User:Soranin/Sandbox5

My quinary sandbox. :)

Navboxen

Non-canon memories:

• Defensive Position (alternate assassination for Yaita Wakasa)
• The Jounin Pillow Book (Katsuhime romance)

Move to the floating convos

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Riddle of the Arch in Wakasa

Arch of stone in sea
Looking to rock and alcove
To hold its treasure

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• Naoe: I'm close to another glowing glyph. I can feel it.

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• Naoe: I can't be far now.

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• Naoe: There. A second glyph is lit.

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Riddle of the River in Wakasa

Slithering river
Cradles the harvest to come
Reviving the ruins

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• Naoe: There must be another glyph close by. I feel the ornament reacting.

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• Naoe: This thing's getting louder.

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• Naoe: Another glyph. I wonder who wrote the riddles?

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Riddle of the Waterfall in Omi

Cascading waters
Within the arms of Mount Peak
A secret laid bare

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• Naoe: I feel the ornament reacting. There must be another glyph nearby.

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• Naoe: I can't be far now.

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• Naoe: There.

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Riddle of the Tide in Omi

Resting by the shore
Rocked to sleep by Biwa's waves
Near glades and lumber

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• Naoe: The ornament. It's calling to a nearby glyph.

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• Naoe: This thing's getting louder.

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• Naoe: Got it.

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Riddle of the Mists in Omi

Mists of Azuchi
A land lost within the lake
Where cats become lords

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• Naoe: There must be another glyph close by. I feel the ornament reacting.

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• Naoe: The ornament's leading me closer.

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• Naoe: That's six glyphs in total. We're getting somewhere.

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Riddle of the Watchtower in Omi

Tress try to hide it
Under a watchtower's gaze
Saikoji awaits

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• Naoe: There's a glyph nearby. My ornament's reacting to it.

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• Naoe: The ornament feels alive!

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• Naoe: One step closer to opening the strange door.

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Riddle of the Sky in Wakasa

Between two rivers
Edging forest and heaven
Closest to the sky

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• Naoe: I'm close to another glowing glyph. I can feel it.

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• Naoe: I can't be far now.

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• Naoe: All right, ornament. Show me the way.

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• Naoe: This thing's getting louder.

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• Naoe: Making good progress.

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Riddle of the Ship in Wakasa

A shattered mountain
Down Wakasa and Tamba
The great ship waiting

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• Naoe: The ornament. It's calling to a nearby glyph.

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• Naoe: The ornament's leading me closer.

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• Naoe: Another glyph.

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Riddle of the Silence in Tamba

A Path of Silence
Leading wanderers to dive
Far into themselves

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• Naoe: The ornament feels alive!

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• Naoe: Ten glyphs illuminated. We're close to getting answers.

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Riddle of the Stone in Tamba

By Kameyama
A stone's heart cracked wide open
Tada miner's dream

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• Naoe: I can't be far now.

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• Naoe: One step closer to opening the strange door.

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Riddle of the Sakura in Yamashiro

Yamazaki looms
In spring over tree and pink
Beacon of petals

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• Naoe: There must be another glyph close by. I feel the ornament reacting.

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• Naoe: This thing's getting louder.

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• Naoe: According to the glyphs on the door, this is the second last to light up. One more to find.

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Riddle of the Lost in Yamashiro

Water lost the way
On edge of Ogura Pond
Waiting for the fall

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• Naoe: I'm close to another glowing glyph. I can feel it.

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• Naoe: The ornament's leading me closer.

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• Naoe: That should be all the glyphs illuminated. Now to see what's behind the big strange door.

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• Naoe: Here we go.

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• Naoe: I'll tell Kinu and Kane getting the statue back to the Hideout is part of their training.

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• Naoe: These objects are blunt. Brutal. Who used them?

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• Naoe: Yasuke would love this naginata. He has nothing like it.

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• Naoe: Where did these come from? They definitely weren't made here.

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• Naoe: Look at this tanto! Amazing. It's coming with me.

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• Naoe: Look at this bronze. What would Heiji think of it?

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Beware, Seeker

The light that guards this cave is not of this world. It's born of a flame that can't be extinguished... not easily, anyway. If you've come seeking treasure, I've left some things behind. Take them, and forget about this place.
If you've come seeking answers, be careful. The light listens. It bends the mind, and it does not forgive. Such places were never meant for mortals. Trust me.

- Your friend, Kassandra.

• Naoe: This Kassandra... she's powerful.

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• Kassandra: Farewell, seeker.
• Naoe: What is this? I know I heard her, but... am I going mad?

Blade of Yumminess

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Blade of Yumminess Clue

Beneath the watch of Akaiwa, the earth hides what a greedy eye cannot claim. Where the eagle's shadow meets the rising sun, seek stone hidden from wind and from rain.

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Guard of Yumminess Clue

Where stars watch over Yuasa, seek beneath the pilgrim's path. Past shrine laterns guarding dusk lies a stone neither prayed nor seen.

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Handle of Yumminess Clue

Below the gaze of Onyu Pass, waters conceal a treasure for the fearless. Seek the pool where sunlight never goes and shadows drift deep.

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Saya of Yumminess Clue

Where knowing walls stand older than memory and glyphs shimmer with power, fate hides the way. A sequence opens a doorway for those who seek truth.

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• Yasuke: Hmm. This blade sure feels like a powerful one. And I taste something... legendary.

Transcription

End of the Line (Shadows)

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• Yasuke: Caro. You are near. Can you feel it? It is the sins of your past, given form.

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• Nuno Caro: So. She helped him.
• Portuguese swordsman: Yes, senhor. It was a bloodbath, and she was nowhere to be found.
• Caro: Didn't expect the giant to be the one that gave her a voice. Like a wagon following the donkey.

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• Caro: Speak of the devil.

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• Yasuke: You will answer for what you did.
• Nuno Caro: You speak as if we know each other personally.
• Yasuke: We do.

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• Yasuke's mother: [breathes]

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• Yasuke's mother: (grunts)
• Yasuke: It's all right, mama.

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• Duarte de Melo: [grunts]

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• Duarte: Senhor Caro.

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• Duarte: [laughs]

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• Nuno Caro: Who sent you?
• Yasuke: No-no one, senhor Caro. No one.

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• Yasuke's mother: (cries)
• Yasuke: Please! W-we saw nothing! We saw nothing!

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• Yasuke: (screams) Mother! (cries) Mama...

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• Caro: Is of your own choosing.

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• Portuguese soldier: Intruder!

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• Yasuke: Mama...

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• Assassin: Go!

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• Caro: Diogo?
• Yasuke: Yasuke.

