Original subtitles

Nobunaga grew up amidst battles.

His father fought not only within Owari,

but also with the Mikawa and Mino regions.

When Nobuhide died and Nobunaga succeeded him,

a battle amongst the relatives occurred.

Nobunaga prevailed and unified Owari.

But peace was sustained only for a moment...

before Suruga's Imagawa Yoshimoto came with his large army.

Nobunaga attacked him at Okehazama...

and miraculously turned the odds in his favor to win.

About this time,

Nobunaga gradually became known in the neighboring provinces.

He then set his next goal to attack Mino.

It was a long drawn out ten-year battle.

But, he slowly converted the provincial lords,

so Mino could be won.

Shogun Yoshiteru was also killed about this time,

and the Miyoshi team took the reins of the country.

Nobunaga then became the flagship for the shogun's...

younger brother Yoshiaki and cleared his way to Kyoto.

But Nobunaga's real battles really began about then.

The first of these was the Battle of Anegawa...

against the Asai and Asakura armies.

Nobunaga

Episode 29: "The Battle of Anegawa"

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

Oichi WASHIO ISAKO

Shibata Katsuie TAKITA SAKAE

Tokugawa Ieyasu GO HIROMI

Inaba Yoshimichi SHINODA SABURO

Maeda Toshiie HASHIZUME JUN

Niwa Nagahide SUGIMOTO TETTA

Mori Yoshinari MIKAMI SHINICHIRO

Asai Hisamasa TERADA MINORI

Asai Nagamasa TATSUMI TAKURO

Nene NAKAYAMA MIHO

Kinoshita Tokichiro NAKAMURA TOHRU

Hayashi Michikatsu UTSUI KEN

Kano Zuiten HIRA MIKIJIRO

Producer: Yagi Masaji

Director: Shigemitsu Yukihiko

June 1570

Asai Nagamasa's action was a betrayal in Nobunaga's eyes.

However, for Nagamasa,

Nobunaga attacking the Asakura was a breach of contract.

In June, Nobunaga set out towards Asai's Odani Castle.

First, he persuaded Asai's subordinates at Takekurabe Castle,

Taoyama Castle, and Kamaha Castle to change loyalties,

while watching Yokoyama Castle and Kannoji Castle.

He planned a surprise attack on Asai's Odani Castle...

by bringing the army up to Mt. Toragozen.

The death goddess...

I knew someday you would become one of his concubines.

Nobunaga must have taken a great liking to you.

No, well...

What is it?

I don't know how to respond.

I can't understand his lordship.

Nobunaga is a bit unusual.

But, he wouldn't keep a woman he doesn't like by his side.

I'm sure he was drawn to your gentleness.

One day, he summoned me without any word...

and had me sit before a sorcerer named Zuiten.

In front of Zuiten?

Yes. He stared at me for a while, then said,

the woman there was the goddess of death.

Goddess of death?

Yes. I have no idea what that was about,

but since that time, I have been part of the court.

I doubt if it was because he liked me.

Zuiten's words last only for the moment.

Don't be bothered by that.

Nobunaga is pleased with you.

Now Nobunaga needs someone who is gentle.

Yes.

Thank you for waiting!

Please have one.

Uh, what happened to Lady Onabe?

Just now she returned to her room for some business.

I see.

This dumpling recipe was taught to me by my mother...

and is a family secret.

Please have one while it's still warm.

The kitchen of this castle is so huge.

I hope my husband Tokichiro can be the lord...

of a huge castle like this one day.

Now, please taste one.

The salt flavor is perfect.

Thank you.

My husband loves these dumplings, too.

When he gets home, he always asks for them.

Men are such a problem.

When they open their mouths,

they think that food will miraculously appear.

But, when they are not around, it is so lonely.

Every day, I just pray for his safe return.

Delicious!

Please return safely.

Reporting!

The Oda army has crossed the Anegawa River...

and have made camp at Mt. Toragozen.

Good job.

Reporting! The Oda army is setting fire to the castle town!

Come closer, Oda men.

Oda Nobunaga, bring your men up to this mountain.

Then, you are falling right into my plans.

Masazumi!

Tell the men not to leave the castle no matter what!

How dare he ruin the castle town we built?

Damn Nobunaga!

Reporting.

