Original subtitles

American football players change formations for different situations.

During Masamune's time, there was something similar to this.

Battle formations were called "jinkei."

The commander-in-chief decided which formation to use.

The choice of the right formation...

often turned the tide of battle.

One unit within a formation was called "sonae."

Sonae were independent units composed of footsoldiers,

horsemen, supply corps, and others.

The commanders of such units...

were the likes of Shigezane and Kojuro.

A "sonae" could number as many as a thousand.

June, 1589...

The battle at Suriagehara against the Ashina...

was to determine who would control Ou.

The Ashina had 13 "sonae;" the Date had 8.

What strategy was Masamune planning?

MASAMUNE, THE ONE-EYED DRAGON

Episode 20: Suriagehara

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

Mogami Yoshiaki: HARADA Yoshio

Lady of the East: IWASHITA Shima

Subtitles Transcribed from JN Productions by: Avallach

Subtitles Adding/Editing/Timing: Koala Fansubs QC by: Kame Fansubs

Director: YOSHIMURA Yoshiyuki

June 4, 1589, after entering Inawashiro Castle,

Date Shigezane surveyed the area.

In order to aid Masamune's main army against Ashina,

Shigezane planned to sacrifice himself...

and lure the enemy to Inawashiro.

Sire...

I thought you were the enemy.

Preliminary inspection?

You, too?

The enemy is three times stronger.

We must rely on strategy.

Before we're surrounded, we must fight.

It will decided at Suriagehara.

Let's fight our hardest.

This might be our last battle.

Let's show Aizu what the Date are made of.

These woods will be useful.

Indeed.

If we're lucky...

hidden gunners can tell Ashina Yoshihiro.

They'll cross that bridge.

After they cross we'll burn it down.

Good idea. That'll frustrate them.

The Old Lord came to me in a dream.

Father?

He said Masamune faces the crisis of his life.

The battle with the Ashina will probably begin.

Nuinosuke, has Yamagata sent a reply?

Not yet, my lady.

Without Mogami help, it's difficult to defeat Aizu.

I'll write another letter. Deliver it immediately.

Yes, my lady.

Please don't, Mother.

What?

Lord Masamune says never to show weakness to anyone.

The fate of the Date rests with this battle.

Shouldn't we help in any way we can?

We should not go against his wishes.

You want us to lose?!

We won't!

Lord Masamune is the reincarnation of St. Mankai.

Inawashiro Morikuni had let his eldest son succeed him,

but they argued over which side to join,

so Morikuni reclaimed the castle by force.

The enemy forces have reached Kurokawa Castle.

They number about 20,000.

In full force?

Ashina Yoshihiro must really despise me.

Don't worry.

Though few, the Date are all experienced fighters.

I will fight, too.

Let me lead the advance guard.

Reporting!

Our lord's main army will soon arrive!

What?

Don't talk nonsense!

A messenger just came to announce it!

It's a lie! An enemy trick.

Investigate. I told Lord Masamune to go to Motomiya.

Wait.

Knowing Lord Masamune, it might be true.

Sire!

Has the battle begun?

The fighting hasn't started yet.

Good. 6,000 men will come soon.

I said help was not necessary.

I couldn't let you and Kojuro die.

Kojuro and I had planned to rout the Ashina.

Don't pretend. Admit you're grateful!

I am grateful and honored.

I am honored to meet you. I am Inawashiro Morikuni.

I'm Masamune. Thank you for defecting to our side.

It was an honor.

I'm returning Kamemaru.

I don't want a hostage from you.

Here...

Thank you, sire.

Father!

Kamemaru!

Rest assured, Lord Morikuni. 6,000 more will come.

Those are just the bannermen.

By morning, Munezane's 3,000,

and 2,000 each from Kagetaka, Sadatsuna, and Chikatsuna.

9,000 in all!

Really?

With the 5,000 already here, there'll be 20,000 in all.

Thanks heaven!

No one will defend the Sendo!

After we defeat the Ashina, we'll go back immediately.

The "swift swallow" tactic!

I was right about you.

