Original subtitles

Military attaches are those who observe military parades and maneuvers in different countries.

They are military men dispatched to major embassies, to openly gather military information.

Nations in a strained relation not only hide information from each other,

but also show their cards at times, to stabilize their diplomatic relationships.

The same goes for the Sengoku Period, when Motonari lived.

A clan went head-to-head with a powerful clan,

while they made a bond with other clans through political marriages, to openly spy on other clans.

I will marry Mori Motonari-dono.

We must buy the Mori over, at any cost.

Sir, I will send you a detailed report on what is going on in the Mori.

Married couples of the Sengoku Period

played a game between two different clans, while living together.

MORI MOTONARI

Episode 12: An Order To Assassinate Motonari

Screenplay by: Uchidate Makiko

Original story by: Nagai Michiko

Music by: Watanabe Toshiyuki

Theme performed by: The NHK Symphony Orchestra Music performed by: Concert Regnie

Title calligraphy by: Mori Motonari Narration by: Hirano Keiko

CAST

Mori Motonari: Nakamura Hashinosuke

Lady Mii: Tomita Yasuko

Fujino: Kaga Mariko

Katsura Hirozumi: Kusakari Masao

Inoue Motokane: Kataoka Tsurutaro

Watanabe Suguru: Enoki Takaaki

Fukubara Hirotoshi: Sasano Takashi

Lady Yuki: Ichiro Maki

Aio Mototsuna: Nishijima Hidetoshi

Lady Aio: Matsubara Chiaki

Sue Okifusa: Natsuyagi Isao

Naito Okimori: Onodera Akira

Lady Aya: Azuma Chizuru

Ouchi Yoshioki: Hosokawa Toshiyuki

Shojumaru: Morita Go Hisa: Matsukane Yoneko

Uyama Hisakane: Isobe Tsutomu Kikkawa Kunitsune: Kusanagi Kojiro

Kamei Hidetsuna: Kawahara Sabu Lady Hagi: Takahata Atsuko

Attendant Kimura: Kohinata Fumiyo Kikkawa Mototsune: Duncan

Kosanta: Nasa Kenji Lady Matsu: Azusa Mayuko

Kidomaru: Ohchi Yasuhito Komatsumaru: Fukagawa Yuta

Lady Sugi: Matsuzaka Keiko

Amago Tsunehisa: Ogata Ken

Produced by: Kida Yukinori

English subtitles: Koala Fansubs

Directed by: Yoshikawa Kunio

Motonari spent his wedding night without his new wife, Mii.

He didn't get any sleep on this night.

It's so cold...

Good morning.

LADY MII (Motonari's Wife) - Look, sire.

Butterbur sprouts. I'll serve them for breakfast.

Did you get any sleep last night?

I can sleep anywhere.

And I can drink water and eat anywhere.

With those butterbur sprouts, I can have a great breakfast.

You are up so early.

You didn't get any sleep?

I slept well.

Because the lord slept in the other room.

The other room?

He said he would feel guilty for sleeping with someone he doesn't love.

I was touched by his thoughtfulness.

It looks delicious.

FUJINO (Mii's Maid) - He slept in the other room?

Yeah. I felt better and could sleep well.

How cautious of him...!

He's tough to deal with.

Men cannot help speaking the truth in the bedroom.

He knows his wife is from a different clan.

But if he feels her skin and hears her whispers into his ears,

he cannot help telling her something he's not supposed to tell.

- The lord must have been afraid of that. - That's not it.

He doesn't want to make love to a woman he doesn't love.

How long is he going to sleep in the other room?

I don't know.

Not until he and I are in that mood.

- Mii-sama. - Ouch.

You should force him down tonight.

Force him down.

Then he will lose control. Men are all like that.

Once you get him, he will open up to you.

Help me spy on them.

Fujino.

You said, "I've reached this age, but I've never slept with a man."

Why do you know so much about men and women?

It's because ...

... I've been hoping to meet Mr. Right someday.

Were you studying men all the time, for that day?

But...

I've never met one.

In front of my Sarukake Castle is Tajihi River.

Down the stream, the river merges into the Enokawa River.

That's where the main Mori family castle is: Koriyama Castle. We're going there today.

It's a tiny castle.

Well...

This castle is smaller than Koriyama Castle.

It'll take only one day for you to make a sketch of the castle.

Compared with that,

your father's Ogurayama Castle is much bigger, isn't it?

- Not really. - Don't be humble.

It's the main castle of Demon Kikkawa. It can't be small.

