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TOKUGAWA IEYASU

Episode 24: The Incident at Honnoji

May 18, 1582.

Upon invitation from Nobunaga, Ieyasu had come to Azuchi.

On May 18th, 1582, Nobunaga personally held a party for Ieyasu

and entertained him with a Noh play at Sokenji.

Sokenji Temple

I knew that someday we'll enjoy peace together.

The day finally came.

As I watch this splendid Noh play,

various thoughts race through my mind.

On the 19th, Nobunaga himself showed Ieyasu and his men around Azuchi.

This 7-layered castle stood on the mountaintop.

It would be known later as the phantom castle.

Let's go on.

As Ieyasu's men were struck with awe at its splendor,

Nobunaga distributed 2 hemp kimonos each to them.

One was gift for their wives,

an indication of Nobunaga's sensitivity.

Bring on the feast!

The meals were served with unprecedented luxury,

and the grand feast for Ieyasu continued endlessly...

Help yourselves!

On the 3rd day, they moved to Kounji temple.

Nobunaga arranged the time to relax alone with Ieyasu.

Lord Ieyasu...

I wonder if we'll ever enjoy each other like this again.

What a thing to say. The country is almost conquered.

I'll work hard so that we may enjoy such a feast in Kyoto next.

You got me there!

If it wasn't for the war in Bitchu,

I intended to accompany you to Kyoto, Nara, and Sakai.

But my son arrived from Kofu so he'll accompany you.

I am deeply honored.

Please leave tomorrow for Kyoto.

I heard from Mitsuhide...

You may take your time to tour the country

and go to was after you return.

Thank you for your consideration.

I won't see you for a while. So stay and have a drink.

Men from both clans mingled and exchanged drinks.

After the party, Nobunaga walked Ieyasu to the exit.

This was quite unusual.

Take a leisurely walk and see the fireflies.

Nobody in my territory will ever try to harm you.

Excuse me.

It's been 35 years...

I was just reminiscing...

Exactly.

At their first meeting, Ieyasu was 6 and Nobunaga was 14.

21 years had passed since they formed an alliance.

Well...

Good night.

These were the last words that these two exchanged.

Ieyasu was 41, Nobunaga, 49.

The same night, at the Sakamoto castle in Omi,

Mitsuhide was holding a meeting with his retainers.

Both the Izumo and Iwami provinces are enemy lands.

If our present Tanba and Omi territories are confiscated

while we fight, there will be no place for our families!

Right! This is a plot by Lord Nobunaga to destroy you!

There's no time to waste! Please decide!

You exerted all your efforts into the difficult task

of entertaining Lord Ieyasu, yet he dismissed you twice.

Moreover, that mere page struck you on the head!

This proves our lord no longer supports you!

You're right. We are facing an emergency.

I've decided to take up arms.

I order you to gather all your men at Kameyama castle!

Mitsuhide decided to rise in revolt against Nobunaga.

On May 29th, Nobunaga and 50 aids came to Honnoji temple

to prepare for the was in Chuugoku.

Though he wanted to leave immediately for war,

things in the capital did not proceed as he wished.

The court nobles who feared Nobunaga's power

continued to arrive to pay him respects.

That same day, Ieyasu, who toured Kyoto an Osaka, arrived in Sakai.

Here, no distinctions existed between lords and merchants.

But the rich merchants were disappointed

to see Ieyasu's rigid and boorish party.

Welcome, Lord Tokugawa.

Sorry to trouble you.

Don't be rude! You're forbidden to approach him!

Then I can't give him these flowers.

That's not necessary.

It's only proper for us to pass it to him.

Relax, she's...

Lord? You don't like flowers?

That's not the point.

A stranger is forbidden to approach our lord!

You say stranger, but everyone's a stranger at the first meeting.

What?

Will you allow me if I identify myself?

I'm Kinomi, daughter of Naya Shoan.

A talkative woman... No matter whose daughter you are...

Take the flowers and proceed.

I'll accept it.

A few men had been following Ieyasu from Osaka.

Ieyasu pretended to go by land and went by sea instead

to try to confuse them but there they were again.

Thus he was annoyed upon his arrival at Sakai.

