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==Shadows transcripts==
<!--
==The Art of Kintsugi==
*'''Naoe:''' [sighs] ''Iga. You'll always be home to me. Even like this.''
[flashback begins]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Is it hard for you to be here? With me?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''What do you mean?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''When you and I were... first here.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''No. We've all taken actions we regret while wearing the cloaks of loyalty. All of us. I'm glad you're here with me, Yasuke.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Still. I am sorry you lost your home.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''You lost yours, too. At least I still have the pieces.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I never... thought of it that way.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''With the pieces... you can mend. Strengthen. Make something that was already precious even more so.''
[She gets that instrument out of her pockets]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Have you ever gotten a good look at the little tanuki's handwork?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Kintsugi. It is beautiful.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Maybe it will be the same with our homes.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I do not think we have enough gold for that.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''We could bring Gennojo out of retirement. He's an excellent thief.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''It will never be the same, though.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''No.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''How does it sound, the tsuchibue? After Junjiro mended it?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Even better. See for yourself.''
[he tries to play it]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Perhaps "better" depends on who is playing.'' [laughs]
[flashback ends]
*'''Naoe:''' ''No shame in trying. But Yasuke should stick to swords.''
==The Peasant Who Would Be King==
''The Shinbakufu have been decimated. Only one remains: the traitor, Akechi Mitsuhide. Lady Nene can help.''
*'''Lady Nene:''' ''You have returned.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''My lady.''
*'''Lady Nene:''' ''You visit can only mean one thing. The Shinbakufu?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''One remains. Mitsuhide.''
*'''Lady Nene:''' ''You honor Lord Nobunaga. As he would have wanted.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Thank you, my lady.''
*'''Lady Nene:''' ''Mitsuhide has gathered his forces in Shoryuji Castle. I hope he fears what is coming. Vengeance.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Lord Nobunaga wanted to unify the land. Mitsuhide wants to subjugate it. The people deserve justice.''
*'''Lady Nene:''' ''Then press forth and execute justice.''
They get up.
*'''Lady Nene:''' ''As we speak, Lord Hideyoshi is readying his forces near Shoryuji Castle. This battle will shape the country for generations. If Lord Hideyoshi triumphs, we enter a new age.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''With your husband in power.''
*'''Lady Nene:''' ''It is a delicate situation. Lord Hideyoshi is ambitious. As is every other daimyo. What matters now is defeating Mitsuhide. Go, finish the Shinbakufu. And may you find there what you seek.''
Naoe and Yasuke left the room.
*'''Naoe:''' ''We have to get to Hideyoshi before he kills him, otherwise the box is lost.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Then we have to move quickly.''
==The Mission==
''Luis Frois has invited you to visit the mission. He will be happy to see you arrive.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Father Frois sounds well. I should speak to him.''
[yasuke overhears frois]
*'''Luis Frois:''' ''Beautiful ceramics, but cracked. And the repairs, while masterful, are easily seen.''
*'''Merchant:''' ''That is the nature of kintsugi. Repairs are made, but the damage is intrinsic to the object itself. The blemish is part of its history, its essence. Do you see, Father Frois?''
*'''Frois:''' ''Remarkable. What a beautiful idea.''
[press to talk]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Father Frois. I trust all is well with your writing?''
*'''Frois:''' ''Indeed! Thanks to you, my work continues. Do you want to hear my latest pages?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Tell me more about your work.''
*'''Frois:''' ''The customs of this land are fascinating. In my work, I contrast them with those of Europe. Most recently, I have been working on dancing, child rearing, and poetry.''
(Tell me about dance.)
*'''Yasuke:''' ''What have you learned about dancing?''
*'''Frois:''' ''When we dance in Europe, we leap and cavort. Here, the people dance as much with their hands as their feet.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Yes, the dancers often hold still as part of the performance.''
(Tell me about child rearing.)
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Tell me about the children.''
*'''Frois:''' ''In Portugal, our children do not go about armed, and they lack manners. Here, boys as young as twelve might carry a sword and treat everyone with respect.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''It is mostly the sons of samurai and daimyo thus equipped.''
(Tell me about poetry.)
*'''Yasuke:''' ''What about poetry?''
*'''Frois:''' ''Portuguese ballads are composed of metrical stanzas with elegant rhyming schemes. But here, verse consists of unrhymed couplets!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I know the ballads that Portuguese sailors sing.'' [chuckles] ''Unfit for priestly ears.''
(I must be going)
*'''Yasuke:''' ''It is good to see you, Father. But I must be going. And... take good care of your notes. I worry the wind will claim them.''
*'''Frois:''' ''True.'' [sighs] ''But it is not the wind that worries me. There are those who will use faith to fan the flames of war. Where the cross leads, the sword often follows.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''This is a dangerous world. As you know, Father Frois.''
*'''Frois:''' ''We work in peril and must trust in God. May He watch over us all.''
==The Threat==
''The baptism party has already left town and they are in danger. Hurry after them and assist!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Have you seen the baptismal party?''
*'''Buddhist monk 1:''' ''They left along the trail of the Black Tortoise.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''What does that mean?''
*'''Buddhist monk 2:''' ''The trail of the tortoise Genbu runs north.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Thank you.''
*'''Buddhist monk 1:''' ''Do not thank us. Thank the tortoise.''
[]
*'''Fieldworker:''' ''No, they had a nanban priest with them.''
[]
*'''Merchant:''' ''Careful, there are ronin ahead!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I need to hurry.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Father Frois. I got here as fast as I could. Why did you not wait for me?''
*'''Luis Frois:''' ''We left because... well it doesn't matter now.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''We almost lost Lady Satoko.''
*'''Frois:''' ''Yes, and I thank you for your aid.'' [sighs] ''Our work is difficult.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''What will you do now?''
*'''Frois:''' ''With God's aid, I shall carry on with my work. Come see me at the Azuchi mission sometime. We must take tea.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Take care, my friend.''
==Leaving a Mark==
''In an attempt to bring the allies together, Junjiro has made a bit of a mess.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''You come out of there this instant, Junjiro.''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''No. I'm not coming out until you stop yelling!''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''I won't stop yelling until you come out!''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Hmm.''
[approaches]
*'''Naoe:''' ''What's going on?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I think they can hear you all the way in Sakai.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''The little oni spilled ink all over.''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''She hit me with a broom!''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''You have to apologize!''
Tomiko turned to Naoe.
*'''Tomiko:''' ''"Our first recruit," you said. Well, he was your recruit, Naoe. So you deal with him.''
[leaves]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''What shall we do, O fearless leader?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''You know I prefer a subtle approach. I'll pick the lock and force Junjiro out.''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''No! Don't!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Then tell us what happened, Junjiro.''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Okay. I did spill the ink. But only because I was busy making something important! And I tried to clean it up but... it's ink.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''What were you making?''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''A banner. For all of us. But it doesn't matter now. I threw it away where you made me drink that ash tea. And now I'm going to stay in this chest forever!''
[naoe leaves]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Ash tea? Ah, the clearing where we held the ceremony. Junjiro's banner must be there.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Maybe if I hang it, he will come out of that chest.''
[]
*'''Tomiko:''' ''You're an artist, Junjiro. A messy one. But all the same.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Good job, Junjiro!''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Do you like it, Yasuke?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''During my time in these lands, I have seen all the banners one can see. All the clans, all their crests. But of all the banners I have seen, there is none I would rather serve under.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Me neither.''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Yatta!''
Junjiro turned to Tomiko.
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Sorry about the ink, Auntie Tomiko.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''I always knew you'd make a mark on the world, Junjiro. I just didn't know it would start on my floor.''
==Arrow Strike==
''Rin, a young from Gobo, needs assistance with a personal matter.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''This looks like the clearing that Rin spoke of. I know I'm here to teach her to fight, but... I cannot deny my excitement to see her.''
[approaches]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Hello again, Rin.''
*'''Rin:''' ''Yasuke! Forgive the mess. My grandfather clearly saw little need to be tidy.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Mess never bothered me.''
*'''Rin:''' ''I can't stand it. How do you find anything?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Organized chaos.''
*'''Rin:''' ''Well, if you're ready to teach, I'm ready to learn. I've found my grandfather's bow, and I've prepared targets. Come.''
[]
*'''Rin:''' ''Here. Show me how an expert archer thinks and shoots. With your guidance, maybe I too can become a master. Show me what you've got!''
[]
*'''Rin:''' ''Nice shot, sensei.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Thank you, but focus. Observe and absorb.''
[]
*'''Rin:''' ''Thank you for the demostration.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Did I prove myself a worthy sensei?''
*'''Rin:''' ''You will do. If your skills as a teacher are half as good as your shooting, I will be a master archer in no time.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I hope to prove worthy of your praise.''
*'''Rin:''' ''Good with a bow, calm under pressure, and graceful with compliments. I think you'll make for a fine teacher.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''It is good to review the basics. Although, most targets shoot back.''
*'''Rin:''' ''Who says it was your shooting I was testing? Nonetheless, I will happily receive your instruction. I was wondering... do you like being a samurai?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''No one has asked me that before. Yes. I am proud of who I am but... I hope my skills will not be needed one day.''
*'''Rin:''' ''Peace has a high price. Thank you for your lesson today.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Keep up your practicing. And when the seasons change, I will return to check on you.''
*'''Rin:''' ''You'll see how good a shot I have become. It is a shame you can't stay longer.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Like you said. Peace has a high price. Farewell for now, Rin.''
==Cloud Gazing==
*'''Yasuke:''' ''The wind is warm here. And the grass looks soft. A moment's rest would not do any harm.''
[flashback begins]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''What are we meant to do now?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''It's easy. You look at a cloud and say what it looks like. Like that one.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''It is a macaque holding an umbrella.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''What? No way.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Yes! It is right there in his hand!''
*'''Naoe:''' ''No, look. It's a jellyfish with one weird tentacle.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''If you say so. Perhaps my vision requires better imagination.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Ha ha.''
[a pause]
*'''Yasuke:''' [chuckles] ''This feels good.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Talking about stupid things? It does.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Do you ever think about who you would be? If we lived a different life?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Sometimes. Married to some warrior. A good Igan man, like my father wanted for me. Three kids, all running around like crazy. A nice life, I guess.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''But not yours.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''When Hattori Hanzo told me about my mother, it made perfect sense. She wasn't just a warrior. She had a mission. And though it meant she couldn't be in my life... I can understand now why she did it.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I think that no matter when, or where, you would live a life that changed the lives of others.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''I hope so. Do you think about it?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''It is hard to picture at times. As though my mind keeps me from seeing it.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Because it's too sad?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Not sad. Just... far away. But if I do, I see a life where I can sit down for a moment. Armor does not weigh on my shoulders. My sons roam freely on land that I own. I build a big house on it for everyone.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''That sounds nice.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''It does.''
[pause]
*'''Naoe:''' ''What does that one look like?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Tomiko riding a flying squirrel.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''That I can see.''
*'''Yasuke:''' [laughs]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Ah! Something bit me!''
*'''Yasuke:''' [laughs]
[flashback end, play as yasuke]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Well. Back to the real world.''
==Stealing Samurai==
''Dishonest samurai are a plague to the livestock farmers in Yamato.''
*'''Weary farmer:''' ''Are you honest, samurai?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I like to think so.''
*'''Weary farmer:''' ''It's those Tsuitsui and Akiyama samurai. Always getting drunk, causing trouble. Thieves. Every one.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''This kind of man is more common than I would like.''
*'''Weary farmer:''' ''They stole my only ox. Sold it and spent the profit on new katana to trouble us with. And not only that, they threaten other farmers for their livestock! They want our children as collateral.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''People so quick to abuse their power do not deserve to keep it.''
*'''Weary farmer:''' ''Then cut these samurai criminals down. Thin their numbers. I will reward you.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I will end them. Reward or not.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Your livestock is safe now.''
*'''Weary farmer:''' ''Lousy bastards. They deserved it. Thank you. And let's hope my ox shat on their shoes before they sold him.''
==Restoring Order==
''Maria, a proud widow, needs help putting an end to the rampant lawlessness plaguing Omi.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''What seems to be the trouble?''
*'''Kyogoku Maria:''' ''I am Kyogoku Maria, widow of the great general Lord Takayoshi.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Maria is not a typical name for a woman here.''
