A quick fleeting rain,
respite for the moment and...
Porridge to chow down.
Is this OK?
To come in without permission and doing this sort of thing.
Huh?
Man, this woman doesn't quit with her goody two shoes comments.
What?
When you're in the mountains, people help each other.
The pot and the rice are here to help people in need.
Is that so?
Of course, if the poor keep helping each other like this...
we'll never get rich.
So that's why you're...
Huh?
A bat?
When did that get there?
A thistle!?
Strange!
Damn it!
Gramps, what's that!?
What the heck is that?
Maiden. Light Maiden...
We're in trouble! Let's get out of here!
Damn it!
Dakuan.
What's with these pests?
Jubei!?
Hold on tight!
Well, what does he think he's doing taking my cane?
Whatever it is, only Jubei can pull off a trick like this...
while still carrying someone.
Oh, will you look at this...
You alright?
Yeah.
Gramps, where's the root monster?
Oh. Disappeared underground.
Which means it's still nearby.
That thing stole half of the Dragon Stone.
I'll find it and get it back.
The monster's underground.
It'll be quite a task to find it.
For the time being, you keep this.
No.
I'd like you to hold on to it.
Huh?
Say, how about changing your mind?
No.
If I take that now, I have neither the power...
nor the confidence to protect it.
But I was asked to give this to the Light Maiden.
I'll say it again.
I don't think I am the Maiden.
But aren't you on a journey to find that out?
You're right.
Then...
If I find out that I am truly the Maiden...
then I will take the Sacred Ball at that time.
What a troublesome Maiden.
So until then, all the guys looking for this'll target me.
That's why you should have taken the bodyguard job in the first place.
Who goes there!?
I'm alive... I've finally made it back.
What, you're still alive?
Hey, come on.
I was nearly killed by that root monster woman.
A root monster?
You saw it in its true form?
Yeah. I saw the root turning into a woman.
Where is that woman!?
Looks like we're too late.
Say, Jubei...
the half piece of the Sacred Stone...
I don't mind holding it for you.
You don't like being hampered by that, right?
Well, yeah...
I intend to continue traveling with Shigure.
When Shigure understands that she is the Maiden...
I can hand it to her at that point.
But, you'll have to retrieve the other half of the Stone.
What? Do you not trust me?
No, that's not it.
Old man, take care of this!
Don't lose it!
Jubei!!
Jubei!
Where's the old man?
Huh?
He's not here?
No. He's not here.
What? I thought he was with you.
What?
Tsubute, protect that tomboy for a little longer, alright!
Huh!?
Oh.
Oh, Jubei.
What are you doing?
I'm so ashamed.
Look at this wretch. That ninja stole the Sacred Stone.
Stolen? Oh, really?
Well, well.
What are you doing? Didn't you come to help me?
As if you're innocent!
You tried to run off with it yourself.
You are mistaken.
I was simply holding on to it as a favor for you.
This is a good opportunity.
It's about time you let me in on the secret behind the Dragon Stone.
What's that?
You heard me, the secret of the Dragon Stone.
What?
Is that so...
Here you go!
It holds the secret to the treasure!
The treasure?
Yes. Of a dynasty that perished long ago.
Is that right?
So that's what everyone's after...
Poor thing, Shigure can't find any peace being surrounded by thieves.
And to which direction did the woman go?
West. Though the swarm of bats is following right behind her.
What?
Hey, are you leaving me behind like this!?
What if a bear or a wolf comes by!?
Hope for the best.
If you're lucky, someone will rescue you.
What! You heartless S.O.B!
Hey, Jubei!
Be kind to the elderly!
I got you.
Where's the Dragon Stone?
What are you talking about?
You want to play with me? Then...
Uh oh!
No, I can't let you use your power.
If you move, my wings will tighten even more.
You won't even be able to lift a finger.
I know you took off with the Dragon Stone...
just a little while ago.
Don't know what you're talking about.
Is that so?
Where did you hide it, in your secret chamber here?
Not here.
Where? Where is it!?
I don't know!
Well, then, I shall suck your blood from here.
Now, tell me.
Will you tell me?
Sorry to interrupt an intimate moment.
Hey root lady, you don't need to squeal...
on the whereabouts of the treasure.
Yikes... whoa!
I shall take your blood as well.
Yikes!
Hey, you all right!?
H-hey!
You... you're...
Uh, sorry. We're in an oddly romantic situation.
Do you want me, too?
Huh?
So that's your trick.
You sure have a strange pet.
Shut up!
And who was the one trying to take advantage of a strange woman!?
Whoa. That's a misunderstanding.
Anyway, sister, give me back the Dragon Stone.
The half you stole before,
and the other half you took this time!
I must get them back!
Shut up!
The Dragon Stone belongs to the Light Maiden.
It is Hiruko's treasure!!
Hiruko? What's that?
What? You don't know us?
Hiruko or whatever you are, I do this because...
I was asked to safeguard the Dragon Stone.
- Asked? - Yeah.
The Maiden asked me again just a few minutes ago.
I don't want such a troublesome thing...
but I am responsible to take it back.
You alright?
Back again!
Give me that woman!
Shut up!
Why don't you go chase some mosquitoes on a dry riverbed?
You're finished!
It's you!
How pesky. Hm!?
A pair of souped up wings.
They were members of the Kimon clan.
The half piece of the Dragon Stone that I took from you before...
was stolen by the Kimon clan.
I only have half now.
Does Hiruko have something to do with the dynasty that perished?
Hiruko is the...
descendant of the ancient dynasty.
You have been protecting our Light Maiden.
Thus, I will give you the Dragon Stone.
H-hey...
This is...
Hey!
Understood...
sister.