Original subtitles

Sekigahara, September 14, 1600 (Lunar)

The eve of battle.

Small though it be this god may remember

the ancient rebellion of Prince O-amano.

Indeed.

Father, did the prince fight here in Sekigahara?

The war began with a blockade of this road.

Yonder is Momokubari Hill named for the peaches he gave out.

Storm's abrewin' in my belly

I can smell it.

Pee-ew.

Mercy!

Good God.

Reinforcements are arriving daily from Satsuma afar.

Only 1,000 of them, but fierce.

The army of the East is 100,000 We, the West, are 80,000.

Yet half are in the hills, watching from safety.

This is a war of justice and injustice We cannot lose.

The author recalls visiting

the temple in Omi as a boy.

Climbing stone steps in the hot summer.

I don't recall the sect.

Hideyoshi was sitting right here where I'm sitting.

Wearing his falconer's outfit.

How long ago, Mr. Kaiware?

Oh, about 350 years ago.

It was a hot summer's day.

A day like today when sweat stings your eyes.

As I struggled to write about the Battle of Sekigahara...

this incredible human comedy, or tragedy...

such scenes from my boyhood

wisped through my mind like a dream in a nap.

Henry Miller once said something like this:

"You are thinking of something right now. Start writing from there”.

So, that's what I'll do with this story.

Around 1572, Hideyoshi was the Lord of Omi

a vast territory granted to him as one of Nobunaga's generals.

Ishida Mitsunari was called Sakichi when he was a boy.

It is unclear if he was a student or a servant at this temple.

Hideyoshi was in the area for falconry.

He was so thirsty he entered unannounced.

Historical texts say the first cup of tea was:

”brought in a great tea bowl filled three quarters and warm”.

He drained the cup and smacked his lips.

He ordered another cup in good humor.

This time it was hotter and half the amount.

Damn good. Gimme more.

The third cup was mostly empty and scalding hot.

Kid. What's your name?

Sakichi, from lshida village in your territory, sir.

What if I grant you land worth 100 barrels of rice?

I would rather receive the tax charged for harvesting

the reeds on the banks of Lake Biwa-

How much?

Sakichi, don't bother his lordship-

Priest! I like this kid I'm takin' him with me

16 years later.

Osaka Castle, 1588.

Sakichi.

My lord.

Once this triple moat is finished I'll build a castle in Fushimi.

Destroy and build That's the work of power.

Got it? Fushimi is next.

And then?

What do you think? We'll beat down Ming of course.

Choson and its culture block our way there

I'll conquer Choson after I unify the 66 states.

War will never end.

Won't ever end until I rule them all.

Seven years later.

Where is the foyer?

Tokugawa Ieyasu's new mansion, Fushimi, 1595.

Where is the foyer?

Please, Your Highness.

Take off traveling gloves.

Take that around back.

Sir Masanobu.

His Highness is wearing travel garbs to meet the Imperial Regent.

Your Highness!

Those are your travel garments.

All the lords in the land are broke from invading Choson.

We can barely afford to get here Formal wear is not required.

They will mock you as a bumpkin.

His Highness wants to show Mitsunari what a trouble it is to get here.

Shut it, Naomasa

I couldn't change anyway They can't find my wardrobe trunk.

Fushimi Castle.

There is tension between the Supreme Taiko and his nephew, the Regent.

On July 3, despite the concern of war.

The Regent offered the Emperor 3,000 coins of gold and silver.

This is most grave.

Formal wear is not required, but this is too crude.

Every house is bankrupt from invading Choson.

Look at Ieyasu. Has he no shame?

He rushed from Edo. He means well

I doubt it.

He's displaying the trouble it took to get here

...in the end the Regent quit his post

and became a monk in Mt. Koya.

And still there are signs of rebellion.

Thus, Lord Fukushima was ordered to besiege Mt. Koya...

where the Regent took his own life.

Now, for the treatment of his women and children.

They shall be beheaded tomorrow as collective punishment.

I rushed down from Edo upon the news of the rebellion.

I know not the details, but...

the outcome of Choson is still uncertain after three years.

To demonstrate the authority of the Taiko

and eliminate any challenge to his son little Hideyori

I believe it is only natural to terminate the bloodline of the rebel.

Very good, Hideyori.

May I plead with His Highness?

He shall hear you

Princess Koma of the Mogami house will be executed tomorrow.

Will she?

She traveled far to serve the Regent

but he was dead when she arrived.

Could you spare her life as you did...

the sister of Lord lkeda?

Sakichi, remember when we first met you brought me tea in a huge cup?

You drank it up and asked for more.

The second cup was half of the first The third in a tiny cup...

and it was scalding hot.

I couldn't make up my mind.

Should I punish this little snot or make him my servant.

One's life turns on a whim.

Forget about Koma.

Her old man gave her to the Regent.

Shamelessly trying to cozy up.

Why shouldn't he be punished?

You're so good, Hideyori.

Clear the way.

Sanjo Riverbank, Kyoto.

I plan to resign my post as commissioner today.

Because of your condition or the unreasonable demands?

My left eye's mostly blind The right is also clouding up.

An incurable disease Why must it be you?

I may resign, but my heart is one with you.

A cruel task. Leading to execution the widow and children

whom he loved as his family.

- His Highness' popularity has plummeted. - Mind your words, Gyobu.

It's what you're thinking.

Koma never even met the Regent She's only 14.

Why must she be punished?

If I survived, no words would I have Surveying the cruel world.

Nothing more sorrowful than parting Here at the waters of the river.

Mitsunari, you promised Were you lying about saving Koma?

I promised to do my best-

Do you mock me?

Your rage will not serve you.

Will Hideyoshi's commissioners

let such injustice stand?

Kill them!

My lord!

Stay calm Maintain your dignity.

Koma's maids are fighting.

Have you no mercy?

Fighting women and children? You disgrace the name of lshida.

Ignore him.

I think that was Shima Sakon.

Hold.

Hold, I say. Step back!

Stop! Step back!

Nobody touch her.

Enough.

Don't die on me.

Sukeza, a robe.

Please tend to the injured.

Gyobu, take care of the rest

I will.

What do you want?

- I serve the Toyotomi house- - What do you want?

I believe you are Sakon formerly of the house of Tsutsui

I've searched high and low for you the last several years.

Thank you.

I want your service.

Do you know what I was doing?

Testing your blade?

My blood is aboil, so I pretended

these were Hideyoshi's men and cut them down.

And you want me to serve him?

I don't.

What?

I am enlisting your service.

You want me to serve you?

The Supreme Taiko will grant me the Sawayama Castle shortly.

My fief will grow from 40,000 to 190,000 I'll give you half.

Never heard of a samurai taking half his lord's territory.

It is an obvious price for retaining the greatest...

most honorable samurai of our time.

I have no interest.

If you refuse to serve me then, advise me as my brother.

If not my brother, as a worthy friend.

My lord.

You haven't changed, Myozen.

It must be all my prayers.

Pray for me, too I want that youth.

Your companion?

His name is Mitsunari A strange fellow.

As in Lord lshida Mitsunari?

Give me some gruel

I'm famished.

I dislike the Taiko. I will not serve you.

Why? Tell me.

It won't be pretty

I'll listen.

His lewd and disgraceful behavior is unparalleled.

He took his master Nobunaga's daughters as his concubines.

He even took Nobunaga's own concubines

and the wife of his son.

Coming from humble beginnings His Highness admires noble ladies.

He desires the ladies of warriors in particular.

He considers his master's clan to be the apex of nobility.

Still, Lady Nene is his wife.

He cherishes her above all saying she is a woman among women.

Hideyoshi wants Hideyori, his son with Lady Yodo to succeed him.

