Seiran, Ensei, Eigetsu and Korin, who is acting as a stand-in for Shurei, have all been captured by Sojun Sa.
His grandfather, Chusho Sa, is seeking leadership of the Sa clan.
Currently , They're being held captive in the town of Sairi, the checkpoint on the border of Sa Province.
Mr. Kokujun!
Wait, Do you know this man?
He's the younger brother of Mr. Sojun , the third son of the Sa family.
Miss Korin, It's been quite a while,.
This isn't good. He knows.

Bolt Out of the Blue

Shurei was the only one who escaped danger in Sakyo.
Using Korin's name as a disguise, she is traveling with a merchant by the name of Senya Rin.
It's already been six days since we entered Sairi and Sa Province.
I wonder if everyone's all right.
No matter what, get to Kinka, got that?
That’s all well and good, but when is this prodigal young master of mine planning to depart for Kinka, anyway?
Good morning, young master, did you sleep well...
Good morning to you, Korin.
Young Master! could you put on some clothes?!
You're awake unusually early today, aren't you?
It's too hot, no one can sleep like this.
At times like this, you've got to sleep out of sheer will.
sheer will , you say, those words are not in my vocabulary, I’m afraid .
You really don’t have any drive , do you?
Anyway, I've prepared some ice and fruit for you, and I’ve brought you your fan as well.
No, I'd rather have you play your erhu.
If you can, Please play something that will make me feel a little cooler at least.
I'm surprised you're not tired of it by now, after having me play every night.
That will never happen, No one's music has ever pleased me as much as yours has, Korin.
Yes yes.
But more importantly, what day are you planning on leaving for Kinka?
It should be any time now.
Any time?
Now, play on.
You look rather troubled, your majesty
Advisor So.
Isn't there anyone in the Sa Clan as talented as Advisor Sa?
Why are you asking me something like that all of a sudden ?
Well, I’ve been thinking about things ever since Advisor Sho said he would go to Sa Province.
Oh, yes, He went to return the ring of the Sa clan’s leader, didn't he?
Wait, You knew that Advisor Sho had the ring?!
And as for the Sa Clan, around fourteen years ago, Advisor Enjun Sa, returned home to take care of some business.
When he returned from Sa Province, he was quite disturbed
He said something about the possibility of a monster existing within the Sa Clan.
A monster?
That was the only time he ever spoke opening of the subject , but nine years ago, during the civil war when Enjun's only son and daughter-in-law were killed, I couldn’t help but remember those words of his.
Sure, Enjun was here in Shi Province.
But how did the one responsible for killing his son and his son's wife managed to slip past Eiki?
That would be Advisor Sa's lady I presume?
Yes.
Eiki is the daughter of the Hyo Clan, a family that possesses unusual abilities.
They say she has the power to see the future.
Pulling off something like killing the son and his wife with Eiki so close by, is a faith that no one in the Sa Clan could possibly accomplish.
So they assumed there was a monster among the Sa Clan.
We don't know if there is one or not.
However, if there is, that person must be regarded as extremely dangerous.
A monster.
You really are extremely good, aren’t you?
Where did you learn how to play?
From my mother.
She always excelled at playing the erhu.
By the way, I know you did put on some clothes like I asked you, and thank you for doing that, but you've done nothing more than just drape some flimsy robe around you.
Likewise, you don't wear the cute outfit I set out for you.
That’s ridiculous , young Master. I'm not a princess.
What need is there for me to wear an outfit like that?
Because it would be food for the eyes.
Just admit it’s all the way to tease and spite me.
What a strange thing to say.
It’s easy to see how much potential you have to be truly beautiful.
Wha...?!
Although the word cute might suit you better right now.
you're not merely here to feed us today I assume ?
It's been seven days, you should know that Miss Korin appears to be feeling a lot better.
Kokujun , You're sure about this?
You were probably waiting for Miss Korin to regain her strength, weren't you?
knowing you, you could've escaped any time you wanted.
Well, yeah.
But if I can get away without having to waste any energy, then so much the better.
