Original subtitles

DAIEl COMPANY, LTD

Enemies! - Night attack!

THIRD SHADOW Daisan no Kagemusha

Created by TSUJI Hisakazu Story by NANJO Norio Screenplay by HOSHIKAWA Seiji

Cinematography: HONDA Shozo Sound: OTANI Iwao Lighting: OKAMOTO Kenichi Art Director: NISHIOKA Yoshinobu Music by KABURAGI Hajime

Edited by MIYATA Mitsuzo Equipment: HAYASHI Yonematsu Fight Choreographer: MIYAUCHI Shohei Assistant Director NISHIZAWA Eiji Narrator: AKUTAGAWA Takayuki Produced by MURAKAMI Tadao

CAST

ICHIKAWA Raizo TAKACHIHO Hizuru BANRI Masayo

KOBAYASHI Katsuhiko AMACHI Shigeru SHIMADA Ryuzo ISHIGURO Tatsuya SUMI Rieko KANEKO Nobuo

Directed by INOUE Umetsugu

Hida is a land buried and concealed by mountains.

During the Sengoku era, after the Onin and Bunroku...

Hida managed to escape invasion by...

Takeda, Uesugi and Oda because of their inaccessibility.

But smaller lords stepped into this power vacuum...

and skirmishes continued in the region.

Get out! Out of my way!

Move!

Rude bastard! Go then!

Hey! Look at the castle!

Thought we'd had it when we were surrounded by enemies, but...

But I survived, and took their general's head!

I'll get a fat reward back at the castle.

I took an enemy's head before you!

Well, I won't give up my reward to you.

What nerve!

Father, samurai are so greedy.

What do you want! We'll be better off if they win the war.

If they don't, things will get worse!

Out of my way!

Hey farmer, pick that up!

Pick it up quickly!

Horrible!

Give it to me now!

I'll be rewarded for taking the fifth head if I hurry.

There, look at that. Not so good to be a samurai these days.

Better than picking scraps off the ground.

Look! Look!

We'll win the war. Lord Yasutaka is strong.

He'll reign over Hida region soon enough.

The latest struggle inspires the mountain youth to dream of winning a fiefdom.

Young men living off the land, who had little to dream about before.

Now they'd dream of winning honor as a samurai.

THE YEAR 1564

HIDA, TAKANOBORIKYO CASTLE OF IKEMOTO YASUTAKA MITAYA CASTLE

I hope war will start again soon.

I was stuck in the castle last time. Next time I'll win my fortune.

What can a mere farmer win?

Who are you?

The son of a powerful family.

I say I'll distinguish myself and become a samurai next time.

I want to become a samurai general.

Their dreams flew high, above their grasp. Too high to reach.

If they could grab a title, maybe dominate a castle...

Some succeeded by force of arms...

but many dreams turned to ashes in young men's hearts.

Look, a fog is rising!

It's turned grey!

Then one day, one young man's destiny arrived on horseback.

Hey, the fog is swallowing the mountains.

There's a samurai coming. He's coming here.

Coming here? Why?

Father, a samurai's coming.

What? Samurai?

We just paid our taxes.

Are they going to charge us more?

Ninomiya Kyonosuke, I think that's your name. You probably remember me.

I asked you for directions once.

I'm Shinomura Saheita.

You want to be a samurai?

Look, we may be farmers today, but we come from samurai stock.

Yes, it's a good family.

Naturally, you have samurai in your family.

I like the young man Kyonosuke very much.

My Ikemoto family will gladly hire him for Mitaya castle.

He's from this family, and he's always wanted to be a samurai.

What would my salary be?

Stop!

How much would you like?

100 koku.

100 koku stipend?

Take it easy!

You know any small numbers?

When he was a boy, I took him to Takayama shrine.

We saw the colorful samurai marching.

I told him they earned 100 koku each.

Ever since, that's what he knows...

Please Lord Shinomura, forgive him.

That's fine. 100 koku it is.

Clothing and equipment advance.

Pack and come to my house in three days.

Try this on.

Put it on!

ARMY MAGISTRATE OFFICE

ARMY MAGISTRATE OFFICE Come in.

Come in.

Go.

Follow me.

What's in here?

I can't see anything in the dark.

You all right?

Sit here.

Sit still. I'll give us light.

Now, face front.

That's right.

Yes, he looks just right.

Oh yes, even I couldn't say who he is.

Indeed.

Good work, Shinomura.

He could stand in for our lord and his closest followers wouldn't know.

All of you, put out the light and come closer.

You too, Ninomiya.

Now, you all look the same, don't you?

Yes.

Ishihara and Kuwano, what do you think?

It's amazing. The face is exactly like our lord's.

I agree.

Exactly like him.

Forgive me, who do I look like?

The owner of the castle, Ikemoto Yasutaka.

Ikemoto? Am I so much like him?

Starting now, he's one of you. Introduce yourselves.

