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Yōtei’s Shadow Inn
Atsu: Saito’s Black Guard. They’re still hunting me.
Black Guard Leader: We are not leaving till we find the onryō! Keep your guard up. She could be anywhere!
Settler: We don’t know where she is.
Black Guard Leader: We cannot let her get away!
Settler: Just leave us be, please.
Black Guard Leader: If you know anything about this… ghost.
Settler: Please, don’t hurt us.
Saito Outlaw: Capture the onryō. Alive!
Atsu: That’s all of them.
Ran: Who does Saito think he is? Setting his Black Guard on us like that.
Atsu: They weren’t after you.
Ran: I know. Here.
Atsu: You don’t owe me anything.
Ran: Take it anyway. My thanks to the onryō who saved us.
Taro: More gifts for the onryō. People are braver than I thought. More rumours are spreading. They say the onryō wields more than a katana. That she can use multiple weapons like Lord Saito.
Atsu: A ghost shouldn’t need weapons.
Taro: You’re no fun, you know that?
The Way of the Odachi
Atsu: Those bodies. Friends of yours?
Ronin: (Grunts) Matsumae samurai. Saito’s thugs caught them by surprise—and I’m helping myself to the scraps.
Atsu: You don’t seem too broken up about it.
Ronin: These samurai won the war. My clan lost. Now I’m a ‘ronin’. Harsh times make for hardened hearts. Are we fighting for the spoils or what?
Atsu: I’m not looking for trouble. Just information. On the Yōtei Six.
Ronin: Ask away. I’ve got nothing but time these days.
Atsu: I heard the Saito brothers have a grudge with an odachi master. What do you know about their feud?
Ronin: Only that they want him dead. If you want to know more, you’ll have to ask Master Yoshida yourself. He runs a dojo in Tokachi Range, near Horosaru Falls.
Atsu: Maybe I will.
Matsumae A: Not even the Yōtei Six could best Master Yoshida’s odachi.
Matsumae B: (Snorts) Do you want to train with him or polish his sword?
Matsumae: Look, a woman with a sword. How can she even lift it?
Atsu: It just has to be high enough to stab rude people in the groin.
Matsumae: (Laughs) A sharp tongue. You should see Master Yoshida, ‘the Strongest Man in Ezo’. He’d put some muscle on you.
Atsu: What makes him so strong?
Matsumae: He can wield an odachi like it’s a katana. He’d teach you some respect. Just like he showed the Dragon and the Spider.
Atsu: He has history with the Saito brothers?
Matsumae: It was a great battle. You want to know more — his dojo is at the base of Hororsaru Falls. Ask him yourself.
Atsu: Maybe I will.
Master Yoshida: The Saito brothers deserve to be cleaved in half. That is the way of the odachi!
Matsumae: Yes, Master Yoshida.
Master Yoshida: Can I help you? I am Master Yoshida. But I’m not accepting any more students.
Atsu: Too busy chasing down the Saito brothers?
Master Yoshida: Hm. I see we have something in common. You must be the onryō hunting them — just as you hunted the Oni.
Atsu: You’ve heard of me.
Master Yoshida: Those names on your sash. It’s a bold woman who wears her enemies around her waist.
Atsu: And it’s a bold warrior who carries a giant sword on his back. Or a foolish one.
Master Yoshida: We’re both fools if we’re at war with the Yōtei Six.
Atsu: What did the Saito brothers do to you?
Master Yoshida: That requires trust. Something only my best students earn.
Atsu: Then teach me the way of the odachi. How hard can it be?
Master Yoshida: (Chuckles) That depends on if you can lift it.
Atsu: Why teach the odachi?
Master Yoshida: Anyone can wield a katana. But a blade the size of a man?
Atsu: Makes it slow. Dull.
Master Yoshida: Only in the wrong hands. Here, try and pick it up.
Atsu: (Grunts)
Master Yoshida: Well?
Atsu: It’s… very large.
Master Yoshida: Come with me. With proper training, even the largest enemies will beg for mercy.
Matsumae: Our new student thinks she can best Master Yoshida. The odachi weighs more than she does. She will not last the day.
