Shurei's group is now only a short distance from Koren, the capital of Sa Province where the swearing-in ceremony for the provincial governors will take place.
Also in that city, that mysterious man, named Sakujun Sa has been awaiting Shurei's arrival.
However, with the capital under a complete blockade, Shurei and her companions are stuck on the round side of the town walls.

Women are Brave

So the whole place is under total locked down.
Yeah.
But the swearing-in ceremony for the governors is supposed to be held there...
And the day after that is their deadline to arrive.
If they're late for it, then they're deemed to have abandoned their assignment.
Both Princess and Eigetsu would be dismissed from their positions as co-governors.
Regardless of a blockade or whatever else they try, we're gonna enter Koren
There are nineteen days until the swearing-in ceremony.
That means twenty days before the deadline.
Before we get that far, we’d better make sure we recover shurei’s flower bud, right?
People here are anticipating a governor with the flower bud of trust, to a province that’s been abandoned by the central government for so long, that symbol is crucial, that’s why you must get it back before the ceremony .
In any case the Sa Clan isn’t an opponent we will be able to avoid.
we'll have to samba with the Sa!
Uh... er, well, gee... that food sure smells delicious. right?
Yeah, you bet.
Hey! That was really funny, don't you think?
Hey! Hey!
Regardless of what might come afterward, our first priority is clear, we must get past that blocked gate.
But before that, let's have a little something to eat!
Meanwhile, there is another person who is on his way to Koren city. The youngest son of the Sa clan, Kokujun Sa.
With a mere handful of courage, he's trying to create a path towards a bright future for someone he loves.
Miss Shunki. What's wrong?
Need to use the bathroom?
Here you go, Miss Shunki.
The man known as Hokuto has always been a treasure and irreplaceable friend to me.
Lord Shoka!
Please Allow me to pour the tea.
It's all right. Shusui, please have a seat and relax.
Um.
Despite our close friendship , Hokuto only wrote a letter to me once.
It said, "don't bother to visit , I'll come to see you someday”
I waited a long time for that day to come, but...!
In the end, he passed away quietly, while his children were watching over him.
If you had known that man many years ago, the last thing you'd ever expect would be a quite death for him.
As members of the Wolves of the Wind, we entrusted our lives to each other.
It was all a part of walking the path of darkness together, I'm glad that in the end, he was able to leave this world peacefully.
I understand he left two sons behind, were you the one who looked after them, Lord Shoka?
To be honest, Hokuto had done such a magnificent job raising them and there wasn't much I needed to do when it came down to it.
They're sons of the Bald Eagle of Sa Province.
One day, They'll soar majestically in the sky.
Yes, definitely.
Shusui. What’s wrong? Is the tea too bitter for you?
No. actually , It's very tasty.
It’s a really good thing that our father taught us how to read and write stuff!
Yeah, Thanks to him helping us, we’re about to talk with Miss Shunki like this!
Starting this moment, I'm heading down the mountain.
Yoshun!
Yes, big brother!
You idiot ! Call me boss, remember ?
Now You know what it is you're supposed to do, right?
Yes, Of course! I’ve gotta get packing!
right!
We hereby declare our official revival, as the next generation Bald Eagles of Sa Province!
Wow, you sound totally awesome, boss!
I'll pack some freshly picked fruits, that will sure keep us going!
Okay! Let's continue what our father began. The second generation of the chivalrous thieves begins here!
Yes! And I'll write everything down in my leaf diaries so that we will never end up forgetting it!
Yeah!
What is it, Miss Shunki?
No way, A journey is all about the company!
You'd better use the bathroom before we leave, Miss Shunki.
Don't worry, There's no need to be embarrassed.
This is delicious, thanks Shurei!
Yeah, it has a good flavor, doesn't it?
Hey, Seiran, isn’t your piece a little bigger than mine.
It is utterly depressing to think that you're the former governor!
But , putting that aside, for the time being, what should we do?
If only lord Ryuren Ran were still here, things would be much simpler for us right now.
Because of the Ran Clan crest, the Twin Dragons.
Right. With that all it would take is saying “have a look at this token”, and we'd all pass through the gate without being inspected, but...!
he's not here, so it's not an option.
Yes, That's right.
So, what will you do?
How do you propose we enter Koren?
Well, Why don't we just walk right up to the front gate, and pass on through, simple as that.
I'm sure I already informed you earlier, that even the gate guards have been replaced with Members of the Sa Clan’s private army.
Yes, But that's illegal, right?
Seiran can use his authority to arrest them, and once we push them off to the side, there won't be anything to stop us from walking through that gate.
So , do you have any problems with that?
I understand . no problem .
As for the situation with my flower bud, I'm sure that guy will find a way to approach us when we enter Koren.
well Then I guess all that's left to do now is sleep.
That's right, Eigetsu. Good Food and a good night sleep are always necessary.
All right then, I'll get to bed first.
Remember to put out the fire before you go to sleep.
Good night.
Hey, Sho. Our bosses are incredible , don't you think? They're the best!
Indeed. It seems They'll become governors who won't settle for taking a back seat to the previous one.
At this rate, we’ll reach goal of Kinka, before we even know it!
Of course we will, we’re the Bald Eagles of Sa Province...
mountains like this are a piece of cake, right boss?!
You got it!
Miss Shunki. Hold on to me as tight as you can!
Let's go!
It really is completely blocked, isn’t it!
Yes, but We've gotta get through, no matter what!
What's that?
Well, shall we do it?
Yeah.
Checkpoint-breakers?
Okay then. Let's get this stamped, already.
Hey, Ensei, you seem awfully used to this kind of thing.
You're pretty experienced huh?
Experienced in breaking through checkpoints?
You're the governors' aide, for crying out loud.
Hey, Sho. Can you ride a horse by any chance?
Yes, I can manage.
I don't suppose we Could go over to your sister's house?
Actually, there’s nowhere else we can go, so we may as well head over there.
Wait a minute! Why are we on horses now?!
It must have been tough for you, my lady.
Not only did you have no saddle, but we were going a little fast.
You call that a little?
My butt's hurting like crazy.
What is this place?
It’s Mr. Sai's sister’s house, the residence of lady Rin Sai..
Mr. Sho Sai's older sister?
The garden and the house aren’t exactly flashy, but they definitely have a very fashionable air to them.
I can see that she’s a person of excellent taste.
Well, Come on in. I'm sure my sister has already planned to have left a letter or two for us.
"To the two honorable new governors...!"
Just like you said, a letter for us, but How’d she know we'd be coming here?
One of this skills necessary for becoming a merchant is the ability to correctly predict the future.
Like Assistant Ro said earlier, this is the only place where we could go.
Hey, It's no fluke your sister happens to be provincial leader of the Merchants Guild.
What about the other letter?
Right.
What is it? Shurei!
This is... an invitation from the Sa Clan!

