Of Shoguns and Samurai! (Major Mario x Iridium248)

Ah, feudal Japan. In a land known for its rice paddies, rich culture and skilled warriors of all colors there was bound to be a few problems plaguing the great Empire. For one, politics were murder. The Shoguns were the ones who held absolute power there at the time while merchants and nobility enjoyed all the benefits that came with their birthrights and businesses. For those who worked in the fields or traveled the roads with their produce and wares, it was a welcome relief to be ignored by the ones in power. To attract a Shogun's attention was unwise, as not only could they take away rights and privileges like candy from a baby, they could also send out their trusted subordinates to do a little dirty work from time to time. Vying for the Emperor's throne was one thing, but to covet the position of a Shogun? One would be lucky to be assassinated in their sleep should they make any overt moves!

But it wasn't just politics that had the majority of Japan's people and military worried. Monsters and corrupt men were known to inhabit the old island and use it like their own personal playhouse. Each region had its share of problems and odds were that every province suffered from some disgusting abomination attacking merchants and craftsmen on the main roads. Even worse still were the tales told about the more insidious or lecherous of monsters. Sometimes unsuspecting women were taken from the roads or even plucked from their houses in the middle of the night while roving bands of bandits and creatures pillaged and burned down whole villages. When they were satisfied, these monsters and corrupt men had their fun with the women, and many were not seen again.

The Shogun of the Tōkaidō region, Yaruto Masohiro, was quite the unfortunate man at the time. He was in charge of making sure that the main road that ran through the region remained unmolested by marauders and monsters, but time and time again bands of opportunistic men kept making things hard for him. The monsters were always a nuisance and he made a point of telling his subordinates to eradicate as many of them as they could in their travels, yet they kept coming back like rabbits in spring. Samurai and mercenaries under his employ were instrumental in protecting the common folk and making sure that the crop fields were still in production. As long as the people had food, they had the morale needed to keep the Empire's gears turning. The biggest problem on his hands at the moment wasn't a band of bandits or a rogue oni but an old ally turned corrupt warlord.

As Yaruto had plenty of other problems to attend to, he sent for his right hand, his most trusted and competent of samurai/kunoichi known to many as Saeko Amakusa. She seemed to be an impish sort of woman who never failed to turn the heads of men and women alike. Some would say that her allegiance was to be questioned, but Yaruto Masohiro ignored the rumors. He needed someone he could trust, so there Saeko was in the war room of the Tōkaidō region's prestigious castle. The Shogun was past the prime of his life, but still he stood tall in his armor like an ever-watchful sentry.

"Saeko," the older warrior started as he raked his gloved fingers across a map of the nearby province of Mikawa, "I have need of you once again. An old friend of mine, Kyung Song, has been revealed to be the one leading bandits and miscreants against me and harassing the main trade routes here, here and here. The man's honor has long tarnished and I've turned a blind eye to his shenanigans so far, but this I cannot stand for. I want you to confront him at his manor to the south in Mikawa, and there you will kill him." Yaruto folded his arms and looked over at the renowned woman. "The men he leads are dishonorable rats and most likely he has the support of a few monster clans in the area. Should you encounter them along with any other resistance in your mission, you have my permission to deal with them as you see fit. Do you have any questions?"

The province of Mikawa was not too far away from Tōkaidō castle. At the most it would take about two to three days to reach Kyung Song's manor to the southwest. Mikawa was a mild land where forests thrived and crops flourished thanks to the rivers running down into the sea from the north. Many villages were scattered about in the province, but there were a few cities that were situated comfortably on the southern coast where ports and fisheries were. It seemed that the most trouble would come from the forests and shorelines of the province as rumor had it that there were some strange monsters prowling the waters looking for a good meal or women for some nefarious act...

The flickering lamplight silhouetted Saeko Amakusa's form against the paper screens...And what a form it was. In her shimmering violet cheongsam, the Japanese beauty sketched a deep, deep bow, with the grace of a willow swaying in the breeze; Her midnight hair fastened in tight buns, twin braids framing her lovely features. Deep green eyes lowered in respect behind long, long lashes, the lissome vixen's supple grace only accentuated by the silken whisper of long, lissome legs crossing - Her feet arched high on heeled slippers, full lips curving in the slightest smile!

It was rare for a kunoichi to be brought directly before the Shogun like this...But Saeko had always been an unusual case! One of the most reliable of his agents, she'd never been bothered about getting her hands dirty...Happy to carry out his orders not just dutifully, but with apparent relish! She'd risen in his service rapidly, after a series of clandestine operations...And every time he called upon her, she had a good idea what to expect. Today, of course, was no different-!

"-As you wish, my Lord," she murmured - Her voice a low, sultry whisper...A perfect match for her sensuous form, as she straightened - Her brow furrowing just so, a thoughtful expression on her lovely features as he outlined the mission he had for her! Jade-colored eyes flitted over the map, taking in the distance between the Shogun's lands and her target-to-be...But what really fascinated her - What brought the subtle flicker of her interest to bear - was the mention of exactly *who* she'd be up against. A Lord allied with monsters, bandits and the assorted scum of the earth? And oh-so-clearly corrupt, to boot?

Now...This sounded oh so very, very fun. Saeko's lovely features were carefully composed, in a tranquil mask...But inside, she could feel the familiar mix of anticipation and excitement boil to the surface. The usual tasks around the castle had rather lost their lustre - A chance to be on the road again was an opportunity to be relished!

There was a thoughtful pause, as her gaze lingered on the map - Committing it to memory! - as she murmured:

"-Only two questions, my Lord. First - What could drive him to this? Second..."

And it was so very, very hard not to smile, as Saeko inquired-

"...Will you be requiring his head, or just news of his demise?"

The Shogun was no fool, but he wasn't the best at reading women. Yaruto was pleased to see Saeko looking so composed and poised for the road ahead, and even more so to hear her proclaim her loyalty in that low whisper of hers, as if there was nothing more to discuss. He figured she was simply keeping her enthusiasm in check, and if so, she would have plenty of opportunities to let the warrior within have its fun. Whatever odd tales he had heard about Saeko were irrelevant. All he cared about was that she was dependable and a hell of a fine kunoichi to have in his employ.

