A Chance Encounter

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A Chance Encounter was a virtual representation of one of Fujibayashi Naoe and Yasuke's genetic memories, relived through the Animus EGO.

Description

Yasuke and Naoe work together to track down clues regarding the Shinbakufu member known as "The Wise".

Dialogue

The pair met the miko Fuyu on the Ōmiwa Shrine's grounds.

• Fuyu: So Ōmononushi has called you here.
• Yasuke: Is that one of the kami? I do not think they did.
• Fuyu: The call of a kami is subtle. Other heard by the uninitiated as something else. Some say restless spirits are the cause of the damaged shrines.
• Yasuke: What do you say?
• Fuyu: I say it may be. Or perhaps no. But the result is the same. Ōmononushi is unsettled.
• Yasuke: What can be done?
• Fuyu: Join me in tribute to Ōmononushi. Offer sake at his three shrines. Clarity will follow.
• Yasuke: I have learned sake rarely leads to clarity. But I will accept answers where I find them.
• Fuyu: My fellow kannushi hide in a nearby village. Too afraid to lead in the worship of Ōmononushi.
• Yasuke: Is this because of the damaged shrines?
• Fuyu: Yes. Without the priests' guidance, seeking Ōmononushi becomes ever harder for the people.
• Yasuke: If it is not restless spirits behind the shrine attacks, then who is to blame?
• Fuyu: I fear only a human mind could stir up such turmoil and treachery. Yet its scope is beyond any one person.
• Yasuke: A conspiracy? If so, the culprits may be in positions of authority. They cannot be allowed to continue their leader's dark work.
• Fuyu: If death is the only path, then do what you must. Here. I will pray. You appease Ōmononushi with the sake. O great Ōmononushi, we offer gratitude to you for your blessings and guidance. Visit the two remining shrines. Repeat the ritual. For all Yamato's turmoil, you need fear nothing on this mountain.
• Yasuke: O great Ōmononushi, I offer gratitude to you for your blessings and guidance.

Having visited two shrines and given offerings, Yasuke left for the last location.

• Yasuke: I will go to the last shrine. After I am done, I will speak to the miko.
• Kojiro: Seeking answers from spirits, are you? Then you are a fool.
• Yasuke: I suppose that is not the worst thing I have been called.
• Kojiro: A sense of humor is a rare commodity in this age. Kojiro. At your service.
• Yasuke: Yasuke. I suppose you're not seeking answers from them.
• Kojiro: I have all the answers I need.
• Yasuke: So what then is your purpose here? With me?
• Kojiro: Purpose? None. But you... you are on the trail of a formidable warrior, yes?
• Yasuke: Like you, I have no purpose here. Other than foolishly seeking answers from spirits.
• Kojiro: I see. You don't trust me. Then you are wise. In Yamato, everything is a lie. Even the lies. Now, if it is answers you want, go speak with the daimyō. Ours is Tsutsui Junkei. A fine young man.
• Yasuke: Lord Junkei? He was an ally to Lord Nobunaga. But not a trusted one.
• Kojiro: Very good. Trust no one. But if you want to get on his good side, take a gift. A... persimmon, perhaps? He is fond of them.
• Yasuke: Where will I find Lord Junkei?
• Kojiro: Like the truth, he is elusive. Definitely not in his castle. You like tea? They make excellent tea somewhere over there.

Yasuke left and searched in the direction indicated but found nothing.

• Yasuke: Strange. He is gone.

He saw a samurai nearby and spoke to him.

• Yasuke: I am Yasuke of the Oda clan. I wish to pay my respects to Lord Junkei.
• Samurai: Lord Junkei is not accepting guests. But for a samurai of your standing, he may make an exception.
• Yasuke: Let me do the talking. You know daimyō.
• Junkei: Missing envoys, restless spirits... I came here, surreptitiously, to escape these troubles. If only for a moment.
• Yasuke: Greetings, Lord Junkei. My name is Yasuke.
• Junkei: I remember you. Oda Nobunaga's mighty giant.
• Yasuke: My servant intends you no harm. A gift for you.
• Junkei: Is this a jest?
• Yasuke: I do not understand.

Monk Hara Joken entered the room.

• Joken: Lord Junkei, what is amiss?
• Junkei: Last night, I dreamed of a man with no face. He held out a persimmon. Friend or foe, I do not know. But... dreams must be honored. You have a role to play here. Go against me, giant, and you will pay. Her too.
• Yasuke: Yes, Lord Junkei.
• Joken: I am Joken. Hokkyo and caretaker of Todaiji. Please, share your reason for coming here. It may alleviate Lord Junkei's suspicions.
• Yasuke: I come to Yamato to pay tribute to Ōmononushi.
• Joken: A foreigner wishes to worship at our shrines?
• Yasuke: I am a newcomer to this land. I wish to learn all corners of its coulture.
• Junkei: Curse the spirits! One of many problems I must face. There can be no peace in Yamato while they haunt us.

Naoe entered the room.

• Naoe: Perhaps Lord Junkei would like us to deal with these spirits. Ease his burden?
• Joken: Uneasy spirits plague us, but it is Lady Ayako who is the true root of trouble in Yamato.
• Junkei: If the Akiyama clan reject my offer of peace, I will destroy them.
• Joken: Lord Junkei most graciously sent peace envoys to the Akiyama clan. Those envoys have been abducted. Or worse.
• Naoe: We will help you and keep watch for your envoys.
• Junkei: Yes, girl, do that. Now, I grow weary. I need time. And quiet. And peace.
• Joken: Yasuke, I have heard stories of your prowess. It would be my honor if you were to visit me at Todaiji Temple. You may bring your "servant" too... if she wishes to come along.
• Kojiro: What will it be then? Troublesome spirits, or looking for lost envoys?
• Naoe: Are you spying on us?
• Kojiro: I can't help it. I have the long, sensitive ears of a rabbit.
• Naoe: Maybe this Lady Ayako is our true target.
• Yasuke: The target is not everything. Resolving the Tsutsui-Akiyama feud may bring lasting peace to Yamato.
• Naoe: Killing the target can bring peace.
• Yasuke: Perhaps. Lady Ayako deserves investigation, I agree. Finding the envoys may lead us to her. But the more pressing threat is the spirits. We must put them at ease before the people lose hope.
• Naoe: If they exist. The miko mentioned a nearby village with frightened priests.
• Kojiro: And there you have it. The spirits, then the envoys. Oh, and after, maybe a visit to the Hokkyo at his temple? Should be fun. That is the order of things. Do not deviate or you will taste my wrath.

Naoe and Yasuke left.

• Naoe: Strange man.
• Yasuke: This whole land is strange.

Outcome

While praying to the shrines, Naoe and Yasuke met Kojiro, who recommended they meet with the region's daimyō Tsutsui Junkei. At Junkei's home, they met the monk Hara Joken. When both men revealed that peace envoys sent to the Akiyama clan had gone missing, Naoe and Yasuke agreed to find them.