The Phoenix
Inugami, is there something you would like to ask me?
Yes, sir.
You saved the life of my son...
I will do whatever I can to help you.
What is it that you wish?
I only have one request...
My wish is to protect the villagers who worship the...
...ancient gods, such as Ametsuchi.
I see...
Please!
Please look favorably on the ancient gods!
Please!
Very well.
I shall grant your wish.
However...
...first, we must win this battle.
Yes, sir.
In a short while, we will head to the Fuwa Gate, where Oyori awaits.
You must hurry and get ready.
The Sun Chapter 4
The Fuwa Gate is an important checkpoint located on the...
...mountain path from Ohmi to the eastern lands.
Oh-ama-no-miko chose the gate as his rallying point.
Oh-ama-no-miko, how naive of you!
Oh no!
We have to get out of here!
Get out of here?
I'm sure of it...
That cloud is the same Buddhist curse that injured me 4 years ago.
What?
But where are we supposed to go?
Marimo!
There are sacred grounds near here that are protected from evil powers.
We could go there.
Permission to speak!
What do you think you're doing?
How dare you get in the way of our lord?
Bear your position in your mind!
Wait.
What is it?
There is some sort of Buddhist curse pursuing us.
We must get out if it's way immediately!
A Buddhist curse?
There is no time to explain right now.
Please, you must believe me.
Who do you think you are? You arrogant dog!
Where can we hide in the middle of these mountains?
Keep out of it!
Fine.
We will take a different route.
Everyone, follow Inugami.
My lord! Please hurry!
What is this?
What is that?
It's the Phoenix...
The Phoenix...
Phoenix! Please tell me!
You must know some way...
How can we...
How can we protect the gods of Ametsuchi from Buddhism?
Please tell me!
I cannot tell you how.
What?
I cannot intervene in mortal conflicts.
I can only watch.
But why?
The conflict between Buddha and the old gods is a product of the human heart.
Humans have been fighting over religion for all time.
All religions answer some human need.
Therefore both are right.
There is no good solution to a conflict where both sides are right.
Right?
How can it be right to ban the worship of the gods of Ametsuchi?
The blame falls on neither Buddha nor the old gods.
The blame lies with the human desire to control divine power.
When twisted by the desire for power, religion becomes a vicious weapon.
Eventually, you will learn the truth...
...when you become human again...
When I become a human?
Are you saying that someday I will be able to remove this mask?
There is nothing else I can do from here.
Just look at you, how brave you look!
You look just like the late Emperor when he first took the field at Tsukushi.
Is anything bothering you?
Tell me Mother...
Why must I battle my own flesh and blood?
What are you saying?
Do not allow yourself to waver from your duty.
If there were two suns in the sky...
...the scorching heat would burn everything on earth.
Listen well.
He may be your uncle, but as long as he is after the throne...
...he is your enemy and you must defeat him.
Takechi, my son...
There is no backing down now.
Can you give up your life for your father?
Yes.
I'm certain that the imperial court will use Houben's Buddhist magic.
And if that happens, it will be very difficult for his lord to win this battle.
So you need help from the gods?
His lord promised that he would protect not only the Ku tribe...
...but all the gods of this land from the hand of Buddhism.
This war is not only for humans...
...but it is also for us, the gods of Ametsuchi. Is that what you are saying?
Very well.
I am sure we will join your cause.
Would you go then?
Yes.
Listen, we are not only fighting the imperial army.
We are also fighting those who are willing to risk their lives for their own profit.
Have no fear!
Follow my lead!
The army of Oh-ama-no-miko and the imperial army of Ohmi...
...both advanced toward the area near Inugami's village...
...and faced each other across the Inugami river.
What a rag-tag bunch they are.
We have the great power of the Buddha on our side.
There are ominous clouds in the sky...
It's finally beginning...
Hurry!
Well, well, look who it is...
It is good to see you again, Ibuki-maru...
Rubetsu! We, the Oni tribe, have come to fight!
Hey Marimo! You've grown, haven't you?
And you've gotten very pretty, too.
Tonku, you are here too.
I thank you for joining this fight!
It seems the time has come to reveal our power.
Let us go!
Smash them!
Charge!
Damn those gods of Kunitsu!
Damn you...
The gods are in danger!
What's the matter?
It's Houben!
Houben?
Inugami!
You want to go to Inugami?
Then go! You go and protect him.
Yes!
We're going in! Inugami!
Yes!
Fire!
Saruta!
Right. Saruta!
Inugami!
Marimo!
Inugami, I'm coming too.
Great!
I knew he'd be here...
Filthy dog. It's time to settle this!
This is as far as you go!
Damn dog!
It looks like this battle is over...
The clouds are gone. Is this Inugami's doing?
Inugami!
As a general of the Imperial Army...
I demand single combat!
I accept!
Inugami!
Die!
I shall see you in hell.
General Karakuni...
Inugami!
The Imperial Army was defeated...
...and while fleeing Ohtomo-no-miko took his own life.
Oh-ama-no-miko and his army continued their advance...
...and took the capital that night.
Inugami...
Marimo!
What happened to you? I haven't seen you since the battle.
I came to say farewell.
We're moving far away.
Far to the north of here.
Why?
We've won the battle, so the gods wouldn't have to...
Yes, but the gods of Ametsuchi no longer have the...
...place in the hearts of the people that we used to.
Marimo!
Inugami!
So one day, your face just returned to its human form?
The strangest things happen.
In any case, you distinguished yourself greatly in the battle.
I would like to offer you a reward. I will grant you whatever you want.
What is the matter? Inugami?
The Emperor is offering a great honor.
Just tell him what you want.
My only wish was to bring peace back to my village...
...and it has already been fulfilled.
You are truly a modest man.
Maybe my brother was right after all.
Yes?
About Buddhism.
I may have to reconsider his philosophy if I expect to unite this country.
Emperor?
Are you really leaving?
Yes.
Why?
You have a bright future ahead of you now...
...and you're going to throw all that fortune away?
What about poor Obaba!
It's not only your future you're throwing away...
...you're abandoning me and everyone in this village!
Do you still want to leave?
Yes.
Fine! I won't stop you anymore.
Please don't get so upset.
Anyway, I want you to look after the village.
Well then...
Dogface!
At least tell me where you're going!
I'm planning to head north.
North?
Yes.
Dogface...
Why do I want to go north?
A wolf?
Someone whispers
In a faint voice
To the sparking stars
A promise I once heard
Ah, when the scars of the soul hurt
They long for their mother
Fading intermittently
I can hear the prayers in the voice
I am not alone in the darkness
It’s alright
The will to love is eternal
Next Episode
The big, blue sky...
A lush, green field...
A stream of pure water...
Those things can only exist in books and fantasy.
Phoenix, what did you just say?
What did you say?
"A miracle will happen?"
Are you saying that a miracle will happen?