Yaruto turned his eyes back to the map as he thought for a moment. Should everything be set and the intelligence was correct, this mission shouldn't take more than two days at most. But old lords were crafty and their pockets were deep. That allowed them plenty of leeway to set traps, hire guards and win over aggressive beasts. And then there was the fact that this was Kyung Song, an old friend turned corrupt lord. If he was anything like Yaruto remembered him to be, the time spent stewing away would have amplified his... Well, let's just say Song was not a good person.

"What could drive an old friend to do this? Well, many things, Saeko," Yaruto mumbled. "Details, details... He was a dependable ally, like you, and helped me from time to time in multiple skirmishes. However instead of adhering to Bushido code he chose to indulge in the darker aspects of everyday life. He stole treasures from sacked villages, desecrated the dead for their trinkets and hoarded food and supplies for his own use. He also liked to take prisoners, namely women, back to his manor. I imagine many of them are now his personal slaves, fit for a life of pleasure upon his lap. I was against many of his actions and I imagine he is drunk on his ill-gotten gains, enough that he's decided to push all that he has against me in an attempt to take my title and disrupt the provinces. Perhaps if I didn't instigate him with taxes and the like, he would have been complacent..."

The Shogun paused for a moment and looked back at Saeko with amusement in his eyes. As said before, he was not good at reading women, but he could read a warrior, and he knew that the kunoichi before him was quivering with anticipation, even if she didn't show it outwardly. Most likely she wanted to shed some blood in the service of her lord! Oh how wrong Yaruto was!

"News of his demise will be just fine, Saeko. I imagine his head would rot before you get back here," he replied with a chuckle. He cocked his head to the side and continued, "If you have no further questions, the road awaits. Remember that the merchants on the main road will offer their wares to you at a reduced price, but once you enter Kyung Song's area of influence I suspect the merchants will not be easily persuaded. In fact, I imagine many stolen shipments of food have made their way to the local monster clans. It would be wise to be wary of the merchants; they may have a few abominations behind them."

How very interesting indeed. If she didn't know any better...She'd say he was a man after her own heart! Well, except that she was a lot more discreet about what she did - Still, better not to pursue that train of thought *too* far...Not in front of her Lord! Her expression sobered, as she dipped her head in a little nod...As if the severity of his crimes had been impressed upon her.

"As you say, my Lord - I shall depart immediately." No time like the present, after all...And Saeko was rather looking forward to the trip ahead! She bowed, once again - And made to withdraw, the hem of her cheongsam caressing her long, smooth legs. That was invitation enough, she supposed; She'd make ready with her cunning weapons and other tools...Ready to pose as a wandering ronin - Or perhaps a roaming miko, or a merchant's daughter? She'd used all of the guises before, after all!

Once she'd departed from the chamber, her stride lengthened - Just a bit, a delicious shiver coursing up her spine! One way or another...She couldn't wait to take the mission's measure! Besides...From the sound of it, this was a chance like no other!

"Lord Kyung Song, hmmm~?" Saeko mused aloud - A hand coming to rest on her curvy hip, a sway to her stride as she made her way through the halls; She was itching to leave once her (simple, really) preparations were made-!

The castle of Tōkaidō region had many floors, all of which were suited for one purpose or another. Being that it was more of a fortress with the surrounding landscape complementing it, there were two other 'castles' to help support the main building where the Shogun conducted his business and the like. These two supporting castles housed warriors, guards, important personnel and a plethora of equipment that would make any farmer or craftsman's day a lot easier. Whatever the amenity, it was bound to be in the Tōkaidō fortress. In fact, the kitchen and eating room were just nearby for any warrior to fill up their gas tank before leaving.

To help Saeko along her way, a few of the castle's cooks and bakers put together a ration pack for her journey. As she made her way through the halls she would see on a counter near the kitchen a pack in which steaming bread and other pleasant scents were present. The pack itself was small but would not impede movement. A few cooks lingered nearby and stuffed a waterskin into the pack along with a few large rolls of sushi. They seemed rather proud of themselves for making sushi for at least the raw fish would be completely safe within the rice.

One of the cooks, a tall, lanky man in comparison to the pudgy blokes around him, even put in a bit of preserved meat for the journey before nudging the filled, complete pack towards Saeko as she approached. Any other warrior would be lucky to get a full day's rations from these cooks, but Saeko easily had three days of rations there in the pack. Of course the cooks liked the kunoichi, but their gazes never really went to her eyes, and that wasn't just out of respect. She almost always had the effect of making men and even women stop and turn their heads. The lanky cook along with the others gazed at the kunoichi and took in every aspect of her body from her calves to her generous bosom. Chalk them up as men with good taste, as they could never help but admire or oogle the kunoichi whenever she came around.

There would be more preparations to be made by Saeko, and she herself would know exactly what she needed. A trip to the armory would help outfit her with the right gear for her journey. It was important to note, however, that what gear the kunoichi took would impact her experiences to come. A katana, for example, enticed unique reactions than what could be achieved by taking along a mere tanto. It would all be up to Saeko's choice, though a dagger hidden away in a -clever- spot would be quite the crafty move, as said by one of the cooks in passing...

And Saeko couldn't help but relish the attention! A little giggle thrummed from her lips - A lilting "Thank you~" teased from her throat, as she favored the cook with her most fetching smile! The lovely brunette wasn't *quite* preening, but it never hurt to play along...Just a little, at any rate! Her slim fingers rose to brush stray strands of hair back from her lovely features, as she sauntered off - But not without a glance back over her shoulder, with a slight shrug - As if to say that she knew they were looking, and didn't entirely mind-!

Besides...She *was* in a good mood.

