"Like the Clouds, Like the Wind"
What?!
The Emperor?!
Has Died?
I see... The Emperor...
...has passed on.
On the 34th year of Fukuei, Sokan Kingdom's 17th Emperor passed away.
There were as many as 550 wives living in the Inner Palace located in the back of the whole Imperial Palace.
But with the passing of the Emperor, it was all set to be destroyed.
As expected, all of the wives except the Seihi (highest ranked wife), who would become the Empress Dowager, had to leave.
That was the custom.
There were wives who cried.
There were wives who just gave up.
There were wives who started packing for the journey home.
It was quite a time... to see many different types of women.
But even in the short period of time until the prince's appointment as the next Emperor...
The Inner palace became a den of conspiracy.
I hear that there have been movements to speed up the succession ceremony.
I'll bet it's the work of someone like Hireikaku and his vassals... Those cunning badgers.
The next Emperor shall be my own son, Heitetsu.
Seitono, you shall rush forth to open the way for Heitetsu's succession.
Yes?
Don't you understand? Find the Prince, and...
...him.
Understood...
...after all, we're dealing with the Fox of Nauto.
We need to have the best guards available.
That's right.
The rumor that the former Emperor's parents may have been poisoned lingers to this day.
That fox is the center of all those rumors!
We don't know what she might do to the crown prince if we dally about.
We must carry on with the succession ceremony as soon as possible.
We must find the future Emperor a Seihi to do so.
To find a Seihi, we must gather candidates first.
Women of the palace...
It's a woman hunt!
And so, in order to find candidates to be the new Emperor's wife,
The court's official eunuchs spread throughout the entire country to return to their hometowns.
Seeking candidates for women of the palace!
The former Emperor of the nation, as well as the stability of the kingdom, have passed.
We hereby request that the thoughtful citizens bring forth their respectable ladies to possibly become the future Empress.
For the continuation of the thousand years of peace in this land, we shall find unity among people.
In order for the...
Hey, hey! Sounds like there's some serious stuff up there, but what's it mean?
Basically, the former Heavenly Emperor has passed away.
So they're looking for women of the palace for the next Heavenly Emperor.
Women of the palace?
What are those?
They are candidates to become the Emperor's wives.
Tons of beautiful women will gather and be schooled to become the Emperor's wife.
Wow... Women of the palace get to study?
And what'll happen if you actually become the Seihi? You get to wear pretty gowns, plus three meals a day and time to nap.
Three meals and time to nap?
If you give birth to a prince, you'll have all the honor and the glory you could ever wish for.
If only there was a chance like this when I was young,
I wouldn't have gotten together with this sad excuse for a husband.
Daddy!
Hey, Ginga!
I'm going to be the Heavenly Prince's bride!
Ahem! I am the eunuch Mano.
I have been sent here to Odaken in order to find a woman of the palace.
I am...
Shhh...!
Umm...
BE QUIET!
You may keep facing forward!
Stand up.
What's your name?
Ginga!
If mom were still alive, she would have probably stopped you.
Why?
Because we wouldn't think you would be happy as a Woman of the Palace.
Then do you think staying here in the country would definitely making me happy?
I don't have to be super happy.
I wan to live in the bustling city and talk to all kinds of people...
And...
AND...
Yeah... I mean, it's three meals and time to nap, after all!
Daddy?
Hmm?
Go find a wife after I'm gone.
What?! Hey!
Hang in there, daddy.
Okay...
Ginga!
Yes, ojii-san (Uncle)?
UNCLE?! I'm the eunuch Mano!
I know, so what?
You should be riding in the carriage.
No way... I can't see the countryside from in there.
I can't have a possible bride-to-be get too tanned under the sun.
Hm... So the prince likes pale, pasty, ghostly women?
Well... I guess they didn't tell me his preferences.
But it's obvious that it's better for a women to be WHITE.
Who decided that?
The Prince?
Or you, Uncle?
No one decided anything like that! And I'm not your UNCLE!
I'm the eunuch Mano!
Never mind about your name; no matter how you look at it, you're just a regular Uncle to me.
I wonder if I chose wrong...
No, I've seen many women of the palace over the years, so I can't be wrong.
This girl is a gem!
She's a jewel that'll shine the more she's polished.
Imagine if a girl from this Odaken becomes the empress...
I'll get a huge promotion, since I am the one who discovered her!
I must polish Ginga up before we reach the palace...
I'll polish that gird covered radish and use her as an irresistible temptress!
No, no, no, I mean, turn her into a lady! EDUCATION! MANNERS!
Mind your manners!
No one else yawns with her mouth so wide you can see her tonsils!
It's because I'm so bored.
Your manner of speech... Etiquette... You'll have to learn them before we get to the palace.
The palace is an uptight place, isn't it?
It's not like what I heard at all.
Hm? What on earth did you hear that sparked your interest in becoming a candidate?
OH! Three meals a day and time to nap!
Hey, aren't we leaving soon?
Can't you see that it's raining?
