Original subtitles

TAIGA DRAMA

SANADA MARU

WRITTEN BY: MITANI KOKI

MUSIC BY: HATTORI TAKAYUKI

NARRATOR: UDO YUMIKO

CAST

SANADA NOBUSHIGE: SAKAI MASATO

SANADA NOBUYUKI: OIZUMI YO

KIRI: NAGASAWA MASAMI

MATSU: KIMURA YOSHINO

UME: KUROKI HARU

HOTTA SAKUBEI: FUJIMOTO TAKAHIRO

SASUKE: FUJII TAKASHI

MUROGA MASATAKE: NISHIMURA MASAHIKO

TAKANASHI NAIKI: NAKAHARA TAKEO

IDEURA MASASUKE: TERAJIMA SUSUMU

TORI: KUSABUE MITSUKO

HONDA TADAKATSU: FUJIOKA HIROSHI

KAORU: TAKAHATA ATSUKO

HONDA MASANOBU: KONDO MASAOMI

TOKUGAWA IEYASU: UCHINO SEIYO

SANADA MASAYUKI: KUSAKARI MASAO

PRODUCERS: YOSHIKAWA KUNIO, YASHIKI YOTARO

TRANSLATIONS BY MTI

DIRECTOR: KIMURA TAKAFUMI

EPISODE 3: STRATEGY

In March of 1582, the Takeda met with demise.

Former vassals were being killed by Nobunaga,

but Masayuki Sanada decides to serve the Oda.

Sanada had no assurance that the Oda would accept them.

SANADA FIEF IN SHINANO

The Oda army was approaching.

Masayuki returned to the Sanada homeland in Shinshu.

LORD OF AWA, SANADA MASAYUKI

GENJIRO NOBUSHIGE SANADA

KIRI

I see.

Brother, that sounds like you.

But the alliance with the Uesugi remains solid,

and the secret pact with the Hojo is firming up.

NOBUTADA SANADA

Kagekatsu Uesugi and Ujimasa Hojo will accept us.

GENZABURO NOBUYUK SANADA

Why side with the Oda?

For better or worse,

I want to take a gamble on Nobunaga.

Nobutada, your long negotiations with the Hojo,

were excellent.

However, it's what I decided. Please understand.

All right.

Uncle, it's as you've heard. Is that all right?

I will simply follow what you, the leader, decide.

I appreciate it.

Come to think of it, your father...

gambled on Lord Shingen, soon after he became head.

That's how he built the foundation for the Sanada.

Taking a chance for better or for worse,

is our clan custom.

What are you doing?

Is there a problem?

-The battle meeting has already started. -I wasn't invited.

It's nothing new.

You worked hard this time, so you should attend.

Quiet.

That's how it is with second sons.

Will you pass that string?

SANJURO YAZAWA

Uncle!

Is it over?

Sanjuro.

Yoritsuna wanted to see you.

You haven't seen your father in a while.

Go on.

Excuse me.

What did you think?

-Of what? -Father's decision.

Were you shocked?

No, I wasn't.

But that would be a lie.

Brother decided on it with resolve.

It's my duty to help him achieve his goals.

Uncle, you are...

...wonderful!

-What's that about? -You are always in Father's shadow.

I played up to the Uesugi and the Hojo while serving

the Takeda. That is a task that only I can do.

I'm the one who's been manipulating them.

Don't underestimate me, Genjiro.

Uncle, you are my role model.

I want to be a brother like you for Nobuyuki.

Oko, I'm back.

Welcome back.

How are you feeling?

Well...

Please don't worry about me.

KO

Sir Genzaburo, you are the Sanada heir.

Please don't mind me

and focus on doing great feats for the clan.

Go back to bed.

Lie down.

How do we handle the other provinces?

Is it all-or-nothing, after all?

Of course.

After I compile the provinces in this region,

I'll forge over to the Oda.

That should have an impact on Nobunaga's attitude, too.

NAIKI TAKANASHI

They are very hard to deal with.

How willing will they be?

Just leave things to me.

The Sanada fief was in east Shinano, in Chiisagata-gun.

Chiisagata was divided into the Sanada, Muroga, and Nezu.

Those areas were governed by their respective lords.

Masayuki Sanada was just one of those lords.

I don't understand.

The Sanada clan is facing a crisis, but the lord looks cheerful.