Master Yoshida: Does the ‘onryō’ have a name?
Atsu: Atsu.
Master Yoshida: Ready your odachi, Atsu. We will begin with blocking — to help you become comfortable with the odachi’s weight. Good. You handle the weight well. Blocking is about control. But to attack with the odachi, you must flow with its weight. Swing at me — light and fast. Flow with the odachi’s weight. Impressive. Now, break my guard with a heavy strike. (Laughs) You are a force.
Master Yoshida: Not bad. You’re still standing.
Atsu: So are you. Men who come at me usually wind up dead.
Master Yoshida: Maybe someday. Now, the real fun begins… Matsumae! You doubt our guest? Who wants to challenge her? Or are you content to just talk?
Matsumae: I’ll teach her a lesson.
Matsumae: Please! We yield!
Atsu: Who’s next?
Master Yoshida: (Laughs) You’re a quick study, Atsu. Your swing is more confident. Unlike some of you, who fight like my blind grandmother.
Matsumae: Master!
Master Yoshida: Our scouts have returned.
Matsumae: Master Yoshida! The Dragon and the Spider’s men have a camp up the ridge.
Master Yoshida: So close? They won’t sit idle for long.
Matsumae: There’s a group on their way now.
Master Yoshida: Let them come — and meet our blades. Matsumae! At attention! The enemy draws near! Atsu, a moment.
Atsu: Saito’s sons are coming here?
Master Yoshida: Unlikely. So far, they’ve only sent soldiers. You should wait in the rear. This is too much for your first day.
Atsu: My first day? I fought at Sekigahara.
Master Yoshida: All right, if you’re so eager. But you must remember… The odachi is most effective against larger opponents. But you should always face a katana with your own. Show me what weapon to draw when fighting a swordsman.
Atsu: Good. And if your enemy stands a head taller than you?
Master Yoshida: Yes, the power of your odachi will overwhelm them. Saito’s men are here…
Saito Outlaw: Master Yoshida! The Spider and the Dragon demand blood for the humiliation they have suffered because of you.
Atsu: If their pride was so wounded, they should’ve come themselves.
Master Yoshida: You need the power of your odachi!
Matsumae: Why are we waiting, Master?
Master Yoshida: Patience. She must face this trial alone.
Saito Outlaw: I know this woman! She’s the onryō! Attack!
Master Yoshida: Matsumae — to battle!
Master Yoshida: Stay your blades! Victory is ours! Not bad, Atsu. I wasn’t sure you were going to survive.
Atsu: There are plenty of dead men in Ezo who underestimated me.
Master Yoshida: And I thought I was the cocky one.
Atsu: You still are. I let my blade do the talking.
Master Yoshida: Your blade needs more training.
Atsu: There’s no time. Your scout said the Saito brothers have men camped just up the ridge.
Master Yoshida: My students need to rest.
Atsu: But does their master need a nap?
Master Yoshida: (Chuckles) Let’s go. Atsu and I will head off Saito’s men. Protect our home — and the way of the odachi!
Matsumae: We won’t fail you, Master Yoshida!
Master Yoshida: This way, Atsu. How’s that odachi feel now?
Atsu: I almost forgot I was carrying it.
Master Yoshida: Tell me — what drives you to hunt the Yōtei Six all on your own?
Atsu: Everyone else was taking too long. And what about you? How does a young odachi master get stuck teaching?
Master Yoshida: Who else but the best to pass along their knowledge?
Atsu: There’s more to it than that.
Master Yoshida: And you just decided to track Saito’s men for sport?
Atsu: I enjoy travelling.
Master Yoshida: Just as I love teaching.
Atsu: We could lie to each other all day.
Master Yoshida: Makes for pleasant conversation.
Atsu: I prefer no conversation.
Master Yoshida: Then I suppose I’ll have to fill the silence. Would you like to hear the complete history of clan Matsumae? Or perhaps a song — no! Poetry. We masters are supposed to love that. Uh… “Odachi, my love… uh… no weapon more glorious—”
Atsu: Stop. Please.
