A Tale of Past, Present, and Adventure

Have you lost your mind, Lord Shigure?!

How dare you even suggest making a mixed bath in a sacred dojo! Have you no shame?!

Hold on, Akane. You misunderstand me.

It's not a mixed bath, but a pool. It's a cold bath that people enter with their clothes on. Sounds exciting, no?

And you want to attach that to the dojo?

That's right. When the people in Izana hear about it, you'll have more disciples than ever before.

...I did not ask for your help, Lord Shigure. I told you already: do not meddle in the dojo's affairs anymore.

You can leave everything to me. The Fugen brand will be known across the world, and soon you'll be teaching all of Mi to...

The Fugen Itto-Ryu is neither a "company" nor a "brand"! Now, you are in the way of my training! So get out NOW!

Whew... She's just as stubborn as her brother.

No matter. At least I got to see her face before heading out.

Oh? If it isn't Aldo and...me. What brings you two here?

I told Shigure that you and Akane got married, and he insisted on coming along.

I appreciate the sentiment, but now's not really the time for celebrations.

Is everything okay? We, uh...could hear you guys talking from out here...

Ah, yes. It seems I've upset Akane yet again.

But I have matters to attend to, so would you two mind spending some time with her?

...Shouldn't you be the one at her side? She lost her parents at a young age, then both the grandmaster and former grandmaster. Right now, she has no one. And we both understand just how lonesome it can be after losing family.

......

You lost your mother when you were small, right?

If you don't mind my asking, what happened?

Mother had an incurable disease. We tried everything we could to save her, but nothing worked.

...It's as I thought. In the original history...

Then it's settled! I give you special permission to come with me.

Come with you...where?

Izana. That's where the compass is pointing.

What a fortuitous turn this is. To think today of all days, my other self would come to see me!

Welcome to the Izana branch of the Fugen Company! I rarely come here, so I don't really know how things work or where they keep the tea, but you're welcome nonetheless.

Wow. You really do have branches everywhere.

I don't get all this "company" and "branch" talk, but... What are we doing here? Did you want to show me something?

Yes. We're headed to the past, and this compass is going to take us there.

It can do that?

Yeah. He actually uses it to...

So he uses that compass to buy his products in the future?

I know it's kinda hard to believe, but it's true.

No, I believe it. I passed through time myself not long ago.

Besides, now that odd way of speaking and those eccentric clothes make sense.

Hah! That's the pot calling the kettle black.

In any case, is it really okay to bring things from another era here?

Honestly, I've been having my doubts this entire time. Shigure is one thing, but if someone else got their hands on this stuff and used it for the wrong reason...

Wait a sec. Now that I think about it... What happened to the compass you took from those synth humans?

Glad you asked. I still have it, and we're actually going to need it right now.

We're going to the past, and let me just say this: don't interfere with what I do.

......

What's wrong, Shigure?

Nothing. Let's go after him.

No, please! Let me stay with Mother!

Stop throwing a tantrum. You must focus on your training now.

...The doctor is with Hisame. There is nothing we can do but wait and trust in his skills.

You're lying! I know Mother can't be cured!

So please, just let me be with her!

...... Do as you please. I doubt you would train well in your condition anyway.

...Hmph. Fine, you cold-blooded geezer!

Shigure... A samurai must be strong. Their hearts cannot waver, no matter what befalls them.

There's no need to be so strict with the boy.

My son... You want to be by your wife's side, too, don't you?

Well...

That old geezer... What's the point in training anyway? It's not like I can beat an illness with a sword. Shion left the dojo, so if Mother passes away, then I...I'll...

Don't panic, boy.

Who're you? And what do you want with me?!

Hah... Hahaha! What a cheeky brat, if I do say so myself.

You want to help your mother, don't you? Then take this.

What is this? Some candy and...a weird compass?

It's medicine, you fool. Eat it like candy and you'll regret it for the rest of your life.

Now listen to me: give that medicine to your mother every day until it's gone. She's guaranteed to recover after that.

You really think these pills're gonna help?

You're such a liar! Even the best doctor in Izana's given up on her!

Yes, but that's because the medicine you need hasn't been invented yet. Those pills are from the future, where the cure already exists.

The future? Are you serious? You promise they're not poison?

If you don't believe me, you're free to throw them away. Just know you'd be wasting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

But you should know something, boy. The world is a thousand times bigger than you think, filled with tens of thousands of unknowns. It's entirely possible that a time-traveling merchant like me exists in such a world.

......

If I find out you're lying, I'll hunt you to the ends of the earth just to cut you down.

Hahaha! Both the hunter and the hunted, am I? How very fascinating. Now, if you're ever feeling lost, use that compass to find your way.

Wait!