That's right.

They have forts in the back, on a fairly high hill.

There are the First Quarter, Second Quarter, and the turf for horse parades.

Shall we go to Koriyama Castle?

For some reason, Motonari didn't put Mii in a palanquin.

KORIYAMA CASTLE He took a small party ...

... with only a few horses and attendants.

It's a small castle.

Here.

KOMATSUMARU (Mori Clan Head) - Click.

LADY YUKI - I would like to you become ...

... the fine lady of Sarukake Castle...

I'll do my best for the Mori clan.

Motonari-dono. What a dependable wife you have.

She sleeps well and eats well.

She's got more guts than I do.

That's great.

Mii-dono.

Brides of these turbulent times can give much power to their husbands' families.

I'll try to become a full-fledged member of the Mori clan as soon as possible.

I'm relieved.

- Please work hard for the Mori clan. - I will.

I would like to become a help for Komatsumaru-sama, too.

The young lord is sickly. I don't know what to do.

He is already tired.

Take the lord to his room.

I'll do anything for the lord. Please feel free to tell me.

- Mii-dono. - Yes?

How are you and Motonari-dono probing each other's intentions?

It's been only 24 hours. We already probed each other a lot.

Oh, my...!

You're so honest.

A woman who marries into another clan plays a smile,

while she reports to her home clan what is going on in her husband's clan.

When I came to this castle, I thought that's how I was supposed to live.

But my father died, and my nephew took over his clan.

I have no place over there.

After I had a son with Okimoto-sama,

I finally became a member of the Mori.

But my lord died.

Now, I'm living only for my son.

What a long journey...!

SARUKAKE CASTLE - Did you see, Fujino?

Koriyama Castle is small.

That's the main family's castle.

If the second son's wife takes a palanquin, it'll stand out.

I thought the entire mountain was a castle,

but, on a corner of the mountain, there was a tiny castle...

Tiny, isn't it?

No...

Next time, I'll show you the harbor of Ohama (Big Shore) from the castle.

It's a great view.

Is that why the main castle is there?

Koriyama Castle has Ohama, where cargo boats gather.

Otherwise, I don't understand why they built the base in such a boring place...

Is that a boring place?

If I were them,

I'd make this castle the base.

Oh?

We have steep mountains. They'll make great forts.

You certainly are a Kikkawa daughter!

Then, we'd almost win any battle, no matter who attacks here.

- Sugi-dono. - Yes?

Actually ...

... I'm concerned about Lady Mii, for some reason.

Oh, my! I'm feeling the same way.

Are you concerned, too?

I can't help it. I was just talking about her with Hisa.

Lady Mii's shiny eyes... we have to be careful.

Careful?

Ouchi Yoshioki-sama is leaving Kyoto and going back to Yamaguchi,

to crush Amago Tsunehisa on his own.

There will be a battle soon.

When that happens,

I'm afraid that the Mori clan will be controlled by Lady Mii and side with the Amago.

What? Is that what you're worrying about?

Aren't you worried, too?

No, she's not.

She thought Lady Mii was like a poisonous snake.

But Sugi-sama is surprised at her shiny eyes and radiant skin.

I want to become like her.

Inoue-dono, isn't there any good way?

How absurd...!

I see more strange people near the castle these days.

Are they from the Kikkawa?

Not only them, but also other clans.

The Takahashi, the Noma, and the Kobayakawa...

And I think Amago and Ouchi people are mingled among them.

They think your marriage will show the prospects of Aki Province.

Suguru.

We should leave them alone.

And...

If we try to find out something,

it will cause something grave.

We can monitor the situation of other provinces here.

Why don't you think that way?

I see.

But...

You must be careful.

There is a rumor that the Takeda remnants are here, too.

I just told the lord.

Told him what?

Strange vendors are loitering around the castle recently.

Are you saying they have something to do with me?

Yes, I think they are Kikkawa spies.

What a great nuisance -- for you say that, without any evidence.

If, by some chance,

they are Kikkawa spies...

That's what everybody else is doing in these turbulent times.

Relax your shoulders. Take it easy.

What are you doing?

I'm watering the flowers.

You don't have to do that.

I'm healthy because I exercise.

Komatsumaru-sama should exercise a little bit.

You must be worried about him being like that.

That's none of your business.

You just moved over here.

I don't want you to say something like that.

If I give birth to our child,

I'll make him grow strong and healthy.

We'll never have a child.

After this spat, Motonari and Mii stopped speaking to each other.

They started feeling awkward and they spent their nights apart.