I'm Kuwano Genta, first shadow.

Second shadow, Ishihara Shosaku.

Shadow?

Yes, it means acting as our lord's double.

Double?

You're the third. Third shadow.

Ishihara, Kuwano...

Madam Urazu, please keep this secret.

Remember this and work hard.

Don't leave until you've mastered the art of doubling our lord.

You can start tomorrow. For now, get some rest.

Shinomura, bring him some Sake tonight.

That's all for now.

You really look like him.

When I saw your face, I thought you were our lord.

Come over here by the fire, warm yourself.

How did you become a double?

I used to be an actor but I'm useless with a sword.

They mostly keep me in the castle.

If there's an attempt on Lord Yasutaka's life...

I give them time to call in their allies and find the enemy.

I get the dangerous duty, always at the battlefield.

Lord Yasutaka stands at the forefront.

When he's threatened, I take his place to fool allies and enemies alike.

So I need nine more lives than you.

Still, I eat the Lord's fine food on the field, and get extra pay.

When I've got 100 ryo...

I'll go back to my village, become a rich farmer, and find a beautiful bride.

And I came here to be a samurai because I hate farming.

Well, you'll get tired of this phony life!

Phony?

Spending your life studying the lord's habits and hiding out like an exile.

The lord sprained his ankle last year.

He fell off a horse, fighting with an enemy general at the battle of Tomiyama.

Since then, he drags his left leg a bit when he walks.

Try it.

That's too much. Take smaller steps. Just a little.

Much too theatrical!

If I were your enemy, I'd have cut your leg off!

Still too much!

Back, Kuwano!

Your head is too high, relax!

That's his habit.

When he's riled, he cracks the floor with his whip.

Back, Ishibashi!

Your head's too high!

He takes it everywhere but his bed. Remember.

Back up, Kuwano!

Ninomiya, pull your shoulders back.

Head down!

Here's a list of castle staff.

Their full names, ages, family lines and previous marriages are recorded here.

Read this and memorize it.

All of it?

Of course.

The master must know everyone in his castle!

How are you?

Are you jealous of your colleagues?

Maybe they're sleeping with painted, powdered women?

You'll have your chance soon.

When you become more like the master.

I, Saheita, will go now, master.

Yes sir.

No! You are the master!

Good work. - Pull your shoulders back!

Excuse me...

I'm so homesick.

Now he's truly becoming like the master.

Just shave the ends of his eyebrows, and he'll look exactly like him.

Good job! Looks exactly like him!

Ninomiya, you've worked hard these five months.

Now stand up.

Hey, did you forget?

The master has a bad left leg.

When he stands up, he always puts his hand on this knee!

There it is.

I'll remind you.

When you wear his clothes and his hairstyle...

you're the master of Mitaya Castle, Ikemoto Yasutaka!

Never forget it.

We'll excuse ourselves.

Master, spring is already here.

Yes.

Nami no Kata and Miss Kohagi.

Our master is like other heroes. He's long been fond of sensual pleasures.

The man who just sat down is the head disciple, Fuse Koshiro.

The one about to sit in front of him, is troop leader Inoku Yoshiaki.

And next to him our accounting magistrate, named...

Sakuma Gunji.

Good.

The scarred man next to him is the head of stables, what is his name?

What?

What is it?

Tsurumo Samanosuke.

That's right.

Soon Master Ikemoto Yasutaka will take a seat.

Watch carefully.

You see? He looks like you, doesn't he?

Everybody! I have just negotiated an alliance with Hirose Muneshiro.

I'm no longer Ikemoto Yasutaka, from today I'm Yasutaka-in-Hida...

No! I am now the world-famous Yasutaka!

Fiercer than a tornado that scatters enemies before me.

Look, everyone! Keep up with me in battle!

Yes, lord!

Good!

Ninomiya! The master's here.

Hey, rude fellow!

Yasutaka never bends his head.

If you take my part, you must stand proudly!

Yes.

Take the master's kind advice. Head up!

He looks a lot like me.

He's learned all your moves, your habits, and your walk.

He gets on my nerves!

I don't like it!

I'm the only lord of Hida.

When I see another Yasutaka, I can't bear it!

We must look alike, that's why I'm so nervous!

Master! Are you there?

Yes, I'm here!

Master! This double must be kept secret.

I know.

Stand up.

Master! Hirose Munehiro has arrived!

Leave him for now, I'll be there in a minute!

I understand!

Surprised the head disciple couldn't tell?

What's going on?

When I think there are two world-famous Yasutaka in Hida, it's funny!

That's ridiculous, Yasutaka.

It's you that's going to rule Hida.

I'll find great honor helping you. I have no other ambition.

Why are you laughing?

Nothing. There's only one Yasutaka in Hida, right?

Of course.

Once you finalize this alliance...

it will make you the one man to rule over all Japan.

To make me the only one...

Yes! Not only Hida.

I will take the nation in the palm of my hands...

by defeating all who oppose me.