Those strange men followed us to Sakai.

Strange men?

Never mind.

You must be tired, Lord, but let me serve you sake here.

I'd like to inform you of the latest in Sakai.

However, you've been invited from various places.

We're all from the country and I'm sorry to trouble you.

What kind words!

I have been assigned by Lord Nobunaga to guide you.

Tell me whatever you want

A Naya Shoan wants to meet you as soon as possible.

Naya Shoan?

He says he met you once in Atsuta, Lord Nobunaga's land.

I'll met him. Please show him in.

"Naya Shoan" was the name the Bear Prince assumed

after he came to live here in Sakai.

It's been a long time...

I looked forward to this day!

You met her at the pier earlier. This is my daughter, Kinomi.

I see.

I've adopted her, but I'm sure she'll be useful to you

together with Sir Chaya here.

But Bear... no, Sir Shoan, you haven't changed.

I've travelled to Luzon twice, once to Macao an Siam.

Travelling away from this small country, Japan,

is the best cure for old age!

I'm sure you've noticed the people who've followed you.

You noticed?

Yes, I had them investigated. They are Lord Akechi's men.

Lord Akechi?

That concerns me. I'd like to return to Kyoto to investigate.

Thank you for informing me.

Wars have lasted over 100 years and the country is hungry for peace.

We hate to have to revert to wars again.

Was there anything else?

You don't know this town very well,

but Sakai is the country's information center.

Here, the actions of the lords are clearly visible.

I see.

Lord Akechi's first daughter is married and lives in Amagasaki castle.

An Akechi messenger has been frequently that castle, too.

Amagasaki?

The Negoro men came here to buy bullets,

and Lord Tsutsui Junkei's men quickly left their mansion.

Any incident, big or small, cannot be kept a secret here.

He must be tired, let's excuse ourselves.

I'm one of those who's had enough of wars.

Please be cautious.

I'll see you at the feast.

Call Heihachiro here!

Don't let anyone see you.

If Mitsuhide intended to rebel,

Nobunaga, in Kyoto without his army, would be in danger.

Ieyasu's was alarmed.

Lord? You called?

Go to Kyoto, and if Lord Nobunaga is there,

tell him I've changed my travel plans,

and will return to Kyoto by the 2nd to see him off to war.

Is something the matter?

I hope he's alright, but I had a bad dream.

Hurry!

I'll see you in Kyoto.

Nobunaga who drove his beloved son to death...

Yet Ieyasu was able to control his feelings

because Nobunaga's intentions were to stop the wars,

an earnest prayer of millions of countrymen.

Can Mitsuhide endure what I had to endure?

To lose Nobunaga now was like letting a rising sun fall.

It was inevitable that the lords will vy for power again,

reverting to wars and throwing the country into utter chaos.

After sending the court nobles home by sundown,

Princess No had arranged for a family meal,

and Nobunaga was in high spirits.

It was June 1st.

Let Nobutada and Genzaburo's pages have sake tonight.

We'll be off to war tomorrow, so forget the formalities.

I'll relax tonight.

Then, am I allowed to have some, too?

Sure, let the pages drink tonight.

Lord?

Why do you look so dissatisfied?

We are not in our castle.

Nobutada and Genzaburo may drink but not the pages.

You're a woman after all.

If anyone were after my life,

whether the pages were drunk or not wouldn't matter.

Don't worry, they won't drink themselves into arguments.

She saw that her husband had changed. No felt somewhat uneasy.

Nobutada?

Genzaburo?

One's life should be like a flash of lighting.

"Man's life is but 50 years...

"Compared to the Heavens,

"it is transient, like visions and dreams...

Pretending to set off to was in Chugoku,

Mitsuhide lead an army of 10,000 into Kyoto.

After sending Nobutada and Genzaburo back to Nijo castle,

Nobunaga was up 'til midnight, drunk and in a good mood.

Anyone here?

My men have started fighting. Go calm them down.

Wait! It's not a fight, listen!

Soldiers are about to enter this temple...

Who is it? Go find out!

Who is it? His Highness is sleeping here!

It's rude! Don't make noise!

My lord!

I can see the crest! A bellflower on blue!

