Original subtitles

The Conspiracy of Yagyu Clan

A Toei Production

Screenplay by TATSUO NOGAMl HlROO MATSUDA KlNJl FUKASAKU

Photographed by TORU NAKAJlMA Music by TOSHlAKl TSUSHlMA

Starring

KlNNOSUKE YOROZUYA

SONNY CHlBA

HlROKl MATSUKATA

TERUHlKO SAlGO

RElKO OHARA

YOSHlO HARADA

ETSUKO SHlOMl KENTARO KUDO JlRO YABUKl

HlDEO MUROTA HlRO YUKl SANADA MAYUMl ASANO lCHlRO NAKATANl

TETSURO TAMBA

ETSUSHl TAKAHASHl lSAO NATSUYAGl

MlKlO NARlTA SANAE NAKAHARA NOBUO KANEKO

SHlNSUKE ASHlDA

lSUZU YAMADA

TOSHlRO MlFUNE

Directed by KlNJl FUKASAKU

1624: Tokugawa Shogun Hidetada Dies at Edo Castle

Shogun Hidetada died suddenly after only two hours of suffering.

His death seemed unnatural.

but the doctor announced he died from food poisoning.

That night Kihei Komuro. the taster. killed himself.

He left no notes. but it was obvious he assumed responsibility.

Nobody doubted it.

The death sparked a serious problem for the government.

They had not decided who would succeed the late Shogun.

Iemitsu. Hidetada's eldest son. was to be heir.

But unfortunately he was ugly and stammered.

Hidetada disliked him.

On the contrary. Tadanaga. the second son.

was bright and handsome. He was an object of admiration.

Hidetada's wife Oeyo also wanted him to be the next Shogun.

She influenced the relatives and the ministers--

lord of Owari.

Doi. the Chief Chamberlain.

Sakai. the Councilor--

important men of the government.

They eagerly backed Tadanaga.

Meanwhile. Matsudaira lzu. a young chamberlain.

and Lady Kasuga. leader of the harem.

backed Iemitsu.

Furthermore. the nobles hoped for the ruin of the government.

including the scheming Saneeda Sanjo

and Ayamaro Karasumaru.

The temporary peace after the long civil war in Osaka

was quickly disappearing.

The funeral heralded turbulence in the near future.

Zojo Temple. Shogun's Tomb

Okay. let's go!

What are you doing at this hour of the night?

Who are you?

Go!

She's Yagyu's daughter.

The others must be...

- Father! - Come in.

- We're back. - You got it?

Yes. here.

What?! Yagyu stole it?!

Yes. Forgive me. my lord.

Fool.

Yagyu is a mere fencing coach. What's his game?

Maybe he joined the group who sides with Iemitsu.

- Hanzo. - Yes. sir.

Watch the Yagyu family.

He was poisoned.

l thought so.

They killed him.

Who's ''they''?

Father!

ls Jubei still back home?

He wrote to me he was going to see a swordsman in lse.

He must be in lse now.

Send for him immediately.

Yes. sir.

Prince Iemitsu is coming.

You want a secret meeting?

Did you know this?

Thieves broke into Zojo Temple last night.

- What? - What did they steal?

Late Shogun Hidetada's stomach.

They probably wanted evidence of poisoning.

Poisoning?

Yagyu!

Do you know what you're saying?

For 10 years l've taught fencing to Prince Iemitsu.

l love him more than anybody else.

l think the people who poisoned Shogun Hidetada

must have done it because of their love for the prince.

They did it as a last resort.

Wait.

Now tell me exactly--

what happened to the thieves?

Did they succeed?

Don't worry. l have what they stole.

But l don't understand

why criminals who poisoned him didn't prepare for the consequences.

What do you mean?

Even a fencing instructor like me isn't convinced.

The death of Shogun Hidetada was so sudden.

Chief Chamberlain Doi. who backs Prince Tadanaga.

should suspect he was poisoned and want to know the truth.

He was thoughtless.

He wasn't prepared and was surprised by the news.

His negligence concerns me.

This is a critical time.

They're jeopardizing the safety of Prince Iemitsu.

Their negligence is unforgivable.

Chamberlain. what do you think?

Yagyu. you're right.

l have no words to answer.

To tell the truth. we did it.

- lzu! - Quiet!

The prince is coming.

You want to talk with me?

ls it about my late father?

Please listen to me calmly. Prince.

Your father didn't die of a disease.

He was poisoned.

What?

Kihei. the taster who killed himself the other day...

he put arsenic in your father's food for three days.

W-why did he do it?

Because he wanted to work for you--

to die for you.

He did what he was told to.

