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The Winter Farms
Settler: Greetings, traveller.
Atsu: Tell me what you know about the Yōtei Six.
Settler: What would you like to know?
Atsu: Tell me what you know about the Kitsune.
Settler: I know he’s in Teshio Ridge. Tough place to live. Just the other day I heard about fox spirits taking over farms there. But a local farmer is fighting back with kunai.
Atsu: Kunai. Interesting.
Atsu: Someone put up a fight. Nine Tails. Killed with kunai.
Nine Tail: We gave you a chance, Hana. Now you die.
Atsu: I’m not Hana, but I’ll give you a fight if you are looking for one.
Hana: Leave her alone!
Atsu: Hana, I presume?
Hana: Ready yourself. More are coming. Very skilled! What a mess.
Atsu: You should leave. There might be more where that came from.
Hana: No ‘fox spirits’ is going to kick me out of my own home.
Atsu: Where did you learn to throw kunai like that?
Hana: I’m not one of them, if that’s what you are worried about.
Atsu: They look handy in a fight. And I’ve got my own ‘fox spirits’ to deal with. Maybe we can help each other.
Hana: The enemy of my enemy… Very well. I teach you. You help me.
Hana: Keep on shoulder back. Step forward and follow through with your other shoulder. You are using your wrist. Losing momentum. Use your whole body. See? Much better. The Nine Tails favour speed and surprise attacks. You’ll need to practice on moving targets. Good.
Atsu: Why do the Nine Tails want to kick you out of here?
Hana: It’s not easy to harvest the land so far north. They want the fields our families have painstakingly grown. That’s it! The Nine Tails ambush in groups. You’ll need to be faster on the draw. The more kunai you throw, the more room you’ll have to breathe. There it is! I was born at this very farm. My parents thought if they lived where no one else wanted to, they would be left alone. I have had no such luck. You are a quick study.
Atsu: These things are hard to find once you throw them.
Hana: I can make more for you, but first, let’s discuss how we can help each other. I will make us a meal. Wouldn’t want all that squash to go to waste.
Atsu: You mentioned there are other families caring for farmers in the area.
Hana: They have made a life here and are now being threatened if they don’t leave.
Atsu: Why don’t you leave? Why risk losing the people you love?
Hana: The same reason I learned to make kunai in the first place. A story for another time. All you need to know is that there are four families with homes in this area. Help me check on them and I will make you as many kunai as you want…
Atsu: Atsu… And it’s a deal.
Hana: Then you are welcome at my forge, Atsu. Come see me if you need to replenish your kunai.
Atsu: Nine Tails. They’re attacking one of Hana’s farms.
Settler: Thank you. Please. These ropes are awfully tight. Set me free! Please! Hana!
Hana: Run inside. More shinobi are on the way! Atsu, with me!
Atsu: There’s always more of them.
Hana: And we will keep cutting them down. These homes are not yours to take! Keep them away from the house!
Atsu: I’m trying!
Hana: Thank goodness, everyone’s all right.
Settler: It’s good to see you, Hana.
Hana: You too, Heisuke. Go to my farm. It should be safe for now. I’m glad these fields are safe. I remember my parents teaching me how to work the soil here.
Atsu: Did they show you how to forge kunai as well?
Hana: Ha! Of course not. Smithing is not a woman’s purview. But I met a little boy who changed everything. (Coughs) If you need kunai, I’ve made improvements. Otherwise, there are still two other families to check on.
Atsu: I haven’t forgotten.
Atsu: One of the farms Hana marked… The Nine Tails are already here.
Hana: Are you all right? Where’s Tora? The kids?
Atsu: There were no bodies. They must have run for safety.
Hana: They’ll go to my farm then. That’s good. You kept your word.
Atsu: Now will you tell me why you use the same weapon as the Nine Tails?
Hana: We use them to climb up frozen terrain, to till the hardened soil.
Atsu: But?
Hana: Life is not easy out here. Some of us learn to use kunai to defend ourselves. I would not be surprised to find kin among these shinobi.
