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

UME: KUROKI HARU

HOTTA SAKUBEI: FUJIMOTO TAKAHIRO

SASUKE: FUJII TAKASHI

HOJO UJIMASA: TAKASHIMA MASANOBU

UESUGI KAGEKATSU: ENDO KENICHI

IDEURA MASASUKE: TERAJIMA SUSUMU

KISO YOSHIMASA: ISHII KENICHI

TAKANASHI NAIKI: NAKAHARA TAKEO

TAKIGAWA KAZUMASU: DANTA YASUNORI

TORI: KUSABUE MITSUKO

KAORU: TAKAHATA ATSUKO

SANADA MASAYUKI: KUSAKARI MASAO

PRODUCERS: YOSHIKAWA KUNIO, YASHIKI YOTARO

TRANSLATIONS BY MTI

DIRECTOR: TANAKA TADASHI

EPISODE 7: RECAPTURE

Masayuki takes a big gamble.

While Takigawa Kazumasu attempted to subjugate the Hojo,

he was aiming to recapture Numata and Iwabitsu castles.

However, Kazumasu had Tori held as hostage.

Attack!

On June 18th,

Takigawa Kazumasu confronted Hojo Ujinao at Kozuke.

The Takigawa army lead until the Battle of Kanna River,

where they collapsed before the Hojo's colossal army.

Retreat!

SAGAMI - ODAWARA CASTLE

ITABEOKA KOSETSUSAI

Retired Lord, I have good news.

I'll hear it tomorrow.

It is our great victory.

Tell Ujinao to seize Kozuke as soon as possible.

Very well.

Don't disturb me for the rest of the night.

Understood.

SHINANO - SANADA MANSION

Lord, Sir Takigawa will certainly lose the battle.

Even Takigawa couldn't hold out.

He retreated to Minowa Castle.

I've been waiting for this.

We're recapturing Numata and Iwabitsu castles from Takigawa.

Let us rescue Grandmother immediately.

Off to battle!

Yes, sir!

KOZUKE - NUMATA CASTLE

Masayuki directed his army to Numata first,

where his mother, Tori, was held hostage,

and swiftly recaptured Numata Castle.

Father!

Father!

I searched everywhere but can't find her.

Where is Grandmother?!

It appears Kazumasu took her with him.

He's cautious as ever.

This is a bad situation.

Uncle, can I leave this castle in your hands?

Of course.

Genzaburo, seize Iwabitsu immediately.

Very well.

I'm going to Minowa. Most likely, Grandmother is there.

You're going to where Sir Takigawa resides?

It'll be dangerous in Minowa.

What if he knows that we recaptured Numata and Iwabitsu?

He's in the middle of a losing battle.

His hands are tied now.

Genjiro, accompany me.

Certainly!

KOZUKE - MINOWA CASTLE

It's quiet, isn't it?

I wonder if they're aware.

Sir Takigawa.

I'm glad you came.

I deeply regret missing the battle.

Let us regroup at once and fight the Hojo.

The Sanada army will return the blow.

The outcome is known.

What are you saying?

I am returning to Ise for the time being.

Ise?

I'll be leaving tomorrow morning.

I will accompany you.

I appreciate the thought, but

you have your own problems to deal with.

But...

Don't go out of your way.

I am mortified.

This will be our last night.

Do you have time to drink sake with me?

Of course.

I'll have it brought at once.

By the way, your mother is doing well.

Rest assured.

I appreciate it.

However, I'll hold on to her for a while longer.

I have to ensure the safety of my soldiers to Ise.

Yes, of course.

I'll return her after we pass through Shinano.

They're gone.

He doesn't yet know about Numata and Iwabitsu.

But he'll know soon enough.

Let's retrieve Grandmother before he finds out.

She should be somewhere in this castle. Verify it.

What's going to happen to us?

They brought us to this place.

I have no idea what lies ahead.

That's how it is for hostages.

I want to go home.

I am thirsty.

What?

Huh?

I am thirsty!

Bear it. You're a hostage.

I'll ask.

-What is it? -Thirsty.

Bear it.

It's not for me.

For the old woman?

If you tell me where the well is, I'll get it.

Don't go off on your own.

In that case...

Please get it.

I can't.

Do you think we'll run away?

Where can women flee?

Oh my!

It's been a while.

You came to rescue us!

-Stop that. -Let's hurry.

Where is my grandmother?

-I don't know. -How can you not know?

Grandmother.

Genjiro! I knew you'd come!

I am glad you are well.

They've been dragging us all around.

Where are we anyway?

In Minowa Castle.

I am exhausted already.

Genjiro, she's such a pain.

Oh, I'm sorry.

What's going to happen now?

Sir Kazumasu will be heading to Ise.

Ise? Why do we have to go to such a place?

