Ep 23. Shadow of Intrigue

Miaka and Tamahome arrive in the land of Beldast, where they are quickly spotted by a group of bandits. Despite Tamahome's best efforts to fend them off, they are eventually captured and brought before the leader of the bandits, a man named Tomo. Tomo tells them that he is working on behalf of the emperor of Beldast, who is in the midst of a power struggle with the nobility of the land. The emperor has enlisted Tomo's help in order to secure his claim to the throne, and Tomo has been charged with finding a way to control the Suzaku warriors.

Miaka and Tamahome soon discover that the emperor of Beldast is none other than Hotohori, who has come to this land in search of a way to defeat Nakago. Hotohori has been struggling to maintain his power ever since he arrived in Beldast, and he has grown increasingly paranoid about the loyalty of those around him. When he learns that Miaka and Tamahome are in Beldast, he becomes convinced that they are working with Nakago and orders Tomo to capture them.

Despite their misgivings about Hotohori's true motives, Miaka and Tamahome decide to help him in his quest to defeat Nakago. With the help of Tomo's band of fighters, they set out to infiltrate the palace where Nakago is hiding. Along the way, they encounter a number of obstacles, including traps, guards, and other enemies. But they manage to make it to the palace undetected and find a way inside.

Once inside, the group splits up in order to search the palace for Nakago. Miaka and Tamahome find themselves in a dimly lit room filled with strange objects and artifacts. As they examine the items, they start to realize that the room is some sort of laboratory or testing facility, where Nakago has been experimenting with different methods of controlling and manipulating the Suzaku warriors.

As they delve deeper into the room, they begin to uncover a number of sinister secrets about Nakago and his plans. They discover that he has been using a powerful and dangerous magic to control the Suzaku warriors, and that he intends to use this magic to conquer and rule over the entire land. But as they are about to leave the room, they suddenly encounter a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows.

The figure introduces himself as Soi, Nakago's second-in-command and a skilled assassin. Soi tells Miaka and Tamahome that he has been watching them ever since they entered the palace, and that he knows all about their mission. He warns them that there is no way they will be able to defeat Nakago, and that they should leave the palace immediately if they value their lives.

Despite Soi's warnings, Miaka and Tamahome refuse to give up on their quest. They press on, determined to find Nakago and put an end to his evil plans. But as they make their way through the palace, they become increasingly aware of the dangers and obstacles that lie ahead. Will they be able to overcome all the obstacles in their path and defeat Nakago once and for all? Or will they ultimately fall prey to his powerful magic and treacherous schemes? Only time will tell.