Issue 2 – THE FARMER
The magistrate has ruled the eldest son of each household in a lottery to the death against the Hokan. When they knock on the brothels door Yushi uses her sorcery and alters Umeboshi’s masculinity. It is up to Hirato to find a fervent competitor before another innocent life is lost.
As the twins grow older a nurse is needed to take care of their malformed offspring. Yushi sends Umeboshi away to live with the twins. His heart shatters when the twins tell him Misawa was not his real mother.
Sometime later, Hirato continues his search for a hero against the Hokan. During a storm, his wagon falls backward and into a ravine. From the darkness, a hulk of a man saves both Hirato’s cart and his life. He invites Umeboshi to leave the farm and begin his training against the Hokan. Umeboshi agrees but only if Hirato takes him for a swimming lesson in the sea.
Preparation for the Hokan begins, as master and student begin to bond. Umeboshi proves that he is indeed more powerful than any competitor in the past. Due to his style of combat, he wins several bouts in the now up and coming sport of “Sumo.” For the first time in his life, he finds self-worth, as the people chant his name.