1623: Hidetada, 2nd Tokugawa Shogun, Dies at Edo Castle
Shogun Hidetada died suddenly, a mere two hours after taking ill.
His death seemed unnatural,
but the doctor announced he died from food poisoning.
That night, Kihei Komuro, the taster, killed himself.
He left no suicide note,
but there was no doubt in anyone's mind that he was assuming responsibility
for the Shogun's untimely death.
However, the death placed the government in a difficult position.
They had not decided who would succeed the late Shogun.
Iemitsu, Hidetada's eldest son, was to be heir.
But unfortunately, he was ugly and stammered.
Hidetada disliked him.
By contrast, Tadanaga, the second son, and Lord of Suruga,
was bright and handsome. He was an object of admiration.
Hidetada's wife Oeyo also wanted him to be the next Shogun.
She influenced the relatives and the ministers—
Yoshinao, Lord of Owari;
Doi Toshikatsu, the Chief Chamberlain;
Sakai Tadayo, a counselor;
and Ando Shigetoshi, Lord of Tsushima-
who eagerly backed Tadanaga.
Meanwhile, Matsudaira Nobutsuna, Lord of Izu,
and Lady Kasuga, a leader of the harem,
backed Iemitsu.
Furthermore, the nobles of the old imperial court secretly hoped for the ruin of the Shogun's government,
including chief counselor of state Sanjo Saneeda
and vice minister Karasuma Ayamaro.
The world, which had been at peace since the last campaign in Osaka,
was showing signs of unrest once more.
The funeral heralded turbulence in the near future.
Zojo Temple, Shogun's Tomb
Okay, let's go!
What are you doing at this hour of the night?
Who are you?
Kill him!
She's Yagyu's daughter.
The others must be...
- Father! - Come in.
- We're back. - You got it?
Yes, here.
What?! Yagyu stole it?!
Yes. Forgive me, my lord.
Fool.
Yagyu is a mere fencing instructor. What's his game?
Maybe he joined the group siding with Iemitsu.
- Hanzo. - Yes, sir.
Watch the Yagyu family.
He was poisoned.
As I thought.
They killed him.
Who are "they"?
Father!
Is Jubei still back home?
He wrote to me, saying he was going to see a swordsman in Ise.
He must be in Ise now.
Send for him immediately.
Yes, sir.
Prince Iemitsu will arrive soon.
You want a secret meeting?
Did you know this?
Thieves broke into Zojo Temple last night.
- What? - What did they steal?
The late Shogun Hidetada's stomach.
They probably wanted evidence of poisoning.
- Poisoning? - Yagyu!
Do you know what you're saying?
For ten years, I've taught fencing to Prince Iemitsu.
I love him more than anybody else.
I think the people who poisoned Shogun Hidetada
must have done it because they shared that love for the prince.
They did it as a last resort.
Wait.
Now tell me exactly...
Just what happened to the thieves?
Did they succeed?
Don't worry, I have what they stole.
But I don't understand
why criminals who poisoned him didn't prepare for the consequences.
What do you mean?
Even a fencing instructor like me isn't convinced
that the death of Shogun Hidetada was free of foul play.
Chief Chamberlain Doi, who backs Prince Tadanaga,
should suspect he was poisoned and want to know the truth.
Yet the thought never crossed his mind.
That he continues to ignore it is an outrageous breach of duty.
It is truly troubling.
Furthermore, this matter holds the fate of Prince Iemitsu in the balance.
This makes his negligence even more unforgivable.
Lord Izu, what do you think?
Yagyu, you're completely right.
I have no words to answer with.
To tell the truth, it was we who-
- Lord Izu! - Quiet!
The prince has arrived.
You wanted to talk with me?
Is it about my late father?
Please listen to me calmly, Prince.
Your father didn't die of illness.
He was poisoned.
What?
Kihei, the taster who killed himself the other day...
he put arsenic in your father's food for three days.
He put arsenic in your father's food for three days.
W-Why did he do it?
His desire to serve you was so great
that even if it meant his death
he was willing to follow the orders he was given.
W-Who gave those orders?
It was I, Yagyu.
What did you say?
I told him to shorten Shogun Hidetada's life.
Wait!
I-If you really did, I'll kill you.
I-I'll kill you!
It can't be true.
W-Who are you protecting?
I'm not protecting anyone.
Impossible!
Are you making fun of me?!
Tell me!
Who killed my f-father?
As I said, I did.
You bastard!
Tell me. T-Tell me the truth, Yagyu!
Please wait!
Please wait, my lord. To tell the truth-
to tell the truth, it was planned by the two of us.
What?
