The Nature Of Humanity Arc is the 24th significant story arc of Yasuhisa Hara's manga "Kingdom," detailing Qin's crushing defeat at the hands of Ri Boku during the Battle of Gian as well as the loss of Great General Kan Ki. As a heavy atmosphere descends over the whole country, Ei Sei orders General Ri Shin and Tou of the Six Great Generals to head for Han to make observations in the capital Shintei and invite the great thinker Kan Pishi to the Qin.
Summary[]
Losses and Reorganization[]
Shou Hei Kun contemplates Qin's next steps, as their military strength has been severely reduced following the defeat at Gian and the loss of Kan Ki. Meanwhile, Shin meets with Ei Sei to discuss the aftermath. Sei explains that while Yan and Qi are closely monitoring the situation, Han and Wei are celebrating Kan Ki's death, and Chu is taking advantage of the situation by invading Qin, capturing Keifu with an army of 30,000 led by General Kou Yoku. Shin is frustrated by the news, but Ei Sei assures him that the loss wasn’t his fault; the battle was lost the moment they set out to attack Gian. Ei Sei reveals that Shou Hei Kun feels the weight of responsibility and has secluded himself to devise a new strategy to recover from the defeat.
Shin returns the Golden Wing Kan Ki had entrusted to him, expressing his regret over Kan Ki's death. Ei Sei acknowledges his feelings but reassures him that the responsibility lies elsewhere. Sei then hints at why he summoned Shin to Kanyou. Soon after, Tou, the Second Great General of the Six Greats, and Roku O Mi, First General of the Tou Army, arrive. After greetings, Tou informs Ei Sei that preparations are complete. Ei Sei orders them to depart immediately, telling Shin that Tou will brief him on the mission details during their journey and advising him to pay close attention.
Delegation[]
As a gathering of decorated carriages and soldiers of the Tou Army leave Kanyou, Shin is told by Tou and Roku O Mi that they're a delegation of diplomats and officials with exuberant gifts. Tou tells Shin that their destination is Shintei, the capital of the state of Han. Shin questions why Tou, the Second Great of the Six Greats, was assigned this mission. The Great General explains the purpose of the delegation is that Qin intends to invite Kan Pishi, a member of Han's royal family and a genius of legalism who studied under Jun Shi alongside Ri Shi, to their kingdom but Tou says that they have a separate mission while acting as escorts. Their mission is to observe the capital of the Han's inner defenses in preparation for future wars against the Han. After passing through Han's checkpoints, the delegation arrives at the capital.

They see the grandeur of Shintei, the former capital of the state of Jin. While making their way to the Royal Palace, the delegation is stopped by Nei, the princess of Han and a unit of soldiers. The princess blocks their path as she tells them to go back to Qin knowing that they are here to invite Kan Pishi. Before an escalation can happen, Han General Raku'A Kan and his lieutenant Yoko Yoko arrive to escort the delegation.
Kan Pishi[]

After the commotion, a Han soldier greets Shin. The soldier asks him some questions - Are Humans born Good or Evil ? and Just what does he think is the true nature of humanity ?. But the soldier quickly tells them to forget it. Confused, Shin and the Qin party make their way to the inner Royal Palace of Han. Kai Oku gets out of the cart accompanied by Qin's soldiers. He is the one who will take care of diplomacy. As they enter the Royal Palace, Shin, and Roku O Mi are shocked by its majesty. The King of Han, Ou An, proposes an alliance with Qin. Kai Oku rejects the proposal, but Chou, prime minister of Han, persists, implying that Kan Pi Shi will only go to Qin if the alliance is made. Kai Oku replies that he is afraid that if Qin loses face in such a way, they will feel compelled to attack Han to cleanse their honor. As things become tense between the two parties, Ou An asks Kan Pishi to come in. When Kan Pishi enters, Shin understands that the soldier is none other than Kan Pishi himself.

Ri Shin saying that man's true nature is fire.
The legalist asks Shin again: Are Humans born Good or Evil? What is the true nature of man ? Shin answers that man's true nature is fire. To him, it's reckless to say that people are either good or bad because they can change anyway. The only things humans have in common is their fire of life and their fire of will. Everyone has their own fire but holds it back. Only on the battlefield is it possible to release their fire. When one dies, the fire of life goes out but the fire of will is passed on to another, whether they are allies or enemies. Kan Pishi is both interested and annoyed by Shin's speech. He decides to go to Qin to discuss it with the king.
Characters Introduced[]
Han[]
Qin[]
Story Impacts[]
- Ri Boku receives the title of Bu'an-kun and the castle of Bu'an, as a reward for his victory against Kan Ki and the Kan Ki Army and his vassals all receive estates within the city as rewards.
- Great General Tou and Generals Roku O Mi and Ri Shin are assigned as escorts for a delegation to Han.
- Kan Pishi is invited to the state of Qin to work as an official.
- Kan Pishi reunites with Ri Shi, his old classmate and friend.
- You Ka, a former spy for Shou Bun Kun, is reveled to be working for Ri Shi.
- You Ka returns to Qin to discuss the future against the other states with Ri Shi.
- Kan Pishi becomes suspected of contending espionage in Kanyou after You Ka brings his concerns to Ri Shi.
- Kan Pishi and his vassals are place under house arrest.
- Ri Shi meets with Kan Pishi to discuss the situation, but Kan Pishi tells him to be weary of You Ka.
- Kan Pishi commits suicide due to pressure from You Ka.
- You Ka falls under suspicion with Ri Shi due to his role in Kan Pishi's death but continues his role of as a spy due to the future wars ahead.
- Ri Shi and Princess Nei mourn Kan Pishi's death.
- Han issues an apology for Kan Pishi's actions.
- Tou Bi and Bi Hei get married.
- Shin returns to Jouto Village for the first time in years with Kyou Kai.
- The Hi Shin members are invited to Jouto and celebrate Bi Hei and Tou Bi's wedding.
- Shin proposes to Kyou Kai and ask her to marry him after Unifying China.