Saiyuki is a Japanese manga series by Kazuya Minekura which has multiple anime adaptations. The first adaptation of Saiyuki was a two episode OVA by Tokyo Kids. The first episode was released on April 23, 1999, while the second episode was released on August 27, 1999. A television series was created by Studio Pierrot and Dentsu titled Gensomaden Saiyuki. The series aired on TV Tokyo from April 4, 2000, to March 27, 2001, spanning 50 episodes.
Another series titled Saiyuki Reload was created by the same companies and it adapts from the manga of the same name. It aired on the same network from October 2, 2003, to March 25, 2004.
A sequel titled Saiyuki Reload Gunlock was also created by the companies and aired on the same network from April 1, 2004, to September 23, 2004. ADV Films licensed Gensomaden Saiyuki and the film. The sequels Saiyuki Reload and Saiyuki Reload Gunlock are licensed by Geneon in North America, and consist of 25 and 26 episodes respectively. Saiyuki Reload is faithful to the manga from the fourteenth episode and onward, having deviated from it for the first 13 episodes. Saiyuki Reload Gunlock also starts off deviated from the manga, until midway into the series, but strays from it during its finale.
Enoki Films holds the U.S. license to Gensomaden Saiyuki under the title Saiyuki: Paradise Raiders.[6] There has also been an anime film titled Saiyuki: Requiem that is also licensed by ADV.
In January 2021, A new anime series produced by Liden Films titled Saiyuki Reload: Zeroin has been announced. The main cast members reprised their roles.[9] It aired from January 6 to March 31, 2022.[10][11]
"Go to the West" Transliteration: "Harukanaru Nishi e" (Japanese: はるかなるの西へ)
April 4, 2000 (2000-04-04)
A long time ago in the Far West, there was a world called Paradise. This is the origin of civilization and faith, where humans and evil spirits peacefully co-existed. Suddenly, a negative spiritual wave spread over this world, causing the evil spirits and monsters to become violent and begin attacking humans. Ordered by the Celestial Heavens, a priest named Sanzo recruits his old comrades and sets out on a journey to Indara in the Far West to find the culprit of this disaster.
2
"First Game – A Guide to the Land of the Dead" Transliteration: "Yomi e no Annainin" (Japanese: 黄泉への案内人)
April 11, 2000 (2000-04-11)
In a small town, our heroes meet a wounded girl called Ho-May, whose friend has been killed by an evil creature. Goku cannot tell Ho-May he is a creature in human disguise. spider-women disguised as a traveling entertainer ambushes the heroes. Goku fights for the kindness of Ho-May and her father, who prepares a tasty meal.
3
"His God, My God – The Divine Platform" Transliteration: "Kami no iru Basho" (Japanese: 神のいる場所)
April 18, 2000 (2000-04-18)
The heroes visit a huge temple on a rocky mountain, where the priests and apprentices live a strict life of studying sacred scrolls and purifying their souls under the principles of "no drinking, no smoking, and all tangible things are vain". They are surprised to see Sanzo partaking in these forbidden activities. Assassins sent by the evil monster Kogaiji attack the temple. Our heroes save the priests from the assassins' violence because the priests are prohibited from killing
4
"Crimson Tears" Transliteration: "Akaneiro no Namida" (Japanese: 茜色の涙)
April 25, 2000 (2000-04-25)
The heroes visit the house of a young girl named Shun-Rey, who is waiting for the return of her boyfriend – the young apparition of a spirit. Sha Gojyo is surprised when he hears the name of this monster, Gee-Yen, which has the same as his missing brother-in-law. The townsfolk tell the heroes the monster that attacked humans in the forest looked like Gee-Yen. Shun-Rey runs to the forest.
Cheer-Rat (Yaone), one of Kogaiji's followers, wants to please her master. She asks Kogaiji to issue an order to destroy Sanzo's party. Cheer-Rat feels indebted to Kogaiji, who saved her from the monster the "Demon with One Hundred Eyes". Cheer-Rat plans to poison the heroes at a restaurant but hesitates after they save her from two drunken thugs. Cheer-Rat still wants to help her master so she makes a plan.