In all Ou, there is no greater lord...

than Lord Masamune.

It's too soon for praise! Save it for tomorrow night.

Bent on destroying Morikuni for his treachery,

Ashina Yoshihiro set up camp at Mt. Takamori.

It overlooked Inawashiro Castle, with Suriagehara in between.

Ashina general Yoshihiro was seventeen.

His chef advisor was retainer, Kanagami Moriharu.

It smells of blood.

Absurd.

Your nerves are on edge.

Smell.

A fine fragrance.

Please go to bed.

Kita.

Yes?

Many more will die in this battle.

Though we may win,

the families of the dead will grieve.

It's an honor to die for one's clan.

You truly believe that?

I do.

When your father, Oniniwa Sagetsu died in battle...

didn't you grieve?

He died a glorious death and was commended by our lord.

There is no other honor.

Kojuro and Tsunamoto will fight in this next battle.

If they should lose their lives,

can you remain calm?

Life is fleeting.

If they can die gloriously for their clan,

my brothers will be happy.

They will have no regrets.

I cannot accept that!

If Lord Masamune should die,

I would cry out in grief.

I might go mad and roam the fields.

I might drown myself to follow my lord in death.

Please stop!

It is unlucky talk.

Marriage is a strange thing.

When we are together, I feel awkward,

and we become estranged.

But when we are far apart,

I feel tender and loving toward him.

I pray for his safety morning and night.

Waiting for his return grows harder each year.

Oh, great Lord Hachiman...

Make my son strong in battle.

Oh, great Lord Hachiman...

Let Masamune be victorious.

June 5, 1589...

Masamune set his men at the foot of Mt. Bandai at Suriagehara.

The Date advance guard was led by Inawashiro Morikuni.

Second guard, Katakura Kojuro.

Third guard, Date Shigezane.

Fourth guard, Shiroishi Munezane.

Fifth guard, Masamune's bannermen.

Rear guard, Hamada Kagetaka.

Left flank, Ouchi Sadatsuna.

Right flank, Katahira Chikatsuna.

The enemy is charging!

Attack!

The west wind was strong,

and it blew clouds of sand against the Date,

much to their disadvantage.

Pushed back by the Ashina general, Tomita Shogen,

the Inawashiro forces retreated.

Katakura's Kokuro's second guard also foundered.

Gunners, make ready!

Advance!!

All clear!

Attack!

Tomita Shogen! Fight!

Who are you?!

Date Togoro Shigezane!

Where are the second and third guards?

Where's Kawauchi?! ...Matsumoto?!

Probably watching the situation.

Cowards.

Internal unrest had plagued the Ashina.

A power struggle between Yoshihiro's men from Satake...

and the Ashina established retainers.

The seriousness of the rift was revealed at this crucial battle.

The wind has changed!

Good.

My mount!

The enemy's main body is charging!

Push them back!

Go!!

Keep charging!!

Keep charging!!

Prepare to die, Masamune! I'm Kanagami Moriharu!

Stop!

Don't interfere!

Let no man escape!

The wind changed direction in the afternoon, and the situation turned around.

Having lost momentum,

the Ashina ran for their lives.

I haven't lost yet!

It's over!

Back to Kurokawa Castle!

What's that smoke?

The bridge is burning!

The battle for supremacy over Oshu ended in 4 hours.

An overwhelming Date victory,

the Ashina dead numbered 2,500.

Mother!

Rejoice! Brother won a great victory!

Is that true?!

A messenger came!

At Suriagehara, our lord crushed Ashina Yoshihiro!

Brother is truly lord of the Date!

Is he safe?

Of course!

Princess Mego!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

June 10...

Fearing for his life,

Ashina Yoshiaki escaped from Kurokawa Castle...

and returned to his Satake homeland.

Thus, Ashina, the greatest clan of Oshu was destroyed.

June 11, Masamune moved into Kurokawa Castle.

It is commonly believed...

that was when Masamune wrote "Sansa Shigure," song of victory.

Magnificent!

Have you ever seen such a victory?

Like Uesugi Kenshin at Kawanakajima!

