Original subtitles

245 B.C.

QIN STATE, INSIDE THE ROYAL PALACE

Guards?

A Shukyou?

Who sent you?

No use telling a dying man.

The Council Room, hurry! Guards!

Protect the king.

Which state sent you?

- Shoubunkun. - The fault is mine.

Please, stay back.

Eisei.

Die.

Miss me?

Shin.

Why are you here?

I sent him.

Shi Shi.

If you're letting thugs come here,

you're still far from unifying China.

You were once with Sei Kyou's rebellion. Why bring Shin?

Six months ago, Shin retaliated against the Shukyou and Muta on his own.

This former slave killed Sa Ji too.

I just thought he would be of more service to you than your guards.

Shin.

You bastard.

Thanks, Ten.

Smooth, huh?

Your Majesty, please, forgive me.

I have exposed you to danger.

Let me atone for my fault

with my life.

- You're so dramatic, old pal. - Old pal?

If the Shiyuu…

If only the Shiyuu were here…

you'd all be dead by now.

Shiyuu?

A legendary assassin clan with extraordinary powers.

It is said that it took only one of them to destroy a small state.

Monsters, huh?

They are called the Tribe of Sorrow.

Tribe of Sorrow?

Can't listen to this crap. Just a myth, right?

No matter who they are, I'll twist their wrists.

We mustn't let the outsiders know about the assassins' intrusion.

Be discreet.

Your Majesty.

- Please, return at once. - What is it?

The Wei Army have crossed our borders.

Impossible.

It was a time of war and upheaval.

Seven states were at war on the great continent

for 500 years.

A war orphan called Shin, from the western state of Qin,

dreamt of becoming great generals with his friend Hyou.

However, while Hyou served as a body double for the king,

he lost his life in a power struggle for the throne.

With the young King Eisei, who aspired to unify China,

Shin and the Chieftain Yotanwa headed for Xianyang City.

Having reclaimed the throne,

Shin and his comrades were about to venture into a turbulent era.

QIN - WEI

And now, the neighboring state of Wei had started to invade their borders.

Qin and Wei were preparing for battle in the Dakan Plains.

QIN STATE, KING'S CAPITAL, XIANYANG

Assemble.

Wei made its move.

The beginning of a fierce war.

Once a slave, forever a slave.

But swords can change that.

I know.

I'll be the greatest general on earth.

Hyou, it's finally happening.

This is our first step toward being the greatest general on earth.

I wish you luck.

Thanks.

Ten, you wait here.

But…

I'll be fine.

Great.

I'll go kick some ass.

Move.

Go straight ahead.

Hurry, or the war's going to end.

Shut up, brat.

Just hurry, moron.

Move your asses.

- Hey. - Shin, it's you.

The Bi thug brothers.

Don't call us that.

You're alive.

You disappeared after Hyou's death.

I thought you were killed too.

Yeah, Hyou.

We gave him a funeral. Many gathered.

Everyone loved Hyou, you know.

Visit his grave when you come back.

Right.

Thanks.

But I won't visit his grave until our dreams come true.

Shin, you've changed.

Where have you been?

I saved the king with my own hands.

I even got my own castle as a reward.

Talking nonsense again.

You and Hyou were always going on about being great generals.

Shut up. My path with Hyou starts right here.

Hey, wait.

Wait up.

The Wei Army.

They're a menace.

Surrounded by enemy states,

they are accustomed to fighting all year round.

I'm afraid we're still forming units.

A slow start.

Among them is one of the Seven Fire Dragons of Wei?

Yes, Your Majesty, similar to our Six Great Generals,

Wei had the Seven Fire Dragons.

I hear there is a survivor.

If that survivor were to attack us…

He'd be a tough opponent.

What's that crowd?

Form a Go. Squad leaders, assemble.

Go?

- Don't you know? - Squad leaders, assemble!

Where have you been? Even rookies like us know.

What's a Go?

It's a squad made up of five men.

Including the leader,

five men will fight as a team and share the same fate.

All depends on which Go you're in.

You could come back distinguished or come back dead.

Hey, Koren and Setsu.

Join my squad.

