Original subtitles

TOEI COMPANY, LTD.

EDO CASTLE REBELLION (Edo-Jo Tairan)

Production by FUJI TELEVISION TOEI COMPANY, LTD.

Produced by TAKAIWA Tan MURAKAMI Koichi

Planning by KUSAKABE Goro HORIGUCHI Toshikazu

Original Story by KATSURAGI Kaoru Screenplay by TAKADA Koji

Music by IKEBE Shinichiro Photography by Kitasaka Kiyoshi Art Direction by IKAWA Norimichi Lighting by MASUDA Yoshiaki

DISMOUNTING

MATSUKATA Hiroki

TOAKE Yukiyo

KANDA Masaki

IKEGAMI Kimiko

SAKAGAMI Shinobu NOMURA Mami

TANBA Tetsuro

NISHIOKA Tokuma HIRAIZUMI Sei KOYAMA Shigeru

KATO Takeshi KANEKO Nobuo

MIURA Tomokazu

Directed by MASUDA Toshio

THE YEAR 1680

SAKAI UTA-NO-KAMI TADAKIYO, TOKUGAWA SHOGUNATE CHIEF ELDER

The chief elder is passing!

I've asked lords of the three Tokugawa branch families

to meet with me and the council elders to discuss

the details of the shogunate succession.

Sadly, His Excellency has yet to produce an heir,

and there's no saying when he will.

So, we must decide for ourselves who shall succeed the shogun,

and we must appoint that heir and bring him

to the shogunate offices in Nishinomaru Palace.

As elders, it's our decision, isn't it?

I'd choose someone close to His Excellency's bloodline.

Do the rest of you agree with me?

Who would you choose?

I'd choose His Excellency's brother.

Lord of Kofu, Tsunashige.

MITO CLAN LORD, TOKUGAWA MITSUKUNI

MITO CLAN LORD, TOKUGAWA MITSUKUNI Ah, Tsunashige?

MITO CLAN LORD, TOKUGAWA MITSUKUNI

A fine choice, indeed.

Tsunashige has charm, leadership skills and he's a gentleman.

ELDER, OKUBO KAGA-NO-KAMI TADATOMO Tsunashige has charm, leadership skills and he's a gentleman.

Tsunashige has charm, leadership skills and he's a gentleman.

I'm sure he'll be remembered as a fine shogun.

ELDER, INABA MINO-NO-KAMI MASANORI I'm sure he'll be remembered as a fine shogun.

I'm sure he'll be remembered as a fine shogun.

This is a happy occasion.

ELDER, KUZE YAMATO-NO-KAMI HIROYUKI This is a happy occasion.

ELDER, KUZE YAMATO-NO-KAMI HIROYUKI

ELDER, KUZE YAMATO-NO-KAMI HIROYUKI The Tokugawa shogunate can last a thousand years.

The Tokugawa shogunate can last a thousand years.

But he's not the shogun's only brother.

KISHU CLAN LORD, TOKUGAWA MITSUSADA But he's not the shogun's only brother.

But he's not the shogun's only brother.

What about the lord of Tatebayashi, Tsunayoshi?

It's our choice in this matter. And our choice is final.

But they are brothers. Can we set one above the other?

So, Lord Kishu doesn't agree with our choice perhaps?

That's not what I said!

I only say choosing the shogunate's leader is an important decision.

We must be very thoughtful.

An interesting choice of words.

Are you saying the elders choose carelessly?

Silence!

In this important matter, we must be certain!

Indeed, if we can choose Tsunashige or Tsunayoshi,

OWARI CLAN LORD, TOKUGAWA MITSUTOMO Indeed, if we can choose Tsunashige or Tsunayoshi,

Indeed, if we can choose Tsunashige or Tsunayoshi,

why not an Owari or a Kishu?

Wouldn't you agree with me?

That blood-line isn't the only Tokugawa relation.

If the shogun doesn't have children of his own,

our family also has the right to succeed.

Of course it's true.

Lord Kishu has the right to say so, I agree.

But, I didn't nominate Tsunashige because of the primacy of his bloodline.

I spoke up for his character and his integrity.

Please try to understand, for the sake of the shogunate,

and for sake of our people.

FOURTH SHOGUN, IETSUNA

The chief elder has arrived!

Your Excellency...

You look well today.

I am very pleased.

Days ago, I had a meeting with the leaders of the three branch families.

We have concluded that Lord Tsunashige

will succeed Your Excellency.

We'd like to proceed, Your Excellency, with your approval.

You may proceed.

Stop! Get out!

Get out of here!

Where is Kagatsune?

And Yokota? And where is Maruyama?

When there's danger, they always disappear!

Are they afraid of Lord Sakai?!

We're more than enough to assassinate Lord Sakai!

Hey Tsunayoshi!

Are you all right over there?

LORD OF TATEBAYASHI, MATSUDAIRA UMA-NO-KAMI TSUNAYOSHI

What's that?

I got it from a foreign merchant! It's the latest gun.

Amazing! - Have you tried it out?

Maybe by the river at Okawa?

That's good! Let's go!

That gun can blow Sir Sakai's head off!

