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Ayame
Ayame
Gender Female
Occupation Kunoichi
Affiliation Azuma Ninja Clan
Weapon Dual Kodachi (小太刀), Onibi
Status Alive
First Appearance Tenchu: Stealth Assassins


Ayame, whose name "Ayame" (彩女) homophonically alludes to the word for "iris," symbolizing vibrant femininity, stands as a venerable and steadfast member of the Azuma Ninja Clan. Her unwavering dedication is pledged to Lord Gohda Matsunoshin and his esteemed lineage. A profound bond exists between Ayame and Lord Gohda's cherished daughter, Princess Kiku.

Renowned for her exceptional prowess and integral role, Ayame emerges as a central figure in successive iterations of the Tenchu game series. Noteworthy for her adeptness in the arts of assassination and espionage, she has garnered acclaim from the gaming press and community alike. Ayame consistently ranks among the foremost assassins and is celebrated as one of the preeminent female ninja characters in video games.

Biography[]

Early Life[]

In the narrative of Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins, Ayame emerges as the final apprentice chosen by Azuma Shiunsai, the esteemed former grand master of a storied lineage within the Azuma Ninja. Gifted with inherent talent, Ayame was initially marked by a challenging temperament. However, her insatiable curiosity and readiness to explore new techniques were undeniable, though her impatience often hindered her from mastering any discipline.

Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Warring States period, Azuma Shiunsai embarked on a journey to Kyoto. The city lay in ruins, besieged by warring clans vying for control over the once-prosperous village. Amid this desolation, he encountered a young girl perched along the riverbank, silently observing the grim procession of fallen samurai and innocent lives lost. Her presence amidst such devastation struck Azuma Shiunsai as profoundly unusual. In his search for her parents, he found no trace of them, and the girl herself appeared to be in a state of shock, her identity limited to her name and age alone.

In the face of his initial uncertainty, Azuma Shiunsai could not bring himself to abandon the young girl. However, he grappled with the challenge of how to raise her, given his limited knowledge and resources to train a female ninja or kunoichi. Unversed in the intricacies of matters of the heart and emotions, he questioned what he could impart to her regarding the seductive arts or hypnotism often associated with kunoichi training. Yet, a flicker of potential as a ninja in the making prompted him to change his course. He chose to bring her under his care, raising her in the manner he knew best, much like his other apprentice, Tatsumaru.

Judged solely on her innate capabilities, Ayame proved to be the most prodigious of Azuma Shiunsai's three pupils. Despite commencing her training later in life and her tender age, she attained entry into the esteemed ranks of the ninja, achieving parity with Rikimaru when she was a mere 12 years old. Her connection with Lord Gohda's daughter, Princess Kiku, deepened over time, stemming from the tragic loss of her mother, Lady Kei. Ayame became a steadfast protector and a cherished companion, resembling an elder sister and closest confidante to the princess. Symbolizing the strength of their bond, both Ayame and the princess wore sister bells close to their hearts as a poignant testament to their enduring relationship.

Rikimaru's Disappearance[]

In the narrative Tenchu: Stealth Assassins, Rikimaru and Ayame embark on a perilous mission to rescue Princess Kiku, whom Lord Mei-Oh had abducted. Their journey was fraught with numerous confrontations against skeletal samurai and fire-breathing zombies, representing formidable adversaries.

Rikimaru's pursuit ultimately led him to a climactic battle against the formidable Onikage. Following his victory over Onikage, Rikimaru delved into the subterranean labyrinth in search of the kidnapped princess. In the depths of a cavernous expanse, a confrontation with the malevolent Lord Mei-Oh awaited him, a villain who had harnessed dark powers and opened a portal to unknown dimensions.

As fate would have it, a treacherous cave-in trapped them within the labyrinthine tunnels during the daring escape with Princess Kiku in tow. With the imminent threat of the cavern's ceiling collapsing, Rikimaru made a fateful decision. Setting aside his ancestral sword, Izayoi, Rikimaru dislodges the obstructing boulder, clearing a safe path. In an act of selflessness, he entrusted Ayame with Princess Kiku's safety and the revered Izayoi blade. The two fled the perilous tunnel moments before the encroaching rubble sealed it entirely, leaving Rikimaru behind.

Ayame, alongside Lord Gohda and Princess Kiku, emerged into the light of day, gazing upon the horizon as the sun ascended. In an honorable gesture, Ayame planted Izayoi into the earth as a poignant marker, signifying Rikimaru's sacrifice. Their somber but resolute observance was a testament to the enduring bond and heroism of the Azuma ninja.

Assisting Rin[]

Following the loss of her fellow clan member, Rikimaru, a period of tranquility passed within the domains governed by Lord Gohda. It was during her journeys, however, that Ayame chanced upon the remnants of a ravaged ninja village. She intended to seek any survivors, yet the cruel hand of fate had deemed otherwise. The fallen ninja of an unfamiliar enclave known as Hagakure breathed their last, their departing whispers carrying a cryptic word, "Kuroya."