Atsu: Likely just trying to survive. But we all make our choices.
Hana: And what high a cost we pay.
Atsu: You are doing the right thing protecting your home.
Hana: We still have three other farms to check. I have some new kunai if you need them. Be careful.
Atsu: Another one of Hana’s farms. But no one seems to be home. Nine Tails!
Atsu: That can’t be all of them.
Hana: You beat me here. I found Sakichi’s family hiding nearby. They were scared, but unharmed. I sent them back to my farm for now. You are as deadly as you look. My husband would have enjoyed meeting you.
Atsu: He’s the boy you mentioned. The one who changed everything?
Hana: He taught me how to forge kunai. How to fight. It was his way of protecting me.
Atsu: My father tried to do the same. Death and cruelty find women as easily as men.
Hana: If not more so. I’ve done some new work on my kunai if you are in need. But remember, there is still one last family to check on.
Atsu: One of Hana’s farms.
Settler: Help! Please!
Atsu: An ambush!
Settler: Please! Untie me, I beg you.
Settler: Hana. I was afraid they had gotten you, too. I tried to fight them.
Hana: Is your family safe?
Settler: They ran for the woods.
Hana: Good. Go. Take them to my farm.
Atsu: Do you think there are still Nine Tails around?
Hana: There are more footprints than bodies. They must be hiding nearby. Check behind the house. I’ll check the ridge. Keep your ears sharp. They’re more reliable than your eyes.
Hana: That’s all of them.
Atsu: The Nine Tails are gone for now. But they could come back.
Hana: They think they can use our techniques against us. We will train. Mount better defences. We have the gift of time now — because of you.
Atsu: If you want to thank me, I wouldn’t say no to more of that roasted squash.
Hana: (Chuckles) That can be arranged. Let’s get out of here.
Hana: If only my husband could see us now. He’d probably be planning the next harvest already.
Atsu: What happened to him?
Hana: Illness took him one harsh winter. He loved this roasted squash. Knew it was the only thing I could make. (Chuckles)
Atsu: I think it tastes good.
Hana: (Laugh) Then you’re just as bad a cook as I am. You asked me once why we don’t just leave. I buried my husband under this very soil. My family. And I’m not the only one.
Atsu: You couldn’t leave behind those you’ve lost. Or the squash.
Hana: Never the squash, no. You saved our family, Atsu. No one here will forget that.
The Way of the Kusarigama
Atsu: All the carvings around here are bears and owls.Who made these carvings?
Nine Tail: Master Enomoto!
Master Enomoto: Careful, traveller. We are outnumbered.
Atsu: Outnumbered? By who?
Master Enomoto: Nine Tails. Either we fight together, or they will be gloating over our corpses.
Atsu: I don’t even know you.
Master Enomoto: Is a stranger’s life worth nothing these days?
Atsu: All right, fine. No one’s gloating over me.
Master Enomoto: This way, through the brush.
Nine Tail: Keep looking. He’s around here somewhere.
Saito Outlaw: We only need his head!
Master Enomoto: My head is yours — if you can take it!
Atsu: Why do I get the feeling you didn’t need my help?
Master Enomoto: I had to know whether you needed mine.
Atsu: And?
Master Enomoto: Your swing shows promise.
Atsu: You must be Master Enomoto, the kusarigama sensei I’ve heard about. I’m Atsu. I’d like to learn.
Master Enomoto: That wisdom I usually keep to myself. But you helped an old man when you did not have to. So tell me — why do you fight?
Atsu: I have old debts I need to settle.
Master Enomoto: An honest answer. But I don’t train those consumed by petty slights of the past.
Atsu: I lost my family to Lord Saito and the Yōtei Six. Train me — so I can bring them justice.
Master Enomoto: I see. Then I have some things to show you.