Here come our rivals!

All right. Here goes!

See? Listen to them and this is how we end up!

Come, let's go to Edo! We'll get far away from this!

We can't run out!

JUNIOR ELDER, HOTTA BICCHU-NO-KAMI MASATOSHI

You wretch! - Take that!

Let him go! You know who he is!

Take a look at his face!

He's the shogun's...

I tried to lean on them harder this time.

There's always some rebellious sentiment among the hatamoto.

But when you look closer, they're mostly just making noise.

Like the intermission at some cheap theatrical company.

I'd try to get to the bottom of the plot.

I assume they're planning to assassinate me, correct?

Isn't that a little noisier than your theater's intermission?

You mean to say you're serious about this plot?

Bicchu, once we find the plotters, we'll dissolve their family names.

They'll be forced to commit seppuku,

and you'll prosecute the rest.

Yes, sir.

Then we appoint Lord Tsunashige as the successor,

and he can move into the Nishinomaru Palace.

Lord Tsunashige has already been informed.

You will be my envoy and bring him his official notice,

he can give his consent,

and you'll bring him back with you to Edo.

I am honored to be chosen.

I'll fulfill this mission with pride.

My son-in-law, you've done it!

You've done it!

The way of the samurai requires an honest heart!

You never changed to suit them,

you've been constant, and honest!

That's why you've been chosen!

Listen everyone!

Come to the spring of Hotta family!

The people declare your boss will be one of the council elders

and maybe more, maybe the chief elder someday.

A sincere person with a humble heart can succeed.

A humble heart is your strength, and your weakness.

Listen, in this world a samurai must be canny enough to survive.

You may be a master of the sword,

but next you must master politics!

Hey there! More saké!

You'd better quit for now. You've had enough.

What's this now?

I chose your wonderful husband!

What's a little saké next to that? Don't be stingy!

Come on, fill it to the brim!

What is it?

I just came to see the children.

You've been working nearly ten days without rest.

Oei...

Yes?

Because you've taken such good care of this household...

we have flourished here in peace.

I can only thank you.

You are welcome.

I've only followed your example.

But, my happiness makes me fearful for the future.

That's not like you.

Perhaps you're thinking too much.

Maybe I'll give up thinking. For now.

THIRD SHOGUN IEMITSU'S FORMER CONCUBINE, KEISHOIN

Sir Hotta Bicchu-no-kami has arrived, my lady.

Sir Bicchu, I bid you welcome!

I know you're a busy man.

Pardon me.

No, you're the busy one.

I must apologize for not stopping by more often.

You're a great success now!

Ever since you served under Shogun lemitsu,

I sensed you'd become a great samurai one day.

I thank you.

They say Lord Tsunashige was hamed successor

and moved into the Nishinomaru.

Yes.

The chief elder chose him, so they say.

I believe he made the right choice.

And they say the three branch families are lobbying for Tsunayoshi.

I haven't been told about that.

I'm not saying this because he's my son...

But Tsunayoshi reminds me so much...

of the late shogun when he was the same age.

He hasn't come home for four days now.

We've searched the city for him.

At last we were informed that he'd been captured in the Gotenma district.

I've asked to be allowed to see the lad, but was refused permission.

If the chief elder learns of this, it will spell the end

of the Tatebayashi and the Matsudaira families.

He may be a foolish, careless young man...

but he remains our future shogun.

If anything should happen to him...

No one shall hear it from me, not even the chief elder.

You agree? - Yes, but it will change nothing.

I understand. But, Sir Bicchu, please...

Please listen to a mother's prayer.

It's foolish.

Embarrassing.

But enough of this!

No matter whether you belong to the Tokugawa,

you may still have to live with what's been done.

I must rely on your judgment.

Please, just find out if he can be saved.

And if there's any hope he'll have a future.

That's what I desperately need to believe.

That he has some small hope.

Sir Bicchu, I will put myself in your hands.

Help me! Don't let me die!

Don't let me die!

Help me! - You coward!

Don't let me die!

Wake up, you!

What do you want of me?

Another interrogation?! Enough!

Stand up!

It's only a poor soul's death.

Why don't you remember this,

and never play around with swords and guns again, all right?

Ready? Let's go!

I talked to Lady Keshoin yesterday.

Ah, my celebrated mother.

What a dignified lady she is.

More beautiful than ever,

and a formidable woman indeed.

I can't abide her!

I didn't ask to be born!

What's so funny?

I used to say that about my birth.

Still, her discipline is a rare thing to behold.

Well, it's better than being born a Tokugawa.

Our every move has been dictated by Shogun leyasu!

She always chides me to follow his orders,

and if I so much as fart to the east, I won't hear the end of it from her!

Look at yourself, brother shogun.

You look like Lord Sakai's puppet.

I'm trapped in a puppet theater!

And what did you think you could achieve

by trying to murder Chief Elder Sakai?

Maybe I'll wake everyone up!

They're all kissing Lord Sakai's behind!

Bicchu, you're just like the rest!

Maybe I am.

My wife makes these for me.

I always look forward to them after my morning sword practice.

Hot!

My lord, what's wrong?

