Original subtitles

KINMON INCIDENT

The "Kinmon Incident" lasted three days.

It occurred between July 19 and 21 of the first year of the Genji Era [1864].

The battle was a major defeat for the Choshu domain

at the hands of the Aizu and Satsuma domains.

Shortly before that event,

two Portuguese YOKOHAMA

landed in Yokohama, the only port, besides Nagasaki,

that was open to the world.

YOKOHAMA HOTEL

Hi, hi! How are you!

- Oh, a souvenir from Japan? - No!

Come on!

Hey! What do you mean?

Who does he think he is?

Disgusting foreigner! I don't need you!

To hell with you!

Would you like to buy a souvenir?

Empty…

Excuse me!

What's the rush? Don't interfere with my business!

Souvenirs from Mount Fuji, from the geishas!

Excuse me! I sell them very cheap!

But what is this? Still sleeping?

The Portuguese sure are lazy!

Come on, come on! Let's go!

Hey! Surely you want an ukiyo-e by Utamaro.

- Get out! - Ouch!

Troublemakers! MONTA INOUE, (LATER, KAORU) SAMURAI OF CHOSHU

Monta Inoue.

Shunsuke Ito. (LATER, HIROBUMI) SAMURAI OF CHOSHU

A year ago, both secretly left Japan and headed to London.

However, upon learning that a fleet of four countries

would launch an attack against Choshu,

they decided to return immediately.

Don't worry, it's me. ERNEST SATOW, INTERPRETER FOR THE BRITISH LEGATION

- Oh! - Wow!

Rejoice! I arranged for your trip to Choshu.

- Oh! For when? - Tonight.

And what do we know about the fleet?

They will be in Choshu in four days.

Oh! Shunsuke!

We'll arrive in time! And stop the war!

- So glad we came back! - I told you!

"How will these two be received upon their return to Choshu?"

That's what Ernest Satow wrote in his diary.

CHOSHU, MITAJIRI GOVERNMENT OFFICE

- Mr. Yukawa… - It's time to depart to Osaka!

Don't forget anything!

For the last time,

check everything very carefully!

- Ready? - We are missing Ogori's rice. HEIGO YUKAWA, TREASURER OF THE MITAJIRI GOVERNMENT OFFICE

Okay!

Tell the captain there's no time for that. We will leave!

- But… - Do it! I will take responsibility!

If we lose the battle, it will be the end of our domain!

We already have ammunition.

There is food in Kyoto and Osaka!

- Hurry! - Okay!

Let's go!

- We caught a suspect! - Who is it?

We found them snooping in the ship's cargo.

- We think he's a shogunate spy. - What?

Get up!

- Yukawa… - Huh?

You are

Heigo Yukawa, aren't you?

I'm

Monta!

Oh! Mr. Inoue!

Quick! A palanquin! I must deliver a message!

If we don't hurry, they will attack us!

Calm down, Mr. Inoue!

We will attack Kyoto first!

- Right? - Right!

Idiots!

- The attack comes from abroad! - Huh?

An allied foreign fleet is approaching!

Hurry!

Hurry! Bring me a palanquin!

PALANQUIN

Monta.

You come from far away, right?

You say YAMAGUCHI, HIGH COMMAND COUNCIL, MORI CLAN

a joint fleet is coming to Nagasaki.

Do you have any countermeasure for that?

I don't have one!

Countermeasures are useless.

If it's a war, we will surely lose.

KUNINOSUKE YAMATO, SAMURAI OF CHOSHU

It's clear you know nothing.

We were defeated once. But now it's different!

Do you think we haven't improved?

We have artillery as a defense from the coast.

In Maeda, we have 24 cannons of 18, 24, and 80 pounds.

In Tanoura, there are 14 cannons of 30 pounds

and in Suzaki, nine mortars.

- All that will be useless! - What did you say!

Don't claim that without seeing… KURATA WATANABE, OFFICIAL IN CHOSHU

Well, I did.

My eyes have witnessed foreign power.

I was in a city ten times larger than Edo or Osaka.

They have machines that send messages

hundreds of kilometers through cables.

There are iron boxes that speed on pathways called "rails."

They use "tunnels" that go through mountains.

Four countries

that strong united. TAKACHIKA MORI, LORD OF CHOSHU

Furthermore, they agreed to divide BIZEN SHISHIDO, KARO OF THE CHOSHU DOMAIN

the territory MAGOEMON MAEDA, JIKI OMETSUKE

and the goods

of our domain!

After hearing this, will you continue with that?

- Of course! - Kurata!

We are leading a change in the country.

We won't stop sending troops to Kyoto!

It makes no sense to trust a coward

who changes ideas after being scared by foreigners!

Perhaps you don't understand,

but we will expel the barbarians.

We will send our troops to Kyoto.

Despite what you say, our policy won't change.

I understand what you say,

but you must believe me.

You can't ignore me.

It's a mistake to prioritize the survival of our domain.

¡Monta!

- You talked too much! - Shut up!

You only speak out of ignorance!

Bastard!

Do you want to fight?

- Then so be it! - Stop!

- You will pay! - What did you say?

- Calm down! - Let me go!

- I'm not done with you! - Calm down!

That fool!

Let me go!

- Leave the city! - Or you will have to commit seppuku!

Leave quickly!

It's the best for you! Listen to us!

Urgent news!

Urgent news!

Urgent news!

Urgent news! Urgent news!

Let me speak!

The allied forces

withdrew after losing at Hamagurigomon [Kinmon].

However, afterward a report came that surprised everyone even more.

Unidentified warships gathered off the coast of Hikojima.

It was the British ironclad "Euryalus," leading

the fleet of England, France, the Netherlands, and the United States.

They had 288 cannons on their 18 ships…

and it was considered the largest fleet

in the western seas.

They are ships!

- Warships! - Many of them!

- Foreign ships! - Many ships!

- Hey, look! - Ships! Ships!

- Black ships! - Are they going to attack us?

- Aren't there more than 15? - For sure!

Monta, why are you taking so long?

- They are almost here! - Yes!

Stop! Stop!

Takasugi!

- Weren't you in jail? - Get on!

I just arrived from London with Inoue.

I know! I also heard about Kinmon and the fleet in Shikoku! SHINSAKU TAKASUGI, SAMURAI OF CHOSHU

The lord of Choshu called me. Get on.

Yes!

Go!

KIHEITAI [Irregular militia]

- Expel the barbarians! - What?

- What will we do now? - We will expel the barbarians!

- Yes! Let's go! - Let's finish them!

Do you want to fight?

Are you in your right mind?

Did you hit your head

while you were incarcerated?

It's you who was affected by your time abroad.

Monta.

Even if the fleet at Shikoku defeats us, Choshu shall not be destroyed!

- How ignorant and stubborn! - That's right.

We of Choshu are like that.

I hope with every shot from the Armstrong cannons,

the stronghold we have on the expulsion gets destroyed.

There is no…

other way to awaken.

Takasugi! Did you change your mind?

Do you think the best course of action is the opening of the country?

But to achieve that, something must happen first.

What do you mean?

End the shogunate.

That's my primary objective.

And to achieve it, there must be confrontation

against the fleet at Shikoku.

Monta.

Join those who support the expulsion.

I ask you to

participate in the battle against the enemy ships.

Lead from the front and guide our men.

If you do,

the Choshu that perished at Kinmon will survive!

Burning in flames and surviving…

is the only way to progress!

Just a moment ago…

I misspoke.

If you…

are prepared

to lead us into battle,

I, Monta Inoue,

how could I disregard your decisions?

I'm prepared to die first!

Monta!

Very well. You have reflected.

From now on, all of Choshu is united again!

I appreciate your attitude!

So, we will attack

the enemy fleet with all our might.

First of all,

Takasugi will be a policy advisor.

Fine, I agree.

Shunsuke Ito will depart to Shimonoseki.

- He will interrogate war prisoners. - Great.

In the rare case

that the enemy invades the mainland,

Ogori will be the next battlefield.

In anticipation of that,

Monta Inoue will be appointed as daikan there. [Governor]

- Good, agreed. - I must refuse!

Monta!

It's unworthy not to be on the front lines.

I implore you,

send me to Shimonoseki!

Accept the position!

As daikan, you would have resources.

We need money and weapons.

Don't hesitate and accept at once!

I will go to Ogori!

Fine, it shall be as so.

BAKAN STRAIT [Strait of Shimonoseki]

According to records, the fleet of 18 ships from four countries,

opened fire at 4:10 p.m. FIRST YEAR OF GENJI ERA

on August 5th of the first year of the Genji Era [1864]. AUGUST 5, 4:10 P.M.

After 50 minutes of bombardment,

all cannons in Choshu had fallen silent.

The first day of the war was very short.

Hurry up!

Get to work! Let's go!

Move faster! Let's go!

What on earth are you doing?

I said hurry!

Are we firing?

They are laughing at us.

Impossible. They are out of our range.

Do you hear something?

