Original subtitles

During the Heian Era (794-1192), for the first time in history,

there appeared warriors on horseback,

and they quickly gained power.

The Takeda had the strongest cavalry.

Why? Because Kai was blessed with lots of horses,

and there were horse ranches since the Nara Era...

at the foot of Mt Yatsugatake and Mt Komagatake.

The horses were rather small but were sturdy,

and could put up with harsh conditions.

Horses choose their riders,

and Kai had many good riders.

In their everyday life, the riders were around horses,

and could skillfully maneuver horses during battles.

Takeda Shingen

Episode 16: "The Conquest of Shinano"

Screenplay: Tamukai Masatake

Original Story: Nitta Jiro

Music: Yamamoto Naozumi

Original Subtitles JN Productions, lnc. (Hawaii)

Transcribed and Edited Subtitles Kame Fansubs

Lady Kita/Narrator: Wakao Ayako

CAST

Takeda Harunobu NAKAl KllCHl

Nagao Kagetora SHlBATA KYOHEl

Lady Sanjo KONNO MlSAKO

Otsune FURUMURA HlRO

Gensuke MURAKAMl HlROAKl

Hara Toratane SHlSHlDO JO

Obu Toramasa KODAMA KlYOSHl

Baba Nobuharu MlKl RYOSUKE

Hara Masatoshi KOBAYASHl KATSUTA

Sanada Yukitaka HASHlZUME lSAO

Gishu NAlTO TAKETOSHl

Murakami Yoshikiyo KAMlJO TSUNEHlKO

Uesugi Norimasa TAKlTA YUSUKE

Jukeini KlSHlDA KYOKO

Takeda Nobutora HlRA MlKlJlRO

Yae OGAWA MAYUMl

Yamamoto Kansuke NlSHlDA TOSHlYUKl

Producer: Murakami Satoshi

Director: Omori Seiji

I am gone from the earth,

but I must remain in Kai and watch over my sons.

Now that I have shed my earthly body,

I have never experienced such freedom.

I can see from ages past and far into the future.

This is a modern Kofu.

Such a bustling town.

Though man's sorrows and joys never change,

compared to the Kofu of 400 years past,

this city is paradise.

A gun merchant's disguise suits you.

My attire is shabby, compared to that of modern merchants.

How did things look in Echigo?

Nagao Kagetora is moving swiftly.

He wants all the muskets I can bring.

Kanto Administrator Uesugi Norimasa asked him for help,

so he has finally begun to battle with the Hojo.

Yes. The Nagao family is from Sagami.

They moved to Echigo as vassals of Uesugi.

And since Uesugi has asked them for help against the Hojo,

Nagao Kagetora would go to his aid.

Murakami Yoshikiyo has also asked Lord Nagao for help.

I've heard this.

Many depend on Nagao Kagetora, don't they?

Yes.

What sort of man is he?

A man who is full of confidence.

Of penetrating insight and swift action,

he is a genius in the art of war.

Is he so brilliant?

Yes.

And, that is not all.

Despite his youth, he is very religious.

He worships the god Bishamon every day.

Is he like a priest?

Yes.

He may be imbued with the power of the gods.

He purifies himself, never touching meat,

and will have no woman come near.

He seems like a strange man.

Only because he is strangely gifted.

I will attack Murakami after the rice is planted.

We might meet Nagao Kagetora.

My lord...

if possible, you should avoid fighting Lord Nagao.

You think I might lose?

Possibly.

I humbly beg of you...

help me defeat Takeda Harunobu.

I know he banished his own father,

but, what sort of man is he?

He is the very embodiment of villainy.

His every thought and deed are evil!

Uesugi Norimasa

Murakami.

You are blinded by hatred.

It is true that Takeda wreaks havoc upon Shinano,

but he is not a common bandit.

Sir Administrator...!

The loser always call his enemy a villain.

I have yet to lose to Takeda Harunobu!

Then you don't need our help.

No! If Lord Nagao will help me,

he doesn't need to fear that Echigo will be threatened!

I understand.

Have no fear.

Thank you, my lord!

Administrator Uesugi...

What kind of man do you think Takeda Harunobu is?

I suffered at his hands in Odaibara.

I would like to call him "villain," myself.

Takeda Harunobu is skilled in warfare,

however, he works harder at strengthening his clan.

He thinks of many ways to make his clan strong.

Recently, he created the Laws of Koshu...

for all his subjects to obey.

Order is established only when laws are made.

Harunobu himself vowed to obey the laws.

If he breaks a law, he will also accept the punishment.

That is the kind of man he is.

Moreover, he has projects on flood control,

helping businesses, cultivating farmland...

He does much to help his subjects.

He acts with reason. ...a formidable foe.

When I fought against him, I was overwhelmed.

From deep in the forests,

black horsemen charged and cut my men down.

I had thought the mountain had moved!

I thought the god of the mountain had appeared.

I will attack Murakami Yoshikiyo's castle.

I shall hear your opinions.

Katsurao Castle sits on a ridge extending to Gorigamine.

