NIPPON SANGOKU: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun (2026) s01e04 Episode Script
The Seii Coup
Fictional work. Any similarity
to real names or events is coincidental.
Underage smoking is prohibited.
Year 57 of the Yamato era. Spring.
Aoteru Misumi presents
his agricultural reform plan
and passes the Toryumon.
Two years later,
in the neighboring nation of Seii,
anti-government unrest intensifies.
In response to these events,
Lord of Home Affairs Denki Taira,
acting unilaterally,
sends a letter to Seii
demanding their unconditional surrender.
With each passing day, tensions
between Seii and Yamato continue to rise.
The following year, Aoteru Misumi's
achievements are recognized,
and he is appointed
Auditor of the Borderland General Corps.
Aoteru is only 18 years old.
NIPPON SANGOKU:
THE THREE NATIONS OF THE CRIMSON SUN
YAMATO YEAR 60, EARLY SPRING
14:23, -6 DEGREES CELSIUS
Really. I really, really mean it.
I was wrong!
I'll never do it again. I swear it.
EPISODE 4: THE SEII COUP
Please, spare me the death penalty!
Auditor Misumi!
BORDERLAND GENERAL CORPS AUDITOR
AOTERU MISUMI
IN CHARGE OF ENFORCING PENALTIES
UNDER MILITARY LAW
Deputy Clerk Machiyama,
I understand your position.
-Read it aloud.
-Yes, sir!
"On the seventh of this month,
Narihisa Machiyama
unlawfully recruited five private soldiers
and looted four private residences
in Takatsuki prefecture."
"During these events,
three civilians were killed,
and one was sexually assaulted."
"Such conduct undermines
the peace and order
of the Borderland General Corps
and the nation,
and will not be tolerated."
"Therefore, under military law,
Narihisa Machiyama is to be executed
by hanging immediately!"
No, no!
No, no, no!
That's not true, I'm telling you!
I mean, it's not completely inaccurate,
but…
You see, I had my reasons.
Last month,
my son-in-law died from illness,
and my daughter
was struggling to get by.
EMPTY
It all happened so fast, and I didn't have
the means to send her money…
I never meant to kill anyone!
And the sexual assault…
I just lost control. It was as if
my survival instincts took over.
I can't believe that
I could even get hard at my age!
An auditor's duty is to place facts above
circumstance, and impose fair punishment.
GIGGLE - STOMP
I get it. It's admirable.
But you've only been
with the corps for three years!
You've been an auditor
for just a few days!
The previous auditor would've never
sentenced someone to hanging for this!
This is insane!
I get you're passionate about your job,
but think about your future!
Show some mercy!
I'm afraid I can't do that.
GULP
Indeed, after reviewing
the rulings in recent years,
no one convicted
of even the gravest crimes
has been sentenced to death
or given any other severe punishment.
Yet, the military law
of the Borderland General Corps
was established as a strict code
by the Great Founder of Yamato,
Emperor Fuji I.
So why has it been
so thoroughly disregarded?
I conducted a thorough investigation
and one fact became clear.
THANK YOU AS ALWAYS
Bribery is rampant here.
It was the previous auditor's negligence
that led to the erosion
of the authority of military law.
That is why, as the new auditor,
I will uphold it here and now.
The authority of strict military law.
Auditor Misumi!
No… Aoterucchi!
Ao…
Aoterucchi?
We used to go out to eat together
all the time, didn't we?
We would talk about strategy,
and rave about the delicious Hakata ramen.
We would even spend hours talking
about manga from the Japan era!
I looked upon you as my own son!
So why are you sentencing me to death?
Do you even have a heart, Aoterucchi?
Deputy Clerk Machiyama…
No. Mr. Nari.
Thank you for everything.
After that, Aoteru showed no hesitation,
handing down severe punishment
to anyone who broke military law.
He was deeply resented
by corrupt officials,
but when word of his achievements reached
Borderland General Mitsuhide Ryumon…
That's exactly how it should be handled.
…he said, praising Aoteru highly.
