Kang Chi remembers telling Yeo Wool, after battling Wol Ryung in the forest, “I thought... I would lose you. That... was so scary.” As he thinks about them embracing, we hear, “She was the first person I ever dared to claim as mine.” Which is a horrible thing to think about, being that alone in the world for most of your life. Stupid So Jung telling Kang Chi to leave for Yeo Wool’s sake as we get a flash of Kang Chi striking Yeo Wool with his claws and her dropping her sword and then them looking at each other ask she holds her arm. Don’t listen, Kang Chi. He’s an idiot! Don’t give into your fear! Kang Chi thinks, “I wanted to make sure that she wouldn't shed such tears full of heartache. However, Yeo Wool might die.”
Training Camp Steps. Kang Chi declares that their relationship ends there. His face is hard, even as a tear rolls down his cheek. Yeo Wool blinks and he adds that this is his third wish, and addresses her formally. He starts to walk off and she yells at him, asking him why he’s being like this. If he says everything is finished, it’s over? Kang Chi protests that she might die if they stay together. She answers that everyone dies:
Some people enjoy a long life before a natural death, others die early because of disease. Like my mom, they can die while giving birth. Like Lord Park Moo Sol, you can die while protecting someone. You might know the day you were born, but no one in this world knows the exact date that they will die.And this is why I like her, because she’s logical. And no one’s fate is set. And Kang Chi is being an idiot. Kang Chi protests that because it’s her and it would be because of him, he can’t stay. He’s ripping my heart out more as he mournfully protests. And both of them are crying.
Yeo Wool wants to know why they have to be like this, for something that hasn't happened yet? Kang Chi answers that he ignored the monk’s warning and Moo Sol died. Even though the warning wasn’t to prevent Moo Sol’s death, it was to prevent you becoming a gumiho. Moo Sol was going to die whether you were there or not. Stupid survivor’s guilt. Yeo Wool tells him he’s running away. Her face looks like she wants to punch him. Kang Chi grabs her arm (and she *doesn’t* wince) and tells her that he almost ripped into her heart. Yeo Wool tells him that he’s ripping her heart even more. Kang Chi declares that time heals wounds, but death, you can’t recover from that loss. He wouldn’t be able to bear it if she died because of her. Clasping Yeo Wool’s shoulders, Kang Chi tells her that when the next day breaks, he’s going to say his goodbyes and leave. And then he goes into the camp. And I can’t help but think of how he thought to himself that he would be able to survive the loss of his parents because of the family he’d made at the training camp.
Yeo Wool watches Kang Chi walk away and then breaks down once he’s entered the camp. Those are seriously some long steps. Their theme is loudly playing as she sags to the ground and cries. Gon walks up the hill to look at her sadly. He sighs, helpless. Creepy music plays as someone peers around a tree in the shadows and watches them both. Suddenly, Gon can sense him, but when he spins around, no one is there.
Naval Base. Soon Shin is dressed in his casual wear, meaning no robe, no hat, just some clothes that he’d lounge around in. Kang Chi has arrived at the base looking for him. For some reason, Officer Kim and several other soldiers had to accompany Soon Shin as he walked around. It kind of makes sense since the man *isn’t* wearing a sword or anything. Kang Chi is half-heartedly drawing in the dirt with a rock. I guess Kang Chi was just waiting for him to walk by, because Soon Shin looks surprised that he’s come across Kang Chi. When Soon Shin asks why Kang Chi’s there at such a late hour, Kang Chi sort of smiles and says it’s for no real reason. He’s just there to talk to his surrogate father. Soon Shin suggests Kang Chi take a walk with him.
Outside the base, Kang Chi and Soon Shin walk alone, not saying anything. Then why the pack of soldiers from before? And is this really wise, since neither one of you is carrying a sword and you *just* crossed Kwan Woong? And there’s a full moon shining in the sky. Eventually, Kang Chi asks Soon Shin, hypothetically, about his situation with Yeo Wool. What would he do if the person he loves the most might die *because* of him? Soon Shin replies that he would do his best to prevent that from happening. But what if that means he has to leave that person? Soon Shin stops walking and turns to look at Kang Chi. Wouldn’t it be best for him to leave?
Soon Shin asks Kang Chi what he fears most. Good that you’re doing that, Soon Shin. Please help Kang Chi get the point of his father’s advice. Kang Chi answers that it’s losing that person, that it would happen because of him. Well, not because of him, but because it’s her ‘fate.’ Soon Shin asks what the person he loves, what that person’s greatest fear is. Kang Chi doesn’t understand. Soon Shin repeats the question and Kang Chi is struck with the implication of the answer. Suddenly, there’s rustling in the trees and a bunch of ninjas appear and surround them. Oh, nos! Those men Kwan Woong sent are here to do their job. Kang Chi steps in front of Soon Shin to protect him, but Soon Shin doesn’t look concerned at all. Kang Chi demands to know who they are, but they don’t answer.
