Perhaps it would be good for the Twelve Sparrows

One thing is that perhaps it would be good for the Twelve Sparrows, to divide up into two groups.  Half on duty twelve hours a day.  The other six on duty when they are not.

In this way, then there would always be some on duty.  Also in emmergencies there could be summoned to aid.  This would also include training alongside the Sparrow Daimyo.

Another thing is perhaps it would be good if there was someone who knew the level three sparrow kenjutsu technique amongst them.  So that they could help develop a fourth level, and fifth level for the Suzume Bushi school.  Then this person could take these techniques back to the Suzume, and teach them.  Then another bush could be sent to the Sparrow Daimyo.

I dont' want bodyguards

One thing is I don't want body guards.  The thing is that I can't be in all places at once.  I think it be best for the Sparrow to split up into small groups while they serving in other lands.

It would be good for the Sparrow Daimyo to train in Sparrow Kenjutsu.  After all if he is to lead the Clan he ought to know they fighting techniques.  After all what example would that set.  Perhaps the Daimyo could even improve the style.  For example, perhaps together they could come up with some forms for the Sparrow Bushi.  Sparrow clan has Crane roots, so that influence should be apparent.  Though, perhaps some Eagle Claw might be good as well.  I would like to see different weapons utilitized in forms, so that a Sparrow learns more than one weapon.

Also he could work with the Shugendo.  As the Sparrow are not known for their Shugendo.  Perhaps they could exchange knowledge.  This might form the basis of a study group.  Which someday might form a Sparrow Shugendo School.

Though the Daimyo of the Sparrow would be willing to give the Suzume family the rights to his life story.  These rights have been offered several million dollars.  So this ought to be more then enough to provide for the needs of twelve men. 

A clarification

When I was younger, I was quite playful.  This may have led to some misunderstandings.  However, when I was younger I didn't mind if people tried to kill me.  It is said that having a child, doesn't change you, it changes everything about you. 

So if I DO have a daughter somewhere, then I can't be going getting myself killed.  As what will happen to her without me.  Now that I have a child I have to think about her as well.  I have responsibilities now.

Another thing is that the Sparrow choosing me to be their Daimyo, they are looking to me for leadership.  For their sake I can't get myself killed, just because I like playing around.  Afterall, I have people I must look after.

As such I think she should be trained with the Kitsu.  As I have said before, she would be treated better with them then I was.  Also she will be able to receive training in her gift.  Perhaps in time she will be able to come to Sparrow Lands and aid in the development of the Sparrow Shungendo School.

The other point I would like to clarify is that I do not want to turn the Sparrow Clan into a bunch of mercenaries.  A mercenary fights for money.  Fighting alongside your allies that you have a treaty to aid is a different matter entirely.  So I think this should be no mistake in this point.

Another point I would like to make is that, the Sparrow Clan's duty is too guard the Golden Plains, and keep the peace between the Crab and Crane.  Therefore, even if they all could move up to where I am, that would leave the Golden Plains vulnerable.  Also who is to say the Crab and Crane wouldn't fight with each other again?  So they must stay where they are for now. 

Though Twelve Sparrow arent' enough to be missed.  Indeed, it may make things easier for them.  As the Sparrow Lands are less fertile then others.

One thing that burdens my heart

One thing that burdens my heart,
Is that I'm not strong enough to protect,
My own people,

So I will leave with the Sparrow Twelve,
I shall pack up my things and go to my Lady,
But I will never forget who I am,
Or where I cam from,

I will train, and become stronger,
Someday I will be strong enough to protect my people,
Then I shall return,
But I will leave with for my people's sake now,
When the Sparrow Twelve come to escort me,
Though I think we will need a permit,

The Twelve Sparrow

Perhaps the Shugendo of the Sparrow be part of the Twelve Sparrow.  That way, the Sparrow Daimyo can train them in his magic.  Then they can take this magic back to the Sparrow clan.  They can then form the core for a school around his practices. 

Sparrow Shugendo

Whereas the Sparrow Lands have little resources, the Sparrow Shugendo should strive to make use of what little resources the Sparrow have.  I believe that I mentioned I think that the Sparrow Shugendo's should do Fertility Rites, during the growing season to help the crops of the Sparrow.  Also the Sparrow should pray for those serving in other lands.