W-who told him to do it?

l did.

What did you say?

l told him to shorten Shogun Hidetada's life.

Wait!

lf you really did. l'll kill you.

l'll kill you!

But you didn't.

Who are you protecting?

l'm not protecting anyone.

Fool!

Are you making fun of me?!

Tell me!

Who killed my father?

As l said. l did.

You bastard!

No. T-tell me the truth. Yagyu!

Please wait!

Please wait. Prince. To tell the truth--

to tell the truth. it was planned by the two of us.

What?

lf they hadn't planned it. Prince.

your father would have been killed...

by me.

You bastards.

He decided not to choose you as heir.

My f-father did not choose me as heir?

Your mother agreed.

They wanted Prince Tadanaga to be heir.

We've served you since you were a child.

We felt sorry for you.

That isn't all. We wanted justice.

You're the eldest son and should be heir.

We must respect that.

l have no regrets.

After you become the Third Shogun.

l'll commit hara-kiri.

So what?

That's no excuse!

l've been unlucky.

l-l'm ugly and l stammer.

My parents hated me. my retainers despise me.

Only a few people like you have supported me.

To reciprocate.

l'd hoped l'd be the next Shogun.

But not anymore!

How can l. now that l know you killed him?!

You should be Shogun. Prince. no matter what.

Yagyu!

You were born to be Shogun.

lt's your destiny.

D-destiny?

lf you still refuse to assume the post.

kill the three of us here and now.

What is a Shogun?

The leader of all samurai.

No. the leader of the people of Japan.

Just me?

Only one man was born to take office of Shogun.

one out of millions of people.

And that's you. my dear prince.

Kill your parents if they stand in your way.

Get rid of the Buddha if he interferes.

You need determination more than justice.

lf you're unable to do it.

l have nothing more to say.

l beg you...

to execute us immediately.

Yagyu...

Yes. sir.

lzu...

- Kasuga-- - Yes. sir.

l understand.

Starting today...

l'm ready to go to hell with you.

Yamato Province

Kurodani. Yagyu Lands

All the members of our family are here.

Hirakuchi's eldest son Hayate

and Fuchikari's sister Mon

are here to announce their independence.

Men hunt and fish.

Women pick vegetables.

Let us unify our hearts.

Let us have our homeland again.

Let us have our homeland again!

Hayate. Mon.

the ceremony is over.

You're now independent Negoro fighters.

We lost our homeland 20 years ago.

But someday

we'll put it back in the hands of the Negoro family.

Yes.

Those weapons prove you're Negoro.

Keep them.

Yes.

Next. l have something to tell you.

Yagyu sent us a secret letter.

He asks for our help because trouble is coming.

This is our chance.

l want to help him.

What do you say?

Agreed! Let's go.

Let's show our power!

- Agreed! - Agreed!

Agreed!

lt won't be an easy fight.

lf l die. Hirakuchi takes command.

lf he dies. then it's Fuchikari!

lf all the men die. the women must fight.

lf our bones turn to ash. we'll still get back our homeland of Negoro.

lntruders!

There's more of them! Hayate! Mon! Get them!

Look out!

Who are you?

You both have gotten stronger.

- Jubei! - Yeah.

l see you've been initiated.

No wonder you're stronger.

Oh. Jubei!

Sagenta. l'm back.

My sister wrote to me. You got my father's letter?

You'll help us?

Who do you think they are?

l'm not sure. Ninja of Koga School.

That's right.

They were sent by Hanzo Watanabe. Doi's retainer.

Doi? The Chamberlain?

Sagenta. you're getting involved in a serious struggle.

No regrets?

No regrets! lt's our last chance.

Then l won't say anything.

Let's fight together.

Yes. let's.

Mon. l missed your vegetable porridge.

What?

My father was poisoned?!

ls it true?

l firmly believe so.

l can't believe it.

What do you think. Mother?

lt's possible.

Your father wanted you to be Shogun.

but some disagreed

so they killed him.

Who?

You know.

Matsudaira lzu and Lady Kasuga...

Iemitsu's aides.

Right. Doi?

Yes.

l don't think they would dare kill him.

Tadanaga.

it's kind of you to protect your brother.

but this is about what happened to your father.

He doesn't deserve kindness.

Mother.

l didn't want to push my brother aside

to become the next Shogun.

Frankly. your expectations embarrassed me.

Tadanaga--

But that's a different matter.

lf he killed my father.

he must pay for it.

Prince. l'd stake my life on it.

Please tell me what you plan to do about it.

Understood. l'll see my brother.

Prince Iemitsu is here.

What would you like to discuss?

This is an important conversation.

