Usagi Yojimbo #31
In "The River Rising," Usagi Yojimbo confronts a shocking betrayal as Hasano, the shrine's caretaker, reveals himself as the killer and a former samurai seeking hidden treasure. Written and illustrated by Stan Sakai, this pivotal issue unfolds with tension and revelation, as past loyalties fracture and long-buried secrets surface when a damaged Hell Screen uncovers a hidden storehouse. The cover by Stan Sakai captures the moment's intensity, framing a story where duty, greed, and history collide.
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Hasano reveals himself to be the killer when he assaults Usagi, revealing himself to be a former samurai who went into hiding at the shrine in the hopes of locating its hidden treasures. Ishida fends off Toshi, who was likewise once a soldier under Hasano's command, while Hasano is fatally wounded by Usagi. Hasano is stunned when their fight damages the Hell Screen, revealing it concealed a hidden storehouse of treasure. Hasano dies and Lord Shima hopes to claim all the land, but the rediscovered treasures convince Ishida to let the shrine remain.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).