Cut Scenes

Doson Contemplates His Next Move

After his recent plan failed at the hands of Seimei, Doson returns to his shrine to plan his next move against the Mikado's regime. Doson sits quietly in the dark with his familiar, contemplating his next means of attack, while petting the small bird.

Background:
A moment that shows an unseen softer side of the film's antagonist: Doson. It helps relate Doson's remorse later in the movie when the creature dies, helping to show that there was a strong connection there. In the final cut, Doson's affection is seen more as a hidden trait that only comes out as the bird sacrifices its own life to save its master.

Lady Aone's Escorts

After Doson's failed attempt to kill Lady Aone, the injured Aone is escorted out of the city at night by Seimei, Hiromasa and Mitsumushi to Sawara's shrine.

Background:
A short scene that, in context, would have hurt the pacing. The transition from the capital, where Aone is injured during the day, to Sawara's shrine at night is sufficent as it appears in the final cut. The viewer can gather that party made their way to the shrine without actually being shown this event taking place.