The Performer (memory)

Where are the paintings? This article is in need of more images and/or better quality pictures from official media in order to achieve a higher status. You can help the Assassin's Creed Wiki by uploading better images on this page.

I thought we wanted the same thing. This memory has been marked as incomplete. Please update the page to include the missing dialogue transcription(s) or choice(s), and then remove this template once done.

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

Description

Naoe and Yasuke returns to Niwa Nagahide with the identity of the man behind attacks on his clan.

Dialogue

NaoeYasuke

• Naoe: Lord Nagahide should know something about the Takeda clan. Maybe he can help.

• Yasuke: Lord Nagahide should know something about the Takeda clan. Perhaps he can help.

Naoe and Yasuke passed by Hong's shop and found Nagahide dining with the cook.

• Nagahide: Did you add something new to the broth?
• Hong: (grunts) Maybe. So, any thoughts?
• Nagahide: Well. It's... interesting.

Naoe and Yasuke entered the shop.

• Hong: So, you're back. Lord Nagahide will be pleased.

The two spoke to the lord.

• Nagahide: Did you find him? And are you ready to take him down?

NaoeYasuke

• Naoe: We have a name. It is time to end his blood trail.

• Yasuke: We know who we are looking for. It is time to end his evil.

• Hong: So. It is time to start cooking.

Naoe and Yasuke sat down with Nagahide.

NaoeYasuke

• Naoe: It's Takeda Motoaki. The one we're after.
• Nagahide: The proud Takeda... They were mighty once, but their fortunes here declined after the Asakura ousted them from Nochiseyama Castle. Which Lord Nobunaga then gave to me. Those who lust after power will never abide quietly by what they have lost. We must be certain before we act. What leads to this conclusion?
• Naoe: The pirate Samemaru works for a man called the Performer. They are meeting here in Obama.
• Nagahide: From that you guess it to be Takeda Motoaki?
• Naoe: There's more.
• Hong: (grunts) The Performer. So. Does that make me the Noodle Man?
• Nagahide: Go on. What did you learn there?
• Naoe: Your family in Tsuruga was attacked. They knew something about the biwa tune heard at each ambush. From there, I went to Saifukuji Temple. I was told someone there would know more. I met a master of the biwa. He played the same melody, and said that only Takeda Motoaki would know the tune.

• Naoe: It's Takeda Motoaki. The one we're after.
• Nagahide: The proud Takeda... They were mighty once, but their fortunes here declined after the Asakura ousted them from Nochiseyama Castle. Which Lord Nobunaga then gave to me. Those who lust after power will never abide quietly by what they have lost. We must be certain before we act. What leads to this conclusion?
• Yasuke: The pirate Samemaru is working for someone called the Performer. They will meet here in Obama.
• Nagahide: You believe that this person is Takeda Motoaki?
• Yasuke: Yes. More evidence links him to it.
• Hong: (grunts) The Performer. So. Does that make me the Noodle Man?
• Nagahide: Go on. What did you learn there?
• Yasuke: There was an ambush at your estate in Tsuruga. But I managed to fight off the intruders. Then I heard the same biwa melody. Your clan elder sent me to Saifukuji Temple to find the musician. I met a biwa master who knew that exact tune. He said it was composed by Takeda Motoaki.

The three of them stood up and gathered outside the shop to discuss the revelations, with Hong following nearby.

• Nagahide: It makes sense. He wants to take it all back... Nochiseyama castle. And Wakasa.
• Hong: Voices whisper that the Takeda are back on the rise.
• Yasuke: That is why he is trying to put an end to your clan, Lord Nagahide.
• Nagahide: I cannot afford to wait for him to come after my family again. I will dispatch my samurai.
• Hong: And leave your belly exposed like a fish?
• Naoe: We have our own questions for Motoaki. Let us bring him to his end.
• Nagahide: Very well. I trust that this will be done with discretion?
• Yasuke: Of course, my lord.
• Nagahide: Takeda Motoaki resides in the samurai district. I will look for you when it is done.

Naoe and Yasuke then left to deal with Motoaki. They climbed up a building to take an overview look of the city.

• Yasuke: I do not think we are meant to climb buildings so quickly.
• Naoe: We are if we are skilled.
• Yasuke: (scoffs)
• Naoe: Takeda Motoaki. Cast out by a greater power. Consumed by bitterness. Out on a bloody path of revenge...
• Yasuke: You have chosen a different path.
• Naoe: Let's focus on Motoaki. His clan still holds support in these parts.
• Yasuke: And Samemaru. Large, brash, with a scar on his face. Samemaru. A pirate... and a slaver. Sons, daughters, mothers and fathers... herded onto ships like animals.
• Naoe: Samemaru will pay, once we are finished with Motoaki. We know he is here somewhere -

They then heard a commotion from elsewhere.

• Samemaru: (laughs)
• Ashigaru Spearman: It's Samemaru! Guards! To arms!

Naoe and Yasuke saw Samemaru running from the guards.

• Yasuke: You take care of Motoaki. Fate has delivered this one unto me. Samemaru is mine.
• Naoe: What? No. Yasuke, we—

Before Naoe could stop him, Yasuke had already left.

