The Serpent of Usui Pass: Usui Sadamitsu's Story [MV]

This historical ballad tells the story of Usui Sadamitsu as he returns to his home village only to find it tormented by a great serpent. He takes a vow to save his people and sets out to find the beast only to find the hardest challenge of his life.


・The first illustration depicts farmers showing Usui Sadamitsu where the great serpent lives.
・The second illustration depicts Sadamitsu meeting the great serpent.
・The third illustration depicts Sadamitsu charging into the great serpents flames.
・The fourth illustration depicts Sadamitsu on his knees next to his melted sword.
・The fifth illustration depicts Sadamitsu receiving the divine scythe from the Eleven-Headed Kannon.
・The sixth illustration depicts Sadamitsu preparing to charge the great serpent again.
・The seventh illustration depicts Sadamitsu praying by the newly erected Usui-san Joko-in Kongo-ji Temple.


Verse 1
Many long years have passed, in service to my lord I've fought
Now I'm returned home from war, only to find my village besieged
A great beast has taken residence, the farmers tell me of their woes
I vow to them that I will rid the land of this pestilence, set them free

Chorus
Even if it cost my life
I swear by all the gods
I shall rid this land of evil
Please grant me strength

Verse 2
Day gives way to night, I go deeper and deeper into the mountains
Beneath the moonlight I hear a rustling, and a great serpent rises
The cold moonlight reflects in its eyes, and I call out my challenge
“Leave this pass, seek prey elsewhere, O great serpent”

Chorus
Even if it cost my life
I swear by all the gods
I shall rid this land of evil
Please grant me strength

Verse 3
The great serpent opens its maw, fangs glisten in the moonlight
It roars and rumbles like a firestorm, great flames belch forth
I raise my sword and charge forward, I try to evade but the flames engulf me
The world vanishes and I fall into darkness, the last light fades away

Chorus
Even if it cost my life
I swear by all the gods
I shall rid this land of evil
Please grant me strength

Verse 4
A faint light brings me back, I crawl out from the darkness
My armor is scorched, my blade lies melted
Though I yet live, this beast seems beyond me
I kneel and offer a prayer, to receive strength

Chorus
Even if it cost my life
I swear by all the gods
I shall rid this land of evil
Please grant me strength

Verse 5
A bright light appears, time comes to a halt
The Eleven-Headed Kannon, come to answer me
Between us a divine scythe floats, inviting me in
I raise my head and grip it, I stand ready once more

Chorus
Even if it cost my life
I swear by all the gods
I shall rid this land of evil
Please grant me strength

Verse 6
Wielding the divine scythe, I turn to face my foe
The great serpent opens its maw, flames form once more
Once more I charge into the fire, unleashing the light within
The great serpent falls silent, the land is made safe once more

Chorus
Even if it cost my life
I swear by all the gods
I shall rid this land of evil
Please grant me strength

Verse 7
In the pass I build a temple, to honor the Eleven-Headed Kannon
Within its sacred embrace, I enshrine the skull of the great serpent
To calm its spirit, to ensure it does not seek vengeance
I have fulfilled my oath, my village and my people shall forever be safe

Chorus
Even if it cost my life
I swear by all the gods
I shall rid this land of evil
Please grant me strength


Concept & Lyrics: Toshiro
Music & Vocals: Suno
Illustrations: OpenAi
Translation & Writing Assistance: Grok