In my hands...

Before that, are we going to wipe out Miki Yoritsuna first?

Miki? It's nothing to destroy his castle...

but I'd like to take one thing there first.

I see. It's Princess Teru, isn't it?

Yes! They say she's the most beautiful woman in Hida.

Is she truly?

Yes.

If I were you, I'd give up my castle for her.

Then I'll tell old man Miki to send Princess Teru for my bride...

if he's willing to accept the peace settlement.

He's stubborn as a mule...

but he can't refuse to let the best man in Hida marry this beauty.

SAKURABORA CASTLE

If I refuse his offer, what'll that mountain monkey do next?

I think he'll close in for an attack.

Have we a chance against him?

The odds are against us.

His alliance with Hirose makes him the strongest man in Hida.

We won't last more than 3 days.

And if we seal an alliance with Satsuta in Echizen?

Yes, a good idea.

But, many mountains bar the path between our strongholds.

Yasutaka can bring his army before Satsuta's forces can help us.

Sadamitsu, what do you think?

I understand how you feel.

If you must sacrifice the princess to a stranger...

As her cousin, my heart would grieve...

Sir Sadamitsu, it's a matter of life and death for the Miki.

It was imprudent to speak so, even if you're his favorite!

Men may feel grief, but the princess has already accepted it.

In that case master, the answer is simple.

Miki is a small domain.

We don't have men or material to wage great battles.

All heaven gave us is the most beautiful princess in Hida.

She's the only weapon that can save tiny Miki.

Heaven bids us to use her wisely.

What are you saying about the princess!?

All the lords of Hida want her hand.

We have no choice...

She must wed the strongest among them.

Then must she marry Ikemoto or Satsuta?

Ikemoto Yasutaka, the answer is before us.

That's what we'd expect of the resourceful Sir Sadamitsu.

Master! Please decide!

Master! Congratulations!

Miki Yoritada said he was happy his princess...

could marry the right man, from the bottom of his heart.

When is the ceremony to be?

This year, before snow falls.

Good.

We'll be notified by messenger from the Miki soon.

Good work.

Master, we're happy you will marry the princess.

Everyone in Miki will be mine, along with their princess.

You, go back!

Good work.

While the master's ill, no one detected your performance. Good!

Think, Ninomiya.

This seals your reward.

But tonight brings the final test.

Shinomura sent me, to teach you how the lord makes love to Kohagi.

Is Kohagi his mistress?

He's lost interest in her and hasn't seen her lately.

She'll be excited to be summoned to his bed tonight.

She's an expert at entertaining men.

I can't do this!

Here's his bedroom.

We're under his orders. We must be sure she won't doubt you.

Now first, he takes hold of her from behind.

You're trembling.

You don't have to be so nervous...

Your inexperience surprises me...

Lord, congratulations on your engagement to Princess Teru.

Are you sincerely glad?

Aren't you my mistress?

Kohagi...

Come here.

Here!

Kohagi!

My Lord...

Are you well? You're shivering...

I may have caught a cold. I feel a slight chill.

Lord!

It's been such a long time.

Lord!

Finally, you called me. I'm so happy!

Lord, are you sure you're well?

Yes...

Forgive me!

What? Are you crying?

I'll be good to you from now on.

I'm so glad!

The allied forces of Ikemoto Yasutaka...

and Hirose Muneshiro stormed through Hida.

They reached Kotakari, the last castle to resist them.

Are you ready, Muneshiro?

Yes. We'll fire arrows from both sides.

We'll attack the front gates.

Good. Let's storm the castle!

Now, shoot!

Don't stop! Go! Go!

Everyone, don't fall back! Go!

Lord!

Lord! Lord!

Quickly! Go! Go!

Go! Don't fall back!

Shinomura! I'll leave this to you.

Number One, Number Two, take the lord!

Wait here, sword bearer...

What happened to the lord?!

Leave here! Go!

Lord! Lord!

Damn!

Number One!

Hold him up and Number Three, stand at his right.

Take off his helmet!

Quickly!

Relax. Lord, you'll be fine.

Put this on.

Number One, take off his helmet.

Put this on.

Stay calm, all right?

Number 1, see to the lord's injury.

Here's our lord! Everybody, our lord is fine!

My horse! My horse!

Our lord is all right.

Go ahead!

Don't worry! I'm all right!

Yasutaka! Have you injured your eye?

It's not serious.

Now, take over the battlefield.

Go!

How brave our lord is!

An arrow went straight into his eye...

but fearless, he said "Follow me everyone!"

That's just what I'd expect of our lord.

He will rule Hida!

Lord, lord. Please hold on.

Lord, you'll be fine soon.

Some party...

I can't enjoy drinking with three men in the dark.

I'd like to celebrate with them.

At last I became his double.

Just so.

Because of today's work, you can't show your face to anybody.

You can't be Ninomiya or Ikemoto Yasutaka.