Will you send him away?

You mean Yagyu?

Yes.

He stays. He's my fencing instructor.

He's one of my closest friends.

Don't tell me what to do.

What do you want to talk about? l'm listening.

Then l'll start.

Will you have our father's body examined?

What for?

Some doubt the cause of his death.

Doi. is this your idea?

Yes. Prince.

Why?

You ask me why?

Don't you know?

No. so l'm asking!

They say your father was poisoned.

lzu and Kasuga must know.

Why didn't you tell him?

Don't blame me.

l heard the rumor too.

but it's groundless.

l refused to listen.

So did l.

Such rumors must not reach his ears.

ls it really groundless?

You can see if you examine your father's body.

Iemitsu.

l want to know the truth so my husband can rest in peace.

l'm asking you. please have his body examined.

No!

Why not?

We shouldn't disturb my father's peace for a rumor.

As heir. l refuse to have his body examined.

But brother. if the rumor is true he must be very angry.

We're his sons...

That's why.

We're his sons-- we shouldn't disturb him.

But brother. such rumors can hurt your reputation.

lf you show us the truth. you can reign over us.

What.

you mean l can't reign as l am?

l didn't mean that. l just said--

Shut up! lt's no use talking with you.

Why run away. brother?

How should l behave?

You refuse to find the truth. so you must be guilty too.

Only fools think like that.

Fools? You call us fools?!

So what?

l don't want to see you anymore. Go back to S-Suruga!

Outrageous!

Your father was right--

he has no ability to rule the nation.

Was he involved in the murder of my father?

He said lzu. Kasuga and Yagyu are his closest friends.

Mother. come with me to Suruga.

l have a big estate. You can live in comfort there.

Then l'll fight them and prove who is right.

Well said.

That's the prince we respect.

l'll be glad to die for you...

and for the future of this country.

Tama River. Outskirts of Edo

Father. over there!

Just in time.

There's brother Jubei.

Jubei. it's been a long time.

Akane. no husband yet?

The Negoro clan is here to help as you asked.

We appreciate this opportunity.

Thank you for coming so far.

l have a surprise for you-- good news.

Jubei told me about your wish to return to your homeland.

You will be able to.

How?

Prince Iemitsu is pleased with your help.

He'll grant your wish if the trouble is settled.

Really?

He gave me his word.

Sagenta. congratulations.

l didn't expect it so soon.

Thank you.

l didn't do anything for you.

You taught me how to fight as a ninja in Negoro.

Negoro is my home too.

- Let's dance. Jubei! - Join us.

Who is that girl?

She's a new fighter. She's called Mon.

l see.

Would you place her under my control for a while?

What do you mean?

l've been looking for a female fighter.

She's exactly the type l want.

Doi resigned from office complaining he was ill.

He wanted to work for Tadanaga. who had returned to Suruga.

Iemitsu assigned Matsudaira lzu as Chief Chamberlain.

Yagyu as lnspector General.

and reshuffled his cabinet to cope with Tadanaga.

Thus both princes began to fight for the Shogunate.

But then the nobles in Kyoto stood in their way.

We've been here five days.

We're too busy to spend our days chattering with you.

When will His Majesty appoint Prince Iemitsu the new Shogun?

Please answer clearly.

Regent. please respond.

All right. l'll have to see His Majesty personally.

Set the date!

We can't.

Why not?

As l said.

the princes need to resolve this on their own.

We can't take either side.

His Majesty can't interfere in such frivolous matters.

You mean you refuse us?

No. no. we didn't mean that.

His Majesty made a poem the other day--

''Let us congratulate your glorious future.

The voices of bamboo will sing forever.''

''Forever Bamboo'' is another name for Prince Iemitsu.

His Majesty wishes him a long life. How benevolent.

Then why not appoint him as Shogun?

What's funny?

Excuse me.

That was where we started this discussion.

lt's like a game. and we've gone all the way around the board.

lt's about time to pay a visit to Daitokuji Temple.

Let us continue this discussion tomorrow.

Who are they?

The sons of Yagyu. Iemitsu's fencing instructor.

The famous Yagyu Shinkage School?

How scary! Look at those long swords.

They must be sharp.

Brother. who is he?

Ayamaro Karasumaru.

the smartest man in the palace.

''Smartest''?

He makes me sick.

At Sunpu Castle. Tadanaga's estate. Sunpu. Suruga

many masterless samurai seeking opportunities are gathering.

bringing with them an unusual amount of activity.

Take me with you.

Who is he?

Amano from Chosokabe.

ls he strong?

He killed three commanders at the battle of Sekigahara.

Five at Osaka.

l heard he was killed in action at Osaka.

