Original subtitles

Uesugi Kenshin's banner is "Bi,"

Uesugi Kenshin's banner is "Bi,"

taken from "Bishamonten,"

God of war, justice, and law.

Why did Kenshin use "Bi" on his banner?

Why did Kenshin use "Bi" on his banner? "Bishamonten" was the heavenly god of the north,

"Bishamonten" was the heavenly god of the north,

and the deity that protected mortals from evil.

For Kenshin, the "senkoku" or warring era was...

a dark era in which evil prevailed.

As the Lord of Echigo of the north,

Kenshin believed he was the reincarnation of "Bishamonten."

For Kenshin, "Bi" was an unshakeable slogan.

Takeda Shingen

Episode 21 : "Kagetora's Disappearance "

Screenplay: Tamukai Masatake

Original Story: Nitta Jiro

Music: Yamamoto Naozumi

Original Subtitles TV Network Japan

Transcribed and Edited Subtitles Kame Fansubs

Narrator: Wakao Ayako

CAST

Takeda Harunobu NAKAl KllCHl

Nagao Kagetora SHlBATA KYOHEl

Lady Sanjo KONNO MlSAKO

Satomi DAlCHl MAO

Eri lTEGAMl KlMlKO

Hara Toratane SHlSHlDO JO

Hara Toratane SHlSHlDO JO Obu Toramasa KODAMA KlYOSHl

Obu Toramasa KODAMA KlYOSHl

Hara Masatoshi KOBAYASHl KATSUYA

Obu Saburobyoei SHlNODA SABURO

Kasuga Danjo (Gensuke) MURAKAMl HlROAKl

Sanada Yukitaka HASHlZUME lSAO

Priest Gishu NAlTO TAKETOSHl

Okuma Tomohide KATSUNO HlROSHl

Kurashina Saburozaemon HAMAMURA JUN

Naoe Sanetsuna UTSUl KEN

Yae OGAWA MAYUMl

Yamamoto Kansuke NlSHlDA TOSHlYUKl

Producer: Murakami Satoshi

Director: Shigemitsu Yukihiko

Ten odd years later, my son Harunobu...

continued the construction extending from...

the Midai River to the Kamanashi River.

The flow of the Midai River is under control now.

The first through fifth inner embankments should hold.

We divided the flow to create a smaller stream,

flowing from the main stream into the fields.

The once barren land is now changing into fertile land.

Since the construction on the Kamanashi River is behind,

we should hurry.

The flow of the Kamanshi River is weakened...

by hitting against the red stones,

but it will carry loose rocks and build a shoal.

Wouldn't it raise the water level even higher?

Yes. So we will raise the embankments a few levels,

thicken them and plant bamboo on top.

With bamboo thickets,

the roots will hold the levee firmly and strongly.

An excellent plan...

but, it seems like it will take a long time to complete.

Yes, it will take a few more years.

Without the flooding, we will see lots of rice,

stretching endlessly in this area.

Yes. The ripe heads of rice will wave in the wind.

You there, halt.

Are you speaking to me?

That's right.

What is it?

How dare you overtake me?

What?

Such behavior shows your disrespect.

Step back behind me.

What a strange thing to say.

Don't you know how to speak properly?

Use terms of respect to your superiors.

Who are you?

Insolence!

Sir Kurashina, you are on castle grounds.

Please sheathe your sword.

Silence! Stay out of this, lad!

Are you the highly-rumored Kurashina Saburozaemon?

Please pardon my rudeness.

I apologize for not identifying myself earlier.

I am Sanada Danjonojo Yukitaka.

I am Sanada Danjonojo Yukitaka.

Sanada, whose standard has the mark of six coins?

Yes, that is right.

That mustache suits your standard well!

What is so funny?

You seem younger each time I see you.

It's been 10 years since I turned 60.

I have lived to a ripe age.

My youth is due to Providence.

I do not know how many thousands of years I will live.

His longevity is due to Chinese medicine.

Chinese medicine?

I drink a mixture of powdered pit viper,

gecko, and lizard every morning and night.