• Yasuke: I will find you later!

On the ground at the Kara Market, Yasuke set his sights on hunting down Samemaru. He found Motoaki's men fighting against Samemaru's men while attempting to chase him down.

• Yasuke: Motoaki's men are chasing Samemaru as well. But why?
• Pirate Thug: Why did the Takeda turn on us?
• Ashigaru Swordsman: Now is the time. To scour this pirate filth from our home!

After a short while, Yasuke spotted Samemaru and gave chase.

• Yasuke: There! The slaver Samemaru!
• Samemaru: (laughs) The foreigner! We finally meet, but I have to say goodbye.
• Yasuke: You cannot run forever!
  I must not let him get away. Samemaru! He is close!

Yasuke chased Samemaru into a forested area and began fighting him in a sword duel.

• Samemaru: He even fights like a samurai! (laughs) Duarte will find it amusing!
• Yasuke: How do you know that name? Tell me!
• Samemaru: How does it feel? To be picked up by the Oda like a stray dog?
• Yasuke: Shut your mouth!
• Samemaru: Die, rat!

After a long fight, Yasuke defeated Samemaru, who was now left mortally wounded and kneeling on the ground.

• Samemaru: I'll give you this round.
• Yasuke: That name. Duarte. How do you know it?
• Samemaru: Who... (coughs) Who put that sword in your hand, foreigner?
• Yasuke: If I have to ask twice, you will find out.
• Samemaru: (laughs) You think this frightens me? I've had sharper knives at my throat, and they demanded my silence. Ask anything else. my favorite drink. Or how many koku of rice your kind can fetch. (laughs)

Enraged by his statement, Yasuke promptly cut down Samemaru and sheathed his katana.

• Yasuke: Damn! That name. How did he know...

Yasuke then left to rejoin Naoe. Meanwhile, Naoe proceeded on her mission to locate Takeda Motoaki.

• Naoe: I'll need to look around for Takeda Motoaki. Find out anything I can about him.

Naoe got to the ground and overheard some nearby women.

• Woman 1: Tall, kind, handsome. And he can play the biwa!
• Woman 2: Mysterious too. No one has seen him express interest in anyone yet. I must introduce myself.
• Woman 1: Save your energy. I hear he only has eyes for his biwa. (sighs)

Naoe approached a nearby residence in her search for the source of the music and found a noble with a biwa.

• Noble: Who are you? Lord Motoaki warned me about intruders. Stay away! Guards! Hurry! There is an intruder.

Naoe spoke to the noble when it was safe to do so.

• Naoe: Where is Takeda Motoaki?
• Noble: You will never defeat our great lord! We will take back Nochiseyama Castle!
• Naoe: I need to meet with him. Answer my question and I will not harm you.
• Noble: He's down the road, to the south. But you'll be walking to your grave.

The noble ran away and Naoe noticed the music had stopped.

• Naoe: Sounds like the music has stopped playing.

On the floor of the residence she had found the noble in, Naoe found near a biwa a note detailing plans.

Plan of Action

Ensure that the Shark does not know this. Ask the people where their homes are, and arrange the necessary transportation. We can provide carts and horses. Onigiri can be wrapped for their meals.

Once things are ready, the Shark will be hunted. Instruct the other men, and be ready.

- Takeda Motoaki

Naoe entered the samurai district and eavesdropped on several ashigaru guards near a residence.

• Ashigaru Archer 1: Are our numbers necessary? Nothing usually happens...
• Ashigaru Archer 2: The ambush at Hiruga has made it clear that we need to remain vigilant.

Naoe again heard the tune being played.

• Naoe: Who keeps stopping and starting the melody?

She then eavesdropped on two men down the street.

• Man 1: Some are housed near his estate until they can get transport home.
• Man 2: He truly is a boon to us all. To think, his clan used to run Wakasa.

Naoe heard another nearby couple talking outside a house.

• Woman 3: Thanks to him I may see my family again.
• Man 3: The green fields, the mountains around the village... I cannot wait to be with my daughter again.
• Woman 3: Lord Takeda is truly generous.

Naoe entered the house they were outside and was greeted by another woman.

• Woman 4: Hello miss. Are you hungry? We have warm food.
• Naoe: Uh. No. Thank you.
  Strange. They did not seem like prisoners.

Naoe then found some women praying at a shrine outside a residence.

• 'Woman 5: I come to you again, heaven above, for my Lord Motoaki. For fate has been unkind to the clan. I pray you hear my pleas. Now, I should return. My Lord will be wanting some [tea]].

Servant metServant not met

• Naoe: That was the servant I spoke to at the temple. She works for the Takeda. She can lead me to him.

• Naoe: That servant. She works for Takeda. I can follow her.

If Naoe was close enough, the women noticed her.

• Woman 5: Who are you? Are you following me?
• Woman 6: Who are you? Are you following me? Wait, where was I going?

Naoe followed the servant and began hearing the familiar tune again.

• Naoe: That tune. The biwa. Takeda Motoaki is close.

Naoe continued following the woman and soon reached a residence with a banner bearing the Takeda clan's image.

