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TOKUGAWA IEYASU

Episode 26: The Next Winds of Power

It was the end of June, 1582.

With a narrow escape, Ieyasu returned to Hamamatsu.

There, he was relaxing with Oai and his children.

much to the puzzlement of his aides...

But in fact, he was watching the Kai-Shino moves closely,

and was observing the fight for the Oda's successorship.

KIYOSU CASTLE

Meanwhile, Hideyoshi entered Kiyosu castle

to choose Nobunaga's successor and distribute his mementos...

I have a terrible stomach ache.

I've overexerted myself. Make my bed!

The lord of this castle, Nobukatsu, Nobunaga's 2nd son,

was the same age as Nobutaka, his half-brother,

also Nobunaga's 3rd son.

It was clear that a fight would ensue

between Nobukatsu and Nobutaka over the successorship.

Time is of essence, here.

We won't wait for Takigawa Ichimasu to arrive.

We all have enemies to consider, but we came.

We must begin the conference.

But Lord Hashiba...

This is no time to commplain of stomach aches!

Summon Lord Hashiba here!

Thank you for coming, Lord Shibata.

How are the Hokuriku areas?

Heard you were aching...

Though I was fighting the Mori army at the time,

I had to avenge my lord's death and left for Kyoto.

There with my own hands, I killed Mitsuhide

and avenged my lord's death.

But I'm old, and have overexerted myself.

When complications arise, I get a stomach ache.

In regards to the heir...

Lord Nobutaka aided Lord Hashiba in killing Mitsuhide.

His personality is more suitable than Lord Nobukatsu.

I'd like Lord Nobutaka to succeed.

Whom should he succeed now?

Are you opposed to his plan?

Not at all!

He may be dead, but we can't change our lord' wishes.

What? Are you saying he wanted Lord Nobukatsu to succeed?

This is strange... our late lord had decided that

his oldest, Nobutada would succeed him.

We're discussing this because Lord Nobutada is dead!

But he has a fine son named Sanboshi.

What?

The purpose of this conference

is not to decide upon the successorship,

but to discuss how to support Sanboshi and perpetuate the clan.

You're saying there is someone

who would advice the young heir and control the Oda clan?

Exactly.

If not then I would gladly do it. Right Lord Ikeda?

Ouch, my stomach again...

I have stated our position. Please excuse me.

I believe it's best to let Sanboshi succeed.

What? You agree with him?

That's the most logical plan. It's a good idea.

Logical? It's 3 against 1 so I must give in.

It would be selfish to oppose now.

I'll be resting... go call Lord Hashiba.

The man who was called 'Monkey' had avenged his lord.

Katsuie felt that his position had changed greatly

because he missed his chance to avenge his lord's death.

Lord of Chikuzen?

I just fell asleep... the matter of successorship is settled.

Announcing Lord Sanboshi!

On behalf of Sanboshi, I will distribute the new fiefs.

Of our late lord's lands, the Azuchi area...

The disagreement between Hideyoshi and Katsuie

had not been resolved, yet the Kiyosu conferenece ended.

Power had clearly shifted from Nobunaga to Hideyoshi.

Meanwhile, Ieyasu headed east into Kofu.

The survivors of the Takeda clan surrendered Kofu castle.

Now the entire province of Kai was in Ieyasu's hands.

One day in July, while surveying his lands

Ieyasu stopped for lunch.

This is sweetfish that we caught nearby.

Sorry to trouble you. Don't worry about us.

All I have is hot water.

Sweetfish is abundant in Gifu.

The conference at their castle was dominated by Lord Hideyoshi.

The 3rd son, Nobutaka does not seem to accept the new heir.

They irritate me.

If the two brothers would band together to help Sanboshi,

then the clan would remain united.

Lord Nobukatsu sends messengers to report to us.

But please don't get involved.

I know. Our first goal is the Hojo clan in Odawara.

Shall we fight them? Or...

We'll negotiate.

The Hojo's know it's not beneficial to fight us.