A FEW DAYS LATER
Still green as ever.
Too green for your own good.
DEPUTY MASTER OF ARMS
YOSHITSUNE ASAMA
Word of your achievements has reached
even the Armory Bureau.
Some of its officials praise you,
but others whisper
that you're full of greed
trying to make a name for yourself
just to climb the ranks.
Worse still, rumor has it that you bribe
your subordinates to sing your praises.
You mean they planted supporters like
they did towards the end of the Japan era?
BA DA BUM
Listen to me. I'm being serious.
We've known each other
for three years now.
I know for a fact
that you're not chasing fame.
But a lot of those officials are.
Doing your duty is admirable.
But you can't just hand down
harsh punishment for everything.
So you're saying
I should disregard military law
and help lead the nation to ruin?
Are you stupid?
I'm saying you could've shown leniency
based on their past achievements.
Mr. Tsune,
only government officials see it that way.
From a commoner's perspective,
after being looted
and having their families killed,
they would surely wonder, "Why hasn't
that official been properly punished?"
They would end up losing trust
in the corps.
If tens or hundreds of such commoners
organize themselves,
a large-scale rebellion could erupt.
When that happens, Mr. Tsune,
are you prepared to fight the people?
FIGHT THE PEOPLE!?
Of course, if I have twisted military law,
then I deserve to be punished.
But baseless accusations
are none of my concern.
If auditors curry favor,
and the Borderland General Corps rots,
then this nation is finished.
So even if I'm shunned,
despised, or hated,
I believe I must carry out
my duty as an auditor with courage.
Courage…
That word…
suits you better than anyone else
in this world, doesn't it?
As far as I know,
there are those far
more suited to it than I am.
WELL, THAT'S PROBABLY ME.
MILK
By the way,
have you given a thought to your future?
Why do you ask?
SWISH
If Seii surrenders, only Buo will remain.
Should things go as planned,
Yamato will unify Japan within ten years.
UNIFY THE THREE NATIONS
Thanks to my talent, of course.
When that happens,
our unit will be disbanded.
So what will you do then?
Go back to your specialty
and work in agriculture?
A BRIGHTER FUTURE STARTS WITH AGRICULTURE
If things had gone as planned,
I'd be working in agriculture right now.
History is made up entirely of exceptions.
Who could've foreseen back in the
Japan era, that nuclear war would erupt,
plunging the entire planet
into global cooling?
Same goes for the Great Violent Revolution
at the end of the Reiwa era.
And for the Three Nations period.
How many people who lived back then
could've predicted the world
we live in today?
The path people walk is like water.
The vow I made to my wife…
That vow solidified like ice,
but the future is like a liquid…
No. In terms of not knowing the future,
isn't gas a better metaphor than liquid?
SLAP
Who cares.
Water, huh?
That's just like you.
But the way I see it,
life is like gathering stones.
Isn't that right, Mom?
SEII
21:00, -17 DEGREES CELSIUS
Let's begin.
Now, we begin the coup.
OHGA'S BLADE AND FAMILY CRES
Seii.
A republic that controls
the northern regions of the three nations.
On this day, in the capital city of Seiro,
an incident took place
that sent shockwaves across Japan.
The Seii government had resolved to accept
Yamato's call for unconditional surrender.
In response,
an anti-surrender faction was formed…
00:00
…and they carried out a coup.
SEIRO EIGHTH ARMORY
What business do you have
at the armory at this hour?
We just got word that the anti-surrender
faction has begun an armed uprising.
We need weapons,
so can you unlock the door?
An armed uprising
by the anti-surrender faction?
Where's the order?
Don't have one. It's an emergency.
Then state your unit
and commanding officer--
Bang!
Bang, bang!
Bang, bang!
Bang!
PRO-SURRENDER MASTER OF ARMS
RINRIRIN SATO
We're the anti-surrender faction.
I'm Nagao Squad Captain, Muuton Nagao.
Nice to meet you.
NAGAO SQUAD CAPTAIN
MUUTON NAGAO
You're already dead.
