Neighpon, Isle of Izanagi.

Royal Palace.

The moon was bright, and the cherry blossom trees rustled in the wind. It was a scene someone could fall asleep to.

Except, somepony wasn't. Ryujin, son of Emperor Mitsu II, walked along the path to the dojo. His black mane and tan coat contrasted with his deep blue robes. He walked into the dojo, wiping his hooves before settling his eyes on a peculiar object, resting on a plinth.

It was the hilt of a Katana, with the guard and blade missing. In the moonlight, it glowed a faint white. Ryujin kneeled before it, knowing what it was. The Hilt of Susanoo, one of the three relics of the God Dragon Sword, the sword of Izanagi. Ryujin had heard the tale many times, throughout his life. When the three gods, Susanoo, Amaterasu, and Tsukuyomi were created, their father, Izanagi, gave them three pieces of a sword, the hilt, guard, and blade. If the three parts were united, the sword would give the wielder unimaginable power. For this reason, the sword was split among the three clans, the Susa, Amate, and Tsuku, each guarding a piece, respectively of each clan's elder god. Ryujin stood up, offering a prayer to Susanoo.

"I ask you, O elder god…" Ryujin prayed. "...for guidance. I ask to know the path you have set out for me."

Ryujin bowed before the hilt, and walked out, back to the chambers of the palace. Settling in his bed, he closed his eyes.

"Ryu?"

Ryujin opened his eyes, and smiled. It was Lady Mikara, his close friend, of the Amate Clan. She sighed upon seeing him.

"You're still awake?" She asked, her curly black hair waving in the night.

"Yes." Ryujin replied. "It troubles me that I cannot sleep. If the Elder God Susanoo gave me the guidance I ask for, I might find true peace."

Mikara sighed and slipped into the bed with him.

"Peace is a matter of will." She whispered, drawing her hooves around him. Ryujin nestled against her, listening to her heartbeat. Soon, Mikara felt him loosen, and she smiled, knowing he had finally fallen asleep. She slipped out, and soon, all was quiet.

=========

Twilight Sparkle woke up to the birds chirping, and the sun shining. She slipped out of bed and walked downstairs to the smell of hay bacon cooking.

"Morning, Spike." She yawned.

"Morning." Spike replied. "Hey, did you hear the storm last night?"

"What storm?" Twilight asked.

"I heard thunder last night. Not sure why." Spike replied. "Anyway, breakfast is almost done…"

Spike cut off when he saw Twilight's cutie mark glowing. Twilight looked at the map, which showed two distant isles, far out to sea. Twilight's eyes widened.

"Neighpon?" She murmured. "They've been isolated for decades! But there's a friendship problem, so I guess…"

"Spike!" Twilight cried. "Get the girls! We're going on an adventure!"

"Roger that!" Spike said as he rushed out. Twilight looked over at her new library's foreign section. Browsing over to a very well-worn book, she glanced at the title.

The voyager's guide to Neighpon-revised for the reign of Emperor Mitsu II

Twilight slid it into her saddlebags, and then turned off the oven, seeing as the hay bacon was burning.

===========

Celestia glanced over one more time at the letter, just to make sure she read it right.

Dear Celestia,

I have a predicament. The Map is sending us to Neighpon, which as you know has had no formal contact with Equestria for decades. I know this may seem...untimely, as you know it's not been long since Tirek, but I think a formal visit to see what the problem is may be beneficial. My friends are all able to come, and I've already seen to a ship that can get us there.

Best regards,

Twilight Sparkle.

Celestia looked away and sighed. Ever since the former emperor, Kaitso, disappeared one night, relations with Neighpon under his brother, Mitsu, had been strained. A few times, her diplomatic letters had been ignored completely. But she knew that a visit to Neighpon would help open them to the developing world. Celestia sighed, wrote an affirmative message to Twilight, and looked out to the great Eastern Sea.

"I hope you'll stay safe, Twilight…" She murmured.

===========

Emperor Mitsu II watched his son eat in the dojo, like he had since he was about sixteen. The Emperor sighed, knowing his son's growing frustration with his royal life. He was spending more and more time away from Palace duties and more of his time practicing with the Katana, like a Samurai.

"Your highness, a letter." Said a Daimyo, walking forward, bearing a scroll with the Equestrian seal. Mitsu took it and began to read.

To his highness, Emperor Mistu II.

Greetings from Equestria. My student and our newest princess, Twilight Sparkle, requests a diplomatic visit to the isles to learn and study. The Elements of Harmony, will be attending her. I send this with good tidings, as I know for a fact, Mitsu, that our old friendship still perseveres.

They will arrive in a week's time. If you accept, please receive them and send your regards. I don't wish to provoke you in any way, shape, or form.

Sincerely,

Celestia, Princess of Equestria.

Mitsu sighed and looked at the rising sun.

"Daimyo, prepare our guest chambers." He said.

"As you wish."

The daimyo departed, and Mitsu took one last look at his son, now practicing with his blade, before walking back into the palace for breakfast. Ryujin looked at the cherry blossoms blowing in the wind with a mixture of anger and solemnity, before sheathing his katana and heading towards the Sheath of Susanoo. Offering a quick prayer, he walked out of the dojo to his next destination, the Koi Pool. Sitting at the water's edge, he closed his eyes and began to meditate, atttempting to clear his mind.

However, it the morning light, there stood a figure on the rooftop. Clad in black, a billowing scarf waved in the wind. The Ninja's face was aged, but sharp. His green eyes, one bearing a scar, watched the prince head inside. The ninja said nothing as he vanished in a puff of smoke.