asked himself bitterly, knowing that there was nothing he could do now but accept gratefully. \"Thank you. I would be honored.\"\n\n\"Good. Well then, that's all done,\" Iron Fist said with obvious relief. \"Now some cha. And a bath.\"\n\nYabu politely led the way up the hill to Omi's house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The old man was washed and scoured and then he lay gratefully in the steaming heat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Later Suwo's hands made him new again. A little rice and raw fish and pickled vegetables taken sparingly in private. Cha sipped from good porcelain. A short dreamless nap.\n\nAfter three sticks the shoji slid open. The personal bodyguard knew better than to go into the room uninvited; Hiro-matsu was already awake and the sword half unsheathed and ready.\n\n\"Yabu-sama is waiting outside, Sire. He says the ship is loaded.\"\n\n\"Excellent.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro-matsu went onto the veranda and relieved himself into the bucket. \"Your men are very efficient, Yabu-san.\"\n\n\"Your men helped, Hiro-matsu-san. They are more than efficient.\"\n\nYes, and by the sun, they had better be, Hiro-matsu thought, then said genially, \"Nothing like a good piss from a full bladder so long as there's plenty of power behind the stream. Neh? Makes you feel young again. At my age you need to feel young.\" He eased his loincloth comfortably, expecting Yabu to make some polite remark in agreement, but none was forthcoming. His irritation began to rise but he curbed it. \"Have the pirate leader taken to my ship.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"You were generous enough to make a gift of the ship and the contents. The crew are contents. So I'm taking the pirate leader to Osaka. Lord Toranaga wants to see him. Naturally you do what you like with the rest of them. But during your absence, please make certain that your retainers realize the barbarians are my Master's property and that there had better be nine in good health, alive, and here when he wants them.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 12 sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu hurried away to the jetty where Omi would be.\n\nWhen, earlier, he had left Hiro-matsu to his bath, he had walked up the track that meandered past the funeral ground. There he had bowed briefly to the pyre and continued on, skirting the terraced fields of wheat and fruit to come out at length on a small plateau high above the village. A tidy kami-shrine guarded this tender place. An ancient tree bequeathed shade and tranquillity. He had gone there to quell his rage and to think. He had not dared to go near the ship or Omi or his men for he knew that he would have ordered most, if not all of them, to commit seppuku, which would have been a waste, and he would have slaughtered the village, which would have been foolish—peasants alone caught the fish and grew the rice that provided the wealth of the samurai. While he had sat and fumed alone and tried to sharpen his brain, the sun bent down and drove the sea mists away. The clouds that shrouded the distant mountains to the west had parted for an instant and he had seen the beauty of the snow-capped peaks soaring. The sight had settled him and he had begun to relax and think and plan.\n\nSet your spies to find the spy, he told himself. Nothing that Hiro-matsu said indicated whether the betrayal was from here or from Yedo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In Osaka you've powerful friends, the Lord Ishido himself among them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps one of them can smell out the fiend. But send a private message at once to your wife in case the informer is there. What about Omi? Make him responsible for finding the informer here? Is he the informer? That's not likely, but not impossible. It's more than probable the betrayal began in Yedo. A matter of timing. If Toranaga in Osaka got the information about the ship when it arrived, then Hiro-matsu would have been here first. You've informers in Yedo. Let them prove their worth.\n\nWhat about the barbarians? Now they're your only profit from the ship." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How can you use them? Wait, didn't Omi give you the answer? You could use their knowledge of the sea and ships to barter with Toranaga for guns. Neh?\n\nAnother possibility: become Toranaga's vassal completely. Give him your plan. Ask him to allow you to lead the Regiment of the Guns—for his glory. But a vassal should never expect his lord to reward his services or even acknowledge them: To serve is duty, duty is samurai, samurai is immortality. That would be the best way, the very best, Yabu thought. Can I truly be his vassal? Or Ishido's?\n\nNo, that's unthinkable. Ally yes, vassal no.\n\nGood, so the barbarians are an asset after all. Omi's right again.\n\nHe had felt more composed and then, when the time had come and a messenger had brought the information that the ship was loaded, he had gone to Hiro-matsu and discovered that now he had lost even the barbarians." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was boiling when he reached the jetty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Omi-san!\"\n\n\"Yes, Yabu-sama?\"\n\n\"Bring the barbarian leader here. I'm taking him to Osaka. As to the others, see that they're well cared for while I'm away. I want them fit, and well behaved. Use the pit if you have to.\"\n\nEver since the galley had arrived, Omi's mind had been in a turmoil and he had been filled with anxiety for Yabu's safety. \"Let me come with you, Lord. Perhaps I can help.\"\n\n\"No, now I want you to look after the barbarians.\"\n\n\"Please. Perhaps in some small way I can repay your kindness to me.\"\n\n\"There's no need,\" Yabu said, more kindly than he wanted to. He remembered that he had increased Omi's salary to three thousand koku and extended his fief because of the bullion and the guns. Which now had vanished. But he had seen the concern that filled the youth and had felt an involuntary warmth. With vassals like this, I will carve an empire, he promised himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi will lead one of the units when I get back my guns." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When war comes—well, I'll have a very important job for you, Omi-san. Now go and get the barbarian.\"\n\nOmi took four guards with him. And Mura to interpret.\n\nBlackthorne was dragged out of sleep. It took him a minute to clear his head. When the fog lifted Omi was staring down at him.\n\nOne of the samurai had pulled the quilt off him, another had shaken him awake, the other two carried thin, vicious-looking bamboo canes. Mura had a short coil of rope.\n\nMura knelt and bowed. \"Konnichi wa\"—Good day.\n\n\"Konnichi wa.\" Blackthorne pulled himself onto his knees and, though he was naked, he bowed with equal politeness.\n\nIt's only a politeness, Blackthorne told himself. It's their custom and they bow for good manners so there's no shame to it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And nakedness is ignored and is also their custom, and there's no shame to nakedness either." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anjin. Please to dress,\" Mura said.\n\nAnjin? Ah, I remember now. The priest said they can't pronounce my name so they've given me the name \"Anjin\" which means \"pilot\" and this is not meant as an insult. And I will be called \"Anjin-san\"—Mr. Pilot—when I merit it.\n\nDon't look at Omi, he cautioned himself. Not yet. Don't remember the village square and Omi and Croocq and Pieterzoon. One thing at a time. That's what you're going to do. That's what you have sworn before God to do: One thing at a time. Vengeance will be mine, by the Lord God.\n\nBlackthorne saw that his clothes had been cleaned again and he blessed whoever had done it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had crawled out of his clothes in the bath house as though they had been plague-infested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three times he had made them scour his back." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'bowed' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With the roughest sponge and with pumice. But he could still feel the piss-burn.\n\nHe took his eyes off Mura and looked at Omi. He derived a twisted pleasure from the knowledge that his enemy was alive and nearby.\n\nHe bowed as he had seen equals bow and he held the bow. \"Konnichi wa, Omi-san,\" he said. There's no shame in speaking their language, no shame in saying \"good day\" or in bowing first as is their custom.\n\nOmi bowed back.\n\nBlackthorne noted that it was not quite equal, but it was enough for the moment.\n\n\"Konnichi wa, Anjin,\" Omi said.\n\nThe voice was polite, but not enough.\n\n\"Anjin-san!\" Blackthorne looked directly at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their wills locked and Omi was called as a man is called at cards or at dice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do you have manners?\n\n\"Konnichi wa, Anjin-san,\" Omi said at length, with a brief smile.\n\nBlackthorne dressed quickly.\n\nHe wore loose trousers and a codpiece, socks and shirt and coat, his long hair tied into a neat queue and his beard trimmed with scissors the barber had loaned to him.\n\n\"Hai, Omi-san?\" Blackthorne asked when he was dressed, feeling better but very guarded, wishing he had more words to use.\n\n\"Please, hand,\" Mura said.\n\nBlackthorne did not understand and said so with signs. Mura held out his own hands and parodied tying them together.\n\n\"Hand, please.\"\n\n\"No.\" Blackthorne said it directly to Omi and shook his head. \"That's not necessary,\" he said in English, \"not necessary at all. I've given my word.\" He kept his voice gentle and reasonable, then added harshly, copying Omi, \"Wakarimasu ka, Omi-san?\" Do you understand?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi laughed. Then he said, \"Hai, Anjin-san. Wakarimasu.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned and left.\n\nMura and the others stared after him, astounded. Blackthorne followed Omi into the sun. His boots had been cleaned. Before he could slip them on, the maid \"Onna\" was there on her knees and she helped him.\n\n\"Thank you, Haku-san,\" he said, remembering her real name. What's the word for \"thank you\"? he wondered.\n\nHe walked through the gate, Omi ahead.\n\nI'm after you, you God-cursed bas—Wait a minute! Remember what you promised yourself? And why swear at him, even to yourself? He hasn't sworn at you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Swearing's for the weak, or for fools. Isn't it?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One thing at a time. It is enough that you are after him. You know it clearly and he knows it clearly. Make no mistake, he knows it very clearly." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for James Clavell vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'behave' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The four samurai flanked Blackthorne as he walked down the hill, the harbor still hidden from him, Mura discreetly ten paces back, Omi ahead.\n\nAre they going to put me underground again? he wondered. Why did they want to bind my hands? Didn't Omi say yesterday—Christ Jesus, was that only yesterday?—'If you behave you can stay out of the pit. If you behave, tomorrow another man will be taken out of the pit. Perhaps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And more, perhaps.' Isn't that what he said? Have I behaved? I wonder how Croocq is. The lad was alive when they carried him off to the house where the crew first stayed.\n\nBlackthorne felt better today." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bath and the sleep and the fresh food had begun to repair him. He knew that if he was careful and could rest and sleep and eat, within a month he would be able to run a mile and swim a mile and command a fighting ship and take her around the earth.\n\nDon't think about that yet! Just guard your strength this day. A month's not much to hope for, eh?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The walk down the hill and through the village was tiring him. You're weaker than you thought... No, you are stronger than you thought, he ordered himself.\n\nThe masts of Erasmus jutted over the tiled roofs and his heart quickened. Ahead the street curved with the contour of the hillside, slid down to the square and ended. A curtained palanquin stood in the sun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Four bearers in brief loincloths squatted beside it, absently picking their teeth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The moment they saw Omi they were on their knees, bowing mightily." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'stopped' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi barely nodded at them as he strode past, but then a girl came out of the neat gateway to go to the palanquin and he stopped.\n\nBlackthorne caught his breath and stopped also.\n\nA young maid ran out to hold a green parasol to shade the girl. Omi bowed and the girl bowed and they talked happily to each other, the strutting arrogance vanishing from Omi.\n\nThe girl wore a peach-colored kimono and a wide sash of gold and gold-thonged slippers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne saw her glance at him. Clearly she and Omi were discussing him. He did not know how to react, or what to do, so he did nothing but wait patiently, glorying in the sight of her, the cleanliness and the warmth of her presence. He wondered if she and Omi were lovers, or if she was Omi's wife, and he thought, Is she truly real?\n\nOmi asked her something and she answered and fluttered her green fan that shimmered and danced in the sunlight, her laugh musical, the delicacy of her exquisite." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi was smiling too, then he turned on his heel and strode off, samurai once more.\n\nBlackthorne followed. Her eyes were on him as he passed and he said, \"Konnichi wa.\"\n\n\"Konnichi wa, Anjin-san,\" she replied, her voice touching him. She was barely five feet tall and perfect. As she bowed slightly the breeze shook the outer silk and showed the beginnings of the scarlet under-kimono, which he found surprisingly erotic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The girl's perfume still surrounded him as he turned the corner. He saw the trapdoor and Erasmus. And the galley. The girl vanished from his mind.\n\nWhy are our gun ports empty? Where are our cannon and what in the name of Christ is a slave galley doing here and what's happened in the pit?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "One thing at a time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First Erasmus: the stub of the foremast that the storm had carried away jutted nastily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That doesn't matter, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We could get her out to sea easily. We could slip the moorings—the night airflow and the tide would take us out silently and we could careen tomorrow on the far side of that speck of island. Half a day to step the spare mast and then all sails ho and away into the far deep. Maybe it'd be better not to anchor but to flee to safer waters. But who'd crew? You can't take her out by yourself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Where did that slaver come from?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And why is it here?\n\nHe could see knots of samurai and sailors down at the wharf. The sixty-oared vessel—thirty oars a side—was neat and trim, the oars stacked with care, ready for instant departure, and he shivered involuntarily. The last time he'd seen a galley was off the Gold Coast two years ago when his fleet was outward bound, all five ships together. She had been a rich coastal trader, a Portuguese, and she was fleeing from him against the wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Erasmus could not catch her, to capture her or sink her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne knew the North African coast well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had been a pilot and ship's master for ten years for the London Company of Barbary Merchants, the joint stock company that fitted out fighting merchantmen to run the Spanish blockade and trade along the Barbary Coast. He had piloted to West and North Africa, south as far as Lagos, north and eastward through the treacherous straits of Gibraltar—ever Spanish patrolled—as far as Salerno in the Kingdom of Naples. The Mediterranean was dangerous to English and Dutch shipping. Spanish and Portuguese enemy were there in strength and, worse, the Ottomans, the infidel Turks, swarmed the seas with slave galleys and with fighting ships.\n\nThese voyages had been very profitable for him and he had bought his own ship, a hundred-fifty-ton brig, to trade on his own behalf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he had had her sunk under him and lost everything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had been caught alee, windless off Sardinia, when the Turk galley had come out of the sun. The fight was cruel and then, toward sunset, the enemy ram caught their stern and they were boarded fast. He had never forgotten the screaming cry \"Allahhhhhhhh!\" as the corsairs came over his gunwales. They were armed with swords and with muskets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had rallied his men and the first attack had been beaten off, but the second overwhelmed them and he ordered the magazine fired." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His ship was in flames and he decided that it was better to die than to be put to the oars." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had always had a mortal terror of being taken alive and made a galley slave—not an unusual fate for a captured seaman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the magazine blew, the explosion tore the bottom out of his ship and destroyed part of the corsair galley and, in the confusion, he managed to swim to the longboat and escape with four of the crew." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those who could not swim to him he had had to leave and he still remembered their cries for help in God's name." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But God had turned His face from those men that day, so they had perished or gone to the oars. And God had kept His face on Blackthorne and the four men that time, and they had managed to reach Cagliari in Sardinia. And from there they had made it home, penniless.\n\nThat was eight years ago, the same year that plague had erupted again in London. Plague and famine and riots of the starving unemployed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His younger brother and family had been wiped out. His own first-born son had perished. But in the winter the plague vanished and he had easily got a new ship and gone to sea to repair his fortune. First for the London Company of Barbary Merchants. Then a voyage to the West Indies hunting Spaniards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After that, a little richer, he navigated for Kees Veerman, the Dutchman, on his second voyage to search for the legendary Northeast Passage to Cathay and the Spice Islands of Asia, that was supposed to exist in the Ice Seas, north of tsarist Russia." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They searched for two years, then Kees Veerman died in the Arctic wastes with eighty percent of the crew and Blackthorne turned back and led the rest of the men home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, three years ago, he'd been approached by the newly formed Dutch East India Company and asked to pilot their first expedition to the New World. They whispered secretly that they had acquired, at huge cost, a contraband Portuguese rutter that supposedly gave away the secrets of Magellan's Strait, and they wanted to prove it. Of course the Dutch merchants would have preferred to use one of their own pilots, but there was none to compare in quality with Englishmen trained by the monopolistic Trinity House, and the awesome value of this rutter forced them to gamble on Blackthorne. But he was the perfect choice: He was the best Protestant pilot alive, his mother had been Dutch, and he spoke Dutch perfectly. Blackthorne had agreed enthusiastically and accepted the fifteen percent of all profit as his fee and, as was custom, had solemnly, before God, sworn allegiance to the Company and vowed to take their fleet out, and to bring it home again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By God, I am going to bring Erasmus home, Blackthorne thought. And with as many of the men as He leaves alive.\n\nThey were crossing the square now and he took his eyes off the slaver and saw the three samurai guarding the trapdoor. They were eating deftly from bowls with the wooden sticks that Blackthorne had seen them use many times but could not manage himself.\n\n\"Omi-san!\" With signs he explained that he wanted to go to the trapdoor, just to shout down to his friends." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only for a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Omi shook his head and said something he did not understand and continued across the square, down the foreshore, past the cauldron, and on to the jetty. Blackthorne followed obediently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One thing at a time, he told himself. Be patient.\n\nOnce on the jetty, Omi turned and called back to the guards on the trapdoor. Blackthorne saw them open the trapdoor and peer down. One of them beckoned to villagers who fetched the ladder and a full freshwater barrel and carried it below. The empty one they brought back aloft." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'their' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And the latrine barrel.\n\nThere! If you're patient and play their game with their rules, you can help your crew, he thought with satisfaction.\n\nGroups of samurai were collected near the galley. A tall old man was standing apart. From the deference that the daimyo Yabu showed him, and the way the others jumped at his slightest remark, Blackthorne immediately realized his importance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Is he their king? he wondered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi knelt with humility." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old man half bowed, turned his eyes on him.\n\nMustering as much grace as he could, Blackthorne knelt and put his hands flat on the sand floor of the jetty, as Omi had done, and bowed as low as Omi.\n\n\"Konnichi wa, Sama,\" he said politely.\n\nHe saw the old man half bow again.\n\nNow there was a discussion between Yabu and the old man and Omi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu spoke to Mura." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mura pointed at the galley. \"Anjin-san. Please there.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"Go! Now. Go!\"\n\nBlackthorne felt his panic rising. \"Why?\"\n\n\"Isogi!\" Omi commanded, waving him toward the galley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, I'm not going to—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was an immediate order from Omi and four samurai fell on Blackthorne and pinioned his arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mura produced the rope and began to bind his hands behind him.\n\n\"You sons of bitches!\" Blackthorne shouted. \"I'm not going to go aboard that God-cursed slave ship!\"\n\n\"Madonna! Leave him alone! Hey, you piss-eating monkeys, let that bastard alone! Kinjiru, neh? Is he the pilot? The Anjin, ka?\"\n\nBlackthorne could scarcely believe his ears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The boisterous abuse in Portuguese had come from the deck of the galley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he saw the man start down the gangway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As tall as he and about his age, but black-haired and dark-eyed and carelessly dressed in seaman's clothes, rapier by his side, pistols in his belt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A jeweled crucifix hung from his neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wore a jaunty cap and a smile split his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you the pilot? The pilot of the Dutchman?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Blackthorne heard himself reply.\n\n\"Good. Good. I'm Vaseo Rodrigues, pilot of this galley!\" He turned to the old man and spoke a mixture of Japanese and Portuguese, and called him Monkey-sama and sometimes Toda-sama but the way it sounded it came out \"Toady-sama.\" Twice he pulled out his pistol and pointed it emphatically at Blackthorne and stuck it back in his belt, his Japanese heavily laced with sweet vulgarities in gutter Portuguese that only seafarers would understand.\n\nHiro-matsu spoke briefly and the samurai released Blackthorne and Mura untied him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's better. Listen, Pilot, this man's like a king. I told him I'd be responsible for you, that I'd blow your head off as soon as drink with you!\" Rodrigues bowed to Hiro-matsu, then beamed at Blackthorne. \"Bow to the Bastard-sama.\"\n\nDreamlike, Blackthorne did as he was told.\n\n\"You do that like a Japper,\" Rodrigues said with a grin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're really the pilot?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"What's the latitude of The Lizard?\"\n\n\"Forty-nine degrees fifty-six minutes North—and watch out for the reefs that bear sou' by sou'west.\"\n\n\"You're the pilot, by God!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'pilot' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rodrigues shook Blackthorne's hand warmly. \"Come aboard. There's food and brandy and wine and grog and all pilots should love all pilots, who're the sperm of the earth. Amen! Right?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Blackthorne said weakly.\n\n\"When I heard we were carrying a pilot back with us, good says I. It's years since I had the pleasure of talking to a real pilot. Come aboard. How did you sneak past Malacca? How did you avoid our Indian Ocean patrols, eh? Whose rutter did you steal?\"\n\n\"Where are you taking me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Osaka. The Great Lord High Executioner himself wants to see you.\"\n\nBlackthorne felt his panic returning. \"Who?\"\n\n\"Toranaga! Lord of the Eight Provinces, wherever the hell they are! The chief daimyo of Japan—a daimyo's like a king or feudal lord but better. They're all despots.\"\n\n\"What's he want with me?\"\n\n\"I don't know but that's why we're here, and if Toranaga wants to see you, Pilot, he'll see you. They say he's got a million of these slant-eyed fanatics who'll die for the honor of wiping his arse if that's his pleasure! 'Toranaga wants you to bring back the pilot, Vasco,' his interpreter said. 'Bring back the pilot and the ship's cargo. Take old Toda Hiro-matsu there to examine the ship and—' Oh yes, Pilot, it's all confiscated, so I hear, your ship, and everything in it!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Confiscated?\"\n\n\"It may be a rumor. Jappers sometimes confiscate things with one hand, give 'em back with the other—or pretend they've never given the order. It's hard to understand the poxy little bastards!\"\n\nBlackthorne felt the cold eyes of the Japanese boring into him and he tried to hide his fear. Rodrigues followed his glance. \"Yes, they're getting restless. Time enough to talk. Come aboard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned but Blackthorne stopped him.\n\n\"What about my friends, my crew?\"\n\n\"Eh?\"\n\nBlackthorne told him briefly about the pit. Rodrigues questioned Omi in pidgin Japanese." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He says they'll be all right. Listen, there's nothing you or me can do now. You'll have to wait—you can never tell with a Jappo. They're six-faced and three-hearted.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rodrigues bowed like a European courtier to Hiro-matsu. \"This is the way we do it in Japan. Like we're at the court of Fornicating Philip II, God take that Spaniard to an early grave.\" He led the way on deck. To Blackthorne's astonishment there were no chains and no slaves.\n\n\"What's the matter? You sick?\" Rodrigues asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. I thought this was a slaver.\"\n\n\"They don't have 'em in Japan. Not even in their mines. Lunatic, but there you are. You've never seen such lunatics and I've traveled the world three times. We've samurai rowers. They're soldiers, the old bugger's personal soldiers—and you've never seen slaves row better, or men fight better.\" Rodrigues laughed. \"They put their arses into the oars and I push 'em just to watch the buggers bleed. They never quit. We came all the way from Osaka—three-hundred-odd sea miles in forty hours. Come below. We'll cast off shortly. You sure you're all right?\"\n\n\"Yes. Yes, I think so.\" Blackthorne was looking at Erasmus." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was moored a hundred yards away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pilot, there's no chance of going aboard, is there? They haven't let me back aboard, I've no clothes and they sealed her up the moment we arrived. Please?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues scrutinized the ship." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When did you lose the foremast?\"\n\n\"Just before we made landfall here.\"\n\n\"There a spare still aboard?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Where's her home port?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Rotterdam.\"\n\n\"She was built there?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"I've been there. Bad shoals but a piss-cutter of a harbor. She's got good lines, your ship. New—haven't seen one of her class before. Madonna, she'd be fast, very fast. Very rough to deal with.\" Rodrigues looked at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can you get your gear quickly?\" He turned over the half-hour glass sand timer that was beside the hourglass, both attached to the binnacle.\n\n\"Yes.\" Blackthorne tried to keep his growing hope off his face.\n\n\"There'd be a condition, Pilot. No weapons, up your sleeve or anywhere. Your word as a pilot. I've told the monkeys I'd be responsible for you.\"\n\n\"I agree.\" Blackthorne watched the sand falling silently through the neck of the timer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll blow your head off, pilot or no, if there's the merest whiff of trickery, or cut your throat. If I agree.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'pilot' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I give you my word, pilot to pilot, by God. And the pox on the Spanish!\"\n\nRodrigues smiled and banged him warmly on the back. \"I'm beginning to like you, Ingeles.\"\n\n\"How'd you know I'm English?\" Blackthorne asked, knowing his Portuguese was perfect and that nothing he had said could have differentiated him from a Dutchman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm a soothsayer. Aren't all pilots?\" Rodrigues laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You talked to the priest? Father Sebastio told you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't talk to priests if I can help it. Once a week's more than enough for any man.\" Rodrigues spat deftly into the scuppers and went to the port gangway that overlooked the jetty. \"Toady-sama! Ikimasho ka?\"\n\n\"Ikimasho, Rodrigu-san. Ima!\"\n\n\"Ima it is.\" Rodrigues looked at Blackthorne thoughtfully. \"'Ima' means 'now,' 'at once.' We're to leave at once, Ingeles.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sand had already made a small, neat mound in the bottom of the glass." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"No, Ingeles. I won't ask him a poxy thing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will you ask him, please? If I can go aboard my ship?\"\n\n\"No, Ingeles. I won't ask him a poxy thing.\"\n\nBlackthorne suddenly felt empty. And very old. He watched Rodrigues go to the railing of the quarterdeck and bellow to a small, distinguished seaman who stood on the raised fore-poop deck at the bow. \"Hey, Captain-san. Ikimasho? Get samurai aboard-u, ima! Ima, wakarimasu ka?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'gangway' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hai, Anjin-san.\"\n\nImmediately Rodrigues rang the ship's bell loudly six times and the Captain-san began shouting orders to the seamen and samurai ashore and aboard. Seamen hurried up on deck from below to prepare for departure and, in the disciplined, controlled confusion, Rodrigues quietly took Blackthorne's arm and shoved him toward the starboard gangway, away from the shore.\n\n\"There's a dinghy below, Ingeles. Don't move fast, don't look around, and don't pay attention to anyone but me. If I tell you to come back, do it quickly.\"\n\nBlackthorne walked across the deck, down the gangway, toward the small Japanese skiff." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He heard angry voices behind him and he felt the hairs on his neck rising for there were many samurai all over the ship, some armed with bows and arrows, a few with muskets.\n\n\"You don't have to worry about him, Captain-san, I'm responsible. Me, Rodrigu-san, ichi ban Anjin-san, by the Virgin! Wakarimasu ka?\" was dominating the other voices, but they were getting angrier every moment.\n\nBlackthorne was almost in the dinghy now and he saw that there were no rowlocks. I can't scull like they do, he told himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I can't use the boat!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's too far to swim. Or is it?\n\nHe hesitated, checking the distance. If he had had his full strength he would not have waited a moment. But now?\n\nFeet clattered down the gangway behind him and he fought the impulse to turn.\n\n\"Sit in the stern,\" he heard Rodrigues say urgently. \"Hurry up!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did as he was told and Rodrigues jumped in nimbly, grabbed the oars and, still standing, shoved off with great skill." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A samurai was at the head of the gangway, very perturbed, and two other samurai were beside him, bows ready. The captain samurai called out, unmistakably beckoning them to come back.\n\nA few yards from the vessel Rodrigues turned. \"Just go there,\" he shouted up at him, pointing at Erasmus. \"Get samurai aboard!\" He set his back firmly to his ship and continued sculling, pushing against the oars in Japanese fashion, standing amidships." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell me if they put arrows in their bows, Ingeles! Watch 'em carefully! What're they doing now?\"\n\n\"The captain's very angry. You won't get into trouble, will you?\"\n\n\"If we don't sail at the turn, Old Toady might have cause for complaint. What're those bowmen doing?\"\n\n\"Nothing. They're listening to him. He seems undecided. No. Now one of them's drawing out an arrow.\"\n\nRodrigues prepared to stop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Madonna, they're too God-cursed accurate to risk anything. Is it in the bow yet?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"Yes—but wait a moment! The captain's—someone's come up to him, a seaman I think. Looks like he's asking him something about the ship. The captain's looking at us. He said something to the man with the arrow. Now the man's putting it away. The seaman's pointing at something on deck.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes—but wait a moment! The captain's—someone's come up to him, a seaman I think. Looks like he's asking him something about the ship. The captain's looking at us. He said something to the man with the arrow. Now the man's putting it away. The seaman's pointing at something on deck.\"\n\nRodrigues sneaked a quick look to make sure and breathed easier. \"That's one of the mates. It'll take him all of the half hour to get his oarsmen settled.\"\n\nBlackthorne waited, the distance increased. \"The captain's looking at us again. No, we're all right. He's gone away. But one of the samurai's watching us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let him.\" Rodrigues relaxed but he did not slacken the pace of his sculling or look back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't like my back to samurai, not when they've weapons in their hands. Not that I've ever seen one of the bastards unarmed. They're all bastards!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why?\"\n\n\"They love to kill, Ingeles. It's their custom even to sleep with their swords. This is a great country, but samurai're dangerous as vipers and a sight more mean.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"I don't know why, Ingeles, but they are,\" Rodrigues replied, glad to talk to one of his own kind. \"Of course, all Jappos are different from us—they don't feel pain or cold like us—but samurai are even worse. They fear nothing, least of all death. Why? Only God knows, but it's the truth. If their superiors say 'kill,' they kill, 'die' and they'll fall on their swords or slit their own bellies open. They kill and die as easily as we piss. Women're samurai too, Ingeles. They'll kill to protect their masters, that's what they call their husbands here, or they'll kill themselves if they're ordered to. They do it by slitting their throats. Here a samurai can order his wife to kill herself and that's what she's got to do, by law. Jesu Madonna, the women are something else though, a different species, Ingeles, nothing on earth like them, but the men... Samurai're reptiles and the safest thing to do is treat them like poisonous snakes. You all right now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, thank you. A bit weak but all right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How was your voyage?\"\n\n\"Rough. About them—the samurai—how do they get to be one? Do they just pick up the two swords and get that haircut?\"\n\n\"You've got to be born one. Of course, there are all ranks of samurai from daimyos at the top of the muckheap to what we'd call a foot soldier at the bottom. It's hereditary mostly, like with us. In the olden days, so I was told, it was the same as in Europe today—peasants could be soldiers and soldiers peasants, with hereditary knights and nobles up to kings. Some peasant soldiers rose to the highest rank. The Taikō was one.\"\n\n\"Who's he?\"\n\n\"The Great Despot, the ruler of all Japan, the Great Murderer of all times—I'll tell you about him one day. He died a year ago and now he's burning in hell.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues spat overboard. \"Nowadays you've got to be born samurai to be one. It's all hereditary, Ingeles. Madonna, you've no idea how much store they put on heritage, on family, rank, and the like—you saw how Omi bows to that devil Yabu and they both grovel to old Toady-sama. 'Samurai' comes from a Jappo word meaning 'to serve.' But while they'll all bow and scrape to the man above, they're all samurai equally, with a samurai's special privileges. What's happening aboard?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The captain's jabbering away at another samurai and pointing at us. What's special about them?\"\n\n\"Here samurai rule everything, own everything. They've their own code of honor and sets of rules. Arrogant? Madonna, you've no idea! The lowest of them can legally kill any non-samurai, any man, woman, or child, for any reason or for no reason. They can kill, legally, just to test the edge of their piss-cutting swords—I've seen 'em do it—and they have the best swords in the world. Better'n Damascus steel. What's that fornicator doing now?\"\n\n\"Just watching us. His bow's on his back now.\" Blackthorne shuddered. \"I hate those bastards more than Spaniards.\"\n\nAgain Rodrigues laughed as he sculled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If the truth's known, they curdle my piss too! But if you want to get rich quick you've got to work with them because they own everything. You sure you're all right?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"Yes. Whole country's split up into castes, like in India. Samurai at the top, peasants next important.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Thanks. You were saying? Samurai own everything?\"\n\n\"Yes. Whole country's split up into castes, like in India. Samurai at the top, peasants next important.\" Rodrigues spat overboard. \"Only peasants can own land. Understand? But samurai own all the produce. They own all the rice and that's the only important crop, and they give back part to the peasants. Only samurai're allowed to carry arms. For anyone except a samurai to attack a samurai is rebellion, punishable by instant death. And anyone who sees such an attack and doesn't report it at once is equally liable, and so are their wives, and even their kids. The whole family's put to death if one doesn't report it. By the Madonna, they're Satan's whelps, samurai! I've seen kids chopped into mincemeat.\" Rodrigues hawked and spat. \"Even so, if you know a thing or two this place is heaven on earth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced back at the galley to reassure himself, then he grinned. \"Well, Ingeles, nothing like a boat ride around the harbor, eh?\"\n\nBlackthorne laughed. The years dropped off him as he reveled in the familiar dip of the waves, the smell of the sea salt, gulls calling and playing overhead, the sense of freedom, the sense of arriving after so very long. \"I thought you weren't going to help me get to Erasmus!\"\n\n\"That's the trouble with all Ingeles. No patience. Listen, here you don't ask Japmen anything—samurai or others, they're all the same. If you do, they'll hesitate, then ask the man above for the decision. Here you have to act. Of course\"—his hearty laugh ran across the waves—\"sometimes you get killed if you act wrong.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include \"You don't think I'd let you go alone, do you? What's your name?\" somewhere in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You scull very well. I was wondering how to use the oars when you came.\"\n\n\"You don't think I'd let you go alone, do you? What's your name?\"\n\n\"Blackthorne. John Blackthorne.\"\n\n\"Have you ever been north, Ingeles? Into the far north?\"\n\n\"I was with Kees Veerman in Der Lifle. Eight years ago. It was his second voyage to find the Northeast Passage. Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd like to hear about that—and all the places you've been. Do you think they'll ever find the way? The northern way to Asia, east or west?\"\n\n\"Yes. You and the Spanish block both southern routes, so we'll have to. Yes, we will. Or the Dutch. Why?\"\n\n\"And you've piloted the Barbary Coast, eh?\"\n\n\"Yes. Why?\"\n\n\"And you know Tripoli?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Most pilots have been there. Why?\"\n\n\"I thought I'd seen you once. Yes, it was Tripoli. You were pointed out to me. The famous Ingeles pilot. Who went with the Dutch explorer, Kees Veerman, into the Ice Seas—and was once a captain with Drake, eh? At the Armada? How old were you then?\"\n\n\"Twenty-four. What were you doing in Tripoli?\"\n\n\"I was piloting an Ingeles privateer. My ship'd got taken in the Indies by this pirate, Morrow—Henry Morrow was his name. He burned my ship to the waterline after he'd sacked her and offered me the pilot's job—his man was useless, so he said—you know how it is. He wanted to go from there—we were watering off Hispaniola when he caught us—south along the Main, then back across the Atlantic to try to intercept the annual Spanish gold ship near the Canaries, then on through the Straits to Tripoli if we missed her to try for other prizes, then north again to England. He made the usual offer to free my comrades, give them food and boats in return if I joined them. I said, 'Sure, why not? Providing we don't take any Portuguese shipping and you put me ashore near Lisbon and don't steal my rutters.' We argued back and forth as usual—you know how it is. Then I swore by the Madonna and we both swore on the Cross and that was that. We had a good voyage and some fat Spanish merchantmen fell into our wake. When we were off Lisbon he asked me to stay aboard, gave me the usual message from Good Queen Bess, how she'd pay a princely bounty to any Portuguese pilot who'd join her and teach others the skill at Trinity House, and give five thousand guineas for the rutter of Magellan's Pass, or the Cape of Good Hope.\" His smile was broad, his teeth white and strong, and his dark mustache and beard well groomed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't have them. At least that's what I told him. Morrow kept his word, like all pirates should. He put me ashore with my rutters—of course he'd had them copied though he himself couldn't read or write, and he even gave me my share of the prize money. You ever sail with him, Ingeles?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. The Queen knighted him a few years ago. I've never served on one of his ships. I'm glad he was fair with you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were nearing Erasmus." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Samurai were peering down at them quizzically.\n\n\"That was the second time I'd piloted for heretics. The first time I wasn't so lucky.\"\n\n\"Oh?\"\n\nRodrigues shipped his oars and the boat swerved neatly to the side and he hung on to the boarding ropes. \"Go aloft but leave the talking to me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne began to climb while the other pilot tied the boat safely. Rodrigues was the first on deck. He bowed like a courtier. \"Konnichi wa to all sod-eating samas!\"\n\nThere were four samurai on deck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne recognized one of them as a guard of the trapdoor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nonplussed, they bowed stiffly to the Portuguese. Blackthorne aped him, feeling awkward, and would have preferred to bow correctly.\n\nRodrigues walked straight for the companionway. The seals were neatly in place. One of the samurai intercepted him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kinjiru, gomen nasai.\" It's forbidden, so sorry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kinjiru, eh?\" the Portuguese said, openly unimpressed. \"I'm Rodrigu-san, anjin for Toda Hiro-matsu-sama. This seal,\" he said, pointing to the red stamp with the odd writing on it, \"Toda Hiro-matsu-sama, ka?\"\n\n\"Iyé,\" the samurai said, shaking his head. \"Kasigi Yabu-sama!\"\n\n\"IYÉ?\" Rodrigues said. \"Kasigi Yabu-sama? I'm from Toda Hiro-matsu-sama, who's a bigger king than your bugger and Toady-sama's from Toranaga-sama, who's the biggest bugger-sama in this whole world. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He ripped the seal off the door, dropped a hand to one of his pistols." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The swords were half out of their scabbards and he said quietly to Blackthorne, \"Get ready to abandon ship,\" and to the samurai he said gruffly, \"Toranaga-sama!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pointed with his left hand at the flag which fluttered at his own masthead. \"Wakarimasu ka?\"\n\nThe samurai hesitated, their swords ready. Blackthorne prepared to dive over the side.\n\n\"Toranaga-sama!\" Rodrigues crashed his foot against the door, the latch snapped and the door burst open. \"WAKARIMASU KA?\"\n\n\"Wakarimasu, Anjin-san.\" The samurai quickly put their swords away and bowed and apologized and bowed again and Rodrigues said hoarsely, \"That's better,\" and led the way below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Christ Jesus, Rodrigues,\" Blackthorne said when they were on the lower deck. \"Do you do this all the time and get away with it?\"\n\n\"I do it very seldom,\" the Portuguese said, wiping the sweat from his brow, \"and even then I wish I'd never started it.\"\n\nBlackthorne leaned against the bulkhead. \"I feel as if someone's kicked me in the stomach.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's the only way. You've got to act like a king. Even so, you can never tell with a samurai. They're as dangerous as a pissed priest with a candle in his arse sitting on a half-full powder keg.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did you say to them?\"\n\n\"Toda Hiro-matsu is Toranaga's chief adviser—he's a bigger daimyo than this local one. That's why they gave in.\"\n\n\"What's he like, Toranaga?\"\n\n\"Long story, Ingeles.\" Rodrigues sat on the step, pulled his boot off, and rubbed his ankle. \"I nearly broke my foot on your lice-eaten door.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It wasn't locked. You could have just opened it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know. But that wouldn't have been as effective. By the Blessed Virgin, you've got a lot to learn!\"\n\n\"Will you teach me?\"\n\nRodrigues pulled his boot back on. \"That depends,\" he said.\n\n\"On what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll have to see, won't we? I've done all the talking so far, which is fair—I'm fit, you're not. Soon it'll be your turn. Which is your cabin?\"\n\nBlackthorne studied him for a moment. The smell below decks was stiff and weathered. \"Thanks for helping me come aboard.\"\n\nHe led the way aft." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'unlocked' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His door was unlocked. The cabin had been ransacked and everything removable had been taken. There were no books or clothes or instruments or quills. His sea chest too was unlocked. And empty.\n\nWhite with rage, he walked into the Great Cabin, Rodrigues watching intently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even the secret compartment had been found and looted.\n\n\"They've taken everything. The sons of plague-infested lice!\"\n\n\"What did you expect?\"\n\n\"I don't know. I thought—with the seals—\" Blackthorne went to the strong room. It was bare. So was the magazine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The holds contained only the bales of woolen cloth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"God curse all Jappers!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went back to his cabin and slammed his sea chest closed.\n\n\"Where are they?\" Rodrigues asked.\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Your rutters. Where are your rutters?\"\n\nBlackthorne looked at him sharply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No pilot'd worry about clothes. You came for the rutters. Didn't you?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Why're you so surprised, Ingeles? Why do you think I came aboard? To help you get more rags? They're threadbare as it is and you'll need others. I've plenty for you. But where are the rutters?\"\n\n\"They've gone. They were in my sea chest.\"\n\n\"I'm not going to steal them, Ingeles. I just want to read them. And copy them, if need be. I'll cherish them like my own, so you've no need to worry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His voice hardened. \"Please get them, Ingeles, we've little time left.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't. They've gone. They were in my sea chest.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You wouldn't have left them there—not coming into a foreign port. You wouldn't forget a pilot's first rule—to hide them carefully, and leave only false ones unprotected. Hurry up!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're stolen!\"\n\n\"I don't believe you. But I'll admit you've hidden them very well. I searched for two hours and didn't get a fornicating whiff.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Why are you so surprised, Ingeles? Is your head up your arse? Naturally I came here from Osaka to investigate your rutters!\"\n\n\"You've already been aboard?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Madonna!\" Rodrigues said impatiently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, of course, two or three hours ago with Hiro-matsu, who wanted to look around. He broke the seals and then, when we left, this local daimyo sealed her up again. Hurry up, by God,\" he added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The sand's running out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're stolen!\" Blackthorne told him how they had arrived and how he had awakened ashore. Then he kicked his sea chest across the room, infuriated at the men who had looted his ship. \"They're stolen! All my charts! All my rutters! I've copies of some in England, but my rutter of this voyage's gone and the—\" He stopped.\n\n\"And the Portuguese rutter? Come on, Ingeles, it had to be Portuguese.\"\n\n\"Yes, and the Portuguese one, it's gone too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Get hold of yourself, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They're gone and that's the end. Who has them? The Japanese? Or did they give them to the priest? Without the rutters and the charts you can't pilot your way home. You'll never get home... That's not true." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene (which might reference existing characters and worldbuilding), and you will continue the story with 1 sentence, channeling the voice and techniques of James Clavell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They made harbor but without Rodrigues." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was washed overboard when his lifeline snapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ship had been on the brink of safety when the great wave came out of the north and, though they had taken much water previously and had already lost the Japanese captain, now they were awash and driven backward towards the rock-infested shore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne saw Rodrigues go and he watched him, gasping and struggling in the churning sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The storm and the tide had taken them far to the south side of the bay and they were almost on the rocks, all aboard knowing that the ship was lost." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Rodrigues was swept alongside, Blackthorne threw him a wooden life ring." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Portuguese flailed for the life ring but the sea swept it out of his reach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An oar crashed into him and he grabbed for it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rain slashed down and the last Blackthorne saw of Rodrigues was an arm and the broken oar and, just ahead, the surf raging against the tormented shore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could have dived overboard and swum to him and survived, perhaps, there was time, perhaps, but his first duty was to his ship and his last duty was to his ship and his ship was in danger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So he turned his back on Rodrigues." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The wave had taken some rowers with it and others were struggling to fill the empty places." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A mate had bravely slipped his safety line." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He jumped onto the foredeck, secured himself, and restarted the beat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The chant leader also began again, the rowers tried to get order out of chaos." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isogiiiiii!\" Blackthorne shouted, remembering the word." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He bent his weight on the helm to help get the bow more into wind, then went to the rail and beat time, called out One-Two-One-Two, trying to encourage the crew." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come on, you bastards, puuull!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The galley was on the rocks, at least the rocks were just astern and to port and to starboard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The oars dipped and pulled, but still the ship made no way, the wind and the tide winning, dragging her backward perceptibly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on, pull, you bastards!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne shouted again, his hand beating time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rowers took strength from him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First they held their own with the sea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then they conquered her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ship moved away from the rocks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne held the course for the lee shore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon they were in calmer waters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was still gale but it was overhead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was still tempest but it was out to sea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let go the starboard anchor!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one understood the words but all seamen knew what was wanted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They rushed to do his bidding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The anchor splashed over the side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He let the ship fall off slightly to test the firmness of the seabed, the mate and rowers understanding his maneuver." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let go the port anchor!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When his ship was safe, he looked aft." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cruel shore line could hardly be seen through the rain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He gauged the sea and considered possibilities." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Portuguese's rutter is below, he thought, drained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I can con the ship to Osaka." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I could con it back to Anjiro." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But were you right to disobey him?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't disobey Rodrigues." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was on the quarterdeck. Alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Steer south,' Rodrigues had screamed when the wind and the tide carried them perilously near the rocks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Turn and run before the wind!'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'No!' he had shouted back, believing their only chance was to try for the harbor and that in the open sea they'd flounder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'We can make it!'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'God curse you, you'll kill us all!'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But I didn't kill anyone, Blackthorne thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rodrigues, you knew and I knew that it was my responsibility to decide—if there was a time of decision." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was right. The ship's safe. Nothing else matters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He beckoned to the mate, who hurried from the foredeck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both helmsmen had collapsed, their arms and legs almost torn from their sockets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rowers were like corpses, fallen helplessly over their oars." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Others weakly came from below to help." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro-matsu and Yabu, both badly shaken, were assisted onto the deck, but once on deck both daimyos stood erect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hai, Anjin-san?\" the mate asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was a middle-aged man with strong white teeth and a broad, weatherbeaten face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A livid bruise marked his cheek where the sea had battered him against the gunwale." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You did very well,\" Blackthorne said, not caring that his words would not be understood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knew his tone would be clear and his smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, very well. You're Captain-san now. Wakarimasu? You! Captain-san!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man stared at him open-mouthed, then he bowed to hide both his astonishment and his pleasure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wakarimasu, Anjin-san. Hai. Arigato gozaimashita.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Listen, Captain-san,\" Blackthorne said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get the men food and drink. Hot food. We'll stay here tonight.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With signs Blackthorne made him comprehend." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Immediately the new captain turned and shouted with new authority." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instantly seamen ran to obey him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Filled with pride, the new captain looked back at the quarterdeck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wish I could speak your barbarian language, he thought happily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I could thank you, Anjin-san, for saving the ship and with the ship the life of our Lord Hiro-matsu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Your magic gave us all new strength." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without your magic we would have floundered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You may be a pirate but you are a great seaman, and while you are pilot I will obey you with my life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm not worthy to be captain, but I will try to deserve your trust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you want me to do next?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne was looking over the side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The seabed was obscured." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took mental bearings and when he was sure that the anchors had not slipped and the sea was safe, he said, \"Launch the skiff. And get a good sculler.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again with signs and with words Blackthorne made himself understood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The skiff was launched and manned instantly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne went to the gunwale and would have scaled down the side but a harsh voice stopped him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked around. Hiro-matsu was there, Yabu beside him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old man was badly bruised about the neck and shoulders but he still carried the long sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu was bleeding from his nose, his face bruised, his kimono blotched, and he tried to staunch the flow with a small piece of material." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both men were impassive, seemingly unaware of their hurts or the chill of the wind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne bowed politely. \"Hai, Toda-sama?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again the harsh words and the old man pointed with his sword at the skiff and shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Rodrigu-san there!\" Blackthorne pointed to the south shore in answer. \"I go look!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Iyé!\" Hiro-matsu shook his head again, and spoke at length, clearly refusing him permission because of the danger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm Anjin-san of this whore-bitch ship and if I want to go ashore I'm going ashore.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne kept his voice very polite but strong and it was equally obvious what he meant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know that skiff won't live in that sea. Hai! But I'm going ashore there—by that point. You see that point, Toda Hiro-matsu-sama? By that small rock. I'm going to work my way around the headland, there. I'm in no hurry to die and I've nowhere to run. I want to get Rodrigu-san's body.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He cocked a leg over the side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The scabbarded sword moved a fraction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So he froze. But his gaze was level, his face set." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro-matsu was in a dilemma." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'safely' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could understand the pirate wanting to find Rodrigu-san's body but it was dangerous to go there, even by foot, and Lord Toranaga had said to bring the barbarian back safely, so he was going to be brought safely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was equally clear that the man intended to go." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had seen him during the storm, standing on the pitching deck like an evil sea kami, unafraid, in his element and part of the storm, and he had thought grimly at the time, better to get this man and all barbarians like him on the land where we can deal with them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At sea we're in their power." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could see the pirate was impatient." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How insulting they are, he told himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even so I should thank you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everyone says you alone are responsible for bringing the ship to harbor, that the Rodrigu anjin lost his nerve and waved us away from land, but you held our course." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes. If we'd gone out to sea we'd have sunk certainly and then I would have failed my Master." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, Buddha, protect me from that!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All his joints were aching and his piles inflamed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was exhausted by the effort it took to remain stoic in front of his men, Yabu, the crew, even this barbarian." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, Buddha, I'm so tired." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wish I could lie in a bath and soak and soak and have one day of rest from pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just one day. Stop your stupid womanish thoughts!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You've been in pain for almost sixty years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What is pain to a man? A privilege!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Masking pain is the measure of a man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thank Buddha you are still alive to protect your Master when you should have been dead a hundred times." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I do thank Buddha." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But I hate the sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I hate the cold." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And I hate pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stay where you are, Anjin-san,\" he said, pointing with his scabbard for clarity, bleakly amused by the ice-blue fire in the man's eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he was sure the man understood he glanced at the mate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where are we? Whose fief is this?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know, Sire. I think we're somewhere in Ise Province. We could send someone ashore to the nearest village.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can you pilot us to Osaka?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Providing we stay very close to shore, Sire, and go slowly, with great caution. I don't know these waters and I could never guarantee your safety. I don't have enough knowledge and there's no one aboard, Sire, who has. Except this pilot. If it was left to me I would advise you to go by land. We could get you horses or palanquins.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro-matsu shook his head irascibly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To go overland was out of the question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It would take far too long—the way was mountainous and there were few roads—and they would have to go through many territories controlled by allies of Ishido, the enemy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Added to this danger were also the multitudinous bandit groups that infested the passes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This would mean he would have to take all his men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Certainly he could fight his way through the bandits, but he could never force a passage if Ishido or his allies decided to inhibit him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All this would delay him further, and his orders were to deliver the cargo, the barbarian, and Yabu, quickly and safely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If we follow the coast, how long would it take us?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know, Sire. Four or five days, perhaps more. I would feel very unsure of myself—I'm not a captain, so sorry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Which means, Hiro-matsu thought, that I have to have the cooperation of this barbarian." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To prevent him going ashore I'll have to tie him up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And who knows if he'll be cooperative tied up?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How long will we have to stay here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The pilot said overnight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will the storm be gone by then?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It should, Sire, but one never knows.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro-matsu studied the mountain coast, then the pilot, hesitating." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I offer a suggestion, Hiro-matsu-san?\" Yabu said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, yes, of course,\" he said testily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As we seem to need the pirate's cooperation to get us to Osaka, why not let him go ashore but send men with him to protect him, and order them back before dark. As to going overland, I agree it would be too dangerous for you—I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you. Once the storm has blown itself out you'll be safer with the ship and you'll get to Osaka much quicker, neh? Surely by sunset tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reluctantly Hiro-matsu nodded. \"Very well.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He beckoned a samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Takatashi-san! You will take six men and go with the Pilot. Bring the Portuguese's body back if you can find it. But if even one of this barbarian's eyelashes is damaged, you and your men will commit seppuku instantly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And send two men to the nearest village and find out exactly where we are and in whose fief we are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"With your permission, Hiro-matsu-san, I will lead the party ashore,\" Yabu said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If we arrived in Osaka without the pirate, I'd be so ashamed that I'd feel obliged to kill myself anyway. I'd like the honor of carrying out your orders.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro-matsu nodded, inwardly surprised that Yabu would put himself in such jeopardy. He went below." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Blackthorne realized that Yabu was going ashore with him, his pulse quickened." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I haven't forgotten Pieterzoon or my crew or the pit—or the screams or Omi or any part of it. Look to your life, bastard." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\nfour sentences\nStyle:\nJames Clavell" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That night Toranaga could not sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was rare for him because normally he could defer the most pressing problem until the next day, knowing that if he was alive the next day he would solve it to the best of his ability. He had long since discovered that peaceful sleep could provide the answer to most puzzles, and if not, what did it really matter? Wasn't life just a dewdrop within a dewdrop?\n\nBut tonight, there were too many perplexing questions to ponder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What will I do about Ishido?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why has Onoshi defected to the enemy?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "How will I deal with the Council?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Have the Christian priests meddled again?\n\nWhere will the next assassination attempt come from?\n\nWhen should Yabu be dealt with?\n\nAnd what must I do about the barbarian?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was he telling the truth?\n\nCurious how the barbarian came out of the eastern seas just at this time. Is that an omen? Is it his karma to be the spark that will light the powder keg?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Karma was an Indian word adopted by Japanese, part of Buddhist philosophy that referred to a person's fate in this life, his fate immutably fixed because of deeds done in a previous life, good deeds giving a better position in this life's strata, bad deeds the reverse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just as the deeds of this life would completely affect the next rebirth. A person was ever being reborn into this world of tears until, after enduring and suffering and learning through many lifetimes, he became perfect at long last, going to nirvana, the Place of Perfect Peace, never having to suffer rebirth again.\n\nStrange that Buddha or some other god or perhaps just karma brought the Anjin-san to Yabu's fief. Strange that he landed at the exact village where Mura, the secret head of the Izu spy system, had been settled so many years ago under the very nose of the Taikō and Yabu's pox-diseased father." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Strange that Tsukku-san was here in Osaka to interpret and not in Nagasaki where he'd normally be. That also the chief priest of the Christians is here in Osaka, and also the Captain-General of the Portuguese. Strange that the pilot, Rodrigues, was also available to take Hiro-matsu to Anjiro in time to capture the barbarian alive and take possession of the guns. Then there's Kasigi Omi, son of the man who will give me Yabu's head if I but crook my little finger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How beautiful life is and how sad!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "How fleeting, with no past and no future, only a limitless now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga sighed. One thing is certain: the barbarian will never leave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Neither alive nor dead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He is part of the realm forever.\n\nHis ears heard almost imperceptible approaching footsteps and his sword was ready. Each night he changed his sleeping room, his guards, and the password haphazardly, against the assassins that were always waiting. The footsteps stopped outside the shoji." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he heard Hiro-matsu's voice and the beginning of the password: \"'If the Truth is already clear, what is the use of meditation?'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'And if the Truth is hidden?'\" Toranaga said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'It's already clear,'\" Hiro-matsu answered correctly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The quotation was from the ancient Tantric Buddhist teacher, Saraha." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come in.\"\n\nOnly when Toranaga saw that it was, in truth, his counselor, did his sword relax. \"Sit down.\"\n\n\"I heard you weren't sleeping. I thought you might need something.\"\n\n\"No. Thank you.\" Toranaga observed the deepened lines around the old man's eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm glad you're here, old friend,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're sure you're all right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, yes.\"\n\n\"Then I'll leave you. Sorry to disturb you, Lord.\"\n\n\"No, please, come in, I'm glad you're here. Sit down.\"\n\nThe old man sat down beside the door, his back straight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've doubled the guards.\"\n\n\"Good.\"\n\nAfter a while Hiro-matsu said, \"About that madman, everything was done as you ordered. Everything.\"\n\n\"Thank, you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"His wife—as soon as she heard the sentence, my granddaughter asked my permission to kill herself, to accompany her husband and her son into the Great Void. I refused and ordered her to wait, pending your approval.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro-matsu was bleeding inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How terrible life is!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You did correctly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I formally ask permission to end my life. What he did put you in mortal danger, but it was my fault. I should have detected his flaw. I failed you.\"\n\n\"You may not commit seppuku.\"\n\n\"Please. I formally ask permission.\"\n\n\"No. You're needed alive.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will obey you. But please accept my apologies.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your apologies are accepted.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a time, Toranaga said, \"What about the barbarian?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Many things, Sire. One: If you hadn't been waiting for the barbarian today you would have been hawking since first light, and Ishido would never have enmeshed you in such a disgusting meeting. You have no choice now but to declare war on him—if you can get out of this castle and back to Yedo.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Second?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And third and forty-third and a hundred and forty-third? I'm nowhere near as clever as you, Lord Toranaga, but even I could see that everything we've been led to believe by the Southern Barbarians is not true.\" Hiro-matsu was glad to talk. It helped ease the hurt. \"But if there are two Christian religions which hate each other, and if the Portuguese are part of the bigger Spanish nation and if this new barbarian's country—whatever it was called—wars on both and beats them, and if this same country's an island nation like ours, and the greatest 'if' of all, if he's telling the truth and if the priest's saying accurately what the barbarian was saying... Well, you can put all these 'ifs' together and make sense out of them, and a plan. I can't, so sorry. I only know what I saw at Anjiro, and aboard the ship. That the Anjin-san is very strong in his head—weak in his body presently, though that would be because of the long voyage—and dominating at sea. I don't understand anything about him. How could he be all of these things yet allow a man to piss on his back? Why did he save Yabu's life after what the man did to him, and also the life of his self-admitted enemy, the Portuguese Rodrigu? My head spins from so many questions as though I'm sodden with saké.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro-matsu paused. He was very weary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I think we should keep him on land and all like him, if others follow, and kill them all very quickly.\"\n\n\"What about Yabu?\"\n\n\"Order him to commit seppuku tonight.\"\n\n\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's got no manners. You foretold what he'd do when I arrived at Anjiro. He was going to steal your property. And he's a liar. Don't bother to see him tomorrow as you've arranged. Instead, let me take him your order now. You'll have to kill him sooner or later. Better now when he's accessible, with none of his own vassals surrounding him. I advise no delay.\"\n\nThere was a soft knock on the inner door. \"Tora-chan?\"\n\nToranaga smiled as he always did at that very special voice, with that special diminutive. \"Yes, Kiri-san?\"\n\n\"I've taken the liberty, Lord, of bringing cha for you and your guest. May I please come in?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both men returned her bow. Kiri closed the door and busied herself with the pouring. She was fifty-three and substantial, Matron of Toranaga's ladies-in-waiting, Kiritsubo-noh-Toshiko, nicknamed Kiri, the oldest of the ladies of his court. Her hair was gray-flecked, her waist thick, but her face sparkled with an eternal joy." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'kiri-chan' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You shouldn't be awake, no, not at this time of night, Tora-chan! It will be dawn soon and I suppose then you'll be out in the hills with your hawks, neh? You need sleep!\"\n\n\"Yes, Kiri-chan!\" Toranaga patted her vast rump affectionately.\n\n\"Please don't Kiri-chan me!\" Kiri laughed. \"I'm an old woman and I need lots of respect. Your other ladies give me enough trouble as it is. Kiritsubo Toshiko-san, if you please, my Lord Yoshi Toranaga-noh-Chikitada!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There, you see, Hiro-matsu. After twenty years she still tries to dominate me.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'ikawa' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, it's more than thirty years, Tora-sama,\" she said proudly. \"And you were as manageable then as you are now!\"\n\nWhen Toranaga was in his twenties he had been a hostage, too, then of the despotic Ikawa Tadazaki, Lord of Suruga and Totomi, father of the present Ikawa Jikkyu, who was Yabu's enemy. The samurai responsible for Toranaga's good conduct had just taken Kiritsubo as his second wife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was seventeen then." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Together this samurai and Kiri, his wife, had treated Toranaga honorably, given him wise counsel, and then, when Toranaga had rebelled against Tadazuki and joined Goroda, had followed him with many warriors and had fought bravely at his side. Later, in the fighting for the capital, Kiri's husband had been killed. Toranaga had asked her if she would become one of his consorts and she had accepted gladly. In those days she was not fat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she was equally protective and equally wise. That was her nineteenth year, his twenty-fourth, and she had been a focus of his household ever since. Kiri was very shrewd and very capable. For years now, she had run his household and kept it free of trouble." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As free of trouble as any household with women could ever be, Toranaga thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're getting fat,\" he said, not minding that she was fat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga! In front of Lord Toda! Oh, so sorry, I shall have to commit seppuku—or at least, I'll have to shave my head and become a nun, and I thought I was so young and slender!\" She burst out laughing. \"Actually I agree I have a fat rump but what can I do? I just like to eat and that's Buddha's problem and my karma, neh?\" She offered the cha." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There. Now I'll be off. Would you like me to send the Lady Sazuko?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, my thoughtful Kiri-san, no, thank you. We'll talk for a little, then I'll sleep.\"\n\n\"Good night, Tora-sama. Sweet dreamlessness.\" She bowed to him and to Hiro-matsu and then she was gone.\n\nThey sipped their tea appreciatively." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga said, \"I'm always sorry we never had a son, Kiri-san and I. Once she conceived but she miscarried. That was when we were at the battle of Nagakudé.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, that one.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nThis was just after the Dictator Goroda had been assassinated when General Nakamura—the Taikō-to-be—was trying to consolidate all power into his own hands. At that time the issue was in doubt, as Toranaga supported one of Goroda's sons, the legal heir." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nakamura came against Toranaga near the little village of Nagakudé and his force was mauled and routed and he lost that battle. Toranaga retreated cleverly, pursued by a new army, now commanded for Nakamura by Hiro-matsu. But Toranaga avoided the trap and escaped to his home provinces, his whole army intact, ready to battle again. Fifty thousand men died at Nagakudé, very few of them Toranaga's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his wisdom, the Taikō-to-be called off the civil war against Toranaga, though he would have won." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nagakudé was the only battle the Taikō had ever lost and Toranaga the only general who had ever beaten him.\n\n\"I'm glad we never joined battle, Sire,\" Hiro-matsu said.\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"You would have won.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. The Taikō was the greatest general and the wisest, cleverest man that has ever been.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro-matsu smiled. \"Yes. Except you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. You're wrong. That's why I became his vassal.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry he's dead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And Goroda—he was a fine man, neh? So many good men dead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro-matsu unconsciously turned and twisted the battered scabbard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'll have to move against Ishido. That will force every daimyo to choose sides, once and for all. We'll win the war eventually. Then you can disband the Council and become Shōgun.\"\n\n\"I don't seek that honor,\" Toranaga said sharply. \"How many times do I have to say it?\"\n\n\"Your pardon, Sire. I know. But I feel it would be best for Japan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's treason.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Against whom, Lord? Against the Taikō? He's dead. Against his last will and testament? That's a piece of paper. Against the boy Yaemon? Yaemon's the son of a peasant who usurped the power and heritage of a general whose heirs he stamped out. We were Goroda's allies, then the Taikō's vassals. Yes. But they're both very dead.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Include the following text] → \"No. But then I'm not one of the Regents, and I'm very glad. I'm your vassal only. I chose sides a year ago. I did this freely.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would you advise that if you were one of the Regents?\"\n\n\"No. But then I'm not one of the Regents, and I'm very glad. I'm your vassal only. I chose sides a year ago. I did this freely.\"\n\n\"Why?\" Toranaga had never asked him before.\n\n\"Because you're a man, because you're Minowara and because you'll do the wise thing. What you said to Ishido was right: we're not a people to be ruled by committee. We need a leader. Whom should I have chosen to serve of the five Regents? Lord Onoshi? Yes, he's a very wise man, and a good general. But he's Christian and a cripple and his flesh is so rotten with leprosy that he stinks from fifty paces. Lord Sugiyama? He's the richest daimyo in the land, his family's as ancient as yours. But he's a gutless turncoat and we both know him from eternity. Lord Kiyama? Wise, brave, a great general, and an old comrade. But he's Christian too, and I think we have enough gods of our own in this Land of the Gods not to be so arrogant as to worship only one. Ishido? I've detested that treacherous peasant's offal as long as I've known him and the only reason I never killed him was because he was the Taikō's dog.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His leathery face cracked into a smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So you see, Yoshi Toranaga-noh-Minowara, you gave me no choice.\"\n\n\"And if I go against your advice? If I manipulate the Council of Regents, even Ishido, and put Yaemon into power?\"\n\n\"Whatever you do is wise. But all the Regents would like you dead. That's the truth. I advocate immediate war. Immediate. Before they isolate you. Or more probably murder you.\"\n\nToranaga thought about his enemies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were powerful and abundant.\n\nIt would take him all of three weeks to get back to Yedo, traveling the Tokaidō Road, the main trunk road that followed the coast between Yedo and Osaka. To go by ship was more dangerous, and perhaps more time consuming, except by galley which could travel against wind and tide.\n\nToranaga's mind ranged again over the plan he had decided upon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could find no flaw in it.\n\n\"I heard secretly yesterday that Ishido's mother is visiting her grandson in Nagoya,\" he said and Hiro-matsu was at once attentive. Nagoya was a huge city-state that was, as yet, not committed to either side. \"The lady should be 'invited' by the Abbot to visit the Johji Temple. To see the cherry blossoms.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Immediately,\" Hiro-matsu said. \"By carrier pigeon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Johji Temple was famous for three things: its avenue of cherry trees, the militancy of its Zen Buddhist monks, and its open, undying fidelity to Toranaga, who had, years ago, paid for the building of the temple and maintained its upkeep ever since." }, { "from": "system", "value": "At some point in your response, insert this verbatim: \"No—just her. That would make the Abbot's 'invitation' too obvious. Next: send a secret cipher to my son, Sudara: 'I leave Osaka the moment the Council concludes this session—in four days.' Send it by runner and confirm it by carrier pigeon tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The blossoms will be past their prime but she will be there tomorrow. I don't doubt the venerable lady will want to stay a few days, it's so calming. Her grandson should go too, neh?\"\n\n\"No—just her. That would make the Abbot's 'invitation' too obvious. Next: send a secret cipher to my son, Sudara: 'I leave Osaka the moment the Council concludes this session—in four days.' Send it by runner and confirm it by carrier pigeon tomorrow.\"\n\nHiro-matsu's disapproval was apparent. \"Then can I order up ten thousand men at once? To Osaka?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. The men here are sufficient. Thank you, old friend. I think I'll sleep now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro-matsu got up and stretched his shoulders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then at the doorway, \"I may give Fujiko, my granddaughter, permission to kill herself?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\"\n\n\"But Fujiko's samurai, Lord, and you know how mothers are about their sons. The child was her first.\"\n\n\"Fujiko can have many children. How old is she? Eighteen—barely nineteen? I will find her another husband.\"\n\nHiro-matsu shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She will not accept one. I know her too well. It's her innermost wish to end her life. Please?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell your granddaughter I do not approve of useless death. Permission is refused.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At length Hiro-matsu bowed, and began to leave.\n\n\"How long would the barbarian live in that prison?\" Toranaga asked.\n\nHiro-matsu did not turn back. \"It depends how cruel a fighter he is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you. Good night, Hiro-matsu.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he was sure that he was alone, he said quietly, \"Kiri-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The inner door opened, she entered and knelt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Send an immediate message to Sudara: 'All is well.' Send it by racing pigeons. Release three of them at the same time at dawn. At noon do the same again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\" She went away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One will get through, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At least four will fall to arrows, spies, or hawks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But unless Ishido's broken our code, the message will still mean nothing to him.\n\nThe code was very private. Four people knew it. His eldest son, Noboru; his second son and heir, Sudara; Kiri; and himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The message deciphered meant: \"Disregard all other messages. Activate Plan Five.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "By prearrangement, Plan Five contained orders to gather all Yoshi clan leaders and their most trusted inner counselors immediately at his capital, Yedo, and to mobilize for war." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The code word that signaled war was \"Crimson Sky.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His own assassination, or capture, made Crimson Sky inexorable and launched the war—an immediate fanatic assault upon Kyoto led by Sudara, his heir, with all the legions, to gain possession of that city and the puppet Emperor. This would be coupled with secret, meticulously planned insurrections in fifty provinces which had been prepared over the years against such eventuality. All targets, passes, cities, castles, bridges, had long since been selected. There were enough arms and men and resolve to carry it through." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'because' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's a good plan, Toranaga thought. But it will fail if I don't lead it. Sudara will fail. Not through want of trying or courage or intelligence, or because of treachery. Merely because Sudara hasn't yet enough knowledge or experience and cannot carry enough of the uncommitted daimyos with him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'first' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And also because Osaka Castle and the heir, Yaemon, stand inviolate in the path, the rallying point for all the enmity and jealousy that I've earned in fifty-two years of war.\n\nToranaga's war had begun when he was six and had been ordered as hostage into the enemy camp, then reprieved, then captured by other enemies and pawned again, to be repawned until he was twelve. At twelve, he had led his first patrol and won his first battle.\n\nSo many battles. None lost." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But so many enemies. And now they're gathering together.\n\nSudara will fail. You're the only one who could win with Crimson Sky, perhaps. The Taikō could do it, absolutely. But it would be better not to have to implement Crimson Sky." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce ten sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps it would have been better to consult me before removing my prisoner from my jurisdiction, Lord Ishido,\" Toranaga was saying.\n\n\"The barbarian was in the common prison with common people. Naturally I presumed you'd no further interest in him, otherwise I wouldn't have had him taken out of there. Of course, I never meant to interfere with your private affairs.\" Ishido was outwardly calm and deferential but inside he was seething. He knew that he had been trapped into an indiscretion. It was true that he should have asked Toranaga first. Ordinary politeness demanded it. Even that would not have mattered at all if he still had the barbarian in his power, in his quarters; he would simply have handed over the foreigner at his leisure, if and when Toranaga had asked for him. But for some of his men to have been intercepted and ignominiously killed, and then for the daimyo Yabu and some of Toranaga's men to have taken physical possession of the barbarian from more of his men changed the position completely. He had lost face, whereas his whole strategy for Toranaga's public destruction was to put Toranaga into precisely that position. \"Again I apologize.\"\n\nToranaga glanced at Hiro-matsu, the apology music to their ears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both men knew how much inner bleeding it had cost Ishido." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'outside' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were in the great audience room. By prior agreement, the two antagonists had only five guards present, men of guaranteed reliability. The rest were waiting outside.\n\nYabu was also waiting outside. And the barbarian was being cleaned. Good, Toranaga thought, feeling very pleased with himself. He put his mind on Yabu briefly and decided not to see him today after all, but to continue to play him like a fish. So he asked Hiro-matsu to send him away and turned again to Ishido. \"Of course your apology is accepted. Fortunately no harm was done.\"\n\n\"Then I may take the barbarian to the Heir—as soon as he's presentable?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll send him as soon as I've finished with him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I ask when that will be? The Heir was expecting him this morning.\"\n\n\"We shouldn't be too concerned about that, you and I, neh? Yaemon's only seven. I'm sure a seven-year-old boy can possess himself with patience. Neh? Patience is a form of discipline and requires practice. Doesn't it? I'll explain the misunderstanding myself. I'm giving him another swimming lesson this morning.\"\n\n\"Oh?\"\n\n\"Yes. You should learn to swim too, Lord Ishido. It's excellent exercise and could come in very useful during war. All my samurai can swim. I insist that all learn that art.\"\n\n\"Mine spend their time practicing archery, swordsmanship, riding, and shooting.\"\n\n\"Mine add poetry, penmanship, flower arranging, the cha-no-yu ceremony. Samurai should be well versed in the arts of peace to be strong for the arts of war.\"\n\n\"Most of my men are already more than proficient in those arts,\" Ishido said, conscious that his own writing was poor and his learning limited. \"Samurai are birthed for war. I understand war very well. That is enough at the moment. That and obedience to our Master's will.\"\n\n\"Yaemon's swimming lesson is at the Hour of the Horse.\" The day and the night were each split into six equal parts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The day began with the Hour of the Hare, from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., then the Dragon, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The hours of the Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Cock, Dog, Boar, Rat and Ox followed, and the cycle ended with the Hour of the Tiger between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. \"Would you like to join the lesson?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, no. I'm too old to change my ways,\" Ishido said thinly.\n\n\"I hear the captain of your men was ordered to commit seppuku.\"\n\n\"Naturally. The bandits should have been caught. At least one of them should have been caught. Then we would have found the others.\"\n\n\"I'm astounded that such carrion could operate so close to the castle.\"\n\n\"I agree. Perhaps the barbarian could describe them.\"\n\n\"What would a barbarian know?\" Toranaga laughed. \"As to the bandits, they were ronin, weren't they? Ronin are plentiful among your men. Inquiries there might prove fruitful. Neh?\"\n\n\"Inquiries are being pressed. In many directions.\" Ishido passed over the veiled sneer about ronin, the masterless, almost outcast mercenary samurai who had, in their thousands, flocked to the Heir's banner when Ishido had whispered it abroad that he, on behalf of the Heir and the mother of the Heir, would accept their fidelity, would—incredibly—forgive and forget their indiscretions or past, and would, in the course of time, repay their loyalty with a Taikō's lavishness. Ishido knew that it had been a brilliant move." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It gave him an enormous pool of trained samurai to draw upon; it guaranteed loyalty, for ronin knew they would never get another such chance; it brought into his camp all the angry ones, many of whom had been made ronin by Toranaga's conquests and those of his allies. And lastly, it removed a danger to the realm—an increase in the bandit population—for almost the only supportable way of life open to a samurai unlucky enough to become ronin was to become a monk or bandit.\n\n\"There are many things I don't understand about this ambush,\" Ishido said, his voice tinged with venom. \"Yes. Why, for instance, should bandits try to capture this barbarian for ransom? There are plenty of others in the city, vastly more important. Isn't that what the bandit said? It was ransom he wanted. Ransom from whom? What's the barbarian's value? None. And how did they know where he would be? It was only yesterday that I gave the order to bring him to the Heir, thinking it would amuse the boy. Very curious.\"\n\n\"Very,\" Toranaga said.\n\n\"Then there's the coincidence of Lord Yabu being in the vicinity with some of your men and some of mine at that exact time. Very curious.\"\n\n\"Very. Of course he was there because I had sent for him, and your men were there because we agreed—at your suggestion—that it was good policy and a way to begin to heal the breach between us, that your men accompany mine wherever they go while I'm on this official visit.\"\n\n\"It is also strange that the bandits who were sufficiently brave and well organized to slay the first ten without a fight acted like Koreans when our men arrived. The two sides were equally matched. Why didn't the bandits fight, or take the barbarian into the hills immediately, and not stupidly stay on a main path to the castle? Very curious.\"\n\n\"Very. I'll certainly be taking double guards with me tomorrow when I go hawking. Just in case. It's disconcerting to know bandits are so close to the castle. Yes. Perhaps you'd like to hunt, too? Fly one of your hawks against mine? I'll be hunting the hills to the north.\"\n\n\"Thank you, no. I'll be busy tomorrow. Perhaps the day after? I've ordered twenty thousand men to sweep all the forests, woods, and glades around Osaka. There won't be a bandit within twenty ri in ten days. That I can promise you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga knew that Ishido was using the bandits as an excuse to increase the number of his troops in the vicinity." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory inclusion (with quotes): Of course. And the barbarian?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he says twenty, he means fifty. The neck of the trap is closing, he told himself. Why so soon? What new treachery has happened? Why is Ishido so confident? \"Good. Then the day after tomorrow, Lord Ishido. You'll keep your men away from my hunting area? I wouldn't want my game disturbed,\" he added thinly.\n\n\"Of course. And the barbarian?\"\n\n\"He is and always was my property. And his ship. But you can have him when I've finished with him. And afterwards you can send him to the execution ground if you wish.\"\n\n\"Thank you. Yes, I'll do that.\" Ishido closed his fan and slipped it into his sleeve. \"He's unimportant. What is important and the reason for my coming to see you is that—oh, by the way, I heard that the lady, my mother, is visiting the Johji monastery.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh? I would have thought the season's a little late for looking at cherry blossoms. Surely they'd be well past their prime now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree. But then if she wishes to see them, why not? You can never tell with the elderly, they have minds of their own and see things differently, neh? But her health isn't good. I worry about her. She has to be very careful—she takes a chill very easily.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's the same with my mother. You have to watch the health of the old.\" Toranaga made a mental note to send an immediate message to remind the abbot to watch over the old woman's health very carefully. If she were to die in the monastery the repercussions would be terrible. He would be shamed before the Empire. All daimyos would realize that in the chess game for power he had used a helpless old woman, the mother of his enemy, as a pawn, and failed in his responsibility to her. Taking a hostage was, in truth, a dangerous ploy.\n\nIshido had become almost blind with rage when he had heard that his revered mother was in the Toranaga stronghold at Nagoya. Heads had fallen. He had immediately brought forward plans for Toranaga's destruction, and had taken a solemn resolve to invest Nagoya and obliterate the daimyo, Kazamaki—in whose charge she had ostensibly been—the moment hostilities began. Last, a private message had been sent to the abbot through intermediaries, that unless she was brought safely out of the monastery within twenty-four hours, Naga, the only son of Toranaga within reach and any of his women that could be caught, would, unhappily, wake up in the leper village, having been fed by them, watered by them, and serviced by one of their whores. Ishido knew that while his mother was in Toranaga's power he had to tread lightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he had made it clear that if she was not let go, he would set the Empire to the torch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How is the lady, your mother, Lord Toranaga?\" he asked politely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's very well, thank you.\" Toranaga allowed his happiness to show, both at the thought of his mother and at the knowledge of Ishido's impotent fury. \"She's remarkably fit for seventy-four. I only hope I'm as strong as she is when I'm her age.\"\n\nYou're fifty-eight, Toranaga, but you'll never reach fifty-nine, Ishido promised himself. \"Please give her my best wishes for a continued happy life. Thank you again and I'm sorry that you were inconvenienced.\" He bowed with great politeness, and then, holding in his soaring pleasure with difficulty, he added, \"Oh, yes, the important matter I wanted to see you about was that the last formal meeting of the Regents has been postponed. We do not meet tonight at sunset.\"\n\nToranaga kept the smile on his face but inside he was rocked. \"Oh? Why?\"\n\n\"Lord Kiyama's sick. Lord Sugiyama and Lord Onoshi have agreed to the delay. So did I. A few days are unimportant, aren't they, on such important matters?\"\n\n\"We can have the meeting without Lord Kiyama.\"\n\n\"We have agreed that we should not.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido's eyes were taunting.\n\n\"Formally?\"\n\n\"Here are our four seals.\"\n\nToranaga was seething. Any delay jeopardized him immeasurably. Could he barter Ishido's mother for an immediate meeting? No, because it would take too much time for the orders to go back and forth and he would have conceded a very great advantage for nothing. \"When will the meeting be?\"\n\n\"I understand Lord Kiyama should be well tomorrow, or perhaps the next day.\"\n\n\"Good. I'll send my personal physician to see him.\"\n\n\"I'm sure he'd appreciate that. But his own has forbidden any visitors. The disease might be contagious, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What disease?\"\n\n\"I don't know, my Lord. That's what I was told.\"\n\n\"Is the doctor a barbarian?\"\n\n\"Yes. I understand the chief doctor of the Christians. A Christian doctor-priest for a Christian daimyo. Ours are not good enough for so—so important a daimyo,\" Ishido said with a sneer.\n\nToranaga's concern increased. If the doctor were Japanese, there were many things he could do. But with a Christian doctor—inevitably a Jesuit priest—well, to go against one of them, or even to interfere with one of them, might alienate all Christian daimyos, which he could not afford to risk. He knew his friendship with Tsukku-san would not help him against the Christian daimyos Onoshi or Kiyama. It was in Christian interests to present a united front. Soon he would have to approach them, the barbarian priests, to make an arrangement, to find out the price of their cooperation. If Ishido truly has Onoshi and Kiyama with him—and all the Christian daimyos would follow these two if they acted jointly—then I'm isolated, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then my only way left is Crimson Sky.\n\n\"I'll visit Lord Kiyama the day after tomorrow,\" he said, naming a deadline.\n\n\"But the contagion? I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to you while you're here in Osaka, my Lord. You are our guest, in my care. I must insist you do not.\"\n\n\"You may rest comfortably, my Lord Ishido, the contagion that will topple me has not yet been born, neh? You forget the soothsayer's prediction.\" When the Chinese embassy had come to the Taikō six years ago to try to settle the Japanese-Korean-Chinese war, a famous astrologer had been among them. This Chinese had forecast many things that had since come true. At one of the Taikō's incredibly lavish ceremonial dinners, the Taikō had asked the soothsayer to predict the deaths of certain of his counselors. The astrologer had said that Toranaga would die by the sword when he was middle-aged. Ishido, the famous conqueror of Korea—or Chosen as Chinese called that land—would die undiseased, an old man, his feet firm in the earth, the most famous man of his day. But the Taikō himself would die in his bed, respected, revered, of old age, leaving a healthy son to follow him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This had so pleased the Taikō, who was still childless, that he had decided to let the embassy return to China and not kill them as he had planned for their previous insolences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'suffers' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead of negotiating for peace as he had expected, the Chinese Emperor, through this embassy, had merely offered to \"invest him as King of the Country of Wa,\" as the Chinese called Japan. So he had sent them home alive and not in the very small boxes that had already been prepared for them, and renewed the war against Korea and China.\n\n\"No, Lord Toranaga, I haven't forgotten,\" Ishido said, remembering very well. \"But contagion can be uncomfortable. Why be uncomfortable? You could catch the pox like your son Noboru, so sorry—or become a leper like Lord Onoshi. He's still young, but he suffers. Oh, yes, he suffers.\"\n\nMomentarily Toranaga was thrown off balance. He knew the ravages of both diseases too well. Noboru, his eldest living son, had caught the Chinese pox when he was seventeen—ten years ago—and all the cures of the doctors, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Christian, had not managed to allay the disease which had already defaced him but would not kill him. If I become all powerful, Toranaga promised himself, perhaps I can stamp out that disease. Does it really come from women? How do women get it?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "How can it be cured?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Poor Noboru, Toranaga thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Except for the pox you'd be my heir, because you're a brilliant soldier, a better administrator than Sudara, and very cunning. You must have done many bad things in a previous life to have had to carry so many burdens in this one.\n\n\"By the Lord Buddha, I'd not wish either of those on anyone,\" he said.\n\n\"I agree,\" Ishido said, believing Toranaga would wish them both on him if he could. He bowed again and left.\n\nToranaga broke the silence. \"Well?\"\n\nHiro-matsu said, \"If you stay or leave now, it's the same—disaster, because now you've been betrayed and you are isolated, Sire. If you stay for the meeting—you won't get a meeting for a week—Ishido will have mobilized his legions around Osaka and you'll never escape, whatever happens to the Lady Ochiba in Yedo, and clearly Ishido's decided to risk her to get you. It's obvious you're betrayed and the four Regents will make a decision against you. A four against one vote in Council impeaches you. If you leave, they'll still issue whatever orders Ishido wishes. You're bound to uphold a four-to-one decision. You swore to do it. You cannot go against your solemn word as a Regent.\"\n\n\"I agree.\"\n\nThe silence held.\n\nHiro-matsu waited, with growing anxiety." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are you going to do?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"First I'm going to have my swim,\" Toranaga said with surprising joviality. \"Then I'll see the barbarian.