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Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Maximo Roboto posted:


Matsudaira Naritami, wizened chamberlain of the Tokugawa and the caretaker of the child shogun is still available!!!

Oooh, can I volunteer?

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Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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JosefStalinator posted:

You may. Welcome! Come join us on IRC (#bop on synirc) if you want some more information or have any specific questions. A lot of the politicking occurs there too.

Depends on what time, I am on GMT so it's bedtime for me atm. But will try and make it there when I can.

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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That is the time its starting not finishing right?

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Matsudaira Naritami

Excerpts from a speech given to the Ezo republican senate


Gentlemen of the court and loyal followers of the Shogun. I bid you greetings. At this present time of troubles it has fallen to upon the Shogun to ensure that the clan of the true ruler of Japan does not suffer the ignominy of defeat. [...] The Shogun has decided to undertake a tour of the coastal fortifications, the militia barracks, the naval docks and the foreign quarters to inform all as to their duty in the defence of the republic.[...] It is now that we must all realize the full extent of the threat posed to us by the traitorous "Imperial" powers and the Shogun has taken it upon his young shoulders to speak to all of you on our duties at this time.[...] May the Kami look favourably upon this enterprise.

Excerpts from a private letter sent to the mainland of Japan


For the love of whichever Gods you pray to, make sure that the strutting fool in Imperial dress knows who he is dealing with, and make sure the common people of Japan know that they march under a false emperor.

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Matsudaira Naritami

From A bill posted at the watering holes and centers of power of the Republic

From the office of the Shogun

To all Samurai of the great republic of Ezo the Shogun sends you greetings and hopes for your continued health during this time of trial. We have all suffered from the deprivations under the threat of invasion, therefore the Shogun has requested a grand conclave of all Samurai within the nation to enjoy an evening of revelry and entertainment at the newly finished occasions suite of the Shogunate Palace.

Selected Foreign guests will also be welcomed.

In fine print towards the bottom of the flyer
No Dueling or bringing guns allowed.

[OOC: Hey guys, so if you want to get in contact with me I am available on rweedall1@gmail.com, just so that you know this is going to be using up an action for me but is basically a way to get as many of us gathered as possible for talks in the open and political snubbing, so do do this whilst there!]

Josef bugman fucked around with this message at 02:21 on Mar 15, 2014

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Matsudaira Naritami


I must protest in the strongest possible terms! The young Shogun is but a child and to be taken from his home and accused of the attempted murder of not only one of the most foremost men of the Republic but the murder of my young lords sister? Such is a step too far, and I would ask that any information to please be given to myself, so that I can learn where the truth truly lies. I would also wish to see my Shogun. He is very likely afraid and a friendly face would be of comfort to someone who is still, in many ways, a child.

Josef bugman fucked around with this message at 09:10 on Mar 27, 2014

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Matsudaira Naritami


I ask to be allowed to see the Shogun, he is my responsibility after all and I must request to see where he is being held. I would also ask to see the evidence of the Shinsengumi before anything takes place so that I can (at the very least) seek to see the truth of its accusations.

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Ignore me.

Josef bugman fucked around with this message at 12:52 on Mar 31, 2014

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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-Letter addressed to Nagai Naoyuki- To my colleague at this pressing time. Honored friend, I wish it to be known in private if not in public that I am sorry you have been removed from office. I had assumed when I heard rumors of a reshuffle that we would merely be exchanging stations. I am hurt and distressed to find that you have been entirely removed from the business of government. I would still value your opinions, even if I do not agree with them, on the finer points of finance within our lands. Blessings upon your house. Signed, Matsudaira Naritami

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Matsudaira Naritami
Does yours do this mister Brunet? I fully intend to have any people within the guards of the matsudaira family and the republic answer to army officers, but at the moment their training and equipment cannot solely be handled by the central government, which is why I am stepping in to help at this time.

Rest assured I will make sure to speak to all concerned parties, but I must be going. The young shogun kept a harem that I am now in the process of finding actual jobs for.

(OOC: going to be away for a little while, but please let me defend myself against these blandishments soon)

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Matsudaira Naritami


Speech to the People of Ezo upon the revelations of the Shoguns Arrest and the release of evidence.

