Original subtitles

Gassan-Toda Castle is...

...an impregnable castle owned by the Amago, prestigious clan reigning Izumo.

The Mori fought for the Ouchi during the Ouchi's campaign to Izumo.

That is when the Ouchi army went deep into this castle and was defeated unexpectedly.

And Motonari almost lost his life.

AMAGO TSUNEHISA

The more schemes used, the more chances of winning. You'll lose with less scheming.

AMAGO HARUHISA I'm after rulership.

The Amago were appointed by the Muromachi shogunate as the guardian of eight provinces.

They were ruling the San'in Region.

Even after the Mori gained the majority part of the Chugoku Region,

the Amago captured Iwami Silver Mine and...

...kept shaking the Mori's supremacy.

Defeating the Amago, the largest and last threat, was...

...the Mori's earnest wish.

Meanwhile, the sudden death of the Amago head Haruhisa...

...started casting a shadow on the Amago's power.

Motonari was about to rise for his last battle.

MORI MOTONARI

Episode 46: Assassinating Takamoto

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

Kotsurumaru: Morita Tsuyoshi

Kikkawa Motoharu: Matsushige Yutaka

Kobayakawa Takakage: Megumi Toshiaki

Fukubara Sadatoshi: Ishihama Akira Kunishi Motosuke: Sakamoto Akira

Ooba Katakane: Nakajima Hisayuki Kiyo: Shibata Rie

Akagawa Motoyasu: Nagashima Toshiyuki

Kodama Naritada: Masuoka Toru

Katsura Motozumi: Tsurumi Shingo

Mitsu: Iwasaki Hiromi

Wachi Masaharu: Senda Mitsuo Kosanta: Nasa Kenji

Amago Yoshihisa: Nakamura Shido Kawazoe Hisanobu: Uesugi Shozo

Tachihara Yukitaka: Kadota Shun Nakai Tsunaie: Kashiwa Susumu

Hotate Masanao: Harada Yoshio

Tae: Miyamoto Nobuko

Produced by: Kida Yukinori

English Subtitles: Koala Fansubs

Directed by: Matsuoka Koji

By the summer of 1561 (Eiroku 4),

the Mori grew into the largest daimyo lord in the Chugoku Region.

Motonari was 65-years-old.

Takamoto was 39-years-old.

Takamoto's first son, Kotsurumaru, was growing good.

Everyone was envious of the Mori clan's strong bond.

- Kotsurumaru-sama! - Kotsurumaru-sama!

- Kotsurumaru-sama! - Kotsurumaru-sama!

Where are you, Kotsurumaru?

Oh.

My son went missing again?

He doesn't like hair styling.

We have trouble like this every time we try to do his hair.

He worships Hotate Naomasa-dono.

He was saying...

...he wants a hair style like Hotate-dono.

Here.

Hey!

Kotsurumaru!

He looks like me...

What are you doing?

Wash up right now.

KOTSURUMARU (Takamoto's Heir) I now look better than Naomasa, don't I?

- How's that? - Oh, I'm so sorry.

He said he wants to surprise his favorite Hotate-dono.

So I said, "You should put some make-up on."

I'm so sorry.

I was going to make you attend conferences as of today.

I don't want to attend.

I don't like any responsibilities.

- Hear that? - Kotsurumaru.

Grandpa doesn't attend conferences, because he's retired.

But he's coming today to see your first attendance.

Then I'm going like this.

Because I want Naomasa to see it.

Hey, wait.

Wait, Kotsurumaru.

How's this, Naomasa?

Did I beat you?

You really beat me. I'm speechless.

Hey, Kotsurumaru!

Motoharu.

Hey, Kotsurumaru.

First, I want to introduce you to someone.

Katakane, go ahead and come in.

He is Oba Katakane, former Ouchi vassal.

As of today,

he works as an aide for Kotsurumaru.

I am Oba Katakane.

I was a general for your enemy, but you hired me.

I am very honored, sir.

I want you to tutor Kotsurumaru.

Yes, sir.

Then, let's get started now.

Insolent! Stop it!

You're the heir of the Mori. You can't dress like that.

Wash your face now.

Excuse me.

Father!

Grandpa!

Naomasa!

Wow, you found a perfect tutor for him, sire.

We'll take over the Ouchi's trade with Ming China and Korea.

For that purpose,

former Ouchi vassals, who are well-versed in foreign trade, are of great assistance.

Great Lord. Lord.

Please allow me to board the Mori's first trading ship.

That's what we want.

If you are on our ship,

we can rest assured no matter what happens.

- Right, Takamoto? - Yes.

