📖 On this page (click to open)
Blue Yamauba
Oni Raider: Where’s the Blue Yamauba?
Settler: I swear, I don’t know.
Settler: Many thanks, stranger. I owe you my life. Those raiders were after the Blue Yamauba.
Atsu: Blue Yamauba… I saw the bounty on her.
Settler: I saw the blue-faced witch set fire to a whole raider camp. She even watched their prisoners burn. Innocent people. But to her, they were all demons.
Atsu: You said her face was blue?
Settler: A mask. Lined with the malice and years of a crone. The mask artisan at the Oni’s Breath Inn might know what powers it keeps.
Atsu: Draw it for me — consider it payment for saving your life.
Saburo: You came. Decided to brave the demons of this valley, I see. Why not pick a mask, any mask, to keep them at bay?
Atsu: I’d rather you tell me what the raiders are doing here.
Saburo: This is the Oni’s Breath Inn. Even demons need watering holes.
Atsu: I’m looking for a bounty. The Blue Yamauba. Do you recognise her mask?
Saburo: It is indeed one of mine. Sold a full moon ago to a young woman. She wanted the hag’s protection for her little one. A son, as I recall.
Atsu: A son. Did she tell you where she lived?
Saburo: Somewhere in the forest northeast of here. Has something happened?
Atsu: They say she’s killing raiders and innocent bystanders.
Saburo: That doesn’t sound like Miyo. She’d never do anything that would put her child in danger.
Atsu: Maybe something’s changed.
Atsu: This must be Miyo’s work. The Blue Yamauba.
Oni Raider: That Blue Yamauba doesn’t know what’s coming to her.
Atsu: Miyo did all of this. At least I’m on the right trail.
Oni Raider: She killed our brothers! I’m not going into her lair. She’s a yamauba!
Atsu: Miyo’s home.
Oni Raider A: A witch is nothing to us!
Oni Raider B: Then you go!
Atsu: Someone burned this place. Not that long ago. A place to honour the dead. That is a lot of dead raiders. A doll. The mask artisan mentioned a son. It’s… burned. The raiders must have burned this place down, and Miyo’s son along with it.
Miyo: You dare come to my home, raider!
Atsu: Wait. I am not one of them.
Miyo: That is what a demon would say!
Atsu: Your name is Miyo. I know the raiders killed your son. The Yōtei Six — the demons — tried to burn me too. After they murdered my parents.
Miyo: Then you’ve come to join me. To help me kill them all.
Atsu: To kill the demons. But no more hurting innocent people. Give me your mask. I’ll tell them you’re dead. You can disappear, start over.
Miyo: Start over — ?
Oni Raider: There she is! Kill the hag. Kill everyone!
Miyo: You liar! You brought the demons. I won’t stop till every demon bleeds by my hand!
Atsu: You’re killing innocent people! Please, Miyo! Stop this.
Miyo: Miyo is dead!
Atsu: Please, Miyo!
Miyo: If I die, I’m taking you with me — I will gut you! All of you. Everyone in this valley…
Atsu: (Shaky breath) I’m sorry, Miyo. You gave me no choice.
Kojiro: So the Blue Yamauba was real after all.
Atsu: Grief for her son drove her mad.
Kojiro: At least you put her to rest.
Bloody Strings Hachibee
Atsu: A caravan. Like the one Bloody Strings Hachibee runs with.
Atsu: I’m looking for —
Settler: Please. Go away.
Atsu: You the caravan leader? I’m looking for someone.
Settler: There’s no one here worth finding.
Atsu: Not even Bloody Strings Hachibee?
Settler: How do you know that name?
Atsu: Which one is he?
Settler: If only it were so easy. (Sighs) I’ll show you. Everyone — gather round. This woman is searching for someone.
Atsu: A man named Hachibee.
Ronin A: I am Hachibee!
Ronin B: Liar! I’m Hachibee!
Ronin C: No, I’m Hachibee!
