Original subtitles

In 1586 (Tensho 14),

Date Masamune defeated the Hatakeyama in Nihonmatsu...

...and did a territorial reshuffle.

First, to the newly-acquired Sendosuji,

he sent Date Shigezane to Nihonmatsu Castle on the front line against the Ashina...

...and gave Omori Castle to Katakura Kojuro.

Shiroishi Munezane was assigned to Miyanomori Castle...

...while Oniniwa Tsunamoto and Koyanagawa Deibansai...

...were in an area currently called Date County, Fukushima Prefecture.

In northeastern Date territory,

Watari Motomune was on the border with the Soma.

Murata Munefuyu and Kokubun Morishige had castles on the border with the Mogami.

The border with the Osaki...

...was guarded by Rusu Masakage and Izumida Shigemitsu.

In 1588 (Tensho 16),

Masamune advanced his army to the Osaki fief, taking advantage of their infighting.

But Kurokawa Gesshusai's betrayal cornered...

...the 5,000-strong army of Izumida Shigemitsu to Niinuma Castle.

Neighboring daimyo lords took this chance to attack Masamune.

Once again,

Masamune's clan was put in a fatal crisis.

MASAMUNE, THE ONE-EYED DRAGON

Episode 17: Serving in the Court

Screenplay: James MIKI

Original Story: YAMAOKA Sohachi

Music: IKEBE Shin'ichiro

CAST

Date Masamune: WATANABE Ken

Date Shigezane: MIURA Tomokazu

Katakura Kojuro: SAIGO Teruhiko

Kita: TAKESHITA Keiko

Princess Mego: SAKURADA Junko

Ouchi Sadatsuna: TERADA Minori

Izumida Shigemitsu: TAKASHINA Kaku

Neko-Gozen (Lady Cat): AKIYOSHI Kumiko

Mogami Yoshiaki: HARADA Yoshio

Lady of the East: IWASHITA Shima

Subtitles: Koala Fansubs

QC: Kame Fansubs

Director: KIDA Yukinori

What are you waiting for?

Bring Masamune over now.

- As I told you many times... - He can't face me?

Lord is busy.

To send a rescue force for Sir Izumida,

he's having a conference.

A rescue force cannot help.

He must apologize to Uncle Mogami and ask him to mediate a peace agreement.

Well...

Go and tell him so once again!

His loss in Osaki is already known throughout the country.

That's why Ouchi Sadatsuna launched his attack.

The Ashina and Satake will take this chance...

...to destroy the Date clan.

It'll be too late if we're assailed by all sides.

He must take immediate measures...

...to remove his worries in the north.

Certainly, ma'am.

Mother.

I beg a favor of you.

Please ask my brother...

...to order me to go to battle.

Go to battle?

As his representative,

I would like to go to battle anywhere as necessary.

Well said.

Your spirit is really something else.

But, you're too young to go to battle.

You must have your manhood rites first.

Then, please perform manhood rites for me now.

You're so pure-minded.

You're growing as straight as a young bamboo plant.

Worrying about the Date's future,

Lady of the East wrote a secret letter to her brother, Mogami Yoshiaki.

She asked him to patch up the quarrel for her sake.

- Ochako. - Yes?

Give money to a regular merchant and have him deliver this letter to Yamagata.

Certainly, ma'am.

Lord.

Stay out.

I'm trying to think.

You don't need to think.

What?

You're a lucky man.

Your temporary hardships will go away for sure...

...and you'll be the king of Ohshu sometime soon.

How do you know?

A cat is able to see well in the dark.

How silly of you.

Lord.

You must have faith in yourself.

I'm certain that you're the reincarnation of Saint Mankai.

No one can block your majesty.

Someday...

...you will surely govern this country.

Excuse me.

Sir Izumida's army left Niinuma Castle.

They're heading for Matsuyama.

Did they break through the enemy's siege?

No, according to Sir Tsunamoto,

Sirs Izumida Shigemitsu and Nagae Gekkansai offered themselves as hostages...

...to withdraw their forces.

Shigemitsu...

Izumida Shigemitsu and Nagae Gekkansai were taken prisoner.

The enemy made them cross the Naruse River...

...and took them to a place called Ariga-Fukuro,

currently known as Sanbongi-cho, Shida County, Miyagi Prefecture.

I am Furukawa Danjo.

Remember my face.

I am Izumida Shigemitsu.

I'm Kurokawa Gesshusai. You must know me.

I am a Mogami vassal, Nobesawa Noto.

