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

MUROGA MASATAKE: NISHIMURA MASAHIKO

IDEURA MASASUKE: TERAJIMA SUSUMU

TAKANASHI NAIKI: NAKAHARA TAKEO

ANAYAMA BAISETSU: ENOKI TAKAAKI

TAKIGAWA KAZUMASU: DANTA YASUNORI

ODA NOBUNAGA: YOSHIDA KOTARO

TORI: KUSABUE MITSUKO

HONDA TADAKATSU: FUJIOKA HIROSHI

KAORU: TAKAHATA ATSUKO

HONDA MASANOBU: KONDO MASAOMI

TOKUGAWA IEYASU: UCHINO SEIYO

SANADA MASAYUKI: KUSAKARI MASAO

PRODUCER: YASHIKI YOTARO

TRANSLATIONS BY MTI

DIRECTOR: YOSHIKAWA KUNIO

EPISODE 4: CHALLENGE

Masayuki, who was summoned by Oda Nobunaga,

headed to Suwa with Nobushige.

The Sanada's bitter resistance towards the Oda

was open knowledge.

Will Nobunaga forgive Masayuki?

MARCH 20, 1582

On March 20, 1582,

Masayuki entered Hokke-ji Temple to meet Nobunaga.

Listen, Genjiro.

Don't behave modestly.

It's not as if we lost.

Understood.

This is one form of battle.

Watch your father in battle.

Tokugawa Ieyasu is here, too.

The hollyhock crested flag.

It reminds me of Mikatagahara.

I drove Ieyasu into a corner.

As Muto Kihei?

I'm amazed you remembered.

I love that story.

That was my name back then.

Muto Kihei.

Lord Shingen gave me that name.

Sounds strong.

Ieyasu's bawling face as he fled...

is firmly imprinted in my head.

The Takeda was invincible.

Father.

Sanada!

Well, well, if it isn't Muroga!

I didn't expect to see you here.

I joined the Oda earlier.

The Muroga are secure now.

We were right to have chosen the Oda.

So it appears.

Sanada.

What is it?

Your secret pact with the Uesugi...

is known to Nobunaga.

Are you the one who stole the secret letter to the Uesugi?

Nobunaga will question you on it.

Did you tell him about it?

Just bow frantically and apologize.

If you fear for your life, apologize.

I'll be going now.

After he delivered the secret letter to Nobunaga.

He must be scared now.

He's small-minded.

Will Nobunaga forgive you?

If he's the man that I think he is.

If not?

What are you worried about?

I hope His Excellency won't suddenly change his mind,

ANAYAMA BAISETSU

and confiscate my fiefs.

I doubt that.

He can't get Oyamada Nobushige's incident out of his mind.

He was a disloyal vassal who readily betrayed his master.

Whereas in your case...

we approached you.

Exactly.

Though a traitor, you're on a different level.

What a terrible way to put it.

By the way my Lord, Sanada Masayuki is here.

Sanada Masayuki?

Remember?

He used to be called Muto Kihei.

In a live-or-die situation, the lord is yawning.

He has guts.

I'll take this opportunity to check out the Oda's military preparations.

Don't go off on your own.

As you'd expect from the great Oda army!

Every bow is well-kept.

These are the Tokugawa's bows.

Aren't they impressive?

Which clan are you with?

The Sanada.

Sanada?

Lord Tokugawa must be a precisionist.

Is that the impression you get?

The bows are lined up equally apart.

They are following instructions properly.

You received a compliment.

Except...

What is it?

The Sanada has taken it a step further.

Will you explain?

We have wheels under the bow stand.

Wheels?

To transport many bows expeditiously.

That would do it.

It takes time to transport a large number of bows.

I thought of it.

You did?

Genjiro, stop loitering around and sit still.

Pardon me.

You are too restless.

Father, so are you.

Are you Lord Sanada of Awa?

Indeed I am.

Pleased to meet you.

I am Lord Tokugawa of Mikawa.

Well, well, Tokugawa.

I am Tokugawa vassal,

Honda Heihachiro Tadakatsu.

He's my son, Genjiro Nobushige.

So you're Lord Tokugawa.

Who did you think I was?

Someone lower.

Refrain!

Now, now.

I'm often told I lack dignity.

Please pardon my rudeness.

I'd like to send a gift to His Excellency.

What would you suggest?

How about a horse?

A horse?