Yes, a shadow...

You've truly become a shadow.

The good part is, you'll get a lot of money.

I wonder how much I'll receive...

Hey, Ishihara. You look so...

I'm scared...

About what?

What's wrong?

No!

It's not possible!

I don't want to... No!

Well, we won our victory. Let's celebrate.

Ninomiya, you did a great job!

Take a big cup. A big one.

Here, don't be shy!

This victory achieved our dream, the unification of Hida.

We appreciate all your great work.

Thank you so much.

Now, drink up.

You know, our lord lost his left eye during the fight.

As his doubles, all of you will have to follow him.

You'll serve him best this way.

That's what I thought.

After the lord's treatment...

Dr Dogami will come and perform three surgeries.

The Sake contains a dose of anesthetic.

If you drink up, the pain won't be bad.

Call it your first step to success. Thank the heavens.

It's no tragedy to lose an eye. Lose one eye, and you'll still have another.

No, I can't take it! No!

Ishihara!

Ishihara, wait!

Leave me alone! I've had enough!

Ishihara!

He's just an entertainer...

Not brave enough.

But, if he manages to escape...

I wonder if he's escaped.

I don't like this. Not at all!

Nor me! I don't want their money.

Hey, let's run for it! Escape this place!

Come here!

No!

No please! I don't want to be a shadow. Let me go!

Look well, the two of you!

Here lies the man who forgot his mission!

Kuwano! Ninomiya! Open the door!

Hey! Quickly now! Open up!

Now, behold the destiny of our traitor...

So, Number Two, will you reconsider, and serve as a double?

No! I've had enough of this lie!

To live as a farmer or a common soldier!

I want to live Ishihara Shosaku's life!

Remember, you can't run a single step from here!

Whatever happens on this earth, you remain a shadow.

Refuse, and go to the next world like Ishihara.

Kuwano, come.

Sit down.

Bear it like a samurai!

Ninomiya, stand up.

Go! Behave as a samurai!

Yes.

Quickly!

Sit down!

Stand up straight!

You'll get 20 koku more, starting tomorrow.

Great! You'll be so happy!

Enemy attack!

Who are they?!

Muneshiro's attacking us!

Muneshiro?

The front gate's broken already and they're tearing through the second gate!

Damn Muneshiro!

What is it?

What's going on?

Night attack!

Kinose Muneshiro's coming! Quick! Go! Go!

What are you doing? It's your chance to save our lord! Quickly!

To hell with Muneshiro!

No, Lord! We must run for now.

Hurry, my Lord!

Running now will bring disgrace to my family!

No, Lord! Lord! - Let go!

Lord!

I'll take the lead, Lord Yasutaka!

Get ready!

Hasegawa, stop them!

Withdraw! Run!

Ninomiya!

Please, take care of our lord!

We'll meet at Sakuragahora.

You'll see the acanthus path in the forest.

Quickly! Go!

Number one!

Die for the Lord!

Go! Go!

No, I don't want your money any more!

Yasutaka!

Yasutaka! Everyone, fire arrows!

Shoot! Shoot!

Lord, we'll be safe here.

Cut...

Cut off my arm!

I order you. Cut!

With this.

Cut it now!

Yes.

Cut it off!

What are you? Quick now!

You'll be rewarded...

Help me up...

Take me to Miki castle...

That hurt! What are you doing?

Water...

Give me water...

Water...

What're you doing, idiot?

Let's go to Miki's castle in Sakuragahora...

Get me there safely, and I'll reward you.

I'll raise your pay.

Raise?

Idiot!

Get me to Sakuragahora...

Hurry! What're you doing?

You'll get your raise...

No...

Will I have to lose my arm for the money?

I won't!

What do you say, lout?

Quickly, go!

No!

When we get to Sakuragahora castle, I'll lose an arm...

I can't bear it any more!

Why, you...

Are you going to betray me?!

Not to betray you, only to find myself.

You caused this.

I'm not letting them cut off my arm!

Shut up, you lout! I'll kill you!

Do you plan to kill me?!

I've become a one-eyed man for you!

You're a beast!

What did you say?

Damn you! I hate you!

You took my eye and mutilated me!

Haven't you taken enough? Do you want my life, too?

You're a beast, an animal!

Die! Damn you, die!

Wait! Take off your hat!

Okay, go!

Who are you?

Madam Urai...

Ninomiya...

Lord! What became of the lord?

Did he die in battle?

Yes.

That's what I thought.

I was hoping he would live...

So, where will you go?

It's too dangerous here.

I'll leave here to be a samurai in another domain.

I see...

Do you want to be a samurai so badly?

Sir Shinomura!

And where's his body?

In Shishigamori...

I thought that was him.

Bandits took his armor...

and only bones remained after the crows...

Did you see his sword? The one with the Ikemoto family crest?

Here it is.

I was hoping for a chance to return it.

There is nobody to return it to, without our lord...

