Original subtitles

Daiei Co., Ltd. Production

New Tales of the Heike: Three Women Around Yoshinaka

Production: Masaichi Nagata

Planning: Matsutaro Kawaguchi, Hideo Matsuyama

Original Work: Eiji Yoshikawa

Screenplay: Teinosuke Kinugasa, Masashige Narusawa, Hisakazu Tsuji

Shooting: Kohei Sugiyama Recording: Yukio Kaihara Lighting: Kenichi Okamoto

Art: Atsuji Shibata Music: Ichiro Saito Choreography: Michio Ito

Cast:

Kazuo Hasegawa

Machiko Kyo Fujiko Yamamoto Hideko Takamine

Denjiro Okouchi, Yataro Kurokawa, Eijiro Yanagi, Eitaro Shindo, Takashi Shimura

Shunji Natsume, Shosaku Sugiyama, Toshio Hosokawa, Yoshindo Yamaji, Mitsusaburo Ramon, Bontaro Miake, Kokuten Kodo

Tokiko Mita, Toyo Takahashi, Ryosuke Kagawa, Shinobu Araki, Nakajiro Tomita, Hisao Toake, Toranosuke Ogawa

Fujio Haruomoto, Shintaro Nanjo, Shozo Nambu, Koichi Mizuhara, Ryuzaburo Mitsuoka, Mitsugu Terashima, Eigoro Onoe, Ichiro Amano

Directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa

The power and glory which made them say: "You are not human if you are not Heike"

fell once with the death of their pillar, Kiyomori, making the clan forlorn and helpless.

Thus, the Genji clan provinces rose shouting: "Overthrow the Heike!"

During this, Kiso Jiro Yoshinaka, led his elite troops through Shinetsu

and invaded the Hokuriku district, steadily advancing towards the Capital.

In order to intercept them, the Heike clan positioned their camp on Mt. Tonami, in Etchu.

The time is Juei 2 (1183), Autumn.

Translation by bLoodZ

- It's Wada Yoshimori from Kamakura. - What?

- Wada Yoshimori is heading to Kiso's headquarters? - Yes Sir.

Why would Sir Yoshimori go to Sir Kiso?

Has he found out that we sneaked away?

He's being escorted by Kiso men.

I see...

Thank you for delivering us Sir Kamakura's message.

I'm sure you must be tired from the long road.

You should take a rest.

Hey, show them the way.

If you'll excuse me then...

What an insult!

Sir Yoshitaka is Kiso's irreplaceable only child.

He's our Lord's heir.

And they want us to send him to Kamakura as Sir Yoritomo's son-in-law? What nonsense!

They say "son-in-law" to smooth things over but he'll obviously be a hostage.

I'll be damned if we'll hand him over peacefully!

Why don't we take this opportunity and give Yoritomo a blow?

If we refuse, we must prepare to fight with Sir Kamakura.

Even if we were to send the Young Lord, as long as we don't give up on entering the Capital

things are bound to happen.

This isn't the time to fight with the ones in Kamakura when the Heike army is right before us.

What are your thoughts, Sir Tayubo?

In any case, I must inform the Lord first.

There's no need to wait for our Lord's instructions.

Alright! I'll go get the envoy's head and send it to Yoritomo as an answer!

Why the rush? Hold on!

Who goes there?!

My Lord, Sir Tayubo wants to ask for your opinion on an urgent matter.

- Kakumyo wants to see me? - Yes, my Lord.

- What time is it now? - Around four o'clock.

Daybreak is near, my Lord.

- Let him through! - Yes, my Lord.

Lady Tomoe Gozen, Lord Kanemitsu is here.

- My brother is here? - Yes, my Lady.

- Let him through! - Yes, my Lady.

- Are you awake? - What is it?

Sir Kamakura sent a messenger.

I would like you to come to the Hachiman forest.

The Lord and the Young Lord should already be awake by now.

Come now, wake up!

Hey!

Get up already!

Hey, get up!

What's wrong with Nara?

- Chief Lady, she's ill. - She's ill?

- What ails her? - Her whole body is hot like a fire.

- A fever? - Yes.

Even sticking a wrinkled frog won't make the fever go away?

Yes.

What a nuisance, right when a battle is about to begin.

What are you dawdling for?

My Lord.

Are you telling me to fear Yoritomo and to curry favor with him?

That's outrageous.

My Lord, I know that you and Sir Kamakura are cousins.

There will be a time when we'll need to join hands.

If an internal strife springs in the Genji clan

the ones that will rejoice will be the enemy under our noses, the Heike.

Can you really not read Yoritomo's real intentions?

Sir Kamakura is without an heir,

I do not believe that offering Lady Ohime as a wife would be a lie.

Enough!

Who was the one that struck down my father?

Was it not Yoritomo's father?

At that time I was 3-years-old.

If Saito Betto Sanemori hadn't took me away

I would've also been struck down.

We should crush the Kamakura forces at once.

We can strike the Heike after that.

My Lord.

We must not.

If we were to shoot an arrow at the Kamakura now,

both sides won't stop until all their arrows have been used.

Even if it means to pocket our disdain towards Sir Yoritomo,

I think it's more important to occupy the Capital first.

Indeed.

