en
The Master Thief
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Meet Goemon
—The town of Edo in the Land of Peace.

Three years ago.

Constable
You're under arrest, thieves! Accept your
fate!

Thief A
What's a constable from the capital doing
all the way out here?

Thief B
What do we do? We can't escape.

Shishigi
Sneaking into my residence, hm? You went
too far this time.

Thief A
Damn you, corrupt bastard...

Thief B
There's no freedom in Edo! We're going
to bring it back!

Shishigi
The poor don't get to demand freedom.
It's a luxury not everyone can afford.

Thief A
The poor are people too!

???
Well said. This is more than a robbery—
it's a battle for our freedom!

Thief A
Finally!

Thief B
Boss!

Shishigi
Boss? Who are you!?

???
Oh, you want to know my name? Very well.
Let everyone hear!

Goemon
I am Goemon Ishikawa, the master thief who
brings freedom to the people!

Goemon
Our target today was the mansion of the
corrupt magistrate who's never cared about

Goemon
anything but fattening his purse like a pig.
Now, we'll show everyone what we found.

Shishigi
Wait... What are you planning to do?

Goemon
This is what!

Shishigi
No! Stop!

Goemon
Take your share of the treasure, everyone!
First come, first served!

Passing Edo Citizen A
What is happening? Money's falling from
the sky!

Passing Edo Citizen B
Money! It's money!

Passing Edo Citizen C
Stop talking and grab some!

Shishigi
Hands off, you rabble! That's mine!

Goemon
Hahaha! A magnificent sight, isn't it?

Shishigi
Goemooooooon!

—The next day.

Town Crier
Extra, extra! Read all about it! Latest
news! The ink's still wet!

Town Crier
Everything about last night's big incident!

Edo Citizen A
Last night's incident? What happened?

Town Crier
Can't tell ya that! If you wanna know,
gotta buy the report!

Edo Citizen B
One for me, please!

Town Crier
Here you go, much obliged♪

Edo Citizen C
Whaaat? "The corrupt ruler of Edo meets
the hammer of justice!"

News report
The treasury of Magistrate Shishigi, whose
family had ruled over the town of Edo

News report
for generations, enforcing all kinds of
dubious laws and taxes...

News report
...was broken into last night!

News report
The person behind the deed is known
as the master thief Goemon Ishikawa.

News report
Sources report that numerous prohibited
goods were retrieved from the treasury.

News report
If confirmed, it will be hard for Shishigi
to avoid severe consequences...

Edo Citizen A
Ha! That corrupt bastard will get what he
deserves!

Edo Citizen B
I don't know about that. They say his
house is completely deserted.

Edo Citizen C
What? He fled? Typical.

Edo Citizen A
Anyway, it looks like we'll finally get real
freedom in this town.

Edo Citizen B
Yeah, and here I thought we just had to grit
our teeth and bear it until the day we die.

Edo Citizen C
Goemon Ishikawa, huh... I wonder where
she is now.

—Goemon Ishikawa, the righteous thief.

She gallantly appeared in the town of
Edo, unveiled the rot of its government,

and then vanished back into shadows.

Since that night, her whereabouts have
been unknown.

Even now, three years later, she remains
elusive.

Meanwhile, on the road leading to the
capital of the Land of Peace...

Finn
Huff, huff...

Finn
(This is bad... I can't catch my breath...)

Rei(Finn
(I need to calm down and clear my mind...)

Finn
(What in Erden is going on here?)

Finn
What are you planning to do with my
friends!?

Swordmaster
That...I cannot answer.

Finn
And you think I'm just going to accept
that!?

Finn
Give them back!

Swordmaster
Um... Apologies for subjecting you to my
disgraceful swordsmanship.

Finn
(What's with that reaction speed!? And
that sword is just too long—)

Finn
Agh!

Finn
Ngh... Hahaha...

Swordmaster
Is... Is something funny?

Finn
"Disgraceful"...

Finn
Coming from someone with your skill...

Swordmaster
What are you trying to say?

Finn
I'm not sure myself. It's just...

Finn
I know we're enemies, but I think your
swordsmanship is beautiful.

Swordmaster
Beautiful...

Swordmaster
It is not.

Finn
Who are you?

Kojiro
I am...Kojiro Sasaki. Currently the guard
of a gang of thieves.

Thief A
Hey, Kojiro.

Finn
!

Finn
(Where did they come from? There was no
one here just now!)

Thief B
The deal is on demihumans only.

Thief C
We have no use for that man.

Thief A
Avoid unnecessary bloodshed. He can't do
anything anyway.

Thief A
I think we're done here, don't you?

Kojiro
I...don't care...

Thief B
Well then, we'll leave the clean-up to you.

Finn
Wait!

Kojiro
I cannot let you follow them.

Finn
Argh...

Finn
N-No... Give my friends back...

Finn
Ngh...

Finn
(What is this smell?)

Finn
...Tobacco smoke?

Suspicious Man
You awake, boy?

Finn
I... What...

Suspicious Man
I found you collapsed by the roadside,
and I brought you here.

Finn
Oh, I see... Thank you very much, but
I'm in a hurry, so if you'll excuse me...

Suspicious Man
Hey, wait a sec. I didn't take you with me
out of the goodness of my heart, you know.

Finn
What do you want? Money?

Suspicious Man
Well, normally, yes. But you don't look
like you have much on you.

Suspicious Man
I am known as an information broker in these
parts. So, I want to know all about you.

Finn
About me...?

Suspicious Man
You didn't just collapse all on your own,
right, boy? Who did that to you?

Finn
(Well, if all he wants is information,
that's fine by me...)

Finn
They were some sort of a gang. Before I
knew it, my three friends were kidnapped.

Finn
And then, I lost a fight against their
guard. Some woman with a longsword.

Suspicious Man
A woman with a longsword, huh... That
might complicate things...

Finn
Complicate?

Suspicious Man
Just talking to myself.

Suspicious Man
What puzzles me is why you weren't taken
along with your friends.

Finn
They said something like...they only
needed "demihumans" for the deal...

Suspicious Man
Ah, I see. Kidnapping demihumans now,
huh? Those bastards...

Finn
You know them?

Suspicious Man
Let's say we have some old ties...

Suspicious Man
With them involved, it's no wonder you
were overpowered.

Suspicious Man
Their skills are top-notch. Even the
capital's constables can't touch them.

Finn
Still, they kidnapped my friends. I have to
go after them as soon as I can!

Suspicious Man
Then here, take this.

Finn
An entry permit?

Suspicious Man
They are in Edo. With that, you should be
able to enter the town.

Finn
Can I really have this?

Suspicious Man
Consider it change. I got more than
enough information from you.

Finn
Thank you! My name is Finn, by the way.
I'll definitely repay this favor!

Suspicious Man
See ya, Finn.

Suspicious Man
Until next time.

Finn
(So this is the town where those outlaws
set up their base.)

Finn
(It doesn't seem like a dangerous place...)

Finn
Excuse me, can I have a moment?

Edo Citizen A
A traveler, huh? What is it?

Finn
Uh... This might sound weird, but I heard
there's a gang of thieves around here...

Edo Citizen A
A gang of thieves?

Edo Citizen B
Ah, you must mean—

Edo Citizen A
Idiot, don't you know when to keep your
mouth shut?

Edo Citizen B
Ah, sorry...

Edo Citizen A
And you oughta stop talking nonsense.
Our town is a safe and peaceful place.

Finn
Right. Pardon my rudeness.

Edo Citizen A
As long as you understand. Goodbye now.

Finn
(Of course, an orderly town wouldn't want
to be known as the base of a gang.)

Finn
(Still...)

Finn
Was that lead wrong?

Finn
Huh?

Finn
No way!

Sun Wukong
Hyaaaaaaaah!!!

Wukong Is Here Too???
Sun Wukong
Hyaaaaaaaah!!!

Sun Wukong
I know you're here!!!

Sun Wukong
Let Vajra gooooooo!!!

Concerned Townsperson
Who's that girl?

Concerned Townsperson
We better call someone.

Sun Wukong
Come out! Or I'll destroy this whole dumb
castle!

Finn
Wukong!

Sun Wukong
Huh...? Huuuuuuh!? Finn, what are you
doing here?

Finn
I could ask you the same thing! But first,
come with me!

Sun Wukong
What? No! I'm not going anywhere until
I'm done with those guys!

Finn
Just listen to me for now, please. You'll only
make things worse!

Sun Wukong
Uuuuuuuuuugh... Fine, if you say so...

Sun Wukong
I'll be back, you nasty kidnappers!

Thief A
This is where she ran off to?

Thief B
I'm pretty sure of it.

Thief A
Search the area! The boss said we
absolutely can't let her escape!

Thieves
Got it!

Finn
So that man was telling the truth. I'd never
have guessed they'd pick the most

Finn
conspicuous building in town to be their
base, though...

Sun Wukong
Okay, Finn, what are you doing here?

Finn
Same thing as you. My friends were
kidnapped.

Sun Wukong
By that gang?

Finn
Yeah. What happened to Vajra?

Sun Wukong
Well, we were traveling through Zhonghua
with our master...

Sun Wukong
Originally, we were headed to Tianzhu.

Sun Wukong
On our way, we heard about a net of gangs
kidnapping people.

Sun Wukong
Master said, "We cannot turn a blind
eye to such inhumane deeds,"

Sun Wukong
and our journey was put on hold.

Sun Wukong
Vajra and I were ordered to smash the
gangs into pieces.

Sun Wukong
Hello! BAAAAM!!!

Kidnappers
Wha—!

Kidnappers
Agh!

Sun Wukong
All right, greetings called, cleaning finished♪

Vajra
Damn, you beat me to it again!

Sun Wukong
You're so slow lately, Vajra! Another
glorious victory for me!

Vajra
Yeah, well, I still crushed 21 gangs to
your 20!

Sun Wukong
Yeah, well, I've knocked out more people
than you!

Vajra
Hmph, for now!

Vajra
Ha, over there! There's still one left!

Last Gang Member
Eeek...!

Vajra
Ruyi Bang, extend!

Last Gang Member
Guh!

Vajra
Gahahaha! Now I've knocked out more
people! I'm the winner!

Sun Wukong
What!? It was just one person! Ugh!

Sun Wukong
Wait, what's this guy holding?

Sun Wukong
Looks like...a book?

Vajra
You're such an idiot, Wukong. You don't call
that flimsy thing a book.

Sun Wukong
Then what do you call it?

Vajra
It's, uh...a bundle of papers.

Sun Wukong
Same thing.

Vajra
Shut up!

Sun Wukong
I wonder what's in it. A fairy tale, maybe?

Vajra
No, it's something else. It says, uh...
ad-dress...

Sun Wukong
Wow, you can read it!

Vajra
Duh. I'm not you, idiot!

Sun Wukong
I could read it too if I wanted to! Let's
see... Umm...

Sun Wukong
Hey, isn't this the name of this place?

Vajra
Let me see...

Sun Wukong
And this one, two lines down! It's that
gang we dealt with recently!

