Ghost Concert: Missing Songs Episode 4: Worlds Apart

On a bright temple morning, Seria Aiba watches the younger members leave for school. She feels a quiet longing for purpose, offering to help Rui Shidou with chores. As they walk, Seria asks about Rui's past, and Rui reveals Settei Miyata is her father, though not by blood. This confession hints at a deeper, more complicated history.

The scene shifts to a chilling flashback five years prior, to a secluded island. Rui recounts her selection as a 'Pure Bride,' a sacrifice to a malevolent spirit. Gruesome surgeries were performed to alter her appearance, erasing her true face. She recalls the horror of seeing herself as a stranger, a vessel for a ritual. On the day of sacrifice, Settei intervened, rescuing her from the encroaching entity and giving her the name Rui.

Back in the present, Seria is deeply moved by Rui's tragic history and Settei's selfless act. Rui, now a spirit herself, confides her desire to sing 'true songs' and be more like Seria. Seria, touched by this vulnerability, resolves to become stronger for both Rui and Settei. Her determination to undergo training, whatever it may be, solidifies her place within this unusual family.

Seria confronts Settei upon his return, eager for training. Settei, ever the pragmatist, explains that her spiritual power is already potent. He directs her instead to the temple's stone storehouse, filled with ancient texts. Knowledge, he asserts, is the truest weapon against the Great Ghosts. Seria enthusiastically embraces this new path, understanding that intellect can be as formidable as any spell.

A montage follows, depicting Seria's new routine. She immerses herself in the dusty library, surrounded by old books, balancing her studies with temple duties. She works alongside Rui in the fields, cleaning the traditional wooden floors. During a group dinner, Yotetsu Yamashina and others notice Seria's absence, and Rui explains her fascination with history. Settei observes Seria’s natural affinity for the past. The warm, domestic atmosphere shows her integration into the temple family, cementing her role as a scholar and a member.

In the temple's main hall, Settei meditates when Yotetsu arrives to discuss strategy. Yotetsu proposes a critical mission: establishing a spiritual path through the Oooku to reach MIUCS. This move, while not typical for TERA, promises a strategic advantage against their rivals. Settei hesitates, concerned for the girls' safety. Yotetsu, however, reminds him of past successes with spiritual disguises, swaying Settei to proceed with the risky venture.

Settei explains the mission to Seria and Rui: they must infiltrate a spirit realm, a ghostly Oooku, to gain an audience with Shogun Iemitsu's ghost. Their goal is to establish a spiritual path through his domain. Settei reveals Iemitsu's historical preference for women disguised as men. Seria, despite her confusion, is resolute. Settei performs a 'Spirit Possession Detachment' ritual, calling upon the spirits of Caesar, Antonius, and Okita to transform Seria into a handsome young page, ready for the ruse.

Seria, now 'Oseri,' and Rui, as 'Orumi,' arrive at the gates of the spiritual Edo Castle. They encounter Kasuga no Tsubone, the formidable spirit managing the Oooku. Kasuga, unimpressed, demands they prove their worth. Oseri and Orumi are relegated to menial tasks, cleaning floors and serving tea. Cleo, Seria's spirit companion, guides her to maintain her masculine persona. The girls work tirelessly, slowly rising through the ranks, seeking an opportunity to encounter the Shogun.

'Oseri' is assigned to attend Shogun Iemitsu during his evening bath. This is the moment of truth, the closest she has come to her target. Seria struggles to maintain her composure in the intimate setting, under Iemitsu's piercing gaze. He seems amused, testing 'Oseri's' resolve with cryptic comments. Seria manages to hold her disguise, even when asked to scrub his back. The tension is thick, and Seria senses Iemitsu's acute observation. After the bath, Iemitsu commands Oseri to meet his eyes, clearly intrigued.

Iemitsu, clearly fascinated, requests 'Oseri' be brought to his private chambers later. She is dressed in feminine robes, though still with her short, boyish hair. Upon entering, the Shogun reveals his true perception: he knew she was a woman all along. He presses her, demanding her true identity and intentions, his demeanor turning aggressive. Seria is terrified, feeling the spiritual pressure of the Shogun's ghost. Just as the situation escalates, the spirits possessing Seria—Caesar, Antonius, and Okita—interfere, sparking a chaotic psychic battle within her.

The internal conflict of Seria's possessing spirits culminates in a spiritual explosion, blowing out the sliding doors. In the ensuing chaos, Settei and Yotetsu arrive to extract Seria and Rui. The mission is a success, the spiritual link established. Back at the temple, Caesar, Antonius, and Okita bicker over their heroism, while Cleo chides their indiscipline. Seria is exhausted but relieved, and Rui offers her concern. Settei acknowledges their crucial contribution, admitting the success was beyond his sole capability.

The episode concludes with the temple residents gathered around a campfire, sharing a simple dinner of roasted fish and vegetables. They recount the day's events with a mix of humor and relief. Yotetsu confirms the successful installation of the spiritual path to MIUCS. Seria reflects on her newfound knowledge of history and spirits, her determination to continue her studies strengthened. The group shares a peaceful moment, their bonds forged anew by shared challenges. The moonlight shines down, symbolizing their quiet growth and unity.