Wolverine returns to a Japanese village he'd previously lived in, hoping to soothe his inner demons, but gets more than he bargained for when Silver Samurai and his gang of delinquents use the village as an extortion front.
Tropes:
- Adaptational Wimp: Silver Samurai is easily defeated here and walks off in disgrace, a considerable deal weaker than his comics counterpart, who very nearly killed Wolverine during their first encounter.
- Call-Back:
- When talking to Wolverine about his current crisis, Xavier asks if it's because of his experiences with Proteus (the eponymous two-parter) or learning about his Fake Memories ("Weapon X, Lies and Videotape").
- Wolverine briefly recalls Nightcrawler's advice about looking at the world with new eyes. When talking about purpose, Master Oku suggests Wolverine look at himself with new eyes
- The Cameo: An apparition of Nightcrawler briefly appears to Wolverine when he's trying to calm himself.
- Gratuitous Japanese: Briefly spoken when Wolverine first meets with Silver Samurai.
- I Want My Beloved to Be Happy: Wolverine stresses that while he still loves Jean, he respects that she's happy with Cyclops and doesn't want to ruin that for her.
- Innocently Insensitive: While searching for Wolverine, Jubilee seems to assume the general public in rural Japan speak English.
- Japanese Delinquents: The gang Wolverine helps save the village from.
- My God, What Have I Done?: Wolverine over nearly killing someone just for cutting him off in traffic and backhanding Jubilee for trying to stop him.
- Mythology Gag: At one point, Silver Samurai slashes Wolverine's upper back. This is a Bowdlerised reference to the duel between Wolverine and Silver Samurai in Uncanny X-Men #173 when the latter slashes Wolverine's neck.
- Politically Incorrect Villain: Silver Samurai addresses Wolverine as "gaijin," an impolite and racially insensitive term for foreigners.
- The Magnificent Seven Samurai: A Japanese rural town threatened by criminals who extort money. Wolverine basically plays the role of the Samurai.
- Wham Line: "I'm goin' to Japan. I'm leaving the X-Men."
- You Are Better Than You Think You Are:Master Oku: Peace comes with purpose. My faith gives me mine.
Wolverine: Rippin' up people is no purpose!
Master Oku: But protecting and caring for people is. Like many, perhaps you see yourself less well than others see you. Try looking at yourself with new eyes.