The Story of Saiunkoku

Wait a minute. Why don't we look at the other letter first.
Um . Sure.
It says The Sa Clan has been causing numerous disruptions within Sa Province.
Since the Sa Clan has a tight grip on even the Merchants Guild, the guild will only be able to provide us with minimal assistance.
So, what you intent to do now?
Please Don't forget that depending on your strategy, the future actions in support of the Merchants Guild may be affected.
Whoa! You really are merciless!
Since you and Officer Si enjoy being soft on them, it’s necessary for me to balance things out.
All right, Eigetsu. I think this is the situation where we should use the governor's seal.
Yes. I was thinking the same thing.
The Merchants Guild has agreed to provide us with at least minimal assistance, right?
Yes, If at all possible.
Please send the following reply to Miss Rin Sai, leader of the Sa Province branch of the Merchants Guild. We hereby request immediate military assistance from all soldiers affiliated with the Merchants Guild of Sa Province.
Soldiers are to take action and control all civil conflicts that have arisen, as well as protect all mayors and seniors officials who would be present at the swearing-in ceremony of the new governors.
The above request for assistance is made in the names of the new Governors of Sa Province Eigetsu To and Shurei Hong.
However...There shall be no reward.
We do not intent to buy your conscience with money or goods.
This is a request , not a direct order.
You shall make your own judgment on whether or not you accept.
We ask that you provide us with a reply as soon as possible.
From the Governor of Sa Province, Eigetsu To. And Governor of Sa Province, Shurei Hong.
I’m afraid It's missing something.
Huh?
What do you mean?
Lieutenant Governor of Sa Province, Ensei Ro, and...!
Military Officer of His Majesty, Seiran Si.
You have no intention of buying her conscience with money or goods,
well, that’s Splendid! I'll deliver the letter to my sister as soon as possible.
No matter how you look at it, the Sa Province's army on our side won't be enough.
Luckily for us, The soldiers and mercenaries of Merchants Guild are talented and have good leadership.
But you know, most people would normally be too afraid to request assistance from the Merchants Guild without offering any compensation.
Luckily , our Princess isn’t most people.
I humbly request you deliver this.
Very well. I accept your request, now are you going to keep us [in a suspense] or are you going to open the other letter?
This is bad, it feels like a cursed invitation.
It does kind of give me a bad feeling, But, we have no choice, we still have to open it!
Way to go! Women are brave!
Let me see, We hereby make this announcement that all members of the clan will assemble to officially select the clan's leader, followed by the Sa Clan appointment ceremony. As such We humbly request the attendance of the two new governors to partake in this glorious occasion as well as to formally acknowledge the new head of the clan. We look forward to seeing you there.
In other words. A trap.
Yeah, In a nutshell, they're saying, Now, come to me!
In any of them, the timing for this trap there couldn't possibly be worse.
Isn't this another one of those situations we’ll just have to tackle it head on.
They have got to be joking, It's on the day before our swearing-in ceremony?!
Then will you turn him down?
No, Of course we're going to go!
I have to get back that flower bud that was taken from me.
And there's Mr. Kokujun as well.
They must know that, You could call it a flowered invitation with the bud as bait.
He sent you this letter knowing very well that you wouldn't be able to turn it down.
That's why I'm so mad!!
Mr. Sho Sai. Were you able to find what I asked for?
You should know by now that There's nothing the Merchants Guild cannot get.
Here's the item as promised.
Yes, Indeed. Thank you for procuring it for me.
It’s amazing how You're so knowledgeable in poisons.
I admit I was stunned that you'd know so much about those things that spread secretly through the underground of common life.
My knowledge is not something that concerns you.
It's not as if I learned about these things because I wanted to.
You intend to take it upon yourself to use that?
You're very nosy , at least as far as merchants guild.
Look , I’m just saying you're overdoing it for a military officer.
It’s a little different for me, I'm the person to whom His Majesty bestowed the sword Kansho.
That means I am obligated to protect the governors from any and all dangers.
Besides, Ensei can’t do this, He's a man who's always walking in the sun.
the tentacles of darkness will never be able to wrap themselves around him, he'll never be bothered by dark nights.
That’s why, Sakujun Sa is not an appropriate opponent for him.
