Original subtitles

Fujimaki.

Yes, Councilor Otomo?

How do you assess this match?

Well, uh…

You will be checkmated in seven moves, Councilor Otomo.

I see! I'm losing, am I?

By the way, Utayama.

Last month's events were most unfortunate.

Your late daughter kept a tight command over the Ōoku.

It will be hard to keep the maids in line without her.

Not at all, sir!

My daughter can always be replaced.

No.

It won't be easy.

A castle crumbles once its central pillar is lost.

Such a castle is no place for His Majesty to reside.

The Utayama Family shall be abolished.

P-Please reconsider, Councilor Otomo!

Last month's disturbance was the work of that wretched phantom!

Even I couldn't foresee it!

Preventing the unforeseeable from occurring is your duty.

Or rather,

it was your duty.

Careful now!

Not too fast!

Lower them slowly! Be gentle!

Y-You're…

Just a humble medicine seller.

Here you are.

Thank you very much!

Thank goodness.

I was in for another scolding!

It's because you insisted on carrying them all at once, Kume.

You agreed too, Tome!

That's enough fighting, both of you.

Repairing the lanterns already?

Yes.

The Ōoku has strict rules about fire prevention.

They say it's because a woman burned to death long ago.

Oh?

Hey! Hold your tongue around outsiders!

Huh? What's the big secret about that?

I'll ask a professional to paper them.

Return to your duties.

-Yes, sir. -Yes, sir.

Why are you lurking around here again?

You already got rid of the mononoke last month!

Indeed. One of them.

One?

In this world,

some passions linger, even after they are slain.

What does that mean?

Step right up, one and all!

How about one of these?

They're mouse talismans!

They ensure fertility and safe childbirth.

A foreign princess who bought one

was blessed with five sons and five daughters!

Mice…

you say?

MONONOKE THE MOVIE: CHAPTER II - THE ASHES OF RAGE

-Look out for fire! -Look out for fire!

Oh, look! It's Lady Fuki.

She's on her way to perform night work.

She's so pretty!

What do you expect from His Majesty's nighttime companion?

But it must be tough, right?

The concubines summoned for night work

all shoulder the fate of their family.

Their family?

Whoever bears a child

will be the mother of His Majesty's heir, right?

Their family will immediately rise to the top.

Families, huh?

Ahem.

-Lady Botan! -Lady Botan!

Are you both resting at once?

-No! -We just…

The Ōoku relies on the fire patrol.

If you overlook a potential fire source,

His Majesty too will be vulnerable to the blaze.

Understand?

-We're sorry! -We're sorry!

Don't let it happen again.

-Lady Botan is pretty too! -Oh, you…

How do you like that, Tokita?

Oh, uh… What can I say?

'Tis I, Councilor Fujimaki! Forgive the intrusion.

Councilor Otomo, there is something we must discuss.

What is it? Speak.

It is not for the ears of subordinates, sir.

Pay him no mind.

Now speak!

Very well.

It concerns the princess who was born last month to His Majesty's consort.

The time has come to appoint a guardian.

The consort has indicated she would like to raise the child herself.

Unacceptable!

A guardian should be chosen from among the concubines.

But the consort wishes--

Lady Yukiko is not His Majesty.

Of course, sir!

In that case,

taking family names into consideration,

perhaps Katsunuma would do.

Oh! Katsunuma, eh?

You're quite perceptive.

Very well! The Katsunuma Family it is.

-It's your move. -Right.

Any thoughts on what you heard?

Such important matters are the domain of you esteemed councilors.

I could never--

Guardian selection can become a spark.

A spark?

If no male heir is born,

the princess will marry

and assume the role of the next consort.

Her guardian will then become the mother of His Majesty without giving birth.

That gives her tremendous power.

Left unattended,

even the smallest spark becomes a blaze.

The important thing

is maintaining the ruling order of the past 150 years.

That will in turn protect His Majesty.

You are right in every respect, sir.

