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Early in 2000 Todd sponsored another contest through the Dojo: Write an essay describing who committed the Demon Mask Murders, not just a two word answer, but DESCRIBE the hows the whys and the reasons to whoever you name as the culprit. Below are 6 of the entries, I *think* that they are all the winners, first prize received a resin statue of Usagi (Still on sale, go buy one!) the runners up received a cool signed card set, and yes they are different than the set put out by Comic Images. So read and enjoy! Entry #1Heyo all - Stan Sakai has once again outdone himself with his USAGI YOJIMBO character! Over the course of two recent issues (# 34 and # 35) of his popular DARK HORSE comic entitled USAGI YOJIMBO, he has introduced a perplexing mystery that is sure to intrigue readers both new and old. He provides plenty of clues to the identity of the "killer" and also provides plenty of misdirection, all the while maintaining the full integrity of the characters and the historical accuracy for which his storylines have become known. My personal opinion (with the help of my husband Mark) as to the identity of the "killer" of the story is none other than . . . Inspector Kojo!!! We formed this opinion (my husband and I) based on a number of clues found throughout these two issues. The first clue came in Issue # 34, pg. 11 - Usagi is talking to Inspector Kojo and has just told the Inspector that the current victim of the "Demon Mask" "did look like a ronin". Two panels later on this same page the Inspector refers to the victim as "an able adversary -- that old ronin tonight, for example". Usagi did not tell the Inspector that he had judged the ronin as an experience swordsman (on pg. 7, panel 2) nor that the ronin was any particular age! The Inspector had to have some first-hand information! Later on, during their game of "GO", the Inspector admits to "a bit of misdirectiion -- making you focus somewhere else". Inspector Kojo goes out of his way to implicate his primary assistant (Assistant Inspector Nitta), even calling him "an excellent warrior, but he lacks the imagination to capture one such as Demon Mask". By doing this, Inspector Kojo assures that Usagi will be pre-disposed to think poorly of Nitta. In Issue # 35, Mr. Sakai contines the art of misdirection while still providing more clues to the identity of the Demon Mask. He introduced Kuroda in Issue # 34 and Usagi gets to confront him in this issue (already knowing Kuroda's background) and appears to point towards him as the Demon Mask. But, upon careful inspection of the action-sequences on pgs. 7 and 8, one realizes that Kuroda cannot be the Demon Mask because he cannot be in two places at once! Personally, I think Kuroda (a ronin turned bounty hunter) is actually related to Assistant Inspector Nitta (they look alot alike) (which would explain why he arrived prior to the first ronin death attributed to The Demon Mask). Then, Stan continues with the clues that point to Inspector Kojo. One of these is the omission of the "slashing patterr" that Nitta points out to Usagi. This type of slashing pattern works like a signature to an experienced swordsman (such as Usagi). Inspector Kojo knows this and purposely doesn't tell Usagi to help promote the deception. Another clue pointing to Kojo is his purposeful change of subject when Usagi refers to the mask as possibly "an avenging demon". A short while later he makes the statement that "justice is but a foolish dream; those in power make their own laws." It is my opinion that he assumed the Demon Mask persona to have revenge on all ronin for the death of his son Tokuo. His "GO" game with his deceased son Tokuo at the end of Issue # 35 shows just how deranged he has become and should alert Usagi to the fact that he is extremely dangerous. I look forward to reading Issue # 36 to see if these clues have pointed us in the right direction. I think that Usagi already suspects Inspector Kojo and will use utmost caution in his dealing with him. Only time will tell. Entry #2By Kim Garvin The Suspect for is Kojo (Cujo?) as the Demon Mask. Kojo was sent to the region as punishment. Obviously, Lord Toyofuku and his followers had much power to be able to do so, and Kojo resents that. Kojo comments how he is bored there, things are so quiet most of the time ("little need for criminal investigation"). He is disillusioned with the system of justice he used to have faith in: "justice is a foolish dream. Those in power make their own laws." Nitta comments his disdain of Kojo for not being a good samurai, hiding behind walls, and appearing feeble. Nitta is often training others, around