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Atsu: I’m coming for you bastards.
The Old Inn
Atsu: I need leads on the Yōtei Six. Should stop by the old inn. Not exactly welcoming.
Innkeeper: Walk away. There is trouble inside.
Atsu: I won’t be long.
Saito Outlaws: It’s her. Are you lost?
Atsu: I’m looking for some old friends. The Yōtei Six.
Saito Outlaw: (Chuckles) Show her the door. Lord Saito’s put a price on your head!
Atsu: Tell me – how much am I worth to the Yōtei Six?
Saito Outlaws: My turn. She’s a ghost, she’s a ghost! Someone call for help! She’s a demon!
Saito Outlaw: They’re all dead.
Saito Outlaws: One woman did this? An Onryō.
Saito Outlaw: Quiet! Don’t let that bitch scare you. We’re going to kill you, then burn this place to the ground.
Atsu: (Onryō’s Howl)
Saito Outlaw: Please! Don’t hurt me!
Saito Outlaw: (Pained breathing)
Atsu: You never answered my question. How much am I worth to the Yōtei Six?
Saito Outlaw: (Grunt)
Atsu: Lord Saito is cheap.
Saito Outlaw: He owns this island.
Atsu: For now.
Saito Outlaw: (Pained laughs) (Grunt) (Dying groan)
Innkeeper: I just repaired that sign.
Atsu: What do I owe you?
Innkeeper: Me? Of anything, I owe you for getting rid of those men.
Atsu: You can repay me with information on the Yōtei Six.
Innkeeper: What do you want to know?
Atsu: Tell me what you’ve heard.
Innkeeper: They are outlaws who took over Ezo – and pretend they’re helping us. Lord Saito’s their leader. Some people truly believe he can become Shogun of the North.
Atsu: Tell me about the Saito brothers.
Innkeeper: Lord Saito’s sons? The only thing they have in common with each other is their skill with guns. I heard they have a grudge against a samurai in Tokachi Range. He’s an odachi master.
Atsu: An odachi master? Sounds like someone worth meeting.
Innkeeper: Why don’t you patch up in one of the rooms? Free of charge.
Ran: A bow of this quality? Come! What’s the harm in looking? You… You are the one who kicked Saito’s thugs out of the inn. You are the onryō.
Atsu: I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Ran: It’s too bad, though. I made a bow just for the onryō. The best of its kind.
Atsu: Maybe I could give it a look.
Ran: That’s the spirit. And you can call me Ran. Can I interest you in something else? You know I considered joining Saito. Thought it might be good business.
Atsu: Why didn’t you?
Ran: He started forcing artisans and weaponsmiths to work for him, no coin, no pay. So make sure to hit him where it hurts.
Settler A: Don’t drink too much. What if Saito’s men come back?
Settler B: Then I die drunk. Better than sober.
Settler A: (Groan)
Matsumae: A moment, stranger. Clan Matsumae has received reports of a disturbance at this inn.
Atsu: I took care of it.
Matsumae: We have been entrusted with stopping Lord Saito and his outlaws.
Atsu: Then why weren’t you here?
Matsumae: You should watch your tone, wanderer.
Kojiro: My lords! And… Lady. Perhaps we can all agree it is a fine thing this establishment is free of Lord Saito’s dogs.
Matsumae: Perhaps we can. I need a drink.
Kojiro: Hey! Lady with the fancy sword! Let’s talk. I’ve got a business proposal for you. Name’s Kojiro. I’m in the business of bringing people together at the edge of a blade. Whether it be clan Matsumae or Yōtei Six, I make sure their bounties reach the right hunters.
Atsu: A bounty broker working all sides. That’s a dangerous game.
Kojiro: Not as dangerous as that vengeful onryō everyone’s talking about.
Atsu: If you believe that sort of thing.
Kojiro: The Yōtei Six certainly seem to. So how about it? You get the bounties. We both get the coin.
Atsu: A generous offer.
Kojiro: I knew you’d see it that way. You want that prize, better start hunting.
Isaburo: How am I ever going to map out Ezo and not… die?
Atsu: Those tools. Are you an artist?
Isaburo: Oh. No. These are map making tools. Ezo is a mystery to the mainland. The Shogun would like to see that change.
Atsu: Mapping out Ero for war, is he?
Isaburo: I—I am just the cartographer who spilled tea on the wrong lord and ended up being sent here… to the middle of nowhere.
Atsu: The middle of nowhere has changed since I was here last. Monk Gessho said a cartographer’s maps would help.
Isaburo: Gessho is all right? Thank goodness. I told him it’s dangerous to trust anyone out there. Please, please, pick any map; I will make you copies for a very small fee. And we can be friends, who don’t kill each other. Yes?
Atsu: You have yourself a deal.
Isaburo: There. Put it away. Quickly. And there she goes.
The Way of Dual Katana
Atsu: If the rumours are true, that dual katana master is hiding out on Mount Yōtei.
Atsu: Saito’s men… I’m not the only one looking for Hanbei…
Saito Outlaw A: Careful—we’ve lost too many men to Hanbei’s traps.
Saito Outlaw B: Why not just leave the old cripple to rot on Mount Yōtei?
Saito Outlaw A: Because Lord Saito has not deemed him worthy of such peace.