"EURYALUS", BRITISH IRONCLAD

On August 6th,

the fierce naval gunfire was heard from dawn.

Soon, about 1900 troops

landed on the mainland at Maeda.

You heard! Hurry up!

Don't waste time!

Taketo!

- Yes! - Are you here, Taketo?

Kyosuke!

What took you so long?

- We will retreat! - What?

We are no match for them.

They will go after us.

- So let's go! - Wait!

- I won't leave my subordinates! - Subordinates?

Ah! The farmers?

Peasants?

- They are worthless. Leave them. - We can't!

Kyosuke, are you alright?

You care because they are from the Kiheitai. [Irregular Militia]

- A peasant is a peasant! - They are subordinates!

Do whatever you want!

We are leaving!

Wait!

What are you doing? TAKETO AKANE, SAMURAI OF CHOSHU

We will keep fighting!

We won't leave them!

Don't get in the way!

Hey! Are you coming? KYOSUKE YAMAGATA (LATER, ARITOMO) SAMURAI OF CHOSHU

- Yes! - We will go!

Good!

Let's go!

Just fire! It doesn't matter if you hit us!

Don't stop!

- Attack! - Yes!

Fire!

I did it…

I did it!

I took down the enemy general!

Did you see?

- Hey! - Mokusuke!

- Mokusuke! - You got hit!

Mokusuke!

Damn it!

COMBINED TROOPS: EIGHT DEAD, 30 INJURED CHOSHU DOMAIN: 15 DEAD, MANY INJURED

OGORI

Do you disagree?

Monta!

I object.

May I know why?

It's essential to negotiate peace.

I refuse to be a messenger!

- Monta! - Kurata…

Remember when I said we shouldn't fight?

And who insisted

on attacking under the ideals of expulsion?

- It was different! - That's right!

Using Kinmon as an excuse,

the shogunate could suddenly attack us.

We can't fight on two fronts at once!

You are familiar with the British.

Please go with Shunsuke Ito, and settle this!

I beg you! It's the only way!

If you are asked to bow your head, do it. SADAHIRO MORI, HEIR TO THE CHOSHU DOMAIN

There is one thing

I would like to clarify.

What is it?

I have traveled across the seven seas,

but I have no experience with enemies.

If I'm to seek a peace agreement, I must prepare myself adequately!

Teach me how to conduct…

a negotiation.

Be flexible.

It's a winning formula.

Negotiating means…

- deceiving. - Deceiving?

But what are you saying?

No way!

I refuse!

Listen to me!

They won't trust us if they see exaggerated kindness in us!

A dog won't approach a stranger just because he waves his hand!

They are smart.

Aware of our ideas, they will think,

"A truce! They'll avoid conflict until they defeat the shogunate."

They are civilized people, accustomed to negotiating!

They would uncover a deception!

I have no intention of being embarrassed!

I understand!

I was wrong.

Then,

you must negotiate sincerely.

If that's the case,

I will accept the role.

However!

To act honestly,

I want certainty that you will reject the imperial decree…

to expel the barbarians.

Are you asking me to disobey the emperor?

To earn the trust of foreign countries

you must be firm.

By doing so, Choshu will abandon the anti-foreigner ideology.

Do you promise to bow to the emperor when…

he regains power,

and ask him to revoke the edict against the barbarians?

All right.

One last request.

To succeed in the negotiation,

someone of the karo's rank [Karo: assistant to the daimyo]

must be present.

But, honestly, I don't think he has the skills

to communicate with them…

Why are you looking at me?

Let's replace the karo.

Replace me?

I have the perfect man for the role.

We will make him the heir

- of the Shishido family of Choshu. - M… my

my heir?

Of course, it will only be in name.

Inoue! Ito!

- You are alive! - I knew it!

We hoped to find you here!

You saved us. We can speak in Japanese.

Don't tell me you planned to conduct the negotiation in English?

How terrifying that would be!

Commander Alexander! They are here to negotiate.

We will introduce ourselves.

My name is Gyoma,

heir of Bizen Shishido, karo of Choshu.

As my father is quite old, I came to represent him.

I would like to meet with the admiral.

The victory of this battle is ours.

Do you acknowledge it?

Wait…

- Admitting defeat from the start… - Be quiet, I'm in charge.

Then, we shall discuss the conditions for peace.

Do you agree?

Our demands have three conditions.

The first one.

To completely destroy the cannons deployed…

over the Strait of Bakan.

The second one.

That, from now on, all foreign vessels

passing through the strait receive supplies of fresh water,

coal, and food at reasonable prices.

Hey, is "yes" the only word you know?

The third

and last one,

you must pay three million dollars as compensation.

He didn't say 300, but three million!

I know! Stay out of it!

However, the Choshu domain won't be the one to pay you.

The shogun will.

That is, the Tokugawa shogunate.

The shogun

promised the emperor to expel the foreigners.

In line with that promise,

we received the order to destroy your ships.

Our attack was not of our initiative.

Therefore, there is no reason for Choshu to pay.

We can't accept that theory.

But we offer you this.

Instead of having Edo bear the cost

of the compensation,

you will lease Hikojima to us, located in this strait.

No!

Mr. Shishido.

You admitted defeat from the beginning.

- Even so… - I acknowledged yesterday's defeat.

We will win from now on!

I refuse to lease a single island in this strait.

I know what will happen if I lend my territory to foreigners.

In Shanghai, I witnessed what you are capable of.

I refuse!

- No! - No need to keep talking!

If you are not satisfied, attack us anytime!

Land on our shores!

Choshu is vast!

We will fight until not a single soldier is left

in our land of 360,000 koku. [Koku: measure of wealth in rice]

All conflicts, including the disagreement over compensation,

were related to the Tokugawa shogunate in Edo.

Finally, a peace agreement was reached, and Ito traveled to Yokohama.

ONE WEEK LATER

I personally oversaw today's dishes.

You will forever remember your first meal made by Japanese hands.

Enjoy it with your heart.

Oh! And you will use

the Japanese knife

and fork.

You know, Ito,

I'm truly glad we encountered each other in battle.

Until now, we always believed all of Japan was controlled by the shogun.

But we were wrong.

We now understand

that we must also converse with you.

I'm glad to hear that!

Eh, isn't Mr. Shishido coming today?

Oh, I invited him, but

unfortunately, he had something to attend to.

Ah, I see.

He's an important person.

He must be very busy, right?

Go ahead! Help yourself!

SHIMONOSEKI

ONE

It's you…

I see…

So you didn't adjust to Kyoto.

That's right.

After that, I returned immediately to Shimonoseki.

After all,

there is no better place than where I was born.

And suddenly,

I heard news…

about your stay here, my famous Mr. Takasugi.

I was very surprised!

I thought if you were in Shimonoseki,

I would definitely see you again.

I longed for us to…

meet once more.

I wished to thank you.

No, rather, it's I who feels gratitude.

I was never courteous enough…

to repay you for the nights you spent with me.

By the way, is there anything you wish for?

Really?

- Even if it seems impossible? - Yes.

- Really? - Yes.

Actually,

I would like to meet a person.

No, I suppose it will suffice

to see them from afar.

It's about a high-ranking samurai.

I'm content just to see what they are like.

Do you think I could?

You are quite infatuated, right?

I get excited just thinking about his name.

I beg you!

If it's the lord of Choshu, it's impossible.

Well, he's not someone that unattainable.

Fine!

Tell me his name!

Who is this samurai?

- The heir son of the karo. - Huh?

Lord Gyoma Shishido.

What's the matter?

Noth… nothing,

I was just surprised it was him.

I heard that

the black ships will leave tomorrow.

Everyone says it's thanks to Lord Gyoma.

- Indeed… - Wearing a big hat…

he boarded one of the black ships

and saved Shimonoseki from destruction.

Everyone is crazy about that man!

I see…

I'm so jealous!

And…

will you fulfill your offer?

I'm sorry.

It's impossible.

Can't you do anything?

No,

that man is very busy.

Even I can't see him often.

Give up.

I understand…

Apologies, I got your hopes up in vain.

I asked for the impossible.

Disappointed?

Not really…

We are accustomed to not having grand aspirations.

Well!

How about we leave the sadness behind!

Let's have fun!

"I wish I could kill

all the crows in the world…

so I could sleep all morning

with you." [Poem attributed to Shinsaku Takasugi]

Tell me,

what's your name?

- My name is Konoi. - I mean your real name.

My name is Uno.

Uno…

What if I told you that I'm Gyoma Shishido?

What?

Are you

serious?

Lies!

That's a lie!

A lie!

Since that time

in Kyoto…

No!

It must be a lie!

To us…

- things like this don't happen… - Enough!

Say no more!

After their victory at Hamagurigomon, the shogunate OSAKA CASTLE

responded with a heavy hand.

First, they destroyed the residences

of the Choshu domain in Edo and Osaka.

In Kyoto, they pursued the emperor's loyalists. YOSHINOBU HITOTSUBASHI, GUARDIAN OF THE SHOGUN

Prepare yourself, Katsura!