Join us and I'll introduce you to my sister.

I'm married.

Hey, you two, you're coming with me.

You're…

I'm Mr. Hairou to you.

Out of the way.

Hairou took them all.

His squad is the toughest.

Next.

I get it.

The strong ones get picked.

Listen up!

I'm Shin from Jouto village.

The toughest guy around.

What the heck? I'm going to be the greatest general on earth.

Cut it out already.

You're miserable.

A leftover too?

He looks like a kid.

No place for you. Go home.

May as well get along, huh?

Hey.

I'm talking to you.

You.

Oh, you must be the leftovers.

I'm Taku Kei, your leader.

Since I look unreliable, I end up teaming with leftovers.

Who is this wimp?

But hey, we're five now.

I'm doomed. We're all going to die.

What's your name?

I'm Shin.

I'm Bihei.

I'm his brother, Bitou.

And you?

Our lives depend on each other. Your name, at least?

Kyoukai.

I don't like talking, that's all.

- Who do you think you are? - Let it go.

Get in line. A 1,000-Man Commander is passing through.

What's that?

A 1,000-Man Commander's cavalry is coming.

He may slay the insolent. Hurry.

Is that the commander?

Hey.

That fool's going to get his head chopped off.

Hey, Heki.

Long time no see.

Oh, Shin.

You look well.

THE 1,000-MAN COMMANDER OF QIN, HEKI

Massacred?

That's right.

First, Wei invaded Gan Castle near the border.

QIN STATE - WEI STATE GAN CASTLE

Ninety thousand Wei soldiers.

Our 5,000 border guards confronted them at Gan Castle,

only to be destroyed.

When Wei knew General Hyouko was on his way to deal with them,

they abandoned Gan Castle and sent their armies to Dakan Plains.

DAKAN PLAINS

Before they left, they set fire to Gan Castle

and massacred women, the old, and even newborns.

Tell me.

Which bastard did it?

Wei's commander-in-chief, Gokei.

- Gokei? - Yes.

He's one of the Seven Fire Dragons of Wei.

His origin is not Wei,

but he became a great general for his military talents.

Gokei has volunteered

to act as commander-in-chief to attack our state.

DAKAN PLAINS

Adjutant Commander Kyuugen has secured the first hill.

General Gokei, we have secured two hills.

Now, the advantage is all ours.

THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF WEI, GOKEI

The hills are taken?

Positions for offense and defense.

Hills are like castles on level ground.

Easy to guard and attack.

General.

General.

General Hyouko.

Our troops have not yet assembled.

Wei has secured their defenses by taking both hills.

It's best to stay put.

THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF QIN, HYOUKO

Then we shall take back the hills from them.

Off to battle.

Yes!

Breakup!

What do you think?

A swift decision, maybe.

But isn't it wise to wait for our men?

A lot of blood will spill for sure.

Is our commander-in-chief to be trusted?

Hurry, Wei is taking up battle formations.

How much do we have to run?

It means we're behind.

Be prepared. At a time like this, many will die.

I'm feeling a vibe.

What now?

There's something ahead.

Hey, Shin!

Wait up.

All armies, halt.

So, this is the real thing.

Fourth Army Infantry, assemble.

Fourth Army?

That'll be us.

Let's go.

I'm your commander, Bakukoshin.

As of now, we will make an attack.

THE 1,000-MAN COMMANDER OF QIN, BAKUKOSHIN

Go Squads, get in line.

Line up!

Please, Commander.

We've been running for two whole days in the Dakan Plains.

Let us catch our breath.

There's no time.

But how can we attack without any information?

How dare you talk back!

Stop. Don't harm them.

They're valuable soldiers who will fight at the front.

Isn't that him?

Heki.

You're Heki, right?

Quit showing off, rookie.

Command your own squad.

Bakukoshin Army, in line!

Don't just stand there.

Listen.

Right now, we're outnumbered.

They've taken both hills, so we're at a geographical disadvantage.

All you have to do is this.

Take that hill from them with your lives.

Our troops will charge to the summit

and break through our enemy's defensive line.

What kind of command is that?

It's crazy.

Be prepared.