If they hadn't planned it, my lord,
your father would have been killed...
by me, Yagyu Munenori, Lord of Tajima.
Y-You bastards...
The Shogun had decided not to choose you as heir.
My f-father did not choose me as heir?
Your mother agreed.
They wanted Prince Tadanaga to be heir.
We've served you since you were a child.
Our pity for you was too much to bear.
That isn't all. We wanted justice.
You're the eldest son and should be heir.
The order of things must be respected.
I have no regrets.
After you become the Third Shogun,
I'll commit hara-kiri.
So what?
That's no excuse!
I've been unlucky, it's true.
I-I'm ugly and I stammer.
My parents hated me, my retainers despise me.
Only a few people like you have supported me.
To reciprocate,
I'd hoped I'd be the next Shogun.
But not anymore!
How can I, now that I know you killed him?!
You should be Shogun, Prince, no matter what.
Yagyu!
You were born to be Shogun.
It's your destiny.
D-Destiny?
If you still refuse to assume the post,
kill the three of us here and now.
What is a Shogun?
The leader of all samurai.
No, the leader of the people of Japan.
Just me?
Only one man was born to take up the mantle of Shogun,
one out of millions of people.
And that's you, my dear prince.
Kill your parents if they stand in your way.
Kill the Buddha if he interferes.
You need a determination that transcends morality.
If you're unable to do it,
I have nothing more to say.
I beg you...
...to execute us immediately.
Yagyu...
Yes, sir.
Izu...
- Kasuga- - Yes, sir.
I understand.
Starting today...
I'm ready to go to hell with you.
Yamato Province
Kurodani, Yagyu Lands
All the members of our family are here.
Hirakuchi's eldest son Hayate
and Fuchikari's sister Mon
are here to announce their independence.
Men hunt and fish.
Women pick vegetables.
Let us unify our hearts.
Let us have our homeland again.
Let us have our homeland again!
Hayate, Mon,
the ceremony is over.
You're now independent Negoro fighters.
We lost our homeland 20 years ago.
But someday,
we'll put it back in the hands of the Negoro family.
Yes.
Those weapons prove you're Negoro.
Keep them.
Yes.
Next, I have something to tell you.
Yagyu sent us a secret letter.
He asks for our help because trouble is coming.
This is our chance.
I want to help him.
What do you say?
Agreed! Let's go.
Let's show our power!
- Agreed! - Agreed!
Agreed!
It won't be an easy fight.
If I die, Hirakuchi takes command.
If he dies, then it's Fuchikari!
If all the men die, the women must fight.
If our bones turn to ash, we'll still get back our homeland of Negoro.
Intruders!
There's more of them! Hayate! Mon! Get them!
Look out!
Who are you?
You both have gotten stronger.
- Jubei! - Yeah.
I see you've been initiated.
No wonder you're stronger.
Oh, Jubei!
Sagenta, I'm back.
My sister told me that our father sent you a letter as well.
You'll help us, then?
Who do you think they are?
I'm not sure. Ninja of Koga School.
That's right.
They were sent by Hanzo Watanabe, Doi's retainer.
Doi? The Chamberlain?
Sagenta, the battle ahead will not be easy.
No regrets?
No regrets! It's our last chance.
Then I won't say anything.
Let's fight together.
Yes, let's.
Mon, I missed your vegetable porridge.
What?
My father was poisoned?!
Is it true, Doi?
I firmly believe so.
I can't believe it.
What do you think, Mother?
It's possible.
Your father wanted you to be Shogun,
but some disagreed.
It was likely they who did it.
Who?
You know.
Matsudaira of Izu and Lady Kasuga...
Iemitsu's aides.
Right, Doi?
Yes.
I don't think they would dare kill him.
Tadanaga,
it's kind of you to protect your brother,
but this is about what happened to your father.
You cannot afford kindness now.
Mother,
I didn't want to push my brother aside
to become the next Shogun.
Frankly, your expectations embarrassed me.
Tadanaga-
But that's a different matter.
If my father's death was the result of foul play,
those responsible must pay.
Prince, I'd stake my life on it.
Please tell me what you plan to do about it.
Understood. I'll see my brother.
Prince Iemitsu is here.
What would you like to discuss?
This is an important conversation.
Will you send him away?
You mean Yagyu?
Yes.
He stays. He's my fencing instructor.
He's as close to me as Izu and Kasuga.
I don't take orders from you.
What do you want to talk about? I'm listening.
Then I'll start.
Will you have our father's body examined?
What for?
Some doubt the cause of his death.
Doi, is this your idea?
Yes, Prince.
Why?
You ask me why?
Don't you know?
N-No, so I'm asking!
They say your father was poisoned.
Izu and Kasuga will know all about it.
