#Noriyuki Usagi yojimbo

[untilsfe]

Usagi Yojimtober Day 27 - River

It always appeared to me that Noriyuki has a similar age to Tsuruichi (Mifune's son) before he died. Maybe just a little younger. And well, we see along the saga how Noriyuki gets older and I wonder, how would have been if they got to grow up together...? One of this silly thoughts of mine.

Tomoe and Usagi were supposed to watch them,,, they got distracted ONE second lol

In an alternative universe where Lord Mifune and Lord Mataichi were really close friends and therefore their sons too.

[scouting4love]

I'm at work, Usagi posting on company time....as always

[umhuhwellthen]

Do you think Usagi ever has to quell his dad instincts around Lord Noriyuki because

That's a lord, a young lord, but a lord nonetheless and it would be very rude

That's his friend and ally and treating him like a kid would be seen as an insult and not viewing him as a peer/someone of higher standing than him

Tomoe Ame would kick his ass for the perceived slight against her lord

Bonus: Since Usagi's naturally gifted with kids and some seem to even gravitate towards him do you think Lord Noriyuki ever has to hold in the urge to see Usagi in a fatherly light? Like dad vibes so potent going to make him act like the child he never got to be and aw dang I made myself sad now (⁠￣⁠ヘ⁠￣⁠;⁠)

[life-set-to-random]

Usagi is very tactical. If he cares about you, he will subconsciously touch you in the most innocent and sincere way. 💙🐇🐢🐼

[reviilo]

is it possible to considerate usagi yojimbo versions in 87', 03' and 12' as canon UY multiverses?

[pizzazz-party]

lord noriyuki is so much like his father. an advisor will whisper in either of their fucking ears and they’ll almost instantly go “nice!” and just go along with whatever just got suggested.

pictured below: tomoe getting screwed over by both of their whims in under five minutes.

[dogwithglasses]

A person in a fb group I’m in is doing a raffle for a signed & sketched in Albedo #3 and if I am somehow chosen as the winner I am gonna flip out

[usagi-yojimbo-fanworks-archive]

"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..."

[gelu-the-babosa-multiversal]

More sketches for my fan Usagi Yojimbo interaction where Jotaro finds a Leo.

Usagi x Leonardo of course, is a crazy old married couple that travels trought the multiverse.

Master Katsuichi, the one who takes care of and trains Jotaro, becomes one of his main protectors after Jotaro is cursed by the ¨The No Name¨ Yokai. Sasuké comes from time to time helping with the curse, doing all he can but he has no way to fix this. Not even trying to absorb the curse seems to work.

Yukichi abandoned his journy to help his first-cousin Jotaro. When he learned what happen to him and the fact that Usagi had dissapeared leaving Jotaro to his own survival, Yukichi became friends with Sasuké and beg him to tell him where he could find a cure, sadly, he learned that there was no way to lift the curse. Yet, he keeps looking on anew journey.

Lord Noriyuki thoght has to fufli his daimyō dutys he will always find ime to spend time with Jotaro. They both became friends from a young age thanks to Usagi's missadventures and have grown close since the former rabbit samurai dessapereance. Jotaro became family to Noriyuki, he is the brother he once wanted.

[dirtyriver]

The first episode of Usagi Yojimbo, published in the previous issue of Albedo, featured Usagi's origin by recounting Lord Mifune's final battle with Hikiji and his betrayal by General Toda.

This second episode introduces Tomoe and Noriyuki, and all the pieces are in place for 40 years of comics. Masterful.

"Lone Rabbit and Child!" in Albedo #3, April 1985, by Stan Sakai

[iv3lostcontrolofmylif3]

2012 Usagi -a rant.

You're going to get some major grumpage cuz it's been a long week and I am TIRED of bullshit. Strap yourselves in kids..

I love how people just automatically assumed this guy is a pee-paw by literally nothing else but his voice alone.

Like yes, it's deeper than Jason Griffith's voice, but that doesn't make the character 40 years old. Young people can have a deep fucking voice guys, it's known to happen.

People fucking panicking over 'WHaT AgE iS UsAGi ThO?!"

Whatever age you want him to be! It's left up to interpretation for a fucking reason! RELAX!

If you want him to be an adult and his relationship with Leo is purely that of friendship or even mentorship, FINE!

If you want him to be a teen just like Leo, his balls just happened to drop a little further than Seth Green's? FINE!

For fucks sake guys, Rob was in his 60's when he voiced Donnie, but no one gives a shit when he's paired with every feasible character out there. Literally none of the iterations of the turtles thus far, movies, shows, whatever, have 'sounded' like they were played by an actual child. they all had adult voices.

