Original subtitles

In 1545 (Tenbun 14),

Motonari lost his dear wife, Mii.

I'll be with you, sire.

All right?

Since childhood, Motonari lost his loved ones one after another.

He always had his stepmother, Sugi.

But...

...I cannot call her 'mother' for some reason.

Sugi was Motonari's father's concubine.

Motonari, who was born from his father's wife...

...was on bad terms with Sugi.

However, the two, who were lonely, bonded without realizing it.

Because I'll never meet a decent concubine like you.

Sugi, who was cheerful and kind...

...emotionally supported Motonari for about forty years.

MORI MOTONARI

Episode 31: Sugi Goes To Paradise

Screenplay by: Uchidate Makiko

Original Story by: Nagai Michiko

Music by: Watanabe Toshiyuki

Theme Song Performed by: 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

Mori Takamoto: Kamikawa Takaya

Inoue Motokane: Kataoka Tsurutaro

Akagawa Motoyasu: Nagashima Toshiyuki

Kodama Naritada: Masuoka Toru

Katsura Motozumi: Tsurumi Shingo

Shiji Hiroyoshi: Nakamura Baijaku

Mori Motoharu: Matsushige Yutaka Shojumaru: Morita Go

Hisa: Matsukane Yoneko Kunishi Motosuke: Sakamoto Akira

Sue Takafusa: Jinnai Takanori

Naito Okimori: Onodera Akira

Ouchi Yoshitaka: Kazama Toru

Noda Jiro: Matoba Koji

Kame: Hazuki Riona

Mukunashi Kagekatsu: Funaki Kazuo

Kobayakawa Shigehira: Takahashi Yuzuru Princess Ako: Mifune Mika

Awaya Motochika: Shionoya Masayuki Sagara Taketou: Shirai Akira

Sadako: Sato Eri Osai: Hatsuse Kaoru

Hotate Naomasa: Harada Yoshio

Lady Sugi: Matsuzaka Keiko

Produced by: Kida Yukinori

English Subtitles: Koala Fansubs

Directed by: Kobayashi Takeshi

SUMMER 1546 (Tenbun 15)

Six months have passed after Mii's death.

Motonari started showing his sorrow differently.

"Sister Myokyu" - Mii.

I'll become a demon...

...and a snake.

Is that all right?

Can you forgive me?

I...

...must become a demon and a snake.

Otherwise, I cannot overcome this sorrow.

Mii.

Did you want to see me, Father?

Come in.

Takamoto.

Take over the clan.

I'm going to retire.

Father...

Get hold of yourself!

You always complained to me and Motoharu...

...and sometimes, even to young Tokujumaru.

I don't think you can bear your sorrow of losing Mother without complaining.

It's been six months since Mother passed away.

You don't come to the conferences and you still stay in your room.

Before, no matter what happened, you never missed the conferences.

Takamoto.

Let's have them discuss your succession immediately.

Take over the clan.

I think...

...without Mori Motonari, neighboring constables will start showing suspicious activities.

I agree.

Now, everybody has great regard for Mori Motonari.

- His retirement does no good. - Right.

The Mori can only exist with Motonari.

The lord must know that better than anyone else.

If the lord retires, the Mori's power decreases by half.

We must stop him by all means.

Wait, wait, wait.

That makes it sound like Takamoto-dono is useless.

Right, Takamoto-dono?

Well...

"Human life lasts only fifty years."

The lord is 49-years-old.

He is old enough to retire.

Inoue-dono, you aren't going to take advantage of the lord's retirement...

...to extend your power, are you?

What?

You skipped all the conferences.

Once the lord gets depressed, you show up all of a sudden.

How insulting.

I think Takamoto-dono should take over the clan, too.

The Ouchi and Amago have new leaders.

Even if Takamoto-dono is not confident,

he can make good use of us, the Mori vassals.

I, too, think the Mori should have you as the new leader.

I heard you all.

We'll talk to the lord again.

That's it for today.

Meanwhile,

Ouchi Yoshitaka had a baby boy with Osai, his wife's maid.

Since he suffered a crushing loss against the Amago, however,

Yoshitaka has been avoiding his state affairs.

OSAI (Yoshitaka's Concubine) - Kidomaru, I'm your mother.

You know that?

SADAKO (Yoshitaka's Wife) - Osai-dono.

