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Usagi learns of Shi from Nobu, and advises the villagers to retreat,
despite the objections of the jealous Nobu and the disdainful wife of
Moyashi.
'Shi' arrives to the magistrate to learn of their assignment, and sets
out. That night, they fight Usagi in the deserted village. Usagi slays
2, and buries the third under the storehouse contents.
Kimie who has snuck into the village to watch Usagi in action is
captured by the last of the four assassins. Nobu distracts the assassin long
enough for Usagi to slay him.
Nobu turns a sword on Usagi to prove he is not afraid, but Usagi
intimidates him into stopping. His threatening act helps to bind Kimie and
Nobu together.
The Magistrate attempts to assassinate Juzo, but ends up in a duel and
losing. Juzo is then killed by the city guards for murder, taking the secret
of the Izumi valley gold with him.
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