TENPO YEAR 10 (1839)
It's starting to get chilly.
I can bear with it for now, but I'll be freezing soon.
They could at least put a brazier in here, considering it's a shrine for the Miko of the Fire God...
We don't want any fires breaking out. Plus, it's difficult to ventilate tatami rooms like this properly.
Just bear with it.
You're not wrong, but I still hate being cold!
Well, that's understandable, but...
So, isn't this where you volunteer to warm me up instead?
You can't be serious.
Still not a big boy yet, huh?
Poor little Jinta!
You're just so helpless without your big sister around.
You're the younger one here.
Near the Modori River?
Yes. The finer details are still unclear,
but we know for a fact that a strange creature has recently made the river its home.
Go, Jinta. Fulfill your duty.
Uncover the truth behind this irregularity, and slay it if it proves to be any threat to Kadono.
Understood. I shall carry out my duty as ordered.
Now then. If I may, Princess?
Go ahead.
Your attention, everyone.
I have an important announcement to make in relation to this demon hunting expedition.
Traditionally, the sentinel is handpicked by the Itsukihime to serve as her bodyguard and defender of the village.
As you know, Jinta is the current sentinel.
And his talent with a sword surpasses even that of Motoharu, the previous sentinel.
But there has been a noticeable rise in demons after the last famine
and now it seems even the Modori River is plagued by monstrosities.
We've also seen our fair share of intruders trying to get into Kadono.
The long-standing custom in our village has been for a single sentinel to serve the Itsukihime.
However, doesn't that seem inadequate given our current situation?
Thus, my announcement...
I will hereby be appointing an additional sentinel who will be tasked with keeping the Itsukihime safe
whenever Jinta must depart to slay demons.
This is unprecedented.
My word.
Of course, he needs no introduction.
None other than my son: Kiyomasa.
My name is Kiyomasa and I will be serving as sentinel. It's a pleasure to work with all of you.
Though Kiyomasa does not hold a candle to Jinta, his swordsmanship is well-practiced.
He is more than capable of handling bodyguard duty.
Naturally, I did not make this decision unilaterally.
The Itsukihime has also given her approval. Isn't that right, Princess?
Yes. There is no denying that demons have been proliferating.
We need to be prepared.
And you, Jinta? I trust you're okay with this, too?
Yes. Whatever serves to keep the princess safe.
Then we shall have two sentinels from hence forth. Please do your best to protect Kadono and the princess.
Guess we're two of a kind now. Eh, Jinta?
Hey, Shirayuki. Who is that?
Oh, him? That's the chieftain's son, Kiyomasa.
Kiyomasa.
Make your preparations, then come and stand guard.
Sure, sure.
As for Jinta, there is something I need to discuss with you before you depart on your mission.
Standby for the time being.
Okay.
So, that brings our meeting to a close.
A second sentinel, huh?
I know it's a necessity, but it feels wrong...
Regardless of the circumstances, I am still your sentinel. And I'll never let that title go.
Then, as the Itsukihime, I shall see to it that your dedication is rewarded.
Well then, I'll depart once Kiyomasa makes his way back here.
Okay. Please do.
Just make sure to watch your back out there.
Don't worry your big sister. Come back in one piece.
Why are you always like this?
At least have the decency to send me off with "I pray that your hunt is successful" or something.
Welcome back, Big Brother!
Thanks. Everything good today?
Yep. No problems!
Sorry, but I've been dispatched to slay demons.
Aww, again?
Bye for now.
Don't worry. I'd never let a demon get the better of me.
Okay. But please be careful, seriously.
Right. I'll be back soon. Just sit tight.
Okay!
Too bad you can't just stick around and bodyguard the princess all day, huh?
What's the matter?
Nothing.
Oh, hey. Do you happen to remember Kiyomasa?
Kiyomasa? Who's that?
The Chieftain's son.
Oh, is that so?
Sorry. That was a weird question.
Alright, I'm heading out.
'Kay! Be safe!
Yo, Jinta!
Based on that sour look, I'm guessing you're gonna deliver bad news to Byakuya.
That's right.
You've gotta get your act together, tough guy.
I know.
Really now?
How is your bodyguard work going?
I'm out here doing my rounds, aren't I?
Although, I would've preferred keeping watch over Byakuya in her bedroom
to see what she looks like in her sleep.
Kiyomasa.
At least mind your manners when you're outside the shrine.
And refer to the princess with proper respect.
It's fine.
She's the one who said I should call her that.
What kind of excuse is that?
Don't glare at me.
Princess, I'm here to make my report.
I was unable to uncover any leads on the potential demon. My utmost apologies.
That's all right. It's not a problem I was expecting you to solve in just a day or two.
A slow and deliberate hunt is far better than a rushed one.
The peace and safety of Kadono hinges upon your blade, after all.
I am much obliged.
You're too soft, Byakuya.
Failure deserves to be met with some discipline, don'tcha know?
Kiyomasa.
You need to show proper decorum when serving as a sentinel.
Aw, what's the big deal?
Now then, Jinta. Clean yourself up before resuming your hunt.
You must determine what this creature actually is.
Understood.
Kiyomasa, you will continue to stand guard in the meantime.