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• Nuno Caro: It was necessary. I had to set an example to the others. Your mother's death taught everyone how I felt about insubordination. Everyone except you, it seems.

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• Yasuke: It is uncommon for a corpse to talk this much.
• Caro: So, what do you want, Diogo? Revenge? It will get you nothing, I'm afraid. We have the regalia already.
• Yasuke: Not for long. We will make sure of it.
• Caro: "We?" Diogo. I was sent here because no one else in my organization cared enough. And look what I accomplished. Look around you, Diogo. Everything you see here is mine. This land, its resources, its people. You should understand that better than anyone.

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• Yasuke: Put a hundred, a thousand men between us, Caro... there is no difference. You are welcome to watch them all die.

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• Caro: My friends. The bounty for escaped slaves will be honored today. But only dead.
• Yasuke: Run. It will serve you no use.
• Caro: Kill him so we can focus on what really matters!

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• Caro: Kill him. Remind him of his place.

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• Caro: There he is. Men, you will not fail me like the others. Do you hear me, Diogo? You cannot win.
• Yasuke: I have hunted greater warriors than you.
• Caro: (screams)
• Yasuke: You cannot hide from me, Caro.
• Caro: Diogo. You need to let it go, dear boy.

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• Caro: Hah! Over here, Diogo.

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• Caro: Stay away, Diogo! Let us settle this like civilized men.
• Yasuke: You know nothing of civility.

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• Caro: (screams)
• Yasuke: You talk too much.

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• Caro: Killing me won't bring your mother back, Diogo. Think!

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• Caro: No more. You win, Diogo.

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• Caro: (gasps) (pants) You win. Please, Diogo.

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• Caro: (screams)

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• Caro: (breathes)

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• Yasuke: After you killed my mother, I kept my desire for vengeance in my heart. In the same place I once held thoughts of her. It kept me alive. Nourished me. To get to you today.
• Caro: Then... it's yours. Vengeance. Not that it will bring her back.
• Yasuke: It is no longer mere vengeance I want.
• Caro: Then what is it? What is this all about?
• Yasuke: A declaration of war. Against the Templar Order.
• Caro: You are serious? My God, you're serious. What makes you think you can win?

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• Yasuke: Because we are united in the defense of our home. This country... so shaken with strife. The people are victims to it. But together, they will be unstoppable. We will be unstoppable. We live by this code. And it is because of my league that I know what I must do.

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• Caro: And what does killing me prove?
• Yasuke: That no one is untouchable. That even you are just one blade of grass in a withering field. And when you die, no one will remember you. Your death will only ever be a message to your compatriots. One that says you should fear us.
• Caro: We will hunt you down. My group will send everything at you.
• Yasuke: After they find what is left of you, they may think twice. You may start praying now.

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• Caro: This isn't over. It's the beginning, in fact. The beginning of your end.
• Yasuke: It is done...
• Caro: Declaring war on the Templars. A fool's errand. Goodbye, Diogo.

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• Caro: (gurgles)

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• Yasuke: My name...

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• Yasuke: ... is Yasuke.

The Lesson

[09:43-10:30][47] []

• Bandit: Ah! It's Meiran! Take him!
• Meiran: Not these bandits again! They are the bane of my existence!
• Bandit: You will never escape us!

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• Naoe: My friend Junjiro is at the temple. I must go there in case more of these outlaws decide to attack.
• Meiran: You go ahead. I will make my way there as fast as I can.
• Naoe: Interesting.

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• Junjiro: Over here!

[12:52-13:17][25] []

• Meiran: [breathes]

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• Monk: Finally, he is here.
• Pilgrim: It is time for us to learn the ways of bojustsu.
• Junjiro: (gasps)

[14:09-14:49][40] []

• Yasuke: I do not trust him.
• Naoe: Why don't you go. I will stay and see what his lessons are worth.

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• Junjiro: (grunts)
• Naoe: And keep an eye on Junjiro.
• Junjiro: (grunts)
• Yasuke: At least he looks like he will have some fun.
• Naoe: Hmm...

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• Student: Shall we fight together?
• Naoe: Let's go.
• Student: I will not hold back.

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• Student 1: You fight well!

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• Student: (breathes)
• Naoe: Keep training and soon you will be a master of the bo, I am sure.

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• Student 2: Hello?

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• Student: Are you ready to spar?
• Naoe: Yes. It is time.
• Student: Good, good.

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• Monk: Be gentle with me.

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• Student: (breathes)
• Naoe: You fight well for a novice.

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• Naoe: Maybe Meiran can suggest another challenge.

[19:08-19:30][22] []

• Meiran: Remember, young lady, you do not need to get in close. Better to strike from afar.

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• Monk: Bandits! Bandits are attacking the temple!

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• Naoe: I must defend the temple.
• Monk: Meiran! They've come for your silver!
• Bandit leader: Kill them all! Take their silver!

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• Pilgrim: The bo master is unstoppable!

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• Naoe: More of them.

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• Naoe: [breathes]

[23:33-24:46][73] []

• Meiran: It seems you have taken something from my lessons beyond mastery of bo combat. Now, excuse me. I must pray.
• Naoe: They deserve your prayers.
• Meiran: I don't pray for them. I pray for me.

The Yokai

Rumors of yokai plague these lands. A monk-turned-demon-hunter needs help to uncover the truth of these monstrous tales.

[00:14-01:25][71] []

• Yasuke: Even as a child I never believed in ghost stories. People do much worse things than we can even imagine.

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• Mamushi: I have heard all the stories. I investigated each and every one. And always, there is a logical explanation.

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• Mamushi: I am old and tired. You are young and strong. I give the last of these rumors to you. Prove to yourself, and everyone else, there are no yokai!
• Yasuke: I am no Yokai hunter, but if I come across any in my travels, you will be the first to know.
• Mamushi: Come back when all the rumors of yokai are dead.

Taka Nyudo []

• Taka Nyudo: (growls)
• Chitose: Help!

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• Chitose: Thank you. He was a monster. He had fire in his eyes.
• Yasuke: Our eyes can play tricks when we fear for our lives.
• Chitose: Fear opens eyes wide to see death up close.
• Yasuke: Do you have somewhere safe to go?
• Chitose: I've been following the wind, you see. It carries a name on its back. Mamushi...
• Yasuke: Mamushi. I've been helping him disprove some myths.
• Chitose: Fear surrounds him. Many tales of ghosts and demons. I have a tale of my own to tell him. Thank you for your kindness.

Oshiroi Baba []

• Oshiroi Baba: [wails]

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• Yasuke: That did not sound... human.

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• Oshiroi Baba: [wails] Ichiro-o-o! You are dead... and now I am alone...

