[song playing]
[Yorishige] Though I see a future where you live, it is not guaranteed.
Naturally, if you neglect the fight for survival, you will die.
But the experience that you’ll gain by going into battle is immeasurable.
I pray for your safe return, Lord Tokiyuki.
Get the women and children to safety first!
If they escape through the defensive barriers,
we can hold off the enemy army there!
Turn around then!
We’ll make our stand from the rear as one unit!
[laughs] Look at these fools!
They’re turning around to position for a fight!
The provincial official has ordered us to kill every man!
And to divide the women, children, and the loot among us!
[Kojiro] According to Shizuku,
a man named Yonemaru Wada is leading the provincial official’s personal guard.
He’s the one we need to take down if we wanna weaken the enemy army.
Take him down?
That’s backwards, Kojiro.
First, we take advantage of him, then weaken his army.
Huh?
Come on! Come on! Come on! Follow me! We’re climbing that mountain!
What?
- He can’t be serious. - I thought we were chasing down the Hoshina party together.
[Yonemaru] You idiots!
We can surround the enemy from the rear if we go over the mountain!
We’ll annihilate them with a pincer attack!
Follow me now or die by my side!
Yes, sir!
This battle of retreat will happen on flat land.
Tactics like ambushes can’t be used,
putting the outnumbered Hoshina party at a great disadvantage.
In a situation like this, it is crucial to divide the enemy’s troops.
And one of us has just the talent to achieve this.
[soldier] Keep pace with Lord Yonemaru!
Don’t slow down!
[yelps]
- Lord Yonemaru, what do we do? - [soldier 1] Hold your ground!
- Uh... [mumbling] - [soldier 2] Lord Yonemaru, please give us a command!
- [soldier 3] Lord Yonemaru! - [mumbling]
[grunts]
Who am I supposed to be?
[soldier 4] Who the hell are you?
- I see. - [Genba grunts]
You must have memorized how he looks yesterday so you could morph into him.
[grunting]
Not too shabby. Those retainers of his know what they’re doing.
[Genba] Oh, I see.
The Suwa warriors and Kawanakajima’s party are all highly skilled.
[Yasaburo] How do you like that, Mr. Messenger?
We’re strong when we’re resigned to die,
and just as strong when we want to live!
- [grunts] - [screams]
[Yasaburo] Even so, getting out of here will not be easy.
Once the women and children have been taken somewhere safe,
we need to shake off the enemy and make our escape.
By the way, where did your vigorous friend run off to?
[grunts]
[Tokiyuki] I’ve ordered Kojiro to move and to fight wherever he deems necessary.
I have no doubt he’ll be of great help to you and your men.
[soldier groans]
[Kojiro] I will hit-and-run.
At my age, I’m at a disadvantage against adults.
But I’ll use my small stature and escape to high ground,
find allies who need my assistance.
[both grunt]
[Kojiro] I’ll deliver an effective blow and then retreat back to high ground.
By repeating this tactic, the dynamic of the entire battle is becoming clear to me,
and I know where I should fight next.
The Hoshina party can be of help here.
Four or five men should do.
Hey, you there! Please come with me!
You, the old man with wrinkles all over his face!
Wrinkles all over my face?
[Kojiro] Well, don’t make a straight face now. It’s confusing!
Hey, geezer with the rectangular features, you come too.
Only rectangular features?
You must be talking to somebody else!
[Kojiro] Ugh, don’t add round shapes to your face! Now I don’t know what to call you!
And what about me? What are you gonna call me?
[Kojiro] I don’t know. You’re some kind of monster?
Just come with me!
The enemy is moving along the riverbank
to reach the women and children behind us.
We’ll form a unit and surprise them from the flank.
[all grunt]
Hmm?
[retainer] You asked for it!
Nice work, baldy!
I’m not bald. Look closely!
I shave the hair that’s growing on the back of my head!
[Kojiro] You guys are annoying!
Actually, it’s my fault for not remembering my allies’ names.
From now on, I’ll make introductions during our meals.
[horse whinnies]
Fubuki!
What are you doing here?
Your waiting post is farther up that way.
- [gasps] - [body thumps]
Fubuki!
[footsteps approaching]
Fubuki, pull yourself together!
Are you all right? Hey!
- [Fubuki groans] - [gasps]
I’m so hungry. I can’t even move. [groans]
Oh, man, don’t flake out now!
You sure need a lot of calories for that smart brain of yours.
Here’s some fresh manju.
Yes! Recharged and ready.
Hey, hurry back to your post, would ya?
I mean, your strategies are supposed to be the cornerstone of the Elusive Warriors.
No. Anyone can strategize if they study.
Hmm?
You ride madly around the battlefield, fighting selflessly.
You initiate conversations and take care of allies.
That is the kind of general who can be the cornerstone of a party.
Kojiro, you are the adjutant general of the Elusive Warriors.
Oh, wow. Complimented by someone who’s so talented.
Feels like he’s being sarcastic with me.
- [sword slashes] - [gasps]
Old man with both rectangular and circular features,
and the other guy that’s mostly bald
who shaves the hairs on the back of his head!
