Finally, it is time for Shigeru and Takero to make their way to Tsuwano so that Shigeru can meet his bride-to-be, Shirakawa Kaede. Several months go by and Takeo continues his training as well as making occasional trips to explore his new home. Takeo learns from Muto that his father was considered the most skilled assassin of the Kikuta, a highly-respected family of the Tribe and begs Muto to train him in the same style. He is the master of the Muto clan and knew Takeo’s father before his death. Soon after his arrival in Haji, Takeo meets Muto Kenji, or The Fox. As one of the conditions of Takeo’s adoption, Shigeru must promise to marry Shirakawa Kaede. Only the sons of Shigeru’s uncles dislike him and attempt to kill him several times during sword training. Shigeru’s former mentor and instructor, Ichiro, takes to the boy and Lord Shigeru eventually adopts him. After Takeo goes to bed, he overhears Shigeru and Maruyama talking and learns that they have been maintaining a secret relationship for over a decade.įor the most part, Takeo is welcomed into his new home in Hagi. She strongly opposes Iida Sadamu, and encourages Takeo to tell her about what happened to his family. Soon after, the pair stop at an inn and Takeo meets Maruyama Naomi, the ruler of Seishuu. As they make their way towards Shigeru’s home, Takeo falls sick causing him to temporarily lose his voice but gain super heightened hearing abilities. To hide his Hidden ancestry, Lord Shigeru renames him Takeo and then they embark on the journey towards Hagi. Lord Shigeru decides to bring Tomasu home in order to protect him. Just in time, Tomasu is rescued by Lord Shigeru, the leader of the Otori sect. Although Tomasu unhorses Iida in his attempt to escape, the other clan members give chase.

The raid on his village and the subsequent deaths of Tomasu’s family members was led by Iida Sadamu, the ruthless leader of Tohan. A sixteen-year-old warrior, he was born into The Hidden, a persecuted religious sect. The novel explores themes such as family legacies, family pressure and revenge.Īt the outset of the novel, we are introduced to Tomasu returning to his village and finding his family slaughtered.

The novel follows the protagonist, a young warrior named Tomasu who later becomes Takeo.

Written by people who wish to remain anonymousĪcross the Nightingale Floor is a historical fantasy novel and the first book in the Tales of Otori series. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community.

Over the nightingale floor