Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fujiwara Maro returns to the Eastern Seas and expresses his desire to be with Fu Hua and Kaguya.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito, Maro's father, understands Maro's feelings and decides to marry the two women himself to keep them close to Maro.
• Fuhito approaches Fu Hua and Kaguya, intending to make them part of the Fujiwara family.

Character Developments

• Fujiwara Maro: Realizes his father's love and influence, feels grateful, and is conflicted about his father's intentions.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito: Shows his doting nature towards his son and his willingness to use his power to grant Maro's wishes, even if it means marrying the women himself.

Significant Themes

• Family and Inheritance: Fuhito's actions highlight the importance of family and maintaining the Fujiwara family's grandeur, even if it means making unconventional decisions.
• Power and Influence: Fuhito's ability to intervene and change the situation for Maro underscores the power and influence of the Fujiwara family in the Eastern Seas.

Character Interactions

• Fujiwara Maro and Fujiwara no Fuhito: Their interaction shows the complex father-son relationship, with Maro initially feeling resentful and later grateful towards his father.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito and Fu Hua/Kaguya: Fuhito's approach towards the two women demonstrates his assertive and decisive nature, as well as his lack of consideration for their own wishes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fujiwara no Fuhito, a high-ranking official and the Emperor's illegitimate father, sets his eyes on Kaguya, finding her unparalleled in beauty among the women he's seen.
• Fu Hua, Kaguya's mother, notices Fujiwara no Fuhito approaching them and is cautious, though uninterested in his high position.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito introduces himself to Fu Hua and Kaguya, revealing his status as the Minister of the Right.

Character Developments

• Fujiwara no Fuhito: He is portrayed as arrogant and entitled, expecting to have any woman he desires, including Kaguya.
• Fu Hua: She is disinterested in Fujiwara no Fuhito's high position, showing her independence and disregard for societal norms.

Significant Themes

• Beauty and desire: Fujiwara no Fuhito's pursuit of Kaguya highlights the theme of beauty being a source of desire and power.
• Social status and hierarchy: The characters' reactions to Fujiwara no Fuhito's position emphasize the importance of social status and hierarchy in their society.

Character Interactions

• Fujiwara no Fuhito and Fu Hua: Their interaction is tense, with Fu Hua showing little respect for Fujiwara no Fuhito's authority, setting the stage for potential conflict.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito and Kaguya: Though not directly interacting in this chapter, Fujiwara no Fuhito's fixation on Kaguya hints at future interactions and potential tension.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Fujiwara no Fuhito, a historical figure from 'The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter', appears before Fu Hua and Kaguya.
• Fu Hua recognizes him as the prince who tried to marry Kaguya with a fake Hōrai Jade Branch and was humiliated.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito invites Fu Hua and Kaguya to his residence, but Fu Hua declines.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua: Shows wariness and disinterest in Fujiwara no Fuhito's official position, prioritizing Kaguya's well-being.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito: Despite his age, he's still smitten with Kaguya and tries to invite them to his residence.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and social status: Fu Hua pays no mind to Fujiwara no Fuhito's official position, emphasizing her independence.
• Love and obsession: Fujiwara no Fuhito's persistent pursuit of Kaguya highlights the theme of unrequited love and obsession.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Fujiwara no Fuhito: Fu Hua is wary of Fujiwara no Fuhito's intentions and declines his invitation, showing her protective nature towards Kaguya.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito and Kaguya: Fujiwara no Fuhito is still infatuated with Kaguya, but Kaguya's reaction is not shown in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kaguya's mother, Fu Hua, disapproves of Fujiwara no Fuhito's interest in her daughter.
• Fu Hua refuses to let Fujiwara no Fuhito speak with Kaguya.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito considers abducting Kaguya, as he believes she's unprotected and unimportant.
• Fujiwara Maro, Fujiwara no Fuhito's son, arrives and greets Fu Hua.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua: Stands firm in protecting Kaguya's interests, showing her maternal love and wisdom.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito: Reveals his manipulative and predatory nature, considering abducting Kaguya.
• Fujiwara Maro: Initially enthusiastic towards Fu Hua, but quickly calms down when Fu Hua shows no interest.