• Naoe: The four clustered diamonds of the Takeda clan. I am on the right path.

Naoe infiltrated the residence and followed the direction of the tune. As she reached one of the huts, the tune stopped.

• Naoe: The biwa. It stopped.

Naoe entered the hut to investigate the area,

• Naoe: Quiet. Could this be Takeda Motoaki's room?

Naoe searched a room and found the final entry detailing Takeda clan history.

History of the Takeda - Volume III

In 1573, Oda Nobunaga destroyed the Asakura clan; however, Motoaki was not returned to power in Wakasa. Instead, Nobunaga's general Niwa Nagahide was awarded the province. Nagahide greatly expanded upon and improved the defenses of Nochiseyama Castle.

• Naoe: He wants to kill the Niwa clan and reclaim Nochiseyama Castle.

Naoe entered another room and found a scroll and a banner showing a list of pirates that operated around Wakasa's shores, as well as Motoaki's fox mask and the bow he wielded on the night Naoe's father was killed.

• Naoe: I know this bow. Chichiue.

A List of Corsairs

The known names that taint our shores:

* Samemaru

* Kage, Samemaru's little brother

* Lopo Cruz

* Sen

* Little Kappa

• Naoe: The pirates of Wakasa... including Samemaru. Why would a proud man like Motoaki work with these rats?

She then heard a voice from outside the hut, as the music resumed.

• Motoaki: In the light of the moon, you stand tall amidst the glow.

Naoe exited the hut and found Motoaki playing the biwa in the courtyard under a shelter.

• Motoaki: And in heart, you linger. A distant past, a place of splendor. The memories persist, O old castle within my dreams. Until we meet again.

Naoe approached him from behind.

• Naoe: You're too attached to that castle, Takeda Motoaki. Your biwa master taught you better.

Motoaki put down his biwa and stood up to face Naoe.

• Motoaki: (scoffs) I did not expect you to care much for music, shinobi. All that drives your ilk is blood. So you met the biwa master. He is dear to me. It is a tragedy that we do not share the same ideals.
• Naoe: Your ideals of taking innocent lives are not shared by most.
• Motoaki: There are two sides to every tale. Have you considered both?
• Naoe: There are no sides. Only greedy lords who bring war to this land.
• Motoaki: And you allied yourself to one, shinobi of the usurper.
• Naoe: You slaughter the blameless and exploit the poor. But sleep with a guiltless heart.
• Motoaki: How many lives have they taken? How much despair have they wrought? When my clan was driven from Nochiseyama Castle, who moved to defend us? As I watched my walls burn and the light fade from my beloved's eyes... Who then slept with a guilty heart? There was no mercy then. I expect none now. The only justice in this world is the justice that we make.
• Naoe: I understand your thirst for revenge. But hatred does not make things right.
• Motoaki: You do not understand. I fight not out of hatred, but to make things right.

Motoaki drew his katana and began a fight with Naoe.

• Motoaki: Come. Show me your hatred.

Naoe landed some strikes on Motoaki.

• Motoaki: You chose the wrong side.
  (grunts) I will make this right!
  If this is my time to die, then I will take you with me!

After a lengthy fight, Motoaki was defeated and wounded by Naoe. Unable to get up, Motoaki leaned behind a tree.

• Motoaki: (coughs) My castle... so beautiful in this light. Everything I did... I did for you.
• Naoe: Then why work with them? The names on this list. They are all murderers, raiders, slavers.
• Motoaki: I used every weapon I had to save that which I loved most. Tell me you wouldn't do the same. My biwa. (coughs) Return it to my master. All I have left is my song. And I will take it with me.

With his last breath, Motoaki died from his injuries. Yasuke and Nagahide came to join Naoe shortly after.

• Yasuke: Naoe! Is he...
• Nagahide: Takeda Motoaki lies dead.
• Naoe: He was not evil, not entirely. He loved Wakasa in his own way.
• Nagahide: I did not know you could rank evil, measure it, and weigh it upon a scale. A thousand thanks to you both for your commendable deeds. Wakasa is safer for it. Peace may be yet within reach.
• Naoe: What happened with Samemaru?
• Yasuke: Lord Nagahide. If you will excuse us, we must take our leave.
• Nagahide: As will I. When you can, look for me. We have something to discuss.

Nagahide took his leave, leaving both Naoe and Yasuke by themselves.

• Naoe: Yasuke... I've never seen you so upset.
• Yasuke: Duarte... Naoe, I need your help to find this man.
• Naoe: Who is he to you?
• Yasuke: Please. I just... Just help me. Please.

Yasuke bowed to Naoe, pleading for her help.

• Naoe: You can tell me. I will listen.
• Yasuke: I will. But this is something I must deal with alone, for now.

NaoeYasuke

• Yasuke: Many faces and names pass through the port at Obama. They might yield something. Thank you, Naoe.

• Naoe: All kinds of ships pass through the port at Obama. I would start there. And if you need help, just ask.

Outcome

Naoe and Yasuke put an end to Samemaru and Takeda Motoaki, ending their terror reign over Wakasa. Yasuke asked Naoe to help him in locating a man from his past named Duarte.