Oh, I'll take that.
Good, then I can use this...
The rain stopped.
Just hang on. You see those mountains?
I hear there are horrible robbers in those mountains these days.
It'd be too dangerous to just casually leave.
Okay, luck is coming my way. Another game.
WHAT?!
GINGA!
We can't go because it's raining?
We can't move because there are robbers?
With all that you've said so far, we've been at this inn for ten days!
I'm so bored I can't stand it anymore!
That's why I found a manner and etiquette tutor for you!
No! I'm going back to Odaken!
Ginga! WAIT!
GINGA!
Geez! That guy just pisses my off!
Whoa, be careful!
What a peppy little girl...
I'm sorry.
I see... Might you be the girl going to the Sokan Castle as a bride candidate?
Who are you, Uncle?
Oh, I'm Konton, from the Kasai village.
The eunuch Mano called me here.
This is good timing... Can you show me the way?
Sure!
But why did Mano-san call you?
It seems he has some business for the Gikyoudan of Kasai village.
What is the Gikyoudan?
We're a gang of mercenary hooligans.
Hooligans?
But we help people at times too.
As long as we get a good deal on it, of course.
Which way?
This way.
That's a candidate to be the bride of the Emperor?
Well, Ginga? I may look like all I do is play, but I've thought ahead, haven't I?
We don't have to be afraid of any robbers if the Gikyoudan protects us like this.
It might have been cheaper to hire the robbers themselves...
What a despicable little brat!
Aw, I can't be saying that. I was the one who chose her.
I must turn her into a true lady no matter what!
I don't have the strength...
Brother Konton, she must be pretty if she's a candidate to be the Emperor's bride.
Well, I don't know.
I guess you can say she's cute.
I'm going to go look.
Hey Heisho!
I'm Heisho, the leader of the Kasai village's Gikyoudan.
Huh?
The bride was yawning.
She's still a virgin.
Doesn't look like the robbers will come out.
It's because we're guarding you.
You won't lose even if they come out?
Of course!
I wish they'd come out then.
How can you say that so casually?
Well, do you guys think you can make money just by walking along side of me?
Huh?
What a naive little girl!
She's so innocent, look at her wave to us.
Brother Konton, can a mountain monkey like her really become the Emperor's bride?
I think she'll be kicked out and come home in no time.
No, this girl, Ginga...
I'm starting to think that she might actually become the Emperor's wife.
It's the Palace!
We won't see each other for a while now.
Where are we?
It's the entrance to the palace. That old lady will take you from here.
Be strong, Ginga.
Your future awaits you at the other side.
Okay.
Not "okay." Say "Yes!"
I know, I know.
I'm counting on you, Ginga.
All my hopes rest with you.
I doubt it, though.
But, maybe the new Emperor likes them eccentric.
I... Um, I'm Ginga!
It's pitch black...
What a long entrance...
How much longer is it?
You can see in this darkness, Grandma?
Hey, say something!
I told you to answer me!
Why are you so quiet!
Can't you talk?!
WHY CAN'T YOU JUST SAY SOMETHING?!
It's getting cold...
I wonder if that's the exit.
Why aren't you walking?
Why are you just standing there?
Who is it?
Oh, you weren't listening?
It can't be fun just standing there like a pole.
Why don't you keep going?
Let's talk as we walk along.
The way out of taruto is right there.
Taruto?
It's a long tunnel-like gate like this one.
It seems as though everyone who goes through thinks it's creepy.
But people like me can feel comfortable even here.
This is a very useful place when I want to be alone, or when I want to think things over.
What a nice aroma...
And I get to meet people like you sometimes.
Did you apply to be a candidate for the new Emperor's bride?
My name is Ginga.
And you are?
Koryuun.
Koryuun?
I'll probably see you again very soon.
Have this taruto-guiding woman take you to your living quarters.
You're leaving? I wanted to talk some more.
I mean, this Grandma won't say a word to me, and it's boring me.
Argh! Let go already!
You big mouth.
My hand is all numb now, you've got such a brutal grip.
Here! I'm so relieved to be free of you, idiot.
You said I'm boring? Yeah right!
Listen, there's a rule that the taruto-guides can't say a single word.
Yet you didn't know that and just kept on talking and talking and talking, you fool.
But you were pretty good.
Most girls almost go crazy in that long, long tunnel; some girls even faint.
But don't be reassured because of that!
The schooling in the palace is tough, so there are girls who must go back home at least once a month.
You'd better study hard if you don't want that to happen.
Me, take you to the living quarters?
That's not my jurisdiction.
My job is to take the hand of the girls who arrive and lead them through the taruto.
So just stand here and wait like an idiot.
Sooner or later, a eunuch named Eno will come and take you to the living quarters.
Well, I bet the next girl is waiting for me in front of the taruto gate.
I'd better go.
Three shifts in a day; there's about an hour left on my shift.
I hope the next girl is more mature.
Goodbye! Make sure you don't have to exit through this taruto again as early as tomorrow!
Umm...