Sun Wukong
"Hellhounds..." I remember that name.

Sun Wukong
Ah! Hahaha! I've got it, Vajra! This thing
lists the bases of different gangs!

Vajra
I knew that from the start! Don't look so
proud of yourself!

Sun Wukong
If we crush them all, Master will be pleased,
right? They're all doing "inhumane deeds"!

Vajra
Yeah! Well, see ya!

Sun Wukong
Wha? Where are you going, Vajra!?

Vajra
I'm going to destroy every single
gang listed there!

Sun Wukong
No fair! I won't let you get them all!

Sun Wukong
But it turned out most of those gangs
had already been defeated by someone else.

Sun Wukong
There weren't many left for us.

Sun Wukong
Looking for those that were still active,
we ended up here.

Sun Wukong
We weren't prepared to face someone like
her, though...

Sun Wukong
Hello! BAAAAM!!!

Thief A
Wha—Who are you!?

Thief B
We're under attack! Get in formation!

Vajra
Not bad, you took Wukong's hit and you're
still standing! Now meet the Great Vajra!

Thief C
Gah! How is she so strong!? This is madness!

Thief A
You! Report to the boss!

Thief B
No need for that anymore. Our guard has
arrived.

Kojiro
I'm sorry I'm late.

Kojiro
You're the intruders, aren't you?

Vajra
Ha, you want a piece of me too? Hyaaa!

Kojiro
Not good enough.

Vajra
Wh-Wha!?

Kojiro
I'm so glad my hopeless sword skills could
be of use here...

Vajra
Guh... H-How...

Sun Wukong
Vajra, what are you doing!? Hang on,
I'm coming!

Vajra
D-Don't... You'll just...get in my way...

Vajra
Nimbus! Take Wukong...far away...

Sun Wukong
What are you talking about!? I'm going
to fight!

Vajra
You can't...beat her... Just go away!

Sun Wukong
You can't beat her! Stupid Vajra!!!

Vajra
Who's stupid here? You're always such
a pain...

Kojiro
Sorry, but I can't let you go.

Vajra
Gah... You'll let her go if I say so!

Kojiro
(Oh... She shielded that other girl with her
own body...)

Sun Wukong
No! Nimbus, stop! Vajra! Vajraaa!!!

Vajra
Go, you moron...

Sun Wukong
The last thing I saw was Vajra's smug smile.

Sun Wukong
She sacrificed herself to protect me.

Sun Wukong
That makes me really, really angry! And
really sad...

Sun Wukong
Stupid Vajra...

Finn
Did Nimbus return to Vajra?

Sun Wukong
It got hit by that warrior's blade just when
it was about to carry me away...

Sun Wukong
Now it doesn't respond at all when I call it.

Finn
I see... So even Vajra couldn't match that
woman...

Sun Wukong
She's always trying to make herself look
cool! She only thinks about herself...

Sun Wukong
So why did she...

Finn
You two are just like sisters.

Sun Wukong
Huh?

Sun Wukong
Whaaat!? Sisters??? Nuh-uh! If you say
something like that again, I'll bite you!

Finn
Why do you hate the idea so much?

Sun Wukong
I just do!

Finn
Okay, okay, sorry.

Finn
For now, let's try to infiltrate that castle
once the coast is clear.

Finn
My friends must be there too.

Finn
(Nagi, Mysha, Sage Rei... Hold on just a
little longer!)

Finn
(I'm coming to save you!)

Unexpected Rescue
Finn
There are people here too, but it's better
than barging through the front gate.

Sun Wukong
I hate skulking around, though.

Finn
And are you okay with not being able to
save Vajra?

Sun Wukong
Ugh, fine...

Finn
Now, if we take this back door—

Kojiro
Oh, so you're trying to enter from here.

Finn
Kojiro Sasaki!?
What are you doing here?

Kojiro
I told you, I'm a guard. Currently on duty.

Kojiro
And...my employer's orders include
eliminating intruders.

Sun Wukong
You! You're not getting away this time!

Kojiro
S-Sorry, I don't understand... Weren't you
the one who got away?

Sun Wukong
Uuuugh! You're going down!
Go, Ruyi Bang!

Kojiro
I'm sorry... It won't work.

Sun Wukong
She deflected that!? How!?

Finn
Not a single opening, huh... Let's strike
together!

Sun Wukong
Okay!

Finn
I'll take the right!

Sun Wukong
And I'll strike here!

Kojiro
I'm sorry.

Finn
She evaded us both perfectly!?

Sun Wukong
I can't get close because of that long
sword...

Finn
(She can hold her ground even against
two people! That level of skill...)

Finn
(She must be one of the highest-ranked
swordsmen in this land...)

Thieves
Nice catch, Kojiro.

Thieves
We know these two. Didn't think they'd
come this far, though.

Finn
The others are gathering. Let's retreat
for now. We need to rethink our approach!

Sun Wukong
No! Vajra is somewhere here!

Kojiro
Now that you're inside, I can't let you
leave.

Finn
Wukong, dodge!

Sun Wukong
Huh?

Sun Wukong
!

Sun Wukong
I...didn't get hit?

???
That was close. You shouldn't swing such
a long thing around, you'll hurt someone.

Finn
(Whoa... That woman stopped her
mid-strike!?)

Finn
(Where did she even come from?)

Sun Wukong
Who are you?

Savior?
You can consider me your savior. Just
don't call me a hero.

Thief
Wh-What are you doing here?

Savior?
I couldn't help but hear what you guys
have been up to lately.

Savior?
Care to explain what's going on with you?

Thief
You're no longer our boss... Please leave
us alone, Goemon!

Goemon
Leave you alone... Hmm, I don't know...

Kojiro
Are you Goemon Ishikawa?

Goemon
That's me. And who might you be?

Kojiro
I-I'm sorry... You are my target. I must
eliminate you.

Goemon
—!

Goemon
Well, that's quite the greeting, I must say.

Kojiro
I must obey my orders. Sorry.

Goemon
Whoa! Careful with that. That's like three
feet of steel you're swinging.

Kojiro
It's all right, I can't use it very well
anyway...

Goemon
Stop joking. You're a first-class
swordmaster.

Kojiro
N-No, I'm terrible.

Goemon
Whoa!

Kojiro
See, I can't even hit you.

Goemon
Don't be ridiculous. Anyone else would've
been skewered.

Goemon
You're an excellent warrior.

Kojiro
No... I'm inexperienced and terrible.

Goemon
Let me ask you one thing.

Kojiro
What's that?

Goemon
Is this what you want to do with your life?
Are you genuinely free right now?

Kojiro
Genuinely free? I-I don't understand what
you mean by that.

Goemon
I see... What a pity.

Goemon
Run, you two! We can't beat her!

Sun Wukong
I'm not running away again!

Finn
We're already surrounded... Do you
have a plan?

Goemon
Sure do.

Finn
Wukong! Let's listen to this person for now!

Finn
If we die here, we won't save anyone.

Sun Wukong
Grrrr...

Thief A
Think you can escape!?

Goemon
You think we can't?

Thief A
Ugh! Surround them!

Goemon
Too late!

Thief B
A smoke bomb!?

Kojiro
Cough, cough... They evaded my attacks in
that smoke... I still have a long way to go...

Thief A
Damn it! Search the town! We can't afford
to be interrupted now!

Thief A
We'll need your help too, Kojiro.

Kojiro
Of course. I have my orders.

Goemon
Okay, we should be safe now...

Sun Wukong
Put me dooown!

Goemon
Ah, sorry. I didn't know if you were going to
listen. You still wanted to fight, didn't you?

Sun Wukong
Yeah, but that doesn't mean you can just
carry me like a sack of grain!

Sun Wukong
Finn, you should say something too!

Finn
Oh, uh... Yeah. I wish you wouldn't carry
me...under your arm...

Sun Wukong
Finn? Why is your face all red?

Goemon
Ah! Did I press you against my breast?

Finn
No... I mean, yes, b-but... It's not like that!

Goemon
Hahaha, the pains of adolescence!

Finn
W-We have more important things to
discuss!

Goemon
Right, I'm sure you have a lot of questions.

Sun Wukong
First off! Who in Erden are you?

Finn
Yeah, you haven't exactly introduced
yourself properly yet.

Goemon
Huh, I thought I did. Listen well, then!

Goemon
I am but a humble traveler seeking freedom...

Goemon
Wanted throughout the Land of Peace, the
master thief, Goemon Ishikawa!

Finn
The master thief...

Sun Wukong
So you're, like...a bad guy!?

Goemon
What're you going to do, arrest me?

Finn
As a knight, that's probably what I should
do.

Finn
But I get the impression that you're not
actually a bad person.

Sun Wukong
Yeah, you saved our lives. We have to
repay the favor!

Goemon
Aw, you're cute, both of you. But I'm all
for people trusting their instincts.

Finn
Why did you save us?

Goemon
Just felt like it. I do what I want, that's all.

Finn
(She saves people on a whim... Maybe
that's what makes her so likable.)

Goemon
Now, why were you two even there? It's
your turn to introduce yourselves.

Finn
I'm Finn, a knight from the Kingdom of
Rigland.

Finn
My companions have been captured by
those thieves.

Sun Wukong
I'm Wukong! Vajra and I came to destroy
the kidnappers' hideout.

Sun Wukong
But instead, she got captured.

Goemon
So, you tried to rescue your companions,
but got beaten.

Goemon
Seems like you two adhere to the code of
honor.

Sun Wukong
Code of honor?

Goemon
You help people in need and value your
companions above all else.

Sun Wukong
Hmm. Vajra can be super annoying, but
yeah, I guess I value her!

Goemon
That's what makes a good relationship.
So, what else do you want to know?

Finn
Tell me about that gang. It seems like you
have some history with them.

Goemon
All right, let me start from the beginning.

Goemon
They were originally townsmen of Edo. But
in order to gain freedom, they needed power—

Finn
So, to drive the corrupt official out of Edo,
they formed what came to be called a gang?

Goemon
Yes, but they acted as protectors of the weak,
taking down villains and helping people.

Goemon
They never did anything against the code
of honor.

Sun Wukong
Then why are they kidnapping people now?

Goemon
I don't know.

Goemon
I want to find out. As someone who started
them on this path, it's my responsibility.

Finn
So you were the one who created the gang!

Goemon
Yes. I don't know if they still use that name,
but they used to be called "Goemon's Gang."

Goemon
I was their first leader.

Finn
It seems you still care about your
companions. Just like we do.

Goemon
Exactly. So I'll lend you a hand.

Sun Wukong
We're sneaking into that castle again,
right?

Goemon
Well, as it stands, you wouldn't get any
further than today.

Goemon
First, you'll need to learn ninjutsu.

Finn
"Ninjutsu"?

Goemon
The techniques I once taught those bandits.

Goemon
They're special skills that are powered by
vital energy.

Goemon
A little different from onmyo and western
magic.

Sun Wukong
Will they help us fight that Kojiro?