Pardon me.

It's time for your medicine.

I don't need it.

Please.

Byuga Hogen prepared it for you.

My lord, your nightmares have one cause,

it's too much stress.

My nightmares...

Jinbei, do you recall the lord of the castle?

Yes, sir.

He was only 8 years old.

He longed to play in the sun that warmed the castle watchtower.

But, when the castle burned down...

he cried so sadly.

Do you plan, then, to rebuild the watchtower?

It's what we'd all like to see.

But it would take so much money!

Magistrate, what say you?

Since the restoration of the Toshogu Temple in Nikko,

the government funds are depleted.

Not only the government, but every daimyo and hatamoto as well.

Every day I'm beset by endless loan requests.

That's it, then.

A dream.

Rebuilding the watchtower is hopeless.

Yes, sir.

I know how you feel.

Sir Bicchu-no-kami...

What made Chief Elder Sakai think of me as successor?

I've heard Kishu clan bitterly opposed him.

But, the chief elder had firmly decided on you, Tsunashige

of the shogun's family, long ago.

LORD OF KOFU, MATSUDAIRA UMA-NO-KAMI TSUNASHIGE

I won't follow his precedents.

I plan to do things my own way.

Please do.

That's what the chief elder's hoping for.

Do you think so?

He doesn't seek power for its own sake.

Since he's been chief elder, treasonous plots and disasters dogged his steps.

He dealt with them harshly,

so the people misunderstand.

You're right.

I'll talk to him and judge for myself.

You do that!

Where are we staying tonight?

We lodge in Todajuku.

How far is that? - Another five miles.

Let's race, then!

They say Sir Bicchu-no-kami is a master horseman.

I won't brag! - All right! Make way!

Say, now what?

Is there another way?

If memory serves, there's another road that's used for rolling lumber.

I know the way. I'll show you!

What the...?

What's this? What's going on?

My lord!

Look out! Look out!

Damn you!

My lord!

My lord!

Get him!

Bastards!

Come with me!

My lord!

My lord!

My lord...!

My lord!

Who are you?!

I am Tsunashige of Kofu!

Do you dare attack the Tokugawa shogunate?

We seek your abdication!

Excuse me!

Clear the way!

Chief elder, what is the matter?

It's hard to accept it.

An unspeakable tragedy.

Kaga!

Fetch all the retainers, the superintendant and all of the group heads!

Treason!

It's treason against the shogunate, and me, the lord Sakai!

This will bring war!

No, wait...

Wait!

It's unbelievable!

This cannot be!

Not Lord Tsunashige!

Silence!

Silence. You mustn't shout!

Listen, Bicchu's letter...

It describes a perfectly timed ambush.

A ruthless enemy...

A flawless attack.

We must find out more about this.

Tell me all about the ambush!

They blocked the main road.

Diverted us to an abandoned village where they lay in wait.

Hard, well-trained warriors.

Did you recognize them?

Can you tell me anything, anything about them?

Only I can hear your words.

Go ahead and answer.

The death of Lord Tsunashige...

Only one group has something to gain from it...

The Owari Yagyu clan!

What?

I recognized the Shinkage-ryu fencing style of Owari Yagyu.

Chief elder...

I know we can't undo this tragedy.

What's done is done.

I accept it!

But we must do something!

Please, let me find the men behind this!

No.

Chief elder! - No!

Yes, sir.

If the Owari are the authors of this conspiracy

as you say, we'll await their next move.

Until then you must restrain yourself.

No matter what happens.

Seppuku! To commit suicide is the only way!

We may live in an era of insufficiency,

but you can't evade your blame for this horrible incident!

While the investigation winds on,

our family name will be smeared!

We'll be destroyed forever!

Masatoshi, why don't you speak up?

Is it death that you fear?!

If you commit suicide our oldest, Sakyo, can succeed,

and I can beg the chief elder to spare the Hotta family name.

I brought some tea.

No need! Go away!

I told you to go away! Are you deaf?

What are you doing?

Go away!

Oei!

Dear...

No matter what may occur...

You must stay alive!

The children and I,

we don't want to go on living without you.

Sir Toramatsu, let me see your face.

After your father's unexpected tragedy,

you carried yourself so bravely during this sad occasion.

Not just the chief elder, but all of us are so very proud of you this day.

I thank you for those touching words,

and I appreciate the kindness of our benevolent chief elder.

Our next concern is for the future.

Without Kofu's ruler, the west of Kanto stands leaderless.

I fear this will cause disruption and confusion.

This means a successor must be found one way or another.

So I have asked our lord,

and he has named Sir Toramatsu. He will be a successor.

Mizuno, go ahead and submit this application at once!

Yes, sir! Thank you very much.

Sir Toramatsu, please do the best you can for our country.

Be a fine samurai just like your father.

Yes!

But I have a favor to ask of you.

Who were my father's killers,

and what grudge could make them do this?

Please, tell me everything!

I want to avenge myself upon them for this crime!

Young lord! You mustn't say such things now.

It's all right.

I understand how Toramatsu feels.