Kanbei! lf it isn't Kanbei!

- You're alive? - You too?

- Where did you come from? - Echizen.

l can't die a beggar. This is my last chance.

l can't sit still. so l hurried here.

Let's go.

Hurry and tell the boss.

- What? - ldiot. don't you have ears?

They came from Echizen too.

More men will come.

- What happens then? - lt'll explode.

The town will be overflow with samurai and explode.

- What? What? - What's going on?

You can't display your banners on our land.

Take them down.

We side with Prince Tadanaga.

We're here to fight the government.

We're ready to die for him.

Thank you. but we can handle it ourselves.

- What? - Pack up and get out of here.

This is our place. so we won't take down our banners.

Take them down yourself.

Excuse me.

Shozaemon Bekki. the commander of Suruga--

you'll have to fight him.

Remember how he fights.

So this is war.

This is war!

.. My homeland ..

.. ls the land lzumo ..

.. l look back at my homeland ..

.. And it is spring in Kyoto ..

.. Flowers are in full bloom ..

.. Full bloom ..

.. The color... ..

What did lzu and Kasuga say to you?

They'd give us extra territory if we agree to make Iemitsu Shogun.

How impudent. You didn't?

They stayed two more days.

but they returned to Edo empty-handed.

They deserved it.

Don't talk about politics here. Not now.

lt will be settled sooner or later.

Enjoy the dance now.

How beautiful Okuni is.

.. There's no moon tonight ..

.. The flowers of ancient times ..

.. Are not the same flowers ..

.. A single flower viewing ..

.. ls very melancholic. ..

Wonderful. Okuni.

lf you have time. dance at my castle in Owari too.

Thank you very much. my lord.

- Where is she? - There.

Okuni. l've been happy these past six months.

My only regret is l'm not a good flute player.

Why do you say that?

War will break out. You must leave this castle.

l won't leave.

- Okuni. - l'm a commoner.

l can't say goodbye easily like a samurai.

l won't bother you. Please let me stay near you.

Try to understand...

it was peaceful three months ago.

l never imagined l'd fight my brother.

Now l'm bearing the weight of millions of lives.

not only the people on my land.

l can't back out now.

Prince.

Excuse me. sir. Chamberlain Doi has arrived.

Keep well.

Good luck.

l've been waiting.

Iemitsu asked the Emperor to decide who is Shogun.

l see. that's why the nobles are here in your castle.

Yagyu and lzu thought of it.

Your report?

l've brought good news for you.

We have two helpers.

Go on.

One is Lord Date in Sendai.

He agreed to send his daughter to marry you.

lt proves his friendship.

He has power.

l'll persuade other powerful lords such as Mori and Maeda.

Then all the local lords will come to join us.

l'll leave for their castle immediately.

Good. As soon as you return. l'll declare war.

Who's the other helper?

Prince Tadanaga.

Who is he?

Genshinsai Ogasawara.

a master swordsman as famous as Yagyu.

Genshinsai. answer me directly. What do you wish?

Only one thing. Prince--

when you become Shogun.

l'd like you to employ me as your fencing instructor.

What?

lt's not from greed.

Kamiizumi lse. my instructor. established the Shinkage School.

l want to show my new Shinkage School is successor to his.

Yagyu Shinkage School is no match for me!

You sound promising. Your wish is granted.

Thank you.

l promise l'll kill Yagyu with my own hands.

Sanza. are you still here?

You were a soldier. You must be excited.

Don't worry about me. just join the troops.

Can l?

Who'd play the flute for you?

Who'd help you dance? People have begun to notice your talent.

What good would that do?

All men should die!

Okuni. what were you talking about with Prince Tadanaga?

l see.

You bid him goodbye.

None of your concern.

Wait.

l've decided.

l won't go.

l'll wait till you forget the prince.

l'll keep playing the flute for you.

Samon. Akane.

what is it?

My father's orders--

we'll kill Doi tonight near the castle.

There will be 10 of us.

Will you choose eight of your men for us?

- Yes. - Here's one! Choose seven.

Yagyu's son?

l'm Ayamaro Karasumaru.

l will challenge you.

Don't interrupt!

ls that Yagyu Shinkage School?

Die!

Brother! Brother!

How dare you?!

You're a girl.

Go away. l won't kill girls.

- Samon! - Samon!

- Attack! - Captain!

- Over there! - What's going on? Stop fighting!

Stop fighting! Stop fighting!

Retreat! Retreat. retreat! Retreat!

Get out of here! Retreat!

- Get out of here! - Quick!

Wait. wait. wait!

Let's go. we're in a hurry. Don't pursue them.