Why didn't you tell him?
Don't blame me.
I heard the rumor too,
but it's groundless.
I dismissed it as gossip.
So did I.
Such rumors must not reach his ears.
Is it really groundless?
You can see if you examine your father's body.
Iemitsu,
I want to know the truth so my husband can rest in peace.
I'm asking you, please have his body examined.
No!
Why not?
We shouldn't disturb my father's peace for a rumor.
As heir, I refuse to have his body examined.
But brother, if the rumor is true, he must be very angry.
We're his sons...
All the more reason.
We're his sons— we shouldn't disturb him.
But brother, such rumors can hurt your reputation.
Revealing the truth will legitimize your reign.
What's that, Tadanaga?
Are you suggesting my reign is not legitimate now?
I didn't mean that, I just said—
Shut up! It's no use talking with you.
Why run away, brother?
How should I behave?
You refuse to find the truth, so you must be guilty too.
O-Only fools think like that.
Fools? You call us fools?!
So what?
I don't want to see you anymore. Go back to S-Suruga!
Outrageous!
Your father was right—
He has no ability to rule the nation.
Was he involved in the murder of my father after all?
He said Izu, Kasuga, and Yagyu are his closest friends.
Mother, come with me to Suruga.
I have a big estate. You can live in comfort there.
Then I'll fight them and prove who is right.
Well said.
That's the prince we respect.
I'll be glad to die for you...
and for the future of this country.
Tama River, Outskirts of Edo
Father, over there!
Just in time.
There's brother Jubei.
Jubei, it's been a long time.
Akane, no husband yet?
The Negoro clan is here to help as you asked.
We appreciate this opportunity.
Thank you for coming so far.
I have a surprise for you— good news.
Jubei told me about your wish to return to your homeland.
You will be able to.
How?
Prince Iemitsu is pleased with your help.
He'll grant your wish if the trouble is settled.
Really?
He gave me his word.
Sagenta, congratulations.
I didn't expect it so soon.
Jubei... Thank you.
Enough. I didn't do it as a favor to you.
I spent ten years in Negoro, learning the ways of the ninja from you.
Negoro is my home too.
- Let's dance, Jubei! - Join us.
Who is that girl?
She's a new fighter. She's called Mon.
I see.
Would you place her under my command for a while?
What do you mean?
I need a female fighter for an important mission.
She's exactly what I want.
The next day, Doi resigned from office complaining he was ill.
This freed him to work for Tadanaga, who had returned to Suruga.
As a countermeasure, Iemitsu assigned Izu as Chief Chamberlain,
Yagyu as Inspector General,
and reshuffled his cabinet to strengthen his faction.
Thus both princes prepared for their fight for the Shogunate.
But then the old nobles of Kyoto stood in their way.
We've been here five days.
We're too busy to spend our days chattering with you.
When will His Majesty appoint Prince Iemitsu the new Shogun?
Please answer clearly.
Regent, please respond.
All right, I'll have to see His Majesty personally.
Set the date!
We can't.
Why not?
As I said,
the princes need to resolve this on their own.
We can't take either side.
His Majesty can't interfere in such frivolous matters.
You mean you refuse us?
No, no, we didn't mean that.
His Majesty made a poem the other day-
"Let us congratulate your glorious future.
The voices of bamboo will sing forever."
"Forever Bamboo" is another name for Prince Iemitsu.
His Majesty wishes him a long life. How benevolent.
Then why not appoint him as Shogun?
What's funny?
Excuse me.
That was where we started this discussion.
It's like a game, and we've gone all the way around the board.
It's about time to pay a visit to Daitokuji Temple.
Let us continue this discussion tomorrow.
Who are they?
The sons of Yagyu, Iemitsu's fencing instructor.
The famous Yagyu Shinkage School?
How scary! Look at those long swords.
They must be sharp.
Brother, who is he?
Vice Minister Karasuma Ayamaro,
the smartest man in the palace.
"Smartest"?
He makes me sick.
At Sunpu Castle, Tadanaga's estate,
Sunpu, Suruga At Sunpu Castle, Tadanaga's estate,
Sunpu, Suruga many ronin—- samurai who do not serve a master- gather in search of opportunities,
many ronin— samurai who do not serve a master- gather in search of opportunities,
making the surrounding town unusually lively.
Take me with you.
Who is he?
Amano from Chosokabe.
Is he strong?
He killed three commanders at the battle of Sekigahara.
Five at Osaka.
I heard he was killed in action at Osaka.
Kanbei! If it isn't Kanbei!
-You're alive? - You too?
- Where did you come from? - Echizen.
I can't die a beggar. This is my last chance.