Master Enomoto: Now step forward, Atsu, and take this kusarigama from the owl. It will be your companion going forward. Like a kusarigama, an owl is a silent hunter. Its talons are sharp. Use it to cut through the bamboo up the hill. This way. Cut through the bamboo. Good! Quick, swift strikes! The bear’s arms are long and powerful, like the kusarigama’s fundo. Use it to smash the pot. Always remember, the kusarigama is the owl and bear joined together. You must use both. Now come across the river.
Atsu: Why do the Nine Tails want you dead?
Master Enomoto: An old quarrel.
Atsu: What sort of quarrel?
Master Enomoto: Another time.
Nine Tail: The old man has to come through here! Double rations to whoever kills him! Look around!
Atsu: More Nine Tails.
Master Enomoto: A good chance to put what you have learned to use. Now, it’s important you understand the kusarigama is fearsome, but it is best against shielede foes.
Atsu: And if my enemy doesn’t have a shield?
Master Enomoto: The kusarigama will still kill. But will not shine. If you meet a foe with only a sword, it’s best to draw your own sword. Show me the best weapon to use against katana. Good. Katana against katana. Show me which weapon you will draw when facing shields.
Atsu: A kusarigama, to break through their shields and cut them down.
Master Enomoto: Yes! The bear breaks through, the owl cuts down. You’re ready to move on.
Master Enomoto: Good.
Nine Tail: You can’t kill a woman? Finish this! We’re here for the old man!
Master Enomoto: Strike them down. Use your katana against theirs. That is the right technique.
Nine Tail: Prepare yourself.
Master Enomoto: Good. Strike them down.
Master Enomoto: Step with purpose, Atsu! The weather is turning.
Atsu: It’s cold. Harder to climb.
Master Enomoto: Training only counts when your toes are numb.
Atsu: Won’t matter if my fingers freeze and I fall.
Master Enomoto: The Nine Tails aren’t the only enemy in this valley. The weather can be a cunning opponent.
Master Enomoto: Now we rest. Join me.
Atsu: That was a lot of Nine Tails coming for you.
Master Enomoto: They’re getting bolder.
Atsu: One of them kept calling you ‘old man’. Who is he?
Master Enomoto: My grandson?
Atsu: Your grandson is trying to kill you?
Master Enomoto: He’s lost. Consumed by his anger towards me. The Nine Tails turned it into a weapon. Now he believes killing me will heal an old wound.
Atsu: Is he right?
Master Enomoto: As the one whose head would be rolling on the ground, I think not. Ah, the storm is here. Good. We will continue on.
Atsu: ‘Good’? Shouldn’t we stay inside?
Master Enomoto: Will the enemy wait for fair weather to attack? You must train for the worse.
Master Enomoto: Now unleash the kusarigama. Strike the targets.
Atsu: It’s too cold — I can’t get a good grip.
Master Enomoto: Try again.
Atsu: It’s not working.
Master Enomoto: The cold is outside your body, Atsu. But your disbelief is inside.
Atsu: My fingers know what they believe.
Master Enomoto: You have to be comfortable in the storm. Follow me — higher!
Atsu: Doesn’t this cold slow you down?
Master Enomoto: The storm is an old friend to me.
Atsu: Maybe you need better friends.
Master Enomoto: (Amused laugh)
Atsu: This wind — I can barely hold on.
Master Enomoto: As in any battle, if you believe you’ll fail, then you will. And it is a long way down. We’re here. Now show me your technique.
Atsu: Again? It’s freezing.
Master Enomoto: You ask for mercy? Will Lord Saito show you any? Once more — show me your technique.
Atsu: I can’t get a good grip in this cold.
Master Enomoto: If you hope to fight in this valley, you must learn to live within it.
Atsu: I’m trying.
Master Enomoto: I asked you before why you fight. Do you think Lord Saito shrinks away from the cold?
Atsu: No.
Master Enomoto: If he were here now, would you strike him down or go inside and drink tea? I can make a brew of hot sencha if you like.
Atsu: Fine, you’ve made your point. What do I need to do?
