Ep. 3: Shōtoku Taishi returns from China to find Hōryū-ji unfinished and orders rapid construction.

3

Prince Shōtoku arrives back from his journey to China following the Luoyang incident to inspect the Hōryū-ji temple construction. He discovers the project remains in the planning stage. Consequently, he compels the sole worker to complete the building within a single day, albeit in a significantly modified design. His motivation is to host a visit from Ono no Imoko. This decisive action ultimately proves to be the final event for both individuals involved. The narrative highlights the abrupt conclusion of their respective stories following this rushed architectural endeavor and the subsequent invitation.