[SAKURA] We're on a journey to bring spring to Yamato.
Luckily, we haven't run into any trouble so far,
but we can never be too careful.
So, I've asked the Agent of Summer
if we can stay with her while we're here on Iyo.
They said yes?
I'm sure the two of you will have
plenty of things to talk about.
Agents rarely get the chance to see each other.
Something to look forward to.
Also...
the Agency will keep its distance.
They won't monitor us as much in another season's territory.
I can finally get Lady Hinagiku away
from the things that bother her.
Like the Agency, the Village,
potential insurgent attacks.
This is about more than keeping her safe from danger.
We lost so much time together.
I'm taking it back.
Hinagiku is curious about the Agent of Summer.
Do you think she could be Hinagiku's friend?
[caws]
[♪ opening theme song playing]
[RURI] I had fun with all of my friends at school,
a loving family to come home to,
and a sister I adored.
I thought life would always be that way.
But I was wrong.
Everything changed.
Why me?
I don't understand.
[HINAGIKU] Sakura!
Look at this! A bunny!
Yes, it's very adorable indeed.
And a puppy! And a kitty! See?
That's quite an unusual friendship.
[HINAGIKU] And the birds, and the squirrels!
This is paradise, Lady Hinagiku.
I will take your picture
so I can always remember this moment.
[WOMAN] I'm glad to see you two get along with animals.
It's nice to meet you.
I am the Guard of Summer.
My name is Ayame Hazakura.
Please, come in.
Would you like me to prepare rooms
for the rest of your security detail?
[SAKURA] No, thank you.
We've asked them to accompany us at a distance.
[door opens]
[AYAME] You must be exhausted after such a long journey.
[Hinagiku gasps in amazement]
Sakura, the room is almost as beautiful as the garden.
I'm delighted to hear the space is to your liking.
We appreciate your hospitality.
Yes, thank you.
It's perfect, Lady Hazakura.
[AYAME] You're welcome.
Though I'd prefer you call me Ayame, if you don't mind.
It should make things much easier
when you meet the Agent,
since the two of us share the Hazakura name.
- Huh? - I'm sorry.
I should have explained earlier.
Lady Ayame and the Agent of Summer,
they're sisters.
One's an Agent,
and one's her guard? [gasps]
Hinagiku and Sakura aren't blood.
Aren't sisters.
But still, sometimes it feels like they are.
- Don't you think? - [gasps]
[exclaims] I would never presume to call myself your sister.
Hinagiku thought
Sakura would like being her sister,
but she doesn't.
- So, she was wrong. - Hold on!
That's not what I meant at all!
I'll be anything you want.
Your sister, your friend, or even just your sword!
Please, I would be honored if you called me sister!
Are you sure?
[SAKURA] Yes, I'm positive!
I'd heard rumors that you two were close,
but if anything, it seems everyone was underselling it.
[Sakura gasps, clears throat] Well...
As someone who got stuck serving her spoiled little sister,
I admit I'm a little jealous.
[HINAGIKU] Your sister's spoiled?
Yes, to put it mildly.
[SAKURA] Speaking of, now that we're settled in,
my lady and I were hoping to get the chance to meet her.
Unfortunately, she's resting right now.
Maybe another time, though.
[wings fluttering]
[chirps]
- [birds chirping] - [dogs barking]
[HINAGIKU, SAKURA] Aww!
[AYAME] The animals are all very affectionate.
- [camera clicking] - Feel free to cuddle with them
as much or as little as you want.
[HINAGIKU] You have so many animals.
But why is that?
The Agent of Summer was bestowed with the power
known as Life Operation.
She can use it to speak with or even control animals.
So lucky.
Hinagiku wishes she could do that.
It's just not fair.
While I imagine talking to animals is fun,
summer comes with its own set of challenges.
Feeding and caring for them is outrageously expensive.
You should see our yearly budget.
I always find myself wishing that I had more to spend
on Lady Hinagiku's wardrobe.
Then you understand!