Master Enomoto: Over here. This pool is fed by snowmelt from the mountain peak. It’s frigid, but I will brace your spirit.
Atsu: You’re joking.
Master Enomoto: The same conviction that brought you here can warm you from within.
Atsu: The cold waters are outside my body. In my mind, they don’t exist. If I can believe that, I might survive this.
Master Enomoto: You’re still here. Few last this long.
Atsu: Now you tell me.
Master Enomoto: And now you understand your mind is your true centre of power. Your body is simply an instrument of its will.
Atsu: I want to have another go at those targets.
Master Enomoto: Yes. Please do.
Master Enomoto: Well done. Now I have one final test for you. Face me. Strike me as you would your enemies.
Master Enomoto: Good, good. You’ve done well.
Atsu: Now how about that cup of tea? I think I’ve earned it.
Master Enomoto: Indeed.
Atsu: Tea never felt so good.
Master Enomoto: A necessity for survival in this valley.
Atsu: Be honest with me, Master Enomoto. You didn’t fight the Nine Tails earlier because you don’t want to fight your grandson.
Master Enomoto: What grandfather would?
Atsu: Why does he hate you?
Master Enomoto: His mother was killed in a senseless crime. He looked to me for training to avenge her. I refused.
Atsu: Yet you teach me and I hope to kill Saito.
Master Enomoto: I do not begrudge justice in the face of atrocity. But my grandson came to hate the whole word. He wants everyone to suffer.
Atsu: So he joined the Nine Tails instead.
Master Enomoto: And now his venom toward me is turned against the people of this valley. Come. There’s work to be done.
Atsu: More training?
Master Enomoto: In time. Now you will put your new skills to use. You must become my instrument in this valley.
Master Enomoto: The Nine Tails spread terror across the land. Take not of what you see below.
Atsu: What am I looking at?
Master Enomoto: A Nine Tails den. You must clear them out. Free any innocents you find. Now on the other side of the valley…
Atsu: A port village.
Master Enomoto: Yes. A weaponsmith is being held there. An important ally to improve your kusarigama.
Atsu: Why can’t you do this?
Master Enomoto: My presence only fuels my grandson’s resolve. He doesn’t know you.
Atsu: And if our paths cross? You want me to kill him, don’t you?
Master Enomoto: To even utter those words about my own blood…
Atsu: Is this why you’re training me?
Master Enomoto: Peace must be restored.
Atsu: I understand.
The Path of the Kusarigama
Atsu: What do we have here? These statues must mean something. Heh.
Atsu: That’s the last of them. Now, what were you hiding?
Atsu: You’re free.
Settler: Thank you. I wasn’t going to last much longer.
Atsu: What did the Nine Tails want with you?
Settler: I don’t know. But the one who gives orders, he’s a particularly cruel soul.
Atsu: Master Enomoto spoke of him.
Settler: And he spoke of Master Enomoto. With murder in his eyes. But what does that have to do with me?
Atsu: Nothing at all. You’re just an easy target.
Settler: Figures. There’s a lot of us in Teshio Ridge. I’m heading back to the Red Crane Inn. Thank you, again.
Atsu: More statues. There’s my way out.
Atsu: I should get back to Master Enomoto and tell him of my progress.
The Kusarigama’s Shame
Master Enomoto: You’ve returned, Atsu. How did you fare?
Atsu: Master Enomoto. The kusarigama artisan is safe and I cleared out the Nine Tails den.
Master Enomoto: What did you find?
Atsu: Prisoners. Your grandson had been rounding them up. Or worse.
Master Enomoto: So much hatred in his heart. I thought I could guide him. Now others suffer because of my failure.
Atsu: He has to be stopped.
Master Enomoto: I know. A day I hoped would never come. And now it is here. We must prepare for the fight.
Master Enomoto: There’s a technique you must learn. Inspired by observing nature. Read the scrolls. Internalise their technique.
Atsu: You throw the chain forward.
Master Enomoto: As an owl swoops down on its prey.