Goemon
Yes. Plus, the bandits use ninjutsu too,
so you'll need to learn to counter them.

Finn
No argument from me, then.

Sun Wukong
I'll do anything to save Vajra!

Goemon
Heh, that's the spirit.

Goemon
Let the training begin!

Let the Training Begin!
Goemon
Normally, learning ninjutsu would take
a considerable amount of time.

Goemon
Which is why for this operation, we'll use
these.

Finn
Scrolls?

Goemon
Secret scrolls imbued with vital energy.

Goemon
They have limited uses, but they allow even
amateurs to reproduce certain techniques.

Finn
How convenient!

Goemon
It won't compare in quality to ninjutsu
cultivated over many years, though.

Goemon
And you'll still need some training, no matter
how short.

Finn
Imperfect or not, we won't stand a chance
against those thieves or Kojiro without it.

Goemon
Glad you realize that. You seem quite
experienced for your age.

Finn
Well, I've been through quite a lot. Saved
some people, and failed to save more...

Goemon
Those experiences are treasures. Don't
let go of them.

Goemon
Now, we'll start with mastering the Art of
Invisibility.

Sun Wukong
Wow, invisibility?

Goemon
Just watch me.

Sun Wukong
She disappeared!?

Goemon
No, I just masked my presence and moved
to your blind spot.

Goemon
That's the Art of Invisibility—as basic as
it gets, and it clearly shows what

Goemon
one's ninjutsu is really worth.

Goemon
The bandits must be far more skilled now
than they were three years ago.

Finn
Yeah, I didn't even notice when my
companions were taken away.

Finn
They were using ninjutsu, weren't they?

Goemon
Most likely. Now, even when using the Art
of Invisibility, if you're not careful,

Goemon
your presence can be sensed.

Goemon
I'll teach you walking and breathing
techniques to avoid that.

Sun Wukong
Please do! I'll do my best!

Goemon
That's the spirit.

Goemon
By the way, do you two know which is
better for learning: theory or practice?

Finn
I'd say practice.

Goemon
Exactly!

Monster
GROOOOOOOAAAR!

Sun Wukong
Whoa!

Finn
Goemon, what is going on!?

Goemon
Animals have sharper senses than
humans.

Goemon
So, when you can hide from this, your
invisibility training will be complete.

Monster
GROOOOOAAAAAR!

Sun Wukong
Finn, it's coming this way! It looks really
angry!

Goemon
Oh, and no weapons, please. We're
practicing hiding, not fighting.

Finn
All right, here goes nothing.

Finn
Art of Invisibility!

Sun Wukong
Me too!

Goemon
Good, good. You've successfully concealed
your presence.

Goemon
Next is the breathing method.

Goemon
A gentle stream of air, in and out. Imagine
a flame in front of you—don't let it flicker.

Finn
Like this?

Sun Wukong
Mnn... Mmmmm...Mmmpfffaaaah!

Sun Wukong
Whoops.

Monster
GROOAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRR!!!

Finn
Wukong, run!

Sun Wukong
Eeeeeeeeek!

Clatter!

Goemon
Not so easy after all, is it? Well, nothing
a little patience won't fix.

Goemon
Hmm, this must be the Ruyi Bang, right?

Goemon
I've heard a legend about a weapon with
that name, from the land of Zhonghua...

Goemon
Ruyi Bang, extend!

Goemon
Didn't work, huh.

Goemon
It probably only responds to the vital
energy of a specific person...

Goemon
Oh, there's an inscription here.

Goemon
Interesting... Maybe she could use that
too...

Goemon
Mmm... Yaaawn...

Goemon
Phew, nothing like a good nap. Now, how
are those two doing... Oh?

Goemon
(As I thought, they have good instincts. They've
already mastered the Art of Invisibility...)

Wukong's Stomach
Grrrrrowlll—

Sun Wukong
Ah, shoot.

Goemon
Haha, make sure you don't give yourself
away like that in the field.

Goemon
Still, you made considerable progress. You
both have immense potential.

Finn
Should we practice some more?

Goemon
No, you managed to elude the beast.
That means you've passed.

Goemon
Now, it seems you're hungry, so let's eat.

Sun Wukong
Yay, I'm starving!

Goemon
Food and sleep are necessary for recovering
your strength, which is essential

Goemon
for learning ninjutsu.

Goemon
There's a great eatery around the corner.
You should go.

Goemon
You can get cuisine from Zhonghua and
Westland in this town. You'll like it.

Finn
Aren't you going to eat, Goemon?

Goemon
I...dislike crowds. Plus, I have some
errands to run.

Sun Wukong
Okay, let's eat together next time!

Goemon
Sure, another time. Now, off you go.

Sun Wukong
Whoa, she couldn't wait to get out of here.

Finn
I wonder.. Does she really hate crowds that
much, or is there another reason?

Sun Wukong
Less talking, more eating, Finn! It's part
of the training!

Finn
Oh, right. Let's go.

Sun Wukong
Mmm∼ It smells delicious in here!

Finn
Such a spicy aroma... Reminds me of
Theo's cooking.

Finn
(My stomach might not be as vocal as
Wukong's, but it's just as empty.)

Innkeeper
Welcome! A table for two? Hmm... Would
you mind sharing with someone?

Sun Wukong
We're so hungry we won't even notice!
Right, Finn?

Finn
Yeah, it's okay. Thank you.

Innkeeper
This way, please.

Finn
Apologies, it looks like we'll have to share
the table...

Kojiro
Oh, not at all...

Finn
...Kojiro Sasaki!?

Odd Dining Companions
Sun Wukong
What are you doing here!?

Kojiro
Well... I've come to eat, like anyone else.

Finn
Are those bandits here too?

Kojiro
No. I prefer to eat alone. I feel at ease
that way.

Finn
So it's a coincidence, huh... Should we go
somewhere else, Wukong?

Sun Wukong
I can't go anywhere! I'm so hungry I could
die!

Finn
(I think I'd also rather stay on my guard and
eat here than go looking for another place...)

Finn
Then, if you don't mind...

Kojiro
Oh, no. Please, be my guests.

Sun Wukong
Phew, I'm stuffed. That was super
delicious∼♪

Finn
Yeah, I wish my friends could try these too.
They must be hungry.

Kojiro
I-If you mean the ones who were kidnapped,
they are probably being treated well.

Sun Wukong
Really?

Kojiro
Yes... The gang said harming them wasn't
the objective.

Finn
Why are you working with those bandits?
And kidnapping people, no less?

Kojiro
Well... It's the order of my employer.

Kojiro
He said even my poor swordsmanship
was enough for this mission...

Finn
Your sword skills are first-rate! You're
selling yourself short.

Kojiro
That's absurd... Haha... Sorry... Haha...
E-Excuse me...

Sun Wukong
Uh, you okay?

Kojiro
Sorry, just thought of something... I'm
selling my longsword skills short... Haha...

Finn
Oh... You like puns?

Innkeeper
Our deepest apologies, ma'am!

Innkeeper
There was a mix-up, and it looks like we
served you an alcoholic drink by mistake...

Finn
Ah, that makes sense! I can definitely smell
alcohol. Is it strong?

Innkeeper
It is one of the strongest liquors we have...
My sincerest apologies...

Kojiro
Ah, I see... So this is alcohol... I don't think
I've ever had any before.

Finn
Are you okay?

Kojiro
Yes, this is...nothing new...

Finn
Nothing new?

Kojiro
Yesterday, my baggage was stolen...
The hairpin I bought broke immediately...

Kojiro
And I got bird droppings in my hair...

Kojiro
I was born under such an unlucky star...

Sun Wukong
Maybe it's not all unlucky.

Kojiro
What do you mean?

Sun Wukong
Hmmm. For example, that liquor! It's
super delicious, right?

Kojiro
It is!

Kojiro
The burn as it goes down my throat to my
stomach... The warmth... I-I think I like it.

Kojiro
Gulp... Ah, delicious.

Sun Wukong
Finn, I want to try that too!

Finn
No chance. We're in the middle of training.

Sun Wukong
Whaaa... Just one drink should be fine!

Finn
Do you want me to tighten your headband?

Sun Wukong
Eeek! I forgot you could do that... You're
such a bully, just like Master!

Sun Wukong
Ughhh... Fine, I'll pass this time.

Finn
Good girl, Wukong.

Sun Wukong
I sure am! I am Master's best disciple,
you know!

Kojiro
You two seem close.

Sun Wukong
Yep, we're besties!

Kojiro
I've always been alone...

Kojiro
And I will be again, the day after
tomorrow...

Finn
The day after tomorrow?

Kojiro
Uh, yes. Because that's the day your
companions are to be traded...

Kojiro
So we'll have to say goodbye...

Kojiro
Oh... I probably shouldn't have said that...
I'm feeling a bit lightheaded...

Sun Wukong
So, Vajra and Finn's friends are going to be
in that castle until the day after tomorrow?

Kojiro
Ah, um, well... I wasn't ordered
not to tell you that...

Kojiro
And it's because of the alcohol, right? Not
my fault, so it's fine. Phew, that was close...

Finn
Listen, Kojiro, you're definitely a good
person. Why don't you leave those bandits?

Kojiro
I can't...

Kojiro
Um... If you'll excuse me...

Finn
Kojiro... I thought we could come to
an understanding.

Sun Wukong
To think we'd share a table with that
Kojiro Sasaki...

Finn
Yeah, maybe that was fate.

Sun Wukong
Hey, Finn! Over there!

Kojiro
Ah, sorry... I was looking where I'm going,
but I'm a bit wobbly...

Kojiro
Um, are you angry...?

Kojiro
I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean any harm...
Uh, hello? Helloooo...

Finn
Why is she talking to a signboard? Don't
tell me she's that drunk.

Sun Wukong
We could take her down easily now!

Finn
No, let's not.

Sun Wukong
Why noooot?

Finn
It'd be foul play.

Finn
Besides, if she doesn't come back, the gang
might take our friends and go into hiding.

Sun Wukong
Right...

Finn
You can go back now, Wukong. Don't wait
for me.

Sun Wukong
Huh? You're planning to help her?

Finn
She's a mess right now. I can't just leave
her like that.

Sun Wukong
I mean, I do respect how you're
always ready to lend a hand, but like...

Finn
It's fine, I'll make it back safely.

Sun Wukong
Mmm, okay. See you, then.

Finn
Take care.

Sun Wukong
You too!

Finn
Now then...

Kojiro
Um... Hellooo... Sorry... Hellooo?

Finn
Kojiro, please get a hold of yourself. That's
a signboard.

Kojiro
Huh? Oh... It really is... Thank you very
much... Um, who are you?

Finn
I'm Finn. We just met at the tavern,
remember?

Kojiro
Ah, Finn. Right...

Finn
Please stand up straight. I'll help you.

Kojiro
Help, huh... Hoho... Hehehe...

Finn
(There's no way she can get home on her
own in this condition...)

Kojiro
Hey... You can just leave me here... The
alcohol's wearing off.