-That reminds me, Tokita. -Yes?

About your daughter…

Lady Fuki, wasn't it?

That is correct, sir.

She seems to receive

great favor from His Majesty.

Indeed.

We are most grateful.

Lady Fuki and Lady Botan are both beautiful.

But with that said,

the one most likely to give birth to the next heir

is Lady Fuki from the Tokita Family.

She enjoys His Majesty's exclusive favor.

Are you sure?

Lady Botan is from the Otomo Family.

They hold great sway within the Ōoku,

and most of all, she's Councilor Otomo's daughter.

Family names don't matter!

No matter who the mother is, the heir is the heir.

Whether she's a merchant's daughter or even a farmer's daughter,

she wins if she gives birth!

Isn't that how the Ōoku works?

My own daughter, Botan, could learn a thing or two.

Oh, my!

Are you sure about that move?

Checkmate in five moves!

Astounding!

As expected, I'm no match for you, Councilor Otomo.

Huh? Lord Tokita?

I'd like to visit with my sister.

I'll wait here until the appointed time.

That won't be a problem.

Is that okay?

He had no pass.

The Mizorogi family are an exception.

Something about a special duty to protect the Water Goddess.

To be honest, we don't know the details.

What an enviable position.

Medicine Seller!

Sneak in again, and it's your head!

Oh, Tsuyu.

So there you are.

No wonder you didn't come when I called.

Forgive me, my lady.

They're shorthanded, so I was asked to help.

Oh, that's right.

Lady Fuki, Madam Suikoin is inside.

What are you worried about?

She's His Majesty's mother.

I'll handle myself.

Then I guess I worried for nothing.

Please go ahead.

We'll speak later.

Lady Fuki acts like all the other concubines these days.

Now, now…

Only a year ago, we were fetching water together.

Sayo.

It's His Majesty whose feelings have bloomed

for Lady Fuki.

We therefore believe

that Lady Matsu of the Katsunuma Family will be a suitable guardian.

I humbly ask for your acceptance.

I am honored.

But what about the consort?

Right?

The role of a princess's guardian

has traditionally been given to a family that has long served His Majesty.

The Katsunuma Family is a fitting choice.

You humble me with your words.

May I ask one thing?

What is to be made of the consort's feelings?

It's her first child after all.

I imagine she probably wants to raise the child herself.

That's true.

It's akin to kidnapping.

I can only hope it doesn't bring her pain.

Such impertinence!

Are you saying you don't trust my family?

I would never!

I simply wonder what the consort and His Majesty

think about this.

Parents can't help but feel for their children.

She's got some nerve saying that after she stole His Majesty away!

Anyway, what could a poor draper's daughter know?

Just because she's a bit attractive…

For that reason, I suggest

that we seek His Majesty's opinion.

No matter how much we debate among ourselves,

some things are beyond our authority.

That will not be necessary.

His Majesty depends on us to settle trivial matters

so that he may focus on his duties.

Is that not the role of the Ōoku?

Bringing such a matter to his attention

is out of the question.

In that case,

Lady Matsu shall be appointed guardian.

Does anyone else wish to be heard?

Moving on.

Given the passing of Madam Utayama last month,

we must decide who will manage the Ōoku.

The candidates proposed in advance are

Lady Botan,

Lady Matsu,

and Lady Take.

Of those candidates, Lady Botan has long assisted Madam Utayama

and has ties to various lords.

We believe she is the best candidate.

In that case, Lady Botan shall be the next administrator of the Ōoku.

I humbly ask for your acceptance.

I humbly accept the responsibility.

Since Madam Utayama's passing,

I'm sure there are many who are uncertain about the Ōoku's future.

We must recommit to our duties as maids of the Ōoku

and devote ourselves to the rules we are sworn to uphold.

In particular, we must reaffirm the rules governing night work,

which have been neglected lately.

The first rule

is that conversation with His Majesty during night work is forbidden.

Written correspondence is also taboo.