Lord Harunobu, why don't you try it too?

I don't think so.

If you take it every morning and night,

you will have a lizard-face like him.

What are you saying?

Such pertness keeps you from conceiving a child.

A child is a gift of God.

I summoned you for a reason.

Should we pray to have Satomi blessed with a child?

No, that is not it.

Lately, the castle has been thronged with people.

Outside visitors are increasing in number.

With more people, there will be more incidents of fire,

business strife and theft.

I want you to form a night watch to make rounds.

No one is better suited for the task than Kurashina Saburozaemon.

I gratefully accept the task.

We have conquered Kiso.

Only inner Shinano, which is adjacent to Echigo, remains.

For that, spread rumors that we will send troops...

to the borders of Echigo to keep Nagao Kagetora there.

Echigo is presently in turmoil,

with clans having disputes over territory.

Pour oil onto those flames.

Undermine Kagetora's strength without fighting a battle.

Bishamonten, Divine God of War...

grant me strength.

Banish all foolish warring in my territory.

Those people cannot see your image.

Please show you almighty powers to open their eyes.

As it is, evil brims over in this world,

and raises black smoke to heaven.

If you grant me thy strength,

then I will work as thy army,

and fly a standard bearing thy name.

We will swing the sword of righteousness.

We will rid this world of evil.

I beseech you to grant me the strength to win.

What do you take our Lord's words for?!

The territory dispute in Shimodaira has worsened.

Are you still taking sides?!

Are you still in disagreement?!

In the first place, this is not a mere dispute over territory,

but comes from a deep-seated grudge...

The Lord has ordered that disputes to halt immediately.

Say nothing until you have fulfilled that task.

Say nothing until you have fulfilled that task. Allow me to speak.

Allow me to speak.

We are not standing idle out of choice.

The territorial disputes actually started...

when his Lordship collected large sums of money...

from the clans when he went to Kyoto, the capital.

How dare you say that?!

The Lord's trip to the capital reflects honor to Echigo.

If you cannot convince the clans of that,

the disputes cannot be ended.

The Lord has confined himself to Bishamon Hall,

and is praying for the end of wars all day long.

True, the Lord might be a little eccentric,

but, you should be well aware that the Lord...

is not doing this for personal gain.

The Lord sincerely wishes for the world...

to become pure and beautiful.

The future of Echigo can be entrusted...

in no one but our leader.

Don't ever forget that.

First, we will instigate Lord Okuma Tomohide...

of Mikamuri Castle in Echigo to revolt.

Kansuke, have all the arrangements been made?

Yes. Okuma is certain to raise his army before summer.

Next, Sanada?

I will follow Lord Okuma and attack Amakazari Castle.

If you can subdue Amakazari Castle,

we can secure our path from Jizo mountain pass to Kawanakajima.

Meanwhile, we will march on lna with Harami's troops,

and set forth to harass them.

After lna, only Echigo is left to subdue.

At that point, victory is as good as ours.

If we continue pressing Echigo in this manner,

it will surely anger Nagao Kagetora.

It will undoubtedly lead him to wage a major war.

Therefore, our army must prepare for that.

Allow me to speak.

Regarding the Katsureyama Castle campaign,

I would like to apply once again for funds.

Tell Nobukado how much you need.

By when do you think you can capture that castle?

Fall, at latest.

If we can capture Katsureyama Castle,

that religious zealot Kagetora won't be able...

to enter Zenkoji Temple ever again!

In return, you will cause Lord Nagao's anger to explode.

Kawanakajima will turn into a very bloody battlefield.

His Lordship can't possibly have disappeared.

Search the castle grounds thoroughly.

However, don't speak to anyone about this.

I hope nothing bad happens.

Reporting.

When I just went to the rear gate,

the sentry reported seeing a monk walking out earlier.

Didn't the sentry see his face?

No, he was wearing a bamboo hat.

Though it was only a monk,

how could he permit him to leave without checking?

It was undoubtedly the Lord.

The Lord has been troubled night and day these past six months.

There are too many working for their personal greed!

Don't raise your voice. Saddle my horse.

