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

TAKANASHI NAIKI: NAKAHARA TAKEO

MUROGA MASATAKE: NISHIMURA MASAHIKO

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: KOBAYASHI DAIJI

EPISODE 9: TACTICS

The struggle for supremacy started with Nobunaga's death.

The Hojo and the Tokugawa will finally clash.

Behind the scenes,

Masayuki thought of a scenario that no one would've imagined.

Retired Lord!

SAGAMI - ODAWARA CASTLE

I have good news.

Our army has cornered the Tokugawa army in Kofu.

Is this the end for Ieyasu?

The Hojo dodged a battle with the Uesugi and headed south,

to launch an attack on Ieyasu's army in Kai.

Ieyasu had planned to rally from his stronghold in Shinpu, but...

KAI - SHINPU CASTLE

While the Hojo are fighting the Uesugi,

who suggested we lay siege to Kai?

I didn't expect the Hojo to head this way so quickly.

Lord!

Heihachiro, what is it, out of the blue?

Now that it's come to this, let's confront them full force.

That is the best strategy.

That's no strategy!

Among the former Takeda vassals, there are some with power.

Let's secure them as allies.

Is there anyone useful?

Yes, there is.

Name someone.

Sanada Masayuki.

Sanada?

SHINANO - SANADA HOMELAND

Father may be more outstanding

than we imagined.

There were times when I feared he lived only on impulse.

But Father was looking two steps ahead.

That was all part of the plan.

He's an amazing man.

Uesugi Kagekatsu of Echigo

had gone home to plan against his vassal's rebellion.

After we subdue Shibata's revolt,

we will crush the Hojo.

What's become of Sanada Masayuki?

I can't forgive him for betraying us.

He's back in his homeland.

I'll punish him someday.

I'm more concerned about his younger brother.

You mean, Nobutada?

Sanada Nobutada!

Find him!

Soon the Hojo will attack the Tokugawa.

I also received an order to report to battle.

What will you do?

I'll ignore it.

I'll say there's movement in the Uesugi.

We need to bide our time.

We must unify the regional lords of Chiisagata first.

I'm establishing a new state that isn't ruled by daimyo.

Wait.

Shinano will be governed by a union of regional lords.

We'll start with Chiisagata.

Down the road,

the regional lords of Shinano and Kozuke will unify.

Aren't you going to be the daimyo lord of Shinano?

No, that's not possible.

You are most qualified to govern Shinano and Kozuke.

I'm not qualified.

I don't agree.

The former Takeda vassals won't be satisfied with me.

But it won't be easy to form a union.

I think Father's idea is great.

A state governed under a union of regional lords.

That sounds great.

Will you help me?

If that's what you want, then I'm in.

I appreciate it.

But if we're talking about a union of regional lords,

what about Muroga?

That's the problem.

I guess we can't leave Muroga out.

He gives me a bad time.

He's second in power after the Sanada in Chiisagata.

We can't have a union by excluding him.

Muroga isn't a bad person.

He's desperate to protect his fiefs.

In the first place, I don't like his looks.

-What's the matter, Genjiro? -Yes?

You haven't said a word.

Are you in a bad mood?

He's upset with me.

It must be about Kasuga Nobutatsu.

You would resort to anything to get the results you want?

Of course.

-Wasn't there another way? -No.

Kasuga was gladly going to follow you.

Enough, Genjiro!

You don't seem to fully understand strategizing.

I don't care to know.

He wasn't ready to work under Nobutada yet.

Aren't you going to ask what's wrong?

I have a general idea.

Are you leaving?

Do you think the union will work?

I think it's best for your father to govern.

Genjiro.

Regarding Kasuga...

Please forget it.

Nobutatsu was also at fault.

He was disappointed with his benefactor, the Uesugi,

and betrayed them.

Don't you think he got what he deserved?

I'm in no position to speak.

You are...

too kind.

Learn to be stronger.

About a hundred years ago,

there was a rebellion in Yamashiro Province.

Tired of the daimyo's successional conflicts, the regional lords ascended,

and took command of the province.

Would you like another bowl?

Yes, please.

Father is probably trying to do something greater than that.

He's an amazing man.

I'm really glad to have been born as his son.

I don't have any strength.

Never mind.

I'll do it.

I'm sorry.

Genjiro.

Stay back.

You're tired.

Leave things to us.

I'll be right with you, young Lord.

Hey.

Sir Genjiro is depressed. Go and comfort him.

Should I be the one?

Why do you think you are working here?

-But... -Just stay by his side.

Betray the Hojo?!

Exactly.

Are you insane?

Join us.

Don't be absurd. I refuse.

You're a former Takeda vassal.

I'm sure you wouldn't want to give your fiefs to the Hojo.

That's none of your concern.

Please understand.

I don't want to give Shinano to any outsider.

That's all there is to it.

Are you true to those words?

If you don't believe me, forget it!

Go to the Hojo!

After the Takeda's demise, I...

went to the Oda and the Hojo.