I can't sit still, so I hurried here.
Let's go.
Hurry and tell the boss.
- What? - Idiot, don't you have ears?
They came from Echizen too.
More men will come.
- What happens then? - It'll explode.
The town will be overrun with samurai and explode.
- What? What? - What's going on?
You can't display your banners on our land.
Take them down.
We side with Prince Tadanaga.
We're here to fight the government.
We're ready to die for him.
Thank you, but we can handle it ourselves.
- What? - Pack up and get out of here.
This is our place, so we won't take down our banners.
Take them down yourself.
Excuse me.
Bekki Shozaemon, the commander of Suruga—
You'll have to fight him.
Remember how he fights.
So this is war.
This is war!
My homeland...
...is the land Izumo...
I look back at my homeland...
And it is spring in Kyoto...
Flowers are in full bloom...
Full bloom...
The color...
What did Izu and Kasuga say to you?
They'd give us extra territory if we agree to make Iemitsu Shogun.
How impudent. You didn't?
They stayed two more days,
but they returned to Edo empty-handed.
They deserved it.
Don't talk about politics here. Not now.
It will be settled sooner or later.
Enjoy the dance now.
How beautiful Okuni is.
There's no moon tonight...
The flowers of ancient times...
...are not the same flowers...
A single flower viewing...
...Is very melancholic...
Wonderful, Okuni.
If you have time, dance at my castle in Owari too.
Thank you very much, my lord.
- Where is she? - There.
Okuni, I've been happy these past six months.
My only regret is I'm not a good flute player.
Why do you say that?
War will break out. You must leave this castle.
I won't leave.
- Okuni. - I'm a commoner.
I can't say goodbye easily like a samurai.
I won't bother you. Please let me stay near you.
Try to understand...
It was peaceful three months ago.
I never imagined I'd fight my brother.
Now I'm bearing the weight of millions of lives,
not just the people on my land.
I can't back out now.
Prince.
Excuse me, sir. Chamberlain Doi has arrived.
Keep well.
Good luck.
I've been waiting.
Iemitsu asked the Emperor to decide who is Shogun.
I see, that's why the nobles are here in your castle.
It's just the kind of thing Yagyu and Izu would think of.
Your report?
I've brought good news for you.
We have two helpers.
Go on.
One is Daté Masamune.
He agreed to send his daughter to marry you.
It proves his friendship.
That will secure our power in the north.
If I can secure the cooperation of Mori of Choshu and Maeda of Kaga,
all the local lords will soon come to join us.
I'll leave for their territories immediately.
Good. As soon as you return, I'll declare war.
Who's the other helper?
Prince Tadanaga.
Who is he?
Genshinsai Ogasawara,
a master swordsman as famous as Yagyu.
Genshinsai, answer me directly. What do you wish?
Only one thing, Prince.
When you become Shogun,
I'd like you to employ me as your fencing instructor.
What?
It's not from greed.
Kamiizumi Ise, my instructor, established the Shinkage School.
I want to prove that my new Shinkage School is successor to his.
Yagyu Shinkage School is no match for me!
You sound promising. Your wish is granted.
Thank you.
I promise I'll kill Yagyu with my own hands.
Sanza, are you still here?
You were a warrior. You must be excited.
Don't worry about me, just join the troops.
Can I?
Who'd play the flute for you?
Who'd help you dance? People have begun to notice your talent.
What good would that do?
All men should die!
Okuni...
What were you talking about with Prince Tadanaga?
I see.
You bid him goodbye.
It's none of your concern.
Wait.
I've decided.
I won't go.
I'll wait till you forget the prince.
I'll keep playing the flute for you.
Samon, Akane,
what is it?
My father's orders.
We'll kill Doi tonight near the castle.
There will be ten of us.
Will you choose eight of your men for us?
- Yes. - Here's one! Choose seven.
Yagyu's son?
I'm Karasuma Ayamaro.
I will challenge you.
Don't interrupt!
Is that Yagyu Shinkage School?
Die!
Brother! Brother!
How dare you?!
You're a girl.
Go away.
I won't kill girls.
- Samon! - Samon!
- Attack! - Captain!
- Over there! - What's going on? Stop fighting!
Stop fighting! Stop fighting!
Retreat! Retreat, retreat! Retreat!
Get out of here! Retreat!
- Get out of here! - Quick!
Wait, wait, wait!
Let's go, we're in a hurry. Don't pursue them.
Wait, wait. Noisy girl, I'll teach you a lesson.
She's good for a girl!
I'm sorry we couldn't help you.
We'll kill Doi without fail.
You'd better go home.
- I won't. - But...
I'm determined.
Until I kill Doi...
I won't go home.
