In March of 1868....
The Governor-General's army entered the North Eastern region.
Katamori committed a felony.
Go and take the rebel's head!
Aizu's submission was not accepted.
The other Eastern clans united to save Aizu.
They assassinate Sera Shuzo (of Choshu).
An alliance with 31 clans was formed as a result.
But when Shirakawa Castle fell to the new government...
the war flame spreads through the entire North East region.
Eliminate useless old books...
and use what is valuable to the country.
There are four kinds of educational books.
The first is nation building.
Will you read up to there?
First, enrich human resources.
The old books should be eliminated and...
Stop yacking everyday.
That's enough.
...useful ones employed.
Hey!
Ueno has fallen.
Only your region remains.
Are you criticizing the new government again?
Return that! It's not what you think!
They keep ripping up what we write.
Let's write it all over.
But...!
I have it memorized by heart.
What's in here cannot be taken by anyone!
Sir, what's going to happen to Aizu?
Let's start over.
In May of 1868...
when the new government had targeted Aizu...
Kakuma was writing his letter of opinion to the new rule.
YAE NO SAKURA
Episode 24: Tragedy of the Youth Squad
Screenplay: Yamamoto Mutsumi
Theme Music: Sakamoto Ryuichi Music: Nakajima Nobuyuki
Narrator: Kusabue Mitsuko
Kawasaki Yae: Ayase Haruka
Yamamoto Kakuma: Nishijima Hidetoshi
Kawasaki Shonosuke: Hasegawa Hiroki
Yamamoto Saku: Fubuki Jun
Yamamoto Gonpachi: Matsushige Yutaka
Yamamoto Ura: Hasegawa Kyoko
Yamakawa Okura: Tamayama Tetsuji
Oda Tokie: Tanimura Mitsuki
Yamakawa Kenjiro: Katsuji Ryo
Matsudaira Katamori: Ayano Go
Saito Hajime: Furuya Kenji
Kajiwara Heima: Ikeuchi Hiroyuki
Kido Takayoshi: Oikawa Mitsuhiro
Iwakura Tomomi: Kosakai Kazuki
Jinbo Kuranosuke: Tsukayama Masane
Kayano Gonbei: Yanagisawa Shingo
Tanaka Tosa: Sato Bsaku
Itagaki Taisuke: Kato Masaya
Saigo Chie: Miyazaki Yoshiko
Ooyama Yasuke: Sorimachi Takashi
Matsudaira Shungaku: Murakami Hiroaki
Saigo Tanomo: Nishida Toshiyuki
Executive Producer: Naito Shinsuke
Translations by MTI
Director: Ichiki Masae
This will fly farther than the round bullets.
Yes.
The saltpeter (potassium nitrate) determined the explosive strength.
Measure it carefully.
Yes.
Ms. Yae.
The mantel looks good on you.
My mother sewed it for me.
We're the same age but he was accepted into the squad.
Did you lie about your age?
Actually, I owe it to Ms. Yae.
Me?
My father told the Chief I was a good shooter.
I owe it to your lessons.
I should have learned too.
You were busy studying.
Yeah.
The young lord is going out so the youth squads are escorting him.
Go and fulfill your duties.
I will.
Let me assist.
I'll be going to the castle.
Is that true?
I'm going to serve as a guard for the retired lord.
So you both beat me to it.
Learn from your older brother, Okura...
and improve your martial skills.
You're forever a greenhorn.
Don't say that.
I'll tell you how you can build up your strength.
How?
Lift it up quickly.
You need to shape up!
Come now...
He can't lift it at all.
Let me see.
This will strengthen your legs.
She's strong, after all.
She's a tough woman.
Yae, I'm shocked.
She hasn't lost to a boy ever since she was a kid.
Whereas Saburo always lost.
Mother.
Let's clean up before it rains.
Here...try it.
All right, I will.
Hold it...this is my training.
They seem like children yet.
But he's accompanying the young lord to Fukura.
We went together...
to Seaburi Pass, Fukura, Shirakawa, and Nihonmatsu.
Bull's-eye.
Ms. Yae, you are very skilled.
I'm not the witch of Adachigahara.
Is it impossible to recapture Shirakawa?
It appears so.
They are far superior to us in rifles and cannons.
Everything we discussed in Fukura isn't done yet.
The reverberatory nor the firearms' upgrade.
Before we could do anything, the war started.
Will those children be heading to the battle line?
No, the youth squad is a preparation squad.
They are too young to go to the war front.
That's good.
I'm going into town to teach the gunsmiths on rifles.
I'd like to go, but I have to help out at Nisshinkan.
Please let me accompany you.
I'd like to learn more about the rifles and gunpowder.
You have a promising assistant.
That will help. Shall we go then?
Yes.
I'll be on my way.
Have a good day.
If we can't recapture Shirakawa...
We don't have much time left.
The Itagaki troop of 300 men are here!
