Way of the Blacksmith

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Way of the Blacksmith was a virtual representation of one of Fujibayashi Naoe's genetic memories, relived through the Animus EGO.

Description

Naoe was asked by Tomiko to recruit the blacksmith Heiji for their hideout.

Dialogue

Naoe arrived in the city of Sakai.

• Naoe: Tomiko said I might find Heiji the blacksmith here. Near the shops.

Naoe headed to the shops area, where she overheard an aggressive voice.

• Thug Leader: You think we're playing? Talk or I'll cut your tongue!

Naoe got closer to the direction of the voice.

• Thug Leader: What's the use of a knife-maker who won't make knives!

Recognising the knife-maker could be Heiji, Naoe tried to get closer.

• Naoe: That could be Heiji, and it looks like he's in trouble.

Naoe entered an alley, where he found a group of thugs harassing the blacksmith.

• Meiji: All of the knives have been melted down. There is nothing to give you.
• Thug Leader: You're going to make me more knives, blacksmith.

Seeing she was outnumbered, Naoe decided to make use of sneaking. She first eliminated a thug at the back from the bush. She then hide in the nearby well, where she then eliminated the next thug by throwing him into the well. After eliminating the third guard, she was noticed by the thug leader who attacked her.

• Thug Leader: A hero, huh?
• Naoe: Maybe compared to you.
• Thug Leader: You're a scavenger like me.

After eliminating the thugs, Naoe spoke to Heiji.

• Naoe: Heiji? You did not fight back.
• Heiji: I do not spill blood. I make tools.
• Naoe: They could have killed you.
• Heiji: Yes, perhaps.
• Naoe: I hope I am as brave when death comes for me.
• Heiji: I am not brave. I am broken.
• Naoe: Broken?
• Heiji: My parents built this forge to make tobacco knives. They were the best in Sakai. And very valuable. Then... my parents were killed. I do not make their knives anymore.
• Naoe: I'm sorry for your loss, Heiji. I'm a friend of Tomiko. She sent me to you.
• Heiji: Tomiko? I am in her debt.
• Naoe: We could use your help, Tomiko and I. Come to Settsu. Whatever debt you owe will be repaid. We might even find a way to fix what has been broken.
• Heiji: There is nothing for me here now. I will pack what is left, and come.
• Naoe: Good. We will be waiting.

Naoe eventually returned to the hideout and, after having gathered enough resources, built a forge for Heiji to work in. She and Tomiko joined him in the forge.

• Tomiko:' The forge is done. I think your parents would approve.
• Heiji: They were the best blacksmiths in Sakai before Oda Nobunaga killed them. Perhaps here, I can honor them. I am in your debt again.
• Tomiko: Nonsense. You belong here. And don't thank me, thank Naoe. She found you.

Heiji bowed to Naoe in gratitude.

• Naoe: This is very good.
• Tomiko: Yes. It is.

Outcome

Naoe saved Heiji from bandits in Sakai and recruited him for her hideout. She also built Heiji a forge so that he can work and provide blacksmith services to her.