A soft "Hmmmm~" lingered in the air, as she entered the armory - Letting her touch wander over the array of weapons before her. She pursed her lips, oh-so-thoughtfully...Normally, Saeko favored daggers and quick, lethal blades, but - A katana would make a statement. However...Would it be the kind of statement she wanted to make~? It'd certainly discourage bandits, but it was hardly a subtle weapon - More, it was heavy. The lovely kunoichi decided to go with something more appropriate for herself; A well-crafted tanto, and a kusarigama - a sickle on a chain! *That* would be handy as both weapon and tool...And was exotic enough to mark her out!

Leather creaked, as Saeko fastened her weapon's loop in place - the chain's links rustling, a reassuring weight riding high on her hip as she sheathed her tanto for easy carrying. There was a temptation to arm herself to the teeth...But this would be more than good enough!

What would be *really* interesting was the small pouch of herbs she retrieved from her chambers - Innocuous enough to pass muster, but with the capacity to make smoke, to induce sleep, or simple poison...Something that might be oh-so-useful when she set off-!

And when Saeko eventually set off, why, all of feudal Japan was her playground. Especially in the Tōkaidō region, or at least near the castle and surrounding villages, the kunoichi had free reign to do as she pleased, so long as it didn't piss off the Shogun or create too much trouble. It wasn't a privilege exclusive to her as many other warriors and samurai tended to get their way in the world. In times like these all it took for a man to get what they want is a low growl and a flash of cold steel against the throat of their enemy, be they friend or foe. For others they had to turn to politics, trade or barter to get their way and even then a fair return wasn't expected. But for women, especially the well-endowed, all it took was a tempting smile, a few sultry words and if need be, a simple flash of leg here and there.

But there was a mission to embark on! Adventures to be had! Locations to discover and fun to indulge in!

The area surrounding Tōkaidō castle was a large village with two main roads meeting up in an intersection just outside the castle gates. The village was a trading hub, as were many other villages that had the privilege of being established on the main trade routes. Merchants and craftsmen hawked their wares to any passerby from the comfort of their shops while inns and taverns tended to weary travelers. Should one look hard enough, one would be able to find a few less-than-reputable places to sin in such as opium dens and cockfighting rings, though the Shogun was cracking down on those operations. The residential districts were fair, if not lacking in regality, and placed out of sight from travelers and tourists. Most of the people who lived here were, again, craftsmen and merchants but also farmers and herders who had their crops and cattle nestled safely in the shadows of the village. With guard towers keeping watch over the roads and nearby forest passageways, Tōkaidō castle's village was unlikely to be attacked.

Beyond the village to the south would be the main trade route where merchants and travelers frequented. The odds of finding new and interesting people were great on the trade routes, provided one had the money or status to attract and keep a merchant's attention. Gentle, rolling plains dominated either side of the southern road for miles. Where there wasn't grass there was rock and hillside, and even then it was very easy to see for a long ways. It was a safe road to travel on, but only during the day. By nightfall the road would be infested with all manner of beasts, bandits and highwaymen all looking for various things. And if that wasn't worrisome enough, there were tales of burrowing creatures in the plains that were reported to harass caravans with fresh potholes and suck unsuspecting travelers into the ground before they realized that the earth was coming up on them.

And to say nothing of the forests that started right where the Shogun's influence began to fade. Once away from the sprawling plains there was a large forest teeming with exotic fauna and medicinal herbs. The main trade route had long since been moved to go around the forest, but many merchants stressed for time liked to brave the wilderness and go right through the thick of it. It was faster, yes, but also fraught with danger.

Oh, she very much liked the sound of that! A little giggle pulsed from Saeko's lips, as she set off - Her long, lovely legs eating up the distance. It would be two to three days journey to her destination...And she intended to enjoy every moment of it! In this case, not being noticed was more important that getting there fast - Which was why she'd make for the main trade route. She'd travelled the path several times before, but never in times like this...She had enough supplies to last for a few days, and the travelling merchants on the road should be enough to restock.

Her silken cheongsam was cool and light enough for her to travel in - And for her to pass a would-be adventuress, or a roving martial artist...One of the many vagrants making their way through the world. Perhaps she could hitch a ride on a merchant's caravan, if she could find one heading south - Though it'd only take her so far!

If at all possible, she'd ride and doze by day, and travel on foot by night, when it was cooler - Saeko was, after all, rather expecting (And maybe even looking forward!) to trouble...The best way to find out exactly what was going on would be from one of Kyung Song's own brigands!

Thankfully there weren't any flying abominations in this part of Japan, or in the world in general. A scholar did mention something about dragons and succubi, and while there were traces of the latter, there were no monsters that could fly. Lucky for the merchants, else fire and brimstone would rain down upon them on the main trade routes of Tōkaidō! No no, all they had to worry about was what came from the land nearby. At the very least each merchant would have to deal with some bandits and brigands in their travels. Those simple-minded peddlers never strayed from the road unlike seasoned warriors, and as such they were easy pickings.

But hardly any merchant thought that they were mere sheep for the slaughter. It would be their produce or merchandise that was stolen, not their lives.

As Saeko traveled south down the trade route out of Tōkaidō village with the midday sun beginning to dip she would pass plenty of merchants, though many were headed north and those who were headed south were doing so on foot. Nearly none of them were in the mood for conversation. It was interesting to note that those merchants coming from the north took quite an interest in the strange yet stunning woman in a silken cheongsam. Old men and young apprentices alike slowed their pace to gaze at Saeko as she passed while those few women on the road stopped and stared with varying degrees of shock, awe and envy. In fact, one female merchant even glanced back into her cart at a few cantaloupes, then at Saeko, then at her own bosom before heaving a disappointed sigh.

"Jeez, did you see the butt on that one?" said a trader to another once they passed the kunoichi.

"Yeah. She must work out," was the reply. "I think I can see a bit of cheek... And those thighs! What god on this great green Earth blessed that thing with thighs that silky and a bosom that big?"

"Whoever the god is, he's a vindictive one. I'd love to turn right around and spend some quality time with that one, but this damned work comes first. But if the girls in the village up ahead are half as enticin' as that one back there, I'd die a happy man."

