Azumi 2: Death or Love

Azumi and Nagara are hunted by ninjas hired by General Kanbei Inoue for their past assassinations. They hide temporarily in a temple so Nagara can heal his wounds sustained from their recent encounter.

Azumi encounters a band of outlaws led by Ginkaku, testing old loyalties and the memory of Nachi. The confrontation deepens Azumi’s doubts about the path she has chosen as a blade-for-hire.

Azumi and Nagara are discovered by allied ninjas working for the priest Tenkai. After a tense discussion, they decide to press on toward their target, Masayuki Sanada, with new uncertainties about their alliance.

A government ninja named Kozue accompanies Azumi and Nagara on the dangerous journey, adding skill and mystery to the group as they head toward Masayuki Sanada’s domain.

Kanbei Inoue raises a massive army—mercenaries, ninjas, and bandits—in his pursuit of vengeance for his master’s death. Among the ranks are Ginkaku and his brother Kinkaku, whose fanatic loyalty intensifies the conflict.

The pursuit leads back toward Ginkaku’s village, where Azumi faces distrust from locals who question the line of work she has chosen. Ginkaku’s presence complicates loyalties as past bonds echo into the present.

As they travel, Kozue persuades Nagara that Azumi no longer wishes to complete the mission, and Nagara contemplates abandoning the path they've walked together. The rift tests their bond as the trio weighs a safer future against duty.

The group parts ways: Nagara and Kozue drift toward a new life while Azumi pushes on alone toward Masayuki’s mountain temple to continue the mission. Her resolve hardens as she travels the dangerous path solo.

Masayuki Sanada departs with his army to pursue Gessai, leaving a dangerous trail in his wake. The brutal giant Roppa, an ally of Masayuki’s forces, arrives to finish what others started and decimates many guards.

Roppa is slain by his own weapon in a striking turn of fate, but the violence continues as Kinkaku and several of Ginkaku’s band fall, along with much of Kasumi’s ninja squad. The battlefield is awash with blood and shifting loyalties.

Kozue reveals her true allegiance to the Uenokagashu and betrays Nagara, killing him in cold blood. Azumi confronts Kozue and defeats her, avenging Nagara even as the mission grows heavier.

Azumi faces Tsuchigumo, whose poisoned wires threaten her life. She disrupts the traps but is seriously wounded and falls into a paralyzing sleep as Kunyo, the true leader of the Uenokagashu, speaks of life and loss before being mortally wounded by Ginkaku’s timely intervention.

Azumi climbs a distant hill to face Sanada in single combat. Yukimura Sanada and Gessai arrive with pleas to retreat, but Sanada insists on a decisive duel to end the war.

Azumi defeats Sanada in the duel, a victory that comes at a heavy personal cost and forces a reckoning with the war’s manipulation. Kanbei is persuaded to back off, and Tenkai confirms the war is over as Azumi prepares to leave the battlefield and seek a new life.