Sangokushi Sousou Den (comic)


 * Not to be confused with the game of the same name.

Sangokushi Sousou Den (三國志 曹操伝) is a comic adaptation of Romance of the Three Kingdoms featuring Cao Cao as the protagonist. It was published on December 5, 1992 by Koei.

Jōya Kagemaru drew the comic and Jūzō Kakei helped write the story. Kou Shibusawa was credited as planner.

Chapter of the Return
With the Han Dynasty in decline and its emperor dying from illness, several factions seek to gain power for themselves. In an effort to unravel the influence of the Ten Eunuchs, Yuan Shao turns to one man who could help him restore order: the veteran warrior Cao Cao.

Chapter of the Stained Stream
Cao Cao's party visits the imperial capital to help He Jin eliminate the ringleader of the eunuchs. Despite their success, the surviving eunuchs distract the group with an ambush while taking the emperor's two sons with them at Empress He's behest. The escape is thwarted by Dong Zhuo who escorts both boys back to the capital.

Chapter of the Monster
Although the eunuchs' downfall brought much-needed respite for the court, the festivities end when Dong Zhuo proclaims his intent to take over leadership. Unable to confront him with Lu Bu by his side, Wang Yun and his peers implore Cao Cao to kill the tyrant using the Seven-Star Sword. The assassination attempt fails, however, and Cao Cao is forced to flee as Dong Zhuo realizes his true intent.

Chapter of the Gathered Army
While resting in his father's home, Cao Cao survives an attempt on his life and is spurred into action upon hearing that Diaochan, whom he had taken a liking to, had been forcibly made a concubine by Dong Zhuo. His efforts result in the formation of an army devoted to ending the tyrant's reign of terror.

Chapter of the Flames
With the coalition closing in on the capital, Dong Zhuo decides to set it ablaze and sequester himself in Chang'an. Cao Cao escapes the flames thanks to Liu Bei and his brothers. Unfortunately, the onslaught fractures the unity of the coalition.

Chapter of Life and Death
As Cao Cao rallies his men to live and fight another day, Wang Yun enacts his plot to destroy Dong Zhuo by using Lu Bu's feelings for Diaochan to motivate him. Thus, the tyrant suffers an ignominious end and his followers including Li Ru are captured.

Chapter of the Turning Point
Far from Chang'an, news of Wang Yun's death reaches Cao Cao's ears. Shocked to hear of his friend's demise, he is more surprised to receive the Seven-Star Sword from Diaochan who had already eloped with Lu Bu. Discarding the sword and his sentimental feelings for her, he decides to set out once more and accomplish his goal of unifying the land.