In any case, defeating the Heike and conquering the Capital will bring us victory.

If our Lord were to take hold of the Capital of Kyo,

there would be nothing to fear in the whole world.

I ask you to have patience until then, my Lord.

We mustn't lose the chance to seize this fortune of war.

I, Kakumyo,

will accompany the Young Lord

and meet with Sir Kamakura to thoroughly convey your thoughts

about being in-laws, my Lord.

My Lord.

Let's send Yoshitaka to Kamakura.

Not you too.

The serious matter at hand won't change into a trifling one.

Yoshitaka, you are going to Kamakura.

Yoshitaka, are you not your father's child?

Just like an honorable and firm great general

you must have a brave spirit for people to look up to you.

If you were to go with a tear-stained face

the Kamakura warriors will laugh even at your parents.

After we subjugate the Heike and enter the Capital,

we will definitely come for you.

Until then, be patient.

Do you understand?

Take care of yourself and wait for us.

Come now, go bid a worthy farewell to you father and retainers.

- Gramps. - Yes, my Lord?

Did you give them Yoshitaka's saddle sore medicine?

I handed it to Sir Tayubo, my Lord.

- Gramps. - Yes, my Lord?

I remember the time when I was taken by Sir Betto Sanemori and escaped safely to Kiso.

- It was a cold day, wasn't it? - Yes it was.

I also remember it?

It was a day with deep snow, my Lord.

It's already been 27 years since then.

The Young Lord will also become a fine general any time now.

As I was in Sir Sanemori's embrace,

apparently, I troubled him a lot with the yearn for my parents as we were going along the road to Kiso.

Sir Sanemori...

I wonder how is he doing now.

- Gramps. - Yes, my Lord?

You head back.

I will walk around the mountain for a little while.

My Lord.

Throw it away.

Yes, my Lord.

What were you doing?

My Lord, I was catching wrinkled frogs because Nara is sick.

What is your name?

I am called Yamabuki.

Yamabuki...

- You said Yamabuki? - Yes, my Lord.

Ah... No...

Hasn't the Lord returned yet?

Sir Shingu Juro Yukiie has arrived.

Sir Shingu? Ah... Sir Shingu who is Lord's uncle?

Indeed.

He said he escaped from Kamakura.

He's meeting with Lady Tomoe right now.

From Kamakura?

I'm sure this is how it feels like to be brought back to life.

Well, please don't laugh at me, it's been 5 days and nights since I slipped out of Usui,

and I wasn't able to eat anything decent, so please accept my apologies for this ungraceful behavior.

Well, I'm completely appalled by Sir Yoritomo's behavior this time.

He pushed the blame for the lost battle of Sunomata on me alone.

How dare he feign ignorance and corner me when he didn't send a single reinforcement?

Is this how you treat an uncle?

Well, on the other hand, Sir Kiso with this irresistible force

already has the Shinano, Echigo, Hida and Etchu provinces in his hands.

If you were to drive through the Heike forces at Mt. Tonami next,

swarming into the Capital of Kyo would be the only thing left to do.

I'm sure the Retired Emperor and the Emperor will be asking favors from Sir Kiso then.

According to sources from Kumano, the Capital is a veritable pandemonium they say.

The Heike glory is nothing but a dream from when Priest Kiyomori was alive.

Nowadays, to put an end to starvation, the Heike bunch joined hands with the Imperial Court

just to indulge in every possible luxury.

No wonder why the public feeling left them.

Well, Sir Kamakura also has his eyes set on the Capital,

but what can that coward possibly do?

Sir Kiso is the only one up to the task.

I ran here just to see my nephew's ceremonial arrival in the Capital.

Busy... busy...

Just how far did you go to catch frogs?

How dare you slack off?

What's with that look?

I'm not someone that the likes of you can lay their hands on!

- I'll tell on you to the Lord! - Why you...

I...

I...

What is it, my Lady?

- What's that? - Must be the gong for giving signals.

Look, it's the Heike headquarters!

What a leisurely bunch. They're holding an orchestral memorial instead of reading the Sutras.

- Who goes there?! Ah!

Our scouts report that Yoshinaka moved his headquarters from Sasanotsu to Isurugi.

- What? To Isurugi? - Yes, my Lord.

Isn't that right next to this Mt. Tonami?

There's not a moment to waste.

We must gather our troops...

Where's Sanemori? Hasn't Saito Betto returned yet?

No, my Lord.

He was in charge of a reconnaissance mission but his whereabouts are still unknown.

Facing the enemy on Priest Kiyomori's death anniversary must be a sign.

We will surely make our fortunes of war shine on the summit of this Mt. Tonami.

Alright!

Then, set up this Sarugamine peak as the headquarters of our allies.

- Moritsugu, raise our banner high in the sky. - Yes, my Lord.

It's almost time. Kiso's destiny is on the line.

The decisive battle with the Heike is approaching.

Have everybody take a hot bath and get plenty of sleep.

Yes, my Lord.

- After that, Gramps... - Yes, my Lord?

Large drums, small drums, trumpet shells, gongs and so forth.

Order Kanehira to gather anything that makes a sound.

Yes, my Lord.

The enemy will...

Who goes there?!

Oh…

Let her be!

She is one of Lady Tomoe's subordinates.