You did a great job having a boy.

Sire.

The Ouchi are rock-solid now.

What's rock-solid?

Sagara-dono.

Quit brown nosing the lord.

I just said, "Auspicious," because it's auspicious.

Every man has two objectives to protect with his own life.

One is something that was passed down by his ancestors.

His family, clan's name and family treasure.

The other one is the disadvantaged.

The women, the children, the elderly and his own people.

Sire, you are not able to protect either of them now.

Takafusa, I'll let you protect everything for me.

I, Takafusa...

...will do anything to protect them.

To that end, I wouldn't hesitate to draw my sword against your heir.

I trust you more than anyone else.

I wouldn't hesitate to entrust my heir to you.

As long as he trusts me that much...

...I have no choice but to protect everything for him.

Everyone must be thinking...

...I'm going back to my parent's place, because I've been treated badly.

I'm not going home.

I'm going to stay here...

...to stay in sight of the lord.

That's my revenge.

I'll...

...protect the Ouchi by all means.

But your lord isn't reliable.

He lives in an ivory tower.

Fights between people happen all the time in this mortal world.

Battles can be done only by those who are attached to this world.

ITSUKUSHIMA

I'm a Mori vassal, but...

...I cannot stand being used by someone all my life.

Since Her Ladyship passed away,

the lord has been feeling down.

I think this is a good chance for me to store up my power.

HOTATE NAOMASA (Continental Trade Merchant) - You have a talent for business, without doubt.

Do you really think so?

But...

Inoue-dono.

Can you abandon your fief and mansion?

Huh?

In the future, a man cannot be a feudal lord and a merchant at the same time.

Merchants in Sakai and I have nothing to protect. We aren't bound to anything.

That's why we can move around to do trading across the water.

But...

...the Ouchi and Amago are doing some big businesses.

Oh, yes.

They are top leaders with massive military strength.

They're different from you.

To become an unbound merchant like me...

...with all due respect, you're too old.

Oh, Inoue-dono.

Hotate-dono, you have a guest.

Sugi-dono, what brought you here?

I came to pray at Itsukushima Shrine.

Oh, I didn't come to see you, Hotate-dono.

But I ran into Kame-dono.

She insisted on me coming to see you.

Huh?

Where are you going, Inoue-dono?

Inoue-dono?

Sugi-sama.

Why don't you tell Hotate-dono that you want to tell him something?

That's not my intention, Hisa...

- Something to tell me? - Yes.

She talks about a stupid thing every day.

I can't handle her.

Hotate-dono.

I want to go to Tenjiku (Center of Heaven).

Tenjiku?

"Tenjiku is currently known as India."

Yes, that's where Buddha was born.

It's the closest to Saiho Jodo (Western Paradise of Pure Land), isn't it?

I would like to see it.

I've seen many people dying, including Her Ladyship.

Everyone believes they go to paradise after they die.

But nobody knows what it looks like.

I keep telling her, "You must be dead to see it."

She doesn't listen to me.

Shut up!

Hotate-dono.

I want to see at least Tenjiku, the closest place to paradise.

I want to make a preliminary visit before I die.

Preliminary visit, huh?

I would like to see the paradise-like Tenjiku with my own eyes...

...and tell people who are dying.

I'd say, "It's a wonderful place filled with flowers and singing birds."

I got it.

Sugi-dono.

You're more open-minded than foreign women.

Sugi-dono, I fell in love with you, too.

Being loved by another woman...

Is of no use to me...

Say whatever you want.

I'll send someone dependable from my navy to accompany you.

Really?

Kame-dono, you're such a treasure!

Hotate-dono.

A woman who has seen Tenjiku... You don't know how useful she will be.

You're helping her, aren't you?

Very well.

I'm going with you to take care of some business.

Well.

Please take me with you.

My goodness...

Are you going to Tenjiku with me?

Sugi-sama.

- Sugi-sama. - Hisa, Hisa.

You don't need to come.

Kame-dono. I don't need a navy man.

I'm...

I'm...

...going to Tenjiku with only Hotate-dono.

What a beautiful sunset.

It looks like me.

Oh, are you saying you're beautiful like that?

I'm a man who's about to go down.

I aged before I achieved something.

With hindsight...

...Katsura-dono and Mototsuna-dono, who recklessly rebelled against the lord...

