Original subtitles

I'm going to commit seppuku in a new way.

We all pledge to obey the punishment and judgment conducted by the Great Lord.

Everyone, please work hard for the Mori.

"Written Oath by 238 Mori Vassals" Motonari killed Inoue clansmen as a punishment...

...and successfully united the Mori clan.

He finally started making moves to unite Aki.

He wanted to strengthen ties with the two "kanas" (rivers)', the Kikkawa and the Kobayakawa.

Later, this order was called the Mori's Two Rivers.

No, he can't retire!

The Kobayakawa had an internal feud between Mukunashi Kagekatsu (the blind head's supporter)...

...and other vassals who wanted to drive Mukunashi out.

Motonari would help Takagake to rebuild the Kobayakawa.

You're trying to take this chance to take the head Kobayakawa family, aren't you?

Ridiculous.

MORI MOTONARI

Episode 36: Demon's Politics

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

Mori Takamoto: Kamikawa Takaya

Lady Toshi: Otsuka Nene

Akagawa Motoyasu: Nagashima Toshiyuki

Kodama Naritada: Masuoka Toru

Katsura Motozumi: Tsurumi Shingo

Kikkawa Motoharu: Matsushige Yutaka Kobayakawa Takakage: Megumi Toshiaki

Kunishi Motosuke: Sakamoto Akira Awaya Motochika: Shionoya Masayuki

Fukubara Sadatoshi: Ishihama Akira Kosanda: Nasa Kenji

Sue Takafusa: Jinnai Takanori

Kumagai Nobunao: Watabiki Katsuhiko

Naito Okimori: Onodera Akira

Ouchi Yoshitaka: Kazama Toru

Kikkawa Okitsune: Kyomoto Masaki

Mukunashi Kagekatsu: Funaki Kazuo

Shishido Takaie: Kase Taishu Sagara Taketou: Shirai Akira

Kobayakawa Shigehira: Takahashi Yuzuru Princess Ako: Mifune Mika

Inoue Harutada: Namase Katsuhisa Osai: Hatsuse Kaoru

Tae: Miyamoto Nobuko

Produced by: Kida Yukinori

English subtitles: Koala Fansubs

Directed by: Matsuoka Koji

"Sister Myokyu"

Motonari killed Inoue Motokane and his clansmen as punishment.

Takamoto started feeling that his father's actions would become more extreme.

He was getting nervous.

I am here, sire.

Come in.

It's about Kikkawa Okitsune.

He seems to be quietly retired in Fukawa.

But he has too many visitors for retired man.

I can't help feeling he's trying to escape from there.

As we expected.

He's probably trying to go through Shikoku to get help from the Otomo in Kyushu.

I agree.

He's trying to make a comeback with the Otomo eventually.

We'll be in trouble if he flees to the Otomo.

But, Motoyasu.

He has retired quietly. I cannot punish him.

I have an idea.

Keep an eye on Okitsune.

Father.

Father?

Did you call me?

Spread the rumor that Okitsune is waiting for a chance for an uprising.

An uprising?

As flagrant and widely spread as possible.

Yes, I'll do it now.

Father.

What do you have in your mind?

He's just trying to escape.

He's not planning for an uprising.

He's trying to get to the Otomo.

When he gets there, it'll be an uprising.

Takamoto.

Send a messenger to Kumagai-dono's mansion.

The message is, "I want you to do some work."

"Prepare your soldiers."

Father.

Don't tell me...

Sire?

You cannot fall asleep?

Father's moves are making me nervous.

He killed not only Motokane but also his clansmen.

He's going too far.

I, too, can see that the provinces are going through great changes.

Father probably thinks now is the time to get extreme.

He must have made up his mind.

Still...

-- SUE OKIFUSA (Ouchi Key Vassal) --

Thank you for waiting.

I'm surprised by your sudden visit.

Your killing of Inoue Motokane and his clansmen...

