1 00:00:08,675 --> 00:00:15,239 I want to shine on you, and always like that dazzling sun. 2 00:00:15,582 --> 00:00:18,915 I will defend you from all the darkness. 3 00:00:19,052 --> 00:00:24,922 This is the truth from my heart. 4 00:00:25,925 --> 00:00:39,703 If only our hearts could connect, I could get you to believe me. 5 00:00:39,839 --> 00:00:46,472 Even if you can't see it now, don't lose it. 6 00:00:46,679 --> 00:00:54,415 Your kindness won't be in vain. 7 00:00:55,288 --> 00:01:01,818 You'll be carried aloft by the wind to somewhere that isn't here. 8 00:01:02,262 --> 00:01:08,929 You'll cross the sea and cross time, and I know you'll blossom one day. 9 00:01:09,135 --> 00:01:15,563 Whatever the day, I'll be there for you. 10 00:01:16,042 --> 00:01:22,140 I hope I can watch over you like the sun for all time. 11 00:01:22,248 --> 00:01:26,853 This is the truth from my heart. 12 00:01:26,853 --> 00:01:32,189 Moribito Guardian of the Spirit This is the truth from my heart. 13 00:01:57,283 --> 00:01:58,910 Has it been two years? 14 00:02:23,843 --> 00:02:28,803 Episode 1 Balsa, the Female Bodyguard 15 00:02:29,048 --> 00:02:31,778 ...and swing your plows! 16 00:02:31,851 --> 00:02:37,847 Sow the rice seeds and make the seedlings sprout! 17 00:02:38,358 --> 00:02:41,418 Nahji, come, come! 18 00:02:41,527 --> 00:02:44,519 Nahji, come, come! 19 00:02:44,597 --> 00:02:52,697 Swarm like a black cloud and fly down from the northern mountains. 20 00:02:52,772 --> 00:02:54,569 It's good to be in Yogo. 21 00:02:54,707 --> 00:02:57,005 I can feel my soul growing more tranquil. 22 00:03:16,929 --> 00:03:18,157 What is it? 23 00:03:18,264 --> 00:03:20,664 It's not often that you see a woman warrior. 24 00:03:20,733 --> 00:03:22,257 Are you from Kanbal? 25 00:03:23,302 --> 00:03:26,863 Well, yes. I'm here for maintenance on my short spear. 26 00:03:27,840 --> 00:03:30,001 "Maintenance" ? 27 00:03:30,209 --> 00:03:33,406 Well, unlike Kanbal, you can get anything you need in Yogo. 28 00:03:33,579 --> 00:03:36,241 That's assuming, of course, that you have money. 29 00:03:36,916 --> 00:03:37,883 Perhaps. 30 00:03:38,484 --> 00:03:42,443 But those with money end up living the same life whereverthey go. 31 00:03:43,389 --> 00:03:47,450 Having none, however, means you can live as those around you do. 32 00:03:47,627 --> 00:03:49,595 And there's really nothing wrong with that. 33 00:03:50,630 --> 00:03:53,326 You're quite philosophical for someone so young. 34 00:03:55,101 --> 00:03:56,728 I'm not young anymore. 35 00:03:58,504 --> 00:04:00,199 I'll be 30 this year. 36 00:04:17,190 --> 00:04:18,589 Listen, you! 37 00:04:18,925 --> 00:04:20,688 It's a royal family procession! 38 00:04:34,340 --> 00:04:36,900 But I'm not from this country. 39 00:04:37,910 --> 00:04:39,673 I have no obligation whatsoever. 40 00:05:17,583 --> 00:05:18,550 He's going to fall! 41 00:06:06,198 --> 00:06:07,096 There he is... 42 00:06:32,191 --> 00:06:33,385 He's just a child? 43 00:07:13,499 --> 00:07:15,194 What happened back there? 44 00:07:17,603 --> 00:07:19,764 He must've lost consciousness right away. 45 00:07:20,640 --> 00:07:22,039 He didn't swallow any water. 46 00:07:22,174 --> 00:07:23,334 Step aside! 47 00:07:24,477 --> 00:07:27,844 Commoners such as you must never look upon one of the royal family! 48 00:07:30,816 --> 00:07:31,250 Do not look at him! 49 00:07:31,250 --> 00:07:32,485 Do not look at him! Hurry, send for a carriage and doctor! 50 00:07:32,485 --> 00:07:33,247 Hurry, send for a carriage and doctor! 51 00:07:34,820 --> 00:07:36,685 Listen! Get rid of that crowd! 52 00:07:57,276 --> 00:07:58,937 I had a feeling it was you, Tanda. 53 00:07:59,011 --> 00:08:00,308 Is something wrong? 54 00:08:00,379 --> 00:08:03,177 For you to come all the way to Ogi no Shimo... 