[Yonemaru] Hello there.
I believe you’re the one who destroyed my independent unit.
For that, you’ll meet your end.
[breathing heavily]
[grunts]
So, you’re an apprentice at Suwa Grand Shrine?
Well, we all know that’s not something to be particularly proud of.
Shut up, pig.
I’ll fill the Chikuma River with your smelly fat.
[horse whinnies]
- Let’s fight! - Let’s fight!
[narrator] The top speed of the fastest native Japanese horses
is about 40 kilometers per hour,
which is roughly the same speed as the punch of a professional boxer.
This means by bracing one’s sword while charging on a horse,
a blade will come flying at the opponent
with the speed of the world’s fastest jab.
[screams]
[grunting]
[grunts]
[Kojiro] What the...
[Yonemaru] Whoa.
What happened, you little chump?
You talk a big game, but it seems you’re pretty puny.
Hi-yah!
[Kojiro] We’re no match in our strength,
- or weight, or speed. - [exclaiming]
[exclaiming continues]
[shouts]
[groans]
I can’t even block his attacks effectively.
Kojiro! Retreat!
You’re not strong enough on horseback to win this!
Just get out of here!
[strains]
If I retreat, those old geezers are finished.
Yonemaru will be the only one who’s fighting on horseback.
[Yonemaru] Hi-yah!
[Kojiro] Speed and strength of the cavalry is
always superior to that of the infantry.
It’s not even close.
That’s why he attacked the two riders first.
If I give up now, that villainous pig will begin a devastating rampage!
[grunts, shouting]
[laughing]
[Yonemaru] With every attack, he grows a little weaker.
He doesn’t have enough strength left to block the strike that’s coming.
Hey! Kojiro!
[Kojiro] Don’t worry about me!
Finish off the remaining enemies.
Oh, hey. How does everyone know my name anyway?
Ah, that’s because the messenger boy kept calling your name yesterday.
[Tokiyuki] Kojiro! Nice work, Kojiro!
Don’t you dare die!
Look, that’s Kojiro! He’s one of my retainers.
See that guy killing it out there? That’s my friend Kojiro!
Embarrassing.
However...
Kojiro!
[Kojiro] I need to land at least one good strike. Whatever it takes.
I will not embarrass my lord!
[Yonemaru grunts]
[Kojiro] No way.
How can a man of his size dodge a blow like that?
[Yonemaru] Bastard...
You think you’re a warrior?
I’ll make you pay for this!
[chuckles]
A general who can lead an army is something else...
So the spirit of a general is loud and unrestrained?
I guess I’ll try that next time.
But, damn. My strength... is gone.
Hey, kid.
[panting]
Don’t give up.
I can’t let you die so easily, now.
First I’ll rip your arms!
[shouting]
You let your guard down and stopped your horse, you idiot.
Take a look around! There’s nobody left to help you now!
Finish him, Kojiro!
He’s yours to kill!
[Kojiro] Oh, man...
Now we’re talking. [chuckles]
Fighting as a unit is so much fun!
I am Kojiro of the Elusive Warriors!
Your head and your power are mine!
[Kojiro screams]
[Shinano-no-kami shrieks]
Why are you all just standing there?
I can’t see anything through this damn fog!
[Sukefusa] The enemy’s rear guard is fighting hard to hold the line.
The advantage keeps shifting.
Of course, we will eventually crush them with our numbers,
though at this rate, the women and children will no doubt get away.
- Then chase them! - [groaning]
I want to carefully pick out my favorite women to be a part of my paradise!
But if we go, you will be left here with no one to guard you.
I don’t need guards. They’re running away!
Simpleton, don’t you understand military strategy?
Or is your own life so precious?
If you’re a warrior, go fight and put your life on the line!
[grumbles]
Great...
[gasps]
Lord Hoshina!
The women and children... They’ve escaped to the safe area!
[exclaims] Alert the army to our retreat.
The rear guard will stay behind to keep the enemy busy!
Mr. Messenger, you’ve done more than enough. Run!
[Tokiyuki] I can’t, Mr. Hoshina.
It’s my responsibility to make sure you and your men escape successfully.
It wouldn’t be right for me to have come this far,
and be the only one not to taste the fear of being chased.
[gasps] Mr. Messenger, I’m so moved by how much you care about us...
[Tokiyuki] It’d be such a waste!
[retainer] Withdraw! Withdraw!
Hey! We’re retreating. Time to get out of here. Let’s go!
Coming.
[retainer 2] Hoshina’s army is running away.
Now we cut them down. [grunts]
[retainer 3] Zigzagging and shooting backwards?
I can’t advance with arrows flying and horses in the way.
That damn brat!
He’s trying to win this!
[retainer 4] Sorry, but I’m not dying from some random arrow to a vital organ.
Huh?
[Fubuki] Once the enemy begins to think about the rewards for winning,
they are no longer willing to risk their lives on the front lines.
And the lord who is in the most dangerous position,
leading the retreat of the rear guard...
A brilliant decision, Mr. Messenger.