The second rule

is that the consort and the concubines shall alternate performing night work.

No individual may perform night work for two consecutive nights.

Wait a minute!

Yes?

You're overstepping your bounds.

His Majesty is the one who chooses his night work companion.

Not even the administrator can interfere with that!

The rule is in place to ensure that an heir is born.

It has always been deemed a taboo.

But that's…

What if His Majesty bestowed favor on one woman

and she could not bear children?

His Majesty's bloodline would be lost.

That may be,

but you can't ignore His Majesty's will.

Last night, the night before that, and the night before that too,

His Majesty chose me for night work.

-What of it? -Huh?

Surely he hasn't told you to return again the next night.

After all, conversation is taboo during night work.

In the first place, it was His Majesty who chose the new administrator.

That means His Majesty agrees with Lady Botan.

Do you intend to defy that?

What are you laughing at?!

In the end, all you care about is family names!

You're merely jealous of the favor His Majesty has bestowed on me!

I only…

Lady Fuki!

Someone call for the court physician!

GOLD COIN

Doctor Gentaku! It's Lady Fuki!

I didn't expect her to collapse.

It must have been quite vexing for her.

Lady Fuki's condition…

Could it be morning sickness?

That must be it!

After all the favor from His Majesty…

I'm sure His Majesty will be pleased!

This is

a dilemma.

Indeed. It's not right.

The thought of that vulgar woman mixing with His Majesty's bloodline…

Huh?

It burns!

Hey, what's happening?

Is it… taking Form?

It burns!

Sayo?

She's hot!

My hand!

Get them…

Get them…

Get them off of me!

Halt! Where are you going?

My pass is right here.

That pass was given to you by Madam Utayama!

It's no longer valid!

This one…

is fast!

It burns!

I am a guard of the Ōoku.

I can't allow you to enter without permission.

It hides fast too.

Silence!

The men shall investigate this matter.

You all must pry no further.

Forget this ever happened.

Don't you agree, Councilor Fujimaki?

Yes!

You scared me for nothing.

No.

The sparks are already…

Master Tokita!

Lady Fuki has fainted!

My sister?

Fuki!

Oh, my. Hello there.

There is no need to worry.

She recovered her senses immediately.

I haven't seen you in a while either, Father.

Oh, uh, that's true.

I've heard whispers

that you've been playing shogi with Councilor Otomo.

Oh, uh…

You must rest for the time being.

Father.

Oh, right.

Fuki,

would it not be wise to leave the Ōoku?

A concubine is bound for life.

Leaving the Ōoku is not an option.

After observing last month's events, you surely understand that.

But that's exactly why!

I saw it with my own two eyes.

The grudge haunting the Ōoku

that curses all the maids to death!

I'm worried about your safety!

Aren't you, Father?

Well, uh, yes.

-And? -Huh?

If I flee from here,

what happens then?

Father's appointment as a samurai

and your advancement in the ranks

are both due to the favor I receive from His Majesty.

You want to give that up?

Are you suggesting we starve in that shabby row house again?

That's…

You too, Father.

"The Tokita Family will gain power."

"We will rule the land!"

The one who sent me here to achieve that

was you!

If I turn tail and run now,

why did I come here in the first place?

Besides,

our goal is truly within grasp.

You don't mean…

You no longer have anything to fear.

Lady Fuki, are you pregnant?

What? In the grand chamber?

We've been ordered to investigate.

What is it?

Oh, it's nothing.

Forget it.

Hey! Where did he go?

My, my.

This is quite a development.

To think someone would burn in the Ōoku.

There's that too, but the bigger problem is…

Do you mean Tokita's daughter Fuki?

Indeed.

If she happens to give birth to a boy,

conflict over succession is inevitable.

Since the Katsunuma Family relies on being the princess's guardian,

your position will also be threatened.

Perhaps.

But surely no one would accept the child of a draper's daughter as heir.

-It's the opposite. -What?