KOGORO KATSURA, SAMURAI OF CHOSHU DOMAIN (LATER, TAKAYOSHI KIDO)

- Don't let him escape! - Come on!

Chase him! After him!

IKUMATSU (LATER, MATSUKO KIDO)

If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me.

- Did Katsura come by? - No.

Please, ask a more serious question.

You've been looking for him for days and still haven't found him.

Mr. Nagakura, you must know he's not here.

Stand aside!

SHINPACHI NAGAKURA, MEMBER OF THE SHINSENGUMI [A police force]

- He's gone, right? - Yes.

Madam. Sister.

- Thank you very much! - What do you mean!

You worked so diligently all this time!

It's the least we could do.

Quickly! Be careful, all right?

Hurry up!

Thank you very much!

Where did you sleep these days?

You said you'd be fine, but I was very worried.

I didn't want to involve you in this,

but I ended up doing so.

And, tell me,

what do you plan to do now?

I can't stay in Kyoto.

Where will you go?

- Do you remember Jinsuke? - Yes, of course.

If I'm not mistaken, he's from Tajima.

That's correct.

Specifically, from the Izushi domain…

Don't tell me…

- you'll turn to someone so unreliable. - Is that it?

Yes! Well, that's my impression.

- Nobody would trust him… - For that reason…

neither the shoshidai nor the shinsengumi will look for me there. [Representative of the shogun in Kyoto]

KINOSAKI ONSEN [Healing hot springs]

Are you done?

Ah, again?

He never eats what I bring him.

Don't you like the food I prepared for you?

No, that's not it.

I have many things on my mind.

Like what?

They involve my friends.

Many people close to me have died.

And, what caused it?

Some epidemic?

None of that.

You could say

that I myself did it.

Please,

try to cheer up, okay?

Thank you.

Tomorrow you will leave for Izushi, right?

Yes…

Come visit us another day, will you?

There are only hot springs,

but Kinosaki is a peaceful and pleasant place.

I will.

From now on, I will have no friends

and will live alone in Izushi.

From time to time, I will come.

I will be waiting.

Tell me.

Would you like to live with me?

Sir, how amusing of you to say such a thing!

You surprised me!

I rejoice to see you in a better mood.

Don't hesitate to come whenever you like.

On October 22nd of the first year of the Genji Era [1864],

the shogunate decided to wipe out Choshu.

They issued the order to conquer and eradicate all anti-shogunate forces.

Yoshikatsu Tokugawa, Lord of Owari, was named expedition leader.

Mochiaki Matsudaira, Lord of Fukui,

was second in command.

21 feudal domains from eastern Japan

formed an army of more than 150 000 people.

On the other hand, the Choshu domain… HAGI - CHOSHU

divided into a progressive faction and a conservative one.

The Yamaguchi-based progressives declared YAMAGUCHI

that they would fight to the last drop of blood

if the shogunate threatened them.

They were led by Masanosuke Sufu, Shinsaku Takasugi, MASANOSUKE SUFU, OFFICIAL OF THE CHOSHU DOMAIN

Monta Inoue

and other members of the Shokasonjuku Academy. [Founded by Shoin Yoshida]

The conservatives were based in Hagi. HAGI

They worried about Choshu's extinction, hence proposed surrender. TOTA MUKUNASHI, OFFICIAL OF THE CHOSHU DOMAIN

Among them were most of the high-ranking samurai.

There were heated debates

between both factions to determine the domain's leadership.

Finally,

the conservatives prevailed.

Immediately, a group was organized with Choshu's strongest men…

to transfer the domain's heir from Yamaguchi to Hagi.

- Sir! - Don't approach!

We conservatives consider you…

a traitor to our clan!

Shame on you!

You are the one who should feel ashamed!

Enough! Step back!

Back off!

- Young master! - Step back!

Disrespectful!

Sir!

- Sir! - Sir!

Young master!

Young master!

KIKU-HAGI TOWN

Dear, if you don't need me anymore, I will go rest early.

Come in!

Yes!

Oh!

How do I look?

Eh?

Tell me what you think.

Well,

you look like a peas…

no, a peddler.

Perfect.

- I don't look like a samurai. - No.

I will be away for a while.

Where? When will you be back?

I don't know when,

but, I don't think it will be soon.

As for the place,

it's better you don't know.

Take care of…

my father.

I'm sorry to make you suffer…

Forgive me.

Dear!

MASA TAKASUGI WIFE OF SHINSAKU TAKASUGI

Masa!

Let him go…

I beg you.

Mr. Takasugi!

Open up!

Open the door right now!

All this noise at night! Leave immediately! KOCHUTA TAKASUGI, FATHER OF SHINSAKU TAKASUGI

TAKASUGI

Why have you come?

We will take your son to the castle.

You can't refuse.

This is a superior order.

Shinsaku left at dusk.

He hasn't returned.

- Let me in. - No!

Even though we have lost power,

the Takasugi family always served the Mori clan!

I won't allow

you to inspect my house at night!

You will wait until my son returns!

I told you it's an order!

Very well…

Then,

tell our master

that Shinsaku is absent.

I don't need to say it,

but if I discover…

that such an order comes from someone else,

we will retaliate.

Masa married at a very young age.

She had a short and unfortunate marriage, for Shinsaku

was often absent.

What!

You are fools!

He can't be too far!

Search for him… Go find him!

- Yes! - Yes!

SHUKEI TOMIKAWA, JUNKENSHI OF THE SHOGUNATE [Inspector of the daimyos]

Sir…

- I don't want excuses! - Yes!

Not only you don't know where Kogoro Katsura is,

but also, you let a big fish like Shinsaku Takasugi slip away.

It's clear

that you still don't have control…

over the progressives of Yamaguchi!

And you haven't dissolved the Kiheitai yet.

You can't say that the Choshu domain is under your control!

Patience!

We ask for a bit of patience!

I can assure you that

you will see progress tonight!

Patience!

Just have patience!

A messenger came from the castle.

What do you want from me?

Our lord calls you.

The lord of Choshu?

Do you want me to go to Hagi

in the middle of the night?

Hey.

- Do you want to drink with me? - No.

I'm in a hurry…

As it happens…

I just returned from Iwakuni.

Let me rest for a while.

From Iwakuni?

Were you with Lord Kikawa?

Well…

he's striving to improve the image of Choshu.

I know that as a condition for forgiving us,

the shogunate demands that…

the three karos who supported the attack on Kyoto die.

Lord Kikawa

asked me to cut my belly too.

He told me to sacrifice myself

on behalf of the progressives.

TATEWAKI AWAYA, ELITE SAMURAI IN CHOSHU

By the way, who will do it on behalf of the conservatives?

Mukunashi?

Okamoto? Nakagawa?

Or all three together?

Until today…

I had faithfully followed the ideology of expelling the barbarians.

This never occurred to me.

It's time to go.

The shogunate

intends to crush Choshu at all costs.

But

if the karos

and ten other high-ranking officials…

sacrifice our lives, maybe…

a miracle will occur…

and Choshu will be saved.

The lord is waiting!

Don't you think…

the moon looks a bit sad today?

Where are you going?

Idiot…

I have no weapon, see?

To the bathroom, I'm going to the bathroom…

- He's escaping! After him! - Yes!

For the sake of posterity,

I will show you the death of a true samurai.

Return to Hagi…

and tell everyone what you saw.

Do you see it?

Do you see it?

Do you… see it?

Look!

Thus began the extermination of the progressives.

Walk!

Let me go!

Bastard!

Take this!

What do you want! Let me go!

Let me go!

Take him away!

- Hey, walk! - Let me go!

Shut up and move!

- He was here! - Was he?

- Yes! - Good!

- This is far enough. - No, a bit further.

They are very active tonight…

I can take care of myself. I'm not a child.

- I'll borrow it. - Yes!

RIKISHITAI

Let's go.

SODETOKIBASHI

Mr. Inoue!

Mr. Inoue!

Yes! Who is it?

You!

My leg!

Korenobu! Are you okay?

I will be fine!

Better go after Monta!

Well, well! Mr. Tokoro! RIKU, MOTHER OF MONTA INOUE

I thought you were home already.

Didn't you tell me you would rest all day today?

No, no. I no longer have anything special to do.

I thought of drinking.

Well! Sounds like a good idea!

Go ahead, wait for me here…

Madam! Madam!

Please, hang on! Hang on!

- Monta! - Mr. Inoue!

We let our guard down.

Monta, son! Wha… what happened to you?

Kill…

kill me…

- I understand you. - Don't do it!

If you kill Monta, kill me too.

Madam, doesn't it sadden you to let him suffer?

- Step aside! - Monta will be fine!

No, rather, he will do it.

Mr. Tokoro, tend to Monta.

I beg you! Save Monta's life!

- Madam… - Hurry! Hurry!

Monta!

Hold him tight!

Yes…

Alright, I will begin!

Monta! Monta!

