[ominous music playing]
[water dripping]
[dripping intensifies]
[rain pelting]
[clappers clack]
[indistinct chattering]
[rhythmic Japanese music playing]
[gasps]
I finally made it.
There's the Ōoku.
[music intensifies]
I'll take your offerings here for the Birth Celebratory Ceremony.
Please form a line.
The Ōoku is off-limits to men.
And women can only enter if they possess a pass.
- [bells jingle] - So that's the Ōoku, is it?
[exclaims excitedly]
I'm so excited! I can hardly wait!
Ah!
Huh?
[gasps] Thanks for your help.
[tinkling]
[woman 1] Oh! Thank goodness. They didn't fall apart.
Huh?
Know what they are?
I'm afraid I don't, but they look like they're quite delicious.
Rice balls with magnolia leaf miso.
They smell good.
- [woman 1] Would you like one? - [woman 2] What?
[woman 1] My grandmother gave me these to hand out to everyone
as thanks to those looking after me at the Ōoku.
[woman 2] Mm.
I've come here to work. It's my first day.
My name's Kame.
I also begin work at the Ōoku today.
I'm Asa.
My, that is utterly irresistible, isn't it?
[Asa gasps]
The smell of burnt miso
and magnolia leaves.
[Kame gasps]
Well, try one. You're more than welcome.
I have plenty to share.
Thank you. I just might.
Hey! You two over there.
Lady Asa and Lady Kame.
Right?
Wow. You're both as beautiful as the rumors said you were.
I'm truly honored.
It's really nice to meet you.
The long journey must've been exhausting.
I'm Sakashita. I work here at the palace.
As a guard of the Ōoku,
my job is to watch over this here Nanatsu Gate.
Now let me take your luggage for you.
[Asa] I appreciate the offer.
However, this is all I have, so I can manage.
You sure about that?
Lady Kame, you, on the other hand, seem to have a lot.
Master Sakashita,
these are yummy rice balls my grandmother made.
Won't you try one?
Oh dear! They sure do smell rather delectable, don't they?
[tinkling]
Would you like me to prepare you a little love potion perhaps?
Ah! And who the heck might you be?
Me? Oh, I'm just a humble medicine seller, sir.
I sell various things, like a potion from England
that makes a girl fall for you, for example.
I don't need such a thing!
Something about you feels off.
Like, what's going on with this whole outfit anyway?
Just a word of advice.
You ladies need to stay away from scoundrels like him.
- Nothing good will come of it. - [Kame murmurs]
[man 1 chuckles] All right.
Well, you'll just have to tell me the rest next time we meet.
You're a funny fellow.
- Goodbye. - [man 1 chuckles]
- [girls giggle] - [man 1 chuckles]
Would you stop that?
This is the Ōoku, Hiramoto. Please behave.
Hold on, Saburomaru.
I sense pretty ladies.
Oof. Those two are easy on the eyes, huh?
Enough already!
If you keep messing around and acting like a pig,
I'll throw your pass away!
Oh jeez. Stop being so uptight. While we're here, let's have some fun.
Show me your passes, just to be safe.
Huh? Oh, where is it? [gasps]
[giggles]
[metallic clang]
[squeak, clank]
[gate mechanism clanking]
Senior maidservants Madam Awashima and Madam Mugitani
will be waiting for you just beyond the gate.
Make a good first impression. Good luck to both of you.
I'll go introduce myself right away.
Thank you so much. And don't forget to enjoy your rice ball.
Yes, thank you very much!
[grunts] Stop right there!
Will you be needing that love potion after all?
Nice try, but someone like you has no place here at the Ōoku.
It's reserved exclusively for the women gathered for His Majesty. No men allowed!
This Nanatsu Gate is as far as you can go.
And if you attempt to pass through here without permission,
you'll lose your head.
See you later, Medicine Seller!
- [laughs awkwardly] - [Medicine Seller chuckles]
And I don't need love potions!
[mysterious music stabs]
- [kimono rustles] - [gasps]
[chuckles]
[Kame] One, two...
[sharp clack]
["YM03" by Taku Iwasaki & Lotus Juice playing]
MONONOKE THE MOVIE: THE PHANTOM IN THE RAIN
[music fades]
[birds chirping]
[water trickling gently]
How do you do?
[all] How do you do?
- [Kame exclaims] - Madam Awashima, the head housemaid.
And you can call me Mugitani.
- I am the housemaid. - [Kame giggles]
My name is Asa.
My name is Kame.
[both] It's nice to meet you.
[shimmering chime]
[Awashima] Now please take a drink.
This is the water of our benevolent Water Goddess,
who watches over us all.
[Mugitani] All women who live here at the Ōoku
partake of this water every morning.
In doing so, under the protection of the Water Goddess,
we will always be prepared to produce a successor.
- [Kame inhales deeply] - [Asa] Hmm.
[gulping]
[coughing]
Now that that's complete,
you will gather your most cherished items that you've brought with you from home
and throw them into the well as your offering.
With it, you're discarding the person you were until this moment.
The person I was until...
Do I have to?
[servant 1] We must, since we're to become property of His Majesty.
- [servant 2] Exactly. - [servant 3] They're only things.
[Kame] You're right! [giggles]
Okay, then. [murmurs hesitantly]
You see, these are rice balls that my grandmother gave to me.
I thought maybe you could all share them. We could pass them around, or maybe...
Oh, what are you...
Uh...
[Awashima] Excellent.
I'd say this sacrifice has only deepened your resolve.
[servants] Madam Utayama, how do you do?
- [servants] Madam Utayama, how do you do? - [Asa] Hmm?
[tense music playing]
You won't be able to perform your expected duties properly
if your priorities are material.
- You'll see. - [Asa] Excuse me.
Are we not able to cherish beloved items and our work at the same time?
Well, I must say,
you certainly do speak your mind, don't you?
[Asa] I've loved words and practiced writing since an early age.
My father urged me to continue my studies here
since I was granted the opportunity to enter the Ōoku
in recognition of my accomplishments.
However, I have nothing I cherish so much that I cannot throw it away.
[gasps]
[Awashima] You have nothing that you cherish?
[Kame] This was my grandmother's.
- She gave me this comb. - [Asa] Kame.
- [Kame] As a good luck charm. - Stop. You don't need to do this.
Hmm? But I really do.
I have to perform well at the Ōoku. I have to!
[Asa gasps]
[tinkling]
[whimpers]
[tense music intensifies]
[droplet plonks]
- [unsettling music playing] - [eerie disembodied chanting echoes]
[rapid rattling]
[Sakashita] Hmm.
[Medicine Seller] I sense a form...
- [Sakashita grunts] - ...has emerged.
[mysterious music playing]
[eerie chanting continues]
- You're all going to get soaked. - [chanting halts]
Ooh! M-- Madam Utayama!
- I'm so sorry you had to witness this! - [Kame] Hmm.
Hey, you two! What are you doing? Bow your head!
This is Madam Utayama, administrator of the Ōoku,
and by her side, Lady Botan, a concubine.
My, Madam Awashima,
this newcomer is actually very well-mannered
and not at all lacking in respect.
