Outside it was cold, wet and rainy. Thick mist obscured much of the vista, and gave the surrounding forest an eerie, dreamlike appearance. Within his small hut, Rinzo sat close to the fire, trying to remain as warm as possible as he cleaned and repaired his armor. His kariyama hung from the long center pole, while his tachi was hidden under a pile of matting. Town life had become precarious of late, and a contact had recommended that Rinzo lie low for a while, a suggestion that Rinzo admitted made sense, considering the present state of Ariki.
Returning his armor to its small box, Rinzo carefully set the container in a dry corner of the small structure. Normally he would have had better quarters, but the shinobi village was deserted, plague it was rumored, the inhabitants having vanished into the night. Staying there would run the risk of discovery from a patrol, but Rinzo hadn't hesitated to help himself to whatever supplies had been left behind.
Returning to the fire, Rinzo lit a small lamp and gathered up an assortment of clothing from a nearby pile. Sorting through the garments he began to examine each piece for rips and tears. Producing a quantity of thread and silk scraps he began to mend the obvious damage while leaving minor rents alone. The amount of clothing seemed surprising considering the single occupant, but Rinzo found the assortment invaluable, allowing him a wide range of disguises.
Sometime later, after the rain had slackened and wan bits of sunlight slipped through the clouds, Rinzo stepped out of his hut, a water bucket held in one hand. Set into a small clearing mid-way up a mountain slope overlooking Ariki, the small house was surrounded by bundles piles of bamboo and timber. He may be an ashigaru sworn to the service of Arai Ogami, the true lord of Ariki, but he still needed to eat and there was always a demand for firewood. Besides, it allowed him visit the town in a manner that wouldn't arouse suspicion.
Walking along the short path that lead to a cold and clear mountain stream, Rinzo glanced at the sprawling edifice that was White Feather Castle. He had heard that there was a entrance to the castle, unknown to the present owner, located somewhere near the Castle's mountain gate. He would have to try and find it, especially since the foul weather would probably restrict patrols and help hide his movements in the thick forests.
Glancing again at the Castle, Rinzo sighed. He had also heard that Hanae Tomoe, one of Lord Arai's most trusted retainers and it was rumored, a shinobi, was dead, slain trying to assassinate Arai Togai. He had rather liked the tall woman, and had felt quite pleased that she had selected him to lead Ogame-sama to the shinobi village in the mountains. Filling his bucket, and making his way back, Rinzo decided the time had come for Inohara the woodcutter to make another trip into town.