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• Oshiroi Baba: [screams]

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• Yasuke: Oshiroi Baba! I know nothing of Ichiro. I do not want to hurt you.
• Obaba: (laughs) What did you call me? Oshiroi Baba? I am no yokai, you fool!
• Yasuke: I do not think so. But everyone in the village does.
• Obaba: Idiots! But now I see you clearly. You are not my husband's killer. He was much smaller.
• Yasuke: Well, you're scaring the villagers. Go home and get some rest. Drink some tea.
• Obaba: You are kind. I'm sorry I attacked you.

Yuki Onna []

• Yasuke: Yuki-Onna, the snow woman. They say to kiss her icy lips is to know love one moment, and death the next.

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• Woman: A visitor? You must be cold. Join me inside. Let me warm you.

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• Yuki Onna: I don't want to fight. Come, have some tea instead.

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• Yasuke: She was beautiful, but her heart was made of ice.

Suika no Bakemono []

• Suika no Bakemono: Do not interfere, stranger. The fate of our melon harvest is about to be decided.
• Yasuke: That depends on the sky and not the sword, does it not?
• Suika no Bakemono: For generations the Suika family has waged battle with the Makuwauri melon clan. And for generations the harvest of the champion has prospered.
• Yasuke: Both harvests cannot be prosperous?
• Suika no Bakemono: Insanity! Which is your favorite? The delicious suika, or the mediocre makuwauri?
• Yasuke: I enjoy the suika more. They are crisp and refreshing.
• Suika no Bakemono: A very wise choice. And now, prepare to defend them with your life!

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• Suika no Bakemono: You fought well! The title of "Melon Lord" goes to the suika!

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• Yasuke: Definitely no yokai here. Just two farmers with a fiery passion for... melons.

Kappa []

• Kappa Taku: (growls) Shirikodama! Hungry!
• Kappa Rei: (growls) Closer! We are going to eat...
• Yasuke: They look like Kappa. And they definitely smell like Kappa.
• Kappa Taku: You'll never catch us. You're too slow and fat!
• Kappa Rei: And when you get tired and fall, we're going to eat you for dinner.

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• Girl: (yelps) Please don't hurt us! We made a deal with the thieves! We scare people away from their camp for food.
• Yasuke: Just children. I actually believed you were Kappa! I feel foolish.

Daitengu []

• Yasuke: Bird cries from a warrior. Could this be a Daitengu?

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• Daitengu: (caws) Mortal wanderer. Do you seek honor in the clash of steel? Or do you flutter by like a leaf on the breeze? Do you see your reflection in my blade? Or do you wear a mask to protect your soul?

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• Yasuke: I always wanted to cross blades with a Daitengu. This was just a man who talks like a bird.

Return to Mamushi [14:27-15:09][42] []

• Chitose: I am spawned from the dread of mortals. Your fear makes me stronger.

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• Yasuke: In the end... Mamushi was wrong. Yes. Yokai.

The Tournament (Shadows)

Naoe and Yasuke receive an invitation to a formidable and secret fighting arena in Yamato.

[00:15-01:07][52] []

• Gyoji: [breathes] That is everything. Please consider my proposal.

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• Yasuke: Sounds like I have found the fighting tournament. People here are quite... uninhibited.

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• Gyoji: You came!

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• Gyoji: It's a match! Victory to Lord Unkai!

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• Lord Unkai: [scoffs] Gyoji!

[02:37-03:30][53] []

• Takao: Nothing like bloodshed to warm the soul. And some tasty sake.

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• Woman: Your first fight is against Lady Masago? You may as well leave now.

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• Man: Lady Masago's naginata has reach. Bide your time, then strike!

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• Lady Masago: Unkai gave me purpose. No one will take that from me.

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• Gyoji: It's a match! Lady Masago is no more! Victory to Yasuke the Giant!

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• Byakko: Back to work. Clean this up!

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• Takao: You could lend a hand, you know.

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• Byakko: Where did you find your challenger?
• Gyoji: You have your secrets, I have mine. Keep your head down. We are not free yet.

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• Man: Lord Suguru's blade tears through flesh. Like a knife through water. The sharpest I have ever seen.

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• Kitsune: Tea, Lord Hokuto? Or something stronger?
• Lord Hokuto: Bring me your finest umeshu.

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• Lord Suguru: Look upon my blade, and see your death staring back.

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• Lord Suguru: Bask in my blade's glory.

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• Gyoji: It's a match! Lord Suguru is sheathed! Victory to Yasuke the Giant!

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• Takao: Clean fast, clean fast!

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• Gyoji: Still have your doubts?
• Byakko: In you? Yes. In the new challenger? Time will tell.
• Gyoji: That is the question. For all our sakes.

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• Kitsune: Are you thirsty, Lady O-Sen?
• Lady O-Sen: Get out of my sight, you little beast.

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• Man: I lost mon betting on Lord Suguru, I'm glad to see him gone. Let's hope Lord Hokuto fares better.

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• Man: To survive Lord Hokuto, stay out of his reach. Or it'll be your last mistake.

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• Lord Hokuto: Look upon me and be crushed.

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• Lord Hokuto: You won't like how this ends.

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• Gyoji: It's a match! Lord Hokuto has been toppled! Victory to Yasuke the Giant!

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• Takao: How am I supposed to move him? He's huge!

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• Gyoji: For a moment there, I was worried.
• Byakko: The giant one is impressive. I might even place a bet on him.

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• Woman: You fight Lady O-Sen next? Well... you had a good streak.

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• Kitsune: This is the best tea I've ever made. It will calm your nerves!
• Lady O-Sen: Nerves? Fine.

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• Man: Lady O-Sen will poison you the first chance she gets. Be prepared!

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• Lady O-Sen: Taste the poison of my blades.

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• Lady O-Sen: Embrace death.

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• Lady O-Sen: [roars]

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• Gyoji: It's a match! O-Sen has poisoned her last foe!Victory to Yasuke the Giant!

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• Takao: Careful! Poison may still be on the blades.

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• Gyoji: It all comes down to this.
• Byakko: We've been here before. Or have you forgotten?
• Gyoji: We must have faith in our fighter. I can feel it.

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• Man: Next, you face Lord Unkai. Do anything you can to stop him from drinking. The more drunk, the more fearsome!

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• Lord Unkai: Finally. A worthy foe.

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• Lord Unkai: I give my opponents a fair fight. Do you?

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• Gyoji: I – I can't believe it! It's a match! (laughs) You did it! Lord Unkai is defeated! Victory to Yasuke the Giant. Our new champion!