[Awashima] I apologize, madam!
She hasn't yet learned the correct mindset needed
to fulfill her duties.
[straining]
[Asa] On the contrary. I will dedicate my life to my duties.
[Awashima straining]
The Ōoku is not a place
for self-actualization or personal fulfillment.
What do you mean by that, ma'am?
[Awashima] How dare you talk back to Madam Utayama!
Your personal goals are now secondary.
From this point on, the Ōoku is your identity.
Both you and I are here for that singular purpose.
As you come to fulfill that purpose,
you will eventually gain a higher perspective.
[intriguing music plays]
[Asa] "A higher perspective"?
You shall realize, in time, the burden you carry today
will be a distant memory, small and insignificant.
[Awashima] You're so wise!
I shall also be sure to remember this sage counsel!
[Botan] Madam Utayama, we should go.
We mustn't keep the gentlemen waiting.
Madam Mugitani, do try not to be too zealous if you can.
[Mugitani] Of course, Lady Botan!
[water splashes]
- [Medicine Seller] Mr. Sakashita. - [Sakashita] What?
Why are all these people gathered here?
[Sakashita] You don't know of the Birth Celebratory Ceremony?
I simply smelled a money-making opportunity.
Ignorant.
One of the concubines, Lady Yukiko, has given birth to His Majesty's child.
This Birth Celebratory Ceremony is a celebration of that new life.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
Isn't the ceremony supposed to be held before the birth?
[hesitantly] Look, that's because...
Well, you see, a lot has happened.
[music fades]
[woman] Madam Utayama will be arriving shortly!
Excuse me! Oh, please stop!
That's Madam Utayama's! [shrieks]
[murmurs wearily, groans]
[Utayama] It's fine.
- I apologize for keeping you waiting. - [both] Hmm.
My name is Saburomaru Tokita. This is Hiramoto Saga.
Don't worry. We haven't been waiting long.
Please explain to us
why the Birth Celebratory Ceremony was postponed two months ago.
[Utayama] I ask you leave everything to me.
We were sent over here because we clearly can't leave it to you.
[Utayama] The explanation is as stated in the report.
[Hiramoto] Simple lack of preparation isn't an explanation.
[Utayama] I already reported to Councilor Otomo regarding this matter
and was instructed to keep the handling of this situation
strictly within the Ōoku.
Councilor Otomo?
Correct. I'm Botan of the Otomo family.
I serve here as a concubine.
It's been rumored Lady Yukiko had a very difficult childbirth
and hasn't yet recovered.
So some believe that this is because the ceremony wasn't held
when it should have been.
- If that was the case, that would... - [whimpers]
...make you personally responsible.
Indeed. I hear your concerns.
That's precisely why we made the unorthodox decision
to postpone the event to a later date.
[Hiramoto] Madam Utayama, our duty is to oversee the Ōoku and--
[Utayama] The Ōoku belongs only to His Majesty!
You should learn your place.
[Saburomaru] Yes, I apologize.
But we've been sent by the shogunate to supervise
and ensure the Birth Celebratory Ceremony proceeds smoothly.
I imagine Councilor Otomo told you this already.
Of course he did.
However, I must ask you to refrain from making more vulgar,
inappropriate overtures towards our girls while you're here.
- [Saburomaru growls] - [Hiramoto grunts]
[Utayama] Remember, you're in the Ōoku, where men can't go.
I do not care whether you're here on official business or not.
Anyone who breaks the rules shall be punished, no matter who they are.
[Saburomaru] Very well.
Please make arrangements so we can fulfill our duties
starting tomorrow.
[Utayama] Understood.
[sharp clack]
[mellifluous music plays]
[lock clacks]
[bells jingle]
[chuckling wheezily]
Suma is thirsty, master.
[Majesty] You are not.
Kiyo is thirsty as well.
[Majesty] You are not.
[ragged breathing]
Your Grace, Fuki is not thirsty.
- [Majesty] Matron. - Yes!
Your master is thirsty.
Lady Fuki again.
He's got his favorites. You should know that by now.
[tense, ethereal music plays]
[music ends]
[Mugitani] The Ōoku employs approximately 2,000 maidservants.
Your first duty will be cooking breakfast for everyone before sunrise.
[Kame exclaims]
Uh... uh... uh...
- [Mugitani groans] - Uh, I... I'm so sorry!
[Mugitani] First you'll be preparing meals for 50 people on the fourth side.
Once you're used to that, we'll increase it to 100.
One hundred?
[Mugitani] Be sure to finish your breakfast before serving the others.
- [Kame gasps] Mm-hmm. - Yes. Understood, madam.
Asa, your writing is so neat.
Before "before sunrise"? I wonder what time that is.
[Asa] I used to make breakfast for my neighbors every day.
I'm sure we'll be fine.
Um, I've actually never made breakfast before.
[sharp clack]
[Botan] Lord Saburomaru is the younger brother of concubine Lady Fuki
and third son of the Tokita family.
That doesn't change anything.
We shall continue preparations for the ceremony.
The Tokita family is currently gaining momentum.
I would prefer to avoid fighting them and giving them any unnecessary leverage.
That's a problem neither of us want.
For both me as an Otomo
and you as someone under my family's protection.
[Utayama] Then perhaps we should let them feel as though they've done some work.
[Mugitani] Your status here will be as maidservants.
Both of you will sleep in a second-floor room.
You are to serve Madam Awashima...
Whoa! Two thousand?
And yet, out of all of them, only eight girls will ever get the chance
to serve His Majesty as a concubine.
[Mugitani] Take the initiative...
[Asa] The longest journey begins with the first step.
...the futons!
Understood, madam!
[Kame] Mm-hmm.
[rhythmic Japanese music playing]
[Kame gasps]
- It's the concubines. Stay alert. - [Kame exclaims]
Be sure to make way for them.
[Suma] We are like decorative flowers
used to further enhance Lady Fuki's beauty.
They are so close, I could touch them!
His Majesty seems to have forgotten our existence
and only has eyes for Lady Fuki.
- [Kame exclaims] - Are you listening to me?
[Kame gasps] I'm so sorry!
Here's hoping he'll pick us decorative flowers once in a while.
[Fuki] I wouldn't fret too much.
His Majesty first spoke to me when I was still a bud yet to bloom.
I'm sure your time will come too.
- [Kame] Oh, Lady Fuki! - [Fuki] Mm.
- [Mugitani gasps] - [nervously] How do you do?
Gosh, you're beautiful. So pretty.
Hmm. You must be new.
Yes, my lady! Kame. Nice to meet you.
[Fuki chuckles] How do you do?
[Kame] Hmm?
- [Kame gasps] - [growls]
[nervously] Ah...
[whimpering sigh]
[birds cawing]
[unsettling music playing]
You done selling your snake oil or what?
Come on! We're closing!
Oil is not one of the goods that I sell.
I peddle in other things.
[grunting]
[Hiramoto] Aren't you drinking?
No. I'm not drinking till we finish our assignment.
[Hiramoto] A boring stick in the mud. That's what you are.
[Saburomaru] This may be more difficult than I initially thought.
