Mononoke the Movie: Chapter II - The Ashes of Rage (2025)

[bunniefuu]

- Fujimaki.

Uh, I... um... Councilor Otomo?

Tell me, how do you see this match going?

- Sir, I, uh...

I see you'll be checkmated

in seven moves, Councilor Otomo.

How unfortunate.

I've been outplayed, then.

Speaking of misfortune, Utayama,

this last month was rife with it,

was it not?

Keeping the maids in line

after losing a daughter.

One in the position of managing

the oku, no less, must be difficult.

Not at all, sir!

It should be simple

to find a suitable replacement for her.

- So there's nothing to--

- I disagree.

- It's not that simple.

- Huh?

Once the central pillar burns,

it's only a matter of time

before the castle falls.

And His Majesty simply cannot reside

in such a place.

Thus, the Utayama clan shall be abolished.

Wait.

Please wait, Councilor Otomo!

The event that spirit caused last month

simply cannot be considered our fault!

How was I supposed to plan

for such an incident?

Isn't planning to prevent

the unpredictable

precisely the duty your position entails?

Or rather... entailed?

Careful now!

Let's put it down slowly.

Slow and steady. Slowly.

- You're the...

- Humble medicine seller, sir.

- Huh?

- Here.

Thanks a lot, mister!

That's such relief!

I don't wanna get yelled at again.

Then don't try to carry everything

in one go.

That's your fault, Tome.

You should've stopped me, then!

Stop! That is enough.

- Stop fighting, you two!

Repairs already?

Yes.

We need to be very strict

about fire safety in the oku.

Rumor has it that one of the girls here

died in a fire long ago.

Oh?

Hey! Quit gossiping with outsiders!

Come on!

What's the big deal? It's just a rumor.

I will deal with

the repairman.

Just get back to your duties already.

Fine.

What brings you here this time?

Didn't you already exorcise

the mononoke last month?

- Yes. The first one.

There are more?

In this world,

there are emotions

that do not perish so easily.

What's that supposed to mean?

Step right up, ladies. Don't be shy!

Looking for good luck?

These mouse charms are guaranteed

to help with pregnancy

and a smooth and safe delivery.

A princess once bought one,

and before she knew it,

she was blessed with five strong boys

- Mice.

- ...and five beautiful girls!

Interesting.

Fire watch! Fire watch!

Ah, Lady Fuki!

Looks like she's on her way

to night service.

What a beautiful lady.

Well, you'd have to be in order to end up

with His Majesty for the night.

But it sounds like a tough spot to be in.

Every concubine shoulders the weight of

their families' future

every time they're summoned

for night service.

How so?

First girl to bear a child would become

the mother of the next ruler.

Her family

would rise to the top with her.

The whole family?

- You there.

- Aw! Lady Botan!

- Ah! Lady Botan!

Are you maids resting already?

- No.

- We were just...

Overlooking any flames

is unacceptable.

To worry about fire is

to worry about the oku,

and failing to do so

places His Majesty in danger.

Is that understood?

We're terribly sorry!

I trust this won't happen again.

- Oh...

- Oh, she's just so pretty!

- Oh, you.

What will you do now, Tokita?

Well, I... I'm not really sure.

My apologies, sir.

Councilor Fujimaki here.

Councilor Otomo, there is a matter

I wish to discuss with you.

All right, let's hear it.

I would prefer to talk

without a subordinate present.

He will not be an issue.

Begin.

Concerning the princess

that Lady Yukiko gave birth to last month,

the time has come to appoint a guardian

to raise the princess.

But she has made it clear she wishes to be

the guardian and raise the child herself.

Which won't do.

Better to stick with tradition

and choose a guardian

from among the concubines.

I understand,

but Lady Yukiko made it clear--

Lady Yukiko's wish

is not His Majesty's command!

Of course.

Well then,

when one considers each family's standing,

perhaps the Katsunumas?

Ah, yes, the Katsunuma Family.

- How very perceptive of you.

Understood.

The Katsunuma Family it shall be.

- Your turn.

Right.

So what are your thoughts

on the matter?

One of my rank

could hardly understand

the matters discussed among councilors

who lead the nation--

A guardian is like a seed of fire,

if you will.

"A seed of fire"?

If no male successor is born,

the princess will assume the role

of the next consort when she marries.

The princess's guardian will become

the mother of our future Lord

when he enters the royal family.

And she'll gain power

without even having to give birth.

Hmm.

Even a mere seed of fire can grow

into a blazing inferno if overlooked.

Preserving the administrative structure

that has stood for 150 years is crucial.