6
"Shower of Bullets" Transliteration: "Jufu no Kaisou" (Japanese: 呪符の怪僧)
May 9, 2000 (2000-05-09)
Visiting a small temple, the heroes hear a rumor of Rick-Do, a savior who destroys evil spirits and monsters. The heroes discover Rick-Do is actually Sanzo's senior fellow disciple and fortune-teller Rikudo (Shukett). Rikudo is possessed by a fetish talisman. In pouring rain, Rikudo attacks Goku, Sha Gojyo, and Hakkai.
7
"Farewell at Dusk" Transliteration: "Tosogare no Wakare" (Japanese: 黄昏の別れ)
May 16, 2000 (2000-05-16)
When Sanzo is severely injured, Goku's head ring, which controls the balance of his magic, falls off. Goku can now deliver devastating blows. Rikudo realizes his disadvantage and flees. Goku loses control, become delirious, and attacks Sha Gojyo and Hakkai!
8
"The Man Who Foretells Death" Transliteration: "Shi o Uranau Otoko" (Japanese: 師を占う男)
May 23, 2000 (2000-05-23)
The heroes arrive at a town where a bazaar is underway. They meet a dubious fortune-teller named Chin-Ih-So, who uses mahjong tiles to tell fortune. Chin-Ih-So precisely reveals Hakkai's past. Suddenly, a giant crab, apparently a ghastly apparition, appears to attack the heroes but efore they engage in battle, a tiny girl destroys the monster crab. She is Lilin, the younger sister of Kogaiji. Soon, Kogaiji and his followers arrive to help Lilin.
9
"Lethal Trap – A Party of Battle" Transliteration: "Tatakai no Utage" (Japanese: 戦いの宴)
May 30, 2000 (2000-05-30)
The heroes and Kogaiji's band engage in a fierce battle. Kogaiji realizes the secret of Goku and his comrades' infinite strength in battle is the power of spirits – to fight for one's own is the best way to help others. The monster crab controlled by an evil sorcerer appears again. The parties agree to a truce to get rid of the monster crab.
10
"A False Savior" Transliteration: "Itsuwari no Kyuuseishu" (Japanese: 偽りの救世主)
June 6, 2000 (2000-06-06)
Sanzo and his comrades arrive in a village where the residents believe their village was saved by the priest Sanzo. Thanks to this story, the heroes enjoy an enthusiastic welcome. However, a false party of Sanzo appears and the heroes are mistaken for imposters. The villagers jail the heroes, believing the bogus priest is the real Sanzo. That night, a monster assassin appears and the village is in a panic.
11
"Tragic Revenge. – The Death Laughs." Transliteration: "Warau Shinigami" (Japanese: 笑う死神)
June 13, 2000 (2000-06-13)
Awakened from a nightmare, Hakkai thinks about the girl he loved. When Sha Gojyo talks to Hakkai, a puppet controlled by the fortune-teller Chin-Ih-So attacks him and injects Sha Gojyo with the seed of a blood-sucking plant. The seed cannot be removed because it is too close to his heart. Sanzo tries to save Sha Gojyo by shooting the seed out of Sha Gojyo's body with a spirit-blasting gun. Sha Gojyo survives. Goku and White Dragon go out to fetch water and disappear.
12
"Wandering Destiny – Struggle in the Darkness." Transliteration: "Yami to no Koubou" (Japanese: 闇との攻防)
June 20, 2000 (2000-06-20)
The fortune-teller Chin-Ih-So approaches the heroes. Hakkai destroyed his family. Chin-Ih-So plots to cause Hakkai to go insane. Sha Gojyo and Goku are injured. Sanzo supports Hakkai in a silent battle with a dark, psychic world. Hakkai tries shake off a twisted illusion but, he is trapped by Chin-Ih-So's trick and suddenly attacks and wounds Sanzo. If Hakkai reverts back to himself, the heroes will quickly die.
13
"Crude Counterfeit – A Fruit of Death" Transliteration: "Shi o Yobu Kajitsu" (Japanese: 死を呼ぶ果実)
June 27, 2000 (2000-06-27)
Our heroes visit a temple where they grow a strangely shaped fruit. Two young disciples say they are taking care of the temple because the chief priest and all other monks left a month ago. Goku is hungry and reaches for the strange fruit. Sanzo senses something evil in the temple and the heroes decide to leave. Goku returns to prove nothing is wrong with the fruit of the temple but slips into a nightmare.
