The Elusive Samurai

It is the first year of the Kenmu era (1334), in Suwa, Shinano province. Tokiyuki, now fully accustomed to life in Suwa, is reminded of meals from his days in Kamakura during a casual conversation. He recalls how much he loved eating fresh…

The Ashikaga forces keep a vigilant watch across the country, searching for remnants of the Hojo clan scattered throughout Japan. Sadamune, the governor of Shinano, has grown suspicious of “Chojumaru,” a young warrior who has repeatedly di…

Provincial official Kiyohara returns to Shinano after fleeing back to Kyo following the previous battle. Having grown even more ruthless, Kiyohara launches a large-scale invasion against pro-Hojo factions in northern Shinano. To oppose the…

Tokiyuki and his companions race across the battlefield, sparing even the slightest moments of rest in order to relay information to their allies. However, when they arrive at the northern front where Mochizuki and Tokoiwa are fighting, wh…

The central battlefield descends into total chaos. Just as victory seems within reach for the Hoshina–Shinomiya forces, a new obstacle suddenly appears before them: Kiyohara’s newly devised battle mikoshi. Originally intended as a palanqui…

The battle ends in defeat for the Suwa Sect. Although they manage to keep casualties to a minimum, the losses they suffer are significant. As they look toward the next great conflict, everyone in the Suwa Sect comes to share an even strong…

Tokiyuki’s uncle, Yasuie Hojo, is still alive! Once a key figure at the heart of the Kamakura Shogunate, Yasuie survives the fall of Kamakura. Afterward, he travels throughout the Tohoku region, continuing to fight alongside the remaining …

At the suggestion of Yorishige and Yasuie, Tokiyuki sets out for the capital, Kyo, together with the Elusive Warriors. Major Counselor Kinmune Saionji, an ally of Yasuie, awaits their arrival in Kyo. While Yasuie and Kinmune conduct a secr…

Having grown closer over a game of dice, Mima invites Tokiyuki and his companions on a tour of Kyo. Even though they know she is the daughter of their enemy, the Elusive Warriors accept her kindness and spend a brief, youthful moment enjoy…

Through his dialogue with the warrior Masashige Kusunoki, known as a “god of war,” Tokiyuki is moved by Kusunoki's unwavering convictions and develops an even deeper sense of confidence in the possibilities of “fleeing.” Just as he is smil…

Although the attempt to assassinate Takauji ends in failure, Tokiyuki has grown significantly as a warrior through his experiences in Kyo. Upon his return to Suwa, Yorishige tells him that the time has finally come. The attempted assassina…

With preparations for war complete, the Suwa forces are finally about to ignite the great conflict. Tokiyuki is appointed commander-in-chief, taking command of the “Kamakura Party,” a unit formed from surviving retainers of the Hojo clan—w…