It was a wise decision as a feudal warlord.

Lord Ouchi acknowledged your wise decision.

I came here to tell you that.

Thank you very much.

Sue-dono.

You must have some other business.

Lord Ouchi and you aren't really getting along.

I heard a rumor about that.

I'm ashamed.

I've been trying hard to change him back into being a warlord again.

But there's nothing I can do now.

What are you going to do?

Are you giving up on the Ouchi?

I...

I will never give up on the Ouchi.

The Ouchi are now very different from how they are supposed to be.

Correcting that ...

... is an Ouchi vassal's duty, isn't it?

How are you going to correct it?

You already know that.

Mori-dono, you're going to side with me, aren't you?

When the time comes,

I'm counting on your help.

He's going to kill Lord Ouchi, isn't he?

Considering his personality,

if we don't side with him, we'll be his next target.

It's hard for me either way. I can't pick a side.

When I was in Yamaguchi, Lord Ouchi and Sue-dono treated me so well.

We must wait a while and see.

He doesn't have to kill Lord Ouchi.

So the Ouchi are faltering.

Okitsune sent me a letter.

Kosanta's rumor seems to have been spread.

Okitsune is desperately telling me that he has no intention of rising in arms.

I see.

My vassals already heard the rumor and are saying, "We should nip such an evil in the bud."

Among them, there is a growing sentiment to punish Okitsune immediately.

Father.

Do you really think Okitsune will make a move?

Slow down.

If we make a fuss now,

Okitsune won't make any move.

You can't punish someone who's retired quietly.

Takamoto.

Wait for a chance to get ripe.

That's most important.

I don't think just spreading rumors will make him move.

No, it will make him move.

To beat someone,

you must read his mind.

Okitsune...

...will make a move for sure.

-- YAMAGUCHI, SUO PROVINCE --

Meanwhile, the most powerful daimyo in Western Japan, Ouchi Yoshitaka,

had become more like a court noble since his defeat by the Amago.

-- OUCHI YOSHITAKA -- -- (Most Powerful Daimyo in Western Japan) --

He was planning on marching in an aijiro-guruma oxcart ...

... during his upcoming visit to Ima-Hachiman Shrine.

The ajiro-guruma is an oxcart used by nobles and members of theimperial family.

Oh, how elegant!

Sire, you're radiantly beautiful.

Right, Naito-dono?

Please, don't take an ajiro-guruma.

You must remember you are a warrior.

Sire!

- What? - Sire!

A dangerous rumor is spreading.

Sue-dono is planning to attack your procession!

Don't tell me...!

-- SAGARA TAKETOU (Ouchi Key Vassal) -- Not only that,

but he's planning to take this mansion while you're visiting the shrine,

and to burn down my mansion.

That's what my spy said.

- Sire. - Sire!

Please cancel your visit!

What?

No!

He's marching in an ajiro-guruma oxcart this year.

-- NAITO OKIMORI (Ouchi Key Vassal) --

He's been looking forward to it!

It's not just a rumor!

It's dangerous!

Absolutely not!

Okimori.

Do you know anything about that?

No, I don't.

But Sue-dono has been trying so hard to change you back into a warrior again.

That's the truth.

He must have thought he has no choice but to attack you!

Sire.

You're going to be killed.

Please don't.

Don't take an ajiro-guruma!

The rumor about me attacking your ajiro-guruma is completely groundless.

But such a rumor was spread ...

... because of my lack of virtue.

I am very sorry.

It was groundless. I thought so.

That means ...

... I can march on an ajiro-guruma oxcart, can't I?

Yes, you can.

If you've been looking forward to it that much,

go ahead and do anything.

However --

I, Takafusa, cannot follow you any more.

I'm moving out of here. I'm going back to my Wakayama Castle.

- Going home? - Sire.

Thank you for having taught me so much for so many years.

I'm sorry that I cannot serve you through life. It is gut-wrenching.