14
"A Sweet Client – I keep My Promise." Transliteration: "Futari no Yakusoku" (Japanese: ふたりの約束)
July 4, 2000 (2000-07-04)
Sanzo and three boys arrive in a small, remote village. When Sha Gojyo leaves to find pretty women, he meets a young woman who tags along with him. The woman tries to persuade Sha Gojyo to destroy a monster that killed her parents. Sha Gojyo is led to the monster's hideout and senses something weird is going on inside but does not realize it is a trap.
15
"The Ill-fated Guy – Spell of Red" Transliteration: "Aka no Jubaku" (Japanese: 紅の呪縛)
July 11, 2000 (2000-07-11)
The heroes have to sleep outside in the rain. Looking up in the rain, Sha Gojyo remembers three three years ago, he helped a young man named Chogo-Noh, who was laying on the roadside.Meanwhile, the Trinity Gods order Sanzo to arrest the man who massacred many monsters, who is Chogo-Noh.
16
"Be There! – A Praise for Staying Alive" Transliteration: "生者への讃歌" (Japanese: Seija e no Sanka)
July 18, 2000 (2000-07-18)
Chogo-Noh flees into the woods to carry out his self-imposed mission. Suddenly, he is attacked by Crow-Man whose family Chogo-Noh killed. They fight and Crow-Man is shocked by Chogo-Noh's fighting spirit. Sanzo and Goku, who were tailing him, arrive and are followed by Sha Gojyo.
17
"Garden of Eden – A Eternal Paradise" Transliteration: "Owari naki Rakuen" (Japanese: 終りなき楽園)
July 25, 2000 (2000-07-25)
Sanzo and his comrades find numerous stoned monsters in a monsters' town called "Tofu-Gai" at the bottom of steep ravines. Goku, Sha-Gojyo and Cho Hakkai turn into stone statues because they are monsters too. Left alone, Sanzo asks a monster woman named Koran how he can save his friends. Koran introduces Sanzo to an old man called Muhan, who governs the town. Sanzo has to find a way to save his friends.
18
"Vice or Justice – The Truth of Justice" Transliteration: "Seigi no Shinjitsu" (Japanese: 正義の真実)
August 1, 2000 (2000-08-01)
Several monsters are missing. Yaone, a female warrior of Kogaiji, begins to investigate what is happening. Meanwhile, Sanzo and his three comrades find Tonpoo, an old friend of Sha Gojyo and Hakkai. Tonpoo tells the heroes he volunteered a militia called Fanron Troop, which consisted of humans tasked with hunting evil monsters. The same night, Yaone is captured by the captain of Fanron Troop when she sneaks into the camp.
19
"Don't go Alone – Desperate Girls" Transliteration: "Nageki no Otometachi" (Japanese: 嘆きの乙女たち)
August 8, 2000 (2000-08-08)
The heroes meet four beautiful sisters. Sanzo is reluctant to befriend them. Soon after they leave the sisters, the heroes discover the sisters want to kill them for saving the life of the eldest sister, who was possessed by a parasitic monster.
20
"Sandstorm – Trap of Quicksand" Transliteration: "Ryuusa no Wana" (Japanese: 流砂の罠)
August 15, 2000 (2000-08-15)
A monster that ate the priest Sanzo Senior hides in the desert. The heroes go into the desert and fall into quicksand. The desert monster has set a trap because he believes he will get eternal life if he eats a priest of great virtue. The monster becomes enraged by Sanzo's arrogant and disgraceful manner. In an underground jail, Goku, Sha Gojyo and Hakkai are engaged in a desperate battle with incessant scorpions.
