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The Bomb Maker
Settler: I am never going near Otaru Hills!
Atsu: What’s in Otaru Hills?
Settler: Bad news, that’s what. Explosions going off everywhere. No wonder the Oni Raiders issued a bounty on this bomb maker. Ina something or other.
Atsu: Chasing after a bomb maker? Not the best idea.
Villager: Stay away, you poor excuse for a demon! Hey! I warned you!
Oni Raider: Ishikari Plain belongs to the Oni. You’re a fool to resist us.
Villager: You want to be blown to pieces? Fine.
Oni Raider: How am I supposed to fit through that?
Villager: Hey, lady with a sword! Get out of there before you get yourself killed! Who are you? Some kind of bounty hunter?
Atsu: I just want to talk.
Villager: Fine. Take my hand. You really did a number on those demons. I owe you.
Atsu: Why are the raiders after you?
Villager: They want me to make them scorch bombs.
Atsu: As if setting this entire valley on fire wasn’t enough.
Villager: And yet you’re running around, all your limbs still attached. Good on you.
Atsu: Thank you?
Villager: No time for pleasantries. More raiders are coming. Grab those scorch bombs and practise if you want to live.
Villager: This place is out of the way. Perfect for testing things that blow up. Let’s see if your aim is any good. That will have to do. I can hear raiders crawling up the ravine. I’ve made enough scorch bombs to blow up a mountain. Blast the bastards! Try not to lose your fingers. There’s more! Quick, this way! Cover this exit, I’ll take the other side! They’re past the bridge. Watch out! We did it! You have a gift for destruction.
Atsu: You’re one to talk.
Villager: I used to make things of beauty and wonder. Not that it matters now. There is work to do. Oni Raiders are mining nitre across the valley and I’m going to take it.
Atsu: To make more bombs?
Villager: To make the bomb. One that will keep the raiders off my back… permanently.
Atsu: If it means bombs for me and less raiders, I’m in.
Villager: I knew I liked you for a reason. The name is Ina.
Atsu: Atsu.
Ina: I spotted raiders carrying nitre by Bear Rock. Use my bombs to make some noise over there; I’ll know you want to meet. In the meantime, you can come to me for any of your more explosive needs.
Fight Fire with Fire
Atsu: This is where Ina wanted to meet. I’ll signal her. Now, to wait nearby…
Ina: Ready to rob some Oni Raiders? The stash is somewhere up on Bear Rock.
Atsu: Lead the way.
Ina: The raiders will regret ever looking my way when I’m done with this bomb.
Atsu: Yet you say you weren’t trained as a bomb-maker?
Ina: I am a hanabi master. Like the rest of my family.
Atsu: Fireworks?
Ina: You’ve seen them?
Atsu: Only once. In the south. It was like a flower bursting with flames.
Ina: I saw the raiders around here… Follow me.
Atsu: How did you go from making fireworks to bombs?
Ina: It wasn’t pretty. Wait. See that cave up ahead?
Atsu: Probably where they hid the stash.
Ina: Bear!
Atsu: Stay back!
Ina: Bears in Bear Rock. Guess we should have known. Found the stash, but it’s sealed tight. We’ll have to bust it open.
Atsu: Bombs?
Ina: Bombs.
Atsu: Oni Raider wasn’t so lucky.
Ina: We’re in. Damn it. There’s barely any nitre here. They must have taken it to the castle.
Atsu: You said they bring in carts of this stuff. If we find the road they use —
Ina: We could catch the next shipment. Oh, hold on. There’s something else in here.
Atsu: Looks like some kind of bomb?
Ina: Ugh. Horribly made. No wonder they want mine so badly.
Atsu: I’ll take them. Might as well put them to good use.
Ina: Suit yourself. Those bombs are made to blind your target. Once they go off, you’ll have to attack before they regain their senses.
Atsu: They’ll never see us coming.
Ina: Like ghosts in the night. Raiders.
Oni Raider: All that noise, must be bears again. We wait for the shipment. Let the new recruits deal with the beasts.
Atsu: It’s safe to come out. Sounds like they were waiting for a shipment.
