Original subtitles

After Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiteru was killed,

it was not unusual that his younger brother Yoshiaki...

sought help from Echizen's Asakura Yoshikage.

The Asakura served the shogunate for generations...

and was very close to them.

The very same Asakura are also known for the...

"17 Family Precepts of Asakura Toshikage."

It claimed that magistrates should not be chosen by lineage,

but rather by capabilities and loyalty;

100 cheap spears are worth more than one master sword;

high vassals should live in the castle town...

and deputies should live on the vassal's land.

The text was logical and supported the military.

This was written a half century before Nobunaga.

If this text actually existed during that time,

the feudal lords would be acutely aware of the inconsistencies...

and need to rationalize within the existing management system.

At first, the inconsistencies were slowly pointed out,

but will it eventually explode like a volcano?

Nobunaga

Episode 24: "Control by Force"

Original Story & Screenplay: Tamukai Seiken

Music: Mori Kurodo

Original Subtitles TV Network Japan, Inc.

Transcribed and Edited Subtitles Kame Fansubs

CAST

Oda Nobunaga OGATA NAOTO

Rui TAKAHASHI KEIKO

Onabe WAKAMURA MAYUMI

Ikeda Tsuneoki MATOBA KOJI

Shibata Katsuie TAKITA SAKAE

Hosokawa Fujitaka KATSUNO HIROSHI

Maeda Toshiie HASHIZUME JUN

Niwa Nagahide SUGIMOTO TETTA

Ashikaga Yoshiaki AOYAMA YUICHI

Rokkaku Jotei HIRAZUMI SEI

Sakuma Nobumori TANAKA KEN

Akechi Mitsuhide MICHAEL TOMIOKA

Kinoshita Tokichiro NAKAMURA TOHRU

Takigawa Kazumasu SHIBA TOSHIO

Hayashi Michikatsu UTSUI KEN

Kano Zuiten HIRA MIKIJIRO

Director: Shigemitsu Yukihiko

That woman is Omi's Yamagami Lord Ogura Sanezumi's wife.

Three years ago, he sided with us...

and was killed by Rokkaku's subordinate Gamo Katahide.

I remember well. So she is his wife?

Yes. She heard you were doing well and came for help.

The lord is here.

"Soon, a woman will appear. She is the goddess of death."

"If you leave for a battle, the Oda will be destroyed."

Put up your hands.

Yes.

I heard you are Ogura Sanezumi's wife.

Are they his children?

Yes. This is the eldest, Jingoro, and his brother, Matsuchiyo.

Jingoro and Matsuchiyo, face up.

Look up and let the lord see your faces.

You two must be tired from the long journey.

Rest well with your mother.

I appreciate your kindness.

I am very sorry about your husband.

On my way back from Kyoto,

he guided me through Happu Pass, an escape route, and saved me.

I would never forget that.

But to top it all, he died on account of me.

Before you ask, I would gladly welcome you myself.

You don't need to be embarrassed.

I will watch over you and your sons from now on.

I am ever... so grateful.

Good job.

Now if Sir Yoshiaki will come to Mino,

we can depart for Kyoto.

What is Lord Asakura's position?

He is waiting for Echigo's Lord Uesugi's departure.

If Echigo's Uesugi doesn't, then what?

Sir Ashikaga Yoshiaki is rightfully the shogun in Kyoto.

We are following the shogun there, by order.

Even if Lord Uesugi were not accompanying the shogun,

Sir Asakura as a close ally can't refuse.

I have a favor. Please take me in as your vassal.

What do you mean?

My lord wants to wait for Lord Uesugi to move,

which is against Sir Yoshiaki's wishes.

We may miss our opportunity if we wait too long.

I want to take a leave from my lord to obey Sir Yoshiaki's wishes.

Do I just request your services to Lord Asakura?

Yes.

But, Sir Asakura may not agree.

If that is the case, then I will just have to abscond.

Very well. I will write the request to take you in.

I am very grateful to you.

I, Akechi Mitsuhide, will vow to serve you for life.

Be prepared to die a hundred times when you join my army.

That I already am.

Then, bring the letter back to Echizen,

and arrange to have the shogun transferred to Mino soon.

Asakura Yoshikage

Lord Asakura, Sir Yoshiaki can't wait any longer.

Now that Nobunaga who took over Mino supports him, Sir Yoshiaki...

wants to depart for Mino as soon as possible to return to Kyoto.

But, should he put his trust in a man like Nobunaga?

He comes from a family of Owari magistrates,

so even if he defeated Mino, his power may be temporary.

Compared to Lord Uesugi, he is just a ruffian.

If he waited awhile and got Uesugi, Kai's Takeda,

and Asai to join us in the entourage to Kyoto,

then Miyoshi and Matsunaga would submit without bloodshed.

If only you could pacify Sir Yoshiaki a bit longer.

That is difficult to do at this time.

Please accompany him to Kyoto, too.

You don't need to take the long way through Mino,

but just join with Nobunaga around Sakamoto.

To be honest, I cannot trust Nobunaga.

I can't trust Asakura Yoshikage!

I'm going to Mino right away! So prepare!