KOMINE CASTLE, SHIRAKAWA
Thanks for coming! KOMINE CASTLE, SHIRAKAWA
ITAGAKI TAISUKE
I've heard much about your cannons.
I'm honored.
The other clans have attacked many times...
but we won't lose to their outdated guns and cannons.
But...
our goal wasn't to take Shirakawa.
It's to overthrow Aizu.
What do you think of this?
We'll crush them here first.
If we cut them off here, they can't retreat to the town.
Their supply route will be gone.
If the new government controls Echigo...
we can cut off the flow of weapons to Aizu.
Tanakura, Moriyama, Miharu...
Once we reach Nihonmatsu, Aizu will be in view.
Nihonmatsu is an Eastern domain which must be passed to enter Aizu.
Itagaki, how could you not have beaten them at Nikko?
There was an Aizu man named Yammakawa Okura there.
He was very tough.
Yamakawa from Aizu?
NEAR IMAICHI VILLAGE, NIKKO
We'll surround them!
Get ready to attack!
Ready!
Okura kept the enemy at bay in Nikko.
JUNE 3RD - FUKURA
The two youth squads went to Fukura...
with the Shinsengumi to protect their lord.
You served Aizu from the time we chased Choshu out?
We received our name, Shinsengumi at that time.
Shinsengumi is a historical troop�s name in Aizu.
Is that right?
Please tell us all your stories from Kyoto.
It's late. Maybe another time.
But...
They're leaving for Shirakawa tomorrow.
We shouldn't bother them. Let's clear out.
Yes.
-Thank you very much. -Thank you very much!
Though kids, they are still Aizu samurai.
When I was their age, I was always into fights.
I'm like you.
Shinsengumi is the name of an old Aizu troop.
At first, I didn't want to be a pet dog to the Aizu clan.
I wanted to outshine them.
But the Lord of Aizu may have had faith in us.
We must retrieve Shirakawa.
But no matter how many times they tried...
they could not recapture Shirakawa Castle.
They are in Tanakura?
They've captured the castle.
ALLIED FORCES CAMP, SHIRAKAWA-GUCHI
If they take control of Oshu Road, we will starve in Aizu.
We will starve in Aizu!
Tanomo.
I apologize for appearing in this attire.
Haven't we retrieved Shirakawa Castle yet?
I'm sorry!
I am to blame for it.
Lord...please ask for a truce.
They're not accepting our apology or submission!
Still...we must stop this war.
It wasn't possible even with the other clans' assistance.
What will we offer in the truce?
All the councilors, including myself...
will commit hara-kiri and offer our heads.
Tanakura has fallen.
If they take control of Oshu Road...
we won't have weapons, aid or food.
It's your duty to prevent that!
Why'd you come here?
I apologize for our defeat.
But they have far superior rifles and cannons.
The other clans have united for us.
Submission is betrayal.
We can unite, but our weapons and strategies are different.
It is difficult for the various Clans' soldiers to fight together.
Tanomo, stop making excuses!
We have to fight to uphold the Aizu pride!
Then provide me with the rifles and cannons I need!
We have a limited supply of rifles!
The Nikko and Echigo blocking forces require their share!
Then Kajiwara...
Build a reverberatory at once!
Make cannons by melting the temple bells!
If we could, we would!
We have no money or time!
Tosa!
We should have left Kyoto right away that time!
What do you know?
We fought in Kyoto...
shed blood...
and endured the criticisms.
So hold your tongue. You don't know the situation.
Suke'emon.
Yes, sir.
I appointed you the Chief Commander of Shirakawa.
What?
Yes, sir!
Tanomo...
you are hereby dismissed as Chief Commander.
I'm sorry to keep you waiting.
I'm falling behind on the repairs. Please help.
Yes.
So many matchlock muskets.
Let's make some adjustments to improve their fire-powers.
Do all you can without spending any money.
What?
We'll get right to it.
These are too outdated.
Our enemies are using modern weapons.
Sir Tanomo witnessed that for himself and suggested a truce.
Sir Kawasaki.
Aren't we using too much charcoal and too little saltpeter? (normally 75% saltpeter 15% charcoal)
I diluted the same quantity of gunpowder in water.
Please watch.
The saltpeter melts in water...
leaving the sulfur and charcoal behind.
There's a big difference.
Is this Tanakura clan's bullets?
This is an old gunpowder formula.
It will be smoky and weak.
Changing the gunpowder mixture will increase the guns' power.
Will it really?
The problem is saltpeter.
None of the clans have an ample supply.
There's a village in Kaga that produces saltpeter.
Can we transport them by boat?
All right...look into it.
Yes, sir.
Kenjiro, you've become knowledgeable in gunpowder.
I'm impressed.
Thank you.
Councilor!
Please return to the castle immediately.
What is it?
The Akita Clan has switched sides.
What?
That means we have an enemy in the rear.
We'll have to send troop to guard Akita as well.