Take this to my father in Edo.
No, not me!
I came to fight. I want to kill them.
Please... take it.
Is that sissy noble so strong?
I didn't know.
Maybe he's too much for Akane to handle.
I'll go.
- Me too. - No.
You must stay with Father.
Thank you for coming so far.
Tell Sagenta we're asking him to redouble his efforts.
Yes, sir.
Mon, you've changed. Hayate is surprised.
Mon, starting tomorrow you'll work in the castle harem.
I told Lady Kasuga about you.
Your mission is to guard the prince.
It's an important job. Do your best.
Yes, sir.
Yagyu, it's been a long time.
Genshinsai?
I want a match.
Where's the dojo?
I can't fight.
Are you afraid?
I'm the Shogun's fencing instructor.
I'm not allowed to fight.
The Shogun's instructor is the leader of swordsmen.
You can't refuse.
All right,
I'll no longer consider you a swordsman.
I offered you a chance to die like a swordsman.
Jubei, you all right?
It's nothing.
I was able to cut him, but he's better than I heard.
He's as good as I've heard.
Very strong.
Yukinojo Saruwaka
It's Father.
Welcome, Genshinsai. Please sit here.
Please.
Excuse me.
When did you get here?
I arrived this morning.
Is that so? I'm glad to see you.
The show starts soon.
See for yourself how good an actor Yukinojo is.
Hurry up and bring some tea.
No, no, no, don't bother.
I have a request to ask you. I want to talk.
- Just us. - I understand.
What do you want to talk about?
Saruwaka...
Please return Yukinojo to me.
What?!
You want him to quit acting?
Genshinsai,
five years ago, he abandoned the sword and became an actor.
You agreed to it, so I made him my apprentice.
Now you suddenly want him to quit. There must be some reason.
Please explain.
My pride as a samurai.
I have to kill my rival, Yagyu,
and I need Yukinojo's help.
I'm sorry to ask this, but please let me quit your troupe, Master.
You've achieved so much on the stage. Can you leave that behind with no regrets?
I can't say I'll have no regrets.
I won't forget your kindness either.
But Genshinsai saved my life. I was an orphan when he found me.
I owe him my life.
Please let me return his kindness.
Genshinsai...
You're cruel.
Yukinojo was my only successor.
To me, he was more than a son- he was an invaluable treasure.
Master, thank you very much.
The prince...
...is coming!
Intruder! Attack!
You impudent bastard!
Prince! Prince!
Attack! Attack!
- You bastard! - Prince!
You're not welcome here.
Forgive me for not guarding you well.
Don't mind me. Tend to her quickly.
She threw herself before the blade. She saved my life.
Yagyu sent her to protect you, Prince.
Is that so?
Yagyu, get a doctor for her.
- Don't let her die. - Yes, sir.
Are you all right?
Does it hurt?
- Show me the wound. - No.
Don't. Show me.
As I thought...
He's a quack.
Our medicine is much better.
I'll go to Suruga with Jubei tomorrow.
I'll work as hard as you did.
I won't see you for a while. Get well quickly.
Hayate...
I wish you could stay.
Me too.
But we must be patient a little longer.
We'll work hard...
and we'll go back to Negoro together.
Right?
But...
Take care of yourself.
I will. Nobody can kill me.
Goodbye.
Minobu Road
Halt.
Everybody, be on alert!
Protect our lord!
All right.
Akane! Akane!
- Akane! - Akane!
Don't cry.
Don't cry!
I've been looking for you. Here you are.
What is it?
- L-Leave us alone. - Yes, sir.
I-Izu told me.
Akane is also dead.
You lost two of your children for me.
Forgive me.
"Forgive"? That's no way to talk.
Samurai die for their masters. It's the way of things.
But...
Prince, let me give you a fencing lesson.
Apart from fencing,
you're still not good enough as a Shogun.
I was wrong, Yagyu. I'm sorry.
When you die, I die.
Tell me what you're planning now that Doi is dead.
There is one problem remaining.
It's in Kyoto.
The nobles?
Yes. I sent my son Jubei to Kyoto to settle it.
W-Will they surrender to us?
Definitely.
T-The scheming nobles will be sent into a panic.
I-I wish I could see it.
So do I.
Recently, the nobles have united
to prevent the conflict between Edo and Suruga.
Sometimes we have sided with Iemitsu,
other times with Tadanaga,
each time wearing a different mask
in order to prevent a conflict between the sons of the Tokugawa Shogun.
Finally, we are getting results.
It has been so long since the samurai usurped our authority.
We have patiently endured contempt for ages.
I believe now is the time for us to vanquish them.
We should make the western lords who resent the Tokugawa
rise up under the Imperial banner.