*'''Maria:''' ''My husband and I became Christians last year. But he died. Even worse, Lord Nobunaga also died. He was the only one who could keep the peace! Now lawless soldiers are ravaging beautiful Omi, despoiling the province and robbing the peasants!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''In desperate times, soldiers often turn rogue and raid the people they're supposed to protect.''
*'''Maria:''' ''I pray for their raids to end, but so far it's not working. You, on the other hand...''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''This is what my allies and I fight for. Peace across the land. We will put an end to the lawlessness in Omi.''
[]
*'''Maria:''' ''You! My saint has returned!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''My allies and I have removed many rogue soldiers -''
*'''Maria:''' ''Yes, yes! I know! Glory to God and my dearly departed husband. Here, take this reward.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Thank you. But we did not do it for a -''
*'''Maria:''' ''Praise my husband, the saint in heaven. And thanks be to God for your divine intervention!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Farewell, Maria.''
==The World Out There==
*'''Naoe:''' ''I wonder where they're going.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''THe big ones prepare for quite the journey. See? They are readying the sails.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''I forgot you were Yasuke the sailor before Yasuke the samurai.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Hardly. But I have been on many ships.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''What's it like?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Well... there is the seasickness. Long days on the deck in sun or rain. You grow tired of the spoiled rations. But there are also the sunrises and sunsets. You chase the light. Even when you do not catch it, there are the stars.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''And when you got to land. What did you find?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''You would be surprised. It is a world divided by {{Wiki|Treaty of Tordesillas|treaty}}. Conquered before their boot even touches the shore. Even this one. At least, that is what they think.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''More division. I was hoping for something else.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I have also seen churches that are more art than architecture. I have smelled spices so fragrant, one sniff is a punch to the nose!'' [laughs] ''And the clothing! You should have seen what they put me in when I arrived.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''You didn't keep it for parties?''
*'''Yasuke:''' [laughs] ''Surely Lord Nobunaga had it burned. It is a dark world chasing its own light. A realm of exploration. Those same kings who send conquerors send men in search of knowledge. Discovery.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''The explorers must be brave.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Yes. They sail into the unknown.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Then let's go. Out there! I want to see it for myself. We'll steal a boat.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''All right. You will flop on the deck like a fish to distract them while I push the captain overboard.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''No, I'll push the captain overboard and you'll flop on the deck to distract them. Wearing the outfit you arrived in.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Oh, you think so? I have a better idea. I say we stay. For now. I do not know about you, but... I like it here.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''It' far from perfect. But I guess the world out there isn't perfect either.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''We do not need perfection for peace. Once we have it, perhaps I will wave to you from the shore as you set sail, explorer.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''We'll see.''
[end flashback]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I know Naoe wants to see the world. But I wish she could see the promise of the one she is in.''
==A Better Path==
''A monk tormented by bandits needs Naoe and Yasuke's help.''
*'''Remorseful monk:''' ''You! With the sturdy stride!''
[talk]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Do you need help?''
*'''Remorseful monk:''' ''First, a confession. Before you accept. I... was once a bandit. I left my old life to follow a more spiritual path.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''This is not some clever trick?''
*'''Remorseful monk:''' ''No trick! My old bandit friends take offense. They've tried to kill me once already.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''They must have taken your new identity to heart.''
*'''Remorseful monk:''' ''Perhaps. But these bandits threaten all monks and pilgrims in the region.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Then I will deal with them, for the sake of all.''
*'''Remorseful monk:''' ''Thank you. You will be rewarded. Return when the bandits are dead, and when the people are safe. And when my life is no longer at risk.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''The bandits are gone. You can live your new life in peace.''
*'''Remorseful monk:''' ''You have done a great service.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Stick to this new path. Or I may have cause to return.''
==Accursed Arquebuses==
''An elderly man recruits Naoe and Yasuke to deal with bandits tormenting Tamba peasants with Portuguese teppo.''
*'''Elderly noble:''' ''You! Yes. I require your assistance.''
[talk]
*'''Elderly noble:''' ''You carry yourself like a warrior. You might be able to help me.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''And what is it you think I can help you with?''
*'''Elderly noble:''' ''It's those Portuguese dogs. They're not content to just plunder our land. They litter it with their steel as well.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''The Portuguese treat all they encounter as if it were they own.''
*'''Elderly noble:''' ''Their blasted "arquebuses." They are a blemish upon this nation's grand tradition of warfare. Rid us of the men terrorizing our peasants with these crude instruments. I can reward you. Handsomely.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I will take care of anyone aiming a teppo at the innocent. Peace is its own reward.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''That is one less teppo wielder inflicting violence and bloodshed on the innocent.''
[]
*'''Elderly noble:''' ''Please tell me you've ridden Tamba of all those second-rate, foreign arquebuses.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Tamba now has far fewer bandits wielding teppo. The villagers can rest knowing they are safe.''
*'''Elderly noble:''' ''Perhaps now they will acknowledge the superiority of Japanese steel and gunpowder, and purchase their teppo from me instead.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''You are a teppo dealer?''
*'''Elderly noble:''' ''At your service. After all, Tamba's worst deserve only the best.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''"Tamba's worst" can no longer purchase your teppo.''
*'''Elderly noble:''' ''Ah. Hmm... I may have overlooked your zeal for the task.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Tamba is safer because of you. It is good news for the people.''
*'''Elderly noble:''' ''Here, take this. Just... don't say a word to anyone.''
==Putting Down Roots==
Yasuke searches for a colorful and personal gift for Ibuki.
*'''Yasuke:''' ''You look well. Like you have settled into life here.''
*'''Ibuki:''' ''I must say it is lovely. A rustic sort of charm, but...''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''"But?" You have complaints already?''
*'''XXXX:''' ''Complaint is a terrible, harsh word! My keen and sophisticated eyes have spotted room for improvement, is all.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Should I summon a scribe? How long is this list of improvements?''
*'''XXXX:''' ''Silly. I only mean you could do with a bit more color. More beauty. Something to invite joy into this place. Other than your sparkling wit, I mean. For the moment, I shall retire to the bamboo grove near the stable. A peaceful spot from which to comtemplate the chaos, hmm?''
Ibuki left, allowing Yasuke a moment of contemplation.
*'''Yasuke:''' ''More color. Ibuki is right. I could gather flower seeds for them. Blue anemone are their favorite. I will find a vibrant patch of flowers and collect seeds. The brighter the blooms, the better the gift.''
Yasuke left to find the flowers.
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Remarkable plants to have thrived so well. Even out of season.<br>There! These are the anemone I seek. The most beautiful blooms I have ever seen.''
He returned to the bamboo grove with the gift.
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Here, for you. A gift of future color and joy. Blue anemone seeds. I had hope to find a brighter, bluer patch. But these were hardy. They will grow well. Wherever you plant them.''
*'''Ibuki:''' ''What a thoughtful gift, Yasuke. I don't know what to say.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I am glad to see you happy, my friend.''
*'''Ibuki:''' ''Now you will never forget me. For every cluster of blue, you will wonder, "Was Ibuki here?"''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I will not forget you.''
==Past and Present==
Back in his hometown, Yagoro finally musters the courage to confront his long-time enemy, Akechi Mitsuhisa.
*'''Town elder:''' ''So the boy wants to save us from the Akechi clan. Why would I stop him from doing that?''
*'''Elderly woman:''' ''He's not going to save anyone. He'll just get himself killed.''
*'''Town elder:''' ''He's built himself a concealed blade. I asked how he did that and he went on for an hour.''
*'''Elderly woman:''' ''Oh dear. The boy is so clumsy, he's going to cut himself on that blade before he even reaches the mines.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Yagoro? What are you doing here?''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''I was born here. I come here all the time. And you?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Wherever help is needed is where I will go.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''When I was a boy, I sold myself into bondage to the Akechi to help my mother through the winter. It wasn't enough. The whole village took pity on me, though. They looked after me. I have a whole town of aunties and uncles. I just wish you didn't have to see it, you know... like this.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''What happened?''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''Some Akechi thugs think they still own us. I have to do something about it. This is why I left to train. To protect my people. This is my mission.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''We killed Mitsuhide. His clan are an afterthought.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''They are monsters. They occupied the town years ago. Gave us a pittance and worked everyone bloody. Then, Miss Fubuki inspired us to fight back and reclaim our town. But their leader, Akechi Mitsuhisa... He had his men tire her. Then struck her down in the town center. The pig thinks his castle will protect him. After all this time, I am finally ready to face him. I have to be.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''You want to help your people. That's what makes you one of us. As your ally, I will fight at your side. If you'll let me.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''I was hoping you'd say that! I mean, I accept.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Good. I suspect Akechi Mitsuhisa will be in the castle honmaru.''
[goes to kill him]
*'''Akechi Mitsuhisa:''' ''[breathes] Who are you? Who sent you?''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''My people sent me! They are under my protection.''
*'''Mitsuhisa:''' ''I remember you. You're the boy who wouldn't stop bawling when I struck down that demon woman.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''She stood up for us. Inspired us. But you? You are half the warrior she was.''
*'''Mitsuhisa:''' ''[breathes] We paid the peasants. Even you, if I recall.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''A pittance for back-breaking work! Not even enough to feed my mother! You are just a thug, with hatred in your heart and an army at your back. I have hunted worse than you. And I will continue until my people are safe.''
*'''Mitsuhisa:''' ''Big words for a small man. [winces] Your people chose poorly.''
[Yagoro kills him with his hidden blade]
*'''Mitsuhisa:''' ''[winces].''
*'''Naoe:''' ''That was a hard thing to do, I know. Your people will be grateful for your courage.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''I hope you are right. That is all I ever wanted.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''You are doing this for them. Don't forget that.''
Yagoro bowed.
*'''Yagoro:''' ''Thank you, Miss Naoe. For being there for me. For showing me this path. I will try to make it my own.''
[he leaves]
==The Baptism==
Join Luis Frois for a baptism ceremony in Otsu to learn more about his work as a Jesuit missionary.
*'''Lady Satoko:''' ''Today is like no other day. Today, I shall be reborn without first dying.''
*'''Noble:''' ''How did the nanban priest persuade you to convert?''
*'''Satoko:''' ''Father Frois speaks our language better than my husband. That helps.''
Yasuke approached Luis Frois.
*'''Luis Frois:''' ''Greetings!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Hello, Father Frois. Your work proceeds, I see.''
*'''Frois:''' ''Indeed! It is a good sign that both the curious and the faithful are here for Lady Satoko... [sighs] in spite of the risks.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Risks?''
*'''Frois:''' ''Lady Satoko reports threats against her life, [sighs] but I can offer no more than the protection of our God. Would you speak to her and ensure that she and her family are safe?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Yes, I will speak with her.''
[]
*'''Shigetoki:''' ''Dearest wife. There have been threats.''
*'''Satoko:''' ''Threats do not terrify me. I hunt bandits with my teppo!''
*'''Shigetoki:''' ''Such behavior is also considered unseemly in courtly circles.''
[Yasuke approaches]
*'''Satoko:''' ''Ah, the famous Yasuke. Father Frois speaks warmly of you. I am Lady Satoko.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Pleased to meet you. I understand you are here to be baptized.''
*'''Satoko:''' ''Indeed. Provided my husband's family doesn't intervene. Certain relatives of his do not approve.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Have they threatened to attack the ceremony?''
*'''Satoko:''' ''I don't know what they have planned. I am possibly slightly worried. Not for myself, of course. But for the others. Now excuse me as I contemplate my impeding salvation.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I need to learn more about this threat of violence to Lady Satoko.''
[eavesdrops nearby]
*'''Noble 2:''' ''The next Oda Nobunaga may not be as willing to protect these nanban priests.''
*'''Noble 3:''' ''We don't need another warlord like that tyrant. We need to rebuild Enryakuji and resist the might of the daimyo!''
[stops eavesdropping]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''They are not plotting against Lady Satoko.''
[eavesdrops on another group]
*'''Merchant:''' ''I hope Lady Satoko takes her baptism seriously.''
*'''Jesuit priest:''' ''She does. Her faith is a rock.''
*'''Merchant:''' ''Father Frois is a wonder.''
[stops]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Those two pose no threat to anyone.''
[eavesdrops on another group]
*'''Noble 4:''' ''The ronin have been hired.''
*'''Noble 5:''' ''Good. Send them to the road north after the ceremony. There are too many guards in Otsu.''
[stops]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I have found the threat. I should warn someone.''
[goes to frois and satoko]
*'''Frois:''' ''Ah, our friend has returned.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''We need to talk.''
*'''Satoko:''' ''What's worng?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Father Frois, I must speak with you. Lady Satoko, if you would...''
*'''Satoko:''' ''Excuse me. I must prepare.''
After she left, Yasuke turned to Fróis.
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Lady Satoko's family has hired men to ambush you on the road. Once the baptism is complete.''
*'''Frois:''' ''Mm. And?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''This is concerning. These people hired ronin to attack you.''
*'''Frois:''' ''No man wants to die when there is so much yet to learn. But God, I believe, has chosen a different fate for me.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Still, I will travel with you to ensure the group arrives safely home.''
*'''Frois:''' ''You are a godsend, my friend. But come, the ceremony is about to begin.''
==Ambush Interrupted==
An unknown ronin bravely stands alone to defend a village.
*'''Elderly man:''' ''Was that the last of them?''
*'''Woman:''' ''Why can't the daimyo leave us to be?''
*'''Ibuki:''' ''Because you are peasants. Nakatomi would squish you like ants before hearing your side. Nakatomi's men are loyal. They will only stop when we stop them.''
[Yasuke approaches]