Ina: Let me take a look. Atsu! Over here.
Atsu: A cart full of nitre. Ready for the taking. Let’s move.
Ina: This way. Keep an eye out for Raiders. Keep going! We have to get that nitre!
Oni Raider: Here it comes!
Ina: There’s more!
Atsu: That is a lot of nitre. What kind of bomb are you making?
Ina: A special brew just for the Oni Raiders. These demons burned my family’s workshop. All the fireworks went off and… I survived. Used what I know to make bombs to defend myself. Suddenly, I was useful to the Raiders.
Atsu: You want revenge.
Ina: I want to be left alone. To grieve. Anyway. Don’t worry about me. I can get this back to the workshop myself.
Atsu: Ina… Be careful.
Ina: Always. Oh, and do me a favour? Bring me those new bombs you found. No friend of mine should be using bombs of such inferior make.
The Way of the Yari
Atsu: Yari… For sparring.
Yari Master: Hands off! I see the Oni Raiders sent another dog to collect my head. A starving dog, by the look of you.
Atsu: You’re quick to judge.
Yari Master: And you’re slow to leave.
Yari Master: You’re skilled for a raider lapdog.
Atsu: I would never work for them.
Yari Master: I’ll resist until the day I die. I’ll drive the Oni and his raiders from this land.
Atsu: The Oni’s mine.
Yari Master: If you’re hunting the Oni, why are you here?
Atsu: Now you want to talk?
Yari Master: Most visitors I get are after my head. I was the first to organise a resistance against the Oni and his men. They’ve been hunting me ever since.
Atsu: You’re lucky you weren’t burned alive.
Yari Master: They put the torch to plenty others. I won’t rest until the raiders are dead and buried.
Atsu: Give me a yari and I’ll take care of the first part.
Yari Master: With those untrained hands? You’d only trip yourself.
Atsu: I always manage to figure it out.
Yari Master: Ah, that would explain your fighting style.
Atsu: Let me guess — skilled but sloppy.
Yari Master: (Chuckles) I can teach you the way of the yari. But you must use it to help Ishikari Plain.
Atsu: When do we start?
Yari Master: At dawn. Hope you’re an early riser.
Yari Master: You talk in your sleep.
Atsu: And you snore
Yari Master: (Chuckles) Pick up that yari. Weak grip, tense shoulders… We’ll start with the basics. I see you’re self taught.
Atsu: Didn’t have a choice. Most people weren’t willing to teach me.
Yari Master: Because you’re a woman… or because you refused their help?
Atsu: Both. I learned to fight in the south. Picking pockets, watching samurai, signing up for the peasant infantry. Whatever helped me survive.
Yari Master: We learn quickest when our bellies are empty — and our backs are up against the wall. My own sensei looked to nature for inspiration. He said training someone to fight is like teaching someone how to fish.
Atsu: I’ve been spear-fishing before.
Yari Master: You won’t be spearing fish in the water. You’ll be spearing them out of the air. Master speed, precision, and timing. Strike true because I’m hungry and I want fish for breakfast. Begin! Keep trying!
Atsu: (Frustrated grunt)
Yari Master: Hone that frustration.
Atsu: This isn’t working.
Yari Master: Don’t give up. You can do better.
Atsu: Got one!
Yari Master: Finally. It’s time for breakfast.
Yari Master: Delicious.
Atsu: Where’s mine?
Yari Master: You only speared one fish.
Atsu: I wasn’t given much instruction. Sensei.
Yari Master: The problem is your wrists. You’re moving them wrong.
Atsu: My wrists?
Yari Master: Come with me, I’ll show you.
Atsu: You want me to paint?
Yari Master: No. I want you to learn.
Yari Master: Your movements should be smooth. Allow the brush to flow like a river. Do not grip the brush like a dagger. Let it become an extension of your hand. Mind how you turn your wrist. Be firm, but flexible. Now do you understand?
Atsu: My wrists… When I thrust the yari, it should flow like a painter’s brush stroke.