21
"Selfish Dream – Reckless Run to Ruin" Transliteration: "Hametsu e no Bousou" (Japanese: 破滅への暴走)
August 22, 2000 (2000-08-22)
Five Sutras who are possessed by Sanzo and his comrades are needed for reviving Gyumao the Bull Satan. Trailing the Sutras, Kogaiji, Son of Bull Satan, crosses the desert and meets the heroes. Goku wants to help Sanzo, who is greatly weakened by scorpion poison but Kogaiji challenges him to a duel and proves to be an extraordinary warrior. Goku fears he cannot defeat Kogaiji with his normal power.
22
"Devastation – The Outcome of a Deadly Duel" Transliteration: "Tatakai no Hate" (Japanese: 闘いの果て)
August 29, 2000 (2000-08-29)
Goku takes out his head ring, which controls his infinite power; his sense of judgment vanishes, and he cannot recognize his friends and his enemies. With cruelty and violence, Goku begins to attack whoever he sees. No-one can stop Goku's devastating power but Sanzo manages to get up in front of Goku.
23
"Scapegoat – Reward of Subordination" Transliteration: "Fukujuu no Daika" (Japanese: 服従の代価)
September 5, 2000 (2000-09-05)
The heroes arrive at a Village with big canons sticking into the sky. They are surprised by a ceremony that offers a sacrifice to an evil monster that rules the residents. Hakkai is stunned by the young woman who is chosen as a sacrifice because she looks exactly like his dead girlfriend Kanan. The monster must be destroyed before the woman is sacrificed.
24
"Mother – Crimson Bond" Transliteration: "Aka no Kizuna" (Japanese: 紅の絆)
September 12, 2000 (2000-09-12)
Goku and Sha Gojyo enter a village in search of food, and meet a young mother named Yan-Min, who is hugging a new-born baby. The baby's eyes and hair are red like Goku's. Yan-Min's husband is a human-looking monster; the villagers despise her for having a monster's baby. A man called Nijenye is interested in the sadness and hatred spawned in her heart, and plans to use her secret feeling for his own purpose.
25
"Tomboy – Frightening Assassins!" Transliteration: "Senritsu no Shikaku!" (Japanese: 戦慄の刺客)
September 26, 2000 (2000-09-26)
Lilin, the young sister of Kogaiji, appears to challenge the heroes. Her trick is "Operation – Meat Bums on the Road", which fails to induce the heroes but surprisingly it works on three stupid monsters, who are defeated by Lilin and become her followers. Ordered by their new boss, they keep meddling in the heroes ways.
26
"Calling – No One Hears Your Cry." Transliteration: "Todokazaru Sakebi" (Japanese: 届かざる叫び)
October 3, 2000 (2000-10-03)
One of Kogaiji's troops, "Iron Demon Troop", assaults Sanzo and his comrades. The troop is destroyed by our heroes' overwhelming power. The troop's leader Rashu and a few soldiers survive. Rashu sets a trap to capture Sanzo and Goku in their armor. Goku and Sanzo cry inside their armor.
27
"Advent – The Evil God of War" Transliteration: "Kourin・Toushintashi" (Japanese: 降臨・闘神太子)
October 10, 2000 (2000-10-10)
Our heroes encounter new enemies from the heavens: Prince Homura, Zenon and Shien, who re neither human nor monsters but call themselves gods. Prince Homura is seeking Sanzo's Sutra of Dark Power. The gods say they know the heroes' previous existence.
28
"Lonely – The Signal of Rebellion" Transliteration: "Honjyaku no noroshi" (Japanese: 反逆の狼煙)
October 17, 2000 (2000-10-17)
Abandoning the Celestial Heavens, Prince Homura, Zenon and Shien decide to build a new world. They choose the tower and castle made by monster King Gailu and his warriors as their headquarters. The army of the Celestial Heavens, which is led by the self-professed gods, begins to attack and seize the tower. Leaving the battlefield, Prince Homura goes to see King Gairu with an offer.
29
"Unexpected Defeat – Fall of Castle Houto" Transliteration: "Houtojou・Kanraku" (Japanese: 吠登城・陥落)
October 24, 2000 (2000-10-24)
The Celestial army destroys the monster-warriors and soldiers in Castle Houto. Kogaiji and his followers are surprised by this defeat but Kogaiji realizes the three self-professed gods are his father Gyumao-Bull Satan. Kogaiji goes to the underground laboratory where an experiment with resurrection is underway. With Dokkakuji's help, Kogaiji fights against the Celestial army.
