English Dub Review: Nippon Sangoku “Lie On Firewood And Council The Heavens”
Overview:
Amazon Prime Video recently dropped the latest episode of Nippon Sangoku, “Lie on Firewood and Council the Heavens.” In it, Aoteru once again shares an encounter with someone from his past.
Our Take:
It was Aoteru’s encounter with Denki Taira that started off his whole story: his schemes of psychological warfare all started from his desire to avenge his beloved Saki. This is something viewers have been anticipating since the start of the series. However, he seems to have a bigger goal on his mind than simple revenge, at least for now.
However, Aoteru’s Sun Tzu-inspired plans are still underway. Last episode, viewers saw him call upon the Emperor to withdraw from the war. This episode explores his reasons a bit further, feeling that this was expected and would be sending Yamato’s soldiers off like lambs to the slaughter. Even further, he seeks a formal edict from the Emperor, causing a deadlock that would trap Seii’s forces.
No one really expected the Emperor to get any character development, with him being Denki Taira’s puppet, not to mention a source of comic relief. However, he actually seems to grow past this, showing support for Aoteru’s plans.
Meanwhile, Seii is planning its next tactic: cultivated attacks that will put pressure on Yamato. Wajima seems to fall for Aoteru’s own plans. While this could mean an invasion is on the horizon, this could be just what Aoteru wants.
Throughout the series so far, Wajima’s cult of personality seems to have become a bubble she hides herself within. Now, one wonders if it is about to burst.
Overall, the episode seems to set up what will soon take place on the battlefield. For the time being, viewers will be left guessing which character will be victorious in whatever their ambitions are. The conflict seems both simple and hard to follow, all at the same time. Of course, that is indeed the nature, and art, of war.
