I want to shine on you, and always like that dazzling sun.
I will defend you from all the darkness.
This is the truth from my heart.
If only our hearts could connect, I could get you to believe me.
Even if you can't see it now, don't lose it.
Your kindness won't be in vain.
You'll be carried aloft by the wind to somewhere that isn't here.
You'll cross the sea and cross time, and I know you'll blossom one day.
Whatever the day, I'll be there for you.
I hope I can watch over you like the sun for all time.
This is the truth from my heart.
Moribito Guardian of the Spirit This is the truth from my heart.
I bring news!
Well done.
Good news, I trust?
Yes.
His Highness Prince Chagum has driven off the evil demons...
...rendered assistance in the birth of the water spirit...
...and is returning to the palace at this very moment.
He has done well...
I shall immediately lift the order of silence and have the entire palace...
...begin preparations for a ceremony.
Let it be known far and wide.
He is the founding father Torugaru reborn, who, by the grace of heaven...
...paved the way for the creation of our country.
Yes, Sire.
Episode 26 Departure
Say, Balsa...
Do you think the nahji has carried the egg all the way to the sea by now?
I wonder when it will become a water spirit?
I'm not sure.
But if it doesn't start belching out some clouds soon...
...the harvest this fall is going to be poor.
You're right.
Come to think of it, Teacher, what do you suppose Rarunga normally eat?
I doubt that they go 100 years without eating anything.
Of course not. Even those monsters are living things.
I expect that they eat other creatures the rest of the time...
...and the Nyunga Ro Chaga are a treat they only get once a century.
Now I see. Even though they're called egg-eaters...
...they can't actually eat the eggs.
Was there anyone besides me that was implanted with an egg?
Actually, there was a bear cub. We saw it get eaten by a Rarunga.
Oh.
What would you like us to do, sir?
The prince seldom leaves the spear-wielder's side.
Forgive me, female bodyguard.
Wait!
Master Shuga, even if you were so ordered by the mikado...
...surely it is no longer necessary.
None of us wish to cause His Highness more grief.
You should feel that desire more keenly than anyone.
Yes, you are right. I was about to do the wrong thing.
I shall discuss this with the mikado.
Mon, Jin, thank you. You have my gratitude.
Chagum, go ride in the palanquin. They look embarrassed.
I can't do that.
It wouldn't feel right to ride in the palanquin when you're hurt, Tanda.
I appreciate the sentiment, but...
Oh, let him have his way. Chagum says he doesn't mind.
Right. And besides, we're almost at Kosenkyo.
Balsa...
Why don't you start off by letting your mother see that you're safe?
I have made arrangements for you within the palace as well.
Please relax and enjoy yourselves until you are sent for.
I like the sound of that. Why don't we have ourselves a grand time?
We will look after your spear.
Chagum...
Mother!
Chagum!
Mother!
Chagum...I always believed.
I always believed that you were still alive somewhere out there...
Look at how you have grown.
Yes, thanks to Balsa.
Yes, what became of that woman?
She came back with me.
She is probably somewhere with Shuga in the palace.
I see.
Prince Sagum, thank you.
This bath hits the spot... Doesn't it?
What's the matter? You look awfully pensive over there.
It's nothing. It's finally starting to hit home that it's really over.
What do you plan to do now?
I don't know. I still have no idea.
Set out on another journey?
I haven't given that any thought either.
Actually, there's talk of arranging a bride for Tanda.
When I went to the health springs over the winter...
...an old acquaintance of mine kept pestering me about it.
She says her daughter...
...saw Tanda brewing medicine for a retired old geezer there...
...and fell head over heels for him.
Like me, she's quite a looker. She has a fine disposition too.
They sound like a fine match.
For heaven's sake... I can't possibly eat all this food.
I suppose I'll start with the food that looks like it will go bad first.
Are you an idiot?
Don't be so stingy. Start with whatever you want to eat!
Teacher, don't you think you've had too much to drink?
Who asked you?
I plan to drink every last drop of liquor they have in the palace!
Hey! Bring me more sake!
Honestly...
Still, it's no wonder that a simple bowl of porridge seemed new to him...
...if he was served feasts like this every day.