If we lead the revolt and fight the Tokugawa,
it will leave the warrior families in disarray.
It may be that chaos will reign again in our lands,
and the people will experience unprecedented suffering.
Still, it is a great opportunity to restore Imperial power.
I request this, Your Majesty:
let me take our message to the western lords
so they will fight for us.
What's happened?
It's all right.
Come out!
Don't hesitate.
Lost your nerve, Yagyu Shinkage School?
Though a beast may hide, it cannot conceal its scent.
Lord Ayamaro!
The nobles were panicked by Ayamaro's death.
They feared the samurai.
They sent Sanjo Saneeda to Edo to make excuses.
But that was what Yagyu had been waiting for.
What are you saying?
We don't want to fight the government.
The rumor is groundless.
I have another question.
You fanned the feud between the princes.
You're taking the opportunity to fight the Tokugawa.
Is that true?
An awful rumor!
We've never thought of such a thing!
His Majesty desires peace for all his people.
He even composed a poem-
Forget poems!
Chamberlain, as I listen to the Imperial envoy,
it's evident we samurai are worrying His Majesty.
I believe Prince Iemitsu should apologize personally.
Well said.
It's no surprise you're famed for your loyalty.
Your words must carry weight.
- No objection? - None.
Then we'll escort you to Kyoto at once.
Prince Iemitsu will apologize to His Majesty,
and His Majesty will appoint him as the new Shogun.
- That's— - Don't worry.
Prince Iemitsu's entourage is ready to leave.
Please take the lead.
The news of Iemitsu's visit to Kyoto shocked Tadanaga.
Iemitsu left Edo with the Imperial envoy.
What do you think we should do?
Let's ask the Lord of Owari to dissuade Prince Iemitsu.
Too late. What else?
Build fences around our land
so they can't get through.
Insufficient. What else?
Then we have no choice.
Let's fight Prince Iemitsu.
No good! What else?
Then my idea is this— I'll go to Kyoto.
Fortunately, we're closer to Kyoto than they are.
I'll get there ahead of Iemitsu and speak to the Emperor.
At the same time, I'll gather the lords who are on my side.
Then I'll confront Iemitsu in front of the Emperor.
But we'd need three days to prepare for a visit to Kyoto.
We'd be late.
Don't worry about that.
But-
I expected this. I've prepared already.
I entirely agree with you, Prince.
Now is our chance.
Settle the problem in the Emperor's presence.
Good. Issue orders to leave for Kyoto.
What are you saying, fool?
That's nonsense.
- What? - Stop it!
You're a stupid fool.
Iemitsu is coming our way. Why would Tadanaga go to Kyoto
without fighting him?
I just told you what I heard.
Only fools spread such silly rumors!
- What? - Move! Move!
What are you doing?
Everyone listen!
The lord has given us permission to join him.
- Go to the northern forest! - The northern forest!
Go to the northern forest!
Matajuro.
- Good, we'll go too. - Yes, sir.
Hurry!
We got the lord's permission!
So you're really going?
Sanza...
Take this charm with you.
- No. - But-
Tadanaga needs it.
No more flutes.
No matter how long I wait, your heart is his.
I'll kill Iemitsu and get my own castle and land.
Then I'll take you.
Live till then.
We got Prince Tadanaga's orders.
- What kind of orders? - I don't know.
We were told to come here.
Move, move, move! Move!
Everyone, guns for you.
Where are they from?
Prince Tadanaga's castle.
Don't I know you? Wait! Hey!
Hey!
Fifty guns, as you requested.
Thanks.
Obviously Prince Tadanaga can't attack Iemitsu openly.
Be sure to kill him.
"If you succeed, you'll get whatever you want in reward."
These are the words of Prince Tadanaga.
I wish you good luck on behalf of the prince and Suruga.
Send my regards to the prince.
Then I'm off.
Listen up!
Listen to me, everybody. I'm Gyobu Amano.
By order of Prince Tadanaga, I'll take command.
I'm informed that Iemitsu will cross the Kisei River tomorrow morning.
We'll lay an ambush by the river and kill him.
Before we get in place, let me say one thing.
Normally, "every man for himself" would be out of the question,
but we're ronin.
Each of us has something riding on this battle.
Your goal is to kill. Your goal is to survive!
Forget the rules of war!
Do your best and you'll get Prince Tadanaga's reward.
On the morning of November 8th, 1623,
Iemitsu's retinue left Mishima.
They are now in Suruga, four kilometers from the Kisei River.
At the same time, Tadanaga's party left Sunpu Castle, led by Bekki.
They hurried to Kyoto to outwit Iemitsu.