"BuT iN tHe CoMIcs hE hAs A cHild oUt of WEdlOCK?!"

Yes. In the comics. which is NOWHERE mentioned in 2012. We get a little classic Usagi lore, but nothing about a son, nothing about his other companions he's made during the course of the comics, frankly the only thing familiar about 2012 Usagi is himself , Jei, and the tokage lizards. (They even make up some weird Samurai chick we're supposed to believe Usagi knows, when they could have easily made it Tomoe Ame or Chizu. Kintaro could have been Noriyuki. I'm legit curious why this was a necessity, does anyone know? was it a copyright thing? how'd they get Usagi but not Tomoe??)

Even then, 'in the comics', His age is STILL never confirmed! Learn to live with it! The closest we get is Stan essentially shrugging and pointing at the mid twenties range like 'sure let's go with that.'

Also, fun fact, apparently samurai could be as young as 13 FUCKING YEARS OLD when they went to battle for the first time. Usagi was probably Leo's age during the wars and when he served as Yojimbo to Mifune. He was probably that young when he and Mariko conceived Jotaro. Whatever you think of it, it's history. It was known to happen.

I respect that certain iterations of a ship don't appeal to everyone, if you just don't like it because you personally interpret the character one way, that's valid. But policing an entire ship and anyone else who ships it because of an assumption YOU made is the dumbest fucking hill to die on, honestly. And a pointless one

In the words of a wise Fury

"I recognize that the fandom has made a decision- but given it's a STUPID ASS decision, I've elected to IGNORE it."

[acespeon]

btw Usagi’s timeline in Dirty Paws kinda looks like this:

6-10: trains under Katsuichi-sensei, returns to the school he attended with Mariko and Kenichi and bests Kenichi in single combat

11-13: retainer for Mifune, grows closer to Mariko

14: WAR, sees Mifune die and escapes with and buries his head, begins life as a ronin (Jotaro is born sometime here)

15: 1st Battle Nexus chasing death, defends Splinter from Drako

16-17: traveling his Japan, meets Gennosuke and several other Yojimbo characters like Tomoe Ame and Noriyuki

18: 2nd Battle Nexus, meets Leo

19: Leo lands in 2nd Earth, Real World pts 1/2 and Samurai Tourist happen

20: you are here

[umhuhwellthen]

Uhhhh

Usagi Yojimbo

Fake Marriage AU:

Tomoe Ame x Usagi x Mariko x Kenichi

LISTEN LISTEN HEAR ME OUT OKAY

You know how that one advisor/vassal bastard whatever-his-name-is that convinced Noriyuki to marry off Mariko(lords could pick out spouses for their samurai)

What if...some staff in the court heard this plot and alerted Tomoe Ame before the fucker could bring it up to Noriyuki

And she's like fuck the only way I can think to get out of any arranged marriage is by being married but who can I...

Like always our boy Miya popping up at either the worst or best times possible

Now I don't know what logical loops Tomoe Ame goes through for asking Usagi plus his childhood friends to marry her but even though I don't know the why I know the what and how so let's get this AU rolling

She asks Usagi to take her with to visit his hometown for...reasons, yeah... And when they get there she goes dogeza(because girl is desperate and knows that lil shit gunning for her position will not only do a shit job as Noriyuki's right hand but definitely has the vibes of turncoat for self-preservation and so she needs this marriage) asking them to marry her

And they're like um, who are you asking????

Because the way they're positioned it looks like she's proposing to Kenichi, who is y'know married to Mariko(i wanted this to be pre-marriage but then i remembered Jotaro so sacrifices must be made for best boi)

And she doubles down "the three of you, a polyandrous marriage."

"WHAT!?"-childhood friends gang

Then she explains how it's to prevent a plot to weaken her lords court etc etc maybe some other stuff too to convince Kenichi and Mariko(Usagi is always down to help his friends, he's lied to shogunate spies and cops to protect himself or his buddies, ride or die)

A (reluctant) agreement is made and they do the wedding

Now it's basically

Mariko: Bi-crisis ⁄⁠(⁠⁄⁠ ⁠⁄⁠•⁠⁄×⁄⁠•⁠⁄⁠ ⁠⁄⁠)⁠⁄ women...hot?????(living out her teenage fantasy)

Kenichi: Bi-crisis(Demisexual) (⁠‘///◉⌓⁠◉⁠///’) people outside of Mariko... hot?????USAGI HOT????? [Mariko was the only person he had ever had romantic or sexual attraction too so he assumed she was the only one for him, turns out if she hadn't been his first crush and thus birthing a rivalry with Usagi he would've developed a crush on him too, his type is strong sense of duty and good with a sword]

Usagi: Outwardly= worried about Tomoe's situation and how long this good thing will last before it's snatched away like all the things he's ever loved. (⁠・⁠–⁠・⁠;) Inwardly=YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHH!!! every secret desire and teenage fantasy is coming alive. \(⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)/ (huh, so I did have a crush on Kenichi back then...)