It's Mitsuhide...

Akechi Mitsuhide is rebelling against you!

That Mitsuhide...!

A rebellion!

Just as expected of Nobunaga's best pages, in a wink of an eye,

they resumed the best defensive position possible

though this attack was totally unpredicted.

My lord!

Go inside the lattice shutters, please!

Mitsuhide has rebelled against me.

Now that it's come to this, I'll fight to my death!

No? Take the women and run!

Assign that task to someone else.

Nobunaga has at most 300 men,

Akechi's army numbered 3 regiments totaling 10,000.

Akechi Tamanosuke lead 3,700 to surround Honnoji temple.

Nobunaga was strange...

I was the biggest fool in Owari,

always busy contracting others... a real crank...

I indiscriminately wiped out the monks at Mt. Hiei and Koya.

I constructed the 7-layered wonder, the Azuchi castle,

and the Dutch temple, a marvel and an eye-opener.

I built a ocean tanker equipped with cannons,

and shocked the blue-eyed Dutch!

Now, I am about to shock the nation with my death!

I fell right into Mitsuhide's trap.

Where's Hasegawa Shoni!

Now's your chance to leave with the women!

Mitsuhide won't kill women and children.

But lady No...?

Take the spear!

Run, No!

I won't!

I don't need a woman's help in my final moment!

I'm not any woman. Stop provoking this fight.

Fool! I won't take orders from you!

I haven't served you to my satisfaction!

Please take your life!

My lord, I lead an interesting life.

You intend to die with me?

You must be mortified to be killed by a man like him.

Fool!

Life and death are one. Just stay back!

All his pages could do was to earn time for Nobunaga to die.

My lord, please get ready.

My lord! Please hurry!

I, Miyake Magojuro, a retainer of Lord Akechi,

have come for your head!

I shall set out for blood now.

What an impudent woman!

I'm Yasuda Sakubei, who came upon orders from Mitsuhide.

I believe the lord is here!

Move! I don't bother with women!

No knew there was time for Nobunaga to go into the room,

and she prayed that he'd do so...

You won't move?

Look for the general!

Look for the general!

I want to live...

I wanted to live a little longer...

Just 2 more years, and I'll bring peace upon the country.

One more year... one more month...

One more month...

I can conquer Chuugoku.

If not a month, 10 more days, 5... 3 more days..

Anybody here?

Call Tadatsugu and Kazumasa.

Could it be a premonition?

Ieyasu was sure that he had heard Nobunaga's last words.

You called?

We'll leave Sakai immediately. Get ready!

Yes, sir!

Go report this to Sir Yukan.

My lord! This is an emergency!

What is it, Hanzo!

Calm down!

Honda Heihachiro reporting to his lord!

Sir Chaya from Kyoto has come to report an emergency!

What happened in Kyoto!

Lord Akechi Mitsuhide lead a revolt.

Lord Nobunaga had died at Honnoji temple.

What?

What about his heir, Nobutada?

He died at Nijo castle.

Both Honnoji and Nijo were burned to the ground

and hardly anyone escaped alive.

Lord Akechi's men have blocked the entrances to Kyoto.

The whole town is brimming with Akechi's men.

Then we can't enter Kyoto?

You can't go further than Yamazaki.

Please give us instructions immediately.

News of Nobunaga's death soon reached Shoan.

This Takenouchi Namitaro,

who had put all his efforts into raising Nobunaga,

might've been most saddened by news of Nobunaga's death.

...it's not like Kipposhi...

Tadatsugu?

Do you still have the gold you brought?

We haven't brought much so we still have 2,000 pieces.

Good.

We'll leave and go to Kyoto.

Then we'll follow Lord Nobunaga in death.

Commit seppuku in Kyoto?

Exactly.

I don't think Akechi's men have reached Chion' in temple.

We'll die there.

But...

Wait, Lord Nobunaga is dead. My life may be in danger, too.

If we're going to die anyway,

let's fight and show them our pride!

Right!

No! If we die during our travels,

I'd be a laughing stock for ignoring military decorum.

Out of obligation to him, we'll die with him.

If that's our reason, the Akechi would not stop us.

We shall leave together.