- My Lord! - What is it?

Just now we've caught some unidentified men who appear to be Heike men.

Why aren't you identifying yourselves? Won't you regret it if we were to behead you?

- Were did you capture them? - They fell in out trap at North Kurozaka.

- My Lord. - Uh?

- It's Lord Sanemori. - What?

Sir Sanemori?

- Chikatada, untie his rope. - Yes, my Lord.

Wha... What are you trying to do?

- Chikatada, escort him inside. - Yes, my Lord.

It's been a long time.

Let's drink a cup first.

Your face...

Your appearance...

They're exactly the same as I remember.

Sir Betto, the Yoshinaka from a long time ago that you brought in your embrace

from the far eastern provinces all the way here in Kiso

has grew up into the adult you have before your eyes.

I occasionally couldn't help myself but to think of you.

I'm really glad to see you healthy.

Sir Betto,

would you please become part of my ranks from now on?

I want you to become my support.

Will you please accept this heart of mine that thinks of you as a father?

I appreciate your kindness, but this Sanemori is also a warrior.

The Heike head, Sir Munemori, bestowed this robe upon me to attend the war.

They say that dying in battle is a warrior's desire,

and to be taken a prisoner is a disgrace.

The beheading etiquette is just a warrior's pity.

What are you saying?

Let bygones be bygones.

I don't need any mercy now that I am on your enemy's side.

After meeting face to face with such a fine warrior,

the clouds within my mind have dispersed.

Is there nothing I can do to change your mind?

Even senile, this Sanemori who was once called the most daredevil of all the Bando warriors

is only looking for a place to die.

Please accept this as a keepsake from me.

I carried this fan through many battles,

so please excuse its shabby state.

Then...

I shall have you escorted out of this camp.

That's absurd.

Sir Sanemori,

for two men who have a bond to fight against each other in a spectacular battle...

Is this really the fate of a warrior?

Oh…

It looks like the autumn also got deeper.

The color of the fallen leaves tingle my eyes.

Chikatada, Koyata, get some horses ready to escort Sir Sanemori off.

Yes, my Lord.

- Send the others back safely too. - Yes, my Lord.

If you come across the enemy on the way, do not engage them.

Yes, my Lord.

It's time to eat, my Lord.

I'll eat together with Tomoe, so carry it to the other room.

Yes, my Lord.

What do you want?

- My Lord! - State your business!

My Lord, have you forgotten about Yamabuki?

- I did not. - Then why are you making such a grim face?

It's because the battle is about to start any time now.

I heard that we are also going to take part in that battle.

We could die at anytime.

My Lord, please let me hear what's inside your heart.

Please keep me by your side.

- I can't do that. - Then, my Lord,

why did you do that?

I'm regretting it now.

Then, are you abandoning me?

Please forgive me, it was my mistake.

- My Lord... - Go away, go!

Why is Yamabuki...

Someone dubious was lurking near you my Lord.

You mustn't carelessly let a woman get close.

I know that.

- Have you finished eating? - I was waiting for you.

- Tonight, we shall eat together. - Yes, my Lord.

Has the enemy shown any sign of movement?

They've established their headquarters on Sarugamine peak and started massing troops.

Through that valley?

- Oh, did you send them off safely? - Yes, my Lord.

Alright.

For the enemy to pass through this narrow valley is nothing but a godsent gift.

We have the protection of the Great Bodhisattva Hachiman on our side.

We shall attack the enemy camp tonight at midnight.

Mobilize all our forces secretly!

Any source of light is prohibited.

In addition, if we happen to engage them in the dark

keep in mind not to strike down the elder warriors.

Make this known to the whole army.

Will you go that far for Sir Sanemori, my Lord?

Betto's life alone is not something that can influence the outcome of this battle.

The enemy's advance route is this valley on Mt. Tonami.

- Make sure our troops make no mistakes. - Yes, my Lord.

Begin!

Pull back! Pull back!

The enemy is routed, my Lady!

Ignore the wounded elders, it's our Lord's order.

I thought he might be someone important.

A woman?

Make way!

Don't make light of me! Have you not heard of Sir Kiso's wife, Tomoe?

What? Lady Tomoe?

An enemy that I was hoping to meet. I shall fight you.

- Identify yourself! - That's unnecessary!

Very well!

Lady Tomoe!

- Headquarters... to the headquarters... - Yes, my Lady.

Lady Tomoe! Lady Tomoe!

Lady Tomoe!

Lady Tomoe Gozen!

He dyed his hair to appear younger.

Sir Sanemori...

Why did you refuse to become part of my ranks?

Throwing away your life is not the only path for a warrior to follow.

I'll resent...

I'll resent you for this.

My Lord, Lady Tomoe is...

Her life isn't in danger but she is severely injured.

Alright, I'll be there right away.

Yoshinaka's advancement was unresisted.

The Heike clan abandoned the Capital and fled towards the Western Sea.

The Capital and its surroundings fell into an unprecedented chaos.

Say that again? What happened to the Retired Emperor?

He disappeared during the night.

- Are you saying he went into hiding? - Yes, my Lord.

I see...

It's already too late to follow the Heir.

Munekiyo, I shall remain in the Capital.

- What did you say? - I'm remaining here.