We hear Kwan Woong declare that he has to kill Soon Shin and then has him asking Pil Mok for the 10 ninjas. Pil Mok responds that his mission is only about gathering intelligence. Nice way to get out of doing anything. Kwan Woong responds that he’s not saying they have to be involved. Even though you were just asking for men to kill Soon Shin. Isn’t that making them involved? Kwan Woong tells Ninja Soh to let ‘him’ in. Someone steps inside and I’m wondering if it’s maybe Kageshima, until I see the shoes, and then I’m wondering if it might be Pil Mok’s boss, but when we pan up, it’s The Jerk (Yun)! Yoon was a mole?!!! I am so mad. I want to punch Yoon in the face. What a jerk. An even bigger jerk. He’s dressed all in black.
Just in case we didn’t recognize Yoon, we get treated to flashbacks of him being a jerk and rabble-rousing against Kang Chi. Flashback to Yoon meeting with Ninja Soh, who argues that since they’re both human, they should be on the same side. Even though your Master, Pyung Joon, Yeo Wool, Gon, Gong Dal and everyone else at the training camp is human… Ninja Soh plops a big old bad of money on the table and tells Yoon to make sure that Kang Chi and Wol Ryung fight each other to death. Flashback of Yoon telling Kang Chi about the bodies in the forest. Present pan of Yoon’s face. Kwan Woong declares that Soon Shin is going to be killed by Choi Kang Chi. And Kwan Woong smiles evilly, because his plans *never* fail, especially when they involve framing Kang Chi.
Back to Kang Chi and Soon Shin. Kang Chi tells Soon Shin to escape while he holds them off. Soon Shin tells him that there’s no need for that. What? What about Kwan Woong’s plan? Soon Shin announces that he invited them. What? Ah, the letter to Kageshima. Kang Chi turns to look at Soon Shin and Kageshima steps forward. Soon Shin introduces Kageshima Lo Jyo. In Japanese, Kageshima asks why Soon Shin wanted to see him. In Korean, Soon Shin answers that it’s because he wants to give Kageshima some advice. If the Japanese don’t clear out within 3 days, Soon Shin will kill all of them. Additionally, as long as Soon Shin is the admiral, they’re not setting foot back in Korea. Stare off.
Century House. Kageshima has reported the meeting to Pil Mok. Pil Mok is surprised, since they’re not at war. Kageshima replies that there wouldn’t be any notice if they *were* at war. Kageshima wants to go, since Soon Shin was so courteous. He probably wants to go, too, because Pil Mok is a two-faced liar who tried to kill their Leader. Pil Mok says they can’t because he and Pijo have made a pact.
Back in Soon Shin’s office, Soon Shin lights a candle. Kang Chi basically starts yelling at him for going out to meet Kageshima alone. Soon Shin replies that Kang Chi came just in time. I guess that’s what his throng of men was doing when he came across Kang Chi. Soon Shin replies
Dying is not that frightening, Kang Chi. What I find really frightening is what if I make a wrong decision while I'm alive and cause harm to innocent people? That's what I'm afraid of. If a war starts, hundreds to thousands, even tens of thousands of lives will be at stake. Consequently, every decision I make has to be careful and grave. Every moment I find myself in an abyss of loneliness and fear, but the reason why I'm not avoiding this duty is one thing. I want to be able to protect. For the country my soldiers are required to sacrifice their lives. The weight of their lives, I want to protect that. And also, in order to protect them, staying by their side is the best option.I hope what he’s saying gets through to Kang Chi. Staying by their side is the best option for Soon Shin to keep him men alive. Ergo, it’s your best option for keeping Yeo Wool alive. She’s already started down the path. The monk said she might die, not she will. Being there to protect her is your best bet to keep her alive.
Flashback. Kang Chi is asking what Yeo Wool’s most afraid of. It’s an odd conversation to randomly have, but for the purposes of the story, okay. She thinks, squints at him and answers, him. Kang Chi can’t believe he’s the scariest for her. She grunts a yes and tells him that she’s scared that one day, he’ll just disappear and she’ll never see him again. Kang Chi laughs, because he thinks that’s ridiculous. Yeo Wool says that it’s normal to worry like this when you like someone. Not because she knows what someone’s predicted about their relationship and she’s afraid that he might leave when he finds out what she’s choosing to ignore. Yeo Wool says he might get bored with her someday, and she’s going to get old and wrinkly.
Kang Chi laughs at her worries. He tells her that not only can he not live without her, but he’s Wol Ryung’s son, a dork that found his first love only after a thousand years and even after he became a thousand-year-demon, he held on to my mother's memory, a true romantic. It's a family trait to stick to one woman no matter what. Yeo Wool needs to make sure that she doesn’t get tired of him because he will only have eyes for her forever. Aw. I hope he finds the Gu Family Book, because if *that’s* true and he stays immortal, that’s a really long time to be without her. I’m getting a little choked up thinking about that.
Yeo Wool smiles at him and leans closer, asking him if he really, really means it. Of course, really, really. Promise, promise? Promise, promise. It’s really cute and Kang Chi laughs at how goofy she is.