*'''Ibuki:''' ''You. Here? I cannot decide if I should be elated for the help or enraged that it's you.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''You know me?''
*'''Ibuki:''' ''I know of you. The foreign-born samurai who made ashes of Iga. Have you come to finish the job you began at Nobunaga's side?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Iga is no longer my enemy. Things change. People change.''
*'''Ibuki:''' ''It is true. All is changing, all is ephemeral. Even our enmity.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''You have no reason to fear me. My oaths are my own.''
*'''Ibuki:''' ''The oaths were the point! Nakatomi might actually listen to an honor-bound samurai. But without a daimyo's power at your back, your presence here is useless.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Useless? I can fight. You need not defend these people alone. Who is it that hunts them?''
*'''Ibuki:''' ''Nakatomi. An iron-fisted daimyo who rules a swath of what was once my homeland.''
The woman cried out nearby.
*'''Woman:''' ''More of Nakatomi's men!''
*'''Ibuki:''' ''If you want to assist, now is your chance. I only hope you are as proficient as the rumors say.''
[kill all enemies]
*'''Woman:''' ''Traitor!''
*'''Man:''' ''Theft is theft. Whether gold or a grain of rice!''
*'''Woman:''' ''Rat! People died because of you!''
*'''Man:''' ''I thought the soldiers would take their due and deliver the rice back to Lord Nakatomi.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''You are thieves?''
*'''Ibuki:''' ''Not I. Them, perhaps. But how can you judge the helpless? They needed help, so I helped. Living one's ideals can be a messy thing. What would you do, standing in my place?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''If you kill this man, then your justice is the same as Lord Nakatomi's. Prove him wrong with your forgiveness.''
*'''Ibuki:''' ''Surprising. But a choice I can respect.''
Ibuki stepped closer to the man.
*'''Ibuki:''' ''Forget Nakatomi. Your allegiance is here, now, with your neighbors. And you will not betray them again.''
THe others left, leaving Ibuki alone with Yasuke.
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I admire your forgiving nature. But these people did not deny breaking the law. They knew what they were risking.''
*'''Ibuki:''' ''So their blood should pay for a sack of rice? I do not see the earthly sense in that. You are a justice-seeker. As am I. Call me Ibuki.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Yasuke.''
They bowed to one another.
*'''Ibuki:''' ''I know. I used to serve under Nakatomi, years ago. Me and Kyobei. Kyobei was like a brother to me. Until I refused to do Nakatomi's bidding. Then Kyobei himself dumped me in the woods. I was exiled.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''You do not seem the type to be dissuaded by others' commands.''
*'''Ibuki:''' ''How astute of you. Perhaps you are right. What is the line... "How much longer must I carry this hateful flame?" Maybe it is time for me to return home. If you wish to help me again,, meet me near Hijiyama. We can put an end to Nakatomi's wrath.''
==Back to Reality==
Tomiko will want to hear news of the missing villagers and League scout's fates.
*'''Tomiko:''' ''Yasuke, I'm glad to see you return. What news of Akashi?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Nothing of what I saw was good. Some menace had already killed everyone in the village by the time I got there. Most likely our scout too.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''Oh, that's... Everyone? How can that be? Who did this?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''All I can say is I was attacked by... what looked like an Oni.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''An Oni!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''It looked like an oni. I do not know what it was.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''An Oni. Of course, people tell tales of such demons but to defeat one is a great victory.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I survived it. I cannot say any more than that.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''It is in the nature of such Oni to forever menace us mortals. Survival is a gift.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''There is a chance it may return?''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''Who can know the mind of an Oni?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Well. Whatever may come, we will be ready.''
==Soup for Sorin==
Given Naoe's shared familiarity with Master Sorin, Junjiro needs her help to create the perfect recipe for his former mentor.
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Naoe! I want to practice making a soup for Master Sorin. Something I can cook when we visit him. It has to be special!''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Auntie Matsu always said cooking is the language of the heart. Anything you make for Master Sorin will be special.''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''I know, but I want it to be perfect! I came to Kii to try shoyu, their famous fermented soy sauce. And I have mochi and daikon already. But I don't know what else to put in the soup. I want it to have meaning.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''You want the soup... to have "meaning."''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Master Sorin always talked about the meaning of words and symbols and stuff. If I make a soup with meaning, he'll know I listened!''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Hmm. Symbols. Maybe an ingredient that represents Master Sorin's pilgrimage?''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Teah! Something brown, like the dirt path! What else, what else?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Something from the sea? To... symbolize the changing tides of life.''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''You're good. But remember, Master Sorin doesn't eat anything that has a heart. So no fish! That means you'll need to get two things. Kii's famous shoyu, and one ingredient that's brown and comes from the sea.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''I'm looking for cooking ingredients.''
*'''Merchant:''' ''I sell many goods, miss. Must grown or made right here in Yuasa.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''What was it Junjiro wanted? Maybe browsing the wares will help me to remember.''
*'''Merchant:''' ''Well?''
Naoe purchased konbu and shoyu.
*'''Merchant:''' ''Please visit again.''
[]
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Oh! You have the ingredients? You sure? I don't want to start cooking until you have everything.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''What? You don't trust me, Junjiro?''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Okay, okay. Let's see what you brought.''
She handed over the shoyu.
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Yatta! You got the shoyu! What else?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''I brought konbu. Dried brown kelp. It's color is like the dirt path and it comes from the sea, having weathered many tides.''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''That's perfect! Now let's see how it tastes...''
Junjiro finished the soup and tasted it.
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Mmm! The daikon and mochi in the konbu broth... so good! And the shoyu! Best of all, it's meaningful! I can't wait to make this for Master Sorin.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''It's kind of you to think of Master Sorin like this. You have a big heart, Junjiro.''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''You think so? Do you think... do you think Yasuke believes that too?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Yasuke more than anyone.''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Then maybe I'll make some soup for him! But a different soup.''
==A Blade in the Light==
Naoe sets out to explore a legacy that will strengthen the bonds between Yagoro and the Assassins.
*'''Yagoro:''' ''I kept thinking back to that "blade made of shadows." The one Haru mentioned. My search brought me here.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''I've been in there before. You should go in. I'm sure you'll find something worthwhile in there.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''I think we should go together, Miss Naoe.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Your search brought us here, Yagoro. You deserve to go first.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''If you think so, Miss Naoe. I don't want to trespass.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''You don't need anyone's permission to enter. You've earned your place here. Go. I'll be right behind.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Time to follow after Yagoro. Make sure everything's all right.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Oh, good. Yagoro's already here.''
[]
*'''Yagoro:''' ''Miss Naoe, look! A real one!''
*'''Naoe:''' ''It's what you wanted all this time. Go on. It won't bite.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''But my training isn't done. I don't think I should have this.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Fubuki wanted someone to continue her work. Without her guidance, it's up to us to figure out what that means. Together. To honor those that came before.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''I... Thank you. I will devote my life to proving worthy of it. Can you do a favor for me? A proper... ceremony? From teacher to apprentice.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''We've been over this, Yagoro. You are my ally. Not an apprentice.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''Without you and Yasuke, I would still be lurking in the bushes outside bandit camps, daring myself to do something.''
He bowed to her.
*'''Yagoro:''' ''Please, Miss Naoe. I feel like this requires something... proper.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Fine. Um. Today, a brother joins those of us who work in the shadows to... um, welcome the light.''
Naoe walked over to the chest containing the Hidden Blade.
*'''Naoe:''' ''Wearing this blade comes with a promise and a path, fraught with difficulty. Sooner or later, you will lose your way. This blade cannot tell you where to go. It will only answer with more questions. But that is our journey. Trust in the promise you made to yourself and your home, and the path will show itself again. In the name of those who are lost, but whose spirit remains, I entrust this blade to you, Yagoro. Welcome to the Kakushiba ikki.''
Naoe gave him the chest.
*'''Yagoro:''' ''I will bring it back to Miss Tomiko's. Place it somewhere for all to see. To remind everyone of those who walked this path before. And to greet those who have yet to walk it.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''You're not going to wear it?''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''It's a fine weapon, but... the weight is different from my own. It would affect my balance. I got my real blade a long time ago. The day our paths first crossed.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''How long have you been holding onto that one?''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''As a man of Kakushiba ikki, I must keep my secrets close.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Very good. Let's go, Yagoro.''
==The Pilgrimage==
Naoe and Junjiro hope to reunite with their old friend Master Sorin.
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Master Sorin? Master Sorin!''
[Naoe approached him]
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Naoe, have you seen Master Sorin? His letter said this was the place, so I know he's got to be around here somewhere.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Take a breath, Junjiro. I'll find him. Maybe I can ask around.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''I'm looking for an elder monk named Sorin. Have you seen him?''
*'''Merchant:''' ''Ah, another pilgrim? There are so many, it is hard to know one from the others. Like ants marching along the trails. Ask someone at the pagoda. If your monk has paid a visit, they'll know.''
[]
*'''Buddhist monk:''' ''Greetings, miss. Are you a pilgrim?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''No, but I'm trying to find one. An elder monk named Sorin?''
*'''Buddhist monk:''' ''Ah, Sorin, yes. A funny old man. Kind. Surprisingly stubborn.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''I don't think you can get to be his age without a stubborn streak.''
*'''Buddhist monk:''' ''He refused to stay in the inn or monks' quarters, however much I pushed, preferring instead to camp just downstream of the waterfall. He said, "If I'm to pray for longevity, I might as well do it properly." I'm sure you can find him there.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Have you seen an elderly monk here recently? He's traveling alone, on a pilgrimage.''
*'''Woman:''' ''An elder alone on Kumano's Kodo? Which route? There are many, and some are treacherous without a guide.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''I'm not sure. He didn't say.''
*'''Woman:''' ''Well, I did see an elderly man, east of that shrine down the hill. There's a forest path leading away from the buildings. His camp was at one of the trails' ends. Maybe he's your monk.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Master Sorin. It has been a long time.''
*'''Sorin:''' ''Ah. Dear Naoe. So you've found me at last. I knew you would.''
Junjiro ran in.
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Master Sorin!''
*'''Sorin:''' ''Junjiro. My dear boy.''
Yasuke joined the trio, bowing to the monk.
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Is this where you are staying, Master Sorin? It's so dirty and small and... not enough firewood. But I can help! And so can Yasuke!''
Junjiro led Yasuke away.
*'''Naoe:''' ''I know now. About Junjiro's father. I don't like it, but... I understand.''
*'''Sorin:''' ''The weight of the whole truth would have done nothing to help you.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Still. You let me be his friend. When you both knew what I had done.''
*'''Sorin:''' ''I regret none of it.''
Junjiro's and Yasuke's laughter reached the pair.
*'''Sorin:''' ''And neither does he, I'd say.''
They turn to the waterfall.
*'''Sorin:''' ''Nachi Falls. Beautiful, isn't it? It's said to be the home of a kami, a native incarnation of a Buddha. Hiryu Gongen. It is a lovely reminder that all manner of things can coexist if one has an open mind.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''How did you know it would work? Putting Junjiro and me together.''
*'''Sorin:''' ''The soul has a shape. Edges, angles. You can see when two people fit.. When they will be... better together. Life is miraculous. I leave the boy with you at a farm and now here you are, in the company of an... unusual samurai.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Yasuke is a good warrior and a better man. I can think of few others who I'd like in Junjiro' life. Is the journey long? The one you're on?''
*'''Sorin:''' ''Indeed. The Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage is quite long. And I've barely begun. Only circled around to its proper beginning.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''You're brave, Master Sorin. To attempt a trek of this magnitude, at your age.''
*'''Sorin:''' ''I will go as far as my legs can carry me. But the whisper of worry in your voice warms this old man's heart.''
Junjiro and Yasuke returned with firewood.
*'''Junjiro:''' ''I'll collect water next to make soup! I've been practicing and I came up with something really special.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Oh, you will collect it, will you?''
*'''Sorin:''' ''I look forward to it.''
==The Works of Luis Frois==
A cahnce encounter with Luis Frois at a Jesuit Mission turns into an opportunity to help and old friend.
*'''Yasuke:''' ''That sounds like Father Frois.''
[]
*'''Merchant:''' ''Father Frois runs this mission with passion!''
*'''Woman:''' ''Yes, even his papers dance in the wind.''
*'''Jesuit Priest:''' ''Father Frois. We will find your notes.''
*'''Luís Fróis:''' ''My book is lost without them!''
*'''Priest:''' ''We are searching everywhere.''
Yasuke and Naoe approached.
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Father Frois! So it is you.''
*'''Fróis:''' ''Yasuke, my friend! Look at you now. Famous throughout the land.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I walk my own path now, with my own purpose. And new friends. Naoe, I would like you to meet Father Frois.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''I've never met a nanban priest before. What is your mission here?''
*'''Fróis:''' ''We provide medicine and teaching. And I am working on a treatise about these lands for outsiders. But my notes are missing.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Father Frois was the first to show me kindness among the Jesuits. Allow us to repay that favor.''
[play as yasuke]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I will find your notes, Father Frois.''
[]
*'''Portuguese Trader:''' ''Father Frois's notes must be somewhere. Let us check around the tombstones.''
[]
*'''Woman:''' ''You stole that paper from the mission.''
*'''Child:''' ''No, mother, the wind stole it! I was going to take it back to Father Frois.''
