The original work is a Sengoku battle manga by Yasuhisa Hara. Serialized in Weekly Young Jump since 2006, the first anime season began airing in 2012, the second in 2013, and the third in 2020. A PlayStation Portable game was released in 2010, and a live-action film was released in 2019, making it a popular work that has been adapted into various media. The story is set in China during the Spring and Autumn Warring States period. The protagonist, Shin, a war orphan, and Sei, who would later become the first emperor of the Qin dynasty, strive to achieve something no one has ever accomplished before: unify China. While the story is based on historical facts, the personalities and appearances of the characters, as well as the battles between the various countries, have been adapted for a more readable and entertaining manga. This article will introduce the plot of the final episode of the first anime season, the battle with the Zhao state. Please note that this article contains spoilers, so if you haven't seen it yet, please be careful!
The State of Qin Lets Its Guard Down
Under the command of Lü Buwei, a massive Qin army of over 200,000 began its invasion of Han. Thanks to the consideration of Changping Jun, conscription was not required for the infantry that had participated in the battle against Wei, and Shin also did not participate in this battle. Meng Ao, the commander-in-chief of the Qin, is not a particularly talented general. He fights by established rules, avoids risky ventures, and fights normally, winning normally. While Meng Ao may not be able to defeat strong foes, his steady fighting style means he never loses to weaker opponents. Meng Ao was appointed commander-in-chief, perfectly suited to attacking the weak Han. His command was a brilliant success, with the Qin capturing 11 castles in just one month and continuing their momentum. While the people rejoiced at this rapid advance, Diao, who had begun to study military strategy, worried that they had invaded Han too much and would be attacked by the neighboring states of Wei, Chu, and Zhao. However, Wei's commander-in-chief in the previous battle, Bai Gong, was keeping a watchful eye on the front lines, and Chu's defenses were already strong, so there was no need to worry about an invasion. As for Zhao, the current state lacked a prominent figure and was unable to lead an army. Meng Yi's thoughts were also being considered by the Qin staff, and the Qin state was not wary of these three neighboring states. However, Zhao had summoned Pang Nuan from abroad and welcomed him as one of the new Three Great Generals. With Pang Nuan as its commander-in-chief, Zhao launched an invasion of the now-vacant Qin.
The commander-in-chief was Qin's strongest general
Stunned by Zhao's sudden attack, Qin issued an emergency conscription order and assembled an army of 100,000. While many of Qin's most renowned generals were away in Han, it was a blessing in disguise that Meng Wu remained in Qin. Lü Buwei attempted to appoint Meng Wu as commander-in-chief, but Changwen refused. Meng Wu may have been the best in Qin's offensive capabilities, but he lacked defensive strength. Lu Buwei agreed, but then there would be no general to serve as supreme commander. Changwenjun said there was a man skilled in both offense and defense. Then Ou Ki appeared, accompanied by Shin. Changwenjun was surprised by his arrival, but it turned out that Changpingjun had called him to entrust him with the position of supreme commander. It turns out Changwenjun and Changpingjun had the same idea. Shin was excited to witness a battle led by the Six Great Generals.
The False Appointment Ceremony
Ou Ki orders everyone to leave, explaining that he and the king will be holding the appointment ceremony together. However, this appointment ceremony was a lie, and Ou Ki was trying to convey something that only he could tell the Great King, Sei. It was a message for the Great King that Ou Ki had received from Sei's great-grandfather, King Zhao, to whom he had pledged his loyalty. This message had not been passed on to Sei's father, King Zhuangxiang, and Ou Ki had not yet told anyone. The fact that Ou Ki conveyed this message to Sei meant that Ou Ki recognized that Sei, although still inexperienced, had the makings of a Great King. After conveying this message, Ou Ki pledged his loyalty to Sei.
Special Hundred Man Unit
Word of Ou Ki's appointment as commander-in-chief spread among the infantry, boosting morale. Those who fought alongside Shin in the Battle of Wei, such as Ohei and Tayu, wanted to join Shin's unit, but Shin hadn't shown up even as the formations began. Shin appeared on horseback just in time, ordered the strongest men to be gathered, and took command of the Hundred Man Unit. Shin's Hundred Man Unit is not attached to any battalion, but is instead a special unit directly under General Ou Ki. Shin himself isn't told what his unit will be doing, but since it's distinguished from other units, it's clear that it's an important role and one that involves great danger. Shin exhorts his infantrymen, saying that the military achievements they'll achieve are enormous. They've grown considerably since their battle with Wei. This is likely thanks to the challenges Ou Ki bestowed upon them.