Shinshu is known to have fine horses.

That would definitely draw his attention.

Thank you for the sound advice.

Genjiro, arrange for a horse as soon as we return.

Will do.

By the way, Sanada...

I was thoroughly beaten by the Takeda at Mikatagahara.

I still have nightmares about it and have night sweats.

In the Takeda army,

was a fearless general called Muto Kihei.

He gave me a bad time.

Would you know who that is?

Actually, I don't.

A general of that caliber,

would be a castle lord by now.

I was a non-hereditary vassal.

I'm not too familiar with the Takeda's internal affairs.

I must say, they are certainly making me wait long.

Sir Akechi.

Sir Tokugawa?

What is Lord Nobunaga doing?

He's in the storehouse inspecting his tea things.

Please wait a bit longer.

SANADA MANSION IN SHINANO

Young Lord.

I understand how you feel, but please compose yourself.

I'm too nervous to do anything.

Knowing our lord,

he'll be home with good news.

Just sit back for now,

and wait.

Hot!

How far are we going?

Shhhh!

Is it heavy?

-Come. -Thank you.

Brother!

Lady Matsu, please go in.

Thanks for your hard work.

What?

Oh, I know about it. Don't worry.

Sir Shigemasa!

Matsu!

Please have this to eat.

Oh my.

Thank you for everything.

Not at all. I'll bring hot water.

Thank you, Ume.

What are you doing?

You were sneaking around.

Sir Oyamada Shigemasa is in the back room.

I already spotted him.

Sir Genjiro asked me to do this.

That's what I thought.

Please don't tell anyone about Sir Shigemasa.

If Sir Genzaburo finds out, he will be punished.

That's expected.

Let me through!

You can't go in!

I said, let me through!

Young Lord, I'm sorry, but you can't go in.

I saw Matsu go in.

No! You can't go in!

Aren't you sheltering Shigemasa?

Refrain, Sakubei!

Matsu.

What are you doing here?

Is my being here...

a problem?

Aren't you sheltering him?

Shelter whom?

Stop pretending.

What is this then?

It's for two people.

I'm sorry to keep you waiting.

Huh?

Sir Genzaburo, why are you here?

Kiri?

Lady Matsu, this is a problem.

We promised not to have any men here.

He came on his own.

We gather once every three days,

to have female small talk.

-Is that right? -Yes, that's right.

Let's eat.

Ume, here.

-Thank you. -Let's eat.

My heels are dry lately.

Look.

Oh my. It lacks moisture.

When you're lonely, it gets dry.

I don't see the connection between heels and loneliness.

But there is.

I'm leaving.

There really is.

Sakubei!

I dislike monkey business.

I'm sorry!

Before my father returns,

find a place for Shigemasa.

Where did you go?

I was at Sakubei's place.

The lord is staking his life in meeting Nobunaga.

Stop rollicking around.

Understood.

Another thing...

Yes?

It's all right to be close with them,

but we are of different status from Sakubei's family.

You are the daughter of a true samurai.

They are peasant samurai, who are farmers.

Don't forget that.

I've never thought about the status difference.

Then, start thinking about it.

You can't be a child forever.

Is that clear?

Yes... Father.

He sure kept us waiting long.

After a long wait, some don't even get to see him.

If anything, we may be fortunate.

Lord Sanada of Awa, face me.

Yes, sir.

I have something to verify before you meet my father.

ODA NOBUTADA

All right.

I have two letters here.

One is a letter to my father from you.

It says you want to serve the Oda.

Is this your signature on it?

Yes, it is.

Now, the other letter...

is from you, but not addressed to my father,

but to Uesugi Kagekatsu.

When comparing the two,

they are obviously written by the same person.

So it appears.

I'd like to take a look at it.

You seem to want to know why I have that letter.

No... it's not that I want to know, but...

In one letter, you say you'd follow the Oda,

but in the other, you're seeking help from the Uesugi.

Explain yourself!

That letter to the Uesugi...

please read it over carefully again.

What?

That is in reply to a letter from the Uesugi.

The Uesugi wanted our allegiance.

That is why I responded as follows,

"I am grateful, but cannot decide immediately,

so I would like some time."

Indeed, that is what it says.

Still, it doesn't make sense.

You decided to serve our clan, and sent that letter to my father.

That is why you're here now.

You should've flatly declined the Uesugi's invitation.

Why did you ask for time?