Wait. wait. Noisy girl. l'll teach you a lesson.

She's good for a girl!

l'm sorry we couldn't help you.

We'll kill Doi without fail.

You'd better go home.

- l won't. - But...

l'm determined.

Until l kill Doi...

l won't go home.

Take this to my father in Edo.

No. not me!

l came to fight. l want to kill them.

Please take it.

ls that sissy noble so strong?

l didn't know.

Maybe he's too much for Akane to handle.

l'll go.

- Me too. - No.

You must stay with Father.

Thank you for coming so far.

Tell Sagenta we're asking him to redouble his efforts.

Yes. sir.

Mon. you've changed. Hayate is surprised.

Mon. starting tomorrow you'll work in the castle harem.

l told Lady Kasuga about you.

Your mission is to guard the prince.

lt's an important job. Do your best.

Yes. sir.

Yagyu. it's been a long time.

Genshinsai?

l want a match.

Where's the dojo?

l can't fight.

Are you afraid?

l'm the Shogun's fencing instructor.

l'm not allowed to fight.

The Shogun's instructor is the leader of swordsmen.

You can't refuse.

All right.

l'll no longer consider you a swordsman.

l offered you a chance to die like a swordsman.

Jubei. you all right?

lt's nothing.

l was able to cut him. but he's better than l heard.

He's as good as l've heard.

Very strong.

lt's Father.

Welcome. Genshinsai. Please sit here.

Please.

Excuse me.

When did you get here?

l arrived this morning.

ls that so? l'm glad to see you.

The show starts soon.

See for yourself how good an actor Yukinojo is.

Hurry up and bring some tea.

No. no. no. don't bother.

l have a request to ask you. l want to talk.

- Just us. - l understand.

What do you want to talk about?

Saruwaka...

please return Yukinojo to me.

What?!

You want him to quit acting?

Genshinsai.

five years ago he dropped his sword and became an actor.

You agreed to it. so l made him my apprentice.

Now you suddenly want him to quit. There must be some reason.

Please explain.

My pride as a samurai.

l have to kill my rival. Yagyu.

and l need Yukinojo's help.

l'm sorry to ask this. but please let me quit your troupe. Master.

Can you leave behind what you've achieved with no regrets?

l can't say l'll have no regrets.

l won't forget your kindness either.

But he saved my life. l was an orphan when he found me.

l owe him my life.

Please let me return his kindness.

Genshinsai.

you're cruel.

Yukinojo was my only successor.

To me. he was more than a son-- he was an invaluable treasure.

Master. thank you very much.

The prince...

is coming!

lntruder! Attack!

You impudent bastard!

Prince! Prince!

Attack! Attack!

- You bastard! - Prince!

You're not welcome here.

Forgive me for not guarding you well.

Don't mind me. Tend to her quickly.

She covered me with herself. She saved my life.

Yagyu sent her to protect you. Prince.

ls that so?

Yagyu. get a doctor for her.

- Don't let her die. - Yes. sir.

Are you all right?

Does it hurt?

- Show me the wound. - No.

Don't. Show me.

As l thought...

he's a quack.

Our medicine is much better.

l'll go to Suruga with Jubei.

l'll work as hard as you did.

l won't see you for a while. Get well quickly.

Hayate...

Hayate...

l wish you could stay.

Me too.

but we must be patient a little longer.

We'll work hard...

and we'll go back to Negoro together.

Huh?

But...

take care of yourself.

l know. Nobody can kill me.

Goodbye.

Minobu Road

Halt.

Everybody. be on alert!

Protect our lord!

All right.

Akane! Akane!

Akane! Akane!

- Akane! - Akane!

Don't cry.

Don't cry!

Don't cry!

I've been looking for you. Here you are.

What is it?

- Leave us alone. - Yes. sir.

I- Izu told me.

Akane is also dead.

You lost two of your children for me.

Forgive me.

"Forgive"? That's an unexpected word.

Samurai die for their masters. It's the way of things.

But...

Prince, let me give you a fencing lesson.

Apart from fencing.

you're still not good enough as a Shogun.

I was wrong. Yagyu. I'm sorry.

When you die. I die.

Tell me what you're planning now that Doi is dead.

There is one problem remaining.

It's in Kyoto.

The nobles?

Yes. I sent my son Jubei to Kyoto to settle it.

W- will they surrender to us?

Definitely.

T- the scheming nobles will be confused.

I- I wish I could see it.

So do I.

Recently the nobles have united

to prevent the conflict between Edo and Suruga.

Sometimes we have sided with Iemitsu.

other times with Tadanaga.

each time wearing a different mask

in order to prevent a conflict between the sons of the Tokugawa Shogun.

