Comics Which Contain This Story

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Characters

Miyamoto Usagi
Inazuma
Keiko

Story Synopsis

Three characters at an inn tell stories of how they met Usagi, and how he changed their lives. First, we hear from the inn's owner, a man named Toshi who hired Usagi as a yojimbo. Toshi worked for Araki, a wealthy merchant, and was transporting a chest filled with Araki's money. Toshi makes a big production out of the trip, flaunting his employer's banner; Usagi cautions him that being so noticeable will attract bandits, but Toshi scoffs at Usagi's concern. But sure enough, they're surrounded--on a narrow road. Quick-thinking Usagi grabs the chest and throws it into a nearby ravine; the bandits chase after it. Toshi is furious, but Usagi explains that there was no way Araki would have entrusted his money to such a small group; the chest was filled with rocks. Toshi realizes that Araki doesn't care about his loyalty, and he quits and opens the inn.

Next we hear from Tai, a fishmonger (who takes the opportunity to advertise.) Usagi spotted a man stealing from Tai's shop, and stops him; he decides to stick around and help with the fish business. (Usagi's skill with a filleting knife is apparently unmatched.) A gang of thugs approaches the shop and starts to smash it up; Usagi beats them up, using an octopus and a sea bass as stand-ins for his blades.

The third man is a shifty character, although he assures us that he's "reformed". He was bored of his farming life, so he tried his hand at gambling; but he was unlucky and lost all of his money. He has enough left to buy a sword, although it's a bit rusty. He hides along a well-traveled road, waiting to ambush a likely passerby; unfortunately for him, he winds up meeting Usagi. Confronted by this grim warrior, the would-be brigand drops his sword and cowers; Usagi simply turns and walks away. The man decides that maybe a farmer's life isn't so bad after all.

The third man tells the listener that he saw Usagi three days ago, traveling northward. We see that the listener is, in fact, Keiko! She goes to a shadowy figure sitting in the corner of the inn, and tells "Aunty" that Usagi was heading north. The figure raises her head...it is Inazuma! But with the face and voice of a demon...