Quick, transport the weapons.
Especially to that bearded guy's unit.
Make it quick, got it?
Yes, sir!
12 MINUTES LATER
I'm pleased to report that our Kura Squad
has finished procuring weapons
for all units!
Is that so?
Damn, that Nagao is quick.
Takes all the fun out of it.
I was hoping he'd be late,
so I could make him pay with that game
where I stick a knife between his fingers.
-Stick a knife…
-…between his fingers?
Oh, what's this? You guys interested?
Wanna give it a go?
KURA SQUAD CAPTAIN
ATERUI KURA
Perhaps we should focus first
on seeing the coup through!
Right! Good point!
SIGH
Kura Squad, our target
is the Seiro Governor's residence!
Our rallying cry is "Honor the noble,
punish the traitor!"
Nothing's impossible for us.
We'll take that treacherous bastard down,
then drink our fill together!
00:25 - SEIRO GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE
Governor!
Please, you must escape!
Don't panic. Security here is tight.
No need to fear
the anti-surrender faction.
The security unit defected
to the enemy without a fight!
What?
What… what? What?
All right then, you treacherous bastard.
Your life is mine.
Wait, please! Hold on--
SLASH
SEIRO GOVERNOR
HIKABI ASAHIMA
All right! Light the signal fire
and move on to the next one!
Yes, sir!
The anti-surrender faction attacked
the pro-surrender faction, unit by unit.
DEAD: 5
WOUNDED: 14
Casualties were kept to a minimum.
And then…
Are you President Azami?
Indeed, I am.
You're…
We last met at my father's funeral.
I never thought we'd meet again like this.
Oh no, I think I'm going to cry.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
OHGA WAJIMA
I see. No wonder…
So the mastermind behind all this
was the daughter of Byakko Wajima,
the Western Expedition Commander.
Byakko! Your daughter is every bit
the military strategist you were!
Bravo! Bravo, indeed!
So, how will you kill me?
Beheading? Burning at the stake?
Even if I'm torn apart limb by limb,
I'll face it gladly.
No.
This is my father's keepsake.
Use this sword to take your own life.
Apologize to your sworn brother,
my father,
who served this nation with loyalty…
for intending to sell out this country.
I ask for no mercy.
Beheading will do.
Our views may differ,
but I acted in the best interest
of this nation and its people.
Whether or not I was a traitor
is for future historians to decide.
Look after the people of Seii.
PRO-SURRENDER FACTION, PRESIDENT OF SEII
HARUICHI AZAMI, AGE 62 (DECEASED)
Hip, hip, hooray!
Yayakichi, see that he's given
a proper burial.
And provide aid to the families
of those executed
in the pro-surrender faction,
even if they refuse.
Completely understood.
The new administration
will now overhaul the personnel.
At noon, we will deliver
our declaration of resolve.
Yes. Everything is going
according to plan.
However,
with this sudden upheaval and this cold,
the people won't be at ease.
Use the rice the government has
kept hidden and make warm porridge,
and see to the people.
Seiro rice is sweet, chewy, and delicious.
I'm sure the people will be happy.
You really are your father's daughter.
Indeed, Commander-in-Chief Wajima.
If you win the people's hearts,
subduing Yamato shouldn't be difficult.
Yes.
There's no turning back.
For the people and the nation,
we press onward.
That same day…
SHIBATA TRAINING CASTLE
…Commander Ohga Wajima
issued an official proclamation,
detailing the establishment
of the new government.
Inside the castle,
porridge was handed out,
drawing large crowds of citizens.
After suffering under misrule,
the citizens were eager to see
how the new administration would govern.
Make sure you eat plenty.
-Thank you!
-My first meal in two weeks!
So good, so good!
Why is she crying?
Your body odor
is probably burning her eyes.
-You mean yours?
-No, yours.
I'm so glad you're enjoying it.
I really am.
So precious!
MILITARY CHIEF
ATERUI KURA
Man, I seriously don't get it.