Kisei River, Province of Suruga
Hold your fire. Hold your fire.
They're still too far.
Not yet.
Now! Fire!
Pull back! Pull back!
Pull back!
Fire!
Pull back!
Cut them down!
Iemitsu, your life is mine!
- Empty. Empty! - What?
It's a trap. Retreat! Retreat!
Fire!
Go around!
Lord Yagyu, where are you?
Lord Yagyu!
Damn it, I won't die. I can't die until the next war.
Now!
Don't let him get away!
Lord Yagyu, help!
I'm Sanjo, the chief counselor!
I didn't do anything! I didn't do anything!
I killed a commander!
I got the head of the commander!
- Father. - Did you find him?
Yes, there.
His attendants saw him being killed by a ronin.
Fine.
Kill all of them. Be sure there're no survivors.
- Make sure you check. - Yes, sir.
Prince!
Move, move!
Prince! Prince!
What is it?
Iemitsu's entourage was attacked this morning.
Imperial Envoy Sanjo was killed.
- What? The envoy?! - Yes, sir.
Iemitsu tricked us.
Prince, please return to the castle.
Return to the castle!
Return to the castle immediately.
Quickly! Quickly!
Odawara Castle At this moment, Iemitsu was at Odawara with Izu.
At this moment, Iemitsu was at Odawara with Izu.
He sent letters to the lords
denouncing Tadanaga for the murder of the envoy.
He said that he had decided to fight Tadanaga and requested their aid.
Everything was planned by Yagyu.
Furthermore,
he ordered Ando Shigenaga, Lord of Takasaki in Joshu,
to occupy Sunpu Castle.
My lord, the Lord of Owari has arrived in secret.
What?
Uncle.
What a fool you are.
How could you kill the envoy?
You believe that?
I'm not that stupid.
Iemitsu set a trap for us.
Shut up!
No excuses. Too late!
I'm not trying to make excuses!
Tadanaga.
Stupid retainers for a stupid lord.
Why the armor?
You want your master to die?
Excuse me, but we have a chance to win.
Fool!
You're alone.
How can you fight all the other lords?
All?
Yes!
They're sending troops to Iemitsu at Odawara.
Even Lord Daté Masamune refused to send his daughter to you.
Even him?
Then who sides with Tadanaga?
None!
Tadanaga, stop fighting! I forbid you.
- Tadanaga. - Mother...
This is a war council. Please leave.
No, I won't leave till you give up fighting.
Take my mother away.
Tadanaga. Tadanaga!
Excuse me.
Tadanaga! Please!
Don't hasten to die!
Try to live. Tadanaga!
Try to live! Tadanaga!
Was that the truth?
Are you sure?
It's the truth.
I understand.
This is my fate. I'll surrender.
Wait!
Don't say anything.
Our chances don't matter.
We're fighting for justice.
Say no more.
If I was alone...
but I have 20,000 retainers.
I can't send them to die in vain.
Try to understand.
Please tell Iemitsu I surrender.
This is Bekki Shozaemon calling Prince Tadanaga!
Listen to me!
I refuse to surrender!
I quit being your retainer.
If you want to punish me, come out and kill me!
- My lance! - Wait, my lord.
This is a critical time. Behave yourself.
Don't you understand? He wants to die at my hands.
- Move. - Prince, we can't!
- Please! - Move!
You won't come out?
Then I'll show you how to fight.
Listen, attackers,
as you heard, I'm fighting for myself from now on.
I'm going to defeat you and kill Prince Iemitsu.
Anyone can try to take my head for their prize.
Prince Tadanaga had a good retainer. A shame.
Here I am, Iemitsu Tokugawa!
Fire.
Fire!
Shoza!
Tadanaga surrendered and was exiled to Takasaki.
Meanwhile,
the people of Negoro finished their task
and waited for news of their reward
in Yagyu's homeland of Kurodani.
Although they were victorious and their wishes would soon be fulfilled,
they mourned the death of their leader, Sagenta,
so the celebration was not a joyful one.
Keep well, everyone.
Are you going so soon, Jubei?
Where to?
Unlike my father, I dislike serving a lord.
I'll take to the road again to train myself.
We'll miss you.
Thanks to you, we'll be able to return to our homeland.
- I wish Sagenta was alive. - Me too.
Mon...
Have a strong child.
So long.
Meanwhile, Tadanaga had no visitors while in exile.
He spent his days copying the sutras.
It appeared Iemitsu had established a powerful regime.
Nagoya Castle
When I danced at Sunpu Castle months ago,
the Lord of Owari invited me to dance here.
Please tell him Okuni of Izumo is here.
Okuni, welcome to my castle.
Come in.
