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The Path of the Odachi
Master Yoshida: The Dragon and the Spider may be out of reach, but you can still hurt Lord Saito.
Atsu: How?
Master Yoshida: By disrupting his operations in Tokachi Range. I can provide you with a list of targets.
Atsu: Why don’t we hit them together?
Master Yoshida: As much as I enjoy charging bo-hiyas with you, my place is here. You’re the one I’ve been waiting for, Atsu — an unstoppable force of nature delivering retribution to clan Saito for all their sins.
Atsu: I do what I can.
Master Yoshida: You can finish the hunt I can not. Destroy, destabilise, dismantle — make Saito’s life miserable and I will reward you.
Atsu: With pleasant conversation?
Master Yoshida: That’s always free. Along with more training… And coin. A worthy blade deserves a worthy reward. These are the targets…
Atsu: I’ll see what I can do.
Master Yoshida: And let your enemies know the master has taught you.
Atsu: It’s ‘Yoshida’, right?
Master Yoshida: I will miss our pleasant conversation, Atsu. Once you’re finished, return for more training. The odachi still has its secrets. Good luck, Atsu.
The Odachi’s Redemption
Master Yoshida: Atsu — you’ve been busy. You have made life miserable for the Yōtei Six. Better yet, their followers are terrified of you — the odachi-wielding onryō. You even have admirers among clan Matsumae.
Atsu: None have offered me sake.
Master Yoshida: You might drink them under the table. Come. You have more than earned your next lesson.
Master Yoshida: There are certain techniques passed down from master to master through these scrolls. Of course, I improved them. We will study them together.
Atsu: “Begin with a wide stance.”
Master Yoshida: Is something wrong?
Atsu: I’d rather hit something than read.
Master Yoshida: Later. I have students for that.
Atsu: “Rotate your body, unleashing a powerful swing.”
Master Yoshida: This requires focused energy.
Atsu: “And that focus comes from breathing.”
Master Yoshida: Something many students forget in the face of the enemy — to breathe. The odachi’s weight will throw you off-balance. This next technique will break your opponent’s guard and … You’re not listening.
Atsu: I learn better hands-on.
Master Yoshida: You can spar with me. Whether you survive…
Atsu: How did you improve these techniques?
Master Yoshida: The old men who wrote them got lost in poetry. One day I knocked them to the ground and reminded them a giant sword doesn’t need to rhyme. Ready your odachi.
Atsu: You ready yours. You’re one of those old men now.
Master Yoshida: (Chuckles) After you. Now show me your technique. Don’t hold your breath — try again.
Atsu: (Laboured breathing)
Master Yoshida: Almost. Control your breathing — it’s too erratic. That’s it!
Atsu: My stance and breath were steady.
Master Yoshida: And my hand felt it.
Atsu: Let’s go again. Give me a chance to knock you to the ground ‘old man’.
Master Yoshida: I still have another hand. Better to take a sake break. The weather’s turning cold.
Atsu: I can make us a fire.
Master Yoshida: My old master would say the flames are coaxed by your breath — just like your new technique. But I’m cold, so hurry up.
Atsu: I think that was the worst sake I’ve ever tasted.
Master Yoshida: I cut it with vinegar. My students sneak it at night.
Atsu: You’re not a very fun master.
Master Yoshida: I used to let them drink the good stuff. I joined in. But drunken samurai swinging odachi around doesn’t end well. I had to enforce discipline.
Atsu: And become one of those old men.
Master Yoshida: If not that, then what? I’m a warrior sitting here watching the war from afar. How is your hunt for the Yōtei Six coming?
Atsu: Slow.
Master Yoshida: You’ll find them. And then use that odachi to remove their heads. Did you hear that? Movement below. It might only be animals. Let’s check to make sure…
Atsu: I see a Matsumae patrol.
Master Yoshida: I’m used to that. That’s not what I heard.
Atsu: There’s a merchant caravan heading north.
Master Yoshida: (Sigh of relief) That must have been it…
Atsu: Wait — there’s something else. A group of Saito’s men.