Significant Themes

• Protection and Maternal Love: Fu Hua's determination to safeguard Kaguya's happiness and well-being.
• Power and Manipulation: Fujiwara no Fuhito's use of his political power and influence to pursue his desires.
• Cultural Clash: The tension between the Great Tang (Kaguya and Fu Hua's origin) and the Eastern Seas (Fujiwara no Fuhito's territory).

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Fujiwara no Fuhito: Fu Hua firmly rejects Fujiwara no Fuhito's advances, while he considers taking Kaguya by force.
• Fujiwara Maro and Fu Hua: Fujiwara Maro attempts to engage Fu Hua in conversation, but she remains indifferent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fujiwara Maro, undeterred by his father's rebuff, continues to pursue Fu Hua and Kaguya, hoping to leverage his family's influence in Eastern Seas.
• Fu Hua and Kaguya remain indifferent and dismissive towards Fujiwara Maro's advances, leading to an awkward and tense encounter.
• Fu Hua and Kaguya leave abruptly, ignoring Fujiwara Maro and his father, displaying their disinterest and disregard.

Character Developments

• Fujiwara Maro: Shows persistence in pursuing Fu Hua and Kaguya despite his father's disapproval and their lack of interest. He also reveals his pride in his family's status in Eastern Seas.
• Fu Hua: Maintains her cold and distant demeanor, showing impatience with Fujiwara Maro's advances. She demonstrates self-control, reciting the Sword Heart Art to calm herself instead of lashing out.
• Kaguya: Displays annoyance and disgust towards Fujiwara Maro's behavior, leading her to lose interest in the fireworks display and urge Fu Hua to leave.

Significant Themes

• Arrogance and Disregard: Fu Hua and Kaguya exhibit an air of superiority and disregard for Fujiwara Maro and his father, highlighting their indifference to social norms and expectations.
• Persistence vs. Indifference: Fujiwara Maro's persistence contrasts with Fu Hua and Kaguya's indifference, underscoring the power dynamics and lack of mutual interest.

Character Interactions

• Fujiwara Maro and Fujiwara no Fuhito: Father and son have a strained relationship, with Fujiwara no Fuhito disapproving of his son's pursuit of Fu Hua and Kaguya. They are left embarrassed and speechless by Fu Hua and Kaguya's dismissive behavior.
• Fu Hua and Kaguya: They display a close, protective relationship, with Kaguya showing concern for Fu Hua's mood and both of them acting in unison to leave the uncomfortable situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fujiwara no Fuhito and his son, Fujiwara Maro, are captivated by Princess Kaguya's voice and beauty.
• Fujiwara Maro is surprised to learn that Princess Kaguya calls Fu Hua (the Daoist priestess) "mother," indicating that Fu Hua is much older than she appears.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito orders his guards to investigate Fu Hua and Princess Kaguya's whereabouts and background, planning to capture them later with the help of his clan's Onmyoji and samurai.

Character Developments

• Fujiwara no Fuhito and Fujiwara Maro's infatuation with Princess Kaguya grows, leading to lustful and conquest-driven thoughts.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito's desire to capture Fu Hua and Princess Kaguya intensifies, showing his ruthless and ambitious nature.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between nobles and commoners, with Fujiwara no Fuhito's actions highlighting his disregard for others' wishes and well-being.
• The allure of youth and beauty, which captivates Fujiwara no Fuhito and his son, leading to their obsession with Princess Kaguya.