For that is what keeps His Majesty safe.

You're absolutely correct,

Councilor Otomo.

- Speaking of, Tokita.

- Yes?

Your daughter.

I believe her name is Fuki, is it not?

Yes, that's right, sir.

It would appear that

His Majesty has grown quite... fond of her.

Indeed.

And we are immensely grateful, sir.

Lady Fuki and Lady Botan

are both truly stunning.

But if someone is going

to bear our Lord's child,

it has to be Lady Fuki

of the Tokita Family.

She's been exclusively enjoying

His Majesty's favor, after all.

You think so?

Lady Botan of the Otomo Family

is up there as well.

She's highly capable.

She's managing the oku.

And most importantly,

she's the daughter of Councilor Otomo too!

Family standing means nothing

after you've given birth.

The mother of the successor is

the mother of the successor.

It doesn't matter if she was once

the daughter of a merchant or a farmer.

If she bears the successor, she wins!

Uh, ah...

That's how you play to win. Am I right?

I suppose

I should advise my daughter

to do her absolute best as well.

Oh!

- Are you sure you want to do that?

- I'll checkmate you in five moves!

Good heavens!

I'm simply no match for you, sir.

Councilor Otomo.

What? Oh, Sir Tokita.

I've come to visit my sister.

We'll wait here in the lobby

until our appointment.

Oh, you're more than welcome to.

Ah!

He had no pass. Is that permitted?

Mizorogi family members are the exception.

It's because there's a water goddess

they supposedly protect or something.

I honestly don't really understand, but...

- How lucky. I'm almost jealous.

- Uh...

Medicine Seller!

Pull that crap again,

and I'll have your head!

- Oh, Tsuyu.

- Oh?

This is where you were.

I see why you didn't come when I called.

Apologies, my lady.

They were short on staff

and asked for my help.

Uh, my lady. A word?

Madam Suikoin is waiting inside as well.

And why does that worry you?

The presence of His Majesty's mother

was to be expected,

and I'll manage just fine.

Perhaps I was just needlessly fretting.

If you would, my lady?

I'll be off, then.

It appears that Lady Fuki

assumes her role perfectly, doesn't she?

Mm... Come on. Don't.

It was only a year ago both of us were

dragging pitchers of water together.

Enough! Please, Sayo.

Lady Fuki caught His Majesty's eye.

And thus, she was chosen.

Now, after much consideration,

we recommend

that the Katsunuma Family's Lady Matsu

take on the role of

the princess's guardian.

I humbly ask that you accept this duty.

I am honored to accept such an offer.

Then Lady Yukiko's wishes were ignored?

Seems like it.

That's simply how tradition is.

Those who have served His Majesty longest

are entrusted

with protecting the princess,

which means the Katsunuma Family

was more than a fitting choice.

Your words humble me.

There's one thing I'd like to share.

I was thinking about what Lady Yukiko

must wish for her daughter.

- This is her first child.

I imagine she must have wanted

to raise the princess herself.

Agreed.

Wouldn't it feel like her child

is being taken away from her?

It sounds so lonely to me,

but I hope it won't be so.

How absurd!

Then I suppose you imply

that my family cannot be trusted?

Do not be ridiculous.

I was only curious

as to how Lady Yukiko and His Majesty felt

towards such a decision.

Surely they also must feel

a sense of parental duty, no?

The nerve of her to say that

after taking His Majesty away

from Lady Yukiko.

That lack of class proves

she's just a draper's daughter.

c*ck just 'cause she's a little pretty.

Hmm.

Then should we not

perhaps confer with His Majesty

before arriving at a decision?

We can discuss it all we'd like,

but our opinions hold no weight

in matters this far beyond us.

The throne will not be disturbed.

It is and always has been

the duty of the oku to handle decisions

that are unworthy of

His Majesty's attention

so that his focus is not disturbed.

We simply cannot bother His Majesty

with such a trivial matter.

Now then,

Lady Matsu's appointment as guardian

shall be ratified.

If there are no further objections,

that is?

Next on the docket,

we must decide

who will take over managing the oku

after Madam Utayama's

untimely passing last month.

We, of the court,

believe these candidates have promise.

Lady Botan,

Lady Matsu,

and Lady Take are the three.

Lady Botan has long assisted

Madam Utayama with her duties

and has maintained close relations

with the nobility.

And as such,

seems most suitable for the position.

Thus, the next administrator of the oku

shall be Lady Botan.

We kindly ask

that you accept this responsibility.

If one such as I

can live up to this role,

then I would be delighted to.

