Good morning, sir
Morning
Oda Nobunaga-Oda clan Liege Lord Most powerful daimyo in Japan
What a stink...
Pardon me
Akechi Mitsuhide is in rebellion
Oda Nobutada-Nobunaga's eldest son
Akechi is a powerful warrior
More than a match for my father
Our Liege is dead?
Akechi's sure to march on us here
I'll hold out as long as I can
You two must flee immediately
-We'll stay with you -Absolutely not!
Take Sanboshi, head to Kiyosu
-I won't leave you! -You'll be in my way
That's why I didn't want you here
Matsu, my dear...
Take care of our boy
Gen-i, I entrust them to you
Certainly, sir
And so the world slides back into war...
Lord Niwa is here
Lord Niwa...
Nice to see you
You did well to make it back, Tokichiro
On horseback for 5 days straight
Akechi has at least 10,000 troops to our 3,000
We didn't stand a hope, so I'm glad you're here
With my 20,000, I'll scatter him to the wind
Lord Oda Nobutaka is here
Oda Nobutaka-Nobunaga's 3rd son
Tokichiro, well done for getting here
Begin our advance
I, Oda Nobutaka,
demand revenge for my father and brother!
I still can't believe it...
To think our Liege is no more of this earth...
But in a manner of speaking,
it was a fitting end, perhaps?
To be cremated amid the temple
To vanish, leaving not a trace
No more killing here
Get lost
We'll forbid entry
What will become of the Oda clan?
Lord Nobutaka must take over the reins,
with you, Lord Shibata, as supporting guardian
Me?
That's your role, as Chief Vassal
Lord Shibata Katsu-ie
The problem is Tokichiro
Don't talk of him to me
But he's the one who killed Akechi
No doubt he'll grow in power
I fought alongside our Liege
since Tokichiro was a mere sandal-bearer
Do we let that monkey take over?
Which is precisely why we need to act
What should we do?
Convene a conference
A conference?
Gather vassals from far and wide to decide the future of the Oda clan
We'll announce your role to the world
The town of Kiyosu will be the place
Kiyosu...
The former seat of clan power
Steeped in memories
This will mean...
more war...
Indeed, it means war...
but in the guise of a conference
Don't just watch, help out
I mustn't do farm work anymore
Mother, ever since he avenged Lord Oda,
he's become a totally different person
As if he'd subdued the whole damn world
No matter what finery you wear,
that's still peasant blood in your veins
Shut your mouth, you old cow!
Look at the size of this eggplant
It might get bigger, don't pick it
Listen to him...
Fool!
Why?
They get tough if they're overripe
Don't you remember that?
Forgetting his roots
Idiot
Be quiet!
-Big ears -That's your fault
My Lord...
The message arrived
That was quick
A conference at Kiyosu castle
to settle the succession and distribute land to the vassals
Shibata's being unusually efficient
I dare say.
Lord Niwa is behind it
Of course
They're all terrified you'll aim for the post of Chief Vassal
Pathetic
I'm not after such a paltry goal
Kiyosu, huh?
Kanbei, are you ready for this?
Kiyosu Castle
The Kiyosu Conference
Day One
Morning, everyone
Good morning
From today, here in Kiyosu
there will be an important meeting to decide the future of the Oda clan
The success of the meeting depends on our work behind the scenes
Please take a moment to dwell on this
Marvelous view, wonderful air...
Just as it always was
How long's it been?
About 20 years, sir
I remember campaigning under this same sky...
The great sky of Kiyosu
Takigawa not here yet?
Delayed by fighting at Odawara
Take an audience with Lord Nobutaka
I've only just arrived
Exactly why you go now
As our champion, you have everything to gain
First, there's someone I must see
His Lordship comes first
God forbid Tokichiro should beat you to it
I'll be just a minute
A souvenir from the north, My Lady
Thank you, kind sir
I remember you saying you liked fragrant things
Fragrant things?
Pickled shallots from Kaga Province
Originally used medically to impart vigor,
when pickled they are delicious
Shibata...
Yes
Our clan faces unprecedented threats
Please help us band together and ride out the storm
I'm absolutely at your service
Who do you think should be the heir?
Nobutaka would fit the role
I am sure he would respect my elder brother's dying wish
and work to unite our country
I pledge to uphold his claim
and work with all my might for the good of the Oda clan
Understand this
By no means must Tokichiro have his way
You, our Chief Vassal, must guide the clan
Not that monkey
I never said I liked pickles
Perhaps you talked about fragrances?
Who confuses incense with pickles?
One wonders if he's up to the task?
He's the only one keeping Tokichiro in check
and he'd give his life for me in a heartbeat
I'd rather the clan was wiped out than yield to the monkey
I'll never forgive Tokichiro
Never
The monkey's back!
The monkey's returned!
Thank you all!
Hey, cutie...
Good folk of Kiyosu...
Tokichiro is back!
I return with the traitor's head
in vengeance for our Liege's death!
The victorious Hashiba Tokichiro returns!
Rice-cake gifts for all!
Am I right for the job?
I beseech Your Highness to assume the role of heir
What of my elder brother?