Doing such a thing would be a disgrace for generations to come.

I don't mind. No matter how much they will slander me

this is for the sake of the Heike clan.

Yes, my Lord.

You still haven't evacuated the Ikedono residence?

We have to burn it down right away.

What? Are you setting it on fire?

Come now, please evacuate immediately.

The Kiso forces already made camp on Mt. Hiei.

- You'll live in disgrace if you fall behind. - Silence!

I'm not taking orders from you.

It's time!

- Set it on fire! - Yes Sir!

Heave-ho!

Our beautiful Capital is disappearing in flames.

What a cruel thing to do.

It's better to see it burned down by allies rather than to let the Kiso bunch have their way with it.

But, how are we supposed to live from now on?

Thinking of our young Emperor, can we really complain about this?

Our Emperor is right within that stream of oxcarts.

The Heike cowards couldn't bear it so they set it on fire.

The entire Capital is ours now!

Isn't that right, Lady Tomoe?

My Lord, Sir Kakumyo has returned from Kamakura.

- Oh! He's back? - Yes, my Lord.

- Tell Tomoe to come. - Yes, my Lord.

Listen, everybody listen!

Today, I won't get angry whatever you do.

Be it either sleeping or eating, you can do whatever you like.

Was Yoritomo also happy about our victory on Mt. Tonami?

Yes, my Lord. He appeared to be satisfied about it.

How was Yoshitaka doing?

Her Ladyship was rubbing cheeks with him as with her own child

and sent word that there's nothing to worry about.

I'm glad to hear that.

I guess that I was just overthinking things.

Sir Kiso, I have great news.

The Retired Emperor is at Enyubo Temple.

- What? His Majesty is here on Mt. Hiei? - Yes.

He's turning to our Lord for help after all?

Do you know how much I waited for this day?

This means that Sir Kiso became the ruler of the country.

Yes. There's nothing more auspicious than this.

In any case, we'll have to pay our respects to His Majesty eventually.

Kanehira, go and set up a meeting.

- You are to act cordially. - Yes, my Lord.

Tayubo, this is my uncle, Sir Yukiie.

I have often heard of your name.

Oh, it's you Sir Kakumyo?

I heard you went to Kamakura, so, did you hear anything about me?

I did.

Well… The rumors weren't too good.

Yeah, I can imagine.

I'm sure they're saying things like "Don't let Yukiie near you".

Just as you guessed, that's exactly what they're saying.

My Lord, "Requesting to pay your respects instead of waiting

for a decree shows that your impertinence has no limits." He said.

What? Are you saying He won't meet with me?

Alright then! I'll go there myself!

You mustn't do that, my Lord.

Why? For what do you think we've been fighting so far?

This isn't the Imperial Palace, my Lord.

I believe that the Ex-Emperor's statement is reasonable.

Just now, the Ex-Emperor has left and is returning to the Capital, my Lord.

I'm no longer eager to enter the Capital.

My Lord, how can you say such a faint-hearted thing?

For how long will they keep ignoring us?!

When are the Imperial Words supposed to arrive?

Are you telling me this is how they treat our Lord who repelled the Heike?

How about we just take over the Imperial Palace and scare the hell out of everybody?

Look here! You mustn't make such thoughtless remarks.

I think it's better to keep Sir Yukiie at a distance after all.

Running away from Kamakura was a plot in self-interest

that brought forth Sir Yoritomo's anger.

I don't know what happened back in Kamakura,

but for the time being, he's my uncle who came into my aid.

I can't do such a heartless thing.

I fear that this kindness of yours might backfire someday, my Lord.

What's there to backfire because of Sir Yukiie at this point?

However...

Sir Yoshinaka, the Imperial Steward

Sir Nekoma the Middle Counselor has arrived.

Nekoma?

I have no business with a cat (neko).

Tell him there are no mice in this house and send him away.

But the Middle Counselor is the Retired Emperor's messenger.

What's the merit in meeting a messenger?

But he came expressly as a messenger.

Are you going to let my behind the shadows effort go in vain?

We can't just refuse the long-awaited Imperial Words.

Please calm down and come meet him, my Lord.

I was told you are the Middle Counselor,

but do they grant official ranks to cats too in the Capital?

Cats?

Sir Kiso, you seem to have quite a sharp tongue.

So what is this Sir Neko here for?

I said that I'm here as the Ex-Emperor's messenger.

I hold this ceremony as a special act of grace.

You must show your respect.

"Kiso Jiro Yoshinaka,

your help in subjugating the Heike was outstanding,

therefore to award your deed, I appoint you Head of the Left Imperial Stables and Governor of Iyo

and ennoble you Junior Fourth Rank.

Also, Shingu Juro Yukiie,

for your deeds in subjugating the Heike

I appoint you Governor of Bizen and ennoble you Junior Fifth Rank."

I am unworthy of such a great honor.

There's something I'd like to ask.

Ever since we were placed in this mansion until this day

we still haven't received an audience decree.

Does that mean that He won't meet with me?

Don't be absurd, everything is done according to the customs.

Please understand that today's ceremony is just the beginning.

Does that mean He'll meet with the Head of the Left Imperial Stables and Governor of Iyo?

My Lord...

