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

HOJO UJIMASA: TAKASHIMA MASANOBU

LADY ACHA: SAITO YUKI

IDEURA MASASUKE: TERAJIMA SUSUMU

TAKANASHI NAIKI: NAKAHARA TAKEO

MUROGA MASATAKE: NISHIMURA MASAHIKO

TAKIGAWA KAZUMASU: DANTA YASUNORI

HONDA TADAKATSU: FUJIOKA HIROSHI

HASHIBA HIDEYOSHI: KOHINATA FUMIYO

TORI: KUSABUE MITSUKO

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 6: ADRIFT

Two days after the Honno-ji Incident,

shocking news of Nobunaga's death spread throughout Japan.

Nobushige and others attempted to escape Azuchi,

which was occupied by Akechi's army.

The Akechi soldiers are still lingering.

How about this plan?

The main road is too conspicuous.

Let's travel along Lake Biwa, enter the forest,

then cross Echi River and head for Takamiya.

From there, we'll take the Tosando Road.

They're heading this way.

Hide.

I found something good!

Run!

Go quickly!

Protect Matsu!

Okay!

There they are!

Disperse!

Don't let them get away!

Don't let them escape!

Matsu!

Matsu!

Please run away.

After her!

Matsu!

I cannot apologize enough.

I jumped in after her, but...

I'm sorry it's come to this.

Don't apologize.

I'm grateful for what you've done.

I'm staying here.

Please hurry back to Sanada.

I can't leave you here.

Even if I return to Sanada...

there is still not a place I belong.

I want to stay near Matsu.

Brother Shigemasa...

Thank you for everything.

You must live.

Listen.

Brother Shigemasa, you must live.

All right.

Excuse me.

Lord, you received a letter from Sir Takigawa.

Having lost his master again,

Masayuki was pressed to make a decision.

The Sanada clan was a regional power.

Without the protection of a powerful warlord,

survival was difficult.

Takigawa wants to see me.

He must've received news of Nobunaga's death by now.

Genzaburo, what are your thoughts?

You're asking me?

Let me hear your opinion.

Not once have you taken my advice.

I didn't say I'd take it.

I think we should stick with the Oda.

The Oda?

We became Oda vassals.

Betraying the Oda because Lord Nobunaga is dead isn't right.

It is only proper that we endure as Oda vassals.

What is the path of a vassal?

Punish Akechi under Takigawa Kazumasu,

and avenge His Excellency.

Why didn't you speak up sooner?

I've been telling you that all along.

Genzaburo, you are always so straight.

That's how you taught me to be.

His Excellency has died.

MAYABASHI CASTLE IN KOZUKE

What?

What did you just say?

Drop the pretense.

Didn't you already know?

Well...

You're despicable.

Sir Takigawa.

Please head to Kyoto at once to kill Akechi.

I can't do that.

Why not?

I can't leave here.

While the Sanada keeps a watchful eye,

the Uesugi won't make any moves.

What about the Hojo?

They're not a threat.

The Shinano lords will unite and drive them out.

Sanada, what worries me most,

is the Shinano lords.

Please rest assured.

I will unite Shinano.

You are the very one that I do not trust.

You're blunt.

Will you provide a hostage?

Well...

I've already sent my daughter to the Oda in Azuchi.

I'm asking you to leave a hostage with me.

To prove you won't betray me.

Very well.

In return, Sir Takigawa...

please kill Akechi as soon as possible.

The one who kills Akechi,

will end up leading the Oda clan hereafter.

That person can be no one, but you.

I, Sanada Masayuki,

will gamble on you, Sir Takigawa.

All right.

Upon Nobunaga's sudden death,

the Oda generals who had entered deep into former Takeda fiefs,

were placed in a predicament.

For example, Oda clan vassal, Mori Nagoyoshi,

who had a stronghold in north Shinano.

MORI NAGAYOSHI

He was compelled to drive back the enemy.

