For the story so far, simply watch all 13 episodes of the anime and then read my summaries of the previous manga chapters. I'm assuming that you're reading this to find out what happens next, so the following are packed with spoilers. Since this page contains some large pictures, please be patient with the slow loading.
Last chapter capped off the Kumano story arc, and we're now moving onto a brand new chapter color: rokushô, which is a blue-greenish hue. I've translated it as "verdigris." Anyway, new chapter color means new story arc, and things are about to get interesting - not to mention very difficult - for Shuri. Woohoo. It's about time his little hiney gets off that high horse. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
The chapter begins when Shuri receives his own letter from the messenger bird he shares with Sarasa. Turns out the bird couldn't find Sarasa (maybe because she was in Kumano?), so it flew back to Shuri with the letter undelivered. Shuri then visits the construction site of the water canal he so wants to build. He chats a bit with the project engineer Sakaki, and inspires the workers with a little pep talk.
On the way back to the Palace, Shuri congratulates himself on what a great city he's built, and wonders when he'll be able to show this city off to Sarasa. Of course, she's already seen it, but he doesn't know that.
Walking through his own city puts Shuri in a good mood, but things take a dark turn when the body of his investigator is found in a local pond. This was the man Shuri asked to spy on Umewaka, and was killed in Ashô's house (back in manga volume 6). The army captain - who is consipiring with Ashô - reports the death as accidental drowning. But Shuri is not convinced. And this recent chain of deaths makes Shuri question his past decisions. But being the egotistical guy that he is, he sees nothing wrong with what he did.
And Shuri's thoughts soon drift to Sarasa...
"Sarasa, what would you say if you were here...? I want to see you again, Sarasa. I wish I can just fly to your side. If I find you, I'd hold on to you. And never let you go."
While Shuri is busy daydreaming about Sarasa, Sakaki stumbles upon Ashô's secret plot to overthrow the Red King.
Being the loyal servant that he is, Sakaki wants to report all of this to the Red King right away. However, he has to keep quiet because Ashô is holding his mother hostage. Worse yet, Sakaki is forced to help Ashô overthrow the Red King in order to save his mom. Poor guy.
Meanwhile, Sarasa & Co. are taking it easy in Kumano: Sarasa's relaxing in the hot springs, Hayato's hunting boars, Asagi's training new recruits, Nachi & Hijiri are doing accounting, everyone's just having a good time. Even Ageha joins the fun momentarily on his way to Suou. He's going there to check out this major event predicted by Tarô, and also to look for Nagi's master Dr. Bashô, who is the only one able to treat Sarasa's eyes.
Back at Suou, things are not looking good for Shuri. He's spending the night at the Shinonome Mansion, where Princess Senju is living. Being in the middle of town, the Mansion is less secure than the Palace, which makes it easy to attack. Worried about strange noises from outside, Princess Senju wakes Shuri up in the middle of the night. And he almost pulls her into bed with him thinking she was Sarasa! Anyway, Shuri goes to the window and is greeted by a mob calling for his blood.
Umewaka soon materializes in Shuri's room, tells him this was all planned by the Blue King, Asagi, and then disappears. Shuri realizes the situation, and orders his servants to help Princess Senju escape. At the same time, Sakaki charges into the room, sword in hand, ready to attack. Shuri easily fends Sakaki off with the Sword of Byakko, then finds out that Sakaki is actually fighting against his will in order to save his mother. With this new piece of information, Shuri orders Sakaki to strike at him, promises that he will come back, then falls out the window.
Shuri quickly escapes on foot, and hides in his favorite hot bun shop. Unfortunately, he gets betrayed again, this time by the shop owner, who tells the soldiers where Shuri was hiding.
Getting struck by arrows pisses Shuri off big time, and he slashes through the soldiers, wondering where he should go next. Of course, with Shido and Kazan dead, he has no one else to go to, except Sarasa. Speaking of Sarasa, she's in quite a predicament herself as Asagi makes good of his threat.
While Asagi is assaulting Sarasa, Shuri is making his way through Suou. He eventually bumps into some kind and loyal townsfolk who offer to protect him from the soldiers. However, Shuri's stubborn pride refuses their help.
Shuri eventually escapes to the harbor, and hops on the first ship he sees. This ship just happens to belong to Dr. Bashô (Nagi's master, talk about a small world) and is leaving for Okinawa. Bashô's a funny old guy, and despite being put off by Shuri's big attitude, offers to treat his wounds.
However, Sarasa isn't so lucky, because Asagi is still assaulting her!!! Taking advantage of poor Sarasa while she's blind and knocking Shuri off his throne?!! Bad Asagi! Bad!
Next Chapter: New World