[16:17-17:20][63] []

• Gyoji: Trust that I will find you when the next challenger comes.

Yamabushi Imposters

These stranger men disguise themselves as itinerant mountain monks in order to commit brutal acts of violence.

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• Genpaku: Step no closer, stranger. I am no imposter.

[00:20-01:20][60] []

• Yasuke: This camp looks abandoned. I wonder where the person went.

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• Yasuke: (grunts) What is that stench?

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• Yasuke: So many. And all men.

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• Yasuke: A dead Yamabushi. But wearing... bits of armor? One of the impostors, I am sure.

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Letter on the Corpse of a Strange Yamabushi

Sir,

My numbers climb quickly! If I maintain the vigor and precision of my hunts, I will soon surpass my brothers in bloodshed. The silent mountain stalker and even that fiend in Iga will finally be second to me!

I hope you continue tallying the score, sir, and that you've abandoned your foolish guilt. Turning yourself to stone serves no one, certainly not Lord Nobunaga.

I will leave this letter for you near the shrine in Mibuno Vale. But before that, one last kill for my count; a beautiful woman calls out to me from atop the mountain. I'll kill slowly and with great pleasure.

(In the margins, there are 29 small marks.)

• Yasuke: Looks like he had a letter on him. "Brothers in bloodshed." Words of a warrior, not a monk. And these marks... Ominous.

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• Woman: I don't want to get any closer. A body in the water like that? It will stink.
• Woman 2: Don't you want to know what happened?
• Woman: And end up like him? Dead in a river?

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• Yasuke: A corpse from upstream.

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• Yasuke: That man dresses like a mountain monk... ...but he walks like a soldier. An imposter Yamabushi.

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• River Yamabushi: Ah, I recognize you, brother. Leave me to my mission, then.

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• Yamabushi: Help! An attacker!

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• Forest Yamabushi: [laughs] Saw through my tricks, did you?

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• Yasuke: What has made you stoop so low?

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• Yasuke: Something is off about that Yamabushi. He is not lost in meditation but... watching and waiting. As if stalking prey. An imposter, perhaps. Like Genpaku said.

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• Village Yamabushi: Nomaku sanmanda bodanan baku... nomaku sanmanda bodanan baku... Save me from Hell.
• Yasuke: That Yamabushi. He has barely moved a muscle. But something in his meditation does not seem right. Is he ill? And what is all that clutter around him? I should keep looking around.

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• Yasuke: This armor... it belongs to a high ranking soldier. And with Lord Nobunaga's crest, too. But it has clearly been set aside for some time. This is not the first time Lord Nobunaga's name has come up either.

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• Yasuke: So many letters. Reports, I suppose. One writer says he "hunts travelers, walking along their pilgrimage routes." And here, another says he is "haunting the mountains of Kii." And all the marks in the margins. So many lives lost to these fake Yamabushi.

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• Yasuke: A cooking pot, but no food. Only bark and pine needles. And... the smell of bitter tea and resin.

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• Yasuke: The imposter... turned ascetic.

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• Yasuke: I was sent to kill this man. But clearly, this one knows the wrong he has done.

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• Yasuke: He is set on his path and will die eventually.

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• Yasuke: A traveling Yamabushi... With a weapon? He is one of the imposters I've been searching for.
• Yamabushi: Come! Join my list of death!

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• Naoe: Another victim of this imposter.

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• Naoe: More bodies. The people deserve better.

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• Naoe: Looks like I'm not the only one on the trail today.
• Clifftop Yamabushi: Takes a lot to get all the way up here. I'll hang your corpse somewhere special. For Lord Nobunaga! Death to Igans and all and all and all!
• Naoe: What?
• Clifftop Yamabushi: Die!

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• Naoe: That man was deranged. How long has he been out here, hunting people? How long has he been alone? And he said, "For Lord Nobunaga." Another Yamabushi imposter with that name on his breath.

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Letter Found on a Yamabushi Imposter

Sir,

That sneaky bastard ran me off my hunting grounds along the path to Nyu-Daimyojin Shrine, but I've found a new area and I'm going strong. People are easy to kill when distracted.

I will not abandom my mission, sir. Never. Never. Never.

For Lord Nobunaga.

(Below the note text, there are 17 rough-drawn slash marks.)

• Naoe: An unsent message. And these slash marks at the bottom. Counting kills of innocents like it were sport.

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• Yasuke: That looks like a Yamabushi. But no true mountain monk would threaten civilians. He must be an imposter, just like Genpaku said.

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• Yasuke: It is over. I should return to Genpaku and let him know the imposters have been dispatched.

[18:57-19:50][53]

The Pirate Alliance

Danger lurks along the coasts of Wakasa, leaving despair in its wake. Someone needs to put an end to the trail of destruction.

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• Kage: Big brother Samemaru, I'm sorry. I am failing! I do not want to fail!

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• Naoe: Someone is on that ship. Who is he talking to?

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• Lopo Cruz: What do you think, Ishi? And you, Roku? I know. Samemaru's men have shit for brains, but they have the brawn. We must obtain the treasure. I agree Little Kappa is too crazy. He doesn't care about riches, only blowing things up. (sighs) All right. Meeting ajourned! I am glad we had this council, friends. Trusted comrades are hard to find!

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• Lopo Cruz: Ah! An enemy has appeared! Kill!

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• Lopo Cruz: My friends... go on without me!

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• Naoe: This man knows someone who goes by Little Kappa. (snorts) Interesting name. He lurks at a nearby lair.

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• Naoe: Maybe I can use these explosives.

[]

• Little Kappa: (laughs) You see what you did? Because of you, they explode! The next one will be even better, bigger, louder! (laughs) Prepare the explosives, the boom! Hurry. So many more to destroy!
• Naoe: Explosives. I should be careful.

[]

• Little Kappa: [growls] What are you idiots doing? Hurry up!

[]

• Little Kappa: How dare you mess with Little Kappa! You will be erased with fire!

[]

• Jesuit priest: Bless you, oh bless you! I am saved!

[]

• Jesuit priest: Blessed thanks to you, kind soul. You saved me from great pain.
• Naoe: Tell me what happened.
• Jesuit priest: The last I remember I was preaching in a small village, not far from here. There were two men talking in loud voices. One of them was that terrible brute. The next thing I knew, I was knocked out.
• Naoe: What did the other man look like?
• Jesuit priest: I... did not see him, but the villagers called him Sen.
• Naoe: Thank you.

[]

• Naoe: The priest said Sen would be here. This place seems peaceful. Hard to believe there's a pirate here.

[]

• Woman: Say, don't you think there is something below the water, near that boat? Is that a fish?
• Man: Hmm. I saw Sen throw something in the water. Could that be it?