What do you mean? All we have to do is look at pretty girls.
[unsettling music continues]
I could get used to this. Hmm.
The Ōoku is more than just a place for producing His Majesty's successor.
[Hiramoto] Yeah, yeah. I get that.
[Saburomaru] The shogunate and Ōoku are two sides of the same coin.
Power relations outside the Ōoku are maintained by the groundwork laid here.
[Hiramoto] Politics aside, if a successor isn't produced,
one might wonder if the Ōoku has another purpose.
[laughs] Oh, sorry.
Didn't mean to imply anything about your big sister.
Our duty is just to oversee the ceremony,
but the higher-ups have their sights on Utayama.
Ugh, that old hag. [sips]
I don't like her.
[Saburomaru] I can assume why they didn't want their intentions
made apparent to the Ōoku.
If our experience with her was any indication,
I see why they wish to reduce her influence!
- [sword swishes] - [music fades]
She thinks she runs the world.
Man, I can't stand that smug look on her face.
You got it rough as the third son of the Tokita family.
I mean, you only got this job thanks to Lady Fuki,
so you can't let her down.
You gotta make sure you deliver.
What happened two months ago to make them postpone the ceremony?
I know there was a reason.
Perhaps Madam Utayama has held power in the Ōoku for too long.
- [pensive music playing] - [Kame] Hey.
Didn't that water smell disgusting?
[Asa] Yeah.
As if it were almost rancid.
It makes me wonder
how Madam Awashima and the others drink it like it's nothing.
[both] Time for fire check! Time for fire check!
[Kame] Maybe they just deal with it 'cause they're doing it for His Majesty?
Oh.
I wish I could just skip all of this
and become a concubine like Lady Fuki already.
I must admit, she was very pretty.
[Kame] When Lady Fuki passed by us today,
even Madam Mugitani's eyes lit up.
[grumbles]
[exclaims] It's Lady Fuki!
Gosh, she's so pretty.
All concubines are pretty. You should know that by now.
Your eyes lit up too, didn't they?
[Asa] This might sound strange,
but if I'm honest, I'd rather learn a skill
than be turned into some glamorous concubine.
My goal is to one day take on the role of official scribe.
[Utayama] Hmm.
[Kiyo] The attention His Majesty's been directing
towards Lady Fuki lately has been, uh, rather intense.
[Suma] Well, it makes sense.
Lady Yukiko did give birth to a girl.
[woman 1] I imagine Lady Fuki must be extremely talented at what she does.
[woman 2] Well, at this rate,
it's clear His Majesty's successor will be...
You seem like you would be good at pretty much anything you do.
Whereas, I'm not sure I'm really cut out for life at the Ōoku.
You and I can work as a team, so there's nothing to worry about.
[birds chirping]
[Kame sobs gently]
[uneasy music playing]
[woman 1] Lady Yukiko hasn't been picked for some time.
[woman 2] Lady Fuki's influence only continues to grow.
[Suma] And as for Lady Botan Otomo...
[Kiyo] She doesn't seem all that interested in the night service.
Asa! Do you mean it? [whimpers]
[gulping]
[both grunt]
[Fuki inhales, grunts]
[gulping]
[grunts, sighs]
You know, Asa, I gotta say.
- Huh? - I'm really glad that we met.
[Asa sighs]
I am too.
[uneasy music continues]
We have an early start tomorrow. Let's get some sleep.
[Kame] Hmm. Good night.
[Asa] Good night.
[sharp clack]
DAY TWO
[Kame murmuring nervously]
[tinkling]
[Asa] Hmm.
- [clattering] - [Kame exclaims]
[panicked breathing]
[Kame laughing nervously]
[Asa sighs]
[Kame's breathing softens]
- [bird chirping] - [water trickling gently]
[girls, in Japanese] ♪ All manner of misfortune ♪
♪ Sin and defilement ♪
♪ Purify ♪
♪ Cleanse ♪
- ♪ By the will of heaven... ♪ - [man grunts]
[Kame gasps]
[in English] The Water Goddess has no interest in fire or smoke.
- [amused scoff] - [Kame gasps]
[girls, in Japanese] ♪ Grant us good fortune... ♪
[girls giggle]
[Kame groaning]
[sucks teeth, whimpers]
[cup clatters]
[uneasy music playing]
[Shoji slides shut]
Hmm. [gasps]
[mysterious music playing]
[Awashima, in English] Madam Utayama.
How do you do?
[servants] How do you do?
[Utayama] The recently postponed Birth Celebratory Ceremony
is now three days away.
[giggles]
[Utayama] We're expecting many guests to attend the festivities.
There may only be a few days left, but that's no excuse for laxity.
Everyone shall remain focused and diligent.
[people murmuring]
[man 1] Remember, women without a pass will also be denied entry!
[man 2] I'll take your offerings for the Birth Celebratory Ceremony!
Form an orderly line!
It's far away. At least for now.
There'll be some personnel changes from the ceremony onwards.
The coordination of this Celebratory Ceremony
shall be entrusted to Awashima.
[gasps]
[Utayama] Awashima will heretofore switch from head housemaid to guest greeter.
From food and drink down to the decorations,
I expect you'll handle it all efficiently.
So every one of you will now fall under Awashima's command.
There will be over 100 participants at this Birth Celebratory Ceremony.
From seating to facilitating the flow of guest traffic,
every detail must be perfect.
Mugitani shall be promoted to head housemaid
so she can take over Awashima's former duties.
To do this, she needs a mentor familiar with the power dynamics
amongst important shogunate officials and various lords.
So Concubine Otomo will guide her in this endeavor.
Mugitani, be sure to learn proper etiquette from Otomo.
[Mugitani] Yes, ma'am!
[Utayama] And although she only just arrived yesterday,
I have something to ask of Asa too.
[Kame] Huh?
[Utayama] She will serve as a personal guide
for Saburomaru Tokita and Hiramoto Saga,
inspectors from the shogunate.
- Although unprecedented... - [Asa gasps]
...I will assign Asa the rank of housemaid.
- Gentlemen, do you have anything to say? - [gasps]
- [Asa gasps] - Wow, Asa. Well done.
[Asa sighs]
My name is Saburomaru Tokita.
- Lady Asa, we'll try not to be a burden. - [Kame gasps]
[Fuka] "Tokita"? Could he be related to Lady Fuki?
[Hiramoto] Madam Mugitani, I'll need some one-on-one guidance from you later.
[laughs]
Although usually off-limits to men, they have come to the Ōoku
to see to it that the preparations for the Birth Celebratory Ceremony
do not fall short.
[servants giggling]
[Utayama] Asa, make sure to attend to our gentlemen friends properly
so they understand
nothing occurs here that requires supervision.
This is the Ōoku!
Everyone, serve it with your mind, body, and soul!
[rousing music plays]
[Asa gasps softly]
To your positions now.
[servants] As you wish, ma'am.
- [sharp clack] - [music fades]
Hmm.
[all whimpering]
I wonder if Lady Asa and Lady Kame are doing all right in there?
From your first impression of them, how would you guess they're doing?
What do you think?
