He took from me the moonlight
Master, you really should go to bed. You'll get sick if you don't.
Mm. I'll go to sleep as soon as this is empty.
You shouldn't drink so much, either.
Yes, yes. I know. Don't worry about me, go on to bed.
All right. Good night, Master.
Good night, Kouryuu.
I thought the moon had gone into hiding. Was that your fault,
Ukoku?
What an awful thing to say.
Look. Even the crickets stopped chirping.
Right, right. I'm terribly sorry.
Hey. Was that the infamous Kuoryuu?
It was. He'll be turning seven soon.
Hmm. A little smartass. How charming.
He reminds me of someone.
A certain someone a few years ago.
Is that right? I wonder who.
Who, indeed.
Oh yes. I almost forgot.
Forgot what?
Long time no see.
What's so funny?
―that man...
Oh wow.
You're the same as you ever were, Koumyou.
Well, I suppose.
Should I take that as a compliment?
That's a secret.
You had to be careful with that sort of silence
It could eat right into the darkness of the night
Tomedanai ame ate donai tabi
endless rain, aimless travel
Itsuka tokieru sonna hi ni
In order to approach the final day
Tomamarazu harashitte kizutsuita ashi wo
Scarred on two feet, cannot stop running
Kimi wa orokato warau kana
Laugh at your own foolishness
Cannot shake off the darkness that spies in the shadows
Yuruganai yami fukai basho iirandesa
Tobacco no hidane mejirushi ni youkouka
Even if we follow the light of the cigarette
Tsuki ga miteitai boku no late-show
The moon is watching, this is my late-show
Give me your hand, hurry late-show
Kimi no te wo totte hashiru late-show
Yoru no shijima ni hibiku no late-show
Tranquil sounds that echoes at night, late-show
Tada asa wo matte, tsumugu late-show
Waiting for morning, anticipating late-show
Eat it all.
Don't leave a single bone.
Ukoku's Chapter
Priest Sanzo!
Priest Goudai Sanzo, come to the dojo!
Your disciples are calling, Goudai.
What's all the racket? You're in front of a guest!
P-Priest Koumyou Sanzo?! Please excuse us!
Forgive my intrusion.
I just came to see the temple, so please don't mind me.
For crying out loud! I leave and you can't start training without me here to wipe your asses?!
Y-yes sir! We're sorry sir!
Goodness. You're as spartan an old man as ever.
What right do you have to call me an old man?
You're almost forty yourself, Koumyou.
Easy there. You may not realize it. But I'm quite sensitive about my age.
I can't let the groovy younger generation overtake me.
Even I know that word is dead.
I'm definitely feeling the years, though. I didn't expect such a generation gap.
Young people these days... I don't understand them.
Really? They certainly seem dedicated.
Most of them are. But there's this one who-
Ken'yuu! I should have known something was wrong when you cooperated!
What are you writing?
You mean this?
"Just then Rinmei's body stiffened against the man's hard breathing."
"His fingers crept up her white thigh, as if to taste what it felt like."
I didn't ask you to recite it!
This is a scred temple, you deviant!
Huh? Come on sir.
"The reason we copy and recite sutras is to develop concentration..."
"...regardless of the content of that sutra or mantra."
Isn't that what Priest Goudai Sanzo said?
He's right, Sonkou. Don't be so hardheaded.
Hey, Ken'yuu! Let me see that when you've written more, yeah?
Sure. Each part is 200 yen.
What?!
There's one in every class.
Well, that one is our top student.
His name is Ken'yuu. He came here about six months ago.
Not only has he surpassed everyone in Martial Arts and Buddhist powers,
he has a PH.D. at 17. And he's got that personality.
He's very sociable and friendly, so he's popular with most of the others.
But...
I can tell.
Everything he does is calculated.
It's all fiction.
Hey, I hear Priest Koumyou Sanzo is here!
Yeah! He totally said hi to me!
The Koumyou Sanzo?!
Yup. The youngest Sanzo himself.
Can you imagine having the highest priest's title at that age?