Character Interactions

• Fujiwara no Fuhito and Fujiwara Maro share their thoughts and desires regarding Princess Kaguya and Fu Hua, revealing their similar lustful and ambitious natures.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito gives orders to his guard captain, demonstrating his authority and disregard for others' safety and freedom.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fujiwara no Fuhito, a powerful figure, is determined to possess both Fu Hua and Princess Kaguya, valuing their beauty above all else.
• He orders his guards to seize them, despite the risks involved.
• Fu Hua and Princess Kaguya leave the Fujiwara Capital's noble district, unharmed despite the guards.

Character Developments

• Fujiwara no Fuhito: Exhibits extreme arrogance and willingness to do anything to possess Fu Hua and Princess Kaguya, showing his ruthless nature.
• Fujiwara Maro: Realizes his admiration for Princess Kaguya is futile as his father intends to make her his stepmother, feeling helpless.
• Fu Hua: Demonstrates her magnanimity and calmness, not reacting impulsively to the Fujiwaras' advances.
• Princess Kaguya: Dislikes the Fujiwaras' attention, finding it disgusting, and expresses her displeasure to Fu Hua.

Significant Themes

• Beauty and Power: Fujiwara no Fuhito values beauty (Fu Hua and Princess Kaguya) above all else, using his power to attempt to possess them.
• Magnanimity vs. Arrogance: Fu Hua's calm response contrasts with Fujiwara no Fuhito's arrogance, highlighting the theme of magnanimity vs. overconfidence.

Character Interactions

• Fujiwara no Fuhito and Fujiwara Maro: The father-son relationship is strained due to their shared admiration for Princess Kaguya, with Maro feeling helpless against his father's determination.
• Fu Hua and Princess Kaguya: They share a close, mother-daughter bond, with Princess Kaguya expressing her displeasure about the Fujiwaras' attention to Fu Hua.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua, carrying Kaguya, stops and questions why she's involved in the pursuit.
• Kaguya reveals that some men, including the Fujiwara father and son, have twisted desires, including interest in mother-daughter relationships.
• Fu Hua regrets not killing the Fujiwaras immediately.
• Yagokoro Eirin, a Moon Goddess and former Earthling, appears on the rooftop of the Imperial Palace, observing the moon and pondering the reason for another Moon Messenger's arrival.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua: Realizes the true intentions of the Fujiwaras and feels regret for not acting more harshly.
• Kaguya: Shows knowledge about the twisted desires of some men.
• Yagokoro Eirin: Reflects on the unusual presence of another Moon Messenger on Earth.

Significant Themes

• The dark desires of some men and their pursuit of power and perversion.
• The role of women in society and their vulnerability to such desires.
• The connection between the Moon Capital and Earth, and the reasons behind the Moon People's actions.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Kaguya: Fu Hua learns about the Fujiwaras' true intentions from Kaguya.
• Yagokoro Eirin and the Moon: Eirin contemplates the reason for another Moon Messenger's arrival on Earth, suggesting a connection to Kaguya.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Moon Messenger's bamboo tube containing the Gold to care for Kaguya is missing.
• Sanuki Zomaro, an old bamboo craftsman, is chosen by Yagokoro Eirin to adopt Kaguya, but he doesn't find her.
• Yagokoro Eirin, a powerful figure in the Moon Capital, personally travels to the surface to find Kaguya.
• She discovers an "Immortal" with terrifying power who has taken Kaguya.
• Yagokoro Eirin decides to observe this "Immortal" and Kaguya's new life on the surface.

Character Developments

• Yagokoro Eirin shows her deep concern for Kaguya, prioritizing her safety and well-being over her duties in the Moon Capital.
• Kaguya's teacher, Yagokoro Eirin, notices Kaguya's happiness in her new life, contrasting with her unhappiness in the cold and distant Moon Capital.
• Yagokoro Eirin reveals her strength and acknowledges the power of the "Immortal" who has Kaguya.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the Moon Capital's cold, distant, and dull environment and the warmth and happiness Kaguya finds on the surface.
• The power dynamics and political intrigue within the Moon Capital, hinting at Yagokoro Eirin's enemies.