SHOGUN IETSUNA'S OLDER SISTER, PRINCESS CHIYO

SHOGUN IETSUNA'S OLDER SISTER, PRINCESS CHIYO Gorota, the lord will see you. Go to him.

Gorota, the lord will see you. Go to him.

This is for you.

I thank you very much.

Good lad!

We thank you very much. This is so kind of you.

Your Excellency, to my eyes, Gorota recalls so much the days gone by,

when you were just his age.

Listen, then...

When you grow up, you'd better not resemble me.

His Excellency looked very well.

I am happy everything has gone so smoothly.

At last, my duty is at an end.

The death of Lord Tsunashige was such a tragic event.

And now His Excellency's nephew, Goroto,

has also been named a successor.

An unexpected bit of good news.

But chief elder, when will you announce the order of succession?

In the near future.

I see, the near future.

By the way, I am suffering from gout.

My doctor recommended I begin a course of rehabilitation.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Are you familiar with a man named Shimozawa Oribenosho?

He's a retainer from my home town.

I'd like to ask him to look after Edo for a time,

so that I may concentrate on my rehabilitation.

Shimozawa Oribenosho? - Yes.

I'd like him to take on all of my duties here in Edo.

Do you place so much trust in him?

He's waiting outside in the hall. Would you like to meet him?

I've heard of Sir Shimozawa before. They say he's a fine fencer.

The greatest proponent of the Owari Yagyu Shinkage-ryu style.

The chief elder will see you now, step forward.

Shimozawa Oribenosho, let's see you!

I am Shimozawa Oribenosho, chosen to work in Edo.

I'm not a clever man, I will make an imperfect servant,

but please give me a chance, chief elder,

and I'll work to please you.

I am Matsudaira Uma-no-kami Tsunayoshi.

Tsunayoshi, Lord of Tatebayashi,

you requested leave for a year because of ill health.

But now, you look fit and tan.

Have you been busy practicing kendo?

I'm afraid I had too much saké last night.

I'll tell you the reason I've called you here.

After the death of Lord Tsunashige,

you've been chosen as a successor.

Now, if you become the 5th shogun,

how will you administer the government?

I've asked Sir Mito to represent our lord,

please tell us what you think.

I have nothing to say! - My lord!

Silence!

The people say Lord Tsunashige was caught up in the shogunate succession,

and he was deceived and murdered.

If my life is to be threatened, I'd prefer to reject my house,

and my name, and survive a free man.

You're saying you don't want to be the shogun?

I am!

Then you'll be permanently removed from consideration for the post.

Please! One moment!

He is not saying that! - Enough, Makino!

At any rate, no chief elder will appoint me shogun in the first place!

He'll seek out a puppet to obey his will!

A title and a fortune are meaningless! A man must live as he sees fit!

I'll show you the way I want to live!

Good day!

No my lord! Please wait, my lord!

Please! Excuse us a moment!

My lord! Wait!

What to do with him? I don't know.

Who knows what his future holds.

He'll certainly never succeed!

Perhaps not.

But these days, few young men can speak so honestly without fear.

Chief elder, please consider naming Lord Tsunayoshi as successor.

He certainly doesn't lack courage.

I agree with Sir Mito.

The lad speaks recklessly, but he's young.

To his credit, his heart is honest and forthright.

Still, I will exclude Lord Tsunayoshi from the next successor's list.

Tell us why!

Please tell us.

Lord Tsunayoshi and some other hatamoto conspired to assassinate me.

We know about this plot for certain.

I've heard about it. But it's a feeble joke!

Far too childish to take seriously.

Be silent!

To target a shogunate official, that's a very serious crime!

It's as serious as plotting against the shogun's family!

The nominees for succession are Sir Toramatsu of the Kofu family,

and Sir Gorota of the Bishu family, not Lord Tsunayoshi.

I'll choose the successor from those two, mark my words!

At a time like this, the lord of Owari, a gifted and crafty politician,

casts aside his duties, abandons his vassals and leaves Edo.

He must have a reason. If you know why, speak now.

I've told you already that I'm not a clever man.

I have no gift for schemes or speeches.

That's why I was left in charge in Edo.

I'll ask directly...

Was Owari clan involved in Lord Tsunashige's assassination?

Hotta Bicchu said the assailant fought in the...

Owari Yagyu Shinkage-ryu style.

Can his story be true?

I have told no one but you about this tale.

Then I'll speak frankly.

We of Owari clan would like to buy the position of successor.

We'll pay ten million ryo.

What?

What is this?

I said we'll buy the shogun position for ten million ryo.

You fox!

You're trying to buy the shogunate?

Owari hasn't held the shogun's seat since Lord Yoshinao.

Taking the office is Owari's dream, so ten million ryo is nothing!

We'll pay you ten million in cash!

This confirms that Owari clan sent the assassins against Lord Tsunashige.

Newly-appointed Shimozawa Oribenosho is our prime suspect.

He's offered ten million to buy the succession.

Buy the shogun's post with money?

They've got nerve. My stomach was churning.

I tried to stay calm and negotiate.

You know the late Shogun leyasu split the military funds for

Sunpu Castle in three parts.