Sir Hirose figured out the body isn't our lord's...

When he showed it to Nami, the lord's concubine...

she couldn't find the mole under his arm.

A woman who slept with him would know it.

Forgive me, but what about Kohagi?

Do you care for her?

Ninomiya, you closely resemble the lord.

I might bring your severed head to Hirose and join his army...

That's one approach.

Wait! Don't get me wrong.

It was just a thought.

Ninomiya, you've said you want to be a samurai.

A true samurai?

Yes.

What about more than a samurai? Maybe a castle's lord?

Sir Shinomura, you mean...

That's right.

Ninomiya, from now on, you are Ikemoto Yasutaka.

Not a double, but Lord Yasutaka.

Despite the night assault, our casualties were few.

We still have many fine, brave soldiers.

They'll have to flee now, and run for our allies' lands, the Miki territory.

If we can get out of here alive, victory will be ours.

Gather our troops and march proudly to Sakuragahora castle.

Then convince their master, Yoritsuna, and we'll take back Mitaya castle!

A new Yasutaka will take command.

How?

Sir Kashio, the chief retainer and Dr Doan both died in the castle.

It means only you and I know the secret of Yasutaka's doubles.

All the others were...

killed!

Now it's our secret alone.

Don't run from it, Ninomiya!

The fake becomes real.

You said you wanted 100 koku.

Now you have 100,000 and soon 500,000 more in Hida.

As a fake, you lost an eye.

Why not take revenge by living like a lord?

Why not risk everything as a true man!

How about it?

If you win, life will be greater than you've ever dreamed!

If you're afraid to reach for it, die now!

The Ikemoto fell apart overnight.

Those who fled beg sanctuary at the main gate.

It's turning against Hirose if we take them in.

What should I do?

Do I make an alliance with Satsuta in Echizen?

Or bring Hirose Muneshiro gifts as a peace offer?

What do you think, Sadamitsu?

We're not sure the Ikemoto have fallen.

What do you say?

I've heard the head Muneshiro received wasn't Yasutaka's!

It would mean Lord Yasutaka will still be in hiding.

But Sadamitsu, can we support a lord without a castle?

That's true! We take no interest in a homeless lord.

If we do reach out to the fleeing Yasutaka, what can it gain us?

We can help each other to take back Mitaya castle.

Miki was once the strongest force after Ikemoto.

Through this struggle, Sakuragahora castle...

will forge a close bond with Mitaya castle.

We'll fight hard to re-take the land together.

Miki will win the hearts of Ikemoto's troops and his people.

Soon all of Hida will obey Miki.

Yes! I see.

We'll learn from what the proverbs say.

That's right.

Once, small land-owners in Ikuta lost their castles.

Uesugi Kenshin rallied them to take back the castles.

Soon, he was Chivalrous Kenshin the hero, and owned all their lands.

Yes!

Great!

Now open our gate and greet the soldiers!

None of my business! I've had enough!

Father says marry Satsuta in Echizen yesterday, Hirose today.

Now I'm told to marry Yasutaka. Using me as a gift...

I'm a human being, with a human heart...

Sadamitsu, how do people see me?

Please tell me what you think of me?

Am I like a prostitute in town or a rice shop girl?

Princess, you're the most beautiful lady in Hida.

I see you as the greatest weapon Miki owns, and the most precious treasure.

What?

In this world the weak are playthings of the strong.

A princess may hold the value of a castle...

or more than one nation alone.

Miki's security may depend on how we use our princess.

It's my duty to bind you to the strongest man in the strongest nation.

Stop it! What about my happiness?

I can't listen to you. Please go!

Go!

Sadamitsu, you're here.

A messenger from Yasutaka has just arrived!

Truly? Then he is alive.

As you guessed.

Helped by a soldier, he's resting in our territory at Hachiman shrine.

Over 100 fleeing soldiers came to help him.

What a man Yasutaka is!

I'll go to meet him.

Sir Shogenta, the princess and I will take all Lord Yasutaka owns for Miki.

Princess, please greet him at the gate tomorrow morning.

No!

Let him come to me if he will.

Princess, it's high time for the Miki. Please be sensible.

It's hard to be born a daughter to the general.

I'll become a doll when I must...

however...

Understand, Sadamitsu? A doll has no heart!

I will never open my heart to Yasutaka!

Lord! Lord!

Oh Jugo! Koshiro too! You're alive!

Lord! We're so glad to see you well!

What's happened? Why are you crying?

Everybody! We shall take back the castle!

He hasn't changed a bit!

Indeed.

This is Ikemoto clan's treasure "Ogarasu-maru."

I have nothing to repay your kindness.

Take this at least as a souvenir.

I'll take this gratefully.

Lord Yasutaka...

Rest assured.

There's been no wedding yet, but I'm proud to call you son-in-law.

Let's beat this traitor together.

No, Hirose was not a traitor...

he was our enemy from the start.

Our fault was giving him a chance.