Since the untimely passing

of Madam Utayama last month,

many have felt uncertain

about the future of the oku.

Even so, we are the oku's maids,

and our mission is still the same,

as are the rules

we are duty-bound to uphold.

One set of rules, in particular,

concerning night service,

will, from here on out,

be properly enforced

for every maid in the oku.

More specifically,

speaking with His Majesty

during night service is not allowed,

as is any correspondence of any kind.

- Both are prohibited.

On that note,

performance of night service

by any maid or Lady Yukiko

shall be done in turns.

No one shall perform the service

on multiple nights in a row.

I must object!

What is it?

This is complete and utter lunacy!

His Majesty chooses who

to spend the night with.

Even the administrator of the oku

cannot force him otherwise.

Such a ban and other rules

were made law for a reason.

To ensure a suitable heir

will be readily conceived.

That can't.

Well, what if one enjoys undivided favor

from His Majesty

and turns out to be incapable

of bearing a child?

Would that not mean

the end of His Majesty's bloodline?

That may be so,

but His Majesty has summoned

the same maid night after night.

After night, after night.

I was chosen over and over again

for His Majesty's service.

Until now.

But he did not say

he'd call for you again tonight.

Now did he?

Surely he didn't,

as speaking with His Majesty

during service is forbidden.

Besides, Lady Botan was appointed

by His Majesty.

And since he chose her

as the new administrator of the oku,

her decisions are His Majesty's as well.

Do you wish to defy his judgment?

What are you laughing at?

I see!

This is all because of my family's rank!

You just can't stand

that His Majesty favors me!

That he chose...

- Huh?

- Lady Fuki!

Someone call

the court physician!

Dr. Gentaku! Lady Fuki needs help!

Hmm?

- Can you believe she collapsed?

That must have truly gotten to her.

- Vomiting suddenly like that.

Do you think it's perhaps

morning sickness?

- That has to be it!

It makes sense

after spending that many nights together!

I just know

His Majesty will love the news!

Well, that's...

that's a problem.

Yeah. That just can't be.

That dirty girl's blood will just

end up polluting His Majesty's lineage.

Oh, it burns!

- Hey! Explain!

Has a Form... arrived?

- Oh, it burns!

Sayo?

These things!

- Ah! My hand!

- These things!

- These things!

Get them off me!

Halt! No further!

But I have a pass right here.

Hmm?

That's the pass Madam Utayama granted you,

but it's no longer valid!

Ah!

- This is...

...fast!

It burns!

If I let you in without a valid pass,

what kind of oku guard would I be?

This one also hides quickly.

- That's enough!

I'll order the men to investigate

and figure out what happened.

Any personal investigations

are prohibited.

This event will not be discussed.

Do you agree, Councilor Fujimaki?

Yes.

That could have gone bad.

No.

A seed of fire has...

Master Tokita!

Lady Fuki collapsed

just a few moments ago!

What? Take me there!

- Fuki!

- Hmm?

Oh. Welcome.

- Please, breathe easy, my lord.

The lady

quickly regained consciousness.

Our father as well? It's been a while.

It has.

I hear talk you became close

to Councilor Otomo.

Close enough

to play shogi together lately.

Well...

Do try to get plenty of rest, please.

Now, Father.

Oh, yes. Of course.

Hmm?

- Your Ladyship.

Is leaving the oku an option?

Mm...

We are to serve our entire lives here.

I will not consider leaving the oku.

You should understand,

especially after witnessing

the events of last month.

That's the problem.

With my own eyes, I observed it.

That curse that plagues the oku,

dooming maids to an unnatural death.

I'm worried about your safety,

dear sister!

And I know Father is too!

Ah, uh, of course.

And then?

What would occur if I left?

Both Father's rank as a samurai

and your career, my brother,

are entirely thanks to

His Majesty bestowing his favor upon me.

Are you saying you wish

to throw all that away?

For us to starve and suffer?

Go back to that run-down,

dingy row house again?

I know, but...

And you're in the same boat, Father!

You told me. "Our family would rule."

"Our family would become powerful."

Those were your final words to me

before sending me out here,

or have you forgotten?

To flee now would negate the very reason

I entered the oku in the first place.

Hmm.

And, besides,

all we need is one last step.

That can't be!

So there's nothing

to be afraid of anymore.

Lady Fuki,

are you perhaps already expecting?

What? In the grand chamber?

We've been ordered to investigate.

Hmm.

What's wrong?

Oh, sorry.

It's nothing.

Ah! Why that...

My, my. What a surprise.

oku concubines burning alive.

That was quite a sight,

but the true issue is...

Tokita's precious girl.