Heavy with thoughts, Kang Chi leaves the naval base. Back at the training camp, Yeo Wool is tossing and turning, thinking about that same memory. And she’s ignoring Yeo Joo, who’s asking why she’s behaving like this. Suddenly, Yeo Wool slaps the floor, sits up and declares Kang Chi a jerk. Yeo Joo is lost and Yeo Wool doesn’t explain. Yeo Wool mutters that Kang Chi said “really, really” and “promise, promise.” How could just one work from the monk do this?! She asks if Yeo Joo agrees with her, and Yeo Joo tells her that she needs to explain so that she’s understandable.
Yeo Wool mutters, “Never mind,” and stands up to leave. She’s decided to go do some sword practice. As she leaves her room, the mole Yoon arrives and says that he has something to tell her. He asks her to step outside with him. They leave and Yeo Joo comes to the door to watch them go. I guess eventually she decides to follow them, because she’s stealthily sneaking into the courtyard, only to encounter Gon. They look uncomfortably at each other and then Gon nods to go. Yeo Joo asks if he’s happened to see Yeo Wool. Obviously not, since Gon asks about Yeo Wool resting in her room. Yeo Joo mentions Yoon’s visit. Gon wants to know how long ago that was and it’s been less than 30 minutes. Hmmm. That’s an interesting reaction from Gon. Yeo Joo thinks his reaction is strange, too, but instead of answering why, Gon tells her to wake up Song and scour the camp for Yeo Wool and Yoon. He’ll look around the outside of the camp. And then he runs off!
In the forest, Yeo Wool asks Yoon how much farther they’re going and what he wants to tell her. He stops, turns around and says it’s about Kang Chi.
Kang Chi’s just come running up the training camp steps. Song’s in the courtyard with a torch. When Kang Chi asks, Song says that he and Yeo Joo are looking for Yeo Wool. He reports that Yeo Wool went off with Yoon, but they don’t know where. I guess you should have stuck closest to the one that you love, Kang Chi. Arg! They better not kill off Yeo Wool! I’m getting a bad feeling! So is Kang Chi.
Forest. Immediately Yeo Wool starts to worry and asks Yoon if something’s happened to Kang Chi. Yoon justifies his betrayal: since she’s constantly taking the side of something not human, he can’t follow her anymore. She’s about to thrash him, when she hears a twig snap behind her. Grabbing the hilt of her sword, she turn and has the sleeping powder thrown in her face. When she doesn’t immediately go down, the ninja who threw the powder rams her in the stomach with the hilt of his sword and down she goes. Yoon looks like he doesn’t even care. The three ninjas start to put a bag over Yeo Wool’s head. Yoon starts to leave, but when he turns around… It’s Gon.
But he hasn’t seen anything, so Yoon pretends that they’ve been ambushed. The ninjas have picked up Yeo Wool now, so Gon runs past Yoon and demands that the ninjas put Yeo Wool down. And then the evil Yoon does something I’ll *never* forgive him for: he runs Gon through with his sword from behind. Gon slowly reacts, like he can’t believe he’s just been stabbed.
Yoon pulls out his blade. Gon turns to look at him. Yoon practically has a sneer on his face. You better cut him a few more times, because he is going to kill you: (1) Because you put the woman he loves in danger, and (2) you’re a traitor to everyone and everything Gon cares about. The wrath of Gon is not going to be kind. Yoon growls, asking Yoon how he could do this. Yoon spits that since Gon sides with Kang Chi over *humans*, he’s sick and tired of him. Gon’s face reads disbelief, considering that what Yoon effectively doing is betraying EVERY SINGLE HUMAN THAT LIVE IN KOREA. Ah! Gon is really bleeding! Yoon tells Gon to just die and raises his sword to finally finish, but Gon is fast and slashes him once across the chest and then across the back. And bam! Yoon is dead.
The ninjas try to run off, but Gon is faster and stops their advance by jumping in front of them. He’s panting as he growls for them to let go of Yeo Wool. Ah! A bunch of other ninjas have appeared. Gon on a good day probably could have dispatched the 12, but he’s badly wounded. Gon can’t die!!! Gon’s still determined and tries to chase the ninjas carrying Yeo Wool. He quickly gets by the ones blocking his path and catches up with the ninja trio. Or I say duo now, since he hamstrings the one carrying Yeo Wool, who is dumped on the ground. I hope she doesn’t have a concussion. She hit the ground hard.
I’m tortured as the trio runs off with Yeo Wool’s body (again) and Gon desperately tries to fight off the remaining ninjas, even as blood spurts from his side. Dang. Now there’s just three ninjas left. But Gon is about to drop. And he gets nailed in the back. Gon drops to his knees and I start to cry as his last thoughts are Miss Yeo Wool.
The ninja is about to deal the death blow when a flash of red tackles him. Kang Chi’s arrived and quickly dispatches the rest of the ninjas. Gon’s barely conscious, kneeling on the ground. Kang Chi asks him if he’s all right. Really? Does he *look* all right to you, Kang Chi? Gon barely gets out for Kang Chi to hurry and save Yeo Wool and then collapses to the ground. Kang Chi quickly notices the wound and cuts open his hand to save Gon’s life.