After we cross the mountain, we'll be in Shinano.

Let us move on.

Please put Matsu behind you.

I couldn't save her.

What more could you have done?

The crisis begins from here for the Sanada clan.

You have a duty to support the Lord and young lord.

Please keep a strong heart.

Please wait.

There's a huge force coming. Hide.

The crest on that banner...

That's Oda vassal, Mori Nagayoshi's crest.

I wonder if they were beaten by rebels.

They seem worn out.

Oh, you're Sanada's son.

Sir Ideura!

It's all right.

So you were alive.

We're guarding Lord Mori, and cutting through Shinano.

Who is he?

He's Lord Sanada's son.

Sanada?

I'm Sanada Genjiro Nobushige.

Tell the Shinano lords...

We, Oda vassals, will protect but not harm them.

If you chase us out,

Shinano will be attacked and devoured by others.

When that happens, it'll be too late for regrets.

Let's go.

What was the situation in Azuchi?

Who do you think I am?

I'm aware of every move made by the Sanada.

Azuchi Castle is occupied by the Akechi army.

I must say, he acts fast.

Will Akechi Mitsuhide take rule?

How many allies will he get?

A man who launches a surprise attack on his master...

won't gain many allies.

Sir Ideura, what will you do from now?

We're not motivated by immediate gains.

When we decide to serve someone,

we'll serve him until the end.

Is that possible in this warring era?

Because it's a warring era,

there is value to our style.

We will not die in battle.

The only time we die...

is when we lose our credibility.

I'll remember that.

Until we meet again.

Masayuki gathered the lords of Chiisagata to his mansion.

For reasons of my own, I'll be aiding Takigawa Kazumasu.

What?

Did you hear that?

How irresponsible!

How shallow!

I gave it careful consideration.

I call that erratic.

What's wrong with that?

I came up with a better plan.

Sticking to the old plan to save face is what a fool does.

You're unreasonable!

We, Chiisagata lords, are...

Shut up, kid!

Now is the time to crush the Oda!

The lords of north Shinano have all revolted.

We can do the same!

What will you do after you drive Takigawa out?

That's obvious.

The Hojo?

That's where we settle next.

If I may add, Lord Hojo Ujinao is Lord Shingen's grandson.

Who would be more suitable as our next master?

We agree!

Sanada.

You're the only one muttering about siding with Takigawa.

Fine.

In that case, we will go with the Hojo.

I had no choice.

What about your promise with Sir Takigawa?

The Takigawa and the Hojo...

We'll play them both and assess the situation.

Will we be all right?

I don't know.

I can't predict the future.

In any event, Takigawa must kill Akechi as soon as possible.

Then the other lords will follow quietly.

What should I do?

Takigawa fears an attack by the Hojo

while he is absent from Shinano.

Let's put Nobutada to work.

SAGAMI - ODAWARA CASTLE

News of Nobunaga's death reached Hojo Ujimasa at Odawara Castle.

Ujimasa ceded to his son, Ujinao, two years ago.

But in actuality, he still held the reins of power in the Hojo clan.

HOJO UJIMASA

So, Nobunaga is dead?

I've given him many gifts thus far.

Five hundred pheasants.

Countless horses.

Hawks, swans...

abalone, dried sardines...

and what else?

They were all for naught.

Now is our chance to regain Kozuke.

Beyond that is Shinano.

Now, let's not be hasty.

Retired Lord, Sanada Nobutada is here.

While Sir Takigawa is away, please do not take action.

Are you telling me to hold off on the invasion?

That is correct.

The Hojo have an agreement with the Oda.

We wouldn't invade them.

Unexpected things happen...

in this warring era.

Is this Masayuki's idea?

All right.

You have my word.

Thank you.

Deliver this to Takigawa Kazumasu.

Certainly.

While you are absent, the Hojo...

will not invade Kozuke and Shinano.

That's what I wrote.

Father, is that your honest feeling?

But...

we are living in a warring era.