She'll receive support from those dissatisfied with the ruling order.

That girl

has become a spark!

I see.

Perhaps we should consult Councilor Otomo.

He must not hear of this!

Fuki giving birth is something

he hasn't foreseen.

Remember what happened to Utayama?

Fires that begin within the Ōoku must be extinguished within the Ōoku!

Left unattended,

even the smallest spark becomes a blaze.

In that case, let us leave this matter to my daughter Matsu.

We must not aggravate things further.

Handle it quietly.

Have you faced any difficulties since Madam Utayama's passing?

A young official scribe such as yourself

must be a target of envy.

If you're ever in need,

you may approach me at any time.

By asking my father,

most things can be arranged.

You humble me with your concern,

but my duties keep me occupied.

I have no time to worry.

The important thing

is maintaining the ruling order of the past 150 years.

That and service to His Majesty.

Don't ever forget that mindset.

Understood.

Choju.

I assume you haven't forgotten

the day you were appointed Matron.

It is only due to the Katsunuma Family's endorsement

that I am able to spend my days serving His Majesty.

Take this.

To the night chamber.

As you wish.

Hey! You creep!

I finally found you!

Men aren't allowed in the Ōoku!

Do you want to lose your head?

Hey!

Someone has burned.

Where did you hear that?

I can tell by sight.

There is a mononoke present.

A passion that burns humans alive,

turning even their bones and marrow to ashes.

You have an idea what it may be.

Don't you?

Don't be ridiculous!

Just get out of here before there's trouble!

You leave me no choice.

It will return tonight.

What?

Beware… of fire.

A mononoke?

Some are saying it's a curse left by Lady Suzu.

How can a guard of the Ōoku

tremble at such nonsense?

If Lady Fuki gives birth to the heir,

Lady Matsu's appointment as guardian will have been for nothing.

Okay!

What is it?

I need to check something.

I'll be on patrol.

Then I'll join you!

It's fine. I'll be right back.

I'm simply going to check for mice.

Lady Fuki?

Do you need water?

Oh?

-Look out for fire! -Look out for fire!

Ow, ow!

It burns!

It's nearby.

It burns!

It burns!

-Tome, look! -Oh, no!

It burns…

It burns…

It burns!

Someone! Come quick!

My flesh is seared!

It burns!

Are you okay?

-She's hot! -She's hot!

-Get back! -Medicine Seller!

What's going on?

We're surrounded.

This is…

What was that?

Flames that move in swarms.

This is the work of

Hinezumi.

I have identified… its Form.

Another mononoke?

Mere embers.

Embers?

The phantoms just now were Hinezumi children.

Their mother is elsewhere.

Are you the suspicious man who was reported in the Ōoku this afternoon?

Hinezumi is an ayakashi who won't stop

until it burns everything to ashes.

Hinezumi?

No matter what the situation,

men can never enter the Ōoku.

If we allow men in this easily,

the Ōoku's rules are mere words.

If we don't slay the source of the fire,

before long…

-Did you hear me? -The Ōoku will go up in flames.

However, the weapons you carry

will be of no use.

A mononoke can only be slain

with this Sacred Sword.

Then we shall borrow it from you.

-Sakashita. -Right!

Unfortunately for you, only we can wield the sword.

Drawing it requires certain conditions.

-Form, Truth, and Reason. -This thing's h-heavy!

Present those three elements, and the sword can be drawn.

Then the mononoke can be slain.

Truth is the way things appear.

Reason is that which smolders in the Ōoku.

The true nature of the passions that burn people to ashes.

Therefore, ladies and gentlemen,

I hereby request

that you tell me everything.

Passions that burn people to ashes?

Palace guards, seize him at once!

Lady Botan!

This man was carrying a pass.

That is why I let him through.

Huh? Wait a minute!

This is the pass he received from Madam Utayama

when he slew the mononoke last month!

He can't use this now.

What a rascal!

Lady Botan, please settle this one peacefully.