All this rice should be used
as provisions for the military.
Don't you think so too?
CHIEF NEGOTIATOR
MUUTON NAGAO
So precious…
What?
No way, seriously? You've got
a crush on the Commander?
Wait, what? Come on, Aterui,
what're you talking about? Seriously.
Me, a crush on the Commander?
What even is that?
I mean, it's not like I joined
the anti-surrender faction
because I like Commander Wajima
or anything.
Nice. I'm seriously rooting for you.
Kura, you don't understand a thing
about the porridge, do you?
Strategist Hei.
True, securing military
provisions is important.
But in this bitter cold,
do you really think starving people
will listen to the Commander's words
if they're not given any food?
Without the people's trust,
a ruler cannot stand.
Politics cannot function
without the trust of the people.
Confucius taught that
among the three pillars of military
strength, food, and people's trust,
it is people's trust
that is paramount in governance.
Commander Wajima will surely become
a just ruler who will lead the people.
I guess she really is a wise person.
Strategist Hei, please punish me
for insulting the Commander.
Come on, Nagao. You too!
Wait, me too?
It's fine.
But, Strategist Hei,
there's something I don't get.
Even if we're handing out porridge,
it should normally be left to the corps.
So why would the Commander do it herself?
Don't tell me even that was planned.
No. It's always been that way with Tora--
I'd say that's just
Commander Wajima's nature.
"Tora"?
NOON
Let me introduce myself. I'm Ohga Wajima,
commander of the new administration.
NEW REGIME COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
OHGA WAJIMA
-From earlier?
-The porridge lady!
Oh dear! I spoke so casually to her!
So precious!
My dear fellow citizens.
Today, we toppled the old regime
and established
a new government here in Seii.
In recent years,
many farmers have lost their livelihoods
due to the cold weather.
As a result,
human trafficking has become rampant.
Some people have even starved to death.
I'm sure many among you
have suffered because of it.
But let me be clear.
The blame lies with the old regime,
which neglected to take measures
against the cold and did nothing
but line their own pockets.
That's right, that's right!
That's right!
The new administration will immediately
enact a nationwide agricultural policy
to improve farmlands and streamline
production and distribution.
And for the next three years,
each district will receive
a subsidy of ¥100 per month!
¥100 a month?
-That'll attract plenty of workers!
-Yeah!
Do not think
these hard times will last forever.
With the strong will and actions
of each and every citizen,
we can change everything!
And remember this.
Who is our true enemy?
The old Seii government?
No.
Buo in the east?
No.
And what about Yamato in the west?
Seii's history began
when we first rose to resist
Yamato's invasion of the Hokuriku region.
Yet Yamato has learned nothing.
Instead, they conspired with traitors
and tried once again to threaten
the very existence of our nation!
That's right, that's right!
Since its founding, Yamato has claimed
to be the successor to the former Japan,
and has plotted to seize
the Japanese archipelago as its own.
In other words, if we allow Yamato
to claim legitimacy as a nation,
Seii's blood will one day
be spilled again!
Therefore, for the sake
of future generations, now is the time
to strike down Yamato
and fulfill our long-cherished ambition!
That's right! That's right!
Ohga Wajima drove sweeping reforms.
She increased the population
in farms and fishing villages
and boosted productivity.
On the fiscal front,
she overhauled the currency.
As for the military,
she expanded the farmer-soldier system.
She also built, improved,
and repaired roads and waterways.
In just one month, she cut unemployment,
which had reached over 200,000 people,
to less than half,
and her public support surged
with unstoppable force.
Rule for the people!
Honor the noble, punish the traitor!
Long live our nation!
As your commander,
I swear it here and now.
We will not fight for money,
land, or power.
We will fight for you!
Rule for the people!
Honor the noble, punish the traitor!
Long live our nation!
Year 51 of the Seiki era. Spring.
Commander Ohga Wajima's
dictatorship is established,
one month before Seii's
westward expedition.
