usagi-yojimbo-fanworks-archive

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NO FUCKING WAY

USAGI YOJIMBO HUMBLE BUNDLE???

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Elsa Charretier: Usagi Yojimbo

Source: Bryan Clark (comicartfans)

Elsa Charretier - Usagi, in Bryan Clark's Usagi Yojimbo Comic Art Gallery Room

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I have no idea exactly how to do this but if anyone’s interested in taking over this blog please reach out

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usagi yojimbo blinkie !!!!!! i love this series

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The blog is officially going on hiatus

This blog has never really been active, and it pains me that I never made it what I wanted it to be. However, my Usagi Yojimbo hyperfixation is long gone and I simply don’t find myself invested enough to do archives at the moment. I might come back to this blog eventually, but for now, it’s staying quiet. I might make a post compiling resources for folks to do their own searching soon, though!

Thank you all :)

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3 Usagis

These where commissioned by @nightlybirdie

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So sad that I cannot find the hd version of this but it's still amazing I love it

it's titled "Jotaro's introduction to fighting" I'm so ♥︎♥︎

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Random Chizu doodle <3

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I dont often see fanart of Tomoe even tho shes super badass, so i took matters into my own hands

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Made a gif cos I was bored

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forgot to post these here sorry gamers

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Got it!!! @bobtheacorn @pizzazz-party

Happy reading :}

*grabbing the fandom by the scruff of the neck and shaking it* where is the Usagi Yojimbo fanfic that ISN’T crossed over with tmnt???????

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I will grab it for y’all once I’m home!! The site’s down but archive.org has it preserved (mostly)

There is some non-crossover fics on ao3 (proud to say I’ve written two of em) but yeah the amount is really sadly low.

*grabbing the fandom by the scruff of the neck and shaking it* where is the Usagi Yojimbo fanfic that ISN’T crossed over with tmnt???????

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Stormy Sea Off Kanagawa by Hokusakai, by way of Usagi Yojimbo - Stan Sakai

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"Takagari" by Glenn I. Masuda

Original Description: A contest of Hawk-hunting or "Takagari" between Noriyuki and Hikiji turns to a lesson of honor and respect... Date originally archived: April 24, 2001 URL: Internet Archive

It is a beautiful spring day, the trees and flowers are in full bloom, and winter's harshness has been long forgotten. Standing in a field, nearby a lake stand three figures. A ronin wearing the "mon" of the Mifune clan stands with a female samurai, who wears the clan crest of the Geishu. With them is a young, short and somewhat cuddly-looking young lord. They admire the beauty of the country-side. Usagi, Tomoe Ame and Lord Noriyuki are out on a "takagari" . Usagi is present at Noriyuki's request. There is to be a contest, set up by the Shogun, between the house of Lord Hikiji and the house of Lord Noriyuki. Although the contest is meant to be a sporting event, much honor is at stake, as the winner would surely win favor in the imperial court. During the time of the Shogun, hawk-hunting was very much in fashion, and every local lord kept predatory birds for the pleasure of catching other birds. It was generally prohibited for a private person to keep a hawk.

Trusting in Usagi's courage, honesty, knowledge, cunning and skill, Lord Noriyuki has asked him to work with Tomoe to assure that the proceedings are not sabotaged by agents of Lord Hikiji. "We are honored that you will be able to participate in the ‘takagari Usagi-san.’" says Lord Noriyuki. "It is I who is honored, Lord Noriyuki." says the ronin, bowing humbly to the young Geishu lord.

Usagi was somewhat hesitant, yet intrigued by the idea of a "takagari". He has heard of such things, but had never been to one, as those were usually reserved for members of royalty or other powerful people, such as courtiers and lords in the feudal days of Japan. As the group walks back towards the Geishu castle, Tomoe tells Usagi of the skill of the Geishu Clan hawk-keeper, and also of the skills and proficiency of the hawks in his care. As they get closer towards the castle, they approach the hawk keeping area. They come upon a man who is dressed as a hunter. He is standing, his right arm outstretched. He wears a long leather glove which covers his arm up to his elbow. Sitting on his arm is a magnificent hawk. It’s eyes gleam in the sun. It has a regal bearing and the look of a predator. It fixes it’s glare upon Usagi. Usagi-san returns the hard stare. Something mutual passes between them, fleeting, silent. Perched atop a portable stand is another bird, also a hawk. It appears to be a bit younger, but every bit as fierce looking. The hunter introduces himself. "I am Gyoza, hawk-keeper for the Geishu lord." He proudly shows his birds off to Usagi. "These are my two best birds, samurai-san. This magnificent bird is called ‘Hikari’." He points out that it’s talons are white with stripes on the underside, indicating that the bird on his arm is five years old. "The younger bird on the perch is called ‘Hirogi’." The younger bird has black talons with blue undersides, indicating that birds age to be about three years old. Gyoza beams, "We are sure to win the takagari, not even Lord Hikiji’s birds can out-hunt my beauties!"* * * * *

