Third Tattoo Hunt
A deadly chase through snow and blood for the third clue to the Ainu treasure.
The Third Tattoo Hunt represents a critical narrative phase in the Golden Kamuy saga where protagonists Saichi Sugimoto and Asirpa pursue the third clue among the fifty criminals bearing tattoos. This segment of the story transitions the adventure from initial prison escapes into the deep, unforgiving wilderness of Hokkaido. It serves as a pivotal escalation in stakes, introducing more organized military opposition and rival treasure hunters who are equally desperate to claim the hidden gold.
- Protagonists
- Saichi Sugimoto, Asirpa
- Setting
- Hokkaido and the surrounding regions
- Time Period
- aftermath of the Russo-Japanese War
- Primary Objective
- search for a vast fortune in gold that once belonged to the Ainu
- Major Antagonists
- First Lieutenant Tsurumi, the insane leader of the 7th Division, and Hijikata To
- Status
- Completed Narrative Segment
Lore & Background
The hunt reveals that the treasure is protected by more than just geography; it is guarded by those willing to kill for ownership. The Imperial Army, particularly officers seeking glory or political leverage, becomes a significant threat during this phase. This arc highlights the brutal reality of the Meiji period in Hokkaido, where lawlessness and ambition often override morality.
In Their Own Story
Snow fell silently over the frozen ridge, masking the sound of boots crunching on ice. Sugimoto crouched low behind a snowdrift, his rifle steady against the biting wind. Beside him, Asirpa held her breath, eyes scanning the tree line for movement. They were close to the prisoner who held the third clue. A sudden crack echoed through the valley—not a branch snapping, but a gunshot. The hunt had begun.
Reader's Guide
The Third Tattoo Hunt begins with Sugimoto and Asirpa tracking leads that point toward a specific prisoner in Hokkaido's interior. Unlike previous encounters, this phase involves navigating dense forests and harsh winter conditions while evading Imperial Army patrols led by determined officers. Key turning points include close-quarters combat with rival hunters who intercept the duo before they can secure the clue. Character dynamics evolve as Asirpa’s understanding of Ainu traditions proves vital for interpreting subtle environmental signs left by previous tattoo holders. The protagonists face betrayal and deception, forcing them to rely on trust rather than just firepower. By the arc's conclusion, they manage to retrieve the third tattoo information, though the victory comes with significant physical tolls. This segment advances the main treasure hunt quest by confirming that the gold is real and guarded by powerful forces. It sets the stage for larger conflicts in later arcs, establishing that every clue gained brings greater danger from both state and criminal factions.
Did You Know?
- The Ainu language in the story was supervised by Hiroshi Nakagawa, an Ainu language linguist from Chiba University.
- The central MacGuffin comes from an in-universe tall tale of an Ainu mining group, said to have unearthed 20 kan of gold.
- The tattooed convicts overpowered and killed their captors, scattering into the night after the prison attempted to transport them elsewhere.
- Asirpa wants vengeance for her father, one of the Ainu miners who was killed in the betrayal.
- The tattoos have seams, meaning that the prisoners were always intended to be murdered and skinned.