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene (which might reference existing characters and worldbuilding), and you will continue the story with 1 sentence, channeling the voice and techniques of James Clavell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the darkest part of the night the assassin came over the wall into the garden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was almost invisible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wore close-fitting black clothes and his tabi were black, and a black cowl and mask covered his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was a small man and he ran noiselessly for the front of the stone inner fortress and stopped just short of the soaring walls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fifty yards away two Browns guarded the main door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Deftly he threw a cloth-covered hook with a very thin silk rope attached to it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hook caught on the stone ledge of the embrasure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shinned up the rope, squeezed through the slit, and disappeared inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The corridor was quiet and candle-lit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hurried down it silently, opened an outside door, and went out onto the battlements." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another deft throw and a short climb and he was into the corridor above." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sentries that were on the corners of the battlements did not hear him though they were alert." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pressed into an alcove of stone as other Browns walked by quietly, on patrol." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they had passed, he slipped along the length of this passageway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the corner he stopped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Silently he peered around it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A samurai was guarding the far door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Candles danced in the quiet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guard was sitting cross-legged and he yawned and leaned back against the wall and stretched." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes closed momentarily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instantly, the assassin darted forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soundlessly. He formed a noose with the silk rope in his hands, dropped it over the guard's neck and jerked tight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guard's fingers tried to claw the garrote away but he was already dying." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A short stab with the knife between the vertebrae as deft as a surgeon's and the guard was motionless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man eased the door open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The audience room was empty, the inner doors unguarded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pulled the corpse inside and closed the door again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unhesitatingly he crossed the space and chose the inner left door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was wood and heavily reinforced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The curved knife slid into his right hand. He knocked softly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'In the days of the Emperor Shirakawa... '\" he said, giving the first part of the password." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the other side of the door there was a sibilance of steel leaving a scabbard and the reply, \"'... there lived a wise man called Enraku-ji... '\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'... who wrote the thirty-first sutra.' I have urgent dispatches for Lord Toranaga.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The door swung open and the assassin lunged forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The knife went upward into the first samurai's throat just below the chin and came out as fast and buried itself identically into the second of the guards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A slight twist and out again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both men were dead on their feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He caught one and let him slump gently; the other fell, but noiselessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blood ran out of them onto the floor and their bodies twitched in the throes of death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man hurried down this inner corridor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was poorly lit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then a shoji opened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He froze, slowly looked around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri was gaping at him, ten paces away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A tray was in her hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw that the two cups on the tray were unused, the food untouched." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A thread of steam came from the teapot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beside it, a candle spluttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the tray was falling and her hands went into her obi and emerged with a dagger, her mouth worked but made no sound, and he was already racing for the corner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the far end a door opened and a startled, sleep-drenched samurai peered out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The assassin rushed toward him and tore open a shoji on his right that he sought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiri was screaming and the alarm had sounded, and he ran, sure-footed in the darkness, across this anteroom, over the waking women and their maids, into the innermost corridor at the far side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Here it was pitch dark but he groped along unerringly to find the right door in the gathering furor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He slid the door open and jumped for the figure that lay on the futon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But his knife arm was caught by a viselike grip and now he was thrashing in combat on the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He fought with cunning, broke free, and slashed again but missed, entangled with the quilt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hurled it off and threw himself at the figure, knife poised for the death thrust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the man twisted with unexpected agility and a hardened foot dug into his groin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pain exploded in him as his victim darted for safety." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then samurai were crowding the doorway, some with lanterns, and Naga, wearing only a loincloth, his hair tousled, leapt between him and Blackthorne, sword on high." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Surrender!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The assassin feinted once, shouted, \"Namu Amida Butsu—\" In the Name of the Buddha Amida—turned the knife on himself and with both hands thrust it up under the base of his chin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blood spurted and he slumped to his knees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Naga slashed once, his sword a whirling arc, and the head rolled free." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the silence Naga picked the head up and ripped off the mask." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The face was ordinary, the eyes still fluttering." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He held the head, hair dressed like a samurai, by its topknot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Does anyone know him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one answered. Naga spat in the face, threw the head angrily to one of his men, tore open the black clothes and lifted the man's right arm, and found what he was looking for." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The small tattoo—the Chinese character for Amida, the special Buddha—was etched in the armpit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who is officer of the watch?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am, Lord.\" The man was white with shock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Naga leaped at him and the others scattered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The officer made no attempt to avoid the ferocious sword blow which took off his head and part of his shoulder and one arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hayabusa-san, order all samurai from this watch into the courtyard,\" Naga said to an officer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Double guards for the new watch. Get the body out of here. The rest of you are—\" He stopped as Kiri came to the doorway, the dagger still in her hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked at the corpse, then at Blackthorne." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Anjin-san's not hurt?\" she asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Naga glanced at the man who towered over him, breathing with difficulty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could see no wounds or blood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just a sleep-tousled man who had almost been killed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "White-faced but no outward fear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you hurt, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't understand.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Naga went over and pulled the sleeping kimono away to see if the pilot had been wounded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, understand now. No. No hurt,\" he heard the giant say and he saw him shake his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good,\" he said. \"He seems unhurt, Kiritsubo-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw the Anjin-san point at the body and say something." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't understand you,\" Naga replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anjin-san, you stay here,\" and to one of the men he said, \"Bring him some food and drink if he wants it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The assassin, he was Amida-tattooed, neh?\" Kiri asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Lady Kiritsubo.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Devils—devils.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Naga bowed to her then looked at one of the appalled samurai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You follow me. Bring the head!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He strode off, wondering how he was going to tell his father. Oh, Buddha, thank you for guarding my father." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around six sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and story elements may appear without introduction - roll with them naturally. Try to mimic the style of James Clavell." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll be a God-cursed Spaniard if this isn't the life!\"\n\nBlackthorne lay seraphically on his stomach on thick futons, wrapped partially in a cotton kimono, his head propped on his arms. The girl was running her hands over his back, probing his muscles occasionally, soothing his skin and his spirit, making him almost want to purr with pleasure. Another girl was pouring saké into a tiny porcelain cup. A third waited in reserve, holding a lacquer tray with a heaping bamboo basket of deep-fried fish in Portuguese style, another flask of saké, and some chopsticks.\n\n\"Nan desu ka, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What is it, Honorable Pilot—what did you say?\n\n\"I can't say that in Nihon-go, Rako-san.\" He smiled at the girl who offered the saké. Instead he pointed at the cup. \"What's this called? Namae ka?\"\n\n\"Sabazuki.\" She said it three times and he repeated it and then the other girl, Asa, offered the fish and he shook his head. \"Iyé, domo.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did not know how to say \"I'm full now\" so he tried instead \"not hungry now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah! Ima hara hette wa oranu,\" Asa explained, correcting him. He said the phrase several times and they all laughed at his pronunciation, but eventually he made it sound right.\n\nI'll never learn this language, he thought. There's nothing to relate the sounds to in English, or even Latin or Portuguese.\n\n\"Anjin-san?\" Asa offered the tray again.\n\nHe shook his head and put his hand on his stomach gravely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he accepted the saké and drank it down. Sono, the girl who was massaging his back, had stopped, so he took her hand and put it on his neck and pretended to groan with pleasure. She understood at once and continued to massage him.\n\nEach time he finished the little cup it was immediately refilled. Better go easy, he thought, this is the third flask and I can feel the warmth into my toes.\n\nThe three girls, Asa, Sono, and Rako, had arrived with the dawn, bringing cha, which Friar Domingo had told him the Chinese sometimes called t'ee, and which was the national drink of China and Japan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His sleep had been fitful after the encounter with the assassin but the hot piquant drink had begun to restore him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had brought small rolled hot towels, slightly scented." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he did not know what they were used for, Rako, the chief of the girls, showed him how to use them on his face and hands.\n\nThen they had escorted him with his four samurai guards to the steaming baths at the far side of this section of the castle and handed him over to the bath attendants. The four guards sweated stoically while he was bathed, his beard trimmed, his hair shampooed and massaged.\n\nAfterwards, he felt miraculously renewed. They gave him another fresh, knee-length cotton kimono and more fresh tabi and the girls were waiting for him again. They led him to another room where Kiri and Mariko were." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko said that Lord Toranaga had decided to send the Anjin-san to one of his provinces in the next few days to recuperate and that Lord Toranaga was very pleased with him and there was no need for him to worry about anything for he was in Lord Toranaga's personal care now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Would Anjin-san please also begin to prepare the maps with material that she would provide. There would be other meetings with the Master soon, and the Master had promised that she would be made available soon to answer any questions the Anjin-san might have. Lord Toranaga was very anxious that Blackthorne should learn about the Japanese as he himself was anxious to learn about the outside world, and about navigation and ways of the sea. Then Blackthorne had been led to the doctor. Unlike samurai, doctors wore their hair close-cropped without a queue.\n\nBlackthorne hated doctors and feared them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But this doctor was different." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This doctor was gentle and unbelievably clean. European doctors were barbers mostly and uncouth, and as louse-ridden and filthy as everyone else. This doctor touched carefully and peered politely and held Blackthorne's wrist to feel his pulse, looked into his eyes and mouth and ears, and softly tapped his back and his knees and the soles of his feet, his touch and manner soothing. All a European doctor wanted was to look at your tongue and say \"Where is the pain?\" and bleed you to release the foulnesses from your blood and give you a violent emetic to clean away the foulnesses from your entrails.\n\nBlackthorne hated being bled and purged and every time was worse than before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But this doctor had no scalpels or bleeding bowl nor the foul chemic smell that normally surrounded them, so his heart had begun to slow and he relaxed a little." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doctor's fingers touched the scars on his thigh interrogatively. Blackthorne made the sound of a gun because a musket ball had passed through his flesh there many years ago. The doctor said \"Ah so desu\" and nodded. More probes, deep but not painful, over his loins and stomach. At length, the doctor spoke to Rako, and she nodded and bowed and thanked him.\n\n\"Ichi ban?\" Blackthorne had asked, wanting to know if he was all right." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hai, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Honto ka?\"\n\n\"Honto.\"\n\nWhat a useful word, honto—'Is it the truth?' 'Yes, the truth,' Blackthorne thought. \"Domo, Doctor-san.\"\n\n\"Do itashimashité,\" the doctor said, bowing. You're welcome—think nothing of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne bowed back. The girls had led him away and it was not until he was lying on the futons, his cotton kimono loosed, the girl Sono gentling his back, that he remembered he had been naked at the doctor's, in front of the girls and the samurai, and that he had not noticed or felt shame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nan desu ka, Anjin-san?\" Rako asked. What is it, Honorable Pilot? Why do you laugh? Her white teeth sparkled and her eyebrows were plucked and painted in a crescent. She wore her dark hair piled high and a pink flowered kimono with a gray-green obi.\n\n\"Because I'm happy, Rako-san. But how to tell you? How do I tell you I laughed because I'm happy and the weight's off my head for the first time since I left home. Because my back feels marvelous—all of me feels marvelous. Because I've Toranaga-sama's ear and I've put three fat broadsides into the God-cursed Jesuits and another six into the poxy Portuguese!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he jumped up, tied his kimono tight, and began dancing a careless hornpipe, singing a sea shanty to keep time.\n\nRako and the others were agog. The shoji had slid open instantly and now the samurai guards were equally popeyed. Blackthorne danced and sang mightily until he could contain himself no longer, then he burst out laughing and collapsed. The girls clapped and Rako tried to imitate him, failing miserably, her trailing kimono inhibiting her. The others got up and persuaded him to show them how to do it, and he tried, the three girls standing in a line watching his feet, holding up their kimonos." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But they could not, and soon they were all chattering and giggling and fanning themselves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abruptly the guards were solemn and bowing low. Toranaga stood in the doorway flanked by Mariko and Kiri and his ever present samurai guards. The girls all knelt, put their hands flat on the floor and bowed, but the laughter did not leave their faces, nor was there any fear in them. Blackthorne bowed politely also, not as low as the women.\n\n\"Konnichi wa, Toranaga-sama,\" Blackthorne said.\n\n\"Konnichi wa, Anjin-san,\" Toranaga replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he asked a question." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: Your response must contain: \"My Master says, what were you doing, senhor?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My Master says, what were you doing, senhor?\" Mariko said.\n\n\"It was just a dance, Mariko-san,\" Blackthorne said, feeling foolish. \"It's called a hornpipe. It's a sailors' dance and we sing shanties—songs—at the same time. I was just happy—perhaps it was the saké. I'm sorry, I hope I didn't disturb Toranaga-sama.\"\n\nShe translated.\n\n\"My Master says he would like to see the dance and hear the song.\"\n\n\"Now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course now.\"\n\nAt once Toranaga sat cross-legged and his small court spread themselves around the room and they looked at Blackthorne expectantly.\n\nThere, you fool, Blackthorne told himself. That's what comes of letting your guard down. Now you've got to perform and you know your voice is off and your dancing clumsy.\n\nEven so, he tied his kimono tight and launched himself with gusto, pivoting, kicking, twirling, bouncing, his voice roaring lustily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More silence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My Master says that he's never seen anything like that in his whole life.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Arigato gozaimashita!\" Blackthorne said, sweating partially from his effort and partially from his embarrassment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Toranaga put his swords aside, tucked his kimono high into his belt, and stood beside him. \"Lord Toranaga will dance your dance,\" Mariko said.\n\n\"Eh?\"\n\n\"Please teach him, he says.\"\n\nSo Blackthorne began. He demonstrated the basic step, then repeated it again and again. Toranaga mastered it quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne was not a little impressed with the agility of the large-bellied, amply buttocked older man." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'clapped' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Blackthorne began to sing and to dance and Toranaga joined in, tentatively at first, to the cheers of the onlookers. Then Toranaga threw off his kimono and folded his arms and began to dance with equal verve alongside Blackthorne, who threw off his kimono and sang louder and picked up the tempo, almost overcome by the grotesqueness of what they were doing, but swept along now by the humor of it. Finally Blackthorne did a sort of hop, skip, and jump and stopped. He clapped and bowed to Toranaga and they all clapped for their master, who was very happy.\n\nToranaga sat down in the center of the room, breathing easily. Immediately Rako sped forward to fan him and the others ran for his kimono." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Toranaga pushed his own kimono toward Blackthorne and took the simple kimono instead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko said, \"My Master says that he would be pleased for you to accept this as a gift.\" She added, \"Here it would be considered a great honor to be given even a very old kimono by one's liege lord.\"\n\n\"Arigato gozaimashita, Toranaga-sama.\" Blackthorne bowed low, then said to Mariko, \"Yes, I understand the honor he does to me, Mariko-san. Please thank Lord Toranaga with the correct formal words that I unfortunately do not yet know, and tell him I will treasure it and, even more, the honor that he did me in dancing my dance with me.\"\n\nToranaga was even more pleased.\n\nWith reverence, Kiri and the servant girls helped Blackthorne into their master's kimono and showed Blackthorne how to tie the sash. The kimono was brown silk with the five scarlet crests, the sash white silk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga says he enjoyed the dance. One day he will perhaps show you some of ours. He would like you to learn to speak Japanese as quickly as possible.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd like that too.\" But even more, Blackthorne thought, I'd like to be in my own clothes, eating my own food in my own cabin in my own ship with my cannon primed, pistols in my belt, and the quarterdeck tilted under a press of sails. \"Would you ask Lord Toranaga when I can have my ship back?\"\n\n\"Senhor?\"\n\n\"My ship, senhora. Please ask him when I can get my ship back. My crew, too. All her cargo's been removed—there were twenty thousand pieces of eight in the strongbox. I'm sure he'll understand that we're merchants, and though we appreciate his hospitality, we'd like to trade—with the goods we brought with us—and move on homeward. It'll take us almost eighteen months to get home.\"\n\n\"My Master says you have no need to be concerned. Everything will be done as soon as possible. You must first become strong and healthy. You're leaving at dusk.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Senhora?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'toranaga' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga said you were to leave at dusk, senhor. Did I say it wrongly?\"\n\n\"No, no, not at all, Mariko-san. But an hour or so ago you told me I'd be leaving in a few days.\"\n\n\"Yes, but now he says you will leave tonight.\" She translated all this to Toranaga, who replied again.\n\n\"My Master says it's better and more convenient for you to go tonight. There is no need to worry, Anjin-san, you are in his personal care. He is sending the Lady Kiritsubo to Yedo to prepare for his return. You will go with her.\"\n\n\"Please thank him for me. Is it possible—may I ask if it would be possible to release Friar Domingo? The man has a great deal of knowledge.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She translated this." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My Master says, so sorry, the man is dead. He sent for him immediately you asked yesterday but he was already dead.\"\n\nBlackthorne was dismayed. \"How did he die?\"\n\n\"My Master says he died when his name was called out.\"\n\n\"Oh! Poor man.\"\n\n\"My Master says, death and life are the same thing. The priest's soul will wait until the fortieth day and then it will be reborn again. Why be sad? This is the immutable law of nature.\" She began to say something but changed her mind, adding only, \"Buddhists believe that we have many births or rebirths, Anjin-san. Until at length we become perfect and reach nirvana—heaven.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne put off his sadness for the moment and concentrated on Toranaga and the present." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I please ask him if my crew—\" He stopped as Toranaga glanced away. A young samurai came hurriedly into the room, bowed to Toranaga, and waited.\n\nToranaga said, \"Nan ja?\"\n\nBlackthorne understood none of what was said except he thought he caught Father Alvito's nickname \"Tsukku.\" He saw Toranaga's eyes flick across to him and noted the glimmer of a smile, and he wondered if Toranaga had sent for the priest because of what he had told him. I hope so, he thought, and I hope Alvito's in the muck up to his nostrils." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Is he or isn't he?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne decided not to ask Toranaga though he was tempted greatly.\n\n\"Kare ni matsu yoni,\" Toranaga said curtly.\n\n\"Gyoi.\" The samurai bowed and hurried away. Toranaga turned back to Blackthorne. \"Nan ja, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"You were saying, Captain?\" Mariko said. \"About your crew?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Can Toranaga-sama take them under his protection too? See that they're well cared for? Will they be sent to Yedo too?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She asked him. Toranaga stuck his swords in the belt of the short kimono. \"My Master says of course their arrangements have already been made. You need have no concern over them. Or over your ship.\"\n\n\"My ship is all right? She's taken care of?\"\n\n\"Yes. He says the ship is already at Yedo.\"\n\nToranaga got up. Everyone began to bow but Blackthorne broke in unexpectedly. \"One last thing—\" He stopped and cursed himself, realizing that he was being discourteous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga had clearly terminated the interview and they had all begun to bow but had been stopped by Blackthorne's words and now they were all nonplussed, not knowing whether to complete their bows or to wait, or to start again." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'would' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nan ja, Anjin-san?\" Toranaga's voice was brittle and unfriendly, for he too had been momentarily thrown off balance.\n\n\"Gomen nasai, I'm sorry, Toranaga-sama. I didn't wish to be impolite. I just wanted to ask if the Lady Mariko would be allowed to talk with me for a few moments before I go? It would help me.\"\n\nShe asked him.\n\nToranaga merely grunted an imperious affirmative and walked out, followed by Kiri and his personal guards.\n\nTouchy bastards, all of you, Blackthorne said to himself. Jesus God, you've got to be so careful here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wiped his forehead with his sleeve, and saw the immediate distress on Mariko's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rako hurriedly proffered a small kerchief that they always seemed to have ready from a seemingly inexhaustible supply, tucked secretly somewhere into the back of their obis." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he realized that he was wearing \"the Master's\" kimono and that you don't, obviously, wipe your sweaty forehead with \"the Master's\" sleeve, by God, so you've committed another blasphemy!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'll never learn, never—Jesus God in Heaven—never!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anjin-san?\" Rako was offering some saké.\n\nHe thanked her and drank it down. Immediately she refilled it. He noticed a sheen of perspiration on all their foreheads.\n\n\"Gomen nasai,\" he said to all of them, apologizing, and he took the cup and offered it to Mariko with good humor. \"I don't know if it's a polite custom or not, but would you like some saké? Is that allowed? Or do I have to bang my head on the floor?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She laughed. \"Oh yes, it is quite polite and no, please don't hurt your head. There's no need to apologize to me, Captain. Men don't apologize to ladies. Whatever they do is correct. At least, that is what we ladies believe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She explained what she had said to the girls and they nodded as gravely but their eyes were dancing. \"You had no way of knowing, Anjin-san,\" Mariko continued, then took a tiny sip of the saké and gave him back the cup. \"Thank you, but no, I won't have any more saké, thank you. Saké goes straight to my head and to my knees. But you learn quickly—it must be very hard for you. Don't worry, Anjin-san, Lord Toranaga told me that he found your aptitude exceptional. He would never have given you his kimono if he wasn't most pleased.\"\n\n\"Did he send for Tsukku-san?\"\n\n\"Father Alvito?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You should have asked him, Captain. He did not tell me. In that he would be quite wise, for women don't have wisdom or knowledge in political things.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'dance' 4 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, so desu ka? I wish all our women were equally—wise.\"\n\nMariko fanned herself, kneeling comfortably, her legs curled under her. \"Your dance was very excellent, Anjin-san. Do your ladies dance the same way?\"\n\n\"No. Just the men. That was a man's dance, a sailor's dance.\"\n\n\"Since you wish to ask me questions, may I ask you some first?\"\n\n\"Certainly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is the lady, your wife, like?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's twenty-nine. Tall compared with you. By our measurements, I'm six feet two inches, she's about five feet eight inches, you're about five feet, so she'd be a head taller than you and equally bigger—equally proportioned. Her hair's the color of... \" He pointed at the unstained polished cedar beams and all their eyes went there, then came back to him again. \"About that color. Fair with a touch of red. Her eyes are blue, much bluer than mine, blue-green. She wears her hair long and flowing most of the time.\"\n\nMariko interpreted this for the others and they all sucked in their breaths, looked at the cedar beams, back to him once more, the samurai guards also listening intently. A question from Rako.\n\n\"Rako-san asks if she is the same as us in her body?\"\n\n\"Yes. But her hips would be larger and more curved, her waist more pronounced and—well, generally our women are more rounded and have much heavier breasts.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are all your women—and men—so much taller than us?\"\n\n\"Generally yes. But some of our people are as small as you. I think your smallness delightful. Very pleasing.\"\n\nAsa asked something and all their interests quickened.\n\n\"Asa asks, in matters of the pillow, how would you compare your women with ours?\"\n\n\"Sorry, I don't understand.\"\n\n\"Oh, please excuse me. The pillow—in intimate matters. Pillowing's our way of referring to the physical joining of man and woman. It's more polite than fornication, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne squelched his embarrassment and said, \"I've, er, I've only had one, er, pillow experience here—that was, er, in the village—and I don't remember it too clearly because, er, I was so exhausted by our voyage that I was half dreaming and half awake. But it, er, seemed to me to be very satisfactory.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko frowned. \"You've pillowed only once since you arrived?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"You must be feeling very constricted, neh? One of these ladies would be delighted to pillow with you, Anjin-san. Or all of them, if you wish.\"\n\n\"Eh?\"\n\n\"Certainly. If you don't want one of them, there's no need to worry, they'd certainly not be offended. Just tell me the sort of lady you'd like and we'll make all the arrangements.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" Blackthorne said. \"But not now.\"\n\n\"Are you sure? Please excuse me, but Kiritsubo-san has given specific instructions that your health is to be protected and improved. How can you be healthy without pillowing? It's very important for a man, neh? Oh, very yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, but I'm—perhaps later.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'd have plenty of time. I would be glad to come back later. There will be plenty of time to talk, if you wish. You'd have at least four sticks of time,\" she said helpfully. \"You don't have to leave until sunset.\"\n\n\"Thanks. But not now,\" Blackthorne said, flattened by the bluntness and lack of delicacy of the suggestion.\n\n\"They'd really like to accommodate you, Anjin-san. Oh! Perhaps—perhaps you would prefer a boy?\"\n\n\"Eh?\"\n\n\"A boy. It's just as simple if that's what you wish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her smile was guileless, her voice matter-of-fact." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the matter?\"\n\n\"Are you seriously offering me a boy?\"\n\n\"Why, yes, Anjin-san. What's the matter? I only said we'd send a boy here if you wished it.\"\n\n\"I don't wish it!\" Blackthorne felt the blood in his face. \"Do I look like a God-cursed sodomite?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His words slashed around the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They all stared at him transfixed. Mariko bowed abjectly, kept her head to the floor. \"Please forgive me, I've made a terrible error. Oh, I've offended where I was only trying to please. I've never talked to a—to a foreigner other than one of the Holy Fathers before, so I've no way of knowing your—your intimate customs. I was never taught about them, Anjin-san—the Fathers did not discuss them. Here some men want boys sometimes—priests have boys from time to time, ours and some of yours—I foolishly presumed that your customs were the same as ours.\"\n\n\"I'm not a priest and it's not our general custom.\"\n\nThe samurai leader, Kazu Oan, was watching angrily. He was charged with the barbarian's safety and with the barbarian's health and he had seen, with his own eyes, the incredible favor that Lord Toranaga had shown to the Anjin-san, and now the Anjin-san was furious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's the matter with him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked challengingly, for obviously the stupid woman had said something to offend his very important prisoner.\n\nMariko explained what had been said and what the Anjin-san had replied. \"I really don't understand what he's irritated about, Oan-san,\" she told him.\n\nOan scratched his head in disbelief. \"He's like a mad ox just because you offered him a boy?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'oan-san' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, but were you polite? Did you use a wrong word, perhaps?\"\n\n\"Oh, no, Oan-san, I'm quite sure. I feel terrible. I'm obviously responsible.\"\n\n\"It must be something else. What?\"\n\n\"No, Oan-san. It was just that.\"\n\n\"I'll never understand these barbarians,\" Oan said exasperatedly. \"For all our sakes, please calm him down, Mariko-san. It must be because he hasn't pillowed for such a long time. You,\" he ordered Sono, \"you get more saké, hot saké, and hot towels! You, Rako, rub the devil's neck.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The maids fled to obey. A sudden thought: \"I wonder if it's because he's impotent. His story about pillowing in the village was vague enough, neh? Perhaps the poor fellow's enraged because he can't pillow at all and you brought the subject up?\"\n\n\"So sorry, I don't think so. The doctor said he's very well endowed.\"\n\n\"If he was impotent—that would explain it, neh? It'd be enough to make me shout too. Yes! Ask him.\"\n\nMariko immediately did as she was ordered, and Oan was horrified as the blood rushed into the barbarian's face again and a spate of foul-sounding barbarian filled the room.\n\n\"He—he said 'no.'\" Mariko's voice was barely a whisper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All that just meant 'no'?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They—they use many descriptive curse words when they get excited.\"\n\nOan was beginning to sweat with anxiety for he was responsible. \"Calm him down!\"\n\nOne of the other samurai, an older soldier, said helpfully, \"Oan-san, perhaps he's one of those that likes dogs, neh? We heard some strange stories in Korea about the Garlic Eaters. Yes, they like dogs and... I remember now, yes, dogs and ducks. Perhaps these golden heads are like the Garlic Eaters, they stink like them, hey? Maybe he wants a duck.\"\n\nOan said, \"Mariko-san, ask him! No, perhaps you'd better not. Just calm—\" He stopped short. Hiro-matsu was approaching from the far corner. \"Salute,\" he said crisply, trying to keep his voice from quaking because old Iron Fist, in the best of circumstances a disciplinarian, had been like a tiger with boils on his arse for the last week and today he had been even worse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ten men had been demoted for untidiness, the entire night watch paraded in ignominy throughout the castle, two samurai ordered to commit seppuku because they were late for their watch, and four night-soil collectors thrown off the battlements for spilling part of a container in the castle garden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is he behaving himself, Mariko-san?\" Oan heard Iron Fist ask irritably. He was certain the stupid woman who had caused all this trouble was going to blurt out the truth, which would have surely lifted their heads, rightfully, off their shoulders.\n\nTo his relief he heard her say, \"Yes, Lord. Everything is fine, thank you.\"\n\n\"You're ordered to leave with Kiritsubo-san.\"\n\n\"Yes, Lord.\" As Hiro-matsu continued with his patrol, Mariko brooded over why she was being sent away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was it merely to interpret for Kiri with the barbarian on the voyage? Surely that's not so important? Were Toranaga's other ladies going? The Lady Sazuko? Isn't it dangerous for Sazuko to go by sea now? Am I to go alone with Kiri, or is my husband going also? If he stays—and it would be his duty to stay with his lord—who will look after his house?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why do we have to go by ship?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'surely' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surely the Tokaidō Road is still safe? Surely Ishido won't harm us? Yes, he would—think of our value as hostages, the Lady Sazuko, Kiritsubo, and the others. Is that why we're to be sent by sea?\n\nMariko had always hated the sea. Even the sight of it almost made her sick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But if I am to go, I am to go, and there's the end of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Karma. She turned her mind off the inevitable to the immediate problem of the baffling foreign barbarian who was causing her nothing but grief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Iron Fist had vanished around the corner, Oan raised his head and all of them sighed. Asa came scurrying down the corridor with the saké, Sono close behind with the hot towels.\n\nThey watched while the barbarian was ministered to. They saw the taut mask of his face, and the way he accepted the saké without pleasure and the hot towels with cold thanks.\n\n\"Oan-san, why not let one of the women send for the duck?\" the old samurai whispered agreeably." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We just put it down. If he wants it everything's fine, if not he'll pretend he hasn't seen it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko shook her head. \"Perhaps we shouldn't take this risk. It seems, Oan-san, his type of barbarian has some aversion to talking about pillowing, neh? He is the first of his kind to come here, so we'll have to feel our way.\"\n\n\"I agree,\" Oan said. \"He was quite gentle until that was mentioned.\" He glowered at Asa.\n\n\"I'm sorry, Oan-san. You're quite right, it was entirely my fault,\" Asa said at once, bowing, her head almost to the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. I shall report the matter to Kiritsubo-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh!\"\n\n\"I really think the Mistress should also be told to take care about discussing pillowing with this man,\" Mariko said diplomatically. \"You're very wise, Oan-san. Yes. But perhaps in a way Asa was a fortunate instrument to save the Lady Kiritsubo and even Lord Toranaga from an awful embarrassment! Just think what would have happened if Kiritsubo-san herself had asked that question in front of Lord Toranaga yesterday! If the barbarian had acted like that in front of him... \"\n\nOan winced. \"Blood would have flowed! You're quite right, Mariko-san, Asa should be thanked. I will explain to Kiritsubo-san that she was fortunate.\"\n\nMariko offered Blackthorne more saké.\n\n\"No, thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Again I apologize for my stupidity. You wanted to ask me some questions?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne had watched them talking among themselves, annoyed at not being able to understand, furious that he couldn't curse them roundly for their insults or bang the guards' heads together. \"Yes. You said that sodomy is normal here?\"\n\n\"Oh, forgive me, may we please discuss other things?\"\n\n\"Certainly, senhora. But first, so I can understand you, let's finish this subject. Sodomy's normal here, you said?\"\n\n\"Everything to do with pillowing is normal,\" she said defiantly, prodded by his lack of manners and obvious imbecility, remembering that Toranaga had told her to be informative about nonpolitical things but to recount to him later all questions asked. Also, she was not to take any nonsense from him, for the Anjin was still a barbarian, a probable pirate, and under a formal death sentence which was presently held in abeyance at Toranaga's pleasure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pillowing is quite normal. And as to a man going with another man or boy, what has this got to do with anyone but them? What harm does it do them, or others—or me or you? None!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What am I, she thought, an illiterate outcast without brains? A stupid tradesman to be intimidated by a mere barbarian? No. I'm samurai! Yes, you are, Mariko, but you're also very foolish! You're a woman and you must treat him like any man if he is to be controlled: Flatter him and agree with him and honey him. You forget your weapons. Why does he make you act like a twelve-year-old child?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Deliberately she softened her tone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But if you think—\"\n\n\"Sodomy's a foul sin, an evil, God-cursed abomination, and those bastards who practice it are the dregs of the world!\" Blackthorne overrode her, still smarting under the insult that she had believed he could be one of those. Christ's blood, how could she? Get hold of yourself, he told himself. You're sounding like a pox-ridden fanatic puritan or a Calvinist!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And why are you so fanatic against them?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Isn't it because they're ever present at sea, that most sailors have tried it that way, for how else can they stay sane with so many months at sea? Isn't it because you've been tempted and you've hated yourself for being tempted? Isn't it because when you were young you had to fight to protect yourself and once you were held down and almost raped, but you broke away and killed one of the bastards, the knife snapped in his throat, you twelve, and this the first death on your long list of deaths? \"It's a God-cursed sin—and absolutely against the laws of God and man!\"\n\n\"Surely those are Christian words which apply to other things?\" she retorted acidly, in spite of herself, nettled by his complete uncouthness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sin? Where is the sin in that?\"\n\n\"You should know. You're Catholic, aren't you? You were brought up by Jesuits, weren't you?\"\n\n\"A Holy Father educated me to speak Latin and Portuguese and to write Latin and Portuguese. I don't understand the meaning you attach to Catholic but I am a Christian, and have been a Christian for almost ten years now, and no, they did not talk to us about pillowing. I've never read your pillow books—only religious books. Pillowing a sin? How could it be? How can anything that gives a human pleasure be sinful?\"\n\n\"Ask Father Alvito!\"\n\nI wish I could, she thought in turmoil. But I am ordered not to discuss anything that is said with anyone but Kiri and my Lord Toranaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I've asked God and the Madonna to help me but they haven't spoken to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I only know that ever since you came here, there has been nothing but trouble. I've had nothing but trouble... \"If it's a sin as you say, why is it so many of our priests do it and always have? Some Buddhist sects even recommend it as a form of worship. Isn't the moment of the Clouds and the Rain as near to heaven as mortals can get? Priests are not evil men, not all of them. And some of the Holy Fathers have been known to enjoy pillowing this way also. Are they evil? Of course not! Why should they be deprived of an ordinary pleasure if they're forbidden women? It's nonsense to say that anything to do with pillowing is a sin and God-cursed!\"\n\n\"Sodomy's an abomination, against all law! Ask your confessor!\"\n\nYou're the one who's the abomination—you, Captain-Pilot, Mariko wanted to shout. How dare you be so rude and how can you be so moronic! Against God, you said?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "What absurdity! Against your evil god, perhaps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You claim to be a Christian but you're obviously not, you're obviously a liar and a cheat. Perhaps you do know extraordinary things and have been to strange places, but you're no Christian and you blaspheme. Are you sent by Satan? Sin? How grotesque!\n\nYou rant over normal things and act like a madman. You upset the Holy Fathers, upset Lord Toranaga, cause strife between us, unsettle our beliefs, and torment us with insinuations about what is true and what isn't—knowing that we can't prove the truth immediately." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I want to tell you that I despise you and all barbarians." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, barbarians have beset me all my life. Didn't they hate my father because he distrusted them and openly begged the Dictator Goroda to throw them all out of our land? Didn't barbarians pour poison into the Dictator's mind so he began to hate my father, his most loyal general, the man who had helped him even more than General Nakamura or Lord Toranaga? Didn't barbarians cause the Dictator to insult my father, sending my poor father insane, forcing him to do the unthinkable and thus cause all my agonies?\n\nYes, they did all that and more. But also they brought the peerless Word of God, and in the dark hours of my need when I was brought back from hideous exile to even more hideous life, the Father-Visitor showed me the Path, opened my eyes and my soul and baptized me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And the Path gave me strength to endure, filled my heart with limitless peace, released me from perpetual torment, and blessed me with the promise of Eternal Salvation.\n\nWhatever happens I am in the Hand of God. Oh, Madonna, give me thy peace and help this poor sinner to overcome thine enemy.\n\n\"I apologize for my rudeness,\" she said. \"You're right to be angry. I'm just a foolish woman. Please be patient and forgive my stupidity, Anjin-san.\"\n\nAt once Blackthorne's anger began to fade." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How can any man be angry for long with a woman if she openly admits she was wrong and he right?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I apologize too, Mariko-san,\" he said, a little mollified, \"but with us, to suggest a man is a bugger, a sodomite, is the worst kind of insult.\"\n\nThen you're all childish and foolish as well as vile, uncouth, and without manners, but what can one expect from a barbarian, she told herself, and said, outwardly penitent, \"Of course you're right. I meant no harm, Anjin-sama, please accept my apologies. Oh yes,\" she sighed, her voice so delicately honeyed that even her husband in one of his most foul moods would have been soothed, \"oh yes, it was my fault entirely. So sorry.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene (which might reference existing characters and worldbuilding), and you will continue the story with 1 sentence, channeling the voice and techniques of James Clavell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just after dusk Kiri waddled nervously down the steps, two maids in attendance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She headed for her curtained litter that stood beside the garden hut." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A voluminous cloak covered her traveling kimono and made her appear even more bulky, and a vast, wide-brimmed hat was tied under her jowls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Lady Sazuko was waiting patiently for her on the veranda, heavily pregnant, Mariko nearby." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne was leaning against the wall near the fortified gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wore a belted kimono of the Browns and tabi socks and military thongs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the forecourt, outside the gate, the escort of sixty heavily armed samurai was drawn up in neat lines, every third man carrying a flare." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the head of these soldiers Yabu talked with Buntaro—Mariko's husband—a short, thickset, almost neckless man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both were attired in chain mail with bows and quivers over their shoulders, and Buntaro wore a horned steel war helmet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Porters and kaga-men squatted patiently in well-disciplined silence near the multitudinous baggage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The promise of summer floated on the slight breeze, but no one noticed it except Blackthorne, and even he was conscious of the tension that surrounded them all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And too, he was intensely aware that he alone was unarmed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiri plodded over to the veranda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You shouldn't be waiting in the cold, Sazuko-san. You'll catch a chill! You must remember the child now. These spring nights are still filled with damp.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not cold, Kiri-san. It's a lovely night and it's my pleasure.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is everything all right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, yes. Everything's perfect.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wish I weren't going. Yes. I hate going.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's no need to worry,\" Mariko said reassuringly, joining them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wore a similar wide-brimmed hat, but hers was bright where Kiri's was somber." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'll enjoy getting back to Yedo. Our Master will be following in a few days.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who knows what tomorrow will bring, Mariko-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tomorrow is in the hands of God.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tomorrow will be a lovely day, and if it isn't, it isn't!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sazuko said. \"Who cares about tomorrow? Now is good. You're beautiful and we'll all miss you, Kiri-san, and you, Mariko-san!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She glanced at the gateway, distracted, as Buntaro shouted angrily at one of the samurai, who had dropped a flare." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu, senior to Buntaro, was nominally in charge of the party." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had seen Kiri arrive and strutted back through the gate. Buntaro followed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, Lord Yabu—Lord Buntaro,\" Kiri said with a flustered bow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting. Lord Toranaga was going to come down, but in the end, decided not to. You are to leave now, he said. Please accept my apologies.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"None are necessary.\" Yabu wanted to be quit of the castle as soon as possible, and quit of Osaka, and back in Izu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He still could hardly believe that he was leaving with his head, with the barbarian, with the guns, with everything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had sent urgent messages by carrier pigeon to his wife in Yedo to make sure that all was prepared at Mishima, his capital, and to Omi at the village of Anjiro. \"Are you ready?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tears glittered in Kiri's eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just let me catch my breath and then I'll get into the litter. Oh, I wish I didn't have to go!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked around, seeking Blackthorne, finally catching sight of him in the shadows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who is responsible for the Anjin-san? Until we get to the ship?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro said testily, \"I've ordered him to walk beside my wife's litter. If she can't keep him in control, I will.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps, Lord Yabu, you'd escort the Lady Sazuko—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Guards!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The warning shout came from the forecourt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro and Yabu hurried through the fortified door as all the men swirled after them and others poured from the innerworks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ishido was approaching down the avenue between the castle walls at the head of two hundred Grays." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stopped in the forecourt outside the gate and, though no man seemed hostile on either side and no man had his hand on his sword or an arrow in his bow, all were ready." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido bowed elaborately. \"A fine evening, Lord Yabu.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, yes indeed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido nodded perfunctorily to Buntaro, who was equally offhand, returning the minimum politeness allowable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both had been favorite generals of the Taikō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro had led one of the regiments in Korea when Ishido had been in overall command." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Each had accused the other of treachery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only the personal intervention and a direct order of the Taikō had prevented bloodshed and a vendetta." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ishido studied the Browns." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then his eyes found Blackthorne." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw the man half bow and nodded in return." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Through the gateway he could see the three women and the other litter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes came to rest on Yabu again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'd think you were all going into battle, Yabu-san, instead of just being a ceremonial escort for the Lady Kiritsubo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hiro-matsu-san issued orders, because of the Amida assassin... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu stopped as Buntaro stomped pugnaciously forward and planted his huge legs in the center of the gateway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're always ready for battle. With or without armor. We can take on ten men for each one of ours, and fifty of the Garlic Eaters. We never turn our backs and run like snot-nosed cowards, leaving our comrades to be overwhelmed!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido's smile was filled with contempt, his voice a goad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh? Perhaps you'll get an opportunity soon—to stand against real men, not Garlic Eaters!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How soon? Why not tonight? Why not here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu moved carefully between them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He also had been in Korea and he knew that there was truth on both sides and that neither was to be trusted, Buntaro less than Ishido." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not tonight because we're among friends, Buntaro-san,\" he said placatingly, wanting desperately to avoid a clash that would lock them forever within the castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're among friends, Buntaro-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What friends? I know friends—and I know enemies!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro whirled back to Ishido." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where's this man—this real man you talked of, Ishido-san? Eh? Or men? Let him—let them all crawl out of their holes and stand in front of me—Toda Buntaro, Lord of Sakura—if any one of them's got the juice!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone readied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ishido stared back malevolently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu said, \"This is not the time, Buntaro-san. Friends or ene—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Friends? Where? In this manure pile?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro spat into the dust." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the Grays' hands flashed for his sword hilt, ten Browns followed, fifty Grays were a split second behind, and now all were waiting for Ishido's sword to come out to signal the attack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Hiro-matsu walked out of the garden shadows, through the gateway into the forecourt, his killing sword loose in his hands and half out of its scabbard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You can find friends in manure, sometimes, my son,\" he said calmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hands eased off sword hilts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Samurai on the opposing battlements—Grays and Browns—slackened the tension of their arrow-armed bowstrings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We have friends all over the castle. All over Osaka. Yes. Our Lord Toranaga keeps telling us so.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stood like a rock in front of his only living son, seeing the blood lust in his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The moment Ishido had been seen approaching, Hiro-matsu had taken up his battle station at the inner doorway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, when the first danger had passed, he had moved with catlike quiet into the shadows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stared down into Buntaro's eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Isn't that so, my son?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With an enormous effort, Buntaro nodded and stepped back a pace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he still blocked the way to the garden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro-matsu turned his attention to Ishido." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We did not expect you tonight, Ishido-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I came to pay my respects to the Lady Kiritsubo. I was not informed until a few moments ago that anyone was leaving.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is my son right? We should worry we're not among friends? Are we hostages who should beg favors?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. But Lord Toranaga and I agreed on protocol during his visit. A day's notice of the arrival or departure of high personages was to be given so I could pay the proper respects.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was a sudden decision of Lord Toranaga's. He did not consider the matter of sending one of his ladies back to Yedo important enough to disturb you,\" Hiro-matsu told him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Lord Toranaga is merely preparing for his own departure.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Has that been decided upon?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. The day the meeting of the Regents concludes. You'll be informed at the correct time, according to protocol.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good. Of course, the meeting may be delayed again. The Lord Kiyama is even sicker.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is it delayed? Or isn't it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I merely mentioned that it might be. We hope to have the pleasure of Lord Toranaga's presence for a long time to come, neh? He will hunt with me tomorrow?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'don't' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have requested him to cancel all hunting until the meeting. I don't consider it safe. I don't consider any of this area safe any longer. If filthy assassins can get through your sentries so easily, how much more easy would treachery be outside the walls?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido let the insult pass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew this and the affronts would further inflame his men but it did not suit him to light the fuse yet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had been glad that Hiro-matsu had interceded for he had almost lost control." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The thought of Buntaro's head in the dust, the teeth chattering, had consumed him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All commanders of the guards on that night have already been ordered into the Great Void as you well know. The Amidas are laws unto themselves, unfortunately. But they will be stamped out very soon. The Regents will be asked to deal with them once and for all. Now, perhaps I may pay my respects to Kiritsubo-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido walked forward. His personal bodyguard of Grays stepped after him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They all shuddered to a stop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro had an arrow in his bow and, though the arrow pointed at the ground, the bow was already bent to its limit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Grays are forbidden through this gate. That's agreed by protocol!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm Governor of Osaka Castle and Commander of the Heir's Bodyguard! I have the right to go anywhere!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once more Hiro-matsu took control of the situation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"True, you are Commander of the Heir's Bodyguard and you do have the right to go anywhere. But only five men may accompany you through that gate. Wasn't that agreed by you and my Master while he is here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Five or fifty, it makes no difference! This insult is intol—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Insult? My son means no insult. He's following orders agreed by his liege Lord and by you. Five men. Five!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The word was an order and Hiro-matsu turned his back on Ishido and looked at his son." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Lord Ishido does us honor by wishing to pay respect to the Lady Kiritsubo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old man's sword was two inches out of its scabbard and no one was sure if it was to slash at Ishido if the fight began or to hack off his son's head if he pointed the arrow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All knew that there was no affection between father and son, only a mutual respect for the other's viciousness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, my son, what do you say to the Commander of the Heir's Bodyguard?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sweat was running down Buntaro's face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a moment he stepped aside and eased the tension off the bow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he kept the arrow poised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Many times Ishido had seen Buntaro in the competition lists firing arrows at two hundred paces, six arrows launched before the first hit the target, all equally accurate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He would happily have ordered the attack now and obliterated these two, the father and son, and all the rest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he knew it would be the act of a fool to start with them and not with Toranaga, and, in any event, perhaps when the real war came Hiro-matsu would be tempted to leave Toranaga and fight with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Lady Ochiba had said she would approach old Iron Fist when the time came." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had sworn that he would never forsake the Heir, that she would weld Iron Fist to her, away from Toranaga, perhaps even get him to assassinate his master and so avoid any conflict." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What hold, what secret, what knowledge does she have over him?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido asked himself again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had ordered Lady Ochiba to be spirited out of Yedo, if it was possible, before the Regents' meeting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her life would not be worth a grain of rice after Toranaga's impeachment—which all the other Regents had agreed upon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Impeachment and immediate seppuku, forced if need be." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If she escapes, good." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If not, never mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Heir will rule in eight years." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He strode through the gateway into the garden, Hiro-matsu and Yabu accompanying him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Five guards followed. He bowed politely and wished Kiritsubo well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, satisfied that all was as it should be, he turned and left with all his men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro-matsu exhaled and scratched his piles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'd better leave now, Yabu-san. That rice maggot'll give you no more trouble.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. At once.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiri kerchiefed the sweat off her brow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's a devil kami! I'm afraid for our Master.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tears began to flow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't want to leave!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No harm will come to Lord Toranaga, I promise you, Lady,\" Hiro-matsu said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You must go. Now!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri tried to stifle her sobs and unloosed the thick veil that hung from the brim of her wide hat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, Yabu-sama, would you escort Lady Sazuko inside? Please?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Sazuko bowed and hurried off, Yabu following." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The girl ran up the steps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As she neared the top she slipped and fell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The baby!\" Kiri shrieked. \"Is she hurt?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All their eyes flashed to the prostrate girl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko ran for her but Yabu reached her first." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He picked her up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sazuko was more startled than hurt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm all right,\" she said, a little breathlessly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't worry, I'm perfectly all right. It was foolish of me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he was sure, Yabu walked back to the forecourt preparing for instant departure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko came back to the gateway, greatly relieved." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne was gaping at the garden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is it?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing,\" he said after a pause." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did Lady Kiritsubo shout out?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'The baby! Is she hurt?' The Lady Sazuko's with child,\" she explained." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We were all afraid the fall might have hurt her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Toranaga-sama's child?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Mariko said, looking back at the litter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiri was inside the closed translucent curtains now, the veil loosed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Poor woman, Mariko thought, knowing she was only trying to hide the tears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I would be equally terrified to leave my Lord, if I were she." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes went to Sazuko, who waved once more from the top of the steps, then went inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The iron door clanged after her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That sounded like a death knell, Mariko thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Will we ever see them again?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What did Ishido want?\" Blackthorne asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He was—I don't know the correct word. He was investigating—making a tour of inspection without warning.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's Commander of the Castle,\" she said, not wishing to tell the real reason." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu was shouting orders at the head of the column and set off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko got into her litter, leaving the curtains partially open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro motioned Blackthorne to move aside. He obeyed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They waited for Kiri's litter to pass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne stared at the half-seen, shrouded figure, hearing the muffled sobs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two frightened maids, Asa and Sono, walked alongside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he glanced back a last time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro-matsu was standing alone beside the little hut, leaning on his sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now the garden was shut from his view as samurai closed the huge fortified door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The great wooden bar fell into place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were no guards in the forecourt now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were all on the battlements." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's going on?\" Blackthorne asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'trouble' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It looks like they're under siege. Browns against the Grays. Are they expecting trouble? More trouble?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, so sorry. It's normal to close the doors at night,\" Mariko said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He began to walk beside her as her litter moved off, Buntaro and the remainder of the rear guard taking up their station behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne was watching the litter ahead, the swaying gait of the bearers and the misted figure inside the curtains." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was greatly unsettled though he tried to hide it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Kiritsubo had suddenly shrieked, he had looked at her instantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone else was looking at the prostrate girl on the staircase." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His impulse was to look over there as well but he saw Kiritsubo suddenly scuttle with surprising speed inside the little hut." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a moment he thought his eyes were playing him tricks because in the night her dark cloak and dark kimono and dark hat and dark veil made her almost invisible." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He watched as the figure vanished for a moment, then reappeared, darted into the litter, and jerked the curtains closed. For an instant their eyes met. It was Toranaga." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around three sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and lore may appear without context - work with what's given.\n\nAuthor style: James Clavell" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The little cortege surrounding the two litters went slowly through the maze of the castle and through the continual checkpoints." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each time there were formal bows, the documents were meticulously examined afresh, a new captain and group of escorting Grays took over, and then they were passed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At each checkpoint Blackthorne watched with ever increasing misgivings as the captain of the guard came close to scrutinize the drawn curtains of Kiritsubo's litter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each time the man bowed politely to the half-seen figure, hearing the muffled sobs, and in the course of time, waved them on again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Who else knows? Blackthorne was asking himself desperately." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The maids must know—that would explain why they're so frightened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro-matsu certainly must have known, and Lady Sazuko, the decoy, absolutely. Mariko?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't think so. Yabu? Would Toranaga trust him? That neckless maniac Buntaro? Probably not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Obviously this is a highly secret escape attempt. But why should Toranaga risk his life outside the castle? Isn't he safer inside?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why the secrecy? Who's he escaping from? Ishido? The assassins? Or someone else in the castle?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Probably all of them, Blackthorne thought, wishing they were safely in the galley and out to sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If Toranaga's discovered it's going to rain dung, the fight's going to be to the death and no quarter asked or given." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm unarmed and even if I had a brace of pistols or a twenty pounder and a hundred bully boys, the Grays'd swamp us. I've nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. It's a turd-stuffed fornicator whichever way you count it!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you tiring, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko asked daintily. \"If you like, I'll walk and you can ride.\"\n\n\"Thanks,\" he replied sourly, missing his boots, the thonged slippers still awkward. \"My legs are fine. I was just wishing we were safe at sea, that's all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is the sea ever safe?\"\n\n\"Sometimes, senhora. Not often.\" Blackthorne hardly heard her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was thinking, by the Lord Jesus, I hope I don't give Toranaga away. That would be terrible! It'd be so much simpler if I hadn't seen him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was just bad luck, one of those accidents that can disrupt a perfectly planned and executed scheme." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old girl, Kiritsubo, she's a great actress, and the young one too. It was only because I couldn't understand what she'd shouted out that I didn't fall for the ruse. Just bad luck I saw Toranaga clearly—bewigged, made up, kimonoed, and cloaked, just like Kiritsubo, but still Toranaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the next checkpoint the new captain of Grays came closer than ever before, the maids tearfully bowing and standing in the way without trying to appear as though they were standing in the way. The captain peered across at Blackthorne and walked over. After an incredulous scrutiny he talked with Mariko, who shook her head and answered him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man grunted and strolled back to Yabu, returned the documents and waved the procession onward again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What did he say?\" Blackthorne asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He wondered where you were from—where your home was.\"\n\n\"But you shook your head. How was that an answer?\"\n\n\"Oh, so sorry, he said—he wondered if the far-distant ancestors of your people were related to the kami—the spirit—that lives to the north, on the outskirts of China. Till quite recently we thought China was the only other civilized place on earth—except for Japan, neh? China is so immense it is like the world itself,\" she said, and closed the subject." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The captain had actually asked if she thought this barbarian was descended from Harimwakairi, the kami that looked after cats, adding this one certainly stank like a polecat in rut, as the kami was supposed to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had replied that she didn't think so, inwardly ashamed of the captain's rudeness, for the Anjin-san did not have a stench like Tsukku-san or the Father-Visitor or usual barbarians." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His aroma was almost imperceptible now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne knew she wasn't telling him the truth. I wish I could speak their gibberish, he thought. I wish more I could get off this cursed island, back aboard Erasmus, the crew fit and plenty of grub, grog, powder, and shot, our goods traded and away home again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When will that be? Toranaga said soon. Can he be trusted? How did he get the ship to Yedo? Tow it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Did the Portuguese sail her? I wonder how Rodrigues is. Did his leg rot?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He should know by now if he's going to live with two legs or one—if the amputation doesn't kill him—or if he's going to die. Jesus God in Heaven, protect me from wounds and all doctors. And priests.\n\nAnother checkpoint. For the life of him, Blackthorne could not understand how everyone could remain so polite and patient, always bowing and allowing the documents to be handed over and handed back, always smiling and no sign of irritation whatsoever on either side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They're so different from us.\n\nHe glanced at Mariko's face, which was partially obscured by her veil and wide hat. He thought she looked very pretty and he was glad that he had had it out with her over her mistake." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: about, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At least I won't have any more of that nonsense, he told himself. Bastard queers, they're all blood-mucked bastards!\n\nAfter he had accepted her apology this morning he had begun to ask about Yedo and Japanese customs and Ishido and about the castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had avoided the topic of sex." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had answered at length, but had avoided any political explanations and her replies were informative but innocuous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon she and the maids had left to prepare for her departure, and he had been alone with the samurai guards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Being so closely hemmed in all the time was making him edgy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There's always someone around, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are too many of them. They're like ants. I'd like the peace of a bolted oak door for a change, the bolt on my side and not theirs. I can't wait to get aboard again, out into the air, out to sea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even in that sow-bellied gut-churner of a galley.\n\nNow as he walked through Osaka Castle, he realized that he would have Toranaga in his own element, at sea, where he himself was king. We'll have time enough to talk, Mariko'll interpret and I'll get everything settled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Trade agreements, the ship, the return of our silver, and payment if he wants to trade for the muskets and powder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'll make arrangements to come back next year with a full cargo of silk. Terrible about Friar Domingo, but I'll put his information to good use. I'm going to take Erasmus and sail her up the Pearl River to Canton and I'll break the Portuguese and China blockade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Give me my ship back and I'm rich. Richer than Drake! When I get home I'll call up all the seadogs from Plymouth to the Zuider Zee and we'll take over the trade of all Asia. Where Drake singed Philip's beard, I'm going to cut off his testicles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without silk, Macao dies, without Macao, Malacca dies, then Goa!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We can roll up the Portuguese Empire like a carpet. \"You want the trade of India, Your Majesty? Afrique? Asia? The Japans? Here's how you can take it in five years!\"\n\n\"Arise, Sir John!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, knighthood was within easy reach, at long last. And perhaps more. Captains and navigators became admirals, knights, lords, even earls. The only way for an Englishman, a commoner, to safety, the true safety of position within the realm, was through the Queen's favor, bless her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And the way to her favor was to bring her treasure, to help her pay for the war against stinking Spain, and that bastard the Pope." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three years'll give me three trips, Blackthorne gloated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, I know about the monsoon winds and the great storms, but Erasmus'll be closehauled and we'll ship in smaller amounts. Wait a minute—why not do the job properly and forget the small amounts? Why not take this year's Black Ship?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then you have everything!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How?\n\nEasily—if she has no escort and we catch her unawares. But I've not enough men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wait, there're men at Nagasaki!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Isn't that where all the Portuguese are?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Didn't Domingo say it was almost like a Portuguese seaport?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rodrigues said the same! Aren't there always seamen in their ships who've been pressed aboard or forced aboard, always some who're ready to jump ship for quick profit on their own, whoever the captain and whatever the flag? With Erasmus and our silver I could hire a crew." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I know I could." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'years' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't need three years. Two will be enough. Two more years with my ship and a crew, then home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'll be rich and famous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And we'll part company, the sea and I, at long last. Forever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga's the key. How are you going to handle him?\n\nThey passed another checkpoint, and turned a corner. Ahead was the last portcullis and last gateway of the castle proper, and beyond it, the final drawbridge and final moat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the far side was the ultimate strongpoint. A multitude of flares made the night into crimson day.\n\nThen Ishido stepped out of the shadows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Browns saw him almost at the same instant. Hostility whipped through them. Buntaro almost leaped past Blackthorne to get nearer the head of the column." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That bastard's spoiling for a fight,\" Blackthorne said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'senhor' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Senhor? I'm sorry, senhor, what did you say?\"\n\n\"Just—I said your husband seems—Ishido seems to get your husband very angry, very quickly.\"\n\nShe made no reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu halted. Unconcerned he handed the safe conduct to the captain of the gate and wandered over to Ishido." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't expect to see you again. Your guards are very efficient.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Ishido was watching Buntaro and the closed litter behind him.\n\n\"Once should be enough to check our pass,\" Buntaro said, his weapons rattling ominously. \"Twice at the most. What are we—a war party? It's insulting.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'again' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No insult is intended, Buntaro-san. Because of the assassin, I ordered tighter security.\" Ishido eyed Blackthorne briefly and wondered again if he should let him go or hold him as Onoshi and Kiyama wanted. Then he looked at Buntaro again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Offal, he thought. Your head will be on a spike soon. How could such exquisiteness as Mariko stay married to an ape like you?\n\nThe new captain was meticulously checking everyone, ensuring that they matched the list." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Everything's in order, Yabu-sama,\" he said as he returned to the head of the column. \"You don't need the pass anymore. We keep it here.\"\n\n\"Good.\" Yabu turned to Ishido. \"We meet soon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ishido took a roll of parchment out of his sleeve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wanted to ask Lady Kiritsubo if she'd take this with her to Yedo. For my niece. It's unlikely I'll go to Yedo for some time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Certainly.\" Yabu put out his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't trouble yourself, Yabu-san. I'll ask her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido walked toward the litter.\n\nThe maids obsequiously intercepted him. Asa held out her hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I take the message, Lord. My Mis—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\"\n\nTo the surprise of Ishido and everyone nearby, the maids did not move out of the way.\n\n\"But my Mis—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Move!\" Buntaro snarled.\n\nBoth maids backed off with abject humility, frightened now.\n\nIshido bowed to the curtain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kiritsubo-san, I wonder if you'd be kind enough to take this message for me to Yedo? To my niece?\"\n\nThere was a slight hesitation between the sobs and the figure bowed an assent.\n\n\"Thank you.\" Ishido offered up the slim roll of parchment an inch from the curtains." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sobs stopped. Blackthorne realized Toranaga was trapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Politeness demanded that Toranaga take the scroll and his hand would give him away.\n\nEveryone waited for the hand to appear.\n\n\"Kiritsubo-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still no movement. Then Ishido took a quick pace forward, jerked the curtains apart and at the same instant Blackthorne let out a bellow and began dancing up and down like a maniac. Ishido and the others whirled on him dumbfounded.\n\nFor an instant Toranaga was in full view behind Ishido." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne thought that perhaps Toranaga could pass for Kiritsubo at twenty-paces but here at five, impossible, even though the veil covered his face. And in the never-ending second before Toranaga had tugged the curtains closed again, Blackthorne knew that Yabu had recognized him, Mariko certainly, Buntaro probably, and some of the samurai possibly. He lunged forward, grabbed the roll of parchment and thrust it through a crack in the curtains and turned, babbling, \"It's bad luck in my country for a prince to give a message himself like a common bastard... bad luck... \"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had all happened so unexpectedly and so fast that Ishido's sword was not out until Blackthorne was bowing and raving in front of him like an insane jack-in-the-box, then his reflexes took over and sent the sword slashing for the throat.\n\nBlackthorne's desperate eyes found Mariko. \"For Christ's sake, help—bad luck—bad luck!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She cried out. The blade stopped a hair's breadth from his neck. Mariko poured out an explanation of what Blackthorne had said. Ishido lowered his sword, listened for a moment, overrode her with a furious harangue, then shouted with increasing vehemence and hit Blackthorne in the face with the back of his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne went berserk. He bunched his great fists and hurled himself at Ishido." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Yabu hadn't been quick enough to catch Ishido's sword arm Blackthorne's head would have rolled in the dust. Buntaro, a split second later, grabbed Blackthorne, who already had his hands around Ishido's throat. It took four Browns to haul him off Ishido, then Buntaro smashed him hard on the back of the neck, stunning him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Grays leaped to their master's defense, but Browns surrounded Blackthorne and the litters and for a moment it was a standoff, Mariko and the maids deliberately wailing and crying, helping to create further chaos and diversions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu began placating Ishido, Mariko tearfully repeated over and over in forced semihysteria that the mad barbarian believed he was only trying to save Ishido, the Great Commander—whom he thought was a prince—from a bad kami. \"And it's the worst insult to touch their faces, just like with us, that's what sent him momentarily mad. He's a senseless barbarian but a daimyo in his own land and he was only trying to help you, Lord!\"\n\nIshido ranted and kicked Blackthorne, who was just coming to." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'blackthorne' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne heard the tumult with great peace. His eyes cleared. Grays were surrounding them twenty to one, swords drawn, but so far no one was dead and everyone waited in discipline.\n\nBlackthorne saw that all attention was focused on him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But now he knew he had allies.\n\nIshido spun on him again and came closer, shouting. He felt the grip of the Browns tighten and knew the blow was coming, but this time, instead of trying to fight out of their grasp, which they expected, he started to collapse, then immediately straightened and broke away, laughing insanely, and began a jibbering hornpipe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Friar Domingo had told him that everyone in Japan believed madness was caused only by a kami and thus madmen, like all young children and very old men, were not responsible and had special privileges, sometimes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So he capered in a frenzy, singing in time to Mariko, \"Help... I need help for God's sake... can't keep this up much longer... help... \" desperately acting the lunatic, knowing it was the only thing that might save them.\n\n\"He's mad—he's possessed,\" Mariko cried out, at once realizing Blackthorne's ploy.\n\n\"Yes,\" Yabu said, still trying to recover from the shock of seeing Toranaga, not knowing yet if the Anjin-san was acting or if he had really gone mad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko was beside herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She didn't know what to do. The Anjin-san saved Lord Toranaga but how did he know? she kept repeating to herself senselessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne's face was bloodless except for the scarlet weal from the blows. He danced on and on, frantically waiting for help but none came. Then, silently damning Yabu and Buntaro as motherless cowards and Mariko for the stupid bitch she was, he stopped the dance suddenly, bowed to Ishido like a spastic puppet and half walked, half danced for the gateway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Follow me, follow me!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he shouted, his voice almost strangling him, trying to lead the way like a Pied Piper.\n\nThe Grays barred his way. He roared with feigned rage and imperiously ordered them out of the way, immediately switching to hysterical laughter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ishido grabbed a bow and arrow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Grays scattered. Blackthorne was almost through the gateway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned at bay, knowing there was no point in running." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Helplessly he began his rabid dance again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's mad, a mad dog! Mad dogs have to be dealt with!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ishido's voice was raw." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He armed the bow and aimed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once Mariko leapt forward from her protective position near Toranaga's litter and began to walk toward Blackthorne. \"Don't worry, Lord Ishido,\" she cried out. \"There's no need to worry—it's a momentary madness—may I be permitted... \" As she came closer she could see Blackthorne's exhaustion, the set maniacal smile, and she was frightened in spite of herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can help now, Anjin-san,\" she said hurriedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We have to try to—to walk out. I will follow you. Don't worry, he won't shoot us. Please stop dancing now.\"\n\nBlackthorne stopped instantly, turned and walked quietly onto the bridge. She followed a pace behind him as was custom, expecting the arrows, hearing them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A thousand eyes watched the giant madman and the tiny woman on the bridge, walking away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu came to life. \"If you want him killed, let me do it, Ishido-sama. It's unseemly for you to take his life. A general doesn't kill with his own hands. Others should do his killing for him.\" He came very close and he dropped his voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Leave him alive. The madness came from your blow. He's a daimyo in his own land and the blow—it was as Mariko-san said, neh? Trust me, he's valuable to us alive.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"He's more valuable alive. Trust me. You can have him dead any time. We need him alive.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido read desperation in Yabu's face, and truth. He put the bow down. \"Very well. But one day I'll want him alive. I'll hang him by his heels over the pit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu swallowed and half bowed. He nervously waved the cortege onward, fearful that Ishido would remember the litter and \"Kiritsubo.\"\n\nBuntaro, pretending deference, took the initiative and started the Browns on their way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did not question the fact that Toranaga had magically appeared like a kami in their midst, only that his master was in danger and almost defenseless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw that Ishido had not taken his eyes off Mariko and the Anjin-san, but even so, he bowed politely to him and set himself behind Toranaga's litter to protect his master from any arrows if the fight began here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The column was approaching the gate now. Yabu fell into place as a lonely rear guard. Any moment he expected the cortege to be halted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Surely some of the Grays must have seen Toranaga, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How soon before they tell Ishido?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Won't he think I was part of the escape attempt?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'they're' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Won't this ruin me forever?\n\nHalfway over the bridge Mariko looked back for an instant. \"They're following, Anjin-san, both litters are through the gate and they're on the bridge now!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne did not reply or turn back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It required all of his remaining will to stay erect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had lost his sandals, his face burned from the blow, and his head pounded with pain. The last guards let him through the portcullis and beyond. They also let Mariko pass without stopping." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 12 sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were hurrying through deserted back streets, circling for the wharf and the galley. There were ten of them—Toranaga leading, Yabu, Mariko, Blackthorne, and six samurai. The rest, under Buntaro, had been sent with the litters and baggage train by the planned route, with instructions to head leisurely for the galley. The body of Asa the maid was in one of the litters. During a lull in the fighting, Blackthorne had pulled the barbed shaft out of her. Toranaga had seen the dark blood that gushed in its wake and had watched, puzzled, as the pilot had cradled her instead of allowing her to die quietly in private dignity, and then, when the fighting had ceased entirely, how gently the pilot had put her into the litter. The girl was brave and had whimpered not at all, just looked up at him until death had come. Toranaga had left her in the curtained litter as a decoy and one of the wounded had been put in the second litter, also as a decoy.\n\nOf the fifty Browns that had formed the escort, fifteen had been killed and eleven mortally wounded. The eleven had been quickly and honorably committed to the Great Void, three by their own hands, eight assisted by Buntaro at their request. Then Buntaro had assembled the remainder around the closed litters and had left. Forty-eight Grays lay in the dust." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga knew that he was dangerously unprotected but he was content. Everything has gone well, he thought, considering the vicissitudes of chance. How interesting life is! At first I was sure it was a bad omen that the pilot had seen me change places with Kiri. Then the pilot saved me and acted the madman perfectly, and because of him we escaped Ishido. I hadn't planned for Ishido to be at the main gate, only at the forecourt. That was careless. Why was Ishido there? It isn't like Ishido to be so careful. Who advised him? Kiyama? Onoshi? Or Yodoko? A woman, ever practical, would—could—suspect such a subterfuge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had been a good plan—the secret escape dash—and established for weeks, for it was obvious that Ishido would try to keep him in the castle, would turn the other Regents against him by promising them anything, would willingly sacrifice his hostage at Yedo, the Lady Ochiba, and would use any means to keep him under guard until the final meeting of the Regents, where he would be cornered, impeached, and dispatched.\n\n\"But they'll still impeach you!\" Hiro-matsu had said when Toranaga had sent for him just after dusk last night to explain what was to be attempted and why he, Toranaga, had been vacillating. \"Even if you escape, the Regents will impeach you behind your back as easily as they'll do it to your face. So you're bound to commit seppuku when they order it, as they will order it.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Toranaga had said. \"As President of the Regents I am bound to do that if the four vote against me. But here\"—he had taken a rolled parchment out of his sleeve—\"here is my formal resignation from the Council of Regents. You will give it to Ishido when my escape is known.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"If I resign I'm no longer bound by my Regent's oath. Neh? The Taikō never forbade me to resign, neh? Give Ishido this, too.\" He had handed Hiro-matsu the chop, the official seal of his office as President.\n\n\"But now you're totally isolated. You're doomed!\"\n\n\"You're wrong. Listen, the Taikō's testament implanted a council of five Regents on the realm. Now there are four. To be legal, before they can exercise the Emperor's mandate, the four have to elect or appoint a new member, a fifth, neh? Ishido, Kiyama, Onoshi, and Sugiyama have to agree, neh? Doesn't the new Regent have to be acceptable to all of them? Of course! Now, old comrade, who in all the world will those enemies agree to share ultimate power with? Eh? And while they're arguing, no decisions and—\"\n\n\"We're preparing for war and you're no longer bound and you can drop a little honey here and bile there and those pile-infested dung-makers will eat themselves up!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro-matsu had said with a rush. \"Ah, Yoshi Toranaga-noh-Minowara, you're a man among men. I'll eat my arse if you're not the wisest man in the land!\"\n\nYes, it was a good plan, Toranaga thought, and they all played their parts well: Hiro-matsu, Kiri, and my lovely Sazuko. And now they're locked up tight and they will stay that way or they will be allowed to leave. I think they will never be allowed to leave.\n\nI will be sorry to lose them.\n\nHe was leading the party unerringly, his pace fast but measured, the pace he hunted at, the pace he could keep up continuously for two days and one night if need be. He still wore the traveling cloak and Kiri's kimono, but the skirts were hitched up out of the way, his military leggings incongruous.\n\nThey crossed another deserted street and headed down an alleyway. He knew the alarm would soon reach Ishido and then the hunt would be on in earnest. There's time enough, he told himself.\n\nYes, it was a good plan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But I didn't anticipate the ambush." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's cost me three days of safety. Kiri was sure she could keep the deception a secret for at least three days. But the secret's out now and I won't be able to slip aboard and out to sea. Who was the ambush for? Me or the pilot? Of course the pilot. But didn't the arrows bracket both litters? Yes, but the archers were quite far away and it would be hard to see, and it would be wiser and safer to kill both, just in case.\n\nWho ordered the attack, Kiyama or Onoshi? or the Portuguese? or the Christian Fathers?\n\nToranaga turned around to check the pilot. He saw that he was not flagging, nor was the woman who walked beside him, though both were tired." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the skyline he could see the vast squat bulk of the castle and the phallus of the donjon. Tonight was the second time I've almost died there, he thought. Is that castle really going to be my nemesis? The Taikō told me often enough: 'While Osaka Castle lives my line will never die and you, Toranaga Minowara, your epitaph will be written on its walls. Osaka will cause your death, my faithful vassal!' And always the hissing, baiting laugh that set his soul on edge.\n\nDoes the Taikō live within Yaemon? Whether he does or not, Yaemon is his legal heir.\n\nWith an effort Toranaga tore his eyes away from the castle and turned another corner and fled into a maze of alleys. At length he stopped outside a battered gate. A fish was etched into its timbers. He knocked in code." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The door opened at once." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'troops' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instantly the ill-kempt samurai bowed. \"Sire?\"\n\n\"Bring your men and follow me,\" Toranaga said and set off again.\n\n\"Gladly.\" This samurai did not wear the Brown uniform kimono, only motley rags of a ronin, but he was one of the special elite secret troops that Toranaga had smuggled into Osaka against such an emergency. Fifteen men, similarly clothed, and equally well armed, followed him and quickly fell into place as advance and rear guard, while another ran off to spread the alarm to other secret cadres. Soon Toranaga had fifty troops with him. Another hundred covered his flanks. Another thousand would be ready at dawn should he need them. He relaxed and slackened his pace, sensing that the pilot and the woman were tiring too fast. He needed them strong." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around six sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and story elements may appear without introduction - roll with them naturally. Try to mimic the style of James Clavell." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And again I say I'm going to blow her out of the water,\" Ferriera, the Captain-General, declared.\n\n\"No,\" dell'Aqua replied, watching the galley from the quarterdeck.\n\n\"Gunner, is she in range yet?\"\n\n\"No, Don Ferriera,\" the chief gunner replied. \"Not yet.\"\n\n\"Why else is she coming at us if not for hostile reasons, Eminence? Why doesn't she just escape? The way's clear.\" The frigate was too far from the harbor mouth for anyone aboard to see the encroaching fishing boats crowding in ambush." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We risk nothing, Eminence, and gain everything,\" Ferriera said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We pretend we didn't know Toranaga was aboard. We thought the bandits—bandits led by the pirate heretic—were going to attack us. Don't worry, it will be easy to provoke them once they're in range.\"\n\n\"No,\" dell'Aqua ordered.\n\nFather Alvito turned back from the gunwale. \"The galley's flying Toranaga's flag, Captain-General.\"\n\n\"False colors!\" Ferriera added sardonically, \"That's the oldest sea trick in the world. We haven't seen Toranaga. Perhaps he isn't aboard.\"\n\n\"No.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"God's death, war would be a catastrophe! It'll hurt, if not ruin, the Black Ship's voyage this year. I can't afford that! I won't have anything interfere with that!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Our finances are in a worse position than yours, Captain-General,\" dell'Aqua rapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If we don't trade this year, the Church is bankrupt, is that clear? We've had no funds from Goa or Lisbon for three years and the loss of last year's profit... God give me patience! I know better than you what's at stake. The answer is no!\"\n\nRodrigues was sitting painfully in his seachair, his leg in a splint resting on a padded stool that was lashed safe near the binnacle. \"The Captain-General's right, Eminence. Why should she come at us, if not to try something? Why not escape, eh? Eminence, we've a piss-cutting opportunity here.\"\n\n\"Yes, and it is a military decision,\" Ferriera said.\n\nAlvito turned on him sharply. \"No, his Eminence is arbiter in this, Captain-General. We must not hurt Toranaga. We must help him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues said, \"You've told me a dozen times that once war starts it'll go on forever. War's started, hasn't it? We've seen it start. That's got to hurt trade. With Toranaga dead the war's over and all our interests are safe. I say blow the ship to hell.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We even get rid of the heretic,\" Ferriera added, watching Rodrigues." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Weave this into your narrative: \"You prevent a war for the glory of God, and another heretic goes to torment.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You prevent a war for the glory of God, and another heretic goes to torment.\"\n\n\"It would be unwarranted interference in their politics,\" dell'Aqua replied, avoiding the real reason.\n\n\"We interfere all the time. The Society of Jesus is famous for it. We're not simple, thick-headed peasants!\"\n\n\"I'm not suggesting you are. But while I'm aboard you will not sink that ship.\"\n\n\"Then kindly go ashore.\"\n\n\"The sooner the archmurderer is dead, the better, Eminence,\" Rodrigues suggested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Him or Ishido, what's the difference? They're both heathen, and you can't trust either of them. The Captain-General's right, we'll never get an opportunity like this again. And what about our Black Ship?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rodrigues was pilot with a fifteenth part of all the profit. The real pilot of the Black Ship had died of the pox in Macao three months ago and Rodrigues had been taken off his own ship, the Santa Theresa, and given the new post, to his everlasting joy. Pox was the official reason, Rodrigues reminded himself grimly, though many said the other pilot was knifed in the back by a ronin in a whorehouse brawl. By God, this is my great chance. Nothing's going to interfere with that!\n\n\"I will accept full responsibility,\" Ferriera was saying." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's a military decision. We're involved in a native war. My ship's in danger.\" He turned again to the chief gunner. \"Are they in range yet?\"\n\n\"Well, Don Ferriera, that depends what you wish.\" The chief gunner blew on the end of the taper, which made it glow and spark. \"I could take off her bow now, or her stern, or hit her amidships, whichever you prefer. But if you want a man dead, a particular man, then a moment or two would bring them into killing range.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want Toranaga dead. And the heretic.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required dialogue to include (maintain exact wording): \"If the pilot's got to die to kill Toranaga and stop the war then I'm for it, Captain-General. Otherwise he should be spared.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You mean the Ingeles, the pilot?