Fighting for the Cause

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Fighting for the Cause was a virtual representation of one of Yasuke's genetic memories, relived through the Animus EGO.

Description

Yasuke travelled to Kii to locate the swordsmaster Kimura Kei, who worked under the Portuguese Templar Nuno Caro.

Dialogue

Yasuke arrived at Takahara Village in Kii.

• Yasuke: According to Luís Fróis, the hunt for Kimura Kei starts here. I need to find his hidden training grounds.

After a short while, Yasuke found himself outside an inn.

• Yasuke: Perhaps I will find answers in there. Sake has a habit of loosening tongues.

Yasuke eavesdropped on two rōnin outside the inn.

• Ronin 1: When my lord still breathed, I had purpose. Now, I have only shame.
• Ronin 2: I hear talk of a man who wanders the burial grounds. Offers fresh hope to those who want it.

He then entered and found a seated rōnin wearing robes bearing the Oda clan's kamon.

• Yasuke: A warrior of the Oda clan.

Yasuke spoke to him.

• Yasuke: Judging by the attire, you once served the Oda clan.

The rōnin stood up to properly talk to Yasuke.

• Oda Ronin: As did you. Yasuke is a name that needs no introduction. Even if you were to wander these lands naked.
• Yasuke: (chuckles) Clothed or unclothed, without Lord Nobunaga's intervention, I might well be a distant memory by now.
• Oda Ronin: I could say the same. Yet, I often find myself questioning if I am truly here.
• Yasuke: You stand before me. Is that not proof of life?
• Oda Ronin: I stand, I speak, I breathe... these are functions of the body, not the spirit.
• Yasuke: I forge my own path, with the hoping of bringing a measure of peace. Our lord may have departed, but his legacy endures.
• Oda Ronin: Lord Hashiba Hideyoshi?
• Yasuke: A worthy successor. Or so we must hope.
• Oda Ronin: Indeed. And what brings you here?
• Yasuke: I seek the one they call Kimura Kei. Do you know him?
• Oda Ronin: By reputation only. There's a man in his service. Kumabe Ujiie. He recruits rōnin at a cemetery at Koyasan.
• Yasuke: What kind of a man is he?
• Oda Ronin: More of a talker than a fighter. As is the case with such men, his words shouldn't be trusted, yet... might prove useful nevertheless.
• Yasuke: Thank you for your help.
• Oda Ronin: Caution, Yasuke. They say Kimura Kei creates a new breed of warrior. Upon his order, these men will attack without hesitation.
• Yasuke: Should they do so in my presence, it would be an unfortunate mistake.

Yasuke left the inn and traveled to Koyasan. Reaching the Okunoin Cemetery, he found a large gathering of rōnin.

• Yasuke: Kumabe Ujiie should be close. I will walk among the rōnin. See if I can find him.

He eavesdropped on a nearby pair of rōnin after crossing a bridge.

• Ronin Staffmaster 1: Surely no one had a better command of cavalry than Lord Uesugi Kenshin.
• Ronin 3: After Kawanakajima, I suspect the Takeda clan would agree.

He found a rōnin kneeling before a gravestone.

• Ronin 4: I am lost, my lord. Our clan, a mere shadow. The shame I feel... unbearable.

Opposite him, Yasuke found two rōnin that had served the Asakura clan kneeling at another gravestone.

• Samurai 1: I still grieve Lord Yoshikage's passing. Without his guidance, life has no meaning.
• Samurai 2: I hear there is a man who recruits the forsaken. Offers fresh hope.
• Samurai 1: With our lord gone, our clan is a waning dream.
• Samurai 2: We should find Kumabe Ujiie and hear him out properly this time.
• Yasuke: They are men of courage, honor, and loyalty. It pains me to witness so much squandered potential.

Nearby, two rōnin in samurai armor discussed their service under Takeda Shingen.

• Ronin 5: Remember Mikatagahara, serving under Lord Shingen?
• Ronin 6: We were true Takeda that day. The Oda and Tokugawa clans stood no chance.

After looking around for a while, Yasuke found an unattended shrine that featured a statue of Shakyamuni.

• Yasuke: It is too soon for Lord Nobunaga to have a shrine here... In his absence, I can make use of this one to catch the eye of Kumabe Ujiie.

Near Nobunaga's shrine, Yasuke found a rōnin praying in front of a shrine for Shingen.

• Ronin 7: Lord Shingen, your valor was unmatched. Our clan lost a true leader.
• Yasuke: The grief, the shame, the hopelessness.

Behind the Nobunaga shrine, Yasuke eavesdropped on two samurai who served the Mōri clan.

• Samurai Duelist: Lord Motonari was unrivaled in cunning and courage.
• Ronin Staffmaster 2: At Miyajima, the enemies of the Mori met their match.

Yasuke went back down and prayed in front of the shrine to Nobunaga.

• Yasuke: My lord, your vision and courage guide us still. The wisdom you impaired and the battles we faced together have deeply shaped me. As your humble servant, I am forever grateful and honored to have served alongside you.