- Fuki, I believe.

If she happens to conceive a son,

a succession dispute

is all but inevitable,

in which case, your family's standing,

Lord Katsunuma, could be threatened

since it currently relies

on guarding the princess.

Right.

However, how many do you really think

would support the child of

a draper's daughter as the next successor?

- More than you'd think.

- Uh...

Anyone who doesn't benefit

from the current political landscape

will rally behind her.

That girl... has become a seed of fire.

Uh... Maybe we should share these concerns

with Councilor Otomo?

He must never hear of this mess!

He never planned for the girl's pregnancy.

And failing to plan for the unexpected

is what ruined Utayama.

In any case, any flames in the oku

must be put out by those within the oku,

as a blazing inferno can roar and grow

from even the smallest seed of fire.

Well, my daughter, Matsu,

could do something about it.

Just make sure

it's resolved quietly and peacefully.

Since Madam Utayama's passing,

have you faced any inconveniences?

Becoming an official scribe so quickly

must attract a certain amount of jealousy.

Should the need for some help ever arise,

just let me know.

My father can help facilitate things

if necessary.

Uh...

I truly appreciate your concern.

But I lack the time

to worry about such things,

as the duties of a scribe

are rather involved.

Of course there are many ways

to preserve this administrative structure.

One that has endured

and supported His Majesty for 150 years.

Make sure that you

never neglect that goal.

Understood.

Choju.

I trust you haven't forgotten

the day you were made Matron.

Or who vouched for you?

It is thanks to

the Katsunuma Family's endorsement

that I am blessed with the duty

of serving at His Majesty's side.

- Then take this.

- Huh?

Leave it in the night chamber.

Understood, my lady.

Hey! You there!

I finally found you!

The oku is off-limits to men.

Wanna lose your head?

Hey!

A girl has burned.

Huh?

What made you come to that conclusion?

I can tell by sight.

I see signs of a mononoke.

One that makes ashes out of people.

That burns bones and marrow. A passion.

One that seems to ring a bell?

Enough with all this nonsense!

And get out

before you cause any more trouble!

I guess that's that, then.

But it will return. Tonight.

Mm... Explain yourself!

Beware of fire.

A mononoke?

Some even claim Lady Suzu has cursed us.

You are a guard of the oku,

are you not?

How can your heart tremble

at rumors like these?

Huh?

Hmm...

If Lady Fuki gives birth

to a successor,

then my lady Matsu's position

as guardian of the princess

will mean nothing.

Fine.

What is it?

Something's been bothering me.

I'll go take a look.

- Then I'll join you, sir.

- No need.

I'll be back soon.

Oh.

Just wanna make sure

no mouse has snuck in.

- Lady Fuki?

- Huh?

Were you looking for water?

Huh?

Fire watch! Fire watch!

It burns!

It burns!

It's close.

- It burns!

It burns!

- Tome, over there!

- Yeah!

It's hot!

It's hot!

It's burning!

Somebody! We need help!

It burns!

It burns!

It burns!

Are you okay?

Oh my!

- Stay back!

- Oh, it's you!

What is this?

You have been surrounded!

Oh my...

Those things.

Flames that come in swarms.

These were... Hinezumi.

I have found its Form.

Another mononoke.

- They're sparks.

- Sparks?

The beings that appeared

before us were but Hinezumi pups.

And where there are pups,

a mother isn't far.

I assume you are the man

who was acting suspicious in the oku

earlier today?

The Hinezumi are

an Ayakashi that will never stop

until it burns everything to ash.

Hinezumi.

No matter the situation,

the most important rule of the oku

is men are forbidden to enter.

It would be

an outright mockery of our values

were we to let a man enter

without an important reason.

If we do not quickly slay

the source of this fire,

then the oku is bound...

- Did you not hear me?

- ...burn to the ground.

But this creature

cannot be so easily slain.

Not by the swords you carry.

When this Sacred Sword is wielded,

a mononoke can be slain.

In that case,

we shall borrow that sword.

- Sakashita!

- Ma'am!

Alas, we are

the only ones who can wield this blade.

To draw this sword,

conditions must be met.

It needs the Form, the Truth,

and the Reason of

the mononoke's existence.

Only then can we draw the blade

and use it to slay the mononoke.

Truth is the way things appear.

Reason is what smolders

within the depths of the oku,

these lingering emotions

that burn people to ash!

Thus, ladies and gentlemen,

I request that you share with me

the Truth and Reason.

Emotions that can burn people to ash.

Oh...

Guards! Seize this man at once!

Lady Botan!