Atsu: If Hanbei’s still alive, I should convince him to teach me his dual katana technique. (Painted grunt) Walked right into that one. You again. I must be on the right path. It’s going to be a long way up.
Atsu: Mount Yōtei is the heart of Ezo. That’s what Father used to say… I don’t see an easy way down. Wonder how long Hanbei’s been up here? This climb alone would put off most bounty hunters. A small homestead. That must be where Hanbei is hiding out.
Atsu: Looks more like a farmer’s hut than a master’s hideout. Is this really the home of a dual katana master? Crops. Shelter. Even a spring. Hanbei has everything he needs. Hacked ends. These were chopped with a nata, not a sword. Wait—that katana… He still has it.
Hanbei: That does not belong to you.
Atsu: Hanbei?
Hanbei: You made it further than anyone else. For that, I will kill you quick.
Atsu: You commissioned this katana from Master Kengo.
Hanbei: An old friend.
Atsu: My… my father.
Hanbei: Little… Matsu?
Atsu: Atsu.
Hanbei: But you died.
Atsu: The Yōtei Six left me for dead. After they killed my… Teach me your dual katana technique—to avenge my family.
Hanbei: (Groans)
Atsu: I’m not leaving until you train me.
Hanbei: It’s a big mountain. I won’t notice you’re here.
Atsu: You will if I follow you.
Hanbei: It has been sixteen years. Why have you come back now?
Atsu: The south no longer needs mercenaries, but I hear Saito does. And after years of war, I’m strong enough to face him.
Hanbei: (Laughs) If that was all it took, he would have been dead years ago.
Atsu: That’s why I need your technique. You fought Saito and lived.
Hanbei: You want him to take your arm, too? Go back to the mainland. Before the Yōtei Six hunt you down.
Atsu: I already killed the Snake—and sent a message to the others.
Hanbei: (Groans) Because you’re Kengo’s daughter, I’ll give you a chance. There’s an old training sword over there. Pick it up.
Atsu: It’s heavy.
Hanbei: Your left arm is weak. We must train your muscles to become stronger—faster.
Atsu: Won’t the weight throw me off?
Hanbei: Only if you let it. Now, stand back—and be ready.
Atsu: For what?
Hanbei: You’ll see.
Atsu: (Surprised grunt) You could’ve burned me!
Hanbei: You want to learn my technique? Strike the coals. You killed the Snake moving like that? He must have been drunk. Yes—quick, like that. Good. Can you do it again? You do have some bite.
Atsu: Well?
Hanbei: You have only survived this long because you’re stubborn.
Atsu: Are you going to train me or not?
Hanbei: Why should I?
Atsu: When my father forged your sword, he told me stories about you. He said you were fearless—that you helped people for more than money.
Hanbei: I am not the man your father thought I was.
Atsu: You could be. There’s still time.
Hanbei: (Sighs) We begin at first light. You can sleep out here.
Hanbei: Wake up. How are your arms? Sore? Numb?
Atsu: They’re fine.
Hanbei: Savour the feeling. It won’t last. I’m going to train your left arm to be as strong and fast as your right.
Atsu: By throwing more coals at me?
Hanbei: By cutting through this. Left arm only. Let’s see what you can do. I’m only getting older… start chopping! This is going to take a while… You’ve chopped through all my bamboo. We will need more for tomorrow. Use the nata—left arm only.
Atsu: (Winces)
Hanbei: (Satisfied chuckle) You’re sore now.
Atsu: What did it feel like to fight Saito?
Hanbei: Worry less about the fight and more about the man. Saito is not just a master of every weapon—he understands the warrior’s spirit.
Atsu: I know he’s building an army to conquer Ezo.
Hanbei: Not to conquer—to keep this land free of the Shogun’s control.
Atsu: You don’t believe that.
Hanbei: It doesn’t matter. Hundreds do. That is Saito’s power—he can make you believe.
Atsu: Then he doesn’t just understand the warrior’s spirit—he can manipulate it. Break it to his will.
Hanbei: You are more insightful than you look. Go rest. Training continues at dawn.
Hanbei: Have some breakfast.
Atsu: What is it?
Hanbei: Bamboo soup.
Atsu: (Groans)
Hanbei: If you can complain, you can eat. Hurry up.
Hanbei: You know what to do. Your left arm’s getting stronger. You’re no longer sacrificing form for power.
Atsu: It still takes effort.
Hanbei: Give your muscles time. It will become as natural as breathing.
Hanbei: You’re quiet tonight.
Atsu: I can see my home from here.
Hanbei: I know. The night your family was murdered… I saw the ginkgo tree burn. I stood here and did nothing.
Atsu: It wasn’t your fault. It was mine.
Jubei: Atsu—we’re supposed to stay in sight of the house.
Young Atsu: We’ve picked those hills clean. The best mushrooms are in this forest. I’ll show you.
Jubei: If Mother and Father find out—
Young Atsu: I’ll know it was you who told them.
Jubei: You grab those—I’ll take these.
Young Atsu: Got you.
Jubei: Think that’s enough?
Young Atsu: You know Mother will want more.
Jubei: (Sighs) Fine. Come on. I don’t even like mushrooms. Shh, Atsu—look!
Young Atsu: Let’s get closer.
Jubei: Are you crazy? It’s a wolf!
Young Atsu: I know! Stay low. The grass will hide us.
Jubei: Father would not approve.