Hey, Seiran, before we get out of here, we'd better go and find that sword His Majesty entrusted you with.
After all, it wouldn't be amusing if it ended up getting sold, would it?
Don’t worry about it.
That sword is actually quite a fancy thing, it won’t be sold easily.
And besides, this sword doesn’t look too bad either.
Well, In that case, shall we make a run for it?
Wait just a minute , don't you intend to save the governors too?
Did Eigetsu ever ask for us to come and save him?
Well, No.
He only asked me to tell you Miss Korin's condition, nothing else.
Then they should be fine.
But they've both been captured!
If they've already been captured, then they’re not in any danger of being captured again.
That's why they are fine where they are.
Don't you think there's something wrong with that logic.
I thought that as long as I let you out of the dungeon,...!
Then everything would turn out okay, huh?
You assumed that I'd save Eigetsu, Korin, and even Shunki, right?
Life's not that easy, kid.
You think you’re doing something, but in fact you're doing nothing.
All you do is sit around and hope.
Hope that someone stronger than you will take care of things you don't have to.
I gotta say, Kokujun, Shunki is a lot braver and stronger than you are from where I’m standing .
Shunki.
Instead of just worrying about Shunki, why don't you do some about it yourself?
what do you mean?
Even though they're younger, Eigetsu and Korin have prepared themselves much better than you.
The reason those two are still alive, despite everything they’ve been through, is because they're not afraid to go to the brink, they’re willing to walk a tightrope and using their wits to the limit.
Sometimes , you just gotta take risks.
Before hoping for someone to come to the rescue, try making a difference yourself.
look, Kokujun.
I do admire your bravery, not only bringing us food and water for seven days, but even going so far as to unlock the door for us to escape.
I realize that’s the big thing, especially considering you are the third son of the Sa Clan.
If your elder brother Sojun finds out about this, you could be in danger
That’s why I think you did well.
No body's telling you that you have to risk your life, but there's a difference between the impossible and giving up right from the outset on things that might be possible.
See you later.
You really can be officious.
Not only do you tell him to take action, you give the poor man a lecture and still manage to give him a little push at the end.
If something good comes outta giving the guy a push, then that’s all the better, right?
Do you really believe he will be able to make a difference?
There they are! stand!
Don't let them get away!
Let's clean things up quickly and join up with Princess and the others.
Just try not to injure any the officials.
Right.
Please Be safe, Everyone.
Damn that man! Ensei Ro! That basted
He really did escape in the end!
Now I’m not sure if you two really are the governors.
If you were, then why would Ensei leave you guys behind and make a run for it?
That's because, That's because we're the real ones, right?
What?!
Just think about it, If we're the real governors, then you people can't kill us. That's why.
Get real, your brat!
The only one we can't kill is the girl, because she's from the Hong Clan.
Make no mistake. We're only keeping you alive for the hell of it, that's all.
And I can kill you whenever I want! Like now for instance !
Stop it!

The Story of Saiunkoku

If you doubt us, then go ahead and kill him.
However, expect consequences.
What do you mean?
If you kill Governor To, I promise you I will kill myself shortly afterwards.
If I should die, then the Hong Clan will take action immediately.
If both of us lose our lives on your lands, whose fault is it going to be seen as?
Now wait.
And when you see the revenge against the Sa Clan, you'll regret it so much for not even death will free you from your conscience!
If you are prepared for that, then go ahead and Kill him!
And besides , didn't you know the master Ensei was going to escape?
I remember that man who was with you before said that he would.
That man who was with me?
Escapes!
Oh he will. Don’t you ever doubt that.
Meisho.
Damn it all!
So that’s it, and I'm supposed to take these two to Kinka after Ensei escapes.
Damn! What a waste of my time, all I wanna do is find that guy, and smash his head into little pieces!
In that case, why don't you leave it to me to take the two co-governors to Kinka, big brother?
Kokujun. You?
Ever since you fell under Shunki's influence, you've been spouting stupidity.