Bakukoshin is fond of launching suicide attacks.

Wimps like you will be wiped out on the spot.

Are we really fighting them?

You okay, bro?

What a wimp.

WEI ARMY, KYUUGEN'S CAMP, THE FIRST HILL

Commander.

Qin's infantry seems ready to charge on arrival.

They're charging on arrival?

Too hasty.

Without control of the hills,

they should wait for the rest of their men.

Sound the charge.

But our 3rd Army isn't here.

Doesn't matter.

What's that?

We'll be ordered to charge.

Remember, never go on your own.

Understood?

Okay.

Got it.

We're finally here.

Are you with me, Hyou?

For Hyou…

we have to make it back alive.

Infantry, get ready!

Regular soldiers, behind.

Ready.

Here we go, Hyou.

Charge!

Defensive formation.

What the hell is that?

Come back, Shin!

You can't go in there alone!

Come back!

Skewer that fool like meat.

Shin!

Die.

Surround him.

Let's get in there!

They're coming.

Push them back.

No way.

I can't do this.

Bro.

Bro!

Give me a hand.

You bastard!

Are you okay?

That hurt, brat.

Run! We're no match for him.

Leader Taku.

Now, run.

You wimps. Cowards can't do anything alone.

Shut up!

Cowards, maybe,

but this is how Go fight.

Let's go.

Fighting in a team of five is undoubtedly a good tactic.

Dammit. Shin jumped in there alone.

So, it's just us three wimps.

Where is Shin, anyway?

- You missed. - Dammit.

Commander.

Shin.

Commander, we're being pushed back.

Shall we summon our 3rd Battalion?

No.

Send in the monsters.

Come up and get me!

What the…?

This isn't good.

Running away?

They're retreating.

Did we win?

There you are, Shin! You're great!

Idiots!

Run!

Run for your lives!

Get up.

- Shin. - You saved us.

What is that?

Wei chariots.

Their most powerful armored chariot units.

Chariots?

We can't beat that.

The worst is yet to come.

That was just the first wave.

It's the second wave.

They'll come in numbers impossible to escape.

Our infantry is being attacked by Wei's chariots.

Please, send in the cavalry.

General Hyouko.

To all cavalries.

Yes, sir?

Hold your positions.

Yes, sir.

What?

Dammit.

We get no backup?

We're all going to die.

Stay behind me. I'll take my chances.

That's crazy.

Have a better plan?

I do.

- It's you. - Kyoukai, thank God you're alive.

What's the plan?

Make a barricade.

Barricade?

How's that possible?

By piling up the bodies.

This is no time for jokes.

Let's do it.

Everyone, pile up the bodies.

Leader Taku.

Hurry.

Dammit.

No orders to charge?

The flag says to stand by.

They're coming.

That's enough.

Now, hide!

Shin, get back!

I see a puppy dog trying to escape. Run him over!

Dodge it!

We did it.

Good job, Kyoukai.

Listen.

We ain't over yet.

It's just getting started!

Our chariots have destroyed their 4th, 2nd, and 1st Infantries,

except for some remaining in the 4th.

It looks like Hyouko has abandoned his infantry troops.

He is now isolated and cut off from his allies.

We have gained the advantage!

Commander-in-Chief Hyouko does not understand war.

Leave the garrison here

and send the rest of our men down the hill.

Wipe out the remnants

and we'll take Hyouko's head.

Yes, sir.

Reporting!

Kyuugen's main forces are coming down the hill.

How are our troops?

First Army, destroyed.

Reporting!

Fourth Army, destroyed,

except for a few who survived the chariots.

It's a matter of time.

Second Army, almost down.

Third Army, struggling.

I suggest we retreat, General.

Well, so we have a few survivors in the 4th Army?

Yes, sir.

General.

I suggest we retreat for now.

No. Continue to stand by.

General?

Hold your positions.

Yes, sir.

More enemies coming down the hill.

When's help coming?

Try never!

Your Majesty, the battle report has arrived.

The battlefront?

Our infantry…

has been attacked by Wei's chariots.

They're on the verge of destruction.

I see.

Our troops, on the verge of destruction?

They're hunting for survivors.