Thus, the Regent, his nephew had to go.

So snuffed him out as a rebel.

Am I wrong?

As far as I know, the Regent had no rebellious intentions.

You and Lady Yodo are both from Omi Aren't you?

We were both born near Lake Biwa.

There are rumors it was a plot by Mitsunari.

Some say Yodo conceived the plan and Hideyoshi bought it.

Some even say worse.

Such as?

That I am the father of Hideyori.

When together, Hideyoshi and Lady Nene

would joke and argue loudly like a couple from the lower class.

They had a heavy country dialect from Owari.

Naturally, Lady Nene was feared

as the most powerful political force of the Toyotomi house.

On the eve of Sekigahara

if she had secretly ordered the lords to kill Ieyasu

it may have altered Japanese history.

But in fact, the opposite was true.

Why?

Hideyoshi's chief concubine, Lady Yodo whose parents...

were destroyed by Hideyoshi was from Omi.

As were Mitsunari and Gyobu.

Get off your high horse, Omi

I'm a bumpkin from Owari.

Damn me if I ever get friendly with the oh-so-gifted Omi folk.

Why did you save them?

They fought for justice.

Was not the execution an injustice?

Why are you loyal to that tyrant?

The tyrant made me.

- Shouldn't he go? - I'd rather inherit...

the heart for justice he once had.

Or else justice will be lost forever.

When His Highness is dead...

there will be war to determine his successor.

That is when the flag of justice must be raised.

In this age?

That is His Highness' ignominy.

In crushing his enemies or making peace with Ieyasu

he never cared for justice.

He has reigned for 13 years.

Order in the realm is built on self-interest.

I will take up arms for justice.

When all the world is self-interested it is a worthy task...

to run alone against it.

My life isn't even worth a poem by Du Fu or Du Mu.

But I'll take 15,000

20,000 for a worthy friend.

Ride it and leave it.

Leave Pa?

A riderless horse returns home on its own.

The wisdom of an old horse.

Mitsunari's mansion, Fushimi.

- Am I to be your plaything? - No.

Why did you spare me?

Your courage struck me.

Did the others survive?

Your friend was badly wounded I left her with the doctor.

She will live Unless she kills herself out of despair.

My sister nor I will commit suicide.

I can arrange your return.

- For what? - Have you no family there?

I only have my sister.

Just don't think about revenge.

The world is unjust. Revenge is laughable.

You are from?

Iga.

An lga ninja.

My father was born in lga and served Lord Takeda.

All the houses we served perished.

After he died we had to survive as street performers and pilgrims.

You and your sister?

And my mother.

She died at the riverbank.

The three of you served Koma.

- Taken in as dogs. - Dogs?

That's what my mother said.

"We can spy, agitate, watch, ensnare spread rumors - anything."

"Use us as your dogs."

Will you serve me?

Might be bad luck

I want to change the unjust world

under the flag of Dai Ichi Dai Man Dai Kichi.

Dai Ichi Dai Man?

I retained a samurai who has all the qualities I lack.

So, I designed a new emblem.

If one gives oneself for all the world will prosper.

You risked your lives for your bond.

I covet your service.

Then consider me a dog.

Neither human nor woman.

Let me roam free and I will requite your trust.

Home of Yamato Yagyu.

What is the way of a long and healthy life?

The way the Yagyu and Shima clans grew up in Yamato

helping each other.

The marriage of sword and medicine.

The land may eventually split in two.

Ieyasu and Mitsunari may go to war.

How, then, to foster life?

He who survives from either house

must nurture the families of both

I have chosen Mitsunari.

Then, I shall give my sons to Ieyasu.

Father.

I have been retained.

Hanano. We will be moving to the lshida House in Fushimi.

And I thought you were in Kyoto womanizing.

A counselor worth 20,000.

That's a daimyds pay.

You can practice medicine there.

Will we meet next on the battlefield?

We may cross swords.

Three years later Fushimi, 1598.

You went on a site inspection at a temple in Kyoto

I did.

You gave orders with this stick

I did.

You dropped the stick.

Ieyasu picked it up and gave it back to you.

What did you do?

Nothing.

You turned away frowned, and walked away.

Ieyasu didn't say anything either.

You're like a child.

Where did you get the stick?

From Ieyasu's servant.

Sakon. lam not so skillful as to smile at a person I dislike.

Others don't see your frown as harmless.

It is seen as hubris of the most powerful man under the Taiko.

It's your loss

I can explain.

Let's hear it.

Even as the Taiko grows feeble that villain has presented the emperor...

two swans and ten pieces of gold He wants to take over.

Cozying up to Lady Nene as well

I see.

But I am talking about a very simple thing.

When someone picks up your stick

smile and acknowledge them.

Even more so if it is Ieyasu.

That's too much for me.

That night Masanobu went to Ieyasu's bedroom

and asked whether the stick incident was true.

Oddly enough, the two men always conspired in the bedroom.

The younger men are demanding to kill Mitsunari.

How did you stop them?

I told them the stage must be set The killing must serve Tokugawa.

But is the stick incident even true?

What would you think if it were?

- He must be killed. - When?

- After Hideyoshi dies. - When after?

When he rises up for Lady Yodo and her son.

Not enough.

They must first be labeled rebels Then we can kill.

Oh, you win this time.

Masanobu.

Masanobu always let Ieyasu win the last hand.

The two were more conspiracy partners than master and servant.

Then they exchanged predictions on who would side with Mitsunari

and who would side with Ieyasu if something were to happen.

Of those who've served Hideyoshi since youth...

how many can we persuade? That is the key.

To split the Toyotomi house in two.

Where do we start?

Lord Kobayakawa.

His verdict will be announced tomorrow.

We are moving the times We will need people in various roles.

A fool can be useful as a fool and a madman can do a madman's job.

The battle was being won, yet you charged alone into the fleeing enemy.

He was the commander general We would have lost if he was captured.

How strange. Our forces were nearly destroyed in Ulsan.

Lord Kobayakawa's valor is praiseworthy-

The tide of battle changes quickly.

It is not good, under any circumstance for a Toyotomi to-

He charged into the enemy and killed 13, all of them soldiers.

It is worthy of respect.

They were all fleeing.

He killed the fleeing enemy from behind A shameful act for a warrior.

You, Hideaki!

You aren't worthy to be a commander general

520,000 in Chikuzen is too much for you.

Too damn much You're only worth 150,000 in Echizen.

What did Lady Nene say when she heard of your bravery at Ulsan?

My aunt, she told me, "well done".

His Highness was delighted, too.

But someone advised him that rewarding you would not be good...

for Lord Hideyori.

Was it Lady Yodo?

Who cozies up to her?

Mitsunari.

You should accept your demotion for now. It's for your best.

But, do not move immediately Nor should your council move.

Send the unimportant ones to Echizen one or two at a time.

Return your fief little by little.

Give yourself time.

And leave the rest to me.

Do you understand?

You have the blood of a bugeisha.

Bu-gehsha?

One who lives by the way of swordsmanship.

This is Goro, son of the Yagyu chieftain

and Munenori, his younger brother.

The Yagyu house has fallen over the years.

The survival of the clan depends on the arms of these two.

Goro! Munenori! Well done.

I would like the service of such men, too.

You may pick one you like.

It's like buying something.

A bugeisha is to be bought.

Goro, now serve Lord Kobayakawa Give him your all!

Maeda Toshiie's mansion, Fushimi.

Lord Asano. Lord Asano!

Get them lined up.

Sit down you all!

Lord Genyi. Lord Genyi!

What is going on?

Not yet with the courtesy meal.

Serve it after the briefing.

It's only a snack.

