Episode 13: The Eight Pillar Generals

## Plot

**Spoiler warning: *Plot and/or ending details follow. (Skip section)***

While famine ravages the lands of Uzuruha, Gundhurua's forces enter Maruruha. He gives a speech to rally his men, accompanied by a lieutenant with a prominent scar. A messenger from the Mikado asks the great bearded barbarian to pull back his armies and Gundhurua executes him with one hand.

In the Capital, Haku and Kuon observe that the war hasn't so much as affected the food supply.

Mito summons Haku to his side again via the Twins, and the two have a talk. Haku thinks the Mikado should be more concerned with the war, but the latter says Yamato's history is full of such happenings—and anyway, he has loyal retainers to deal with it.

Haku asks the Mikado who the Pillar Generals really are, and Mito explains that they are individuals he's lifted up as pillars of Yamato's society. Raiko, Woshis, and Dekopompo have the authority to act in his name within the lands of Yamato. Ozen is the owlo of Kujyuri, Soyankekur of Shyahoro, and Tokifusa of Izuruha, each of whom acts as a vassal ruler to the Mikado. Munechika is the nation's invincible shield, in charge of the defense of the capital, and Vurai is its mighty spear, tasked with striking down Yamato's enemies.

They all seem to have the Mikado's trust, so Haku asks what someone like Dekopompo is doing in their ranks. The Mikado jokes that it's more fun this way, but reveals that Dekopompo's appointment is a gesture of thanks to his more loyal and competent father. Haku also asks the Mikado's age, and the Mikado replies that he can't remember.

The Eight Pillar Generals are indeed strategizing as the two speak. Soyankekur and Ozen are absent, but at Munechika's word, Woshis begins the discussion, explaining that the barbarian forces of Uzurusha have recently been unified by a charismatic leader. Dekopompo repeatedly interjects, but each of the other generals ignores him in turn.

In time, the Yamatan response is decided. The first army will be led by Vurai and Raiko, while Munechika will take the second, and Tokifusa the third. These will be dispatched to defeat Uzurusha, while Woshis remains in the capital supporting them. Ozen and Soyankekur have appointed their daughters to represent them at the battle. The Generals of the Right and Left will remain in reserve, defending the Capital.

Dekopompo complains that he has nothing to do. Raiko points out that he's useless, and Woshis tries to placate him with the suggestion that he'll participate in the *next* military action. He continues to complain until Vurai shuts him up, and he storms out of the room in a huff.

Woshis shares one more troubling report. Uzurusha has been using captured Yamatan men as their front lines. Woshis suggests a rescue, but Vurai states that Yamatan soldiers who get captured are no Yamatan soldiers at all. He finds no mercy necessary.

Soon, in and around the Capital, soldiers are massing up under the banners of their Generals, but the mood in the city is generally positive.

Oshtor explains to Haku that Vurai and Raiko are good choices to lead the response. Raiko is a brilliant tactician, and Vurai is the most loyal to the Mikado of anyone Oshtor has ever met.

A cutaway to Vurai reveals that he has lost to Oshtor in the past and now trains tirelessly, perhaps as a result.

Meanwhile, Dekopompo has led his armies, the tactician Maroro among them, out towards Maruruha against the group's plans. Vurai wants to move up his own departure to follow, but the only ones fast enough to catch up are Oshtor and Mikazuchi, whose forces are primarily composed of cavalry.

Oshtor prepares to depart. Nekone will go with him, but her hands are shaking. Kuon and Haku pour Oshtor a cup of sake to send him off, and at the gates of his estate he joins his men—with Kiwru at their head.

Rulutieh sits on a couch in the inn, reading a letter and looking concerned. Atuy steps in with a similar letter and tells her that they must go—it's for their families.

As a long line of laden carts draws food back towards the heartland of Uzurusha, Gundhurua's scarred lieutenant Zeguni looks on. A purple-haired girl, his daughter, asks why a man of his rank is needed here, and he replies that these supplies must reach their destination. He asks how her first battle went, and she tells him that the cowards of Yamato posed no threat to her. He compliments her bravery, but reminds her also of the value of life.

As he walks off, he remarks that while the hungry Uzurushans are stronger than their idle and well-fed Yamatan counterparts, they must take care not to awaken the wrath of the Akuruturuka.