Damn, we're stuck here.

Darn.

They're trying to finish us off.

The fewer enemies, the better. Move.

There they are!

Bihei!

Kyoukai, who are you?

Amazing!

Why didn't you help us from the start?

I have no obligation to protect any of you.

But we're on the same team.

Why did you come here?

There they are!

Right here!

- Not again. - We're dead.

I'll hold them back. Go. Now.

- But... - Just shut up and go.

Found them.

This way.

Go. Now.

- Bro. - Surround them!

All right.

We'll meet up again, Shin.

Let's go. Hurry.

Bastard.

Let go.

Kyoukai.

Idiot, why did you stay? Go with them.

It's easier to take them on than to run around.

Found them!

Suit yourself. Die at your own expense.

I won't die.

I can't die. Not here.

Neither can I, idiot.

They're just kids. Finish them off.

Damn.

To-on, tan-tan

To-on, tan-tan

To-on, tan-tan

Jump, jump, jump

Jump, jump, jump

Jump, jump, jump

Jump, jump, jump

Jump, jump, jump

He's gone mad.

He's a monster.

What is this?

Get him! Now!

What's wrong?

- Can't breathe. - Can't breathe?

It's a woman.

How dare you, bitch!

Get away, Kyoukai! Get up.

You…

Hurry.

Run, Kyoukai.

I will.

With you.

You idiot!

Fools.

They jumped to their deaths.

Don't move.

You hit your head.

We made it.

Just barely.

Did you do this?

I guess.

Who are you really, Kyoukai?

What's a girl doing here?

Why so powerful?

I'm not telling.

I saved you from that spear.

It hurts.

My side hurts like crazy.

Shut up.

I'll answer one question.

Fine.

Why are you…?

Forget it.

What's a girl doing on a battlefield?

To avenge someone.

Avenge?

Who?

So, tell me. Who is it?

She was a sister to me.

To avenge Kyosho.

She meant more to me than my life.

So, is this killer among us?

On this battlefield?

No.

In Wei.

But I don't know how to get there.

You're going to Wei just for her?

She means my life.

How dare you.

So, are you saying you can't die…

until you destroy the man who killed her?

It's not a man.

What?

It's a woman from our clan.

We're all women.

All women?

Forget it. Leave me alone.

How could I?

Your eyes.

They look so sad.

They are called the Tribe of Sorrow.

It is said that it took only one of them to destroy a small state.

A legendary assassin clan with extraordinary powers.

Shiyuu.

Why do you know us?

Who are you?

I'm Shin.

Your friend from the same squad.

You're no friend.

I lost my best friend too.

He was a brother to me.

Hyou, right?

I heard you talking to Bihei.

We're the same because you lost some friend?

That's right.

We're different.

You know nothing about us.

Then, tell me. How is it different?

Who are you people?

We're a cursed tribe.

As children,

we train in the mountains to become assassins.

When a successor is needed,

candidates for the next Shiyuu are sent from each tribe.

We kill each other until the last one is standing.

The sole survivor can claim to be Shiyuu

and leave the mountains.

Yuren.

Gakyo.

They're tough opponents.

Sword Ryokusui…

protect Kyoukai for me.

Kyosho.

Kyoukai.

You know,

I've always thought of you as my own sister.

Me too, Kyosho.

But when tomorrow comes, we must both fight for ourselves.

Even if it means confronting each other.

Don't worry.

You'll be the survivor.

If so, that means you're going to die tomorrow.

So be it.

But Kyoukai, I don't want you to die tomorrow.

It can't be helped.

Only one survives. That's the rule.

I know that.

I do.

To tell you the truth, I want to live.

There's so much I want to do.

Like what?

Know men.

Men?

You're too young.

I want to leave the mountains and see what our state is like.

And the people who live there.

More than that…

Give it all from the start.

Attack the strongest.

Kyosho will do the rest.

She will be Shiyuu and venture out into the world.

It's okay, Ryokusui.

My mind is set.

Now, rest.

Sleeping incense.

Kyosho!

Kyosho?

Thank God.

She won.

No.

Kyosho.

It's not that she was weak.