others, so likely does not have the time to be Demon Mask, whereas Kojo spends much time in privacy - making it easier for him to slip out as Demon Mask. Kojo was noted by Nitta as not being directly involved in investigations any longer - indicating a change in personality and habits. Grief can do strange things to people. But Kojo is clearly a master strategist, judging from his go skills. He beat Usagi, and even mentions during the go game that he uses "a bit of misdirection -- making you focus elsewhere." This applies to his *appearance* as feeble and withdrawn Nitta hates ronin, and is the obvious choice to be Demon Mask -- hunting down the ronin he hates, and being a master swordsman -- but that's too obvious. Perhaps Nitta's promotion is something Kojo is not happy with. Kojo does not think highly of Nitta's intellectual level, calling him a brute. With Toyofuki assassinated, his surviving followers would be ronin now, unless they found other lords, though most seemed to live by the ideal they would *only* follow Toyofuku. Those who survived the fight where Usagi slew Toyofuku may have decided to seek out Kojo, or his family, because the accusations Kojo made, make him a likely suspect for having Toyofuku murdered. Kojo said he'd taught his son everything, which likely means swordsmanship as well? He spent much time with his son, if his son was also his assistant and played go with him nightly. Demon Mask first appeared slaying the arsonist that killed Tokuo. And has been offing ronin likely improving his skills against swordmasters, and seeking final revenge against those who had Tokuo murdered. It's not likley that a single person was responsible acting on his own to kill Tokuo and burn the warehouse. It's also possible the one bounty hunter, Kuroda, coughs for a reason? Smoke inhalation, perhaps? He arrived before the first slaying by Demon Mask. Kuroda is not Demon Mask because of his coughing and hand shaking. Demon Mask does not appear to have any health problems. Also, Kuroda was with Usagi during one of Demon Mask's attacks on bounty hunters. Kojo talks to a spirit, likely he is possessed by his son's spirit. Ghosts in Japanese mythology always require "human" aid in some way to complete an action that frees their spirit. And together they seek revenge, for Tokuo's death, and for the dishonor Kojo has had to endure, by seeking the supporter of Toyofuku. Kojo is willing to become a vigilante and make his own laws to see justice done. When Usagi goes inside to find the Takuo he heard Kojo talking to, Demon Mask is there as soon as Usagi enters, *knows* Usagi is there. And clearly wants to confront Usagi. Kojo just left, it would have been easy for him to don the Demon Mask and robe so quickly. (hey, even if wrong, it's been fun! :) ) Entry #3The Mystery Of The Demon Mask: Once again, Stan Sakai has provided us with a most interesting who-done-it with 'The Mystery Of The Demon Mask' (UY issues 34, 35, and soon to be release 36). By the end of issue 35, one could hardly guess the identity of Demon Mask as the 'to be continued' ending leaves it open for any of the suspects. Yet the clues as to the true person behind the mask are there -- one just has to know where not to look in this case of misdirection. There are four primary candidates who could be Demon Mask. First there is Kuroda -- a wandering ronin vagrant who arrived in town before the first killing. Next there's assistant inspector Nitta -- a ronin hating bully who works on his swordsmanship too much and trying to undo the shame his father left for him. Third in this line up is Inspector Kojo -- a one-time active investigator turned bureaucrat. And last but not least Tokuo -- Kojo's son, presumed dead in a warehouse fire. All are likely suspects, yet only one can be Demon Mask. To start unraveling this mystery, a closer look at the persona of the Demon Mask must be made. So far he has only killed ronin (presumedly to match and hone his sword skills), comes and goes as he pleases, and leaves no clues at the scene of the crime. The last statement is the first lead in this mystery. There are a few possibilities as to who or what can run into a sword fight and then leave without a trace: a demon, a ninja, or someone trained with the skills of finding clues for example. Surely an inspector, trained in the arts of uncovering the truth, can hide it as well. As to the fact that Demon Mask comes and goes without hindrance leads one to believe he has lived in the town for sometime (maybe one year or so) and, hence, knows the surrounding area well. Demon Mask's sword skills, to say the least, are show to be eloquent and somewhat circler in style. Obviously