A revolution sparked by nuclear war, natural disaster, and misrule leads to the collapse of Japanese society. The country splits into three nations vying for hegemony, and the Sangoku era begins. Aoteru Misumi, a former agricultural officer, vows to reunify Japan. He rises through the ranks with only his knowledge and eloquence. Witness the legend of the man later hailed as a genius strategist.

Aoteru Misumi is a young man living in the countryside of Ehime, Yamato. Working as an agricultural officer, he lives a quiet life with his wife, Saki. One day, they are visited by a horseback procession fit for a king. The most extravagant horse-drawn carriage in this procession carries none other than Denki Taira, the lord of home affairs and true ruler of Yamato.

An Oath for Peace

Having lost the love of his life, Aoteru is determined to fulfill the promise he made to her of creating a peaceful world. He travels to Osaka to take the exam given by Borderland General Mitsuhide Ryumon in the hopes of serving under him. Upon arriving, he finds a cheap hotel to stay in. But Aoteru will find no rest there, as he immediately encounters a certain individual.

Toryumon

Aoteru and Yoshitsune Asama take the Toryumon, an employment exam required to work under Ryumon. The conditions for passing are simple: the examinees must bring him to his knees. It seems that knowledge of the art of war alone will not be enough. They will also need their resourcefulness to get through this trial.

Imperial Council

Three years after passing the Toryumon, Aoteru is working hard under Ryumon to perform his duties to their fullest. Meanwhile, Yamato sends a demand for unconditional surrender to the neighboring nation of Seii, which has been unstable due to the harsh winter conditions. In Seii, the embers of rebellion are quietly stoked.

The Seii Coup

A new dictatorship comes to power in Seii when Ohga Wajima suggests subduing Yamato by force. She establishes her administration overnight, declaring her resolve across the land. Ohga quickly captures the hearts of her people with her charm and political prowess, and within Seii, momentum grows to launch a campaign against Yamato.

The Borderland General Corps Marches Out

Tonotsugu Taira, Denki Taira's heir, is ordered by Fuji III, the emperor of Yamato, to go to Kanazawa with the Borderland General Corps' Right Lieutenant General, Goh Sugoh. While Tonotsugu is optimistic about this opportunity, Sugoh harbors concerns that it is a trap set by Seii.

Eve of War

When Seii invades Kuzuryu Castle, tensions between Seii and Yamato come to a head. Sensing something strange about the situation, the Yamato army led by Ryumon decide to halt their advance. Meanwhile, having gone ahead, Tonotsugu's men enter Seii without knowing that war has broken out, and are given a warm welcome by Muuton Nagao.

The Kanazawa Night Raid

Muuton's night raid on Kanazawa ended in failure, but the main forces of the Seii army continue their advance on the Borderland General Corps. The decisive battle between Ohga and Ryumon draws near.

Dragon vs. Tiger

The decisive clash between Ohga and Ryumon ends in Ryumon's victory, secured through the "Empty Fort Stratagem," leaving Ohga's loss of authority plain for all to see. With her prestige in ruins, Ohga turns to the counsel of her trusted strategist, Yayakichi Hei.

Tears for Yayakichi

Thanks to Yayakichi's strategy, Ohga restores her authority and rises once more. Though the Yamato forces are pushed to the brink, Ryumon and his strategist, Kaku, have already entrusted a bold plan to a young man to break this dire stalemate.

Reunion of Mortal Enemies

Aoteru finally reunites with Denki Taira, but his eyes are fixed on something else entirely. As Aoteru reveals the true meaning behind his call to retreat, Denki stands firmly opposed. In the end, all decisions are placed in the emperor's hands.

Lie on Firewood and Council the Heavens

Through a heartfelt plea, Aoteru finally persuades the emperor. Yoshitsune delivers an imperial decree to Ryumon, who prepares to face the Seii forces. Meanwhile, Seii schemes to annihilate Yamato with its "Winter General Strategy." As both sides act, the conflict between the two nations reaches its climax.

NIPPON SANGOKU: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun

Episode · Musim 1