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A Promise of Treasure
Masa: The treasure is there. We just have to go find it.
Masa’s Father: I told you. It’s too dangerous.
Masa: So we all starve?
Masa: Who are you?
Masa’s Father: Masa, that is not how you greet a stranger.
Atsu: I could hear you from the street.
Masa’s Father: My son won’t listen to me.
Masa: Because you won’t see reason.
Masa’s Father: You found some old treasure map that will get you killed by bandits. Is that reasonable?
Masa: We’re starving, we don’t have any money, and you can’t work until your back heals. We have to do something.
Masa’s Father: You’re right. Stranger, would you like to buy a map? I can’t promise anything. Though whatever you can spare will feed this family.
Atsu: Here’s some coin. I hope it helps. And your father is right — bandits will kill you for this.
Masa’s Father: Blessings for your kindness. May this map reward you in return.
Masa: Father —
Masa’s Father: Enough, Masa. Be glad we sleep with full bellies tonight.
Atsu: Masa’s map leads here. Let’s see if it’s worth anything. I don’t see anything. What’s this? The map was worth something after all. I knew the treasure was real. Masa. What are you doing? It’s dangerous.
Masa: My father shouldn’t have sold you that map. We’re starving. We need everything we can get.
Atsu: It’s not worth anything if you die.
Masa: I can take care of myself.
Atsu: I doubt that. Get behind me. Now.
Saito Outlaw: Whatever you found belongs to us.
Atsu: Only if you can take it.
Saito Outlaw: Ah, we’ve heard stories of an onryō haunting the Oshima Coast. Let’s see if you bleed. Men!
Atsu: Stay back, Masa. I’ll deal with them.
Masa: Where did they come from?
Atsu: Next time, listen to your father.
Masa: I’m just trying to look out for my family.
Atsu: Then train. Learn how to defend yourself before rushing into danger.
Masa: That could take years!
Atsu: But you’ll be alive to do it.
Masa: (Sighs) Fine.
Atsu: Now get out of here.
Masa: I’m going… Next time you’re in town, stop by.
Masa’s Father: Settle down. Masa will return in a few days. We’ll have more food then. Ah, it’s the kind-hearted stranger. Because of you, we were able to eat.
Atsu: Where’s your son?
Masa’s Father: Masa is looking for work. He said treasure maps lead to death.
Atsu: I’m glad he listened.
Masa’s Father: I’m glad you were there to make him listen.
Atsu: What will you do until he’s back?
Masa’s Father: Make the most of what we have.
Atsu: Here’s some coin to keep you going.
Masa’s Father: You spoil us with your kindness. In return, please have this sake. No good for the children.
Atsu: Thank you. And take care.
Masa’s Father: Good fortune to you.
The New Lord
Atsu: I dealt with the Oni Raiders.
Settler: Well done! Lord Kato will pay you inside. My lord, our supplies were sent to the docks, but we have not heard back from the ship captain.
Familiar voice: You cannot depend on anyone these days. See to the preparations — I’ll go to the docks myself.
Atsu: That voice sounds familiar…
Atsu: Shiro. So you’re impersonating samurai lords now?
Shiro: My old partner. It’s been a while!
Atsu: You stole my cut of the money from Jigoku Fortress and left me to die.
Shiro: I heard the stories about you — the ‘unkillable onryō.’ I knew you’d be fine!
Atsu: Then you also knew not to cross me. Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t collect the bounty on your head.
Shiro: One reason? What about the lives of everyone in this estate? I’ve been taking care of them, and now I’m trying to save their lives by getting them out of this warzone.
Atsu: Do you really think I’ll trust anything you say?
Shiro: Look, I have to go to the docks to check on something. Come with me and I’ll explain everything. No tricks. I swear.
Atsu: (Sighs) Fine.
Shiro: Keep packing. I’m going to the docks to check on our supplies.
Settler: Is it safe, my lord?
Shiro: My friend here can handle any trouble that comes our way. The dock’s not far.
Atsu: What are you playing at, Shiro?
Shiro: No games. No con. I grew up nearby. In the dirt. Stealing and fighting to survive.
Atsu: I… had a similar journey in the south.
Shiro: Then you know how hard it is to make it out alive. Everyone back there deserves a second chance. I’m using the money we took from Jigoku Fortress to give it to them. That was my plan all along.
Atsu: All along?
Shiro: Well, maybe not the whole time. But once I saw the hurt Saito’s causing here… I had to do something.
Shiro: Raiders! Stay low. They have the ship captain and our supplies. My people can’t make it out of here without both. I thought my man hired a mercenary to take care of these bastards.
Atsu: That mercenary was me — and I did kill some of them.
Shiro: Well, it looks like the job’s not done yet.
Atsu: (Sighs) Get that rifle ready. We’ll take them out together.
Onie Raider: It’s the thief! Kill him!
Atsu: Watch your aim, Shiro!
Shiro: Good one! More raiders coming! Ha! Well done!
Atsu: You’ve been practising.
Shiro: Nice move! Good work, we’re clear. I’ll send for everyone from the estate. I need to get them out of Oshima Coast right away.
Shiro: I thought the raiders would stop chasing me now that the Oni’s dead. Guess I was wrong.
Atsu: They’re not the type to let things go.
Shiro: All I care about now is getting my people to safety. Can you let me say goodbye before you take me in?
Atsu: (Sighs) You’re going with them.
Shiro: Eh?
Atsu: These people need Lord Kato more than I need the bounty on Shiro’s head.
Shiro: I don’t know what to say. I guess the onryō is more benevolent than I heard.
Atsu: That’s enough. New get out of here, before I change my mind.
Shiro: I don’t have much left from Jigoku, but I can at least pay you for today. Thank you for believing in me.
Atsu: And Shiro… Good luck.