This strange man

actually did have a pass with him,

which is why I let him through.

Uh, hold on.

This is the one Madam Utayama gave him

the last time he got rid of the mononoke.

It's last month's pass. My apologies.

- The pass already expired.

He should've known

better than this.

Lady Botan, could you go easy

on the poor man?

He might not know any better,

but he did protect the oku

just last month.

I am willing to forgive you

for allowing him in,

as it appears to be an honest mistake.

However, this will not happen again.

I sincerely thank you

for your graciousness.

Sakashita saved you.

Thank him.

And never show your face here again.

Oh?

Thank you so much for saving us

back there, Medicine Seller!

I merely happened to be close by.

- Huh?

- Happened? Ha!

Who knows how the hell he sneaked in.

Either way, I was surprised!

I didn't expect Master Sakashita

to cover for the medicine seller.

Ah! It didn't mean anything!

I just thought we might need

his mononoke-slaying skills is all.

However, Lady Botan said I could never

show my face here ever again.

She's still young.

Uh...

She has to learn how to adjust

to cases like these.

What cases

might you be referring to?

The disturbance with the fire.

Oh?

oku fires do not emerge by pure chance.

Whether the source is human or mononoke,

there's always a reason

for one to spark in these halls.

I see.

It looked like this rung a bell.

No, it's...

Master Sakashita!

It just reminded me

of what happened with Lady Suzu.

Huh? That sounds oddly familiar.

Ah! The ghost in the grand chamber?

What ghost?

The Fire Patrol

hears the story all the time.

They say during night patrols,

you can spot a woman carrying a light

in the grand chamber.

She's not a ghost!

Lady Suzu was

one of the concubines 20 years ago.

- Ah...

She became pregnant, but...

Then, one day, a fire claimed her life.

- A fire?

That fire, fortunately,

did not spread very quickly.

But the only victim

of that misfortunate event

was Lady Suzu herself.

It was in the grand chamber

when the fire claimed her life.

I know this because I was the one who...

who saw her last.

- If I had just called out to her.

But Lady Suzu becoming a mononoke?

She was the kindest woman.

She'd never wish to k*ll like this!

It's her kindness,

rather than her spirit,

that may have caused

the birth of this curse.

What?

Mononoke have their own personal

Truth and Reason.

Their own histories and feelings.

The Hinezumi are

originally guardian deities

that take the form of mice.

They reside in the feelings of those who

wish for children or a safe childbirth.

Mr. Medicine Seller?

Where is the mononoke right now?

It is unseen, but it hides

within the halls of the oku.

On that note, there is something

that I would like to request of you two.

- Now's our chance!

- Right!

Hey! I've got things to do too, you know.

- Huh?

Tsuyu.

Is something wrong?

Choju is...

The current rumor is

that it was the work of a mononoke.

What on earth is...

A mononoke.

But that's nothing more than a rumor.

Thank you.

This flavor. It's delicious!

That's because I drew

a fresh, new bucket just for you.

Would it be so terribly impolite

if I asked you a question?

Not at all. What is it?

While I appreciate your kindness,

why do you keep calling for me, Councilor?

Why?

Are you tired of playing shogi?

No! I would never dream.

Every piece has a role

it's meant to fulfill.

Although they can be promoted,

a pawn will never become a rook.

The rook will never betray the king.

At least in shogi,

there are no foolish subordinates,

no scheming lords,

or large fires

that threaten to ruin everything.

That's why it's great!

- Hmm.

- We still have a few left over.

That's all right.

Lovely work, you two.

- It was nothing. Oh!

You get in trouble, it's your fault!

Huh?

Do you refuse to drink?

In Madam Utayama's room,

we found this bottle.

Close to where Choju died.

What is it?

It seems that there was poison in it,

as the liquid inside instantly k*lled

goldfish when exposed to it.

But I...

I heard a mononoke k*lled Choju.

The cause of Choju's death is not

something for you to worry about.

Especially as this poison's target

was likely meant to be you.

- What do you mean by that?

Someone spotted Choju

heading towards your room last night.

That can't...

I see. So you explain this to ridicule me?

This is precisely what

I despise about you.

No matter whose child it is,

a successor is a successor.

As the one in charge of

overseeing the oku,

I have a duty to protect its residents.

That is why I informed you.

But you don't seem to wish

to understand that.

It seems as though

you think of yourself alone.

Or have you spared a thought for it?

For the oku's future?

Perhaps, instead, you've thought of using

a successor as a tool to rise in rank?

Perhaps that's envy I hear

out of not being requested just yet

and passed over for night service?

Does that thought satisfy you?