Excuse me.

You're not going stop him?

No, I'm not.

I don't need anyone who doesn't like my ways.

You're right.

Sire.

-- TAKAYAMA CASTLE (Head Kobayakawa Family in Nuta) --

The Kobayakawa family, where Takakage was adopted into,

started having some new movements.

Shigehira! Kagekatsu!

Tae came back!

-- PRINCESS AKO (Shigehira's Younger Sister) -- - She's all better now.

She returned to become my maid.

Hurry and see her.

Come!

Now...

Where should I put this?

Here.

Yeah, here.

Tae.

-- TAE (Princess Ako's Maid) -- Sire.

Mukunashi-dono.

It's been a while.

Please come in.

What a mess.

Brings up memories.

Disorganized Tae-dono is back. I can really see it.

Oh, I'm still unpacking them.

That's why it's a bit messy for now.

What are you going to do with such a kimono?

I thought this will make dust cloths someday. That's why I brought it from home.

What's this chipped bowl?

If we get to keep a dog, it'll be a good feed bowl.

You're a pack rat, Tae.

You can't dump things.

To organize, you have to dump things.

What are you going to do with this pile of junk?

I'm always dumped by men.

That's why I don't want to dump things.

Let's go, Brother.

I can't see it anymore.

Brother, please sit here.

Please be alert.

The way the vassals are looking at you, Brother...

It's so dangerous.

"Brother", huh?

-- MUKUNASHI KAGEKATSU -- -- (Nuta-Kobayakawa Key Vassal) -- -Tae-dono.

You shouldn't have married my younger brother.

He left a baby in your tummy and died.

I didn't expect to have a miscarriage because of my grief.

I'm so feminine, aren't I?

That made me sterile.

But I think I'm fortunate.

Fortunate?

Yes.

In this turbulent time, having children doesn't do you any good.

While I was recovering from the miscarriage at home,

I realized that.

Well.

You have tummy for eating, you know?

--KORIYAMA CASTLE (Aki Province) --

Mukunashi-dono is here, sire.

Mukunashi Kagekatsu, a key Kobayakawa vassal, suddenly visited the Mori.

It was the beginning of a new development.

What brought you here all of a sudden?

Mukunashi-dono.

How did you get injured?

Oh...

Actually, I wanted you to consider Takakage-dono's marriage with Princess Ako.

That's why I came over.

Princess Ako?

Isn't she Shigehira-dono's younger sister?

Yes, she is.

And I want Takakage-dono to take over the head Kobayakawa family.

-- KOBAYAKAWA TAKAKAGE (Motonari's Third Son) --

You already have the clan's head, Shigehira-dono.

Why does Takakage need to take over the head family?

That's right.

Shigehira-dono is blind,.

but I hear he is governing his fief well with your help, Mukunashi-dono.

Shigehira-dono ...

... wants to retire at heart.

Because our clan has some people who want to drive me out,

and want to manipulate my lord at will.

You must have been injured because...?

If ...

... I get killed ...

... it is obvious what will happen to my lord.

He can get killed anytime.

The best way to protect the Kobayakawa family ...

... is Takakage-dono's marriage with Princess Ako.

I've come to the realization.

Mukunashi-dono.

I'm moved by what you said.

Thank you very much.

So...

Could you accept this offer?

Mukunashi-dono.

If all the key Kobayakawa vassals agree with Takakage's succession,

I will be happy to accept it.

All the key vassals?

Right.

Every single one of them.

That's impossible.

The ones who want to manipulate my lord ...

... won't agree Takakage-dono to become his successor.

In that case,

I have to say no.

Just like you, who sees Shigehira-dono like your own child and wants to protect him,

I want to protect my son, Takakage.

Unless all the vassals agree and want to have Takakage,

it's too dangerous.

I don't want to give up my precious son.

I understand well.

It will be hard,

but I'll surely get a unanimous accord from the vassals.

