Original subtitles

The Tokugawa shogunate maintained its political system for 260 years.

It was a strong political machine with the shogun at its apex.

Appointed from among the 'fudai' (shogun's vassals),

with domains of 25,000 koku or more,

were the 4 or 5 Councillors of State who controlled

the city magistrates and the chief inspectors

and were the most powerful in the government.

However, every so often, a position whose authority

surpassed that of the councillors came into being.

It was the position of the 'Tairo' (regent).

Appointed in times of emergency from among the

fudai lords whos domains exceeded 100,000 koku,

the tairo (regent) advised the shogun and governed the country.

Since it wasn't a regular position,

only 13 men held this office in the 260 years.

It was a position with the greatest authority.

Now, Ii Naosuke appears as the 12th regent.

Ii sought to rebuild the shogunate's power,

but his policy already ran counter to the times.

Tobu ga Gotoku

Episode 10: Nariakira's Plan to Dispatch Troops

June 1858

Drink up!

Did you see them?

Satsuma has other things besides warships.

While you were away,

our lord has been busily preparing for war.

All that's left to do is to take Ii's head.

That has to be done with the Imperial Court's baking.

Our main duty is to protect the Court.

It was most astute of Lord Nariakira.

Inspection tours, clan reforms...

I'm just itching for action.

If Arima and Shunsai were here, they'd be doing sword dance.

Perhaps, they're doing it in Edo.

It's revenge for Sekigahara.

Hold on.

This isn't a war between Satsuma and the Tokugawa.

Lord Nariakira is sending out troops at this time when foreign powers are

encroaching upon us in order to unite Japan.

That's how I see it.

Whatever the reason, Ii will find his match

when faced with a vanguard of red uniforms.

Ii Naosuke was about to announce the selection

of Yoshitomi of Kishu as the shogun's heir.

My lady.

Yes?

What's wrong?

Forgive me.

Ii said that unless I agreed,

I couldn't return to the Inner Palace.

So I agreed.

To what did you agree?

Yoshitomi will be my successor.

My Lord!

Now, I'll be able yo spin thread with you.

Yes.

You must be exhausted.

Please get some rest.

I'll spin some thread.

I know that you just got back, but I must send you out again.

According to a letter from the Lord of Echizen,

even the Mito clan is no match for Ii's power and

the other daimyo want me to return to Edo quickly.

I'm sure that everyone in Edo is waitng for you.

There are those who are worked up and full of mettle

over this, but you know how I feel, don't you?

Yes, I do.

I need an Imperial order to lead my troops into Kyoto.

Your mission will be to obtain that order

by appealing to Lord Konoe and other powerful nobles.

I authorize you to wear this coat.

I am honored.

Arrange for the immediate purchase of

3,000 breech-loading rifles for the cavalry.

I hear you're off again. When are you leaving?

Tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow?

It's no ordinary thing that our lord has decided to do.

It gives me the shivers.

Edo is in utter confusion over Harris's treaty.

With this expedition Japan will change.

It's now-or-never for both our lord and me.

I intend to give up my life to see this deed through.

You won't die alone.

When it's time to die, the Seichigumi will die as one

and our deaths will open the eyes of the Council.

When the time comes, let's act together.

According to Harris, China's war with France and

England is over and a treaty concluded at Tientsin.

He says that the English armada,

flushed with success, may turn to Japan and,

after all the work and when all it needs is to be signed,

the Japan-U.S. trade treaty may come to nothing.

Be that as it may, explain to Harris that,

as long as we have no Imperial sanction,

the signing must be postponed.

I do not object to negotiating,

but tell me what we are to do when we are accused of breaking

the agreement and forced to sign the treaty.

If it come to that, we haven't much choice.

However, it's your duty to negotiate

the best you can to avoid that.

I understand.

I shall perform an honorable suicide before Harris.

What will that accomplish?

Lor Ii!

Weren't you the one who let the Emperor

reject the treaty even if it meant war?

Can there be anything more humiliating than

being defeated and turned into a foreign possession?

Whether it's better to reject the treaty and

subject Japan to eternal shame or sign without

the Imperial sanction to save the country...

weigh it carefully in your minds.

They're all alike!

Which means, the matter of the treaty must be settled first.