So these scales you had us set up

around the oku

will tell us where the mononoke is?

When sight fails you...

...sound becomes the best way forward.

Amazing!

- Well?

Haven't you managed to find out

where this mononoke mouse is yet?

We will not know its location

until the mononoke makes a move.

- Unforgivable.

Why?

Why?

My baby.

"My baby."

Hey! Looks like...

Emotions linger on once set ablaze.

They cannot subside on their own.

- It's here.

- Huh?

Fine!

Just go!

Do it, Medicine Seller!

You two cover for me!

Of course!

The court physicians have,

through generations,

passed down this miraculous elixir.

- Now...

- Please, Doctor! Don't!

What was that?

Pardon my uninvited intrusion!

It burns, it burns, it burns!

Unforgivable.

Lady Suzu?

Where is your mother?

That is a question

I want answered as well!

Is Lady Fuki all right... Ah!

Unforgivable!

Why do I hear Lady Suzu's voice?

This might be...

- What is this?

- Leave!

Foul man!

He poisoned Lady Fuki's cup of water!

- Huh?

You're wrong!

What did you do

to the mononoke?

- Pardon!

- Be careful!

There have always been

unwanted children! Always!

It wasn't my idea! They asked me to do it!

Who asked you?

We extinguish any seed of fire

that leads to conflict!

- Impossible!

The court physicians

always resolved these problems!

Resolved problems?

And Lady Suzu!

Did you abort her child too?

I only made the elixir!

- Damn you!

- How could you?

Lady Suzu!

Unforgivable.

To do something like that

to someone as kind as her.

- You b*stard.

Seems you don't know who gave the order.

You b*stard!

You ripped her child away from her!

I've found its Truth.

What?

It can't be!

- Lady Fuki!

So that's what this is.

Slaying the mononoke

takes priority...

- She seems feverish.

- ...over upholding the rules of the oku?

A palace guard has the gall

to tell me that?

The only one

who can protect the oku,

who can slay the mononoke, is him.

And thus, you wish for me

to overlook a trespasser?

The mononoke cannot be allowed

to stay within her body.

Freeing her from it is why we are here.

For throughout history,

from across this land,

one such as I travel

so that we may slay these spirits.

For that is the fate of those of us

who wield these Sacred Swords.

I have served as a Nanatsu guard

for 30 long years.

Aiming to protect the oku

has been the sole purpose

that I have held in my heart

this entire time.

Silence, Sakashita!

My lady!

These are the mere words of an old guard,

but please, I beg of you.

Don't let the caution of an old guard

fall on deaf ears!

This matter can be ended by the blade

if we can use its power.

Lady Fuki and the child.

You are to save them both, understand?

Your punishment has been postponed.

Thank you, madam!

All right.

I need to ask a favor in that case.

- I request assistance from the oku.

This is what I've found.

Much obliged.

For what purpose do you need items

with mice on them?

Those will act as "yorishiro."

And what's that?

A temporary place

where the mononoke can stay

once they leave Lady Fuki's body.

Mice are the guardian deities

who give divine protection

during childbirth.

Thus, they prefer

to inhabit certain items over others.

Hold on! Then aren't they going to burn?

You know we have to

give those back, right?

There must also be some similarities

between Lady Fuki and Lady Suzu.

What makes you say that?

I fail

to find any other reason

why this mononoke is so drawn to her.

Perhaps the reason why I cannot find

the mother of the Hinezumi lies there too.

Now, then.

- Huh?

How are you feeling, my lady?

Your father waits in the grand chamber.

Finished.

Do you approve, Lady Suzu?

Could I wear that uchikake?

Pay him no mind, Lady Suzu.

This man fought a merchant,

and this is his punishment.

Seems he's a rather irascible one.

Lift your gaze, please.

- Sakashita.

- Yes, ma'am?

- It's nothing.

Your body is something

you should value more.

My apologies for the wait, Father.

What did you wish to speak to me about?

Suzu.

Is there something the matter?

The Saijo Family

no longer worries about food

by virtue of

our new and improved social standing...

...which was obtained

because you received His Majesty's favor.

Uh, of course.

But be that as it may,

the only reason

you could enter the oku to begin with...

...is thanks to Councilor Otomo's

personal introduction.

A debt I seek to repay

when the opportunity arises.

Councilor Otomo...

...does not wish

for a seed of fire...

...to lead to any conflict.

Right.

The issue

your child presents must...

...be terminated.

The baby's ab*rtion is an order, then?

Councilor Otomo would never

openly state this order.

Which is why we retainers...

...must smother

this seed of fire by our own accord.

