The Prisoner
“Man's most singular, enduring trait is his capacity for hate. I daresay that will always be the case... Nevertheless, I still believe it possible for us to overcome our nature and change this tired state of affairs. For I have faith in Japan's future!
”
—The Prisoner
The Prisoner, real name Sakamoto Ryoma, is a major character and party member from the Twilight of Edo Japan chapter, The Infiltrator. An important figure in the politics of Edo period Japan, he was captured by the demonic forces of Ode Iou, with his rescue Oboromaru's primary objective.
Profile
Appearance
The Prisoner wears a traditional blue kimono and hakama pairing, along with brown, laced shoes. The dark blue clothing has badges in the shape of stars, possibly indicating his status as a politician. He has dark brown hair, fashioned in a short ponytail. He keeps his sword, the Mutsunokami, secure to his side via a white ribbon tied as if it was a belt.
Personality
The Prisoner is a level-headed, rational man who remains calm under pressure. He holds a strong realist view on the nature of humanity: while he acknowledges their great capacity for hate, he has faith that mankind can overcome it and work together. Both an intellectual and a peacemaker, he sees no value in the fighting and bloodshed practiced by so many of his time. only wishing to unite his nation under peace. Nevertheless, he still carries a weapon on him for protection, all too aware of of his controversial reputation.
The Prisoner is shown to be unexpectedly clumsy. He lands flat on his face should he fall down a pit, and struggles a bit to climb the roof of Ode Castle, whereas Oboromaru pulls off both with grace.
History
Twilight of Edo Japan: The Infiltrator
During the late Edo Period, the Prisoner was a politician of great repute, and a strong advocate for modernization. His conduct caught the attention of Ode Iou, the treacherous head of the Ode Clan. Seeing the man as a threat to his scheme of domination, Iou organized his abduction, which, while he did put up a fight, was successful.
Oboromaru's primary mission is to infiltrate Ode Castle and recover the Prisoner. The Prisoner is held in the second floor of the castle dungeon. To gain access to his cell, Oboromaru must recover the Dungeon Key from either the castle storeroom, or from the dungeon guard. Entering the Prisoner's cell, however, triggers the trap door keeping him at bay. After Oboromaru defeats Amakusa Shiro at the bottom of the pit, the Prisoner falls down as well. Recognizing Oboromaru as his emancipator, he joins him as a playable character.
Alternately, if Puppetmaster Gennai is killed before the Prisoner is rescued, the trap in his cell will deactivate, and he will escape on his own. In this case the Prisoner remains hidden in the wings until Oboromaru reaches Ode Iou on the fifth floor. As Iou and his personal guard surround the ninja, the Prisoner comes to the rescue, shooting Iou's gun out of his hands. Brandishing his weapon, he scares off the entirety of Iou's guard, joining Oboromaru's party just in time for the battle with Miyamoto Musashi.
Together, the Prisoner and Oboromaru chase Ode Iou to the top of the castle, where they engage him in battle. Easily besting him, Iou entreats the pair to climb up to the castle roof. As they arrive, the Prisoner watches as Iou transforms into the Gamahebi and attacks them. Fighting for the sake of their nation, the Prisoner and Oboromaru slay Iou's monstrous form together.
Standing on the rooftop after the battle, the Prisoner reveals his real name to Oboromaru: Ryoma Sakamoto. Musing on the nature of humanity and the value of a nation, he offers Oboromaru a position as a member of his entourage, which he may accept or refuse. If Oboromaru has taken no lives within the castle, Ryoma will bequeath his ancestral sword, the Mutsunokami, to the ninja. As the sun rises, Ryoma reaffirms his faith in his nation's future.
Final Chapter: The Dominion of Hate
As the event takes place directly after The Infiltrator's end, Ryoma is present as Oboromaru is warped to the Dominion of Hate,
Ryoma may make one final appearance in the true ending, depending on if Oboromaru chose to accompany him. As he rests at home, he is ambushed by a potential assassin, but is protected by Oboromaru.
Gameplay
Strategy
The Prisoner is a good support character for Oboromaru. He can help dealing a little bit more of damage, and using his Warning Shot to turn around and interrupt enemies. His main downside is that he cannot learn new techniques. Still, he is a good party member to have if the player is not going for zero kills. Otherwise, his overall potential is surpassed by the Mimic Mammet.
Abilities
| Name | Info | Description | Name | Info | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wolf's Fang (Quickdraw Wolf Fang) |
Default | Shoot an enemy's sword arm to injure and weaken them. | Warning Shot (Warning Shot) |
Default | Startle and disorient the enemy by shooting the ground beneath them. |
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| North Star (Polaris Single-Blade) |
Default | Slash at an enemy with a powerful overhead strike. | |||
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Base Stats
| 2022 | 1994 |
|---|---|
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Gallery
The Prisoner offers Oboro to join him (SFC)
The Prisoner is rescued (SFC)
The Prisoner puts his faith in Japan (SFC)
Promo art depicting The Infiltrator for the remake
LINE sticker for remake
LINE sticker for remake
LINE sticker for remake (wave 2)
Artwork celebrating the release of the PlayStation/Steam versions
Trivia
- In Japanese history, Sakamoto Ryōma was an influential samurai and politician of the Bakumatsu period, who championed the abolition of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the implementation of democracy.
- His scene in the true ending may reflect his real-life assassination.
- If Oboromaru attempts to escape from Ode Castle with the Prisoner, he prevents Oboromaru from leaving, suggesting instead they repay Ode Iou for his actions.
| Twilight of Edo Japan: The Infiltrator |
|---|
| Characters |
| Oboromaru • The Prisoner • Mimic Mammet • Amakusa Shiro • Puppetmaster Gennai • Yodogimi • Miyamoto Musashi • Ode Iou |
| Locations |
| Ode Castle |
| Enemies |
| Manservant • Retainer (Purple) • Retainer (Orange) • Eight Blades Samurai • Shinobi • Go-Nin-Ja • Go-Nin-Ja (Clone) • Goemon • Enma Tracker • Hayate • Ronin • Hannya Maru • Kyoshiro • Minister • Merchant • Maid • Kunoichi • Foreigner • Monk• Relentless Maid • Young Monk • Folding Screen Tiger • Lost Soul • Okyou • Nekomata • Trap Master • Flame Contraption • Ice Contraption • Gas Contraption • Icon of War • Icon of Flame • Icon of Water • Electrode • Wood Post • Candlestand • Paper Partition • Lord Iwama • Majin Ryunosuke • Gamahebi |
| Music |
| Shadowed Duty • The Sound of Silence • To Arms! |