Young Atsu: Imagine those teeth sinking into your arm.
Jubei: Now you’re just trying to scare me.
Young Atsu: Is it working? Jubei.
Jubei: Does she see us?
Young Atsu: It’s okay, girl. We won’t hurt you.
Lord Saito: The beast is gone, little ones. You’re lucky I was here.
Jubei: That noise was like thunder.
Young Atsu: Do it again.
Lord Saito: (Laughs) You two don’t scare easy.
Jubei: He has a katana.
Young Atsu: Does your blade need sharpening? Our father’s a swordsmith.
Lord Saito: Your father?
Young Atsu: Master Kengo. Have you heard of him?
Lord Saito: Who hasn’t?
Young Atsu: We can take you to him—just… don’t mention the wolf.
Lord Saito: Your secret’s safe with me.
Jubei: This way. Atsu—we still need mushrooms!
Young Atsu: We can pick some on the way.
Lord Saito: It’ll go quicker with three pairs of hands.
Jubei: Let’s spread out. Atsu—get your own mushrooms.
Young Atsu: (Annoyed sigh)
Lord Saito: You two are skilled foragers. Did your father teach you?
Young Atsu: Some, but Mother knows more about plants.
Jubei: She’ll still want more. Let’s keep going. Are you samurai?
Lord Saito: Do I look like a samurai?
Jubei: Yes.
Young Atsu: No.
Lord Saito: (Chuckles) My clan fell at the Battle of Nagashino. The north is my home now. Let me show you a trick. Young master, give me a hand.
Young Atsu: There are so many!
Jubei: That’s more than enough to please Mother.
Young Atsu: How did you know to look under there?
Lord Saito: Starvation is a cruel but effective teacher.
Jubei: Atsu’s always starving.
Lord Saito: Then she’s always learning.
Young Atsu: Home is just across this field.
Lord Saito: Lead the way.
Young Atsu: See the ginkgo tree? That’s our home.
Lord Saito: Nestled beneath the shadow of Mount Yōtei.
Young Atsu: Almost there.
Lord Saito: This turned into a fun adventure—I’m almost sad it’s over.
Jubei: Stay for dinner. You helped picked the mushrooms—it’s only fair.
Young Atsu: Mother! Father! We met a samurai!
Jubei: He saved us from a wolf!
Young Atsu: Jubei!
Yone: Wolves and samurai—what happened to picking mushrooms?
Lord Saito: Don’t worry. They found plenty of those, too. (Chuckles) You have a beautiful home.
Yone: Children, let’s go inside.
Lord Saito: Now, now. Is that any way to greet an old friend?
Kengo: We are not friends.
Lord Saito: Your lord, then.
Kengo: Clan Saito fell. You are nothing but an outlaw now.
Lord Saito: Is that what you tell yourself? Your father is a deserter. He abandoned my clan. And infected others with his cowardice.
Yone: You were raiding villages.
Lord Saito: We needed food! Do you know how many starved? The family I lost, while you were building your own.
Kengo: (Trembling breath) If you want my head, take it. But leave them out of this.
Lord Saito: I must make an example.
Kengo: No… No… No… Saito…
Young Atsu: Father?
Hanbei: Atsu?
Atsu: I invited Saito into our home—led him to my father.
Hanbei: You couldn’t have known what would happen.
Atsu: It’s still my fault.
Hanbei: Early risers don’t get breakfast.
Atsu: I’ve had enough bamboo soup.
Hanbei: A clean cut. Your left arm is strong. Quick and controlled. Well done. You’re ready for the coals again. Before we start, I have something for you.
Atsu: My father’s sword…
Hanbei: Such a fine blade is wasted on me. And you will need it against Saito.
Atsu: Thank you.
Hanbei: Should Saito defeat you, I’ll take it off your corpse.
Atsu: That would require you to leave Mount Yōtei.
Hanbei: Then you better not lose. Are you ready?
Atsu: I’m ready.
Hanbei: That’s a woman the Yōtei Six should fear. You now have training to match your raw talent. Kengo would be proud. Remember, Saito is a weapon master. Should he wield a spear, match it with the speed of your two blades.
Atsu: And if he uses a single katana?
Hanbei: Then so should you. Let’s practice—show me what weapon is best against a swordsman. You’ll need the strength of both hands to fend off a swordsman. And should your enemy use a yari? What then? That’s it. Two swords will make short work of spearmen. Come. We will toast to the end of your training.
Atsu: How did you get sake all the way up here?
Hanbei: Off the idiots who fall into my traps. Saito has sent plenty.
Atsu: But still you stay.
Hanbei: He would find me wherever I went. At least here, I have the advantage. Wait, smoke. They finally made it around my traps.
Atsu: Let’s give them a warm welcome.
Saito Outlaw: Your face is on a bounty poster. I’m here to collect.
Hanbei: (laughs) Yes, perfect! Adapt! use a single sword. Well done! He never stood a chance. Reinforcements! Yes, trust your training! That’s it! That idiot was far too slow for you! You’re adapting! Good!
Ronin: A cripple and the onryō everyone is so afraid of… I’ll put you both down.
Hanbei: Show him what a ‘cripple’ and an ‘onryō’ can do. Just like the bamboo—strike hard and quick!
Atsu: This one had something on him. “A tiger forced up the mountain still bears teeth and will return twice as strong.” A passcode, maybe.
