Every legend comes from small beginnings, and they can come from just about anywhere. With one Longsword wielder in particular, in a Japanese type village of Kamura, Kanba Kenshi would be the next in line for such an honorable placement, from being a standard village hunter, to a hero that tales will tell of for generations.

On a faithful day, Kanba had strange dreams, possibly a premonition, of monsters gathering together, before he's suddenly awakened by his Rottweiler colored Palamute, Jasper, nudging him and whining. The pink haired warrior putting his Palamute at ease with some loving pets and scratches.

Kanba: Easy boy, easy. I'm okay.

All the while his Tiger colored Palico, Banzai, was preparing to use a utensil to collect the fish roasting by a fire with a cauldron as well. The Palico suddenly saw the Wyverian sisters, Hinoa and Minoto, trying to be sneaky as Hinoa shushes Banzai, but Jasper and Kanba heard her and bring their attention to them, Kanba promptly standing after noticing.

Hinoa: Oh dear, it seems we have been caught in the act, Minoto.

Minoto: Quite disappointing, Hinoa.

Hinoa: I really don't see how anyone could've caught us in the act...

Minoto: It was a perfect display of stealth...

Kanba: You both tried, I'll give you that. But nothing can get by me, unnoticed.

Hinoa & Minoto: That's why we expect great things of you, you're always razor-sharp!

Minoto: Well then, I guess we still have a lot of training left to do.

Kanba: You two keep doing that. And also, please don't sneak in when I'm resting.

Hinoa: Oh come on, this is Kamura! We're all practically family here!

Minoto: Besides, Elder Fugen is looking for you.

Hinoa: So go get ready, we can't keep him waiting!

Kanba: Of course. I'll be right along with you in just a moment.

Hinoa and Minoto both nod in agreement and they wait outside Kanba's hut, the warrior and his hunting companions now exiting their home in starting gear, but Kanba looks towards the clouds and notices a serpentine creature flying in the cloud cover before the Wyverian sisters spoke up.

Hinoa & Minoto: Shall we go?

Kanba: Yes, of course.

The warrior side-eyes the clouds to see the serpentine creature again, but it was already gone, so he, Jasper, and Banzai follows Minoto and Hinoa to the village, getting a bird's-eye view of the entire village before we're shown the many intricate spots around Kamura before we finally land on Elder Fugen, who waves his arm and catches the attention of his Cohoot that was delivering a message, Fugen collecting the message before sending the Cohoot on it's way again as he reads the letter shortly after, a look of dismay appearing on his face before the Wyverian sisters spoke up to him.

Hinoa & Minoto: Elder Fugen, we did like you asked!

Fugen: Oh! Hinoa, Minoto, thank you. I just got an important letter. It looks like... We've got a Rampage on our hands.

They all take concerned glances at each other.

Minoto: So it's finally beginning...

Fugen: It's been fifty years since the last calamity... But I remember it... like it was yesterday.

We're shown a Japanese artistic representation of The Rampage.

Fugen: A huge pack of monsters in a giant stampede... They attacked the village in a frenzied rage... Nobody knows why this happens... But it came close to wiping out the village last time.

We cut back to Fugen and the others.

Fugen: I think it's time...we paid a visit to the Stronghold. We have to protect the village!

Kanba: *Nods* Yes sir.

Hinoa & Minoto: There's nothing to worry about, Elder Fugen!

Hinoa: All of us, everyone in Kamura... Have been training for this our ENTIRE lives!

Minoto: Hinoa, we should start preparations right away.

The two head off to begin preparing for the Rampage, as Kanba and Fugen stand together.

Fugen: This is what you've trained for my friend... *Places a hand on Kanba's shoulder* I know you'll do the village proud.

Kanba: Yes sir, I won't let you down.

Fugen: Heh, that's what I like to hear!

Fugen lets out a hardy laugh, Kanba now lost in his thoughts.

Kanba: "For some reason, I've got a bad feeling about this. But no matter, I can't let everyone down. I fight for my friends."

Fugen stops laughing so he can speak.

Fugen: All right, Kanba. Rampage and all aside, I've got news for you. I've received word from the Guild that YOU... Are now a certified Hunter. You're really livin' now, Squirt- Well I shouldn't call you that now that you're certified, but I don't it'll stop me!

He and Kanba share a laugh together.

Kanba: I don't mind, really. But that's good to hear that I'm now certified.

Hinoa: Sorry to interrupt, Elder Fugen...

Kanba and Fugen turn their attention to Hinoa.

Hinoa: I've informed the village of the coming Rampage, like you asked. By the way, Kanba. I overheard you're an official hunter now? Wow, congratulations!

