The greatest swordsman in the Usagi world?

Post by **Todd Shogun** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 14:56 -0700

Nothing regarding that yet. It's apparent that Usagi doesn't hold any vendetta against Lord Hikiji for killing his father... at least none that we know of. As far as having a lawful excuse to kill his father, possibly. Usagi's Village was in the Mifune Province, and Hikiji killed him on the way to meet Mifune in battle. The war had basically already begun. Miyamoto, loyal to Mifine, was seen as an enemy to Hikiji. So technically Miyamoto was a victim of the great war. That could be why Usagi doesn't hold any personal grudge against Hikiji for that specific action. Miyamoto died a noble death, standing up for his village as a loyal magistrate, denying Hikiji of their provisions. While it totally sucked that Hikiji would stoop to murdering a harmless old village headman, Miyamoto died honorably.

Cosmo · Post by **Cosmo** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 16:03 -0700

Yes, Usagi's father was killed during the war. But does it really matter ? Whether it's war or peace, killing a harmless and unarmed old man - especially a magistrate - is a crime and a dishonourable act, according to both our standards and 17th-century Japanese standards.

Remember how important were the parents in feudal Japan. The sons had sacred duties towards them : obeying them, respecting them, feeding and lodging them. And, of course, revenging them if they were to be killed.

To me, Usagi, as a samurai, as a magistrate's son and as a good son, can not see his father's murder as a "lawful" act. But, that's right, we can't read his thoughts.

Post by **Steve Hubbell** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 16:48 -0700

It might be the reason behind Usagi's refusal to take a position with another clan, because he eventually wants to seek revenge on Lord Hikiji for both the death of his father and his lord, and once he takes a new position, his plans and desires will become secondary to his duty to his new clan and lord.

Abayo....

estee · Post by **estee** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 16:59 -0700

Wasn't "lawful" for any lord to kill any peasent who refused to show him respect?

While it may not have been lawful, it was a proper response to such a missdeed.

Post by **Todd Shogun** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 20:09 -0700

It would be cool if Stan revealed that Usagi secretly has carried with him this whole time a hidden agenda...revenge on Lord Hikiji for killing his father (and maybe even Lord Mifune). What a wild story twist that would be. You may be right, it could be that he won't settle down and work for another Daimyo like Noriyuki until he has carried out his vendetta... Remember from the very beginning Usagi has committed to a wandering life to hone his skills. Perhaps to get them good enough to one day destroy the Dark Lord? Maybe a future storyline will have Usagi joining Hikiji's army only to turn on him when he least expects it. Problem is, the Hikiji Clan, including his Shinobi forces, all know who he is... perhaps one day Hikiji will put a bounty on Usagi's head for interfering in his affairs. Maybe frame him up as a criminal. Won't that be crazy? Perhaps it would lead to a shake up in Usagi and Gen's friendship when ol' Gen decides to go after him...too many possibilities...

shaxper · Post by **shaxper** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 21:28 -0700

Todd Shogun wrote:It would be cool if Stan revealed that Usagi secretly has carried with him this whole time a hidden agenda...revenge on Lord Hikiji for killing his father (and maybe even Lord Mifune). What a wild story twist that would be. You may be right, it could be that he won't settle down and work for another Daimyo like Noriyuki until he has carried out his vendetta... Remember from the very beginning Usagi has committed to a wandering life to hone his skills. Perhaps to get them good enough to one day destroy the Dark Lord? Maybe a future storyline will have Usagi joining Hikiji's army only to turn on him when he least expects it. Problem is, the Hikiji Clan, including his Shinobi forces, all know who he is... perhaps one day Hikiji will put a bounty on Usagi's head for interfering in his affairs. Maybe frame him up as a criminal. Won't that be crazy? Perhaps it would lead to a shake up in Usagi and Gen's friendship when ol' Gen decides to go after him...too many possibilities...

Great ideas all around. As for your last one, I've felt for a long time now that the story of Usagi having a bounty and Gen being tempted to claim it is inevitable. it has to come. We all know what Gen will decide to do at the end (actually, probably much sooner than that), but it's an inevitable hurtle to overcome in their friendship. It's a question that must be asked and answered.

Cosmo · Post by **Cosmo** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 15:18 -0700

Todd Shogun wrote:It would be cool if Stan revealed that Usagi secretly has carried with him this whole time a hidden agenda...revenge on Lord Hikiji for killing his father (and maybe even Lord Mifune).

Well, I'd found this logical. Reminds me the story of the 47 rônin (Chushingura)... but killing such a powerful daimyô as Hikiji would prove very very difficult and would certainly not remain unnoticed and unpunished.

Anyway, I don't think Mr. Sakai plans to draw a crucified and slaughtered Usagi, at least in the short term. And I think Usagi wouldn't like it too much, either.