Original subtitles

The Iwami Silver Mine was also called a "treasure mountain (treasure trove)".

Warlords in the Chugoku Region were fiercely fighting over it.

In 1539 (Tenbun 8), the Ouchi owned the mine first.

The next year (1540), an Amago ally, the Ogasawara, captured it.

In 1553 (Tenbun 22), the Ouchi recaptured it.

They used the Satsuka to control it.

Three years later (1556, Koji 2), the Mori defeated Sue Harukata...

...and became the owner of the mine.

Don't take the Amago lightly.

That aggressive Haruhisa...

...will certainly try to get Iwami with its silver mines.

This is a chance for us.

We should take advantage of it and take the Iwami silver mine back.

The Iwami Silver Mine brings wealth.

A battle for the mine was about to resume between the Mori and the Amago.

MORI MOTONARI

Episode 44: Dancing for Silver

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

Mori Takamoto: Kamikawa Takaya

Lady Toshi: Otsuka Nene

Kikkawa Motoharu: Matsushige Yutaka

Kobayakawa Takakage: Megumi Toshiaki

Ko: Akimoto Naomi

Sayo: Tanaka Hiroko Fukubara Sadatoshi: Ishihama Akira

Kodama Naritada: Masuoka Toru

Katsura Motozumi: Tsurumi Shingo

Hirasa Nariari: Sato B-saku Inoue Harutada: Namase Katsuhisa

Mitsu: Iwasaki Hiromi

Amago Haruhisa: Takashima Masahiro

Amago Yoshihisa: Nakamura Shido Kawazoe Hisanobu: Uesugi Shozo

Tachihara Yukitaka: Kadota Shun Nakai Tsunaie: Kashiwa Susumu

Honjo Tsunemitsu: Takeoka Jun'ichi

Hotate Masanao: Harada Yoshio

Tae: Miyamoto Nobuko

Produced by: Kida Yukinori

English Subtitles: Koala Fansubs

Directed by: Kobayashi Takeshi

1558 (Eiroku 1) - Is this what they call 'silver'?

It doesn't look precious though.

KORIYAMA CASTLE (Aki Province) The silver mine is a treasure chest for the Mori.

The mine produces money for battles.

Even if the Mori finally owns the mine, Great Lord,

you cannot feel at ease.

Amago Haruhisa will surely try to recapture it.

The Mori and the Amago had been fighting over the Iwami Silver Mine.

In 1556, Satsuka Naganobu, owner of the mine,

came under the Mori's rule.

Haruhisa already tried to recapture it twice, sending his troops there.

But he failed each time.

He must be really obsessed with it.

Battles cost so much.

That's why everybody wants the silver mines.

Well.

Even if we lose the mine, it'll be interesting.

Losing your life due to a single mine...

...isn't fun at all.

No.

You capture it so that you don't lose more people's lives.

If the Amago capture it,

they get war funds to attack our Aki Province.

What do you think, Mitsu?

GASSAN-TODA CASTLE (Izumo) A beautiful coffret, isn't it?

Wait for a while.

I'll have someone make this coffret out of silver for you.

A silver coffret?

Must be dazzling, sire.

Aren't you happy, Your Ladyship?

She thinks, "You haven't recaptured the silver mine yet."

"What are you guys day-dreaming about?"

Right, Mitsu?

Father.

I have the same thought as Mother.

If my father Kunihisa was alive,

he would use the precious silver only for battles.

Yoshihisa.

Your late grandfather wasn't a naive general like your father.

Remember that well and...

...protect this prestigious Amago.

Got it?

Mother's way out of line.

I know she admires her late father.

But she's not supposed to talk like that to her husband.

Sire.

I escorted Honjo Tsunemitsu-dono.

Oh, pleasure to meet you.

We've been waiting for you.

HONJO TSUNEMITSU (Owner of Susa-Takayagura Castle, Izumo)

I am Honjo Tsunemitsu, sir.

I promise you that I will work hard...

...to recapture the Iwami Silver Mine.

I'm counting on you.

If we recapture the Iwami Silver Mine,

the Mori will crumble from their feet.

Capturing the Iwami Silver Mine means...

you must capture Yamabuki Castle that controls the mine.

March to Iwami immediately!

Yes, sir!

Meanwhile, Takamoto and Takakage set a main camp in Shimonoseki...

...to attack Moji Castle controlled by Otomo Yoshishige.

Takamoto and Takakage are on campaign to attack Kyushu.

I wonder how they are doing.

The Otomo are committed to defang us.