[]

• Naoe: Who threw those weapons into the sea?

[]

• Child: I'm so hungry! Let's go ask Sen for more rice!
• Child 2: What? But you just ate! Greedy!
• Child: Hey, who are you? You're not here to steal our food from Sen, are you? Go away!

[]

• Pirate archer: Another day comes and goes.

[10:48-11:30][42] [36:28-37:21][53] []

• Man: Ah, you're here! Master instructed me to dig and only leave when you arrive. Now I'm free!

The Winter Raiders

In winter, several villages and important roads in Japan are under attack by a veteran military unit gone rogue, trained in the art of sabotage. They vanish for the rest of the year, but the memories of their vile acts linger.

[]

• Rin: Warrior! You're the toughest I have seen today by quite a measure.
• Samurai duelist: (scoffs)
• Rin: Don't walk away! We need your help. Will you listen to me?
• Yasuke: I heard you. Loud and clear, miss.
• Rin: Oh, yes. Come with me? I will explain.

[]

• Yasuke: What is the trouble?
• Rin: A group of dangerous raiders target our village and nearby areas. They steal all they can, and kill anyone in their way. I'm taking you to our elder.
• Yasuke: Are they bandits?
• Rin: If only. They are much stronger. They were once trained soldiers.
• Yasuke: So they prey on the defenseless. That will not do.
• Rin: I was hoping you'd say that. I was hoping for a mighty samurai to fight for us. I'm glad to have met you.

[]

• Rin: Speak with the elder. I do hope you'll decide to help us.

[01:52-02:50][58] []

• Rin: Excuse me, samurai. Can you spare me one more moment?

[03:04-03:54][50] []

• Yasuke: You survived. If you had stayed, you would not have.

[04:27-05:07][40] []

• Naoe: Go, teach her. I think it would do you both some good.
• Yasuke: If you say so.

[]

• Sobei: You! You killed my Akumu. Hired by the Elder, weren't you.
• Yasuke: Hmm. Information about the Winter Raiders. And something about the Gobo elder. I wonder why they have a grudge against him.

[]

• Yasha: You took Sobei, so I will take your head!

[]

• Yasuke: What is done is done. The Raiders will terrorize the people no more. I must have a word with the elder.

[]

• Yasuke: This note could help me find the rest of those Winter Raiders. It sounds like someone has betrayed them.

[]

• Yasuke: The elder's notes mentioned that house. I should investigate it.

[]

Note from Yasha's Contact

Hello, old fool. Your hounds are coming for me, but you are not. Coward. Pretending to hold power over Kawakami, what we built together by that river in northern Yoshino. Death will take you too. Perhaps even sooner than you think.

• Yasuke: This note suggests a connection with one of the Raiders. As the elder suspected.

[]

• Yasuke: This is the village referred to in the supplier's note.

[]

• Yasha: It's just ink. A brush. Why is this so hard to master?

[]

• Yasuke: Hmm. This letter. It says the Winter Raiders were once hired to protect. What went wrong?

[]

• Sobei: Insolence. Defiance. This is what happens when Sobei is crossed. All who oppose me will suffer the same fate.

[]

• Yasuke: This letter contains information that can be useful. More about those Winter Raiders and their whereabouts.

[]

• Takahara deserter 1: I'm not going back to Takahara. I'm still haunted by what happened last winter.
• Takahara deserter 2: We weren't careful enough. We should have known that fire meant the raiders camped in the woods.

[]

An Important Notice

The situation in eastern Kumano Sanzan remains critical. Spies confirm that the Winter Raider known as Hayate has intensified his attacks on pilgrims in winter. His ambushers operate in highly mobile units. They target Taisha entrances.

[]

• Yasuke: I wonder if this is the Raiders' camp those villagers spoke of.

[]

• Akumu: Very good. It seems you heeded our lessons, recruit. Why do we strike at winter?

[]

• Yasha's prospect: Winter is when the villagers are at their weakest. When help is hardest to find.

[]

• Yasuke: Hmm. Information about the Winter Raiders. And something about the Gobo elder.

[]

• Outlaw thug: Enough of your whining.
• Buddhist monk: Someone! Help me!

[]

• Buddhist monk: Those men ambushed me north of Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine. If you have sense, you will stay far from there.

[]

• Yasuke: Hmm, something seems off.

[]

• Yasuke: This note could help me find the rest of those Winter Raiders. It sounds like someone has betrayed them.

[]

• Jinbei: The elder's newest fool. You killed Akumu and Sobei.

[]

• Yasuke: What's done is done. The Raiders will terrorize the people no more. I must have a word with the elder.

[]

• Gobo elder: The Raiders. Are they...
• Yasuke: You knew they were soldiers. They once protected you. And for reasons I do not understand, you banished them.
• Gobo elder: One must make difficult decisions at times. You should understand this.
• Yasuke: Your choices, your actions, created enemies. You, elder, are culpable for all their bloodshed.
• Gobo elder: And you are responsible for their end. The matter is resolved.
• Yasuke: I need nothing from a remorseless old fool.
• Gobo elder: As you wish.
• Yasuke: Your people may be free, but until they are free of your "leadership," know that I will be watching.
• Gobo elder: Fine. Now begone. What's done is done. Get out of my sight.

The Hunters of Kyonyo

A group of bounty hunters spread across Kii are targeting Kyonyo.

[00:16-01:20][64] []

• Yasuke: This will help. I will deal with his hunters. Rest assured, Kyonyo will be safe. And if I may...
• Kennyo: Please
• Yasuke: Once this is over, speak with your son. Or it will haunt you. Trust me on this.

[]

• Yasuke: Bodies. Monks and bandits.

[]

• Yasuke: This confirms a plot to kill Kyonyo. The attackers will regroup after, at Yunomine Onsen.

[]

• Yasuke: This is where Kyonyo's ambushers planned to meet. I should stay hidden and see if any are here.

[]

• Inumaru: I almost had Kyonyo. It's Kamakichi's fault! Busy playing spy games in that decrepit town in Saika. Kyonyo was on the tip of my katana. Another inch, he'd be dead. And I'd be rich. Kamakichi's going to regret this. Same goes for you, all of you, if this gets back to him!

[]

Journal Entry Three

I heard Kyonyo's father hired someone to locate his son. Whoever they are, they will be to late to interfere. I'm so close, I can smell the promised reward.

• Yasuke: This bounty hunter, Kamakichi, has been gathering information. Listening in on conversations, perhaps for weeks.

[]

Journal Entry One

A samurai, a ronin, and now a beggar. But I will find Kyonyo here and my fortune will change.