Don't be absurd
Nobukatsu is an absolute clown. He could never lead the clan
Watch your tongue
Forgive me
Although he's regarded as the elder brother
Your Highness was actually born 20 days earlier
That's correct
You need have no misgivings
"To unite our nation"
My father died with his holy vow half-completed
If it is in me, I shall pick up his mantle
so allow me to accept the challenge
Now Lord Nobutaka is ours. we've got the advantage
I can just imagine the monkey's fury
How will he respond, I wonder...
Kanbei, I'm off to see Lady O-lchi
She's probably stricken with grief
I'll go console the poor thing
Here's hoping she likes the Kyoto souvenir
It was I who avenged your brother, y'know
You thought that'd bring me pleasure?
I despise you and my brother equally
What the heck?
How come she didn't like it?
It would rather suggest
the depth of her hatred for you
How long's it been, for heaven's sake?
The pain of a son's murder does not easily diminish
I didn't kill him for fun, y'know
I was just obeying her brother's orders
Not a valid reason from her standpoint
Give me a break...
Her husband plotted against our Liege
It's not me she should be angry with
My Lord...
Please forget about her
Aren't I allowed to fall for her?
Because she's clan royalty... and I'm just a peasant?
Lord Shibata's conference is tomorrow. They're busy laying the groundwork
He's already teamed up with Lord Nobutaka
That was quick...
They beat us to it
It's time we made a move
If Lord Nobutaka's out, our line of defense
rests with one man
Wait...Shibata's championing Nobutaka?
It would appear so
Oh, deary me
Help me get off this thing, quick
Oda Nobukatsu-Nobunaga's 2nd son
Mind your head
You nearly made me fall
I'm second in line, he's third...
It's completely unreasonable
Damn right
He's only here 'cause Dad knocked up some strumpet
What about me?
I beseech you, sir, please assume the role of heir
Okey-dokey
Okey-dokey?
The well-being of the clan is assured
Tokichiro...
Don't take me for an actual fool
Wait
This is an act I put on for the world
I'll fulfill my Dad's wish yet and unite the entire nation
Spoken like a true clan leader!
Leave it to me
That was worth waiting for
Shibata...
Long time, no see!
Thank you for subduing Akechi
If you'd been with me,
we could've settled it sooner
It wasn't as easy as I thought
Drinking like this sure takes you back
Back in the day we got together most nights
Right?
No-one reminds me of those days any more
However high you climb,
I'll always think of you as you were
Know what I mean?
Sure
Tokichiro...
I'm thinking of having Lord Nobutaka head up the clan
So I've heard
Plans are going ahead. Is that fine with you?
I think Lord Nobukatsu is more suitable
You really think so?
I sure do
What's wrong with Lord Nobutaka?
He's only third in line
But Lord Nobutaka was born first
Our Liege selected Lord Nobukatsu to be next in line
You intend to go against his wishes?
Is Lord Nobukatsu able to govern?
No way. He's an imbecile
But the clan has you...it has Lord Niwa
Although I don't compare, it also has me
If the vassals unite as one
I'm convinced we'll get through these tough times
The Oda clan is safe, as long as it has you
I see your point
You just left it at that?
It was too easy for him to dupe you
It's the drink
How I despise myself
Tokichiro's pushing Lord Nobukatsu, eh?
The showdown approaches
What should we do?
Niwa, you're my only hope
We stay with Lord Nobutaka at all times
Rumors will soon spread
If the Chief Vassal is by his side,
everyone will assume he's the natural choice
Tokichiro, just between us...
Tell me what you're really after
Really?
Surely you're not planning on taking over the clan?
Don't be so rude
You chose Lord Nobukatsu as a puppet right?
When our Liege died,
you can't imagine how I cried
I owed everything to him
Now it's time for me to pay back that debt
Should I believe you?
I'll never lie to you
If I catch you in a lie, I'll cut you down
Go ahead
Cut away
This is hardly room enough for 3
All the vassals and their retainers have been summoned
Obviously space is limited
Still. we should be afforded our status
I don't mind sleeping outside
Don't take it like that. Sorry
Good night, gentleman
Tomorrow's meeting could get rough
But the way things stand, I reckon Tokichiro will win it
Though I'm for Lord Shibata myself
What do you think?
Asleep already?
That was quick.
Let's drink...
Day Two
Morning, everyone
Good morning
Owing to Lord Takigawa's late arrival,
the conference scheduled for today
has been postponed
So, apart from the scheduled events,
there may be multiple gatherings
that need last-minute support
Prepare for tea sessions
and be in constant banquet readiness
Thank you for coming from so far away
Your presence means more than a 1,000 troops
Kiyosu has changed so much
Not as lively as before
In the days of Our Liege, of course it was flourishing
Lord Tokichiro, I still don't get it
What?
Why did you call for me?
All will be revealed in good time
Make way!
Lord Nobutaka is passing through
Prostrate yourself
Acting as if it were his fatherpassing by...
A charade to show that the succession is already decided
A cheap trick, I must say
Not to be outdone. Iet's do the same
Really?
Make way for Lord Nobukatsu!
I wish I'd been there
Nobukatsu never had what it takes to command
What's wrong?
Nobukatsu and Tokichiro
have too many people in their camp
A bunch of hangers-on ingratiating themselves
Tokichiro is more popular than you think
My apologies for not being more popular
We have to do something
What?
Cha-Cha...
Hatsu...Goh...
What a surprise
Lord Shibata
Want a ride on my shoulders?
No...