So it must be a hard battle even for Takamoto.

I...

...wonder why.

The Mori was a provincial constable in Aki.

Now we are seen as an enemy of the Otomo, the greatest clan in Kyushu.

Nobody was paying attention to the Mori back then.

Nobody saw us as an enemy.

But now, even the Otomo clan sees us like that.

I have no idea why.

Motoharu.

I...

...have no outstanding abilities above others.

But it all happened in my generation.

It's like a dream comes true.

You don't know what will happen next in this world.

That's why...

...my brothers and I want to make the Mori even bigger. We're feeling pressured.

No, no.

You don't need to make it bigger than now.

We're already too big.

The more we get bigger, how do I put it,

the more money we need to protect our territory.

If we're small, we don't need silver mines.

And we don't need money, you know.

Great Lord.

Excuse me.

Amago Haruhisa made Honjo Tsunemitsu march to Iwami...

...and shut down the fiefs of Yamabuki Castle.

He's trying to recapture the silver mine.

Sadatoshi-dono. How big is Honjo's army?

- 300. - Where are they now?

- Beppu in Iwami. - I see.

Father, I'm going there now.

But...

...you have less than 20 men here, Motoharu-dono.

You can't save the castle from the 300-strong force.

I'll open a way with my less than 20-strong troop. Meanwhile...

...I want you to form an army and send reinforcements.

- Great Lord, isn't his troops too small? - Motoharu.

You're really good at making good decisions for battles.

The mountain trail from Beppu in Iwami to the silver mine...

...must be crowded with 300 soldiers.

- Less than 20 men can open a way. - Yes.

Father, I'm going.

Go immediately.

You're so lucky, Great Lord.

While you're sitting here,

your fine sons fight for you everywhere, from Kyushu to Iwami.

How true.

- Great Lord. - What is it?

Hotate-dono came from Akama-ga-Seki, but...

...he's acting strange.

Is he ill?

Pour all over.

It keeps spilling.

I told you this is just a mud dumpling. Don't you get it?

Oh, good to see you.

What are you doing?

Hotate-dono?

How are Takamoto and Takakage doing in Akama-ga-Seki?

They will beat the Otomo soon.

By the way, Great Lord.

Please take a look at this.

Hotate-dono went mad.

No, I didn't.

I'm just saying we live on a star that is as round as this dumpling.

As round as dumpling? What's that?

We keep saying nobody can stand on a sphere.

He doesn't listen to us.

He said a sphere is able to retain ocean water. So we're doing this for a while.

Hotate-dono, there's no dumpling-like star.

Look, water keeps spilling.

What I mean is, an unknown force is pulling water and everything, including people.

Did you get it?

Don't be weak-hearted, Great Lord.

I feel relieved with men playing with mud dumplings...

...rather than men fighting battles.

Oh, no.

At the request of Satsuka Naganobu, owner of Yamabuki Castle,

Motoharu opened a way only with his less than 20-strong troop.

He succeeded in saving Yamabuki Castle.

Father.

Are you going in person to recapture the Iwami Silver Mine??

Yeah, I am. Yoshihisa.

You hold the fort tightly.

Soon, I'll send good news to you two.

But...

...you're 45-years-old, sire.

It's reckless for you to fight the young warriors of the Mori.

Are you worried about me?

Please do not worry.

The lord is stronger than three of us.

Besides, the Mori's Takamoto and Takakage are attacking Moji Castle now.

And Motoharu is on his way to attack Nukuyu Castle.

You may leave.

Mitsu.

I'm going to capture the Iwami Silver Mine...

...because I want to leave it for Yoshihisa.

Father.

I don't deserve your generous words.

I, Yoshihisa...

...will never forget.

Mitsu.

As for my charge of killing your father in front of you,

does this atone for it?

Sire.

I, Mitsu...

...was scolded by Yoshihisa, too.

"You live in turbulent times. He only killed your father."

"How long are you going to accuse your husband?" he said.

Still...

...I can't think that way.

You were seeing your father as what every man is supposed to be.

I am sorry.

Mother.

You tortured Father enough.

You must be satisfied now.

To recapture the silver mine, Father needs to leave without any worries and regrets.

Please smile at him.

Upon hearing the news of Haruhisa going to battle,

Motohari marched to Kita-Ikeda, an area in Aki bordering Iwami.

Since his sons were not available,

the 62-year-old Motonari had to go to battle.

But this was his major defeat which was remembered for many generations.

It is called "Oshibara Crumble".

Tae.

- I'm going in. - Yes.

Ouch!