Why did you humor the Uesugi?

Sanada, this is your chance to clarify yourself.

Otherwise, you'll be seen as a double-dealer.

It's an expedient.

What do you mean?

My being here in Suwa,

will be immediately reported to Uesugi Kagekatsu.

Which means, the Uesugi...

may at this very moment...

invade my fief in Chiisagata.

It was a strategic letter to prevent that.

Are you saying you tried to deceive the Uesugi?

Such strategies are necessary to survive in this warring era.

Being surrounded by powerful clans in all directions,

a weak group of clans as ours have to take precautions.

However...

if that important letter didn't reach the Uesugi,

and is here,

the Sanada is in grave trouble.

At this point, Lord Nobunaga...

will have to protect us from the Uesugi.

Or we'll be in a bind.

Sanada, that's enough.

Please pardon my rudeness.

Now, Sir Nobutada...

What is it?

Sanada's explanation certainly makes sense.

But there is something that bothers me.

Tell me.

Lord of Awa...

by chance...

is this a fake letter, in anticipation that the Oda would intercept it?

What an interesting thought.

Why would I do that?

To sell yourself high.

You've lost me.

Sanada Masayuki is a master in battles.

You're a big fish that is wanted by the Uesugi.

Isn't that what you wanted us to think?

I wouldn't live so dangerously.

Sir Nobutada.

I have some connections with the Uesugi.

Time and time again,

they have asked me to mediate peace with His Excellency.

That's true.

Actually, right after this,

I'm supposed to meet with Uesugi vassal, Naoe Kanetsugu.

He's waiting in another room.

I see.

As such, Lord of Awa...

can I call Naoe here to verify it?

Verify what?

If they had really sent you a letter of enticement or not.

If you want to verify it, go right ahead.

If it turns out to be a lie,

you won't be forgiven.

If it is a lie,

admit it now.

If it's a lie, I'll slit my belly on the spot.

Being it's the truth, there's no reason why I should.

Lord of Mikawa, we shouldn't lie in this situation.

Sir Nobutada.

It appears I misread it.

You can believe this letter.

Lord Sanada of Awa, wait here.

Yes, sir.

Just as I expected of Muto Kihei, famed for his bravery.

You have pluck.

Are you Lord Sanada of Awa?

Indeed I am.

You have a bold and frank demeanor.

Congratulations.

I won the battle.

What a scare that was.

It's the spirit that counts.

Numata Castle and Iwabitsu Castle in Kozuke will go to Takigawa.

Wait a minute.

You want me to offer Numata Castle and Iwabitsu Castle?

That's right.

But they are both Sanada strongholds.

To take them away is...

That is His Excellency's will.

Understood.

I'd like to assemble the lords in Chiisagata immediately,

to discuss the future.

I'd like to ask you to make all the arrangements.

Will you agree to it?

I will gladly do it.

I will be counting on you hereafter as well.

I look forward to working with you.

Numata and Iwabitsu castles were located in Kozuke.

Sanada, who held castles in both places,

was an influential lord with fiefs in Shinano and Kozuke.

But now, they would lose their large fief in Kozuke.

To think we served the Takeda until recently. How ironic.

Didn't it turn out for the best?

We'll be safe under the Oda.

What kind of person is Lord Nobunaga?

He was more composed than I expected.

But the sparkle in his eyes isn't ordinary.

It was like that of a dragon's.

A dragon?

Judging by his calmness and eyes...

all hell must break loose when he's mad.

Say that again!

Say it again!

Say it again!

I'm sorry.

Wretch!

Say it again!

I'm sorry!

What did you do!?

Tell me!

I'm sorry!

Tell me! I said, tell me!

Tell me! What did you do? What did you do!?

Sir Akechi.

I... appreciate it.

Rejoice.

The Sanada clan has survived.

Congratulations.

Ideura, we've made it through somehow.

Our fiefs were spared.

My fiefs in Chiisagata will go to Takigawa Kazumasu.

Your Hanishina fief will be governed by Mori Nagayoshi.

IDEURA MASASUKE

This is for the best, isn't it?

Nothing will change.

It'll be the same as usual.

That's a huge victory.

I met Oda Nobunaga.

He has the makings of a ruler, after all.

Does he really?

He has the spirit of our lord in his younger days.

For now, it's best to stick with the Oda.

Another thing...

We'll be sending a hostage to Azuchi.

A hostage?