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Someone will have to point the Jappo out. The pilot I'll recognize, doubtless.\"\n\nRodrigues said, \"If the pilot's got to die to kill Toranaga and stop the war then I'm for it, Captain-General. Otherwise he should be spared.\"\n\n\"He's a heretic, an enemy of our country, an abomination, and he's already caused us more trouble than a nest of vipers.\"\n\n\"I've already pointed out that first the Ingeles is a pilot and last he's a pilot, one of the best in the world.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pilots should have special privileges? Even heretics?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, by God. We should use him like they use us. It'd be a God-cursed waste to kill such experience. Without pilots there's no piss-cutting Empire and no trade and no nothing. Without me, by God, there's no Black Ship and no profit and no way home, so my opinion's God-cursed important.\"\n\nThere was a cry from the masthead, \"Ho on the quarterdeck, the galley's changing her course!\" The galley had been heading straight for them but now she had swung a few points to port, out into the harbor.\n\nImmediately Rodrigues shouted, \"Action stations! Starboard watch aloft—all sails ho! Up anchor!\" At once men rushed to obey.\n\n\"What's amiss, Rodrigues?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know, Captain-General, but we're getting out into open sea. That fat-gutted whore's going to windward.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What does that matter? We can sink them at any time,\" Ferriera said. \"We've stores still to bring aboard and the Fathers have to go back to Osaka.\"\n\n\"Aye. But no hostile's getting to windward of my ship. That whore doesn't depend on the wind, she can go against it. She might be coming round to hack at us from our bow where we've only one cannon and board us!\"\n\nFerriera laughed contemptuously. \"We've twenty cannon aboard! They've none! You think that filthy heathen pig boat would dare to try to attack us? You're simple in the head!\"\n\n\"Yes, Captain-General, that's why I've still got one. The Santa Theresa's ordered to sea!\"\n\nThe sails were crackling out of their ropes and the wind took them, the spars grinding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both watches were on deck at battle stations." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The frigate began to make way but her going was slow. \"Come on, you bitch,\" Rodrigues urged.\n\n\"We're ready, Don Ferriera,\" the chief gunner said. \"I've got her in my sights. I can't hold her for long. Which is this Toranaga? Point him out!\"\n\nThere were no flares aboard the galley; the only illumination came from the moonlight. The galley was still astern, a hundred yards off, but turned to port now and headed for the far shore, the oars dipping and falling in unbroken rhythm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is that the pilot? The tall man on the quarterdeck?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Rodrigues said.\n\n\"Manuel and Perdito! Take him and the quarterdeck!\" The cannon nearest made slight adjustments. \"Which is this Toranaga? Quickly! Helmsmen, two points to starboard!\"\n\n\"Two points to starboard it is, Gunner!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Conscious of the sanding bottom and the shoals nearby, Rodrigues was watching the shrouds, ready at any second to override the chief gunner, who by custom had the con on a stern cannonade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ho, port maindeck cannon!\" the gunner shouted. \"Once we've fired we'll let her fall off the wind. Drop all gun ports, prepare for a broadside!\" The gun crews obeyed, their eyes going to the officers on the quarterdeck. And the priests. \"For the love of God, Don Ferriera, which is this Toranaga?\"\n\n\"Which is he, Father?\" Ferriera had never seen him before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues had recognized Toranaga clearly on the foredeck in a ring of samurai, but he did not want to be the one to put the mark on him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let the priests do that, he thought. Go on, Father, play the Judas. Why should we always do all the pox-foul work, not that I care a chipped doubloon for that heathen son of a whore.\n\nBoth priests were silent.\n\n\"Quick, which would Toranaga be?\" the gunner asked again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Impatiently Rodrigues pointed him out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There, on the poop. The short, thickset bastard in the middle of those other heathen bastards.\"\n\n\"I see him, Senhor Pilot.\"\n\nThe gun crews made last slight adjustments.\n\nFerriera took the taper out of the gunner's mate's hand.\n\n\"Are you trained on the heretic?\"\n\n\"Yes, Captain-General, are you ready? I'll drop my hand. That's the signal!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thou shalt not kill!\" It was dell'Aqua.\n\nFerriera whirled on him. \"They're heathens and heretics!\"\n\n\"There are Christians among them and even if there weren't—\"\n\n\"Pay no attention to him, Gunner!\" the Captain-General snarled. \"We fire when you're ready!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dell'Aqua went forward to the muzzle of the cannon and stood in the way. His bulk dominated the quarterdeck and the armed sailors that lay in ambush. His hand was on the crucifix. \"I say, Thou shalt not kill!\"\n\n\"We kill all the time, Father,\" Ferriera said.\n\n\"I know, and I'm ashamed of it and I beg God's forgiveness for it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dell'Aqua had never before been on the quarterdeck of a fighting ship with primed guns, and muskets, and fingers on triggers, readying for death." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'I will beg God to assist us against them!' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"While I'm here there'll be no killing and I'll not condone killing from ambush!\"\n\n\"And if they attack us? Try to take the ship?\"\n\n\"I will beg God to assist us against them!\"\n\n\"What's the difference, now or later?\"\n\nDell'Aqua did not answer. Thou shalt not kill, he thought, and Toranaga has promised everything, Ishido nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's it to be, Captain-General? Now's the time!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the master gunner cried. \"Now!\"\n\nFerriera bitterly turned his back on the priests, threw down the taper and went to the rail. \"Get ready to repel an attack,\" he shouted. \"If she comes within fifty yards uninvited, you're all ordered to blow her to hell whatever the priests say!\"\n\nRodrigues was equally enraged but he knew that he was as helpless as the Captain-General against the priest. Thou shalt not kill?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By the blessed Lord Jesus, what about you? he wanted to shout. What about the auto da fé? What about the Inquisition? What about you priests who pronounce the sentence \"guilty\" or \"witch\" or \"satanist\" or \"heretic\"? Remember the two thousand witches burned in Portugal alone, the year I sailed for Asia?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What about almost every village and town in Portugal and Spain, and the dominions visited and investigated by the Scourges of God, as the cowled Inquisitors proudly called themselves, the smell of burning flesh in their wake? Oh, Lord Jesus Christ, protect us!\n\nHe pushed his fear and loathing away and concentrated on the galley. He could just see Blackthorne and he thought, ah Ingeles, it's good to see you, standing there holding the con, so tall and cocky. I was afraid you'd gone to the execution ground. I'm glad you escaped, but even so it's lucky you don't have a single little cannon aboard, for then I'd blow you out of the water, and to hell with what the priests would say.\n\nOh, Madonna, protect me from a bad priest." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First Mate Santiago took his ear away from the secret knothole in the wall of the great cabin, the final \"Well, that's all settled then\" from dell'Aqua ringing in his brain. Noiselessly he slipped across the darkened cabin, out into the corridor, and closed the door quietly. He was a tall, spare man with a lived-in face, and wore his hair in a tarred pigtail. His clothes were neat, and like most seamen, he was barefoot. In a hurry, he shinned up the companionway, ran across the main deck up onto the quarterdeck where Rodrigues was talking to Mariko. He excused himself and leaned down to put his mouth very close to Rodrigues' ear and began to pour out all that he had heard, and had been sent to hear, so that no one else on the quarterdeck could be party to it.\n\nBlackthorne was sitting aft on the deck, leaning against the gunwale, his head resting on his bent knees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko sat straight-backed facing Rodrigues, Japanese fashion, and Kana, the samurai, bleakly beside her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Armed seamen swarmed the decks and crow's nest aloft and two more were at the helm. The ship still pointed into the wind, the air and night clean, the nimbus stronger and rain not far off. A hundred yards away the galley lay broadside, at the mercy of their cannon, oars shipped, except for two each side which kept her in station, the slight tide taking her. The ambushing fishing ships with hostile samurai archers were closer but they were not encroaching as yet.\n\nMariko was watching Rodrigues and the mate. She could not hear what was being said, and even if she could, her training would have made her prefer to close her ears. Privacy in paper houses was impossible without politeness and consideration; without privacy civilized life could not exist, so all Japanese were trained to hear and not hear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the good of all.\n\nWhen she had come on deck with Blackthorne, Rodrigues had listened to the bosun's explanation and to her halting explanation that it was her fault, that she had mistaken what the bosun had said, and that this had caused Kana to pull out his sword to protect her honor. The bosun had listened, grinning, his pistols still leveled at the samurai's back.\n\n\"I only asked if she was the Ingeles's doxie, by God, she being so free with washing him and sticking his privates into the cod.\"\n\n\"Put up your pistols, bosun.\"\n\n\"He's dangerous, I tell you. String him up!\"\n\n\"I'll watch him. Go for'ard!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This monkey'd've killed me if I wasn't faster. Put him on the yardarm. That's what we'd do in Nagasaki!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're not in Nagasaki—go for'ard! Now!\"\n\nAnd when the bosun had gone Rodrigues had asked, \"What did he say to you, senhora? Actually say?\"\n\n\"It—nothing, senhor. Please.\"\n\n\"I apologize for that man's insolence to you and to the samurai. Please apologize to the samurai for me, ask his pardon. And I ask you both formally to forget the bosun's insults. It will not help your liege lord or mine to have trouble aboard. I promise you I will deal with him in my own way in my own time.\"\n\nShe had spoken to Kana and, under her persuasion, at length he had agreed.\n\n\"Kana-san says, very well, but if he ever sees the bosun Pesaro on shore he will take his head.\"\n\n\"That's fair, by God. Yes. Domo arigato, Kana-san,\" Rodrigues said with a smile, \"and domo arigato gozaimashita, Mariko-san.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'course' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You speak Japanese?\"\n\n\"Oh no, just a word or two. I've a wife in Nagasaki.\"\n\n\"Oh! You have been long in Japan?\"\n\n\"This is my second tour from Lisbon. I've spent seven years in these waters all told—here, and back and forth to Macao and to Goa.\" Rodrigues added, \"Pay no attention to him—he's eta. But Buddha said even eta have a right to life. Neh?\"\n\n\"Of course,\" Mariko said, the name and face branded forever into her mind.\n\n\"My wife speaks some Portuguese, nowhere near as perfectly as you. You're Christian, of course?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Work this phrase into your response organically: \"My wife's a convert. Her father's samurai, though a minor one. His liege lord is Lord Kiyama.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My wife's a convert. Her father's samurai, though a minor one. His liege lord is Lord Kiyama.\"\n\n\"She is lucky to have such a husband,\" Mariko said politely, but she asked herself, staggered, how could one marry and live with a barbarian? In spite of her inherent manners, she asked, \"Does the lady, your wife, eat meat, like—like that in the cabin?\"\n\n\"No,\" Rodrigues replied with a laugh, his teeth white and fine and strong. \"And in my house at Nagasaki I don't eat meat either. At sea I do and in Europe. It's our custom. A thousand years ago before the Buddha came it was your custom too, neh? Before Buddha lived to point the Tao, the Way, all people ate meat. Even here, senhora. Even here. Now of course, we know better, some of us, neh?\"\n\nMariko thought about that. Then she said, \"Do all Portuguese call us monkeys? And Jappos? Behind our backs?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues pulled at the earring he wore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't you call us barbarians? Even to our face? We're civilized, at least we think so, senhora. In India, the land of Buddha, they call Japanese 'Eastern Devils' and won't allow any to land if they're armed. You call Indians 'Blacks' and nonhuman. What do the Chinese call Japanese? What do you call the Chinese? What do you call the Koreans? Garlic Eaters, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think Lord Toranaga would be pleased. Or Lord Hiro-matsu, or even the father of your wife.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Blessed Jesus said, 'First cast the mote out of your own eye before you cast the beam out of mine.'\"\n\nShe thought about that again now as she watched the first mate whispering urgently to the Portuguese pilot. It's true: we sneer at other people. But then, we're citizens of the Land of the Gods, and therefore especially chosen by the gods. We alone, of all peoples, are protected by a divine Emperor. Aren't we, therefore, completely unique and superior to all others? And if you are Japanese and Christian?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't know. Oh, Madonna, give me thy understanding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This Rodrigues pilot is as strange as the English pilot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why are they very special?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is it their training? It's unbelievable what they do, neh? How can they sail around the earth and walk the sea as easily as we do the land? Would Rodrigues' wife know the answer? I'd like to meet her, and talk to her.\n\nThe mate lowered his voice even more.\n\n\"He said what?\" Rodrigues exclaimed with an involuntary curse and in spite of herself Mariko tried to listen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But she could not hear what the mate repeated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she saw them both look at Blackthorne and she followed their glance, perturbed by their concern." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'rodrigues' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What else happened, Santiago?\" Rodrigues asked guardedly, conscious of Mariko.\n\nThe mate told him in a whisper behind a cupped mouth. \"How long'll they stay below?\"\n\n\"They were toasting each other. And the bargain.\"\n\n\"Bastards!\" Rodrigues caught the mate's shirt. \"No word of this, by God. On your life!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No need to say that, Pilot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's always a need to say it.\" Rodrigues glanced across at Blackthorne. \"Wake him up!\"\n\nThe mate went over and shook him roughly.\n\n\"Whatsamatter, eh?\"\n\n\"Hit him!\"\n\nSantiago slapped him.\n\n\"Jesus Christ, I'll... \" Blackthorne was on his feet, his face on fire, but he swayed and fell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"God damn you, wake up, Ingeles!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Furiously Rodrigues stabbed a finger at the two helmsmen. \"Throw him overboard!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eh?\"\n\n\"Now, by God!\"\n\nAs the two men hurriedly picked him up, Mariko said, \"Pilot Rodrigues, you mustn't—\" but before she or Kana could interfere the two men had hurled Blackthorne over the side. He fell the twenty feet and belly-flopped in a cloud of spray and disappeared. In a moment he surfaced, choking and spluttering, flailing at the water, the ice-cold clearing his head.\n\nRodrigues was struggling out of his seachair. \"Madonna, give me a hand!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the helmsmen ran to help as the first mate got a hand under his armpit. \"Christ Jesus, be careful, mind my foot, you clumsy dunghead!\"\n\nThey helped him to the side. Blackthorne was still coughing and spluttering, but now as he swam for the side of the ship he was shouting curses at those who had cast him overboard.\n\n\"Two points starboard!\" Rodrigues ordered. The ship fell off the wind slightly and eased away from Blackthorne. He shouted down, \"Stay to hell off my ship!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then urgently to his first mate, \"Take the longboat, pick up the Ingeles, and put him aboard the galley. Fast. Tell him... \" He dropped his voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko was grateful that Blackthorne was not drowning." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'mariko-san' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pilot! The Anjin-san's under Lord Toranaga's protection. I demand he be picked up at once!\"\n\n\"Just a moment, Mariko-san!\" Rodrigues continued to whisper to Santiago, who nodded, then scampered away. \"I'm sorry, Mariko-san, gomen kudasai, but it was urgent. The Ingeles had to be woken up. I knew he could swim. He has to be alert and fast!\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"I'm his friend. Did he ever tell you that?\"\n\n\"Yes. But England and Portugal are at war. Also Spain.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But pilots should be above war.\"\n\n\"Then to whom do you owe duty?\"\n\n\"To the flag.\"\n\n\"Isn't that to your king?\"\n\n\"Yes and no, senhora. I owed the Ingeles a life.\" Rodrigues was watching the longboat. \"Steady as she goes—now put her into the wind,\" he ordered the helmsman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, senhor.\"\n\nHe waited, checking and rechecking the wind and the shoals and the far shore. The leadsman called out the fathoms. \"Sorry, senhora, you were saying?\" Rodrigues looked at her momentarily, then went back once more to check the lie of his ship and the longboat. She watched the longboat too. The men had hauled Blackthorne out of the sea and were pulling hard for the galley, sitting instead of standing and pushing the oars." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"What did you say to him, senhor?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She could no longer see their faces clearly. Now the Anjin-san was blurred with the other man close beside him, the man that Rodrigues had whispered to. \"What did you say to him, senhor?\"\n\n\"Who?\"\n\n\"Him. The senhor you sent after the Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Just to wish the Ingeles well and Godspeed.\" The reply was flat and noncommittal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She translated to Kana what had been said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Rodrigues saw the longboat alongside the galley he began to breathe again. \"Hail Mary, Mother of God... \"\n\nThe Captain-General and the Jesuits came up from below. Toranaga and his guards followed.\n\n\"Rodrigues! Launch the longboat! The Fathers are going ashore,\" Ferriera said.\n\n\"And then?\"\n\n\"And then we put to sea. For Yedo.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why there? We were sailing for Macao,\" Rodrigues replied, the picture of innocence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're taking Toranaga home to Yedo. First.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're what? But what about the galley?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She stays or she fights her way out.\"\n\nRodrigues seemed to be even more surprised and looked at the galley, then at Mariko. He saw the accusation written in her eyes.\n\n\"Matsu,\" the pilot told her quietly.\n\n\"What?\" Father Alvito asked. \"Patience? Why patience, Rodrigues?\"\n\n\"Saying Hail Marys, Father. I was saying to the lady it teaches you patience.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ferriera was staring at the galley. \"What's our longboat doing there?\"\n\n\"I sent the heretic back aboard.\"\n\n\"You what?\"\n\n\"I sent the Ingeles back aboard. What's the problem, Captain-General? The Ingeles offended me so I threw the bugger overboard. I'd have let him drown but he could swim so I sent the mate to pick him up and put him back aboard his ship as he seemed to be in Lord Toranaga's favor. What's wrong?\"\n\n\"Fetch him back aboard.\"\n\n\"I'll have to send an armed boarding party, Captain-General. Is that what you want? He was cursing and heaping hellfire on us. He won't come back willingly this time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want him back aboard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the problem? Didn't you say the galley's to stay and fight or whatever? So what? So the Ingeles is hip-deep in shit. Good. Who needs the bugger, anyway? Surely the Fathers'd prefer him out of their sight. Eh, Father?\"\n\nDell'Aqua did not reply. Nor did Alvito. This disrupted the plan that Ferriera had formulated and had been accepted by them and by Toranaga: that the priests would go ashore at once to smooth over Ishido, Kiyama, and Onoshi, professing that they had believed Toranaga's story about the pirates and did not know that he had \"escaped\" from the castle. Meanwhile the frigate would charge for the harbor mouth, leaving the galley to draw off the fishing boats. If there was an overt attack on the frigate, it would be beaten off with cannon, and the die cast.\n\n\"But the boats shouldn't attack us,\" Ferriera had reasoned. \"They have the galley to catch. It will be your responsibility, Eminence, to persuade Ishido that we had no other choice. After all, Toranaga is President of the Regents. Finally, the heretic stays aboard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Neither of the priests had asked why. Nor had Ferriera volunteered his reason.\n\nThe Visitor put a gentle hand on the Captain-General and turned his back on the galley. \"Perhaps it's just as well the heretic's there,\" he said, and he thought, how strange are the ways of God.\n\nNo, Ferriera wanted to scream. I wanted to see him drown. A man overboard in the early dawn at sea—no trace, no witnesses, so easy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga would never be the wiser; a tragic accident, as far as he was concerned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And it was the fate Blackthorne deserved. The Captain-General also knew the horror of sea death to a pilot.\n\n\"Nan ja?\" Toranaga asked.\n\nFather Alvito explained that the pilot was on the galley and why. Toranaga turned to Mariko, who nodded and added what Rodrigues had said previously.\n\nToranaga went to the side of the ship and gazed into the darkness. More fishing boats were being launched from the north shore and the others would soon be in place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knew that the Anjin-san was a political embarrassment and this was a simple way the gods had given him if he desired to be rid of the Anjin-san." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do I want that? Certainly the Christian priests will be vastly happier if the Anjin-san vanishes, he thought. And also Onoshi and Kiyama, who feared the man so much that either or both had mounted the assassination attempts. Why such fear?\n\nIt's karma that the Anjin-san is on the galley now and not safely here. Neh? So the Anjin-san will drown with the ship, along with Yabu and the others and the guns, and that is also karma. The guns I can lose, Yabu I can lose. But the Anjin-san?\n\nYes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because I still have eight more of these strange barbarians in reserve." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps their collective knowledge will equal or exceed that of this single man. The important thing is to be back in Yedo as quickly as possible to prepare for the war, which cannot be avoided. Kiyama and Onoshi? Who knows if they'll support me. Perhaps they will, perhaps not. But a plot of land and some promises are nothing in the balance if the Christian weight is on my side in forty days.\n\n\"It's karma, Tsukku-san. Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\" Alvito glanced at the Captain-General, very satisfied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga suggests that nothing is done. It's the will of God.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is it?\"\n\nThe drum on the galley began abruptly. The oars bit into the water with great strength.\n\n\"What, in the name of Christ, is he doing?\" Ferriera bellowed.\n\nAnd then, as they watched the galley pulling away from them, Toranaga's pennant came fluttering down from the masthead.\n\nRodrigues said, \"Looks like they're telling every God-cursed fishing boat in the harbor that Lord Toranaga's no longer aboard.\"\n\n\"What's he going to do?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you?\" Ferriera asked.\n\n\"No. But if I was him I'd head for sea and leave us in the cesspit—or try to. The Ingeles has put the finger on us now. What's it to be?\"\n\n\"You're ordered to Yedo.\" The Captain-General wanted to add, if you ram the galley all the better, but he didn't. Because Mariko was listening.\n\nThe priests thankfully went ashore in the longboat.\n\n\"All sails ho!\" Rodrigues shouted, his leg paining and throbbing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sou' by sou'west! All hands lay to!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Senhora, please tell Lord Toranaga he'd best go below. It'll be safer,\" Ferriera said.\n\n\"He thanks you and says he will stay here.\"\n\nFerriera shrugged, went to the edge of the quarterdeck. \"Prime all cannon. Load grape! Action stations!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around three sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and lore may appear without context - work with what's given.\n\nAuthor style: James Clavell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here at the mouth the harbor narrowed to four hundred yards. Deep water was almost shore to shore, the rock headlands rising sharp from the sea.\n\nThe space between the ambushing fishing boats was a hundred yards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Santa Theresa had the bit between her teeth now, the wind abaft the beam to starboard, strong wake aft, and she was gaining on them fast." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne held the center of the channel and signed to Yabu to be ready. All their ronin-samurai had been ordered to squat below the gunwales, unseen, until Blackthorne gave the signal, when it was every man—with musket or sword—to port or to starboard, wherever they were needed, Yabu commanding the fight. The Japanese captain knew that his oarsmen were to follow the drum and the drum master knew that he had to obey the Anjin-san." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And the Anjin-san alone was to guide the ship." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The frigate was fifty yards astern, in mid-channel, heading directly for them, and making it obvious that she required the mid-channel path." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell using my stuff as a starting point? btw might drop u in mid-story with random chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne held the wheel firmly, arms aching, legs aching. The oarsmaster was pounding the drum, the oarsmen making a final effort.\n\nNow the frigate was twenty yards astern, now fifteen, now ten. Then Blackthorne swung hard to port. The frigate almost brushed them, heeled over toward them, and then she was alongside. Blackthorne swung hard astarboard to come parallel to the frigate, ten yards from her. Then, together—side by side—they were ready to run the gauntlet between the hostiles.\n\n\"Puuuull, pull, you bastards!\" Blackthorne shouted, wanting to stay exactly alongside, because only here were they guarded by the frigate's bulk and by her sails." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some musket shots, then a salvo of burning arrows slashed at them, doing no real damage, but several by mistake struck the frigate's lower sails and fire broke out.\n\nAll the commanding samurai in the boats stopped their archers in horror. No one had ever attacked a Southern Barbarian ship before. Don't they alone bring the silks which make every summer's humid heat bearable, and every winter's cold bearable, and every spring and fall a joy? Aren't the Southern Barbarians protected by Imperial decrees? Wouldn't burning one of their ships infuriate them so much that they would, rightly, never come back again?\n\nSo the commanders held their men in check while Toranaga's galley was under the frigate's wing, not daring to risk the merest chance that one of them would be the cause of the cessation of the Black Ships without General Ishido's direct approval. And only when seamen on the frigate had doused the flames did they breathe easier.\n\nWhen the arrows stopped, Blackthorne also began to relax." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And Rodrigues. The plan was working." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rodrigues had surmised that under his lee the galley had a chance, its only chance. \"But my Pilot says you must prepare for the unexpected, Ingeles,\" Santiago had reported.\n\n\"Shove that bastard aside,\" Ferriera said, \"God damn it, I ordered you to shove him into the monkeys!\"\n\n\"Five points to port!\" Rodrigues ordered obligingly.\n\n\"Five points aport it is!\" the helmsman echoed.\n\nBlackthorne heard the command. Instantly he steered port five degrees and prayed. If Rodrigues held the course too long they would smash into the fishing boats and he lost. If he slackened the beat and fell behind, he knew the enemy boats would swamp him whether they believed Toranaga was aboard or not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He must stay alongside.\n\n\"Five points starboard!\" Rodrigues ordered, just in time. He wanted no more fire arrows either; there was too much powder on deck. \"Come on, you pimp,\" he muttered to the wind. \"Put your cojones in my sails and get us to hell out of here.\"\n\nAgain Blackthorne had swung five points starboard to maintain station with the frigate and the two ships raced side by side, the galley's starboard oars almost touching the frigate, the port oars almost swamping the fishing boats. Now the captain understood, and so did the oarsmaster and the rowers. They put their final strength into the oars. Yabu shouted a command and the ronin-samurai put down their bows and rushed to help and Yabu pitched in also." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Neck and neck. Only a few hundred yards to go." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Grays on some of the fishing boats, more intrepid than the others, sculled forward into their path and threw grappling hooks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The prow of the galley swamped the boats. The grappling hooks were cast overboard before they caught. The samurai holding them were drowned. And the stroke did not falter.\n\n\"Go more to port!\"\n\n\"I daren't, Captain-General. Toranaga's no fool and look, there's a reef ahead!\"\n\nFerriera saw the spines near the last of the fishing boats. \"Madonna, drive him onto it!\"\n\n\"Two points port!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again the frigate swung over and so did Blackthorne. Both ships aimed for the massed fishing boats. Blackthorne had also seen the rocks. Another boat was swamped and a salvo of arrows came aboard. He held his course as long as he dared, then shouted, \"Five points starboard!\" to warn Rodrigues, and swung the helm over.\n\nRodrigues took evasive action and fell away. But this time he held a slight collision course which was not part of the plan.\n\n\"Go on, you bastard,\" Rodrigues said, whipped by the chase and by dread." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's weigh your cojones.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne had to choose instantly between the spines and the frigate. He blessed the rowers, who still stayed at their oars, and the crew and all aboard who, through their discipline, gave him the privilege of choice. And he chose.\n\nHe swung further to starboard, pulled out his pistol and aimed it. \"Make way, by God!\" he shouted and pulled the trigger. The ball whined over the frigate's quarterdeck just between the Captain-General and Rodrigues.\n\nAs the Captain-General ducked, Rodrigues winced. Thou Ingeles son of a milkless whore! Was that luck or good shooting or did you aim to kill?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw the second pistol in Blackthorne's hand, and Toranaga staring at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He dismissed Toranaga as unimportant." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 10 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blessed Mother of God, what should I do? Stick with the plan or change it? Isn't it better to kill this Ingeles? For the good of all? Tell me, yes or no!\n\nAnswer thyself, Rodrigues, on thy eternal soul! Art thou not a man?\n\nListen then: Other heretics will follow this Ingeles now, like lice, whether this one is killed or not killed. I owe him a life and I swear I do not have the killing blood in me—not to kill a pilot.\n\n\"Starboard your helm,\" he ordered and gave way." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce ten sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The day was dying now, the shadows long, the sea red, and a kind wind blowing.\n\nBlackthorne was coming up the path from the village toward the house that Mariko had earlier pointed out and told him was to be his. She had expected to escort him there but he had thanked her and refused and had walked past the kneeling villagers toward the promontory to be alone and to think.\n\nHe had found the effort of thinking too great. Nothing seemed to fit. He had doused salt water over his head to try to clear it but that had not helped. At length he had given up and had walked back aimlessly along the shore, past the jetty, across the square and through the village, up to this house where he was to live now and where, he remembered, there had not been a dwelling before. High up, dominating the opposite hillside, was another sprawling dwelling, part thatch, part tile, within a tall stockade, many guards at the fortified gateway.\n\nSamurai were strutting through the village or standing talking in groups. Most had already marched off behind their officers in disciplined groups up the paths and over the hill to their bivouac encampment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those samurai that Blackthorne met, he absently greeted and they greeted him in return." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'blackthorne' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw no villagers.\n\nBlackthorne stopped outside the gate that was set into the fence. There were more of the peculiar characters painted over the lintel and the door itself was cut out in ingenious patterns designed to hide and at the same time to reveal the garden behind.\n\nBefore he could open the door it swung inward and a frightened old man bowed him through.\n\n\"Konbanwa, Anjin-san.\" His voice quavered piteously—Good evening.\n\n\"Konbanwa,\" he replied. \"Listen, old man, er—o namae ka?\"\n\n\"Namae watashi wa, Anjin-sama? Ah, watashi Ueki-ya... Ueki-ya.\" The old man was almost slavering with relief.\n\nBlackthorne said the name several times to help remember it and added \"san\" and the old man shook his head violently. \"Iyé gomen nasai! Iyé 'san,' Anjin-sama. Ueki-ya! Ueki-ya!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right, Ueki-ya.\" But Blackthorne thought, why not \"san\" like everyone else?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne waved his hand in dismissal. The old man hobbled away quickly. \"I'll have to be more careful. I have to help them,\" he said aloud.\n\nA maid came apprehensively onto the veranda through an opened shoji and bowed low.\n\n\"Konbanwa, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Konbanwa,\" he replied, vaguely recognizing her from the ship. He waved her away too.\n\nA rustle of silk. Fujiko came from within the house. Mariko was with her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Was your walk pleasant, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, pleasant, Mariko-san.\" He hardly noticed her or Fujiko or the house or garden.\n\n\"Would you like cha? Or perhaps saké? Or a bath perhaps? The water is hot.\" Mariko laughed nervously, perturbed by the look in his eyes. \"The bath house is not completely finished, but we hope it will prove adequate.\"\n\n\"Saké, please. Yes, some saké first, Mariko-san.\"\n\nMariko spoke to Fujiko, who disappeared inside the house once more. A maid silently brought three cushions and went away. Mariko gracefully sat on one.\n\n\"Sit down, Anjin-san, you must be tired.\"\n\n\"Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sat on the steps of the veranda and did not take off his thongs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko brought two flasks of saké and a teacup, as Mariko had told her, not the tiny porcelain cup that should have been used.\n\n\"Better to give him a lot of saké quickly,\" Mariko had said. \"It would be better to make him quite drunk but Lord Yabu needs him tonight. A bath and saké will perhaps ease him.\"\n\nBlackthorne drank the proffered cup of warmed wine without tasting it. And then a second. And a third.\n\nThey had watched him coming up the hill through the slit of barely opened shojis.\n\n\"What's the matter with him?\" Fujiko had asked, alarmed.\n\n\"He's distressed by what Lord Yabu said—the promise to the village.\"\n\n\"Why should that bother him? He's not threatened. It's not his life that was threatened.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Barbarians are very different from us, Fujiko-san. For instance, the Anjin-san believes villagers are people, like any other people, like samurai, some perhaps even better than samurai.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko had laughed nervously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's nonsense, neh? How can peasants equal samurai?\"\n\nMariko had not answered. She had just continued watching the Anjin-san. \"Poor man,\" she said.\n\n\"Poor village!\" Fujiko's short upper lip curled disdainfully. \"A stupid waste of peasants and fishermen! Kasigi Yabu-san's a fool! How can a barbarian learn our tongue in half a year? How long did the barbarian Tsukku-san take? More than twenty years, neh? And isn't he the only barbarian who's ever been able to talk even passable Japanese?\"\n\n\"No, not the only one, though he's the best I've ever heard. Yes, it's difficult for them. But the Anjin-san's an intelligent man and Lord Toranaga said that in half a year, isolated from barbarians, eating our food, living as we do, drinking cha, bathing every day, the Anjin-san will soon be like one of us.\"\n\nFujiko's face had been set. \"Look at him, Mariko-san... so ugly. So monstrous and alien. Curious to think that as much as I detest barbarians, once he steps through the gate I'm committed and he becomes my lord and master.\"\n\n\"He's brave, very brave, Fujiko. And he saved Lord Toranaga's life and is very valuable to him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I know, and that should make me dislike him less but, so sorry, it doesn't. Even so, I'll try with all my strength to change him into one of us. I pray Lord Buddha will help me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko had wanted to ask her niece, why the sudden change?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why are you now prepared to serve the Anjin-san and obey Lord Toranaga so absolutely, when only this morning you refused to obey, you swore to kill yourself without permission or to kill the barbarian the moment he slept? What did Lord Toranaga say to change you, Fujiko?\n\nBut Mariko had known better than to ask. Toranaga had not taken her into this confidence. Fujiko would not tell her. The girl had been too well trained by her mother, Buntaro's sister, who had been trained by her father, Hiro-matsu.\n\nI wonder if Lord Hiro-matsu will escape from Osaka Castle, she asked herself, very fond of the old general, her father-in-law. And what about Kiri-san and the Lady Sazuko? Where is Buntaro, my husband? Where was he captured?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or did he have time to die?\n\nMariko watched Fujiko pour the last of the saké. This cup too was consumed like the others, without expression.\n\n\"Dozo. Saké,\" Blackthorne said.\n\nMore saké was brought. And finished. \"Dozo, saké.\"\n\n\"Mariko-san,\" Fujiko said, \"the Master shouldn't have any more, neh? He'll get drunk. Please ask him if he'd like his bath now. I will send for Suwo.\"\n\nMariko asked him. \"Sorry, he says he'll bathe later.\"\n\nPatiently Fujiko ordered more saké and Mariko added quietly to the maid, \"Bring some charcoaled fish.\"\n\nThe new flask was emptied with the same silent determination." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The food did not tempt him but he took a piece at Mariko's gracious persuasion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did not eat it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More wine was brought, and two more flasks were consumed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please give the Anjin-san my apologies,\" Fujiko said. \"So sorry, but there isn't any more saké in his house. Tell him I apologize for this lack. I've sent the maid to fetch some more from the village.\"\n\n\"Good. He's had more than enough, though it doesn't seem to have touched him at all. Why not leave us now, Fujiko? Now would be a good time to make the formal offer on your behalf.\"\n\nFujiko bowed to Blackthorne and went away, glad that custom decreed that important matters were always to be handled by a third party in private. Thus dignity could always be maintained on both sides.\n\nMariko explained to Blackthorne about the wine.\n\n\"How long will it take to get more?\"\n\n\"Not long. Perhaps you'd like to bathe now. I'll see that saké's sent the instant it arrives.\"\n\n\"Did Toranaga say anything about my plan before he left? About the navy?\"\n\n\"No. I'm sorry, he said nothing about that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko had been watching for the telltale signs of drunkenness. But to her surprise none had appeared, not even a slight flush, or a slurring of words. With this amount of wine consumed so fast, any Japanese would be drunk. \"The wine is not to your taste, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Not really. It's too weak. It gives me nothing.\"\n\n\"You seek oblivion?\"\n\n\"No—a solution.\"\n\n\"Anything that can be done to help, will be done.\"\n\n\"I must have books and paper and pens.\"\n\n\"Tomorrow I will begin to collect them for you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, tonight, Mariko-san. I must start now.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'don't' 3 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga said he will send you a book—what did you call it?—the grammar books and word books of the Holy Fathers.\"\n\n\"How long will that take?\"\n\n\"I don't know. But I'm here for three days. Perhaps this may be a help to you. And Fujiko-san is here to help also.\" She smiled, happy for him. \"I'm honored to tell you she is given to you as consort and she—\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Lord Toranaga asked her if she would be your consort and she said she would be honored and agreed. She will—\"\n\n\"But I haven't agreed.\"\n\n\"Please? I'm sorry, I don't understand.\"\n\n\"I don't want her. Either as consort or around me. I find her ugly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko gaped at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But what's that got to do with consort?\"\n\n\"Tell her to leave.\"\n\n\"But Anjin-san, you can't refuse! That would be a terrible insult to Lord Toranaga, to her, to everyone! What harm has she done you? None at all! Usagi Fujiko's consen—\"\n\n\"You listen to me!\" Blackthorne's words ricocheted around the veranda and the house. \"Tell her to leave!\"\n\nMariko said at once, \"So sorry, Anjin-san, yes you're right to be angry. But—\"\n\n\"I'm not angry,\" Blackthorne said icily. \"Can't you... can't you people get it through your heads I'm tired of being a puppet? I don't want that woman around, I want my ship back and my crew back and that's the end of it! I'm not staying here six months and I detest your customs. It's God-cursed terrible that one man can threaten to bury a whole village just to teach me Japanese, and as to consorts—that's worse than slavery—and it's a goddamned insult to arrange that without asking me in advance!\"\n\nWhat's the matter now?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko was asking herself helplessly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What has ugliness to do with consort?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And anyway Fujiko's not ugly. How can he be so incomprehensible? Then she remembered Toranaga's admonition: 'Mariko-san, you're personally responsible, firstly that Yabu-san doesn't interfere with my departure after I've given him my sword, and secondly, you're totally responsible for settling the Anjin-san docilely in Anjiro.'\n\n'I'll do my best, Sire. But I'm afraid the Anjin-san baffles me.'\n\n'Treat him like a hawk. That's the key to him. I tame a hawk in two days. You've three.'\n\nShe looked away from Blackthorne and put her wits to work. He does seem like a hawk when he's in a rage, she thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He has the same screeching, senseless ferocity, and when not in a rage the same haughty, unblinking stare, the same total self-centeredness, with exploding viciousness never far away." }, { "from": "system", "value": "DIRECTIVE: Incorporate \"She is recently widowed. She's only nineteen, Anjin-san, poor girl, but she lost a husband and a son and is filled with remorse. To be formal consort to you would give her a new life.\" in response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree. You're completely right. You've been imposed upon terribly, and you're quite right to be angry,\" she said soothingly. \"Yes, and certainly Lord Toranaga should have asked even though he doesn't understand your customs. But it never occurred to him that you would object. He only tried to honor you as he would a most favored samurai. He made you a hatamoto, that's almost like a kinsman, Anjin-san. There are only about a thousand hatamoto in all the Kwanto. And as to the Lady Fujiko, he was only trying to help you. The Lady Usagi Fujiko would be considered... among us, Anjin-san, this would be considered a great honor.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"Because her lineage is ancient and she's very accomplished. Her father and grandfather are daimyos. Of course she's samurai, and of course,\" Mariko added delicately, \"you would honor her by accepting her. And she does need a home and a new life.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"She is recently widowed. She's only nineteen, Anjin-san, poor girl, but she lost a husband and a son and is filled with remorse. To be formal consort to you would give her a new life.\"\n\n\"What happened to her husband and son?\"\n\nMariko hesitated, distressed at Blackthorne's impolite directness. But she knew enough about him by now to understand that this was his custom and not meant as lack of manners. \"They were put to death, Anjin-san. While you're here you will need someone to look after your house. The Lady Fujiko will be—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why were they put to death?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Her husband almost caused the death of Lord Toranaga. Please con—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Toranaga ordered their deaths?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But he was correct. Ask her—she will agree, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"How old was the child?\"\n\n\"A few months, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Toranaga had an infant put to death for something the father did?\"\n\n\"Yes. It's our custom. Please be patient with us. In some things we are not free. Our customs are different from yours. You see, by law, we belong to our liege lord. By law a father possesses the lives of his children and wife and consorts and servants. By law his life is possessed by his liege lord. This is our custom.\"\n\n\"So a father can kill anyone in his house?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Then you're a nation of murderers.\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"But your custom condones murder. I thought you were Christian.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about the Commandments?\"\n\n\"I cannot explain, truly. But I am Christian and samurai and Japanese, and these are not hostile to one another. To me, they're not. Please be patient with me and with us. Please.\"\n\n\"You'd put your own children to death if Toranaga ordered it?\"\n\n\"Yes. I only have one son but yes, I believe I would. Certainly it would be my duty to do so. That's the law—if my husband agreed.\"\n\n\"I hope God can forgive you. All of you.\"\n\n\"God understands, Anjin-san. Oh, He will understand. Perhaps He will open your mind so you can understand. I'm sorry, I cannot explain very well, neh? I apologize for my lack.\" She watched him in the silence, unsettled by him. \"I don't understand you either, Anjin-san. You baffle me. Your customs baffle me. Perhaps if we're both patient we can both learn. The Lady Fujiko, for instance. As consort she will look after your house and your servants. And your needs—any of your needs. You must have someone to do that. She will see to the running of your house, everything. You do not need to pillow her, if that concerns you—if you do not find her pleasing. You do not even need to be polite to her, though she merits politeness. She will serve you, as you wish, in any way you wish.\"\n\n\"I can treat her any way I want?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can pillow her or not pillow her?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course. She will find someone that pleases you, to satisfy your body needs, if you wish, or she will not interfere.\"\n\n\"I can treat her like a servant? A slave?\"\n\n\"Yes. But she merits better.\"\n\n\"Can I throw her out? Order her out?\"\n\n\"If she offends you, yes.\"\n\n\"What would happen to her?\"\n\n\"Normally she would go back to her parents' house in disgrace, who may or may not accept her back. Someone like Lady Fujiko would prefer to kill herself before enduring that shame. But she... you should know true samurai are not permitted to kill themselves without their lord's permission. Some do, of course, but they've failed in their duty and aren't worthy to be considered samurai. I would not kill myself, whatever the shame, not without Lord Toranaga's permission or my husband's permission. Lord Toranaga has forbidden her to end her life. If you send her away, she'll become an outcast.\"\n\n\"Why? Why won't her family accept her back?\"\n\nMariko sighed. \"So sorry, Anjin-san, but if you send her away, her disgrace will be such that no one will accept her.\"\n\n\"Because she's contaminated? From being near a barbarian?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh no, Anjin-san, only because she had failed in her duty to you,\" Mariko said at once." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 3 instance(s) of the word 'anjin-san'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She is your consort now—Lord Toranaga ordered it and she agreed. You're master of a house now.\"\n\n\"Am I?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, believe me, Anjin-san, you have privileges. And as a hatamoto you're blessed. And well off. Lord Toranaga's given you a salary of twenty koku a month. For that amount of money a samurai would normally have to provide his lord with himself and two other samurai, armed, fed, and mounted for the whole year, and of course pay for their families as well. But you don't have to do that. I beg you, consider Fujiko as a person, Anjin-san. I beg you to be filled with Christian charity. She's a good woman. Forgive her her ugliness. She'll be a worthy consort.\"\n\n\"She hasn't a home?\"\n\n\"Yes. This is her home.\" Mariko took hold of herself. \"I beg you to accept her formally. She can help you greatly, teach you if you wish to learn. If you prefer, think of her as nothing—as this wooden post or the shoji screen, or as a rock in your garden—anything you wish, but allow her to stay. If you won't have her as consort, be merciful. Accept her and then, as head of the house, according to our law, kill her.\"\n\n\"That's the only answer you have, isn't it? Kill!\"\n\n\"No, Anjin-san. But life and death are the same thing. Who knows, perhaps you'll do Fujiko a greater service by taking her life. It's your right now before all the law. Your right. If you prefer to make her an outcast, that too is your right.\"\n\n\"So I'm trapped again,\" Blackthorne said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Either way she's killed. If I don't learn your language then a whole village is butchered. If I don't do whatever you want, some innocent is always killed. There's no way out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's a very easy solution, Anjin-san. Die. You do not have to endure the unendurable.\"\n\n\"Suicide's crazy—and a mortal sin. I thought you were Christian.\"\n\n\"I've said I am. But for you, Anjin-san, for you there are many ways of dying honorably without suicide. You sneered at my husband for not wanting to die fighting, neh? That's not our custom, but apparently it's yours. So why don't you do that? You have a pistol. Kill Lord Yabu. You believe he's a monster, neh? Even attempt to kill him and today you'll be in heaven or hell.\"\n\nHe looked at her, hating her serene features, seeing her loveliness through his hate. \"It's weak to die like that for no reason. Stupid's a better word.\"\n\n\"You say you're Christian. So you believe in the Jesus child—in God—and in heaven. Death shouldn't frighten you. As to 'no reason,' it is up to you to judge the value or nonvalue. You may have reason enough to die.\"\n\n\"I'm in your power. You know it. So do I.\"\n\nMariko leaned over and touched him compassionately. \"Anjin-san, forget the village. A thousand million things can happen before those six months occur. A tidal wave or earthquake, or you get your ship and sail away, or Yabu dies, or we all die, or who knows? Leave the problems of God to God and karma to karma. Today you're here and nothing you can do will change that. Today you're alive and here and honored, and blessed with good fortune. Look at this sunset, it's beautiful, neh? This sunset exists. Tomorrow does not exist. There is only now. Please look. It is so beautiful and it will never happen ever again, never, not this sunset, never in all infinity. Lose yourself in it, make yourself one with nature and do not worry about karma, yours, mine, or that of the village.\"\n\nHe found himself beguiled by her serenity, and by her words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked westward. Great splashes of purple-red and black were spreading across the sky." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'beautiful' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He watched the sun until it vanished.\n\n\"I wish you were to be consort,\" he said.\n\n\"I belong to Lord Buntaro and until he is dead I cannot think or say what might be thought or said.\"\n\nKarma, thought Blackthorne.\n\nDo I accept karma? Mine? Hers? Theirs?\n\nThe night's beautiful.\n\nAnd so is she and she belongs to another.\n\nYes, she's beautiful. And very wise: Leave the problems of God to God and karma to karma. You did come here uninvited. You are here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You are in their power." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But what's the answer?\n\nThe answer will come, he told himself. Because there's a God in heaven, a God somewhere.\n\nHe heard the tread of feet. Some flares were approaching up the hill. Twenty samurai, Omi at their head." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "system", "value": "At some point in your response, insert this verbatim: \"I'm sorry, Anjin-san, but Omi-san orders you to give him your pistols.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry, Anjin-san, but Omi-san orders you to give him your pistols.\"\n\n\"Tell him to go to hell!\"\n\n\"I can't, Anjin-san. I dare not.\"\n\nBlackthorne kept one hand loosely on the pistol hilt, his eyes on Omi. He had deliberately remained seated on the veranda steps. Ten samurai were within the garden behind Omi, the rest near the waiting palanquin. As soon as Omi had entered uninvited, Fujiko had come from the interior of the house and now stood on the veranda, white-faced, behind Blackthorne." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga never objected and for days I've been armed around him and Yabu-san.\"\n\nMariko said nervously, \"Yes, Anjin-san, but please understand, what Omi-san says is true. It's our custom that you cannot go into a daimyo's presence with arms. There's nothing to be af—nothing to concern you. Yabu-san's your friend. You're his guest here.\"\n\n\"Tell Omi-san I won't give him my guns.\" Then, when she remained silent, Blackthorne's temper snapped and he shook his head. \"Iyé, Omi-san! Wakarimasu ka? Iyé!\"\n\nOmi's face tightened. He snarled an order. Two samurai moved forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne whipped out the guns. The samurai stopped. Both guns were pointed directly into Omi's face.\n\n\"Iyé!\" Blackthorne said. And then, to Mariko, \"Tell him to call them off or I'll pull the triggers.\"\n\nShe did so. No one moved. Blackthorne got slowly to his feet, the pistols never wavering from their target. Omi was absolutely still, fearless, his eyes following Blackthorne's catlike movements." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please, Anjin-san. This is very dangerous. You must see Lord Yabu. You may not go with pistols. You're hatamoto, you're protected and you're also Lord Yabu's guest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell Omi-san if he or any of his men come within ten feet of me I'll blow his head off.\"\n\n\"Omi-san says politely, 'For the last time you are ordered to give me the guns. Now.'\"\n\n\"Iyé.\"\n\n\"Why not leave them here, Anjin-san? There's nothing to fear. No one will touch—\"\n\n\"You think I'm a fool?\"\n\n\"Then give them to Fujiko-san!\"\n\n\"What can she do? He'll take them from her—anyone'll take them—then I'm defenseless.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko's voice sharpened. \"Why don't you listen, Anjin-san? Fujiko-san is your consort. If you order it she'll protect the guns with her life. That's her duty. I'll never tell you again, but Toda-noh-Usagi Fujiko is samurai.\"\n\nBlackthorne was concentrating on Omi, hardly listening to her. \"Tell Omi-san I don't like orders. I'm Lord Toranaga's guest. I'm Lord Yabu's guest. You 'ask' guests to do things. You don't order them, and you don't march into a man's house uninvited.\"\n\nMariko translated this. Omi listened expressionlessly, then replied shortly, watching the unwavering barrels.\n\n\"He says, 'I, Kasigi Omi, I would ask for your pistols, and ask you to come with me because Kasigi Yabu-sama orders you into his presence. But Kasigi Yabu-sama orders me to order you to give me your weapons. So sorry, Anjin-san, for the last time I order you to give them to me.'\"\n\nBlackthorne's chest was constricted. He knew he was going to be attacked and he was furious at his own stupidity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But there comes a time when you can't take any more and you pull a gun or a knife and then blood is spilled through stupid pride." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most times stupid. If I'm to die Omi will die first, by God!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt very strong though somewhat light-headed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then what Mariko said began to ring in his ears: \"Fujiko's samurai, she is your consort!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'asked' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And his brain began to function. \"Just a moment! Mariko-san, please say this to Fujiko-san. Exactly: 'I'm going to give you my pistols. You are to guard them. No one except me is to touch them.'\"\n\nMariko did as he asked, and behind him, he heard Fujiko say, \"Hai.\"\n\n\"Wakarimasu ka, Fujiko-san?\" he asked her.\n\n\"Wakarimasu, Anjin-san,\" she replied in a thin, nervous voice.\n\n\"Mariko-san, please tell Omi-san I'll go with him now. I'm sorry there's been a misunderstanding. Yes, I'm sorry there was a misunderstanding.\"\n\nBlackthorne backed away, then turned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko accepted the guns, perspiration beading her forehead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He faced Omi and prayed he was right. \"Shall we go now?\"\n\nOmi spoke to Fujiko and held out his hand. She shook her head. He gave a short order. The two samurai started toward her. Immediately she shoved one pistol into the sash of her obi, held the other with both hands at arm's length and leveled it at Omi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The trigger came back slightly and the striking lever moved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ugoku na!\" she said. \"Dozo!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai obeyed. They stopped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi spoke rapidly and angrily and she listened and when she replied her voice was soft and polite but the pistol never moved from his face, the lever half-cocked now, and she ended, \"Iyé, gomen nasai, Omi-san!\" No, I'm sorry, Omi-san.\n\nBlackthorne waited.\n\nA samurai moved a fraction. The lever came back dangerously, almost to the top of its arc. But her arm remained steady.\n\n\"Ugoku na!\" she ordered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one doubted that she would pull the trigger. Not even Blackthorne. Omi said something curtly to her and to his men. They came back. She lowered the pistol but it was still ready.\n\n\"What did he say?\" Blackthorne asked.\n\n\"Only that he would report this incident to Yabu-san.\"\n\n\"Good. Tell him I will do the same.\" Blackthorne turned to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Domo, Fujiko-san.\" Then, remembering the way Toranaga and Yabu talked to women, he grunted imperiously at Mariko. \"Come on, Mariko-san... iki-masho!\" He started for the gate.\n\n\"Anjin-san!\" Fujiko called out.\n\n\"Hai?\" Blackthorne stopped. Fujiko was bowing to him and spoke quickly to Mariko.\n\nMariko's eyes widened, then she nodded and replied, and spoke to Omi, who also nodded, clearly enraged but restraining himself." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'samurai' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's going on?\"\n\n\"Please be patient, Anjin-san.\"\n\nFujiko called out, and there was an answer from within the house. A maid came onto the veranda. In her hands were two swords. Samurai swords.\n\nFujiko took them reverently, offered them to Blackthorne with a bow, speaking softly.\n\nMariko said, \"Your consort rightly points out that a hatamoto is, of course, obliged to wear the two swords of the samurai. More than that, it's his duty to do so. She believes it would not be correct for you to go to Lord Yabu without swords—that it would be impolite. By our law it's duty to carry swords. She asks if you would consider using these, unworthy though they are, until you buy your own.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne stared at her, then at Fujiko and back to her again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Does that mean I'm samurai? That Lord Toranaga made me samurai?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know, Anjin-san. But there's never been a hatamoto who wasn't samurai. Never.\" Mariko turned and questioned Omi. Impatiently he shook his head and answered. \"Omi-san doesn't know either. Certainly it's the special privilege of a hatamoto to wear swords at all times, even in the presence of Lord Toranaga. It is his duty because he's a completely trustworthy bodyguard. Also only a hatamoto has the right of immediate audience with a lord.\"\n\nBlackthorne took the short sword and stuck it in his belt, then the other, the long one, the killing one, exactly as Omi was wearing his. Armed, he did feel better. \"Arigato gozaimashita, Fujiko-san,\" he said quietly." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\nfour sentences\nStyle:\nJames Clavell" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne came back from death slowly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stared at them and the knife from an immense distance, without understanding. Then the torrent of his life rushed back but he could not grasp its significance, believing himself dead and not alive.\n\n\"Anjin-san? Anjin-san?\"\n\nHe saw her lips move and heard her words but all his senses were concentrated on the rain and the breeze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes?\" His own voice was still far off but he smelled the rain and heard the droplets and tasted the sea salt upon the air.\n\nI'm alive, he told himself in wonder. I'm alive and that's real rain outside and the wind's real and from the north. There's a real brazier with real coals and if I pick up the cup it will have real liquid in it and it will have taste." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm not dead. I'm alive!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The others sat in silence, waiting patiently, gentle with him to honor his bravery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No man in Japan had ever seen what they had seen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each was asking silently, what's the Anjin-san going to do now?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Will he be able to stand by himself and walk away or will his spirit leave him? How would I act if I were he?\n\nSilently a servant brought a bandage and bound Omi's hand where the blade had cut deeply, staunching the flow of blood. Everything was very still." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From time to time Mariko would say his name quietly as they sipped cha or saké, but very sparingly, savoring the waiting, the watching, and the remembering.\n\nFor Blackthorne this no life seemed to last forever. Then his eyes saw. His ears heard.\n\n\"Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hai?\" he answered through the greatest weariness he had ever known." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko repeated what Omi had said as though it came from Yabu. She had to say it several times before she was sure that he understood clearly.\n\nBlackthorne collected the last of his strength, victory sweet to him. \"My word is enough, as his is enough. Even so, I'll swear by God as he wants. Yes. As Yabu-san will swear by his god in equal honor to keep his side of the bargain.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Yabu says yes, he swears by the Lord Buddha.\"\n\nSo Blackthorne swore as Yabu wished him to swear. He accepted some cha. Never had it tasted so good." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cup seemed very heavy and he could not hold it for long." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The rain is fine, isn't it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he said, watching the raindrops breaking and vanishing, astonished by the untoward clarity of his vision." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" she told him gently, knowing that his senses were on a plane never to be reached by one who had not gone freely out to meet death, and, through an unknowing karma, miraculously come back again.\n\n\"Why not rest now, Anjin-san? Lord Yabu thanks you and says he will talk more with you tomorrow. You should rest now.\"\n\n\"Yes. Thank you. That would be fine.\"\n\n\"Do you think you can stand?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. I think so.\"\n\n\"Yabu-san asks if you would like a palanquin?\"\n\nBlackthorne thought about that. At length he decided that a samurai would walk—would try to walk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, thank you,\" he said, as much as he would have liked to lie down, to be carried back, to close his eyes and to sleep instantly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the same time he knew he would be afraid to sleep yet, in case this was the dream of after-death and the knife not there on the futon but still buried in the real him, and this hell, or the beginning of hell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Slowly he took up the knife and studied it, glorying in the real feel. Then he put it in its scabbard, everything taking so much time.\n\n\"Sorry I'm so slow,\" he murmured.\n\n\"You mustn't be sorry, Anjin-san. Tonight you're reborn. This is another life, a new life,\" Mariko said proudly, filled with honor for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's given to few to return. Do not be sorry. We know it takes great fortitude. Most men do not have enough strength left afterwards even to stand. May I help you?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'thank'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. No, thank you.\"\n\n\"It is no dishonor to be helped. I would be honored to be allowed to help you.\"\n\n\"Thank you. But I—I wish to try. First.\"\n\nBut he could not stand at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had to use his hands to get to his knees and then he had to pause to get more strength. Later he lurched up and almost fell. He swayed but did not fall.\n\nYabu bowed. And Mariko, Omi, and Igurashi." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne walked like a drunk for the first few paces. He clutched a pillar and held on for a moment. Then he began again. He faltered, but he was walking away, alone. As a man. He kept one hand on the long sword in his belt and his head was high." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu exhaled and drank deeply of the saké. When he could speak he said to Mariko, \"Please follow him. See that he gets home safely.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\nWhen she had gone, Yabu turned on Igurashi. \"You-manure-pile-fool!\"\n\nInstantly Igurashi bowed his head to the mat in penitence.\n\n\"Bluff you said, neh? Your stupidity almost cost me a priceless treasure.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire, you're right, Sire. I beg leave to end my life at once.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That would be too good for you! Go and live in the stables until I send for you! Sleep with the stupid horses. You're a horse-headed fool!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sire. I apologize, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get out! Omi-san will command the guns now. Get out!\"\n\nThe candles flickered and spluttered. One of the maids spilled the tiniest drop of saké on the small lacquered table in front of Yabu and he cursed her eloquently. The others apologized at once. He allowed them to placate him, and accepted more wine. \"Bluff? Bluff, he said. Fool! Why do I have fools around me?\"\n\nOmi said nothing, screaming with laughter inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But you're no fool, Omi-san. Your counsel's valuable. Your fief's doubled from today. Six thousand koku. For next year. Take thirty ri around Anjiro as your fief.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi bowed to the futon. Yabu deserves to die, he thought scornfully, he's so easy to manipulate. \"I deserve nothing, Sire. I was just doing my duty.\"\n\n\"Yes. But a liege lord should reward faithfulness and duty.\" Yabu was wearing the Yoshitomo sword tonight. It gave him great pleasure to touch it. \"Suzu,\" he called to one of the maids. \"Send Zukimoto here!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How soon will war begin?\" Omi asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This year. Maybe you have six months, perhaps not. Why?\"\n\n\"Perhaps the Lady Mariko should stay more than three days. To protect you.\"\n\n\"Eh? Why?\"\n\n\"She's the mouth of the Anjin-san. In half a month—with her—he can train twenty men who can train a hundred who can train the rest. Then whether he lives or dies doesn't matter.\"\n\n\"Why should he die?\"\n\n\"You're going to call the Anjin-san again, his next challenge or the one after, Sire. The result may be different next time, who knows? You may want him to die.\" Both men knew, as Mariko and Igurashi had known, that for Yabu to swear by any god was meaningless and, of course, he had no intention of keeping any promise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You may want to put pressure on him. Once you have the information, what good is the carcass?\"\n\n\"None.\"\n\n\"You need to learn barbarian war strategy but you must do it very quickly. Lord Toranaga may send for him, so you must have the woman as long as you can. Half a month should be enough to squeeze his head dry of what he knows, now that you have his complete attention. You'll have to experiment, to adapt their methods to our ways. Yes, it would take at least half a month. Neh?\"\n\n\"And Toranaga-san?\"\n\n\"He will agree, if it's put correctly to him, Sire. He must. The guns are his as well as yours. And her continuing presence here is valuable in other ways.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Yabu said with satisfaction, for the thought of holding her as hostage had also entered his mind on the ship when he had planned to offer Toranaga as a sacrifice to Ishido. \"Toda Mariko should be protected, certainly. It would be bad if she fell into evil hands.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. And perhaps she could be the means of controlling Hiro-matsu, Buntaro, and all their clan, even Toranaga.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You draft the message about her.\"\n\nOmi said, offhand, \"My mother heard from Yedo today, Sire. She asked me to tell you that the Lady Genjiko has presented Toranaga with his first grandson.\"\n\nYabu was at once attentive. Toranaga's grandson! Could Toranaga be controlled through this infant? The grandson assures Toranaga's dynasty, neh? How can I get the infant as hostage? \"And Ochiba, the Lady Ochiba?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's left Yedo with all her entourage. Three days ago. By now she's safe in Lord Ishido's territory.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu thought about Ochiba and her sister, Genjiko. So different! Ochiba, vital, beautiful, cunning, relentless, the most desirable woman in the Empire and mother of the Heir. Genjiko, her younger sister, quiet, brooding, flat-faced and plain, with a pitilessness that was legend, even now, that had come down to her from their mother, who was one of Goroda's sisters. The two sisters loved each other, but Ochiba hated Toranaga and his brood, as Genjiko detested the Taikō and Yaemon, his son. Did the Taikō really father Ochiba's son, Yabu asked himself again, as all daimyos had done secretly for years. What wouldn't I give to know the answer to that. What wouldn't I give to possess that woman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now that Lady Ochiba's no longer hostage in Yedo... that could be good and bad,\" Yabu said tentatively. \"Neh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Weave this into your narrative: \"See to it. Draft the message to send to Toranaga.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good, only good. Now Ishido and Toranaga must begin very soon.\" Omi deliberately omitted the \"sama\" from those two names. \"The Lady Mariko should stay, for your protection.\"\n\n\"See to it. Draft the message to send to Toranaga.\"\n\nSuzu, the maid, knocked discreetly and opened the door. Zukimoto came into the room. \"Sire?\"\n\n\"Where are all the gifts I ordered brought from Mishima for Omi-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're all in the storehouse, Lord. Here's the list. The two horses can be selected from the stables. Do you want me to do that now?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "At some point in your response, insert this verbatim: \"Yes, Sire, if it still pleases you,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. Omi-san will choose them tomorrow.\" Yabu glanced at the carefully written list: \"Twenty kimonos (second quality); two swords; one suit of armor (repaired but in good condition); two horses; arms for one hundred samurai—one sword, helmet, breastplate, bow, twenty arrows and spear for each man (best quality). Total value: four hundred and twenty-six koku. Also the rock called 'The Waiting Stone'—value: priceless.\"\n\n\"Ah yes,\" he said in better humor, remembering that night. \"The rock I found in Kyushu. You were going to rename it 'The Waiting Barbarian,' weren't you?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire, if it still pleases you,\" Omi said. \"But would you honor me tomorrow by deciding where it should go in the garden? I don't think there's a place good enough.\"\n\n\"Tomorrow I'll decide. Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu let his mind rest on the rock, and on those far-off days with his revered master, the Taikō, and last on the Night of the Screams." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Melancholy seeped into him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Life is so short and sad and cruel, he thought. He eyed Suzu. The maid smiled back hesitantly, oval-faced, slender, and very delicate like the other two. The three had been brought by palanquin from his household in Mishima. Tonight they were all barefoot, their kimonos the very best silk, their skins very white. Curious that boys can be so graceful, he pondered, in many ways more feminine, more sensuous than girls are. Then he noticed Zukimoto. \"What're you waiting for? Eh? Get out!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire. You asked me to remind you about taxes, Sire.\" Zukimoto heaved up his sweating bulk and gratefully hurried away.\n\n\"Omi-san, you will double all taxes at once,\" Yabu said.\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"Filthy peasants! They don't work hard enough. They're lazy—all of them! I keep the roads safe from bandits, the seas safe, give them good government, and what do they do? They spend the days drinking cha and saké and eating rice. It's time my peasants lived up to their responsibility!\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire,\" Omi said.\n\nNext, Yabu turned to the subject that possessed his mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Anjin-san astonished me tonight. But not you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh yes he did, Sire. More than you. But you were wise to make him commit himself.\"\n\n\"You say Igurashi was right?\"\n\n\"I merely admired your wisdom, Sire. You would have had to say 'no' to him some time. I think you were very wise to say it now, tonight.\"\n\n\"I thought he'd killed himself. Yes. I'm glad you were ready. I planned on you being ready. The Anjin-san's an extraordinary man, for a barbarian, neh? A pity he's barbarian and so naïve.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nYabu yawned. He accepted saké from Suzu. \"Half a month, you say? Mariko-san should stay at least that, Omi-san. Then I'll decide about her, and about him. He'll need to be taught another lesson soon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He laughed, showing his bad teeth." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'should' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If the Anjin-san teaches us, we should teach him, neh? He should be taught how to commit seppuku correctly. That'd be something to watch, neh? See to it! Yes, I agree the barbarian's days are numbered.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 12 sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jozen's head was buzzing. Not from saké but from the incredible war strategy that Yabu, Omi, and Igurashi had described so openly. Only Naga, the second-in-command, son of the arch-enemy, had said nothing, and had remained throughout the evening cold, arrogant, stiff-backed, with the characteristic large Toranaga nose on a taut face.\n\n\"Astonishing, Yabu-sama,\" Jozen said. \"Now I can understand the reason for secrecy. My Master will understand it also. Wise, very wise. And you, Naga-san, you've been silent all evening. I'd like your opinion. How do you like this new mobility—this new strategy?\"\n\n\"My father believes that all war possibilities should be considered, Jozen-san,\" the young man replied.\n\n\"But you, what's your opinion?\"\n\n\"I was sent here only to obey, to observe, to listen, to learn, and to test. Not to give opinions.\"\n\n\"Of course. But as second-in-command—I should say, as an illustrious second-in-command—do you consider the experiment a success?\"\n\n\"Yabu-sama or Omi-san should answer that. Or my father.\"\n\n\"But Yabu-sama said that everyone tonight was to talk freely. What's there to hide? We are all friends, neh? So famous a son of so famous a father must have an opinion. Neh?\"\n\nNaga's eyes narrowed under the taunt but he did not reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everyone can speak freely, Naga-san,\" Yabu said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you think?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include \"Lord Ishido doesn't covet your father's lands. He only seeks to protect the Empire for its rightful heir.\" somewhere in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think that, with surprise, this idea would win one skirmish or possibly one battle. With surprise, yes. But then?\" Naga's voice swept on icily. \"Then all sides would use the same plan and vast numbers of men would die unnecessarily, slain without honor by an assailant who won't even know who he has killed. I doubt if my father will actually authorize its use in a real battle.\"\n\n\"He's said that?\" Yabu put the question incisively, careless of Jozen.\n\n\"No, Yabu-sama. I'm giving my own opinion. Of course.\"\n\n\"But the Musket Regiment—you don't approve of it? It disgusts you?\" Yabu asked darkly.\n\nNaga looked at him with flat, reptilian eyes. \"With great deference, since you ask my opinion, yes, I find it disgusting. Our forefathers have always known whom they killed or who defeated them. That's bushido, our way, the Way of the Warrior, the way of a true samurai. The better man victorious, neh? But now this? How do you prove your valor to your lord? How can he reward courage? To charge bullets is brave, yes, but also stupid. Where's the valor in that? Guns are against our samurai code. Barbarians fight this way, peasants fight this way. Do you realize filthy merchants and peasants, even eta, could fight this way?\" Jozen laughed and Naga continued even more menacingly. \"A few fanatic peasants could easily kill any number of samurai with enough guns! Yes, peasants could kill any one of us, even the Lord Ishido, who wants to sit in my father's place.\"\n\nJozen bridled. \"Lord Ishido doesn't covet your father's lands. He only seeks to protect the Empire for its rightful heir.\"\n\n\"My father's no threat to the Lord Yaemon, or to the Realm.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"My father doesn't tell me or anyone what he thinks, as you surely know. I don't speak for my father, no one speaks for him,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course, but you were talking about peasants. The Lord Taikō was once a peasant. My Lord Ishido was once a peasant. I was once a peasant. And a ronin!\"\n\nNaga wanted no quarrel. He knew he was no match for Jozen, whose prowess with sword and ax was renowned. \"I wasn't trying to insult your master or you or anyone, Jozen-san. I was merely saying that we samurai must all make very certain that peasants never have guns or none of us will be safe.\"\n\n\"Merchants and peasants'll never worry us,\" Jozen said.\n\n\"I agree,\" Yabu added, \"and Naga-san, I agree with part of what you say. Yes. But guns are modern. Soon all battles will be fought with guns. I agree it's distasteful. But it's the way of modern war. And then it'll be as it always was—the bravest samurai will always conquer.\"\n\n\"No, so sorry, but you're wrong, Yabu-sama! What did this cursed barbarian tell us—the essence of their war strategy? He freely admits that all their armies are conscript and mercenary. Neh? Mercenary! No sense of duty to their lords. The soldiers only fight for pay and loot, to rape and to gorge. Didn't he say their armies are peasant armies? That's what guns have brought to their world and that's what guns will bring to ours. If I had power, I'd take this barbarian's head tonight and outlaw all guns permanently.\"\n\n\"Is that what your father thinks?\" Jozen asked too quickly.\n\n\"My father doesn't tell me or anyone what he thinks, as you surely know. I don't speak for my father, no one speaks for him,\" Naga replied, angry at allowing himself to be trapped into talking at all. \"I was sent here to obey, to listen and not to talk. I apologize for talking. I would not have spoken unless you asked me. If I have offended you, or you, Yabu-sama, or you, Omi-san, I apologize.\"\n\n\"There's no need to apologize. I asked your views,\" Yabu said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why should anyone be offended? This is a discussion, neh? Among leaders. You'd outlaw guns?\"\n\n\"Yes. I think you'd be wise to keep a very close check on every gun in your domain.\"\n\n\"All peasants are forbidden weapons of any kind. My peasants and my people are very well controlled.\"\n\nJozen smirked at the slim youth, loathing him. \"Interesting ideas you have, Naga-san. But you're mistaken about the peasants. They're nothing to samurai but providers. They're no more threat than a pile of dung.\"\n\n\"At the moment!\" Naga said, his pride commanding him. \"That's why I'd outlaw guns now. You're right, Yabu-san, that a new era requires new methods. But because of what this Anjin-san, this one barbarian, has said, I'd go much further than our present laws. I would issue Edicts that anyone other than a samurai found with a gun or caught trading in guns would immediately forfeit his life and that of every member of his family of every generation. Further, I would prohibit the making or importing of guns. I'd prohibit barbarians from wearing them or from bringing them to our shores. Yes, if I had power—which I do not seek and never will—I'd keep barbarians out of our country totally, except for a few priests and one port for trade, which I'd surround with a high fence and trusted warriors. Last, I'd put this foul-minded barbarian, the Anjin-san, to death at once so that his filthy knowledge will not spread. He's a disease.\"\n\nJozen said, \"Ah, Naga-san, it must be good to be so young. You know, my Master agrees with much of what you said about the barbarians. I've heard him say many times, 'Keep them out—kick them out—kick their arses away to Nagasaki and keep them bottled there!' You'd kill the Anjin-san, eh? Interesting. My Master doesn't like the Anjin-san either. But for him—\" He stopped. \"Ah, yes, you've a good thought about guns. I can see that clearly. May I tell that to my Master? Your idea about new laws?\"\n\n\"Of course.\" Naga was mollified, and calmer now that he had spoken what had been bottled up from the first day.\n\n\"You've given this opinion to Lord Toranaga?\" Yabu asked.\n\n\"Lord Toranaga has not asked my opinion. I hope one day he will honor me by asking as you have done,\" Naga replied at once with sincerity, and wondered if any of them detected the lie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi said, \"As this is a free discussion, Sire, I say this barbarian is a treasure. I believe we must learn from the barbarian. We must know about guns and fighting ships because they know about them. We must know everything they know as soon as they know it, and even now, some of us must begin to learn to think like they do so that soon we can surpass them.\"\n\nNaga said confidently, \"What could they possibly know, Omi-san? Yes, guns and ships. But what else? How could they destroy us? There's not a samurai among them. Doesn't this Anjin admit openly that even their kings are murderers and religious fanatics? We're millions, they're a handful. We could swamp them with our hands alone.\"\n\n\"This Anjin-san opened my eyes, Naga-san. I've discovered that our land, and China, isn't the whole world, it's only a very small part. At first I thought the barbarian was just a curiosity. Now I don't. I thank the gods for him. I think he's saved us and I know we can learn from him. Already he's given us power over the Southern Barbarians—and over China.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"The Taikō failed because their numbers are too great for us, man to man, arrow to arrow, neh? With guns and barbarian skill we could take Peking.\"\n\n\"With barbarian treachery, Omi-san!\"\n\n\"With barbarian knowledge, Naga-san, we could take Peking. Whoever takes Peking eventually controls China. And whoever controls China can control the world. We must learn not to be ashamed of taking knowledge from wherever it comes.\"\n\n\"I say we need nothing from outside.\"\n\n\"Without offense, Naga-san, I say we must protect this Land of the Gods by any means. It's our prime duty to protect the unique, divine position we have on earth. Only this is the Land of the Gods, neh? Only our Emperor is divine. I agree this barbarian should be gagged. But not by death. By permanent isolation here in Anjiro, until we have learned everything he knows.\"\n\nJozen scratched thoughtfully. \"My Master will be told of your views. I agree the barbarian should be isolated. Also that training should cease at once.\"\n\nYabu took a scroll from his sleeve. \"Here is a full report on the experiment for Lord Ishido. When Lord Ishido wishes the training to cease, of course, the training will cease.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'jozen' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jozen accepted the scroll. \"And Lord Toranaga? What about him?\" His eyes went to Naga. Naga said nothing but stared at the scroll.\n\nYabu said, \"You will be able to ask his opinion directly. He has a similar report. I presume you'll be leaving for Yedo tomorrow? Or would you like to witness the training? I hardly need tell you the men are not yet proficient.\"\n\n\"I would like to see one 'attack.'\"\n\n\"Omi-san, arrange it. You lead it.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\nJozen turned to his second-in-command and gave him the scroll. \"Masumoto, take this to Lord Ishido. You will leave at once.\"\n\n\"Yes, Jozen-san.\"\n\nYabu said to Igurashi, \"Provide him with guides to the border and fresh horses.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Igurashi left with the samurai immediately.\n\nJozen stretched and yawned. \"Please excuse me,\" he said, \"but it's all the riding I've done in the last few days. I must thank you for an extraordinary evening, Yabu-sama. Your ideas are far-reaching. And yours, Omi-san. And yours, Naga-san. I'll compliment you to the Lord Toranaga and to my Master. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm very tired and Osaka is a long way off.\"\n\n\"Of course,\" Yabu said. \"How was Osaka?\"\n\n\"Very good. Remember those bandits, the ones that attacked you by land and sea?\"\n\n\"Of course.\"\n\n\"We took four hundred and fifty heads that night. Many were wearing Toranaga uniforms.\"\n\n\"Ronin have no honor. None.\"\n\n\"Some ronin have,\" Jozen said, smarting from the insult. He lived always with the shame of having once been ronin. \"Some were even wearing our Grays. Not one escaped. They all died.\"\n\n\"And Buntaro-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. He—\" Jozen stopped. The \"no\" had slipped out but now that he had said it he did not mind. \"No. We don't know for certain—no one collected his head. You've heard nothing about him?\"\n\n\"No,\" Naga said.\n\n\"Perhaps he was captured. Perhaps they just cut him into pieces and scattered him. My Master would like to know when you have news. All's very good now at Osaka. Preparations for the meeting go forward. There'll be lavish entertainments to celebrate the new era, and of course, to honor all the daimyos.\"\n\n\"And Lord Toda Hiro-matsu?\" Naga asked politely.\n\n\"Old Iron Fist's as strong and gruff as ever.\"\n\n\"He's still there?\"\n\n\"No. He left with all your father's men a few days before I did.\"\n\n\"And my father's household?\"\n\n\"I heard that the Lady Kiritsubo and the Lady Sazuko asked to stay with my Master. A doctor advised the Lady to rest for a month—her health, you know. He thought the journey would not be good for the expected child.\" To Yabu he added, \"She fell down the night you left, didn't she?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's nothing serious, I hope,\" Naga asked, very concerned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Naga-san, nothing serious,\" Jozen said, then again to Yabu, \"You've informed Lord Toranaga of my arrival?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good.\"\n\n\"The news you brought us would interest him greatly.\"\n\n\"Yes. I saw a carrier pigeon circle and fly north.\"\n\n\"I have that service now.\" Yabu did not add that Jozen's pigeon had also been observed, or that falcons had intercepted it near the mountains, or that the message had been decoded: \"At Anjiro. All true as reported. Yabu, Naga, Omi, and barbarian here.\"\n\n\"I will leave tomorrow, with your permission, after the 'attack.' You'll give me fresh horses? I must not keep Lord Toranaga waiting. I look forward to seeing him. So does my Master. At Osaka. I hope you'll accompany him, Naga-san.\"\n\n\"If I'm ordered there, I will be there.\" Naga kept his eyes lowered but he was burning with suppressed fury.\n\nJozen left and walked with his guards up the hill to his camp. He rearranged the sentries and ordered his men to sleep and got into his small brush lean-to that they had constructed against the coming rain. By candlelight, under a mosquito net, he rewrote the previous message on a thin piece of rice paper and added: \"The five hundred guns are lethal. Massed surprise gun attacks planned—full report already sent with Masumoto.\" Then he dated it and doused the candle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the darkness he slipped out of his net, removed one of the pigeons from the panniers and placed the message in the tiny container on its foot." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he stealthily made his way to one of his men and handed him the bird.\n\n\"Take it out into the brush,\" he whispered. \"Hide it somewhere where it can roost safely until dawn. As far away as you can. But be careful, there are eyes all around. If you're intercepted say I told you to patrol, but hide the pigeon first.\"\n\nThe man slid away as silently as a cockroach.\n\nPleased with himself, Jozen looked toward the village below. There were lights on in the fortress and on the opposite slope, in the house that he knew to be Omi's. There were a few also in the house just below, the one presently occupied by the barbarian.\n\nThat whelp Naga's right, Jozen thought, waving his hand at a mosquito. The barbarian's a filthy plague." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for James Clavell vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga read them the message, except the private part about Kiri and the Lady Sazuko. When he had finished they looked at him and each other incredulously, not only because of what the message said but also because he was so openly taking them all into his confidence.\n\nThey were seated on mats set in a semicircle around him in the center of the plateau, without guards, safe from eavesdroppers. Buntaro, Yabu, Igurashi, Omi, Naga, the captains, and Mariko. Guards were posted two hundred paces away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want some advice,\" Toranaga said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My counselors are in Yedo. This matter is urgent and I want all of you to act in their place. What's going to happen and what I should do. Yabu-san?\"\n\nYabu was in turmoil. Every path seemed to lead to disaster. \"First, Sire, just exactly what is 'Crimson Sky'?\"\n\n\"It's the code name for my final battle plan, a single violent rush at Kyoto with all my legions, relying on mobility and surprise, to take possession of the capital from the evil forces that now surround it, to wrest the person of the Emperor from the filthy grasp of those who've duped him, led by Ishido. Once the Son of Heaven's safely released from their clutches, then to petition him to revoke the mandate granted the present Council, who are clearly traitorous, or dominated by traitors, and grant me his mandate to form a new Council which would put the interests of the realm and the Heir before personal ambition. I would lead eighty to one hundred thousand men, leaving my lands unprotected, my flanks unguarded, and a retreat unsecured.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga saw them staring at him flabbergasted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not mention the cadres of elite samurai who had been so furtively planted in many of the important castles and provinces over the years, and who were to explode simultaneously into revolt to create the chaos essential to the plan.\n\nYabu burst out, \"But you'd have to fight every pace of the way. Ikawa Jikkyu strangles the Tokaidō for a hundred ri. Then more Ishido strongholds straddle the rest!\"\n\n\"Yes. But I plan to rush northwest along the Koshu-kaidō, then stab down on Kyoto and stay away from the coast lands.\"\n\nAt once many shook their heads and began to speak but Yabu overrode them. \"But, Sire, the message said your kinsman Zataki-san's already gone over to the enemy! Now your road north is blocked too. His province is athwart the Koshu-kaidō. You'll have to fight through all Shinano—that's mountainous and very hard, and his men are fanatically loyal. You'll be carved to pieces in those mountains.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'chance' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's the only way, the only way I have a chance. I agree there are too many hostiles on the coastal road.\"\n\nYabu glanced at Omi, wishing he could consult with him, loathing the message and the whole Osaka mess, hating being first to speak, and utterly detesting the vassal status he had accepted at Omi's pleading.\n\n\"It's your only chance, Yabu-sama,\" Omi had urged. \"The only way you'll avoid Toranaga's trap and leave yourself room to maneuver—\"\n\nIgurashi had interrupted furiously." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'He'll never do it. He needs our Master more than ever now. Izu guards his southern door. He can't have Izu hostile! He must have our Master on his—' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Better to fall on Toranaga today while he's got few men here! Better to kill him and take his head to Ishido while there's time.\"\n\n\"Better to wait, better to be patient—\"\n\n\"What happens if Toranaga orders our Master to give up Izu?\" Igurashi had shouted. \"As liege lord to vassal, Toranaga has that right!\"\n\n\"He'll never do it. He needs our Master more than ever now. Izu guards his southern door. He can't have Izu hostile! He must have our Master on his—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What if he orders Lord Yabu out?\"\n\n\"We rebel! We kill Toranaga if he's here or fight any army he sends against us. But he'll never do that, don't you see? As his vassal, Toranaga must protect—\"\n\nYabu had let them argue and then at length he had seen Omi's wisdom. \"Very well. I agree! And offering him my Murasama sword to fix the bargain's genius, Omi-san,\" he had gloated, taken wholeheartedly by the cunning of the plan. \"Yes. Genius. His Yoshitomo blade more than takes its place. And of course, I'm more valuable to Toranaga now than ever before. Omi's right, Igurashi. I've no choice. I'm committed to Toranaga from now on. A vassal!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Until war comes,\" Omi had said deliberately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course. Of course only until war comes! Then I can change sides—or do a dozen things. You're right, Omi-san, again!\"\n\nOmi's the best counselor I've ever had, he told himself. But the most dangerous. Omi's clever enough to take Izu if I die. But what does that matter. We're all dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're blocked completely,\" he told Toranaga. \"You're isolated.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is there any alternative?\" Toranaga asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Excuse me, Sire,\" Omi said, \"but how long would it take to ready this attack?\"\n\n\"It's ready now.\"\n\n\"Izu's ready too, Sire,\" Yabu said. \"Your hundred and my sixteen thousand and the Musket Regiment—is that enough?\"\n\n\"No. Crimson Sky's a desperation plan—everything risked on one attack.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have to risk it, as soon as the rains cease and we can war,\" Yabu insisted. \"What choice have you got? Ishido will form a new Council at once, they still have the mandate. So you'll be impeached, today or tomorrow or the next day. Why wait to be eaten up? Listen, maybe the Regiment could blast a way through the mountains! Let it be Crimson Sky! All men thrown into one great attack. It's the Way of the Warrior—it's worthy of samurai, Toranaga-sama. The guns, our guns, will blow Zataki out of our way and if you succeed or fail, what does it matter? The try will live forever!\"\n\nNaga said, \"Yes. But we'll win—we will!\" A few of the captains nodded their agreement, relieved that war had come. Omi said nothing.\n\nToranaga was looking at Buntaro. \"Well?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord, I beg you to excuse me from giving an opinion. I and my men do whatever you decide. That's my only duty. My opinion is no value to you because I do what you alone decide.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Normally I'd accept that but not today!\"\n\n\"War then. What Yabu-san says is right. Let's go to Kyoto. Today, tomorrow, or when the rains stop. Crimson Sky! I'm tired of waiting.\"\n\n\"Omi-san?\" Toranaga asked.\n\n\"Yabu-sama is correct, Sire. Ishido will bend the Taikō's will to appoint a new Council very soon. The new Council will have the Emperor's mandate. Your enemies will applaud and most of your friends will hesitate and so betray you. The new Council will impeach you at once. Then—\"\n\n\"Then it's Crimson Sky?\" Yabu interrupted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If Lord Toranaga orders it, then it is. But I don't think the impeachment order has any value at all. You can forget it!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why?\" Toranaga asked, as all attention went to Omi.\n\n\"I agree with you, Sire. Ishido's evil, neh? Any daimyos who agree to serve him are equally evil. True men know Ishido for what he is, and also know that the Emperor's been duped again.\" Omi was prudently treading through the quicksands that he knew could swallow him. \"I think he made a lasting mistake murdering Lord Sugiyama. Because of those foul murders, I think now all daimyos will suspect treachery from Ishido, and very few outside of Ishido's immediate grasp will bow to the orders of his 'Council.' You're safe. For a time.\"\n\n\"For how much time?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'until' appears 4 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The rains are with us for two months, about. When the rains cease Ishido will plan to send Ikawa Jikkyu and Lord Zataki against you simultaneously, to catch you in a pincer, and Ishido's main army will support them over the Tokaidō Road. Meanwhile, until the rains stop, every daimyo who bears a grudge against any other daimyo will only pay Ishido lip service until he makes the first move, then I think they'll forget him and they'll all take revenge or grab territory at their whim. The Empire will be torn as it was before the Taikō. But you, Sire, between Yabu-sama and yourself, jointly, with luck you have enough strength to hold the passes to the Kwanto and to Izu against the first wave and beat it off. I don't think Ishido could mount another attack—not a great one. When Ishido and the others have expended their energies, together you and Lord Yabu can cautiously come from behind our mountains and gradually take the Empire into your own hands.\"\n\n\"When will that be?\"\n\n\"In the time of your children, Sire.\"\n\n\"You say fight a defensive battle?\" Yabu asked scornfully.\n\n\"I think jointly you're both safe behind the mountains. You wait, Toranaga-sama. You wait until you have more allies. You hold the passes. This can be done! General Ishido's evil, but not stupid enough to commit all his force to one battle. He'll stay skulking inside Osaka. So for the time being, we mustn't use our regiment. We must tighten security and keep them as a secret weapon, poised and ever ready, until you come from behind your mountains—but now I don't think I will ever see them used.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi was conscious of the eyes watching him. He bowed to Toranaga. \"Please excuse me for talking at length, Sire.\"\n\nToranaga studied him, then glanced at his son. He saw the youth's pent-up excitement and knew it was time to cast him at his prey. \"Naga-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What Omi-san said is true,\" Naga told him at once, exultantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Most of it. But I say use the two months to gather allies, to isolate Ishido even more, and when the rains cease, attack without warning—Crimson Sky.\"\n\nToranaga asked, \"You disagree with Omi-san's opinion about a lengthy war?\"\n\n\"No. But isn't this—\" Naga stopped.\n\n\"Go on, Naga-san. Speak openly!\"\n\nNaga held his tongue, his face white." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're ordered to continue!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, Sire, it occurred to me that—\" Again he stopped, then said in a gush, \"Isn't this your great opportunity to become Shōgun? If you succeed in taking Kyoto and get the mandate, why form a Council? Why not petition the Emperor to make you Shōgun? It would be best for you and best for the realm.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Naga tried to keep the fear out of his voice for he was speaking treason against Yaemon and most samurai here—Yabu, Omi, Igurashi, and Buntaro particularly—were open loyalists. \"I say you should be Shōgun!\" He turned defensively on the others. \"If this opportunity is let go... Omi-san, you're right about a long war, but I say Lord Toranaga must take power, to give power! A long war will ruin the Empire, split it into a thousand fragments again! Who wants that? Lord Toranaga must be Shōgun. To gift the Empire on to Yaemon, to Lord Yaemon, the realm must be secured first! There'll never be another opportunity... \" His words trailed off. He squared his back, frightened because he had said it, glad that he had said publicly what he had been thinking forever." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga sighed. \"I have never sought to become Shōgun. How many times do I have to say it? I support my nephew Yaemon and the Taikō's will.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked at them all, one by one. Lastly at Naga. The youth winced. But Toranaga said kindly, calling him back to the lure, \"Your zeal and youth alone excuse you. Unfortunately, many much older and wiser than you think that's my ambition. It isn't. There's only one way to settle that nonsense and that's put Lord Yaemon into power. And that I intend to do.\"\n\n\"Yes, Father. Thank you. Thank you,\" Naga replied in despair.\n\nToranaga shifted his eyes to Igurashi. \"What's your counsel?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The one-eyed samurai scratched." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'crimson' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Me, I'm only a soldier, not a counselor, but I wouldn't advise Crimson Sky, not if we can war on our terms like Omi-san says. I fought in Shinano years ago. That's bad country, and then Lord Zataki was with us. I wouldn't want to war in Shinano again and never if Zataki was hostile. And if Lord Maeda's suspect, well, how can you plan a battle if your biggest ally may betray you? Lord Ishido'll put two, three hundred thousand men against you and still keep a hundred holding Osaka. Even with the guns we've not enough men to attack. But behind the mountains using the guns, you could hold out forever if it happens like Omi-san says. We could hold the passes. You've enough rice—doesn't the Kwanto supply half the Empire? Well, a third at least—and we could send you all the fish you need. You'd be safe. Let Lord Ishido and devil Jikkyu come at us if it's to happen like Omi-san said, that soon the enemy'll be feeding on each other. If not, keep Crimson Sky ready. A man can die for his lord only once in this life.\"\n\n\"Has anyone anything to add?\" Toranaga asked. No one answered him.\n\n\"Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"It's not my place to speak here, Sire,\" she replied." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<EMBED THIS>>: \"Because I've too many enemies, I own the Kwanto, I've warred for more than forty years and never lost a battle. They're all afraid of me. I know that first the vultures will pack together to destroy me. Later they'll destroy themselves, but first they'll join to destroy me if they can. Know very clearly, all of you, I'm the only real threat to Yaemon, even though I'm no threat at all. That's the irony of it. They all believe I want to be Shōgun. I don't. This is another war that's not necessary at all!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure everything has been said that should have been said. But may I be allowed to ask for all your counselors here, what do you think will happen?\"\n\nToranaga chose his words deliberately. \"I believe that what Omi-san forecast will happen. With one exception: the Council won't be impotent. The Council will wield enough influence to gather an invincible allied force. When the rains cease it will be thrown against the Kwanto, bypassing Izu. The Kwanto will be gobbled up, then Izu. Only after I'm dead will the daimyos fight among themselves.\"\n\n\"But why, Sire?\" Omi ventured.\n\n\"Because I've too many enemies, I own the Kwanto, I've warred for more than forty years and never lost a battle. They're all afraid of me. I know that first the vultures will pack together to destroy me. Later they'll destroy themselves, but first they'll join to destroy me if they can. Know very clearly, all of you, I'm the only real threat to Yaemon, even though I'm no threat at all. That's the irony of it. They all believe I want to be Shōgun. I don't. This is another war that's not necessary at all!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Naga broke the silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then what are you going to do, Sire?\"\n\n\"Eh?\"\n\n\"What are you going to do?\"\n\n\"Obviously, Crimson Sky,\" Toranaga said.\n\n\"But you said they'd eat us up?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They would—if I gave them any time. But I'm not going to give them any time. We go to war at once!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But the rains—what about the rains?\"\n\n\"We will arrive in Kyoto wet. Hot and stinking and wet. Surprise, mobility, audacity, and timing win wars, neh? Yabu-san was right. The guns will blast a way through the mountains.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 12 sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For an hour they discussed plans and the feasibility of large-scale war in the rainy season—an unheard-of strategy. Then Toranaga sent them away, except Mariko, telling Naga to order the Anjin-san here. He watched them walk off. They had all been outwardly enthusiastic once the decision had been announced, Naga and Buntaro particularly. Only Omi had been reserved and thoughtful and unconvinced. Toranaga discounted Igurashi for he knew that, rightly, the soldier would do only what Yabu ordered, and he dismissed Yabu as a pawn, treacherous certainly, but still a pawn. Omi's the only one worthwhile, he thought. I wonder if he's worked out yet what I'm really going to do?\n\n\"Mariko-san. Find out, tactfully, how much the courtesan's contract would cost.\"\n\nShe blinked. \"Kiku-san, Sire?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Now, Sire? At once?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tonight would do excellently.\" He looked at her blandly. \"Her contract's not necessarily for me, perhaps for one of my officers.\"\n\n\"I would imagine the price would depend on whom, Sire.\"\n\n\"I imagine it will. But set a price. The girl of course has the right of refusal, if she wishes, when the samurai's named, but tell her mama-san owner that I don't expect the girl will have the bad manners to mistrust my choice for her. Tell the owner also that Kiku is a Lady of the First Class of Mishima and not Yedo or Osaka or Kyoto,\" Toranaga added genially, \"so I expect to pay Mishima prices and not Yedo or Osaka or Kyoto prices.