No! He's like Oda Nobunaga!

Nobunaga was 27. Our lord is 23!

He is truly the master of Oshu!

The Satake must be astounded!

He came to Inawashiro with lighting speed!

The Date were originally "Idate."

That is why they're "Idaten" lighting fast!

I see.

"Idaten" speedy Date!

Reporting!

Sir Harada Samanosuke is here!

Send him in.

Good work. Come forward.

Men...

Samanosuke was at Hibara Pass.

He defeated the Oshio at Kitagata.

A magnificent feat.

You're right.

So you finally took revenge?

Samanosuke is relentless!

Lord Masamune finds Kurokawa Castle pleasing.

He plans to move here from Yonezawa.

What?!

If anyone objects, feel free to speak.

A fine idea!

Kurokawa is in the center of Oshu.

He can exercise control in four directions.

There can be no better base for the Date.

Tenryosai?

A most capital idea!

You're unusually agreeable.

I would like to say something.

You object, Deibansai?

I am most impressed by your leadership.

Old men like me shouldn't interfere.

I would like to propose a castle renovation.

Renovation?

It should be worthy of the master of Oshu.

Let many workmen make this castle...

larger and sturdier than before.

Splendid idea!

It's not necessary.

I won't be here long.

What do you mean?

The Ashina conquest was merely a trial.

By year's end, I'll defeat the Soma, Satake...

Conquer every clan!

And soar up the Kanto!

Did you hear?! Our lord is a dragon!

A soaring dragon!

From now on, let us call him Masamune, One-eyed Dragon!

One-eyed Dragon... Masamune!

Sir Magobei...

Tomorrow, I leave for Tamura territory under orders.

I know.

I wish to say something to you.

Our duel? I remember.

It was postponed until after we defeated the Ashina.

Please release me from our agreement.

Release?

I received honors and praise from our lord because of you.

All I did was insult you.

I wanted revenge for that.

I vowed to redeem myself and kill you.

Just name the place and time.

I have already lost.

I can never match you in strength of character.

Help me and be my friend.

My head is safe.

Praise the gods.

Take care.

You, too.

The news of the Ashina defeat spread throughout Ou.

And other clans feared young Masamune's ambition.

Masamune's turnaround tactic worked.

His tactic, huh?

He pretended to go south to fight enemy allies,

but he suddenly turned around to Inawashiro.

It was such a daring move,

the Ashina were completely taken by surprise.

Masamune quickly settled in Kurokawa Castle,

and is separating Soma and Iwaki from Tamura lands.

Foolish boy.

He's digging his own grave.

Sire...?

Don't you know...?

Hideyoshi supports the Ashina and Satake.

As regent, Hideyoshi must punish Masamune.

Idiot!

In early July, Hideyoshi's representative...

Kamikoriyama Nakatame came to Kurokawa Castle.

Lord Ashina was courteous to the regent...

and was held in great esteem.

You attacked him for personal motives...

without regent's permission.

Moreover, you took Lord Ashina's castle for your own.

Highly questionable.

The regent is furious.

He demands that you come to Kyoto and explain.

I understand.

Your answer?

I would like to go immediately,

but along the highway...

many armies lie in wait to attack me.

Please tell him that I will send a letter of apology.

This is an order. Please reconsider.

Insolence! He says he'll write!

Lord Shigezane!

I am descended from the Genji.

My grandfather served the Date.

We're aware of that.

For the sake of your clan, heed my warning.

If you do not come to Kyoto and apologize,

the regent will take Kurokawa Castle by force.

Good!

We'll fight Hideyoshi for the honor of Togoku samurai!

You bumpkins do not know true strength.

What?!

Countless daimyo swore allegiance to the regent.

They would make an army of 500,000.

500,000?

If I go to Kyoto, will he allow my conquest of Aizu?

Sire...

I'm asking Nakatame.

I do not know.

However, an heir was born to the regent.

So he is in exceedingly high spirits.

What?

An heir?

In May, his concubine Chacha bore a son.

The child was named Tsurumatsu.