Just a snack.

What? They're gone! Where are the oaths?

The oaths!

Sorry, that was me.

This isn't enough. Go get some more.

Do you understand? I repeat.

You will not break any laws set hitherto by the Supreme Taiko.

Will not fight each other, not privately organize,

not go home for personal reasons

and will serve Lord Hideyori as you did his father.

These are the five oaths.

You laugh?

Not I.

You laughed.

Most certainly not.

Go to the library with your oath and sign with your seal.

Address it to the Council.

- Must we sign ourselves? - Yes, of course!

You may mark an X.

Well done.

Well done.

You have been collecting our oaths.

But what about yours?

Mine goes to His Highness.

But he is-

Correct. He may depart from us any day.

Therefore, the oaths of Lord Maeda and myself

will be submitted in his coffin should the Supreme Taiko pass.

Who will inspect those oaths?

Mitsunari, mind your words

lam mindful, sir.

You are not!

Lord Tokugawa is being very patient.

It's upsetting me and I'm a bystander.

Enough. Leave us.

Well done.

A few days later Kyoto.

- Sister. - Hatsume.

Where is the ninja swap meet tonight?

At the ruins of Jounji.

Will you go?

No, I have work.

I see.

Ouch! Enough. I give up.

The swap meet is not for competition Dumb ass.

You're Hatsume of Nabari.

- And you? - Red Ear of Ueda.

Never heard of you.

My ears are special I can hear from a mile away if I want

I could hear you on the roadside from miles away.

You're Ear Boy who worked with Father.

Some called me that

I roamed the north countries of Date and Uesugi, but the cold's too much.

My ears are no use in the cold.

Go blabber elsewhere.

- Who's your master? - Guess.

There was mayhem in the Fushimi Castle town.

Ieyasu released two wild horses The night was astir with men running...

to capture the horses, and the echo of hooves.

Lord Tohdo's men rushed to Ieyasu's mansion to protect him

lkeda, Hosokawa, and Fukushima did the same and went to Ieyasu.

Nice show of loyalty.

The Taiko may already be dead.

He's not dead yet.

Ieyasu wanted to see who would be his allies?

He didn't release the horses.

Is that true, White Snake?

Leyasu is wont to say winning is ultimately about longevity.

Hideyoshi was clearly inferior but Ieyasu has been patient-

Listen! End the swap meets as of tonight.

But this is the lga way.

Ieyasu is keen on ruling ninjas.

He'll kill any who serve others.

Very shortly.

What's this?

Rations for war.

Huh?

The stems of taro plants are woven thus and stewed in miso.

We chop it up, mix in some water and put it in soup.

Just as you thought. There were over 50 lords at Ieyasu's last night.

Here's a list.

His lordship has already retired I'll give it to him in the morning.

Do you know there's a party underway in the palace?

A party?

Isn't that sword heavy for a woman?

Don't consider me a woman.

A dog. huh?

Your short sword is not short.

A masterpiece by a Yamato swordsmith.

Who will you use it on?

Perhaps Ieyasu, but it depends.

Everyone quiet please.

His Highness wishes that...

Quiet please

...we all get along with each other.

This is the reality of Toyotomi.

I pray you behave yourselves.

Damn priest, I'll show you something.

Give me your head.

You're out of your mind.

I pray you stop.

Please sit down.

First, have a seat.

Sir Sakon.

Here comes Lord Tokugawa.

How dare you all deceive me.

You swore before me not to fight each other.

Have you forgotten?

What am I to tell His Highness about this?

Very well All of you are now my enemies.

Attendants, shut the gates.

Not one of you shall leave here alive.

My lord, I was wrong.

I repent. I beg you, forgive me.

Forgive.

So long as you understand

I know very well how you feel...

Sakichi.

Did you hear?

Who knew Ieyasu was so loyal.

Now I know Hideyori will be safe.

Isn't that right, Sakichi?

As long as I live, Ieyasu shall never supplant Lord Hideyori.

You may rest assured.

August 18, 1598 Hideyoshi, the Supreme Taiko, dies.

Listen, everyone.

The death of the Supreme Taiko must be kept an absolute secret.

But the lords should be told.

If our enemies find out

our troops in Choson led by Kato Kiyomasa and Lord Konishi will suffer.

Until all our troops return, it must remain a secret closely guarded

in the heart of each man here and nobody else.

Not even to Lord Tokugawa?

We must obey the will.

Lord Tokugawa will be young Hideyori's deputy.

It will be a problem if he isn't told.

You heard me, Lord Asano.

The will is everything.

What about the body?

As we agreed, we will secretly carry it to.

Lady Nene's residence in Kyoto.

Are we ready?

Yes, sir.

You and Priest Kozan shall carry the body.

Very well.

Now, the sutra for the departed.

A miserable man, thought Mitsunari.

Hideyoshi tamed the warring states and unified Japan for the first time.

Yet for Hideyori, the son he left behind, the future was uncertain.

The funeral was lonely, absurd and heartrending.

This is all because of Ieyasu.

Although the funeral was in consideration of the troops abroad

who could blame Mitsunari for feeling thus?

At the end of that year Kiyomasa returned from Choson.

He visited Hideyoshi's mausoleum in Kyoto

to meet Lady Nene whom he considered a mother.

As you know, Ieyasu.

Kiyomasa was orphaned at the age of five and we brought him up.

He signed an official document as Toyotomi Kiyomasa

out of his love of His Highness who was like a father.

His Highness and I both understood that very well.

But, Mitsunari-

The bastard!

Made a mountain out of a molehill and disparaged you.

On my return, when I got to Pusan.

I decided to make it my priority

to find Mitsunari upon landing in Japan and cut him down in one strike

but Nagamasa-

Oh, Nagamasa stopped you?

You would have become a traitor if you caused trouble

in the midst of the mourning period for His Highness.

You abided well.

Still he will not let go his grievance.

Ieyasu, you must chide him well.

A samurai, by nature, bears deep grudges.

Kato Kiyomasa is the greatest samurai of Japan.

If you cause trouble out of personal grievance

never mind Mitsunari I will deal with you directly.

Kiyomasa, do you understand?

Nothing can stop me now.

I am no man if I back down because of a rebuke by Lord Ieyasu.

Kiyomasa, Kiyomasa.

Forget taking up arms You must sue.

Bring me a complaint.

To impeach Mitsunari?

Yes, but your complaint shall be against Lord Konishi

the spearhead commander in Choson with whom you disagreed.

That's brilliant, Ieyasu.

Don't you think, Kiyomasa? Leave it all to Lord Tokugawa.

K a to K iyomasa's mansion, Fushimi.

Nagamasa! A visitor.

You haven't spoken to each other since your fight in Choson.

Masanori was ordered home first If there's any grudge it's him.

Let's trade helmets.

Are you serious? Do you mean that?

I want to make up.

You jest. That's a masterpiece.

Take the damn thing.

Good! Now the Team of Seven is back together.

Any problem with that, Nagamasa?

Thank you, Masanori.

Great

I've been briefed What's the plan?

It's clear Lord Ieyasu likes us.

So, rather than stir up the city by attacking Mitsunari

we will write and submit a joint complaint.

- Etchu, you draft it. - Very well.

We'll list the villainies of him and his faction.

You just turn it into a formal complaint.

Right, Kiyomasa?

Indeed. First up is Konishi, Mitsunari's boy.

This is all because Mitsunari went to the old man with a bunch of lies.

That's right.

His slander made us suffer.

So, that's what's going on.

A plan. my lord?

I'll sue them. Beat them to the punch.

A meeting of the Council at this hour? Has something happened?

We received a complaint from Lord Konishi.