But until this very day...

I never felt secure with any daimyo lord.

Same with me.

Being under no one,

the regional lords will govern Shinano and Kozuke.

You're always full of nonsense.

What?

But that sounds interesting!

I'll go with your idea for the first time!

With you onboard,

I couldn't feel more assured!

Excuse me.

What is it?

Can I come in?

No.

I came in regardless.

I received delicious manju.

Let's enjoy it together.

Not now.

I'm going out.

Where to?

Sakubei!

Sir Genjiro!

What happened?

It's the neighboring villagers again.

They steal the vegetables we worked so hard to grow.

We've been having a lot of problems lately.

I see.

None of this happened when Lord Takeda was the ruler.

We need a strong ruler, after all.

If only your father would rule Shinano,

then all will be well.

May I speak my mind?

That's what I came here for.

I feel badly for Sir Kasuga,

but I am relieved.

Why?

Battle was averted.

It's best not to engage in battle.

The farmland gets ravaged in battle.

Then people fight for food.

Besides...

I don't want you to die.

It's painful to send a loved one off to battle.

That could be the last time you see the person.

Excuse me. Can I say something?

Sure.

Battle isn't a pleasant thing.

Even for you?

I don't mind dying for the lord.

But I'd rather do farming here.

Sir Genjiro.

Is victory all that matters in battle?

Of course.

What if you win a battle, but everyone dies,

and you're left all alone?

It's important...

to reduce the number of deaths.

That's what I think.

You are absolutely right.

Your father knows that.

I can concentrate if it's to protect you.

I hope to become a samurai like that.

Your life, too.

My life doesn't matter.

Brother, your life, too.

I understand fully.

I'm sorry for being forward.

Oh, that's right. Tonight...

I have a meeting. I almost forgot.

Ume.

Yes?

You are... someone I need.

Meanwhile, in Kai...

the standoff continued between Tokugawa Ieyasu and Hojo Ujinao.

Why isn't Sanada Masayuki here?!

He's not moving from Chiisagata.

Damn!

That bastard!

What is he up to?

Masayuki called a secret meeting with the regional lords.

Please give us your support!

Let's stop relying on the Uesugi and the Hojo.

Going forward, let's protect our fiefs by ourselves.

Please join us!

They only know how to play up to the daimyo.

What a pathetic bunch!

Is it impossible, after all?

As proud former Takeda vassals,

I'm sure they will understand if we keep pushing.

Muroga, you're optimistic.

Is that bad?

We appreciate that, but showy maneuvering

will alert the Hojo.

-Please be careful. -Silence, novice!

I know that!

Are you the second son?

Sir Muroga.

I heard you accepted my father's proposal.

Thank you.

I dislike your father.

He has a brazen face.

He feels the same way about you.

It beats having the Uesugi, Hojo, or Tokugawa seize our lands.

Masayuki and I were born and raised in Chiisagata.

He could have ascended on his own.

But he reached out to me.

Your father is quite a man.

I'm leaving.

I hate to be persistent, but can't you be the one?

Stop bringing that up.

You have the power to lead a province!

Shinano is empty now.

The Hojo, Uesugi, and Tokugawa are gone.

You're the one who instigated that.

You were able to do that.

With your wits and courage,

you have nothing to fear.

Sanada Masayuki! Take the plunge!

Sir Ideura, I understand how you feel,

but Father has already made his decision.

No.

Not necessarily.

Father?

Give me some time to think.

I let myself in.

Don't come in without permission.

You came home late yesterday.

Ume is a smart woman.

I feel like she taught me the art of strategizing.

What is that?

Fighting battles with the least casualties.

I don't understand it.

Winning a battle with minimal deaths.

That's what strategizing is.

That's common sense.

Don't make it sound easy.

What are you here for?

How about one?

What was the meaning of that last night?

What are you talking about?

Are you by chance mad about Ume and me?

If you are, then you're wrong.

What do you mean?

There's nothing going on between us.

I'm not doing this out of choice. I'm following my father's order.

If it's something you don't want to do, then don't do it.

Lord...

Am I suitable for the role?

Do I have the power to rule this province?

No...

No one...

can take the place of Lord Takeda Shingen.

Lord?

What do you want?

Father...

What is it?

You received a letter from Tokugawa Ieyasu.

What did Ieyasu say?

He wants to join hands. He wants me as his ally.

Ieyasu?

The Tokugawa are in a dilemma now.

It might be worth giving him a hand.

Are you going to help the losing side?

That is why there will be more value to it.

If they win, they will feel deeply obligated.

Here he goes again.

Are we going to serve the Tokugawa then?

We won't be serving them.

We'll be using them.

Until Shinano and Kozuke...

are governed by the Sanada.

What?

Masasuke, I've made up my mind.

I see.

In that case, I, Ideura Masasuke, from this moment forward...

will serve you as your vassal.

Please take me under your command.

No... wait.

What about the union of the regional lords?

I've abandoned that idea.

Father!

Rush over to Ieyasu.

