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Facing off, Jei and Usagi stand until Jei releases the boy.
Trying not to be distracted by the boy, Usagi almost misses Jei's first
attack. The two battle, neither able to gain an advantage until a fortuitous
opening provided by Jei. Usagi snaps his black spear, but is struck by
Jei. It then becomes swordwork for the two of them with Jei gaining the
upper hand, disarming Usagi.
All seems lost as Jei charges, until Usagi grabs the broken Yari tip
and stabbs Jei, hurling him over the cliff. Usagi does not have the luxury
to enjoy his victory however. Unable to reverse his momentum, he too goes
over the cliff, finding a scant handhold that begins to break under his
weight.
Usagi is unable to hang on and begins to fall to his certain death when
a hand grasps his. Kenichi, now done with the bandits, came to see if
Usagi needed help with the demon. Kenichi, surly as ever, sees his debt
repaid - Usagi's life for his sons.
Mariko calls Usagi to meet her after avoiding him for two weeks. She
has for him a stunning revelation concerning Jotaro and she begs him to
leave the village. Usagi, compassionate as always, agrees and heavy
heartedly continues onward.
On the outskirts of he village, Jotaro spies Usagi and they talk for a
while. With Jotaro is his new found friend - the tokage who rescued him.
Jotaro decides to call him Spot.
Usagi offers Jotaro some advice, including a recommendation to seek out
Katsuichi and then once again begins his wanderings...
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