he has trained long and hard -- perhaps by himself, at a fencing school, or under the tutelage of an instructor. With these facts in mind, the number of suspects drops down to three: Nitta, Tokuo, and Kojo. Sadly, Kuroda does not have the stamina to be Demon Mask. He has a sickness which forces him to cough (quite heavily) and gasp for air after any hard physical activity. Why, even sitting down at the inn (towards the end of issue 34) he is shown to be coughing. He arrived in town just before the first killing (about a month ago) which would not given him enough time to learn all the ins and outs of the area. Plus the fact he is with Usagi when the three bounty hunters are killed by Demon Mask eliminates him. Why is he there then? Kuroda makes an interesting statement after Usagi notice how abruptly Nitta left the latest crime scene -- "He always does." Now why would he say this? Kuroda knows Nitta. After all, he has been in town for about a month, long enough to watch Nitta's every move. But it goes further than this. Kuroda is, quite possibly, Nitta's father and he could be there to try to make amends for his past deeds. Assistant inspector Nitta, on the other hand, makes a great candidate for the Demon Mask. He works at his sword skills constantly, has lived in the town long enough to know how to get in out in a hurry, and he has a great hatred for ronins. Throw the demon mask on his face and one could have their killer. Unfortunately, he is not. Why would Nitta throw all he has worked for away, the removal of the shame his father placed on him, just to start killing ronin for all the faults in the world? Granted, the presumed death of Tokuo would give him reason, but his actions at the scene of the three dead bounty hunters would persuade one otherwise. Here, Usagi is being watch from the shadows by Nitta, and when he confronts Usagi, Usagi starts to ask Nitta questions. When he get to pointing out the fact that Nitta's father is a ronin, Nitta exploded in rage. Demon Mask, when he in shown in sword play, seems to have a 'calm harmony' as he strikes. Nitta anger for ronins is just too great. He would probably hack the bodies to pieces and then hang around to gloat. He is also shown to actuary care for the case and chastised the police force for not doing their job. It was the death of Tokuo in a warehouse fire which started this mystery. Is he truly alive? It would explain the mask, put over his face to hide his burns, and he would a cause to start killing ronins for revenge. He also use to train the police force in sword skills and, it seems, would know the streets of the town. However, he is dead. Kojo would be overjoyed that his son survived the fire. Why would he hide him? The burns to Tokuo face, let alone to his body, would need great care and time to heal. The first slaying happen the next morning after the fire. Tokuo would be in too much pain to do anything. Even if Tokuo escape the fire unharmed, he would have caught and brought the arsonist to justice, as he was trained to be an upstanding assistant inspector. Yet Tokuo lives on in the mind of his father, Kojo -- the true Demon Mask. The strained of being remove to a distant precinct, the lack of intellects to converse with, and the death of his son was to much. He cracked. Oh, Kojo does not know that he is the Demon Mask. But he believes his son is. It has been shown that Kojo has conversations with his dead son and even plays Go with Tokuo. When Kojo put on the demon mask, he becomes Tokuo -- an avenging demon. This why a clue, the slashing pattern used in most of the killings, was kept from Usagi. Kojo would have need to hide this fact from Usagi's clever mind. All Usagi would have to do is see the suspects' sword style and point out the killer. Kojo taught his son in all skills, even swordsmanship. To protect his son, the subconscious mind of Kojo would guide Tokuo through the street of the town he knows so well, let him strike in areas where the lease clues would be found, and then return him home (through a back entrance). Once there, the persona of Kojo would return, happy and content with his son (in a game of Go). Of course, there is that beard. The mask could hide it (the chin is long enough) or even better, the beard is fake... Entry #4My theory is this: Inspector Kojo is himself Demon Mask. Whether or not Tokuo is alive and working with him, I do not know, but I think there's enough evidence to take a closer look... The killer is not: Jei/Inazuma. If it was, she would have attacked Usagi when he saw the old ronin's murder. The killer is also not: Kuroda. In part two, he's speaking to Usagi while Demon Mask slaughters three ronin. I