*'''Woman:''' ''Foolish child. This paper is valuable. Give it back!''
[Yasuke approaches]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Excuse me. Have you found any papers around the mission?''
*'''Woman:''' ''No, no. We are an honest family and would not take something that is not ours.''
*'''Child:''' ''But mother, I did find-''
*'''Woman:''' ''Shh! Theft is punishable by death!''
*'''Child:''' ''Please! We have done nothing wrong.''
Yasuke kneeled down to match the child's height.
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Father Frois would never allow that to happen. He just wants his note.''
*'''Child:''' ''Thank you, sir. Here it is.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Thank you. Father Frois will be very happy to recover his work.''
*'''Woman:''' ''Thank you. Thank you so much.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''There... That is it!''
[]
{{IUNote|Title=A Note on Japanese Clothing|Text=In Portugal we wear our fine clothing all year round, whereas in Japan they change their garments three times per year.<br><br>In summer, they wear a light robe called a katabira without a lining. In autumn, they shift to the aki-awase, a two-layered kimono to keep out the brisk weather, and then add stuffing for even more warmth. This is called a fuyu-kimono and is worn throughout winter.<br><br>These extra layers and stuffing are removed in spring, and the cycle begins anew.}}
[]
*'''Fieldworker 1:''' ''There's a little girl down by the river, crying because she can't swim.''
*'''Fieldworker 2:''' ''Shameful. When I was a child, I swam across Lake Biwa every day.''
*'''Fieldworker 1:''' ''When you were a child, you talked even more than you do now.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Have you seen a paper note from the mission?''
*'''Child:''' ''Maybe.'' [sniffs] ''But it's in the river now. And I can't swim!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Ah, but I can. Dry your eyes, and watch a mighty samurai swim!''
*'''Child:''' ''Thank you, sir.''
[]
{{IUNote|Title=A Note on Dueling Scars|Text=In Europe, we think of scars as dreadful disfigurements, but in Japan, they are worn as marks of distinction.}}
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Two down. Now to find the third note.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''A good climb.''
[]
{{IUNote|Title=A Note on Bows and Arrows|Text=The Japanese make their bows and arrows from bamboo cane. Their bows are much larger in size than ours. Japanese archers shout loudly when loosing their arrows, whereas our archers shoot in complete silence.}}
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I found all three notes. Now to bring them back to Father Frois.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Father Frois, we have found your notes. With a little help from some children.''
*'''Fróis:''' ''Children?'' [chuckles warmly] ''Delightful, simply delightful! "And Jesus said to them, Suffer the little children, and forbid them not to come to me." Regardless of who found the notes, the mission owes you a debt of gratitude.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''You said these notes are for a book.''
*'''Fróis:''' ''Yes. My book helps newly arrived Jesuits learn about this land. Here, listen to my entry on Azuchi Castle. "Lord Nobunaga's majestic castle stands on a hill in the center of the city. In grandeur, it is on par with the palaces of Europe." It goes on like that for several pages.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''A big castle for an ever bigger ego.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I learned a great deal in that castle. Things I will never forget.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Europe is far away. Are the lords of the castles there as cruel as our daimyo?''
*'''Fróis:''' ''Perhaps... If you want to learn more about our ways, meet me in Otsu. We are conducting a baptism.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''I've never seen a baptism. Thank you, Father Frois.''
==Vision of the Realms==
Unusual disappearances have been reported in a small fishing village - one of the League's own scouts among them.
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''What is it, Tomiko?''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''One of our people... There has been no sign of them for days.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Is this unusual? Where were they when you last heard from them?''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''Akashi. Ans you are right, it would not be concerning if not for their last message.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Go on...''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''They spoke of missing villagers. A strange presence. I fear our agent may have fallen victim to the same fate.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''I will go there and see what I can find.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''Be careful. Something feels very wrong about this.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Where is everyone?''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Oh, the smell.''
[]
{{IUNote|Title=A Mysterious Drawing|Text=This drawing depicts a red cross in front of a lone tree by a dock, with a menacing demon lurking nearby.}}
*'''Naoe:''' ''This is not a drawing done for pleasure.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''A diary might have noted some recent occurrences.''
{{IUNote|Title=A Fisherman's Diary|Text=Juro's mouth was already spilling black when we reached him.<br><br>His fear-crazed eyes regarded the statue he had pulled ashore, as though it were a demon. He was soon dead, but well before that, Taro and I began to feel unwell. We decided we must destroy it.<br><br>It is indestructible. Impervious to flame, unyielding to hammer blows. We buried it under oak wood and charcoal, yet a full day in that furnace yielded no effect upon it.<br><br>Finally, several of the men dragged it to the seaward tree, for Taro and I could hardly walk.<br><br>None shall approach the place from this time forward.}}
*'''Naoe:''' ''A strange statue caught in a fisherman's net. The villager called it evil, blamed it for the disappearances.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Not a place for a book of this quality.''
{{IUNote|Title=Tale of the Oni Samurai|Text=Though written accounts have been lost, it is very well known to the people of the region that Renjiro Yamaoka had, in all respects, discharged his duty with honor and outstanding skill.<br><br>Yet a true accounting of his exploits in service to his master has been corrupted by the legions of lesser men who profited from the hysteria wrought by his son Kazan. Though a thousand mouths have spoken words claiming their veracity, it is my aim to make the truest telling of the tale of Kazan Yamaoka.<br><br>Despite a tenuous calm that had settled in many populated parts, petty chaos continued to ravage the countryside in the region surrounding the Yamaoka lands. Thieves went unpunished and wastrels masqueraded as samurai, killing for pleasure. The old samurai, Renjiro Yamaoka, lamented the fall of his noble class. It angered him not only that the land was unsafe, but that his age prevented him from taking up his katana to defend the honor of the samurai and bring about peace.<br><br>This anger was shared by, and burned even more intensely in the heart of, his son Kazan, who longed to prove himself to his father. He wanted to restore the standing of the samurai, tarnished by the worthless men for whom honor meant nothing.<br><br>It is unknown if any outrage in particular spurred Kazan to action, but a day came when he took up his father's sword and set out to make the world right in his eyes. One after another, many men fell beneath his blade. As his toll grew, so did his viciousness. His killings took on an aspect of macabre cruelty and humiliation, as if he intended a greater warning to others with each subsequent outrage. Rumors of an avenging Oni stalking the land spread amongst the country folk.<br><br>Ast eh rain pelted his gore-encrusted armor one night, a lone samurai stepped out into his path. Kazan could see this was no imposter. Here was a true samurai. He called out to the stranger, "You are not my enemy. The honor of the samurai is a duty we share." His words seemed to assuage the stranger, as his stance softened slightly, but he quickly regained his resolve and raised his katana (sword) with intent. "You share no honor of mine." He replied, somewhat shakily to Kazan’s ear. They engaged. And though for a time Kazan felt he may indeed have more trouble than expected, he ultimately prevailed.<br><br>Yet the downed samurai would not relent. He could not stand, but still he raised his katana (sword) and spat blood. Kazan pushed the katana (sword) away and bent to remove the samurai’s helmet, intending to deliver a killing blow, only to recognize the face of his own father. It was then that the elderly samurai delivered a killing blow to himself, with a look of savage disgust.<br><br>Kazan, rent to his core with shame and fury, roared to the sky over the corpse of his disapproving father. When at last his breath was exhausted, he opened his blood-reddened eyes, and they were no longer the eyes of Kazan Yamaoka.<br><br>Before he could get to his feed, half a dozen harvesting forks pierced his heart. Accompanied by the searing pain, he heard the shouts of the men of his own village. Men he grew up with worked the fields with, drank sake with; they were the ones to honor his father by taking his life and ending Kazan’s merciless campaign of blood.<br><br>Soon, those closed to the warm stench of slaughter began to choke on a black mist far fouler than a hundred rotting corpses. Despite the frenzy, the mob’s carnage gave way to the thickening smoke, and they receded to reveal that Kazan was gone, seemingly dispersed into the wind along with the black fumes.<br><br>These are events to which I cannot attest but which conform most consistently to the accounts of the ones purporting to know. The similarities I offer as my best efforts of corroboration. None my know what truly transpired.<br><br>Talk of him still mingles on the sake-loosened tongues of farm-folk in many quarters. Some claim Kazan has since been disfigured by rage and unearthly malevolence. None have seen him and lived it seems, for each account is preceded by "I hear…" None can be trusted.<br><br>Be wary upon your travels,<br><br>H. L.}}
*'''Naoe:''' ''The story of a killer taken harshly by death and put to an even darker purpose. The Oni.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Fitting. The ground here has been recently turned.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Look at this thing. No wonder they tried to bury it.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''What is this? What's happening?'' [yelps]
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*'''Naoe:''' ''This place. Where am I?''
==The Overlap==
[]
{{IUNote|Title=Cannot Get Out|Text=None of this is real. I have to wake up. Why can't I wake up?<br><br>I found a red gate. I swear I saw daylight beyond it, but it's locked. Five seals hold it shut, each tied to a totem.<br><br>I tried everything, but only a mantra worked. When I canted it, the totem started to crack. But in the panic, I stumbled on my words and something awoke.<br><br>A monster. I ran, I fought, I bled. Nothing stopped it. I tried everything: shuriken, kunai, even a katana strike.<br><br>If you find this, know that the totems can be destroyed. That must be the way out. I will try again to destroy the one in front of the gate.<br><br>Please, prove me right.}}
*'''Naoe:''' ''The villagers. Something murdered them as they were trying to escape. I must find a way to unlock this gate.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''This totem removed the seal from the gate!''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''If I cannot hurt it, better to keep my distance.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Another seal gone.''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''One left...''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''Done! Now to leave this place.''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''A way out!''
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*'''XXXX:''' ''I think I made it!''
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[play as yasuke]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I am back!''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''It seems I did not return alone.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''It is vulnerable here!''
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*'''Yasuke:''' ''The rules have changed! You're my world now! Let us finish this..''
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*'''The Oni:''' [groans]
[]
==Back to Reality==
Tomiko will want to hear news of the missing villagers and League scout's fates.
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I do not truly know what I have just seen, but I must tell Tomiko. Tell her something of what happened here.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''The villagers. Am I... I'm sorry.''
[]
*'''Tomiko:''' ''Yasuke, I'm glad to see you return. What news of Akashi?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Nothing of what I saw was good. Some menace had already killed everyone in the village by the time I got there. Most likely our scout too.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''Oh, that's... Everyone? How can that be? Who did this?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''All I can say is I was attacked by... what looked like an Oni.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''An Oni!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''It looked like an Oni. I do not know what it was.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''An Oni. Of course, people tell tales of such demons, but to defeat one is a great victory.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I survived it. I cannot say any more than that.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''It is in the nature of such Oni to forever menace us mortals. Survival is a gift.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''There is a chance it may return?''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''Who can know the mind of an Oni?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Well. Whatever may come, we will be ready.''
==Path and Purpose==
Back in his hometown to recover, Yagoro beings a journey to discover his purpose in life.
[]
*'''Elderly man:''' ''I knew Yagoro would grow up to be a fine young man. He and his mysterious friends rid us of that Akechi bully.''
*'''Elderly woman:''' ''Remember the day he was born? He was such an ugly baby!''
*'''Elderly man:''' ''I remember. He looked like a wet, hairless weasel.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''It's good to see you among your people.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''They still need my help. I should have introduced you to everyone.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''It's all right. They must have missed you.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''They have an odd way of showing it. It's just "Yagoro, go chop some wood." Or, "where did you learn to cut fruit?!"''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Fresh fruit is a new unknown adversary. Are you sure you're up to this?''
*'''Yagoro:''' [laughs] ''You joke, but... seeing their smiles, it spreads this... warmth in my chest. I don't regret killing Mitsuhisa, but I don't know how else to help my people.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''You are here for them. That's all there is to it, really. That's what helping means.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''I suppose you are right. I hope what I do honors us all.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''You have not strayed from your path, Yagoro. Do not doubt yourself.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''Thank you. And speaking of which, I am needed elsewhere. Say, why don't you come along? You can hear all the nice things they say about me.''
[]
*'''Town elder:''' ''Look at you, Yagoro! Feels like only yesterday when you would wet a fresh kosode daily.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Well. I'm glad I followed along.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''Aw, come on.''
*'''Town elder:''' ''I'm teasing, young man. We know what you did for us.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''How are you doing? How's the town?''
*'''Town elder:''' ''The Akechi brutes are gone, but now bandits take their place. No matter. There will always be men like them.''
[]
*'''Man:''' ''There you are, Yagoro! Wanted to thank you for helping to deliver the puppies. You should take one home!''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''Keep it. It'll remind you of me. I'm just glad they're healthy.''
[]
*'''Torabo:''' ''Yagoro nii-chan! You're here! With your... follower?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Something like that.''
*'''Torabo:''' ''Oh, then you can help Haru, too. I think she's in trouble.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''Tell me. What did your friend do this time?''
*'''Torabo:''' ''When those bandits showed up, we had a contest to see who could be as brave as you! We heard about a treasure, and I said it was just a story, but Haru said it was true. So she went into the mine to prove it. ''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''I am sure she's safe. But no more silly contests. Promise?''