Ronin D: I am Hachibee!
Atsu: They can’t all be Hachibee.
Settler: Of course not. They’re protecting him.
Atsu: (Sighs) Then I need to draw him out.
Settler: Maybe… Maybe these men would like to hear a song on your shamisen?
Atsu: A song…
Settler: Ah, finally some civilization in this damn backwater.
Atsu: Guess it’s not him.
Settler: I used to play. Not as good as her.
Atsu: No reaction… Must not be Hachibee.
Settler: Take that shit you call music somewhere else!
Atsu: Now, we’re getting somewhere. Bloody Strings Hachibee?
Hachibee: (Sighs) Gave myself away. You here for my bounty?
Atsu: I am, but first I’m curious… Why do you hate the shamisen?
Hachibee: My father was swindled by a travelling shamisen player. Every time I hear that sound, I think of how my family starved.
Atsu: A sad tale. But I can’t let you go.
Hachibee: (Chuckles) You’re the one who’s not leaving here alive. Hold her down! I’ll strangle her with those damn shamisen strings!
Atsu: Bloody Strings Hachibee is no more.
Settler: It’s over. Stranger! A word! You’ve done us a great favour. Hachibee and his ronin were holding us hostage.
Atsu: It was because of your tips that I was able to draw him out.
Settler: I’m glad you understood. Here — please take this as a token of our appreciation.
Atsu: Stay safe. And try not to pick up any more ronin.
Kojiro: Bloody Strings Hachibee was a hard man to find. How’d you get his attention?
Atsu: I played him a little tune.
Kojiro: I’m sure it was to die for.
Toshi the Torch
Matsumae: Hold on. You here for the bounty.
Atsu: What if I am?
Matsumae: Toshi the Torch is not someone to be taken lightly. I tracked him to this cave. He is inside with some of his men.
Atsu: Then why are you out here?
Matsumae: My orders are to capture him alive. But that monster put countless Matsumae to the torch. He deserves death.
Atsu: You want me to put him down, so you won’t have to disobey orders.
Matsumae: I’d pay you more than what the bounty’s worth.
Atsu: How generous. I’ll see what I can do.
Toshi: Not so high and mighty now, are you, samurai? (Maniacal laughter) No one defies the Oni here. You will pay for your insult.
Matsumae: He’s dead… (Spits) May my brothers find you in the next life, monster.
Atsu: Someone followed you.
Matsumae: More Raiders.
Oni Raider: You two aren’t going anywhere.
Matsumae: Oh good, I haven’t drawn my sword today. There may be more — let’s go. We’re almost out.
Oni Raider: There, at the cave! Kill them!
Matsumae: You are a fierce one, stranger.
Atsu: Fierce — and hungry.
Matsumae: Of course — our deal. Here’s your reward. Thank you for ridding Ishikari Plain of that monster.
Eijiro the Ruthless
Oni Raider: I surrender!
Atsu: Where’s Eijiro?
Oni Raider: If you’re here for his bounty, you won’t see a single mon. He won’t let anyone disrupt the supply of lumber to Ishikari Castle. Eijiro will kill you for what you’ve done.
Atsu: (Scoffs) Tell me where he is.
Oni Raider: Near the tower, behind a large gate. He’ll be waiting for you.
Atsu: Don’t see any more guards.
Eijiro: So you’re the one they call onryō… You have no chance. I’ve killed countless samurai.
Atsu: I’m no samurai.
Eijiro: We will strip this land for the Oni’s castle! Ishikari Plain belongs to the Oni Raiders!
Atsu: Ishikari Plain belongs to its people.
Settler: Thank you for rescuing us. We’re with Sensei Takahashi. He’s been teaching us the way of the yari — to fight the Oni Raiders.
Atsu: I know. He sent me. You should join him at his dojo.
Atsu: I’ve taken care of Eijiro the Ruthless.
Kojiro: Impressive. You earned this reward.
