General Info

First Issue: USAGI YOJIMBO Volume 1, Issue 3

Comics Which Contain This Story

This story can be found in the following comics:

	USAGI YOJIMBO Volume 1, Issue 3
	USAGI YOJIMBO Book 2

Characters

The following characters are mentioned in the story:

• Kenichi
• Mariko
• Lord Mifune
• Miyamoto Usagi

Story Synopsis

A large group of armed horsemen gallop toward a township. The townspeople are no match for them, and they easily load themselves with supplies.

Mariko, Usagi's childhood sweetheart catches the eye of the bandit leader and she too is taken. As they turn to leave, they see a lone samurai guarding the gate - their only exit. He is only one samurai however, and they rush him. From behind, arrows sing into their midst. While Usagi was distracting them, Kenichi was able to sneak behind them and find a bow and arrows.

The villagers rally and take up their work tools. Usagi fights alongside his father, the village magistrate. Mariko, still held captive on horseback, is carried away. Kenichi's last arrow fells the horse, but too far away from help and the last remaining bandit looms over her, sword raised. Instinctively, she lashes out with a blade she finds at hand, killing her would be abductor.

Later, over a meal, Usagi, Kenichi and Mariko discuss their future plans. Usagi would go on to serve his lord, Mifune, while Kenichi stayed in the village.