I thought the palace would be a much prettier place.
The new palace isn't finished yet, see? Besides, it's tradition for you to stay here while you're being trained.
What's training?
Well, that's what we call it when we have you all study to become fitting candidates for the Emperor's bride.
We do get to study after all!
That's great... I've always wanted to study!
That's good. If you don't study hard, you'll be expelled from here before you even get to the palace.
This is your room. Someone got here first, and it'll be a shared room, so try to get along.
Close the door.
My name is Ginga.
I heard that we'll be sharing this room among four other candidates.
What is your name?
Are you a taruto old woman too?
Why am I a tartuo old woman?!
Because you won't talk to me.
I'm an aristocrat, you know.
I don't have any reason to talk to a commoner like yourself.
There's only one mirror in this room.
So what?
I want to brush my hair too.
Aren't you finished?
Can you move now?
I'll be using this alone.
Then what am I supposed to use?
There's one in the bathroom, so you can use that.
So you name's Sesame, huh?
Hey, don't touch my stuff like that.
I can call you Sesame, then.
No, it's Seshamin.
You're so dumb.
Seshamin?
Sama! You should refer to me respectfully... "Seshamin-sama."
Then do so for me too. "Ginga-sama."
You must be kidding, country bumpkin.
Come in.
It's been decided already, so you should give up and go home.
Huh? What is?
Who's going to be the prince's wife.
Why don't you come in?
Huh? What?
Talking to you is so difficult.
In other words, a woman like me is most fit to be the Emperor's wife.
Prestige, parfness, and beauty... I've got all of those.
That's why I will be the one who becomes his wife.
It's useless for you to be here, so you should just go back to the countryside.
I wonder what's wrong?
I said "come in," but they're not coming.
They probably got the wrong room. I said "come in," but they're not coming.
They probably got the wrong room.
Leave it. Whoever's knocking isn't a child.
If they need something, they'll come right in.
Hey, hey? What's wrong?! Are you feeling ok?!
It opened.
I'm Ginga, and you?
Kouyo.
Where did you come from?
Kanan Province.
Why were you sleeping in the hallway?
Because it didn't open.
Because it didn't open?
I can't enter if it doesn't open.
But...
It's our custom.
Hm?
In my country, if no one opens the door when you knock, you can't go in.
I can't stand this.
So this is it.
Koryuun.
My name is Tamyuun, and I will be living here with you from today on.
I may go my own way at times, but don't mind me.
They're all weird-oes.
I don't have the confidence to go on!
Yesterday, the succession ceremony for Sokan Kingdom's 18th Emperor took palace.
Even at 17 years of age, the Emperor has great presence.
Six months from now, the Emperor will be choosing a wife from among you.
You shall all study hard at this women's school from today on to prepare for that day.
Now, in this entire kingdom, only here in the palace is there a women's school.
On top of that, you will be taught by Sokan Kingdom's top scholar, Prof. Seto Kakuuto.
And now, I would like to introduce Prof. Kakuuto.
I am Seto Kakuuto. I shall be helping you in your studies for the next six months.
Eh... Well, what would you be studying for?
It is to become a woman fit to be the Emperor's bride.
Eh... First comes general knowledge and education. The Emperor is a very knowledgeable man.
What kind of person do you think such a man would choose as his wife?
Eh... And second, I would like you to know the facts about the human body, in depth.
Eh... And next is... Well, I don't know if you can call this schooling, but maybe an exercise.
You must be able to give birth to a healthy child for the Emperor.
You must be healthy yourself in order to do that.
And so, let me introduce Professor Kikkyou, who will be my assistant.
He will be teaching human studies and exercise.
My name is Kikkyou. I am going to do my best, so I hope you will all do so as well.
Hey, don't you think Professor Kakuuto's lecture today was great? I really like him.
Really? It seems all the young girls like the assistant Kikkyou more.
To put it bluntly, I think he's just a bumpkin.
Huh?
What matters is the content!
Professor Kakuuto's lectures just felt like really deep stuff.
That's good to hear.
You really do look like Koryuun, Tamyuun.
You know Koryuun?
I talk to her in the taruto.
In the taruto? I see...
What? What?
I'm Koryuun's older sister.
Wow! Siblings, you're both in the court...
Shh!
This is a secret between us, understand?
But Koryuun wasn't in today's lecture.
He has his circumstances.
Where are you going?
You'll be scolded if you wander about at night.
I believe I told you not to mind my business.
Hmph. Well, I hope Eno-san finds you and kicks you out of here.
You know, if you brush you hair all day and night like that you'll eventually go bald.
What did you say?!
All the blood went to my head.
They really are all idiots!
Not only have you not paved the road for my son, Heitetsu, to succeed the throne,
But now a new Emperor has been established.
Seitono, what have you been doing ever since receiving my order?
The new Emperor hides himself somewhere in the afternoons after his daily work is over.
We had to go though a lot of trouble, but we have finally found where he is.
Hm... And where is he hiding?
In a very unexpected place.