Character Interactions

• Yagokoro Eirin's concern and care for Kaguya are highlighted as she personally travels to the surface to find her.
• Yagokoro Eirin observes the "Immortal" who has Kaguya, considering following them to learn more about their power and Kaguya's new life.
• Yagokoro Eirin considers the potential threats to her in the Moon Capital, namely Prince Tsuku and Prince Saiai.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Moon Capital's social structure is revealed to be similar to an ancient feudal empire in Shenzhou.
• Yagokoro Eirin's immense influence and power in the Moon Capital are highlighted, causing discontent among the Moon Viewing Venerable's direct blood relatives.
• Two princes, Tsuku and Saiai, emerge as Eirin's political rivals, aiming to restore true control of the Moon Capital to the direct lineage.
• Eirin anticipates that the princes will target those around her, specifically Kaguya and her companions, as they cannot directly attack her.
• The chapter ends with a scene at the Inari Shrine, where a merchant is praying for prosperity and a wife.

Character Developments

• Yagokoro Eirin: Eirin's political prowess and strategic thinking are emphasized as she anticipates the princes' moves.
• Prince Tsuku: His strategic abilities and favored status by Tsukuyomi are highlighted.
• Prince Saiai: His superior combat skills and role as the supreme commander of the Moon Capital's army are noted.
• Kaguya: Her status as a princess and potential target is revealed.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue within the Moon Capital.
• The tension between the direct lineage and Eirin's influence.
• The potential threat to Kaguya and her companions.

Character Interactions

• Yagokoro Eirin's anticipation of the princes' moves shows her strategic thinking and awareness of their rivalry.
• The princes' targeting of Kaguya and her companions indicates their indirect approach to challenging Eirin's power.
• The merchant's prayer at the Inari Shrine serves as a reminder of the Inari God's perceived omnipotence and the faith of the people.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A merchant discovers that an apple offered to Lord Inari has been eaten.
• A voice reveals itself as the God of Marriage, who has been stealing offerings due to hunger.
• The merchant encounters the God of Marriage and questions her presence at Lord Inari's shrine.

Character Developments

• The merchant shows anger and disbelief at the God of Marriage's actions.
• The God of Marriage initially appears embarrassed and defensive but maintains her divine composure.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of disrespecting divine offerings.
• The struggle of divine spirits without worshippers or offerings.

Character Interactions

• The merchant and the God of Marriage have a confrontational exchange, with the merchant questioning her identity and presence, and the God of Marriage trying to maintain her dignity despite her predicament.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua, disguised as the God of Marriage, is dismissed by a merchant who doubts her divinity.
• The merchant attempts to pick up the God of Marriage's wishing bell but is deterred by Fu Hua.
• Fu Hua and Kaguya visit the Inari Shrine, where Fu Hua returns the wishing bell to the God of Marriage.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua demonstrates her divine power and authority, scaring the merchant away.
• The God of Marriage shows vulnerability, needing the wishing bell to maintain its existence.

Significant Themes

• Divinity and faith: The God of Marriage's power is tied to the faith it receives, symbolized by the wishing bell.
• Disguise and identity: Fu Hua's disguise as the God of Marriage raises questions about her true identity and intentions.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and the merchant: Fu Hua asserts her power, scaring the merchant away.
• Fu Hua and the God of Marriage: Fu Hua shows kindness and respect towards the God of Marriage, returning its wishing bell.
• Fu Hua and Kaguya: They visit the Inari Shrine together, indicating a close relationship.

Key Plot Points

• The God of Marriage visits Fu Hua, discussing the affinity of two elderly lovers, Yue Ming and Sachiko.
• Yue Ming and Sachiko had promised to be together but were separated by a flooded river in their youth.
• They reunite in old age, but their family opposes their relationship, causing their affinity to fade.