That's what I expect of Lord Yasuhiro in Hida!

You've already looked down on Muneshiro.

Lord.

May I suggest a wedding ceremony for the princess and my lord immediately?

That seems sudden.

Muneshiro's waiting for a chance to seize this castle in our confusion.

I think it's important to hold a ceremony soon...

to let the people see our peace accord.

I see...

Hold on.

I know what you mean.

But I'd say what we need is to prepare the soldiers...

to take back Mitaya castle as quickly as we can!

I say it would be more auspicious to hold the ceremony in Mitaya castle.

Shinomura!

Hold the ceremony after we take our castle.

Until then, they won't think I'm worthy...

No, it's not true...

Then I'll gladly earn the right to win her through hard combat.

By the way, where is the princess?

Lord Yasutaka...

What are you staring at?

What brings you to this place?

It's a good place to think things over...

What can you mean?

A lovely woman like you should be free from worry.

But I worry.

I fear to marry a man I've never known.

For a woman, there's nothing more difficult.

Forgive me. You must hate me very much.

A crude, ugly one-eyed man.

This is so unexpected...

You don't sound like Lord Yasutaka the famous warrior.

This is Lord Yasutaka, lord of Hida!

I wondered what he'd be like, how rough he was.

No different from other men.

And yet...

His eye looks gently at the world.

His hands take what he wants like an eagle spreads its great wings!

So do I.

Lord Yasutaka, I envy you.

I wish I were born a man.

Like the towering hill, I want to reign over earth.

Man reigns through carnage. You might be happier away from it.

Yes, I know.

In this world the weak are victims of the strong.

I want to reign. I'd like to win!

Then, fight for it.

I've given up my woman's heart.

I must marry the man like a towering hill.

I will marry the King of Hida.

All right.

Then I'll be king.

I'll take this role...

and steal the heart of a beautiful princess.

That's what I'd expect from Lord Yasutaka.

The Lord Yasutaka I'd heard of.

Listen all, here's our lord!

Men! Finally, we're off to the front!

Are you ready?

Sir Shinomura said we'd fight in the next spring.

What? Don't be a fool.

We'll take Mitaya castle before the coming autumn!

No, Lord.

We're not ready yet.

Fool! I'd be shamed before the Miki if we wait!

Everybody! We go into battle this autumn!

Yes, Lord!

Back!

You're being a fool! Be wary of spilling our plans.

You've sunk too well into your role hoping to impress Princess Teru.

But if you go too far, you'll expose your true character!

Chief retainer! He's looking for a missing person!

Oh, Sir Shinomura!

Excuse me, is my brother here?

Yes, he's here. Follow me.

Yes!

My father died working on his farm. And I'm sick of this work.

If my brother's promoted to high rank, perhaps he can get me a guard's job.

Ninomiya has indeed risen high.

Really?

He's become the lord.

The lord?

Yes. And now I've told you...

You must die.

What? My father died?

As a man of low birth, he's nothing to you.

Did you send him home?

No.

Then, you...

I made certain he'd never come back.

What?

If you were truly Yasutaka, you'd never indulge in sentimentality.

I am truly Yasutaka from now on, I'm no puppet!

I no longer need a puppeteer!

Lord! Lord!

Let go, fool!

Yes, and I've had my fill of looking after you.

Shall we quit this play and be hung by our necks?

Crude bastard!

Bring my horse!

Anyone! Bring my horse!

Lord! Lord!

Oh! Kohagi!

I'm very glad to see you!

You look well.

It's great to be alive.

I escaped the castle with great difficulty.

I eluded the eyes of my pursuers.

It seems like a dream!

Why didn't you come to the Miki's castle?

You're with Princess Teru...

I need their help to get back Mitaya castle.

Why? Why do you stare at me so?

Are you put off by my ugly face?

No, just as I thought. You're not Yasutaka.

What?

I'm so pleased.

Finding not the lord, but a man I met one night!

What are you saying? Don't talk nonsense!

I'm not. I've known for a long time.

Known about a mole under an arm.

Wait, please.

Even if you look alike, you can't fool a woman when you're in her arms.

I'll be happy even if you kill me.

The lord used me as a toy.

But you loved me tenderly from the start!

Since then, I've been in love with a man without a name.

Kohagi, I'm no lord.

I was a double named Ninomiya Kyonosuke.

You're the only one who treated me as a man.

I'm so pleased.

And so am I!

Ninomiya...

Sir Ninomiya Kyonosuke...

Please Kyonosuke, don't go back to that castle.

Find another land and live in peace.

Even living in poverty, you and I could...

Kyonosuke...

Kyonosuke, please!

No, I can't.

Look at me. The way I look. My eyes.

I bore terrible hardships...

Had this eye torn out to be a samurai.

Now I'll take a castle for my own, if I just reach for it.

This is every man's dream!

No! You'll lose it all on this false road some day.

Some day!

No, I'll be the real thing.