He gave it to the Tokugawa,

Owari and Kishu clans, then installed the second shogun.

I see.

But Owari never spent their money.

They salted it away somewhere.

Well, Sir Bicchu, what shall we do?

You swallowed your pride.

You accepted this insult, for now.

Shimozawa is a formidable adversary.

But I'll stop him!

For your sake he will fall, I swear it!

Indeed.

Now Owari challenges the Tokugawa shogunate...

and challenges me.

We'll show them what happens when they betray me!

Tsunayoshi!

You know it's forbidden!

You mustn't, you can't sneak out of the house again!

Everyone!

I've heard you face punishment, by order of the chief elder!

But you have nothing to fear, because, in the end,

he will still have to choose you!

No one else will be selected to succeed the shogun!

You are the only one qualified to serve! Only you can be the shogun!

What ails you, mother?

I don't want to be the shogun! I only went to refuse it!

When your late father lemitsu

achieved the rank of 3rd shogun,

it was said that he was born to rule the nation.

You, too were born to serve your country as shogun.

No, I won't believe it!

You must! Accept your destiny!

Mother, do you want so badly to make me shogun?

It's all I have lived for, until this day.

And will you make me a puppet of Chief Elder Sakai?

Trust in your mother.

Now ladies, don't hold back! Sing! Dance!

Let the clouds pass and smooth Lord Tsunayoshi's brow!

Enjoy yourselves! Here!

Here!

Wasn't it the same season,

when I first came to this temple?

A century ago...

Or perhaps two centuries.

But the green and growing things never change,

only the people do.

But you look exactly the same.

No, you are more beautiful now.

You, too. You still look as young.

These are hectic times,

but I hope you enjoy my tea ceremony.

DREAM

DREAM Unless I'm mistaken,

Unless I'm mistaken,

that hanging was a gift from the late 3rd shogun, Lord lemitsu.

Indeed.

Now, it's an inheritance of the Sakai family.

I asked him to give me something to become a family heirloom.

So he gave me this hanging.

For me it has been a dream,

that taxes my spirit, and saddens me.

Because whenever I look at it,

it makes me remember clearly those days gone by.

Why not call me Otama? As you would have, back then.

I would like that.

But loving you, the mistress of the 3rd shogun?

Too disturbing.

He's probably jealous now, watching us from heaven.

I saw Tsunayoshi yesterday.

May I speak honestly?

With Tsunashige gone,

it's only natural that Tsunayoshi will be the next shogun.

It's inevitable.

You will recommend him, won't you?

That's hardly proper conversation for a tea ceremony.

And old times never return.

I'm not the Otama you once knew.

Just as you became chief elder, and chose a life in darkness,

I bore the children of the 3rd shogun, and must survive on my own.

Sometimes the decision of a chief elder

must affect the shogunal family.

Most likely Toramatsu of the Kofu family,

or Gorota of the Bishu family, will next succeed.

This is Superintendant Nera Genzo.

Have no fear, I place my trust in this man completely.

Sir Bicchu, I called you here to speak with you about Tsunayoshi.

Have you heard about the punishment

the chief elder decreed against Tsunayoshi?

What have you to say about it?

If the chief elder decrees it, I cannot oppose his will.

Lord Sakai is a cold-hearted man! Worse, he's a monster!

No matter how hard you try to please him,

he'll throw you to the wolves.

He's betrayed me.

I can't step aside!

Lady Keishoin.

You're the only hope for Tsunayoshi and me.

Don't forget that!

You're the only man we can rely on.

Surely this must be the funds Shogun leyasu set

aside for the military?

What percentage gold is this?

They're 85% pure gold, and perhaps 15% silver.

Enough to be certified as pure gold coins.

Kyodofu. - Yes, sir?

Recast them 50-50, gold to silver.

Did you say 50-507?

But the country's economy will suffer!

Boost production to 20 million in coins within three years.

Half of the funds will rebuild the watchtower.

The other half will support the next generation.

The Tokugawa shogunate will go on forever.

Oribenosho, I thank you.

Tell the lord of Owari that Chief Elder Sakai is well pleased.

Yes, sir!

My work is finished, then.

Please think over what I asked of you.

I'm going back to headquarters.

Stay behind and keep your eyes peeled!

Yes, sir!

Hotta Bicchu!

You tricked me!

Lord Sakai's dog!

Shimozawa Oribenosho!

I'm here to avenge the murder of Lord Tsunashige.

You'll regret this!

I'll destroy you!

Then rid myself of Lord Sakai!

Get him!

Hotta Bicchu, you are a dead man.

The Edo Yagyu will never stop the Owari!

Prepare!

We've disposed of Shimosawa Oribenosho.

His body's in the river.

We were not seen.

And Bicchu?

Badly wounded. But he's still alive.

The Hotta family name will be expunged forever.

Bicchu was too friendly with Keishoin and Tsunayoshi.

His usefulness is at an end.

Do you understand me?

Yes, sir!

Behold this broad city of Edo!

A million homes, one hundred thousand storehouses,

one hundred bridges, three hundred shrines...

and the Buddhist temple.

I built this from a bare field!