Character Developments

• The God of Marriage is determined to help Yue Ming and Sachiko bond despite the challenges.
• Fu Hua shows empathy and understanding towards the God of Marriage's situation.
• Kaguya is perceptive and asks the God of Marriage why she visited another divine spirit's shrine.

Significant Themes

• Fate and destiny vs. human intervention.
• The struggle between love and societal expectations.
• The determination of the God of Marriage to help others find love.

Character Interactions

• The God of Marriage seeks Fu Hua's advice and support.
• Kaguya questions the God of Marriage's actions, showing both concern and curiosity.
• The God of Marriage's interaction with Yue Ming and Sachiko highlights her compassion and dedication to her role.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The God of Marriage, despite being poor and having few followers, takes offerings from Inari, demonstrating her confidence and determination.
• Kaguya and Fu Hua decide to join the God of Marriage on her mission to help people form bonds.
• They encounter an old scavenger who is being berated by his son for taking in Sachiko, a mentally ill woman.

Character Developments

• The God of Marriage shows resilience and self-belief despite her poverty, asserting her divine role.
• Kaguya, initially dismissive, shows a change of heart and decides to help the God of Marriage.
• The old scavenger displays compassion and determination in caring for Sachiko, despite his family's disapproval.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance in the face of adversity (God of Marriage, old scavenger)
• The importance of empathy and understanding (God of Marriage's mission, old scavenger's care for Sachiko)
• The power of divine intervention (God of Marriage's role)

Character Interactions

• Kaguya and Fu Hua interact with the God of Marriage, initially skeptical but eventually deciding to help her.
• The old scavenger interacts with his son, showing compassion and resolve despite his son's harsh words.
• The God of Marriage, Kaguya, and Fu Hua form a temporary alliance to help people form bonds.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua, Kaguya, and the God of Marriage observe an elderly couple's descendants, who are reluctant to care for their aging parents due to societal pressure.
• The God of Marriage explains that money isn't the solution, and the elders haven't accepted their fate yet, causing their fate threads to lose direction.
• That night, the old woman leaves her home, feeling like a burden to the old man she once loved.
• The God of Marriage notices the old woman's departure and tries to stop her, but first ensures the old man is awake.

Character Developments

• Kaguya shows rare maturity and understanding, suggesting they help the elderly couple with money.
• The God of Marriage demonstrates her wisdom and dedication to her duties, understanding the complexities of the situation beyond monetary aid.

Significant Themes

• The importance of facing one's destiny and accepting it.
• The impact of societal pressure and expectations on personal decisions.
• The theme of love and sacrifice, as the old woman leaves to ease the old man's burden.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua, Kaguya, and the God of Marriage work together to observe and understand the situation.
• The God of Marriage shows concern for the old woman's well-being and acts to prevent her from leaving.
• The old couple's relationship is explored through their actions and the letter left by the old woman.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The God of Marriage transforms into a black cat, surprising Princess Kaguya.
• Kaguya expresses her desire to raise a black cat, unaware that it's the God of Marriage in disguise.
• The old man discovers that Sachiko, his caretaker, has left him, leaving behind a letter hinting at her departure.

Character Developments

• Kaguya: Shows curiosity and affection towards the black cat, revealing her fondness for pets.
• Fu Hua: Shows concern for Kaguya's well-being and tries to prevent her from causing trouble.
• The old man: Demonstrates worry and helplessness when he discovers Sachiko's departure.

Significant Themes

• The theme of companionship and loss is introduced through Sachiko's departure.
• Kaguya's desire to raise a cat highlights her innocent and childlike nature.

Character Interactions

• Kaguya and Fu Hua: Kaguya shares her desire to raise a cat with Fu Hua, who warns her against causing trouble.
• The old man and the God of Marriage (as a black cat): The old man interacts with the cat, unaware of its true identity, and later discovers Sachiko's absence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The old man receives a letter from Sachiko, panics, and chases after her.
• God of Marriage, in human form, follows the old man to the bamboo forest, unable to find Sachiko.
• The old man contemplates ending his life to join Sachiko, distressing God of Marriage.