THE PATH PEOPLE WALK IS EVER FLOWING,
MUCH LIKE WATER
Creative Supervisor : Hideo Kimura
to real names or events is coincidental.
Underage smoking is prohibited.
Year 57 of the Yamato era. Spring.
Aoteru Misumi presents
his agricultural reform plan
and passes the Toryumon.
Two years later,
in the neighboring nation of Seii,
anti-government unrest intensifies.
In response to these events,
Lord of Home Affairs Denki Taira,
acting unilaterally,
sends a letter to Seii
demanding their unconditional surrender.
With each passing day, tensions
between Seii and Yamato continue to rise.
The following year, Aoteru Misumi's
achievements are recognized,
and he is appointed
Auditor of the Borderland General Corps.
Aoteru is only 18 years old.
NIPPON SANGOKU:
THE THREE NATIONS OF THE CRIMSON SUN
YAMATO YEAR 60, EARLY SPRING
14:23, -6 DEGREES CELSIUS
Really. I really, really mean it.
I was wrong!
I'll never do it again. I swear it.
EPISODE 4: THE SEII COUP
Please, spare me the death penalty!
Auditor Misumi!
BORDERLAND GENERAL CORPS AUDITOR
AOTERU MISUMI
IN CHARGE OF ENFORCING PENALTIES
UNDER MILITARY LAW
Deputy Clerk Machiyama,
I understand your position.
-Read it aloud.
-Yes, sir!
"On the seventh of this month,
Narihisa Machiyama
unlawfully recruited five private soldiers
and looted four private residences
in Takatsuki prefecture."
"During these events,
three civilians were killed,
and one was sexually assaulted."
"Such conduct undermines
the peace and order
of the Borderland General Corps
and the nation,
and will not be tolerated."
"Therefore, under military law,
Narihisa Machiyama is to be executed
by hanging immediately!"
No, no!
No, no, no!
That's not true, I'm telling you!
I mean, it's not completely inaccurate,
but…
You see, I had my reasons.
Last month,
my son-in-law died from illness,
and my daughter
was struggling to get by.
EMPTY
It all happened so fast, and I didn't have
the means to send her money…
I never meant to kill anyone!
And the sexual assault…
I just lost control. It was as if
my survival instincts took over.
I can't believe that
I could even get hard at my age!
An auditor's duty is to place facts above
circumstance, and impose fair punishment.
GIGGLE - STOMP
I get it. It's admirable.
But you've only been
with the corps for three years!
You've been an auditor
for just a few days!
The previous auditor would've never
sentenced someone to hanging for this!
This is insane!
I get you're passionate about your job,
but think about your future!
Show some mercy!
I'm afraid I can't do that.
GULP
Indeed, after reviewing
the rulings in recent years,
no one convicted
of even the gravest crimes
has been sentenced to death
or given any other severe punishment.
Yet, the military law
of the Borderland General Corps
was established as a strict code
by the Great Founder of Yamato,
Emperor Fuji I.
So why has it been
so thoroughly disregarded?
I conducted a thorough investigation
and one fact became clear.
THANK YOU AS ALWAYS
Bribery is rampant here.
It was the previous auditor's negligence
that led to the erosion
of the authority of military law.
That is why, as the new auditor,
I will uphold it here and now.
The authority of strict military law.
Auditor Misumi!
No… Aoterucchi!
Ao…
Aoterucchi?
We used to go out to eat together
all the time, didn't we?
We would talk about strategy,
and rave about the delicious Hakata ramen.
We would even spend hours talking
about manga from the Japan era!
I looked upon you as my own son!
So why are you sentencing me to death?
Do you even have a heart, Aoterucchi?
Deputy Clerk Machiyama…
No. Mr. Nari.
Thank you for everything.
After that, Aoteru showed no hesitation,
handing down severe punishment
to anyone who broke military law.
He was deeply resented
by corrupt officials,
but when word of his achievements reached
Borderland General Mitsuhide Ryumon…
That's exactly how it should be handled.
…he said, praising Aoteru highly.
A FEW DAYS LATER
Still green as ever.