Yari Master: Let’s see you try it. Try to spear enough for both of us so we can have lunch together. Show these fish what you’ve learned. Your accuracy needs work. Try again. Yes, that’s it! You got one! (Pleased chuckle) If you can spear a fish, you’ll have no problem against larger, slower targets.
Atsu: Good, I don’t make a habit out of fighting fish.
Yari Master: (Laughs) She has a sense of humour.
Atsu: She’s also hungry. I didn’t get any breakfast.
Yari Master: Of course. Let’s eat.
Yari Master: You know, you’re the first person I’ve trained in many seasons.
Atsu: What made you stop?
Yari Master: When the raider came, I was the first to stand up against them. My students were the ones who suffered. Some were captured. But most met the Oni’s fire. I can still hear them… begging for a quick death.
Atsu: That must’ve been terrible… being unable to save them.
Yari Master: It fuels me. Just as it fuels you.
Atsu: You don’t know that…
Yari Master: But I do. Remember — you talk in your sleep. (Deep breath) But enough lingering on the past. The light’s fading — and your lessons are far from over.
Atsu: What’s next? Spearing birds from the sky?
Yari Master: Not quite. The yari is a weapon, but so is your body. You can use the shaft of the yari to propel yourself forward and deliver a powerful kick. You need more strength. Use your wrists to control the angle of your kick. Better, but still not enough. Push off with your wrists to propel your kick. Good. You’re learning quickly. Kick your enemy to push them back — and get some breathing room in a fight.
Atsu: Or send them off a cliff.
Yari Master: (Chuckles) I’d like to see that. Keep practising. We’ll continue until sunset.
Yari Master: That’s enough training for today. There’s just one thing left to do.
Atsu: Dinner?
Yari Master: Precisely.
Atsu: This time, you cook the fish.
Yari Master: Careful what you ask for. Wait! Raiders. It’s time you put today’s lessons to use. The yari shines brightest against enemies armed with kusarigama or twin kama.
Atsu: And if they’re armed with katana?
Yari Master: Match their sword with your own katana. Show me which weapon you should use against swordsmen. Good. And which weapon is best when facing kusarigama or twin kama? Never forget: using the right weapon can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Now show those raiders what you’ve learned. You can handle them. Consider this our final lesson for the day.
Oni Raider: Rumour is you killed the Snake. No way that’s true.
Yari Master: Excellent! Raiders with swords. Prepare your katana. Yes, my student! More raiders, some with kama. Prepare the yari for them!
Oni Raider: Prepare yourself!
Yari Master: Good, you listened well! Use your katana when facing swordsmen. Well done! Come, I have something for you.
Atsu: You were right — they were easier than the fish.
Yari Master: After that display, you deserve something better than that old sparring twig. I once gifted this yari to my greatest student — before the Oni put a torch to him. I’d like you to have it.
Atsu: I’ll make sure it spills raider blood again. Thank you.
Yari Master: I’ve spent too long hunting the raiders alone. I need to rebuild my dojo and train new blood.
Atsu: You mentioned some of your old students were captured. I could rescue them.
Yari Master: A fine way to continue your training. They’re being forced to work at the Oni Raiders’ lumberyard. Free them and tell them to come here with whatever wood they can carry. We will also need a weaponsmith. I know of one named Kotetsu. He lives at the Bold Kaji Forge and has no love for the Oni Raiders. He can forge spearheads for yari. We’ll need plenty. I’ll start repairing my dojo in the White Deer Woodlands. Meet me there when you’ve finished these tasks and we’ll continue your training.
Atsu: I’m looking forward to it, Sensei…
Yari Master: Takahashi.
Atsu: Sensei Takahashi. You can call me Atsu.
Sensei Takahashi: Good luck, Atsu.
The Path of the Yari
Atsu: Higashi Lumberyard. Held by Oni Raiders.
Settler A: Sensei Takahashi will not forget about us. We will be rescued, I’m sure of it.
Settler B: Hope Sensei Takahashi is still out there. He’s our best hope against the raiders.
Ginji: Are you in need of tea? Or the best armourer Ezo has ever seen?
Atsu: What brings you to Ishikari Plain?
Ginji: The Matsumae. They are trying to save this valley from being burned by raiders. I thought maybe they could use my skills.