30
"Undertaker – An Invitation to Hell" Transliteration: "Jigoku e no shoutaijou" (Japanese: 地獄への招待状)
October 31, 2000 (2000-10-31)
The heroes walk into a desolate village and wonder what has happened there. Suddenly, four coffins of sizes equal to those of the heroes are pushed out and an illusion of a creature called The Undertaker appears. The Undertaker shows excessive courtesy to Sanzo and his comrades. Sha Gojyo is upset and Goku is angry. The Undertaker keeps telling disgusting stories, upsetting the heroes.
31
"Ambition – Arrogance of the 'Gods" Transliteration: "Kamigami no ogori" (Japanese: 神々の驕り)
October 3, 2000 (2000-10-03)
A platoon of five skilled warriors who scored many points at a military drill visit Prince Homura. They want to join the army of the Celestial Heavens. Prince Homura orders the warriors to destroy Sanzo's party and get the magic sutra. The platoon triumphantly marches out. Sanzo's party fight the platoon.
32
"Fake Star Strikes Back – Pride of the Impostors" Transliteration: "Doukeshi no hokori" (Japanese: 道化師の誇り)
November 7, 2000 (2000-11-07)
The heroes again meet the party of the bogus Sanzo. After the earlier incident, the bogus Sanzo never introduces himself as the priest Sanzo. The Bogus Sanzo and the impostors are fearful. The party of bogus heroes remember their pride as the best impostors in the world; they are sly and mean. They devise a plot to revenge the true heroes.
While the heroes are struggling in a snowstorm, they meet Shoryu, a young monster who skillfully manipulates snow, ice, and water. Shoryu waits for the heroes to get Sanzo's sutra by the order of Prince Homura. Sanzo and three warriors are fooled by Shoryu's attack, which is empowered by an evil, forbidden spell. Shoryu's older sister Shoen is heading to Prince Homura's castle; she is ordered to get the Hallowed Sutra from Prince Homura by Koshu, the Lady Darkness who wants to revive Gyumao-Bull Satan.
Five skilled warriors of the Celestial Heavens appear in front of the heroes. They want to take the Sutra of Dark Power from Sanzo and force Son Goku side with them. The warrior attacks Goku and puts him in constant struggle. Goku can dodge, leap, and run out of deadly assaults.
35
"Solitude – The lonely heart" Transliteration: "Kodoku no tamashii" (Japanese: 孤独の魂)
November 28, 2000 (2000-11-28)
Kogaiji visits the tomb of the girl he loved, who was reincarnated as a human. Kogaiji swears revenge on Son Goku and his comrades who defeated him in the Battle of Hoto Castle. Kogaiji summons and awakens the Demon of Recollection, and engages in a war of nerves.
36
"Brotherhood – A Crimson Flower" Transliteration: "Akai hana" (Japanese: 紅い花)
December 12, 2000 (2000-12-12)
Sanzo and his comrades are lost in deep woods in fog and rain, and have to sleep in the open. Sha-Gojyo hates this idea and tries to find a way out of the woods. He finds a cave and goes in to explore but soon realizes he is completely lost. Dokkakuji, Kogaiji's assistant who is also lost in the cave appears.
37
"Taciturnity – A Smile of Reticence" Transliteration: "Tozasareta bishou" (Japanese: 閉ざされた微笑)
December 19, 2000 (2000-12-19)
Sanzo and his party walk into a village in which Cho-Hakkai grew up in an orphanage. Hakkai has feelings of nostalgia and bitterness; he was a desperate child who never smiled. He meets Sister Shaohei, who spent her childhood in the same orphanage. She tells Hakkai there is a boy who never smiles, just like little Hakkai. Hakkai wants to see the boy.
The heroes defeat the monsters in the woods and get a good drink. While drinking, Sanzo recalls the incident involving his master Kohmyo-Sanzo a long time ago. Soon after, Sanzo and his comrades arrive in a village where they join and win a drinking competition.