Too green for your own good.
DEPUTY MASTER OF ARMS
YOSHITSUNE ASAMA
Word of your achievements has reached
even the Armory Bureau.
Some of its officials praise you,
but others whisper
that you're full of greed
trying to make a name for yourself
just to climb the ranks.
Worse still, rumor has it that you bribe
your subordinates to sing your praises.
You mean they planted supporters like
they did towards the end of the Japan era?
BA DA BUM
Listen to me. I'm being serious.
We've known each other
for three years now.
I know for a fact
that you're not chasing fame.
But a lot of those officials are.
Doing your duty is admirable.
But you can't just hand down
harsh punishment for everything.
So you're saying
I should disregard military law
and help lead the nation to ruin?
Are you stupid?
I'm saying you could've shown leniency
based on their past achievements.
Mr. Tsune,
only government officials see it that way.
From a commoner's perspective,
after being looted
and having their families killed,
they would surely wonder, "Why hasn't
that official been properly punished?"
They would end up losing trust
in the corps.
If tens or hundreds of such commoners
organize themselves,
a large-scale rebellion could erupt.
When that happens, Mr. Tsune,
are you prepared to fight the people?
FIGHT THE PEOPLE!?
Of course, if I have twisted military law,
then I deserve to be punished.
But baseless accusations
are none of my concern.
If auditors curry favor,
and the Borderland General Corps rots,
then this nation is finished.
So even if I'm shunned,
despised, or hated,
I believe I must carry out
my duty as an auditor with courage.
Courage…
That word…
suits you better than anyone else
in this world, doesn't it?
As far as I know,
there are those far
more suited to it than I am.
WELL, THAT'S PROBABLY ME.
MILK
By the way,
have you given a thought to your future?
Why do you ask?
SWISH
If Seii surrenders, only Buo will remain.
Should things go as planned,
Yamato will unify Japan within ten years.
UNIFY THE THREE NATIONS
Thanks to my talent, of course.
When that happens,
our unit will be disbanded.
So what will you do then?
Go back to your specialty
and work in agriculture?
A BRIGHTER FUTURE STARTS WITH AGRICULTURE
If things had gone as planned,
I'd be working in agriculture right now.
History is made up entirely of exceptions.
Who could've foreseen back in the
Japan era, that nuclear war would erupt,
plunging the entire planet
into global cooling?
Same goes for the Great Violent Revolution
at the end of the Reiwa era.
And for the Three Nations period.
How many people who lived back then
could've predicted the world
we live in today?
The path people walk is like water.
The vow I made to my wife…
That vow solidified like ice,
but the future is like a liquid…
No. In terms of not knowing the future,
isn't gas a better metaphor than liquid?
SLAP
Who cares.
Water, huh?
That's just like you.
But the way I see it,
life is like gathering stones.
Isn't that right, Mom?
SEII
21:00, -17 DEGREES CELSIUS
Let's begin.
Now, we begin the coup.
OHGA'S BLADE AND FAMILY CRES
Seii.
A republic that controls
the northern regions of the three nations.
On this day, in the capital city of Seiro,
an incident took place
that sent shockwaves across Japan.
The Seii government had resolved to accept
Yamato's call for unconditional surrender.
In response,
an anti-surrender faction was formed…
00:00
…and they carried out a coup.
SEIRO EIGHTH ARMORY
What business do you have
at the armory at this hour?
We just got word that the anti-surrender
faction has begun an armed uprising.
We need weapons,
so can you unlock the door?
An armed uprising
by the anti-surrender faction?
Where's the order?
Don't have one. It's an emergency.
Then state your unit
and commanding officer--
Bang!
Bang, bang!
Bang, bang!
Bang!
PRO-SURRENDER MASTER OF ARMS
RINRIRIN SATO
We're the anti-surrender faction.
I'm Nagao Squad Captain, Muuton Nagao.
Nice to meet you.
NAGAO SQUAD CAPTAIN
MUUTON NAGAO
You're already dead.
Quick, transport the weapons.