She still stinks of him
I'm sorry
Maybe he gave her fleas, too Make sure to check
Certainly
So. how was Tokichiro's reaction?
He looked thoroughly downcast
That's good news
If that throws Tokichiro off balance
the girls might have to endure Shibata again
Miss Goh, please wait...
Miss Goh...
You went too far this time
What do you mean? I thought I did well
You just don't understand
Spending time with her suggests I'm at the center of things
She's the sister of our late Liege... practically a sacred presence
Some will think you've besmirched her
You talk as if I'm unclean
I know you're in love with her
What? Don't be silly...
Are you mad?
Control yourself. You're not to see her
Please, forget about her
Don't get the wrong idea
I'm not jealous of Shibata
I know that...
If she aligns herself with them we'll be in peril, right?
That's all I'm saying
Then let's do this...
Cancel her out with a blood relative
Recruit an Oda clan member with equal or greater power
Our late Liege had many brothers
chose one he favored and recruit them
Lord Oda Nobukane. for instance...
Sanjuro?
Will he come to our side?
He is kind of eccentric
So we need to plan our approach
It's a unique incense holder, from Kyoto
What do you need me to do?
I have no ulterior motive
I couldn't come empty-handed after so long
It's most strange
When my brother was alive, nobody was interested in me.
There are those who think you should lead the clan
But you're promoting Nobukatsu as heir
Your ears are sharp as ever
You want me on your side?
If you would
I refuse
I don't like to get my hands dirty
And I couldn't care less who leads the clan
How very typical of you
Sorry for your wasted visit
If you'll excuse me
Tokichiro...
You forget something
When I bought this in Kyoto it cost me 3,000
For that?
With your brother's death, and the return of civil war.
the clan coffers will be diverted for military expenses
Clan member allowances
will be restricted. I should think
It might prove wisest to keep this close at hand
He's a tough customer
What was your impression?
He didn't reject the gift so I assume he accepts
In the end, his entire existence rest on the clan's name
He puts on airs but you can see right through him
Tokichiro went to see Lord Sanjuro?
Not a moment to lose. I'll go visit!
Calm down
Any shallots left?
Shibata!
Sanjuro will never be a major player
And there's no way he'll ally with them. Calm down
Anyway...
What's next?
To separate Tokichiro from his entourage
What's this all about?
Prior to the conference, Lord Niwa wishes to convene the senior vassals
We need to limit attendee numbers
Why's that?
Unreasonable numbers of retainers will prolong the decision-making process
I propose we decide the key issue amongst ourselves alone
I see your point
Too many cooks and the proverbial broth
It's best if we resolve the matter first
I wonder...
Why summon the retainers in the first place?
And dare we decide
such a weighty issue behind closed-doors?
Our priority is to avoid further delay in the choice of clan chief
The power vacuum allows our enemies time to take advantage
I see...
-The conference must be swift -Of course
We senior vassals decide, then present our conclusions
My dear fellow, a brilliant idea
A brilliant idea from my colleague
What say you, Tokichiro?
If you two are in accord...
That's settled
Our Liege's two sons and you three
plus Lord Takigawa make a committee of six
Great. Meeting adjourned
Just a moment
I don't agree with Takigawa's inclusion
He neither participated in the battle to avenge our Liege
nor is he present here
He's no right to attend the conference
How dare you? He's a senior vassal
Lord Shibata, are you saying we wait for him?
Most certainly
Surely not forgetting Lord Niwa's injunction?
What?
Our priority is not to lose a moment in the choice of clan chief
We don't have the luxury of time
You're saying 5's enough?
Let's elect another senior vassal
Make up the numbers and then we're good
Since when do you order me around?
Goddamn monkey!
Lord Shibata!
Calm down
I'm falling...
Go on...fall!
Shibata, stop this!
Lord Sanjuro
What a racket
Lord Niwa...
The most important thing
is to decide my brother's heir without delay
Am I right?
Yes. indeed sir
Then hurry up and decide
Understood
Sir, do you like shallots?
-When they're pickled... -Silence!
We wait one more day for Takigawa
Meanwhile, we select a new member
Whether Takigawa turns up or not
the conference commences the day after tomorrow
No objections
You too. Shibata?
-But... -Let it go...
Incense holderproved its worth, eh?
Shibata's such a thorn in my side
Now the problem is who to pick as the new vassal
Of course I want someone on our side.
but I need the others' consent
Where do we find such a convenient fellow?
Ikeda Tsuneoki shared a wet-nurse with our Liege
Status-wise, he's not a problem
His sole motive in life is profit
Reward him well and he'll be loyal
Lord lkeda
It'll have to wait. Lord Shibata summoned me
I'm being promoted to senior vassal
Precisely my point
Is it Tokichiro?
It was he who recommended you
Is that right?
What's he scheming?
For you to side with him at the meeting
Don't underestimate me
I am neither for you nor for the other
I am only...
...for myself
My Lord said he could press your suit regarding land rights
Let him know which province you desire
Something near Osaka
And the Hyogo region
I'll let him know
We can count on your allegiance?
I'll consider it
I'd prefer a more explicit answer
Didn't you know?
I'm a man who only deals with the implicit
Firstly, congratulations on your nomination
It is an honor far greater than I merit. I am humbly grateful
I've had my eye on you for years
It always perplexed me
why Tokichiro made senior vassal but you didn't
I had no idea...