believe that Inspector Kojo was exiled three years previous to this distant province for accusing a noble of embezzeling, that noble being Kuroda, Inspector Nitta's father. Refusing to perform seppuku, he dragged his family along with him as he wandered, Nitta's hatred of his father and his father's shame growing all the while along with his skill. Eventually he left his father and came to this town where he found the exiled Inspector Kojo who took him in to become an officer, attempting to escape his father's ronin shame. But as Kojo pointed out to Usagi,"there is no recreation for intellect among these rustics", so Kojo's only cure to the tedium was playing games of skill (such as Go) with his son, Tokuo. Shortly before the killings started, Kuroda wandered into town, perhaps as a last gesture since he appears to be dying. Nitta will still not speak to him, and no one else in the town knows the whole truth but Kojo and himself. But in the wake of the murder of Lord Toyofuku, his now unemployed samurai are wandering around, looking for work or robbery to meet their needs, and one of them sets the blaze that (supposedly) kills Tokuo, though we find no body. Enraged, Kojo takes on the identity of the Demon Mask to avenge his son, perhaps even fuel the tales that it's Tokuo's ghost. Yet after the first killing he continues to murder ronin. Why? I think he found it not only challenging, but a way to make his way back to the ronin who was ultimatly responsible for his exile--Kuroda. Supporting evidence: issue 34 pg 11 in the last panel. Speaking about Demon Mask, Kojo says "He delights in matching his skills with an able adversary--that OLD ronin tonight, for example. Perhaps he has something to prove...to himself as well as to others." HOW did he know the ronin was OLD? No one told him, not even Usagi! This making him a suspect himself, how much more meaning that gives to the rest of his words...on pg 12, when Usagi is pondering reasons for the Demon Mask disguise, Kojo compliments his cleverness, then changes the subject to Go...on pg 14 he remarks how "It taught me that justice is but a foolish dream. Those in power make their own laws." as well as his comment about there being no recreation for intellect there... His successful misdirection of Usagi in Go seems to set the stage for his later manipulations...he also interrupted the duel between Usagi and Nitta, perhaps to test Usagi's mettle later himself. As previously mentioned, Kuroda is talking to Usagi in issue 35 as Demon Mask slays three ronin, so it cannot be him; then while Nitta is talking to Usagi over the bodies, he mentions the slashing pattern that Kojo did not. Also during that discussion, Nitta once again stresses his disrespect and disgust for ronin, ESPECIALLY not for Kuroda, then turns rabidly on Usagi when he mentions Nitta's ronin heritage, saying "Who told you that?!Inspector Kojo has more discretion than to reveal such personal information." He also looks more angry than normal as Kuroda approaches, as well as leaving abruptly without speaking to him. As Usagi goes to tell Inspector Kojo about the latest killings he hears Kojo talking to Tokuo just as his shadow has reached the screen door (perhaps Kojo saw it and began talking as if Tokuo was there, unless he's gone schitzo)...a deputy runs to the back door to get the Inspector and Kojo appears to leave, telling Tokuo that he'll be gone a while...Usagi enters, observes the game room and searches the house, then returns to the game room. In that time Kojo could have gone around the front, have come in and donned mask,robe and swords, and as Usagi prepares to leave he could have opened the sliding door to let Usagi know he was there... This is my theory and answer to the Mystery of the Demon Mask. It's been greatly engrossing and I look forward to the conclusion! Entry #5The Mystery of the Demon Mask- Solution- Report Given by: Becky-Chan Upon looking at the clues given during the investigation one might assume that the true identity of the Demon Mask Killer would be Assistant Inspector Nitta. The reasons behind this theory are as follows: 1) Nitta hates and despises Ronin, this resentment started as a young child following his father on the road, who was also a Ronin. 