His Majesty believes that, after Heike's death, indifferently of one's military prowess,

a Kiso country bumpkin will never be able to bring peace to this country.

That is absolutely right.

And, what about our contact with Kamakura?

I understand that a reply should be arriving soon.

Originally, His Majesty was relying on Yoritomo,

but when Yoshinaka unexpectedly entered the Capital before Yoritomo

He was deeply puzzled.

I can imagine.

If He were to meet with Yoshinaka right now

He would have to recognize his achievement

and that would ruin the arrangement with Yoritomo.

- Do you understand that? - I do.

How did it go?

He gratefully accepted it,

but he is insisting for an audience with His Majesty.

That's not good.

He's an impulsive warrior.

He has the most detestable kind of personality.

At any rate, we must keep him in check until Yoritomo enters the Capital.

Chief Adviser Sir, why don't you personally meet him once?

The cripple called Sir Yukiie or something...

- Why don't we summon him first? - Yes Sir.

Lay aside formality and drink as equals.

- Come now, please accept a cup from me. - I can't possibly drink from such a large cup.

Completing the investiture ceremony

was to win great honor for myself rather than to please the Chief Adviser.

What an auspicious result.

Well, for a moment, I resented everybody from His Majesty to the gentlemen present here.

- I humbly apologize for that. - No, no.

Even if you are upset with the Head of the Left Imperial Stables and Governor of Iyo titles,

everything has its order.

So please have just a little patience.

- Your turn now. - My... Oh my!

Losing a drinking game would be a disgrace for a court noble.

Yet another great nuisance.

There's nothing more pleasing than seeing Sir Kiso's indisposition until today smoothly drift away.

His Majesty praised your distinguished services, and I'm positive that Sir Kiso and Sir Yukiie

will soon receive further Imperial Words for the Heike subjugation,

so I'm sure that your ranks will be raised again.

Just a moment please.

To whom will you be giving those Imperial Words to?

To Sir Kiso and to that Sir Yukiie over there.

That's what I don't understand...

Sir Neko, come now, drink up!

I shall liven up this party.

That's something worth seeing. What shall I have them play?

Anything will do.

That was amazing!

As the host, I just can't let you unrewarded for livening up the party.

Do you have any wishes?

That's very kind of you.

I heard that the daughter of this house, Lady Fuyuhime, is quite a rare beauty even for the Capital.

I would very much like to meet her.

Come now Sir Kiso...

Don't say such a rude thing.

I don't mind.

I don't know where you heard that from,

but since that's what you wish

I shall let you see her play the koto.

Hey, Sir Neko.

What a sight! The cat is dead drunk and blowing bubbles. Hey!

Listen. You must play modestly and with your head facing down.

Yes, my Lord.

Kiso says he wants to meet you, so I'm sending Shinobu as a substitute.

- Come now, you can go if you're ready. - Yes, my Lord.

That damn country bumpkin impertinently said he wants to meet my daughter.

- Then why are you sending Shinobu? - Shinobu is more than enough,

there's no need for you to go.

- But doing such a thing... - This is more convenient.

Please don't worry about it.

An eloquent speech is enough to deal with a mere countryside warrior.

We can easily handle him.

Father, I shall play the koto.

Come now, don't be absurd!

He's a mountain-bred ruffian. It's dangerous going near him.

Deceiving our precious guests might bring you shame, father.

Please excuse me.

- Gramps. - Yes, my Lord?

The Chief Adviser's daughter

was quite beautiful.

That graceful koto sound...

I believe it to be out of this world.

- Are you listening? - I'm listening.

He may look different,

but I remember him coming to the Sasanotsu headquarters as a messenger from Kamakura,

so I followed him...

This is a secret message for Taira no Yorimori from Kamakura.

So that damn Yorimori acted as an intermediary between the Ex-Emperor and Kamakura?

- Disregarding our Lord? - That's right.

Alright! I shall cut off your head and display it before Yorimori's gate!

You, come here!

Wait.

He's a valuable prisoner. We'll deal with him after our Lord returns.

Kanemitsu,

Lady Tomoe told me that she wants to interrogate him personally.

- Lady Tomoe? - Indeed.

Make yourself at home.

Come now, Sir Shichiro.

I, who traveled the long road to Kamakura together with you, will also be here.

This isn't about the secret message.

Lady Tomoe says she has something to ask you.

Sir Nishiura, I want to know how is Yoshitaka doing.

Will you please tell me?

Does that mean you won't answer?

No, I shall tell you.

I believe it to be just a groundless rumor...

But I heard that Yoshitaka is being treated as a hostage in Kamakura.

That can't possibly be true, right?

Her Ladyship cherishes him dearly,

and loves him even more than she does Lady Ohime.

You aren't lying, right?

I swear by the Gods.

Say, Sir Nishiura.

I want to send Yoshitaka a letter.

Would you mind delivering it?

Me?

That's what I'm asking.

I'd be glad to.

- Will you deliver it? - I will.

It looks like Sir Shingu Yukiie is within your ranks.

If you're not wary of him...

Our Lord has arrived.

My Lord, this is an emergency.

What is it?

This is a secret message for Taira no Yorimori from Sir Kamakura.

What?!

Why is the Ex-Emperor... with Yoritomo...