Complaint? For what?

The blunders of Kiyomasa and Nagamasa in Choson.

Lord Konishi sued Kiyomasa?

That is correct.

What shall be done about this?

You see, I also received a complaint.

Kiyomasa has also sued Lord Konishi.

The two commanders disagreed in Choson.

It'll be ugly.

Are you looking for the complaint?

Oh my. I went to visit Lord Maeda on his sickbed to consult him.

I left it somewhere

I will go check I beg your patience the while.

Let us first consider Kiyomasa's complaint.

Bring the complaint from Lord Hosokawa's mansion now.

Complaint?

You said it could wait till tomorrow so those men are drunk in merriment.

I don't care if it's blank.

Just make them sign!

I'll do the rest.

Mitsunari beat us to the punch.

Naomasa.

Sir.

Run.

Run.

Mitsunari essentially won this fight.

Ieyasu, surprised, kept silent.

But Kiyomasa and the Team of Seven were enraged.

We'll show him!

We'll set fire to his house! I'll impale that hammerhead!

Go follow them.

Grab a spear.

Rifle unit!

Kiyomasa is just blowing hot air He'll never get to me.

Sakon, can you believe-

My lord, my lord!

Battle is beginning They are about to fight.

You imbeciles.

Lord Maeda does what is right.

The Team of Seven cannot touch you while he is healthy

ls Ieyasu still silent?

He's learning tea ceremony.

I thought he disliked it.

An lga ninja is teaching him.

He is inviting one lord after another.

Do ninjas make tea?

I can teach you if you wish.

Who came first?

Shimazu "The Monk".

He will not side with Ieyasu.

Ieyasu praised his valor in Choson.

Did you sneak in and listen?

I bribed another ninja who works there as a guard.

If it wasn't for the Shimazus

we would have suffered an unrecoverable defeat at Pusan.

Tens of thousands of men would have died.

Let me thank you in place of His Highness

who is no longer with us.

How is it?

Very fine.

I will reward you for your service.

Reward for service?

Indeed.

The will says rewards are only to be granted

when Lord Hideyori becomes an adult.

Ieyasu is acting as the Taiko.

This is madness.

What will you do?

I will beat him.

The work of Shimazu in the withdrawal from Choson was exceptional.

Might you suggest to the Council of Elders

that Shimazu be rewarded?

I was thinking that, too.

There is Toyotomi land amidst Satsuma territory.

It must be a nuisance to Shimazu.

That land could be granted as reward.

You and Shimazu have a history don't you?

10 years, since the Supreme Taiko conquered Shimazu.

When they surrendered

the Monk's niece was sent to Osaka as a hostage.

But you persuaded His Highness to let her return to Satsuma.

You go all the way for what you care That is also your weakness.

Is it wrong to care?

You assume the object of your affection will reciprocate.

You may be too pure to become a general of generals.

He is thinking that far ahead.

The same thing you always tell me.

You go all the way, too

I'm a rescued dog I ask for no return.

Ieyasu is asking for a return from his visitors is he not?

Yes, he's now a visiting fiend walking the daimyo ally at Fushimi.

He clearly has a wolf's heart.

A wolf's heart?

A wolf's heart and a dog's nature A saying that the human heart...

can be infinitely cruel and base.

Any ideas, Sakon?

Ignore Ieyasu and separate the lords.

HOW?

Lord Hideyori must move to Osaka within 50 days of the death of His Highness.

The Council decided the date of death shall be February 29 of next year

50 days from then is April.

Ieyasu will have visited all the lords by then

50 days have passed from the actual date he died in August.

Force the issue?

Why will a move to Osaka separate Ieyasu from the lords?

The lords will move to Osaka if Lord Hideyori moves.

Ieyasu can't move because of the will left by His Highness.

"Ieyasu shall oversee government from Fushimi as deputy of Hideyori."

"Lord Maeda shall counsel Hideyori at Osaka Castle."

January 1599.

Hereafter his chief residence shall be in Osaka.

And when will he move?

On the tenth.

Three days from now? To Osaka?

That's too soon. We won't be ready.

So, if we were to go to war today

you would complain that you won't be ready?

What's the matter, my lord?

For starters,

I now have Fushimi Castle.

An impressive castle.

But it will soon burn to ashes.

You've grown heavier, my lord.

White Snake.

Who will join me in bed?

Not tonight, my lord.

No?

Your pulse is alarmingly irregular.

You must be stressed from dealing with the Toyotomis.

That's why I want someone.

A woman now will shorten your life.

Are you sure the talks over tea are not leaking?

We are extremely cautious but we will increase security.

You are scrupulous, whether in running security or my harem.

You know tea ceremony.

I even want to hear your thoughts on government.

But "White Snake" will not do.

Then give me an appropriate name.

What's a good name, Mitsu?

She reminds me sometimes of Lady Acha.

Acha?

She was pregnant with my child Joined me at the battle of 1584

and died with the baby.

Good. I'll call you Acha.

Red Ear.

What, White Snake?

Call me Lady Acha from now.

Okay, Lady Acha.

You leaked the tea conversations to Hatsume.

No, never.

Sir Hyogo and you are always together.

We will die together brandishing our swords.

Hatsume, what did Ieyasu do?

He didn't even come out to send off the procession to Osaka.

Report every detail to Gyobu.

Yes, my lord.

And check on his health.

When will you return?

I will see you in five days in Osaka.

Return safely.

What's so amusing?

It sounded like you care.

A dog does not deserve it

ls something the matter?

No.

Stop calling yourself a dog Your name is Hatsume.

You are a priceless woman to me.

I have a wife and five children.

I cannot have a concubine as that would betray their loyalty.

But I love you more than any other.

I have thought much about the justice of love.

It's a trait that hounds me, but I cannot help it.

Dai lchi Dai Man Dai K ichi If one gives oneself for all-

The world will prosper and hearts will be enriched.

When that happens, I will abandon my name and my house.

I will travel to see other countries and other people.

Hatsume.

Will you come with me?

I shall always serve you.

No.

You are my love

I'll be waiting in Osaka.

Echizen The territory of Otani Gyobu.

How many stayed despite the order?

Kiyomasa's Seven and 10 others including Date Masamune...

remained in Fushimi to show their allegiance to Ieyasu.

A bit too many.

Ieyasu is spreading word that Osaka is preparing for war.

He sent a messenger ordering his troops to come down from Edo.

Fushimi and Osaka are bracing for imminent war.

It's gamesmanship War will not break out so easily.

Lord Mitsunari wants you to join him in Osaka presently

if your condition has not deteriorated

I still have some sight but my legs are completely useless.

You seem in pain.

You can tell?

Iga women can sense others' pain but are numbed to our own.

Snow is falling Shall I close the doors?

The cold eases my pain.

Tell Mitsunari I will depart Echizen promptly.

He will be glad.

Have you become his loved one?

No, sir, not at all.

Let me help you.

Move and you die

I'll die either way.

You helped the women on the steps That spelled your end.

Clever distraction.

White Snake set it up?

It's my head or yours I'm sorry.

March 3, 1599 Lord Maeda Toshiie dies.

Rifle unit.

Hurry!

Mitsunari's mansion in Osaka.

We have learned the Team of Seven

plans to attack at night in four days.

So soon after Lord Maeda's death.

Damn Kiyomasa!

I'll take him down with my spear.

- Only 200 men here. - We have allies.

You must flee for now.

If he leaves now Ieyasu will enter Osaka Castle and take over.

Ieyasu wants to rule To do so, he must cause chaos and rebellion.

Given power, he'll show his true colors.

It's best you retreat to Sawayama.

Our true enemy is not Kiyomasa.

What's the matter?