Please, Sojun, I want the chance to restore my honor as the third son of the Sa Clan.
And that idiot Sakujun hasn't come out of Kinka yet.
Well, I guess even you can babysit a couple of kids.
All right, fine , Kokujun. Try to get them to Kinka as soon as you can manage.
Mr. Kokujun.
I want to thank you very much for releasing Mr. Ensei and Mr. Seiran.
What is it with you?! You're too Small to be so reckless!
You know, I'm a lot tougher than I appear, Miss Korin. I feel just fine.
No matter how tough you’re being, stabbed by a spear, will still kill you!
The reason those two are still alive despite everything they’ve been through, is because they're not afraid to go to the brink, they’re willing to walk a tightrope using their wits to the limit.
Sometimes , you just gotta take risks.
Well then, Mr. Kokujun.
We'll be together for the next little while, so I hope we'll get along well.
In any case, we can finally relax a little.
Are you sure the two of you are okay with this?
I am still Sojun's younger brother, you know.
That’s true, but even though You knew Korin was a fake governor, you didn't tell anyone about it.
I have to warn you, I'm not very strong. I might even end up betraying you later.
Oh I understand that . You still have to deal with your own circumstances.
Whatever is happening, we will all still do whatever it is that we have to do.
It would probably end up taking about a month to go from Sairi to Kinka.
You should get ready for the journey ahead.
Yes, sir!
It's been seven days since we entered Sairi.
Just when are we gonna leave anyway?
Just as I thought, You look much nicer with your hair down.
In fact, I wish you'd leave it down because I like it that way.
Please give back my hairpin!
I have no intention of leaving my hair down in this heat.
Honestly, young Master!
If you don't mind, would you do my hair as well?
But I thought you just tie it back, don't you?
Yes, but it's quite difficult to manage.
Alright, I'll do it for you.
You may have inherited the merchant business from your family, but that business will end with you if you keep on like this.
You’re very blunt, why is that?
Everyone merchant knows the most important aspect in successful business is to do things promptly.
But no, not you , young Master.
Very well, in that case, We'll depart today.
We'll depart today, around noon, I should do things promptly, didn’t you say?
Well, yes, but still...!
Besides, it looks like things could become quite unpleasant around here.
Oh, really?
It seems there's been an escape from the border prison.
They say the escapees are an extremely strong pair of men.
That certainly does sound unpleasant.
It's rather frightening, isn't it?
Yes, very much so.
If that were not enough, Sa Province has been on the edge over the two newly appointed governors.
[First around paging] , bandits are now escaped.
Still, don't worry, It's all right. I'll see you safely to Kinka, so you can rest easy.
After all, I took to you the first moment I saw you.
I would never let anything happen to you.
Would it be all right for me to go out for a moment, young Master?
Hey, welcome.
I'd like some Gan Lu tea please, I’ll take all you have in the shop.
Huh? All of it?!
Yes.
As for Payment for the tea, it should be sought from my prodigal young master Mr. Senya Rin, before noon today.
Yes, one moment, please!
At last, I can finally move forward!
Seiran. Ensei. Eigetsu. Korin.
We'll meet in Kinka! For sure!
Twenty days and a bit later, Shurei found herself staying in a small town.
This time they appeared in the town of Rosen.
It’s that mysterious bounty-hunting duo.
Word is that those two are capturing Murderous Blades members and earning quite the bounty.
Not to mention, one of them sure is handsome, don't you think?
The other one doesn't even look human, does he?
I hear he's part-man, part-bear monster.
They're really something. Earning travel money as they go though [turning in] bounties.
And the fact that Eigetsu and Korin aren't with them must mean those two are safe.
If they weren't, Seiran and Ensei would've rescued them.
I’m so glad. That’s one last thing I have to be worried about.
This sketch of me is really harsh.
I happen to be a very good-looking guy when I shave my beard, you know.
Anyway Princess’s doing a fantastic job as usual , she’s been leaving us clear signs of her whereabouts.
I’m afraid We're all out of Gan Lu tea.
A young lady bought it all, I remember she was very skilled with the erhu.