Especially to that bearded guy's unit.
Make it quick, got it?
Yes, sir!
12 MINUTES LATER
I'm pleased to report that our Kura Squad
has finished procuring weapons
for all units!
Is that so?
Damn, that Nagao is quick.
Takes all the fun out of it.
I was hoping he'd be late,
so I could make him pay with that game
where I stick a knife between his fingers.
-Stick a knife…
-…between his fingers?
Oh, what's this? You guys interested?
Wanna give it a go?
KURA SQUAD CAPTAIN
ATERUI KURA
Perhaps we should focus first
on seeing the coup through!
Right! Good point!
SIGH
Kura Squad, our target
is the Seiro Governor's residence!
Our rallying cry is "Honor the noble,
punish the traitor!"
Nothing's impossible for us.
We'll take that treacherous bastard down,
then drink our fill together!
00:25 - SEIRO GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE
Governor!
Please, you must escape!
Don't panic. Security here is tight.
No need to fear
the anti-surrender faction.
The security unit defected
to the enemy without a fight!
What?
What… what? What?
All right then, you treacherous bastard.
Your life is mine.
Wait, please! Hold on--
SLASH
SEIRO GOVERNOR
HIKABI ASAHIMA
All right! Light the signal fire
and move on to the next one!
Yes, sir!
The anti-surrender faction attacked
the pro-surrender faction, unit by unit.
DEAD: 5
WOUNDED: 14
Casualties were kept to a minimum.
And then…
Are you President Azami?
Indeed, I am.
You're…
We last met at my father's funeral.
I never thought we'd meet again like this.
Oh no, I think I'm going to cry.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
OHGA WAJIMA
I see. No wonder…
So the mastermind behind all this
was the daughter of Byakko Wajima,
the Western Expedition Commander.
Byakko! Your daughter is every bit
the military strategist you were!
Bravo! Bravo, indeed!
So, how will you kill me?
Beheading? Burning at the stake?
Even if I'm torn apart limb by limb,
I'll face it gladly.
No.
This is my father's keepsake.
Use this sword to take your own life.
Apologize to your sworn brother,
my father,
who served this nation with loyalty…
for intending to sell out this country.
I ask for no mercy.
Beheading will do.
Our views may differ,
but I acted in the best interest
of this nation and its people.
Whether or not I was a traitor
is for future historians to decide.
Look after the people of Seii.
PRO-SURRENDER FACTION, PRESIDENT OF SEII
HARUICHI AZAMI, AGE 62 (DECEASED)
Hip, hip, hooray!
Yayakichi, see that he's given
a proper burial.
And provide aid to the families
of those executed
in the pro-surrender faction,
even if they refuse.
Completely understood.
The new administration
will now overhaul the personnel.
At noon, we will deliver
our declaration of resolve.
Yes. Everything is going
according to plan.
However,
with this sudden upheaval and this cold,
the people won't be at ease.
Use the rice the government has
kept hidden and make warm porridge,
and see to the people.
Seiro rice is sweet, chewy, and delicious.
I'm sure the people will be happy.
You really are your father's daughter.
Indeed, Commander-in-Chief Wajima.
If you win the people's hearts,
subduing Yamato shouldn't be difficult.
Yes.
There's no turning back.
For the people and the nation,
we press onward.
That same day…
SHIBATA TRAINING CASTLE
…Commander Ohga Wajima
issued an official proclamation,
detailing the establishment
of the new government.
Inside the castle,
porridge was handed out,
drawing large crowds of citizens.
After suffering under misrule,
the citizens were eager to see
how the new administration would govern.
Make sure you eat plenty.
-Thank you!
-My first meal in two weeks!
So good, so good!
Why is she crying?
Your body odor
is probably burning her eyes.
-You mean yours?
-No, yours.
I'm so glad you're enjoying it.
I really am.
So precious!
MILITARY CHIEF
ATERUI KURA
Man, I seriously don't get it.
All this rice should be used
as provisions for the military.
Don't you think so too?