Fujino.

"Watanabe Suguru..."

You don't feel good?

Oh, I'm fine.

Mii-sama, you don't seem to be feeling well.

I'm fine.

- This man called Watanabe... - Are you there, Mii?

Why don't we have dinner together?

Having dinner with my lord? I've never heard of that.

I haven't either.

I don't care.

Come.

You are so kind, sire.

I'm the one who should apologize to you, but you prepared this.

What are you talking about?

I've been wanting to apologize to you, too.

I brought it for you.

Come in.

Go ahead, sire.

No, thanks.

I don't drink.

My father died of alcoholism.

That was when I was 10.

My older brother died from it, too, when I was 20.

Alcohol made me become an orphan.

But Lady Sugi raised you lovingly, didn't she?

Sugi-dono and I were on bad terms for a long time.

I can open up to her, like her real son.

But...

I can't call her "Mother."

I want to, but I can't.

She was my father's concubine.

When I was younger, I thought she was my mother's enemy.

Father had another concubine.

Aio-dono, Mototsuna and Matsu's mother.

When my mother died, everybody thought Aio-dono would become my father's wife.

Then, Sugi-dono would have no place to stay.

So Lady Sugi pretended she adored you, and said, "I want to become his mother."

That's right.

Thus, she became my father's wife.

I'm glad.

If a concubine with children marries the lord, the late wife's children will be in her way.

You might have been killed, sire.

You know,

I grew up being protected by my mother's enemy.

Whoever raised you, you survived and she is like your real mother now.

Sire, you're almost winning the race.

You beat me, Mii.

At one time,

I felt Sugi-dono's strong determination to survive.

She pretended she adored the lord's wife's child that she didn't love.

Because, if she didn't become the lord's second wife,

she would have lost any way to live as a woman.

She opened up her way on her own.

When I realized that,

Sugi-dono became a precious person to me.

I like the way you think, sire.

Those who are determined to live... They are my favorite.

Then, you must like my uncle, Amago Tsunehisa.

I was intimidated by his determination.

Well, whenever I hear about the Amago,

I feel sorry for you, Mii.

You feel sorry for me?

Your aunt is Tsunehisa-dono's wife.

The Amago and Mori are in difference classes.

- Our treasure and fief are no match for... - What are you saying?

Sire, you have as strong determination to survive as my uncle.

But you're younger than him. You're almost winning, sire.

My future might be more spectacular than I thought.

Be quiet!

Where's Motonari?

Why is he not with you?

Did we fail?

Then, we should just kill his wife...

We have no such order.

Just Moronari.

Fujino!

Fujino!

Fujino! Fujino!

Men! Come out!

Intruders!

Sire!

Run!

Who are you?

You came to kill me?

On whose order?

Kosanta! Sheathe your sword!

His name is Kosanta, sire. He is a Kikkawa spy.

I was wrong.

Please forgive me.

Kosanata, sorry for having raised my voice.

I'll apologize to the lord for you.

Sire.

Please forgive us.

Go.

Thank you. You may go.

Here.

He's not from the Kikkawa, is he?

He must be a Takeda remnant.

Mii.

You made up his name, Kosanta, didn't you?

I'm very sorry.

Why did you want me to save his life?

He could have killed me,

but he sheathed his sword, saying, "We have no such order."

He is a man of honor. I thought he would be of help to you someday.

You thought about me during an emergency like that?

I was thinking about you.

Why did you heed my request, sire, knowing about my lie?

He tried to kill me, so I must kill him.

But I thought ...

... If I kill someone you want to protect,

that will kill my bond with you.

Did you think about your bond with me?

I did.

Mii.

Yes.

Well...

Um...

It's dangerous for you to sleep here by yourself.

From tonight,

I'll sleep in this room.

All right?

KIKKAWA MOTOTSUNE'S MANSION, (Aki)

In the fall of the same year,

Matsu, who married Mii's brother, Kikkawa Mototsune, gave birth to a boy.

The baby was named Senboshi.

Upon the birth of the heir of the Kikkawa clan,

Matsu's brother, Mototsuna, came over with lavish gifts.

What magnificent gifts.

Thank you very much.

A select horse carried the gifts, and you even gave him the horse.

I'm very impressed.

AIO MOTOTSUNA - These are all small gifts,

but I'd like to show you how happy I am to become Senboshi-sama's uncle.

LADY MATSU (Mototsuna's Younger Sister) - Mototsuna.

Please hold him.

Tell your uncle whatever I can do for you.