But I will not be on the returning ship.

To reach Tenjiku (currently known as India),

I want to go as far as I can.

What are you going to do with your Akama-ga-seki (currently known as Shimonoseki).

- Go ahead and come in. - Yes, sir.

This is my right-hand man.

I'm giving my name, Hotate Naomasa, to him today.

Please allow him to govern Akama-ga-seki.

- What a selfish idea. - Yeah.

Even if I don't allow him, Hotate isn't ordinary so I can't stop him.

Great Lord, everyone.

How about asking the new Hotate-dono to govern Akama-ga-seki...

...and the old Hotate-dono to send us goods and know-how from abroad.

How does that sound?

Hotate-dono.

Think of Takamoto's feelings and...

...work for the Mori forever.

I, Naomasa, will never forget about the Mori...

...even after I go abroad.

Thank you for your kindness for a long time.

Naomasa.

Ah, I couldn't recognize you.

You look much better this way.

I heard what you said.

You aren't coming back, are you?

When you become the clan's head,

I'm coming back to help you with a heap of foreign goods and know-how.

Have too many dreams to fit in here.

The world is big but human lives are short.

Live a big life.

Naomasa...

Naomasa!

Hold hard there.

- One more push. - Charge.

- Go, go, go. - Push, push.

There! Go!

Oh...

Grandpa lost.

Hey.

Get a grip.

Hey, Kotsurumaru.

Isn't there something you want at any cost?

Not really.

Grandpa started as a small constable.

For most of my life, I curried favor with the Ouchi and the Amago.

My fortune is...

...those three sons.

There is something that I don't want at any cost.

What's that?

That's...

...responsibilities.

That's no joke, folks.

Kotsurumaru, I'm so ashamed.

Hey, that's all right.

There is something I want at any cost.

It's Gassan-Toda Castle.

If we conquer Izumo,

we can rule the Chugoku in reality and in name.

To go to battle to Izumo soon,

I've been talking with Takamoto and Takakage.

In my life, that castle has been...

...a symbol that is beyond my reach.

At the small Sarukake Castle and Koriyama Castle,

I got burn by the Amago so many times.

Gassan-Toda Castle has been...

...a faraway castle that exists in another world.

A symbol that is beyond your reach, Father?

We'll deliver it to you for sure.

To capture the Amago's impregnable castle,

the Mori started moving.

To begin with,

they tried to recapture the Iwami Silver Mine from the Amago.

We're going to recapture the silver mine.

Honjo Tsunemitsu, owner of Yamabuki Castle, controls the silver mine.

We'll draw him in the Mori side.

Honjo Tsunemitsu is...

...giving up on the Amago without Haruhisa.

But he sent his heir to the Amago as hostage.

If he gives up on the Amago, the hostage will be killed.

He can't do that.

He will, if his heir doesn't get killed.

We'll kidnap his heir from Gassan-Toda Castle.

I'm the one who usually comes up with such an idea.

But that's too violent for you known as the gentle Mori Takamoto.

Please let it to me.

I, Motoharu...

...will do as you say.

Honjo Tsunemitsui's heir was rescued unharmed.

The Honjo surrendered to the Mori.

The Mori gained not only the silver mine, but also other provincial constables of Iwami.

Thus they built a foothold in attacking the Amago.

GASSAN-TODA CASTLE Idiot!!

How did you let them take the hostage?

Why didn't you keep an eye on Tsunemitsu?

I am very sorry, sir.

Weren't you guys scorning him?

Didn't you say, "Takamoto is nothing compared to his father and brothers."

But Takamoto shows mercy to everybody and takes everybody in.

Don't give me a song and dance!

Do something!!

Yes, sir.

Amago's key vassal, Kawazoe Hisanobu, was trying to get Akagawa Motoyasu.

He contacted Akagawa many times.

The next step must be...

...their campaign to Izumo.

For many years, the Mori are suffering from friction against the Otomo in Kyushu.

If they go to Izumo, their security in Kyushu will be lighter.

So it's a hard decision.

Izumo or Kyushu.

Either one can put the Mori in danger from behind.

Akagawa-dono.

Why don't you talk more frankly with me?

In this period of gekokujo (the low overcoming the great),

the Mori and the Amago are now facing a crucial moment.

We can't afford to miss this chance.

If something happens to Takamoto-dono,

you're going to control the Mori, aren't you?

If we surround Gassan-Toda Castle,

would you switch to side with us, Kawazoe-dono?

Sire.

It's me, Motoyasu.

Come in.

What's the matter?

I was called by Kawazoe again.

He seems to be pressured.