Kanba: Thank you, Hinoa.

Hinoa: All you need now is to register with the Guild so you can start accepting all those quests. To do that, you need to speak to Master Hojo in the Gathering Hub. But that can wait! First, we go shopping! You'll be needing the help of other villagers if you want to succeed in the field. So... Let's get started!

Kanba: Of course.

Hinoa: Now, where should we start first? Aha, of course! The "Marketeer of Mystery", Kagero the Merchant!

Kanba and Hinoa walk over to the merchant, who promptly greets them.

Kagero: Greetings, Master Kanba. I was just informed that you have been accepted into the Guild. Felicitations. Here you will find restorative cures and other items to help you on your hunts. I often diversify my stock and provide special offers to other hunters, too. I think you will find them most agreeable.

Hinoa: Kagero sometimes offer items at half-price, and that's when you can pick up some real bargains. I always hold off on buying what I want until the sale, and when it's on, I swoop in like a Rathian on the trail!

Kagero: I have always sensed Lady Hinoa's sharp gaze on my back. Now, I know why...

Kanba and Hinoa share a small giggle together.

Hinoa: Anyway, Kagero, remember those items I asked you to put aside for me?

Kagero: Of course. I'll have them packaged and set to you at your convenience.

Hinoa: Then let's wrap up! What should we do next...?

Kanba: I don't mean to sound hasty, but if I'm gonna be fighting off monsters, I'm gonna need a weapon.

Hinoa: Oh, of course! Don't worry, I just remembered Master Hamon the Blacksmith! It'll be nice to pay him a visit.

Kanba: Ladies first.

Hinoa and Kanba walk over to Hamon.

Hamon: ...Hinoa? What is it? As you can see I'm busy preparing for the Rampage.

Hinoa: Now now, Master Hamon, this time I've come to tell you good news! Kanba has been accepted into the Guild! The village now has a resident hunter we can all count on! Isn't that great?

Hamon: ...Hmph. I see. Well, Kanba, allow me to congratulate you.

Kanba: Thank you.

Hamon: The equipment we forge here are makes a hunter, in part, and can make or break a hunt. It's what represents our village, too. A hunter who can't wield Tatara Steel isn't fit to fly the banner of Kamura. You can find whatever you need here. As for crafting and refining gear... We can talk about that later.

Hinoa: Oh, since we're here, that reminds me! You can hire Buddies in the Buddy Plaza up ahead! Master Hamon's grandson, Iori, manages the place. Why don't you go talk to him later?

Hamon: Hmph. Capering around with Felynes and Canynes... Makes me wonder where I went wrong.

Hinoa: Really? I think Buddy Handling is quite a noble profession, personally. Anyway, Master Hamon, I was wondering if my order was ready yet.

Hamon: It is. One of my apprentices will deliver it to you later.

Hinoa: Ok, just one more stop and we're done... Let's see.

Kanba: Hmm... Something smells sweet in the air. And it's not the cherry blossoms.

Hinoa: Oh, it's got to be Yomogi the Chef's Tea Shop!

They walk over to said Tea Shop, Yomogi gretting them in a bubbly manner.

Yomogi: Oh, Kanba! Hey, I heard the news! You're now an official hunter and recognized by the Guild and everything! Congrats!

Kanba: Thank you, Yomogi.

Yomogi: Before you set out on a hunt, make sure to stop by and eat some Bunny Dango! You'll never taste anything yummier in your life, AND they'll get your juices flowing for a hunt!

Kanba: I'll keep that in mind.

Hinoa: Yomogi's Bunny Dango are really yummy. So yummy, in fact, that I can't stop eating them on the job. Oh, just thinking about them... Gets me all excited, and... *Ahem* Yomogi, the usual! Please and thank you!

Yomogi: Of course, Hinoa! One super-duper mega dango order, coming up!

Kanba: *Giggles* That's cute. In a good way, not the competitive kind.

Hinoa: Kanba, I had a great time on our shopping run. Thank you for accompanying me.

Kanba: No problem.

Hinoa: I had the things I ordered from Master Fugen and Kagero delivered to your Item Box. Surprise! It's just a little something from me to celebrate you becoming a hunter!

Kanba: I greatly appreciate it, Hinoa. Thank you.

Hinoa: You're welcome. Come back when you've completed your registration thing, okay?

Kanba: Of course. And the Bunny Dango?

Hinoa: Oh, these Bunny Dango are all mine. I'd share but a girl's gotta eat. *Giggles*

Kanba: *Giggles back* Ah it's fine, not hungry at the moment anyway.

Yomogi: Hey, you should probably equip a weapon already! I want to see what you look like in your full hunter getup!