Kyosho was targeted because she was strong.

It was all Yuren's doing.

So, she's the one you're after.

That's right.

My life exists…

only to kill this woman.

And then what?

I will join Kyosho.

No way.

I won't let you.

You're wrong.

How?

I don't know.

But after you hunt down this enemy, with those sad eyes,

you're going to die too?

What's it to you?

Everything.

To hell with your reason for not dying.

Idiot.

I'll be the greatest general on earth.

It was Hyou's dream too.

I promised Hyou.

That's why I can't die until I rise to the top.

Because then, I'm sure Hyou will be smiling.

That's my reason.

Kyoukai.

How would Kyosho feel…

if you died after taking revenge?

You think she'd be happy?

But…

That's all I can do.

What was her dream?

I don't remember.

She must've had one.

Hold on to it.

Then, you won't be so sad.

It's sunrise.

The enemy will find us.

We're doomed.

Hey!

Hey!

What?

- There you are. - Shin.

Shin.

You're alive.

You're safe.

What a relief.

Not really. We're still in trouble.

Here.

- Oh, Kyoukai. - Kyoukai.

- Good to see you both. - Yeah.

You're…

A woman?

Today will be our victory.

Our chariot units have destroyed most of the troops at the enemy line.

The Qin Army no longer have the power to resist.

- Call out our 3rd Battalion. - Yes, sir.

All forces, get ready to charge.

Commander Kyuugen's battalion has headed for enemy headquarters.

Wei's main forces are coming.

Pick up your weapons and get back in line.

Damn, they're coming straight for General Hyouko's camp.

No orders yet?

Not yet.

The 4th Army Cavalry.

Defensive formation!

Looks like we've started to fight Wei's main forces.

The place we're at is between their armies

and their headquarters on the hill.

We're completely isolated from our army.

How many of us are here?

Approximately 30 men.

Better run.

To the plains.

No.

How about we attack instead?

What?

Hey, brat, where the hell do we attack?

Right there.

Garrisons.

We're seen.

You said it'd work out, Shin.

Let's go!

Reporting.

Thirty surviving enemies are coming up the hill.

Just 30 men?

Up this hill?

They must be a bunch of imbeciles.

Leave them be.

Our 2,000 garrisons will deal with them.

More importantly…

our aim is to take Hyouko's head.

Our frontline was destroyed by Kyuugen's army.

General Hyouko, we must retreat.

The 4th Army's 30 survivors have reached the foot of Kyuugen's hill.

Just 30?

That's too few.

It's a matter of time before they perish.

Interesting.

General Hyouko.

A subtle flame.

However,

amongst our 4th Army, there is one subtle flame that stands out.

There's always something special about them.

A single action will move 10 and 1,000 and hold the power to devastate 10,000.

This subtle flame will gather and become a big flame

and turn the tide of war.

That's what war is all about, my men.

Yes, sir.

My orders.

Sir.

To the 4th Army's battlefield.

All forces.

Charge!

Yes, sir.

To the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Cavalry units.

Assemble at the 4th Army's battlefield.

To the 4th Army's cavalry.

Stop the enemy's battalion.

Join the 4th Army.

Orders to attack.

Finally.

Charge!

Bakukoshin. Their battalion is too big for us.

Split into two.

We're not confronting them.

General Hyouko's true aim is to turn the tide of war.

We shall penetrate the enemy front

and go for Kyuugen on the hill.

That's absurd. You'll die in vain.

Help is here!

Heki, there's no turning back.

Dammit.

Heki Army, we will support Bakukoshin's men.

Go straight for the center.

Follow me.

Let go!

- Bro. - Dammit.

Way too many.

They're just a garrison.

Bakukoshin Army, charge.

Wipe out Wei's garrisons.

Garrisons, retreat to the forest. We will recover our positions.

It's Commander Bakukoshin.

He came through.

We're saved.

We're saved at last.

They'll do the rest.

Nothing's over yet.

Survivors of the chariots.

You are the pride of the Bakukoshin Army.

If you've survived the jaws of death, I'm sure you'll survive the next one.

As of now,

our army will go up the hill and take Kyuugen's head.

