Chief of the Nine Territories, Shuza (Story 1: Tales of Destiny, Blade of Carnage)
The last I spoke about Shuza in any detail was almost a year ago, when he was first released. [Link]
Finally, I have an update for you on his story!
Story 1
Tales of Destiny: Blade of Carnage
Pirika:
Princess Tsuru!!
You say it’s a state of emergency?!
Princess Tsuru:
It’s the Volunteer Army!
Oh, yes it is!
It’s a true state of emergency!
In fact, the dragon of calamity has awaken from its slumber!!
Phoena:
The dragon of calamity?
What’s that?
Princess Tsuru:
“At the depths of the volcano sleeps a dragon that brings forth catastrophic events”
“When the dragon stirs, the ground shakes and, should it yawn, the mountain will spew fire.”
…It’s a Territories legend that has been passed on throughout the ages
I had always thought that was only a fairy tale aimed at children…
Pirika:
You mean there’s really a dragon sleeping in the volcano?!
Princess Tsuru:
Yes… We hadn’t believed it at first but now that it has appeared before us, we can only accept its existence
To make things worse, the dragon of calamity has brought with it swathes of creatures.
It’s truly the greatest incident of the Nine Territories!!
Pirika:
It sure seems like it…
So, what can we do to help?
Princess Tsuru:
… Go talk to Shuza
Right now, the dragon is ravaging the First Territory
Phoena:
Got it!
Pirika:
Tsukamu-kun, let’s head to the First Territory!
Dragon of Calamity:
Graaaaaawr!!
Shuza:
Huh. The dragon from the legends..
It seems he’s awakened from a long nap and has plenty of energy to spare.
.. however, the Nine Territories belong to me.
I won’t let a large* lizard bring devastation to this land.
(Translator’s note: He technically says “large-ish” but it didn’t suit his tone of voice)
If you have energy to spare, I’ll play.
Come on, bring it on!
Dragon of Calamity:
Graaaaaawr!!
<battle>
Creatures:
Aaawrrrrrrrr…
First Territory Soldier A:
Lance wielders, to the front!
We’ll stop the creatures from advancing!
First Territory Soldier B:
Archers, fire together!!
Take down as many as you can!
Pirika:
Woahh, what a fierce battle!!
Phoena:
Wow, it truly is.
As much as we’d like to track down the dragon of calamity…
Pirika:
It seems like there are too many creatures roaming around.
We can’t move ahead if we leave them as they are.
Tsukamu-kun, all we can do is fight alongside the First Territory soldiers and take them down..
First Territory Soldier A:
…It’s the Volunteer Army!
The Volunteer Army have arrived!
First Territory Soldier B:
Let us clear the way for them as Lord Shuza commanded!
Soldiers:
Roger that!!
Phoena:
Wow.. the soldiers are pushing the creatures back!
With this, we can head towards the dragon.
Pirika:
Yup, let’s hurry!
Shuza:
There you are… you sure took your time.
Pirika:
Huh?
Shuza:
I’m talking about you.
I assumed you’d want to stick your nose into our business.
Perhaps Tsuru asked you to come this way.
You’re here as reinforcement, right?
Pirika:
Y-yep.
That’s exactly the case but…
Phoena:
The other soldiers mentioned it was an order from you so you must have anticipated our arrival
Pirika:
T-trust Shuza…
So, what’s going on with the dragon of calamity?
Shuza:
If you’re looking for it, it just turned tail and ran.
Literally.
Pirika:
W-whaaaat?!
You mean you chased it away by yourself?
Shuza:
A bleary-eyed dragon isn’t even a blip on my radar.
That said, I didn’t have enough manpower to take it down for good.
Too many mobs got in my way.
That’s why I was awaiting your arrival.
…Now, Volunteer Army, follow my commands so we can take down the dragon!
Pirika:
G-got it!!
That’s pretty much what Princess Tsuru asked us to do anyway!
Tsukamu-kun, let’s cooperate with Shuza and take down the dragon* together!
(*Translator’s note: Pirika says dragon and creatures but it couldn’t be translated smoothly)
<battle>
Pirika:
Whew! That clears out most of the mobs! But…
Phoena:
Yes, even though we’ve helped, the dragon of calamity is still going strong
I wonder if Shuza will be alright getting rid of the enemy on his own…
Pirika:
Y-yeah. We should go save him!