- Pleased to meet you. - Mogami vassal?

Thanks for your hard work.

Sir Yoshiaki...?

Why are you surprised?

The Date begged me to save you guys.

Please don't lie.

My lord never begs anyone.

I wonder.

I have a letter that proves it.

Then, please show it to me.

Back off.

You're our hostage. Know your place.

I don't want anyone to beg for my life.

I'm prepared to be beheaded.

You helped me stuff my stomach.

Hurry up and chop off my head.

Slow down, Shigemitsu.

We didn't get you to behead you.

What?

Well, Shigemitsu.

We want you to switch sides.

Sorry, I can't.

Listen.

Recently, Aizu, Satake, Soma and Iwaki have been talking...

...about launching attacks on the Date as soon as the snow melts.

Of course, the Soma have sent messengers to Yamagata.

They keep bugging the Mogami to join them.

Let me ask you something.

Don't you want to talk to Yoshimi Yoshiro and...

...betray the Date together?

As I said,

I'm determined to only serve Lord Date Masamune.

The Date clan will fall soon.

I'll destroy them with my own grudge.

Boy oh boy.

Destroy the Date? How ridiculous.

- Just know your place. - What?

Well, I'm getting sleepy.

I never switch sides even after I die.

Then, as you wish,

I'll chop off your head and display it on the street.

Do whatever you want.

My head saved 5,000 men.

I'm glad to receive the fame.

Now I can die happy.

An unparalleled loyalty, huh?

You're doing a good job.

Thanks.

- Sir Furukawa. - Yes?

As for who takes Shigemitsu,

I want to keep him in custody. Do you mind?

YONEZAWA CASTLE At the end of February,

Masamune's ninja, Tayoro Kinsuke, returned from the Osaki fief.

What?

Shigemitsu will be transferred to Yamagata Castle?

Yes.

I listened to their conversations under the floor.

Damn Yoshiaki...!

That's not all, sir.

The Mogami have talked with Aizu, Satake, Soma and Iwaki...

...to arrange their attacks on the Date fief.

How dare them...!

Infiltrate the southern provinces to spy on Aizu.

Yes, sir!

- Sadatoki. - Yes.

We must have Shigemitsu back at any cost.

Certainly, sir.

- Call Samanosuke over. - Yes, sir.

Masamune was determined to confront the Mogami.

He sent Harada Samanosuke and Ito Hizen to Arato on the border.

We suffered a major defeat,

but, Rusu Masakage still holds Downtown Osaki.

The Rusu force is 7,000 and the Izumida force is 5,000.

Out of them, 900 were killed.

Sir Tsunamoto's reinforcements are 1,500.

So our current strength is 12,600.

Provision?

Roughtly...

...it's only enough for seven days.

We must procure more immediately.

We cannot make it.

If we have to prepare for battle on the Mogami's border,

all the forces starve.

We must win and get rice from peasants' warehouses.

Lord won't allow that.

- We have no choice. - Fool.

If you torture peasants,

it will backfire when you become the lord of the fief.

Then, we must withdraw our forces.

If we do, we'll lose the battle!

Idealism doesn't make you win battles.

Look at Lords Nobunaga and Hideyoshi.

Didn't Princess Mego call me?

I'll interrogate you in her place.

Interrogate me?

I heard you haven't learned your place and...

...said something arrogant in front of the lord.

You must know what I'm talking about.

Well...

You said, "Princess Mego in east, and Princess Neko (Cat) in west."

Yes, I did.

What rude words.

You grouped the lord's wife with his concubine. Outrageous.

What is your motive? Explain.

I just made a play on words.

- I didn't mean anything. - Stop making excuses.

You must be boasting about the lord's favor and belittling Princes Mego!

- I have no slightest idea of... - You can't say you have no such an idea.

You always dress up, show off your appearance and act nonchalantly.

People in the castle are calling you "the fox in the tiger's skin."

I'm not a fox. I'm a cat (Neko).

Shut your mouth!

Miss Kita.

You just likened the lord to a tiger.

Isn't that rude, too?

People say the tiger runs a thousand miles.

I likened a splendid general to the king of all beasts. What's wrong?

- The king of 'beasts,' you know? - Quiet!

You're scary.

A concubine can help the lord only after giving birth to his son.

Until then, she's just kept by him.

Behave and speak prudently.

Be obedient!

Miss Kita.

You're the maid of the lord's wife.

It's presumptuous of you to give me orders.

Aren't you doing something wrong?

I'm speaking to you in place of Princess Mego!