Character Developments

• The old man's love for Sachiko is reaffirmed, leading him to desperation when he can't find her.
• God of Marriage decides to use her divine power to connect Sachiko and the old man's affinity threads, showing personal growth and empathy.

Significant Themes

• Love and Affinity: The old man's love for Sachiko drives the plot, and God of Marriage's determination to help them bond emphasizes the importance of love and connection.
• Divine Intervention: God of Marriage's decision to use her divine power to connect the couple explores the theme of divine intervention in human affairs.

Character Interactions

• The old man's desperate search for Sachiko highlights his love and devotion.
• God of Marriage's decision to help the old man and Sachiko bond shows her growing empathy and understanding of human emotions, contrasting with her previous, more self-serving motivations.

• Key Plot Points & Events: The God of Marriage's divine power activates, connecting the affinity threads of two elderly lovers, Sachiko and her beloved. Sachiko, lost in memories, is carried away by the divine force, reuniting with her love. Fu Hua and Kaguya witness this, feeling envy and desire for their own destinies. The God of Marriage feels renewed purpose. Kaguya expresses her wish to form a bond with someone.

Character Developments

• Sachiko: Recalls her past love, is reunited with her beloved.
• Fu Hua: Feels envy and desire for her own destiny after witnessing Sachiko's reunion.
• Kaguya: Decides she wants to form a bond with someone.
• God of Marriage: Feels a renewed sense of purpose and belief in true destiny.
• Significant Themes: True love, destiny, waiting, and belief in fate.
• Character Interactions: Fu Hua and Kaguya watch over Sachiko, witness her reunion, and express their own desires. The God of Marriage facilitates Sachiko's reunion and feels reinvigorated. Kaguya expresses her wish to form a bond to the God of Marriage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kaguya expresses her desire to experience affinity bonding after witnessing two elders bond.
• Fu Hua is surprised and reluctant, as she hasn't spent much time with Kaguya yet.
• Kaguya asks the God of Marriage for help, despite her unusual affinity threads.
• The God of Marriage agrees to help Kaguya, considering her a friend despite their initial misunderstandings.

Character Developments

• Kaguya shows determination and initiative in pursuing her own destiny.
• Fu Hua demonstrates reluctance to let Kaguya grow up too quickly but ultimately respects her daughter's choices.
• The God of Marriage shows empathy and willingness to help Kaguya, despite their initial disagreements.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit of personal destiny and growth.
• The complexity of family bonds and letting go.
• Unusual circumstances leading to unique solutions.

Character Interactions

• Kaguya and Fu Hua: Kaguya expresses her desires, while Fu Hua struggles with letting go.
• Kaguya and the God of Marriage: Despite initial misunderstandings, they develop a friendly relationship.
• The God of Marriage and Fu Hua: The God of Marriage shows understanding towards Fu Hua's reluctance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kaguya attempts to untangle her affinity thread with the God of Marriage's help, but it's unsuccessful.
• The two elders successfully form their bond, and the God of Marriage gains power from their renewed faith.
• The elders return home, and the God of Marriage observes that their son and daughter-in-law are no longer an obstacle.

Character Developments

• Kaguya: Shows disappointment but acceptance when the God of Marriage can't help her.
• Fu Hua: Feels relieved when the God of Marriage can't help Kaguya.
• The God of Marriage: Gains power from the elders' renewed faith, indicating its role in maintaining and strengthening bonds.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Destiny: The God of Marriage acknowledges that fate is predetermined and can't be forced, emphasizing the importance of acceptance.
• Faith and Belief: The elders' renewed faith in their bond strengthens their relationship and empowers the God of Marriage.

Character Interactions

• Kaguya and Fu Hua: Kaguya holds Fu Hua's hand, showing trust and unity.
• The God of Marriage and the Elders: The God of Marriage observes and supports the elders, indicating its role in guiding and protecting relationships.