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire, of course.\"\n\nToranaga moved his shoulder to ease the ache, shifting his swords.\n\n\"May I massage it for you, Sire? Or send for Suwo?\"\n\n\"No, thank you. I'll see Suwo later.\" Toranaga got up and relieved himself with great pleasure, then sat down again. He wore a short, light silk kimono, blue patterned, and the simple straw sandals. His fan was blue and decorated with his crest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sun was low, rain clouds building heavily.\n\n\"It's vast to be alive,\" he said happily. \"I can almost hear the rain waiting to be born.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she said.\n\nToranaga thought a moment. Then he said as a poem:\n\n\"The sky\n\nScorched by the sun,\n\nWeeps\n\nFecund tears.\"\n\nMariko obediently put her mind to work to play the poem game with him, so popular with most samurai, spontaneously twisting the words of the poem that he had made up, adapting them, making another from his. After a moment she replied:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But the forest" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'akechi' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wounded\n\nby the wind, Weeps\n\nDead leaves.\"\n\n\"Well said! Yes, very well said!\" Toranaga looked at her contentedly, enjoying what he saw. She was dressed in a pale green kimono with patterns of bamboo, a dark green obi and orange sunshade. There was a marvelous sheen to the blue-black hair, which was piled high under her wide-brimmed hat. He remembered nostalgically how they had all—even the Dictator Goroda himself—wanted her when she was thirteen and her father, Akechi Jinsai, had first presented this, his eldest daughter, at Goroda's court. And how Nakamura, the Taikō-to-be, had begged the Dictator to give her to him, and then how Goroda had laughed, and publicly called him his randy little monkey general, and told him to \"stick to fighting battles, peasant, don't fight to stick patrician holes!\" Akechi Jinsai had openly scorned Nakamura, his rival for Goroda's favor, the main reason why Nakamura had delighted in smashing him. And why also Nakamura had delighted in watching Buntaro squirm for years, Buntaro who had been given the girl to cement an alliance between Goroda and Toda Hiro-matsu. I wonder, Toranaga asked himself mischievously, looking at her, I wonder if Buntaro were dead, would she consent to be one of my consorts?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga had always preferred experienced women, widows or divorced wives, but never too pretty or too wise or too young or too well-born, so never too much trouble and always grateful.\n\nHe chuckled to himself. I'd never ask her because she's everything I don't want in a consort—except that her age is perfect.\n\n\"Sire?\" she asked.\n\n\"I was thinking about your poem, Mariko-san,\" he said, even more blandly. Then added:\n\n\"Why so wintery?\n\nSummer's\n\nYet to come, and the fall of\n\nGlorious autumn.\"\n\nShe said in answer:\n\n\"If I could use words\n\nLike falling leaves," }, { "from": "human", "value": "What a bonfire" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My poems would make!\"\n\nHe laughed and bowed with mock humility. \"I concede victory, Mariko-sama. What will the favor be? A fan? Or a scarf for your hair?\"\n\n\"Thank you, Sire,\" she replied. \"Yes, whatever pleases you.\"\n\n\"Ten thousand koku yearly to your son.\"\n\n\"Oh, Sire, we don't deserve such favor!\"\n\n\"You won a victory. Victory and duty must be rewarded. How old is Saruji now?\"\n\n\"Fifteen—almost fifteen.\"\n\n\"Ah, yes—he was betrothed to one of Lord Kiyama's granddaughters recently, wasn't he?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. It was in the eleventh month last year, the Month of the White Frost. He's presently at Osaka with Lord Kiyama.\"\n\n\"Good. Ten thousand koku, beginning at once. I will send the authority with tomorrow's mail. Now, enough of poems, please give me your opinion.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My opinion, Sire, is that we are all safe in your hands, as the land is safe in your hands.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "At some point in your response, insert this verbatim: \"I've already made my position clear on that,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I want you to be serious.\"\n\n\"Oh, but I am, Sire. I thank you for the favor to my son. That makes everything perfect. I believe whatever you do will be right. By the Madon—yes, by the Madonna, I swear I believe that.\"\n\n\"Good. But I still want your opinion.\"\n\nImmediately she replied, without a care in the world, as an equal to an equal. \"First, you should bring Lord Zataki secretly back to your side. I'd surmise you either know how to do this already, or more probably, you have a secret agreement with your half brother, and you prompted his mythical 'defection' in the first place to lull Ishido into a false position. Next: You'll never attack first. You never have, you've always counseled patience, and you only attack when you're sure to win, so publicly ordering Crimson Sky at once is only another diversion. Next, timing: My opinion is you should do what you will do, pretend to order Crimson Sky but never commit it. This will throw Ishido into confusion because, obviously, spies here and in Yedo will report your plan, and he'll have to scatter his force like a covey of partridge, in filthy weather, to prepare for a threat that'll never materialize. Meanwhile you'll spend the next two months gathering allies, to undermine Ishido's alliances and break up his coalition, which you must do by any means. And of course, you must tempt Ishido out of Osaka Castle. If you don't, Sire, he will win, or at least, you will lose the Shōgunate. You—\"\n\n\"I've already made my position clear on that,\" Toranaga rapped, no longer amused. \"And you forget yourself.\"\n\nMariko said carelessly and happily, \"I have to talk secrets today, Sire, because of the hostages. They're a knife in your heart.\"\n\n\"What about them?\"\n\n\"Be patient with me please, Sire. I may never be able to talk to you in what the Anjin-san would call an 'open English private way' ever again—you're never alone like we're alone now. I beg you to excuse my bad manners.\" Mariko gathered her wits and, astoundingly, continued to speak as an equal. \"My absolute opinion is that Naga-san was right. You must become Shōgun, or you will have failed in your duty to the Empire and to the Minowara.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How dare you say such a thing!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko remained quite serene, his open anger touching her not at all. \"I counsel you to marry the Lady Ochiba. It's eight years before Yaemon's old enough, legally, to inherit—that's an eternity! Who knows what could happen in eight months, let alone eight years.\"\n\n\"Your whole family can be obliterated in eight days!\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. But that has nothing to do with you and your duty, and the realm. Naga-san's right. You must take the power to give power.\" With mock gravity she added breathlessly, \"And now may your faithful counselor commit seppuku or should I do it later?\" and she pretended to swoon.\n\nToranaga gawked at her incredible effrontery, then he roared with laughter and pounded his fist on the ground. When he could talk, he choked out, \"I'll never understand you, Mariko-san.\"\n\n\"Ah, but you do, Sire,\" she said, patting the perspiration off her forehead. \"You're kind to let this devoted vassal make you laugh, to listen to her requests, to say what must be said, had to be said. Forgive me my impertinence, please.\"\n\n\"Why should I, eh? Why?\" Toranaga smiled, genial now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because of the hostages, Sire,\" she said simply." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, them!\" He too became serious.\n\n\"Yes. I must go to Osaka.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" he said. \"I know.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for James Clavell vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Accompanied by Naga, Blackthorne trudged disconsolately down the hill toward the two figures who sat on the futons in the center of the ring of guards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beyond the guards were the rising foothills of the mountains that soared to a clouded sky. The day was sultry. His head was aching from the grief of the last few days, from worrying about Mariko, and from being unable to talk except in Japanese for so long. Now he recognized her and some of his misery left him.\n\nMany times he had gone to Omi's house to see Mariko or to inquire about her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samurai had always turned him away, politely but firmly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi had told him as a tomodachi, a friend, that she was all right. Don't worry, Anjin-san. Do you understand? Yes, he had said, understanding only that he could not see her.\n\nThen he had been sent for by Toranaga and had wanted to tell him so much but because of his lack of words had failed to do anything other than irritate him. Fujiko had gone several times to see Mariko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she came back she always said that Mariko was well, adding the inevitable, \"Shinpai suruna, Anjin-san. Wakarimasu?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't worry—do you understand?\n\nWith Buntaro it had been as though nothing had ever happened. They mouthed polite greetings when they met during the day. Apart from occasionally using the bath house, Buntaro was like any other samurai in Anjiro, neither friendly nor unfriendly.\n\nFrom dawn to dusk Blackthorne had been chased by the accelerated training." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had had to suppress his frustration as he tried to teach, and strove to learn the language. By nightfall he was always exhausted. Hot and sweating and rain-soaked. And alone. Never had he felt so alone, so aware of not belonging in this alien world.\n\nThen there was the horror that began three days ago." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had been a very long humid day. At sunset he had wearily ridden home and had instantly felt trouble permeating his house. Fujiko had greeted him nervously.\n\n\"Nan desu ka?\"\n\nShe had replied quietly, at length, eyes lowered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wakarimasen.\" I don't understand. \"Nan desu ka?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked again, impatiently, his fatigue making him irritable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she had beckoned him into the garden." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'pheasant' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She pointed at the eaves but the roof seemed sound enough to him. More words and signs and it finally dawned on him that she was pointing to where he had hung the pheasant.\n\n\"Oh, I'd forgotten about that! Watashi... \" But he couldn't remember how to say it so he just shrugged wearily. \"Wakarimasu. Nan desu kiji ka?\" I understand. What about the pheasant?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Servants were peering at him from doors and windows, clearly petrified. She spoke again. He concentrated but her words did not make sense.\n\n\"Wakarimasen, Fujiko-san.\" I don't understand, Fujiko-san.\n\nShe took a deep breath, then shakily imitated someone removing the pheasant, carrying it away, and burying it.\n\n\"Ahhhh! Wakarimasu, Fujiko-san. Wakarimasu! Was it getting high?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked. As he did not know the Japanese word he held his nose and pantomimed stench.\n\n\"Hai, hai, Anjin-san. Dozo gomen nasai, gomen nasai.\" She made the sound of flies and, with her hands, painted a picture of a buzzing cloud.\n\n\"Ah so desu! Wakarimasu.\" Once upon a time he would have apologized and, if he had known the words, he would have said, I'm so sorry for the inconvenience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead he just shrugged, eased the ache in his back, and mumbled, \"Shigata ga nai,\" wanting only to slide into the ecstasy of the bath and massage, the only joy that made life possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The hell with it,\" he said in English, turning away. \"If I'd been here during the day I'd've noticed it. The hell with it!\"\n\n\"Dozo, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Shigata ga nai,\" he repeated louder.\n\n\"Ah so desu, arigato gozaimashita.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dare toru desu ka?\" Who took it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ueki-ya.\"\n\n\"Oh, that old bugger!\" Ueki-ya, the gardener, the kind, toothless old man who tended the plants with loving hands and made his garden beautiful. \"Yoi. Motte kuru Ueki-ya.\" Good, fetch him.\n\nFujiko shook her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her face had become chalky white." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ueki-ya shinda desu, shinda desu!\" she whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ueki-ya ga shindato? Donoyoni? Doshité? Doshité shindanoda?\" How? Why? How did he die?\n\nHer hand pointed at the place where the pheasant had been and she spoke many gentle incomprehensible words. Then she mimed the single cut of a sword.\n\n\"Jesus Christ God! You put that old man to death over a stinking, God-cursed pheasant?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once all the servants rushed to the garden and fell on their knees. They put their heads into the dirt and froze, even the children of the cook.\n\n\"What the piss-hell's going on?\" Blackthorne was almost berserk.\n\nFujiko waited stoically until they were all there, then she too went down on her knees and bowed, as a samurai and not as a peasant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gomen nasai, dozo gomen na—\"\n\n\"The pox on your gomen nasai! What right've you to do that? Ehhhhh?\" and he began to swear at her foully. \"Why in the name of Christ didn't you ask me first? Eh?\"\n\nHe fought for control, aware that all of his servants knew he legally could hack Fujiko and all of them to pieces here in the garden for causing him so much displeasure, or for no reason at all, and that not even Toranaga himself could interfere with his handling of his own household." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw one of the children was trembling with terror and panic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jesus Christ in heaven, give me strength... \" He held on to one of the posts to steady himself. \"It's not your fault,\" he choked out, not realizing he wasn't speaking Japanese. \"It's hers! It's you! You murdering bitch!\"\n\nFujiko looked up slowly. She saw the accusing finger and the hatred on his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She whispered a command to her maid, Nigatsu.\n\nNigatsu shook her head and began to beg.\n\n\"Ima!\"\n\nThe maid fled. She returned with the killing sword, tears streaming her face. Fujiko took the sword and offered it to Blackthorne with both hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She spoke and though he did not know all the words he knew that she was saying, \"I'm responsible, please take my life because I've displeasured you.\"\n\n\"IYÉ!\" He grabbed the sword and threw it away. \"You think that'll bring Ueki-ya back to life?\"\n\nThen, suddenly, he realized what he had done, and what he was doing now. \"Oh, Jesus God... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He left them. In despair he went to the outcrop above the village near the shrine that was beside the ancient gnarled cypress tree and he wept." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'because' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wept because a good man was dead unnecessarily and because he knew now that he had murdered him. \"Lord God forgive me. I'm responsible—not Fujiko. I killed him. I ordered that no one was to touch the pheasant but me. I asked her if everyone understood and she said yes. I ordered it with mock gravity but that doesn't matter now. I gave the orders, knowing their law and knowing their customs. The old man broke my stupid order so what else could Fujiko-san do? I'm to blame.\"\n\nIn time the tears were spent. It was deep night now. He returned to his house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko was waiting for him as always, but alone. The sword was across her lap. She offered it to him. \"Dozo—dozo, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Iyé,\" he said, taking the sword as a sword should be taken. \"Iyé, Fujiko-san. Shigata ga nai, neh? Karma, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hand touched her in apology. He knew that she had had to bear all the worst of his stupidity.\n\nHer tears spilled. \"Arigato, arigato go—gozaimashita, Anjin-san,\" she said brokenly. \"Gomen nasai... \"\n\nHis heart went out to her.\n\nYes, Blackthorne thought with great sadness, yes it did, but that doesn't excuse you or take away her humiliation—or bring Ueki-ya back to life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You were to blame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You should have known better...\n\n\"Anjin-san!\" Naga said.\n\n\"Yes? Yes, Naga-san?\" He pulled himself out of his remorse and looked down at the youth who walked beside him. \"Sorry, what you say?\"\n\n\"I said I hoped to be your friend.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, thank you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, and perhaps you'd—\" There was a jumble of words Blackthorne did not understand. \"Please?\"\n\n\"Teach, neh? Understand 'teach'? Teach about world?\"\n\n\"Ah, yes, so sorry. Teach what, please?\"\n\n\"About foreign lands—outside lands. The world, neh?\"\n\n\"Ah, understand now. Yes, try.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were near the guards now. \"Begin tomorrow, Anjin-san. Friends, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, Naga-san. Try.\"\n\n\"Good.\" Very satisfied, Naga nodded. When they came up to the samurai Naga ordered them out of the way, motioning Blackthorne to go on alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He obeyed, feeling very alone in the circle of men.\n\n\"Ohayo, Toranaga-sama. Ohayo, Mariko-san,\" he said, joining them.\n\n\"Ohayo, Anjin-san. Dozo suwaru.\" Good day, Anjin-san, please sit down.\n\nMariko smiled at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ohayo, Anjin-san. Ikaga desu ka?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yoi, domo.\" Blackthorne looked back at her, so glad to see her. \"Thy presence fills me with joy, great joy,\" he said in Latin.\n\n\"And thine—it is so good to see thee. But there is a shadow on thee. Why?\"\n\n\"Nan ja?\" Toranaga asked.\n\nShe told him what had been said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'nothing' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga grunted, then spoke.\n\n\"My Master says you're looking careworn, Anjin-san. I must agree too. He asks what's troubling you.\"\n\n\"It's nothing. Domo, Toranaga-sama. Nani mo.\" It's nothing.\n\n\"Nan ja?\" Toranaga asked directly. \"Nan ja?\"\n\nObediently Blackthorne replied at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ueki-ya,\" he said helplessly. \"Hai, Ueki-ya.\"\n\n\"Ah so desu!\" Toranaga spoke at length to Mariko.\n\n\"My Master says there is no need to be sad about Old Gardener. He asks me to tell you that it was all officially dealt with. Old Gardener understood completely what he was doing.\"\n\n\"I don't understand.\"\n\n\"Yes, it would be very difficult for you, but you see, Anjin-san, the pheasant was rotting in the sun. Flies were swarming terribly. Your health, your consort's health, and that of your whole house was being threatened. Also, so sorry, there had been some very private, cautious complaints from Omi-san's head servant—and others. One of our most important rules is that the individual may never disturb the wa, the harmony of the group, remember? So something had to be done. You see, decay, the stench of decay, is revolting to us. It's the worst smell in the world to us, so sorry. I tried to tell you but—well, it's one of the things that sends us all a little mad. Your head servant—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why didn't someone come to me at once? Why didn't someone just tell me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne asked. \"The pheasant was meaningless to me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What was there to tell? You'd given orders. You are head of the house. They didn't know your customs or what to do, other than to solve the dilemma according to our custom.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She spoke to Toranaga for a moment, explaining what Blackthorne had said, then turned back again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is this distressing you? Do you wish me to continue?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, please, Mariko-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you sure?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Well then, your head servant, Small Tooth Cook, called a meeting of your servants, Anjin-san. Mura, the village headman, was asked to attend officially. It was decided that village eta could not be asked to take it away. This was only a house problem." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the servants had to take it and bury it, even though you'd given absolute orders it was not to be moved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Obviously your consort was duty bound to see your orders were obeyed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Old Gardener asked to be allowed to carry it away. Lately he'd been living and sleeping in great pain from his abdomen and he found kneeling and weeding and planting very tiring, and could not do his work to his own satisfaction. Third Cook Assistant also offered, saying he was very young and stupid and he was sure his life counted for nothing against such a grave matter. At length Old Gardener was allowed the honor. Truly it was a great honor, Anjin-san." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With great solemnity they all bowed to him and he to them and happily he took the thing away and buried it to the great relief of all.\n\n\"When he came back he went directly to Fujiko-san and told her what he'd done, that he'd disobeyed your law, neh? She thanked him for removing the hazard, then told him to wait. She came to me for advice and asked me what she should do. The matter had been done formally so it would have to be dealt with formally. I told her I didn't know, Anjin-san. I asked Buntaro-san but he didn't know either. It was complicated, because of you. So he asked Lord Toranaga. Lord Toranaga saw your consort himself.\" Mariko turned back to Toranaga and told him where she had reached in the story, as he had requested.\n\nToranaga spoke rapidly. Blackthorne watched them, the woman so petite and lovely and attentive, the man compact, rock-hard, his sash tight over his large belly. Toranaga did not talk with his hands like many, but kept them still, his left hand propped on his thigh, the other always on his sword hilt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hai, Toranaga-sama. Hai.\" Mariko glanced at Blackthorne and continued as formally. \"Our Master asks me to explain that, so sorry, if you'd been Japanese there would have been no difficulty, Anjin-san. Old Gardener would simply have gone to the burial ground to receive his release. But, please excuse me, you're a foreigner, even though Lord Toranaga made you hatamoto—one of his personal vassals—and it was a matter of deciding whether you were legally samurai or not. I'm honored to tell you that he ruled you are samurai and you do have samurai rights. So everything was resolved at once and made easy. A crime had been committed. Your orders had been deliberately disobeyed. The law is clear. There is no option.\" She was grave now. \"But Lord Toranaga knows of your sensitivity to killing, so to save you pain, he personally ordered one of his samurai to send Old Gardener into the Void.\"\n\n\"But why didn't someone ask me first? That pheasant meant nothing to me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The pheasant has nothing do with it, Anjin-san,\" she explained. \"You're head of a house. The law says no member of your house may disobey you. Old Gardener deliberately broke the law. The whole world would fall to pieces if people were allowed to flout the law. Your—\"\n\nToranaga broke in and spoke to her. She listened, answered some questions, then again he motioned her to continue.\n\n\"Hai. Lord Toranaga wants me to assure you that he personally saw that Old Gardener got the quick, painless, and honorable death he merited. He even loaned the samurai his own sword, which is very sharp. And I should tell you that Old Gardener was very proud that in his failing days he was able to help your house, Anjin-san, proud that he helped to establish your samurai status before all. Most of all he was proud of the honor being paid to him. Public executioners were not used, Anjin-san. Lord Toranaga wants me to make that very clear to you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Mariko-san. Thank you for making it clear.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne turned to Toranaga, bowed most correctly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Domo, Toranaga-sama, domo arigato. Wakarimasu. Domo.\"\n\nToranaga bowed back agreeably. \"Yoi, Anjin-san. Shinpai suru monojanai, neh? Shigata ga nai, neh?\" Good. Now don't worry, eh? What could you do, eh?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nani mo.\" Nothing. Blackthorne answered the questions Toranaga put to him about the musket training, but nothing that they were saying reached him. His mind was tottering under the impact of what he had been told. He had abused Fujiko before all his servants and abused the trust of all his household, when Fujiko had done only what was correct and so had they.\n\nFujiko was blameless. They're all blameless. Except me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I cannot undo what's been done. Neither to Ueki-ya nor to her. Or to them.\n\nHow can I live with this shame?\n\nHe sat cross-legged in front of Toranaga, the slight sea breeze tugging at his kimono, swords in his sash. Dully he listened and answered and nothing was important." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "War is coming, she was saying. When? he was asking. Very soon, she was saying, so you are to leave at once with me, you are to accompany me part of the way, Anjin-san, because I'm going to Osaka, but you're going on to Yedo by land to prepare your ship for war...\n\nSuddenly the silence was colossal.\n\nThen the earth began to shake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt his lungs about to burst, and every fiber of his being screamed panic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tried to stand but could not and saw all the guards were equally helpless. Toranaga and Mariko desperately held on to the ground with their hands and feet. The rumbling, catastrophic roar was coming from earth and sky. It surrounded them, building and building until their eardrums were ready to split. They became part of the frenzy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For an instant the frenzy stopped, the shock continuing. He felt his vomit rising, his unbelieving mind shrieking that this was land where it was firm and safe and not sea where the world tilted every moment. He spat to clear the foul taste away, clutching the trembling earth, retching again and again.\n\nAn avalanche of rocks started from the mountain to the north and howled down into the valley below, adding to the tumult. Part of the samurai camp vanished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He groped to his hands and knees, Toranaga and Mariko doing the same." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard himself shouting but no sound seemed to be coming from his lips or from theirs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tremor stopped.\n\nThe earth was firm again, firm as it had always been, firm as it always should be. His hands and knees and body were trembling uncontrollably. He tried to still them and catch his breath.\n\nThen again the earth cried out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The second quake began. It was more violent. Then the earth ripped open at the far end of the plateau. This gaping fissure rushed toward them at an incredible speed, passed five paces away, and tore onward. His disbelieving eyes saw Toranaga and Mariko teetering on the brink of the cleft where there should have been solid ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As though in a nightmare he saw Toranaga, nearest to the maw, begin to topple into it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He came out of his stupor, lunged forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His right hand grabbed Toranaga's sash, the earth trembling like a leaf in the wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cleft was twenty paces deep and ten across and stank of death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mud and rocks poured down, dragging Toranaga and him with it. Blackthorne fought for handhold and foothold, raving at Toranaga to help, almost pulled down into the abyss. Still partially stunned, Toranaga hacked his toes into the face of the wall and, half dragged and half carried by Blackthorne, clawed his way out. They both lay gasping in safety.\n\nAt that moment there was another shock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The earth split again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko screamed. She tried to scramble out of the way but this new fissure swallowed her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Frantically Blackthorne crawled for the edge, the after-shocks throwing him off balance. On the brink he stared down. She shivered on a ledge a few feet below as the ground reeled and the sky looked down. The chasm was thirty paces deep, ten wide. The lip crumbled away under him sickeningly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He let himself slide down, mud and stones almost blinding him, and caught hold of her, pulling her to the safety of another ledge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Together they fought for balance. A new shock. The ledge mostly gave way and they were lost. Then Toranaga's iron hand caught his sash, stopping their slide into hell.\n\n\"For Christ's sake... \" Blackthorne cried, his arms almost torn from their sockets as he held on to her and fought for holds with his feet and free hand. Toranaga grappled him until they were on a narrow shelf again, then the sash broke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A moment's respite from the tremors gave Blackthorne time to get her onto the shelf, debris raining on them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga leapt to safety, shouting for him to hurry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The chasm howled and began to close, Blackthorne and Mariko still deep in its gullet. Toranaga could no longer help. Blackthorne's terror lent him inhuman strength and somehow he managed to rip Mariko out of the tomb and shove her upward. Toranaga clutched her wrist and hauled her over the lip. Blackthorne scrambled after her but reeled backward as part of his wall fell away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The far wall screeched sickeningly as it approached. Mud and stones tumbled off it. For a moment he thought he was trapped but he tore himself free and groped half out of his grave. He lay on the shuddering brink, his lungs gulping air, unable to crawl away, legs in the cleft. The gap was closing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then it stopped—six paces across the mouth, eight deep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All rumbling ceased. The earth firmed. The silence gathered.\n\nOn their hands and knees, helpless, they waited for the horror to begin again. Blackthorne started to get up, sweat dripping.\n\n\"Iyé.\" Toranaga motioned him to stay down, his face a mess, a cruel gash on his temple where his head had smashed against a rock.\n\nThey were all panting, their chests heaving, bile in their mouths." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Guards were picking themselves up. Some began running toward Toranaga.\n\n\"Iyé!\" he shouted. \"Matté!\" Wait!\n\nThey obeyed and went down on their hands and knees again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The waiting seemed to go on forever." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'another' should appear 3 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then a bird screeched out of a tree and took to the air screaming. Another bird followed. Blackthorne shook his head to clear the sweat from his eyes. He was seeing his broken, bleeding fingernails gripping the tufts of grass. Then in the grass an ant moved. Another and another. They began to forage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still frightened he sat back on his heels. \"When's it safe?\"\n\nMariko did not answer. She was mesmerized by the cleft in the ground. He scrambled over to her. \"Are you all right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes—yes,\" she said breathlessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her face was daubed with mud. Her kimono was ripped and filthy. Both sandals and one tabi were missing. And her parasol. He helped her away from the lip. She was still numbed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he looked at Toranaga. \"Ikaga desu ka?\"\n\nToranaga was unable to speak, his chest grinding, his arms and legs raw with abrasions. He pointed. The fissure which had almost swallowed him now was just a narrow ditch in the soil. Northward the ditch yawned into a ravine again but it was not as wide as it once had been, nor as deep.\n\nBlackthorne shrugged. \"Karma.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga belched loudly, then hawked and spat and belched again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This helped his voice to work and a torrent of abuse poured over the ditch, his blunt fingers stabbed at it, and though Blackthorne could not understand all the words, Toranaga was clearly saying as a Japanese would, \"The pox on the karma, the pox on the quake, the pox on the ditch—I've lost my swords and the pox on that!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne burst into laughter, his relief at being alive and the stupidity of it all consuming him. A moment, then Toranaga laughed too, and their hilarity swept into Mariko.\n\nToranaga got to his feet. Gingerly. Then, warmed by the joy of life, he began clowning on the ditch, burlesquing himself and the quake. He stopped and beckoned Blackthorne to join him and straddled the ditch, opened his loincloth and, laughter taking him again, told Blackthorne to do the same." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne obeyed and both men tried to urinate into the ditch. But nothing came, not even a dribble. They tried very hard, which increased their laughter and blocked them even more. At length they succeeded and Blackthorne sat down to collect his strength, leaning back on his hands. When he had recovered a little he turned to Mariko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is the earthquake over for good, Mariko-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Until the next shock, yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She continued to brush the mud off her hands and kimono.\n\n\"Is it always like that?\"\n\n\"No. Sometimes it's very slight. Sometimes there's another series of shocks after a stick of time or a day or half a stick or half a day. Sometimes there's only one shock—you never know, Anjin-san. It's over until it begins again. Karma, neh?\"\n\nGuards were watching them without moving, waiting for Toranaga's order. To the north fires were raging in the crude lean-to bivouac." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Samurai were fighting the fires and digging at the rock avalanche to find the buried. To the east, Yabu, Omi, and Buntaro stood with other guards beside the far end of the fissure, untouched except for bruises, also waiting to be Summoned. Igurashi had vanished. The earth had gorged on him.\n\nBlackthorne let himself drift. His self-contempt had vanished and he felt utterly serene and whole." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now his mind dwelt proudly on being samurai, and going to Yedo, and his ship, and war, and the Black Ship, and back to samurai again. He glanced at Toranaga and would have liked to ask him a dozen questions, but he noticed that the daimyo was lost in his own thoughts and he knew it would be impolite to disturb him. There's plenty of time, he thought contentedly, and looked over at Mariko. She was tending her hair and face, so he did not watch. He lay full length and looked up at the sky, the earth feeling warm on his back, waiting patiently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga spoke, serious now. \"Domo, Anjin-san, neh? Domo.\"\n\n\"Dozo, Toranaga-sama. Nani mo. Hombun, neh?\" Please, Toranaga-sama, it was nothing. Duty.\n\nThen, not knowing enough words and wanting it accurate, Blackthorne said, \"Mariko-san, would you explain for me: I seem to understand now what you meant and Lord Toranaga meant about karma and the stupidity of worrying about what is. A lot seems clearer. I don't know why—perhaps it's because I've never been so terrified, maybe that's cleaned my head, but I seem to think clearer. It's—well, like Old Gardener. Yes, that was all my fault and I'm truly sorry, but that was a mistake, not a deliberate choice on my part. It is. So nothing can be done about it. A moment ago we were all almost dead. So all that worry and heartache was a waste, wasn't it? Karma. Yes, I know karma now. Do you understand?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\" She translated to Toranaga.\n\n\"He says, 'Good, Anjin-san. Karma is the beginning of knowledge. Next is patience. Patience is very important. The strong are the patient ones, Anjin-san. Patience means holding back your inclination to the seven emotions: hate, adoration, joy, anxiety, anger, grief, fear. If you don't give way to the seven, you're patient, then you'll soon understand all manner of things and be in harmony with Eternity.'\"\n\n\"You believe that, Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"Yes. Very much. I try, also, to be patient, but it's hard.\"\n\n\"I agree. That's also wa, your harmony, your 'tranquillity,' neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell him I thank him truly for what he did for Old Gardener. I didn't before, not from my heart. Tell him that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's no need, Anjin-san. He knew before that you were just being polite.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How did he know?\"\n\n\"I told you he is the wisest man in the world.\"\n\nHe grinned.\n\n\"There,\" she said, \"your age has fallen off you again,\" and added in Latin, \"Thou art thyself again, and better than before!\"\n\n\"But thou art beautiful, as always.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes warmed and she averted them from Toranaga. Blackthorne saw this and marked her caution. He got to his feet and stared down into the jagged cleft. Carefully he jumped into it and disappeared.\n\nMariko scrambled up, momentarily afraid, but Blackthorne quickly came back to the surface." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his hands was Fujiko's sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was still scabbarded, though muddied and scarred." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His short stabbing sword had disappeared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knelt in front of Toranaga and offered his sword as a sword should be offered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dozo, Toranaga-sama,\" he said simply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kara samurai ni samurai, neh?\" Please, Lord Toranaga, from a samurai to a samurai, eh?\n\n\"Domo, Anjin-san.\" The Lord of the Kwanto accepted the sword and shoved it into his sash. Then he smiled, leaned forward, and clapped Blackthorne once on the shoulder, hard. \"Tomo, neh?\" Friend, eh?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Domo.\" Blackthorne glanced away. His smile faded. A cloud of smoke was drifting over the rise above where the village would be. At once he asked Toranaga if he could leave, to make sure Fujiko was all right.\n\n\"He says, yes, Anjin-san. And we are to see him at the fortress at sunset for the evening meal. There are some things he wishes to discuss with you.\"\n\nBlackthorne went back to the village." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was devastated, the course of the road bent out of recognition, the surface shattered. But the boats were safe. Many fires still burned. Villagers were carrying buckets of sand and buckets of water. He turned the corner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi's house was tilted drunkenly on its side." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His own was a burnt-out ruin." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~2 sentences more. copy James Clavell's style. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His ears told him to come back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked up. Omi was watching him, squatting patiently on his haunches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was still raining and Omi wore a newly pressed kimono under his rice-straw raincoat, and a wide, conical bamboo hat. His hair was freshly shampooed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Karma, Anjin-san,\" he said, motioning at the smoldering ruins.\n\n\"Hai. Ikaga desu ka?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne wiped the rain off his face.\n\n\"Yoi.\" Omi pointed up at his house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Watakushi no yuya wa hakaisarete imasen ostukai ni narimasen-ka?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My bath wasn't damaged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would you care to use it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah so desu! Domo, Omi-san, hai, domo.\" Gratefully Blackthorne followed Omi up the winding path, into his courtyard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Servants and village artisans under Mura's supervision were already hammering and sawing and repairing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The central posts were already back in place and the roof almost resettled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With signs and simple words and much patience, Omi explained that his servants had managed to douse the fires in time. Within a day or two, he told Blackthorne, the house would be up again, as good as it was, so not to worry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yours will take longer, a week, Anjin-san. Don't worry, Fujiko-san is a fine manager." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'll have all costs arranged with Mura in no time and your house'll be better than ever. I hear she was burned?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, this happens sometimes, but not to worry, our doctors are very expert with burns—they have to be, neh? Yes, Anjin-san, it was a bad quake, but not that bad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rice fields were hardly touched and the so essential irrigation system was undamaged." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'that's' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And the boats weren't damaged and that's very important too. Only a hundred and fifty-four samurai were killed in the avalanche, that's not many, neh?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As to the village, a week and you'll hardly know there was a quake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Five peasants were killed and a few children—nothing! Anjiro was very lucky, neh?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I hear you pulled Toranaga-sama out of a death trap. We're all grateful to you, Anjin-san." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Very. If we'd lost him... Lord Toranaga said he accepted your sword—you're lucky, that's a great honor. Yes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Your karma's strong, very good, very rich. Yes, we thank you very much." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Listen, we'll talk more after you've bathed. I'm glad to have you as a friend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi called out for the bath attendants. \"Isogi!\" Hurry up!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The servants escorted Blackthorne to the bath house, which was set within a tiny maple grove and joined to the main house by a neat winding walk, usually roofed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bath was much more luxurious than his own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One wall was cracked badly but villagers were already replastering it. The roof was sound although a few tiles were missing and rain leaked in here and there, but that did not matter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne stripped and sat on the tiny seat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The servants lathered him and shampooed him in the rain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he was cleansed he went inside and immersed himself in the steaming bath. All his troubles melted away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko's going to be all right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm a lucky man—lucky I was there to pull Toranaga out, lucky to save Mariko, and lucky he was there to pull us out.\n\nSuwo's magic renewed him as usual." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Later he let Suwo dress his bruises and cuts and put on the clean loincloth and kimono and tabi that had been left for him, and went out. The rain had stopped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A temporary lean-to had been erected in one corner of the garden. It had a neat raised floor and was furnished with clean futons and a little vase with a flower arrangement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi was waiting for him and in attendance was a toothless, hard-faced old woman.\n\n\"Please sit down, Anjin-san,\" Omi said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, and thanks for the clothes,\" he replied in halting Japanese." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please don't mention it. Would you like cha or saké?\"\n\n\"Cha,\" Blackthorne decided, thinking that he had better keep his head clear for his interview with Toranaga. \"Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is my mother,\" Omi said formally, clearly idolizing her.\n\nBlackthorne bowed. The old woman simpered and sucked in her breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's my honor, Anjin-san,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, but I'm honored.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne repeated automatically the succession of formal politenesses that Mariko had taught him. \"Anjin-san, we were so sorry to see your house in flames.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What could one do? That's karma, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, karma.\" The old woman looked away and scowled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hurry up! The Anjin-san wants his cha warm!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The girl standing beside the maid who carried the tray took Blackthorne's breath away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he remembered her. Wasn't this the girl he'd seen with Omi, the first time, when he was passing through the village square on his way to the galley?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is my wife,\" Omi said tersely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm honored,\" Blackthorne said as she took her place, knelt, and bowed.\n\n\"You must forgive her slowness,\" Omi's mother said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is the cha warm enough for you?\"\n\n\"Thank you, it's very good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne had noted that the old woman had not used the wife's name as she should have." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then, he was not surprised because Mariko had told him already about the dominating position of a girl's mother-in-law in Japanese society.\n\n\"Thank God it's not the same in Europe,\" he had told her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A wife's mother-in-law can do no wrong—after all, Anjin-san, the parents choose the wife in the first place and what father would choose without first consulting his own wife? Of course, the daughter-in-law has to obey, and the son always does what his mother and father want.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Always?\"\n\n\"Always.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What if the son refuses?\"\n\n\"That's not possible. Everyone has to obey the head of the house. A son's first duty is to his parents. Of course. Sons are given everything by their mothers—life, food, tenderness, protection. She succors them all their lives. So of course it's right that a son should heed his mother's wishes. The daughter-in-law—she has to obey. That's her duty.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's not the same with us.\"\n\n\"It's hard to be a good daughter-in-law, very hard. You just have to hope that you live long enough to have sons to become one yourself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And your mother-in-law?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, she's dead, Anjin-san. She died many years ago. I never knew her. Lord Hiro-matsu, in his wisdom, never took another wife.\"\n\n\"Buntaro-san's his only son?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. My husband has five living sisters, but no brothers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had joked, \"In a way we're related now, Anjin-san. Fujiko's my husband's niece. What's the matter?\"\n\n\"I'm surprised you never told me, that's all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, it's complicated, Anjin-san.\" Then Mariko had explained that Fujiko was actually an adopted daughter of Numata Akinori, who had married Buntaro's youngest sister, and that Fujiko's real father was a grandson of the Dictator Goroda by his eighth consort, that Fujiko had been adopted by Numata when an infant at the Taikō's orders because the Taikō wanted closer ties between the descendants of Hiro-matsu and Goroda..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\nMariko had laughed, telling him that, yes, Japanese family relationships were very complicated because adoption was normal, that families exchanged sons and daughters often, and divorced and remarried and intermarried all the time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With so many legal consorts and the ease of divorce—particularly if at the order of a liege lord—all families soon become incredibly tangled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To unravel Lord Toranaga's family links accurately would take days, Anjin-san. Just think of the complications: Presently he has seven official consorts living, who have given him five sons and three daughters. Some of the consorts were widows or previously married with other sons and daughters—some of these Toranaga adopted, some he did not. In Japan you don't ask if a person is adopted or natural. Truly, what does it matter? Inheritance is always at the whim of the head of the house, so adopted or not it is the same, neh? Even Toranaga's mother was divorced. Later she remarried and had three more sons and two daughters by her second husband, all of whom are also now married! Her eldest son from her second marriage is Zataki, Lord of Shinano.\"\n\nBlackthorne had mulled that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he had said, \"Divorce isn't possible for us. Not possible.\"\n\n\"So the Holy Fathers tell us. So sorry, but that's not very sensible, Anjin-san. Mistakes happen, people change, that's karma, neh? Why should a man have to bear a foul wife, or a wife a foul man? Foolish to be stuck forever, man or woman, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In this we are very wise and the Holy Fathers unwise. This was one of the two great reasons the Taikō would not embrace Christianity, this foolishness about divorce—and the sixth Commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill.' The Father-Visitor sent all the way to Rome begging dispensation for Japanese about divorce. But His Holiness the Pope, in his wisdom, said no. If His Holiness had said yes, I believe the Taikō would have converted, the daimyos would be following the True Faith now, and the land would be Christian. The matter of 'killing' would have been unimportant because no one pays any attention to that really, Christians least of all. Such a little concession, for so much, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Blackthorne had said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How sensible divorce seemed here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why was it a mortal sin at home, opposed by every priest in Christendom, Catholic or Protestant, in the name of God?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's Toranaga's wife like?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he had asked, wanting to keep her talking. Most of the time she avoided the subject of Toranaga and his family history and it was important for Blackthorne to know everything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A shadow had crossed Mariko's face. \"She's dead. She was his second wife and she died ten or eleven years ago. She was the Taikō's stepsister. Lord Toranaga was never successful with his wives, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, the second was old and tired and grasping, worshiping gold, though pretending not to, like her brother, the Taikō himself. Barren and bad-tempered. It was a political marriage, of course. I had to be one of her ladies-in-waiting for a time. Nothing would please her and none of the youths or men could unwind the knot in her Golden Pavilion.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Her Jade Gate, Anjin-san. With their Turtle Heads—their Steaming Shafts. Don't you understand? Her... thing.\"\n\n\"Oh! I understand. Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No one could unwind her knot... could satisfy her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not even Toranaga?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He never pillowed her, Anjin-san,\" she had said, quite shocked." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'toranaga's' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course, after the marriage he had nothing to do with her, other than give her a castle and retainers and the keys to his treasure house—why should he? She was quite old, she'd been married twice before, but her brother, the Taikō, had dissolved the marriages. A most unpleasant woman—everyone was most relieved when she went into the Great Void, even the Taikō, and all her stepdaughters-in-law and all of Toranaga's consorts secretly burnt incense with great joy.\"\n\n\"And Toranaga's first wife?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, the Lady Tachibana. That was another political marriage. Lord Toranaga was eighteen, she fifteen. She grew up to be a terrible woman. Twenty years ago Toranaga had her put to death because he discovered she was secretly plotting to assassinate their liege lord, the Dictator Goroda, whom she hated. My father often told me he thought they were all lucky to retain their heads—he, Toranaga, Nakamura, and all the generals—because Goroda was merciless, relentless, and particularly suspicious of those closest to him. That woman could have ruined them all, however innocent they were. Because of her plot against Lord Goroda, her only son, Nobunaga, was also put to death, Anjin-san. She killed her own son. Think of that, so sad, so terrible. Poor Nobunaga—he was Toranaga's favorite son and his official heir—brave, a general in his own right, and totally loyal. He was innocent but she still embroiled him in her plot. He was only nineteen when Toranaga ordered him to commit seppuku.\"\n\n\"Toranaga killed his own son? And his wife?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, he ordered them onward, but he had no choice, Anjin-san. If he hadn't, Lord Goroda would correctly have presumed Toranaga to be part of the plot himself and would have ordered him instantly to slit his belly. Oh yes, Toranaga was lucky to escape Goroda's wrath and wise to send her onward quickly. When she was dead her daughter-in-law and all Toranaga's consorts were very much ecstatic. Her son had had to send his first wife home in disgrace on her orders for some imagined slight—after bearing him two children. The girl committed seppuku—did I tell you ladies commit seppuku by slitting their throats, Anjin-san, and not their stomachs like men?—but she went to death gratefully, glad to be freed from a life of tears, as the next wife prayed for death, her life made equally miserable by her mother-in-law... \"\n\nNow, looking at Midori's mother-in-law, the tea dribbling down her chin, Blackthorne knew that this old hag had power of life or death, divorce or degradation over Midori, provided her husband, the head of their house, agreed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And, whatever they decided, Omi would obey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How terrible, he told himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Midori was as graceful and youthful as the old woman was not, her face oval, her hair rich. She was more beautiful than Mariko, but without her fire and strength, pliant as a fern and fragile as gossamer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where are the small foods? Of course the Anjin-san must be hungry, neh?\" the old woman said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, so sorry,\" Midori replied at once. \"Fetch some instantly,\" she said to the maid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hurry! So sorry, Anjin-san!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, Anjin-san,\" the old woman said.\n\n\"Please don't apologize,\" Blackthorne said to Midori, and instantly knew that it was a mistake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Good manners decreed that he should acknowledge only the mother-in-law, particularly if she had an evil reputation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry,\" he said. \"I not hungry. Tonight I eat must with Lord Toranaga.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah so desu! We heard you saved his life. You should know how grateful we are—all his vassals!\" the old woman said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was duty. I did nothing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You did everything, Anjin-san. Omi-san and Lord Yabu appreciate your action as much as all of us.\"\n\nBlackthorne saw the old woman looking at her son." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wish I could fathom you, you old bitch, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Are you as evil as that other one, Tachibana?\n\nOmi said, \"Mother, I'm fortunate to have the Anjin-san as a friend.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're all fortunate,\" she said.\n\n\"No, I'm fortunate,\" Blackthorne replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I fortunate have friends as family of Kasigi Omi-san.\" We're all lying, Blackthorne thought, but I don't know why you are." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm lying for self-protection and because it's custom. But I've never forgotten..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wait a moment. In all honesty, wasn't that karma?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wouldn't you have done what Omi did?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was long ago—in a previous life, neh? It's meaningless now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A group of horsemen clattered up the rise, Naga at their head. He dismounted and strode into the garden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All the villagers stopped working and went onto their knees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He motioned them to continue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry to disturb you, Omi-san, but Lord Toranaga sent me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please, you're not disturbing me. Please join us,\" Omi said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Midori at once gave up her cushion, bowing very low." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would you like cha or saké, Naga-sama?\"\n\nNaga sat. \"Neither, thank you. I'm not thirsty.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi pressed him politely, going through the interminable necessary ritual, even though it was obvious that Naga was in a hurry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How is the Lord Toranaga?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very good. Anjin-san, you did us a great service. Yes. I thank you personally.\"\n\n\"It was duty, Naga-san. But I did little. Lord Toranaga pulled me from—pulled me from earth also.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But that was afterward. I thank you very much.\"\n\n\"Naga-san, is there something I can do for Lord Toranaga?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi asked, etiquette finally allowing him to come to the point." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He would like to see you after the evening meal. There is to be a full conference of all officers.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would be honored.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjin-san, you are to come with me now, if it pleases you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course. It is my honor.\"\n\nMore bows and salutations and then Blackthorne was on a horse and they were cantering down the hill." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the phalanx of samurai came to the square, Naga reined in.\n\n\"Anjin-san!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hai?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thank you with all my heart for saving Lord Toranaga. Allow me to be your friend... \" and some words Blackthorne did not catch.\n\n\"So sorry, I don't understand. 'Karite iru'?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'karite' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, so sorry. 'Karite iru'—one man karite iru another man things—like 'debt.' You understand 'debt'?\"\n\n\"Owe\" jumped into Blackthorne's head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah so desu! Wakarimasu.\"\n\n\"Good. I only said that I owed you a debt.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell using my stuff as a starting point? btw might drop u in mid-story with random chars" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne looked at her and muttered, \"Hallelujah!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is Kiku-san,\" Mariko said formally, elated by Blackthorne's reaction.\n\nThe girl came into the room with a swish of silk and knelt and bowed and said something Blackthorne did not catch.\n\n\"She says that you are welcome, that you honor this house.\"\n\n\"Domo,\" he said.\n\n\"Do itashimasite. Saké, Anjin-san?\" Kiku said.\n\n\"Hai, domo.\"\n\nHe watched her perfect hands find the flask unerringly, make sure the temperature was correct, then pour into the cup that he lifted toward her, as Mariko had shown him, with more grace than he thought possible.\n\n\"You promise you will behave like a Japanese, truly?\" Mariko had asked as they set out from the fortress, she riding the palanquin, he walking beside, down the track that curled to the village and to the square that fronted the sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Torchbearers strode ahead and behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ten samurai accompanied them as an honor guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll try, yes,\" Blackthorne said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do I have to do?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The first thing you must do is to forget what you have to do and merely remember that this night is only for your pleasure.\"\n\nToday has been the best day of my life, he was thinking. And tonight—what about tonight? He was excited by the challenge and determined to try to be Japanese and enjoy everything and not be embarrassed.\n\n\"What—what does the evening—well—cost?\" he had asked.\n\n\"That's very un-Japanese, Anjin-san,\" she had chided him. \"What has that to do with anything? Fujiko-san agreed that the arrangement was satisfactory.\"\n\nHe had seen Fujiko before he left. The doctor had visited her and had changed the bandages and given her herb medicines." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was proud of the honors and new fief and had rattled on nicely, showing no pain, glad that he was going to the Tea House—of course, Mariko-san had consulted her and everything had been arranged, how good Mariko-san was! How sorry she was to have the burns so that she couldn't make the arrangements for him herself. He had touched Fujiko's hand before he left, liking her. She had thanked him and apologized again, and sent him on his way hoping that he would have a wonderful evening.\n\nGyoko and maids had been waiting ceremoniously at the gate of the Tea House to greet them.\n\n\"This is Gyoko-san, she's the Mama-san here.\"\n\n\"So honored, Anjin-san, so honored.\"\n\n\"Mama-san? You mean mama? Mother? That's the same in English, Mariko-san. Mama—mommy—mother.\"\n\n\"Oh! It's almost the same, but, so sorry, 'mama-san' just means 'stepmother' or 'foster parent,' Anjin-san. Mother is 'haha-san' or 'oba-san.'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a moment Gyoko excused herself and hurried away. Blackthorne smiled at Mariko. She had been like a child, gazing at everything. \"Oh, Anjin-san, I've always wanted to see the inside of one of these places. Men are so very lucky! Isn't it beautiful? Isn't it marvelous, even in a tiny village? Gyoko-san must have had it refurbished completely by master craftsmen! Look at the quality of the woods and—oh, you're so kind to allow me to be with you. I'll never have another opportunity... look at the flowers... what an exquisite arrangement... and oh, look out into the garden... \"\n\nBlackthorne was very glad and very sorry that a maid was in the room and the shoji door open, for even here in a tea house it would be unthinkable and lethal for Mariko to be alone with him in a room.\n\n\"Thou art beautiful,\" he said in Latin.\n\n\"And thou.\" Her face was dancing. \"I am very proud of thee, Admiral of Ships. And Fujiko—oh, she was so proud she could hardly lie still!\"\n\n\"Her burns seemed bad.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have no fear. The doctors are well practiced and she is young and strong and confident. Tonight put everything from thy mind. No more questions about Ishido or Ikawa Jikkyu, or battles or codewords or fiefs or ships. Tonight no cares—tonight only magic things for thee.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thou art magic for me.\"\n\nShe fluttered her fan and poured the wine and said nothing. He watched her, then they smiled together. \"Because others are here and tongues wag, we must still be cautious. But oh, I am so happy for thee,\" she said.\n\n\"Thou. What was the other reason? You said there was another reason you wanted me to be here tonight?\"\n\n\"Ah yes, the other reason.\" The same heavy perfume drifted around him. \"It is an ancient custom we have, Anjin-san. When a lady who belongs to someone else cares for another man, and wishes to give him something of consequence that it is forbidden to give, then she will arrange for another to take her place—a gift—the most perfect courtesan that she can afford.\"\n\n\"You said 'when a lady cares for someone else.' Do you mean 'love'?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. But only for tonight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thou.\"\n\n\"Thou, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Why tonight, Mariko-san, why not before?\"\n\n\"Tonight is a magic night and kami walk with us. I desire thee.\"\n\nThen Kiku was at the doorway. \"Hallelujah!\" And he was welcomed and served saké.\n\n\"How do I say that the Lady's especially pretty?\"\n\nMariko told him and he repeated the words. The girl laughed gaily, accepted the compliment, and returned it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kiku-san asks if you would like her to sing or dance for you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is thy preference?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This Lady is here for thy pleasure, samurai, not mine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And thou? Thou art here also for my pleasure?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, in a way—in a very private way.\"\n\n\"Then please ask her to sing.\"\n\nKiku clapped her hands gently and Ako brought the samisen. It was long, shaped something like a guitar, and three-stringed. Ako set it in position on the floor and gave the ivory plectrum to Kiku.\n\nKiku said, \"Lady Toda, please tell our honored guest that first I will sing 'The Song of the Dragonfly.'\"\n\n\"Kiku-san, I would be honored if tonight, here, you would call me Mariko-san.\"\n\n\"You are too kind to me, Madam. Please excuse me. I could not possibly be so impolite.\"\n\n\"Please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will if it pleases you, though... \" Her smile was lovely. \"Thank you, Mariko-sama.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She strummed a chord. From the moment that the guests had walked through the gateway into her world, all her senses had been tuned. She had secretly watched them while they were with Gyoko-san and when they were alone, searching for any clue how to pleasure him or to impress the Lady Toda.\n\nShe had not been prepared for what soon became obvious: clearly the Anjin-san desired the Lady Toda, though he hid it as well as any civilized person could hide it. This in itself was not surprising, for the Lady Toda was most beautiful and accomplished and, most important, she alone could talk with him. What astounded her was that she was certain the Lady Toda desired him equally, if not more.\n\nThe barbarian samurai and the Lady samurai, patrician daughter of the assassin Akechi Jinsai, wife of Lord Buntaro! Eeeee! Poor man, poor woman. So sad. Surely this must end in tragedy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku felt near to tears as she thought of the sadness of life, the unfairness. Oh, how I wish I were born samurai and not a peasant so that I could become even a consort to Omi-sama, not just a temporary toy. I would gladly give my hope of rebirth in return for that.\n\nPut away sadness. Give pleasure, that is your duty.\n\nHer fingers strummed a second chord, a chord filled with melancholy. Then she noticed that though Mariko was beguiled by her music the Anjin-san was not.\n\nWhy? Kiku knew that it was not her playing, for she was sure that it was almost perfect. Such mastery as hers was given to few.\n\nA third, more beautiful chord, experimentally." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: Your response must contain: \"Tonight is for happiness. Mariko-san, how do I say, 'please excuse me' in his language?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's no doubt, she told herself hastily, it doesn't please him. She allowed the chord to die away and began to sing unaccompanied, her voice soaring with the sudden changes of tempo that took years to perfect. Again Mariko was entranced, he was not, so at once Kiku stopped. \"Tonight is not for music or singing,\" she announced. \"Tonight is for happiness. Mariko-san, how do I say, 'please excuse me' in his language?\"\n\n\"Per favor.\"\n\n\"Per favor, Anjin-san, tonight we must laugh only, neh?\"\n\n\"Domo, Kiku-san. Hai.\"\n\n\"It's difficult to entertain without words, but not impossible, neh? Ah, I know!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She jumped up and began to do comic pantomimes—daimyo, kaga-man, fisherman, hawker, pompous samurai, even an old farmer collecting a full pail—and she did them all so well and so humorously that soon Mariko and Blackthorne were laughing and clapping." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'another' 3 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she held up her hand. Mischievously she began to mimic a man peeing, holding himself or missing, grabbing, searching for the insignificant or weighed down by the incredible, through all the stages of his life, beginning first as a child just wetting the bed and howling, to a young man in a hurry, to another having to hold back, another with size, another with smallness to the point of \"where has it gone,\" and at length to a very old man groaning in ecstasy at being able to pee at all.\n\nKiku bowed to their applause and sipped cha, patting the sheen from her forehead. She noticed that he was easing his shoulders and back. \"Oh, per favor, senhor!\" and she knelt behind him and began to massage his neck.\n\nHer knowing fingers instantly found the pleasure points. \"Oh God, that's... hai... just there!\"\n\nShe did as he asked." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'maneuvered' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your neck will be better soon. Too much sitting, Anjin-san!\"\n\n\"That very good, Kiku-san. Make Suwo almost bad!\"\n\n\"Ah, thank you. Mariko-san, the Anjin-san's shoulders are so vast, would you help me? Just do his left shoulder while I do his right? So sorry, but hands are not strong enough.\"\n\nMariko allowed herself to be persuaded and did as she was asked. Kiku hid her smile as she felt him tighten under Mariko's fingers and she was very pleased with her improvisations. Now the client was being pleasured through her artistry and knowledge, and being maneuvered as he should be maneuvered.\n\n\"Is that better, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Good, very good, thank you.\"\n\n\"Oh, you're very welcome. It's my pleasure. But the Lady Toda is so much more deft than I.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiku could feel the attraction between them though they tried to conceal it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now a little food perhaps?\" It came at once. \"For you, Anjin-san,\" she said proudly. The dish contained a small pheasant, cut into tiny pieces, barbecued over charcoal with a sweet soya sauce. She helped him.\n\n\"It delicious, delicious,\" he said. And it was.\n\n\"Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"Thank you.\" Mariko took a token piece but did not eat it.\n\nKiku took a fragment in her chopsticks and chewed it with relish. \"It's good, neh?\"\n\n\"No, Kiku-san, it very good! Very good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please, Anjin-san, have some more.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"Please tell the Anjin-san that we have had sugar here since one thousand years. The Buddhist monk Ganjin brought it to us from China. All our best things have come from China, Anjin-san. Cha came to us about five hundred years ago. The Buddhist monk Eisai brought some seeds and planted them in Chikuzen Province, where I was born. He also brought us Zen Buddhism.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She took a second morsel. \"There's plenty.\"\n\n\"Thank you. Please. How did—how this?\" He pointed to the thick brown sauce.\n\nMariko interpreted for her. \"Kiku says it's sugar and soya with a little ginger. She asks do you have sugar and soya in your country?\"\n\n\"Sugar in beet, yes, soya no, Kiku-san.\"\n\n\"Oh! How can one live without soya?\" Kiku became solemn. \"Please tell the Anjin-san that we have had sugar here since one thousand years. The Buddhist monk Ganjin brought it to us from China. All our best things have come from China, Anjin-san. Cha came to us about five hundred years ago. The Buddhist monk Eisai brought some seeds and planted them in Chikuzen Province, where I was born. He also brought us Zen Buddhism.\"\n\nMariko translated with equal formality, then Kiku let out a peal of laughter." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'blackthorne' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh so sorry, Mariko-sama, but you both looked so grave. I was just pretending to be solemn about cha—as if it mattered! It was only to amuse you.\"\n\nThey watched Blackthorne finish the pheasant. \"Good,\" he said. \"Very good. Please thank Gyoko-san.\"\n\n\"She will be honored.\" Kiku poured more saké for both of them. Then, knowing it was time, she said innocently, \"May I ask what happened today at the earthquake? I hear the Anjin-san saved the life of Lord Toranaga? I would consider it an honor to know firsthand.\"\n\nShe settled back patiently, letting Blackthorne and Mariko enjoy the telling, adding an \"oh,\" or \"what happened then?\" or pouring saké, never interrupting, being the perfect listener.\n\nAnd, when they finished, Kiku marveled at their bravery and at Lord Toranaga's good fortune." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They talked for a while, then Blackthorne got up and the maid was told to show him the way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko broke a silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've never eaten meat before, Kiku-san, have you?\"\n\n\"It is my duty to do whatever I can to please him, for just a little while, neh?\"\n\n\"I never knew how perfect a lady could be. I understand now why there must always be a Floating World, a Willow World, and how lucky men are, how inadequate I am.\"\n\n\"Oh, that was never my purpose, never, Mariko-sama. And not our purpose. We are here only to please, for a fleeting moment.\"\n\n\"Yes. I just meant I admire you so much. I would like you for my sister.\"\n\nKiku bowed. \"I would not be worthy of that honor.\" There was warmth between them. Then she said, \"This is a very secret place and everyone is to be trusted, there are no prying eyes. The pleasure room in the garden is very dark if one wants it dark. And darkness keeps all secrets.\"\n\n\"The only way to keep a secret is to be alone and whisper it down an empty well at high noon, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko said lightly, needing time to decide.\n\n\"Between sisters there's no need for wells. I have dismissed my maid until the dawn. Our pleasure room is a very private place.\"\n\n\"There you must be alone with him.\"\n\n\"I can always be alone, always.\"\n\n\"You're so kind to me, Kiku-chan, so very thoughtful.\"\n\n\"It is a magic night, neh? And very special.\"\n\n\"Magic nights end too soon, Little Sister. Magic nights are for children, neh? I am not a child.\"\n\n\"Who knows what happens on a magic night? Darkness contains everything.\"\n\nMariko shook her head sadly and touched her tenderly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"But he did see me once, Mariko-san. I was with Omi-san when he passed on his way to the ship to go to Osaka the first time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But for him, if it contained you that would be everything.\"\n\nKiku let the matter rest. Then she said, \"I am a gift to the Anjin-san? He did not ask for me himself?\"\n\n\"If he had seen you, how could he not ask for you? Truthfully, it's his honor that you welcome him. I understand that now.\"\n\n\"But he did see me once, Mariko-san. I was with Omi-san when he passed on his way to the ship to go to Osaka the first time.\"\n\n\"Oh, but the Anjin-san said that he saw Midori-san with Omi-san. It was you? Beside the palanquin?\"\n\n\"Yes, in the square. Oh yes, it was me, Mariko-san, not the Lady, the wife of Omi-sama. He said 'konnichi wa' to me. But of course, he would not remember. How could he remember? That was during a previous life, neh?\"\n\n\"Oh, he remembered her—the beautiful girl with the green parasol. He said the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. He told me about her many times.\" Mariko studied her even more closely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Kiku-san, you could easily be mistaken for her on such a day, under a parasol.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku poured saké and Mariko was entranced by her unconscious elegance. \"My parasol was sea green,\" she said, very pleased that he had remembered.\n\n\"How did the Anjin-san look then? Very different? The Night of the Screams must have been terrible.\"\n\n\"Yes, yes it was. And he was older then, the skin of his face stretched...\n\nBut we become too serious, Elder Sister. Ah, you don't know how honored I am to be allowed to call you that. Tonight is a night of pleasure only. No more seriousness, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. I agree. Please forgive me.\"\n\n\"Now, to more practical matters, would you please give me some advice?\"\n\n\"Anything,\" Mariko said, as friendly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In this matter of the pillow, do people of his nation prefer any instruments or positions that you are aware of? So sorry to ask, but perhaps you might be able to guide me.\"\n\nIt took all of Mariko's training to remain unabashed. \"No, not that I know. The Anjin-san is very sensitive about anything to do with pillowing.\"\n\n\"Could he be asked in an oblique way?\"\n\n\"I don't think you can ask a foreign person like that. Certainly not the Anjin-san. And—so sorry, I don't know what the, er, instruments are—except, of course, a harigata.\"\n\n\"Ah!\" Again Kiku's intuition guided her and she asked artlessly, \"Would you care to see them? I could show them all to you, perhaps with him there, then he need not be asked. We can see from his reaction.\"\n\nMariko hesitated, her own curiosity swamping her judgment. \"If it could be done with humor... \"\n\nThey heard Blackthorne approaching." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku welcomed him back and poured wine. Mariko quaffed hers, glad that she was no longer alone, uneasily sure that Kiku could read her thoughts.\n\nThey chatted and played silly games and then, when Kiku judged that the time was correct, she asked them if they would like to see the garden and the pleasure rooms.\n\nThey walked out into the night. The garden sparkled in the torchlights where the raindrops still lingered. The path meandered beside a tiny pool and gurgling waterfall. At the end of the path was the small isolated house in the center of the bamboo grove. It was raised off manicured ground and had four steps up to the encircling veranda. Everything about the two-roomed dwelling was tasteful and expensive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The best woods, best carpentry, best tatami, best silk cushions, most elegant hangings in the tokonoma." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's so lovely, Kiku-san,\" Mariko said.\n\n\"The Tea House in Mishima is much nicer, Mariko-san. Please be comfortable, Anjin-san! Per favor, does this please you, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Yes, very much.\"\n\nKiku saw that he was still bemused with the night and the saké but totally conscious of Mariko. She was very tempted to get up and go into the inner room where the futons were turned back and step out onto the veranda again and leave. But if she did, she knew that she would be in violation of the law. More than that, she felt that such an action would be irresponsible, for she knew in her heart Mariko was ready and almost beyond caring.\n\nNo, she thought, I mustn't push her into such a tragic indiscretion, much as it might be valuable to my future. I offered but Mariko-san willed herself to refuse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wisely. Are they lovers?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I do not know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That is their karma." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She leaned forward and laughed conspiratorially. \"Listen, Elder Sister, please tell the Anjin-san that there are some pillow instruments here. Does he have them in his country?\"\n\n\"He says, no, Kiku-san. So sorry, he's never heard of any.\"\n\n\"Oh! Would it amuse him to see them? They're in the next room, I can fetch them—they're really very exciting.\"\n\n\"Would you like to see them, Anjin-san? She says they're really very funny.\" Mariko deliberately changed the word.\n\n\"Why not,\" Blackthorne said, his throat constricted, his whole being charged with an awareness of their perfume and their femininity. \"You—you use instruments to pillow with?\" he asked.\n\n\"Kiku-san says sometimes, Anjin-san. She says—and this is true—it's our custom always to try to prolong the moment of the 'Clouds and the Rain' because we believe for that brief instant we mortals are one with the gods.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko watched him. \"So it's very important to make it last as long as possible, neh? Almost a duty, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Yes. She says to be one with the gods is very essential. It's a good belief and very possible, don't you think, to believe that? The Cloudburst feeling is so unearthly and godlike. Isn't it? So any means to stay one with the gods for as long as possible is our duty, neh?\"\n\n\"Very. Oh, yes.\"\n\n\"Would you like saké, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Thank you.\"\n\nShe fanned herself. \"This about the Cloudburst and the Clouds and the Rain or the Fire and the Torrent, as we sometimes call it, is very Japanese, Anjin-san. Very important to be Japanese in pillow things, neh?\"\n\nTo her relief, he grinned and bowed to her like a courtier. \"Yes. Very. I'm Japanese, Mariko-san. Honto!\"\n\nKiku returned with the silk-lined case." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She opened it and took out a substantial life-size penis made of ivory, and another made of softer material, elastic, that Blackthorne had never seen before. Carelessly she set them aside.\n\n\"These of course, are ordinary harigata, Anjin-san,\" Mariko said unconcernedly, her eyes glued on the other objects.\n\n\"Is that a fact?\" Blackthorne said, not knowing what else to say. \"Mother of God!\"\n\n\"But it's just an ordinary harigata, Anjin-san. Surely your women have them!\"\n\n\"Certainly not! No, they don't,\" he added, trying to remember about the humor.\n\nMariko couldn't believe it. She explained to Kiku, who was equally surprised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku spoke at length, Mariko agreeing.\n\n\"Kiku-san says that's very strange. I must agree, Anjin-san. Here almost every girl uses one for ordinary relief without a second thought. How else can a girl stay healthy when she's restricted where a man is not? Are you sure, Anjin-san? You're not teasing?\"\n\n\"No—I'm, er, sure our women don't have them. That would be—Jesus, that—well, no, we—they—don't have them.\"\n\n\"Without them life must be very difficult. We have a saying that a harigata's like a man but better because it's exactly like his best part but without his worst parts. Neh? And it's also better because all men aren't—don't have a sufficiency, as harigatas do. Also they're devoted, Anjin-san, and they'll never tire of you, like a man does. And too, they can be as rough or smooth—Anjin-san, you promised, remember? With humor!\"\n\n\"You're right!\" Blackthorne grinned. \"By God, you're right. Please excuse me.\" He picked up the harigata and studied it closely, whistling tonelessly. Then he held it up. \"You were saying, Teacher-san? It can be rough?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" she said cheerfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It can be as rough or as smooth as you desire, and harigatas very particularly have far more endurance than any man and they never wear out!\"\n\n\"Oh, that's a point!\"\n\n\"Yes. Don't forget, not every woman is fortunate enough to belong to a virile man. Without one of these to help release ordinary passions and normal needs, an ordinary woman soon becomes poisoned in body, and that will certainly very soon destroy her harmony, thus hurt her and those around her. Women don't have the freedom men have—to a greater or lesser degree, and rightly, neh? The world belongs to men, and rightly, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" He smiled. \"And no.\"\n\n\"I pity your women, so sorry. They must be the same as ours. When you go home you must instruct them, Anjin-san. Ah, yes, tell your Queen, she will understand. We are very sensible in matters of the pillow.\"\n\n\"I'll mention it to Her Majesty.\" Blackthorne put the harigata aside with feigned reluctance. \"What's next?\"\n\nKiku produced a string of four large round beads of white jade that were spaced along a strong silken thread. Mariko listened intently to Kiku's explanation, her eyes getting wider than ever before, her fan fluttering, and looked down at the beads in wonder as Kiku came to an end." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah so desu! Well, Anjin-san,\" she began firmly, \"these are called konomi-shinju, Pleasure Pearls, and the senhor or senhora may use them. Saké, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Thank you.\"\n\n\"Yes. Either the lady or the man may use them and the beads are carefully placed in the back passage and then, at the moment of the Clouds and the Rain, the beads are pulled out slowly, one by one.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Mariko laid the beads on the cushion in front of him. \"The Lady Kiku says the timing's very important, and that always a... I don't know what you would call it, ah yes, always an oily salve should be used... for comfort, Anjin-san.\" She looked up at him and added, \"She says also that Pleasure Pearls can be found in many sizes and that, if used correctly, they can precipitate a very considerable result indeed.\"\n\nHe laughed uproariously and spluttered in English, \"I'll bet a barrel of doubloons against a piece of pig shit you can believe that!\"\n\n\"So sorry, I didn't understand, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he could talk, he said in Portuguese, \"I'll bet a mountain of gold to a blade of grass, Mariko-san, the result is very considerable indeed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He picked up the beads and examined them, whistling without noticing it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pleasure Pearls, eh?\" After a moment he put them down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What else is there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku was pleased that her experiment was succeeding. Next she showed them a himitsu-kawa, the Secret Skin. \"It's a pleasure ring, Anjin-san, that the man wears to keep himself erect when he's depleted. With this, Kiku-san says, the man can gratify the woman after he's passed his pinnacle, or his desire has flagged.\" Mariko watched him. \"Neh?\"\n\n\"Absolutely.\" Blackthorne beamed. \"The Good Lord protect me from either, and from not giving gratification. Please ask Kiku-san to buy me three—just in case!\"\n\nNext he was shown the hiro-gumbi, Weary Armaments, thin dried stalks of a plant that, when soaked and wrapped around the Peerless Part, swell up and make it appear strong. Then there were all kinds of potents—potents to excite or increase excitement—and all kinds of salves—salves to moisten, to swell, to strengthen.\n\n\"Never to weaken?\" he asked, to more hilarity." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'pleasure' 3 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh no, Anjin-san, that would be unearthly!\"\n\nThen Kiku laid out other rings for the man to wear, ivory or elastic or silken rings with nodules or bristles or ribbons or attachments and appendages of every kind, made of ivory or horsehair or seeds or even tiny bells. \"Kiku-san says almost any of these will turn the shyest lady wanton.\"\n\nOh God, how I would like thee wanton, he thought. \"But these're only for the man to wear, neh?\" he asked.\n\n\"The more excited the lady is, the more the man's enjoyment, neh?\" Mariko was saying. \"Of course, giving pleasure to the woman is equally the man's duty, isn't it, and with one of these, if, unhappily, he's small or weak or old or tired, he can still pleasure her with honor.\"\n\n\"You've used them, Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"No, Anjin-san, I've never seen them before. These are... wives are not for pleasure but for childbearing and for looking after the house and the home.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wives don't expect to be pleasured?\"\n\n\"No. It would not be usual. That is for the Ladies of the Willow World.\" Mariko fanned herself and explained to Kiku what had been said. \"She says, surely it's the same in your world? That the man's duty is to pleasure the lady as it is her duty to pleasure him?\"\n\n\"Please tell her, so sorry, but it's not the same, just about the opposite.\"\n\n\"She says that is very bad. Saké?\" \"Please tell her we're taught to be ashamed of our bodies and pillowing and nakedness and... and all sorts of stupidities. It's only being here that's made me realize it. Now that I'm a little civilized I know better.\"\n\nMariko translated. He drained his cup. It was refilled immediately by Kiku, who leaned over and held her long sleeve with her left hand so that it would not touch the low lacquered table as she poured with her right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Domo.\"\n\n\"Do itashimashite, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Kiku-san says we should all be honored that you say such things. I agree, Anjin-san. You make me feel very proud. I was very proud of you today. But surely it's not as bad as you say.\"\n\n\"It's worse. It's difficult to understand, let alone explain, if you've never been there or weren't brought up there. You see—in truth... \" Blackthorne saw them watching him, waiting patiently, multihued, so lovely and clean, the room so stark and uncluttered and tranquil. All at once his mind began to contrast it with the warm, friendly stench of his English home, rushes on the earth floor, smoke from the open brick fire rising to the roof hole—only three of the new fireplaces with chimneys in his whole village, and those only for the very wealthy. Two small bedrooms and then the one large untidy room of the cottage for eating, living, cooking, and talking. You walked into the cottage in your seaboots, summer or winter, mud unnoticed, dung unnoticed, and sat on a chair or bench, the oak table cluttered like the room, three or four dogs and the two children—his son and his dead brother Arthur's girl—climbing and falling and playing higgledy piggledy, Felicity cooking, her long dress trailing in the rushes and dirt, the skivvy maid sniffing and getting in the way and Mary, Arthur's widow, coughing in the next room he'd built for her, near death as always, but never dying.\n\nFelicity. Dear Felicity. A bath once a month perhaps, and then in summer, very private, in the copper tub, but washing her face and hands and feet every day, always hidden to the neck and wrists, swathed in layers of heavy woolens all year long that were unwashed for months or years, reeking like everyone, lice-infested like everyone, scratching like everyone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And all the other stupid beliefs and superstitions, that cleanliness could kill, open windows could kill, water could kill and encourage flux or bring in the plague, that lice and fleas and flies and dirt and disease were God's punishments for sins on earth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fleas, flies, and fresh rushes every spring, but every day to church and twice on Sundays to hear the Word pounded into you: Nothing matters, only God and salvation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Born in sin, living in shame, Devil's brood, condemned to Hell, praying for salvation and forgiveness, Felicity so devout and filled with fear of the Lord and terror of the Devil, desperate for Heaven. Then going home to food. A haunch of meat from the spit and if a piece fell on the floor you'd pick it up and brush the dirt off and eat it if the dogs didn't get it first, but you'd throw them the bones anyway. Castings on the floor. Leavings pushed onto the floor to be swept up perhaps and thrown into the road perhaps. Sleeping most of the time in your dayclothes and scratching like a contented dog, always scratching. Old so young and ugly so young and dying so young. Felicity. Now twenty-nine, gray, few teeth left, old, lined, and dried up.\n\n\"Before her time, poor bloody woman. My God, how unnecessary!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he cried out in rage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What a stinking bloody waste!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nan desu ka, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'truth' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "both women said in the same breath, their contentment vanishing.\n\n\"So sorry... it was just... you're all so clean and we're filthy and it's all such a waste, countless millions, me too, all my life... and only because we don't know any better! Christ Jesus, what a waste! It's the priests—they're the educated and the educators, priests own all the schools, do all the teaching, always in the name of God, filth in the name of God... It's the truth!\"\n\n\"Oh yes, of course,\" Mariko said soothingly, touched by his pain. \"Please don't concern yourself now, Anjin-san. That's for tomorrow... \"\n\nKiku wore a smile but she was furious with herself. You should have been more careful, she told herself. Stupid stupid stupid! Mariko-san warned you! Now you've allowed the evening to be ruined, and the magic's gone gone gone!\n\nIn truth, the heavy, almost tangible sexuality that had touched all of them had disappeared." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 10 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps that's just as well, she thought. At least Mariko and the Anjin-san are protected for one more night.\n\nPoor man, poor lady. So sad. She watched them talking, then sensed a change in tone between them.\n\n\"Now I must leave thee,\" Mariko was saying in Latin.\n\n\"Let us leave together.\"\n\n\"I beg thee stay. For thy honor and hers. And mine, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"I do not want this thy gift,\" he said. \"I want thee.\"\n\n\"I am thine, believe it, Anjin-san. Please stay, I beg thee, and know that tonight I am thine.\"\n\nHe did not insist that she stay." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around six sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and story elements may appear without introduction - roll with them naturally. Try to mimic the style of James Clavell." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After she had gone he lay back and put his arms under his head and stared out of the window at the night. Rain splattered the tiles, the wind gusted caressingly from the sea.\n\nKiku was kneeling motionless in front of him. Her legs were stiff. She would have liked to lie down herself but she did not wish to break his mood by the slightest movement. You are not tired." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Your legs do not ache, she told herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Listen to the rain and think of lovely things. Think of Omi-san and the Tea House in Mishima, and that you're alive and that yesterday's earthquake was just another earthquake. Think of Toranaga-sama and the incredibly extravagant price that Gyoko-san had dared to ask initially for your contract. The soothsayer was right, it is your good fortune to make her rich beyond dreams. And if that part is true, why not all the rest? That one day you will marry a samurai you honor and have a son by him, that you will live and die in old age, part of his household, wealthy and honored, and that, miracle of miracles, your son will grow to equal estate—samurai—as will his sons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiku began to glow at her incredible, wonderful future." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a time Blackthorne stretched luxuriously, a pleasing weariness upon him. He saw her and smiled.\n\n\"Nan desu ka, Anjin-san?\"\n\nHe shook his head kindly, got up and opened the shoji to the next room. There was no maid kneeling beside the netted futons. He and Kiku were alone in the exquisite little house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went into the sleeping room and began to take off his kimono. She hurried to help. He undressed completely, then put on the light silk sleeping kimono she held out for him. She opened the mosquito netting and he lay down.\n\nThen Kiku changed also. He saw her take off the obi and the outer kimono and the scarlet-edged lesser kimono of palest green, and finally the underskirt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She put on her peach-colored sleeping kimono, then removed the elaborate formal wig and loosed her hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was blue-black and fine and very long.\n\nShe knelt outside the net. \"Dozo, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Domo,\" he said.\n\n\"Domo arigato gozaimashita,\" she whispered.\n\nShe slipped under the net and lay beside him. The candles and oil lamps burned brightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was glad of the light because she was so beautiful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His desperate need had vanished, though the ache remained. I don't desire you, Kiku-chan, he thought. Even if you were Mariko it would be the same. Even though you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, more beautiful even than Midori-san, who I thought was more beautiful than any goddess. I don't desire you. Later perhaps but not now, so sorry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hand reached out and touched him. \"Dozo?\"\n\n\"Iyé,\" he said gently, shaking his head. He held her hand, then slipped an arm under her shoulders. Obediently she nestled against him, understanding at once. Her perfume mingled with the fragrance of the sheets and futons. So clean, he thought, everything's so incredibly clean." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What was it Rodrigues had said?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'ingeles' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'The Japans're heaven on earth, Ingeles, if you know where to look,' or 'This is paradise, Ingeles.' I don't remember. I only know it's not there, across the sea, where I thought it was. It's not there.\n\nHeaven on earth is here." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Omi-sama, certainly,\" Gyoko said. \"I'll fetch the Anjin-san at once. Please excuse me. Ako, come with me.\" Gyoko sent Ako for tea, then bustled out into the garden wondering what vital news the galloping night messenger had brought, for she too had heard the hoofs. And why is Omi so strange today? she asked herself. Why so cold, rough, and dangerous? And why did he come himself on so menial a task? Why not send any samurai?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'samurai' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah, who knows? Omi's a man. How can you understand them, particularly samurai? But something's wrong, terribly wrong. Did the messenger bring a declaration of war? I suppose so. If it's war, then it's war and war never hurt our business. Daimyos and samurai will still need entertaining, as always—more so in war—and in war, money means less than ever to them. Good good good.\n\nShe smiled to herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Remember the war days forty-odd years ago when you were seventeen and the toast of Mishima? Remember all the laughter and pillowing and proud nights that melted into days? Remember serving Old Baldy himself, Yabu's father, the nice old gentleman who boiled criminals like his son after him? Remember how hard you had to work to make him soft—unlike the son! Gyoko chuckled. We pillowed three days and three nights, then he became my patron for a whole year. Good times—a good man. Oh, how we pillowed!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "War or peace, never mind!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shigata ga nai! There's enough invested with the moneylenders and rice merchants, a little here, a little there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then there's the saké factory in Odawara, the Tea House in Mishima's thriving, and today Lord Toranaga's going to buy Kiku's contract!\n\nYes, interesting times ahead, and how fantastically interesting the previous night had been. Kiku had been brilliant, the Anjin-san's outburst mortifying. Kiku had made as deft a recovery as any courtesan in the land. And then, when the Lady Toda had left them, Kiku's artistry had made everything perfect and the night blissful.\n\nAh, men and women. So predictable. Especially men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Babies always. Vain, difficult, terrible, petulant, pliant, horrible—marvelous most rarely—but all born with that single incredible redeeming feature that we in the trade refer to as the Jade Root, Turtle Head, Yang Peak, Steaming Shaft, Male Thruster, or simply Piece of Meat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How insulting! Yet how apt!\n\nGyoko chuckled and asked herself for the ten thousandth time, by all gods living and dead and yet to be born, what in the world would we do in this world without the Piece of Meat?\n\nShe hurried on again, her footsteps just loud enough to announce her presence. She mounted the polished cedar steps. Her knock was practiced.\n\n\"Anjin-san—Anjin-san, so sorry but Lord Toranaga's sent for you. You're ordered to the fortress at once.\"\n\n\"What? What did you say?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She repeated it in simpler language." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah! Understand! All right—I there quick,\" she heard him say, with his funny accent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, please excuse me. Kiku-san?\"\n\n\"Yes, Mama-san?\" In a moment the shoji slid open. Kiku smiled at her, the kimono clinging and her hair prettily disarrayed. \"Good morning, Mama-san, did you have pleasant dreams?\"\n\n\"Yes, yes, thank you. So sorry to disturb you. Kiku-chan, do you wish for fresh cha?\"\n\n\"Oh!\" Kiku's smile disappeared. This was the code sentence that Gyoko could freely use in front of any client which told Kiku that her most special client, Omi-san, was in the Tea House." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Kiku could always finish her story or song or dance more quickly, and go to Omi-san, if she wished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku pillowed with very few, though she entertained many—if they paid the fee. Very, very few could afford all her services.\n\n\"What is it?\" Gyoko asked narrowly.\n\n\"Nothing, Mama-san. Anjin-san,\" Kiku called out gaily, \"so sorry, would you like cha?\"\n\n\"Yes, please.\"\n\n\"It will be here at once,\" Gyoko said. \"Ako! Hurry up, child.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Mistress.\" Ako brought in the tray of tea and two cups and poured, and Gyoko left, again apologizing for disturbing him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiku gave Blackthorne the cup herself. He drank it thirstily, then she helped him to dress. Ako laid out a fresh kimono for her. Kiku was most attentive but she was consumed with the knowledge that soon she would have to accompany the Anjin-san outside the gateway to bow him homeward. It was good manners. More than that, it was her privilege and duty. Only courtesans of the First Rank were ever allowed to go beyond the threshold to bestow that rare honor; all others had to stay within the courtyard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was unthinkable for her not to finish the night as was expected—that would be a terrible insult to her guest and yet...\n\nFor the first time in her life, Kiku did not wish to bow one guest homeward in front of another guest.\n\nI can't, not the Anjin-san in front of Omi-san.\n\nWhy? she asked herself. Is it because the Anjin-san's barbarian and you're ashamed that all the world will know you've been possessed by a barbarian? No. All Anjiro knows already and a man is like any other, most of the time. This man is samurai, hatamoto, and Admiral of Lord Toranaga's ships!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No, nothing like that.\n\nWhat is it then?\n\nIt's because I found in the night that I was shamed by what Omi-san did to him. As we should all be shamed. Omi-san should never have done that. The Anjin-san is branded and my fingers seemed to feel the brand through the silk of his kimono. I burn with shame for him, a good man to whom that should not have been done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Am I defiled?\n\nNo, of course not, just shamed before him. And shamed before Omi-san for being ashamed.\n\nThen in the reaches of her mind she heard Mama-san saying again, 'Child, child, leave man things to men. Laughter is our balm against them, and the world and the gods and even old age.'\n\n\"Kiku-san?\"\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now I go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Let us go together,\" she said.\n\nHe took her face tenderly in his rough hands and kissed her. \"Thank you. No words enough to thank.\"\n\n\"It is I who should thank you. Please allow me to thank you, Anjin-san. Let us leave now.\"\n\nShe allowed Ako to put the finishing touches to her hair, which she left hanging loosely, tied the sash of the fresh kimono, and went with him.\n\nKiku walked beside him as was her privilege, not a few steps behind as a wife or consort or daughter or servant was obliged to. He put his hand on her shoulder momentarily and this was distasteful to her for they were not in the privacy of a room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she had a sudden, horrible premonition that he would kiss her publicly—which Mariko had mentioned was barbarian custom—at the gate. Oh, Buddha let that not happen, she thought, almost faint with fright.\n\nHis swords were in the reception room. By custom, all weapons were left under guard, outside the pleasure rooms, to avoid lethal quarrels with other clients, and also to prevent any lady from ending her life. Not all Ladies of the Willow World were happy or fortunate.\n\nBlackthorne put his swords into his sash. Kiku bowed him through to the veranda, where he stepped into his thongs, Gyoko and others assembled to bow him away, an honored guest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beyond the gateway was the village square and the sea." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'friend' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Many samurai were there milling about, Buntaro among them. Kiku could not see Omi, though she was certain he would be watching somewhere.\n\nThe Anjin-san seemed immensely tall, she so small beside him. Now they were crossing the courtyard. Both saw Omi at the same time. He was standing near the gateway.\n\nBlackthorne stopped. \"Morning, Omi-san,\" he said as a friend and bowed as a friend, not knowing that Omi and Kiku were more than friends." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How could he know? she thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one has told him—why should they tell him? And what does that matter anyway?\n\n\"Good morning, Anjin-san.\" Omi's voice was friendly too, but she saw him bow with only sufficient politeness. Then his jet eyes turned to her again and she bowed, her smile perfect. \"Good morning, Omi-san. This house is honored.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Kiku-san. Thank you.\"\n\nShe felt his searching gaze but pretended not to notice, keeping her eyes demurely lowered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gyoko and the maids and the courtesans who were free watched from the veranda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I go fortress, Omi-san,\" Blackthorne was saying. \"All's well?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Lord Toranaga's sent for you.\"\n\n\"Go now. Hope see you soon.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nKiku glanced up. Omi was still staring at her. She smiled her best smile and looked at the Anjin-san. He was watching Omi intently; then feeling her eyes, he turned to her and smiled back. It seemed to her a strained smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, Kiku-san, Omi-san, must go now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He bowed to Omi. It was returned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went through the gate. She followed, hardly breathing. Movement stopped in the square. In the silence she saw him turn back, and for a hideous moment, she knew he was going to embrace her. But to her enormous relief he did not, and just stood there waiting as a civilized person would wait.\n\nShe bowed with all the tenderness she could muster, Omi's gaze boring into her.\n\n\"Thank you, Anjin-san,\" she said and smiled at him alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A sigh went through the square. \"Thank you,\" then added the time-honored, \"Please visit us again. I will count the moments until we meet again.