Hanbei: Hm. There’s mud on his clothes. Reddish brown. Like clay. These men came from Tokachi Range. There’s an old fortress in the marshlands. Perfect for training recruits.
Atsu: You got all that from dirt?
Hanbei: I was a bounty hunter, remember? The best in Ezo.
Atsu: You could be again. Help me against Saito.
Hanbei: And lose my other arm?
Atsu: I’ll likely lose more than that.
Hanbei: I can’t face him, Atsu. Not again.
Atsu: Then I will for us both.
Hanbei: Atsu—whatever happened that day… You were a child. It was not your fault.
Atsu: Goodbye, Hanbei.
Encounters across Yōtei Grasslands
Saito Outlaws: You sell to Lord Saito’s army. No one else! Huh? It’s the woman that kills the Snake! Lord Saito wants you dead!
Merchant: You killed them.
Atsu: You should get before more show up.
Merchant: I knew it was bad luck taking this path. Too close to that haunted homestead. The Yōtei Six killed an entire family there.
Atsu: Don’t believe everything you hear.
Merchant: Well, you won’t see me near that place again.
Atsu: Shh. You’re alright. There, that’s better.
Konupas: You know your way around horses.
Atsu: I worked stables in the south.
Konupas: I’ve been trying to get to know them. Ever since your people brought them to ainu mosir.
Atsu: They talk less than people. They smell better too.
Konupas: (Laughs) You know their kamuy well it seems. I work with leather and textiles, so I’ve been trying to make a saddle he’ll like.
Atsu: Looks well crafted. Do you sell your work?
Konupas: Of course.
Atsu: Looks like you put a lot of thought into these.
Konupas: You should come see us at Husko Kotan, in the Nayoro Wilds. Maybe we can swap stories about our majestic companions.
Atsu: Maybe.
Ginji: Just a little more and I can break for tea. Hello there. I was just about to take a break over tea. Would you like to join me?
Atsu: Strange place to be drinking tea.
Ginji: And a strange place to be a woman with a sword. That armour of yours has seen better days.
Atsu: You work with armour?
Ginji: Work with? Ha! I am a master of my craft, I will have you know. Every clan on the mainland wanted Ginji at their forge! At least before the war. So. Since we are both strange people in a strange place, why not let me take a look at that armour of yours?
Atsu: Looks like you know what you are doing, Ginji.
Ginji: And what should I call you? “Hail, stranger!” seems so impersonal.
Atsu: Atsu.
Genji: Keep a lookout on your travels, Atsu. I tend to move around. Helps me avoid Saito’s thugs. They’re coming after anyone with a hammer to join their army.
Atsu: Why stay in Ezo then?
Genji: The wars of the mainland took many friends. On all sides. I decided to walk away from death. Now, I drink tea.
Ronin: We’re looking for a woman. A murdered. She killed the Snake.
Settler: Please, I don’t know anything!
Ronin: Wait—that’s her! Over there!
Atsu: Looking for me?
Ronin: We’re looking for your head. There’s a nice price on it for killing the Snake.
Atsu: This man had nothing to do with it. Let him go.
Ronin: We decide who lives and who dies. Today, you’re both out of luck. Get her!
Settler: You did it! They’re dead! Thank you. You didn’t have to help me. You could’ve just kept walking by.
Atsu: And let you die for things I’ve done?
Settler: Plenty of others would. It’s everyone for themselves out here.
Atsu: That needs to change.
Settler: Until then, nothing’s free. Here, have this mon, and my gratitude, wanderer.
Settler: I’m a forager. Nothing more.
Saito Outlaw: We both know that’s not true. Fight for Lord Saito, and be a warrior again!
Settler: I would rather pick mushrooms.
Saito Outlaw: Ah. You think you have a choice? Get him. This could all be over if you just join us.
Settler: My mushrooms! (Relieved sigh) The mushrooms are intact. Pine mushrooms are fragile. People try to harvest them but they only grow when left alone.
Atsu: They’re not easy to find on the mainland, and when you do… they don’t taste the same.
Settler: You fought in the south?
Atsu: Like you, I suspect.
Settler: I won’t go back. I’m—
Atsu: Just a forager. I know.
Settler: Are you hungry? That’s what people do to say thank you, isn’t that right? They share a meal.
Atsu: I’ll start a fire.
Settler: You’re from Ezo?
Atsu: Yes, but I’ve been gone a long time.
Settler: How long?
Atsu: Long enough to miss the food. Thank you for the mushrooms.
Settler: A fire heals all wounds. A meal strengthens the spirit.
Atsu: Who taught you that?
Settler: My stomach.
Atsu: (Chuckles) Stay safe out there.
Ronin: Ugh. Loud. That’s—You. It’s rude to wake up a hard working man with that awful sound.
Atsu: Surprised you can sleep with so many corpses about.
Ronin: I wouldn’t know anything about that.
Atsu: I’ve coin if you can give me information on the Yōtei Six.
Ronin: A woman asking about Saito’s dogs. You wouldn’t happen to have a bounty on your head, would you?
Atsu: I wouldn’t know anything about that.
Ronin: Right. Keep your coin. I hold no love for anyone who calls themselves the lord of anything. It’s probably best if you and I never met.
Atsu: Fair enough.
