"Puppeteers of the Crucified Shadows" (Kurushi no Jūjika) The descendants of Japanese Christians who survived the era of persecution now exist in the world of Trench Crusade as outcasts, whose faith is distorted by demonic pacts and centuries-old violence. Their troops are a mix of samurai, monks, and sumo giants, ashigaru, united by a fanatical belief in the "Resurrection of the Japanese Christ." Their goal is not victory, but redemption through suffering. Ashigaru Cross Troops (Jūjika no Ashigaru) These infantrymen are former peasants and artisans recruited into the army of the "Puppeteers of the Crucified Shadows." Their tappo (arquebuses) and armor are reinterpreted through the prism of perverted Christianity, turning into instruments of holy terror. Origin: After the persecution of Christians, the Ashigaru became "voluntary martyrs" — they were recruited with the promise that death in battle would open the gates of paradise to them. In fact, their souls are trapped in cartridges for the weapons of their comrades. Weapons and abilities 1. Teppo "The Voice of the Lord" (Kami no Koe): - Arquebuses. Each shot is accompanied by the cry of a soul trapped in a bullet. - Features: - "Holy buckshot": The charges are filled with fragments of church bells. When hit, they cause additional damage to demons and heretics. - Recoil: After firing, ashigaru gets a random effect: either temporary invisibility (as a "gift from God"), or bleeding