For real

I agree about Mikio. At the time I was pretty heated and making jokes, but in actuality, I also wouldn’t have been cool with someone putting a blade to my throat and kissing me. During editing, I did regret my reading of that scene a bit, especially because I think I somehow missed Mikio saying “enough” while watching. I think I needed to hear someone else’s opinion to get a better handle on my own, so I appreciate the comment!

I’m so glad you mentioned the possibility that it was neither of them. Not enough people consider this option. I read another comment that pointed out the beginning of the episode when Mizu first starts her revenge quest, she’s not wearing her glasses. She was just openly flaunting her blue eyes to the whole world. And if anyone who simply walks past her can see her eyes they can easily describe her to any assassins or bounty hunters. So if it truly was an outside party who reported her to the authorities, and not her mother or her husband, then they all got into this huge mess for NOTHING. Mizu was conflicted over who betrayed her between two people who ended up being innocent. Mikio and the mother were hell bent on pointing the finger at each other because they knew they themself didn’t do it so it HAD to be the other, and they fought and squabbled and got killed for naught. If it really was neither of them, that makes this betrayal, not really a betrayal at all. My heart broke all over again when I first realized this. The only hole with this theory is that Mizu was still dressed as / presenting as a man when she was going around town asking people for information. But the bounty hunters that came for her at Mikio’s house KNEW that they were looking for a woman. So that means whoever sold her out would have to know that she is female.

I think my main argument against that might be that her opium addiction could have kept her from thinking practically, and I don’t really see what Mikio would have to gain. That being said, I think you’re partially right that Mizu’s mother didn’t have much to gain either. Logic can’t really be applied to the situation to me.

@@jachyra9 That doesn't seem to fit with the storytelling. We're told that mixed race people are "pitiable, monstrous" not "executed on sight, along with anyone harboring them" - edit. then again, Mizu may be a special case because of her specific heritage .

@@jachyra9 So you think her mother would be executed for harboring Mizu, even if she gave her up, but the guy that willingly married and harbored her would have all doubt dispelled about his honour? That makes no sense to me.

@@jachyra9 no need to be snarky, we're just talking. how is it honourable to promise a reward and then not give it?

@@jachyra9 That seems like it has everything to do with honour.