Bringing another plate of food with you, you walk towards Issar Roon's study. The slap of your feet on the unusually bare stone floor echoes down the hall, announcing your arrival. Although you doubt ever being able to sneak up on the old man, you can't help wishing for the old carpets to return. Forcing your thoughts back to Issar Roon, you nudge the study door open, careful not to spill food under your feet.

Thank you for bringing food again! I warn you, doing so continually will only increase my appetite, and make me grumpy if you should forget it during your visits.

You wonder if the old man could be any more irritable than a few of your previous visits. You doubt it.

I would also like to mention that I don't like others prying in my studies. I am, of course, referring to your last visit and my book of ash.

Bewildered, you wonder how the old man knew you had snuck in. Unable to see the man's face still buried in his books, you hesitate to answer for fear of angering the old man. Hoping you haven't already given him reason to throw you out, you remain quiet.

I will overlook your intrusion, but I do not want you entering my private study alone in the future.

Now…About that plate in your hands!

The change in the old man surprises you, causing a pause before bringing him the metal plate imprinted with a sylvan design. As you come closer to the red maple desk you are surprised to find a small weapon lying amongst the piles of books.

Set it on the stool so you don't soil my precious books.

The old man finally stops reading and looks up.

Curious about the jitte? It was in need of some polishing after I found it hiding in my desk drawer for the past few years. It is an old artifact from the legends of Kamigawa.

Thinking that the old man seems to be ready to tell another story, you sit down on the now familiar rug as he begins to inhale the pile of food.

The jitte belonged to a man named Toshiro Umezawa. Long ago, Toshiro was a simple thief and kanji mage on Kamigawa. He was not a planeswalker, and never understood that there was more in the multiverse other than his native plane. However, Toshiro was incredibly resourceful, and easily adapted to new situations. His enemies would say he was a pest that refused to be squashed.

As a young man Toshiro was a member of a gang in Kamigawa’s Takenuma Swamp. During one job, he was sent as part of a mercenary group to subdue an ogre shaman named Hidetsugu. Hidetsugu managed to kill everyone but Toshiro, who had protected himself with a kanji spell. Toshiro convinced Hidetsugu to join him in creating a new gang bound by blood and magic. The magic would protect them, and prevent either of them from harming the other without bringing great harm to themselves. And so, Toshiro began a habit of slipping from certain death.

The old man pauses to shovel more food into his mouth. Changing the subject, he begins anew.

Shortly after those events, the Kami War began across the plane of Kamigawa. The Kami War was an indirect result of the Great Destruction on Ulgrotha. You do remember my story of Ulgrotha, don’t you?

When the old man finds that it takes you a few seconds to recall his story, he shakes his head in displeasure.

Though it did much more throughout the Multiverse, the Great Destruction weakened the barrier between the spiritual and physical realms on Kamigawa. This allowed the two realms to interact in a myriad of new ways.

Konda, Lord of Eiganjo, took advantage of the weakness, and stole into the spiritual realm to imprison a part of the greatest kami of all, O-Kagachi. Konda hoped the power of the very first kami would help to bring prosperity and happiness to the people of Kamigawa, but it only brought destruction and death. Enraged by the theft, the spirits of Kamigawa began to attack the physical world, searching for That Which Was Taken.

Having emptied the plate of the majority of its contents, the old man takes another break, this time for air.

Some say it was the Kami's heart that Konda stole, but who believes in gods having hearts?! I think it was O-Kagachi's divinity that was brought to the physical world of Kamigawa. It was his true power, that which allowed him to watch over the barrier between the two realms. Perhaps it was his very soul.

You wonder if there is any difference between a god's soul and heart, but decide it better to not question the old man.

Though Toshiro Umezawa was intent on acting only for his own benefit, he was thrown into the Kami War on Kamigawa. One day, his path crossed with that of Michiko, daughter of Konda, Lord of Eiganjo. Toshiro arrived to find Michiko beset by forces wanting to use her to end the war. Oblivious of her significance, Toshiro helped to rescue Michiko, and changed his life forever. During the events that transpired, he willingly agreed to work for Michiko. This agreement brought him into the heart of the Kami War, though he would deny it for many years.

With the last sentence the old man finishes the remaining food. Having run out of distractions, the old man turns back to his books.

You expect more? I never promised you an ending. I’ve told you a story, now leave me be!

Contemplating the sudden change in the old man’s demeanor, you stand. His generosity seems to have disappeared as quickly as the food, and you decide it best to go.

And close the door on your way out! I don’t want a draft bringing in the rain.

As you shut the door tight, you find that the old man was right. A soft pitter patter had begun on the roof while you were listening to his tale.

This is a work of fiction based on the stories and entries provided by Wizards about some of the early characters. The author takes some liberty with the story for dramatic purposes. So the story portrayed here may not be the exact story according to Magic Canon. The author has found references and art to use in the following locations: Encyclopedia Phyrexianna and the MTG Salvation Wiki. Written by Brendan Weiskotten.