It overlooks Chikuma River, Chiisagata and Azumi.

Moreover, there is a fortress above Chikuma River,

from which any attackers can be seen.

Is there a way to Katsurao Castle?

Yes. The side from Chikuma River cannot be scaled.

There is only one path.

But, horses cannot make the climb.

Money is the best way.

Then, we will send spies to spread rumors,

and wait for Murakami to come running out.

Absurd!

This battle is to avenge ltagaki and Amari!

We must avenge all who died at Uedahara!

Don't dirty it with the mention of money!

Murakami Yoshikiyo is clever.

Mere rumors wouldn't make him run.

Many fortresses lie before Katsurao Castle.

It will be difficult going through Saku.

I will persuade the lords of those fortresses to defect.

Koshu gold is worth more than ten thousand men!

Sire...

Rather than going through Saku,

why not detour through Shiojiri Pass,

and approach Mt. Katsurao from Azumi?

But Kariyahara and Tonohara Castles are at Azumi.

It is easier to attack Azumi than Saku.

Gensuke, what do you think?

I will fight anywhere.

I will never give up.

When the snows stop, we fight.

Sanada...

Go to Saku and spread rumors...

that I am going to Saku to rebuild Toishi Castle.

Then Murakami will have to guard the road to Saku.

His troops will get no rest all winter.

Sire, will you take Lord Taro with you to battle?

Yes.

He will engage in his first battle?

Yes.

As his guardian, l, Obu Toramasa, thank you.

If he is to become a ruler,

Taro must experience battle.

How magnificent!

How splendid you look.

You could be mistaken for the lord of the Takeda.

How can you weep at a time like this?

Mine are the tears of happiness.

It has been 15 years since you came to Kai.

How well you have persevered, Princess.

My young lord...

Please remember how your mother suffered,

and become a great ruler.

How noble you look!

Make proud the Sanjo name.

Be a fine warrior.

All my men and equipment will be garbed in red,

and we will protect the young lord.

Is that so?

Like a burning fire!

Red is a sacred color. The gods will protect you.

Don't you agree that he is magnificent?

Yes.

A handsome warrior, indeed.

Someday...

I hope you will take me to the capital of Kyoto.

Mother. Rest assured, I will surely take you there.

Yae too, Asagi too, Wakasa too, look forward to it.

We do not deserve this honor. Thank you, my lord.

Thank you, my lord.

Otsune...

Tell you grandmother Jukeini that she will also come with us.

Yes.

Yes, my lord.

Please.

I beg of you!

This is not a matter for me to decide.

Please. Help me, my lady!

I have lost all ambition.

I only wish to return to Kai...

and see my grandchildren before I die.

Please tell Harunobu so!

I do not mind giving Lord Harunobu the message.

I could not be with my wife when she died.

Nor, could I witness the new marriage between our clans.

Please, Lady Jukeini...

take pity on an old man.

I shall be honest with you.

I do not have much longer to live.

I do not want to die...

without seeing Kai!

Lord Nobutora, what is the matter?

Lady Jukeini...

My heart...!

Lord Nobutora...

Someone help!

Attendant!

My heart...!

Attendant!!

Sly old witch!

I must see Harunobu as soon as possible!

Before leaving for battle,

Harunobu held services for the anniversary of my death.

How strange it was to see everyone praying for me.

Still, it is good for a family to come together.

Jiro...

Yes.

What do you want to be?

I don't know.

There are many ways to live.

Some men become warriors.

Some become priests and serve the Buddha.

Some till the fields, some sell goods.

The fate of a man is decided by heaven.

Yes.

What do you think of this temple, Chozenji?

What about Abbot Gishu?

He is a good man.

You lost your eyesight to illness.

You cannot be a warrior.

Why not be a priest to serve the Buddha...

and pursue learning?

Do you object?

No.

You are young.

A boy your age would rather be with his mother.

But, unless you plan your future now,

you will suffer later.

I wish I could keep you with me...

and let you live a life without care.

But, I would be robbing you of your future.

Become a priest.

Yes.

Be a priest and leave this ulgy world of strife.

Find a world of grace.

Yes.

Father, I have a request.

What is it?

I will look after Jiro. Do not make him a priest!

I will devote my life to caring for Jiro!

Please, Father!

I know how much you love your brother,

but Jiro has made his decision.

Witness it silently.

I promised to be Jiro's eyes!

I shall care for Jiro!

Please, my lord!

I also implore you...

Ieave Jiro with me a while longer!

Silence.

Don't confuse Jiro.

Jiro is young and blind!

A priest's training is too difficult!

Jiro has decided.

Jiro would never want that!

Is that what you want, Jiro?!

Do not ask him.

Tell me! I'm on your side!

I told you not to ask him!!

Please stop!

Why can't I ask him?!

Just do as I say!

Or, can't you obey me?

Stop it, Taro.

Answer me!

Taro was only thinking of his brother!

If you cannot obey me,

you cannot succeed me as ruler of the Takeda!

Brother...

