CASTLEVANIA: DIRGE OF TWILIGHT

A Storm from The Rising Sun's Land

In the year 1045, during the Heian period in Japan, art flourished in myriad forms. It was an era where the human mind's creativity knew no bounds, manifesting in culinary arts, music, paintings, and much more. Among the most celebrated art forms were yamato-e, a distinctive style of painting, and the poetic expressions found in Nikki, Tanka, and Monogatari.

However, it was not only the arts that thrived during this period. The Isamu Clan, renowned for their bravery and skill with katanas, rose to prominence. These warriors dedicated their lives to battling yokai, the supernatural creatures that threatened the land. Their valor and prowess in combat became legendary as they traveled the world, vanquishing demonic beasts and monsters.

In their quest to protect humanity, the Isamu Clan decided to migrate to Europe. While some members remained in Japan to guard against yokai, the majority ventured westward. Europe, plagued by monstrous beings, became their new battleground. It was here that they encountered the Belmont family, who had been exiled due to their superhuman abilities. The Belmonts, like the Isamus, were dedicated to safeguarding civilians from the monstrous threats that loomed over the land. Together, they faced vampire counts and other dark entities, including the formidable Dracula, whom they pursued relentlessly.

By 1476, the Belmonts were welcomed back to their homeland after a triumphant victory over Dracula. With the aid of Dracula's son, Alucard, and the Belnades and Danasty Clans, they had finally vanquished the dark lord. During this time, the Isamu Clan crossed paths with Trevor Belmont, who informed them of Dracula's defeat. This encounter forged a strong bond of trust and camaraderie between the clans. Alucard, burdened by the guilt of patricide, chose to enter a deep slumber.

The Isamu Clan continued their relentless pursuit of Dracula's cultists and other nightmarish creatures. Their hunt led them back to Japan, where they successfully eradicated their targets. However, the onset of the Edo period trapped them in Japan until the Meiji period, when they once again dispersed across the globe to combat Dracula's forces and rogue yokai.

During World War II, Akisada Isamu joined the Imperial Japanese Army. However, his conscience led him to desert his unit and kill his commanding officer when ordered to harm a child during the invasion of Philippines. His path crossed with vampire hunters Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Aulin, relatives of the Belmonts. Initially hostile due to his affiliation with the Axis Powers, they eventually accepted him upon learning of his desertion and refusal to commit atrocities.

Akisada aided them in finding a vampire who was a lieutenant colonel from the Japanese Imperial Army's castle but was soon captured and executed by his former comrades. His death ignited a fierce rebellion within the Isamu Clan, who began assisting the Allied Forces whenever possible. After the war, Shohei Isamu played a crucial role in training Julius Belmont during the 1980s. Shohei's daughter, Chiharu, also lent her support to Julius in his quest during 1999. The combined efforts of the clans, along with Alucard's return, led to Dracula's sealing with the help of the Hakuba Clan.

In modern times, the Isamu Clan resides in Kyoto. The next heirs to the Shadowsteel Katanas are twins, Torajiro and Sugita Isamu. They are destined to wield these legendary blades, continuing their clan's legacy of bravery and protection against the forces of darkness.