My Lord!

What? Die in Kyoto?

He left that message for you and departed from the mansion.

The only way is to cross the Iga territory...

Call Kinzo.

News of Nobunaga's death

reached Hideyoshi who was fighting a war in Bitchu.

Both father and son, killed...

Tears are tears, sorrows are sorrows...

We must have plans for the future.

Our lord is dead, his 3rd son is on his way to Shikoku.

I'll have to lead the army.

Right?

Exactly.

If our enemy discovers this, we'd be trapped here.

We'll have to keep his death a secret,

form an alliance with Mori and go back to kill Mitsuhide.

Mori Hidemasa?

What, Monkey?

I hope you don't object to my giving orders starting now.

No.

Call Lord Ankokuji, the messenger from Mori.

The conditions for peace are as follows:

the lord of the castle must die but his 5,000 men will live.

Lord?

Everything will go to waste if we take time here!

This is for the sake of our late lord!

I see... then what?

Once we negotiate peace, we'll retreat back to Himeji.

There, we'll prepare our army and go to Kyoto.

If I succeed, I'm sure Lord Nobunaga would be happy to...

"to let me rule the country..."

That's what Hideyoshi was about to say.

As soon as he established peace with the Mori men,

he retreated from Bitchu.

Let's go!

After heaving left Sakai,

Ieyasu's party continued on toward Kyoto.

They couldn't stop or bandits and spies would attack.

As soon as peasants learn of the news,

they were sure to become violent.

Someone's after us.

That's Sir Chaya.

Let's rest here.

This man serves Naya Shoan.

You're...?

Don't worry, my master's men are placed along the way.

Master Shoan has ordered us to make sure you arrive safely

no matter where your destination may be.

No matter where?

Is Sakai calm?

No, Mitsuhide's men have penetrated.

If you had left for your land, they'd have followed you.

I see.

I'm sure master Shoan knows my true intentions

and sent you to follow me.

I shall disclose my intentions.

Intentions?

I won't commit seppuku.

If I don't consider his wishes and die,

I'm sure he'll give me a big scolding!

"Fool! Have you gone mad at your age?", he'll say.

His earnest wish was to put an end to the chaos in the lands.

That Mitsuhide couldn't understand that,

and revolted because of his personal reasons.

He has no ability to conquer the country.

Therefore, I wanted to put Mitsuhide's men off guard,

and escaped for now.

I'll return to Mikawa even if I have to crawl back,

and prepare to attack Mitsuhide!

This will be in accordance to Lord Nobunaga's wish,

and is my true intention...

I shall risk my life to lead you to Mikawa.

Where is the gold?

The gold?

Distribute 2 pieces each to everyone.

Swords alone do not save lives.

You can be spared twice with 2 pieces of gold.

You follow me into Chion' in temple.

Think that you're as good as dead there.

The dead don't lose their temper... be patient...

Keep it in mind that patience is your pass to Mikawa.

We must arrive in Mikawa alive!

I have told you my warning for this journey.

Tell me which is the safest way there.

I'm sure Lord Akechi has set his men in Kishu, Yamashiro and Yamato.

I see.

Therefore, we'll head north and then east,

then through Tsuda, Tawara, and the mountain route.

Then from Tarao through the land of Iga.

The Iga territory...

Yes.

From Iga to Marubashita, Kawai, and the mountain path by Shunken.

The way is dangerous but you won't be attacked there.

Once we enter Oda Nobutaka's territory, Kanbe,

we'll be far from the enemy.

We'll go by the Inland Sea to Mikawa.

Alright.

I thought we'd spend the night here, but

this may be the last time we see each other live.

I entrust you with my life and leave immediately!

Blow out the torches.

Let's go.

That was a good decision.

If Chaya and Shoan knew that Ieyasu was pretending to go to Kyoto

but was in fact, heading toward Mikawa,

Ieyasu could assume Mitsuhide's men deduced that much.

In fact, if his departure was a moment later,

Ieyasu and his party would've been killed,

their corpses left to rot in the night...

Akechi's men began searching for Ieyasu.

The road through the Iga territories, however,

proved to be harsh for Ieyasu and his handful of men...