Ronin: Now if you’ll excuse me, I will see myself out. I have a pesky duel to avoid at the Great Lake. You are welcome to my nap spot. This statue does wonders for your peace of mind so long as strangers don’t wake you up.
White Dye Merchant: A visitor. How fortunate. You walk with death.
Atsu: What makes you say that?
White Dye Merchant: The bloodstains on your clothing, the ones you’ve tried to wash away. But to embrace death, we must claim her true colours, like our dyers have done for generations. bring me the right materials, and I will make you a vision in white, of purity in death.
Settler: That damn noise! Do you hear that?
Atsu: Some birds are fighting on the roof.
Settler: This old head of mine can’t think with all that racket — can you quiet them down?
Atsu: Shoo! Go on.
Settler: That is much better. Thank you.
Atsu: You shouldn’t be out here on your own, old man.
Settler: Did you know that if you gaze upon Mount Yōtei, you can stir the kami that live within it?
Atsu: Appeal to their vanity and they will grant you the mountain’s blessing.
Settler: You know the stories. Ezo could use a blessing right about now. But with these worn eyes I could never hope to satisfy the mountain with my praise.
Atsu: Maybe I can help.
Settler: Tell me what you see.
Atsu: A blanket of snow catches both the sun and moon like starlight.
Settler: A subtle beauty.
Atsu: The slopes wrinkle, in age and in wisdom.
Settler: I can relate.
Atsu: Life grows under the protection of the mountain’s shadow. Ever vigilant.
Settler: Such presence. You know the mountain well.
Atsu: She’s the one thing that never changes.
Settler: I’m sure she will be pleased with your description.
Atsu: Wonder what else I can see up here…
Ugetsu: Atsu, my wandering friend!
Atsu: Hello again, Ugetsu.
Ugetsu: Welcome to my home. It’s not much…but at least the roof doesn’t leak.
Atsu: It’s a fine home.
Ugetsu: You’re welcome to rest here as long as you like.
Atsu: Stay safe out there.
Ugetsu: Same to you.
Matsumae: Turn around, stranger. The Oshima Coast has no need for mercenaries.
Atsu: Used to be you could go anywhere in Ezo.
Matsumae: Times have changed. You can thank Lord Saito for that. Now move along — this gate opens only for those loyal to clan Matsumae.
Ronin: It’s dangerous out here — never knowing who might come along. Pay me and it all goes away.
Settler: I told you, we don’t want your help.
Ronin: Stranger, go find your own job. Wait a minute — do I know you?
Atsu: You don’t remember me? We used to be lovers… until you stabbed me in the back.
Ronin: You’ve lost your damn mind!
Atsu: You broke my heart.
Ronin: I don’t have time for this! Come on, boy. These fools aren’t worth the trouble!
Settler: Thank you. He wouldn’t leave us alone. I wish I could pay you, but we have nothing to give.
Atsu: Scaring one of Saito’s thugs is all the payment I need.
Settler: Help! Get me out of here!
Atsu: I hear you. Aren’t you a helpful fox. I’ll pull you out.
Settler: Thank you! I was starting to think that was my grave.
Atsu: Thank this fox. She led me to you.
Settler: She’s been showing me around to all sorts of little treasures. I give her food as a thank you. But I lost my way in the dark and slipped.
Atsu: She didn’t give up on you.
Settler: Remarkable animal. She was trying to show me a cave. Come on. The cave’s just up here. I tried to get inside, but someone blocked the entrance.
Atsu: That won’t stop us. Help me pull this down.
Settler: I never know what this fox will lead me to. How do they know where things are hidden?
Atsu: Sharp nose.
Settler: Let’s see what this fox led us to. Ah, a shrine of some sort. I’m not a religious man. Why don’t you receive its blessing?
Atsu: Thank you. Watch your step next time.
Settler: Be well, traveller. Thank you for the help. I’ll just rest here with my new friend.
About the Yōtei Six
Ronin A: It’ll be easy money.
Ronin B: She killed the Snake.
Ronin C: He was drunk. She won’t be so lucky when we track her down.
Ronin D: (Scoffs) Right. Because you’re always sober.
Ronin A: Wait, look. Is that her?
Ronin B: You saved us the trouble of fiding you, onryō
Atsu: This won’t end the way you hope.
Ronin D: (Laughs) Kill her.
Ronin C: Lord Saito has an army. You’re nothing. Stop! Enough!
Atsu: Then start talking. Tell me where I can find more of Saito’s followers.
Ronin: They’ve taken over a hunting camp not far from here. The fools refused to serve Lord Saito.
Atsu: Go.
Matsumae A: I heard the reports. A woman killed a group of Saito’s men at Yōtei’s Shadow Inn.
Matsumae B: You think it’s this onryō everyone keeps talking about.
Matsumae A: Don’t tell me you believe that ghost story.
Matsumae B: Ghost or not, if she’s killing the Yōtei Six, she’s doing us a favour.
Ronin: Finally tracked you down! You’ve been sniffing around about the Yōtei Six.
Atsu: Have you come to tell me where I can find them?
Ronin: (Laughs) More like to collect the bounty on your head.
Atsu: You want your reward? Earn it.
Ronin: Here it comes! No more!
Atsu: Now, you’re going to answer my questions. Politely. Tell me what you know about the Oni.