Mori Yoshinari of Mt. Hibari sent word that his army is prepared.

But, Odani Castle town burned well all day.

Now the flames are gone and just ashes remain.

Shibata and Tokichiro set fire to the town.

They won't hold back.

What is happening with the Asakura army?

Nothing.

The Asakura can't ignore the Asai's battle.

There is an obligation. They will be coming!

But, Odani Castle is indeed a fortress on a summit.

The mountains are really steep.

It will be difficult to attack.

Yes. I once climbed that hill to arrange Oichi's wedding.

There were cliffs and steep grades.

I remember how I sweated to get there.

Moreover, it is connected to the Ibuki Mountain system,

so even if you were to burn that town down,

you still can't surround the castle.

It would be better to have them turn over the castle.

There is Oichi that we have to worry about.

No, if the Asakura don't appear,

then we will begin our attack up the hill at dawn.

If I worry about Oichi's well-being,

I may misjudge things and many men will die.

Besides, the Asai father and son are traitors.

Thus, there is no reason for discussion!

I wish to speak.

Yokoyama Castle and Kannoji Castle bother me a bit.

How about increasing the men to watch over them?

If the enemy fights fiercely from here,

it will affect the road for our army to retreat.

We need enough men to hold them off for half a day.

You don't think there are enough there?

Right.

Then take as many men as you think necessary from the Mino troops.

Reporting.

Mikawa's Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu is here.

Send him through.

Oh, Mikawa. Come here.

My army is prepared to depart at any time.

You are very busy.

I appreciate you coming at this time.

No, I could only bring 3,000 men. I hope it will help.

No, I didn't expect you to come personally.

My deepest gratitude.

I am honored to assist you in this battle.

Reporting!

The Asakura army of 7-8,000 is heading here by the Hokkoku Highway.

So they have come after all.

Where did you see them?

On the other side of Lake Yogo.

Then they must be at Kinomoto by now.

Yes, the Asakura were moving rapidly,

so I think they are very close.

Kinomoto is very close.

My Mikawa army can ambush the Asakura army.

No, the Asai army may charge down the mountain when they arrive.

Then we might get caught in a pincer maneuver.

The army will cross the Anagawa River.

We will still keep a watch on Yokoyama Castle and Kannoji Castle...

and see how the enemy moves.

Have the men quickly retreat to Tatsugahana.

Okay.

Tell everyone we are going to Tatsugahana.

The Asakura may get here sooner than we expect.

We must hurry.

Now the Asai might leave their castle.

Reporting!

The Oda armies have retreated from Mt. Toragozen and from Mt. Hibari!

Retreated?!

Yes!

They must have found out that the Asakura are on their way.

Get the men ready for battle.

Hurry, we will attack them as they are leaving.

Asakura Kagetate's army of 7-8,000 men is nearby!

Kagetate? Where is Asakura Yoshikage?

I heard he will be coming later.

We can't rely on others.

This battle is ours. Let's go!

Nobunaga crossed the Anegawa River by night...

and had the army stationed at Tatsugahana.

The Asai army is in this village.

Their total number is 7-8,000.

The Asakura are spread through Mitamura...

and number around 8,000.

But, so far we haven't seen Asakura Yoshikage.

He will appear shortly.

Please, let me, Ieyasu, take on the Asakura.

I'll serve as the vanguard.

Please.

But the enemy's army is large.

I insist.

In that case, I'll assign you that task.

I'll be going.

Echizen Asakura, you cowards, come out!

I request a duel with a horse soldier!

Well?! Are you afraid?!

Attack!

Right ahead is Oda Nobunaga!

Get rid of him and help our relatives...

at Yokoyama Castle and Kannoji Castle.

This battle is one of justice!

Attack!

Our army is cutting through the vanguard!

They will be here soon. Be prepared.

We'll tear through the enemy's front line. Let's go!

Reporting. The Asakura are wearing down the Mikawa army.

Did the Asakura cross the river?

Yes. They are so fierce, with no fear.

Send Inaba's army to their support.

Kill the Mikawa soldiers! Don't hesitate!

The enemy's commander, Tokugawa Ieyasu, is there!

I wish you a good battle.

Don't worry. Farewell.

Show them the spirit of Mino! Charge!

