花近江国

This is a story in which a boy learns about duty, and a man learns about love. A s*ave boy plotted the encounter with the greatest general of the Northern Plains. He became the general’s best disciple, learning archery, combat, warfare, literature, and most of all, loyalty. He was his s*ave, his subordinate, his officer, his student, his champion, his adopted son, and his lover.

However, this is not a fairytale for the faintest of hearts. It is a mature danmei epic on the rite of passage, love and duty, peace and war, brush and blade, subterfuge and enlightenment, violence and abuse, death and freedom, victory and morality. Here, absolute power is brought through sacrifice, betrayal, and bloodshed, and lingering attachment begins from conspiracy and espionage. Emotions and intent flicker between sincerity and deception, and truth lies between truth and lies.

But love is always true, for there will be no regrets.

“Anywhere you see from your steed, and everywhere the golden rays of the sun can reach, will be my home.”

“You are the legend of the steppes. For I shall also become a legend—one greater and more resounding than yours—When people remember you, they will also remember me!”