[rattling]
I'm sure Lady Asa is fine, but I'm worried about Lady Kame.
Girls that are too kind often don't make it out in the real world.
Yet the girls who do somehow make it through
sometimes are so changed by it
that the next time you see them, it's as if they're a different person.
[droplet plonks]
- [Kame] Asa! - Hmm?
Hey, there you are.
- I've been hard at work... - Kame.
...studying up on how things are done here.
I can help you guide those two.
It's fine. I can perform my own duties afterward.
[uneasy music playing]
- Mm... - What do you say?
All right, then. Sure.
[Sakashita] There was another girl recently
that completely changed after her experience, just like I said.
Know where she might be today?
Story is she left the Ōoku, went back to her hometown.
So you heard.
And did you happen to hear a name as well
for this girl?
- [clatter] - [Sakashita] What are you--
Why am I even telling this stuff to someone like you?
[Sakashita grunts, groans]
[Asa] The night chamber lies over there, up ahead.
[Kame] To think I'm standing in the place Lady Fuki passed yesterday
on her way to perform night service.
[exclaims joyfully]
Oh, I wanna be her!
[Saburomaru] This has been very insightful.
You have my gratitude.
There are so many interesting things here to learn about.
Lady Asa, how long has it been since you first came to the Ōoku?
[Kame] Hmm?
[water burbling, splashing]
Oh, nice work, Kame. I'm impressed how much you know.
[chuckles] Yeah, well...
[Asa] The rice ball for the ceremony will be pulled around the Ōoku
and end up here,
where the official scribe will finish proceedings by inscribing...
[Hiramoto] Saburomaru, so which one of them is your type, huh?
[groans] We're on the job. Knock it off.
[Hiramoto] Don't get so embarrassed.
[Saburomaru] Sh!
[Asa grunts]
[sharp clack]
[Utayama] The purification salt should have arrived by now.
[Awashima] The weather has caused a delay.
I'm thinking of securing a substitute from a nearby wholesaler to be safe.
[Utayama] No. Why don't you have Asa do it?
- Lady Asa? - [Kame babbling]
Hey, Kame!
[Utayama] Awashima, how many years have you been at the Ōoku?
- Working's made me hungry. - [Awashima] It's been six.
[Utayama] I have made it a personal practice
to entrust those with the will and ability a heavier burden.
That goes for you and her.
But to move up to housemaid on her first day at the Ōoku...
- Even in Kitagawa's time-- - [Botan] Madam Awashima, take a look.
[Utayama] From reading this, you certainly wouldn't think she was new here.
[Botan] Lady Asa composed this.
We all desire the same things.
[Mugitani screaming]
[Utayama] We want to be recognized,
to be loved,
and, of course, to feel important.
[both] Hmm.
[Utayama] These are needs that one, unfortunately,
cannot satisfy on their own.
Those around us expected to fulfill these needs
are also our main competition for those same limited resources,
the same love and attention.
I promise... I will do better.
[sobbing]
[gasping]
- I just wanted to talk with you. Oh. - [whimpering]
- [Kame yawning] - Hmm.
[Shoji slides open]
Man, this might just be the longest day of my entire life,
and I... huh?
[gasps] So this is a private room, huh?
- Oh, I hope I get one of my own real soon! - [Asa gasps]
It's amazing in here, Asa.
You might be the only person to ever get an official position
on their first day of work.
[Asa] Madam Utayama chose me for this role. I have to work hard.
[Kame] Okay, I'll leave you to it.
Huh? You're going already?
Yeah, I just wanted a quick look at the private rooms.
I'm a mere maidservant. I have futons and stuff to tend to.
Oh. Well... I'll see you tomorrow, all right?
[Kame] Yeah! Tomorrow. See you.
[Asa sighs]
- [clatter] - Huh?
[mysterious music playing]
[sighs]
[squeaking]
[disembodied whispers echo]
[bell jingles]
[Asa gasps]
[mysterious music continues]
[gasps]
The umbrella's gone.
- [woman] My apologies. - [Asa gasps]
[woman] You see, I left that doll here.
- [woman] I forgot it... - [Asa gasps]
...when I changed rooms.
[Asa gasps]
Hmm? Oh.
Were you the last occupant of this room?
That's right.
My name is Kitagawa.
Lady Kitagawa, I'm Asa. It's an honor--
[Kitagawa] Oh. Come now. Don't be so formal.
I hope this isn't nosy, but your kimono...
I'm assuming that means you're the official scribe?
My dear, such hierarchies really only exist within the Ōoku's walls.
When I was a little girl,
I visited the Ōoku with my father, and I was transfixed.
Enthralled.
The Birth Celebratory Ceremony was mesmerizing.
- [breath quivers] - [Asa] And, well...
...I've dreamed of working at the Ōoku ever since that day.
I remember it so vividly.
I was fascinated by the official scribe, who wielded her brush so powerfully,
surrounded by the beautiful dancing princesses.
[Kitagawa] I was the one who was to fulfill that role
in the recent Birth Celebratory Ceremony that was postponed.
[Asa] Yes. I heard it was suddenly canceled for some reason.
[Kitagawa] That's right.
[tense music swells]
[gasps]
[shrill scream echoes]
[scream ends]
This brush is magnificent.
Why don't you apply for the role of official scribe?
[Asa] I couldn't possibly.
I'm still not ready. Not at all.
I'd like to talk with you again.
When we meet, forget hierarchies and formalities.
- [umbrella opens] - I appreciate it.
[Kitagawa] In the meantime, look after that doll for me?
- [Asa] Huh? - I'll come back to see her again too.
Take care.
- Rest well. - I will.
[Asa gasps] Lady Kitagawa!
Have a good nigh... night.
[sharp clack]
DAY THREE
[tinkling]
[gasps softly]
Hmm.
[clack]
[in Japanese] ♪ All manner of misfortune... ♪
[Kame yawns]
[in English] Come on, Kame, wake up.
I'm so sorry.
I rely on you for everything.
Makes me feel needed.
[girls continue singing]
[in Japanese] ♪ Cleanse ♪
[Kame] Huh?
♪ By the will of heaven... ♪
[girls giggle]
- [girl 1, in English] Let's go! - [girl 2] Okay! [giggles]
[strained gulping]
[both] Hi, Papa!
Huh?!
- There's my good girls. - [girls giggling]
[Kame groaning]
[tense music plays]
[grunts]
[Mugitani] What is this? What is going on here?
I thought I told you to finish this yesterday.
What happened? Did you forget?
[Kame] Um...
No, it's not that.
Uh... Oh, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'll do it quickly now!
[Mugitani] You think you can start now? They'll never dry!
That's why you were supposed to finish all this yesterday!
You can't just decide to do it today.
[Awashima grumbles]
[Mugitani] Besides, you have other work today
you haven't done yet either.
How sloppy.
Don't you feel embarrassed winging it like this?
[Awashima whimpers]
- [Asa] Is something the matter? - [Kame gasps]
She... she's not finished!
Your friend! She hasn't completed her duties!
[Asa] My deepest apologies.
- [kimono rustles] - [Kame] Huh? Oh!
