The Ronin Returns is a late addition to Dale Furutani’s critically acclaimed Samurai Mystery series. It serves as an extension of the original trilogy (Death at the Crossroads, Jade Palace Vendetta, and Kill the Shogun), picking up the story of the wandering ronin Matsuyama Kaze just a few days after the conclusion of the third book.

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Plot Synopsis

 

The story is set in 1603 Japan, a pivotal year that saw the dawn of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Kaze is traveling with Kiku, the young daughter of his former lord, whom he finally rescued in the previous novel. They are heading toward Osaka Castle to search for any surviving members of Kiku's family.

 

1. The Pursuit and the New Companion

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As they travel, Kaze and Kiku are pursued by a group of vengeful samurai whose leader Kaze recently killed. To evade them, they cross paths with Frog, a sarcastic and mischievous peasant orphan. Despite Kiku and Frog’s immediate mutual dislike, the boy attaches himself to the group, adding a new dynamic to Kaze's journey as he now has two children to protect.

 

2. The Murder Mystery

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Before reaching their destination, the trio discovers the corpse of a Krishitan (Christian) inspector. They soon learn that several inspectors have been murdered across the region. While the local authorities are quick to blame the growing Christian community, Kaze’s keen instincts suggest a deeper, more political motive.

 

3. Intrigue at Osaka Castle

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Upon arriving at Osaka Castle, Kaze is drawn into a web of power struggles involving:

• Yodo-Dono: The formidable widow of the late ruler Hideyoshi, who is determined to see her son installed as the rightful leader of Japan.

• European Foreigners: Kaze encounters his first Westerners (Portuguese and Spanish), offering a unique perspective on how these "exotic" visitors are viewed by a traditional samurai.

• The Mystery of the Swords: The plot involves "special swords" that hold political or symbolic significance to the warring factions.

 

4. The Resolution

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Kaze eventually solves the mystery of the murdered inspectors, identifying the killer and the hidden agenda behind the deaths. However, exposing the truth places him and the children in mortal danger within the walls of the castle. The novel concludes with a high-stakes escape that tests Kaze’s mastery of both the sword and his wits.

 

Key Themes

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• Found Family: Kaze’s evolution from a solitary warrior to a guardian of two very different children.

• Cultural Collision: The tension between traditional Japanese values and the encroaching influence of European religion and trade.

• Political Shift: The transition of power from the Toyotomi clan to the Tokugawa Shogunate and the chaos that follows.

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