After all, this man did save the Ōoku once!

For the crime of mistakenly letting him pass,

I will forgive you this once.

However, I won't do so again.

I am grateful for your mercy.

Be thankful to Sakashita.

Furthermore,

never show your face here again.

Oh?

Thank you very much for your help.

I merely happened to be passing by.

You've got that right.

Where did you even sneak in from?

That was a surprise.

I didn't think you'd cover for the Medicine Seller, Master Sakashita.

Don't get the wrong idea!

I just figured we'll need his skills to slay the mononoke.

And yet, Lady Botan told me never to show my face here again.

She is still young.

She's not accustomed to these things.

Accustomed… to what things?

Crises involving fire.

Oh?

No fire starts in the Ōoku by chance.

Be it humans

or mononoke,

there is always a cause.

As I suspected,

you know what this is about.

Well…

Master Sakashita!

It merely brought back memories of what happened to Lady Suzu.

Huh? Lady Suzu?

You mean the ghost in the grand chamber?

Ghost?

Everyone on fire patrol knows about it.

When we patrol at night,

people often see a woman with a lamp in the grand chamber.

She's no ghost!

Lady Suzu was a concubine 20 years ago.

She became pregnant, but it didn't go well,

and one day she perished in a fire.

A fire?

Fortunately, the fire did not spread,

but Lady Suzu fell victim, by chance, to the flames.

It happened

in the grand chamber.

The last person to see Lady Suzu…

was me.

If I had called out to her at that moment…

However, Lady Suzu was kindhearted.

She would never become a mononoke

that kills others.

At times, such kindness

can become a curse.

What?

Mononoke too possess Truth and Reason.

Their feelings have a source.

Hinezumi was originally a guardian mouse deity.

It resides

wherever parents wish for safe childbirth.

Medicine Seller,

where is the mononoke now?

Though it may go unseen,

it is somewhere in the Ōoku.

Which is why I have a favor to ask of the two of you.

All manner of misfortune

-Now's our chance. -Yeah.

Hey! I'm busy, you know.

Tsuyu?

Is something wrong?

Choju?

Rumor has it

that it was the work of a mononoke.

Th-This is…

A mononoke…

It's merely a rumor.

Thank you.

This water… is tastier than usual.

It was freshly drawn this morning.

May I ask one thing?

Oh? What is it?

Why is it that you call for me as your opponent, Councilor Otomo?

Does playing shogi bore you?

No! Not at all.

Every piece has its role.

Although they can be promoted,

a pawn can never become a rook.

Nor can a rook ever betray the king.

In the game of shogi,

there are no foolish subordinates, nor scheming lords,

nor fires that undo all that has come before.

And that's why I love it!

These are leftovers.

You’ve done enough.

I appreciate your help.

Not at all.

You're on your own this time!

Purify

Cleanse

Will you not drink?

By the will of heaven

-This was in Madam Utayama's room. -Protect us

At the spot where Choju died.

What is it?

It likely contained poison.

When I gave some to the goldfish, they died immediately.

But…

Wasn't Choju killed by a mononoke?

You need not concern yourself

with why Choju died.

After all,

it was you she intended to poison.

What are you saying?

A witness saw Choju approaching your room last night.

But that's…

Did you bring me here to mock me then?

It's that trait of yours that I dislike.

No matter who the mother is,

the heir is the heir.

As the Ōoku's administrator,

I have a duty to defend them.

That's why I've given you this warning.

But you fail to understand

because you only think of yourself.

You've never given any thought to the future of the Ōoku.

For you, an heir

is merely a tool for advancement, is it not?

The one who remains bitter over never being called for night work

is you, is it not?

Does that satisfy you?

These scales will tell us the mononoke's location?

Though it may go unseen…

this sound will be our guide.

How mysterious!

So?

You still haven't found the Hinezumi thing, have you?

Unless the mononoke makes a move,

the scales will not ring.

Unforgivable…

Why?