Such were the comments made by many of the merchants as they passed Saeko on their way north. Some even offered the woman a ride north to the village, unknowing that she had just came from there.

"You lost sweetie?" asked a traveling blacksmith from atop his two-horse caravan. With a full beard and a bald spot on his head he looked like he had a demanding family back home, but it wasn't stopping him from trying to get Saeko's attention. "There's nothing to the south but forests and scum, both men and monsters, and Mikawa, and we all know what a den of inequity Mikawa Province is." The blacksmith patted an empty spot next to him on the wagon where he directed his two horses. "Why don't you come north with me? I've got a map you can look at, but I can also show you where you can go to have a good time. Stunning thing like yourself oughta be up here on my lap. What do you say, eh?"

It probably would have been a tempting offer for any thrill-seeking lady who was lost. Taking the traveling blacksmith's offer was Saeko's decision, though staying with him would bring her all the way back to the village where she started from. However, before the blacksmith could even finish his final sentence another merchant came by with a cart laden with food, building supplies and lantern oil for the southern villages' lighthouses. This cart was important for three reasons: one, there were three horses moving the cart at a fast pace that outdid Saeko's own gait by a comfortable amount. Two, the merchant, a potion-maker by the looks of it, did not notice the kunoichi as he drove right past her. And three, the whole caravan was going south, probably right into the forest where the faster but more dangerous route was...

Yep, she'd missed being on the road...And the comments she heard in passing drew a soft, sultry giggle from Saeko's lips, as she made her way along! A gloved hand came up, shading her emerald eyes against the midday sun...But traveling in the shadows of the caravans and carts that passed by gave her some measure of shade, for which she was grateful-! Her hips swayed as she kept up an easy pace - With little more than the occasional wink or wave. It was almost a shame that she was headed in the other direction entirely...

The lovely brunette's sandals clicked against the dusty road underfoot - And oh, what was this?

"Mmm~?" Saeko paused, a hand perched on her hip as the blacksmith's wagon rumbled to a stop - "My, what a gentleman," she answered, a playful little gleam to her emerald eyes; Her creamy skin ever-so-slightly sheened with sweat, as she leaned towards him...Biting her lip oh-so-thoughtfully, clearly considering his offer! Her tight cheongsam only accentuated the proud swell of her full bosom, giving him an eyeful while she pondered it over; If she went with him, she'd be set back a day...Or at least the progress she'd made so far - She'd be back where she started.

But on the other hand - And she couldn't help but give him a good going-over, her lips curving in a slight smile - perhaps she could afford to take some time off-! The fact that he was oh-so-definitely a married man only made it even more tempting...After all, the thought of playing along - being his girl on the side, for however-long-it-lasted - sent a naughty thrill racing through Saeko-! Still, she did have a job to do...

As if summoned by her thoughts, the second cart came rumbling past, the wheels churning up dust...And Saeko's lissome form tensed - If she hooked onto it, she'd get there a lot faster...

-But when it came down to it, Saeko was *really* very bad with temptation. Besides...A day (or two) later wasn't going to hurt anyone - was it? (Well, at least no-one she knew personally.) As the three-horse cart rumbled past, Saeko's gaze darted in it's direction...Only to hesitate, just long enough to pull out of reach-! The blacksmith was still waiting for her answer...And, as her slim shoulders lifted in a little shrug, Saeko murmured...

"...Why not~?"

She flashed him her most fetching smile, as - With an easy, lissome grace - she clambered atop the wagon...Her cheongsam playing against her long, smooth legs, as she favored him with a wink~! The lovely kunoichi eased herself into the proferred seat next to the blacksmith...Though she did glance at his lap, her smile lingering, as if to say - She'd be taking her new seat soon-!

"It really is too kind of you," she purred, canting her head to the side to regard him - Brushing her swaying braids back from her cheeks!

"How could I *ever* refuse~?"

The balding blacksmith's face fell for a moment when he realized that the lovely lady on the road not only regarded him but was enticed enough to come along with him. He then beamed and looked down at his hands on the reins in a pitiful attempt to not look proud of himself. What a day! What a lovely day for this marri- ahem, lucky blacksmith! A black apron covered his beige, cotton clothes while a similarly-colored pair of trousers kept Saeko from seeing whatever laid beneath this man's facade. A married man had to have something impressive about him if he was, in fact, married. To complement his profession as a blacksmith a pair of leather gloves kept his hands clean and safe while heavy stompers allowed him to move about his workplace without fear of something smashing on his toes.

Without missing a beat the blacksmith scooched over a little to give the kunoichi some space, though it wasn't enough as she would have to sit comfortably by him. The aging man's once welcoming smile twisted a little into a more lecherous grin mixed with pride and astonishment. His longing gaze lingered on Saeko's full bosom as it pressed against her tight cheongsam, almost as if he wanted to undo it with his eyes and see if the cheongsam was the first and final obstacle between him and two pillows of paradise. And those legs attracted just enough attention as well. The blacksmith craned his neck to look down upon Saeko as she clambered up. He made no attempts at hiding his admiration if the faint red color of his cheeks was any indication, and it only intensified when the kunoichi winked at him.

Patience, the blacksmith thought to himself, though he was no longer sitting comfortably. With Saeko so close to him on the road, he felt like he was on pins and needles. And the way that she purred was too damn enticing to ignore. He managed to catch her glance to his lap and felt himself stir down there. Patience, he told himself again, though patience never really favored the bold in history.

"I'm glad you see it that way, sweetie," he replied in a kind, though flirtatious tone. "A pretty thing like you shouldn't be walkin' on roads this dirty. Don't want to get any grime on those legs of yours. And you've already broken a bit of a sweat! What's your name honey?"

By the time the man had finished talking, his attention was no longer on the two horses driving him forward but on the woman next to him. Now she was the one driving him forward, and if he had his way he would either show her a few things under the canopy of his caravan or take her back to the village and offer her a night she won't soon forget. But in spite of the man's self-control urging him to be patient, the balding blacksmith grinned and snuck a gloved hand over to rest on Saeko's thigh. There his fingers would move ever so slowly as if he was feeling out all the tendons and nerves there.