Sanzo is gloomy and depressed in the never-ending rain. Goku worries Sanzo and tries but fails to cheer him up. Sanzo get more irritated and insults Goku. Upset, Goku runs out of the inn. Suddenly, Konzen, was Goku's guardian in the Celestial Heavens, appears in front of him.
40
"Twilight – The Gloomy Sun" Transliteration: "Fukigen na taiyou" (Japanese: 不機嫌な太陽)
January 16, 2001 (2001-01-16)
500 years ago. In the Celestial Heavens. Born from a stone, Goku was brought to Goddess of Mercy – Kanzeon Bosatsu. He was introduced to his guardian – Konzen Doji who is a handsome young man with beautiful blond hair. (Konzen is the previous existence of Sanzo.) He takes care of Goku just like his younger brother. Then, Goku meets a boy called Nataku. Even a small boy at Goku's age, Nataku is the Lord of War and is the only person in the Celestial Heavens, who is allowed to kill. He receives an order to subjugate the great monster, Bull Satan – Gyumao.
One day Goku wants to see Nataku and sneaks into the Great Palace. He meets Kenren, the Commander General of the Army of Celestial Heavens. General Kenren is the previous existence of Sha-Gojyo. General Kenren is surprised to see Goku chained with weights on both hands and legs. Then, Nataku returns from the hunt of Gyumao. His body is covered with wounds. Goku worries Nataku. General Kenren suspects why all the soldiers who went for subjugation have no injuries.....
Sanzo's party drop in a town called Saika on the day of Festival of God. They notice that the God the folks worship here is Shien. They do not know why, but Shien comes down to this place today every year. Lilin, a loyal follower of Kogaiji, learns from Ni-Jen-Yi that Shien and tow other Gods took the Hallowed Sutra from Gyokumen-Koshu. Lilin comes up to Saika and wages battle to Shien for the Hallowed SutraŠ.
43
"Tears – A Village of Illusion" Transliteration: "Kyozou no machi" (Japanese: 虚像の街)
February 6, 2001 (2001-02-06)
Zeon hears that One of the Sutras of World Commencement was found in a village. He visits the village to find if this news is true. Soon after he arrives there, Zeon helps a boy attacked by the monsters. He sees his own son's visage on this boy. Meanwhile in a neighboring village our heroes hear a rumor of a monster devouring human's spirits.
44
"Plunderer – Seizure of the Sutra of Dark Power" Transliteration: "Kyoumon goudatsu" (Japanese: 経文強奪)
February 13, 2001 (2001-02-13)
God Homura and his two fellow-Gods are ready to begin the Creation of New World. However, they need Sanzo's Sutra of Dark Power to accomplish their plan. Homura tells Sanzo to bestow the Sutra by the next morning. Sanzo has no intention to give it out. Our heroes know they will have hard battle against Gods. So, they have only shallow sleep. And the battle begins ....!
45
"Glorious Days – Before Dawn" Transliteration: "Yoake mae" (Japanese: 夜明け前)
February 20, 2001 (2001-02-20)
Five hundred years ago in the Celestial Heavens, Konzen – the previous existence of Sanzo – takes Goku to Tenpoh, Grand General of the entire force of the Celestial Heavens. Tenpo is the previous existence of Cho-Hakkai. Nataku, whose wounds have not healed, receives a new order of subjugation from Li-Tohten, the minister of the Celestial Heavens. General Kenren wants to take this order but he is refused and punished for his indecent behavior. Tenpoh is surprised at Kenren's reckless manner and becomes angered by Li-Tohten's selfish conduct.
The Creation of New World of Homura, Shien. and Zeon has begun. Sanzo and his comrades go to the Tower of Konran, where Homura's party are supposed to wait for them. Instead, the heroes are attacked by monsters led by Gairu. The monsters are so weak and the battle quickly ends. When the heroes walk further, they know they have passed only a first easy barrier, and that more enemies are waiting.
47
"Guilty of Not Guilty" Transliteration: "Kairitsu" (Japanese: 戒罪)
March 6, 2001 (2001-03-06)
Goku single-handedly resists an attack of Homura's Royal Guards so his comrades can enter the tower to find Homura. The enemy uses an artifice called "Work of Repentance", forcing a person to remember past emotional hurts. Goku is stunned when he sees his mother-in-law crying in front of him.
