The day is bright and sunny. The strange young group of Samurai begin their journey to gather the scrolls for the Setsuban festival. Upon arrival at the south exit from Shiro Sano Kakita they meet up with the two Phoenix, the ancient shugenja Isawa and his young yojimbo Shiba, along with 12 Tortoise mercenaries. Isawa informs them that under no conditions should they ever touch the scrolls. He also informs them that the Mantis are doing there best to get more consideration from the Great Clans. One step on this path is donating to and competing in the Setsuban festival. So the path for the next month or so will be the following:

*Shiro Sano Kakita south to Kosaten Shiro
*Kosaten Shiro south west to Shiro Daidoji
*Then take a boat south to Yufuku na Heigen
*Take another boat from the south side of Yufuku na Heigen to Nichibotsu Fusheru.
*From Nichibotsu Fusheru take the road east to Minami Chushin (South Hub Village)
*Minami Chushin south to Mizen.
*Further south to Kyuden Doji.
*Even further south to Musume Mura.
*Boat to Mantis Islands.

The caravan consists of two wagons pulled by two ponies each and driven by a pair of soldiers. The rest of the Tortoise arrange themselves on either side of the caravan (4 on each side). They are carrying a yari in their hands with a tanto and sai in their obi. The pair of Phoenix arrange themselves in between the two wagons. Akodo and Hida decide to take the lead in front, Kakita slightly behind them, and Shosuro and Kitsu take up the rear. Shinjo decides to scout around although is warned by Shiba to stay within 300 feet. At around midday they pass a way-station and at the end of the night arrive at a way station with a sable. The Tortoise stay outside with the caravan and Isawa arranges rooms for the rest of them. Everyone stows away there non-daisho weapons and relaxes for a bit. Shinjo checks on his steed and Kitsu goes to the small shrine across the road and meditates. After a bit dinner is served and everyone sits down for the meal.