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!
Co, 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