Finally. we are getting results.

It has been a long time since the samurai usurped our authority.

We have patiently endured contempt for ages.

I believe now is the time for us to vanquish them.

We should make the western lords who have complaints

rise up under the Imperial banner.

If we lead the revolt and fight Tokugawa.

the confusion will be beyond imagination.

Peace will vanish

and the people will experience unprecedented suffering.

Still. it is a great opportunity to restore Imperial power.

I request this. Your Majesty:

let me take our message to the western lords...

so they will fight for us.

What's happened?

It's all right.

Come out!

Don't hesitate.

Timid. Yagyu Shinkage School?

Beasts smell even if they hide.

Lord Ayamaro!

The nobles were panicked by Ayamaro's death.

They feared the samurai.

They sent Saneeda Sanjo to Edo to make excuses.

That was what Yagyu had been waiting for.

What are you saying?

We don't want to fight the government.

The rumor is groundless.

I have another question...

you fanned the feud between the princes.

You're taking the opportunity to fight Tokugawa.

Is that true?

An awful rumor!

We've never thought of such a thing!

His Majesty desires peace for all his people.

He even made a poem...

Forget poems!

Chamberlain. as I listen to the Imperial envoy.

It's evident we samurai are worrying His Majesty.

I believe Prince Iemitsu should apologize personally.

Well said.

It's no surprise you're famed for your loyalty.

Your words must carry weight.

- No objection? - None.

Then we'll escort you to Kyoto at once.

Prince Iemitsu will apologize to His Majesty.

and His Majesty will appoint him as the new Shogun.

- That's... - Don't worry.

Prince Iemitsu's entourage is ready to leave.

Please take the lead.

The news of Iemitsu's visit to Kyoto shocked Tadanaga.

Iemitsu left Edo with the Imperial envoy.

What do you think we should do?

Let's ask the Lord of Owari to dissuade Prince Iemitsu.

Too late. What else?

Build fences around our land

so they can't get through.

Passive. What else?

Then we have no choice.

Let's fight Prince Iemitsu.

No good! What else?

Then my idea is this... I'll go to Kyoto.

Fortunately. we're closer to Kyoto.

I'll get there ahead of Iemitsu and speak to the Emperor.

At the same time. I'll gather the lords who are on my side.

Then I'll confront Iemitsu in front of the Emperor.

But we'd need three days to prepare for a visit to Kyoto.

We'd be late.

Don't worry about that.

But...

I expected this. I've prepared already.

I entirely agree with you. Prince.

now is our chance.

Settle the problem in the Emperor's presence.

Good. Issue orders to leave for Kyoto.

What are you saying. fool?

That's nonsense.

- What? - Stop it!

You're a stupid fool.

Iemitsu is coming our way. Why would Tadanaga go to Kyoto

without fighting him?

I just told you what I heard.

Only fools spread such silly rumors!

- What? - Move! Move!

What are you doing?

Everyone listen!

The lord has given us permission to join him.

- Go to the northern forest! - The northern forest!

Go to the northern forest!

Matajuro.

- Good. we'll go too. - Yes. sir.

Hurry!

We got the lord's permission!

So you're really going?

Sanza. take this charm with you.

- No. - But...

Tadanaga needs it.

No more flutes.

No matter how long I wait. your heart is his.

I'll kill Iemitsu and get my own castle and land.

Then I'll take you.

Live till then.

We got Prince Tadanaga's orders.

- What kind of orders? - I don't know.

We were told to come here.

Move. move. move!

Everyone... guns for you.

Where are they from?

Prince Tadanaga's castle.

Don't I know you? Wait! Hey!

Hey!

50 guns. as you requested.

Thanks.

Obviously Prince Tadanaga can't attack Iemitsu openly.

Be sure to kill him.

"If you succeed. you'll get whatever you want in reward. "

These are the words of Prince Tadanaga.

I wish you good luck on behalf of the prince and Suruga.

Send my regards to the prince.

Then I'm off.

Listen up!

Listen up!

Listen to me. everybody. I'm Gyobu Amano.

By order of Prince Tadanaga. I'll take command.

Iemitsu will cross the Kisei River tomorrow morning.

We'll lay an ambush by the river and kill him.

I'll explain our strategy...

normally you should obey the commander's instructions.

but we're masterless samurai. We'll stake everything on this battle.

The one who kills him is the winner.

Forget the rules.

Do your best and you'll get Prince Tadanaga's reward.

On the morning of November 8th. 1624.

Iemitsu left Mishima.

They are four kilometers from the Kisei River in Suruga.