Just who are you? And why'd you come all this way to help me?

I'm just a simple merchant.

One blessed with good looks and a good head on his shoulders, who will someday save the world with his genius ideas.

You've got confidence, if nothing else. Isn't it cheating if you came here from the future?

I don't mind cheating if it means saving someone's life. I faced the same predicament you're facing now. I became a merchant to protect the things I couldn't with a sword alone.

...I'll be waiting for you in the future.

...What a weirdo.

But if this medicine really works, then...

So you went into the past to give yourself medicine.

I remember fighting with Father that day.

But the me from the future never came and my mother passed.

Is she still alive in this world?

Hale and hearty as ever.

All thanks to a mysterious merchant who saved her life. It could have been me, or even someone else. I couldn't tell because of the hood they were wearing.

That's why I returned on this day, to right the past with my own hands.

That's why you needed a second compass.

I wondered how different we could possibly be, despite being the same person...

And now I see our paths diverged on this day.

Listen, Shigure. I understand the strength of samurai well, and I don't intend to deny the path you've chosen.

But there are people the sword can't save. The starving, the sick...

Even our mother.

......

Shigure...

Now then, to Kurosagi Castle we go.

We're not done here?

Not quite, no! There's no fun in ending our adventure on such an ordinary note.

In fact, I'd say we're just getting to the fun part. This is the climax of "Shigure the Merchant: Episode Zero"!

Ugh. What a drab room. Its owner has no style at all.

I went through all the trouble of decorating it with color and flair, and they've gone and sucked all the life out of it.

Really? I think it's kinda pretty.

Anyone can make a room "pretty." I want to give it life.

First, we'll need a sofa and a giant screen for watching movies.

Yes... I think we ought to show a documentary of my life thus far.

Hah...ha... So, uh, this was your room, right?

When I worked at the castle.

Ah, that's right. I wanted to ask you about that.

I know we're from different worlds, but I can't imagine any version of me working for Genshin. What happened?

Seeing is believing. The compass will show the way.

Back to the past?

We must, if you want an answer.

......

So your mind's made up?

Yes. I'm going to be a merchant, not a swordsman.

I see... Does your refusal to give me a reason have anything to do with your mother's recovery?

......

Akane will take over the Fugen Itto-Ryu in my place, so you don't need to worry about anything.

Thank you for everything, Father. Please tell Grandfather I said goodbye.

Shigure...

Shigure, son of the Fugen Itto-Ryu clan.

Who're you?

I came to speak with you. A certain rumor has reached my ears.

They say a few years ago, a woman with an incurable illness was on the verge of death, but made a miraculous recovery.

That woman was your mother, Hisame.

What...

It's true my mother recovered, but I don't see what that has to do with you.

Besides, you're not the only one who's heard rumors. I know someone who works at the castle.

Apparently there's a man who is considered the weakest contender to succeed the lord, but has since risen to the top of the list.

His name is Genshin, and I heard he'll do anything to crush his competition.

Oho. I heard you were a fool, but you're more informed than I thought.

Allow me to cut to the chase. I have a political opponent who has a family member afflicted with the same illness.

The doctors have given up, so if I can get my hands on the cure, I can use it to negotiate.

And?

I have eyewitness accounts of you giving medicine to your mother, Shigure.

Now consider your answer carefully. Where did you get that medicine?

......

If you prove yourself useful to me, I won't do you any harm.

However, I can't guarantee what will happen to those around you should you try to trick me. Do I make myself clear?

...I got a from a merchant. But that was my first time meeting him. I don't know his name or face.

What?! That can't be true!

You're telling me a complete stranger just handed you medicine for an incurable disease?!

Let me reward you for your tall tale...with a quick death.

Wh-What are these? They aren't human...

My lowly house cannot afford ninja, so I have no subordinates to call my own. Isn't that just a pity?

That's why I studied Ro's sorcery and mechanical technology in secret, to use specters and puppets as my pawns.

You underestimate my clan. You can't even hope to defeat me with these toys.

Ah, and before I forget... I sent a little visitor to your mother's house.

What?!

You bastard! How dare you!

Hahaha! I do what I must to survive.

It would serve me best to crush any swordsman or clan that does not obey me.

Tch...!

After him! That man is the successor of the Itto-Ryu clan! He cannot be allowed to live!

You're mistaken.

The future of the Fugen Itto-Ryu rests upon the shoulders of Akane, a genius with the blade. Remember it well, scum.

Hmph! You're one of Shigure's friends, I take it. You must have heard everything from the shadows.

He must be silenced! Kill him!

Well this is unfortunate. It goes against my ways to use a weapon like this...

Now's not the time to get philosophical! They're coming!

Listen well, scum! The man you're after is a great merchant who will open up the future to new possibilities.