That child…

"That child"?

Hey, look!

Once a deep-seated grudge is lit ablaze,

it will not subside on its own.

It's here.

What?!

Damn it all!

Go do your thing!

Medicine Seller!

Take over for me.

-Yes, sir! -Yes, sir!

This miraculous elixir

has been passed down by generations of court physicians.

-Now then… -Doctor Gentaku!

Please pardon the intrusion.

It burns!

Unforgivable.

Lady Suzu?

-Where is your mother? -What's happening?!

I was hoping… you could tell me!

Is Lady Fuki safe?

Unforgivable!

Why do I hear Lady Suzu's voice?

This is…

What's going on?

Stay back!

Doctor Gentaku tried to poison Lady Fuki!

Y-You're wrong!

-What did you do to the mononoke?! -Forgive me!

Master Sakashita!

Unwanted children have existed in every era!

I merely did as I was ordered!

Ordered by whom?

The sparks of conflict must be extinguished!

Don't tell me…

For generations, that has been the court physician's duty!

For generations?

Did you abort Lady Suzu's unborn child too?

I merely prepared the potion!

-You bastard! -How could you?

Lady Suzu!

Unforgivable.

Lady Suzu was a kind soul.

It hurts!

But you…

You all… don't know either?

You stole

her child from her!

I have identified… its Truth.

What?

It can't be!

Lady Fuki!

So that's it.

The rules don't matter…

-…when it comes to mononoke? -She's hot to the touch.

And you call yourself a palace guard?

The only one who can save the Ōoku from the mononoke

is him, my lady.

And so I should allow him to trespass?

As long as the mononoke possesses Lady Fuki's body,

we cannot stand by.

No matter when or how far,

we have traveled to where mononoke have appeared

and slayed them.

That is the fate of those of us who carry the Sacred Sword.

I have guarded the Nanatsu Gate

for 30 years now.

I, Sakashita, care only

about protecting the Ōoku!

Silence, Sakashita!

Please! Heed my words of experience.

I beg you!

Will you lend me your ears?

Once I have its Reason,

I can draw my sword.

Save Lady Fuki

and the child she carries.

Your punishment is on hold.

Lady Botan!

In that case,

I have a favor to ask

of all the Ōoku residents.

I gathered as many as I could.

You have done well.

Why do you need all these mouse ornaments?

They are stand-ins.

What do you mean?

We must have the mononoke leave Lady Fuki's body.

According to tradition,

mice are considered guardian deities of childbirth.

Therefore,

there are places where they must dwell.

Wait!

These won't burn, will they?

I've only borrowed them, you know!

Lady Fuki and Lady Suzu may bear some similarities.

Why do you think that?

It would explain why the mononoke is focused on her.

Or perhaps explain why the Mother Hinezumi

cannot be found.

Now then.

How are you feeling?

Your father is waiting in the grand chamber.

Have a look.

What do you think,

Lady Suzu?

How about that uchikake?

Don't mind him, Lady Suzu.

He's here as punishment for fighting with a merchant.

He's a rather hot-blooded man.

You may raise your head.

Sakashita?

-What is it? -Nothing.

Take better care of your health.

I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Father.

What brings you here today?

Suzu.

Is something wrong?

These days, the Saijo Family

no longer worry about our next meal.

It's all because of you…

…and the favor His Majesty has bestowed on you.

R-Right.

However…

You were only able to enter the Ōoku…

…because of Councilor Otomo's introduction.

I've never forgotten my debt to Councilor Otomo.

Councilor Otomo…

…does not care for…

…sparks that lead to conflict.

Oh?

-Your child is… -…unwelcome.

Councilor Otomo has commanded me to abort the child?

Councilor Otomo would never say such a thing.

Which is why we, his subordinates…

…must act on our own

to extinguish the sparks of conflict.

Is this okay?

I seem to have underestimated things.

Is it over?

No.

Not yet.

Sudo! Asanuma! Bring the burn ointment.