Finn
Okay. If you go straight down this street,
you should reach the back gate of the castle.

Kojiro
Thank you... Um... Is this a part of your
tactics?

Finn
If it were, I'd be smarter about it. This is
just me doing you a favor.

Kojiro
Um, Finn...

Finn
What is it?

Kojiro
Please don't look back after you leave here.

Finn
Huh? Uh, sure. Goodbye.

Kojiro
...

Kojiro
If you lay a finger on him, I will cut you
down.

Kojiro
You were watching me, weren't you? Good...
Now you know I'm not colluding with him.

Thief A
Okay. You can dial down your murderous
intent now. Honestly, it's unnerving.

Thief B
Didn't expect you of all people to threaten
us.

Thief C
Let's retreat for now.

Kojiro
Consider it returning the favor, Finn.

Finn
(So those bandits were here all this time?)

Finn
(I didn't realize we were being watched...)

Finn
(If Kojiro hadn't intervened, I would have
been done for.)

Finn
(I still have a lot to learn...)

Heavenly Robe
—The next day.

Goemon
They'll be trading the captives tomorrow,
huh?

Finn
Yeah, that's certain.

Goemon
We still need to keep an eye on the
movements at the castle,

Goemon
but at least we know the timeframe.

Goemon
Would you mind running a little errand
for me, Finn?

Goemon
I'd like you to find me some saltpeter and
sulfur.

Finn
Saltpeter and sulfur... Are you making
gunpowder? Is this for the operation?

Goemon
Yeah. You can use the Art of Invisibility if
you want.

Finn
Wait, you want me to steal it!? I won't do
such a thing!

Goemon
Okay, okay. Such a goody-goody.

Finn
There will be no stealing today. But I will
get the ingredients. Wait for me.

Goemon
Be careful.

Goemon
Ha, at least he's easy to handle.

Finn
(I've collected the gunpowder ingredients,
but how are we going to use it?)

Finn
(Gunpowder alone isn't that powerful. Will
this be enough to breach the castle walls?)

Finn
(Huh? Wait a minute...)

Finn
Is that...one of the thieves!?

Thief
You have enough food?

Edo Citizen
Yes, the town has had more than enough
since you took over. I'm eating well.

Thief
I can see that. I'm asking about your wife
and kids.

Edo Citizen
Ah... Yes, my family is well-fed too. Thank
you for always looking out for us.

Thief
No problem, it's our duty.

Finn
(The thieves are looking out for the
townspeople?)

Finn
(I mean, Goemon did say they were
protectors of the weak...)

Finn
(But wasn't that only in the beginning?)

Finn
(Aren't they a corrupt organization involved
in slave trade now?)

Finn
(What's going on...?)

Edo Citizen
By the way, a traveler asked about a
"gang of thieves" the other day.

Thief
Ah, I think I know who that was.

Edo Citizen
We can't keep covering for you forever.

Edo Citizen
And you guys don't really want to do those
things anymore, do you?

Thief
We have no other choice.

Thief
Don't worry, once the next deal is done, our
business partner will be out of here.

Edo Citizen
Really?

Thief
Trust me, we'll make sure he will.

Thief
We're the Goemon's Gang, we're not going
to let him push us around forever.

Thief
All right, good luck with your work.

Edo Citizen
I really hope you're right...

Kojiro
Is everything all right?

Thief
Yeah, there's nothing you need to worry
about.

Kojiro
Unfortunately...someone overheard your
conversation.

Thief
Wh-What? Who!?

Kojiro
They're already gone. But there's a lingering
trace of their presence...

Kojiro
They're getting really good at hiding.

Thief
Damn. What do we do?

Kojiro
I will pursue them.

Thief
All right, take care of it. I'll go tell the
boss we need to keep our guard up.

Kojiro
Okay.

Finn
Phew...

Finn
I managed to avoid being discovered. Looks
like my concealment skills are improving.

Kojiro
They're passable. Your control over the
flow of your vital energy is still lacking...

Finn
Kojiro!? How did you find me?

Kojiro
I just followed the traces of your presence.

Finn
I don't want to fight you.

Kojiro
We...won't fight.

Finn
Then why did you follow me?

Kojiro
I wanted to apologize for the trouble I
caused you when I was drunk...

Finn
Well, you kept the thieves from getting me
later, didn't you?

Kojiro
That was...to thank you for you escorting
me home...

Finn
I can't see you as a bad person. Not after
such a sincere act.

Kojiro
...

Finn
I'll say it once more. Please, stop aiding
those criminals.

Kojiro
I'm sorry... I can't do that.

Kojiro
I'll see you tomorrow.

Finn
Are we going to fight then?

Kojiro
Yes, of course. Let's both do our best.

Finn
Kojiro...

Finn
Got it, until tomorrow then.

Sun Wukong
Huh, where's Finn?

Goemon
I sent him into town on an errand. Come
to think of it, he's taking a bit long.

Goemon
Just as well. I had something in mind for
you to do, Wukong.

Sun Wukong
For me?

Goemon
Could you put this on?

Sun Wukong
What's this?

Goemon
You've heard of the "Legend of the Heavenly
Robe" from Zhonghua, right?

Sun Wukong
Maaaybeee... Or maybe not? Master might've
mentioned it.

Sun Wukong
But it's just a legend, right? And this looks
like plain cloth, anyway.

Goemon
No, this is the real deal. Look, don't you
recognize the emblem here?

Goemon
It's the same as the one engraved on your
Ruyi Bang.

Sun Wukong
Oh, true!

Goemon
Ruyi Bang responds only to you, right? So,
maybe you can use this as well.

Sun Wukong
Huh, maybe they both have something to
do with Master or the Monkey God...

Sun Wukong
Wait, does that make me a celestial maiden!?

Goemon
Uh, well... It's not impossible? You look
the part, that's for sure.

Sun Wukong
Reeeeally? Ehehe♪
All right, I'll try it on!

Goemon
This one's easy to deal with too.

Sun Wukong
What was that?

Goemon
Nothing. Go for it, Wukong.

Goemon
The robe is said to have a mystical aura.
It must be really powerful.

Sun Wukong
Wow... It's so nice to touch! Like it really
came from heaven!

Sun Wukong
So, what should I do with this? Just pull
it over my shoulders?

Sun Wukong
Huh? I didn't even put it on yet... What is
happening? Whoaaa!

Goemon
Bingo!

Sun Wukong
So this is what the heavenly robe does?
I feel weightless! Like I have no body at all!

Goemon
Move around a little.

Sun Wukong
Okay!

Goemon
Oh? She disappeared!

Sun Wukong
I'm back! Flew from one end of the forest
to the other! How was that?

Goemon
Haha, you were too fast for my eyes to
follow. That robe's really the stuff of legend.

Sun Wukong
Hehehe! Okay, let me try going even
faster—Owww...

Goemon
Wukong? What's wrong? Are you okay?

Sun Wukong
I can't move.

Goemon
Such a strong side effect!? Where does it
hurt?

Sun Wukong
M-My stomach...

Sun Wukong
I'm so hungryyyyy...

Goemon
Excuse me?

Sun Wukong
Moving like this is exhausting! And it made
me super hungry!

Goemon
Don't scare me like that...

Goemon
It's probably because you're using too
much vital energy.

Goemon
If we want to include the robe in our plan,
we need to think carefully.

Sun Wukong
Nnnnnngh∼

Goemon
Here, have some ration pills. This should
fill you up a bit.

Sun Wukong
Munch... Phew, I'm alive! But I want to
eat something tastier...

Goemon
You'll have to make do with this for now.

Finn
I'm back!
What's wrong with her?

Sun Wukong
Zzz... Zzzz...

Goemon
She had quite a day. She fell asleep a while
ago.

Sun Wukong
Mmmm... Food... So much fooood... Hehehe♪

Finn
I guess it's nothing serious... Goemon, is
this enough for the gunpowder?

Goemon
Ah, yes, that'll do. It took you a while,
though.

Finn
I ran into Kojiro on the way.

Goemon
Did you fight her?

Finn
No. But if we meet again, I think it'll be
inevitable.

Goemon
Kojiro Sasaki, huh... I don't really know
who she is.

Goemon
She wasn't here three years ago.

Finn
She said she was following her employer's
orders.

Finn
Does she mean the current leader of
the gang?

Goemon
Probably... They must have picked her up
somewhere and brought her back here.

Goemon
But where on Erden did they find such
an exceptional swordmaster...

Goemon
Anyway, we need to be ready to counter both
the gang's ninjutsu and her swordsmanship.

Finn
Yeah, let's just do as much as we can now.
For the sake of our friends.

Goemon
All right, time to wake up, Wukong. We're
starting the next training session.

Sun Wukong
Mmh... Training session?

Goemon
Yes, there are two more techniques I want
you to master.

Goemon
Tomorrow's the big day.

Goemon
You must finish your training by the end
of today.

Final Trial
Goemon
(It seems they're getting used to
concealing their presence...)

Goemon
Finn, Wukong! You're being sloppy!

Sun Wukong
Gah!

Sun Wukong
Just kidding, that was a clone!

Goemon
What!?

Finn
Over here!

Goemon
Using both the Art of Cloning and the Art
of Invisibility, huh? Not bad...

Goemon
But you still have a long way to go.

Finn
That was a clone too!?

Sun Wukong
Gaaah!

Goemon
Good, you passed the Art of Cloning exam.
You can use it in tomorrow's operation.

Sun Wukong
If we were passing, why did you beat us...

Goemon
Couldn't resist. Besides, pain makes the
lesson stick.

Goemon
Also, Wukong. I think you might be able to
use the Art of Cloning without the scroll.

Sun Wukong
Huh? How?

Goemon
It's something you have that Finn doesn't.
Think you can figure it out?

Sun Wukong
Something Finn doesn't have... Hmm?

Goemon
To be precise, something Finn can't wear.

Sun Wukong
Ah, the heavenly robe! Yeah, that could
work!

Finn
"Heavenly robe"? What's that?

Sun Wukong
Hehehe, it's a secret! It'll be cooler to
surprise you when the time comes!

Finn
An ace up your sleeve, huh.

Goemon
Well, it has its downsides too. You shouldn't
use it thoughtlessly.

Finn
Still, knowing we have something that can
change the tide is reassuring.

Finn
I'll be counting on you, Wukong.

Sun Wukong
I won't let you down!

Finn
So, what's the last technique? There's one
more scroll left, right?

Goemon
The Art of Binding. Useful for subduing
opponents. It's better to show than tell.

Finn
I knew you would say that, Goemon. I'm
getting used to your teaching methods.

Goemon
By the way, Wukong, didn't you say you
wanted something tastier than ration pills?

Sun Wukong
I definitely do! Do you have something
tasty? Where is it?

Goemon
You're going to have to catch it.

Sun Wukong
Huh?

GRRRROOOAAARRRRR!

Finn
Monsters!?

Goemon
This time, instead of escaping, I want you
to catch them.

Goemon
Needless to say, the use of weapons is
forbidden.