As he expected, Ujiie arrived and took notice of him.

• Ujiie: Can that be Oda Nobunaga's famous giant?

Yasuke spoke to him.

• Yasuke: You know me. But who are you?
• Ujiie: A humble purveyor of hope. Kumabe Ujiie. At your most esteemed service. I serve a most illustrious lord. The legend, Kimura Kei.
• Yasuke: I have not heard of him.
• Ujiie: He's a seeker of lost souls. Men of substance, now adrift, drowning in their shame. He offers the guidance they yearn for.
• Yasuke: I am one such seeker of guidance. I would like to meet this Kimura Kei.
• Ujiie: Good, good. Come with me. I will show you the way to enlightenment.

Yasuke followed Ujiie and his guards.

• Yasuke: Is Lord Kei here?
• Ujiie: You will soon know. Come. We will gather the rest.
• Yasuke: So many rōnin join Lord Kei's cause.
• Ujiie: Lord Kei does not only welcome former samurai. He accepts all warriors eager to learn. Be they ashigaru... or foreigner.
• Yasuke: From whom does your lord take his commands?
• Ujiie: There's some southern barbarian he answers to. Of fairer complexion than you. But that arrangement is a mere formality. Lord Kei is independent in his efforts.
• Yasuke: Why would he ally himself with a foreigner, then?
• Ujiie: His actions do not always seem agreeable to his allies, but soon you will witness the success of his methods. He believes in the cause, not its foreign advocates.

Ujiie's group met up with more rōnin.

• Ujiie: Here you are. Follow me.

Yasuke continued following Ujiie's group while asking more questions.

• Yasuke: You claim Lord Kei plans a coup against his commander. Does he not fear the consequences if his plans go awry?
• Ujiie: Lord Kei is a stranger to fear. He once sacrificed the eldest of his two daughters in exchange for victory.
• Yasuke: His youngest must worry what will become of her future. As for Lord Kei, he sounds formidable.
• Ujiie: Indeed. He possesses an unwavering conviction and a resolute purpose.
• Yasuke: And what does he hope to achieve?
• Ujiie: Control. Order. Discipline. Unlike Nobunaga, Lord Kei does not hide what he is. He embraces it.

The group reached more rōnin who wished to join Ujiie's group.

• Ujiie: Sorry to keep you waiting. This way.

Ujiie's group soon reaching the assembly point, where he addressed the group of eager recruits, including Yasuke.

• Ujiie: Let us commence. I see potential in each of you. The road ahead is challenging, but with hard work, you may one day join the ranks of the Saiseisha. To get to the training ground, head southwest. May your dedication and discipline guide you to greatness.

As the group scattered, Yasuke reflected on what had transpired.

• Yasuke: Perhaps Kimura Kei can guide me to Nuno Caro. He is no better than Duarte de Melo. Another power-hungry man willing to go to any lengths to expand his influence. No matter the cost.

Yasuke left the cemetery and headed southwest to the training ground.

• Yasuke: Unlike others in the Templar Order, Kimura Kei is of this land. Perhaps I can talk sense into him.

He arrived at the wooden gate and spoke to the guard behind the gate.

• Yasuke: Kumba Ujiie sent me.

As the door opened, he entered and greeted the guard.

• Ashigaru Swordsman 1: Enter and wait for the others. Kumura Kei will welcome you soon.

Yasuke waited with the other keen prospects. As morning came, Yasuke stood up and eavesdropped on two participants.

• Ashigaru Swordsman 2: Master Kei is about to start. Let us go with the others.

Yasuke followed the guards and found Kei speaking to the crowd of recruits at the Hibuse Fudo Temple.

• Kei: You are without ties. Without a lord to serve. You hold no lands. You are dishonored. You are rōnin. This very moment marks the dawn of your new beginning. You become part of the Templar Order. The sole hope in these troubled times. I am Kimura Kei. Learn from me. Fine armor like mine is not a gift. You must strive for it. Earn it. And through this reforging, I will make you stronger. More formidable. Under my guidance, you will reclaim your lands. Restore your honor. Become a samurai once more. Samurai of the Templar Order.

He noticed Yasuke joining in the crowd.

• Kei: Look who's here. A dead man's pet.

The crowd turned to look at Yasuke.

• Yasuke: Lord Kei has led you astray. The path he follows is flawed. If you could only see the dark truth of where it leads.
• Kei: Now, your lesson begins. This man is my enemy. Make him your enemy. Kill him.

The crowd of ashigaru and bandits obeyed and attacked Yasuke.

• Ashigaru Swordsman 3: (roars) Kill him!

Yasuke was forced to defend himself against the crowd.

• Yasuke: Your leader lies to you!

After a long fight, he emerged victorious and continued his way up the stairs, encountering more attackers that included sōhei and Portuguese soldiers.

• Warrior Monk: No mercy!

After eliminating them, he went behind the temple complex and found more pursuers.