55 00:08:05,584 --> 00:08:08,451 I gather she hasn't come here yet? 56 00:08:09,188 --> 00:08:12,180 Sorry, Tanda. But it's been two years now. 57 00:08:12,324 --> 00:08:15,885 I wouldn't be surprised if Balsa came back any day now. 58 00:08:17,096 --> 00:08:18,996 I hope you're right... 59 00:08:21,133 --> 00:08:23,260 Would you like to come inside, Tanda? 60 00:08:23,903 --> 00:08:26,701 No, I'll visit with you some othertime. 61 00:08:27,173 --> 00:08:31,610 I have an order for medicinal herbs, so I'll be in town for a few days. 62 00:08:32,712 --> 00:08:36,239 If we hear anything about Balsa, you'll be the first to know. 63 00:08:43,689 --> 00:08:46,988 I hear they read this would-be hero the riot act! 64 00:08:47,126 --> 00:08:49,822 Can you believe the gall of that guy? 65 00:08:50,062 --> 00:08:51,552 Thank you for your patience. 66 00:08:51,630 --> 00:08:51,864 Sake! Bring us some more sake! 67 00:08:51,864 --> 00:08:53,099 Sake! Bring us some more sake! Here you go! 68 00:08:53,099 --> 00:08:54,066 Sake! Bring us some more sake! 69 00:08:54,300 --> 00:08:55,631 Very well! 70 00:09:31,437 --> 00:09:32,734 Wait! 71 00:09:33,139 --> 00:09:35,004 There is something we'd like to ask you. 72 00:09:35,941 --> 00:09:38,102 We heard that a warrior rescued a member... 73 00:09:38,177 --> 00:09:40,270 ...of the royal family from Aoyumi River today. 74 00:09:40,346 --> 00:09:42,177 We are searching for this person. 75 00:09:42,548 --> 00:09:45,847 Rumor has it that this warrior was a short-spear bearer. 76 00:09:46,018 --> 00:09:48,350 Would you happen to know anything of this warrior? 77 00:09:48,420 --> 00:09:49,648 Not a thing... 78 00:09:49,855 --> 00:09:51,345 Just as I thought. 79 00:09:51,824 --> 00:09:53,917 Forget we had this conversation! 80 00:09:56,996 --> 00:09:59,692 I can see you don't want me to just forget it. 81 00:10:10,709 --> 00:10:11,698 I wouldn't if I were you. 82 00:10:12,311 --> 00:10:16,179 With your skills, you'd be killed twice before your sword was drawn. 83 00:10:16,916 --> 00:10:17,974 Wait! 84 00:10:19,151 --> 00:10:21,312 I realize we have acted with disrespect. 85 00:10:21,453 --> 00:10:23,421 We are emissaries from the court... 86 00:10:23,489 --> 00:10:26,583 ...and have been searching for you on orders of the second queen. 87 00:10:27,660 --> 00:10:29,025 The second queen? 88 00:10:29,295 --> 00:10:31,490 Hearing that it was a skilled warrior who saved the prince... 89 00:10:31,564 --> 00:10:34,055 ...we assumed it was a man, and have only been questioning men. 90 00:10:34,133 --> 00:10:37,261 But I am now convinced that this warrior was, in fact, you. 91 00:10:37,870 --> 00:10:39,963 You have my word that we will do you no harm! 92 00:10:40,573 --> 00:10:44,475 Please, do us the honor of accompanying us to Ninomiya Palace. 93 00:10:53,652 --> 00:10:55,210 Not what I had in mind. 94 00:10:56,355 --> 00:10:59,051 I should've had this repaired as soon as I arrived. 95 00:11:00,192 --> 00:11:05,152 Moribito Guardian of the Spirit 96 00:11:25,885 --> 00:11:27,443 This is quite a view. 97 00:11:31,390 --> 00:11:37,795 If this palace is so lavish, the mikado's lifestyle must be beyond belief. 98 00:11:54,580 --> 00:11:57,481 I'd hate to see this feast go to waste. 99 00:12:02,621 --> 00:12:05,488 Then again, why would they poison me now? 100 00:12:09,328 --> 00:12:14,994 Forgive us for not being more effusive after inviting you here. 101 00:12:15,601 --> 00:12:20,004 A foreigner such as yourself might not be aware of this, but... 102 00:12:20,806 --> 00:12:23,366 We commoners are unable to look directly into the eyes... 103 00:12:23,442 --> 00:12:25,672 ...of a member of the royal family. 