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My quinary sandbox.
Assassin's Creed: Shadows memories
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Assassin's Creed: Shadows memories
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Non-canon memories:
- Defensive Position (alternate assassination for Yaita Wakasa)
- The Jounin Pillow Book (Katsuhime romance)
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 out 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 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.
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.
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