Atsu: Quietly. Saito’s men ahead.
Master Yoshida: Some with muskets.
Saito Outlaw: We’re falling behind! So pick up the pace. It’s Master Yoshida!
Master Yoshida: A good chance to put your lessons to use!
Atsu: Try to keep up!
Master Yoshida: Let’s keep going. Help me up the ledge.
Atsu: Hurry.
Master Yoshida: I see why they call you the onryō.
Atsu: Superstition.
Master Yoshida: Or it’s the anger in your swing.
Atsu: Look out!
Master Yoshida: Find cover — !
Atsu: No, we put the pressure on them! Make them fight!
Master Yoshida: Quickly. We need to get through that gate.
Master Yoshida: Do you always charge head first into bo-hiya fire like that?
Atsu: Gets the job done.
Master Yoshida: Gets your face blown off.
Atsu: Then I’ll wear a mask.
Master Yoshida: Like our friends. The Saito brothers.
Atsu: Back at the dojo, one of their soldiers said you humiliated them?
Master Yoshida: The deserved far worse. Careful— I hear movements at the top of the cliff. Wait. More of Saito’s outlaws are up ahead. Time for your next lesson.
Atsu: Now?
Master Yoshida: The best lessons come when death is near. Use the odachi’s size to your advantage. While in a defensive stance, knock your opponent off-balance, then come in with a follow-up attack.
Atsu: Got it. Block, knock back, and attack.
Master Yoshida: Don’t forget it. I’d miss our pleasant conversation. Now draw our odachi. Do not put it away until you have mustered this technique. Saito dogs! Your attack on my home failed!
Atsu: Your masters won’t be pleased!
Saito Outlaw: For the Dragon! For the Spider!
Master Yoshida: Take a defensive stance and wait for his attack. Now — knock him back! That’s it, Atsu!
Atsu: You can join in anytime!
Master Yoshida: More of them! Sliding down from above! We’re not done yet. Come on.
Atsu: Block, knock back, and attack. Simple but efficient.
Master Yoshida: My students tend to be a simple lot. So are the lessons. Help me up here.
Atsu: Any lesson for this, great master?
Master Yoshida: Yes. Always be the first one up. Bears run fast.
Atsu: Why does clan Saito have it out for you?
Master Yoshida: I stole the Dragon’s lover.
Atsu: She must have been a beautiful woman.
Master Yoshida: The truth would ruin our pleasant conversation. As I suspect would your own secrets.
Atsu: It’s a burden I’ve been carrying. For a long time.
Master Yoshida: One the odachi can lighten?
Atsu: Maybe.
Master Yoshida: When this threat has passed, we’ll talk. Take cover!
Atsu: Your turn for a lesson: we’re easy targets sitting still! Move! Keep going! Don’t stop! Close the distance!
Master Yoshida: There they are! We’ll take them together! You dare fire on my home? Then my odachi will visit much pain and suffering upon your head! Fear my weapon!
Saito Outlaw: You will not be ready for this!
Master Yoshida: This is the land where mercy comes to die!
Atsu: Not bad!
Master Yoshida: You’re right. You perish today knowing you have met the master of your death!
Master Yoshida: It’s over.
Atsu: Nothing a giant sword couldn’t solve.
Master Yoshida: Don’t forget rushing into bo-hiya fire.
Atsu: Keeps them on their toes.
Master Yoshida: I think mine were blown off.
Atsu: So how about you tell me why the Dragon and Spider want you dead?
Master Yoshida: (Sighs) It’s not a story I enjoy telling. But you may be the one to set it right.