The greater the dilemma, the harder the Sanada fight.

You still have all those kimonos?

I only gave a small quantity to the farmers.

TORI

You could've gotten killed.

But you had to be tight.

These are my treasures.

How is Matsu doing?

She hasn't eaten for the past few days.

Is Shigemasa still missing?

I want him to be alive.

He must be dead.

Even if he were alive...

the Oyamada family are traitors.

MATSU

He can't come back here.

Takato Castle was the Takeda's former military stronghold.

TAKATO CASTLE IN SHINANO

Ieyasu Tokugawa had received orders from

Nobunaga Oda to prepare the place for his arrival.

Lord Nobunaga likes it clean.

IEYASU TOKUGAWA

Make certain there are no signs of battle.

Very well.

Wash off the blood stains.

Pull out all the arrows.

Very well.

Scatter new sands on the ground.

Very well.

KAZUMASA ISHIKAWA

Remove all horse manure.

MASANOBU HONDA

Go.

Yes, sir.

In the Koshu invasion,

the only one to return fire from the Takeda,

was this Takato Castle.

I heard it was quite a fierce battle.

Lord.

Look there.

Let's turn around.

Lord!

What's wrong, Heihachiro?

Outside the castle,

HEIHACHIRO TADAKATSU HONDA

I found where Lord Nobumori Nishina committed suicide.

Oh?

His blood stains are there.

Let us go there.

I don't want to see it.

Showing respect towards a good warrior,

is samurai decency.

Let us go there.

Please follow me.

I don't want to go outside.

-Lord? -There may be Takeda survivors.

You'll be safe with Heihachiro.

Let us go now.

Come.

What's become of Katsuyori Takeda's head?

Lord Nobunaga is supposed to personally inspect it.

What about after that?

It'll probably be displayed as a warning to others.

After that is fine.

Let's give Katsuyori a warm burial.

That is a great idea.

His soul will find repose.

Lord.

After we give him a burial,

we'll spread the news throughout Kai and Shinano.

That's brilliant, Masanobu.

That's what's important.

We must grasp the hearts of the Takeda survivors.

As long as I'm not cursed by Katsuyori's spirit.

Who's there!?

Are you a Takeda?

I... don't know how to answer that.

Are you foe or ally?

It'll take long to explain.

Don't waste your breath!

Stop!

The battle... is over.

Go.

The following day,

Nobunaga Oda's army entered Shinano.

The provincial lords were pressed for a decision.

No one can stop Nobunaga's momentum.

It's wise to join hands with him as soon as possible.

Are we sure the Oda will accept us?

The priests at Mount Hiei were burned to death.

MASATAKE MUROGA

We could all be killed.

I'll stake my life in persuading him.

Sanada, let me ask you this.

What is it, Ideura?

Why do you think so highly of Nobunaga Oda?

It's an instinct.

While serving near our lord,

you failed to detect Anayama and Oyamada's betrayal.

So why should we trust that instinct of yours?

You've got a point there.

In the first place, I don't like you acting as our head.

My father was deeply trusted by the lord.

The Takeda have fallen!

-My father always has... -Shut up, kid!

Would you be satisfied if I left it to your discretion?

As I'd want it.

How do the others feel?

We must show Nobunaga that we are united.

As the delegate,

I'd like to meet Nobunaga.

We are not your vassals!

It won't be easy to bring them together.

So it appears.

Without personal benefit,

Father is thinking of them. Why can't they see that?

If Nobunaga acknowledges me as the delegate,

Chiisagata would be mine.

How disappointing.

There was personal benefit?

Genzaburo.

Everyone is motivated by personal greed.

I guess I have no choice.

Let's come up with another plan, Naiki.

Very well.

Welcome back.

Right.

What a world it's turned into.

There's about to be drastic changes in this country,

but the mountains and skies remain unchanged.

-Huh? -What?

You weren't looking at the sky.

Why don't you go to her?

-She looks busy. -Don't you want to see her?

I have a favor to ask of you.

Will you give this to her?

What is it?

You suggested a comb.

Did I?

You said all women would be happy to receive a comb.

Did I say that?

Stop that.

I'm amazed you had time to buy it.

A merchant from Kyoto was in Shinpu.

Being the second son, you were idle.

-That's none of your business. -Give it to her yourself.

-Please! -Why do I have to do that?