Atsu: They said no.
Ginji: I am a man without a master.
Atsu: Their loss.
Ginji: And your gain.
Atsu: Show me that armour.
Ginji: My hammer is itching for a challenge. Alright. How badly have you been treating that armour of yours? Stay away from the fires. Some raiders took over Bold Kaji Forge. probably to enslave their weaponsmith. Kotetsu is his name, I think.
Settler: I forbid you to go back!
Child: They’re forcing him to wake weapons!
Atsu: Who is being forced to make weapons?
Settler: My husband. When the Oni Raiders seized our forge, he stayed behind so we could escape.
Child: They’re forcing my father to make as many spears as they need.
Atsu: Sensei Takahashi sent me to find your father.
Child: They’re holding him at Bold Kaji Forge northwest of here.
Settler: But going there is suicide.
Atsu: Good thing I’m in need of weapons.
Child: Let me help you!
Settler: Absolutely not!
Atsu: Leave your father to me. You need to protect your mother.
Child: I… I can do that.
Settler: Thank you. Please bring him back safely.
Atsu: Raiders have taken over this forge. I hope Kotetsu — the weaponsmith — is still alive.
Atsu: That must be Kotetsu.
Oni Raider: Work faster.
Kotetsu: You want my best work, you wait for it.
Oni Raider: It’s a pointy stick. How hard can that be?
Kotetsu: You want to try? I’m happy to make myself sparse.
Oni Raider: Maybe I go after your friends and family instead. Those you so valiantly helped escape.
Kotetsu: You do that, I’ll cut off these hands you so desperately need.
Oni Raider: Just shut up and get back to work.
Kotetsu: Who are you? What are you doing?
Atsu: Getting you out of here.
Kotetsu: No, the raiders took over my home. Help me take it back and I will reward you.
Oni Raider: We have intruders!
Atsu: I guess we don’t have a choice. Follow my lead and don’t be reckless.
Kotetsu: I see why you’re feared.
Kotetsu: My home is free of Oni Raiders… Thank you.
Atsu: You should send word to your family. They’re at Gale’s Reprieve.
Kotetsu: I will. It’s good to know they are safe. For now.
Atsu: I’ve never seen a village with a forge this big.
Kotetsu: A dream a friend of mine had. A place where any blacksmith could work freely. And safely. It’s too bad Kengo never got to see it.
Atsu: Kengo. The swordsmith.
Kotetsu: You knew him?
Atsu: He was my father.
Kotetsu: Your father? I thought… no matter. We can speak more after we get everyone back here safely.
Atsu: Wait. I was sent by Sensei Takahashi. He wants to arm his students with your yari. Fight the raiders.
Kotetsu: I suspected as much. I forged the yari you carry. We will make sure Takahashi gets the weapons he needs. But first, take this as a thank you. May it make your strikes deadly and precise. Stay and patch up your wounds. I will send word to the others.
Atsu: That was the last task. Sensei Takahashi said he’d be in the White Deer Woodlands. This is a nice change. I should go see Kotetsu. Hear what he had to say about Father.
Child: You saved my father.
Atsu: I’m counting on you to watch over him.
Child: He’s sending me and Mother away. He says it’s not safe. But I can fight. I can learn to make yari just like him.
Atsu: I’d want to stay too, if it meant I could protect my family. But you have to be strong enough.
Child: You’re right. I’ll train. Day and night. Then I can come back and fight by his side.
Wife: You brought my husband back to us. Thank you.
Kotetsu: My wife and son have a home again, thanks to Kengo’s little girl. We thought you died. The Night of the Burning Tree.
Atsu: How did you know my father?
Kotetsu: He helped me when I came north. We talked about setting up shop together. His katana. My yari. His forge truly had no match.
Atsu: He would be pleased. I met Sensei Takahashi. He wants to arm his students with your yari. Fight the raiders.
Kotetsu: I suspected as much. We will make sure Takahashi gets the weapons he needs. I won’t let the Oni Raiders take my family away from me ever again.
The Yari’s Fury
Atsu: Kotetsu, you’re here.