\"\n\nHe bowed with just the right amount of carelessness, strode off arrogantly as a samurai of quality would. Then, because he had treated her very correctly, and to repay Omi for the unnecessary coldness in his bow, instead of going back into her house at once, she stayed where she was and looked after the Anjin-san to give him greater honor. She waited until he was at the last corner. She saw him look back. He waved once. She bowed very low, now delighted with the attention in the square, pretending not to notice it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And only when he was truly gone did she walk back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With pride and with great elegance. And until the gate was closed every man watched her, feeding on such beauty, envious of the Anjin-san, who must be much man for her to wait like that.\n\n\"You're so pretty,\" Omi said.\n\n\"I wish that were true, Omi-san,\" she said with a second-best smile. \"Would you like some cha, Omi-sama? Or food?\"\n\n\"With you, yes.\"\n\nGyoko joined them unctuously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse my bad manners, Omi-sama. Do take food with us now, please. Have you had a first meal?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No—not yet, but I'm not hungry.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'omi-sama' 3 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omi glanced across at Kiku. \"Have you eaten yet?\"\n\nGyoko interrupted expansively, \"Allow us to bring you something that won't be too inadequate, Omi-sama. Kiku-san, when you've changed you will join us, neh?\"\n\n\"Of course, please excuse me, Omi-sama, for appearing like this. So sorry.\" The girl ran off, pretending a happiness she did not feel, Ako in tow.\n\nOmi said shortly, \"I would like to be with her tonight, for food and entertainment.\"\n\n\"Of course, Omi-sama,\" Gyoko replied with a low bow, knowing that she would not be free. \"You honor my house and do us too much honor. Kiku-san is so fortunate that you favor her.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce ten sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Will that leave me enough to get a crew?\" Blackthorne asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, yes, Anjin-san. But he hasn't agreed to allow you to go to Nagasaki yet,\" Mariko said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Five hundred koku would be more than enough to live on for a year, and the other five hundred will give you about one hundred and eighty koban in gold to buy seamen. That's a very great deal of money.\"\n\nFujiko lifted herself painfully and spoke to Mariko.\n\n\"Your consort says that you shouldn't worry, Anjin-san. She can give you letters of credit to certain moneylenders who will advance you all that you'll need. She'll arrange everything.\"\n\n\"Yes, but haven't I got to pay all my retainers? How do I pay for a house, Fujiko-san, my household?\"\n\nMariko was shocked. \"Please, so sorry, but this is of course not your worry. Your consort has told you that she will take care of everything. She—\"\n\nFujiko interrupted and the two women spoke together for a moment.\n\n\"Ah so desu, Fujiko-san!\" Mariko turned back to Blackthorne. \"She says you must not waste time thinking about it. She begs you please to spend your time worrying only about Lord Toranaga's problems. She has money of her own which she can draw upon, should it be necessary.\"\n\nBlackthorne blinked. \"She'll lend me her own money?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, no, Anjin-san, of course she'll give it to you, if you need it, Anjin-san. Don't forget your problem's only this year,\" Mariko explained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Next year you're rich, Anjin-san. As to your retainers, for one year they'll get two koku each. Don't forget Toranaga-sama's giving you all their arms and horses, and two koku's enough to feed them and their horses and families. And don't forget, too, you gave Lord Toranaga half your year's income to ensure that they would be chosen by him personally. That's a tremendous honor, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You think so?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh certainly. Fujiko-san agrees wholeheartedly. You were most shrewd to think of that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Blackthorne allowed a little of his pleasure to show. You're getting your wits back again and you're beginning to think like them, he told himself happily. Yes, that was clever to co-opt Toranaga. Now you'll get the best men possible, and you could never have done it alone. What's a thousand koku against the Black Ship? So yet another of the things Mariko had said was true: that one of Toranaga's weaknesses was that he was a miser. Of course, she had not said so directly, only that Toranaga made all his incredible wealth go further than any daimyo in the kingdom. This clue, added to his own observations—that Toranaga's clothes were as simple as his food, and his style of living little different from that of an ordinary samurai—had given him another key to unlock Toranaga.\n\nThank God for Mariko and old Friar Domingo!\n\nBlackthorne's memory took him back to the jail and he thought how close he had been to death then, and how close he was to death now, even with all his honors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What Toranaga gives, he can take away. You think he's your friend, but if he'll assassinate a wife and murder a favorite son, how would you value his friendship or your life? I don't, Blackthorne told himself, renewing his pledge. That's karma. I can do nothing about karma and I've been living near death all my life, so nothing's new. I yield to karma in all its beauty. I accept karma in all its majesty. I trust karma to get me through the next six months. Then, by this time next year, I'll be scudding through Magellan's Pass, bound for London Town, out of his reach...\n\nFujiko was talking. He watched her. The bandages were still discolored." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was lying painfully on the futons, a maid fanning her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She'll arrange everything for you by dawn, Anjin-san,\" Mariko said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your consort suggests you take two horses and a baggage horse. One man servant and one maid—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A man servant'll be enough.\"\n\n\"So sorry, the maid servant must go to serve you. And of course a cook and a cook helper.\"\n\n\"Won't there be kitchens that we—I can use?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes. But you still have to have your own cooks, Anjin-san. You're a hatamoto.\"\n\nHe knew there was no point in arguing. \"I'll leave everything to you.\"\n\n\"Oh, that's so wise of you, Anjin-san, very wise. Now I must go and pack, please excuse me.\" Mariko left happily. They had not talked much, just enough in Latin for each to know that though the magic night had never come to pass and was, like the other night, never to be discussed, both would live in their imaginations forever.\n\n\"Thou.\"\n\n\"Thou.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was so proud when I heard she stood at the gate for such a long time. Thy face is immense now, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For a moment I almost forgot what thou hadst told me. Involuntarily I was within a hair's distance of kissing her in public.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh ko, Anjin-san, that would have been terrible!\"\n\n\"Oh ko, thou art right! If it had not been for thee I would be faceless—a worm wriggling in the dust.\"\n\n\"Instead, thou art vast and famous and thy prowess undoubted. Didst thou enjoy one of those curious devices?\"\n\n\"Ah, fair Lady, in my land we have an ancient custom: A man does not discuss the intimate habits of one lady with another.\"\n\n\"We have the same custom. But I asked if it was enjoyed, not used. Yes, we very much have the same custom. I am glad that the evening was to thy liking.\" Her smile was warming. \"To be Japanese in Japan is wise, neh?\"\n\n\"I cannot thank thee enough for teaching me, for guiding me, for opening my eyes,\" he said. \"For—\" He was going to say, for loving me. Instead he added, \"for being.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have done nothing. Thou art thyself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thank thee, for everything—and thy gift.\"\n\n\"I am glad thy pleasure was great.\"\n\n\"I am sad thy pleasure was nil. I am so glad that thou art also ordered to the Spa. But why to Osaka?\"\n\n\"Oh, I am not ordered to Osaka. Lord Toranaga allows me to go. We have property and family business matters that must be seen to. Also, my son is there now. Then too, I can carry private messages to Kiritsubo-san and the Lady Sazuko.\"\n\n\"Isn't that dangerous? Remember thy words—war is coming and Ishido is the enemy. Did not Lord Toranaga say the same?\"\n\n\"Yes. But there is no war yet, Anjin-san. And samurai do not war on their women, unless women war on them.\"\n\n\"But thou? What about the bridge at Osaka, across the moat? Did thou not go with me to dupe Ishido? He would have killed me. And remember thy sword at the fight on the ship.\"\n\n\"Ah, that was only to protect the life of my liege Lord, and my own life, when it was threatened. That was my duty, Anjin-san, nothing more. There is no danger for me. I have been lady-in-waiting to Lady Yodoko, the Taikō's widow, even the Lady Ochiba, mother of the Heir. I'm honored to be their friend. I'm quite safe. That's why Toranaga-sama allows me to go. But for thee in Osaka there is no safety, because of Lord Toranaga's escape, and of what was done to Lord Ishido. So thou must never land there. Nagasaki will be safe for thee.\"\n\n\"Then he has agreed that I may go?\"\n\n\"No. Not yet. But when he does it will be safe. He has power in Nagasaki.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wanted to ask, greater than the Jesuits'? Instead he said only, \"I pray Lord Toranaga orders thee by ship to Osaka.\" He saw her tremble slightly. \"What troubles thee?\"\n\n\"Nothing, except... except that the sea does not please me.\"\n\n\"Will he order it thus?\"\n\n\"I don't know. But... \" She changed back into the mischievous teaser, and into Portuguese. \"But for your health we should bring Kiku-san along with us, neh? Tonight, are you going again into her Vermilion Chamber?\"\n\nHe laughed with her. \"That'd be fine, though—\" Then he stopped, as with sudden clarity he remembered Omi's look. \"You know, Mariko-san, when I was at the gate I'm sure I saw Omi-san looking at her in a very special way, as a lover would look. A jealous lover. I didn't know they were lovers.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I understand he's one of her customers, a favored customer, yes. But why should that concern you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because it was a very private look. Very special.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He has no special claim on her, Anjin-san. She's a courtesan of the First Rank. She's free to accept or reject whom she pleases.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If we were in Europe, and I pillowed his girl—you understand, Mariko-san?\"\n\n\"I think I understand, Anjin-san, but why should that concern you? You're not in Europe, Anjin-san, he has no formal claim on her. If she wants to accept you and him, or even reject you or reject him, what has that to do with anything?\"\n\n\"I'd say he was her lover, in our sense of the word. That's got everything to do with it, neh?\"\n\n\"But what has that to do with her profession, or pillowing?\"\n\nEventually he had thanked her again and left it at that. But his head and his heart told him to beware. It's not as simple as you think, Mariko-san, even here. Omi believes Kiku-san's more than special, even if she doesn't feel the same. Wish I'd known he was her lover. I'd rather have Omi a friend than an enemy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Could Mariko be right again? That pillowing has nothing to do with loving for them?\n\nGod help me, I'm so mixed up. Part Eastern now, mostly Western. I've got to act like them and think like them to stay alive. And much of what they believe is so much better than our way that it's tempting to want to become one of them totally, and yet... home is there, across the sea, where my ancestors were birthed, where my family lives, Felicity and Tudor and Elizabeth. Neh?\n\n\"Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Yes, Fujiko-san?\"\n\n\"Please don't worry about money. I can't bear to see you worried. I'm so sorry that I cannot go to Yedo with you.\"\n\n\"Soon see in Yedo, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. The doctor says I'm healing well and Omi's mother agrees.\"\n\n\"When doctor here?\"\n\n\"Sunset. So sorry I cannot go with you tomorrow. Please excuse me.\"\n\nHe wondered again about his duty to his consort. Then he put that thought back into its compartment as a new one rushed forward. He examined this idea and found it fine. And urgent. \"I go now, come back soon. You rest—understand?\"\n\n\"Yes. Please excuse me for not getting up, and for... so sorry.\"\n\nHe left her and went to his own room. He took a pistol out of its hiding place, checked the priming, and stuck it under his kimono." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he walked alone to Omi's house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi was not there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Midori welcomed him and offered cha, which he politely refused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her two-year-old infant was in her arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She said, so sorry, but Omi would return soon. Would the Anjin-san like to wait? She seemed ill at ease, though polite and attentive. Again he refused and thanked her, saying he would come back later, then he went below to his own house.\n\nVillagers had already cleared the ground, preparing to rebuild everything. Nothing had been salvaged from the fire except cooking utensils. Fujiko would not tell him the cost of rebuilding. It was very cheap, she had said. Please don't concern yourself.\n\n\"Karma, Anjin-sama,\" one of the villagers said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What could one do? Don't worry, your house will soon be ready—better than before.\"\n\nBlackthorne saw Omi walking up the hill, taut and stern. He went to meet him. When Omi saw him, he seemed to lose some of his fury. \"Ah, Anjin-san,\" he said cordially. \"I hear you're also leaving with Toranaga-sama at dawn. Very good, we can ride together.\"\n\nDespite Omi's apparent friendliness, Blackthorne was very much on guard.\n\n\"Listen, Omi-san, now I go there.\" He pointed toward the plateau. \"Please you go with me, yes?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's no training today.\"\n\n\"Understand. Please you go with me, yes?\"\n\nOmi saw that Blackthorne's hand was on the hilt of his killing sword in the characteristic way, steadying it. Then his sharp eyes noticed the bulge under the sash and he realized at once from its partially outlined shape that it was a concealed pistol. \"A man who's allowed the two swords should be able to use them, not just wear them, neh?\" he asked thinly.\n\n\"Please? I don't understand.\"\n\nOmi said it again, more simply.\n\n\"Ah, understand. Yes. It better.\"\n\n\"Yes. Lord Yabu said—now that you're completely samurai—that you should begin to learn much that we take for granted. How to act as a second at a seppuku, for example—even to prepare for your own seppuku as we're all obliged to do. Yes, Anjin-san, you should learn to use the swords. Very necessary for a samurai to know how to use and honor his sword, neh?\"\n\nBlackthorne did not understand half the words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he knew what Omi was saying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At least, he corrected himself uneasily, I know what he's saying on the surface." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should naturally weave in this dialogue: \"Please, one day you teaches—sorry, you teach perhaps? Please? I honored.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. True. Important,\" he told him. \"Please, one day you teaches—sorry, you teach perhaps? Please? I honored.\"\n\n\"Yes—I'd like to teach you, Anjin-san.\"\n\nBlackthorne's hackles rose at the implied threat in Omi's voice. Watch it, he admonished himself. Don't start imagining things. \"Thank you. Now walk there, please? Little time. You go with? Yes?\"\n\n\"Very well, Anjin-san. But we'll ride. I'll join you shortly.\" Omi walked off up the hill, into his own courtyard.\n\nBlackthorne ordered a servant to saddle his horse and mounted awkwardly from the right side, as was custom in Japan and China." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't think there'd be much future in letting him teach me swordsmanship, he told himself, his right hand nudging the concealed pistol safer, its pleasing warmth reassuring. This confidence vanished when Omi reappeared. With him were four mounted samurai.\n\nTogether they all cantered up the broken road toward the plateau. They passed many samurai companies in full marching gear, armed, under their officers, spear pennants fluttering. When they crested the rise, they saw that the entire Musket Regiment was drawn up outside the camp in route order, each man standing beside his armed horse, a baggage train in the rear, Yabu, Naga, and their officers in the van. The rain began to fall heavily.\n\n\"All troops go?\" Blackthorne asked, perturbed, and reined in his horse.\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Go Spa with Toranaga-sama, Omi-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: No. Not see, so sorry. He go Spa too?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne's sense of survival warned him to ask no more questions. But one needed to be answered. \"And Buntaro-sama?\" he asked indifferently. \"He with us tomorrow, Omi-san?\"\n\n\"No. He's already gone. This morning he was in the square when you left the Tea House. Didn't you see him, near the Tea House?\"\n\nBlackthorne could read nothing untoward in Omi's face. \"No. Not see, so sorry. He go Spa too?\"\n\n\"I suppose so. I'm not sure.\" The rain dripped off Omi's conical hat, which was tied under his chin. His eyes were almost hidden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now, why did you want me to come here with you?\"\n\n\"Show place, like I say.\" Before Omi could say anything more, Blackthorne spurred his horse forward. With his most careful sea sense he took accurate bearings from memory and went quickly to the exact point over the crevasse. He dismounted and beckoned Omi. \"Please.\"\n\n\"What is it, eh?\" Omi's voice was edged.\n\n\"Please, here Omi-san. Alone.\"\n\nOmi waved his guards away and spurred forward until he towered over Blackthorne. \"Nan desu ka?\" he asked, his hand seemingly tightening on his sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This place Toranaga-sama... \" Blackthorne could not think of the words, so explained partially with his hands. \"Understand?\"\n\n\"Here you pulled him out of the earth, neh? So?\"\n\nBlackthorne looked at him, then deliberately down at his sword, then stared up at him again saying nothing more. He wiped the rain out of his face.\n\n\"Nan desu ka?\" Omi repeated more irritably.\n\nStill Blackthorne didn't answer. Omi stared down at the crevasse and again at Blackthorne's face. Then his eyes lit up. \"Ah, so desu! Wakarimasu!\" Omi thought a moment then called out to one of the guards, \"Get Mura here at once. With twenty men and shovels!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai galloped off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi sent the others back to the village, then dismounted and stood beside Blackthorne." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required text (preserve exact wording): \"Toranaga-sama lost his swords here. Swords very valuable. He'll be happy to get them back. Very happy, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Anjin-san,\" he said, \"that's an excellent thought. A good idea.\"\n\n\"Idea? What idea?\" Blackthorne asked innocently. \"Just show place—think you want know place, neh? So sorry—don't understand.\"\n\nOmi said, \"Toranaga-sama lost his swords here. Swords very valuable. He'll be happy to get them back. Very happy, neh?\"\n\n\"Ah so! No my idea, Omi-san,\" Blackthorne said. \"Omi-san idea.\"\n\n\"Of course. Thank you, Anjin-san. You're a good friend and your mind's fast. I should have thought of that myself. Yes, you're a good friend and we'll all need friends for the next few months. War's with us now whether we want it or not.\"\n\n\"Please? So sorry. I don't understand, speak too fast. Please excuse.\"\n\n\"Glad we're friends—you and me. Understand?\"\n\n\"Hai. You say war? War now?\"\n\n\"Soon. What can we do? Nothing. Don't worry, Toranaga-sama will conquer Ishido and his traitors. That's the truth, understand? No worry, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Understand. I go now, my house. All right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. See you at dawn. Again thank you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne nodded. But he did not leave. \"She's pretty, neh?\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Kiku-san.\" Blackthorne's legs were slightly apart and he was poised to jump back and pull out the pistol, and aim it and fire it. He remembered with total clarity the unbelievable, effortless speed that Omi had used to decapitate the first villager so long ago, and he was ready as best he could be. He reasoned his only safety was to precipitate the matter of Kiku. Omi would never do it. Omi would consider such bad manners unthinkable. And, filled with shame at his own weakness, Omi would lock his very un-Japanese jealousy away into a secret compartment. Because it was so alien and shame-filled, this jealousy would fester until, when it was least expected, Omi would explode blindly and ferociously.\n\n\"Kiku-san?\" Omi said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hai.\" Blackthorne could see that Omi was rocked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even so he was glad he had chosen the time and the place. \"She's pretty, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pretty?\"\n\n\"Hai.\"\n\nThe rain increased. The heavy drops spattered the mud. Their horses shivered uncomfortably. Both men were soaked but the rain was warm and it ran off them.\n\n\"Yes,\" Omi said. \"Kiku-san is very pretty,\" and followed it with a torrent of words Blackthorne did not fathom.\n\n\"No words enough now, Omi-san—not enough to speak clear now,\" Blackthorne said. \"Later yes. Not now. Understand?\"\n\nOmi seemed not to hear. Then he said, \"There's plenty of time, Anjin-san, plenty of time to talk about her, and about you and me and karma. But I agree, now is not the time, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Think understand. Yes. Yesterday not know Omi-san and Kiku-san good friends,\" he said, pressing the attack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's not my property.\"\n\n\"Now know you and her very friends. Now—\"\n\n\"Now leave. This matter is closed. The woman is nothing. Nothing.\"\n\nStubbornly Blackthorne stayed where he was. \"Next time I—\"\n\n\"This conversation is over! Didn't you hear? Finished!\"\n\n\"Iyé! Iyé, by God!\"\n\nOmi's hand went for his sword. Blackthorne leaped back two paces without realizing it. But Omi did not draw his sword and Blackthorne did not pull out his pistol. Both men readied, though neither wanted to begin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you want to say, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Next time, first I ask—about Kiku-san. If Omi-san say yes—yes. If no—no! Understand? Friend to friend, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi relaxed his sword hand slightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I repeat—she's not my property. Thank you for showing me this place, Anjin-san. Good-by.\"\n\n\"Friend?\"\n\n\"Of course.\" Omi walked over to Blackthorne's horse and held the bridle. Blackthorne swung into the saddle.\n\nHe looked down at Omi. If he could have got away with it he knew he would have blown the samurai's head off right now. That would be his safest course. \"Good-by, Omi-san, and thank you.\"\n\n\"Good-by, Anjin-san.\" Omi watched Blackthorne ride off and did not turn his back until he was over the rise. He marked the exact place in the crevasse with some stones and then, in turmoil, squatted on his haunches to wait, oblivious of the deluge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon Mura and the peasants arrived, bespattered with mud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Toranaga-sama fell into the crevasse exactly at this point, Mura. His swords are buried here. Bring them to me before sunset.\"\n\n\"Yes, Omi-sama.\"\n\n\"If you'd had any brains, if you were interested in me, your liege Lord, you would have done it already.\"\n\n\"Please excuse my stupidity.\"\n\nOmi rode off. They watched him briefly, then spread themselves out in a circle around the stones, and began to dig.\n\nMura dropped his voice. \"Uo, you'll go with the baggage train.\"\n\n\"Yes, Mura-san. But how?\"\n\n\"I'll offer you to the Anjin-san. He won't know any different.\"\n\n\"But his consort, oh ko, she will,\" Uo whispered back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's not going with him. I hear her burns are bad. She's to go by ship to Yedo later. You know what to do?\"\n\n\"Seek out the Holy Father privately, answer any questions.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Mura relaxed and began to talk normally. \"You can go with the Anjin-san, Uo, he'll pay well. Make yourself useful, but not too useful or he'll take you all the way to Yedo.\"\n\nUo laughed. \"Hey, I hear Yedo's so rich everyone pisses into silver pots—even eta. And the women have skins like sea foam with no pubics at all.\"\n\n\"Is that true, Mura-san?\" another villager asked. \"They've no short hair?\"\n\n\"Yedo was just a stinking little fishing village, nothing as good as Anjiro, when I was there the first time,\" Mura told them, without stopping digging. \"That was with Toranaga-sama when we were all hunting down the Beppu. We took more than three thousand heads between us. As to pubics, all the girls I've known had them, except one from Korea, but she said she'd had them plucked, one by one.\"\n\n\"What some women will do to attract us, heh?\" someone said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. But I'd like to see that,\" Ninjin said toothlessly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I'd like to see a Jade Gate without a bush.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd gamble a boatload of fish against a bucket of shit that it hurt to pull out those hairs.\" Uo whistled.\n\n\"When I'm a kami I'm going to inhabit Kiku-san's Heavenly Pavilion! They say she was born perfumed and hairless!\"\n\nAmid laughter, Uo asked, \"Did it make any difference, Mura-san, to attack the Jade Gate without the bush?\"\n\n\"It was the nearest I ever got. Eeeeh! I got closer and deeper than ever before and that's important, neh? So I know it's always better for the girl to take off the bush though some are superstitious about it and some complain of the itch. It's still closer for you and so closer for her—and getting close makes all the difference, neh?\" They laughed and put their backs into the digging. The pit grew under the rain.\n\n\"I'll wager the Anjin-san got plenty close last night for her to stand at the gateway like that! Eeee, what wouldn't I give to have been him.\" Uo wiped the sweat off his brow. Like all of them he wore only a loincloth and a bamboo, conical hat, and was barefoot.\n\n\"Eeee! I was there, Uo, in the square, and I saw it all. I saw her smile and I felt it down through my Fruit and into my toes.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: I have to admit just her smile made me stiff as an oar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" another said. \"I have to admit just her smile made me stiff as an oar.\"\n\n\"But not as big as the Anjin-san, eh, Mura-san?\" Uo chuckled. \"Go on, please tell us the story again.\"\n\nHappily Mura obliged and told about the first night and the bath house. His story had improved in the many tellings, but none of them minded.\n\n\"Oh, to be so vast!\" Uo mimed carrying a giant erection before him, and laughed so much he slipped in the mud.\n\n\"Who'd have thought the barbarian stranger'd ever get from the pit to paradise?\" Mura leaned on his shovel a moment, collecting his breath. \"I'd never have believed it—like an ancient legend. Karma, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps he was one of us—in a previous life—and he's come back with the same mind but a different skin.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ninjin nodded. \"That's possible. Must be—because from what the Holy Father said I thought he'd be burning in the Devil's Hell Furnace long since. Didn't the Father say he'd put a special curse on him? I heard him bring down the vengeance of the great Jesus kami himself on the Anjin-san and, oh ko, even I was very frightened.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'golden' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He crossed himself and the others hardly noticed. \"But the Jesus Christ Madonna God punishes His enemies very strangely if you ask me.\"\n\nUo said, \"Well, I'm not a Christian, as well you know, but, so sorry, it seems to me the Anjin-san's a good man, please excuse me, and better than the Christian Father who stank and cursed and frightened everyone. And he's been good to us, neh? He treats his people well—some say he's Lord Toranaga's friend, must be with all his honors, neh? And don't forget Kiku-san honored him with her Golden Gully.\"\n\n\"It's golden all right. I heard the night cost him five koban!\"\n\n\"Fifteen koku for one night?\" Ninjin spluttered. \"Eeeeeee, how lucky the Anjin-san is! His karma's vast for an enemy of God the Father, Son, and Madonna.\"\n\nMura said, \"He paid one koban—three koku. But if you think that's a lot... \" He stopped and looked around conspiratorially to make sure there were no eavesdroppers, though of course in this rain he knew there would be none—and even if there were, what did that matter?\n\nThey all stopped and moved closer. \"Yes, Mura-san?\"\n\n\"I just had it whispered to me she's going to be Lord Toranaga's consort. He bought her contract this morning. Three thousand koku.\"\n\nIt was a mind-boggling figure, more than their whole village earned in fish and rice in twenty years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their respect for her increased, if that were possible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And for the Anjin-san, who was therefore the last man on earth to enjoy her as a courtesan of the First Rank." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'digging' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eeee!\" Uo mumbled, hard put to talk. \"So much money—I don't know whether I want to vomit or piss or fart.\"\n\n\"Do none,\" said Mura laconically. \"Dig. Let's find the swords.\"\n\nThey obeyed, each lost in his own thoughts. Inexorably, the pit was deepening.\n\nSoon Ninjin, whipped by worry, could contain himself no longer, and he stopped digging. \"Mura-san, please excuse me, but what have you decided about the new taxes?\" he asked. The others stopped.\n\nMura kept on digging at his methodical, grinding pace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's there to decide? Yabu-sama says pay, so we pay, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But Toranaga-sama cut our taxes to four parts out of ten and he's our liege Lord now.\"\n\n\"True. But Lord Yabu was given back Izu—and Suruga and Totomi as well—and made overlord again, so who is our liege Lord?\"\n\n\"Toranaga-sama. Surely, Mura-san, Tora—\"\n\n\"Are you going to complain to him, Ninjin? Eh? Wake up, Yabu-sama's overlord as he always was. Nothing's changed. And if he puts up taxes we pay more taxes. Finish!\"\n\n\"But that'll take all our winter stocks. All of them.\" Ninjin's voice was an infuriating whine but all knew the truth of what he said. \"Even with the rice we stole—\"\n\n\"The rice we've saved,\" Uo hissed at him, correcting him.\n\n\"Even with that, there won't be enough to last through winter. We'll have to sell a boat or two—\"\n\n\"We sell no boats,\" Mura said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He jabbed his shovel into the mud and wiped the sweat out of his eyes, retied the string of his hat more firmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he began to dig again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Work, Ninjin. That will take your mind off tomorrow.\"\n\n\"How do we last the winter, Mura-san?\"\n\n\"We still have to get through the summer.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Ninjin agreed bitterly. \"We've paid more than two years' taxes in advance, and still it's not enough.\"\n\n\"Karma, Ninjin,\" Uo said.\n\n\"War's coming. Perhaps we'll get a new lord who'll be fairer, neh?\" another said.\n\n\"He can't be worse—no one can be worse.\"\n\n\"Don't wager on that,\" Mura told them all. \"You're alive—you can be very dead very quickly and then no more Golden Gullies, with or without the forest.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His shovel hit a rock and he stopped." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Give me a hand, Uo, old friend.\"\n\nTogether they fought the rock out of the mud. Uo whispered anxiously, \"Mura-san, what if the Holy Father asks about the weapons?\"\n\n\"Tell him. And tell him we're ready—that Anjiro's ready.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~2 sentences more. copy James Clavell's style. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Martin Alvito of the Society of Jesus was enraged. Just when he knew he should be preparing for his meeting with Toranaga, at which he would need all his wits, he was faced with this new abomination that could not wait." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What have you got to say for yourself?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he lashed out at the cowled Japanese acolyte who knelt abjectly in front of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other Brothers stood around the small room in a semicircle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please forgive me, Father. I have sinned,\" the man stammered in complete misery. \"Please forgive—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I repeat: It is for Almighty God in His wisdom to forgive, not me. You've committed a mortal sin. You've broken your Holy Oath. Well?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The reply was barely audible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry, Father.\" The man was thin and frail. His baptismal name was Joseph and he was thirty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His fellow acolytes, all Brothers of the Society, ranged from eighteen to forty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All were tonsured, all of noble samurai birth from provinces in Kyushu, all rigorously trained for the priesthood though none yet ordained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I confessed, Father,\" Brother Joseph said, keeping his head bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You think that's enough?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Impatiently Alvito turned away and walked to the window. The room was ordinary, the mats fair, the paper shoji screens poorly repaired." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The inn was seedy and third class but the best that he could find in Yokosé, the rest taken by samurai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stared out into the night, half listening to Kiku's distant voice soaring over the noise of the river." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Until the courtesan finished Alvito knew he would not be sent for by Toranaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Filthy whore,\" he said, half to himself, the wailing discordance of Japanese singing annoying him more than usual, intensifying his anger at Joseph's betrayal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Listen, Brothers,\" Alvito said to the rest, turning back to them. \"We are in judgment over Brother Joseph, who went with a whore of this town last night, breaking his Holy Oath of chastity, breaking his Holy Oath of obedience, desecrating his immortal soul, his position as a Jesuit, his place in the Church and all that that stands for. Before God I ask each of you—have you done likewise?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They all shook their heads.\n\n\"Have you ever done likewise?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Father.\"\n\n\"You, sinner! Before God, you admit your sin?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Father, I've already con—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Before God, is this the first time?\"\n\n\"No, this was not the first time,\" Joseph said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I—I went with another four nights ago—in Mishima.\"\n\n\"But... but yesterday we said Mass! What about your confession yesterday and the night before and the one before that, you didn't—Yesterday we said Mass! For the love of God, you took the Eucharist unconfessed, with full knowledge of a mortal sin?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brother Joseph was gray with shame. He had been with the Jesuits since he was eight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was the—it was the first time, Father. Only four days ago. I've been sinless all my life. Again I was tempted—and, the Blessed Madonna forgive me, this time I failed. I'm thirty. I'm a man—we're all men. Please, the Lord Jesus Father forgave sinners—why can't you forgive me? We're all men—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're all priests!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're not real priests! We're not professed—we're not even ordained! We're not real Jesuits. We can't take the fourth vow like you, Father,\" Joseph said sullenly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Other Orders ordain their brethren but not the Jesuits. Why shouldn't—\"\n\n\"Hold your tongue!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I won't!\" Joseph flared. \"Please excuse me, Father, but why shouldn't some of us be ordained?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pointed at one of the Brothers, a tall, round-faced man who watched serenely. \"Why shouldn't Brother Michael be ordained? He's studied since he was twelve. Now he's thirty-six and a perfect Christian, almost a saint. He's converted thousands but he's still not been ordained though—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In the name of God, you will—\"\n\n\"In the name of God, Father, why can't one of us be ordained? Someone has to dare to ask you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joseph was on his feet now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've been training for sixteen years, Brother Matteo for twenty-three, Juliao more, all our lives—countless years. We know the prayers and catechisms and hymns better than you, and Michael and I even speak Latin as well as Portu—\"\n\n\"Stop!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"—Portuguese, and we do most of the preaching and debating with the Buddhists and all the other idolaters and do most of the converting. We do! In the name of God and the Madonna, what's wrong with us? Why aren't we good enough for Jesuits? Is it just because we're not Portuguese or Spanish, or because we're not hairy or round-eyed? In the name of God, Father, why isn't there an ordained Japanese Jesuit?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now you will hold your tongue!\"\n\n\"We've even been to Rome, Michael, Juliao, and me,\" Joseph burst out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've never been to Rome or met the Father-General or His Holiness the Pope as we've done—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Which is another reason you should know better than to argue. You're vowed to chastity, poverty, and obedience. You were chosen among the many, favored out of the many, and now you've let your soul get so corrupted that—\"\n\n\"So sorry, Father, but I don't think we were favored to spend eight years going there and coming back if after all our learning and praying and preaching and waiting not one of us is ordained even though it's been promised. I was twelve when I left. Juliao was elev—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I forbid you to say any more! I order you to stop.\" Then in the awful silence Alvito looked at the others, who lined the walls, watching and listening closely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You will all be ordained in time. But you, Joseph, before God you will—\"\n\n\"Before God,\" Joseph erupted, \"in whose time?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In God's time,\" Alvito slammed back, stunned by the open rebellion, his zeal blazing. \"Get-down-on-your-knees!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'guilty' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brother Joseph tried to stare him down but he could not, then his fit passing, he exhaled, sank to his knees, and bowed his head.\n\n\"May God have mercy on you. You are self-confessed to hideous mortal sin, guilty of breaking your Holy vow of chastity, your Holy vow of obedience to your superiors. And guilty of unbelievable insolence. How dare you question our General's orders or the policy of the Church? You have jeopardized your immortal soul. You are a disgrace to your God, your Company, your Church, your family, and your friends. Your case is so serious it will have to be dealt with by the Visitor-General himself. Until that time you will not take communion, you will not be confessed or hear confession or any part in any service... \" Joseph's shoulders began shaking with the agony of remorse that possessed him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As initial penance you are forbidden to talk, you will have only rice and water for thirty days, you will spend every night for the next thirty nights on your knees in prayer to the Blessed Madonna for forgiveness for your hideous sins, and further you will be scourged. Thirty lashes. Take off your cassock.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shoulders stopped trembling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joseph looked up. \"I accept everything you've ordered, Father,\" he said, \"and I apologize with all my heart, with all my soul. I beg your forgiveness as I will beg His forgiveness forever. But I will not be lashed like a common criminal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You-will-be-scourged!\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Father,\" Joseph said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the name of the Blessed Madonna, it's not the pain. Pain is nothing to me, death is nothing to me. That I'm damned and will burn in hellfire for all eternity may be my karma, and I will endure it. But I'm samurai. I'm of Lord Harima's family.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your pride sickens me. It's not for the pain you're to be punished, but to remove your disgusting pride. Common criminal? Where is your humility? Our Lord Jesus Christ endured mortification. And he died with common criminals.\"\n\n\"Yes. That's our major problem here, Father.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\n\"Please excuse my bluntness, Father, but if the King of Kings had not died like a common criminal on the cross, samurai could accept—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stop!\"\n\n\"—Christianity more easily. The Society's wise to avoid preaching Christ crucified like the other Orders—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like an avenging angel, Alvito held up his cross as a shield in front of him. \"In the name of God, keep silent and obey or-you-are-excommunicated! Seize him and strip him!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The others came to life and moved forward, but Joseph sprang to his feet. A knife appeared in his hand from under his robes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He put his back to the wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone stopped in his tracks. Except Brother Michael. Brother Michael came forward slowly and calmly, his hand outstretched." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please give me the knife, Brother,\" he said gently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. Please excuse me.\"\n\n\"Then pray for me, Brother, as I pray for you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Michael quietly reached up for the weapon.\n\nJoseph darted a few paces back, then readied for a death thrust. \"Forgive me, Michael.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Michael continued to approach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Michael, stop! Leave him alone,\" Alvito commanded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Michael obeyed, inches from the hovering blade.\n\nThen Alvito said, ashen, \"God have mercy on you, Joseph. You are excommunicated. Satan has possessed your soul on earth as he will possess it after death. Get thee gone!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I renounce the Christian God! I'm Japanese—I'm Shinto. My soul's my own now. I'm not afraid,\" Joseph shouted. \"Yes, we've pride—unlike barbarians. We're Japanese, we're not barbarians. Even our peasants are not barbarians.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gravely Alvito made the sign of the cross as protection for all of them and fearlessly turned his back on the knife." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let us pray together, Brothers. Satan is in our midst.\"\n\nThe others also turned away, many sadly, some still in shock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only Michael remained where he was, looking at Joseph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joseph ripped off his rosary and cross." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was going to hurl it away but Michael held out his hand again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please, Brother, please give it to me—it is such a simple gift,\" he said.\n\nJoseph looked at him a long moment, then he gave it to him. \"Please excuse me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will pray for you,\" Michael said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Didn't you hear? I've renounced God!\"\n\n\"I will pray that God will not renounce you, Uraga-noh-Tadamasa-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Forgive me, Brother,\" Joseph said. He stuck the knife in his sash, jerked the door open, and walked blindly along the corridor out onto the veranda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People watched him curiously, among them Uo the fisherman, who was waiting patiently in the shadows. Joseph crossed the courtyard and went toward the gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A samurai stood in his way.\n\n\"Halt!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Joseph stopped.\n\n\"Where are you going, please?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry, please excuse me, I—I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I serve Lord Toranaga. So sorry, I couldn't help hearing what went on in there. The whole inn must have heard. Shocking bad manners... shocking for your leader to shout like that and disturb the peace. And you too. I'm on duty here. I think it's best you see the officer of my watch.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think—thank you, I'll go the other way. Please excuse—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'll go nowhere, so sorry. Except to see my officer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What? Oh—yes. Yes, I'm sorry, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joseph tried to make his brain work." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. Thank you.\" The samurai turned as another samurai approached from the bridge and saluted.\n\n\"I'm to fetch the Tsukku-san for Lord Toranaga.\"\n\n\"Good. You're expected.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene (which might reference existing characters and worldbuilding), and you will continue the story with 1 sentence, channeling the voice and techniques of James Clavell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the peace and quiet of the little house, Buntaro fastidiously opened the small earthenware tea caddy of the T'ang Dynasty and, with equal care, took up the bamboo spoon, beginning the final part of the ceremony." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Deftly he spooned up exactly the right amount of green powder and put it into the handleless porcelain cup." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An ancient cast-iron kettle was singing over the charcoal." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'water' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With the same tranquil grace Buntaro poured the bubbling water into the cup, replaced the kettle on its tripod, then gently beat the powder and water with the bamboo whisk to blend it perfectly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He added a spoonful of cool water, bowed to Mariko, who knelt opposite him, and offered the cup." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She bowed and took it with equal refinement, admiring the green liquid, and sipped three times, rested, then sipped again, finishing it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She offered the cup back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He repeated the symmetry of the formal cha-making and again offered it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She begged him to taste the cha himself, as was expected of her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sipped, and then again, and finished it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he made a third cup and a fourth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More was politely refused." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With great care, ritually he washed and dried the cup, using the peerless cotton cloth, and laid both in their places." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He bowed to her and she to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cha-no-yu was finished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro was content that he had done his best and that now, at least for the moment, there was peace between them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This afternoon there had been none." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had met her palanquin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once, as always, he had felt coarse and uncouth in contrast to her fragile perfection—like one of the wild, despised, barbaric Hairy Ainu tribesmen that once inhabited the land but were now driven to the far north, across the straits, to the unexplored island of Hokkaido." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All of his well-thought-out words had left him and he clumsily invited her to the cha-no-yu, adding, \"It's years since we... I've never given one for you but tonight will be convenient.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he had blurted out, never meaning to say it, knowing that it was stupid, inelegant, and a vast mistake, \"Lord Toranaga said it was time for us to talk.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you do not, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In spite of his resolve he flushed and his voice rasped, \"I'd like harmony between us, yes, and more. I've never changed, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course, Sire, and why should you? If there's any fault it's not your place to change but mine. If any fault exists, it's because of me, please excuse me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll excuse you,\" he said, towering over her there beside the palanquin, deeply conscious that others were watching, the Anjin-san and Omi among them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was so lovely and tiny and unique, her hair piled high, her lowered eyes seemingly so demure, yet for him filled now with that same black ice that always sent him into a blind, impotent frenzy, making him want to kill and shout and mutilate and smash and behave the way a samurai never should behave." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've reserved the cha house for tonight,\" he told her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For tonight, after the evening meal. We're ordered to eat the evening meal with Lord Toranaga. I would be honored if you would be my guest afterwards.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's I who am honored.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She bowed and waited with the same lowered eyes and he wanted to smash her to death into the ground, then go off and plunge his knife crisscross into his belly and let the eternal pain cleanse the torment from his soul." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw her look up at him discerningly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Was there anything else, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she asked, so softly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sweat was running down his back and thighs, staining his kimono, his chest hurting like his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're—you're staying at the inn tonight.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he had left her and made careful dispositions for the whole baggage train." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as he could, he had handed his duties over to Naga and strode off with a pretended truculence down the river bank, and when he was alone, he had plunged naked into the torrent, careless of his safety, and fought the river until his head had cleared and the pounding ache had gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had lain on the bank collecting himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now that she had accepted he had to begin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was little time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He summoned his strength and walked back to the rough garden gate that was within the mother garden and stood there for a moment rethinking his plan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tonight he wanted everything to be perfect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Obviously the hut was imperfect, like its garden—an uncouth provincial attempt at a real cha house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never mind, he thought, now completely absorbed in his task, it will have to do." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Night will hide many faults and lights will have to create the form it lacks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Servants had already brought the things he had ordered earlier—tatamis, pottery oil lamps, and cleaning utensils—the very best in Yokosé, everything brand-new but modest, discreet and unpretentious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stripped off his kimono, laid down his swords, and began to clean." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First the tiny reception room and kitchen and veranda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the winding path and the flagstones that were let into the moss, and finally the rocks and skirting garden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He scrubbed and broomed and brushed until everything was spotless, letting himself swoop into the humility of manual labor that was the beginning of the cha-no-yu, where the host alone was required to make everything faultless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first perfection was absolute cleanliness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By dusk he had finished most of the preparations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he had bathed meticulously, endured the evening meal, and the singing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as he could he had changed again into more somber clothes and hurried back to the garden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He latched the gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First he put the taper to the oil lamps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, carefully, he sprinkled water on the flagstones and the trees that were now splashed here and there with flickering light, until the tiny garden was a fairyland of dewdrops dancing in the warmth of the summer's breeze." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He repositioned some of the lanterns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally satisfied, he unlatched the gate and went to the vestibule." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The carefully selected pieces of charcoal that had been placed punctiliously in a pyramid on white sand were burning correctly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The flowers seemed correct in the tokonoma." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once more he cleaned the already impeccable utensils." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The kettle began to sing and he was pleased with the sound that was enriched by the little pieces of iron he had placed so diligently in the bottom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All was ready. The first perfection of the cha-no-yu was cleanliness, the second, complete simplicity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The last and greatest, suitability to the particular guest or guests." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard her footsteps on the flagstones, the sound of her dipping her hands ritually in the cistern of fresh river water and drying them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three soft steps up to the veranda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two more to the curtained doorway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even she had to bend to come through the tiny door that was made deliberately small to humble everyone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At a cha-no-yu all were equal, host and guest, the most high daimyo and merest samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even a peasant if he was invited." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First she studied her husband's flower arrangement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had chosen the blossom of a single white wild rose and put a single pearl of water on the green leaf, and set it on red stones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Autumn is coming, he was suggesting with the flower, talking through the flower, do not weep for the time of fall, the time of dying when the earth begins to sleep; enjoy the time of beginning again and experience the glorious cool of the autumn air on this summer evening... soon the tear will vanish and the rose, only the stones will remain—soon you and I will vanish and only the stones will remain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He watched her, apart from himself, now deep in the near trance that a cha-master sometimes was fortunate enough to experience, completely in harmony with his surroundings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She bowed to the flower in homage and came and knelt opposite him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her kimono was dark brown, a thread of burnt gold at the seams enhancing the white column of her throat and face; her obi the darkest of greens that matched the underkimono; her hair simple and upswept and unadorned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are welcome,\" he said with a bow, beginning the ritual." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is my honor,\" she replied, accepting her role." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He served the tiny repast on a blemishless lacquered tray, the chopsticks placed just so, the slivers of fish on rice that he had prepared a part of the pattern, and to complete the effect, a few wild flowers that he had found near the river bank scattered in perfect disarray." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she had finished eating and he, in his turn, had finished eating, he lifted the tray, every movement formalized—to be observed and judged and recorded—and took it through the low doorway into the kitchen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then alone, at rest, Mariko watched the fire critically, the coals a glowing mountain on a sea of stark white sand below the tripod, her ears listening to the hissing sound of the fire melding with the sighing of the barely simmering kettle above, and, from the unseen kitchen, the sibilance of cloth on porcelain and water cleaning the already clean." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In time her eyes wandered to the raw twisted rafters and to the bamboos and the reeds that formed the thatch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shadows cast by the few lamps he had placed seemingly at random made the small large and the insignificant rare, and the whole a perfect harmony." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After she had seen everything and measured her soul against it, she went again into the garden, to the shallow basin that, over eons, nature had formed in the rock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once more she purified her hands and mouth with the cool, fresh water, drying them on a new towel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she had settled back into her place he said, \"Perhaps now you would take cha?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would be my honor. But please do not put yourself to so much trouble on my account.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is my honor. You are my guest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So he had served her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And now there was the ending." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the silence, Mariko did not move for a moment, but stayed in her tranquillity, not wishing yet to acknowledge the ending or disturb the peace surrounding her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But she felt the growing strength of his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cha-no-yu was ended." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now life must begin again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You did it perfectly,\" she whispered, her sadness overwhelming her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A tear slid from her eyes and the falling ripped the heart from his chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No—no. Please excuse me... you are perfect... it was ordinary,\" he said, startled by such unexpected praise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was the best I've ever seen,\" she said, moved by the stark honesty in his voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. No, please excuse me, if it was fair it was because of you, Mariko-san. It was only fair—you made it better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For me it was flawless. Everything. How sad that others, more worthy than I, couldn't have witnessed it also!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her eyes glistened in the flickering light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You witnessed it. That is everything. It was only for you. Others wouldn't have understood.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She felt the hot tears now on her cheeks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Normally she would have been ashamed of them but now they did not trouble her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, how can I thank you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He picked up a sprig of wild thyme and, his fingers trembling, leaned over and gently caught one of her tears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Silently he looked down at the tear and the branchlet dwarfed by his huge fist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My work—any work—is inadequate against the beauty of this. Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He watched the tear on the leaf." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A piece of charcoal fell down the mountain and, without thinking, he picked up the tongs and replaced it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few sparks danced into the air from the mountaintop and it became an erupting volcano." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both drifted into a sweet melancholia, joined by the simplicity of the single tear, content together in the quiet, joined in humility, knowing that what had been given had been returned in purity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Later he said, \"If our duty did not forbid it, I would ask you to join me in death. Now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would go with you. Gladly,\" she answered at once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let us go to death. Now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We can't. Our duty is to Lord Toranaga.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took out the stiletto that was in her obi and reverently placed it on the tatami." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then please allow me to prepare the way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. That would be failing in our duty.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is to be, will be. You and I cannot turn the scale.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But we may not go before our Master. Neither you nor I. He needs every trustworthy vassal for a little longer. Please excuse me, I must forbid it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would be pleased to go tonight. I'm prepared. More than that, I totally desire to go beyond. Yes. My soul is brimming with joy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A hesitant smile. \"Please excuse me for being selfish. You're perfectly right about our duty.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The razor-sharp blade glistened in the candlelight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They watched it, lost in contemplation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he broke the spell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why Osaka, Mariko-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There are things to be done there which only I can do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His frown deepened as he watched the light from a guttering wick catch the tear and become refracted into a billion colors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What things?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Things that concern the future of our house which must be done by me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In that case you must go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked at her searchingly. \"But you alone?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. I wish to make sure all family arrangements are perfect between us and Lord Kiyama for Saruji's marriage. Money and dowry and lands and so on. There's his increased fief to formalize. Lord Hiro-matsu and Lord Toranaga require it done. I am responsible for the house.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" he said slowly, \"that's your duty.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes held hers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If Lord Toranaga says you can go, then go, but it's not likely you'll be permitted there. Even so... you must return quickly. Very quickly. It would be unwise to stay in Osaka a moment longer than necessary.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By sea would be quicker than by road. But you've always hated the sea.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I still hate the sea.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you have to be there quickly?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think half a month or a month would matter. Perhaps, I don't know. I just feel I should go at once.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then we will leave the time and the matter of the going to Lord Toranaga—if he permits you to go at all. With Lord Zataki here, and the two scrolls, that can only mean war. It will be too dangerous to go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Glad that that was now finished, he looked around the little room contentedly, unconcerned now that his ugly bulk dominated the space, each of his thighs broader than her waist, his arms thicker than her neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This has been a fine room, better than I'd dared to hope. I've enjoyed being here. I'm reminded again that a body's nothing but a hut in the wilderness. Thank you for being here. I'm so glad you came to Yokosé, Mariko-san. If it hadn't been for you I would never have given a cha-no-yu here and never felt so one with eternity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She hesitated, then shyly picked up the T'ang cha caddy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a simple, covered jar without adornment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The orange-brown glaze had run just short, leaving an uneven rim of bare porcelain at the bottom, dramatizing the spontaneity of the potter and his unwillingness to disguise the simplicity of his materials." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro had bought it from Sen-Nakada, the most famous cha-master who had ever lived, for twenty thousand koku." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's so beautiful,\" she murmured, enjoying the touch of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So perfect for the ceremony.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You were truly a master tonight, Buntaro-san. You gave me so much happiness.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her voice was low and intent and she leaned forward a little." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Everything was perfect for me, the garden and how you used artistry to overcome the flaws with light and shadow. And this\"—again she touched the cha caddy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Everything perfect, even the character you'd written on the towel, ai—affection. For me tonight, affection was the perfect word.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again tears spilled down her cheeks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me,\" she said, brushing them away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He bowed, embarrassed by such praise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To hide it he began to wrap the caddy in its silken sheaths." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he had finished, he set it into its box and placed it carefully in front of her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mariko-san, if our house has money problems, take this. Sell it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never!\" It was the only possession, apart from his swords and longbow, that he prized in life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That would be the last thing I would ever sell.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, but if pay for my vassals is a problem, take it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's enough for all of them, with care. And the best weapons and the best horses. In that, our house is strong. No, Buntaro-san, the T'ang is yours.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've not much time left to us. Who should I will it to? Saruji?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked at the coals and the fire consuming the volcano, humbling it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. Not until he's a worthy cha-master, equaling his father. I counsel you to leave the T'ang to Lord Toranaga, who's worthy of it, and ask him before he dies to judge if our son will ever merit receiving it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And if Lord Toranaga loses and dies before winter, as I'm certain he'll lose?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here in this privacy I can tell you quietly that truth, without pretense. Isn't an important part of the cha-no-yu to be without pretense? Yes, he will lose, unless he gets Kiyama and Onoshi—and Zataki.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In that case, set down in your will that the T'ang should be sent with a cortege to His Imperial Highness, petition him to accept it. Certainly the T'ang merits divinity.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. That would be the perfect choice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He studied the knife then added gloomily, \"Ah, Mariko-san, there's nothing to be done for Lord Toranaga. His karma's written. He wins or he loses. And if he wins or loses there'll be a great killing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Brooding, he took his eyes off her knife and contemplated the wild thyme sprig, the tear still pure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Later he said, \"If he loses, before I die—or if I'm dead—I or one of my men will kill the Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her face was ethereal against the darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The soft breeze moved threads of her hair, making her seem even more statuelike." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, may I ask why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's too dangerous to leave alive. His knowledge, his ideas that I've heard even fifth hand... he'll infect the realm, even Lord Yaemon. Lord Toranaga's already under his spell, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Toranaga enjoys his knowledge,\" Mariko said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The moment Lord Toranaga dies, that also is the Anjin-san's death order. But I hope our Lord's eyes are opened before that time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guttering lamp spluttered and went out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced up at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you under his spell?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's a fascinating man. But his mind's so different from ours... his values... yes, so different in so many ways that it's almost impossible to understand him at times. Once I tried to explain a cha-no-yu to him, but it was beyond him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It must be terrible to be born barbarian—terrible,\" Buntaro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes dropped to the blade of her stiletto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Some people think the Anjin-san was Japanese in a previous life. He's not like other barbarians and he... he tries hard to speak and act like one of us though he fails, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish you'd seen him almost commit seppuku Buntaro-san. I... it was extraordinary. I saw death visit him, to be turned away by Omi's hand. If he was Japanese previously, I think that would explain many things. Lord Toranaga thinks he's very valuable to us now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's time you stopped training him and became Japanese again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think Lord Toranaga's under his spell. And you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, but I don't think I am.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That other night in Anjiro, the one that went bad, on that night I felt you were with him, against me. Of course it was an evil thought, but I felt it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her gaze left the blade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked at him steadily and did not reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another lamp spluttered briefly and went out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now only one light remained in the room." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'killing' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I hated him that night,\" Buntaro continued in the same calm voice, \"and wanted him dead—and you and Fujiko-san. My bow whispered to me, like it does sometimes, asking for a killing. And when, the next dawn, I saw him coming down the hill with those cowardly little pistols in his hands, my arrows begged to drink his blood. But I put his killing off and humbled myself, hating my bad manners more than him, shamed by my bad manners and the saké.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His tiredness showed now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So many shames to bear, you and I. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't want me to kill him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You must do what you know to be your duty,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As I will always do mine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We stay at the inn tonight,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And then, because she had been a perfect guest and the cha-no-yu the best he had ever achieved, he changed his mind and gave her back time and peace in equal measure that he had received from her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go to the inn. Sleep,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hand picked up the stiletto and offered it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When the maples are bare of leaves—or when you return from Osaka—we will begin again. As husband and wife.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you agree freely, Mariko-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Before your God?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Before God.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko bowed and accepted the knife, replaced it in its hiding place, bowed again and left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her footsteps died away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro looked down at the branchlet still in his fist, the tear still trapped in a tiny leaf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His fingers trembled as they gently laid the sprig on the last of the coals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The pure green leaves began to twist and char." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tear vanished with a hiss.\n\nThen, in silence, he began to weep with rage, suddenly sure in his innermost being that she had betrayed him with the Anjin-san." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell using my stuff as a starting point? btw might drop u in mid-story with random chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the Hour of the Goat the cortege crossed the bridge again. Everything was as before, except that now Zataki and his men were lightly dressed for traveling—or skirmishing. They were all heavily armed and, though very well disciplined, all were spoiling for the death fight, if it came. They seated themselves neatly opposite Toranaga's forces, which heavily outnumbered them. Father Alvito was to one side among the onlookers. And Blackthorne.\n\nToranaga welcomed Zataki with the same calm formality, prolonging the ceremonious seating. Today the two daimyos were alone on the dais, the cushions farther apart under a lower sky. Yabu, Omi, Naga, and Buntaro were on the earth surrounding Toranaga and four of Zataki's fighting counselors spaced themselves behind him.\n\nAt the correct time, Zataki took out the second scroll." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've come for your formal answer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree to go to Osaka and to submit to the will of the Council,\" replied Toranaga evenly, and bowed.\n\n\"You're going to submit?\" Zataki began, his face twisting with disbelief. \"You, Toranaga-noh-Minowara, you're going—\"\n\n\"Listen,\" Toranaga interrupted in his resonant commanding voice that ricocheted around the clearing without seeming to be loud. \"The Council of Regents should be obeyed! Even though it's illegal, it is constituted and no single daimyo has the right to tear the realm apart, however much truth is on his side. The realm takes precedence. If one daimyo revolts, it is the duty of all to stamp him out. I swore to the Taikō I'd never be the first to break the peace, and I won't, even though evil is in the land. I accept the invitation. I will leave today.\"\n\nAghast, each samurai was trying to foretell what this unbelievable about-face would mean. All were achingly certain that most, if not all, would be forced to become ronin, with all that that implied—loss of honor, of revenue, of family, of future.\n\nBuntaro knew that he would accompany Toranaga on his last journey and share his fate—death with all his family, of all generations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ishido was too much his own personal enemy to forgive, and anyway, who would want to stay alive when his own lord gave up the true fight in such cowardly fashion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Karma, Buntaro thought bitterly. Buddha give me strength! Now I'm committed to take Mariko's life and our son's life before I take my own. When? When my duty's done and our lord is safely and honorably gone into the Void. He will need a faithful second, neh? All gone, like autumn leaves, all the future and the present, Crimson Sky and destiny. It's just as well, neh? Now Lord Yaemon will surely inherit. Lord Toranaga must be secretly tempted in his most private heart to take power, however much he denies it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps the Taikō will live again through his son and, in time, we'll war on China again and win this time, to stand at the summit of the world as is our divine duty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, the Lady Ochiba and Yaemon won't sell us out next time as Ishido and his cowardly supporters did the last..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Naga was bewildered. No Crimson Sky? No honorable war? No fighting to the death in the Shinano mountains or on the Kyoto plains? No honorable death in battle heroically defending the standard of his father, no mounds of enemy dead to straddle in a last glorious stand, or in a divine victory? No charge even with the filthy guns? None of that—just a seppuku, probably hurried, without pomp or ceremony or honor and his head stuck on a spike for common people to jeer at. Just a death and the end of the Yoshi line. For of course every one of them would die, his father, all his brothers and sisters and cousins, nephews and nieces and aunts and uncles. His eyes focused on Zataki. Blood lust began to flood his brain..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi was watching Toranaga with half-seeing eyes, hatred devouring him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'toranaga' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Our Master's gone mad, he thought. How can he be so stupid? We've a hundred thousand men and the Musket Regiment and fifty thousand more around Osaka! Crimson Sky's a million times better than a lonely stinking grave!\n\nHis hand was heavy on his sword hilt and, for an ecstatic moment, he imagined himself leaping forward to decapitate Toranaga, to hand the head to the Regent Zataki and so end the contemptuous charade. Then to die by his own hand with honor, here, before everyone. For what was the point of living now? Now Kiku was beyond his reach, her contract bought and owned by Toranaga who had betrayed them all. Last night his body had been on fire during her singing and he knew her song had been secretly for him, and him alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unrequited fire—him and her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wait—why not a suicide together? To die beautifully together, to be together for all eternity. Oh, how wonderful that would be! To mix our souls in death as a never-ending witness to our adoration of life. But first the traitor Toranaga, neh?\n\nWith an effort Omi dragged himself back from the brink.\n\nEverything's gone wrong, he thought. No peace in my house, always anger and quarreling, and Midori always in tears. No nearer my revenge on Yabu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No private, secret arrangement with Zataki, with or without Yabu, negotiated over the hours last night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No deal of any kind. Nothing right anymore. Even when Mura found the swords, both were so mutilated by the earth's force that I know Toranaga hated me for showing them to him. And now finally this—this cowardly, traitorous surrender!\n\nIt's almost as though I'm bedeviled—in an evil spell. Cast by the Anjin-san? Perhaps. But everything's still lost. No swords and no revenge and no secret escape route and no Kiku and no future. Wait. There's a future with her. Death's a future and past and present and it'll be so clean and simple..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're giving up? We're not going to war?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu bellowed, aware that his death and the death of his line were now guaranteed.\n\n\"I accept the Council's invitation,\" Toranaga replied. \"As you will accept the Council's invitation!\"\n\n\"I won't do—\"\n\nOmi came out of his reverie with enough presence of mind to know that he had to interrupt Yabu and protect him from the instant death that any confrontation with Toranaga would bring. But he deliberately froze his lips, shouting to himself with glee at this heaven-sent gift, and waited for Yabu's disaster to overtake him.\n\n\"You won't do what?\" Toranaga asked.\n\nYabu's soul shrieked danger. He managed to croak, \"I—I—of course your vassals will obey. Yes—if you decide—whatever you decide I—I will do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi cursed and allowed the glazed expression to return, his mind still withered by Toranaga's totally unexpected capitulation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angrily Toranaga let Yabu stutter on, increasing the strength of the apology." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'zataki' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then contemptuously he cut him short. \"Good.\" He turned back to Zataki but he did not relax his vigil. \"So, Brother, you can put away the second scroll. There's nothing more—\" From the corner of his eye he saw Naga's face change and he wheeled on him. \"Naga!\"\n\nThe youth almost leapt out of his skin, but his hand left his sword. \"Yes, Father?\" he stammered.\n\n\"Go and fetch my writing materials! Now!\" When Naga was well out of sword range Toranaga exhaled, relieved that he had prevented the attack on Zataki before it had begun. His eyes studied Buntaro carefully. Then Omi. And last Yabu." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 11 sentences. Context: May include pre-existing characters and lore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gloom hung over the valley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was pouring now, the base of the clouds barely three hundred feet from the ground, obscuring completely the way back up the pass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The clearing and the inn's forecourt were filled with shoving, ill-tempered samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Horses stamped their feet irritably. Officers were shouting orders with unnecessary harshness. Frightened porters were rushing about readying the departing column. Barely an hour remained to darkness.\n\nToranaga had written the flowery message and signed it, sending it by messenger to Zataki, over the entreaties of Buntaro, Omi, and Yabu, in private conference. He had listened to their arguments silently.\n\nWhen they had finished, he said, \"I want no more talk. I've decided my path. Obey!\"\n\nHe had told them he was returning to Anjiro immediately to collect the rest of his men. Tomorrow he would head up the east coast road toward Atami and Odawara, thence over the mountain passes to Yedo. Buntaro would command his escort. Tomorrow the Musket Regiment was to embark on the galleys at Anjiro and put to sea to await him at Yedo, Yabu in command." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The following day Omi was ordered to the frontier via the central road with all available Izu warriors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was to assist Hiro-matsu, who was in overall command, and was to make sure that the enemy, Ikawa Jikkyu, did nothing to interfere with normal traffic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi was to base himself in Mishima for the time being, to guard that section of the Tokaidō Road, and to prepare palanquins and horses in sufficient quantity for Toranaga and the considerable entourage that was necessary to a formal state visit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Alert all stations along the road and prepare them equally. You understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"Make sure that everything's perfect!\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. You may rely on me.\" Even Omi had winced under the baleful glare.\n\nWhen everything was ready for his departure, Toranaga came out from his rooms onto the veranda. Everyone bowed. Sourly he motioned them to continue and sent for the innkeeper. The man fawned as he presented the bill on his knees. Toranaga checked it item by item. The bill was very fair. He nodded and threw it at his paymaster for payment, then summoned Mariko and the Anjin-san." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko was given permission to go to Osaka." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But first you'll go directly from here to Mishima. Give this private dispatch to Hiro-matsu-san, then continue on to Yedo with the Anjin-san. You're responsible for him until you arrive. You'll probably go by sea to Osaka—I'll decide that later. Anjin-san! Did you get the dictionary from the priest-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please? So sorry, I don't understand.\"\n\nMariko translated.\n\n\"Sorry. Yes, I book got.\"\n\n\"When we meet in Yedo, you'll speak better Japanese than you do now. Wakarimasu ka?\"\n\n\"Hai. Gomen nasai.\"\n\nDespondently Toranaga stomped out of the courtyard, a samurai holding a large umbrella for him against the rain. As one, all samurai, porters, and villagers again bowed. Toranaga paid no attention to them, just got into his roofed palanquin at the head of the column and closed the curtains.\n\nAt once, the six seminaked bearers raised the litter and started off at a loping trot, their horny bare feet splashing the puddles. Mounted escorting samurai rode ahead, and another mounted guard surrounded the palanquin. Spare porters and the baggage train followed, all hurrying, all tense and filled with dread." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omi led the van." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buntaro was to command the rearguard. Yabu and Naga had already left for the Musket Regiment that was still athwart the road in ambush to await Toranaga at the crest; it would fall in behind to form a rearguard. \"Rearguard against whom?\" Yabu had snarled at Omi in the few moments of privacy they had had before he galloped off.\n\nBuntaro strode back to the high, curved gateway of the inn, careless of the downpour. \"Mariko-san!\"\n\nObediently she hurried to him, her orange oiled-paper umbrella beaten by the heavy drops. \"Yes, Sire?\"\n\nHis eyes raced over her under the brim of his bamboo hat, then went to Blackthorne, who watched from the veranda. \"Tell him... \" He stopped.\n\n\"Sire?\"\n\nHe stared down at her. \"Tell him I hold him responsible for you.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But, please excuse me, I am responsible for me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buntaro turned and measured the distance to the head of the column." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he glanced back his face showed a trace of his torment. \"Now there'll be no falling leaves for our eyes, neh?\"\n\n\"That is in the hands of God, Sire.\"\n\n\"No, that's in Lord Toranaga's hands,\" he said with disdain.\n\nShe looked up at him without wavering under his stare. The rain beat down. Droplets fell from the rim of her umbrella like a curtain of tears. Mud splattered the hem of her kimono. Then he said, \"Sayonara—until I see you at Osaka.\"\n\nShe was startled. \"Oh, so sorry, won't I see you at Yedo? Surely you'll be there with Lord Toranaga, you'll arrive about the same time, neh? I'll see you then.\"\n\n\"Yes. But at Osaka, when we meet there or when you return from there, then we begin again. That's when I'll truly see you, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, I understand. So sorry.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sayonara, Mariko-san,\" he said.\n\n\"Sayonara, my Lord.\" Mariko bowed. He returned her obeisance peremptorily and strode through the quagmire to his horse. He swung into the saddle and galloped away without looking back.\n\n\"Go with God,\" she said, staring after him." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's Mishima, Anjin-san.\" Mariko pointed across the last stream." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sprawling castle city which housed nearly sixty thousand people was mostly obscured by morning's low-lying mist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only a few house tops and the stone castle were discernible. Beyond were mountains that ran down to the western sea. Far to the northwest was the glory of Mount Fuji. North and east the mountain range encroached on the sky. \"What now?\"\n\n\"Now Yoshinaka's been asked to find the liveliest inn within ten ri. We'll stay there two days. It will take me at least that to complete my business. Gyoko and Kiku-san will be leaving us for that time.\"\n\n\"Then?\"\n\n\"Then we go on. What does your weather sense tell you about Mishima?\"\n\n\"That it's friendly and safe,\" he replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"After Mishima, what then?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She pointed northeast, unconvinced. \"Then we'll go that way. There's a pass that curls up through the mountains toward Hakoné. It's the most grueling part of the whole Tokaidō Road. After that the road falls away to the city of Odawara, which is much bigger than Mishima, Anjin-san. It's on the coast. From there to Yedo is only a matter of time.\"\n\n\"How much time?\"\n\n\"Not enough.\"\n\n\"You're wrong, my love, so sorry,\" he said. \"There's all the time in the world.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell using my stuff as a starting point? btw might drop u in mid-story with random chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where's the Ingeles now, Father?\"\n\n\"I don't know exactly, Rodrigues. Yet. It would be one of the inns south of Mishima. I left a servant to find out which.\" Alvito gathered up the last of the gravy with a crust of new bread.\n\n\"When will you know?\"\n\n\"Tomorrow, without fail.\"\n\n\"Que va, I'd like to see him again. Is he fit?\" Rodrigues asked levelly.\n\n\"Yes.\" The ship's bell sounded six times. Three o'clock in the afternoon.\n\n\"Did he tell you what happened to him since he left Osaka?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know parts of it. From him and others. It's a long story and there's much to tell. First I'll deal with my dispatches, then we'll talk.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rodrigues leaned back in his chair in the small stern cabin. \"Good. That'd be very good.\" He saw the sharp features of the Jesuit, the sharp brown eyes flecked with yellow. Cat's eyes. \"Listen, Father,\" he said, \"the Ingeles saved my ship and my life. Sure he's enemy, sure he's heretic, but he's a pilot, one of the best that's ever been. It's not wrong to respect an enemy, even to like one.\"\n\n\"The Lord Jesus forgave his enemies but they still crucified Him.\" Calmly Alvito returned the pilot's gaze. \"But I like him too. At least, I understand him better. Let's leave him for the moment.\"\n\nRodrigues nodded agreeably. He noticed the priest's plate was empty so he reached across the table and moved the platter closer. \"Here, Father, have some more capon. Bread?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you. Yes, I will. I didn't realize how hungry I was.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The priest gratefully tore off another leg and took more sage and onion and bread stuffing, then poured the last of the rich gravy over it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wine?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, thank you.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should naturally weave in this dialogue: \"I left them at an inn near the wharf.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where are the rest of your people, Father?\"\n\n\"I left them at an inn near the wharf.\"\n\nRodrigues glanced out of the stern bay windows that overlooked Numazu, the wharfs and the port and, just to starboard, the mouth of the Kano, where the water was darker than the rest of the sea. Many fishing boats were plying back and forth. \"This servant you left, Father—you can trust him? You're sure he'll find us?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes. They'll certainly not move for two days at least.\" Alvito had already decided not to mention what he or, more truthfully he reminded himself, what Brother Michael suspected, so he just added, \"Don't forget they're traveling in state. With Toda Mariko's rank, and Toranaga's banners, they're very much in state. Everyone within four leagues would know about them and where they're staying.\"\n\nRodrigues laughed. \"The Ingeles in state? Who'd have believed that? Like a poxy daimyo!\"\n\n\"That's not the half of it, Pilot. Toranaga's made him samurai and hatamoto.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now Pilot-Major Blackthorne wears the two swords. With his pistols. And now he's Toranaga's confidant, to a certain extent, and protégé.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Ingeles?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Alvito let the silence hang in the cabin and went back to eating.\n\n\"Do you know the why of it?\" Rodrigues asked.\n\n\"Yes, in part. All in good time, Pilot.\"\n\n\"Just tell me the why. Briefly. Details later, please.\"\n\n\"The Anjin-san saved Toranaga's life for the third time. Twice during the escape from Osaka, the last in Izu during an earthquake.\" Alvito chomped lustily on the thigh meat. A thread of juice ran into his black beard.\n\nRodrigues waited but the priest said no more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thoughtfully his eyes dropped to the goblet cradled in his hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The surface of the deep red wine caught the light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a long pause, he said, \"It wouldn't be good for us, that piss-cutting Ingeles close to Toranaga. Not at all. Not him. Eh?\"\n\n\"I agree.\"\n\n\"Even so, I'd like to see him.\" The priest said nothing. Rodrigues let him clean his plate in silence, then offered more, the joy gone out of him. The last of the carcass and the final wing were accepted, and another goblet of wine. Then, to finish, some fine French cognac that Father Alvito got from a cupboard.\n\n\"Rodrigues? Would you care for a glass?\"\n\n\"Thank you.\" The seaman watched Alvito pour the nut-brown liquor into the crystal glass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All the wine and cognac had come from the Father-Visitor's private stock as a parting gift to his Jesuit friend." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'darling' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course, Rodrigues, you're welcome to share it with the Father,\" dell'Aqua had said. \"Go with God, may He watch over you and bring you safely to port and home again.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Eminence.\"\n\nYes, thank you, Eminence, but no God-cursed thanks, Rodrigues told himself bitterly, no thanks for getting my Captain-General to order me aboard this pigboat under this Jesuit's command and out of my Gracia's arms, poor darling. Madonna, life's so short, too short and too treacherous to waste being chaperone to gut-stinking priests, even Alvito who's more of a man than any and, because of that, more dangerous. Madonna, give me some help!\n\n\"Oh! You reave, Rod-san? Reave so soon? Oh, so sorry... \"\n\n\"Soon come back, my darling.\"\n\n\"Oh, so sorry... we miss, ritt'e one and I.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'sorry' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment he had considered taking her aboard the Santa Filipa, but instantly dismissed the thought, knowing it to be perilous for her and for him and for the ship. \"So sorry, back soon.\"\n\n\"We wait, Rod-san. Please excuse my sad, so sorry.\"\n\nAlways the hesitant, heavily accented Portuguese she tried so hard to speak, insisting that she be called by her baptismal name Gracia and not by the lovely-sounding Nyan-nyan, which meant Kitten and suited her so well and pleased him better.\n\nHe had sailed away from Nagasaki, hating to leave, cursing all priests and captain-generals, wanting an end to summer and autumn so he could up-anchor the Black Ship, her holds weighed now with bullion, to head for home at long last, rich and independent. But then what? The perpetual question swamped him. What about her—and the child? Madonna, help me to answer that with peace.\n\n\"An excellent meal, Rodrigues,\" Alvito said, toying with a crumb on the table. \"Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good.\" Rodrigues was serious now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's your plan, Father? We should—\" He stopped in mid-sentence and glanced out of the windows. Then, dissatisfied, he got up from the table and limped painfully over to a land side porthole and peered out.\n\n\"What is it, Rodrigues?\"\n\n\"Thought I felt the tide change. Just want to check our sea room.\" He opened the cover further and leaned out, but still couldn't see the bow anchor. \"Excuse me a moment, Father.\"\n\nHe went on deck. Water lapped the anchor chain that angled into the muddy water. No movement. Then a thread of wake appeared and the ship began to ease off safely, to take up her new station with the ebb." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He checked her lie, then the lookouts. Everything was perfect. No other boats were near. The afternoon was fine, the mist long since gone. They were a cable or so offshore, far enough out to preclude a sudden boarding, and well away from the sea lanes that fed the wharves.\n\nHis ship was a lorcha, a Japanese hull adapted to modern Portuguese sails and rigging: swift, two-masted, and sloop-rigged. It had four cannon amidships, two small bow chasers and two stern chasers. Her name was the Santa Filipa and she carried a crew of thirty.\n\nHis eyes went to the city, and to the hills beyond. \"Pesaro!\"\n\n\"Yes, senhor?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get the longboat ready. I'm going ashore before dusk.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. She'll be ready. When're you back?\"\n\n\"Dawn.\"\n\n\"Even better! I'll lead the shore party—ten men.\"\n\n\"No shore leave, Pesaro. It's kinjiru! Madonna, is your brain addled?\" Rodrigues straddled the quarterdeck and leaned against the gunwale.\n\n\"Not right that all should suffer,\" said the bosun, Pesaro, his great calloused hands flexing. \"I'll lead the party and promise there'll be no trouble. We've been cooped up for two weeks now.\"\n\n\"The port authorities here said kinjiru, so sorry, but still goddamned kinjiru! Remember? This isn't Nagasaki!\"\n\n\"Yes, by the blood of Christ Jesus, and more's the pity!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The heavy-set man scowled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was only one Jappo that got chopped.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One chopped dead, two knifed badly, a lot of wounded, and a girl hurt before the samurai stopped the riot. I warned you all before you went ashore: 'Numazu's not Nagasaki—so behave yourselves!' Madonna! We were lucky to get away with just one of our seamen dead. They'd have been within the law to chop all five of you.\"\n\n\"Their law, Pilot, not ours. God-cursed monkeys! It was only a whorehouse brawl.\"\n\n\"Yes, but your men started it, the authorities have quarantined my ship, and you're all benched. You included!\" Rodrigues moved his leg to ease the pain. \"Be patient, Pesaro. Now that the Father's back we'll be off.\"\n\n\"On the tide? At dawn? Is that an order?\"\n\n\"No, not yet. Just get the longboat ready. Gomez will come with me.\"\n\n\"Let me come as well, eh? Per favor, Pilot. I'm sick to death of being stuck in this pox-cursed bucket.\"\n\n\"No. And you'd better not go ashore tonight. You or any.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And if you're not back by dawn?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You rot here at anchor till I do. Clear?\"\n\nThe bosun's scowl deepened. He hesitated, then backed down. \"Yes, yes, that's clear, by God.\"\n\n\"Good.\" Rodrigues went below.\n\nAlvito was asleep but he awoke the moment the pilot opened the cabin door. \"Ah, all's well?\" he asked, replete now in mind and body.\n\n\"Yes. It was just the turn.\" Rodrigues gulped some wine to take the foul taste out of his mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was always like that after a near-mutiny." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Pesaro had not yielded instantly, once again Rodrigues would have had to blow a hole in a man's face or put him in irons or order fifty lashes or keelhaul the man or perform any one of a hundred obscenities essential by sea law to maintain discipline. Without discipline any ship was lost. \"What's the plan now, Father? We sail at dawn?\"\n\n\"How are the carrier pigeons?\"\n\n\"In good health. We've still six—four Nagasakis, two Osakas.\" The priest checked the angle of the sun. Four or five hours to sunset. Plenty of time to launch the birds with the first coded message long since planned: \"Toranaga surrenders to Regents' order. I'm going first to Yedo, then Osaka. I will accompany Toranaga to Osaka. He says we can still build the cathedral at Yedo. Detailed dispatch with Rodrigues.\"\n\n\"Would you please ask the handler to prepare two Nagasakis and one Osaka immediately,\" Alvito said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then we'll talk. I won't be sailing back with you. I'm going on to Yedo by road. It'll take me most of the night and tomorrow to write a detailed dispatch which you'll carry to the Father-Visitor, for his hands only. Will you sail as soon as I've finished?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right. If it's too near dusk I'll wait till dawn. There are shoals and shifting sands for ten leagues.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alvito assented. The twelve extra hours would make no difference. He knew it would have been far better if he'd been able to send off the news from Yokosé, God curse the heathen devil who destroyed my birds there! Be patient, he told himself. What's the hurry? Isn't that a vital rule of our Order? Patience. All comes to him who waits—and works. What does twelve hours matter, or even eight days? Those won't change the course of history. The die was cast in Yokosé.\n\n\"You'll travel with the Ingeles?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues was asking. \"Like before?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"I'll fetch the pigeons myself. Write your message, then we'll talk. About the Ingeles.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. From Yedo I'll make my own way back to Osaka. I'll accompany Toranaga. I'd like you to stop at Osaka with a copy of my dispatch, in case the Father-Visitor's there, or has left Nagasaki before you arrive and is on the way there. You can give it to Father Soldi, his secretary—only him.\"\n\n\"All right. I'll be glad to leave. We're hated here.\"\n\n\"With God's mercy we can change all that, Rodrigues. With God's good grace we'll convert all the heathens here.\"\n\n\"Amen to that. Yes.\" The tall man eased his leg with the throb lessened momentarily. He stared out of the windows. Then he got up impatiently. \"I'll fetch the pigeons myself. Write your message, then we'll talk. About the Ingeles.\" He went to the deck and selected the birds from the panniers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he returned the priest had already used the special needle-sharp quill and ink to inscribe the same coded message on the tiny slivers of paper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alvito armed the tiny cylinders, sealed them, and launched the birds. The three circled once, then headed westward in convoy into the afternoon sun.\n\n\"Shall we talk here or below?\"\n\n\"Here. It's cooler.\" Rodrigues motioned the quarterdeck watch amidships out of earshot.\n\nAlvito sat on the seachair. \"First about Toranaga.\"\n\nHe told the Pilot briefly what had happened in Yokosé, omitting the incident with Brother Joseph and his suspicions about Mariko and Blackthorne. Rodrigues was as stunned by the surrender as he had been. \"No war? It's a miracle! Now we're truly safe, our Black Ship's safe, the Church is rich, we're rich... thanks be to God, the saints, and the Madonna! That's the best news you could've brought, Father. We're safe!\"\n\n\"If God wills it. One thing Toranaga said disturbed me. He put it this way: 'I can order my Christian freed—the Anjin-san. With his ship, and with his cannon.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rodrigues' vast good humor left him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'still' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Erasmus is still in Yedo? She's still in Toranaga's control?\"\n\n\"Yes. Would it be serious if the Ingeles were loosed?\"\n\n\"Serious? That ship would blast hell out of us if she caught our Black Ship twixt here and Macao with him aboard, armed, with a half-decent crew. We've only the small frigate to run interference and she's no match for Erasmus! Nor are we. She could dance around us and we'd have to strike our colors.\"\n\n\"Are you certain?\"\n\n\"Yes. Before God—she'd be a killer.\" Angrily Rodrigues bunched a fist. \"But wait a moment—the Ingeles said he'd arrived here with no more than twelve men, and not all seamen, many of them merchants and most sick. That few couldn't handle her. The only place he could get a crew would be at Nagasaki—or Macao. He might get enough at Nagasaki! There're those who'd... he'd better be kept away from there, and Macao!\"\n\n\"Say he had a native crew?\"\n\n\"You mean some of Toranaga's cutthroats? Or wako? You mean if Toranaga's surrendered, all his men become ronin, neh? If the Ingeles had enough time he could train 'em. Easy. Christ Jesus... please excuse me, Father, but if the Ingeles got samurai or wako... Can't risk that—he's too good. We all saw that in Osaka! Him loose in that piss-cutter in Asia with a samurai crew... \"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell using my stuff as a starting point? btw might drop u in mid-story with random chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Erasmus glittered in the high noon sun beside the Yedo wharf, resplendent.\n\n\"Jesus God in Heaven, Mariko, look at her! Have you ever seen anything like her? Look at her lines!\"\n\nHis ship was beyond the closed, encircling barriers a hundred paces away, moored to the dock with new ropes. The whole area was heavily guarded, more samurai were on deck, and signs everywhere said this was a forbidden area except with Lord Toranaga's personal permission.\n\nErasmus had been freshly painted and tarred, her decks were spotless, her hull caulked and her rigging repaired. Even the foremast that had been carried away in the storm had been replaced with the last of the spares she carried in her hold, and stepped to a perfect angle. All rope ends were neatly coiled, all cannon gleaming under a protective sheen of oil behind their gun ports. And the ragged Lion of England fluttered proudly over all.\n\n\"Ahoy!\" he shouted joyfully from outside the barriers, but there was no answering call." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the sentries told him there were no barbarians aboard today." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shigata ga nai,\" Blackthorne said. \"Domo.\" He curbed his soaring impatience to go aboard at once and beamed at Mariko. \"It's as if she's just come out of a refit at Portsmouth dockyard, Mariko-san. Look at her cannon—the lads must've worked like dogs. She's beautiful, neh? Can't wait to see Baccus and Vinck and the others. Never thought I'd find her like that. Christ Jesus, she looks so pretty, neh?\"\n\nMariko was watching him and not the ship. She knew she was forgotten now. And replaced.\n\nNever mind, she told herself. Our journey's over.\n\nThis morning they had arrived at the last of the turnpikes on the outskirts of Yedo. Once more their travel papers were checked. Once more they were passed through with politeness, but this time a new honor guard was waiting for them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're to take us to the castle, Anjin-san. You'll stay there, and this evening we're to meet Lord Toranaga.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good, then there's plenty of time. Look, Mariko-san, the docks aren't more than a mile off, neh? My ship's there somewhere. Would you ask Captain Yoshinaka if we can go there, please?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He says, so sorry, but he has no instructions to do that, Anjin-san. He is to take us to the castle.