Akechi - Shogun Castle of Death

[Akechi]
One of Nobunaga's retainers. He believes that his master Nobunaga died inside the castle.
Shogun Castle of Death Quest
Location: Near the Shogun Castle of Death

Hmm, I saw you speaking with [Hashiba] just now. I was about to ask who you were, actually.
I am the commander of the army here... at present.
Are you an adventurer?
Great.
I have some work for someone like you.
We conquered [Shogun Castle] just a few days ago, but our victory did not come without a price.
Of course, on the field of battle, anybody can die.
However, I'm not entirely pleased with the castle's new nickname, [Shogun Castle of Death].
~
And the remaining enemy forces are... unusual, to say the least.
You seem like the perfect person to get rid of them.
Please find and kill 30 [Ashigaru Bowmen], who often pop up inside [Bloody Moat].

Fantastic job.
I wasn't wrong to hire you. Go report back to [Hashiba].
I'll call you again if I have further need of your services.

We better end this nightmare!

Oh, I'm glad you're here.
I've got more work for you.
Many of our side's ninjas were lost in the war, and we need to recruit more.
Perhaps you aren't aware, but training new ninjas is no easy task.
~
There are many [Shadow Ninjas] inside the castle who have returned from the dead.
Some of them might carry [Ninja Assassin Seals].
We need those seals in order to induct new ninjas. Please take 35 [Ninja Assassin Seals] from them!

Good, good.
Now I can recruit new ninjas.
It's frustrating enough that nobody listens to me when I report that our soldiers are suffering from a strange disease.
And we're stretched thin as it is, since our recruiting efforts have been delayed.
It's natural that command would fall to me with the master gone, isn't it? I was his most trusted vassal.
Tsk, tsk.
I don't understand why everyone is so suspicious of me. Now is not the time for petty quarrels.
Anyway, return to [Hashiba] and tell him to pay more attention to his duties.

You look busy. Come back when you finish what you were doing.

Oh, I'm glad you are here.
[Shogun Castle of Death] is getting more chaotic by the day.
We need to take control of the keep once and for all, but nobody trusts me...
Did you hear that?
The echo of ghosts coming from within...
They sing constantly, praying for the glory and peace of their master, even though he's already dead...
These noises are giving my nightmares.
Don't tell me you can't hear it!
Ah, this is too strange.
It must be the dancers! They're the ones singing, I'm certain.
They're evil. Very evil, those dancers.
We tried to rescue them, but they turned us, singing strange songs even as they fell some of our greatest warriors.
But you! You can help me.
~
Hunt the [Fighting Dancers], [Cheering Dancers], and [Recovering Dancers], and bring me 50 [Dancer's Hairpin] as evidence.
I think... I think I'll feel better knowing they're dead.

Oh, oh, thank you!
That seems to have silenced them.
Perhaps I can sleep in peace now.

You look busy. Come back when you finish what you were doing.

You've seen them up close. Those dancers can't possibly be human, can they?
I don't know what could possibly have given them such power.
This whole ordeal has been one frustration after another. Even though we've conquered the castle, we've made no progress in bringing order to it.
Even if we did, it's not as if my own men are following my orders properly.
~
If we knew more about them, I'm sure we could put an end to those suspicious dancers once and for all.
This may be a difficult request, but you haven't failed me yet. Gather Item information on [Cheering Dancers].
They are by far the loudest.

Oh, thank you.
The master was unwaveringly brave, but he showed his enemies no mercy.
His enemies feared him, and yet those who survived the battle seem to worship him now. Isn't that strange?

You look busy. Come back when you finish what you were doing.

Anyway, I need to act quickly to establish my authority.
In order to do that, there are some supplies I desperately need.
Most of our army provisions are provided by [Hashiba], but this is a personal request, and I'd like you to handle it.
~
Please bring me 75 pieces of [Platinum Ore].
As the future commander in chief of this army, I will need to prepare armor befitting my station.

Ah, thank you.
I knew I could count on you.

You look busy. Come back when you finish what you were doing.

To gain the respect of the men who will follow me, I need a new sword as well as new armor.
I have the materials I need, but the incessant nightmares I've suffered lately have made me forgetful.
~
I can't think of the name of the person who passes teaches sword crafting as he travels the world.
I would contact him if I knew his name.
Do you know it by any chance?

Oh, yes. That's right. It was [Muramasa].
It's well known that a blade made by him can cut anything in the world.
I will contact him and commission a new sword.
You may return to [Hashiba] now. I have work to do.
I'll call you if you're needed.

You look busy. Come back when you finish what you were doing.

Ah, hello.
I have no use for you just now.
~
Ah? This letter is from Madam [Nohime]?
Let's see...

Ah, ah... God.
How did she find out!?
But, but, this isn't the whole story.
I acted in self defense!
This, this strange madness gripped the master, and he tried to kill me. I defended myself without thinking!
I never had any intention to betray him!

You look busy. Come back when you finish what you were doing.

H-how can I explain that to her? I really wasn't trying to betray the master.
This strange aura kept pouring out of the [Black Keep], and the master went mad while investigating it. And he started to slaughter his own men!
I barely escaped with my life!
The master never came after me, so I assumed he didn't survive.
Then [Shogun Castle of Death] turned into a nest of the undead...
~
If... if we get more information about that place, you'll see!
Please, don't just condemn me without getting the whole story.
Can you help me gather Item information on the [Samurai] who have become violent ghosts?
It might reveal something...

Oh, thank you!
I see that the [Samurai] are those who followed the master in life.
They were killed by the master's sword while he was in the throes of evil madness. But why are they worshiping him?
Everything seem very strange...
And I can't find any clues on the equipment I lost in the castle. Huh...

You look busy. Come back when you finish what you were doing.

Oh, this is frustrating.
I have to defend myself, but I have no evidence.
If I still had my equipment, from when we stormed the castle...
~
Right, those [Kagemusha] must have it.
The damage the master dealt to my [Helmet] should help collaborate my story.
Please bring me my [Helmet].

Oh, you found it!
Take a good look, here.
The moment the master was about to kill me...
Ugh... ah!
My... my master!
How, how can you!
How can you be still alive!?
I'm certain... you can't have survived the wound I gave you!!
([Akechi] is stunned, having seen something written inside the helmet.)
"You rat! You dare stab me in the back!?
"[Akechi Mitsuhide]!
I will have my revenge, even if I have to come back for you from hell itself!"

You look busy. Come back when you finish what you were doing.