Kotetsu: Dropping off another delivery of spearheads. Sensei Takahashi’s students have been putting them to good use.
Settler: You’re back. Sensei Takahashi will want to see you.
Atsu: Where is Sensei Takahashi?
Settler: He’s at a persimmon tree with another student. It’s down the path behind you. Take a right at the fork.
Sensei Takahashi: You are not ready yet. But if you continue your training, one day you will be. Do not hesitate, just strike.
Atsu: Sensei Takahashi.
Sensei Takahashi: Welcome, Atsu. That’s enough for today, you are dismissed.
Settler: Yes, sensei.
Atsu: This place is livelier than that island where we first met.
Sensei Takahashi: Thanks to you, my students have returned from the lumberyard. And Kotetsu has already forged spearheads for them. We will become a force the Raiders cannot ignore.
Atsu: I have continued the path of the yari.
Sensei Takahashi: Then you are ready for your next lesson. Strike this persimmon tree with your spear.
Atsu: I don’t understand. Nothing happened.
Sensei Takahashi: Every weapon here is from a fallen student, or one who has mastered the yari.
Atsu: Which is which?
Sensei Takahashi: It does not matter. They all symbolise a pupil whose time with me has come to an end. This stubborn tree does not share its fruit easily. But… It can be convinced. When you are able to strike this tree so it drops a single fruit, your time with me will be complete.
Atsu: When that day comes, I’ll take a bite then let you have the rest. I hate persimmon.
Sensei Takahashi: I look forward to that day. Now, let’s continue your training. Come with me. It’s clear you’re ready for more advanced techniques.
Atsu: More than ready.
Sensei Takahashi: Good! Your next lesson will be inside the dojo.
Sensei Takahashi: These scrolls depict my signature technique, the Thundering Wave. Read them. Tell me what you see.
Atsu: It opens by swinging the yari in a large arc.
Sensei Takahashi: To give you space on the battlefield.
Atsu: Followed by a charge.
Sensei Takahashi: Where you will carry your enemy on the end of your spear.
Atsu: Like a fish. It ends with your enemy thrown off their feet.
Sensei Takahashi: It is an advanced technique.
Atsu: Why are you showing it me now?
Sensei Takahashi: Because I intend to unleash my full fury against the Raiders. No more hiding. No more holding back. Now, try it on these straw targets. Good. Again. Excellent, Atsu.
Settler: (Screams) Sensei, the Raiders are here! They’re burning Nishikawa!
Sensei Takahashi: We must save him!
Atsu: I’m with you. They’re falling back.
Sensei Takahashi: We have to reach my student!
Atsu: Keep pushing forward!
Sensei Takahashi: Follow Atsu!
Saito Outlaw: Takahashi! You’ll pay for defying the Oni Raiders!
Sensei Takahashi: The Raiders will pay for this.
Atsu: I’m sorry.
Sensei Takahashi: Nishikawa was one of my youngest students…
Atsu: They won’t get away with this.
Sensei Takahashi: There are Raider strongholds throughout Ishikari Plain. Hitting them would send a message.
Atsu: Consider it done.
Sensei Takahashi: The Oni must die.
Atsu: He will.
Sensei Takahashi: Remember what I said before. No task is impossible. With our help, we will be victorious, and Ishikari Plain will be free.
Sensei Takahashi’s Persimmon Tree
Sensei Takahashi: No, not like that. Power comes from the hips. More smoothly, evenly. Mind your wrists. Remember the painter’s brush.
Sensei Takahashi: Atsu! Good to see you.
Atsu: How is the training coming, Sensei?
Sensei Takahashi: Endless. And invigorating. When the time comes to strike at the raiders’ heart — we will be ready.
Atsu: You look hungry, Sensei Takahashi. Care for a persimmon?
Sensei Takahashi: Ah, I always knew this day would come. Your time as my pupil is complete. Here, take this spear. It has seen me through many battles. It belongs in the hands of a master.
Atsu: I wouldn’t call myself a master — but I’ll put it to good use. Thank you, Sensei.
The Burning of Castle Ishikari
Settler: Please! I don’t want to die!