104 00:12:25,911 --> 00:12:28,971 If we do, we will instantly be struck blind in both eyes. 105 00:12:29,848 --> 00:12:32,510 Well, that is one of the reasons... 106 00:12:32,584 --> 00:12:38,420 But the second queen is most grateful to you for saving the prince. 107 00:12:38,857 --> 00:12:40,825 This money is your reward. 108 00:12:41,760 --> 00:12:47,255 The amount is paltry for the life of a prince, but please accept it. 109 00:12:48,534 --> 00:12:52,368 Also, Her Majesty the second queen herself... 110 00:12:52,438 --> 00:12:57,171 ...has instructed me to ask you to spend the night here. 111 00:12:57,443 --> 00:13:00,469 No, you have already done more than enough for me. 112 00:13:00,646 --> 00:13:02,204 Now, now... 113 00:13:06,552 --> 00:13:09,214 Please, do us the honor of staying the night. 114 00:13:11,090 --> 00:13:13,923 Your belongings have been taken to your room. 115 00:13:14,159 --> 00:13:15,091 Thank you. 116 00:13:20,265 --> 00:13:21,425 What can I say? 117 00:13:42,154 --> 00:13:44,816 At any rate, what on earth is this futon made of? 118 00:13:45,324 --> 00:13:47,451 I wonder if the nobility are called "those who dwell on the clouds" ... 119 00:13:47,526 --> 00:13:50,017 ...because they sleep on these huge things every night. 120 00:13:52,731 --> 00:13:53,925 Oh, never mind! 121 00:13:54,333 --> 00:13:59,361 This may be my only chance to experience what they call "heaven" ! 122 00:14:19,124 --> 00:14:20,785 Warriorfrom another land... 123 00:14:21,326 --> 00:14:22,691 Are you awake? 124 00:14:22,895 --> 00:14:24,760 Yes, I'm awake. Please come in. 125 00:14:38,010 --> 00:14:41,343 I see that you are indeed as formidable a woman as they say. 126 00:14:44,116 --> 00:14:48,712 You look us in the eye, and yet you do not fall blind. 127 00:14:53,559 --> 00:14:56,460 Thank you for rescuing the prince today. 128 00:14:56,895 --> 00:14:59,056 You have my deepest gratitude. 129 00:15:00,332 --> 00:15:02,061 I am unworthy of your kind words. 130 00:15:02,534 --> 00:15:05,628 You have already shown me hospitality of the highest order. 131 00:15:05,971 --> 00:15:09,304 Any further gestures are most unnecessary. 132 00:15:10,042 --> 00:15:11,236 I see. 133 00:15:12,044 --> 00:15:15,536 Even so, I expect that you must find our coming to visit you... 134 00:15:15,614 --> 00:15:18,947 ...in the middle of the night to be most unusual. 135 00:15:21,887 --> 00:15:24,082 Look up, Balsa. Show me your face! 136 00:15:27,359 --> 00:15:31,819 Just as my attendants said, you have a fearless look in your eye. 137 00:15:34,433 --> 00:15:37,129 You are known by the name Balsa the Spear-wielder. 138 00:15:37,302 --> 00:15:40,169 They say that there are none who do not know your name... 139 00:15:40,272 --> 00:15:43,503 ...that you have the appearance of a warrior of distant Kanbal... 140 00:15:43,575 --> 00:15:47,636 ...and that your skills have saved many lives overthe years. 141 00:15:47,946 --> 00:15:49,243 Is this wrong? 142 00:15:49,681 --> 00:15:50,739 Your Majesty... 143 00:15:51,183 --> 00:15:54,812 What you have heard are no more than rumors that embellish my reputation. 144 00:15:54,887 --> 00:16:00,883 I am a bodyguard who protects others for money, nothing more. 145 00:16:00,959 --> 00:16:02,085 Ah, I see. 146 00:16:08,367 --> 00:16:14,237 Why do you risk your life to earn money performing such work? 147 00:16:17,009 --> 00:16:20,775 In truth, it is the hope that I place in your ability... 148 00:16:20,913 --> 00:16:22,972 ...that has brought me here to ask this favor. 149 00:16:23,615 --> 00:16:25,674 I do not care where you flee. 150 00:16:26,351 --> 00:16:27,750 Will you take this child... 151 00:16:27,819 --> 00:16:32,222 ...and protect him for the rest of his life from the mikado's assassins? 152 00:16:33,358 --> 00:16:34,848 From the mikado's assassins? 