You don't hafta tell me twice.
I'm gonna do my part as best I can.
Don't worry about a thing, Jinta. I'll keep Byakuya nice and safe.
Head's up!
What's this supposed to be?
They're manju. I bought 'em from a salesman who stopped by.
They ain't for you!
I know your kid sister almost never goes outside. I figured she'd enjoy a sweet treat or two.
Why do you care about Suzune? Did something happen between you?
Hell no.
But I'm not dumb. She and I have a lot in common, ya know.
I get the pain she's going through.
Although I'll never be as tough as she is...
You have my thanks.
Just save your breath and apologize to Suzune-chan instead, okay?
You leave her alone too damn much.
Should I travel upstream a little more? Or head deeper into the forest?
It's a tough call.
Some kind of simian monster?
Damn! It's got the speed and acrobatics of an ape, too!
Get back here!
Here are your dango, sir.
DANGO
Oh, thank you.
Looks yummy!
I'll swing by again soon, Chitose-chan.
Thank you very much!
Whoa! What happened to you?!
Jinta-nii!
Are you all right, Jinta-nii?!
Hey! Somebody get the Chieftain!
Hurry!
Jinta-nii! Jinta-nii!
I'm sorry.
What are you apologizing for?
Not only did I come back injured, but I failed to slay the monster.
That's okay.
Right now, the men of the village have come together to form a defensive line around the shrine.
One word from the Itsukihime and everyone helps out.
But...
Let it go already.
I'm just glad... that you didn't end up dead.
I'm sorry.
Jeez.
As usual, having you at my side like this really puts me at ease.
Even when you're all banged up!
Did you really have to dig it in?
Ah, wondering about those? They're Kiyomasa's books.
He brought them?
OF HEARTS
AND DEMONS
Well, given all the danger outside...
actually, I'm not even allowed to leave the shrine in the first place, right?
So he brought me some books to read and pass the time.
Oh, I see.
Actually, Kiyomasa says he's writing a book of his own.
But he got all flustered when I told him I wanted to read that, too.
His face was redder than a beet!
Jinta?
Oh, it's nothing.
Are you sure?
Th-that's a real monster! In the flesh!
Jinta!
Kiyomasa! Look after Shirayuki-
I mean, guard the princess!
But...!
Stay out of it. This is my prey!
I don't understand.
What's got me so rattled?
Don't worry about a thing...
It's getting stronger?!
I'll keep Byakuya nice and safe!
This demon can exploit the weakness in my heart, eh?
That annoying bullshit won't work on me!
Shirayuki swore an oath
to cast aside her own happiness and pray for the benefit of everyone else instead.
I admired that selflessness and took up the sword to protect her.
So I'll be damned...
...if I start having doubts now!
Shirayuki.
Now you sleep... for eternity.
Ever since I became a demon, time has flowed in a manner that feels far too slow.
Nevertheless, that hasn't stopped any of life's fleeting moments
from continuing to pass by and accumulate endlessly.
The long and short lives of people intertwine among them.
As we are swept along and separated in the river of time.
Wait up!
C'mon! Race you to that tree!
Slow down, Big Brother!
Shirayuki.
I remember the moment when my blade severed that monster in two.
Yet I can't help but wonder, what did my heart sever that day?
After countless seasons have come and gone,
a new era arrives.
BUNKYU YEAR 2 (1862)
SWORD SHOP TAMAGAWA
Does that katana not meet your standards, Miura-dono?
I can see it's been properly sharpened.
But something feels amiss...
Although, I've never experienced a real battle for myself.
I just wonder if a samurai's blade should ever be this clean.
You're always so earnest, Miura-dono.
Well, if that katana doesn't sit right with you, then perhaps I can show you something special.
It might change your perspective.
I appreciate it.
This is the work of the blacksmith Kaneomi.
May I unsheathe it?
By all means.
M-my God...
This is incredible.
Among all the blacksmiths from the famous village of Kadono, Kaneomi was known as the master of masters.
He forged thick blades with profound curvature and simple temper lines.
They were made for practical combat in every aspect.
This is indeed a katana meant for the battlefield. Yet it exudes such beauty!
Superb is the only word to describe it.
But I've never heard of this "Kaneomi" fellow before.
There are only a handful of katana inscribed with his name, so only true fanatics are familiar with him.
Although, I suppose that he was famous in a certain sense.
Meaning?
Well, there are four especially noteworthy swords among the works of Kaneomi.
I actually could have shown you one about three days earlier.
Only four of them? They must be quite the masterpieces.
No. It's just the opposite...
they're cursed swords, you see.
Cursed?
Kaneomi was in cahoots with a demon.
He forged those swords by using its power, or so the story goes.
I had no idea that was even possible.
There was a demon who frequented his workshop and he eventually took it as his wife.
There are many tales that it was she who melted the steel Kaneomi used to forge his katana, or some such.
You had one of those here?
And you sold it knowing it was cursed?
One of the shogun's retainers in charge of Aizu bought it.
I run a business here. I never stop my customers from making purchases,
regardless of the moral implications.
I see. May I ask the name of that blade?
Yatonomori Kaneomi.