That's exactly what you called "the fox in the tiger's skin."

How dare can you be puffed up like that...

I can't stand it.

Lord told me your heroic story.

You mercilessly killed three maids from Miharu.

Anyone who doesn't do good for our clan...

...is simply unforgivable.

Go ahead. Do your worst.

I'm a daughter of Iizaka Muneyasu.

I won't just let you kill me.

Kita.

What are you doing?

Yes...

We were just playing, ma'am.

Miss Kita..

...was teaching me how to dance.

Begone.

Excuse me, ma'am.

What's going on?

I'm sorry, ma'am.

I was about to shorten her life.

Kita.

I was going to remonstrate with her misconceptions.

But her imprudence was too much to tolerate.

I almost lost myself...

You're the one who has misconceptions.

Yes?

The Date clan is in a fateful crisis now.

Being confronted by enemies both north and south,

the lord must be having heartbreaking moments.

Do you have to cause infighting right now?

I'm truly sorry, ma'am.

On March 23,

Date Shigezane, who was a natural warrior,

beat Ouchi Sadatsuna at the Battle of Hamanoi.

Musket squad, expand to the right!

Soldiers are hiding to ambush us in the forest.

- Kill them all. - Yes, sir!

Forward!

I'm proud of Shigezane. Well done!

Takada Tarozaemon was shot in the leg. He withdrew.

Ota Shuzen was shot with an arrow in the inner thigh.

It sounds like he's dead.

They got 153 heads of the enemy.

The Ouchi must be quivering with fear.

Take this chance.

- I'm going to battle against Yoshiaki now. - Yes?

Send a messenger to Matsuyama.

We'll attack the Mogami fief.

- Certainly, sir! - But Lady of the East will...

Just do it!!

Oops-a-daisy.

- Thanks for coming all the way. - You're welcome.

Excuse me, Sir Shigenobu.

Do you need something?

I heard you received lots of hana (flowers). We'd like to have them.

What are you going to with them?

We'll decorate the inner quarter.

What an unusual thing to say.

They're salted and pickled. Do you mind?

Salted and pickled?

They're in those barrels. Take a look.

What are these?

Those are hana (noses) of enemy soldiers killed by Sir Shigezane.

Heads are too heavy to carry.

So he sliced off the noses as presents for the lord.

There must be over 100.

Miss Ochako?

In the morning of April 6,

Ouchi Sadatsuna, the monster who was defeated by Shigezane,

appeared in Motomiya for some reason, after escaping from the Ashina fief.

Sir Ouchi Sadatsuna is here.

- Show him in. - Yes, sir.

Hello. I am Sadatsuna.

As you see, I cut my hair. So I look a bit different now.

You still have an evil countenance.

You don't look good at all.

You got me.

Gentlemen from Yonezawa.

I'm very grateful for your seeing me and giving me a chance to explain.

Did you come over prepared?

Of course, I'm prepared.

Your forked tongue can't trick us anymore.

You surprised me.

Since last year, I've been asking your permission, by letters, to serve your clan.

In the same breath, you invaded our fief.

I had no choice, because I'm still serving Aizu.

Shut up!!

You heard about our loss in Osaki...

...and took the chance to advance your army!

I just followed the Ashina's orders to spy on the Date's southern forces.

If I had received a favorable reply from Sir Masamune,

I wouldn't have had to fight you.

Enough of your insolence!!

Are you saying you started your attack out of your grudge against the lord?

Sir Shigezane.

Why don't we listen to what Sadatsuna has to say?

Umanosuke.

Let Sadatsuna use your stool.

Yes, sir...

Oh.

Thanks a lot.

Let me ask you.

Why didn't Katahira Chikatsuna come?

I'm very sorry.

I'm on bad terms with my younger brother now.

At first, he agreed to serve the Date with me.

But he changed his mind suddenly and told me to slit my belly.

So I had to run away from him.

Lies won't do you any good.

By heavens.

Let me ask you something.

You keep switching sides.

You can't make up your mind.

But you gave up on Aizu this time. Why?

Yes?

You came over here risking your own life.

You must have some inevitable reasons.

Tell me without disguise.

Well, then...

I had holed up in Obama Castle to confront you,

but I abandoned the castle without fighting you,

because the Aizu made me to do so.

They said, if I serve the Ashina,

they would hire me with a high stipend as one of the four major allies.

But, after I took their side, things didn't work out well.

I didn't get a stipend, not even enough of a rice ration.

My vassals were on the verge of starvation.

In short,

you were disappointed and now want to switch sides to the Date?