Ronin: He’s a mad warlord in Ishikari Plain. Burns his enemies alive. A yari master—Sensei Takahashi—tried to lead a rebellion against him, but was forced into hiding on an island off the coast.
Atsu: And the Kitsune?
Ronin: I heard he’s a fox demon. Lurks in the frozen wilds of Teshio Ridge. Everyone fears him… except Master Enomoto, an expert with the kusarigama. But that old man hardly ever leaves Owl Mountain.
Atsu: What about the Dragon and the Spider?
Ronin: They’re the sons of Lord Saito. Cruel bastards with a taste for firearms. They’ve set their sights on an odachi master in Tokachi Range.
Atsu: Good. Just one more question… You said the Oni is in Ishikari Plain. How do I get there?
Ronin: It’s near the Golden Foothills of the Yōtei Grasslands. Look for the Matsumae checkpoint past the yellow trees. (Laughs) The Oni’s going to burn you to a crisp.
Atsu: I’ll take my chances.
Matsumae: Wanderer…
Atsu: I’m looking for the Yōtei Six. Know anything about them?
Matsumae: What do you want to know?
Atsu: What can you tell me about the Oni?
Matsumae: He’s a madman who holds the castle at Ishikari Plain. We don’t have the numbers to defeat him—yet. He’s obsessed with fire and put many brave samurai to the torch.
Atsu: Sounds like nothing’s changed. Be careful.
Settler: Greetings.
Atsu: What can you tell me about the Yōtei Six?
Settler: What would you like to know?
Atsu: What have you heard about the Kitsune?
Settler: They say he’s a phantom with eyes everywhere in Toshio Ridge. Be careful if you venture there. People in that place are vanishing.
Atsu: I’m not afraid of ghost stories.
Settler: Hello.
Atsu: I’m looking for the Yōtei Six. Know anything about them?
Settler: What would you like to know?
Atsu: I heard the Kitsune is in Teshio Ridge. How do I get there?
Settler: Follow the Nupur River as far north as it goes in the Nayoro Wilds. Just make sure the fox spirits there don’t get you.
Atsu: I can take care of myself.
Ronin A: What is this made of? Rocks? You want to impress the Yōtei Six? Cut it down, or make room for someone who can.
Ronin B: I can do it!
Ronin A: Better hurry before someone else takes your spot.
Ronin A: The Yōtei Six are accepting fresh blood. I’m recruiting a band of warriors to impress them and get on their payroll.
Atsu: Your friend won’t impress them. Looks like that mat’s going to give him a black eye.
Ronin A: (Laughs) You interested in joining? Cut through the mat and we’ll talk.
Ronin B: You’d offer the job to a woman?
Ronin A: I heard Lord Saito sees potential in all. Besides, you’ve had your chance.
Ronin B: What do you say?
Atsu: That bundle of twigs might as well be paper.
Ronin A: I like you already. Cut through it — if you can. Impressive. You’re hired.
Ronin B: Wait — didn’t they say a woman killed the Snake?
Ronin A: That’s the rumour.
Ronin B: But what are the odds this woman is …
Ronin A: Hey, you do look like the one on the poster. They’re paying a lot of coin for your head.
Atsu: A pity none for yours.
Ronin A: Wait, spare me!
Atsu: Start talking.
Ronin A: The Yōtei Six’s leader ! His name is Saito!
Atsu: Everyone knows that. Give me something more.
Ronin A: That’s all I know. Honest. I was just hoping to impress him.
Atsu: That was never going to happen. Now run before I change my mind.
Settler: What are you doing? Leave before they get you, too!
Atsu: What does Saito want with villagers?
Atsu: You’re free.
Settler: We owe you our lives, stranger.
Atsu: What were these men doing?
Settler: Pushing us out of our farms in the name of the Yōtei Six. Ever since someone started killing off Saito’s generals, his men have been unhinged. I hope this so-called ghost chokes on their own blood.
Atsu: Maybe they had their reasons.
Settler: Doesn’t everyone around here? But there is no point in dwelling on such things. Have this. As a thank you.
The Road to Ishikari Plain
Atsu: A clan Matsumae checkpoint. What are the samurai doing out here? Ishikari Plain — and the Oni — are behind that gate.
Settler: You look thirsty. Want to buy some sake?
Ronin A: What do you mean they won’t let us pass?
Ronin B: Said we need a permit to enter Ishikari Plain.
Ronin C: (Scoffs) They’re just afraid more ronin will join Lord Saito and the Oni.
Ronin D: The bounty on Mad Goro will keep us fed and drunk for weeks.
Ronin B: We’ll think of something…
Saburo: The yokai walk among us, child.
Atsu: Mask to ward off demons.
Saburo: But which demons? The ones torching the plains — or the ones buried within? With old Saburo’s masks, maybe you can keep both at bay.
Atsu: You said someone’s setting fire to Ishikari Plain?
Saburo: The Oni and his raiders, of course. I make masks for those who wish to protect themselves from such demons. You could purchase one now for the journey ahead. Or visit me later at the Oni’s Breath Inn
Beggar: Spare some kindness?
Atsu: You’ll have to settle for coin
Beggar: Coin will bring kindness to my belly. Thank you, stranger.
Matsumae: Stop right there.
Atsu: I have business in Ishikari Plain.
Matsumae: Not without a travel permit, you don’t.
Atsu: I’m willing to pay.
