A shinobi officer from Seii arrives in a rush. He demands a meeting with General Ryumon. The General brings this information to the 3rd Emperor Fuji and Minister of Domestic Affairs, Taira Denki. General Ryumon anticipates an increase in “anti-Yamato sentiments” and potential invasion. He asks for permission to prepare for Seii’s attack. Taira interrupts claiming that it will be “useless”, to give General Ryumon permission. He argues that Seii doesn’t have the manpower to invade. Taira goes further and implies that General Ryumon is a traitor.
Suddenly, Taira Denki’s snot nose son, Taira Tonotsugu, arrives claiming to have a letter from Seii announcing their desire to surrender. Specifically, Nagao Muuton and his officers. Tonotsugu asks the Emperor to transport troops, food, and supplies to Nagao. General Ryumon warns the Emperor that this plan seems “deceptive.” He calls it the “self-torture,” stratagem where you intentionally wound yourself or an ally then take advantage of the mistrust it produces.
The price of disloyalty
Being the gutless coward he is, the Emperor gives in to the Taira demands. Later General Ryumon and Kaku Yasuaki discuss the result of the meeting. Kaku believes this is a perfect chance for Seii to attack. However, both of them have plans. General Ryumon plans on taking Kaku to the Kaga Province, leaving everything else to everyone else. Tsune and Aoteru are confused. Why tell them all this if they’re staying?
Suddenly, Archivist Director Moriyama argues that they should surrender. He thinks that Chief Wajima is “benevolent,” and would make a better leader than Taira’s. Kaku claims that Moriyama is “brainwashed.” Kaku argues that Wajima is manipulating her people and is luring them into war. Kaku challenges Wajima’s narrative, claiming that she’s seeking “revenge,” not a “great cause.” General Ryumon asks Aoteru what is the “crime,” Archivist Director Moriyama has committed? Aoteru responds, “incited disloyalty among subordinates,” and the penalty is “three years of exile.”
The subordinates on the other hand will go unquestioned. General Ryumon leaves the remaining military in the hands of Tsune and Aoteru.