I don't want to go.

Not to worry. We will rescue you before then.

-Please hang in there for a while longer. -Please do!

I'll be waiting!

Sanada, there is something I have to tell you.

It's in regards to Iwabitsu and Numata castles.

I'm thinking of returning them both to you.

What?

Don't look so surprised.

Will you really?

With His Excellency gone, it is crucial to rebuild the Oda.

I'm returning Kozuke and Shinano to the local lords.

Oh... I see.

Is that a problem?

Not at all.

I am grateful for that.

You can decide for yourselves which daimyo you want to go to.

Understood.

Have a drink.

Kozuke, Shinano...

are bountiful provinces.

This is why we are targeted from all four directions.

The struggles will continue.

I am prepared for it.

With His Excellency dead, I know it'll be difficult, but...

when I am successful in rebuilding the Oda,

I will definitely come back.

I will be waiting.

At that time, let's admire the deep green mountains

over some drinks.

Gladly.

I don't know what to say.

What is the matter?

Kazumasu offered to return Iwabitsu and Numata.

I should've waited a bit.

Then Grandmother is safe.

That will change.

If he finds out I've been lying,

Kazumasu will explode with anger.

That is true.

How's Grandmother?

She was full of energy as usual.

I'm heading back to Sanada.

I'll leave the rest to you.

Kazumasu is leaving tomorrow morning for Ise via Shinano.

Komoro Castle, located en route, is defended by his vassal.

He will spend a night there tomorrow.

Is that when we take back the hostage?

Can you do it, Genjiro?

I will do it!

Is that true?

Numata and Iwabitsu castles have been seized by Sanada.

I find that hard to believe.

While we were fighting the Hojo at Kanna River,

Sanada's army was watching the situation from their homeland.

What a big liar!

We've been tricked.

Damn!

Takigawa Kazumasu left Minowa Castle the next day

and headed for Shinano.

They entered Komoro Castle in the evening as Masayuki surmised.

SHINANO - KOMORO CASTLE

Do you have a plan to retrieve Lady Tori without being caught?

It's best not to sneak around.

Understood.

There are soldiers from the armies of Takigawa Kazumasu

and Komoro Castle here tonight.

We'll take advantage of that.

We'll assist!

You must be vassals to Lord Douke Masahide of Komoro.

We are ordered by our Lord, Takigawa Kazumasu,

to check on the hostages.

Which room are they in?

In the west annex.

Thank you.

There are rice balls in the kitchen.

Have some to eat.

Thank you.

How did you know he was a Komoro vassal?

His feet weren't dirty.

Kazumasu's soldiers were fighting to the brink of annihilation,

so they didn't have the luxury of time to wash their feet.

We are vassals to Douke Masahide, the lord of this castle.

Takigawa vassal, good job guarding the hostage.

Thank you.

You must be tired from the long journey.

We will take over for a while.

-I can't let you do that. -Please leave it to us.

We heard you're going to Ise. You should get some rest.

Actually, I wanted to use the bathroom and was in a bind.

There are rice balls in the kitchen.

Why, thank you!

-What took you so long? -Please hurry.

Genjiro, thank you for coming.

Please go on my back.

Please go on my back.

I can walk!

Wait! I forgot something!

Hurry!

Grandmother, I'll put you down for now.

Watch my grandmother.

Please go on my back.

What are you doing? Hurry!

I forgot something important.

Don't forget it if it's important.

Found it!

Let's hurry.

Kiri!

Thank you.

She wants to use the bathroom.

I'm sorry. I really need to go.

I was looking for you!

Are you talking to me?

I told you the hostage was in the west annex,

but only the Sanada family is there.

The other hostages are in the main wing.

Thank you for letting me know.

The Takigawa vassals have it rough.

Yes, but that's how it is.

Right?

Yes.

You'll have to endure it now.

When you return to Ise, restore your energy and come back.

Let's do that.

Hurry.

I am very grateful to the Komoro vassals.

You heard him.

I will never forget your warm hospitality.

He said he won't forget it.

Please hurry.

What are you doing there?

Sir Nagasaki, I was thanking the men of this castle.

Men?

Aren't you a Takigawa vassal?

Well... you see...

No. He's a Douke vassal.

Who are you?

Aren't you Masayuki's son?

Is this it?

Intruder!

Your attempt to take back the hostages

must mean that you've become our enemy.

That is not the case.

Your father lied to me.

Then he tries to sneak out the hostage.

I can't trust him at all.

As Sanada Masayuki's son, you should prove useful.

You're coming to Ise with us.

What a situation.

The number of hostages increased by two.

What did you come for?

On the contrary...

If you hadn't forgotten something, we might've fled successfully.

We would've been caught.

What an awful woman.

Ignore her.

It's his fault that Matsu died.