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'blackthorne' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please tell him... perhaps I'd better try. Taicho-san! Okashira, sukoshi no aida watakushi wa ikitai no desu. Watakushi no fune ga asoko ni arimasu.\" Captain, I want to go there now for a little while. My ship's there.\n\n\"Iyé, Anjin-san, gomen nasai. Ima... \"\n\nMariko had listened approvingly and with amusement as Blackthorne had argued courteously and insisted firmly, and then, reluctantly, Yoshinaka had allowed them to detour, but just for a moment, neh? and only because the Anjin-san claimed hatamoto status, which gave certain inalienable rights, and had pointed out that a quick examination was important to Lord Toranaga, that it would certainly save their lord's immensely valuable time and was vital to his meeting tonight. Yes, the Anjin-san may look for a moment, but so sorry, it is of course forbidden to go on the ship without papers signed personally by Lord Toranaga, and it must only be for a moment because we are expected, so sorry.\n\n\"Domo, Taicho-san,\" Blackthorne had said expansively, more than a little pleased with his increased understanding of the correct ways to persuade and his growing command of the language.\n\nLast night and most of yesterday they had spent at an inn barely two ri southward down the road, Yoshinaka allowing them to dawdle as before.\n\nOh, that was such a lovely night, she thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There had been so many lovely days and nights." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All perfect except the first day after leaving Mishima, when Father Tsukku-san caught up with them again and the precarious truce between the two men was ripped asunder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their quarrel had been sudden, vicious, fueled by the Rodrigues incident and too much brandy. Threat and counterthreat and curses and then Father Alvito had spurred on ahead for Yedo, leaving disaster in his wake, the joy of the journey ruined.\n\n\"We must not let this happen, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"But that man had no right—\"\n\n\"Oh yes, I agree. And of course you're correct. But please, if you let this incident destroy your harmony, you will be lost and so will I. Please, I implore you to be Japanese. Put this incident away—that's all it is, one incident in ten thousand. You must not allow it to wreck your harmony. Put it away into a compartment.\"\n\n\"How? How can I do that? Look at my hands! I'm so God-cursed angry I can't stop them shaking!\"\n\n\"Look at this rock, Anjin-san. Listen to it growing.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Listen to the rock grow, Anjin-san. Put your mind on that, on the harmony of the rock. Listen to the kami of the rock. Listen, my love, for thy life's sake. And for mine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "So he had tried and had succeeded just a little and the next day, friends again, lovers again, at peace again, she continued to teach, trying to mold him—without his knowing he was being molded—to the Eightfold Fence, building inner walls and defenses that were his only path to harmony. And to survival." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm so glad the priest has gone and won't come back, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"It would have been better if there had been no quarrel. I'm afraid for you.\"\n\n\"Nothing's different—he always was my enemy, always will be. Karma is karma. But don't forget nothing exists outside us. Not yet. Not him or anyone. Not until Yedo. Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. You are so wise. And right again. I'm so happy to be with thee... \"\n\nTheir road from Mishima left the flat lands quickly and wound up the mountain to Hakoné Pass. They rested there two days atop the mountain, joyous and content, Mount Fuji glorious at sunrise and sunset, her peak obscured by a wreath of clouds.\n\n\"Is the mountain always like that?\"\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san, most always shrouded. But that makes the sight of Fuji-san, clear and clean, so much more exquisite, neh? You can climb all the way to the top if you wish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's do that now!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'anjin-san' 3 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not now, Anjin-san. One day we will. We must leave something to the future, neh? We'll climb Fuji-san in autumn... \"\n\nAlways there were pretty, private inns down to the Kwanto plains. And always rivers and streams and rivulets to cross, the sea on the right now. Their party had meandered northward along the busy, bustling Tokaidō, across the greatest rice bowl in the Empire. The flat alluvial plains were rich with water, every inch cultivated. The air was hot and humid now, heavy with the stench of human manure that the farmers moistened with water and ladled onto the plants with loving care.\n\n\"Rice gives us food to eat, Anjin-san, tatamis to sleep on, sandals to walk with, clothes to shut out the rain and the cold, thatch to keep our houses warm, paper for writing. Without rice we cannot exist.\"\n\n\"But the stink, Mariko-san!\"\n\n\"That's a small price to pay for so much bounty, neh? Just do as we do, open your eyes and ears and mind. Hear the wind and the rain, the insects and the birds, listen to the plants growing, and in your mind, see your generations following unto the end of time. If you do that, Anjin-san, soon you smell only the loveliness of life. It requires practice... but you become very Japanese, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, thank you, m'lady! But I do confess I'm beginning to like rice. Yes. I certainly prefer it to potatoes, and you know another thing—I don't miss meat as much as I did. Isn't that strange? And I'm not as hungry as I was.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am more hungry than I've ever been.\"\n\n\"Ah, I was talking about food.\"\n\n\"Ah, so was I... \"\n\nThree days away from Hakoné Pass her monthly time began and she had asked him to take one of the maids of the inn. \"It would be wise, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"I'd prefer not to, so sorry.\"\n\n\"Please, I ask thee. It is a safeguard. A discretion.\"\n\n\"Because you ask, then yes. But tomorrow, not tonight. Tonight let us sleep in peace.\"\n\nYes, Mariko thought, that night we slept peacefully and the next dawn was so lovely that I left his warmth and sat on the veranda with Chimmoko and watched the birth of another day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, good morning, Lady Toda.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gyoko had been standing at the garden entrance, bowing to her. \"A gorgeous dawn, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, beautiful.\"\n\n\"Please may I interrupt you? Could I speak to you privately—alone? About a business matter.\"\n\n\"Of course.\" Mariko had left the veranda, not wishing to disturb the Anjin-san's sleep. She sent Chimmoko for cha and ordered blankets to be put on the grass, near the little waterfall.\n\nWhen it was correct to begin and they were alone, Gyoko said, \"I was considering how I could be of the most help to Toranaga-sama.\"\n\n\"The thousand koku would be more than generous.\"\n\n\"Three secrets might be more generous.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"One might be, Gyoko-san, if it was the right one.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'toranaga' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Anjin-san is a good man, neh? His future must be helped too, neh?\"\n\n\"The Anjin-san has his own karma,\" she replied, knowing that the time of bargaining had come, wondering what she must concede, if she dared to concede anything. \"We were talking about Lord Toranaga, neh? Or is one of the secrets about the Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Oh no, Lady. It's as you say. The Anjin-san has his own karma, as I'm sure he has his own secrets. It's just occurred to me that the Anjin-san is one of Lord Toranaga's favored vassals, so any protection our Lord has in a way helps his vassals, neh?\"\n\n\"I agree. Of course, it's the duty of vassals to pass on any information that could help their lord.\"\n\n\"True, Lady, very true. Ah, it's such an honor for me to serve you. Honto. May I tell you how honored I am to have been allowed to travel with you, to talk with you, and eat and laugh with you, and occasionally to act as a modest counselor, however ill-equipped I am, for which I apologize. And finally to say that your wisdom is as great as your beauty, and your bravery as vast as your rank.\"\n\n\"Ah, Gyoko-san, please excuse me, you're too kind, too thoughtful. I am just a wife of one of my Lord's generals. You were saying? Four secrets?\"\n\n\"Three, Lady. I was wondering if you'd intercede with Lord Toranaga for me. It would be unthinkable for me to whisper directly to him what I know to be true. That would be very bad manners because I wouldn't know the right words to choose, or how to put the information before him, and in any event, in a matter of any importance, our custom to use a go-between is so much better, neh?\"\n\n\"Surely Kiku-san would be a better choice? I've no way of knowing when I'll be sent for or how long it would be before I'll have an audience with him, or even if he'd be interested in listening to anything I might have to tell him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Lady, but you would be extraordinarily better. You could judge the value of the information, she couldn't. You possess his ear, she other things.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not a counselor, Gyoko-san. Nor a valuer.\"\n\n\"I'd say they're worth a thousand koku.\"\n\n\"So desu ka?\"\n\nGyoko made perfectly sure no one was listening, then told Mariko what the renegade Christian priest had muttered aloud that the Lord Onoshi had whispered to him in the confessional that he had related to his uncle, Lord Harima; then what Omi's second cook had overheard of Omi's and his mother's plot against Yabu; and lastly, all she knew about Zataki, his apparent lust for the Lady Ochiba, and about Ishido and Lady Ochiba.\n\nMariko had listened intently without comment—although breaking the secrecy of the confessional shocked her greatly—her mind hopping at the swarm of possibilities this information unlocked. Then she cross-questioned Gyoko carefully, to make sure she understood clearly what she was being told and to etch it completely in her own memory.\n\nWhen she was satisfied that she knew everything that Gyoko was prepared to divulge at the moment—for, obviously, so shrewd a bargainer would always hold much in reserve—she sent for fresh cha.\n\nShe poured Gyoko's cup herself, and they sipped demurely. Both wary, both confident." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've no way of knowing how valuable this information is, Gyoko-san.\"\n\n\"Of course, Mariko-sama.\"\n\n\"I imagine this information—and the thousand koku—would please Lord Toranaga greatly.\"\n\nGyoko bit back the obscenity that flared behind her lips. She had expected a substantial reduction in the beginning bid. \"So sorry, but money has no significance to such a daimyo, though it is a heritage to a peasant like myself—a thousand koku makes me an ancestress, neh? One must always know what one is, Lady Toda. Neh?\" Her tone was barbed.\n\n\"Yes. It's good to know what you are, and who you are, Gyoko-san. That is one of the rare gifts a woman has over a man. A woman always knows. Fortunately I know what I am. Oh very yes. Please come to the point.\"\n\nGyoko did not flinch under the threat but slammed back into attack with corresponding impolite brevity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The point is we both know life and understand death—and both believe treatment in hell and everywhere else depends on money.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do we?\"\n\n\"Yes. So sorry, I believe a thousand koku is too much.\"\n\n\"Death is preferable?\"\n\n\"I've already written my death poem, Lady:\n\n\"When I die,\n\ndon't burn me,\n\ndon't bury me,\n\njust throw my body on a field to\n\nfatten some empty-bellied dog.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That could be arranged. Easily.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But I've long ears and a safe tongue, which could be more important.\"\n\nMariko poured more cha. For herself. \"So sorry, have you?\"\n\n\"Oh yes, oh very yes. Please excuse me but it's no boast that I was trained well, Lady, in that and many other things. I'm not afraid to die. I've written my will, and detailed instructions to my kin in case of a sudden death. I've made my peace with the gods long since and forty days after I'm dead I know I'll be reborn. And if I'm not\"—the woman shrugged—\"then I'm a kami.\" Her fan was stationary. \"So I can afford to reach for the moon, neh? Please excuse me for mentioning it but I'm like you: I fear nothing. But unlike you in this life—I've nothing to lose.\"\n\n\"So much talk of evil things, Gyoko-san, on such a pleasant morning. It is pleasant, neh?\" Mariko readied to bury her fangs. \"I'd much prefer to see you alive, living into honored old age, one of the pillars of your new guild. Ah, that was a very tender idea. A good one, Gyoko-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Lady. Equally I'd like you safe and happy and prospering in the way that you'd wish. With all the toys and honors you'd require.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Toys?\" Mariko repeated, dangerous now.\n\nGyoko was like a trained dog on the scent near the kill. \"I'm only a peasant, Lady, so I wouldn't know what honors you wish, what toys would please you. Or your son.\"\n\nUnnoticed by either of them the slim wooden haft of Mariko's fan snapped between her fingers. The breeze had died. Now the hot wet air hung in the garden that looked out on a waveless sea. Flies swarmed and settled and swarmed again.\n\n\"What—what honors or toys would you wish? For yourself?\" Mariko stared with malevolent fascination at the older woman, clearly aware now that she must destroy this woman or her son would perish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing for myself. Lord Toranaga's given me honors and riches beyond my dreams. But for my son? Ah yes, he could be given a helping hand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What help?\"\n\n\"Two swords.\"\n\n\"Impossible.\"\n\n\"I know, Lady. So sorry. So easy to grant, yet so impossible. War's coming. Many will be needed to fight.\"\n\n\"There'll be no war now. Lord Toranaga's going to Osaka.\"\n\n\"Two swords. That's not much to ask.\"\n\n\"That's impossible. So sorry, that's not mine to give.\"\n\n\"So sorry, but I haven't asked you for anything. But that's the only thing that would please me. Yes. Nothing else.\" A dribble of sweat fell from Gyoko's face onto her lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd like to offer Lord Toranaga five hundred koku from the contract price, as a token of my esteem in these hard times. The other five hundred will go to my son. A samurai needs a heritage, neh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'that's' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You sentence your son to death. All Toranaga samurai will die or become ronin very soon.\"\n\n\"Karma. My son already has sons, Lady. They will tell their sons that once we were samurai. That's all that matters, neh?\"\n\n\"It's not mine to give.\"\n\n\"True. So sorry. But that's all that would satisfy me.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for James Clavell vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne ran up the stairs two at a time, his guard with him. They were on the main staircase within the donjon and he was glad to be unencumbered by his swords. He had formally surrendered them in the courtyard to the first guards, who had also searched him politely but thoroughly. Torches lit the staircase and the landings. On the fourth landing he stopped, almost bursting with pent-up excitement, and called back, \"Mariko-san, are you all right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes—yes. I'm fine, thank you, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He began to climb again, feeling light and very strong, until he reached the final landing on the sixth floor. This level was heavily guarded like all the others. His escorting samurai went over to those clustering at the final iron-fortified door and bowed. They bowed back and motioned Blackthorne to wait.\n\nThe ironwork and woodwork in the entire castle were excellent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Here in the donjon all the windows, though delicate and soaring, doubled as stations for bowmen, and there were heavy, iron-covered shutters ready to swing into place for further protection." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko rounded the last angle of the easily defensible staircase and reached him.\n\n\"You all right?\" he asked.\n\n\"Oh yes, thank you,\" she answered, slightly out of breath. But she still possessed the same curious serenity and detachment that he had at once noticed when he had met her in the courtyard but had never seen before.\n\nNever mind, he thought confidently, it's just the castle and Toranaga and Buntaro and being here in Yedo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I know what to do now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ever since he had seen Erasmus he had been filled with an immense joy. He had truly never expected to find his ship so perfect, so clean and cared for, and ready. There's hardly reason to stay in Yedo now, he had thought. I'll just take a quick look below to test the bilges, an easy dive over the side to check the keel, then guns, powder room, ammunition and shot and sails. During the journey to Yedo he'd planned how to use heavy silk or cotton cloth for sails; Mariko had told him that canvas did not exist in Japan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just get the sails commissioned, he chortled, and any other spares we need, then off to Nagasaki like a lightning bolt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anjin-san!\" The samurai was back.\n\n\"Hai?\"\n\n\"Dozo.\"\n\nThe fortified door swung open silently. Toranaga was seated at the far end of the square room on a section of raised tatamis. Alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne knelt and bowed low, his hands flat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Konbanwa, Toranaga-sama. Ikaga desu ka?\"\n\n\"Okagesama de genki desu. Anata wa?\"\n\nToranaga seemed older and lackluster, and much thinner than before. Shigata ga nai, Blackthorne told himself. Toranaga's karma won't touch Erasmus—she's going to be his savior, by God." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He answered Toranaga's standard inquiries in simple but well-accented Japanese, using a simplified technique he had developed with Alvito's help." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga complimented him on the improvement and began to speak faster." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne used one of the stock phrases he had worked out with Alvito and Mariko: \"Please excuse me, Lord, as my Japanese is not good, would you please speak slower and use simple words, as I have to use simple words—please excuse me for putting you to so much trouble.\"\n\n\"All right. Yes, certainly. Tell me, how did you like Yokosé?\"\n\nBlackthorne replied, keeping up with Toranaga, his answers halting, his vocabulary still very limited, until Toranaga asked a question, the key words of which he missed entirely. \"Dozo? Gomen nasai, Toranaga-sama,\" he said apologetically. \"Wakarimasen.\" I don't understand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga repeated what he had said, in simpler language." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne glanced at Mariko. \"So sorry, Mariko-san, what's 'sonkei su beki umi'?\"\n\n\"'Seaworthy,' Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Ah! Domo.\" Blackthorne turned back. The daimyo had asked if he could quickly make sure whether his ship was completely seaworthy, and how long that would take." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He replied, \"Yes, easy. Half day, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga thought a moment, then told him to do that tomorrow and report back in the afternoon, during the Hour of the Goat. \"Wakarimasu?\"\n\n\"Hai.\"\n\n\"Then you can see your men,\" Toranaga added.\n\n\"Sire?\"\n\n\"Your vassals. I sent for you to tell you tomorrow you'll have your vassals.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, so sorry. I understand. Samurai vassals. Two hundred men.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Good night, Anjin-san. I'll see you tomorrow.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Lord, may I respectfully ask three things?\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"First: Possible see my crew now please? Save time, neh? Please.\"\n\nToranaga agreed and gave a curt order to one of the samurai to guide Blackthorne." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Take a ten-man guard with you. Take the Anjin-san there and bring him back to the castle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\"\n\n\"Next, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Please possible talk alone? Little time. Please excuse my rudeness.\" Blackthorne tried not to show his anxiety as Toranaga asked Mariko what this was all about. She replied truthfully that she only knew the Anjin-san had something private to say but she had not asked him what it was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're certain it'll be all right for me to ask him, Mariko-san?\" Blackthorne had said as they began to climb the stairs.\n\n\"Oh yes. Providing you wait till he's finished. But be sure you know exactly what you're going to say, Anjin-san. He's... he's not as patient as he is normally.\" She had not asked him what he had wanted to ask, and he had not volunteered anything.\n\n\"Very well, Anjin-san,\" Toranaga was saying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please wait outside, Mariko-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bowed and left. \"Yes?\"\n\n\"So sorry, hear Lord Harima of Nagasaki now enemy.\"\n\nToranaga was startled for he had heard about Harima's public commitment to Ishido's standard only when he himself had reached Yedo. \"Where did you get that information?\"\n\n\"Please?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga repeated the question slower." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'money' 3 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah! Understand. Hear about Lord Harima at Hakoné. Gyoko-san tell us. Gyoko-san hear in Mishima.\"\n\n\"That woman's well informed. Perhaps too well informed.\"\n\n\"Sire?\"\n\n\"Nothing. Go on. What about Lord Harima?\"\n\n\"Sire, may I respectfully say: my ship, big weapon over Black Ship, neh? If I take Black Ship very quick—priests very anger because no money Christian work here—no money also Portuguese other lands. Last year no Black Ship here, so no money, neh? If now take Black Ship quick, very quick, and also next year, all priest has great fear. That's the truth, Sire. Think priests must bend if threatens. Priests like this for Toranaga-sama!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne snapped his hand shut to make his point." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga had listened intently, watching his lips as he was doing the same. \"I follow you, but to what end, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Sire?\"\n\nToranaga fell into the same pattern of using few words. \"To obtain what? To catch what? To get what?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Onoshi, Lord Kiyama, and Lord Harima.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So you want to interfere in our politics like the priests? You think you know how to rule us as well, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'enemy' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, please excuse me, I don't understand.\"\n\n\"It doesn't matter.\" Toranaga thought for a long time, then said, \"Priests say they've no power to order Christian daimyos.\"\n\n\"No true, Sire, please excuse me. Money big power over priests. It's the truth, Sire. If no Black Ship this year, and also next year no Black Ship, ruin. Very, very bad for priests. It's the truth, Sire. Money is power. Please consider: If Crimson Sky at same time or before, I attack Nagasaki. Nagasaki enemy now, neh? I take Black Ship and attack sea roads between Kyushu and Honshu. Maybe threat enough to make enemy into friend?\"\n\n\"No. The priests will stop trade. I am not at war with the priests or Nagasaki. Or anyone. I am going to Osaka. There will be no Crimson Sky. Wakarimasu?\"\n\n\"Hai.\" Blackthorne was not perturbed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knew that now Toranaga clearly understood that this possible tactic would certainly draw off a large proportion of Kiyama-Onoshi-Harima forces, all of whom were Kyushu-based." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And Erasmus could certainly wreck any large-scale seaborne transfer of troops from that island to the main one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Be patient, he cautioned himself. Let Toranaga consider it. Maybe it'll be as Mariko says: There is a long time between now and Osaka, and who knows what might happen? Prepare for the best but do not fear the worst.\n\n\"Anjin-san, why not say this in front of Mariko-san? She will tell priests? You think that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Sire. Only want to try talk direct. Not woman's business to war. One last ask, Toranaga-sama.\" Blackthorne launched himself on a chosen course. \"Custom hatamoto ask favor, sometimes. Please excuse me, Sire, may I respectfully say now possible ask?\"\n\nToranaga's fan stopped waving. \"What favor?\"\n\n\"Know divorce easy if lord say. Ask Toda Mariko-sama wife.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga was dumbstruck and Blackthorne was afraid he'd gone too far." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me for my rudeness,\" he added.\n\nToranaga recovered quickly. \"Mariko-san agrees?\"\n\n\"No, Toranaga-sama. Secret my. Never say to her, anyone. Secret my only. Not say to Toda Mariko-san. Never. Kinjiru, neh? But know angers between husband wife. Divorce easy in Japan. This my secret only. Ask Lord Toranaga only. Very secret. Never Mariko-san. Please excuse me if I've offended you.\"\n\n\"That's a presumptuous request for a stranger. Unheard of! Because you're hatamoto I'm duty bound to consider it, though you're forbidden to mention it to her under any circumstances, either to her or to her husband. Is that clear?\"\n\n\"Please?\" Blackthorne asked, not understanding at all, hardly able to think." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very bad ask and thought, Anjin-san. Understand?\"\n\n\"Yes Sire, so sor—\"\n\n\"Because Anjin-san hatamoto I'm not angry. Will consider. Understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, I think so. Thank you. Please excuse my bad Japanese, so sorry.\"\n\n\"No talk to her, Anjin-san, about divorce. Mariko-san or Buntaro-san. Kinjiru, wakarimasu?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Lord. Understand. Only secret you, I. Secret. Thank you. Please excuse my rudeness and thank you for your patience.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne bowed perfectly and, almost in a dream, he walked out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The door closed behind him. On the landing everyone was watching him quizzically.\n\nHe wanted to share his victory with Mariko. But he was inhibited by her distracted serenity and the presence of the guards. \"I'm sorry to keep you waiting\" was all he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was my pleasure,\" she answered, as noncommittal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They started down the staircase again. Then, after a flight of stairs, she said, \"Your simple way of talking is strange though quite understandable, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"I was lost too many times. Knowing you were there helped me tremendously.\"\n\n\"I did nothing.\"\n\nIn the silence they walked on, Mariko behind him slightly as was correct custom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At each level they passed through a samurai cordon, then, rounding a bend in the stairs, the trailing hem of her kimono caught in the railings and she stumbled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He caught her, steadying her, and the sudden close touch pleased both of them. \"Thank you,\" she said, flustered, as he put her down again.\n\nThey continued on, much closer than they had been tonight.\n\nOutside in the torchlit forecourt, samurai were everywhere. Once more their passes were checked and now they were escorted with their flare-carrying porters through the donjon main gate, along a passage that meandered, mazelike, between high, battlemented stone walls to the next gate that led to the moat and the innermost wooden bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In all, there were seven rings of moats within the castle complex." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some were man-made, some adapted from the streams and rivers that abounded. While they headed for the main gate, the south gate, Mariko told him that, when the fortress was completed the year after next, it would house a hundred thousand samurai and twenty thousand horses, with all necessary provisions for one year.\n\n\"Then it will be the biggest in the world,\" Blackthorne said.\n\n\"That was Lord Toranaga's plan.\" Her voice was grave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shigata ga nai, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At last they came to the final bridge. \"There, Anjin-san, you can see the castle's the hub of Yedo, neh? The center of a web of streets that angle out to become the city. Ten years ago there was only a little fishing village here. Now, who knows? Three hundred thousand? Two? Four? Lord Toranaga hasn't counted his people yet. But they're all here for one purpose only: to serve the castle that protects the port and the plains that feed the armies.\"\n\n\"Nothing else?\" he asked.\n\n\"No.\"\n\nThere's no need to be worried, Mariko, and look so solemn, he thought happily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I've solved all that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga will grant all my requests." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the far side of the flare-lit Ichi-bashi—First Bridge—that led to the city proper, she stopped. \"I must leave you now, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"When can I see you?\"\n\n\"Tomorrow. At the Hour of the Goat. I'll wait in the forecourt for you.\"\n\n\"I can't see you tonight? If I'm back early?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'going' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, so sorry, please excuse me. Not tonight.\" Then she bowed formally. \"Konbanwa, Anjin-san.\"\n\nHe bowed. As a samurai. He watched her going back across the bridge, some of the flare-carriers going with her, insects milling the stationary flares that were stuck in holders on stanchions. Soon she was swallowed up by the crowds and the night.\n\nThen, his excitement increasing, he put his back to the castle and set off after the guide." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around six sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and story elements may appear without introduction - roll with them naturally. Try to mimic the style of James Clavell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The barbarians live there, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai motioned ahead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ill at ease, Blackthorne squinted into the darkness, the air breathless and sultry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where? That house? There?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. That's right, so sorry. You see it?\"\n\nAnother nest of hovels and alleys was a hundred paces ahead, beyond this bare patch of marshy ground, and dominating them was a large house etched vaguely against the jet sky.\n\nBlackthorne looked around for a moment to get his approximate bearings, using his fan against the encroaching bugs. Very soon, once they had left First Bridge, he had become lost in the maze.\n\nTheir way had led through innumerable streets and alleys, initially toward the shore, skirting it eastward for a time, over bridges and lesser bridges, then northward again along the bank of another stream which meandered through the outskirts, the land low-lying and moist. The farther from the castle, the meaner were the roads, the poorer the dwellings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The people were more obsequious, and fewer glimmers of light came from the shojis. Yedo was a sprawling mass which seemed to him to be made up of hamlets separated merely by roads or streams.\n\nHere on the southeastern edge of the city it was quite marshy and the road oozed putridly. For some time the stench had been thickening perceptibly, a miasma of seaweed and feces and mud flats, and overlying these an acrid sweet smell he could not place, but that seemed familiar.\n\n\"Stinks like Billingsgate at low tide,\" he muttered, killing another night pest that had landed on his cheek. His whole body was clammy with sweat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he heard the faintest snatch of a rollicking sea shanty in Dutch and all discomfort was forgotten. \"Is that Vinck?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elated, he hurried toward the sound, porters lighting his way carefully, samurai following.\n\nNow, nearer, he saw that the single-story building was part Japanese, part European. It was raised on pilings and surrounded by a high rickety bamboo fence in a plot of its own, and much newer than the hovels that clustered near. There was no gate in the fence, just a hole. The roof was thatch, the front door stout, the walls rough-boarded, and the windows covered with Dutch-style shutters. Here and there were flecks of light from the cracks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The singing and banter increased but he could not recognize any voices yet. Flagstones led straight to the steps of the veranda through an unkempt garden. A short flagpole was roped to the gateway. He stopped and stared up at it. A limp, makeshift Dutch flag hung there listlessly and his pulse quickened at the sight of it.\n\nThe front door was thrown open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A shaft of light spilled onto the veranda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Baccus van Nekk stumbled drunkenly to the edge, eyes half shut, pulled his codpiece aside, and urinated in a high, curving jet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ahhhhh,\" he murmured with a groaning ecstasy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing like a piss.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isn't there?\" Blackthorne called out in Dutch from the gateway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why don't you use a bucket?\"\n\n\"Eh?\" Van Nekk blinked myopically into the darkness at Blackthorne, who stood with the samurai under the flares. \"JesusGodinheavensamurai!\" He gathered himself with a grunt and bowed awkwardly from the waist. \"Gomen nasai, samurai-sama. Ichiban gomen nasai to all monkey-samas.\" He straightened, forced a painful smile, and muttered half to himself, \"I'm drunker'n I thought. Thought the bastard sonofawhore spoke Dutch! Gomen nasai, neh?\" he called out again, reeling off toward the back of the house, scratching and groping at the codpiece." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, Baccus, don't you know better than to foul your own nest?\"\n\n\"What?\" Van Nekk jerked around and stared blindly toward the flares, desperately trying to see clearly. \"Pilot?\" he choked out. \"Is that you, Pilot? God damn my eyes, I can't see. Pilot, for the love of God, is that you?\"\n\nBlackthorne laughed. His old friend looked so naked there, so foolish, his penis hanging out. \"Yes, it's me!\" Then to the samurai who watched with thinly covered contempt, \"Matte kudasai.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wait for me, please.\n\n\"Hai, Anjin-san.\"\n\nBlackthorne came forward and now in the shaft of light he could see the litter of garbage everywhere in the garden. Distastefully he stepped out of the clogs and ran up the steps. \"Hello, Baccus, you're fatter than when we left Rotterdam, neh?\" He clapped him warmly on the shoulders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Jesus Christ, is that truly you?\"\n\n\"Yes, of course it's me.\"\n\n\"We'd given you up for dead, long ago.\" Van Nekk reached out and touched Blackthorne to make sure he was not dreaming. \"Lord Jesus, my prayers are answered. Pilot, what happened to you, where've you come from? It's a miracle! Is it truly you?\"\n\n\"Yes. Now please put your cod in place and let's go inside,\" Blackthorne told him, conscious of his samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What? Oh! Oh sorry, I... \" Van Nekk hastily complied and tears began to run down his cheeks. \"Oh Jesus, Pilot... I thought the gin devils were playing me tricks again. Come on, but let me announce you, hey?\"\n\nHe led the way back, weaving a little, much of his drunkenness evaporated with his joy. Blackthorne followed. Van Nekk held the door open for him, then shouted over the raucous singing, \"Lads! Look what Father Christmas's brought us!\" He slammed the door shut after Blackthorne for added effect.\n\nSilence was instantaneous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It took a moment for Blackthorne's eyes to adjust to the light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fetid air was almost choking him. He saw them all gaping at him as though he were a devil-wraith. Then the spell broke and there were shouts of welcome and joy and everyone was squeezing and punching him on the back, all talking at the same time. \"Pilot, where've you come from—Have a drink—Christ, is it possible—Piss in my hat, it's great to see you—We'd given you up for dead—No, we're all right at least mostly all right—Get out of the chair, you whore, the Pilot-sama's to sit in the best sodding chair—Hey, grog, neh, quickGodcursed quick! Goddamn my eyes get out of the way I want to shake his hand... \"\n\nFinally Vinck hollered, \"One at a time, lads! Give him a chance! Give the Pilot the chair and a drink, for God's sake! Yes, I thought he was samurai too... \"\n\nSomeone shoved a wooden goblet into Blackthorne's hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sat in the rickety chair and they all raised their cups and the flood of questions began again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne looked around. The room was furnished with benches and a few crude chairs and tables and illuminated by candles and oil lamps." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'other' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A huge saké keg stood on the filthy floor. One of the tables was covered with dirty plates and a haunch of half-roasted meat, crusted with flies.\n\nSix bedraggled women cowered on their knees, bowing to him, backed against a wall.\n\nHis men, all beaming, waited for him to start: Sonk the cook, Johann Vinck the bosun's mate and chief gunner, Salamon the mute, Croocq the boy, Ginsel the sailmaker, Baccus van Nekk the chief merchant and treasurer, and last Jan Roper, the other merchant, who sat apart as always, with the same sour smile on his thin, taut face.\n\n\"Where's the Captain-General?\" Blackthorne asked.\n\n\"Dead, Pilot, he's dead... \" Six voices answered and overrode each other, jumbling the tale until Blackthorne held up his hand. \"Baccus?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'It was terrible, yes. But it was God's punishment.' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's dead, Pilot. He never came out of the pit. Remember he was sick, eh? After they took you away, well, that night we heard him choking in the darkness. Isn't that right, lads?\"\n\nA chorus of yesses, and van Nekk added, \"I was sitting beside him, Pilot. He was trying to get the water but there wasn't any and he was choking and moaning. I'm not too clear about the time—we were all frightened to death—but eventually he choked and then, well, the death rattle. It was bad, Pilot.\"\n\nJan Roper added, \"It was terrible, yes. But it was God's punishment.\" Blackthorne looked from face to face. \"Anybody hit him? To quieten him?\"\n\n\"No—no, oh no,\" van Nekk answered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He just croaked. He was left in the pit with the other one—the Japper, you remember him, the one who tried to drown himself in the bucket of piss? Then the Lord Omi had them bring Spillbergen's body out and they burned it. But that other poor bugger got left below. Lord Omi just gave him a knife and he slit his own Godcursed belly and they filled in the pit. You remember him, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. What about Maetsukker?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Best you tell that, Vinck.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Little Rat Face rotted, Pilot,\" Vinck began, and the others started shouting details and telling the tale until Vinck bellowed, \"Baccus asked me, for Chrissake! You'll all get your turn!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The voices died down and Sonk said helpfully, \"You tell it, Johann.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"What happened to his body?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pilot, it was his arm started rotting. He got nicked in the fight—you remember the fight when you got knocked out? Christ Jesus, that seems so long ago! Anyway, his arm festered. I bled him the next day and the next, then it started going black. I told him I'd better lance it or the whole arm'd have to come off—told him a dozen times, we all did, but he wouldn't. On the fifth day the wound was stinking. We held him down and I sliced off most of the rot but it weren't no good. I knew it wasn't no good but some of us thought it worth a try. The yellow bastard doctor came a few times but he couldn't do nothing either. Rat Face lasted a day or two, but the rot was too deep and he raved a lot. We had to tie him up toward the end.\"\n\n\"That's right, Pilot,\" Sonk said, scratching comfortably. \"We had to tie him up.\"\n\n\"What happened to his body?\" Blackthorne asked.\n\n\"They took it up the hill and burned it, too. We wanted to give him and the Captain-General a proper Christian burial but they wouldn't let us. They just burned them.\"\n\nA silence gathered. \"You haven't touched your drink, Pilot!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne raised it to his lips and tasted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cup was filthy and he almost retched. The raw spirit seared his throat. The stench of unbathed bodies and rancid, unwashed clothing almost overpowered him.\n\n\"How's the grog, Pilot?\" van Nekk asked.\n\n\"Fine, fine.\"\n\n\"Tell him about it, Baccus, go on!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey! I made a still, Pilot.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Van Nekk was very proud and the others were beaming too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We make it by the barrel now. Rice and fruit and water and let it ferment, wait a week or so and then, with the help of a little magic... \" The rotund man laughed and scratched happily. \"'Course it'd be better to keep it a year or so to mellow, but we drink it faster than... \" His words trailed off. \"You don't like it?\"\n\n\"Oh, sorry, it's fine—fine.\" Blackthorne saw lice in van Nekk's sparse hair.\n\nJan Roper said challengingly, \"And you, Pilot? You're fine, aren't you? What about you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another flood of questions which died as Vinck shouted, \"Give him a chance!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the leathery-faced man burst out happily, \"Christ, when I saw you standing at the door I thought you was one of the monkeys, honest—honest!\"\n\nAnother chorus of agreement and van Nekk broke in, \"That's right. Damned silly kimonos—you look like a woman, Pilot—or one of those half-men! Godcursed fags, eh! Lot of Jappers are fags, by God! One was after Croocq... \" There was much shouting and obscene banter, then van Nekk continued, \"You'll want your proper clothes, Pilot. Listen, we've got yours here. We came to Yedo with Erasmus. They towed her here and we were allowed to bring our clothes ashore with us, nothing else. We brought yours—they allowed us to do that, to keep for you. We brought a kit bag—all your sea clothes. Sonk, fetch 'em, hey?\"\n\n\"Sure I'll fetch them, but later, eh, Baccus? I don't want to miss nothing.\"\n\n\"All right.\"\n\nJan Roper's thin smile was taunting. \"Swords and kimonos—like a real heathen! Perhaps you prefer heathen ways now, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The clothes are cool, better than ours,\" Blackthorne replied uneasily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd forgotten I was dressed differently. So much has happened. These were all I had so I got used to wearing them. I never thought much about it. They're certainly more comfortable.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are those real swords?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, of course, why?\"\n\n\"We're not allowed weapons. Any weapons!\" Jan Roper scowled. \"Why do they allow you to have 'em? Just like any heathen samurai?\"\n\nBlackthorne laughed shortly. \"You haven't changed, Jan Roper, have you? Still holier than thou? Well, all in good time about my swords, but first the best news of all. Listen, in a month or so we'll be on the high seas again.\"\n\n\"Jesus God, you mean it, Pilot?\" Vinck said.\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a great roaring cheer and another welter of questions and answers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I told you we'd get away—I told you God was on our side! Let him talk—let the Pilot talk... \" Finally Blackthorne held up his hand." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'pilot' 6 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He motioned at the women, who still knelt motionless, more abject now under his attention. \"Who're they?\"\n\nSonk laughed. \"Them's our doxies, Pilot. Our whores, and cheap, Christ Jesus, they hardly cost a button a week. We got a whole house of 'em next door—and there's plenty more in the village—\"\n\n\"They rattle like stoats,\" Croocq butted in, and Sonk said, \"That's right, Pilot. 'Course they're squat and bandy but they've lots of vigor and no pox. You want one, Pilot? We've our own bunks, we're not like the monkeys, we've all our own bunks and rooms—\"\n\n\"You try Big-Arse Mary, Pilot, she's the one for you,\" Croocq said.\n\nJan Roper's voice overrode them. \"The Pilot doesn't want one of our harlots. He's got his own. Eh, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their faces glowed. \"Is that true, Pilot? You got women? Hey, tell us, eh? These monkeys're the best that's ever been, eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell us about your doxies, Pilot!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sonk scratched at his lice again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's a lot to tell,\" Blackthorne said. \"But it should be private. Less ears the better, neh? Send the women away, then we can talk privately.\"\n\nVinck jerked a thumb at them. \"Piss off, hai?\"\n\nThe women bowed and mumbled thanks and apologies and fled, closing the door quietly.\n\n\"First about the ship. It's unbelievable. I want to thank you and congratulate you—all the work. When we get home I'm going to insist you get triple shares of all the prize money for all that work and there's going to be a prize beyond... \" He saw the men look at each other, embarrassed. \"What's the matter?\"\n\nVan Nekk said uncomfortably, \"It wasn't us, Pilot. It was King Toranaga's men. They did it. Vinck showed 'em how, but we didn't do anything.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\n\"We weren't allowed back aboard after the first time. None of us has been aboard except Vinck, and he goes once every ten days or so. We did nothing.\"\n\n\"He's the only one,\" Sonk said. \"Johann showed 'em.\"\n\n\"But how'd you talk to them, Johann?\"\n\n\"There's one of the samurai who talks Portuguese and we talk in that—enough to understand each other. This samurai, his name's Sato-sama, he was put in charge when we came here. He asked who were officers or seamen among us. We said that'd be Ginsel, but he's a gunner mostly, me and Sonk who—\"\n\n\"Who's the worst pissing cook that—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shut your Godcursed mouth, Croocq!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shit, you can't cook ashore let alone afloat, by God!\"\n\n\"Please be quiet, you two!\" Blackthorne said. \"Go on, Johann.\"\n\nVinck continued. \"Sato-sama asked me what was wrong with the ship and I told him she had to be careened and scraped and repaired all over. Well, I told him all I knew and they got on with it. They careened her good and cleaned the bilges, scrubbed them like a prince's shit house—at least, samurai were bosses and other monkeys worked like demons, hundreds of the buggers. Shit, Pilot, you've never seen workers like 'em!\"\n\n\"That's true,\" Sonk said. \"Like demons!\"\n\n\"I did everything the best I could against the day... Jesus, Pilot, you really think we can get away?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, if we're patient and if we—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If God wills it, Pilot. Only then.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Perhaps you're right,\" Blackthorne replied, thinking, what's it matter that Roper's a fanatic?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I need him—all of them. And the help of God. \"Yes. We need the help of God,\" he said and turned back to Vinck. \"How's her keel?\"\n\n\"Clean and sound, Pilot. They've done her better'n I'd've thought possible. Those bastards are as clever as any carpenters, shipwrights, and rope-makers in all Holland. Rigging's perfect—everything.\"\n\n\"Sails?\"\n\n\"They made a set out of silk—tough as canvas. With a spare set. They took ours down and copied 'em exact, Pilot. Cannon are perfect as possible—all back aboard and there's powder and shot a-plenty. She's ready to sail on the tide, tonight if need be. 'Course she hasn't been to sea so we won't know about the sails till we're in a gale, but I'll bet my life her seams're as tight as when she was first slipped into the Zuider Zee—better 'cause the timbers're seasoned now, thanks be to God!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vinck paused for breath. \"When are we off?\"\n\n\"A month. About.\"\n\nThey nudged each other, brimming with elation, and loudly toasted the Pilot and the ship.\n\n\"How about enemy shipping? There any hereabouts? What about prizes, Pilot?\" Ginsel asked.\n\n\"Plenty—beyond your dreams. We're all rich.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'pilot' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another shout of glee. \"It's about time.\"\n\n\"Rich, eh? I'll buy me a castle.\"\n\n\"Lord God Almighty, when I get home... \"\n\n\"Rich! Hurrah for the Pilot!\"\n\n\"Plenty of Papists to kill? Good,\" Jan Roper said softly. \"Very good.\"\n\n\"What's the plan, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include this dialogue snippet naturally: \"Tell him about the bridge, Johann!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "van Nekk asked, and they all stopped talking.\n\n\"I'll come to that in a minute. Do you have guards? Can you move around freely, when you want? How often—\"\n\nVinck said quickly, \"We can move anywheres in the village area, perhaps as much as half a league around here. But we're not allowed in Yedo and not—\"\n\n\"Not across the bridge,\" Sonk broke in happily. \"Tell him about the bridge, Johann!\"\n\n\"Oh, for the love of God, I was coming to the bridge, Sonk. For God's sake, don't keep interrupting. Pilot, there's a bridge about half a mile southwest. There're a lot of signs on it. That's as far as we're allowed. We're not to go over that. 'Kinjiru,' by God, the samurai say. You understand kinjiru, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne nodded and said nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Apart from that we can go where we like. But only up to the barriers. There's barriers all around about half a league away. Lord God... can you believe it, home soon!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell him about the doc, eh, and about the—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The samurai send a doctor once in a while, Pilot, and we have to take our clothes off and he looks at us... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Enough to make a man shit to have a bastard heathen monkey look at you naked like that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Apart from that, Pilot, they don't bother us except—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey, don't forget the doc gives us some God-rotting filthy powdered 'char' herbs we're supposed to steep in hot water but we toss 'em out. When we're sick, good old Johann bleeds us and we're fit.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'first' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Sonk said. \"We throw the char out.\"\n\n\"Apart from that, except for—\"\n\n\"We're lucky here, Pilot, not like at first.\"\n\n\"That's right. At first—\"\n\n\"Tell him about the inspection, Baccus!\"\n\n\"I was coming to that—for God's sake, be patient—give a fellow a chance. How can I tell him anything with you all gabbing. Pour me a drink!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "van Nekk said thirstily and continued. \"Every ten days a few samurai come here and we line up outside and he counts us. Then they give us sacks of rice and cash, copper cash. It's plenty for everything, Pilot. We swap rice for meat and stuff—fruit or whatever. There's plenty of everything and the women do whatever we want. At first we—\"\n\n\"But it wasn't like that at first. Tell him about that, Baccus!\"\n\nVan Nekk sat on the floor. \"God give me strength!\"\n\n\"You feeling sick, poor old lad?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sonk asked solicitously. \"Best not drink any more or you'll get the devils back, hey? He gets the devils, Pilot, once a week. We all do.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you going to keep quiet while I tell the Pilot?\"\n\n\"Who, me? I haven't said a thing. I'm not stopping you. Here, here's your drink!\"\n\n\"Thanks, Sonk. Well, Pilot, first they put us in a house to the west of the city—\"\n\n\"Down near the fields it was.\"\n\n\"Damnit, then you tell the story, Johann!\"\n\n\"All right. Christ, Pilot, it was terrible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No grub or liquor and those Godcursed paper houses're like living in a field—a man can't take a piss or pick his nose, nothing without someone watching, eh? Yes, and the slightest noise'd bring the neighbors down on us, and samurai'd be at the stoop and who wants those bastards around, eh? They'd be shaking their Godcursed swords at us, shouting and hollering, telling us to keep quiet. Well, one night someone knocked over a candle and the monkeys were all pissed off to hell with us! Jesus God, you should've heard them! They came swarming out of the woodwork with buckets of water, Godcursed mad, hissing and bowing and cursing..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was only one poxy wall that got burned down..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hundreds of 'em swarmed over the house like cockroaches. Bastards! You've—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get on with it!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You want to tell it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go on, Johann, don't pay any attention to him. He's only a shit-filled cook.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What!\"\n\n\"Oh, shut up! For God's sake!\" Van Nekk hurriedly took up the tale once more. \"The next day, Pilot, they marched us out of there and put us into another house in the wharf area. That was just as bad. Then some weeks later, Johann stumbled onto this place. He was the only one of us allowed out, because of the ship, at that time. They'd collect him daily and bring him back at sunset. He was out fishing—we're only a few hundred yards upstream from the sea... Best you tell it, Johann.\"\n\nBlackthorne felt an itch on his bare leg and he rubbed it without thinking. The irritation got worse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he saw the mottled lump of a flea bite as Vinck continued proudly, \"It's like Baccus said, Pilot. I asked Sato-sama if we could move and he said, yes, why not. They'd usually let me fish from one of their little skiffs to pass the time. It was my nose that led me here, Pilot. The old nose led me: blood!\"\n\nBlackthorne said, \"A slaughterhouse! A slaughterhouse and tanning! That's... \" He stopped and blanched.\n\n\"What's up? What is it?\"\n\n\"This is an eta village? Jesus Christ, these people're eta?\"\n\n\"What's wrong with eters?\" van Nekk asked. \"Of course they're eters.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne waved at the mosquitoes that infested the air, his skin crawling." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Work this phrase into your response organically: \"Yes. A few streets up, why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Damn bugs. They're—they're rotten, aren't they? There's a tannery here, isn't there?\"\n\n\"Yes. A few streets up, why?\"\n\n\"Nothing. I didn't recognize the smell, that's all.\"\n\n\"What about eters?\"\n\n\"I... I didn't realize, stupid of me. If I'd seen one of the men I'd've known from their short hairstyle. With the women you'd never know. Sorry. Go on with the story, Vinck.\"\n\n\"Well, then they said—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jan Roper interrupted, \"Wait a minute, Vinck! What's wrong, Pilot? What about eters?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's just that Japanese think of them as different. They're the executioners, and work the hides and handle corpses.\" He felt their eyes, Jan Roper's particularly. \"Eta work hides,\" he said, trying to keep his voice careless, \"and kill all the old horses and oxen and handle dead bodies.\"\n\n\"But what's wrong with that, Pilot? You've buried a dozen yourself, put 'em in shrouds, washed 'em—we all have, eh? We butcher our own meat, always have. Ginsel here's been hangman... What's wrong with all that?\"\n\n\"Nothing,\" Blackthorne said, knowing it to be true yet feeling befouled even so.\n\nVinck snorted. \"Eters're the best heathen we've seen here. More like us than the other bastards. We're Godcursed lucky to be here, Pilot, fresh meat's no problem, or tallow—they give us no trouble.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's right. If you've lived with eters, Pilot... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jesus Christ, the Pilot's had to live with the other bastards all the time! He doesn't know any better. How about fetching Big-Arse Mary, Sonk?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Or Twicklebum?\"\n\n\"Shit, not her, not that old whore. The Pilot'll want a special. Let's ask mama-san... \"\n\n\"I bet he's starving for real grub! Hey, Sonk, cut him a slice of meat.\"\n\n\"Have some more grog... \"\n\n\"Three cheers for the Pilot... \"\n\nIn the happy uproar van Nekk clapped Blackthorne on the shoulders. \"You're home, old friend. Now you're back, our prayers 're answered and all's well in the world. You're home, old friend. Listen, take my bunk. I insist... \"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around three sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and lore may appear without context - work with what's given.\n\nAuthor style: James Clavell" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At midnight Yabu strutted arrogantly across the flare-lit donjon forecourt. Toranaga's elite corps of personal guards were everywhere. The moon was vague and misted and the stars barely visible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, Naga-san, what's the reason for all this?\"\n\n\"I don't know, Lord, but everyone's ordered to the conference chamber. Please excuse me, but you must leave your swords with me.\"\n\nYabu flushed at this unheard-of breach of etiquette." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you—\" He changed his mind, sensing the youth's chilling tenseness and the restless nervousness of the nearby guards. \"On whose orders please, Naga-san?\"\n\n\"My father's, Lord. So sorry, you can please yourself if you don't wish to go to the conference, but I have to advise you that you are ordered there without swords and, so sorry, that is the way you will appear. Please excuse me, but I have no choice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu saw the pile of swords already in the lee of the guardhouse beside the huge main gate. He weighed the dangers of a refusal and found them formidable. Reluctantly he relinquished his arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Naga bowed politely, equally embarrassed, as he accepted them. Yabu went inside. The huge room was embrasured, stone floored, and wooden beamed.\n\nSoon the fifty senior generals were gathered, twenty-three counselors, and seven friendly daimyos from minor northern provinces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All were keyed up and fidgeted uncomfortably." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'about' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's all this about?\" Yabu asked as he sourly took his place.\n\nA general shrugged. \"It's probably about the trek to Osaka.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another looked around hopefully. \"Perhaps it's a change of plan, neh? He's going to order Crimson—\"\n\n\"So sorry, but your head's in the clouds. He's decided. Our Lord's decided—it's Osaka and nothing else! Hey, Yabu-sama, when did you get here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yesterday. I've been stuck at a filthy little fishing village called Yokohama for more than two weeks, south of here, with my troops. The port's fine but the bugs! Stinking mosquitoes and bugs—they were never so bad in Izu.\"\n\n\"You're up to date with all the news?\"\n\n\"You mean all the bad news? The move's still in six days, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, terrible. Shameful!\"\n\n\"True, but tonight's worse,\" another general said grimly. \"I've never been without swords before. Never.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's an insult,\" Yabu said deliberately. All those nearby looked at him.\n\n\"I agree,\" General Kiyoshio replied, breaking the silence." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'orders' 3 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Serata Kiyoshio was the grizzled, tough Commander of the Seventh Army. \"I've never been without swords in public before. Makes me feel like a stinking merchant! I think... eeeeee, orders are orders but some orders should not be given.\"\n\n\"That's quite right,\" someone said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What would old Iron Fist have done if he'd been here?\"\n\n\"He'd have slit his belly before he gave up his swords! He'd have done it tonight in the forecourt!\" a young man said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was Serata Tomo, the general's eldest son, second-in-command of the Fourth Army. \"I wish Iron Fist were here! He could get sense... he'd have slit his belly first.\"\n\n\"I considered it.\" General Kiyoshio cleared his throat harshly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Someone has to be responsible—and do his duty! Someone has to make the point that liege lord means responsibility and duty!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, but you'd better watch your tongue,\" Yabu advised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's the use of a tongue in a samurai's mouth if he's forbidden to be samurai?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"None,\" Isamu, an old counselor, replied. \"I agree. Better to be dead.\"\n\n\"So sorry, Isamu-san, but that's our immediate future anyway,\" the young Serata Tomo said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're staked pigeons to a certain dishonored hawk!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please hold your tongues!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu said, hiding his own satisfaction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he added carefully, \"He's our liege lord and until Lord Sudara or the Council takes open responsibility he stays liege lord and he is to be obeyed. Neh?\"\n\nGeneral Kiyoshio studied him, his hand unconsciously feeling for his sword hilt. \"What have you heard, Yabu-sama?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Buntaro-san said that—\" the counselor began." }, { "from": "human", "value": "General Kiyoshio interrupted thinly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Isamu-san, but what General Buntaro said or what he didn't say is unimportant. What Yabu-sama says is true. A liege lord is a liege lord. Even so, a samurai has rights, a vassal has rights. Even daimyos. Neh?\"\n\nYabu looked back at him, gauging the depth of that invitation. \"Izu is Lord Toranaga's province. I'm no longer daimyo of Izu—only overlord for him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced around the huge room. \"Everyone's here, neh?\"\n\n\"Except Lord Noboru,\" a general said, mentioning Toranaga's eldest son, who was universally loathed.\n\n\"Yes. Just as well. Never mind, General, the Chinese sickness'll finish him soon and we'll be done with his foul humor forever,\" someone said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And stench.\"\n\n\"When's he coming back?\"\n\n\"Who knows? We don't even know why Toranaga-sama sent him north. Better he stays there, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you had that sickness, you'd be as foul-humored as he is, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Yabu-san. Yes, I would. Pity he's poxed, he's a good general—better than the Cold Fish,\" General Kiyoshio added, using Sudara's private nickname.\n\n\"Eeeee,\" the counselor whistled. \"There're devils in the air tonight to make you so careless with your tongue. Or is it saké?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps it's the Chinese sickness,\" General Kiyoshio replied with a bitter laugh.\n\n\"Buddha protect me from that!\" Yabu said. \"If only Lord Toranaga would change his mind about Osaka!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd slit my belly now if that'd convince him,\" the young man said.\n\n\"No offense, my son, but your head's in the clouds. He'll never change.\"\n\n\"Yes, Father. But I just don't understand him... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're all to go with him? In the same contingent?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu asked after a moment.\n\nIsamu, the old counselor, said, \"Yes. We're to go as an escort. With two thousand men with full ceremonial equipment and trappings. It'll take us thirty days to get there. We've six days left.\"\n\nGeneral Kiyoshio said, \"That's not much time. Is it, Yabu-sama?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu did not reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no need." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The general did not require an answer. They settled into their own thoughts.\n\nA side door opened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga came in. Sudara followed. Everyone bowed stiffly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga bowed back and sat facing them, Sudara as heir presumptive slightly in front of him, also facing the others." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Naga came in from the main door and closed it." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'treason' 3 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only Toranaga wore swords.\n\n\"It's been reported that some of you speak treason, think treason, and plan treason,\" he said coldly. No one answered or moved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Slowly, relentlessly, Toranaga looked from face to face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still no movement. Then General Kiyoshio spoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I respectfully ask, Sire, what do you mean by 'treason'?\"\n\n\"Any questioning of an order, or a decision, or a position of any liege lord, at any time, is treason,\" Toranaga slammed back at him.\n\nThe general's back stiffened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then I'm guilty of treason.\"\n\n\"Then go out and commit seppuku at once.\"\n\n\"I will, Sire,\" the soldier said proudly, \"but first I claim the right of free speech before your loyal vassals, officers, and coun—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've forfeited all rights!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very well. Then I claim it as a dying wish—as hatamoto—and in return for twenty-eight years of faithful service!\"\n\n\"Make it very short.\"\n\n\"I will, Sire,\" General Kiyoshio replied icily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I beg to say, first: Going to Osaka and bowing to the peasant Ishido is treason against your honor, the honor of your clan, the honor of your faithful vassals, your special heritage, and totally against bushido. Second: I indict you for this treason and say you've therefore forfeited your right to be our liege lord. Third: I petition that you immediately abdicate in Lord Sudara's favor and honorably depart this life—or shave your head and retire to a monastery, whichever you prefer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The general bowed stiffly, then sat back on his haunches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone waited, hardly breathing now that the unbelievable had become a reality.\n\nAbruptly Toranaga hissed, \"What are you waiting for?\"\n\nGeneral Kiyoshio stared back at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing, Sire. Please excuse me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His son began to get up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. You're ordered to stay here!\" he said.\n\nThe general bowed a last time to Toranaga, got up, and walked out with immense dignity. Some stirred nervously and a swell moved through the room but Toranaga's harshness dominated again: \"Is there anyone else who admits treason? Anyone else who dares to break bushido, anyone who dares to accuse his liege lord of treason?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'osaka' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Sire,\" Isamu, the old counselor, said calmly. \"But I regret to say that if you go to Osaka it is treason against your heritage.\"\n\n\"The day I go to Osaka you will depart this earth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The gray-haired man bowed politely. \"Yes, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga looked them over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pitilessly. Someone shifted uneasily and eyes snapped onto him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The samurai, a warrior who years ago had lost his wish to fight and had shaved his head to become a Buddhist monk and was now a member of Toranaga's civil administration, said nothing, almost wilting with an untoward fear he tried desperately to hide.\n\n\"What're you afraid of, Numata-san?\"\n\n\"Nothing, Sire,\" the man said, his eyes downcast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good. Then go and commit seppuku because you're a liar and your fear's an infectious stench.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man whimpered and stumbled out. Dread stalked them all now. Toranaga watched. And waited." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The air became oppressive, the slight crackling of the torch flames seemed strangely loud." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, knowing it was his duty and responsibility, Sudara turned and bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please, Sire, may I respectfully make a statement?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What statement?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "At some point in your response, insert this verbatim: \"Please excuse me, Sire, you know I will obey you. We will all obey you. We seek only the best for your—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sire, I believe there is no... no more treason here, and that there will be no more trea—\"\n\n\"I don't share your opinion.\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Sire, you know I will obey you. We will all obey you. We seek only the best for your—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The best is my decision. What I decide is best.\"\n\nHelplessly Sudara bowed his acquiescence and became silent. Toranaga did not look away from him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His gaze was remorseless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are no longer my heir.\"\n\nSudara paled. Then Toranaga shattered the tension in the room: \"I am liege lord here.\"\n\nHe waited a moment, then, in utter silence, he got up and arrogantly marched out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The door closed behind him. A great sigh went through the room. Hands sought sword hilts impotently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But no one left his place.\n\n\"This... this morning I... I heard from our commander-in-chief,\" Sudara began at last. \"Lord Hiro-matsu will be here in a few days. I will... talk to him. Be silent, be patient, be loyal to our liege Lord. Let us go and pay our respects to General Serata Kiyoshio... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga was climbing the stairs, a great loneliness upon him, his footsteps reverberating in the emptiness of the tower." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Near the top he stopped and leaned momentarily against the wall, his breathing heavy. The ache was gripping his chest again and he tried to rub it away. \"It's just lack of exercise,\" he muttered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's all, just lack of exercise.\"\n\nHe went on. He knew he was in great jeopardy. Treason and fear were contagious and both had to be cauterized without pity the moment they appeared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even then you could never be sure they were eradicated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The struggle he was locked into was not a child's game. The weak had to be food for the strong, the strong pawns for the very strong. If Sudara publicly claimed his mantle he was powerless to prevent it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Until Zataki answered, he had to wait." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga shut and bolted his door and walked to a window. Below, he could see his generals and counselors silently streaming away to their homes outside the donjon walls. Beyond the castle walls, the city lay in almost total darkness." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 12 sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello,\" Blackthorne said.\n\n\"Good afternoon, Anjin-san. You look happy!\"\n\n\"Thank you. It's the sight of such a lovely lady, neh?\"\n\n\"Ah, thank you,\" Mariko replied. \"How is your ship?\"\n\n\"First class. Would you like to come aboard? I'd like to show you around.\"\n\n\"Is that permitted? I was ordered here to meet Lord Toranaga.\"\n\n\"Yes. We're all waiting for him now.\" Blackthorne turned and spoke to the senior samurai on the wharf. \"Captain, I take Lady Toda there. Show ship. When Lord Toranaga arrive—you call, neh?\"\n\n\"As you wish, Anjin-san.\"\n\nBlackthorne led the way off the jetty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samurai were manning the barriers and security was tighter than ever, ashore and on deck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First he went to the quarterdeck." }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"This is the main cabin.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is mine, all mine,\" he said with pride.\n\n\"Are any of your crew here?\"\n\n\"No—none. Not today, Mariko-san.\" He pointed out everything as quickly as he could, then guided her below. \"This is the main cabin.\" The aft bay windows overlooked the foreshore. He closed the door. Now they were totally alone.\n\n\"This is your cabin?\" she asked.\n\nHe shook his head, watching her. She went into his arms. He held her tight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, how I have missed thee.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'afraid' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I have missed thee... \"\n\n\"There's so much to tell thee. And to ask thee,\" he said.\n\n\"I've nothing to tell thee. Except that I love thee with all my heart.\" She shivered in his arms, trying to throw off her terror that Gyoko or someone would denounce them. \"I'm so afraid for thee.\"\n\n\"Don't be afraid, Mariko my darling. Everything's going to be all right.\"\n\n\"That's what I tell myself. But today it's impossible to accept karma and the will of God.\"\n\n\"You were so distant the last time.\"\n\n\"This is Yedo, my love. And beyond First Bridge.\"\n\n\"It was because of Buntaro-san. Wasn't it?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she said simply. \"That and Toranaga's decision to surrender. It's such a dishonorable uselessness... I never thought I'd ever say that out loud but I have to say it. So sorry.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "💬 Please integrate this quote: \"I know I can force the priests to bring Kiyama or Onoshi to his side, if he'll allow me to take this Black Ship,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She nestled closer into the protection of his shoulder.\n\n\"When he goes to Osaka, you're finished, too?\"\n\n\"Yes. The Toda clan are too powerful and important. In any event I would not be left alive.\"\n\n\"Then you must come with me. We'll escape. We'll—\"\n\n\"So sorry, but there's no escape.\"\n\n\"Unless Toranaga allows it, neh?\"\n\n\"Why should he allow it?\"\n\nQuickly Blackthorne told her what he had said to Toranaga, but not that he had also asked for her. \"I know I can force the priests to bring Kiyama or Onoshi to his side, if he'll allow me to take this Black Ship,\" he finished excitedly, \"and I know I can do that!\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she said, glad for the sake of the Church that he was hobbled by Toranaga's decision. Again she examined the logic of his plan and found it flawless. \"It should work, Anjin-san. Now that Harima's hostile, there would be no reason why Toranaga-sama shouldn't order an attack if he were going to war, and not surrendering.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'persuade' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If Lord Kiyama or Lord Onoshi, or both of them, joined him, would that tip the scale toward him?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she said. \"With Zataki and time.\" She had already explained the strategic importance of Zataki's control of the northern route. \"But Zataki's opposed to Toranaga-sama.\"\n\n\"Listen, I can strangle the priests. So sorry, but they are my enemy though they are your priests. I can dominate them on his behalf—on mine too. Will you help me to help him?\"\n\nShe stared up at him. \"How?\"\n\n\"Help me to persuade him to give me the chance, and persuade him to delay going to Osaka.\"\n\nThere was the sound of horses and voices raised on the jetty. Distracted, they went to the windows. Samurai were pulling aside one of the barriers. Father Alvito spurred forward into the clearing.\n\n\"What does he want?\" Blackthorne muttered sourly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They watched the priest as he dismounted and pulled out a scroll from his sleeve and gave it to the senior samurai. The man read it. Alvito looked up at the ship.\n\n\"Whatever it is, is official,\" she said in a small voice.\n\n\"Listen, Mariko-san, I'm not against the Church. The Church isn't evil, it's the priests. And they're not all bad. Alvito isn't, though he's fanatic. I swear to God I believe the Jesuits will bow to Lord Toranaga if I get their Black Ship and threaten next year's, because they've got to have money—Portugal and Spain have got to have money. Toranaga's more important. Will you help me?\"\n\n\"Yes. Yes, I'll help you, Anjin-san. But, please excuse me, I cannot betray the Church.\"\n\n\"All I ask is that you talk to Toranaga, or help me to talk to him if you think that's better.\"\n\nA distant bugle sounded. They looked out of the windows again. Everyone was staring west. The head of a procession of samurai around a curtained litter approached from the direction of the castle.\n\nThe cabin door opened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjin-san, you will come now, please,\" the samurai said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne led the way on deck and down to the jetty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His nod to Alvito was coldly polite. The priest was equally glacial.\n\nTo Mariko, Alvito was kind. \"Hello, Mariko-san. How nice to see you.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Father,\" she said, bowing low.\n\n\"May the blessings of God be upon you.\" He made the sign of the cross over her. \"In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Father.\"\n\nAlvito glanced at Blackthorne. \"So, Pilot? How is your ship?\"\n\n\"I'm sure you already know.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should naturally weave in this dialogue: \"Is that why you came here? To spread more venom?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I know.\" Alvito looked Erasmus over, his face taut. \"May God curse her and all who sail in her if she's used against Faith and Portugal.\"\n\n\"Is that why you came here? To spread more venom?\"\n\n\"No, Pilot,\" Alvito said. \"I was asked here to meet Lord Toranaga. I find your presence as distasteful as you find mine.\"\n\n\"Your presence isn't distasteful, Father. It's just the evil you represent.\"\n\nAlvito flushed and Mariko said quickly, \"Please. It is bad to quarrel this way in public. I beg you both to be more circumspect.\"\n\n\"Yes, please excuse me. I apologize, Mariko-san.\" Father Alvito turned away and looked at the curtained litter coming through the barrier, Toranaga's pennant fluttering, and uniformed samurai before and after, hemming in a straggling, motley group of samurai.\n\nThe palanquin stopped. The curtains parted. Yabu stepped out. Everyone was startled. Nonetheless they bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu returned the salutation arrogantly.\n\n\"Ah, Anjin-san,\" Yabu said. \"How are you?\"\n\n\"Good, thank you, Sire. And you?\"\n\n\"Good, thank you. Lord Toranaga's sick. He asked me to come in his place. You understand?\"\n\n\"Yes. Understand,\" Blackthorne replied, trying to cover his disappointment at Toranaga's nonarrival. \"So sorry Lord Toranaga sick.\"\n\nYabu shrugged, acknowledged Mariko deferentially, pretended not to notice Alvito, and studied the ship for a moment. His smile was twisted as he turned back to Blackthorne. \"So desu, Anjin-san. Your ship's different from the last time I saw it, neh? Yes, the ship's different, you're different, everything's different—even our world's different! Neh?\"\n\n\"So sorry, I don't understand, Sire. Please excuse me but your words very fast. As my—\" Blackthorne began the stock phrase but Yabu interrupted gutturally, \"Mariko-san, please translate for me.\"\n\nShe did so.\n\nBlackthorne nodded and said slowly, \"Yes. Different, Yabu-sama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, very different—you're no longer barbarian but samurai, and so is your ship, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne saw the smile on the thick lips, the pugnacious stance, and suddenly he was back at Anjiro, back on the beach on his knees, Croocq in the cauldron, Pieterzoon's screams ringing in his ears, the stench of the pit in his nostrils, and his mind was shouting, 'So unnecessary all that—all the suffering and terror and Pieterzoon and Spillbergen and Maetsukker and the jail and eta and trapped and all your fault!'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you all right, Anjin-san?\" Mariko asked, apprehensive at the look in his eyes.\n\n\"What? Oh—oh, yes. Yes, I'm all right.\"\n\n\"What's the matter with him?\" Yabu said.\n\nBlackthorne shook his head, trying to clear it and wash the hatred off his face. \"So sorry. Please excuse me. I'm—I—it's nothing. Head bad—no sleep. So sorry.\" He stared back into Yabu's eyes, hoping he had covered his dangerous lapse. \"Sorry Toranaga-sama sick—hope no trouble Yabu-sama.\"\n\n\"No, no trouble.\" Yabu was thinking, yes trouble, you're nothing but trouble and I've had nothing but trouble ever since you and your filthy ship arrived on my shores. Izu gone, my guns gone, all honor gone, and now my head forfeit because of a coward. \"No trouble, Anjin-san,\" he said so nicely. \"Toranaga-sama asked me to hand over your vassals to you as he promised.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes fell on Alvito. \"So, Tsukku-san! Why are you enemy to Toranaga-sama?\"\n\n\"I'm not, Kasigi Yabu-sama.\"\n\n\"Your Christian daimyos are, neh?\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Sire, but we are priests only, we're not responsible for the political views of those who worship the True Faith, nor do we exercise control over those daimyos who—\"\n\n\"The True Faith of this Land of the Gods is Shinto, together with the Tao, the Way of Buddha!\"\n\nAlvito did not answer. Yabu turned contemptuously away and snapped an order. The ragged group of samurai began to line up in front of the ship. Not one was armed. Some had their hands bound.\n\nAlvito stepped forward and bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps you will excuse me, Sire. I was to see Lord Toranaga. As he isn't coming—\"\n\n\"Lord Toranaga wanted you here to interpret for him with the Anjin-san,\" Yabu interrupted with deliberate bad manners, as Toranaga had told him to do. \"Yes, to interpret as you alone can do so cleverly, speaking directly and at once, neh? Of course you have no objection to doing for me what Lord Toranaga required, before you go?\"\n\n\"No, of course not, Sire.\"\n\n\"Good. Mariko-san! Lord Toranaga asks that you see the Anjin-san's responses are equally correctly translated.\" Alvito reddened but held on to his temper.\n\n\"Yes, Sire,\" Mariko said, hating Yabu.\n\nYabu snapped another order. Two samurai went to the litter and returned with the ship's strongbox, heavy between them. \"Tsukku-san, now you will begin: Listen, Anjin-san, firstly, Lord Toranaga's asked me to return this. It's your property, neh? Open it,\" he ordered the samurai. The box was brimful with silver coins. \"This is as it was taken off the ship.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Blackthorne was hardly able to believe his eyes, for this gave him power to buy the very best crew, without promises.\n\n\"It is to be put in the ship's strong room.\"\n\n\"Yes, of course.\"\n\nYabu waved those samurai aboard. Then, to Alvito's growing fury as he continued with the almost simultaneous translating, Yabu said, \"Next: Lord Toranaga says you are free to go, or to stay. When you are in our land you are samurai, hatamoto, and governed by samurai law. At sea, beyond our shores, you are as you were before you came here and governed by barbarian laws. You are granted the right for your lifetime to dock at any port in Lord Toranaga's control without search by port authorities. Last, these two hundred men are your vassals. He asked me to formally hand them over, with arms, as he promised.\"\n\n\"I can leave when and how I want?\" Blackthorne asked with disbelief.\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san, you can leave as Lord Toranaga has agreed.\"\n\nBlackthorne stared at Mariko but she avoided his eyes, so he looked again at Yabu. \"Could I leave tomorrow?\"\n\n\"Yes, if you want to.\" Yabu added, \"About these men. They're all ronin. All from the northern provinces. They've all agreed to swear eternal allegiance to you and your seed. All are good warriors. None has committed a crime that could be proved. All became ronin because their liege lords were killed, died, or were deposed. Many fought on ships against wako.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu smiled in his vicious way. \"Some may have been wako—you understand 'wako'?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"Those who are bound are probably bandits or wako. They came forward as a band and volunteered to serve you fearlessly in return for a pardon for any past crimes. They've sworn to Lord Noboru—who handpicked all these men for you on Lord Toranaga's orders—that they've never committed any crime against Lord Toranaga or any of his samurai. You can accept them individually, or as a group, or refuse them. You understand?\"\n\n\"I can refuse any of them?\"\n\n\"Why should you do that?\" Yabu asked. \"Lord Noboru picked them carefully.\"\n\n\"Of course, so sorry,\" Blackthorne told Yabu wearily, conscious of the daimyo's growing ill humor. \"I quite understand. But those who are bound—what happens if I refuse them?\"\n\n\"Their heads will be hacked off. Of course. What's that got to do with anything?\"\n\n\"Nothing. So sorry.\"\n\n\"Follow me.\" Yabu stalked over to the litter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne glanced at Mariko." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can leave. You heard it!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"That means... It's almost like a dream. He said—\"\n\n\"Anjin-san!\"\n\nObediently Blackthorne hurried over to Yabu. Now the litter served as a dais. A clerk had set up a low table on which were scrolls. A little farther off, samurai guarded a pile of short swords and long swords, spears, shields, axes, bows and arrows, that porters were unloading from pack horses. Yabu motioned Blackthorne to sit beside him, Alvito just in front and Mariko on his other side. The clerk called out names. Each man came forward, bowed with great formality, gave his name and lineage, swore allegiance, signed his scroll, and sealed it with a drop of blood that the clerk ritually pricked from his finger. Each knelt to Blackthorne a final time, then got up and hurried to the armorer. First he was handed a killing sword, then the short one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each accepted both blades with reverence and examined them meticulously, expressing pride at their quality, and shoved them into his sash with savage glee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he was issued other weapons and a war shield." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the men took up their new places, fully armed now, samurai again and no longer ronin, they were stronger and straighter and looked even more fierce." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Last were the thirty bound ronin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne insisted on personally cutting the bonds of each. One by one they swore allegiance as had all the others: \"On my honor as a samurai, I swear your enemies are my enemies, and total obedience.\"\n\nAfter each man had sworn, he collected his weapons.\n\nYabu called out, \"Uraga-noh-Tadamasa!\"\n\nThe man stepped forward. Alvito was heartsick. Uraga—Brother Joseph—had been standing unnoticed among the samurai grouped nearby. He was unarmed and wore a simple kimono and bamboo hat. Yabu smirked at Alvito's discomposure and turned to Blackthorne.\n\n\"Anjin-san. This is Uraga-noh-Tadamasa. Samurai, now ronin. You recognize him? Understand 'recognize'?\"\n\n\"Yes. Understand. Yes, recognize.\"\n\n\"Good. Once Christian priest, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now not. Understand? Now ronin.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Understand, Yabu-sama.\"\n\nYabu watched Alvito. Alvito was staring fixedly at the apostate, who stared back with hatred. \"Ah, Tsukku-san, you recognize him too?\"\n\n\"Yes. I recognize him, Sire.\"\n\n\"Are you ready to translate again—or haven't you any stomach for it anymore?\"\n\n\"Please continue, Sire.\"\n\n\"Good.\" Yabu waved a hand at Uraga. \"Listen, Anjin-san, Lord Toranaga gives this man to you, if you want him. Once he was a Christian priest—a novice priest. Now he's not. Now he's denounced the false foreign god and has reverted to the True Faith of Shinto and—\" He stopped as the Father stopped. \"Did you say it exactly, Tsukku-san? True Faith of Shinto?\"\n\nThe priest did not answer. He exhaled, then said it exactly, adding, \"That's what he said, Anjin-san, may God forgive him.\" Mariko let that pass without comment, hating Yabu even more, promising herself vengeance on him one day soon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu watched them, then he continued, \"So Uraga-san's a Christian that was. Now he's prepared to serve you. He can speak barbarian and the private tongue of the priests and he was one of the four samurai youths sent to your lands. He even met the chief Christian of all the Christians, so they say—but now he hates them all, just like you, neh?\" Yabu was watching Alvito, baiting him, his eyes flicking back and forth to Mariko, who was listening as intently. \"You hate Christians, Anjin-san, neh?\"\n\n\"Most Catholics are my enemy, yes,\" he answered, completely aware of Mariko, who was staring stonily into the distance. \"Spain and Portugal are enemies of my country, yes.\"\n\n\"Christians are our enemies too. Eh, Tsukku-san?\"\n\n\"No, Sire. And Christianity gives you the key to immortal life.\"\n\n\"Does it, Uraga-san?\" Yabu said.\n\nUraga shook his head. His voice was raw. \"I no longer think so, Sire. No.\"\n\n\"Tell the Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Senhor Anjin-san,\" Uraga said, his accent thick but his Portuguese words correct and easily understandable, \"I do not think this Catholicism is the lock—so sorry, is the key to immortality.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Blackthorne said. \"I agree.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good,\" Yabu continued. \"So Lord Toranaga offers this ronin to you, Anjin-san. He's renegade but from good samurai family. Uraga swears, if you'll accept him, he'll be your secretary, translator, and do anything you want. You'll have to give him swords. What else, Uraga? Tell him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Senhor, please excuse me. First... \" Uraga took off his hat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His hair was a stubble now, his pate shaven in samurai style, but he had no queue yet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First, I'm shamed my hair is not correct and I have no queue as a samurai should have. But my hair will grow and I am not less samurai for that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He put his hat back on his head. He told Yabu what he had said, and those ronin who were near and could hear also listened attentively as he continued, \"Second, please excuse me greatly but I cannot use swords—or any weapons. I've—I've never been trained in them. But I will learn, believe me I will learn. Please excuse my shame. I swear absolute allegiance to you and beg you to accept me... \" Sweat trickled down his face and back.\n\nBlackthorne said compassionately, \"Shigata ga nai, neh? Ukeru anatawa desu, Uraga-san.\" What does that matter? I accept you, Uraga-san.\n\nUraga bowed, then explained to Yabu what he had said. No one laughed. Except Yabu. But his laughter was cut short by the beginning of an altercation between the last two ronin over the selection of the remaining swords. \"You two, shut up,\" he shouted.\n\nBoth men spun around and one snarled, \"You're not my master! Where are your manners? Say please, or shut up yourself!\"\n\nInstantly Yabu leaped to his feet and rushed the offending ronin, his sword on high. Men scattered, and the ronin fled, Near the side of the wharf the man jerked out his sword and abruptly turned to the attack with a fiendish battle cry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once all his friends darted to his rescue, swords ready, and Yabu was trapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man charged. Yabu avoided a violent sword thrust, hacked back, and missed as the pack surged forward for the kill. Too late Toranaga samurai rushed forward, knowing Yabu was a dead man.\n\n\"Stop!\" Blackthorne shouted in Japanese. Everyone froze at the power of his voice. \"Go there!\" He pointed to where the men had been lined up before. \"Now! Order!\"\n\nFor a moment all the men on the wharf remained motionless. Then they started to move. The spell broke. Yabu darted at the man who had insulted him. The ronin jumped back, sidestepped, his sword held violently above his head, two-handed, waiting fearlessly for the next attack. His friends hesitated.\n\n\"Go there! Now! Order!\"\n\nReluctantly but obediently, the rest of the men backed out of the way, sheathed their swords. Yabu and the man circled each other slowly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You!\" Blackthorne shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stop! Sword down! I order!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man kept his furious eyes on Yabu but he heard the order and wet his lips. He feinted left, then right. Yabu retreated and the man slipped out of his grasp and rushed nearer to Blackthorne and put his sword down in front of him. \"I obey, Anjin-san. I didn't attack him.\" As Yabu charged, he leaped out of the way and retreated fearlessly, more fleet than Yabu, younger than Yabu, taunting him.\n\n\"Yabu-san,\" Blackthorne called out. \"So sorry—think mistake, neh? Perhaps—\"\n\nBut Yabu spouted a flood of Japanese and rushed the man, who fled again without fear.\n\nAlvito was now coldly amused. \"Yabu-san said there's no mistake, Anjin-san. This cabron has to die, he says. No samurai could accept such an insult!\"\n\nBlackthorne felt all their eyes on him as he desperately tried to decide what to do. He watched Yabu stalk the man." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'shouted' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just to the left a Toranaga samurai aimed his bow. The only noise was that of the two men panting and running and shouting at one another. The ronin backed, then turned and ran away, around the clearing, sidestepping, weaving, all the time keeping up a guttural hissing flood of invective.\n\nAlvito said, \"He's baiting Yabu, Anjin-san. He says: 'I'm samurai—I don't kill unarmed men like you—you're not a samurai, you're a manure-stinking peasant—ah, so that's it, you're not samurai, you're eta, neh? Your mother was eta, your father was eta, and—'\" The Jesuit stopped as Yabu let out a bellow of rage and pointed at one of the men and shouted something. \"Yabu says: 'You! Give him his sword.'\"\n\nThe ronin hesitated and looked at Blackthorne for the order.\n\nYabu turned to Blackthorne and shouted, \"Give him his sword!\"\n\nBlackthorne picked up the sword. \"Yabu-san, ask not fight,\" he said, wishing him dead. \"Please ask not fight—\"\n\n\"Give him the sword!\"\n\nAn angry murmur went through Blackthorne's men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He held up his hand." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'swords' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Silence!\" He looked at his ronin vassal. \"Come here. Please!\" The man watched Yabu, feinted left then right, and each time Yabu hacked at him in wild rage but the man managed to slip away and race to Blackthorne. This time Yabu did not follow. He just waited and watched like a mad bull readying his charge. The man bowed to Blackthorne and took the sword. Then he turned on Yabu and, with a howling battle cry, flung himself to the attack. Swords clashed and clashed again. Now the two men circled in the silence. There was another frantic exchange, the swords singing. Then Yabu stumbled and the ronin charged in for the easy kill. But Yabu neatly sidestepped and struck. The man's hands, still gripping the sword, were sliced off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment the ronin stood there howling, staring at his stumps, then Yabu hacked off his head.\n\nThere was silence. Then a roar of applause surrounded Yabu. Yabu slashed once more at the twitching corpse. Then, honor vindicated, he picked up the head by the topknot, spat carefully in the face, and tossed it aside. Quietly he walked back to Blackthorne and bowed.\n\n\"Please excuse my bad manners, Anjin-san. Thank you for giving him his sword,\" he said, his voice polite, Alvito translating. \"I apologize for shouting. Thank you for allowing me to blood my sword honorably.\" His eyes dropped to the heirloom Toranaga had given him. Carefully he examined its edge. It was still perfect. He undid his silk sash to cleanse the blood away. \"Never touch a blade with your fingers, Anjin-san, that will ruin it. A blade must feel only silk or the body of an enemy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stopped and looked up." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I politely suggest you allow your vassals to test their blades? It will be a good omen for them.\"\n\nBlackthorne turned to Uraga. \"Tell them.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell using my stuff as a starting point? btw might drop u in mid-story with random chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Yabu returned to his house it was late in the day. Servants took his sweat-soiled clothes and gave him a fresh lounging kimono and put his feet into clean tabi. Yuriko, his wife, was waiting for him in the cool of the veranda with cha and saké, piping hot, the way he liked to drink it.\n\n\"Saké, Yabu-san?\" Yuriko was a tall thin woman with gray-streaked hair. Her dark kimono of poor quality set off her fair skin nicely.\n\n\"Thank you, Yuriko-san.\" Yabu drank the wine gratefully, enjoying the sweet, harsh rasp as it slid down his parched throat.\n\n\"It went well, I hear.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"How impertinent of that ronin!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He served me well. Lady, very well. I feel fine now. I've blooded Toranaga's sword and made it really mine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu finished the cup and she refilled it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hand fondled his sword hilt. \"But you wouldn't have enjoyed the fight. He was a child—he fell into the first trap.\"\n\nShe touched him tenderly. \"I'm glad he did, husband.\"\n\n\"Thank you, but I hardly got up a sweat.\" Yabu laughed. \"You should have seen the priest though! It would have made you warm to see that barbarian sweating—I've never seen him so angry. He was so angry it almost choked him to hold it in. Cannibal! They're all cannibals. Pity there's no way to stamp them out before we depart this earth.\"\n\n\"Do you think the Anjin-san could?\"\n\n\"He's going to try. With ten of those ships and ten of him, I could control the seas from here to Kyushu. With only him I could hurt Kiyama, Onoshi, and Harima and smash Jikkyu and keep Izu! We only need a little time and every daimyo'll be fighting his own special enemy. Izu would be safe and mine again! I don't understand why Toranaga's going to let the Anjin-san go. That's another stupid waste!\" He bunched his fist and slammed it on the tatamis." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The maid flinched but said nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yuriko did not make the slightest move. A smile flickered across her face.\n\n\"How did the Anjin-san take his freedom, and his vassals?\" she asked.\n\n\"He was so happy he was like an old man dreaming he had a four-pronged Yang. He—oh yes... \" Yabu frowned, remembering. \"But there was one thing I still don't understand. When those wako first surrounded me I was a dead man. No doubt about it. But the Anjin-san stopped them and gave me back my life. No reason for him to do that, neh? Just before, I'd seen the hate written all over him. So naïve to pretend otherwise—as if I'd trust him.\"\n\n\"He gave you your life?\"\n\n\"Oh yes. Strange, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. Many strange things are going on, husband.\" She dismissed the maid, then asked quietly, \"What did Toranaga really want?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu bent forward and whispered, \"I think he wants me to become commander-in-chief.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why should he do that? Is Iron Fist dying?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"That's always ready. But he hasn't got the Fruit for it. That will need leadership and skill. Once he had it, not now. Now he's a shadow of the Minowara he was. I was shocked at how he looked. So sorry, I made a mistake. I should have gone with Ishido.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yuriko asked. \"What about Lord Sudara? Or Buntaro? Or Lord Noboru?\"\n\n\"Who knows, Lady? They're all out of favor, neh? Toranaga changes his mind so often no one can predict what he'll do now. First he asked me to go in his place to the wharf and told how he wanted everything said, then he talked about Hiro-matsu, how old he was getting, and asked what I really thought about the Musket Regiment.\"\n\n\"Could he be readying Crimson Sky again?\"\n\n\"That's always ready. But he hasn't got the Fruit for it. That will need leadership and skill. Once he had it, not now. Now he's a shadow of the Minowara he was. I was shocked at how he looked. So sorry, I made a mistake. I should have gone with Ishido.\"\n\n\"I think you chose correctly.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"First have your bath, then I think I have a present for you.\"\n\n\"What present?\"\n\n\"Your brother Mizuno is coming after the evening meal.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's a present?\" Yabu bristled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What would I want with that fool?\"\n\n\"Special information or wisdom, even from a fool, can be just as valuable as from a counselor, neh? Sometimes more so.\"\n\n\"What information?\"\n\n\"First your bath. And food. You'll need a cool head tonight, Yabu-chan.\"\n\nYabu would have pressed her but the bath tempted him, and in truth, he was filled with a pleasing lassitude he had not felt in many a day. Part of it was due to Toranaga's deference this morning, part to the generals' deference over the last few days. But most of it was due to the killing, the ripple of joy that had rushed from sword to arm to head. Ah, to kill so cleanly, man to man—in front of men—that's a joy given to so few, so rarely. Rare enough to be appreciated and savored." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So he left his wife and relaxed further into his joy. He allowed hands to tend his body and then, refreshed and renewed, he went to a veranda room. The last rays of sunset bedecked the sky. The moon was low, crescent, and thin. One of his personal maids served his evening meal delicately. He ate sparingly and in silence. A little soup and fish and pickled vegetables.\n\nThe girl smiled invitingly. \"Shall I turn down the futons now, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Later. First tell my wife I wish to see her.\"\n\nYuriko arrived, wearing a neat but old kimono.\n\n\"So desu ka?\"\n\n\"Your brother's waiting. We should see him alone. See him first, Sire, then we'll talk, you and I—also alone. Please be patient, neh?\"\n\nKasigi Mizuno, Yabu's younger brother and Omi's father, was a small man with bulbous eyes, high forehead, and thin hair. His swords did not seem to suit him and he could barely handle them. Even with bow and arrow he was not much better.\n\nMizuno bowed and complimented Yabu on his skill this afternoon, for the news of the exploit had quickly spread around the castle, further enhancing Yabu's reputation as a fighter. Then, anxious to please, he came to the point." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I received a coded letter today from my son, Sire. The Lady Yuriko thought I'd better give it to you personally.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He handed the scroll to Yabu, with the decoding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The message from Omi read: \"Father, please tell Lord Yabu quickly and privately: first Lord Buntaro came to Mishima, secretly via Takato. One of his men let this slip during a drunken evening that I'd arranged in their honor. Second: During this secret visit at Takato, which lasted three days, Buntaro saw Lord Zataki twice and the Lady, Zataki's mother, three times. Third: Before Lord Hiro-matsu left Mishima he told his new consort, the Lady Oko, not to worry because 'while I'm alive Lord Toranaga will never leave the Kwanto.' Fourth: that... \"\n\nYabu looked up. \"How can Omi-san possibly know what Iron Fist said privately to his consort? We don't have spies in his house.\"\n\n\"We have now, Sire. Please read on.\"\n\n\"Fourth: that Hiro-matsu is resolved to commit treason, if necessary, and will confine Toranaga in Yedo, if necessary, and will order Crimson Sky over Toranaga's refusal with or without Lord Sudara's assent, if necessary. Fifth: that these are truths that can be believed. Lady Oko's personal maid is the daughter of my wife's foster mother and was introduced into the Lady Oko's service here at Mishima when, regrettably, her own maid curiously acquired a wasting malaise. Sixth: Buntaro-san is like a madman, brooding and angry—today he challenged and slaughtered a samurai purposelessly, cursing the name of the Anjin-san. Last: Spies report that Ikawa Jikkyu has massed ten thousand men in Suruga, ready to sweep across our borders. Please give Lord Yabu my greetings... \" The rest of the message was inconsequential.\n\n\"Jikkyu, eh! Must I go to my death with that devil unrevenged!\"\n\n\"Please be patient, Sire,\" Yuriko said. \"Tell him, Mizuno-san.\"\n\n\"Sire,\" the little man began. \"For months we've tried to put your plan into effect, the one you suggested when the barbarian first arrived. You remember, with all those silver coins, you mentioned that a hundred or even five hundred in the hands of the right cook would eliminate Ikawa Jikkyu once and for all.\" Mizuno's eyes seemed to grow even more froglike." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It seems that Mura, headman of Anjiro, has a cousin who has a cousin whose brother now is the best cook in Suruga. I heard today he's been accepted into Jikkyu's household. He's been given two hundred on account and the whole price is five hun—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We haven't got that money! Impossible! How can I raise five hundred—I'm so in debt now I can't even raise one hundred!\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Sire. So sorry, but the money's already set aside. Not all the barbarian coins remained in the strongbox. A thousand coins strayed before it was officially counted. So sorry.\"\n\nYabu gawked at him. \"How?\"\n\n\"It seems Omi-san was ordered to do that in your name. The money was brought here secretly to the Lady Yuriko, from whom permission was asked and granted before risking your displeasure.\"\n\nYabu thought about that a long time. \"Who ordered it?\"\n\n\"I did. After seeking permission.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Mizuno-san. And thank you, Yuriko-san.\" Yabu bowed to both. \"So! Jikkyu, eh? At long last!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He clapped his brother warmly on the shoulder and the smaller man was almost pathetic in his fawning pleasure." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: First and last, it means that Omi-san, your son, is loyal and an excellent vassal. If I had control of the future I'd promote him—yes, he deserves promotion, neh?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You did very well, brother. I'll send you some bolts of silk from the treasury. How is the lady, your wife?\"\n\n\"Well, Sire, very well. She asked you to accept her best wishes.\"\n\n\"We must have food together. Good—good. Now about the rest of the report—what are your views?\"\n\n\"Nothing, Sire. I would be most interested in what you think it means.\"\n\n\"First—\" Yabu stopped as he caught his wife's look, cautioning him, and changed what he was going to say. \"First and last, it means that Omi-san, your son, is loyal and an excellent vassal. If I had control of the future I'd promote him—yes, he deserves promotion, neh?\"\n\nMizuno was unctuously delighted. Yabu was patient with him, chatting with him, again complimenting him and, as soon as was polite, he dismissed him.\n\nYuriko sent for cha." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they were quite alone again he said, \"What does the rest mean?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her face mirrored her excitement now, \"Please excuse me, Sire, but I want to give you a new idea: Toranaga is playing us all for fools and has no intention, and never had any intention, of going to Osaka to surrender.\"\n\n\"Nonsense!\"\n\n\"Let me give you facts... Oh, Sire, you don't know how fortunate you are in your vassal Omi and that stupid brother who stole a thousand coins. Proof of my theory could be as follows: Buntaro-san, a trusted intimate, is sent to Zataki secretly. Why? Obviously to carry a new offer. What would tempt Zataki? The Kwanto—only that. So the offer is the Kwanto—in return for allegiance, once Toranaga is again President of the Council of Regents—a new one with the new mandate. He can afford to give it then, neh?