And by trying to kill him, you are committing treason against the world itself. For that, I will bring down heaven's wrath upon you!

You brought down my new weapons so easily... Just who are you?

An ordinary merchant. Although I suppose my genius is far from ordinary.

A merchant, you say?

Long ago, I was saved from bandits by the grandmaster of the Fugen Itto-Ryu clan. When I heard his wife had fallen ill, I decided to repay my debt by secretly giving the cure to the grandmaster's son.

So you're the one he spoke of?

I owe that clan my life. So if anyone tries to harm the people around him...

I will kill you myself, Genshin.

Hah... Hahahaha! You think me such an easy target?

Very well. I'll leave Shigure's family alone.

But I can't just let him run wild. I have my own survival to think of.

Genshin...

There you are. Why were you hiding?

I told you already, because he looks just like the Shigure from this time and things would get confusing.

...Hah. We can talk later.

The finale of our great episode awaits.

Not quite. Hostages are better left alive, after all. Heh heh.

A samurai, are you? And here I'd heard you were a merchant.

Calm down. I'll treat you well so long as you're useful to me. And I think you'll be very useful. Join me, Shigure, and I'll forgive you for your earlier transgression.

Hey, Shigure. Are you really gonna give up swordfighting?

I wanna be a merchant, just like the person who helped me.

But I dunno if my old man would let me. I mean, I hafta be the next grandmaster after all...

......

Then why don't I do it? I'll be the grandmaster for you!

That's right. If you do, I'll have your whole clan implicated and executed.

Why would you refuse anyway? You'll be serving a man who will one day rule the whole world.

If you remain loyal until that day, I'll even let you teach the sword! Hahahaha!

Heh... That's the spirit. Do try to keep me entertained.

You did it to protect your family...

......

Shigure?

I think I'll kill him after all.

Shigure, wait!

Hmph. I know. It was just a Miglenian joke.

My business is done here, so let's head back to where we belong!

Now that we're back... Should we check if anything's changed?

Right. Let's head to the wharf. Will you be joining me?

Ah... This reminds me of the day it all began.

Oh? Were you so captivated by my beauty that you forgot how to speak?

I know the sea and I make quite the picturesque combination. It can be such a burden sometimes.

Uh... I was actually just waiting for you to tell your story.

Haha! I envy you, being able to get drunk off ego alone!

But everything makes sense now. That compass is the reason you abandoned the sword.

Yes, and that is where our paths diverged.

But didn't you leave the castle at some point to become a merchant? I can't imagine Genshin being okay with that.

I only left a few years ago. But I lasted quite a long time, if I do say so myself. I didn't want to put my family in danger or be a burden to Brother.

Shigure...

Thanks to all that, my genius was lost to the world for years and Akane was forced to wait a long time.

Still, the days I spent teaching those kids the sword weren't half as boring as I expected them to be.

...Hah.

But after Genshin became lord and turned his focus to the war with Shin, there was no reason for me to stay in the castle.

So, with Brother's help, I escaped. It didn't seem to bother Genshin, as expected.

Unfortunately, I didn't know how to sail. I just steered my ship in whichever way my compass pointed, and then... I was swallowed up by portal in time and space.

Did the compass do that?

Whether the compass opened the hole or simply led me to it, I cannot say.

But that's where it all began, my glorious life as a merchant across space-time!

Listen, Shigure. I want to save whoever I can this way.

And that's because I couldn't save the one person I wanted to as a samurai.

So you turn a blind eye to history and bring whatever you want from the future into the past?

There is freedom in the future! Technology and society has come so far. People don't have to give up on who they are. You know what I mean, right, Aldo?

Things are more developed, sure. But I can't say that means there's more "freedom" to be found.

But if it weren't for the future's medicine, my mother would surely have passed. An abundance of the physical can save lives and open new doors. And I'm the only one who can make it happen.

I won't pretend to understand the confusing logic behind it all. But giving the medicine to your past self is what drew Genshin's attention, isn't it?

Hmph. Not that again.

It's true that, at this point, no one can predict if or how meddling in the past will change history.

But what's wrong with changing history for the better? And what exactly makes it "history" anyhow? If it can be changed by one person's actions alone, then I think that destiny.

I've seen changes in history erase worlds and cause tragedies, so...

I honestly can't say I agree.

Heh. Very good, Aldo. I don't want a yes- man working for me.

Working...for you?

Of course. Hedging my risks is important, and for that I needed an expert in space- time travel.

Does that mean I...

Exactly! You've been an indispensable member of the Fugen Company thus far, and one I'll be relying on in the future!

When did I agree to that?!

I understand your thinking. The sword is one way to carve a path forward. We proved that in the fight earlier.