We'll be next.

That's enough already.

I'm sorry but I'm the type that speaks my mind.

Please excuse me.

May I come in?

You're already in.

It's depressing to eat alone.

KO

Shouldn't you be in bed?

I can't eat lying down.

I dislike battles.

Everyone's scattered after we returned to our homeland.

I am done eating.

She's making me depressed.

Good morning!

Why are you dressed like that?

Under Lord's order,

I, Hotta Sakubei, will be guarding this mansion until further notice.

In case the Hojo invades.

Ume, come!

My Lady, good morning.

What is that?

My brother wants me to pass these out to the guards.

They need their strength.

Follow me!

Excuse me!

What's going on?

Takigawa Kazumasu hasn't left Komoro Castle.

What happened?

Is it Kiso Yoshimasa?

Most likely.

You have to pass through Kiso to leave Shinano.

His negotiations with Yoshimasa must not be going favorably.

That bastard. What is he after?

Kiso Yoshimasa is an influential lord that controls west Shinano.

Despite being Takeda Shingen's son-in-law,

he was first to betray the Takeda.

He gave Oda Nobunaga the opportunity to invade Shinano.

As I keep saying,

I owe my current position to Lord Takeda Shingen.

Nobunaga, who crushed the Takeda,

is my family's enemy!

Why should I help the Oda refugees who were defeated by the Hojo?

I won't let them set foot in Kiso!

I don't get it.

Yoshimasa betrayed the Takeda and sided with the Oda.

Why would he say that now?

He must have an ulterior motive.

In any event, it puts me in a bind.

I need a plan.

Takigawa Kazumasu was pressed for time.

The Kiyosu conference was coming up at which Oda vassals

would gather to select Nobunaga's successor.

Kazumasu headed to Fukushima Castle in Kiso

to have a direct talk with Kiso Yoshimasa.

I apologize for my blunder.

I am a woman in a warring era.

I have been prepared from the time I became a hostage.

We live in an era where things are out of control.

What's important is how you behave when things go wrong.

Genjiro, do not give up.

I won't.

The path will open up for those who do not give up hope.

Trust my words.

Where are we?

We'll be entering Kiso soon.

Kiso?

When Kiso Yoshimasa betrayed the Takeda,

Lord Katsuyori ordered his hostages to be killed.

Is that what happened?

I wouldn't be surprised if he hated the Takeda vassals.

Of course he does!

Then we are in danger.

-Let us flee from here. -If we escape unarmed, we won't survive.

What do we do?

Calm down.

It will work itself out.

No, it won't.

Yes, it will.

Just don't abandon hope.

What do you say?

If you will allow us to safely pass through Kiso,

we will give you all the hostages we have with us.

We have family members of a lord in Shinano.

Oh, really?

Among them is Genjiro, Lord Sanada Masayuki's second son.

Oh, really?

What do you say to it?

I will agree to that.

He was after the hostages after all.

Right.

It is a shame to give up the hostages,

but we have no choice.

We can finally pass Shinano.

KISO - FUKUSHIMA CASTLE

On June 28th, Takigawa Kazumasu handed the hostages

to Kiso Yoshimasa.

But Takigawa Kazumasu did not make it for the Kiyosu conference.

This man, a prominent general in the Oda clan,

would lose his power under Hashiba Hideyoshi's rule,

and would never return to Shinshu again.

I am Kiso Yoshimasa!

Takigawa Kazumasu has placed you in my custody.

Please trust that I won't mistreat you.

I plan to become a daimyo lord that rules over Shinano.

You are my precious tools to help me achieve that.

That is all I have to say.

We are being passed around.

From Takigawa to Kiso.

Is this good or bad for us?

I wouldn't say it's good.

Kiso Yoshimasa has greater power than Sanada in Shinano.

He won't release the hostages.

Don't sound indifferent.

I'm thinking of an escape plan.

You must be joking.

I have no worth as a hostage, so shouldn't they let me go?

That won't happen.

Please ask Lord Kiso.

Enough!

I want to go back to Sanada.

Lord Kiso Yoshimasa is here.

Sotaro, it's been a long time.

Yes!

Lady Tori, you haven't changed a bit.

Your loud tone hasn't changed at all either.

I didn't expect us to meet again in this situation.

How do you know each other?

I know Sotaro very well from when he was a child.

He peed in his pants in front of Lord Shingen.

Don't bring that up.

I was scared and tense that time.

Sotaro.

Yes.

Ouch!

What was that for?

How dare you betray the Takeda, your benefactor!?

I had no choice.

What do you mean?

Oda Nobunaga threatened me.

I had no other option, if I wanted to protect Kiso.

Please understand!

Raise your head.

You're scary as usual.

Sotaro, return the hostages.

After I went through the trouble to get them?