*'''Torabo:''' ''Promise.''
[]
*'''Yagoro:''' ''Let's go find her.''
[]
*'''Haru:''' ''Someone? Anyone? Please!''
[]
*'''Haru:''' ''Oh! Yagoro nii-chan? You found me!''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''Haru? Why did you come here alone? Looking for treasure?''
*'''Haru:''' ''Not just any treasure! A special weapon. I was going to wear it and kill the bandits one by one! But then I got scared of the bandits, and I don't like blood, and... I didn't know how to leave.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''You can't take on bandits on your own, Haru! This place is dangerous.''
*'''Haru:''' ''These men just take our silver. And we let them because they're bigger and they have swords.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''If you want to help people, listen to them. You think I look strong, but I am held up by my friends and my cause to protect my people. My commitment to them is stronger than any weapon.''
*'''Haru:''' ''If you say so, Yagoro nii-chan.''
*'''Yagoro:''' ''And no more running down dark tunnels looking for mysterious weapons, young lady.''
*'''Haru:''' ''It was probably make-believe, anyway. A blade made of shadows, here in Tamba?'' [giggles]
*'''Yagoro:''' ''What a silly story. Come on, Haru. Lets get you home.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''"A blade made of shadows..." Sounds like the Kakushiba ikki. It could be related to that place we found.''
==Painting Memories==
Junjiro would have liked to see Awaji. Paintings of the island will help satisfy his curiosity.
[]
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Can I ask you something?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Of course. What is it about?''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Well... I know you're busy... I don't want to annoy you...''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Come now, what is the matter?''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''It's just... You've been to Awaji. Everyone says it is so beautiful. I wish I could go.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''But you must stay here and look after everyone. And I promise, I will bring you something back.''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''A puppet! No, no, no... they're too expensive. But thank you. I'll look after everyone!''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''Eshima looks incredible from this angle.''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''Got it! I can't wait to bring this back to Junjiro.''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''This shrine would make for a fine sumi-e. I should get closer.''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''This shrine looks stunning from this viewpoint.''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''Perfect! I can't wait to bring this back to Junjiro.''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''The Naruto whirlpool looks brethtaking from here.''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''Got it! There, that is enough. I should give these to Junjiro, see if my technique has improved!''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''I have something for you.''
Naoe handed him the paintings she had made.
*'''Junjiro:''' ''These are beautiful! Now I just need to find somewhere to keep them... And look, I made you a sumi-e too!''
*'''Naoe:''' [laughs] ''Junjiro! You remain the master of the sumi-e. Thank you.''
==War Horse==
After the changing of seasons, Rin has invited Yasuke to visit her.
[]
*'''Rin:''' ''Yasuke! I'm glad you're here.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Is everything all right?''
*'''Rin:''' ''Well, there is a horse in the forest. I think it escaped from battle. I tried to approach, but it ran off. And I could use a horse around here, you know.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Show me where you last saw the horse. We will make sure it is all right.''
*'''Rin:''' ''Follow me! I'll tell you when we are close.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''It may be best to approach the horse in silence. Until we are in position.''
*'''Rin:''' ''Then silence you should have. As hard as it is for me at times. Come!''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''This is where I saw it. It drank from the stream. I think I see it. Come on!''
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*'''Rin:''' ''Over there, Yasuke. Look!''
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*'''Yasuke:''' ''This horse has seen better days. Approach slowly, but with confidence. Show it you are in control.''
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*'''Rin:''' ''There, there. All is well. You're safe. Poor thing. Out here alone.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''We will take it to your hut. No sense in you both being alone.''
*'''Rin:''' ''I've never looked after horses before. We could never afford to keep one. I've never even ridden one.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I grew up riding horses. Judging by its coat, this horse was cared for. It is accustomed to being ridden. Try. I will be with you.''
*'''Rin:''' ''Just... don't let me fall. Stay close! Here goes nothing...''
[]
*'''Rin:''' ''I'm doing it!''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''You are doing great! See? Nothing to fear.''
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*'''Rin:''' ''Ah! It's okay, it's okay! Calm down!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Steady... steady. You are all right. You are safe.''
*'''Rin:''' ''Which of us are you speaking to?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Both, I suppose. Come. We are not far.''
*'''Rin:''' ''And once again, I'm very glad you are here, Yasuke.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''And I'm very glad you managed to stay on the horse. when I was learning, I cannot tell you how many times I fell on my... ah... that I fell. Once it gets to know you, the horse will be as calming a presence as you are to me.''
*'''Rin:''' ''This brings something very important to my attention. About you. About me.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''And what is that?''
*'''Rin:''' ''That we really need... a name for this horse.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Agreed. Let us get our new friend back to the hut first. And slowly, yes?''
*'''Rin:''' ''You are speaking to the horse again, aren't you.''
*'''Yasuke:''' [laughs] ''A wise man knows when to say nothing.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''How about we take a short ride? Put you and this horse through its paces a little?''
*'''Rin:''' ''Just... not too fast, yes? We don't want to scare the horse away again.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''You will both be fine. I will lead the way.''
[]
*'''Rin:''' ''Where exactly are you taking me?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Worry less about the destination, focus on the journey. Feel the breeze and enjoy yourself.''
*'''Rin:''' ''Easy for you to say when you were born in the saddle!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''The best advice I was told was to simply believe you can do it.''
*'''Rin:''' ''That - whoa - explains a lot.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Stop thinking of her as an animal, and as a friend instead. Right now, she's just as worried as you.''
*'''Rin:''' ''This time, I am certain you are speaking to the horse.''
*'''Yasuke:''' [laughs] ''We are nearly there.''
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*'''Yasuke:''' ''Here we are.''
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*'''Yasuke:''' ''Well? Did you enjoy your first ride?''
*'''Rin:''' ''My first ride? No. But this second one was quite exciting. The view was more than worth it.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''The... waterfall?''
*'''Rin:''' ''That too.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Waterfalls soothe me. I do not know if it is the noise, or the flow... It calms me. Do you think you will master horse riding?''
*'''Rin:''' ''Well, my teacher is unorthodox. But yes. In time. We only have each other, after all. We need time to practice and grow accustomed to one another.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Are you talking about the horse or your "unorthodox teacher?"''
*'''Rin:''' ''I will leave that to your imagination, sensei.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Now that you are this horse's new owner, practice daily. I know you'll be an excellent rider within weeks. ''
*'''Rin:''' ''Not within days? Yasuke, how little you know me. All the same, I will practice. There is little else to occupy me.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Next time I see you, not only will you be a master rider, this stray horse will have a name.''
*'''Rin:''' ''"Stray?" No, this horse has a home now. I will keep Ite fed, and build her a shelter.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Ite... "Archer?" A fine name for a horse.''
*'''Rin:''' ''I wanted to name her after something you taught me. Come back when you can, Yasuke.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Let the horse know where you want to go-''
*'''Rin:''' ''Uh, over there!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''- by looking at where you want to go.'' [laughs]
==Sweet Lies==
There is a rumor in Wakasa about a strange girl who wreaks havoc on the lives and stomachs of others.
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''What happened?''
*'''Thug:''' ''After our usual meal, our insides howled and churned like the wind in a storm. He can barely move. She poisoned us!''
*'''Oni-yuri:''' ''Do not blame your weak little stomachs on me.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''There must be a reason you blame her.''
*'''Thug:''' ''Have you not heard the rumors? Oni-yuri, the lone flower. A strange girl living in an abandoned hamlet. She was caught trying to escape from the kitchen. It is plain that she's the cause of this!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''That does cast some doubt onto her innocence.''
*'''Thug:''' ''That's not all. She's rotten, like her father. We used to work with him, the cheating bastard.''
*'''Oni-yuri:''' ''My father cannot be blamed when you do not know the prices on the market.''
*'''Thug:''' ''He's gone now, hah. An ending deserving of a dog-faced pirate.'' [spits]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Your father was a pirate?''
*'''Oni-yuri:''' ''Mmm. My father was not a pirate. How could you accuse a poor, defenseless orphan like me?''
*'''Thug:''' ''Orphan or not, nothing matters when you lie.''
*'''Oni-yuri:''' ''Mmm. Big sister, they wound me. I was merely trying to find scraps in their revolting kitchen. Please, help prove my innocence.''
*'''Thug:''' ''No, we deal with you now. Punish her!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Do not touch her. Not until we know the truth.''
*'''Thug:''' ''Do what you want, but we will hold her here until you return. We had our meal there, at the room down the road.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''We'll be back.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''The girl seems... unpredictable. Are you sure she's telling the truth?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''She is quick with words and stands her ground. An interesting one.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''And what if she did poison that man?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''That is what we will find out.''
[Play as Naoe]
*'''Naoe:''' ''The kitchen should have the answers we seek.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I will look around for clues.''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''I should start looking where the men had their meal.''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''I need to take a closer look.''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''The broth bowls are empty. They drank it all.''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''I should check the kitchen where the broth was prepared.''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''Ugh, the stench. Like a village dung heap.''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''Ugh, these radishes are rotten. Some are missing. Would anyone eat these?''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''This broth was tampered with. Could this be what made the men sick?''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''Purple powder... ground from aconite flowers. Best not to touch. But what is it doing here?''
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*'''Naoe:''' ''I found everything I need.''
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*'''Elderly Woman:''' ''I clean when I want to. Nobody comes in my kitchen - they're too busy putting food in their mouths. If you are done intruding, please leave. I have radishes to chop.''
[]
*'''Thug:''' ''Should have never started working with pirates.''<!-- Note: Subtitles have this speaker as "Man" but it's the same thug as the start.-->
*'''Oni-yuri:''' ''I'm surprised anyone wanted to work with you.''
*'''Thug:''' ''You will be exposed, poisonous rat.''
*'''Oni-yuri:''' ''Do you speak to your wife with that mouth? Oh, I forgot. She left you.''
[]
*'''Thug:''' ''So, what did you find?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Only that the broth you ate did not look right.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''It might have been tampered with.''
*'''Thug:''' ''Brat, you have been caught! You snuck something into our food, didn't you? Admit it.''
*'''Oni-yuri:''' ''That kitchen is filthy. The vegetables are rotten, and the stench is disgusting. This is not my fault.''
*'''Thug:''' ''Don't trust the words of a pirate's daughter. She poisoned us!''
*'''Oni-yuri:''' ''Stop bringing my father into this!''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Oni-yuri is not to blame. The vegetables you ate reek of rot. And your kitchen is disgusting.''
*'''Thug:''' ''Horseshit! It is very clean.''
*'''Oni-yuri:''' ''As clean as your outhouse. Are you done with your foolishness? I have better things to do. Thank you, big sister, samurai. You've been a big help to me. But our paths end here. Goodbye!''
*'''Thug:''' ''You will not escape, lying rat. Get her!''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''There is something odd about Oni-yuri. She acts too sweet, too innocent. The vegetables were rotten, but what about the powder? What if she really did poison the men?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Even if she did poison them, she did not kill. Only caused mild discomfort. Maybe these men wronged her, somehow. Or her father.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''The possible pirate. We need to know more before we decide whether to trust her. And before she inflicts mild discomfort on somebody else.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Let us look into Oni Yuri's past.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''I'll get started.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Oni-yuri... what are you hiding?''
==Go With the Bo==
Junjiro is excited about an upcoming event he would like to attend.
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Over here!''
[]
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Will you come with me to Makinoodera Temple? Meiran, the famous bo master, will be visiting, and... well, I want to learn more about his teachings.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''You want to learn the art of the bo?''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Meiran is the ultimate warrior! He can take on a hundred soldiers with just his bo staff!''
*'''Naoe:''' ''One hundred soldiers?''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''I mean, you're great too. But the bo is... I don't know. Pure.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''It sounds like this Meiran might be telling tales to inflate his reputation. Perhaps we should pay him a visit to make sure he's not taking advantage of innocent people.''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''All right then! Let's go! Maybe he'll even do a sumi-e for us!''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Yes, let us go.''
[]
*'''Junjiro:''' ''I left a message for Yasuke to meet us at the temple.''
[]
*'''Junjiro:''' ''You're going too slow. We're going to be late and miss out on all the fun!''
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*'''Junjiro:''' ''Imagine what it would be like to know bojutsu. Auntie Tomiko wouldn't be able to boss me around anymore!''
*'''Naoe:''' ''I remember what it was like to daydream... Then I was forced to wake up.''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Daydreams only happen when you're awake, Naoe.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''And if this daydream of yours was real? If you're going to learn to use it, you will treat it with respect.''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Fine. I will.''
[]
*'''Junjiro:''' ''I wonder if these pilgrims are also heading to the temple?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''I would imagine so.''
[]
*'''Monk:''' ''You, please, stop a moment!''
[]