Tomoe: ya girl is STRESSED. Having to deal with political scheming, making sure her charade isn't found out, making sure that box she locked up her feelings for Usagi with stays buried deep, AND whatever blossoming feelings she has for his childhood friends because Oh No They're Hot (what is in the water for them all to turn out like this)

Jotaro is out here living his best life, finally getting the two dads he wanted PLUS a cool new mom?? SIGN HIM THE FUCK UP!!!

In summation: Tomoe Ame is living in drama/action/romance anime while everyone else is in a romance/comedy/slice of life anime

Endgame is polycule and Tomoe Ame being confused over how things ended up like this

Tomoe Ame tops them

EDIT: Tomoe's type is cringefail losers, the boys are for obvious reasons but you better believe I'm counting Mariko as one, look at the whole Jotaro reveal situation and say she made no cringefail moves

It's fine now tho, Jotaro gets his two cakes in the end with bonus free desert (does this metaphor even work)

Deberían decir gracias a @ranarenee por la inspiración indirecta para esto

Specifically this Art

[aoyagi-wakazashi]

i never make sideblogs, but i've realized i want a place to put my usagi-specific interests. so here is that place.

my main info can be found on my main blog, but for quick reference, hi, my name's danger, i use they/them pronouns (and also some neopronouns.)

i'll probably use this account to post analysis, reblog cool art, and basically anything else related to usagi yojimbo. anything nsfw will be tagged as such, and suggestive posts will be tagged 'nsfw ish'.

as of writing this, i am in the middle of volume three of usagi yojimbo.

(list of tags for search purposes under the cut)

[analysis] analysis character analysis (character name) analysis -> i.e. 'miyamoto usagi analysis' meta analysis my analysis not my analysis plot analysis usagi yojimbo analysis writing -> see "writing" section

[art] art (character name) art -> i.e. 'miyamoto usagi art' my art not my art (tumblr username) art -> i.e. '@/dangerous-advantage art'

[characters] chizu gen jei jotaro katsuichi kitsune lone goat and kid lord noriyuki mariko miyamoto usagi sanshobo tomoe ame usagi yojimbo (character name) -> i.e. 'usagi yojimbo miyamoto usagi'

[general] analysis -> see "analysis" section art -> see "art" section funny stuff image long post spoilers technically not usagi text txt usagi yojimbo usagi yojimbo spoilers uy writing -> see "writing" section

[writing] analysis -> see "analysis" section (character name) writing -> i.e. 'miyamoto usagi writing' drabbles fic recs fics my writing not my writing usagi yojimbo fic recs usagi yojimbo fics writing

[reviilo]

@zeromarker it has been some time since I've watched sruc, but these are the points I remember:

• why usagi is mostly know by being a yokai hunter? he literally didn't like to mess up with spirits unless they were a threat to someone (sasuke fills this role much better), and what about all the other things he did? fighting in adachigahara, help the geishu clan, being involved with grasscutter etc?

• the show messed up usagi's given and family names

• what happened with the whole drama "miyamoto is jotaro's biological dad but kenichi raised him" since yuichi only seems to know he's miyamoto's descendant?

• what they did to komori and mogura ninjas is unforgivable and disrespectful

• I personally don't enjoy the main group dynamics as much as I do in the comics

• I really REALLY dislike the plot twist of "interdimensional aliens trying to dominate the world". there's literally no fucking connection to the main comic 😭 and althought they could use space usagi to connect things, they DO NOT. It felt so generic to me, specially when you remember that jei and lord hikiji were supposed to be the main villains

• if they made up new versions of gen, kitsune and chizu, why don't expand that? tomoe, noriyuki, zato-ino, inazuma and many others great characters who could have been well used

• WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK is the ki stone and the kaikishi? they were just made up for the show specifically and honestly, feels boring to me

• being the first audiovisual adaptation of usagi yojimbo, I don't think a childish show with an original plot was a great idea

guys i please ask y'all to not tag "samurai rabbit the usagi chronicles" or anything related to that show in my usagi yojimbo posts

the tags are already messed up because of leosagi thing and people didn't know to distinguish miyamoto and yuichi

not to mention that i'm definitely not a fan of that show, so pls respect

[pizzazz-party]

QUESTION inspector ishida is a little old man and it is very possible that the Tokugawa shogunate is less than ten years old present day. So we are only about ten years out of the constant warfare of the Sengoku period. What was Ishida doing during the Sengoku wars.