Don't exaggerate.

Hostages are necessary for survival for weak lords like me.

Please understand.

Will you at least release Genjiro?

-Grandmother! -Quiet!

I will stay here.

-Please wait! -How does that sound?

I will agree to that.

However, do not use the hostages as bargaining chips

and send them elsewhere.

All right.

Sotaro, I believe in you.

On my honor as a samurai!

It's been settled.

I came to rescue you.

I can't leave without you.

That was when I was held captive by the Takigawa.

I'm sure Sotaro will take good care of me.

You will, won't you?

Yes, of course.

But...

Do it for your grandmother.

Excuse me. What about me?

Oh, another thing.

She's noisy and annoying.

I'll have Genjiro take her back.

As you wish.

We're in agreement then.

Thank goodness I'm annoying.

Muroga has sided with the Hojo.

The other lords will now turn to the Hojo.

Will you temporarily go to the Hojo? I want inside information.

What about you?

I'm not siding with the Hojo.

Then...?

I have a great idea! Let's go to the Bessho hot spring.

Huh?

Sir Genjiro, we deserve to relax at the hot springs for a day.

Don't be absurd. War is about to break out.

It's important to refresh your mind.

-Go with her. -Me?

Wait a minute!

Shall we go?

Huh?

What a beautiful moon.

I was useless.

What's important is your desire to rescue her.

Erase that look of abandonment.

Stop reading into my mind.

Was I right?

Will you leave me alone?

There's a brooding young man.

You're really despicable.

Well, excuse me.

Thank you for coming to rescue me.

I came for Grandmother.

-That isn't the only reason. -Yes, it is.

I thanked you, which isn't like me, so just honestly accept it.

Go away.

No!

SHINANO - SANADA FIEF

It's a critical time for the Sanada,

but I keep holding us back.

I should be useful.

I'm pathetic.

That's not like you.

This is how I am.

Genjiro.

I would like to say something considerate to you, but

I'm in charge of Iwabitsu Castle.

My hands are tied.

I'm all right now.

Sorry.

Just seeing your face has cheered me up.

I'm glad I got to see you.

While Father is absent,

I've been placed in charge.

Where did Father go?

Most of the surrounding lords have gone to the Hojo.

But our father has a twisted personality.

Then...?

He went to see Uesugi Kagekatsu.

Sanada, please understand.

The Uesugi lack the power to protect the Sanada.

We're not expecting to be protected.

Explain.

The Uesugi have deep roots in Shinano.

It doesn't matter what the other lords do.

The Sanada will not go over to the Hojo.

The Sanada... will remain loyal to the Uesugi.

Let's work together in protecting Shinano from the Hojo.

All right.

The Uesugi will protect your Chiisagata fief.

Lord!

Sanada, let's fight the Hojo together.

Yes!

You're going to be very busy.

All the arrangements are made.

Idiot!

I'm terribly sorry!

So you left Grandmother behind.

What did I send you there for?!

Genjiro, you've been blundering a lot.

Do you know why you blunder?

You rely too heavily on instincts.

I live by instincts, too.

But my instincts come from experience.

Even then, I make mistakes.

I can't blame you for making mistakes.

Genjiro, listen.

Your brother doesn't rely on instincts.

So he makes less mistakes.

Which do you think is the right way?

-Brother's. -No.

Genzaburo and Genjiro... the two melds into one.

Genzaburo makes few mistakes, but he's honest and boring.

You make mistakes, but you're interesting.

You need to be interesting to motivate people.

The two of you make one.

I have another assignment for you.

Me?

Go to Uesugi's Kaizu Castle.

Kaizu Castle?

Nobutada is waiting for you.

Follow his orders.

Am I assisting Uncle?

There's a vassal named Kasuga Nobutatsu.

He formerly served the Takeda,

but he's gained the deep confidence of Kagekatsu.

KASUGA NOBUTATSU

We'll work on him.

What?

We'll get him to betray the Uesugi.

And go to the Hojo.

Father, I'm confused.

He'll be my gift to the Hojo when I go to them.

The Hojo?

The Hojo have momentum now.

The Uesugi lack the power to fight the Hojo.

I'm siding with the Hojo.

I'll lure Kagekatsu out to Shinano,

have Kasuga Nobutatsu attack from the back,

and launch a pincer attack to crush them.

The greatest merit for this battle will go to the Sanada.

Can you persuade Kasuga Nobutatsu to side with us?

I will do it.

The arrangements are made.

The Lord is serious.

The Sanada's big gamble with the Hojo and the Uesugi

had just begun.

END OF EPISODE 7

Excellent!

I thought he was a man who'd support the Uesugi.

You never know what motivates a person.

It was Father and Uncle's ploy.

They are frightening.

NEXT EPISODE: PLOY