"Mei-Li~" Saeko lied, with another wink - Only to draw a shallow breath, a husky gasp as she felt his hand come to rest on her creamy thigh...Thick fingers moving beneath his gloves, the warm contact making her shiver - Just a little~! The lovely kunoichi could feel his gaze sliding up her lovely form...And shifted her pose, subtly, to make it easier for him! Of course, the only direction she could move was towards him...Which meant that the lissome beauty's thigh was *this* close to pressing up against his leg-! This close, it was so very, very clear she wasn't wearing anything under her silken cheongsam - the garment wasn't just sheer, it clung to her, molding to her supple curves.

"I'm so grateful for the lift~" she said, her emerald eyes half-lidded behind long, long lashes - "I was traveling to the city, too...And I must have got lost, somehow..."

Saeko let her words trail off, as his fingers caressed her thigh - Her braids swaying in the breeze, as the wagon began to rumble back in the direction she'd come from!

She'd crane her neck, pretending to consult the promised map...But all the while, she made no attempt to dislodge his wandering hand. Instead, she bit her lip - Touching slim fingers to her chin, in an oh-so-thoughtful gesture! "Ah, I forgot...It'll be my first time in a city this big~" Saeko mused aloud, pouting a little - Before turning her gaze onto the blacksmith. "...Would you know where I could stay for, oh, a day or two...?"

"It's erm... hard to get lost on a road like this," the blacksmith replied. For a moment it seemed like he was suspicious, but it was shaken off very quickly. "But with the hill and trees up there, I can see how you'd lose sight of the city."

As the blacksmith thought about it, he soon believed every word that came from this buxom woman's lips. She wasn't from here, he thought to himself, and if that really was the case then he had a much better chance of getting to know her inside and out in all the dirty, intimate ways. He looked back to the road for a moment as he listened to her talk about the city, and when she dropped that it was her first time in a city this big and that she could use a place to stay for a day, he practically jumped. Well, he didn't jump, but something in his lap stirred at that. He took a breathless gulp and felt his heartbeat quicken just enough to send him teetering close to the edge of no return. This was the chance of a lifetime, and with such a fine, busty vixen who knew all the right things to say to get a man all excited.

His fingers continued to travel along Saeko's thigh while the blacksmith quietly repeated her fake name as if it was a superstitious chant for good fortune in the future. He played with the name like sweet honey on his lips, all the while his fingers edged a little closer to the woman's inner thigh. It was as if those wriggling fingers had a mind of their own and wanted to pick at that white fabric that laid beneath the cheongsam. But a touch of self-control here and a bit of patience there eventually made the man hesitate and pull his fingers away from no-man's-land and back to the comfort of this buxom woman's creamy, silky thighs. He did, however, tug off his gloves under the guise of it being stuffy in there, and when those thick fingers were free, he placed his hand right back on that delicious thigh.

"Oh? I know a good inn we could stay at," the blacksmith drawled, engrossed by the sight of Saeko's pouting lips and slim fingers on her chin. His blush painted his beard a baked brown color that shined through the bushiness. "I'm afraid I don't have enough money for a double suite, though... You wouldn't mind spen- sharing a bed with me now, would you?" he asked as he leaned a little towards her, invading her personal space and making little to no effort to hide his lustful eyes.

The blacksmith's caravan eased its way up the road and soon the village, more so the city, was in sight once again. It wouldn't take too long to get back to the city at this rate...

My, she knew exactly what he had in mind-!

"Well..." Saeko hedged - pretending to think it over, turning her head to the side...Affecting maidenly reserve. 'Mei-Li' let her gaze wander back, ever-so-slowly, considering his offer...Before a soft giggle pulsed from her lips, her slim fingers rising to toy with one midnight braid as a flush bloomed in her cheeks-!

"...I'd say - I wouldn't mind at all."

Beneath them, the wagon's wheels trundled on, as his fingers rubbed against her thigh...Saeko glancing at the city she was so very, *very* familiar with. She wasn't going to have to wait long at all - While there *were* holes in her story, she doubted that the blacksmith really cared-! Still...She had appearances to keep up. She favored him with another coy glance, her lissome legs crossing with a supple scrape of smooth skin as she drew a little closer - then closer still~!

The wagon creaked, ever-so-slightly, as Saeko straightened - A husky "Excuse me~" purring from her lips, as she eased herself onto his lap; Her plush behind resting on his knees, the silken curve of her back against his burly chest...And probably his paunch, too! She tipped her head back, her voice lowered to a sweet murmur; "You don't mind, do you~? It's more comfortable like this~"

What a lovely day indeed! As if things couldn't get any better for this, ahem, respectable and honorable blacksmith! He was beyond pleased that Mei-Li accepted his offer, and with no small amount of gusto on her behalf. Why, he was simply ecstatic! His smile expanded into a grin and he gave a gentle and reassuring pat on her thigh. Yet at the same time his fingers curled in a little to grab at the soft flesh beneath as if he wanted to take possession of it all, and of the foxy woman who the thigh belonged to.

The wagon kept creaking and tumbling on without a care for the two humans aboard. The road was a pleasant one and bothered neither the horses or the wagon and its passengers. With every little bounce the two got closer and closer until the blacksmith was shoulder to shoulder with Saeko, or Mei-Li as she said. And then the buxom beauty straightened up and caused the man's breath to hitch in his throat. False alarm: she wasn't leaving. No, she was getting much more comfortable...

One of the first things Saeko would notice about sitting in the blacksmith's lap was his hard chest that teetered out into a soft paunch. This was a man who was no stranger to physical activity, but also a man who did not shy away from good food and drink. His mead belly was comfortable but firm like a pillow with too much feathers inside. The knees and legs were meaty and with a bit of flab here and there, though it was hard to tell through the man's trousers. He widened his seating position by spreading his knees little by little, figuring that it would be more comfortable for them both should she sit back on his upper legs.

"I don't mind in the slightest," replied the blacksmith with a glazed smile and a growl to his voice.

