Details
- Episodes:24
- Format:TV
- Average Score:71
- Popularity:1319
- Status:Finished Airing
- Season:Spring 2005
- Duration:24 min. per ep. minutes
- Genre:Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Historical, Samurai, Romance, Supernatural
- Country:JP
For centuries, the Iga and Kouga ninja clans have engaged in a bitter war. But when a ceasefire is ordered by the powerful warlord Ieyasu Tokugawa, the two clans are forced to put down their arms. Years later, Gennosuke Kouga, heir of the Kouga clan, and Oboro Iga, heir of the Iga clan, have fallen in love. Through marriage, both heirs aim to bring peace to the clans. But their hopes are dashed when flames of rivalry between their clans are reignited, and they are dragged into another war. Ieyasu's two grandsons have both claimed to be the next heir to the shogunate. To resolve this dispute, both the Kouga and Iga are ordered to send their 10 best warriors to fight in a bloody battle royale, with each clan representing one of the potential shogunate heirs. Two scrolls with the names of the fighters are given and are to be marked in blood upon the given fighter's death. The prize for winning is the favor of the Tokugawa shogunate for a thousand years. Torn between their love for each other and duty to their clans, Gennosuke and Oboro must ultimately decide the fate of their clans. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Episodes
1. Destiny
With Lord Ieyasu calling Ogen and Danjo - leaders of the Iga and Kouga ninja clan, to demonstrate each elite ninja own abilities. Impressed, Ieyasu declares the battle against the clans to determine the next Shogun.
2. Last Rendezvous
After the death of both Ogen and Danjo, not knowing they died, Gennosuke and Oboro are planning their wedding that could unite and bring peace to the clans. However, the Iga clan looks forward to the war against the Kouga clan after getting a scroll.
3. The Onslaught of War
The Iga clan sets out to hunt down and kill Kazamachi, who has the second scroll. With Tenzen leading, some members of the Iga clan plan to make sure no news of the start of war spreads to the Kouga.
4. The Horned Owl
Thinking peace will soon come, Gennosuke and Udono celebrate with Oboro and the Igas. However the Iga clan plans to assassinate Gennosuke and Udono during the feast.
5. The Surprise Attack
The Kouga clan are concerned with Gennosuke stating at Tsubagakure, even they were informed about the peace treaty. They weren't informed about the war that has arise between the clans. Saemon decides to send his younger sister, Okoi to find Gennosuke.
6. Longing in the Rain
The Kougas now knowing something drastic must of happen at Sunpu, decide to investigate knowing that the Igas wouldn't attack their village if there is peace coming. However, as the Igas return home they see Okoi, one of the listed Kouga Ten, and decide to hold her captive.
7. Blood-Sucking Seductress
As Rousai pestifers Okoi to find out the fighting abilities of the remaining Kougas alive, Koshiro is sent to tell Oboro that she must meet up with Tenzen. However, when Saemon is able to get into Tsubagakure in the disguise of Yashamaru, what he sees will be the most horrible thing in his life.
8. Cage of Blood
With Tousai dead and lord Teyasu's ninja scroll lost to the Iga, the plan to rip the Kouga apart unnoticed is slowly falling apart. With her dying words, Okoi tells Saemon the registry's true location. Determined to make it out alive, Saemon will hold up his ruse long enough to walk out with the scroll in his hands and take vengeance for his sister's death along the way.
9. Farewell
With the scroll now in Gennosuke's possession, he makes the decision to either engage in war or not. However, with being attacked by Koshiro and the other deadly ninjas, Gennosuke may have a hard time getting out of the village.
10. Divine Mandate
Two woman who hate each other and a little boy could possibly be linked to why the Iga and Kouga hate each other this moment..
11. On Their Own
Gennosuke returns the scroll to the Iga and issues a challenge that if they attack the Kouga village they will annihilated. The people left can travel to Sunpu and join them. Tenzen accepts the challenge
12. Remembrance
After blinding Gennosuke, Saemon chases after Hotarubi who misleads him by making him follow her butterflies. A battle disrupts between the two.
13. A Swarm of Butterflies
Saemon, now having the appearance of Nenki, begins to confront Hotarubi. As the Kouga ready themselves to continue on to Sunpu, Tenzen knowing they can not wait for Nenki and Harutobi, leads the Igas across the ocean in hopes of stopping Gennosuke before he reaches his destination.
14. Fallen Flower
As the rest of the Igas cross the sea, Tenzen makes an advance towards Oboro, leaving Koshiro torn between his master and the clan leader. With all the confusion this makes for the perfect opportunity for an enemy to make his move.
15. Reckoning
Still on the sea, Gyobu uses his art to move around freely to take care of the remaining Iga, but Tenzen proves to be a toilsome foe to kill.
16. First Impressions
At a lighter time before the disintegration of the no-hostlities pact, talk of an arranged marriage stirred the clans, but could one marry a spouse that they have known to be their enemy?
17. Wandering Hearts
As the Kogas continue their journey to Sunpu, Oboro's hawk flies by carrying a scroll. While two ninjas pursue the hawk, Tenzen makes his move only to find something he did not expect.
18. A Dawn Without Light
As Hyoma and Koshiro battle, it is revealed that Hyoma was Gennosuke's mentor teaching him how to use his ability.
19. Conspiracy
Oboro and Akeginu discovers the lifeless bodies of Hyoma and Koshiro. Thinking that Koshiro was killed by Hyoma, Akeginu repeatedly stabs the already dead body of Hyoma.
20. River of Mercy
Akeginu vows revenge on Kagero after Tenzen reveals that Koshiro was killed by Kagero's breath.
21. With All Her Heart
Kagero sets out to kill Oboro, after telling Gennosuke that she killed her wanting gratitude. She however gets caught in a trap caused by Tenzen.
22. The Haunted
Oboro issues out a challenge to draw Gennosuke out from hiding. Meanwhile, with Kagero captive Tenzen tortures her with needles. Gennosuke finally arrives.
23. Emancipation
With Tenzen defeated, Gennosuke carries Kagero away. However wanting to be with him she tries to kill him with her poisonous breath. Oboro's eyes are finally open.
24. Requiem
The last battle between the Kouga and Iga, determining who will inherit the title of Shogun. Oboro and Gennosuke face each other for the last time.