As Ayame prepared to depart the somber scene, an unexpected encounter unfolded. A young female ninja named Rin, her countenance etched with grief at the sight of the village's devastation positioned herself in Ayame's path. Two kindred spirits, united by their shared sorrow, embarked on a joint endeavor. Together, they engaged in combat, forging a bond that would be "inextricably intertwined."

The Tenrai Incident[]

Ayame embarks on her journey by delving into the disturbing world of human trafficking and the kidnapping of young girls from nearby villages. Her investigation leads her to the discovery that Tokubei Echigoya is implicated in these nefarious activities. During her confrontation with him, she witnesses the exchange of the Jewel of Earth. Shortly after that, Tokubei meets an untimely demise at the hands of an unidentified adversary (distinct from Onikage in Rikimaru's campaign or Rikimaru in Tesshu's campaign).

Upon reporting these events to Lord Gohda, Ayame is instructed to disregard the matter. However, a month later, an act of treachery unfolds as Lord Gohda is taken hostage by a traitor who aims to secure the Jewel of Virtue from the Gohda family. Ayame successfully thwarts the plot and subsequently embarks on a quest to retrieve spiritually blessed swords and gather information about the final jewel, the Jewel of Heaven.

During her pursuit, Ayame encounters her contact, Zennosuke Otou, lifeless. She engages in combat with Tesshu, one of Zennosuke's subordinates. Ayame's journey takes a surprising turn when she confronts Rikimaru, whom she slays, revealing him to be an impostor in the service of The Lords of Darkness. Subsequently, Ayame is captured but eventually manages to escape. She continues her mission to obtain the Jewel of Heaven but arrives too late at the temple, where she is taunted by the traitorous Tatsumaru, recently resurrected by Tenrai.

Undaunted, Ayame battles her way through the remaining Lords of Darkness, encounters the genuine Rikimaru and confronts Tenrai. Tenrai wields the power of the Jewels of Heaven and Earth against Ayame. Just when it appears that all hope is lost, Ayame's Sister's Bells begin to glow, weakening Tenrai's power and enabling her to defeat him. Rikimaru later reveals that these bells were crafted from the Jewel of Virtue.

Ayame's Hatred[]

In the events that transpire within Tenchu: Shadow Assassins (Tenchu 4), the realm governed by Lord Gohda remains enshrouded in an unsettling atmosphere of incomplete peace, accompanied by persistent whispers of betrayal circulating among the lord's subjects. These unsettling rumors prompt Lord Gohda to summon the expertise of the Azuma Ninja, Rikimaru, and Ayame to embark on an investigation mission. Rikimaru swiftly discerns the ominous presence of clandestine machinations as it becomes evident that an unseen hand is poised to ignite the flames of war.

Simultaneously, Counselor Sekiya Naotada, the trusted right-hand advisor to Lord Gohda, undertakes a consequential act. He engages the services of a fortune-teller to unveil the destiny that awaits Lord Gohda's kingdom. However, this seemingly benign act takes a sinister turn when it is revealed that the fortune-teller is an impostor, and an audacious act of kidnapping befalls Princess Kiku.

Rikimaru embarks on a mission commissioned by Lord Gohda: to resume the investigation into the burgeoning troubles afflicting the land. Meanwhile, Ayame, undaunted by the risks, doggedly pursues the abductor of Princess Kiku. During this pursuit, Rikimaru's inquiries lead him to unveil the mastermind's identity behind the web of intrigue, Daimyo Tado.

In response to the mounting threats Daimyo Tado poses, Lord Gohda takes the momentous decision to declare war and personally journeys to confront his adversary, accompanied by Rikimaru. In a pivotal confrontation, Rikimaru successfully thwarts Daimyo Tado's ambitions by ending his life. However, the ensuing events unravel further layers of deception.

A kunoichi named Rinshi, who had masqueraded as the fortune-teller, surfaces and launches a lethal assault on Rikimaru, only to be thwarted by the intervention of Tachibana Hyakubei, a mercenary hired by Lord Gohda. As Rikimaru returns to the castle per Lord Gohda's command, he is suddenly branded a traitor by the guards stationed at the castle. Ayame, amid these developments, successfully rescues Princess Kiku but faces a dire encounter with an assailant who appears to be Rikimaru, who is, in truth, Rinshi in disguise.

A series of dramatic twists ensues, culminating in a life-and-death battle. Ayame and Princess Kiku narrowly escape the perilous situation, eventually finding refuge in a clandestine hideout suggested by Sekiya. However, a shocking revelation awaits, as Princess Kiku's true identity as Rinshi is unveiled. She inflicts grievous harm upon Ayame, only to be confronted and ultimately defeated by the genuine Rikimaru.