• Yasuke: Saika. Kyonyo's exact location is not here, but this Kamakichi has revealed himself to me.

[]

Journal Entry Two

Someone knows something! The market guards might have disclosed my plan. Regardless, my nightly prowls near the Monk Houses will continue. The Ikko ikki feel safe there - to my advantage.

• Yasuke: I think this can help me find Kamakichi's location.

[]

• Yasuke: That man looks like he's on the watch. It must be Kamakichi.

[]

• Saika guard: No, I saw him. Kyonyo. Dangerous people look for him. Maybe they will come to Saika.

[]

• Yasuke: Kamakichi knew Kyonyo's location. I need to find him before the other bounty hunters do.

[]

Update from Koyasan

Rumor has it that some ronin were hired to track you down. Be aware of this when you travel. These are dangerous times, and we need to be careful.

[]

Kennyo is at Negoroji

Contacts are saying that Kennyo has arrived in Negoroji and has met with several people there. After the fallout between you two, it will not be surprising if he's trying to undermine you.

[]

• Kyonyo: (grunts) Life is... full of surprises. One moment I'm getting ambushed by bounty hunters, the next, you stroll in. Oda's giant. The great Yasuke.
• Yasuke: I am here on behalf of our ally, Naoe, and your father. He said you are being hunted.
• Kyonyo: I thought he had other priorities. I can handle these bounty hunters.
• Yasuke: Your injuries suggest otherwise. They will not rest until you are dead. Or until I deal with them.
• Kyonyo: (sighs) I cannot afford to be choosy about the help I accept. Not until I'm ready to fight back. I'm... grateful for your aid. Here. This is all I know about the men hunting me. I'd know more, but my contact in Koyasan has gone quiet. If you could check on him, I'd be grateful.
• Yasuke: I will.
• Kyonyo: As for me, I'll be moving on. I have to assume my enemies may know I'm here. Meet me in Kumano Sanzan, and when the time is right, we will end the leader. Together.
• Yasuke: Stay safe.

[]

• Yasuke: The information Kyonyo shared mentioned this place. One of the bounty hunters is thought to be based here.

[]

• Yasuke: What is that noise?

[]

• Shishi-o: Your silence only prolongs our suffering. Where is Kyonyo?
• Yasuke: Surely he is one of Kyonyo's hunters.

[]

• Yasuke: Shishi-o shared a close bond with the leader of these bounty hunters.

[]

• Guard: I'm so sorry, Tenchi. I should have been here.
• Yasuke: What happened?
• Guard: The temple's head monk asked me and Tenchi to pick up some papers. Didn't need the two of us, we thought. So Tenchi went to the monk's quarters. Alone. I stopped for a drink. Tenchi was taking so long... I headed over and heard a noise coming from the backyard. It was so dark, but I saw someone running. Must've been whoever killed my friend.
• Yasuke: Sounds like the killer was looking for the head monk. Where can I find him?
• Guard: He should still be at the Monks' District.

[]

• Yasuke: Are you the head monk here?
• Head monk: Tell me who sent you. Before I call the guards.
• Yasuke: I am Yasuke. Kyonyo sent me. He has been expecting an update from you. And based on the dead man near your quarters, you are the next target.
• Head monk: I feared I was being targeted. Now we know for sure. If you help me, we can set a trap.
• Yasuke: What do you have in mind?
• Head monk: The building behind me is our best hope. I'll dismiss the guards. Draw him out. Extinguish all the lights. And we'll have our best chance.

[]

• Head monk: Come. Follow me.

[]

• Head monk: All of you. Gather around. I need your assistance.

[]

To Kyonyo

Some ronin passed by yesterday. They were asking around town about you. One of them looked at me like he knew me. I'm worried that someone might've told them something.

[]

• Head monk: Wait for nightfall. Extinguish every light. That is out best chance.

[]

• Yasuke: I think that is the last of them. I will tell Kyonyo his immediate threats are dealt with.

[]

• Head monk: Thank you, Yasuke. I will await word from Kyonyo.

[]

• Yasuke: Kyonyo and his soldiers.

[17:14-18:27][13] []

• Yasuke: It is time.
• Kyonyo: Then what are we waiting for?

[]

• Yasuke: We must do this together. Protect your father. I will go after Tsuchi-Gumo.
• Kyonyo: Good hunting.

[]

• Tsuchi-Gumo: The ronin Yasuke. Fighting for the wrong man again.

[24:10-25:01][51]

• XXXX: XXXXXX

A Puzzlement

Two bickering men are on the brink of discovery - a discovery they think will make them rich.

[]

• Woman 1: One of the two idiots stepped right in my tea bush. Crushed all the leaves!
• Woman 2: Buffoons. One plucked plums from my tree, then said he was thirsty. I poured him water. Then threw it in his face.
• Woman 1: Good. They better stay away if they know what's good for them.

[]

• Kinu: You should have pushed on that big rock.
• Kane: Idiot! We pushed on it six rocks ago!
• Kinu: No, I think six rocks ago it was this rock.
• Kane: [huffs] You were supposed to be taking notes!

[]

• Naoe: Listen to those two bicker.

[01:07-02:18][71] []

• Naoe: They're trouble, Yasuke.
• Kane: We took some Igan millet and meat because we were starving. We could have died!
• Kinu: I told him we should have asked for it first.
• Kane: You're asking for it right now, lunkhead.

[02:49-03:23][34] []

• Kinu: They'll figure it out. The door will open.
• Kane: No thanks to you.

[]

• Kinu: If you wear the ornament, something happens in certain places! I don't know where, or why, but... it does!

[]

• Kane: When we were in the swamp east of here, that ornament thing really started acting up.

[]

Riddle of the Vault in Wakasa

Near Kaiji's courtyard
Marshlands are full of treasure
Vaulting their secrets

[]

• Naoe: Hmm. The ornament is... glowing? It must be guiding me somewhere. And I think I'm close.

[]

• Naoe: The ornament feels alive!

[]

• Naoe: So something about the ornament and this spot lights up a glyph. It is a mystery. I guess we'll go tell those two dunces the good news.

[]

• Kinu: Hey. They lit up. Something's happening!
• Kane: In your brain? No. To the door? Yes!

[]

• Kane: Did you do that? Make it glow?
• Yasuke: We did.
• Naoe: We're geniuses. Can we go now?
• Kane: While you were gone, Kinu and I got to talking.
• Kinu: We did?
• Kane: We're done being treasure hunters. We want to work for you two.
• Kinu: Oh. Yeah! We do!
• Naoe: No way.

