In the Nagai Empire, the power of the Emperor-Potentate is supposed to be boundless, and every once in a while this is demonstrated as he chooses to grant a boon to some hero who has won his favor. In theory, the recipient of this boon should be able to ask for anything. If ever a boon was asked and not granted, such a thing is not spoken of. Even this story is one that is never spoken of in the presence of a member of the Emperor-Potentate's court.

Ryubushi was one great warrior who won the honor of being brought before the Emperor-Potentate and allowed to ask a boon. Ryubushi, as brave and accomplished as he was, was also overly ambitious (and none too bright). He asked that he become Emperor-Potentate.

According to myth, the Emperor-Potentate of that time swallowed Ryubushi immediately. By way of explanation, he proclaimed that the boon had been granted -- Ryubushi would now have the honor of becoming Emperor-Potentate by becoming one with his body through digestion.

The moral of the story, of course, is not to abuse such a boon.