Being pressured like that,

we don't know what he'll be up to next.

Be sure to stay alert.

In July 1562 (Eiroku 5),

the Mori finally decided to attack Izumo.

Takamoto gathered generals going to battle.

The Mori clan took the first step in conquering the Chugoku Region.

I will hold the fort responsibly and nicely.

May God prosper your arms.

You learned how to use the word 'responsible'?

You're making me happy.

Oh, no.

That's only my good-bye gift.

Now, I can make you take over the clan...

...and live a peaceful life with you, Toshi.

I'm going to let you have a private night before the battle.

What are you saying?

You don't want to stay here, because...

...you just want to run away from responsibilities.

Well, please have a good night.

Hey, Kotsurumaru.

Toshi.

I finally...

...am confident about myself, who is different from my father and brothers.

I compared myself with others for many years.

But I feel like I was only dreaming.

You patiently listened to my whining.

That's why I could mend my ways.

I didn't even say something good for you.

I didn't want to hear good advice.

I just...

...wanted you to show me your empathy.

That's what you did for me all the time.

With provincial constables from Aki, Bingo and Iwami,

the 10,000-strong grand army of the Mori headed for Izumo.

Based on their past defeat by the Amago,

they surrounded and cautiously charged the Amago by small steps...

...as they approached Gassan-Toda Castle.

GASSAN-TODA CASTLE

Stay calm.

Yoshihisa.

You're a general who's in the lineage of Amago Tsunehisa and Kunihisa.

Please protect this castle with your own life.

When you open your mouth, it's only about Tsunehisa and Kunihisa.

They died a long time ago. Instead of their lineage,

it's more important to talk about revival measures.

Please do not worry.

I already sent a secret messenger to the Otomo in Kyushu.

I'm urging them to rise in arms.

Really?

The Mori set the main camp in Akana, Izumo.

They received news on the Otomo making a move in Kyushu.

While the Mori was busy attacking Izumo,

the Otomo launched attacks on Matsuyama Castle in Buzen.

MORI MAIN CAMP (Akana, Izumo) The castle was the Mori's stronghold in Kyushu.

If this goes on,

Matsuyama Castle will fall into the Otomo's hands.

We must send troops to Hofu immediately.

Takamoto.

Please send me there.

You can move your navy from Hofu.

You'll be the right person to hold off the Otomo.

No.

I'm going to Hofu.

I'm going to make peace with the Otomo.

Make peace?

Listen.

The Amago and the Otomo are in communication with each other...

...to attack us from both sides.

We'll be stuck if they launch a pincer drive.

So I want to contain the Otomo as soon as possible.

I'm going to make peace with them.

I want both of you to do me a favor.

Motoharu.

I want you to block communications between the Amago and the Otomo.

Yes, sir.

Takakage.

I want you to send a messenger to the shogunate.

Ask the shogunate to mediate our settlement with the Otomo.

If my rescue favorably changes the course of battle at Matsuyama Castle,

the Otomo will surely sway toward settlement.

Great Lord.

I'm taking 3,000 out of 10,000 to Hofu.

Please lead the remaining 7,000 men here...

...and advance to Aika.

Got it.

Now, we're going to do our jobs.

Excuse us.

Hey, Takamoto.

Splendid work.

What a dependable head you are.

I, Takamoto...

...used to count my weaknesses compared with you and my brothers.

I used to suffer.

But, once I am determined to utilize my strengths,

I can take it easy. That really surprised me.

You're great at strategizing and personnel management.

How come I didn't know that?

In hindsight,

my brothers, who are well-known brilliant generals,

are now helping me greatly. I finally realized that.

But I was being disturbed by their brilliance.

Isn't that funny?

Hey.

Takamoto.

I heard people in Kyoto are rumoring about me.

They're saying, "Motonari is so lucky."

"He has three sons, and they're all great."

Father.

I, Takamoto, will make no mistake in leading the Mori.

Please do not worry about anything.

I'm...

...so happy to follow your orders.

You've become a fine general.

The fine general will join the main unit as soon as he takes care of the Otomo.

Until then,

please take care of his army.

Leave it to me.

Oh, yeah.

Takamoto.

If we capture Gassan-Toda Castle,

let's drink together in the main wing as we view the moon.

You don't drink, Father.

No, no.

It's all right.

You've grown so well.

I cannot help drinking.

I...

...quit going dry.

Under Motonari's command,

the Mori main army advanced to Aika, west of Gassan-Toda Castle...

...and surrounded Shiraga Castle owned by an Amago ally.

Meanwhile, Takamoto's rescue saved Matsuyama Castle.