Right, Balsa?
I suppose so.
Don't worry! We'll see Chagum soon.
That couldn't possibly have been the last time we'd ever see him.
Besides, I'm sure that Chagum is just as eager to see you.
I guess you're right.
Look at me.
Moribito Guardian of the Spirit
Approach me.
No, closer.
It is good that you have returned.
Thank you.
Shuga has informed me of what transpired on your journey.
It must have been long and difficult.
Nevertheless, it was one worthy of a child of heaven.
Truly a great deed.
It was only through the assistance of a great many people that I succeeded.
Especially that of Balsa, who--
Forget you ever met that woman!
To the common masses...
...you are the hero who saved the country in her time of crisis.
For a country, as well as for all those who reside in it...
...having a hero is the greatest possible honor.
One which no amount of money can buy!
You are a treasure bestowed upon us by heaven!
I am given to understand that this Kanbal woman is a most capable individual...
...one who protected you with no thought of reward or her own safety.
Surely she would have no objections to you being our hero...
...and guiding the Shin-Yogo empire into the future.
Chagum...
Live as our hero.
With Sagum now gone, your role is now to live as a hero.
For both you, who has made an ally of the water spirit...
...as well as for Shin-Yogo, the road ahead is a bright one!
Shuga, what is Balsa doing?
She is resting in the guest quarters, Your Highness.
I see...
Please understand, Your Highness.
The moment you returned here, you became the crown prince.
Arrangements have been made for them to receive...
...a more than suitable reward before the ceremony tomorrow.
Balsa must have known that this would happen.
That is why she told me about Jiguro.
How long are these people going to keep us waiting?
Balsa, is that...
Yeah.
They weren't kidding when they said that the clothes make the man.
Teacher!
Relax, they can't hear me.
In light of your service to His Highness the crown prince, child of heaven...
...His Majesty the mikado shall now reward you!
You there, step forward.
Next.
Balsa, thank you.
Next.
It's too much trouble! Go up there and fetch mine.
I'd rather talk to Chagum one more time than receive something like this.
In that case, I'll take your share off your hands later.
You and your jokes...
Halt! Commoners are not allowed to pass through this gate.
Go down the path to the right.
What's the meaning of this?
That path is more suitable for the likes of you.
Hey, I think you're taking this a little too far.
Go.
I suppose we should do as they say for now.
Chagum!
Balsa!
I...I don't want to be the crown prince!
I want to keep traveling with you forever!
I don't want to leave you, Balsa!
Chagum, do you want to run away with me?
Well? Would you like me to cause a commotion?
You don't have to cause a commotion. You can save it for some other child.
And maybe that child will be yours and Tanda's!
That's a good one! Well said!
You've learned to speak your mind, I see!
I'm going back now.
Right.
Balsa.
I want you to call me Chagum.
I want you to say, "Goodbye, Chagum."
Sure. Goodbye, Chagum.
Thank you, Balsa.
Tanda, Torogai, goodbye.
Looks like Torogai will be staying at the hut for a while.
She is, is she?
I wish I could've talked to Chagum again too.
Who's to say that you won't see him again?
I guess, but...
Still, I wonder why Balsa decided to go back to Kanbal all of a sudden?
Hey, that's right!
I thought that Chagum was supposed to be her eighth soul.
She said she was going to settle down after that.
There's one other person that only Balsa can put to rest.
Well, I just hope she doesn't keep you waiting another two years this time.
If she does, I'll deal with it. I'll still be here.
I swear, there's such a thing as too much patience...
Tanda?
What's the matter, Tanda?
A cloud!
I should have had some of Tanda's wild vegetable stew before I left.
As I sat huddled and alone, holding back the tears on those nights...
When it felt like I was about to succumb to my doubts...
...there you were, at my side before I knew it.
It was none other than you who was there for me.
I keep wishing, "I want to be strong." I stumble and hurt myself again.
But because I have you to believe in, I can get back to my feet.
I simply want to tell my dear one, "Thank you."
At the top of my lungs, again and again.
I call out to my precious loved one.
Is my voice reaching you?
In this world that always changes, human warmth never does.
I'm certain I sensed the presence of the one that I hold dear.