It can't be helped.

The announcement of the shogun's heir must wait

until after the treaty has been signed.

I worry about interference from the Hitotsubashi faction.

I am the regent.

All power rests with the regent's position.

On June 19, 1858,

the Japan-U.S. Amity and Trade Treaty

was signed on Ii's authority.

However, because of Japan's ignorance,

it was an unequal treaty.

As if to laud Harris for his service,

a 21-gun salute was given at Edo Bay that day.

The shogun's family have never had a voice in matters of politics.

However, Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu set it aside

and came to Edo Castle upon learning of the signing.

Ii Naosuke was hostile and discomfited.

I am Yoshinobu.

You were recently appointed the regent.

I am extremely grateful to you for your efforts

during this most difficult times.

The Ii family has always had a special place

with the house of Tokugawa.

You have served us faithfully like your ancestors

before you and we place great trust on you.

I am honored with this unexpected appointments

to a position of such responsibility.

I intend to serve to the best of my ability.

There's something I'd like to know.

Why did you sign the treaty with America

without first obtaining the Court's permission?

Or did you know that permission was not forthcoming?

Answer me.

This places the Shogun in the position

of having defied the Emperor.

Forgive me.

How could you place the Shogun in such a position

after he appointed you the regent?

I am deeply sorry.

Answer me, Lord Ii!

You probably think that the world will let it pass

if it is carried through and that you'd get away

by merely bowing your head.

Never!

Then are you aware of the gravity of the offense?

I ask you again.

Are you saying that you acted only upon the shogun's orders?

I am truly sorry.

About the succession...

From what I hear, it seems the Kishu was chosen.

That is correct.

I'm glad to hear that.

It's good news.

Thank you.

I would like to do what I can to be of service, too.

Thank you.

Who will fill the vacancy left by Yoshitomi?

If you are so inclined, allow me to advance your suit...

I refuse!

I have no intention of leaving the Hitotsubashi.

I beg your pardon.

Let me say it again.

Go immediately to Kyoto and explain to the Emperor

that the deed was perpetrated by you and not by the shogun.

I'm throwing it, my lord.

My lord.

Ah it seems that young lord was relieved from his burden.

It's surprising that it was even possible.

It was already decided. You can't say that to the shogun.

- Do you think so? - I know that.

Anyway....

- And again. - It's gone out.

The one who will be filling a vacancy next time won't replace lord Satsuma.

- Ikushima? - Yes?

This winter, lord will go to capital as soon as possible, letter on his chest.

Yes.

Meanwhile, Kichinosuke was on his way to Kyoto.

Luckily, the sea is calm today.

Are you headed for Kyoto or Osaka?

Pardon me for interrupting.

I hear many masterless samurai are gathering

in Kyoto, so I was hoping for a travelling companion.

I hear Edo and Kyoto are in a buzz over whether the

shogun's heir should be Kishu or Hitotsubashi.

Is that so?

Who do you favor?

Hey! Watch out will you?

Something fell.

I hear that you promised Lord Hitotsubashi

that you would send a messenger to Kyoto.

What is the nature of this errand?

I am hoping to get the Court's permission.

Aren't you doing things backwards?

What do you mean by seeking permission after

you took it upon yourself to sign the treaty?

You're right, but the situation demanded immediate action.

Just a minute!

Are you saying that the Court is not entitled to immediate explanation?

I never said...

And one more!

Why did you remove Lord Hotta from his office?

As the regent, you should take the responsibility

for signing the treaty without sanction.

The drum sounds the hour to go to the castle.

We're out of the time. Let's continue this another day.

I'll go with you.

It's not your day to attend, Echizen.

I don't care!

I must talk to you about the shogun's heir.

His Highness has already chosen his heir.

It's important to the Tokugawa!

Pardon me. It's time to go to the castle.

You heard him.

Now, if you'll excuse me...

Wait!

This is not a problem that can be put off.

We must discuss this thoroughly even if

your appearance at the castle is delayed.

I am the regent!

If the regent is late, the affairs of state will be delayed.

Excuse me!

Are you running away?

Lord Nariaki of Mito, Yoshinobu's father, was also incensed.

With Yoshinobu, the present head

of his clan and Tokugawa Yoshikumi of Owari in tow,

he pays an unexpected visit to the castle.