Matsumae: And I am willing to let you walk away. Do not make me regret it.
Atsu: (Sighs) Who would have a permit?
Beggar: Trouble at the gate, stranger? I can help. I don’t think that samurai enjoys his post, but he is making the most of what little power he has.
Atsu: By being an ass.
Beggar: (Chuckles) Hard times make for hard people. But you showed me a kindness, so it’s my turn to do the same.
Atsu: How did you get a permit?
Beggar: I ran a lumberyard before the Oni drove me off my land. There’s nothing left for me in Ishikari Plain, but I sense there is for you. Good luck, stranger.
Matsumae: I told you—travel is restricted to Ishikari Plain.
Atsu: I have a permit.
Matsumae: How did you — Let me see that. Wait here. I have to verify its authenticity.
Matsumae: Everything is in order.
Atsu: (Relieved sigh)
Lord Kitamori: Hold it. You forgot this. Without it, I would have to arrest you.
Matsumae: Oni Raiders! Ambush!
Lord Kitamori: Matsumae — to arms! Protect the gate! And you, mercenary — lend us your blade. You will be rewarded.
Atsu: What — no more talk of arrest?
Lord Kitamori: Circumstances have changed.
Atsu: My reward — is it by the head?
Lord Kitamori: Survive first, negotiate later.
Atsu: That’s a quick way to not get paid.
Matsumae: Lord Kitamori — Oni Raiders on the right!
Lord Kitamori: Hunt them down! Don’t let a single raider escape to the Oni!
Lord Kitamori: That’s the last of the raiders. Regroup on me! This checkpoint almost fell to the Oni Raiders. Why are there so few of you?
Matsumae: Reinforcements were scheduled to arrive this morning, but they never showed.
Atsu: Bad sign.
Lord Kitamori: My men will stay here until support can arrive. I’ll search for the missing samurai. You — with me.
Atsu: It’s my habit to get paid for one job before starting the next.
Lord Kitamori: And it’s mine to arrest wanted outlaws unsign fraudulent papers to sneak past a checkpoint. But I’m willing to make an exception if you are.
Atsu: Lead the way, samurai.
Lord Kitamori: Mount up, mercenary. You’re coming with me. Stay close.
Atsu: How did you know about the permit?
Lord Kitamori: I would have heard if an official permit was issued to the ‘onryō’ who killed the Snake.
Atsu: News spreads fast.
Lord Kitamori: Even at the edge of the world. I assume you’re here for the Oni. He has declared war on clan Matsumae. The raiders who attacked are his.
Atsu: Explains the masks. Is that…
Lord Kitamori: The armour of fallen samurai. The Oni Raiders do everything they can to mock us. Dead horses bearing Matsumae banners…
Atsu: Poor beasts.
Lord Kitamori: Check the bodies. What do you see?
Atsu: Plenty of high ground surrounding a chokepoint — your friends rode right into a trap. So where are they? The horses can’t be the only casualties.
Atsu: If the samurai survived, there should be footprints. If they’re dead… Blood. Drag marks.
Lord Kitamori: Then let’s hope for footprints.
Atsu: Over here — footprints. One group was leading another. Do the Oni Raiders take prisoners?
Lord Kitamori: Whenever they can. The Oni likes to humiliate his victims before putting their bodies on display. We need to hurry. Do well on this job and I’ll put in a good word with my Commander.
Atsu: I prefer money to words. Even good ones.
Lord Kitamori: A requisition with clan Matsumae with many benefits.
Atsu: And orders.
Lord Kitamori: Are you from Ezo?
Atsu: What’s with all the questions?
Lord Kitamori: You just remind me of someone.
Atsu: You’re not my type.
Lord Kitamori: That’s not — never mind. Smoke. Stay low and ready your sword.
Oni Raider: Ishikari Plain already has a lord, samurai. This is the Oni’s judgement.
Lord Kitamori: The Oni won’t take another soul!
Atsu: Wait!
Lord Kitamori: Die, raider scum!
Saito Outlaw: (Laughs) More for the pyre!
Lord Kitamori: On my way!
Atsu: Not bad!
Lord Kitamori: Don’t act surprised.
Saito Outlaw: Clan Matsumae is too weak to rule Ezo!
Oni Raider: Prepare yourself!
Lord Kitamori: Not bad!
Lord Kitamori: These men deserve a proper burial.
Atsu: That could take hours. I’ll give you a hand.
Lord Kitamori: No. Thank you, but this is something I need to do alone.
Atsu: I’ll see if these bastards have anything we can eat.
Lord Kitamori: Forgive me.
Atsu: In stories, oni eat people… Salmon… (Sniffs) If I cook it enough, we shouldn’t get sick. Just need a campfire. Nice view.
Lord Kitamori: (Laboured breathing)
Atsu: Hope you like salmon.
Lord Kitamori: Thanks. (Long sigh) Where did you get that sword?
Atsu: Off a dead man.
Lord Kitamori: Don’t lie to me.
Atsu: It was my father’s.
Lord Kitamori: Atsu? (Chuckles) It’s me. You don’t recognise your own brother?
Atsu: Jubei?
Jubei: (Deep sigh) It’s really you.
Atsu: How are you alive?
Jubei: A samurai found me and nursed me back to health. Atsu, I thought you were dead. If I had known you had survived, I …
Atsu: I buried Mother and Father and then I sat under the tree and waited for days — for you.