This is for you.

Where's the box?

What a big drop.

I guess I have no choice.

Let's go together.

-No, I can't. -I'll go with you.

No, I can't! Please!

How unusual.

Someone wants to see you.

Wants to see me?

Hurry!

Sir Genjiro, welcome back.

I returned this morning.

I heard it was a rough journey from Shinpu to Iwabitsu.

My brother and I were worried about you.

But we believed you'd fight through it.

Oh... another time.

You're so troublesome.

He brought back a gift.

-It's a comb. -Stop that.

Is this for me?

Yes.

Is it all right to accept?

I don't see why not.

Thank you for this.

If you like it, please use it.

So they lined up the firewood and are drying them out.

I heard about Lord Takeda.

I couldn't be of any help when I was near him.

Perhaps I shouldn't be saying this, but...

I'm just glad you're safe.

I'm leaving.

Huh?

Sir Genjiro?

Sakubei!

Sir Genjiro!

I'm glad you're safe!

Please come inside.

I'll be leaving now.

Don't say that and come in.

SAKUBEI HOTTA

My sister really missed you.

Brother!

Ume, show him in.

Since you're here, why don't you go in?

Come on in.

Sakubei, bad news!

-What happened? -The Muroga men are here again.

Sir Genjiro, I have urgent business to tend to.

-I have to go out. -What happened?

The Muroga farmers are coming into our mountains.

This is the third time.

Their mountains were burned in the recent battle

so they can't get firewood.

How dare they raid our precious mountains.

They can't be forgiven.

-We'll chase them out. -I'll go, too.

No, we can't bother you with this.

This is the Sanada's homeland. I have to protect it.

Brother.

Let's go.

Let's get them!

Deliver this to Kagekatsu Uesugi.

The Sanada's fate rides on that letter.

Give it to him directly.

What is this for?

I received a secret letter from the Uesugi this morning.

They're desperate to get me on their side.

That is my reply to them.

What did you reply?

That I am grateful.

Aren't we siding with the Oda?

That's not set in stone.

You never know what to expect.

We have to play all our cards.

Understood.

Sasuke.

The lord has ordered me to accompany you.

We'll leave immediately.

Oko!

Make the preparations. I'm leaving on a trip.

The Sanada's fate rides on this important mission.

Sir Genzaburo, you are the Sanada heir.

Please don't mind me,

and focus on doing great feats for the clan.

Are you all right?

I already know that.

It's all right. Rest in bed.

All right.

My vassal has been watching the Sanada mansion.

Earlier, his son, Genzaburo...

I know.

Your vassal wasn't the only one spying.

Where is he headed?

That Masayuki Sanada...

urged us to join the Oda...

but is planning to side with the Uesugi.

He's truly despicable.

-Damn them! -Wait!

Please let me go!

It's foolish to attack the enemy from below.

-They can see our every move. -That's true.

-Let's go above them. -Right.

Timber!

Ouch!

Wretches! You're back!

Attack!

Let me go!

Run for it!

Don't ever come back!

Are you all right?

Don't mind me.

Sir Genjiro!

Thank you!

This can't go on forever.

I'll ask my father to talk to Lord Muroga.

We'd appreciate that.

I'm surprised. You look meek, but you're tough.

She's strong.

When we were children, she'd make me cry a lot.

Don't tell him that!

Oh... I might've sprained my foot.

I don't think I can walk.

Please go ahead.

I'll carry you on my back.

-What? -Do I have a choice? Hurry.

I'll carry you.

Excuse me.

What is that?

Hey!

Brother Shigemasa?

The letter!

After him!

Sasuke?

Sasuke!

Just as I thought.

The Sanada are in contact with the Uesugi.

That badger!

When Nobunaga gets a hold of that, it'll be over for the Sanada.

I'm very sorry.

I'll slit my belly in apology.

-Never mind. -But...!

You did your part.

That's all there is to it.

I saw Masasuke Ideura and Masatake Muroga.

It's their men who attacked us. I'll get the letter back at once!

Sanada!

Come on in!

Thanks for your hard work. Please have a seat.

How's Muroga?

He fell for it completely.

He's taking that letter to Nobunaga.

I see, that's good.

Exactly as we wanted.

What... is going on?

It was staged so that Muroga would steal it.

I don't understand.

I knew that Muroga would take that letter to Nobunaga.