48
"Absolutely Heaven! – Door to Freedom" Transliteration: "Jiyuu e no tobira" (Japanese: 自由への扉)
March 13, 2001 (2001-03-13)
Sanzo's party and Kogaiji's group confront Homura, Shien, and Zeon. Sanzo wants to take back his Sutra of Dark Power and Kogaiji has to get the Hallowed Sutra. Shien and Zeon decide to engage in battle side-by-side and send Homura to New World. When the battle begins, Shien releases his true power over to the heroes and Kogaiji's group.
Zeon follows Shien's performance and releases his true power. The combined power of the two gods overwhelms everybody on the battlefield. Sanzo quickly leaves the tower and follows Homura but he is ambushed by Goku, who is controlled by the "Work of Repentance". Without his head ring, Goku is wild and merciless, and attacks anyone in his way. Homura is about to step into the nearly completed New World.
50
"Alone – To the West" Transliteration: "Nishi e" (Japanese: 西へ)
March 27, 2001 (2001-03-27)
Goku returns to himself and jumps at Homura. Goku's power is greatly increased by his rage. Everybody thinks Goku has finished Homura with an explosive blow but Homura gets up again and takes the chains from his hands to release his true power. Homura's strength is devastating. Goku's comrades wants to help him but he says he is going to defeat the god by himself.
A mysterious light falls from the Heavens. It's the Pearl Jade. It can grant any wish. Dr. Ni tells Gyokumen Koushu about it. Lirin overhears and tells Kougaiji. Then Kanzeon Bosatsu (The Merciful Goddess) requests "orders" Sanzo and company to go and find and seal it before it falls into the wrong hands.
Heaven, where the gods live. In that world where ‘death’ doesn't even exist, Konzen Douji spent his days, bored. However, his life begins to change with the introduction of a golden-eyed boy. Standing at Kanzeon Bosatsu's side, they said he was born from the Lower World from a stone. Konzen was charged with looking after the innocent boy. He began to sense a change in his life, even as he was irritated with being toyed with. The boy became friends with the young War Prince, Nataku. The boy later receives the name “Goku” from Konzen, and they became close with Tenpou and Kenren of Heaven's Western Army. Shocked by the tragic death of Nataku, Goku's true raw power was released in the form of the "Seiten Taisei" when his youkai power limiter, his golden diadem, was broken. A massacre occurred and those in the area were overwhelmed by his destructive power. Kanzeon Bosatsu knocked the beast out, but Konzen Douji stepped in to stop her. However, for protecting Goku, Konzen, Kenren, and Tenpou were made enemies of Heaven. They took their commanding officer, the Dragon King of the Western Ocean, Goujun, hostage and they attempted to flee to the Lower World. The four of them--Konzen, Goku, Kenren and Tenpou--promised that “We'll always be together,” “Even if we get separated, we'll meet again beneath the sakura in the Lower World.” The four headed for the only path connecting Heaven and the Lower World: the Dimension Gate. They released Goujun as Tenpou and Kenren gave their report to him telling him that they will resign in their positions. The four of them entered the Heavenly Palace and encountered Enrai's unit, Western Army Second Unit, but thanks to the Western Army First Unit who barged in and fight to help their superiors escape. In Tenpou's last order, he ordered them to kill all Second Unit in the room and do not let a single person who'd seen them leave alive. After Tenpou and Kenren left, Rikuou encouraged his fellow First Unit that they will complete the mission and it will be their final battle.
