Usagi Yojimbo is set in the beginning of Edo period Feudal Japan (early 17th century) with anthropomorphic animals replacing humans, and features a ronin rabbit, Miyamoto Usagi, who wanders the land as a shugyosha (student warrior on a pilgramage) occasionally selling his services as a yojimbo (bodyguard). Hence the title "Usagi Yojimbo". The character of Usagi has been inspired by the famous Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi while the tone and inspirations of the stories are heavily influenced by Groo the Wanderer, Lone Wolf and Cub, and the films of the acclaimed director Akira Kurosawa. In this thrilling volume, the rabbit ronin teams up with - and faces off against - a multitude of unexpected characters! First, bandits plunder a village threatened by flooding... but their reasons for pillaging will surprise even the most steadfast! Then, Usagi must work alongside his natural enemy - a Kappa - to cast out a violent renegade of the same species. Later, a Komori ninja must honor her debts when she and Usagi end up on opposing sides of a trade agreement gone wrong. Finally, Inspector Ishida returns to investigate a ghastly painting known only as the Hell Screen!