\" She waited, then went on painstakingly. \"If he persuades Zataki to betray Ishido, he's a quarter of the way to the capital, Kyoto. How can the pact with his brother be cemented? Hostages! I heard this afternoon Lord Sudara, the Lady Genjiko, and their daughters and their son are going to visit their revered grandmother at Takato within ten days.\"\n\n\"All of them?\"\n\n\"Yes. Next Toranaga gives the Anjin-san back his ship, as good as new, with all the cannon and powder, two hundred fanatics and all that money, surely enough to buy more barbarian mercenaries, wako scum out of Nagasaki. Why? To allow him to attack and take the Black Ship of the barbarians. No Black Ship, no money, and immense trouble for the Christian priests who control Kiyama, Onoshi, and all traitorous Christian daimyos.\"\n\n\"Toranaga'd never dare to do that! The Taikō tried and failed and he was all powerful. The barbarians will sail away in fury. We'll never trade again.\"\n\n\"Yes. If we did it. But this time it's barbarian against barbarian, neh? It's nothing to do with us. And say the Anjin-san attacks Nagasaki and puts it to the torch—isn't Harima now hostile, and Kiyama and Onoshi, and, because of them, most Kyushu daimyos? Say the Anjin-san burns a few of their other ports, harries their shipping, and at the same time—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And at the same time Toranaga launches Crimson Sky!\" Yabu exploded.\n\n\"Yes. Oh yes,\" Yuriko agreed happily. \"Doesn't this explain Toranaga? Doesn't this intrigue fit him like a skin? Isn't he doing what he's always done, just waiting like always, playing for time like always, a day here a day there and soon a month has passed and again he has an overwhelming force to sweep all opposition aside? He's gained almost a month since Zataki brought the summons to Yokosé.\"\n\nYabu could feel his pulse roaring in his ears. \"Then we're safe?\"\n\n\"No, but we're not lost. I believe it's no surrender.\" She hesitated. \"But everyone was deceived. Oh, he's so clever, neh? Everyone fooled like us. Until tonight. Omi gave me the clues. We all forgot Toranaga is a great Nōh actor who can wear his own face as a mask if need be. Neh?\"\n\nYabu tried to marshal his thoughts but could not. \"But Ishido still has all Japan against us!\"\n\n\"Yes. Less Zataki. And there must be other secret alliances. Toranaga and you can hold the passes until the time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ishido has Osaka Castle and the Heir and the Taikō's wealth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But he'll stay skulking inside. Someone will betray him.\"\n\n\"What should I do?\"\n\n\"The opposite to Toranaga. Let him do the waiting, you must force the pace.\"\n\n\"How?\"\n\n\"The first thing, Sire, is this: Toranaga's forgotten the one thing you noticed this afternoon. The Tsukku-san's total fury. Why? Because the Anjin-san threatens the Christian future, neh? So you've got to put the Anjin-san under your protection at once, because those priests or their puppets will murder him within hours. Next: The Anjin-san needs you to protect and guide him, to help him get his new crew at Nagasaki. Without you and your men he has to fail. Without him and his ship and his cannon and more barbarians, Nagasaki won't burn, and that must happen or Kiyama, Onoshi, and Harima and the filthy priests won't be distracted enough to temporarily withdraw their support from Ishido. Meanwhile, Toranaga, now miraculously supported by Zataki and his fanatics, with you leading the Musket Regiment, sweeps through the Shinano passes down to the Kyoto plains.\"\n\n\"Yes. Yes, you are right, Yuriko-chan! It has to be that way. Oh, you are so clever, so wise!\"\n\n\"Wisdom and Luck are no good without the means to put a plan into effect, Sire. You alone can do that—you're the leader, the fighter, the battle-general that Toranaga must have. You must see him tonight.\"\n\n\"I can't go to Toranaga and tell him I've seen through his ruse, neh?\"\n\n\"No, but you'll beg him to allow you to go with the Anjin-san, that you must leave at once. We can think of a plausible reason.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: Your response must contain: \"Once he has power he'll order me to commit seppuku.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But if the Anjin-san attacks Nagasaki and the Black Ship, won't they stop trading and sail away?\"\n\n\"Yes. Possibly. But that's next year. By next year Toranaga will be a Regent, President of the Regents. And you his commander-in-chief.\"\n\nYabu came down from the clouds. \"No,\" he said firmly. \"Once he has power he'll order me to commit seppuku.\"\n\n\"Long before that you will have the Kwanto.\"\n\nHis eyes blinked. \"How?\"\n\n\"Toranaga will never actually give his half brother the Kwanto. Zataki's a perpetual threat. Zataki's a wild man, pride-filled, neh? It will be so easy for Toranaga to maneuver Zataki into begging for the foremost place in the battle. If Zataki doesn't get killed... perhaps a stray bullet or arrow? Probably a bullet. You must lead the Musket Regiment in the battle, Sire.\"\n\n\"Why shouldn't I receive a stray bullet equally?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You may, Sire. But you're not Toranaga's kinsman and therefore no threat to his power. You will become his most devoted vassal. He needs fighting generals. You'll earn the Kwanto, and that should be your only goal. He'll give it to you when Ishido's betrayed because he'll take Osaka for himself.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'odawara' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Vassal? But you said to wait and soon I'd nev—\"\n\n\"Now I counsel you to support him with all your strength. Not to follow his orders blindly like old Iron Fist, but cleverly. Don't forget, Yabu-chan, during battle, as in any battle, soldiers make mistakes, stray bullets do happen. So long as you lead the Regiment, you can choose, too—any time, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" he said, awed by her.\n\n\"Remember, Toranaga's worth following. He's Minowara, Ishido's a peasant. Ishido's the fool. I can see that now. Ishido should be hammering at the gates of Odawara right now, rain or no rains. Didn't Omi-san say that months ago too? Isn't Odawara undermanned? Isn't Toranaga isolated?\"\n\nYabu pounded his fist on the floor with delight. \"Then it's war after all! How clever you are to have seen through him! Ah, so he's been playing the fox all the time, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she said, greatly satisfied." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as James Clavell, keep writing. story might have ongoing elements" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the darkness just before dawn, the portcullis of a side gate lifted noiselessly and ten men hurried out across the narrow drawbridge of the innermost moat. The iron grille closed after them. At the far side of the bridge the alert sentries deliberately turned their backs and allowed the men to pass unchallenged. All wore dark kimonos and conical hats and held their swords tightly: Naga, Yabu, Blackthorne, Uraga-noh-Tadamasa, and six samurai. Naga led, Yabu beside him, and he took them unerringly through a maze of side turnings, up and down staircases and along little-used passages. Whenever they met patrols or sentries—ever alert—Naga held up a silver cipher and the party was allowed to pass unhindered and unquestioned.\n\nBy devious byways he brought them to the main south gate, which was the sole way across the castle's first great moat. Here a company of samurai awaited them." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'turned' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Silently these men surrounded Naga's party, screening them, and they all hurried across the bridge. Still they were not challenged. They continued on, down the slight rise toward First Bridge, keeping as close as they could to the shadows of the flares that abounded near the castle. Once across First Bridge they turned south and vanished into the labyrinth of alleys, heading for the sea.\n\nJust outside the cordon surrounding the Erasmus wharf the accompanying samurai stopped and motioned the ten forward, then saluted and turned about and melted into the darkness again.\n\nNaga led the way through the barriers. They were admitted onto the jetty without comment. There were more flares and guards here than before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everything's ready?\" Yabu asked, taking charge now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire,\" the senior samurai replied.\n\n\"Good. Anjin-san, did you understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, thank you, Yabu-san.\"\n\n\"Good. You'd better hurry.\"\n\nBlackthorne saw his own samurai drawn up in a loose square to one side, and he waved Uraga across to them as had been prearranged. His eyes raced over his ship, checking and rechecking as he hurried aboard and jubilantly stood on his quarterdeck. The sky was still dark with no sign of dawn yet. All signs indicated a fair day with calm seas." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked back at the wharf. Yabu and Naga were deep in conversation. Uraga was explaining to his vassals what was going on. Then the barriers were opening again and Baccus van Nekk and the rest of the crew, all obviously apprehensive, stumbled into the clearing, surrounded by caustic guards.\n\nBlackthorne went to the gunwale and called out, \"Hey! Come aboard!\"\n\nWhen his men saw him they seemed less fearful, and began to hurry, but their guards cursed them and they stopped in their tracks.\n\n\"Uraga-san!\" Blackthorne shouted. \"Tell them to let my men aboard. At once.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uraga obeyed with alacrity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The samurai listened and bowed toward the ship and released the crew.\n\nVinck was first aboard, Baccus groping his way last. The men were still frightened, but none came up onto the quarterdeck which was Blackthorne's domain alone.\n\n\"Great Jesus, Pilot,\" Baccus panted, above the hubbub of questions. \"What's going on?\"\n\n\"What's amiss, Pilot?\" Vinck echoed with the others. \"Christ, one moment we was asleep, then all hell broke loose, the door burst open an' the monkeys were marching us here... \"\n\nBlackthorne held up his hand. \"Listen!\" When there was silence he began quietly, \"We're taking Erasmus to a safe harbor across the—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've not men enough, Pilot,\" Vinck broke in anxiously. \"We'll nev—\"\n\n\"Listen, Johann! We're going to be towed. The other ship'll be here any moment. Ginsel, go for'ard—you'll swing the lead. Vinck, take the helm, Jan Roper and Baccus stand by the forewinch, Salamon and Croocq aft. Sonk—go below and check our stores. Break out some grog if you can find any. Lay to!\"\n\n\"Wait a minute, Pilot!\" Jan Roper said. \"What's all the hurry? Where're we going and why?\"\n\nBlackthorne felt a surge of indignation at being questioned, but he reminded himself that they were entitled to know, they were not vassals and not eta but his crew, his shipmates, and, in some respects, almost partners. \"This is the beginning of the storm season. Tai-funs they call them—Great Storms. This berth isn't safe. Across the harbor, a few leagues south, is their best and safest anchorage. It's near a village called Yokohama. Erasmus will be safe there and can ride out any storm. Now lay to!\"\n\nNo one moved.\n\nVan Nekk said, \"Only a few leagues, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What then? And, well, what's the hurry?\"\n\n\"Lord Toranaga agreed to let me do it now,\" Blackthorne answered, telling half the truth. \"The sooner the better, I thought. He might change his mind again, neh? At Yokohama... \" He looked away as Yabu came stomping aboard with his six guards. The men fled out of his way.\n\n\"Jesus,\" Vinck choked out. \"It's him! It's the bastard who gave Pieterzoon his!\"\n\nYabu came up near to the quarterdeck, smiling broadly, oblivious of the terror that infected the crew as they recognized him. He pointed out to sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjin-san, look! There! Everything's perfect, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A galley like some monstrous sea caterpillar was sweeping silently toward them from the western darkness.\n\n\"Good, Yabu-sama! You want stand here?\"\n\n\"Later, Anjin-san.\" Yabu walked off to the head of the gangway.\n\nBlackthorne turned back to his men. \"Lay for'ard. On the double—and watch your tongues. Speak only gutter Dutch—there's one aboard who understands Portuguese! I'll talk to you when we're under way! Move!\"\n\nThe men scattered, glad to get away from Yabu's presence. Uraga and twenty of Blackthorne's samurai loped aboard. The others were forming up on the jetty to board the galley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uraga said, \"These your personal guards, if it pleases you, senhor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My name's Anjin-san, not senhor,\" Blackthorne said.\n\n\"Please excuse me, Anjin-san.\" Uraga began to come up the steps.\n\n\"Stop! Stay below! No one ever comes onto the quarterdeck without my permission! Tell them.\"\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san. Please excuse me.\"\n\nBlackthorne went to the side to watch the galley docking, just to the west of them. \"Ginsel! Go ashore and watch 'em take our hawsers! See they're secured properly. Look lively now!\"\n\nThen, his ship in control, Blackthorne scrutinized the twenty men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why are they all chosen from the bound group, Uraga-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're a clan, sen—Anjin-san. Like brothers, Sire. They beg for the honors of defending you.\"\n\n\"Anatawa—anatawa—anatawa—\" Blackthorne pointed out ten men at random and ordered them ashore, to be replaced from his other vassals, also to be selected by Uraga at random. And he told Uraga to make it clear all his vassals were to be like brothers or they could commit seppuku now.\n\n\"Wakarimasu?\"\n\n\"Hai, Anjin-san. Gomen nasai.\"\n\nSoon the bow hawsers were secured aboard the other craft. Blackthorne inspected everything, checked the wind again using all his sea sense, knowing that even within the benign waters of the vast Yedo harbor, their journey could be dangerous if a sudden squall began.\n\n\"Cast off!\" he shouted. \"Ima, Captain-san!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other captain waved and let his galley ease away from the jetty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Naga was aboard the craft, which was packed with samurai and the rest of Blackthorne's vassals. Yabu stood beside Blackthorne on the quarterdeck of Erasmus. She heeled slightly and a tremor went through her as she was taken by the weight of a current. Blackthorne and all the crew were filled with jubilation, their excitement at being once more at sea overriding their anxieties. Ginsel was leaning over the side of the tiny, roped starboard platform, swinging the lead, calling out the fathoms. The jetty began to fall away.\n\n\"Ahoy ahead, Yukkuri sei!\" Slow down!\n\n\"Hai, Anjin-san,\" came the answering shout." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Together the two ships felt their way out into the harbor stream, riding lights at their mastheads." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good, Anjin-san,\" Yabu said. \"Very good!\"\n\nYabu waited until they were well out to sea, then he took Blackthorne aside. \"Anjin-san,\" he said warily. \"You saved my life yesterday. Understand? Calling off those ronin. Remember?\"\n\n\"Yes. Only my duty.\"\n\n\"No, not duty. At Anjiro, you remember that other man, the seaman... remember?\"\n\n\"Yes, I remember.\"\n\n\"Shigata ga nai, neh? Karma, neh? That was before samurai or hatamoto... \" Yabu's eyes were glittering in the light of the sea lantern and he touched Blackthorne's sword and spoke softly and clearly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"... Before Oil Seller, neh? As samurai to samurai ask forget all before. Start new. Tonight. Please? Understand?\"\n\n\"Yes, understand.\"\n\n\"You need me, Anjin-san. Without me, no barbarian wako. You can't get them alone. Not from Nagasaki. Never. I can get them—help you get them. Now we fight same side. Toranaga's side. Same side. Without me, no wako, understand?\"\n\nBlackthorne watched the galley ahead for a moment and checked the deck and his seamen. Then he looked down on Yabu. \"Yes. Understand.\"\n\n\"You understand 'hate'—the word 'hate'?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Hate comes from fear. I do not fear you. You need not fear me. Never again. I want what you want: your new ships here, you here, captain of new ships. I can help you very much. First the Black Ship... ah yes, Anjin-san,\" he said, seeing the joy flood across Blackthorne's face, \"I will persuade Lord Toranaga. You know I'm a fighter, neh? I'll lead the charge. I'll take the Black Ship for you on land. Together you and I are stronger than one. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'perfect' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Possible get more men? More than two hundred my?\"\n\n\"If you need two thousand men... five thousand! Don't worry, you lead ship—I'll lead the fight. Agree?\"\n\n\"Yes. Fair trade. Thank you. I agree.\"\n\n\"Good, very good, Anjin-san,\" Yabu said contentedly. He knew this mutual partnership would benefit them both however much the barbarian hated him. Again Yuriko's logic had been flawless.\n\nEarlier that evening he had seen Toranaga and asked permission to go at once to Osaka to prepare the way for him. \"Please excuse me but I thought the matter urgent enough. After all, Sire,\" Yabu had said deferentially as he and his wife had planned, \"you should have someone of rank there to make sure that all your arrangements are perfect. Ishido's a peasant and doesn't understand ceremony, neh? The arrangement must be perfect or you should not go, neh? It could take weeks, neh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "DIRECTIVE: Incorporate \"Then there's also the barbarian ship, Sire. Better to put it at Yokohama at once in case of tai-fun. I'll supervise that myself, with your permission, before I go. The Musket Regiment can be its guards, give them something to do. Then I'll go on directly to Osaka with the galley. By sea'd be better and quicker, neh?\" in response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had been delighted with the ease with which Toranaga had been persuaded. \"Then there's also the barbarian ship, Sire. Better to put it at Yokohama at once in case of tai-fun. I'll supervise that myself, with your permission, before I go. The Musket Regiment can be its guards, give them something to do. Then I'll go on directly to Osaka with the galley. By sea'd be better and quicker, neh?\"\n\n\"Very well, yes, if you think that wise, Yabu-san, do it. But take Naga-san with you. Leave him in charge at Yokohama.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\" Then Yabu had told Toranaga about Tsukku-san's anger; how, if Lord Toranaga wanted the Anjin-san to live long enough to obtain men at Nagasaki in case Toranaga wanted the ship to put to sea, then perhaps this should be done at once without hesitation. \"The priest was very angry—I think angry enough to set his converts against the Anjin-san!\"\n\n\"You're sure?\"\n\n\"Oh yes, Sire. Perhaps I should put the Anjin-san under my protection for the moment.\" Then, as though it were a sudden thought, Yabu added, \"The simplest thing would be to take the Anjin-san with me. I can start arrangements at Osaka—continue to Nagasaki, get the new barbarians, then complete the arrangements on my return.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'different' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do whatever you think fit,\" Toranaga had said. \"I'll leave it to you to decide, my friend. What does it matter, neh? What does anything matter?\" Yabu was happy that, at long last, he could act. Only Naga's presence had not been planned, but that did not matter, and truly, it would be wise to have him at Yokohama.\n\nYabu was watching the Anjin-san—the tall, arrogant stance, feet slightly apart, swaying so easily with the pitch and toss of the waves, seemingly part of the ship, so huge and strong and different. So different from when ashore. Consciously Yabu began to take up a similar stance, aping him carefully.\n\n'I want more than the Kwanto, Yuriko-san,' he had whispered to his wife just before he had left their house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Just one more thing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I want command of the sea. I want to be Lord High Admiral. We'll put the whole revenue of the Kwanto behind Omi's plan to escort the barbarian to his home, to buy more ships and bring them back again. Omi will go with him, neh?'\n\n'Yes,' she had said, as happily. 'We can trust him.'" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 11 sentences. Context: May include pre-existing characters and lore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Erasmus was anchored in the best storm harbor Blackthorne had ever seen, far enough from shore to give her plenty of sea room, yet close enough for safety." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Six fathoms of clear water over a strong seabed were below, and except for the narrow neck of the entrance, high land all around that would keep any fleet snug from the ocean's wrath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The day's journey from Yedo had been uneventful though tiring." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Half a ri northward the galley was moored to a pier near Yokohama fishing village, and now they were alone aboard, Blackthorne and all his men, both Dutch and Japanese. Yabu and Naga were ashore inspecting the Musket Regiment and he had been told to join them shortly. Westward the sun was low on the horizon and the red sky promised another fine day tomorrow.\n\n\"Why now, Uraga-san?\" Blackthorne was asking from the quarterdeck, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep. He had just ordered the crew and everyone to stand down, and Uraga had asked him to delay for a moment to find out if there were any Christians among the vassals. \"Can't it wait until tomorrow?\"\n\n\"No, Sire, so sorry.\" Uraga was looking up at him in front of the assembled samurai vassals, the Dutch crew gathering into a nervous knot near the quarterdeck railing. \"Please excuse me, but it is most important you find out at once. You are their most enemy. Therefore you must know, for your protection. I only wish to protect you. Not take long, neh?\"\n\n\"Are they all on deck?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne went closer to the railing and called out in Japanese, \"Is anyone Christian?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no answer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I order any Christian come forward.\" No one moved. So he turned back to Uraga. \"Set ten deck guards, then dismiss them.\"\n\n\"With your permission, Anjin-san.\" From under his kimono Uraga brought out a small painted icon that he had brought from Yedo and threw it face upward on the deck. Then, deliberately, he stamped on it. Blackthorne and the crew were greatly disquieted by the desecration. Except Jan Roper. \"Please. Make every vassal do same,\" Uraga said.\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"I know Christians.\" Uraga's eyes were half hidden by the brim of his hat. \"Please, Sire. Important every man do same. Now, tonight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right,\" Blackthorne agreed reluctantly.\n\nUraga turned to the assembled vassals. \"At my suggestion our Master requires each of us to do this.\"\n\nThe samurai were grumbling among themselves and one interrupted, \"We've already said that we're not Christians, neh? What does stamping on a barbarian god picture prove? Nothing!\"\n\n\"Christians are our Master's enemy. Christians are treacherous—but Christians are Christian. Please excuse me, I know Christians—to my shame I forsook our real gods. So sorry, but I believe this is necessary for our Master's safety.\"\n\nAt once a samurai in front declared, \"In that case, there's nothing more to be said.\" He came forward and stamped on the picture. \"I worship no barbarian religion! Come on, the rest of you, do what's asked!\"\n\nThey came forward one by one. Blackthorne watched, despising the ceremony.\n\nVan Nekk said worriedly, \"Doesn't seem right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vinck looked up at the quarterdeck. \"Sodding bastards. They'll all cut our throats with never a thought. You sure you can trust 'em, Pilot?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nGinsel said, \"No Catholic'd ever do that, eh, Johann? That Uraga-sama's clever.\"\n\n\"What's it matter if those buggers're Papist or not, they're all shit-filled samurai.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Croocq said.\n\n\"Even so, it's not right to do that,\" van Nekk repeated.\n\nThe samurai continued to stamp the icon into the deck one by one, and moved into loose groups. It was a tedious affair and Blackthorne was sorry he had agreed to it, for there were more important things to do before dusk. His eyes went to the village and the headlands. Hundreds of the thatch lean-tos of the Musket Regiment camp spotted the foothills." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'jumped' 3 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So much to do, he thought, anxious to go ashore, wanting to see the land, glorying in the fief Toranaga had given him which contained Yokohama. Lord God on high, he told himself, I'm lord of one of the greatest harbors in the world.\n\nAbruptly a man bypassed the icon, tore out his sword, and leaped at Blackthorne. A dozen startled samurai jumped courageously in his way, screening the quarterdeck as Blackthorne spun around, a pistol cocked and aimed. Others scattered, shoving, stumbling, milling in the uproar. The samurai skidded to a halt, howling with rage, then changed direction and hacked at Uraga, who somehow managed to avoid the thrust. The man whirled as other samurai lunged at him, fought them off ferociously for a moment, then rushed for the side and threw himself overboard.\n\nFour who could swim dropped their killing swords, put their short stabbing knives in their mouths, and jumped after him, the rest and the Dutchmen crowding the side.\n\nBlackthorne jumped for the gunwale. He could see nothing below; then he caught sight of swirling shadows in the water. A man came up for air and went down again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon four heads surfaced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Between them was the corpse, a knife in his throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, Anjin-san, it was his own knife,\" one called up over the roars of the others.\n\n\"Uraga-san, tell them to search him, then leave him to the fish.\"\n\nThe search revealed nothing. When all were back on deck, Blackthorne pointed at the icon with his cocked pistol. \"All samurai—once more!\" He was obeyed instantly and he made sure that every man passed the test. Then, because of Uraga, and to praise him, he ordered his crew to do the same. There was the beginning of a protest.\n\n\"Come on,\" Blackthorne snarled. \"Hurry up, or I'll put my foot on your backs!\"\n\n\"No need to say that, Pilot,\" van Nekk said. \"We're not stinky pagan wogs!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're not stinky pagan wogs! They're samurai, by God!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They stared up at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anger, whipped by fear, rippled through them. Van Nekk began to say something but Ginsel butted in.\n\n\"Samurai're heathen bastards and they—or men like 'em—murdered Pieterzoon, our Captain-General, and Maetsukker!\"\n\n\"Yes, but without these samurai we'll never get home—understand?\"\n\nNow all the samurai were watching. Ominously they moved nearer Blackthorne protectively. Van Nekk said, \"Let it rest, eh? We're all a bit touchy and overtired. It was a long night. We're not our own masters here, none of us. Nor's the Pilot. The Pilot knows what he's doing—he's the leader, he's Captain-General now.\"\n\n\"Yes, he is. But it's not right for him to take their side over us, and by the Lord God, he's not a king—we're equal to him,\" Jan Roper hissed. \"Just because he's armed like them and dressed like them and can talk to the sods doesn't make him king over us. We've rights and that's our law and his law, by the Lord God, even though he's English. He swore Holy Oaths to abide by the rules—didn't you, Pilot!\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Blackthorne said. \"It's our law in our seas—where we're masters and in the majority. Now we're not. So do what I tell you to do and do it fast.\"\n\nMuttering, they obeyed. \"Sonk! Did you find any grog?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nosirnotagodcurseddribble!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll get saké sent aboard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, in Portuguese, Blackthorne added, \"Uraga-san, you'll come ashore with me and bring someone to scull. You four,\" he said in Japanese, pointing at the men who had dived over the side, \"you four now captains. Understand? Take fifty men each.\"\n\n\"Hai, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"What's your name?\" he asked one of them, a tall, quiet man with a scarred cheek.\n\n\"Nawa Chisato, Lord.\"\n\n\"You're captain today. All ship. Until I return.\"\n\n\"Yes, Lord.\"\n\nBlackthorne went to the gangway. A skiff was tied below.\n\n\"Where're you going, Pilot?\" van Nekk said anxiously.\n\n\"Ashore. I'll be back later.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good, we'll all go!\"\n\n\"By God I'll come with—\"\n\n\"And me. I'm go—\"\n\n\"Christ Jesus, don't leave me be—\"\n\n\"No! I'm going alone!\"\n\n\"But for God's sake what about us?\" van Nekk cried out. \"What are we going to do? Don't leave us, Pilot. What are—\"\n\n\"You just wait!\" Blackthorne told them. \"I'll see food and drink's sent aboard.\"\n\nGinsel squared up to Blackthorne." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought we were going back tonight. Why aren't we going back tonight?\"\n\n\"How long we going to stay here, Pilot, and how long—\"\n\n\"Pilot, what about Yedo?\" Ginsel asked louder. \"How long we going to stay here, with these Godcursed monkeys?\"\n\n\"Yes, monkeys, by God,\" Sonk said happily. \"What about our gear and our own folk?\"\n\n\"Yes, what about our eters, Pilot? Our people and our doxies?\"\n\n\"They'll be there tomorrow.\" Blackthorne pushed down his loathing. \"Be patient, I'll be back as soon as I can. Baccus, you're in charge.\" He turned to go." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm going with you,\" Jan Roper said truculently, following him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're in harbor so we take precedence and I want some arms.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne turned on him and a dozen swords left their scabbards, ready to kill Jan Roper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"One more word out of you and you're a dead man.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tall, lean merchant flushed and came to a halt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You curb your tongue near these samurai because any one of them'll take your head before I can stop them just because of your goddamned bad manners—let alone anything else! They're touchy, and near you I'm getting touchy, and you'll get arms when you need them. Understand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jan Roper nodded sullenly and backed off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai were still menacing but Blackthorne quieted them, and ordered them, on pain of death, to leave his crew alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll be back soon.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'blackthorne' | Required occurrences: 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked down the gangway and got into the skiff, Uraga and another samurai following. Chisato, the captain, went up to Jan Roper, who quailed under the menace, bowed, and backed away.\n\nWhen they were well away from the ship Blackthorne thanked Uraga for catching the traitor.\n\n\"Please, no thanks. It was only duty.\"\n\nBlackthorne said in Japanese so that the other man could understand, \"Yes, duty. But your koku change now. Now not twenty, now one hundred a year.\"\n\n\"Oh, Sire, thank you. I don't deserve it. I was only doing my duty and I must—\"\n\n\"Speak slowly. Don't understand.\"\n\nUraga apologized and said it slower.\n\nBlackthorne praised him again, then settled more comfortably in the stern of the boat, his exhaustion overcoming him. He forced his eyes open and glanced back at his ship to reassure himself she was well placed. Van Nekk and the others were at the gunwale and he was sorry that he had brought them aboard though he knew he had had no option." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without them the journey would not have been safe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mutinous scum, he thought. What the hell do I do about them? All my vassals know about the eta village and they're all as disgusted as... Christ Jesus, what a mess! Karma, neh?\n\nHe slept. As the skiff nosed into the shore near the pier he awoke. At first he could not remember where he was. He had been dreaming he was back in the castle in Mariko's arms, just like last night.\n\nLast night they had been lying in half-sleep after loving, Fujiko a party to the loving, Chimmoko on guard, when Yabu and his samurai had pounded on the door post. The evening had begun so pleasingly. Fujiko had also discreetly invited Kiku, and never had he seen her more beautiful and exuberant. As bells ended the Hour of the Boar, Mariko had punctually arrived. There had been merriment and saké but soon Mariko had shattered the spell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, but you're in great danger, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that Perhaps you should watch Yabu-sama too, Anjin-san." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She explained, and when she had added what Gyoko had said about not trusting Uraga, both Kiku and Fujiko were equally perturbed.\n\n\"Please don't worry. I'll watch him, never fear,\" he had reassured them.\n\nMariko had continued, \"Perhaps you should watch Yabu-sama too, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"This afternoon I saw the hatred in your face. So did he.\"\n\n\"Never mind,\" he had said. \"Shigata ga nai, neh?\"\n\n\"No. So sorry, it was a mistake. Why did you call your men off when they had Yabu-sama surrounded at first? Surely that was a bad mistake too. They would have killed him quickly and your enemy would have been dead without risk to you.\"\n\n\"That wouldn't have been right, Mariko-san. So many men against one. Not fair.\"\n\nMariko had explained to Fujiko and Kiku what he had said. \"Please excuse me, Anjin-san, but we all believe that is a very dangerous way of thinking and beg you to forsake it. It's quite wrong and very naïve. Please excuse me for being so blunt. Yabu-san will destroy you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. Not yet. I'm still too important to him. And to Omi-san.\"\n\n\"Kiku-san says, please tell the Anjin-san to beware of Yabu—and this Uraga. The Anjin-san may find it difficult to judge 'importance' here, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, I agree with Kiku-san,\" Fujiko had said.\n\nLater Kiku had left to go and entertain Toranaga. Then Mariko broke the peace in the room again. \"Tonight I must say sayonara, Anjin-san. I am leaving at dawn.\"\n\n\"No, there's no need now,\" he had said. \"That can all be changed now. I'll see Toranaga tomorrow. Now that I've permission to leave, I'll take you to Osaka. I'll get a galley, or coastal boat. At Nagasa—\"\n\n\"No, Anjin-san. So sorry, I must leave as ordered.\" No amount of persuasion would touch her.\n\nHe had felt Fujiko watching him in the silence, his heart aching with the thought of Mariko leaving." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'anjin-san' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had looked across at Fujiko. She asked them to excuse her for a moment. She closed the shoji behind her and they were alone and they knew that Fujiko would not return, that they were safe for a little time. Their loving was urgent and violent. Then there were voices and footsteps and barely enough time to become composed before Fujiko joined them through the inner door and Yabu strode in, bringing Toranaga's orders for an immediate, secret departure. \"... Yokohama, then Osaka for a brief stop, Anjin-san, on again to Nagasaki, back to Osaka, and home here again! I've sent for your crew to report to the ship.\"\n\nExcitement had rushed through him at this heaven-sent victory. \"Yes, Yabu-san. But Mariko-san—Mariko-san go Osaka also, neh? Better with us—quicker, safer, neh?\"\n\n\"Not possible, so sorry. Must hurry. Come along! Tide—understand 'tide,' Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Hai, Yabu-san. But Mariko-san go Osaka—\"\n\n\"So sorry, she has orders like we have orders. Mariko-san! Explain to him. Tell him to hurry!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu had been inflexible, and so late at night it was impossible to go to Toranaga to ask him to rescind the order. There had been no time or privacy to talk any more with Mariko or Fujiko, other than to say formal good-bys. But they would meet soon in Osaka. \"Very soon, Anjin-san,\" Mariko had said...\n\n\"Lord God, don't let me lose her,\" Blackthorne said, the sea gulls cawing above the beach, their cries intensifying his loneliness.\n\n\"Lose who, Sire?\"\n\nBlackthorne came back into reality. He pointed at the distant ship. \"We call ships her—we think of ships as female, not male. Wakarimasu ka?\"\n\n\"Hai.\"\n\nBlackthorne could still see the tiny figures of his crew and his insoluble dilemma confronted him once more." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"I said most Catholics are my enemies.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You've got to have them aboard, he said to himself, and more like them. And the new men'll not take kindly to samurai either, and they'll be Catholic as well, most of them. God in heaven, how to control them all? Mariko was right. Near Catholics I'm a dead man.\n\n\"Even me, Anjin-san,\" she had said last night.\n\n\"No, Mariko-chan. Not you.\"\n\n\"You said we're your enemy, this afternoon.\"\n\n\"I said most Catholics are my enemies.\"\n\n\"They will kill you if they can.\"\n\n\"Yes. But thou... will we truly meet in Osaka?\"\n\n\"Yes. I love thee. Anjin-san, remember, beware of Yabu-san... \"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene (which might reference existing characters and worldbuilding), and you will continue the story with 1 sentence, channeling the voice and techniques of James Clavell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once more in the crowded Osaka sea roads after the long journey by galley, Blackthorne again felt the same crushing weight of the city as when he had first seen it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Great swathes had been laid waste by the tai-fun and some areas were still fire-blackened, but its immensity was almost untouched and still dominated by the castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even from this distance, more than a league, he could see the colossal girth of the first great wall, the towering battlements, all dwarfed by the brooding malevolence of the donjon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Christ,\" Vinck said nervously, standing beside him on the prow, \"doesn't seem possible to be so big. Amsterdam'd be a flyspeck alongside it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. The storm's hurt the city but not that badly. Nothing could touch the castle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tai-fun had slammed out of the southwest two weeks ago." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had had plenty of warning, with lowering skies and squalls and rain, and had rushed the galley into a safe harbor to wait out the tempest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had waited five days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beyond the harbor the ocean had been whipped to froth and the winds were more violent and stronger than anything Blackthorne had ever experienced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christ,\" Vinck said again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wish we were home. We should've been home a year ago.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne had brought Vinck with him from Yokohama and sent the others back to Yedo, leaving Erasmus safely harbored and guarded under Naga's command." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His crew had been happy to go—as he had been happy to see the last of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There had been more quarreling that night and a violent argument over the ship's bullion." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'money' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The money was company money, not his." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Van Nekk was treasurer of the expedition and chief merchant and, jointly with the Captain-General, had legal jurisdiction over it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After it had been counted and recounted and found correct, less a thousand coins, van Nekk supported by Jan Roper had argued about the amount that he could take with him to get new men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You want far too much, Pilot! You'll have to offer them less!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Christ Jesus! Whatever it takes we have to pay. I must have seamen and gunners.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had slammed his fist on the table of the great cabin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How else are we going to get home?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eventually he had persuaded them to let him take enough, and was disgusted that they had made him lose his temper with their pettifogging." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The next day he had shipped them back to Yedo, a tenth of the treasure split up among them as back pay, the rest under guard on the ship." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do we know it'll be safe here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jan Roper asked, scowling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stay and guard it yourself then!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But none of them had wanted to stay aboard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vinck had agreed to come with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why him, Pilot?\" van Nekk had asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because he's a seaman and I'll need help.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne had been glad to see the last of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once at sea he began to change Vinck to Japanese ways." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vinck was stoic about it, trusting Blackthorne, having sailed too many years with him not to know his measure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pilot, for you I'll bathe and wash every day but I'll be God-cursed afore I wear a poxy nighty!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Within ten days Vinck was happily swinging the lead half-naked, his wide leather belt over his paunch, a dagger stuck in a sheath at his back and one of Blackthorne's pistols safely within his clean though ragged shirt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We don't have to go to the castle, do we, Pilot?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Christ Jesus—I'd rather stay away from there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The day was fine, a high sun shimmering off the calm sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rowers were still strong and disciplined." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Vinck—that's where the ambush was!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christ Jesus, look at those shoals!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne had told Vinck about the narrowness of his escape, the signal fires on those battlements, the piles of dead ashore, the enemy frigate bearing down on him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, Anjin-san.\" Yabu came to join them. \"Good, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He motioned at the devastation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bad, Yabu-sama.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's enemy, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"People are not enemy. Only Ishido and samurai enemy, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The castle is enemy,\" Yabu replied, reflecting his disquiet, and that of all those aboard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here everything is enemy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne watched Yabu move to the bow, the wind whipping his kimono away from his hard torso." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vinck dropped his voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want to kill that bastard, Pilot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. I've not forgotten about old Pieterzoon either, don't worry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nor me, God be my judge! Beats me how you talk their talk. What'd he say?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He was just being polite.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the plan?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We dock and wait. He goes off for a day or two and we keep our heads down and wait. Toranaga said he'd send messages for the safe conducts we'd need but even so, we're going to keep our heads down and stay aboard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne scanned the shipping and the waters for dangers but found none." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still, he said to Vinck, \"Better call the fathoms now, just in case!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aye!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu watched Vinck swinging the lead for a moment, then strolled back to Blackthorne." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anjin-san, perhaps you'd better take the galley and go on to Nagasaki. Don't wait, eh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right,\" Blackthorne said agreeably, not rising to the bait." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu laughed. \"I like you, Anjin-san! But so sorry, alone you'll soon die. Nagasaki's very bad for you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Osaka bad—everywhere bad!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Karma.\" Yabu smiled again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne pretended to share the joke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had had variations of the same conversation many times during the voyage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne had learned much about Yabu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hated him even more, distrusted him even more, respected him more, and knew their karmas were interlocked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yabu-san's right, Anjin-san,\" Uraga had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He can protect you at Nagasaki, I cannot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because of your uncle, Lord Harima?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Perhaps I'm already declared outlaw, neh? My uncle's Christian—though I think a rice Christian.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nagasaki is his fief. Nagasaki has great harbor on the coast of Kyushu but not the best. So he quickly sees the light, neh? He becomes Christian, and orders all his vassals Christian. He ordered me Christian and into the Jesuit School, and then had me sent as one of the Christian envoys to the Pope. He gave land to the Jesuits and—how would you say it—fawns on them. But his heart is only Japanese.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do the Jesuits know what you think?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do they believe that about rice Christians?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They don't tell us, their converts, what they truly believe, Anjin-san. Or even themselves most times. They are trained to have secrets, to use secrets, to welcome them, but never to reveal them. In that they're very Japanese.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'd better stay here in Osaka, Uraga-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Sire, I am your vassal. If you go to Nagasaki, I go.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blackthorne knew that Uraga was becoming an invaluable aid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man was revealing so many Jesuit secrets: the how and why and when of their trade negotiations, their internal workings and incredible international machinations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he was equally informative about Harima and Kiyama and how the Christian daimyos thought, and why, probably, they would stay sided with Ishido." }, { "from": "human", "value": "God, I know so much now that'd be priceless in London, he thought, and so much still to learn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How can I pass on the knowledge?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For instance that China's trade, just in silk to Japan, is worth ten million in gold a year, and that, even now, the Jesuits have one of their professed priests at the Court of the Emperor of China in Peking, honored with courtly rank, a confidant of the rulers, speaking Chinese perfectly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If only I could send a letter—if only I had an envoy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In return for all the knowledge Blackthorne began to teach Uraga about navigation, about the great religious schism, and about Parliament." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Also he taught him and Yabu how to fire a gun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both were apt pupils." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uraga's a good man, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No problem. Except he's ashamed of his lack of a samurai queue. That'll soon grow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a warning shout from the forepoop lookout." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjin-san!\" The Japanese captain was pointing ahead at an elegant cutter, oared by twenty men, that approached from the starboard quarter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the masthead was Ishido's cipher." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alongside it was the cipher of the Council of Regents, the same that Nebara Jozen and his men had traveled under to Anjiro, to their deaths." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who is it?\" Blackthorne asked, feeling a tension throughout the ship, all eyes straining into the distance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't see yet, so sorry,\" the captain said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yabu-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu shrugged. \"An official.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the cutter came closer, Blackthorne saw an elderly man sitting under the aft canopy, wearing ornate ceremonial dress with the winged overmantle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wore no swords." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Surrounding him were Ishido's Grays." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The drum master ceased the beat to allow the cutter to come alongside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Men rushed to help the official aboard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A Japanese pilot jumped after him and after numerous bows took formal charge of the galley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu and the elderly man were also formal and painstaking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At length they were seated on cushions of unequal rank, the official taking the most favored position on the poop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samurai, Yabu's and Grays, sat cross-legged or knelt on the main deck surrounding them in even lesser places." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Council welcomes you, Kasigi Yabu, in the name of His Imperial Highness,\" the man said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was small and stocky, somewhat effete, a senior adviser to the Regents on protocol who also had Imperial Court rank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His name was Ogaki Takamoto, he was a Prince of the Seventh Rank, and his function was to act as one of the intermediaries between the Court of His Imperial Highness, the Son of Heaven, and the Regents." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His teeth were dyed black in the manner that all courtiers of the Imperial Court had, by custom, affected for centuries." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Prince Ogaki. It's a privilege to be here on Lord Toranaga's behalf,\" Yabu said, vastly impressed with the honor being done to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I'm sure it is. Of course, you're here on your own behalf also, neh?\" Ogaki said dryly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course,\" Yabu replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When does Lord Toranaga arrive? So sorry, but the tai-fun. delayed me for five days and I've had no news since I left.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, yes, the tai-fun. Yes, the Council were so happy to hear that the storm did not touch you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogaki coughed. \"As to your master, I regret to tell you that he hasn't even reached Odawara yet. There have been interminable delays, and some sickness. Regrettable, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh yes, very—nothing serious, I trust?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu asked quickly, immensely glad to be party to Toranaga's secret." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, fortunately nothing serious.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again the dry cough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Ishido understands that your master reaches Odawara tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu was suitably surprised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When I left, twenty-one days ago, everything was ready for his immediate departure, then Lord Hiro-matsu became sick. I know Lord Toranaga was gravely concerned but anxious to begin his journey—as I'm anxious to begin preparations for his arrival.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everything's prepared,\" the small man said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course the Council will have no objections if I check the arrangements, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu was expansive. \"It's essential the ceremony be worthy of the Council and occasion, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Worthy of His Imperial Majesty, the Son of Heaven. It's his summons now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course but... \" Yabu's sense of well-being died." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You mean... you mean His Imperial Highness will be there?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Exalted has agreed to the Regents' humble request to accept personally the obeisance of the new Council, all major daimyos, including Lord Toranaga, his family, and vassals. The senior advisers of His Imperial Highness were asked to choose an auspicious day for such a—such a ritual. The twenty-second day of this month, in this, the fifth year of the era Keich.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu was stupefied. \"In—in nineteen days?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At noon.\" Fastidiously Ogaki took out a paper kerchief from his sleeve and delicately blew his nose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me. Yes, at noon. The omens were perfect. Lord Toranaga was informed by Imperial messenger fourteen days ago. His immediate humble acceptance reached the Regents three days ago.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ogaki took out a small scroll." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here is your invitation, Lord Kasigi Yabu, to the ceremony.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu quailed as he saw the Imperial seal of the sixteen-petal chrysanthemum and knew that no one, not even Toranaga, could possibly refuse such a summons." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A refusal would be an unthinkable insult to the Divinity, an open rebellion, and as all land belonged to the reigning Emperor, would result in immediate forfeiture of all land, coupled with an Imperial invitation to commit seppuku at once, issued on his behalf by the Regents, also sealed with the Great Seal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Such an invitation would be absolute and would have to be obeyed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu frantically tried to recover his composure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, are you unwell?\" Ogaki asked solicitously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry,\" Yabu stuttered, \"but never in my wildest dreams... No one could have imagined the Exalted would—would so honor us, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree, oh yes. Extraordinary!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Astonishing... that His Imperial Highness would—would consider leaving Kyoto and—and come to Osaka.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree. Even so, on the twenty-second day, the Exalted and the Imperial Regalia will be here.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'emperor' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Imperial Regalia, without which no succession was valid, were the Three Sacred Treasures, considered divine, that all believed had been brought to earth by the god Ninigi-noh-Mikoto and passed on by him personally to his grandson, Jimmu Tenno, the first human Emperor, and by him personally to his successor down to the present holder, the Emperor Go-Nijo: the Sword, the Jewel, and the Mirror." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Sacred Sword and the Jewel always traveled in state with the Emperor whenever he had to stay overnight away from the palace; the Mirror was kept within the inner sanctuary at the great Shinto shrine of Ise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Sword, the Mirror, and the Jewel belonged to the Son of Heaven." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were divine symbols of legitimate authority, of his divinity, that when he was on the move, the divine throne moved with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And thus that with him went all power." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu croaked, \"It's almost impossible to believe that preparations for his arrival could be made in time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, the Lord General Ishido, on behalf of the Regents, petitioned the Exalted the moment he first heard from Lord Zataki at Yokosé that Lord Toranaga had agreed, equally astonishingly, to come to Osaka and bow to the inevitable. Only the great honor that your master does the Regents prompted them to petition the Son of Heaven to grace the occasion with the Presence.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again the dry cough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, you would perhaps give me your formal acceptance in writing as soon as is convenient?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I do it at once?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu asked, feeling very weak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure the Regents would appreciate that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Feebly Yabu sent for writing materials." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nineteen kept pounding in his brain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nineteen days! Toranaga can delay only nineteen days and then he must be here too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Time enough for me to get to Nagasaki and safely back to Osaka, but not time enough to launch the seaborne attack on the Black Ship and take it, so not time enough to pressure Harima, Kiyama, or Onoshi, or the Christian priests, therefore not time enough to launch Crimson Sky, therefore Toranaga's whole scheme is just another illusion... oh oh oh!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga's failed. I should have known that he would." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The answer to my dilemma is clear: Either I blindly trust Toranaga to squeeze out of this net and I help the Anjin-san as planned to get the men to take the Black Ship even more rapidly, or I've got to go to Ishido and tell him everything I know and try to barter for my life and for Izu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Which?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Paper and brush and ink arrived." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yabu put his anguish aside for a moment and concentrated on writing as perfectly and beautifully as he could." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was unthinkable to reply to the Presence with a cluttered mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he had finished his acceptance, he had made the critical decision: He would follow Yuriko's advice completely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once the weight tumbled off his wa and he felt greatly cleansed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He signed his name with an arrogant flourish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How to be Toranaga's best vassal?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So simple: Remove Ishido from this earth." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How to do that, yet leave enough time to escape?\n\nThen he heard Ogaki say, \"Tomorrow you are invited to a formal reception given by the General Lord Ishido to honor the birthday of the Lady Ochiba.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell using my stuff as a starting point? btw might drop u in mid-story with random chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Latin is safer, Anjin-san.\" Her fan sent a droning mosquito skittering.\n\n\"They can hear us from here?\"\n\n\"No, I do not believe so, not if we keep our voices softened and talk as thou hast taught me with so little movement of the mouth.\"\n\n\"Good. What occurred with Kiyama?\"\n\n\"I love thee.\"\n\n\"Thou... \"\n\n\"I have missed thee.\"\n\n\"And I thee. How can we meet alone?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tonight it is not possible. Tomorrow night will be possible, my love. I have a plan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tomorrow? But what about thy departure?\"\n\n\"Tomorrow they may stop me, Anjin-san—please do not worry. The next day we will all be free to leave as we wish. Tomorrow night, if I am stopped, I will be with thee.\"\n\n\"How?\"\n\n\"Kiri will help me. Do not ask me how or what or why. It will be easy—\" She stopped as maids brought the little braziers. Soon the curling threads of smoke repelled the night creatures. When they were safe again they talked about their journey, content just being together, loving without touching, always skirting Toranaga and the importance of tomorrow. Then he said, \"Ishido's my enemy. Why are there so many guards around me?\"\n\n\"To protect thee. But also to hold thee tight. I think Ishido might also want to use thee against the Black Ship, and Nagasaki and the Lord Kiyama and Lord Onoshi.\"\n\n\"Ah, yes, I had thought that too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She saw his eyes searching her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is it, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Contrary to what Yabu believes, I believe thou art not stupid, that everything tonight was said deliberately, planned deliberately—on Toranaga's orders.\"\n\nShe smoothed a crease in her brocade kimono. \"He gave me orders. Yes.\"\n\nBlackthorne turned to Portuguese, \"He's betrayed you. You're a decoy. Do you know that? You're just bait for one of his traps.\"\n\n\"Why do you say that?\"\n\n\"You're the bait. So am I. It's obvious, isn't it? Yabu's bait. Toranaga sent us all here as a sacrifice.\"\n\n\"No, you're wrong, Anjin-san. So sorry, but you're wrong.\"\n\nIn Latin he said, \"I tell thee that thou art beautiful and I love thee, but thou art a liar.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No one has ever said that to me before.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thou hast also said no one ever said 'I love thee' before.\"\n\nShe looked down at her fan. \"Let us talk of other things.\"\n\n\"What does Toranaga gain by sacrificing us?\"\n\nShe did not answer.\n\n\"Mariko-san, I have the right to ask thee. I'm not afraid. I just want to know what he gains.\"\n\n\"I don't know.\"\n\n\"Thou! Swear by thy love and thy God.\"\n\n\"Even thee?\" she replied bitterly in Latin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thou also with thy 'Swear before God' and questions and questions and questions?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is thy life and my life and I cherish both. Again, what does he gain?\"\n\nHer voice became louder. \"Listen thou, yes, I chose the time and yes, I am not a stupid woman and—\"\n\n\"Be cautious, Mariko-chan, please keep thy voice down or that would be very stupid.\"\n\n\"So sorry. Yes, it was done deliberately and in public as Toranaga wished.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"Because Ishido's a peasant and he must let us go. The challenge had to be before his peers. The Lady Ochiba approves our going to meet Lord Toranaga. I talked to her and she is not opposed. There's nothing to trouble thyself about.\"\n\n\"I do not like to see fire in thee. Or venom. Or crossness. Where is thy tranquillity? And where are thy manners? Perhaps thou should learn to watch the rocks growing. Neh?\"\n\nMariko's anger vanished and she laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, thee! Thou art right. Please forgive me.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'would'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She felt refreshed, herself again. \"Oh, how I love thee, and honor thee, and I was so proud of thee tonight I almost kissed thee, there in front of them as is thy custom.\"\n\n\"Madonna, that would have set fire in their tinderboxes, neh?\"\n\n\"If I were alone with thee I would kiss thee until thy cries for mercy filled the universe.\"\n\n\"I thank thee, Lady, but thou art there and I am here and the world's between us.\"\n\n\"Ah, but there's no world between us. My life is full because of thee.\"\n\nIn a moment he said, \"And Yabu's orders to you—to apologize and stay?\"\n\n\"They may not be obeyed, so sorry.\"\n\n\"Because of Toranaga's orders?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. But not his orders truly—it is also my wish. All this was my suggestion to him. It is I who begged to be allowed to come here, my darling. Before God that is the truth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What will happen tomorrow?\"\n\nShe told him what she had told Kiri, adding, \"Everything is going to be better than planned. Isn't Ishido already thy patron? I swear I do not know how Lord Toranaga can be so clever. Before I left he told me that would happen, might happen. He knew that Yabu has no power in Kyushu. Only Ishido or Kiyama could protect thee there. We are not decoys. We are in his protection. We're quite safe.\"\n\n\"What about the nineteen days—eighteen now? Toranaga must be here, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Then isn't this as Ishido says, a waste of time?\"\n\n\"Truly I don't know. I only know that nineteen, eighteen, or even three days can be an eternity.\"\n\n\"Or tomorrow?\"\n\n\"Tomorrow also. Or the next day.\"\n\n\"And if Ishido will not let thee go tomorrow?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is the only chance we have. All of us. Ishido must be humbled.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thou art certain?\"\n\n\"Yes, before God, Anjin-san.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 12 sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne clawed out of a nightmare again but the moment he was truly awake the dream vanished. Grays were staring at him through the mosquito net in the light of early dawn.\n\n\"Good morning,\" he said to them, hating to have been watched while he slept.\n\nHe came from under the net and went out into the corridor, down staircases, until he came to the garden toilet. Guards, both Browns and Grays, accompanied him. He hardly noticed them.\n\nThe dawn was smoky. The sky to the east was already burnt clean of the haze. The air smelled salt and wet from the sea. Flies already swarmed. It'll be hot today, he thought.\n\nFootsteps approached. Through the door opening he saw Chimmoko. She waited patiently, chatting with the guards, and when he came out she bowed and greeted him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where Mariko-san?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"With Kiritsubo-san, Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"Thank you. When leave?\"\n\n\"Soon, Sire.\"\n\n\"Say to Mariko-san like say good morning before leave.\" He said it again although Mariko had already promised to find him before she went back to her home to collect her belongings.\n\n\"Yes, Anjin-san.\"\n\nHe nodded as a samurai should and left her and went to wash and bathe. It was not custom to have a hot bath in the morning. But every morning he would always go there and pour cold water all over himself. \"Eeeee, Anjin-san,\" his guards or watchers would always say, \"that surely is most very good for your health.\"\n\nHe dressed and went to the battlements that overlooked the forecourt of this castle wing. He wore a Brown kimono and swords, his pistol concealed under his sash." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Browns on sentry duty welcomed him as one of them, though very disquieted by his Grays." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"Is that Oil Seller, Anjin-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Other Grays teemed on the battlements opposite, overlooking them, and outside their gate.\n\n\"Many Grays, many more than usual. Understand, Anjin-san?\" Yoshinaka said, coming out onto the balcony.\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nThe captain of the Grays moved up to them. \"Please don't go too near the edge, Anjin-san. So sorry.\"\n\nThe sun was on the horizon. Its warmth felt good on Blackthorne's skin. There were no clouds in the sky and the breeze was dying.\n\nThe captain of the Grays pointed at Blackthorne's sword. \"Is that Oil Seller, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Yes, Captain.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I be allowed to see the blade?\"\n\nBlackthorne drew the sword part way from its scabbard. Custom decreed a sword should not be totally drawn unless it was to be used.\n\n\"Eeee, beautiful, neh?\" the captain said. The others, Browns and Grays, crowded round, equally impressed.\n\nBlackthorne shoved the sword back, not displeased. \"Honor to wear Oil Seller.\"\n\n\"Can you use a sword, Anjin-san?\" the captain asked.\n\n\"No, Captain. Not as samurai. But I learn.\"\n\n\"Ah, yes. That's very good.\"\n\nIn the forecourt two stories below, Browns were exercising, still in shadow. Blackthorne watched them. \"How many samurai here, Yoshinaka-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Four hundred and three, Anjin-san, including two hundred that came with me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And out there?\"\n\n\"Grays?\" Yoshinaka laughed. \"Lots—very many.\"\n\nThe Grays' captain showed his teeth with his grin. \"Almost one hundred thousand. You understand, Anjin-san, 'one hundred thousand'?\"\n\n\"Yes. Thank you.\"\n\nThey all looked away as a phalanx of porters and pack horses and three palanquins rounded the far corner and approached under guard from the end of the access to this cul-de-sac. The avenue was still deeply shadowed and dark between the tall guarded walls. Flares still burned in wall sockets. Even from this distance they could see the nervousness of the porters. Grays across from them seemed more hushed and attentive, and so did the Browns on guard.\n\nThe tall gates opened to admit the party, their escorting Grays staying outside with their comrades, then closed again. The great iron bar clanged back into the large brackets that were set deep into the granite walls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No portcullis guarded this gateway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshinaka said, \"Anjin-san, please excuse me. I must see all is well. All ready, neh?\"\n\n\"I wait here.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Yoshinaka left.\n\nThe Grays' captain went to the parapet and watched below. Christ Jesus, Blackthorne was thinking, I hope she's right and Toranaga's right. Not long now, eh? He measured the sun and muttered vaguely to himself in Portuguese, \"Not long to go.\"\n\nUnconsciously the captain grunted his agreement and Blackthorne realized the man understood him clearly in Portuguese, was therefore Catholic and another possible assassin. His mind rushed back to last night, and he remembered that everything he had said to Mariko had been in Latin. Was it all in Latin? Mother of God, what about her saying \"... I can order them killed?\" Was that in Latin?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Does he speak Latin, too, like that other captain, the one who was killed during the first escape from Osaka?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sun was gathering strength now and Blackthorne took his eyes off the captain of Grays. If you didn't murder me in the night maybe you'll never do it, he thought, putting this Catholic into a compartment.\n\nHe saw Kiri come out into the forecourt below. She was supervising maids bearing panniers and chests for the pack horses. She looked tiny, standing on the main steps where Sazuko had pretended to slip, initiating Toranaga's escape. Just to the north was the lovely garden and tiny rustic house where he'd first seen Mariko and Yaemon, the Heir. His mind journeyed with the noon cortege out of the castle, curling through the maze, then safely out, through the woods, and down to the sea. He prayed that she would be safe and everyone safe. Once they were away, Yabu and he would leave and go to the galley and out to sea.\n\nFrom here on the battlements the sea seemed so near. The sea beckoned. And the horizon.\n\n\"Konbanwa, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mariko-san!\" She was as radiant as ever.\n\n\"Konbanwa,\" he said, then in Latin, nonchalantly, \"Beware of this Gray man—he understands,\" continuing instantly in Portuguese to give her time to cover, \"yes, I don't understand how you can be so beautiful after so little sleep.\" He took her arm and put her back to the captain, guiding her nearer the parapet. \"Look, there's Kiritsubo-san!\"\n\n\"Thank you. Yes—yes, I'm... thank you.\"\n\n\"Why don't you wave to Kiritsubo-san?\"\n\nShe did as she was asked and called out her name. Kiri saw them and waved back.\n\nAfter a moment, relaxed again and in control, Mariko said, \"Thank you, Anjin-san. You're very clever and very wise.\" She greeted the captain casually and wandered to a ledge and sat down, first making sure that the seat was clean. \"It's going to be a fine day, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. How did you sleep?\"\n\n\"I didn't, Anjin-san. Kiri and I chatted the last of the night away and I saw the dawn come. I love dawns. You?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My rest was disturbed but—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, so sorry.\"\n\n\"I'm fine now—really. You're leaving now?\"\n\n\"Yes, but I'll be back at noon to collect Kiri-san and the Lady Sazuko.\" She turned her face away from the captain and said in Latin, \"Thou. Remember the Inn of the Blossoms?\"\n\n\"Assuredly. How could I forget?\"\n\n\"If there is a delay... tonight will be thus—as perfect and as peace-filled.\"\n\n\"Ah, that that could be possible. But I would prefer thee safely on thy way.\"\n\nMariko continued in Portuguese. \"Now I must go, Anjin-san. You will please excuse me?\"\n\n\"I'll take you to the gate.\"\n\n\"No, please. Watch me from here. You and the captain can watch from here, neh?\"\n\n\"Of course,\" Blackthorne said at once, understanding. \"Go with God.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And thee.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stayed on the parapet. While he waited sunlight fell into the forecourt, thrusting the shadows away. Mariko appeared below. He saw her greet Kiri and Yoshinaka and they chatted together, no enemy Grays near them. Then they bowed. She looked up at him, shading her eyes, and waved gaily. He waved back. The gates were pushed aside and, with Chimmoko a few discreet paces behind her, she walked out, accompanied by her escort of ten Browns. The gates swung closed once more. For a moment she was lost from view. When she reappeared, fifty Grays from the swarm outside their walls had surrounded them as a further honor guard. The cortege marched away down the sunless avenue. He watched her until she had turned the far corner. She never looked back.\n\n\"Go eat now, Captain,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, of course, Anjin-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blackthorne went to his own quarters and ate rice, pickled vegetables, and broiled chunks of fish, followed by early fruit from Kyushu—crisp small apples, apricots, and hard-fleshed plums. He savored the tart fruit and the cha.\n\n\"More, Anjin-san?\" the servant asked.\n\n\"No, thank you.\" He offered fruits to his guards and they were accepted gratefully, and when they had finished, he went back to the sunny battlements again. He would have liked to examine the priming of his concealed pistol but he thought it better not to draw attention to it. He had checked it once in the night as best he could under the sheet, under the mosquito net. But without actually seeing, he could not be sure of the tamping or the flint.\n\nThere's nothing more you can do, he thought. You're a puppet. Be patient, Anjin-san, your watch ends at noon.\n\nHe gauged the height of the sun. It will be the beginning of the two-hour period of the Snake. After the Snake comes the Horse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the middle of the Horse is high noon." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"Please excuse me for disturbing you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Temple bells throughout the castle and the city tolled the beginning of the Snake and he was pleased with his accuracy. He noticed a small stone on the battlement floor. He went forward and picked up the stone and placed it carefully on a ledge of an embrasure in the sun, then leaned back once more, propping his feet comfortably, and stared at it.\n\nGrays were watching his every movement. The captain frowned. After a while he said, \"Anjin-san, what's the significance of the stone?\"\n\n\"Please?\"\n\n\"The stone. Why stone, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"Ah! I watch stone grow.\"\n\n\"Oh so sorry, I understand,\" the captain replied apologetically. \"Please excuse me for disturbing you.\"\n\nBlackthorne laughed to himself, and turned his gaze back to the stone. \"Grow, you bastard,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But as much as he cursed it, ordered it, or cajoled it, it would not grow." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do you really expect to see a rock growing? he asked himself. No, of course not, but it passes the time and promotes tranquillity. You can't have enough wa. Neh?\n\nEeeeee, where's the next attack coming from? There's no defense against an assassin if the assassin is prepared to die. Is there?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\nfour sentences\nStyle:\nJames Clavell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'black' × 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The attack on the Browns' stronghold began in the darkest reaches of the night, two or three hours before dawn. The first wave of ten ninja—the infamous Stealthy Ones—came over the roofs of the battlements opposite, now unguarded by Grays. They threw cloth-covered grappling hooks on ropes over to the other roof and swung across the chasm like so many spiders. They wore tight-fitting clothes of black and black tabi and black masks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their hands and faces were also blackened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These men were lightly armed with chain knives and shuriken—small, star-shaped, needle-sharp, poison-tipped throwing barbs and discs that were the size of a man's palm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On their backs were slung haversacks and short thin poles.\n\nNinja were mercenaries. They were artists in stealth, specialists in the disreputable—in espionage, infiltration, and sudden death.\n\nThe ten men landed noiselessly. They re-coiled the grapples, and four of them hooked the grapples again onto a projection and immediately swung downward to a veranda twenty feet below." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once they had reached it, as noiselessly, their comrades unhooked the grapples, dropped them down, and moved across the tiles to infiltrate another area." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A tile cracked under one man's foot and they all froze. In the forecourt, three stories and sixty feet below, Sumiyori stopped on his rounds and looked up. His eyes squinted into the darkness. He waited without moving, his mouth open a fraction to improve his hearing, his eyes sweeping slowly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The roof with the ninja was in shadow, the moon faint, the stars heavy in the thick humid air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The men stayed absolutely still, even their breathing controlled and imperceptible, seemingly as inanimate as the tiles upon which they stood.\n\nSumiyori made another circuit with his eyes and with his ears, and then another, and, still not sure, he walked out into the forecourt to see more clearly. Now the four ninja on the veranda were also within his field of vision but they were as motionless as the others and he did not notice them either.\n\n\"Hey,\" he called to the guards on the gateway, the doors tight barred now, \"you see anything—hear anything?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Captain,\" the alert sentries said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The roof tiles are always chattering, shifting a bit—it's the damp or the heat, perhaps.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'sumiyori' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sumiyori said to one of them, \"Go up there and have a look. Better still, tell the top-floor guards to make a search just in case.\"\n\nThe soldier hurried off. Sumiyori stared up again, then half shrugged and, reassured, continued his patrol. The other samurai went back to their posts, watching outward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the rooftop and on the veranda the ninja waited in their frozen positions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not even their eyes moved. They were schooled to remain immobile for hours if need be—just one part of their perpetual training. Then the leader motioned to them and at once they again moved to the attack. Their grapples and ropes took them quietly to another veranda where they could slide through the narrow windows in the granite walls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Below this top floor, all other windows—defense positions for bowmen—were so narrow that they could not be entered from outside. At another signal the two groups entered simultaneously.\n\nBoth rooms were in darkness, with ten Browns sleeping in neat lines. They were put to death quickly and almost noiselessly, a single knife thrust in the throat for most, the raiders' trained senses taking them unerringly to their targets, and in moments the last of the Browns was thrashing desperately, his warning shout garroted just as it had begun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, the rooms secured, the doors secured, the leader took out a flint and tinder and lit a candle and carried it, cupped carefully, to the window and signaled three times into the night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind him his men were making doubly sure that every Brown was quite dead. The leader repeated the signal, then came away from the window and motioned with his hand, speaking to them in sign language with his fingers.\n\nAt once the raiders undid their haversacks and readied their attack weapons—short, sickle-shaped, double-edged knives with a chain attached to the haft, weighted at the end of the chain, and shuriken and throwing knives. At another order, selected men unsheathed the short poles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These were telescoped spears and blow pipes that sprang into full length with startling speed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And as each man completed his preparations he knelt, settled himself facing the door, and, seemingly without conscious effort, became totally motionless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now the last man was ready. The leader blew out the candle.\n\nWhen the city bells toned the middle of the Hour of the Tiger—four of the clock, an hour before dawn—the second wave of ninja infiltrated. Twenty slid silently out of a large, disused culvert that once had serviced the rivulets of the garden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All these men wore swords. Like so many shadows, they swarmed into position among the shrubs and bushes, became motionless and almost invisible. At the same time another group of twenty came up from the ground by ropes and grapples to attack the battlement that overlooked the forecourt and garden.\n\nTwo Browns were on the battlements, carefully watching the empty roofs across the avenue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then one of the Browns glanced around and saw the grapples behind them and he began to point in alarm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His comrade opened his mouth to shout a warning when the first ninja made the embrasure and, with a whipping snap of his wrist, sent a barbed shuriken whirling into this samurai's face and mouth, hideously strangling the shout, and hurled himself forward at the other samurai, his outstretched hand now a lethal weapon, the thumb and forefinger extended, and he stabbed for the jugular." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The impact paralyzed the samurai, another vicious blow broke his neck with a dry crack, and the ninja jumped at the first agonized samurai, who was clawing at the barbs embedded deeply in his mouth and face, the poison already working.\n\nWith a final supreme effort, the dying samurai ripped out his short stabbing sword and struck. His blow sliced deep and the ninja gasped but this did not stop the rush and his hand slammed into the Brown's throat, snapping the man's head back and dislocating his spine. The samurai was dead on his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ninja was bleeding badly but he made no sound and still held on to the dead Brown, lowering him carefully to the stone flags, sinking to his knees beside him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the ninja had climbed up the ropes now and stood on the battlement. They bypassed their wounded comrade until the battlement was secured. The wounded man was still on his knees beside the dead Browns, holding his side. The leader examined the wound." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blood was spurting in a steady stream." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shook his head and spoke with his fingers and the man nodded and dragged himself painfully to a corner, the blood leaving a wide trail. He made himself comfortable, leaning against the stone, and took out a shuriken. He scratched the back of one hand several times with the poison barbs, then found his stiletto, put the point at the base of his throat and, two-handed, with all his strength, he thrust upward.\n\nThe leader made sure this man was dead then went back to the fortified door that led inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He opened it cautiously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At that moment they heard footsteps approaching and at once melted back into ambush position." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the corridor of this, the west wing, Sumiyori was approaching with ten Browns. He dropped two off near the battlement door and, not stopping, walked on. These two reliefs went out onto the battlement as Sumiyori turned the far corner and went down a flight of circular steps. At the bottom was another checkpoint and the two tired samurai bowed and were replaced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pick up the others and go back to your quarters. You'll be wakened at dawn,\" Sumiyori said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Captain.\"\n\nThe two samurai walked back up the steps, glad to be off duty. Sumiyori continued on down the next corridor, replacing sentries. At length he stopped outside a door and knocked, the last two guards with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yabu-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes?\" The voice was sleepy.\n\n\"So sorry, it's the change of the guard.\"\n\n\"Ah, thank you. Please come in.\"\n\nSumiyori opened the door but warily stayed on the threshold." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu was touseled, propped in the coverlets on one elbow, his other hand on his sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he was sure it was Sumiyori he relaxed and yawned. \"Anything new, Captain?\"\n\nSumiyori relaxed also and shook his head, came in and closed the door. The room was large and neat and another bed of futons was laid and turned back invitingly. Arrow slit windows overlooked the avenue and city, a sheer drop of thirty feet below." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everything's quiet. She's sleeping now... At least her maid, Chimmoko, said she was.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: kiritsubo-san, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went to the low bureau where an oil lamp spluttered and poured himself cold cha from a pot. Beside it was their pass, formally stamped, that Yabu had brought back from Ishido's office. Yabu yawned again and stretched luxuriously. \"The Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"He was awake the last time I checked. That was at midnight. He asked me not to check again until just before dawn—something about his customs. I didn't understand clearly everything he said, but there's no harm, there's very tight security everywhere, neh? Kiritsubo-san and the other ladies are quiet, though she's been up, Kiritsubo-san, most of the night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu got out of bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wore only a loincloth. \"Doing what?\"\n\n\"Just sitting at a window, staring out. Nothing to see out there. I suggested she'd better get some sleep. She thanked me politely and agreed and stayed where she was. Women, neh?\"\n\nYabu flexed his shoulders and elbows and scratched vigorously to get his blood flowing. He began to dress." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She should rest. She's got a long way to go today.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'think' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sumiyori set the cup down. \"I think it's all a trick.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"I don't think Ishido means it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We have signed permits. There they are. Every man's listed. You checked the names. How can he go back on a public commitment to us or to Lady Toda? Impossible, neh?\"\n\n\"I don't know. Your pardon, Yabu-san, but I still think it's a trick.\"\n\nYabu knotted his sash slowly. \"What kind of trick?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll be ambushed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Outside the castle?\"\n\nSumiyori nodded. \"Yes, that's what I think.\"\n\n\"He wouldn't dare.\"\n\n\"He'll dare. He'll ambush us or delay us. I can't see him letting her go, or Lady Kiritsubo, or Lady Sazuko or the babe. Even old Lady Etsu and the others.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, you're wrong.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sumiyori shook his head sadly. \"I think it would've been better if she'd cut deep and you'd struck. This way nothing's resolved.\"\n\nYabu picked up his swords and stuck them in his belt. Yes, he was thinking, I agree with you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nothing's resolved and she failed in her duty. You know it, I know it, and so does Ishido. Disgraceful! If she'd cut, then we would have all lived forever. As it is now... she came back from the brink and dishonored us and dishonored herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shigata ga nai, neh? Stupid woman!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But to Sumiyori he said, \"I think you're wrong. She conquered Ishido. Lady Toda won. Ishido won't dare to ambush us. Go to sleep, I'll wake you at dawn.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again Sumiyori shook his head. \"No, thank you, Yabu-san, I think I'll go the rounds again.\" He went to a window and peered out. \"Something's not right.\"\n\n\"Everything's fine. Get some—wait a moment! What was that? Did you hear something?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yabu came up to Sumiyori and pretended to search the darkness, listening intently, and then, without warning, he whipped out his short sword and with the same flashing, spontaneous movement, buried the blade into Sumiyori's back, clapping his other hand over the man's mouth to stop the shriek." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The captain died instantly. Yabu held him carefully at arm's length with immense strength so that none of the blood stained him, and carried the body over to the futons, arranging it in a sleeping position. Then he pulled out his sword and began to clean it, furious that Sumiyori's intuition had forced the unplanned killing. Even so, Yabu thought, I can't have him prowling around now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Earlier, when Yabu was returning from Ishido's office with their safe conduct pass, he had been waylaid privately by a samurai he had never seen before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your co-operation's invited, Yabu-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To what and by whom?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By someone you made an offer to yesterday.\"\n\n\"What offer?\"\n\n\"In return for safe conducts for you and the Anjin-san, you'd see she was disarmed during the ambush on your journey... Please don't touch your sword, Yabu-san, there are four archers waiting for an invitation!\"\n\n\"How dare you challenge me? What ambush?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he had bluffed, feeling weak at the knees, for there was no doubt now that the man was Ishido's intermediary. Yesterday afternoon he had made the secret offer through his own intermediaries, in a desperate attempt to salvage something from the wreckage Mariko had caused to his plans for the Black Ship and the future. At the time he had known that it was a wild idea. It would have been difficult, if not impossible, to disarm her and stay alive, therefore fraught with danger to both sides, and when Ishido, through intermediaries, had turned it down he was not surprised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know nothing of any ambush,\" he had blustered, wishing that Yuriko were there to help him out of the morass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even so, you're invited to one, though not the way you planned it.\"\n\n\"Who are you?\"\n\n\"In return you get Izu, the barbarian and his ship—the moment the chief enemy's head is in the dust. Providing, of course, she's captured alive and you stay in Osaka until the day and swear allegiance.\"\n\n\"Whose head?\" Yabu had said, trying to get his brain working, realizing only now that Ishido had used the request for him to fetch the safe conducts merely as a ruse so the secret offer could be made safely and negotiated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is it yes or no?\" the samurai asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who are you and what are you talking about?\" He had held up the scroll. \"Here's Lord Ishido's safe conduct. Not even the Lord General can cancel these after what's happened.\"\n\n\"That's what many say. But, so sorry, bullocks will shit gold dust before you or any are allowed to insult the Lord Yaemon... Please take your hand away from your sword!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then watch your tongue!\"\n\n\"Of course, so sorry. You agree?\"\n\n\"I'm overlord of Izu now, and promised Totomi and Suruga,\" Yabu had said, beginning to bargain. He knew that though he was trapped, as Mariko was trapped, so equally was Ishido trapped, because the dilemma Mariko had precipitated still existed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, so you are,\" the samurai had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I'm not permitted to negotiate. Those are the terms. Is it yes or no?... \"\n\nYabu finished cleaning his sword and arranged the sheet over the seemingly sleeping figure of Sumiyori. Then he toweled the sweat off his face and hands, composed his rage, blew out the candle, and opened the door. The two Browns were waiting some paces down the corridor. They bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll wake you at dawn, Sumiyori-san,\" Yabu said to the darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, to one of the samurai, \"You stand guard here. No one's to go in. No one! Make sure the captain's not disturbed—he needs rest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire.\"\n\nThe samurai took up his new post and Yabu strode off down the corridor with the other guard, went up a flight of steps to the main central section of this floor and crossed it, heading for the audience room and inner apartments that were in the east wing. Soon he came to the cul-de-sac corridor of the audience room. Guards bowed and allowed him to enter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Other samurai opened the door to the corridor and complex of private quarters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knocked at a door.\n\n\"Anjin-san?\" he said quietly.\n\nThere was no answer. He pulled the shoji open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The room was empty, the inner shoji ajar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He frowned, then motioned to his accompanying guard to wait, and hurried across the room into the dimly lit inner corridor. Chimmoko intercepted him, a knife in her hand. Her rumpled bed was in this passageway outside one of the rooms.\n\n\"Oh, so sorry, Sire, I was dozing,\" she said apologetically, lowering her knife." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she did not move out of his path.\n\n\"I was looking for the Anjin-san.\"\n\n\"He and my Mistress are talking, Sire, with Kiritsubo-san and the Lady Achiko.\"\n\n\"Please ask him if I could see him a moment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Certainly, Sire.\" Chimmoko politely motioned Yabu back into the other room, waited until he was there, and pulled the inner shoji closed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guard in the main corridor watched inquisitively.\n\nIn a moment the shoji opened again and Blackthorne came in. He was dressed and wore a short sword.\n\n\"Good evening, Yabu-san,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry to disturb you, Anjin-san. I just want see—make sure all right, understand?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, thank you. No worry.\"\n\n\"Lady Toda all right? Not sick?\"\n\n\"Fine now. Very tired but fine. Soon dawn, neh?\"\n\nYabu nodded. \"Yes. Just want make sure all right. Understand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. This afternoon you say 'plan,' Yabu-san. Remember? Please what secret plan?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No secret, Anjin-san,\" Yabu said, regretting that he had been so open at that time. \"You misunderstood. Say only must have plan... very difficult escape Osaka, neh? Must escape or... \" Yabu drew a knife across his throat. \"Understand?\"\n\n\"Yes. But now have pass, neh? Now safe go out Osaka. Neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. Soon leave. On boat very good. Soon get men at Nagasaki. Understand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Very friendly, Yabu went away. Blackthorne closed the door after him and walked back to the inner passageway, leaving his inner door ajar. He passed Chimmoko and went into the other room. Mariko was propped in futons, appearing more diminutive than ever, more delicate and more beautiful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiri was kneeling on a cushion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Achiko was curled up asleep to one side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did he want, Anjin-san?\" Mariko said.\n\n\"Just to see we were all right.\"\n\nMariko translated for Kiri.\n\n\"Kiri says, did you ask him about the 'plan'?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. But he shrugged the question off. Perhaps he changed his mind. I don't know. Perhaps I was mistaken but I thought this afternoon he had something planned, or was planning something.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To betray us?\"\n\n\"Of course. But I don't know how.\"\n\nMariko smiled at him. \"Perhaps you were mistaken. We're safe now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The young girl, Achiko, mumbled in her sleep and they glanced at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had asked to stay with Mariko, as had old Lady Etsu, who was sleeping soundly in an adjoining room. The other ladies had left at sunset to go to their own homes. All had sent formal requests for permission to depart at once. With the failing light, rumors had rushed through the castle that nearly one hundred and five would also apply tomorrow." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'child' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kiyama had sent for Achiko, his granddaughter-in-law, but she refused to leave Mariko. At once the daimyo had disowned her and demanded possession of the child. She had given up her child. Now the girl was in the midst of a nightmare but it passed and she slept peacefully again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko looked at Blackthorne." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's so wonderful to be at peace, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" he said. Since she had awakened and found herself alive and not dead, her spirit had clung to his. For the first hour they had been alone, she lying in his arms.\n\n\"I'm so glad thou art alive, Mariko. I saw thee dead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought I was. I still cannot believe Ishido gave in. Never in twenty lifetimes... Oh, how I love thy arms about me, and thy strength.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was thinking that this afternoon from the first moment of Yoshinaka's challenge I saw nothing but death—yours, mine, everyone's. I saw into your plan, so long in the making, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Since the day of the earthquake, Anjin-san. Please forgive me but I didn't—I didn't want to frighten you. I was afraid you wouldn't understand. Yes, from that day I knew it was my karma to bring the hostages out of Osaka. Only I could do that for Lord Toranaga. And now it's done. But at what a cost, neh? Madonna forgive me.\"\n\nThen Kiri had arrived and they had had to sit apart but that had not mattered to either of them. A smile or a look or word was enough.\n\nKiri went over to the slit windows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Out to sea were flecks of light from the inshore fishing boats." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dawn soon,\" she said.\n\n\"Yes,\" Mariko said. \"I'll get up now.\"\n\n\"Soon. Not yet, Mariko-sama,\" Kiri told her. \"Please rest. You need to gather your strength.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish Lord Toranaga was here.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'about' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Have you prepared another message about... about our leaving?\"\n\n\"Yes, Mariko-sama, another pigeon will leave with the dawn. Lord Toranaga will hear of your victory today,\" Kiri said. \"He'll be so proud of you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm so glad he was right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Kiri said. \"Please forgive me for doubting you and doubting him.\"\n\n\"In my secret heart I doubted him too. So sorry.\"\n\nKiri turned back to the window and looked out over the city. Toranaga's wrong, she wanted to shriek." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We'll never leave Osaka, however much we pretend." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's our karma to stay—his karma to lose." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~2 sentences more. copy James Clavell's style. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Blackthorne regained consciousness he knew that Mariko was dead, and he knew how she had died and why she had died. He was lying on futons, Grays guarding him, a raftered ceiling overhead, dazzling sunshine hurting him, the silence weird." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A doctor was studying him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first of his great fears left him.\n\nI can see." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The doctor smiled and said something, but Blackthorne could not hear him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He started to get up but a blinding pain set off a violent ringing in his ears. The acrid taste of gunpowder was still in his mouth and his entire body was hurting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment he lost consciousness again, then he felt gentle hands lift his head and put a cup to his lips and the bitter-sweet tang of the jasmine-scented herb cha took away the taste of gunpowder. He forced his eyes open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again the doctor said something and again he could not hear and again terror began to well, but he stopped it, his mind remembering the explosion and seeing her dead and, before she had died, giving her an absolution he was not qualified to give." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Deliberately he pushed that memory away and made himself dwell on the other explosion—the time he was blown overboard after old Alban Caradoc had lost his legs. That time he had also had the same ringing in his ears and the same pain and soundlessness, but his hearing had returned after a few days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There's no need to worry, he told himself. Not yet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could see the length of the sun's shadows and the color of the light. It's a little after dawn, he thought, and blessed God again that his sight was undamaged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw the doctor's lips move but no sound came through the ringing turbulence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Carefully he felt his face and mouth and jaws. No pain there and no wounds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Next his throat and arms and chest." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: there, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No wounds yet. Now he willed his hands lower, over his loins, to his manhood. But he was not mutilated there as Alban Caradoc had been, and he blessed God that he had not been harmed there and left alive to know, as poor Alban Caradoc had known." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rested a moment, his head aching abominably. Then he felt his legs and feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everything seemed all right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cautiously he put his hands over his ears and pressed, then half opened his mouth and swallowed and half yawned to try to clear his ears. But this only increased the pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You will wait a day and half a day, he ordered himself, and ten times that time if need be and, until then, you will not be afraid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doctor touched him, his lips moving.\n\n\"Can't hear, so sorry,\" Blackthorne said calmly, hearing his words only in his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doctor nodded and spoke again. Now Blackthorne read on the man's lips, I understand. Please sleep now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Blackthorne knew that he would not sleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had to plan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had to get up and leave Osaka and go to Nagasaki—to get gunners and seamen to take the Black Ship. There was nothing more to think about, nothing more to remember." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no more reason to play at being samurai or Japanese." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now he was released, all debts and friendships were canceled. Because she was gone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again he lifted his head and again the blinding pain. He dominated it and sat up." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'toranaga' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The room spun and he vaguely remembered that in his dreams he had been back at Anjiro in the earthquake when the earth had twisted and he leaped into it to save Toranaga and her from being swallowed by the earth. He could still feel the cold, clammy wetness and smell the death stench coming from the fissure, Toranaga huge and monstrous and laughing in his dream." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He forced his eyes to see." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The room stopped spinning and the nausea passed. \"Cha, dozo,\" he said, the taste of gunpowder back again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hands helped him to drink and then he held out his arms and they helped him to stand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without them he would have fallen. His body was one great hurt, but now he was sure that nothing was broken inside or out, except his ears, and that rest and massage and time would cure him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He thanked God again that he was not blinded or mutilated and left alive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Grays helped him to sit again and he lay back a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not notice that the sun moved a quadrant from the time he lay back to the time he opened his eyes.\n\nCurious, he thought, measuring the sun's shadow, not realizing he had slept." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I could have sworn it was near dawn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My eyes are playing me tricks. It's nearer the end of the forenoon watch now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That reminded him of Alban Caradoc and his hands moved over himself once more to make sure he had not dreamed that he was unhurt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone touched him and he looked up. Yabu was peering down at him and speaking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry,\" Blackthorne said slowly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can't hear yet, Yabu-san. Soon all right. Ears hurt, do you understand?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw Yabu nod and frown. Yabu and the doctor talked together and then, with signs, Yabu made Blackthorne understand that he would return soon and to rest until he did. He left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bath, please, and massage,\" Blackthorne said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hands lifted him and took him there. He slept under the soothing fingers, his body wallowing in the ecstasy of warmth and tenderness and the sweet-smelling oils that were rubbed into his flesh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And all the while his mind planned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While he slept Grays came and lifted the litter bed and carried it to the inner quarters of the donjon, but he did not awaken, drugged with fatigue and by the healing, sleep-filled potion.