Large Monster
GRRROOOOOAAAAAARGH!

Medium Monster
AWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Small Monster
SCREEEEEEEEEECH!

Finn
There are too many of them! How are we
supposed to catch them?

Goemon
It should be possible with your new skills.

Goemon
Now, don't just stand there, or you'll end up
a snack yourselves.

Sun Wukong
Finn, we've got no choice! It's for
a delicious meal!

Finn
Not exactly the loftiest goal...but
you're right, we have to do this!

Sun Wukong
You'll be my feast tonight, beast!

Sun Wukong
Take this! Art of Binding!

Small Monster
GRRRRRRRRR!

Sun Wukong
No, it escaped again! This is sooooo
difficult.

Finn
How are you holding up, Wukong?

Sun Wukong
Not great... How many did you catch?

Finn
Just one, small and slow.

Sun Wukong
Ugh... This is bad!

Finn
This Art of Binding is harder than
I thought...

Finn
Okay, Wukong, one more try! Let's target
one of the big ones together.

Sun Wukong
You really think we can do it? This
technique is impossible...

Finn
It seems binding might require having a more
concrete image in our heads,

Finn
compared to invisibility or cloning.

Sun Wukong
A concrete image...?

Finn
We need to visualize something like tying
a rope in our minds... Think of it that way.

Sun Wukong
Hmm, tying a rope... I remember having
a baggage-tying contest with Vajra once.

Sun Wukong
I won, of course! But Vajra did a good job
too, so I really had to put some effort in it.

Sun Wukong
I wanted to show Master my skills, and
I didn't want to lose to Vajra!

Sun Wukong
I still remember that feeling! I think I can
use it!

Finn
It's now or never, Wukong. Activate the
technique on my signal.

Medium Monster
GROOOOOOOOOOOOOWL!

Finn
Take aim, Wukong!

Sun Wukong
That one looks tasty!

Finn
Now!

Finn & Sun Wukong
ART OF BINDING!

Medium Monster
GRRR...rrrrr...

Finn
Got you!

Sun Wukong
We did it, Finn!

Finn
Good job, Wukong! You got that technique
down pat.

Sun Wukong
Ehehe, stooop∼♪

Goemon
Hey, you two, remember we're sharing the
catch. Is that enough for us all?

Sun Wukong
Buuuut... I'm starving... I can barely
move...

Goemon
Helpless like newborn babies... Here,
consider this a part of the meal too.

Sun Wukong
Oooh, this one's huge!

Finn
You took such a large monster out all by
yourself!?

Goemon
Well, I am the great Goemon Ishikawa
and all.

Sun Wukong
Yayyy!!! Tonight we feast!

Goemon
Okay, okay, give me some time to cook them.

Finn
Mmm, this is really delicious!

Sun Wukong
Yeah, I'm in food heaven!

Goemon
It's just salted and grilled, no big deal...

Sun Wukong
Hey, are you blushing, Goemon?

Goemon
Quiet! Stop talking nonsense or I'll kick
you out of here.

Sun Wukong
Noooo! No talking, just eating, look!

Finn
Haha! By the way, Goemon, can I ask you
something?

Goemon
Sure, right after I ask you this—and this
is for both of you: Why are you traveling?

Finn
I guess it's all right to tell you... A danger is
approaching Eastland.

Finn
One of my companions is a skilled onmyoji.
We came to help the people who live here.

Goemon
Hmm, coming from Westland to Eastland
is no simple journey.

Goemon
And you're saying you did it just to help
people...

Sun Wukong
I'm traveling to the West with my master.

Goemon
And what are you planning to do once
you're there?

Sun Wukong
Hmm... I haven't decided yet.

Sun Wukong
But for now I'm just enjoying traveling with
Master, Sha Wujing, Zhu Bajie, and Vajra.

Goemon
Living in the moment, huh? Haha, sounds
like you.

Finn
So, why do you do what you do? Why
become a thief?

Goemon
It's just where life took me, so to speak.
Stealing was the only way to survive.

Goemon
Now it's a bit different, though.

Finn
Different?

Goemon
I want to "steal" everything that threatens
people's freedom from this world.

Goemon
Erase it all completely.

Goemon
I dream of a world where everyone can be
free.

Goemon
And use their freedom to benefit others,
if they wish.

Finn
That's...surprising.

Goemon
You think it's impossible, eh?

Finn
No, not at all. I hope such a world can exist
one day too.

Finn
But I never imagined you'd be such
a dreamer.

Goemon
Hmph, call me whatever you want. I'm
just walking my own path.

Goemon
No one can take away my freedom.

Finn
You have my support in that, Goemon.

Goemon
Heh, I had their support once too...

Sun Wukong
"Their"?

Goemon
Never mind. Excuse me...

Finn
Where are you going?

Goemon
To smoke my pipe.

Finn
You can smoke it here if you want.

Goemon
Yeah, but it tastes best when I'm alone.

Goemon
Whew... Aaah.

Goemon
Delicious.

"Wow, that's an amazing goal, boss!"

"Once we've set this town free, we'll be
one step closer to achieving it, right?"

"We'll keep protecting our town's
freedom until the day we die!"

Goemon
As for the scum who stole freedom from
my people—

Goemon
You won't get away with it.

Goemon
This I can promise you.

The Big Day
—And so the day of the operation arrived.

Goemon
Okay, listen. Ideally, we want to avoid
fighting, especially with Kojiro Sasaki.

Finn
I don't think we can.

Goemon
Maybe not. Okay, probably not.

Goemon
Not only is she skilled with the sword,
she also has very sharp senses.

Goemon
Once alerted, she'll probably see right
through your Art of Invisibility.

Goemon
That's why I say, do not alert her
with unnecessary fighting.

Finn
Got it. I'll rely on ninjutsu to sneak in
quietly.

Goemon
Good. Now, it's about time to set off. Are you
ready, Wukong?

Sun Wukong
I was born ready! No running away this
time!

Sun Wukong
I can sense Vajra at the top floor of the
castle. She wasn't there before.

Finn
They're supposed to trade captives today.
They must've moved them for that purpose.

Goemon
We'll split into two teams, as planned.
Does everyone remember their jobs?

Finn
We use invisibility to get to the top floor,
neutralizing any thieves we meet on the way.

Goemon
Are you up for it?

Sun Wukong
With me here, it'll be a piece of cake!

Finn
We'll be fine. Goemon, are you really okay
going in alone?

Goemon
If I ever need rookies like you to worry
about me, you can consider me dead.

Goemon
Now, apart from Art of Invisibility, you only
have two or three uses left on each scroll.

Goemon
Make sure you use them wisely.

Finn
Got it.

Goemon
Okay, let the operation begin!

Patrolling Thief
I can't imagine anyone would actually try
to break into this castle.

Patrolling Thief
Well, better safe than sorry. We've made
enough enemies.

Patrolling Thief
And we can't afford to be interrupted
today—

Patrolling Thief
Huh? I think I sensed something...

Finn
Sorry, but I need you to lie down for a
bit.

Patrolling Thief
Wha—Gah...!

Sun Wukong
Hehehe, how's that! You aren't the only ones
who know ninjutsu anymore!

Finn
Wukong, keep it down, or they'll hear us.

Sun Wukong
Ah, sorry... Shutting up now.

Finn
Let's keep moving...

Finn
(We've knocked out about ten people...)

Finn
(If we can just keep it up—)

Kojiro
You won't get past me.

Sun Wukong
!

Finn
Kojiro!

Kojiro
You've become even better at hiding your
presence.

Kojiro
Even the gang members can't notice you
until you're really close.

Sun Wukong
Goemon was right, huh. The Art of Invisibility
won't fool you.

Finn
Kojiro, can you really kill a person?

Kojiro
If I am ordered to...

Finn
No, I'm asking about your own free will!
Is that really what you want to do?

Kojiro
What I want to do...

Finn
Your skill with the sword is nothing short
of miraculous!

Finn
It's obviously born of natural talent and
years of dedication.

Finn
Fight according to your own will—the thing
that's gotten you to where you are today!

Kojiro
No... My swordsmanship is a disgrace...

Kojiro
I must follow my employer's orders... He's
the only one who would hire someone like me.

Sun Wukong
Finn, leave her to me!

Sun Wukong
Ta-da!

Finn
That's that heavenly robe you were
talking about!

Finn
(She looks like an angel!)

Kojiro
That...could pose a problem...

Sun Wukong
Ha! Try again!

Finn
(She can keep up with her now!? That
robe is incredible!)

Finn
No holding back, Wukong!

Sun Wukong
Got it! Art of Cloning!

Kojiro
There's more of you...?

Sun Wukong
Can't tell which is real, huh?

Kojiro
This one!

Sun Wukong
Nope! And now I'm going to multiply
even more!

Kojiro
...

Finn
(Even Kojiro's extraordinary senses can't
keep up...)

Finn
(With the heavenly robe's power and
Wukong's agility, we have a chance!)

Kojiro
My sword skills are not enough...

Finn
Now, Wukong!

Finn & Sun Wukong
Ready, set, go!

Kojiro
The Art of Binding?

Finn
Doubled. Even largest monsters can't
resist it.

Kojiro
I...admit defeat.

Kojiro
My skills were worthless, after all...

Finn
Enough with this self-deprecation.

Finn
You're insulting every swordsman in the
land. Your swordsmanship is beautiful.

Kojiro
You're saying it again.

Finn
I'll say it as many times as it takes.
Anyway, please stay here for now.

Finn
Next stop, the top floor, Wukong!

Sun Wukong
Okay!
I'm getting hungry, but I'll do my best!

Kojiro
My swordsmanship is a disgrace...

Kojiro
Right, Dad...? Mom...?

Sun Wukong
There! It's Vajra!

Finn
They're all fine! I'm so glad!

???
This is as far as you go.

Sun Wukong
Finn, watch out!

Finn
!
Are you okay, Wukong!?

Sun Wukong
Yeah, I managed to dodge. But this guy's
strong!

Finn
You must be the current head of the gang.
Goemon said you were protecting this place.

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
Yes, I am the leader now.

Finn
She said you weren't the kind of
people to get involved in slave trade.

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
We had no choice!

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
Come out, Goemon Ishikawa!

Goemon
You called?

Finn
How long have you been here!?

Goemon
I just arrived. Had to take care of some things,
so I got delayed. What happened to Kojiro?

Finn
We immobilized her with the Art of Binding.

Goemon
Good, well done.

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
Think you can ignore us, huh? Let's show
her what we've got!

ThiefC(Thieves
Yeah!

Finn
This is bad! There are too many of them!

Goemon
Don't worry, Finn. I'll make it quick.

Thief A
Ngh!

Thief B
Agh!

Thief C
Gah!

Goemon
Saving you for the last.

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
Damn you...

Goemon
You've grown a bit, but you still have a long
way to go.

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
Go...emon...

Finn
W-Wow, you weren't joking...

Sun Wukong
You could've handled this whole mission
yourself, couldn't you?

Goemon
It's only because there weren't that many of
them.

