Oshi: The Tale of the Samurai

By Jessup Carnavon

In the mystical realm of 17th-century Japan, where honor and bravery are the currency of the samurai, "Oshi: The Tale of the Samurai" unfolds the riveting story of a remarkable female warrior named Oshi. This captivating tale immerses readers in a world of bandits and monstrous foes, where Oshi, a fierce and skilled samurai, stands as a beacon of courage.

Guided by her wise sensei, Yishima, Oshi navigates treacherous landscapes and faces relentless adversaries, both human and supernatural, determined to uphold the samurai code of honor. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Musaki, an obnoxious yet undeniably handsome thief whose roguish charm entangles Oshi in a web of unpredictable alliances and dangerous escapades.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessup Carnavon
• Release date: Feb 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224614134

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Amidst the hills of 1600s Japan, the picturesque village of Akayama sat nestled between thick, untamed forests. It was a peaceful village, mostly unknown to the world, until bandits began lurking on its peripheries.

The sun was just beginning to touch the horizon when Yishima, a wise and experienced samurai, walked beside his pupil, Oshi. Oshi's eyes were sharp, scanning their surroundings, her posture firm. The villagers looked at her with a mix of respect and curiosity. After all, it was not common for a woman to don the armor and wield the katana.

You seem tense, Yishima noted.

I must not fail, Oshi replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Yishima chuckled, Relax a bit, Oshi. Have you heard about the fisherman who—

I'm not interested in tales, she interrupted, her face stoic.

The elder samurai sighed. Humor is as essential in battle as skill. It keeps the spirit light.

Oshi frowned, I need focus, not distractions.

As night enveloped the village, the cold wind carried the distant sounds of horse hooves. The bandits were approaching.

A villager ran towards them, panic evident in his eyes. They're here! Bandits are coming!

Oshi stood, her grip tightening around the hilt of her katana. Prepare the villagers, Yishima. I'll hold the frontline.

But Oshi—

She cut him off with a nod, her determination clear.

Facing the oncoming threat, Oshi stood alone at the village entrance. A group of five bandits on horseback appeared, their leader, a burly man with a scar across his face, sneered at the sight before him.

A lone woman? Is this all Akayama offers for defense? he jeered.

Oshi's eyes were cold. Leave, and no blood needs to be spilled.

The bandit leader laughed, You amuse me. Attack her!

The first bandit charged, blade ready. With swift precision, Oshi sidestepped and slashed, her opponent crumpling to the ground. The other bandits hesitated.

The leader, gritting his teeth, shouted, Don't be fooled by her! Attack together!

The remaining bandits charged in unison. Oshi moved with grace and finesse, her blade dancing in the moonlight, deflecting and countering each assault. One by one, they fell until only the leader remained.

You might have skill, but you lack humor, he mocked, trying to rattle her.

Oshi, unflinching, replied, I may not understand jokes, but I understand honor.

With a roar, the leader lunged at her. Their blades clashed, echoing in the silent night. They moved in a whirlwind of steel, each trying to find an opening. With a sudden move, Oshi disarmed him, her blade at his throat.

Leave, and never return, she commanded.

Defeated, the bandit leader nodded, mounted his horse, and rode away.

The villagers erupted in cheers, but Oshi remained silent, sheathing her sword.

Yishima approached, his eyes gleaming with pride. You defended Akayama with honor, Oshi.

I did what was necessary, she replied modestly.

Yishima grinned, Well, I have a joke for you—

She sighed, a hint of a smile on her lips. Perhaps later, Master Yishima.

The village of Akayama was safe, and the legend of Oshi, the female samurai with the silent blade and stoic heart, began to spread.

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