Samurai III Duel at Ganryu Island 1956 A humble and simple Takezo abandons his life as a knight errant Hes sought as a teacher and vassal by Shogun, Japans most powerful clan leader Hes also challenged to fight by the supremely confident and skillful Sasaki Kojiro Takezo agrees to fight Kojiro in a years time but rejects Shoguns patronage, choosing instead to live on the edge of a village, raising vegetables Hes followed there by Otsu and later by Akemi, both in love with him The year ends as Takezo assists the villagers against a band of brigands He seeks Otsus forgiveness and accepts her love, then sets off across the water to Ganryu Island for his final contest