He's the ultimate role model for priests-in-training like us.
If you're lucky he might look at you.
But I heard Priest Koumyou Sanzo already has a star pupil back at Kinzan Temple.
A really pretty young boy or something.
Oh... So he's into that, huh?
I guess we're screwed.
What a waste of time
Can I help you?
Ah, I'm sorry.
I was just thinking that my Kouryuu might be like you when he grows up.
Kouryuu?
He's like a son to me.
He resembles you, in some respects.
He looks like me?
Not at all.
Then in what respects?
How old?
I'm thirty-nine.
I didn't mean you.
Oh, Kouryuu?
He's turning four this year. And he's soooo cute.
That's, uh, nice.
I'd like to ask you something, Ken'yuu.
Why did you come to train at this temple?
"Why?"
The image doesn't seem to suit you.
I don't imagine you're the type who enjoys physical training.
I want to make "Sanzo"
since I heard how hard it is to pull that off.
I've tried my hand at just about everything.
But it's all too easy, right? I'm bored out of my mind.
I want something that doesn't bore me.
I see.
Since everything you do is boring
you must be a very boring human being.
Now. Why don't I get us some potatoes?
Huh?
Well, you've gathered all these dry leaves.
What on Earth are you going to cook, if not potatoes?
That... was my first encounter with Ken'yuu.
A few days passed.
Goudai suddenly collapsed.
Goudai knew what was coming.
It's almost t-time.
Koumyou...
It was why he'd called me to Zen'ou temple.
That evening, Goudai assembled all 59 of his disciples within the main hall of the temple.
I'm sure this won't come as a surprise to most of you.
I'm very sick, and I'm only going to get sicker.
I've decided to go ahead and choose one of you to be my successor.
Whoever is chosen will be the rightful heir to the Muten Sutra!
Sonkou!
Yes... Yes sir!
Seichou! Bunkei!
Yes sir!
Y-yes sir!
Rikou! Reichou! Shishin!
Yes sir!
You six will meet at the mountain training grounds behind the temple at noon tomorrow.
We'll be holding a competition testing Buddhist skills in order to make the final decision.
We do not need spectators.
Priest Koumyou Sanzo will act as witness. You are all mismissed!
H-hey, did he call Ken'yuu?
No...
But that's crazy!
Ken'yuu's the best at anything and everything!
Please wait, Priest Goudai Sanzo.
Your selection...
I'd like to ask what criteria you based it on.
The fact that you don't know
proves that you're not qualified to participate.
Is that right?
What?! K-ken'yuu?!
Priest Sanzo!
In that case...
please enlighten me.
What is it that makes a Sanzo Priest?
Everything that you don't have.
Are you enjoying yourself
with that?
Did I hurt you?
I was restraining myself. Honest.
Who the hell are you anyway?
Your strength is something else.
Come now.
I'm just a regular old man.
Regular old men don't have ponytails.
I suppose that's true.
So there are Sanzo Priests like you.
Who wear ponytails?
I didn't realize it was that odd.
You know what?
I can't tell if you're brilliant or retarded.
Ah. I get that a lot.
Hey.
Got a question for you.
Could you kill me if I asked you to?
No. That sounds like too much trouble.
I prefer to avoid getting mixed up in obligations.
What's that saying? "A man of valor something something?"
I can't be like that.
If I'm not in an eat or be eaten situation, I don't feel alive.
Really, there's nothing I want.
Everyone lives by do or die.
It's all about winning, and making food out of someone else's corpse.
You have to keep feeding off of the other people in order to live.
I see.
So you can eventually be eaten yourself?
That light
I felt like it would swallow everything.
What's the matter with you all?
Come at me like you're ready to die!
Man, I never thought the final test
would be fighting Priest Goudai Sanzo.
Of course it is.
Successors step over the bodies of their teachers.
The one who defeats me is fit to be the next Sanzo!
Damn!
We could die here!
K-ken'yuu?!
Why are you here?
You were in a detention cell!
Say, Koumyou.
You may be right.