...must have been happier than me.

I fell in love with you and pursued you.

Back then, the sun was high up there.

Inoue-dono.

The sun becomes more radiant right before it goes down.

Did you know that?

Look!

See?

Humans and the sun are supposed to burn right up to the end.

Inoue-dono, you're not done yet.

I'm going to Tenjiku!

Tenjiku?

How foolish.

Humans can do anything as long as they are alive.

Even doing many foolish things enriches your mind.

Inoue-dono.

Humans age only after they arrive at Saiho Jodo (Western Paradise of Pure Land).

They don't age in this mortal world.

That's what I believe.

I should have made you mine back then.

Oh!

What's the matter?

You look spaced out.

Many years ago...

...I had a crush on a general who looked like you, Motoharu-dono.

Many years ago...

I heard you're not leaving. That makes me happy.

I like women like you, Fujino.

So your type is an ugly woman?

Ugly women have pains in their souls.

The pains make their hearts tender and deeper.

Pretty women are shallow. I get tired of them.

No, women must have pretty faces.

I get tired of pretty faces in three days.

I get used to ugly faces in three days.

Sire.

What are you thinking?

Tell me, I won't be surprised.

You're thinking of something scary, aren't you?

I, Hiroyoshi, am determined to die with you, sire.

Tell me.

I'm going to take the Kikkawa.

To make the Mori stronger.

If I take Mii's clan, I'll be called 'demon'.

I don't care.

The Kikkawa fief produces iron and has abundant lumber.

I...

...really want their fief, by all means.

You're letting Takamoto-dono take over your clan...

...to be the mastermind behind the scenes?

Right.

But...

...I'm going to take it without any bloodshed.

You've become a wheeler-dealer like Amago Tsunehisa.

I see it now.

You're adopting Motoharu-dono away to the Kikkawa...

...and make him become the Kikkawa clan's head.

He gets along with Fujino-dono.

So you're sending her with him, right?

Shiji.

I'm impressed.

But that plan won't happen easily, you know?

That's better.

I want to be absorbed in something, so that I don't recall Mii.

Then, you must attack and kill like mad.

You don't mind if you really become a demon?

No.

I'll become a demon, too.

Shiji.

Yes.

I was taking my days with Mii for granted.

But...

...she disappeared from my life suddenly.

Everyday...

I think, "How could she rejoice about this?"

"What would she say about this?"

I keep thinking about her.

I...

...am going to become a demon.

I'll take the Kikkawa.

And...

...I'll make the Mori stronger and bigger.

You're complaining, finally.

I'm relieved.

Let's become demons together...

...and go to hell together.

Father!

Father.

The Great Lady is saying she's going to paradise.

We're talking about going to hell now.

What's that all about?

Sire.

I'll be gone for a while.

I'm going to Tenjiku!

Tenjiku?

I'll take time making a preliminary visit to Saiho Jodo (Western Paradise of Pure Land).

So you don't have to be scared of dying.

Please stop her, Father. It's dangerous.

No worry.

Hotate-dono insists on going with me at all risks.

I declined dozens of time.

But he cries and says, "I won't let you go by yourself."

I guess men cannot leave me alone.

Listen, Sugi-sama.

- What are... - I'll take time...

...preparing for the trip.

I'll be going well and coming home well.

Sire.

Don't cry while I'm gone.

Keep smiling.

Got it?

I already knew she was somebody...

...but she's immeasurable, isn't she?

Father.

As I looked at the Great Lady...

...I finally made up my mind.

I, Takamoto...

...will do what I can and work as the clan's head.

You made up your mind?

Yes.

I wasn't confident, so I was trying to get away from it.

But the Great Lady made me feel embarrassed.

I should take over the clan while you're healthy...

...learn many things from you and unify the vassals firmer.

Well-said, Takamoto.

Your father...

...is going to take the Kikkawa.

Their fief is indispensable for the future of the Mori.

I'm going to adopt Motoharu away.

I understand.

Father.

I'll take over the clan, but...

...please manage the Mori with me.

As the proverb goes,

'Father and son are like both hands.'

Before the Great Lady comes back from Tenjiku,

the Mori will be stronger.

HEAD KOBAYAKAWA FAMILY (Nuta, Aki) Takamoto's succession was reported...