At the conference, I'm supporting Lord Nobutaka
I'd really appreciate your help
Can you imagine anyone more suitable than him?
No, right? A foregone conclusion
Well, I certainly see the merits of his case
Exactly, Lord lkeda
If I could count on your support...
the province of Echizen
produces great rice, which I'd happily send you every year
We've known one another since childhood
I've saved your life many times during battle
I won't have you side with Tokichiro, okay?
You're putting me on the spot...
Good lad. Lord lkeda
Now, let's drink
You like green beans?
There you go
Make sure to enjoy yourself
Things are looking up for you
Everyone, let your hair down!
Master Gen-i, are you having fun?
I am indeed
Let me collect the empties
Do you know...
If it weren't for this man, this castle wouldn't function
Take good care of him
Let me pour your drink
Congratulations again
This ties the 3 of us
While Tokichiro sits alone
Victory is surely ours
We can forget Takigawa
He's proving as lightweight as ever
What is it?
Feeling a little chill...maybe a summer cold
Eat pickled shallots and get to bed
Thank you, I will
We're counting on you
Take 'em
Go ahead
Lord lkeda, we were waiting for you!
Come sit over here
Take a drink
Thank you for accepting the nomination
Don't mention it
Here you go
You needn't have bothered
Please align with me at the conference
Listen...
I know what you're after in terms of land grants
Let's talk about that...
With Hyogo and Amagasaki
you'll nearly control the entire region
Can I trust you on this?
So shall I throw in Osaka as well?
Osaka, too?
You don't want it?
I want it
It's the least I could do
I'm exhausted...
I've been dancing non-stop
Give it another spin. You're the soul of the party
Now I know why you brought me here
Do it for my sake, please
If I must...
Here we go again, boys!
Me, too
Have fun tonight
Let's drink 'til dawn
What a noise. Who's room is it?
Lord Tokichiro's
He's treating the domestic staff to a party
The damn monkey's partying while Rome burns
Maybe it's best to side with Lord Shibata, after all
Don't you think?
That's Tokichiro's war strategy in action
Day Three
Lord Takigawa of the Oda clan
Sarashina Rokubei of the Hojo clan
I've got no time to fight with you now
Excuse me
Thank heavens...
When a man dies it's the end of everything...
Thank goodness...
Today, as we await Lord Takigawa's arrival,
Lord Niwa has proposed
a game of "Race for the Flag"
under his Lordship's sponsorship
What a marvelous idea this is
Had to do something while awaiting Takigawa
A perfect showcase for Lord Nobutaka's skill and bravery
That way
Your Highness
Why am I on your damn team?
My allegiance isn't decided yet
It was a number's thing. Let it go
My Lord...
You killed my father!
Let's go
I don't like this...
Lady Matsu...
My dear
It's been a long while
I'd heard you were here and was looking forward to this
Much has happened since
My father killed, my brother, too
And the man who killed him, my husband, also gone
My heart greaves
When I left my clan to marry I was prepared for it
Do you still like confetto candy?
Confetto?
Remember that shop selling barbarian delicacies?
How we used to peek inside?
You loved their confetto candies
"ls this the taste of the West? "
The flavor has come back to me now
I'd completely forgotten
I'm so glad you remember
Does that shop still exist?
So sweet...
Excuse me
Shino...
Awake at last
What a beautiful boy
He has our Liege's nose
But the rugged body of my father
Strange to think
in this small body runs the blood
of Takeda Shingen and Oda Nobunaga
Red team, captain
Master Maeda Toshi-ie
Win this and set the pace
Lord Shibata, let me just say
What?
I'm a master of sword and spear but I don't run so well
What?
White team, captain
Lord lkeda Tsuneoki...
Get on with it
I feel awkward
I won't hold anything against you
You'll be Chief Vassal some day
I will?
Then where will you be?
Shall we get going?
The games will begin
Move your arms
Swing your arms
Keep going, Lord lkeda!
I pulled a muscle!
Ikeda!
Red team, 1 point
Red team, vice-captain
Lord Shibata Katsu-ie...
White team, vice-captain
Lord Hashiba Tokichiro
Let the game begin
I got it!
White team, 1 point
You're not young any more, don't overdo it
Red team. next contender
Lord Oda Nobutaka
My Liege, win the flag here and your name will echo through the land
That's a lot of pressure
Your late father often said.
"Always retain presence of mind"
Presence of mind...
That's it. Have a blank mind, just run
Don't think about the succession
I get it...
Victory here will guarantee the inheritance
White team. next contender
Lord Oda Nobukatsu
Sir, please drop the idiot act and really go for it
Don't worry. There's no need to think so running is my forte
Don't pull a muscle...Iike some idiots here
The game will begin
Get back here!
Red team, 1 point
Well done, sir!
Damn fool
I'd love to see the river
Remember we used to play there?
You'd get soaked and your husband would chide you
"No way for a lady to behave!"
Seeing you makes me want to go there again
Then let's go!
Halt
Sir, please wave to them
Just as we planned
This will seal the news of his victory
-I'm going on ahead -Where to?
Go back to the castle without me
Let's go
His idiocy exceeds our calculations
We need another plan
It's kinda late. but should I have got the flag?
Kinda late, yeah...