And you're different?
That’s right, in fact I'm the exact opposite of Ensei.
I know how to handle those kinds of dark hearted men, better than anyone else can.
I know how to deal with an opponent whom I can’t kill nor leave alive.
I know because I was once like that.
I was the troublesome second prince whom can neither be killed nor be left alive.
You're the real king, aren't you?
You see, You speak in the manner of someone who walks the path of a conqueror.
Are you trying to say, that light and darkness they have nothing to do with hope or despair, but instead, a merely part of the tactics you use for the purpose of achieving your goals?
I believe I might have said too much.
Forgive my curiosity I shall continue to deliver the requested information and potions to you as soon as I receive them.
Thank you very much, Mr. Sai.
Darkness or the light, I'll take advantage of anything I can use.
Seiran! Seiran!
In order to protect what I ought to be protecting.
Grandfather! Stop this, already!
It's not too late to undo your mistakes!
We’ve committed so many crimes, we have to stop.
We have to atone for the sins of the Sa Clan!
Of course, I will bear that responsibility as well!
You are a disgrace, you have no pride in being part of this clan!
You’ve forgotten about honesty, righteousness, reason, your desires are blinded, [you don’t know] how soiled you've become. That's the disgrace!
You can show your true pride in the Sa Clan by putting a stop to this, before you fall even deeper into the darkness.
we must return to the correct path!
Pride in the Sa Clan, you say?
How dare you talk like you know it all!
Grandfather!
Don't take that tune of voice with me boy, Meeting with you on a whim was a total mistake.
I should've thrown you in the same place as that foolish man, right from the start.
What?
Yes, The same place I put your father.
Father?
But I thought you said father was recuperating from an illness in a far-off place where he could get better?
Are you saying that was a lie?
That's what makes you foolish and naive .
That man is currently sitting in his prison, not even aware of who he is any longer.
But That's... how can you be so heartless grandfather , Chuso.
I'll let you out for the selection ceremony. Take him away!
Grandfather!
For far too many years, You've admired my older brother, Enjun.
Know this, even if you do have intentions of leading, I will inherit that position from my brother first.
Wh-What are you planning to do? Grandfather! No, Grandfather!
Come on!
Eiki. If you wish it, I could free you from this prison right now.
Sho. The great elegant snobbish Advisor Sho.
why would an old man like you come here looking like that?
You are a sly fox in a young man's skin.
I would never accept any help of yours.
I have one question.
Tell me, Where is the ring belonging to the head of the Sa clan, the one you stole a year and a half ago?
I Stole? It won’t be long before the ring returns here.
Is that right? Well then I have nothing further to say to you.
you may leave, get out of my sight.
Eiki.
It would be a simple matter for me to leave here, take over and smack those fools into utter submission
But then what would happen after I leave this world for good?
Old people like me should stick to giving whatever knowledge is requested and providing guidance to the young.
That's why I’m still sitting here waiting.
Right now, I'm in the midst of surmounting one of those significant challenges of my life.
What they are?
That’s why Men are useless, they waste all their time and energy worrying about such things!
Maybe we were going too fast.
Let’s rest today, Are you all right, Miss Shunki?
Shunki?
You, boys and girl over there.
You young children, who are [feeling] years.
Where are you going?
Um... well... Kinka.
And after that, we will head to Koren.
Wow, he's cool!
If that’s the case you shall accept my charity.
You don't need to thank me.
I wish you happiness on your journey .
Now, as a farewell gift, I will play a tune that just came to me this moment.
So as long as we have this token, that the super cool guy gave us, we’ll be able to enter Koren without having to go through Kinka.
Great, but what about what Ensei told us? He said that before we get to koren, we have to talk with an important man in Kinka.
Why don't I run to Kinka on my own!
Great idea, then I'll go ahead to Koren with Miss Shunki!
Let's go!
Listen, Shunki. This is a promise between you and your grandmother.
Use your power only for the sake of the person most important to you.
Until then, I shall seal your voice!
I'm coming. You just wait for me.

Next Episode

We've entered Koren at last.
I'm going straight to the place where that guy from the Sa Clan is!
I'll find Lady Eiki and the others, and...
Wait. What are you doing here?
Ah? You've come to get me?