Turtle Man Kamekichi
Atsu: This could be that fisherman’s camp. Turtle Man Kamekichi. Looks like he left in a hurry. Someone was fishing for their meal. The fire looks ready to cook. But they were interrupted. Fire arrows. The Raiders were after them. Looks like they were chased up that hill.
Oni Raider: We know you’re hiding up there! You — climb up there and get him!
Kamekichi: You keep sending them, I’ll keep killing them!
Oni Raider: Kamekichi, you scaly bastard! Come down and we’ll make this painless! Don’t stop attacking. Grab him if he comes out.
Kamekichi: Shit! Whoever you are, you won’t get a fight from me. That was my last arrow.
Atsu: You’re Turtle Man Kamekichi?
Kamekichi: Today I wish I wasn’t. I was fishing till those Raiders attacked me. I had just enough time to scramble up here with my bow.
Atsu: Seems like you put up a fight.
Kamekichi: (Coughs) I used to be a samurai. But not much longer. This wound isn’t healing. Care to share some salmon with a dying man?
Atsu: If you want the company.
Kamekichi: I do. And don’t worry, all you need is my mask to collect the bounty. You’ll need to light the fire. I’m not much use. How long have you been hunting bounties?
Atsu: Not long.
Kamekichi: It’s rough, killing faces when you barely know their name.
Atsu: Makes it easier.
Kamekichi: Killing should never be easy.
Atsu: It is when you have a cause.
Kamekichi: We all have causes. ’Til they end. And then all you know how to do is take life.
Atsu: If you didn’t, they’ll take yours.
Kamekichi: Take a good look at me — this is what happens when you finally lose that fight.
Kamekichi: Not bad.
Atsu: Don’t sound so impressed.
Kamekichi: It’s not the food. It’s the company. Here I am hiding in a cave, speaking to a killer, waiting to die. Is that how you want it to end someday?
Atsu: I wasn’t given a choice. I am what other people made me.
Kamekichi: And when they’re finally dead? What will you be then? You’ll be sitting here someday speaking to someone else just like you.
Atsu: You make it sound so simple. But it’s not. Something happened to me when I was young. Something unforgivable. People need to pay for what they did. Want more salmon? You there? I guess that wound was too much. I hope you found peace. Thank you for the mask.
Kojiro: Turtle Man Kamekichi. I bet he didn’t go quietly.
Atsu: Do they ever?
Kojiro: Guess he won’t be fishing anymore.
Shiro the Swindler
Kojiro: Say, friend, I may have a bounty that requires a specific set of deadly skills.
Atsu: Who’s the target?
Kojiro: You ever hear of a thief named Shiro the Swindler?
Atsu: Can’t say I know the name. Where do I find him?
Kojiro: Turns out he’s here — in Ishikari Plain. By the cliffs near Jigoku Fortress. Be careful, he’s good with a rifle.
Atsu: Didn’t Shiro’s bounty poster mention a cliffside by a fortress? Must be Shiro’s camp. Looks like no one’s home. Bullets. Shiro has a musket. Better be careful. He’s been sleeping here. Out of sight, close to the walls. What are you up to, Shiro?
Ronin: Today is my lucky day! I came here to collect on Shiro’s bounty. And found myself a bigger prize. The woman who killed the Snake.
Atsu: Then you know not to get between me and my target.
Ronin: I’ll take my chances. Your bounty will keep me fed until the end of my days.
Shiro: Kind of you to keep him standing still.
Atsu: I’m guessing you’re the ronin camping by the cliffside.
Shiro: Please, call me Shiro.
Atsu: The same Shiro with a bounty on his head?
Shiro: My bounty’s a pittance. A woman of exceptional talent deserves exceptional pay.
Atsu: Flattery won’t stop me from bringing you in.
Shiro: And if I said I could make us rich? The Oni Raiders keep their money in this fortress. I mean to liberate every last coin. I’ll go halves with you. We’ll rob these raiders blind and walk away rich.
