The Elusive Samurai

The year is 1333, Kamakura. Tokiyuki Hojo, the rightful heir to the regent who rules the Kamakura shogunate, is a kind boy with a heart of gold who dislikes conflict – even though he’s the son of a warrior.

Takauji Ashikaga, once considered the guardian of the Kamakura shogunate, stages a rebellion that led to its quick destruction. Tokiyuki’s older brother, Kunitoki, successfully evades the eyes of the warriors loyal to Takauji, and he is placed under the care of their uncle, Muneshige Godaiin.

Tokiyuki risks his life and wins a game of tag, defeating the enemy who betrayed his brother, their uncle, Muneshige. Unable to shake off his suspicions about Yorishige, Tokiyuki cannot find the true meaning behind the lessons and what he is urged to learn.

Tokiyuki spends his days undergoing strenuous training to perfect his sword techniques – something he’s told to do to take back Kamakura for himself. However, everyone was surprised by how weak his swordsmanship was. It turns out that Tokiyuki was much better with another weapon: the bow.

Tokiyuki faces off against Sadamune in a dog-shooting competition, even though his opponent excels with the bow and possesses an almost prodigy-like eye for detail. With a large lead in points, Tokiyuki faces defeat as he gets hit.

Genba Kazama is a thief who can freely shape-shift and change his appearance. He often makes light of his enemies using various skills and techniques. Tokiyuki and Genba sneak into the Ogasawara's residence and successfully infiltrate the warehouse where the Emperor’s Imperial Command is kept.

Tokiyuki reigns in the new year for the first time in Suwa. As the chaos from the downfall lulls throughout the country, skirmishes still break out here and there, and another crisis knocks on Suwa’s doors.

The Elusive Warriors make their way to Nakayama Manor. There, Tokiyuki meets a young boy named Fubuki. In a village where Ogasawara and his forces killed all the grown-ups, Fubuki took charge and continually looked after all the children who were left in the aftermath.

The Elusive Warriors engage in a fierce battle with the Seigi Party, a group spearheaded by Shokan himself. Stuck in a small chamber and faced with opponents wearing armor, Tokiyuki uses the “escape” technique he learned from Fubuki to face off against General Shokan.

Yorishige tells Tokiyuki there are times when he cannot see the future. Since many rely on his reputation and power as a god, he must keep this shortcoming hidden. He asks Tokiyuki for help, and together, they try every idea, one by one, in hopes of restoring Yorishige's holy power.

The imperial court assigns a new provincial official for Shinano: Shinanonokami Kiyohara. Kiyohara did not hesitate to wield his power over people. He was considered a corrupt provincial official who made the people living in his territory suffer.

Hoshina and his army decide to retreat from Kawanakajima after hearing what Tokiyuki and Saemontaro Shinomiya, a Suwa Sect warrior, had to say. But Kiyohara is evil and crafty – he won’t let this slide without a fight.

9.5 - "The Elusive Samurai - S01"