In the 6th year of Kaei, Commodore Perry's black ships
arrived to Japan changing the times drastically.
Perry returned the following year,
and the Japan-U.S. Treaty of Peace and Amity was concluded.
Japan's 200 year policy of seclusion ended.
Ibuya Manjiro.
The days of, the Tokugawa shogunate were coming to an end.
However for a young man devoting himself in the sword, that reality was far beyond.
- Oh, this is terrible! - Huh?
It's just a cold.
Not to worry.
Doctor...
Come on now, you're sick.
I became sick because you wouldn't come see me.
I'll pay for my medicine with my body.
It was the same for me, Tezuka Ryoan.
I could not begin to imagine where
this nation was headed after opening its doors to the world.
However, the whirlwind of the times soon drew us in by force.
The Tree in the Sunlight
EPISODE 1 Young Lions
FEBRUARY ANSEI 2 (1855)
Situated behind the Koishikawa Denzuin Temple was the mansion...
...of Lord Matsudaira of the Hitachifuchu domain.
It's been 4 months since Ibuya Manjiro succeeded his retired father in his post.
He receives a stipend of 15 ryo for two people.
He is a low rank retainer.
OSEKI
Miss Oseki.
Manjiro and I were acquainted with each other due to our fathers being close friends.
- Miss Oseki. - Dr. Ryoan. Good morning.
- You look especially stunning today. - No.
Are you on your way to your flower arrangement lesson?
- Yes... - Hm.
What's this?
That swine!
On your marks!
Everyone besides the first three finishers must pay 300 Mon.
Run!
What trouble they go through every morning.
EDO CASTLE
I have to pay 300 Mon again...
- It is the lord's orders. - Can't you go a little easy on us?
What are you saying?
The lord trains you in this way for your benefit.
You never know when war will break out in these times.
How can you call yourselves Lord Matsudaira's retainers without being able to run up a hill?!
Ibuya Manjiro, you were first place again.
Well done.
You men must follow in his example!
Yes, sir!
I won't last if I make an example out of a square like him.
This is my father, Tezuka Ryosen.
Although a Ranpoi (specialist of Dutch medicine),
he is Hitachifuchu domain's head physician.
Ryoan! Know your place!
Always running after women!
- I'm your son after all. - Don't talk back!
You're still a novice doctor.
If you have time to fool around with women, read a medical book!
You think you'll make it at Tekijuku in Osaka the way you are?!
- You were scolded severely. - It's every time.
How can he scold me though? He's blind to his own faults.
He still makes you cry, doesn't he?
ONAKA
Your father is just concerned about you.
You're his one and only heir.
I know that.
Once I go to Osaka, I'll focus on my studies.
- I wonder if that's true. - Mother, you're distrusting.
I've been admitted to the great Tekijuku. It's no time to fool around.
Eat it! It's the worm you put in my lunch!
- Don't tell me you can't eat it! - Please forgive me!
I get a stipend of 15 ryo for two people, but I'm not desperate enough to eat worms!
Ibuya! It's terrible!
Chiba Shusaku sense! has collapsed!
GENBUKAN DOJO
CHIBA SHUSAKU
Sensei!
Quiet! He's being examined.
How is Sensei?
We're unsure yet.
Sensei!
Sensei, please get well soon!
I entered the Genbukan so I could receive your instruction.
KIYOKAWA HACHIRO
Instruction?
- When did you enter? - Three days ago.
Three days ago?
Doctor.
Rest assured. The worst is over.
What a relief!
Wait.
You said you entered the Genbukan three days ago.
That's right.
How many years do you think it'll take you to receive personal instruction from Sensei?
I don't know.
It could be a year from now, or it could be three months from now.
Are you joking? Don't take the Hokushin-Ittoryu lightly.
It takes even the best swordsman ten years to master it.
Who knows unless I try?
What'll you do if I master it in 3 months?
Fine. Let's see your skills if you're so confident in.
I am Ibuya Manjiro of the Hitachifuchu domain.
What's your name?
I am Kiyokawa Hachiro. I've left the Shonai domain.
- Hold on. - Are you afraid?
I need to pee.
I haven't gone to the bathroom since I left the castle.
You...!
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Don't take me lightly!
Dear. Don't over do it. It's bad for your health.
Yes, but I need to finish it before tomorrow morning.