At the same time. Tadanaga's party left Sunpu Castle. led by Bekki.

They hurried to Kyoto to outwit Iemitsu.

Kisei River. Province of Suruga

Hold your fire. Hold your fire.

They're still too far.

Not yet.

Now! Fire!

Pull out! Pull out!

Pull out!

Fire!

Pull out!

Cut them down!

Iemitsu. your life is mine!

- Empty. Empty! - What?

It's a trap. Retreat! Retreat!

Fire!

Fire!

Fire!

Go around!

Lord Yagyu. where are you?

Lord Yagyu!

Damn it. I won't die. I can't die until the next war.

Don't let him get away!

Lord Yagyu. help!

I'm Sanjo.

I didn't do anything! I didn't do anything!

I killed a commander!

I killed a commander!

I got the head of the commander!

- Father. - Did you find him?

Yes. there.

His attendants saw him being killed by a masterless samurai.

Fine.

Kill all of them. Be sure there's no survivors.

- Make sure you check. - Yes. sir.

Prince!

Move. move!

Prince! Prince!

What is it?

Iemitsu's entourage was attacked this morning.

Imperial Envoy Sanjo was killed.

- What? The envoy?! - Yes. sir.

Iemitsu's trick.

Prince. please return to the castle.

Return to the castle!

Return to the castle immediately.

Quickly! Quickly!

At this moment. Iemitsu was at Odawara with Izu. Odawara Castle

He sent letters to the lords

denouncing Tadanaga for the murder of the envoy.

He decided to fight Tadanaga and demanded they help him.

Everything was planned by Yagyu.

Furthermore.

he ordered Lord Ando to occupy Sunpu Castle.

My lord. the Lord of Owari has arrived in secret.

What?

Uncle.

What a fool you are.

How could you kill the envoy?

You believe that?

I'm not that stupid.

It was Iemitsu's trick.

Shut up! No excuses. Too late!

I'm not trying to make excuses!

Tadanaga.

Stupid retainers for a stupid lord.

Why the armor?

You want your master to die?

Excuse me. but we have a chance to win.

Fool!

You're alone.

How can you fight all the other lords?

All?

Yes!

They're sending troops to Iemitsu at Odawara.

Even Lord Date refused to send his daughter to you.

Even him?

Then who sides with Tadanaga?

None!

Tadanaga. stop fighting! I forbid you.

Tadanaga.

Mother. this is men's business. Please leave.

No. I won't leave till you give up fighting.

Take my mother away.

Tadanaga. Tadanaga!

Excuse me.

I beg you.

don't hasten to die.

Try to live. Tadanaga!

Try to live! Tadanaga!

Was that the truth?

Are you sure?

It's the truth.

I understand.

This is my fate. I'll surrender.

Wait!

Don't say anything.

Our chances don't matter.

We're fighting for justice.

Say no more.

If I was alone...

but I have 20.000 retainers.

I can't make them die in vain.

Try to understand.

Please tell Iemitsu I surrender.

This is Shozaemon Bekki calling Prince Tadanaga!

Listen to me...

I refuse to surrender!

I quit being your retainer.

If you want to punish me. come out and kill me!

- My lance! - Wait. my lord.

This is a critical time. Behave yourself.

Don't you understand? He wants to die at my feet.

- Move. - Prince. we can't!

- Please! - Move!

You won't come out?

Then I'll show you how to fight.

Listen. attackers.

as you heard. I'll fight as an independent from now on.

I'm going to defeat you and kill Prince Iemitsu.

Anyone can try to take my head for their prize.

Prince Tadanaga has a good retainer.

Here I am. Iemitsu Tokugawa!

Fire.

Fire!

Shoza!

Shoza!

Tadanaga surrendered and was exiled to Takasaki.

Meanwhile.

the people of Negoro finished their task

and waited for news of their reward

in Yagyu's homeland of Kurodani.

Although they were victorious and their wishes would soon be fulfilled.

they mourned the death of their leader. Sagenta.

so the celebration was not a joyful one.

Keep well. everyone.

Are you going so soon. Jubei?

Where to?

Unlike my father. I dislike serving a lord.

I'll take to the road again to train myself.

We'll miss you.

Thanks to you. we'll be able to return to our homeland.

- I wish Sagenta was alive. - Me too.

Mon...

have a strong child.

So long.

Meanwhile. Tadanaga had no visitors while in exile.

He spent days copying the sutras.

It appeared Iemitsu had established a powerful regime.

Nagoya Castle

When I danced at Sunpu Castle months ago...

the lord of Owari invited me to dance here.

Please tell him Okuni of Izumo is here.

