The Iron Hand Guild

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The Iron Hand Guild was a virtual representation of one of Fujibayashi Naoe's genetic memories, relived through the Animus EGO.

Description

Naoe discovers a secret merchant group who seeks the downfall of the Imai clan in Settsu and takeover their operation.

Dialogue

In the Money Changer District of Sakai, Naoe eliminated the outlaws the area and recovered a scroll left on the floor.

Letter from Iron Hand

With the death of Oda Nobunaga, the influence of the Imai family has waned. We shall take their place, using any means necessary. Our influence shall spread across the country and we will control trade with silver and steel.

- Iron Hand

• Naoe: Who is the "Iron Hand?" From House Imai... Imai Sōkun didn't talk like this, but maybe that was only a mask he wore.

Naoe decided to head to Sokun's office to find out more. She entered the room and spoke to Sokun.

• Sōkun: Sanuki? Is that you? I haven't seen you since my father's tea ceremony. Sit, have some sake. Let's talk business.
• Naoe: I'm no longer in the teppo trade.
• Sōkun: (laughs) You never were, we both know that now. So, "Sanuki." I may have a task better suited to your true skills.
• Naoe: My skills are not for sale, whatever you might think of me.
• Sōkun: Oh? Then let me appeal to your virtue, shinobi. Men like this feed chaos. Innocent people will suffer.
• Naoe: I'm listening.
• Sōkun: The death of Lord Nobunaga has had a profound effect upon this land. Not just for governance, but also culture. Trade. Some use this chaos to falsely attach themselves to great merchant houses. Forging letters and contracts that bear our names.
• Naoe: Like the Iron Hand of House Imai?
• Sōkun: There is no Iron Hand of House Imai!

Naoe showed Sōkun the letter she found.

• Naoe: Then why do I have a letter signed by him?
• Sōkun: The imposter. Using our name to kill and cheat his way to wealth and power.
• Naoe: You want me to remove your business rival?
• Sōkun: If we do not contain this lawlessness, Lord Hideyoshi will. All who trade will suffer for it. In Sakai and beyond. We must prevent this land from sliding deeper into chaos. Many will die if this "Iron Hand" endures.
• Naoe: All right. For the greater good... and past favors. Where can I find him?
• Sōkun: The merchants that serve him might offer clues that point the way. But spare the merchants if you can. When the Iron Hand is dead, House Imai will contract their services. If they live.

Having received clues from Sōkun, Naoe left Sakai and traveled to Omi Province to find the missing ship in Lake Biwa. While exploring the lake with her boat, she came across the island of Okishima and found a group of pirates near what seemed to be a shipwreck.

• Naoe: A trading ship. Does the Iron Hand's reach extend this far? There may be something of value on board that wrecked ship. If pirates haven't picked it clean.

Naoe cleared the area of the pirates and looted a note on thwe wreck.

Shipping Manifest

This water-damaged document appears to list the goods carried on the wrecked ship. The port of origin is marked as Ōtsu, but its destination is unreadable.

Having identified the source of the ship, Naoe traveled to Ōtsu and explored the ports, finding the merchant Kanta from the syndicate.

• Naoe: Does that merchant work for the Iron Hand?

After killing him, Naoe recovered a letter from his body.

Letter Regarding Otsu Port

I want you to personally see to it that your next shipment reaches my associate in Tamba. You may trust him, but none other.

• Naoe: This Iron Hand is from Tamba, not Sakai. And more heavy-handed than either Sokun or Sokyu.

Naoe then left Omi for Tamba province to track down merchant Ginroku while pursing the clue from Ōtsu. In the city of Miyazu, Naoe found Ginroku standing outside the shops.

• Naoe: That merchant looks nervous. Maybe out of fear of the Iron Hand.

She assassinated the merchant and looted a letter from his body.

Letter Regarding Tamba

Lord,
My apologies. We have heard nothing about the shipment from your associate in Omi. As soon as it arrives, I shall send it to your warehouse in Fukuchiyama Castle without delay.

• Naoe: The Iron Hand has named Fukuchiyama Castle as his base. A mistake he will come to regret. I do not know Fukuchiyama Castle, but I may learn more from the Iron Hand's other merchants.

Next, Naoe traveled to Wakasa Province to track down merchant Kin-no-suke. She investigated a bandit camp and found a letter on the table.

Letter from Bandit Chief

We must stop at nothing to deliver what was promised to Iron Hand. If you fear me, fear him more. If you meet a merchant on the road, take their stock and bring it to me in Obama. Kill anyone who resists.

• Naoe: I don't care what hold the Iron Hand has on these merchants. There's no excuse for murdering people to rob them.

Naor then traveled to the city of Obama. There, she found Kin-no-suke with his hired group of outlaws. After killing the outlaws, Naoe killed Kin-no-suke and recovered a letter from his body.

Letter Regarding Obama

Little is known about the Iron Hand's habits, but like most merchants, he understands how tea ceremony can benefit business. We believe an appealing invitation could draw him out.

• Naoe: The Iron Hand is not so different from other merchants. He wants to use tea to improve his standing. If the Iron Hand is with House Imai, why has he not been invited for tea?