There was a bit of a debate going on within the blacksmith's head. Part of him wanted to wait until they were in the city before he led this minx into bed with him. It seemed like the morally right thing to do, plus it would offer them plenty of privacy. Yet another, more primal part of the blacksmith wanted nothing to do with patience when Mei-Li was offering him so many chances to take her. He had heard of exhibitionism before in some of the northern regions and knew it was a hell of a good way to get thrown in the dungeons, but he wasn't sure if Mei-Li would go along with it. Only one way to find out, and as the time passed with the blacksmith's erection steadily growing, he discovered that the road was in his favor.

A small pothole in the road caused the wagon to bump up. It was such a little bump that nothing would be shaken, but the blacksmith lurched up enough to reposition Mei-Li's keister over his crotch where something was rightly agitated and enthusiastic. To put on the guise of being a gentlemen, the blacksmith reached up with one hand and wrapped it around Mei-Li's stomach to hold her close so she wouldn't fall off.

"Woah there! Heh... Cursed potholes, huh?" he mumbled in a husky tone of his own. His hand drifted up and cupped the underside of one of the vixen's generous breasts. "Someone oughta... find them holes and plug 'em up, yeah?"

"Oh~" At the bump, Mei-Li half-turned...Allowing him to pull her against his chest, her slim fingers splaying against his torso as his arm circled her slim waist, her flat belly - A husky "Thank you~" purring from her silky throat, the jade-eyed vixen leaning *into* him as the wagon rumbled on-! She allowed herself a little gasp as thick fingers cupped her breast, arching her back to push the rounded fullness of the orb more perfectly against his hand - "...Mmm-hmmm~" she cooed, in the sultry purr of a woman who was *very* agreeable indeed-!

She canted her head back to regard him, and murmured: "I was thinking ~ I might need to stay few more days in the city~"

She wasn't about to do something out in the open - In full view of everyone! - but she was entirely happy to bump-and-grind against him, to allow him to fondle her...And if anyone asked?

Why - She'd just say that she was his wife, after all!

This woman was insufferable, insatiable and irresistible. The blacksmith was reaching his boiling point with her on his lap but he couldn't fall over the edge just yet. She was giving him plenty of good signs but not one of them said that she was willing to do anything bold in plain sight. This was just fine with the married man. He would lead her into an alley and rock her world if need be, free from prying eyes. And if anyone was to catch them in the act in such a secluded space, why, the blacksmith would be understanding and state that there was plenty to go around. Surely this buxom woman wouldn't object to a little extra attention now, would she? Of course, that was only if the two were found.

To satiate his growing perversion and inability to sit still the blacksmith's hand moved more brazenly against Mei-Li's round orb. He took in the softness and firmness of such a fine piece of god's work and even drifted his fingers over to a pert nipple that poked its way out from under her tight, form-fitting cheongsam.

"Won't be a problem at all," the blacksmith replied when Mei-Li said she might need to stay longer. He relished in the fact that she was leaning into him and sniffed at her braids and neck, breathing in her scent like a hungry wolf. "I'll take good care of ya."

The city that Saeko came from had been on the horizon for a good time, but soon the caravan would enter the southern gates and into the city proper. Yes, to any who looked on at the two it would seem that the lovely, foxy woman atop the blacksmith's lap was indeed his wife, or at least a young lover. Some villagers stared for a moment before shrugging and getting back to work, albeit with a few jealous comments uttered under their breath. The wood and stone walls soon enclosed the caravan and gave way to multiple buildings packed closely together as per a traditional city layout. In time the caravan would stop, but nowhere near a market or warehouse as to be expected. Instead the blacksmith had decided to hold his horses near a local inn known as the 'Padded Lotus'.

The inn wasn't much to look at, but should the two enter they would find an interior that was very accommodating. A simple sitting room and few feet of counters would greet any weary travelers before they headed into well-equipped rooms of their own.

"Here's our stop, sweetie," the blacksmith commented as he tossed down the reins upon a nearby post. A man like him oughta take more care in securing his cart, but he was completely under Mei-Li's seduction. "Let's you and I get... better acquainted, yeah?"

He would then remove his hands from Mei-Li's curvy form, a damn shame, but only to try and lead her into the inn. From there he would also try to book a room, and if things went swimmingly, he would lead this tempting vixen into a room. Surely the Shogun's right hand would- No, she knew exactly what she was doing. This was temptation right under the nose of the Shogun and his men!

The stares - the jealous looks she got - it only made Mei-Li giggle, almost flaunting herself-! She sat up a little straighter, almost preening...A little gasp purring from her lips as his thick fingers continued to massage the proud swell of one full breast, her curvy hips made to roll - "That's soooo kind of you~" she cooed, batting her long, long lashes...Playing her role to the hilt-!

She'd be the perfect arm-candy as the wagon rumbled to a stop. She'd never been in the Padded Lotus before (Her personal chambers at the castle, though modest, were far more comfortable) but she knew *of* it and the other inns this close to the city gates! It'd be very, very accommodating indeed - and perfect for what he had in mind~!

"Anything for you, darling~" Mei-Li purred, with that oh-so-playful smile...Letting him ease her down from the caravan~! When his arms released her at last, she'd capture one of them in both of her own, clinging to his side like an adoring wife; All but leaning against him, letting his arm encircle her slim waist as her full breasts pressed up against him! She'd play along - All giggly, adoring charm, as if she had eyes only for him; Even as he led her upstairs, she'd wink and wave to the desk clerk, clearly savoring every moment!

It *was* nice to indulge herself once in a while, after all...

If a foxy vixen with long, luscious legs and a pair of big soft breasts came around in any neighborhood, it would be a big insult if no-one was to oogle her now would it? Judging by the stares from many of the people passing by, they wanted to either get to know this lady and treat her to a nice meal, or they just wanted to go on an adventure by mapping her body with their hands and mouths. As for the patrons in the inn, which was a modest one with furniture made of wood, almost all were a part of the manly male demographic. From the young yet tall desk clerk to the traveling martial artists sitting amongst craftsmen in the sitting room, all had their eyes on Sae- I mean, Mei-Li. Most were low-key about it, like the martial artist from a far-off land, but the desk clerk and others were transfixed.