*'''Monk:''' ''Thank you for stopping.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''What is wrong? You seem troubled.''
*'''Monk:''' ''It is my mentor, Meiran. He is missing.''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''Missing?''
*'''Monk:''' ''He is to give a lesson at the temple. Very shortly. No Meiran, no lesson.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''This is unfortunate news...''
*'''Junjiro:''' ''We can't just give up. We've got to find him!''
*'''Naoe:''' ''These woods are not safe. They are full of desperate outlaws. The most savage kind. Head to the temple. Go with this monk. In the meantime, I will find Meiran and bring him to where he needs to be.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Is this Meiran's horse? It seems unharmed, though weary.''
[]
{{IUNote|Title=Meiran's Diary|Text=These bandits have been after me since I passed Katano Foothills.<br><br>Told them I didn't want to fight, they attacked me anyway. Now my body is tired, as is my spirit. I have to stop. I need rest.<br><br>I hear there's a beautiful viewpoint at Teratsutsuki Den. Perhaps a place to paint a sumi-e. Center myself.}}
*'''Naoe:''' ''Teratsutsuki Den is up ahead. Is that where he is?''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''This rise leads to Kawachi Heights.''
[]
*'''Meiran:''' ''Hello there.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Are you Meiran?''
*'''Meiran:''' ''Guilty, yes.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Your disciple feared you were waylaid by bandits.''
*'''Meiran:''' ''Oh yes! A fearsome group have been harassing me and my poor horse.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''I'm afraid I might have interrupted his rest. But you mentioned bandits...''
*'''Meiran:''' ''Hmm.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''So, the great Meiran fled from a few bandits.''
*'''Meiran:''' ''Have you ever gazed upon a leaf floating down a stream? It does not fight the current, it goes with the flow.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''By running away, you were going with the flow?''
*'''Meiran:''' ''For the sake of the bandits.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Well, people are waiting on you at the temple.''
*'''Meiran:''' ''Oh, but I can't go yet! I'm not finished! Barely started, in fact.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Finished what?''
*'''Meiran:''' ''My sumi-e! I found such a beautiful vista, I just had to paint it. But, curse my old bones. I have barely begun and already the cramping set in.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Indeed, it appears you have not even prepared your parchment. Very well. Let us see if we cannot find a better viewpoint. Let's go.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Need to find the right spot.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Bandits? I have to stop them!''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''I should continue with caution.''
[]
*'''Meiran:''' ''That spot may offer a fine vantage point.''
Naoe
*'''Naoe:''' ''Here.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Got it! It is done, and yes, I do feel better. Now, let us head to the temple.''
==Not Alone in this World==
Yasuke must rescue Naoe by finding a way into Sumoto Castle.
*'''Konatsu:''' ''Hattori Hanzo said that you can use this safehouse as your own for as long as you might need.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''You can pass on my thanks, Konatsu. Now, he said that Naoe is being held within Sumoto Castle.''
*'''Konatsu:''' ''By Kimura Yukari and her taisho. The locals call them the Sanzoku Ippa, and they have their claws dug deep into Awaji.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Their claws will not hold my friend for long.''
*'''Konatsu:''' ''I have given you what you need to find a way under Sumoto Castle's walls. It is a secret path, but be wary - it holds its own dangers.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Usually I just charge in through the front gate, but I will keep this option in mind.''
*'''Konatsu:''' ''Whichever route you choose, I wish you well.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Hold on Naoe, I am coming.''
{{IUNote|Title=Secret Passage Directions|Text=Get to Sumoto Castle. Follow these directions precisely and they will see you inside.<br.<br>Follow the trail southeast to Sumoto Town.<br>At the twisted tree, look to the right.<br>Near the top of the winding path, there is a collapsed entrance.}}
[]
*'''Helpful Citizen:''' ''You! Come! Come to me! Ah, new to Awaji, are you? Perhaps you need some help?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I am looking for a young woman from the mainland, who recently arrived.''
*'''Helpful Citizen:''' ''I know the one. Come, let us speak in private on this matter.''
[lead the way]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Thank you, I will follow you.''
*'''Helpful Citizen:''' ''This way, please. Let us find a quieter place where we can talk more openly.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Your knowledge is appreciated, though your eagerness to share it strikes me as unusual.''
*'''Helpful Citizen:''' [laughs] ''My intentions are as clear as spring water.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Clear waters can run deep with unseen currents. If your aim is to mislead me, know that it will not go well for you.''
*'''Helpful Citizen:''' ''Fear not, your questions will soon find their answers.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Where are you taking me?''
[]
*'''Disguised Servant 1:''' ''Now you will learn fear!''
[]
*'''Disguised Servant 2:''' ''You do not belong on this island!''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Senseless.''
[]
{{IUNote|Title=Kill the Samurai|Text=My dearest cherry blossom,<br><br>You continue to amaze. The rumours you spread of our... special guest led our quarry right into our trap. Magnificent work.<br><br>Now I have a new task. A man will arrive soon, a black man dressed in armor. You will make sure he does not leave Sumoto.<br><br>Make me proud.<br><br>Y.}}
*'''Yasuke:''' ''They know I'm here. I can trust no one.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''The path Konatsu mentioned should be nearby.''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''This must be the entrance to the hidden path.''
==A Critical Encounter==
Naoe and Yasuke offer to help Rufino in his mission to take down a sinister, secretive organization.
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Who is that? Someone hiding.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''What has happened here?''<!--For this and the following two lines, Rufino is marked as "Intruder". For better flow, he's correctly named on all lines-->
[]
*'''Rufino:''' ''Before you say anything, I wasn't lurking.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Not very well, no.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''This place was a farmstead once. Now it seems she has taken to adopting strays.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''You have been here before.''
[]
*'''Tomiko:''' ''He has. A long time ago.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''Tomiko. Are you going to introduce me?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''If you are a friend of Tomiko's, then you are welcome here.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''Best tell them who I am, Tomiko, assuming you remember.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''I told you once of a battle that turned these fields to ash. Rufino here and his companions are the only reason I did not suffer the same fate. He saved both me and Heiji.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''Little Heiji? Is he well?''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''Not so little anymore.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''So, Rufino? Why are you here?''
*'''Rufino:''' ''I need... people I can trust.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''I trust these two with my life. This is Fujibayashi Naoe. And he goes by Yasuke.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''Just Yasuke? I don't meet many foreigners who bear Japanese names.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Adaptation means survival... for a stray.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''In a strange land, all strays are brothers.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Come, you can tell us your tale as we share sake.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''My sake?''
[]
*'''Rufino:''' ''I was born in Portugal, brought to these islands on the winds of greed and then abandoned on the streets. I was just a child. But eventually I found a friend. Ermigo. Together we made this place our home.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''So? What trouble have you stirred up that you feel the need to call in a life debt?''
*'''Rufino:''' [sighs] ''Ermigo and I have been working for the Portuguese. Translating, mostly. But when one of our contacts turned up dead, I investigated. I discovered that someone - a group I think - is plotting to kill locals and replace them with strangers. And their targets aren't daimyo or taxmen. They are just kindly merchants, wise fishermen, generous cooks.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Why target such people?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''What better way to kill a community than to cut out its heart?''
*'''Naoe:''' ''So, we stop them. How?''
*'''Rufino:''' ''They have a ship. The group's research on potential targets is there - names, locations... If we destroy their research...''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''They cannot kill those they cannot find.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''I would be deeply in your debt if you were to help these people.''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''No debt required. These two will help.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Tomiko!''
*'''Tomiko:''' ''They'll help or I'll kick them out. Let's see how much of my sake you give away when you're sleeping with wild pigs. Now, go. It sounds like you have a ship to find.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''She hasn't changed.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''That's one cache down.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Another destroyed.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''Done. I should find Rufino. He said he'd meet me here.''
[]
*'''Rufino:''' ''Uh, a little help, shinobi?''
[]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''What is that?''
*'''Rufino:''' ''We destroyed their research, but some of the kill contracts have already gone out. I should have acted more quickly.''
[]
*'''Naoe:''' ''So this... makes sense to you?''
*'''Rufino:''' ''These people communicate in code, shield themselves with monikers. This list... civilian targets. It says proof of kills are shown to an overseer? And then they report to... "The Architect."''
*'''Naoe:''' ''How do you know their code?''
*'''Rufino:''' ''Early in my investigation, I found a cipher. I just hadn't seen the other side of it.''
[]
Yasuke
*'''Yasuke:''' ''This symbol. There is no mistaking it. It is not part of their code.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''The cross in red? Yes, I... think it's meant to reference their leader. Are you familiar?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''The Templar Order.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Yasuke...''
*'''Yasuke:''' [sighs]
*'''Rufino:''' ''Who are they?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Schemers. Murderers. A rot that must be burned out wherever it takes hold.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Then that's what we'll do. Cut our way through the killers, find their overseers, and track down this "Architect."''
*'''Rufino:''' ''But you'll save the civilians first, yes?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Your heart is in the right place. Of course - innocents first. But then... this "Architect" and everyone associated with him will pay.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''All right. Meet me at Tomiko's if you find anything.''
{{IUNote|Title=Contractor's Kill Assignment|Text=Contractor,<br><br>When you are done witht the ferryman, bring his bloodied sash to me at the bamboo cutting camp as proof of death. You may do what you like with the corpse, but I might suggest leaving it as food for the fish.<br><br> - The Builder}}
==Man Behind the Curtain==
Naoe and Yasuke are on the hunt for the Architect
*'''Naoe:''' ''This is the place Rufino mentioned, I'm sure of it. But this can't be right. I'll use the messages he decoded earlier to read this one for myself.''
{{IUNote|Title=True Decoded Message|Text=(Selected phrases, now correctly translated from the combined overseer's messages:)<br><br>Continued meddling of that traitor Rufino<br>Must meet and make plan<br>Eliminate him before further disrupt<br>Must meet face to face<br>Ibu Highland<br>Kashiwabara<br>Fortress<br>Scholar will be there to answer for involvement<br><br>- The Architect}}
*'''Naoe:''' ''Rufino is a liar. But why? I'll confront them all. Then I'll have my answers and their blood.''
[]
*'''Ermigo:''' ''I understand your frustration, but you're being shortsighted.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''You lied to me. You used me!''
*'''Ermigo:''' ''A necessity that broke my heart, each and every day.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''This isn't you, Ermigo. This can't be you. Leave them, I beg you. I've done all I could to hold back the tide, but I can't protect you forever!''
*'''Ermigo:''' ''I'm the one attempting to protect you. But you have to do as I say.''
[]
*'''Rufino:''' ''I brought you those names in good faith, but you made me a murderer!''
*'''Ermigo:''' ''That is the price of peace, my friend.''
[]
*'''Ermigo:''' ''You've ruined this.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''Please. He's my friend.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''You lied to me. You betrayed me.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''You sent us away on a fool's errand.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''And for what? To protect your treacherous friends?''
*'''Rufino:''' ''How could I trust you? A man blinded by vengeance?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''This is not vengeance! It is justice!''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Wait. Both of you.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''He was my friend when I had nothing! No one!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''He is working with the Templars!''
*'''Rufino:''' ''So was I. Ermigo was a brother to me. I won't let you kill him.''
[]
*'''Gaspar:''' Deveria matá-lo eu próprio por te-los trazido todos até aqui Mas primeiro, irei punir este traidor. ''(I should kill him myself for leading all of you people here. But first, I shall punish this traitor.)''
[]
*'''Ermigo:''' Senhor, só um momento... ''(Senhor, just a moment...)''
[]
*'''Ermigo:''' ''Wait!'' Esperem! ''(Wait!)''
[]
*'''Rufino:''' ''Ermigo!''
[]
*'''Gaspar:''' [Huffs] ''Kill them all, then.''
[]
*'''Rufino:''' ''I lied to you, but now my actions speak the truth. Come! Join me!''
[Play as Yasuke]
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Let us fight the true enemy. together!''
*'''Rufino:''' ''Yasuke! I'm sorry I lied to you!''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Fight now! Explain later!''
[]
*'''Gaspar:''' ''Now I get to put down Nobunaga's pet.''
[]
*'''Ermigo:''' ''I knew that you were too soft-hearted to know the truth. But I hoped that one day you'd come to see... join the cause. That we could be... true brothers once again.'' [sighs]
*'''Rufino:''' ''Ermigo.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''I... I am sorry for your loss.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''Even though he was one of them?''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''He was your true friend. A sentiment he proved with his final act. Rufino, I...''
*'''Rufino:''' ''Stop. I... I lied to you. I broke the trust between us. But... I have always been a fool. It's why all my friends are dead. Garrett, Umi, Ryuichi. And now... I have no one.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''That is not true.''
*'''Naoe:''' ''Our league is made of people who believe they can make our world a better place. A hopeful fool will fit right in.''
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Come back with us, Rufino. Join us - as our ally.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''These men killed my friend, stole my hope, poisoned my desire for peace and twisted it into a means of taking power.'' [sighs]
Yasuke
*'''Yasuke:''' ''Then come, we will hunt all who manipulate the good for their own gain.''
*'''Rufino:''' ''We'll show them that these strays have claws.''
{{IUNote|Title=Letter from J. to Gaspar|Text=Gaspar,<br><br>Brothers Duarte and Caro have failed. These islands are slipping through our fingers. It falls to you to take control of the Seta River - the Order needs it to secure passage for the members of the Black Cross we are mobilizing. Once they reach your shores, the tide will once again swing in our favor.<br><br>May the Father of Understanding guide you,<br>- M.}}
-->
==Cover artists==
==Cover artists==
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Revision as of 00:10, 26 September 2025