- I should have made sure. - [Awashima grunts]
[laughs]
I'm afraid that's not enough.
What about the purification salt I asked for yesterday?
I bet you haven't sorted that out, Lady Asa.
I did.
I sent someone to retrieve it right after receiving your instructions.
It arrived in this morning's early delivery.
Well, will you look at that? Lady Asa can do her job!
And then there's you! That's not even the worst of it.
Lady Kame didn't even wake up to prepare breakfast this morning.
What do you make of that?
[Asa] Don't blame her for that.
I never asked her for her help. It's my fault it wasn't done.
This was a duty that you had assigned for two people to complete,
but I thought I could do it alone.
I apologize. It was a mistake on my part.
So, in other words,
it sounds like the only thing you're capable of
is wasting your time flirting with men!
[Kame] How could you say that?
[Mugitani] Yesterday, you shirked duties to flirt,
and today, you're oversleeping!
Are you just incredibly lazy, promiscuous, incompetent, or all of the above?!
- [Kame] If you saw the-- - Oh, my, my, my!
- Am I being too mean? Should I be nicer? - [Kame] That's not what I meant.
- What did you mean? - That's quite enough of that!
[music fades]
Now then, Lady Kame,
gather your belongings and head straight to Madam Mugitani's room.
[Kame whimpers]
[Awashima] You will get a more thorough lesson
on exactly what your duties entail.
- [Mugitani laughs menacingly] - Madam Mugitani.
Please behave in a manner befitting of an Ōoku maidservant.
Let me show her how. It was my responsibility.
My, my.
You're willing to take on the responsibility
of instructing Lady Kame, after becoming a housemaid?
Yes, ma'am.
If that is to be my duty, then I humbly accept it.
I promise!
- [Asa gasps] - [Kame] I-- I'll be careful from now on!
I'll work hard!
- [Mugitani] I don't think so! - I'm sorry!
I'll be the one to see to it this foolish girl learns her lesson.
- [Kame] I'm sorry! - Kame--
[sharp clack]
[Hiramoto] Such beautiful hands.
- [girl gasps, sighs] - [Hiramoto chuckles]
[Hiramoto laughs]
[Hiramoto] From what I gather,
two months ago, there was a maidservant who quickly fell ill and left the Ōoku.
Also, it seems no one here is aware
of the reason for the ceremony postponement.
Should we get the shogunate to look into this situation?
This really is a fascinating device! What does it do?
That item is a scale.
A scale? Uh, but how?
How does it-- Or wh... what does it weigh?
The distance between.
Between what?
Between that... which cannot be seen by humans.
[guards murmur nervously]
[unsettling music playing]
It would seem that you have no real intention
of doing any hard work here.
It's obvious to anyone with eyes to see.
[Kame] I swear to you, I'm trying my best.
- [Mugitani growls, grunts] - [Kame] I... I am.
But I have a hard time waking up in the morning.
I... I try to remember all my instructions but always end up forgetting.
- [gasps] - [Kame] I don't do as well as the others.
I know that.
I always feel like I'm ten steps behind.
[frenetic, unsettling music plays]
- Then why did you even come to the Ōoku? - [Kame sobs]
[Mugitani] Why are you here? Answer me!
[dramatic electronic music playing]
Hmm.
Huh?
[ding]
Hmm.
- [music intensifies] - [Mugitani grunts]
- [Kame yelps] - [Mugitani] I've dealt with your kind.
You think you can get away with anything simply because you've got a pretty face!
Just another ambitious harlot aiming to shack up with His Majesty!
[Kame whimpers] That's not true.
[gasps]
Hmm?
[energetic percussive music playing]
[clack]
[plonk echoes]
Finally!
- No! Stop! Give it back! - Stop grabbing onto me!
If you really plan to dedicate yourself to the Ōoku and work hard,
then you won't need all this!
[Kame screams]
[music swells]
I told you, cross this line,
and you'll lose that precious head of yours!
Ah!
[groans]
[yelps]
[music softens]
- The mononoke. - [gasps]
It's here.
- Wait! Hold on! - [tense music plays]
Ah! This is an emergency! Emergency!
[suspenseful music plays]
- [scale jingles] - [Medicine Seller] Further in?
Hey! You can't go... in... What the...
- [Medicine Seller] What happened? - My kaleidoscope.
- [man] Master Sakashita! - [groans]
- Where's the intruder? - Huh?
- Madam Awashima! - [all] Huh?
- [scale jingles] - [Awashima whimpers]
- [Medicine Seller] So it's up there. - No! Don't leave me!
- [Medicine Seller yells] - [tense music playing]
[Asa] Madam Awashima!
Said she heard an awful scream that sounded like Madam Mugitani.
[Awashima whimpering]
[tense music builds]
Has it gone?
Is dangerou-- [screams]
[Utayama] What's going on in...
Kame!
- [music ends] - She's still breathing.
[Asa gasps]
Was Lady Kame the only one here?
I believe Madam Mugitani was also in this room.
[Medicine Seller] It's helpful that you're so calm.
Please tell me she's not...
No, she'll wake up any mo...
[gasps]
[dramatic sting]
- It would seem... - Huh?
...that I didn't quite make it in time.
[rumbling]
- You hear that rumbling sound? - What the heck is it?
[dinging]
[whoosh, clatter]
[whoosh, splat]
[both gasp]
- [dramatic sting] - [screams]
[sobs]
[people screaming, whimpering]
Mugitani.
- [Medicine Seller] Trust me... - [terrified wailing]
- ...this isn't the work of any human. - Huh?
- Who the devil are you? - Not the work of a human?
Oh, I'm just... a medicine seller.
[Sakashita] You're guilty of intruding into the Ōoku
and willfully sowing disorder and chaos!
Put that away.
You're dealing with something that cannot be slain by that sword.
This is the work of a mononoke.
- A mono-- - Noke?
[Medicine Seller] The cause of all these apparitions.
- [Utayama] Apparitions? - [Sakashita] No such things in the Ōoku!
[all screaming]
- Please stand aside. - Ah!
Let me handle this mononoke.
[all scream and grunt]
The wet floor leaves the shape of a circle as it dries.
Which tells me... the name of this Ayakashi...
[yells]
[grunts]
...before it became a mononoke...
- Hmm? - ...was Karakasa.
[dramatic music playing]
Madam Mugitani.
Do you... guys hear that?
I have acquired... its Form.
What are you talking about?
I cannot rid you of these apparitions if I do not first slay the mononoke.
The kaleidoscope...
However, a mononoke cannot be slain using any mere human weapon.
Huh?
This is one of the eight swords
representing Yin and Yang.
This one is named Kon.
A masterpiece from the realm of Shuga, entrusted to us 64 guardians.
It's known by another name.
[electric guitar riffs]
- [music stops] - The Sacred Sword!
[dramatic music resumes]
Then why haven't you slain it with your sword if it's so powerful?
[Medicine Seller] Certain conditions must be met in order to draw it.
- What are they? - It requires Form, Truth, and Reason.
Without these three elements,
I will not be able to draw the sword.
Truth is the way things appear.