Lord Hashiba would attack me

as soon as I become occupied with the Hojo's.

We must keep an eye on Lord Hashiba first.

There goes Kazumasa and his cautiousness!

Now is the time to nurture our strength.

Ha! Seconds!

The question is what is Hideyoshi's next move...?

Hideyoshi whom Ieyasu eyed as the emerging new power,

build a new castle in Kyoto, the Yamazaki castle.

What is it, Kanbei?

Please take a look.

Lots of hard characters. You read it to me.

This is a list of Koshu warriors

who have sided with Ieyasu.

It includes the Takeda relatives Toyama, Tsugane, etc.

a total of 25 warriors are under Ieyasu's control.

What is the secret to Ieyasu's success?

Though he had conflicts with the Hojos numbering 43,000

he conquered the entire Kai province and parts of Shinano.

The secret lies in patience.

Patience, is it?

And my success?

Your resourcefulness.

I see... his and mine... we'll have to hurry.

Shibata has the reputation as the Oda's chief retainer.

All he can do is tell everyone I'm a mere footsoldier's son.

However, if he should unite with Ieyasu,

and further unite with Takigawa Ichimasu and Lord Nobutaka,

moreover the Hojo's may join in.

That would be too powerful.

Then let's do this...

We'll do whatever to Katsuie, to Nobukatsu or Nobutaka,

then let Ieyasu do whatever at Odawara...

You go to Sakai and do whatever with the rich landowners.

We'll have a grand funeral for Lord Nobunaga.

We need money to do it the way nobody else can.

Do whatever!

- Reporting! - What!

Lord Hori Hidemasa is here.

I'll see him.

What is it, Hidemasa?

I have a message from Lord Shibata Katsuie to you.

Here is the 5-point letter.

5-points?

That's not much for that old geezer.

This is a reprimand for having dominated the Kiyosu conference

and for having selfish political motives.

What? Selfish political motives?

Look Hidemasa, Shibata may be the chief retainer,

but he couldn't even control the two brothers

fighting over the Oda clan.

Therefore, I will hold a grand funeral for Lord Nobunaga.

Tell that geezer and Lady Oichi to attend that funeral!

Just as he said, Hideyoshi built a temple for Nobunaga

in the grounds of the Daitokuji temple.

And held a grand funeral for Nobunaga

together with his adopted son, Hidekatsu.

However, neither Katsuie nor Oichi came to attend...

SAKAI

The rumors were that 100,000 soldiers guarded the city.

So numerous were the food transport ships that

the Yodo river was covered completely, and looked black.

Sure, or the entire food supply of Kyoto would've been depleted.

I mingled with the crowd to see

but I smelled the agilawood burning from afar.

Right. Hideyoshi had Nobunaga's statue made of scented wood,

and cremated it.

The people claimed the scent was from Nobunaga's body,

and the clouds turned purple

which proved the present lord's prayers reached the Heavens.

Hideyoshi is a frightful man.

After having completed Nobunaga's funeral,

he sent a 25-point letter to Nobutaka in Gifu.

The letter clearly challenged Katsuie and Nobutaka to war.

In response his best friend Maeda Toshiie

came to try to negotiate peace between them.

Long time no see!

Is your wife well?

Nene really misses you and is looking forward to the day

when we can see each other in peace.

Stay tonight. Someone bring some food!

First, let me tell you my thoughts.

I'll listen.

Autumn nights are long; we can drink all night.

I have confirmed that Lord Shibata bears no grudges,

and is only thinking of the perpetuation of the Oda clan.

That's just it. To perpetuate the Oda clan means

to stop the inner strife and carry out our late lord's wishes.

What else am I to do?

There are a few things Lord Shibata disapproves of.

I would like to clarify those points.

I know.

You want me to sign an oath saying

I will not let my son Hidekatsu succeed the Oda clan.

Exactly!

That's what bothers Katsuie the most since the funeral.

TOshiie.

Let's sleep in the same room and reminisce all night.

I appreciate that. Then we'll talk.

It's about the oath...