The hawking contest is divided into only two parties, one of house Noriyuki, the other of house Hikiji. It will take place over three days. The winner would be that party that catches the most birds. Some birds are worth more than others, (e.g., a quail would be counted as three small birds.) The hawks would often would often go after smaller birds like sparrows, buntings, thrushes, but well trained hawks could go after much larger and highly prized birds, such as herons. The greatest prize would be a "tsuru" . Cranes are especially fearful of man, and usually will not go near an inhabited area.

On the first morning of the contest, it is a beautiful, sunny spring day. The contest has been going on in earnest, yet few birds have been taken today. At this time , Lord Hikiji's party has a has a slight lead. Lord Noriyuki is concerned, but his hawk-keeper is confident he will win the day for his lord. Late in the afternoon, Hikiji’s party still has a lead. Hawk-keeper Gyoza is becoming desperate. He carries his birds close to the lake to what he believes is a flocking place for many water birds. A great noise is made by the hawk-keeper’s helpers to startle any birds which may be hiding amongst the dense water foliage. Much commotion is made, and the loud flapping of large wings is heard. Two cranes take flight! "A TSURU!" cries Gyoza. "Quite a prize!" Even though they are frightened and fleeing, the majestic birds are a awesome and beautiful sight. The hawk "Hikaru" has it’s hood removed and is set free. It takes and takes off after one of the cranes. It seems to be drawing attention to itself, away from the other crane. The crane is quick and evades the hawk at first, even taking a few swipes at it. But the hawk is relentless. It finally makes contact, connecting with the crane’s long neck with its claws. The crane valiantly flails, trying to rid itself of its attacker. The hawk is screeching angrily, unaccustomed to having it’s prey fight back. The other crane flies off, crying angrily and piteously. The crane being attacked struggles to shake off the hawk, but the hawk clings on. The hawk Hikaru appears not to be strong enough to bring down the magnificent crane by itself. The keeper sends up the second hawk "Hirogi" to help the first. Hirogi flies up above the fray, then dives down onto the crane. Soon the crane is overwhelmed, and is finally brought down to the ground with a dull thud. Gyoza runs up with a knife to finish off the crane and to cut a bit of flesh from the crane, as it is custom to give every hawk a bit of flesh from each bird it caught. The two hawks sit perched atop the downed crane, both screeching in triumph. As Usagi and the rest of the hunting party run up, they take note of the sight. The crane shows no sign of fear. It is battered, and bleeding, breathing hard. It remains disturbingly quiet, as if it were resigned to its fate. Usagi looks into the eyes of the crane. It is defiant in death, but accepting of its fate. He is moved by its calm attitude, and is reminded of how his old sensei once spoke of the proper attitude of a samurai, even when facing death.

