The Elusive Samurai (逃げ上手の若君)

It's morning, Big Brother. Time to get up.

You go on without me. I'm tired from battle and I want to sleep.

No can do. I have to comb and tie your hair back.

And if you don't get up, Father will just keep nuzzling you.

I'll get up.

How pretty. Even after an intense battle, it's not damaged.

You received the name "Tokiyuki" during your genpuku ceremony,

but you never cut your hair as part of becoming an adult, did you?

Because all the important retainers told me not to cut it just yet.

My brother never listened and went and cut his own hair anyway.

It's so annoying to maintain.

Was he not supposed to?

Long hair is a symbol of good luck, Shizuku.

Good luck?

Hair that has never been cut represents purity.

Children are said to possess holy powers,

and a child whose hair has never been cut

is the absolute embodiment of all that is auspicious.

Which is why I have left your hair uncut.

Warriors are particularly drawn to anything

that brings them good luck on the battlefield.

A child with such long, luxurious hair leading an army

is sure to strengthen warriors' hearts.

But if you are to become the lord of the realm,

you cannot remain with a child's long hair forever.

Lord Tokiyuki.

If you do manage to reclaim the throne…

Um…

Would it be all right if I cut your hair?

Of course.

If he cuts my hair, that would make him my eboshi-oya. My genpuku sponsor.

I don't really mind either way.

At times, it feels like he has me in the palm of his hand.

He can be selfish, and somewhat of a dictator.

He's annoying when he tells me to "Study, study, study."

He does hold me in his arms sometimes.

And at times, he'd drop everything and come to rescue me.

I see.

At some point, I…

Ouch!

Hey, you. Don't let all this special treatment

go to your head just because you're a Hojo kid.

They made me a god. That means I'm better than you.

Oh, my. Lord Tokiyuki.

My apologies for not being able to visit more often.

SON OF YORISHIGE SUWA TOKITSUGU SUWA

Mr. Tokitsugu. It's been a while.

I take it this is your first time meeting my son? This is Yoritsugu.

What's the matter, Yoritsugu? Have you introduced yourself yet?

Yes, Father dear.

I was so nervous because I finally got to meet Lord Tokiyuki, whom I admire so much.

I just blurted out a greeting, and I think I startled him a little.

I must have startled him a little.

Where are your manners?

Please forgive him, Lord Tokiyuki.

Come! Let's go see Grandpapa together!

I was shocked when I heard that Mr. Yorishige had a grandson, but…

What does he mean they "made him a god"? Actually, before that…

GRANDSON OF YORISHIGE SUWA YORITSUGU SUWA

Let's get this straight once and for all.

A god versus the Hojo… Who outranks who?

He's a grouch! He's a cantankerous, crusty, little grouch!

THE ELUSIVE SAMURAI

TWO YEARS AGO

You're so cute, Yoritsugu!

One day you will inherit all of Suwa and become a marvelous god!

Until two years ago, I was destined

to be the leading figure of Suwa's future.

It's the Hojo child!

The young Hojo lord has escaped and made his way to us!

Oh, the poor Young Lord!

Come, Lord Yoritsugu. Let's go and welcome the Young Lord.

I'm… fine.

You made it!

You've traveled a long way. You must be tired.

I've prepared a meal for you. Come. This way.

Young Lord! Quickly! This way!

You're passing on your role as a god?

That's right.

I've already left most of my duties as a god to my son, Tokitsugu.

But I'd like to consolidate everything under my grandson, Yoritsugu, instead.

So that's what he meant when he said they "made him a god."

To think… such a young child inheriting such a role…

You left yourself wide open!

That doesn't mean you should nuzzle me!

He gets bigger and better nuzzles than I ever got.

And why do you get to sit next to Grandpapa anyway?

That should be my spot!

Well then, Mr. Yorishige. I think I'll be off for now.

Don't be so quick to run away. You'll make me sad.

Just a little more?

Please stop pawing all over me!

He gets more aggressive pawing and tickles than I ever got.

Why do you get to hog Grandpapa's love?

First, I must open Grandpapa's eyes to reality.

THUD

Well, Lord Tokiyuki,

I'd like us to get to know each other more.

Please make me your favorite!

Lord Tokiyuki! What have you done?

No, I… He just…

He was the same when we met earlier.

I don't think Lord Tokiyuki likes me very much…

When I went to introduce myself, he grabbed me by the collar…

I'm a Hojo.

There is no one in Suwa above me.

Face me in a showdown tomorrow. The loser will be exiled.

That's what he said to me. I didn't want to, but I accepted his challenge.

Lord Tokiyuki! I had no idea you've been hiding such a menacing side!

Lord Tokiyuki. Apologize. Apologize, now!

Hey! In what world would I ever say something like that?

There's more.

Someday, I'm going to kill that Yorishige.

The way he shines so bright is such an eyesore.

He said.

That is terrible. Lord Tokiyuki. Apologize. To me.

I would never say that! And who was that supposed to be?

But it's okay. Lord Tokiyuki is the last shining light of the Hojo.

If I must be exiled, there could be

no greater honor than to receive his judgment.

And so, Lord Tokiyuki, I will see you tomorrow for our showdown.

Don't you dare run away.

I will see to it that you never set foot in these lands again.

Good grief. You know it's not nice to go around threatening children.

Right, Lord Tokiyuki?

Please. I beg your forgiveness, Lord Tokiyuki.

Yoritsugu must also be at fault here.

After all, he can be rather ignorant to the ways of the world.

Yes. That's right. Y-Yes, exactly. Let's just let this slide on both sides.

You two. Sit down.

You do know he was lying just now, right?

Yes.

And you do know that my poor thigh took the brunt of it?

We were feigning ignorance.

As a freeloader, I know that I'm encroaching on his space.

In fact, I feel sorry for Yoritsugu.

However,

and I hope you can forgive my forwardness,

but if his precious father and grandfather continue to tolerate such behavior,

don't you think he'll grow up to become the sort of god

who wouldn't hesitate to bring people down?

Please forgive our lack of manners. We are truly ashamed.

We feel… guilty when it comes to the child.

Guilty?

For the sake of his father and grandfather,

he has been made to shoulder such a heavy burden

and at such a young age.

Should the Arahitogami fall in battle,

the entirety of Suwa Grand Shrine would cease to exist.

As my father and I are to join the great war, we must entrust Yoritsugu,

who has no involvement in the fighting, with the role of god.

I see. So that's why he had to become a god at such a young age.

But it is as you say, Lord Tokiyuki.