2) Nitta also has a passion for the sword, the Ronin that the killer has targeted seemed to have some degree of skill with the sword 3) Nitta also seems to have the need to prove himself to others as well as himself, by killing Ronin who are skilled in the sword he not only rids his area of what he considers 'filth' but also proves himself a master with a sword. However there are flaws in this theory, a closer observation shows that the Demon Mask is a cunning and intelligent samurai, he is able to outwit the local police, avoid patrols, and leave no clues at the scenes of his crimes, this points to somebody who works with or for the local police. Though a capable samurai, Nitta lacks the cunning and fore planning shown in the actions of the Demon Mask, and if Nitta was the Demon Mask competing against superior swordsmen, then why was the Demon's first victim, though a Ronin was nothing more than a two-bit bully/arsonist? Not a swordsmen to challenge Nitta's passion for the blade. No the identity of the Demon Mask is Chief Inspector Kojo. The first killing was a vengeance killing, to avenge the death of his beloved son Tokuo, driven mad with grief, and frustrated at his inability to bring the arsonist to justice by the law, Kojo donned the Demon Mask and took personal justice since legal justice was denied. Afterward he attempted to ease his guilt by acting as if his son was alive, a statement given later by Miyamato Usagi gives us this fact. It appears that the tragedy of his son's death took an enormous toll on Kojo's spirit, I personally do not believe that he is aware that he is the killer, this can be assumed by the continued killings, after all his son's killer is in the grave, why continue the killings? One theory could be that if Kojo is not aware of his identity of the Demon Mask then it could be misplaced vengeance on all Ronin, not just the one who killed Tokuo. Several clues can indicate that Kojo is aware he is alos the Demon Mask. We can conclude that Kojo does not like Nitta, and would shed no tears if he was forced to leave his post. Since he knows about Nitta's obsession with the sword and most of the dead are swordsmen, the blame could conveniently be shifted to Nitta, who hates Ronin and boasts about his skill with the sword. Another reason is that since he knows the workings of the police so well he can easily make Nitta appear to be an enept fool, and therefore justify removing him from his post. Given Nitta's background this could be feasable. I feel great caution is needed when finally confronting Kojo with this evidence. According to a statement from Miyamato Usagi, who formed a brief friendship with Kojo, he sometimes pretends that he plays the game 'Go' with his departed son, as he did prior to his death. This is more evidence to support the theory that Kojo is not aware of his work as the Demon Mask. Also since very talented swordsmen have already met their ends at his blades, he is extreamly dangerous and skilled with the sword. All that remains is to confront Kojo with the evidence and see if there is any help for this proud officer who simply misses his son. End Report End note just for kicks...this is just a theory here, but I think that the Ronin Kuroda is actually Nitta's Father, given the extreme physical resemblance between the two..*smiles* Do I get extra credit for that observation if it's correct Todd-San?? Entry #6By JEFF STRAND Through simple deductions I plan to determine the true identity of the Demon Masked assassin. By carefully examining the few facts and clues I have determined the a suspect who I believe to be the Demon Mask. In my search I considered each person encountered to be the possible killer, and by process of elimination came up with the strongest motive and the weakest alibi. I will go through by suspect, presenting the facts and my interpretation of what happened. Leaving no stone unturned, and no character beyond suspect I will start with Usagi. He is the most easily dismissed suspect, as he has no motive for killing ronin, and he has one of the best alibis. The rabbit ronin comes face to face with the killer early on in the story so I will simply dismiss him as a suspect and move on. The first person Usagi meets in the story is the fortune teller who shows Usagi a vision of who at first he believes is Jei. Despite the fortune teller being the only suspect with hair long enough to match the Demon Mask, they don't seem to have any motive and don't appear later in the tale at all. Of course the length of the Demon Mask's hair is most likely attributed to the mask, and it is a wig not the assassin's real hair. Upon leaving the fortune teller's hut Usagi chances upon one of the murders taking place. He witnesses the Demon Mask, sword unsheathed standing over the body of the newest victim. At first he believes the assassin is Jei, but then realizes that it is not Jei after all upon looking closer. I do not doubt the possibility of Jei returning from the grave, but since the Demon Mask doesn't exhibit the two trade mark aspects of Jei, I don't think the assassin is Jei. The