Will do.

Ieyasu must be feeling desperate.

Do what you're good at.

Certainly.

Having the Sanada as an ally is a huge plus.

I am extremely grateful, Sir Nobutada.

We have a request.

I wasn't brazenly thinking of a free alliance.

What do you want?

Suwa.

Fine.

There's more.

That isn't enough?

No, it's not.

Also, lands worth 2,000 kan mon in Kai.

No problem.

Also, Numata in Kozuke.

Please affirm that it belongs to the Sanada.

Kozuke as well?

Don't get carried away!

Don't be ridiculous!

The famous Sanada Masayuki will be our ally.

That's a reasonable price!

Is that everything?

Yes, that's everything.

Agreed! It's settled then!

Ieyasu's promise to secure their Numata fief

would later create a great rift between him and Masayuki.

But that is way down the road.

Deliver this to my brother.

Yes, sir.

Ieyasu accepted all our terms.

He must be very desperate.

We are cutting our ties with the Hojo.

Stay as you are.

Can I borrow your lap?

I'm a bit tired.

That's what my lap is for.

What is the matter?

I've made up my mind.

What did you decide?

First, I'll join the Tokugawa, then later sever ties with them

after fending off the Hojo and finally rise

to become a daimyo.

I'll be looking forward to it.

I'll build you a castle.

A castle for me?

Actually, Kaoru...

I received word from Nobutada.

We have to send you to the Tokugawa.

I refuse to be a hostage.

I'm not going to the Tokugawa.

I definitely refuse!

All right.

Well, good night.

The Sanada have betrayed us.

The Sanada?

Sanada Masayuki is truly despicable.

Let's send troops at once.

Our army can crush the Sanada in half a day.

There's no need to rush.

Focus on the Tokugawa.

We can't be bothered with the small fish.

Ultimately, this decision by Ujimasa

will bring disaster upon the Hojo.

We are siding with Tokugawa!

This is a means to reclaim Shinano in the future.

The Sanada's alliance with the Tokugawa

prompted other lords of Chiisagata to defect from the Hojo,

and side with the Tokugawa.

Muroga is zealous about it.

So it appears.

What are you going to do about that matter?

What matter?

About the union of the regional lords.

Muroga believes this is what the alliance entails.

Shall we keep quiet for a bit longer?

Father...

The Hojo are invading Kai now.

At the same time, they are advancing an army to Shinano.

The question is, how are we going to combat them.

By standard strategy...

it would be Uchiyama Castle.

By capturing the Hojo's stronghold,

we'll be blocking their attack on Shinano.

That's it!

That's right!

That's our only option.

If I may...

Genjiro.

What is it?

Speak up.

The Hojo knows that Uchiyama Castle is important

and will most likely fight desperately.

Obviously it will be a hard-fought battle.

Who cares?

That's what we want.

Losing more men to win is meaningless.

That's not true!

Now, now, granduncle.

Let's hear Genjiro out.

Genjiro, if you have a plan, let's hear it.

The Hojo penetrated too deeply into Kai

so their line of battle is stretched out.

In this situation, it's best to cut off their provisions.

I see.

The Hojo are transporting provisions and weapons

from Kozuke to Shinano.

After Usui Pass, they always go through Komoro.

We can control them even with a small army.

If we control here, nothing will get delivered,

and the Hojo army will be isolated and starve.

After this, we do nothing and let the Tokugawa handle it.

That way, we'll win the battle without losing our men.

What do you think?

That is a great plan.

Father!

Genjiro...

that's great.

Thank you!

All right.

We depart for Komoro immediately!

Depart!

By blocking the supply route from Usui Pass to Komoro,

the tables were turned.

The Tokugawa army gained an advantage.

Reporting!

The Sanada blocked their route and they are short of weapons.

Reporting!

Our allies are pushing back the Hojo!

Great!

Hojo Ujimasa was forced to rethink his strategy.

Everything went as you planned.

We rattled the Hojo and the Tokugawa owe us.

This will keep the Hojo and the Tokugawa bickering for a while.

In the meantime, I'll be gaining power.

Yes.

Lord!

What is it?

This news...

I don't believe it.

What happened?

The Tokugawa and the Hojo have joined hands.

What!?

Ujimasa suddenly offered a peace treaty.

And Ieyasu obliged without hesitation.

To Ieyasu, it was not as though he defeated the huge Hojo army.

He was secretly relying on the Oda forces,

but they were in no position to send aid.

Hence, Ieyasu decided to accept the peace treaty.

This happened 10 days after Masayuki cut ties with the Hojo.

The two decided they would split Shinano and Kozuke.

And the Sanada...

Father...

What happens to the Sanada?

END OF EPISODE 9

Give Numata to the Hojo?

Unreasonable!

-But... -That's no answer!

How dare you!

Let's get rid of the Sanada.

Annihilate them.

Use your wits, Genjiro.

The Sanada have pride.

I will uphold my samurai honor.

NEXT EPISODE: EXPEDIENT