My secondary sandbox.

The Last Quest of Leonardo da Vinci

Le Secret de Napoléon Ier

Le Secret de Camerone

L'Armoire de Fer

Le Secret des Mines

Jade

Shadows transcripts

  • Oni-yuri: I'm surprised anyone wanted to work with you.
  • Thug: You will be exposed, poisonous rat.
  • Oni-yuri: Do you speak to your wife with that mouth? Oh, I forgot. She left you.

[]

  • Thug: So, what did you find?
  • Yasuke: Only that the broth you ate did not look right.
  • Naoe: It might have been tampered with.
  • Thug: Brat, you have been caught! You snuck something into our food, didn't you? Admit it.
  • Oni-yuri: That kitchen is filthy. The vegetables are rotten, and the stench is disgusting. This is not my fault.
  • Thug: Don't trust the words of a pirate's daughter. She poisoned us!
  • Oni-yuri: Stop bringing my father into this!
  • Naoe: Oni-yuri is not to blame. The vegetables you ate reek of rot. And your kitchen is disgusting.
  • Thug: Horseshit! It is very clean.
  • Oni-yuri: As clean as your outhouse. Are you done with your foolishness? I have better things to do. Thank you, big sister, samurai. You've been a big help to me. But our paths end here. Goodbye!
  • Thug: You will not escape, lying rat. Get her!

[]

  • Yasuke: There is something odd about Oni-yuri. She acts too sweet, too innocent. The vegetables were rotten, but what about the powder? What if she really did poison the men?
  • Naoe: Even if she did poison them, she did not kill. Only caused mild discomfort. Maybe these men wronged her, somehow. Or her father.
  • Yasuke: The possible pirate. We need to know more before we decide whether to trust her. And before she inflicts mild discomfort on somebody else.

[]

  • Yasuke: Let us look into Oni Yuri's past.
  • Naoe: I'll get started.

[]

  • Naoe: Oni-yuri... what are you hiding?

Go With the Bo

Junjiro is excited about an upcoming event he would like to attend.


  • Junjiro: Over here!

[]

  • Junjiro: Will you come with me to Makinoodera Temple? Meiran, the famous bo master, will be visiting, and... well, I want to learn more about his teachings.
  • Naoe: You want to learn the art of the bo?
  • Junjiro: Meiran is the ultimate warrior! He can take on a hundred soldiers with just his bo staff!
  • Naoe: One hundred soldiers?
  • Junjiro: I mean, you're great too. But the bo is... I don't know. Pure.
  • Naoe: It sounds like this Meiran might be telling tales to inflate his reputation. Perhaps we should pay him a visit to make sure he's not taking advantage of innocent people.
  • Junjiro: All right then! Let's go! Maybe he'll even do a sumi-e for us!
  • Naoe: Yes, let us go.

[]

  • Junjiro: I left a message for Yasuke to meet us at the temple.

[]

  • Junjiro: You're going too slow. We're going to be late and miss out on all the fun!

[]

  • Junjiro: Imagine what it would be like to know bojutsu. Auntie Tomiko wouldn't be able to boss me around anymore!
  • Naoe: I remember what it was like to daydream... Then I was forced to wake up.
  • Junjiro: Daydreams only happen when you're awake, Naoe.
  • Naoe: And if this daydream of yours was real? If you're going to learn to use it, you will treat it with respect.
  • Junjiro: Fine. I will.

[]

  • Junjiro: I wonder if these pilgrims are also heading to the temple?
  • Naoe: I would imagine so.

[]

  • Monk: You, please, stop a moment!

[]

  • Monk: Thank you for stopping.
  • Naoe: What is wrong? You seem troubled.
  • Monk: It is my mentor, Meiran. He is missing.
  • Junjiro: Missing?
  • Monk: He is to give a lesson at the temple. Very shortly. No Meiran, no lesson.
  • Naoe: This is unfortunate news...
  • Junjiro: We can't just give up. We've got to find him!
  • Naoe: These woods are not safe. They are full of desperate outlaws. The most savage kind. Head to the temple. Go with this monk. In the meantime, I will find Meiran and bring him to where he needs to be.

[]

  • Naoe: Is this Meiran's horse? It seems unharmed, though weary.

[]

Meiran's Diary

These bandits have been after me since I passed Katano Foothills.

Told them I didn't want to fight, they attacked me anyway. Now my body is tired, as is my spirit. I have to stop. I need rest.

I hear there's a beautiful viewpoint at Teratsutsuki Den. Perhaps a place to paint a sumi-e. Center myself.
  • Naoe: Teratsutsuki Den is up ahead. Is that where he is?

[]

  • Naoe: This rise leads to Kawachi Heights.