The defense at Shirakawa and Oshu Road will be weakened.
If the enemies advance to Nihonmatsu, we will be in big trouble.
Nihonmatsu...
Those children...
Bull's-eye.
Wow!
If they come, they're dead!
You draw it in this manner.
Bow.
Then pull it out.
I can do that.
I don't want to send them to the battle front.
I hope it doesn't work against them to know how to shoot.
Oh...never mind.
In July of 1868...
Akita's betrayal created another opening for attacking Aizu.
Let's advance to Nihonmatsu!
Yes sir!
Itagaki attacked the clans one by one
...and advanced to Nihonmatsu.
Are you here, too?
Oh, I get it.
We would have come to see you.
Well, you are busy with government matters.
What should be decided by public consensus...
is decided by you men.
Lord Echizen, you've received a government post.
But I'm not involved in any national matters.
Furthermore...
why aren't the petitions to stop the expedition on Aizu heard?
They are rebels.
The expedition is the will of His Majesty.
Aizu Clan being rebels... Didn't someone make that up?
They fired shots at the Imperial Flag.
One of the clans in the current government fired at the Palace in the past.
The Aizu clan showed remorse and submission.
You ignored that and turned Oshu into a battlefield.
Is punishing innocent people and creating internal turmoil...
the purpose of restoring Imperial Rule?
We can't be lenient at this moment.
We can't go by Aizu's standards.
What are you afraid of?
What?
It is like the Choshu expedition.
You never know when the positions will be reversed?
To prevent that from happening again...
we must rip the trouble by its root.
My comrades died for that.
That is no excuse to abuse the government's power.
What?
It is His Majesty's will.
It is distorted...
from the first step of your newly created country.
Who is the country for?
Think it over carefully.
I believe my little effort for patriotism.
I am unable to write due to my blindness...
so I have asked someone to write this letter for me.
I now await your response.
Signed by Yamamoto Kakuma.
Is it done?
Sir, congratulations.
I am impressed.
Thank you for rewriting it many times.
I can't thank you enough.
Sir.
A personal view?
It's the narrow insight of a small-minded man.
But thinking very hard into the future...
it is a sketch of the new government I thought of.
Tokie.
Yes.
Please hold on to this.
You're entrusting it to me?
Please don't tear it up!
Hey, woman!
Go home quickly with it before the next guard shift comes.
Yes.
When the time comes...
please submit it to the proper person.
I'm counting on you.
Yes.
Even if I'm defeated...
or I stumble...
there will be others after me.
This letter that Kakuma wrote in prison...
was filled with spirit for his home province and country.
JULY 29 - NIHONMATSU
On July 29, the Itagaki force that attacked Moriyama...
and Miharu approached Nihonmatsu.
All of you...listen up.
Nihonmatsu chose to stick with the pact...
rather than to survive by betrayal.
Fight with pride!
Yes!
Take your positions!
The enemy is approaching!
They're here.
Aim the cannons.
Fire!
Muskets, to the front!
Don't be scared!
Return fire!
Fire!
Duck down!
Everyone, duck!
Sir Nikaido, take care of the children.
Help them flee to Aizu.
Sir!
Hurry!
Sir!
Go quickly!
It has to shoot farther.
What do I do?
They are just children.
Are they really children?
Lower your rifles.
It's all right.
You fought well.
Go on home.
Let's go.
Yes, sir.
They killed the Young Master!
Don't!
I want revenge!
No!
I want revenge!
Sir!
Don't die!
These are children!
Let them go.
Let's move on.
Yes, sir.
Muster your courage!
Wake up...
What's with him?
Hang on to me.
Chief!
Don't kill him!
On the day Nihonmatsu fell...
Nagaoka also fell.
Nihonmatsu fell.
We must be prepared to have our own town become a battlefield.
When the enemy approaches, I must protect our lord...
at the cost of my life.
At that time...Mother...Chie...
Please take care of this household.
When you go to battle, forget about your family.
Live up to your name.
We, women, won't do anything to disgrace you.
Call the children.
Yes.
Everyone, come.
Come here.
Come.
Sit down.
All women!
Kichijiro.
Yes.
Obey your mother.
I will.
All of you, too.
Yes.
Chie.
Yes.
Ms. Yae!
Are you all safe?
We fought our hardest, but...
the Young Master and Sir Nikaido were killed.
Tokujiro...
He is only 13.
What? What is it?
Saijiro's...
Let's write a prayer for this.
Draw in a huge eye, so you can keep your eyes open like this.
I will! Thank you!
Open your eyes!
Hang in there!
Yae...
He's still a child...
Why kill children, too?
The women are forming a naginata troop.
Aizu won't fall easily.
They'll fight to the last soldier.
They will invade our town.
If we aren't getting aid, the youth squads will have to fight.
The enemy is here! Get ready!
With the enemy so close, I can't just do nothing!
No!
I will fight them with my carbine!
They will need your skills.