Come, the food is prepared. Come.

Lord Jiro, have no fear.

To be a priest...

is to make yourself free.

You need not kill or hate anyone.

You are in harmony with the hills and plains.

You will be loath to leave this calling.

Walk the path with me.

You will surely find the light.

I shall be counting on your help.

Onward!

At last my son set out...

to fight Murakami Yoshikiyo of Kita-Shinano.

Who said the Takeda were coming to Toishi Castle?!

Harunobu crossed Shiojiri Pass.

A completely different direction!

There is a traitor among us.

All winter, our troops stood watch over Toishi.

What if Harunobu attacks Azumi and breaks through?!

Then we will have to hole up in the castles,

and wait for help from Nagao Kagetora.

Luckily, water is plentiful in Katsurao and Koraku Castles.

We have food to last six months.

What will you do?

Ideura Castle belonged to my forefathers.

Can you defend it?

I will defend it as best I can.

If the enemy should break through,

I will withdraw to Koraku Castle,

and fight to the end with Sir Kojima.

You are a loyal vassal who has served me well.

When we defeat the Takeda, you shall be well rewarded!

Now go, Osuga Kyubei.

It was a privilege to serve you these many years.

Until Nagao Kagetora comes with help,

please bear with the hardships of siege.

Reporting!

500 Takeda troops are heading towards Toishi Castle.

Five hundred?

Reporting! It is a false report!

100, not 500, are moving toward Toishi Castle!

How can you make such a mistake?!

Takeda spies are spreading false rumors,

terrorizing our men!

Damn Harunobu!

Lord! Can you trust Sir Osuga?

He just said it was a privilege to serve you.

It was a strange thing to say.

We never spoke of defeat.

Even without Lord Nagao's help,

we will never lose to the Takeda!

Don't doubt Osuga's tears.

There are others who would turn traitor.

Harunobu will attack from Azumi!

Send men to Koraku Castle!

Stop Harunobu before he reaches Chikuma River.

Reporting.

We took Kariyahara Castle. Lord Ota killed himself!

Good work!

Sanada Yukitaka is here.

Admit him.

I have returned.

How goes things?

Osuga Kyubei, Murakami's vassal, defected to our side.

It was rather expensive.

What ploy will you use?

After taking Kariyahara Castle...

It has fallen.

"Swift as the wind," indeed!

What of its lord, Ota Suketada?

He's dead.

Then it's simple!

We will disguise ourselves as Ota Suketada's men,

go to Osuga's ldeura Castle and trick Osuga's men.

Then Osuga will abandon ldeura Castle...

and go with us to seek "help" from Koraku Castle.

Then...

So, Harunobu's finally marching on us?

He approaches on three sides.

We will not only be surrounded,

they will cut off help from Echigo!

I will send troops to keep the road open.

His main force is probably moving north.

Our troops can't keep the road open.

Tell Osuga to hold ldeura Castle to the last!

If all else fails,

I will go back and die in the castle of my ancestors.

Ideura Castle

As our lord, Ota Suketada, prepared to die,

he told us to seek Osuga Kyubei's help,

and sent us from the castle.

He told us to live on and avenge him.

He said we cannot die until we take Takeda Harunobu's head!

Please...

Please help us!

Let us fight together!

If Kansuke and the others take Koraku Castle tonight,

Murakami will be alone in Katsurao Castle.

Soon our men will shout cries of victory near ldeura Castle.

At the signal, Osuga will abandon ldeura Castle...

and go to Koraku Castle for help.

If Osuga can get inside with Sanada and the others,

Koraku Castle can be taken tonight.

Sanada is an expert at tricking foes.

However, he could also use his cunning against allies.

Treachery must come as a surprise.

Sanada is too visible.

In his position, treason would be most difficult.

It's begun.

Abandon the castle! Get help from Koraku Castle!

Hurry! The enemy is near!

Come, Lord Ota's men!

Reporting!

Ideura Castle has fallen!

Lord Osuga has gone to Koraku Castle!

What is that idiot doing?!

I told him to defend ldeura Castle!

The smell of treachery hangs about Osuga.

Koraku Castle is in danger!

You're sure Osuga went to Koraku Castle?

That was the report.

See for yourself!

If he is at Koraku Castle, bring him back here!

Kojima Hyorosuke! Prepare to die!

Osuga Kyubei! You sold your soul to the Takeda!

Have you no shame?

Koraku Castle fell?

Damn Osuga!

Damn Harunobu!

Tricking me...!

Reporting! Lords Yashiro, Shiozaki, lshikawa, and Takasaka...

They have all defected to the enemy!

Damn you, Harunobu!

Fight me with swords!!

Harunobu drove Murakami Yoshikiyo from his castle,

making Shinano his own after twelve years.

You fought well.

Yes.

What did you think of battle?

It was interesting.

Is that so?

Harunobu gazed down at Kawanakajima before him.

Next...

I will tell of Harunobu's meeting with Nagao Kagetora.

I end my tale for tonight.

To be continued.

To be continued.