Can I try again?
I need to simmer down. Take over
But I was fast, wasn't l?
Yeah. sure
Lord Nobutaka! Congratulations, sir!
Which one was the flag?
Hello...
Welcome back
What a surprise! Hello, Lady Matsu
It's been a while. Tokichiro
I'm happy to see you so well
Which must mean...
This is Sanboshi
This big guy?
I'm Tokichiro
but you can call me "Monkey"
How did the race go?
Let's not talk of it
Ain't you lovely?
Who does he look like?
Let's see...
Our late Liege
You're right...our Liege!
Like a mini-version of him
A mini...
Mini-Liege indeed
That's it!
Not a moment to lose. Let's go!
Well done, m'dear!
It's a pretty reckless idea
So it'll take careful handling
Getting that man on our side
is the only way of winning this thing
Niwa Nagahide...
A tricky opponent indeed
But if you examine it carefully
even the strongest suit of armor
reveals a tiny chink...
Thanks to my father's words, "Always retain presence of mind"
I was able to focus on the race
In this small way, I was able to honor his memory
Magnificent!
Please enjoy a wonderful evening
Heartfelt congratulations, sir
Congratulations
Please begin...
Where's Shibata?
I invited him but he said not to wait
Where is he?
Shibata...
What are you doing?
Doesn't the smell give it away? Grilling shellfish
Why?
I got some from those fishermen earlier
Ever seen one this big, eh?
Return to the party. We can't begin without you
I'm busy. These won't wait
Forget them
The smell's divine...
Lady O-lchi will be delighted
You're a man of the world...
Can you tell me,
the way to a younger woman's heart?
Would you please come sit with us?
It's the perfect chance to tie your name to Lord Nobutaka
I'll pop by later
Do not fall for that woman!
You know what...
I finally found something
in my life besides warfare
that gives my life meaning
Won't you leave me be?
Ready at last
The liver's very good for you, apparently
It lends a bloom to the skin
Shibata, you're saying my skin lacks bloom?
No, not at all
I won't eat these. They stink
Forgive me
My Lady doesn't care for seafood
What a damn fool
What a stupid assumption
to think everyone likes seafood
Are they especially for me?
Yes, I got them from a local fishermen
But it doesn't matter...
Damn, they're hot
Shibata
Thank you for your hard work today
You've almost secured Nobutaka's succession
Keep it up, please
Now for some seafood...
Ouch
Lord Niwa
What are you doing?
I have a special favor
Before the conference, it's imperative that we talk
Talk then
I implore you to align with me tomorrow
Please cut your ties to Shibata
Are you quite mad?
Shibata hasn't the power to rally the clan
-Shut your mouth! -I will not
An overall perspective is vital
He doesn't have it. As you must know
Don't worry, I'll support him
I acknowledge the bond between you
but surely duty dictates that rather than backing him,
it's the clan itself that you must support
He and I will support Lord Nobutaka
I agree that Nobutaka is a good person but he lacks experience
That's true of anyone
Even of our late Liege, when he took over
Our Liege had a natural gift
Do you think Lord Nobutaka has it?
That's why we pool our strengths
However...
Although he's Chief Vassal
Shibata's so besotted by love he can't act his age
He didn't even attend Lord Nobutaka's dinner
The two of them were holed up in her room
You don't miss a trick
Speaking honestly,
it made me sick to my stomach
I was much aggrieved, also
Please, put aside your personal feelings
As a wise man, I'm sure you understand
If left to Shibata's care, the clan will be destroyed
By the same token, Nobukatsu doesn't have the caliber
I agree. That fool's useless
What's important is pedigree
Who has the most suitable lineage to gather clan support?
Next in line was Lord Nobutada
But sadly he's with us no more
Which means...
Nobutada's son should head the clan
Master Sanboshi?
Yes
You fool
Neither brother could dispute his claim
What do you think?
What's your goal in this?
For heaven's sake, Lord Niwa. Trust me
Okay, I'll come out and say it
I just want to ensure Lord Nobutaka doesn't inherit the title
The worst thing for me is an increase in Shibata's power
In that case,
my influence would vanish
I see
Please, I need your help
At the meeting we'll also discuss the matter of land grants
If you align with me tomorrow
I'm prepared to promote your case
I know it's rude of me to broach but...
Although you were nearby when our Liege was murdered,
you made the obvious blunder of waiting for me before advancing
Normally, you'd be punished by land forfeiture
But I'll overlook that
Conversely, in recognition of your services to the clan
I'll grant you land in the Shiga region
Lord Niwa...
Let me think on it overnight
Tomorrow we decide the fate of the Oda clan
Tonight, do more thinking than sleeping
Day Four
Where the hell am l?
Shibata, I'll be there soon!
Niwa...
Shibata...
We've made it this far, my thanks to you
Please don't
You and I are lifelong friends
I count on your continued support
I worry about lkeda
Best give him one last talk before the conference
Yes sir...
As Chief Vassal. I've served two generations of the Oda
You're the bedrock of the clan
I'll devote my life to serving Lord Nobutaka
The clan's well-being rests on you
Trust me, you should earn my gratitude
From henceforth
I'll send you Echizen crabs
Goddamn, those things are delicious
To unite the Oda clan is to unite our country
It needs someone of suitable status
Just between you and me,
I'd like to attain a higher rank
Unhappy with your present position?