I'm not a toy soldier. I'll come for you when I'm the King of Hida.

Kohagi, please hold on until then.

Wait, Kyonosuke!

Kohagi, my life is forfeit if my secret's revealed.

Be sure not to tell a soul.

Certainly. But...

Kyonosuke, don't go.

Don't go. Please don't.

I know I'll come for you. Until that day...

Don't go.

Forgive me.

Kyonosuke!

What? All paths to the valley have been blocked!

Yes.

Can Tsuguma attack Ninokido?

He was caught in a rear attack from the mountain. He's dead.

What?

Lord, tell us your next order.

Right, I'll stand at the front.

All of you, it's the last chance to win glory for the Ikemoto.

If you want to be a hero, get ready and follow me!

Gather the horses!

Retreat now! Withdraw!

It's our lord!

Jungo, don't hesitate. Go, everyone!

Look! They're coming!

Lord Yasutaka's dashing through!

Lord!

Right, we'll make a sortie.

Go!

Go, we're almost there!

Oh, chief retainer!

What are you doing? Go!

Are you all right? - It's nothing, just a scratch.

You'll be fine!

Everyone! Go! Go!

You'll be fine.

Lord, Muneshiro's head. Osanjuro, a foot soldier took it!

Good! You have done well for yourself.

Troops! Look well at the fate of a traitor!

How's Tsugu?

He lost his life in the fight.

How is Koshiro?

He's gone, too...

Koshiro as well...

Lord Yasutaka!

Congratulations! You've taken back your castle with honor.

Thank you for your help.

There was one great loss.

A noble samurai, Sir Shinomura...

Is it so? Shinomura has fallen in the battle?

An arrow cut right into the middle of his throat.

You've lost many fine samurai. It must be sad for you.

Still! We've achieved victory!

Everyone, raise a shout of cheer!

Princess, as I told you, I've become king of Hida.

I stare at the world with one eye and take whatever I want.

Whoever prospers or falls, I'm just a doll.

The strongest will win me.

What do you mean, Princess?

Tonight we marry.

If we live together happily, you'll be flesh and blood, beauty.

How rude!

A good job, Lord Yasutaka.

What?

Your role is over.

Back down, imposter!

This isn't funny, Sadamitsu!

You're a commoner.

Double Number Three.

Shinomura had this in his hand.

What?

I've checked everything.

Lord Yasutaka's double, Ninomiya Kyonosuke!

What audacity calling yourself your lord! You deserve to die for this!

I am Yasutaka.

You use his death to excuse mutiny!

You're the one who deserves to die!

My troops! Come to me!

Come here! Anyone!

You're wasting your time. Your vassals are far from this mansion.

What?

You lost too many in the battle, you've only 60 soldiers.

And we have 350.

Now Mitaya castle is occupied by the Miki.

You hatched this plot between you!

Fool.

The real Yasutaka would have been stronger in battle.

Wait!

You're sentenced to die. But I could save your life.

What?

If you keep the secret, we can pretend you're Ikemoto Yasutaka.

Because Yasutaka in Hida has gained fame since taking back his castle.

While he reigns, no one will dream of attacking Hida.

I want you to listen carefully.

The princess is officially your wife, unofficially she lives with me.

Actually she's already mine.

What?

I'm not a fool. I know she can't take my name even if I kill you.

So I give up the title and take the power.

For a wise man, it's enough.

If you don't accept my terms, I'll put you to death.

Keep quiet, keep the secret, and this will be yours...

Kohagi!

She came for her beloved lord.

She said nothing but she seems to know who you are.

What will you choose?

Stay on as the lord's double, and you'll stay together.

Understand me, Ninomiya...

You rule the castle by day and I'm the ruler by night.

You may be happily married here.

The princess and I sleep there at the end of the corridor.

I'll hand her to you in the morning.

It's not so bad, is it?

You bastard.

Lord, wait. Lord!

"Lord" sounds good.

Yes, he is truly the lord.

Anyway...

Please be careful. - Lord Yasutaka...

I trust you'll sleep peacefully tonight.

What are you... - Lord! Wait!

Calm down. - Princess.

Lord!

No... No! - Bastard!

Lord, no!

Let me go! Let go!

Lord, no. No!

Lord, please.

Please be silent.

Sir Kyonosuke!

Kohagi...

Once a false lord takes the rank of a true lord...

can he be forced into the false role again?

But life could be good.

Can't we live in peace?

Even if you're not the true lord, your heart could be at peace.

Kohagi, you're the only one I can trust here.

You're sad but you don't need to be in turmoil...

and I don't want the baby to become a samurai.

Baby?

I'm pregnant.

With my child?

My child is waiting to be born, our child!

My child, Yasutaka's...

Right!

Kyonosuke!

No, Kyonosuke. Don't!

Please wait!

It's rude to barge into our bedroom!

Sadamitsu! I won! I did it!

My child will be born!

What? - Lord!