This is a nightmare. I thought we were saved.

Now you're talking.

Our squad is full of crazies.

Remember, this battle will lead us to the victory of Qin.

Soldiers, follow the cavalry.

The wounded will be left behind, so be prepared!

We can't get through them all.

There's no need to confront them.

Just run through.

Hey, you've become chatty all of a sudden.

I can't die. Not here.

Right.

Okay, guys.

Prepare to charge!

You're no commander!

Hey, look.

An enemy attack?

Cavalry units?

They've come through.

Enemy attack.

They're everywhere.

This is crazy.

Never mind the numbers. Penetrate.

Keep slaying the enemy before you and you'll get through.

Clever.

It's still crazy!

Stop them!

They're too strong.

We won't last.

Bitou.

Now!

Follow Shin.

Passing through.

Are you okay?

Soldiers, stay here. Our cavalry will go uphill.

Hey.

Without the cavalry, they'll die.

We're equally facing death.

All for victory. That's what we're about.

You come with us.

We could use you.

Go, Shin.

You're cut out for more than our tiny squad.

The greatest general on earth, right?

Kyoukai.

Take care of them.

Don't want to.

Harsh.

Don't say that. Bye.

See you at the top.

Yeah.

Go!

Take Kyuugen's head and we'll turn the tide of war.

We shall drag Gokei out of his camp.

There's no end.

Bitou!

I'm Shin.

Your friend from the same squad.

Thanks, Kyoukai.

But go help my brother first.

Looks like he hurt his leg.

What was her dream?

She must've had one.

Hold on to it.

Then, you won't be so sad.

Get up and run.

I can't.

I can't move.

Don't mind me. You have to help my brother.

Please.

That brother of yours sent me.

Kyoukai.

Enough. I'm done.

I'll die here.

You run and live.

I want to live. There's so much I want to do.

Like what?

I want to leave the mountains and see what our state is like.

And the people who live there.

More than that…

I want to laugh until my sides hurt.

What's that supposed to mean, Kyosho?

Kyoukai?

Just to laugh?

Go, Kyoukai!

Get up. We're going.

I said I can't.

You can.

You're still alive.

All right.

Bro, are you okay?

Yeah.

Let's go.

I'll guard your backs.

We'll make it to the top.

Go.

See you there.

Their headquarters.

Commander.

The enemy's cavalry is heading this way.

Kourigen.

Leave it to me, sir.

Kourigen Archer Unit.

Ready.

Shoot.

We have the commander.

They're just arrows.

We're almost there.

Shoot.

You okay?

I cannot die here.

Right.

Let's finish them.

Impossible. Did he see my arrow?

Commander, please, evacuate.

Do not panic.

Only luck got them here.

It's not luck.

If it weren't for our dead comrades…

I wouldn't be here.

You fool.

If you don't kill me, your comrades will have died in vain.

Commander.

You've come too close to a blind man.

Now, who's the real fool?

Adjutant Commander Kyuugen…

I got you!

Commander.

Retreat. All of you.

Retreat. Now!

Go on.

Heki, look.

There's our flag on the hill.

Qin's flag is on Kyuugen's hill.

Thanks to your bravery, Commander.

But the garrisons on the hillside are coming.

They have 1,000 men, we have ten.

I'm afraid we must take Kyuugen's head and go down the hill.

Are you kidding?

Go down for all I care. I'm staying.

How dare you.

Mind your language, soldier.

Commander Bakukoshin said…

we're here thanks to our dead comrades.

We can't give it up.

Just because 1,000 men are coming after us?

Kid.

Your name?

I'm Shin.

Listen, Shin.

Bravery and recklessness are completely different things.

If you don't understand that…

you'll die too soon, with nothing in your hands.

Now…

the tide of war will turn.

Go down the hill with them.

For our dead comrades.

You must keep on going.

For our victory.

Commander Bakukoshin.

Commander Koshin!

Commander Koshin!

Shin!

Guys.

You're alive!

I said…

Thanks to Kyoukai.

She had our backs.

She wore herself out guarding us.

I appreciate it, Kyoukai.

They're coming.

We will take Kyuugen's head

and go down the hill from the other side.

