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Takezo the Unrivalled
Ronin: A real warrior! Finally. All I want is a worthy opponent to show Takezo my worth. But I’ve only met the hungry ronin and scrawny travellers you see buried here.
Atsu: That didn’t stop you from killing them.
Ronin: Practice is practice. But you… I sense you will be a real challenge. You better not bore me. You have rare talent! That’s it! Don’t hold back. Yes! Someone with true skill.
Atsu: Pathetic.
Ugetsu: An inspiring victory.
Atsu: Not another step.
Ugetsu: Relax, I’m not armed. My name is Ugetsu. And you are?
Atsu: Atsu. Are you following me?
Ugetsu: I’m following the beginnings of a story. That man you just killed was a disciple of Takezo the Unrivalled.
Atsu: ‘The Unrivalled’? Who gave him that title?
Ugetsu: I’m so glad you asked. Takezo the Unrivalled was the greatest duellist under heaven… Only when Takezo the Unrivalled loses his title, will he pass on the secret of his unstoppable twin sword strike.
Atsu: Do you think it’s real?
Ugetsu: Keep killing his disciples and we’ll find out. Search for Takezo’s trees. Challenge his disciples. Prove yourself stronger.
Atsu: Sounds like I’m doing all the work.
Ugetsu: If you die, try to go out dramatically. Makes for a better story.
Ugetsu: Ah, it’s you again. Please, join me. The fire is warm. You must be weary from your travels.
Atsu: Ugetsu. Somehow I’m not surprised to see you here.
Ugetsu: Remember Takezo the Unrivalled? I believe this was his camp…
Atsu: Then I need to keep challenging his disciples.
Ugetsu: Good luck.
Ronin: You’re not Takezo.
Atsu: Sorry to disappoint you.
Ronin: I heard the master duellist Takezo visits these trees…
Atsu: That sounds like a threat.
Ronin: Draw your sword. I wonder how long you’ll last…
Atsu: So eager to die.
Ronin: Do you walk in Takezo’s shadow?
Atsu: Another disciple of Takezo.
Ronin: If you’ve met my brethren, you must be good… Will you duel me?
Atsu: If I have to.
Ronin: He who walks in Takezo’s shadow is always ready to die…
Atsu: You got what you wanted.
Ronin: What’s that on your hip? That sword is a work of art…
Atsu: Another disciple.
Ronin: If I had such a weapon, my master might finally reveal himself.
Atsu: You’re about to make a bad choice.
Ronin: We’ll see. Defend your right to hold that sword…
Atsu: Like I said — a bad choice.
Ronin: You. Your head is wanted by the Yōtei Six.
Atsu: Going to try and take it?
Ronin: I am after bigger game.
Atsu: Takezo the Unrivalled.
Ronin: The one and only…
Atsu: We’re more alike than you know.
Ronin: Then you understand why I must defeat you…
Atsu: It didn’t have to be like this.
Vagabond: The roots of Takezo’s trees are drenched in his disciples’ blood…
Atsu: It’s their master I want.
Vagabond: Then you’re in luck… Follow the river south toward the sea.
Atsu: Are you another disciple?
Vagabond: Just a vagabond. Not unlike yourself. Follow the river south toward the sea. Takezo will meet you beneath the duelling tree.
Atsu: This is where I’m to meet Takezo. Guess he expects me to wait.
Vagabond: You came.
Atsu: You’re not just a vagabond, are you? Takezo the Unrivalled.
Takezo: I hate that title… I need someone to defeat me.
Atsu: If I do, will you teach me your technique?
Takezo: You will learn it or die by it.
Takezo: This tree bears the names of those I have duelled…
Atsu: Maybe I’ll write one for you.
Takezo: I can only hope. Tell me your name.
Atsu: Atsu. You shed no tears for your disciples.
Takezo: I never wanted followers.
Atsu: You could’ve just told them that.
Takezo: Did they seem sane to you?
Atsu: More like obsessed.
Takezo: You showed inspiration… now let’s see how you fare against a master.
Takezo: Come on. Show me something new…
Atsu: An oar? You can’t be serious.
Takezo: Any samurai can swing a sword. Masters improvise.
Takezo: You’re adapting. Good…
Atsu: Guess I’ll have to improvise.
Takezo: That’s it — you’ve learned my technique.
Atsu: The secret is to make things up?
Takezo: True invincibility lies in improvisation…
Atsu: Did you take a blow to the head?
Takezo: If I have, it has knocked sense into my soul… I’ll wait for you at the top of the world.
Atsu: If we meet. Goodbye, Takezo.
The Five Teachings
Takezo: I see you solved my riddle…
Atsu: No trees, though. Where will you tie my name?
Takezo: We are beyond such things… join me in the ring.
Takezo: Are you ready?
Atsu: Are you?
Takezo: This will be the greatest day of my life.
Takezo: Make this duel unforgettable. Do not disappoint me. Give me a fitting end.
Takezo: Finally. I am Takezo the Unrivalled no more.
Atsu: You fought well.
Takezo: This is a good death… You’re ‘the Unrivalled’ now, Atsu. May that title suit you better than it did me.