I'll take you with me, of course
Really?
I like the idea of Executive Chancellor lkeda
"Executive Chancellor"?
Executive Chancellor lkeda
Sounds pretty good, eh?
Like a dream come true
So let's have no talk of you siding with Shibata
I'm counting on that
I'll take my leave
The clan's future rests with you
I'm counting on you
Certainly
As for Tokichiro...
Do your best to take the wind from his sails
I've done all that I can
I'll pray for your victory
But if I put a foot wrong
it'll be the end of me
You're at your best when your back's against the wall
You know what, darling...
With life as it is now.
I'm already perfectly happy
Well, I'm not
I've dragged myself up this far
No turning back now
I'm aiming for the very top
With no more ado...
it's time for battle
Do you remember...
that military parade in Kyoto?
Not starting yet, Nobutada?
Can I go home?
Dear Uncle, don't say that. It won't be long now
It's getting very lively outside
I think all of Kyoto has come to watch
This parade will go down in history
It's all beyond me
Is there any point in wasting all that money on this?
Akechi, mind your language
It's a perfect showcase of the clan's prestige
Akechi, I see your point
but you know how my father is fond of a spectacle
Please go along with it this time
Lord Nobunaga approaches
Everybody is present and ready
Is that so...
Prepare to depart
Outside everyone
Where the hell am l?
I declare the conference in session
First item on the agenda is the succession
There after the issue of land grants
Before that...
I'd like to say one thing
Lord Tokichiro...
In discussing matters of the succession
the presence of the two heirs concerned
makes conversation difficult
Might they wait elsewhere until we finish?
What are you talking about?
Lord Niwa, don't you agree?
It does make sense
Aren't I allowed to be here?
It's not a question of permission
Your presence might create awkwardness for us
and vice versa, perhaps
I'm not bothered...
I fully understand Tokichiro's point
Speaking in front of family can also be difficult
If there are no dissenting opinions,
my Lords Nobutaka and Nobukatsu
if you'd be so kind as to withdraw
I don't mind staying
Leave it to us, sir
I'm happy to stay
Nobutaka and Nobukatsu have left the room
It's Tokichiro's doing
What's he up to?
Only Lord Nobutaka can succeed our late Liege
As skilled with the pen as with the sword,
he's the rightful leader of the Oda clan
Lord lkeda, what say you?
A most admirable opinion
Any other voices on this?
Tokichiro, you've nothing to say?
Then I shall speak
Regretfully and with respect,
I do not think Lord Nobukatsu a suitable heir
In terms of ability and character,
Lord Nobutaka would make a good leader
Well said
However...
his being illegitimate is problematic
One has a lineage issue, the other. a character flaw
Whichever inherits, resentment would remain
In the worst case. we risk a schism within the clan
Then what should we do?
In the light of this...
only one path is open to us
I propose Master Sanboshi as clan head
Tokichiro's ditched Lord Nobukatsu in favor of Master Sanboshi
This is getting interesting
Inconceivable!
Why? He's Lord Nobutada's legitimate son
The true Oda clan heir
He's just a child
Which is why we'll support him
What say you, Lord lkeda?
A most admirable opinion
What's wrong with Nobutaka?
He's the one with the ability to lead the clan
It's the only way to fulfill our late Leige's vision of a united country!
It seems Lord Shibata is at cross-purposes
How dare you?
Our task is deciding the Oda clan heir
not choosing Japan's supreme ruler!
Have you forgotten?
6 years ago in 1576
our Liege stepped aside as clan leader in favor of Nobutada
Right, Lord lkeda?
That's actually true
Our task is not to select our Liege's heir,
but that of his late son
and who else is there but Sanboshi?
Lord lkeda
A most admirable opinion
Am I at all mistaken?
Wait a moment!
Niwa...
Lord Niwa, say something...
Niwa!
Get lost!
It appears all minds are made up
how about we cast ballots?
Ballots?
What a nuisance!
A show of hands will do
I prepared these though
Since he took the trouble, let's use those
Please write a name on these slips of paper
to indicate your choice
To make clear our positions, shall we sign the ballots?
Sign them? That's hardly necessary.
Why?
That's the same as raising hands
Which I proposed all along!
Does Lord lkeda hesitate to make clear his position?
Don't be stupid!
Cut the crap. We raise hands
Lord Nobutaka!
Anyone else?
Master Sanboshi
Come on
Lord lkeda?
First I want to ask Tokichiro a question
What is it?
Earlier, you spoke of resentment
that one brother would feel if not chosen
What of it?
Don't we risk the same thing if we chose Sanboshi?
What are your thoughts?
I'm not worried by this
Putting it simply, for Lord Nobukatsu
better the child be chosen than his brother
The same is true for Lord Nobutaka
But if they still have complaints,
Shibata and I will take the time to win them over
Right?
I'm satisfied
I vote for Master Sanboshi
You bastard!
At present count...
1 for Lord Nobutaka and 2 for Master Sanboshi
Lord Niwa's vote remains
Niwa...
Lord Takigawa
We've been expecting you
How's the conference going?
Shibata's waiting. Take me there now
It's already finished
Finished?
The Oda clan will be lead by
My Lord's choice,
of Master Sanboshi
Lord Niwa?
Say something!
Everything alright?