I'm waiting
for someone to eat me.
I'd suggest you move, please.
This could get ugly. And you're in my way.
You!
Shut up.
H-he can use techniques without chanting a mantra?!
With concentration like that... he can't be human!
So it came to this, after all.
I wonder if Goudai knew Ken'yuu would come.
It might have been why he'd asked me to bear witness.
Perhaps
he wanted to entrust that boy to me.
And just at that moment...
...A single raven cried out
Well.
You've once again failed to die.
Yes.
I'm certain of it.
Ken'yuu was crying.
I named him Ukoku after that. He was the youngest Sanzo Priest.
The proof that he was chosen -the chakra- never appeared upon his forehead.
Eleven years ago - Kinzan Temple
It was the continuation of the nightmare
It's no use!
The fire has gone too far! It'll collapse soon!
We don't stand a chance while we're still fighting the Youkai!
Everyone, evacuate into the mountains!
Unacceptable!
Kouryuu-
No, Genjyo Sanzo has to make it safely over the mountain.
We have to keep the thieves here as long as we can!
That is our... mission!
Head Priest?!
Is this
the weight of the new burden you carry?
Kouryuu...
This weapon. It has the perfect size.
Perfect for aiming at my own head.
Four years later
Hey.
Is that a priest?
He looks pretty ragged.
I caught a glimpse of his face. He seems kind of young.
But it was weird, y'know?
His eyes were blank. Like he's nothing but a shell.
Palace of the Setting Sun
Raise your head.
Yes.
I see.
So you are the inheritor of the Seiten and Maten Sutras.
I am the thirty-first of China.
Genjo Sanzo.
Yes. We know of your story.
What happened to the late Koumyou Sanzo...
It is most unfortunate.
We heard you left Kinzan in search of the Seiten Sutra.
Is your business here related to the Sutra as well?
It is.
For four years I've wandered in order to take back the Seiten Sutra
but with my power alone, I can't even discover its whereabouts.
I would like to ask your Lordships to use your powers in order to help me.
If I can learn where the Sutra is located, I will retrieve it without fail.
Even if it costs me my life.
Very well.
We will try to find information on the Seiten Sutra.
However...
There is one condition.
Condition?
While we are investigating the whereabouts of the Seiten Sutra
you, Genjyo Sanzo, will stay here in Chang'an.
You will work as our emissary and take care of various concerns.
But, I'm not-
You've been searching for four years, have you not?
There is no sense in being anxious.
You must not forget that before protecting the Seiten Sutra
you are a Sanzo priest- the protector of the Maten Sutra.
Indeed.
And your current eyes are dead.
If you saw the Sutra with those eyes, you wouldn't even recognize it.
We want you to work so that none will say your presecessor made a mistake.
This is in order to prevent you from disgracing the title of Sanzo.
Tomorrow morning, go to Keiun Temple and talk to the head priest.
Say you have been instructed to stay here.
Impressive.
It's no wonder they call this temple the best in the East.
Priest Sanzo?
This way please.
We have awaited the visit of a current Sanzo priest with all our hearts.
Please allow us to humbly partake in your knowledge and wisdom.
We hope you remain here as long as possible, even if that be only a day.
What is this?
It's nothing but a farce.
Damn! Talk about a pain in the ass!
We would've let ya go if you'd just left your valuables, kid.
Ya goddamn brat!
Right.
It's been five days since I left Kinzan Temple.
I've hardly eaten or drunk anything.
That's why I can barely stand.
Hey.
Up close
this one looks kind of like a girl.
Heh, not again with you.
Some hobby you've got.
Ah, shut up!
Just hold him down.
Make it quick, yeah?
Look at that!
He's not even fight-
The fucker's got a gun!
It was the first time I'd ever...
So much for sleeping.
I smell smoke.
Maybe cigarette smoke?
That can't be right.
Not inside a temple like this.
Are you a trickster spirit from the moon?
I've never seen such beautiful golden hair.
I've heard that demons like lunar eclipses
but tonight the moon's in its lovely fourth quarter.