Don't die!

Don't die on us!

Monta!

Monta!

That day, Monta was fortunate that a medical expert,

like Ikutaro Tokoro, happened to visit his home by chance.

Tokoro stitched his wounds with a tatami needle.

His mother's love

saved the life of Kaoru Inoue, future Minister of Foreign Affairs.

For now,

this place is safe.

Anyway, he was lucky to get out of Hagi. FUJIBEI YOSHITOMI, LEADER IN YAMAGUCHI

Since morning…

I had a bad feeling and was worried…

but I didn't think something like this would occur.

Master Sufu…

had a splendid ending.

Ah, what clothes are you wearing?

I will get you something to change into. Please wait.

A fine shadow…

looms over our light of hope.

Is darkness approaching?

ELITE TROOP OF THE MORI CLAN

Step aside! Move aside, let's go! SHIMONOSEKI

The conservatives moved to Shimonoseki.

Upon arrival, they split into two groups. KOZANJI TEMPLE

The first headed to Kozanji,

seeking five nobles of the Sanjo family, exiled from Kyoto.

The nobles were pressured to leave the Choshu domain.

The other group gathered at Amidaji, and the daimyo of Choshu communicated…

the order for the troops to disband and some leaders to be eliminated.

Masuda, Kunishi, and Echigo,

the three karos of Choshu blamed for the attack on Hamagurigomon

were asked to commit seppuku.

Let me go!

What a trivial accusation!

I won't cut my belly!

"Edict for the Hamagurigomon rebellion."

Are you blaming me?

Traitors!

There is no one in Choshu

who is not accountable for it!

I will kill myself!

And I will do it gloriously!

But…

not before seeing the shogunate…

completely reformed!

I won't die!

We won't die over this!

- Stop! - Are you really going to kill me?

This is a mistake!

The shogunate acted from the shadows,

disposing of the major progressive threats.

The Kiheitai also faced persecution.

Takasugi returned to Shimonoseki

after failing in his attempt to recruit troops in Kyushu.

The situation was critical, they were cornered,

and the end of the Choshu domain was close.

You drink too!

Hey!

- Send the women away! - Get serious!

- But why? - What's going on?

We are all having fun!

Why are they leaving?

- What are you doing? - You are missing out!

Watch where you walk!

Tell me,

what do you think will happen

from now on?

It's pointless!

All we can do is wait.

Damn it!

If we were going to end up like this, we should have died at Hamagurigomon!

Why is our death taking so long!

There is no point in lamenting!

Let's be grateful we are alive.

Those from Hagi…

What the hell are they planning for us!

Mr. Takasugi!

Mr. Takasugi!

- Mr. Takasugi! - Mr. Takasugi!

- Oh! Takasugi!

- Mr. Takasugi! - Takasugi!

I'm Shinsaku Takasugi!

I will kill the bastards in Hagi right now!

Will any comrade join me?

Choshu will perish.

If Choshu perishes, you too will fall.

Will you keep drinking

until your time comes?

We are not waiting for our end!

We ask the high command in Hagi

to withdraw the order to dissolve the troops!

We are ready to resume activity!

Fools!

It wasn't our lord who ordered the dissolution!

The shogunate is behind this!

Tell me.

How can you expect a response

from the main enemy of Choshu?

You are such fools!

If you don't fight now,

you will regret it forever!

Fight!

- Let's fight! - Mr. Takasugi.

We don't share your ideas because

they are radical!

Radical?

How could we defeat…

the shogunate and the high command in Hagi?

We can't!

What… it this nonsense?

Mr. Takasugi!

I won't send my men

into a battle with no chance of victory!

You talk nonsense!

- You lost your mind! - Mr. Takasugi!

You need to be more cautious.

You tell us, "Fight!"

Don't you see your recklessness? KOGORO ISHIKAWA, LEADER OF THE GUERRILLA TROOP

It's not!

This is about dignity!

Take up your swords,

raise your spears!

A ri closer to Hagi is a ri closer to peace! [Ri: about 2.5 mi]

With two ri, we will achieve righteousness!

Only of a samurai like you thinks that! ICHINOSHIN OTA, LEADER OF THE SOUTHERN CHOSHU TROOP

That's right! We are no longer samurai!

We won't waste our lives like this!

If you want to do it,

do it alone.

We will await a response from Hagi!

Is no one willing?

Is no one willing to follow me?

I understand.

I have seen your hearts!

You are cowards!

- What? Say that again! - Stop it!

Fine. I will repeat it!

It's easy to fight in favorable situations!

But when you were in the Kiheitai,

were we stronger than the black ships?

When they

loomed over Choshu,

did we not raise our weapons to defend our homes?

The shogunate is the same.

They are trying to destroy our land!

I'm loyal to my people.

You should be loyal to your domain!

Shouldn't you?

Those who aren't are cowards!

You think you are weak!

Think it over.

If, after reflecting,

you find you have any courage left,

go to Kozanji…

tomorrow at 6:00 a.m.

I will be there.

Wait, please!

What do you think

you can achieve alone?

I will go to Hagi,

speak with our lord,

and arrange a final battle against the shogunate.

If I'm not heard,

I will cut my stomach open.

I trusted you would come.

I will be fine.

Leave.

I have known you

for a long time.

I will stay by your side.

Anyway,

I have nowhere to go.

Better to feel at peace

than to live long with guilt.

Besides,

a miracle might happen.

One never knows

when fortune might smile.

Well,

the outlook isn't promising.

Let's go.

Yes!

SEVENTH TROOP OF CHOSHU

Takasugi!

GUERRILLA ATTACK TROOP

Mr. Takasugi, we will go with you!

- Take us with you! - Take us too!

- We will go too! - Us too!

It's possible…

we can win!

- Let's go! - Yes!

Only 74 progressives decided to face the 150 000 shogunate forces

occupying Choshu.

This was known as the "Kozanji Uprising."

KIYOSUE DOMAIN COUNCIL

- Mr. Yamagata! Mr. Ota! - Ishikawa! We are with you!

- Let's go in! - Yes!

KIHEITAI

FUJIGOUCHI GOVERNMENT OFFICE

KIHEITAI-CHOSHU SOUTHERN TROOP

Up!

Like that! Like that, like that! Let's go!

Yes! That's it!

I wish Master Sufu were here to see this!

The 28 merchants from Shimogo village in Ogori…

will support you with whatever resources we have.

Please fight with all your strength!

If it continues like this,

Choshu's 350,000 koku will be taken by the shogunate.

We will be left without money.

This war is also crucial for us. KISUKE BENIYA, MARITIME SHIPPING MERCHANT IN SHIMONOSEKI

Mr. Takasugi.

We are part of this rebellion.

KIHEITAI

Indeed,

that was a true uprising.

HACHIMANTAI [A troop of the Kiheitai]

CHOSHU SOUTHERN TROOP

The Kiheitai has arrived! SHIMONOSEKI

Listen!

The Kiheitai has arrived!

KIHEITAI ANNOUNCEMENT

They accept everyone! We can be samurai!

- Great! I will go too! - Let's go!

Hey! Uno!

Do you know where the Kiheitai is?

Probably in Ogori.

And where will they go?

Honestly, I don't know that.

But they will stay there for now.

I saw him near Mitajiri

and he looked healthy.

So keep your spirits up.

When he returns to you, greet him with a big smile.

Your duty is to have hope.

Eeeh,

- didn't you see him coughing often? - Coughing?

Well, I didn't notice that…

I see, thank you.

Ah, if you see him,

could you give him this?

It's a very effective medicine that cures any fever.

Yes…

I see, I will give it to him.

Do it without fail! Don't forget, please!

- Sorry. So sorry, excuse me. - Don't worry.

Huh?

You will be fine!

They say there's a lot of dust here.

We don't want your finger to get infected.

I see. Thank you very much.

Are you from Kyoto?

Yes…

- I came to visit someone. - I see…

Yes.

He's a diplomat. Where is the government office?

In that case, further ahead is the bay…

- Who are you looking for? - Well…

Well,

- it's Master Zoroku Murata. - I see…

At the moment, Mr. Murata is in his hometown.

His hometown is,

- if I'm not mistaken… - Yes, it's Suzenji.

You are right! I don't know how I forgot!

Thank you!

Sorry for the inconvenience.

What a pleasant person…

Please, Master! He's a fugitive!

I beg you to tell me where he is now!

I only…

heard that he departed to a place called Izushi…

But I know that he then moved to another place…

He hasn't communicated with me!

The lack of news

is proof that he's safe.

Yes, but…

You do know!

ZOROKU MURATA (LATER, MASUJIRO OMURA) SAMURAI OF THE CHOSHU DOMAIN

He always

spoke to me of your wise counsel, Master.

"His knowledge is superior to mine."

"He's someone with infallible judgment," he would say.

Do you also

think that of me?

Yes!

Then,

listen to me carefully.

Certainly,

I know his whereabouts.

But you can't see him.

It's likely that the shogunate's eyes are pursuing you.