Well then,

I'm counting on you.

Takamoto.

How's Okitsune doing?

He hasn't escaped yet?

According to Kosanta, Okitsune can't bear the rumor of his possible uprising.

He is about to escape.

Father...?

If it goes well,

the Kikkawa and the Kobayakawa might fall into my hands.

Soon, Kikkawa Okitsune's escape from Fukawa was reported.

Sire.

You must rise up immediately and pursuit Okitsune.

Please appoint me as the commander for that.

I'm ready to go to battle.

Sire.

He escaped at ten o'clock last night.

You must act quickly.

Very well.

I'm going.

- Prepare the soldiers. - Don't worry.

I've already made a move.

I already asked Kumagai-dono to lay his soldiers in wait ...

... on the road from Fukawa to the ocean.

As soon as they see Okitsune,

they will capture him.

Our clan has so many hot-blooded men.

They tend to go by themselves, without asking for Kumagai-dono's help.

To make a true monolith-like regime,

you shouldn't do everything on your own.

All right?

Motoyasu.

Go as my representative.

Motoyasu.

Motoyasu.

Senboshi, too.

Understood?

Understood.

-- KIKKAWA OKITSUNE'S MANSION (Fukawa) --

Kikkawa Okitsune and his son, who were captured in the Kumagai fief,

were taken back to Fukawa.

Kikkawa Okitsune and his followers.

-- KUMAGAI NOBUNAO (Kumagai Clan Head) -- I captured them in my fief.

Kikkawa Okitsune.

I will now tell you the lord's sentence for your uprising.

I'm not having an uprising.

You were trying to escape from the place of your retirement.

It's like an uprising.

It's not.

The Kikkawa clansmen, who plotted this uprising,

will be all sentenced to death.

What...?

Hey.

Spare Senboshi.

I beg you!!

No.

"Uprising" is a charge imposed to everybody who joined it.

Senboshi is young.

He didn't know anything.

He just followed us because he was told to do so.

I beg you!

I beg you!

Everybody, who was captured in the Kumagai fief --

everybody, including children, have been sentenced to death.

Damn you, Motonari�!

Life is a game.

Human life is a board game!

You get home unexpectedly.

That's why life is fun!

Akagawa-dono.

I'll take Motonari's judgment.

But...

But I want you to promise me one thing.

Speak.

Spread my word to my people who are suffering to survive.

"Life is unpredictable."

"Winners are not winners throughout life."

"Sufferers don't suffer throughout life!!"

"Don't give up on your life."

I'm showing that with my own life.

So my death isn't useless!

Father!

Father!

Father!

Father!

Drag them out.

Father.

Father, father.

Stop crying!!

Life is a board game!!

Father is scary.

He's scary,

but he's splendid.

I cannot beat him.

Every father was born before his son.

That's why no son can beat his father.

Instead of trying to pass your forerunner,

you can just let him baby you.

You're a lot like my late mother, Toshi.

Father was being babied by her like this. That's how he could grow easier.

I wonder if there is any good woman for his wife.

If this goes on,

Father cannot relax.

Well...

He may not look it,

but don't you think he is picky when it comes to women?

I'm not sure if I can find one.

-- TAKAYAMA CASTLE -- -- (Head Kobayakawa Family in Nuta) --

He asked you to come over today, because ...

-- KOBAYAKAWA SHIGEHIRA (Kobayakawa Clan Head) -- ... he has an important announcement.

I retire as of today.

Kagekatsu.

The headship of the Kobayakawa family will be ...

... taken by the head of the Takahara-Kobayakawa, Takakage-dono.

Wait!

Takakage-dono is a Mori man!

He's not from the Kobayakawa. We were against the idea of adopting him!

Because some people were against that,

we made him a Kobayakawa man.

What?

Well,

I arranged an engagement between Takakage-dono and Princess Ako.

Are you satisfied?

How could you!?