Reason is the true motives
and passions that smolder beneath the surface here at the Ōoku.
[music fades out]
So you're saying all you need to kill this mononoke
is to present the sword with these three elements?
[Medicine Seller] That's correct.
But in order to present these three elements...
- Sakashita. - Ma'am!
- Please provide this man with a pass. - [Sakashita] Madam Utayama?
[Asa gasps]
I want you to destroy this thing you call "Karakasa."
[Medicine Seller] Hmm.
You are not to speak a word of tonight's incident to anyone.
And until the ceremony is over,
if anyone asks of Mugitani, she's alive and well.
Huh?
- [bell jingles] - [footsteps approaching]
Understood, Awashima?
Yes, madam. I understand.
Ladies and gentlemen of the room, to save the Ōoku, I shall require...
[metallic rattle]
...that you share your Truths with me along with your Reasons.
[sharp clack]
[groaning]
[retches]
[sharp clack]
DAY FOUR
[tinkling]
[tense, ethereal music playing]
[girls, in Japanese] ♪ All manner of misfortune ♪
- ♪ Sin... ♪ - Huh?
♪ And defilement... ♪
- ♪ Purify... ♪ - [gulps]
[rumbling]
[in English] Is the water delicious, heavenly maiden?
No.
Out, Water Goddess.
[in Japanese] ♪ Grant us good fortune... ♪
[in English] All I ask is that you could please wait before dismissing Lady Kame.
- [chest clatters] - Hmm.
[ethereal music playing]
[Utayama] There is no place for the weak
or those who cannot devote themselves entirely to the Ōoku.
Who these individuals are becomes clear within the first three days.
[gasps]
- [door locks] - [ding]
[Utayama] Hmm. Very well. I will let you deal with Lady Kame.
[sniffs] Uh...
[high-pitched thrum, jingling]
[stirring music playing]
[gasps] Who's that guy?
[Saburomaru] A peddler from the Nanatsu Gate.
[Utayama] I have an important announcement.
Madam Mugitani has suddenly and unfortunately had to return home.
[Saburomaru grunts]
[both grunt]
- [Saburomaru] What the-- - [Hiramoto] Are you seeing this too?
She left early this morning and regrets that she couldn't say goodbye.
Look.
[Utayama] She who carries the heavy burden on her shoulders
will gain strength to climb the next step.
I would like to appoint Asa as head housemaid
and have her take over from Mugitani in her absence.
She's gonna be head housemaid?
Has this ever happened before?
Lady Asa.
Can you carry that burden?
[Asa] Please, madam,
leave it to me.
[Saburomaru] That maidservant never actually made it home.
[Hiramoto] What are you saying?
That missing maidservant's name...
[footsteps approaching]
[Hiramoto] What on earth is a peddler doing in the Ōoku?
You're lucky you still have your head.
[Medicine Seller] Why don't you ask Madam Utayama why I'm here?
Madam Utayama is a powerful political figure.
I'd like to reach that level of success.
[murmurs] A sword?
[bells jingling]
[Saburomaru] I'd like to ask you about a certain maidservant.
[jingling continues]
[Kitagawa] Does the water taste good?
- [jingle] - [mystical music plays]
Lady Kitagawa.
Sometimes, one must discard something cherished
so we can move forward.
I wonder, Lady Asa, what you will discard.
Everything I once had, I actually yearned to discard.
But some things must not be discarded.
Such a thing may not even be...
- [Asa gasps] - [creaking]
[Kame] Tangible.
[Kitagawa] Once it's discarded, you'll dry up inside.
I guess I do have something I wish to protect from drying out.
That is why I must throw it away.
- [mystical music continues] - [gasps]
[music fades out]
Lady Asa.
[Asa breathes heavily]
Mm.
[footsteps approaching]
[Kame] I don't want to...
I don't want to meet with Madam Mugitani.
I can't do it.
You don't have to. You can work with me today.
- Do you think you would enjoy that more? - [Kame gasps]
- [Asa gasps] - You mean it?
[Asa] Mm-hmm.
[Utayama] Someone must attend to the ceremony guests.
Do you think you're up to the task?
Madam Utayama, do not forget I am not your subordinate.
As an Otomo,
I'm here to balance the dynamics between the Ōoku and those on the outside.
[kaleidoscope chimes, tinkles]
[Utayama] A stern response.
[Kame straining]
[soothing Japanese music playing]
[exclaims, grunts]
[exhales deeply]
Hmm?
[hurried footsteps retreating]
Oh!
[women giggling]
[exclaims]
- [soft thwap] - Oh!
[unsettling music playing]
[Kame gasps, screams]
[Awashima] Remember this.
We maidservants must never approach the night chamber.
- Those are the rules of the Ōoku. - [Kame whimpers]
- [bells jingle] - [both gasp]
Is this guy a magician?
- What's happening? - [Hiramoto] Hmm.
Karakasa is nearby. I feel it.
[Hiramoto] Karakasa?
[gasps]
I've got you now.
[grunts]
[Awashima] I'm beginning to wonder
if your aim is to endanger my position
by creating all of these problems.
[unsettling music continues]
Such neat handwriting.
[Kame] I don't mean to!
After meeting Asa here at the Ōoku, I knew I was never gonna make it.
[tense music plays]
That I couldn't do things as well as she does,
that I'd never be able to measure up.
At this rate, I'll be forced to leave any day now.
That's why... I thought if I could catch His Majesty's eye...
[Awashima] Are you sabotaging me
because we made you throw away your grandmother's beloved comb?
- Huh? - [Awashima] Tell me the truth!
There is no mononoke, is there?
Hmm? What's a mononoke?
[Awashima] I'd wager you and Lady Asa hid Mugitani somewhere, didn't you?
Madam, I don't know what you're talking about. I...
[music builds]
[Awashima] Lady Asa put you up to everything, didn't she?
[Kame grunts, whimpers]
You think you can come here and do whatever you want
and shirk any responsibility you don't like?
- There's nothing more cowardly! - [screams]
[Awashima] You're a selfish, spoiled brat who doesn't belong here!
[Hiramoto] Is this a dream?
[Saburomaru] Just follow him!
[screams]
Those eyes! So power-hungry!
Why do you favor her over me?
Tell me why, Madam Utayama!
[Kame yelps]
[tense music swells]
[Awashima snickers]
[whimpers]
[laughs menacingly]
[Awashima gasps]
[whimpers]
I never wanted to throw it away!
- [Kame panting] - [Awashima] Forgive me!
[sobbing] No! No!
[Kame] It won't open!
[gasps]
Someone help me!
[Awashima screams] I'm sorry!
I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! [sobs]
I'm sorry! I'm so--
- [dramatic music playing] - [grunts]
- [music halts] - [gasps]
[eerie music playing]
[whimpers]
[groans]
[choking]
[Mugitani] I'll see to it
this foolish girl
learns her lesson.
[Kame screaming]
The Medicine Seller and those two inspectors
are causing chaos.
How so?
- [woman] Saying there's a mononoke! - Hm.
[dramatic music resumes]
[Medicine Seller grunts]
[grunts]
- What is that? - Stay back!