But... is it all right for Nobunaga to see it?

That's what I wrote it for.

I don't understand.

What will Nobunaga think when he reads that?

This man, Sanada, is wanted all over.

He must be a clever man.

I'd like a taste of him, too.

That's what Nobunaga would think.

He's not someone I can openly talk to.

That's why I took this strategy.

Then...

what about the secret letter from the Uesugi?

There was none.

In that case...

why didn't you tell me?

You're not capable of acting.

Before we can deceive our enemy...

we have to deceive our own.

Oh, that's right.

Sasuke!

Come in.

Sasuke...?

That was excellent.

-I am honored. -Go.

Now...

I can't wait to see what Nobunaga will do.

Sanada.

Just as you've gambled on Nobunaga,

I've gambled on you, Masayuki Sanada.

The future of Shinano rests with you.

-I have my hopes with you. -Understood.

Have a drink.

Don't come.

-Sir Shigemasa! -Matsu!

Sir Shigemasa!

I'm sorry.

I found him in the mountains.

Where were you? What were you doing until now?

Matsu!

-We don't have time. -What?

He's family to Nobushige Oyamada, who brought demise to the Takeda.

Father will not forgive him.

I didn't know.

Had I known, I wouldn't have gone.

Father won't accept that excuse.

Sakubei is looking for a place for him to hide.

I'll talk to Father.

Even you can't persuade Father.

What are we supposed to do?

Shigemasa has to remain missing for a while.

-No. -In time, we may find a solution.

No!

Sir Ideura, I didn't know you were here.

Genjiro.

Please teach me more tricks.

Oh, that's right.

-Regarding Genzaburo... -My brother?

Lend him an ear.

He must be having a difficult time sleeping.

Genjiro!

Father may not like me very much.

I'd like to hear you out, but can we finish my business first?

Why did you come back?

I wanted to see Matsu again.

You must've known what would be waiting when you returned.

Why did you tell me?

I thought you'd be able to talk to Father.

-Don't take me lightly! -Brother...

Now that I know...

there's only one thing I can say.

-Commit hara-kiri. -Genzaburo!

If you can't slit your own belly...

I will kill you.

What good will it do to kill Shigemasa at this point?

-It's to draw the line! -Shigemasa regrets what he did!

Making atonement for life is the true way to draw the line!

If you're going to kill him, then kill me, too!

I can't make the decision on my own.

-I will... report this to Father. -Brother!

But... I am tired tonight.

I've had a lot happen.

I'm going to have a good rest tonight, and wake up at around noon tomorrow.

I'll meet with Father after that.

-It's over for me. -What are you saying?

-He's telling you to flee. -Huh?

Get ready tonight to leave the village early tomorrow morning.

-Where do I go, though? -I'll arrange it.

Genjiro, I'd like to have some privacy.

Dear, stay.

-I'll come for him tomorrow. -Thank you.

Genjiro...

-Yes? -I'm feeling a bit cold.

Please bear it.

-Shall I bring a heater? -I would appreciate that.

Nobunaga Oda sent Masayuki Sanada a letter of summon the following day.

I will be going to see Nobunaga.

It's finally time.

Genjiro, accompany me.

Whether Nobunaga is a man worth entrusting the Sanada to...

verify it with your own eyes.

Very well.

Father!

-I would like to go, too. -No.

Why not?!

Why do you neglect me!?

Stop being unreasonable.

I'm telling you to stay back because you are my heir.

I refuse.

We may not return alive.

I'm keeping you back for the worst case scenario.

If anything happens to us, you will lead the Sanada.

Father...

I'm leaving things to you.

Understood.

Brother, please hold down the fort.

As much as I'd like to meet Nobunaga, I am the heir.

I'll bear it.

I'll be your eyes and judge Nobunaga. I'll report back to you.

As for Shigemasa...

We have no time for him.

Masayuki and his party head for Suwa where Nobunaga awaits.

Will Nobunaga accept the Sanada, as Masayuki schemed?

The stage for his big gamble was opening.

END OF EPISODE 3

If you deny it and it turns out to be a lie, you won't be forgiven.

A new era is starting.

Nobunaga Oda is intriguing.

I refuse to go to Azuchi.

Go there.

Go with Matsu.

What did you do?

Tell me!

NEXT EPISODE: CHALLENGE