Why are You shunning me out?

Are You saying I'm inferior to Yoritomo?

Where did you get this from?

From the hands of a Kamakura man who passed through Sasanotsu.

- What did you do with him? - He's currently being interrogated by Lady Tomoe.

Where's the man from Kamakura?

I have released him, my Lord.

- What, you let him go? - Yes, my Lord.

Why did you let him go?

A feud with Sir Kamakura must be avoided at all costs.

Don't tell me that! The Ex-Emperor besought Kamakura and intends to disregard me.

Do you expect me to do nothing in this situation?

My Lord, Yoshitaka is in Kamakura.

Uh? Are you telling me to endure it for Yoshitaka's sake?

My Lord! Even if the Ex-Emperor were to rely on Sir Kamakura...

Are you not the one who splendidly raised the victory flag in the Capital of Kyo?

That makes you the best in the country.

Besides, isn't joining hands with Sir Kamakura the only way

for the sake of the country's next hundred, thousand years?

Isn't that why we sent Yoshitaka to Kamakura?

For Yoshitaka's sake too...

Please let Sir Kamakura…

Please consider my feelings with which I pray to the Gods and Buddhas so that nothing happens to Yoshitaka.

What should I do to receive the Retired Emperor's trust?

What does He hate about me?

My Lord...

- You go gather some chestnuts or something. - Yes, my Lord.

- Go I tell you! - Yes, my Lord.

Just wait outside.

Don't you understand I'm telling you to get out?

I want to be alone, please get out.

I'm contemplating the vicissitudes of life right now.

Do not disturb me.

The agony that is inside your heart nowadays, my Lord, I understand it very well.

My Lord,

I have no complaints whatsoever with being a female warrior.

I wish to stay by your side and comfort the agony inside your heart, my Lord.

You understand what troubles me?

I do. I understand.

You also as well as I... We are like a straight cedar and cypress that grew in Kiso.

And that cedar and cypress... can't seem to grow in the Capital.

My Lord, the people in the Capital are calling you a devil and a demon.

Me, a devil?

There's something that you're not aware of, my Lord.

What do you mean?

Using your power as a shield, some people go out in town every night and plunder the people.

What...

- My retainers you mean? - Yes, my Lord.

- That's not possible. - I'm telling the truth.

Is that so?

I was so absorbed into my own affairs that I completely forgot about my retainers.

Now I see.

The Capital can change one's mind.

You did a good job telling me. You have my gratitude.

My Lord...

You are such a great person.

My Lord!

My Lord...

How do you like this kimono?

I won't lose to any court lady with this.

No! No! No...

No!

Chikatada... Even you...

M... My Lord!

Don't say a thing!

How dare you act like this while being in charge of supervising the camp?!

Leave! Leave! Leave! Leave!

Come now, you can stop crying.

You should go home.

Uh?

You are... the Chief Adviser's princess.

Princess... How dare they...

Gramps!

Gramps!

Boors have no manners.

Your beauty must've made them lose their judgment.

I beg you to forgive them.

I shall escort you home so that nothing happens along the way, so please set your mind at ease.

- I can go home by myself. - There's no need to be so reserved.

No...

I am called Shinobu.

I am not Lady Fuyuhime.

Then, the other night when you played the koto...

Yes, I was ordered to play... as Lady Fuyuhime's substitute.

What? As her substitute?

I am only someone who serves Lady Fuyuhime.

For what reason did you act as a substitute?

Out of fear of you...

Did Fuyuhime say she's afraid of a Kiso country bumpkin.

No, it wasn't Lady Fuyuhime.

Was it the Chief Adviser's idea?

Is there no honesty... inside the heart of a Capital dweller?

How far will they go to deceive others?

Four and two.

Please excuse the interruption.

- The Head of the Left Imperial Stables is here. - What? Yoshinaka?

- Yes, my Lord. - What for?

He said he's here to return Lady Fuyuhime.

- Fuyuko? - Yes, my Lord.

Did something happen to Fuyuko?

Unaware of her identity, one of my retainers acted disrespectfully

so I came here to apologize in his stead.

It is very kind of you to come all this way just for that.

Actually, I'm also here because there's a small request I'd like to ask of you.

A request?

Fuyuko, you're excused to go.

Yes.

What is your request about?

Since the women I have in my retinue are nothing but mountain-bred ones

they are unfamiliar with the Capital's etiquette, and because of that I am somehow inconvenienced.

So, I'd like to borrow a court lady from your house if possible.

That will be no trouble at all.

You can take whoever you like with you.

Thank you for the prompt answer.

Excuse me!

- Hey, is this Lady Fuyuhime playing the koto? - Yes.

I received the Chief Adviser's permission. I'm taking you to my residence.

That one... No, not that one!

- Why not? - That one is...

Was it a lie when you told me to take whoever I like?

It wasn't a lie, but not that one...

- Sir Kiso, that's unreasonable. - That's no concern of yours!

Yes, my Lord.

It might not match your taste...

She doesn't wish to eat.

Why aren't you eating?

Does this mean you won't eat a Kiso homemade dish?

Are you saying it doesn't match the taste of a Capital dweller?

Spreading lies and deceits as if they were nothing...

Ridiculing, laughing at, defaming someone...