But if I had that compass with me back then, I might've used it without a second thought. Our methods may differ, but in the end...what we want to protect remains the same.

Exactly. I was able to save Mother, but lost Father and Grandfather. Everyone has a path they must follow, no matter how similar they may look.

You don't wanna go back in time and save those two?

To tell the truth, that's the reason I originally returned.

But when I was traveling with you guys, I changed my mind and decided to forgo that possibility.

And you know why?

......

Because there are some things that must remain the same.

Now then, I've gotten my answer. Shall we head back to our world?

Huh? But...

Don't you want to see her?

Well, my mother is...

What do you think you're doing, Shigure?!

O-Oh... Back already, Mother?

I can't leave you alone for a second! The moment I take my eyes off of you, you're always slacking off!

Oh? And who are they? Your friends?

I really hope my little boy hasn't caused you too much trouble.

(I can't get a word in edgewise...)

Shigure, is this your...

I told you, I'm not "little" anymore.

And these two aren't friends. One's a new member of the Fugen Company and the other is just passing through.

Mother, this is Aldo. And Aldo, this is the representative of our Izana branch, Hisame, my mother.

......

I heard you've been neglecting poor little Akane. Is that true?

No, it's...

Don't try to deny it! I've heard the same story from multiple people! I can't believe you, Shigure. You two just tied the knot! Now you're coming with me to the dojo right this instant!

They've been having fun talking to each other for a while now...

Indeed. Seems three's a crowd, so I'll just be getting back to work...

I think not.

B-Brother! What brings you here?

I received a report.

I heard a certain unruly someone was trying to remodel the Fugen Dojo, one of our national treasures, without permission.

......

That's enough, Shigure! You aren't going anywhere!

I suggest you accept your fate, Lord Shigure.

Hah... Haha... Ahahaha! Yes, I suppose there's no getting out of this!

Phew. I can't remember the last time I ate so much.

You sure you're ready to go back? You didn't get to talk to her much.

It was enough just seeing her face. Even though I know she's not my mother, my heart has a hard time accepting it.

I get it. That's normal, though.

But I'm relieved. You've had a hard look on your face ever since we got here.

I apologize. I felt oddly uneasy when I heard that Shigure and Akane got married.

I wondered if it was possible to make her happy, after having given up the sword.

You don't have to worry about that. I think those two really care about each other.

Haha! Usually I know better than to meddle in other people's business!

Leaving already?

I apologize for my son. He dragged you along somewhere, didn't he?

Please don't worry about it. We wanted to go with him.

I was awfully surprised to see you, boy. You look just like my son did years ago.

......!

In fact, your face is exactly the same.

...Just a coincidence, I assure you.

I suppose you're right. But it got me thinking... If he had taken over the dojo, he would've turned out to be a fine samurai just like you.

......

Ah, but you need to think about more things than just swords, you know. My late husband only ever thought of the blade and dojo. I got so fed up, I left.

I never expected things to turn out like that, which is why you ought to make sure not to have any regrets when it comes to family.

Ah, there I go, giving advice when no one asked. I'm so sorry. That's why that boy can't stand me.

...No, I appreciate the advice.

But you don't need to worry about me. I'm very popular with the ladies! Hahaha!

Lady Hisame. Rest assured that your son is walking his own path, and doing a fine job of it.

I know it must be hard for you after the grandmaster's passing, but please...watch over him.

Of course. Do come back again. I'm sure my little Shigure and Akane would love to have you.

I should get back. Take care.

......

Shigure...

You can come out now. It's bad manners to eavesdrop.

Haha! It seems I missed my cue.

This is why you wanted me to come with you, isn't it?

A good question. I actually just thought you two would be fun to travel with.

But, like Mother said, do come back again. My company is quite shorthanded, after all. And I'll need all hands on deck, including yours, Aldo.

Hah...haa...

I'm sure the Izana branch manager could use your help.

Count me out. I'm a swordsman, not a businessman.

But...I guess I could lend a hand at the dojo from time to time.

Haha! I'll take it! But honestly, I do want to keep you two close, especially because you don't fully trust my methods.

You mean...you want us to stop you if you go off the rails?

Hah hah! You really are a funny one, Aldo. I want you close so I can prove to you that what I'm doing is right.

And because I want to show you the future as I see it.

Well, if that's the case, I wouldn't mind seeing it close-up.

Hah. I look forward to it.

That aside, though...

Put more effort into being a good husband to Akane and less on being a good merchant for a change.

Or shall I join them in keeping an eye on you?

B-Brother...

Day in and day out, it's always "Akane this" or "Akane that." Doesn't "Shigure" matter at all?

Of course not.

I think the answer is obvious.

......

Haha!