Sangokushi: Dai Ichi Bu – Eiyuu-tachi no Yoake

Set against the backdrop of a crumbling Han dynasty, this anime explores the formative years of figures who would shape China’s destiny. The narrative centers on Liu Bei, a man driven by a desire for stability in a fractured era. His path intertwines with that of skilled warriors Zhang Fei and Guan Yu, forging a bond of loyalty through a solemn oath. Simultaneously, Cao Cao grapples with his own ambitions, questioning whether he will be remembered as a savior or a destroyer.

The story unfolds amidst widespread conflict, initially dominated by the powerful warlord Dong Zhuo and his formidable general, Lu Bu. A shift in power creates an opportunity for Cao Cao to rise, despite facing a superior opponent. Liu Bei navigates this turbulent landscape, striving to uphold his ideals while remaining a small player in a much larger game of political maneuvering and military conquest. The series depicts the early stages of a period defined by relentless warfare and uncertain outcomes, laying the groundwork for subsequent events.