Citizens of the Republic, I come before you now not as a representative of the government nor as Chamberlain to the Shogunate. I come before you as a Samurai and as a man, within the last three days it has been alleged that the Shogun has attempted to commit the crimes which he is accused of and used the influence of our house to attempt to hide his crimes. Though but a child he has been beset by worrying counsel from men I have formerly trusted it is now apparent that he is a danger to the safety of all of the people of our great nation. I would ask in this time of trials that we remember our young lord as a brave and courageous warrior, one who struck fear and terror into the hearts of the Meji. But he has also murdered kin. Whether by accident or design people in his employ have allowed the spilling of his kinswoman's blood and he has not even attempted to atone for this crime committed in his name. No amount of penance nor any attempt at fine words can turn aside the wounds that I and all of Ezo must feel.

To those soldiers who believe there loyalty rests with the Shogun himself I would say that you must remember that it is the Institution of the Shogunate that you should uphold, it is to the republic and to us that you owe your loyalty and weaponry, not that of a boy who has attempted to use you. To the people who must now hate the Shogunate, I would ask for your forgiveness, and that it is my intention that any who have followed the order of the Shogun are shown the dangers of their actions and the effects that they can have. Therefore it is decreed by the president, the Matsudaira clan, the people of Ezo and the Shinsengumi that from here on, the personage of Tokugawa Kamenosuke is hereby denounced as Shogun. His actions have been unbefitting of his rank and status as Emperors representative and he is considered to have abdicated any responsibility as Shogun through his actions. His removal has not been an action undertaken lightly, but the office of Shogun must be above suspicion and whilst his guilt may be in doubt, his behaviour has become increasingly a source of concern. He is to retain relations to the Matsudaira clan, but whilst he is confined and his guilt under question he will not be allowed to serve as Shogun.

A banner is unfurled showing the Tokugawa family crest


The Shogun has been removed, but a new one emerges. I give to you Tokugawa Satotaka, his is the bloodline of the founders of our great nation, and he will be the one to lead our country to greatness. 10,000 years to the true emperor! 10,000 years to the Bakufu! 10,000 Years to the people of Ezo!

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Matsudaira Naritami


I also wish it to be known that I am voting Against the flag that the president has proposed, as I find that it is aesthetically displeasing.

I would instead propose a new flag:

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Colonel Wood posted:

Matsudaira Tarou - President
For my third order of business I request a status update on the condition of Ezo's economy and infrastructure from Matsudaira Naritami and Matsumae Takahiro. I give them authority to use the Captured Meiji POW's as a labor force to rebuild whatever is necessary as punishment for their crimes against the state of Ezo. Submit an updated budget for me to review.

For my fourth order of business I request a mass trial and sentencing for the Meiji POWs from Matsudaira Naritami.

I will have more business and updates in the coming days, where I will address security, foreign affairs, and diplomatic relations.

Matsudaira Naritami


It is a time of transition for our grand Republic, a time of victory and of mourning. With the crushing victory we have gained over the forces of emperor Meji we have struck a blow for our nation's destiny against those who would keep us chained. But with the Shogun's removal and the cold blooded murder of the President we have much sober reflection to do.

On to the pressing business of finance. As it stands we will run a very slight deficit this coming quarter owing to the disruptions caused by warfare and by the increasing amount of bandit activity in the interior. Both of these have solutions in time, as the last battle puts our nation beyond threat of immediate invasion and we can use a strong police action to reign in the banditry in the countryside from our own citizens. However they highlight problems that we have with our nations finances overall.

Our internal security serves as the greatest current drain on our resources and is still lacking in comparison to that of the Meji. We must make efficient use of our resources and begin to demobilise our militias generally, whilst maintaining the necessary skills and equipment for them to be efficiently deployed. Thus I would ask that the minister of Education begin to think of how best to see this through, though I would personally recommend setting up schooling areas across the land to ensure that all men have a grasp of defence.

The most pressing weakness however lies in how much we are forced to rely on taxes, particularly when disruption can effect the collection of them so much. All of us can note from the budget that whilst our tax income has continually fluctuated our trade income never has. The high taxes we demand of some areas are unacceptable to many and only increases the resentment that some quarters have towards our nation. Therefore I am formally ceasing my claiming of stipend in order to better contribute to our nation. It is my considered opinion that we should, temporarily, ask for contributions from all Samurai who possess funds and property in excess of 2 Credits towards the stabilisation of the republics finances for the future. I ask this not just as a finance minister but as a friend to many of these people, I ask that they make it obvious how invested they our in the nation by making voluntary contributions. Those who obviously cannot exist without the stipend must continue to claim it, but to have so much destruction happen to our fair state and not have those most able contribute is a worrying sign.