You look a lot like a Youkai yourself.
That's great. I like that.
So, fellow monster meeting me on a moonlit night...
How about a smoke?
Um, No. I don't-
Then you're a sake man?
I don't like that either.
And we're in a temple.
Master...
Maybe you should smoke where people can't see you.
All right. I understand.
And here I thought I could gain an accomplice.
If you won't smoke or drink
you're quite the strange demon.
Did you sleep well, Priest Sanzo?
Yeah.
Excellent.
I'm sure you know, but our head priest had been out until last night.
He says he'd like to see you.
I am Jukaku, head priest of Keiun Temple.
I'm pleased to set eyes on you for the first time, Priest Genjyo Sanzo.
I'm the thirty-first of China
Genjyo Sanzo.
Damnit!
They come after me every night.
Solitude and insanity.
So you came down from the moon again tonight.
You're not a Mononoke, you're a Tanuki.
Do you go out walking every night?
Tobacco tastes best in clear night air.
Isn't that a paradox?
If you smoked you'd understand.
And maybe you'd lose a few of those thing on your face.
Excuse me?
The wrinkles between your eyebrows.
He spends all day like that.
Closed up in the auditorium meditating.
He doesn't even recite sutras, and he seems to refuse contact with anyone else.
Well, he's still young, Sanzo or not.
Would you rather he be rowdy and undisciplined?
He makes quite the ornament. We can keep him here as that.
Priest Sanzo?!
Stay away from me!
N-never mind. Just leave, please.
I've been here for six days...
And I still haven't heard from the three aspects.
I haven't slept a single night.
If I sleep, the nightmares get me.
But even when I'm awake
moonlight weighes down on me.
What's the matter with Priest Sanzo?
He's been closed up in his room since yesterday.
He won't even eat.
Um, excuse me.
Priest Sanzo?
Are you feeling all right?
F-forgive me, Priest Sanzo!
Hey, did you hear?
A gun?!
Why on earth would a priest of the highest rank have a tool for killing?!
Even if it is for self-defense, I find it hard to believe he could point it at a human being.
Well... According to his attendant, Priest Sanzo is covered in scars.
There are rumors that he killed many Youkai and bandits during his travels.
What defilement!
Can we really let such a man stay in our temple?
They don't have to ask.
I'll leave.
Immediately.
Are you planning to return to the moon?
I don't have anywhere to return to.
Sorry for the trouble.
But you realize you won't be able to find anything, mm?
Not with those dead eyes.
"so that none will say your predecessor made a mistake."
Y'know something?
I'm lost on the whole Sanzo thing.
Your highest priest is this man who reeks of blood?
You all make me sick.
You have no idea what the last four years have been like.
I was attacked, often. And I killed all who tried.
I don't even remember how many.
It's so easy to take a life.
And yet
the guilt suffocates me.
The burden of the solitude, the insanity, the remorse
of this life.
I killed them before they killed me.
I had to do it to survive!
Life itself weighs down on me.
Well, of course.
If you force yourself to suck it all in like that, of course you'll choke.
You said it yourself.
A person's life is like a cigarette.
Once it's burned out, well,
it turns to smoke and disappears.
Bearing the burden of taking life.
It's like inhaling the smoke into your lungs.
You keep doing that
and your lungs turn black. That's your karma.
It's a farewell present.
Take it.
I told you I don't smo-
Say, Priest Genjyo.
I wonder if everyone alive isn't covered in blood.
You think you reek of blood?
Maybe that's just the scent of your own flowing inside you.
"Your predecessor made a mistake"?
That was rather harsh, I think.
What I said to Genjyo Sanzo?
A Sanzo priest must not only protect the sutras but lead the people.
That man
seems to have lost sight of his true self during the trials of his wandering.
I don't know what Koumyou saw in him.
But if he continues this way
we may soon need a thirty-second Sanzo.
What was that?! It's the middle of the night!
The southeast outer wall has broken! Theves are invad-
What, don't'cha care about your friend?