The narrative takes a fateful turn as Lord Gohda's castle succumbs to the flames of chaos, and Sekiya's malevolent intentions come to light. Lord Gohda, recognizing the treachery, commands Rikimaru to return and confront Sekiya, issuing an order for his elimination. In a climactic showdown, Sekiya reveals his true identity as Onikage, challenging Rikimaru to a duel that unfolds grippingly. Though Rikimaru appears to gain the upper hand, Onikage resorts to a ruthless tactic by using Princess Kiku as a human shield, compelling Rikimaru to make an agonizing decision, ultimately culminating in a lethal confrontation that leaves Princess Kiku lifeless.

Ayame, who has trailed Rikimaru throughout these events, witnesses the tragic death of Princess Kiku. In the extended ending, attained through the collection of all map pieces in normal mode, Ayame speaks in Onikage's voice, suggesting the lingering presence of his hatred within her, stemming from the perceived injustice of Rikimaru's action; the murder of her younger sister and closest friend.

Skills and Abilities[]

Ayame, the distinguished student handpicked by Azuma Shiunsai, exhibits exceptional skill despite her comparatively late introduction to training and her younger age. Initially characterized by disinterest and impatience, Ayame underwent a profound transformation in her commitment and pursuit of strength, an evolution triggered by the pivotal events chronicled in Tenchu: Birth of the Stealth Assassins. Subsequently, she has honed a distinct set of abilities from her counterpart, Rikimaru, rendering her a formidable and lethal operative.

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Azuma Ninja Ayame displays her skill performing a hissatsu

Ayame employs a distinctive combat style characterized by her adept utilization of her entire body weight as a weapon. This includes tactics such as mounting their shoulders with their heads ensnared between her legs. This allows her to execute precise neck-breaking maneuvers with a full-body twist. Such a fighting approach, which capitalizes on leveraging her entire body mass, starkly contrasts Rikimaru's more restrained engagement, often centered on his sword.

Ayame's combat methodology, grounded in exploiting her flexibility and the capacity to manipulate her lightweight frame effectively, aligns with the traditional combat techniques employed by many female ninjas. Her dual blades are wielded with remarkable skill and power, establishing her as a formidable practitioner of swordplay. Collectively, Ayame's combat style and mastery of the sword impart a considerable level of prowess and danger in the field of battle.

Personality[]

Ayame fs a

Ayame seen in her dark kunoichi outfit.

Ayame, the youngest disciple of Azuma Shiunsai to join the Azuma Ninja Clan, embarked on her journey as an initiate at a tender age. However, her nascent training coincided with a tumultuous period marked by internal strife and conflict that engulfed her homeland. Despite her responsibilities to her feudal Lord, clan, and her close friend, Tatsumaru, with whom she developed a profound bond, Ayame confronted a series of trials and tribulations that irrevocably altered her path. As a 12-year-old kunoichi, her persona was marked by a sharp wit and the mastery of lethal techniques. Over time, she transformed from a carefree young girl into a mature, introspective woman.

Seven years have transpired since the tragic events that witnessed Ayame's loss of her mentor, Azuma Shiunsai, her fellow clan member, and her love, Tatsumaru, recounted in the narrative of Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins. In the seven years that have passed, she has evolved significantly, not only in terms of her martial prowess but also in her emotional maturity. Her combat style, characterized by exceptional agility and seamless movements, distinguishes her from Rikimaru, though she concedes a slight edge in physical strength to him. Ayame's tenacity is palpable as she unflinchingly dispatches her adversaries ruthlessly, devoid of vacillation or remorse. Yet, beneath this unyielding exterior, she grapples with the depths of emotion, embracing sentiments of sorrow, empathy, and even despair. Her acerbic wit parallels the keenness of her blades, both evoking a sense of trepidation in those who cross her path.

Quotes[]

  • "Hurry up and die!"
  • "You've been a bad boy, it's payback time!"
  • "Hmmm, now where did that lecherous old goat go and hide himself?"
  • "If you worried more about your skills and less about my manners, you probably be still alive"
  • "I guess you deserve a thank you this time."
  • "Who cares? He's just some drunken bumpkin."
  • "You're the head idiot around here, aren't you?"
  • "Goodbye Genbu The Wise, Lord of the Burning Dawn."
  • "You mean Genbu the drooling idiot, one of the four idiots of Idiotland!"
  • "I will kill Tatsumaru myself."
  • "I knew you had to be in charge 'cause you stink worse than the others."
  • "You call that stealth?"
  • "Why do these chumps always seem so surprised?"
  • "He'll need a bigger bomb to blow me up."
  • "I was born ready."

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

  • In Ayame's game-over scene in Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven, poignant and symbolic imagery unfolds. Cherry blossoms gracefully scatter and descend, drifting gently onto the surface of a tranquil body of water beneath the moonlit sky, symbolizing Ayame's demise. This artistic representation serves to convey the solemnity of her fate in a visually striking manner.

References[]

External links[]

Main Characters

Playable Characters

RikimaruAyameTatsumaruTesshuRin

Allies

Lord GohdaPrincess KikuNaotada SekiyaSemimaru

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