I was prepared for this sort of side work when I decided to retire.
IBUYA SENSABURO
OTONE
I'll make tea.
Manjiro is late.
I heard Chiba sensei collapsed.
Manjiro? What's wrong?
You're hurt! Dear, come!
- It's nothing serious. - It's a sword wound!
Who did this?
I had a confrontation with a man named Kiyokawa.
- Otone, call for Dr. Ryosen! - Yes!
- Did you kill your opponent? - No, there was an interruption.
Getting into fights over petty things... you're too aggressive.
Who do you take after?
Dear! Dr. Ryosen was out so I brought his son.
Please excuse me.
- You! - Oh. It's you.
- Show me your wound. - Don't touch me!
I'm not getting treated by a quack like you!
Quack? How rude! Calm down and show me.
Listen to the doctor!
What are you doing?!
This way the pain in his head will deter the pain from his wound.
You can't feel pain in two different places at once.
- Please bring water and Shochu. - Yes.
I'll stitch your wound.
- Stop! - Manjiro! Listen to the doctor!
Manjiro?! What's wrong? Hang in there!
Manjiro!
Alright. It's all done.
Thank you very much.
As expected of Dr. Ryosen's son, you are quite skilled.
It went well considering it was my first time.
First time?
Dr. Ryosen's been returning late lately.
Yes...
Are you aware of what he's doing?
No...
- He's scheming a terrible thing. - Scheming?
He and the other Ranpoi are scheming to spread cowpox in Edo.
In other words, he's trying to spread an animal's disease to humans!
It's supposedly a form of treatment from the Netherlands,
but to force that onto the Japanese people...
It's outrageous!
Not only that, he's trying to submit a petition to the shogun's council of elders.
You think it's funny?!
No. I didn't know my husband was doing that.
I thought he was out fooling around with geishas.
I'm relieved.
How can you say that? We can't let Dr. Ryosen get away with this.
Ryoan?
I've been listening to you men...
You're a shogunate physician, yet you know nothing!
Cowpox is used as a vaccine.
It is an outstanding method of prevention that was started by an English physician named Jenner.
Who are you?
I'm Ryosen's son, Tezuka Ryoan.
Insolent!
I am Taki Seisai, a shogunate physician.
You call yourself a physician?
I hear the lord suffers from beriberi.
You're a Kanpoi (doctor of Chinese medicine) who can't even cure beriberi. Get lost!
What?!
This is the house of a Ranpoi!
Don't stay too long or a scalpel will come flying your way.
- What an insolent fellow. - What should we do?
ZENPUKIJI TEMPLE
Why are you here?
I'm visiting my uncle's grave.
The hallway is that way.
Why are you here anyway?
I have some business with Miss Oseki.
I get it.
You're here to see her too.
Visiting your uncle's grave is just an excuse.
What are you saying? I came to visit my uncle's grave.
Oh, Dr. Ryoan and Sir Ibuya. Are you two friends?
No way. I don't know this guy.
No way we're friends. He's just a patient of mine.
When did I become your patient?
- I treated your wound! - I never asked you to!
Anyway. I need to talk to you, Miss Oseki.
What is it?
Actually... I'm leaving for Osaka.
- Osaka? - Yes.
I've been admitted to Dr. Ogata Kouan's Tekijuku.
- Congratulations. - Thank you.
But that means I won't be able to see you for a year or two.
I'd like to hear your answer today so that no scum will try to get between us while I'm gone.
- Huh? - Wait.
Don't be so selfish! You're putting Miss Oseki on the spot!
- I'm talking about men like him. - What did you say?!
Please stop!
Actually... my father has always said...
He wants an heir to take after this temple.
- Heir? - Heir?
In other words, any man who wants to marry Miss Oseki will have to become a priest.
A doctor-turned priest... That's not even funny.
- It's all because you're too persistent. - Wait a minute...
I see, this could be a riddle.
What?
Maybe Miss Oseki is testing my heart.
She's testing if my feelings for her are strong enough that I'd become a priest.
Perhaps I don't actually need to become one.
That must be it.
Alright, I'm going once again.
Hey, wait!
Don't try to get ahead of me!
Miss Oseki...
Are you Tezuka Ryosen's son?
Yes, I am.
Unfortunately, I'm going to have to cut off that right arm of yours.