What about our commander?

We'll take him with us.

Go.

How can we leave him?

Let me help.

- You secure the way. - Right.

Impossible.

Where did they come from?

Over there.

Wei's hill camp has disappeared.

Their general made a move?

Darn.

We made it all the way up, just to get killed from both sides.

Twice the size of Kyuugen's army.

Wei's Fire Dragon, Gokei.

Gokei is said to have over 100 war strategies.

But Military Chief Shouheikun

is out on an expedition with Chancellor Ryofui.

Our city of Xianyang is in need of a strategist like theirs.

What?

What is it?

We received news of…

a certain army…

heading towards the Dakan Plains.

Who is it?

It's the man…

who had stayed away from war.

It can't be.

Why is he here?

Is it really him?

Yes, sir.

He was seen going up the first hill, leading 500 men.

Only 500 men?

What is he thinking?

Run to a safer spot.

People.

Leaving so soon?

The fun's just getting started.

General Ouki…

Shin, my boy.

Our paths have crossed again.

You.

You stood out even from afar.

Impressed, huh?

However,

you're far from becoming the greatest general on earth.

To be blunt, you've turned out to be a disappointment.

Disappointment?

Exactly.

You're saying I'm weak?

That's what I'm talking about.

I'm afraid your vigor precedes you.

Don't you get it?

You've been standing in the face of death all this time.

Please, forgive his manners, General Ouki.

General.

You are a godsend to arrive before us.

Please, lead us and the 4th Army.

I decline.

But General…

We don't have permission to join you.

We'd get a scolding if we did.

You see,

I've just come up to enjoy the view.

Right, Tou?

Yes, General, the view is exquisite.

Behold.

The moment the tide of war turns.

Having a meticulous eye for subtle changes,

cautious, and yet bold in action,

General Gokei is undoubtedly

a threat to the neighboring states.

He's the best strategist in Wei.

But in war,

clever strategy is not enough.

Sometimes,

intuitive instincts will exceed everything else.

Instincts?

There.

Our instinctual general is charging toward the strategic Gokei.

That was fast.

Our commander-in-chief,

General Hyouko.

Shin, my boy.

How about we make a bet?

Will strategy win?

Or instincts?

Awesome.

Now,

how will Gokei receive him?

Reporting.

Hyouko has broken through our 1st Battalion.

Grind them down.

Chariots.

Our cavalry at the back is being attacked.

As expected of Gokei.

It was a surprise attack,

but he's dealing with it swiftly and accurately.

One does not need to aim for the head in order to stop a raging bull.

Yes, it's an ironclad rule to slow down an advance.

You're right. Hyouko's army has slowed down.

Was the charge in vain?

Up until now,

Hyouko has used his army in a reckless manner.

But as a result, Kyuugen is killed

and Gokei is lured down the hill to come face-to-face with Hyouko.

In other words, as General Hyouko would put it,

what seemed like a reckless battle was indeed a holy sacrifice

for the sake of victory.

But that means…

Get the picture?

Shin, my boy.

All the sacrifices made up until now were for this moment.

For both commanders-in-chief to win their victories.

Just the two…

creating a big war.

Shin, my boy.

That's…

what generals are all about.

Generals.

The greatest general on earth.

General Ouki, lend me your horse.

Please.

Tou.

Yes, sir.

Thanks.

Hey.

Later.

This guy.

He's gone.

You seem to have taken a liking to that boy, General.

That kind of fool usually ends up hurrying to his death.

True, but very rarely,

they are destined for more.

A peasant soldier from the left.

Surround him.

Draw closer.

Knock him down.

Surround him.

Get him.

I'll go straight for Gokei.

Go.

Hyouko is coming.

Don't fret. Prepare for battle.

Yes, sir.

General, please, retreat for now.

Ouki.

I see.

That's why we can't quit the business of war.

Gokei.

We meet at last.

Men, do not interfere.

You're not a cold schemer

but a compassionate man.

The battle of great generals.

I, Gokei…

am a royal prince from a small state destroyed by Qin.

I will avenge my family.

My only wish is to destroy Qin that robbed us.