[all] Mr. Messenger!
[Fubuki] ...is earning immense trust from our allies.
In the meantime, I’ll finish the war with my own blade!
[Sukefusa] Oh, crap!
- He’s coming for the provincial official. - [laughs]
The blame will fall on me. It’s my neck on the line!
Sir, incoming attack from the right!
What did he say?
That incapable Ichikawa is yelling something at me.
Is he gonna chicken out now after coming this far?
[Sukefusa] He chose the perfect moment when we left the official’s side.
The morning mist was hiding his location,
and the army’s footsteps were masking his approach.
Did he calculate all of this?
How dare you come riding back like a coward!
You either obey my orders, or I’ll...
[yelps]
- Huh? - [Fubuki grunts]
[whimpering]
[screams]
Sire, are you all right?
He cut me! He cut me! He tried to kill me!
That villain attempted to murder the provincial official appointed by the Emperor!
[Fubuki] Killing him wouldn’t have done any good.
An incompetent enemy general is more useful alive.
Provincial official!
Beyond the river! Those shadows look like standards.
We don’t have allies over there!
[shrieks]
This can only be another enemy army coming for my head!
Please calm down.
There’s no sound of soldiers moving.
They may have just raised those flags to trick us.
You fool! Can’t you see they’re about to charge?
Command Yonemaru’s army back here at once!
And sound the drums! We must withdraw!
Damn provincial official.
Setaro, take Yonemaru’s place and lead our soldiers to the front lines!
Sir!
[Sukefusa] Once you drive Hoshina and his men beyond his barrier,
build another blockade of our own to secure the territory.
Our easy victory is ruined because of him!
This provincial official is nothing but a burden on us.
[grumbles]
- Look. The enemy is withdrawing. - [retainers cheering]
[Tokiyuki] Fubuki’s strategy worked!
[sighs]
They’ll return to attack us once they realize the standards are decoys.
Now let’s move! Everyone past the barrier while we can.
Agreed.
[Kojiro] My lord.
Kojiro.
- [Fubuki] It took you quite a while. - Huh?
You did get the kill, right?
Fubuki.
It was incredible.
The way that he took down Yonemaru...
Well done, boy.
Did you keep his head for proof?
[Kojiro] I let him keep it.
It sounds strange, but he taught me a lot.
Even if I did have his head, you can’t give me a reward, right?
Considering you just lost half your territory.
That is true, but shut up.
I must say...
losing a battle has never felt so good.
[crowd cheering, clamoring]
[retainer] Lord Hoshina, you’ve returned safely!
We lost part of our territory, and yet it feels like a victory.
We get to see these smiles because we escaped and survived.
[narrator] Afterwards, Hoshina, who ruled a small area in northern Shinano,
was forced out of his territory and moved south.
As time passes, lords come and go. However...
[Genba] Gotcha!
- Huh? - [Genba laughs]
[narrator] ...by skillfully overcoming crisis after crisis,
- the Hoshina became a resilient lineage... - [retainer 2] Good work!
...and endured until the Meiji era.
And more importantly for Tokiyuki, they would become
a crucial military force during the uprising that would soon follow.
[Yasaburo] Please pass the following words on to Myojin.
We, the Hoshina party, were saved by the messenger boy and his retainers.
Let him know we will retreat or escape
so we can treasure our precious lives we’ve been given,
and can dedicate ourselves to serve Myojin.
I will.
Hmm?
Mr. Messenger, please stop by our territory on your way home.
We don’t have much to give, but we want to repay you.
- Huh? - Oh, yeah!
What about dinner?
Hey, brat, I gotta tell ya. It’s pretty rude to refuse a gift.
I want to return quickly so they know we’re safe.
I’m sure everyone’s worried.
You can stay here if you want, you know.
The two of us can keep the Young Lord safe ourselves.
As you can see, I already received a gift anyway, so...
[Genba scoffs] Goody Two-shoes over here.
- [Tokiyuki] Kojiro... - Hmm?
...Fubuki, Genba. Thank you.
[chuckles] I don’t need a thank-you dinner.
Okay.
My lord, it goes without saying, you performed brilliantly.
[yawns] You owe me a whole lot of money for this war.
Oh, I fell asleep. [groans]
[Shizuku] Father?
The war is over.
Lord Tokiyuki will return soon.
[both gasp, laugh]
[Ayako] I’m so glad the Young Lord is safe!
[Shizuku] We should celebrate his return!
[Ayako] Yes! Let’s make a bunch of delicious food!
[Shizuku] We have to start preparing right away.
[Ayako] I wanna cook up some meat to give him strength.
[Shizuku] Don’t blow the meat up into too many pieces!
Let’s keep building new alliances!
Samurai who want to die will become samurai who fight with us instead!
Huh?
[gasps]
[panting]
[screams]
[Tokiyuki] What happened? Enemy attack? What’s gotten into you?
[Genba] There’s a rainbow.
[Fubuki] Yeah, I see it too.
[Kojiro] Hey, don’t spray it on me.
[warriors shouting]
[song playing]
[all] Let’s go!