Hatsume has not returned.

Just another dead dog.

Think twice about using that word.

It's your prerogative to mourn a soldier.

But you should not let it show.

You are right. I'll leave.

- Then. - Wait.

I want to see someone first.

Whom?

A man who loathes Ieyasu.

Hosokawa's troops have come from Fushimi.

They set up camp north of Osaka.

My lord, one more night may be too long.

Mitsunari has fled.

He won't reach Sawayama

I'll press on to Fushimi.

Masanori.

Meet up with Asano's troops and join me later.

Don't hog all the glory, Kiyomasa.

Come to Aizu if you want to see a man.

That was a popular song in Aizu the castle city of Uesugi's fiefdom.

Of what man did they sing?

The Uesugi Army created by the late Kenshin?

Or the counselor, Sir Naoe?

In any case, the people considered it an ugly sight

to see 200 lords prostrating to Ieyasu.

They expected something different from the Uesugis of Aizu.

Especially given their tradition.

This man, Sir Naoe, knows the expectation.

There's Osaka Castle and Fushimi Lake Biwa and Sawayama Castle.

So, this is...

Mt. Fuji.

Edo.

The dragon is Date.

And this is my home, Aizu.

Have you decided?

I have.

What will Kiyomasa do?

The Team of Seven will attack my mansion at night on the 13th.

You should leave for Sawayama

I agree.

Do we also agree on a plan hereafter?

You were assigned to Aizu recently.

Things still need to be organized.

Use that as an excuse for Lord Uesugi to go home

I will also invite the powerful Lord Satake.

Upon your return, build many castles across Aizu.

Recruit fighters and build up our army.

When threatened from the east, Ieyasu will ask Lord Hideyori to declare war.

He'll go east with his allies to fight Uesugi.

I will then return to Osaka.

Gather those loyal to Toyotomi and we hit him from both sides.

We agree.

This vision of war may be the biggest in the history of Japan.

Nothing could be more satisfying to a man.

Get him!

There may be more.

Go.

My lord! It's me, Red Ear.

I served you, remember? It's Red Ear I beg your mercy.

Red Ear from Ueda You've grown old.

Ninjas age twice as fast

I beg you, mercy.

I would never kill you

I'm sick of being a Tokugawa dog Please let me serve you again

- I'll do anything. - Sir Naoe!

Are you unharmed?

This ninja was once my caretaker

I'll send him if something happens.

We'll let loose the horses in the castle to run wild.

During that time, Tata...

You ninjas will take Lord Mitsunari through this alley.

Sakon, Hyogo, everyone, listen.

Who will hate it most if I die now?

Leyasu.

What do you think?

Very interesting, sir.

So, you approve?

I am thoroughly impressed.

Tokugawa's mansion, Fushimi.

My lord is asleep That is why you must speak to me

Honda Masanobu is your name? I've never met you before.

How very polite, sir But I know you very well...

as I accompanied His Highness to the castle.

Mind your words, Masanobu.

My Words?

Who do you mean by "His Highness"?

The master of this house Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Disorder in words lead to disorder in the world so listen well.

"His Highness" has meant the ruler of the realm since Lord Nobunaga.

After the Supreme Taiko, his son is "His Highness".

Do simpletons from Mikawa not know?

"His Highness" in Kanto means Lord Ieyasu.

Then is a fox a badger and a badger a fox in Kanto?

The merchants in Osaka call Ieyasu the Old Badger.

But is he the Old Fox in Kanto?

- How dare you, sir! - I beg your pardon.

Lord Mitsunari.

Allow me to hear you

I am pursued by Kiyomasa and the seven fools

I have nowhere to flee I am asking your house for shelter

I should beg for protection but have unwisely offended.

Kiyomasa will arrive soon to ask for Mitsunari

I don't see the dilemma.

Why not kill him now?

That will not make our lord the ruler of the realm.

Suppose Mitsunari goes free.

More lords might come to his support.

Naomasa, that's the gamble.

Who can conquer all without a gamble?

Acha, what do you think?

A gamble is fine, so long as it is a well-devised fix to win.

That's a fix and not a gamble.

A true gamble is a fix, Masanobu.

This is a gamble of my life...

my position, territory, people, everything.

All is lost if I lose

I will cast the die only after every measure is taken to ensure...

I will win.

Against Mitsunari.

Yes. I chose Mitsunari.

I agitated him and endured him to make him my worthy adversary

I created him.

My blood still boils to recall

the incident of the stick.

Guard and accompany him to Sawayama tomorrow morning.

You are hiding Mitsunari.

As you all know, I wish for nothing

except to do what is best for Lord Hideyori

in Osaka.

Kiyomasa, I thought much about my answer to you.

Is it best to hand over Mitsunari

or keep him from you? I asked with my whole being.

Have any of you thought of what's best?

Are you pursuing Mitsunari as a result of thorough consideration?

I will be asking you to go south shortly to Kyushu.

I swear I will turn not only my land but all of Kyushu...

into your colors, Lord Tokugawa.

Mitsunari lost...

Was not what this man thought.

When he learned that Ieyasu dismissed the Seven

he thought the venom of the dragon stopped the venom of the snake.

He was very satisfied

I'm sleeping under the same roof as that man.

Bold is this night.

Amusing, indeed.

Hatsume.

Hurry up.

North of Lake Biwa, Spring 1600

I'll make it cheap if you buy all five weaklings.

Gotta bring me better ones if you wanna sell me a package.

They're better than before.

Don't need the kids.

Three girls.

Unbind 'em.

All right already. Stingy hag.

Hurry the hell up.

South of Lake Biwa Sawayama Castle.

Ieyasu declared war on Uesugi yesterday.

He'll come east in a few days.

You ninjas go east where he goes.

Nip this in the bud. Attack him when he passes through your territory.

You must decide

I said I will take up arms on a matter being just.

When all the world is self-interested

you said it is worthy to run alone against it.

Merely running alone against the current is madness.

A man's task is to run upstream to win.

That will not make us just.

Justice is shattered anyway if we lose.

Sakon.

We shall divide the land in two in a battle for dominion.

July 12.

Thank you for the welcome.

The lords advancing together with Ieyasu

and those on the sidelines

will lose the will to fight if their families are held in Osaka.

Even Ieyasu will have trouble if hit by Uesugi from the north

and us from the west.

Our solidarity will determine the rest.

Our success depends on the Mori house joining us.

The Elder Mori has no sway over his house.

His deputy Lord Kikkawa and I, his advisor, determine our course.

Leave the Mori house to me.

But, the Elder Mori will not move for free.

Please give me a seed for persuasion.

If we win, make him the chief council of thejunii.

Then Mori becomes Tokugawa.

Do as he says! We'll fight under Lord Mori.

He shall become the pillar of Toyotomi and you shall advise him.

Sir Ekei.

I entrust everything to you.

Nobukatsu.

My lord.

Be seated.

We will punish Ieyasu.

We will secure the reign of Toyotomi.

I pray you give me your lives.

Now, there is only...

swift action.

Hvogo. Mai.

Start an uprise in Echigo.

Very good, my lord.

Sukeza.

Send messengers to the houses of Mori, Ukita and Oda.

Those to Osaka shall await orders from Sakon.

Armed forces shall immediately dispatch to Omi.

Stop those in the West from joining Ieyasu.

Kiyomasa is stuck in Kyushu The other six are already with Ieyasu.

The rest don't want to use force.

Persuade them to return to Osaka.

Sakon, leave for Osaka tonight and go encourage the commissioners.

And the declaration of war?

I spent all night writing it.

Take this. Have the commissioners sign it.

Then, deliver it posthaste to Ieyasu.

