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After a duel for old time's sake, Usagi bids his sensei farewell and
heads toward his village, eager to settle down finally, memories of his days
before service to Lord Mifune filling his mind. He is jolted from his
reverie by his old rival kenichi, who appears less than pleased to see him.
Kenichi explains about Jotaro's disappearance and Usagi offers his
help.
Nearby, the brigands ready for their next raid on the village and Jei,
strangely interactive with persons that can only be evil, ponders why the
gods would tell him to abduct Jotaro. Kenichi and Usagi drop their facade
of friendship while they search, but forget their difficulties when they
learn of another raid on the village. Rushing back, they arrive to late to
do anything but slay one or two. The others escape, warning of Jotaro's
death should they be followed.
While Kenichi interrogates a survivor, Usagi finds Mariko and they two
reaquaint themselves at her home. Railing against their karma, they try to
forget their past and concentrate on the matter at hand - rescuing
Jotaro.
Back at the brigands' hideout, Jei hears how the head villager and a
long-eared stranger killed some of their men and knows that Usagi has
finally arrived...
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