Usagi Yojimbo #111 (2008) - "Sakura pt I"

[riddler13]

Sakura is another one of those characters so deftly created by Sakai in his "Usagi Yojimbo" series. She wields a whip and travels the land looking for her brother. To that end, she works in several gambling parlours as a dice-handler, reasoning that gamblers are usually the best source of information in their respective cities. To make it even more interesting, Sakai lets on that this whip-wielding gambler is not too right in the head.

This two-parter is her origin story, and her only appearance so far.



Usagi and Gen are traveling together, with the bunny making fun of the rhino's ripped hakama trousers. A small commotion catches Usagi's eye.



The rabbit ronin wants to rush in and help, but Gen warns him to get all the facts before jumping in. Since it's not in Usagi's nature to think before acting, he throws himself straight down the mountain to help the poor, helpless woman who... actually can take care of herself quite well. She makes short work of all the bandits with her walking stick and her whip, until there is only one left - or so she thinks.




I love the "I have a life outside of you" line. Wandering Gen leads to some interesting stories without Usagi, although we never saw his first run-in with Sakura.

Usagi pays a meal for Sakura, and she tells him her story.



She leaves Usagi and Gen to their own devices and goes off to sell her work at Boss Kaneko's gambling den. He hires her and she is quick to impress the patrons.



After a profitable night, Boss Kaneko pays her a drink, delivered by his serving girl, Momo. Taking pity on the girl, Sakura offers to buy her freedom from him.



She beats Boss Kaneko senseless and escapes with Momo.



(I shout "too much rice!" all the time at restaurants. God, it must be so annoying :p).

Their meal is swiftly interrupted.




Part II next.

Comments

[kd_the_movie]

Great music choice. Love the Dazz Band.

[lieut_kettch]

As an Asian, let me say: there is no such thing as too much rice.

[leoboiko]

She reminds me of characters like Shurayukihime or Inoshika Ochou.

[riddler13]

Heh, loved the second reference (I had to look it up).

She also reminds me of KOF's Whip, but I doubt very much she was an inspiration.

[cricharddavies]

I think I remember how this one ends, so that may be informing this, but ... isn't there something off about the way she says "my father and his wife"?

[riddler13]

Whoa, nice catch! But no, that's not it (although Stan did hint that she may be right and Gen wrong in the end).

Also, talking about "being off"... look at her eyes (especially when retelling her story)!

[plastefuchs]

Thank you again for sharing :)

Just a tiny typo:
"_He_ beats Boss Kaneko [...]"

[riddler13]

Heh thanks! Corrected :)