Unexpected?
Eh... I shouldn't just be giving lectures, so let me ask you a question this time.
Yes, how about you in the front?
Y... Yes!
You are a woman, and, although I'm quite old, I am a man.
What is the distinction between a man and a woman?
Well, you can tell by looking.
Where would you look?
You would look at the figure.
Just that alone is not enough.
You know that there are times where you can be wrong when the person may have clothes on.
You may say that it would be obvious when the person is naked,
But at times God may create one who is both a man and a woman.
That would pose a problem, wouldn't it?
Please sit down.
How about you? What is the difference between a man and a woman?
I don't know.
You?
I don't know.
Professor!
Yes?
You can tell the difference by their soul.
A very interesting theory, but that's not correct either.
There are men who may have absolutely the same soul as a woman.
You all must know that there are men who can't help but love other men.
At times like that, the soul acts just like a woman's soul.
Anyone else have a theory?
No one? Then I guess I will have to tell you.
But I believe that the answer to this is something that I shouldn't say.
I believe it is more important for you all to find out the answer on your own.
Perhaps there's no answer at all.
No way!
Did you just say something?
Please give us a proper answer, or else I won't even be able to sleep at night.
My, my...
Please tell us!
What is your name?
GINGA!
It's true that having a problem you can't solve will make you anxious...
But this question isn't like a riddle which has a clean and simple answer.
But you know, don't you, Professor?
Well, yes. But this is only my answer.
Then please tell us your answer.
No... It took me fifty years to come up with this answer.
Don't you think it's unfair to just hear my answer?
You're such a cheapskate, Professor.
Cheapskate?
If you got the answer after fifty years, how many years will we have to wait?
Five years?
Three years?
Or maybe one year?
Now, now. Well, it seems like the time has come.
The lecture is over for today.
CHEAPSKATE!
You'd better be prepared...
After humiliating Professor Kakuuto like that, I'm certain that you'll be kicked out.
Don't you think so, Kouyou?
Well...
Ginga, the professor is calling for you.
Eno-san, she'll be kicked out right?
I don't know.
There's also that girl named Tamyuun...
Tamyuun has left on her own again tonight.
Well? Isn't that against the rules?
Tamyuun?
I don't know...
Koryuun!
It has been a while. Were you called here by the professor?
You're here to be scolded, aren't you?
Why is she here?
Well... I'm not sure why.
Eh... Thanks for coming.
Are the books unusual for you?
Did you read all of this, professor?
I've read half of them.
Then the other half is just for show.
No, the other half are books which I wrote.
I'm sorry for being so rude today, professor.
I just tend to get excited like that very easily.
My dad used to scold me a lot for it too.
No, no. I think I might have been a little stingy after all.
But I want to know the answer before I get kicked out.
No one said they're going to kick you out.
But I asked Eno-san, and he said that twenty three people had to leave already.
I won't kick you out. Actually, I called you here to tell you the answer exclusively.
Really?
Yes. However, this is only my answer.
Okay. And?
Bear a child.
Only women can do that.
Aw, man.
It took you fifty years to figure just that out?
You know, my mom had me when she was only eighteen.
Though she only lived to be twenty.
You say "that's it?", but women are able to have children because they have a womb.
I know that.
Even Professor Kikkyou taught that.
Then you should know.
The womb is an important place to develop your child.
One who has the palace for the seed that creates a child is a woman. The womb is an important place to develop your child.
One who has the palace for the seed that creates a child is a woman.
...And so, you reached you conclusion.
That's right. This is very deep philosophy.
What's philosophy?
It's to figure out the essence of things.
What's essence?
Well, in other words...
You are dismissed.
It's good that you don't have to leave, eh?
Where are you going Ginga?
This is a shortcut!
Koryuun.
KORYUUN!
I've did it!
Sister!
Are you hurt, Koryuun?
What are you doing here, sister?
I was worried about you so, I snuck into the living quarters.
You bastards!
I'll take all three of you and chop you into mince meat!
Ginga, the enemy is gone now.
Are you ok, Koryuun?
Yes.
Thanks, Ginga.
Where's brother Kon?
The library, sir.
Books again?
Hey, you there, brother Kon?!
Yea, I'm right here, Heisho.
Oh, I forgot, you changed you name to Iryuuda, didn't you.
How can you not be bored reading books every day?
What's up? You're really early today.
I came back home because it's so boring.
I'm so sick of official work already.
My, my, what a luxury.
You've married that governor's daughter for getting rid of the bandits, and even changed your name to Iryuuda.
I married the governor's daughter, true, but they basically pushed an old spinster on me.
It's okay isn't it?
I mean, your official work is just entertaining guests all the time.
Sounds easy.
That's it! I'm tired of it.
Come on, brother, I didn't change my name because I wanted to become an official...
...and live an easy life. It's exactly the opposite!
I used the characters for "illusion," "forever," and "obtain" to spell Iryudda.
I don't care if it's an illusion.
I want don't want to be chasing a dream my whole life!