153 00:16:36,428 --> 00:16:38,055 Today it was an ox cart. 154 00:16:38,597 --> 00:16:42,397 Half a month ago, he had a narrow escape... 155 00:16:42,534 --> 00:16:45,628 ...when a geyser suddenly erupted at the hot springs. 156 00:16:46,371 --> 00:16:49,363 But why in the world would the mikado want to kill the prince? 157 00:16:54,012 --> 00:16:57,072 It all began some two months ago. 158 00:16:59,184 --> 00:17:03,450 Night after night, the child began mumbling strange things in his sleep. 159 00:17:03,689 --> 00:17:08,183 When I had his tutor, a star reader, observe him as he slept... 160 00:17:08,627 --> 00:17:13,621 ...he told me that some unknown force had possessed the child. 161 00:17:16,268 --> 00:17:20,864 Fortunately, this star reader is honorable and trustworthy. 162 00:17:21,273 --> 00:17:27,041 We told no one, turning instead to a magic weaver of the Yakoo. 163 00:17:28,347 --> 00:17:31,680 However, the star reader consulted not only this magic weaver... 164 00:17:31,750 --> 00:17:34,742 ...but the master star reader as well. 165 00:17:38,090 --> 00:17:42,117 I suspect that the mikado secretly ordered the prince's death... 166 00:17:42,227 --> 00:17:46,357 ...upon receiving the master star reader's counsel. 167 00:17:47,933 --> 00:17:49,662 Merely for that reason? 168 00:17:50,535 --> 00:17:53,527 If word of this gets out and rumors begin to spread... 169 00:17:53,605 --> 00:17:58,372 ...it would irreparably damage the good name of the mikado. 170 00:18:06,118 --> 00:18:09,747 You! Have you been disrespectful to my mother? 171 00:18:10,222 --> 00:18:12,190 No, she has not, Chagum. 172 00:18:12,257 --> 00:18:17,388 I have asked herto safeguard your life. 173 00:18:17,929 --> 00:18:18,861 But wait a moment... 174 00:18:19,197 --> 00:18:20,221 Wait! 175 00:18:21,633 --> 00:18:23,999 Chagum, you must listen to me. 176 00:18:24,369 --> 00:18:26,929 From this moment on, I want you to follow her wherever she goes... 177 00:18:27,005 --> 00:18:30,270 ...and no matter what happens, you must not die. 178 00:18:30,809 --> 00:18:37,044 You ceased to be a prince the instant the mikado ordered your death. 179 00:18:38,350 --> 00:18:40,875 Even so, you must not harbor ill will towards the mikado. 180 00:18:41,253 --> 00:18:45,815 He bears the terrible responsibility of ruling this country. 181 00:18:53,131 --> 00:18:54,223 Bring it in. 182 00:19:07,245 --> 00:19:11,511 A commoner could not spend all this in a lifetime, try as she might. 183 00:19:13,118 --> 00:19:16,849 Please give me your word that you will accept this and protect my child. 184 00:19:18,056 --> 00:19:22,686 Your Majesty, I understand the gist of your request. However... 185 00:19:23,895 --> 00:19:27,160 This is a most dishonorable way for you to treat me. 186 00:19:29,501 --> 00:19:30,559 In what way? 187 00:19:31,536 --> 00:19:35,870 For my life to be forfeit as a reward for having saved the prince's life... 188 00:19:35,974 --> 00:19:37,839 How is that not dishonorable? 189 00:19:40,379 --> 00:19:43,837 No one is suggesting that you be killed. 190 00:19:44,816 --> 00:19:46,181 Are you certain about that? 191 00:19:46,785 --> 00:19:50,380 If someone of my low social status were to hear a story such as yours... 192 00:19:50,455 --> 00:19:53,720 ...that person would have no choice but to agree to your request. 193 00:19:54,292 --> 00:19:57,853 And yet once she agreed, her life would be more or less in jeopardy. 194 00:19:58,363 --> 00:20:02,527 And you are too unfamiliar with the ways of the world, Your Majesty. 195 00:20:02,601 --> 00:20:05,627 If I ever tried to pay for something with gems bearing this palace crest... 196 00:20:05,704 --> 00:20:07,695 ...our whereabouts would be discovered at once. 197 00:20:09,007 --> 00:20:14,741 I see. However, this is the only money that I have at my disposal. 