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Atsu: I’ve been gone so long… Any idea, boy? Where do we find the rest of the Yōtei Six? I grew up under that tree… Feels like a lifetime since I left. The old inn. Someone there may know where I can find Saito’s dogs. Mount Yōtei. Last I heard, that old dual katana master is still hiding out there. I have to go home. Back where all this started.
Atsu: (Inhale) (Deep exhale)
Young Atsu: (Pained grunt)
Jubei: Out of the way!
Young Atsu: Jubei – get back here! That hurt!
Jubei: You let your guard down!
Young Atsu: Stop running – coward! Father! Stop him!
Kengo: You don’t need my help.
Young Atsu: I’ve got you now.
Jubei: Not yet!
Yone: Atsu – practice.
Young Atsu: Be there soon!
Jubei: Give up?
Young Atsu: Never. Got you!
Jubei: (Panting) Let’s finish this in the training ring.
Young Atsu: (Chuckles) Maybe later. You heard Mother – I’m late.
Yone: Ready to practice your shamisen?
Young Atsu: I guess.
Yone: Run your fingers across the strings. When you find the note, hold it. Yes – hold it. See? Beautiful. Loosen your grip on the sao.
Young Atsu: Like that?
Yone: Perfect. Now, let the music flow through you. Feel the difference? I love this song. Let’s play together. This was a gift from your grandmother. When I play, I feel like she is listening on the wind… Guiding me.
Young Atsu: But how can she hear you if she’s… gone?
Yone: Music is not bound to this world. It can speak to those who are no longer with us. I will always be listening – either here or on the wind.
Atsu: (Deep breathing) Are you still listening, Mother?
Kengo: Atsu! Was that your playing I heard just now?
Young Atsu: Music doesn’t come easy for me like it does Mother.
Kengo: (Chuckles) Would hitting something make you feel better?
Young Atsu: Maybe.
Kengo: Strike quickly while the metal is hot. That’s it!
Young Atsu: (Pleased laughter)
Kengo: Now, inspect your work.
Young Atsu: It’s bend.
Kengo: Don’t just hit one side – share your frustration equally. Reheat the metal or it won’t do as it’s told.
Young Atsu: Have you ever burned yourself?
Kengo: Oh yes. It’s not a lesson you forget. The blisters. (Shudders) Very good. Let’s take a look.
Kengo: Would you like to see what I’ve been working on?
Jubei: Yes!
Kengo: (Laugh)
Yone: Are you sure they’re old enough?
Kengo: (Laugh)
Jubei: Yes!
Yone: (Laugh)
Jubei: (Grumble)
Kengo: Every blade I’ve ever forged has been leading to this.
Yone: A masterpiece to protect our family.
Young Atsu: Its tsuba…
Kengo: Is inspired by our twin wolves.
Young Atsu: Can I hold it?
Kengo: Of course… Once you know how to use it.
Yone: (Laugh)
Kengo: Come. This way, my little wolves. It’s time to train.
Jubei: You won’t win this time, Atsu. I’ve been practising.
Young Atsu: That’s what you always say.
Kengo: I think the children would enjoy some music.
Yone: (Laugh) The children or you?
Kengo: Today we return to the basics.
Young Atsu: (Groans) Why?
Kengo: Because a blade without a strong core will shatter.
Jubei: I’m ready to learn.
Young Atsu: Seriously?
Kengo: Form up. We’ll begin with blocking.
Young Atsu: We know how to block.
Kengo: That remains to be seen. Jubei – hit your sister.
Yone: But not too hard.
Kengo: So you have been paying attention.
Jubei: I’ll break through eventually!
Kengo: Very good, Atsu.
Jubei: Nice block.
Kengo: Now, it’s only fair that Atsu gets a chance to hit you, Jubei. But this time, I want you to break his guard.
Young Atsu: Heavy strikes. Got it.
Jubei: Where did you learn to hit like that?
Young Atsu: From working the forge. You should try it.
Kengo: This next lesson is about timing – and patience.
Young Atsu: Why do you look at me when you say that?
Jubei: Because you’re as patient as a wild horse.
Young Atsu: At least I don’t smell like one.
Kengo: Focus. I want you to practice parrying. Show me. Yes! His guard is down – follow through with an attack. Not so fast, little wolf. That’s it! Now, hit him while he’s vulnerable. Careful, Atsu. See the way your brother’s lining up? That strike must be parried.
Young Atsu: Ow!
Kengo: You will be ready next time.
Jubei: Father!
Kengo: (Chuckle) Sorry, son. Try again. Sometimes, a single parry is not enough. A strong foe will continue to attack.
Young Atsu: So we continue to parry.
Kengo: Until he’s interrupted, then you strike. Try against your brother. Keep parrying. Good – now follow through. Don’t stop. Very good – multiple parries. Continue to parry until he’s interrupted. Some strikes cannot be blocked or parried. Jubei, swing hard at your sister. Atsu, dodge his attack. Sometimes, the only way out of trouble is to dash or roll away. Trust me.
Yone: He’s learned from experience.
Kengo: Excellent! Don’t let him catch you.
Jubei: You got lucky. Hold still!
Young Atsu: (Laugh)
Yone: My little warriors.
Kengo: Pain can be a dangerous distraction. Call upon your restless spirit to shake it off. Now… How about you put your lessons to the test?
Young Atsu: Yes! Finally!
Kengo: Whoever lands the most strikes will receive an extra portion of fish for dinner. Begin!
Jubei: That fish is mine!
Young Atsu: You can lick the bones when I’m done! You’re going hungry tonight, Brother.
Kengo: Atsu…
Yone: A family is stronger together. A wolf needs her pack. Remember that.
Atsu: (Shaky exhale) (Deep breath) (Sigh) I will find every last member of the Yōtei Six. And I will bring you peace. Then I will join you on death. I swear it.