Picking out the wardrobe is the best part of our job!
I love it!
I bet you spent some real money on those?
The world of traditional dress is perilous, yes.
And yet...
- [gasps] - ...look at her!
The charm she exudes while wearing it
makes every sacrifice worth it!
It's so inspiring!
Oh, how I wish I could follow your example.
But my Agent has always preferred a more western style.
Well, at least it keeps our expenses down.
Uh, or maybe
Hinagiku doesn't need to wear a kimono.
A suit might work.
Don't be ridiculous, Lady Hinagiku!
I must agree! You can't toss away your signature look
for a boring suit!
Traditional is the perfect attire for you!
Oh, really?
[AYAME, SAKURA] Absolutely! [echoing]
♪
[wind blowing]
[birds chirping]
[AYAME] Congratulations on bringing spring to Iyo.
You must be tired after all those rites.
I'll find some refreshments for you.
- [Hinagiku sighs] - Allow me to help with that.
Lady Hinagiku,
we'll be right back, so get some rest.
Sure.
[AYAME] Well then, Lady Kayo,
if you'll excuse us.
- [door shuts] - [footsteps receding]
[sighs]
Mm.
[chuckles]
- [door opens] - Huh?
- Mr. Bun. Hello. - [footsteps]
It's nice to see you.
Are you having a good day?
- [hopping] - Huh.
Huh.
[footsteps]
[gasps]
[door creaks]
Uh...
[gasps]
Hello. Hinagiku, um, Kayo.
So, mm...
Might you be the Agent of Summer?
Hinagiku was hoping to meet you.
What's your name?
Is that rude?
Do you need Hinagiku's help?
[gasps]
You're so quiet.
Is it because Hinagiku speaks strangely?
[RURI] It's fine.
I'm Ruri. Ruri, the Agent of Summer.
Uh, well, Hinagiku is--
Well, Hinagiku is just her.
My sister, she's been talking about me, hasn't she?
[HINAGIKU] Oh, Lady Ayame?
She said you were resting
because you're not feeling well, right?
[RURI] That's all she said?
She didn't explain what happened?
[HINAGIKU] Mm, no.
Right, I guess it shouldn't surprise me.
Ayame doesn't care about me at all.
Wait, what would make you think that?
She welcomed the Agent of Spring
without even asking me if I wanted to be a part of it.
But you weren't feeling well.
That's just what she said.
I feel fine.
But I stay here because I'm mad.
I'm only doing it to annoy her.
- I mean... - [gasps]
She has no idea.
It's so easy for her!
[HINAGIKU] Lady Summer,
Hinagiku doesn't wanna sound rude,
so please, don't take this the wrong way, but,
Hinagiku thinks that--
- [AYAME] Ruri! - [door slams]
[SAKURA] My lady! I've been looking for you.
- Mm, so sorry. - [Ayame growls]
[AYAME] Ruri! Come out here and apologize!
No, it's fine. There's no need for that.
You can't just lock yourself away
every time you don't get exactly what you want!
Please, Lady Ayame.
There's no need.
She just said hello.
She wasn't rude, really.
- So-- - [SAKURA] It's all right.
Don't let yourself get worked up.
No harm done.
[Ayame huffs]
[clock ticking]
I hope you can forgive me for losing my temper.
To be honest, I can't stand how selfish she's being.
Please don't let it bother you.
It's okay.
I couldn't bring myself to tell you before,
but Ruri shut herself in her room three months ago,
and hasn't come out for a moment since.
You could say she's on strike.
And why exactly would she do that?
I'm getting married soon,
so I'm resigning from my position.
My sister has had a hard time accepting that reality.
[both gasp]
Hey, Sakura?
Are you planning on getting married in the future?
What?! No!
Of course not!
My only purpose is to stay by your side
for the rest of my life!
I neither plan nor desire to get married!
Right, okay.
Not even if it was Brother Itecho that asked you?
- What about then? - My lady,
why would you mention that man's name?