I have come to Wei

and made myself a great general.

I see.

So, that's what you fight for.

States get crushed all the time during war.

The bitterness you experienced

.is lying everywhere.

Exactly.

That's why wars never end.

Five hundred years of war may lead to 500 more years of war.

My sword will stop that, so no one dies.

I will be…

the first emperor to unify our world.

Vengeance is mine.

Bring it on, Gokei.

It's been quite a while.

General Hyouko.

Oh, there you are, Ouki.

Your glare from the top of the hill helped me considerably.

Well…

I was just passing by when I came across your battle.

How great of you to defeat the Fire Dragon.

To victory!

The death of Gokei destroyed the Wei Army's morale.

Without their general,

they had no choice but to retreat.

An all-out confrontation was avoided,

and the Qin Army was able to minimize the damage.

Shin! Shin!

Hey, Shin!

There you are.

- You in one piece? - Yep.

It's over.

What a relief.

We're going home.

We're finally done.

That was so long.

Come to Asui with me.

Let's drink to our victory.

I'm afraid…

I have some business to attend to.

I'm drinking.

Kyoukai.

Wait.

Are you going?

To avenge Kyosho?

Go after you have some fun with us.

Enjoy our victory.

No.

I will follow the Wei Army.

Because you don't know how to get there?

Shut up.

Don't you think you're lucky…

to have met us at war?

How so?

You look better.

Your eyes look different.

You're mistaken.

Maybe.

On the contrary.

I helped you considerably.

You're right.

I've got a lot to learn.

I need more training to become the greatest general on earth.

Training?

That's right.

The generals made me think.

If I really want to unify China with King Eisei…

I need more training.

I'll be a better warrior.

So, come back to us.

Kyoukai.

You're one of us now.

Come back, and let's fight together again.

We'll make a toast.

Then, we'll have fun and laugh until our sides hurt.

So long.

So long.

Shin.

Hey.

What's the matter?

Were you worried I died?

Never.

By the way,

I hope you achieved something.

Sure thing.

Good. Nice work.

Right.

You made it back.

Yeah.

Shin.

I decided while you were gone…

I'm going to war.

What?

You'll get killed on the spot.

Not with swords but with my brains.

I'll assist your stupidity with my brains.

They're called,

"Strategists."

Suit yourself.

I can hardly wait.

Shin, a commander?

That's right. As a reward for his services.

A slave can become a 100-Man Commander in one war?

A fast promotion.

But the officers at war recommended him.

I see.

Now, for our own war.

Shi Shi.

I appreciate you joining forces with us.

The real battle is yet to come.

Your Majesty.

We have looked into the attempted assassination.

The one who led the intruders inside

seems to be among us.

The only man capable of this…

is him.

Ryofui.

Reporting.

Chancellor Ryofui has arrived.

Lord Shou Hei Kun and Mobu wish

to see Your Majesty.

- Show them in. - Yes!

CHANCELLOR - RYOFUI

SHOU HEI KUN

MOBU

Congratulations.

Our people are thrilled about the victory at the Dakan Plains.

Yes.

Thanks to our soldiers.

By the way,

I heard there was an incident at the palace.

Some intruders tried to assassinate Your Majesty.

Merely rumors, I presume.

It was a confidential matter. How do you know about this?

Because…

I am the one behind it.

He confessed.

You cannot fool me, Chancellor.

That's not possible.

A joke, indeed.

I just wanted to break the ice, as it were.

Forgive me.

Unbelievable.

We cannot capture them, even if they come to us.

That's how powerful they are.

Be patient for now.

About this incident…

I will make sure

my trusted confidants look into it.

I'm counting on you.

I'll owe you, En.

I have orders from Commander Heki to support you.

Don't worry.

That's General Ouki's castle.

Right.

By the way,

why did you come here?

I'm going to be trained…

by General Ouki.

Just you wait.

ORIGINAL STORY BY YASUHISA HARA

ENGRAVED MEMORIES

We'll definitely see each other again.

Most definitely.

THE STRONGEST MAN IS CONFRONTED BY

THE STRONGEST ENEMY IN HISTORY

DESTINY BURNS