Nobutsuna's Students

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Nobutsuna's Students was a virtual representation of one of Yasuke's genetic memories, relived through the Animus EGO.

Description

Yasuke travels to Azuchi to visit Kamiizumi Nobutsuna in his new home.

Dialogue

Yasuke arrived at Nobutsuna's House.

• Yasuke: Nobutsuna sensei's estate. So much has happened since we last saw each other.

He found his mentor engaged in bonsai and spoke to him.

• Nobutsuna: Ah. It is good to see you again, Yasuke. What of the days since... Honnoji?
• Yasuke: New allies and fresh purpose guide my step, sensei. But... it is not the same as before.
• Nobutsuna: It is not. We will not see anything like the days of Lord Nobunaga's reign again. Ambition and dreams are but leaves in the wind.
• Yasuke: I never thought I would outlive him. But all things must pass, even power and valor such as his.
• Nobutsuna: So it is with us all. So it is with myself. But your loyalty has proven you worthy of bearing this flame. It is time, Yasuke. Open the scroll.
• Yasuke: Sensei, you honor me before my time. I am not skilled enough. I—
• Nobutsuna: Your sword is ready, as it is your heart.
• Yasuke: What would you have me do?
• Nobutsuna: After my disgrace, my finest students scattered across the land in search of new techniques. Seek out these masters of the art, Yasuke. Prove to them that my sword school remains unbroken. And they will teach you how the samurai's weapons may bloom in battle.
• Yasuke: I will prove your faith in me, sensei, and return your champion. There is one thing I wish to ask. Will you drink with me? One cup of sake. Just one.
• Nobutsuna: Your potential is matched only by your impudence. Fine. One cup of sake. But only when you return in triumph.

The two took a small bow to one another in agreement. Yasuke left to locate his first opponent, Marume Nagayoshi, whom he met during his early days of training. Still in Azuchi, he visited one of the bridges and eavesdropped on two samurai duelists.

• Samurai Duelist 1: My sensei sent me to represent our technique in a duel. But have you seen the notices? It's against Marume Nagayoshi!
• Samurai Duelist 2: Isn't that what you came here to do?
• Samurai Duelist 1: He's undefeated! Unrivalled under the sun! I won't do it!

He read the notice near the bridge.

• Yasuke: "Marume Nagayoshi of Shinkage-ryu challenges any and all to duel, by the road that leads north out of Azuchi." That is him. Nobutsuna sensei's student, and a familiar face. This time will be different.

Yasuke headed north of the bridge, reaching a beach where he found Nagayoshi training.

• Nagayoshi: Yasuke! Over here.

Yasuke approached and spoke to him.

• Nagayoshi: Yasuke. Seasons have passed since our days on the training grounds of Azuchi Castle. What brings you here?
• Yasuke: I have learnt much since we last met, Marume Nagayoshi. To attain mastery, I must be tested by one who has done the same. I have to duel you again.
• Nagayoshi: Tell me what you have learned, then. What is the path to victory against a strong opponent?
• Yasuke: Nobutsuna sensei said the mind shifts with everything it confronts. To counter my opponent, I must watch and understand their moves keenly.
• Nagayoshi: (grunts) You have committed our sensei's teachings to memory. But these lessons are useless, if held back by the dispositions of defeat. Timidity. Laxity. Retreat. There are no foes fiercer than these. Can you overcome them?
• Yasuke: I know you are undefeated. No other man has dared challenge you, but that is precisely why I have sought you out.
• Nagayoshi: Spoken like a samurai. I am Marume Tessai Nagayoshi, by birth Fujiwara Nagayoshi. And I gladly accept your challenge.

Yasuke and Nagayoshi then took their positions, standing across one another. The two drew their katana and walked a few steps forward. Nagayoshi then took a Hassō-no-kamae stance.

• Nagayoshi: All without is but distraction. Morning dew and fading mist. The warrior's truest fight is within.

He then switched to the chūdan-no-kamae stance. The duel began and the two swordsmen started clashing. Yasuke was able to hit his fellow student.

• Nagayoshi: Dispel any timidity, Yasuke. Again!

Yasuke followed Nagayoshi's words and hit him once more.

• Nagayoshi: Leave no room for hesitation.
  This is the way of the warrior. No retreat, no doubt!

After a long duel, Yasuke defeated Nagayoshi.

• Nagayoshi: So. This is how defeat feels.
• Yasuke: That was a hard-fought duel.
• Nagayoshi: It is not our duel I speak of. I once craved the joy of battle. My sword, flashing like a flame in the spring wind. Dozens fell. But it whittled down my soul until I would look at a man and see just a body to break.
• Yasuke: To overcome your fear, you fed your pride and anger in its place.
• Nagayoshi: Nobutsuna sensei saved me. His art taught me to honor the hands and heart behind each sword.
• Yasuke: Your graciousness toward me now is a testament to his work.
• Nagayoshi: But with each duel I win, I come close to slipping back upon that dark path. Your victory staves off its shadow, and honors our sensei's teaching. I will share with you what I know. And return to our sensei's side.

Nagayoshi passed his knowledge to Yasuke and left the area.