I would like to sell the rights to my life story to make a burial ground for the honoring of Sparrow ancestors including my own.  Kind of like a smaller version of the Kitsu tombs.  Though I do not know how much my lifestory may bring.  It would be best if this was at the border of Sparrow Lands.  The bodies of ancestors could be stacked into a wall.  Then if the Sparrow Lands were attacked, the ancestors would help defend the wall.  Though I think this would be best by the Scorpion Lands.

As time goes on the Tombs can be added onto.  It may be best to plan this into the design.  Though I would like it to incorporate Yang style feng shui elements.  But that may be inapproapriate considering my ancestors were not chinese.  Though the building for them may be best not to incorporate Yang style Feng Shui as that is more suited to the nonliving.  Perhaps it would be best if the Shugendo quarters were hidden underground. 

Perhaps a chamber ought to be dedicated to the Heroes of the Sparrow.  For instance, Suzume, and his aunt might be good to have statues.  Perhaps my statue may one day adorn it's hall.

If the Sparrow Lands are attacked, then they can defend the Tombs while reenforcements arrrive.  Perhaps using slings behind the thick walls.  Or hurling spells at their enemies. 

Though perhaps it would be best to have a Sparrow Shugendo amongst the Sparrow Twelve.  Then the Sparrow Daimyo, and the Sparrow Shugendo can then train together in their arts.  Then the Sparrow could then train other students in Sparrow lands.  Starting as a study group, it may form into a school of it's own for the Sparrow.   

I think it would be best if the Sparrow Shugendo trained here, and maintained the Tombs.  As the Fox Shugendo wield a wicked Nagomaki, so should the Sparrow Shugendo be known for their use of a sling.  As they might not be able to hide behind a bushi in battle. 

Though, I think that to be a Sparrow Shugendo, a Sparrow must create a manifestation scroll.  A person is selected by the Sparrow Clan.  The potential Shugendo must then create a scroll that has things that come true using for that person.  This is not a favor to be traded lightly.  Though it may help to maintain the Tombs. 

Also the Sparrow Shugendo should visit the Shrines of Family, and Vigilence if they are needed to be built.  Perhaps visiting them once a year to make and saying a prayer.  Also performing any needed maintaince work.

Though if I have a daughter, that she will take over this school.  I know she would be better treated amongst the Kitsu then I was being brought up.  Also she could learn about her true nature. 

Though I do not approve of pacts with Spirits, pacts with animals are a different matter.  Personally, it may be good to make pacts with more then one animal.  Different animals have different strengths and weaknesses.  For example, cats are a natural predator to rodents.  Rodents spread disease, attack humans, eat crops. 
 

The Fifth Level of the Sparrow Bushi School Technique

I think the Fifth level of the Sparrow Bushi School Technique should be The Three Essentials of Fire.  Like a fire, a person requires three things to survive.  They require air.  They require fuel (food).  Also they require heat.  Take any of these elements away, and a fire will go out.  So too will the fire within a person. 

Perhaps the Sparrow clan should choose twelve sparrow to protect the Sparrow Daimyo.  These should not be the most experienced, nor them most talented.  Rather they should be choosen because they wish to experience the outside world.  As the most experienced are ought to guard the plains, as they may have less temption then younger bushi who have a family to raise.  Or the most talented who may be needed to guard the Sparrow borders.  Rather these Sparrow can bring back things to the Sparrow Lands.  Each month one will be given leave to return to Sparrow lands acting as a messanger between the Suzume, and the Sparrow Daimyo.  Also during this month they will be able spend with their families and can bring back things from them.  These bushi should not have a family of their own, so that they will not be abandoning their families.  Also they will be able to train with the Sparrow in the Sparrow lands, during this time and continue training in Sparrow Techniques.

As the Sparrow Daimyo travels with The Twelve Sparrow, he will be able to train with them.  Also they can help provide security for an popular entertainer.  As such they're wanderlust will be fulfulled.  Then they can return too Sparrow lands with the Pearl of Wisdom from the Muddy waters.  Then another Sparrow can be selected to replace the Sparrow.  Hopefully, they will be more experienced, and better able to serve their clan. 

Perhaps, the Twelve Sparrow and The Sparrow Daimyo can also demonstrate Sparrow fighting techniques while they travel.  This way the Sparrow will learn about the outside world.  They may also be able to acquire some as well in their travels to bring back to the Sparrow clan.