Atsu: Nice try.
Shiro: You don’t believe me.
Atsu: I don’t trust you.
Shiro: You shouldn’t trust me. I’m a wanted man bargaining for his life. Throwing in with you is my only move.
Atsu: How much money are you planning to lift?
Shiro: More than you’ll make in a year hunting poor ronin like me. So are you in?
Atsu: All right. But, if you cross me, I’m collecting your bounty.
Shiro: Either way, you get paid.
Shiro: Expect a small army of raiders between us and our money. Are you ready?
Atsu: As I’ll ever be.
Shiro: Then follow me. The Oni Raiders collect tribute for Lord Saito’s war. Merchants. Farmers. Beggars. Everybody pays.
Atsu: This tribute. You’re sure it’s locked inside this fortress?
Shiro: That’s right. And I know the way in. Just through this gate.
Atsu: Make yourself useful.
Shiro: An iron hook. Resourceful. Your turn. Help me up this ledge.
Atsu: Don’t even think of running away.
Shiro: I wouldn’t dream of it. We’re nearly in.
Atsu: Oni Raiders on guard duty.
Shiro: Fewer than usual. Lucky for us, the fortress commander’s out on patrol.
Atsu: That bridge is our next problem. We’ll be exposed to archers on the gate.
Shiro: There’s no way around it. Just move quick, and take out their archers before they put an arrow in you.
Atsu: Once we’re past the gates, how do we get to the money?
Shiro: I know a quick path around the walls. By the time the commander returns, we’ll be in the wind. Let’s go.
Shiro: The bridge is behind this gate. Let’s hope the guards on the other side haven’t noticed us yet.
Atsu: They definitely know we’re here.
Shiro: Between my rifle and your steel, it’ll be no problem!
Atsu: Guess we’ve come too far to turn back now.
Shiro: This will all be worth it. Trust me.
Atsu: I’ll get the gate.
Atsu: Keep those archers off me.
Shiro: You’re quite the fight! Haha. That money’s as good as ours!
Oni Raider: Here I come!
Shiro: Reinforcements! They’re trying to surround us! Glad I don’t have to do this all alone. More of these guys than I expected! There’s more coming through the gates! You’re quite the fighter! Glad I don’t have to do this all alone.
Oni Raider: Get ready!
Shiro: I chose my new partner well.
Atsu: Is that all?
Shiro: (Laughing) You look like death incarnate. Come on, we’re nearly there! There’s a hidden path.
Shiro: Woohoo! This path should take us around the fortress. I wager we’re past the worst of it.
Atsu: Don’t push your luck.
Shiro: What else do you do with luck? The ocean always reminds me of home.
Atsu: Where’s that?
Shiro: Oshima Coast. Near Matsumae Castle. Not that a poor, hungry orphan ever got to go near it. We’re almost there.
Atsu: More of them!
Shiro: This way! Feast your eyes on all that tribute.
Atsu: Remember our deal.
Shiro: Oh, I recall. We’ll go halves or you’ll divide me in two.
Atsu: (Gasps)
Shiro: Oh, this money’s going to change my life. What about you? Going to retire in comfort?
Atsu: If only I could.
Commander Kudo: You miserable pair of thieves. I should thank you for killing all my guards. You saved me the trouble of executing them for letting you in.
Atsu: You must be the master of the house.
Commander Kudo: The Oni left me in command of this fortress. I’m going to decorate its walls with your heads.
Atsu: Shiro, cover me.
Shiro: Keep him busy. I’ll put one between his eyes.
Atsu: Shiro! Take your shot!
Commander Kudo: Where is your friend?
Atsu: Where are you, Shiro?
Commander Kudo: He left you to die.
Atsu: Shiro. You damned coward. That bastard snatched the money and ran. Left me his poster, and just enough coin to pay for his bounty. (Laughs) He thinks he’s clever. Enjoy the money while you can, Shiro.