I won't give you my left arm let alone my right one!
You!
Don't interfere!
Are you alright?
I've killed men for the first time.
Why were you targeted?
I don't know...
Hey, who put you up to this? Spit it out.
Taki Seisai...
How can that be...?
- That's awful. - Who is Taki Seisai?
He's a shogunate physician.
He came to our house and said a lot of rubbish so I kicked him out.
That's all...?
Many foreign medical books have been imported, and Ranpoi have polished their skills and knowledge.
The Kanpoi don't like that.
My father petitioned the lord to approve a cure for smallpox.
That could be why they're harassing me.
You mean it's a war between the Ranpoi and Kanpoi.
I'm sorry for dragging you into this.
I'll report this incident to the guard house.
You got me involved in a nuisance.
These men are senior pupils of the Chiba dojo that I go to.
What?
Now a war will break involving me.
GENBUKAN DOJO
Ibuya.
The men you slew were pupils of our dojo. They were your seniors.
Some of their juniors have declared to kill you.
I've come prepared.
I will not run nor will I hide.
That's a gallant attitude.
Come in.
Men, I will allow you to settle this matter using a wooden sword.
Regardless of who wins and who loses, you must put everything behind you once it is settled.
The same goes for those who will be spectating.
Yes!
A make-or-break match.
Begin!
Tatsumi!
Finish!
- The intestine is ruptured. - What?
- No! - Tatsumi!
Tatsumi!
Are you hungry?
OK, OK.
I'll give you something delicious to eat later.
Ibuya, flee.
Matters won't settle down like this.
Earlier, the pupils all swore to put everything behind them...
...but they'll hold on to their grudge and pursue you.
There will be bloodshed among fellow pupils.
You must leave Edo and go into hiding for a while.
Are you kidding me? Why should I have to go into hiding?
Listen to me. You'll be killed.
I'll fight them.
Ibuya Manjiro! Come with us!
- What do you plan to do? - Ono.
We can't back down the way things are!
Thais right!
ONO TETSUTARO
Ganging up on a single man like this...
And you call yourselves pupils of the Chiba dojo?!
Depending on the circumstance, I will assist him in the duel.
What?!
Won't you entrust this man to me?
I have nothing to worry about if it's you, Ono.
How about it, men?
What is this?
Why are you making decisions on your own?! Who are you anyway?
I'm Ono Tetsutaro.
You mean, that Ogre Tetsu?
How idiotic.
This is why I dislike samurai.
They throw away their lives for honor and pride.
Ridiculous.
It's an honor to be able to drink with a great swordsman like you.
Likewise.
Malevolence is not in your heart. You have a heart of innocence.
No.
"Three times I prepared to die, yet I could not die."
That is you.
Those are the words of Fujita Touko sensei.
I remember everything written in the Kaisenshishi.
Is that so? I respect Touko sensei too.
This country has changed drastically since the arrival of the black ships.
"Revere the Emperor and expel the foreigners."
This isn't the time for domains to be thinking of their personal interests.
Japan must unit as a country or else it will be utterly destroyed by the foreign nations.
Don't you agree?
I don't understand complicated things like that.
Still, I know these are turbulent times.
I feel that I must do something but I am unsure what.
Let's go see what Touko sensei has to say.
I can meet him?
Three times I prepared to die, yet I could not die.
25 times I traveled from Edo to Mito and crossed the Tone river.
Five times I petitioned to resign my post, yet I was denied.
In 39 years I moved seven times...
Who is it?
I have a favor to ask you, Doctor.
I'd like you to examine this woman.
Have a seat. Lie down if you need to.
First things first, may I have your name?
She is Sato.
I am her husband, Ushikubo Toube.
- What's her condition? - Please examine her face.
Sato.
About a year ago, my wife, who was pregnant at the time, was examined by a doctor.
The doctor urged hereto give birth immediately, and gave her some kind of medicine.
However, the baby would not come out and my wife had a seizure.
Panicked, the doctor cut open her genitals and pulled the baby out by force.
Do you mind if I examine it?
I'm bending your knees.
This is awful...
Who on earth performed such a botched surgery?
A Ranpoi named Kumaishi in Honjo.
You can relax now.
Despite the operation, the baby died.
Not only that, now my wife is unable to bear children.
Two months after the operation, these bruises appeared on her face.
They must've been caused by the medicine.