Reporting! The Asakura army is getting steadily stronger,

and is wearing down our army.

Send Honda, Matsudaira, and Okubo's troops!

Reporting! Shibayama Hikojuro and Ogawa Sanjuro were killed!

Send in Sakakibara Yasumasa's and Honda Hirotaka's troops...

at the river and attack the enemy from the rear.

If you want a reward, show me how you can fight!

Attack!

This is a good day for a battle.

I hope this will be a worthy battle.

I wish you all a good fight!

Charge!

The enemy is getting tired! Just a bit more!

Reporting! The enemy shows no signs of weakening!

I guess it's my turn next.

Hayashi...

We must win this battle.

If we lose, Omi, Echizen, and the shogun's army will be encouraged.

Yes. Then, I will be going.

My lord...

Niwa Nagahide and 5,000 Mino men...

are watching Yokoyama Castle and Kannoji Castle.

Perhaps half could assist us here.

Have Nagahide attack Asai from the side...

that should take them by surprise!

Order Nagahide to send half his men here right away.

Charge!

Sir Niwa!

What's wrong?

The Asai are such tough soldiers, please have half your army assist us!

Oh, we were just getting bored!

Split the army in two!

Inform the Mino army, too!

Sir Niwa, when you join us, attack the Asai from the right!

I got it! What about the Asakura?

They are fighting like mad!

The Mikawa are in danger as well!

We will be right there!

Hurry and get ready!

Reporting! The Sakakibara and Honda armies have crossed the river!

The enemy is coming from the rear!

The enemy is in the back!

Retreat!

Don't retreat! We almost have them! Don't be fooled!

The enemy is behind!

Don't retreat!

Keep advancing!

After them!

That must be Niwa's troops.

Hurry.

Reporting! The Mikawa army has gained some leverage...

and has pushed the Asakura to the other bank!

Tohsiie...

Lead the Akahoro troops and have them yell out,

"The Asakura army has been routed!"

The Asakura army has been routed!

The Asai are like a rat in a bag!

Don't let a single Asai live!

Retreat!

After them!

After them!

Climb up and attack Odani Castle!

After them!

Forget the low-ranking soldiers!

Get Asai Nagamasa!

Sir Inaba...

The Asakura are retreating.

I'm glad to see you are safe. Let's go!

My lord, please retreat!

What happened to the Asakura?

They have begun to retreat!

We will keep fighting until Asakura's main army gets here!

There is no sign of them anywhere!

What are you doing? Get the lord to the castle immediately!

The enemy is getting close!

My lord, we must leave!

My lord, give us the order to retreat!

Give them the order to retreat.

Order the men to retreat!

I'm so glad you are safe.

We lost the battle.

As long as you are back safely,

I don't need anything else.

We will not attack Odani Castle at this time.

After we clean things up, we are retreating.

The work of Mikawa in this battle was enormous.

I thank you.

Now the Asai and Asakura know our power.

I wish to speak.

Even if it is difficult, we should attack Odani Castle.

Their army is downhearted by the loss now.

We can surely win in that situation.

I understand that.

But, if we climb that steep mountain,

I will lose many men.

I'll have the Asai think it over for a while,

and then we will talk things over.

Don't look so sad.

There will be many more battles to fight.

I'll need your strength. Conserve it.

And then, Kinoshita Tokichiro...

You will be the keeper of Yokoyama Castle we captured.

I am ever so grateful!

Before you rejoice, you are to keep an eye on the Asai and Asakura!

Kawajiri Hidetaka...

You will be keeper of Hikoneyama Castle.

Niwa Nagahide...

Go to Dodo Mansion.

And, Hayashi...

Send Ichihashi to Osueyama and Mizuno to Satoneyama...

to surround the Asai from four directions,

so he can't get to Lake Biwa!

Very well!

I am going to Kyoto now to report to the shogun...

of my victory over the Asai and Asakura!

This isn't bad...

Even if I am just the castle keeper,

I am still the lord of this castle.

Nene, be happy!

I was right!

I will work as the lord's hands and feet,

so when he rules the nation,

I will become lord of a province!

I am so grateful!

Nobunaga won this particular battle,

but did he realize his enemies increased with each battle?

So everybody, until next time...

The goddess of death must be eliminated.

To be continued.

To be continued.