As a final option I would call on our Foreign Minister (OOC: If this is dropped whoever is appointed NPC foreign minister) to attempt to negotiate trade routes with European possessions in the greater region. This will allow us both closer links with European trade and allow us to show the peoples of these nations the true prosperity that we can bring to their shores.

I agree with the recently appointed minister of Industry, train travel will most likely be a new and useful device for the entire nation, and I will be attempting to set aside as much of the budget as possible for the completion of a national railway, alongside the creation and renovation of any industrial areas in the Capital. Our lumber industry must be supported by the replanting of trees however, and careful shepherding of our resources will leave further dividends in the long term.

I would also propose that we continue to seek more men to come to Ezo, we need workers in greater numbers than ever if we are to become truly capable of defending ourselves without the losses incurred from Meji attacks. To do this I would propose the following: the suggestion of the economic advisor Horace Capron that some 2000 Chinese citizens be allowed to move here with the understanding that 500 of them may stay beyond the 5 year limit and that they operate within the foreign quarter. Secondly that any person of Japanese ancestry who comes to Meji be treated with full respect of our constitution and are reminded that the wages here are far higher than those of our misguided cousins across the strait.

Alongside this I would also suggest that we finally set up a true centre for our government beyond the current ruin in our city. My proposal will seem obvious to many but that it should be the Shogunal palace that is made into the new home of the cabinet. I have already been working to ensure that we can accommodate ourselves comfortably and safely within the palace complex, though if others wish to continue meeting here or seek another alternative I will happily argue my case, but at present the complex is really our only current option.

As a final item the Shogun has asked me to recommend people to receive honours based on their conduct during the invasion. Thus am I happy to announce that:

Thomas Blakiston is promoted to the status of Honourary Samurai and given a vote in the legislative for his sterling conduct during the battle of the Strait and his exemplary courage in the face of danger.

Similarly I would like to announce that Jules Brunet, co-father of our proud republic is hereby considered to possess Samurai status, due to his constant efforts to defend our republic, his personal courage and aid to us.

To Hikaru Terejima, for aiding this great republic and proving that all have a place within its fold I hereby both promote him to Samurai status and formally ask that he and his kins men consider themselves under the full protection and patronage of the Matsudaira.

And for her sterling work in the defence of the dockyards, and having personally certified the authenticity of her paperwork, I hereby grant Saeki Fumiko formal recognition of her Samurai status. This does not lead her the power to vote, but should prove as a reminder to all that everyone must do their part for our nation.

May the Kami bless us and keep us from harm. 10,000 Years to the Republic! 10,000 Years to the Shogun! 10,000 Years to the people of Ezo!

Josef bugman fucked around with this message at 22:50 on Apr 18, 2014

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Matsudaira Naritami

Chancellor to the Shogun, Finance minister, put-upon bureaucrat

It has transpired that several amongst the wider community have complained as to the Shogunates latest actions. Let it be known that it is in no way against the republics laws what I have been asked to communicate to you by the Shogun.

It has however made me understand that we need a firm hand here in order to make it obvious to all that the Republic is here to stay, therefore I would like to announce a new piece of legislation:

quote:

Official War Aid Act
1. Whilst a state of war exists in the Republic all people who possess Samurai status and draw a stipend must give service.
2. This service is to be rendered in both aid and comfort to the people of Ezo and in physical donations
3. Therefore any Samurai drawing a stipend who possesses more than 2 Credits worth of assessts (either land or trade services) is no longer allowed to claim the stipend.
4. This stipend will instead be spent on Security for the realms finances and for the overall ability to conduct campaigns.

This may be unpopular, but it is what is required to make the realm function than so be it.

(OOC: Seriously guys do post, otherwise I am going to keep getting away with all this crazy poo poo)

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Matsudaira Naritami

Chancellor to the Shogun, Finance minister

Under what grounds should I be removed? Have I aided a known criminal? Have I endangered the life or office of the Shogunate? Have I endangered our republic or the people therein?

Friends, we stand at a crossroads, my relative appears to believe that it is he and he alone who can till the future of our fine republic, but I would say that the future belongs to all of those within this chamber. We cannot let our chance to capitalize upon the weakness of the Meji be undone by an army minister who would rather spend time raising mobs than fighting, we cannot have a strong political party if it is run by someone who would sooner spend time associating with murderers than Samurai and defenders of the Republic.

I ask merely that I be allowed to continue in my current role as adviser and regent to the Shogun and as finance minister for this body. If my cousin would wish to settle this peaceably then that will be fine, but for now I advise him to hold his rage for the Meji, instead of for hard working servants of the realm.

