For nearly one thousand years, the Scorpion Clan performed its duties for the Hantei Dynasty. Just as the Crane are the Emperor's left hand and the Lion are the right, the Scorpion were the Emperor's "underhand". They performed duties that were below the Lion's honor and the Crane's dignity, soiling their names so the Emperor's would remain untarnished. And so it was for one thousand years... In Shoju's mind, there was no alternative. He would destroy the Hantei Dynasty, thus thwarting the prophecy. And he would need to take care of the Emperor's greatest general, Akodo Toturi...