As the ninjas sense Kang Chi coming, they throw a stink bomb to mask their scent. Unfortunately, it works.
The village. Bong Chool and his lackey are drunk and are outside using the restroom. The lackey spots the ninjas with Yeo Wool and point it out to Bong Chool. When he realizes that it *is* Kang Chi’s boyfriend, er, girlfriend, he immediately hides the both of them so that the ninjas don’t realize they’re there.
Morning. Training Camp. Gon wakes. Pyung Joon and Gong Dal are sitting by his bedside, waiting. Gon sees Pyung Joon and sits up (with no pain). He weakly says, “Master.” Pyung Joon wants to know how he’s feeling. Gon immediately assumes the kneeling apology posture and apologizes for failing to protect Yeo Wool. My heart hurts for him so bad right now. He is so sad. He’s on the verge of tears.
Pyung Joon tells Gon that Tae Seo found him in the forest and brought him back to the camp. Oh, Tae Seo’s also in the room, just farther away from the bed. Gon notices him now. Since there was a lot of blood on Gon’s clothes, Pyung Joon asks if Kang Chi saved him. Gon looks like he’s trying to process everything, mainly that Kang Chi’s still after Yeo Wool, that there’s still hope, as he answers that Kang Chi did save him. Pyung Joon wants to know where Kang Chi went.
Kang Chi arrives at Century House. He’s greeted by lots of guards and then Kwan Woong with the Japanese. Kwan Woong looks quite smug and Kang Chi does not look like he’s in any mood to be trifled with. Kang Chi demands to know where Yeo Wool is. Kwan Woong croons that he can’t really say. And this is how they’re going to try to get Kang Chi to kill Soon Shin. I hate this man. With lighting speed Kang Chi goes to attack Kwan Woong, but is stopped by Kageshima’s blade. Now that’s impressive. Pil Mok gloats that he needs to be careful and watch his head. If they cut it off and threw it into the sea, even if he was a demi-god, he wouldn’t survive. Pil Mok is sure that Kageshima’s sword could do the job, if necessary.
Kwan Woong croons that if Kang Chi harmed him, Kang Chi would never see Yeo Wool alive again. Kang Chi demands they let her go, now! Kang Chi just needs to do one thing first. Kill Lee Soon Shin. If Kang Chi kills Soon Shin, she’ll live. If he doesn’t, she’ll die. As Eok Man and Ma Reum are dragged out, Kwan Woong adds that he’s planning on killing these spies, too, but Kang Chi can save them, too, by killing Soon Shin. Kang Chi calls Kwan Woong a bastard. Kwan Woong asks whether the lives of the three people closest to Kang Chi are worth the one life of Soon Shin. Eh? He’s enjoying this a little too much.
Ma Reum tells Kang Chi he mustn’t kill Soon Shin. He’ll be forever branded Soon Shin’s murderer. Ma Reum vehemently shakes his head ‘no,’ even as Ninja Soh starts to beat him for speaking up. Kang Chi turns back to Kwan Woong and yells, “Is there no end to your atrocities?” Kwan Woong pshaws that description, and cites several predatory animals (like the tiger) killing as his justification. Not that in his examples, it wouldn’t be for political gain but *for food* that these animals kill, which is why they’re not atrocities. Kang Chi responds saying that Kwan Woong might look human but he’s a beast inside. Kwan Woong laughs saying that Kang Chi’s the monster. Yeah, no one else believes that one, Kwan Woong.
Kwan Woong tells Kang Chi that he has until sunrise to kill Soon Shin. If he doesn’t bring Soon Shin’s head then Yeo Wool, Ma Reum and Eok Man are dead. Kwan Woong gloats. Kang Chi thinks Yeo Wool’s name and we see her bound and gagged. She’s barely conscious. They’ve got her in the barn with incense burning to disguise her smell. Not that this wouldn’t tip me off, since burning incense *in a barn* is such a common occurrence. Shogun-shoulders is in charge of keeping it burning.
Kang Chi is ‘escorted’ from Century House. Kang Chi thinks of what Soon Shin said about protecting those he loves. He thinks of Yeo Wool sharing that she’s afraid he’ll disappear. He thinks, “Yeo Wool, what have I done to you?” At least he’s definitely not going to be the noble idiot anymore. Strong fist clench.
Soo Ryun, Chung Jo and Oh Mom are coming up the training camp steps. Tae Seo greets them. He gives a special nod to his sister. Soo Ryun asks how Pyung Joon is. He’s devastated. Soo Ryun and Oh Mom follow Tae Seo inside but Chung Jo remains in the courtyard. She’s thinking, looking in the direction of Kang Chi’s room.
Pyung Joon is sitting in Yeo Wool’s room, looking at the pillow that serves as her seat. The flower that Kang Chi gave her still sits in the vase on her desk. Tae Seo enters and announcing Soo Ryun. Pyung Joon doesn’t respond, but when Soo Ryun enters, he asks her if she has any news. She reports that Kwan Woong and the Inner Circle are up to something. It doesn’t look like they took Yeo Wool to Century House. Pyung Joon replies that they took her where even her information network can’t reach. Like, maybe she’s dead already. Wow, dad is really spiraling. You were right to describe him as devastated. Pyung Joon asks Tae Seo how Kang Chi is doing. Tae Seo says that Gon is watching over him. So does this mean that Gon knows what Kang Chi’s been asked to do? Pyung Joon wants to see him.