Jubei: It took weeks just to gain the strength to walk again. And then… I couldn’t go back. I have never been back. But we are together now. I want to hear everything.
Jubei: (Laugh) No… I can’t believe it. My sister was at Sekigahara — the battle to end all battles.
Atsu: I was on the losing side.
Jubei: But you were there. I have never left Ezo.
Atsu: Nothing’s stopping you.
Jubei: My life is with the Matsumae clan.
Atsu: (Sigh) What did they do to make you so loyal?
Jubei: Fed me. Clothed me. Gave me the means to protect myself — and others. You must have belonged to a clan once.
Atsu: ‘Belonged?’ No. Get some rest.
Jubei: Atsu, I…
Atsu: I’ll take first watch. (Deep breath)
Jubei: (Sigh)
Atsu: Jubei? Jubei!
Jubei: You still snore.
Atsu: And you still wake up too early.
Jubei: Let’s head to the horses.
Atsu: I thought you left without me.
Jubei: Our deal stands. I’ll escort you Ishikari Plain. Then you can join clan Matsumae’s hunt for the Oni.
Atsu: I tried that life. It didn’t work out.
Jubei: The Matsumae are different. Trust me.
Atsu: I don’t know you. And you don’t know me. The Yōtei Six — the Oni — took that from us. One meal of overcooked fish doesn’t make up for sixteen years apart.
Jubei: So what? We just go our separate ways?
Atsu: Let’s get to Ishikari Plain. After that… I don’t know.
Jubei: No… How many more lives will the Oni take?
Atsu: At least two if we don’t act fast.
Oni Raider: She’s right. I wanted to fight the pretty one — but you’ll do.
Jubei: Watch those flames! You don’t fight like a Matsumae dog.
Atsu: Because I’m not.
Oni Raider: Then why work for the samurai? Prepare yourself!
Jubei: He’s trying to disarm you!
Oni Raider: Someone with your strength belongs with the Oni Raiders.
Atsu: I’d rather die. Well? Who’s next?
Jubei: Who taught you how to fight like that?
Atsu: Anyone willing to teach me.
Jubei: Excellent! Come on — before more arrive. There’s the Matsumae camp. We have a perfect view of the Oni’s castle.
Atsu: If you know where he is, why not attack?
Jubei: Because he has cannons and fortified walls. Not to mention a small army. When we make a move, it must be done the right way.
Matsumae: Lord Kitamori! The raiders took the gate!
Jubei: We took it back. Let us through!
Matsumae: When you didn’t report in, we feared the worst.
Atsu: Lord Kitamori?
Jubei: it’s the name I chose when I became samurai. It means —
Atsu: ‘Protector of the north’.
Jubei: The bridge is almost finished. Soon, reinforcements will come from Matsumae Castle.
Matsumae: We’d be sooner if the Oni Raiders didn’t keep stealing our lumber.
Jubei: Well, now you’ll have a few less bandits to worry about. My associate and I made sure of that.
Matsumae: I was wondering who the stray was.
Atsu: I’m his long lost sister.
Matsumae : (Laughs) She’s a funny one. I’ll inform Commander Wada of your arrival.
Atsu: So, I’m your ‘associate’?
Jubei: What did you expect me to say? I don’t know you — remember?
Atsu: You could’ve told them I’m the one who killed the Snake.
Jubei: To clan Matsumae, this ‘onryō’ is just another outlaw. I need to report to Commander Wada. Stay out of trouble. Please.
Matsumae: Commander Wada wants every shoot of bamboo chopped by nightfall. You — the woman with the sword. Come here. We’ve no room in this camp for idle hands. Prove you deserve to hold that katana.
Atsu: I have nothing to prove to you, samurai.
Matsumae: You do if you want to keep that sword.
Atsu: How about this… I’ll chop your bamboo, but if I get through my stack faster than them, I want something in return.
Matsumae: (Chuckles) Oh? And what is that?
Atsu: Your hat.
Matsumae: Deal. But I want clean cuts — not a hatchet job.
Matsumae: Not bad.
Atsu: Your hat, my lord.
Matsumae: Filthy wanderer. What are you looking at? Keep chopping!
Jubei: This is the associate I spoke of, Commander Wada. She was essential in bringing the Oni Raiders who murdered our men to justice.
Commander Wada: You left out certain key details.
Atsu: So long as he mentioned my reward.
Commander Wada: (Scoffs) I’m sorry — are you a ghost or a mercenary? You may have bewitched the rest of Ezo, but clan Matsumae is tasked with bringing order to the north. And you… You are no better than the Yōtei Six.
Jubei: Commander Wada, please —
Commander Wada: But I will not disgrace the memory of the samurai you avenged. Take your money and get out of my camp.
Atsu: As you wish, my lord.
Jubei: Commander Wada, she is skilled with a blade.
Commander Wada: It takes more than that to be samurai—as you well know.
Jubei: Atsu — wait.
Atsu: Go back, Jubei.
Jubei: Give me time. I’ll talk to him — wear him down.
Atsu: So I can take orders from people who hate me? I’m here for the Oni. To avenge Father.
Jubei: You can’t just ride up to the castle — it’s suicide. There’s a market outside its walls. Start there.
Atsu: Ready, boy?