Goemon
These guys might be weaker than me, but
they're still first-rate ninjas.

Goemon
If you hadn't thinned their numbers along
the way, and if Kojiro was here too,

Goemon
things would've been different.

Sun Wukong
Would they?
Agh, Finn! The captives!

Finn
Right, we need to wake them up!

Sun Wukong
Vaaaajraaaa! Rise and shine!

Suspicious Man
Good grief, what are you doing, sitting in a
corner like that? How utterly pathetic.

Suspicious Man
Your sword skills are disgraceful. And you're
far too fragile.

Kojiro
I'm sorry... I'm sorry...

Suspicious Man
If you're aware of that, then you'd better
get up right now.

Suspicious Man
You can break such a puny binding
technique, can't you?

Kojiro
I can...but it will probably...hurt...

Suspicious Man
Do it.

Kojiro
Yes, sir.

Kojiro
Nghhhh... Haaaah!

Kojiro
Ah... Huff... Huff...

Suspicious Man
You will die for me if I tell you to.
Understood?

Kojiro
Yes, sir.

The Root of Oppression
Sun Wukong
Wearing this robe makes you so hungry,
I'm telling you...

Finn
Thanks, Wukong, it must've been hard for
you. But it's over now. You can put it away.

Finn
We just need to wake everybody up and
leave.

Sun Wukong
Why aren't they waking up... Even Vajra
won't even stir...

Goemon
They must've been drugged.

Goemon
We'll need to get them out of here first and
think about waking them up later.

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
Wait... Please...

Goemon
You still up for more?

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
No, I'm no match for you... I knew that from
the start... But I have to protect this town...

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
Goemon... If we don't hand them over, the
town will be in danger...

Goemon
So you're saying I should just stand by
while the deal goes down?

Goemon
You don't have the right to take away
their freedom!

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
But... The town...

Goemon
Finn, Wukong, we need to move them.
Lend me a hand.

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
The town...is in danger... Listen to me,
boss...

Goemon
...

Goemon
Your story will have to wait until after we've
saved them. If you wanted me to

Goemon
listen to you, you should've spoken up
when I asked for your reasons—

Sun Wukong
Goemon, watch out!

Goemon
Ngh!

Kojiro
Sorry for interrupting...

Finn
Kojiro! How did you break the Art of
Binding?

Kojiro
By force...

Goemon
By force? What kind of monster are you?

Finn
You! Stop Kojiro! Isn't she working for you?

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
No... She works for...

Suspicious Man
Me.
Long time no see, Goemon Ishikawa.

Goemon
No way... Shishigi!?

Shishigi
Ah, you remember me. Yes, that's me.

Shishigi
The unfortunate man you drove from this
town three years ago.

Goemon
"Unfortunate"!? You were the tyrant
oppressing the townspeople!

Shishigi
I was ensuring their freedoms. In exchange,
I merely collected the appropriate taxes.

Shishigi
Such is the social contract. Both sides did
as was agreed upon.

Shishigi
And then you came and twisted our little
community to your advantage...

Shishigi
Listen well now, Goemon! You took my
freedom, and I hate you for it.

Shishigi
So, this town that you cherish so much will
pay for it along with you!

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
No, wait! The people of this town have
done nothing wrong!

Shishigi
They enjoyed unjust freedom. That alone
is a violation of the rules.

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
We abide by the rules! We have demihumans
here, look. We'll sell them to you and—

Shishigi
You want to proceed with the deal? Then you
have to eliminate Goemon and her company.

Shishigi
If you can't do that, the deal is off.

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
Yes, sir!

Thief A
Boss, we can still fight...

Thief B
Yeah, we're ready!

Goemon
He was your trading partner!? He
made you do all these things?

Thief A
What you just heard pretty much sums it
all up.

Thief B
We despise him, but we have no choice!

Goemon
(What made them so cowardly?)

Goemon
(What kind of power does Shishigi have
over them...?)

Shishigi
Kojiro, get back here. The gang will deal
with our guests.

Kojiro
Yes, sir.

Finn
You're the one who made Kojiro like this!

Shishigi
Yes, that's right. I hired this disgraceful
woman. What's the problem?

Finn
Stop insulting her!

Shishigi
You don't understand, do you? She's my
property. I can do whatever I want to her.

Shishigi
Like this.

Kojiro
Ngh...

Shishigi
Say you're nothing but a punching bag.

Kojiro
I am...a punching bag...

Finn
I said, leave her alone!

Shishigi
I won't have you order me around.
Eliminate them, Goemon's Gang!

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
Yes, sir!

Finn
The Art of Invisibility, huh?

Sun Wukong
I've had it! Finn, I'll get rid of that
Shishigi guy—

Thief A
Not so fast!

Sun Wukong
Why are you doing this!? Don't you hate
him too?

Thief B
More than anything! But we can't oppose
him!

Thief C
Sorry, but we have to think about the town!

Sun Wukong
This makes no sense! Didn't you fight for
your freedom? Why did you throw it away!?

Goemon
Exactly.

Thief A
Wha—The Art of Binding!?

Thief B
Ngh...

Goemon
My ninjutsu can't be undone that easily, you
should know that. Stay put.

Thief C
Why...

Goemon
I can't stomach the fact that you willingly
handed over your freedom.

Goemon
And I can stand the bastard who's behind
it even less—

Finn
!

Finn
(Such murderous intent! I'm not even the
target, but I can hardly breathe...)

Goemon
Don't worry, I'll protect this town and all
of you with it.

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
We... We failed... Sorry, boss...

Shishigi
The deal is off, then.

Goemon
Tell me one thing, Shishigi. Three years
ago, you lost your money, status, everything.

Goemon
How did you end up back here?

Shishigi
Why, I encountered a beautiful oni who
granted me power.

Goemon
A beautiful oni...?

Shishigi
Yes. A being so perfect and sophisticated it
didn't seem of this world.

Shishigi
An existence transcending both good and
evil.

Shishigi
And that being taught me that to live is
to take.

Shishigi
So, I will continue to take freedom as I
please, until there's none left to take!

Shishigi
You hear me, Goemon!?

Goemon
Oh, I do. I hear that you absolutely mustn't
be allowed to stay alive.

Shishigi
I'm not the same man I was three years
ago.

Goemon
Yes, you obviously haven't learned your
lesson.

Goemon
I'll just have to steal everything from you
once again!

Finn
Goemon, let me help! I have a bad feeling
about this!

Kojiro
Sorry, but you are going to have to face me
first.

Sun Wukong
You!

Finn
Kojiro, please step aside!

Kojiro
I'm sorry...

Finn
(We can't reason with her, can we?)

Kojiro
I won't fail this time.

Breakthrough
This is the tale of me becoming the person
known as Kojiro Sasaki...

A bland, ordinary, utterly uninteresting
story.

I was born into a family of esteemed
swordsmen. A long-awaited child.

But my father was greatly disappointed—
because I was a girl.

Kojiro's Father
Stand up, Kojiro. Are you asleep or what?

Young Kojiro
Huff... Huff...

Kojiro's Father
You think you can master the Ganryu
style like this?

Kojiro's Father
Up! I said, up!

Kojiro's Mother
Now, now, dear. Kojiro isn't feeling well
today. Perhaps you could let her rest?

Kojiro's Father
Fine... We'll stop here for today.

Young Kojiro
Thank you...very much...

Kojiro's Father
Tomorrow's practice will be even harder.
Recover your strength while you can.

Young Kojiro
Yes, sir...

Kojiro's Mother
You must be hungry, Kojiro. I made your
favorite dish.

Young Kojiro
Thank you, Mom!

My father's strictness was rivaled only by
my mother's kindness.

If my mother were still alive—

But she passed away a few years after
I started my training.

Just like that, she was gone.

And it made my father even stricter.

Kojiro's Father
What are you doing, Kojiro! You're the
only heir of Ganryu swordsmanship!

Kojiro's Father
What are you doing with that sword!?
I don't even know what I'm looking at!

Kojiro's Father
You incompetent girl! Are you even
listening?

Kojiro's Father
I wish I never started training you... No,
I wish you were never born...

Kojiro's Father
You are no longer my disciple, nor my
daughter.

Kojiro's Father
You're nothing more than a disgrace, Kojiro.

Young Kojiro
I'm sorry...

Young Kojiro
I'm sorry...

Young Kojiro
I'm sorry...

A couple of years later, my father died of
the same illness that took my mother.

Just as suddenly.

Swordsmanship was the only thing I had
ever studied,

so I knew nothing about earning money.

Before I knew it, I ended up in debt, and
then was sold to a slave trader.

Slave Trader's Guard
Oh, this one looks like quite the catch.
How much did you pay for her?

Slave Trader
She was a bargain, this one. Basically got
her for free. Apparently, she was in debt.

Slave Trader's Guard
Hah, tough luck. Made a stupid decision
or two, have you?

Kojiro
I-It's only natural... I am useless...

Slave Trader's Guard
A self-loathing type, huh? Lovely face and
body, though. Can I have a taste, boss?

Slave Trader
Hands off. I have a top customer coming
for her soon.

Slave Trader's Guard
Come on, it'll be quick. I won't leave a
single mark.

As the man reached out to for me...

...I noticed a dagger strapped to his belt.

Before I knew it, I had slashed his chest
open.

And then, through the haze of my rage,
I saw another man clapping his hands.

Shishigi
Nicely done. Far from perfect, though.
He's not dead.

Shishigi
Humans are most dangerous when they're
close to death. Finish him off quickly.

Kojiro
Who are you?

Shishigi
I'm your new master. From this day on,
you will live and die for me.

Shishigi
I will make good use of you. Do you
understand?

Kojiro
...Yes, sir.

Shishigi
Finish the job, then.

Slave Trader's Guard
No... P-Please...

Kojiro
I'm sorry you had to suffer...because of my
lack of skill...

Kojiro
I will ease your pain now...

Slave Trader's Guard
No... Noooooooooo!

I am a disgrace...and my sword skills
even more so...

Yet, I'm still alive.

I sometimes wonder why.

Finn
Wukong, can you use the heavenly robe?

Sun Wukong
No chance! It's as good as a simple piece of
cloth now... I don't have enough energy...

Finn
I see. You've been pushing yourself too hard...
All right, I'll hold her off!

Kojiro
I-I'm sorry... But I must kill you. It's an
order.

Finn
Isn't it hard?

Kojiro
What do you mean?

Finn
Being sorry all the time. Looks like you really
have to force yourself to do these things.

Kojiro
I have no choice. That's how life is...

Finn
No. There's a difference between giving up
after a struggle and giving up

Finn
before the fight even begins.

Finn
Kojiro, you're not even trying to move
forward right now.

Kojiro
What are you trying to say?

Shishigi
Don't let him get into your head. You work
for me. That is the only reason you exist.

Kojiro
Yes, sir.

Finn
You aren't even living your own life, Kojiro.
Don't you see that?

Kojiro
I am not...living my own life?

Finn
What do you want to do? What are your
hopes and goals? Your dreams?