[]

  • Meiran: Hello there.
  • Naoe: Are you Meiran?
  • Meiran: Guilty, yes.
  • Naoe: Your disciple feared you were waylaid by bandits.
  • Meiran: Oh yes! A fearsome group have been harassing me and my poor horse.
  • Naoe: I'm afraid I might have interrupted his rest. But you mentioned bandits...
  • Meiran: Hmm.
  • Naoe: So, the great Meiran fled from a few bandits.
  • Meiran: Have you ever gazed upon a leaf floating down a stream? It does not fight the current, it goes with the flow.
  • Naoe: By running away, you were going with the flow?
  • Meiran: For the sake of the bandits.
  • Naoe: Well, people are waiting on you at the temple.
  • Meiran: Oh, but I can't go yet! I'm not finished! Barely started, in fact.
  • Naoe: Finished what?
  • Meiran: My sumi-e! I found such a beautiful vista, I just had to paint it. But, curse my old bones. I have barely begun and already the cramping set in.
  • Naoe: Indeed, it appears you have not even prepared your parchment. Very well. Let us see if we cannot find a better viewpoint. Let's go.

[]

  • Naoe: Need to find the right spot.

[]

  • Naoe: Bandits? I have to stop them!

[]

  • Naoe: I should continue with caution.

[]

  • Meiran: That spot may offer a fine vantage point.

Naoe

  • Naoe: Here.

[]

  • Naoe: Got it! It is done, and yes, I do feel better. Now, let us head to the temple.

Not Alone in this World

Yasuke must rescue Naoe by finding a way into Sumoto Castle.

  • Konatsu: Hattori Hanzo said that you can use this safehouse as your own for as long as you might need.
  • Yasuke: You can pass on my thanks, Konatsu. Now, he said that Naoe is being held within Sumoto Castle.
  • Konatsu: By Kimura Yukari and her taisho. The locals call them the Sanzoku Ippa, and they have their claws dug deep into Awaji.
  • Yasuke: Their claws will not hold my friend for long.
  • Konatsu: I have given you what you need to find a way under Sumoto Castle's walls. It is a secret path, but be wary - it holds its own dangers.
  • Yasuke: Usually I just charge in through the front gate, but I will keep this option in mind.
  • Konatsu: Whichever route you choose, I wish you well.

[]

  • Yasuke: Hold on Naoe, I am coming.

Secret Passage Directions

Get to Sumoto Castle. Follow these directions precisely and they will see you inside.<br.
Follow the trail southeast to Sumoto Town.
At the twisted tree, look to the right.
Near the top of the winding path, there is a collapsed entrance.

[]

  • Helpful Citizen: You! Come! Come to me! Ah, new to Awaji, are you? Perhaps you need some help?
  • Yasuke: I am looking for a young woman from the mainland, who recently arrived.
  • Helpful Citizen: I know the one. Come, let us speak in private on this matter.

[lead the way]

  • Yasuke: Thank you, I will follow you.
  • Helpful Citizen: This way, please. Let us find a quieter place where we can talk more openly.
  • Yasuke: Your knowledge is appreciated, though your eagerness to share it strikes me as unusual.
  • Helpful Citizen: [laughs] My intentions are as clear as spring water.
  • Yasuke: Clear waters can run deep with unseen currents. If your aim is to mislead me, know that it will not go well for you.
  • Helpful Citizen: Fear not, your questions will soon find their answers.
  • Yasuke: Where are you taking me?

[]

  • Disguised Servant 1: Now you will learn fear!

[]

  • Disguised Servant 2: You do not belong on this island!

[]

  • Yasuke: Senseless.

[]

Kill the Samurai

My dearest cherry blossom,

You continue to amaze. The rumours you spread of our... special guest led our quarry right into our trap. Magnificent work.

Now I have a new task. A man will arrive soon, a black man dressed in armor. You will make sure he does not leave Sumoto.

Make me proud.

Y.
  • Yasuke: They know I'm here. I can trust no one.

[]

  • Yasuke: The path Konatsu mentioned should be nearby.

[]

  • Yasuke: This must be the entrance to the hidden path.

A Critical Encounter

Naoe and Yasuke offer to help Rufino in his mission to take down a sinister, secretive organization.

  • Yasuke: Who is that? Someone hiding.
  • Rufino: What has happened here?

[]

  • Rufino: Before you say anything, I wasn't lurking.
  • Naoe: Not very well, no.
  • Rufino: This place was a farmstead once. Now it seems she has taken to adopting strays.
  • Yasuke: You have been here before.

[]

  • Tomiko: He has. A long time ago.
  • Rufino: Tomiko. Are you going to introduce me?
  • Yasuke: If you are a friend of Tomiko's, then you are welcome here.
  • Rufino: Best tell them who I am, Tomiko, assuming you remember.
  • Tomiko: I told you once of a battle that turned these fields to ash. Rufino here and his companions are the only reason I did not suffer the same fate. He saved both me and Heiji.
  • Rufino: Little Heiji? Is he well?
  • Tomiko: Not so little anymore.
  • Naoe: So, Rufino? Why are you here?
  • Rufino: I need... people I can trust.
  • Tomiko: I trust these two with my life. This is Fujibayashi Naoe. And he goes by Yasuke.
  • Rufino: Just Yasuke? I don't meet many foreigners who bear Japanese names.
  • Yasuke: Adaptation means survival... for a stray.
  • Rufino: In a strange land, all strays are brothers.
  • Yasuke: Come, you can tell us your tale as we share sake.
  • Tomiko: My sake?

[]

  • Rufino: I was born in Portugal, brought to these islands on the winds of greed and then abandoned on the streets. I was just a child. But eventually I found a friend. Ermigo. Together we made this place our home.
  • Tomiko: So? What trouble have you stirred up that you feel the need to call in a life debt?
  • Rufino: [sighs] Ermigo and I have been working for the Portuguese. Translating, mostly. But when one of our contacts turned up dead, I investigated. I discovered that someone - a group I think - is plotting to kill locals and replace them with strangers. And their targets aren't daimyo or taxmen. They are just kindly merchants, wise fishermen, generous cooks.
  • Naoe: Why target such people?
  • Yasuke: What better way to kill a community than to cut out its heart?
  • Naoe: So, we stop them. How?
  • Rufino: They have a ship. The group's research on potential targets is there - names, locations... If we destroy their research...
  • Yasuke: They cannot kill those they cannot find.
  • Rufino: I would be deeply in your debt if you were to help these people.
  • Tomiko: No debt required. These two will help.
  • Naoe: Tomiko!
  • Tomiko: They'll help or I'll kick them out. Let's see how much of my sake you give away when you're sleeping with wild pigs. Now, go. It sounds like you have a ship to find.
  • Rufino: She hasn't changed.

[]

  • Naoe: That's one cache down.

[]

  • Naoe: Another destroyed.

[]

  • Naoe: Done. I should find Rufino. He said he'd meet me here.

[]

  • Rufino: Uh, a little help, shinobi?

[]

  • Yasuke: What is that?
  • Rufino: We destroyed their research, but some of the kill contracts have already gone out. I should have acted more quickly.

[]

  • Naoe: So this... makes sense to you?
  • Rufino: These people communicate in code, shield themselves with monikers. This list... civilian targets. It says proof of kills are shown to an overseer? And then they report to... "The Architect."
  • Naoe: How do you know their code?
  • Rufino: Early in my investigation, I found a cipher. I just hadn't seen the other side of it.

[] Yasuke

  • Yasuke: This symbol. There is no mistaking it. It is not part of their code.
  • Rufino: The cross in red? Yes, I... think it's meant to reference their leader. Are you familiar?
  • Yasuke: The Templar Order.
  • Naoe: Yasuke...
  • Yasuke: [sighs]
  • Rufino: Who are they?
  • Yasuke: Schemers. Murderers. A rot that must be burned out wherever it takes hold.
  • Naoe: Then that's what we'll do. Cut our way through the killers, find their overseers, and track down this "Architect."
  • Rufino: But you'll save the civilians first, yes?
  • Yasuke: Your heart is in the right place. Of course - innocents first. But then... this "Architect" and everyone associated with him will pay.
  • Rufino: All right. Meet me at Tomiko's if you find anything.

Contractor's Kill Assignment

Contractor,

When you are done witht the ferryman, bring his bloodied sash to me at the bamboo cutting camp as proof of death. You may do what you like with the corpse, but I might suggest leaving it as food for the fish.

- The Builder

Man Behind the Curtain

Naoe and Yasuke are on the hunt for the Architect

  • Naoe: This is the place Rufino mentioned, I'm sure of it. But this can't be right. I'll use the messages he decoded earlier to read this one for myself.

True Decoded Message

(Selected phrases, now correctly translated from the combined overseer's messages:)

Continued meddling of that traitor Rufino
Must meet and make plan
Eliminate him before further disrupt
Must meet face to face
Ibu Highland
Kashiwabara
Fortress
Scholar will be there to answer for involvement

- The Architect
  • Naoe: Rufino is a liar. But why? I'll confront them all. Then I'll have my answers and their blood.

[]

  • Ermigo: I understand your frustration, but you're being shortsighted.
  • Rufino: You lied to me. You used me!
  • Ermigo: A necessity that broke my heart, each and every day.
  • Rufino: This isn't you, Ermigo. This can't be you. Leave them, I beg you. I've done all I could to hold back the tide, but I can't protect you forever!
  • Ermigo: I'm the one attempting to protect you. But you have to do as I say.

[]

  • Rufino: I brought you those names in good faith, but you made me a murderer!
  • Ermigo: That is the price of peace, my friend.

[]

  • Ermigo: You've ruined this.
  • Rufino: Please. He's my friend.
  • Yasuke: You lied to me. You betrayed me.
  • Naoe: You sent us away on a fool's errand.
  • Yasuke: And for what? To protect your treacherous friends?
  • Rufino: How could I trust you? A man blinded by vengeance?
  • Yasuke: This is not vengeance! It is justice!
  • Naoe: Wait. Both of you.
  • Rufino: He was my friend when I had nothing! No one!
  • Yasuke: He is working with the Templars!
  • Rufino: So was I. Ermigo was a brother to me. I won't let you kill him.

[]

  • Gaspar: Deveria matá-lo eu próprio por te-los trazido todos até aqui Mas primeiro, irei punir este traidor. (I should kill him myself for leading all of you people here. But first, I shall punish this traitor.)

[]

  • Ermigo: Senhor, só um momento... (Senhor, just a moment...)

[]

  • Ermigo: Wait! Esperem! (Wait!)

[]

  • Rufino: Ermigo!

[]

  • Gaspar: [Huffs] Kill them all, then.

[]

  • Rufino: I lied to you, but now my actions speak the truth. Come! Join me!

[Play as Yasuke]

  • Yasuke: Let us fight the true enemy. together!
  • Rufino: Yasuke! I'm sorry I lied to you!
  • Yasuke: Fight now! Explain later!

[]

  • Gaspar: Now I get to put down Nobunaga's pet.

[]

  • Ermigo: I knew that you were too soft-hearted to know the truth. But I hoped that one day you'd come to see... join the cause. That we could be... true brothers once again. [sighs]
  • Rufino: Ermigo.
  • Yasuke: I... I am sorry for your loss.
  • Rufino: Even though he was one of them?
  • Yasuke: He was your true friend. A sentiment he proved with his final act. Rufino, I...
  • Rufino: Stop. I... I lied to you. I broke the trust between us. But... I have always been a fool. It's why all my friends are dead. Garrett, Umi, Ryuichi. And now... I have no one.
  • Yasuke: That is not true.
  • Naoe: Our league is made of people who believe they can make our world a better place. A hopeful fool will fit right in.
  • Yasuke: Come back with us, Rufino. Join us - as our ally.
  • Rufino: These men killed my friend, stole my hope, poisoned my desire for peace and twisted it into a means of taking power. [sighs]

Yasuke

  • Yasuke: Then come, we will hunt all who manipulate the good for their own gain.
  • Rufino: We'll show them that these strays have claws.

Letter from J. to Gaspar

Gaspar,

Brothers Duarte and Caro have failed. These islands are slipping through our fingers. It falls to you to take control of the Seta River - the Order needs it to secure passage for the members of the Black Cross we are mobilizing. Once they reach your shores, the tide will once again swing in our favor.

May the Father of Understanding guide you,
- M.

-->

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