Masked Assailants are a group of attackers known for their dark blue clothing over basic padded armor, half-helmets, and masks, devoid of any clan crests. Their identities are obscured, and they employ tactics such as smoke bombs to create confusion during combat. This group is involved in a chaotic melee on the Emperor’s Road, initially mistaking Doji Setsuna for their intended target, Asako Taishi, who is a tall Phoenix scholar.
During the conflict, the Masked Assailants attempt to capture Asako Taishi, who is mounted on a small pony. As the melee unfolds, they realize their mistake and release Doji Setsuna. They engage in various attacks, with archers losing line of sight due to the smoke, leading them to resort to close combat. The assailants grapple Bayushi Monban, a Scorpion bushi, dragging him away from the scene, while also coordinating to pull Asako Taishi into the smoke despite his pleas for help.
The masked group utilizes various combat techniques, including nunchaku to threaten Asako Taishi. They are eventually confronted by Shiba Midori, who inflicts damage on their leader, clad in black armor, before he is slain by Midori in a duel. As the chaos increases, the Masked Assailants focus on extracting the wounded Asako Taishi while also confronting Bayushi Monban, who asserts his authority as an Emerald Magistrate in defiance of their actions. The remaining assailants retreat after their leader's death, aiming to escape with Asako Taishi.