No wonder Kiso food won't enter the mouth of a venomous snake-like Capital dweller!

Don't eat then!

I'm sorry about that.

That was impulsive of me.

Please forgive me.

Lord of Kiso,

I don't think of your indignation to be unreasonable.

Exactly as you said, the Capital is a place of dishonor.

It's a place where lies and deceits are passed on without shame.

If it's for their own gain and success,

the people here flock together, willing to trample on someone.

Why are you telling me such a thing?

My Lord, please return to Kiso as soon as possible.

Return to Kiso?

Are you telling me to fold my flag and go home?

This Capital of Kyo is not an environment suited for someone like you, my Lord.

I overcame battles and entered the Capital, you know.

Who in the world would try to drive me out?

The Retired Emperor?

The Heike remnants?

Or maybe...

That's absurd.

Whatever the case, I'm not taking down my flag that's fluttering in the Capital's sky.

They're just petty tricks anyway.

Meeting you opened my eyes.

From today on, I will blend with the Capital's dwellers and I shall lie and deceive.

Please take a look at this.

I received this secretly from my father.

Read it!

"Fuyuko,

The fact that Yoshinaka is completely fascinated with you is a godsent chance.

At the Ex-Emperor's invitation, Kamakura forces are gathering

and should be entering the Capital at anytime now.

Whatever humiliation you might undergo,

you must act accordingly to the parental filial piety and endure it no matter what."

Kamakura?

What do you think will happen if the Ex-Emperor were to hear of such an outrageous thing?

Sir Kiso with his already poor reputation will finally fall into disgrace with the Ex-Emperor.

Tell me, where is the Princess? Where is she?

Sir Yukiie, from where have you heard about Lady Fuyuhime?

Well... from the Chief Adviser.

Hmm...

For what reason did you meet with the Chief Adviser?

Why do you ask about that?

I'm asking just to be sure.

Mind your own business!

- Alright! I will... - Wait!

Sir Kiso! Sir Kiso!

- Lady Tomoe. - Are you looking for our Lord?

I heard that Sir Yoshinaka went to the Chief Adviser's, Sir Motofusa's residence

and took his daughter by force.

- Are you aware of that? - I am.

What? And you're fine with it?

Should I return to Kiso?

I shall go back.

I shall follow your advice and return to Kiso.

I am very glad to hear that.

You are the only one to become my ally ever since I came to this Capital.

Can I believe that?

Yes.

Since I left Kiso...

The autumn sure got deeper.

Surely the mountains and rivers must be looking beautiful.

Of course.

Their beauty is unvarnished.

Besides, they lie to no one.

I also wish I could go and live in such a place.

Do you really mean that?

I am not lying.

Hearing you say that...

makes me believe it was worth coming to the Capital.

I would like to take you with me if possible and show you the autumn in Shinano.

The mountains in Kiso are probably of a fiery beauty by now.

Besides, the riches of the soil are delicious, you know.

You must be hungry.

How about it?

Shall I have some made again?

Say, would you please taste some Kiso rustic cooking?

Yes.

It would be my pleasure.

Then, I shall have them make something delicious.

Urgent news!

Under the cover of night, Sir Yukiie's troops started moving secretly towards the Imperial Palace.

Is it betrayal?

- Exactly as we suspected! - And, what about Chikatada's movements?

Some signs of unrest were spotted in Sir Chikatada's camp.

This must be the cripple's instigation.

- Alright! I'm going to see Chikatada! - I'm coming with you.

- Jiro, come! - Right away!

But what's with this sudden sign of unrest in our ally's camp?

I hope nothing is wrong with our forces in Fushimi and Yamashina.

- We can't let our guard down. - Let's inspect things again tomorrow morning.

Has Sir Yukiie left yet?

I'll go see.

Sir Yukiie!

Ah.

Uncle...

Someone get over here!

Sir Kakumyo!

"Be sure to join hands with Sir Kamakura,

for the Young Lord's sake also..."

Kakumyo, I understand.

I've engraved your advice in my mind.

Following Yukiie's men, Chikatada has already entered the Imperial Palace.

From the Kamakura side, Commander-in-Chief Kuro Yoshitsune

crossed the Uji River and is approaching the Capital, our reports say.

Let's tell our Lord.

Princess.

Something unexpected happened. You must return home at once.

This is regrettable, but we must part ways.

I've made arrangements to send you home. Come now, go ahead.

- I am not going. - Why?

I was abandoned by my father.

He told me to respect the parental filial piety whatever humiliation I might undergo and sent me here.

I don't have a home to return to any more.

Then, what will you do?

I'll just stay here.

No, I can't allow that. This place might soon turn into a battlefield.

My Lord.

What if the Kamakura forces...

I've received news that they've already crossed the Uji River and are steadily approaching the Capital.

This battle has already started from the moment the Kamakura troops crossed the Uji River.

I also can't return to Kiso anymore.

Princess...

We must part ways here.

My Lord!

My Lord! My Lord!

Koyata! Sir Koyata is...

No... No!

Koyata, it's me, Yoshinaka!

Unfortunately, I failed to catch that damn Chikatada.

He cowardly took refuge beyond the Imperial Gates.

That wound... Where do you have it from?