Demon Mask's katana blade is not black, and we never hear the Demon Mask talk to the gods, or kill in the name of the gods. The next three people that Usagi encounters are the Döshin, who probably couldn't be the Demon Mask since they arrive too quickly on the scene, and the are very free with information, especially after a little saké. They do however arrive from the same direction that the Demon Mask left (if you examine the way the body faces at the bottom of page 6 and 7 of issue #34 you'll see what I mean). Considering that even all three of them are no match for Niita in swordsmanship it is doubtful that any of them could have cut down all of the ronin in a duel, let alone three bounty hunters at once later on. Niita has one of the strongest motives to be the Demon Mask, since he hates ronin with a passion. He also has the means since he is an exceptional swordsman. Inspector Kojo is quick to show his distaste for him saying "He is a brute interested only in honing his skills with the sword. Justice should not be upheld by butchers!" We also find out from the Döshin the reason for Niita's deep hatred for ronin centers on his father's choice of becoming a ronin instead of erasing the shame of his alleged crime by committing seppuku. Niita also is found close by hiding in the shadows after the slaying of the three bounty hunters. Niita's current opinion of Inspector Kojo is not high, and tells Usagi that since Tokuo's death Kojo has not taken an active part in the investigations. Niita also leaves soon after the killing of the bounty hunters, which seems as suspicious as his quick arrival. The only evidence I have in Niita's defense is that he showed up so soon after the bounty hunters were killed that it would have been difficult to change out of the mask and skull kimono and into his uniform so quickly. The Demon mask also carries daisho (both a katana and wakizashi) while Niita only carries a katana and his jitte. If Niita were to make a quick change in the alley or a building close by he would have had to stash the costume and the short sword somewhere and get his uniform and jitte most likely from the same place. This would have required a lot of planning. I think for the purposes of a good story, that Niita is too obvious, and that he is meant to throw us off the real scent. Though he is blunt, as he admits to Usagi, I don't think he is guilty. Inspector Kojo on the surface seems to be in no way connected to the murders, but after closer examination I believe that he may be involved. He gives us many important clues, possibly even when he is attempting to hide the truth. Kojo discounts the idea that the killings may be for revenge, and believes instead that the killer simply wants to match skills with able adversaries, most likely to prove something. Kojo has not notified the Magistrate of the murders, which seems rather suspicious. Many vital clues come up in conversation between Kojo and Usagi. Usagi says that the mask might be used to conceal the killer's identity, which seems obvious at first but helped me greatly in my reasoning. The next important clue pops up in conversation over a game of go. Usagi is told of Kojo's former assistant inspector and son, Tokuo. Who we learn later from the Döshin was killed in an arson fire just before the murders began, and that the first victim of the Demon Mask was the arsonist. During the go game we also learn that Kojo was sent to this distant precinct as punishment for accusing a noble of embezzlement. Kojo seems extremely bitter about this and even says "...justice is but a foolish dream. Those in power make their own laws." This seems a very incriminating thing to say, particularly for a police inspector. Kojo then offers the theory that the Demon Mask is a samurai living in the mountains. I believe this is to throw Usagi off the scent, by effectively telling Usagi shouldn't search close by for the assassin. Kojo also apparently tries to pit Usagi and Niita against each other by first insulting Niita and then inferring that Niita is most likely the better swordsman. He does, however, intervene later when Niita and Usagi face off with bokken. When Kojo wins the game he says something which I think pertains not just to the game but to his conversation with Usagi. He says "Just a bit of misdirection -- making you focus somewhere else." I am convinced that Kojo knows more than he lets on. The only defense I have for Kojo is that when one of the Döshin arrives to tell him that the Demon Mask killed the three bounty hunters he goes back inside for a moment, then leaves his house, presumably to go to the crime scene. If he did indeed go to the crime scene he cannot