Cipher protection by the regents

The cipher protection by the Regents is a political safeguard invoked to shield Nebara Jozen and his men from violence. In the confrontation with Naga, Yabu states that Jozen is protected under the cipher of the Council of Regents and warns that Naga cannot touch him. The scene establishes the protection as an acknowledged claim of authority, but does not specify its formal procedure or the full extent of its legal force.

Invocation and Authority

Yabu’s appeal comes as he attempts to stop Naga from attacking Jozen. Naga answers that the matter is between Jozen and himself, while Yabu insists that Naga remains under his orders and commands him to send his men back to camp. Yabu’s invocation of the cipher thus joins two kinds of authority: the Regents’ protection of Jozen and Yabu’s immediate command over Naga. Neither is enough to make Naga yield.

Limits in the Confrontation

Jozen himself invokes the cipher, arguing that killing him will gain Naga nothing because the Regents protect him. Naga nevertheless says that Jozen and his men must die, framing the act as repayment for insults to his father and to himself. He also says he cannot risk Ishido learning what happened on the battlefield. Jozen counters that Ishido already knows, because he secretly sent a message by pigeon at dawn. The cipher’s decisive significance in this scene lies in the gap between recognized protection and effective restraint: Naga hears the claim, but acts as though private vengeance and the need to suppress the incident take precedence.