Episode 10: Forest of Schemes

**Forest of Schemes** is the 10th episode of Utawarerumono: Futari no Hakuowlo anime series.

## Plot

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

Oshtor plays a card game against Nosuri, but she is quite bad at it. Nekone then comes bringing news that one of the Eight Pillar Generals, Tokifusa of Izuruha, had requested an alliance with them. Ougi and Nosuri explain that he took over Izuruha after their father, but they barely know him. While it may be a trap, Oshtor decides to risk it as its a good chance and decide they should go to Izuruha.

The group go and meets with Genho, Ougi and Nosuri's father. After Oshtor introduces himself, Genho takes him to his place. Genho had figured they are there for make allies, but tells them no. Nosuri wants to defeat the traitors and restore their family name. Genho states that's nonsense and tells Oshtor that he don't want Nosuri to bear the burden of a family name or clan. Genho explains that she left to make a name for herself, but haven't accomplished anything. He was banished from his country and even if he tried to raise an army, no one would come, but in the case they come, it would be because he asked them. If she wants to get involved in this, she needs to solve her problem. Oshtor understands that Genho means that she needs to be able to lead the clan herself. Genho notes that she skill haven't learned to see ahead of time. The group then explains that's why they trust her as they always know what she is thinking and that if someone is missing something, the rest help out with it. Genho explains that if they want to bring the clans together, a fast way of doing it is to show the Golden Seal. Nosuri is sure that Tokifusa will gladly give them the seal.

Raiko meets with Maroro and states he got his written answer, but wishes to hear it in person too. Maroro states he don't want to lead any armies, after seeing to what Oshtor had turned to. Raiko tells him that he hopes he continue to work for Yamato's peace and safety and offers him some tea. A special tea that is good for Maroro's health. Maroro than thanks him and drinks it.

Oshtor's group go to meet Tokifusa, and Oshtor explains that he will meet the princess later after they form the alliance. As they get inside the walls, Oshtor notices soldiers and Tokifusa explains that the others are aware of Tokifusa's decision and he is preparing troops to send at the borders just in case something happens. Oshtor asks Tokifusa for his reasons as up until now he remained neutral. Tokifusa states that ten years ago, their clan was tasked with bringing offerings to the Mikado, but they allowed them to be damaged. The Mikado was infuriated and the clan's survival was in danger. They had to choose to banish their leader, who is the pride of their clan. As Nosuri states it was her father, Tokifusa recognizes that they are Nosuri and Ougi. He apologizes to them for what happened, but they had no choice. Tokifusa took his place and did everything he could, but not all clans obey him. Tokifusa states that after they form an alliance, he wishes for Nosuri to take his place and lead the clans. Nosuri is happy to accept, but explains she still haven't officially taken over the family name and wish Tokifusa to help her persuade her father and that she needs something golden. Tokifusa shows the Golden Seal and Ougi asks him if he can lend it to them, to show it to their father. Tokifusa states the item is quite important and as he tries to put it back in his pocket, he almost drops it. He then offers them to stay for the night at the castle.

Later, they are having a party and they are served drinks. Kuon notices something and stands up and decides to pour everyone more, but puts something additional in their drink and tells them to drink it all. He decides to pour some more to Tokifusa, but he refuses. She then acts like she slipped and drops the drink, and takes the bottle from which he was drinking and pours secretly from their bottles. She again offers to pour more and seeing its his bottle, Tokifusa accepts. After a while, Tokifusa falls asleep and the group then knocks out the servants. Kuon explains that there was a sleeping drug in the drinks and she added a herb to keep them awake. Ougi takes the Golden Seal and gives it to Nosuri, guessing its the real one, because he didn't trust anyone but himself. Nosuri states that if you stop trusting people, no one will follow you. Later, some soldiers wake up Tokifusa, and tell him that Oshtor's group is gone. Tokifusa then notices that the Golden Seal is also gone.

Oshtor's group then go to Genho and show him the seal. Genho is impressed and guess that he tried to trick them with his alliance plan and he probably told a story about his banishment that made Tokifusa look good. Genho explains that he indeed didn't manage to protect the offerings and they were damaged, but on his journey, there were tons of unexpected strange accidents. However, Genho had decided to send the real offering with a different group, which ended up saving it. However, Tokifusa states the offering was broken. Oshtor realizes that the offering was broken after reaching the castle. Genho decided its not worth arguing. Nosuri decides to give the seal to the princess and to become a greater ruler than her father on her own way.

Raiko refuses to send troops to Tokifusa, as the agreement was that he will do if Tokifusa capture Oshtor. However, he can give him a plan. Nekone then reports that court troops are heading for Ennakamuy. Raiko states that the pray stay hidden in the forest, but when it sees its nest in flames, it will come racing out.

***Spoilers end here.***

## Characters

*By order of appearances*

* Nosuri
* Oshtor
* Nekone
* Ougi
* Kuon
* Genho
* Raiko
* Maroro
* Tokifusa
* Saraana & Uruuru