Take her!
[Hiramoto] Hold on! [grunts]
[girls gasp]
It's too late... for this one.
[girls shriek]
Transforming humans into rainwater?
[Asa gasps]
You'll find Lady Kame by the earthen floor.
[Asa] Huh?
[electronic chirping and warbling]
- [Asa] Kame! - [both gasp]
[Asa gasps]
[rain pattering]
Two months ago,
a maidservant went missing from the Ōoku.
That maidservant was alleged to have been sent back home.
But then she disappeared off the face of the Earth,
and nobody knows where she went.
[Hiramoto] You need to tell us the truth.
Did Madam Mugitani really go home this morning?
[Saburomaru] The Birth Celebratory Ceremony
was postponed two months ago as well.
None of this is a coincidence, is it?
[Medicine Seller] Not yet.
It's close.
[music builds]
Do you hear that sound?
Don't pry into matters that don't concern you.
I thought I told you it's been reported to Councilor Otomo.
Reveal to me... the name...
- [thud] - ...of the missing maidservant.
- [Asa] Lady Kitagawa is-- - The former official scribe of the Ōoku...
- ...Lady Kitagawa! - [music fades out]
- [teeth chatter] - [echoing ding]
[Medicine Seller] I have acquired its Truth.
Lady Kitagawa is its Truth?
[Medicine Seller] The mononoke.
- It's here! - [sinister music plays]
[clattering]
What is that?
[Medicine Seller] What you're seeing is
the mononoke, Karakasa!
[music intensifies]
Forgive me!
[dramatic music playing]
[gasps]
- [music subsides] - [rain pattering]
This isn't the worst to come.
It hasn't attained its final form.
Once Karakasa materializes in this world, it will become unstoppable.
Awashima?
What in the world is happening here at the Ōoku?
[clank]
- The show goes on! - What?
[Utayama] The ceremony will proceed as planned!
[Asa sighs]
[sharp clack]
[Kame] I can't handle it! This is all too scary!
Asa, don't let go of my hand till the sun comes up!
- [Asa] Mm-hmm. - [Kame] It's a promise!
If you let go, I won't speak to you again.
[Asa] I promise I won't let go.
[Kame] No matter what!
[Asa] By the way, I talked to Lady Kitagawa.
Wait. Wait. Hold on.
What do you mean you talked to her?
[Asa] I mustn't dry out.
[Kame] What?
- That's what I learned. - Uh...
[Asa] Thanks to Lady Kitagawa, I realized what was important,
what I should never throw away.
Well, that's great!
[Asa] Mm-hmm.
- [Kame] So what was it? - Uh...
[Kame] The thing that's important to you.
[Asa] I can't say.
[Kame] Aw!
Come on! Tell me!
Tell me! Tell me! Tell me! Tell me! Come on! Please! Please, please, please!
Kame, there is something I want to tell you.
Hmm? What is it?
- It's something really important. - [murmurs expectantly]
[sharp clack]
THE DAY OF THE BIRTH CELEBRATORY CEREMONY
Please, I ask you not to get in our way.
[stirring music playing]
I don't understand. What are you saying?
Madam Awashima passed away after the Birth Celebratory Ceremony.
But why?
[Asa] A Birth Celebratory Ceremony seems like just a duty,
but it's a duty into which many have poured their entire heart and soul.
What are you saying? Can a duty be that important?
I should ask you the same thing.
Wasn't your real duty to find something to bring down Madam Utayama?
[Saburomaru] Lady Asa...
[Asa] I'll send a messenger later.
Your duty shall have to wait until tomorrow.
We'll have no disturbances. I'll see to that myself.
No matter what it takes.
[bell jingles]
[girls, in Japanese] ♪ Grant us good fortune... ♪
[girls giggling]
[sighs]
[in English] A little birdie told me you spoke with Lady Kitagawa?
[Kame] Sorry to gossip, but I thought the medicine seller
might be able to protect you, Asa.
[Medicine Seller] If we put our heads together,
we can determine the mononoke's Reason.
I likely won't be of much help. I don't know what happened to her.
But...
But what?
[Asa] It's strange, but I think I'm starting
to truly understand Lady Kitagawa's feelings.
- [Medicine Seller] Her feelings? - Huh?
Interesting.
I wish I could give you something more useful. I'm sorry.
It actually helps more than you think.
But the real mystery to solve is Madam Utayama.
- Why is she now pushing for the ceremony... - Good question.
...despite the Ōoku being plagued by apparitions?
[melancholy music playing]
[Utayama] This is the Ōoku.
There are times when one must suppress their own feelings for the sake of duty.
I discern whether or not a person can be entrusted with important roles here
based on whether or not they're capable of that.
[Asa] Like for Lady Kitagawa.
[Utayama] That's right.
Which means the mononoke's next victim will be...
Madam, the apparitions might cease if you canceled the ceremony.
- [gasps] - [Asa] Like you did two months ago.
[Utayama] Is that what you think?
[Asa] Madam Utayama...
I believe that it's our duty.
[stirring music plays]
[Utayama] You're right.
[music fades out]
The mononoke is scary!
What about the ceremony?
Are you joking? People have died. Surely it can't be held.
[Utayama] The Birth Celebratory Ceremony will still go ahead as planned.
[Hiramoto] That apparition did a number on her.
- In place of the late Madam Awashima... - She looked like a mummified monk.
Madam Awashima must have endured so much pain.
The day of the ceremony is upon us.
I ask of you... please give me your full cooperation.
Huh?
[grumbles]
[building groan]
[exclaims]
[Asa gasps]
[chuckles softly]
[grunts]
- [bell jingles] - Hmm.
[laughs]
Let us bring honor to His Majesty...
- Gotta say, she's becoming pretty bold. - ...the consort and their child...
...by ensuring this ceremony proceeds...
- [whispers] Very bold. - ...without a hitch.
[Asa] Now let's commence the Birth Celebratory Ceremony!
Everyone, report to your positions!
[servants] Understood, ma'am.
[sharp clack]
- [indistinct chattering] - [lively music playing]
[men chanting] One, two! Rice ball, make way!
- Rice ball, make way! - [crowd cheers]
Rice ball, make way! Rice ball!
Do you find anticipating the event lasts longer than the actual event?
[Utayama] The longer you do this,
you'll find that time stops for nothing and no one.
[Asa] Doesn't seem fair that you can't participate.
[Utayama] It's fine.
That's life for those of us behind the scenes.
[music fades]
At least if I'm here, then when the mononoke--
[Asa] I remember what you told me when we first met.
That as I went on, I would develop a higher perspective.
[poignant music playing]
[Asa] You were right, Madam Utayama.
Any suffering I endured before the Ōoku
now seems insignificant and so far away.
[Hiramoto grumbles]
[Utayama] The perspective of those who stand above others...
- [Saburomaru grumbles] - ...you learn what's important.
[grunts, pants]
[Asa] I saw a version of myself that wasn't fazed by anything.
[chanting] Rice balls, make way!
[Asa] However, something also kept me grounded,
in touch with my emotions.
That thing...
[jingle]
...was Lady Kame.