Okuni. welcome to my castle.

Come in.

I have a request. Would you listen to me?

- Who is he? - Sanza Nagoya.

I attacked Prince Iemitsu's entourage at the Kisei River.

I was wounded and lost my sight.

Okuni. what do you want me to do?

With your influences. please save Prince Tadanaga.

- Tadanaga? - Yes. my lord.

All right. tell me.

The attack was a trick against the prince.

- Do you have any proof? - I have.

The man who gave us guns...

he was one of Sagenta Negoro's men.

Negoro has been masterless like me.

I investigated later.

I found out Negoro had never served Prince Tadanaga.

The accusation is groundless. It's a lie.

What about Negoro?

We had nothing to do with him.

You don't know the man named Sagenta?

No.

All right. I'll investigate.

If you lied and Tadanaga is innocent.

we'll let justice befall you. upon our honor.

Is that acceptable?

Yagyu...

Don't worry.

Leave everything to me.

Quick!

Kurodani. Yagyu Lands

What? You appealed to the lord of Owari?

Yes. I wanted to help you.

Was I obtrusive?

I'm glad. but...

it's no use.

No use?

You said no use?

We have our reasons. but...

the winners must also have reasons we don't understand.

Who can tell good from evil in this complicated world?

Right now...

I envy Shozaemon Bekki.

He died a samurai.

- Sanza. - Yes?

- Do the wounds hurt? - No.

Play the flute for me.

That's all I want now.

With pleasure. Prince.

Excuse me.

Lord Yagyu is here as the Shogun's envoy.

He came.

- Okuni... - Yes?

Thank you for coming. I appreciate it.

Lord Tadanaga.

I won't see you again. Remember this...

don't follow me.

Be nice to Sanza.

This is the order of the Shogun...

"Tadanaga Tokugawa shall commit seppuku. Iemitsu. "

May I see it?

I wonder what he was thinking when he signed it.

He killed his father...

now he kills his only brother.

He must be unhappy.

Tell him I pity him.

I will. Prince.

Halt!

Get out of here! Get out!

Fire!

Attack!

Hurry. hurry!

Ow!

Go. go. go!

No survivors!

Torch it!

Someone help! Someone! Someone!

Stop!

Someone!

Someone...

Who are you?

I am nameless.

Did you kill the woman?

Yes.

Why?

Because she asked me to.

Do you kill women if you're asked to?

Lord Yagyu.

have you ever loved a woman?

What?

You never have.

This is her happiness.

You'll never know how deeply a man can love a woman.

You're a stranger here. Leave immediately.

Hayate. Mon!

You're alive!

What are you doing?!

What happened?

Hayate. everyone...

Mon. what happened? Tell me!

Government troops attacked us suddenly!

Government troops? Why? Why?!

I don't know.

Ask Matajuro. he was in command.

Matajuro?

Is that true?!

Iemitsu Tokugawa.

you are hereby appointed as the Third Shogun.

The Prince has risen to Shogun!

He has risen!

Father...

I was appointed today as the Third Shogun.

despite your wish.

I didn't punish those who killed you.

I even used their power.

I killed my brother

and caused my mother great sorrow.

But I have no regrets.

This is the path I'm destined to follow.

I- I'll kill my parents if they stand in my way.

I- I'll defeat Buddha if he interferes.

I'll follow the path of no return.

Father...

do you have something to tell me?

Who are you?

Yagyu's son.

Jubei Yagyu is my name.

"The Yagyu Shinkage School shall continue.

Third Shogun. Iemitsu. "

Jubei. what are you doing here?

Father.

does this mean so much to you?

Did you kill...

no. did we kill...

so many people for this?

No. it's a war. so I won't ask that.

But you destroyed...

what I love most...

mercilessly!

So I did the same thing.

I destroyed your dream.

Bastard!

Shogun!

The Third Shogun!

Ridiculous!

This can't be true!

This could never happen.

This is a dream.

This must be only a bad dream.

The Shogun!

Lord...

Everybody. keep calm. Don't be upset.

Nothing happened. Nothing has happened.

This is a dream.

Yes. this is only a dream.

Don't let these nightmares confuse you.

Today. this very moment.

the foundation of the long Tokugawa regime was established.

Such things can never happen. It's a dream! It's a dream!

It's a dream. it's a dream. it's a dream!

It is only a dream!

Was it only a nightmare?

As Yagyu said. the Tokugawa government lasted 300 years.

There was no record in writing that Iemitsu was killed...

but such treason against the ruler was often erased from history.

It is a fact that similar events took place later.

causing the reigning Shoguns to tremble with fear.

The End