Atsu: Then pull the enemy towards you.
Master Enomoto: But only if you can break their stance. Then you follow with a devastating second strike.
Atsu: It’s deceptively simple.
Master Enomoto: And powerful. Yet like the kusarigama, this technique is more than it appears. You will find it taxes your spirit, like the storms of Teshio Ridge.
Atsu: A powerful technique.
Master Enomoto: It is, if you can perfect it. You might even defeat a master. Try to make me down.
Master Enomoto: Very good. You know how to wield it. If only my grandson wasn’t the target.
Atsu: If you can’t deliver the blow, I can.
Master Enomoto: Thank you. To strike down my own daughter’s child… My courage wavers.
Atsu: How do we find him?
Master Enomoto: I have a plan. Come.
Master Enomoto: Observe the forest.
Atsu: A path.
Master Enomoto: Visible only if you know to look for it.
Atsu: A road just past the trees.
Master Enomoto: Yes. They block the view of the path. Convenient.
Atsu: Looks like an old campfire.
Master Enomoto: Safe from the winds and prying eyes. All of this is perfect for moving something you wouldn’t want to be seen.
Atsu: The Nine Tails come through here?
Master Enomoto: A smuggling route for prisoners.
Atsu: We can use that. Set an ambush.
Master Enomoto: Precisely. My grandson will be forced into the open. We must prepare.
Atsu: How do you want to do this?
Master Enomoto: I will act the part of a weary traveller, old and infirm. You hide nearby and when the Nine Tails approach —
Atsu: I strike.
Master Enomoto: Do not miss.
Master Enomoto: Start a fire — then hide yourself in those bushes. I used to go hunting with my grandson. We would cook the meat over a fire like this.
Atsu: It’s not your fault he turned to the Nine Tails.
Master Enomoto: Perhaps. But it is my shame.
Master Enomoto: Ah, fellow travellers. Keeping warm, I hope?
Nine Tail: It’s your rotten luck to be out here, old man.
Master Enomoto: Oh?
Nine Tail: We can’t have witnesses.
Master Enomoto: Now Atsu!
Nine Tail: Trespasser. Your life is forfeit. This is going to hurt.
Atsu: Were any of them your grandson?
Master Enomoto: No. Remain vigilant.
Nine Tail: Grandfather! Is that really you? You’ve finally come off your mountain.
Master Enomoto: You gave me no choice. What would your mother say if she saw the man you have become?
Nine Tail: She’s dead. Her memory withered because you wouldn’t train me.
Master Enomoto: There was too much hatred in you. And this woman. She’s killed plenty. Is she any better?
Atsu: My mother was murdered — but I don’t take my anger out on innocent people.
Nine Tail: You don’t let them get in the way, either.
Master Enomoto: Do not let it come to this. Please. We are still family.
Nine Tail: Whatever we were died with my mother. Kill them both!
Nine Tail: Wait, spare me! (Coughs)
Atsu: He doesn’t have long.
Master Enomoto: You should have been at my side. I wanted so much more for you.
Nine Tail: I know.
Master Enomoto: We all write our own stories. This is how yours must end.
Nine Tail: (Coughs) Goodbye… Grandfather.
Master Enomoto: (Deep sigh) Atsu.
Atsu: I am… sorry.
Master Enomoto: You struck a blow I never could. Small mercy that it is finally over.
Atsu: I wish there had been another way.
Master Enomoto: For years, I imagined we would reconcile. But some fates cannot be denied. However cruel. Come. Let’s get out of this wind.
Master Enomoto: I often tell my students the wounds they suffer in battle are merely a nuisance. Pain can be ignored. Keep fighting.
Atsu: But not all wounds are physical.
Master Enomoto: Indeed. I now struggle with my own lesson. Yet, the battle for Teshio Ridge is not over.
Atsu: There are many in the Nine Tails like your grandson.
Master Enomoto: Their hate cannot be allowed to spread.
Atsu: I will hunt down the Kitsune.
