The Dark Lord Xavier was previously sealed in 8 different gourds. Each gourd was entrusted to 8 different houses by Tenshiism to be guarded through the future generations. Nobunaga's monkey broke the one kept by Oda house, so a portion of Xavier's essence escaped, and possessed Nobunaga. Using Nobonaga's influence, Xavier began organizing a secret group of ninjas directly under his command and began seeking out the gourds kept by the other houses. Four of his Apostles (Seiryuu, Suzaku, Genbu, andByakko) had their seals broken as the gourds were destroyed and rejoined their master. During this time, Xavier (in Nobunaga's body) publicly proclaimed to be ill, and moved to live in the Honnou Temple where his body may get more rest.
