Once, in the Lotris province of ancient Japan, there lived a samurai lord, who ruled over the entire province from a castle overlooking the seaport. He was renowned throughout the land, not only for his incredible martial skills, but also for his incredible arrogance.

When he was being carried through the streets by his slaves, any peasant foolish enough not to bow at the lord's passage, would soon have his head removed by one of the lord's guards. Everyone feared him and hated him, but no one would challenge his right to rule, due to his skill with the sword.

In his castle he kept many wives and courtesans, lured there by the promise of an easy life and a high social status within the province. One day, one of these courtesans told the lord of an interesting note she had seen in the market square. It was from an old sage who lived on a far away mountain top.