[]

• Kane: We've been on the run for months! Our sandals are thinner than dried kelp! You must have a camp. We can help you!
• Naoe: You two? In Iga, I beat you up with a stick.
• Kane: Then train us to be great like Yasuke – I mean, like you!
• Naoe: This is a waste of time. They have nothing to offer us.
• Kinu: We do have more scrolls.
• Kane: Oh yeah, a trade! Our riddle scrolls for a home.

[]

• Naoe: I don't trust them. They're half-wits.
• Yasuke: We offer help to those who cannot help themselves, remember? And if they are trouble, Tomiko will whip them into shape.
• Naoe: [sighs]

[]

• Naoe: Fine. But only if you pass a training test. Fail it, and you're out.
• Kinu: Yatta!
• Kane: We'll find a suitable place and report to duty. Here. A scroll to show we're serious.

[]

• Naoe: When did you become such a sap?
• Yasuke: There is no crime against stupidity.
• Naoe: There should be.
• Yasuke: [laughs] Come on. A mystery unfolds! You must be a little curious about what is behind the door.
• Naoe: A little. Let's go "train" them.

Teach a Dog New Kicks

Yasuke has some skills to pass on to Kane and Kinu in hopes of training them.

[]

• Kane: I wonder what Yasuke the legendary has in store for me.
• Kinu: He could give you etiquette lessons?
• Kane: Your face needs etiquette lessons.

[]

• Kane: We were just limbering up. I'm as flexible as any shinobi. Like a wet noodle!
• Naoe: Please don't compare me to a noodle.
• Kane: We're ready to train if you're ready to teach.
• Naoe: All right, let's start.

[]

• Yasuke: Now, when your weapon is occupied, you must rely on the strength of your own body. At times, a strong kick will do the job. Not only does it keep enemies from your vital core, but kick hard enough, and they will take flight.

[]

• Yasuke: Brace your stomach.

[]

• Kinu: Oof. (whimpers)

[]

• Kane: I've been wanting to do that to him for years. Let me try!
• Yasuke: Square your hips. Ground yourself. Draw power from the earth.

[]

• Kane: (braces)

[]

• Kane: Ow! (whimpers)
• Naoe: Should have mentioned needing a backup plan when the enemy's twice your size.
• Kinu: I could use that lesson.
• Yasuke: Good point. Want to show them how it is done?

[]

• Yasuke: The goal is to lift them off the ground. Send Kinu flying!

[]

• Yasuke: You can do better than that. Another!

[]

• Yasuke: Try again!

[02:18-02:43][25] []

• Yasuke: Make them fly!

[]

• Kane: Aaaahhhhhh!

[]

• Kinu: (giggles) Bye Kane!

[]

• Kinu: Good one!
• Yasuke: That probably hurt.

[03:08-03:49][41] [03:52-04:20][28]

Headucation

It's Naoe's turn to help train Kinu and Kane - and she's determined to have some fun.

[]

• Yasuke: It is a new day. I hope that Kinu and Kane are feeling better.

[]

• Kinu: Please don't embarass me in front of miss Naoe.
• Kane: What? Does Kinu have an imaginary girlfriend now?
• Kinu: No, I just, you just... nevermind.

[]

• Kinu: Reporting for training, great samurai.
• Yasuke: I guess that means you are feeling better. Are you ready?
• Kinu: Whenever you are, sir.
• Yasuke: Let us begin.

[01:02-01:59][57] []

• Kinu: (chokes)
• Yasuke: Sorry, Kinu.

[02:07-02:28][21] []

• Kane: (chokes)
• Naoe: You got him!

[]

• Naoe: And down he goes. Let's keep practicing!

[02:53-03:15][22] []

• Kane: We've kicked, we've choked. What else is there?
• Naoe: I'm sure you're right. That must have thought you everything.
• Kane: So we're ready for the final test then!
• Kinu: You won't be disappointed, miss Naoe. Meet us here tomorrow. I need to lie down. Immediately.

[03:46-04:13][27]

Battle of the Bests

The time has come to see all the skills that Kinu and Kane have learned. Will they be invited to join the Kakushiba ikki?

• Kane: This is it, Kinu. You wanna stop sleeping on the rocks? Get away from the macaques? That happens today. If... you don't mess it up.
• Kinu: (gulps)

[]

• Kane: To perform in front of you... it is an honor.

[]

• Naoe: You're laying it on a bit thick.
• Kane: I am a changed man, shinobi. Truly. Allow me and Kinu to show you what we will bring to your illustrious team.
• Naoe: This will be interesting.

[]

• Yasuke: Do not say "I told you so."

[]

• Naoe: I'm thinking it.

[]

• Yasuke: They have charisma?

[]

• Naoe: I thought they were bad, but turns out they're just stupid. And stupidity is not a crime.

[]

• Yasuke: But it should be

[]

• Naoe: We know Tomiko could use a hand. She hates mucking the horse stalls.
• Yasuke: They could handle that.

[]

• Naoe: Maybe.

[02:16-03:45][89] [duel as naoe]

• Naoe: All right, legendary samurai. Let's duel.

[]

• Naoe: You're not bad at this fighting thing.
• Yasuke: Lord Nobunaga did not keep me around just to play Go.
• Naoe: That explains why Junjiro always wins your games.
• Yasuke: I often let the disadvantaged win. You may see that yourself today!

[]

• Yasuke: (yawns)
• Naoe: Don't start.
• Yasuke: Then wake me up!

[]

• Naoe: (grunts)
• Yasuke: Are you all right down there?
• Naoe: Don't worry about me. Worry about your bruised ass tomorrow.

[]

• Yasuke: Hold still!
• Naoe: Move faster, old man!
• Yasuke: Now you have done it.

[]

• Naoe: Watch this! (grunts)

[]

• Yasuke: (laughs) That is the lesson I want to learn next!
• Naoe: You've got it.

[]

• Naoe: I'm pretty tough, huh?
• Yasuke: Eh.
• Naoe: I am!

[]

• Kane: They're pretty close, Kinu. Jealous?

[]

• Kinu: No! Please! Don't kiss her!

[07:05-08:52][107] []

• Naoe: They better not make me live to regret this. But the Hideout will be livelier. Maybe I'll go there and ask Yasuke for another duel.