What an annoying fellow.

To the Date,

you're an archrival who deserves to be torn from limb to limb.

Do you think our lord will hire you happily?

I respectfully disagree.

If he doesn't hire me, he'll suffer from a big loss.

Loss?

No matter what Shigezane and Kojuro say,

I cannot keep Sadatsuna alive.

Well, they say...

"Even a hunter can't kill a bird that flies to him for protection."

Did you forget, Deibansai?

If Sadatsuna didn't betray,

my father wouldn't have met a tragic end.

I totally understand it.

But..

...Ouchi Sadatsuna is a notoriously smart guy.

I believe he will be useful for your campaign against the Ashina.

Sadatsuna still has many allies in Shionomatsu County.

To keep an eye on Miharu and Soma, you should hire him for now.

If he is useless, you can punish him as you wish.

I don't even want to see his face.

Strength by itself doesn't make a great samurai's caliber.

All right?

The Date force's terror is widely known across the country.

People already know...

...we relentlessly beat anyone who defies us and kill to the last soldier.

That's fine.

On the other hand,

once your most hated enemy joins your clan and shows you his obedience,

you show him your mercy, welcome him...

...and secure his fief. I think that's important.

This is the path toward a ruler of honor and virtue.

Many other lords will follow the Ouchi...

Stop babbling!

Sir Shigemitsu.

You haven't changed your mind?

You're so persistent.

I will never, ever change my mind. I told you.

What a pathetic man.

Masamune, whom you believe in, is going to let you die.

He doesn't even care about his hereditary vassals.

Are you listening, Sir Shigemitsu?

What a stubborn old man.

Why don't you behead him and send his head to Yonezawa?

No, don't kill him.

Keep a watch on him so that he can't kill himself. And feed him good.

Yes?

Masamune is talking about getting him back. What nonsense.

He'll be useful if something happens.

I'll make use of him.

With all due respect,

I think now is the only chance for us to attack the Date.

Having skirmishes on the border accomplishes nothing.

I'm...

...waiting for the Southern Ohshu clans to rise in arms.

The Soma will start the flames.

Then, the Ashina will stand up and the Iwaki will move.

Masamune will get scared and send his troops from our border to the south.

That is the time for us to attack into the Date fief.

YONEZAWA CASTLE On April 16,

Ouchi Sadatsuna, accompanied by Kojuro, arrived Yonezawa Castle.

He was allowed to have an audience with Masamune.

You have the devil's luck.

You're seeing him while your head is still attached to your body.

I am very honored, sir.

- Sadatsuna. - Yes?

You called me a rat.

Yes?

Then, why are you bowing to the rat?

Well.

I think...

I am a chestnut in its burr (close-clopped head).

You're a chestnut in its burr.

So I can cook you in any way I want.

Certainly, sir.

Now.

Chestnut in the wrong season.

You kept defying me, but...

you're shamelessly asking me to serve the Date.

I don't think you came here empty-handed.

You must have come here with a big present.

Of course, I do.

Go ahead and show him.

First, the situation in Southern Ohshu.

The Satake, Ashina, Iwaki, Nikaido and Soma have joined hands.

They are joined by the Mogami and Osaki now.

They are making steady headway to...

...siege the Date from all directions.

I already know that.

But, I'm in the know about your enemy. If I serve you...

...I will surely be able to help the Date clan.

We are vastly outnumbered this time.

But you're saying you'll side with us.

Do you have good grounds for believing our victory?

- I don't. - Then, why?

With all due respect,

I fell in love with Sir Date Masamune.

His caliber and way of fighting...

...show that he is the second coming of Lord Nobunaga.

Giving my life to a master like him...

...is the greatest honor as a samurai.

Do you know?

Vassals without good masters are the most miserable ones.

That's why you are so lucky.

You were born to be the Date's vassals.

Enough of your nonsense.

Lord.

Please allow me to become one of your vassals.

Please give me the best place to die as a warrior.

Shigenobu.

"As for Ouchi Sadatsuna."

"He mended his ways and asked me to join my clan."

"I exceptionally forgive him and hire him with a 30-kan stipend."

Thank you!

I am very honored, sir!

- Bring sake over! - Right away, sir.

- Excuse me! - What is it?

Sir Munezane sent you an urgent message.

Ishikawa Danjo at Odemori Castle rose in revolt!

Really?

Sir Munezane is fighting against him around Domeki.

Ishikawa Danjo is a Tamura vassal.

He was given Odemori Castle by Masamune.