...to the Kobayakawa clan where Tokujumaru was adopted into.

Motonari gives me the creeps.

Giving his clan to Takamoto? He's not that old.

PRINCESS AKO (Shigehira's Younger Sister) - You're a worrywart, Shigehira.

He's right. Motonari-dono seems to be a viper.

But, sire.

Tokujumaru-dono is seriously thinking about our clan.

How do you know?

As might be expected as a Mori boy...

...he has a lot of guts.

He asks me endless questions.

All he's asking me is...

...how he can strengthen the Kobayakawa and help the lord of the head family.

KOBAYAKAWA SHIGEHIRA (Head of Nuta-Kobayakawa)

Well, he might be tricky, too.

MUKUNASHI KAGEKATSU (Key Vassal) - But I don't think he's evil.

You should get along with him.

Do you like him, Kagekatsu?

Are you jealous, Shigehira?

I'm not!

Kagekatsu?

Am I undependable and a heavy drag?

Sire, you're more precious to me than anyone else.

I'm just hoping that Tokujumaru-dono will be of help to you.

I'm going to serve only you all my life.

Sugi was leaving for Tenjiku with Hotate soon.

Hey.

Hey, Hisa. What do you want?

Slow down.

The lord is here.

Look at all these toys.

Is someone pregnant?

Not yet.

As soon as one of your four children had a baby,

I wanted to give them as a surprise.

I started buying them a long time ago.

Before she knew it, her empty chest was full of the toys.

Someone might have a baby while she is gone.

That's why she wants you to have them now.

How impatient of you.

Takamoto and Motoharu haven't married yet.

Tokujumaru hasn't reached manhood.

As far as I know, Eno has no sign of pregnancy yet.

Takamoto-dono is getting married with Toshi-dono.

You'll be Grandpa soon.

Grandpa, huh?

Those are...

I bought these when you were still called Shojumaru-sama.

Back then, you and I were on really bad terms.

Oh...

Sugi-dono, you were quite mean, too.

What?

You stole my rouge and locked me in the barn.

You were a real brat.

No, you were wrong at that time.

I really wanted to choke you to death and bite you.

What are you doing!?

That spool head brat!!

I'll choke him to death!!

You're a monster cat. You are not a woman.

- What!? - Monster cat.

Heitaro died and Jiro went missing...

Thinking back now, it was fun.

The harder it was, the more fun you think it was later.

Well...

The harder it was, the more preoccupied you become confronting it.

That's why it's fun.

How true.

Life is so much fun.

Even the hardships are fun.

I've had a fun life, but...

...the only thing is...

...that I didn't have a child. That's the only regret.

If I had met Hotate-dono earlier, I might have had a child.

Sire.

These toys are all for your grandchildren.

I'll bring more stuff for them from Tenjiku.

Please come home safely.

Mother.

Mother?

Everybody will be waiting for you to come home.

Mother.

Sire.

Call me Motonari.

Mo...

Motonari...

You called me Mother for the....

First time...

It took me so long, didn't it?

Motonari.

You might feel lonely for a while, but...

...I want you to see me off with a smile.

Don't cry.

Got it?

You're the one...

...who's crying, Mother.

You're right.

I'll fix my make-up.

Leave me alone.

Women must have pretty faces.

All right.

I'm taking a nap for my skin.

Tell that to Hisa.

Yes, Mother.

"Mother."

Tenjiku, huh?

It's far.

Hotate-dono is going with her, but I'm still worried.

She's making a preliminary visit to paradise. Buddha will protect her.

How can you be easy-going like that?

Stop it.

Sugi-sama has...

...left for paradise.

She's not leaving yet.

She has left.

Father?

Sugi-sama cannot wait for things.

She went to the real paradise instead of Tenjiku.

Sugi-sama.

I'm happy for you.

Mother.

Motonari is smiling, too.

As I promised you...

...I'm smiling.

I'm smiling, too.

How beautiful she looks in death.

Great Lady...

You look like bodhisattva.

You look beautiful.

To you, Mother...

...life was like a big chest full of toys.

You enjoyed it no matter what you got out of the box.

It was fun.

What a good life you had.

Father?

Motonari-sama.

Don't get weak-hearted.

Motonari.

Motonari.

You'll be all right.

You are not alone.

Mother.

What a good life you had.

End of Episode 31