Temple Stories

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

Description

Yasuke and Naoe were tasked by the monk Hara Joken with finding a stolen scroll.

Dialogue

• Joken: Welcome, Yasuke. You honor us greatly by accepting our invitation. May your visit bring us blessings. Tea will be served shortly. But first, allow me to show you Todaiji Temple in all its glory.
• Yasuke: Glory tarnished by war. Still, here is a sense of tranquility.
• Joken: Tranquility is a rare treasure amid this chaos. War ravages these lands, yet Todaiji offers solace.
• Yasuke: I fear it is action that will solve Yamato's problems.
• Joken: Indeed. Which is why I personally aid the peace efforts. Let us walk. Would you kindly follow me. Here sits Daibutsu-den. Built in more harmonious times. Some believe this structure is the very heart of the realm.
• Yasuke: What do you believe?
• Joken: I believe bronze, while impressive in form, pales in comparison to the fiery determination of the ambitious.
• Yasuke: Surely peace is the blessing Yamato needs.
• Joken: Hopefully, with my guidance, the clans can achieve it.
• Yasuke: I certainly hope so.
• Joken: They simply need to open their hearts and minds to Buddha. Then, they will see the way.
• Yasuke: You mentioned you had a role in the peace talks. What, exactly?
• Joken: I assure tradition and formality. Do you see that scroll over there? For generations, its sacred texts have guided negotiations between the various warring clans.
• Yasuke: It is often open minds, not traditions, that lead to peace.
• Joken: Yes, but the Buddha speaks through the scroll, blessing or disapproving. I must attend to my duties. In my absence, I kindly request that you stay within the gardens. Even the most esteemed guests are not allowed access to all areas of the temple.

Matsunaga Kojiro motioned for Yasuke to approach him.

• Kojiro: Over here, you walking mountain.
• Yasuke: Kojiro? Where are you taking me?
• Kojiro: You'll see.
• Yasuke: Surely this is going to get me into trouble.
• Kojiro: Such doubts! Have I lead you astray before? Come!
• Yasuke: The Hokkyo collects sacred relics. Their value could fund an army.
• Kojiro: Among other things.
• Kojiro: Never much cared for that tea kettle.
• Yasuke: You have seen it before?
• Kojiro: Hmm? No, not in this life.
• Yasuke: This sword must have seen many battles. A strange memento for a peaceful old monk.
• Kojiro: No polishing can remove that blood stain.
• Yasuke: The report suggests Lady Ayako of the Akiyama clan is not trustworthy.
• Kojiro: Convenient. Lying open there. For all to read.
• Yasuke: It is curious that the Hokkyo collects so many... "un-monkly" things.
• Kojiro: Trophies, even. I wonder why?
• Joken: Here you are.
• Joken: You have glimpsed my collection of oddities. The tea set of Matsunaga Hisahide. Exquisite craftsmanship.
• Yasuke: He was a bold usurper.
• Joken: A scoundrel driven by greed. But he had fine taste. Especially in tea sets.
• Yasuke: It is a good thing Lord Nobunaga dealt with him.
• Joken: The Oda clan's actions benefitted Yamato, toppling the Matsunaga clan and empowering the Tsutsui clan. Still... Just before the Matsunaga clan's fall, Lord Nobunaga promised Yamato to us monks. Then changed his mind.
• Yasuke: Lord Nobunaga seldom acted without reason.
• Joken: Indeed. A very shrewd thinker. Now Lord Junkei rules Yamato and enjoys its riches. Anyway, enough of the past. Let us resume our walk.
• Joken: Hm. Not the prettiest sight.
• Yasuke: The scars of war.
• Joken: Scars can mark survivors like me. I once nearly met my end at this very spot.
• Yasuke: Oh?
• Joken: During the Matsunaga clan's time, Hisahide's troublesome son attacked right here. He was a worthy foe. Worse, but more brave than his father. Came within a half's breadth of striking me dead. But that was long ago. Anyway, it has taken Lord Junbkei years to allocate the funds needed for proper repairs.
• Yasuke: Your tone suggests discontent.
• Joken: Acceptance, not discontent. Humble monks, we have yielded to many clans. Oda, Matsunaga, Tsutsui, even Akiyama.
• Samurai Spearman: Go! Kill them!
• Joken: Savages! If you must, take my life to spare the others!
• Buddhist Monk: Please, no!
• Joken: [cries]
• Yasuke: How severe is your injury, Joken Hokkyo?
• Joken: This? It is nothing.
• Yasuke: Why the tears, then?
• Joken: Have you not heard? The Akiyama stole the scroll. Without it, no peace in Yamato! Unbearable shame.
• Joken: Bring me a blade. Only my death will restore honor.
• Yasuke: Stay right there. Your fate is not yours to decide.
• Joken: [cries] You are right. I must inform Lord Junkei. Koriyama Castle must be witness to my punishment.
• Kojiro: Lost a scroll, have we?
• Joken: What is this? One moment you're here with me, and then—
• Kojiro: We could talk about that. Or I tell you where to find the scroll to bring peace to Yamato.
• Yasuke: Where is it?
• Kojiro: The thieves went that way.
• Yasuke: That Kojiro puzzles me. Each time he helps, I somehow trust him less. And yet, I do not question his advice. I wonder why. If I stay here, I will have to fight. I must bring this scroll to Lord Junkei. Before he passes judgement on the Hokkyo.
• Junkei: If the Akiyama steal the scroll to evade peace, I'll wage war.
• Joken: Rashness, Lord Junkei. Perhaps a middle path between peace and war?
• Junkei: Middle path? Worthless monk! Your fear has restrained me far too long.

He saw Yasuke come near.

• Junkei: You again? I have no time for visitors, I'm about to declare war on my enemies.
• Yasuke: Peace is still possible.
• Joken: I... I saw it stolen. With no hope of getting it back.
• Junkei: The Akiyama clan. They took it?
• Yasuke: The thieves wore their colors, yes. But it does not mean Lady Ayako gave the order.
• Junkei: If not her, then who?
• Yasuke: I do not know. But you have the scroll back.
• Junkei: I dislike your tone. But I will overlook it given your apparently good service. Now go.
• Joken: I won't forget your kindness.
• Yasuke: I must get to Kofukuji Temple. Attend the peace negotiations with Naoe.

Outcome

After Kojiro told them where the thieves went, Yasuke and Naoe slew the Akiyama clan's agents and recovered the scroll before returning it to Joken and Junkei, thus ensuring peace between the two men.