KIKKAWA KUNITSUNE KIKKAWA MOTOTSUNE - I'm counting on you, Mototsuna-dono.

Yes.

Anyway...

Motonari-dono's gift is ...

... only this.

Only that?

He must be really pinched for money.

Mii must be having a hard time. I feel sorry for her.

Well, Motonari-dono may be just tight fisted.

Only one sword?

AIO'S MANSION - That's it? Are you sure?

- Yes. - That's strange.

Motonari-dono is not happy with Senboshi-sama's birth.

You're right.

The Kikkawa will value Mototsuna-dono more, because of his birth.

That's why Motonari-dono isn't happy.

I got the chance.

The Kikkawa surely turned toward us.

Motonari-dono seems to have some hidden motive for this.

You did it for the Great Lady in Koriyama Castle, didn't you?

If you make a big thing out of it and show off your bond with the Kikkawa,

the Great Lady feels uneasy.

I'm supposed to protect the young lord.

The same goes for Mototsuna.

But he forgot about that, and sent lavish gifts,

and made the young lord feel uneasy.

I don't know what to do with him.

Mototsuna-dono might have done it on purpose, to show off to you, sire.

Are you saying he wanted to pick a fight with me?

You might be right.

But, you know,

you should pick a fight when it comes to a showdown.

- Cold, isn't it? - Yes.

I'm not a penny-pinching miser.

As long as you know that, I'm fine.

OUCHI YOSHIOKI'S MANSION (Yamaguchi)

Meanwhile, Ouchi Yoshioki left Kyoto after staying for 10 years.

OUCHI YOSHIOKI He came home to attack the Amago.

I haven't seen you for a long...

KIDOMARU (Yoshioki's First Son, Later Known as Ouchi Yoshitaka)

Father, I am Kidomaru.

You've become a handsome boy.

LADY AYA (Yoshioki's Wife) - When you left for Kyoto, Sire,

he was a newborn baby.

I can't carry you.

I can't carry you.

In the morning I left for Kyoto,

I easily held you with only one arm.

Soon, I will be able to carry you, Father.

I will perform my job well for the Ouchi clan.

The Ouchi are rock-solid.

The Amago heir is his baby grandson.

They are nothing.

KIZUKI GRAND SHRINE (Izumo Grand Shrine) But Amago Tsunehisa chose a mind-boggling way ...

... to show his power and financial ability to the entire county.

He built a new building for Kizuki Grand Shrine,

to move the deity for the first time in 33 years.

I'm impressed with you, sire. You're tough and ambitious.

LADY HAGI KAMEI HIDETSUNA - You bought up god with big money ...

... to create the halo-like effect around you.

Oh, yes.

People are storming over to come under his halo.

So this might be a big bargain.

Right.

The Amago rebuilt Izumo Grand Shrine, so people think...

UYAMA HISAKANE - the Amago will surely conquer the Sanin Region.

I can visualize how upset the Ouchi are.

Another battle is coming.

Take advantage of the Grand Shrine's renovation ...

AMAGO TSUNEHISA - ... and gather as many western constables as possible.

Don't let the Ouchi have any of them, not even a single rat.

The Ouchi, who didn't want to lose, made a surprising move.

He received part of the deity from Ise Grand Shrine ...

... to build a splendid branch shrine of the Ise Grand Shrine in Yamaguchi.

What a childish act.

They got the Izumo Grand Shrine and we got the Ise Grand Shrine.

I'm proud of you, Father!

Kidomaru, this is a battle.

- Our battle already began, without shedding blood. - I know, sir.

SUE OKIFUSA NAITO OKIMORI - Well, many constables are leaning to the Amago.

So I think we need to pave the way for a while.

A navy.

A navy?

Move secretly, and get a navy ready.

That would be interesting.

The Amago would be puzzled.

A battle between the Ouchi and Amago is coming.

The Amago are getting western provincial constables,

while the Ouchi are secretly trying to gain naval forces.

This is going to be the biggest battle ever seen.

Sire, you will soon get messengers from both the Amago and the Ouchi.

You should make up your mind which side you will be taking.

Wait.

What's your real name?

Then, I will give you a name.

As of today,

call yourself Kosanta.

Kosanta.

A good name, isn't it?

Yes.

You're right.

He became a help to the Mori.

Mii.

It's going to be the biggest battle ever seen.

The Amago, as the god of the wind, and the Ouchi, as the god of thunder, are about to clash.

A small star will be engulfed by their clash soon.

End of Episode 12

=