[HINAGIKU] Sa-- Sakura.
You're scary.
It's just, a long time ago,
it seemed like you thought of Itecho as maybe...
As you said, it was a long time ago.
Those feelings have been dead and buried for a decade now.
They're rotting in the ground.
[HINAGIKU] Is that true?
Yes, it is.
Oh, no.
And after everything...
- [body thuds] - [gasps]
[gasps]
[breathing weakly]
Lady Hinagiku?
Lady Hinagiku!
[owl hooting]
[weakly] Sakura?
It's okay.
You had me worried for a minute there, my lady.
- [knock on door] - Uh.
Do you have any news on Lady Kayo's condition?
Seems like it's just a fever.
After days of performing the manifestation ritual,
she's exhausted.
She will recover, though.
There's a powerful ley line
that runs through the summer estate.
You should both take it easy.
Rest up before you leave for Teishu.
[SAKURA] Thank you very much.
Oh, by the way...
[squirrel squeaks]
[SAKURA] Ayame said it's all right if I use the kitchen.
I'm going to make you something.
Does porridge sound okay to you?
Yes, please.
Hinagiku likes it best when you put an egg on top.
If it's not trouble, would that be okay?
Nothing you ask of me is a bother.
You know by now I would do anything for you, my lady.
Fever or no fever.
[WOMAN] Lady Himedaka?
Lady Ayame?
Not my usual attire.
Did I surprise you?
What? No.
It's getting late, after all.
Do you need something?
No. I was just observing.
I didn't know you were such a good cook.
Well, I wouldn't say that. Anyone can make porridge.
Oh, then this is a shame to admit.
No one has bothered to show me how to make anything.
Other people have always done all the cooking
and chores around the household.
It almost makes me worry about the kind of wife I'll be.
I should at least learn how to make porridge
for my husband when he's sick, don't you think so?
Then would you like me to teach you?
Hmm?
[bird chirps]
And now, we just let it cook.
Lady Hinagiku prefers hers with an egg,
but we'll wait until it's done to add that.
So, I'd like to ask you about your sister.
Would that be okay?
[sighs] I'm mortified by her behavior.
A proper Agent would never go on strike.
That's not what I meant.
Our relationship is complicated.
My sister has thought of me as her property
for as long as I can remember.
When I chose to resign and get married,
she took that as evidence
that someone was stealing me from her.
She can't accept that I don't belong to her.
Is that so?
In any case, it is quite unusual,
a guard quitting.
[AYAME] Summer does things a bit differently
from the other seasons.
The Agent of Summer's family sees them through childhood.
Once they come of age,
their spouse takes on the responsibility
of supporting them.
Even if I were to remain single,
I'd still have to pass the torch.
Eventually, her future husband would step in as her guard.
Wait, she's getting married, too?
- Have they even met? - Yes, they have.
They're already engaged.
For what it's worth,
Ruri does seem to have feelings for him, so I'm thankful.
She knows just as much as I do.
We could both be happy.
Marriage is the best path forward for us.
And we've gone too far to reverse course.
Despite that, she holds it against me.
Forgive me.
I am definitely oversharing.
Such worries are far from your mind,
so this must sound strange to you.
Actually,
- my lady went on strike as well. - Huh?
For a long time after she returned to us,
she refused to leave her room, like your sister.
It was two more years
before she was willing to resume her normal duties.
She was kidnapped by insurgents,
and imprisoned for years on end.
Of course it took a toll on her mind.
How could it not?
And the Village of Spring gave up
on finding her so quickly.
They decided they would rather wait for her to die.
[gasps]
[SAKURA] As soon as one Agent dies,
the gods select another
from one of the clans of the Four Seasons.
It was easier for them.
- [WOMAN] Then they-- - [SAKURA] That's right.
They gave up on the search
because when she dies,
the gods will move on to the next Agent.
The Village abandoned her.
Waiting for her to die was less risky
than spending resources to find her.
But at the same time,
the fact that a new Agent was never chosen
proved she was still alive.