Lowering the enemy's guard is a military strategy.

Let us prepare for battle.

Gather the soldiers.

Once the Akechi matter is resolved,

we'll invade immediately.

We'll regain Kozuke first.

Then invade Shinano.

That's a good plan, Father.

The supreme ruler of the eastern provinces...

is the Hojo.

OMI - HAMAMATSU CASTLE

Lord, please excuse me.

Heihachiro.

You stir up dust.

Please pardon me.

You're full of energy.

I'm still weary from the journey through Iga.

I recovered in a day.

You're a monster.

What is it?

The army is ready to depart anytime.

To where?

Stop the pretense.

We must kill Akechi.

The Lord has no intent to kill Akechi.

Don't be ridiculous!

Masanobu is right.

Shouldn't you avenge Lord Nobunaga?

He's not my lord.

Oh? He wasn't?

I don't recall becoming his vassal.

But...

Just a pretense is fine!

Someone will eventually punish Akechi.

Now that you mention it,

Takigawa Kazumasu requested aid.

Takigawa did?

He wanted to prepare for battle against the Hojo.

I'll send over my troops right away.

Idiot!

We can't jump into battle against the Hojo.

But...

You can't flatly decline.

It'll be troublesome later.

Say you'll send troops.

But keep procrastinating.

That sounds like a plan.

I don't like such methods.

But the Lord likes it.

Genjiro Nobushige returned to the Sanada homeland.

I'm sorry.

I was there, but... I couldn't save Matsu.

Sending her out as a hostage

meant it could be an eternal farewell.

I was prepared for this.

But...

This was her fate.

Genjiro.

Put this behind you.

Mother.

Never mind.

Mother, don't blame Genjiro.

Mother...

I'm sorry!

Mother!

Let's drop this subject.

Sasuke, give me a report on Azuchi.

Very well.

While you were away,

the situation was jeopardous on our end.

What's going to happen with the Sanada?

No one knows.

Genjiro.

You saw Azuchi and Kyoto with your own eyes.

What do you see?

Everyone is desperately struggling,

not knowing what the future holds.

That's all I can see.

One thing is for certain.

If the Hojo were to invade now,

it'll be over for the Sanada.

What are you doing here?

Haven't you heard?

I started working.

In our mansion?

Please be good to me.

Have anything to say?

I'm in no mood to argue with you right now.

I heard about Matsu.

It couldn't be helped.

I can't let it go!

Don't you want everyone to say it's not your fault?

I will never tell you that.

What a despicable woman.

With one less person to use as hostage,

it must be rough for the Sanada.

If you'll excuse me.

Young Lord!

Ume, Sir Genjiro has returned!

Sir Genjiro!

Please come in.

You don't have to say anything.

Please just listen.

Certainly.

I didn't want to come back.

I...

misread Akechi's move...

and couldn't save Matsu.

Had I remained in Azuchi then,

I could've taken her away much sooner.

I always thought...

I was smarter than my older brother.

I thought using my wisdom to assist my older brother...

is my duty.

I was full of myself.

My wisdom, in times of emergency,

was useless.

I fully realized that.

Without wisdom, I am just...

a good-for-nothing second son.

There's no meaning to my being here.

You can say something.

In that case... I have just one thing to say.

I'm listening.

I am relieved that you are back.

If danger should fall upon the Sanada,

please come to my rescue.

Please promise me that.

Understood.

You should eat a little.

Where are you from?

What is your name?

I'll leave this here.

Grandmother.

Please go to the Takigawa's.

You mean, as a hostage?

That is absurd.

What are we? Tools?

Please understand. We need to gain Takigawa's trust.

Mother, you don't have to go.

Won't I be next?

No more hostages!

Silence!

Mother?

I understand the situation.

I will be happy to go.

Thank you.

If an elder like me can be of help to the Sanada,

I couldn't be happier.

I really appreciate that.

You'll be a hostage at our previously owned Numata Castle.

