It is a cold night, fittingly so for the events about to pass. In the woods, surrounding the Imperial capitol, black-clad samurai stalk silently toward the palace and prepare their weapons, while ninja begin to climb the ancient walls. The hour approaches, treachury is on the wind. Meanwhile, in the Throne Room itself, Bayushi Shoju speaks with Emperor Hantei. "I have found an ancient prophecy," he says gravely. "It says the greatest among us will cause the Empire to fall and release an ancient evil into the world. I need your blessing to take every action necessary to avoid this fate."