Master Yoshida: Lord Saito has two sons. The Dragon… the eager-to-please firstborn, desperate to prove his worth. And the Spider… a craven drunk, whose decadence is outweighed only by his cruelty. It was my duty to hunt them down. Clan Matsumae pursued the Saito brothers for a year. I could not wait for the day we would back them into a corner. Then that day came… and we walked into a storm of gunfire. One hundred Matsumae fell to forty muskets. A bloody massacre, orchestrated by Lord Saito’s sons. When the smoke cleared, the Spider prowled the battlefield — executing the wounded samurai. I held my breath — and waited for the bullet that would end my life. I felt the Spider’s shadow fall over me. As he raised his pistol, I swung my odachi… and nearly cut him in two. As the Spider screamed in agony, I ran for my life. And the Dragon’s bullets followed. One hit me in my leg. I didn’t notice until later, when the Matsumae healer pulled it out — and told me the Spider survived. The Dragon refused to leave his brother’s side until he recovered. They had won the battle, but such a wound was considered a humiliation. Lord Saito judged his sons harshly. And in turn, the Spider and the Dragon have dedicated themselves to my ruin.
Master Yoshida: I had hoped Lord Matsumae would demand I go into exile for such failure. Instead, he asked me to teach.
Atsu: So you came here.
Master Yoshida: By his orders. He knew clan Saito would remain our sworn enemy. Who better to train matsumae how to fight them than one who had faced them?
Atsu: And suffered greatly at their hands. (Unsteady breath) The Yōtei Six murdered my family. I spent sixteen years fighting in the south. I came home for revenge… and to find peace.
Master Yoshida: Both elusive goals.
Atsu: I have six names on a list, every one of them a killer. I’m working my way down.
Master Yoshida: Perhaps you can strike a blow I no longer can. Last I heard, the Dragon and Spider were trading with the Russians in the north — at their father’s bidding.
Atsu: And the other Yōtei Six? Where can I find them?
Master Yoshida: The one called the Kitsune hides further north, In Teshio Ridge. People who seek him out have a habit of disappearing.
Atsu: Thank you — for your lessons… and the ‘pleasant conversation’.
Master Yoshida: I wonder what unpleasant would be like with you?
Atsu: Ask the Yōtei Six.
Encounters across Tokachi Range
Settler: I’ve never seen this onryō!
Atsu: Let him go.
Saito Outlaw: Ah, just who we were looking for. You’ll die for all the Oni Raiders you’ve killed. They were our friends.
Atsu: I have better things to do than smash more of those pretty masks.
Saito Outlaw: I will enjoy this, onryō. For the Oni!
Settler: You got here just in time! I’ve learned my lesson. I’ll never lie about knowing you again.
Atsu: Good. You got lucky this time.
Settler: I know, and I am grateful. Thank you.
Saito Outlaw: We need that woman alive. To make her an example! Lord Saito decrees anyone who puts a stop to this woman will be rewarded generously. Capture the onryō. Alive! Wait — it can’t be… It’s her!
Ronin: First blade through her heart gets the coin!
Kojiro: Bounties are on the board. All the details you need are on there. There she is! My favourite bounty hunter!
Atsu: Kojiro. Fancy seeing you here.
Kojiro: What can I say? Bounties are my business, and business is good. You want to put that sword to work, take a look at my bounty board.
Ginji: Always good to see a friendly face in a strange place.
Atsu: How’s the tea around here?
Ginji: It has the distinct texture of swamp water with a tinge of unnecessary violence.
Atsu: Welcome to Tokachi Range.
Ronin: Stranger! A word.
Atsu: Alone out here by yourself?
Ronin: Admiring this altar… and waiting for a worthy opponent.
Atsu: I saw a fox once who’d make you break a sweat.
Ronin: Cute. My blade will put you into the ground. What do you think about that?
Atsu: I think my blade has other ideas.
Ronin: (Laughs) Maybe you’re worth my blade after all! You’ll make a pretty corpse!
Atsu: Prick.
Green Dye Merchant: Don’t mind the smell. I just finished some new dyes.
Atsu: This colour… Reminds me of old trees, right after a heavy rain.
Green Dye Merchant: My dyes take inspiration from the vibrant life sprawling across Ezo. I could give your armour a touch of life. All I need are the right materials. I should collect some more flowers soon.
Ainu: You there! Help me keep him steady! May you make it safely to kamuymosir. I appreciate your help, stranger.
Atsu: I’ve seen many hunting traps over the years. None like that.
Ainu: My grandfather taught me. Tie a string to a small bow and when the deer pulls…
Atsu: Easy to hide too. I might have to try it sometime.
Ainu: The trap is spent but you can have it if you’d like. Learn how to make one yourself someday.
Atsu: I’ll put it to good use. Thank you.
Ainu: You did this animal a kindness. This is a rare thing these days. Find me at Husko Kotan if you want to share hunting stories.
Shogun of the North
Ronin A: I’ve killed a dozen samurai and they still won’t let me in. ‘Speak the words’. (Scoffs) I’m going to Ishikari Plain. The Oni isn’t so picky.
Ronin B: How could they turn us away? We spent every last coin to get here.
Saito Outlaw: You there. Speak the words.
Atsu: “A tiger forced up the mountain still bears teeth and will return twice as strong.”
Saito Outlaw: Well said. You may approach.
Saito Outlaw: Clan Saito welcomes you, recruit. Are you from Ezo or the mainland?
Atsu: Born in Ezo. Forged in the south.
Saito Outlaw: Ah, you’re a woman…
Atsu: Is that a problem?
Saito Outlaw: Lord Saito has a place for all in his vision for the north — so long as you are loyal. And you’re in luck — he has come to personally oversee our efforts.
Atsu: Saito is here?
Saito Outlaw: Wait. I know your face. You’re the one they call the onryō. You… murdered the Snake.
Atsu: If I move quietly, I can ambush Saito. Stick to the grass. Stay out of sight.
Saito Outlaw A: When will we move against Clan Matsumae?
Saito Outlaw B: When Lord Saito deems us ready. Are you so eager for battle?
Saito Outlaw A: I am eager for redemption — for a second chance at victory.
Saito Outlaw B: It will come. Once blood begins to flow, it won’t stop until Lord Saito is named Shogun.
Saito Outlaw A: Don’t you think it’s true? About the Snake? They found his corpse.
Saito Outlaw B: No — the woman…
Saito Outlaw A: That she rose from the dead.
Saito Outlaw B: Lord Saito says she’s mortal. So that’s what I believe.
Atsu: I found you.
Atsu: He’s out of range. I need to follow, get close. A crack in the walls. I can climb up the cliffside from there.
Saito Outlaw A: More weapons and armour. What does a man have to do for a bowl of rice?
Saito Outlaw B: Catch a boat back to the mainland. Rice doesn’t grow in Ezo.
Saito Outlaw A: I bet clan Matsumae gets their fill. The samurai control the southern port… for now. The farmers and fishermen should line up to give us food.
Saito Outlaw B: When Lord Saito is finished, Ezo will be part of an empire — not some backwater. They cannot see beyond their fields and rivers. We should make them see.
Saito Outlaw: Clan Matsumae and the Shogun have forsaken you — they belittled you, hunted you. Lord Saito has fitted you with armour. Graced you with a sword. All he asks in return is that you fight — for him and for yourselves.
Saito Outlaw A: This is it. No more stealing and gambling our way through life. We’ll be respected.
Saito Outlaw B: Don’t lie — you enjoyed the gambling.
Saito Outlaw A: I will enjoy being a samurai more. Look at Lord Saito. He lost everything — his clan, his title, his home. Only to rebuild himself to become Shogun of the North. And he’s bringing us with him.
Atsu: Gunfires. They have muskets.
Saito Outlaw: This group shows promise.
Lord Saito: They’re half-starved. Too much effort has been spent on gathering equipment. Without food, they won’t survive training.
Saito Outlaw: The local farmers are proving difficult.
Lord Saito: Make an example of one of them and the others will fall in line. Do you think the Matsumae fight on empty stomachs?
Saito Outlaw: No, my lord.
Lord Saito: Then neither will we.
Atsu: ‘Make an example’… (Deep breath) You bastard.
Ronin: Should we expect the Dragon and the Spider?
Lord Saito: They have other responsibilities. (Sighs) My sons are finally home and yet, I never see them. Do you have children?
Ronin: I have not been blessed, my lord.
Lord Saito: You have not been cursed. (Chuckles) Don’t mind me. I am just a father who wishes his sons were not fully grown. Do what you must to make the farmers fall in line.
Saito Outlaw: Lord Saito — you are needed at the keep.
Atsu: He’s headed to the keep.
Atsu: These aren’t raw recruits. I should be careful.
Saito Outlaw: The Matsumae may look like pampered lords, but never forget they are here to take your home — your way of life. And they will if given the chance.
Saito Outlaw A: What do you mean? They still haven’t found her?
Saito Outlaw B: Maybe she is a ghost.
Saito Outlaw A: Don’t let Lord Saito hear you say that.
Saito Outlaw B: I know she’s only a woman… But more and more of the men are falling victim to superstition.
Saito Outlaw A: Most of them are still no better than peasants. We must train it out of them.
Atsu: Shit… (Sucking in breath) Made it.
Saito Outlaw: My lord, the female ashigaru… I’m not sure their presence sends the right message.
Lord Saito: Oh?
Saito Outlaw: Our enemies will say that the Shogun in the North needs women to fight his battles for him.
Lord Saito: A woman killed the Oni — my best general. A warrior second only to me. I do not care where my recruits come from, who their fathers were, or what’s between their legs. I am looking for passion and loyalty.
Saito Outlaw: But to call some of these peasants samurai is an insult.
Lord Saito: To who? You?
Saito Outlaw: To all of us, my lord.
Lord Saito: Bodies are bodies. We have a war to win.
Atsu: (Shaky inhale)
Saito Outlaw: Without the Oni, we cannot hope to hold Ishikari Plain. His death is a humiliation that must be answered.
Lord Saito: And we will. But clan Matsumae must remain our first priority.
Saito Outlaw: But the onryō —
Lord Saito: The woman is an annoyance. But not the greatest threat to clan Saito.
Atsu: (Pained breathing)
Lord Saito: Wait. Impossible. The swordsmith’s daughter. I watched that tree burn. How did you escape?
Atsu: The same way I survived every battle — with the thought of killing you.
Lord Saito: (Laughs) Walk with me.
Lord Saito: Life has not been kind to you, has it, Little Wolf?
Atsu: Don’t call me that.
Lord Saito: Tell me, when you were fighting all those battles, did you ever find a lord willing to name you samurai?
Atsu: You know I didn’t.
Lord Saito: The Shogun’s Matsumae don’t want warriors like you and me. They want dogs — men who can be trained. Made loyal.
Atsu: You’re no different. Only instead of honour, you promise people freedom — to keep their swords, to become samurai. It’s all bullshit to make them serve you.
Lord Saito: Except the Matsumae would never give a woman a sword. The Shogun would say a wolf cannot be tamed. He may be right, but I’m still tempted to try. Let’s see what you’ve learned, Little Wolf.
Atsu: Put down that stick. Draw your katana.
Lord Saito: That would not be fair to you — and would belittle me as a warrior.
Saito Outlaw: My lord — clan Matsumae! They’ve breached the gate!
Lord Saito: Our time runs short, Little Wolf. Your technique is familiar… How is Hanbei?
Atsu: Alive.
Lord Saito: Running — like a coward.
Saito Outlaw: Incoming fire!
Atsu: (Pained groan) (Coughing) (Pained grunt)
Saito Outlaw: My Lord! The Matsumae!
Atsu: No! (Pained breathing) (Frustrated scream)
Hanbei: Hold on. I’ve got you.
Atsu: (Groans)
Hanbei: Rest — your lungs are filled with smoke.
Atsu: Hanbei… Where is Saito?
Hanbei: Gone. He cut through more than a dozen Matsumae to escape.
Atsu: How did the samurai even know he was here?
Hanbei: I told them. I thought I was helping you.
Atsu: (Sighs) He’ll be more careful now. I’ll have to draw him out.
Hanbei: Or you could live your life, Atsu. Stop chasing death.
Atsu: So long as the Yōtei Six breathe, my family will never know peace.
Hanbei: Dying will not bring them peace either. I hope you find what you are looking for.
Atsu: I was so close… The Kitsune is still out there… In Teshio Ridge.