Master Enomoto: Good, but remember he is one man. Find their remaining hideouts and liberate any settlements they’ve captured.
Atsu: I’ll do what I can.
Master Enomoto: Though it may sound strange, the farmers here are… hardy. You’d benefit to seek them out.
Atsu: I am aware of Hana’s talents.
Master Enomoto: She’s a survivor. Before you go, I have one last thing to show you. When I refused to train my grandson, I gave up all hope of legacy. Until now.
Atsu: Only the living can carry on someone’s legacy.
Master Enomoto: You are not dead yet. Whatever they call you.
Atsu: I… I don’t have a future beyond the Yōtei Six.
Master Enomoto: Are you so sure? Observe, its talons hold the first kusarigama I ever trained with.
Atsu: Must be special.
Master Enomoto: A powerful weapon for those who can wield it. When you are able to pull it from the talon’s grasp, you will know you are ready. My kusarigama will be yours.
Atsu: I will try to be worthy of it.
Atsu: (Exhales) I did it.
Master Enomoto: You have earned my kusarigama.
Atsu: Finally.
Master Enomoto: This weapon served me well in my younger days. I cannot imagine a more worthy owner than you.
Atsu: Thank you, Master Enomoto. It’s an honour.
Master Enomoto: The honour is in calling you a friend. See that this kusarigama does some good in the world. When wielded by a just hand, it can restore balance to a land starved of virtue.
Atsu: I will.
Master Enomoto: Then I bid you farewell, Atsu. Perhaps our paths will cross again someday. Be well on your journey.
Atsu: It’s a massacre. They won’t get away with this.
Nine Tail: No one will defy us after today!
Atsu: These butchers don’t deserve to live another day.
Nine Tail: Slit every throat! No survivors! Let their bodies rot for all of Teshio Ridge to see! Outlander! You will never return home.
Nine Tail: Make sure they are all dead! The Kitsune wants to send a message no one will forget. They must understand we will kill anyone who challenges us. The people of Teshio Ridge must fear the Nine Tails.
Atsu: There’s the message for your Kitsune — this land doesn’t belong to you.
Secrets of the Heart
Ran: I know. It’s so good to see me. You look like you have some coin to spend. Maybe some arrows?
Atsu: I can make my own.
Ran: Mine are better. Before you go. Are you for hire?
Atsu: Depends on the job.
Ran: I sent my would be apprentice to gather supplies at a workshop by Teshio River, south of the Sarobetsu Forest. But Taizo hasn’t come back.
Atsu: You’re worried the Nine Tails took your apprentice?
Ran: Worried is a strong word. I just want to make sure he didn’t run off with my supplies. If you find Taizo, I’ll make it worth your while.
Atsu: I’ll see what I can do.
Atsu: Nine Tails. This must be why Ran’s apprentice hasn’t returned.
Saito Outlaw: We know you are here, Taizo!
Atsu: I should check if Taizo is around here somewhere.
Taizo: Over here!
Atsu: Taizo, I presume?
Taizo: Yes, but it’s not me they want. It’s Ran.
Atsu: The bowyer?
Taizo: The Nine Tails have been taking artisans and blacksmiths all over the valley. Ran avoids them by staying on the move. But they know they can get to her through me. I can’t let that happen. They broke some fingers so I can’t use my bow.
Saito Outlaw: What happened here?
Atsu: More Nine Tails.
Taizo: Here, have this charm. It will loosen you up. With a small bow, you’ll be quick as a hawk. I made it for Ran, but I think she will forgive me under the circumstances.
Atsu: A smaller bow? All right.
Atsu: There they are. That’s all of them.
Taizo: Ran is going to kill me. They took everything except these arrows.
Atsu: Ran doesn’t seem like the kind of person who’d take on an apprentice.
Taizo: She keeps most people at arm’s length. But we grew up together here, in Teshio Ridge. Her parents were kind. But they ended up in debt. Ran developed her bowyer skills trying to dig them out. When they passed, I think she just gave up on people.
