Details
- Episodes:26
- Format:ONA
- Average Score:65
- Popularity:3857
- Status:Finished Airing
- Season:Fall 2006
- Duration:24 min. per ep. minutes
- Genre:Action, Drama, Historical, Samurai
- Country:JP
In the final years of the Bakumatsu, wandering mercenary Yojiro Akizuki travels the length and breadth of Japan. And while he employs his sword in the usual fashion, he also uses it to help him locate supernatural items which he pursues with single-minded determination, often with bloody results. In the course of his quest, he crosses paths with a traveling theater group whose members have their own dark agenda. Is it a chance meeting or the result of some, as yet, undiscovered conspiracy?
Episodes
1. A Foul Star in the Sky
An ominous star lurking in the sky while two horsemen deliver an urgent message to the emperor. Later, Youjiro saves two kabuki students from sudden death.
2. The Earth-Splitting Sword Laughs
The assassin-bodyguard Hario follows Youjiro. Later, Youjiro agrees to travel with the kabuki troupe to offer his protection.
3. Ballad of Stone Crane Mansion
Parkes arranges a bodyguard for Katsu. Meanwhile, Youjiro and the theatre troupe have finally caught up with their target. But even out-numbered and surrounded he puts up a good fight.
4. Anecdote of an Underhanded Scandal
Yuyama becomes an increasing threat to Nakaiya Juubei; Saigo Magozou is sent to assassinate him. Youjiro's history is revealed.
5. Shureiki Unleashed
Nakaiya Juubei recruits three dangerous men who quickly become possessed by demons. This causes them to lose their minds, and Youjiro must save them.
6. The Closing Performance Burns
We learn of the bloody history of Yokohama and of the even bloodier history of Youjiro's sword. Meanwhile, the troupe is creating a clever plan.
7. Soutetsu Moves
Soutetsu leaves the troupe and seeks out a strange object capable of summoning a demon before he meets with Nakaiya Juubei. Meanwhile, the rest of the Troupe think back to when they first met.
8. Satisfactions for Revenge Achieved
Nakaiya Juubei finally shows himself and tries to manipulate Katsu with the Conqueror's Head. Meanwhile, Youjiro must fight Kanna to try and reach the Head before it is too late.
9. The Black Cat Cries
Youjiro meets an old friend from his childhood, and he thinks back on his life--in particular the time he spent with Sakamoto. Meanwhile, a huge army is headed towards Yokohama.
10. Ueno Falls
Juubei's death threatens to split the troupe apart.
11. The Troupe at a Provisional Stage Again
The troupe travels to Edo based on the information in Soutetsu's script.
12. Ryoma's Message
The troupe is attacked by a group of strange ghosts, and it is up to Youjiro to save them.
13. The Head of the Conqueror with a Soul
Soutetsu lets Juubei escape with the Conqueror's Head. Youjiro and Kakunojou chase after him, but their attempt is thwarted by the English forces. Later, a very dark and dangerous enemy is born.
14. To the North
Kanna has been promoted to the head of the elite English forces, and is planning an assault on Enomoto.
15. The Secret Sword Resonates
Akizuki and Kakunojou are traveling together across Japan to find Kakunojou's new sword when they receive an interesting message.
16. Accompaniment of the Four
Now that Kakunojou has foun dher sword, she travels north with Akizuki to reach Enomoto and the Head of the Conqueror.
17. Unnecessary Deliberation
Kakunojou and Akizuki have a difference of opinion on how to proceed against Enomoto.
18. Pathetic Destiny
The English knights launch a second attack, but it ends in disaster.
19. Bright Inverted Pentagram
Kakunojou is in a state of shock regarding her actions on board the ship, but her spirits are lifted when she is reunited with the troupe.
20. There Were Waves
Akizuki is nursed back to health by a young woman and her son.
21. Crossing over the Strait
Akizuki sets off for Ezo where Kakunojou is still waiting at the hospital.
22. An Encounter in the North
Akizuki finally manages to catch up with Enomoto but, once again, Kakunojou gets in the way.
23. Hakodate Is Red
Under the command of Kanna, the English knights launch a daring raid against Enomoto.
24. Irohanihoheto
Hijikata finally starts to realize that Soutetsu is up to something.
25. Goryokaku Emerges
With Akizuki closing in on Enomoto, he uses the fearsome power of the Head of the Conqueror to defend his castle.
26. To Go Towards the Sea
Akizuki strives to defeat Enomoto but he must first take on both Kakunojou and Soutetsu to do it.