The Ishikawa's revolt was backed by the Soma force.

The battle lines expanded quickly.

The Ashina force in Aizu worked with the Nikaido force in Sukagawa...

...to launch attacks from Downtown Asaka.

Things are going as I feared.

It's impossible for him to hold on with battles in both the north and south.

Don't you think so, Kita?

I think our clan is in a crisis, ma'am.

We must make peace with the Mogami immediately.

Right, Princess Mego?

Yes.

You should talk Masamune into making peace, too.

With all due respect, ma'am,

only men know how to play battles.

That's wrong.

In some situations, women cannot just keep fiddling.

Lord might have a different idea.

Geez, I'm talking to Princess Mego.

Lord doesn't listen to what I say.

Aren't you two married?

Lady of the East, please ask him yourself.

Is that meant to be sarcastic?

Not at all, ma'am!

You know?

Since I am from the Mogami, Masamune is being stubborn with me.

I already ask him many times, but he doesn't listen.

"No child knows how dear he is to his parents."

I hope his ill feelings against his mother won't become lethal to the Date.

He's making light of his own mother.

What kind of heir he is.

Tell him so strictly.

He's not making light of you, ma'am!

Lord loves you more than anyone else!

He doesn't. He's trying to keep me away.

I'm sorry to say something rude.

Lord received a crystal rosary from you when he had manhood rites.

He still keeps it to himself all the times.

What?

Not only when he goes to battle,

but also when he has strategy meetings...

...and when he sleeps.

Lord...

...is feeling lonely.

Because you favor Sir Jikumaru only.

You may leave.

- Please understand his true feelings. - I'm telling you to leave.

I'm sorry to have bothered you.

Keep it all the times...?

Lord.

- The Soma and Ashina finally rose. - I know it.

Battles have already started.

- Let's go to battle to remove Masamune. - No time for that!

I got a letter from Ujiie Morimune.

We're in danger in Shonai.

Fortunately for Masamune,

the Mogami's border with Echigo was in a volatile situation.

Yoshiaki's army could not move.

- To Sendosuji? - Yeah.

Shigezane pushed back the Aizu force,

but the Soma are still present.

So pro-Date vassals of the Tamura clan keep bugging me to go to battle.

They're saying their clan will be taken by the Soma.

I must stop Ishikawa Danjo's breath first...

in order to smash the Soma's scheme.

What's going to happen to my mother in Miharu?

I don't know yet.

What is your mother's true intention?

I have to interrogate her.

Don't worry.

I won't take her life.

Hold the fort.

You can't just go back now.

You can't withdraw your army at this point.

I'll fight against the Ashina to the full extent.

My aunt passed away. I have no blood tie with them.

One thing. Before you go to battle...

Yes?

Why don't you make peace with the Mogami?

I have no time.

Sendosuji is having an impending situation.

You don't care what happens in the north?

Masakage's army will hold.

If things get too bad, I'll come back.

- Good-bye. - Wait.

You're going to battle, so I'll give you a congratulatory gift.

Thank you for being so thoughtful.

Guess what I'm going to give you.

I wonder.

Is that underwear?

A horse?

Gun...?

50 guns, sir.

50...?

She bought them from a merchant in Sakai.

The best ever...

- Ochako. - I'm sorry.

Mother...

Battles are becoming a place to test musket squad's skills.

Have them shoot to their heart's content.

That's the best congratulatory gift. Thank you.

But I'll tell you one thing.

Your guns must be pointed south all the time.

Never...

...point them north.

Brother. Are you going to battle now?

Ah, Jikumaru.

I want you to take care of our mother.

Certainly.

I will tightly protect Yonezawa.

Please go to battle without any worry.

Good attitude.

- How dependable. - In return...

...after this battle, please hold manhood rites for me.

Got it.

Not only manhood rites.

After cleaning Sendosuji, destroying the Ashina and conquering Ohshu,

I'll give you Yonezawa Castle.

- Really? - Congratulations, sir!

It's too early!

Study hard and train yourself hard.

Be prepared to become a general.

I am very honored.

Now...

I'm going.

On May 15, 1588 (Tensho 16),

Masamune went to battle in Shionomoatsu.

With the news,

many soldiers deserted Ishikawa Danjo's Domeki Castle.

With that momentum, the Date army conqured Odemori Castle.

They also took Domeki Castle and drove Ishikawa Danjo out.

Within a breath, Masamune advanced to the Tamura fief...

...and blew up the Soma's reinforcements.

Please stay back, Lord!

End of Episode Seventeen