The Number of Decapitated Heads is the 699th chapter of the Kingdom manga, written and illustrated by Yasuhisa Hara.
Summary
Continuing their meeting, Kan Ki flippantly blames Sei for the deaths of Zhao soldiers, since he is the one who started this war. Koku'Ou burst into a rage and yells at Sei as she accuses him having even more blood on his hands then them. Sei, however, tells her to be silent while calling Kan Ki's reasoning a childish sophistry. Sei knows that as a supervisor of this campaign he is responsible to judge Kan Ki's ruthless actions as the one seeking to abolish and destroy the other six states. And further states that it's because of that they need to draw a line when it comes executing civilians and prisoners. Not wanting a repeat of Haku Ki's massacre of Chouhei that shook all of Zhao. Since then, the Zhao people have held deep hatred towards Qin, and it would only grow from there due to Kan Ki's actions. This could make the future rule of the people extremely difficult in the process.
After hearing this, Kan Ki stops his speech and asks if Sei truly believes that breaking bread with Zhao after committing atrocities and invading their lands would be possible. Sei, with a firm tone, answer with a yes and Kan Ki then asks Koku'Ou if she is willing to be friends with the Zhao. Still holding great resentment towards Zhao for torturing and brutally killing Rai Do, Koku'Oh angrily states that she simply wants to kill every last one of them. With a smirk and grin, Kan Ki says that humanity will never allow for peace to be possible, and that the young Qin king expects too much of people. Sei, however, doesn't think there's anything wrong with that, since he's the king that wants to find the shortest path towards peace. At first, he thinks that Kan Ki turned towards hopelessness, however he stops mid-sentence and goes quiet for a moment. Confusing those around him.
Upon seeing this reaction, the Great General asks Sei what his verdict regarding his fate is. Sei decides to not kill him, since Ma Ron's explanation was enough to justify, and Kan Ki also accomplishments in the campaign while also securing an important victory. Despite this he warns Kan Ki that if he does something reckless again his head will roll. Shou Bun Kun then adds that he will cut off his feet if he puts them in front of the king again as they leave.
Sei takes a walk amongst the piles of scorched skulls, and he is overwhelmed by the sheer amount of them. As he sits down in despair possibly on the brink of tears, but he hears a familiar voice from behind and turns out to see Shin standing over.
Characters
Qin
- Haku Ki (Mentioned)
High Points
- Sei meets with Kan Ki tom discuss his actions and the massacre.
- Hyou Shiga nearly beheads Koku'Ou.
Trivia
- The Battle of Chouhei is mentioned once again.