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Matsudaira Naritami

Chancellor to the Shogun, Finance minister
I am most grateful to the President for his apparent confidence in me, but alongside this I would like to address two Legal matters, perhaps instead of suicide the family of the Presidents Assassin should be allowed to donate a sum to the government, alongside letting their sons join the Shogunal militia. This demotion would surely prove to be a sign of our disfavour, without the needless propaganda victory for the Meji.

And, after consultation with Ooka Tametomo, I consider my self capable of judging the captured soldiers of the false emperor Meji. Ergo they are to be put to work as part of the Industrial ministries new train projects, to ensure their co-operation I would ask that Saeki Fumiko's militia be put to use in ensuring that they do not cause any trouble for the people of our fair republic.

I also back the Swords into Plowshares Act

I would wish to challenge this assertion, as a member of the Sakura party I would ask all of those who would put the republic ahead of blind ambition to stand with both myself and the president at this pressing time.

Josef bugman fucked around with this message at 01:31 on Apr 24, 2014

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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OOC: Going to be out and about for the next day and will have limited time to check but if anyone wants me to make any ammendments to the finance section of anything please send me an email to: josefbugman.gm @gmail.com

Josef bugman fucked around with this message at 08:07 on Apr 26, 2014

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Matsudaira Naritami

Chancellor to the Shogun, Finance minister

Gentlemen of the court and Senate. We stand now, as ever at a precipice. Our standing amongst foreign governments is at an all time low thanks to the foolish actions of my kinsman. Now more than ever, we need to show that we are a nation who can be wedded to both the old and the new.

To do so we need a new and better place to have our meetings and government and would like to formally announce the move into the newly constructed Governmental complex.

quote:

Graceful Movement act
- The formal movement of the legislature into the new complex- Hereby named the 栄光の目的の議会 or Cabinet for a Glorious Purpose
- The formal movement of the President into the new executive building- Hereby named the 松平記念宮殿 or Matsudaira Memorial Palace
- The formal naming of the overall complex as the 壮大な国の要塞 or Fortress of the magnificent Republic

I also propose that there be a large inauguration ceremony for the new complex and that alongside the august personages gathered here the various national representatives are also gathered to ensure that our apologies are made formally to them and so that they can see the true glory of the Republic. As well as honouring the departed spirit of our former President.

As regards the budget for the upcoming quarter

quote:

Q4 1878 Budget posted:
Bakuhan Taisei tax structure:

0% tax on bushi (0) (samurai)
10% tax on samurai merchant activity (1)
20% tax on nōmin (13) (peasants, farmers, and food producers)
33% tax on ko (13) (non-land based workers)
40% tax on chōnin (4) (merchants)
Special Foreign Trade Agreements:
France (0)
Britain (0)
Russia (1)
United States (0)
China (0)
Korea (0)
Other (0)
Total Income: 32/quarter

Permanent Budget Items: (27 required for status quo, per category in parentheses)
Internal Security: 8 (7)
Samurai Stipends: 5 (5)
Army Maintenance: 6 (6)
Navy Maintenance: 4 (4)
Military Logistics: 0 (0)
Interest Payments: 5 (5)
Education Fund: 1 (0)
Industrial Fund: 1 (0)
Religious Fund: 1 (0)
British Payment to Normalize relations: 1 (0)

The new funds seen here at the end of the budget are to be used to help the newly founded schooling system to educate the children of Ezo, the Religious fund is to be split by both the Christian and Buddhist denominations to fund new shrines and temples and to complete the (now rather ill) emperors wish to have the Kami formally organised. And the "industrial" fund I leave in the capable hands of the minister of Industry.

Now that our own house is in order we must begin to make full use of every ability we have to fight back against the lies of the Meji and their puppets.

OOC: Done and Done, just as a quick thing did anything come of my stipend regulation idea?

Josef bugman fucked around with this message at 13:57 on May 2, 2014

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Paper With Lines posted:


Ooka Tametomo, High Judge of the Ezo Supreme Court, Samurai

Whomever wishes to act as the attorney for the plaintiff in the matter of Mizoguchi v. Republic of Ezo (cabinet position case), or Masaoka v. Republic of Ezo (woman questions) please claim and we will schedule oral arguments. Additionally, as the government is the defendant in both of these suits, a representative of the Executive Branch gets the first chance to defend. If they choose not to, then we will seek outside counsel for the defense as well.


