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.
Where we last left off, Asagi was on top of Sarasa doing all sorts of nasty things to her. Her screams are simply no match for his brawn. He rips her shirt open, and God knows what else he would have done if not for Shinbashi. Yes, that's right. The little owl comes to the rescue by flying smack into Asagi's face. This stops Asagi mid-grope, and he realizes that Kakujî and Nagi are on the way. Before he leaves, he plants a kiss on Sarasa.
By the time Kakujî and Nagi rush into Sarasa's room, Asagi is long gone. And Sarasa is hysterical. Someone was trying to rape her, and she couldn't do anything about it. Without her sight, she has no idea who her attacker was, though she suspects Asagi. This sense of helplessness overwhelms her and she begs Nagi to cure her eyes while clutching the Sword of Seiryu. Nagi calms her by telling her that being blind doesn't mean she's completely helpless (Nagi should know, since he's blind), and that she should use this opportunity to improve her other senses. These words make Sarasa feel a little better, but she's still very shaken, and tries to think of Shuri.
Meanwhile, Ageha - who is in Suou looking for Dr. Bashô - has just sent a letter informing Nagi that the doctor has gone to Okinawa. He witnesses the after effects of the recent coup (the great event Tarô predicted), and rescues Princess Senju from two soldiers who suspect her of carrying the Red King's child. When he realizes that Senju's unborn baby actually belongs to Shido, he promises to protect her and her child with his life.
Back at the Red Palace, Ashô is overjoyed by the success of his coup. But he doesn't get to enjoy it for long before Momonoi of the North - one of the Four Elders (tairô) of Kyoto - shows up on behalf of the Emperor. Momonoi promptly arrests Ashô & his conspirators, and charges them with treason. Turns out the Emperor is very angry about this coup d'état against the Red King. And Ashô is just beginning to realize how he played right into Asagi's masterplan.
While Ashô & Co. are ordered to rot in jail, Sakaki is branded a coward and thrown out of the Palace. He patiently awaits the Red King's return by laboring at the water canal.
Speaking of Shuri, he's doing exceptionally well considering he'd just lost his kingdom overnight. After waking up on Dr. Bashô's ship, he has a cute meeting with Yûna (another new character!).
I guess Sarasa's not the only one who can counter that pick-up line. ^_^
Speaking of Sarasa, she has made good of Nagi's advice and is adapting to her blindness. She's learning to recognize various sounds and smells and figure out what's going on around her. This new-found ability gives her the confidence and security she lacked before, and she sets her priorities straight:
"First, retrieve the Sword of Genbu. Then, make contact with the Kazuno sect up in the northeast. I also have to get in touch with Raizô over in Kanto, and establish our alliance. Then, I will be able to challenge the Red King..."
But before she gets very far in her thoughts, news of the Red King's downfall reaches her. Sarasa is dumbstruck. She can't believe the Red King is gone. He was the sole reason she took up the fight, to avenge the deaths of her father and brother. She wanted to kill him herself. Now that he's gone, she's still obligated to continue the fight (to bring down the Emperor of Japan) on behalf of her many allies, but her own personal motivation is gone.
On the other hand, Asagi is ecstatic about news of Shuri's misfortune. To bring down his proud and egotistical little brother makes Asagi very happy. All of his plans are coming together nicely. He can't wait until Shuri climbs back to power, so he can expose Sarasa and Shuri's identities to each other.
Asagi: "In time, I will make [Sarasa] mine."
Meanwhile, Sarasa is still depressed about the Red King's downfall. But she glumly accepts her fate, and makes plans to go to Okinawa to look for Dr. Bashô, and get her eyes treated. Sarasa expects Cha-Cha's friend from Tanega Island to help her get there. Before she departs, Sarasa hands out orders for everyone else.
"I'll send Hisha's team to investigate the situation at Suou.
Hayato's group will go north, and make contact with the Kazuno sect.
The situation in Kyôto, I'll leave for Hijiri and the Tengu.
And Asagi will meet with Raizô in Kanto."
Asagi doesn't like being separated from Sarasa (which means no more midnight assaults for him), so he tries his hardest to change her mind, but to no avail.
Asagi: "I'd be so happy if you take me with you. I want to be by your side, always."
Asagi gets rejected!
Obviously, Sarasa's still suspicious of Asagi...
"Was Asagi my attacker...? We've met several times in Kanto. He probably recognized me as a girl back then. But, why hasn't he blown my cover yet. When the right time comes, I must talk to him about it..."
Next Chapter: Hurricane