I'll write it.

Though Hidekatsu may be Lord Nobunaga's natural son,

I'll let him carry on my name. He won't succeed the Oda clan.

That's enough for me to bring back.

Toshiie.

I can't deceive you.

What?

I won't let Hidekatsu succeed the Oda clan,

but I may let him control the country with my name.

Chikuzen!

I'm aiming for the Hojo, Mori, Shikoku and Kyushu territories

using a different method from my late lord's.

If Katsuie can't accept that, I'll fight him. It's for the country.

I understand.

If you and Katsuie go to war,

I can't side with either.

Toshiie.

You're intelligent and loyal to us.

But you're ignoring the most important target of loyalty.

It's your loyalty to our emperor and the people.

This loyalty, in essence, is loyalty to our country.

Open your eyes. Think of our late lord's dream.

Why did he build ships of steel and rush to subjugate the lands?

So that Japan can communicate with foreign lands and

he can bring true happiness to its people.

I vow to carry out his wishes.

When I see our late lord in Heaven one day,

I'd be satisfied if he'd say. "Well done, Monkey!"

Please understand.

I'm counting on you!

Hideyoshi, after having disclosed his decision to Toshiie,

With 50,000 men, he sieged Nobutaka's Giu castle.

This was reported to Ieyasu by Chaya Shirojiro

at a house in the Hamamatsu territory while on a hunt.

I'd like another.

Lord Nobutaka succumbed without a fight?

Yes.

He may return now, but he'll be back again by end of January.

But what is there to gain by sieging it twice?

First to show his power to Shibata Katsuie.

Second, to Lord Nobukatsu, and third to me.

To you?

His actions are well-planned I can't oppose him.

What would be his reason for challenging you?

He can blame Lord Konoe who is taking refuge in our castle.

Any reason. Just be careful.

Let's return.

It must be lonely being a widow.

Yes.

I'll take you and your 3 children to my castle.

Chaya introduced us, so I'll call you "Cha".

Wait...

"Ieyasu is now relaxing and hunting women."

That's what I want him to think.

It's fun to confuse Hideyoshi.

Oh, well.

One reason Hideyoshi may pick a fight, Konoe Sakihisa,

was the former Regent who was expelled by

Hideyoshi for aiding Mitsuhide.

Ieyasu took him in to learn about the capital,

and about internal affairs.

I see... this is your catch today?

You heard?

She is a widow with 3 children.

That's not all. She's a strong woman

who asked me to let her avenge her husband's death.

Excuse yourself.

There is an important step you must take

rather than going hunting...

What could that important step be?

To form an alliance with Honganji temples.

It would be a loss for you if Lord Hashiba did so first.

I see... that's a good advice.

Another thing... place spies in the 7 exits of Kyoto.

- Spies? - Right.

Someone who can relate to the court nobles.

The high-ranking nobles love to gossip.

You'll know who came to the palace for what purpose.

You've given me good ideas. You must be tired, though.

I enjoyed myself.

Excuse me.

To avoid being outmaneuvered by Hideyoshi,

Ieyasu kept a keen eye on his moves.

It must be snowing in Echizen.

Katsuie and Hideyoshi's battle won't end 'til April or May.

Sheer pride won't help Katsuie win against Lord Hashiba.

Our lord would have to send a messenger to Hideyoshi

to congratulate him on his victory. Be prepared.

In April, 1583,

Shibata Katsue's main army was defeated at Shizugatake.

Katsuie had returned to his castle for his last moments.

The 3 princesses have left the castle!

What about Lady Oichi?

She's staying.

What?

Dear...

Oichi married Katsuie for the sake of the Oda clan.

Now that she realized her husband would be killed,

she set her hopes on her 3 daughters

and died as Shibata Katsuie's wife.

Now that Shibata is defeated, Lord Nobutaka would be, too.

Next, he'll build a castle in Osaka.

Then Hideyoshi would announce that he is the ruler,

and levy taxes upon the lords of this country.

We can't ignore him then.