Kang Chi’s in his room, pacing. I guess he went back to the camp and reported in. Gon’s there, trying to keep Kang Chi patient. Kang Chi protests that they don’t have time to wait. Gon snaps back that he understands this more than anyone; that’s why he’s going crazier than anyone else. But right now, Pyung Joon’s the one in the most pain, so it’s his decision. I don’t know if I agree with that one, but then, I’ve never been a parent, either. This seems to get through to Kang Chi. Tae Seo arrives and tells Kang Chi that Pyung Joon would like to see him.
Pyung Joon is now in his office, with Soo Ryun and Gong Dal. Kang Chi, Tae Seo and Gon have arrived. Pyung Joon is just sitting at the table, staring blankly forward. Kang Chi says that they need to go and not delay any longer. And then Pyung Joon says something really stupid. Though he’s grateful for Kang Chi’s desire, he should stop it. Everyone looks at Pyung Joon like he’s crazy. Pyung Joon announces that he can no longer take Jo Kwan Woong’s heinous, atrocious acts. So, Kang Chi should just give it up (and not be blackmailed). Finally looking up at Kang Chi, Pyung Joon says for him to give up on Yeo Wool.
Kang Chi can’t believe what Pyung Joon’s saying. Neither can Gon and Tae Seo. Gon actually looks like he’s going to pass out. The poor guy is kicking himself enough, even though he almost died trying to save her. Gong Dal and Soo Ryun just sadly sigh. Kang Chi repeats Pyung Joon’s words, appalled. Tae Seo starts to protest. Pyung Joon says that Soon Shin’s safety is more important. And in the grand scheme of things, it is, but still. If they are shaken by this type of threat and become vulnerable, Kwan Woong’s just going to keep doing the same thing over and over to make them and Soon Shin suffer. Just like you don’t pay a blackmailer and you stand up to a bully, even if it means getting beaten up. Because they’ll just keep coming if you give in. Pyung Joon does a fist clench even as he says the words. This is his decision.
Kang Chi starts to protest again and Pyung Joon cuts him off, telling him he needs to start his own journey, looking for the Gu Family Book. Even though he’s said more than once that Yeo Wool is his reason for wanting to find the book in the first place, so he can grow old with her. Kang Chi doesn’t want to hear about that. Abandoning Yeo Wool; it’s nonsense! Yes, it is, although I see why Pyung Joon is saying it. And that’s a man who loves his country. Pyung Joon tells him to just do it. Kang Chi refuses. Pyung Joon growls that Yeo Wool is his one and only daughter! Despite that, he’s decided on this, so Kang Chi should honor it!
Kang Chi yells back that Yeo Wool is his one and only person, too! Everyone looks at him, a little surprised. This registers for Pyung Joon as Kang Chi says that if he can’t protect the only person who’s his, what good is it for him to become human? He didn’t endure everything just to become a pathetic human! He’s holding back his tears. So is Tae Seo. And Gon even looks choked up. The tears start running down his cheeks as he declares that if he ever becomes human or not, he will not give up on Yeo Wool. Never! You, go, Kang Chi! As you make my eyes water.
Gon steps forward to stand at Kang Chi’s side and face Pyung Joon. He apologizes because just this time, he agrees with Kang Chi. Heh. Just this time. Tae Seo steps up and thirds the motion. Kang Chi declares that they will go and find Yeo Wool and begs Pyung Joon to give his permission. Pyung Joon’s eyes are watering now. Soo Ryun says that she will scour all her resources again for signs of Yeo Wool’s whereabouts. That’s a third pillar, Pyung Joon. Pyung Joon hisses at her for joining in. She asks him *why* they’re serving their country. In the end, isn’t it to protect the people that they love? Aw, she’s made me get glassy-eyed again. Because she’s Pyung Joon’s most important person, they have to protect her. I’m really trying not to cry now. And the fourth pillar chimes in, adding that sometimes, it’s okay to neglect the burden of the greater good. Pyung Joon swallows hard and sighs. Just like I’m doing as I try not to cry. He looks at each of their faces, ending on Kang Chi.
And outside the room, Chung Jo is listening to everything. She goes and slowly enters Kang Chi’s room. The jacket she left him is still there, unworn. She softly caresses her embroidery as she thinks of Kang Chi declaring that he can’t give up Yeo Wool, that she’s his one and only person, too! Chung Jo definitely looks like she’s trying not to cry and I momentarily feel bad for her. She wonders aloud that Yeo Wool really means that much to Kang Chi. Why didn’t she realize how she felt, when he was there beside he. Then she earnestly starts to cry as she comes to terms with what she’s lost.
The Courtyard. All the students are sitting around talking. Bong Chool sneaks up. He’s still slightly hung over. Song spots him. When Song asks who he is, Bong Chool announces himself. He asks for Kang Chi dongsaeng.