I, Lord Sakai, built all of this!

And these things will stand forever.

Forever!

Careful now!

These are our heirlooms, treasures of our ancestors!

Be gentle!

Dear...

Where are you?

No!

No one may enter this house!

Go away!

Silence!

I'm Matsudaira Uma-no-kami Tsunayoshi!

I represent the Tokugawa!

Step aside!

Oh my!

Forgive me, the house is in chaos!

Please raise your head.

You're Sir Bicchu's wife, I presume?

I am Lord Tsunayoshi.

Forgive me. My husband is not here.

I know.

I'm sure that you've been worried.

Pardon me, but why have you come here?

Long ago, Sir Bicchu told me of two sons and a daughter.

I would like to meet them.

Would you let me?

They're playing nearby, at the river.

I see!

Listen!

I'll teach you how to swim, both of you! Come with me!

You must use both of your legs and kick!

Hard!

You must kick with all of your might!

Yes! That's the way!

Look, boys! Here comes Grandpa!

I'm getting hungry, ma'am! Please make some rice balls!

I'd like burned rice balls, like I had with dear Sir Bicchu!

Let me eat with the kids!

Yes!

What a cold, cruel man Lord Sakai is!

He wants to destroy you,

and the entire family, just to protect himself.

Lady Keishoin...

You said he betrayed you when we last spoke.

Tell me, what makes you say that of him?

Why do you want to know?

The chief elder's selection for successor seems senseless.

Foolish. That's not like him.

If his decision is truly unfair, I'm prepared to die opposing it.

Are you threatening harakiri?

Please, explain his treachery against you.

I cannot! - Please!

No! I must not speak!

Then I have no choice.

I'll ask him myself.

It's folly!

Do you expect to appeal to his emotions?

I can see no other way.

There's a way.

You know the way!

You and I must fight!

We'll make Tsunayoshi shogun,

and put you in Lord Sakai's place.

Lady Keishoin! - Show some ambition!

You and he are both mortal men!

Be a man!

Stand up for the Hotta family!

It's time to think of your wife and children!

Die now, and you die alone, a stray dog.

You're Genzo, aren't you?!

Sir Hotta Bicchu! This is an order!

I've come to take your life!

An order? - Whose order?! Speak!

Chief Elder Sakai Uta-no-kami's order!

He betrays me?

He orders my death?

And you, you too?!

I was sent to seek out his enemies.

This temple is surrounded by our men!

If you wish to perform seppuku, I will bear witness.

No, I will not.

My mind is made up!

Is that so?

I, Masatoshi, as lord of the Bicchu clan will challenge Chief Elder Sakai!

As a man of the Tatebayashi family, I'll try to survive forever!

Prepare!

Your name is Nera Genzo? Put down your sword!

Shut up!

Kyuko!

Sir Bicchu!

Foolish monk!

You attack Lady Keishoin?!

How dare you!

Hurry Sir Bicchu! Take Lady Keishoin away!

Wait!

We'll speak of the succession.

On careful reflection,

Kofu's Toramatsu and Owari's Gorota are far too young to succeed.

If we choose either, we may live to regret the decision.

So, as of today's meeting,

we will choose the emperor's 5th son, Yarisugawa Shinno as the successor.

Today's meeting? - A noble prince?

You can't! - Inconceivable!

Chief elder, I ask you...

didn't you swear to keep the Tokugawa bloodline alive?

That's right! Twice you said so!

What makes you change your mind now?

Reporting! Lord of Owari is here.

Lord Owari, you have come. - Are your legs healing?

This matter is urgent. I don't care if my legs fall off!

Chief elder, I've come to hear your final decision today.

Will it be Owari or Kofu?

I want you to appoint Owari as the successor.

The chief elder has already announced

Yarisugawa as the successor.

An imperial prince?

Thankfully, they've already decided to join

the Edo group in Kyoto.

His Excellency has agreed with my decision.

Chief elder or not, I don't care!

You can't just take this decision on yourself!

Lord Owari, careful what you say!

You stay out of it! - Wait, both of you!

The prince will be a temporary appointment, until Gorota is ready.

His Excellency has asked me to install Gorota in the future.

The Tokugawa bloodline will not be cut off.

Then we of Kishu clan will announce for the shogun's seat again!

Chief elder, we shall step aside,

but we'll ask you to choose the Owari as successor!

You didn't forget this, did you?

What?

Lord Owari, what does this mean?

This is it!

If this cannot happen, we won't forgive you!

There will be a war!

Sir Bishu! Emergency!

Hurry! Come!

Take him away!

And what is the meaning of this, I ask you?

Perhaps it's a prayer among the Owari.

Reporting!

Lady Keishoin is here to visit Lady Midai.

She's also gone to inquire after His Excellency's health.

What?

Lady Keishoin and her people went to visit Lady Midai,

and then went to visit His Excellency!

The chief elder is here!

Your Excellency...

You're looking very well, my lord.

I'm so very glad.

Lady Midai...

I'm sure you're happy to see the lord so well.

Lady Keishoin, you didn't tell me you were planning to visit today.

If you'd told me you were coming to see the shogun,

I'd have gladly come with you.