Masamune ignored Hideyoshi's order...

and sent Priest Ryokakuin Eishin with an apology.

Meanwhile, he boldly marched south...

capturing all the castles in south Aizu.

You're going away?

Yes. We are moving into Kurokawa Castle in Aziu.

Kurokawa has a good climate, so Masamune urged us to come.

You shouldn't be happy.

Hideyoshi is furious and wants Masamune to come to Kyoto.

Why won't he apologize and swear allegiance?

The Date have wished to conquer the Ashina for generations.

Why should Kyoto interfere?

Fool!

This no longer concerns just the lords of Ou!

Of course Masamune is courteous towards the regent.

He sends gifts and a representative with them.

But he continues to wage war and is attacking the Satake.

Masamune's true motives are clear!

Think what this will lead to.

This is not merely the Date clan's problem.

This will give Hideyoshi an excuse to conquer Ou!

Warlords involved with Masamune will be destroyed!

The young lord is here.

Yoshiyasu... Come here.

Yes!

It's nice to see you, Aunt.

You've grown to be a fine young man.

Kojiro, your cousin Yoshiyasu is the same age.

Be good friends.

Yes!

Pity, though...

Masamune is reckless and lacks sense.

He refuses to heed my advice.

Pride goes before a fall.

He'll end up with his head cut off!

Brother...

Listen.

The way I see it,

the future of the Date rests with Kojiro.

Join hands with Yoshiyasu and help each other.

I'm glad you've come. I'll give you a sword.

Lord Kojiro...

Masamune's wife, Mego, moved into Kurokawa Castle.

Kojiro also served in the castle.

Lady Yoshi moved into the West Palace, a detached building.

Uncle has been smitten by cowardice.

Do not take Hideyoshi lightly.

I know.

But before Hideyoshi turns to Oshu, it will take time.

I will use that time...

to extend Date power as far as possible.

Fine, but defying the regent will bring self-destruction.

Not necessarily.

If warlords from Kanto and Tohoku will follow me,

even Hideyoshi will not get his way.

You intend to fight him?

I am a man.

To cross swords with the great Hideyoshi...

is the opportunity of a lifetime!

Whether we fight or make peace,

I shall strive to have no regrets!

Are you not light-headed over your victory?

I'll take your advice to heart.

However, Hideyoshi is only a man.

If I humbly bow to him, I'll be disgraced as ruler of Oshu.

Late October...

the Date attacked Sukagawa Castle, base of the Nikaido.

Satake and Iwaki troops were also in Sukawara Castle.

But they could not withstand the Date onslaught,

and the castle fell.

And Masamune's uncle Ishikawa Shikko swore allegiance to him.

And the Date's territory grew to its largest in history.

Masamune ordered Suzuki Shigenobu...

to plan his retainers' mansions.

Inawashiro Morikuni can live here.

300-kan stipend increase.

A great profit for Morikuni!

Harada Samanosuke next door.

Yes.

100-kan increase.

Wait. Shouldn't established vassals get more?

Lord Masamune's orders.

How come?

Where do you want to live, Shigenobu?

I have high expectations.

Tell us.

After defeating the Satake, I want a castle in Kanto.

Big plans.

Let's go on.

January 7, 1590,

the Date held their customary linked verse meeting.

Meanwhile, Hideyoshi had subjugated the western clans.

He was now ready to gain control of Kanto and Tohoku.

Your verse, sire.

As seven herbs in one,

the parsley we pluck.

As seven herbs in one,

the parsley we pluck.

Magnificent!

Most auspicious!

You understand it, Sadatsuna?

"Seven herbs" are the 7 Sendo territories.

Our great victory.

I knew that.

Reporting!

Ryokakuin Eishin has returned from Kyoto!

Send him in.

Happy New Year.

Thanks for your work.

Come forward.

Excuse me.

Was the regent in a good mood?

He has decided to punish Lord Hojo.

He ordered the daimyo to prepare for battle.

What?!

They leave for Odawara next month.

So he's finally coming?

End of Episode Twenty

Historical Information Provided by: Iwakuni History Museum