Prologue

Numerous civilizations have sprouted throughout this blue marble, and as groups came together, a community was formed. A settlement is naturally established throughout a strip of land, and as the numbers of people grow, so does the number of problems. Therefore, a government of some sort is established with the purpose of solving the problems of its inhabitants.

Forms of government are quite complicated. Some forms of government prove themselves to be quite a burden on their inhabitants. Others prove themselves to be tyrannical and challenge the patience of their inhabitants. Henceforth, leading to a rebellion of some sort to fight against these governments. Eventually, the conclusion of this process is the creation of a government that aligns with their inhabitants' interests, which leads to a form of a government that is consensual.

A democracy? Nonsense, why put the future of everybody in the hands of the majority? They do not know what they want to eat, so how can they know the best way to govern? An aristocracy? Nonsense, why put the future of everybody in the hands of the elite? If they cared for the wellbeing of others, they would not hoard the nation's wealth amongst themselves. An oligarchy? By all the gods, this is even worse than an aristocracy! Put that aside!

So what is the natural form of government civilizations decide to utilize? This is obviously a monarchy! One-man rule is the essential start to all civilizations, but the dangers of monarchy are still there. You may start with a great monarch, but what guarantees you another one? These are the dangers of one-man rule, but this is why societies have developed their moral codes and their religious beliefs to counteract those tyrants. Morality and religion are the greatest weapons that those without power can use to combat any form of government, especially a monarchy.

Monarchs feel unchallenged, but the morality of their subjects and religion are ways to check their power. Why do civilizations choose one-man rule, you may ask? Simple, a one-man rule is always the best choice. Whether it is to choose the wisest and most fair amongst themselves, or the strongest amongst themselves, to rule over them. This is how the lines of rulers begin, but those that violate the principles which their ancestors were chosen to lead amongst their people, often lose their heads.

And if the remaining descendants prove to be incapable, the descendants of the people that put them into power will eventually put an end to the lineage of those rulers. Afterward, a one-man rule may not be viewed as the proper way of governing a nation, leading to innovations of a consensual government of some sort being made. My nation has not reached this point, but if I have to be the pioneer of this action, so be it! The life of Sakamoto Ryuzo was never an easy one, and my humble origins began sixty-years prior to the events that involved my students and children.

If this scroll is ever found, I have likely perished at the hands of that man. In no way, shape, or form, would I let anybody hold a detailed account of my life. If this is no longer in my possession, to whoever may come across this, I just want the reader and the world to understand that I desired to leave behind a world far greater than the one that I found. The fight against Sakata has brought me to many battlefields, but I feel the day of judgement coming for me. I am in my sixtieth year, but the life to be told shall be told to the best of my recollections.

This is the life of Sakatamoto Ryuzo, before he could become Nawaki Kosuke the Elder.