You serious?
I'M SERIOUS!
Even if it means abandoning your current position?
I'll give up being an adopted son too!
Here!
To tell you the truth, I was getting tired of reading books too.
How about it, Heisho, you want to try raising an army?
What do you mean, "raising an army?"
We'll gather troops, and start a rebellion.
Rebellion?
Did you know? The court in the north is as messed up as it could get.
The lords and vassals only think of fighting over authority and making money.
I guess the young Emperor doesn't have the power to keep them under control.
Oh really? How do you know about such a far away city?
Following you and living in the governor's home brought me lots of information.
And take a look around.
There's an abundance of hatred towards the Emperor because of the heavy taxes and hard work.
Basically, it'll be world reformation.
Rebellion, eh?
Yes, rebellion!
If we gather some troops and go north, people will naturally join us.
If we have one hundred thousand, we'll feed them all.
If we have three hundred thousand, we'll feed them all, and they'll work hard for it.
And besides, you won't get bored for some time!
That sounds interesting...
Let's do it!
One, two, three, four...
Two, two, three, four...
Three, two, three, four...
Four, two, three, four...
One, two, three, four...
Two, two, three, four...
Is this really good for our bodies? Two, two, three, four...
It doesn't matter wether it's good or not. Four, two, three, four...
I'm happy as long as I get to see Prof. Kikkyo. Four, two, three, four...
One, two, three, four...
Even more than the Emperor? Two, two, three, four...
I don't even know what the Emperor looks like. Two, two, three, four...
Four, two, three, four...
One, two, three, four...
I wonder what I'll do if the Emperor has a handsome face like Professor Kikkyo. Two, two, three, four...
I wonder what I'll do if the Emperor has a handsome face like Professor Kikkyo. Three, two, three, four...
You don't have to worry. Four, two, three, four...
The Emperor won't bother with a girl like you. Four, two, three, four...
Hey, that group over there.
You're making too much noise!
One, two, three, four...
Eh... Well, six months have passed quickly.
Looking around now, there are far fewer people than when we started.
But whatever has happened, you all have worked very hard.
Eh... And so, we'll start the final exams tomorrow.
At the top is the Seihi, then the Kouhi, then below that is the Fujin, then the Hinhi, and then the Choufu.
That's how the ranks inside the palace are separated, you know.
That's all decided from the exam results?
I doubt that's all.
Which means?
You're probably the smartest, Kouyo, and you're not bad either, Ginga.
But don't you think that something's missing?
Oh? And what is missing?
Parfness.
You have to have parfness and manners which you were born with.
In other words, only people like me, of noble birth can do it.
SO IT'S DECIDED! Sorry to you all, but I WILL BE THE SEIHI!
Charge! Destroy the Bakeankan!
After we bring down that fortress, we've got the Hokubankan after it.
The city is on the other side of that!
Iryudda's rebellion, which was started on a whim only to stop boredom,
Had gathered more than three hundred fifty thousand troops, and took the Barioukan.
They were on the move towards the Hokubankan, which was said to be impenetrable.
GINGA!
You did it! You did it! You've become the glorious Seihi!
I had my eyes set right after all.
In the end, you weren't a dirt-covered radish, but a true lady.
My advancement is guaranteed now!
I've did it!
Why am I the Hinhi and Ginga the Seihi?!
I'm Saijin.
Seventh from the top. I'm fourth, you know.
I think everyone's in about the right place.
How about you, Tamyuun?
I don't do any kind of government service.
Ginga, the first wife of the Emperor, huh.
That's right! Why am I fourth?!
What's wrong, Ginga?
Aren't you happy that your dream has come true?
Despite your wit and your beauty, are you napping out of boredom?
Well...
You seem down. What's wrong?
I wonder if it should be like this.
I mean, not only do I not know what the Emperor looks like, but no one else does either.
I wonder if I can marry and love someone whom I don't even know.
It seems like we're just being cleverly used.
The Emperor is a good man. I'm sure you'll like him too, Ginga.
Even if he seems to be a good man to you, Mano-san, it doesn't mean that I would like him. The Emperor is a good man. I'm sure you'll like him too, Ginga.
Even if he seems to be a good man to you, Mano-san, it doesn't mean that I would like him.
Huh?
I was in a trance trying to succeed and came all the way here, but I just remembered my father's words.
Huh?
"Will it make you happy?"
...I kind of want to run away.
How can you say that now?
I guess the Emperor really does like eccentric women...
His Highness, the Emperor has arrived.
It's been a while, Ginga.
Koryuun!
You look like you've just been shot by a pea-shooter.
What are you doing here Koryuun?
Because I'm the Emperor.
Huh?
No way. Aren't you a woman?
I'm a man. Want me to prove it?
I'll strip here.
No! No, it's okay.
But you're such a liar, Koryuun.
I don't think I've ever said I was a woman.
I guess you're right...
But why were you in the taruto if you're the Emperor?
My life is in danger.
You remember what happened the other night, right?