Hinoa: Great idea! You should try on that Longsword I just got you!

Kanba: Sure, one moment.

Kanba grabs the Kamura Blade One from the Item Box and equips it.

Kanba: So, do I look like a real hunter now?

Yomogi: So cool...! That gear really suits you, Kanba!

Hinoa: You should feel a ton braver now, right? Head on over to the Gathering Hub and get yourself registered as a hunter. Once you talk to Master Tojo and get registered... You can start going out onto live hunts as a real live hunter of Kamura! Exciting!

Kanba: Well then, best be on my way.

Hinoa: I have to wait for my order here so... Off you go! I'll be in my usual spot, come find me when you're done.

Kanba: That I will.

Kanba walks to the Gathering Hub and enters, a magnificent Japanese vibe filling the inner sanctum, with Minoto and her Palico at the Hub Counter, a balcony showing an incredible view as Kamura's coolest shinobi, Master Utsushi, drops in from above as Minoto comes to greet Kanba.

Minoto: Kanba, great timing. This is... Oh, Master Hojo?

The old Wyverian, Hojo, halts his drawing and draws his attention to the two before him, giving a jolly chuckle shortly after.

Hojo: Well, hello there, Kanba! You sure took forever to get here, I thought I was gonna croak!

Kanba: Apologies for keeping you waiting. Hinoa wanted to go on a little shopping run with me, and I couldn't refuse.

Hojo: Oh worry not, young one. You are well aware that I, Hojo, am the Guild Master of this exceptional Gathering Hub-

Kanba: And my Guild registration?

Hojo: What's that? Your Guild registration? Yes I was just getting to it, before you interrupted me. Had you let me finish, I would've told you that we no longer do thing that way. Get with it-with it, young hunter! Johoho! No tests to take or papers to stamp! Just my OK and you're on your way! And with that, you're officially a hunter! But not just any hunter, no! A hunter of Kamura Village! Accept a quest from our dearest Minoto and go hunt some monsters! Johoho!

Kanba: Such wonderful fortune.

Minoto: About that... As much as I'd like to, I have to get this report about the Rampage ready for the Guild. I'm terribly sorry, but could you talk to Hinoa first, so she can explain how the quests work?

Kanba: Of co-

Utsushi: Yo, Ace!

Kanba turns his attention to Utsushi.

Utsushi: I just overheard the gnarly news! Awesome! Before you run off to see Hinoa, why don't you pop over here for a sec? I gotta check you out in your new threads!

Kanba smirks and walks over to Utushi.

Utsushi: Lookin good, Ace! Congrats on becoming a hunter! All that hard work finally paid off... I'm really happy for ya!

Kanba: Thanks, Master Utsushi, I'm happy to be here.

Utsushi: Say, I got something for ya!

Utsushi hands Kanba a camera.

Utsushi: A little something to get a good snapshot of things while you're out there! How about you test it out and snap a photo of me?

Kanba: Sure.

Kanba uses the camera and takes a snapshot of Utsushi, the warrior showing him the resulting photograph.

Utsushi: Oh yeah! That's one handsome Deviljho! Heh! Now that we got everything covered, I think it's quest time!

Kanba: I'm ready for anything.

Utsushi: Cool, I'll stop holding you up now. Go see Hinoa when you're ready.

Kanba: You got it.

Kanba hurries back to Hinoa, sitting on a bench with a stick of Bunny Dango in hand.

Hinoa: Oh, Kanba, already completed hunter registration? Great! I retrieved your Cohoot from Elder Fugen earlier. It's so cute! I think you'll love it!

Kanba nods and whistles loudly, calling for his Cohoot as the feathery companion lands on his wrist.

Hinoa: Cohoots, like Buddies, can help you out during quests. Just in their own way.

Kanba: Got it.

He sends the Cohoot off as Hinoa continues.

Hinoa: Anyway, since my sister is swamped at the moment, I'll give you rundown of how the quests work.

(One long-winded explanation later...)

Kanba: All right, I think I got the gist of it now.

Hinoa: Great, Minoto should be finishing up her report soon.

After Kanba checks a few things in regards of the Buddy Plaza, Hunter Ranks, Challenge and Arena Quests, he was set for his first quest, going to Hinoa to sign one.

Kanba: All right, I'm ready to start hunting. Let's get started.

Hinoa: A quest is already prepared for you, assign it at your convenience.

Kanba signs up for the quest "Back to Basics", which was a training quest, departing immediately to undertake the quest. Arriving at the first biome of the journey, the Shrine Ruins.

These halls of worship
Once so bustling
Now home to monsters
Stalking and rustling
Hunters beware
Naught waits but despair

(To be continued...)