Vacant Vice-General
Shin is allowed to have two vice-generals in his hundred-man unit. One of them is Fuchi, who served as Shin's liaison officer and overcame Ou Ki's challenges together. He's definitely grown a little stronger. Then he says the other person hasn't arrived yet. Shin had intended to make Kyou Kai his deputy commander. She is currently away on avenging her enemy, but rather than assigning someone else the role in the meantime, Shin has created a place for Kyou Kai and is waiting for her. Kyou Kai's enemy has shifted from Wei to Zhao, and Kyou Kai accompanies Shin and the others as they travel to Zhao. Thus, Shin's unit of 100 men is complete. Ohei, Sawa and the others are overjoyed that Kyou Kai has returned. Kyou Kai says she has nowhere to return to, but everyone has been waiting for her to return.
March of Wang Qi, the Mysterious Bird of Qin
The hatred of the Zhao people towards the Qin people was unimaginable. The Zhao people killed everyone, from women to babies. Rumors spread day by day, even among the infantry. Among the soldiers conscripted, many were participating in battle for the first time or were mentally unprepared, leading to numerous desertions. Morale among the soldiers steadily declined, and the Qin army was in no condition to fight. Then, General Wang Qi appeared with his cavalry. Wang Qi's march was awe-inspiring, and the morale of his soldiers instantly soared. He rallied his troops with just a command to advance. Even if he never fought truly powerful opponents, his aura and demeanor surely captivated those around him.
God of War: Pang Nuan
The Qin state receives news that Pang Nuan is the commander-in-chief of Zhao. However, no one knows his name, leaving Lü Buwei and his men confused. Meanwhile, only Changwenjun trembles upon hearing the name. Pang Nuan was the man who defeated Gyou, one of the Six Great Generals, and Changwenjun describes him not as a military commander but as the embodiment of "war." He possesses extraordinary strength, being able to break through the formation protecting the commander-in-chief all by himself, without leading an army. The war god that Qiang Qi refers to as one who does not defeat a raging god, but one who originally resides in his body, is none other than Pang Nuan. Pang Nuan was thought to have been killed by Wang Qi nine years ago, but he was about to appear before Wang Qi again as commander-in-chief of the state of Zhao. Wang Qi's acceptance of the role of commander-in-chief was also in order to settle his feud with Pang Nuan.
Hi Shin Unit, a special forces unit directly under Ou Ki
As the battle between Qin and Zhao begins, everyone assumes that the central army will take the lead. However, Ou Ki insists that the left army is the main attack. Aiming straight at the main camp will not reach it. It is important to first reduce the number of troops and turn the tide of battle in his favor. Ou Ki leads the 10,000-strong left army against the 20,000-strong Zhao right army. He then orders Shin, a member of the special forces, to use the confusion to retrieve the head of Houki. The infantrymen thought that taking on an army of 20,000 with only a hundred men would be suicidal, but Shin, who had learned the strengths and strategies of small units while pacifying the stateless zone, decided to accept the mission. Seeing Shin's growth, Ou Ki gave Shin's hundred-man unit the name "Hi Shin Unit." To Shin, receiving the unit's name directly from Ou Ki, the great general, was the greatest reward of all.
The Trap of Possession
Sa's army, led by Kai, saw Ou Ki in person and their morale was boosted, putting up a good fight against the Zhao Right Army. As the two sides fiercely battle, the Hi Shin Unit hides and heads toward the enemy headquarters. While the Qin army appears to be doing well, Sa's army's success is due to their luring by the Possession. As Sa pursues the Zhao army too far, they fall into a trap, and their morale plummets. If the Hi Shin Unit, like Ou Ki's flying arrows, cannot reach the enemy headquarters quickly, Sa's army will be in danger of annihilation.
Hi Shin Unit, Charge!
Hi Shin Unit's morale plummets as they watch Sa's army fall into the Possession's trap. High morale among all members is essential for the unit to demonstrate 100% of its strength. Shin tells the entire Hi Shin Unit how serious the battle is, saying that their failure would mean the deaths not only of the Qin army, but also of the villagers waiting for their return. Resolved, the Hi Shin Unit unit unites and charges in pursuit of Hiki's head. Shin is entrusted with an important mission by the Supreme Commander and takes command of the unit. We can see him growing even more since the battle with Wei.