Dragon of Calamity:
Grrrrrrrr…
Shuza:
… So here it ends.*
(*Translator’s note: Shuza’s comment is interesting because it may imply that his life is in imminent danger and he’s about to die)
Dragon of Calamity:
Graaaaaawr!!!
Pirika:
Sh-Shuza!
We’re here to sa-..
Shuza:
Unnecessary.
Pirika:
Huh?!
Dragon of Calamity:
Graaaaaawr!!!
Shuza:
… I tire of you, begone!
Dragon of Calamity:
A…?!?!
Shuza:
…Useless.
You aren’t even fit to play with.
Pirika:
H-he sliced* the dragon in an instant…
(*Translator’s note: technically says “sliced into many pieces” but I couldn’t integrate it)
Phoena:
I can’t believe it!
Even though it’s the legendary dragon…
Shuza:
Legendary would be overstating its power
Come now. This brings an end to the battle.
Raise your voices for we leave victorious!
Soldiers:
Hurrah!
Shuza:
Now then…
Chiyome!
Chiyome:
Yes, my lord.
Chiyome reporting.
Shuza:
Have you made preparations for a banquet?
The soldiers have worked hard today.
We must show them gratitude for their efforts.
…Volunteer Army, it would be best you join us.
Phoena:
Is that an invitation for us?
Shuza:
Giving thanks to soldiers is my duty as the Territory head.
The calibre of a leader is determined by their understanding of their people.
…Are you saying you will not accept my gesture?
Options:
1. Not at all. We would love to attend
2. If you don’t feed us poison, we’ll eat the plates as well
Shuza:
Heh, you truly are a commander, despite your age.
Surely you can have a drink among friends without letting down your guard.
I don’t mind whether you bring your friends along or even your weapon.
Pirika:
.. Well if you insist, we’d love to come along
Shuza:
…Chiyome, show them to their seats
Huh? You mean he’s not joining us?
Chiyome:
That’s right. Our lord is incredibly busy.
Once the battle is over, he looks through information from other Territories.
…Anyway, follow me
~~
Pirika:
Oooo~, so a First Territory Lord’s mansion really is huge!
Phoena:
And it’s decorated with such beautiful artworks…
Pirika:
Huh~, there really are so many.
Black and white pictures and things that look like words*
Phoena:
That must be the ink wash paintings and writings that the Nine Territories prides itself on.
Pirika:
I wonder if Shuza collected these himself?
Chiyome:
These were individually painted by Lord Shuza
Pirika:
W-whaaaaat?!
That Shuza did?!
But Shuza’s always fighting, isn’t he?...
Chiyome:
Our lord is also quite gifted in the arts
Furthermore, his swordsmanship is one of the best in history while his tactical skills are unrivalled
Not only does our lord excel in calligraphy, he is skilled in other artforms too.
Shuza:
…Chiyome, have you been secretly honing the ninjutsu of boasting, have you?
Chiyome:
U-uhh! Umm, my lord, this is-!
My deepest apologies….
Shuza:
Hm, ah well.
It seems like everyone has chosen to gather here.
As I, Shuza, am the one who invited you all so you may as well enjoy yourselves tonight.
Pirika:
This dish is so delicious!
Phoena:
It is. There must be a top-class chef catering for us today.
Pirika:
I suppose you can count on the First Territory leader to have such an exceptional person amongst his people. …oh~ this is nice too!
Phoena:
Pirika, don’t eat too much. Not like he heard me, though…
Shuza:
What are you doing over there, not taking part in the banquet.
There’s no poison in the food
Options:
1. An enemy might appear out of nowhere again
2. I’m just a bit weary
Shuza:
You sure are a worrywart.
…No, perhaps I should say you’re cautious
… only when necessary, young man.
What did you see when you saw me fighting the dragon?
Options:
1. Your great swordsmanship
2. The dragon’s movement
Shuza:
…I see, you truly are different from the others.
You’re likely the only one who looked at the dragon.
At times like those, were I to fail, you would have taken over and finished the deed, correct?
How foolish of you.
Like I would lose to a scaly creature.
That said, hold your head high and steel yourself for what’s to come.
Are you not used to banquets such as these?
Or is it that…
… what is it you see?
Options:
1. The cup of sake in Shuza’s hand
2. The sword at Shuza’s waist
Shuza:
Have you heard the story of previous Territory heads that used the skulls of their enemies as cups for their sake?
That kind of intimidation tactic doesn’t work on you, right?
… It seems like you haven’t had a sip of alcohol tonight.