Arrows were shot from beyond the Imperial Gates and were forced to fight back.

What? Are you saying they shot arrows from beyond the Imperial Gates?

They shot arrows from beyond the Imperial Gates?

Yes, my Lord.

From the Retired Emperor's gates...

I see...

My... My Lord.

Forgive...

Koyata! Get a hold of yourself!

Koyata, get a grip!

My Lord! My Lord!

My Lord! My Lord!

Princess, whatever happens, you mustn't get out of this pagoda.

I will definitely come back for you.

- Jiro, report! - Yes, my Lord.

The Kamakura troops already arrived at the Uji River last night.

This early morning, while preparing to intercept them

we tried to reinforce our army in any way, but unfortunately...

- What happened afterwards? - Yes, my Lord.

A party of around 300 horsemen are already heading north on the Yamato highway.

- Yamato highway? - Yes Sir.

My Lord.

- There's no time to even hold a war council. - Yes, my Lord.

It seems like this will become my lifetime's battle.

- Ready the whole army! - Certainly, my Lord.

Archers climb the roofs and take hold of the walls! Don't waste any arrows!

Female warriors make sure they don't run out of arrows!

You are Kiso's battle-tempered force! Fight with all your strength! Understood?

My Lord, take a look at the night sky.

Stars are falling all over the sky just like that night in Kurikara.

There was no battle more refreshing than the one in Kurikara.

The panic of the Heike warriors...

Just thinking back at it now...

There was a scatterbrain who fell with his head into the muddy field and died like that.

Wasn't there a guy who hit his head into a standing tree and fell unconscious?

My Lord, be careful!

- Tomoe. - Yes, my Lord?

If this turns into a melee, our rendezvous place will be the mountain hut near Fudo Waterfall, north of the Capital.

- Fudo Waterfall? - Gramps knows the way.

I will accompany you, my Lady.

- Be sure not to lose sight of Gramps. - Yes, my Lord.

After tonight, let's go back to our Kiso mountain hamlet.

There you go.

Chief Lady.

I am an insignificant female warrior after all.

I give up. I give up.

What's wrong with you? Have you gone mad? Get a grip!

Where are they? Don't lose sight of them!

Are these all our headquarters' troops?

Because we assigned men to Seta and Uji and also

a considerable number to Eguchi and Kanzaki to prepare for the Heike...

Defend the headquarters to the last until our Eguchi and Kanzaki troops return!

Yes, my Lord!

Arrows!

Alright!

My Lord!

My Lord... My Lord!

- Tomoe, take command in my place. - Yes, my Lord!

My Lord.

Princess!

Someone... Anyone!

Water... Throw some water!

My Lord!

My Lord, the enemy is drawing near.

You must lead us.

Alright! Kanemitsu, the princess... Help the princess out! Understood?

Our allied troops won't be able to hold out.

Evacuate before we get surrounded.

We'll become like a rat in a trap if we lose more time.

Sir Kanehira! Sir Kanehira!

Lady Tomoe Gozen, you must evacuate at once!

You must go together with our Lord to Kiso.

You...

The Lord will soon follow you from behind.

Kamakura men are rushing in with their swords drawn as we speak.

My Lord said to evacuate quickly to the waterfall hut.

My Lord...

Lord of Kiso...

You fought well.

You have my gratitude.

We can't hold on.

Jiro was slashed in the midst of the enemy and died in battle.

I see...

- Harusada, bring me a horse! - Yes, my Lord.

I've escorted the princess till the lower floor of the pagoda.

What?! You couldn't save her?

Yes, my Lord.

My Lord, the horse is ready.

- My Lord! - My Lord!

My Lord, you must hurry.

- Harusada, escort our Lord to the waterfall hut. - Yes Sir!

Kanemitsu, you all must come along!

I'll wait for you at the hut.

Enemy! Enemy!

Don't let them chase our Lord! Charge!

What about Tomoe?

Where's Tomoe?

Shall I go take a look?

Wait.

Try some. They taste like Kiso.

Kiso was a nice place after all.

Let's go back to Kiso.

We have to go back no matter what.

Let's go meet up with Lady Tomoe, my Lord.

- I will wait here. - Yes, my Lord.

Ishida Tamehisa of Miura, Sagami Province, has killed the renown Sir Kiso Jiro Yoshinaka!

Wada Yoshimori's troops have taken Sir Kiso's wife, Tomoe-no-Mae, prisoner!

Lady Tomoe, what are you trying to do?

I will not live in dishonor.

As a woman, you've fought splendidly.

Who would dare laugh at such a praiseworthy thing?

I'll be killed as Yoshinaka's wife after all.

Please let go of my hand!

Have you forgotten that Lord Yoshitaka is in Kamakura?

Do you recognize me?

I am Wada Yoshimori, the one who took your son to Kamakura.

I admire your resolution,

but wouldn't making sure of Sir Yoshitaka's future

be the best possible memorial service for Sir Kiso?

Please heed my words.

Ending your life now would also endanger Sir Yoshitaka's life.

[The head of Kiso Yoshinaka]

My Lord...

You wanted so much to go back home... to the Kiso Valley.

Yamabuki will accompany you.

Ya...

Yamabuki is going to take you home.

Translation by bLoodZ

THE END