CHIEF NEGOTIATOR
MUUTON NAGAO
So precious…
What?
No way, seriously? You've got
a crush on the Commander?
Wait, what? Come on, Aterui,
what're you talking about? Seriously.
Me, a crush on the Commander?
What even is that?
I mean, it's not like I joined
the anti-surrender faction
because I like Commander Wajima
or anything.
Nice. I'm seriously rooting for you.
Kura, you don't understand a thing
about the porridge, do you?
Strategist Hei.
True, securing military
provisions is important.
But in this bitter cold,
do you really think starving people
will listen to the Commander's words
if they're not given any food?
Without the people's trust,
a ruler cannot stand.
Politics cannot function
without the trust of the people.
Confucius taught that
among the three pillars of military
strength, food, and people's trust,
it is people's trust
that is paramount in governance.
Commander Wajima will surely become
a just ruler who will lead the people.
I guess she really is a wise person.
Strategist Hei, please punish me
for insulting the Commander.
Come on, Nagao. You too!
Wait, me too?
It's fine.
But, Strategist Hei,
there's something I don't get.
Even if we're handing out porridge,
it should normally be left to the corps.
So why would the Commander do it herself?
Don't tell me even that was planned.
No. It's always been that way with Tora--
I'd say that's just
Commander Wajima's nature.
"Tora"?
NOON
Let me introduce myself. I'm Ohga Wajima,
commander of the new administration.
NEW REGIME COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
OHGA WAJIMA
-From earlier?
-The porridge lady!
Oh dear! I spoke so casually to her!
So precious!
My dear fellow citizens.
Today, we toppled the old regime
and established
a new government here in Seii.
In recent years,
many farmers have lost their livelihoods
due to the cold weather.
As a result,
human trafficking has become rampant.
Some people have even starved to death.
I'm sure many among you
have suffered because of it.
But let me be clear.
The blame lies with the old regime,
which neglected to take measures
against the cold and did nothing
but line their own pockets.
That's right, that's right!
That's right!
The new administration will immediately
enact a nationwide agricultural policy
to improve farmlands and streamline
production and distribution.
And for the next three years,
each district will receive
a subsidy of ¥100 per month!
¥100 a month?
-That'll attract plenty of workers!
-Yeah!
Do not think
these hard times will last forever.
With the strong will and actions
of each and every citizen,
we can change everything!
And remember this.
Who is our true enemy?
The old Seii government?
No.
Buo in the east?
No.
And what about Yamato in the west?
Seii's history began
when we first rose to resist
Yamato's invasion of the Hokuriku region.
Yet Yamato has learned nothing.
Instead, they conspired with traitors
and tried once again to threaten
the very existence of our nation!
That's right, that's right!
Since its founding, Yamato has claimed
to be the successor to the former Japan,
and has plotted to seize
the Japanese archipelago as its own.
In other words, if we allow Yamato
to claim legitimacy as a nation,
Seii's blood will one day
be spilled again!
Therefore, for the sake
of future generations, now is the time
to strike down Yamato
and fulfill our long-cherished ambition!
That's right! That's right!
Ohga Wajima drove sweeping reforms.
She increased the population
in farms and fishing villages
and boosted productivity.
On the fiscal front,
she overhauled the currency.
As for the military,
she expanded the farmer-soldier system.
She also built, improved,
and repaired roads and waterways.
In just one month, she cut unemployment,
which had reached over 200,000 people,
to less than half,
and her public support surged
with unstoppable force.
Rule for the people!
Honor the noble, punish the traitor!
Long live our nation!
As your commander,
I swear it here and now.
We will not fight for money,
land, or power.
We will fight for you!
Rule for the people!
Honor the noble, punish the traitor!
Long live our nation!
Year 51 of the Seiki era. Spring.
Commander Ohga Wajima's
dictatorship is established,
one month before Seii's
westward expedition.
THE PATH PEOPLE WALK IS EVER FLOWING,
MUCH LIKE WATER
Creative Supervisor : Hideo Kimura