* * * *

It is a fine summer afternoon. The days are long, and mercifully cool. A old lion with a magnificent mane so long it trails behind him, stands by a stream. His bearing is noble, yet priest-like. His clear eyes, however are that of a warrior. He wears the two swords of a samurai. He holds a tall staff, to which is attached a drinking gourd. He smiles knowingly as he watches over a young rabbit struggling fiercely with a fishing pole, and a large fish in the stream. Sweat pours off the forehead of the young rabbit. It is a master swords-man and his shugyosha. "Sensei! I don’t think I can hold on to the ‘koi’! It is too strong!" "Nonsense!" barks Katsuichi Sensei. "The Koi embodies the spirit of a samurai. Do not dishonor it by giving up so easily!" Many more minutes pass, which feel like hours for the young Usagi. Finally, exhausted, he is able to bring the strong fish onto the bank. It has fought fiercely, but now that it has been caught, it lays quietly. Usagi has gathered up a stone to strike the fish into submission, but is puzzled, then fascinated that such a fighter is now laying ever so still. Katsuichi sensei walks up to where the student is crouched over the fish. "Sensei, is the koi dead?" asks Usagi. "Fool." mutters Katsuichi sensei. "See shugyosha, how the "Koi" lays quietly? Is not like other fish. It fought like a true warrior till the very end. But when death is certain and inevitable, it faces his fate with honor and dignity." Usagi still looks upon the fish with puzzlement. Katsuichi sensei reaches down, grabs up the koi and unhooks it deftly with one motion. He then throws it back into the stream. Young Usagi cries out, "Sensei, why did you do that! You told me to catch the Koi! Weren’t we going to have it for dinner?" "Fool." Katsuichi sensei retorts quietly. "I only told you to catch the koi. To destroy a creature of such spirit symbolizing the spirit of a samurai would be a dishonor! Besides, little weevil, the meat of a koi is very musky, and unsuitable for our meal. Come." Katsuichi sensei turns away. "I have prepared a tasty meal of pickled vegetables." A bewildered Usagi looks after the koi now swimming away. He can hear Katsuichi sensei murmuring off in the distance, "Remember that many creatures of nature can teach us the true way of the samurai...."

* * * * *

The samurai-like bearing of the crane touches Usagi. "STOP!" He suddenly orders the hawk-keeper to cease his actions. Gyoza is surprised and upset. "But samurai-san, the crane is worth many birds, and Lord Noriyuki is behind in the contest!" Tomoe is also angered by Usagi's actions, concerned for the outcome of the contest. She firmly states, "Lord Noriyuki's honor is at stake, Usagi, we cannot suffer the humiliation of losing to Lord Hikiji!" Usagi, seemingly unheeding of the anger of the others, gently covers the head of the great, white bird with a cloth, then gently but firmly takes the injured bird up into his arms. It is laying very still, yet he knows it is very much alive.

Usagi carries the bird back to Lord Noriyuki's compound. The bird’s wounds are tended to and Usagi personally nurses it back to health over the next two days. In the near distance, a crane can be seen flying up high in the sky. It cries for its mate. The crane in Usagi’s keeping hears, but only looks up into the sky. The takagari continues, but Lord Noriyuki’s "team" is never able to catch up with Lord Hikiji’s takagari team. On the last day of the takagari, the crane is well enough to be released. Accompanied by Tomoe, Noriyuki and Gyoza, Usagi takes the crane back to the place where it was captured, and removes the hood. The crane looks back at Usagi momentarily. Something fleeting passes between them. It flaps it’s great wings and takes flight. The hawk keeper is looking on disapprovingly, knowing that the contest could have easily been won if Usagi had not intervened. Usagi watches the crane fly away, its wings majestically spread out in the setting sun. It is quickly and happily joined by another crane, its mate. Usagi smiles. Out of view of the hunting party, we see the crane return with its mate to its nest. In the nest we see a few eggs.

At the end of the contest, all of the Clan nobles and their retainers gather in the Shogun’s court. In court, the Shogun hears of the Crane’s story, and although the contest was won in numbers by House Hikiji, he asks that the tale of the compassion and wisdom shown by the ronin in the employ of House Noriyuki be told to him over and over again. Finally, the Shogun acknowledges that although the largest number of birds in the Takagari contest was taken by Lord Hikiji, he awards the victory to Lord Noriyuki, as he declares the capture of white crane to be counted as a actual catch. The retainers of the Hikiji clan briefly protest, but the Shogun maintains that Lord Noriyuki’s hunting party demonstrated a true understanding of the samurai spirit. The Shogun asks to speak with Usagi. Lord Noriyuki bows respectfully and says, "Regretfully, my lord, the ronin Miyamoto Usagi has already left the area. He continues his warrior pilgrimage. Although disappointed, the Shogun nods his approval.

Later, a lone ronin can be seen on a hill, watching two cranes down in their nesting area. He smiles as he remembers another piece of wisdom from his sensei. "Behold the "tsuru" Usagi, legend has it that they live for a thousand years, and that they mate for life. Many creatures of nature can teach us the true way..."