Ou Ki's flying arrow finally arrives
Hi Shin Unit took advantage of the Zhao army's weakness and invaded the Zhao Right Army, but once the enemy discovered them, it was down to a battle of strength. Shin and Kyou Kai have high combat skills and are adept at group combat, but Hi Shin Unit is overwhelmingly outnumbered and has no chance of victory if this continues. Then, Kabe and the other members of the Saburo army appear. They take advantage of the confusion of the battle to kill the general. Otoi says that now is the time. Shin leaves the unit and sets out alone to take Hyouki's head. The arrow fired by Ou Ki at the start of the battle was about to reach Zhao General Houki.
A Surprise Attack by the Enemy Commander-in-Chief, Houen
The Qin army had captured the Zhao army's main camp, but the Zhao army had moved their headquarters and found it empty. The Qin army waited, watching the enemy's movements. While both armies were waiting for an opportunity to attack, a man suddenly attacked the Hi Shin Unit... Led by the strength of Kyou Kai, the commander-in-chief of the Zhao army, Hou Nuan, attacks alone. Even with Kyou Kai's strength, Hou Nuan is no match for him. With no reinforcements arriving, how will the Hi Shin Unit overcome this crisis?!
Otou passes away...
To save Shin, who was seriously wounded in the battle following Hou Nuan's night attack, the Hi Shin Unit risks their lives to rescue him from the Zhao army's pursuit. The unit gradually splits apart, leaving only Ohei and Otou remaining. Ohei acted as a decoy and went into the mountains, leaving Shin in the care of his younger brother, Otoi. Otoi was entrusted with Shin, but his body was in such a bad state that he was unable to move. When Shin woke up, Otoi cheerfully reminisced about old times, but perhaps relieved to see Shin awake, he passed away. He likely could have died at any moment, but he held on through sheer willpower.
Ouki vs. Houken
The Qin and Zhao armies finally clash. Wang Qi personally led the charge, crushing the Zhao forces. His subordinates and enemy generals felt uneasy about his haste to fight. Wang Qi had anticipated Zhao reinforcements. Of course, he had no idea about the existence of Li Mu, one of the Three Great Generals, or what kind of troops they were. However, having experienced many battles, Wang Qi predicted reinforcements based on enemy movements and hurried the battle.
King Zhao's Daughter, Ouki
The feud between Wang Qi and Pang Nuan began with the death of Ouki, one of the Six Great Generals. Gyou was one of the Six Great Generals and was destined to become Wang Qi's wife. However, Hou Nuan, seeking strength, took Gyou's life. Wang Qi served as commander-in-chief in this battle to avenge Gyou, free himself from the curse of the past, and embark on a new path.
Riboku Surpasses Wang Qi
Riboku's army appeared far earlier than Wang Qi expected. The cavalry led by Riboku had fought the Xiongnu in the north many times, so the mountains were no obstacle for them. Wang Qi had no experience fighting the Northern Zhao Army and was unaware of the characteristics of their cavalry. Li Mu had researched this and even predicted Wang Qi's miscalculation.
Wang Qi Dies
Li Mu's strategy put the Qin army in a difficult position. During a duel with Pang Nuan, Wei Jia fired an arrow at Wang Qi. Wang Qi was hit by the arrow and took the blow head-on. At this moment, everyone was certain of Zhao's victory. To allow Ou Ki to escape, Teng disrupts the enemy main camp, and Hi Shin Unit withdraws from the battlefield with Ou Ki. Rimaki, whose goal was to kill Ou Ki, did not pursue him further, knowing that he had achieved his goal. This was because he knew the horror of the suicidal attack by the Qin army that had taken Ou Ki. Ou Ki showed Shin the view a general sees, entrusted his spear to him, and took his last breath. Ou Ki's death was an immeasurable shock to the Qin army, and became a major event that shook the entire nation of China. Having been entrusted with the spear, Shin would carry on General Ou Ki's will and move forward.
Season 1 ④ Qin vs. Zhao: Summary (Spoiler Alert!)
What did you think? The battle with Zhao ended with the unexpected death of General Ouki. Having defeated Ouki, one of Zhao's three great Heavenly Monks, China will now enter a new era. If you're curious to see what happens next, be sure to check out seasons two and three!
