Ep 1. Guardian of the Spirit: Balsa, the Female Bodyguard

In Seirei no Moribito season 1 episode 1, titled Guardian of the Spirit: Balsa, the Female Bodyguard, viewers are introduced to Balsa, a highly skilled warrior and bodyguard with a dark past. As the episode opens, Balsa is seen taking part in a gladiatorial-style combat in a crowded arena as part of her work as a bodyguard for hire.

After emerging victorious from the fight, she is approached by a mysterious man named Jiguro, who asks her to take on a new job. Jiguro reveals that he is the guardian of a young prince named Chagum, who is in danger from the emperor's men. Chagum is the son of the Emperor's second wife, and the Emperor fears that Chagum may be possessed by a demonic spirit, threatening the future of the empire.

Jiguro asks Balsa to flee with Chagum and to protect him from those who would harm him. Balsa initially refuses, but when Jiguro reveals that he himself was once a bodyguard who failed to protect his charge and as a result spent the rest of his life atoning for his failure, she changes her mind and agrees to take on the job.

As Balsa and Chagum leave the palace, they are pursued by the emperor's men. Balsa uses her skill with a spear to fend off their attackers, and they manage to escape. Along the way, Chagum reveals to Balsa that he possesses a Holy Spirit that is said to bring prosperity to the empire. Chagum's mother, the second wife, initially hid the spirit within her own body to keep it safe, but it was later transferred to Chagum.

As they journey through the countryside, Balsa and Chagum face further challenges, including an attack by a group of bandits. Balsa once again uses her skills to protect Chagum and to fend off their attackers.

Throughout the episode, Balsa is shown to be a strong and capable warrior, but also a complex character with a troubled past. She is haunted by the memory of a child she had failed to protect in the past, and she is reluctant to take on the job of protecting Chagum at first. However, as the episode progresses, it is clear that she has a sense of duty and a desire to redeem herself.

Overall, Seirei no Moribito season 1 episode 1 is an action-packed and engaging introduction to the series, with strong character development and a compelling storyline. It sets up the key conflicts and challenges that Balsa and Chagum will face as they attempt to escape the empire and to keep the Holy Spirit safe from those who would harm it. Fans of action anime and fantasy stories are sure to enjoy this first episode, which promises an exciting journey ahead.