198 00:20:17,983 --> 00:20:20,884 But you are correct. I cannot allow one who has... 199 00:20:20,952 --> 00:20:23,785 ...learned this secret to leave without consequence. 200 00:20:24,689 --> 00:20:29,683 Balsa! You can either die here or take a chance at survival with the prince. 201 00:20:29,895 --> 00:20:31,385 Choose one or the other! 202 00:20:34,099 --> 00:20:36,567 For a queen... 203 00:20:36,902 --> 00:20:40,269 ...you certainly don't seem to have many trustworthy men. 204 00:20:40,439 --> 00:20:43,533 Two in the room behind me. Three in the hallway. 205 00:20:44,543 --> 00:20:48,377 Counting these two, you have seven in all, which is quite pitiful. 206 00:20:57,289 --> 00:20:58,620 Don't make a move! 207 00:21:01,193 --> 00:21:04,094 For starters, I'll take the treasure. 208 00:21:04,496 --> 00:21:05,520 You two! 209 00:21:05,897 --> 00:21:07,626 Fill this with as much as will fit! 210 00:21:09,067 --> 00:21:15,336 Your Majesty, earlier you asked why it is that I work as a bodyguard. 211 00:21:15,640 --> 00:21:21,306 In the past, I was forced to take the lives of eight dear people. 212 00:21:22,547 --> 00:21:26,108 And so, to appease the souls of those eight people... 213 00:21:26,184 --> 00:21:31,349 ...I am working as a bodyguard until I've saved an equal number of lives. 214 00:21:31,857 --> 00:21:33,791 Eight people's souls? 215 00:21:35,160 --> 00:21:36,957 I will protect the prince. 216 00:21:44,202 --> 00:21:46,033 Go with her, Chagum. 217 00:21:46,805 --> 00:21:49,000 Trust her as I do. 218 00:21:50,809 --> 00:21:51,798 Come! 219 00:21:54,179 --> 00:21:55,510 Mother! 220 00:21:55,747 --> 00:21:58,238 No, I don't want to go! Mother! 221 00:22:13,965 --> 00:22:16,991 You! If you want the prince to escape to safety... 222 00:22:17,068 --> 00:22:19,468 ...start by setting a fire in his bedchamber! 223 00:22:19,871 --> 00:22:22,806 And then take us to the palace's secret escape route! 224 00:22:29,047 --> 00:22:30,139 Hand me the bag. 225 00:22:33,718 --> 00:22:35,481 Take care, Your Majesty. 226 00:22:35,554 --> 00:22:36,350 Balsa! 227 00:22:37,989 --> 00:22:42,187 If you include my son's life, how many lives will you have saved? 228 00:22:45,030 --> 00:22:47,624 Your Majesty, his life will be the eighth. 229 00:23:07,919 --> 00:23:13,186 As I sat huddled and alone, holding back the tears on those nights... 230 00:23:13,258 --> 00:23:20,323 When it felt like I was about to succumb to my doubts... 231 00:23:20,398 --> 00:23:25,597 ...there you were, at my side before I knew it. 232 00:23:25,670 --> 00:23:32,940 It was none other than you who was there for me. 233 00:23:33,011 --> 00:23:47,187 I keep wishing, "I want to be strong." I stumble and hurt myself again. 234 00:23:47,258 --> 00:23:56,599 But because I have you to believe in, I can get back to my feet. 235 00:23:56,668 --> 00:24:03,369 I simply want to tell my dear one, "Thank you." 236 00:24:03,441 --> 00:24:08,504 At the top of my lungs, again and again. 237 00:24:08,580 --> 00:24:16,885 I call out to my precious loved one. 238 00:24:16,955 --> 00:24:21,085 Is my voice reaching you? 239 00:24:21,159 --> 00:24:29,294 In this world that always changes, human warmth never does. 240 00:24:29,401 --> 00:24:39,675 I'm certain I sensed the presence of the one that I hold dear. 241 00:24:42,213 --> 00:24:42,280 Next Time 242 00:24:42,280 --> 00:24:42,814 Next Time 243 00:24:42,814 --> 00:24:45,112 Next Time Balsa goes into hiding in the Yogo city. 244 00:24:45,183 --> 00:24:48,744 But she and Chagum are given no time to rest. 245 00:24:49,587 --> 00:24:52,181 Next time, "Hunters, Hunted." 246 00:24:52,257 --> 00:24:52,724 Episode 2 Hunters, Hunted 247 00:24:52,724 --> 00:24:55,224 Episode 2 Hunters, Hunted The mikado's shadow servants...