You should be comfortable.

I will do my best to have you returned as soon as possible.

If at all possible, I want to die in the Sanada homeland.

Please see what you can do.

It's me... I'm next.

There's no one else left but me.

It'll definitely be me.

You'll be going to Numata.

Numata?

Lady Tori will be going there as Takigawa's hostage.

You'll be taking care of her.

Understand?

Oh... I'll do that.

Thank you.

Have you heard that firewood warms a person thrice?

No.

The following morning, Tori was sent to Numata as a hostage.

On June 13... in the Battle of Yamazaki,

Akechi Mitsuhide was defeated by Hashiba Hideyoshi.

How mortifying.

This, too, is fate.

Nevertheless,

Hashiba Hideyoshi was in the midst of battle with the Mouri.

I'm amazed he came back.

What kind of man is Hideyoshi?

From a sandal bearer,

he ascended on his abilities.

HASHIBA HIDEYOSHI

Perhaps...

the one closest to ruling...

may be him.

There's no hope for Takigawa Kazumasu.

I agree.

The men I've sided with have all missed their chance.

Genzaburo, tell me.

Am I a jinx?

It's a turn of fortune.

Father.

What are you doing?

What about you?

When we were kids, I used to play chase here with Matsu.

I feel badly about Matsu.

My incompetence...

Father, it's not your fault.

I want power.

Power equal to the Oda, Hojo, and Uesugi.

It's a strange feeling.

Every time I see this scenery, I think...

from the Takeda to the Oda...

even if the lords change...

this scenery of Shinano is perpetual.

Always in tranquility...

the mountains are there.

As if the conflicts amongst the people,

are a joke to them.

I...

like this scenery.

Shinano is in the center of Japan.

I'm proud to have been born in Shinano.

I'm proud to have been born as your son.

Genjiro.

You're a good son.

You're a good son.

You're a good son.

Hashiba Hideyoshi has killed Akechi.

I can visualize how mortified Takigawa must be.

Opportunity knocks, Ujinao.

-Right. -Are we ready to go to battle?

Yes, Father.

Dispatch the army at once.

Invade Kozuke.

Will do!

Hojo Ujinao's army advanced towards Kozuke.

Damn Hojo! After they promised not to invade!

It appears to be a huge army.

We stand no chance.

Isn't Tokugawa here yet?

Aid is headed our way.

They are nowhere in sight.

What about Sanada?

Sir Takigawa is requesting aid.

We're not sending troops.

Father, are you planning to side with the Hojo?

Don't be ridiculous. We're not siding with the Hojo.

The Hojo will invade Shinano after Kozuke.

I know that.

What do you plan to do?

If you're not following Takigawa nor siding with Hojo...

The Sanada will not go under anyone's rule.

What do you mean?

I came to the realization...

the Uesugi, Hojo, and Tokugawa...

all want Shinano.

We have mountains of good lumber.

We have the river to transport them.

We have fine horses.

We have paved roads for people to travel.

It's a pivotal land that links the east and west.

That is why the daimyo want control of Shinano.

While Shinano exists, we are equal to the daimyo clans.

We'll use Shinano...

to manipulate them.

I refuse to play up to them.

Naiki!

Yes, sir.

Tell Takigawa Kazumasu that we have headed north

to stop the Uesugi.

Very well.

While the Takigawa are battling the Hojo,

their castle will be unguarded.

It's our chance to retrieve Iwabitsu and Numata castles.

What?

Grandmother is at Numata.

We'll get our hostage back.

We are off to battle.

Understood!

Sons.

Yes!

I'll do whatever it takes to protect the Sanada...

and this land.

This is the start of my big gamble!

END OF EPISODE 6

PREVIEW

I've searched everywhere but can't find her.

Where is Grandmother?

Let us fight the Hojo.

We go to battle now!

What a liar!

Damn!

I was prepared from the time I became a hostage.

NEXT EPISODE: RECAPTURE