My child, Yasutaka's child!

These fractured bonds, Tsuru and you, Kohagi and me, are secret.

If a child is born into this castle...

he must be raised as Princess Tsuru's child.

This child is the successor!

I may be a double, but my baby will be a lord!

I won! I won!

What will you do?

Kohagi, are you truly carrying his child?

Will you try to kill her? Try!

I will tell everything. You and Princess Tsuru will never be together.

Lord Yasutaka...

Princess Tsuru is also carrying your baby.

Her child is truly the successor. No one else can be.

What?

You mean yours?

That's right.

Officially the child is Lord Yasutaka and Princess Tsuru's first son.

We don't need your child!

That's wrong! You're the fake! It's you!

Kohagi! Kohagi! Kohagi!

I...

I wanted to live with you...

Kohagi... Kohagi...

Kohagi! My Kohagi!

Kohagi...

Kohagi...

Go on, Sadamitsu.

I can't bear any more. Put me to death or do what you will.

I'm no longer Yasutaka.

I'm Ninomiya, Ninomiya Kyonosuke!

Everyone, come here! I'm not Yasutaka!

I'm Ninomiya! I'm Ninomiya Kyonosuke!

Everybody! Come!

Lord, you've become mad...

What? I'm not mad!

I'm Ninomiya! Son of a farmer!

That's disgraceful! Be quiet!

He has no manners!

I suppose another will take over this castle.

How ugly, fighting over a transient kingdom!

Keep fighting!

Come to me! Come here!

Soldiers of the Miki and men of Ikemoto alike!

Listen, all of you!

I'm not Yasutaka! I'm Ninomiya Kyonosuke, son of a farmer!

I killed Yasutaka!

Killed him! - Lord, please be silent!

Listen! The lord's mistress crept into his bedroom and I killed her.

So this is a momentary madness.

Not true! No! He killed Kohagi!

Give her back to me! I'm not Yasutaka!

I'm not Yasutaka! I'm not Yasutaka!

How pitiful! Lord...

He needs to be left alone. Go back, quickly!

Back down!

No! I'm just a double! I killed the true Yasutaka!

I killed him! I killed Yasutaka!

Lord. Come to your senses.

You'll be all right, Lord!

I said I'm not the lord!

I'm Ninomiya Kyonosuke. Kyonosuke, a farmer's son!

I killed Yasutaka. I killed the lord!

He'll calm down eventually. Go back quickly!

Understand me. Do not speak to anyone about this madness.

I haven't gone crazy. I'm not mad.

I'll tear out your eyes and cut off your nose.

I said I'm Ninomiya Kyonosuke. - Go back!

I said to go back!

Lord! Please calm down...

Where are you going? I'm an imposter!

Listen people, I killed Yasutaka! I killed the real Yasutaka!

Please listen! I killed Yasutaka!

Everyone, listen! I killed the Lord!

Don't you see, Ninomiya?

There's no escape from this path.

You'll be Yasutaka for life.

So scream! Scream loud and suffocate even faster...

Wait! Wait!

Get your hand off of me!

Wait! Hey!

Listen! Please listen!

I'm not Yasutaka! I'm Ninomiya!

I'm Ninomiya Kyonosuke!

Yes! Shinomura knows...

Ask Shinomura! Ask him!

Shinomura! Tell them I'm his double!

Shinomura! Only you know the truth!

Shinomura!

Shinomura! Come out! Shinomura!

Come out! Where have you gone?

Shinomura! Only you know the secret!

Please tell them!

Please, listen.

I'm Kyonosuke not Yasutaka...

I'm just posing as Yasutaka...

I'm Kyonosuke! Not Yasutaka!

I'm Kyonosuke! I'm not Yasutaka!

Your successor is born!

Lord, congratulations!

We're so happy for you!

He's not my child.

I'm Kyonosuke... He's not Yasutaka's child...

How sad it is. His madness all the greater.

He's completely mad.

It's sad for Princess Tsuru...

I'm Kyonosuke not Yasutaka...

Within 20 years...

Hideyoshi, with Kanamori Koin, swiftly conquered Hida.

NOVEMBER 1585 MITAYA CASTLE FALLS Hideyoshi, with Kanamori Koin, swiftly conquered Hida.

Hideyoshi, with Kanamori Koin, swiftly conquered Hida.

The young lord of the castle, Ikemoto Munetoshi...

and Miki Sadamitsu the general supporting him, were beheaded.

Shortly thereafter...

a withered, one-eyed man was pulled from a cell where he'd been confined.

I'm Kyonosuke not Yasutaka.

No one remaining knew or cared...

whether he was Ninomiya Kyonosuke or Lord Yasutaka.

Worn and weakened, he died the very same day.

Kanamori laid him to rest on the castle grounds...

in a tomb called Kagezuka, or shadow mound.

Named, not for the soul who had lived and died there...

a shadow double, but simply because it lay in the shadow of a great stone.