(Humming)
Oh -!
(Galloping)
Aah！
The life of a flower is short-lived.
The lives of men are equally ephemeral.
- Ha!
It is a time when the weak are like insects squashed underfoot ➡
And when only the strong survive.
These are what people call troubled times.
War continues without end. Men and women can only pray➡
for an end to the fighting.
The Hojo's spirits will be crushed➡
by the mere sight of our army's strength.➡
Your highness. Instantly crushed...
The current fighting is a sign that the end-times are coming.
(Neighing)
Please wait.
(Hideyoshi) Kanbei, is it?
Very well.
Let's hear what the great strategist Kanbei has to say.
Everyone, return to your places!
Your highness.
When people are killed, that's the end of things.
People are only useful when they are alive.
♬～
Fire!
♬～
(Gunshots)
My name is Kuroda Kanbei!
I come to you as a representative of the Kanpaku!
I wish an audience with Lord Hojo, master of this castle!
All of you ➡
Don't spend your lives in vain！
You can still live!
♬～
Young master! Please wait!
Master! You're going to get yelled at again! ➡
Master! Wait! ➡
Master! Master!
- You're too slow, Fuhei！ - It's you that's too fast, master！
Master!
Master! Master!
Master!
- (Iwa) Kohei? - Oh, my lady.
- Is it Mankichi again? - Yes.
- I looked away for just one second and... I apologise.
- He's a handful, isn't he?
Being in the wind isn't good for you.
You're always riding hard on Kohei, aren't you?
How impudent.
♬～
- What are you doing? - It's a shortcut.
In Hiromimei temple, where gods of the harvest are enshrined, there are Shinto priests ➡
called Oshi that peddle talismans ➡
used in prayers for an abundant crop.
People ask that the gods ward them against illness and calamities ➡
and grant them ripe crops and good fortune.
Otatsu!
My lord Mankichi.
I heard that Lord Zenyaemon has returned.
I have indeed returned.
I'll hasten to tell you all about my travels, Lord Mankichi.
Did you meet nanbanjin (Western Europeans, lit. Southern Barbarians)?
On this trip, I went as far as Yamaguchi.
There was a Christian temple there. I met with the padre.
Kyeee -- He was a man, taller than 6 shaku (180cm) in height! ➡
His face was red all over, as if he'd just been drinking｡
He had a huge nose, like a crossbreed between a tengu and a demon.
And I received from the padre ➡
This thing called "glass."
How beautiful!
Something this beautiful was created by ➡
those fearsome, tengu-like barbarians?
- Yes. And they also have something called guns. - Guns?
You insert a bullet made of lead into a metal pole like so... ➡
Aim at the enemy...
These nanbanjin have created things beyond our imaginations.
I want to visit these nanbanjin.
Lord Mankichi...
- Not again! - Oh, Otatsu. Get him a change of clothes.
Of course. My apologies.
- Well, go on... - Please change first...
This is great. Go on!
(Cow sounds)
Young master! Hurry back or you get yelled at again!
Oh come on, master!
The troops are moving out!
The troops are moving out.
Clear the road!
Mankichi's father, Mototaka, is the lord of Himeji castle.
May you have good fortune in battle.
At first, he bore the surname Kuroda ➡
But having married his lord master Kodera Masamoto's adopted daughter ➡
he was granted use of the Kodera name.
Brother. Preparations are complete. Just give us the word.
We move!
Mankichi...
♬～
Fuhei｡
- Father... - I'll punish you when I get back!
- Who is the enemy, Kohei?
- Bandits from Akashi. - Sorry!
♬～
(Neighing)
Brother - hold on!
Don't -!
Fall back! Fall back!
Wait! There's no point chasing after them.
But brother, it's always us Kuroda who do the fighting.
Lord Kodera just give us orders.
Kyumu. It is thanks to Lord Kodera that the vagrant Kuroda family ➡
has risen this far.
Don't speak ill of them.
We return!
That Mankichi wet himself again, didn't he.
That child gets so caught up in new things ➡
to the point where he forgets to go to the bathroom.