Yeah. Who's after your life, Koryuun?
Kin, the Empress Dowager. She's the Kouhi of the former Emperor, but she's not my mother.
The Dowager has an eleven year-old son.
In other words, he's a half-brother.
The Dowager wants to kill me in order to make her son the Emperor.
That's why I've been hiding in the Inner Palace whenever I don't have official work to do.
But now they know about that, and I no longer have a palace for myself.
Now this is the only safe place for me.
Ginga, I can trust you.
I talked it over with Kakuuto, and chose you as my Seihi.
But I'm...
I've heard from Kakuto that you're still only a virgin.
That's ok. What I need right now is a friend who will listen to my fears and hopes.
The court is in a terrible situation right now.
The lords and vassals fight over authority and think only of money; they won't think about the country.
And there's another thing that's worrying me.
There's a big rebellion taking place.
The rebel army is heading toward the north fortress, Hokubankan, now.
I've sent a man from my court whom I put my trust in, named Ousaibi,
...to lead the Troops against them. I think he'll take care of them for a while.
But if Ousaibi ever dies in a battle or anything like that, I...
Things are going wrong everywhere...
But isn't it dangerous for you to be in this room too?!
I'll be all right. You're strong, Ginga.
And I'm here too.
Tamyuun!
Sister!
I'll be in the next room.
Ginga... No, Empress Gin... Please let me know if you need anything.
Gee, it is really clean in here now.
What happened?
Well, what you said some time ago really got me thinking.
What was I really studying for 50 years?
How is life with the Emperor, by the way?
We have tea, eat sweets and talk about all sorts of things. It's fun!
That's it?
Oh, goodness. I don't think we can be hoping for a new crown prince any time soon.
Are you going back, Empress Gin?
It's about time that Koryuun gets back, so...
Then I'd like you to tell the Emperor that I expelled Kikkyou, my student.
Professor Kikkyou?
I had already known that he was ambitious, but of all things, he started to associate with the Dowager.
Ginga.
Ginga, I can't come here for a while after today.
Really.
I must carry out my duties in the Palace from tomorrow on.
But isn't it dangerous for you to leave the Inner Palace?
It's too far gone to be thinking of that anymore.
The Hokubankan was seized. The rebel army is riding the momentum and heading towards the city.
We must hurry and re-establish the troops, or this Dynasty may perish.
I plan to lead the army in the Palace from tonight on.
Ginga, it's possible that we may never become true husband and wife.
Koryuun...
KORYUUN!
That pistol, unfortunately, is only a lock-type, it can only fire one shot.
KORYUUN!
Sister.
I told you it was good for me to stay in the adjacent room, even though you didn't seem to like the idea of it.
These are eunuchs who were under Kikkyou's influence.
The Inner Palace is no longer safe either.
It seems as though there are no safe places in this world anymore.
The imperial army could not hold back the momentum-propelled rebel force,
...and was practically annihilated.
When the officials heard of this, they spared no time and snuck out of the castle, taking only their most valuable possessions.
The rich folk of the city did the same and left.
The only people left in the city were those who had no place else to go.
Then you are telling me that you are going to flee?!
There is no doubt that we will be killed when the rebel army arrives.
We can still fight.
We have five thousand soldiers up north!
Yes, well, the supreme commander, Ryourin has disappeared.
The supreme commander?!
We believe that His Highness should start on his way to his palace of exile too.
I will not run!
This is my country.
My ancestors have ruled this country from this castle for hundreds of years.
But at my generation, I can't...
Please pardon us.
The idea that you women will protect the Inner Palace matches my philosophy as well.
The Inner Palace is the country's womb. Eh...
Professor! There's no time for a lecture now.
What do you want me to do?
You have vast knowledge, professor. Teach us how to fight.
I can't do that. I didn't learn the art of war...
Hmm... I do know history, though.
The former Emperor, Fukusou, had a hobby.
The cannons and guns and pistols he gathered are still in the armory.
If we use those, it should help us quite a bit.
The Empress Dowager's messenger?!
My name is Kikkyou. I will humbly relay Empress Kin's message.
Okay, I'll listen. Speak up.
The Lady Dowager wishes to welcome you, Lord Iryuuda, into Sokan Palace.
Hmm. The Dowager welcomes me?
Wait a minute. What about the Emperor's opinion?
Yes, well...
It's not right for the mother to surrender without the Emperor's consent.
Well, to tell you the truth, the current Emperor is not the Dowager's true son.
And in the event of Lord Iryuuda's entrance into the castle, she wishes for you to
...get rid of the current Emperor and establish her son, prince Heitetsu, as the 19th Emperor.
So that's what it's all about.
What do you think of this offer?
Will you accept?
Hm. It doesn't sound bad.
Let me ask you, sir messenger.
Do you know who had Shogun Ousaibi assassinated?
Huh?
The thing is, when we attacked the Hokubankan, in the head of the fortress,
Ousaibi had already been assassinated by someone.
We owe great thanks to the one who killed Ousaibi.
