Aketsu (CN10) in the Kishou province was an important trading post for the Crane Clan, often offering unusual items brought to the mainland by the Mantis Clan. Silks, fabrics amd stones could be found here, but nowhere else in the Empire. Aketsu was only lightly fortified, because of Daidoji Yukan-se's proximity to the north. The ronin of Daidoji Yukan-se were eager to wipe any bandit gang out.