The mansions of the lords in Osaka are clumped around the castle.

The families of the lords are like hostages.

The news of Mitsunari going to war terrified those in the mansions.

Mitsunari watched Hosokawa's mansion burn from aboard a ship.

Mitsunari and his men were sailing down the Yoda River

to enter Osaka that night.

Sakon, we'll to the council's chamber.

Till later.

Out of my way.

Make haste.

July 16.

Find the commissioners!

They have both gone home.

On this important night?

I will call them back.

Kiyomasa's wife hid in a row boat and escaped.

Nagamasa's wife and mother are also missing.

It eases my conscience to have them gone.

You are hard on your allies and easy on your enemies.

A self-righteous judge only creates enemies.

Be wary of it.

I know.

Stay here.

The counselors of Hosokawa set their mansion on fire.

Lady Gracia refused to commit suicide So, they killed her.

This is not the outcome I desire.

I summoned you because you are the enforcers of the law.

We will increase patrol of the city.

On the contrary.

Contrary?

Forcefully taking hostages will create another Lady Gracia and more.

It will harden the resolve of the lords fighting Uesugi.

We must cease immediately.

You were the one who urged us to take hostages

I realized I was a fool.

So I am correcting my error.

That is why I am asking you.

If you insist.

Now.

The battle for dominion has already started.

August 20.

Everyone is waiting to see what happens.

Ieyasu is still in the east If he comes, many lords will flip sides.

Who cares? Where's the battlefield?

Mitsunari has taken over Ogaki Castle.

He's in a stare-down there with the frontline of the East.

Which is Fukushima's castle.

Ieyasu will attack Ogaki Castle.

He's good on the field Not at besieging castles.

A siege requires triple the men in the castle.

How do you know that?

Wisdom of a ninja.

Then, where is Ieyasu gonna fight?

Where two roads intersect

in Sekigahara.

Kyoto Lady Nene's Residence.

Why the sour face?

I burned down Fushimi with Mitsunari.

Forget about that.

If you're surrounded by the West You have to go with them

ls Lord Ieyasu unhappy with me? He hasn't replied to my letters.

Of course. He has to deceive Mitsunari.

He won't even greet my messenger.

Your counselors Send their families as collateral.

Who would listen? Kuroda Nagamasa, of course!

Yep. I'll write him a letter.

Nagamasa will then entreat Lord Ieyasu.

Don't you worry.

Just keep pretending you're with the West.

This is my adopted daughter Greet the gentleman.

My name is Tatsu.

She's the youngest daughter of Mitsunari.

Lady Nene will protect the children of Mitsunari.

It's better for the future if Mitsunari lost.

However, it's best if his bloodline continues.

Ogaki, September 7

20,000 from Young Mori and Kikkawa marched up the bay route

1,800 from Sir Ekei, 6,600 from Chosokabe...

and another 1 ,500.

A total of 30,000 troops arriving.

Combined with the troops already here...

their total is 60,000.

We are 40,000. Divided unit of 35,000 is stuck in the mountains.

We lose if we fight now.

Mitsunari is after Lord Ieyasu He won't make a move

until His Highness arrives.

And Osaka Castle?

Lady Yodo is frightened and keeps Elder Mori there.

Young Mori's troops are climbing Mt. Nangu.

Sir Kikkawa. Sir Kikkawa?

We will hold a war counsel at Ogaki I pray you return.

Sir Kikkawa.

Out of my way.

Sir Ekei, they're heading toward Mt. Nangu!

The Silver Fox never listens to me

I pray you enter Ogaki Castle.

He will climb if he wants.

Let him go.

But we have a war council tonight.

Ask Elder Mori to come.

We have sent messenger after messenger to Osaka.

Akasaka-Okayama and Ogaki Both armies are at a standstill.

Ieyasu does not come There is no gun smoke.

Rain showers several times a day And the nights are especially cold.

The East is waiting for Ieyasu's arrival.

Mitsunari, too, was waiting for the arrival of Lord Mori...

the Commander of the West.

Naturally, Mitsunari sent for him in Osaka many times.

Some were killed en route and some reached their destination.

Elder Mori came close to making a move at one point.

But there were those who advised him it was best to stay...

because someone connected to Ieyasu may do something...

if he vacated Osaka Castle So, he settled back down into stasis

I'm writing a plea to Osaka.

Count them out.

If the hearts of all the generals are united.

Elder Mori may be Commander of the West.

But is only thinking about his land regardless of the outcome.

The same goes for his son and the Silver Fox.

How foolish if that is true.

Consider how little land there is in Japan.

Ieyasu will confiscate Mori's vast territory if the West loses.

There is no other land to give as a reward to the lords of the East.

This letter did not reach Osaka either.

Hurry up.

Hurry.

Who are you?

Mercy!

You're battlefield thieves.

Stop, please stop.

September 14 The eve of battle.

Ogaki Castle is that way.

- That way? - That way.

- No, this way. - Which way?

- This way? - Which is it?

Small reinforcements are arriving daily from Satsuma afar.

The East will be 100,000 We are 80,000.

Yet half are high in the hills watching from safety.

This is a war of justice and injustice We cannot lose.

Gyobu, will you not enter Ogaki Castle?

Leyasu will not attack the castle.

He cannot easily leave Edo.

If he does, Uesugi will attack Edo.

It is natural to think he's already left.

That is illogical.

You're ever the same.

Here comes His Highness.

His son won't make it.

Don't despair.

My lord, I believe the 30,000 we have now is sufficient.

Well said.

The generals from the frontline are here.

Let me out.

Keep moving.

Here's a fig, Father. Your favorite.

Thanks to your father-in-law here You are maturing well.

Think of your older brother Hidetada.

He's stuck in the mountain

fighting the Sanada army 35,000 men will miss my battle.

What's the news on Mitsunari?

He has not yet detected your movement.

How sloppy...

Mt. Matsuo, south of Sekigahara.

Camp of the East's frontline Akasaka-Okayama.

I never fell from a horse wearing my own helmet.

Raise the battle standard and the flags Presently.

Look at that! Ogaki Castle right in front of me.

Where's Ieyasu?

He has arrived at Akasaka-Okayama.

Are you certain?

You said he would not leave Edo from fear of Uesugi behind him.

The war council is starting

I will restore morale.

Nobukatsu, I need 500 men.

Foot soldiers! Bring your sickles and gather.

We'll create a diversion

lshida rifle units!

Make haste.

Onward.

Kobayakawa set up camp at Mt. Matsuo.

What do you think, Nagamasa?

I believe he's with you, my lord His counselors gave...

their families as hostages and we have exchanged covenants

I assigned our best swordsman as their guard.

Ordered to kill Lord Kobayakawa if he turns to Mitsunari.

There it is. Here we go.

Battle has started at Kuise River.

Bring my lunch here.

Don't fall for that.

Oh, no, no, no, no.

They demolished us.

After name tags, rouge on the lips.

Sir Naoe's ninja has arrived from Uesugi.

Red Ear?

Tell me on the turret.

Did something happen to our ninjas?

During a war council in Kanto every lga ninja-

Died?

Their bodies on display.

What of Hatsume?

No clue, sir.

Sir Naoe said, "we were surrounded and had to give up pursuing Ieyasu".

"We will now head north to fight Mogami."

"You must follow Ieyasu...

overtake him and report the situation".

Red Ear got these from the Eastern camps.

Ieyasu is showing the letters from the lords who betrayed us.

Even your colleagues, my lord.

Who would have guessed so many?

The East has too few troops.

Did Ieyasu dispatch separate troops by the Mountain Route?

Hidetada, accompanied by Chancellor Honda.

And 35,000 men took the route.