Taking you with him would be like handing him over to the shinsengumi.

Moreover,

the situation in Choshu

is not favorable for his return.

When the time is right,

I will tell you.

Listen.

Believe me, we are not being inactive.

I assure you.

Someone will make the day you are waiting happen.

And who is…

that person?

Come!

- Shinpachi Nagakura, of the shinsengumi! - And Kuwajiro Oishi!

You are mistaken!

I'm not him!

What did you say?

Then why do you refuse to go to Kyoto?

Don't make a scene, merchant!

We are the shinsengumi patrolling Kyoto!

He was a ronin we have been seeking for long,

and whom we finally managed to kill!

If an officer from Izushi comes, report what you saw!

Understood?

Let's go!

ELITE TROOP OF THE MORI CLAN

Fire!

Fire!

It was mid-January

when the battle erupted between the Hagi conservatives

and the Kiheitai.

Fire!

Fire! Fire!

- Fire! - I hit him!

Don't lose sight of them!

- Fire! - Fire!

- Don't flee! - Come on!

- Return! - Don't run away!

- Come back! - Return!

Damn peasants!

Finish them off!

Let's go!

Retreat!

Finish them!

Bastards!

Let's go!

After losing in Edo and Ota, the conservatives retreated to Hagi.

The Kiheitai gained momentum and slowly approached the castle.

Shinsaku sent a massive warship to attack,

firing without hesitation.

Chaos engulfed the enemy castle.

Fire!

Lord Mukunashi!

We are at our limit!

We can't hold out any longer!

I'm sorry!

Report! BASE OF THE SHOGUNATE EXPEDITION

The shogunate, surprised by the events,

wanted to take countermeasures.

But there was no consensus, for…

the intent to crush Choshu conflicted with the desire to take advantage

of the submissive heir of the Mori clan.

Moreover, what bewildered the expeditionary forces

was the inaction of one of the key coalition members.

The Satsuma domain.

TAKAMORI SAIGO, SAMURAI OF THE SATSUMA DOMAIN

The rest of the allies request

your presence at the meeting.

There is no need for that!

The opinion of Satsuma…

has not changed at all.

What do you mean?

This matter

no longer concerns the other domains.

The people of Choshu

must handle their internal conflicts.

And thus the first expedition to Choshu by the Tokugawa shogunate was halted.

KISUKE BENIYA'S RESIDENCE

You are putting in a lot of effort…

It's my responsibility to make sure everything is perfect

when he arrives.

Well,

it would be fantastic if we had him back soon.

That's

my greatest wish.

What I want most is for him to come quickly,

safe and sound.

Here I am.

Now, what came after, "What I want most is

for him to come quickly, safe and sound"?

Sir! You are so cruel!

Well! I'm leaving! I'm leaving!

I don't want to be a nuisance…

Welcome back.

Thank you.

I missed you!

I wanted to see you!

BAMBOO PRODUCTS

You are very relaxed here

to abandon your business without worries.

You have nothing to worry about.

Seeing that conquering Choshu was impossible,

both the shinsengumi and the Aizu domain withdrew…

That's why I arrived here without mishap.

I see, Mr. Murata…

sent you to tell me it's time to return.

You will return with me, right?

I was planning to leave soon.

Really?

At first, I resigned to growing old here.

But I knew it couldn't end that way.

I refused to accept it.

In this village, you learn everything from people's rumors.

I tried not to listen.

But my heart became restless.

A year of suffering.

That's true,

but that's over now.

Mr. Takasugi and the others

offer you a different stage from when you left.

So, shall we go home?

I greeted all your neighbors so they would know me.

What did you do?

I told them my wayward husband ran away,

and I came from Kyoto to bring him back.

- And who is that husband? - Obviously, you.

If I hadn't done it, you wouldn't know what to say, right?

In Kinosaki, there is a nice girl who will miss you, right?

Who told you that?

With only half a day gone,

everyone starts talking about what you do.

Well, well! You sorted everything out.

Yes! Sorry for the trouble!

Thanks for your concern.

Tell me,

- do you hold a grudge? - Not at all!

We only regret all his excesses.

He should apologize to you.

But there's no grudge against him!

Hey, Kosuke!

You really are a terrible person!

You have such a beautiful wife, but you get involved with some girl!

So you were a runaway libertine!

Did you leave your wife to come here? Don't you regret it?

Eh, yes, how… how embarrassing.

It's such a disgrace that…

- I better leave… - No, no! Not yet! Not yet!

You have only lived in our village for a year,

but we owe you a proper farewell.

Kosuke surely has a talent he can show us, right?

He likes dancing and stuff!

He can do it all!

- His specialty is kappore! - Really? [Humorous dance]

- Hey… - Kappore! I love it!

Will you do it?

"Kappore! Kappore! So much fun! Keep going!

Even if the coast is dark,

you can see

white sails!

What a beautiful place it is!

This is how majestic

the province of Kii is.

What a beautiful place it is!

There's a ship full of mandarins.

Wow! A ship with mandarins!"

Katsura returned!

Kogoro Katsura was alive!

- Master! - You have returned!

- Master Katsura came back! - Master Katsura returned!

- Master Katsura! - Master!

Master Katsura!

JIRO UMAYABARA, SAMURAI OF THE CHOSHU DOMAIN

- You survived… - Yes!

I did everything I could

during your absence.

Takasugi…

What happens next

is in your hands.

- I'm sorry you faced so many problems. - Not at all.

Our lord and his son are waiting. Go to them.

I

don't like formal meetings.

I'm living in Shimonoseki.

Red snapper season is coming.

Come one day to eat.

In the mountains, there wasn't any, right?

Even though my exile was inevitable,

I apologize for my disloyalty in delaying my return.

Humbly,

I beg your pardon.

I'm not worthy of your presence.

Nothing was your responsibility.

I absolve you.

I sincerely thank you.

Until now, you have been a great advisor

on internal affairs.

Therefore, as of today…

you will be an advisor on national affairs.

I sincerely thank you.

Thus, Kogoro Katsura became

a diplomatic and military leader of the Choshu domain.

Immediately, Katsura implemented some military reforms.

The Kiheitai and other units were incorporated into the army.

Anticipating an imminent attack by the shogunate,

he emphasized turning all of Choshu into a fortress like a hedgehog.

And to organize the military power that would save Choshu from doom…

Whom do you recommend?

I firmly believe that Zoroku Murata is suitable

to lead this task.

Good!

Alright!

Master! Are you heading out?

- I'm going to Yamaguchi! - When will my order be ready?

It's already ready. Go to my house.

Wow! Unusually punctual!

In that case, let's share something tonight!

I won't be back! Another day!

Huh?

Take position! KIHEITAI

Present…

arms!

The meaning of "present arms"

is to salute a high-ranking person.

Let's try again.

Attention!

Present…

arms!

Mr. Murata!

- Attention! - Mr. Murata!

The young master will observe military exercises!

Behave solemnly!

Excuse me!

Take position!

Salute the young master!

Present…

arms!

"Training plan."

Like this! "8:00 a.m. kendo"

Attack!

Good!

- Begin! - Yes!

- Do it! - Yes!

Try harder!

"Today, permission for visits."

"Those men

carry the burden!

They are our allies

and that's why we trust"…

Seriously! SHOTA, KIHEITAI SOLDIER

Mokusuke defeated a British general! In Bakan!

We heard "bam" and the guy fell!

Sadly, Mokusuke also died.

Look at this!

They wrote my name! FUJIYOSHI, KIHEITAI SOLDIER

When I become a corporal, they will put a line.

I will be more important than the common soldiers.

With this arm, I will fire guns and throw spears!

Come on, touch it!

This is the arm of a man!

Here you go,

- rice balls. - Mother!

You didn't have to worry.

I eat the rations they give me.

Additionally, my annual pay is a dream.

- Thank you very much! - I'm glad!

That's right!

- Mother… - Eh?

Take this!

I'm still a low-ranking soldier, SHOROKU, KIHEITAI SOLDIER

but when I rise in rank…

I will get 40 silver coins a month.

And two sho of rice! [About 9 pounds]

Uno,

Mr. Takasugi brought guests.

Guests?

Mr. Katsura and other admirable men.

I must hurry!

Welcome. I will bring you something to drink.

There's no need, we will just talk.

Yes! I will leave you to it.

Come in…

Ah! I will bring cushions!

- Here, a cushion… - Ah, we don't need them.

We will have an important talk,

so don't let anyone in.

Yes!

Right, that too.

I don't like this.

I'd rather not see it in the meeting.

Who understands me, right?

The core of our army…

consists of 1500 soldiers from the Kiheitai.

Almost all have combat experience.

It might be the strongest army in Japan right now.

The only problem is

the lack of firearms.

Without them, it's impossible to defend Choshu.

Are we that under-equipped?

According to my calculations, we have 4100 Minié rifles.

And 3000 Gewehr rifles.

A total of 7100 weapons.

We need to obtain more.