Matsudaira Shungaku joined them.

What is Lord Ii doing?

He regrets that he is very busy and asks that you wait.

Stop making excuses!

Regent Ii has been disloyal

and has failed in his duty to the Court.

Drag him here by the neck!

The lords of Mito and Owari are members of

the senior branches of the Tokugawa family.

It's rude of the Regent to keep them waiting.

I'm very sorry.

I'm prepared to stay here until Lord Ii slits his belly.

Tell that to Lord Ii!

However, Ii adopted a delay tactic to put a damper

on Nariakira's spirit and merely kept them waiting.

In the end, the group accomplished nothing.

The next day, on June 25th,

an official announcement was made naming

Lord Yoshitomi of Kishu as Shogun Iesada's heir.

It was July 7th when Kichinosuke arrived in Osaka.

He lost no time in calling on Yoshii Kosuke at the clan warehouse.

What?!

Not only did Lord Ii take it upon himself to sign

the treaty but even decided on the shogun's heir?

Edo's in an uproar over that.

It won't be the end of it.

As the Head Councillor, Lord Hotta was advised

strongly by the Court to listen to the opinions

of the senior Tokugawa branches and the other lords

of this matter of the treaty.

This means that the Imperial Will has been disregarded.

The Mito and Owari branch families of the Tokugawa

have been punished.

Who pronouned punishment?

The regent, Lord Ii.

On what charges?

For calling at the castle outside their appointed day.

That's an outrage!

I can't be wasting time like this.

I'm going on to Kyoto to check on the situation,

so I can report it to Lord Nariakira.

I'll go, too. You may need help.

The Lord of Echizen has sent me word that

Kishu has been named the shogun's heir.

Yes.

Things did not turn out the way we planned,

but I've decided that the time is ripe for action.

Yes.

I plan to dispatch my troops on September 1st.

I am counting on you to defend our domain.

I understand.

Tomorrow at Mt. Tempo, our warriors, famed for

their fearless courage since the Kamakura era,

will have an extensive drill.

We will consolidate our exercises.

I would like to take part, too.

Yes, I would like you to command a unit.

Fire!

Fire!

Fire!

With this Satsuma will quickly proceed.

No. If we compare ourselves with England or France,

we still aren't good enough.

- Understand. - Saizo.

Yes.

From now, you're in charge of horse's exercise.

- Prepare them right now. - Yes, I understand.

Still lost in thoughts?

There's a letter from Atsuhime.

What does she write?

Requesting to leave for capital immediately.

In order to not make her worry.

She really has it difficult.

There will be time when I'll apologize from heart.

So, I won't blame myself.

How could you do that.

Remembering this exercise in Satsuma, is like a thunder running down...

...through spine in daring excitement.

Excuse me.

You have fever.

You look sick as well.

Well, it was unexpectedly hot during today's exercise.

- I'm alright. - No.

Go to sleep right now.

- I'll call the doctor. - Alright.

I know about medicine.

Don't panic.

My lord.

Kyoto

We have a guest.

Welcome.

Saigo?

Is Lord Nariakira really coming to Kyoto?

There's no doubt about it.

I received a letter from him yesterday.

My lord's objective is not war.

His intention is to protect the Court.

He'll deal firmly with anyone who rises up against the Emperor.

How frightening.

If anyone had said such a thing in the past,

albeit in his sleep, his head would have rolled.

Without such spirit, the world won't change.

How right you are!

We'll use this spirit to establish

the guilt of the shogunate Councillors

who disregarded the Emperor's wishes.

I see.

Mr. Saigo!

Is it you, Ofusa?

Please be careful.

Although I've sent him away,

a strange samurai was asking for you.

Quickly! Run!

You are here!

Run, quickly!

Why, it's Ijichi!

What happened?

Not much.

Is he one of you?

Yes, he's a member of the Seichigumi, too.

They told me at the clan mansion that you were here,

but this female insisted that you weren't here.

Your name wasn't familiar to me.

When did you arrive from Edo?

Just now. I brought some urgent news.

When I stopped by the clan mansion, they told me you were also here.

But this female...

Enough!

What is this urgent news?

It's the situation in Edo...