Oni Raider: Then you should’ve paid your tribute!
Settler: Over here! Please help me. I owe you my life.
Atsu: What did they want from you?
Settler: The wealth of Ishikari. Food. Lumber. Supplies. We used to be free living off the land.
Atsu: The Raiders want everything, even with their master dead.
Settler: They’re still rebuilding that damn castle for Lord Saito. Someone should burn it to the ground.
Sensei Takahashi: I still like the other one better. Atsu! Ina and I need you to settle a debate. Once the Oni Raiders fall, we will need new banners to fly over Ishikari Plain.
Ina: But we can’t decide on a replacement.
Atsu: They’re just scraps of cloth.
Sensei Takahashi: They are symbols of hope — of unity. I prefer one that represents the people and their resilience.
Ina: What Ishikari Plain needs is change. The winds of this land symbolise that best.
Atsu: Sensei Takahashi is right — the people are what matter.
Sensei Takahashi: Then the choice is made. We will fly our new banners as we push the Raiders out of Ishikari Castle once and for all.
Atsu: You’re attacking the castle? You could’ve led with that.
Ina: (Chuckles) Come, we’ll tell you our plan. Sensei Takahashi and his students have been holding their own against the Oni Raiders. But we’ll never be rid of those dogs so long as they have a fortress.
Atsu: Taking the castle is one thing. Holding it as another.
Sensei Takahashi: We’re not going to hold it.
Ina: We’re going to destroy it.
Atsu: You’ll need firepower.
Ina: Then it’s a good thing we stole this.
Sensei Takahashi: The bo-hiya will be positioned to attack the main gate, but we’re depending on you to draw the Raiders out.
Atsu: Why me?
Ina: They won’t ignore the woman who killed their beloved Oni.
Sensei Takahashi: While you have the Raiders distracted, Ina and I will burn down the castle from the inside.
Atsu: Just the two of you?
Sensei Takahashi: My students will be with us. The people of Ishikari Plain must see that we can stand on our own.
Atsu: You mean without clan Matsumae.
Sensei Takahashi: This is our home, not theirs. Once you’re in position, look for our signal.
Ina: Then, unleash hell.
Atsu: Sensei Takahashi and Ina should be in position… There’s the signal. Time to get their attention…
Saito Outlaw: Is someone there? The Oni’s assassin! Kill her!
Yari Student: Stand with the onryō!
Atsu: That’s right — come and get me.
Oni Raider: Vengeance for the Oni!
Yari Student: Look! The castle is burning!
Atsu: Lord Saito has lost his future seat of power.
Saito Outlaw: The castle! Retreat! Ishikari Castle has fallen!
Yari Student: They’re running! Cut them down!
Sensei Takahashi: Look at it burn.
Ina: Almost as beautiful as fireworks.
Atsu: Your students fought well.
Sensei Takahashi: They have earned a good night’s rest.
Ina: Rest? We need to celebrate.
Sensei Takahashi: (Chuckles) You’re right. Let us eat and drink! Tomorrow, we rebuild.
Atsu: (Groans) My head… The castle’s still burning. Ina? Sensei Takahashi? Where is everyone?
Yari Student: (Snoring)
Settler: The Raiders are nowhere to be seen! Thank you! Thank you!
Sake House Barman: (Groans) Where am I going to get more sake? We’ve only a few jars left.
Settler: We’ll make do. The people needed a celebration like that.
Yari Student: That Ina woman. She looks small, but she can hold her sake.
Ina: Atsu, you look worse than death.
Sensei Takahashi: That was quite a night. You hungry?
Atsu: Always.
Sensei Takahashi: (Sighs) Nothing like a warm breakfast on a belly full of sake.
Ina: So, what happens now?
Atsu: Without the Oni or his castle, the Raiders will scatter.
Sensei Takahashi: Ishikari Plain is free.
Atsu: Your students and your family can finally be at peace.
Ina: Thank you, Atsu. Don’t let these banners be just for show.
Atsu: Just because the Oni’s gone, doesn’t mean the people can stop being resilient.
Ina: This is still Ezo.
Atsu: See you around.