Why didn't you lay the blame on the doctor?
Of course I tried... but he fled during the night and he was already gone.
What a misfortune you had to go through.
He is a disgrace to us doctors.
Do you think so too, Doctor?
Doctor if you take pity on my wife, please fix her so she can have a child once again.
Please take responsibility as a fellow Ranpoi.
Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do at this point.
You're the head physician of the Hitachifuchu domain.
I've been told that you're an excellent doctor.
You must surely be able to fix her.
If I do anything, I'll put her life at risk.
It's best to give up.
No!
I'll have you fix her no matter what.
Swear to me by this sword.
Father!
It is impossible even for a Ranpoi!
- If you don't fix her, I'll kill you. - It's enough, Dear!
The lord will punish evil men like him.
No matter where he goes, he can't run far enough.
I don't care about that!
Can you fix her? Or can't you?
I said I can't fix it!
Then I'll kill you.
Dear. Please stop!
You saved me, Manjiro.
I was walking outside when your wife came running out.
A rowdy fellow like you comes in handy at times like these.
- What? - What a thing to say to your lifesaver!
He saved you too, didn't he?
Oh, that's right. I apologize for my rudeness.
I'm all sober now. I'm going to drink again.
Hey! Ryoan!
I apologize for my son's incompetence.
Manjiro, won't you teach him a lesson?
Me?
What is it? Where are we going?
We're visiting the Mito domain chamberlain, Fujita Touko sensei.
Why do I have to go?! I'm going home!
Hey! Don't run away!
Hey! Man-san!
Hi, Tetsu-san!
I am Ibuya Manjiro of the Hitachifuchu domain.
It's a great honor to meet you.
I am Tezuka Ryoan, a physician.
I am Fujita Touko.
We've come today to hear your valuable opinion.
My opinion? Go on.
Sensei, please teach us.
There's been a drastic shift within this country since the black ships arrived.
What are we to do?
This cherry tree...
It was planted here when Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu came here to Edo.
Since then, it has stood here for 300 years.
It gets lots of sunlight, and the wind is not too strong here.
It may appear like it has maintained its peace.
However...
In actually, the trunk has become a hive for termites and bark beetles.
It won't last another 10 years.
The current times of the Tokugawa are like this tree under the sunlight.
This tree under the sunlight...?
People become idle when there is peace.
There are men within the shogunate who are like pests who are concerned only of personal gain.
If things remain as they are, Japan may go to ruin.
- How old are you? - Twenty-six.
I am twenty-nine.
Tezuka, why did you become a doctor?
What?
It's...
It's because I wanted to be of use to others and help them.
"When Heaven is about to confer a great office on a man,
it first exercises his mind with suffering."
Mencius is saying that suffering is good.
The more one suffers, the better.
The events that are about to take place in Japan are unparalleled in history.
I hope you men would become a backing to support the withering Tokugawa till its end.
What's with you? You're awfully quiet.
Wasn't it beneficial?
- I said a lie to Touko sensei. - What?
I became a doctor because my father's a doctor.
It wasn't anything honorable like wanting to help people.
It was just the natural thing to do.
Sensei saw through my lie.
I'm ashamed.
In that case, become a doctor that will be of help to others.
I'm glad I came.
I told you.
I don't care what happens to the shogunate.
But what Touko sensei said can be applied to medicine too.
The cherry tree infested with pests is like the shogunate physicians.
They reject western techniques and knowledge because they only have their own interests at heart.
As long as the authority remains in their hands, lives that can be saved will be lost.
The science of medicine in Japan will dilapidate.
That's surprisingly a decent thing of you to say.
I don't just think about women.
- You change it. - Huh?
You're entering Tekijuku in Osaka, aren't you?
Devote yourself to your studies, and become the best Ranpoi in Japan.
Then change the state of Japan's medicine that is about to dilapidate.
Save as many lives as you can.
Yeah, I plan to.
Enough about me. What about you?
If you keep crossing swords, you won't last very long.
I will become a backing that will support the tree on the verge of collapse.
At this time, Manjiro must've realized, however vague, his mission.
I'm giving up women from today...
...in order to become a full-fledged doctor.
Do you swear?
I swear.
300 Mon from everyone besides the first three finishers.
On your marks...
That fool, he stayed out all night again.
Go!
I'm giving up women after today.