Let me accompany you.

No one must find out that the Lord has left the castle alone.

Should this leak out,

the enemy's trumpet will call out troops from all directions.

The Lord has confined himself to Bishamon Hall.

We do not know when he will come out.

Order everyone to keep away till then.

If he is dressed as a monk, he is heading for Mt. Hiei.

Will you set forth for Kyoto?

It is very unusual indeed,

for you to come during the day.

Do you bring good news today?

No, I have something to inquire of you.

Yes.

Doesn't your younger sister have ties with Hongan-ji?

Yes, she is married to Lord Kennyo,

the head of Hongan-ji Temple.

Are you close to your sister?

Yes, we are very close.

Is that so?

When... will you be going to Kyoto?

I have no intentions of doing anything so absurd.

I thought if he was connected to Hongan-ji,

perhaps I should send him a letter of greeting.

I will not tell anyone. It will only be between us.

Please tell me when you plan to go?

I said I was not going.

Only foolhardy people aim to conquer the country.

Then, allow me to speak.

Kyoto is in chaos.

The Shogun lacks power.

The rebels are doing as they please with the land.

If you go to Kyoto at a time like this,

the Emperor will be overjoyed without a doubt.

Also, young Lord Yoshinobu was appointed...

as the Third Governor-General last year.

There is no one to fear now.

With your power and Lord Yoshinobu's lineage,

the nation is made to be conquered by you.

Head for Kyoto right away. The time is ripe.

Apparently, you want to return to Kyoto very badly.

My Lord, please understand my feelings.

I came to Kai prepared to die here.

I only wish to see the world realize your power.

The nation is waiting for you.

I am honored to hear those words from you.

I thank you for hearing me out.

Are you leaving already?

Will you be coming tonight?

No, I cannot. My army has started its attack on lna.

I don't know when I might have to depart for war.

I pray for your victory.

I must speak with you.

What's wrong?

My gout is a bit...

Is it time to retire?

So it seems.

If it hurts, you may stretch out your legs.

With an aching leg, you cannot think as well.

Go ahead.

I wanted to speak with you,

about forming a fresh army.

As you have said, there will undoubtedly be a time...

when we will have to battle Kagetora's army head-on.

I want to prepare for that event.

Unless we defeat his army,

we can never move on from Shinano.

Kagetora is known for his excellent military skills.

His movements are as swift as the wind.

What is his strength?

Perhaps, it lies in his lack of greed.

He fought with Hojo to assist Kanto Governor-General Uesuji Norimasa.

He battled in Shinano...

to aid Murakami Yoshikiyo and Ogasawara Nagatorki.

At the end of each battle,

he always withdraws to Echigo.

If one fights to aid another, God will be on his side.

Are you saying that we don't have God's blessings?

I cannot say.

War cannot be conducted while thinking about God.

I fight so Kai can survive.

Not to receive God's blessing!

God will eventually pass judgment on my actions.

But, until that day, I will keep fighting.

Even if God should ally Himself with Kagetora.

You there. Face me.

You heard me! Face me!

Are you talking to me?

Yes, that's right!

It is too dark her to see your face. Come outside!

What do you want with me?

Just go quietly!

I'll look at your face by moonlight. Stand.

Sit there.

Raise your face and look at the moon.

Aren't you Nagao Kagetora? Answer me!

Yes, that's right. My name was Nagao Kagetora 3 days ago.

But now, I am just a monk heading for Mt. Hiei.

Let me go.

Silence! This is excellent work!

Anyone would pay handsomely for his head.

That's Nagao Kagetora?

Why, he is just a stripling.

Kagetora, smell by buttocks.

Stop right there! I'll kill him.

He is so arrogant, he doesn't flinch at death.

I will see how long that will last!

I will cut off your hands and feet one by one.

And then finally your head.

If you fear for your life, scream.

First, your left hand. Someone hold him down.

Go!

Lord!

Lord!

I shall not kill!

Lord!

I am a monk. Don't come near me.

Why do you draw me back?

Why do you make me kill?

I will repeat it as many times as necessary.