I need the water closet
What?
My stomach's troubling me
I don't think you ought to leave now
Well. I can't hold it
I'll leave the rest to you
So I'll call an adjournment
Damn Niwa...
I never heard anything so stupid
That Tokichiro's gone crazy
Lord Nobutaka is the best choice, surely?
We await Lord Tokichiro's return
For hell's sake why?
It's his fault for leaving!
There are 2 votes for Sanboshi
Niwa and I are 2 for Nobutaka
With Takigawa's vote, that wins it for Lord Nobutaka
Don't be so overbearing
Get lost, you fair-weather friend
Wait a moment...
I support Master Sanboshi
He's the most suitable, in terms of pedigree
Master Sanboshi
What's going on?
Nothing's going on
Why align with Tokichiro?
He deserves credit for the achievement of killing Akechi
and naturally one must respect his opinion
I am Chief Vassal!
Where was the Chief Vassal when our Liege was killed?
You only arrived after the fall of Akechi
Please...
As Tokichiro previously stated,
Sanboshi is the rightful heir
Niwa...
Accordingly...
3 votes for Sanboshi, 1 for Nobutaka
Sanboshi is hereby chosen heir
You dirty bastard!
Shibata. the battle's over
Is that Lord Tokichiro?
Is that you, Kyukyu?
How's the conference going?
I'm no good in that formal atmosphere
Came out to get some fresh air
Which makes me think...
What is it, sir?
This is perfect timing. Sit
I've got a favor to ask
I'm at your service, sir
You're famed for tact and ability
Know anything about crying babies?
Since I've got no kids, I'm clueless
Playing horsey is best
Horsey?
Crawling around with the kid on your back
It soon gets my nephews chuckling
Anything else?
Let me think...
A string puppet?
String puppet?
A wooden figure
The jointed legs make it move oddly
It's really funny to watch
Could you get hold of one quickly?
By when?
This evening
I'll sort something out
Tokichiro!
-Go -There you are.
I was looking for you
Stomach feeling better?
It sure was a relief to get to the WC
Lord Niwa voted for us
It all went your way
Master Sanboshi is the heir
For now...
Let's go back. They won't start without you
Guess I should...
Lord Niwa sided with Lord Tokichiro
He did?
Lord Tokichiro wins. Time's are changing
He did it. The old man did it!
Lord Shibata...
May I make a suggestion?
Until Master Sanboshi comes of age,
how about we appoint a guardian?
I propose Lord Nobutaka for this
I'd like to hear your opinions
Wait a sec...
Marvelous idea!
The only man for the job
This ties up all loose ends. Let it go
Lord Tokichiro heartily agrees
How about it, Shibata?
I'm not talking to you
How about Lord Nobutaka for guardian?
No objections
Great! Now everyone's taken care of
Fantastic news
What on earth do you mean?
It's inconceivable!
I demand you reconsider!
If I may remind you, sirs
You must abide by the duly-arrived decision of your entrusted vassals
Overturning this amounts to negating the clan's existence
That's why they got us out
We were tricked
Shibata betrayed us
That's not true
He argued your case until the very end
And Tokichiro?
It was Tokichiro who championed Sanboshi
We'd like Lord Nobutaka to be the child's guardian
Being guardian is almost the same as leading the clan. How about it?
A guardian is a guardian
You'll be able to pull Sanboshi's strings
A guardian is a guardian
If you decline, it means we ask someone else
What? Shall I do it?
I'm delighted to be his guardian
Shut up, Nobukatsu!
I don't want to! I don't want to!
Will you please cheer up?
No, I don't want to!
Leave it to me
Want to play with your old friend?
What are you doing? Please stop!
What shall we do? Everyone's waiting
My turn, I guess...
Master Sanboshi, look at this puppet
He's a natural. it seems
He's won Master Sanboshi's heart
It would appear he likes you
"l love you, Master Sanboshi"
Gentlemen
I present our new clan leader, Master Sanboshi
Bow your heads!
Bow your head
That is acceptable
I can't express how sorry I am
It's all over now
Niwa's betrayal was the worst of it
Hark at you, you hypocrite
I beg your pardon
Thanks to my persuasion, Lord Nobutaka is now guardian
I won't have you forget it
If only I'd made it in time
Who'd have imagined...
One thing we've learned...
even working together,
Tokichiro is more than a match for us
Keep up the good work
Next person
Good to meet you finally
I offer my congratulations
I'm counting on your help
It's turned out okay. You did the right thing.
God didn't grant us the power to unite the nation
but we did get the ability to judge those that can
So now we don't let him out of our sights
Life rewards the survivors
And I intend to survive
Enjoying yourselves, gents?
We sure are
Thanks to you for this great sake!
Here's to our friendship
Drink up, everyone
Let's open another!
Kill Tokichiro
There's no other way
That's going too far...
You'll just let him have his way?
Of course not but...
Stand by while he subverts the clan to his will?
You will kill him
I'm your ally. I'll follow you anywhere
Shibata...
For my sake, kill that man
They're colleagues from my ninja days
Don't fail
He must not live
Understood
You're sure about this?
They left from Lord Shibata's room. We must tell Tokichiro
Indebting him to us will profit us later on
But it'll be hell to pay if Shibata finds out we told Tokichiro
It's a tough call to make
What would you do?