be the Demon Mask because Usagi went into the house as soon as he had left and the last frame of issue 35 shows both Usagi and the Demon Mask inside Kojo's house. Kuroda seems to be very suspicious. First of which is that he showed up just before the murders took place. Secondly he shadows Usagi after leaving the inn, and then slowly goes for his blade when he is discovered. The most confusing clue is his coughing, and the coughing fit he has on page 10 of issue 35 is most disturbing, particularly his reaction when he looks at his hand. Was he coughing up blood perhaps? It took me several reads and a lot of thought before I could determine any tie the coughing had to the story. The only thing I can think of that might cause the cough and would tie into the story, would be the fire that killed Tokuo. Kuroda was in town early enough to be there when the fire took place, and his cough might be a result of smoke inhalation. I'm not sure how exactly this fits in with the rest of the story, but I am sure we will find out... Despite all of these clues, Kuroda doesn't seem to have any particular motive, and he has a very strong alibi since he is with Usagi when the three bounty hunters are killed by the Demon Mask. Kuroda can't be the Demon Mask, but I agree with Usagi when he says "There is more to this guy than meets the eye." There is one more person that the demon mask might be. Someone who Usagi hasn't met yet, but has only heard about. Usagi theorized that the mask might be used to hide the assassin's identity. Another clue also lead me to this particular theory, it was when one of the Döshin when referring to when Takuo died in the fire, said "poor guy was burned to ashes." If Takuo was literally burned to ashes, then perhaps the body was really not identifiable, and it was only assumed that it was Takuo for some reason, perhaps because he was supposed to be there, or he just turned up missing after the fire. What if Takuo was in the fire, but survived? Perhaps his face was burned and scarred and that is why he wears a mask. If he had become disfigured then it might drive him to take revenge on the arsonist, and perhaps continue to kill ronin. So scarred he might be shamed into not showing his face, and he might rather be known as dead than disfigured. What originated this theory was when Usagi overhears Kojo talking to Tokuo. When Usagi investigates the house he doesn't find Tokuo, instead he finds that only one of the zubaton near the go board shows signs being used, while the other one appears not to have been recently used. It is then that the Demon Mask finds Usagi. For a long time I thought that is was Kojo's 'dead' son, Tokuo that was the Demon Mask. I agree it may sound rather far fetched, but if Tokuo had survived then he would certainly have the motive for avenging his injuries. Tokuo does have a pretty good alibi however, he is dead. Assuming that he isn't dead, then if he had been severely burned in the fire, he probably wouldn't be in good enough condition to go around slaying swordsmen so soon after the fire. Even if he did survive the fire, and had the ability to slay 7 ronin in the last couple of weeks since the fire, the zubaton still testifies that there were not two people sitting and playing go when Usagi overheard Kojo speaking to Tokuo. I believe that the Demon Mask is killing ronin because of the fire that killed Tokuo because the original victim was the arsonist, and there were no killings prior to the fire. This means the Demon Mask must be someone who close to Tokuo and would be greatly effected by his death. While I believe there is a very slim possibility that Tokuo might have survived the fire, the evidence supports otherwise. If Kojo is the Demon Mask then he must have said "I should supervise the scene of the deaths, Tokuo. I will be gone a while" for the benefit of whoever was listening outside. Perhaps he heard Usagi sneak up outside, or maybe he just assumed he would come after discovering that more deaths had occurred. It is possible that Kojo walked away from the house, saw Usagi come out of hiding and enter the house, and then he could have gone in another entrance of the house, changed into the Demon Mask and then gone to meet Usagi. I believe that the Demon Mask is Inspector Kojo. Disillusioned both by his previous incident with the embezzling noble and now with the death of his son I think he has lost all faith in justice. His only friend and companion was his son and it is because of ronin that his son was taken away from him. In his own version of justice Kojo is killing all of the ronin in town, and it appears as if Usagi may be next on his list.  |
Demon Mask Contest