Are we okay?

It seems I may have underestimated them.

- Is it over now?

No.

Not yet.

Sudo. Asanuma. Bring medicine for burns!

- Move quickly!

- Right!

We only found the Hinezumi pups this time.

So it's not over yet?

A mononoke will not stop

until it is slayed.

Something only your blade can do.

But first, we must find

the Hinezumi's Reason.

The root of its desire

to burn the oku down to the ground.

Oh, Lady Fuki!

Thank heavens!

You seem troubled, Saburomaru.

A rumor about Fuki is spreading.

- About the baby?

- No.

I hear someone found a request

to recommend

that Fuki take the reins of the oku.

A request for His Majesty

in the night chambers.

You think she wrote to His Majesty?

Where was this found?

In His Majesty's night chamber.

A maid found it while cleaning.

A letter to His Majesty,

now of all times? Impossible.

I merely repeat your ruling, my lady.

Sharing letters or asking for favors

in the night chamber

is not tolerated, right?

And besides, it seems these days,

you side with Lady Fuki quite a bit.

You forgive that strange man

for trespassing

and even defend one who broke a rule.

My, my, Lady Botan.

Is that kindness or weakness I detect?

The administrator is who runs the oku.

Remind me who that is again.

I merely aspired to comply

with Councilor Otomo's wishes.

So if I may be so bold,

you misunderstand my intentions,

Lady Botan.

That was all I wished to share today.

How you proceed

is entirely up to you, of course.

It always has been, Administrator.

It seems your father will arrive shortly.

My father is coming?

There's something

I wish to share with you.

What?

I believe you may already be

aware of this,

but a long time ago,

I used to serve Lady Suzu.

So I've heard.

However, there is one thing

that, even presently, I cannot forget.

How Lady Suzu looked on that day.

The day the fire claimed her life.

After having lost her child,

her face carried the look of a woman

whose very soul had vanished.

Lady Fuki, your face

looks exactly like hers right now.

I suppose Lady Suzu holds a grudge

against the oku, then?

Hellfire awaits us.

"Hellfire"?

A fate we'll avoid

if we manage to find the mother.

Master Tokita!

Sakashita. Appears you...

Is something wrong?

You've gotten wrinkly.

Huh?

There's a message you wish to share?

Yes.

What message, Father?

You are summoned to meet with

Councilor Otomo.

will give birth.

Huh?

Lady Fuki.

This is my decision.

Hmm.

I've been waiting for you.

Who are these people with you, Father?

They just happened to be here.

You mentioned

Tokita's daughter was involved

in something you wish to talk about?

- Correct. We discovered a letter.

- Huh?

One found yesterday,

requesting a recommendation

from His Majesty

to become the next administrator.

And on it was Lady Fuki's signature.

I just heard of this letter

from Katsunuma.

- This letter is a trap.

A trap, you say?

My assumption is

that it is a forgery

intended to frame Lady Fuki.

Councilor, this is...

These accusations are absurd--

Silence!

What makes you think so?

It's simple.

Lady Fuki is pregnant.

Gentaku, the court physician,

attempted to get rid of the child

with poison.

The Matron who died before him

died attempting to do the same.

So I suspect these rumors are

the next plot.

That doesn't really matter,

does it?

Huh?

I fail to see

how this is a problem.

The next successor

was almost assassinated multiple times!

"The next successor"?

- It's pointless keeping him alive.

- This can't...

- I said it is pointless!

Hmm.

Much obliged.

Go and save the oku.

The rule has always been that

the girl who bears His Majesty's child

comes from the family of a councilor.

Because a family with no power at all

is easy to exploit by greedy feudal lords,

and the nation would quickly fall to ruin.

But you always told us

the successor must be defended!

But if the successor

comes from their family,

it will become a seed of fire

that ruins this country!

So extinguishing this seed makes sense.

Hmm? Uh... Uh...

Did Lady Matsu truly

want me to bide here?

What we need right now is a person

who can see the full story, Botan.

One whose love for the oku

allows them to do what is necessary.

I see that Lady Fuki

broke the rules of the oku,

and she did so

by passing a letter to His Majesty.

Isn't that right, Botan?

- This is absurd!

- Listen well.

Protect the oku!

This is an order!

Someone found the letter.

Therefore, you must pass judgment

as the administrator of the oku.

It's that simple, my girl.

You call this protecting the oku?

The ones who agree with your agenda,

those are the ones causing chaos

in the oku,

and you're letting them do as they please!

Fuki!

Unforgivable.

Once more?

- Medicine Seller!

- Who is this man?