It wouldn't be enough to see that person and thank them a hundred thousand times.
Don't you agree?
Oh yes, Empress Kin would be the one you would have to thank.
The Dowager planned this with mister Seitono.
You're sure of that?
Yes, I played a part in it as well.
Captain, take that man and cut off his head!
Eh? Why me? Why?
You're a nuisance!
Please have mercy!
I don't... I don't want to be beheaded!
Despicable.
What's wrong, brother Kon?
Ousabi was a great warrior who was good and pure.
Anyone who would have such a man killed when an opposing army is facing him...
Has to be pretty damned malicious.
Getting close to someone like that would put my brother's life in danger too.
Oh, okay.
Hey! After you're done chopping the head off of that shrivelled cucumber,
Pickle it in salt and send it right back to the Dowager!
Mother. I have suggested that you flee, yet you are still here?
It is dangerous here now. You must be able to hear the rebel army's battle cries.
The rebels are trampling Sokin castle, which has been constructed though the years.
It perishes so swiftly, doesn't it?
The words of the ancestors who said,
"A country that has internal problems is weak before external enemies..."
Pierce through my heart now.
Thinking back, I was a fool too.
I should have stopped running all the time, and talked with you about the country's future.
But that is only an idle complaint at this point.
As the last Emperor of Sokan Kingdom, I will share my fate with the castle.
So mother, please take my young brother and flee.
MOTHER!
WE'VE DID IT!
Looks like the angle was a bit too high.
Hmmm... I'm starting to get it now.
But it's a great success!
Now the Kenseimon, one of the gates into the Inner Palace is blocked.
Only the taruto remains.
Let's hurry and carry the cannon!
I hear that the Inner Palace has a thousand beautiful young women!
Listen men, I won't allow you to touch any of them!
When you catch them, bring them to me first!
Yeah, right! Who's gonna just suck their thumbs when there are beautiful women in front of him?
YEAH?!
One thousand! One thousand, you know!
"Take your pick" is a phrase for times like these!
So that'll be how many per person?
Haha! Man, I can't stop drooling! I'm getting wet!
It's unbearable!
Cannonball loaded.
And angle set.
Damn, this is a long tunnel.
Who the hell made this thing?!
Who cares? This impatience is soon going to become excitement that will make your body shake!
Wait, wait. Calm down.
It says to lure them in an close as you can, then light the fuse.
It's the exit!
WOMEN!
WHAT?!
Light the fuse!
W... What?!
Shogun, we can't go through this hole!
This was the Thunder God's way.
I guess we can't attack the Inner Palace from the back.
Pull it back!
Hurry up and climb!
Inner Palace! One thousand woman, first come first serve!
Don't push! Don't push, I tell you.
FIRE!
Next!
The enemy is pushing forth in swarms.
Load those bullets a little faster.
Yes, Hinhi-sama.
There is neither Hinhi nor Seihi right now!
This is pitiful. Why do I have to be doing this?!
Load those bullets!
Yes, yes, Saijin-sama.
Over here, too!
Yes, yes, Fujin-sama!
Damn it!
Hey! It's a woman!
Hey, it's a man!
That's not nice, you fool.
Man... The Inner Palace women are all hyped up, and we can't even control them.
I hear they've brought out the cannons and guns?
Brother Kon, do you have a plan?
About that, brother...
Do you have a good plan?
I think this is about it. Let's finish playing rebellion already.
Huh?
We really enjoyed the fun.
Your boredom must have vanished already.
What are you saying?!
This isn't just play.
I'm going to be the Emperor of this country!
Emperor?
Hey, you laughed!
Brother Kon, would being Emperor be so funny?!
Brother, being the Emperor will be boring, you know.
Why don't we gather some valuables and go back home to Kasai village?
Stopping somewhere and having some fun on the way home is a good idea, too.
NO!
I will become Emperor!
I won't ever go back to the countryside!
We've been together for a long time, but it's the first time we've disagreed.
Sitting up there will only get other Iryuudas to try and kill you.
I'm not LEAVING!
I won't ever leave this seat until I can call upon the kingdoms from here!
Heisho, to become an Emperor,
...you need a lot of willpower.
Who are you? What do you want? Wait!
What's going on?
Well, he...
I am Sokan's Emperor, Koryuun! Well, he...
I am Sokan's Emperor, Koryuun!
I must speak to Shogun Iryuuda.
I need you to take me to him.
What do you want?
I'll give you the castle and my life, if need be.
But I want you to stop attacking the Inner Palace and let everyone go.
KORYUUUUN!
Tamyuun?
GINGA!
Bad news!
The Emperor went out to see Iryuuda!
Koryuun did?
But why?
He saw you all, fighting fights you're not trained for,
And went to negotiate surrender.
But the enemy is still attacking.
That's why I'm worried.
Hey may be calling himself a Shogun, but he's just the boss of bandits.
I just don't think they're people you can negotiate with!
I'm going!
Going? Where?
I'm going to meet this man, Iryuuda, and talk things over.