They all knew exactly how long she was suffering.
They're monsters.
And why would monsters help her?
[gasps]
[utensils thud, clatter]
[SAKURA] Lady Hinagiku knew exactly what was happening.
When I was finally reunited with her again,
she wouldn't even eat.
She didn't want to live,
let alone call the spring.
[HINAGIKU] This is what they wanted,
for me to die,
isn't that right?
So, why not?
Hinagiku will do it.
Give them what they want.
[SAKURA] To be honest, I can hardly blame her.
They called her a goddess
and drained her of everything they could
before labeling her as defective
when she wasn't living up to their expectations.
They sat by and waited for her to die
when they thought they could replace her and--
I saw that the world treats Agents like cogs
in the clockwork of seasonal change.
Suddenly it made sense,
why some Agents choose to refer to themselves as cattle.
They spend their lives in a pen.
They have no freedom at all.
I know what you mean.
It just isn't fair.
Nobody asks to be an Agent.
One day, you're chosen at random.
You can't go to school,
or make any new friends,
or have fun.
Your life changes.
You never get to be normal again.
Other people dictate your life's path.
You're not even allowed to disagree with them.
It's suffocating!
But we still do it.
We work so hard.
They don't care.
They neglect us.
They hate us.
All they do is complain.
Nothing we do is ever enough!
Sometimes they even try to kill us.
I don't manifest this stupid season
because I enjoy it!
I honestly couldn't care less!
I only call summer so Ayame will be happy!
[gasps]
Excuse me.
That's what my sister is always saying.
[gasps softly]
Lady Ayame.
Can I ask you one more thing?
Do you really believe
that your sister is acting like a child?
Like a child?
I don't think I said that.
You didn't use those words exactly, of course.
But to call the season just for you,
that's childish.
I think it's more than that.
The rituals, they perform them with their whole hearts.
I'm sure your happiness is part of it.
But maybe she can only manifest the season
because of how much you support her.
[cicadas buzzing]
The changing of the seasons is a miracle.
And you make it possible for her.
In this cruel world,
she's always had you.
So now,
even though she has someone else to love,
she can't bear the thought of losing her sister.
She needs you.
And that pain runs deep.
If you keep treating her like she's throwing a tantrum,
I don't think that the two of you
will ever find a productive path forward.
[WOMAN] Thank you.
I mean it.
That was a lot to take in,
but it's nice to know someone understands
- the pain an Agent goes through. - [gasps]
I feel much better after talking to you.
No, I went too far.
I shouldn't have spoken about your sister
like I know what she's feeling.
I mean, I haven't even met her yet.
It's fine.
It's exactly what I needed to hear.
Truly.
I only wish that someone had said it sooner.
[AYAME] Ruri.
Are you ready to call summer?
[WOMAN] It might be too late,
and maybe it won't change anything.
[AYAME] I wanna see your season.
[WOMAN] I guess I wanted a reason to keep going.
[AYAME] Sometimes it feels like your summer is just for me.
[WOMAN] Because I love her.
[chuckles]
Are you...
- Huh? - Uh.
No.
Don't worry about it.
[cracks egg]
[door opens]
- [door closes] - Uh.
[squeaks]
[angry grunt]
[SAKURA] That's good. Your fever's gone down.
[chuckles]
- [door slams] - [gasps]
[gasps]
[birds chirping in panic]
[dogs barking]
[♪ tense music playing]
[SAKURA] Insurgents?
We should have received some warning from the Agency.
- [HINAGIKU] Sakura. - [Sakura gasps]
I'll protect you, Lady Hinagiku.
Stay close to me, and it'll be fine.
Let's go downstairs and meet up with the others.
- [door opens] - [both gasp]
- [radio crackles] - [INSURGENT] Target located.
Moving in.
[Hinagiku whimpers]
[HINAGIKU] Sakura!
- [sword clicks, swishes] - [Sakura grunts, yells]
[♪ closing theme song playing]