Droplets of dew collect on the brim of Takeshi’s jingasha. One drifts slowly along the edge of the wooden helm, collecting other, smaller beads until the weight of the water is too much and it falls, silently, to the grass below. Yet Takeshi’s focus does not waiver, eyes fixed on the foggy landscape before him and his fellow ashigaru. An order to ready arms, and the foot soldiers raise their long guns in unison. Takeshi readies himself, finger hovering over the trigger.

He can hear the enemy well before he can see them through the fog. The sound of hoofbeats and the ringing war cries echo like demons through the valley. Takeshi holds steady, awaiting the order. He knows from countless battles the value of patience and discipline. It was the greatest strength a warrior could possess. It was why the enemies of the Oda clan would not claim victory this day.

“Fire!”

Without hesitation, in a deafening roar, the harquebus regiment releases their volley in a burst of acrid smoke. The anguished cries of men and horses alike echo from the fast-growing shadows in the fog.

“Reload!”

With practiced motions, Takeshi works to pack and reload the gun. Rushing would only lead to a misfire, or worse.

“Raise arms!”

The order comes just as Takeshi finishes pulling the curved firing mechanism back. The silhouettes of the samurai cavalry’s front line are clearly visible now, charging closer with every passing second.

“Take aim!”

Takeshi’s barrel is already lined up.

“Fire!”

Samurai fall from their mounts with the second volley, but the charge continues. Takeshi works quickly to reload, sweat beading on his brow. The ground shakes with the thundering of hooves. The ashigaru is barely able to raise his gun and fire one more time as the cavalry crashes into his regiment. His shot finds its target as the glint of a katana flashes inches from his neck.

In an instant, all is silent. Takeshi clenches his eyes, preparing for death. But it does not come. The sounds of battle are replaced by the gentle lapping of water echoing in a stone chamber. Takeshi opens his eyes to see a towering, winged figure flanked by two men in samurai garb. One holds his elaborate kabuto beneath one arm, the other hand outstretched towards Takeshi.

“Welcome, soldier. I am Daimyo Kato Katsuro, and this…” he gestures to the tall, winged figure, “is our Emperor Einar.”

The Ashigaru Harquebus are available in the Ashigaru Harquebus Remastered army expansion. Pre-order now for a May 2027 release!