General Info

First Issue: USAGI YOJIMBO Volume 1, Issue 26

Comics Which Contain This Story

This story can be found in the following comics:

USAGI YOJIMBO Volume 1, Issue 26

Characters

The following characters are mentioned in the story:

• Miyamoto Usagi

Story Synopsis

In a scene reminiscent of the 'Seven Samurai', Usagi defeats the hero of a local town in a duel with boku-to, only to have to kill him when the disgruntled and ignorant loser demands a rematch with live blades. To one side, a book keeper runs a tab on the fights and his champion, Shubo watches intently. Following the match, Shubo befriends Usagi and they go to an inn to talk further. Both of them talk about wanting to settle down, however while Usagi is content to return to his village to begin his new life, Shubo seems preoccupied with the thought of money.

When Shubo finally takes his leave, he returns to the book keeper and tells him that killing Usagi will not be a problem. He also seeks out his wife and tells her as much although she and their child are just as happy for him to leave now and settle down.

The following day Usagi makes his way toward the edge of town to find the entire town and Shubo waiting for him, sword drawn. Outside the town, Shubo's wife waits for her husband. Given no choice, Usagi draws his blade and the two samurai exchange blows. It is not Usagi who falls. Usagi hurries away, uncomfortable in the prescence of those who would rejoice in the presence of a corpse. The book keeper, unable to cover his debts, does not have such a luxury.

Outside the town, night falls and a woman weeps for her dead husband.