We could buy them in Nagasaki…

From the Glover company?

At Mr. Murata's request, I inquired about the prices…

Each Minié costs 19 ryo.

A Gewehr, five ryo.

The total would be 92,900 ryo…

How expensive!

Does Glover know who sent you?

No way.

We handle everything in secret.

No one knows it's Choshu.

But if they found out,

they would take advantage.

The total would be very high.

They can't know we need them.

Are you sure our anonymity will be maintained?

In one or two years,

we will be ready to fight

against the shogunate.

There is a better way.

Let Satsuma buy them.

But…

What you suggest is impossible.

Because of them the expedition was canceled…

The best thing is to let them buy the weapons…

Shunsuke!

You know the details about Glover.

Isn't there someone from Satsuma

with personal debts to that company?

I know where you are getting at, but…

I don't think there is.

No one?

One person could help us.

However,

we have no relationship with him.

I find it impossible.

What's his name?

His name was…

Godai…

Godai…

Godai?

Saisuke Godai?

Yes! Saisuke Godai!

I'm a samurai from Satsuma. SAISUKE GODAI (LATER, TOMOATSU), SAMURAI OF SATSUMA

My name is Saisuke Godai.

If I'm correct, I met him in Shanghai.

He's a man with determination.

Shunsuke! Arrange a meeting with him!

I will speak with him!

Alright! Understood!

That was the first step toward the Satsuma-Choshu alliance.

Something totally unthinkable until then.

Godai!

It's been a while!

A pleasure!

Ito told me about your intentions.

I'm totally in favor,

but, right now,

I will depart for Europe.

I don't have time to make arrangements.

So, I brought someone who will help you!

Take him on my behalf!

Master, we have arrived!

A pleasure. RYOMA SAKAMOTO

I'm Ryoma Sakamoto.

It's done!

I have got a great idea! Yes!

If I put the Satsuma flag on my company's ship, "Kameyama shachu,"

I could transport the weapons at once.

You volunteer because many in Satsuma

are against an alliance with Choshu, right?

But what are you saying? Huh?

Only the lord of Satsuma and the elders around him would oppose.

Mr. Saigo has been waiting for this opportunity!

He will be delighted!

Perfect!

Board my ship right now and let's negotiate.

Right now?

You are very impatient.

Katsura should go.

Where is Katsura?

- Mr. Katsura! - Wai…

- Wait, wait. - Mr. Katsura!

I can't deal with you.

Please, calm down a bit!

I grow impatient for Japan to reach the pace of the world powers.

As a ronin, it's part of me.

This apparently rudimentary man from the province of Tosa,

had incredible plans deep within his heart.

Firstly,

he desired to connect Satsuma and Choshu through trade exchanges.

His intention was to bring them closer to forge a military union.

However, that alliance

would face some obstacles before being established.

Master Katsura!

We want to ask something!

Who do you think you are?

- Rude! - Out of the way, brat!

From what I heard,

lately

you are having secret conversations with Satsuma!

You speak without thinking?

You know my intentions?

Release my subordinate!

I will tell you this!

We are the ones who protected Choshu.

We who fought did so

to live without regret!

I won't forget that I lost

300 comrades due to a plot by Satsuma in Hamagurigomon!

Satsuma is our enemy!

Those who speak with the enemy

will be eliminated for treason!

We will see…

Takasugi!

What are you doing?

Thinking.

You see?

That unpleasant cough again.

Why don't you stay still?

Do you need something?

There are problems.

- Within the troops? - Yes.

There's a great commotion.

Mainly among the members in Yamaguchi.

If we don't do something, it will get out of hand.

I imagined as much.

When the Hamagurigomon incident happened and I was in prison,

I disliked rivaling with Satsuma.

I was in London,

and felt the same.

Compared to most,

perhaps we hate Satsuma less.

That's why we don't hesitate to seek an alliance.

No, we are not mistaken.

This is for the best.

But we need support.

Ah! What a problem!

We are in a mess.

At that moment, Katsura received a secret letter.

It was an invitation from Saigo to meet at the Satsuma residence in Kyoto,

to address pending matters. TAKAMORI SAIGO

However… TROOP MEETING HEADQUARTERS

DEATH TO AIZU-DEATH TO SATSUMA

Outrageous!

That's right!

- We won't ally with Satsuma! - Yes!

No way!

We will protest!

Listen! Attention!

I will read the letter!

"Kenpakusho. [Petition to the superiors]

In the summer of last year,

we marched to Kyoto with our imperial spirit high!

But we fell into the traps of the Aizu and Satsuma domains.

Now, we suffer due to a potential alliance."

Here you have it,

the Armstrong cannon that just arrived in Mitajiri.

It has a breech-loading system

and a range of over 2000 meters.

A shot from this deadly weapon

can annihilate an entire troop.

Amazing…

This

is just one Armstrong…

of the many the shogunate possesses.

If we attack with Miniés and Gewehrs,

we will lose almost half

of our soldiers

before reaching the enemy base.

We have to buy these weapons.

Yes.

We need them.

However, to obtain them…

we need support from Satsuma.

- Satsuma! - Mr. Murata!

- What are you saying? - The reality.

I'm a scholar, I speak the truth.

What I'm telling you are facts that will occur.

Why don't you all go with Katsura

and see the reality with your own eyes?

That way,

you won't regret your stance.

Let me show you how solid

our arguments are.

- Ready? - Ready!

Distance!

2500 meters!

Fire!

Seeing is believing.

The power of the cannons surpasses human skill.

January 8, the second year of the Keio Era [1866]. SATSUMA RESIDENCE, KYOTO

Kogoro Katsura accepted Takamori Saigo's invitation

and went to the Satsuma residence.

Mr. Katsura!

Where is Mr. Katsura?

Mr. Katsura!

Oh! Here you are!

Sorry! I'm ten days late!

It was something beyond my control.

Under what terms did you form the alliance?

I'm eager to hear it.

I don't know what you mean.

Eh?

Eeeh, hasn't Mr. Saigo arrived yet?

No, he's here.

Along with Ichizo Okubo and Tatewaki Komatsu.

The leaders of Satsuma are present.

- Why haven't they in ten days… - Ask Mr. Saigo!

Mr. Saigo!

As long as those from Choshu say nothing…

there's no reason for Satsuma to speak to them.

We have suffered hardships because of Satsuma.

What was the result?

You lost the trust of the emperor.

And we were ostracized.

Choshu was left stained and without help.

From Shimonoseki to Hiroshima,

Choshu found itself surrounded by an army!

With such a background,

there are no conditions for dialogue!

It would not be an equal alliance!

Do you see, Sakamoto?

We are not here to kneel…

or to bow our heads!

We didn't come to be saved!

He should have said that

before coming.

How disrespectful, in the house of your host.

And won't Satsuma take the first step to achieve the alliance?

Samurais…

make everything complicated!

What about Satsuma?

And Choshu? This conflict is insignificant!

You are just a small part of vast Japan!

It's natural to be stubborn,

however,

foreign countries laugh at us as they watch us fight!

While you waste time on this,

Tsushima, Iki, and Sado will fall

into the hands of England and France!

Ezo will become Russian territory!

And the islands of Izu will belong to the United States!

They will seize everything by force!

Then we will regret it.

What will you do then, Mr. Saigo?

What will you explain to Japan!

Right now…

I intend to go to the Satsuma residence.

I will only…

bow my head.

We are the rebels of the country.

And as long as that remains true,

we will have no other allies.

Now that we are isolated…

we have no choice but to trust in Satsuma.

Therefore…

I will bow my head to Saigo.

If you wish to kill me, do it.

I will hold no grudge.

Mr… Mr. Katsura!

Mr… Mr. Katsura!

We… we apologize!

Please forgive us!

Mr. Saigo.

I have just seen the spirit of Choshu.

And I, Saigo,

have been a bad man.

Satsuma knows

that its destiny…

is tied to this alliance.

Only those who can see deep into hearts…

are capable of extending a hand.

Here and now…

let us form the Satcho Alliance. [Satsuma-Choshu]

Mr. Saigo…

On that day, the Satcho Alliance was established,

consisting of six articles.

Good! It's done!

Shinsaku Takasugi will lead the navy.

Zoroku Murata, the army, and

Kogoro Katsura will oversee war strategy and negotiations.

They swear to fight tirelessly

until their last breath.

A single arrow can be broken,

but three together shall never be shattered!

You are the legacy of the Mori clan.

We are in your hands.

- Yes! - Yes!

Three months later, OSAKA CASTLE

Shogun Iemochi arrived in Kyoto with the intention of conquering Choshu.

With shogunate's future at stake,

he decided to resolve the conflict once and for all.

- What? Did you say Satsuma? - Yes!

After denying us the troops,

they began gathering

more than a thousand soldiers in Osaka and Kyoto.

Mr. Hitotsubashi!

In Edo, they said

that it wasn't necessary to conquer Choshu!

Was this their plan all along?

