saburai | ♟ memory 015.

Memory regained: Significant Neutral - A sword to cut, a shield to protect (childhood; implied in chapter 2)
Date: Day 64
Game won: La Torre's game

Memory:

You are four years old, and you have been summoned to a meeting with the Family head.

The importance of the summon isn't lost on the adults around you, even if you yourself aren't sure why you've been called in - Sensei lets you leave early, even though your training sessions usually last longer.

When you enter the room, you bow respectfully to the man and then sit down in front of him in perfect seiza, eyes downcast. Practiced hands move your child-sized sword in front of you, to make it clear that you do not pose a threat.

"Pekoyama," the oyabun says. You wait. "I believe it is past time that we make your place in this family abundantly clear."

"Do you know how you came to live with the Family? Your parents abandoned you not long after you were born, and we found and rescued you for one purpose and one purpose only: to be the property of my son.

You are to be his tool. A sword to cut down his enemies, a shield to protect him from harm. That is the entire purpose behind your training, after all."

"It has come to my attention that you have been observed playing with my son as two children would. You are not equals. I don't want to hear of you playing with him as if you were a human child again."

You nod, even if it is not a question. Even if it had been his son who had requested the playing.

"If it weren't for us, you would have died. You owe us your life. It is a debt you must repay by serving your young master. You would do well to remember that."

Afterward, as you make your way back to your quarters, you commit the words to memory: a sword to cut, a shield to protect. You are nothing else.

What was learned:
→ My name is Pekoyama.
→ And I am a tool, belonging to the young master.
→ I suppose that puts the murder in context...

Effects:
-1000 self-worth