I oppose!!

Right! I oppose!!

It has broken down now!

Broken down!

Anyone else opposing this?

So, then.

Only you three are opposing.

Excuse me, sire.

This makes a unanimous accord from the vassals. Got it?

Sire.

This is the end of hell.

I promise,

you'll have a peaceful life.

-- KIMURA CASTLE -- -- (Branch Kobayakawa Family in Takahara) --

Mukunashi visited Takakage at the Takahara-Kobayakawa family right away.

Takakage-dono.

Please enter Takayama Castle now.

Please.

Shigehira-dono is becoming a monk.

He is going to live at Kyoshinji Temple. I arranged everything.

What are you going to do, Mukunashi-dono?

I'm going to commit seppuku.

I caused disorder in our clan and killed others.

That's a serious crime.

I want to atone by slitting my belly open.

What an admirable resolution.

I thought you were going to say that.

-- INOUE HARUTADA (Takakage's Aide) -- Then, our branch family will ...

... organize the ceremony of your seppuku.

Thank you very much.

Kagekatsu.

I'm going to be all by myself. But I'll live with Buddha.

If you cry, you can't enter Nirvana.

I'm not going to cry.

Sire.

Don't worry.

Look. I'm not holding onto your sleeve anymore.

- Sire. - Yes.

Please protect the Kobayakawa family for many years to come.

And please take care of my sister, Ako.

I promise.

Sire.

Thank you for everything.

Assist him!!

The ceremony of seppuku has been completed.

Kobayakawa Shigehira became a monk and died in his mid-thirties.

Takakage, who married Shigehira's sister Ako,

united the head and branch Kobayakawa families.

He laid a foundation for the Kobayakawa's development.

I can't find it.

Can't find it.

Where did it go?

There it is.

There, there.

Ouch!

Tae.

Takakage-dono came to see you.

- We're coming in. - Please wait.

Oh, sire... you came here in person...

I'm very sorry.

He's concerned with your health because you just recovered.

That's why he came over.

Thank you so much.

Please find a gap to sit down.

Gap?

- Here. - Oh, thanks.

I'm sorry.

She's the best maid,

but she's the worst organizer.

I am Takakage.

After everything is ready, I'm moving in here and ...

... marrying her.

Pleased to meet you.

I heard you raised Ako-dono.

I'm relieved.

Look at this topsy-turvy room.

It makes me feel at home!

I feel uncomfortable with well-organized women.

Oh!

You're the only one who praised this room, sire.

You make me feel confident.

I can relax so much in this room!

What is this?

- Ouch! - I'm sorry.

I'll dump this. I promise.

-- KORIYAMA CASTLE (Aki Province) --

Everyone.

Thanks for having worked so hard.

We now have the Kikkawa and the Kobayakawa.

The Mori have stable power in Aki.

To make further leaps forward,

I'm determined to smash my way.

I'm counting on your help, everyone.

Sire.

Let's attack Bingo and Bitchu now to get the Inland Sea area.

Sounds good.

I will lead your army.

Wait.

I have something to tell you.

We now have more than we wanted.

This is enough.

That doesn't sound like you, Great Lord.

With your sharp strategies, we should make the Mori bigger.

Right.

I want to help you.

Well, we have no power to get bigger now.

We can just gain more strength.

Great Lord.

We'll gain more strength.

The Kobayakawa clan will work hard for the Mori.

I understand well what you want.

It's important to protect your clan at all cost.

But, if you get carried away, you'll lose something.

It takes certain strength only to protect something.

Great Lord!

We should gain ample strength that leaves enough strength to protect and fight.

Right. Let's fight together.

Let's fight together!

You're right.

Let's do it!

All right?

The Mori's time is coming.

Let's do it.

Let's do it.

Let's do it.

Motonari was feeling lonely.

This difference in his thoughts would later cause a big conflict between him and Takamoto.

End of Episode 36