• Samurai Brute: Attack!
• Yasuke: Stop this!
• Outlaw Brute: (roars)
• Yasuke: This bloodshed is needless!

Emerging victorious, Yasuke passed through the temple tower and reached an area of the complex that had collapsed, where he found more of Kei's followers.

• Samurai Tactician: No retreat!
• Yasuke: Kimura Kei does not care for you!

After eliminating them, Yasuke headed to the building in front and was greeted with more attackers.

• Samurai Spearman: (roars)

Yasuke took them down and pushed past the door to the other side of the complex.

• Yasuke: How many more lives must fall to your cause, Kei?

Yasuke navigated through the complex and reached the inner temple. There, he noticed a small residence and entered it, finding letters scattered across its floor.

An Apology (unfinished letter)

Yukari, in the shadow of our loss, I reach out to you. Your sister's death—a choice I made—still haunts me. The bond you and I shared, once so strong, now lies broken. I seek not forgiveness but understanding.

Status Report to Kei

Master Kei, Yukari leads the Seisesha well, reflecting your training. I still cannot see the wisdom in your decision to task me with her protection as she neither needs it nor wants it, but I will continue to shadow her, as per your command.

Her Ambition

Master Kei, I beseech you to reconsider Yukari's role in this mission. I suspect Yukari harbors ambitions beyond our cause. Regardless of that, the Seisesha re steadfastly loyal to her, yet my heart weighs heavy with trepidation.

Control. Order. Discipline. (unfinished letter)

Yukari, my time working with the barbarians is coming to an end. I still see the merit of their cause and truly believe that is how I can control this land. Once you return, and with my new cadre of students, we can finally achieve our purpose.

Back on track, Yasuke went towards Kei but was confronted by his personal guards consisting of three Saisesha rōnin.

• Saisesha Ronin 1: Remember our training!
• Saisesha Ronin 2: Show him our skill!
• Saisesha Ronin 3: Precision!
• Saisesha Ronin 1: Outflank him!
• Saisesha Ronin 2: Careful!
• Saisesha Ronin 3: Tactics win battles!
• Yasuke: So does experience!

After a difficult fight, Yasuke managed to eliminate the bodyguards.

• Yasuke: Enough of our games. Face me!

Yasuke entered the temple and confronted Kei, who was clad in his samurai armor.

• Kei: You cannot stop me, Yasuke. You are ignorant of the Templars. Of this world.
• Yasuke: Spoken by a traitor to his own land.
• Kei: My land robbed me of purpose! The Templars restored it.
• Yasuke: You lead your people into servitude.
• Kei: This from the fool who followed Nobunaga? He gave you freedom? His death gave you freedom. Now you waste it on childish vendettas.
• Yasuke: You refuse to see the true face of Nuno Caro and men of his kind.
• Kei: You know nothing of them.
• Yasuke: I know them all too well.

Yasuke remembered flashbacks of his treatment by Nuno Caro aboard his ship.

• Yasuke: Monsters. That is who you serve.
• Kei: Lies!

Kei kicked a lamp down to the floor, lighting the ground on fire. He then drew his sword and attacked Yasuke.

• Kei: Rulers of this land betray us both! They don't deserve loyalty.
• Yasuke: Nuno Caro is no better!

Yasuke was able to strip Kei of his armor.

• Kei: Impressive! But the fight has only just begun.

Kei drew out his katana, now fighting with a pair of swords in his hand.

• Kei: You waste your talents!

Despite Kei putting on a fight, Yasuke managed to disarm him and break one of his swords. After punching him several times, Yasuke kicked him through the door to the outside of the temple.

• Kei: (roars)
• Yasuke: Your cause is my target, Kei, not you. Abandon it and live.
• Kei: You destroy everything I work for, then demand my surrender?

Kei made a final stand against Yasuke, attacking him with his broken blade. Despite his efforts, he could not match Yasuke's prowess and was ultimately defeated. He was then left in a kneeling position.

• Kei: You win nothing here, Yasuke. Vengeance will find you.
• Yasuke: From Nuno Caro? He is next.
• Kei: Not him. Others. My people.
• Yasuke: I will be waiting. Where is Caro?
• Kei: You will not learn it from me.
• Yasuke: (sighs)
• Kei: You have defeated me today. My fine armor is yours to claim. But do not mistake my intentions. I sought... I sought a better future.

Yasuke got behind Kei and readied his sword.

• Kei: My dream dies with me. But the fight for what I believe in will endure. Get on with it.

Yasuke drew his sword and executed Kei.

• Kei: (gurgles)

Kei's body fell to the ground.

• Yasuke: Kei spoke of vengeance. I should respect his threats. Stay vigilant. Still, the Templars have suffered a blow. Kimura Kei is dead, and their aspiring army lies in ruins. As for Cardo... Kimura Kei's correspondence tracks to this "Silver Queen." She pays an important part in their plot but seems no warrior. She might be more willing to cooperate.

Outcome

Yasuke eliminated Kimura Kei, putting an end to the Templar's plans of raising an army.