Chung Jo comes outside to see Bong Chool drinking some water while Kang Chi, Tae Seo and Gon wait for him to talk. Kang Chi asks him to say what he says. Loudly Bong Chool declares that it was the pretty young master. So, he still doesn’t believe she’s a girl. Some thugs dressed in black were carrying her. Gon growls, asking where they took her! Bong Chool looks at him and asks him who he is to rudely cut in like that. You’re not his dongsaeng, after all. Gon has to swallow his reply, for the sake of time and Yeo Wool. Then Bong Chool tells Gon that he looks familiar.
Gon can’t take it anymore. He grabs Bong Chool’s shirt and screams for Bong Chool to answer the question already! Kang Chi reaches over and grabs Gon’s wrist, trying to distract both Gon and Bong Chool. He tells Bong Chool that her life is on the line. Time is crucial. Bong Chool says he doesn’t know the exact location, but it’s somewhere on the right side of Century House. Hearing this, Tae Seo says that there are a few storage spaces on the outskirts of the inn that the Inner Circle is renting.
Yeo Wool finally starts to wake up. Her hands and feet might be bound, but she starts hitting the side of the crate she’s been stuck in. The camera pans up to show the logo of the Inner Circle on a bunch of boxes. Why she doesn’t take the gag off and then try to free her hands using her teeth, I don’t know.
Kang Chi, Tae Seo, Bong Chool and Gon arrive outside Century House. Tae Seo says that the Goongbon are using three storage rooms near the east gate and three near the north gate. Tae Seo’s changed into his fighting wear. Kang Chi suggests they split into pairs. Tae Seo and Gon look at each other and nod and run off. Kang Chi starts to go, too, but has to come back because Bong Chool wasn’t paying attention. A ninja has seen them.
Elsewhere, Kang Chi fights two of the ninjas, while Bong Chool hangs back, and quickly disperses them. Bong Chool’s impressed with how cool his dongsaeng is. Yeo Wool’s beating on her crate. Yoon Seo and Gon enter one of the storage rooms and kick over the incense burning. They start searching the crates. Nothing.
Kang Chi and Bong Chool make it to one of the storage rooms. Bong Chool quickly throws the incense outside. As they search the crates, Kang Chi cries out Yeo Wool’s name. Yeo Wool has stopped struggling. Why isn’t she calling back? Kang Chi gets to her crate and opens it. The crate lid opens and Yeo Wool looks up to see… The ninja and shogun-shoulders. Oh, no!! Please don’t let her die. Please don’t let her die! There’s nothing in Kang Chi’s crate. The ninja grabs Yeo Wool. Bong Chool mutters about everything being empty.
Tae Seo and Gon enter another storage space. They don’t even bother to do anything about the incense. And then they spot the open crate. They just missed her!!! Tae Seo sighs and Gon clenches his jaw.
Kwan Woong sits in his office with Ninja Soh. He strokes his gun. Ninja Soh reports that the four have come looking for Yeo Wool. Kwan Woong smirks. What is he planning?
In the village, the heroes sit, dejected. Bong Chool just can’t understand it, since he really did see the thugs with the pretty young master. No one seems to be doubting him. He declares that drinking is a problem for him. But what can he do? No one else is paying attention to him. Gon remarks about how they even knew to burn incense to block Kang Chi’s sense of smell. Kang Chi can only think of his last conversation with Yeo Wool, where she says that he’s running away and ripping out her heart.
Kang Chi stands and declares that he needs to go see Soon Shin. Wait, what are you doing? Neither Gon nor Tae Seo think this is a good idea. Kang Chi turns to Tae Seo and asks him if Tae Seo trusts him. As a friend, how much does Tae Seo trust him? We don’t hear Tae Seo’s answer.
Naval Base. Soon Shin stands in full regalia, thinking. Kang Chi enters his office but doesn’t fully close the door. Soon Shin turns to look at Kang Chi, whose face is deadly serious. I’m not worried, really. I can’t see Kang Chi doing it, really. He’s not going to do it, really?
Ninja Soh asks Kwan Woong if Kang Chi will really kill Soon Shin. Kwan Woong says he doesn’t know. If Kang Chi does, that would be perfect, but either way, Soon Shin’s going to have to take action. Kwan Woong slides the musket over to Ninja Soh and orders him to shoot ‘him’ with the musket at first opportunity. Does Ninja Soh even know how to fire one of those things? He’s great with the sword, but with a musket?
Soon Shin asks why Kang Chi is there. Kang Chi replies he’s there to protect the people he cares about. That doesn’t sound good, but the writers have faked us out before and I’m *pretty* confident they’re doing it again. Soon Shin asks what Kang Chi wants from him. Kang Chi asks if Soon Shin trusts him. How much can Soon Shin trust him? What is Kang Chi thinking? Cut off Soon Shin’s head and then use his blood to heal him? Use a fake head? What?