Shit, and this is the great temple Chang'an's so proud of.
We're looking for someone.
If you don't want anyone else gettin' hurt, be good little baldies and send him on out.
We want the priest called "Genjyo Sanzo"!
Priest Sanzo?!
What business do ruffians like you have with Priest Sanzo?!
Don't get all defensive.
You know what your precious little Sanzo did?
He slaughtered my pals in the mountains to the north!
That's pretty bloody earthy for a priest.
Get him out here, now! Don't make me split more heads!
Wh-where is Priest Sanzo?
It seems his room is empty.
He was there until this evening.
I know he's in the temple.
Trying to protect him is just gonna get you all killed, you get me?
Wait.
You're looking for me.
Genjyo Sanzo, correct?
Hell man! You're tellin' me that fart is Sanzo?
Like we'd believe that bullshit!
But Great Head Priest?
Don't underestimate the elderly, sonny!
You'll only get yourself hurt.
Master!
I-I can't move?
Master, please undo this spell!
Kouryuu...
Do you know why a Sanzo priest wears his sutra on his shoulders?
It expresses his will to carry the burden of his karma.
But master!
Watch Kouryuu. As long as you don't lose sight of yourself
you can accept even that weight.
Now, forgive me for being so brief, but...
the rest is up to you, Genjyo Sanzo.
Ma-
An alarm?
It's coming from the temple!
You're not the Sanzo.
My friends were shot- Not knocked like this.
But whatever, huh?
I'm gonna kill you anyway.
Can you carry the burden
of my life, sonny boy?
Quit spoutin' garbage, you senile bastard!
Save your speeches for hell!
I'm sorry. My life isn't that cheap.
I can't just give it to you for free!
Old man...
So you did come back.
Ah, well.
It's this weakening body of mine. A small fry like that him shouldn't have taken me down.
There's no beating the toll of years, hm?
Or you smoke too much.
Making enemies with your talk, are you?
You're just like Koumyou.
You...
It's time now.
You can keep the load from crushing your shoulders.
The rest is up to you
Priest Genjyo Sanzo.
And make sure to snuff it out.
Ya bald bastards!
This is bullshit. Y'hear me? Bullshit!
We're gonna gut the lot of ya!
Priest Sanzo?
Great!
Everyone I meet adds their shit to my pile.
And this one is a Youkai.
I'll ask this once.
Do you know where the Seiten Sutra is?
I don't know! What are you talking about?
Fine.
What?
Come on. Who wants to die?
I'll live enough
for all you bastards!
"Kouryuu of the river's flow."
What?
I just remembered something.
I once spoke to a man from Kinzan Temple.
He said the Priest Koumyou Sanzo's favorite disciple
was a boy named Kouryuu.
He had hair so golden that it seemed devine.
And deep, dark purple eyes that pierced with an inner light.
Like a demon out of hell.
Hey.
Where is Priest Sanzo?
Um, well...
He left this morning. For the Palace of the Setting Sun.
What?! At a time like this?!
The Great Head Priest died to protect Priest Sanzo!
Doesn't he know how to take responsibility?!
Look at those robes!
They are the traditional wear of a Sanzo.
Quiet, everyone! This is a funeral!
I've spoken with the three aspects.
In place of the late High Priest Jikaku...
I, Genjyo Sanzo of China
will take over the affairs of Keiun.
B-but that's so sudden!
If you have a complaint, let's hear it.
N-no! Heaven forbid!
Priest Sanzo has, um, changed.
I wonder.
Perhaps that's simply his unmasked self.
There.
It appears that he's now ready to be a Sanzo.
I'm not sure "ready" is the word for it. I think he's simply gotten serious.
Well, that's just as well.
Let's have him show us.
I'd like to see how a Sanzo who combines heavens and hell lives.
Damn.
You could least have given me a lighter.
Stupid old fart.
After that
my nightmares stopped.
I started to hallucinate about a voice calling me.
That may have been when it all began.
It was a light that wavered behind the smoke of a cigarette
I hear a voice