Typing

Main game

The Yokai

[00:14-01:25][71] [14:27-15:09][42]

Yamabushi Imposters

[00:20-01:20][60] [18:57-19:50][53]

The Pirate Alliance

[10:48-11:30][42] [36:28-37:21][53]

The Hunters of Kyonyo

[24:10-25:01][51] [17:14-18:27][73]

The Tournament

[00:15-01:07][52] [02:37-03:30][53] [16:17-17:20][63]

The Winter Raiders

[01:52-02:50][58] [03:04-03:54][50] [04:27-05:07][40]

Post launch

l30

The Lesson

[12:52-13:17][25]

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[19:08-19:30][22]

Teach a Dog New Kicks

[02:18-02:43][25] [03:52-04:20][28]

Headucation

[02:07-02:28][21] [02:53-03:15][22] [03:46-04:13][27]

l40

The Lesson

[14:09-14:49][40] [24:06-24:46][40]

• Meiran: (breathes)
• Naoe: The legend was true.
• Meiran: Unfortunately for them. They heard the legend and believed they'd claim pounds of silver from a legend well past his prime.
• Naoe: So, you were trying to lose them in the woods.
• Meiran: I hoped they would give up the chase. Alas...

[]

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A Puzzlement

[02:49-03:23][34]

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The Lesson

[09:43-10:30][47]

A Puzzlement

[01:07-02:18][71]

Teach a Dog New Kicks

[03:08-03:49][41]

Headucation

[01:02-01:59][57]

Battle of the Bests

[02:16-03:45][89] [07:05-08:52][107]

Last Update

Horizon

here

The guide needs help with what may be their final stand against Ego.

Hashigui-iwa, Kii

• The Eagle: Me again. That thing we found earlier in the Rift? It's becoming more clear to me what it is! Let's go.

[] 00:37-00:43 00:48-00:55 01:01-01:35 01:43-

Hm

The Surrogate InitiativeThe Philadelphia Experiment

While digging through various files, I came across a woman named Aileen Bock, who was the first person to test the possibility of seeing genetic memories outside of your direct ancestry. She suffered a "mysterious injury" in 1981. A lot of those seem to happen at Abstergo. Her work was set aside in favor of the Animus Project.

When you suddenly find yourself living smack dab in the middle of the world's oldest conspiracy theory, it's hard to tell what's true and what's complete bullshit. For example, I read an Abstergo email referencing something called the "Philadelphia Project." Some believe this is the same event as "The Philadelphia Experiment" where the US Navy allegedly made a ship disappear, or teleport or something stupid like that. It was largely dismissed as a hoax. Except that maybe something weird DID happen, and Abstergo and the Assassins were involved. Allegedly, the Templars tried to use a Piece of Eden to power a time travel machine?! And if that wasn't enough, some people say that they faked Nikola Tesla's death and forced him to build it. Which all sounds way more batshit crazy than the original urban legend. And any time I try and ask an Assassin if any version of this story is true, they just look me dead in the eye and say, "Nothing is true…" and then they just… keep… staring at me. It's super awkward.

Animus 3.0Animus OmegaAnimus HR-8

Once again, all glory to Rebecca Crane: tech support GOAT and Animus witch (complimentary). She built a smaller, more powerful iteration of the Animus in a cave! With a box of scraps!

But by this time in their journey, they didn't have a bed or a couch or anything, so it was placed on top of a big rock, which probably wasn't great for Desmond's back.

And yet, I would still choose the Rock Animus over the testosterone-stained stink machine they used in Italy.

Developers at Abstergo Entertainment had access to the Animus Omega, a proprietary Ancestral Memory Research tool. They used it to harvest genetic memories in order to transform them into virtual reality games and other immersive experiences. Here's a bone-chilling fact: When the workers didn't meet expectations, they were sometimes placed in a dungeon underneath the studio. Yikes. I wonder if they had a dungeon under where I used to work?

I think it's really cool that the Animus became sleeker and more portable, making it easier for researchers to take one out on missions. Beats laying down on a fucking rock, that's for sure. Having said that, you couldn't pay me any amount of money to put myself inside something that looks like a coffin. I'd rather use Desmond's Smell-o-Vision Animus 2.0.

Layla HassanCipher

I really feel for Layla Hassan. She was, by all accounts, a legit genius. If they had let her on to the Animus Project, who knows what she could have accomplished? But somewhere early in her career it feels like she got labelled as "difficult to work with" which in Abstergo-speak translates to "She thought for herself and questioned authority." She did manage to defect to the Assassins, but her life really took a turn for the worse when she became unhealthily attached to a talking stick (long story). But after everything that's happened with Ego, who am I to judge?

That brings me to you, dear reader, whoever you might be. Maybe Abstergo forced you into the Animus Ego human trials. Maybe you accessed a jailbroken Animus from the comfort of your own home. But whether Naoe and Yasuke's memories are your first encounter with the secret history of the world, or you've known for decades, I'm glad you're here. The world feels so overwhelming and fucked up right now. I'm right there with you. What I'm learning from all these Assassin memories is that, sure, maybe one person can make a difference, but nobody has to tackle corrupt governments or shitty corporations alone. When we find a Brotherhood, or any group of people who share our values, we can lift each other up and help each other through just about anything, big or small. So drink some water. Get some sleep. Find your people. Change the world.

HelixAnimus EGO

In this day and age, cloud servers and streaming libraries full of CONTENT are super normal but I wonder how amazing it must have been to be alive when they first came to the market. Abstergo launched their cloud servers full of genetic memories and beamed it to headsets around the world. An all-you-can-eat brainwashing buffet!

The Animus EGO is the culmination of every iteration that's come before. It's the most recent version of the device designed for mass market consumer consumption. The killer app was intended to be a guided meditation experience, full of soothing virtual environments sourced from your own genetic memories. Instead, it's the staging ground for a potentially harmful artificial intelligence. What Abstergo's done with the Animus is awful, it is, but it's in line with all the other shady shit that corporations and governments have done since the beginning of time. But when I look at what Ego might be capable of, rewriting your memories and trapping you in an ever-changing simulation … I worry that I've helped them create something that's on the same level as one of those ancient Isu machines. Is it possible that humanity's technology is catching up to the precursors?

Abstergo EntertainmentThe Bleeding Effect

I always hate it when movies say "based on a true story" because you know it's obviously made up. Abstergo Entertainment went all-in on the lies when they started releasing projects based on their genetic memory research. Their first mainstream success was "Liberation." But like everything else, it was all Abstergo's corporate propaganda, they heavily edited the material to provide an anti-Assassin angle.

Too much of a good thing can be bad for you. Doctors used to think cigarettes were healthy. Social media was fun until it destroyed your mental health. Today, we all have an Animus in our home, but too much of that can result in something called "The Bleeding Effect." At first it doesn't sound so bad. You can learn an ancestor's language or other fun skills, like parkour! Only what's happening is that multiple sets of memories are smashing together inside your brain, turning it into mush. Imagine playing Russian roulette with your language learning app or your Abstergo Bodyband fitness tracker.