I have a request. Would you listen to me?
- Who is he? - Nagoya Sanza.
I attacked Prince Iemitsu's entourage at the Kisei River.
I was wounded and lost my sight.
Okuni, what do you want me to do?
With your influence, please save Prince Tadanaga.
- Tadanaga? - Yes, my lord.
All right, tell me.
The attack was a trick against the prince.
- Do you have any proof? - I have.
The man who gave us guns...
He was one of Negoro Sagenta's men.
Negoro has been without a master, like me.
I investigated later.
I found out Negoro had never served Prince Tadanaga.
The accusation is groundless. It's a lie.
What about Negoro?
We had nothing to do with him.
You don't know the man named Sagenta?
No.
All right, I'll investigate.
If you lied and Tadanaga is innocent,
we'll let justice befall you, upon our honor.
Is that acceptable?
Yagyu...
Don't worry.
- But- - Leave everything to me.
Quick!
Kurodani, Yagyu Lands
What? You appealed to the Lord of Owari?
Yes, I wanted to help you.
Was I obtrusive?
I'm glad, but...
It's no use.
No use?
You said no use?
We have our reasons, but...
The winners must also have reasons we don't understand.
Who can tell good from evil in this complicated world?
Right now...
I envy Bekki Shozaemon.
He died a samurai.
- Sanza. -Yes?
- Do the wounds hurt? - No.
Play the flute for me.
That's all I want now.
With pleasure, Prince.
Excuse me.
Lord Yagyu is here as the Shogun's envoy.
He came.
- Okuni... -Yes?
Thank you for coming. I appreciate it.
Lord Tadanaga.
I won't see you again. Remember this:
Do not follow me.
Be kind to Sanza.
This is the order of the Shogun.
"Former Lord of Suruga, Tadanaga, shall commit seppuku. Iemitsu."
May I see it?
I wonder what he was thinking when he signed it.
He killed his father...
and now he must kill his only brother.
He is an unfortunate man.
Tell him I pity him.
I will, Prince.
Halt!
Get out of here! Get out!
Fire!
Attack!
Hurry, hurry!
Go, go, go!
No survivors!
Torch it!
Someone help! Someone! Someone!
Stop!
Someone!
Someone...
Who are you?
I am nameless.
Did you kill the woman?
Yes.
Why?
Because... she asked me to.
Do you kill women if you're asked to?
Lord Yagyu,
have you ever loved a woman?
What?
You never have.
This is her happiness.
You'll never know how deeply a man can love a woman.
You're a stranger here. Leave immediately.
Hayate, Mon!
You're alive!
What are you doing?!
What happened?
Hayate!
Everyone...
Mon, what happened? Tell me!
Government troops attacked us suddenly!
Government troops? Why? Why?!
I don't know.
Ask Matajuro, he was in command.
Matajuro?
Is that true?!
Iemitsu Tokugawa, you are hereby appointed as the Third Shogun.
The Prince has ascended to Shogun!
He has ascended!
Father...
I was appointed today as the Third Shogun,
despite your wish.
I didn't punish those who killed you.
I even used their power.
I killed my brother...
...and caused my mother great sorrow.
But I have no regrets.
This is the path I'm destined to follow.
I-I'll kill my parents if they stand in my way.
I-I'll kill the Buddha if he interferes.
I'll follow the path of no return.
Father...
Do you have something to tell me?
Who are you?
The son of Yagyu, Lord of Tajima.
Jubei Yagyu is my name.
The Art of Shinkage School Fencing
"The Yagyu Shinkage School shall continue.
Third Shogun, Iemitsu."
Jubei, what are you doing here?
Father...
Does this... mean so much to you?
Did you kill...
No, did we Kill...
...80 many people for this?
No, such questions are not to be asked about war.
But you destroyed...
...what I love most.
Without mercy!
So I did the same thing.
I destroyed your dream.
Bastard!
Shogun!
The Third Shogun!
Impossible!
This can't be true!
This could never happen!
This is a dream.
This must be only a bad dream.
The Shogun!
Lord-
Everybody, keep calm! Don't be upset!
Nothing happened. Nothing has happened!
This is a dream!
Yes, this is only a dream.
Don't let these nightmares confuse you.
Today, this very moment,
the foundation of the long Tokugawa regime was established.
Such things can never happen. It's a dream! It's a dream!
It's a dream, it's a dream, it's a dream!
It is only a dream!
Was it only a nightmare?
As Yagyu said, the Tokugawa government lasted 300 years.
There was no record in writing that Iemitsu was killed.
However, such treason against the ruler was often erased from history.
It is a fact that similar events took place later,
causing the reigning Shoguns to tremble with fear.