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Interview with Kodaira Hiroyuki by Guy Umeo Yamato

Original Description: Usagi's Life from a different perspective..... Date originally archived: February 8, 2001 URL: Internet Archive

(transcribed from tape #52 recorded by Dr. John Kuhner, UCLA Dept. Folklore/Mythology) (interview with subject Kodaira Hiroyuki, 1/7/69, ? province) By Guy Umeo Yamato

"...so they told you I know something of the stories of the Long Eared One, eh?"

"Well, perhaps I will tell you something, but first you put that thing away. You'll not steal my voice! Heh heh heh!"

(muffled sounds, presumably placing recorder back in case)

"Now, you probably want to hear something new, yes? The others...they have been telling you all the stories of his life...so I will tell you something no one else knows. I will tell you of his end."

"Oh yes, I know that story well for it was told to me by my grandfather when I was a boy, just as his grandfather told it to him and his before him. Right out there it was that he told me."

(annotation indicates subject pointed out toward harbor)

"I thought we were just going fishing again, but when we got out to the nets, my grandfather, he just sat back and he told me this tale."

* * *

The rain continues to pour down just as it has for the last seven days. Mist streamers, like the unquiet spirits of past warriors, flow past us in a grim parade heralding the future. This day I stand with the forces of Lord Noriyuki as we await the landing of the invaders. For two days now, we have camped here at the base of the mount, and I am beginning to hope that perhaps they won't come. Maybe the messenger from the Komori Shinobi was wrong. Maybe the gods have turned them back with the storm.

Whatever the reason, we will only wait here one more day. Many are growing restive. Especially those in Lord Hikiji's camp. They dislike being so far from home and on the land of those who until recently were enemies.

We were woken this morning by the crash of a cannon. Some had landed in the dead of last night a little to the north. They must have been pushed off course by the storm that turned back the others. Now they hold a hill behind our lines.

It is still raining so that I cannot tell what time it is, though I think it to be around noon. It has taken us until now to turn our forces and get arrayed for attack. They have not fired their devil gun since the dawn. I can not say if this is fortune or ill luck for that first shot fell upon the pavilion of Lord Noriyuki. I do not know whether he will live or not.

I go now to join the forces of Lord Hikiji. It is they who will lead the attack...

...I can hear mocking voices in the mists...

...the mud sucks at my feet like the hands of the dead...

...I will not be stopped...

...I know fear...

...

* * *

"A giant led the invaders and where he walked, the warriors fell like the rain which washed their blood down to the sea. Only one stood his ground and faced him."

"Yes, it was Miyamoto Usagi. Fully a minute they stood there facing each other across the field. What they said to one another, no one knows. Then with a scream of bitterest hatred, they rushed upon each other."

(a long pause)

"What happened then? Well, just as they met, the invader's devil gun spoke for the second and final time that day. When the smoke cleared, neither could be seen. Then the warriors of the young lord surged forward over the field. They were eager for vengeance for the harm done to him, and pushed the invaders back into the sea"

"No. No body was ever found. It is said that the young lord gave him a heroes funeral though."

"You know, there are those that say he still lives. A hermit up in those mountains they say. There are even those who claim to have seen him walking up there. I don't know, I have never seen him, but it is said that after that battle, no bandits ever troub..."

(end tape)

* * *

Towards evening, the rain lets up. By then, the last sounds of battle had died away. All that can be heard across the field is the rustling of furtive movement. The peasants and the crows have come to loot the dead of what few things they yet possess.

From the forest to the north, slowly walks a figure, bent and leaning heavily on a staff. Where he treads, the others fall silent and back away. In his wake, whispers and hurried departures.

Straight to a pile of bodies he shuffles, where he pauses to sniff the air. A single grunt is all he utters before beginning to search among the fallen. Then, straightening from his work, he lifts a single body. Turning back to the mountain, he sets the body upon his shoulders. Soon the crows return to their feast with raucous cries of joy.

* * *

Far up in the mountains, in a clearing by a still pond, there is a stone. And every year, the cherry trees blossom and fill the air with the sweet perfume of life. And every year, the blossoms fall and cover the stone. Yet still, if you brush aside the flowers, you can read the words written there.

The debt is repaid old friend Peace at last

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The original Rabbit Bodyguards Archive as captured by the Wayback Machine on February 8th, 2001. (The broken image was a link to the guestbook)