The questions on their minds were as follows: who was this woman, how could they impress her and what could they do with her, or to her? The desk clerk was especially feverish about the woman, as it seemed that he was a recent coming-of-age young adult who was guided by his hormones. He would have to wait, or perhaps the temptation wouldn't come at all and he would have to resign himself to the restroom to 'compose himself'. Whatever it was, there was no doubt about it that the desk clerk, and many others in the inn, were excited to see Mei-Li enter. Plus, seeing her hanging onto the blacksmith's burly arm enticed varying degrees of jealousy within each and every single one of the visitors.

Once all the preparations were made and the blacksmith was assured of his conquest, he led Mei-Li upstairs to a simple room. He adored how her youthful yet generous breasts pressed into his side and was very pleased to hear her purring and giggling like a harpy completely under his sway. The blacksmith opened the door to a simple, single-bed room and ushered Mei-Li inside only to close the door behind her and pin her against a nearby wall. He pressed her firm buttocks against the wall and leaned in very close so his chest was sandwiched against Mei-Li's bulbous bosom and his legs right between the woman's own. It seemed that the guise of being a gentleman had worn off, and how could it not? All throughout the journey to the village the man had been tested, teased and aroused by the vixen at his side, and now all he wanted was to have this woman completely and utterly, if not for a few blissful minutes to an hour.

"Take off your clothes," the blacksmith growled, his voice layered thick with primal desire. His hands roamed over Mei-Li's body, her curves and her bosom before resting on her hips. "Take off your clothes and get on the bed."

It was an order from the blacksmith, but his aroused mind was focused only on exploring Mei-Li's body inside and out. She, of course, had plenty of opportunities to do whatever she wished!

Alone at last-! Pressed up against the wall, Mei-Li's back arched - A shivery little moan pulsing from her lips as his hands slid up and over her...Finding her breasts, kneading, *squeezing*-! Her nipples were hard points against her silken cheongsam, a wicked heat tingling beneath her skin; A playful little gleam to her eyes, as her slim fingers rose...Finding the butterfly clasps of her violet garment, unlacing it-! With a sly look over her shoulder, she sauntered to the bed; the smooth fabric sliding down, down her slim shoulders with a silken whisper, down to her waist - Her slender arms chastely crossed over her full bosom, as her gaze lingered...

-Before she let herself fall forward into the softness of the bed~!

Her long, lovely legs swayed in the air - Before an idle flick kicked her heels off, as 'Mei-Li' drew herself up; A soft giggle teased from the very core of her being - Luxuriating in the incredible softness, letting the blankets spill across her skin as she winked-! Her dark braids snaked down the sleek curve of her back, her full lips shaping each slow syllable as her fingers rose to trace her hair back from her cheeks...

"What are you waiting for~?"

Now that really did it. As if this woman couldn't get any more attractive or infuriating she slides out from the blacksmith and looks all sly and coy as she strips right before him. It wasn't a face-to-face stripping, and it didn't offer the blacksmith a magnificent view of her breasts- which just about every man adored in a woman these days- but he took great solace and joy in seeing those silky, creamy thighs free from that cheongsam. He watched her with hunger in his eyes and followed her like a dog, mirroring her footsteps and pace. Oh, you could tell he was trying his damndest not to tackle her right then and there! His fingers reached out to try and touch Mei-Li as she moved, but when she got out of range he dropped his hands to his waist and fiddled with his trousers and other garments before approaching her once again.

As the blacksmith's trousers, shirt and footwear dropped to the floor in an untidy pile the man took in everything that this woman had to offer him. He stared at her face and how her fingers dragged along her cheek and edges of her hairline. Those full, juicy lips made the man quiver as he couldn't help but compare them to his wife's, and then he realized that this woman easily trumped anything his wife could offer. He had yet to sample, but he was certain Mei-Li had everything and more. His eyes fell upon the curve of her back and the dark braids for a moment before a lecherous grin spread across his face. The jewel of this woman was her wondrous buttocks, and he couldn't help but feel himself stir to his maximum rigidness, primed and ready for the heat of the moment.

"I'm going to make you howl," the man replied, though through his gritted teeth it was more of a certain fact, or a pleasurable threat.

The blacksmith dropped his undergarments and crawled onto the bed to meet Mei-Li's curves with his hands and mouth. One hand went right for her ass and brazenly fondled it like he was a baker kneading dough. His rough, calloused hands were such a stark contrast to this vixen's smooth skin, it almost felt unnatural. As he grabbed and rubbed her right cheek his thumb dripped down every so often to nuzzle and press against Mei-Li's slit. A blacksmith was known to be a multitasker, so why not indulge with an ass-grab and a good slit-rub? With the right hand busy the other came around and pressed itself tight under Mei-Li's left armpit for support, and to raise her arm just a little. This hand was more concerned with feeling her curves than stimulation, but stimulating it was!

Completing the trifecta was the blacksmith's mouth and tongue that were placed right against Mei-Li's neck. He laid down a few kisses there before licking and suckling like some kind of hairy animal! All the while his member, already pulsing and rigid, laid against Mei-Li's thigh and slid up the length of it as the man moved his hips in his ministrations. He wanted to put it in, to burrow it deep down and go to town, but he wanted to taste this woman and feel her out to see what she liked. It was merely a courtesy as he wouldn't care if she took offense to any of his actions...

A *moan* purred from Mei-Li's lips...Her neck arching, as his hand closed on her plush behind - Groping, kneading, making her toes curl *just so* - Her neck arching as his mouth worked at her silky throat! "Ohhhhh~" she panted, an illicit thrill racing through her - Her hips rolling, grinding back against him; Her silken skin against his throbbing member, her creamy thighs made to part just a little more~! Writhing against the bed, biting her lip as his thumb teased the smooth join of her sex...A taut "Nnnnghhh~!!!" thrumming in the air, a sound of hushed delight!