What's wrong?

What are you doing?

I'm throwing things away now.

- Throwing away? - Yes.

I see.

I'll help you then.

- Oh, thank you so much. - Not at all.

What are you going to do with this?

That has to go.

Has to go, huh?

O.K.

Well, I...

...can't win battles without my three sons. I guess so.

This goes over there.

We tried so hard to protect the silver mine, but we lost it.

The Mori must be finished now.

If we can be finished that easy,

we should be finished now. Don't you feel better that way?

What about this?

Oh, I'm going to keep it.

- What? You mean this? - Yes.

Hey, Tae.

You're a pack rat, aren't you?

Well, Tae.

The Mori got a little too big, you know?

You said we're finished. We're only going small now.

Hallelujah!

Hey.

Why don't you listen to my problems?

Sit down here.

Come over here.

All right?

Here.

Sit down.

- All right? - Yes.

Well...

Rather than ruling the country,

I want to have a peaceful life with my wives and children.

I think that's the highest caliber for men.

That's why I've been working so hard.

As a result, the Mori became big like this.

Everybody dreams about becoming bigger and stronger, but...

...once you achieve it, it's not a big deal.

If your clan gets bigger, you work harder to protect your clan.

To protect your clan, you need money.

To get money, you must trample down other people's feelings.

To me,

my old days when I was aware of each vassal's personality and feelings,

and worked hand-in-hand with them,

those were the best time...

- What is this? - Are you all right?

I'm fine.

Well.

The Mori got way too big, you know?

Now I don't know the vassals' personalities...

...and even their faces.

Even if I try to protect the silver mine with such vassals,

I have no strategy...

She's just like Mii.

All women plot strategies to get away from my complaints.

Okay.

I'm pouting.

There.

It's truly auspicious!

Your Ladyship!

The silver mine's back to us. The Mori are falling back a lot now.

Father, if we attack them from Yamabuki and Nukui Castles,

all Iwami constables might switch sides to us.

There you are.

Before Yoshihisa takes over my clan,

I'm going to make that happen.

I'm most pleased with...

....the fact that we could show off our strength to the Mori.

The Mori must have learned lesson.

You're remembering your father again?

Kunihisa's power served the Amago for a long time.

I never forget that!

Mother normally doesn't drink; she must be drunk with celebratory sake.

I will take her to her room.

Mother.

This way.

She only thinks about her father!

She dampens the taste of sake!

He must be thinking, "Until when will she stop complaining about her father?"

But, Yoshihisa.

The sadness of seeing my father getting killed in front of me...

...is unforgettable.

I don't want people to say, "That's pretty common during turbulent times."

You bore me with Father.

I guess women care more about their fathers, rather than their husbands.

Not necessarily.

But...

...every daughter must have compassion for her father.

Daughters witnesses the weaknesses of men for the first time...

...through their fathers.

Fathers are irreplaceable for both sons and daughters.

Mother, I know well...

...how much you're suffering.

Your words...

...made me feel a little better.

Yoshihisa.

Grow up fast and...

...protect your father.

In September 1559 (Eiroku 2),

Takamoto and Takakage, who smashed the Otomo army in Kyushu,

returned to Yoshida, Aki, with glory.

Takamoto.

What kind of sad look is that?

That's not for our victory.

I was looking at the three Mori stars and thinking about my situation.

Motoharu opened the way for saving Yamabuki Castle, with his less than 20-strong troop.

Father must be very pleased.

The one, who is supposed to carry the three Mori stars...

...should be Motoharu, not me.

What are you saying?

Motoharu is like a walking gun.

Vassals follow only you, in a genuine way.

Or...

...me, Takakage.

That's good, too. That's what I was thinking.

I'm just kidding.

During the battle against the Otomo,

we crossed the ocean, charged into Kyushu and captured Moji Castle.

Only you can receive credit for that.

I didn't cross the ocean.

I was just holding the fort at Akama-ga-Seki.

Takamoto.

You were important reinforcements, you know?

You don't need to comfort me.

The Kobayakawa Navy did whatever you said...

...and they captured Moji Castle.

I don't get any credit.

I've been jealous of Father and you two brothers.

That made me become an asshole.

At the moment when I heard we lost the Iwami Silver Mine,

part of me was happy about that.

Part of me was relieved by Father's loss.

We're suffering an immeasurable setback...

...because we lost the silver mine.

What kind of clan head can feel relieved, before worrying about the loss?

When Motoharu achieves something,

I click my tongue.

When Takakage achieves something,

I grind my teeth.