And his peace talk with the Otomo went as the Mori planned.

Finally, in May 1563 (Eiroku 6),

with Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiteru's mediation,

the Mori and the Otomo made peace.

I didn't expect the Otomo to make peace.

It's over.

Without the Otomo's help,

we have no chance of victory by clashing head-on against the Mori.

We have only one choice.

Kill Takamoto...

...to break the Mori down.

That's all we can do.

Everyone did a great job.

Takamoto was rushing from Hofu to join the main unit in Izumo.

He was repeatedly attacked by assassins.

Every time he was attacked, Akagawa beat assassins off.

But the Amago relentlessly continued their attacks.

Fire!

Takamoto safely arrived at the Mori's base, in Aki Province.

MORI MAIN CAMP (Aika, Izumo) The news was delivered to Motonari.

Here.

Takamoto entered Aki safely.

That's a relief.

He's safe now.

The lord will rest at Sarukake Castle before he joins us.

- Sarukake Castle? - Yes.

Why doesn't he rest at Koriyama Castle?

He can see Toshi and Kotsurumaru there.

You're still on the battlefield, Great Lord.

He doesn't want to be the only one who gets to see his wife and child.

That's very Takamoto.

I can't wait for him to join us.

We're going to capture Shiraga Castle in one shot.

Then, finally, Gassan-Toda Castle.

SARUKAKE CASTLE

Toshi heard Takamoto was stopping over at Sarukake Castle.

She sent Kotsurumaru over.

Father.

Kotsurumaru?

Mother told me to show you how well I'm doing.

She did?

I, Katakane, will be waiting over there.

Please take your time.

How is your mother?

- Is she doing well? - Yes.

She wrote you a letter.

Did she write anything about me?

If she tattles to you about me,

she's lying.

Fool.

This is what she says.

"Kotsurumaru still doesn't listen to me, but..."

"...he admires you and listens to you. Please talk to him strickly."

Women tattle right away.

That's the way it is.

Kotsurumaru.

You shouldn't make women feel lonely.

When a woman become twisted, tattles or yells,

she is feeling lonely.

As long as you keep her heart warm,

she will be the most reliable ally.

As a man, you must remember that.

Yes.

I, Kotsurumaru,

am happy to have such a boy talk with you.

You're good at managing people.

I am very proud of you.

My son is proud of me?

That's the best compliment.

I will be waiting...

...for you to return with victory.

Take care of your mother.

Yes.

Sire.

You received a letter from Wachi Saneharu-dono in Bingo.

- Wachi? - Yes.

He wants to entertain me at his mansion in Sasabe, Aki, on my way to Izumo.

You can't go.

You must stay alert to everyone now, even to your in-laws.

But he's being considerate.

I can't refuse, because I'm going that way.

Until you join Great Lord's army in Izumo,

you shouldn't stop over anywhere.

No.

By responding to someone's consideration,

you can strengthen your bond with him.

That'll stabilize the Mori eventually.

We should stop over.

August 3, 1563 (Eiroku 6)

Takamoto and his men visited Wachi Saneharu's mansion.

WACHI SANEHARU'S MANSION (Aki)

Under Akagawa's command, security was heightened...

...to severely screen weapons and visitors.

I put more guards in the back.

I tasted all the food.

Only Mori and Wachi vassals are in this room. No worries.

WACHI SANEHARU (Bingo Provincial Constable)

Thank you for coming. I am so delighted.

Thanks you, too. I'm feeling refreshed.

I have some presents for you, Takamoto-dono.

It reflects my wish that you will celebrate your victory at Gassan-Toda Castle.

Oh, my...

Those are our family treasures, sir.

Amazing...

- Motoyasu. - Yes.

Try the drum.

You're so mean, sire.

Bastard!

Sire!!

Wachi!!

Treat him!!

Hurry!!

Pull yourself, sire.

Sire!!

Sire.

Sire!!

Motoyasu.

Tell them that I died of illness.

I won't let you die!

Sire!

Make the Mori stronger...

...bigger.

I'm counting on you.

Tell my father...

...not to lament my death.

Sire.

Sire?

Sire!!

MORI MAIN CAMP (Aika, Izumo)

Father.

As to our attack against Shiraga Castle,

I've come up with a good idea.

Wait.

Takamoto is coming soon.

I'll hear your idea with him.

Ah, Takakage.

What's wrong?

Takamoto is dead.

What are you talking about?

Takamoto is...

He is...!

Takakage...?

Takakage!!

Somebody must have killed him.

Takakage.

Who killed him?

End of Episode 46