Kato Katsuro takes a brief moment to savor the cool summer breeze. He is seated at the summit of a small, pleasant hill, overlooking a vast sun-dappled plain. In place of his ornate armor, he is wearing a simple, exquisitely wrought kimono. Kneeling in a semicircle before him are six of his finest samurai. Banners from each of their clans are arrayed behind him, adding an air of formality to the meeting. He surveys the gathering.

Sitting directly across is Kaemon Awa. Older now, he still carries himself like a taut bowstring, ready to strike. That one is deadly at any distance, steady, and cool-headed. A perfect choice for expedition leader.

To his left sits Takanawa Kaiga. There is a dire look about him, like a starving wolf. Kato could send him to the front lines to slake his thirst for bloodshed, but he needs a hunter to track down Einar’s prize, and there’s no better hunter than a young and hungry wolf.

Next are three Tagawa Samurai, storied veterans of the war on Valhalla. Of all the samurai summoned, the Tagawa have fared the best. War is a pitiless instructor, and they have learned their lessons well.

The last of the six is the strangest samurai of all, a young woman of uncommon wit and intensity. Battlemaster Tagawa Toshiko blends incredible technology with her ancestors’ teachings, and has told Kato many wild and wondrous tales of her life in the 22nd Century.

Breaking the silence, Kato speaks: “I have set your feet upon a dark and deadly path. I know not what dangers await you in the Citadel, only that danger awaits. Look well upon the beauty of this land, for it will be some time before you see the sun again.”

Kato Katsuro is available in the Einar High Command Remastered army expansion. Pre-order now for a May 2027 release!