Master Yoshida: What are they doing?
Atsu: There’s your answer! Watch out!
Master Yoshida: To the horses! They’re trying to destroy the dojo! We have to stop them!
Atsu: What about your other students?
Master Yoshida: No time to rally them! These bastards must be stopped once and for all! This is one war I can win! Remember the new technique you learned!
Atsu: Right! Keep them confused and off-guard.
Master Yoshida: I will not be denied this victory!
Master Yoshida: Now, Atsu! Draw your odachi! I am Master Yoshida! A servant of the great Lord Matsumae! This is my student, the onryō! And you are all dogs birthed from that bitch you call clan Saito! Atsu, watch out! More on the way! Die screaming knowing the onryō and her teacher have ended your life! May you feel our odachi severing your head from your neck!
Saito Outlaw: You’re no vengeful spirit.
Master Yoshida: Taste the blood of your brother spraying upon your face!
Saito Outlaw: I’ll prove it.
Master Yoshida: Tremble as our great and worthy weapons find purchase in your skulls!
Saito Outlaw: Better be ready.
Master Yoshida: Our odachis are your end! Well fought! Revel as our blades crush your chest and burst open your heart!
Atsu: Well. I think we got them all.
Master Yoshida: This may have only been a skirmish, but if I can’t lead armies to victory, then I can lead my students to mastery of their own courage.
Atsu: And you to your own redemption.
Master Yoshida: Perhaps. This certainly helped. You honour the way of the odachi, Atsu. I’m proud to have fought alongside you.
Atsu: Likewise, Master Yoshida. You bring honour to clan Matsumae.
Master Yoshida: Those words mean a lot coming from you.
Atsu: What now?
Master Yoshida: Continue training with your odachi. Even someone with your natural talent needs practice. When you feel you have nothing left to learn, return to me for one final lesson.
Atsu: There’s more?
Master Yoshida: Maybe not in the way you think. But worthy just the same.
Atsu: I look forward to it. Take care, Master Yoshida.
Master Yoshida’s Final Lesson
Master Yoshida: Atsu — you’ve returned. Has your odachi bloodied itself in glorious battle?
Atsu: That’s one way of putting it. I’ve learned all I can.
Master Yoshida: Good. A clean odachi teaches nothing. Are you ready for your final lesson?
Atsu: Lead the way.
Master Yoshida: It is a bit of a climb.
Master Yoshida: This is a new lesson for me as well. One I’ve never taught.
Atsu: I hope it doesn’t involve jumping off this cliff.
Master Yoshida: Only if you fail. My masters used to teach this lesson.
Atsu: You mean those old men you were talking about?
Master Yoshida: The very ones. We could both learn from them, if we hope to live to such a ripe old age.
Atsu: I haven’t thought that far ahead.
Master Yoshida: Then you need this lesson more than I do. You must learn the value of a still mind, Atsu. To accept your past, your pain, your enemies. Without judgement.
Atsu: I can’t just forget the Yōtei Six. They took everything from me.
Master Yoshida: And they take more with every minute you obsess over them.
Atsu: (Deep breath) Fine.
Master Yoshida: Now let’s sit quietly. Empty your mind of all thoughts, of all judgement. See how long you can do it.
Master Yoshida: I’m impressed. How do you feel?
Atsu: Lighter. I think I was actually able to let go… and forget. Just for a moment.
Master Yoshida: Sometimes a moment is all we need.
Atsu: How long did you last when you first tried?
Master Yoshida: The length of a yawn. Then I left in search of sake. Before we go, I want you to have this. A parting gift for completing your lessons.
Atsu: I wish I could give you something in return.
Master Yoshida: Oh, you have. The lesson in charging bo-hiya fire was invaluable.
Atsu: That and the pleasant conversation.
Master Yoshida: Come — or my other students will feel neglected.
Master Yoshida: If you ever need a moment of calm, you’re always welcome.
Atsu: I’ll be sure to bring my own sake next time. Thank you for everything, Master Yoshida.
Master Yoshida: And same to you. Be well on your journey, Atsu.