A feudal lord is not allowed to act willfully.

Even if the country is in decline,

and you are surrounded by traitors,

you have mixed up your priorities by willfully leaving,

when you are the province's lord and keeper.

Doesn't it work against your desire to make...

this world into a beautiful place to live?

I fought to unify Echigo,

and set forth an example for the country.

However, greed remained in the retainers and the clans.

They continue to fight day in and day out.

You must know the pains I went through because of them.

Has anyone at anytime set aside his self-interest...

to seriously think about the country's future?

There has been no one.

Like greedy monkeys, they go to whomever that offers...

them money and betrays their country without blinking an eye.

Why must I deal with people like that?

Make the country befitting for those monkeys.

Let this land of fat monkeys go to ruin.

I won't lend a hand to such scoundrels.

I will climb up Mt. Hiei and enter the priesthood.

Then, who will give guidance to the commoners of Echigo?

Most of the retainers and commoners...

are protecting their country, tilling their fields...

and earning their daily bread the best they can.

Will you forsake them to enter the priesthood?

If you abandon Echigo, the Hojo and Takeda...

will attack and take Echigo in a moment.

Please remain for the sake of Echigo.

We won't let your anger go unnoticed.

We will slay those greedy scoundrels without mercy.

Please think of your duty as a lord...

as a way of serving God.

The way of Buddha does not lie at Mt. Hiei,

but in the rough hands of the farmers.

You can also find it in the cries of infants.

I beseech you...

By you leave,

I, Kikumaru, no matter what happens,

vow on my blood to live and die with my lord.

My son Harunobu and Nagao Kagetora are as different...

as water and oil, but very alike in the sense that...

they had to live as lords of their domains.

Kagetora dreamt of creating a beautiful flow in this world.

On the other hand, Harunobu overcame his father,

and was attempting to rise beyond his province.

When I think back now, he might have been...

thinking of going to Kyoto by this time,

in spite of my attempts to stop him.

During the summer of this year, the Takeda army...

attacked lna and even felled Amakazari Castle.

What dirty scoundrels!

Why do you pay them and make them betray?

Fight face-to-face like a true warrior!

Okuma Tomohide, how wretched can you be?

If you needed money, you should have told me.

I would have granted as much as you wanted.

Takeda Harunobu...

the wretch that despoils the hearts of people.

I will show you the powers of righteousness!

Naoe!

Human hearts are not as pure as you claim.

Have the retainers and clans pledge their loyalty to us.

Have them write it down on paper that if they ever...

turn against us, they will give up their lives willingly.

I won't ever believe in people again.

Even if we turn on him,

we cannot take Echigo from Lord Nagao.

He is possessed by Bishamonten (God of War).

The flag with its emblem flies where he stands.

It seems as if the army of Bishamonten is advancing.

While I was an ally of his, I didn't notice...

how fearful an enemy he can be.

If at all possible, I don't want to run into him again.

Will Nagao Kagetora wage an all-out war with us?

Yes, definitely. Please be on your guard.

I see that you regret turning against him.

No, my lord.

Rest well.

At this point, you cannot return to Echigo.

My province, Kai, is a nice place to live.

Live in this province as my retainer.

Phantom, you cannot pass.

Leave these woods instantly.

I am the younger brother of Obu Toramasa.

I am Obu Saburobei.

Hearing rumors that a phantom appears...

in these woods on moonlit nights,

I swore on my sword that I would get rid of it.

Phantom, my brother shall not see you again!

Before the moon is hidden by the clouds,

Ieave these woods and never return again.

If you should...

I will take your life!

That year, Jiro left Chozenji to train at Mt. Hiei.

Though he was still young,

everyone must take a trip some time in their life.

Thus, my son Harunobu could only see him off quietly.

I must live in this world,

but, you should strive for beautiful things.

Yes.

The child is not as weak as the parent thinks.

You do not need to worry.

Forgive me.

This maiden is Eri, daughter of retainer Aburakawa Nobutomo.

Eri will soon become my son Harunobu's concubine.

We shall end here for tonight.

To be continued.

To be continued.