Kojiro
I... I want to...repay a favor.

Finn
To who?

Kojiro
To...who...

Shishigi
Enough, Kojiro! You have your orders!

Kojiro
Wait... I want to repay a favor...

Shishigi
Yes, to me! I took on your debt and saved
your miserable life!

Goemon
That's no way to talk to a troubled youth,
Shishigi!

Shishigi
Gah! What right does an outlaw like you
have to preach? Don't make me laugh!

Shishigi
You're the reason the people here turned
to a life of crime!

Shishigi
It's your fault this town has gone mad!

Thief A
No... No! It's not her fault! We chose this
path!

Thief B
That's right! We wanted strength to protect
our town! That's why we chose Goemon!

Shishigi
Hmph... You pathetic bums... You think
you get to choose anything?

Shishigi
There's no choice for you! You are no better
than livestock!

Shishigi
You're to be locked up and slaughtered
when your time comes!

Shishigi
You want freedom? You don't have the
money or the power to keep it!

Goemon
No. Every human being can make choices.
That's what living is all about!

Shishigi
Hah... A lecture from a criminal!

Kojiro
Making choices... Freedom...

Finn
It's easy. Just think about what you want
to do.

Kojiro
Why are you doing this?

Finn
I want to help people. I can't just stand by
when I see someone who's struggling.

Finn
Like you, Kojiro.

Kojiro
I... I see... Yes... I've always struggled...
For as long as I can remember...

Kojiro
I learned swordsmanship from my father.
It was a struggle, from beginning to end.

Kojiro
I didn't want to disappoint him.

Kojiro
But I loved my mother's smile.

Kojiro
She was the first person to tell me my
swordsmanship was beautiful...

Shishigi
Just listen to me and don't think about
anything else. Isn't it easier that way?

Kojiro
It might be easier, but...I want to live my
own life.

Shishigi
You dare oppose me!?

Kojiro
I'm sorry... I can no longer obey you...

Shishigi
What did you say?

Goemon
Good, Kojiro! Now stand by what you said.

Shishigi
Ugh... You idiot! I was going to guide you to
greatness!

Shishigi
Why can't you just appreciate my generosity!

Goemon
Every caged soul yearns for freedom, Shishigi.

Goemon
And I won't let you get away with
trampling on that desire!

Shishigi
Freedom this, freedom that! Enough!
What freedom can you possibly have?

Shishigi
Everything belongs to me... TO ME!!!

Sun Wukong
He's acting kinda strange...

Finn
He said he received some kind of power
from an oni!

Finn
Is he losing control over it?

Shishigi
AAAAAAAAAARGH!!!!

Goemon
This is bad... Everyone, run! The castle is
going to collapse!

The Grand Finale
Sun Wukong
Ouch...

Finn
You're alive, Wukong... Thank goodness.

Sun Wukong
Sorry, I couldn't cover anyone aside
from Vajra...

Goemon
Don't worry. Finn and I took care of the
other captives.

Goemon
Still...

Cursed Beast Shishigi
Raaaaargh!

Finn
That's a Cursed Beast... That oni has turned
him into a Cursed Beast.

Goemon
Ah, I've heard of those. They're like oni
familiars, right?

Goemon
Do you know how to defeat it, Finn?

Finn
We'll need a powerful onmyoji. One of my
comrades is skilled enough, but...

Goemon
They're all still drugged. Gotta think of
another way then.

Sun Wukong
We'd better think quick, or the town is as
good as gone!

Cursed Beast Shishigi
Graaaaaaargh!

Goemon
He's lost his mind.

Cursed Beast Shishigi
Grooooooargh!

Goemon
Brace yourselves, here he comes!

Finn
(How on Erden are we supposed to stop him?
This is bad!)

Kojiro
—Ganryu Style, Falcon's Descent!

Cursed Beast Shishigi
Grrrrrrargh!

Finn
Kojiro!

Kojiro
I remembered who I owe a favor to.

Kojiro's Father
Kojiro's swordsmanship is hopeless. Even
with training, it won't amount to much.

Kojiro's Father
But it's also beautiful. That I will admit.

Kojiro's Mother
You should tell her so when she wakes up,
dear.

Kojiro's Father
No, it's better not to tell her such things.

Kojiro's Father
Besides, you were the one who called it
beautiful first.

Kojiro's Mother
Because it is. It's like she's baring the depths
of her heart...

I pretended to be asleep and repeated the
word "beautiful" over and over in my heart.

That single word of praise was the reason
I continued to wield my sword.

Even when I lost confidence in my skills,
thinking they were worthless...

Even when I lost the people who said the
word...

I kept wielding my sword.
I never abandoned it.

Even when the word "beautiful" seemed
buried by a thousand others,

even when I had no reason to believe it
anymore...

It remained within me.

I never hated my sword skills, not really.

Because my father honed them...
And my mother praised them!

Kojiro
I'm sorry... No, thank you.

Kojiro
I can't work for you anymore. There's
something I want to do...

Kojiro
Just one thing, but it's very important to
me.

Cursed Beast Shishigi
Grrrraaaaarrrgh!!!

Finn
Kojiro! We can't let that Cursed Beast
advance!

Kojiro
I won't hesitate anymore... I won't
disparage my swordsmanship.

Kojiro
The ultimate style that unites all
phenomena of the world...

Kojiro
The secret technique that reaches the
very essence of existence...

Kojiro
Ganryu Style... Swallow's Flight!

Cursed Beast Shishigi
Grrrr...GRRRRRARGH!!!

Finn
She cut down a cursed beast with one
strike!? Amazing...

Goemon
That sure was something.

Sun Wukong
Look, he's turning back into a human!

Shishigi
Gah... Nngh... Huff, huff... No...
I have to...get out of here... Aaagh! My legs!

Goemon
Art of Binding, courtesy of Goemon herself.
There's no escape, Shishigi.

Shishigi
Damn you! Damn you all!

Goemon
Excellent swordsmanship, Kojiro. I never
imagined you'd be this powerful.

Kojiro
No, I still have a long way to go...

Goemon
So, your sword skills weren't hopeless,
they were just still evolving.

Goemon
I shudder to think what else you might be
capable of.

Kojiro
Yes... Me too.

Goemon
Haha, it's good to see you smile for once.
Well then, shall we finish things up here?

Sun Wukong
What's there to finish? We already caught
Shishigi.

Goemon
If we leave things as they are, the gang
will be known as Shishigi's accomplices,

Goemon
and this town—as a den of criminals.

Goemon
That's unacceptable.

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
Boss?

Goemon
You're the boss now. Don't call me that
anymore.

Goemon
It should be any minute now...
Ah, there they are.

Fireworks
Bang! Bang! Bang!

Finn
Don't tell me that's the gunpowder you
were making...

Goemon
You catch on fast.
Good, people are gathering around.

Edo Citizen A
What's going on!? First that huge noise,
and now this?

Edo Citizen B
The castle has collapsed!? Is this some
kind of trick?

Edo Citizen C
Hey, isn't that Goemon Ishikawa!?

Goemon
It's been a while, everyone. But let's
skip formalities.

Goemon
I just wanted you all to know the truth.

Goemon
All the organized crime in Edo in the past
three years...was orchestrated by me.

Edo Citizen A
What are you talking about? You're the one
who liberated us back then. You're our hero.

Goemon
No, I'm a thief. I wanted a peaceful town
to use as my hideout.

Goemon
And I brainwashed this group here to kidnap
people for me.

Goemon
But I don't need them anymore, so I thought
I'd finish things here with a bang.

Goemon
That's why I destroyed this castle.

Edo Citizen B
So... You've been deceiving us this whole
time?

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
Please, don't lie, boss! We acted of our own
free will—

Goemon
Haven't you considered that I manipulated
you to think that way?

Goemon
I stole your freedom without you even
realizing it.

Goemon
Now, time to say goodbye—to you and to this
town.

Fireworks
Whooooosh—

Edo Citizen A
More fireworks!?

Edo Citizen B
They're not exploding in the sky...
They're heading towards the town!

Sun Wukong
Not so fast!

Sun Wukong
We won't let you destroy this town,
Goemon!

Goemon
Oh nooo, the legendary heavenly robe...
The one thing that could spoil my plan...

Goemon
Hehe, well done.

The Master Villain
Finn
Goemon!

Finn
Why would you tell all those lies!?

Goemon
To steal "Goemon the Hero" from Edo,
of course.

Finn
What?

Sun Wukong
No use talking, Finn! She's serious about
this farce!

Finn
What do you mean?

Sun Wukong
Vajra makes the same face sometimes. And
this is how I answer when she does. Bam!

Finn
You beat her up...?

Sun Wukong
Yeah, you have to knock some sense into
them.

Sun Wukong
If they're serious, you need to get serious too.

Finn
Is this show that important to you,
Goemon?

Goemon
Yes. It's the only way this town can
become truly free.

Goemon
Now, genuine heroes!

Goemon
You need to steal Edo back from the grips
of the master thief, Goemon Ishikawa!

Goemon
That is, if you can!

Fireworks
Whooooosh—

Finn
Fireworks again? You're really going to
destroy this town!

Sun Wukong
Not if we defeat her first! Go, Finn!

Finn
Agh, damn it!
Haaaaaaaah!

Goemon
You call that an attack? Take this!

Finn
Ngh... Not the Art of Invisibility...

Goemon
You can't win unless you've learned to
detect me.

Sun Wukong
There!

Goemon
Whoa, that was close! That robe is such
a pain... But it won't be enough to defeat me.

Goemon
Whoops, even more fireworks!

Edo Citizen A
Eeek! Watch out!

Edo Citizen B
Somebody heeelp!

Finn
The townspeople...!

Current Head of Goemon's Gang
We'll take care of them! You handle our
boss!

Finn
Thanks!

Thief A
Boss, this town is under our protection!
So please, stop this!

Goemon
Don't call me that. I was only using you.
Just accept it.

Finn
I think I know what you're trying to do here,
Goemon...

Finn
But why did you help me that time before
I even came to Edo?

Finn
When I was lying half-dead in the middle
of nowhere?

Goemon
Finally caught on, eh? Took you long enough.
I found you by coincidence.

Goemon
But I told you where the gang was because
I felt you were the right person for the job.

Finn
The right person for the job?

Goemon
Yes. It's the job of a hero to take down
the great villain, right?

Goemon
So, come at me with all you've got!

Finn
If that's what you want, then I won't hold
back.

Finn
I'll repay you for everything you've done for
me—right here, right now!

Finn
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Goemon
Nice one... But you're not being creative
enough!

Goemon
Watch out, you're just begging for
a counterattack!

Finn
Agh!

Sun Wukong
Then how about this!

Goemon
You used the robe to make multiple clones!?

Goemon
I expected it was possible, but never thought
you'd figure it out!

SunWukong3(Sun Wukong
Finn, I can't control them for long! Tell
me the next move!

SunWukong3(Sun Wukong
Goemon, I'm going all out too!