Lord Sanada guards the Castle up there

35,000 men are stuck in Sanada territory.

Sakon, that's good news.

The impact on Ieyasu is great.

Red Ear, hereafter become the eyes and ears of our army.

Yes, my lord.

Why are we waiting?

The logical action is to rush Ogaki Castle

and take the heads of Mitsunari and Lord Ukita

I'm telling you a siege is reckless.

Mondo, scout of Lord Kuroda reporting back, sir.

Enter, Mondo.

Report.

Reporting, sir.

Report, I say.

Reporting, sir.

The troops of the West number about 18,000.

Some reported 150,000!

Collect yourself.

Mondo, have you seen the rush among Lord Ukita's forces?

I have, sir.

Your thoughts?

They're rearranging camp.

Not preparing to attack?

The movement started in the afternoon.

Not enough time for battle in daylight.

Perhaps a night raid?

The movement is too widespread.

Well said, Mondo.

The West are camped atop the mountain.

They seem afraid even to come down for water.

They are not warriors, but puppets.

Those subtracted, the troops on the field

number 18,000.

Very well said Your work deserves a reward.

Mondo.

Eat this.

Thank you, my lord.

Good. I have decided.

We will leave here tomorrow and advance west.

Very well, my lord.

We know the positions of the lords.

Has any seen the camp of Ieyasu's vassals?

They have just erected a fence.

Any moats?

None, my lord.

You may go.

It's a temporary camp.

They are undoubtedly advancing west.

They will likely leave some troops to keep Ogaki Castle in check.

We should vacate the castle before they position themselves.

Let's head to Sekigahara.

That's just Ieyasu tryin' to confuse us.

What are you suggesting, Lord Monk?

A night raid on their main camp.

My army will lead.

A night raid is for yokels It's below us.

With many allies cowardly standin' by It's the only strategy.

No one can betray us if we attack first-

History will mock us if we attack at night.

We will go to Sekigahara.

Are you abandoning this castle?

That's what Ieyasu wants.

Quiet! Let's hear him!

But, we are prepared with catapults, boiling oil-

Here's my plan.

We will lead and set up on Mt. Sasao.

Lord Monk goes behind us followed by Lord Konishi.

Lord Ukita, anchor with your large army.

Set up camp at South Tenma.

With our troops set in Sekigahara...

we can win without Mori.

And Ieyasu?

He lives and dies by his Buddhist flag.

He will camp on Momokubari Hill as Prince O-amano did...

1 ,000 years ago.

Tassets should be tied down and lamps extinguished.

Gag the horses to prevent their neighing

I'm too excited to sleep.

A hora basket?

First one in 18 years.

Do you know the history of the hora?

Why a samurai fights with it on his back?

To showcase his manhood?

According to a book hora is modeled after the placenta

which prevents a fetus...

from being poisoned in the womb.

Hence, the characters for hora mean "mother's covering".

Life and death are determined both in the womb and on the battlefield.

What happened when you made one 18 years ago?

Lord Nobunaga was betrayed at Honno-ji.

I was in Sakai with only a few of my men.

I escaped into the mountains of lga and was preparing for hara-kiri.

Before I killed myself I decided to make a hora.

Otani Gyobu's camp, Yamanaka Village.

Hungry?

Yes, I have not eaten since last night.

- Warigayu porridge? - You remember?

It was His Highness' favorite How could I forget?

You saved me back then, too.

His Highness was being unreasonable.

Nobody takes a grindstone to hunt.

Still, a mere page cannot argue.

And you said we can chop up three cups of rice easily.

All the pages took our swords out and-

Started chopping.

We have begun moving

I'll move my camp

I will advance to Mt. Matsuo Just in case Kobayakawa betrays us.

It's too late for him to betray us

I'm sorry about Hatsume.

Just a ninja who didn't return.

Still... I'm sorry.

She's alive.

She can't die so easily I won't allow it.

Meet Lord Kobayakawa.

Let him see who you are.

You demand too much.

I won't send you off. Forgive me.

I will always remember the taste of this porridge.

The Shimazus are expert night raiders.

Increase the night watch

I have finally come to where dominion is within my reach.

It's all because of...

the hora.

Look, it's finished.

My lord.

Mitsunari's army has just departed Ogaki Castle.

Have they? Order all troops to advance.

Position my own army of 30,000 on Momokubari Hill.

The battle will be determined...

at Sekigahara.

The foot of Momokubari Hill Lord Fukushima Masanori's forces.

Who are you that move ahead...

of the spearhead troops?

We belong to Lord Ukita.

Enemy hoops?

Indeed.

Let us move slowly.

We'll move slowly.

Mt. Matsuo.

We will ask the Emperor to appoint you Regent

and guardian of Lord Hideyori.

You would buy me the regency?

A warrior fights for his position.

That would be "farmer" for the Toyotomis.

Indeed!

The times allow the lowly to climb to success.

My parents were peasants I was adopted by a beggar priest.

That is why...

I understand His Highness' admiration of Lady Yodo

I am Regent. And you?

I will give away everything and travel.

To find my loved one

I do not understand you

I could not save 20 women at the riverbank.

But I retained the 30 samurai who lost their master.

They are all warriors fit to serve a regent.

They will support you in every conceivable way.

Confucius taught selflessness.

Mencius taught justice in a degenerate age.

Justice alone can establish a world without chaos.

We need the justice of Mencius to preserve order in our land.

Injustice must not defeat justice.

Red smoke will be the signal...

for you to attack.

We'll to Momokubari Hill.

The spear and rifle units are not ready.

No matter.

His Highness rides out.

His Highness will establish headquarters on Momokubari Hill.

Collect yourselves.

Stay calm.

Mt. Sasao Headquarters of Mitsunari.

September 15, 1600.

Lord Mitsunari is arrived.

Don't lag behind

I'm not lagging.

There's some tunnels in Sekigahara We'll hide there till the battle ends.

There are a lot of them.

Dammit! You gotta be kidding me.

We're right in the middle of the two armies.

Gingame!

Run away.

Don't drop it!

This is the captive from Choson?

Yes, my lord.

He is fearless. He let himself become captive to stay with his Folangji (Portuguese).

Folangji? These brass cannons?

Yes, he is the best at handling them.

We depend on you.

Commence!

Tomokatsu.

Ukita's force of 17,000 arrived We are in position now.

And the enemy formation?

Here, my lord.

Well done.

Red Ear, how can you help us best? What do you want to do?

I would like to go after Ieyasu's head, my lord.

Shimazu fireworks.

Chuman, would you stop throwing things in?

These are all useless.

This goes over there

I said stop it!

All gather!

Here are your formations.

Pay no heed to Mitsunari's orders once battle begins.

Shimazu will march to its own drum.

What if the enemy attacks?

Don't shoot first.

But shoot if they get too close.

Yes, my lord.

Take the wedge formation.

Get in formation!

Moriatsu, get them sutras started.

Right away

7 a.m., Momokubari Hill.

Can't something be done about this fog?

The spearhead of this monumental battle should be a Tokugawa vassal.

Lord Fukushima cares only about killing Mitsunari. He is not loyal to you.

He will boast of leading the charge forever!

Naomasa, this is the first battle of Tadayoshi, your son-in-law.

Wouldn't you like him to observe the frontlines?

Yes, my lord.

Here.

At last.

They beat us to it My helmet! Horse! Drums!

All men, charge!

Bang the drums!

Ukita's troops of the West.

Charge!

Kuroda's troops of the East.

Fire.

Spear units, forward.

Flank the left!

Sakon and Game's units have penetrated Kuroda's troops.

Flank the right.

Is that Shima Sakon?

Yes, my lord.

Trample them.