It's a possibility…

They forced this situation without our noticing!

It's a blessing to see Satsuma's true nature.

After Choshu, we will attack them.

We have two clear objectives.

This issue is not limited to Choshu's rebellion.

They say they aim to enact an edict called "Somokukki,"

which would empower people of low status in the country.

This is part of

the dangerous teachings of Shoin Yoshida.

They must not disturb

our samurai hierarchical system.

It was a blessing that Satsuma revealed its true colors.

We will eliminate them after Choshu.

The objectives are clear.

IEMOCHI TOKUGAWA, FOURTEENTH SHOGUN

Thus, on June 15th,

the order to attack Choshu from four cardinal points was given.

- Good luck! - Thank you very much!

- Good luck! - Thank you very much!

Do your best! Do your best!

Hey! Over here! Over here!

- There they are! - Good!

Hey! Ships!

The ships have arrived!

- Let's report it! - Yes!

We will be attacked on four fronts.

Oshima,

Geishu,

Sekishu…

and finally Kokura,

here in Shimonoseki.

First, regarding Oshima,

it's best to give it up.

OSHIMA

Why?

Most likely, the shogunate…

will amass its troops there.

By doing so, the other fronts will be weakened.

They will seize the island

but won't advance any further.

Forget about it.

The next is Geishu. CHOSHU DOMAIN

- It's not important either. - Wait, Murata!

We recently heard that

the Ii and Sakakibara clans…

would be the ones attacking there.

Both

have the tradition…

of having very fierce daimyos.

Still, aren't you worried?

No. I'm not concerned.

GEISHU

Surprisingly, the battle of Geishu unfolded just as Zoroku Murata said.

The Ii and Sakakibara troops blew conch shells…

and played drums as in the Sengoku period [1467-1603].

But they were easy targets for the Minié and Gewehr of the Kiheitai.

Thus, that front became elusive for the shogunate.

Only two sectors remain.

I will handle the access through Sekishu myself.

Who is the enemy?

The Hamada domain,

Masuda's…

- and Kishu. - How many?

Those from Kishu alone total…

over 2000 men.

How many soldiers will you take?

I will have 700 men from the southern troop of Choshu.

They are mountain experts.

Is that all you need?

Yes.

Why don't you take more?

The main forces, like the Kiheitai,

will be sent to Kokura.

There is a shogunate castle in Kokura.

We must win there.

If we don't,

Shimonoseki will fall into their hands.

Very soon,

all eyes in Japan will be here.

The key point of the war…

KOKURA

is Kokura.

At that time, the karo Nagamichi Ogasawara was in Kokura Castle…

after bringing five warships, pride of the shogunate.

He coordinated strategies with the Kurume, Yanagawa, and Kumamoto domains.

So then,

who will lead the Kokura front?

On the coast, we will have the founder and leader of the Kiheitai,

Mr. Shinsaku Takasugi.

KIHEITAI

Fire!

BAKAN STRAIT

Shoot!

- Fire! - Fire!

- Load! - Yes!

It was Choshu who began the attack.

Positioned on three ships

and on the mainland of Dannouchi and Deshimachi,

the Kiheitai fired at the shogunate ships on the opposite shore.

The Choshu bombardment took them by surprise,

but the counterattack was tremendously fierce.

The flagship "Fujisanmaru" stood out, "FUJISANMARU"

their most potent weapon.

Choshu appeared intimidated.

However, the exchange of bombardments

was just a diversionary tactic by Takasugi.

The real objective was to land on the Kyushu coast.

DAIRI BASTION

I come to report!

Choshu took Dairi and is counterattacking! INSIDE KOKURA CASTLE

- How many are there? - We don't know yet!

Mr. Arima,

support Mr. Tachibana!

Yes!

Have the domains of Kurume and Yanagawa come into play!

Understood!

Oh!

I can see it! It's there!

Kokura Castle!

Eh? Mr. Takasugi!

You are also here!

We did it!

We took the northern Dairi fort!

Good.

Let's head back.

What do you mean? Head back?

But we are winning!

With such a small group, they will defeat us.

For today, it's enough to let them know Choshu is formidable.

I don't think they will attempt to cross the strait again.

We are different from them.

We will fight until we bring down that castle.

Time and time again!

Ten days before the Battle of Kokura began,

Zoroku Murata had departed for Sekishu.

Upon leaving Choshu,

you find the domain of Tsuwano. TSUWANO

Tsuwano had a peaceful relationship with its neighbors.

They had no desire to fight and allowed free passage.

Four years had passed since Rintaro Mori,

later known as Ogai Mori, was born in Tsuwano.

He surely saw the army of Choshu pass by his home.

After leaving Tsuwano and entering the Hamada domain, something happened.

Step aside.

I was ordered… SHIZUE KISHI, SAMURAI OF THE HAMADA DOMAIN

not to let a single soldier pass.

That's why…

I forbid you entry!

What can you do alone?

And your subordinates?

I ordered them to stay in a village.

Why?

I don't want to spill their blood in vain.

In that case,

why don't you leave too?

My family…

has guarded the Hamada border

for six generations. HAMADA CONTROL POST

If necessary, I will fulfill my duty by fighting you!

For me,

this work is a commitment

of loyalty to my ancestors.

Fine, do whatever you want!

We will pass through!

- Come on! - You will see!

Stop!

I understand.

I respect every person.

And as long as…

we don't interfere,

we can take different paths.

I will use a different route.

Hey! What in the world did you do?

- I killed… the enemy in battle! - It was wrong!

Don't you understand the compassion a samurai must have?

- I'm a soldier, not a samurai! - Fool!

We…

We are samurai at heart!

Enough!

Let two or three people…

stay and bury him.

- We will go that way. - Yes!

- Mr. Murata! - Ah, it's all right.

Place a platoon on the north street and in that forest.

- There? - Yes, trust me.

- Come on. - Yes!

Y… yes.

What the heck was that?

Oh, by the way…

I forgot something.

Flee if you see the enemy.

Yes, to…

- To flee? - That's right.

The first step is to flee.

Retreat, retreat! Let's run away!

Chase them!

After them!

SOUTH TROOP OF CHOSHU

- The first platoon succeeded! - Good.

Retreat!

Every man for himself! Let's run!

Fire!

The second platoon succeeded!

- Don't let your guard down! - Watch the rooftops!

Fire!

Escape to the forest!

Retreat! Retreat, retreat!

Look! More and more weapons! CHOSHU ARMY CAMP MANPUKUJI TEMPLE

There are many!

It was a great victory!

- How good it felt to win that battle! - Of course!

Come on! Drink!

Drink, drink, come on.

No, no! You are quite frightening!

You predicted where the enemy would flee!

What a way to organize the ambush! Incredible!

Were you able to do all that

thanks to your studies?

Thanks to the ladder.

The ladder?

Looking from above, it's easier to predict movements.

So it was thanks to that!

A ladder!

Good! Let's not miss the opportunity!

Tomorrow, let's storm Hamada's castle!

Yes!

No.

We won't launch an incursion.

Our rival

is Kishu and its 2000 soldiers.

If we prolong the battle,

they will be forced to seize Hamada's rice.

Their soldiers

need 15 sacks per day.

That means 150 over ten days.

An enormous amount.

They will create a conflict

with the Hamada domain.

Especially now

that rice is scarce here.

Scarce? That's not possi…

How can it be that rice is scarce?

A month ago I went to Osaka…

and bought it.

In 20 days, the enemy troops will collapse.

We just have to defend until then.

Understood.

From here to there.

We will simply protect

that area.

Stand firm.

Understood?

There's no need to kill.

Wielding swords and spears is primitive.

Well,

let's discuss it tomorrow.

It… burns!

Zoroku Murata, later known as Masujiro Omura,

is considered the father of the Japanese army.

The combat had reached a stalemate.

Despite having taken control of the bastion,

the Kiheitai didn't advance any further,

due to the shogunte's overwhelming naval power.

Suddenly, in the midst of a brief moment of calm, the enemy ships

began firing again.

Fire!

Damn it…

Idiots!

Sir!

Sir!

- I'm fine, don't wor… - Stop!

- Sir, please, rest. - We beg you!

- Sir! - Please!

I'm fine…

Sir!

- Good morning. - Mr. Katsura!

How's the war going?

The confrontation continues in the east,

but in the north, Murata defeated the Hamada clan.

Oh! Murata!

Where is Takasugi?

I heard he was with you.

He briefly…

went back home.

Is he still coughing up blood?

Has a doctor seen him?

No…

Why is that?

He refuses to be examined.

Takasugi has resigned himself to die.

For now,

there's nothing we can do.

He doesn't let us speak…

we just follow his orders.

He thinks it's for the best.

And any other news?

Yes.

Mr. Sakamoto will come soon.

I came to tell Takasugi about that…

Don't tell him!

He will return even if he's coughing up blood…

He must not find out.

When did you come back?

Sorry,

did I wake you?

No.

I woke up a moment ago.

I was watching…

What?