The ninjas are running with Yeo Wool, who’s awake and kicking and screaming. One of Soo Ryun’s nicely-dressed informants sees them and reports what she saw. Soo Ryun starts to have Oh Mom send someone to tell Gon at the training camp, but Chung Jo chimes in that they’ll be with Bong Chool. She calls him a street thug, heh. Chung Jo offers to be the runner, taking the information to the Deungori Tavern, where he usually hangs out. What is Chung Jo thinking?
The ninjas have arrived at the someplace else and tie Yeo Wool to a chair. Eok Man and Ma Reum are tied up there as well. She notices the spikey mace-like ball hanging above her head. Apparently this is the first that Eok Man and Ma Reum have noticed it, judging by their reactions. Ominous music strongly plays. Yeo Wool follows the rope down to see that the spiked-ball is tied to a hanging sack. A ninja smiles and then stabs the sack. He announces that once the sack is half empty, the ball will smash her head. The ninjas leave as Yeo Wool, Eok Man and Ma Reum struggle, with Yeo Wool screaming with fear and frustration.
Pan to Tae Seo talking with his sister at the tavern. Bong Chool and Gon are there, too. She reports that they’ve moved Yeo Wool when the four started searching the storage rooms. Gon concludes that they knew that the four were looking for her. Kang Chi has returned, as he says, “Of course they knew.” Tae Seo asks if Kang Chi saw Soon Shin and Kang Chi says he just did. Tae Seo remarks that they need to hurry. Kang Chi nods his agreement. Tae Seo says they should go the inn.
As Kang Chi goes to leave, Chung Jo calls after him. She brightly tells Kang Chi to make sure that he saves Yeo Wool. Kang Chi grunts his yes and then leaves, Bong Chool following after him. Chung Jo’s smiles leaves as she watches them go.
Kwan Woong is playing with his nuts again. Around and around he twists those walnuts in his hand. A guard enters and announces that Soon Shin has arrived. This stops the nut twisting. Soon Shin walks up the House steps and into the courtyard. A bunch of guards, as well as many Goongbon, ‘greet’ him. Soon Shin turns to look at Kageshima. Brief staring before Kwan Woong saunters out.
Kwan Woong asks Soon Shin what brings him to the neighborhood. Soon Shin answers that he heard that in order to hurt him, Kwan Woong is holding innocent people hostage. Kwan Woong is surprised and has no idea what he means. Soon Shin requests that Kwan Woong release them. Kwan Woong can’t believe that Soon Shin came all this way just to say that. But Soon Shin did. Stare off.
Barn with Ball of Death. Yeo Wool is still screaming and struggling. The ball partially falls. Outside, Kang Chi, Tae Seo and Gon arrive and begin to battle some of Kwan Woong’s men. They’re quickly dispatched, but a ton of ninjas arrive to block the trio’s advance. Where’s Bong Chool? The trio sighs and answers the ninjas’ charge.
In the Barn, the sand is still draining. I don’t understand why Yeo Wool hasn’t tried to slide the ropes up the sides of the chair, or used her legs to break off the back of the chair. Something. But then it wouldn’t be dramatic, would it? Intershots of Kang Chi fighting and Yeo Wool struggling. Please don’t have her die. This whole series will then suck. Suddenly, Kang Chi can hear Yeo Wool’s screams. There’s a nice pause and Tae Seo says for Kang Chi to run ahead. Because he can do that with his speed, you know. And Bong Chool finally shows up with a club.
I laugh, momentarily forgetting Yeo Wool’s potential demise, as Kang Chi uses the back on a ninja as a spring board to run across the shoulders of the other ninjas, getting past them. Only one ninja stands in Kang Chi’s way, but he super-speeds and knocks the guy unconscious.
Kang Chi bursts into the barn and he and Yeo Wool look at each other. I’m screaming, “Grab the sack! Grab the sack!” Ma Reum and Eok Man start yelling at him to hurry, snapping him out of his relieved staring. He sees the ball. Kang Chi runs over AND TAKES OUT HER GAG. What?!!!! Because that’s going to free her from the chair. Then he rips the ropes apart and pulls Yeo Wool toward him, saving her from the falling ball of death. Whew!!!
Yeo Wool and Kang Chi look at each other for a moment, Ma Reum yelling in the background, asking if Kang Chi’s okay. Aw, dad. Then Yeo Wool punches Kang Chi and pushes him off her. She stands up and so does he, even though he’s confused. He high kicks him across the face. That will teach you to be stupid with your girlfriend, Kang Chi. All Kang Chi can do is stupidly say Yeo Wool’s name. She starts pounding him with her fists, calling him a jerk. And I am reminded of Kang Chi breaking Tae Seo’s spell. He’s got the same sorry expression. Yeo Wool has started to cry. Kang Chi grabs her arms and won’t let go. She pauses and then starts to call him a jerk again. He pulls her into a hug, whispering, “I’m sorry.” As she cries, he promises not to do it again. Ma Reum and Eok Man look extremely uncomfortable.
As Yeo Wool cries, we hear her think, “I should have told you more then.” Kang Chi: “I should have hugged you more then.” As Kang Chi starts to cry, he thinks, “That I like you this much.” Yeo Wool: “That I love you this much.”