To begin with, Shogun Iesada is dead.

The Shogun is dead?

When did that happen?

Probably, around the 4th of this month.

Ofusa, if anything happens downstairs,

will you warn us as you just did?

All right.

Thank you.

When that Regent Ii passed sentence on Mito and his kin

on the claim that it was the Shogun's orders.

Shogun Iesada was actually already dead.

Was there no word from Ikushima?

No.

How sad.

How should I face lady Atsuhime?

My lady.

I was finally useful for our duty which...

...we received from our lord, but...

...when I think about shogun...

...I don't think that this has finally made me feel at easy.

Yes.

The days we have left...

I can just wish happiness in next life for shogun.

So, what lies ahead now?

The country will only experience more unrest.

Beyond that?

Konoe Tadahiro

It is said that heroes arise in times of trouble.

In other words, my master, the lord of Satsuma,

will come forth in need to cut turmoil at his roots.

And, it seems the opportunity is ripe.

I see.

So, if the unrest grows, it gives Lord Nariakira

more reason to come to Kyoto to protect the Court.

Yes.

In a month, my master will be coming to Kyoto

with troops armed with 3,000 new rifles.

My master has but to resort to action, and

order in Edo and Kyoto will be restored in an instant.

I'll go to the Palace immediately and

report what we've just discussed to the Emperor.

The thought of changing the world

sets even my priestly body aquiver.

However, on this day, Shimazu Nariakira,

the hero that the world awaited,

had fallen victim to a mortal illness.

My lady, I wish you would get some rest.

According to the doctor,

our lord is better than he was earlier.

If you should fall ill now...

I will not fall ill.

Even if I do, I have no intention of leaving my lord's side.

I won't have it.

If you fall ill, what will happen to Tetsumaru?

My lord.

Don't worry.

Ha huge task awaits me.

I can't die even if I wanted to.

We were waiting for you.

I'm sorry! I'll wipe it right away!

Let it go!

I hear that our lord is gravely ill.

Didn't you just tell me how energetic he was

at the Mt. Tenpo exercises?

He broke out in a fever that night.

The situation within the castle is not normal.

I inquired at the homes of the castle officials,

but no one would tell me anything.

From what I've heard,

Lord Nariakira may have been poisoned.

It can't be!

I know who's responsible for that!

I know that Lord Narioki, our lord's father,

was upset that our lord might use up the

clan's funds to prepare for war.

We can't let this happen!

After Kichinosuke pressed me to keep a close eye

on Yura faction should anything happen,

slitting my belly wouldn't be apology enough.

Masu, pray for me.

Pray for Lord Nariakira. Pray for me.

That night, despite the late hour, Hisamitsu was

hastily summoned to Nariakira's bedside.

There's something I wanted to say to you.

Brother!

I shall not recover from this illness.

Therefore, my successor will be Matajiro, your legitimate son.

This saying is an official message.

Wait!

It's not like you, brother.

You're saying too much, I can not accept it.

Once, I was named to be lord.

To calm down the trembling Court.

To reform the shogunate.

To spread the "rich country, strong army" idea.

To work for the chance to face foreign country...

...without feeling timed about it.

But, there's not enough time.

Without my will...

...the world is coming to end.

My request is a long mission.

I want you to take the opportunity.

If that happens,

then even if I die,

I will live inside the Satsuma.

Yes.

And now...

...it's a long good-bye.

Brother!

Lord!

My lord!

Atsuhime. Atsuhime.

Atsuhime!

Atsuhime!

I've come for your forgiveness.

While you were entrusted with bitter duty,

...I couldn't repay for all that.

Take my apology.

Lord!

Princes.

Ikushima?

What happened?

Why are you in panic?

I had a bad dream.

Bad dream?

Lord was standing there.

Lord?

He looked like dead person.

And even after this, to stay firm and keep on living.

It was only a dream. You were really tired, I think.

I believe it has to be late shogun who were standing there...

...since you were worrying about him, since he left you.

No.

I wouldn't mistake our lord for shogun no matter what.

I'm sure that it was our lord.

1858, August 24.

At the beginning of Japan's dawn, Shimazu Nariakira's soul...

...left this world and gone to heaven.

Saigo Kichinosuke hasn't known this yet.