So he never makes it there in time...
I don't understand. Why doesn't he just go to the bathroom before he wets himself?
He gets caught up in things. That's why.
My eldest son wets himself. How embarrassing.
You needn't worry.
That child may have his quirks ➡
But he's a kind boy.
Just today he gave this to me.
It's something called glass, from the nanbanjin.
The head of a warrior family can't get by with kindliness alone.
Be that as it may... (Cicadas)
Are you all right?
... Yes.
- Has the medicine been working recently? - It's been very effective. My condition has improved.
That's good. But don't push yourself.
If anything were to happen to you, I'd never be able to apologise to Lord Kodera.
- ... Yes. - Iwa.
Take even a sip. I want to drink with you!
This is medicinal, no?
(Owari) At this time, an ambitious man from Owari ➡
was making his way in the world.
My lord! We can't drive the horses-!
Don't complain!
♬～
Is that a monkey?
Seems like a human.
Impudent wretch! Come down!
What on earth is this? Are you blind? Monkey!
My deepest apologies!
I just had to do this in order to meet you, my lord.
You know who I am?
You are lord Oda Nobunaga. If I may - I have a request.
Don't get ahead of yourself, peasant!
It's fine. Speak.
This is interesting.
- I'll listen. - Thank you!
(Tokichiro: the future Toyotomi Hideyoshi) I am called Tokichiro.
Please take me on as one of ➡
your soldiers! ➡
I have heard that you aren't just going to ➡
unify Owari - that you have greater ambitions!
Please, please take me on ➡
as one of your retainers!
- Is that it? - Yes!
You're right. I, Nobunaga ➡
will one day bring order to all under heaven.
- You'll start by looking after my shoes. - Thank you!
- "Even monkeys fall from trees," eh? [Note: Even experts make mistakes.]
In a world already full of war, ➡
There was fighting in Harima, too, between the Kodera and the Akamatsu clan in Tatsuno.
Mototaka, lord of Himeji, was chief retainer to Lord Kodera. ➡
Himeji, which was situated between the two fighting territories .
We have driven the enemy away per your orders.
They established a stronghold near the Akashi ➡
There were over 50 bandit riders.
Hmm. Good work.
And how many riders were taken down?
13.
Is something strange?
That over half got away means that ...
there are many who haven't been dealt with. Wouldn't you say, my lord?
Indeed.
Since the enemy fled across to Tatsuno, we couldn't pursue any further.
Well. There's no helping that.
I've heard that the Kuroda clan was strong ➡
but it doesn't seem to hold up in truth.
Had you been there, Lord Eda, you would have fought relentlessly➡
and left no enemy standing, I'm sure.
The both of you. It is because of the vigilance of Lord Mototaka ➡
at Himeji that the Akamatsu have not ➡
been able to encroach on Kodera territory from the west.
Do not forget that.
The Kuroda clan has, after all, risen up from being itinerant medicine men ➡
to the chief retainer of this house, deserving of the Kodera name. ➡
That much is clear!
Enough of this talk. Enough, enough, enough...
Lord Ishikawa.
I am grateful for your support.
There's no need. You are my comrade, are you not?.
Those two have served the Kodera household for generations➡
And so it's hard for them to take the presence of outsiders. - I understand. This is how it is.
Those two don't understand your relationship to the Kodera family at all.
Ha ha ha.
(Sighing)
♬～
- Hey-! - Father...
For goodness's sake!
It's strangely quiet in there...
- Ah! Could it be that he's slipped out --
The key!
Young master!
- Did he get out through there? - Could anyone squeeze through that?
Get up there and try.
(Kohei) How is it? ➡
- Can you fit, Fuhei? - It's impossible.
I guess it doesn't suit you to be locked up in a prison cell.➡
Do you hate your studies that much?
It's suffocating to be cooped up on the estate.
It's much more fun to get out and listen to you, grandfather, or to Lord Zenyaemon.
Well, your father is stubborn.
- We can use this. Mankichi, over there. - Yes.