It's already too late
I've come to tell you to leave
Shibata's targeting me?
A woman?
Retreat
That was mostly for show
You pushed it too far
I don't think so
Lady O-lchi is behind this things aren't over yet
But I'll have to have it out with Shibata some day
Tokichiro...
Master Maeda...
Let me confide in you
Our Liege's legacy as Japan's ruler, is now mine
With him gone, who else is capable of it?
Who else but me?
Don't forget yourself, Tokichiro
Kill me if you must
But it'll bring 100 years of warfare
Think about it
Neither son is capable of ruling
Lord Shibata lives only for combat
The era of men like that is over
A new world is beginning
I will build that new world
If you still want to, kill me then!
It takes a true friend to understand
Master Maeda, will you help me?
I simply work for Shibata
There's no future sticking with him
Such is fate
I'll still wait for you
Tokichiro, please take my advice
Get away from here
Wait a moment
I mustn't be killed here
But you also mustn't flee
A Lord must proceed through the front gate
It's different with ninjas around!
That's why you disguise yourself
Let's get out now
There's no place to hide within the castle
No
There is one safe place
Correct, there is one
But will he shelter me?
I'm sorry to trouble you so late
Someone is after my life
For just one night,
I'd like to seek refuge here
How dare you come here...
That takes guts
I respect that
Stand down for tonight
Withdraw
I'm counting on your good care of the child
Certainly
But I can't be there every day
I thought the servant Kyukyu would be a good aide
He's very experienced with children
I see. Good idea
Tokichiro...
Shibata...
Tell me something
Can I be of help in supporting the clan?
The Oda clan is no longer a mere provincial power
Our Liege was aiming for national destiny
which is now within our reach
No place for me, then?
No
No, huh?
I'm sorry to say
Hey, I don't mind
I knew you'd say that
Truth be told...
I wish I'd died alongside our late Liege
But here I am
So as long as I live...
I'll devote the remainder of my life to the clan
So get this...
I'll stake my life in battle
against he who hinders me in my duty
I was beaten at the conference
but you won't beat me in battle
I can only pray that day is far off
Day Five
Tokichiro...
I trust you'll take care of the Oda clan
Certainly
I have one thing to tell you
What might that be?
It is my intention in the coming days
to wed Lord Shibata Katsu-ie
You have no words of congratulation?
My heartfelt congratulations
I am happy you feel that way
But why on earth,
did you decide on him?
Of course it wasn't out of affection
You took everything at the conference
You even survived when I ordered your death
All that was left within my power
was to do this one thing
You'd go that far
in order to spite me?
As long as I live, I'll never forgive you
The man who killed my husband
The man who killed my son
Because of this...
Because of you...
I chose the man you despise most in the world
to be the one I marry
If you hate me that much,
then you have my blessings
Everything's ready. I'll leave soon
I shall send you off
Heard the happy news?
When shall we do the ceremony?
At your convenience, my dear
Let's talk outside, c'mon
Such a shame for you, sir
You'll be heading home soon?
There's still some time. Let's go to the river
The weather's lovely
Sanboshi will be so happy
I don't like the river
It's filled with dead warriors
I often saw that as a child
That river's bad luck
But...
I went to the river then
thinking I might see a certain passer-by
Someone on the way back from the race
My husband?
Then, when he saw my son, it was decided
That my boy would inherit the Oda clan
You were planning that all along?
My father, Takeda Shingen commanded me,
"Never let the Takeda line expire"
So that the Takeda bloodline
will one day come to rule Japan
Now this child of Takeda lineage
will head the entire Oda clan
Dear father...
your daughter has fulfilled her promise
Your grandson will rule the nation
I doubt we'll meet again
Thank you for everything
You're too impetuous
In future, before you do something
pause to consider its wisdom
Imagine a conversation with me
Treat a young wife like an old one
and an old wife, like a new one
That's the secret of marital bliss
I'll bear that in mind
Admit it
Pardon?
What on earth might you mean?
You've set your sights on the throne
Right?
We clan members are your ultimate obstacle
At some point...
you mean to get rid of us
To destroy Nobutaka
To destroy Nobukatsu
To destroy Sanboshi
To destroy me
I should get ready to leave...
Excuse me
Do what you must
Go ahead and destroy us
When my brother died in Honno temple, the Oda clan was doomed
That day...
I was as good as dead, too
It's all up to you now
My brother...
would surely wish this
Certainly, sir
I do his bidding
Excuse me
My Lord, we must hurry
One task still remains
Go
Excuse me
Hurry!
My Liege!
Too early to call me that
Wait!
Hurry
Out of the way
Lord Shibata, please wait!
All halt!
Pardon my many insolent acts
Though motivated by clan considerations
I must beg your forgiveness
After a night's thought,
I realize your continued value to the clan
and offer the post of Chief Vassal
that you may guide us, henceforth
Get your head down
We humbly beseech you
Keep up the good work
Advance
Tokichiro, see you soon
Let's head home, shall we?
Kanbei's waiting for us
I reckon Shibata will lie low in his fiefdom for a while
Didn't you mean what you said to him?
Of course not
Goodness gracious
Just wanted to put his mind at rest
To win time to group my forces
I make it my vow
Within a year, I'll destroy Shibata,
and control the Oda clan...
And after that...
I'll be king of the world!