All we need to do is go to any tea merchants in town and ask if they have Gan Lu tea and we get news about her location.
We don't bring any undue attention to ourselves in the process.
plus, it's much safer, remains more vividly in the shopkeepers' minds than just leaving a note or message behind where anyone can find out about it.
Talk about a brilliant idea.
brilliant ideas are given for Her Ladyship.
Still, it's really quite impressive, for the our Princess’s frugality.
To squander so much money like that just for our sakes.
Guess We really must be loved, huh?
It’s the Murderous Blades!
Sa Province is my territory as well as Yushun's.
you're the Murderous Blades?
Are you stupid?
You have some nerve coming out like you did while I was away.
Trust me, You're gonna regret this!
Korin.
God ! young Master!
What do you mean by "god"?
I've never before received such response from anyone , least of all, when speaking to a young lady such as yourself.
You just really surprised me , that’s all!
I came out here to keep an eye on you so that you don't purchase any more tea, but...!
Oh, sorry, if that’s the case then I’m afraid you got here a little late.
So it appears.
You keep buying all the Gan Lu tea everywhere we go. What are you planning to do?
Do you intend to open a teahouse?
That’s not it.
Later, I'm gonna make lots of this tea for the people who are important to me.
So you have people important to you, then.
That’s right. They’re precious .
Well, I feel so more jealous.
So, Rosen?
I was just noticing that they've passed us.
Those two mysterious bounty hunters.
Oh, you're right.
It looks like The Murderous Blades bandits and this bounty hunting duo are both heading in the exact same direction we are.
It's almost as if they were chasing after us.
You, You think so?
It must be nice to be as carefree as those men.
But as for us, let's take our time and go on a casual pace, shall we?
It'd be at least another ten days before we reach Kinka.
What you do isn't called taking your time, it's called laziness.
You have a way with words.
Hey.
Look, until now, No woman has come to understand me so thoroughly in such a short time.
I think that means there's nothing left but for the two of us to marry.
Y-You know, young Master.
I wish you'd stop calling me young Master, korin.
Rather than the young master of the Rin family, I want you to see me.
Rather than the king,
I want you to see me.
This man...!
Senya...yes? more than anything, I wish to hear you say my name with that cute voice of yours.
Actually , I think I prefer calling you young Master.
And Also, I wish you wouldn't joke about us getting married.
I think the two of us would make an excellent couple.
Please think about the difference in our ages!
Really? Our Ages, you say. Come to think of it, your age and mine are not very different at all from those of the couple in the upcoming marriage between the governor and the son of the Sa clan.
Is that so. The new governor and the son of the ...!
Say What?!
That would be me, right?
But, but, What's this about our marriage?
By the way, there was quite an interesting rumor in town.
yeah?
Princess' marriage to the second son of the Sa Clan.
Judging by your response, You’re surprised, like a bolt out of the blue.
But that's a pretty high road.
Trying to make her theirs through marriage.
The eldest is our good friend Sojun and Kokujun is the third son, so the second is Sakujun.
He's supposed to be 29-years-old, that means he's just a little older than us, so there's a twelve year difference between him and Princess.
Any way you look at it, that marriage proposal will never be accepted.
And Even if by some remote chance it was, this Sakujun man will only be assassinated immediately by Lord Reishin’s men, He'd be a goner before he had a chance to blink.
The terrify thing is, that's actually pretty believable .
Those two will make good governors, I have no doubt of that.
I look forward to the day I get to work with them.
Yeah.
Not to mention you'll be around, too.
So sorry, gentlemen, but I’m afraid you'll have to give up on that day ever coming.
No way, Meisho!
So, the leader of the Murderous Blades is finally making a personal appearance.
It's been about fourteen years, hasn’t it?
Little Whirlwind, and Little Rascal King.

Next Episode
The noble lady of the direct line of the Hong Clan is to marry into the Sa Clan?
That is definitely me they're talking about, right?
How did this whole thing come about?
Sakujun Sa?
What kind of person is he?