You.

When we first met in Kyoto,

you also sat by my side.

That time, I only slept and slept…

Yes, you are right.

Even though you were very sleepy,

you stayed with me until morning.

I won't be able to do anything for you anymore.

I will be indebted to you.

Please don't come here anymore.

The illness I have…

is contagious.

If that's your fear, don't worry.

As I grew up in a poor area,

it's hard for me to get sick.

Rather,

I would like you to rest, even if only for a day.

Your bones are protruding.

I…

Be right back, be right back…

It's okay,

I will.

Really?

Yes…

Do you promise?

Of course.

Today

I will stay here.

Dear.

So, what shall I prepare for you to eat?

Right now, I don't want anything.

Instead of that,

I would like you to play the shamisen.

Of course.

"I wish I could kill

all the crows in the world

so I could sleep

all morning with you."

Here, take some eggs.

How are you feeling?

Better, thank you for your concern.

- Sorry for the trouble. - No, not at all.

It seems Mr. Sakamoto is coming.

Mr. Sakamoto?

He's on his way to Choshu.

The atmosphere will be lively again!

- Well, get well soon. - Thank you.

Ryoma… Ryoma is coming.

I must go.

Please, understand.

Let me go.

I beg you.

Uno…

I'm a samurai.

And a samurai must fulfill his duty.

And you…

as the wife of a samurai…

must let me go.

No, no…

I beg you!

Don't worry.

Go…

I told you…

that I wouldn't be going anywhere today.

It seems I lied to you.

But,

I will come back soon.

That's not a lie.

I promise you.

Then…

I will be waiting!

Yes.

That last smile as he said, "That's not a lie. I promise you",

resembled that of an innocent child.

Years later, Uno became a nun

and spent her life caring for Shinsaku's tomb.

When asked, she would say she did it because she missed him.

TOGYO'S TOMB [Shinsaku]

[Bakan strait]

- Mr. Takasugi has… - What?

You look great! Eh?

- When did you come? - I just arrived.

I came as soon as I heard you were stuck with the shogunate's fleet.

The hardest one is the "Fujisanmaru," right?

Well, yes…

We could take Dairi,

but when we tried to go further…

that beast was firing at us from behind.

We are not in suitable conditions.

- It's risking death. - I see.

We will find the solution, Shinsaku.

Victory is close.

Satsuma honors its part of the alliance.

They announced to the emperor that they will end the shogunate.

They urged the domains to withdraw their support.

We are at a turning point.

It seems easy as you say, but the "Fujisanmaru" is exceptional.

My "Ichumaru" is not inferior in terms of propulsion,

but in all other respects it's like a child.

Ryoma,

- what did you say? - Eh?

What do you mean?

About the propulsion…

Is your ship faster than that beast?

I don't want to boast, but it's like a hare!

Or rather, a hare compared to a chick!

- We will attack the "Fujisanmaru"! - Hey, hey!

We are not in the right conditions.

We will fire from afar,

and when it chases you, you retreat.

What's the point of doing that?

If we bring it here,

the Kiheitai will do the rest.

No, no! The "Fujisanmaru" won't come close to the shore.

I will bring a cannon.

Will you fire from the sea?

How?

Well, leave it to me.

It seemed very hard to win,

tonight we will put an end to this.

Watch closely.

We will have the most beautiful

fireworks in the world.

They will go "boom," and delight us.

Alright!

There will be a big explosion!

"FUJISANMARU"

Not yet… Not yet! Not yet!

Fire!

Oh!

That boat! It's the Kiheitai!

Good luck, let's go!

Fire!

They hit it!

They damaged the engine room!

Open fire!

- Use all you've got! - Yes!

Good! We've got them!

It's time for the final blow to the "Fujisanmaru"!

Fire!

Fireworks!

They are fireworks!

They set them off!

Let's go!

- Run to Kokura! - Yes!

Mr. Takasugi!

They are fireworks!

- Get out of the way! - Stop!

Come on!

Come on!

Come on!

Come on…

Let's go.

Come on…

Let's go!

Let's go…

The battle continued until the night

and Kokura finally fell.

- Mr. Takasugi! - Hold on!

Taka…

Mr. Takasugi!

What?

- Kokura? - Yes…

It must be a mistake.

It's not…

There's no way Kokura is falling!

Least of all to Choshu!

No, it can't be true!

Why?

Why?

At that moment, due to the secret alliance of Satcho,

efforts were underway to decree the overthrow of the shogunate.

And then…

DECEMBER OF THE THIRD YEAR OF THE KEIO ERA [1867]

A GREAT EDICT IS ISSUED TO RESTORE THE EMPEROR'S POWER

Ah! Please, wait!

Pleased to meet you.

I'm…

Masaru Takasugi.

I'm Uno.

I thank you

for taking care of my husband.

Thank you very much.

- How is he? - There's no cure.

The doctor doesn't know if he will live until tomorrow.

Don't stay here, outside.

Please, come in.

No,

that's not right…

Please, enter.

Dear,

Mr. Katsura and Mr. Ito

came to see you.

Takasugi.

Can you hear me?

The shogunate came to an end.

Murata has already left.

Finally, from now on…

A new era will begin!

This was what we all hoped for.

A new era!

Don't die just yet!

There's a mountain of things to do!

Takasugi!

Can you hear me?

Try to say something.

What are you saying?

What do you mean?

Let's go…

Come on…

Keep going…

Come on…

Come on…

Come on!

Come on…

Come on…

THIRD YEAR, KEIO ERA [1867] THE ARMIES OF CHOSHU AND SATSUMA DEPART FROM MITAJIRI AND KAGOSHIMA

FOURTH YEAR OF THE KEIO ERA [1868] DEFEAT OF THE SHOGUNATE ARMY AT THE BATTLE OF TOBA-FUSHIMI

YOSHINOBU TOKUGAWA ESCAPES FROM EDO

THE RESTORATION OF THE EMPEROR'S POWER IS ANNOUNCED

APRIL, EDO CASTLE IS SURRENDERED TO ANTI-SHOGUNATE FORCES

MAY, DEFEAT OF THE SHOGITAI IN UENO

ALLIANCE BETWEEN THE MUTSU, DEWA, AND ECHIGO DOMAINS

SEPTEMBER, THE TOHOKU WAR BEGINS, AIZU DOMAIN SURRENDERS, BEGINNING OF THE MEIJI ERA

DECEMBER, TAKEAKI ENOMOTO FLEES TO GORYOKAKU CASTLE

MAY OF THE SECOND YEAR OF THE MEIJI ERA [1869] DEFEAT OF TAKEAKI ENOMOTO, END OF THE BOSHIN WAR

SEPTEMBER, SECOND YEAR OF THE MEIJI ERA [1869]

I see…

Do you want to go anyway? TAKAYOSHI KIDO (FORMERLY, KOGORO KATSURA)

I would like to

see it with my own eyes.

Where is it?

First, a French-style training center

was established in Kyoto.

There they are already training a hundred people.

Furthermore,

a military academy will be built in Osaka.

- If I go to those places… - Omura.

I don't want to be repetitive…

Don't worry.

- I will be careful of my surroundings. - But…

I know there are bad rumors about me.

It's said that

I'm gathering peasants to form a Japanese army.

Or that I support the Westerners.

I won't give in.

It's now! MASUJIRO OMURA

The army must be…

formed by ordinary people…

just like the Kiheitai,

and controlled by the central government.

It's time to do it

now that the Boshin War has ended.

Therefore, I

must move forward.

I understand.

I will say nothing more.

Bring me something from your trip.

Well,

I will get ready.

Ah! Omura.

Yes?

Don't drink too much…

Someone like me

eats a piece of tofu for each cup of sake.

So I can't drink too much.

ONE MONTH LATER

Mr. Ito is here.

What is it?

Nothing…

I will bring some tea.

Omura…

was attacked.

What?

Last night, in Kyoto…

He passed by the Military Affairs Office…

and was heading to his inn.

It was right at that moment.

Divine punishment!

Take this! Die!

MATSUKO KIDO (FORMERLY, IKUMATSU)

And what happened to Omura?

Who did this to him?

Dissatisfied people…

with Omura's military…

reform.

There are still many people who oppose…

recruiting ordinary people as soldiers.

A person was arrested.

"We stole samurai swords…

to cut down

the Westerner Omura."

That's what…

that guy said.

Foolish…

What a stupid thing to do.

Takasugi…

also died.

Just like master Sufu.

And Mr. Kusaka…

All dead.

They die and die…

and keep dying…

What time are we in?

If everyone dies,

can we move forward?

Shunsuke Ito.

He later became the prime minister, Hirobumi Ito.

But he was assassinated at Harbin Station

in the 42nd year of the Meiji Era [1909].

Were you listening?

Yeah.

Are we humans monsters?

Or could it be that…

life is really cruel.

What do you think?

That is very difficult to understand.

But as a woman,

I only have one wish.

Live with me for a long time.

They die and die…

and keep dying…