I feel relieved by my father and brothers' failures.

I'm human rubbish.

Since you became the clan head,

all the Mori clansmen, even the servants and the foot soldiers, have had soft faces.

You don't favor particular vassals.

You judge vassals' achievements fairly.

You don't treat the enemy in an excessively cruel way. That's why.

You've been a smooth talker since childhood.

That's just like you, Takakage.

The three Mori brothers are...

...Takamoto of Virtue,

Motoharu of Valour,

and Takakage of Wisdom.

I guess the three Mori stars must be carried by the three of us.

Of course, that's what it means.

1560 (Eiroku 3) Motonari and his sons launched a full-scale attack...

...on Yamabuki Castle with their 14,000-strong force, to recapture the Iwami Silver Mine.

But he failed.

As a result, the silver mine remained the Amago's.

I could put the Mori brothers in shade.

Finally,

I can face late Amago Tsunehisa now.

Father.

You get drunk too fast recently.

- You must be tired. - Not at all.

I became the first capable general after Amago Tsunehisa.

Yoshihisa.

Play a congratulatory piece with your flute.

Bring your stuff.

Yes, I'll get ready.

Mother, you shouldn't offer him sake any more.

He looks very tired.

What are you saying, Yoshihisa?

I'm not drunk!

Give me your shoulder, Yoshihisa!

I'm gonna get some fresh air.

Please hold up, Father.

Yoshihisa.

You're a good son.

Mitsu.

You see? Kunihisa rests in peace now.

If I didn't kill him,

I would have been killed by him.

Because I survived, instead of Kunihisa,

the Amago's strength came back again.

Kunihisa died for me and the Amago.

But...

...if we still had the Shingu Party led by my father,

you would have had a lot more easier battles.

The Shingu Party was a group of people who only carried out orders.

They were all unsmart.

They don't make me irritaed any more.

You're right.

None of them were as smart as you, sire.

Mitsu.

Your mind is finally released from your father.

And you're saying such things for me now.

You're making me happy.

Sire.

Here.

No.

I don't need more sake.

Sire.

You already...

...became number one for me a long time ago.

You're making me happy.

Mitsu.

Sire.

You're not tired.

You've been poisoned by me little by little,

so your body is getting weak.

I cannot forgive you, sire.

You killed my father and...

...mock him even after he died! I can't forgive that!

Do you want know the name of the poison?

It's 'silver poison'.

You're obsessed with the silver mine. Isn't it perfect for you?

This is my wifely love!

Sire?

You seem to be suffering so much.

I should make you feel better now.

This is another wifely love of mine.

This is another wifely love of mine.

Father?

Father!

Father!!

I killed him.

You said you suffered when your father was killed.

You didn't want me to experience that.

Mother!

Are you making me experience the same thing?

"This is pretty common, during turbulent times."

Mother!!

Father...

Death of Haruhisa was reported to the Mori, too.

You shouldn't try to take the Amago...

...just because Haruhisa is gone.

You can't make the Mori bigger any more.

Haruhisa couldn't surpass Tsunehisa.

I wonder how much he suffered...

Father and son or a married couple killing each other...

I'm glad I'm with the Mori.

You laughed at me saying "indirect", and that I wrote an "indirect, wordy" letter of my lessons.

Takamoto and others listened to me. I owe everyone.

I'm...

...only doing things just as Motoharu and Takakage do.

Ah.

I think I'm going to read a book.

Sire.

Sire.

Motoharu-dono and Takakage-dono can work freely and make achievements...

...because they live away from the Great Lord.

You have to stay with the Great Lord every day.

You're always confronted by the Great Lord's greatness and horribleness.

He complains too much, but...

...he is a talented general to emerge once in 100 years. That's what I think.

Sire, you're forced to take a close look at the Great Lord every day.

Anybody in your situation...

...would shrink back a little bit.

You are...

You are not less capable than Motoharu-dono and Takakage-dono.

Your brothers don't have to see the Great Lord every day.

That's why they can do things fearlessly.

What a nice breeze.

I just felt...

...as if I was with my mother.

Really?

Why don't you call me mother once?

I heard it.

I didn't say it.

You said it in your mind. I heard that.

Right?

You said it, didn't you?

Tae.

Was Takamoto saying anything?

He's so warm-hearted and cute.

Everybody wants to follow your first son.

You think so?

Yes.

You have a splendid heir.

You think so?

That's good.

Oh, thanks.

- Well, Tae. - Yes?

My...

...three sons are real blessings, aren't they?

They truly are.

End of Episode 44