Japan 1765 AD:
The countryside is being terrorized by screams, howls and sightings of a fierce, hairy, wolf-like creature.
A knowing Samurai dons his armor. Somehow he is all too familiar with this menace. The screams are nothing new for the beleaguered province, but for the first time in years the beast is actually free.
The Emperor’s envoy is present. He defiantly questions the Samurai (who now happens to be Governor of the province) I’m here to do business, not watch you chase… whatever that is! You were once a great Samurai, but that day is over! On my say-so the Emperor will revoke your governorship!
The Samurai Governor explains to the Emperor’s envoy…”Last time this happened the area was the scene of untold carnage”, and continues to prepare himself ritually.
Moonlight reveals a 7 foot tall, snarling beast, covered in hair, tearing through the brush. It is hunting but simultaneously being chased by a squad of Ninja.
The creature is fast, but the Ninja are well trained. As he turns to fight them, they dodge, twist, turn and fly out of the way. The Ninja stop short of killing the animal.
As the sounds grow louder the envoy becomes more visibly shaken, finally realizing… It is being herded in the direction of The Governor’s residence!
You.. You’re bringing it HERE?!?
Without a word the Governor rises in full Samurai gear and steps out of the residence. The ninja break off the chase just as the werewolf appears in the clearing, by the light of the full moon.
The wolf and the Samurai circle one another.
The envoy is panicking at this point. He screams don’t just stand there! Draw your sword! KILL THAT THING!!!
This draws the wolf’s attention and he lunges in the direction of the envoy.
As the envoy clumsily tumbles out of the way screaming KILL IT!! KILL IT!!
The Samurai intercepts and somehow lands a blow against the beast. It is not fatal and the beast recovers. Several more exchanges take place, with the creature becoming more enraged each time.
In what appears to be an act of self sacrifice the samurai kneels in the path of the wolf and lays down his sword. The furious beast senses the opportunity and lunges in for the kill.
The traumatized envoy screams GOVERNOR!! Suddenly from nowhere the wolf is ensnared by a weighed net… then another… then another until it is finally subdued. Once the creature is immobilized the Samurai pulls out a blow dart and blows it into the hide of the wolf, putting it to sleep.
I don’t understand!! Why didn’t you kill that thing?!? The envoy is furious. Just then the sun begins to rise above the mountain. The creature begins to transform into human form. As the envoy is dumbstruck, a tear drops from the eye of the Governor.
“Kenjiro …”
He rushes to free his oldest son from the weighted nets.
“Father I’m sorry.. I..”
The Ninja appear from the trees.
Their leader removes his mask, but he is more annoyed.
“Kenjiro!!”
Damn your irresponsibility!!
Maybe next time we kill you!
“Little Brother…”
Don’t “Little Brother me!!” Make sure your bonds are secured in time! This was the closest we’ve come to the unthinkable!
Toroshi… The Governor says
Thank you for… not killing your brother…
the head Ninja (visibly annoyed) bows to his father, dons his mask and together they all jump up, disappearing into the trees.
The Emperor invites the traumatized envoy once again into his home and serves him tea. He explains that 15 years ago, not long after a French Merchant arrived from a place known as “Gevaudan”, a rash of brutal killings took place all across the countryside.
At first they had no pattern, but the Emperor’s sages timed them with the rise of the full moon. Several brave Samurai lost their lives to this “Full moon wolf beast” before Kenjiro, the heir to my fortune, and most accomplished young samurai, dispatched the creature using a special silver blade, given to him by the sages.
The vivid picture is painted of a stranger from the Northern region of Africa.. His Berber / Amazigh ceremonial garb stands out, as he pours specially prepared, molten silver into the sword inlay… The Japanese, Imperial sword master uses a hammer to craft it. The Governor now carries that same fabled weapon. “It is said to contain magic from the dark continent.” he explains. Flash back to Ben add a gleaning powder to the mold while he prays silently.
As the creature died, he took the form of the French merchant. It was for that reason that Japan was divided into provinces. It was for that reason that travel became restricted. Outsiders were no longer welcome. I was the rich, greedy merchant who unknowingly invited that monster to our shores!!
As a “reward” The Emperor made me Governor (and protector) of this area…
Protected of what, you say? The merchant was killed, but he also managed to inflict his foul curse on the warrior who killed him…… (cut to Kenjiro being bitten during his battle with the French demon wolf).
Now my Ninja train relentlessly for any eventuality. Stunned the envoy asks “Theres been more… activity like THAT?!”
The Governor pours another cup of tea