Hurry!

-Yes, sir! -Yes, sir!

These were merely Hinezumi children.

Then there's more to come.

The mononoke

won't stop until it is slain.

In order to draw your sword…

I must locate Hinezumi's Reason.

In other words, the root of its urge to burn the Ōoku.

Lady Fuki!

Thank goodness.

What is it, Saburomaru?

A strange rumor has spread about Fuki.

-You mean her pregnancy? -No.

They say she asked His Majesty to make her the administrator of the Ōoku.

They found a letter asking for his recommendation.

Fuki violated a taboo?

Where did you find this?

In the night chamber.

Someone found it while cleaning.

No one would dare write a letter to His Majesty now.

It was you who raised the issue, Lady Botan.

Correspondence or conversation during night work is taboo, right?

You seem to be going out of your way to protect Lady Fuki.

You allowed that strange man to enter,

and now you even overlook the rules.

It's remarkable how kindhearted you've grown.

As the administrator,

the Ōoku is under my supervision.

I'm merely showing concern for Councilor Otomo's feelings.

Aren't you the one who's misunderstood, Lady Botan?

That's all I have to say.

I'll leave Lady Fuki's punishment to you.

Lady Botan… the administrator.

Your father will pay a visit soon.

Father will?

Lady Fuki.

Do you have a moment?

What is it?

I believe you're aware

that I served Lady Suzu long ago.

Right.

There's one thing that I've never been able to forget.

It's the way Lady Suzu looked

on the day she perished in the fire.

Having lost her child,

her face looked as if her soul

had been stripped away.

At this moment, Lady Fuki,

your face looks just like hers.

Does this mean Lady Suzu holds a grudge against the Ōoku?

Her fire

is cataclysmic.

Cataclysmic?

If we can find the Mother Hinezumi…

Master Tokita!

Sakashita.

You know…

What is it?

Your brow has grown furrowed.

What?

You have something to tell me, right?

Yes.

Father?

Councilor Otomo has summoned you.

I will…

Fuki…

I've made my decision.

I've been waiting for you.

Father, what are they doing here?

They happened to be in the area.

Perfect timing.

You have news about Tokita's daughter, don't you?

A letter was found yesterday.

The letter asked His Majesty to recommend a new administrator.

It was signed by Lady Fuki.

I heard everything from Katsunuma.

It's a trap.

A trap, you say?

I believe it to be a forgery designed to implicate Lady Fuki.

Councilor Otomo, if I may speak…

Shut up!

What makes you think that?

It's because Lady Fuki is carrying a child.

The Court Physician Gentaku

tried to abort it using poison.

The Matron who died earlier

was attempting the same.

Which means this sudden rumor too…

And what's wrong with that?

I fail to see the problem.

A child who could become the heir was nearly killed!

The heir?

That will never happen.

But…

Never!

Much obliged.

The Ōoku is in your hands.

For generations, the mother of the heir

has been from a councilor's family.

A family without power of their own

would only be used by other ambitious lords,

and the nation would plunge into chaos.

But Father, you always told me to protect the heir!

An heir born to the Tokita Family

would be the spark that sets Japan aflame.

Extinguishing that spark

is the righteous path.

Did Lady Matsu really

ask me to wait here?

This realm needs those who can see the bigger picture.

Those who will take the initiative and act for the Ōoku's sake.

Tokita's daughter

broke the rules of the Ōoku

and passed a letter to His Majesty.

Isn't that right, Botan?

-Father! -I command you!

Defend the Ōoku!

That is your duty!

A witness discovered the letter.

As the administrator, you must punish her.

Is that too much to ask?

How can you call that defending the Ōoku?

The conspirators who did your bidding have tarnished the Ōoku,

and you are merely looking the other way!

Fuki!

Unforgivable!

What's happening?

Medicine Seller!

Who let you in?!

The passion of the concubine Suzu, from 20 years ago, has become…

-A mononoke! -Mononoke?