Yeah... that's how it is.

I'm thinking of sending your grandmother.

How about Matsu?

She's still emotionally hurt.

All the more reason why.

If she stays here, she'll keep thinking about Shigemasa.

Let's send Matsu. I'll persuade her.

Why must I be the hostage?

Matsu, listen.

I refuse to go to Azuchi!

Matsu, you're not going alone.

You'll have your attendants and maids with you.

I'll sneak Shigemasa into that group.

Shigemasa?

Genjiro! What a wonderful idea!

You must hide the fact that he's your husband.

You'll have to bear with that.

If he stays low for a year or two in Azuchi,

Father should cool down.

I will go to Azuchi!

All right.

I will be handing over Iwabitsu and Numata castles.

I see.

I have to offer the castles and a hostage.

It feels so miserable to not have power.

I feel for you.

Summon Uncle Yazawa.

I don't understand!

She was finally freed as a Takeda hostage!

Is it the Oda next?

Nobunaga has high regards for Father.

I'm sure he'll be good to Matsu.

Still, it doesn't change the fact that she's a hostage.

Please understand.

Weak provincial lords as me...

must latch on to those with power.

I pity my daughter.

Mother!

I am prepared.

My poor Matsu.

Mother, Matsu has decided on it.

No!

Lord Katsuyori returned Matsu to us!

She's going to live with us!

Gengoro... I will go.

Matsu, you stay here.

Grandmother, I will be fine!

I will go!

No... I will go.

Mother! Thank you!

No, Grandmother!

I appreciate the thought,

but Father is telling me to go.

Therefore, I will go.

Hold on.

Will you go?

Gladly.

Genjiro!

No!

Matsu should be the one to go.

Genzaburo?

A hostage must sometimes act as a spy.

A smart woman like Matsu would be suitable.

I am smart, too.

In times of crisis, Matsu can steal a horse and rush back.

Grandmother, can you ride a horse?

Horse?

Let's go with Matsu!

I'd strongly go with Matsu.

I would like to do my part for the Sanada clan!

Please send me to Azuchi!

I will do my job remarkably!

Matsu... well said.

You've matured so much.

With that settled...

Will you let me deliver Matsu to Azuchi?

I'd like to see Azuchi Castle, known to be the best in Japan.

All right.

Thank you!

I am very sorry.

My Numata Castle will fall in the hands of the Oda?

I had no choice but to accept what Nobunaga willed.

Gengoro, it's all right.

Uncle...

Nobunaga sees it as the most valuable castle in Kozuke.

If anything, it makes me proud.

Both Numata and Iwabitsu...

were obtained at the stake of the lives of Father, you, and me.

I promise to get them back someday.

Please bear it for now.

All right.

Next! From Lord Sanada of Awa!

Yes!

Masayuki presented a horse to Nobunaga later.

We present a horse, Kage!

End of May,

Matsu's procession left the Sanada homeland to head to Azuchi.

AZUCHI CASTLE TOWN IN OMI

Lower the palanquin!

On June 1st,

Matsu entered the Sanada mansion in Azuchi castle town.

SANADA MANSION IN AZUCHI

-Brother Shigemasa. -Oh, Genjiro!

I made the arrangements for you to work near Matsu.

Thank you.

I feel bad making you dress shabbily.

Doesn't it match me?

This is the best I could do.

It doesn't matter how I look.

I'm just happy to be with Matsu.

You truly love Matsu, don't you?

I appreciate all you've done.

I hope you can live together as a married couple soon.

How long are you staying?

I thought I'd stay for a while and look around Azuchi.

Have you seen the Seminario?

Semi...?

I heard anyone in Azuchi can open shop.

But I didn't expect to see foreigners, too.

It's a mystical town.

A new era is starting.

Oda Nobunaga is indeed an interesting man.

It happened that night.

Tell me! What did you do? What did you do!?

What did you do!?

The enemy is at Honno-ji.

The enemy is at Honno-ji.

The enemy is at Honno-ji!

Before he could unify the country,

Oda Nobunaga died.

END OF EPISODE 4

Damn Nobunaga!

Hurry.

The Akechi army is approaching.

I will not drive out the Oda forces from Shinano.

Please rescue Matsu.

Matsu is in danger.

I couldn't be happier if you married into the Sanada.

It won't go as you want.

Here we come!

Get ready!

NEXT EPISODE: PREDICAMENT