\n\n\"He'll be safe now, Lady,\" Ishido said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"From Kiyama?\" Ochiba asked.\n\n\"From all Christians.\" Ishido motioned to the guards to be very alert and led the way out of the room to the hallway, thence to a garden basking in the sun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is that why the Lady Achiko was killed? Because she was Christian?\"\n\nIshido had ordered it in case she was an assassin planted by her grandfather Kiyama to kill Blackthorne." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've no idea,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They hang together like bees in a swarm. How can anyone believe their religious nonsense?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know. But they'll all be stamped out soon enough.\"\n\n\"How, Lord General? How do you do that when so much depends on their goodwill?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Promises—until Toranaga's dead. Then they'll fall on each other. We divide and rule. Isn't that what Toranaga does, what the Lord Taikō did? Kiyama wants the Kwanto, neh? For the Kwanto he'll obey. So he's promised it, in a future time. Onoshi? Who knows what that madman wants... except to spit on Toranaga's head and Kiyama's before he dies.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And what if Kiyama finds out about your promise to Onoshi—that all Kiyama lands are his—or that you mean to keep your promise to Zataki and not to him?\"\n\n\"Lies, Lady, spread by enemies.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ishido looked at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Onoshi wants Kiyama's head. Kiyama wants the Kwanto. So does Zataki.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you, Lord General? What is it you want?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"First the Heir safely fifteen, then safely ruler of the realm. And you and him safe and protected until that time. Nothing more.\"\n\n\"Nothing?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Lady.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Liar, Ochiba thought. She broke off a fragrant flower and smelled the perfume, and, pleased by it, offered it to him. \"Lovely, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, lovely,\" Ishido said, taking it. \"Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yodoko-sama's funeral was beautiful. You're to be congratulated, Lord General.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry she's dead,\" Ishido said politely. \"Her counsel was always valuable.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They strolled awhile. \"Have they left yet? Kiritsubo-san and the Lady Sazuko and her son?\" Ochiba asked." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'leave' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. They'll leave tomorrow. After Lady Toda's funeral. Many will leave tomorrow, which is bad.\"\n\n\"So sorry, but does it matter? Now that we all agree Toranaga-sama's not coming here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think so. But it's not important, not while we hold Osaka Castle. No, Lady, we have to be patient as Kiyama suggested. We wait until the day. Then we march.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why wait? Can't you march now?\"\n\n\"It will take time to gather our hosts.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How many will oppose Toranaga?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Three hundred thousand men. At least three times Toranaga's number.\"\n\n\"And my garrison?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll leave eighty thousand elite within the walls, another fifty at the passes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And Zataki?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He'll betray Toranaga. In the end he'll betray him.\"\n\n\"You don't find it curious that Lord Sudara, my sister, and all her children are visiting Takato?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. Of course Zataki's pretended to make some secret arrangement with his half brother. But it's only a trick, nothing more. He will betray him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He should—he has the same rotten bloodline,\" she said with distaste. \"But I would be most upset if anything happened to my sister and her children.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing will, Lady. I'm sure.\"\n\n\"If Zataki was prepared to assassinate his own mother... neh? You're certain he won't betray you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. Not in the end. Because he hates Toranaga more than he does me, Lady, and he honors you and desires the Kwanto above all else.\" Ishido smiled at the floors soaring above them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As long as the castle's ours and the Kwanto exists to give away, there's nothing to fear.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This morning I was afraid,\" she said, holding a flower to her nose, enjoying the perfume, wanting it to erase the aftertaste of fear that still lingered. \"I wanted to rush away but then I remembered the soothsayer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eh? Oh, him. I'd forgotten about him,\" Ishido said with grim amusement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the soothsayer, the Chinese envoy, who had foretold that the Taikō would die in his bed leaving a healthy son after him, that Toranaga would die by the sword in middle age, that Ishido would die in old age, the most famous general in the realm, his feet firm in the earth. And that the Lady Ochiba would end her days at Osaka Castle, surrounded by the greatest nobles in the Empire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Ishido said again, \"I'd forgotten about him. Toranaga's middle-aged, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\" Again Ochiba felt the depth of his look and her loins melted at the thought of a real man on her, in her, surrounding her, taking her, giving her a new life within. This time an honorable birthing, not like the last one, when she had wondered in horror what the child would be like and look like." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How foolish you are, Ochiba, she told herself, as they walked the shaded, fragrant paths. Put away those silly nightmares—that's all they ever were." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You were thinking about a man." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'master' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly Ochiba wished that Toranaga was here beside her and not Ishido, that Toranaga was master of Osaka Castle and master of the Taikō's treasure, Protector of the Heir and Chief General of the Armies of the West, and not Ishido. Then there would be no problems." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Together they would possess the realm, all of it, and now, today, at this moment, she would beckon him to bed or to an inviting glade and tomorrow or the next day they would marry, and whatever happened in the future, today she would possess and be possessed and be at peace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her hand reached out and she pulled a branchlet toward her, breathing the sweet, rich gardenia fragrance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Put away dreams, Ochiba, she told herself. Be a realist like the Taikō—or Toranaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are you going to do with the Anjin-san?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido laughed. \"Hold him safe—let him take the Black Ship perhaps, or use him as a threat against Kiyama and Onoshi if need be. They both hate him, neh? Oh yes, he's a sword at their throats—and at their filthy Church.\"\n\n\"In the chess game of the Heir against Toranaga, how would you judge the Anjin-san's value, Lord General? A pawn? A knight, perhaps?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, Lady, in the Great Game barely a pawn,\" Ishido said at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But in the game of the Heir against the Christians, a castle, easily a castle, perhaps two.\"\n\n\"You don't think the games are interlocked?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, interlocked, but the Great Game will be settled by daimyo against daimyo, samurai against samurai, and sword against sword. Of course, in both games, you're the queen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Lord General, please excuse me, not a queen,\" she said, glad that he realized it. Then, to be safe, she changed the subject." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rumor has it that the Anjin-san and Mariko-san pillowed together.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Yes, I heard that too. You wish to know the truth about it?\"\n\nOchiba shook her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It would be unthinkable that that had happened.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ishido was watching her narrowly. \"You think there'd be a value in destroying her honor? Now? And along with her, Buntaro-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I meant nothing, Lord General, nothing like that. I was just wondering—just a woman's foolishness. But it's as Lord Kiyama said this morning—dark summer's tears, sad, so sad, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I preferred your poem, Lady. I promise you Toranaga's side will have the tears.\"\n\n\"As to Buntaro-san, perhaps neither he nor Lord Hiro-matsu will fight for Lord Toranaga at the battle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's fact?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Lord General, not fact, but possible.\"\n\n\"But there's something you can do perhaps?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing, except petition their support for the Heir—and all Toranaga's generals, once the battle is committed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's committed now, a north-south pincer movement and the final onslaught at Odawara.\"\n\n\"Yes, but not actually. Not until army opposes army on the battlefield.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she asked, \"So sorry, but are you sure it's wise for the Heir to lead the armies?\"\n\n\"I will lead the armies, but the Heir must be present. Then Toranaga cannot win. Even Toranaga will never attack the Heir's standard.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wouldn't it be safer for the Heir to stay here—because of assassins, the Amidas... We can't risk his life. Toranaga has a long arm, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But not that long and the Heir's personal standard makes our side lawful and Toranaga's unlawful. I know Toranaga. In the end he'll respect the law. And that alone will put his head on a spike. He's dead, Lady. Once he's dead I will stamp out the Christian Church—all of it. Then you and the Heir will be safe.\"\n\nOchiba looked up at him, an unspoken promise in her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will pray for success—and your safe return.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His chest tightened. He had waited so long. \"Thank you, Lady, thank you,\" he said, understanding her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will not fail you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bowed and turned away. What impertinence, she was thinking." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around six sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and story elements may appear without introduction - roll with them naturally. Try to mimic the style of James Clavell." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'guard' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The horsemen came rapidly over the lip of the hill in the early sun. First were the fifty outriders and scouts of the advance guard led by Buntaro. Next came the banners. Then Toranaga. After him was the bulk of the war party under the command of Omi. Following them were Father Alvito Tsukku-san and ten acolytes in a tight group and, after them, a small rear guard, among them hunters with falcons on their gloves, all hooded except one great yellow-eyed goshawk. All samurai were heavily armed and wore chain cuirasses and cavalry battle armor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga rode easily, his spirit lightened now, a newer and stronger man, and he was glad to be near the end of his journey." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was two and a half days since he had sent the order to Naga to keep the galley at Yokohama and had left Mishima on this forced march. They had come very fast, picking up fresh horses every twenty ri or so. At one station where horses were not available the samurai in charge was removed, his stipend given to another, and he was invited to commit seppuku or shave his head and become a priest. The samurai chose death.\n\nThe fool had been warned, Toranaga thought, the whole Kwanto's mobilized and on a war footing. Still, that man wasn't a total waste, he told himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At least the news of that example will flash the length of my domains and there'll be no more unnecessary delays." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So much yet to do, he thought, his mind frantic with facts and plans and counterplans. In four days it will be the day, the twenty-second day of the eighth month, the Month for Viewing the Moon. Today, at Osaka, the courtier Ogaki Takamoto formally goes to Ishido and regretfully announces that the Son of Heaven's visit to Osaka has to be delayed for a few days due to ill health.\n\nIt had been so easy to manipulate the delay. Although Ogaki was a Prince of the Seventh Rank and descended from the Emperor Go-Shoko, the ninety-fifth of the dynasty, he was impoverished like all members of the Imperial Court. The Court possessed no revenue of its own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only samurai possessed revenue and, for hundreds of years, the Court had had to exist on a stipend—always carefully controlled and lean—granted it by the Shōgun, Kwampaku, or ruling Junta of the day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So Toranaga had humbly and very cautiously assigned ten thousand koku yearly to Ogaki, through intermediaries, to donate to needy relatives as Ogaki himself wished, saying with due humility that, being Minowara and therefore also descended from Go-Shoko, he was delighted to be of service and trusted that the Exalted would take care of his precious health in so treacherous a climate as Osaka's, particularly around the twenty-second day.\n\nOf course there was no guarantee that Ogaki could persuade or dissuade the Exalted, but Toranaga had surmised that the advisers to the Son of Heaven, or the Son of Heaven himself, would welcome an excuse to delay—hopefully, at length to cancel. Only once in three centuries had a ruling Emperor ever left his sanctuary at Kyoto. That had been four years ago at the invitation of the Taikō to view the cherry blossoms near Osaka Castle, coincident with his resigning the Kwampaku title in favor of Yaemon—and so, by implication, putting the Imperial Seal on the succession.\n\nNormally no daimyo, not even Toranaga, would have dared to make such an offer to any member of the Court because it insulted and usurped the prerogative of a superior—in this case the Council—and would instantly be construed as treason, as it rightly was. But Toranaga knew he was already indicted for treason." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tomorrow Ishido and his allies will move against me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How much more time have I left?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Where should the battle be? Odawara? Victory depends only on the time and the place, and not on the number of men. They'll outnumber me three to one at the very least. Never mind, he thought, Ishido's coming out of Osaka Castle! Mariko pried him out. In the chess game for power I sacrificed my queen but Ishido's lost two castles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes. But you lost more than a queen in the last play." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You lost a ship. A pawn can become a queen—but not a ship!\n\nThey were riding downhill in a quick, bone-jarring trot. Below was the sea. They turned a corner on the path and there was Yokohama village, with the wreck just offshore. He could see the plateau where the Musket Regiment were drawn up in battle review with their horses and equipment, muskets in their holsters, other samurai, equally well armed, lining his route as an honor guard nearer the shore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the outskirts of the village the villagers were kneeling in neat rows waiting to honor him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beyond them was the galley, the sailors waiting with their captain. On either side of the wharf, fishing boats were beached in meticulous array and he made a mental note to reprimand Naga. He had ordered the regiment ready for instant departure, but to stop fishermen or peasants from fishing or working the fields was irresponsible.\n\nHe turned in his saddle and called up a samurai, ordering him to tell Buntaro to go ahead and see that all was safe and prepared. \"Then go to the village and dismiss all the villagers to their work, except the headman.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\" The man dug in his spurs and galloped away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now Toranaga was near enough to the plateau to distinguish faces." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Anjin-san and Yabu, then Kiri and the Lady Sazuko. His excitement quickened." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like James Clavell using my stuff as a starting point? btw might drop u in mid-story with random chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What message say, Anjin-san?\" Toranaga asked.\n\nMariko had written in Latin: \"Thou. I love thee. If this is read by thee then I am dead in Osaka and perhaps, because of me, thy ship is dead too. I may sacrifice this most prized part of thy life because of my Faith, to safeguard my Church, but more to save thy life which is more precious to me than everything—even the interest of my Lord Toranaga. It may come to a choice, my love: thee or thy ship. So sorry, but I choose life for thee. This ship is doomed anyway—with or without thee. I will concede thy ship to thine enemy so that thou may live. This ship is nothing. Build another. This thou canst do—were you not taught to be a builder of ships as well as a navigator of ships? I believe Lord Toranaga will give thee all the craftsmen, carpenters, and metal craftsmen necessary—he needs you and your ships—and from my personal estate I have bequeathed thee all the money necessary. Build another ship and build another life, my love. Take next year's Black Ship, and live forever. Listen, my dear one, my Christian soul prays to see thee again in a Christian heaven—my Japanese hara prays that in the next life I will be whatever is necessary to bring thee joy and to be with thee wherever thou art. Forgive me—but thy life is all important. I love thee.\"\n\n\"What message say, Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"So sorry, Sire. Mariko-sama say this ship not necessary. Say build new ship. Say—\"\n\n\"Ah! Possible? Possible, Anjin-san?\"\n\nBlackthorne saw the daimyo's flashing interest. \"Yes. If get... \" He could not remember the word for carpenter.\n\n\"If Toranaga-sama give men, ship-making men, neh? Yes. I can.\" In his mind the new ship began to take shape." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Smaller, much smaller than Erasmus." }, { "from": "human", "value": "About ninety to a hundred tons would be all he could manage, for he had never overseen or designed a complete ship by himself before, though Alban Caradoc had certainly trained him as a shipwright as well as pilot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "God bless you, Alban, he exulted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, ninety tons to start with. Drake's Golden Hind was thereabouts and remember what she endured! I can get twenty cannon aboard and that would be enough to... \"Christ Jesus, the cannon!\"\n\nHe whirled and peered at the wreck, then saw Toranaga and all of them staring at him and realized he'd been talking English to them. \"Ah, so sorry, Sire. Think too quick. Big guns—there, in sea, neh? Must get quick!\"\n\nToranaga spoke to his men, then faced Blackthorne again. \"Samurai say everything from ship at camp. Some things fished from sea, shallow, here at low tide, neh? Now in camp. Why?\"\n\nBlackthorne felt light-headed. \"Can make ship. If have big guns can fight enemy. Can Toranaga-sama get gunpowder?\"\n\n\"Yes. How many carpenters? How much need?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Forty carpenters, blacksmiths, oak for timbers, do you have oak here? Then I'll need iron, steel, I'll set up a forge and I'll need a master... \" Blackthorne realized he was talking in English again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry. I write on paper. Carefully. And I think carefully. Please, you give men to help?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All men, all money. At once. I need ship. At once! How fast can you build it?\"\n\n\"Six months from the day we lay keel.\"\n\n\"Oh, not faster?\"\n\n\"No, so sorry.\"\n\n\"Later we talk some more, Anjin-san. What else Mariko-sama say?\"\n\n\"Little more, Sire. Say give money to help ship, her money. Say also sorry if... if she help my enemy destroy ship.\"\n\n\"What enemy? What way destroy ship?\"\n\n\"Not say who—or how, Sire. Nothing clear. Just sorry if. Mariko-sama say sayonara. Hope seppuku serves Lord Toranaga.\"\n\n\"Ah yes, serves greatly, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga smiled at him. \"Glad all good now, Anjin-san. Eeeeee, Mariko-sama was right. Don't worry about that!\" Toranaga pointed at the hulk. \"Build new ship at once. A fighting ship, neh? You understand?\"\n\n\"Understand very much.\"\n\n\"This new ship... could this new ship fight the Black Ship?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Ah! Next year's Black Ship?\"\n\n\"Possible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about crew?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please?\"\n\n\"Seamen—gunners?\"\n\n\"Ah! By next year can train my vassals as gunners. Not seamen.\"\n\n\"You can have the pick of all the seamen in the Kwanto.\"\n\n\"Then next year possible.\" Blackthorne grinned. \"Is next year possible? War? What about war?\"\n\nToranaga shrugged. \"War or no war—still try, neh? That's your prey—understand 'prey'? And our secret. Between you and me only, neh? The Black Ship.\"\n\n\"Priests will soon break secret.\"\n\n\"Perhaps. But this time no tidal wave or tai-fun, my friend. You will watch and I will watch.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First Black Ship, then go home. Bring me back a navy. Understand?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'toranaga' precisely 3 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh yes.\"\n\n\"If I lose—karma. If not, then everything, Anjin-san. Everything as you said. Everything—Black Ship, ambassador, treaty, ships! Understand?\"\n\n\"Yes. Oh yes! Thank you.\"\n\n\"Thank Mariko-sama. Without her... \" Toranaga saluted him warmly, for the first time as an equal, and went away with his guards. Blackthorne's vassals bowed, completely impressed with the honor done to their master.\n\nBlackthorne watched Toranaga leave, exulting, then he saw the food. The servants were beginning to pack up the remains. \"Wait. Now food, please.\"\n\nHe ate carefully, slowly and with good manners, his own men quarreling for the privilege of serving him, his mind roving over all the vast possibilities that Toranaga had opened up for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You've won, he told himself, wanting to dance a hornpipe with glee. But he did not. He reread her letter once more. And blessed her again.\n\n\"Follow me,\" he ordered, and led the way toward the camp, his brain already designing the ship and her gunports. Jesus God in heaven, help Toranaga to keep Ishido out of the Kwanto and Izu and please bless Mariko, wherever she is, and let the cannon not be rusted up too much. Mariko was right: Erasmus was doomed, with or without me. She's given me back my life. I can build another life and another ship." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ninety tons! My ship'll be a sharp-nosed, floating battle platform, as sleek as a greyhound, better than the Erasmus class, her bowsprit jutting arrogantly and a lovely figurehead just below, and her face'll look just like her, with her lovely slanting eyes and high cheekbones." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My ship'll... Jesus God, there's a ton of stuff I can salvage from the wreck! I can use part of the keel, some of the ribs—and there'll be a thousand nails around, and the rest of the keel'll make bindings and braces and everything I need... if I've the time.\n\nYes. My ship'll be like her, he promised himself. She'll be trim and miniature and perfect like a Yoshitomo blade, and that's the best in the world, and just as dangerous. Next year she'll take a prize twenty times her own weight, like Mariko did at Osaka, and she'll rip the enemy out of Asia. And then, the following year or the one after, I'll sail her up the Thames to London, her pockets full of gold and the seven seas in her wake. \"The Lady will be her name,\" he said aloud." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around six sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and story elements may appear without introduction - roll with them naturally. Try to mimic the style of James Clavell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sire?\" Fujiko was saying." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're to go direct from here to Anjiro. I've decided to change the Anjin-san's fief from around Yokohama to Anjiro. Twenty ri in every direction from the village, with a yearly income of four thousand koku. You'll take over Omi-san's house.\"\n\n\"May I thank you on his behalf, Sire. So sorry, do I understand that he doesn't know about this yet?\"\n\n\"No. I'll tell him today. I've ordered him to build another ship, Fujiko-san, to replace the one lost, and Anjiro will be a perfect shipyard, much better than Yokohama. I've arranged with the Gyoko woman for her eldest son to be business overseer for the Anjin-san, and all materials and craftsmen will be paid for out of my treasury. You'll have to help him set up some form of administration.\"\n\n\"Oh ko, Sire,\" she said, immediately concerned. \"My time remaining with the Anjin-san will be so short.\"\n\n\"Yes. I'll have to find him another consort—or wife. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fujiko looked up, her eyes narrowing. Then she said, \"Please, how may I help?\"\n\nToranaga said, \"Whom would you suggest? I want the Anjin-san to be content. Contented men work better, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Fujiko reached into her mind. Who would compare with Mariko-sama? Then she smiled. \"Sire, Omi-san's present wife, Midori-san. His mother hates her, as you know, and wants Omi divorced—so sorry, but she had the astounding bad manners to say it in front of me. Midori-san's such a lovely lady and, oh, so very clever.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You think Omi wants to be divorced?\" Another piece of the puzzle fell in place.\n\n\"Oh, no, Sire, I'm sure he doesn't. What man wants really to obey his mother? But that's our law, so he should have divorced her the first time his parents mentioned it, neh? Even though his mother's very bad tempered, she surely knows what's best for him, of course. So sorry, I have to be truthful as this is a most important matter. Of course I mean no offense, Sire, but filial duty to one's parents is the corner post of our law.\"\n\n\"I agree,\" Toranaga said, pondering this fortunate new thought. \"The Anjin-san would consider Midori-san a good suggestion?\"\n\n\"No, Sire, not if you ordered the marriage... but, so sorry, there's no need for you to order him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You could perhaps think of a way to make him think of it himself. That would certainly be best. With Omi-san, of course, you just order him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course. You'd approve of Midori-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, yes. She's seventeen, her present son's healthy, she's from good samurai stock, so she'd give the Anjin-san fine sons. I suppose Omi's parents will insist Midori give up her son to Omi-san, but if they don't the Anjin-san could adopt him. I know my Master likes her because Mariko-sama told me she teased him about her. She's very good samurai stock, very prudent, very clever. Oh, yes, he'd be very safe with her. Also her parents are both dead now so there'd be no ill feeling from them about her marrying a—marrying the Anjin-san.\"\n\nToranaga toyed with the idea. I've certainly got to keep Omi off balance, he told himself. Young Omi can become a thorn in my side too easily. Well, I won't have to do anything to get Midori divorced. Omi's father will absolutely have definite last wishes before he commits seppuku and his wife will certainly insist the most important last thing he does on this earth will be to get their son married correctly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So Midori will be divorced within a few days anyway. Yes, she'd be a very good wife.\n\n\"If not her, Fujiko-san, what about Kiku? Kiku-san?\"\n\nFujiko gaped at him. \"Oh, so sorry, Sire, you're going to relinquish her?\"\n\n\"I might. Well?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would have thought Kiku-san would be a perfect unofficial consort, Sire. She's so brilliant and wonderful. Though I can see she would be an enormous distraction for an ordinary man, and, so sorry, it would be years before the Anjin-san would be able to appreciate the rare quality of her singing or dancing or wit. As wife?\" she asked, with just enough emphasis to indicate absolute disapproval. \"Ladies of the Willow World aren't usually trained the same as... as others are, Sire. Their talents lie elsewhere. To be responsible for the finances and the affairs of a samurai house is different from the Floating World.\"\n\n\"Could she learn?\"\n\nFujiko hesitated a long while. \"The perfect thing for the Anjin-san would be Midori-san for wife, Kiku-san as consort.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Could they learn to live with all his—er—different attitudes?\"\n\n\"Midori-san's samurai, Sire. It would be her duty. You would order her. Kiku-san also.\"\n\n\"But not the Anjin-san?\"\n\n\"You know him better than I, Sire. But in pillow things and... it would be better for him to, well, think of it himself.\"\n\n\"Toda Mariko-sama would have made a perfect wife for him. Neh?\"\n\n\"That's an extraordinary idea, Sire,\" Fujiko replied, without blinking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Certainly both had an enormous respect for each other.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" he said dryly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, thank you, Fujiko-san. I'll consider what you said. He'll be at Anjiro in about ten days.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Sire. If I might suggest, the port of Ito and the Yokosé Spa should be included within the Anjin-san's fief.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"Ito just in case Anjiro is not big enough. Perhaps bigger slipways would be necessary for such a big ship. Perhaps they're available there. Yokosé be—\"\n\n\"Are they?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. An—\"\n\n\"Have you been there?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🔍 Find a place to insert: \"I agree. And I'll consider what you said about Midori-san and Kiku-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Sire. But the Anjin-san's interested in the sea. So are you. It was my duty to try to learn about ships and shipping, and when we heard the Anjin-san's ship was burned I wondered if it would be possible to build another, and if so, where and how. Izu is a perfect choice, Sire. It will be easy to keep Ishido's armies out.\"\n\n\"And why Yokosé?\"\n\n\"And Yokosé because a hatamoto should have a place in the mountains where you could be entertained in the style you have a right to expect.\"\n\nToranaga was watching her closely. Fujiko appeared so docile and demure but he knew she was as inflexible as he was and not ready to concede either point unless he ordered it. \"I agree. And I'll consider what you said about Midori-san and Kiku-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Sire,\" she said humbly, glad that she had done her duty to her master and repaid her debt to Mariko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ito for its slipways, and Yokosé where Mariko had said their \"love\" had really begun.\n\n'I'm so lucky, Fujiko-chan,' Mariko had told her at Yedo. 'Our journey here has brought me more joy than I have the right to expect in twenty lifetimes.'\n\n'I beg you to protect him in Osaka, Mariko-san. So sorry, he's not like us, not civilized like us, poor man. His nirvana is life and not death.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's still true, Fujiko thought again, blessing Mariko's memory." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'saved' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko had saved the Anjin-san, no one else—not the Christian God or any gods, not the Anjin-san himself, not even Toranaga, no one—only Mariko alone. Toda Mariko-noh-Akechi Jinsai had saved him.\n\nBefore I die I will put up a shrine at Yokosé and leave a bequest for another at Osaka and another at Yedo. That's going to be one of my death wishes, Toranaga-sama, she promised herself, looking back at him so patiently, warmed by all the other lovely things yet to be done on the Anjin-san's behalf. Midori to wife certainly, never Kiku as wife but only a consort and not necessarily chief consort, and the fief extended to Shimoda on the very south coast of Izu. \"Do you want me to leave at once, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stay here tonight, then go direct tomorrow. Not via Yokohama.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. I understand. So sorry, I can take possession of my Master's new fief on his behalf—and all it contains—the moment I arrive?\"\n\n\"Kawanabi-san will give you the necessary documents before you leave here. Now, please send Kiku-san to me.\"\n\nFujiko bowed and left.\n\nToranaga grunted. Pity that woman's going to end herself. She's almost too valuable to lose, and much too smart. Ito and Yokosé? Ito understandable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why Yokosé?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And what else was in her mind?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw Kiku coming across the sun-baked courtyard, her little feet in white tabi, almost dancing, so sweet and elegant with her silks and crimson sunshade, the envy of every man in sight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah, Kiku, he thought, I can't afford that envy, so sorry. I can't afford you in this life, so sorry. You should have remained where you were in the Floating World, courtesan of the First Class. Or even better, gei-sha. What a fine idea that old hag came up with! Then you'd be safe, the property of many, the adored of many, the central point of tragic suicides and violent quarrels and wonderful assignations, fawned on and feared, showered with money that you'd treat with disdain, a legend—while your beauty lasts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But now? Now I can't keep you, so sorry. Any samurai I give you to as consort takes to his bed a double-edged knife: a complete distraction and the envy of every other man. Neh? Few would agree to marry you, so sorry, but that's the truth and this is a day for truths. Fujiko was right. You're not trained to run a samurai household, so sorry. As soon as your beauty goes—oh, your voice will last, child, and your wit, but soon you'll still be cast out onto the dung heap of the world. So sorry, but that's also the truth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another is that the highest Ladies of the Floating World are best left in their Floating World to run other houses when age is upon them, even the most famous, to weep over lost lovers and lost youth in barrels of saké, watered with your tears. The lesser ones at best to be wife to a farmer or fisherman or merchant, or rice seller or craftsman, from which life you were born—the rare, sudden flower that appears in the wilderness for no reason other than karma, to blossom quickly and to vanish quickly.\n\nSo sad, so very sad. How do I give you samurai children?\n\nYou keep her for the rest of your time, his secret heart told him. She merits it. Don't fool yourself like you fool others." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The truth is you could keep her easily, taking her a little, leaving her a lot, just like your favorite Tetsu-ko, or Kogo." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Isn't Kiku just a falcon to you? Prized yes, unique yes, but just a falcon that you feed from your fist, to fly at a prey and call back with a lure, to cast adrift after a season or two, to vanish forever? Don't lie to yourself, that's fatal. Why not keep her? She's only just another falcon, though very special, very high-flying, very beautiful to watch, but nothing more, rare certainly, unique certainly, and, oh, so pillowable...\n\n\"Why do you laugh? Why are you so happy, Sire?\"\n\n\"Because you are a joy to see, Lady.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around six sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and story elements may appear without introduction - roll with them naturally. Try to mimic the style of James Clavell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranaga came up the rise near the camp, his party grouped around him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kogo was on his gauntlet and he had hunted the coast and now he was going into the hills above the village." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were still two hours of sun left and he did not want to waste the sun, not knowing when he would ever have the time to hunt again.\n\nToday was for me, he thought. Tomorrow I go to war but today was to put my house in order, pretending that the Kwanto was safe and Izu safe, and my succession—that I will live to see another winter and, in the spring, hunt at leisure. Ah, today has been very good.\n\nHe had killed twice with Tetsu-ko and she had flown like a dream, never so perfectly, not even when she'd made the kill with Naga near Anjiro—that beautiful, never-to-be-forgotten stoop to take that wily old cock pigeon. Today she had taken a crane several times her own size and come back to the lure perfectly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A pheasant had been pointed by the dogs and he had cast the falcon to her circling station aloft." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the pheasant had been flushed and the soaring, climbing, falling had begun, to last forever, the kill beautiful. Again Tetsu-ko had come to the lure and fed from his fist proudly.\n\nNow he was after hare. It had occurred to him that the Anjin-san would enjoy meat. So, instead of finishing for the day, satisfied, Toranaga had decided to go for game for the pot. He quickened his pace, not wanting to fail." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His outriders led the way past the camp and up the winding road to the crest above and he was greatly pleased with his day.\n\nHis critical gaze swept over the camp, seeking dangers, and found none. He could see men at weapon training—all regimental training and firing was forbidden while the Tsukku-san was nearby—and that pleased him. To one side, glinting in the sun, were the twenty cannon that had been salvaged with such care and he noticed that Blackthorne was squatting cross-legged on the ground nearby, concentrating over a low table, now like any normal person would sit. Below was the wreck and he noted that it had not yet moved, and he wondered how the Anjin-san would bring it ashore if it could not be pulled ashore.\n\nBecause, Anjin-san, you will bring it ashore, Toranaga told himself, quite certain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, yes. And you will build your ship and I'll destroy her like I destroyed the other one, or give her away, another sop to the Christians who are more important to me than your ships, my friend, so sorry, and the other ships waiting in your home land." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Your countrymen will bring those out to me, and the treaty with your Queen. Not you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I need you here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the time's right, Anjin-san, I'll tell you why I had to burn your ship, and by then you won't mind because other things will be occupying you, and you'll understand what I told you was still the truth: It was your ship or your life. I chose your life. That was correct, neh? Then we'll laugh about the \"Act of God,\" you and I. Oh, it was easy to appoint a special watch of trusted men aboard with secret instructions to spread gunpowder loosely and liberally on the chosen night, having already told Naga—the moment Omi whispered about Yabu's plot—to rearrange the roster so that the following shore and deck watch were only Izu men, particularly the fifty-three traitors. Then a single ninja with a flint out of the darkness and your ship was a torch. Of course neither Omi nor Naga was ever party to the sabotage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So sorry, but so necessary, Anjin-san." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I saved your life, which you wanted even above your ship. Fifty times or more I've had to consider giving your life away but so far I've always managed to avoid it. I hope to continue to do that. Why? This is a day for truth, neh? The answer is because you make me laugh and I need a friend. I daren't make friends among my own people, or among the Portuguese." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, I will whisper it down a well at noon but only when I'm certain I'm alone, that I need one friend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And also your knowledge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mariko-sama was right again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before you go I want to know everything you know. I told you we both had plenty of time, you and I.\n\nI want to know how to navigate a ship around the earth and understand how a small island nation can defeat a huge empire. Perhaps the answer could apply to us and China, neh? Oh yes, the Taikō was right in some things.\n\nThe first time I saw you, I said, \"There's no excuse for rebellion,\" and you said, \"There's one—if you win!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'you'll' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah, Anjin-san, I bound you to me then. I agree. Everything's right if you win.\n\nStupid to fail. Unforgivable.\n\nYou won't fail, and you'll be safe and happy in your large fief at Anjiro, where Mura the fisherman will guard you from Christians and continue to feed them misinformation as I direct. How naïve of Tsukku-san to believe one of my men, even Christian, would steal your rutters and give them secretly to the priests without my knowledge, or my direction. Ah, Mura, you've been faithful for thirty years or more, soon you'll get your reward!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "What would the priests say if they knew your real name was Akira Tonomoto, samurai—spy at my direction, as well as fisherman, headman, and Christian?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They'd fart dust, neh?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'future' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So don't worry, Anjin-san, I'm worrying about your future. You're in good strong hands and, ah, what a future I've planned for you.\n\n\"I'm to be consort to the barbarian, oh oh oh?\" Kiku had wailed aloud.\n\n\"Yes, within the month. Fujiko-san has formally agreed.\" He had told Kiku and Gyoko the truth once more, patiently giving the distraught girl face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And a thousand koku a year after the birth of the Anjin-san's first son.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eh, a thou—what did you say?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had repeated the promise and added sweetly, \"After all, samurai is samurai and two swords are two swords and his sons will be samurai. He's hatamoto, one of my most important vassals, Admiral of all my ships, a close personal adviser—even a friend. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, but Sire—\"\n\n\"First you'll be his consort.\"\n\n\"So sorry, first, Sire?\"\n\n\"Perhaps you should be his wife. Fujiko-san told me she didn't wish to marry, ever again, but I think he should be married. Why not you? If you please him enough, and I imagine you could please him enough, and still, dutifully, keep him building his ship... neh? Yes, I think you should be his wife.\"\n\n\"Oh yes oh yes oh yes!\" She had thrown her arms around him and blessed him and apologized for her impulsive bad manners for interrupting and not listening dutifully, and she had left him, walking four paces off the ground where a moment ago she had been ready to throw herself off the nearest cliff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ah, ladies, Toranaga thought, bemused and very content." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now she's got everything she wants, so has Gyoko—if the ship's built in time and it will be—so have the priests, so have—\n\n\"Sire!\" One of the hunters was pointing at a clump of bushes beside the road. He reined in and readied Kogo, loosening the jesses that held her to his fist. \"Now,\" he ordered softly. The dog was sent in.\n\nThe hare broke from the brush and raced for cover and at that instant he released Kogo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With immensely powerful thrusts of her wings she hurtled in pursuit, straight as an arrow, overhauling the panicked animal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ahead, a hundred paces across the rolling land was a brambled copse, and the hare twisted this way and that with frantic speed, making for safety, Kogo closing the gap, cutting corners, knifing ever closer a few feet off the ground. Then she was above her prey and she hacked down and the hare screamed and reared up and darted back, Kogo still in pursuit ek-ek-ek-ing with rage because she had missed. The hare whirled again in a final dash for sanctuary and shrieked as Kogo struck again and got a firm grip with her talons on its neck and head and bound on fearlessly, closing her wings, oblivious of the animal's frantic contortions and tumblings as, effortlessly, she snapped the neck. A last scream. Kogo let go and leaped into the air for an instant and shook her ruffled feathers into place again with a violent flurry, then settled back onto the warm, twitching body, talons once more in the death grip. Then and only then did she give her shriek of conquest and hiss with pleasure at the kill. Her eyes watched Toranaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga trotted up and dismounted, offering the lure. Obediently the goshawk left her prey and then, as he deftly concealed the lure, she settled on his outstretched gauntlet. His fingers caught her jesses and he could feel her grip through the steel-reinforced leather of the forefinger perch.\n\n\"Eeeeee, that was well done, my beauty,\" he said, rewarding her with a morsel, part of the hare's ear that a beater sliced off for him. \"There, gorge on that but not too much—you've still work to do.\"\n\nGrinning, the beater held up the hare." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Master! It must be three, four times her weight. Best we've seen for weeks, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes. Send it to the camp for the Anjin-san.\" Toranaga swung into the saddle again and waved the others forward to the hunt once more.\n\nYes, the kill had been well done, but it had none of the excitement of a peregrine kill. A goshawk's only what it is, a cook's bird, a killer, born to kill anything and everything that moves. Like you, Anjin-san, neh?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, you're a short-winged hawk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ah, but Mariko was peregrine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He remembered her so clearly and he wished beyond wishing that it had not been necessary for her to go to Osaka and into the Void." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But it was necessary, he told himself patiently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The hostages had to be released." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not my kin, but all the others." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'courage' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now I've another fifty allies committed secretly. Your courage and Lady Etsu's courage and self-sacrifice have bound them and all the Maedas to my side, and through them, the whole western seaboard. Ishido had to be winkled out of his impregnable lair, the Regents split, and Ochiba and Kiyama broken to my fist. You did all this and more: You gave me time. Only time fashions snares and provides lures.\n\nAh, Mariko-chan, who would have thought a little slip of a woman like you, daughter of Ju-san Kubo, my old rival, the archtraitor Akechi Jinsai, could do so much and wreak so much vengeance so beautifully and with such dignity on the Taikō, your father's enemy and killer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A single awesome stoop, like Tetsu-ko, and you killed all your prey which are my prey." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So sad that you're no more. Such loyalty deserves special favor.\n\nToranaga was at the crest now and he stopped and called for Tetsu-ko. The falconer took Kogo from him and Toranaga caressed the hooded peregrine on his fist a last time, then he slipped her hood and cast her into the sky. He watched her spiral upward, ever upward, seeking a prey that he would never flush. Tetsu-ko's freedom is my gift to you, Mariko-san, he said to her spirit, watching the falcon circle higher and higher." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To honor your loyalty to me and your filial devotion to our most important rule: that a dutiful son, or daughter, may not rest under the same heaven while the murderer of her father still lives." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, so wise, Sire,\" the falconer said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: himself, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To release Tetsu-ko, to free her. I thought the last time you flew her she'd never come back but I wasn't sure. Ah, Sire, you're the greatest falconer in the realm, the best, to know, to be so sure when to give her back to the sky.\"\n\nToranaga permitted himself a scowl. The falconer blanched, not understanding why, quickly offered Kogo back and retreated hastily.\n\nYes, Tetsu-ko was due, Toranaga thought testily, but, even so, she was still a symbolic gift to Mariko's spirit and the quality of her revenge.\n\nYes. But what about all the sons of all the men you've killed?\n\nAh, that's different, those men all deserved to die, he answered himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even so, you're always wary of who comes within arrow range—that's normal prudence. This observation pleased Toranaga and he resolved to add it to the Legacy.\n\nHe squinted into the sky once more and watched the falcon, no longer his falcon. She was a creature of immense beauty up there, free, beyond all the tears, soaring effortlessly. Then some force beyond his ken took her and whirled her northward and she vanished.\n\n\"Ah, Tetsu-ko, thank you. Bear many daughters,\" he said, and turned his attention to the earth below." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The village was neat in the lowering sun, the Anjin-san still at his table, samurai training, smoke rising from the cooking fires." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Across the bay, twenty ri or so, was Yedo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Forty ri southeast was Anjiro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two hundred and ninety ri westward was Osaka and north from there, barely thirty ri, was Kyoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's where the main battle should be, he thought. Near the capital. Northward, up around Gifu or Ogaki or Hashima, astride the Nakasend?, the Great North Road. Perhaps where the road turns south for the capital, near the little village of Sekigahara in the mountains. Somewhere there. Oh, I'd be safe for years behind my mountains, but this is the chance I've waited for: Ishido's jugular is unprotected.\n\nMy main thrust will be along the North Road and not the Tokaidō, the coastal road, though between now and then I'll pretend to change fifty times. My brother will ride with me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh yes, I think Zataki will convince himself Ishido has betrayed him to Kiyama." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My brother's no fool." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And I will keep my solemn oath to seek Ochiba for him. During the battle Kiyama will change sides, I think he will change sides, and when he does, if he does, he will fall on his hated rival Onoshi. That will signal the guns to charge, I will roll up the sides of their armies and I will win. Oh yes, I will win—because Ochiba, wisely, will never let the Heir take the field against me. She knows that if she did, I would be forced to kill him, so sorry.\n\nToranaga began to smile secretly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The moment I have won I will give Kiyama all Onoshi's lands, and invite him to appoint Saruji his heir." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The moment I am President of the new Council of Regents we will put Zataki's proposal to the Lady Ochiba, who will be so incensed at his impertinence that, to placate the First Lady of the Land and the Heir, the Regents will regretfully have to invite my brother Onward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Who should take his place as Regent? Kasigi Omi. Kiyama will be Omi's prey... yes, that's wise, and so easy because surely by that time Kiyama, Lord of all the Christians, will be flaunting his religion, which is still against our law. The Taikō's Expulsion Edicts are still legal, neh? Surely Omi and the others will say, \"I vote the Edicts be invoked\"? And once Kiyama is gone, never again a Christian Regent, and patiently our grip will tighten on the stupid but dangerous foreign dogma that is a threat to the Land of the Gods, has always threatened our wa... therefore must be obliterated. We Regents will encourage the Anjin-san's countrymen to take over Portuguese trade." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As soon as possible the Regents will order all trade and all foreigners confined to Nagasaki, to a tiny part of Nagasaki, under very serious guards." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: their, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And we will close the land to them forever... to them and to their guns and to their poisons.\n\nSo many marvelous things to do, once I've won, if I win, when I win. We are a very predictable people.\n\nIt will be a golden age. Ochiba and the Heir will majestically hold Court in Osaka, and from time to time we will bow before them and continue to rule in his name, outside of Osaka Castle. Within three years or so, the Son of Heaven will invite me to dissolve the Council and become Shōgun during the remainder of my nephew's minority." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Regents will press me to accept and, reluctantly, I will accept." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a year or two, without ceremony, I will resign in Sudara's favor and retain power as usual and keep my eyes firmly on Osaka Castle. I will continue to wait patiently and one day those two usurpers inside will make a mistake and then they will be gone and somehow Osaka Castle will be gone, just another dream within a dream, and the real prize of the Great Game that began as soon as I could think, which became possible the moment the Taikō died, the real prize will be won: the Shōgunate.\n\nThat's what I've fought for and planned for all my life. I, alone, am heir to the realm. I will be Shōgun. And I have started a dynasty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's all possible now because of Mariko-san and the barbarian stranger who came out of the eastern sea." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mariko-san, it was your karma to die gloriously and live forever. Anjin-san, my friend, it is your karma never to leave this land. It is mine to be Shōgun.\n\nKogo, the goshawk, fluttered on his wrist and settled herself, watching him. Toranaga smiled at her. I did not choose to be what I am. It is my karma." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~2 sentences more. copy James Clavell's style. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That year, at dawn on the twenty-first day of the tenth month, the Month without Gods, the main armies clashed. It was in the mountains near Sekigahara, astride the North Road, the weather foul—fog, then sleet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By late afternoon Toranaga had won the battle and the slaughter began." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Forty thousand heads were taken.\n\nThree days later Ishido was captured alive and Toranaga genially reminded him of the prophecy and sent him in chains to Osaka for public viewing, ordering the eta to plant the General Lord Ishido's feet firm in the earth, with only his head outside the earth, and to invite passersby to saw at the most famous neck in the realm with a bamboo saw. Ishido lingered three days and died very old." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~11 sentences sentences. Style: Laura Joh Rowland. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: their, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Midori ran through the inner gate and garden, up the steps to the door of the section of the women's quarters that housed her bedchamber. But instead of going inside, she paused, shivering in the cold wind. Then, making an impulsive decision, she stepped out of her wooden-soled shoes. Carrying them by their thongs, she ran lightly along the veranda in her split-toed socks, past the row of doors beneath the roof's overhanging eaves.\n\nAn open window brought her up short. Through it she could hear the maids chattering as they swept the inner corridor. Midori ducked beneath the window so they wouldn't see her. As she turned the corner, more female voices filtered through the thin paper windows: her father's concubines gossiping with their attendants as they groomed themselves or sewed. A baby cried. Someone began to play a tune on the samisen, then stopped suddenly.\n\n\"No, no!\" she heard her younger sisters' music teacher scold. \"Too fast!\"\n\nThe melody began again, slower this time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Midori slipped past the music room, thankful that the children were occupied and couldn't tag along after her.\n\nFinally she reached her destination, a door at the north end of the women's quarters. She slid it open and peered cautiously inside. The corridor was empty. She darted across it and through another door that stood opposite—into Yukiko's bedchamber, where Lady Niu had forbidden everyone to go.\n\nMidori closed the door behind her and looked around the chamber. All the windows were closed, allowing only a dim light from the corridor to filter in. She could barely make out the pattern of silver leaves on the white paper that covered the spaces between solid wooden doors leading to the adjacent rooms. Unlit charcoal braziers in the floor gave off no heat. A chill settled over Midori, one only partially due to physical cold. She hugged herself for warmth and comfort." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All Yukiko's things—her bedding, clothes, floor cushions, writing desk, calligraphy implements, and toilet articles—had been put away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The mats had been swept and the cabinets that covered one wall closed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bare room offered no sign that Yukiko had once lived there, or even existed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A sob caught in Midori's throat. The room's impersonal emptiness finally brought home to her the fact that Yukiko was really gone. Even the sight of Yukiko's shrouded body, laid out in the family chapel amid smoking incense burners and chanting priests, hadn't done that. Tears coursed down her face as she realized that Yukiko's death was not, after all, a nightmare from which she could awaken.\n\nDropping her shoes, she wiped her tears away with her sleeve. She must wait to mourn her sister. Now she had something else to do—something she'd been meaning to do for months. With Yukiko dead, it seemed more important than ever. She hurried over to the cabinets and flung the doors open. Then, frantic with her need to finish and escape before someone found her there, she began a wild search through the shelves of neatly folded clothing.\n\nHer brave resolve almost crumbled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Touching Yukiko's kimonos, she could feel her sister's presence. She could smell the elusive flowery scent of her bath oil. Midori's eyes blurred again, and a tear dropped onto the clothing. But she forced herself to move on to a large chest that sat on the floor beneath the shelves. There, under a stack of summer kimonos, she found what she'd been looking for: A pile of volumes, each a thick sheaf of cream-colored mulberry paper bound with a black silk cord.\n\nYukiko's diaries.\n\nMidori snatched up the top volume. Carrying it over to the window where the light was best, she opened it, heart pounding. Now she would—or at least she hoped she would—learn why Yukiko had died. Despite her bold declaration to the handsome yoriki, she wasn't all that sure that Yukiko hadn't committed suicide. Lately her sunny, tranquil sister had seemed moody and withdrawn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All Midori did know was that Yukiko always recorded her thoughts, as well as her daily activities, in her diary. Now the diary would tell Midori whether Yukiko had really had a lover and grown desperate enough to take her own life—or whether something else had led to her death. Midori scrabbled impatiently through the soft pages, looking for the last entry. But halfway through, a passage caught her eye. With the tip of her tongue caught between her front teeth, she began to read.\n\n\"Yesterday we went firefly hunting at Lord Kuroda's villa in Ueno. In our gauzy summer kimonos, we flitted, ghostlike, over the dark fields, chasing the mysterious glimmering lights given off by the tiny creatures. The sweet scents of earth and fresh-cut grasses rose up from the ground. Crickets chanted a steady accompaniment to the children's shouts and laughter. We captured the fireflies in small wicker cages, where they continued to glow and flicker softly—living lanterns!\"\n\nMidori smiled despite her grief. Yukiko's words brought back the enchantment of that evening. As long as she read, she felt as though her sister were still with her.\n\n\"On our way back to the house, Midori and Keiko, in an excess of high spirits, began to run and giggle and push each other. They dropped and trampled one of the Kurodas' firefly cages. As much as I disliked seeing their woebegone faces, I instructed them to confess what they had done and apologize to Lady Kuroda. But they saw it was the right thing to do, I think, because they were not angry with me afterward.\"\n\nNo one could ever be angry with Yukiko, Midori thought, as grief seized her again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As eldest sister, she had disciplined Midori and the seven other girls firmly, but always with such love and gentleness that they were eager to obey, just to please her...\n\nSoft footsteps sounded in the corridor: stockinged feet making the thin wooden floor creak. Midori's head snapped up. Guiltily she clapped the diary shut and looked for a place to hide. She mustn't get caught here; her stepmother would punish her. The footsteps passed. Midori opened the diary at a different place, near the end. She began to read again, this time resisting the temptation to relive happy times, searching in earnest for clues.\n\nThe next passage she chose disappointed her. A description of an event that had taken place six years ago could have no bearing on Yukiko's death. Here Yukiko's tone grew troubled, her prose choppy as if she had written reluctantly, without her usual pleasure.\n\n\"The seventh day of the eleventh month. A dark, rainy day. On such a day as this, my brother Masahito had his manhood ceremony. It was held in the main reception hall. Our father gave him his new adult name and special cap. Afterward, the fundoshi iwai ceremony. The whole family was present. Guests, too, in fine robes. Father's retainers stood in ranks at the back of the main hall. Lanterns burned. I was so proud and happy to see Masahito receive his new loincloth, the first clothes of manhood. Now I look back on that day and weep. Would that I could feel the same joy and pride for the man of twenty-one years as I did for the boy of fifteen!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Midori puzzled over this passage. Yukiko and Masahito had been very close for a half-sister and -brother, but lately she'd noticed a certain coldness between them. She turned the page, hoping to learn the cause of their estrangement. But the passage didn't continue. Instead she found a shopping list: embroidery thread, hairpins, face powder. Remembering that she had no time to lose, she hastily thumbed the remaining pages, looking for Noriyoshi's name. She almost laughed aloud in triumph when she didn't find it. Just as she'd thought: Yukiko hadn't known the man. She ignored the nagging suspicion that perhaps Yukiko had not written about her lover because she was afraid someone would read her diary. Midori turned to the last entry, written the day before Yukiko's death.\n\n\"The time for decision has come. Except I do not know what to do. To act would destroy lives. But to do nothing—infinitely worse! To speak is to betray. To remain silent a sin.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chewing her fingernail, Midori read the passage again." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'midori' exactly 4 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She ran her finger over the characters, which were shaky and irregular, unlike the beautiful calligraphy of the earlier entries. Yukiko's agitation had expressed itself in her writing. Destroy... betray... sin. Such extreme language convinced Midori that here was proof that someone had killed Yukiko, because of something she knew. But what? What decision had caused her such anguish on the last day of her life? Midori flipped to the previous page. She began to read with growing dismay and fascination. So absorbed was she that she didn't notice the door sliding open until it clicked to a stop.\n\nMidori shrieked and dropped the diary. She spun around. Surprise turned to horror when she saw her stepmother silhouetted in the doorway. The light from the corridor left Lady Niu's face in shadow. Behind her loomed the unmistakable bulk of Eii-chan, whose silence and ugliness had always frightened Midori." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now she darted a frantic gaze around the room, desperately seeking a hiding place. The cabinet?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The chest?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But it was too late." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Niu was advancing on her. Whimpering, Midori waited for her stepmother's outburst and inevitable stinging slaps.\n\nBut Lady Niu stopped a few paces from her. Her serene gaze flickered over Midori, down to the diary on the floor, to the disarranged cabinets.\n\n\"You have entered this room against my orders.\" Although she didn't shout like she had in the garden, her hushed tone was somehow more frightening. \"You have spoken to a police official without my permission, and no doubt told him foolish lies about our family. And now you have dishonored your sister's memory by abusing her possessions.\"\n\nMidori began to tremble. Her lips moved in a soundless plea. \"Please... no... \" She sensed that what happened to her next would be far worse than a beating. She stepped backward and felt her elbow tear through the paper windowpane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For this you must be punished,\" Lady Niu went on in the same tone. She paused, her lovely eyes narrowing. Midori could almost hear her turning over the possibilities: no play, no company, no good food or favorite possessions for several days? She'd used all of these before. Then Lady Niu nodded, apparently reaching a decision.\n\n\"Go to your room until arrangements can be made,\" she ordered. To Eii-chan, who had come to stand at her side, she said, \"See that Miss Midori gets to her room—and stays there.\"\n\nMidori helplessly preceded Eii-chan to the door. Fear for herself drove from her mind all thought of what she had read in Yukiko's diary. Then a ripping noise made her look over her shoulder at her stepmother. She cried out in dismay." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Niu had picked up Yukiko's diary." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was tearing the pages into little pieces and dropping them into the charcoal brazier." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~six sentences sentences. Style: Laura Joh Rowland. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'ogyu's' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This time Sano's interview with Magistrate Ogyu took place not in the Court of Justice, but in Ogyu's private office. The morning sun streamed through the translucent windows, dispelling any resemblance to the courtroom's dim gloominess. No doshin, defendants, or witnesses were present, only Ogyu's elderly manservant, who shuffled about serving tea. Sano didn't have to face Ogyu across the white sand of truth like a condemned man awaiting his sentence. They knelt on silk cushions like any two officials engaged in a civilized meeting. But Sano still felt as if he were on trial." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Honorable Magistrate, I respectfully request your permission to continue the investigation into the deaths of Niu Yukiko and Noriyoshi,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd debated whether to approach Ogyu today, or wait until he had more facts to support his case. Guilt had finally prompted him to speak now: candor was the least he owed his superior.\n\nOgyu said nothing. Instead he cradled his tea bowl in both withered hands, sniffing the steam that rose from it. Today he wore his ceremonial clothes—a black haori with broad padded shoulders over a black kimono stamped with circular gold family crests. The stark garments made his skin seem especially pallid and desiccated. Against the wall mural's colorful landscape, he looked like an ancient pen-and-ink ancestor portrait." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am glad that you came to see me,\" he said finally." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It appears we have much to discuss.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano tried to draw hope from the neutral statement. \"Yes, Honorable Magistrate?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is the small matter of a report that you have written.\" Ogyu glanced down at an unfurled scroll on the desk before him.\n\nWith foreboding, Sano recognized his own writing and seal. It was the report classifying the deaths as suspicious.\n\n\"I am afraid this document does not reflect the understanding that we reached at our last meeting,\" Ogyu continued.\n\nSano's heart plummeted. Ogyu's displeasure with the report would make him unreceptive to any suggestion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Also, you have issued a cremation order for Noriyoshi in defiance of the law which states that shinjū participants must endure public exposure as punishment for their crime. What have you to say for yourself, Yoriki Sano?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please let me explain,\" Sano said. He could almost feel the floor caving in under him. \"When I heard of the deaths, I thought they required further investigation. That's why I wrote that report.\" Seeing Ogyu frown, he rushed on. He didn't mention the cremation order and fervently hoped Ogyu would drop the subject. \"Forgive my presumptiousness; I should not have disobeyed your orders. But now that I've made some inquiries, I believe that Yukiko and Noriyoshi were murdered. I beg your permission to finish my investigation, to find their murderer and bring him to justice.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't think it necessary to remind the magistrate that while the murder of a peasant might not warrant much official concern, that of a daimyo's daughter couldn't go ignored." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The frown lines in Ogyu's forehead deepened, whether in surprise or irritation, Sano couldn't tell. \"And how do you know this?\" he asked.\n\nSano drank some tea to calm himself. \"I've learned that Noriyoshi didn't like women, which means he probably would not have killed himself for the love of one. And he had enemies. At least one of them hated him enough to kill him.\"\n\n\"And who might that be?\" Ogyu sipped from his own bowl, then motioned for the servant to refill both it and Sano's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kikunojo, the Kabuki actor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How did you learn of this... enemy?\" The pause before the word conveyed Ogyu's skepticism.\n\n\"I spoke with Noriyoshi's close friend, a woman named Wisteria,\" Sano answered. Giving Wisteria's name to lend credibility to his story, he nevertheless hoped he wouldn't have to explain what she did for a living.\n\nBut apparently Ogyu knew. Rumor said that he still frequented Yoshiwara's pleasure houses, despite his age." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sighed and quoted an old proverb." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Two rare things: square eggs, and a yūjo's sincerity.\"\n\n\"I think she was telling the truth,\" Sano said. Inadvertently he remembered last night. Wisteria's grief; her plea to him to arrest Kikunojo for her friend's murder; her passion... Sano's blood stirred. He forced himself back to the present.\n\nOgyu was shaking his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yoriki Sano.\" How can you be so gullible? his tone implied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How dare you waste my time with such nonsense?\n\n\"Magistrate, when I went to the morgue, I saw a large bruise on Noriyoshi's head, as if someone had struck him,\" Sano said with growing desperation. \"And he—didn't look as though he'd drowned.\" This was dangerous ground. What if Ogyu wanted to know more about his visit to the morgue?\n\nFortunately Ogyu's refined sensibilities kept him from taking up the subject." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He made a moue of distaste and said, \"We will not talk of such things here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Having already presented his best arguments, Sano could think of nothing else to say. If Ogyu dismissed two and refused to discuss the other, what hope had he of succeeding?\n\nNow Ogyu cleared his throat and signaled for another round of tea. Sano braced himself for a circumspect rebuke, perhaps an allusion to his patron, Katsuragawa Shundai. However, he soon found himself following the magistrate's convoluted thought trail down a completely different path.\n\n\"There are many lessons to be learned from the animal kingdom,\" Ogyu said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When the tiger goes to the stream, the deer wait until he has drunk his fill and departed before they go to drink. When the hawk takes flight, small creatures hide until he has passed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano nodded, waiting for him to get to the point.\n\n\"When the dragonfly spreads his splendid wings, other insects dare not approach, lest they arouse his wrath,\" Ogyu finished. He paused to let his meaning sink in.\n\nThis last scenario bore no resemblance to nature, but Sano got the message anyway.\n\n\"So you've heard of my visit to the Nius,\" he said. The Nius, with their dragonfly family crest and their overshadowing power." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogyu winced at such bluntness. \"Yoriki Sano, do you really need to be reminded of the dangers of offending a great daimyo family? Lady Niu called on me personally to complain about your intrusion.\" His voice rose to its highest, most querulous pitch. \"What stupidity, what foolhardiness could drive you to inflict yourself upon the Nius in such an impertinent manner, at such an unfortunate time?\" A livid patch appeared on each of his sallow cheeks, and his eyes narrowed.\n\nSano accepted the insults stoically, although each one tore at his samurai spirit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His face burned with the shame of having angered his superior to the point of open fury." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Through his misery he felt the cold, equally shameful touch of fear. What would Ogyu do to punish him? But the inquisitive, detached part of his mind wondered why Ogyu was so anxious to halt the investigation and placate the Nius.\n\n\"The Nius received me with all possible graciousness,\" he said bravely. In spite of Ogyu's displeasure, he still thought he'd done right to question them. He only regretted learning so little." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lady Niu didn't appear at all offended. And why should she be? All I did was ask a few questions, which she and young Lord Niu seemed glad to answer. Furthermore, if Miss Yukiko was murdered, why should the Nius object to an investigation? Wouldn't they want to cooperate so that the murderer can be found? Wouldn't they want justice—vengeance—for their family honor?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If Yukiko was murdered, Yoriki Sano.\"\n\nOgyu's resistance reminded Sano of something Wisteria had said last night: \"No inquiry... to trouble the family of that girl, whoever she was.\" Now he wondered if the Nius had some reason for not wanting Yukiko's death investigated. Could it be that they didn't want the murder discovered, or the murderer caught? Was Ogyu helping them to hide the truth? If so, why? Sano tried to close his mind against these thoughts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wanted to believe that his superiors acted only on the highest moral principles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Nius and Magistrate Ogyu just wanted to avoid the scandal that would arise if Yukiko's part in the shinjū became common knowledge. That was all. But suspicion lingered, a queasiness in his soul.\n\n\"Yukiko and Noriyoshi died by their own hands,\" Ogyu was saying. His voice was calm now, and his face had returned to its normal pallor. But he continued to speak with uncharacteristic directness, as if he didn't want to take the chance that Sano might misunderstand. \"The manner of their deaths makes this evident, as does the suicide note. There will be no more discussion of the matter. And now I must extract your promise not to trouble the Nius again, or to waste your time pursuing fantasies.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano gathered his courage for one last try. Drawing a deep breath, he said, \"Magistrate Ogyu, I am sure that Yukiko and Noriyoshi were murdered. I even have a suspect.\" He knew he was speaking too aggressively and with too much emotion, but he couldn't restrain himself. \"I beg you to let me continue the investigation, and to let me explain to the Nius why it is necessary. The murderer is walking free, a danger to society. As a yoriki, I feel it's my duty to apprehend him before he harms anyone else. And your duty as a magistrate,\" he added recklessly.\n\nHe waited in an agony of suspense for Ogyu's answer. Surely Ogyu, a fellow samurai, could not resist the appeal to duty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead of replying to Sano's impassioned speech, Ogyu changed the subject." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am sorry to hear that your father is unwell,\" he said.\n\nThe courteous remark hit Sano like a fist to the stomach. Angry blood pounded in his ears and darkened his vision. Trust Ogyu to invoke the call of obligation in such a deliberately malicious way! Speechless with rage, Sano struggled to control himself.\n\nThrough his chaotic thoughts, Ogyu's voice went on, dryly, mercilessly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A man of his age deserves a peaceful retirement and the respect of those closest to him. It would be a pity if a family disgrace were to worsen his illness.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A wave of panic extinguished Sano's anger like a splash of icy water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogyu was threatening to dismiss him! For his father's sake, he couldn't let it happen. But he couldn't relinquish the investigation without one last plea.\n\n\"Magistrate Ogyu,\" he began.\n\nOgyu accepted more tea from the servant. He did not offer Sano any: the interview was over." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reluctantly Sano rose and bowed. He crossed the room on unsteady legs.\n\n\"Yoriki Sano?\"\n\nHand on the door catch, Sano turned.\n\n\"Might I expect to see your final report on the shinjū this morning?\" Ogyu asked mildly. \"When I see Lady Niu at Miss Yukiko's funeral in the afternoon, I should like to tell her that the matter has been resolved.\"\n\nSano bowed again, opened the door, and walked out, letting Ogyu interpret his silence in any way he chose." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "im ur writing buddy. i set scene (might have existing chars), u do two sentences like Laura Joh Rowland" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Keeping his gaze focused straight ahead, Sano hurried along the street toward police headquarters and the haven of his own rooms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Men passed him; he avoided their eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't stand the thought of talking to anyone or going to his office, where he would have to see Tsunehiko and the rest of his staff. Not with his body still trembling with impotent rage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He needed time alone to master his emotions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good morning, Yoriki Sano-san,\" someone called.\n\nSano sped past without replying." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At last he reached headquarters. But when he got to the barracks, he saw floor mats and bedding hung out to air on the veranda railings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard women's voices." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All the doors stood open; in his room, a maid was scrubbing the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd forgotten that the barracks were cleaned thoroughly once a week at this time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Frustration adding to his anger, he ran to the back garden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To his relief, it was deserted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Solitude brought him no peace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seeking to vent the anger he couldn't express to Magistrate Ogyu, Sano looked around and saw a fist-sized rock at his feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He picked it up and hurled it into the pond with all his might.\n\nIt hit the water with a satisfying splash!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instantly he felt better." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He chuckled wryly at himself. Such a childish gesture!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just like one of his young pupils having a temper tantrum." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He squatted beside the pond, gazing at the pine needles floating on its surface as he pondered his next move.\n\nNow that his rage had cooled, he could better understand Ogyu's position." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yukiko's and Noriyoshi's deaths had looked like suicide. The magistrate could hardly justify a murder investigation on the strength of a questionable bruise on Noriyoshi's head, or the fact that Noriyoshi hadn't liked women and had made enemies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano admitted the mistake he'd made by approaching Ogyu with such flimsy evidence. He couldn't blame Ogyu for resorting to extreme tactics to avert what he considered a potential disaster." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What he needed was to find indisputable proof of the murders. Proof that neither Ogyu nor the Nius could brush aside, and which they would ultimately be grateful to have." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano rose with a sigh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To find proof, he would have to disobey Ogyu's orders again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And perhaps, while seeking it, he would find evidence of the Nius' involvement in the crime, and Ogyu's collusion in covering it up. The prospect dismayed him, with its promise of danger for him and his family." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But somehow, almost without his noticing, his sense of personal duty toward finding the truth had burgeoned until it rivaled the obligation he owed to his father, his patron, and Ogyu. Added to it was a vague but strong feeling of indebtedness toward Wisteria and Dr. Ito." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wisteria's testimony and lovemaking and Ito's dissection had cost them each something; he couldn't let their actions count for nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a shock, he realized that he would risk almost anything to fulfill his personal duty. His desire for the truth fueled an inner reserve of strength and daring he hadn't known he possessed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This frightened him more than the threat of losing his position." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To depart from the Way of the Warrior, from its code of unswerving loyalty and obedience, must have consequences that he hadn't begun to imagine.\n\nHe headed for the stables, reassuring himself that this particular inquiry needn't cause him any ill consequences." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Questioning Kikunojo should put him in no danger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With luck, Magistrate Ogyu and Lady Niu wouldn't hear of his actions until he had some results." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tried to ignore his suspicion that they would oppose an investigation no matter what proof he laid before them.\n\nSano's spirits rose considerably by the time he reached the Saru-waka-cho theater quarter near the city's Ginza district, named for the silver mint that the Tokugawas had built there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yesterday's balmy weather was holding, and the pleasant ride reminded him of childhood holidays when the whole family, along with various friends and relatives, would spend a day at the theater." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They'd arrive when the performances began at dawn and stay until the last one ended at sunset. His father, who, like many older samurai, preferred classical No drama, would complain about the melodramatic Kabuki plays, even while enjoying them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano also remembered more recent excursions, when the theater offered a chance for him and other young men to flirt with the young women who also attended. However, during the last five years, work had left him little time for such diversions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he studied the district with nostalgia." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saru-waka-cho sparkled with familiar color and activity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bright signs plastered over the walls of the four main theaters announced the current play schedules. An occasional burst of song or cheering from the open upper-story windows signaled a play in progress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In square towers perched high on the rooftops, drummers beat a steady bass rhythm to summon theatergoers from distant parts of the city. People of all classes and ages crowded the wide streets, lining up at the ticket booths, seeking refreshment at the many teahouses and restaurants that occupied the spaces between the theaters, or pausing to exchange greetings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano knew some of them had waited all night to get a good seat to see their favorite actors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where is Kikunojo performing?\" he asked the attendant at the public stable where he left his horse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The attendant pointed in the direction of the largest theater." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Nakamura-za,\" he said.\n\nSano made his way through the jostling crowds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he reached the Nakamura-za, he saw signs posted across the front of the building: \"Narukami, starring the great Kikunojo!\" To his disappointment, there was no line outside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The performance had already started." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can I still get in?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked the ticket seller without much hope." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Narukami—the story of a princess who saves Japan from a mad monk who has used magic to keep the rains from falling—was a popular attraction. And Kikunojo would fill the theater no matter what the play." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the ticket seller nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took Sano's money and handed over a ticket, saying, \"There are seats left, sir. The play has been running for a month now; most everyone has seen it already.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Entering the theater, Sano paused for a moment to get his bearings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The vast room, lit only by windows in the roof and along the upper gallery, was dim because fire laws prohibited the use of indoor lighting. When his eyes grew accustomed to the darkness, he could make out the unlit lanterns hanging from the rafters, each bearing the crest of an actor who had performed in the Nakamura-za." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Women and commoners occupied the less desirable seats along the walls. Raised dividers separated the space before the stage into square compartments, where the shaved crowns and upright sword hilts of the samurai predominated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Refreshment sellers ran up and down the dividers carrying trays of food and drink. The incessant chatter and restless movement of the audience almost drowned out the sound of the musicians' wooden clappers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano climbed the nearest divider and walked along it until he spotted a compartment near the front with an empty space. Kneeling on the mat with five other samurai, he turned his attention to the stage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The play was nearing its end. Against a painted backdrop of mountains and clouds, the actor playing the mad monk Narukami sang about the havoc he would wreak upon the country by withholding the rains." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Exaggerated black eyebrows and whiskers gave him a demonic appearance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The brilliant red and gold cleric's mantle that he wore over his brown monk's robe caught the dim light." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'their' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He bellowed each word in a resounding voice designed to carry over the noise of the audience, stamping, pacing, and gesticulating to hold their attention. The musicians seated at the side of the stage played a cacophonous accompaniment on their clappers, flutes, and samisens." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The song ended, and the music with it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A hush fell over the theater. Heads turned toward the back of the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's coming,\" someone whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The clappers sounded again, rapid, frantic. Sano felt a ripple of anticipation pass through the audience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A woman was walking slowly and daintily down the gangway that extended from the back of the theater to the stage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Princess Taema, dressed in a magnificent purple satin kimono printed with white chrysanthemums, was coming to free the rains and save her people. Her face was strikingly beautiful with its stark white makeup and scarlet mouth." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: kikunojo, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Long black hair, pulled back at the sides, hung down to her waist.\n\n\"Kikunojo.\" The name, spoken on a collective sigh, echoed through the room. \"Kikunojo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the audience burst into wild cheers.\n\nPrincess Taema reached the stage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The audience quieted as she began to sing. Sano sat transfixed. Although he knew that Kikunojo was Edo's foremost onnagata—specialist in female roles—he couldn't believe that the figure onstage was not a real woman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Voice, posture, expression, and movements were all completely feminine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not even the kerchief of purple cloth that covered the actor's shaved crown could detract from the illusion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano watched, fascinated, as Princess Taema began to seduce Narukami.\n\nAny effeminate man could be dressed up to resemble a beautiful woman, but Kikunojo's genius lay in his ability to project emotion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano could feel the sexual current flowing from Princess Taema to Narukami, and he knew the rest of the audience could, too. How could Narukami resist her ploy?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't. With much song and gesture, he yielded. Princess Taema cut the magic rope that held back the rain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The musicians produced the sound of falling water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Japan was saved amid cheers, whistles, and clapping from the audience.\n\nSano remained in his seat until most of the crowd had left the theater." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he headed down the divider and onto the stage, where Kikunojo held court before a group of female admirers.\n\nThe onnagata was bigger than he looked from a distance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stood taller than Sano, head and shoulders above the women crowded around him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The actor who played Narukami must have worn high-platformed sandals to top him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Sano moved closer, he spotted more signs of Kikunojo's true sex." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The long, graceful hands, white with the same powder that covered the onnagata's face, had large knuckles and bony wrists. His features, though delicate, lacked the softness of a woman's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tricks he used to disguise his masculinity were obvious: the long, trailing ends of the special sash that made him seem shorter, the way he kept his chin lowered to hide his adam's apple.\n\nBut none of this bothered Kikunojo's admirers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In fact, the spectacle of male sexuality hidden beneath a woman's hairstyle and clothing excited them to a fever pitch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They flushed and giggled as they shyly advanced one at a time to offer tributes to him: a prettily wrapped package, a stammered compliment. Each of these Kikunojo accepted with an ethereal smile and a graceful bow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He placed the gifts on a small table evidently intended for that purpose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go on! I dare you!\" The woman next to Sano nudged her companion, a grandmotherly matron." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Grandmother darted forward and stood on tiptoe to touch Kikunojo's purple kerchief. Her wrinkled face full of glee at her own audacity, she scurried back to her place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The other women howled with laughter.\n\nSano smiled. The government had tried to reduce the sexual appeal of onnagata by requiring them to shave their crowns, but many women found the kerchiefs just as erotic as a full head of hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He waited until the last admirer had departed, then introduced himself. \"Kikunojo-san, may I have a word with you in private?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kikunojo produced a silk fan from the folds of his kimono. Hiding the lower half of his face with it, he murmured, \"Honorable master... my duties... errands... another performance soon... many apologies, but I have no time now... perhaps another day...?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gesture, the high, sweet voice, and the vague, trailing speech perfectly mimicked those of a noble lady.\n\n\"It's about Noriyoshi,\" Sano said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We can either talk here, in public, or somewhere else. Your choice.\" Impressive though the act was, he didn't intend to let Kikunojo get away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Awareness widened Kikunojo's eyes before his lids slipped down again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He nodded demurely and said from behind the fan, \"Come with me.\"\n\nSano followed Kikunojo's stately figure through a door near the stage and down a dim passage to the onnagata's dressing room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They left their shoes outside the curtained doorway, and Sano noted with amusement that Kikunojo's were bigger than his own. In the tiny cubicle, bright kimonos hung from standing racks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Five wigs on wooden heads occupied one shelf, while others held fans, hair ornaments, shoes, and folded undergarments." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brushes, powder puffs, and makeup jars littered the dressing table; silk scarves were draped over the large mirror. A table held packages similar to the ones Sano had just seen Kikunojo receive, probably gifts from other admirers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had Niu Yukiko been one of them?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The suicide note suggested a connection between her and the Kabuki theater, even if she hadn't written it. And Lady Niu had commented upon the theater's bad influence on young girls." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'knelt' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kikunojo knelt before the dressing table. Sano knelt, too, feeling awkward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "True onnagata like Kikunojo never stepped out of their female personae, even offstage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They claimed that this allowed them to perform their roles more convincingly. Was he supposed to join in the charade by addressing Kikunojo as a woman?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't forget that Kikunojo was a man. The actor's very male odor of sweat, easily discernible in such close quarters, served as a vivid reminder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To his relief, Kikunojo dropped his act, either because he sensed Sano's discomfort or because he saw no need to waste his efforts on a yoriki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Whatever you have to say, please make it quick,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tossed aside his fan, lifted his head, and straightened his drooping posture." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But his voice remained high and girlish, as if playing women onstage had somehow feminized him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have another performance this afternoon, and some very important business to conduct before then.\"\n\n\"Such as paying someone like Noriyoshi to keep your secrets?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano asked, hoping to catch the actor off guard.\n\nKikunojo just shrugged. \"So you've heard he was blackmailing me,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hope you won't mind if I undress? I'm in a bit of a hurry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not at all.\" Sano watched, intrigued, as Kikunojo removed his purple kerchief to reveal his bare crown. The actor undid a complicated system of pins and knots that anchored the long black wig to his own hair, which was slicked back and tied in a tight knot at the nape of his neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he picked up a cloth, dipped it into a jar of oil, and scrubbed the makeup from his face. In a startling transformation, the beautiful young Princess Taema became a man of regular but unremarkable features, long past his thirtieth birthday." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Noriyoshi won't be troubling me or anyone else now,\" Kikunojo went on. \"He's dead, and I must say I'm not sorry. The little weasel!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You wouldn't be so outspoken about your feelings if you knew you were a murder suspect, Sano thought. Kikunojo had just made his motive clear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What was he blackmailing you for?\" he asked.\n\nKikunojo stood and untied his sash." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shed his outer-and under-kimonos." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beneath them he wore cotton pads over his chest, hips, and buttocks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These he removed to expose a slender but well-muscled body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sano decided that Kikunojo would definitely have had the strength to kill Noriyoshi and Yukiko and throw their bodies into the river." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's an odd story making the rounds,\" Kikunojo said. \"People are saying that Noriyoshi didn't really commit suicide. That he was murdered. Have you heard?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I may have.\" Even as Sano decided that Wisteria must have spread the story, he could appreciate Kikunojo's trick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The actor had neatly avoided answering the question by throwing out an interesting fact." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such quick thinking bespoke a man intelligent enough to plan and execute an elaborate murder. \"What was he blackmailing you for?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he repeated, refusing to fall for the trick.\n\nKikunojo took a man's black silk kimono decorated with gold cartwheels and blue waves from the rack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This he put on over a blue under-kimono, tying it with a plain black sash. \"I hardly think that's any of your business,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked with feigned interest toward the door. Through a gap in the curtain, a portion of the stage was visible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The intermission entertainment had begun for those members of the audience who hadn't left the theater. An actor dressed as a samurai performed the yariodori, a comic dance that poked fun at the retainers of daimyo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He waved and flicked his plumed war staff in the manner of a woman doing her spring housecleaning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cheers presumably came from the commoners in the audience; the hisses and catcalls from the samurai.\n\n\"It is if Noriyoshi was murdered,\" Sano said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kikunojo gave an exasperated sigh as he pulled a black cloak over his kimono." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't kill him, if that's what you've come here to find out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Sano didn't reply, he said, \"Oh, all right. Noriyoshi found out that I was seeing a married lady. Her husband would kill us both if he found out. You know how it is.\"\n\nSano did. Kabuki theater had been founded about a hundred years before by a Shinto priestess from Izumo Shrine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Kabuki had soon lost its religious associations. Courtesans took up the theatrics, and their lewd performances overstepped the bounds of propriety." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Male admirers vied for their favors, often creating public disturbances. The government responded by banning female performers from the theater." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since then, all female roles had been played by men. But the troubles hadn't ended." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Onnagata proved just as adept at creating scandal as the courtesans." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They attracted both women who found their masquerade titillating and men who simply liked men. Kikunojo, with his clandestine affair, was part of a tradition." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The shogun can do as he pleases—with the wives and daughters of his ministers, yet,\" Kikunojo continued. \"But we ordinary adulterers get punished, if not by irate spouses, then by the authorities. What do you think of that, yoriki?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano thought that Kikunojo had once again tried to divert the conversation. \"Rank commands privileges, Kikunojo-san. Now, about Noriyoshi?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kikunojo shot him a look of grudging respect. \"Noriyoshi kept asking for more and more money,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He bled me dry. Finally, about a month ago, I got to thinking: if he talked, who would believe him? It would be his word against mine, and who was he? So I took the chance. I said I wasn't going to pay anymore, and I told him why.\" Kikunojo took a white bridal kimono and red under-kimono from the rack and laid them on a square cloth with fresh socks and purple kerchief, the wig he'd removed, and a selection of makeup." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I should have done it a long time ago. Because he never talked, and he never asked for any more money.\"\n\nIf Kikunojo had really stopped paying, where had the money in Noriyoshi's room come from, Sano wondered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw a way to take advantage of the opening Kikunojo had given him.\n\n\"Suppose Noriyoshi was murdered,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Could you prove you were somewhere else when it happened?\"\n\nKikunojo laughed as he tied the ends of the cloth around his possessions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My good man, even if I'd wanted to kill Noriyoshi, I wouldn't have had the time. The night he died, I had a rehearsal until well after midnight. We're starting a new play tomorrow. After that... \" His smile eerily evoked the lovely Princess Taema." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"After that, I was with my lady.\"\n\n\"Would she corroborate that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The onnagata bent a pitying look on Sano. \"Of course not. Didn't I say she's married? And don't bother asking me her name, because I won't tell you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano clenched his teeth together in annoyance. Getting facts from people during an unofficial murder investigation was proving difficult indeed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had no legal means of forcing them to tell him anything, and any illegal methods he used would undoubtedly attract Magistrate Ogyu's attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Any more questions?\" Kikunojo asked.\n\n\"One. Are you acquainted with Lord Niu's daughter, Yukiko?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although Sano watched Kikunojo's face closely, he saw no hint of uneasiness, only mild surprise at an apparently irrelevant question." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yukiko,\" the actor said, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I think I've seen her. The whole Niu family attends the theater often.\"\n\nIf Kikunojo had killed Noriyoshi and Yukiko, his admission could be a clever way of implying that he had nothing to hide." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Besides, Sano could easily have learned that the Nius were Kabuki enthusiasts, and a lie would have aroused his suspicion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sano tried to imagine how and why the murders might have taken place. Maybe Kikunojo had killed Yukiko because she'd somehow witnessed Noriyoshi's murder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you'll excuse me, I have to go now,\" Kikunojo said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm late already.\" Then, very casually, as if the thought had just occurred to him, he added, \"If you think that Noriyoshi got killed by someone he was blackmailing, then perhaps you should talk to a certain sumo wrestler named Raiden.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again Sano admired Kikunojo's quick intelligence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What better way to divert suspicion than to direct it toward someone else?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What did Noriyoshi have on him?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kikunojo shrugged. \"You'll have to ask Raiden.\" He slid open the dressing room's outer door, letting in a gust of cool wind from the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The prospect of seeing an onnagata walk casually out the door in male attire drew Sano's interest momentarily from the investigation. \"I thought you always appeared in public dressed as a woman,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sometimes I have to sacrifice my art for the sake of privacy,\" Kikunojo explained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If I were to venture outside in those\"—he waved toward his kimonos and wigs—\"people would recognize me. Some of my more persistent and adoring admirers might follow me. And I can't have that. Not today—I have a very personal matter to attend to. A pity, though. I'll have to get dressed all over again when I get there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He slung the bundle over his shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kikunojo was going to see his lady, Sano realized belatedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although why the actor needed to take along a bridal kimono was more than he cared to think about.\n\nLowering his eyes demurely, the onnagata smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sayūnara, yoriki,\" he murmured, bowing low." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without makeup or costume, he became a woman before Sano's eyes. Then the great Kikunojo turned and dashed into the street, a nondescript man quickly lost in the crowd." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On impulse, Sano followed him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kikunojo had a motive for Noriyoshi's murder and a connection with the Nius." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He also had the intelligence to plan and the strength to carry out the murders. In male dress, he could move freely about the city without attracting attention." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'could' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His presence at the rehearsal could be verified by the other actors, but had he really spent the rest of the night with a lady? Sano had to find out who she was. To do that, he could spend hours questioning the theater gossips—or let the onnagata lead him straight there." } ]