- Well, very good. - Let's just say that I called you over to ➡
help me today.
- Yes! - Hahaha.
- My lord! I've come back from gathering these. - Well done. - Otatsu.
- Lord Mankichi. You've come over?
- I've run out again, haha.
- Try it, Mankichi. - Yes.
- Are these useful medicinal plants? - No... not really.
I keep thinking about making a better 目薬 with this and that ➡
But there aren't any plants good for that around here.
There are some over in Tatsuno territory, but...
- In Tatsuno? - Yes...
- Long ago, I served the Akamatsu at Tatsuno castle.
- Near the castle, there's a pond called Ryuuji-ike. ➡
Many good plants grow around there.
- Ah, ご精の出る事で｡ - Oh, here you are, Zenyaemon.
- Yes. - I've brought payment for those rare herbs.
- Here you go. - Ah, many thanks.
- My lord! - Yes? - I've brought the cuttings.
Looking at this reminds me of the old days.
If we hadn't been moving from province to province, we would never have landed here at Himeji ➡
Nor would we have met our lord. There wouldn't be a Kuroda clan today.｡
- I've put you through some trouble. - Not at all.
It was all because of my lord's great thinking.
- What are they talking about? - The medicines.
- Yes indeed. His lordship hit upon this idea when he heard how ➡
we oshi travel to many places distributing charms (ofuda).
"We of the Kuroda clan have a secret medicine, ➡
how about selling it alongside your charms?" he said to me.
- And that is the miracle of the joint powers of charms and our medicine!
♬～ (The song, to whit, is about how the Kuroda made money from medicines and become retainers to the Kodera.)
Since our lord cared for the villagers dearly➡
just like that, our numbers grew.
That is the duty of a lord of Gochaku.
And that is the pedigree of our house, the Kuroda.
I understand!
One day, an unexpected guest arrived.
I am Enman of Saihouji temple.
In truth, I came as an envoy for the Akamatsu family.
Lord Akamatsu Masahide wishes to subjugate Harima.
However, we see the strength of the retainers here.➡
So I have come to ask for the aid of the Kuroda family. We cannot do without you.
If the Kuroda were to cut ties with the Kodera ➡
and become allies of the well-connected Akamatsu clan ➡
the takeover of Harima would be easily accomplished.
The day that Harima is subjugated, both Himeji and Gochaku ➡
will be presented to you as Kuroda territories.
What do you say? ➡
It's a good offer.
I must plainly ➡
decline your offer.
This family owes itself to the Kodera clan.
We mere ronin were taken in, became Kodera's chief retainers,
and have even received their name.
Furthermore, my wife is the adopted daughter of Lord Kodera.
To spit in the face of the favours that have been granted to us ➡
is unthinkable.
Please take your leave quickly.
Stand, Mankichi. You're not getting away this time. Come here!
Stand! Stand now!
Why do you bend your back?
It's because you've slacked away at your daily practice. Come at me!
Stand! Can you not stand!
Come at me and try take me down with one blow!
Not yet!
It hurts!
Mankichi.
Your father isn't treating you like this because he dislikes you.
I... hate my father.
What are you saying! Your father is thinking of you...
Mother!
- Mother! - My lady!
Mother!
♬～
Young master!
♬～
Otatsu is missing as well?
She's probably with Mankichi...
Do you have any idea where they could have gone?
Thinking about it, last night Otatsu➡
did ask me where Ryuuji-ike over in Tatsuno was...
That's it! They've gone for the plants!
... to Tatsuno？
If we get those herbs, I'll give you anything you want, Otatsu.
That... There's no need.
Maybe a kimono or something. You've really done a lot for me.
I really understand how much you want to help your mother, Lord Mankichi➡
My mother has also passed away, so...
Your ladyship will definitely get better.
Isn't that why we're going to find the herbs?
... Yeah.
I guess I want a reward after all.
What would you like?
Please make me your wife, Lord Mankichi.
Wha?
Is that a no?
No...
Fine.
I'll make you my wife, Otatsu.
Otatsu! This is it!