2
"Episode 2"
June 24, 2011 (2011-06-24)
Tenpou and Kenren invited Konzen and Goku to have a picnic under the cherry blossoms. While they were having a picnic, Kenren challenge Goku to climb the tree. The conversation later on goes about the cherry blossoms. Kenren mentioned that Cherry Blossoms in lower world are different from those of Heaven. Different in the way they bloom they fall. This made Konzen curious and wanted to see how they bloom in the lower world. Goku didn't understand what Kenren was trying to say, Konzen's words made Goku's heart tighten for a moment. And without realizing, Goku's branch where he standing broke and fell on Konzen's head. Back to the present, at that time, Li Touten's comrade assassinated the Heavenly Emperor. The blame fell on Konzen and the rest, and they were attacked by the ‘Natakus’, the failed man-made weapons that didn't become ‘Prince Nataku.’ Kenren acted as bait, and let the other three escapes. Kenren struggled against the Natakus, but he was mortally wounded, and fell. The three managed to infiltrate into the lowest level of the Heavenly Palace. However, the Gate had been placed under heavy guard. There, Tenpou decided to draw the attack of the Gate guards himself in order to allow Konzen and Goku to go on ahead. Meanwhile, Kenren found himself bloody and suffering from fatal wounds. Goujun, his superior, found him among the carnage having a smoke. He asked Kenren about these beasts and he more or less told Goujun that he and Tenpou had been suspecting something similar to what he saw before him from the start. Goujun told Kenren to surrender, and Kenren, never being one to let sleeping dogs lie, challenged Goujun instead, even in his state. He planned to go down fighting. But it turns out that not all of the Natakus were dead. One was still alive. Kenren saved Goujun by pushing him down a shaft and told the beast that he felt pity for it and that it should eat him and make sure nothing of him was left. All the Nataku beast were suffering creatures. The crying beast killed Kenren as Goujun gave him a salute as a sign of his respect.
3
"Episode 3"
November 25, 2011 (2011-11-25)
Tenpou was enjoying the battle, the numbers were too uneven and he suffered a fatal wound. He took care of all the guards, but in a duel with the remaining Sho’u, Tenpou too, as though chasing after Kenren, met his end. Goku and Konzen reached the Dimension Gate. After surviving various hardships, they finally managed to open it. However, they came up against Li Touten's resistance, and Konzen sent Goku through first. Konzen tried desperately to make it through as the Gate rapidly began to close, but only Goku got out on the other side. Konzen promised Goku, “Next time I'll reach out my hands to you!” and disappeared into golden ashes that crushed in the Gate. Time went by, and Heaven sought to restore order. The Heavenly Emperor had died, the Heavenly Palace was destroyed, the Thousand-Year Cherry Blossom petals had scattered. The people and the army were all thrown into chaos. Amid all this, Kanzeon Bosatsu remained stolidly on the Lower World-side of the Dimension Gate, gently holding the despairing Goku, and sealed his memories away. All of his memories were erased except for his name ‘Goku’. The punishment imposed upon Goku was ‘500 years of loneliness.’ Deprived of his memories and shackled, Goku was sealed in a mountaintop stone prison, as countless seasons went by. And when 500 years have passed, a shining figure appears before Goku's eyes, and holds out a hand. Goku reaches a hand toward the light, Genjo Sanzo.
4
"Saiyuki Gaiden: Kouga no Shou"
April 26, 2013 (2013-04-26)
Kanzeon Bosatsu was wandering in the demolished private library of Tenpou when she found Goku's drawing of him with Tenpou, Konzen and Kenren under the cherry blossoms. Later on, the scene changes back few years ago. Tenpou joined the Western Army when he was appointed to be a Field Marshal. It was then when Tenpou and General Kenren met for the first time. It was then the start of their journey and encountering major events that shakes the whole heavenly place. Tenpou recalls the event what happened on his journey and missions along with his unit who cannot leave him alone. Later on, we see Tenpou brought his unit to the lower world to a secret barbecue or grilled steak restaurant with their new member Souko. The First Unit's Final Battle, Another scene also was shown, that Li Touten was being oppressed by his superior when Kenren stopped the superior. Kenren offered his hand to help Li Touten to stand up but slapped his hand instead. Tenpou appeared on Kenren's back and explained Li Touten's background. Later on, Li Touten was seen going down the basement (Natakus room) when his wife saw him. Li Touten showed and introduced their son, Nataku ---was made from the combined genetic material of Lower World Youkai and Heaven's gods, making them Heretics---. After years, Li Touten introduced his son, The War Prince Nataku to the Heaven's Emperor. There's also a scene that was shown, during the event of Tenpou's last order. The rest of the First Unit was fighting against Enrai's men stating that they will fight until all of them died.
