The next morning arrived and things were still peaceful at Terauchi Temple. They ate breakfast as normal, but they noticed that the refugees seemed a bit wary of the taskforce as they interacted. It appeared the noises from the scene of last night did not go unheard, even if the damage was completely repaired. Still, there was not much to be done about it now other than move forward.
Ayu has returned from Komatsu Bay along with a notable prisoner, the Amethyst Prince Na'kratz whom the taskforce defeated a while back. "Heyo, taskforce! I know it's a bad idea to haul this all the way here, but Lady Kyouko's forces haven't landed in the port yet so leaving him there with some militia is probably the badder idea." She reasoned. "With everyone here, any escape attempt he makes should be thwarted. Not that he can do much missing an arm. But even then, do be careful around him if you want to talk to him."
Shizuka Kannazuki had risen earlier and was nowhere to be found. So was Takeshi Oja and Revuel Arvida. Perhaps the three were somewhere in the temple discussing some matters.
Ayu has returned to her duties, supervising the temple and looked quite happy to have returned to her normal routine. She was open to a talk if any taskforce member wants to.
Na'kratz was immediately handed a task to bring supplies to and fro. It was cruel to make a one-armed do heavy lifting, but this casual cruelty probably paled to the cruelty he had inflicted upon the innocent until now. His route was always within eyeshot of everyone to make sure he was not alone as much as possible. He didn't seem to be planning any escape anytime soon and taskforce members can talk to him if they wanted.
Most of Takeshi's peers had all gone to Castle Kaneda to prepare for Island Lord Hideo Oja's rescue. They now await the taskforce to join them before starting this daring operation.
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
(REQUIRES ALL PLAYER CHARACTERS)
"I finally have all that I need to rescue my father from the Varjans. The only thing missing now is where the invaders have him imprisoned. I'm coming for you, father. Just wait a little longer." -Takeshi Oja
~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~
"Lord Takamori's traitorous former student, Setsuna, is training Mongol archers across Shizuyama. Lord Takamori posits that she plans on attacking Omi Springs, his hometown and a refuge for villagers. We should meet with Lord Takamori as soon as possible." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SORAE TALES ~~
"Sorae is on the hunt for Sogen, one of the conspirators behind her family's murder. To track him down, Sorae has asked us to speak with Ayu who may know where we can find him." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SHIZUKA (MERCHANT) TALES ~~
"One of the farms near Komatsu Bay looks like it's had some trouble. Someone should make sure the people there are all right." -Takeshi Oja
~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~
A villager woman remarked to the taskforce member as the latter passed by.
"You better watch out if you're passing Yabo Forest, yokai. It's haunted by angry spirits... Dead samurai, eager to spill blood."
"People go into the woods and never come out. Varjan and Shizuyaman alike! The bodies that turn up have all been killed by Shizuyaman blades..."
A peasant man eating barbecued meat on a stick was startled when the taskforce member approached. It appeared he has news.
"Yokai! You have to tell Lord Takeshi, there is another samurai noble who survived Sanjo Beach. His name is Lord Tonchiki. He's in his abode southeast of here. If you go see him, I'm sure he would join your cause."
"Err, maybe not. I guess you'll need Lord Takeshi himself to convince him."
(REQUIRES SHIZUKA KANNAZUKI) A villager sitting on some stone steps in the temple stood up when the taskforce member approached.
"Yokai, I've heard of a small resistance group gathering in the Imahama Area. I believe they're headed by that shrine priestess that started a fight here not too long ago."
"They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not trained. Better take Lord Takeshi with you too or else it might be a fight again."
A peasant man warming his hands on a bonfire noticed the taskforce member passing by.
"Yokai, you must do something! It's Ayane's sake brewery in Imahama. That brewery is the pride of Shizuyama, but soon there will be none left. The Varjans are taking it by force."