Hinezumi.

Allow me to slay it.

It burns!

-What's happening?! -Ow, ow!

Down below?

Huh?

There you are.

Matsu!

Just how many lives

have you people stolen?

As the head of the Otomo Family,

I've done everything for the Ōoku's sake!

What is it doing?

I don't know.

But its voice is crying out, "Unforgivable."

What?

Hinezumi burning itself is unheard of.

Time and time again, I've extinguished the sparks that could consume the nation!

You'll never understand!

Even so, you're the one who forced Lady Suzu to abort her child!

The Reason is at hand.

I know nothing about any "Suzu"!

I, myself, have never told anyone

to abort their child!

Hinezumi is crying out, "Unforgivable."

Unforgivable?

Loyal citizens merely took action

to prevent conflict over succession!

Hinezumi! What is it that you can't forgive?

Why do you consume yourself?

Ow!

Unforgivable.

You want me to drink this?

If I drink it, the Saijo Family

will have served Councilor Otomo loyally.

We can be proud of that, right?

Suzu.

Do you understand?

I feel the same pain as you.

No, even greater pain!

I will protect the Saijo Family.

Medicine Seller!

It burns!

Unforgivable…

Unforgivable!

It burns! Help, it burns!

Botan! You must save me!

If I die, what will become of the Ōoku?

Or the nation itself?

You aborted your own child.

Rest assured, Father.

And the regret consumed your body in flames.

Even if our lives end here,

there are plenty of leaders who could take our place!

What?

The one worthy of protection

is the child about to be born!

How could you let your child…

Is that Lady Suzu?

How could you let your child go?

Unforgivable!

I have…

-…done the… -…done the…

…unforgivable.

"I have done the unforgivable."

So that's… how you felt.

The Reason…

has been revealed!

Form, Truth, and Reason!

With these three elements in place,

I will release

my sword!

Release!

Hinezumi.

Even after becoming a mononoke,

your passion seeks to reduce you to ashes.

With the power of Kon,

one of the eight swords of Yin and Yang…

I shall purify you and lay you to rest.

Mononoke.

Go back!

Strike!

Forgive me.

I will give birth.

Whether the child is wanted or not.

I've made my decision.

I will inform Councilor Otomo myself.

But…

Fuki, at this rate,

your life will be in danger too.

I too

wish for the safety of my child.

You and I are the same.

-Lord Medicine Seller. -Oh!

How can I ever thank you

for saving my sister?

I merely slew a mononoke.

By the way, what is all that luggage?

Oh, this?

Those are the same ornaments he burned!

I hope these can make up for it.

Everyone will be delighted!

You're willing to hand guardianship of the child to us, the Fujimaki Family?

As the new chief councilor,

are you not in need of allies?

The Tokita Family shall be under my wing.

Now that Councilor Otomo has passed away,

Madam Suikoin has sole rule over the Ōoku.

But if an heir were to be born…

I do have one condition.

You want to raise the child yourself, right?

I look forward to good news.

Master Sakashita!

Are you losing again?

What do you mean?

Just look!

He's got you cornered.

Huh?!

Good day, my lady.

-Good-- -Good day.

Good day.

Enough! I give up!

Shogi is boring anyway!

By the way, what are you doing here?

We'll be closing the gate soon.

Kume said she'd like to see the fireworks.

Fireworks?

I guess since Councilor Otomo forbade them…

We're the fire patrol after all!

We have to monitor the fireworks too!

Ahem.

Lady Botan!

Are you all resting at once?

-No! -We just…

Not too long, okay?

Please forgive… Wait, what?

Are you planning to sneak into the Ōoku again?

Well, we'll see.

Let's pray…

you won't have to use this.

-Whoa, they're so pretty! -Wow!

Amazing!

I will give birth.

So please…

This fire

is for mourning.

PART THREE

TO BE CONTINUED IN "THE CURSE OF THE SERPENT"

THE ASHES OF RAGE

THE END