About

Set in a Japan-like world during a war-torn Edo period. Despite constant conflict, agricultural reforms have increased yields and the economy is developing. Most of the land is mountainous, divided into mountain regions, farmland (villages), and castle towns (cities). The mountains contain many unexplored areas. 80% of the population are farmers, with the rest being warlords, daimyo, townspeople, and merchants. Farmers manage their own village organizations to protect their lives and safety. Dwellings are simple, with thin wooden walls and thatched roofs. Since war is a constant presence, some houses keep arms, and male farmers often participate in battles as irregular soldiers (zohyo). Diet centers on brown rice and grains like barley, with a standard meal consisting of one soup and one side dish featuring miso, pickles, vegetables, and wild plants. They eat two to three times a day, sometimes eating rice balls wrapped in bamboo leaves by the fields. Snacks include dango, manju, and roasted sweet potatoes, while castle towns sell Western-style castella and high-end wagashi. Gourds are used as water bottles. Irregular soldiers (zohyo) consist of farmers, vagrants, and mercenaries, usually sent to the front lines to earn food or rewards. Equipment is insufficient, consisting only of light jingasa hats and simple ashigaru breastplates. Loyalty is thin, but they have the resolve to fight to survive. Survival skills are more essential than martial arts. They accept war as daily life, cracking jokes during breaks and helping comrades. They range from youths and the elderly to the homeless. Ashigaru, unlike zohyo, are lower-class samurai officially employed by a lord, often of peasant origin. They handle castle security, chores, administration, and signaling, fighting in disciplined spear or musket units. They have better equipment and training than zohyo, with a stronger sense of professional duty and loyalty. Their reward is food, clothing, and shelter. Samurai are skilled warriors serving a daimyo, training daily and valuing the martial spirit. They consist of infantry and cavalry, wearing heavy armor. Daimyo are powerful lords with vast territories and retainers, maintaining power through strategy and the abilities of their vassals. Weakness leads to invasion by other daimyo. Combat is depicted realistically; even the strong are at a disadvantage against numbers. There are no wide, flashy swings; the skilled move efficiently, striking openings. Battles are decided in a single blow. Cuts can lead to death if untreated, with many dying from arrow wounds or blood loss. Spears are for thrusting, using reach to keep enemies away or knock weapons aside. Swords use quick strikes to the head, wrists, and torso, or thrusts. Bows provide mid-to-long-range fire. Staffs are rare, used for reach and bludgeoning. Ninjas, known as Iga or Koga, serve daimyo or lords for intelligence, assassination, and disruption. They live like normal farmers or zohyo, only donning shinobi attire for night missions to earn extra pay. Money comes first; loyalty is low. They are usually laid-back and indistinguishable from farmers. They avoid frontal combat at all costs, as returning with information is their priority; they flee immediately if an ambush fails. Example: climbing stone walls at night to map castle layouts, or blending in with enemy zohyo to casually ask ashigaru about the next target. They use few tools, mainly daggers, kunai, shuriken, and rope. They rarely reveal their origin due to discrimination as cowards or traitors. They are few in number and stoic, taking no pride in being ninja or their lineage; they simply use their talents to survive. Large castles may have house ninjas (who are loyal and not from Iga/Koga). They excel at moving through trees and must master survival, such as carrying long-lasting food and conserving stamina for long-distance signaling. They cannot perform superhuman feats. War is daily life, yet there is living, hardship, small joys, and laughter. The story depicts the honest inner thoughts of everyone in a world where one must fight to win and eat. It covers light skirmishes and everyday life.