That's very kind, very thoughtful of you.

But, I had the strangest dream last night.

Suddenly, I thought I must come at once to see His Excellency.

Lady Keishoin brought cookies from Kyoto for Lady Midai.

So, her visit was Lady Midai's idea.

Lady Asukai, we've had orders from our lord's staff, not to disturb him.

Even I, as chief elder, dare not defy these edicts.

So you'd better take pains to prevent unapproved intrusions.

Lady Midai, you'd better take your leave.

My lord, I hope you will take care.

You, too.

Your Excellency, I will pray for you, and for your speedy recovery.

Your Excellency...

I don't know what Lady Keishoin said,

but you mustn't pay attention, do you hear?

I don't approve of seeking a prince from Kyoto.

The first choice must be Tsunayoshi

That decision is reserved for the Council,

and the Tokugawa branch families.

I am shogun here!

I say it's Tsunayoshi alone!

Since Tsunashige is gone, Tsunayoshi is my only brother!

Yes, Your Excellency.

I understand your words.

One day soon, you will bear children.

Then you'll understand.

For a woman, a man is a transient thing.

The only people you can rely on are the children you've brought into the world.

You may kill your man,

but you must die for your children.

Magnificent!

His Excellency will pass away tonight.

His Excellency will die.

Do you understand me?

I beg you, spare me!

Please! I beg of you!

Look at Hogen, his hands are shaking.

He tells me that I have a cold,

but he's the one growing ill, isn't that so?

No, my lord.

Let's have a look at you!

Hogen...

Did His Excellency die instantly?

Yes, sir!

Is he dead?! - Yes!

No, not yet.

What?

Your Excellency!

I am stricken!

Please, speak to me again!

Say but a single word!

I long to hear your voice once more!

Wait! He speaks again!

I hear his last words. He's naming Toramatsu as his successor!

Everyone, listen!

He says, let the Kofu clan's Toramatsu follow him as shogun!

Do you understand?

Yes, sir!

Kyuko? Is that you?

It's the shogun. He passed away last night.

What?!

Are you sure?!

All of the retainers are coming.

They're assembling at the castle.

What happened?

He was looking so well.

I must do something! - What can you do now?

I must bring Tsunayoshi to the castle!

No, you mustn't! - But we must go.

Not now!

We must remain calm, my lady.

We must learn to hold our peace.

Sir Bicchu has said so.

And how is Sir Bicchu?

He's gone to the castle.

The castle?

How reckless he is!

DISMOUNTING

What's happened to the chief elder? He's not here yet.

He's resting in the other room.

He didn't sleep at all last night.

What will happen after this strange death?

Surely there's nothing untoward about the lord's death.

He slipped away silently, peacefully, without a word.

But he did speak, at the end.

Are you sure of that?

What did he say?

I don't know for sure.

So, who heard him?

It was as if he knew everything.

His face looked so peaceful.

Surely somewhere above us he smiles,

looking down on the wicked, here on Earth.

Yui, you're here?

They said you'd collapsed from exhaustion.

Are you all right?

Yes.

You've worked so very hard.

His Excellency treated me so well,

even though I come from a low-ranking family.

I long to leave here. I will join him in heaven.

But first, I must give you this.

It's His Excellency's handwriting!

No, it can't be!

About the lord's decision,

when do you let everyone know?

Sooner the better. We must think of Miyake, too.

The Owari won't take it lying down.

It's His Excellency's last request. I won't let them oppose it.

Have no fear.

Owari will have the second position, after Kofu.

In time we'll see.

Sir Mino! What's the matter?

I must speak to the chief elder!

He's resting!

It's of vital importance!

What is it? - Then speak up!

I'll ask the chief elder directly.

Who will you choose as the new shogun!

Sir Mino, are you senile?

You heard His Excellency's decision with your own ears!

I don't accept his last words!

Chief elder, promise me you'd rather honor his actual decision,

instead of the final words he may have spoken!

Sir Mino!

Go on, Mino.

I have a document from His Excellency, in his own hand.

He left it with Yui, who cared for him while he lived.

What? - Can it be?

Why don't you show us?!

Chief elder...

Promise to accept it!

What does he say in this note?

I can't tell you.

I understand.

You have my word, then.

Give it to me!

Give it to me!

Mino!

I cannot.

First, I must inform the three branch families and tell all the people!

Excuse me!

Wait! - Kaga!

Kill him! Stop him!

Die!

Stop him!

Stop!

Stop him!

Stop him!

Don't let him get away!

Why you!

Take your hands off me!

Let me go!

Chamberlain!

I have here a note!

A will left behind by His Excellency!

What? - His Excellency left a will?

His Excellency left behind a will!

Don't listen! Kill him!

Let me go! Kill him!

Father!

What's happened to you?!

Bicchu, is that you?

Oh, thank heaven!

It's a message from our late lord!

Give it to Lord Tsunayoshi!

It's His Excellency's will!

Chamberlain!

Sir Bicchu! Give me the note!

Defy me and you'll be branded as a traitor!

Takanori! What's going on here?

"This represents my final choice.