Atsu: But you stayed…
Taizo: (Chuckle) I am never giving up on her.
Atsu: Then she is lucky. Are you well enough to ride?
Taizo: We’ll find out. Take these arrows.
Atsu: Go! Time to ride, Homura!
Taizo: Only a little further!
Atsu: I’ll try to keep them off our tail!
Taizo: Ugh!
Atsu: Talk to me, Taizo.
Taizo: I’m fine, just keep riding! They are pulling away!
Taizo: We made it!
Ran: I am going to kill you! Getting chased by an army of Nine Tails? And you. You brought him back. I guess you want your payment?
Atsu: I’ll just keep this charm Taizo made. It’s quite beautiful.
Ran: You have her one of your charms?
Taizo: She saved my life. I will make you one that matches your eyes.
Ran: Who asked you? I don’t what it.
Taizo: (Chuckles)
Ran: Look what they did to your hands. Bastards — ! I mean, how are you doing to work for me in this state? I’ll get you bandages.
Taizo: (Chuckle) I will be fine, Ran.
Ran: Don’t you ‘Ran’ me! You are staying here and resting.
The Blind Stranger
Drunk: Watch where you’re going, you blind idiot.
Blind man: You walked into me.
Drunk: Apologise or I’ll cut you down. Argh! My eyes!
Blind man: It will pass. Now get out of here. You there, I heard you walk in. Can you help me with something?
Atsu: Well done — dealing with that drunk.
Blind man: Ah yes, my metsubushi. Useful when you need something between a stern word and sword. Took it from a dead Nine Tail. Well, what was left after a bear made a meal of him. Changed up the recipe, made it more potent. I could share it with you if you’ll help me with something.
Atsu: What do you need?
Blind man: I lost my sight long ago, and that drunk ronin might want payback later.
Atsu: I think he’s learned his lesson.
Blind man: Perhaps, but between him and the Nine Tails, I’d like to hire you to escort me home.
Atsu: That’s it? You have a deal. Lead the way.
Blind man: It’s not far. My wife helped me set up bells so I can find my way around.
Atsu: Clever.
Blind man: That she is. This tree is where I first met her. From here I have the number of steps memorised to get everywhere I need to go.
Atsu: So you’re clever, too.
Blind man: I’ll admit, I didn’t expect a woman’s voice when I heard you step into that room. You must be a skilled warrior. Was that a deer?
Atsu: Yes, it ran right by us.
Blind man: I’m afraid our visitor made me lose count of my steps.
Atsu: What do we do?
Blind man: Look around for a pile of large rocks.
Atsu: Over there.
Blind man: Lead the way.
Atsu: Earlier, you said I must be a skilled warrior. What makes you say that?
Blind man: You’re a woman brave enough to venture through Teshio Ridge alone.
Atsu: We’ve reached the rocks. Is your wife waiting for you at home?
Blind man: Yes, but I’m afraid she’s ill.
Atsu: Oh…
Blind man: Don’t worry, I have a plan to get her healthy. Let’s move on.
Atsu: If your wife is sick, shouldn’t you be with her?
Blind man: I was actually there to get some medicine for her.
Atsu: I hope it helps.
Blind man:It will — once I can afford it.
Blind man: We’re here.
Atsu: What do you mean we’re —? (Groans)
Ronin: Blinding powder is unpleasant, but it will all be over soon.
Atsu: Back at the inn, you were playing drunk. You set me up.
Blind man: I’m sorry, but your bounty will cover my wife’s medicine.
Ronin: I take no pleasure in this. We have no choice. Give up and I’ll make it quick.
Blind man: Wait. Please. He’s my wife’s brother. Spare him and I’ll give you all the blinding powder we took from the Nine Tails.
Atsu: I tried to help you.
Blind man: I know — I’m sorry. But we’re desperate. Please.
Atsu: Your bounty hunting days are over. Find another way to support your wife.
Blind man: I will. Thank you.
Atsu: Go, before I change my mind.