Back to Soon Shin and Kwan Woong. Ninja Soh peaks around a bale of hay, starting to aim the musket. Stare off between Soon Shin and Kwan Woong. As Kwan Woong continues to act like he’s completely innocent, Soon Shin asks him why he lives. What is it that he’s trying to secure at the cost of innocent people's lives? Power, wealth, or something else? And he’s growling! I love it when Soon Shin growls!!!
Kwan Woong answers that he exists only for himself, to do what he wants, take what he wants. He’s just being faithful to his wants and desires. Sadly, the world is populated by lots of people like that. Soon Shin replies that he only sees a man who's selfish, lonely, and dirty, who's obsessed with his ugly lust. Kwan Woong says that he’s just subscribing to a more simple but honest philosophy of life, instead of hypocrites the likes of Soon Shin. Really, Soon Shin’s a hypocrite? Soon Shin growls if this is the reason he’s trying to sell of his country. Kwan Woong snarks that he’s going to be ruling the Southern Province in return, so it's not a bad deal.
Soon Shin’s upper lip is twitching now, ask he asks Kwan Woong if he’s finally admitting to be a traitor. Kwan Woong croons that Soon Shin’s about to die anyway, so sure, he admits it. Wow, this man is so prideful. Soon Shin’s not dead yet. I hope the bullet Ninja Soh fires hits Kwan Woong instead. Wouldn't Soon Shin agree? Soon Shin’s lips is really twitching now. All the guards draw their swords. Soon Shin doesn’t take his eyes off Kwan Woong. We see the aimed musket. And I’m wondering when Ninja Soh is finally going to fire it. It doesn’t take that long and Kwan Woong said for him to fire as soon as he could.
Kwan Woong adds that it’s all been quite entertaining. Then he says farewell and starts to walk off, but like with Moo Sol before, Kang Chi’s voice stops him. Kang Chi says that it’s not over yet. He’s arrived with Yeo Wool, Tae Seo, Gon, Bong Chool and his buddy. And I’m a little choked up to see all of them surround Soon Shin protectively. Soon Shin asks Yeo Wool if she’s okay. And I hate the fact that she’s standing directly in the line of fire, swordless. Please don’t make the show suck, writers! Don’t have her die. She answer yes and apologizes for making him worry. Tae Seo announces that they are going to escort him from now on.
Kang Chi addresses Kwan Woong, asking Kwan Woong if he remembers what he said a while ago. Slamming a broom into the floor, declaring that he’d be back to take back Century House? That’s today, Jo Kwan Woong. Pan of all the faces of the good guys. And back to Kwan Woong.
The dramatic singing music plays as Ninja Soh lights his fuse. Finally. He still has a clean shot at Soon Shin. But it looks more like he’s aiming for Kang Chi, which could have been who they were waiting for all along. I don’t understand how this fuse works, because it doesn’t look like it’s going to light anything. Kwan Woong starts to smirk. And I really believe that the shot’s going for Kang Chi now. Why else would Kwan Woong just be standing there. Pans of everyone’s faces and Tae Seo definitely has noticed what I have about Kwan Woong’s smile. Something is definitely off.
Kwan Woong snarks, “Goodbye, Choi Kang Chi.” It *is* Kang Chi-a! Everyone finally notices the musket and turns to face it. Ninja Soh fires. People react and I’m pretty sure that Yeo Wool just got shot. I am clenching my fists and shaking them. I hate you writers! The others react. Yeo Wool turns, stunned, to look at Kang Chi. We hear them think each other’s name. And the episode ends.
Thoughts
Wow. At the moment I am feeling quite bitter. But maybe I am over-reacting and Yeo Wool isn’t about to bite the dust. But the last expressions, coupled with those thoughts of “I should have told you how much I loved you” really make me think that Yeo Wool’s about to die. Which hurts me to no end. For so many of the characters, especially Kang Chi.
I will be very upset if Kang Chi doesn’t end up with Yeo Wool. This is not a melodrama!!! What’s the whole point been, then? Hasn’t part of the point been that you don’t have to become what fate might tell you that you have to be? So many times, ‘fate’ said that Kang Chi was going to end up one way, but he defied it and overcame the predictions. Why not here too? I can’t stand to think that his love story is tragic, too. The prospect of repeating the ending of Rooftop Prince, where they have to wait 1,000 years to be together when they’re finally reincarnated again, that just makes me feel a little sick to my stomach.
I didn’t like to see Gon tortured so much in this episode. In fact, I’m walking away from this episode feeling like it’s my least favorite of the whole series. Gon was miserable. Kang Chi was miserable. Yeo Wool was miserable. Tae Seo and the rest didn’t have it much better. What’s the point with only one episode to go? Why was this episode here? We didn’t really need any of it to get from them breaking up to Yeo Wool being shot. After seeing Soon Shin, Kang Chi realized that the best place to be to protect Yeo Wool was by her side, rather than abandoning her. So how is that a lesson now, that she’s going to die *while he’s there* and he can’t do anything about it?
And why have the stuff with Chung Jo? At all? Was there any point? So she finally let Kang Chi go. Big whoop.
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