Impossible!
GINGA!
I am Sokan's 18th Emperor's Seihi, Gin.
We can't be fighting like this forever.
We must think of a way to save everyone.
That's what the Emperor did!
I will do so as well.
Ginga...
I am Seihi Gin, and I must talk to your leader.
Take me to him.
Lay a finger on me and I'll die!
They Seihi of the kingdom of Sokan has come as a messenger.
If you kill me, Iryuuda's name will be tainted.
Your Shogun is in here?
Thank you.
You are dismissed.
DISMISSED!
I have to talk to you, Iryuuda!
I'm not Iryuuda.
Eh?
He's sitting on the throne, drunk on simple dreams.
You're...
I remember your face.
Um, what was it again?
Ginga!
You're that dirt-covered radish I met at Kasai village!
You're Mr. Konton!
Why are you with Iryuuda?
He's calling himself Iryuuda and acting like he's boss, but it's Heisho!
Remember him?
Huh? That big guy?
I see, so you're the Seihi now.
I see. Well, back then I felt that it might become so.
I had forgotten all about that.
Your husband is in that stable.
Hold on.
Iryuuda wants to be Emperor, so he's stuffed the Emperor in there and plans to kill him at the right time.
Eh?!
You want to see him?
I didn't plan to get in the way of your happiness.
Well, it ended up like this, so I won't make any excuses.
History that has been twisted can't be undone so easily.
Think of this is that last time you'll be seeing the Emperor.
Well, I guess I'll guard the place for a while.
Sorry. This is all because I had no power...
Why did you have to go see Iryuuda all on your own?
You could've talked it over with me.
I'm your wife.
You're still a child.
You can't understand that grown up world yet.
I'm not a child!
I'm not a child anymore!
I'm not a child!
GINGA!
I wonder if I was wrong to put a man's dreams on those airy clouds.
I hurt that girl, and am about to lose a lifelong friend.
It's the same gun that you had, Koryuun, so you can only use it once.
But you can bring down the guard.
Run. You must.
Konton-san, thank you.
What?
You smell like horse manure now!
No...
Nooo!
No!
Koryuun!
I gave it to you to live!
I gave it to you because I wanted you to live!
I wanted everyone to just live!
Koryuun...
Ginga. I'll help the women of the Inner Palace.
But don't get mad at me if I fail.
What's wrong?
Brother!
Brother Kon!
Don't come any closer.
If you get any closer I'll kill this man.
Release anyone who's still left in the Inner Palace.
Or else this man...
Do as she says, please!
I don't wanna die!
What are you talking about?
There are tons of beautiful women there, you know!
Please, brother!
Will you just let her kill me?!
I've been with you for a long time!
You want me to be killed like this?!
We're sworn brothers!
Now, either I kill this man, to whom you swore life long friendship...
Or you will let my friends go.
Help me, I don't wanna die!
OKAY ALREADY!
You look pitiful, so just stop whining!
I'll let them go. I'll let the women of the Inner palace go!
Isn't this good, brother Kon?
My finger's all numb.
But it went well.
Yea, thanks to some cooperation.
The hammer on this pistol was still down.
It seems that Iryuuda knew there were no bullets left.
If he knew that, why did he...
Probably a parting gift for me.
We've been together for a long time.
You bastards, stop looking so shameful.
Listen, it's no big deal. They're all the former Emperor's women.
You just watch. I'll gather my own young and pretty girls!
It's a hunt for women of the palace!
Iryuuda, who had conquered Sokan Palace,
Established the Shinshuu dynasty and became the first Emperor.
But his era had ended before the throne was even warmed,
When he was chased out three years later and passed away in the Kasai village.
After that, the country was in pieces, and the feuding continued until Kokuyoujyu finished the great deed of unifying the nation.
This legendary Emperor, Kokuyoujyu, who set up the Kan kingdom in 1638 in the old Sokan castle to the north,
Was in fact Koryuun's son, to whom Ginga gave birth from that single encounter in the stable.
What happened to Ginga?
Her free and uninhibited ways created many legends.
But one thing all who had relations with her said, was that Ginga was young and energetic whenever they saw her.
It seems as though Ginga remained the childlike Ginga for the rest of her life.
Are you surprised that I've suddenly gone on a journey?
The path I walk alone seems so long, but...
Someday I want to meet you, with someone I love
Inside the translucent place in my heart.
It'll be tomorrow in no time for me...
Crying when someone says I'm beautiful,
I'm doing better after cutting my hair...
Like those clouds... Somewhere, when we didn't even make a promise...
Like those clouds... Find me when I'm shining bright.
Are you bewildered reading a letter like this?
Laughing and loving too...
But until I'm used to this new love,
I'll be comparing things; his height next to yours.
Or the excitement I feel.
Like the gentle breeze... Someplace past this city...
Like the gentle breeze... I want to say to someone, "I love you..."
Like those clouds... Somewhere, when we didn't even make a promise...
Like those clouds... Find me when I'm shining bright.