Let me go!
Otatsu!
- C'mere! - Let me go!
Otatsu！
- Mankichi! - Walk!
Let go! Otatsu！ Let go!
They went to Tatsuno?
Isn't that in Akamatsu territory?
I am very sorry!
Mankichi...
- My lord! My lord! An envoy from Akamatsu has come! - What?
- It's about Lord Mankichi. He's in Tatsuno castle...
- What did you say?!
- Brother. I will go.
- I will go.
- I have never had the pleasure of meeting you before.
I am Kodera Mototaka.
Please rise. There's no need for such formalities.
Come closer, come closer.
I'm envious. Your boy is truly filial to have come such a long way ➡
to find medicines for his mother.
No, it was absurd of him.
First, a toast to our new closeness.
Ah, no. I know that my family has➡
done you a great impoliteness.
My, don't talk like that.
I ask for your forgiveness...
You won't eat with an enemy, now?
Well, let me speak directly. I have something ➡
that I want from you, Lord Mototaka.
There's no one better amongst the Kodera of Gochaku.
It's come to my knowledge that ➡
the retainers have been squabbling amongst themselves ➡
Well then. Will you join with the Akamatsu now?
As I said to Lord Enman ➡
I must refuse.
No matter how many times you offer, my answer will not change.
I'll give you half of Harima.
Half?! Let's see him stand up to that.
Lord Mototaka has great personal character.
Are you going to stop at being the lord of a small castle like Himeji?
It would be a waste. Won't you think about it?
I must refuse.
And what if I say that I'll take your brat lordling as a hostage?
Then ➡
That bratling and I ➡
will fight to our deaths here.
♬～
I was just joking!
♬～
- Father! I'm so sorry!
♬～
Let's go home.
Mother!
Here's the medicine. Grandpa made it for you➡
so if you take it, you'll definitely...
Mankichi. Do you know why I hit you?
Do you have any idea how much trouble ➡
your rash actions have caused people?
Today, you recklessly crossed over into Tatsuno.
That is enemy territory.
Because of you, your father had to enter enemy territory.
Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?
It wouldn't have been strange if both of you had been killed!
Kohei took the blame for what you did ➡
And in your father's absence ➡
- Tried to commit suicide. - Suicide!?
- I stopped him, of course.
If you die, I die too.
Mankichi.
You are the eldest son of this house.
People can live or die ➡
by your actions.
You don't live just for yourself!
Do you understand?
Well then, promise your mother something.
From now on, listen to your father.
And understand what it means to be the heir of this family.
Can you promise me that?
Yes.
I'll drink this medicine.
Since you went all that way just for me.
Mother. I want you to promise me something, too.
Yes?
Take the medicine and get better.
I understand.
I promise.
I'll get better for you, Mankichi.
You definitely will.
Yes.
Well, it's late. Get to bed.
Yes.
Good night.
Mankichi.
Grow up well.
I will always be looking out for you.
♬～
I see...
This is regretful.
She was still so young.
She was...
Well then, Mototaka.
You can't just be alone from here on out.
Do you want me to find you a second wife?
I am thankful for your words. And much obliged.
That said, it's barely been a day since my wife's passing...
I get it, I get it.
It's just unfortunate that the ties between us have weakened.
Well, think about it.
Did Lord Enman come?
Yes... Yesterday.
I've been asked to convey this message: ➡
"｢"You've more than fulfilled your obligations to Gochaku. ➡
Change sides. Come to Akamatsu."
He's a stubborn one.
I think there's some reason to what Lord Enman says.
About joining with the Akamatsu?
If the Kuroda clan can gain by it, then it should be something you consider.
Warroirs live by honour.
Those who deal in gains and losses are merchants.
You're as straight laced as ever.
Warriors or merchants, who cares? Both are fine.
Or are you saying there's something wrong in us selling medicines?
Anyway. Think carefully about it.
Everything for the sake of survival.
Around this time, changes were coming to the villages under Kodera control.
- Brother! - What it is, Kyumu?
Bandits??? They're attacking Kuriyama!