Fight.

Ready.

Prun to !

Prun to !

Alvo'.!

Firing angle confirmed!

Fire!

Momokubari Hill, Ieyasu's headquarters.

Ieyasu's own troops are watching the battle from Momokubari Hill.

Our time is now.

We can win! Signal Ukita's troops for a full attack.

Shika, you go to Sakon and tell him to take courage.

What about the red smoke signal for Lord Kobayakawa?

- We launched one. - Launch another.

Advance the front line.

Spear units, forward.

We'll push forward.

Make haste.

Target Shima Sakon Ready.

Fire.

Ready.

Fire.

Sir Sakon!

Warm up the intestines and slowly put them back.

Use barked willow for a brace.

How is he?

He can fight, once he's stanched.

Kuroda will fall if Shimazu attacks the flanks.

- Any movement from Shimazu? - None, my lord.

Go to Shimazu and demand they attack.

No, I'll go.

Bring my horse.

Be not reckless, my lord.

Charge!

Why isn't there movement from Mt. Matsuo?

Otani and Ukita can be destroyed if Kobayakawa moves

ls there no report from Kuroda?

Is he doing nothing? Send a messenger

I'll light a fire under Lord Kuroda.

We will advance.

- Do not shoot. - Hold fire.

It's Mitsunari's men.

- Don't shoot. - It's lshida's men.

Hold your fire.

What the hell? They said hold fire

I know!

Stay. I'll go alone.

Why are you not attacking?

Kuroda will flee before us if you move Victory is in reach.

The West will lose.

Behold the battlefield.

Our only troops on the field are from Otani, Ukita, Konishi and lshida.

None of the large reinforcements are making a move.

And, yet, we are still standing our ground.

Our chance was in a night raid.

Did you forget we opposed fighting here?

We are in the midst of battle.

Our Shimazu troops are only 1,000 We'll make no difference in the outcome.

A great general is one who moves the many troops who refuse to move.

Does the Lord Monk share your opinion?

Indeed.

So, we just gotta each do our best in this battle today.

You should take that to heart, too.

Good luck.

My lord. You must help Lord Tokugawa.

My lord!

Kuroda, where is Lord Kobayakawa?

You shall address me as Lord Kuroda.

That is not an answer.

Kobayakawa is none of my business.

It's pointless coming to me at this hour

I have no talent in negotiating.

My gift is in fighting

I'll tell His Highness so

I'll think about it after I dismantle Mitsunari.

Any movement from Mt. Matsuo?

No, my lord.

My lord, send me there.

Where is Sakon?

Defending below the cliff.

See him before you go.

Presently! Make haste!

Get a horse for Nobukatsu!

Follow me.

Hammer them!

Spread out.

Strike!

Forward!

Spear unit, advance!

Father.

I am headed to Mt. Matsuo.

There's so much I should have done for you.

No, sir, I could not have asked for anything more.

Cross in front of the Shimazus and head to the back of Mt. Matsuo.

Slow down for nothing.

Shield unit forward.

Fire.

Fire.

Spear unit forward.

What did Kuroda say?

He has no skills in negotiation, only in fighting.

True indeed.

Acha, have you seen this instrument?

Is that what they call a telescope?

A shipwrecked Dutch captain had it.

Everything looks twice as big.

Take a look.

Don't drop it.

Oh, my!

My lord.

Don't hesitate! Stab the both of us!

Do it!

Stand your ground I will kill any who retreats.

Onward to Ieyasu's headquarters Move ahead of the Otani troops.

Fire.

My lord, do not let any more die unnecessarily

3 hours later Mitsunari's camp, Mt. Sasao.

Hold Retreat, retreat!

Clear the way!

Attack.

Kobayakawa's headquarters.

My lord! You must decide.

I must see Lord Kobayakawa himself.

Where is Lord Kobayakawa?

Hold! Hold I say!

Out of my way!

If you will not attack Otani, we will.

My lord, please stop.

You shall not! I will not let you.

My lord, I beg you, stop

I am Shima Nobukatsu servant of Lord lshida Mitsunari.

I beg you, heed my lord's plea Please, please.

Mitsunari.

- I will help Mitsunari. - My lord!

Nobukatsu

I will help Mitsunari.

- My lord! - Put up your sword.

We will attack Ieyasu Kill Ieyasu.

Gore, what have you done?

Goro!

My lord, now you may freely attack the West.

Attack the West!

No, no, that's not what I want.

Attack Otani!

Lady Nene is preserving Mitsunari's blood

I shall preserve Mitsunari I shall attack Ieyasu.

Fire.

Kobayakawa's troops annihilated Otani's men.

My lord!

Kobayakawa's men are coming.

My time is up.

Gosuke! Do not let the enemy take my head.

Sukeza.

Take care of Sakon's wife, Hanano.

Survive with her.

My lord.

I will die on this battlefield.

Forgive me.

This is a medical tent Are you wounded? Shall I treat you?

Hanano.

Escape now with your son, I pray you.

Live!

The kid did it.

Shout out the battle cry.

But that's for the start of battle.

Now is indeed that time!

All troops attack!

1 p.m. 5 hours from the start of battle.

Are you harmed, my lord?

I told your wife and son to flee.

I thank you.

And Gyobu?

His troops and Ukita's are destroyed.

Why?

Why what?

Why the battle cry?

The only thing left for us is to consider how we will go in defeat.

Pointless to die now.

Nobody can read a person's intentions or the outcome of a battle.

It is best you flee.

What will you do?

I will blow up justice...

as a testament to my life.

A mountain behind Shimazu's camp.

This is it.

Did they surrender?

Where is Mitsunari?

Their camp is surrounded.

We sent word to urge surrender, but-

Trample them.

Press them all the way.

(My brothers in arms!)

Tomokatsu, go help him.

Yes, mother.

Are you Hanano?

Are you of Lord Mitsunari's house?

I once served him.

Where's Lord Mitsunari?

He probably...

Let us flee together.

Before the East hunts us down.

We'll blast open the enemy camp in two and run right through them

3 p.m.

The cowards on Mt. Nangu escaped long ago.

She must be from the village I pity her.

Mitsunari escaped to his former territory An old farmer friend helped him.

The farmer risked his life to hide Mitsunari.

And within a few days Mitsunari was healthy again.

When pursuers drew near, the farmer urged Mitsunari to flee.

Mitsunari was immovable To flee would mean the death of the farmer.

That is no way to repay the man's justice.

Go alert the authorities You will save my name to do so.

Mitsunari waited for his fate.

All the while, he never considered killing himself on his own blade.

Otsu Castle

I cannot decide what to do with him.

For now.

Place a mat in front of the gate.

Have him sit there awhile.

Who have we here? Lord Mitsunari?

You started an ill-advised war against Lord Tokugawa

who is the greatest samurai lord of Japan.

Look at you now.

A halfwit like you will never understand the heart of someone like me.

Be gone. You ruin the view.

Fate determines who wins or loses Still, your shame must be unbearable.

You are kind.

Give us some time alone.

I failed to requite your good faith.

I became entangled by Ieyasu over many years.

I succumbed to injustice.

Forgive me.

Last night, Ieyasu's men asked me

why I refuse to kill myself.

I told them my heart is only known to him who started all of this.

To tell you the truth I want to stay alive a little longer...

to see that those I care for are still living.

You are one of them.

So...

Wipe away your tears and insult me.

It will please Ieyasu.

All of this was reported to Ieyasu.

He finally nodded and said ”I'll meet him. Treat him with respect”.

No words were exchanged.

Dai Ichi Dai Man Dai Kichi.

This is my justice.

October 1, 1600 Ishida Mitsunari dies. He was 41