"Nnnn, good~" she breathed - Her slim fingers reaching down, down...Curling around his shaft - Beginning to move up and down, up and down...The foreskin sliding over the thicker meat! There was a hazy gleam to her deep green eyes, mingling mischief and growing arousal - Her nipples achingly stiff, now, each heated breath making her full bosom *jiggle*~!

Oh this was nice, this was really nice. The blacksmith could hardly help himself from touching, grabbing, squeezing and fondling whatever he could get his hands on. This delightful woman had a body that teased him in all the right ways; it was practically made for sex! He continued to grind his hips against her leg and force his member against her creamy thighs as his fingers fiddled and fondled with the softness of her plush behind. His thumb, once idle against her silken slit, picked up the pace just a little more to help excite it. He was planning on taking that hole very, very soon.

When Mei-Li's fingers drifted down to the blacksmith's meaty shaft he growled in delight and leaned in with a pleased look on his mug. The fastest way to a man's heart wasn't through their stomach, it was elsewhere! His member twitched and rippled in ecstasy at the woman's touch. A touch of pre-cum had He licked and nibbled at all points on Mei-Li's neck for a moment longer before his impatience kicked in. It was all well and good to have this woman writhing beneath him, but he wanted to see all of her as he worked.

With two strong hands he flipped Mei-Li over onto her back and straddled her before placing her hands back on his member as if it would be her anchor. The blacksmith had on a cheeky grin as he bent over and took in the sight of Mei-Li's hazy, gleaming eyes full of mischief and lust. His eyes too would take on the same gleam as he reached over and took two great big handfuls of her soft breasts. His calloused hands roamed over the glorious globes for some time, teasing the valley between her breasts and twisting every so often. To further excite this seductress of a woman, the blacksmith pinched her stiff nipples and rubbed them between his fingers at an alarmingly teasing pace.

"You like that? You like that, huh slut?" he growled. He managed to pry his member free from her hands at the time and pressed it against Mei-Li's smooth sex. "You want it bad, huh? Tell me you want it."

Flipped onto her back - Her lissome form lolling across the bed! - 'Mei-Li' allowed herself a gasp of delight...Hazy anticipation mingled with the mischief in her deep green eyes, as she writhed and whimpered in delight-! The sleek muscles in her creamy thighs tensed, her hips rolling against his - A husky "Haaa, haaaa~" thrumming in the air, as his cock pressed up against the smooth join of her legs...His thumb circle the pearl of her pleasure, making her back arching, her midnight braids cascading over the sheets-!

As the blacksmith pinned her to the bed - Her slim fingers squeezed *just* a little more, a taut "Oh my~!" purring free as he loomed over her...His hands finding, squeezing, kneading her breasts, making her moan in husky delight! "Ooohhhhh, *ooohhhhh*-" Mei-Li moaned, out loud - her full bosom so soft, so *yielding...Yet so firm at once, the lovely kunoichi clearly savoring every moment, her nipples achingly stiff - Her body *so* sensitive, raw sexual electricity racing up her spine beneath his groping hands-! Oh-so-eager to return the favor, her slim fingers found a steady rhythm...Even as a thin trickle of arousal slid down her inner thigh, sweat glistening on her creamy skin-!

Those coltish legs spread, her eyes going so very, very wide; Looking down, capturing the moment...Her toes curling just so as she was locked in place, poised; the fat, bulbous head of his cock grinding against her tight, tight sex-! With each panting breath, Mei-Li's bosom rose and fell, rose and fell...A mewl of very pleasured anguish thrumming in the air, the lovely kunoichi's full lips curling in an affected pout-

"Please~" she panted - straining against him, the look in her eyes hot enough to melt an iceberg...Her gaze caught, and held, by that thick throbbing cock, just *aching* to plunge home-! "I want - I want - Pleasepleaseplease *fuck* meeeee~"

Just the way that she begged in that sensual, mewling voice of hers was satisfactory enough for the blacksmith. He savored her little mewls and husky moans as if they were sweet, sweet nectar of ambrosia. Her hazy eyes were to die for, as was her creamy thighs that begged for a good, hard fucking. The blacksmith was very, very delighted when her fingers kept squeezing and fondling his manhood, and in some sense a feeling a pride and victory washed over him when she kept using it as an anchor. They say the quickest way to a man's heart was through his stomach, but in this case, Mei-Li had captured him just by paying extra, intimate attention to the one area that counted.

With sweat beginning to form on his brow and a labored breath in his throat, the blacksmith continued to fondle and grasp the woman's breasts as if they belonged to him and him alone. This was sure to be a married man; who else would know so much about how to excite a woman like that? He kept his member firmly pressed against her slick slit and took in her whining mewls of pleasure and distress. She wanted him, and he was content enough to let her have it. With a proud smile and a teasing twist of Mei-Li's nipples to egg him on, the blacksmith edged forward to claim his roadside prize.

He had half a mind to believe that this was no virgin, but in the end the blacksmith didn't really care much to ask. He plunged the thick head of his cock between Mei-Li's lower lips and whimpered in delight as it slid through and hilted many inches within her. His back curled and he leaned in as he was overcome by the rapture. Her pussy was like the finest satin, moistened to such a pleasurable degree that even the most stalwart of men couldn't help but lose themselves in the ecstasy. The blacksmith surged forward a little more to see just how far he could go and grabbed onto Mei-Li's hips to steady himself for the thrusting to come. And, once he was pleased with how slick and tight Mei-Li was, the blacksmith eased himself out just enough to position himself...

And then he began the thrusting. The hard, forceful thrusting of a man possessed by lust. With his rough hands on Mei-Li's hips and his gaze settled on her impish features he pistoned within her and growled with every thrust. His cock pierced her inner walls and dragged against them when he pulled out only to shove it back in. There was no such thing as love here, unless it was the blacksmith's adoration of her tightness and tendency to mewl. No, all he cared about was pleasuring himself and looking up to see Mei-Li's reactions, which would inevitably egg him on! My god, who or what was this woman?!