Again?
You say that Mototaka has thrown in with bandits?
Bandits have only attacked when Lord Mototaka ➡
has been away from Himeji on business.
Furthermore, a monk closely affiliated with the Akamatsu ➡
has been seen coming and going from Himeji. ➡
The rumours abound.
Akamatsu？
Young master! There's smoke above Hiromimei temple!
- What about my father? - He's headed out to the embankment.
Hey, wait, wait, wait!
- Otatsu！ - Mankichi!
- Over here!
- Hey, wait!
- Stop! Don't mess with me!
- Come here! Stop!
- Stop! C'mere!
- Are you all right? - Yes, I'm fine.
Thank you...
What is going on here? Why has such an uproar been made?
We're just following orders. We were told to take this village.
They told us to enjoy ourselves, since there's no threat of pursuit.
- I order you to withdraw! - Understood.
Someone's giving orders to the bandits....
Lord Kodera is getting suspicious of you.
You declined his offer of a second wife, didn't you.
I didn't refuse.
I simply asked to be given some time ➡
Since Iwa had only just died.
Hmmm. The situation is worsening.
There's already nothing much I can do for you now.
At this rate, you might even be asked to commit suicide, you know.
Father. May I?
What is it? Don't bother me. We have guests.
- There something I need to tell you... - Let the boy talk.
- You've grown, Lord Mankichi. Are you in good health?
- Yes.
- Well, what is it? If you've something to say, hurry up and say it.
- No. I'm interrupting. I'll tell you later.
- I apologise for my intrusion.
- Father. - What is it?
- The retainer who accompanied Lord Ishikawa today... Who was he?
- Yoshida Heizo. Why?
- I saw him the other day.
- You saw him? Where?
- At Hiromimei temple. He was giving orders to the bandits.
- You must be joking. You probably mistook him for someone else.
No. I clearly saw him my own eyes.
I'm not mistaken.
The man giving instructions to the bandits, was that man Yoshida.
If that's so, why didn't you say something immediately?
If I'd spoken then, both you and I might have been attacked and cut down.
It is written in the Sanryaku that plans are best when they are kept secret.
I see.
- Yoshida, prepare youself!
It was Ishikawa who was pulling the strings.
It was his aim to stir up rumours of a rebellions ➡
And to alienate the members of the Kodera household.
To think Ishikawa was the traitor...
We were completely fooled.
You fellows are so naive!
I have always believed in Mototaka.
Father...
Ishikawa Gengo has fled to Akamatsu.
Is that so...
That's how things go in these troubled times.
Yes...
Also, Mankichi.
I've decided to take on a second wife. Lord Kodera helped to arrange it.
This is probably hard for you to hear...
But everything I do is for the survival of this family.
... Yes.
Mankichi.
You were a great help to me in this.
Well done.
We have one aim! To take Imagawa Yoshimoto's head!
Don't any of you back down!
You only live or die once!
Entrust me, Nobunaga, with your lives!
Make this a feat that history will never forget!
Heaven is on our side!
Lay down your lives! All under heaven awaits us!
Let's go!
The rain concealed the approach of the Oda army.
Ahh! They're here!
The 25,000 Imagawa troops had let down the guard.➡
They fell to Nobunaga's 2,500 forces.
This was the Battle of Okehazama.
Take Yoshimoto's head!
It's incredibly that the fool lord of Owari ➡
is attacking the mighty Imagawa Yoshimoto...
The times are changing...
- How did they know? - Know what?
That Imagawa Yoshimoto had been encamped at Okehazama. ➡
How did Lord Nobunaga know...?
- Did someone inform him? - Exactly that!
It's very likely that some person from 簗田 informed Lord Nobunaga.
Moreso than those who take the heads of great generals ➡
Those who can provide information on the location of enemy armies are greatly rewarded.
- Interesting... - Hm?
- This Nobunaga person is really interesting.
Mankichi came of age when he turned 16.
He was given a new name.
Good.
That name was...
Kuroda (Kodera) Kanbei Yoshitaka