I want to return to Kyoto soon.

So what if only the son of Owari's magistrate helps me!

This tiny mansion is cramping me!

Just because it is new, they think it's acceptable!

I detest living in the country!

Forgive me.

He wants you to serve him.

Did you show signs of discontent?

You worked for many years as a liaison to the shogun.

What will you do with that position?

Do you want to work for Nobunaga?

Forgive me, but I just want to accompany the shogun to Kyoto.

That is all.

I'm asking if you want to work for Nobunaga.

I desire you to be the vanguard to Kyoto for the shogun.

There is no need to wait for Uesugi to make his move.

When you rise, the others will follow.

Please make up your mind.

If I accompany the shogun and leave home now,

Not only the Ikko priests, but other foes will attack.

Then Echizen will fall into the enemy's hands.

If you want to go to work for Nobunaga, do so.

I won't stop you.

But let me tell you one thing.

Nobunaga cannot accomplish this task.

Even if he did, it would just be a short dream.

Go with that in mind.

It is sad to bid farewell to one who heads for death.

On July 16, 1568, Shogun Yoshiaki left Echizen...

and arrived in Risshoji Temple in Mino on the 25th.

And Mitsuhide welcomed him as Nobunaga's vassal.

I am Oda Kazusanosuke Nobunaga.

It is my great honor to be able to welcome you today.

You have also bestowed upon me an important mission.

I vow to punish Miyoshi and Matsunaga on your behalf.

Your military strategies have always impressed me.

I am grateful for your kind words.

I will head for Kyoto right away...

and clear the way for your journey there...

to be sure not a single enemy stands in your way.

Sir Ashikaga Yoshiaki is like the shogun to us.

If Rokkaku interferes with his journey,

what is wrong in attacking him?

True, he is connected to Miyoshi now.

But, Sir Yoshiaki asked him for assistance first.

To attack him suddenly would be out of line.

It is better to persuade him first to be an ally.

I will gladly be the envoy of Sir Yoshiaki to Rokkaku.

I'll go as your envoy, my lord.

As we will be battling as the shogun's vanguard,

you should be represented, too.

Then I will follow you to someplace nearby.

That's not advisable. Who knows what Rokkaku will do?

Don't worry. I'll stay at Asai's Sawayama Castle...

just to show Rokkaku our seriousness.

You can't be careless before an important job.

Uncle, we can't see the enemy unless we are up close.

And, I want the enemy to see us, too.

Rokkaku Jotei

I am here today as Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki's envoy...

to relay to you his request.

Are you suggesting that I listen with reverence?

Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki must return immediately to Kyoto...

to restore order to the nation.

He needs your assistance to accomplish this.

This is his wish. Please help him.

If you would agree,

he will appoint you as the official shogunate representative.

That's a laugh! I was promised the overseer!

Hosokawa, you're a man from a fine lineage.

You shouldn't be an envoy for a fallen man.

Join us and we can see the world as it is.

Besides, the shogun was appointed a while ago...

by Miyoshi and Matsunaga to Ashikaga Yoshihide.

How can we have two of them?

And relay this to the kid from Owari, too.

Country bumpkins should stay in the country.

The nation has no place for him.

"Tenka Fubu" meant control by military power.

Nobunaga started using this seal about this time.

And, he meant what it said.

September 1568 -- Nobunaga, age 35

The day after tomorrow, we will leave Gifu for Kyoto.

Our mission is to clear the way for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki.

Not a single piece of garbage should be found...

and the road should be clean like a mirror.

Our battles can be likened to cleaning up.

You predicted my life will last only to Lake Biwa.

I may get another prediction today.

As you said, a woman came with the sunset behind her.

She came with two children asking for my help.

I decided to take them in.

Please send her away immediately.

She was sent by the god of death.

You really think that?

Yes.

Then, I will never let them go.

Zuiten.

Yes.

Answer this.

Yes.

Be honest. Will I die if I go to Kyoto?

Such were the predictions for that day.

Not that day. I want to know today's predictions.

I don't know unless I try the predictions.

Show me your god sent powers now.

Show me!

Well?

I don't know.

Don't lie! Tell me!

I can tell when you are lying to me.

Tell me what you see.

What do you see?

Tell me.

The shadow of death.

I can still see it.

All right...

I'm heading for Kyoto.

You have helped the Oda prosper for many years.

My late father and my grandfather advised me...

to put my trust in you. But I killed that.

Now I must battle with your predictions.

If you say death awaits me,

then I must go there and change my own fate.

Please don't do that.

My words are mine, but not mine.

I just reveal what the heavens show me.

If you defy it, you will be destined for doom.

Please wait until a better fortune awaits you.

I killed you. Which means I killed the heavens, too.

I can't rely on it after doing such a thing.

My lord, are you punishing me?

If so, then behead me.

I don't want to live in shame.

How can I kill a man I killed once?

Then, I'll commit hara kiri.

I won't allow it. Besides, you can't do it.

I can!

You can't!

You lived to see this day to see me!

What shame do you have?!

I'll show you...

Stop it.

Ah, Rui... I mean my lady...

Stop it.

It's been awhile. I beg forgiveness for everything.