You haven’t had a drop of alcohol and your other hand rests at the hilt of your blade-
It seems you’ve noticed, young man.
Options:
1. …That’s right
2. What are you talking about?
Shuza:
Heh, I will, at the very least, recognise your courage.
However, it doesn’t seem as though your friends have come to realise
That this room* is surrounded by my subordinates.
(*Translator’s note: he refers to this room as a zashiki which is a traditional Japanese room with tatami mats)
Pirika:
Omnomnom… huh?
What did you say?
Shuza:
I have just informed you that my subordinates are surrounding this room.
Pirika:
W-why would you do such a thing?!
Shuza:
The likes of that legendary dragon have not settled my thirst for battle.
I’ll quench it through a showdown with you lot.
Phoena:
N-no way!
To fight without reason…
Shuza:
Silence!
The Nine Territories is the land of ogres where we seek carnage.
We live to battle and we fight to the end. That is the trail of carnage.
When I encounter an ogre, I will take it down,
And if I encounter a dragon, that too will be taken down. That is my way of living.
Young man, you as the leader of the Volunteer Army and an indomitable spirit
Surely, you won’t refuse my request.
Option:
1. Sure, I’ll take on your challenge.
2. Bring it on, I’ll play with you.
Shuza:
Saving the world? You sure talk big talk.
If you want that to come to fruition, hit me with all you’ve got!
Pirika:
Tsukamu-kun…
You’ll be right!
Phoena:
Yes, let’s believe in him!
Shuza:
You people (of the Volunteer Army) sure are interesting.
Let’s have a match, you and my subordinates!
You can’t tell at a glance but you guys are stronger than you seem, however, my subordinates won’t lose to yours on strength alone!
<battle>
Pirika:
We finally took down his subordinates but…
Where are Tsukamu-kun and Shuza?
Phoena:
It seems the battle hasn’t ended yet!
Shuza:
Destruction*!!
(*Translator’s note: not sure if it’s supposed to be punny but it sounds like “ha”, the sound you make when you vocalise how much strength you’re putting in)
Heh, not nearly enough (to beat me)!!
His will to fight is decent and we’ve been on the verge of life or death many times over, however,
That’s insufficient!
Pirika:
Oh no! His blade was knocked away!
…b-but!!
Phoena:
That’s right!
We believe in you…*
(*Translator’s note: Original Phoena’s phrase when you does her special!)
Shuza:
… A heart that doesn’t lose hope and tenacity in battle are attributes of a great hero.
However, anyone can hold strong. That alone doesn’t win battles.
Believe in yourself and win one battle at a time and, before long, you will be known as a hero.
…Never forget that, young man.
I’ve lost interest now. That will be all for today.
Pirika:
Oh, Shuza put his weapon away!
…W-what does that mean?
Shuza:
Did I not tell you that this was a game?
Hey, young man and the lady
Pirika:
You mean us?!
Phoena:
W-what might it be?
Shuza:
Do you know what we ogres dislike most as appreciators of carnage?
Pirika:
Erm… to lose?
Phoena:
Perhaps it’s when your aspirations are crushed?
Shuza:
No, that’s not it..
Young man, do you know what it is?
Options:
1. When you run out of people to fight* (The word he uses is “play”)
2. When you lack a rival
Shuza: Hahaha, that’s absolutely right!
To always be the best is absolutely devastating.
That is why our land is divided into nine territories…
So that we can continue battling forevermore.
Young man… you are aware of how tough the path you’ve chosen for yourself is, are you not?
If you intend to continue down this path of carnage and destruction, you will someday become a warrior worthy to be my opponent
For now, however, you lack experience.
But despite this, you still battle opponents that are beyond your capabilities. That is naievity on your part.
If you die in a ditch in a land unknown, you will never become a rival worthy of me.
For this reason, if you’re every fighting a strong opponent, call my name.
Pirika:
D-does that mean he’ll help the Volunteer Army out?
Shuza:
Help?
No, I simply seek strong warriors.
… got it, young man?
If you no longer have the qualities to lead as the commander of the Volunteer Army, I will take them in!
Keep in mind, the road we take is that of carnage so brace yourself.
Options:
1. I’ll train harder so I can overtake you
2. It’s strength I’ll need anyway to protect everyone.
Shuza:
Haha! So you’re saying you’ll defeat me in battle?
Excellent, I look forward to the day!
Don’t let me down, Tsukamu!
More to come (: