Great Mountain Wolf Den
Atsu: Sounds like a wolf is nearby. Wolf hunters. You again. You’ve been busy. I don’t like Saito’s men either. Seems we have a common enemy. You picked up a scent? Let’s see if you’ll lead me to his friends. Saito banners. So he has them killing wolves now. Something isn’t right. Out you go.
Saito Outlaw: Your pet seems upset.
Atsu: Saito must want you all gone. His way of taming Ezo. Good thing we got here just in time. And that you didn’t bite my arm off. You’re welcome.
Green Hill Wolf Den
Atsu: A wolf den. And more hunters. We meet again. Saito’s men won’t stop going after wolves. You’re going after them. Wouldn’t want to miss out on the fun. You found them.
Saito’s Outlaw: Lord Saito’s paying good money to cleanse Ezo of these little wild things. I’m spreading it all on sake!
Atsu: We did it. You hungry? It’s just fish. Enjoy. And there she goes.
Dying Fire Wolf Den
Atsu: A den. With more dead wolves. Saito’s hunters have been busy. So have you. You have their scent. You can lead us to them. Oni Raiders!
Oni Raider: Your pet seems upset. I’ll kill it first. You will not be ready for this!
Atsu: I saved some salmon for you. You need your strength. Saito’s men don’t go down easy. Don’t go looking for trouble.
Old Wound Wolf Den
Atsu: Wolf hunters. I see Saito’s men are still hunting wolves. Looks like they want to play with wolves.
Oni Raider: Kill it! Cut off its ears! You’re not getting tired, are you, you runt? Why don’t we burn him? Hang their pelts on the cliffs!
Atsu: Someone’s happy. (Chuckle) I can’t howl. But maybe I can join you… Glad you approve. How about…? My father used to say wolves were the protectors of Ezo. The Ainu have a similar saying. But it’s hard to protect our own, isn’t it? At least she likes my music. If I play, maybe I’ll see her again.
Hunter’s Watch Wolf Den
Atsu: Wolf hunters. Howling. Maybe a wolf den. They must have a camp nearby. No one’s killing a wolf today.
Saito Outlaw A: The fewer beasts running around unchecked, the safer the women and children of Ezo will be.
Saito Outlaw B: Just not from you.
Atsu: My name’s Atsu. What should I call you? Maybe… Tsuki? Like the moon. All right. How about…? Shunen. You’ll never stop. Not till those who deserve it are punished. I’ll take that as a yes. See you around, Shunen.
Howling Fields Wolf Den
Atsu: Wolves. And hunters. Time to go hunting. Here we go again.
Ronin: Saito wants all wolves dead and pinned to his wall. But maybe I will keep a pelt or two for myself.
Atsu: Let’s get your friend out of this cage.
Atsu: Don’t worry. I have your salmon right here. Go on. No need to thank me.
White Scars Wolf Den
Atsu: Dead wolves. You can track these hunters down. We can’t let them kill any more wolves.
Saito Outlaw: The onryō will not elude us! Find and seize her! Lord Saito wants to make an example of her! So you are the one who killed the Oni. Let’s test that blade of yours. Here I come!
Atsu: I know. I know. One juicy salmon, coming right up. Almost lost my hand. But I’m glad you’re on my side.
Cold Lake Wolf Den
Atsu: Dead wolves. Saito’s men won’t get away with this. Even here they won’t leave wolves alone. Yes. I have food. Just try not eat my hand along with it. Always quick to leave. (Chuckle)
Biting Wind Wolf Den
Atsu: A wolf den. And more hunters. These wolves didn’t have to die like this! A hunter’s camp. They left that wolf to die in the cold.
Atsu: We’re getting good at this. You want a closer look? It’s all right. (Sigh) Maybe next time.
Waterfall Wolf Den
Atsu: That howl. I know it well. Wolves. And hunters. We need to put an end to this.
Saito Outlaw: Shoot them!
Atsu: Damn it!
Saito Outlaw: I surrender! You’re as wild as that — that thing! Monsters, both of you!
Atsu: Tell Saito he should reconsider how many men he’s willing to lose to the wolves of Ezo. Go.
Atsu: That should stop them hunting. For now. It’s all right. Being alone isn’t easy. Thank you. Fort protecting me. I’ll see you around.
Fox Sanctuary
Atsu: Is this your home, little fox? You must like all the flowers around here. Oh, hello there. Where are you off to? That’s why you killed the Nine Tails. To protect your cubs.
Settler: The question is, should they be worried about you?
Atsu: You don’t look like a Nine Tails.
Settler: I was taken by the shinobi, to teach their initiates how to hunt and survive in the wilds. This used to be a shrine to the Inari. I think that is why foxes and other animals end up here.
Atsu: And then came the bear.
Settler: They took her cub as part of some test. I told them it was a bad idea.
Atsu: So what now?
Settler: They say the gods reward those who care for the foxes of Yōtei. I think I’ll stay. Take care of any foxes and other animals that decide to call this place their home.
Settler: If you find any foxes out there, make sure to keep them safe. Maybe they’ll find their way here and be at peace.
Atsu: I’ll do my best. Good luck taking care of this place.
Settler: Come back anytime.
Twin Path Fox Den
Atsu: Where are you off to? These masks yours? Maybe not. Do the masks scare you? I don’t like them either. No masks here. You’re safe.
Fire Fox Den
Atsu: A fox is trapped in the fire. We’ll get you out of here. This way. The Oni burned my home, too. Careful — I’ll clear the way. Fire’s out. You can come through. Stay safe, little one.
Warm Plains Fox Den
Atsu: Hello, there. Is this for me? Oh, you want a reward. Another gift. (Chuckles) I like this deal. So helpful. You sure I can’t give something other than a scratch behind the ears? You want me to follow? All right. Lead the way. A shrine. You want proper thanks. One more for the road.
Clear Water Fox Den
Atsu: Black foxes are rare. What’s that in your mouth, little one? You’re a sly one.
Ainu: Up to your old trick, Chironnupu? Looks like someone is having a bad day.
Atsu: That one looks innocent, but he led me right to some deer traps.
Ainu: (Sighs) Those would be mine. I’ll have to set them again. At least he dropped whatever he was carrying.
Atsu: I’d be careful with whatever that is.
Ainu: Some people say foxes are kunnecironnup, protectors who warn us against danger. But my grandmother used to say black foxes carry the mischievous spirit of chironnupu kamuy.
Atsu: I’ll take my chances.
Ainu: You stay out of trouble. Be a good little kamuy.
Whispering Woods Fox Den
Atsu: You’re talkative. What’s this way? Nothing scares you. After you. Lay low, little one. You can come out.
High Wall Fox Den
Atsu: You’re safe now. You can come out. Looks like you have friends who need help. I’ll get them out. You’re free now. Be careful out there.
Winding River Fox Den
Atsu: The cold doesn’t bother you. What’s in there? Come out, little one. Jubei and I used to love running through snow. Take care of each other.
Winding River Fox Den
Atsu: You have no idea what’s happening to your home. Or why. I hope this war ends soon, little one.
Guardian of the Inari
Settler: Over here, my friend! I have something for you! Did you see the foxes? We have so many now!
Atsu: They look content. I recognise a few.
Settler: I thought you might be the one to thank for our new guests. Here. It’s not a reward from the gods, but it was made with care.
Atsu: A fox mask.
Settler: Now, they will always know you as a friend.