[Utayama] Speaking of, have you decided how to deal with her?
[Asa] I instructed Lady Kame in writing that she must leave the Ōoku.
[sobbing] ...wear a beautiful kimono, and show His Majesty...
[Utayama] You didn't let emotion sway you. You made the right decision.
- [Saburomaru yells] - [bells jingling]
And yet, I yearned for nothing more than to share meals with Kame.
And spend countless nights just staying up late,
giggling and talking to her.
[tense music plays]
I owe it to Lady Kitagawa.
To Kitagawa?
[Saburomaru grunts]
[breathes heavily]
Anyone at all!
[bell jingles]
[bells jingling]
[music fades]
[ominous music playing]
[Saburomaru grunts]
[tense music playing]
[gasps]
Madam Utayama!
[Utayama] Is the mononoke here?
[snarls]
[screaming]
[music subsides]
[unsettling music playing]
[music intensifying]
[dramatic music playing]
[Kame whimpering]
[whimpers]
[Kitagawa] I... I threw it away.
[Utayama] Medicine Seller!
[Medicine Seller] If we don't slay it soon, it's over!
[Asa gasps]
[gasps, whimpers]
Tell me the Reason! If I'm not able to draw my sword, we're done for!
Madam Utayama!
What is it? What'd you throw away?
[Utayama] What?
We're out of time!
It's trying to get through to this side!
[yelps]
Tell me!
I need to know why Karakasa's after you!
[Utayama] I have no idea!
[Asa] The ceiling!
[panting]
[gasps]
[Kame whimpering]
Here I go!
[screams]
[Hiramoto panting]
Saburomaru. Where'd he go?
Uh...
[Saburomaru gasps]
- [music subsides] - [Saburomaru breathing heavily]
[water dripping]
[Kitagawa] I'm all dried out.
[moans]
[Asa gasps]
- [dramatic music playing] - [growls]
That's Lady Kitagawa?
[Asa] Lady Kitagawa!
Kitagawa?
[music subsides]
[Kitagawa] Nothing left.
[Kame] Huh?
[Kitagawa] I'm all dried out.
[ethereal music playing]
So that's her. Lady Kitagawa.
And now Karakasa.
[foreboding music playing]
[bells jingling in succession]
It's manifesting
in this world!
- [bells jingle] - Huh?
[dramatic music playing]
[music intensifies]
[whimpers]
[grunts]
[chittering]
[grunts]
[choppy whirring]
[gasps]
- [whimpers] - [gasps]
[screaming]
[whimpers]
[screams]
[music fades out]
[Kitagawa] When they forced me
to throw away my cherished possession,
I didn't hesitate.
[wistful music playing]
[Kitagawa] If I cast it away,
I thought I'd become... a different person.
Madam Utayama showed me favor.
I steadily rose through the Ōoku's ranks.
[water splashing]
[Kitagawa] There was another girl who entered the Ōoku at the same time.
[grunts]
[Kitagawa] She struggled to fit in and couldn't seem to do anything right.
- [panel opens] - I became increasingly irritated with her.
The day I was given an important role in the ceremony...
I told her to leave the Ōoku
so I'd have less to worry about... and could focus better on my duties.
Why, that's what I thought.
But
I was wrong.
I turned inward to discover what had changed within me...
[Saburomaru gasps and pants]
...and realized... there was nothing left inside.
- I was dried out. - [Saburomaru sobbing]
[Kitagawa] Before I knew it,
I had lost the will to perform my duties.
So I lost my position.
And before long, I couldn't even leave my room.
[melancholy music plays]
My soul felt barren and parched.
I must have thrown part of it away.
[gasps]
[Kitagawa] Something important.
- I had thrown it... in the well. - [giggles]
[gasps]
Huh? [exclaims]
No, look out!
[stirring music plays]
[laughs]
[grunts] Kame, don't let go--
[gasps]
- [screaming] - [Kame grunts]
[bell jingles]
Asa, hold on!
[strains]
[Asa gasps]
It'll be... all right!
[screams] I've got you!
[Asa's breath trembles]
[screams]
[music soars]
[collective screams echoing]
[screaming continues]
[blade rasps]
[Utayama] Kitagawa?
[Asa] Lady Kitagawa said to make sure...
that I never let myself dry out.
[wistful music playing]
[droplet plonks]
[suspenseful music builds]
[Utayama] Does she hold a grudge?
No.
I don't believe Lady Kitagawa harbors a grudge
against anyone at all!
[music stirs]
[bell jingles]
[gasps]
- [gasps] - [Utayama] It is... my duty.
For the sake... of the Ōoku,
I will fulfill my duty!
[Asa panting]
- [Kame groaning] - [music fades]
[Kame] It stinks.
The Reason
has been revealed.
[dramatic music playing]
I offer Form,
Truth, and Reason.
With these three things, my sword awakens!
Now, release yourself, Kon!
[sword] Releasing!
["YM32" by Taku Iwasaki, Yutaka Fukuoka & Lotus Juice playing]
Karakasa.
Prepare to be cut down,
purified, and laid to rest.
This is not your world, mononoke.
Flash strike!
[blade clangs]
[music continues]
- Forgive me. - [music fades]
[tinkling]
[ethereal thrum]
[gong rings out]
[wind gusting]
[gasps softly]
[water trickling softly]
[sharp clack]
[men] Down we go!
- [people cheering] - [cheerful music playing]
[muffled cheering fades]
- Is that the mononoke? - Hey!
Why don't we go together?
Guess what! I know what your important thing is now.
[Asa gasps]
[Kame giggles]
- [Asa] I gotta go! - Uh... Huh?
All right, then.
- [clack echoes] - [music fades]
- [tranquil music playing] - [rhythmic clapping]
[clapping ends]
[bell tinkles]
[Asa inhales deeply]
I made it. I'll do my duty with honor.
Are you ready?
[all] Ready!
[uplifting music playing]
Ready!
[all] Ready!
[people cheer]
[muffled cheering]
[music crescendoes]
- [clack] - [music fades out]
- [tinkle] - [Kame giggles]
[sobbing]
[tinkles]
[inhales deeply]
Time for a new adventure.
Now I take my leave.
- [chuckles] - [tinkling]
[laughing]
[wistful music playing]
[Sakashita sighs]
Hmm.
[Kame] Medicine Seller!
- [tinkling] - Huh...
[Kame laughing]
- Uh... [grunts] - [girls] Hmm?
[water trickling]
[Medicine Seller] I sense it.
Its Form, though, is still unseen.
- [bell jingles] - [gasps]
[sighs, chuckles]
How wonderful. She's smiling.
[wistful music continues]
[grunts]
Uh. [inhales shakily]
[gasps]
[sighs]
[music fades out]
[dull clack echoes]
PART TWO
TO BE CONTINUED IN "THE ASHES OF RAGE"
["Love Sick" by AiNA THE END playing]
[lyrics in Japanese]
[music ends]
[dramatic orchestral music playing]
[music fades out]
[dramatic electronic music playing]
[music fades out]
[sharp clack]
THE PHANTOM IN THE RAIN
THE END