Laughing Under the Clouds. Vol. 2

Set during the Meiji Restoration (1868–1912), a period of dramatic change brought about by the sword ban and the Westernization of Japan, three brothers, the eldest surprisingly optimistic, the middle one too serious, and the youngest infinitely in love with the eldest, struggle over a snake named Orochi. The second volume of an action-packed work, the events of which, while maintaining their style and scope, are increasingly accelerated by the appearance of Iwakura Tomomi, a key figure in the new Meiji government.