Part 186

Learn about Senji Tome, Marume Nagayoshi, and Yagyu Sekishusai in Nioh 3. Discover Tome's blacksmithing skills and the Taisha school.

Senji Tome is the granddaughter of Senji Muramasa, a legendary swordsmith from Ise province (present-day Mie prefecture). She has been initiated into the Muramasa teachings and is a remarkably skilled blacksmith and appraiser. With Muramasa's whereabouts currently unknown, she is running the forge in his absence, continuing the tradition of fine Muramasa blades. It is said that if a Muramasa sword is thrust into a river, fallen leaves will spontaneously be drawn to it and sliced in two. This mysterious power may be what sparked the rumors that Muramasa are "evil" swords that can draw their victims to them.

Women are not usually permitted in blacksmith forges, as Kanayago-kami, the goddess of fire, earth, and death to whom all smithies are sacred, is said to frown on the presence of any other women there. The Muramasa family, however, have their own Amrita-based techniques and their own rules, and Tome has always worked alongside the men at the forge.

Tome lost her sight in one eye at a young age due to sparks flying during blacksmithing work. The gods of the forge in Japanese mythology, Amatsumara and Ame-no-mahitotsu-no-kami, were also said to have only one eye each.

Tome showed her genius for blacksmithing at a young age, and is expected by the family to eventually surpass even her grandfather as a swordsmith. She has mastered the Amrita techniques, including reforging and soul-matching (methods of improving gear), and is already showing signs of becoming a true master of the craft. However, her grandfather remains reluctant to recognize her as fully versed in the family's teachings.

Marume Nagayoshi was a military tactician based in Kyushu. Other names he was known by include "Marume Kurando" and "Tessai". He learned swordsmanship from Kamiizumi Nobutsuna, master of the Shinkage style, and was so prized by Nobutsuna as a pupil that he assisted his master in demonstrating the style before the shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiteru. He later became a roaming warrior, inventing his own Taisha school of swordsmanship and acting as counselor to the Sagara clan and others.

The Taisha school is a practical technique that does not rely on fixed forms. It encompasses not only weapons like swords, spears, and axes, but also horseriding, stealth, and foreign wrestling. Known as the greatest style under heaven, it has gathered many adherents from around Kyushu. Even Tachibana Muneshige is a student of the style.

The Taisha school is particularly popular among generals in Bizen province (today's Saga and Nagasaki prefecture), where Nagayoshi went to teach the style himself. Because it encompasses all kinds of weapons, the school is popular not only among warriors but also townspeople and farmers at every level of society throughout Kyushu.

Nagayoshi had no interest in social advancement, political power, or anything except making his name as a swordsman. Nevertheless, he was broad-minded and curious about new things, and it is said that he took an interest in the tea ceremony and traditional dance as well as sparring. Intrigued by foreign cultures, he treats William without prejudice.

Yagyu Sekishusai, real name Muneyoshi, is a swordsman from Yamato province (present-day Nara prefecture). He is a disciple of Kamiizumi Nobutsuna and skilled in various schools including Toda and Shinto. He also became the designated heir to the Shinkage style, of which there could be only one per province. Sekishusai is interested in nothing but the sword, and puts himself through grueling training sessions each night, sparring with Tengu (mythological creatures) and the like. As a result, however, he is said to have learned how to face an opponent entirely unarmed, steal their weapon, and defeat them.

Entering the service of Matsunaga Hisahide, Sekishusai acted as...