Now that the wars are over,

we'll have to send a messenger to congratulate him.

He can't be just anyone, either.

I presume he'll make that messenger return

with an order for our Lord Ieyasu to bow down to him.

If the messenger returns with that order,

our clansmen wouldn't accept, and he'll have to die.

But we can't congratulate him and refuse to obey him.

Just don't go to congratulate him.

Hideyoshi seems certain that he was born of the sun

to bring peace upon the country.

Born of the sun!?

That believe is frightful.

Anyone who opposes him is an enemy to peace, bound to die.

That's why I came to Okazaki to see you.

What?

I am the resident lord of this Okazaki castle,

in the front lines guarding the western borders.

I understand.

Protection requires one to fight.

Kazumasa.

I'll take your place should I need to.

Our lord believes nobody else can carry out this task.

Please, accept it.

From today, I'll start to speak ill of you.

I'll say that you're suspicious; you're bought out.

I'm sure Hideyoshi would claim there're other disloyal men.

So, I'll make you the only traitor

to strengthen the unity of our clan.

A cynic can be valuable...

I'll continue to speak ill of you and you'll have to leave.

Then I'll take over your fiefs.

I'm counting on you.

Otherwise, this will cause that people will be entrapped in competition.

Sakuza...

I beg you, Kazumasa.

If you're not careful,

betrayers for Lord Hashiba may come out even in this castle.

There're many cowards.

Here's a list of those, who changed sides to him.

What're you complaining about?

If the clan suspects that spies are among them,

they become only half as strong. That's how he won all this time.

I'm saying there's something you can't forget now.

I know, but that's not what you want to say.

To send a messenger to congratulate him

is just to fulfill the decorum.

But I have a subsequent plan...

I am truly happy for Lord Hashiba's victory.

There's nothing good about it.

I thought about what to send him.

If you're not careful, he'll take away all of your territories.

500 horse armors, or 1000 pieces of gold.

What?

Then, I reconsidered.

I'll send him the tea jar that I cherish the most.

That sideless tea jar?

That's admirable, but...

You're still complaining?

I am! We must add to it's value.

Add to it's value?

Famous pieces always have a reputation.

A merchant in our lands named Matsuaira went to Sakai

and he risked his life to obtain that famous jar.

Is that true?

I don't know. But when word got around,

teamasters, Sen Soeki and Matsui Yukan,

and all the tea-lovers of Sakai were mortified!

You know a lot about this.

I don't. But that jar is the most famous jar in the country.

When you were given that jar, you were ecstatic,

and gave a fief worth 5,000 koku to Matsudaira.

That's enough.

You, the cheapskate, gave 5,000 worth away,

that Matsudaira tremble...

Trembled?

Sure, he thought you might regret it later.

Then, his clan would be abolished.

Therefore, he refused to accept that offer.

How can you go on like that.

Sure, so, here in Hamamatsu,

that jar is nicknamed, "the 5,000 koku jar".

I got it, enough!

Tell me whom I should send.

You must've talked to him.

Not anybody can do this.

That's right.

Nobody but Kazumasa can carry out this task.

But I hate to see him suffer.

If he should be driven to die, I'll die, too.

That Hideyoshi will start a rumor that Kazumasa is his spy.

He'll also claim that many in the clan side with him.

He'll destroy the clan from inside!

Don't worry, I'm not so stupid to fall into that trap

and let you and Kazumasa die.

You have become great, my lord and you have much more men.

But there is only one man you could trust enough to send.

Please don't forget that.

I know.

It breaks my heart to think of Kazumasa...

it pains me even more than losing my wife...

I fell the same way. Take care of Kazumasa.

Yes, Lord.

I'll have Kazumasa come to Hamamatsu.

Kazumasa was a valuable retainer to Ieyasu

who had been with him since his days as a hostage.

Ieyasu was forced to send him to Hideyoshi alone...

This broke Ieyasu's heart.

Ieyasu had survived numerous ordeals.

He was about to face yet another obstacle named Hideyoshi.