Finn
(Wukong hasn't changed since we met.
She's such an uninhibited soul...)

Finn
(And with her heavenly robe, I bet she can
fly around freely too!)

Finn
I will support you so that you can fly.
Ready?

Sun Wukong
Yeah! I'll give Goemon a beating she'll
never forget!

Finn
All right, follow my lead! Here we go!

Finn
Haaaaaaaaah!

Goemon
Inviting a counter again...

Sun Wukong
Art of Cloning—not!

Goemon
A diversion? Damn it!

Finn
Now!

Goemon
Gaaaah!

Finn
Sorry, we couldn't go easy on you.

Goemon
Hah... Haha, no need. After all, I'm the
villain here.

Goemon
Now, finally...this town can be free.

Finn
You made yourself the villain to take all
the blame? What were you thinking?

Goemon
Ha, I had to... Otherwise, this town would
stay enslaved. By Goemon the Hero.

Sun Wukong
Why are you so obsessed with other
people's freedom?

Goemon
Heh... Good question...

Goemon
Maybe because I know all too well what it
means to lack it.

Goemon
As a ninja, I constantly had to do things
I didn't want to.

Goemon
Always hurting others... Hurting myself.

Goemon
But now, I am happy. I can use my
freedom for the sake of others.

Goemon
It's the best feeling in the world!

Wheeeeet!

Finn
A whistle?

Goemon
Oh, that would be the constables from the
capital. They must've come for me.

Goemon
So ends the tale of the master thief Goemon
Ishikawa. And what an end it is...

Goemon
Ah, what a sight to behold!

Taste of Freedom
Constable A
Never thought the day would come when
we'd take Goemon Ishikawa away...

Constable B
Or that it'd turn out she was behind all
these kidnappings and raids on the rich, eh?

Edo Citizens
Officers, you've got it wrong! Goemon was
only involved in one theft, three years ago—

Constable A
That will be determined in the court of law.

Constable B
Well, she's admitted to these crimes, and to
all the additional charges.

Constable B
There's no overruling a confession.

Edo Citizens
She confessed...?

Constable A
If you have something to say, say it now.

Edo Citizens
No... It's nothing. Sorry to bother you.

Sun Wukong
It just doesn't sit right with me...

Sun Wukong
Goemon shouldn't have made such a bad
guy out of herself!

Finn
Yeah, but it also seems like something she
would do.

Finn
Take all the evil on herself and eradicate
it completely.

Sun Wukong
It's about the way she did it! Moving in
secret, pulling strings from the shadows!

Finn
She must've tipped the capital's constables
to her own plans too.

Sun Wukong
Wait... Who's that over there?

Constable
Move it!

Finn
Kojiro!

Constable
Hey, this is a henchman of the former lord
of Edo. You're not her associates, are you?

Sun Wukong
Ughhh... He thinks we're suspicious, Finn!
You wanna fight, huh!?

Finn
Wukong, stop it! I'm sorry, officer, no, we're
not her associates. We are, uh—

Kojiro
They are more like my enemies.

Finn
Kojiro...

Kojiro
Finn, once I settle things here, let's have a
drink together, okay?

Finn
With me? Are you sure about that?

Kojiro
Yes, I want to drink with you. It's my
choice, and no one else's.

Constable
Hold on, are you enemies or not?

Kojiro
We are. We have positively negative
feelings for each other... Hehehehe...

Constable
What's that supposed to mean? Ugh, just
move!

Kojiro
All right, all right. See you later...

Sun Wukong
Huh, she seemed different. More confident
than before.

Finn
She's probably come to terms with some
things. We'll meet again one day, I'm sure.

Sun Wukong
When you do, make sure to come get me too!
I have unfinished business with her.

Finn
Okay. Just make sure to get Master
Sanzang's permission before coming over.

—Goemon's trial was held a short time
later.

The members of her gang were deemed
brainwashed and received light sentences.

Most of them were released the same day.

The current head of the gang stated:

"I vow to bring back all the people we sold
to the slavers, no matter how long it takes."

"We'll return them to their homes."

"That's our way of paying our debt to our
savior!"

And thus, the gang was disbanded, never
to be seen again.

Shortly afterwards, people who went missing
in the Edo area over the years

started coming back home.

—A few days later.

Nagi
Pray tell, what transpired after that?

Finn
Shishigi made such a fuss when he was
being transferred to prison

Finn
that he had to be restrained. And he still
kept shouting the whole time.

Nagi
Ha! The pettiest of all men, to the very core.

Mysha
But wasn't that guy turned into a Cursed
Beast earlier? By an oni?

Rei
This is just speculation, but perhaps some
kind of transformation agent has been

Rei
implanted in him. Something like a piece
of Cursed Beast essence.

Finn
Transformation agent...

Mysha
Huh, like Aeon Thorns? I don't even
wanna think about it.

Finn
I wonder who that "beautiful oni" he
mentioned was.

Mysha
Sage Rei, any idea?

Rei
Not exactly, but... Only one of the Douji
could control a Cursed Beast.

Finn
Like Hoshikuma-Douji or Kane-Douji...

Rei
Or Shuten-Douji, the leader of the oni
herself.

Finn
As we get closer to the capital, her shadow
seems to loom more and more.

Nagi
I may have been careless this time, but
I shall not fall so easily again, Sir Finn!

Mysha
I'll do my best, too!

Finn
Thanks, guys!

Finn
By the way, did you guys sleep this whole
misadventure through?

Mysha
Hmm, it was more like floating at the
edge of sleep, if you know what I mean?

Rei
It was similar to being under hypnosis.
I don't think they intended to hurt us.

Finn
I see... They were trying protect Edo without
unnecessary bloodshed.

Vajra
Sure, whatever, now where's the food, Finn?

Finn
Huh? Ah, right. Yeah, it's taking quite long.
No wonder with this kind of crowd.

Sun Wukong
Hehehe, the food here is worth waiting for!
We've eaten here before!

Vajra
Grr... It's not fair that you got to eat here
already and I haven't!

Vajra
Innkeeper, innkeepeeeer!

Nagi
Sir Finn, you must tell me precisely how
you keep discovering all these...

Nagi
ahem, lovely princesses?

Mysha
Yeah, Finn, I'll need to report that to Tori.

Finn
I met Wukong and Vajra once, long before
we went to Eastland.

Finn
It was pure coincidence they were here now.

Rei
That's our hero. Always where fate needs
him to be.

Innkeeper
Sorry for the wait! Here you go, our
Special Challenge—

Innkeeper
20 kilos of fried rice, times three servings!

Nagi
U-Upon my honor! Never have I seen
such an sumptuous feast!

Rei
You ordered three mountains of food!?

Mysha
Yeah, 'cause it sounded delicious! And I
was super hungry♪

Vajra
Whoever finishes first, wins!

Sun Wukong
You're on! I've got an ace up my sleeve!

Sun Wukong
Hehehe, Celestial Maiden Mode—

Mysha
Whaaaa? You look so powerful!

Nagi
Aaaaaah! You look so beautiful!

Sun Wukong
It was a present! It gives me extra strength
and speed!

Sun Wukong
But, as a side effect, I get extra hungry too!
Hyaaaaaaaaah!

Mysha
You've met your match!
Hyaaaaaaaaah!

Vajra
You two have nothing on the Great Vajra!
Hyaaaaaaaaah!

GokuBride(Big-Eater Trio
Seconds, please!!!

Rei
Seconds...of the Special Challenge...

Finn
S-Sorry, ma'am... How much is that going
to be?

Innkeeper
Ha, we can't take any money from our
savior's friend!

Finn
Savior...? Ah!
Wait, so you don't hate her?

Innkeeper
Hate? Not at all!

Innkeeper
If not for her, we would've all ended up in
jail for harboring a gang of kidnappers.

Finn
So you realized what she did too...

Innkeeper
She's too kind for her own good, really.

Nagi
Pardon me, my lady, who are you two
conversing about?

Finn
The hero who saved this town.

Magistrate
Kojiro Sasaki, you have been deemed
unaccountable for your deeds,

Magistrate
as you were acting under duress.

Magistrate
Having considered the extenuating circum-
stances, we order your immediate release.

Magistrate
Are we understood, Kojiro Sasaki?

Kojiro
...

Kojiro
...

Guard
Hey, Sasaki, how long do you plan to stay
in this cell?

Guard
You're free to go.

Kojiro
...

Guard
What a weirdo. Just get out already.

Kojiro
(Staying here is my way of setting things
right...)

Kojiro
(That's why I choose to stay, no matter
what anyone says...)

???
You just can't seem to grasp the idea of
freedom, huh.

Kojiro
Goemon Ishikawa... What are you doing
here?

Goemon
I broke out, naturally.

Goemon
Whether I am here or not should make no
difference to the people of Edo at this point.

Goemon
But I wanted to see the face of a person
who refuses to leave even after being

Goemon
officially released before I go.

Kojiro
I... I came here to take responsibility for
my actions.

Goemon
Well, that's your right. Let me just say
thanks, then.

Kojiro
Thanks?

Goemon
Without you, the town would have been
trampled by that Cursed Beast.

Kojiro
It wasn't just me.

Goemon
I know. I plan to thank the others when
the time is right.

Goemon
So, now that you're free... Have you found
out what you want?

Kojiro
I...

Kojiro
I want to repay my parents...and to do
that, I want to hone my sword skills.

Goemon
Oh, you've learnt how to talk about what you
want to do. That's progress.

Goemon
Okay, let's go find you a strong swordsman
to train with.

Kojiro
But I must stay here...

Goemon
Agh, so stubborn. Listen, by staying here you're
just being a pain in the butt for everyone.

Goemon
Even the magistrate, you know?

Kojiro
I'm...causing him trouble?

Goemon
Of course. The person he ordered to be
released refuses to leave.

Goemon
There will be no room for the next convict.

Kojiro
In that case...I will leave.

Goemon
Great! Looks like I managed to steal your
lack of freedom. So to speak.

Kojiro
I have no choice... I will think of another
way to atone.

Goemon
You're a very upright person, aren't you?
You remind me of that boy.

Goemon
Well, never mind. Now, a strong
swordsman, was it?

Goemon
There was that... Uh, what was her name...
Mu... Mu...

Kojiro
Ehehe, like a cow. Moo moo.

Goemon
Huh, you're actually kind of quirky.
Who'd have thought?

Goemon
Ah, I remember now! The swordmaster
with two blades!

Goemon
Musashi Miyamoto.

Musashi
...Achoo.

Musashi
Huh, is someone talking about me?

Musashi
Maybe Finn and the others? Ha, I'd be happy
if that was the case.

Musashi
Okay, now where am I... Hmm, it should
be right here...

Musashi
All right, this way!

—And so, three travelers embark under the
promising banner of freedom.

Their paths stretch on endlessly,
eventually crossing with others.

Will their next encounter be the ruling of
fate or a mere coincidence?

Whatever the case, their final destination
awaits them all the same.

Finn
...

Kojiro
...?

Finn
...

Kojiro
...???

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