Lord Nobunaga, why did you summon Zuiten here?

Forgive me.

You don't need to apologize to me.

I just want to know why you did this.

You sent him to the banks of hell once.

Why call him back? Do you want to kill him again?

No.

Then you are acting out of line.

You are just abusing this man.

No, I'm not.

Why did you agree to return?

You know what this could mean.

Go to another place to live with Matsu.

I have nothing going with Matsu.

Never mind. Just live elsewhere with Matsu.

He can't do that. I need Zuiten.

But why?

Zuiten helped raise me and provided me with good advice.

Now I need his advice again.

Zuiten advises the old, nostalgic, and beautiful ways,

which lead to the righteous main flow.

It's unlike the fire and mud rivers I battle.

Zuiten predicted my death is waiting.

He said to postpone my departure to the front.

I will depart for Kyoto the day after tomorrow.

Mother, we'll see if I'll die or not.

My lord!

My lord!

My lord.

My lord.

Signal the departure!

Let's go!

It is said Oda Nobunaga left Gifu Castle with 25,000 men.

Mikawa's Tokugawa joined with 1,000,

while more came from Ise and 3,000 from Asai participated.

The only person who helped Yoshiaki get to Kyoto...

is the stupid son of Owari.

Echigo's Uesugi, Kai's Takeda,

and even Asakura who Yoshiaki depended on didn't move.

Why?

Because they know Yoshiaki cannot succeed in conquering Kyoto.

Nobunaga's good fortune will end in Omi.

Reporting! The Oda vanguard of 5,000 has arrived!

Good work.

At last they have gotten here.

Father! We cannot take 25,000 lightly!

Yoshida!

Tanaka!

Get ready to protect the castle. Keep a close watch on them.

Don't be hasty!

Yoshinaga's Mitsukuri Castle was built for defense.

It will be hell to attack.

That castle will not fall even with 10 times their numbers.

This Kannonji Castle...

and also Tanaka's Odayama Castle are solid.

Don't worry.

If we stay in the castle for half a month,

Miyoshi's tens of thousands troops from Kyoto will come to save us.

There will be nothing left of Nobunaga and his army.

And, if we attack Nobunaga,

his troops will be trapped between us and Miyoshi.

We can see with our own eyes the end of Nobunaga's good fortune.

Reporting!

The enemy's vanguard is in Kannonji Castle. They number 2,000.

There are 3,400 to 3,500 in Mitsukuri Castle!

Moreover, the main army of 6,000 is defending Odayama Castle!

Good work!

The main force is in Odayama Castle.

What would you like to do?

Do you want to attack the main force first or last?

First, I will attack the toughest, Mitsukuri Castle.

Nobumori.

You are coming with me to Mitsukuri Castle.

Then I'll bring Takigawa, Niwa, and Tokichiro as well.

For those who love fighting, this mountain castle will be exciting.

My lord.

I will attack Kannonji Castle with Shibata.

Leave Odayama Castle to the Mino troops.

Nobumori, we will capture Mitsukuri Castle in one push.

Heaven is with us.

The fighting at Mitsukuri Castle started in the morning,

but had not ended even by nightfall.

They are going to attack.

They are going to attack! Get them!

Let's withdraw.

Take the lord to headquarters!

Don't worry about me!

Tonight I have to fight against the god of death.

Tonight I have to be with the vanguard.

I am looking for life in death.

Charge!

My lord!

Try to kill me!

Try to kill me!

Quiet.

I'm sorry.

Mitsukuri Castle

Reporting! The enemy is climbing up one after another.

Even at night they keep attacking,

that mountain monkey of Owari.

What are you doing?! Get them!

Who are they?

My lord! You are here?!

This is good timing.

If we don't defeat them before dawn, the enemy's moral will go up.

We have to attack in the dark!

How many torches did you bring?

500. We will take over this mountain instantly.

We will make it look like a large army is attacking.

Kiyoshi. Beat the drum louder.

Beat the drum loudly!

A large number of enemies are climbing up!

They have defeated us! Please escape!

Reporting! Mitsukuri Castle has fallen!

Fallen?

Did you make sure?

Yes. Mitsukuri Castle lord Yoshinaga left.

The enemy's army appears to be getting larger.

Mitsukuri Castle didn't even last one night.

Reporting!

What is it?

We are surrounded by 8,000 troops!

It's hard to protect the castle from the outside.

We want to retreat into the castle to fight.

What would you like us to do?

Hasn't a messenger from Miyoshi arrived from Kyoto yet?

Father, Miyoshi will surely come. Let's wait for them to come.

Reporting! Odayama Castle appears to have fallen!

What are they doing?!

Everything is going Nobunaga's way.

Lake Biwa

It took only 7 days after he left Gifu to conquer Omi.

Moreover, Shogun Yoshiaki followed Nobunaga's instructions...

and departed for Kyoto.

November 1568

On this day, Nobunaga finally reach Kyoto with Shogun Yoshiaki.

He set up headquarters and guarded Kyoto.

I wonder if he was welcomed to Kyoto by the god of death?

So everybody, until next time...

To be continued.

To be continued.