Matsudaira Naritami

Chancellor to the Shogun, Finance minister

I would seek to make the defence for the latter of these cases, as it has originated within my own office. To put it bluntly there have been many cases where female Samurai have proven their worth. The idea of Onna Bushi is a popular and abiding one, our women folk can commit Jigai if the need requires it and many possess stronger stomachs than many male Samurai. It is therefore my considered opinion that not only can women be considered Samurai, but that they should also be allowed to vote. The first is an obvious point because many of us are, hopefully, married to women of good families who we would consider Samurai. All of us here know that service is the basis of what a Samurai was, and it appears to me that women are more than capable of giving service to our country as educators, militia members and as leaders. To believe otherwise is to ignore the evidence of your own eyes in favour of a world stolen from the Chinese, we are not so slow as to believe that women must shuffle around with bound feet I trust?

It is therefore my considered opinion that all women who have given service to the nation, and being either married to or daughters of Samurai families, be given the right to vote. That service can come in several ways it can be through education, through armaments production or finance, through helping the information ministry, through battle service and, finally, through aiding the wounded soldiers of the country.

Thank you for your time and allowing an old man to speak to the court.

(OOC: not feeling my best at the moment, but this is the best speech I could whip up before the weekend ends)

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Matsudaira Naritami

Chancellor to the Shogun, Finance minister

-Letter disseminated amongst the peasants of Northern Honshu-

To the proud sons and daughters of the soil, please take heed of these warnings and hide yourselves if you can: The Meji government believes that we who live across your strait are a threat to you, and warns you that we will bring only murder, rapine and theft to your shores. We intend no such thing, our wish is to reintegrate our great nation, to work with all peoples of the isles to forge a powerful and beneficial force for all who live within it. Is it not the case that you have merely been told of the riches and wealth of your lands, yet your taxes and the demands of your landowners grow ever more insistent? Have you not been told of the invincibility of your armies, despite your sons dying meaningless and sorrowfully far from home? Have you not been told of the kindness of the Emperor, yet seen no change to your own lives?

If any of these is true, then I urge you to speak to one another and to understand that you are not alone. All of us must stand united, and I am sorry that we may be the cause of any of this.

Yours Sincerely
Matsudaira Naritami
Chancellor to the Shogun

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Shogeton posted:

Horace Capron
My personal view is that if we were able to get a long term truce without any tribute towards the Meiji, we should take it. What think others of this?

Matsudaira Naritami

Chancellor to the Shogun, Finance minister

I believe that this is an intelligent course of action, if we can get the return of Sado alongside the ratcheting down of our war machine, we can at least begin to rebuild and grow without constant fear of assault from the South.

Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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I assume you don't mean me.

If the game is ending could we have an epilogue? And thank you so much for a very fun game!

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Josef bugman
Nov 17, 2011

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Epilogue

Matsudaira Naritami

Man at the end of his life. A small building complex in Bejing

It is said that in the old days Samurai would always commit suicide as opposed to risking disgrace. I have known enough Samurai to know that that is laughably false. I have known men of courage and integrity who would not know how to do a tea ceremony if their life depended on it, and I have seen vainglorious fools wish their lives away to make up for "foreign threats".

I am 85 years old, the house of Matsudaira lives, but is scattered throughout our newly adopted homeland of China. We fled here after the final fall of Ezo. In those last days I still remember the smell of the sea and the whistle and crack of the bullets. We had done our best, and indeed the might of the Meji had been turned back time and time again by a nation of little more than feudal throw backs. But we knew that our end was coming, and so I had organised the largest evacuation in history, pooling every resource and calling in almost every favour in order to escape and survive. I still remember the boy who chose to light the fire under the grand palace complex, he must have been no more than 17 and wished to prove himself. I wish I could have talked him out of that at least.

Most of us made it. The Shogun did at least, and we arrived at the Chinese mainland with much of our coin and lives intact. I let my own people decide what to do, and when they decided to follow our house I was grateful. Many got jobs with Gajin firms, my old friendship with some of them on Ezo was not forgotten. And then I set up our current situation. We make money, we trade, we barter secrets and trade in honour, we treat our people well and help the unfortunate, whilst always crippling the Meji and their apparent ambitions.

Perhaps not in my own life time now, as I am virtually confined to this bed and can feel deaths shadow upon me, but we will return to Japan in triumph. We will be wealthy, we will be loved by the common people and we will break the back of whatever "Imperial family" claims to have rights to the throne.

10,000 years to the Bakufu. 10,000 years to the true shogun.

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