This spirit has taken in

20 years of Suzu's lingering emotions...

Suzu?

- ...and has become a mononoke.

- Mononoke?

Hinezumi.

Allow me to slay it.

- It's hot!

- What the hell is this?

Underneath?

What?

So this is where you hid.

Matsu! No!

Do you even know how many lives

you've destroyed with your actions?

All I've ever done is

dedicate myself to serve the oku

as head of the Otomo Family!

What strange behavior.

- I don't get it.

But I hear them crying out

over and over, "Unforgivable."

What?

Hinezumi would never

set fire to themselves.

Not willingly.

I've extinguished the sparks of conflict

and saved this country countless times!

You would never understand!

You're the one who forced Lady Suzu

to abort her child!

I'm so close to finding the Reason.

Well, I know nothing of this Suzu,

and I've never, ever, even once

ordered anyone to abort their child!

Then why

did the Hinezumi say, "Unforgivable?"

"Unforgivable?"

In order to prevent issues

with the succession,

those who were loyal

did the things that had to be done!

Tell me, Hinezumi,

what is it that you cannot forgive?

Why do you try to burn yourself?

It burns!

Unforgivable.

So all I have to do is drink this,

and the Saijo Family can proudly say

that it sacrificed everything it could

to repay Councilor Otomo's kindness

with our loyalty?

Suzu, do you understand?

This is as hard for me as it is for you.

No, perhaps it's even harder.

I will protect the Saijo Family.

Medicine Seller!

Ah! It burns!

Unforgivable.

Unforgivable!

It burns! Ah! It burns!

Botan! Help me!

If I die, what becomes of the oku?

What becomes of this country?

Your child was aborted by your own hand.

Not to worry, my Father.

And you regret it to the point

you would willingly burn yourself alive.

For even if we perish,

persons in positions like us

are easily replaced, are we not?

What?

What needs to be protected

above all else

is the child who will be born!

Why did you let your child...

So that's what Lady...

Why did you allow them?

No!

Unforgivable!

I would...

I am...

I am unforgivable.

"I am unforgivable."

That's what... you now lament.

The Reason.

It's been revealed!

Form, Truth, Reason.

With these three elements in place,

I shall finally release my sword!

Release!

Hinezumi.

This lingering emotion of yours

seeks to burn you to nothing but ash,

even after becoming a mononoke.

With the power of Kon,

one of the eight divine blades we wield...

Yin and Yang,

I shall purify you mononoke

so that you may finally find rest.

Flash strike!

Forgive me.

I will give birth,

even if the child is not wanted.

This is my decision,

and I will be the one

to tell Councilor Otomo myself.

But, Fuki, at this rate,

your life will be at risk as well.

I, too, wish for this child

to be safe and sound, Father.

We face the same challenge.

Oh!

- Lord Medicine Seller.

- Oh!

How can I ever thank you

for aiding my sister?

For saving her the other day.

Slaying the mononoke in these halls

was all I did.

Oh, by the way,

did you end up buying something?

Well...

Those are replacements

for what this guy burned!

I hoped this might make up

for their losses.

I'm sure they'll be delighted!

Oh...

So are you willing to allow us,

the Fujimaki Family, to mentor the child?

Now that you are the new chief councilor,

I assume you might need an ally

in the oku.

The Tokita Family will be

under my wing from now on.

Now that Councilor Otomo has passed away,

Suikoin is the only other person

in the oku who has power.

But if a successor is born, then...

I do have one condition.

I imagine you probably wish

to raise the child yourself?

I shall await good news.

- Master Sakashita!

- Huh?

You losing already?

Why you!

Look! He's got you cornered.

Huh? Huh?!

- Good day, my lady.

- Huh?

- Good day.

- Good day, my lady.

Good day indeed.

Fine! I surrender!

- Shogi is a waste of time!

What are you still doing here?

We're closing the gate soon,

so get moving.

Kume said she'd fancy a peek

at the fireworks.

"Fireworks"?

Well, it's been a while

since we've last had any,

thanks to Councilor Otomo's ban.

It's part of our job!

We're the Fire Patrol!

Fires to look out for

include fireworks too!

Really?

Lady Botan!

Are you maids resting already?

- No.

- We just...

Try not to take too long.

Apologies, my lady.

You look like you are plotting

your next breach of the oku already.

Well, what if I was?

I have something for you.

Let's hope

you never have to use it.

Hmm.

- Wow! Yay!

- Whoa!

- Amazing!

- Wow!

I will give birth.

I promise.

Mm.

Hmm.

Maybe this fire counts as a eulogy.