Death of Hikijii

johnnyjagwani · Post by **johnnyjagwani** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:35 -0700

As I am only a reader of the tpb's and not up to date on current ongoing in the story, I was taken back by the (above) title for # 123 ...

My questions is, do you think Usagi Succeeds in his attempt?

johnnyjagwani · Post by **johnnyjagwani** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 2:39 -0700

I know it's been 25 years of great stories by Sakai, but unless 'it is only the beginning' of something even larger ... I always depicted this plot point, as something that would only happen, at the end of the entire Usagi Yojimbo tale (pun intended).

That too me seems most logical. Then again it's not my story, I know.

I am just wondering what skeletons would come out of that closet, when Usagi Kills him.. Surely it won't be it .. And all over and done with..

Maybe I am the only one with this feeling?

Bogus · Post by **Bogus** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:41 -0700

I think it's difficult to say. Hikiji is a sneaky guy, to say the least. With a worse case scenario, I would say that a body double is killed or the Dark Lord himself is seriously wounded and presumed dead.

Also, another thing to consider: if the up-and-coming Usagi vs. the Flying Saucers is to take place, Hikiji, or at least his heir, is currently at odds with a now grown Geishu lord.

Also, the story blurb says that Usagi is pivotal in the Mifune loyalist's plans... does that necessarily mean that he wants to participate? Usagi's character suggests that he isn't one to be an assassin. He has always aided his friends and allies against Hikiji, but the only time he actually attempted to strike directly at him was on a battlefield.

Also, even if Usagi or the others manages to slay him I doubt that would be an end to everything. Just as there are many opposed to the Dark Lord, there are many who are his allies as well. Surely there are those who would come after him/them.

Anyhow, those are just a few of my thoughts on the subject. I'm just excited to get my hands on it!

johnnyjagwani · Post by **johnnyjagwani** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 23:45 -0700

of course you are, as am I.. But it's fun to speculate..

It wouldn't sound as dramatic sporting the title: the death of hikijiis shadow-warrior (decoy), now would it?!

IanL · Post by **IanL** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 1:09 -0700

If/when Lord Hikiji is assassinated, Lord Hebi will most likely send out all of his forces (including the Neko and Komori ninja) after those responsible, and/or put out a huge bounty on their heads, thus tempting bounty hunters to join in on the hunt.

johnnyjagwani · Post by **johnnyjagwani** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 22:53 -0700

.. or something entirely new up his sleeve?

micah_acord · Post by **micah_acord** » Sat Apr 25, 2009 11:30 -0700

Hmm... How's this for an interesting thought;
If Usagi had a huge price on his head... would Gen go after him?

Bogus · Post by **Bogus** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 10:56 -0700

micah_acord wrote:Hmm... How's this for an interesting thought;
If Usagi had a huge price on his head... would Gen go after him?

I don't really think so. Even though Gen isn't honorable in the same sense that Usagi is, he still has a rough sense of it.

For instance, in the Dragon Bellow Conspiracy, Gen was after Zato-Ino but later decided to not collect the reward on him after Ino took a bullet meant for Gen.

I like to think that Usagi and Gen went through much more than that in their time together and it would weigh in Usagi's favor if it came down to a price on his head.

Or, if he is gonna do it, I would imagine Gen would wait for Usagi to be in a bad way so as to make the "collection" much easier, though as we know his "shortcuts" don't always work out so well.

johnnyjagwani · Post by **johnnyjagwani** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 22:53 -0700

micah_acord wrote:Hmm... How's this for an interesting thought;
If Usagi had a huge price on his head... would Gen go after him?

or someone entirely new and different could be on the hunt?

micah_acord · Post by **micah_acord** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 19:45 -0700

"or someone entirely new and different could be on the hunt?"

A new bounty hunter? Hmm...

Am I mistaken, or has Stray Dog been after Usagi before? (I'm not as well-read as I'd like to be :b)

I'd have a hard time imagining Gen going after Usagi, myself, but then again, from the five books ( I loved the Dragon Bellow Conspiracy, by the way) I've read, he is definitely money-hungry...
Still, I'd say he'd stick by Usagi in the long run, but it would sure be a fun read watching him fight the temptation

Usagi Yojimbo DojoBoard

Death of Hikijii

Death of Hikijii

ok ok I'll answer myself