"My successor will be Lord Tsunayoshi.

"This supercedes the chief elder's decision...

"Signed, Shogun letsuna.""

Sir Bicchu?

What's up? Keep singing!

So, it's you. You don't look like a ghost.

Welcome to my playpen!

I'm celebrating our ugly faces.

Hey, what's this about?!

Playtime is over. I'm taking you to the castle.

You must be joking.

I'm deadly serious.

Lord Tsunayoshi, you've been chosen 5th shogun by our late shogun's will.

What?

But everyone wants me dead!

You're in no danger.

Tsunayoshi, you're the chosen lord,

for me and all who follow me.

Would you use me for your own gain?!

Am I bait to challenge Chief Elder Sakai Uta-no-kami?!

If you think so, I won't listen. Please, stand up!

Don't!

All right, I understand!

I may not be much, but I'm still a samurai!

I'll play along.

Cockroaches! You're all going to die!

Help him up!

Are you all right?

Such a beautiful moon!

Bicchu!

This is too much!

How badly do you want me dead?!

All right, I'll do it!

I will become the 5th shogun!

At last you agree!

To a shogun, a truly great shogun,

tonight was just a warm-up!

Bicchu!

You're going to be a very tough chief elder!

Much worse than Lord Sakai!

EDO CASTLE: MOMIJIYAMA TOSHOGU SHRINE

Sir Hotta Bicchu-no-kami here.

I have delivered Lord Tsunayoshi to the castle.

Tsunayoshi is visiting the family cemetery and

reporting for his succession, as our 5th shogun.

I have been communing with the spirits of

1st shogun, leyasu and 3rd shogun, lemitsu.

I formally close my long years of duty as chief elder of the shogunate.

I am also reporting that Sir Hotta Bicchu-no-kami

will take over my position.

I thank you, chief elder.

Attend me, Bicchu!

The Tokugawa now installs their 5th successor.

The government must now be stabilized.

From this moment, you shall be chief elder.

You must take upon yourself all resentments

directed against the Tokugawa shogunate.

But, you must never make excuses.

And, you must accept your lot as a samurai's fate.

1 will.

Well, I have spoken my piece.

I will now discharge my final duty as chief elder.

Did you say, final duty?

I have no need for excuses.

I will now take the life of Lord Tsunayoshi with my own hands.

What?! - Tokugawa blood does not...

flow through Tsunayoshi's veins.

What do you mean?!

Tsunayoshi is no son of the 3rd shogun, lemitsu.

nor of the late shogun's brother.

He is my son.

Chief elder!

Do you know what you're saying?

Do you dare tell such a story?

I know, it may be an insult to the Tokugawa family.

But to keep this secret would be a greater crime.

So, I will tell you all.

When I succeeded as head of the Sakai clan...

the 3rd shogun visited our family.

He took a young girl named Otama as his new mistress.

But Otama was already carrying my child.

Even though I knew this...

I let her go to the Tokugawa family.

Sir Bicchu, don't listen to his nonsense!

Can you believe this foolish tale?

Who is the master now?

Tsunayoshi is the true son of the 3rd shogun, lemitsu.

I have borne the heir to the Tokugawa clan!

Bicchu, step aside for me!

I won't let you stop me!

I can't step aside.

Not until I understand your intentions!

Nor can I!

If Tsunayoshi is your child,

why would you want to kill him?

I can't let my child become the shogun.

I can't betray the bushido code for him, nor can I disgrace my office.

That's why I had to kill...

the 4th shogun as well.

Chief elder! Have you gone mad?!

Sir Bicchu! There's no need to listen!

Kill him! Kill Lord Sakai!

Reporting! Lord Tsunayoshi is on his way!

Lord Sakai Uta-no-kami!

I am here, 5th shogun Tsunayoshi.

You've abused your position as shogunate chief elder and

soiled the office with your wickedness!

Leave this castle and await our judgment!

Lord Sakai, get down!

Your Excellency...!

Your Excellency, you're right!

I committed a grave sin against the Tokugawa family.

I expect...

No!

I deserve punishment!

Chief elder!

Bicchu!

Bicchu...

I'm sorry...

Your Excellency...

I'm sorry this disgrace occurred before you!

Please, take him away!

Hurry!

Get him out of here!

Yes!

Your Excellency. Please, it's over.

Lord Saki...!

Lord Sakai! - Your Excellency!

He still has more to tell me.

I see it in his eyes!

Bicchu!

What are you doing?!

Hurry!

Your Excellency! - Lord Sakai!

Your Excellency!

Lord Sakai!

Lord Sakai!

My dear Lord Sakai!

You're the only man I ever loved and trusted.

You held fast to honor at the end.

I am glad for you.

Lady Keshoin...

Your son, Lord Tsunayoshi...

His father was the late lemitsu.

He's going to be a great shogun...

Then why couldn't your honor accept the lie as the truth?

Accept it as a dream?

Tell me why?

Why...?

Why...?

Translated by Yukiko Copy Editing by BigJohn & Katana

Subtitled and Mastered by Ichiban Special Thanks to CK and Shodan

Directed by: MASUDA Toshio

THE END